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Every so often, we the common people have one go our way. This week the one that went our way was Michael Vick getting convicted. For those of you who don't know who Michael Vick is, he is the Atlanta Falcons super-star quarterback who until this year was probably the third most marketed sports figure in all of sports. He recently signed a 10-year $130 million contract and has (had) sponsorships that would dwarf his football contract.

This summer, Vick's name surfaced in a dog fighting/gambling ring that took place, in of all places, his home. Some of his "boys" when confronted about the dog fighting, sang like songbirds. They gave up names, numbers, places -- you name it they blabbed.

Here is where the out-of-the-norm comes into play. Usually in the United States, if a defendant can afford the best defense team, they end up walking scott free (ie. O.J., Ray Lewis, etc). Not this week. Finally, there was a courtroom that was not wowed by some all-star attorney representing some super-star. The court ruled that Michael Vick will serve 23 months in prison and three years of probation. It's so refreshing to see one of these uber-stars brought back down to earth.

Next week we will announce the winners of our coloring contest. If your child is listed as a winner, we would love to take a picture of them holding their winning entry. So check the paper next week for the winning names. Your child could win a savings bond from one of our local banks.

Christmas is the time of giving. If you are like me, you dread driving all over the map trying to find the right gift for people on your list. This year, I would like to offer you a small challenge. I bet you that if you take some time and walk through our local stores, you will be able to fill most of your Christmas present needs. Not only will you take care of people on your list, you will more than likely be giving them something that other people would not. That's because the shops in our area specialize in wonderful, unique gifts that you would never find in a mall. Some of the best gifts I have ever given came from right here in Chisago County. Give it a try, and let me know how you did.

I was informed this week that I gave the wrong website in a past article. The website should have read www.montanameth.org. If you have yet to check this website out, please do. And make sure your pre-teens and teens are there watching with you. Incredible video anti-meth commercials will really strike fear in you.

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].

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