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In this weekend's Search Shopper you will find our Community Guide. Although it is a little late, we feel that the content is filled with useful information about the area. Inside you will find many helpful contacts as well as park information, city information, and county information. along with all the great information, you will find many ads from our terrific, loyal advertisers. It always surprises people that we live in such a relatively small area and have so many businesses. I think it is attributed to the local shoppers that try to shop local as much as possible. The good people here at the Press have worked hard to bring you this year's Community Guide and we hope that you will enjoy reading it and keep it around for a handy reference guide.

By now I'm sure you have heard about the tragic automobile accident that has claimed a Center City man's life and left two others in very serious condition. Richard Carroll, of Center City, was driving the Chisago County Veterans' van back from some doctors appointments at the VA. When he apparently went unconscious and crossed into oncoming traffic. Sadly the crash took Carroll's life and the life of Bobby Tomlin from Mahtomedi. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Carroll's family and friends, and also to Bobby Tomlin's. To Richard's family, thank you for all that Mr. Carroll did for the county and the veterans. He will be missed.

The veterans are accepting donations towards replacing the van and any donation would be greatly appreciated. Checks can be mailed to: Chisago County Veterans' Services, 38794 Sixth Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056. Please note in the check memo veterans' van fund. Thank you.

If the weather ever takes a turn for the better, we will be able to take in some of the wonderful parks this area has to offer. I know I have written this before, but every time I take the kids to a local park, I can't believe how few people are there. Maybe you are new to the area, or maybe you just haven't had the time, but if you have not visited some of the parks around here, you do not know what you are missing. This summer, make it a point to take in one of the area's many beautiful parks.

One of those parks is Interstate Park in Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls. Park Superintendent Larry Bucholz told us that the parks are in perfect condition and they are just waiting for it to warm up. He wanted people to know that there are no water problems (flooding) as in years past. Larry also wanted people to know that there is no plans to rebuild Devil's Chair. It has been a year now since vandals knocked it off its ledge. The authorities have had many leads, but have yet to catch the vandals.

In this edition of the Chisago County Press you will find our annual Spring Sports Preview. With the help of some really great advertisers, we have compiled detailed stories about your favorite local high school sports teams. Our Sports Editor Dave Ambers and Assistant Sports Editor Chuck Fitzer have interviewed all of the coaches and put together a synopsis of the upcoming season for you the reader. We hope you will enjoy it.

Thank you to everyone who has responded to our subscription renewal during the month of March. The response has been great and we really do appreciate your continued support. To all who have not taken advantage of our renewal campaign, you may still take $1.50 off of your annual subscription by using the coupon on the top of page 2. Please clip out the coupon and mail it in along with your payment and we will get you updated in the system. Please make sure that your mailing label is attached to the coupon.

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