Residents want church to take down sign

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Posted: 11:15 PM Jan 3, 2009
Last Updated: 11:12 AM Jan 4, 2009
Reporter: Josh Stevenson
Email Address: josh.stevenson@kxii.com,

91 comments

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COOKE COUNTY, TX -- There is some controversy brewing in a small Cooke County Community, and it centers around a local church. A group of residents say that the Mount Pleasant Baptist has overstepped it’s bounds with its newest addition.

In mid October the folks at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church put up a sign, that they hoped would point the way to brighter future. Instead, the new structure has marked trouble for a small Cooke County community.

"It’s just a small rural community," said Pastor David Hartwig of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

"The beauty of it, sunsets and sunrises," said Carolyn McAdams, a concerned resident.

The small unincorporated community of mountain springs is beetween Spring Valley and Tioga and sits right on the northern shore of Lake Ray Roberts. The Mount Pleasant Baptist Church has been staple of that community for a long time.

"This church has been here for 105 years," said Pastor Hartwig.

After more than a century church members decided it was time to get a new sign.

"The sign went up in mid October, we had prayed about it and saved up our money for about a year before putting it up," said Pastor Hartwig.

That was news to neighbor Carolyn McAdams who moved into her 107 year old home 12 years ago. She says her first clue that a new sign was up was when the light from the marquee hit her living room

“My initial reaction was oh my God I cant believe they put this big giant sign up here," said McAdams.

From there she did a little research, and it paid off.

"That’s when I found out the sign was double the legal size," said McAdams

The Lake Ray Roberts Planning and Zoning Commission regulates signs and buildings in areas around the lake.

"We did not know of the ordinance, we did not know we were in violation of the ordinance," said Pastor Hartwig.

Besides being out of compliance for being too big, regulations also state that a sign must be externally lit, this one is internally lit. The church was cited and made to turn out the lights.

"It was at that point that we knew we might have a problem," said Pastor Hartwig.

Mount Pleasant Baptist has filed an application for a variance that will let them keep the sign and turn the lights back on, but Mcadams says she is worried about what will happen to her view in the future.

"I don’t want this to set a precedent for every other sign that comes along,” said McAdams.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a hearing on January 6th, at the Mountain Springs Community Center, where officials will decide whether or not to grant the church's request.

If denied, the church can appeal that decision at the Cooke County Commissioners' Court.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: rebecca Location: mt. springs on Mar 19, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Hey David lets set the record straight, the first time you spoke to me about the sign was when you came on my property to get info on some trailers that were going to block your site line of the sign from the highway. When I point blank asked you why you wanted this info, you lied and said nothing about the real reason. Let's also let "the people" know that I made numerous calls to the church as soon as the sign was erected and not once did anyone respond to my concerns, that's why I finally came and knocked on your door. I did not demand the sign be taken down, I asked you if you thought that a neon sign was appropriate and your responce was it is not neon and shut the door. Why do you lie to people...that sign is lit until 10pm every night, not 9 as stated in your comments. Liar Liar!!!

Posted by: David Hartwig Location: Mountain Springs community on Feb 19, 2009 at 05:59 PM
I would like to thank all of you that supported the church in our difficult moments. We are truly sorry for our oversight and the events which followed. Additionally, I would like to set just one thing right about this whole episode. The first time I spoke to Ms. McAdams directly about the sign was on my property when she angrily demanded that we remove the sign completely. At that time she also threatened us with legal action if we did not comply with her demands(a threat she made good on--and as you can read below she is threatening more legal action). Now when she threatened us with legal action I walked into my house and shut the door. At that point it was clear that we had nothing else to discuss since her plan of action was very clear. I wonder if those that read this would honestly say they would have done differently? The P&Z Board granted our waiver and the sign is lit nightly from 5-9PM. Again we thank the Lord for all who have been encouragers. Pastor David Hartwig

Posted by: The Moon Location: the sky on Feb 6, 2009 at 08:18 AM
I'm cool with it too.

Posted by: The Stars Location: the sky on Feb 5, 2009 at 03:35 PM
We like the sign.

