Portageville community gets new signs along I-55

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Those who have driven by the northbound and southbound “Welcome to Portageville” signs along Interstate 55, may have noticed the conditions of the signs. Installed in panels, the signs slowly began to peel away with every storm and big wind that came through the area. Both signs were repaired Oct. 2.

The Portageville Chamber of Commerce has been working to get the new and improved welcome signs for some time.

“This is a project that has been on our minds for at least a year; there are just so many considerations to make, that it takes time,” said Dr. Clint Klipfel, Portageville Chamber of Commerce president.

One of the biggest concerns for the Chamber was cost of the project.

“There were some initial estimates that made us realize just how costly this project would be,” Klipfel said. “And since we operate on a sponsorship basis only for events that we host, the Chamber just doesn’t have extra funds in place for big projects.”

After seeking multiple estimates, the Chamber presented the proposal to the Portageville City Council. The goal cost was $8,400 and the City Council agreed to pay half of the total cost of the new signs. In order to raise the other half, the Chamber started a Go Fund Me account on Facebook to seek out support and it quickly began to add up.

Additionally, the Chamber sent out multiple private letters to businesses and individuals requesting their assistance.

“Before long, donations were flowing in online as well as in the mailbox and through my office door,” Klipfel said. “I am always amazed at the generosity of our community, especially on causes that promote our great town and its sustainability.”

The Chamber had to get the design, including font size, font detail and overall appearance approved by MODOT since it faces the interstate. Once the design was approved, the order was placed in anticipation of raising enough funds and to ensure installation for the National Soybean Festival.

Nick Cartee of First State Bank and Trust worked with Canedy Sign Company, who installed the signs, on designs and installation plans as well as with local power companies to ensure electricity was available at the signs.

Installation of the signs had originally been scheduled for Sept. 27 but was delayed until Oct. 1 due to the amount of recent rainfall, making it impossible to get heavy machinery out to the location of the north sign.

“We can’t express our gratitude enough to the community, from individuals to local business owners,” Klipfel said. “Every donation, every dollar helped us reach our goal and see this project to completion. We can now be proud again to welcome visitors into town from I-55 and show them just how awesome the Portageville community is and what it has to offer.”

If you would like to donate, the Chamber is still accepting contributions to help cover the additional lighting costs. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box F or dropped off at Health Connection Chiropractic.