By Keith Gushard
Meadville Tribune
HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP — “It irritates me,” said Fred Cunning-ham, Crawford County’s director of Veterans Services.
At least four copper veterans markers were taken from graves in a cemetery on Grange Center Road in Hayfield Township — a large cemetery across French Creek from Saegertown Borough — according to Pennsylvania State Police at Meadville. The thefts of the markers, which stand about a foot and a half high, were discovered Thursday.
Cunningham said he was aware of a theft of markers in the Pittsburgh area, but it’s the first he’s heard of anything happening locally.
The markers are provided by the government at no cost to the veteran, but the copper markers cost about $50 each.
“We won’t replace them (with copper ones) because they’ll get stolen,” Cunningham said. “We replace them with aluminum pot metal ones.”
The aluminum markers cost about $6 each.
The thefts may be sparked by about a 50 percent rise in scrap metal prices in the past year.
Copper, which was going for about $2.10 per pound a year ago, now fetches $3.25 a pound; while brass, which was going for $1.20 per pound a year ago, now brings $1.70 a pound, according to Norm Eaton, president of Meadville Metal Co.
His firm doesn’t take the markers as scrap because they’re stolen.
“My staff is well aware of it,” he said. “I don’t buy them.”
Eaton can’t remember the last time someone tried to sell one of the markers to his firm.
“They’re stealing something they can’t sell,” he said.
Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.
Local News
Copper markers stolen from vets’ graves
- Local News
-
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
-
Local legislators: Corbett budget off to a good start
Elected officials representing Crawford County in Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives are gearing up for what looks like a lengthy budget process.
-
Crawford Central's Heller says new budget plan hobbles school districts
Area educators haven’t had a lot of time to mull over the implications of the budget proposal presented Tuesday to a joint meeting of Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
-
District Judge Chisholm nears record for ‘longest serving’
Magisterial District Judge William Chisholm is in line to set a new record by becoming Crawford County’s longest-serving magistrate.
-
Traveling breast cancer exhibit to make local stop
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition is bringing its traveling photo exhibit, “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania,” to Crawford County March 1 through 10.
-
Judge Chisholm’s memories run deep
Looking back over his 26 years as a district magisterial judge, Judge William Chisholm has many memories of special events — even some humorous ones.
-
Fire guts historic Vernon Township building
“Another landmark gone,” Sandy Porter of the Crawford County Historical Society said as he looked across the street at the large red-brick building gutted by fire early Sunday just outside Meadville’s city limits.
-
No snow? Road crews have plenty to keep them busy
Patching potholes, clearing ditches and readying equipment for spring projects: Those are a few of the ways area crews have been keeping busy in recent days as Mother Nature’s decidedly spring-like behavior has caused road departments to start switching gears.
-
News analysis: Romney proves he's tough and adaptable
Mitt Romney’s resounding win in the Florida GOP primary last week is a warning shot to any Democrats who think the former Massachusetts governor will be a soft target.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
