Congratulations to the Lake Country Echo on its 40th birthday. I've always been proud of the three and a half years I spent with the Echo family, and continue to enjoy reading it online every week.

I encourage everyone, whatever your party, to participate in this year's local caucuses. It is the starting point and strength of our democracy, and where the individual's voice is heard and given power.

We just received the Business Traditions publication that was published Jan. 12. While I was pleased to see the Old Milwaukee Club/Ideal Store showcased in the article, I was appalled at the lack of information that was discovered by Kate Perkins, Echo staff writer.

I'd like to thank the Pine River Chamber of Commerce board members for their submissions in last week's Pine River Journal. Their positive support of me and this office is truly humbling and I do appreciate their thoughts.

I encourage everyone, whatever your party, to participate in this year's local caucuses. It is the starting point and strength of our democracy, and where the individual's voice is heard and given power.

The Backus Cornfest committee would like to thank all the teams for being part of Donkey Basketball event and all that attended this fundraising event. And a big thank you to the area businesses that sold tickets. Also we wish to thank the Pine River-Backus School for the use of the gym and the prom committee selling their goodies at the event.

While watching the State of the Union speech by the President, I was curious as to the reaction of the opposition party.