Vandals strike fountain, again

Big Brother might just come in handy. An unidentified foam-producing substance was once again placed in the Court Square fountain in the early morning hours yesterday by persons unknown.

The last time vandalism to the fountain occurred was May 29, 2006. At that time, an unknown substance was placed in both the Court Square fountain, causing around $400 in damage, and in the fountain located at 155 Health Way Drive, causing more than $1,000 in damage. No perpetrators were apprehended and the case remains unsolved.

‘We have warned people before that this is vandalism and this time it is serious,’ said McMinnville Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown. ‘They have obviously forgotten we have cameras down there.’

The Chamber of Commerce has installed two cameras downtown. At the time of installation, the cameras were said to have several benefits. One such benefit was to deter thefts or vandalism because the cameras have the ability to record.

Officials will be reviewing the recordings in hopes of identifying the person(s) responsible for the vandalism. If the act is caught on tape, it will be handed over to McMinnville Police to be used in its investigation.