Wright/Cromwell news

It’s now the fourth week of the state stay-at-home order and we are trying to do our best to follow the directive. I go to the Co-op store in Wright only once a week and maybe to Cromwell for gas when needed. Otherwise, it’s 24/7 at home. I don’t think I filled my gas tank more than once in March. I’m hoping you all are staying home, staying safe and staying healthy. I have heard of a few cases of COVID-19 in Carlton County, but so far we have only a limited number of folks infected. Let’s hope and pray it stays that way.

Cromwell mayor Sharon Zelazny has asked me to inform the public that the Kaleb Anderson Memorial Playground in Cromwell has been closed until further notice. There is no way this playground can be properly sanitized on a regular basis, so it is closed for now.

The recent Ruby’s Pantry food distribution at the Cromwell Park Pavilion went well. There were many volunteers who helped load wagons and put the shares into the trunks of cars. Folks lined up along Minnesota Highway 73 and waited their turn to drive to the side door and have their shares deposited into their vehicles. More than 290 shares were distributed. I expect the distribution will take place again May 14. Stay tuned for any changes.

The second week of Cromwell-Wright schools homework distribution by the bus drivers and volunteers went pretty well. Call the school at 218-644-3737 if you were missed or have questions for your children.

Remember that the boxes or coolers at the end of area driveways are for homework and food, and not to be taken. If there are items that folks are giving away, there will be a “free” sign on them.

Congratulations to cousins Taya and Shaily Hakamaki on being named to the 2020 Duluth News Tribune all-area girls basketball team. They both were named to the first team and Taya was also named the Player of the Year. She is the first girls basketball player from Cromwell-Wright to be named to this list.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Ray Nelson, 53, who died in an automobile crash on March 29. There will be no services at this time.

Our son is an IT specialist at a Veterans Administration hospital in San Francisco. For his safety, he is working from home every other week.

So, how are you handling this stay-at-home order? I’d love to hear from you so I can share your thoughts in this column. Just email [email protected]. And be careful about any virus or stimulus check scams that have been going around. It’s sad, but there seems to be someone trying to cheat you out of your money.

Here’s an open letter to all the area kids and Sunday School kids who are having to stay at home:

You know me, I’m Jennie Hanson, and I’ve been missing you a lot and I hope everything is going good for you and your family. I sure hope you’re doing OK at home and I hope you are getting your schoolwork done.

I hope you are having fun playing games with your family, listening to good music, reading lots of good books like the Bible, and getting outside to play with your brothers and sisters, and that you are all able to get along with each other.

You can also try to be helpful at home, by doing your chores and something extra to help everyday, too. I know this is a tough time for all of you and I want you to know that I have been praying for you every day that your life at home will be interesting and that you will make the most of this time with your family.

I know you miss being with your friends, but you know they are in the same situation as you are. Now might be a good time to write some letters to your prayer partners from church, your grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and especially your teachers telling them how much you miss them and that you appreciate them.

Have a great week and hopefully this will all be over soon, and we can be back in our little church in Wright, worshiping together. Remember: I love you and God does too. Remember to say your prayers. God bless you and try to be a blessing to others.

That’s all the news from the Edge of Wright. Be careful and stay safe.