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This weekend is a biggie.  I know, I know, it’s the weekend to get stuff ready for summer, and maybe if you are lucky get to the cabin to get it ready for summer.  But, I am more referring to the meaning of the long weekend - Memorial Day.  

Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military for our great country. Many of us observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades (yes there are still a few Memorial Day parades).  

In this edition of the Press, you will find listings of Memorial Day/Weekend events at most cemeteries in the area.  You will also see some advertisers who whole heartedly support Memorial Day and our service men and women.  I hope you can take a bit of time out of your long weekend to come pay respects locally at one of many services.  I have been to all of the services in the past, and I can tell you it does not take up your whole day.  Most services are around 20 minutes or so, which isn’t asking  too much to pay respects to those who gave up their lives for our country.

As I wrote here last week, there is a super fun and cool kayak paddle on Memorial Day.  It’s the 8th annual Memorial Day Paddle.  The trip begins at 9 am at Ojiketa Regional Park in Chisago City.

At 10:30 am the group invites those who were unable to start at 9 to join them at Paradise Park. Then again at noon, in Lindstrom at Beach Park where they will be stopping and any and all who wish to paddle can join. 

And finally at 1pm the group will make a stop at the launch by the middle school for any last joiners.  The group ultimately ends up in Center City with a get-together held at Pizza Pub.

Now that the date has passed for subscription renewals, those of you who may have forgotten or misplaced your blue cards,  will soon be cut-off.  Sadly I hate  this part, but with the price of postage and ink these days, giving away free papers isn’t really in our budget.  If you are one of those, please send in your payment today and we will make sure you don’t miss a single issue of the Chisago County Press.

I can’t speak for any other local parks in our area, but the park we live by (Lorens Park) in Center City has a problem.  No, I am not speaking about dog doo.  I am speaking about litter.  Every day the park has close to 20 plus people that either drive in with cars or boat up to the shore.  Every day, And I mean every day, we (neighbors on the road who walk the park) pick up bags of garbage.  Diapers, pop cans, beer bottles, Taco Bell bags, vape paraphernalia, tons of fishing line and lures, cigarette butts, and many other disgusting items.   

When did it become trendy to litter again?  

I have seen families having a picnic at the park just get up and leave in their vehicle with all of the picnic garbage sitting on the table.  What is happening in the world?  There is a big garbage  can 40 feet from you. Get off your lazy behind and throw stuff away.

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