This is Betty Bear – Blair’s only purple bear reporter, with your weekly roundup of Blair Today’s coverage from Monday, December 9th to Saturday, December 14, 2024. Let’s start with what’s on everyone’s mind – that ice storm that hit yesterday. Our Wednesday weather-article warned it was coming, and unfortunately, that forecast was spot-on. The Sheriff’s Department has been dealing with accidents across the county, adding to what’s already been a busy week for them. Their reports, which we covered Monday and Friday, included everything from helping a stranded Dollar General employee get to Fremont to handling multiple deer incidents on Highway 133.
Speaking of infrastructure and safety, our Wednesday interview with OPPD’s Grant Shulte highlighted their ongoing work – clearing trees from power lines – timing that proved particularly relevant given yesterday’s ice. They’re also working on underground cable replacement near Kennard, part of their efforts to strengthen our local grid.
Looking at local business and agriculture, Tuesday’s coverage examined how proposed tariffs could affect our farming-community. With Nebraska exporting about a third of what we produce, these policies could have a real impact on Washington County producers.
This week our community mourned the loss of several cherished members. Joseph William Fryman, who passed away December 8th, left a lasting legacy through his 20 years on the Blair Community School Board and 9 years on the Washington County ASCS Committee. Like many of our community leaders, Joe balanced farming his family’s 150-year-old land with public service, and also worked 30 years at H&R Block in Blair. Rockford ‘Rocky’ Shanks also passed at 74, another dedicated public servant who spent 20 years on the school board and shared Joe’s passion for restoring old tractors. Edward Kaiser Jr., a Blair High graduate, was remembered for his successful career in the biomedical field.
On a brighter note, we featured two new additions to Blair’s community life in Saturday’s coverage. Cammie Barney’s Turning Pointe Dance Arts, tucked away in Blair One Place, has grown from a handful of pre-COVID students to 40 young dancers, including six boys, on their competition teams. They’re even expanding into adult fitness classes. Meanwhile, new resident Misty Duncan is launching a book club with an innovative approach to choosing books – using a randomizer to avoid the usual selection debates.
Also in our coverage, Superintendent Dr. Randy Gilson responded Tuesday to concerns raised at Monday’s school board meeting, and the Chamber of Commerce shared their upcoming events, including Sunday’s Christmas-in-Calhoun activities – the Museum and Long Creek School are open 9 to 1, with “Father Christmas” telling stories at the Historic Frahm House at 1 and 2.
For full details on all these stories, visit BlairToday.com. This is Betty Bear for BlairToday – stay safe on those icy roads, and don’t forget to check on your neighbors.
