Bob Sautter
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Grand Island Independent
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Articles by Bob Sautter
What about Bob? Big Foot adventures abound
Last weekend, I attend my first-ever annual Bigfoot Conference in Hastings that Harriett McFeely, owner and operator of the Bigfoot Museum and Research Center has put together for the last five years. Both Friday and Saturday mornings started out a little chilly in the outdoor Chautauqua Park Pavilion, but soon warmed with up the sharing of research and real-life experiences of all of the guest speakers.
What About Bob? Passport programs, frontline awards and Frenzy fundraiser
The 2021 Official Nebraska Passport Travel Programs booklets are finally in our office. If you’re still in need of one, please stop by our office at 601 N. Lincoln Avenue and pick up your free, complimentary copy. It’s loaded with great suggestions for 70 unique stops ranging from entertainment to food to entertainment, and so much more.
What About Bob?: Happy anniversary Kool-Aid Days! Original
Thanks to a reminder from a friend with an article and photo in Sunday’s World-Herald, I realized that it is the 26th anniversary of the amazingly popular Kool-Aid Days Festival. The weekend-long celebration of the drink mix product developed by Hastings’ own Edwin Perkins in 1927 takes place in August of every year. Originally Kool-Aid drink mix came in six flavors: grape, orange, cherry, lemon-lime, raspberry and strawberry.
What About Bob?: Balloon Days this weekend, Yorkfest on the horizon Original
Priscilla Pitch made a quick, overnight appearance to Waco with her old pitch buddies. Although we didn’t play pitch this trip, we did eat, have an adult beverage, caught up on all newsworthy things, and had a very good time. Priscilla put her keno knowledge and luck to good use, and won more than the rest of us put together. I wish some of that luck would brush off on me! I think she owes me dinner now! This week the York community will be celebrating Balloon Days, July 19-21.
What About Bob?: Firecracker Frenzy once again a success Original
This year’s Yorkfest theme is “Friends.” Watch for a very clever and humorous teaser video introduction to promote this event thanks to video master Eric Eckert. It should be a “friendly” piece of fun with some familiar York faces! Stay tuned! Firecracker Frenzy was a great success, as it always is. Thanks to Madonna Mogul, Chamber director and staff, Alicia Mertz, for coordinating this amazing event.
What About Bob?: Time to pass on the crown Original
Yes... this is once that the rumor mill is true. Actually, it’s not just a rumor by now since Just Melanie posted a great article on my retirement announcement. After 23.5 years here at the York County Visitors, it’s time to take my maps and promotion ideas, and hit the road. Was I asked to leave?
Lessons learned from my many Mom’s Original
Mother’s Day . . . always a special time of the year for all of those special mothers. Not only was I lucky enough to have my own mother Marjorie Lindell Spence Sautter, but many others that were “adopted” after our mom passed away. Of course, there was Sister Susan when I moved to York, but also the mothers of good friends like Dee Waller, JoAnn (Mom) Harry, Mary Ann (Mom) Hourigan, Velma Cox, Muriel (Mom) Redfern, Gloria Arguelles, Joan Kirshenbaum and Marcie Jacobson.
What about Bob?: An ‘Unfrosted’ fact
There’s a little nugget of trivia that I just happened to run across Monday. The trivia is important because it involves a very famous Nebraskan’s history. While his name is not one that readily comes to mind, most of you will recognize his voice.
What about Bob?: Transitions, new beginnings and new chapters
So many, many things going on this time of year. It isn’t often that my calendar of events takes up over half of my column, but sure enough, one glance and it’s filled with high school, university and local holiday events. Although I love the spring weather transitioning into milder temps instead of the up and down weather that we’ve had the last couple of, I also hate the finality of other events such as graduations and commencements.
What about Bob?: The birds have arrived in record numbers
For all you birders out there, sandhill crane migration is at its peak from now through the middle of April. The birds have arrived in record numbers, and the area between Grand Island and North Platte is the best for viewing. We have plenty of good birding information, including not only crane migration, but also for Prairie Chickens in the McCook area, pelicans at Harlan County Reservoir and bald eagles at Lexington. All information is free for the taking.
