In honor of Jacob Wetterling

Lilli Schneider, Staples-Motley student, paid tribute to Jacob Wetterling and his family by painting the large rock located at Odden’s Park on 8th St. NE in Staples. “I thought it was a devastating story that really happened quite close to us,” said Schneider. Wetterling, age 11, was abducted from near his St. Joseph home and murdered in 1989. His remains were found this summer near Paynesville.

“I go by the park a lot and was disappointed the rock kept getting vandalized,” said Schneider. “I wanted something that fit in the park and had meaning and purpose.”

Schneider started with the number 11, which was Wetterling’s little league number and has been used by many to represent him, then added fireworks and trees. “I feel the red and white fireworks give it a patriotic feel and the trees on the rock make it feel like it fits right into the park.” (Submitted photos)