Opinion / Columns

Omaha News

Category: Opinion / Columns

This is my 99^th edition of the Omaha News. I can’t believe it has been that many! It has been two years since I took over the Omaha News.

We have had many new babies come along and even a set of twins. There has been way too many Omaha residents pass away. But some have moved away to assisted living centers or nursing homes.

I know there are many people in town that I don’t know but I wish I had the chance to meet and know everyone.

An unfortunate incident:

On Sunday afternoon, John came in and said he heard an ambulance had been sent to Omaha for an emergency. I thought someone had fallen and couldn’t get up.

When he returned later he asked if I knew the man who had bought the lot down the street. The only time I noticed him was when he was out on his riding lawnmower mowing the yard.

It seems that the gentleman had become over burdened with life and decided to end it all by taking his own life.

He was found by a neighbor, who observed him laying on the ground and thought perhaps he had fallen. But, this was not the outcome.

The limb that he used did break and fell to the ground, but still he accomplished what he set out to do.

I am sure many people in town did not this gentleman either. But to think he had gotten that hopeless in our small community that he didn’t ask for help. Or even worse that we have become so busy that we can’t take the time to get to know our neighbors or be concerned about their well being, puts some of the blame on us.

There are many people who would have helped him if they had only known.

Omaha is a town, as well as many of the surrounding communities, that will step up to the plate and give a helping hand to anyone, friend or foe, who is in need of help.

We may not have a person of the cloth living right in our community, but they are very close by and there are many people in town who will help you with any of your problems or steer you to the right person if they just know about it, whether friend or foe.

And of course “God” is there for everyone all the time.

I write about the Baptist Church in my column about every week and it may be the only religious connection in town , but it is there and those out reached arms on the front of the church are waiting to comfort you anytime you are in need of help.

At the Church:

On Sunday at the church we had a wonderful group of gentlemen from the state of Tennessee and centered around Nashville called “The Mercy Road Quartet“.

One of the singers, Gene Miller, had a heartwarming testimony for us Sunday. He lost his wife, Linda, two months ago. He told us to always keep your spouse as closed to your heart as possible. Treat them as if it was their last week with you. If married people would do that there would be a lot happier marriages.

After the singing, the ladies of the church served a great pot luck dinner to all the lucky ones who stayed. There was no evening service.

Another Omaha resident has left us:

Robert W. “Bob” Prince, 60, of 579 Davis in Omaha, died May 6, 2012, at his residence.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the Watson Funeral Home with the Rev. Gordon Littrell officiating. Visitation was from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at the funeral home. Burial was at Prospect Cemetery.

Survivors include a son, Robert Weldon “Bo” Prince II of Eldorado; a daughter, Julie (Michael) Brown of Dale; a brother, Don (Debbie) Prince of Equality; and a sister Gayla (Prince) (Gutherie) Willis of Eldorado.

Kentucky Derby:

On Saturday John and I enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby. I love seeing those beautiful horses that God has created, and how they can run the distances they do with those jockeys.

One of the announcers compared horse racing to car racing. The faster they go the more distance there is between each other. The slower they go the closer they are to each other.

My favorite “Union Rags” had trouble with the traffic and came in seventh but my second choice, “I’ll Have Another” came in first. Maybe we’ll have another triple crown winner.

Looking forward to the “Preakness” and the “Belmont Stakes.”

Friendship Club meets:

On Tuesday, May 8^th , the Omaha Friendship Club met at the Ponderosa in Harrisburg for their regular monthly meeting.

Marie Brockett was the hostess.

We had two birthday girls celebrating this month. Lucille Rowlen on May 2 and Judy Ellis on May 10, but she was unable to attend.

Lucille Rowlen told us of being taken out to eat and her rocking chair that she is going to receive for her birthday. She is going to put it on her back porch. Lucille is the artistic one in our group. She loves to take pictures of clouds and of colors you can see throughout the daylight and sunset hours of the day.

She reminded us not to take ourselves so seriously, but stop and smell the roses.

Those attending were Brenda Rister, Irma Black, Marie Brockett, Joan Prittchett, Lucille Rowlen, Aileen Crayne, Joye Franks, and Rosemary Beam.

