Superior’s ice tower refuses to face reality

Photo: Roger Hanson via Facebook.

Winter has not been kind to Roger Hanson, the Big Lake man who was commissioned by the city of Superior to build one of his ice towers as a tourist attraction in the city.

In February, his tower collapsed because of January melting. He was able to salvage his effort, but he’s contracturally obligated to tear it down this week.

Just one problem: It won’t come down, he reports on Facebook, and he wants to come home.

“I have been trying everything in my power,” Hanson says. “I have tried using water jet erosion, pulling by steel cables, cutting by hot wire and wishful thinking.”

The ice is wasting its effort. The temperature didn’t get below freezing overnight in Superior. It’ll hit 50 today.