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If you were like me last weekend, then you took advantage of the Chisago City and Lindstrom citywide disposal drop off. From the size of the line I was in an 8 a.m., it looked like the day was a complete success. There were different areas where you could dispose of items such as couches, computers, scrap metal etc. At every waste station there were people there to assist you with your rubbage which made the whole process very smooth and quick.

Thank you to the cities of Lindstrom and Chisago City for allowing their citizens a chance to clean up their homes and yards for a nominal fee. We the citizens really appreciate the gesture. Thank you to the many volunteers who took time out of their busy lives to help with clean-up day.

If you like sports, then you have heard of KFAN 1130. KFAN is a radio station based out of Golden Valley that is basically a 24-hour sports talk station. What a lot of people don't realize is that one of the very popular on-air personalities is from right here in Chisago. Cory Cove, known as "Sludge" on several KFAN shows, grew up in Chisago and is a Chisago Lakes graduate.

Last weekend, Cory held a fundraiser for Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. It is a disease that affects one to two million people in the United States with 16,000 new cases each year.

Cove, who now resides in the Twin Cities, was on the air for 24 straight hours soliciting the public's help along with various celebrities. The numbers are not in as of yet, but I am told that Cory has raised funds above and beyond his expectations.

Have you ever been driving by a ball field and seen a bunch of men playing soccer? It is a pretty common sight around this area. We have a strong men's soccer league that seems to grow in popularity each year.

The good folks at Bella Womens Wellness think it's time for the women of the area to have some soccer fun of their own. That's why they are forming their own women's soccer league. The season will run from June 18 until August 6. Any and all women are invited to participate. If you think that maybe you are a little out of shape and would feel out of place on the soccer field, think again. This is a league that concentrates on having fun and getting exercise. Your only responsibility will be to provide cleats, shin guards, and water, so you have nothing to lose. You can RSVP by calling 612-220-8944 or stop by Bella in Lindstrom to register. There is no fee.

Last weekend I filled up my vehicle and two gas cans for mowing. The grand total? $79.65. Ouch! The prices at the pump are unbelievable. Some say that by summer we will be paying $4 a gallon. Are we in a recession or not? If not, I would hate to see what one feels like. The price at the pump directly affects virtually everything you purchase. From milk to grass seed, we have seen the prices soar.

I would like to remind you (I'm sure you know this) that the people that sell you the gas are not the ones who dictate the gas prices. So please don't take it out on them or their cashiers.

I have spoken with quite a few people that have snubbed their annual summer trips because of rising gas prices and the cost of living on the rise. I don't have a solution. I'm not sure if anyone does, but something has to give.

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