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I took pictures at Chisago Lakes High School graduation ceremony on Monday. The ceremony was held outside and the weather was spectacular.  It was such a great feeling seeing everyone attending and together again.  Last year, if you remember, the school was allowed to hold a public graduation, albeit small with only a select number of relatives allowed.  This year the bleachers were packed with family and friends supporting their seniors.  There were some great speeches by Greta Gillach and Lydia Lafean and a nice speech from history teacher Brian McNally.  

If you take a look at page 6 of this Press you will see some pictures from Allemansratt Park in Lindstrom.  

Someone decided to camp illegally (there was no one registered for the site) and left behind a pile of garbage.  Maybe it is because I now live by a park, or maybe because Allemansratt is by far and away our favorite park to walk in, but there is a real problem with littering these days.  We have been park visitors for decades and the amount of crap left by other visitors is ten-fold what it once was.  I don’t have a reason for it, not sure if it’s entitlement or disregard, but it’s disgusting to say the least.  

What would these people say if we drove to their homes and dumped a bunch of garbage bags full of rubbish in their yards?  

Remember;  the Community Meal Mondays are back on at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City.  The meals run from 4 to 6pm and they’re free to everyone. All they ask is a good-will offering if possible.  There are no speeches, no agendas other than to enjoy a great meal with neighbors served up by some wonderful people.  For those of you who don’t know where Zion is, it’s located at 28005 Old Towne Rd, Chisago City.  Head south from Hwy 8 in Chisago City and you can’t miss it.  

Congratulations to outgoing principals Brenda Schell, Ralph Fairchild and Dave Ertl.  I have been dealing with these principals for the last 19 years and they are some of the best people to ever work with.  I have known Dave Ertl for an eternity and have seen him acquire to his dream job and follow through to retirement in his hometown, which is pretty special.  If you would like some dirt on Dave, I have plenty, just give him a chance to clear his desk out and fully retire. Kidding—  I wish nothing but the best for Dave.

Congratulations to the CL girls softball team on earning a first ever berth to state!  First ever!  Here is hoping you come home with some hardware but at the very least have a great time!  Congrats to all of the track athletes that have also qualified for state this year. We also have three golfers heading to state as well. I would say the athletics programs in Chisago Lakes and North Branch have never been stronger!

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