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[January 05, 2026]
Sometimes we get "assignments" that seem daunting. When I was
assigned to look through LDN archives for the months of January
through March 2025 for ten favorite photos my thought was, "what the
heck happens in those months? Everyone is indoors and won't come out
till spring!".
They say a picture is worth a thousand words...maybe it's because
your brain sees and feels a lot more than the picture portrays.
There's something inside us that connects. We remember. We feel
something. You just can't look at a photo without trying to put what
you see into words.
So color me surprised when I started to truck through my assignment.
My picks are not award winning for any photo contest. BUT I could
not compile them without thinking we live in the best place on the
planet! Our big hearts take care of people and show up for those in
need. We teach values through example to those we have watching
whether we live what we say. We support our kids in whatever dreams
and passions they have. We laugh and we cry together because each of
us experiences connections that make us who we are.
So while you look at my ten picture choices please know they are
profoundly more than what you see individually. Together they
portray the heart of our communities.
Stephanie Hall took a couple of
pics of a Muskrat washing his face. Great timing! Makes me smile.
CAPTION READ: Here is an important “self care” tip: After
breakfast, be sure to wash your face! That’s what this little
muskrat was doing when LDN reporter Stephanie Hall caught him in the
lens.
The photo was taken a week or so ago, during a nice little warm snap
in the weather. Ice was thawing on the creek at Kickapoo Park, and
the muskrat was out and about. He found a nice hole, took a swim
before breakfast, then he ate and then he washed his face.
Hall said that the little guy did not seem to be the least bit put
out by her watching him, and in fact may have been showing off just
a little bit for the camera. In other words, the muskrat was a ham!!
While we were looking at animal
pictures here, we had Teena Lowery's heartwarming story with Eric
Leever's tribute to Hazel the Deer. Eric said, "Hazel chose humans
as her people". So many of you cared for her.
CAPTION READ: Around 3 years ago Eric Leever, along with his wife
Sherry, rescued Hazel the Deer after she had become stuck in a hole.
That act of kindness would save an animal and bring joy to the
hearts of many in Lincoln.
As Hazel grew older and stronger she began to wander. Hazel would
make many friends, take lots of pictures and develop a love for
grapes.
Unfortunately Hazel would be struck and killed by a vehicle on March
19th.
In today's edition of Lincoln Daily News we celebrate the happiness
Hazel brought to the community!
Joe and Michelle Ryan's large
yellow tabby, "Benny", won a prize from Farm & Home in LDN's Pet
Contest. Bird hunting paid off for Benny in the "caught in the act"
category. But truly, Benny won the lottery when Michelle found him
and saved his life by feeding him with a dropper. Look how big he is
now!
Ok, I'm a sucker for animals. On to other snapshots....
How about "hands on" education? Like FFA, LLCEO, Boy Scouts, Sports,
Trades, etc. I was inspired by Darrin Watkins' journey and his
passion to give back to his community by offering Junto Taekwondo
classes to build strength and character. He challenges us to think
about what we can do to inspire those who come behind us.
CAPTION READ: In Lincoln,
there’s a man whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring—a local
entrepreneur, black belt martial artist, and up-and-coming music
artist. His story isn’t just one of overcoming obstacles, but of
using his varied passions to give back to the community, uplift
others, and transform his life. Meet Darrin Watkins, the owner of
The Yard Guys Concrete Lifting & Landscaping, Junto Taekwondo, and a
rising music talent whose work reflects his past and unyielding
desire to succeed.
[to top of second column] |
While LDN does not usually conduct
ribbon cuts in January, we did perform one for Ink & Imprint on Jan.
24th. There is more than a ribbon cut going on in this picture! New
owner, Julie Bates, cuts the ribbon with her young daughter, Emma,
who makes candles that are also sold in the store. I see one of the
Logan County Fair royalty Little Miss Olivia Harmsen and a dear
family friend, Bill Gossett (now gone) supporting, encouraging and
wishing the best for this new adventure.
Angela Reiners caught a beautiful
night shot near Hartsburg during an almost seven inch snowstorm. We
love it when our readers and staff catch pictures and share them
with us! It binds our hearts together and connects us.
CAPTION READ: The Sunday snowstorm totaled 6.9 inches at 6 a.m.
at the NOAA National Weather Service in Lincoln according to the
report on their website.
The storm that began on Sunday morning grew progressively worse
through the morning and afternoon, then tapered off in the evening.
Not every location in Logan County received that amount of snow, but
just about everyone got at least a few inches.
Near Hartsburg, LDN’s Angela Reiners took this stunning photo on
Sunday night.
What about all the different
cultural choices we have right here...like community theatre, dance,
karaoke, concerts, etc. and all the clubs, organizations, and
activities we can enjoy. I dare say there isn't a day in Logan
County that someone somewhere is hosting a fundraiser to make our
home a better place.
My last few photos just capture a few of the flurry of things we do
as a community. Thank you Logan County!!!
Jan. 2nd Stephanie Hall caught you
all dancing at the Lincoln Park District in the Jingle Bell Jive.
CAPTION READ: Saturday evening, a good group of dancers and
would-be dancers enjoyed an evening at the Jingle Bell Jive at the
Lincoln Park District while supporting a very worthwhile cause.
Jingle Bell Jive was a fundraiser to benefit the Land of Lincoln
Honor Flight program that provides free trips to Washington D.C. for
local veterans.
The event was hosted by Jon Young of Young Dance Inc. with admission
being a free will donation to the Honor Flight.
One of the first events where
people get out in the cold and start mingling again is at the Zion
Lutheran School Pancake and Sausage Breakfast held this past Feb.
1st. This event has become a really huge occasion to meet up with
folks you may not have seen in a while (even better than Walmart).
Lincoln Christian Church held their
fourth annual "Daddy Daughter Dance" in March. My hat is off to the
dads, stepdads, granddads, uncles, and other important males in
these young women's lives. For you to take time to demonstrate how
important they are to you will shape them into beautiful people.
And my last choice smacked me in
the face. I didn't see it coming. And it serves as a tribute to
small town spirit. On Feb. 1st, Hartsburg-Emden high school held a
trivia night at the Emden Community House to raise funds for safe
post prom activities. Talk about sending the right message to our
young people. Wow!
And while I can't think of a photo that includes all of us; we all
make a difference in the lives around us. What started out to be a
daunting task ended up reminding me of how grateful I am to live
here. Thank you.
Karen Castelein |
