Banner County News, Notes & Nonsense

Greetings to all in Banner County, friends near and far. My wish for us all is a little more moisture, not quite such freezing temperatures.

The snow with blowing winds caused an earlier school closure last Friday in at least two schools, including Banner County and several sports activity postponements. It has slowly but surely been getting warmer all week long. I must confess, I have not looked into the weather forecast at all.

The boys varsity basketball MAC tournament semifinals should begin today, and for more information please call the school at 436-5262. Depending on what goes on there the boys will again play sometime Saturday, January 19.

Unless there is something rescheduled for this Friday, January 18, there will be no basketball completion on that date. However, the wrestlers will travel to Lingle-Ft. Laramie for competition beginning at 10 a.m. and again to the same place the following day, competition to begin at 9 a.m. Good luck and safe travel!

Congratulations are in order for two outstanding young athletes, David Gifford and Dalton Jordan who were recognized by NSAA Academic All State Football. Great job guys!

The Central-Banner 4-H Club will hold their regular meeting in the school cafeteria Sunday, January 20 at 4:30 p.m. I had this date in my head for this meeting, but as I was scanning the calendar on the school web site the other night, this meeting popped up as the Sunday before, the 13th at 4:30. I paused thought about the date (yep it WAS the 13th) glanced at the clock, which very calmly said 4:50 and began to panic. One telephone call later and I was to realize that it was printed on the school web site calendar on two dates, both the 13th and the 20th.

Okay, not a big deal, I can handle that one. For a few minutes, though, I really was ready to hop in the car and run up to the school, with an explanation to Vicki why we were not present. Saved by the bell.

The MAC Choral Clinic will be held at Minatare on Monday, January 21. I do not have a time on this so, again please call the school for more information if you wish to attend and support those students. Last week the Geography Bee was held at the Banner County School and the winner taking first place was Sierra Flores who is a 7th grade student. Runner up was Hollie Clark who is in 8th grade. Congratulations to both girls and all of the other participants grades 4 through 8.

Also deserving recognition is the students who recently competed in the District FFA Contest. The Livestock Management Team, Haliegh White, Shay White, Christina Grubbs, Regan Streeks, Tyson Dahlgrin, and Kaden Huber placed third out of 14 schools. The competition was held at Scottsbluff and they are now qualified to go to state. Great job to you and coach/teacher Mr. Gifford!

Speaking of the FFA….This is a little ways off, but in case you do not know I want to give you plenty of time to contact one of these students, or possibly other FFA members not mentioned. The Banner County FFA chapter will raffle off half of a hog, which will include processing. The hog is being donated by Soule Organic Farms of Harrisburg and tickets are being sold by FFA members for $5. The drawing will be held on February 1 at the basketball game and you need not be present to win.

Wednesday, January 23, the girls and boys junior high basketball teams will play at Leyton. The girls will begin at 1 p.m. and the boys will begin at 2 p.m. Good luck and safe travel, and have fun! Friday, January 25, the varsity teams will travel to Potter for competition against the Potter-Dix Coyotes. Four games will be played and the first one will start at 3 p.m. Good luck and safe travel to each of you also.

Sunday, January 20, there will be a bridal shower for Hannah Brown at the Harrisburg Community Church. The shower will begin at 2:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.

We want to extend our sympathy to the families of the young people who lost their lives in the rollover accident last week. Alexis Wheeler was a well-known student while here at Banner County by fellow students, teachers and other school staff.

A short reminder of the soup benefit, which will be held at the fire hall on Sunday, January 27 for Tom Neal. Tom has been moved from ICU to a regular hospital room and is not planning on being home for a while yet, although he sure would like to be. The benefit is to help for his expenses and will begin at 1 p.m. There will also be a silent auction

Birthdays this frigid week includes: Rick Larson, Barb Cross, Janet Gifford, Susie Neal, Margaret-Jean Van Pelt, Steve Ruhl and Kole Talkington. Happy Birthday!

No anniversaries this week.

All for now, have a great week and enjoy this warm weather while it lasts! Call me at 436-7152, 641-1335, or e-mail me at [email protected].