Columns

By Tory Duncan

With Mother Nature having a strong grip on much of the country this winter, whether it be brutally cold temperatures, sleet or snow, three weeks after the holiday season of 2017 and 2018, we find our local school basketball seasons at the midway point, with wrestling teams inching closer and closer to the post-season, with district action for the grapplers just a mere four weeks away, while post-season sub-district action for girls basketball teams looking at just over four weeks left until the sub-district seasons kick in.

It’s always amazing to me how fast days and weeks fly by each and every year. As it seems like just yesterday the school year began.

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By Ashley D. Swanson

Before my 15-yearold cousin Loetta came to live with me, I did not have a designated cheese drawer in the fridge. I had a drawer with all the sandwich makings in it, but I didn’t have just a drawer full of nothing but cheese.

That’s just one small part of my life that has changed since she’s come to live with me, and let me tell you, quite a bit has changed. Nothing for the worse, but I’ve definitely had my perspective switched around in the short time she’s been here.

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By Tory Duncan

In a world where we all face our own end at some point, this past week Clay County, as a whole, along with the communities of Edgar and Sutton lost two class-act men from this world.

Bob Rose and Gene Bauer were men of high character and pride within themselves, with their family and with anyone that had the honor and privilege to have had conversations with either one of these giant hearts know exactly what I’m talking about.

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By Ashley D. Swanson

Saturday wasn’t the warmest day of the year...fortunately, it also wasn’t the coldest.

Before it got too cold, Jenna and I headed to Lincoln to try our hand at ice skating.

Neither one of us had ever gone ice skating, and we were both nervous, but mostly excited. OK, so she was expecting to fall, and honestly so was I, but I was probably more nervous than she was.

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By Tory Duncan

I always enjoy the holiday season, especially once Christmas and New Year weeks get here. The rat race leading up to it, however, leaves me out of the spirit until the holidays actually get here.

As with any downtime, getting a few extra days off, it’s always hard to get back to a routine, but I can truly say that it will be nice to get back to a normal schedule.

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By  Ashley D. Swanson

T alking about making New Year’s resolutions is clichéd and no one really sticks with them, but it’s still nice to make them...it’s the thought that counts, right?

This year, I’m making 12 New Year’s resolutions—one for each month of 2018.

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By Tory Duncan

As we near the end of yet another fast-moving year, following the Christmas holiday, my mind quickly moves forward to what another new year might bring.

Following a weekend of food, fun and enjoyment with family, 2017 closes out this coming weekend with the traditional holiday basketball tournaments, leading us into the busy stretch of the school year in January, February and early March.

Sandy Creek will host a six-team tournament, bringing Milford, Cross County, St. Paul, Central City and Wood River to the Cougars Den this Friday and Saturday.

The Harvard basketball teams take the short jaunt north to Hampton for tournament action with Wilcox-Hildreth, Hampton and Kenesaw, while the Sutton Mustangs and Fillies return to David City High School for the second straight year to take on the field of teams that include Aquinas Catholic, David City and Douglas County West.

By Smith

When the calendar flips to November, it is inspiring to see communities throughout the Third District host ceremonies and parades to honor the Nebraskans who have served our country. In Congress, we are focused on demonstrating the gratitude of a nation by ensuring our veterans, the men and women currently serving, and their families receive the care and recognition they deserve.

Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon has introduced the Gold Star Family Support and Installation Access Act to strengthen our commitment to the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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BY JENNI BENSON

Ugly stories about harassment, intimidation and bullying have been in the news nearly every day for more than two months now. The stories are alarming – yet they need to be told to pull back the curtain on a very big problem and to begin to address the problem.

These stories, along with the remarkable #MeToo social media campaign, have increased awareness and provided a platform for change. Now, we need a commitment to education and prevention for the future.

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By Ashley D. Swanson

Journalism can be difficult, especially when death or tragedy is the subject. No matter how much I’ve written about either topic in the past, it never gets easier, especially when the death shouldn’t have happened in the first place, or people get hurt. Bluntly stated, I honestly hate this part of my job; I hate it with all my heart.

At the time of penning this column, it’s only been a couple of days since it was announced that the believed body of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe was found in rural Clay County.

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