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Brad Rose, the new "Bob Kratochwill" in Dodgeville held a "Business After 5" reception last week at his American Family Insurance office. He's at the same office that Bob Kratochwill was at for soooo many years! - 401 North Iowa Street. Here, Brad talks with two business owners - Carrie Miller (right) and Mel Loy during the reception. Brad has been a lunch partner of mine on many occasions since he began to be in the area.
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My aunt Darlene (Reilly), the only remaining aunt in my family, had a birthday last Friday. She'd kill me if I told how many years, so I won't! I stopped at the Red Room in the morning, while on my ad route for early deadlines, and met her and a sister (Janice) and two daughters (Jean and Deb). While there the "coffee guys" all sang "Happy Birthday" to her. That was pretty special! Then, that evening, i got a chance to go to her house and have a bite to eat (including birthday cake) with a group of her family with her son - Jeff - making the trip back from Montana as a special treat. I hadn't seen him for quite some time! Then, Saturday morning, I was at Kwik Trip grabbing some coffee and there was cousin Greg - the oldest in the family - again whom I hadn't seen in quite some time. That made for a pretty special weekend, not only for her, but for me too!
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I ran into my late buddy's son (Brian), who took over that bakery place for him, Saturday. He was coming out of Piggly Wiggly with some groceries - something he usually doesn't do. He told me he was "batching" as his wife and the girls were gone for the weekend. That meant he had to cook for himself. I know he's used to being pampered, so that must've really been a struggle for him!
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I gave in this year when it came to taking "Santa" photos on Sundays, December 4th and 11th. Santa and I will be at the Dodgeville Senior Center from 1-3 p.m. on both those days. The Packers play at 3:15 the first week, but then are at home for a noon game the next week. The seniors always look forward to seeing all the youngsters who come to visit with Santa. The photos are $1 each, with any proceeds going to the food pantry this year!
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This week, as part of our paper, we have a special "Gift Guide" supplement. Take a look at the many area businesses and some of the offers they are giving this holiday season - along with some special hours. It also carries a good share of the area's events for December!
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I know that guys use their cell phones while driving, but I seem to always encounter women doing so. The other day I was at a four way stop and a woman on her cell phone was trying to talk, look both ways and make the one handed turn all at the same time. She was able to do so, but cut the corner towards me very short and nearly hit me head on. If people are going to drive and use their cell phone, they could be a little more careful and at least not use it at a busy intersection!
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This Thursday is Thanksgiving - a time to give thanks for our freedom, our families and all the things we have in life. Traditionally we have some turkey and probably some ham and top the meal off with prime rib! Actually, the topping the meal off are all the pies usually pumpkin and apple and maybe some cheesecake - all with the calories already taken out!