City Times Staff

After sitting dark for months, the electronic message board in front of the Stevens Point Fire Department”s Station #1 was removed Thursday, Oct. 15.

Talks to shut down the message board began in February in an attempt to de-clutter the intersection of Franklin and Division St., a trouble spot for collisions between both vehicles and pedestrians.

The sign has been turned off since February.

Stevens Point Public Works Director Scott Schatschneider said the sign was removed to help improve the safety at that intersection. Other extra signage has been taken down and more lighting has been added as well.

“One thing that stood out a little bit was the distracting nature of that electronic message board,” said Schatschneider. “We felt that as part of the city’s commitment to make that intersection as safe as possible we wanted…to remove one more possible hazard at that intersection.”

The two panels labeled “Stevens Point Fire Department Headquarters” will remain with the fire department and put on display somewhere in the building.

The sign was purchased for use by Valley Communities Credit Union.

The Stevens Point Fire Department Headquarters is located at 1701 Franklin St.