A mossy sign welcoming visitors to Dockton has sprouted up where, last spring, culprits snatched the big, stainless steel one that had been there since 2010.

In recognition of the importance of Dockton’s cultural and historical heritage, the original sign was erected as part of the Dockton Historic Trail project, funded by county grants and private donations. It was designed by islander Richard Farner and crafted by Bob Powell of Metal Creature using a water jet cutter.

Thieves had to saw through eight half-inch steel lugs fastening the original sign to its posts. It has not been recovered, and the site has been targeted by vandalism once more in the last year.

— Paul Rowley