The Ironton Port Authority asked for a sign of generosity, and they certainly received it.

The economic development group was working with the mayor's office to help give Ironton a flashy new set of signs at city entrances by applying for a $2,000 grant from Ohio's Appalachian Country to help improve look of the main entrances to the city.

Through the combined donations of the Lions and Rotary clubs, the IPA got the funding they needed, and have already begun work on the project.

The sign for the Park Avenue/State Route 93 entrance to the city, a sandblasted sign made from composite wood, has already been ordered.

A new metal sign with a similar look will be placed at the Coal Grove entrance to the city. The metal sign currently at the State Route 93 entrance will be relocated to the Hanging Rock entrance.

The entrance from State Route 141 is currently set to feature a large, double-face brick and iron sign designed to compliment the adjacent Ohio University Southern campus.

"They're very attractive signs, and I think that with the way they will be placed and presented they will be something we can all be proud of," said Mayor John Elam.

All gateways will be the site of some landscaping to improve the look of the entrances even further. Besides giving Ironton an attractive new veneer, the IPA hopes that new signage would make the city an easier sell to incoming businesses

Additional support for the new signage was provided by the V.F.W., the Elks Club, the Lions Club, the Moose Club and the Knights of Columbus. Borders for the landscaping will be donated by a company called Border Magic.

The grant is a part of "Make a Difference Day," Sat., Oct. 22, the largest single day of volunteering in America. Much of the work for the sign project must be done on that day.

Any civic groups or individuals that would like to be involved with the project can contact the mayor's office at (740) 532-3833.