Posted by: rebecca Location: mt. springs on Feb 4, 2009 at 09:18 AM
Wow, I didn't realize there were so many comments on this story. I am McAdams and I complained. I gave the church every opportunity to compromise and the result was that the pastor, DAVID HARTWIG, shut the door in my face when I tried to discuss this with him. Let's look at why they decided to put up this sign. Well, it turns out that some people were apparently kicked out of this church and are establishing their own church at the opposite end of Mt. Pleasant Road, approx 1/4 mi. away. I suspect this sign is the first shot fired in a church war and the rest of us are collateral damage. As recently as last night I asked that the light be turned off at 8pm in the winter and he refused. Nice Pastor. I believe that we, as humans are responsible for keeping and protecting the environment and (8) 7 ft long fluorescent tubes in a previously dark night is a slap in the face to the stars and the moon. I'll see them all in civil court soon, stay tuned for more details.

Posted by: just wondering Location: here on Jan 13, 2009 at 02:27 PM
is the sign still up or is it gone

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 13, 2009 at 06:19 AM
I can't beleive that there wasn't at least ONE church member that knew the city has sign ordiances. Shouldn't a construction permit have been required? Better yet, is KXII going to follow up on the story ?

Posted by: charlie on Jan 11, 2009 at 02:18 PM
those of you attacking this woman for not wanting this sign up. ask yourselves (and be honest with yourself) would you have the same position if the sign weren't baptist but Pentecostal? Catholic? A Synagogue? A mosque?

Posted by: Reva Location: Ardmore on Jan 10, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Like many of you, I have read the Bible cover to cover. So perhaps some of you should remember that many of God's chosen ones, according to the Bible, made mistakes, for which Jesus and God rebuked them. Modern day is no different - men of God makes mistakes, churches make mistakes. And this particular church said they made a mistake. Maybe some of you should read your Bible again. God does not want his followers to be mindless fanatics. He gave us minds with which to think. Maybe some of you should be better Christians (like the head of the church who said they made a mistake), and start using your minds. Stop acting like robots living in a cult. Fozzy, you're right with your comment about Hamas.

Posted by: zeek Location: paris on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:02 PM
let's not attack this lady. signs are eyesores, no matter what they advertise. if there is a new one up by her property ruining the scenery that's present, she has every right to see what legal avenues she may pursue to have it removed. turns out the church broke the law. should we overlook the law because it's a church? sure. but if somebody complains, and has some vested interest then the sign should come down. that said, i don't care. i don't live there. i don't attend that church. and i'm certainly not a baptist. cheers.

Posted by: Casi Location: Fannin Co. on Jan 9, 2009 at 09:29 AM
My goodness...such a tempest in a teapot. Don't we have anything better to do?

Posted by: Me Location: Here on Jan 9, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Okay so this woman just needs to get over herself. Is she just looking for her 15 minutes of fame? Come on that sign is way from her house. Unless they have 1000 watt bulbs in that thing there is no way it is shining in her window nor is it blocking any view. Heck from the video you can see it's hard to even see from her house. Maybe you need to be in services there on Sundays and you wouldn't be doing what your doing. Yes churches should obey the law but they were unaware and should be allowed to keep it because it's a church for goodness sakes it's not like it's an adult book store sign with a naked lady. Why does it always have to be so to the letter with everything. Look at the reason for the law and you will see a church sign was not it.

Posted by: Me Location: Grayson on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Anonymous on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:45 AM you said "The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a hearing on January 6th, at the Mountain Springs Community Center." My question is, was the meeting on the 6th? You posted this on the 8th which would be after the meeting or is the date wrong?

Posted by: Granny Location: Denison on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Mount Pleasant Baptist has filed an application for a variance that will let them keep the sign and turn the lights back on... If they get the variance approved it will open the doors to others putting up big signs then claiming they did not know about the size ordinance, then they will ask for an approved variance. Next thing you know over sized signs will be popping up every where. The Church should pass the collection plate and redo the sign with in the legal limit.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:45 AM
"The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a hearing on January 6th, at the Mountain Springs Community Center, where officials will decide whether or not to grant the church's request"....where's the follow up on this story?

Posted by: paul Location: grayson on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Anon had the smartest comment so far... Nothing wrong with sign, but if not in compliance take it down and put one up that is.. that simple. BUT don't do it because of this devil woman complained, do it because its the right thing. Thats what would set the best example anyway.

