Dorri Partain
Across the Northeast, residents are reporting that metal plaques – located in parks and even attached to homes- are suddenly going missing as metal thieves strike under the cover of darkness. Most notably, these missing plaques paid tribute to servicemen during World War I and a Missouri Legislator.
Located at Van Brunt Boulevard and Budd Park Esplanade, the American Legion Memorial Fountain held two cast bronze plaques featuring scenes of sailors in action and soldiers (doughboys) on the other. Designed by Kansas City metal sculptor Robert Merrill Gage, this fountain was dedicated on Nov. 2, 1921 and moved from Ninth and Main streets to its Northeast location in 1959…