Dixon statue repaired, reinstalled following vandalism

DIXON - A memorial pelican statue was back on its feet following recent vandalism shortly after it was installed.

The Dixon Park District put up the statue last week off Lincoln Statue Drive as a memorial to Sharon U. Thompson, who died in October 2019 at the age of 77. Thompson was elected Lee County treasurer in 1974 and served for 20 years. She also was active in many community organizations.

Her family made a donation to the district for the statue, which is next to the river, and a dedication was planned for family members Sunday.

District officials found the statue ripped off its pedestal and knocked down, and Saturday they offered a $1,000 reward to anyone providing information leading police to those responsible.

The statue was repaired Saturday, and the dedication took place as planned Sunday. The district plans to install a security camera at the statue.

Anyone with information can call Dixon police at 815-288-5511, or the anonymous reward hotline, Lee-Ogle Crime Stoppers, at 888-228-4488.