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

Sparks, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — A homeowners association told a Sparks homeowner that she had to take down her suicide awareness signs or face fines. The HOA said the signs are against their rules and regulations. She's now taking her message to a much bigger stage.

Every year, Kerri Countess puts up two dozen signs on her lawn. Many have photos of local teens who have died by suicide. They also have a message from their family on them. Countess puts the signs up for the month of September which is suicide awareness month. She's posted the signs on her lawn every September, for years.

"Lots of kids (living) around here and these messages are important," Countess said.

But as News 4/Fox 11 previously reported, the signs are not in compliance with the Wingfield Spring Community Association rules

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

The HOA decided to fine Countess $100 unless all the teen photo signs come down now.

The other colorful signs with positive messages, that also include the 988 suicide hotline, have to come down by October 1 or she'll face a $100 fine each week.

"So it wasn't any surprise because I knew that I was in a room full of heartless people. There was no I'm sorry you lost your son. We we empathize or we understand what your cause is," Countess said.

The HOA wouldn't talk to News 4/Fox 11 or give a statement.

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 raised to pay for five digital billboards in town. The colorful messages are seen by thousands of cars a day.

"So we're raising our voice, right? So we're just using the resources that we have available 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 that explains the fines Kerri Countess faces if she doesn't remove the yard signs: