Highland’s new shelter for the world-famous heaviest ball of twine

Many people claim to have created the “largest twine ball”, including a man from Darwin, Minnesota. A man named Jim Frank Kotera from Highland, Wisconsin had a dream of making the heaviest ball of twine.

He started making balls in 1979 and kept making them bigger and heavier until he broke the world record. Unfortunately, Mr. Kodera passed away in January 2023. Many residents wondered where the 24,000-pound ball was going.

Terry Nelson, one of Kodera’s neighbors, created a Go Fund Me to create a permanent structure for the twine ball. She said many members of the community hope to carry on his legacy.

“But the fact that he was so proud of it was one of the reasons I wanted to make sure we kept it. People sent us money so we could save money. They started buying checks and things like that,” Nelson said. “It put Highland on the map, so we had to keep some twine on hand.”

Nelson said people from all over the country and outside the United States will visit Highland to see the twine ball.

“He saw it in Darwin and wanted to create something better. I mean, competition, you have to do that. So he started this ball of twins.” Nelson said. “He always seemed so happy when you came over to the house and would run out the door wanting to tell you about the twine ball. I weighed the ball every time I put it in.

Highland’s new shelter for the world-famous heaviest ball of twine is located near the JFK transfer station. That’s where Kodera used to work. Nelson said there are still finishing touches left on the new building, but in the meantime, people are welcome to visit.

“He’s probably keeping an eye on it, but he’s making sure no one touches it. He doesn’t want anyone to put twine on it,” Nelson said. “Someone asked me, ‘Are you going to let people come and add to it?’ And I said, ‘No.’ I said, “It’s his.” He always claimed it was made by one man. Because they said, “Well, maybe we can add on and make it bigger.” And we said no. That was his project. It was his ball. ”

Visitors to the £24,000 Ball of Twine will be able to write their name and hometown on a letterbox at the new location.

Learn more about Highland’s new shelter for the world-famous heaviest ball of twine here. You can also read more about other stories from northwest Wisconsin here.