Vandals recently defaced the sign welcoming visitors to the city of Lindale East Texas. They did this by drawing a mustache on the picture crude citizen most high profile Lindale, country superstar Miranda Lambert. And so far, no one in Lindale has been able to remove.
Lambert now lives in Oklahoma with her husband, country singer and TV star Blake Shelton, but she graduated from Lindale High School and lived in the Piney Woods Town of Smith County near the intersection of Interstate 20 and Highway 69, until recently. Miranda Lambert Store and Red 55 Winery in Lindale is an accessory. Evidence of Miranda is Lindale is citywide. Here's an excellent profile of Miranda written by my friend and former colleague Mario Tarradell, who spent a day with her in Lindale.
Authorities were initially unaware of the sign had been vandalized to the Summer Dashe, who works for the ABC affiliate in nearby Tyler, they realized that the way to another story.
Jamey Boyum video journalist reported that the director of public works in the city, Henry Rinlee. Rinlee said he had not realized before this.
"They should leave it alone, but I guess not everyone is a fan," added Rinlee.
The sign on the north side of the city had not been white, and by the time I reached the Lindale City Council had spread. City Manager Craig Lindholm had only heard of him.
"This is news to the city. Did not have a report from the police about any vandalism to the sign, so this is new to us, and we are in the process of investigating now., I think it's terrible that anyone would do that. Miranda is extremely important to the city of Lindale and any distortion of your image here; we take very seriously, "Lindholm said.
Police Chief Daniel Somes Lindale is already looking at her.
"There are people, who represent the good of the city and are proud of, and someone takes the time and effort to do something like this is very disappointing. Obviously, if we realize that we did we will take appropriate measures", Somes said.
Justice of the Peace James Cowart said that those responsible are prosecuted.
"Most people like to brag about things like this, so when we found out who he is, law enforcement will take care of it and deliver it to the court and we will take care of it," said Cowart.
Someone is going to pay a heavy price for a joke that nobody thinks is funny. The responsible person can be arrested and could face state jail felony if the damage exceeds $ 1,500.
The other two signs in Tyler Miranda Lambert were not vandalized.
In a follow-up article, reported that officers attempted to remove the marks of vandalism, but so far have not been able to. The Rotary Club Lindale owns and maintains the sign. They have contacted the company that made the signal for a replacement, estimated to cost about $ 1,000.
Since the cost of fixing the signal is now more than $ 500, the crime has increased to a Class A misdemeanor.
"When the person is apprehended, yes, the person would be responsible for the refund, and I'm sure there would be some penalties that would be associated with it and although it would be a misdemeanor I think at that level could get some jail time for this "said:
The Rotary Club Lindale expected to be reimbursed for the cost of the signal, and the city just wants to put this behind them.
