Ceremony welcomes Ashland statue back on plaza fountain

Ashland, Ore. — A statue that’s been missing from the Ashland plaza for the last two years has now been returned back home.

‘Pioneer Mike’ was vandalized back in 2014, and was taken down by the City for repair, after his musket was broken off.

The statue had to be re-cast, costing over $50,000. On Saturday, a ceremony was held to welcome ‘Pioneer Mike’ back to his home on top the fountain in the plaza.

Mayor John Stromberg spoke about the importance of preserving the town for generations to come.

“The community of Ashland stretches back into the past more than 100 years, and stretches into the future, and that’s why we have events like this, because we’re being mindful of those people with whom we have a connection, just of a different type,” Mayor Stromberg said.

The original statue was made of zinc. This time around, pioneer mike is a bronze cast, which the City says is much sturdier.