You Ask, We Answer: Why the difference in street signs?

Published 8:06 pm Friday, March 22, 2019

Editor’s note: This is the first of a weekly column dedicated to answering questions submitted by you, the readers. We will answer two to three questions per week. This column is in memory of the late Ed Shannon, former Tribune writer and columnist, who knew the Albert Lea area like no other person.

Question: Is there a reason why some of the street signs in Albert Lea are in all uppercase letters and some are not?

Answer: Until approximately 10 to 15 years ago, all street signs had been uppercase, according to Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke. At that time, signage recommendations changed to larger letters. This was to help with senior drivers and nighttime driving. Lettering switched to having a capital first letter and then lowercase for the remainder. As the city replaces signs over time, all the large cap signs will go away.

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Question: What happened to the Jim Gustafson memorial and donor bricks at Hammer Complex when the old stadium was taken down?

Answer: The plaque will be placed on the new stadium wall and the bricks will be re-etched with donor names on them.

Have a question you want to submit? Email Managing Editor Sarah Stultz at sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com or send her a letter at 808 W. Front St. Label as “Questions of the week.”