Valentine Candy and Tom by Sue Orsen.  "The young couple passes through February with nary a second thought about Valentine's Day.  Who's got time for monkey business like that in this workaday world? …"  Click on Front Page.
Fireline from the Victoria Fire Department.  The 19th annual Ice Fishing Contest will be held on Sunday, February 5th, on Stieger Lake Lane in downtown Victoria from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Chamber Channel by Jennifer Chapman, Director, Victoria Chamber of Commerce.  Weigh the benefits of your involvement with the Chamber.  Planning has already begun for several upcoming events, including the 2006 Community Expo and Victoria Volksfest …"
Nuthin To Do by Mike Wartman, former resident of Victoria.  "February in Victoria, like August in Victoria, was a nuthin to do month … highlighted by a St. Blasé throat blessing and the St. Valentine's Day card and candy exchange, but nuthin else …"
The World of Harry Potter by Karen  Lee Davis, Lowry Nature Center.  "Each month at Lowry Nature Center in Victoria brings new things to hear, see, and do.  Take a naturalist guided walk when the moon is full.  Enter the world of Harry Potter and learn about the magic in nature …"
Drastic Changes by Ethel Ausink, Victoria Senior Citizens Corner.  "Just this morning I heard via radio how in some town in one of our states, a developer has permission to build a mall where a church is located.  I give credit to Justice Sandra Day O'Conner and Justice Clarence Thomas who each wrote a dissenting opinion …"
Puppy Love by Tom Stumpf, Victoria Cowboy Correspondent.  "We first met our new little boy last February, after calling a number advertising lab pups in Chanhassen of all places.  The owner, who has been raising pups for over ten years, enters the pen, plops herself down on the floor in the sawdust, and soon has 11 five-week old best friends vying for her attention …"
Golf is Everywhere by Tom Abts, Deer Run Golf Pro.  "I'm writing this column while traveling to the 2006 PGA Golf show in Orlando.  Sandy and I used this as an excuse to visit South Carolina.  It seems that whenever we travel, every place hails itself as a golf mecca …"
Clean Your Bathrooms 0 "There are general guidelines that can help Victoria owners receive top dollars for their homes by having their bathrooms make  positive impression on a prospective buyer …"
From the Lions Den by Kurt Zuppke, President of the Victoria Lions Club.  "I'm proud to announce that our very own Jerry Schmieg will be nominated for the prestigious award, that of being conducted into the Multiple District Hall of Fame.  This encompasses an area that includes Minnesota, Manitoba, and Northwest Ontario …"
Carver County Comments by Gary Delaney, Victoria, Carver County Commissioner.  "Eat-Talk-Connect is the name of a new program that the Carver County Health Partnership is promoting.  It is designed to bring families together at mealtime.  Sounds kind of silly, but many families with children don't have meals together without distractions …"
Getting Hooked by Thom Derr, Rough Rider.  "In my December column, I mentioned that my Harley Babe is responsible for our getting into the sport.  So how did that happen?  The following is my version of how it all came to pass …"
Code Corner: The Twilight Zone by Tom Gray, Victoria Building Official.  "If you're old enough to remember Rod Serling's voice, read the following paragraph imitating the Twilight Zone's creator …"
In the Making by Carol Vadnais, Victoria Hero of History.  "This is the story of the special insight and faith that a parent has in their own child's abilities that others may not see.  It's a lesson to not lose faith in encouraging the talents you see in your children.  They just may be another Marie Taglioni in the making …"
Are You Expecting?  by Pastor Frank Jones, Lake Auburn Moravian Church.   "Ever notice that sometimes you don't get what you're expecting?  For example, where is the winter we expected?  The snowshoes sit at the back door.  The skis are still in the basement …"
Elizabeth M. "Betty Fink, 87, died Saturday, December 31st.  She was buried at the St. Victoria Catholic Church in Victoria …
Jacqueline "Jake" Freeburg, 73, died Thursday, January 5th.  She was a longtime 35-year teacher at Guardian Angels in Chaska and St. Hubert's in Chanhassen where several Victoria students have attended …
20 Years Ago the Gazette featured Bede and Lois Boll in "Bede and Lois."  The young couple married in 1944 and raised four children …
10 Years Ago the Gazette featured the late John Schneider and the "Victoria Chronicler," letters written in 1943 by 7th and 8th graders at the St. Victoria Catholic School …"
What the World Needs Now by Pastor Thoms Braun, Christ Victorious Lutheran Church.  "What the world needs today is what it needed 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ lived on the earth:  the light, life, and hope which only comes through Jesus Christ our Savior …: