---

You may have noticed that the statue of immigrants in Lindstrom, who are foundational characters for a set of beloved Swedish novels, is missing...but not due to any political controversy.  The landmark on mainstreet, the ever-stoic Karl Oskar and Kristina,  pictured above southbound on I-35, were transported July 15 to the cities for some upkeep.  A coating on the figures, which were renovated a couple years ago, wasn’t holding up.  No word yet on when they should return.

---