We have a good public education system in Nebraska: it is usually one of the top twenty systems in the nation, yet there is always room for improvement. It would be great if we could once again be a top 5 school system in the nation, and that is what we must strive to achieve.

As part of the August state work period, I’ve had the pleasure of working back home in Nebraska and traveling the state. All month, I’ve been hearing from my fellow Nebraskans about what they want to see happening in the U.S. Senate. August is always the best month of the year for me, because my favorite part of being your Senior Senator is getting to hear about Nebraskans’ lives and priorities. I take each of these conversations back to Washington with me and factor them into my legislative work.

I recently attended a wind farm meeting in Farnam, NE, hosted by individuals from Dawson County, NE. They were seeking petition signatures in a last ditch effort to stop the development of weird turbine’s in their county. I think, and they by their own admission, are too late.

Assuring effective health care to a population is a challenge for every society. As care options become more complex – and expensive – the challenges increase.

You know those things that you don’t think will be sentimental to you until they are? After returning to my office this morning from some errands, I saw that my insurer had finally sent the truck to collect a pair of my vehicles that were totaled in the late-June hail storm.

Of all our Nebraska traditions, one is especially memorable. It’s a big production that seems to bring our whole state together to enjoy exhibits, shows, food, friends, and a lot of fun. The sights, sounds, and smells are unmistakable.

Here it is, August. Summer has flown by and already there is Halloween candy roaming the shelves of Walmart. For most of us, August also brings the normal adjustment of transitioning back to the school year. It is normal for this to look differently for everyone, especially depending upon the age of your child. You may find yourself stressing to find the school supplies list, supporting your youth through two a day practices for athletic season or looking forward to getting back to the routine of the school year. Adjustment is a term utilized often in the behavioral health world. Adjustment is “the process of adapting or becoming used to a new situation or stressor.” It is a change in our life. This possibly could be a change in the way we are doing something, our relationships, our employment, our family, our environment or possibly our routine. It is normal that with change comes stress. Stress can be positive stress, or it can be very uncomfortable. When adjustment, or change, is out of our control and creates this uncomfortable stress, it is important for us to explore and focus on “what is within my control.”

You think you know a person... Monday had been a long day, one that mercifully came to an end after a school board meeting and a last-minute trip for a couple missing school supplies. I made a quick stop at the office to tie up some loose ends before heading for home.

This month, many Nebraska students will go back to school. August marks the end of summer, but it also marks an exciting time of new beginnings. Students will learn and experience new things this year guided by our great Nebraska teachers. Our high school seniors are nearing the point of adulthood, and they need help from parents, teachers, family members, and friends as they navigate these last years of school.

Most white and cider vinegars used for making pickles and salsa are 5% acidity, but not all. Acidity level below 5% is not recommended as it is not adequate to control microbial growth and may result in spoilage, says Andrea Nisley Nebraska Extension Food Educator based in Dawson County.