To the Editor:
I am writing to you regarding a letter that appeared in a recent edition of the Gazette.  The writer expressed concern about a cross that appears in our city logo, wondering if a symbol of a specific religion might offend some of our non-Christian friends and neighbors.
Many people probably don't realize that our fair village is actually named after a real person.  Saint Victoria was a young woman who was canonized by the Catholic Church after her deatth, in the early years of the Church.  The German immigrants who settled in this area chose her as their matriarch and named their parish in her honor. 
Many current citizens of our village are descendants of the original founding mothers and fathers, and I believe it would be a sign of disrespect to them if the cross or the steeple or the church were removed from our official city logo.
If people are sensitive to this issue or offended by it, then perhaps they should have investigated the logo more carefully before moving here.  They may have been able to locate another city with a logo that did not penetrate their rather thin skin.
Tom Stumpf, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
We would like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to the outstanding com-munity members who make up the Victoria Volunteer Fire Department.  Twice this summer we have seen them in action firsthand.
The first time was after an early sum-mer storm had passed through the area.  It was hot and humid, yet a crew from the department arrived in full turnout gear, sacrificing their time and personal comfort to protect everyone from the downed power line blocking the entrance to our neighborhood.
The second time they arrived as first responders during a personal injury call at our home.  Along with the ambulance crew and sheriff's officer, they were great.
We are humbled and gratified by the self-sacrifice and time these fine people dedicate to our community.  Their training, professionalism, and compassion were apparent and deeply appreciated.  The value of the service that the Victoria Volunteer Fire Department provides to our community is beyond comprehension.
Our thanks go out, also, to the families of the volunteers who sacrifice their time together during training, meet-ings, and emergency calls to share their loved ones with our community in service.  The members of the department are an inspiration to us all.
Obviously, they are also wonderful role models for their children.  Some of the little guys we once coached in Pee Wee Baseball years ago are now follow-ing in their fathers' footsteps and are part of the department themselves.
It is so easy to be unaware of the huge commitment of these great neighbors of ours who give to our community when we don't often have need of their services.  We are grateful to have had them here when the need arose.  We are grateful that our community is blessed with so many outstanding volun-teers.  And we are grateful for this oppor-tunity to say "Bravo, guys.  You are amazing."
Sincerely, Connie and Alan Henninger, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Thank you, Sue, for September's edition of the Gazette.  Loved the story of our neighbors, Dave and Marlene, Father Bob's account of trying to run as well as his teenage nephew, and Kids Talk by Kyra Schindler.  Kyra writes with honesty, a keen eye for such a young girl.  Brought back memories of my own teenage years and my feelings way back then.  What a delight she is.  Will look forward to her articles in the Gazette. 
Janie's column on her Endless Summer got me to search your website for details and pictures of your visit to Pearl's Harbor.  What fun you and Janie and Father Bob must have had at Silver Lake.  Your pictures and text were great and made me feel like I'd been there with you.  Thanks for sharing.
Mary Jane Ploof, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Hi, Sue.  Work has been quite busy so I haven't had time to write in with my fishhook findings.  I'm taking the time this month to write you, and I also have a little message I think you'll get a chuckle out of ...  It's called "Inner Peace."  I think I've found inner peace.  My therapist told me a way to achieve innere peace was to finish things I had started.  Today I finished two bags of potato chips, a lemon pie, a bottle of wine, and a box of chocolates.  I feel better already.
And the fishhook would be in the Cabin Fever ad on page 39.  Thank you for the never ending enjoyable reading.
Aletta Sateren, Jatco Electric, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Just recently, a niggling thought crossed my mind:  "It must be getting close to the time for my annual check to the Gazette."
I had some reservations; a series of your articles caused me a great deal of mental anguish - articles about the one way Main Street, the demolition of Tuffy's Tavern, and, worst of all, a recent old timer's feature article where the featured old timers are younger than I am!
I pulled up my trusty computer database and queried "Victoria Gazette" and found that my last payment was dated July, 1999.  The embarrassment was acute, and I hasten to assure you that the check is in the mail, if I can find an address somewhere on this web site.
Bob Miller, Baytown, Texas     Click here for more letters to the editor: