Cheyenne Mayor Speaks Out On Bear Move

Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen is defending an agreement to move a wooden bear carving to the Indian Village at Frontier Park.

The mayor says the carving, which is currently located a the corner of Warren and Third Avenues, would eventually rot or fall prey to vandals at that location. He says once the carving is moved to it's new home it will be coated with a protective shellac to keep it from rotting and will be better protected from vandals.

Kaysen also says the late husband of Millie Bravo-Garris, for whom the bear was carved as a memorial, was Native-American and would approve of the bear's new home at the Indian Village.

The mayor says he has had extensive discussions about the carving with Mrs. Bravo-Garris ''and she recognizes the move is in the best interest of the bear.'' Kaysen says the move will preserve both the bear itself and the memory of her husband over the long-term.

The bear was carved several years ago by a local artist from a tree stump. City officials last year said the bear was in a city right-of way, violating city code, and would have to be removed.

But after a public outcry Mayor Kaysen called a stop to the efforts to remove the carving, and on Monday announced the plans to move the bear to Frontier Park.

The relocation is planned for Wednesday morning at 10, weather permitting.