Post by jinxx47 on Oct 18, 2007 17:10:34 GMT -5
Sevier County High School's bear mascot is missing
October 12, 2007
By KRISTYN HENTSCHEL
6 News Reporter
SEVIERVILLE (WATE) -- The Sevier County High School bears are missing their mascot.
The school's symbolic statue was stolen months ago, and while trying to replace it, the administration has run into even more problems.
The mascot at the school is the Smoky Bear and everywhere you look, there are signs of that.
The 300 pound, 5' tall bear was on top of the school's gym until vandals took it.
"It shocked us," says Principal Toby Ward.
The school has been without the bear for months now. Local law enforcement has even gotten involved. Still, there's no sign of the bear.
"At least a couple times a week, people are asking if we're getting a new bear and what happened to the bear. People are really concerned in the community about the bear," says school secretary Star Parton.
But soon after, school officials raised $4,500 to buy another bear from Fibre Techual Inc., out of Rockford, Illinois.
"We sent a certified check for half of the bear," Ward says.
Ten months later, the school has only gotten excuses from the owner. He's even told the principal the bear was in quarantine.
"I said that's not the truth. Tell me what's really wrong," Ward says.
The school known for its mascot is just hoping one day, Smoky will be back where he belongs.
The owner of Fibre Techual tells 6 News on Friday he apologizes for the incredibly long delays and the school can expect to have the bear by October 19.
The missing bear looks like this illustration.
October 12, 2007
By KRISTYN HENTSCHEL
6 News Reporter
SEVIERVILLE (WATE) -- The Sevier County High School bears are missing their mascot.
The school's symbolic statue was stolen months ago, and while trying to replace it, the administration has run into even more problems.
The mascot at the school is the Smoky Bear and everywhere you look, there are signs of that.
The 300 pound, 5' tall bear was on top of the school's gym until vandals took it.
"It shocked us," says Principal Toby Ward.
The school has been without the bear for months now. Local law enforcement has even gotten involved. Still, there's no sign of the bear.
"At least a couple times a week, people are asking if we're getting a new bear and what happened to the bear. People are really concerned in the community about the bear," says school secretary Star Parton.
But soon after, school officials raised $4,500 to buy another bear from Fibre Techual Inc., out of Rockford, Illinois.
"We sent a certified check for half of the bear," Ward says.
Ten months later, the school has only gotten excuses from the owner. He's even told the principal the bear was in quarantine.
"I said that's not the truth. Tell me what's really wrong," Ward says.
The school known for its mascot is just hoping one day, Smoky will be back where he belongs.
The owner of Fibre Techual tells 6 News on Friday he apologizes for the incredibly long delays and the school can expect to have the bear by October 19.
The missing bear looks like this illustration.