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It is Earth Day (April 22) as I am writing this. Usually, I go to take pictures of middle school students planting trees on this day. But this year the middle school has re-directed its energy to helping a town in Mozambique. The town is in dire need of a well and fresh water. It is a wonderful cause that these kids have really got behind and are very passionate about. If you would like to donate money, or purchase merchandise (profits will go to this fund), you would be making some middle schoolers very happy. And the best part is you will be helping a needy town being decimated by infested water. You can donate to: "H2O for Life" by calling 651-213-2400.

The Chisago County Press renewal campaign is in full swing. Thank you to all the subscribers who have sent in blue cards already. We really appreciate it. To those of you who have not yet sent in your cards, I would urge you to do so. Unlike in past years where we have let subscription renewals "slide" for a few months, this year the cost of postage is forcing us to stop sending free newspapers to those who have not paid their renewal. So please send in your blue card, along with your payment, and you won't miss any of what we report each and every week.

The local Veterans would like to remind you that the cut-off for the next round of memorial bricks to be installed at the All County Veterans' Memorial in Lindstrom is May 1. If you need a registration form, you can pick one up at the Press or at the Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce building (next to the Veterans' Memorial). The bricks have been a huge success, and the vets hope to keep adding on to what is already one of the most beautiful memorials I have ever seen. If you would like to pay tribute to someone who has served our great country in a way that everyone will see, please fill out a form and purchase an engraved brick, before May 1.

If you live in the Scandia area, you know that there has been a problem with receiving your County Press in a timely manner. I would just like to say we apologize and the paper is being mailed out the same time as everyone else's. Rest assured, we are looking into it and hope to have the issue resolved very soon.

I hope you had a chance to read our 2008 Spring Sports Preview last week. Our sports editor Dave Ambers along with our assistant sports editor Chuck Fitzer, have compiled some great in-depth spring sports reading material. If you missed that issue, we do have copies available here at the Press. Just stop by and request a copy.

The good people at Family Pathways wanted to invite you to "rock out" this Saturday at their Rock-A-Thon. You are asked to raise donations or donate your money for each minute you rock on a rocking chair. The rocking chairs are sponsored by local businesses, so all you need to bring is yourself. There will be music and food and also a quiet place to rock, for those who choose. The event takes place at the Wyoming United Methodist Church and runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. You can go to www.family pathways.org or call (763) 552-7284 for more details.

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