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Work to remove a billboard illegally erected in August 1999 along U.S. 441 just south of Dillsboro began Wednesday morning. The N.C. Court of Appeals ruled in October that the sign, which was constructed by PNE AOA Media and sold last year to Lamar Outdoor Advertising, violated the county's billboard moratorium after being erected without proper N.C. Department of Transportation permits. "I'm glad this struggle is finally over. It proves that the courts will uphold local governments' attempts to be responsive to the citizens in some, but not, all cases," said county attorney Raymond Large, who expressed pleasure that the case ultimately ended in the county's favor. Lamar representative Derek Collier has not commented on whether his company plans to replace the sign. - Herald photo by Kelly Timco |