Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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One of my favorite TikTok creators eats his way through the Iowa State Fair. For the past three years, this Iowegian visits nearly every food stand on the fairgrounds, highlights a certain food or special drink, samples it while the camera runs and rates each food, giving it a specific number of corndogs on a 10-corndog scale. He’s taste-tested apple bacon waffles, dill pickle sno-cones, alligator corndogs, lamb Philly cheese steaks, pork picnic in a cup (pulled pork, baked beans, Fritos and c...
Were you part of the mad rush at Target stores, trampling others or being pushed out of the way, to snag one of the hottest items in the retail world? Were you part of the Stanley stampede, where the lucky prize, if you were able to snag it, was a limited Target and Starbucks collaborative cosmo pink tumbler? Don’t confuse this particular tumbler with the winter pink shade also sold at Target. Seems that one is difficult to find, too. Don’t worry, I wasn’t standing in line on New Year’s Eve to...
The reason for the season will be the focus of the 35th annual Women's Holiday Tea, planned for Dec. 3, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, in Orchard, at 4 p.m. Area women are welcome to join in the festivities and show their holiday spirit. Chicken noodle soup and desserts will be served. Jazz up a cuppa cocoa at the hot chocolate bar. A freewill donation will be accepted....
It's hot. You're hot. And you want a cool treat to cool off. Preferably something that just came out of the freezer. Sure you can go to the grocery store and buy all sorts of frozen goodies: Ice cream sandwiches and bars, popsicles and a variety of novelty treats. But why not get a little creative and make your own? And some of these recipes are easy enough for kids to do on their own. Let's start with the classic ice cream sandwich and a recipe from Alison Ladman. "The classic combination of...
If I asked 20 Nebraskans, “What is your favorite holiday dessert,” I imagine I would receive 20 different responses. My favorite treat: bing bars. No shock to those of you who know me well. I also like smooth, creamy fudge; pink divinity, like Mom used to make; and Sandy’s decorated sugar cookies. Sure, there may be other desserts on the buffet table, but a well-outfitted holiday spread is all about the candy and cookies ... or so it’s been our family tradition. I was shocked when I saw a map o...
For kids and adults alike, hot cocoa is often at the top of the list of favorite winter beverages. And with all the store-bought powdered packets available, it's certainly easy to prepare. But guess what? Making your own isn't that much more difficult, and the effort is worth it. And if you're having a party or family gathering, why not create a hot cocoa bar and let the guests add their toppings of choice? Topping musts for all ages include marshmallows, candy canes or peppermints, colored...
Having guests for Thanksgiving dinner is great. Having treasured friends and family stick around for a couple of extra days is even better. But guests have to eat and you just spent a week (or more!) preparing that big holiday meal and you're simply "cooked out." Sure, leftovers will work for a meal or two, but eventually you're going to have to prepare something else. And don't forget that big football game coming up on Friday afternoon, with even more games on TV over the weekend. That adds...
Are you ready for the State Fair? It's set to start Friday, Aug. 26, in Grand Island and runs through Labor Day. I've been able to make it the past two years - not sure about this year, although I'm going to make it work. The 2020 fair was unlike any other I'd previously attended thanks to the pandemic. No carnival, no concerts, a reduced number of vendors, and everything spread out, made the fairgrounds seem a little empty. Last year was better although I still couldn't find my favorite food...
PROCEEDINGS SUMMERLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION March 15, 2022 Summerland Public School Board of Education met in regular session, Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 5 p.m. at the school. President Ed Nordby called the meeting, which was advertised in the March 9 newspaper, to order at 5 p.m. Nordby noted the Open Meetings Act posted in the board room. Members present: Marty Kerkman, Nordby, Nate Schwager, Steve Thiele, Jeremy Wagner. Absent: Candice Hoke. Motion by Kerkman, seconded by Thiele, to approve absence of board member Candice Hoke....
Temperatures soared near 75 degrees on Feb. 28, but that didn't stop Summerland students and staff from purchasing a warm beverage for a cause. Members of the sixth-grade class served a hot chocolate bar, offering flavored syrups, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, sprinkles and whipped cream to top the drink, served during the school's Bobcat Academy. The project incorporated multiple disciplines and resulted in a service-learning experience students won't soon forget. Instructor Chantelle...
A few weeks ago, I read somewhere that March is National Peanut Butter Month. "Aha!" I thought. "Perfect topic for a column sometime soon." But when I began doing research, I discovered that whoever wrote that was wrong. As far as I can tell, there is no actual National Peanut Butter Month, although November is recognized as National Peanut Butter Lovers Month. So while peanut butter doesn't get it's own month, people who love peanut butter do. They also get their own day with National Peanut...
A Clearwater woman wants to share the magic of Christmas with others. Lori Knapp spent the majority of November transforming the lane to her rural home into a holiday wonderland. A line of lights illuminates the display, located approximately one mile east of Clearwater on U.S. Highway 275. Nativity scenes, colorful Santas and frolicking deer - maybe reindeer - guide visitors along the lighted path. Santa's workshop and the light display will be open Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 5, from 6...
