---

What a wonderful turnout for the homecoming game on Friday.  The food trucks were definitely what was needed.  There were people absolutely everywhere.  Unfortunately the game didn’t pan out, but people seemed to have a great time nonetheless.

A huge thank you goes out to the crew that ran the Kids Outerwear Fair last week. Katie Roche and the team of volunteers collected winter clothing all year for this event.  Families were able to receive winter clothing free of charge, no questions asked and boy were they appreciative.  This program has been going for years now and it is just one more reason this community is so special.

We lost a local icon last week.  Larry Larsin passed away unexpectedly.  If the name doesn’t sound familiar think of the giant tree trimming trucks riddled with dents.  I say that in jest of course, but he did run a successful tree service for decades here in Chisago Lakes.   His personality was booming as well as his voice when he got excited.  Larry was one of a kind and will be missed by many.

Another local resident near and dear to my heart has a big birthday coming up.  Sue Wilson of Lindstrom will be celebrating her 88th birthday this week. For those of you who didn’t grow up here, Sue was the librarian at the Lindstrom Library.  No, not the one by the clinic, the one that is  the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce building, for decades.  Sue worked there for years and years and through snow and rain she always made the tough commute and opened the library.   She is a dear friend of the family and I think the world of her.

Next week is Fire Prevention Week. You will see the first ad for Almelund Fire Department on page 15 this week. The department is holding an open house on Saturday, October 8. The public is invited to come see what’s new, meet the firemen and women,  and enjoy some great snacks.  The open house runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fire hall is located at 15740 Maple Lane in Almelund.

Lastly, I wanted to take a moment to congratulate Chuck Olson on his retirement.  

Chuck ran Koehn Auto Sales for 25 plus years and just retired at the end of September.  On top of being a great advertiser and a strong supporter of local events, Chuck has meant the world to me and my family.  When my dad passed away in 2003, Chuck was the first one there to make sure we were ok and assist any way he could.

Chuck has become one of my good friends and a spiritual sounding board who has gotten me through good and bad times.  I  (like many of you) always knew I had a place to talk, and the conversation would not leave the room.  His business will be missed but that pales in comparison to his daily conversations.  Good luck Chuck and good luck Kim...

---