Missing sign replaced at East Park
CONNELLSVILLE – A local businessman has replaced a memorial sign that disappeared last month from its East Park location. The new wooden sign will not be placed over the same pavilion, but instead be given to the William E. Hughes family as a keepsake, according to Councilwoman Chris Wagner.
“He felt bad when the first sign was taken,” said Wagner of the anonymous donor. “He wanted to do something nice for the family.”
The original plaque was placed in East Park during a ceremony marking the renovation of the 1940s-era site and in memory of Hughes who secured the first grant that was used to make the improvements.
Hughes, who served more than two years as city clerk before departing in October 2000 for a township manager’s position in a community near Altoona, died in May.
The placement of the sign stirred some controversy among the council members and mayor when it was put up before the panel took action in the matter.
When it was brought before council by Wagner to have the pavilion named in memory of Hughes, one week after the event, the measure failed when three of the members abstained from taking part in the voting process. Only Wagner and Councilman Bruce Jaynes voted in favor of the site being dedicated in Hughes’ name, with council members Judy Keller and John Whalen along with Mayor Judy Reed, declining to cast a yes or no vote.
Several days later, the sign disappeared from the pavilion and has not been found.
Connellsville police Chief Stephen Cooper said no information concerning its whereabouts or who may have removed it has been forwarded to the department.
The second sign, meanwhile, has been forwarded to the Hughes family, said Wagner.
“When we had the ceremony, I was aware that because council as a whole had not approved the sign, I told the family if I was required to remove it, I would turn it over to them,” said Wagner. “It meant a lot to them that Bill was remembered for his hard work and dedication to his hometown.”