Posted by: Anon Location: texas on Jan 7, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Anonymous, the only reason this story got a lot of comments is because it's so STUPID! I don't see a thing wrong with the sign. It looks like it's a long way from her house, and I think she just likes to complain. However, if the sign is not in compliance with the law, then the proper thing to do is remove it and replace it with a sign that is in compliance.

Posted by: Judge on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:35 AM
"this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine".... Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!!!

Posted by: James Madison Location: Mt. Springs on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:14 AM
For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Just an observation.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 05:54 AM
Just an observation.....this silly story received twice the comments made in regards to the proposed bill to restore prayer in Oklahoma schools. The lady may be petty in her sign protest, but the bottom line is, the Church is in violation of the city codes.

Posted by: Farmer John Location: Everywhere on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:28 PM
I bet if the sign said "Bob's Beer and Wine", Mrs McAdams would be the first customer every day.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:46 PM
I dont like the fast food signs that say JOHN 3:16 Free ice cream with purchase.

Posted by: give me a Location: break! on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:39 PM
and let the first one with no sin cast the first stone! just an observation here.

Posted by: OOTO Location: Texoma on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:17 PM
"We must be obedient to the law of the land insofar as these laws do not contradict God's law. We must pay our taxes and honour the country's leadership but our citizenship is not in nor our loyalty to any earthly dominion." Hebrews 11:13-16. Now....according to this article, the church violated at least two of these man made laws, which would seem to say that they also went against the teachings of the bible. Just making an observation here.

Posted by: James Madison Location: Mt. Springs on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:22 PM
The thing is, it is not in front of her house. She lives 600 feet away, and that is being very generous to her. The individuals who live directly south of the sign have zero problem with it.

Posted by: Jennifer Location: Sadler on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Some people just can't stand the good that comes from God. They are the reason we have to put these signs up.

Posted by: Ralph Location: Denison on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:14 AM
If we were one in CHRIST like we ALL should be?!?! Are you SERIOUS? What makes you think that Christ would endorse or otherwise favor a huge internally lit electric sign be erected in front of a church. What scripture would even suggest this? I think it is more than likely Christ would instruct his flock to be more modest and not so showy, to blend in with the landscape and not pollute it, to reach out with love and kindness rather than a huge conglomeration of plastic and electricity. The word "Christ" may appear on that sign from time to time, but it would be extreme hubris to suggest that Christ is IN it. Being one with Christ is not about signs. If it were, perhaps each of you who think this sign is a good thing should erect one out in front of your house.

Posted by: unbeleivable Location: sherman on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:10 AM
I wonder how many lost people have had their soul touched or saved because of a message the sign displayed. Kinda gets lost in all this mess huh?? So sad.

Posted by: kgm Location: oklahoma on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:48 AM
It sounds like the problem is not with what the sign says, but the size of the marquee itself and where it is located!!

Posted by: James Madison Location: Mt. Springs on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:02 AM
The headline of this story should read, "Resident wants church to take down sign". Only one resident who lives anywhere near the church, Ms. McAdams, wants this sign to be taken down. That is not enough for it to be detrimental to the public good. Courts view churches as part of the public good or public interest. Therefore, it is logical to view their sign, which promotes community and church activities, as an extension of the church's service to the public good or public interest. Another factor is the location. This church is located on fairly busy FM Road that has a curve in it right in front of the churhc. This presents a hardship in getting the church's message out with just a normal sign. You can also factor in the cost it would take for a small country church to take down the sign and put up another one. A reasonable solution would be for the church to put a timer on the lights so that they would go out at 10 or 11 each night.

Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Gainesville resident sounds like a Hamas leader..

Posted by: here Location: still here on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:31 AM
So what view does she have that is so important for her to see? Is she by a lake or something? Is it that nice over there? Just trying to understand where she is coming from.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Drop kick me Jesus thru the goal post of life.

Posted by: Gainesville Resident on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:00 AM
What difference does it make...If you are one in CHRIST like we ALL should be...there wouldnt be a question to the sign...I pray for you...you must be one of the ones who want to take Christ OUT OF every THING!!! God Bless you...

