Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

'Oinkers' become a major problem

Workers in the city of Prescott have a new task  hog catching.

The city has faced an unusual problem in recent weeks as a herd of wild hogs have invaded the western section of town and are rooting up the ground at the DeAnn Cemetery. City workers are addressing the problem by setting traps. As of press time, there were nine fewer hogs running wild in the city.

While the idea of a herd of wild hogs may seem an amusing and minor situation, the fact is its costing the city in time and materials to repair damage. In at least one instance, a tombstone was overturned by the animals.

Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor addressed the problem during the regular March meeting of the Prescott City Council. At that point, Taylor said the first of the hogs had been trapped and warned council members that they might be getting calls about shooting in the cemetery as Prescott City Police had increased patrols in that area.

Weve put up traps and theyre baited with corn, Taylor said. That seems to be whats working best.

Taylor said the animals are then being given away.

Acting Nevada County Chamber of Commerce Director Mary Godwin said Monday that city workers had returned to the cemetery again to fill holes and level ground rooted up by the hogs.

During the council meeting, Godwin announced that a new chamber director has been selected. Brandy Jones will begin work later this week and will be welcomed into her position with a reception on May 13.

In other business, council members heard from Firestone Plant Manager Ray Oxley who said he was only on hand to meet the council members.

Im not here to ask for anything, Oxley said.