‘Just how racist this sign could be’: Gee, Ursula react to I-5 Uncle Sam billboard’s recent sale
Jun 11, 2025, 5:00 AM | Updated: 11:30 am
The Uncle Sam billboard on I-5. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The drive on I-5 between Seattle to Portland will soon look a little different. The property surrounding a controversial Uncle Sam billboard, which would greet drivers as they left or entered Chehalis, was bought by the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, The Seattle Times reported Friday.
Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin, co-hosts of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, agreed the sign didn’t send positive messages. However, Gee found them amusing.
“Here’s my unpopular opinion about this topic. I used to think that sign was funny,” Gee said. “I used to laugh, and every time I would go to Portland or down there, my goal was to see just how racist this sign could be.”
Considered a local landmark by some, the sign frequently displayed opinions that echoed right-wing political rhetoric.
I-5 Uncle Sam sign known for controversial messages
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Gee added that he would “always make a point to look at it.” He also questioned what would happen if the tribe put their own messages.
“The reason why it stood out to me is because I remember making the drive from Portland to Seattle back in 1999, the first time I came (here), and I saw the sign,” Gee said. “I don’t remember what it said, but I paid attention like, ‘Whoa. That was kind of different.’ Anyways, my point is, what’s going to happen when they start telling the truth?”
The previous owners of the sign, a cattle farmer and his wife, have been criticized for using it to boast right-wing leaning conspiracy messages, at times targeting former President Barack Obama or stating inaccuracies about COVID-19.
Many locals were unhappy with the sign, and a petition was even drawn up to take it down.
Ursula noted the tribe doesn’t have a concrete plan for the sign yet, but is happy the prominent billboard is now in the hands of the tribe.
“I think there would be an opportunity for the tribe to put in some kind of educational component, learn more about the Chehalis Tribe,” she said.
Listen to the full conversation below.
Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.
