OTTUMWA — Neighbors say they are angry over possible graffiti on a Williams Street home. But they may not want to direct that anger at the home’s former owner.

The phrase “No Mexicans” appears to have been painted on a picture window across the front of the house, facing onto West Williams Street.

Neither Jody Gates, who heads Ottumwa’s office of inspections, or Phyllis Dean, the Wapello County auditor, knew anything about the house other than local records list it as having been owned by an Ottumwa resident and that the taxes are paid up. County records also indicate the house is in foreclosure by a mortgage company.

A caller concerned about the matter said some people who saw the house believed it to be “for sale” or “for rent,” just not to Mexicans.

However, that may not be the case. A brief visit to the property shows no “for sale” or “for rent” sign on it. The house appears vacant, and no one answered the door.

A sticker on the door says the home was secured in 2007. Another says if one wishes to purchase the home, to contact the local county auditor. A separate window on the front of the home appeared to have been smashed.

Both officials said the “No Mexicans” sign may have been painted after the property was vacated; Gates said she has reported the incident to the Ottumwa Police Department.

Calls to the previous owner yielded a family member who said they preferred not to comment about the vandalism to the house.

Mark Newman can be reached at 683-5358 or by e-mail at mgnewman@mchsi.com.