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Wasn't that an unbelievable weather week we just had? The amount of rain that fell in southern Minnesota was incredible. You have to feel for those small towns that were devastated by the flash floods. Flooding is something we only expect in the spring, and even then, you know it's coming. This was out of nowhere.

When I was young, we lived in Red Wing Minnesota. Also on the river, Red Wing was rarely subject to flooding, even in the spring. We had friends that lived farther south near the cities devastated by the recent flooding. As I think back, I can vividly remember people telling my folks that the Zumbro and the Cannon were deadly rivers and they could flood at any time.

If you would like to help our neighbors to the south here are a few ways. If you are in a large group, the Salvation Army asks you call first: 800-456-4483.

You can also donate, by calling the Salvation Army at: 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).

Don't look now, but one of the very last celebrations of the season is here. The folks at Shafer have been making some really impressive changes to their town and they would love nothing more than to share it with you.

Shafer Days officially begins tonight with the crowning of Shafer Royalty at the Shafer Creamery building.

On Friday, there will be Bingo as well as blow up fun at the Bike Trail Head. Booya will be served at Crossroads Bar from 6-9 p.m.

Saturday offers a pancake breakfast at the Shafer Fire Hall. There is a treasure hunt for a missing clog. Find it and you will have a $100 in your pocket. Red Wing Avenue will be filled with vendors and crafters from all over the area. You can see some really great collector bicycles as well on Red Wing. Take your frustrations out and try to "Smash-A-Car" with a sledge hammer. All proceeds go to funding the new ice rink.

If classic cars are what you enjoy, stop by the show, you will not be disappointed.

You and your family can take in a tractor pull, watch some cloggers and everyone's favorite the bank robbery reenactment at the old bank building. Stick around for the Shafer Days parade which gets rolling at 4 p.m. The day is capped off with the Shafer Days street dance held at the Shafer Fire Hall. "The Neighberz" will be this year's featured band.

Sunday you are invited to the Shafer Corn Maze. If you bring a canned food item, you will receive $2 off an adult admission to the maze.

Take a short jaunt south of the maze and pick your own apples at Pleasant Valley Orchard. They will be offering pick-your-own apples and hay rides beginning at 11 a.m.

I know that I have listed a lot of events, but believe me, there are a lot that I left out. Please see the schedule of events in this edition to view all the goings on. Hopefully we will see you there!

The buzz around town seems to be the impending school referendum. I am always curious to listen to everyone's opinion on the matter. The referendum you will be asked to vote on in November will ask you two questions. The first question will ask for a monetary amount that would in essence keep the levy intact with what you and I pay now on our taxes. The second question will ask for a different monetary amount that will keep the Chisago Lakes School district from having to make "deep cuts". We have an update story on the referendum on our schools page this week. The second question will alter your taxes slightly. The average home in the Chisago Lakes School District will be asked to pay roughly $11 extra per month to fund the referendum.

I know that asking the public for extra money in such a turbulent economy is not an easy task. But if there is one thing that we here in Chisago Lakes can hang our hat on, it is a high quality school system that provides a great education to our children.

Congratulations to coach Weiss and his Wildcat football team for crushing Columbia Heights at homecoming. This week they face probably the biggest challenge of the season in Totino Grace. I am sure the boys will do just great. Next week the Wildcats return home to face Fridley. Before the game, you are invited to the 19th annual spaghetti dinner put on by the Wildcat girls and boys basketball teams. The dinner will be held in the cafeteria and begins at 4:30.

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