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Just about the time you think that things get much more strange, along comes the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July, the day we are supposed to pay tribute to the creation of our country and the freedoms that our constitution represents. But, for some strange reason the people in Minnesota went nuts. The first of the tragic events was the young mother who threw her one-year-old twin boys off of the Wabasha Street bridge in St. Paul and then followed them into the Mississippi.

It’s a miracle that any of the three survived and I think that was due to some quick thinking unselfish people who were nearby. Thanks to their efforts one little fellow will live to see a hopefully better life. In a discussion in our office we were trying to determine what could be so very wrong that it would cause a mother to believe that taking her children’s lives is the best solution. There are many people waiting to adopt children, untold numbers of agencies who would have been available to help, and last but not least, there had to have been some friends or family that could have sensed that there were problems brewing. Perhaps those close just didn’t have time nor the desire to get involved, as is so often the case in our world these days.

On the subject of people not wanting to get involved, I was dumfounded to hear that after the altercation on Lake Minnetonka on the 4th, where a man was put overboard and lost in the water, that many of the boats anchored in the area did not want to move for the law enforcement people. The amazing thing was that they did not want to move for fear of losing their spot for fireworks viewing. There were also people questioned about what had taken place who didn’t want to get involved if it meant leaving the lake to make a statement. Their reason for not leaving was that they, too, did not want to lose their prime fireworks viewing locations.

Now, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that people’s worlds are getting smaller and they don’t feel the need to reach out beyond their safety circle, that’s just the way it is. But, I find it rather frightening to think that viewing fireworks is more important than finding a body in the water. Thank God that those who jumped into the Mississippi River to help rescue someone they didn’t know weren’t afraid to venture beyond their safety circle.

I realize that we will probably never get back to the neighborhoods where many of us “oldtimers” grew up. You remember––if you did something wrong or right the neighbors were just as likely to let you hear about it as your parents. While we may never get back to that era, we certainly have to struggle to reach out at least a little to help those around us in need. I would sure hope that if I went down with a heart attack, or some other serious problem, that there would be someone near that would step up to help. But, I guess we can’t count on that as a given anymore.

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Onto things that have some importance in our area. This week attention will be focused on Lindstrom as they roll out the red carpet for the 41st annual Karl Oskar Days celebration. From the hunt for Karl Oskar’s lost snuff box, to the fireworks display that concludes the festivities Sunday night, and everything in between, there promises to be something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure and check out the complete listing of events found in this Press and plan your weekend ahead.

Karl Oskar Days is a project, and a big one, of the Karl Oskar Days Committee, the city of Lindstrom, in cooperation with local businesses, and civic groups. Like all community celebrations the organizations, the volunteers and the financial supporters never get enough credit for what they do. So, this weekend, or at any of the area community celebrations, take a minute to thank those who are putting on the event. Or, even better yet, make a point to spend a few bucks with the local merchants this weekend or sometime soon.

This year’s Karl Oskar Days Grand Parade will be grand-marshalled by two young ladies who spent many, many years heading up the annual Karl Oskar Days events. They did it all––from painting the numbers for the lineup for parade entries on the street to sweeping up St. Bridget’s parking lot long after the Street Dance was over. Daphne Molnar and Nora Holt are this year’s Grand Marshalls and I don’t know of any two people more deserving. Thanks ladies for all you did for Karl Oskar Days and for the Centennial as well––enjoy your ride.

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Often in our business there are people we encounter that go above and beyond what is required. Such a person is Carrie Holmquist, who is retiring from the Chisago County Recorder’s Office. For years she has assisted us by running the marriage applications and in general assistance to Denise Martin in her beat at the Government Center. Good luck in your retirement, Carrie.

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The summer celebration is in full swing and in the coming weeks we have the Chisago County Fair, Wannigan Days in Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls, Center City Days, Christmas in July and Ki Chi Sago Days. Watch for complete details on all of the events and enjoy your summer.

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