Littlefork’s old wooden logger, “Jackpine Savage,” the commemorative statue that stands next to Polkinghorne’s Hardware on Main Street is growing even older — and weathered.
Councilor Loren Lehman presented an idea for the statue’s replacement at the Littlefork City Council meeting Wednesday.
The plan would bring a more realistic, and a more durable, Jackpine Savage to town. Some Littlefork residents have suggested that a new statue should better resemble the local loggers of the area’s early days. City Administrator Mike Fairchild has had contact with a Wisconsin company which could create a more human-looking lumberjack in a fiberglass construction that would give the figure more longevity as Littlefork’s mascot.
The council hopes to have a revamped statue by next summer, when the city will host the Littlefork-Big Falls All Class Reunion. Members of the public who would like to contribute comments or ideas are asked to call City Hall at 278-6710, talk to a councilor, or stop by the city office.
In other business, City Engineer John Mattonen was present at the meeting to review several projects and discuss funding schedules for Littlefork. Repainting of the city’s water tower, inside and outside, will be done in 2010 by a hired contractor, according to Fairchild.
The second phase of Littlefork’s downtown enhancement project will tentatively take place in 2011. Additional decorative lighting and landscaping are planned.
The city approved having its own all-terrain vehicle ordinance and Fairchild was asked to have City Attorney Joe Boyle write it.
The Littlefork Fire Department’s 2009 tax levy was approved for the amount of $66,485, up $7,040 over 2008’s levy. Fairchild said Fire Chief Dan Wendt attributed about $5,000 of the increase to truck replacement. The department now has four fire trucks. The department’s 2010 budget was also approved and will proceed for approval by the Koochiching County Board.
Dave Larson of Big Falls will conduct a wood survey in the city’s Lofgren Park to determine counts on tree species and a harvesting time for timber. The approximately 28-acre Lofgren Park was bestowed to the city by the Lofgren family of which Rosemond Kucera is the oldest living descendent.
The council’s Ambulance Service Committee met preceding the regular council meeting and an organizational meeting between the ambulance taxing district board and the council will be scheduled. Presentation and discussion of the plan for an improved ambulance facility which would be added to the present Littlefork Fire Department is on the agenda. Rough estimates and funding will also be addressed, according to Fairchild. The council is nearing final clarifications on the service’s organizational and operational guidelines. Koochiching County Commissioner Mike Hanson provided the council a copy of Blackduck’s documents which was helpful, said Fairchild.
Littlefork Council
News Notes
• Littlefork Liquor Store’s June sales were at $33,402; up $2,657 from June 2008. Year-to-date sales are $204,456, showing an increase of $29,000 over last year at this time. The year-to-date profit is $24,525.
• The council approved a second $500 discount on the liquor license fee for the Littlefork VFW, bringing it to $500, and the total reduction amount to $1,000. Lehman opposed the motion according to a report in The Littlefork Times.
• The council heard concerns from Frank Stelton about the Littlefork Medical Center doctor’s resignation, and the topic of short-term physicians in Littlefork. Also reported in the Littlefork Times, Stelton and the public were urged to attend Littlefork Medical Center board meetings to have more input and information on the issue.
• Councilor Glenn Weigold has submitted a list of concerns to the council about the Littlefork Ambulance Service of which the Personnel Committee is still reviewing.
• Advertising for the still-open Littlefork pound master position will be increased.
• The council approved an increase which allows $3,800 for swing sets installed in City Park.
• The council approved a $1,000 sponsorship for the Northern Minnesota District Fair on the Littlefork fairgrounds. It will be held Aug. 28, 29 and 30.
• Other councilor contentions were discussed at the meeting, about which two councilors were unavailable for comment and councilor Noel Schroeder refused comment to The Daily Journal.
