April 2001
LAND O'LAKES -NEWS & VIEWS HomeOur April Fools Issue Backfired
By David Brison
Many people who read the lead story in last weeks April Fools issue unfortunately believed it, and thought that we were again facing another amalgamation. Some were scared of the prospect and others were angry at having amalgamation imposed on them.
First, let me say that the article is not true. It was intended purely as an April Fools joke, a satirical piece. Secondly, I want to sincerely apologize for putting people through the mental anguish of thinking that they were going to have to go through another amalgamation. My intention was certainly not to scare people or to make them angry. I realize that councillors and mayors have had to field a lot of calls from angry people. They have better things to do, and I am sorry that the story made them take precious time out to deal with concerned constituents.
Susan Freemans Maberly column was also too believable, and Id like to set some matters straight in that regard. Deer hunting season is not extended, the township has not been renamed, and the other items were fictitious as well.
The story The lost history of Shabbat Lake came right out of Jeff Greens lively and fertile imagination and has no basis in fact.
We will undoubtedly try another April Fools issue and try to make it on April 1, but the issue will be clearly labelled as such. Also, I have learned from this one that we shouldnt touch a nerve as sensitive as amalgamation.
Finally, I have received a lot of positive comments too and I want to thank those readers.