Posted by: Reva Location: Ardmore on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:58 AM
The sign is illegal, period. Ordinances are specific about signs for very good reason. The complaining person has every right to her privacy. And that does not make her any of the mean-spirited names she has been called on this forum. And that does not make her a non-Christian or a bad person. I am a Christian, but I have enough common sense to know when a church has made a mistake. And that's what it is, a simple mistake. Hopefully the sign will come down soon.

Posted by: SAM Location: BONHAM on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:16 AM
Come on folks it's a CHURCH for crying out loud. This is pointless and people like her are wasting their time. Jesus didn't say "oh died on the cross infront of millions hope it doesn't make anyone mad." Grow up...it might be something good for the that area. Example a landmark that people will know when they past it that that are in Lake Ray Roberts community. Be Blessed that you woke up today and can see another year. It will be wrong if they dissapprove the lightening for the church. May God Rest Your Soul

Posted by: Following HIM Location: Sherman on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:11 PM
I can't believe that one church sign has caused so much strife. I am sure that the church just wanted to invite the whole community to HIS place of worship. Maybe all of the other community members will show up at the meeting to show their approval of HIS sign.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:31 PM
Shouldn't the zoning committee have signs posted around the community? UMMMMMM YES! Well from what I understand they didn't...Were they not violating any kind of code?

Posted by: Red Location: Sherman on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:42 PM
They should remove the sign if it violates any zoning ordinance, or try to get an exemption.

Posted by: Publius Location: Mt. Springs on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:35 PM
First off, there is only one person complaining the sign, and it looks like she has a problem with the church itself. Furthermore, the church will and should get the variance. Typically, P&Z boards consider whether the granting of a variance will further the purpose of the ordinance (i.e. furthering the morals of the community…), and helps to further the general welfare of the community. Additionally, P&Z boards look to whether neighboring property values are adversely affected and the general feelings of the neighbors within 200-400 ft of the property. Here, nobody within the above distance has complained and there is no adverse affect on property values, this lady is too far away from the sign to matter. This lady needs to get a life.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:47 PM
I would like to see an adult video store open up and throw up a sign the exact same size as the church's. Make it about 300 yards from the church, then when people are coming out from service they can run on down to the video store before they head to Luby's.

Posted by: Leslie Location: Mississippi on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:22 PM
You know that bright light might just be the Light of the Lord, He's gonna let it shine

Posted by: anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:17 PM
there is a store called wal mart and it has a GIANT sign so she should be able to see it she should go there and buy some curtains so that church sign (which was meant to help beautify the church and reach more people about the services) dont shine its light and message in her house

Posted by: Paula Location: Gainesville on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:11 PM
If God doesn't want the sign He will take it down.

Posted by: eww on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:31 PM
Who cares !!!!!!!! Buy some curtains !

Posted by: Eh? on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Bottom line is the Church violated the ordinance. All you "Christians" calling this woman names would make Christ vomit.

Posted by: ? Location: VV on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:35 PM
The thing about it is that there really is only one person complaining about the sign. If there are any other complaints about the sign I have not heard them. The sign lights up North and South this ladys house sits off about 300yds to the South West from the sign and there is a fairly descent size tree that sits just adjacent to the sign on the corner of the street that some what blocks the view of the sign from this ladys house so I am having trouble understanding how a sign that puts off as much light or less as a guard light is shining directly in the womans house. None the less the sign is only roughly 15ft -18ft tall at the most. Therefore I dont understand what view the sign is blocking and just exactly what light is being shined in her windows. But I guess when there is nothing else to do or no other neighbors to harrass anymore as has been done previously you move on to the next person you can find to stir up a little more controversy with.

Posted by: Troy Location: Odessa, TX on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:01 PM
That Josh Stevenson,he just does an amazing job of reporting. He should get a big raise. Love, Dad

Posted by: groofreak Location: Sherman on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Since when did she own God? Quote her "Oh my God" in complaining about a church. The woman needs to choose her words and battles better. She should be trying to comfort the family that the father and son were in head on crash or something to help the world. I agree with kay's post @ 9:30 am about this complaining female dog!

