Last month, the Daily News published a front-page story about the one-year anniversary of the disappearance and subsequent death of Lacey Anderson of Norfolk. The story provided new information about how law enforcement officials continue to investigate what happened to her and that they remain vigilant in solving the case.

The story also provided some background information about incidents leading up to her disappearance — the fact that she was possibly facing prison time during the weeks leading up to her disappearance, her possible drug purchase shortly before she vanished and her serving as a witness in several criminal cases in Northeast Nebraska.

Editor’s note: The author of the following is a longtime Norfolk musician. The topic of his column refers to one of many suggestions made in a recent proposed master plan for Norfolk parks and trails. It is not part of the proposed recreation bond issue on the November ballot.

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By JIM CASEY

In early June, the Daily News published a story on the City of Norfolk’s proposed master plan for parks and recreation, which had been put together by city employees, citizens and outside advisors.

Although these plans were described as tentative, I was alarmed when I read in the small print on the back page of the idea to possibly tear down the Central Park Bandstand, and along with playground equipment and the wading pool, replace it with a shelter.

What? As Yogi Berra would say, “This is déjà vu all over again!” Didn’t we fight a battle back in 1984 to save the bandstand from destruction?

Last week, I wrote about some Daily News features that were starting again because of another school year getting under way. Today, I want to share some information about two new offerings that I’m excited about.

For the past several months, Norfolkans and Northeast Nebraskans have had the ability to sign up to receive daily headlines, an early-morning weather report and breaking news via text message or e-mail. That service continues to grow in popularity.

Editor’s note: The author of the following is the human resources director for the City of Norfolk.

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By SHEILA SCHUKEI

I am continually impressed by the local employee pool the City of Norfolk draws from.

Over the years, the City of Norfolk management has been privileged to have the opportunity to hire many quality people that have grown up in out-state Nebraska.

The work ethic and integrity local people bring to the workplace helps make our city operations run smoothly and economically.

Billions.

That’s the number of Chinese nearing retirement age.

It’s also the number of calls from eager investment advisers that are being fielded by aging American baby boomers these days.

And it’s the amount of dollars each of us should have in our individual retirement accounts if we believe the dire warnings shared by all those investment advisers.

The theme for the day was “Cars, Cliffs and a Chimney.” As part of our travels across Nebraska to fill in stamps on our Nebraska Passport at twenty-seven historical sites, we had 3 days to cover twelve sites in Western Nebraska. The first day was spent at Valentine and Chadron. The second morning began at Fort Robinson near Crawford. The kids are learning to use a paper map instead of relying on GPS this trip and I’m directed to head south on Highway 2 to Alliance for an hour’s drive.

If it’s late August, it means that another school year is under way, and that means the reintroduction of some regular features of the Daily News.

— Starting about a month from now, the weekly 20 Below page will begin and continue through the rest of the school year.

This year, I’m pleased to report that there are about 20 students from Norfolk and area high schools who volunteered to be staff writers for the 20 Below page.
In addition, there are about 20 high school English or journalism classes that are also participating in the weekly venture.

None of my friends are Muslim.

I would like to say that some of my friends are Muslim, but I can’t.