LOCAL
Upcoming holiday will stretch food shelf; checkout Shafer Days
The Chisago Lakes Area Food Shelf needs our help. They are collecting food items to put together a Thanksgiving meal for low income families. I spoke with them this week and Robin who runs the food shelf told me they are really low this year. So, if possible, I would …
The season of apples
Where in the world did September go? That’s the question we hear often with each month that has just passed. Hello everybody, It’s October 2. I started to put away my “summer clothes” and then it got warm last week. I’m not finished picking green beans, cukes, cabbage, and tomatoes in …
Highway route named, memorial honors fallen
The community turned out for a dedication September 21 in honor of the ultimate sacrifice by a native son and his fellow servicemen. Nicholas Patrick Spehar enlisted in the Navy and as a SEAL Team member he first went to the Phillipines in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his …
Kids enjoying themselves at Apple Fest
The Amador Apple Festival is a feast for the senses; complete with great food, fall colors, sweet sunshine, music and even exotic creatures, like the alpaca animals at the Sunrise River Farm booth, that caught the eye of young visitors. The apple festival is the third Sunday in September in …
Spehar dedication was awesome, help the troops - see a great show
I had the pleasure of attending the Nicholas Spehar dedication on Sunday. Some wonderful people with hearts of gold have scraped and clawed at all levels to have a stretch of Highway 8 dedicated to Nick. For those of you who don’t remember or maybe have moved here recently, Nick is …
Flavors that remind us of autumn
The breathtaking beauty of the trees and bushes are like an artist’s palette of red, orange, rust, brilliant yellow, golf, plum colored leaves changing from dark green to all of these colors. I am so grateful to be able to see these gorgeous colors of autumn that surround us. We …
Stagecoach Days a hit with residents
Wyoming Stagecoach Days enjoyed ideal weather last weekend...pictured above, Mason, at the Creative Arts Community booth where kids could paint a masterpiece on canvas, Or you could try your hand at the pottery wheel. There were rides and activities and booths with food and refrehsments, a car show and mini-train …
Local Law Enforcement recognized for heroic effort
Lakes Area Police Officers Sgt. Jim Varco, Tom Haller and Brian Carlson were honored for their medical response skills, handling a serious call this June. Doctors who worked on the patient credit the officers with saving the party’s life. In June, a possible airway obstruction call to dispatch sent the …
Environmental scoping underway for local solar farms
A public hearing last week at the Performing Arts Center at Chisago Lakes High School gave locals a chance to learn about a plan that would give Chisago County a major role in alternative energy generation in coming years.The hearing was one of six that the state Public Utilities Commission …
Apple Festival on Sunday, we get a chance to honor a local hero
There is no lack of things to do in our area this weekend. My favorite festival of the year happens in Almelund on Sunday. I am referring to the 21st Almelund Apple Festival. What is an apple festival you say? It is the celebration of the apple harvest with everything …
SNO BARONS HAY DAYS ATTRACTS A CROWD
ATVs and snowmobiles and just about everything motorized, drew thousands of enthusiasts to Hay Days, near Almelund Sept 7 and 8. There also is a swap meet and vendor market for do it yourselfers, and demonstrations and open spaces for experts and beginners to try out products. Drag races for …
County HHS annual report illustrates local condition of economy, social welfare issues
The news out of the county’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Department last week was easier to take than the weather forecast-- as severe late season rain and hail erupted immediately after the county commissioners adjourned.
'Rugged Maniac' attracts thousands
If the traffic around Taylors Falls seemed more like a stop-and-go fishing opener weekend on I-35, it’s because along with Hay Days taking place on Saturday and Sunday, there was a special obstacle course competition being held at Wild Mountain last weekend. The official headcount was 3,800 people registered for …
A Brush With Kindness needs you, 9/11 is etched in us permanently
I have recently joined a group called "A Brsuh With Kindness." I have written about it a couple of times. Basically, it is a group of individuals that are committed to improving homes in Chisago County for those who are unable to fix their homes because of trying times. This …
