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NCDOT on #ConeWeed removal: 'Didn't mean to be a Grinch'

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — An odd Huntersville landmark that has helped raise thousands of dollars for families in need this holiday season has been taken down.

[#ConeWeed: Decorated traffic cone weed has raised more than $3,700]

The Huntersville Fire Department tweeted Monday morning that “Cone Weed” was removed by the Department of Transportation.

Someone had recently decorated the weed -- which grew through a traffic cone along the side of the road -- for Christmas.

A group selling #ConeWeed merchandise has raised more than $3,700 for the local charity “Hope Match.”

The NCDOT tweeted Monday that crews removed #ConeWeed because it was so close to the road, and so many drivers were slowing down to look at it.

Officials said they didn't mean to be a Grinch and disrupt the positive community effort.

NCDOT officials took the #ConeWeed to the Huntersville Fire Department for safe keeping and hope it will continue to spread holiday cheer.

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