Troopers from the Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating the theft of a new stop sign. The stop sign, which was located at the intersection of US 23 and Linn-Hipsher Road, featured flashing red lights which were intended to help motorists see the sign as they were approaching.

At a cost of $1,200 each, the solar-powered stop signs are installed by the Ohio Department of Transportation at intersections which have experienced unusually high numbers of crashes.

“These stop signs are very expensive,” says Scott Kurz, Marion County Administrator for ODOT. He continued, “But because we believe that they will help prevent crashes, we put them where we feel that they will be the most effective.”

Designated a “problem intersection” by the Patrol, the intersection is one of ten in Marion County which have experienced the highest number of crashes. In 2007, there were 8 crashes and nine people injured. In 2006, one person was killed and 16 were injured in seven wrecks.

With targeted enforcement by troopers, and the increased signage, there have been only three crashes with one injury since January of this year.

Anyone with information is asked to call the state highway patrol at 383-2181.