Bond's Broadcast

Running a daily newspaper, or any newspaper for that matter, offers opportunities that make the job very enjoyable. It also enhances, or at least it has mine, the number of experiences I can count in my life.

Thursday night here in Sidney I had the pleasure of attending the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet.

The rewards were many – as I was able to see the smiles, hugs and handshakes as guests arrived – and I was joined by four staff members here at the table and for the evening.

I watched intently as the mc for the night introduced the speakers and as award winners made their way to the dais to receive their awards. The kind and gentle things said about the award winners were in many ways touching in acknowledging their awards.

People who give of themselves most often do so in a selfless way. In truth they do not expect to be publicly honored or pointed out but when it happens it is nice to be there to see it.

I also had the opportunity to sit at the table with staff members Kyle Bules, Wayne Bauerkemper, Hannah Van Ree, and Kevin Fortin. Kevin, who has represented the newspaper in the community as an advertising sales manager from the Sun-Telegraph was one of those honored by the Chamber.

For those of you who know Kevin it is generally apparent that he is not shy when it comes to talking to people. That of course is mainly in a one on one role or at most a small group.

I couldn’t help but snicker a little bit after all he has been known to be chatty but as he took the microphone his voice began to quiver and whatever thoughts he had put together on his way up there were fleeting.

It was really humorous when he got back to the table. I am very proud of Kevin and the efforts he makes not only for the Sun-Telegraph but for the Chamber and City of Sidney as well.

United States Congressman Adrian Smith was the keynote speaker and in his brief remarks he made an effort to explain just how difficult it is to operate in Washington D.C. in the present climate.

There are party differences that make it difficult to reach an agreement on much of anything.

I’d like to thank those in the Chamber officer Glenna Phelps-Aurich and Cheryl Jones for all of their efforts and the many others of those who were involved in the night’s event.

It was very enjoyable and in this man’s opinion very essential in the commerce of the city and the county as partnerships form among those in the business community.

I do want to add I was privileged to sit by Charlotte Steffans and members of her family. She is a delightful lady and I very much enjoyed our conversation. She has detailed knowledge of many things about Sidney. It was great to be able to hear her insight.

I am already looking forward to next year.

And so, for another week, thanks and thirty.

Hank Bond can be contacted at [email protected].