OREGON, Ill. (AP) – The first steps in repairing a century-old landmark in northern Illinois known as the Black Hawk statue are finally underway.
Workers began erecting scaffolding last Monday around the 48-foot-tall statue in Lowden State Park in Ogle County.
Sauk Valley Media reports that Quality Restorations Inc. of Wood Dale was scheduled to begin the repair work last spring, but cold, wet weather thwarted that work.
The 108-year-old monument has spent most of the last five years beneath a plastic covering to protect it from harsh weather.
State budget troubles delayed a promised $350,000 matching state grant for the repairs, but that funding was finally secured over a year ago. The Black Restoration team obtained the remaining $225,000 needed for the project.
The cost of repairs will approach $1 million.
