Vandals Knock Over Downtown Vending Machines

IRONWOOD, MI - Sunday, August 17, 2008 - For the third time in two weeks pop vending machines have been knocked over by vandals. The Pepsi machine in the photos is located at Chief Oil Company, and the Mountain Dew machine is located at the Depot Museum/Chamber of Commerce.

The machines range in value between $1,500 and $3,000, and are owned by NorthStar Vending in Hurley. When a machine is laid on its side, while still connected to electricity, the compressor oil drains, and the dry compressor burns out.

Vandals also knocked over cones and sawhorses on the corner of Lawrence and Aurora Streets. These items were placed on the corner as a warning to drivers and pedestrians that there is a sinkhole at the catch basin.

These acts of vandalism demonstrate the importance of having a well-staffed public safety department. While the current staff does an incredible job of securing our city, they can't be everywhere at all times. The same can be said for the DPW and City water department. Our City is so understaffed that there are not enough workers to fix simple problems like filling in a small sinkhole on our main street.