Toilet Topiary Ticks Off Neighbors
Suburban woman fined for planted potties
By TARA GRIMES
Updated 1:19 PM CST, Tue, Jul 28, 2009
A Lakemoor woman’s potty planters aren’t causing a stink in her neighborhood, but they are creating quite a stir.
Tina Asmus is calling the two old toilets and bathroom sink in her front lawn “art piece planters,” but police call them an ordinance violation, the Daily Herald reported.
Asmus was issued a $25 noncompliance ticket Monday for her planters after her 30-day warning ticket expired. Police and village officials said she is violating the law that says items that are "no longer safely usable for the purpose for which it was manufactured" are prohibited. She has 10 days to pay the ticket or she will be given a court day.
Asmus is sticking up for her potty planters though. She said Tuesday she will go to court to fight to keep her lawn ornaments.
"I think this is absolutely ridiculous," Asmus told the Daily Herald. "The village is in debt and they are suing me over a couple of potty planters. It's stupid."
Lakemoor Police Chief Rick Iverson said he has issued about 100 notices of violation of the same ordinance, but most of those cited have complied.
The toilet planters cost around $100 to make and inside each holds daisies, angel’s breath, lilies and other flower. Asmus claims her yard has been neat for years.
"I should be allowed to put out whatever kind of planter I want as long as it's not obscene," she said. "And, this isn't obscene."
Lets see if the courts agree ... will Asmus be able to flush away this ticket?
First Published: Jul 2, 2009 2:18 PM CST
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