My Side of the Fencepost
November 11, 2009
Understanding Sacrifice
By Jim Dickerson
Some time ago, I was given two books about the war in Iraq. The books are special to residents of this area because they include brief descriptions of the service and sacrifice of 1st Lt. Edward Iwan, as well as tributes to the Albion native who was killed during the Battle for Fallujah in 2004.
One book in particular, House to House, A Soldier’s Memoir by Staff Sgt. David Bellavia, is a graphic and riveting description of the war in Iraq and specifically the Battle for Fallujah.
This is not an easy book to read, but it gives the reader a good idea of the kinds of sacrifices we are asking — and receiving — from American soldiers who are now serving in harm’s way in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sgt. Bellavia, a war hero himself, doesn’t mince any words or hold back any detailed description of the front line combat in Fallujah.
In short, if war is hell, then Fallujah was the deepest darkest part of hell. We sent hundreds of Army and Marine soldiers into that hell. Yes, they were equipped with some of the best combat technology, but they were still at a disadvantage against a well-entrenched enemy.
I know there have been other battles in other wars that have been just as bloody and horrific, or maybe worse, but this was one of the most recent. It tested the mettle of a new generation of American soldiers, and they delivered. They fought, bled, died and sacrificed with tremendous courage.
We must never forget that.
So this Veterans Day, while respecting the sacrifices of all American veterans and praying for an end to all wars, I’m reserving most of my thoughts and prayers for those young Americans serving right now in the Middle East — especially those we send into the deepest darkest parts of hell.
November 11, 2009
Dr. Kathy H. Carpenter
Dr. Kathy H. Carpenter, 67, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Hospital. Memorial services were held Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the O’Brien - Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney. Rev. Gary Main officiated. Memorials are suggested to LoWs (Loner on Wheels) or to the family. Online condolences may be submitted to osafh.com.
John (Jack) Whited
John (Jack) Whited, 72, died on Oct. 29, 2009 in Canton, MI. Funeral services were held in Canton, MI.
Delbert L. Mohr
Delbert L. Mohr, 87, of Primrose died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 at the Friendship Villa Nursing Home in Spalding. Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, Albion. Rev. Ray Avidano officiated. Burial was held in the Akron Bonanza Cemetery, rural Albion with Military Rites conducted by American Legion Post #162 and VFW Post #736 of Albion, and Primrose American Legion Post #347 of Primrose. Condolences may be sent to www.levanderfuneralhome.com.
Walter A. Schweizer
Walter Alfred Schweizer, 94, of Albion died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 at Cloverlodge Care Center. Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Albion. Rev. Glen Holtz officiated. Burial was held at the Jackson Cemetery in Duncan. Condolences may be sent to www.levanderfuneralhome.com.
Spalding/Academy Last Area Team Eliminated From NSAA Playoffs
November 11, 2009
Bernt bursts for yardage
Hayes Center (9-1) used third-quarter touchdown runs by its stout RB tandem of Keifer Messersmith (190) and Tyler Clifford (195) to boost a 15-0 halftime lead to 28-2 and secured the decision with two more TDs by the pair in the final stanza. Read more
Titans Again Oust St. Edward From Six-Man Playoffs
November 11, 2009
In 2008, it was the six-man football state championship game.
This time, it was the playoff semi-finals.
Each time the Greeley-Wolbach Titans ended St. Edward’s season short of a title.
Greeley-Wolbach (8-1) used explosive second and third quarters Thursday to defeat visiting St. Edward 66-40 and earn a return trip to the six-man state final in Kearney.
St. Edward finishes its second year in the six-man ranks with a 7-3 record. Read more
TIME OUT by Joe Flanagan
November 11, 2009
College Football Twists & Turns Impossible To Predict
If anyone can figure out the wacky world of college football, let me know. Even professional oddsmakers have to be pretty baffled by what we’ve seen in 2009.
The wild, wonderful and unpredictable has been as evident here in Nebraska as anywhere. Lose at home to Iowa State? Then defeat Oklahoma? Who’da thunk it?
Another question. Has a more pedestrian offensive performance ever produced a more pivotal victory? I term it pedestrian only in deference to Roy Helu, Jr. Without the splendid junior, Nebraska’s offense Saturday could only be described as woeful. Again.
Seriously. Oklahoma has a tremendous defense. Easily one of the five best in college football. But 180 total yards? Just 57 plays? A measly seven 1st downs? And a grand total of 39 passing yards?
It’s almost enough to evoke memories of the ‘ol Single Wing and leather helmets. Read more
Scrapbook weekend again popular
November 10, 2009
Scrapbooking class
No applicants yet for County Attorney
November 10, 2009
Boone County Commissioners expressed some surprise Monday when no applications were received for the vacant Boone County Attorney’s position.
Four application forms had been picked up during recent weeks, but none had been completed and submitted by Nov. 6.
Commissioners decided to make contact with the attorneys who picked up applications and discuss any problems the applicants might foresee with the position. They will also advertise the position again with an application deadline of Nov. 20, 2009.
The commissioners are seeking a new county attorney to fill the unexpired term of Dave Medlin, who resigned in October to take a position in the Hall County Attorney’s office in Grand Island.
The current term will expire Jan. 6, 2011. The current salary is $39,900 per year in addition to county insurance benefits.
Good progress on hospital project
November 10, 2009
Hospital construction
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