Joplin school's mascot found, restored after long absence

JOPLIN, Mo. -- Brutus the bear is under lock and key at Joplin High School.

The Joplin Globe reported the large wooden sculpture was an official mascot of Joplin's now closed Parkwood High School before disappearing in the late 1990s, possibly while making a guest appearance at a class reunion.

Recently, an anonymous person returned the bear, although details remain sketchy. Assistant superintendent Kerry Sachetta and others said only that Brutus had "been to college."

Time hadn't been good to Brutus, who was two pieces, missing a foot and caked in mud.

Parkwood graduate Randy Branham, who carved the bear in 1976, said he worked to repair the bear every day for about a month. The restored bear was unveiled Saturday. For now, Brutus' home is a locked display case.