To the Editor:
I want to thank you for your wonder-ful pictorial coverage of Victoria's "Con-certs in the Park."  The pictures told many stories about Victoria citizens enjoying themselves in our City with their family and friends.
And in all of the pictures, everyone is smiling or laughing.  In my mind, this is true community, and I'm thankful that through this concert we brought smiles and laughs to so many people.
All of the Victoria City Councilmem-bers agreed to the "Concerts" funding re-quest.  This support results in funds being put into this year's operational budget to support "Concerts."  The City Council's support for this project could be seen at the first Concert because all four city councilmembers and the mayor were present, enjoying themselves too!
Second, many thanks to the people and businesses in Victoria and elsewhere who made tax deductible donations to support this program.  I personally like things like this because you can "see your money work" right away!
We will have a little money left over at the end of this season because of those contributions, so we have some seed money to begin next year's planning.
Finally, I want to publicly thank Kristy Mock, Victoria's Parks and Recreation leader, for all of her hard work in bringing the idea of "Concerts in the  Park" to fruition. 
It has truly been fun for me to work so closely with Kristy to bring another form of music and entertainment to Vic-toria.  I hope it's a start of a community supported tradition.
Sincerely,
Mary Hershberger Thun, Victoria City Councilmember

To the Editor:
Hi, Mom.  Your new website for the Gazette is very nice.  The ads on the right are a little cut off for me, but they still look good.  Some of the text came in as an image instead of words.  We have high speed internet so it's not an issue, but some people might have to wait a while before reading your editorial, for example.  But I bet most people have high speed internet by now.  All I've read so far is your editorial.  Very good.  See you tomorrow.
Love,
Jenny Norgaard, Northfield, Minnesota

To the Editor:
It was a pleasure to speak with you today.  Please add us to your mailing list for the Victoria Gazette. 
My wife, Dr. Kandace Johnson, and I look forward to meeting you sometime this summer.  I will contact you when our press release is ready, and we can set up a time to meet and get a photograph taken, as you suggested, for the Gazette.
We certainly are excited about moving into the Notermann Building and becoming part of the Victoria community!  Our current address is Minneapolis.  Thanks, and have a great trip this weekend to your hometown.
Chris Johnson, Minneapolis, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Thank you for the information on West Nile Virus in the July issue of the Gazette.  I noticed a crow in our own backyard that was very sick and soon died.  Per your published instructions, I put it in a bag and placed it in the freezer.  I called the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) who picked it up and I received a notice that the test result for West Nile Virus was positive. 
The notice included this paragraph:  "A positive result for West Nile Virus does not necessarily represent an increased risk to your health.  West Nile Virus is commonly seen in birds.  The MMCD monitors the virus in bird popu-lations to assess the need for mosquito control services.  You can reduce your exposure to the disease-transmitting mosquitoes by wearing repellants, long sleeves and pants, and by remaining indoors after dusk."
I checked with the Minnesota Depart-ment of Health for information on the symptoms of West Nile Virus and they advised that the basic symptoms are a sudden high fever (102 or above) with possible severe headache, nausea, vomit-ting, sore throat, backache, and joint and muscle pain - flu-like symptoms.  On rare occasions the virus leads to encephalitis.
I believe it is important that residents be aware of the situation and take pre-cautions as advised by the Mosquito Con-trol District.
Bob Hedtke
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
I read Editor's Favorite Notes and Quotes in all editions of the Gazette.  Here is one from Ovid Northrop, from my daughter:  "Worry is misuse of the imagination."
Incidentally, Sue, your July edition of the Gazette has to be moved up to your top spot.  It was great!
Ovid Northrop
Victoria, Minnesota
Click here for more letters.