It has been a very busy week here at the Legislature. My office holds many responsibilities that require my attention and input on. One of the issues on the forefront is the continuing presence of Covid and the fact that many things need to be tweaked this year to try and accommodate safety concerns and social distancing.

America is grappling a difficult legacy. Our society was built by the blood and sweat of slaves, on land previously occupied by Native Americans. When we won independence, only white male property owners were fully enfranchised. Enslaved peoples were not fully counted under the constitution. Married women had no legal identity.

So you thought things would simply be fixed because the calendar flipped, eh? I kid...sort of. The calendar wasn’t the source of our problems and now that 2021 is delivering a new batch, I think we all understand that wishing and hoping everything gets bet-ter and easier isn’t going to suffice.

On Thursday, January 14th I delivered my annual “State of the State” address to the Nebraska Legislature. Even after back-to-back years of major challenges—historic floods in 2019 and a pandemic in 2020—I am pleased to report that the state of the state is strong. The work of Nebraskans everywhere has helped to meet these challenges with grit, tenacity, and determination.

Eileen Kay Meagher-Holsten age 81 of McCook, NE passed away on January 16, 2021. She was born in Benkelman, NE on December 26, 1939 to Leonard and Alberta (Mathew) Miller. Eileen graduated from Beauty College and opened the Chateau Continental in McCook till 1986. She moved to Denver, where she worked as the Director of the Alzheimer and Dementia Care Services. During her employment, she would travel to many different job locations in South Carolina, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and California. Eileen returned to McCook in 2011 when she retired.

Rolland John Bamesberger passed away January 14, 2021 at his home at Johnson Lake, Nebraska at the age of 95. He was born in rural Hamilton County, August 3, 1925 to John and Elizabeth (Troester) Bamesberger. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He went to school at Hampton Public School and graduated in 1943, then worked on his family farm. Dorothy Elaine Bamesberger-Mundt passed away January 17, 2021 at her home at Johnson Lake, Nebraska at the age of 93. She was born in rural York County, July 11, 1927 to Henry and Helen (Mundt) Wilshusen. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, outside of Polk, Nebraska. She graduated from Polk High School in 1945. Following graduation she moved to Lincoln to work at the Stewart Building Cafe, serving the Senators during the time of WWII. Rolland and Dorothy met at a Lutheran youth group event, and a beautiful love story was born. They married in 1947 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Polk and lived in Aurora for a short period of time before moving to the family farmstead. They built their life together on this farm in Hamilton County. Raising cattle, growing corn, and bringing up a wonderful family of him, Dorothy, and their three girls, Linda, Susan and Shelly. Rolland was active on the School and Elevator boards, was an elder at St. Peter’s Church, and was awarded “Farmer of the Year” in 1957. Dorothy prided herself on her meals and support that she gave to the farm help. She volunteered for the Aurora Auxiliary and the Hamilton Manor, helped with the local elections, and served on the L&M club. After many years on the farm, they retired at their lake home at Johnson Lake in 2000. They enjoyed traveling, attending all the home Husker football games, and spending time with their family. Especially their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Rolland and Dorothy were married for just over 73 years and were rarely ever apart. Their faith, lives, and love story has been an inspiration to us all. They are preceded in death by their parents and siblings. They are survived by their daughter Linda Bamesberger of Lincoln, daughter Susan McClure of Aurora, daughter Shelly Jorges and husband Kim of Johnson Lake. Grandchildren Chris McClure and Jessica, Allison Sipple and Andy, Jessie Holt and Alan Cassie, Ty and Trevor Jorges. Great-grandchildren Audrey McClure, Macon and Toryn Holt. Memorials are suggested to the family in their names for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 1:3o p.m. at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Hampton, NE with Pastor Michael Wolff officiating. Visitation at the church in Hampton will be from 12:3o p.m. until service time. Burial will follow the service at Salem Cemetery. Visitation with family present was Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood. The service will be recorded and link available at berrymanfuneralhome.com following the service. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Private family services for Ellen Glanzer, 87, of Norfolk, will be Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Reverend Mike Moreno will be officiating. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the church. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk. Memorials may be directed to Christ Lutheran School, Orphan Grain Train, or Concordia University in Seward. Arrangements are under the direction of Home for Funerals.

There was definitely news in The Valley this week! But certainly not the kind of news we like to hear. As if the winds weren’t bad enough Thursday, they caused an electric wire to break and ignite a fire.

BEAVER CITY — The Regular City Council meeting was called to order on January 18, 2021 by Mayor Leighton Schmidt with all six city council members present. Three City staff were in attendance: Teresa Youngquist (City Clerk), Jackie Mayberry (Deputy Clerk), and Grant Jurgensen (Utility Superintendent). Visitors present were: Ben Ellis (Lion’s Club), Kale Shafer (Beaver City Volunteer Fire Department), Angie Woodring (Beaver City Manor Administrator), Laura Mclnturf and Isaac Watson (Cow/Calf Operation), and Guyla Mills (Valley Voice).

The Bartley Village board met briefly for their first meeting of the new year. Newly appointed Chairman Ed Cochran called the 7 p.m.