The Hilltop Farm  by Sue Orsen.  "Visiting the Hilltop Farm and the Schmieg family today gives a perspective no longer encountered within the city limits of Victoria.  Click on Front Page.
Where Did Summer Go? by Pastor Ken Kotzer, Mount Olivet Church-West Campus.  "It seems we pack too much into our short summers up here in North Country ..."
Chamber's Channel by Paul Aspelin, President, Victoria Chamber of Commerce.  "We hope to see you at Lions Park on Saturday, September 25th, starting at 4 p.m. ..."
Last Email from Kosovo by Steve Sarvi, Victoria City Administrator.  "We'll be demobilizing at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, and then released to go home.  I'll be back at work in Victoria soon, although not soon enough ..."
Fall Golf by Tom Abts, Deer Run Golf Pro.  "Autumn in Minnesota can be the best time of the year to play golf:  not too cold, not too hot, no bugs, no humidity, and just plain beautiful ..."
From the Lions Den by Joe Schmieg, President, Victoria Lions Club.  "September marks the kickoff to our Lions general membership meetings.  I strongly encourage anyone who might be interested in getting involved to contact myself or any member ..."
And the Band Plays On by Tom Stumpf, Cowboy Correspondent.  "One of the real pleasures of being allowed to expound in this space every month is the fact that the editor allows yours truly to wear a multitude of literary hats ... and the cowboy is usually given enough slack with which to hang himself ..."
Council's Column by Richard Tieden, Victoria City Councilmember.  "Currently Victoria is engaged in significant community development, and with the annexation of Laketown Township, it provides for an opportune time to set aside a piece of land for our ever increasing and diverse community of people to rest.  It would be wise for the community to look into the idea of a city cemetery ..."
Talk the Walk by Pastor Tom Braun, Christ Victorious Lutheran Church.  "An elderly minister retired and entered a local nursing after his wife died and learned that all the people wanted to talk about were their physical ailments -- their bunions, their hemorrhoids, their indigestion ..."
His Work On Earth by Pastor Bill Bonner, Waterbrooke Fellowship.  "We will begin renovation of the farm house on our Lake Wasserman property in September.  It will be used for offices and later for Sunday School and as a gathering place for the church and community ..."
Happy Trails and Dreams by Thom Derr, Rough Rider.  "The destination of my latest stress reliever trip was Sturgis, South Dakota.  Sturgis is a sleepy little town of about 300 people that turns into a Mecca for about 500,000 bikers for ten days every August ..."
By Land and By Sea by Pastor Frank Jones, Lake Auburn Moravian Church.  "This Alaskan Tunnel is a rehabbed rail tunnel of one lane, a rather narrow one lane at that!  It works by appointment.  the direction south is for one hour, then it's north for one hour as the train goes through ..."
$60 Million Out the Window by Ethel Ausink, Senior Citizens Reporter.  "UNESCO is responsible for much of what is evil coming out of the United Nations.  It is the source of much of the anti-American education curriculum that is now cropping up in our nation's public classrooms ..."
What It's Really All About by Jim Larkin, Amicus et editoris.  "On the TV screen was a news story of destitute people in a country in Africa.  In the midst of their stress, they paused and bowed reverently.  It was time to pray.  Several times a day they did this.  Their trust was complete ..."
A Page from Parks & Rec by Tammy Abrahamson, Victoria Parks and Rec Director.  "We are offering several new programs and special events this fall.  Check our fall newsletter of stop by the Victoria Field House ..."
The Mayor's Message by Mayor Jerry Bohn, City of Victoria.  "Your local city council has a profound impact on the direction the city takes.  They need to hear from you and invite your participation.  There are several commissions you can serve on as well as serving on the council itself ..."
Carver County Comments by Gary Delaney, Victoria, Carver County Commissioner.  "To commemorate the Carver County Sesquicentennial (1855-2005), a 2005 Limited Edition Calendar has been printed and is available for sale for $5 at the Carver County Government Center, all the Carver County libraries, and the Carver County Historical Society building ..."
From the State House by Paul Kohls (R-Victoria), Minnesota State Representative.  "The recent job growth hasn't been restricted to only rural Minnesota.  Employment opportunities are expanding, and jobs are being added to the Metro area as well ..."
Self-Reflection by Tom Gray, Victoria Building Official.  "The duties and responsibilities of a building official more closely resemble that of the Sheriff more o than any other licensed city employee.  The only difference is that a building official cannot arrest or hold someone, and cannot carry a firearm ..."
20 Years Ago the Gazette featured Maurice Leuthner, 56, in "Rig-a-Dig-Dig."  His father struck out on his own in 1938 and moved the family to Victoria ..."
10 Years Ago the Gazette featured Vic and Sis Schneider in "A Blooming Place."  The couple grew up near each other on the shores of Lake Bavaria ..."
On the Live Wire:  Lunch and cards at Auburn Village; opportunities to befriend an older neighbor; the Parade of Remodeled Homes.