'Nessie' removed from Wis river by artist

The anonymous artist responsible for a sculpture of the Loche Ness monster in Wisconsin's Chippewa River said it was removed to prevent it from being damaged. The artist, using the pseudonym "The Phoenix," sent an e-mail to the Eau Claire (Wis.) Leader-Telegram explaining the "Nessie" sculpture was voluntarily removed by the artist Thursday after a concrete section forming the body fell over due to rising water levels, the Leader-Telegram reported Tuesday. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had made a public appeal last week for the sculpture, which first appeared in late April, to be removed by the artist because it was an illegal obstruction in the river. The artist said Nessie is being stored until a new permanent home can be found.