There is No Place Like Home by Sue Orsen.  "The sons came home for Thanksgiving and they'll also come home for Christmas.  Great anticipation is in the air.  Tom and Sandy Abts agree there is nothing better than being with family at home for the holidays …" Click on Front Page.
My Harley Babe by Thom Derr, Rough Rider.  "By popular request, we are including both of our pictures in the Gazette this Christmas.  Most women are reluctant to have their pictures taken with helmet hair.  I find my riding partner particularly stunning at these moments …"
Peace on Earth? by Tom Stumpf, Cowboy Correspondent.  "Truth be told, the spirit of the season is slow to start burning this year.  Then an old story from Midnight Mass past began to whirl about the old cranial capicitator …"
Happy Hot Toddies!  by Mike Wartman, Former Resident of Victoria.  "The holidays brought out a few oddball drink to tastefully usher in the festive season.  Egg Nog was the weirdest conglomeration to tease the pallets of young kids …"
Maude at Bethlehem by Father Elstan Coghill, OFM, Priest at St. Victoria from 1985-1996.  "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 …"
Elstan Hall by Father Bob White, St. Victoria Catholic Church.  "I don't want Father Elstan to know that I'd like to name in his honor the dining hall in the new parish complex.  Though he may never visit it in person, he'll hear about it.  Elstan Hall will be a nice place to remember the Elstan we all love …"
A Thief in the Night by Pastor Frank Jones, Lake Auburn Moravian Church.  "I went to the lakeshore and looked more closely, but my 16-foot canoe was nowhere to be seen.  I should probably have chained and locked it to a nearby tree.   I'll miss it a lot.  I've got to admit my first thoughts were not Christian thoughts …"
Carver County Comments by Gary Delaney, Carver County Commissioner. "Highway 41 is currently one of the highest two-lane traffic volume roads in the State.  Over 20% of its traffic is trucks.  Typically, only about 5% to 10% of highway traffic comes from trucks …"
Seeing Jesus in the Peanut Butter by Pastor Bill Bonner, Waterbrooke Fellowship.  "I'm referring to our annual trip to the Gypsy Orphanage in  Hungary, and bringing small gifts and requested items that are not available in Hungary.  That's why the suitcases are so heavy.  Most are filled bulging with baseball caps, socks, cosmetics, and peanut butter …"
Chamber Channel by Jennifer Chapman, Executive Director of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce.  "I strive to continue to provide the opportunity for you to gather with fellow Chamber members to network and hear speakers with pertinent topics so as to grow businesses …"
Troubles Comes in "Threes" by Ethel Ausink, Senior Citizens Reporter.  "As we near the end of 2005 it's good to reflect to see if the life we have lived is the good life.  Do we have anything to be thankful for in our locality?  As I look around, as I read about the devastation all over the world, I find I have so much to thank God for …"
Up On the Housetop by Mary Leizinger, Victoria Realtor.  "When preparing your home for market, there are a number of things to be aware of.  What is the age and condition of your roof?  Is it due for replacement or a cleaning to eliminate stains?"
Thank You!  by Tom Abts, Deer Run Golf Pro.  "My boys are coming home from college and we always have a huge bash at my brother in law's home.  I'm as excited as I used to be as a little boy looking forward to Christmas …"
In Danger of Living by Pastor Ken Kotzer, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church-West Campus.  "The other day some people at a dinner party asked me when I thought the second coming of Christ would happen.  I told them that with my luck it would probably happen the day I make my last mortgage payment and receive my first pension check …"
Don't Crank It!  by Tom Gray, Victoria Building Official.  "Furnaces raise the heat in the home at a constant rate until the se temperature is met.  There is no advantage to cranking the thermostat way up or down.  In fact, this practice can be an energy and money waster …"
Deeds of Kindness by Pastor Thomas Braun, Christ Victorious Lutheran Church.  "The family unpacked the manger scene.  Every time a deed of kindness is done for someone in the family or someone at school or someone at church, you can take a piece of straw and place it in the manger for Baby Jesus …"
As 2005 Comes to a Close by Mayor Jerry Bohn, City of Victoria.  "We welcomed 150 new families and five new businesses to our community in 2005.  Growth is upon us as developers constantly pressure local farmers to sell their land to develop new housing.  A new elementary school opened in Victoria this year as well …"
From Our Family to Yours by Steve and Kathy Schmieg, Coldwell Banker Burnet.  "The Schmieg family has been blessed with another great year.  Our family continues to grow and it's wonderful to have them all close …"
From the Lions Den by Kurt Zuppke, President of Victoria Lions Club.  "Those of you who brought your costumed kiddies to he Lions Halloween Party this year may not know this is a Lions World Sight Service Day Project …"
Twenty Years Ago the Gazette featured Alphonse and Margaret Schmieg in "Blest Be The ties That Bind."
Ten Years Ago the Gazette featured Bill and Donna Schneider in "Mister Sandman."