The waving arm of an old Paul Bunyan on Washington Street, Brainerd, Minnesota, was wrenched off as a teen posed by "leaning" on it, police authorities confirmed. Locals first suspected vandals had torn the statue's arm off, and this story was repeated in the media -- but the errant photo opportunist had promptly driven to police HQ and confessed to the mishap.

The statue, a 1930s vintage combo of concrete, wood and chicken wire, may be difficult to repair, and town officials are considering a new, safer pose for the venerable monument. Duct tape and plastic are bandaging the gaping hole in the meantime.... Update: The arm was re-attached but the structure was too crumbly to hold, so a pine tree was positioned beneath to help support it.

[08/11/2002]