To the editor:

I want to make an early announcement to let the people know I will be putting my lights of Christmas up again this coming year, only because of this virus spreading all over. Last year was positively the last year. I am sure by the time Christmas gets here, a very large percentage of people will be broke and the parents won’t be able to buy their kids a present, which is only about seven months away.

The economy is bad now and it will get worse. So with that in mind, I am hoping my Christmas lights will bring some cheer to everyone who comes here, especially the little children. Presents only last a short time while a memory will last a lifetime.

I sure wish I didn’t have to put up my donation box this Christmas, but because I got laid off at the fairgrounds in Humboldt for reasons unknown after 15 years of service, I need all the donations I can get. Lights are not cheap, but it’s my labor of love.

The habits of drinking and smoking cost a lot per month, so now the people will have to give up food for thought or will they give up their bad habits for food. These habits are about $200 to $400 a month, would buy a lot of food.

If my old age of 91 or the virus don’t get me, I will see everyone at Christmastime. The wise old owl.

Merlin Fort

Dakota City