---

If you have not yet mailed in your renewal card, I would please ask you to do so soon. In just a week or so, we will be cutting off the subscribers who have not renewed. It is never a process that we look forward to, but it is a necessity. If you have misplaced your blue card for some reason, or you are unsure if you have already paid, simply call us here at 651-257-5115. We can easily look up the status of your account and even take your payment over the phone. Our goal is for no subscriber to miss a single issue of the Chisago County Press, and if your blue card is mailed in soon, we will attain that goal.

I was asked to remind you that there is only a little over a week before the first ever Carp Festival takes place right here in our backyard. A week from Saturday, carp fisherman will be scouring both North and South Center Lakes in search of the biggest carp.

There is still time for you and your buddies to get in on this wonderful tournament. For registration information or to sign up, please email Steve at [email protected] or call him at 651-257-2966.

The Lions would like you to know that the festival is not limited to just fisherman. Back at Lions Park in Lindstrom there will be the weigh-in, a carp egg hunt, bobbing for carp, funniest carp costume contest and a carp look-a-like contest. Couple that with great food and drawings for a big screen television and a compound bow, and you have the makings of a great day. Who knows, maybe you will see me holding a big screen television...probably not, I have a hard time catching sunfish.

There is a new group recently formed in our area and they are focused on fitness. Lakes Community Fitness is a local group of individuals who's goal is to connect people of all ages to others interested in improving their health through fitness. The group will be meeting in Lions Park on May 22 (the same day as the Carp Festival) at 9 a.m for a run/walk. There is no timing or t-shirts, just an informal exercise get together. The group also has a dedicated group of runners and walkers for Saturday mornings and a biking group who ride on Friday nights. They would like to invite any and all who are interested to join their exercise group. If you would like more information about the group, you are encouraged to email Leanne at [email protected].

I had a chance to take pictures at the Taylors Falls fourth grade science fair last week. Since I had just taken in the Lakeside science fair, I was expecting to see much of the same stuff. I could not believe how many different projects there were. These kids worked their tails off, and some of them were pretty comical. One fourth grader did a study on which flavor or gummy worms their cows preferred to eat. Another girl had this elaborate board decorated with photos of her cat and pictures of different types of cat treats. Her goal was to figure out which brand of cat treats her cat preferred. In her conclusion she went on and on about her findings and wrapped it up by saying "I have come to the conclusion that my cat just loves to eat". Man I love kids.

A heartfelt congratulations to Judge Bob Rancourt. Bob is receiving this year's On Behalf of Youth Award. Given out by the Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau, the award honors an area adult that exemplifies outstanding dedication and service to area youths.

I have personally known Bob for years and years, and this award could not go to a more deserving person. Bob was a wonderful caring person prior to becoming a judge and he has taken that generosity and thoughtfulness to another level since serving on the bench.

We as a county are lucky to have some of the best judges in the state, and Bob is truly one of the best. Congratulations Bob.

As a member of the Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce, I get to see first hand all of the great things a local chamber does. If you have been to one of our many, many celebrations, odds are the Chisago Lakes Chamber was highly involved. If there is a new business in the area, odds are the Chamber has helped them get acclimated. If our area is highlighted by a national publication, you can bet the Chamber had everything to do with it.

If it sounds like I am biased about the Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce, that's because I see first hand all of the great things our Chamber has accomplished. It continues to grow in a time of cutting back. That shows the strength and the character the Chisago Lakes Chamber is known for. With the additions of Tangi Schaapveld and Laure Doughty we have made an already successful chamber even stronger.

If your business has thought about joining the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, I would urge you to do so. You will find a close knit group of business people who genuinely care and support local business. We are always looking for new members. If you would like more information about the Chamber or to join, please call 651-257-1177.

---