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If you had to purchase your Chisago County Press at the store this week and you have a subscription, I can explain. For weeks now I have been telling the readers that all subscriptions must be renewed by last week. The reason for stopping some papers would be that we never received a payment. Don't get me wrong, if I could, I would mail a County Press to every home in Chisago County. Unfortunately, I have not hit the powerball just yet, so it costs us quite a bit of money to mail out free subscriptions.

If you are a subscriber and have been cut off, please don't fret. Simply call us here with a credit card or mail a check to PO Box 748, Lindstrom MN 55045. The cost is $47 for Chisago County residents and $49.50 for out-of-county readers. Once we receive your payment, we will promptly start mailing your Chisago County Press. The most important thing here is, Thank you. Thank you for reading what we feel is one of the best newspapers in the state. Without you, we would not be here.

Speaking about subscriptions, if you have ever thought about subscribing to the County Press, but haven't gotten around to doing so, this is a great time. We are offering new subscribers one of two packages for a limited time. A new subscriber can now receive two tickets to the historic train ride in Osceola Wisconsin or two tickets to a Saint Paul Saints game this summer. I have done both of these events and I can honestly say they are both a wonderful time.

If you would like to take advantage of our limited subscriber special, either cut out the coupon for the Saints game and mail it in with your payment, or mention the "Train Tickets special" and we will mail you tickets.

Congratulations to the class of 2010. I know quite a few of the graduates, and I have a good feeling about this group. They are some of the most caring, community oriented kids I have met in a long time.

If you are the proud parent of a recent grad, please do me a favor. First off, thank them. Thank them for being a great kid. Second, please tell them to be careful. We all know that grad parties can be really fun. We also know that some (not all) parties will have alcohol. Please warn your graduate to not drink and drive. Come and get them if need be, have them stay over night, whatever, just don't let them drink and drive. We really do not need some news story about a pack of recent grads crashing their car in the middle of the night. This week's graduation was a big moment in their life. Let's make sure they have plenty of other big moments.

The good folks of Almelund would like to invite you to their town. They are celebrating Almelund's "Night on the Town". Get there early for a farmer's market, which promises wonderful locally grown food. You can take in a classic car show as well, and then bring your lawn chair for a free concert in the park by the Interstate Band. The Almelund School House Heritage Center will be open to the public and the log barn behind the school house will be showing old time comedy movies. Friday night is supposed to be the nicest day weather-wise, so grab the family and head out to Almelund.

And finally, if you have lived in the Chisago Lakes area for a while, you more than likely know the name Father Bill. Father Bill is a Catholic priest who served St. Bridgets of Sweden Catholic Church for many many years. Father Bill touched many people's lives here in Chisago Lakes, but many do not know just how worldly he truly is. Father Bill has written a book "The Journey of a Priest" which details the life of Father Bill. It is a fascinating read and there is a chapter that is completely about his stay here in Chisago Lakes.

Father Bill will be in town for a book signing this Sunday at Panola Gardens. He would love to see some of the familiar faces he grew to love over the years. The signing takes place from 2 to 5 p.m.

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