Insights offered to practical minds

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 31 July 2012 13:51

Sometimes in the hearts of dreamers, gems of insight are born that can be acted upon by people of practical mind.

With that said, I want to share with you ideas I have had for Marion County that might be of use to our entrepreneurs or those in county, state and federal government with the powers to act upon them—whether they sound wise or foolish to begin with.

Let me first point out to you that in nine years, Marion County may have a significant receipt in the millions of dollars annually when the state’s exemption for TransCanada Keystone oil pipeline expires.

While our officials have rightfully been irate with the state’s duplicity in granting this exemption, they should also be turning attention to the time when the...

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Kool-Aid inventor can inspire youth

Written by Patty Decker Monday, 02 July 2012 21:07

The Leadership Marion County program is taking a year off to regroup and it’s been productive as the board continues to press on with plans for the 2013 class.

As in previous years, the board is looking at city and county government, exploring what makes our communities unique and even a few new and exciting surprises.

While working on our activities, though, I became aware of an interesting entrepreneurship program developed by the Nebraska Department of Educa­tion and designed specifically for young people.

What caught my attention was the urgency and economic challenges that face our youth in the 21st Century.

Most of us know how important it is in these trying times to keep the momentum going when it comes to economic...

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Is global warming a crisis or cycle?

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 05 June 2012 15:58

I doubt that I’m going to take much pleasure in writing this opinion piece. I’d about rather have to run laps bare foot on the gravel lot behind the Free Press.

But, ouch, here goes, that big question of our times—is global warming for real?

Well, June, July and August probably are for real, and from past history and all weather knowledge, we can be assured they’ll most likely be hot weather months...hopefully, also with adequate rain for the new crops of grain and hay.

After all, sorghum and corn like 90-degree heat as long as they can get adequate moisture with it.

From personal experience I can tell you they like another thing that generally isn’t credited. They like a lot of carbon dioxide, the gas exhaust of combustion...

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Join battle vs. under-age drinking

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 01 May 2012 15:08

When I was assigned report on a young man speaking at Marion High School last week, I knew it was about an alcohol-related accident, but I assumed it involved drinking and driving.

I was half right.

The young man, Joe White, now in his early 20s, made the decision to drink, then jumped out of a moving car going 35 mph while his “friends” videotaped the tragedy.

Joe’s decision changed his life forever. The consequences of his choice left him paralyzed on the right side, coping with speech problems and looking forward to more surgeries.

That was more than five years ago, but what happened that night also affected everyone who knows and loves him.

Like Joe’s parents, I can remember many sleepless nights worrying whether my...

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