Opinion

J.L. Schmidt has been covering Nebraska government and politics since 1979. He has been a registered Independent for more than 20 years.

J.L. Schmidt has been covering Nebraska government and politics since 1979. He has been a registered Independent for more than 20 years.

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Senator’s Filibuster Antics Hurting Legislature’s Image

J. L. Schmidt - Capitol View
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
It has been 35 years since members of the Nebraska Legislature had a pay raise and 17 years since term limits took effect. If lawmakers are wondering why, they simply need to check the actions of some of their colleagues.
RICK HOLTZ

RICK HOLTZ

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What is Your Legacy?

Rick Holtz
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
March Madness is upon us. No, not that March Madness. Those brackets and that tournament won’t start for a few more weeks — although I admit I love the final weeks of college basketball as the talking heads begin debating who gets in, who is left out and who should have been left out.
BETH SPARROW

BETH SPARROW

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Technology Troubles

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
We recently purchased new computers. Our computers were ten years old and we recently found out were not supported by an application we regularly use. We figured “not supported” meant we could still use it, but wouldn’t be able to call for any support.
Alan Sparrow is co-owner of the Polk County News. Find his column, Alan’s Anecdotes, each week in the newspaper and online at www.polkcountynews.net.

Alan Sparrow is co-owner of the Polk County News. Find his column, Alan’s Anecdotes, each week in the newspaper and online at www.polkcountynews.net.

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You Get What You Pay For

Alan Sparrow
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Old adages carry so much wisdom. The adage “You get what you pay for” is one of them. Generally speaking, it means that you spend more on an item of better quality. Of course there are exceptions, but it’s a good rule to go by.
DEB FISCHER

DEB FISCHER

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The Highlight of My Job

Deb Fischer
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Constituents often ask me in person or in their letters what my favorite part of serving as your Senator is. I always give the same answer: returning to Nebraska and hearing directly from you, my fellow Nebraskans. That is what I did this past week while the Senate was in recess.
JANA HUGHES

JANA HUGHES

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Cleanup Bills Advance

Jana Hughes
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
We are finally seeing some bills come out of committees and onto the legislative floor. Many of these are called “cleanup” bills to fix text and clarify existing laws, to remove outdated language or to extend dates for ongoing programs.
MIKE HILGERS

MIKE HILGERS

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Separation of Powers and the Role of the Nebraska Attorney General

Mike Hilgers
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
In last month’s column, I discussed the various functions and responsibilities of the Attorney General’s Office. For this month’s column, I want to focus on a very important role of your Attorney General—helping to ensure that the boundaries in the Constitution are respected.
Beth Sparrow is co-owner of the Polk County News.

Beth Sparrow is co-owner of the Polk County News.

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State Wrestling Experience

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
I had a busy weekend. First my daughter and I went to the Blake Shelton concert. It was good, but not my favorite. Almost no one can compare to Reba in country music, in my opinion. My daughter changed her mind about going at the last minute, but we made her go anyway.
Rick Holtz is a co-owner for the Polk County News. Find his column, Reporter’s Notebook, from time to time in the newspaper and online at www.polkcountynews.net.

Rick Holtz is a co-owner for the Polk County News. Find his column, Reporter’s Notebook, from time to time in the newspaper and online at www.polkcountynews.net.

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Fix the Playoff System

Rick Holtz
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The playoff system for high school sports in the state of Nebraska is broken. This week Osceola boys are traveling to Lincoln for the D2-3 Subdistrict. The opening round games are being played at Parkview Christian, the host school.