Thanksgiving Trivia Original
I certainly hope that the rest of this week readjusts itself to just mundane, boring events instead of how my Monday started off. I had been having trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep, so I took one of my sleep aids. Close to 4:00 am, I took a leap out of my bed, trying to escape the shadow figure that I so often dream about. My widely splayed arms caught the floor lamp with a huge glass bowl at the top, bringing it down on top of the dresser and shattering in hundreds of shards.
Bunches of baskets available at the library Original
I knew that there was something that seemed a little off as we inch closer to Thanksgiving. I just realized how strange it is that we haven’t been cooking up, and stockpiling frozen quarts of homemade soups for what would normally be the Friends of the Library’s Annual SOUPER Soup Sale fundraiser scheduled for the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Come join the fun at Czechfest Original
Come join in the fun this Sunday, October 15 as the Nebraska Czechs of York host the 18th Annual October Czechfest at the Holthus Convention Center starting at 9:30 a.m. with kolache and coffee, and winding down at 5 p.m. Many events are scheduled including the Opening Ceremony and Queen Introduction, Accordion Jam in the Ballroom, Wilber Senior Czech Dancers, Milligan Czech Brass Band, Vendor Booths, and those amazing, authentic Czech dinners provided by Brian Tomes and staff from Hunter’s...
Ten glorious days in the mountains Original
For ten glorious days, my family played tourists in the mountains of Colorado in one of our favorite places for the past 30 plus years. It’s been five years since Sister Susan has sold her and Tom’s house in Estes, and she felt an overwhelming desire to return “home”. So, she rented a large place right on the golf course that slept 10, and almost all of the immediate family were able to join in all of the fun and in making of new memories.
Exciting events planned for Yorkfest Original
So far, we have been faithfully following all home games for the Bellevue University Bruins, and even a couple out-of-town matches. “Grandson” Carlos scored a goal early on in the game with Clarke College which was perfectly timed and beautifully placed. It ended in a 1-1 tie. This Saturday, Sept.
Travelers from the south enjoy York Original
The busload of Oklahoma Christian Travelers were here to dine and explore when the Visitors Bureau hosted them last weekend. After checking into their rooms at the Hampton Inn, they enjoyed a buffet meal at Chances ‘R’ Restaurant & Lounge, where the fried chicken and carved roast beef were declared the best meal of their week-long tour of western and central Nebraska.
‘All American Fun’ at the York County Fair Original
“ll American Fun” is the theme as the York County Fair turns 150 years old! The birthday continues August 4-6. Come out and help celebrate this amazing milestone at the York County Fairgrounds. As always, D. C. Lynch Midway will be providing all of the rides, and there are events for all ages from a Demolition Derby, to Cowboy Ranch Rodeo, Cornhole Tournament and Figure 8 Race. There will be lots of music, food, games, animals and guaranteed fun for everyone.
Nashville comes to York Saturday night Original
This Sunday will be a bitter-sweet day for us as we load up our “adopted” Venezuelan “grandson,” Carlos Cesar Ortega Argueles, as we move him into his new apartment at Bellevue University. He will be studying for his master’s degree in business analytics, and playing soccer as a midfielder for the Bruins. It’s been a great summer for all of us having him here, interning at York State Bank, and working out to keep himself in shape.
Upcoming weekend is a busy one Original
It’s hard to believe that all of the fireworks that have been seen and heard for the last two weeks (or longer) are finally going away after Tuesday night. The York Chamber’s Annual Firecracker Frenzy came off without a hitch on Monday evening at the York County Fairgrounds to the delight of all those able to view it, including Willowbrook and Hearthstone residents. Congratulations to the York Chamber staff and the shoot team for another awesome display.
Vintage Base Ball Game in Waco Saturday Original
As part of Waco Days celebration this weekend, on Saturday, June 24 at 4:30 p.m., there will be an 1877 Vintage Base Ball Game sponsored by the Waco Community Betterment Organization. Step back to a time when “Base Ball” was not the same game as it is today … when it was played with much different rules and NO GLOVES! Games will be held at the Waco Baseball Field on Hilda Avenue with the same rules, same equipment and same uniforms as in 1877.
