Photo Provided STANDING WITH their newly installed welcome sign at the entrance of the city of Martins Ferry this week are Martins Ferry Lions Club members and city workers. From left are Don Mew, Mike Miklas, Jeremy Shrodes, Don Headley and Tim Woollard.

MARTINS FERRY — Those visiting the city of Martins Ferry will receive a bright new welcome, thanks to a new sign installed this week.

The Martins Ferry Lions Club, with help from city workers and Mayor John Davies, installed the sign on Hanover Street a few yards up from the Ohio 7 intersection.

Bruce Shrodes, Lions Club member and a city councilman, said the old wooden sign was falling apart and needed to be replaced.

“The new sign replaces the previous one, which was donated by the David Leach family. That one is being refurbished by the city to be used at another location,” Shrodes said.

The new, bright white sign with a colorful logo and city of Martins Ferry seal was created by Marybeth and Phil Yocum of Ultimate Signs and Graphics of Martins Ferry. The sign’s text says “Welcome to Martins Ferry, Ohio’s first settlement.”

“The old sign’s supports had rotted and the sign had fallen down. Originally we were going to refurbish and put it back up,” Shrodes said.

“The one we replaced it with will last much longer and is more visible. The old sign is being restored and will be used at the north end of town.”

Shrodes noted the Lions Club is always looking for new members. Applications for membership can be picked up at Ferry Hardware on Zane Highway.

“The Lions Club has been very active in helping Martins Ferry through various projects, such as: the city welcome wall and sign, the veterans’ wall at the city park, the new playground at the city park, placing flags on veterans graves at Riverview Cemetery, and providing college scholarships to name a few,” he said.