Nebraska had only been a state for seventy years when the very first session of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature was held in January 1937. Every school kid in Nebraska is taught about our one-of-a-kind system of State government. Most of them also tour the capitol building at this time of year. As another mob of school kids trooped past our office door, the inevitable always happens. They see the buffalo head I have displayed in our office. Much to the frustration of their chaperons, they all want to see “Buffy” and our office is suddenly filled with wide-eyed fourth-graders brimming with questions. This has to be the most photographed buffalo mount in the state. They make you forget the often vulgar nature of politics, and remind you that we do things here that are going to out-live us. They inspire me, so I decided to write about them today.

Higher Office Beckons? Governor Seems to be Acting Like It The term-limited seated Governor has become a very vocal critic of the Biden Administration policies – to the point of releasing press statements in opposition to some of them. Probably not unprecedented, but it’s obvious that Republican Pete Ricketts has his eye on the prize, whatever that may be.

A water leak underneath the gym floor at the Ainsworth Community Center resulted in extensive warping that requires partial (hopefully not total) floor replacement. The floor on the northwest corner of the gym has risen substantially. There is an approximately 3 by 5 foot space where flooring was removed to give it some room to breathe. Dehumidifiers and fans are placed in that space and nearby in an attempt to relieve some of the damaging humidity while the city waits for insurance to accept or deny their claim.

An upcoming Nebraska Extension workshop in Ainsworth will focus on the latest strategies for cattle producers to reduce risk exposure and achieve profitability. It will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. July 29th at the Ainsworth Conference Center, 606 E. 4th Street.

The Ainsworth Area Chamber of Commerce held a drive-in movie at the Brown County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 24th. The movie selected was Little Rascals, which drew a crowd of all ages.

The Brown County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, July 20th in the Brown County Courthouse. Commissioners Buddy Small and Reagan Wiebelhaus were present and Dennis Bauer was absent. County Attorney Andy Taylor, County Assessor Terri Van Houten, County Clerk Travis Hobbs and County Treasurer Deb Vonheeder were also present.