It’s that time of year again! This last week was consumed by Nebraskaland Days activities. Nebraskaland Days is the State’s official statewide celebration and began in Lincoln in 1965. It moved to North Platte in 1968 to tie the celebration with Buffalo Bill Cody. The rodeo and related activities have been held in North Platte (and legislative District 42) since that time.

I was honored to join the North Platte Mayor in selecting my favorite quilt at the annual quilt show. Little did I know how difficult it would be to select just one favorite quilt out of 82 entries! I landed on an antique quilt that reminded me of a quilt handed down to my wife from her grandmother. Nothing like a meticulously hand stitched quilt. They are true works of art!

On Thursday morning, I had the privilege to be the keynote speaker at the Mayor’s prayer breakfast. It was a unique opportunity to help people better understand who I am, and the impact that God has had in my life. I made a comment to the group about how much I have learned about my life by reading social media, from total strangers who have never met me. Joking aside, my message was focused on how grateful I am for God’s influence in my life and how appreciative I am that he led me from a very meager beginning to where I am today. I am so blessed to have been associated with so many great people who helped me achieve my dreams. To God the glory.

Thursday night, we joined Great Plains Health for their platinum sponsor night and the rodeo focusing on cancer research, also known as “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” night. We are very fortunate to have such a quality medical facility located here. The hospital provides much-needed services to the whole west central Nebraska region. State-of-the-art cancer, cardiac, orthopedic, and neurological services are key areas that the hospital specializes in. They also support area hospitals who provide emergency services to residents living in the region. Health care will continue to be a priority need if we want to recruit and retain residents in western Nebraska.

On Friday night, we were invited to join the Governor and first lady Suzanne Pillen on Pioneer Seeds’ platinum night. Thank you VJ Brosius for the hospitality. Great food and great company!

We participated in the annual Nebraskaland Days parade on Saturday, driving our vintage 1968 Camaro convertible. I always wanted to own one of these and all of the wonderful parades in District 42 was the perfect excuse when I finally found one a few years ago. We really enjoy seeing the excitement of the kids that attend the parades and it is great way to connect with constituents.   I must say, this year’s parade must have been the coldest of any of the previous Nebraskaland Days parades. I can’t say we missed the heat! Following the parade, I made certain to attend the Disabled American Veterans BBQ at the North Platte Legion Club. This group of people has my highest respect and are all American heroes.

I want to thank the Nebraskaland Days Board of Directors and the Rodeo Committee for all the work they put in to bring this incredible event in North Platte each year. I can’t think of any other volunteer groups that work as hard as they do. The two weeks of festivities have a huge economic impact on our region and provide entertainment for all ages. I look forward to the concert series this week.

It is a privilege to represent you in the Nebraska Legislature, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding issues that are important to you. I can be reached at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.