KANABEC COUNTY
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2018 VOL. 135 NO. 28 www.moraminn.com $1.00
MEET AMY AND KARL: Crystal Bar and Grill under new ownership. P10
Downtown bank plans move, redevelopment BY KIRSTEN FAURIE EDITOR@MORAMINN.COM
Neighborhood National Bank of Mora is deep in plans to move from its location at the corner of Union Street and East Maple Avenue, and build new at the corner of South Union Street and Highway 65/23 where the Mora Auto
Service building currently sits. Neighborhood National Bank President Doyle Jelsing said their current building has become more difficult and expensive to renovate in ways that conform to modern bank design, particularly in areas of handicap accessibility. Jelsing said he hopes the move will not only help accessibility, but
aid traffic flow and improve a highly visible corner of the city. Moving to the new corner will take considerable re-development. Much of the “how” and “when” of the build is still undetermined. The bank has acquired the Mora Auto Service property and negotiated with the Mora Masonic
Lodge to build a shared parking space, but ownership of other nearby parcels and how they will impact the corner’s development are still being negotiated. Dean Randt of the Mora Masonic Lodge said working with Jesling and the bank has been very friendly and open. Randt said that the lodge is looking
forward to redevelopment of the corner and to having the bank as neighbors. It is also unknown what will happen with the bank’s current location downtown and whether another business would choose to move in as the bank moves out. More will be reported as details become available.
Chamber director resigns BY KIRSTEN FAURIE EDITOR@MORAMINN.COM
Karen Amundson is resigning as the Mora Area Chamber of Commerce executive director to begin a new career in the transportation department of the East Central Regional Development Commission. Amundson made the announcement June 29 after serving over 12 years with the chamber and will begin at her new position in mid-July. “I’m very excited for this change in my life,” wrote in an email announcement. While she was sad to leave the chamber, she said she was excited to remain in Mora and serve with the ECRDC. “I’m so happy to be a part of this beautiful community,” she wrote. The chamber is currently accepting applications for a new director. More information about the position including applications can be found at www.moramn.com. KIRSTEN FAURIE | TIMES
Kelli Maag took the position of Mora Food Pantry Director in February, 2018. Maag said her goals for the pantry are to preserve client dignity and revitalize the pantry’s fundraising efforts.
Food pantry preserves client dignity
DFL candidate forum in Braham CONTRIBUTED
BY KIRSTEN FAURIE EDITOR@MORAMINN.COM
The Mora Food Pantry is under new leadership as Kelli Maag took the position of director in February. With fresh eyes and fresh ambition, Maag has an appetite for helping the hungry. “I like helping people that need it,” she said. Maag has not volunteered for a food pantry before becoming director, but had volunteered for several years teaching art to inmates at the Kanabec County Jail. “There I learned that any time you can boost someone’s self-esteem, you can help them be a better community member.” This personal boost has
inspired Maag to help preserve dignity for clients that utilize the food shelf. She said she hopes to make the pantry feel as much like a grocery store as possible. The pantry currently acts as an emergency food shelf that provides families in the Kanabec County with enough food for 2-3 days depending on family size. Visitors are not required to show proof of income or identification. Food is distributed as “client’s choice” which means they may select the items they wish to take, rather than being given a standard package of goods. Maag said this helps reduce waste as clients only take what they will use based on NEWS 320-679-2661 editor@moraminn.com
‘... any time you can boost someone’s self-esteem, you can help them be a better community member.’ Kelli Maag Mora Food Pantry Director their needs, preferences or cooking ability. Families may use the food shelf once a calendar month. Over time, Maag said she wants to increase this limit to two visits per month, but the food shelf budget does not allow for it. Maag is hop-
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ing that will change. DONATING FOOD Does the food pantry prefer donations of money or food? Well, Maag said both have their pros and cons. With monetary donations, Maag said the food pantry can purchase more food per dollar through Second Harvest than a person could buy at the grocery store. However, Second Harvest has a limited selection. With donations of food products, Maag said they receive a larger variety of items or name brand items. Donations of fresh produce is always welcome, particularly in the summer when... SEE PANTRY, PAGE 6
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A candidate forum for the Democratic candidates for Congress in the Eighth Congressional District will be held on Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m., at the Braham Event Center. The entire field of Democratic candidates has committed to attend, which includes Kirsten Kennedy, Michelle Lee, Jason Metsa, Joe Radinovich and Soren Christian Sorenson. The forum will be hosted by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party in Senate District 32, which consists of the majority of Isanti and Chisago counties. The candidates are competing in a primary that will be held on Aug. 14, 2018, with the winner of the primary moving on to the general election on Nov. 6, 2018. The event is free to the public doors will open at 6:30 p.m. BREAKING NEWS, UPDATES Whenever, wherever you are! Scan me with your smartphone