Driving out the winding roads of Lawrence County one will see construction signs, speed limit signs, children playing and even deer crossing, but one would hardly expect to see a "Critters Crossing" sign.

Nevertheless, the sign stands, "Caustion Critters Crossing 5 MPH" on County Road 19 in Kitts Hill. Two signs let motorists know they are approaching the Besco's residence from both directions.

"The misspelling is intentional," Roger Besco said. "We wanted it that way."

The couple put the sign up 8 years ago, shortly after moving there, because of the way people drive out the road.

"People use this road like they do the highway, driving 50 and 60 miles an hour," Brenda Besco said.

Brenda Besco said she told a friend who works with wood she wanted a sign to put out to slow people down.

"One day he showed up and surprised me with two," Brenda Besco said.

Her surprise has managed to change the driving habits of some out that road.

"We have a lot of people who drive slow to look at the animals," Brenda Besco said.

And there are plenty of animals at which to look. The Bescos have more than 50 on their 80 acres of land.

Twelve cattle, 14 goats, seven dogs, seven horses, four miniature horses, five miniature donkeys, one mule and some peacocks, chickens and turkeys all fill the farm.

"It's like a different world out here," Brenda Besco said. "It's like my own little world. It's peaceful and quiet. It's relaxing and calms me."

She attributes the atmosphere primarily to the calming effect of the animals.

"They've all got a personality of their own," Brenda Besco said. "Like kids, they'll get by with whatever they can. If they know they can't do something they won't, but they'll try first."

Even if the signs were unsuccessful at slowing people down, they are landmarkers.

"That's how I tell people where I live, by the signs," Brenda Besco said. "Everybody knows the signs."

The Dart is a weekly feature in which a reporter throws a dart at a map of Lawrence County and finds a story where it lands.