Two birthdays, but one is a big secret. Happy birthday to Jodie Dodson, and don’t tell anyone but Kathy Fordyce will be the big 50 on the 22nd.

Twinkle toes Larry Miller of Coldwell Banker slipped on the ice and cracked his head; hopefully he is doing better because his wife Lucky Lorrie keeps winning trips at the casino.

The Polar Bear Dip in Empire was a huge success on Saturday. There were a lot of dippers who jumped in the lake, which I understand was 35 degrees. Brave dips at that.

Anyone that questions the value of our emergency services and fire department should know that they answered seven calls on Sunday when it was at best 0 degrees. They answered fire calls as well as ambulance calls. I for one am grateful that we are covered so well. Thank you to our emergency services.

This Saturday is the Chili Cook-off on Boone Docks deck, thanks to Bob Ewing and the Glen Arbor Chamber of Commerce, and perch fishing contest, thanks to Bob Smith at The Sportsman’s Shop. Where would we be without the Bobs?

I understand that we have another real estate office in town. Good luck to Rob Serbin and his crew.

Condolences to the family and friends of Lillian Beck.

The winner of this week’s drawing for the Empire Lions Club Lucky Thirteen drawing is Kathy Upjohn from Chicago.

A special acknowledgement and condolences to the family and many, many friends of Julia Dickinson. Julia wrote this little column for many years and I was honored to be asked by Julia and Grace Johnson to take over when Julia was ready to pass it on. I sure don’t have her talent, but with the help of contributors and a little imagination, we will keep it going.

Happy Valentines Day.
Be careful on the ice.

By BILL THOMPSON
Phone 334-4486 Fax 334-3546
email: BThomp9264@aol.com