| Reward offered in anti-refinery vandalism caseBy Paul Buum, Editor/PublisherELK POINT – Union County law enforcement officials are on the lookout for someone who spray painted “Vote No” on state highways near where the proposed Hyperion Energy Center may be built in west central Union County.Last Friday afternoon highway workers discovered the graffiti in eleven different locations on State Highways 48 and 50, with anti-refinery flyers attached to highway signs near the graffiti.Sheriff Dan Limoges said the fliers had the state slogan of “Great Faces, Great Places” with a picture of Mt. Rushmore that looked “smoggy”, with the addition of “Vote No Hyperion” on them.Road crews used sandblasting equipment to remove the graffiti by Monday afternoon.Refinery opponents and supports have both condemned the vandalism and say they hope those responsible are caught.Limoges said the act of spray painting the highway is considered vandalism and that charges can be filed against those responsible. He asks that anyone with information contact the sheriff’s office at (605)356-2679, or an anonymous tip can be left by calling Crime Stoppers at (605)367-7007, where a reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. |
