A landmark statue that has watched over

downtown Dodge City for more than 30 years will return to its spot

by Christmas.

The life-sized bronze sculpture of a longhorn steer, known as El

Capitan, was knocked off its pedestal in October when an

18-year-old driver crashed into it.

It was sent to Ad Astra Art Bronze Inc.,, a Lawrence foundry, to

be repaired.

Ed Schweppe, owner of Ad Adstra, stated that the repairs were mostly done and El Capitan will be

shipped back to Dodge City next Wednesday.

Schweppe says the company fixed the right horn, tail, fractures

and impact damage. He says El Capitan now looks like nothing ever

happened.