Longtime Calhoun County Clerk Richard Kirby turned 50 yesterday, not without notice. Kirby, use to having cars "decorated" on such auspicious occasions, hid his vehicle about a block away from the courthouse.

It didn't work. The gremlins located the vehicle and plastered it with signs, the joking kind, about the 5-0.

Kirby's office staff was kinder with balloons and refreshments.

Kirby said turning 50 "Is not all that bad."

Photo courtesy of Diane Ludwig