After Two Days Without Power, Banner Awaits Santa

Good morning Banner County! Here is hoping that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, especially since the aftermath was not what any of us wanted. And I do not mean the extra pounds!

The blizzard that was predicted came through Saturday with heavy snow, howling winds, and little or no visibility. As the electricity flickered on and off, we groaned and wished it would stop. And it did ... ours went out about 6:45 p.m. and stayed out until the following Monday around 10 a.m.

It came back just as I had called my editor, Mr. Jim, explaining our situation. He was ready to take a translation over the phone. Wow, what a nice person to work for, especially since Pioneer Woman I am not.

I washed a lot of dishes by hand during that outage and really didn't mind a bit. We have a generator so all was not lost, but with the evening getting an early start, no TV or computer, well, I finished one book, started and finished another and started the third.

I know there were others who had much more to be concerned about, like livestock. We are ever so grateful for everyone who worked hard, and still are in some areas, to get everything back up and running. Also a thank you to the guys working to clear all of the blocked roadways.

We had no school Monday, but here is a list of this weeks planned activities. Breakfast with Santa is still planned for this Saturday, December 7. Breakfast at 10 a.m. with crafts, a carriage ride and a picture with Santa throughout the morning!

The high school wrestlers will head out that same morning at about 4:30 a.m. to head to Mullen for matches and expected to return by 6 p.m. We wish them safe travel and lots of pins!

Monday, December 9, the junior high girls basketball team will compete against Scottsbluff here at home beginning at 3:30 p.m. On this same evening here will be a Community Carry-In Supper at the Museum beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the regular monthly school board meeting will take place in the school cafeteria at 7 p.m. Blowing the carry-in supper for some of us. Ho-hum.

On Wednesday, December 11, the junior high basketball boys will play the Potter-Dix Coyotes here at home at 2 p.m. Good luck Wildcats!!

Here is a big Heads-Up! On Thursday, December 12, the pre-K through 12th grade Christmas program will take place in the big gym at 6 p.m. Prior to that the Entrepreneurship Extravaganza will be in the little gym from 3:45-5:45 p.m.

Congratulations to Chris and Mical Cooper on the safe arrival of their daughter Margaret Raye, born just before the storm! Maggie weighed a little over 7 lb. and was a little over 19 inches. She is welcomed by two big brothers and one big sister, grandma Barb and grandpa Bob Cooper as well as many others.

Happy Birthday this week to: Stan McKnight, Trey Mosbey,  Sandy Beals, Grace Wyatt, Scott Delcamp, Marie Hein, Debra Griebe and Charles Jones.

Celebrating an anniversary are Mr. & Mrs. Justin Stauffer and Joel Cross. Congratulations!

Here are a few notes from in the valley, the first four all are taking place on Saturday, December 7th: The High Plains Christmas at the Legacy of the Plains Museum will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with crafts for the kids, horsedrawn wagon rides, marshmallows that need toasting, live music and more. Plus they will help you write letters to Santa and send them off with the Pony Express to be delivered to Santa's workshop in Gering.

There will be a Home Based and Craft Expo at the YMCA from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a Free movie, "Elf," at the Midwest Theater beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Also at 2 p.m. there will music galore at WNCC when the three music programs at the school come together to present "A Very Valley Christmas" at the Platte Valley Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m. They will also perform at 7:30 p.m. on the previous day, same place. Both concerts are Free and open to the public.

More musical entertainment awaits you on Sunday, December 8, as the Fortis Boys Choir presents  "A Choral Christmas" at the Calvary Luthern Church, located at 17 E 27th in Scottsbluff. This is also Free and open to the public and will begin at 3 p.m.

On Monday, December 9, the city of Morrill will hold its annual Christmas Stroll from 6- 8 p.m.

Well, folks, that is all for now. Until next time take care, stay warm and be thankful!

Barb Cross is at 436-7152.