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Thank goodness, it seems that we are starting to finally come out of the sub-zero abyss. If the ice on the lakes wasn't safe before, it has to be now. I thought someone was breaking into our house Sunday night with all of the pops and creaks the cold was causing. It is somewhat ironic that we have the coldest temps in years the same weekend that we are informed about the realness of global warming. Put down that phone or pen, I am not saying that global warming is not real, I am merely pointing out a tiny bit of irony.

The Celebration of the Lakes Committee has just notified the Press of their winning button numbers. If you purchased a button for the Celebration of the Lakes, write down these numbers. 709, 093, 348, 062, and 197. If you have one of these numbers on your button, you are the winner of one of many terrific gifts the Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce has gathered. Pick up the phone and call the Chamber at 651-257-1177 to claim your prize.

Once again the Super Bowl has failed to produce what the pre-game hype had billed it to be. I can't remember when the actual game was close enough to actually pay attention. The commercials were very mediocre at best. I'm not sure what the reasoning is behind some of them, but they definitely were more subdued and less cutting edge than we were led to believe. Maybe it has to do with showing the viewers almost every commercial in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. Too bad they couldn't do that with the game itself.

This weekend the North Branch Chamber of Commerce will hold its 7th Annual Winter Fest. There is a medallion hunt, that with a button could win you $500. There is an antique snowmobile ride and expo that starts at 10 a.m. and goes all the way to Stacy on the Sunrise Prairie Trail. There is a chili showdown at Central Park, sign up for the snow sculpting contest and possibly win some great prizes. There will also be ice sculptors in the park for your viewing enjoyment. And as always, there will be family skating at the municipal rink where this year you can skate with Frosty the Snowman. There will be plenty of food and refreshments for the whole family all during Winter Fest, so gather the family and enjoy this year's Winter Fest.

Thank you to the individuals who responded to my County Board VCR tape inquiry. I knew there would be someone out there with a copy of it.

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