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As we reported in the paper last week, someone painted graffiti on the Lindstrom water tower.  I am not sure why the incident is just gaining traction this week, but rest assured the 18-year-old vandal was caught and is being dealt with by local authorities.  Pretty brazen of the fellow to paint the tower which has lights illuminating the logo on the top coffee pot all night.  Once up on the tower, if you’re spotted any escape plan has just been reduced to parachuting (I know it’s not that high) or eventually coming down to the loving arms of the Lakes Area Police Department.  The tower will be fixed soon they tell us.  I was young and dumb myself, but not quite that dense.

If you noticed smiles on people’s faces over last weekend, it most certainly had to do with the rain that fell multiple times on the weekend.  We were getting so desperate for moisture around here that many of us, including myself had given up and accepted the drought will last throughout the winter and roll into spring.  I am not saying the drought is over by any means but three plus inches will go along ways.

For all of you that have and continue to donate clothing to the homeless, I wanted to share a bit of what happens.  So I used to have a couple of homeless shelters that I would take the items to, one in St. Paul, and two others in Minneapolis. Two of the shelters have moved and no longer can accommodate housing all of the donations they receive.  The other one received a semi truck full of clothing from a group of churches so they are good for at least a year.  That left me scrambling to find a spot to assist.  Luckily I was put in touch with a gentleman in St. Paul who is now running an inner city homeless assistance group.  He has graciously reached out to me (our community) and has welcomed the items with the utmost gratitude.  Late last month  we (you the community) were able to deliver two truck full (and I mean jam-packed full) loads to homeless Veterans in St. Paul.  

Then last Wednesday, you sent another truck-plus load to a different homeless group in South St. Paul.  What I am saying is, keep it going.  If you have clothing (please no more summer stuff) you no longer need, I guarantee I can find a good home for garments on some needy Minnesotans.  Thanks for all you do.

This Friday is homecoming at Chisago Lakes. The team is doing great under first year coach Ryan Anderson. This week they will take on Zimmerman and as usual there are plenty of festivities to enjoy prior to the game.  You are invited to come out for a food truck extravaganza prior to the game on the PAC plaza. Stick around to watch the Wildcats roll to another victory. The game will be followed by a great fireworks show.  Good luck team!

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