OTTAWA — It may be a sign of the hard economic times, but the Franklin County Commission says it’s time for signs. During her presentation to commissioners Monday, convention and tourism director Kristi Lee said that the number of people stopping at the visitors center on the east edge of Ottawa has noticeably fallen. Although the economy has a bearing that, Lee said signage is a major problem. During the construction of the new U.S. 59 expressway, the Kansas Department of Transportation removed information signs guiding motorists to the center, she said. Saying that the center is a tourist attraction and not a service area, KDOT has refused to put the signs back up, she said. Steve Harris, commission chair, said he’s willing that the county continue to press the matter because it appears the lack of signs has a direct bearing on the number of visitors to the center. County administrator Lisa Johnson said she’s had several conversations with state officials about the signs but she said she’s not optimistic that the state would relent. However, county public works director Jim Haag said he’d talk to local KDOT officials.
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m.
