The Conde National bowling league is in need of bowlers. We are a mixed league that bowls on Monday evenings. You do not need to have a partner to bowl. We need  three people to fill teams. If you are interested please call Vickie Kramp at 887-3737 or  talk to Chris at the bowling alley.

Welcome Devan Kaylee and celebrate with Heidi Locke at a baby shower on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Groton.

• BROOKINGS, S.D. - Christmas decorations and gift ideas were on display well before Halloween. It is no wonder that families may spend way too much during the holidays, said Karen Slunecka, SDSU Extension Family Resource Management Field Specialist.
• So to keep your budget intact Slunecka encourages you to consider these tips.
• Calculate then shop: Look at your overall budget and calculate how much you can afford to spend on the holidays.
• "If your finances are in good shape, spend no more than 1.5 percent of your annual income. But if you're deeply in debt, can't meet your regular monthly expenses or don't have an emergency fund, this isn't the time to rack up additional debt," she said.
• Make a list and check it twice: Make a list of who you need to give gifts to. Include the dollar amount you expect to spend on each gift. The next step Slunecka said is to determine your overall budget, including holiday meals, gifts, cards, a tree and travel, and see if it is what you can afford.
• "If not, you may need to reduce some gifts, or find some cheaper alternatives. Then be sure to stick to your budget," Slunecka said. "This takes tremendous discipline. Avoid the temptations of last-minute impulse buying. Carry that list with you as a reminder."
• Record purchases: To make sure you stay on track, keep all sales receipts.
• Limit your use of plastic: Unless you are very good about paying the bill off in full each and every month.

(Continued on page 10)