RESPONSE TO GRINCH: Mayor Brandy Schimp’s response to the Grinch came in, and we like what she had to say:

“Listen Mr. Grinch, even with the problems of the pandemic, we citizens of Kane have a lot to be thankful for! And whether you like it or not, we’re gonna kick off this season of celebration in a big way… In fact, I am proclaiming that it be 3 times bigger than ever before!

“I’m inviting the entire community to come out for the Lighting of Evergreen at the Park at 5 p.m. Friday. Then after that, we’ll enjoy the Christmas parade together as it moves down Fraley St starting at 5:30, then finish with the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the corner of Fraley and Poplar Streets at 6 pm. Hot chocolate, carolers, Santa and Mrs. Claus… all of it!”

Schimp feels very strongly about the upcoming festivities, but she also had an olive branch to offer to the mean and green.

“And if you change your mind, Mean Ol’ Mr. Grinch, you can even help me do the honors,” she said. “It will be a great way to kick off a season of giving and gratitude in a way that brings us all together as a community. We hope to see everyone there! Even you, Grinch. Even you.”

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WOOLY BEAR: John DePetro called to tell us he saw a wooly bear caterpillar in his garage. “He was fat and healthy, so he must be eating good,” he told us. The caterpillar had just a bit of black on the ends, with a longer yellowish-gold middle. “That’s supposed to mean good weather. I guess we’ll see.”