Vandals mark up historic covered bridge

PUTNAMVILLE, Ind. — A historic Putnam County covered bridge refurbished just last year at a cost of $1.7 million has become the target of vandals.

Executive Director Karla Lawless of the Putnam County Convention & Visitor Bureau says vandals painted graffiti on the Houck Bridge over Big Walnut Creek on Wednesday and Thursday.

WISH-TV reports the abutments holding the 210-foot bridge up also are covered with graffiti.

The bridge, which was built in 1880, was slated to be the site of several events including weddings.

Assistant Convention & Visitor Bureau Director Dianna Love says catered lunches and dinners also were planned for the bridge located about 45 miles west of Indianapolis.