---

I had the opportunity to attend an amazing event on Sunday night. There was a prayer vigil held for Duane Noles and his wife Karen.  They were the angels who intervened in a domestic dispute of their neighbors.  Duane and Karen heard the cries for help and instead of turning away, they put their lives at risk to help a woman being terrorized next door.  The aggressor then turned on them as they were able to protect the victim until the police arrived.  In that time, Duane was beaten so badly it was unclear if he would survive the attack.  These two risked their lives to help another.  Sunday night, over 100 people from our community gathered to pray for their health and well being.  I am having a very hard time putting into words the sense of love and community that I experienced that night.  I was awestruck.  Let us keep Duane and Karen in our prayers as they continue their very long recovery journey.  We have a link on our facebook page to Duane's CaringBridge site and if you would like to donate to help assist with the medical bills, you are encouraged to send funds to: "Good Samaritans" Duane and Karen Noles fund at Lake Area Bank.  

As Christmas draws very near, I wanted to remind people that there is a wonderful Christmas meal taking place at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom, for anyone and everyone who would like to share a Christmas meal and not be alone.  The meal is free and if transportation is a problem, they can pick you up or deliver a meal to your home.  The meal begins at noon and runs until 1:15 p.m.  They are asking for a simple call to make reservations, this allows them to purchase enough food for everyone.  Please call 257-4306 to make a reservation.  
If you would like to volunteer to help serve or work in the kitchen, they could use your help. Please call and let Lois know you would love to help.  This is the 24th year of this wonderful meal.

Speaking of the Methodist Church in Lindstrom, on Saturday, members of the church and community will be hosting a live nativity scene outside of the church.  The presentation runs every half hour beginning at 6 p.m.  You can view the manger scene where Jesus was born, along with all of the characters from the early part of the New Testament.  It is a very moving presentation that truly brings home the meaning of Christmas.  
I hope you will have time to stop in and enjoy.  First United Methodist church is on Irene Avenue by the Middle School.

A short (too short) while ago I was asking the public's help to find a community sales representative.  By doing so, we think we have found that diamond in the rough.  Terri has been super and the feedback I am getting is the advertisers think so as well.  As it turns out, we are in need of another community representative.  I am not one who likes to re-run parts of articles I have written before, but I will re-run the opening I wrote a while back.  Please read - and if you fit the bill or you know of someone who you think I described, please have them contact me.  

The Chisago County Press is looking for a community advertising representative.  Yes, I know they are normally called sales associates, but in this case the position is much more than just making a sale or two.  We are looking for a community minded individual who loves to meet people, likes making decisions on the fly, is creative, and is honest.  The one thing that I have come to learn over the years here at the Press is in order to sell anything (ads or cars) you have to have the community's best interest at heart.  Here at the Press, we are not your typical newspaper.  We pride ourselves on wanting local businesses to succeed.  When they succeed, we succeed.  If we are not helping each and every business, then quite frankly, we are not doing our job.  That is why we are looking for that special person or persons who loves independence, loves to sell, but most importantly, loves this area.  This is a great place to work with wonderful employees.  

If you think you could do the job, but are worried because you have never sold advertising before, don't be.  Some of the best advertising people in the world came from different careers.  How do you know, you could be the next great one.  I highly urge you to send your resume to PO Box 748, Lindstrom, MN 55045 or email to: [email protected].  I look forward to meeting you.

---