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Schools are officially back in session....where on earth did the summer go? It was just yesterday I was writing about the dire lake levels and wondering if we would be walking across the dried lake beds... Thankfully Mother Nature took care of us and the lakes came up to good levels.

On my way to work this morning, the bike trail was filled with kids heading to their first day of middle school.  Some even dashed across Highway 8, I assume they were late for class?  That was a good reminder to keep a vigilant eye out for kids on the roadways.  

This weekend is Hay Days up in Almelund.  You thought the roads were crowded this past weekend, just wait.  Around 35,000 people attend Hay Days every year and this year should top that.  Please be careful when driving, especially on Highway 95 because you can come up suddenly on stopped traffic at any time.

With school starting, that means fantasy football league drafts are as well.  I told myself last year (and the year before) I would cut back on playing fantasy football.  It has changed the way I watch football, and not for the better.  Instead of genuinely rooting for a team like I grew up doing, now I am flipping channels to see if my fantasy football running back is scoring or not.  Even if I am watching the Vikings and I have a fantasy football player playing against the Vikes, I find myself rooting for him.  

To make a long story short, I will be cutting back on fantasy football...after this season and my three teams are done.. ugg.  

In two weeks, there are a few big events for you and your family to take in.  The city of Shafer will be holding the annual Shafer Days celebration September 13 & 14.  We will have a big spread starting in this weekend’s Search Shopper and next week’s Press. There is an ad for this week on page 13.

Also on September 13, Parmly on the Lake will be celebrating its 120th anniversary from 3-7 p.m., you are invited to come enjoy a car show, a live band, petting zoo, bouncy house, food trucks, yard games and a bake sale.  Parmly, for those who don’t know; is down Old Towne Road in Chisago City across the street from the Primary School. Come on out and say congratulations on such an accomplishment!

Sunday, September 15 I would encourage you to come enjoy the 29th annual Apple Festival in Almelund.  Just as it sounds, it is everything apples.  Tons of yummy foods that center around apples. Lots of apple vendors and other great vendors will be on hand as well.  We have an ad for the fest on page 16 this week.

And finally, the awesome folks that put on the free community meals invite all to come to their anniversary picnic meal September 9 (this Monday) at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City.  The meal will feature great food, live entertainment and kids games, The only thing they ask is a free will donation that goes toward funding more community meals. The meal runs from 4-6 p.m.  See you there.

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