Birthday cards were presented to each birthday girl with Aileen offering to deliver Judy’s to her.

Marie presented each lady with a yummy Lindor Chocolate Truffle. She, also, gave each one a list of bible questions and answers that may stretch our knowledge of the Bible and a list of final words on nutrition and health. Both list will appear in a later issue of the OmahaNews.

Marie led the ladies in telling something funny or interesting about their Mothers. We all had some real good memories of our mothers. Conculsion, we all had the best Mothers we could have.

Aileen Crayne then gave a report on Alta Lee Welch. She visited with her last Wednesday. Alta Lee will be at Wabash Christian Nursing Home for a few weeks taking rehab after her heart surgery.

She is doing great and enjoys having her hair done and going out to eat with family. She is in room 302. So, stop by and check on her or send her a card. If you email you can email her directly at the Wabash Christian Home.

We each signed up for our months for the coming year as hostesses.

Aileen Crayne received the door prize, a beautiful wind chime.

Everyone enjoyed all the stories and happenings each one has been through during the month. It was a real good meeting with great friends and good food.

Next month we will be having a potluck at the Omaha Reservoir at 11:00 on Tuesday, June 12^th .

Why don’t you plan to attend.

Our thought for the month is “Friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life” as quoted by Thomas Jefferson.

Spring Grade School Band Concert:

On Wednesday morning, May 9^th , John and I attended the Norris City Omaha Grade School Beginners and Junior High Band Concert.

All the musicians of both bands did a fine job.

I am sure all the parents, grandparents, family, and friends were very proud of them. There was a good size crowd. The opposite bleachers were set up for the large crowd.

I neglected to mention the Springs Arts John and I attended on April 30 at the NCOE High School.

All the music ensembles were great. They all have vastly improved since school began in August. In the last session the choir members were all dressed in the 1980‘s era. Great job kids.

Birthdays for the week:

Dennis West May 19

Joe Sadler May 20

Tom Williams May 21

Jeremy Gleason May 22

Becky West May 22

Dylan Garrison May 22

Hedy Sadler May 23

Anniversary for the week:

Olan and Annabelle Smith May 18

Everybody have a great day and, please, check on each other.

Comments

Omaha News

Category: Opinion / Columns

Omaha town wide rummage sale is May 12^th.

::::::::::::Check below for more information::::::::::

What is black and white and read all over?

Answer: In this column..

Weather radio to siren:

There has been some mention about a weather siren for Omaha. But, Sean Martin has a good idea, it may be cheaper on the village to buy weather radios each year and spread them around till the town is saturated with them.

Crossville’s 1^st Barbeque Cook Off:

John , Keegan, and Paul attended the cook off last Saturday. There were quite a few cookers on Main Street, which had been shut off to traffic, from around the Tri-State area.

This event was used as a fundraiser for a “War Memorial” for Crossville.

The Crossville Fire Department was selling food and drinks to help raise money for the memorial.

There was a Fuller Brush representative from Crossville there, as well as a Watkins’s dealer from Albion there selling their items.

The entertainment was at the main pavilion and provided by the local residents. Crossville has their own “Ray Price” and he is very good. Crossville people are not afraid to step up to the microphone and sing.

A good time was had by all.

Being an Elk.

Elks Lodges bring so much more to their communities than just a building, golf course or pool. They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up.

Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address unmet need, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

And it is always great to get the monthly magazine. This month there was a great article on “Mr. Roger’s.”

If your interested in becoming an “ELK” contact Dr. Fred Smith in Carmi for the details.

John and Direct TV:

John finally obtained a new dish and installed it in a location so we could get local programming.

Then, he found out that, after many years of doing without, Direct TV changed their policy only 20 days before he applied for local channels and it now cost $6.00 month extra.

He told them he refused to pay it since he could have had it al those years free.

Now this is the same guy who refused to buy a new truck in 1972 over $12.50. His Mother gave him the $12.50 and made him buy it. And, he says he isn’t “hard headed.”

Good Luck Direct TV.

