---

We had what you would call a "pretty heavy frost" Saturday afternoon
into Sunday morning when the first "real" snowfall hit our area. I would say
we received about two inches here in Dodgeville. There is a chance for
snow or rain almost every day through next weekend!
*****
We recently received three notes attached to subscription renewals for the
Dodgeville Chronicle. The first came from Ron Matz of Sedalia, Missouri.
He said: "Mike - first of all to you and Pat and your staff for a fine job of
printing of the Chronicle. It's been over 30 years since I left Dodgeville and
thru the Chronicle have been kept updated with local news and stories, well
done. Enclosed find payment for another year's subscription." The second
came from Della Guarraci of Redmond, Washington. She said: "It's time to
renew for another year. I've enjoyed reading the Chronicle this past year. It
always has many items of interest to me. Your paper keeps me informed as
to what is happening in good old Dodgeville and surrounding areas. Keep
up the good work!" The final one came from Mary Ann (Rowe), who graduated
from high school with me. She said: "Please renew my subscription
for one year. Check enclosed. A note to Mike, It was great to see you at our
50th reunion. My husband Richard enjoyed talking to you. Connie
(Jacobson) Hendrickson sure did a great job! We stayed over at the Don Q
Inn. Take care!"
*****
A week from Saturday is "Small Business Saturday". In an effort to try
and keep people shopping locally, the Dodgeville Chronicle has spearheaded
a little "Kick-off to Christmas" that day. The Dodge Theatre has graciously
agreed to host a FREE movie "Polar Express" a 10:30 a.m.
Admission is zero, but a non-perishable food item is urged to be brought
and placed in a container there that will be given to the Iowa County Food
Pantry - it is much needed especially this time of year. Santa will be at the
theatre to greet the youngsters too! There will be some carolers, Christmas
music will be played through the outdoor speakers and Elves will be around
to help shoppers take packages to their vehicles. Also, from 1:00 to 2:30
p.m. Santa will be at the downtown Senior Center to have his photo taken
with the youngsters. Again, there will be no charge for the photos, but a
non-perishable food item would be a very appreciated donation.
*****
Congratulations to a pair of area volleyball teams for representing the
SWC and SWAL at the state tournament recently. Platteville lost to eventual
champion Catholic Memorial in the first round of Division 2 while
Southwestern lost in the D4 finals to Newman Catholic. Being at state sure
was a great experience for these two fine teams!
*****
Darlington in Division 6 and Lancaster in Division 5 will be the SWAL
and SWC representatives later this week at the state football playoffs at
Camp Randall in Madison. Good luck to our area representatives!
*****
I really got cultured up over the weekend. Friday night I attended the first
part of the Highland Community Play - "Night at the Wax Museum" then
Sunday afternoon I was at the Iowa-Grant School musical "Beauty and the
Beast" in their newly constructed auditorium. Both performances were really
done well. Iowa-Grant's had some great music, especially the singing
from lead Lyrcia Daentl, who played Belle! Above is a scene from "Beauty
and the Beast" with (l-r) Brett Welborn as Lumiere, Zach Campbell as
Cogsworth and Angela Melby as Mrs. Potts.