MONROE - Downtown businesses kicked off the shopping season Nov. 14-16 with Open Houses all around and off the Square. Shoppers who visited participating businesses received a stamp on their Open House card. Eight stamps qualified the shopper to submit their card for a drawing of gifts and certificates totally over $2,250, which were contributed by over 40 downtown businesses and supported by Monroe Main Street.

Winners were: first place, Joan Miller, Monroe, $1,000 value basket; second place, Robin Schubert, Warren, Ill., $750 value basket; and third place, Renee Wolters, Orfordville, $500 value basket.