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Beginning with this edition of the Press, you will find an early renewal coupon on the top of page 2.  This is your chance to save a little bit of money renewing your subscription before the big rush in May.  It is not a huge pile of cash, but a savings nonetheless.  Did you know that we have not raised our rate in the last 14 years?  As postal rates continue to soar, we have tried our best to keep the cost of the Press as manageable as we can.

Folks, I would like to take a minute to speak from my heart.  I wanted to say thank you.  Thank you for your support year in and year out. You have supported us through good times and through very rocky times.  We have never claimed to be the greatest paper in the world, rather we strive very hard each and every week to bring you as much of the local news as we can.  Do we fall short sometimes?  Absolutely - I take full responsibility for that.  But I will tell you this, there are eight people who work at 12631 Lake Blvd. in Lindstrom that care as much about this community as anyone.  We want nothing more than to see the community succeed both in the business sector and at a private level.  We are constantly striving to better our paper for your enjoyment.  Thank you again.

This weekend is a biggie.  Easter Sunday is one of the greatest times of the year.  It is a time to celebrate with family, eat some ham(not a fan), and maybe just maybe indulge in some candy.  More importantly, it is the biggest weekend for believers.  This is the weekend Jesus rose from the dead and was seated in Heaven.  It was the day the scripture was fulfilled and for those of you who believe, it signifies a renewal of faith.  Folks I am not hear to preach.  God knows I need more work than anyone, all I am stating is that this is a monumental weekend for those who walk with faith.  It is not my place to tell you what to do, nor would I ever choose to, but I am telling you for a fact, that my life as well as millions of others have changed when faith was incorporated into it everyday.  Don't believe me?  Try it for yourself.

I'm going to remind you and invite you one last time to Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia.  That is the location of one of the best speakers I have ever heard, Mark Meier will be speaking April 6.  He is a college professor and depression survivor who has dedicated his life to helping people battle depression.  We have all had bouts of depression at some time during our lives.  Meier teaches how to approach and deal with depression before it is too late. He speaks in a simple, easy to understand way, that makes it easier to relate to.  
As I wrote before, this event is for everyone.  Just because it is held at a church, doesn’t mean it is limited to church members.  Honestly, if you or your child could be at risk for depression, please attend.  There is nothing more tragic in this world than someone feeling they have no other options other than to take their own life.

On April 25, the Chisago Lakes Lions will host their annual Cadillac Dinner.  The dinner is their annual fundraising event where 100 couples enjoy a night of mingling, dinner and a huge raffle.  Every person that attends will go home with something. Yes, you might go home with a plant from the table, but you also might go home with a check for a lot of money.  Want proof?  There is a 20 x 26 concrete apron in front of my garage that would not have been there had I not attended the dinner.  Do you have to spend your winnings on a driveway? Of course not, you can do whatever you like, but the point is you can’t win if you don’t attend.  Contact a local Lion today to get your tickets, or email Jeff at [email protected].  We will see you there!

 Speaking of great fundraisers, the Chisago Lakes Wrestling Extravaganza takes place on April 11.  There are still a couple of tickets available.  Please call 257-1000 to purchase your tickets.

As always, I would encourage you to please shop locally this Spring.  We have such a wonderful, diverse shopping community here, let’s make an effort to keep it.

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