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If you have a television, or even if you don't but have walked by one recently, you have had to see the footage of the Metrodome roof caving in. It was broadcast on every news station in the country. We are still seeing footage of it as I write this.

Here is where the cool part comes in. A local man Randy Carr, from the area, who is a videographer for ESPN and Fox Sports, came up with the idea to film the inside of the Metrodome the morning of the big Vikings Giants game. So the cameras were set up and low and behold all heck broke loose. Randy's footage was easily the most viewed video of the month of December. Congratulations for the great idea Randy.

I hope you took the time to read your Search Shopper last weekend.  We had some really great last minute gift ideas from a bunch of businesses here in our area. I hope you made an effort to shop locally as much as possible this season as well.

You hopefully also noticed in the Search a special section for Virga Chiropractic. Dr. Joe and Kathy are celebrating 20 years of business this January. We, along with a lot of help from Joe and Kathy, have put together a great piece that details how they got their start as well as some of the very exciting new procedures Virga Chiropractic offers.

The Virgas will be holding an open house/anniversary party on January 26 and they would love nothing more than a visit from you and your family.

I have known Joe and Kathy for as long as I can remember. I have seen them do some amazing things over the years. They are some of the nicest people in the world and they would give the shirt off their backs for complete strangers. Congratulations Joe and Kathy on 20 great years!

We have finally picked our coloring contest winners. First off, I would like to thank all the children for their great colorings. This year we have received over 70 entries. That is amazing! I think the most we have ever received is around 40.

This years winners are Lukas Wilcox in the age 3-5 category. Emily Miller in the age 6-8 category and Alana Osborne in the 9-11 category. Congratulations to these kids for their wonderful coloring of Santa in his North Pole Express train. Please stop by the Press to claim your prizes and have your picture taken.

If you have not heard about the fire in Chisago Lake Township over the weekend, sadly, Karen Nelson was caught in her house when her dryer caught fire and burned her house down. Karen lost everything in the fire and we can help. A fund has been set up in her name through St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. If you would like to make a donation to the Karen Nelson fund, please send checks or gift cards payable to St. Francis Xavier Church, PO Box 234, Taylors Falls MN 55084.

If you happen to not have plans this Christmas, the good folks at the First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom would love to have you over for dinner. They will be holding a great Christmas dinner and you are invited. The dinner will take place between noon and 1:15 p.m. on Christmas Day. If you are going to be alone this Christmas, don't be. Drop in to church far a great meal and some good company. They would love to see you. If you would like to help out with the dinner or if you would like to donate food items please call Wendy at 257-8791 or Lois at 257-5547.

Here is wishing your family the warmest Christmas Holiday this year. I hope you get to spend it with your loved ones. If at all possible, try to slow down and really take in how lucky we have it. We take a lot of things for granted in this world and family is at the top of the list. Stop and enjoy each other and have a great Christmas.

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