Latest news with #I5
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Controversial I-5 billboard sold to Chehalis Tribe after decades of backlash
The Brief The Chehalis Tribe purchased the property housing the controversial "Uncle Sam" billboard along I-5 in Lewis County, a symbol of free speech and local debate since the 1960s. The billboard, originally erected out of spite by Alfred Hamilton, faced legal challenges and public petitions for removal, but remains unchanged despite recent rumors. The tribe is unsure of future plans for the site, but is pleased to have acquired it, while the billboard continues to stir emotions and controversy. LEWIS COUNTY, Wash. - A decades-old lightning rod along Interstate 5 in Lewis County has officially changed hands. The Chehalis Tribe has purchased the property housing the infamous "Uncle Sam" billboard — a towering and polarizing symbol that's drawn both fierce criticism and staunch defense since it first went up in the mid-60s. What they're saying "I mean you just can't miss it. It's right on I-5," said real estate agent Israel Jimenez, who handled the sale. "Everyone, everywhere who is passing through here seems to know about it." The parcel off Exit 75 had been listed for $2.5 million. According to Jimenez, the Chehalis Tribe reached out within the first week of his posting. "The tribe doesn't even really know what they're going to do with it. They're just excited that they got it back," he said. Jimenez, a Napavine native, said the billboard has long stirred emotions. The backstory "This has been here since 1967, and just shortly after it was put up, it immediately had pushback," said Jimenez. "Within a decade there was a lawsuit to remove it." That lawsuit came in 1971, when then-Attorney General Slade Gorton sued under the Scenic Vistas Act, aiming to have the sign removed. But the Washington State Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of billboard owner Alfred Hamilto on the grounds of free speech. According to local historian Feliks Banel, the now-infamous owner originally erected the sign out of spite. "He had a turkey farm, and they put Interstate 5 through, and he got compensated for the land, but not to the degree that he wanted to because it was a public eminent domain project, and so he puts up this sign and starts making comments," said Banel. "It became literally a lightning rod for controversy." After decades of changing the messaging, Hamilton passed away in 2004. "His family members have sort of kept up the tradition, but nowhere to the degree that Mr. Hamilton did," said Banel. Local perspective In 2020, efforts to remove the billboard intensified. There was a public petition signed by more than 75,000 people and then an arson attempt too. This week, after news broke that the tribe had purchased the property, false rumors spread online that the messaging on the billboard had already been changed. FOX 13 Seattle traveled in-person to the sign location and determined the images and claims were fake. The signage has not changed in years. FOX 13 also contacted the Chehalis Tribe for comment but has not heard back. The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Lauren Donovan. Search for Travis Decker: Authorities identify 'new details, new search areas' in WA Former Army squadmate shares insight into Travis Decker's military past Woman dies after Seattle house fire; arson investigation underway Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle 11 injured after teen speeds, causes fiery crash in Lacey Man hurt after shooting near University of Washington To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Traffic collision blocks multiple lanes on southbound I-5 in North County
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Multiple lanes are blocked on southbound Interstate 5 in North County, just south of the Las Pulgas exit, due to a traffic collision, Caltrans confirmed. According to a Sig Alert from California Highway Patrol, the incident was first reported around 12:45 p.m. Based on information provided in the traffic alert, the collision reportedly involved a motorcycle and at least two other vehicles, though exact details have yet to be provided. Also noted by CHP officials, a Life Flight air transport was requested. At this time, it's unknown how many people, if any, were injured in the collision. At least three lanes remain closed due to the 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Major crash in South Sacramento closes part of Florin Road, near I-5
A crash in South Sacramento closed part of Florin Road and and Interstate 5 ramp on Saturday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol said. Sacramento Police said the crash happened near Florin Road and Greenhaven Drive. Due to the crash and Sacramento Police investigation, westbound Florin Road, west of I-5, and the southbound I-5 off-ramp to westbound Florin Road were closed. The northbound I-5 off-ramp to westbound Florin Road was closed as well. 🚨🚨TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Officers on scene of a major traffic collision near Florin Rd and Greenhaven Dr. traffic is impacted in this area. Please plan alternate routes. — Sacramento Police Department (@SacPolice) June 7, 2025 The CHP said the roadways would be closed for around six to eight hours. Police described the crash as a major traffic collision, but officials have not yet released any information about potential injuries or the number of people involved in the crash.
CBS News
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
I-5 crash near Lathrop leaves box truck cab hanging over San Joaquin River
A box truck driver found themselves precariously hanging above the San Joaquin River after a crash along Interstate 5 early Friday morning. California Highway Patrol says the crash happened a little after 5 a.m., south of Lathrop. Exactly what led up to the truck crashing is unclear, but the tractor ended up crashing through the guardrail of the freeway – leaving the cab hanging over the San Joaquin River. Scene of the crash. CHP Stockton First responders were able to quickly stabilize the vehicle so that they could start a vertical rescue. Using a ladder truck, Lathrop-Manteca Fire District says a firefighter was lowered onto the cab. A harness was then placed on the driver and they were taken back to solid ground. The rescue operation took less than 30 minutes. The driver was not hurt in the crash, firefighters say. Some diesel fuel leaked onto the river below, prompting an environment clean-up crew to be called to the scene to contain it. Several lanes of southbound I-5 were impacted through the morning. The lanes weren't cleared until a little before noon.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
WSDOT warns of '7-mile backups' Monday and Tuesday in south Thurston County. Here's why
Daytime travelers could see seven-mile backups on southbound Interstate 5 approaching Grand Mound on Monday and Tuesday, the state Department of Transportation announced. WSDOT maintenance crews plan to reduce southbound I-5 to one lane in order to fill gaps and potholes in the road. Lane closures begin at the U.S. Highway 12 ramp to southbound I-5. The work will take place from 6 a.m. to noon, Monday and Tuesday. WSDOT asks the following of motorists: ▪ Consider rescheduling discretionary trips. ▪ Travel before or after work hours. ▪ Add two hours of extra travel time. ▪ Check your vehicle's gasoline tank or have a fully charged vehicle. Crews need warm and dry conditions to perform the repairs. The forecast high is 74 and 75 degrees Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. The repairs will help reduce the rate of deterioration on the roadway, according to WSDOT.
