Opinions

On May 30, 2023, I signed LB753 into law. LB753, known as the Opportunity Scholarship Act, will provide parents the choice in which school to send their children.

As I drive to and from various destinations in Central City I am amazed at the number of houses with Sold or Sale pending on the realtor signs. I always wonder who will be moving into those houses—is it a young family with school-age children, a retired couple looking to downsize or even someone who grew up here and is returning home. I realize those realtor’s are helping to sell our community and the small town life. I hope you recognize them as one of our best business assets— they are the cheerleaders and the Welcome Wagon all rolled into one. They are the first to promote our businesses and the fun places to visit, where to eat and where to shop, who can paint a house, do that plumbing job or who is hiring part time help. We are grateful for our realtors at these chamber businesses--Central Realty, Ross Realty and Coldwell Banker Holdings. They do much more for our communities than just sell a house.

Following college and a year of full time work at KOLN-TV, I joined the Air Force and received my commission as a lieutenant in Officer’s Training School in San Antonio, Texas. One of the very first things we learned in leadership training was how not to lead. Good leaders, we were taught do NOT use fear, intimidation or ridicule! In his book “How to Win Friends and Infl uence People” Dale Carnegie said the way NOT to win influence is to criticize, condemn and complain.

My fellow parents, we made it though another school year and now it is time to brace yourself for those summer grocery bills. The summer months are a great time to relax, have fun and spend time with family but they sure can be expensive.

It was former British Prime Minister Tony Blair who said, “Every decision you make, divides!” Two pieces of legislation considered by Nebraska Legislature this year illustrate that truth – LB626 (the Heartbeat Bill) restricting abortion and the equally divisive LB574, known as the “Let Them Grow Act” which prohibits gender altering surgery and hormone blockers for children under the age of 19.

What a week it has been. It was a hectic week without a doubt, but it was one that I will always remember for a few different reasons. Most of my weeks lately have been memorable for all the wrong reasons, but this past week turned things around without a doubt.

As the 2022-2023 school year draws to a close, it can be argued that Central City Public Schools and the community of Central City is accomplishing unsurpassed success. The successes that are currently being enjoyed are topics of discussions across the state. 2022-2023 has been filled with milestones, but no school year is ever completed without difficulties.

Welcome new member Shawn’s Auto Repair and welcome back LaFayette Beauty Salon. Over the past several weeks I have received numerous phone calls or emails asking for business or contact information for services or businesses in the Central City area.

Leaders Act, Leaders Say, Leaders Think, Leaders Are, Leaders Can, and Leaders Have. 5th grade students became very familiar with these statements throughout their Leadership class this school year.