MANZANITA AREA, CA (MPG) - Weeks after the Manzanita School Bell was caught being stolen on camera, no known progress has been made to its whereabouts, despite fervent efforts.

The Manzanita Bell was the bell that stood in the original Manzanita School House and had been with the district for over 150 years. School surveillance cameras show two suspects loading the bell into the trunk of a vehicle during the early morning hours of November 15th.

A group of local residents have organized and are offering a reward for the return of the bell. Allegedly, Bill Harkey, who has the distinction of being the first child born in the Gridley-Biggs Memorial Hospital, and whose philanthropic work has supported his hometown and crucial organizations throughout the Gridley community, has offered to match any donation up to the sum of $5,000, for the replacement and or return of the bell.

According to those working to either recover or replace the stolen bell, two used bells have been located that are very similar to the missing bell, and date back to 1880 and 1879. The cost of securing a replacement bell is estimated at around $8,000, with an estimated $1,200 for shipping. That does not include installation.
If you would like to donate to the bell replacement fund, please contact Superintendent of Manzanita School District Gary Rogers. If you have seen or have any information about the bell’s whereabouts, please contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Department and reference case number 21-06595 or contact Manzanita School at (530) 846-5594.