by Eric | 8 Jun 2019 | Top Stories, Recent Posts, 2019
The tension built during the graduation ceremony of American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State. Program director Dave Salak read the place of each town starting at 8th place. As each town name was called, the anticipation grew. Finally, there were only two towns remaining, Alamo and Valley Forge. During the week, towns earn points for participation and success in various activities including politics, sports, and fine arts. Towns rally together during the week, reaching for this common goal. The moment had arrived. Citizens of towns who’s name had been called earlier, broke out in a make-shift drum roll, adding to the drama. When Alamo’s name was called as runner-up, the citizens of Valley Forge (in black) exploded out of their seats as they knew victory was theirs. In a show of respect, the Alamo (in red) rose to their feet to congratulate their rival. Valley Forge 2019 will be memorialized on the Cornhusker Boys’ State trophy that has nearly 60 years of champions listed. Well done gentleman!
by Eric | 8 Jun 2019 | 2019
Evan Jolley of Millard North High School was elected Governor of the 79th annual session of American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State. Boys State is a week long government and leadership experience for students that have completed their Junior year.
by Eric | 6 Jun 2019 | 2019
By: Jacob Gathje
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts visited Boys’ State on Wednesday night. He spoke on four major goals and pillars he has: relief for floods that struck Nebraska in March, along with other bills and taxes. Ricketts opened by stating his four goals as a politician. They are vision, evangelization, having the right people in the right place, and holding people accountable. “No one person is strong enough to tell everyone what to do,” he said. “Surround yourself with people who know issues.” He also outlined four pillars that went with those goals. They are developing and connecting, running the government more effectively and efficiently, being good stewards of tax dollars, and promoting the state. “[We want to] create connections and open markets with our producers,” he said. “[We want to] create opportunities for our Nebraska families, so they can enjoy The Good Life in our state.” Another main topic he spoke about was the flooding that took place in March across the state. He focused on the incredible actions of the Nebraskan people in helping the state recover. “Everywhere across the state, we saw people stepping up,” he said. “Through this all, the thing that matters is that people come together to solve these problems.” In association with the flooding, he also spoke of LB 512, a bill that was passed to ease taxes for farmers affected by the natural disaster. “Usually, property taxes are assessed based on the state of the property in the previous year,” he said. “However, a lot of farmers’ properties are not worth as much as they were last year because they have five feet of sand sitting on them.” Ricketts also received questions about other types of taxing, such as the Pink Tax. He had a simple response to these requests. “I don’t have an opposition to tax credits,” he said. He wrapped up again focusing on the people of Nebraska, saying that they are the reason the state is so great. “The greatest strength we have is our people,” he said. “They understand when to take care of others in the community.”
