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I really hope you and your family got out on the lake this past weekend to enjoy some of the Celebration of the Lakes festivities. The weather was the warmest I can ever remember with the temps nudging 47 degrees on Saturday. The only downside to this beautiful weekend was the winds were too stiff for the balloons to lift off. Some did take off Saturday morning, which made for some good photo opportunities, but the majority decided it was just too windy to fly.

I spent the entire day (Saturday) on the ice and the weather definitely affected people's moods. Every person I spoke with was so excited to be on the lake wearing just a sweatshirt and not bundled up like an eskimo.

One would think that the balloons being grounded would really put a damper on the celebration, but the nice weather over-powered any negative feelings.

Congratulations to the 2009 Celebration of the Lakes coloring contest winners. They are: Emilio Aguirre, Kendall Clontz, Zach Walden, Morgan Kieffer, Jacob Fish, Jenae Carlson, Thomas Braski, Isabel Thompson, Ryan Schroeder and Nicole Nye. If you have not yet claimed your prize, please contact the Chisago Chamber of Commerce at 651-257-1177.

Congratulations also go out to the Chili Cook-Off winners. They are: Stacy Ernest, Cory Swenson and Ian Anderson.

Doug Lange was the lucky fisherman to win the Celebration of the Lakes fishing tournament Sunday. Doug caught a 2 pound 9 ounce bass that was good enough to win him a power auger.

I just wanted to take this time to thank all the people who worked so hard on the Celebration of the Lakes. You might not know this, but they start meeting and planning for next year's celebration this month already. It is their sole purpose to make sure you and I have a wonderful time out on the ice. Mission accomplished. Thank you!

Chisago County government has a huge hole to fill. Sadly, Judge Douglas Swenson who resided over the 10th Judicial District Court here in Chisago County, passed away. Judge Swenson has faithfully served Chisago County for the last 11 years. We here at the County Press would like to pass along our deepest condolences to Judge Swenson's family and friends.

I have another suggestion for your next family outing. You should put on your green and gold clothes and come to the Chisago Lakes High School Friday night. The Wildcat wrestlers will be taking on their arch rivals North Branch. Both teams are doing great this year, and Chisago Lakes has quite a few wrestlers that are ranked in state. The meet starts at 7 p.m., so get there early to get a good seat.

Don't forget that North Branch is holding its annual Winter Fest this weekend. Always a great time had by all, Winter Fest actually runs for a week straight. Beginning this weekend, with the Arctic Open. Golf in the winter? Yes, and it is a blast. The tournament takes place at Falcon Ridge Golf Course in Stacy. Call the North Branch Chamber of Commerce at 651-672-4077 for more details. And for more info on the upcoming Winter Fest events log on to www.NorthBranchChamber.com.

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