Posted by: Woody Location: Gainesville on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:35 PM
This church is in a community called Mountain Springs There is no place named Spring Valley in Cooke County. The people of this church are breaking the law by putting this big sign there. That is the whole point of this dispute. The lady is completely in the right.

Posted by: Leroy Location: Out There> on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM
She probably don't like the sun either. Maybe she's one of those vampires from True Blood, or Twilight? Better not glam me, lady!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Me, you need to read what I wrote again, she said “My initial reaction was oh my God I cant believe they put this big giant sign up here," said McAdams. and I was talking about two different things and Me, I do go to church and pay attention, now you on the other hand need to pay more attention to what the story was a read

Posted by: D Location: Leonard on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Did the sign maker/installer not check with the city before putting up the sign. You can't just put any sign anywhere now days. It sounds like they should be held somewhat liable for this mistake. anyone else agree?

Posted by: Observer of the Obvious Location: Texoma on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:23 AM
"Feeling sorry the sad!" I'll bet you profess to be a Christian, don't you?! You can tell with all of that name calling how well you practice the tenets of your religion.

Posted by: OOTO Location: Texoma on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:19 AM
That's it "Feeling sorry for the sad!?" That's all you have? Wow! THAT really IS a strong argument on this issue!!

Posted by: Zyklon B Location: Sherman on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:19 AM
There is a small church near my house in the middle of nowhere that put up one of those red digital signs, like a bank. The pastor didn't smile when I drove up and asked where the ATM was located.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Who cares..dallas is going to take over anyway...get ready for more lights than ever.

Posted by: GP Location: BELLS/SHERMAN on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:23 AM
IF YOU WATCHED THE VIDEO ON THE NEWS IT LOOKED LIKE THE SIGN IS QUITE A DISTANCE FROM THIS HOUSE I AM NOT SURE IF RUNWAY LIGHTS WOULD SHINE IN HER LIVING ROOM MOST SIGNS INSIDE LIT ARE NOT THAT BRIGHT TO SHINE THAT DISTANCE

Posted by: Feeling sorry for the sad! on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Fozzy and OOTO, You are a couple of sad fellows! You fit right in with this lady!

Posted by: Mom Location: Tishomingo on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:49 AM
I don't blame the woman, I wouldn't want a giant sign shining in my eyes all night. We had this happen in Tishomingo, with a giant annoying billboard. The billboard people lost, and it is gone. No one wanted to advertise, but one out of town hospital anyway. Everyone local knew that sign didn't fit into a small historic community.

Posted by: Me Location: Sherman on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:45 AM
To USA....if you think griping about a sign is taking the Lord's name in vain then you have problems and maybe you should attend church and actually pay attention.

Posted by: kay Location: Okla on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Wow, what a bi**h. I bet she has a attiude from he*l.She acts like she's worth a million but not even worth two cents. Get a life lady i have beer signs to look at I would love to see a church sign.They have these things called blinds to block out what you don't want to see, go get some.

Posted by: Casi Location: Fannin on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Is Ms. McAdams really concerned about "setting a precendent for every other sign that comes along", or is she concerned because it is a church sign? What are her motivations before we start casting stones.

Posted by: OOTO Location: Texoma on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Red; you obviously didn't read the story or watch the video again, did you? You missed the entire point of the story.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:21 AM
That is a beautiful area of our Texoma community. Hopefully, marketing will not overtake the natural beauty as this area faces future developement. It all depends on the residents choices, but appears an ordinance regulating this issue is already on the books.

Posted by: Red Location: Sherman on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:06 AM
If the sign is on private property, then T.S. If you don't like what the sign says, then don't read it.

Posted by: OOTO Location: Texoma on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Its funny all the duplicity one reads in these forums. The same people who want the letter of the law enforced for a petty drug dealer or criminal (often wanting more than the law enforced) are the same people who seem to say the law doesn't matter where a church is involved. Hmmmmmm....

