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Well, as of Sunday, I hadn't even thought about Christmas shopping. I guess I'd better get on the stick as the big day is Tuesday, only five days away from this newspaper date!
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The first attempt of replacing the "Santa's Secret Shop" took place last Saturday and Sunday in the lower level of The Red Room Bar and Restaurant. It came off without a hitch thanks to several mothers who came up with "Little Givers Magic Market" to give youngsters the chance to shop by themselves for gifts. I remember bowling on the four lanes that are still in the basement at The Red Room!
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We always enjoy getting notes with renewals to our papers. This one came from Phyllis A. Kramer. "Dear Pat & Mike - Hope this arrives by 12-3-18 so don't miss an issue of the Chronicle. I have enjoyed it weekly for over 50 years. It's always good to hear about Iowa County news and the local school districts. Have a good and happy Holiday Season! P.S. - Hard to believe Iowa County voted Blue in the recent election!!!!"
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Well, Santa pretty much has made his visits to all the communities around the area, so now he will only appear on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day!
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I had the chance to have a bite to eat and visit with former Dodgeville Chamber of Commerce Director Lynn (Price) Pottinger last Thursday night. Her son, Collin and his girlfriend, were there with us at Tony's Tap in Mineral Point. Collin is an 8th grade boys basketball and Assistant High School Coach at Mineral Point. Lynn says she really enjoys her job with the Catholic Diocese in the Rice Lake area. She hopes to travel to Africa with her dad in the near future too. She also helps her parents around their house.
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The Green Bay Packers are completely out of the playoff picture after a tough loss to the Chicago Bears Sunday 24-17. They had their chances with an interception in the end zone being the game decider.
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When I was on my way to the "Little Givers Magic Shop" Sunday, I spotted two people washing windows outside of Potterton Rule. I will say that that's something I really haven't seen before in the middle of December. They said they wash windows year round, but the temperature has to be at least 25 degrees - it was more like 45 degrees Sunday!
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I want to wish everyone (yes, that means the Crubaugh family too, even though that's tough for me) a Very Merry Christmas!