While visiting Columbus recently, I was asked by a member of the press what was my favorite part of my time in the area. I explained that the truth is visiting with Nebraskans is one of the best parts of my job.

One of America’s greatest civil rights heroes is from Nebraska. Yet nationally, almost nobody knows about him.

Summertime. For most, this signals thoughts of warm weather and good times with family and friends Sadly, what brings happiness for some can trigger stress and sorrow for others. In the words of a Vietnam War veteran, “The fourth of July was once my favorite holiday with friends and family…but now it is a day I wish never existed.”

If you’re familiar with the cattle industry, you are probably aware that cattle producers are receiving a falling share of the beef dollar. At the start of the pandemic demand for beef was through the roof, forcing consum ers to pay higher prices for steaks and other products. Many family ranchers understandably expected that to lead to a long-overdue profit increase for their operations.

I am an early morning walker on the streets of Cambridge. A couple of weeks ago a large German Shepherd and a Yellow Lab attacked and bit me. This morning as I was walking on the street less than a half block from my home, a Pitbull and a large mixed breed dog chased me aggressively. I am attempting to eliminate these streets from my route, but it is difficult. Particularly when they are so near my home. I have always understood that it is illegal for dogs to be unleashed and running at large. I do not walk on sidewalks to stay further away from people’s property. These animals leave their owner’s yards. I would like to be able to safely walk in my own neighborhood. Please always keep your animals under your control. It is the only safe thing to do.

In Nebraska, we’ve endured more than our fair share of adversity over the past 3+ years. The floods of March 2019 were the most widespread natural disaster in state history. Then, the coronavirus struck our state in March 2020 and continued upending lives throughout 2021. This spring, our state experienced the worst wildfires of the past decade. Meanwhile, families are dealing with the financial pressures of the highest inflation in 40+ years.

Recently our family went on a camping trip. Our kids loved how we canoed our supplies across a lake and set up our campsite. My wife and I were reminded how much work it is. Soon our children were experiencing more mosquitos, flies, caterpillars, and ticks than they had ever seen before.

Religious freedom is the first freedom listed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Last Wednesday, June 29 , Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed “Religious Freedom Week” in Nebraska at a ceremony at the State Capitol. He was joined by several faith leaders, including representatives of the Christian, Hindu and Jewish faiths.

Headline writers get a bad wrap mostly because they often deserve it. Do you ever read a headline, think “Oh My!” then read the story and realize the headline was sensationalized or altogether misleading and incorrect? I have, too.