Supervisors approve purchase and installation of ‘deaf child’ sign

Miranda McGrath asked the county board of supervisors to pay for the purchase and installation of a “Deaf Child” sign for her 12-year-old daughter, Tabitha, who was diagnosed as being “severely hard of hearing” in August. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

A Winneshiek County mother went to bat for her nearly-deaf 12-year-old daughter during the board of supervisors meeting Monday morning. 

Miranda McGrath implored the supervisors to purchase and install a sign reading “Caution, Deaf Child” in front of her home on East Ridge Road, saying her daughter Tabitha was diagnosed as being “severely hard of hearing” in August. McGrath had previously asked Winneshiek County Engineer Michael Kueny to approve the $136 sign, but Kueny declined, per recommendations from the Institute of Transportation Engineers — he said the ITE claimed the signs did little to no good. McGrath claimed Kueny’s response went on to say he expected such a sign and taxpayer expense would provide little benefit to the 12-year-old, whom he presumed to be high functioning. 

McGrath told the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on Monday she felt Kueny’s response was “rude and condescending,” claiming the engineer had made “unfair assumptions about Tabitha.” McGrath’s neighbor Jim Creek told the board such a sign might spur a greater sense of caution among drivers and generally make them more aware of children in the neighborhood. 

McGrath went on to say the potential cost to taxpayers would be minimal. 

Kelsay made a motion, seconded by Supervisor Shirley Vermace, to approve the county’s purchase and installation of the requested sign. The motion was unanimously approved.

Full article available in the October 31 Decorah Leader. 

In other county business

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