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Porter Sculpture Park on I-90 vandalized

One of many sculptures damaged by vandals at Porter Sculpture Park
Wayne Porter
/
Courtesy
One of many sculptures damaged by vandals at Porter Sculpture Park

The Porter Sculpture Park can’t be missed along I-90 in McCook County. The iconic roadside attraction fell victim to vandalism this week.

Multiple large sculptures were spray-painted and some sculptures were taken apart.

Owner and sculptor Wayne Porter said it’s the time these projects took that to create rather than their monetary value that hurts most.

“A head of a ram takes two to three months to make, and four of them were cut off the structures and taken – so that’s pushing a year of my life,” Porter said.

Despite the vandalism, Porter said he still wants to give humanity the benefit of the doubt.

“Most people are good people – and I know this," Porter said. "But when something like this happens you start wondering and it takes a piece away from you. We remember, most people are good people and they’re empathetic. You don’t want this to damage that part of you.”

The McCook County Sheriff’s Office say they are aware of the situation and the issue is under investigation.

Porter is offering a $1,000 reward for the safe return of the stolen sculptures.

C.J. Keene is a Rapid City-based journalist covering the legal system, education, and culture