To grow Nebraska, we must continue to develop new international partnerships and deepen our existing trade relationships. Trade missions allow leaders in our state to meet face-to-face with overseas buyers, government officials, and businesses. They allow our farmers and ranchers to tell the story about Nebraska agriculture and to promote their worldclass commodities firsthand. They also give Nebraska businesses an opportunity to showcase their goods and services directly to prospective customers. These personal connections help establish lasting relationships, built on personal trust, that open markets for our exports and bring jobs to Nebraska.

By Ashley D. Swanson

Personally, I didn’t go to college to become a teacher. However, I find myself teaching more and more these days, and I enjoy it.

Teaching is a loose term depending on the situation. For example, Ahlona and I coach our one act crew, but that “coach” term is just another way to say we’re teaching and guiding them throughout the play as they develop their characters and learn acting, etc.

At the Clay County News, when we’re covering events, such as sports, we’ve given guidance to journalism/yearbook students on settings and where they could be while taking photos of the activity.

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By Tory Duncan

Opening week action of the 2019-20 sports season was certainly a rewarding and big week for Clay County schools.

All three football teams earned wins, including a program win for the Sandy Creek Cougars, who earned a 22-15 win over Southern Valley, giving the Cougars their first win for the program since a 31-10 win over Wood River on Oct. 14, 2016.

Sutton used a strong second half effort to claim a 17-7 win over a pesky North Platte St. Pat’s football team, while the Harvard Cardinals used a 38-6 first quarter run to pounce all over Spalding Academy, 62-26.

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Sandy Creek Public School is among 42 organizations statewide, representing 28 communities, to be recognized for excellence in providing a worksite wellness program to its employees.

Brenda Searle, SC nurse and coordinator of SC’s Educators Health Alliance (EHA), will be receiving the Governor’s Wellness Award, on behalf of the school, during the 17th annual Safety and Wellness Conference in Kearney on Sept. 26.

“Your efforts positively affect the health, quality of life, productivity, and bottom line of your organization,” Gov. Pete Ricketts wrote in Sandy Creek’s award letter. “Congratulations on making a difference in the lives of the people who work at Sandy Creek Public School. Your efforts help Nebraskans live the good life.”

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By RITA BRHEL

This summer’s wet weather may have dashed any concerns of drought in the area, but one of the flip sides of this has been a robust diversity of weeds.

In particular, Clay County Weed Superintendent Bruce Rumsey has seen plentiful populations of noxious weeds across the area.

“Anything that can grow, this year grew,” he told the Clay County Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting on Aug. 27 at the courthouse in Clay Center.

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The 37th annual Old Trusty Antique and Collectors Show is set for Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Clay County Fairgrounds.

Events begin at 8 a.m. both days, ending at 8 p.m., Saturday and 5 p.m., Sunday.

Per day the cost is $7 for adults; youth ages 6-12 is $1; and children 5 and under are free. Included in each day’s festivities are an indoor and outdoor flea markets featuring crafts, antiques, and collectibles; showing of military vehicles; working heritage craftsmen; and a daily parade starting at 1 p.m.

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On Jan. 22, 1953, the Chicago Lumber Company in Fairfield hosted a John Deere Day, featuring “several films showcasing the latest developments in this John Deere line of machinery,” a free dance, a “picture show” at the Circle Theater, and a comedy—”Paradise for Buster,” starring Buster Keaton.

The event, which brought in more than 500 people, also served as the open house for the company’s new 94 by 106 foot hardware store and John Deere Implement, with an adjoining 40x40 foot show room and shop.

The new, modern shop was complete with “the latest in shop equipment, with an experienced mechanic,” and handled a full line of John Deere machinery and parts, according to the Jan. 15, 1953 Fairfield Auxiliary newspaper.

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Mervin Dean Baumann was born on Dec. 1, 1928, to William and Anna (Lauenstein) Baumann in Sutton. He was welcomed into God’s family on Dec. 30, 1928, through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1942, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Grafton. He graduated from Sutton High School in 1946. During the Korean conflict, Merv spent June 1951 through June 1955, in the U.S. Navy, stationed most of the time at Treasure Island, CA.

On Aug. 22, 1964, Merv married Sharon Lee Becker from Stewart, MN. They farmed and made their home near Sutton. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Jon (Colleen) of Plymouth, MI; Lisa (Jeff) of Dallas, TX; David of Omaha; and Amy (Matt) of Dallas, TX. A Christian education for his children was a priority in Merv and Sharon’s life.

Nelda Jean Brown, 80, of Lincoln, passed away on Aug. 28, 2019, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving husband and family.

Nelda was born in Lincoln to Grant and Ethel Israelson on Feb. 8, 1939, and shortly thereafter her family moved to the Hastings area. Nelda attended school in Saronville and Clay Center before graduating from Sutton High School in 1956.

Nelda married Larry D. Brown on Sept. 29, 1956, at the Methodist Church in Saronville. Upon their marriage, they moved to Texas for a short time while Larry was stationed there with the United States Air Force. Larry was then deployed to Japan and Nelda returned to live in Lincoln until his return. The couple lived a short time in North Platte with their growing family. In 1967 the family moved to Lincoln and have lived in the same house in the Meadowlane neighborhood ever since.

Sutton resident Lonnie L. Griess, 61, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, at his home in Sutton. Memorial services were conducted at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the Federated Church in Sutton, with Rev. Mary Scott officiating. Inurnment followed at the Sutton Cemetery. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated later. Condolences may be left at www.suttonmemorial.com.Lonnie L. Griess was born on Oct. 27, 1957, in Henderson, to Donald R. and Sharol K. (Schrock) Griess. He received his education from Sutton Public Schools. Lonnie was a lifelong farmer and loved every minute of working with his family. He had a passion for building things, Husker Football, and racing. His greatest pride was his three daughters.