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The new year marks the end of an era.  George McMahon is stepping away from the Chisago County Board, after 12 faithful years as our Lindstrom’s commissioner.  I need to be careful here not to turn this into a eulogy because George is doing well, he just decided to experience other things in life that being a commissioner has kept him from experiencing.

George was one of the first community members I met when I took over here at the Press.  He and Ken Harmon and John Broeker came in representing the local veterans and we immediately hit it off.  Over the years, I have become close with George and consider him a very good friend.  He has always been there for me and the paper which he often championed.  I will forever be grateful for George and his wisdom and his humor (not so much).  I wish him nothing but the best in the future whatever it may hold.  And to Faye his wonderful wife, don’t worry there is a truckload of wine on its way.  Thanks George!

Also, thank you to the wonderful folks who took time out of their busy schedules to put on live nativity scenes for the public to enjoy. First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wyoming both held events that were very well attended.  I took in the one at First United and it was awesome.

I hope this paper finds you and your family well.  Tomorrow is Christmas (duh Matt), and for me (shocker I am a believer of God) it is the most moving time of the year. The day Jesus was born is simply put,  the most important day for Christians.  If you are not a believer, I am sorry. Sorry you haven’t experienced the goodness of God and the peace that comes with having faith.  Everyone is allowed  their opinion and I am the last person in the world to judge anyone.  Whether you are religious or not, from the depths of my heart I wish you and your family a beautiful Christmas. 

We are in the process of trying to purchase a house and sell ours at the same time.  For the longest time we have discussed buying a smaller house with a smaller yard, but never saw an opportunity. Much to our kids’ chagrin, we did find a much smaller home that we can envision ourselves growing older in.  Every person that knew about our potential purchase told us how stressful a move can be on a marriage.  Bingo.  I am not saying my beautiful wife is the culprit of stress, infact there is a decent chance I am the root of all stress.  I can’t for the life of me believe how much stuff we have accumulated after 17 years in one home.

I had always looked at us as minimalists, meaning if we didn’t use it, we got rid of it.  Apparently my self image is way off because I now think we or at least I could qualify to be a feature on the tv show hoarders.


The Chisago Lakes Chamber is analyzing the current broadband landscape in our area. The data obtained from the community survey and speed test will be a giant step towards getting universal broadband internet in Chisago Lakes area.  Please go to chisagolakeschamber.com to complete the survey and take a speed test on your existing internet.  Thanks for participating.  

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