Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
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In January I had no idea who Elizabeth Tegtmeier was. I was asked by a friend to attend her announcement as a candidate for State Board of Education. It was a low-key, upbeat venue near North Platte. Maybe 40 people in attendance. I listened to Elizabeth talk about her background as a teacher and her degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I found I agreed with her positions on the various issues in the education system. She discussed attending SBoE meetings and how those meetings are what led her to the decision to run for the position. I discov...
Nebraska Public Education is more than you can see from the street or hear on national news or social media. Why? Nebraska is a local control state. What does that mean? It means your local school board makes the decisions as to what schools look like and teach. This includes approving curriculum, textbooks and size of classes just to name a few. That puts you the local voter in charge through your local school board members who are your friends and neighbors. In many states public education systems, you hear or read about on the news or social...
Many of us were raised with the saying, “Actions speak louder than words” meaning what a person does carries more weight than any hollow words he or she says. On Feb 4, 2022, the Nebraska State Board of Education had a motion proposed that would permanently reject the health standards. Robin Stevens voted NO; he did not want to reject all drafts of the health standards. Now he is traveling throughout our district talking to people and interviewing with newspapers stating, “I will fight tooth and nail that they not be brought forth during my te...
I am an 87-year-old woman who has voted in every election since I was old enough to do so. I have voted at the polls on election day every time except one time when I had to be out of town. That one time, I went to our county courthouse and case my ballot. I have never early voted and I consider it a privilege to walk into the polling place and cast my ballot. As I was traveling several highways in Nebraska this spring, 2022, I kept seeing huge signs for Jim Pillen. My thought was that, Wow! Someone really wants him to be elected by spending...
I support public education and our great teachers. My kids love school, and I am incredibly happy with the quality public education they are receiving. A short while ago, I would not have dreamed that the Nebraska Department of Education and State Board of Education would suggest that it is necessary to teach kindergarteners names of genitalia, first graders about gender identity, third graders about sexual orientation, fifth graders about hormone blockers, and seventh graders about a*** sex. Those were just some of the topics outlined in the...
In this divisive world of politics there is an election at the regional level that seems to have heated up. The race between newcomer Elizabeth Tegtmeier and Incumbent Robin Stevens is turning quite spicy. Robin Stevens seems to think showing up late to the game and throwing darts is a winning strategy. He and his campaign surrogates have decided attacking Elizabeth has a better chance of winning than his record. People became very involved in the Nebraska State School Board race due to the CRT and SEL curriculum being promoted by the board...
Nebraska has always been a leader in public education, even during the pandemic. Nebraska K-12 education was considered to have had one of the best responses in the US. This was due to the leadership of our State Board of Education, the Nebraska Department of Education and the good practices of local school leaders and staffs. As of today, schools are now open to all of our students providing them a safe academic environment. So, as school administrators, we were shocked and appalled when we read that certain candidates for the Nebraska Board o...
As a retired educator and supervisor of student teachers in the western part of NE. I have been in many public and private school classrooms and I’m very proud of the teachers and administrators who are educating our students. I have not witnessed in district 7 schools the teaching or grooming of (CSE) Comprehensive Sexual Education, or about CRT Critical Race Theory. I’m very concerned for those supporting Elizabeth Tegtmeier running for a seat on the State School Board and her so called dream team spreading lies about how Nebraska sch...
Reducing the number of people who return to prison is a key goal of any criminal justice system. In Nebraska, more than 70 percent of those discharged in 2019 have not returned to the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) – a significant benchmark. Recidivism is typically measured in three-year increments. Based on just released data, Nebraska’s recidivism rate has dropped to 29.8 percent. This is the third year in a row that recidivism has trended downward in Nebraska. In comparison to publicly available data for...
Dear Editor: Perhaps you have heard that President Biden is on his way to meet with the World Health Organization (WHO) to draw up an amendment to their constitution which will put all United States health care in the hands of WHO. This means that WHO will tell us if we are healthy or not, if we really need medical help, which Dr. to see and when to see him/her. WHO sessions begin Sunday May 22 and go through May 28, but Mr. Biden has already decided to present this amendment to WHO for adoption. You may recall that U.S. Constitution DOES NOT A...
One candidate in the 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial Race stands above all others. Jim Pillen will best serve as our next Governor. He was raised on a small town farm in Platte County, Nebraska. After playing football for the Huskers and earning a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, he became one of the largest pork entrepreneurs in Nebraska. Jim Pillen will fight federal overreach, provide new property tax relief, and limit spending. He will stand up to anti-agriculture regulations, value agriculture land fairly, and ensure competitive markets. Mr....
In the spirit of democracy, the League of Women Voters of Nebraska provides a statewide compilation of candidate information via VOTE411 (www.vote411.org). The online voters’ guide asks impartial questions of candidates running for local, state and federal offices in Nebraska. It is published before the primary and general elections. VOTE411 requires the LWVNE to obtain email addresses for candidates to invite them to participate. To obtain the names of candidates, office, party, and contact information – including an email address – volunteers...
Dear Editor, Gun shows bring a lot of revenues into communities where they are held. Attendees rent motel rooms, they dine out at local restaurants, and they shop at local businesses. It is with great disappointment that the High Plains Shooters Supply gun show was turned down for the use of the facilities at your fairgrounds. After visiting with the county sheriff and the county attorney just before Christmas. We talked at length about what we would do and how things would be handled with the security at the show and they endorsed the ideas...
