Police recover stolen cemetery sign
For the Gazette
PORTAGE COUNTY – Mayor Mike Wiza announced today that the missing sign from Union Cemetery on Water Street was recovered by the Stevens Point Police Department.
An anonymous tip lead to a search warrant that was executed on July 29 th and resulted in the recovery of the missing sign. The warrant was served at a property west of Stevens Point on County Highway C. The sign was found displayed in a pole shed on the property along with other stolen signs.
“I am elated that our officers were able to recover the sign”, said Mayor Mike Wiza. “I’m also grateful that someone came forward to help us recover this piece of Stevens Point history. We have a few minor repairs to make and we’ll get the sign back home very soon.”
The sign went missing in mid-May of 2020 and a significant community effort was taken to try and find the historic sign. An anonymous citizen had pledged $500 as part of a reward and will be making good on his pledge. Andy Vollert, a local fabricator, had offered to help make a replacement for the missing sign and will be consulted on the needed repair work.
“Happy is an understatement of how everyone is feeling right now”, Wiza continued. “Our Parks Director and employees, Police Chief and officers, and us at City Hall will be smiling for a while. Having the sign back is almost like a homecoming for a friend. We people drive by, I hope they see it the same way, too, and smile.”
For more information, contact Mayor Mike Wiza at 715-345-1570.