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What a great weekend we had for the Celebrate Chisago Lakes Winter Blast.  Finally the weather cooperated and everything was a go. We have really been hindered by either too thin ice or too extremely cold weather.  This year was great, ice was good temps were good everything was great.  I was able to attend most events and they all were very well attended.  The Rotary Casino night was a blast.  They had over 230 people attend the event which was held in Frankie’s Marine showroom.  The polka at Lindstrom City Hall had more than 265 people come out to dance.  The radar run on Sunday was what we are used to - super popular and well attended.  

Thanks to the Celebrate Winter in Chisago Lakes committee for all of their hard work.  It was so refreshing to have all events take place and you could see the excitement on everyone’s face.  

While we were gambling at the casino night, out the windows you could see a LifeLink helicopter readying to land.  Little did we know what a horrific, tragic accident had taken place a few hundred yards away on Chisago Lake.

I, along with many of you, was sickened to hear the air ambulance was carrying a young boy who was blindsided by a snowmobiler who admitted to drinking earlier.

Little Alan Geisenkoetter was with his family looking forward to a night of ice fishing, when something utterly preventable happened.  The snowmobile drove right through their spot hitting Alan, his father and their vehicle.  The snowmobile hit Alan so hard he had to be air lifted at Paradise Park with head trauma and multiple broken bones.  The kid is only eight years old. Eight!  What chance does an eight year old have against a snowmobile that is capable of reaching speeds over 100 mph.

Alan Jr. is at the hospital fighting for his life.  All because someone decided to drink and drive, and ultimately changed a family’s life forever.    
The family has set up a a GoFundMe website as well as a Caringbridge website that we can help alleviate their costs.  Just google Alan Geisenkoetter Jr. GoFundMe or Caringbridge.

There is something exciting happening at Lindstrom Family Dental.  Dr. Struve and Dr Shipp of Shipp Dental are joining forces.  Shipp Dental will now join Lindstrom Family Dental as they leave their home of many, many years.  I have chatted with Dr. Struve and Dr. Shipp and they are ecstatic to be partnering together in this new venture.  I have known them both for years and they are both wonderful people and business owners.  If you see them wish them the best on their new venture.

Community Ed is once again holding their Valentine's Day Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, February 9.  The dance is a chance to take your daughter and show her just how special she is in a comfortable fun setting.  There will be dancing, games, and activities such as a magic show and photos.  The dance will be held at the middle school and begins at 6 p.m.  They do ask that you register online prior to the dance, but walk ups will be welcomed.

The winning button number for the Winter Blast Celebration is #312.

The winner should contact the Chisago Lakes Chamber at 651-257-1177 and stop into the Chamber office at 30525 Linden St., Lindstrom with the winning button to claim their prize by February 28, 2018.

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