Design selected for Mt. Vernon welcome sign on I-44, location still to be determined

By: 
Steve Chapman

A design has been selected for the future “Welcome to Mt. Vernon” sign. The Visioning Advisory Committee posted a concept photo of what the new sign will look like on their Facebook page on Saturday, May 25.
Brian George, chairman of the Visioning Advisory Committee, said the plan is to install a “stone-faced sign.”
“It’s going to have the appearance of real stone, but it’s going to be fake stone,” he said.
George said the sign will have three flag poles, one for the American flag, one for the Missouri flag and one for the Mt. Vernon flag.
George declined to state what the exact cost of the sign will be, but said it will cost “much less” than a similar sign installed at Peculiar, Mo., after which Mt. Vernon’s sign was modeled. He also said the funds for the sign “have been raised from primarily two sources: the Mt. Vernon Economic Development Corporation and the city of Mt. Vernon.”
One obstacle remains. George planned to have the sign set up on some land his family owns near Exit 44 on I-44, but due to MoDOT regulations, that is no longer an option.
“(MoDOT) requires placement in places that aren’t practical,” George said. He’s hoping someone who owns land in another possible location might volunteer a spot to place the sign.
Despite the setback, George said he’s eager to see it become a reality in Mt. Vernon.
“I am excited to have the funds for it, and I look forward to getting it started and getting it completed,” he said. “I’m really hopeful that it improves the appearance of I-44 and brings attention to Mt. Vernon.”
George added that the sign will be installed by local outfit Abernathy Roofing and Construction.
Anyone who might like to volunteer land to place the sign should contact Brian George at Mid-America Dental and Hearing Center at (417) 466-7196.
 

Category:

Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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