“Fit for Fun” class:

Fit For Fun class has been meeting on the first three Saturdays in May. Debbie Bryant has been leading the group in 30 to 45 minutes aerobic classes at the Omaha Baptist Church Annex.

The 19^th will be the last class, but, you are still welcome to come and enjoy being a part of the group.

The “Fit for Fun” regular group still meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 A.M.

Bobbie Atkins has passed away:

On the 1^st day of May when spring was in the meadows and the morning dew brought on a spring shower to clear the skies, and water spot the cars in the funeral procession, which caused the funeral director to be very dissatisfied with “Mother Nature”, Bobbie Atkins was laid to rest along side her two favorite men, husband Wallace and son Denny, at the Omaha Palestine #2 Cemetery at “High Noon.”

But, the rain didn’t dampen the colors in the church where there was a hint of Easter left through the bright colored eggs in the reefs, at the front of the church, and a splash of spring in the dresses worn by her Great-Granddaughters.

Friends and family gathered at the church at 11:00 A.M. to hear Rev. Roy Biggerstaff lead the gathering in their last meeting with Bobbie here on earth.

As the open arms of Jesus from the stained window in the front of the church looked over the crowd a family member played music on the piano and the group listened to the singing of Bobbie’s favorite songs.

Then Granddaughter Ashley Douglas presented the Eulogy and told of the may experiences that she and her brother, Corey, had through their time with

Grandma Bobbie.

Reverend Biggerstaff then came forth and informed the crowd of his role in Bobbie and her families life. He told of what great things were waiting for her and what great things were waiting for all of us in Heaven.

Using a cliché appropriate for this time of the year you could say he, “Knocked one out of the park.”

All of this under the watchful eye of two well known area preachers, Grandson Rev. Corey Atkins and family member Rev. Ron Black.

Then the crowd passed by Bobbie to bid her a last farewell before the six men of choice gathered up her remains to be transported to the cemetery where at the precise moment of “High Noon” she was lowered to her final resting place here on earth.

Now, we all know that her soul had already passed through those arms of Jesus as depicted in the painting at the front of the Omaha Baptist Church and she is painting the skies with colors and dancing the dance of eternity with her favorite dance partner, Wallace Atkins, who swept her off feet many years ago, because he could dance, and now holds her in his arms to “Dance through the Stars” into eternity.

The group then returned to the church for a family style meal served by the ladies of the church.

This was where each person present got to remember and express some thought about Bobbie’s wit, charm, charisma, and vigor for life. Along with many fond memories of Wallace and Denny.

Tidbits:

On Wednesday the Suttons burned the last remains of the old grain elevator in Omaha.

Ladies Aid will meet Thursday May 10^th at 1:30 in the afternoon. Come and enjoy the fellowship of these ladies, at the annex of the Omaha Baptist Church.

The “Key to Success“ is self discipline.

The colonoscopy report will be held over till next week due to the high volume of happenings in Omaha. But, remember if you have a colonoscopy it raises the survival rate to 51 per cent.

The Omaha Village Board meets on May 14^th at 7:00 P.M.

White House Press Correspondents Dinner:

My associate editor, John, was glad that he got to be a part of this event on the same day it happened. Of course this was via Direct TV at 11:00 P.M. He said that the program was okay but when Jimmy Kimmell informed the crowd that “nothing” was the answer to the question of “What is black and white and read over?’ John knew Kimmell had never seen a copy of “The Villagers’ Voice” and especially the OmahaNews section.

But, you already knew the answer.

John looks forward to them inviting him next year, so, he can set them straight.

Birthday for the week.

May 16 Kelly Doyle

Anniversaries for the week:

May 11 Larry and Cathy Multhy

May 15 Jim and Lena Durbin

May 16 Tom and Leona Weir

Call with news or if you want your rummage sale mentioned in the OmahaNews. Call by Wednesday evening, please.

Comments

New Haven News

Category: Opinion / Columns

"Greetings" from our littlte town down by the Little Wabash River. The river is great for fishing and recreation right now. If you need a place to launch your boat, the boat ramp is located on the east end of town. You can turn off the highway at the New Haven sign and follow Vine St. to the T, turn left, go one block and right for 1 block and you will be in the New Haven boat ramp parking lot. The Little Wabash river will give you a very relaxing afternoon,morning or just a couple of hours.

