Residents in the small town of Ishpeming, Michigan in the state’s Upper Peninsula woke up Saturday to a smoldering pile of ash in place of “Santa’s Workshop,” the community’s traditional Christmas display for youngsters.
Police are now working to track down the “sad, demented individuals” who set it ablaze.
“This morning, officers were dispatched to the area of the Brownstone off 7th St for a fire,” the Ishpeming Police posted to Facebook Saturday. “Upon arrival officers discovered ‘Santa’s Workshop’ building used at Christmas completely burned.
“Also, damage was done to an older city pickup truck parked in the Brownstone.”
The department later posted images of “Santa’s Workshop and what is left of it after an act of arson,” Mlive reports.
The pictures showed the abode in the city center in years prior, a little red shack decorated with snowflakes and an angel, garland wrapped around the white posts on the tiny front porch.
The aftermath consisted of a smoldering plie of ash and other small bits, with virtually none of the structure remaining.
“It was a Christmas tradition to bring the kids to Santa’s house. Sad that the actions of a few people can ruin it for so many people,” Liz Nevala posted on Facebook. “I’m sure people will help when it comes time to ‘rebuilding’ it.”
“Whoever decided to do this should be forced to rebuild it at no charge to the city in addition to any additional charges,” Jason Chapman added.
“That’s bullshit little f**king pricks that’s been around since I was a child,” wrote Pat Bridges.
Bruce Engstrom wrote that he’s “more than willing to provide my time and tools to help rebuild Santa’s work shop.”
Plenty of other folks poked fun at the situation.
“Guess who’s not getting a visit from Santa this year,” Hailey wrote in the comments on Mlive.
“Word on the street is the suspect has a large potbelly, long fingers and long feet, a pear-shaped body, yellow teen and is covered in green hair,” Jim Sawicki wrote. “He has red pupils and yellow eyeballs. He has large sinister black eyebrows, and deep lines in his forehead and is often seen with a cute, brown dog by the name of Max.”
“We live in times that have produced individuals with no moral values,” GKISSICK added. “They seek to make life miserable for others because they live in the small dark corner of their miserable mind.
“They are truly sad, demented individuals.”
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