By Allen Hamrick
The now nationally known statue that stands ominously on the state owned Elk River Trail, known as Elk River Bigfoot, has had his right arm purposefully and carelessly severed. Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before someone had to break out the saw, or shoot, burn or chop down this wooden icon. It is hard to understand why someone would think it’s a good idea to deface or disarm state property, especially something that hundreds if not thousands of people have come to enjoy.
This statue was crafted by local summer enrichment students last year in ten sweltering summer days in 95 to 100 degree weather from start to finish. Elk River Bigfoot has been recognized by the West Virginia Paranormal Trail as part of their network of haunted places to visit. He is on national registers with GPS coordinates for Bigfoot hunters and has grown into an attraction for Clay County. The site has created a ton of anticipation and fun for visitors and whoever did this apparently cares little for any of it. Whoever thought it was a good idea to do this, go ahead and brag about it, the WV State Park System would love to pat you on the back and hear your side of the story.
As Clay Countians, we need to take care of each other and our treasures and never accept this kind of cowardice. I mean, how tough or famous does it make you when you deface and destroy something positive in a county of so little?