The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes for The Quill
You may or may not believe in Santa Claus but Austin Ray is pretty certain there truly is a Grinch.
Thieves damaged and stole part of the Todd Hamilton commemorative "Welcome to Oquawka' sign at the east edge of the village along highway 164 the 15-year-old Union High School senior spearheaded as his Eagle Scout project last year.
A second sign at the south end of town was not damaged.
The thieves tore the "Boyhood Home of Todd Hamilton" portion of the sign from its fasteners beneath the larger portion of the sign, leaving the upper portion damaged.
Ray and his parents noticed the vandalism early Dec. 25 while on their way to a family Christmas dinner.
Ray said the Henderson County Sheriff's office was quick to respond to his report of the incident.
"They were right out there checking for tire tracks and footprints," Ray said.
That diligence on the part of the sheriff's office and a CrimeStoppers tip paid off in the Dec. 29 apprehension of Brandy N. Aden, 18, Oquawka, and the Dec. 31 arrest of Brandon E. Orton, 26, 310 S. East St., Kirkwood, Ill.
Both are charged with theft and criminal damage.
Authorities also recovered the stolen monument sign along the Mississippi river bank at Delabar State Park Dec. 29.
Aden was charged and released on a notice to appear. Orton was charged and released on $100 bond.
Damage to the sign is estimated at $1,700.
Ray said he will still receive credit for the project, but will need to provide scout officials with information regarding the vandalism.
Orton and Aden are to appear in Henderson County Circuit Court January 29.