---

What a week.... not going to delve into the negatives of the national problem - there is enough of that everywhere you turn.  I like to focus on the good.  Tell me my head is in the sand and I'm oblivious, I don't care.  For days I followed each and every latest breaking news any outlet would put out.  What did that get me? I'm pretty sure there was the beginning on an ulcer in my stomach and my sleep pattern was non-existent.  When I say that I focus on the good news it doesn't mean I ignore everything, I pay attention to the Governor because his pressers have an impact on all of us.  I read the synopsis of the President's pressers.  But just take a look on the internet and how the headline writers thrive on end-of-the-world headlines, being part of the media I am utterly and thoroughly disgusted.  This situation is as serious as it gets, but instilling fear achieves nothing - but clicks.

The good folks at St. Croix Regional Medical Center are looking for our help.  They are asking you to donate any face masks.  They are especially grateful for N95 and ear loop masks, but they will gladly accept hand-sewn ear lop masks as well.  They do ask that the masks be made of 100 percent cotton (tightly woven) such as twill, duck cloth or denim.  Patterns for making masks can be found on their website at www.scrmc.org/patients-visitors/coronavirus-information.  Masks can be donated March 27 through April 3 from 9 am until noon.  There will be a sign and a bin outside of both the St Croix Falls and the Lindstrom sites.  Any donations will definitely be appreciated.

Remember to check on your neighbors especially in this time of quarantine.  If you have and elderly neighbor or a neighbor whose immune system is easily compromised, give them a call. Heck even go and knock on their door, they can always talk through the door saving face to face contact.  

We here at the Press are doing our best to keep you updated on the situation, wether on Facebook, our Website or the paper.  While our paper may look a bit skinnier in the future, as long as we have two nickels to rub together, we will put the paper out.

Until the Governor shuts the state down, please, please make a concerted effort to shop locally.  Brink’s Market has done an amazing job managing their inventory and keeping shoppers calm.  That’s just one example of so many local businesses staying open to help us in our time of need.  Thank you all!

Keep the faith, look up and know this will pass.  Be there for each other and continue to show love for all.

---