---

  If I could please direct your attention to page 5 of this Press, you will see some very important news.  No I didn’t win the lottery, or make this season’s “You’ve Got Talent”.  I am referring to an entire page dedicated to this year’s Celebration of the Lakes information.
 
I am asking that you please reserve time in your schedule on January 30,31 and February 1, for the celebration.  I found it’s easier to attend an event when you can plan for it.  

  I hope you had a chance to read last week’s paper about the triumphant return of the radar runs.  The radar run has always been a huge hit among outdoor enthusiasts.  I admit, even though we do not have a snowmobile, we are big fans of watching snowmobiles rip down a safe runway.  Some of the pros go faster than you would ever imagine.  The radar runs will take place Saturday, January 31 at 10 a.m.  to about 4 p.m.

 The celebration also brings back the very popular pro fishing circuit.  Beginning Friday night, they will hold a fishing seminar at local restaurants such as Anthony’s, The Northern, and Meredee’s Bistro.  It makes for a more personal intimate setting with the pros being much more accessible.  

 The pros then hit the ice on Sunday for a full day of fishing on Chisago Lake.  I invite you to the weigh-in at Frankie’s at 2 p.m.  Sunday afternoon.

  Speaking of fishing, there is going to be another try at offering the kids ice fishing camp.  Last year the camp was very well attended, but the sub-zero temps kept the kids from getting out on the ice.  This year “camp” will be held at the Center City Fire Department Saturday, January 31 at 10 a.m.  Your kids will learn basic ice fishing skills and then head to the ice for some fun fishing.  Please dress them accordingly.


  It is with a heavy heart that we must report of the deaths of two local women.  These women died in their homes over last weekend with the cause of death being carbon monoxide poisoning.  I personally did not know the women, and I feel for their families.  What I do know is that this should at the very least be a wake-up call for all of us to check our carbon monoxide detectors.

 I will tell you, we have one (we have three of them) that is sitting in our garage right now because the battery was low and the beeping was driving me batty.  Let's get up, and change the batteries.  Even if they are not chirping, change them anyway. Or buy detectors now.  Let's make this the last carbon monoxide poisoning this paper reports about.

Someone asked me a week or so ago, if it bothers me that we run a police report with names in it.  

First off, I completely understand that some people are a little put off by the names every week.  But the reports are public information, and a newspaper's job is to report on government’s use of its powers especially the ability to detain citizens. You know, someone once told me about a newspaper in Florida I believe.  This paper must have had its share of calls about the printed police reports.  Apparently the newspaper at the top of the law enforcement listings had a saying that read "Police Reports" "If you don't like it - Don't do it!".  Hmmmm.

  If you were thinking about sending your resume in for our Community Advertising position, I will warn you that we are accepting resumes only until Tuesday. After that, we will be making our decision.  I have written here in the past about great sales people we have had over the years.  Honestly, they come from all walks of life.  So if you think that because you have not sold advertising in the past, it automatically eliminates you from the job, think again.  You know me folks, you know just how much this community (all of it) means to me.  I just want an honest person who cares about the well-being and the future of our local businesses.  If we can help them flourish, then we will have done our job.  Send your resume by this Monday to: [email protected]. 

---