Spiked wooden blocks bearing the word “Kent” and swastikas were found in several locations along Yacolt roads last week.
Yacolt officials issued a safety warning on the town’s website urging residents to remain vigilant.
“USE CAUTION and keep your eyes open so no one gets hurt or any damage is caused,” the website states.
The spikes were found on East Hubbard Street, Worthington Road and East Jones Street on Feb. 5, 6 and 7, according to Yacolt’s website.
The blocks didn’t include a full name, but presumably refer to Joe Kent, a Yacolt Republican. He ran two unsuccessful campaigns to represent the 3rd Congressional District. Since then, President Donald Trump nominated Kent to become director of the National Counterterrorism Center.
Clark County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Chris Skidmore said Monday the agency has not received any reports and does not have any further details at this time.
Yacolt Mayor Ian Shealy said if residents see any other wooden blocks with the same illustrations, they should report them to Town Hall. He also urged residents with security cameras who live along the targeted roads to check them. If they see anything, they should let the sheriff’s department know.
Shealy also said that Yacolt Public Works has added additional duties to the staff’s morning rounds, including checking for hazards in public right of ways.
“We’re trying to use our resources the best that we can to try to catch it before something happens — if it keeps happening, hopefully it doesn’t,” Shealy said. “Things like this don’t usually happen out here, because we’re such a small community. But this type of behavior is not acceptable. So, we’re hoping that we can figure out who’s doing this and put an end to it.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the Yacolt mayor’s remarks.