The Village of New Haven will be having a Town wide rummage Sale is coming Saturday May 5th---so look for signs and posters telling you where the bargins are. Remember one person junk is another persons Treasure!!

The town board meeting for the month of May will be held on Monday, May 7th at the Senior Citizen's Building. It will open at 7 p.m. all trustees are encouraged to attend!

The New Haven Playground on Melvin St. has added a new piece of play equipment. It is for the young children(ages 5 to 12) only, it is a very nice addition for our children to enjoy. Thanks again to all those who worked so hard to make this happen!

The month of May has a few important days to remember. Mother's Day is on May 13th and we all have one, PLEASE do something to honor your MOM!!

May 19th is national Armed Forces Day - Fly your flag high on this day to honor the men & women who make up our armed forces and serve our nation each day!!

On May 28th Memorial Day is observed to honor all who had died before us. Please take a few moments to remember those who have gone before us!!

The New Haven Quilter's Guild met last week on Thursday evening. There was a lively discussion about quilts and quilting as the ladies are working on individual blocks each month to create a complete quilt.

Betty's Bits.................The heavens and earth declare the Glory of our God and each of our Hearts should declare His Praise!!

Comments

Omaha News

Category: Opinion / Columns

Omaha town wide rummage sale is May 12^th.

:::::Check below for more information::::::::::

Las Vegas Earth Day:

Brandy Vickers, Omaha’s own Las Vegas Strip celebrity, has been telling us about some of the things in Las Vegas. Such as Las Vegas celebrating “Earth Hour”. This happened on April 21, 2012 this year.

All the lights from the hotels and casinos were turned out for one hour to help the environment. Earth Hour is the largest environmental event in history, started in 2007 by WWF-Australia. Brandy says it’s quite a sight to see the strip dark.

Now we can enjoy it ourselves by checking it out on You-Tube thanks to the hi-speed internet that has come to Omaha.

Home and Garden Show:

Our own W. & F. Small engines of Omaha, Owner Robert Waters, will be one of the participants in the HOME & GARDEN EXPO in Carmi on May 11^th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on May 12^th between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Floral Hall Carmi Fairgrounds. It is presented by the Carmi Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored in part by Botsch & Associates, CPA and the White County Economic Development Group in cooperation with WROY-WRUL.

Blood Drive @ NCOE:

There will be a blood drive on Friday morning May 4th from 8 a.m. to noon in the auditorium. The units collected will go with last weeks blood drive to provide a student with a scholarship. The more units or each pint of blood they receive from the donors the larger the amount of the scholarship. You can help a deserving student and help save lives, too.

At the church on Sunday the 21^st.:

We had a cool dry Sunday for both church services down at the Omaha General Baptist Church.

Sunday morning we had a special from the “Corner Sunday Night Group“ singing “Just A Little Talk With Jesus”. Those included in the group are Janet & Joe Aderson, Blaine, Rhonda, and Hayley Felty, Wade Newton, and John R. Sutton. Those baritones were very good. I think they have been practicing behind the ladies’ back.

I was the leader for Junior Church. Our lesson was on the book of Psalm

Ch. 91 vs.14 and 15. Because, He has hath set his love upon me, therefore, will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him, and honor him.

In the evening service Pastor Felty read from John vs 1 & 5. He talked to us about the authorized King James Bible that has the complete account written down by eye witnesses. He said there are many important facts & truths left out or changed for our society to be more comfortable with the bible in the new bibles. Pastor Felty gave us much to ponder over.

It was very informative. Get your bibles out and check these changes or verses completely left out. I know the newer versions of the bible are much easier to read but you will have to decide, at what cost. It was suggested that if you find an authorized King James Bibles at rummage sales, you should buy them. Often you can’t find these, even at the bible book stores.

Mercy Road Quartet will be at the Omaha Baptist Church, Sunday morning, May 6^th during the 10:30 service. They are a wonderful group that sings a mixture of Southern Gospel classics, hymns of the church, and current releases

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the singing and fellowship. There will be a meal served immediately following the singing.

