Thankful Memories

It’s Thanksgiving Eve.

Time to share thanks, gratitude and praise.

At age 66, here are some of mine.

• Nebraska football memories. Given what has taken place the past 21 years or so, I have grown to appreciate even more the incredible experiences of being a Nebraska football fan during the Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne eras. I may never get to experience this type of success again in my lifetime.

• My Right to Vote. I am grateful that I can help choose our leaders on a local, state and national level. It doesn’t always work out the way I have want it to, but, since 1982, I have never missed marking a ballot. And I have always done so in person.

• Nebraska Harvest (Agriculture). Fall is a marvelous time in Nebraska. The weather and the beauty of changing colors certainly draw attention, but, for me, it is harvest. No matter the crop, it is a gratifying sight to see well-cared for crops put to bed for future man and beast nourishment.

• The Box Butte Co. 4-H Program. Cynthia and I, along with our two daughters, were 4-H members. I also was a six-year member of the Box Butte Co. 4-H Council. One of the greatest youth organizations in the USA. A salute to our staff, volunteers and current members!

• FFA. I was a member from 1973 to 1978, including the honor of serving as my chapter’s president for one year. Too many great experiences to count! Saluting all FFA members and their chapter advisors.

• Box Butte Reservoir. During my 39 years in Alliance, I have countless memories of trips to Box Butte Reservoir for gatherings with family, friends and puppy dogs!

• The pets I’ve had in my life. From raccoons to horses. Too many to name. But Sam-Dog and Wolffang were the best!

• Being an APS Bus Driver. For 23 years (1998-2021) I served as an activity bus driver for the Alliance Public Schools. Thousands of miles of travel with great kids and coaches and sponsors who I consider friends. At age 62, I felt it best to retire from this profession in May, 2021. I thank everyone who helped create countless memories.

• Small Town Radio. Between Cozad and Alliance, I spent roughly 30 years working in small market radio. When is small town radio at its best? When it helps people! We did it with pride at KAMI in Cozad and KCOW in Alliance! And I am grateful for those experiences.

• My job as the Box Butte Co. Clerk of the District Court. I’ll be wrapping up my 11th year at the courthouse next month. County Government is an interesting beast, and the legal system is even more interesting. My basic job philosophy: I try to be a public servant and not a bureaucrat. I am very, very grateful that I have this job and hope to keep it for at least five more years.

• 54 years ago — Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, 1971, I witnessed – on a black and white TV – the most historical game played in the 136 years of Nebraska football lore. As a 12-year-old kid, the stress and anxiety of dealing with a possible Cornhusker loss caused me irreparable heart, brain and bladder damage. On days when I wish I was 20 years younger, I’m reminded that, if I were, I would have missed the greatest ever Thanksgiving football feast.

• Lyell Bremser. I’ve described Lyell Bremser as my favorite uncle who wasn’t really an uncle. However, Uncle Lyell would grace his presence about a dozen times a year with a visit via my portable radio. He broadcast Cornhusker football on KFAB Radio in Omaha for 45 years, and I enjoyed his golden tones from 1969 through 1983. To hear his Husker gridiron descriptions was truly a gift I will always cherish.

• Kent Pavelka. I heard Kent announce his first Nebraska basketball game on the radio 51 years ago. He is still at it today.

• Box Butte General Hospital. How many lives have the employees of this organization saved and restored to good health? And how many millions of dollars have gone back into the area economy via its payroll and local patronage? And, of course, its care for Cynthia and me through the years and the birthplace of our two daughters in 1995 and 1996.

• APD and AVFD & EMS. One rung on the ladder below God.

• Alliance St. Agnes Academy & Alliance High School. These are the two institutions where my daughters were educated before they moved on to college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (and Omaha) and Chadron State College. Today, I express my gratitude. It always befuddles me and Cynthia when we hear people say that AHS can’t offer a quality education. Kacey was the Valedictorian of her class and then graduated from UNL with honors. Christa graduated from Chadron State College after receiving several scholarships. She obtained very high marks at CSC and was hired as a teacher in Alliance shortly before she received her CSC degree. While I admit my girls were hard workers and good students, they also received the “it takes a village” mentality from their teachers and other folks associated with ASA and AHS. If the school systems are not producing . . . why did my daughters do so well while there and beyond? Thanksgiving food for thought.

• Darrell Walla of Touhy, NE. The greatest friend a guy could ever have. Darrell passed away on Oct. 13, 2022, at the age of 67 from cancer. He is buried in Touhy. Each year I gift his resting spot with a Creighton Bluejays flag.

• Veterans of the United States Military. God bless every one of them.

• St. John’s Lutheran Church in Alliance. This has been my faith home for 34 years. I met Cynthia here, we were married here, our daughters were baptized, confirmed and married here, and we have said good-bye to many friends and family members here. Most importantly, my relationship with God and His Son have grown here.

• Eileen Jensen. Cynthia’s mom, at age 91, she still resided in her home and could cook with the best of them. Despite losing her husband, two brothers and a six-week-old son, she persevered with a positive attitude and a warm disposition. She is at her best when she is surrounded by family … especially her grandchildren! She passed away on Oct. 15, 2025, at age 92.

• Molly Ridgeway, my deputy clerk. A wonderful person to be around and a super employee.

• My two daughters and their husbands. I love them and are grateful they are in my life.

• My “adopted” daughter, Sami June Allen of Sioux City, IA. She has brought so much joy to my life. As well as her two adorable daughters, Grace and Emma.

• Mom and Dad. What a foundation they built for me!!! Dad died on 3/14/2008 and Mom left us on 11/2/2017.

• My bride of 32+ years! I love you, Cynthia Horn!!

• Happy Thanksgiving to you, and thanks for reading this column.