The Matchmaker by Editor Sue Orsen features Cathleen Williams and her position as Social Worker for Carver County.  It is her job to match children who need temporary care and people who will provide it.  Click on the Feature button.
FIRELINE by Tom Walsh, Victoria Fire Department.  "The Oklahoma bombing, the tornadoes in Comfrey and St. Peter, the death of a young boy in a building collapse in Chaska, the death of a person in a house explosion in Chaska Township -- what do they all have in common?"
Direction from Mayor Norm Coleman by Editor Sue Orsen.  "Direction is more important than velocity."  This is only one of many pieces of advice, both sage and sanguine, given to area cities by Norm Coleman, mayor of St. Paul, in a joint gathering of Chambers of Commerce of Victoria, Chanhassen, and Chaska.
The Mystery of Mercy by Jim Larkin, Amicus curiae et editoris.  "Well, the issue is whether mercy is unconditional forgiveness or not," stated Claire.  "I have always thought that mercy meant unconditional forgiveness toward people who have done wrong.  Charlie says that if the person doesn't acknowledge their wrongdoing, they don't deserve any mercy."
On the Road Again by Tom Stumpf, Cowboy Correspondent.  "Have you all heard the expression, 'Life is not a destination.  Rather, it is a journey to be lived"?
A Killer Calendar by Lee Clark, The Practical Pig.  "May is indeed a killer month, literally and figuratively.  Killer is also my husband."
Sowing Seeds by Pastor Frank Jones.  "Dire predictions of the Y2K thing seem to be dogging me this year, even though there was only a hiccup instead of Armageddon.  I've had other walls to climb ..."
Senior Citizens Corner by Ethel Ausink, Senior Citizens Reporter.  "Have you ever thought you would like to be in Japan when the cherry trees were in blossom?  I have.  And now I did just that about six weeks ago ..."
Moving from Tee to Green by Tom Abts, Deer Run Golf Pro.  "The basic premise of golf is to start playing a hole by 'teeing the ball up' and to finish a hole by picking the ball out of the cup.  In between, you play the ball as it lies. If you keep that concept in mind as you play, you won't go far wrong ..."
This is the Life by Pastor Arnold Lemke.  "The Minnesota snowbirds have come back again.  How many going through this annual migration are probably saying to themselves, 'This is the life!'"
Closing the Deal by Realtors Steve and Kathy Schmieg.  "Buying or selling a home can be very stressful, often because the financial decisions you make have an impact on your lifestyle and your future."
City of Joy by Father Bob White.  "In the midst of plenty, so much boredom, and in the midst of hardship, so much joy."
Little League in My Day by Mike Wartman, former resident of Victoria.  " I think the annual income of all parents on my Victoria Little League team didn't come close to $149.99 and now I was going to consider one bat for that?  No way!"
Ten Years Ago the Gazette featured Vera Orsen of Minneota, MN, in "It's a Love Affair."  Mother of Allan, mother in law of the editor, grandmother of Jenny and Nick, Vera is drawn to the good earth like a robin in springtime."
What Else is Happenin' in Victoria?  Photos feature 1) dozens of priests in hardhats visiting the site of the Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria, 2) those who served dinner to volunteers at St. Victoria Catholic Church -- Gene Ochocki, Joni Jeurissen, Jamie Moore, Theresa Derhaag, Fr. Bob, 3) the hayrack of Dorothy Schmieg, whose estate was auctioned off and bequeathed to St. Victoria, 4) the retirement part of Ed Hjermstad at the Victoria House, 5) Frank Scott and Tim Kaufhold working for the Victoria Athletic Association.
Getting Plugged In by Thom Derr, Rough Rider.  "Harley Babe got me an electric vest for Christmas but it only arrived last week.  It attaches to the electrical system on my motorcycle ..."
Hook, Line, & Sinker by Editor Sue.  "Do you know why most people got married in June back in the old days?  It's because they took their yearly bath in May and were still smelling pretty good by June.  However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the B.O. ..."
The Power of Love by Pastor Thomas Braun.  One person survived the crash of Flight #255 and 155 people died.  When the rescuers found Cecelia, they couldn't believe she had survived the crash.  They discovered that Cecelia's mother had fully shielded her daughter with her arms and body and been saved by the power of love."
A Paws for Celebration by Janie Jasin, Motivational Speaker.  "Help-ing Paws is for canines that learn to assist and fetch, bond with and escsort others.
May is Mental Health Month by Pastor Bob Johnson.