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It really feels good when we get compliments about how good of a job we are doing with our newspapers. Over the holidays I personally received at least two emails as such along with at least a half dozen people stopping me on the street and telling me that our staff is great and keep up the good work! Also Pat and I received a personal card each along with some treats for a present and a few bucks to get ourselves a treat! I have also had several people call and say good things about our papers and that they hope we can keep the weekly newspapers going - that's our plan!
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Here's what one card said: "Just wanted you to know that you truly do make a positive difference in our community. Thank you for all of your efforts and talents in keeping our small town newspaper alive! This is a gift to our communities and an important part of our story and history. The messages and stories you write really do touch a great many people. Thank you!
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Here's a driving story that I am glad I am still here to tell! The other day I was heading north on North Main Street heading back to the Chronicle office. There were several vehicles parked alongside the street by the Dodgeville Masonic Lodge. Just as I reached the intersection at that point (Chapel and Main) a car with a lot of writing on it ran the stop sign right in front of me. Luckily I was going pretty slow and was able to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting it. I didn't have time to see what business was promoted on the vehicle or get a license plate number. Hopefully that's my only scare for 2023!
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Saturday morning breakfast took us to Blanchardville to the Viking Cafe. It was a twofold trip to Blanchardville because I picked up a case of twine that we use when tying our newspapers to go out for delivery. Since the Ederer's store closed in Dodgeville we ordered it from the Ederer's store in Blanchardville and I had a $5 off coupon! Anyway Bob, Terry, Dewey, Dave and I all met at the Viking where we saw several people we knew, including a table of locals that always met our late employee Paula Fredrickson there for Saturday breakfast. Grace was our waitress. She's the granddaughter of Dale Lawinger, former D99.3/WDMP Radio employee that was an advertising sales person like me. Terry and I both had a cream puff to go and Bob ate his there. Dave had an oatmeal/raisin cookie. I left very full (omelette, toast and hash browns)!
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Terry and I stopped at Ederer's and talked to the employees for a little while Bob and Dewey stopped at an antique store on the main street. We always enjoy the scenic drive to and from Blanchardville!
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This Friday is National Clean your Desk Off Day! Now I was going to observe that, but then I found out it was also the first Friday the 13th of 2023, so I figured I'd better not clean off my desk because I just might throw something away of very importance - like maybe $100 or a note from an old girlfriend!