Feb 28, 2019 2 min read

The case against a Burgettstown man cited for violating the borough’s sidewalk ordinance because of a sandwich board he had placed in front of his residence was dismissed Tuesday.

District Judge Gary Havelka dismissed the citations that were issued to John Cherok II, of 1617 Main St., at the end of December and the beginning of January after he placed a message critical of borough officials on the sandwich board. Cherok contended the borough had no problem with the sign when it contained unobjectionable messages about the holidays or when borough council meetings were scheduled.

Multiple citations were issued against Cherok when he refused to take the sandwich board down. The original citation said the board did not promote the business it was in front of, nor did not describe its contents. Cherok was cited by McDonald police, which provides protection for Burgettstown.

Cherok has been at loggerheads with Burgettstown officials before. In 2014, he paid $536 to the borough after he spray-painted “SLOW 25 MPH” in bold, white letters on the road after he said he was nearly struck by speeding cars. The payment was made so Burgettstown’s public works department could remove the message and charges of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct against Cherok would be dropped.

But Cherok has since demanded his money back, contending the amount of time the public works department spent removing the graffiti was not equal to the amount he paid.

Cherok has said he will continue to use the sandwich board to advertise local meetings and events, and is also interested is filling a vacant seat on Burgettstown’s borough council.