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I cannot believe it has been a year since our world got turned upside down.  I took a minute to read my column from last year. What an idiot.  I was convinced this was going to be taken care of medically or the United States would protect the borders thus limiting the influx of infections.  Close Matt - real close. Without pointing out what has transpired and what businesses have been crushed by the shut-down (pssst all of us) over the last year, we are now seeing a glimpse of hope.   Recently the Governor changed his executive orders and opened the state a little more.  Restaurants are now allowed 75 percent indoor capacity, which will help tremendously.  Gyms and fitness studios can now operate at 50 percent capacity.  Salons and barbers are now open to 100 percent capacity. And churches, weddings funerals are now thankfully open 100 percent.  So many people (including myself) have lost loved ones and never had a chance to have a ceremony.  I still have yet to say goodbye to my grandmother in Iowa.

You may have seen the coupon on page 2 of the Chisago County Press recently.  The coupon is part of our annual subscription renewal special. If you clip the coupon and fill it out, you will receive $1.50 off a yearly subscription. We have not raised the prices of the Press in two decades and are hoping to continue to be the best deal in town.  We have seen our numbers steadily increase with the pandemic and for those new readers we say thank you.  For those loyal readers who have gotten the Press for years, I can’t express my gratitude. You are the reason we are here before the sun comes up and you are the reason for late nights covering local meetings and events.  Thank you!

The County Press is still only a dollar, but ordering a subscription drops the price even more.  For way less than a cup of coffee, you can be reading about the local news, sports, upcoming events and of course my column (if you have insomnia).  Clip them out and send them in.  If you are thinking about a new subscription, just fill out the coupon and we will get you up and running as soon as we get it.
Seriously folks - thank you.

I posted this on our Facebook page a few weeks back, but wanted to remind folks that the 2021 Chisago City Easter Egg Hunt has been unfortunately cancelled for this year.  After speaking with them, the decision had to be made a while back and at the time it was definitely the right decision.  No one would love more to hold it than them.  They tried their hardest but next year will be different.  For sure.

If you ever want to test a marriage to see how strong your relationship is, I suggest remodeling a home.  We recently bought a home and are probably 3/4 through the remodeling process.  Our first house was a total rehab, but we were young and dumb.  This one is not nearly as extensive but has tested our nerves nonetheless.  I credit my beautiful wife for being the steady voice of reason when her husband is ready to give up.  She is the one that had a vision and now we get to see what was in her head.  The place is beautiful and the best part is we are still married..somehow.

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