GRIT - When graffiti defaced Grit's well-known welcome sign earlier this year, the Grit Ruritan Club took the liberty of repairing the damages.
Now, the "Home of Ricky Van Shelton" sign is once again an appealing tribute to the area and the country music singer himself.
The sign was spray-painted earlier in the year.
A group of dedicated citizens took on the rigorous task of sanding, painting, and re-finishing the sign in late August.
Mildred Daniel, along with Bill and Pat Lindsey, volunteered their time and efforts to make sure the sign was once again a landmark for the area.
In appreciation of the project, the group had an unexpected visit from Ricky Van Shelton and his wife, Betty, on September 11.
"He was very complimentary and helped us move the sign outside so that we could finish painting," said Daniel.
Overall, the project went smoothly and is now in the final stages. After a few more touch-ups, the sign will be returned to it's permanent spot, at the bottom of Jaybird Hill on Grit Road, sometime this month.
"I really enjoyed working on this and I am so thankful that Bill and Pat were there to help out," said Daniel.