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Criminal mischief? Lehi police crack down on chalk art protest by children, moms concerned over gravel mine

Lehi children and mothers who recently decorated city pavement with chalk art protesting a potential new gravel pit are guilty of “criminal mischief,” according to the city.

On Tuesday, after city workers had scrubbed away the chalk hearts, mountains and messages politely reproaching Lehi government leaders, a police officer showed up at the house of one protester to confront her about writing on the steps and walkways of City Hall. She wasn’t home at the time, but the officer told the woman’s husband that the chalk drawing on city property must stop.

"Although the chalk can be washed off with a pressure washer, it is defacing property and considered criminal mischief," city spokesperson Shaye Ruitenbeek wrote in an email.