Pine Wood Derby 2012:

On Sunday afternoon John and I attended the 2012 Pine Wood Derby Event for the Norris City Omaha Boy Scouts. Again this year they had the event at the Norris City Omaha Grade School’s Gym. The event began after 3:00.

Our grandson, Gabe Largent, received a trophy and as did all the boys. This year Grandpa said Gabe’s car needed a little more axle grease. But, it was a very good looking corvette style car.

After the races and presentation ceremonies the troop leaders presented a decorated yellow cake with chocolate icing and a large selection of drinks to all in attendance.

Get Ready Gallatin County -A new café is coming.

Get ready Gallatin Co. citizens, we will soon have a new Crossroad Café opening.

Rick Saul’s and Sons have spent the winter remodeling the Crossroad Café at Rt. 1 and 13 in Junction.

It will soon be open for breakfast and lunch, and some private parties.

Mr. Jarrod Jones, son of Deon and Annette Jones, invites everyone to stop by and try his daily specials.

Around Town:

This week we are saddened with the death of two former Omaha citizens. Mr. Richard Cooley and life long resident of the Omaha community, Edna Shatzsall..

Edna was one of the original quilters of the Omaha Senior Citizens. She was quilting with the old gang up to when they closed the doors. Edna was 99 years old.

Omaha Town Wide rummage sale is coming Saturday May 12^th. If you would like your sale put in my column, you can mail the information to Omaha News, P.O. Box 3-ON Omaha , IL. 62871, or email me at Omaha news @ yahoo.com or call 962-3112. This year I will be able to put names, addresses, and items for sale in the paper.

( -.-. --.- ) Mike Johnson of Norris City, amateur radio call AB9YX, has been instrumental in setting up an ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) net for White County and the surrounding area using a repeater on a high tower near Herald, IL.

You can listen in on your scanner at 147.300 MHz.

Therefore, we now have another group to watch for the weather and help in other emergencies. Amateur radio is the only mode of communication in this country as well as other countries that can be relied on when a disaster strikes.

Amateur radio operators are all volunteers, another OmahaNews article about volunteers.

First Saturday in May:

On the first Saturday of May is the “Kentucky Derby” the first race for the “Triple Crown” for three year old horses.

I love to hear them play and sing “My Old Kentucky Home”. Ladies and Gentlemen you can look at all those ladies in their attire with their beautiful hats.

Don’ forget to watch the “Kentucky Derby“, May 5^th. . An don’t forget your “Mint Julep’s” or from the movie “Secretariat” how about “Shirley Temples” for the milder group.

A “Shirley Temple” consist of a drink containing ½ ice tea and ½ lemonade over ice. You can check out the “Mint Juleps” recipe for yourself.

This just in:

Another Omaha resident passes away:

The OmahaNews is sorry to have to report the death of our neighbor and long time Omaha resident Bobbi Atkins. Her funeral will be Tuesday, May 1^st . Her positive out look will be missed. For more details see Cox and Son Funeral Homes obituary page on internet.

Birthdays for the week:

Annabelle Smith May 3

Brooke E. Jackson May 4 Their 1^st birthday

Carter Sloan Jackson May 4 * * *

Sandy Graves May 5

Carolyn Dudley May 8

Anniversary for the week:

Kenny and Jessica Lipscomb May 3

Prepare for a report on a colonoscopy next week. And, “Be careful out there”

Comments

Omaha News

Category: Opinion / Columns

TOWN WIDE RUMMAGE SALE IS MAY 12^th IN OMAHA.

Red Cross still needs donations:

The Red Cross is still at work in our area and still needs donations. You can help by donating through a contribution or giving blood.

Since, I mentioned blood there will be a blood drive in Norris City next week on Thursday April 26^th during the hours of 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Norris City Senior Citizens building on South Division Street.

You can donate the gift of life. Give a pint of blood. I just gave two weeks ago. A little time on your part, could mean a life saved. I encourage all people who read my column to donate. It doesn’t take much of your time and you could save many lives, maybe your own or someone close to you.

