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It seems like everywhere I go, I see people with bows hunting for Carp. While the thought of shooting Carp might seem a tad bit morbid for some, these hunters are really doing our lakes a favor. Every Carp they remove from our lakes, helps ensure the other fish and vegetation will survive. These fish are so destructive and overbearing to Minnesota lakes, and something needs to be done about their increasing numbers.

The one facet about Carp hunting, or fishing, or whatever you want to call it, is the disposal of the fish after they have been taken out of the lakes. It has become quite common to see piles of Carp dumped in the ditch along side of a county road. While Mother Nature will do her part along with animals, the ditch is still not the best choice for disposal. The increase in raccoon traffic, along with the nose curdling smell of decaying fish really make for a special summer barbecue.

Luckily, we have found someone that would gladly take the Carp off your hands. Ed Spiess of St. Croix Falls uses carp to make liquid fertilizer. He lives just north of town and will gladly accept any and all Carp you want to get rid of. Ed's phone number is 1-715-410-6953.

If any of you have bumped into me in the last week or so, you may have noticed a change. No, I didn't lose weight, although the wife would probably encourage that, I have short hair. Not that I had hippy hair to begin with, but my hair is now about an eighth of an inch long.

So what?  People get summer cuts all the time. Well this particular cut was not my choice. You see, I coach an 11U baseball team. I was trying to think of a positive way of motivating them to possibly win a tournament and get into the state tournament. After taking many pictures at the schools of kids shaving teacher's heads for accomplishing certain goals, I decided shaving my head might be a good goal. We had been struggling in our first two tournaments, so I felt my hair was pretty safe. Wouldn't you know it, our team played in St. Francis and won a trip to the state tournament. Thus the short (very) hair. I really have to think things through before I open my mouth.

If you are a subscriber, and you did not get your paper this week, it was because we finally had to cut off those who have not yet paid for their subscription. We just can't afford to be sending free newspapers through the US Mail. If you happen to be one of those, we can easily get you up and running. Just call us at the Press at 651-257-5115. We will take your payment and make sure you don't miss a single issue of the Chisago County Press.

Remember folks, if you refer a new subscriber to the Press, make sure they mention your name. We will then offer you tickets to ride the historic Osceola train or tickets to the Saint Paul Saints.

Our summer celebration season is officially underway. North Branch is holding its annual MidSummer Days this week. The celebration begins Wednesday and runs through Sunday.

Thursday, the big carnival opens in the afternoon. There is BINGO being played all day long in the Legion's tent as well.

Friday has sidewalk sales as well as more BINGO and the crowning of the 2011 ambassadors. Karaoke will follow the ambassador crowning which all takes place in the Legion tent.

Saturday, there will be a golf tournament, and a kid favorite, Kiddie Olympics. The olympics are for children ages pre-school to 12 years. You can register at the North Branch High School at 9:30 Saturday morning. Immediately following the olympics, there will be a kiddie parade and this year's theme is "Red white and blue". The most popular event of the celebration is always the water fight. The fight features North Branch firefighters trying to spray a huge ball on a wire strung high above the street to one side of the road and another group of firefighters on the other side doing the same. There is water everywhere.

Finally on Saturday night, "Stooge" will be playing at the street dance. The dance begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Legion tent.

Sunday there is a pancake breakfast as well as more sidewalk sales. Finally the MidSummer Days grand parade will venture down Main Street at 2 p.m.

With warm weather comes garage sales. Keep in mind, that there is not a better way to advertise your garage sale than in the County Press and Search Shopper. You will be surprised how reasonable our rates are, and how many people attend your sale. Give us a call at 651-257-5115, we will make your garage sale a success.

In last week's paper, we inadvertently listed a student's name incorrectly. The photo showed a fourth grader showing his Pennsylvania float he created in Mrs. King's class. The cutline should have identified the boy as Ethan Grams. I apologize for the mix up.

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