An Indiana businessman is using two digital billboards to inject humor into the national conversation about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
“Really? You’re sure about this?” one billboard asks as travelers approach the Michigan border on northbound I-69. A second billboard on southbound I-69 welcomes Michiganders into Indiana, “A Free-to-Roam State.”
A Swick Broadcasting Company billboard on southbound I-69 near the Michigan-Indiana border welcomes Michiganders to Indiana, "A Free-To-Roam State."Steve Swick
Michigan’s neighbor to the south is farther along in its reopening process following a statewide stay-home order aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus. Michigan remains under stay-home order through June 12, although some businesses are allowed to reopen in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.
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The billboards are not meant to be political, said Steve Swick - the man behind the quips. He’s the president and owner of Swick Broadcasting Company.
"I see and feel the frustration of Michigan residents who just want a sense of normalcy,” said Swick, who lived in Michigan for 44 years and still owns property and has employees in the state. “We see Michiganders coming over the border daily.”
Those people are seeking services like haircuts and dine-in restaurants, he said.
“Our governor has taken methodical step’s in getting Indiana open for business and getting closer to returning to some sense of normalcy,” Swick said.
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