Bushnell must replace signs to comply with federal standards

The Village of Bushnell is seeking funds for new signs.

The village must get new up to date dual-sided reflective street signs by January of 2015 for traffic signs and by January of 2018 for street signs in order to comply with current federal standards.

The federal law requires that all villages and cities have highly reflective signs that allow emergency vehicles to easily locate addresses. This also includes traffic signs.

Bushnell currently has the original wooden street signs made by Marvin Haug. These wooden signs are painted, and they are hard to read and not visible after nightfall.

Bushnell is in need of 68 two-sided, reflective street signs. They also need new break away posts and hardware for 34 intersections. The total cost of this project will be about $5,000.

"Right now the signs are the original wooden signs and we have a lot of updating to do. So we're going to the different businesses in Bushnell (and in the area and) asking them to donate some funds toward this village improvement," said Joyce Vrbka, village clerk.

Vrbka also said that while the village board is reaching out to the community businesses for help, they also still have plans for future fundraisers.

"We are a small community and we are dependent on the members of that community. So any help we receive we appreciate immensely," Vrbka said.

While the Village of Bushnell does plan to host a chili feed in the future, there is nothing set in stone at this time. However, remaining positive about their ability to accomplish this task is key, Vrbka said. Not only will this put the village in compliance with federal laws, it will also make the village a safer place. The new signs will allow easier access to homes in the event of an emergency.

"We just really want to stress how much the we depend on the community and many in it have already stepped forward to help out. Even if they couldn't help monetarily they gave suggestions on how the money could be raised," Vrbka said.

As of Tuesday, Sept. 30, over $1,000 have been raised for the signage update. The village will continue to work on ideas for fundraising and hope to have an event in the future for that purpose.

"Hopefully we can get a fundraiser going here in the near future so that we can get in compliance with the federal laws. We are always looking for ideas for a fundraiser as well," Vrbka said.

Anyone with questions about the Bushnell street and traffic sign project can call the village office at 308-673-5271.