---

Well, what started as a cold and rainy weekend sure took a 180 by the end of the long weekend. What a spectacular Memorial Day we had. I had the opportunity to take in the services in Lindstrom. What a great turnout they had. The local veterans do such a wonderful job in everything they do, but you can really see the detail they put into their Memorial Day services. I hope you and your family had a chance to take some time and think about all those who have served and are serving our great country. Without them we would not have the quality of life we have become so accustomed to. To all the veterans who are reading this, I would like to say thank you. You are truly appreciated.

Surprise surprise, we are heading into yet another special session up on capital hill. The biggest discrepancy seems to hinge on how to disguise a new tax to us taxpayers. The governor wants it included in a cigarette tax and labeled a health fee. It would add up to an additional 75 cents per pack sold in Minnesota. This tax then would be spent on health care programs. Opponents would like the money to be spread around so as to benefit other needs. Pretty soon you will be spending around 10 bucks for a pack of cigarettes (if you smoke). I, like many, hate to see new taxes but understand the need for more funding. I just don’t think it’s right to punish just one group of individuals in our state to benefit all the rest.

Last week both the big papers had long articles about what local CEO’s are earning on a yearly basis. Now I know that a lot of their reported wealth is stock bonuses, but come on. The head of United Health making $124 million? And we wonder why our health insurance rates are absolutely through the ceiling.

We are getting ready to interview for a new sports intern here at the Press. We have had some replies and we will be calling those people soon. But this is your last chance. If you or someone you know is in or just graduated from high school, has an interest in sports on the local level, please call us at 651-257-5115. You will cover local sports, take photos, and write articles every week for the County Press. It is a wonderful opportunity for someone looking to add to their scholastic resume and it is a paid position. We hope to hear from you soon.

---