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Phil Niemisto statue damaged

The Phil Niemisto statue at the pocket park on Washington Street in the city of Marquette has sustained damage, with the hat removed from an unknown vandal or vandals. Police believe the damage occurred sometime Friday night or Saturday morning. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

MARQUETTE — The life-sized statue of Phil Niemisto, located at the Washington Street pocket park in Marquette that bears his name, was damaged sometime Friday night or Saturday morning.

However, only the hat portion was removed from the statue.

The Marquette Police Department didn’t have any more details other than to say it will have to look at videocamera footage from nearby businesses to see if any information can be obtained.

Police also plan to solicit tips on its Facebook page.

Niemisto, 88, is a common sight in the downtown Marquette area, and often can be seen washing windows or, depending on the season, tending the pocket park.

Niemisto on Saturday said he was unaware of the vandalism.

“Probably drunks,” he said.

The Niemisto statue, which sits on a bench, was unveiled to the public in October. During a special ceremony, Mona Lang, executive director of the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, said that almost $14,000 was raised from the community to have local artist Earl Senchuk create the statue.

Niemisto’s likeness was created from a combination of concrete and steel. The face and hands were modeled from a direct molding and cast in Permastone.

Senchuk said the hat wasn’t easy to create.

“It requires a completely separate mold and everything,” said Senchuk, who expressed hope the vandal would be found.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.

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