MARQUETTE, MI (AP)-- A man has been ordered to perform community service and write an apology for damaging the statue of a longtime beloved figure in Marquette.
The late Phil Niemisto was known around Marquette for washing windows and planting flowers downtown. The Pocket Park is named for him, and a statue of him sitting on a bench was installed shortly before he died.
But police in September discovered the hat on Niemisto's head was removed. Twenty-two-year-old James Vermeulen—the suspect in the case—must complete 40 hours of community service and write an apology to the Marquette Downtown Development Authority.
The statue has been damaged at least three times.
