Postmaster Howard Baltensperger who lives on a farm south of Nebraska City, was unable to keep an appointment with the Optimist club the other day because he was snowbound. The strong winds the previous night and the additional two inches of snow created drifts too large for tractor and man. Howard waited for the snowplow.
Meanwhile, Norm Bruening was program chairman and at mid-morning he got the word that Howard couldn't make it. Norm substituted his own program and it was appreciated by the business people. It was the new employe indoctrination slide-TV presentation at American Meter Company where Norm is plant manager.
The wrestlers –
We had a particular interest in the state wrestling meet this year since this was "it" for senior son . . . won't be long and that bedroom with all the "junk" in it will be empty.
We have followed Coach Paul Stevenson's wrestlers since he began coaching them back in the Jaycee youth wrestling program years.
There were a lot of other wrestlers that we knew from the other towns in the conference and district, but there was one from Sidney, Nebr., that we also watched.
Brian Balfour is 145 pounds of muscle and athletic prowess. We first met him a few years ago when he was much lighter. He's added muscular strength to his weight.
Brian has been to Nebraska City many times and has worked out with the other wrestlers. He is the grandson of Merlin Balfour and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Conkling.
He eliminated a lot of fine wrestlers to enter the championship and although he lost, he certainly represented his school and himself well in athletic competition.
Sea story –
The admiral was a tough old bird and words spoken to him were usually offered with great care for fear of reprimand.
On a particular day he was standing on the bridge of his ship observing maneuvers through his field glasses. He searched the ocean in all directions and stated: "There are three carriers slated to be in this operation and I see only two: Where in the hell is the third one?"
Silence followed his question and pressure increased as the period of silence grew.
Finally, Commander Bob Bethel (now retired and living at Table Rock) cautiously offered, "Admiral, sir, you are standing on it."
The visitor –
Mrs. Bertha Tait of 705 North Sixth Street, writes that she had a "visitor" the other day after the snowstorm and she'd like to know the identity.
For one thing, the person forced entry onto her porch, kicked off the snow from his shoes or overshoes, then left. Mrs. Tait suggests a telephone call ahead of time so she can greet visitors . . . how about a broom to sweep and swat?
Top of the Hill –
We hope you enjoy the new Sunday column "Top of the Hill". It's sort of an exclusive space – you've got to be retired and active to get your story printed.
The story is written by all members of the news staff and they say it is one of the most enjoyable assignments on the newspaper.
Last week you read about Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Baker, the retired City Utilities employe who "runs" an orchard. We've been to the Baker place many times and have seen them working and enjoying it. They are two people who seemingly have a smile for everything.
They truly are a fine example of reaching the top of the hill.
Check today's story – it's Lew Hunt.
Congratulations –
. . . to Cindy Hall of Nebraska City and Mrs. Francis Moul of Syracuse on their runnersup selections in the Outstanding Young Woman contest sponsored by the Nebraska Jaycees.
They are deserving of the recognition. I just wouldn't want to be the judge.
Nebraska City and Otoe county have received statewide recognition several times in past years on the caliber of young people they represent. Their nominations are a compliment to all of us.
Music, music –
If you like music, you can look forward to a fine season of school plays. And if you're not a music buff, then you'll enjoy the talents of the boys and girls on the stages.
Nebraska City Lourdes will offer the musical "Bye, Bye Birdie" on March 17-19. Nebraska City Senior High will offer a musical and dinner theater with "Music Man" on April 28-29.
Planting potatoes –
Bill Sch[illegible] [illegible] of the Falls City Journal, says:
"Incidentally, if you are thinking about planting potatoes in the near future, you'd better give it a little more thought. We understand the ground is frozen to a depth of about 26 inches."
In another item in his column "Hanging out the wash," the editor quotes Larry Cook, superintendent of Indian Cave State Park, that hikers who stay on the 20 miles of trails needn't worry about rattlers. They (the rattlers, silly) have moved south away from the public.
In case someone does kill a timber rattler, Cook says he sould be contacted to dispose of it. The venom remains in the rattler's head and is deadly for several weeks.
To which the editor pines:
"Some people might stick around to do a rattler in if they jumped one, but most of us probably would become the world's fastest human instantaneously."
From Texas –
Vern Livingston writes from winter quarters at McAllen, Texas, that he has been watching the weather in Nebraska City. Winters in Texas are good for the young and old. "Thirty or 40 years ago most of us–in our age bracket–would have been staying home finding fault with everything and getting in everybody's hair. As it is we are down here having a good time and leaving the young folks alone to run things as they wish."
The Livingstons will return for Arbor Day.