New welcome signs will greet motorists entering Oconto Falls from two directions.
On Friday, signs were installed at the state Highway 22 and County Road CC entries to the city. The Highway 22 sign includes an electronic, full-color message center that will be activated once warmer weather allows the city to hook up the electrical service.
The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce purchased the signs for $37,000 from Jones Sign of Green Bay with the aid of a $24,000 donation from ST Paper. A plaque on the CC sign recognizes the paper mill’s contribution.
Gail Yatso, president of the chamber, watched the installation Friday, photographing the progress made by Chris Siolka and Tim Otis.
“I waited all day for this,” she said, as the top section of the Highway 22 sign was lowered to its base about 4 p.m. Installation of the County Road CC sign started at 8:30 a.m., with the Highway 22 sign erected in the afternoon. The new signs replace wooden signs that were showing their age.
“The mission of the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote business, tourism and beautification, and these signs will hit on all three of these,” Yatso said.
Both sign fronts display the message “Welcome to Oconto Falls, Your destination to outdoor recreation,” which Yatso said reflects the trails, green space and beaches of the area. The Highway 22 sign is 16 feet tall, counting its 9-foot base. The other sign is 11 feet tall.
The signs are double-sided, with the backs displaying a “Thank you for visiting” message.
According to Yatso, the message board will duplicate what’s posted on the calendar of events on its website and will be managed by chamber representatives.
Yatso said a third sign with a message center will be placed on Highway 22 on the east side of the city when funds are available.
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