---

I know I am a little late in writing about this, so I apologize. There is still time to be part of Anonymous Santa this Christmas. Anonymous Santa is a Chisago based non-profit, tax exempt corporation dedicated to providing a Christmas with dignity for children whose families are in crisis. It allows parents to purchase presents for their children. With your help, and the help of many, many great volunteers, these parents will be able to 'shop' in a holiday store set up in the United Methodist Church in North Branch.

If you would like to donate gifts, new non-violent gifts, hats, mittens Christian books, board games, sport balls and stocking stuffers are appreciated. Cash donations are always appreciated. If you would like to volunteer your time, they would welcome the manpower. If sending money, please send to Anonymous Santa, P.O. Box 901, North Branch, MN 55056. If you would like some more information on this great cause, contact LeeAnn at 651-583-3181.

The Chisago County Board of Commissioners would like to invite everyone to tonight's public hearing. If you attend the meeting, you will get the low-down on next year's budget proposal and property taxes. The board will express their opinions on the budget and property taxes. Then it will be your turn to let them know if you approve or disapprove of the proposed budget and property taxes. In this day and age, when we are seeing so many foreclosures on all levels of housing, paying attention to our property taxes have never seemed more important. Come on out, meet your commissioners and get informed. You may also send written comments to: Chisago County Board, Chisago County Government Center, 313 N. Main St., Room 174, Center City, MN 55012.

Remember these good folks work for you. You elected them and they will listen to their constituents.

Time is almost gone on our Christmas coloring contest. We have had a pretty good turn out, but still could use some more. The contest was in the Thanksgiving edition of our annual Gift Guide. If your child's picture is chosen, they will win a $50 savings bond. Pictures must be to us by December 12 to qualify for prizes.

Please remember to give to the local food shelves. It seems like around Thanksgiving, everyone is thinking about food. But the need still remains. If you can, please make a food or monetary donation, because it's like I always say, you never know when hard times might fall on a family. It can happen to me, it can happen to you. Please give.

The Chisago County Press is looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, honest team player to join our staff as a sales rep. Sales experience and knowledge of the newspaper industry would be preferred, but we will train the right person. Time management and personal skills are a must. We offer a flexible, fun work environment with a good salary based on commission with benefits available. If you would like to join our great sales team, please send your resume to: Matt Silver, Publisher, Chisago County Press, P.O. Box 748, Lindstrom, MN 55045 or e-mail to [email protected].

---