By Sheri Hink

The Wauneta Breeze

It wasn’t too long ago I was anxiously waiting for the warm days of summer. I think my wish has been granted, and then some. It’s definitely been hot out there lately.

The High Plains Regional Climate Center reports that the region has experienced temperatures four to eight degrees F higher than normal. It feels that way and more so to me!

One thing I’m thankful for is the dry heat of western Nebraska over the humidity of eastern Nebraska. I’ve spent the past ten years in eastern Nebraska and central Illinois and I much prefer high temperatures in Chase County. Humidity is not my friend.

But, one of the disadvantages of the dry heat we have here is the stress it puts on crops and gardens. It seems I’m constantly watering something and I’ve pretty much given up on keeping my few outside potted plants alive.

This year is also the first year since I was 18 I’ve attempted to “tough out” the heat without air conditioning. I think the heat is winning, air conditioner shopping moved up on my list of “musts” after this past weekend.

I’d planned great outdoor activities for our nearly three-year-old, Ty. So far, our outdoor activities have been limited to a few short sessions with his prized toy golf set and a little running around in the cooler evenings.

We ventured to the bowling alley in McCook Saturday night to have some air conditioned family fun.

It was Ty’s first time bowling with non-plastic pins and balls. He had a blast, so much so I only took my turn three times so he could have more chances to roll his ball down the lane.

Our entire family enjoyed the outing in the nice, air conditioned facility after the hot temperatures on Saturday. I know I had fun watching Ty’s excitement when his ball would come up, signifying it was again his turn, even if it wasn’t.

I also got a kick out of watching Brad’s 15-year-old daughter, Marissa, out score her dad fair-and-square. I guess bowling on the Wii pays off. Our little Leo didn’t bowl but he enjoyed the lights and noise in the alley.

All-in-all, I’d say it was a great escape from the heat. Maybe next time we’ll hit the lake or pool.

By Sheri Hink

The Wauneta Breeze

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to attend the FFA banquet. While I was there I found myself drawn in by the keynote speaker, Vance Heyer, a young man now living in Lincoln who grew up in a small town.

Heyer spoke poignantly about the benefits of living and working in a small town. Sure, there are draw backs, ones that all of us who grew up in a small town—and sometimes the media—are quick to point out. But, in the last few years there’s been a movement that recognizes the power and strength of small towns.

This is what Heyer focused on in his speech to the FFA members at last Thursday’s banquet. He spoke eloquently of the benefits of learning a work ethic at a young age through the chores that rural life often requires of young people. He spoke of the togetherness that small town residents feel, something that, in my opinion, is felt less keenly by those from “big” places.

Ten years ago I decided I was done with rural Nebraska, I was moving to Illinois and never coming back. However, it didn’t take long until I found my heart longing to come back to the rural way of life, the life I grew up waiting to escape.

I’ll never forget my mother’s surprised exclamation when I called her to say I was going to write my thesis, the culmination of my sociological education, on a farming topic. But, that’s another story.

My point today is that the tragic event of last week, and the reaction of the community to the tragedy, has touched me.

I find myself mourning the loss of Cody even though I never had the pleasure of meeting him. I feel like I’ve gotten to know just a little of Cody through my conversations with people who did.

I heard about a man who gave 110 percent in work and play and who saw value and worth in every person he met regardless of their origin, race or ethnicity. I learned of a man that had charisma, drive and tenacity to accomplish just about anything. Now that’s what I call the epitome of a small town boy.

Those kinds of individual and community spirit are things I see as unique to small towns. And, wow, is that spirit powerful.