GILBERT PARGMANN

Yorktown News-View Editor’s Note: The Yorktown News-View is very pleased to welcome back Mr. Pargmann and his Nordheim News column. We and our readers have missed his weekly contributions to the paper.

GOD first...Heavenly Father, You are always there for us anytime we call Your name and when we pray for others, we know that in our hearts, we pray ask if it be thy will. When someone is grieving, ill, suffering, or in dire needs, we know that when we ask for healing power, comfort, or mercy, You are still there to help. Please give us all help to be strong, with faith, and with understanding, even though we expect more. Guide us in all we do as we pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Pray for those who are grieving, ill, suffering, or are in harm’s way.

**A Texan from Cotulla was visiting California. They asked him about his ranch. He told them. They asked about his home. He told them about that. They asked if he had a swimming pool.

“Sure,” he replied. “I have three swimming pools.” “Three?” they asked. “Why would you need three?”

“Well, he replied. “One has hot water for folks who like hot water. One has cold water for those who like cold water. And then there’s an empty one for people who don’t swim.”

Here’s hoping that everyone had a nice Christmas this past year. We celebrated a little early as some of those who came from far places needed to get back home and weren’t going to be here for Christmas. It’s sad that Nordheim will not have a New Years Dance this year and hasn’t had one in the past two or three years. Remember when there were people coming here from all over the area and dancing all night or up until 2 or 4 am to celebrate starting the New Year. There was at one time where there were two bands playing at the same time. A western band played in the big hall and a polka band played in the eating hall. That year there were over 700 people who came to dance and celebrate. When one had an intermission, there would be a mass of people going from one to the other. All passed by the narrow edge next to the bar on their way back and forth. And everybody was happy. I know there are people who still remember that.

A lot of those aren’t here anymore. Those of us that are, well, we would still like to be able to shake a leg to a nice polka or dance a slow waltz. But we aren’t able because of Mr. Arthritis of Ms. Lumbago. Most of us can still do the twist but it only happens when we try to get out of the bed, chair or clothes in the morning. Always enjoyed Paul Jones where one could dance with other dancers. The Bunny Hop is out of the question. “Put Your Little Foot” might only tap a little to music on the radio (if you still listen to one or even have one). About the only ones that still have dances are wedding celebrations. Most are young people and all having a great time. It ain’t like it used to be.

There are now five streets that have been blocked off from getting to the new highway. The only ones that are accessible are North Street, Broadway Street, and so far, Fourth Street. I know the Alfred Blaschke Road will stay open but it is hard to get on or off the main road so far. There is still a lot of construction going on and ripping off of some of the old Highway of the old 72 is going on. Only County roads are kept from being closed. When it is all finished and the new bypass is complete, cars and trucks will be flying down Hwy 72 going 85 and 90 mph on a 70 mile speed limit. Few will hardly notice a town as only seeing a caution light when traveling through.

The Nordheim Rec. Center was the center of several birthday celebrations and is still active. Hosting the arrival of Santa Clause was an exciting time for all the little ones who got to sit on Santa’s lap. Only two or three still didn’t understand why they had to sit on that strange person’s lap. The Senior Class hosted the chili fundraiser which was a great success. The Nordheim Museum had their annual fundraiser this past month too which added to the repairs needed to the museum building.

Kaffee Klatch is still going strong and during the holidays it became a family get together but we still invite anyone who wants to come on Thursdays from 8 to 10 am. This past Thursday, the ladies brought a lot of cakes and cookies and some of the males brought whatever they bought or had left over from the holidays. The conversations never change as one or two have interesting things happen or names of classmates or kin are researched in their minds. You really need to join us to protect the truth. The coffee is still free.

The Nordheim Annual FFA Stock Show will be later this month and is anticipated to be larger than last years. It will be in the new facilities that have been recently completed. Look forward to the new notices that will be coming out soon. See you next week.