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In a little more than a week, the moment we have all been waiting for arrives. It is decision time for the America’s Best Community competition our Chisago Lakes Community is fully engrossed in.  

If you have not heard of the contest, or the wonderful people who make up the ABC Committee, you either have been gone from the area or under a rock.

Chisago Lakes was originally chosen from a pool of communities that totalled over 50 cities.  In April of 2015, Chisago Lakes was chosen as one of 50 quarter finalists.  The committee presented a budget outline for the money allotted.  They created a video that detailed progress in our area and also secured $15,000 in community matched funds.

In January of 2016, the committee and our area was chosen as a top eight finalist  and were awarded $100,000 to bring their plans to life.  They were given 11 months to implement the plan created by our committee for community revitalization.  They had to submit three quarterly reports updating the ABC competition committee on their progress. The entire time this ABC competition has taken place, we have seen something really neat take place. We have seen multiple (quite a few) groups who in the past dealt with life and business here in Chisago Lakes basically on their own.  We have seen groups, businesses, and individuals come together for a greater purpose.  Whatever the outcome of the competition is, one thing that has come out of it has been worth the time and the effort. We have become a unified, stronger community with most importantly a vision for the future. A vision that will take place whether we win or not.  We have come a long way in little time.

Saturday, the great people at the city of Chisago City invite you and your kids to the annual Easter Egg Hunt.  

The hunt is a little bit later than it has been in the past, it is at 2 p.m. and is held at Paradise Park.  Kids up to age 11 can participate in the hunt which will consist of three age groups.  Each hunt will contain a “Golden Egg” which if found, is filled with some great prizes.  There will also be face painting, a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny and an Easter Bonnet contest where a fabulous prize will be given out for the best decorated Easter bonnet. As always, the event is asking for food donations for the local food shelf, so if you can, let’s try to bring as much food as possible and fill the shelves.

Thank you to all who have re-subscribed to the Press already. Yes, you may have noticed that our prices have increased. This is the first increase in over 18 years.  Consider what everything used to cost 18 years ago? To only have one minimal increase in 18 years is pretty incredible.  

Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading our papers.  You are appreciated.
 

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