Possible Reward For Paul Bunyan Vandals

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Bemidji, MN (KROC AM News) - A northern Minnesota police department is asking the public’s help in locating the people who put Paul Bunyan on the injured list.

The Bemidji Police Dept. last Monday reported the famous large statue that has been viewed, photographed and videotaped for more than 80 years had sustained an obvious injury: “as the concrete in his arm has given way.”

The department later reported the “arm is currently being held in place by rebar that runs throughout Paul.”

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The department added:

“ Paul has withstood the years in the park. Unfortunately, in this case, the cause of the failure/breakage appears to have been caused by several people climbing and hanging off of Paul’s arm and the adjacent sign. Paul has been in the park since 1937 and the Park Department discourages people from hanging items or climbing on Paul and Babe because of the chance of damage. “

The police department has a good lead into its investigation into the case.

“Security cameras were installed in the plaza area several years ago by the Park and Recreation Department to ensure the safety and security of that area. The footage of the activity has been shared with the Bemidji Police Department to conduct an investigation into the damage of Paul Bunyan.”

A restorative project involving the statue had been planned this summer
and the schedule has been moved up due to the damage.

A fund has been set up to help cover repair costs.

News update: Teen driver caught driving at nearly 120 mph in Rochester.