Highlights of 2008 in Minnesota

Although there are four seasons in Minnesota, the joke is how we have two seasons; winter season and construction season.During that time we had several things happen here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. A few of these are listed below:

1. The Senate race between Norm Coleman and Al Franken was so close, a recount was called. The outcome of that race changes from day to day and won't become final until the beginning of January.

2. Two women who were regular hikers in the Boundary Water Canoe Area went missing. They were on one of their usual hikes when they got lost. They stayed calm and used their hiking experience as a survival tool.

3. The price of gas skyrocketed. The average was $4.00 a gallon, however, in November it started falling. It can now be found for $1.59.

4. The owner of Fingerhut and Sun Country airlines was jailed for wrong doing.

5. A man dressed as Santa Claus went to his ex-wifes family Christmas get together. When the door was opened to him he proceeded to kill eight people, burned the house down, and he killed himself.

6. The Republican Convention was held at the XCel Center in St. Paul. This brought money to the local businesses, there was some protestin, and volunteers turned out to be a part of the convention.

7. In 2007 the 35-W bridge collapsed. One year later, it had been re-built and was open to traffic.

8. Tornadoes created havoc in Hugo and many other area throughout the state.

9. December 23 a fire swept through an apartment builing in Burnsville. The community came through and donated money, gifts, clothing, and hygiene products. One person donated one million dollars to the displaced people. The owner of the apartment building is donating $100,000.00, giving them their December rent back, last months rent, and their deposit.

10. The jobless rate is too high and with too many businesses closing, more people are now out of work.

This year flew by with something happening all the time. Before we knew it, December was here. Now, we are once again celebrating a New Year and the time is here for us to usher in 2009.

Happy New Year!