Who whacked Woody?

$500+ reward offered

By TOM KANE

COCHECTON — Anyone providing information that will lead to the apprehension of the Woody “whacker” will receive a $500 reward from the Cochecton Preservation Society.

“We intend to prosecute if the vandals are caught,” said preservation society president Woody Schlegel. “Other people want to add to the amount of the reward. Anyone wishing to contribute should contact June Tegeler at the First National Bank of Jeffersonville,” he added.

By this past Monday, March 19, the society had received several calls from individuals wishing to increase the reward.

Last week, Woody II, a large wooden representation of a bear which stands next to Route 97 in front of the society’s reconstructed Cochecton Railroad Station, was vandalized, his face and hands cut off by an ax. The culprits tried to cut him down at the feet. This is the second serious incident of vandalism against the bear. The original Woody was stolen, cut off at the feet with a chain saw.

The bear was affectionately named after Schlegel.

“This behavior is intolerable and we will prosecute if the society does not,” said Cochecton Town Supervisor Sal Indelicato.

The case is under investigation by the New York State police.