Once again I am reminded of the goodness in people. As the new TeamMates coordinator I see the generosity of people in our community over and over again. TeamMates is the mentoring program for young people that was founded by Nancy and Tom Osborne.
This past Sunday was no exception. Harv Bish again gave all the proceeds from his Classic Car Show to our Aurora TeamMates Chapter.
Individuals, organizations, businesses and foundations of our community continually provide time and financial support. The mentors give one hour a week to be at school with their mentees. Because of all the volunteers this program can make a difference in the lives of our youth.
The list of those making a difference goes on and on. With gratitude, we thank you for your goodness.
Suzanne Rauert
Aurora TeamMates
coordinator
Business support much appreciated
Dear Editor:
The students of Aurora High School were treated last week at our Career & College Day with a record number of business representatives. There were 120 businesses in attendance -- what an incredible opportunity for our students!
There are so many things that make Aurora special, and the support from the business community is astounding and sincerely appreciated! You are all making a difference if the lives of our students with your encouragement and involvement. Thank you.
Maggie Rasmussen
and Steve Jacobsen
Aurora school counselors
Commissioners are a big joke
Dear Editor:
Our three commissioners -- Larry Fox, Tim Bergen and Doug Andersen -- are just a big joke.
If they want to evaluate all the workers they should start with themselves. I would evaluate Larry Fox at a big 0 and recommend no pay at all. Bergen and Andersen, I would rate them a 1 with most of their pay taken away.
You three clowns should follow the handbook yourselves. Isn’t there a county attorney or a state attorney who can do something with these three clowns. Termination of all three of these commissioners would be fitting, or a ride in a very slow boat to China.
If Tim Bergen wasn’t Larry Fox’s puppet, he wouldn’t let Larry Fox run all over him when he recommended a written reprimand for Kent Tucker. Larry Fox sounds like a dictator. We don’t need you Larry Fox. Go home and stay there.
Doug Andersen reflects very poorly on the whole county when he said Wally shouldn’t act as a liaison to Darla because he likes her. Well all three of you other commissioners hate her, so that isn’t right at all.
Roy Kliewer
Farmers ask for certainty
Dear Editor:
In any business some level of certainty is always beneficial. That certainty provides a basis to make short term and long term plans, assess investments into the business or needed changes to an operation.
My farming operation is no different! The farm bill sets farm policy for the next five years so it is extremely important to you and me to know what that policy will be.
This year has given us plenty of uncertainty due to a drought that has plagued the nation and the implications can be seen across many facets of agriculture. But as a farmer one certainty that I am asking for is a farm bill. Whether you are a food producer or food consumer, you should be asking for the same and I ask that you pass along your message that we want a Farm Bill Now!
The current farm bill is set to expire this year and collectively Congress has yet to pass a farm bill although a version has been passed by the Senate, a version has yet to be passed by the House. I and other producers need the certainty that a farm bill provides as we begin to make decisions for next year, decisions that include thousands of dollars in seed, chemical, fertilizer and other inputs.
As a food consumer or a food producer, you have a voice and now is the time to send a message to those that represent you -- that we need the certainty that a farm bill can provide and we need it now.
In closing, time is running out for action. Congress will only be in session a few days in September and then the "lame duck session" following the November elections. So I ask that you visit with your senator or congressman, thank them for their past work and ask them to press for passage of a farm bill. You can also go to www.farmbillnow.com and send a message via Twitter or Facebook or simply sign a petition.
Your story about the certainty that a farm bill would provide your operation is a powerful message, and one that I ask you share with your representative or senator.
Curt Friesen
District 3 Director
Nebraska Corn Board
County volunteer effort top notch
Dear Editor:
I just wanted to say, being a non-Nebraska native but a cheesehead all my life, I was very impressed by the positive atmosphere at this year’s State Fair.
For example, nowhere else have I ever experienced being waved at by every person passing me on a sky tram. Only in Nebraska... Also, I am proud of Hamilton County’s efforts to help serve at the State Fair via our volunteer day or like seeing the Edgerton Exporit Center showcased, not to mention Husker Harvest Days, Diplomats, the AACD and the numerous other regional and statewide positions of leadership and volunteerism that occur from Hamilton County residents.