Posted by: Ralph Location: Denison on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:58 PM
This lady has a perfect right to complain. It doesn't matter how long the church has been there nor how long the resident and/or her home has been there. If the sign violates code, and the homeowner believes she is being adversely affected by the sign, it should come down. The pastor should have checked with the authorities beforehand to be sure the sign would be in compliance, just like anyone else. It doesn't sound like this lady is anti-church or even anti-sign. She is anti- THIS sign, a sign that is double the legal size and is not lighted according to code. This lady should not have to put up with this from a church or anyone else, and the authorities should back her 100%.

Posted by: Me Location: Denison on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:12 PM
A law is a law no matter who it affects. What is good for the goose is good for the gander!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Dear ms Mcadams - obviously - "Here's your sign!!!"

Posted by: Kermit Location: Go Green on Jan 4, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Tell her to go to someplace and git her sum of those winder shades and shut up.

Posted by: k Location: ardmore on Jan 4, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Sounds like this lady has been stuck in her 107 year old house for 12 years! Get a life lady jeez! If this is what you do in your spare time is do research on illegal church signs! Try waisting your time doing something that betters the world! Give them a break and let them keep their sign!

Posted by: Sandy Location: Former Denison Resd. on Jan 4, 2009 at 10:08 PM
I understand both sides of this issue. I don't think anyone is going to hell for their complaints no matter how pathetic. I don't understand how anyone could not know this was going to happen, they had planned for a year. The Church is in the wrong and something should be done to correct the matter. I think maybe a fine at most. Did you watch the video? Look how far this persons house is from the Church! There is no way it should bother her as much as she lets on! Cry a river!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2009 at 08:14 PM
churches need to abide by the law as everyone else. our country provides freedom of religion as well as infringement of religion.

Posted by: Mary J. Saenz Location: Fort Worth, Texas on Jan 4, 2009 at 08:11 PM
Why not allow the sign? Also before the review by the zoning commission, the whold commission should make a night trip to her home, to see the effects of it at night.. As for it being internally lit, with vandalism today, that was the wise thing to do. Maybe the message is creating an internal conflict. I hope it penetrates her soul.

Posted by: Ben on Jan 4, 2009 at 06:44 PM
I hope they are forced to take it down. The woman is merely asking that the law be followed. Is it her fault that the church faculty was to incompetent to do their own research for sign regulations?

Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Jan 4, 2009 at 06:13 PM
Fight fire with fire. When these annoying people are having services.. start shooting cannons and or air horns or maybe start a huge pile of dung on that corner next to the church. Pollution is pollution and disturbing the peace is disturbing the peace. There are some beautiful churches in the world today. This isn't one of them.

Posted by: Sue Location: Valley View on Jan 4, 2009 at 03:57 PM
Just how many "residents" are really complaining about the sign? The news only quoted one. As I understand it, the church removed one sign and replaced it with another one that was larger. The light from it shines north and south (toward the highway), not east and west toward the "resident's" house. This is making a mountain out of a molehill-very trivial in my opinion. Planning and Zoning Committees where are your signs in the community?

Posted by: Please Trade Location: Pottsboro on Jan 4, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Hey Lady, I'll gladly trade you R.K. Hall's Asphalt plant for that little Church sign. Give me a break, try living with an Asphalt Plant next to your High School and Community like the citizens of Pottsboro! You'll enjoy the fresh smell of asphalt in the morning, and have the luxury of enjoying their asphalt filled trucks pulling out in front of you and destroying your roads, and oh yes, I can't remember the last time I traveled to my local Wal Mart without smelling ASPHALT! What's sad is this community will probably make this church remove their sign because one sad lady complained, and Pottsboro, where the whole community has complained, can't get anything done about a GROSS ASPHALT PLANT!! GIVE ME A BREAK!!

Posted by: I have a life! Location: why don't you get one? on Jan 4, 2009 at 02:43 PM
Get a life people. I don't hear anyone complaining about the size of Wal Mart's signs or the Golden Arches. This lady is just looking for something to complain about. She was ready to complain before the sign ever went up. She said she knew they were getting ready to put one up, and she was ready to scream as soon as the lights went on. The Church can take the sign down and put up one that is in compliance, but you can bet she'll find something else to complain about. There is a business right across the street from my house, and they have a sign that lights up, and I could care less. That's why I have shades and curtains. The business was there when I moved in, and I don't care. If I cared, I wouldn't have bought a house across from it. People, please stop complaining about every little thing, people are starving in the world and wars are being fought!

