by Mayor Wayne Pelzel
I was given the honor of making a presentation at the Memorial Day gathering at Home Cemetery. As I prepared for the talk, it caused me to reflect on the tremendous sacrifice some have given for all of us to live in this great country. I particularly called to mind three men from our community who died in the jungles of Vietnam within the span of a little over a year about the time I was graduating from high school. They were Gerald Milbrodt, Larry Barnes and Ron Sandmann. I salute these men and all who gave their lives. I thank all those who served as they also give us the freedoms we enjoy. I have visited the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC, and paid tribute to their names and all the others inscribed on those walls. The sacrifice of these men and women leaves me feeling that I have inadequately given back for the freedoms I have enjoyed.
I also salute our community’s graduates as they prepare to go out into the world. When I’m given the opportunity to address our graduates, a message I always share with them is this: “Go and get the training and education you need for your chosen career. Then, come back to this community and serve the people of this area.” We need our graduates to come back as these young people will be leaders of tomorrow. Congratulations, graduates! We’re looking forward to your return.
Driving by the lake on these beautiful spring days and seeing all the people using the lake for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and biking always gives me a warm feeling. We are so fortunate to have that wonderful gem in our community. We had some of our grandchildren out there the other day and they all were able to catch fish. The fish kept them active and involved. It’s a great place to take kids fishing.
I’m happy to report that our police officer, Taylor Bolinger, who was injured in a motorcycle encounter with a deer a few weeks ago is making progress toward recovery. He is home from the hospital now and recovering nicely.