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Beloved sculpture returned to Franklin College

FRANKLIN, Ind. (WISH) – Franklin College’s beloved sculpture Ruff-n-Tuff has been returned to campus, according to officials.

The bronze sculpture of two wrestling bear cubs was stolen from campus on Friday morning or late Thursday night. On Tuesday morning around 1:15 a.m., the sculpture appeared at the entrance to Grizzly Park off Greensburg Road. Luckily Ruff-n-Tuff was undamaged.

“Ruff-n-Tuff are back home and undamaged,” said Thomas J. Minar, Franklin College president. “We are thankful someone realized how very important the sculpture is to the college and community and returned it. A big thank you goes to the Franklin Police Department and the local media for sharing the story, which most likely led to the sculpture’s return to campus. Ruff-n-Tuff forever.”

The college said the gift was from beloved Board of Trustee Margot Lacy Ecles, PH.D, who passed away in 2012. The statue was a gift in 2011.

No suspects have been arrested in the case.

Anyone with information should contact the Franklin Police Department at 317-736-3670.