East Main Street’s “Welcome to Historic Mascoutah” Sign Destroyed in Crash

The sign that was decimated by the crash sits near Jo-Al Winery on Main St.

By Zachary Daum

[email protected]

In the early hours of Sunday, September 8, 2024, a car crash on State Route 177 east of Mascoutah resulted in the destruction of the town’s “Welcome to Historic Mascoutah” sign. The incident involved a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by David Morales, a resident of Mascoutah.

According to a statement from the Mascoutah Police Department, Morales was driving eastbound, leaving the city, when he lost control of his vehicle. The car veered off the roadway, crashed into a ditch, and then collided with the Mascoutah welcome sign, demolishing it. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

City Manager Cody Hawkins said of the crash, “We are getting quotes to repair the sign. We have the drivers insurance information and will be working with them for the repair cost.”

The Illinois State Police handled the crash and issued Morales several traffic citations, including driving without a valid license, failure to report the crash, improper lane usage, and failure to yield to avoid an accident.