Religious Sign Discussed at Hawkins City Council Meeting

HAWKINS — The debate heats up over a sign on Hawkins city property. No action was taken, but it was standing room only at Monday night’s city council meeting. Most people who spoke were in favor of keeping a sign that reads, “Jesus Welcomes You to Hawkins.” However, one resident noted that it would be cheaper to move it to private property than to get involved in a lawsuit — which is what is being threatened by the group Freedom from Religion if it’s not relocated off city grounds. The speaker added that if it’s moved from Highway 80, they could make the sign even bigger. The out-of-state group says the sign’s location violates separation of church and state. Mayor Will Rogers wants to fight the group.