Gathering at Veteran's Memorial in International Falls, August 2012. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting

Koochiching County’s Board of Commissioners has awarded contracts for the removal of a Veteran’s Memorial in International Falls.

It is to accommodate the construction of a new county jail.

Minnesota Monument will oversee the removal while Pelland/Swenson will provide a crane to move the concrete slabs and benches.

“We’re planning on hopefully removing it here this winter. I think in just a couple of three weeks,” says Chair Jason Sjoblom, “and get it out of the way and get that area ready for construction for the spring of 2024.

The estimated cost to the two contracts is about $3,850, which includes the crane rental at $200 an hour.

“That might be the best route to go just for at least lifting them. We want to be careful with these. We don’t want them to break. And then the consultation of the person from Minnesota Monument, they were here when they were installed. That’s going to help us hopefully make sure that we don’t have any issues with them,” says Sjoblom.

The monument will be stored at the former armoury building until construction ends.

The county has also agreed to provide the trucks needed to transport the monument to its temporary resting place.