Recently, selected members of the Leyton School Community received a letter concerning the upcoming recall vote of Rol Rushman & Suzy Ernest titled “Know Before You Vote.” Although the letter was unsigned and had no return address, it bears a very similar format to documents and speeches presented at Leyton School Board meetings from certain individuals! I’ve always thought opinions in an unsigned letter are worthless!! The anonymous letter states that this “mess” started when Suzy and Rol came on as new Board members. It started much earlier t...
We have surpassed our matching grant goal of $20,000 by almost $35,000! We would like to thank the following businesses and all the individuals, too numerous to list, for your donations to the Table of Grace. May God bless you all in 2022! Aflac- Jenn Powell, Andrews Trains, Anthem/Healthy Blue of Nebraska, Avon (Julie Matthews), Best Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Bell Pole & Lumber, Bush Family Trust, Eagle Chevrolet Buick - Chadron, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Frat Order of the Eagles- Oshkosh, Golden Real Estate, JDNA Farm – Oshkosh, KK I...
Credit unions and banks across the country are jointly opposed to an item being considered as part of the proposed $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill. The bill may include a provision requiring credit unions and banks report to the IRS the account transactions (deposits or withdrawals) of accounts that hold more than $600. What does this mean for you, the consumer? An invasion of your privacy and potential additional taxes. This proposed fishing expedition is bad for consumers. The proposal states that if your account balance is above $600 at...
Many of us remember a time when Americans were kinder, or thoughtful of others, where “what can we do together for each other” was the norm rather than “It’s all about me.” Yes, as a youngster I remember very well the personal and family sacrifices during and after World War II — all for the common good, for the protection of a unified nation, and allied against those who would do us harm. Now, contrast that scenario with where we are today as a country, where “rights” and personal freedoms supersede common decency and what is best for all. W...
The Sidney Park Project would like to provide an update regarding the current status of the project. The Project includes a complete remodel of the current Legion Park next to the pond in Sidney. The project grew from a dream shared by Madi Wilkinson and Michelle Weimer. Both ladies work in the physical therapy field and wanted to see a playground all children could enjoy without limitations. The current playground is dated and in much need of renovation. Recently the Sidney Playground Project has been notified the building cost will be a bit...
As we move into our sixth week of school I want to commend everyone for a successful beginning of the school year. We want to continue moving forward with in person learning, no masks and as few cases of Covid-19 as possible. We are also approaching the Flu and Cold season. While we have not had the challenges that school districts across the nation have had, we do still need to stay vigilant. Covid cases in young people are up across the state and in the panhandle. Please remember to do the RIGHT thing by doing your part to not spread germs....
Dear Editor: September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is a time for each of us to reach out to those around us and take steps to prevent suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s theme for the month is “Together, we can help #StopSuicide.” One action I’m taking this month to help #StopSuicide is contacting my public officials and urging them to prioritize funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and our local crisis call centers. In July 2022, the new 988 number will be fully operati...
To The Editor, This goes out to the wonderful people of this community. How do we ever thank you enough? You took time out of your already busy day to help find Roger, and you did not quit until he was found. What an awesome community and beyond we have! A big thank-you go to the following: Lodgepole Fire Department; Gurley Fire Department; Dalton Fire Department; Ron Leal with his drone; Adam Frerichs and crew of the Cheyenne County Sheriff Department; the Nebraska State Patrol; Chadron - Scottsbluff - Troupe E – Sidney – North Platte; Sea...
Earlier this summer, the ladies of Brand New Items and Coffee Shop took on the project of raising funds to help children at The Ark attend summer camp. The project started with an estimate, based on the average number of children who attend the weekly Tuesday meeting. Each Tuesday, children are welcomed at The Ark, a converted apartment in the Sioux Villa, for an evening of food, fun and bible lessons. The Tuesday gathering occurs throughout the year, with the exception of when holidays are on a Tuesday. The staff of Brand New Items encouraged...
Dear Editor, The Potter-Dix Board of Education wants you to be aware that the following resolution was unanimously passed by the members present at their meeting on July 13, 2021. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 17-0009 IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Board of Education (the “Board”) hereby makes the following findings and determinations: (a) Parents and guardians are the primary educators of their own children, especially In matters of faith and morals, including sex education; and (b) The...
In reference to the “No Parking” Approved article on June 2, 2021, I want to point out that truckers are a vital part of our local economy. Rather than make more rules to make their lives more difficult, it would seem a better approach would be to find ways to accommodate and help them. Everything we eat, every purchase we make is brought to our localities by a trucker. They are on serious time constraints and unfortunately don’t always have access to restrooms or places to take their breaks or easily dump their trash. I would suggest that the...
4-2021 has been a year we hope we never repeat. There is a saying that what doesn’t kill you can make you stronger. We think that has certainly been the case for Sidney Public Schools. Students have an increased respect for school, parents are so thankful they don’t have to teach their children, and our school community has a closeness and new appreciation for everyone’s talents and efforts. We feel that commendations are in order at the end of this school year: To the administrators, for their many hours of hard work constructing and tweak...
