Cradled gently in the tines of a huge forklift Tuesday, the remains of the "honking tree" were removed from the spot where it had fallen and placed on a flatbed truck.
From there it was taken to the Minnesota Department of Transportation yard in Two Harbors, where it awaits a community decision on its fate.
John Bray, spokesman for MnDOT, which technically owns the 113-year-old tree, said the department intends to give the trunk to Two Harbors. Mayor Randy Bolen Jr. will hold a community meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Community Center to solicit ideas for the best way to preserve what's left of the highway icon.
"I've gotten so many e-mails and phone calls, it's just been nuts," Bolen said. "People are treating this like a funeral."
Lake County Undersheriff Jerry Norberg said his office is tracking down any leads that come along -- "but it appears to be more rumor than any actual leads so far."
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On Tuesday, the northbound lanes of Highway 61 were blocked off while highway crews finished removing limbs from the tree that was felled on April 29. Less than 30 minutes later it was on its way, leaving behind a stump laden with memorials from grieving passersby and local residents.
Meanwhile, people were searching for ways to remember what had been the only tree left standing after the expressway was built in the early '60s. Its name came from a tradition North Shore residents had of honking when they passed the tree, to acknowledge they were almost home.
On Sunday night, a memorial drive-by-and-honk parade was organized. Black Woods Bar & Grill in Two Harbors, whose logo is the honking tree, intends to sponsor a fundraiser for replacement of the tree, general manager Jessie Larson said.
"The bottom line is, until this gets less media attention, we won't get anywhere," Norberg said Tuesday. "Whoever did this likely didn't realize it would have such community impact. People are outraged."
Norberg emphasized that anyone with knowledge should contact the Sheriff's Office at (218) 834-8385. They can remain anonymous.
"It's really important that we have some direction from someone who knows," Norberg said.
Meanwhile, as the tree was trucked slowly to its temporary resting place, walkers and drivers slowed and watched the cortege passing by.
