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Editorial

Christmas Cleaning Yields Couch Surprises:

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One of the time-honored traditions in my very German family is Advent cleaning. While I have never gone to the extremes that my host mothers in Germany did the year

Commonsense Tax Opportunities

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There is much work to be done in Washington. A massive trade deal is pending with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), prescription drug prices and health care costs continue to rise, and our southern border needs additional resources. In addition, to provide certainty for taxpayers – families, farmers, ranchers, and businesses small and large – we need to address the future of a number of expired and expiring tax provisions, fix certain technical issues with the tax code, and complete our work on some new proposals to help Americans save for retirement.

On The Road In 1912- The Model T

"It was a hardship to operate a car in 1912," recalled Vivian Roeder in reminiscences of her family's experiences in western Nebraska. "However, the Model T Ford was the poor man's friend; it opened many new fields; and was an exciting pleasure to those who experienced the first years of its production."

Reducing Carbon Emissions

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While Nebraskans have faced many challenges this year, particularly in our agriculture industry, the United States economy remains strong overall. Unemployment is at a 50-year low, wages are rising, and the GDP has been even higher than projected. The longtime strength of our economy is dependent on many factors, including a strong belief in the rule of law and property rights, a commitment to hard work and ingenuity, and consistent access to numerous sources of energy needed to grow, manufacture, and transport products across our state, nation, and the world.

Flashbacks:

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T in he Cozad Tom Bevard was announced home at 514 as East the winner 10th Street of the first annual Cozad Junior Chamber of Commerce Decorating Contest. The Bevard home was completely enclosed by roof-top lights and they had a beautiful display featuring Santa Clause and his reindeer on the roof. The Ervin Schmidt home at 415 West 12th Street, won second prize while the Derry Wells home was third.

December 1 9 6 9

Luring Christmas Shoppers

Increased consumer demand from Thanksgiving through New Year's has always been a boon to merchants. The Nebraska Trade Journal (Omaha) on November 24, 1893, advised even sellers of such basic goods as hardware to put forth special efforts to attract holiday shoppers. In an article entitled "Holiday Hardware Windows," the Journal counseled store owners: "Put all the cutlery and bright plated ware in the windows. This is legitimate holiday stock, and makes a brilliant showing.

Reflecting On Veterans Day

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Every November 11th we celebrate the men and women who defend our freedom – past and present. While November 11 was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, we now commemorate all United States veterans on this day.

This year I had the opportunity to attend two Veterans Day celebrations; at Gering Junior High School, and at our local American Legion Post #36. I appreciated visiting with young people who will someday determine our future and with the heroes who have made their mark in support of our country.

Joint Smashing Justified

Carry A. Nation's visits to Nebraska in early 1902 were among the few she made to this state. She was in Hastings in March, speaking at the Kerr Opera House and touring local saloons, where she reportedly disapproved of barroom art as well as liquor. Her previous visit to Fremont was reported in the Hastings Tribune of March 14, 1902, under the headline "Joint Smashing Justified." The Tribune said: "Mrs. Carry A. Nation, the hatchet heroine of Kiowa, Kas., spoke to the people of Fremont last evening at a big meeting held in Love's theatre.

Limping Across The Harvest Finish Line:

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By the time this column reaches your mailbox, the first snowstorm of the 2019-20 season will have either been a boom or a bust. Given last winter’s track record when the weather forecasters were right more often than they were wrong, Hubby and I decided we were going to err on the side of caution and batten down the hatches.

Holiday Food Safety Tips

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This holiday season and throughout the year, follow these tips to reduce your risk of foodborne illness. Suds up for 20 seconds. Wash hands with soap under warm, running water before and after handling food to fight bacteria. Start with a clean scene. Wash cutting boards, dishes, countertops and utensils with hot water and soap.

Keep foods separate. Separate raw meat, seafood and eggs from other foods in your grocery shopping cart, grocery bags and in your refrigerator.

Don’t rinse meat or poultry. It is not a safety step and can spread germs around your kitchen.