City asked to contribute to Hiawatha fund drive

By RALPH ANSAMI

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Ironwood — The Ironwood City Commission was asked this week to contribute $5,000 toward the restoration of the Hiawatha Indian statue.

John Rudberg appeared before the commissioners to update them on fund-raising efforts.

Rudberg said around $13,000 has been raised toward the restoration, but the fund drive is running out of steam and he suggested the commission include $5,000 in its next budget as the city’s contribution.

The entire renovation project is estimated at $20,000.

After 52 years, Rudberg said Hiawatha is showing wear and tear and it will take more than a coat of paint to restore the fiberglass structure.

“A complete rehab is necessary,” he said.

A Sparta, Wis., company that has worked on the 145-foot musky in Hayward, Wis., is capable of the restoration work, he said.

They would power-wash the entire fiberglass Indian, fill in cracks and repaint it, Rudberg said.

“They’d make it as close to new as possible,” he said.

Commissioner Rick Semo asked if the structure is sound. Rudberg said the condition wouldn’t be known for sure until the workers begin the project.

A Go Fund Me page is in effect.

City manager Scott Erickson said it’s possible the city could receive a 50-50 matching grant for the funding though the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority and he’ll look into the matter.

Commissioner Jim Mildren said creating more awareness of the fund drive might lead to more financial contributions toward the restoration.