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Mother Nature seems to finally be working with us rather than against us lately. We really need her to cool things down so the Celebration of the Lakes can happen this year. The early snowfall was really detrimental in making ice as local fishermen will attest to. But ever since that ridiculous rain we had a short time ago, the ice has started to thicken. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

If you have or are planning on locating your fish house near the Celebration location on North Center Lake, you are asked to please call the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 651-257-1177.

We have just finished this year's edition of the 2011 Celebration of the Lakes flyer. We have worked hard, and hope you enjoy it and keep it for a reference piece when the celebration takes place in a few weeks.

This year's Celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever. Along with the balloons taking flight on Saturday and Sunday, there will be dog sledding, old time movies, ice skating, a 5 and 10K run/walk. There will be lots of things for your family to take in this year and I will talk more about it next week.

Getting back to the circular, this year we have some great ballooning stories along with a really neat piece on this year's Community Ambassador Marlene Messin. If that name sounds familiar to you it should. Marlene is the owner of Plastic Products, one of the largest companies in Chisago County. Plastics has been part of this community since the beginning of time and continues even in tough economic times. Marlene has owned PPC since 1975 and has seen it grow to a prosperous company that employs 750 people and several sites.

Marlene has done some amazing things for the Chisago Lakes area and it is high time she receives some accolades. We couldn't be happier for this year's Ambassador and we hope you enjoy the article about her life.

The circular will be at local stores this week for you to pick up. Otherwise, you will be receiving it in your Search Shopper in the next week or so.

I was sickened to learn about the shootings in Arizona last weekend. How does a lunatic like that even choose a congress person to open fire on? If you read or see any history on this guy, it's obvious he isn't the brightest bulb on the tree. Then to make matter worse, he has an ear to ear smile on his face when he was booked. I am sure it was his hope that he would be shot as well during the chaos, but that did not happen. I never like to hear about tragedies in our country, but senseless tragedies make me sick.

Congratulations to Whitney Tinjum on her big news. Whitney is one of Chisago Lakes' best girl basketball players to ever wear a Wildcat uniform. Last week as we reported, Whitney gave a verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin. A Wildcat player playing in the Big Ten, wow that just shows you how good Whitney is. Anyone who has ever been to the school when the gym is empty will tell you they have seen Whitney there working on her shot or rebounds. I know the Tinjums, and they are all great people. Good things do come to good people.

Speaking of high school sports, I have an idea for your family. If you are looking for some entertainment for your family that won't break the bank, how about a high school sporting event? A game is very inexpensive and very entertaining. The best part is they are close. Do your kids a favor and take them to a game or two, then watch their eyes when they see their neighbor make a basket or score a goal. My parents taking me to high school sports is what got me into sports.

We are getting close on finishing this year's Community Guide. If you own a business and you would like an inexpensive way to get your message out to the public all year long, the Community Guide is just the ticket. Give our sales staff a call at 651-257-5115 and they will help you create an ad that people will see for 12 months. The guide is a very popular reference tool that people use year round.

The Chisago Lakes High School is losing a student favorite. Brian Deede, who teaches Social Studies, is trying a new career that is located out of state. If you ask any high school student about Deede, they will go on and on about how great of a teacher he is. Brian will be missed in the classroom and on the football field. We wish him and his family nothing but the best.

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