Why do stree lights go out randomly, and what is the star?

A star? Well, in a particular state or community in the U.S. it means one thing; in another state or community it means something else. Of course in Oz it can mean yet another thing, while in some towns in Germany it means something else. Meanwhile, in Bolivia . . .

Oh my god I SO believe the streetlight thing! I’ll bet is peole walking causing a vibration or something like that. One of those things that someone eventually discovers years later. That is so great. I love stuff like that that is sort of on the edge of truth/reality, like ball lightning.

Some signs may indicate a route to the nearest ER; some may get plowed; some may be subject to parking restrictions.
Pick one!
C’on Dopers! How many different things could a special mark on a street sign mean?

Historic street
Snow clearance priority
Nuclear evacuation route
School bus route
Special honor to street namesake
Public street vs dedicated street vs private street
Street with reservoir for fire tank truck (exurban and rural)
. . .

How many more do you want?

When I was a kid, the street lights on Main Street had two wires running between them so we would grab the guy wire at the end and start shaking it to get those two wires to cross and short out all the streetlights on one side of the block. Then they got smart and put in a single wire and ruined our fun.

The star after the street name indicates a footnote. Reading it sometimes requires a bit of effort. Remember to wear ear protection when using the jackhammer.

LOL