My Side of the Fencepost
May 28, 2008
By Jim Dickerson
A Patriotic Tribute
At the Boone County Courthouse grounds on Monday, Memorial Day was observed as it should be. A large and sincere crowd remembered and paid their respects to both deceased and living veterans. It was a fitting tribute to all who have served in and supported the nation and its military in times of need.
No less important is the support needed — now — for our military personnel.
As J. Paul McIntosh spoke on Memorial Day about a young soldier who served with honor and died in Vietnam nearly 40 years ago, my memories filtered back to the 1960s and 1970s. Times were different then. Many in our country had turned so far against the Vietnam War that they were placing blame on those who had served and simply carried out orders there. Returning veterans were not well treated. In fact, many were treated very badly.
Looking back at the Vietnam era, it seems to me that the biggest injustice of the time was America’s treatment of its returning veterans. It was a case of misplaced blame. Vietnam was a political war. The pressures for ending the war should have been aimed at the national leadership of the time, and not at those who served.
Many injustices occur in times of war. Mistakes are made. Sometimes there are innocent victims and even atrocities that defy explanation. Justice must be served at those times.
That does not mean that the entire military and those who served should be blamed. The vast majority have served with honor and deserve the respect of a grateful nation.
At present, the United States is involved in another controversial war in Iraq. Strong opinions are voiced every day about whether or not we are accomplishing our goals, whether we should pull our troops out or remain in that war.
If we have learned anything from the Vietnam era, it should be to keep our political discussion of war separated from our treatment of veterans — and to respect those who have served regardless of our feelings about the war itself.
Rasmussens will retire this fall
May 28, 2008
Larry and Kathy RasmussenCouple has developed many good
Larry and Kathy Rasmussen
friendships at local Bowling Center
Larry and Kathy Rasmussen have enjoyed their seven years of operating Fairview Lanes in Albion, a place where all ages gather to enjoy recreation and conversation.
“We really value the friendships and relationships we’ve formed here, but we’re determined to retire by this fall,” said Larry.
They certainly don’t want to see the bowling center and restaurant close, and Larry emphasized that it has always been a “good business” for them.
“We’ve had such loyal customers — and they’ve all become friends,” said Kathy. “Our hired help has been very good, too,” added Larry.
Although the business has many positive attributes, the Rasmussens have not yet found a buyer and the time for their retirement is drawing near.
“We missed some of our grandkids’ school programs last year, and we said we just don’t want to do that anymore,” said Larry. “The work has never bothered us, but it’s time.”
Big crowd attends VeraSun ribbon cutting, open house
May 28, 2008
Gov. Dave Heineman
The event was held at the Boone County Fairgrounds event center and included tours of the plant.
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman gave the keynote address. Other guest speakers included Don Endres, VeraSun president and CEO; Brian Jennings of the American Coalition for Ethanol; Todd Sneller, administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board; Randy Urmacher, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association; Boone County Commission Chairman Hank Thieman, Tim Kayton, a charter member of the Boone County Development Agency, and Albion Mayor Jim Jarecki.
Read More in the Albion News Print Edition & Special Section this week.
Albion toddler deals with rare medical disorder
May 28, 2008
By Kim Young
An Albion couple, Chris and Kim Mewhirter, is dealing with a very rare disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome, which afflicted their youngest daughter, Jamie. The family would like to educate the community to be aware of Jamie’s disorder so she can continue on her path of successfully living with PWS.
The Mewhirters and their three daughters moved back to Albion last summer for family support. In addition to 3 1/2-year-old Jamie, their family includes Nikole, 11, and Ashley, seven. Chris is an employee of the VeraSun Albion ethanol plant.
PWS is a complex, life-threatening, genetic disorder that affects a person’s growth, appetite, metabolism, cognitive function and behavior.
Read more in the Albion News Print Edition.
Strong partnership links local church with Tanzania
May 28, 2008
Esther and Bishop Martin Shao (seated) were weekend guests of Sue and Pastor Larry Sydow in Albion.
Bishop Shao and his wife were guests from Friday through Monday, May 23-26, of Pastor Larry Sydow and his wife, Sue, of Zion Lutheran Church, Albion.
Read more in the Albion News Print Edition.
Myrna Noble receives Mini-Park Flag Award
May 28, 2008
Myrna Noble accepts the Mini-Park Flag from Dale Bowman, representing the American Legion.
The award is given each Memorial Day to a member of either the American Legion Auxiliary Mandersen Lehr Unit 162 or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary to Post 736. Read more
May 28, 2008
David M. Sueper
David M. Sueper, 41, of Brighton, CO, died Thursday, May 8, 2008 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver, due to injuries sustained in an auto accident. The funeral mass was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Northglenn, CO. A memorial mass will be held in Lindsay, NE on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m.
Carolyn J. Casper
Carolyn J. Casper, 80, died on Thursday, May 22, at her home in Albion.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, at the United Methodist Church in Albion. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion.
Donna K. Packard
Donna Kay Packard, 51, died at her home on Sunday evening, May 18. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 23, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Albion with Father Stan Schmit officiating. Visitation was held Thursday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. at the church with a 7:30 p.m. Wake Service. Burial was held in the parish cemetery. Levander Funeral Home in Albion was in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to www.levanderfuneralhome.com
LaVern “Bud” Daniels
Bud Daniels, formerly of Petersburg and recently retired as President of the Highway 14 Association Inc., passed away on Monday, May 26, 2008.
Funeral services will be at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1026 O St., Geneva, NE, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28.
A complete obituary will be published next week.
Condolences may be sent to Jeri Daniels at 1235 E St., Geneva, NE 68361.
Cornerstone Bank Awards “$3 for 3″ Check
May 28, 2008
Todd Kramer, representing Cornerstone Bank of Albion, presents a check with proceeds from the annual “$3 for 3 Points” promotion to Boone Central 2007-08 senior basketball team members Jessica Zabka and Anthony Michael. Team Cornerstone appreciates the Cardinal girls and boys teams and coaches for making this year’s “3 for 3” another fun and successful event.
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