(ALL MINUTES ARE UNOFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING) November 11, 2024 The Ainsworth/Brown County Care Center Interlocal Board met in regular session on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the City of Ainsworth Conference Center Meeting Room. Member’s present were Tom Jones, Mel Campbell, Bruce Papstein, and Kent Taylor. Member Dennis Bauer was absent with an excused absence. Also present were Penny Jacobs, Sandhills Care Center Administrator and Kenzie Crane, Business Administrator. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

“Veterans Day Program!” I’d like to start out this column by congratulating everyone involved - students and staff, in the Veterans Day Program held at Ainsworth Community Schools. This was the 15th year that Ronda Davis has led the way to put this program together.

Last week we observed another Veterans Day that was viewed through the lens of a national election. Our President is the Commander in Chief of our armed forces. It is incredibly important who the President of the United States happens to be, especially if you are a member the military. Having a commander-in-chief who has a deep affection for the troops, and a Secretary of Defense who has “been there, done that” makes me very hopeful and optimistic for our country.

Voting in 2024 election showed a definite east-west, urban-rural divide We’re all glad the election is over and we’re no longer subjected to wall-to-wall campaign ads on TV and radio. The faster we can get back to watching “Green Acres” reruns the better! But I can’t get over how differently Nebraskans in the east, and Nebraskans in the west voted this year.

Government Essay Contest Winner Mason Painter read his essay “What Does the Word Veteran Mean to You? Throughout history times have changed, people have moved on but one thing has always been the same. The American soldier has fought and died for old glory and its people.