A longtime fixture in the skies over Marshall will come down within the next six months.

The Marshall City Council approved a demolition bid Tuesday, Nov. 19 for $180,000 from Earthworks Excavation to bring down the smokestack and boiler building at the former Marshall Habilitation Center. Mayor Vince Lutterbie says the contractor will rely on the wrecking ball to bring down the last major structure from the former state hospital.

Lutterbie adds he anticipates heavy public interest for when the smokestack is brought down.

Earthworks Excavation beat out two other bidders for the project. They have until May 1 to complete the demolition.

Also at Tuesday night’s meeting, the Marshall City Council approved the low bid of $1950 from Poppy’s Construction for installation of a replacement ceiling at the city office building, following water damage from heavy rain events over the years.

The city council also gave second reading to ordinances regarding the collection of court costs for the municipal court and affirming April 8 as the next municipal election date. The council also approved an event request from the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce for their annual Christmas Parade.