Posted by: jason Location: 13th street on Jan 4, 2009 at 02:13 PM
tear it down the church is breaking the law if it was not a church it would already be down ... the church should not get special treatment

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bonham TX on Jan 4, 2009 at 01:26 PM
This Church has been there longer than this lady and for her to complain about the light or the sunrise...Well that church is north east of her house so there is not affecting the view of the sun rising cause the sun rises in the east....A preschool kid could tell you that! Now if the church has to take the sign down I think they should plant a BIG tree in its place! This woman is looking for trouble if you ask me! That church was there way before Lake Ray Roberts was ever thought of. Personally I think they should of grandfather claused in on whatever this violation they are saying they did. Its a non-profit organization not a business! Some people need a life and need to realize there are more things in life to be concerned about other than a church sign and trying to get people to know and come to Christ! I agree this woman may need to go to church. We all know lighting will strike if she does...lol

Posted by: John Location: Sherman on Jan 4, 2009 at 01:01 PM
Everyone here is griping its a church, okay, does that make it above the law? Aren't you the same people that condemn preachers for being sexual predators, well he's part of the church, doesn't that make him above the law? The fact is the sign is a disturbance, light pollution is a real problem and you move to a rural area to escape matters like that. The lady has every right to contest the issue and there is no reason for the church to win in an appeal when it is clearly in the wrong.

Posted by: beatrice Location: sherman on Jan 4, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Why is it anytime anyone complains about something to do with church all the "so called Christians" condemn them to hell? That's really a great Christian example you are setting out there. That is precisely why I don't attend church anymore. People like you have nothing better to do than criticize others and find fault with others. Who said this woman who complained wasn't a Christian? Even if she isn't, how about a little understanding instead of some condemnation? I am a Christian and I would complain if a big sign was beaming light into my house.

Posted by: Christina Location: Sherman on Jan 4, 2009 at 12:18 PM
It is just a sign. Surely there are more pressing things going on in the world to worry about than a church sign.

Posted by: paul Location: texas on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:08 AM
come on plz,, this lady in the interview, plantiff or what ever you call her, come on, don't you have anything better to do. You know this sign is not bothering a thing.

Posted by: Patti Location: N'Country on Jan 4, 2009 at 09:05 AM
I pass this church everyday on my way to and from work. I thought the sign was a very nice addition and I cannot remember any house that likes like it is 107 years old that should even be affected by this sign. Maybe she needs to purchase some new drapes to keep out the light because it sure is no brighter than the sun or a full moon.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2009 at 07:33 AM
Slow news day? You know there are a few wars going on with our boys and girls over there. Also I have heard that the economy might be bad too. Top notch ground work channel 12. Keep on hitting the hard news!

Posted by: USA Location: Sherman on Jan 4, 2009 at 01:35 AM
Mrs. McAdams you need to get a life and stop being so noise, if the light is bothering your house then put up curtains and stop taking the Lord's name in vain, maybe if you went to this church you might learn something.

Posted by: Ana Location: Sherman on Jan 4, 2009 at 12:38 AM
It's just a church sign....get over it

Posted by: Shane Location: Denison on Jan 3, 2009 at 11:59 PM
personally i think if it were anything other than a sign at a church there would not be a problem, if it were a liquor store it would probably be just fine, wonderful direction america is headed in isnt it!

Posted by: Lance B Location: Sherman on Jan 3, 2009 at 11:33 PM
You are going to he*l for this. I am ashamed of the person complaining about the sing. You should be very very ashamed of yourself.

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Tech Camp keeps Sherman kids learning this summer Last Updated: 4:43 PM 06/22/09 - SHERMAN, TX -- Usually kids can't wait to get out of school for summer break, but some Sherman students are right back in class learning some fun new skills at Technology Camp, going on at Sory Elementary School this week . (Full Story)
Sherman I.S.D. Free Sport Camps Last Updated: 3:00 PM 06/08/09 - SHERMAN, TX -- The SISD Curriculum, Instruction Department, and the SISD Athletic Department are teaming up to provide multi-sports camps to SISD students who will be promoting to grades 3-9. (Full Story)
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