RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender says scarves, hats and gloves can be placed on presidential statues in the city's downtown, a reversal of previous city policy.

Church activists last week had placed such items on the statues, with the goal of having people in need take the items to get through the winter months. The accessories were removed after a city official explained the policy prohibiting such placements.

The policy adopted in 2013 was designed to prevent people from using the statues as platforms for political messages or advertising.

Allender on Monday announced that winter accessories will be exempt from Nov. 15 to March 15.

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