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We here at the County Press love it when any local people get recognized for an award. If you have read the paper in the past, you know that our area is filled with some really great stories about local people.

Last week, it was brought to my attention that one of our local businesses has received a national award. The Lindstrom Bakery has been recognized by Gourmet.com as Minnesota's best choice for good cheap eats. The website, which is very well known in the food industry, lists one best cheap eats for each state in the union. So out of the thousands and thousands of restaurants and bakeries in the state, our Lindstrom Bakery was singled out. Congratulations to Bernie Colombe on her new award. Hopefully, the website will steer people to Lindstrom for the bakery, and people will see what a gem our area really is.

Kudos to St. Bridget's congregation. Last week they became part of an inter-faith hospitality network with New Pathways. St. Bridget's opened their doors to house 6 families (23 people) for the week with meals, housing, and friendship.

Homelessness is alive in our community. Last month the Cambridge New Pathways had to turn down 40 families from the local Cambridge New Pathways office alone.

Thanks to all community members who participated. One of my staff and her husband prepared the main course and vegetable last week. She stated it was rewarding and they are looking forward to participating in July when St. Bridget's again plays host.

In the same theme, St. Bridget's continues to collect toiletries for New Pathways. All donations can be dropped off at St. Bridget's or at the Chisago County Press.

If you have been golfing at the Chisago Lakes Golf Course lately, you might have spotted an unfamiliar face. Todd Kueppers and the rest of the staff would like to invite the public to come out and meet their newest golf pro Mike Minichino.

Minichino, who hails from Florida, is excited to be in Minnesota and is eager to meet the local golfers. I hear that Mike is a terrific guy and an even better golf pro.

I am told that Mike has never had the privilege of seeing or touching snow. If next winter is like the last few years, he might be disappointed. Hopefully we will have a record year snowfall. Welcome Mike! We are glad to have you.

Last weekend we decided to do some planting at our house. Not knowing what kind of stock the local nurseries would have, we decided to take a chance. Wow. If you are thinking about doing some planting of flowers or even trees, rest assured, the nurseries are fully stocked with beautiful plants.

I would like to thank all the business owners who have been calling or stopping me in the street to talk about the new publication that has hit our streets lately. It is with your help, and our dedication to you, that we will continue to be the best local newspaper in the area. The Chisago County Press has been in business now for over 111 years, and with your help, we hope to be around for another 111 years. Thank you.

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