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As I sit here staring at my screen, I am at a loss for words. One of my very close friends and a staple in our community has passed away.  Ron Holt, who grew up here, raised his children here and built a successful accounting business, left us Monday night.

Ron was my dad’s accountant before dad passed away and has been mine ever since.  I get it, you think I am writing about him because of his business realtionship with me, but it is just the opposite.  Ron took me under his wing and made it a point to look out for me and my family after dad was gone.  

He started as an accountant but quickly blossomed into one of my very good friends.  Did he have a gruff exterior, maybe even too cynical? Absolutely. But, I can say without any hesitation that there is not a person I have met that would give you the shirt off his back quicker or as many times as Ron.  Speaking with others who knew Ron well, they would all echo those sentiments as well.

Ron was a mentor, a sounding board, an encourager, a teacher and one hell of a great friend.  Thank you Ron - for everything.

Many of you may remember a former Chisago Lakes student that graduated last year by the name of Shane Kargel.  Shane was a super popular student both with his clasmates and the teachers.  He loved to act and sing and was part of almost every play abd choir concert during his tenure at CLHS.
 
Well, I am happy to say that Shane is continuing his academics at Bethel University in Roseville.  Shane is enrolled in the arts program and he will be starring in the college’s next play entitled “All's Well That Ends Well”.

The play is open to the public and the dates of the show run from November 7 to the 17th.  Congrats Shane! We knew you had it in you!

This weekend the Stacy-Lent Fire Department and the Almelund Fire Department will kick off Fire Prevention Week Saturday, Oct 5 with their open houses.
 
Two Open House events are early this year:  
Almelund will begin their open house at 9am and it will run until 2 pm.  You can take part in station tours, fire truck rides, CPR instruction, finger printing for kids, try on gear see a really neat infrared camera exhibit and much more.  They will have food and beveages on hand as well.

Stacy-Lent will hold the open house 10am to 1pm.  You can see a Lifeline air ambulance helicopter, a Lakes Region EMS ambulance, fire truck tours, Smokey the Bear will be there so bring your camera. They will have snacks as well as giveaways for the kids.

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