HOA threatens fines for Sparks woman's suicide signs, she takes to the streets

Sparks, Nevada (News 4 & Fox 11) – A homeowners association told a Sparks homeowner she must remove her suicide awareness signs or face fines. The HOA said the signs violated its rules and regulations. Now she's taking her message to a much larger stage.

Each year, Kerri Countess posts two dozen signs on her lawn. Many have photos of local teenagers who died by suicide. They also carry a message from their family. Countess puts up the signs for the month of September, which is Suicide Awareness Month. She has posted the signs on her lawn every September for years.

“There are a lot of children living here and these messages are important,” Countess said.

But as News 4/Fox 11 previously reported, the signs do not comply with Wingfield Spring Community Association rules

Countess had a hearing with the board earlier this month. The members have just come back with their decision.

The HOA has decided to fine the Countess $100 unless all of the teen photo signs are taken down now.

The other colorful signs with positive messages, which include the suicide hotline 988, must be removed by October 1 or face a $100 weekly fine.

“So it wasn’t a surprise because I knew I was in a room full of heartless people. I was sorry that you lost your son. We sympathize or we understand what your issue is,” Countess said.

The HOA did not want to speak to News 4/Fox 11 or comment.

Her Forever14 supporters raised money for the fines.

Countess took down the signs with the teens' photos because she said she didn't want to give the HOA any of her money. Instead, she used the money she raised to pay for five digital billboards around the city. The colorful messages are seen by thousands of cars every day.

“So we raise our voices, right? So we’re just using the resources that we have to amplify our voice here,” she said.

Instead of just complaining about the HOA's rules, she is now running for one of the three open board positions.

Read the HOA letter explaining the fines Kerri Countess will face if she doesn't remove the yard signs: