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Last Monday marked some big changes in this beautiful state we call home. Most of the changes brought upon by our overworked legislators are positive along with some (depending on whom you ask) that are negative. I’m sorry but you can no longer drive over 100 mph or you will lose your license for six months. And I’m afraid they are no longer giving out free gas at stations either. A gas drive off will net you 30 days without your license. And if you like to steal other people’s identities, stay off the internet––it’s going to cost you up to five years in the big house and $10,000.

Now for the bad news, if you are a smoker, you might want to look into a second mortgage. It seems the cost for your cigarettes is going up 75 cents per pack. A pack of smokes will now run you over $4 in most parts of the state. If this truly is used as a health impact fee and not just another way to even up our budget, then I am OK with it. Somehow I think this “health impact fee” will find other needy services to quietly settle into. I truly hope I am wrong. I hope it really is a deterrent for our youth to never start smoking or to quit.

I think the people that will really benefit from this tobacco tax will be the gas stations near the state borders, because out-of-state is probably where people will be heading to purchase their tobacco products.

We have finally caught up with the rest of the nation as far as DWI levels go. Our new level for driving while intoxicated is .08. By lowering the level, Minnesota will receive federal highway funding which could total in the millions.

We had a great turnout for the the Christmas in July coloring contest. It seems like all our coloring contests go over pretty big and this one was no exception. Believe me it was not easy choosing the winners but here is what we came up with:

4 and under category––Will Nelson of Lindstrom

ages 5 to 9––Laurel Marier of Chisago City

ages 10 to 12 ––Jesami Jones of Lindstrom.

Congratulations to all the wonderful talented children who submitted their renditions to the Press. The winners are encouraged to contact the Chisago County Press and claim their prizes.

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