In the above photo, the “Welcome to Albany” sign had one support completely severed at the ground and the actual sign received severe and likely unrepairable damage. Police are still looking for the individuals responsible.

Albany Police Chief Ernest Guffey said Mayor Nicky Smith was going to address the council Tuesday night, too late for press deadline, and request a reward be offered for any information leading to the prosecution of those involved.

“Somebody has to tell us something before we can figure out who did this,” Guffey said.

Guffey said during the investigation, a fire extinguisher was found in the ditch which he believes is what was used to destroy the signs and mailboxes.

“It had to be something heavy like a baseball bat,” Guffey said. “I believe they used the fire extinguisher.”

In addition to the signs being vandalized, Sheriff Rick Riddle said four to five mailboxes where also vandalized along U.S. Hwy 127. Riddle estimated the damage to be around $500 for the mailboxes alone.