It's fun to reflect on words written about BP and its citizenry
Now that I am finally retiring from a busy newspaper career of nearly 60 years, I am taking time to reflect on the many columns I have written the past six years for the Steele County Times.
My column is called Reflections. That's just what it is: reflections on communities, people, farming, education, fund raising, etc.
Oh yeah, I even reflected on Sid Hartman, a close, personal friend . . . for real.
I have chosen 10 columns that I wrote while a staff writer for the Steele County Times. Here they are, not necessarily in chronological order.
TOP 10 COLUMNS
1) Tammi Jo remembered. Tammi Jo is the loving daughter we lost at age 22. She died in surgery having a second liver transplant. What does Christmas mean to me? It means gifts, the most meaningful gifts being the birth of Jesus Christ and the birth of my daughter Tammi the day after Christmas. Tammi spells HOPE for all of us, her example of living life to the fullest.
2) Sid Hartman, my close, personal friend. He might not know it ,but I can claim Sir Sidney as my close, personal friend. Some people call him Sid the Squid and others call him names that cannot be repeated in a family newspaper. I have known Sid for more than 50 years.
3) Connie Trom reflections. If someone would tell her that she is a "mover and a shaker," she would laugh out loud. She's a "mover and a shaker" in the sense that she will accept an assignment, will move it forward and will complete it.
4) Reflections crash. A small section of Blooming Prairie was turned into an outdoor classroom on Monday morning, April 4. The classroom setting was a mock car crash involving two vehicles carrying young teenagers. The crash was staged at the intersection of Main Street and SW 4th Ave., just south of Blooming Prairie High School.
5) Reflections of Darrell. There are times when I would say he is my favorite brother-in-law and there are other times when he wouldn't even make the list. I am talking about Darrell Hansen, who happens to be married to my wife Judy's sister Cindi. Yes, Darrell is retiring for a second time.
6) Reflections in a small town. Blooming Prairie business and industry leader Craig Kruckeberg was so correct when he said not too long ago that it is great to live in a small town. When the chips are down, small town community members roll up their sleeves and help our people in need.
7) Reflections on Emerson. It was a smile I will never forget.
The toothless smile belonged to Emerson Harberts, 8-year-old daughter of Blooming Prairie Elementary School first grade teacher Rachel Harberts. I am saddened to learn that this memorable smile is gone. Her mother also died of injuries in that crash. Jaxon, Emerson's brother, and Rachel's son survived the crash.
8) Reflections on LeMar Nelson. LeMar Nelson was the heart beat of Blooming Prairie for many years. His heart stopped beating last week with his passing at age 87 but his impact on this small, southeastern community will be everlasting and has always been positive. LeMar was one of the more recognizable old-timers in Blooming Prairie. He will be remembered as one of the most respected humanitarians in town.
9) The Year 1945 was a monumental one. Milk cost 31 cents a half gallon. A first-class postage stamp cost 3 cents. Unemployment was listed at 1.9 percent. When in the dark ages did those statistics exist? They actually were the gospel in 1945, my birth year. My daughter Tammi always said to me, "Dad, you lived in the olden days, right? She was right.
10) Reflections on James Leavelle. Dallas Police Department Detective James R. Leavelle was a good cop and a good friend. Who was James R. Leavelle anyway? Leavelle was the Texas police detective, dressed in a light tan suit and Stetson hat, most recognizable for his stunned look when alleged presidential assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was shot and killed by Jack Ruby on Nov. 24, 1963. Leavelle died at age 99 on Aug. 29.
Take time to reflect on your life. It is fun. That's why I am retiring once again.
Thank you Blooming Prairie.