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I know this is very late notice, but tonight (Thursday) at the Chisago Lakes Arena, there is something special taking place.  One of our hundreds of youth hockey players will receive the Zac Strong Award.  The award is in honor of Zac Bartz who courageously battled a painful rare cancer for years before finally being called to Heaven.  Zac was the epitome of strong, no matter how painful his life was, he always wore a smile and always wanted to be with his buddies.  This award will be presented to an athlete during the varsity hockey game - which by the way the tickets are only $1 to get in.  I invite you to come enjoy a touching ceremony to Zac and cheer on the Wildcats.

In this weekend's Search Shopper, you will find the 2015 Home, Garden and Business Show circular.  The tab is filled with information about next weekend's big show.  You will find a list of exhibitors as well as advertising from businesses that would love to help you with an array of goods and services.  Mixed in are some great do-it-yourself tips for your homes and businesses.  Mark you calendars for next weekend, the show promises to be bigger than ever and I hope to see you there.

I would like to personally thank whomever is responsible for the installation of the street light on the corner of 23 (old 83) and Morgan Avenue.  Speaking as someone who lives very close to the intersection, I have seen so many terrible accidents over the years including a fatality.  I am not sure what the problem with the intersection is besides one road is coming down a hill to a stop sign.  There have been so many accidents at that intersection, so to see a light is wonderful.  It illuminates the entire intersection as well as the stop sign on Morgan Avenue which many people seem to run.  Anyways, whomever was responsible, thank you very much.

Jim Eickman passed away this week.  Jim has been a member of the community for decades and a faithful member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church.  I have known Jim since I was in sixth grade, and it saddens me to no longer have him around.  Jim is the posterboy for inspiration.  He had a troubled life until he found God and his wife Sheila.  Since then he transformed himself into one of the nicest people I have ever known.  He was always there to offer me his wisdom.  He liked to tell me (and others) that I should really listen to him, because he had been there before.  He was an adult that would stop his busy life to speak to a no-good, long-haired, kid like me and I for one appreciated it.  Jim will be missed by many.

Congratulations to the Chisago Lakes Alpine team for qualifying for the state ski meet in Giants Ridge.  The boys team finished second at sections.  Anders Brown finished first in individuals and John Frischmon finished eighth.  Unbelievable.  To top that off, Ellie Frischmon took second place in the girls individuals at sections.  These are three great kids and I am certain they will come home with some hardware.  The other boys that qualified as a team were Casey Bennett, Ryan Mower, Jeremy Wesloh and Isaac Bierman.  

Chisago Lakes has always had a strong ski club, but it looks like this one could be one of the best.  Good luck to them!

Congratulations to the Chisago Lakes Jazz dance Team.  They are heading to the state tournament at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, about 3 p.m.  Good luck girls!

We are currently working on our Chisago Lakes Visitors Guide.  The guide is jam packed with local information that is useful to both residents and visitors to the area.  The guide is distributed to homes all around the community as well as in waiting rooms of all professions.  Realtors love to hand the guide out to home buyers.
If you would like some wonderful exposure for your business, there is no better piece out there.  This guide lasts all year long and is viewed constantly.  We would love to help you promote your business and drive up your sales.  Call us at 651-257-5115 or email us at [email protected].

The winning button for the Celebration of the Lakes has been chosen.  If you are holding button number 104, please contact the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 651-257-1177.  They have a nice rectangular piece of green paper for you.

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