An odd act of vandalism has plagued some main street businesses over the past few weeks.
While many businesses and individuals are working hard to beautify St. Paul prior to the Communities In Bloom judges arriving in St. Paul on Aug. 1, others seem to be working against the efforts. A video posted by Warehouse Sports circulated on social media last week, which showed individuals plucking plants from planters in front of the store, which is located across from Portage College.
And the incident appears to be something that has been seen along the downtown core.
While she has no idea if the incidents are related, Penny Fox, who is involved with Champions for Change, notes that some of the edible barrels along main street have also become victims of the suspected plant thefts.
"It's disheartening," says Fox. There are about five edible barrels in front of the Community Futures building, where Fox works. A total of nine plants have been stolen from the barrels.
She notes that while it was the young 4-H members who helped put the barrels together, offering their time to the cause, it appears that it may be adults who are stealing the plants.
It's clear that the plants were not damaged in any recent storms, but "they were taken."
Fox says overall, the edible barrels program has seen very few troubles in the past, and the program has been seen as a success, with the growing plants offering a pleasant look along main street along with producing actual food to consume.
Thankfully, one local business has come to the rescue. As the regular greenhouse season comes to a close, Owlseye Greenhouse decided to fill the back of a vehicle with replacement plants to put into the barrels. This was done free of charge, says Fox, adding, "we really appreciate that."
But, it's hard to replace the work that went into the barrels initially.
"It was a tough spring to get the plants started," says Fox, noting there were some windy days and there was some tricky weather to work around.
Fox is hopeful that despite the disrespectful acts of vandalism, other residents will still put the effort forward to beautify the community, especially in the next couple weeks as Aug. 1 nears.
Fox also notes that if anyone has any information regarding the stolen plants and vandalism, to contact her at (780) 645-5782 and a report will be filed with RCMP as needed.
