Unlike some, whose dish is on the roof, our dish is easily accessible, so it has not been a problem at our house to simply walk out on the deck and take a plastic spatula and scrape off the ice.

Then I thought: why not install a windshield wiper on it that could be turned as needed? Or mount a hair dryer behind it on a switch from outside? Red Green would be proud.

When the ice storm hit in early January, I covered the dish with a big plastic bag and then removed it when it was time to watch television.

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Other places around the house could use a windshield wiper, too. Many times the big vanity mirror in the bathroom could use one when it gets all steamed up from the shower. Maybe I'm not the first one to think of it. Or having mini wipers on your eyeglasses when it's raining.

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It is our plan at the Free Press to promote our communities and businesses in an even bigger way than we have already done.

We recently announced a more affordable way for businesses to promote their products and services in the Marion County Advocate, which is delivered to more than 32,000 homes in a radius of about 45 miles.

People tell me over and again that every time the Advocate is delivered, they notice an increase in inquiries and business.

It must be so, or the publication wouldn't be in its 10th year.

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For 2005 to be a better year than last year for all of us, local businesses will need to have a better year.

I understand we have a free market and people tend to buy wherever they think they can get the lowest price.

But I have some questions.

Is it really cheaper to buy elsewhere when local businesses and services are squeezed out and never to return?

Can a person save enough money when a trip to Wichita now costs $40 (according mileage rates from the IRS-and you know they are on the low side) and none of the sales tax collected on purchases comes back to our local governments for local services and infrastructure?

How do our local businesses donate to local causes such as churches, the after-prom party, Tabor College, etc., if they don't have profits?

We all want the quality of life that living in a small town provides. Without a strong and viable business community, the picture of the future may not be the pleasant one we want to see.