Columns

With this summer’s drought harvest came early to Dawson County and of course here at Hof Batie. We already have 80 acres of corn combined that went to a local feedlot as high moisture corn. We haven’t done much high moisture corn in recent years, but a late season hailstorm three weeks ago forced our hand.

During our eight days in Europe earlier this month we had many opportunities to literally walk through history. From castles to cathedrals to WWII cemeteries and the now dissolved Iron Curtain we soaked it all up.

Did you ever say, “I can’t wait to leave this town?” Or, have you heard, “There’s nothing to do here?” As a former teacher, I heard many students express these sentiments, yet they are not just the comments of teenagers. Regardless of the age, it’s a feeling many who live in a small town or rural area have had. I have been one of those people who longed for the city lights and distant places. Then, something shifted. I began to see the way that people partner together to make amazing things happen in a small town. I had the opportunity to be a part of local tourism, an area Chamber committee and Dawson Area Leadership. My mindset changed to focusing on the amazing people, experiences and opportunities we have in our area.

One of my fondest memories as I recall the days of yore, was the little house, behind the house, With the crescent o'er the door. 'Twas a place to sit and ponder with your head all bowed down low; Knowing that you wouldn't be there, If you didn't have to go.

After spending nine days earlier this month in Europe with stops in four countries, Hubby and I can testify that the drought and heat waves we’ve experienced this summer have been shared throughout that continent as well.

Having just returned from a wonderful nine days in Europe to attend the wedding of a former exchange student and visit friends, Hubby and I would like to share some tips to encourage more of you to travel there – or wherever the travel bug leads.

Roxanne Converse-Whiting Driving across the beach at McConaughy is not for the faint hearted or two-wheel drive vehicle. The sand is fine, powdery and has been compared to the sand in Hawaii.

A girl potato and boy potato had eyes for each other, and finally they got married, and had a little sweet Potato, which they called 'Yam.' Of course, they wanted the best for Yam. When it was time, they told her about the facts of life.

Barb Bierman Batie Greetings from Germany! By the time this column reaches you, Hubby and I will be winging our way home from a wonderful nine days spent in Germany and Belgium. We left last week to fly to Germany for the wedding of our 2012 IFYE to Nebraska from Germany, Chiara Wagner.