Ladies Aid meet at the church:

On Thursday, April 12^th the Ladies Aid of Omaha met at the annex of the Omaha Baptist Church at 1:30P.M.

Rosemary Beam was the hostess. The attendance was low with only Brenda Rister, Julianne Largent, and Rosemary Beam in attendance. We missed the regulars, Alta Lee Welch,

Christa Conrad, and Imogene West.

Regular business was taken care of in order. A discussion on helping a few residents at the Ridgway Manor was finalized. A get well card was signed for Alta Lee. Brenda read a lovely thank you card from Debbie, daughter of Bill Woods. She “Thanked us” for our thoughtfulness in the death of her father.

Next month hostess will be Christa Conrad. Rosemary served chicken sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks. I hope to see all you there along with a few more next month.

The door prize and booby prize was awarded to Brenda Rister.

Sunday at the church:

Sunday, April 15, we had a great church hour. It started with a special prayer for Melissa Wilson who is having surgery.

We had two specials. Wade Newton, Joe Anderson, John Sutton, Blaine, Rhonda and Hayley Felty, with Janet Anderson on piano sang “I’m in The Glory Land Way“. Then Blaine and Rhonda Felty sang “God On The Mountain”. Both are great favorites.

Pastor Blaine took his message from the book of Matthew 27, verse 46.

“Often we ask why? Maybe it should be why not?”

The Mercy Road Quartet will be singing Sunday May 6^th during the 10:30 hour at the Omaha Baptist Church on highway 1. Afterwards there will be a dinner prepared by the church. If you bring a salad or dessert it would be appreciated..

Everyone is welcome, come join us and have a great fellowship and good meal.

The Mercy Road quartet is based out of Nashville, TN. Members include

Danny Duke, lead tenor from Lascassas, TN. He has sung for 34 years in gospel music. He has performed in such groups as Strait Gate, The Accords, and Southern Praise. He is regarded as one of the best amateur lead singers in gospel music. He is always a crowd favorite.

Gene Miller is tenor lead singer with the group. He is from Mt. Juliet, TN. He has sung for the Plainsmen and the Spirit Bound.

Mike Wiggington is the baritone singer in the group. He is from Lebanon, TN. During the past 25 years he has performed with such groups as The Brotherhood Quartet.

Mike Smith is from Gallatin, TN. He is the bass singer in the group. He has sung for over 30 years. Most recently with The Hymns men. He has a smooth rich tonal quality.

Tidbits:

John Schofield and his volunteer crew were busy cooking and serving a free breakfast at the back door of ‘The Voice” office last Saturday morning. John stopped by and enjoyed the eggs, sausage, and gravy.

John Schofield was telling Linda, one of the volunteers who delivers breakfast around town to those who can’t make it down, about a preacher who found his bicycle he had

misplaced a few days earlier by preaching on the “Ten Commandments.” You will have to ask John Schofield for the rest of the story.

This free breakfast all happens the second Saturday of each month at the back of the newspaper office. Come and enjoy the good fellowship.

Merle and Patricia Butler of Red Bud, Illinois were one of the three winners in the largest ever “Mega Million” lottery. Some people will go to any extreme to get mentioned in the “OmahaNews.”

Steve Nelson of Eldorado is still taking orders for collectable ink pens made from the ruins of the St. Joseph’s Catholic in Ridgway. The count is over two hundred. One lady, here in Omaha, ordered some and I am sure they will be delivered by U. S. Mail.

Finally, our time has come at last. Frontier has brought the high speed internet to Omaha. Our knowledge and economy will be expanding at a faster rate than ever before in time.

Thanks Jonathon, Steve, and the Frontier crew.

The “Oracle of the other Omaha”, Warren Buffett, is a little under the weather. Let’s all pray for his fast recovery.

At press time, we have learned that Bobbi Atkins is in ill health and could use your prayers.

Gabe Largent participated in the “Pine Wood Derby” at the NCO Elementary school on Sunday April 22.

The “Kentucky Derby” will be May 5^th. So, get your mint ready.

It is less than a 100 days till the “Summer Olympics.”

Kids be careful while riding on the streets and adults be more careful.

And ”Lets all be careful out there “ and see you next week.