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a grand entrance, in Orchard, Saturday, Dec. 4. Jolly Old St. Nickolas and his wife will arrive at 4 p.m., at the park. Buggy rides will be available for visits between 4 and 5 p.m. Holiday displays will light up at 5 p.m. Hot chocolate, cookies and apple cider will be available. Orchard Economic Development Association and Orchard Community Club sponsor the event....
I don't know about you, but I missed holiday parties last year. And even though it's still smart to be careful, getting together with family and friends is something we all treasure. Holiday appetizers have always been one of my favorite things to prepare. I love looking through cookbooks and recipe files, looking for just the perfect tasty tidbit to take to a party. But before we get to the menu, let's first set the scene. Decide on a theme or an anchor activity - gingerbread decorating,...
It's no secret I'm not a big fan of pumpkin pie. Especially pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. I know for some folks confessing I don't like pumpkin pie is practically criminal, but it is what it is. It's not that I hate pumpkin pie, it's just not my first choice. If I have one piece a year (hold the whipped cream, please), I'm good. When it comes to holiday desserts, there are other choices for me. And I don't dislike pumpkin in general (but don't get me started on pumpkin spice!). Several...
I will start by apologizing to my daughter Courtney. While I like the changing colors of fall and absolutely love football, I do not get excited about pumpkin spice everything. Sorry. I just can’t. With the exception of a pumpkin butter, laced with vanilla, I recently purchased, the thought of pumpkin invading every fall food and beverage choice is a turnoff. Maybe I need to clarify. I don’t mind a pumpkin spice latte with extra froth once or twice a season. Every single day from August unt...
Pairing pears - Pears are good in salads, where they partner well with greens, especially the bitter ones, and be sure toss in a few nuts and goat cheese for creaminess. Try slices of pear with leaves of prosciutto for an appetizer, and pair them with blue-vein cheeses and nuts on a cheese platter. Surprise guests with sautéed pears as a garnish for grilled or fatty meats such as pork and duck. - Seasonal dessert menus welcome pears, too. Poach them in red wine, then serve with their reduced...
Not only will it be nice to see actual fans in Memorial Stadium this fall and not cardboard cutouts, it will be nice to see parking lots full of fans devouring their favorite foods before the game. Tailgate parties are back! And while fun is at the forefront, food safety can't be forgotten. So before we get to the food, let's cover the basics. The key to keeping your food safe during a tailgate is a good game plan. Do you have enough coolers and all the tools you need to cook? In addition to a...
It's not hard to see why food on a stick is so popular at fairs around the country, including county fairs that are in full swing in the area and our very own Nebraska State Fair which opens later this month in Grand Island. The portability factor makes these foods easy to hang onto and easy to eat while strolling the fairgrounds in search of the best exhibit or midway ride. But the shear variety of foods that can be put on a stick boggles the mind. Who would have thought you could put a...
Taste of Home; www.tasteofhome.com Cinnamon Chocolate Sundaes: Kids will enjoy this tempting ice cream topping because it hardens on the ice cream as it stands. Store-bought sauces just can't compare to this homemade concoction. Cinnamon Chocolate Sundaes Any way you top it: Ice cream the ultimate summer treat Is there anyone you know who doesn't like ice cream? Sure we all that one person who says their favorite flavor is vanilla (seriously?), but is there really someone out there who doesn't l...
March 17 is just a week away so it's time to get ready for St. Patrick's Day. But first a bit of history (thanks history.com): St. Patrick's Day observes of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a...
Nebraska’s annual First Day Hikes are a chance to explore trails, watch wildlife, snap photos and create a lifetime of memories. This year, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages families to take self-guided hikes between Jan. 1 and 3 at a Nebraska state park, state historical park or state recreation area. Though parks usually offer guided tours, hot chocolate and more, this year’s First Day Hikes have been adjusted to account for the current public health situation. Select parks are planning on giving the event their own unique spi...
Dear Santa, It is almost Christmas and I am feeling very excited! Some presents I would like to ask for this year are ukulele and a Mp3 player. To show you what I think of when we talk about Christmas, I drew you a picture of joy and Jesus' birthday. Merry Christmas! Love, Makenna Bergman Dear Santa, It is almost Christmas and I am feeling very jolly! Some presents I would like to ask for this year are OMG surprise, American Girl doll, Omari, a bouncy ball, and a fingerling. To show you what I...
Third-grade students at Summerland Public School were asked what they would serve for Thanksgiving dinner if they were the host or how they would cook a turkey. Their responses appear, in original form, as submitted to SAM. This is how I would cook a Turkey! First I will put seasoning on it. Then I’ll stick it on a grill for 1 hour. Take it off. It will smell wonderful. Now I can eat it with my family. It will be great! -Tony Ahlers I would help mom serve Thanksgiving. I would get the bowls read...
I remember a story my mom used to tell about her coworker, Opal, and Opal's two little boys. One night, Opal asked the boys what they wanted for supper. One of the boys, about 4 or 5 years old, scrunched up his face and said, "Let's have ... let's have ... let's have ... POP TORN!" That answer became a joke in my family for years because I never met anyone who liked popcorn more than my mom. Popcorn was often her choice for supper. But it wasn't just popcorn my mom liked - she liked the butter...
