Columns

As another calendar year turns, I find myself reflecting on the past 12 months. This year brought the precious gift of two grandbabies, moments of joy I will always cherish. Yet, it was also a year heavy laden with hard things: cancer, brain surgery, daily radiation treatments, three funerals, and financial strain. It’s been a lot to carry, and I know I’m not alone in feeling the weight of this past year.

In a major win for corn growers, a dispute panel ruled today on Friday, Dec. 20, that Mexico violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) when it issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn imports in early 2020.

MARK M. PEYTON The Village Naturalist One of my favorite backyard birds is the blue jay.

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: A rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves immersed in a whirlwind of activities, expectations, and emotions. While this time of year can bring joy and togetherness, it can also be a source of stress and loneliness for many. Older adults are more likely to experience isolation, especially if they live alone or are far from family and friends. The holidays can amplify these feelings, leading to increased loneliness and sadness. Social isolation can have significant negative effects on both mental and physical health, contributing to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and a decline in cognitive function. Understanding the specific ways holiday stress and loneliness impact this population is crucial for providing the necessary support and care.

Back in the cowboy days, a westbound wagon train was lost and low on food. No other humans had been seen for days, when finally they saw an old Jew sitting beneath a tree.

It is always interesting to see how many people visit our area museums and historical sites each year, as well as where they come from. According to data compiled at the Gothenburg Historical Museum, this past summer 13 of those visitors were not people at all, they were pets.

*Edtior’s Note: A topic of conversation around the water cooler and in coffee shops in recent weeks has been the recent upheaval at NTV News. For many of us the staff at the network are more than just familiar faces – they have become like our friends. So, when Colleen Williams asked to share her thoughts in our paper, I was happy to oblige. Her letter is very lengthy and space does not allow for us to run it in its entirety here; the full letter can be found on our website, gothenburgleader.com LETTER TO THE EDITOR I want to start with an apology. I am so sorry we didn’t get to say goodbye. I want everyone to know how much I have appreciated being part of your lives. It was such an honor to bring you the evening news for all these years.

Water • 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. • In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

From the Collection of Pat Young 1. That's not right……..