Kingfisher County Commissioner Jeff Moss said what’s sometimes viewed as a youthful prank can create life-threatening situations in rural areas. He was referring to the weekend theft

He was referring to the weekend theft of a number of stop signs and road identification signs along Cemetery Road, going north from S.H. 33 to Lemon Road.

“When signs are intentionally removed or mown down, especially stop signs, it puts so many lives at stake,” Moss said.

“If the 911 signs are taken down as well (county road number signs) our first responders won’t have visual guidance of the area they are in, which puts other peoples’ lives and property in jeopardy.”

Kingfisher County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Shults had identified a 20-year-old suspect in the thefts, but no charges had been filed as of press-time Tuesday.

Materials, manpower and fuel to replace each sign is about $123 each, Moss said.

“If it’s in a high traffic area, cost goes up on labor, fuel and equipment/ vehicles for flagging traffic to keep the workers safe,” he said.

“And the cost goes up more on weekends or holidays because of overtime.

“However, the most concerning aspect of this is the possibility of someone losing their lives.

“That cost is immeasurable and can’t be subsidized.”