BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC) – The City of Bettendorf said it is replacing a beloved statue that was stolen in early 2025.
The city said Bettendorf City Council voted Tuesday to hire an artist to replicate and replace the “Skipper” statue that was stolen from Leach Park last year.
The “skipper” statue at Leach Park in Bettendorf was stolen on Jan. 8. The bronze statue is valued at $4,000-$5,000. Police ask for the public’s help to bring the “skipper” home.(KWQC, Bettendorf Police Department)
In the last several months, the city said it has reconnected with the original creator of “Skipper,” Ted McElhiney, who is in his early 90s.
Since McElhiney no longer creates art, the city said it has been working with his son, Mark, to explore other artists.
An artist from Omaha, Nebraska, will recreate the original work in the next six months, the city said.
“’Skipper’ became a Bettendorf icon because of its location in a key space in our city and its relatable design of a child skipping a rock,” said John Byrnes, parks and recreation director. “We are so excited that we were able to find an artist who can preserve that history and keep it as part of Bettendorf’s future.”
Officials said police arrested Romeo F. Radcliff, 33, of Davenport, in connection with the incident. Radcliff pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
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