KANABEC COUNTY
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 VOL. 134 NO. 13 www.moraminn.com $1.00
SPRING SPORTS: Mora, Ogilvie varsity teams gear up for a competitive season. P 5-10
INSIDE: Learn what is what with the wellness center
Paradise Theatre dons new marquee
Find out who is paying for it and when it will be built on Page 11.
Mora Liquor chooses to open for Sunday sales
BY KIRSTEN FAURIE EDITOR@MORAMINN.COM
Passers-by have taken notice and given mixed reviews of recent changes to the Paradise Theatre’s marquee — changes that theater staff said will help modernize the theater without sacrificing its classic look. On March 23, workers from Indigo Signworks replaced the letter track signs with LED displays that can show red lettering on a black background. The sign messages can be updated easily and rotate through messages. The new signs cost approximately $13,000 which was paid for through a $5,000 donation from First Citizens Bank and a grant. Jake Mathison, general manager of the theater said updating the information on the theater’s old marquee had become troublesome. He recalled days in the winter, standing on a ladder but being unable to change the letters because they were
BY SCOTT MCKINNEY NEWS@MORAMINN.COM
In order to keep up with the competition and serve their customers, the Mora municipal liquor store has opted to open on Sundays starting in June. The Mora City Council took up the topic of lig. quor sales at their Tuesday, March 21 meeting. or At issue: allowing the purchase of off-sale liquor d on Sundays, in keeping with a state law passed earlier this month. On Thursday, March 2 the Minnesota Leg-islature passed a bill to allow Sunday liquorr sales, to begin on Sunday, July 2. Governor Mark Dayton signed the bill into law on Tuesday, March 7. Under the new law liquor stores can operate from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sundays, but cannot accept liquor deliveries. Municipalities are also able to restrict Sunday sales in their communities. The law forbidding Sunday sales had been in effect since Minnesota became a state in 1858. The City of Mora owns and operates the North Country Bottle Shop off-sale liquor KIRSTEN FAURIE | TIMES
Workers install a new, digital marquee at the Paradise Theatre March 23.
SEE MARQUEE, PAGE 15
SEE SALES, PAGE 15
Avoid bear problems proactively MN DNR
Anyone living near bear habitat is reminded to be aware of bears this spring and check their property for food sources that could attract bears. “Leaving food out in yards that can be eaten by bears can lead to property damage and presents dangers to bears,” said Eric Nelson, wildlife animal damage program supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Pet food, livestock feed, birdseed, compost or garbage can attract bears.” As bears emerge from hibernation, their metabolism gradual-
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‘Pet food, livestock feed, birdseed, compost or garbage can attract bears.’ Eric Nelson ly ramps up and they will begin looking for food at a time when berries and green vegetation can be scarce. Only black bears live in the wild in Minnesota. They usually are shy and flee when encountered. Never approach or try to pet a bear. Injury to people is rare, but bears are potentially dangerous because of their size, strength and
speed. The DNR does not relocate problem bears. Relocated bears seldom remain where they are released. They may return to where they were caught or become a problem somewhere else. People should always be cautious around bears. If they have persistent bear problems after cleaning up the food sources, they should contact a DNR area wildlife office for assistance. For the name of the local wildlife manager, contact the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-6466367. SEE TIPS, PAGE 15
BARB CRAWFORD | SUBMITTED
Looking for a snack of grain or perhaps poultry, this black bear entered Barb Crawford’s chicken pen near the Snake River in 2016. Wild bears are hungry in the spring and are on the lookout for easy sources of food like dog food, animal feed or household garbage. The Minnesota DNR advises that the best way to avoid bear problems is to avoid attracting them in the first place.
Tear Down & Replace Mora High School? Are You Kidding Me?
Notice of e s a e r c n I x Ta
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Vote No 332
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