A Son's Story  by Sue Orsen.  "My mother was just a child when she was shipped here from Sweden with a tag around her neck," said Jim Carlson of Victoria.  Click on Front Page for the rest of the story. 
Sportsmanship by Tom Abts, Deer Run Golf Pro.  "The incident in Detroit is a reflection of our society.  Those who do not stand up to the thugs and bullies amongst us are also responsible for the breakdown of a civilization ..."
From the Lions Den by Joe Schmieg, President, Victoria Lions Club.  "As Christmas fast approaches, it is important to remind ourselves that this is the time to not think so much of ourselves but more of others ..."
Counting Christmas Lights by Mike Wartman, former resident of Victoria.  "Oh, how times have changed in the Village of Victoria since the days of simple decorations.  Nowadays it's absolutely required to have at least a sleigh, 19 colored reindeer, Winnie the Pooh Sants, and Eyore Elves, funky disco colored trees, 8 zillion icicles, holograph Star of David -- and this is just on your mailbox ..."
The Most Wonderful Time by Tom Stumpf, Cowboy Correspondent.  "Heck, yes, Christmas is here again!  Where is my Mormon Tabernacle Choir disc?  Who's having the Choir Party this year?  (As if we don't know.)  What do you want for Christmas?  Come sit by the fire.  What time is midnight Mass?"
By the Numbers by MN State Representative Paul Kohls, Victoria.  "No head coach takes his team onto the field until they have a thorough understanding of the team's playbook.  The legislature operates in much he same fashion ..."
Carver County Comments by Carver County Commissioner Gary Delaney, Victoria.  "Five thousand new residents per year are the approximate number of folks moving to Carver County.  How our county might look in the future, what elements of our community should be preserved and enhanced, are food for thought and action now ..."
Chamber's Channel by Paul Aspelin, Victoria Chamber of Commerce.  "We are currently looking to fill the newly formed position of Executive Director ..."
The Big Chill by Father Bob White, St. Victoria Catholic Church. "Here in Minnesota we talk weather a lot.  It's kind of a hobby with a lot of us.  Weather talk really picks up around November.  That's when you prognosticate about the upcoming winter ..."
A Page from Parks & Rec by Tammy Abrahamson, Victoria Parks and Rec Director.  "This Christmas season we have a number of events offered to celebrate the holidays ..."
Let Every Heart Prepare by Jim Larkin, amicus et editoris.  "Charity should be freely given ... People have a natural impulse to give ..."
Expectations by Pastor Thomas Braun, Christ Victorious Lutheran Church.  "What we expect has a lot to do with how we respond.  What are you expecting this Christmas?"
Buddy the Doberman by Tom Gray, Victoria Building Official.  "In 1989, MGM made a movie called 'All Dogs Go To Heaven.'  I have no proof that this is possible, but if any being deserves eternity in Paradise, it's my pal Buddy the Doberman ..."
Considering Grandchildren by Thom Derr, Rough Rider.  "I am honest with my grandchildren and expect them to be honest with me.  While choosing not to raise them, I try to set an example they can follow ..."
Hope for the Iraqi People by Ethel Ausink, Senior Citizens Reporter.  "Contrary to what the media have been telling us, most Iraqis are very thankful to America for sacrificing so much to free them from Saddam Hussein's brutal tyranny.  Many Iraqis now fly both the American and Iraqi flags on their cars, bicycles, and motor scooters ..."
Peace on Earth by Pastor Bill Bonner, Waterbrooke Fellowship.  "Man, left to his own, tends toward conflict, not peace.  History bears witness to this truth.  But Jesus brought the potential for peace in man's heart.  Without this peace, conflict will always be only a harsh word or unkind action away ..."
We're Doing Wonderful by Steve and Kathy Schmieg, The Realm of Real Estate.  "At this time last year we had one grandbaby.  Now we have three granddaughters ..."
If Maude Had Visited Bethlehem by Father Elstan Cog-hill, former pastor at St. Victoria Catholic Church.  "I picture Maude, my toy dachshund, present at the events surrounding the most significant occurrence in the history of the universe -- the birth of Christ ..."
Make a Wish by Carol Vadnais, Victoria Student of History.  "We have enjoyed many programs throughout the years, especially at Christmas time when the sounds and bright faces of children bring a special 'light' to the season ..."
Greatest Gift by Pastor Frank Jones, Lake Auburn Moravian Church. "Christians have an opportunity and an obligation to go out and teach others about the birth of our Savior.  We have the opportunity to give definition to all that accompanies our celebration of Christmas ..."
Twenty Years Ago the Gazette featured George Schmieg, 81, in "Victoria's Toymaker."  When George moved off the farm in 1967 he began to make toys, including a motorized Ferris wheel ..."
Ten Years Ago the Gazette featured Father Robert Schmieg, native Victoria son and long time missionary in the Amazon Jungle of Brazil, in "Family, How Are You?"
Once Upon a Time in Downtown Victoria by Editor Sue.  "Once upon a time the home fires burned and kept the Vanderlinde family warm in the winter.  When Christmas tree lights shined through the window, somebody was home.  Joe passed away some time ago.  Catherine now lives in Waconia.  Their home went up in flames to make room for a new retail/office building.  By next Christmas the Rose Street Project will have its own Christmas tree lights, maybe even more than the Victoria Auto Haus ..."