Magdalena releases funds to replace vandalized street signs

By John Larson
mountainmailreporter@gmail.com

MAGDALENA – The Magdalena Village Board Monday night approved the expenditure of $1,500 to replace street signs that were vandalized.
“Vandals have gone around and torn down almost every new sign, even stop signs,” Mayor Jim Wolfe said. “These signs were required by the state’s E-911 program, and they need to be replaced.”
Marshal Larry Cearley said the signs were noticed missing two weeks ago. An investigation resulted the apprehension of three teenage girls.
“Two of the juvenile females have been charged with two felonies apiece in connection with the theft of 36 street signs, most of which were along First Street (Highway 60) in Magdalena,” Cearley said. “They have been turned over to the Juvenile Probation and Parole Office.”
He said it appeared that the vandalism was entirely an act of mischief.
The signs were discovered dumped on private property.
Clerk Rita Broaddus said the signs had been a welcome addition to Magdalena.
“Even many of the old timers here say they weren’t sure which was Spruce and which was Pine, and some said they used to get Oak and Elm mixed up,” she said. “Before the signs went up people would give directions by landmarks and ‘who used to live on whatever corner’.”
Joint Utilities Director Steve Bailey is now faced with the task of replacing the signs, which he and his crew originally installed in Oct. 2007.
“Of the 36 signs, some are a little bent but reusable, but most will have to be replaced due to the damage to them when they were removed,” Bailey said. “Most of the poles are still there. But there are a few stop signs that also need replacing – those which shared the same pole with street signs.”
The installation of the street signs was mandated by the state government and the E-911 program.
“The signs stolen were from First Street, and three streets in the Montoyaville area off Kelly Road,” Bailey said.
“The first step is to go back there and take a look at the signs, looking at which are good and which aren’t.” he said.
He said it may take up to six weeks to replace the signs, but that the $1,500 approved by the board may not be enough.
“It depends on how much the prices have gone up since 2007,” Bailey said.

Magdalena releases funds to replace vandalized street signs