Banner County News, Notes & Nonsense

I hope everyone enjoyed the terrific warm weather that we had over the past week. Although we have had more average temperatures for the last several days, I think it will warm up again somewhat.

My yard is full of tumble weeds. I have no use for them and personally think they are a pain. We also had a smidgeon of rain one day and it reminded me that it still can happen, here in terribly dry Banner County!

Last Sunday the Banner County Volunteer Fire Department hosted a soup lunch and silent auction for Tom Neal and his family. The weather was perfect and many folks were able to attend. Approximately 150 to 200 were fed and others made donations and bid on items. I was told that a little over $6,000 was given to help with Tom’s medical expenses and everyone is very grateful for all of your support. One of our local firemen said that along with our local folks there were also many others, and some firemen from Kimball and Gering.

Thanks once again to all of you. Tom is now at home and still on the mend and we are sure glad of that.

Another long time Banner County resident, Charles Anderson, is on the mend in a hospital in Loveland, Colorado. Charles underwent open heart surgery about a week and a half ago. Family members told me that he is doing much better but has quite a ways to go yet. We wish him and his family a speedy recovery, and our thoughts are with you all.

The 4-H Sewing Club took a tour of Platte Valley Vac & Sew last Monday as they did not have school that day. I believe that eight girls attended and learned many useful things about sewing and about the operation of their machines. They took a break for lunch and then went back to the shop and sewed up a storm! They made pillows and/or quilts and had an exceptionally great day!

Thank you to leaders Linda Barrett and Vicki Grubbs and a special thank you to the fine folks at Platte Valley Vac & Sew! The personal report from our in-house learner was “We had sooo much fun and we did this, and this, and this!!”

Today is January 31. I know I say this all the time, but seriously, I am not having that much fun, and the time simply keeps on flying.

February 1 is a red ribbon day, ladies wear red in observance of Women’s Heart Day. That is also the date the Wildcats will play here at home against South Platte. Three games will be played with the first one being the junior varsity boys at 4 p.m. This will be followed by the varsity girls and the varsity boys. These same teams will travel the next day to Sioux County and begin play at 2p.m.

On Saturday the 2nd the wrestlers will have a meet at Southeast. I do not have a startup time on this one so please call the school at 436-5262.

Sunday, February 3, the Harrisburg Community Church will hold a pot luck dinner immediately following church services. This will be followed by their annual business meeting. All members are encouraged to attend and visitors are welcome. Sunday will find the Music students leaving to Chadron in preparation for competition in High Plains Music which will be held both Monday and Tuesday, the 4th and 5th of February.

Tuesday the 5th the junior high girls and boys will play at home beginning at 2 p.m. against Minatare. On the same date the junior varsity boys will play at 3 p.m. at Burns followed by JV girls, and girls varsity, and boys varsity. The first game is at 3p.m. and the last was is to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 6, the FFA team will compete in the FFA District competition at Gordon. As always safe travel and good luck to each of you. A thank you also to all of our coaches, you are doing a great job and each should be commended for your cool heads and demonstration of respect for all team members and refs!

Birthdays, all February, this week include: Warren Gifford, Diane Larson, Sue Talkington, Sonya Deines, Delores Jerred, Marvin Thompson, Jack Faden, Thomas Whelchel, Lincoln Johnson, and Skylar Mount. Happy Birthday!! There are no known anniversaries this week.

We also have that pesky critter, Punxsutawney Phil, the really “I don’t want to hear it” weather predictor to deal with this weekend. This holiday is celebrated in the United States and Canada and as far as I know, mostly by some discussion in our classrooms and maybe some coloring or such. In other places they go all out, especially in Pennsylvania where Phil lives.

Okay, so if he comes out and sees his shadow that means it is a sunny day and he will predict six more weeks of bad weather before spring arrives. However, if he comes out and the weather is cloudy and he cannot see his shadow well then spring is on its way. After making his infamous prediction he will act accordingly, either re-enter his hole, or stay above ground if the nice weather is to continue.

Well, some thoughts on this: Spring is coming regardless, and I would think that if the weather is good he would be above ground and then unless he is not very smart he would return to his hole if the weather turned bad. Maybe the weather just stays one way in Pennsylvania and doesn’t change two or three times a day like it does here in Nebraska. That might explain why we don’t have a famous weather predicting groundhog with a catchy name. And if we do, and I am unaware, please let me know!

By the way, I checked our local forecast for Saturday, February 2 and the prediction I got was…well here for Harrisburg sunny and 55. So six more weeks of bad weather, right? Well the forecast I got for Punxsutawney was 27 and cloudy. Clouds equal no shadow so this ole sister predicts that Phil will predict that spring is coming. Which we all know is going to happen anyway!

Have a great week and until next time take care. Call anytime at 436-7152, or 641-1335, or e-mail me to [email protected].