The Gridley community had a historic day Sept. 12 when the Manzanita Elementary School District bell was found and returned.
The bell was stolen in November 2021, and a years-long search ensued.
The district’s Superintendent and Principal Joe Lodigiani said in statement that the bell was secured thanks to the efforts of the Yuba and Butte County sheriff’s offices. The bell is now at the top of a shelf in storage on the school’s campus. The original bell dates back to 1868 and the original school house, Lodigiani said.
The original bell that was stolen in 2021 rests on a storage shelf in Gridley, California. (Ulises Duenas/Contributed)
Lodigiani told this newspaper that there are currently no plans for when the bell will be reinstalled in its original spot in front of the school. A replica of the bell is currently displayed where the original one was.
The replica was made after collecting donations from the community that would either go to a reward for the bell’s return or a replica, Lodigiani said. After a while, the feeling was that a reward wouldn’t be used and the replica was made.
The replica bell is currently displayed with a plaque that marked 150 years of the school district. The plaque was dedicated in 2018 by the Darin and Amanda Pantaleoni and displayed with the original bell.
When asked if there were any plans for a community or school celebration for the bell’s return, Lodigiani reiterated that there were currently no plans of any kind. He then added that the day of the original’s retrieval will be marked, and he’s “hoping it’s something we can celebrate for many years.”
Related Articles
Food grant to support Paradise schools
Vouchers ease start-up stress for churches seeing demand for more Christian schools
Chico State reps to visit in college day at Oroville Southside Center
Chess tournament draws over 200 young competitors
Ask the Pediatrician: 10 tips to keep children healthy and happy in school
+ There are no comments
Add yours