As summer wraps up, so have many county fairs. As you read the results of local youth, reminisce through pictures shared, and prepare those special recognition projects for the Nebraska State Fair, it is essential to highlight the importance of recognition for all the hard work our young people have put into their projects. One of the main goals of the 4-H program is to provide a positive environment in which youth can grow and develop confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and a greater level of competence.

Buried in a flurry of news stories last week was another bad decision by the Biden-Harris administration— a shameful one. They attempted to strike a plea deal with the engineers of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America.

Our country faces a safety, drug, and humanitarian catastrophe at the southern border. Yet the impacts of it are felt much closer to home. Since 2021, the Biden Harris administration’s open borders policy has encouraged more than 10 million people to try to cross the border illegally. Violent criminals, suspected terrorists, and deadly drugs like fentanyl have poured in.

True food allergic reactions cause anaphylaxis. Eating even a tiny bit of the allergenic food causes the patient to quickly develop symptoms that can include shortness of breath, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, throat swelling, passing out, and at times it can be fatal.

Arapahoe-Holbrook Public Schools has four new teachers joining the educational team this year: Nicole Warner, Stefanie Hoefs, Heather Doggett, and Bailey Schneider. Nicole Warner is Arapahoe's new speech-language pathologist.

Cambridge Public Schools has four new teachers this year: Rebecca Bogardus, Danae Williams, Jaelyn McDonald, and Emma Phillips. Rebecca Bogardus is the new 5-12 Instrumental Music Instructor.

Medicine Valley has three new teachers on staff for the 2024-2025 school year. Amy Trimble taught fifth grade last year and is now moving to the K-12 Counselor position.

Eustis-Farnam has three new teachers joining their staff this year. Kylie Corkern will be teaching K-12 art.

Elwood Public Schools has four joining their staff for the 2024-2025 school year. Ben Edgecombe graduated from Minden High School and University of Nebraska Kearney this summer.

Southern Valley has four new high school teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. Allison Railsback is from Miller, Kansas, and graduted high school from Rock Hills Jr/Sr High in Mankato, Kansas, in 2016.