Nebraska City could very well have its first woman mayor when the votes are counted Tuesday night.
Mrs. R. C. (Edith) Fenstermacher is hitting the campaign trail trying to unseat incumbent Mayor Ervin Rogers.
We think she'll do it. She has our vote.
This is Edith's first shot at politics, but not her first effort of working with the public. She has been a volunteer on a host of projects and active in health groups and the school nursing program.
She faces a man who is an experienced politician, a seasoned veteran and a tough opponent. He's been the route before serving over 10 years as street and finance commissioner and as mayor.
Erv was out of politics for a number of years, but returned when Nebraska City had its recall election. He pledged to pull for the community and has done an admirable job. He is campaigning as a "full-time" mayor. And he has been faithful.
We think the voters respect his many years of service and dedication, but we think they want something else, something they hope can be given to them in a change in administration.
Edith can do it.
No single person "runs" the city commission. There are two other votes — Finance Commissioner Paul Tackett and Street Commissioner Walter "Bud" Wright.
We believe Edith can work in harmony with the other two commissioners and fill the bill as an open minded and qualified individual as Mayor of Nebraska City.
Robert Rathe, the adviser of the Distributive Education Club at Nebraska City Senior High, figures he has about the best job in town. A teacher, he works with high schoolers who are "on the job."
Mr. Rathe said at the annual banquet the other night that he looks forward to each year and new faces. As evidenced by the employer support of the program, Mr. Rathe speaks with a great deal of authority.
The teacher-student relationship is close in the DECA club.
Mr. Rathe was given a desk set by the group at the banquet, but on the fun side they provided a "turkey" shirt. He's liked.
The Peru Foundation
Randy Dunlap, director of the Peru State Foundation, is making the rounds drumming up interest for Peru State college.
He hopes to "sell" Peru State to more people and is working with many individuals and businesses to accomplish that job. The big name universities and colleges get a lot of the headlines and glory, but Peru State produces.
If you would like to be a part of the Foundation's efforts, we suggest you contact Randy. Just send your note to him in care of the college. You'll get an enthusiastic response, the same that bubbles from the new director.
Hello Dolly
Congratulations to the many students and faculty members of Nebraska City Lourdes for a successful run of "Hello Dolly." Particular "thanks" must surely go to the moms and dads for their patience and help in keeping the students coming and going.
Nebraska City is a pretty fortunate community. You can look forward each year to a major school production at NCHS or Lourdes, the students at the School for the Visually Handicapped have many entertaining programs and the Nebraska City Little Theater is working once again on its season production.
The Little Theater is always looking for more help so don't feel like you're aggressive if you ask to help. You'll be welcomed with open arms.
There are many people eager to work with you and if interested, why don't you call Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Harvey, Mrs. Ron Hazard or Jerry Wilson here at the News-Press.
Stolen
An American was seated opposite a nice old lady in the compartment of an English railway car. For several minutes he chewed his gum in silence, then the old lady leaned forward.
"It's nice of you to try to make conversation," she said, "but I must tell you that I'm deaf."
Coming up
There are more of the Bicentennial features coming up in the pages of the News-Press.
We've gone through the 1860's including the assassination of President Lincoln and the diary of the assassin John Wilkes Booth.
In the coming series you'll have an opportunity to read about Nebraska City, Syracuse, Palmyra and many other communities beginning with 1876.
There's some goodies you'll enjoy reading . . . like the mob riot in Minersville. Look for the pages each week. We'll be reprinting them throughout this, our Bicentennial year under the sponsorship of the businesses listed on the pages.
We wandered the hills of Peru the other evening with Mr. and Mrs. Everett Browning and came up with a couple of pounds of fresh mushrooms.
I think I found the one that was the champion of all contests, but before I had a chance to run it down to Jerry Gilliland's and win the prize, Millie cut it up and put it in a pan of water to soak.
The bugs didn't like it either.
It's Mothers Day.
Today is the one day in the year that Mother gets the special super dooper attention.
We had several things planned at our house . . .
"I know," saith the growing boy. "Let's serve her breakfast in bed."
"Won't work," saith No. 3 daughter. "You're so clumsy you'd spill everything on the bedspread."
"Hold it now, kids," the King speaketh. "Let's do a little planning, like dividing up the cooking chores, the washing and ironing and cleaning the house."
"Okay with me, dad," No. 1 son said. "You can do the cooking, but I don't think Mom will go for popcorn for breakfast."
"Awright, smarty pants," the King answered. "Let's get serious. We've got to do something for her that's really special and really super."
"I know," saith No. 3 daughter. "We can leave her ALONE for one day."
"What he means, Jeannea," the boy said, "is for you to bug out."
"It's not me," she defended, "you're the one who always clunks around banging into things and saying 'Mom, where is the sugar? Or, Mom where is the shampoo? Or, Mom, are my track clothes washed'?"
"Okay, you two," the King-referee interferred. "You're not helping matters any. Let's try to come up with something she'd really appreciate."
"I know," saith No. 1 son, "After we have our breakfast, let's suggest we all go out someplace for the noon meal."
"Oh, you're something . . . really something," the girl said.
"Well, you haven't come up with anything better," he snorted.
"That's enough," saith the King. "It's been decided."
"Get ready, Jeannea," the boy said, "here comes the Great Decision."
"It's really simple, kids . . . let's do like we do every Sunday. Maybe we can add a little sugar to the day with a suggestion here and there, but let's make it like any day. Mothers are mothers because they love their families. Let's not try to change the day, but let's make it a day she will remember . . . like saying 'please pass the potatoes'."
"Pssst, Keat," the girl said. "I hate to admit it, but you were right."
"Of course," was the reply.
"What's that, kids?" the master saith.
"Oh nothing, Dad," came the echo. "Your idea is . . . ah . . . ah . . . just great . . . fine."