Local group's sponsor sign is again missing

Since its installation in the spring of 2005, the Adopt a Parkway sign on the west end of Park Avenue has routinely disappeared and is missing again.

This time, it's not simply the sign that has gone missing, said members of the Gay and Lesbian Community, which sponsored the sign. The attached pole was also ripped out of the ground.

The taxpayers' cost totals several hundred dollars every time the sign is stolen, once the man hours and the price of the materials are factored in, said Capt. Wendell Hall, Aiken Public Safety spokesperson.

Maintenance Supervisor Eddie George has ordered a new sign.

Aiken Public Works was notified of the theft initially and then contacted Aiken Public Safety.

The sign has been defaced and stolen a number of times, according to members of the Gay and Lesbian Community, who joined in the litter control effort in the parkway nearly five years ago.

The most recent theft was reported on Feb. 15.

Members of the sponsoring group have debated whether the teenagers are taking the sign as a practical joke or by someone protesting the organization.

In addition to being stolen, the sign has also been vandalized in the past.

Several years ago, white spray paint was used to obscure the words "Gay and Lesbian Community" from the sponsor section of the sign.

The replacement sign will be installed later this month, officials said.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.