County Committee Doesn't Like Sign Idea for Veteran, Might Consider Other Options

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Published on June 11 2019 10:01 am
Last Updated on June 11 2019 10:01 am
Written by Greg Sapp

The Effingham County Board's Road and Bridge Committee Tuesday heard more about a sign in memory of Navy veteran Keith Tipsword, who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941.

Committee members have concerns with the proposal from two of Tipsword's relatives, his nephew Gerald White and a cousin Kenny Tipsword. They'd like a sign placed in Keith Tipsword's memory along a county road in Moccasin Township, where Tipsword was raised. 

Committee members said Tuesday the question of who would maintain the sign and the cost of mowing and maintaining around the sign were concerns, but also the precedent that approving the sign would establish.

Committee Chairman Joe Thoele said there are many people who have given their lives for others, and asked how their loved ones could be told No when they want similar recognition.

White and Tipsword feel the point is that their relative was killed in action, and the sign would be appropriate for that reason.

The meeting got heated at one point as remarks were exchanged regarding the level of patriotism of those involved, but there was much more discussion about some criteria for signage. There is a policy regarding placing signs on private property along roadways.

Later in the meeting, there was discussion about another means to recognize all of those who have died in the service of others, perhaps at regular meetings of the County Board. We will keep you up-to-date as the Board considers such a possibility.