Kentucky, Ohio feud over rock

FRANKFURT, Ky., May 29 (UPI) -- Kentucky officials said they are prepared to go to court to get back an 8-ton boulder currently in the possession of the city of Portsmouth, Ohio.

The officials and researchers said Indian Head Rock, which is believed to bear writings made by American Indians, was taken from the Kentucky side of the Ohio River last year by unidentified Ohioans, WLKY-TV, Louisville, Ky., reported Thursday.

"The Indian Head Rock was located in Kentucky waters and is Kentucky state property," said researcher George Carruthers of the University of Kentucky.

"From a research standpoint, removal of the Indian Head Rock from the Ohio River has removed the artifact from its historic context, robbing researchers of the opportunity to fully appreciate its history. The significance of the rock as a historical feature of the river has been destroyed," Carruthers said.

Kentucky prosecutor Cliff Duvall said he is prepared to go to court to bring the rock back to the state and prosecute the alleged thieves.

"I can tell you we are working toward a grand jury vote on the matter," he said.