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Thank you all who have responded to my column last week. The outpouring of support in our printing issues has been nothing short of amazing. I have heard from both readers and advertisers, who have called to show their support and wished us well. Some people even asked if there was anything they could do. There is. Keep being our loyal readers and our loyal advertisers and I promise you this, we will be here for your grandchildren to be informed, and we will continue to improve this paper so that it can be one of the best newspapers you have ever read.

After speaking with most of our advertisers, we came to the conclusion that maybe we as a community should start a challenge. I am not talking about a biggest loser challenge (although other towns have done this successfully in the recent past), I am talking about a shop locally challenge. What if we (you and I) challenged ourselves to purchase ten items or services locally a week? Items can be virtually anything from groceries to dinner out on the town. Or maybe instead of heading to Forest Lake or the Twin Cities, look in our backyards first. I truly believe that you will be amazed at how competively priced our area is.

I know that there are some things that will require a trip out of our area, and believe me, I am not telling you how to spend your money. But if we make a conscious effort to support our local economy, we will be the benefactors in the future. We have so many business owners that have worked their tails off for you and I the consumer, that we at least owe them the courtesy of checking out their businesses don't you think?

A quick note if you are looking to do something fun with your family in the near future. The American Legion is holding its annual Spring Bingo this Saturday at the Chisago City Community Center. The bingo begins at 7 p.m. and there will be refreshments available for purchase.

Before you head to Chisago City to play bingo, drive to Center City to have a waffle supper. The Swedish Club would like to invite you to Chisago Lake Lutheran Church for a dinner of waffles, strawberries, whipped cream, sausages and beverages. The dinner runs from 5 - 6 p.m. and the cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children.

Thank you to everyone who has responded to our early subscription renewal. The response has been great and we really do appreciate your continued support. To all who have not taken advantage of our early renewal campaign, you may still take $1.50 off of your annual subscription by using the coupon on the top of page 2. Please clip the coupon and mail it in along with your payment and we will get you updated in the system. Please make sure that your mailing label is attached to the coupon.

In the near future, we will be mailing our renewal notices to all who have not yet renewed. All subscription are due by May 1 of each year. If by chance your renewal notice and your payment cross in the mail, please don't worry, it takes us a short time to get caught up with all of the mailed renewals.

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