Finally, something positive has come from the on-going dispute between the Town of Cedar Bluff and a Cherokee County man who was issued a ticket that he didn’t agree with – almost four years ago.  It appears new signs are going up in several locations around the town and cleanup work is being done to make others more visible.

In August of 2015 Rickey Wheeling was given a ticket for speeding in a school zone – where he says he didn’t see the sign.  As a result of the ticket, Wheeling was fined $194.00.  He told WEIS Radio News that ticket was twice the normal amount, because the infraction occurred in a “double fine” zone, even though there was no sign designating it as such.  Wheeling says he contested the amount of that ticket because it wasn’t posted properly and as a result, was eventually fined at the normal rate, rather than double.

Afterwards he began researching not only the height but proper location and placement of signs in the school zone.  He has maintained all along that many of the signs are simply too low, and that if tickets are going to be issued, the town by all rights should be in compliance with published guidelines as outlined in the Manuel on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 

This has developed into an on-going point of contention between Wheeling and Cedar Bluff Mayor Tammy Crane, with her stating in a written communiqué to WEIS Radio, in part, that Mr. Wheeling is “…still embittered with the Town of Cedar Bluff over a speeding ticket…he had a jury trial with 12 of his peers,” and she adds “…they unanimously found him guilty,” – whereas Wheeling says he paid the ticket and he simply wants everyone to do what’s right and abide by the rules – and that includes both the Mayor and Town of Cedar Bluff.

Harris Street stretching between Main Street and Church Street.

The legal points of the sign dispute, later expanded to other parts of the town, along with issues regarding safety, such as faded and damaged signs and signs that are being obscured by bushes and tree limbs.  Now with school set to begin in just over a week, on August 8th – the town has made quite a few improvements, however there is still some work to be done – especially to a stop sign adjacent to the school that is all but invisible to the naked eye.

When, and if, this on-going dispute will be settled between Wheeling and the town, remains to be seen.