Last week the Logan County Tourism Bureau agreed to make a commitment toward the restoration of the Tropics sign. The Bureau will sign a joint agreement with the city of Lincoln and the Johnson/Goodrich family to work toward restoring the sign. The three-year contract will allow for a committee to be established first to raise funds for the restoration. If that is successful, then the committee will work toward finding a firm to do the restoration, and finally find a suitable location in Lincoln for it to be displayed as a local tourist attraction.

Photos from LDN archives    (Click on image for larger version)

These three Purple House Finches were born and raised in a nest in a wreath hanging on the front door of Mary Ellen Martin's home west of Lincoln. Martin said she and her husband observed the nest being built and followed the little birds through their early stages of life. She noted that one fell out of the nest one time, and she carefully picked it up with a tissue and returned it to its home.

On the day this picture was taken in late June, the birds were ready to move on to the next stages of their lives. Martin said she imagined the conversation they might have had, "We don't fit in our nest anymore," says one. "It is time to leave our happy home." says the other. And the third one adds, "We are on our own now."

Martin said shortly after this photo was taken the birds left, and never returned.

Photo by Mary Ellen Martin    (Click on image to enlarge)

So, what White Sox third baseman Tyler Saladino (18) slides safely into second base before Boston Red Sox second baseman Jemile Weeks (30) can apply a tag during the first inning at Fenway Park.

Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports                 [click on photo for larger image]