Columns

When Americans volunteer to serve in uniform, they enter into a contract with their nation. They agree to place themselves in harm’s way, to answer the call wherever duty requires, and, if necessary, to sacrifice their health, their future, and even their lives in defense of our freedoms. In return, America makes a promise.

There was an article in National Geographic that talked about zoos and asked the question, “Are they ethical?” Zoos have come a long way from their beginnings and they are far nicer now than just 50 years ago. Here in Nebraska, we have one of, if not the best, zoo in the U.S. and the world.

As valuation notices arrive in mailboxes across Nebraska, many property owners are asking the same question: If my valuation increased, does that mean my property taxes will increase as well? The answer is, no, not necessarily. Your property tax bill is based on two things: the assessed value of your property times the tax rate, or levy, which is set by locally elected taxing authorities.

From the Collection of Pat Young What I Learned From Andy Rooney Written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words. Rooney has passed away but used to be on CBS’s 60 Minutes TV show.

As May comes to a close and June arrives, we are experiencing the end to the spring bird migration. As I type, since March 1st approximately 53,745,000 individual birds have flown over Dawson County. From March 1st to April 1st, about 3,000,000 crossed over us and then by May 1st the totals jumped to 14 million! However, May is the migration peak and 40 million flew over in just two weeks!

The Village Naturalist The term “gender” has been in the news a lot, with the question of just how many genders are there? Gender is not sex. Here is a quote from the National Institute of Health on the difference between gender and sex.

For too long, victims of child sexual abuse have faced persistent harm as their worst moments are viewed, shared, and monetized online, often without a meaningful way to force content removal. Existing criminal law was not always sufficient to hold commercial websites that knowingly profit from this illegal content accountable.

Not All Criminals Are Stupid Long-term parking - Some people left their car in the long-term parking at San Jose while away, and someone broke into the car. Using the information on the car’s registration in the glove compartment, they drove the car to the people’s home in Pebble Beach and robbed it.

From the Collection of Pat Young Did I Really Read That Right? “Toilet out of order: please use floor below.” In a laundromat: “Automatic washing machines: please remove all your clothes when the light goes out.” In a London department store: “Bargain basement upstairs.” In an office: “Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken.” In an office: “After tea break, staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board.” Outside a second-hand shop: “We exchange anything — bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?” Notice in health food shop window: “Closed due to illness.” Spotted in a safari park: “Elephants, please stay in your car.” Seen during a conference: “For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a day care on the first floor.” Notice in a farmer’s field: “The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but the bull charges.” Message on a leaflet: “If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.” On a repair shop door: “We can repair anything.

Charles Schaeffer, who now resides in the Nebraska Veterans Home, was presented by his 58 consecutive years membership certificate by Callaway American Legion Post Commander Wayne Witthuhn. Charles was one of the first 20 members of the Callaway Post.