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Well, I hope you made it through the latest “blast furnace” of a weekend. I don’t know what was worse, the 100 degree temps on Saturday, or the gosh awful humidity on Sunday. Either way, I hope you found ways to stay cool and check on those who could be adversely affected by the heat. It was about 4 degrees less than the surface of the sun and I decide to roof my kids’ playhouse––nobody ever said I was the sharpest knife on the shelf.

The City of Lindstrom has a very pivotal decision to make in the next month or so. I’m speaking of the Highway 8 conundrum. MnDOT has offered to help fund the design for an alternative scheme of downtown Lindstrom.

The way I see it, and I could be wrong, but the city has to make one of two choices.

The first choice would be to make no decision and let MnDOT configure Highway 8 the way they see fit. And from all accounts, this would be the “divider” down the middle of the road with nothing but right turns. From what I see gauging from all the signs around town, this would not go over well with local business owners.

The other choice that has been presented would be the “one-way pairs” plan. This plan essentially would turn First Street into a single lane of west bound Highway 8. At the same time the existing Highway 8 would turn into a single lane east bound Highway 8. This would add approximately 12 to 15 feet of green space in front of businesses on Highway 8 and First Street.

I most certainly can see why people would oppose either of the two plans. Both plans have some positives, and of course both have negatives. But, if our choice is to use these millions of dollars offered to the city or let them come in and do what they see fit, a decision that is sure to displease people is certainly imminent.

The Highway 8 decision is a monumental decision that I don’t envy any of the council members for having to make. If the correct decision is made (whichever one), it could help the city for years to come. But, if the wrong decision is made, I would prefer not to think of the extended outlook for downtown Lindstrom.

If you are a business owner, resident, or someone who has been keeping up with the Highway 8 saga, contact your council members and let them know how you feel about each plan. After all, the more constituents they hear from will most certainly help them make a decision.

The Chisago Lakes Lions are mid-way through another one of their food drives. Last week they collected food and money donations at Brink’s Market. This weekend they will be stationed at Lindstrom Foods. If you are out and about this weekend, try to keep those less fortunate than yourself in mind and make some sort of donation. I know I have beaten this into the ground, but these donations go directly to individuals in our community. Every single donation is used by local people who for some reason or another have fallen on hard times. After all, if it were you in their position, wouldn’t it be nice to have a food shelf to fall back on?

Harmony in the Park is wrapping up this week. The featured band this coming Wednesday will be The Splatter Sisters. So far this summer’s concerts have been a huge success. Don’t miss your final chance to hear some wonderful music while enjoying the great outdoors. Thanks to all the sponsors who have made Harmony in the Park possible. It is just one more thing that sets our community apart from others.

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