TWIN CITIES' VALENTINE BASKET WINNER ANNOUNCED

Lisa Homra Sears, of Fulton, is the winner of the "Share the Local Love" Valentines Gift Basket drawing, sponsored by The Current, Two Doors Down, Sweet Magnolia Home, Fancy Fannie's Bakery, Scott's Floral Shoppe, The Keg, Vine & Branch, Builders Supply, Sun & Swirl, Evans Drug, Vaughn's Grill and The Meadows. Her name was drawn from 314 entries, collected from participating businesses Feb. 3-4. The basket, which included gift items and gift certificates donated by participating businesses, as well as $75 in Chamber Bucks donated by The Current, is valued at $365. "I feel like I have won the lottery," Lisa said, when she accepted her prize. "We all have gifts, and mine is gift giving, learned from my father. I registered at Vine & Branch and at Evans, and I do like to support local businesses. When I registered, I jokingly said 'I am going to win that basket!' " she added. "I teach the Children's sermon at Fulton's First United Methodist Church and just this past Sunday, the lesson was focused on Matthew 25:29, which says to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. So, I am so excited about this," Lisa said. (Photo by Benita Fuzzell.)