South news briefs: Moose enjoying waterbeds at zoo

Moose enjoying waterbeds at zooIf the moose you're watching at the Minnesota Zoo seems in a better mood these days, it could be due to the waterbeds in their holding areas.

A Wisconsin-based firm called Advanced Comfort Technology has donated them as part of a zoo-led research study devoted to heat stress.

The study seeks to answer whether the water does a better job of conducting heat from the moose's body, versus the straw-topped rubber mats the moose have slept on in the past.

Two of the five stalls that house moose have been fitted with waterbeds behind the scenes at the zoo, where the animals go in off hours. Moose rotate through the stalls, and researchers measure the heat in the animals' bodies.

New chief takes over police departmentEric Werner, a captain in the Burnsville Police Department, has been hired by Rosemount as the city's next chief of police.

Werner replaces Chief Gary Kalstabakken, who retired in May.

Werner has a master's degree in police leadership and administration from the University of St. Thomas and has received training at the FBI National Academy. He has served in law enforcement for 24 years, the last 13 of them in Burnsville.

Old-fashioned lawn games, strolling costumed characters out of history, auction items to benefit the society, and live music from the Blue Drifters acoustic quartet are among the offerings. There will be a cash bar with beer and wine.

The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 22, from 3-7 p.m. at the new regional park near New Prague. Cost is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children under 10, though it will be a bit higher at the door. For tickets or information, contact info@scottcountyhistory. org or call 952-445-0378.

Art tour planned for this fallThe eighth annual Studio ArTour in communities just south of the suburban area is being held on the weekend of Oct. 20 and 21.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, 24 art studios will be open, showcasing works of 52 artists in the cities and areas around Cannon Falls, Northfield and Faribault.

The tour is timed to coincide with the full flourishing of fall color, and participants are urged to consider biking the route along country roads. It's free, with maps at local shops and online at StudioArtour.com.

Get your marriage licenses hereScott County's new service center in Elko-New Market opens next week.

Starting Tuesday, folks in that area will have a convenient way to handle license tabs, title transfers, boat licenses, property tax payments, marriage license applications, voter registrations and other county business.

There will be a notary on hand, as well as sales of radon kits, with additional services coming in the future. For more information, call 952-496-8150.

The service center is located in the same building as the new senior center and library at 110 J. Roberts Way.

DAVID PETERSON,