Gustaf's is celebrating 40 years; fishermen - your help is needed!

Gustaf's Up North Gallery is celebrating their 40th year anniversary. They have been bringing beautiful art to people of Minnesota and Wisconsin since 1973. Gustaf's has moved from Stillwater, to Downtown St. Paul, to their current spot in Lindstrom. John and Mary Ann Jindra have worked their tails off, turning a semi-run down building into one of our local treasures. They have created a beautiful gallery that is filled with great merchandise and is not "stuffy" like other galleries. They recently remodeled the interior of Gustaf's and now feature a Scandinavian gallery. The Jindras are wonderful people that have had such a positive impact in our community, won’t you come out and support them by visiting their new gallery and wishing them a happy 40th? Who knows, you might go home with a new art print, I did.

So now that the ice is very close to becoming a memory, I have a huge favor to ask. I would ask that any boaters on the lakes, especially fishermen, be extra aware the next few weeks. As you know, Danielle Jelinek went missing last December and has not been seen since. Danielle's family and the Sheriff's Department are asking for the public's help. When you are on the lakes, take an extra look around, if you have the time maybe take a nice and slow troll near the shorelines. If you see anything suspicious, please call the Sheriff's Department at 651-257-4100. While no one wants to find Danielle in this circumstance, her poor family is looking for closure. If we can help them find some sense of peace in their lives, well, I think it would be very appreciated. Thank you for helping.

Spring is here...as I am looking out the window at the snow falling. Okay, I think Spring is here, and that means it is Spring cleaning time. This is the time when you are rummaging through your closets, garages. under your decks (mine seems to collect junk and raccoon poo) and around your yard. It is a time when we look at stuff and ask "Why on Earth did we keep that?" In the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to rid yourselves of your unwanted items at various city wide clean-up/recycle days. Beginning this Saturday, Shafer and Taylors Falls will be holding their annual event. Vendors will be on hand to help you rid yourself of trash, household goods, recycle material, electronics and basically everything you would normally take to the dump. While some vendors do not charge a fee, others will, so please bring a checkbook or cash. Shafer's begins at 8 a.m. and Taylors Falls begins at 9 a.m. On May 11, North Branch will host their clean-up day, and on May 18 Chisago City and Lindstrom will host theirs.

Well it is finally here. No not the snow, our big celebrity claim to fame. On May 5, KARE will broadcast their very popular Minnesota Bound with Ron Schara. Ron is well known among outdoor enthusiasts and has become a Minnesota icon along with his black labs.

Last year, the film crew from Minnesota Bound came to Lindstrom to film the Chisago Lakes Lions Club Carp Festival. They took hours of footage detailing the festival and the people involved. This year’s Carp contest is happening very soon. You can still register by stopping in Frankie’s Live Bait in Chisago City. There is a rumor that Steve will be signing autographs on Monday in Lindstrom. His handlers have told me that anyone who wishes to get an autograph must be ready to wait at least 40 minutes to meet Steve. Expect long lines and probably a charge for the autograph - don’t even think about bringing your camera.

Have ypu stopped in at the Sweet Swede’s new store in Lindstrom? Sonia Palmer has opened her new store in the old Northwoods Roasterie. It is fantastic. such a great location, such a great store. Now it will be easy to get your Lingonberry fudge with a great cup of coffee from Northwoods nearby in its new location. What a great addition to Lindstrom.