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Thanks to all of our readers who have taken advantage of our early renewal offer so far. On page two (look left) you will find our coupon that will save you $1.50 off an already lower than retail price. All we ask is you fill out the form and send it in with your payment. This year you will notice we have added a line on the coupon. We are asking for our reader's email addresses. We are trying to build a database of our readers with the intention of starting something very innovative and beneficial to our readers. If you could please include your email as legibly as possible we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for reading.

We also have another great offer for our loyal readers. If you refer a new subscriber and they sign up for a year's subscription, we would like to offer you either St. Paul Saints tickets or tickets to ride the Osceola Train. Make sure that whomever you refer tells us who referred them.

I have had quite a few people ask me lately why we run the delinquent taxes in the newspaper. Sometimes they ask if there is any way that we can leave their name out of it. The truth is we have to. It is required that the legal newspaper(s) run delinquent taxes twice a year. The truth is, no one person may be left off the list given to us.

It may seem vindictive, but everyone knows the state of our economy. Everyone knows that most people are struggling right now. I personally don't look at a person that is on the delinquent tax list any differently than anyone who isn't.

It goes without saying, that putting food on our tables and paying the rent have their priority, and unfortunately paying taxes does as well.

My son had plans last weekend, so our weekend was dedicated to his younger sister. We made it clear, whatever she wanted to do (within reason), we would agree to. To our surprise, after saying no to water slides and other expensive outings, she decided that she wanted to build a Blue Bird house. As it turns out, there was a seminar on Blue Birds and their houses at William O'Brien State Park in Marine Saturday morning. When we got there, I couldn't believe how many people had shown up. There had to be 60 people or more. The guest speaker came out of the side room and I was shocked to see our very own Richard Hjort. For those of you who do not recognize the name, Richard is the author of our Field Notes located on the front page of the County Press.

Richard went on to give a slide presentation on Blue Birds that was very informative. He also threw in some jokes that had the audience roaring. When his slide presentation was over, people purchased Blue Bird house kits and proceeded to put them together on the floor of the Visitor Center. All the while, Richard and some volunteers assisting anyone who needed help.

It was so neat to watch Richard mingle with everyone. What especially caught my eye, was how the kids reacted around him. Kids who have never met Richard were hugging him, tugging him in all directions and getting pictures taken with him. It was really great spending part of our weekend with Richard, but I had no idea he was such a celebrity.

I need to take a moment and thank one of our advertisers. I need to thank all of our advertisers, but one person needs a little recognition. Lisa, who runs Forest Lake Cleaners off Broadway, has been doing some amazing things. Lisa is one of a kind when it comes to giving. Just last week, Lisa donated a giant bag of brand new blankets for the Baby Blanket program. The blankets will be given to needy mothers and their children who are struggling in tough times. Thanks so much to Lisa and her giant heart.

Another thank you that I need to extend is to one of our local grocery stores. Brink's Market which has been in the area for decades and decades, continues to give and give. If you have ever seen a photo of the Lions collecting food for the local food shelf, odds are they are in Brink's Market. Kevin and Roger Brink donate over $20,000 worth of food each year to the food shelf. People that work at the food shelf in Lindstrom tell me, without the Brink's assistance, the food shelf probably wouldn't exist.

If you remember about a year or so ago, I wrote about a neat program that deals with medical supplies. First United Methodist along with Trinity Lutheran Church have been actively collecting medical supplies and distributing them to people who have the need but are financially able to afford the supplies. The group has been collecting for two years now and 50 residents have benefited from their kindness. The group is always taking donations and all they ask for is a phone call first. Please call 651-257-4306 to donate or if you are in need of supplies such as crutches, wheelchairs and much more. Thanks to those of you who have donated.

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