Authorities in Owendale, Michigan were surprised to receive a letter from a man offering them $50 and an apology for having stolen a set of Christmas lights ... more than 50 years ago. 

"To Whom it May Concern," the note began. "In the sixties I was in Owendale drinking. I took some blue Christmas light bulbs from your decorations. Later I felt guilty about this. Over the years it bothers me more and more. Please forgive me. Enclosed this may help with your needs. Thank you. Sorry!"

Owendale treasurer Manuel Thies told the Huron Daily Tribune that the $50 will go into the village's general fund, but that the letter will be framed and hung up in his office wall, as a reminder that it's never too late to make amends. 

“He took some lights and it just kept gnawing at him until he did what he had to do to calm his conscience," Thies said. "He sat on that blister a long time."

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