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You had to have been on the moon to miss the fallen bridge coverage last week. I can't recall ever having a tragedy that involves the general public (other than the school shootings) that impacted so many Minnesotans. I would bet that almost all of our readers have ventured across that bridge at some time in their lives. Myself, I traveled that bridge twice a day for seven years, and never thought twice about the safety of the bridge. I'm sure no one on that bridge ever in their wildest dreams could imagine the bridge collapsing. Every newscast, I find my stomach feeling sick for the families who have lost a loved one or have yet to locate a family member. These folks are in our thoughts and prayers and will be for a long time to come.

I, like most people sat watching the television coverage for most of the night. The acts of heroism by bystanders to put their lives on the line just to help the bridge victims was overwhelming to me. If you ever wonder about the state of our world in today's wild, gun-filled, generation "me" world, just watch some of the bridge coverage or any catastrophe in the United States. It blows me away how random, everyday people will put the safety of strangers before their own lives. It makes me proud to be an American knowing that there are more of these type of people in our world.

One aspect of the bridge collapsing that really turned my stomach was how quickly local politicians started to either bash the other party or use the collapse as a platform for future campaigning. There were potentially people still alive in the wreckage, and you had politicians whining that this is the direct result of Minnesota road underfunding. I thought it was really disgusting to take a tragedy and bring your own political agenda into the public spotlight. Shame on them.

On a much, much, lighter note, the 51st annual Almelund Threshing Show takes place this weekend. Starting Friday, and running through Sunday, this year's show has plenty for all to see. One of our family's favorites, the Threshing Show features a tractor caravan, tractor pulls, garden tractor pulls, pedal tractor pulls, a youth tractor clinic, a tractor parade everyday, a tractor raffle, where you could win a 1940 Wards Twin Row tractor, and there is also dancing both Friday and Saturday nights. The great people that make up the Almelund Threshing Company really work their butts off to make the Threshing Show a unique and fun experience for everyone. Bring your children -- after all what kid doesn't love tractors? So, come on out to the show. I guarantee you will have a blast.

Another local event that has been a staple in the community for 52 years is the Chisago Lakes Sportsmen's Picnic. If you know someone who has grown up in the area, I'm sure they will tell you that they have fond memories if the picnic. There is plenty for the whole family to do including trap shooting and bingo. The picnic is at the Sportsmen's Club, between Lindstrom and Chisago City, and starts at 11 a.m.

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