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Wow, it's November. The countdown to Christmas pretty much begins in November. The Dodgeville Area Chamber of  Commerce pretty much has things set for the annual "Home For The Holidays" events that begin on Small Business Saturday, November 30 (the weekend after Thanksgiving) until Christmas. On the 30th, it all begins with a FREE movie at the Dodge Theatre at 11 a.m. This year's show will be "The Star." Admission will be FREE but a non-perishable food item is asked for entry. That stash will be given to the Food Pantry! Make sure you check out the holiday events as they are released all over the area.
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There's still time to sign up for the "Christmas Parade" on the 30th at 4 p.m. through downtown Dodgeville and the Memorial Lights that will be on display that evening and throughout the holiday season! If interested in being part of this special event, by entering a float, a decorated vehicle, or walking as a group, please go to the Dodgeville Chamber of Commerce for a registration form, contact Beth at 608-935-5993, or contact brencrowe@hotmail.com. Deadline for registrations is Friday, November 8. We are hoping this becomes an annual family event
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But, before the Christmas Holiday Events, there will be plenty of Thanksgiving events going on. The Community Thanksgiving Meal will be held Thanksgiving Day (November 28) in Dodgeville. It takes on two locations this year. It will NOT be held at the Congregational Church as in year's past. The "eat-in" meal will be served at the newly remodeled kitchen at Grace Lutheran Church located on the north end of the city before you reach Kwik Trip North. The home delivered meals will be handled by staff at St. Joseph Catholic Church. There will be more on that later too.
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It was a sad day Saturday for downtown Dodgeville as the Corner Drug Store closed its doors after 1:00 p.m. and made their final move to Springate Mall, the Piggly Wiggly building. When you enter the main doors you'll see their Corner Drug Hometown Pharmacy sign right in front of you. That spot was once the business called Swanson Pharmacy. You will find more gifts and other items at the new location.
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With Corner Drug Store and Kozelka Wall closing this year and Our Front Porch only open part time, to say the downtown is looking for retail businesses wouldn't be out of wack! We do welcome our newest downtown business - OTC Nutrition - at the corners of Division and Iowa Streets, kitty corner to Kwik Trip South!
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Mineral Point and River Valley football teams have reached Level 3 of their state tournament finals quests. Mineral Point is on the road to Mondovi Friday night at 6:00. Both teams are unbeaten at 11-0. River Valley (10-1) hosts Lakeside Lutheran (7-4). Good luck to both of them!
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Iowa-Grant's volleyball team fell just short of a state tournament trip when they lost in four sets to Hillsboro Saturday in the Sectional finals at Richland Center. They made a great run down the stretch in Division 4!
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Don't forget to attend the Dodgeville High School musical "Into the Woods" this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. performance also on Saturday afternoon.