Spruce on the move

There was no call of “timber” when two large evergreen trees were removed on Portland’s south side.

Instead, the sister spruces were secured before they were cut, hoisted into the air and placed on long trailers. They were headed to a new home.

Anyone in the vicinity of downtown Portland around noon Nov. 17 saw the giants on the move, trucks turning from Water Street to Meridian Street past the post office, John Jay Center for Learning and city hall. They continued, branching off to Depot Street and then east on Votaw Street to Jay County Fairgrounds.

The idea for the tall project came from Rodney Miles when he was contacted about removing the trees from a front yard on Western Avenue. He, in turn, called Jay County Fair Board member Katie Loy. Before their conversation ended, wheels were already in motion.

“While they were still talking I had already called Bubba Swoveland to get Barnett’s on board,” said Aaron Loy, Katie’s husband and the fair board president. “After that, it kind of snowballed from there. Everyone immediately bought in. We said whatever it takes, we’re gonna make it happen.”

“It” was moving a pair of evergreen trees — both taller than 30 feet — to Jay County Fairgrounds to become part of the Cruis'n the HoliJay Lights at the Fairgrounds display.

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Spruce on the move

There was no call of “timber” when two large evergreen trees were removed on Portland’s south side. Instead, the sister spruces were secured before they were cut, hoisted into the air and placed on long trailers.