By Brenda Erdahl
Suspicious behavior and practical jokes gone-too-far have plagued Maple Lake lately.
Businesses around the city have been reporting strange and frustrating incidents including air conditioning units disconnected after business hours, and outdoor lighting unplugged.
Others have found notes tucked in their front doors with strange and mildly vulgar messages.
On Tuesday, Sept. 12, one downtown business that prefers to be unnamed, discovered a door open and things moved around. There was also a rude message left in a note on her front door.
Wright County deputies were called, but according to the report, were unable to locate any suspect evidence inside the business or signs of forced entry. According to the business owner, nothing was taken.
Tricia Manuel owns The Costume Shoppe on Division Street and the building where Light Bulbs and More and Sunfish Dental are located. She’s had the decorative lights on her awning unplugged on multiple occasions and the AC disconnect for Sunfish Dental was pulled and left off. Russ Orson, owner of Lightbulbs and More reported the incident to the Sheriff’s Office and has evidence on camera of the rouge’s mischief. Orson said as far as he knows, there were no break-in attempts at the building.
Manuel for one, doesn’t take this kind of behavior lightly.
“I paid to have my rental property utilities secured. This is not a harmless nuisance; it is costing businesses time and money. I am looking to attract business to my properties. This does not help,” she said.
The owner of the downtown business broken into felt this incident wasn’t related to the burglary that happened a few days earlier at the Maple Lake Bar and Grill but advised business owners and residents to not be afraid to “be nosy,” and to keep their eyes open.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds homeowners and business owners of the importance of outdoor lighting and alarm systems as well as surveillance systems when possible. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible.