Teens seek to save old water tower

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Grand Forks teenagers are trying to save the city's old smiley water tower.

The City Council decided last month to get bids to demolish the tower because it would be too expensive to maintain. It has not held water for nearly 10 years and large chunks of lead paint are flaking off.

Kyle Beck and David Combs have started up a petition drive to save the tower. They estimate about 700 people have signed. The teens also held up "Honk if you love Smiley" signs. They plan fundraisers.

Beck says the tower, with its painted smile and wink, is "the Statue of Liberty of Grand Forks."