by Leah Justice and Samantha Hurst
Saluda native Jerry (Doc) Russell wants to know why his sign honoring veterans was removed although he thought he had the city’s support.
About two months ago, Russell said he paid for a sign to be made and put it up on the side of the road so all would see the city’s proud support of those who have served their country.
“It really surprised me (when the sign was removed),” Russell said. “The city has been so supportive of the things I’ve done for veterans in the past.”
Russell launched the city’s annual Veteran’s Day memorial program and places flags on the graves of veterans in Saluda every year. He also was behind the creation of a veteran’s monument in Saluda.

“No matter how good a thing is, someone will complain about it,” Russell said. “The city has been so supportive and encouraging to me that I was really shocked to see them take the sign down. I hope it will get back up without any controversy.”
The sign read, “Saluda-A Veteran Friendly City,” with Russell placing it at the intersection of Ozone Drive and U.S. 176 at the downtown entrance. The property is in the city limits and on a state owned right of way. Russell said he consulted with the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) to find out their requirements and had the sign made similar to other state owned signs in the city.
Saluda Mayor Fred Baisden said Russell showed him the sign and he told Russell he doesn’t personally have a problem with the sign as long as it met requirements. Baisden said he suggested the sign be put in the Veterans Memorial Park and for Russell to contact city administrator Erny Williams about erecting the sign.
Williams said he informed Russell before the sign was erected that the city is currently in the process of reviewing its sign ordinance and that the sign could stay unless the board of commissioners had a problem with it or there was a complaint.
Saluda is currently seeking a zoning administrator, so Williams is in charge of zoning duties until the position is filled. Williams said a complaint during a commissioners meeting led to the removal of the sign.
The city’s sign ordinance says that all signs erected upon or over any public street, public right-of-way or other public property shall not exceed two square feet per side and shall be approved by the board of commissioners. Russell’s sign is 2 ft. by 3 ft.
The Saluda Board of Commissioners are scheduled to meet on Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at the upstairs meeting room of the Saluda Public Library where Russell’s sign is scheduled to be on the agenda. Commissioners could consider voting on whether or not to allow Russell to place the sign in the city.