December 2023 By: Bennett Kubischta
In 1923 the North Dakota State Highway Department began signing and marking of our state highways. The Red Trail was designated as ND Highway 3. Along with route signing the Department also began installing signs to provide safety information to motorists such as curve, stop, and railroad crossing signs.
Almost as soon as the signs were installed, vandalism began. The December 17, 1923 issue of the Mandan Daily Pioneer reported on vandalism of highway signs on ND 3 in the St. Vincent and Crown Butte area. Today this segment of ND 3 is Morton County 139 on the north side of I-94 from Exit 140 to ND 25. County Surveyor E. R. Griffin found ten route marking, curve, and danger signs that were removed and thrown in the ditch.
Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway signs have been stolen. One was on Morton County 139 just north of I-94 Exit 102. If you happen to see them in some one’s garage or for sale on-line you are most likely looking at stolen public property.
Stealing and/or destruction of North Dakota’s highway signs has not been limited to small signs. Recently I was at the Fargo District Office of the North Dakota Department of Transportation and was visiting my old highway friends. One of those was Sign Shop Foreman Lyle Landstrom. Lyle told me that down at the South Dakota border thieves have cut down and stolen Welcome to North Dakota signs whose size are 4’ x 8’.
Highway signs are there for your safety and to provide information for the travelling public. Respect them and when you do see that they have been vandalized report that to the entity whose road or street you are on. A missing or destroyed sign can, and has, led to deadly consequences.
Goodbye for now. Remember, promoting the Old Red Old Ten promotes our towns, and always take time to talk to the cows.
Bennett Kubischta is the President Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway Committee.