Yorkfest Royalty nominations sought
I'm excited to announce that my great-niece Kaylor Cox and her significant other, Alex Smith from Nashville, will be returning to the York Country Club, July 22 for a great evening of music and fun. I know, I know . . . it's way too early to start thinking about Yorkfest, but it's time to submit names to nominate some of York's most deserving individuals as Yorkfest King and Queen. The Yorkfest Royalty Committee is looking for your nominations for the 2023 royalty.
Nebraska Passport brochures now available
Gift this article Share this article paywall-free. The Nebraska Travel Association Annual 2023 Brochure Swap was held in Kearney last Wednesday with hundreds of brochures being offered up for exchange with all other attendees. While it was good to see all of the old, familiar faces and catch up on the last six months, everyone was on a mission to fill their carts and wagons full of all of the 2023 newly-printed brochures and booklets.
What About Bob -- Holidays that prompted painful growing pains
Todd update: He is still making Madonna Omaha Campus his temporary stay until we can find a location that is as close by as possible to York, which has proven to be unsuccessful for the time being. I had no idea how filled skilled care units are at the moment, and just how short of help they all are at this point in time. We continue to search as does Madonna, with his name on waiting lists in at least five counties.
What About Bob -- Having a great taste in cars, even if they aren't mine
Because my mind has been a bit more pre-occupied the last few weeks (I wonder why), I have found myself attempting to get into more cars that were not mine, than usual. It used to be just a couple times a year, but of late, it's been on average of a couple times a week . . . and some of them don't even look like mine! There's no set make or model, but I do seem to have good taste. There have been SUVs, Jeeps, mini-vans and crossovers, Chevys, Dodges and Hyundais, two-doors and four-doors.
What About Bob -- Being a vacation guide is a fun, seasonal job
The Nebraska Tourism Commission is looking for a qualified individual to help staff the York Westbound Information Center as a traveler counselor (vacation guide) starting this summer. The York westbound rest area is located two miles east of York on I-80. This position involves promoting Nebraska area attractions, history, events and businesses, as well as answering the questions of travelers.
What About Bob -- Top 10 reasons farm trucks are never stolen
My good friend, across the fence, Neighbor Naber, first shared some very logical information last week that I had not contemplated, but should have, considering how long I've lived here. Truer words have never been written. Here are the Top 10 Reasons Farm Trucks Are Never Stolen: 1. It is hard to commit a crime with everyone waving at you. 2. Who wants a truck that needs a year's worth of maintenance, u-joints, $3,000 in body work, tail lights and a windshield that you can see out of? 3.
What About Bob -- So much entertainment to take in
Kicking off their 50th season of providing the best in live entertainment to the York area, the Yorkshire Playhouse will be staging the classic, "You Can't Take It With You," February 10, 16-17 at 7:30 p.m., and February 11-12, 19 at 2 p.m. Check www.yorkshireplayhouse.com for more information and ticket sales. Mark your calendars with a big red heart for Saturday, February 11 for the annual York Uncorked Fundraiser hosted by Friends of the Library from 5:30-8 p.m., at Kilgore Memorial Library.
What About Bob -- Mother Nature brings all kinds of weather for new year
The transition has been made and 2023 is off and running, starting us out in traditional Nebraska winter weather. Because Mother Nature couldn't quite make up her fickle mind of what to serve up, we got a mixture of rain, sleet, ice and snow. She even treated us to a couple flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder in the middle of the night.
What About Bob -- Twelve Christmas memories
Despite whether you are prepared or not (I'm not!), Christmas will be here in a few short hours. Trees are decorated, stockings are hung on mantles and staircases and brightly-wrapped gifts are nestled under the tree, with the curious cats and dogs, in our case, sniffing everything within reach. Christmas music, both old and new, and sweet aromas of cinnamon and almond from the kitchen fill the entire house. It's hard not to notice what time of year that it is.
What About Bob -- Thanksgiving was interesting way to bring in the holidays
Well, Thanksgiving was an interesting, and fun, time in Omaha at the House of Kirshenbaum. Sister Susan had never had the experience of attending, so we tried our best to prep her for what might take place. We went over relatives and their names, and who belonged to whom, and why Todd's mother would be the last one there, despite living just a few blocks away.
What About Bob -- A special moment, a special coincidence
I attended the 2022 Nebraska Travel Conference in South Sioux City two weeks ago, which provided me the opportunity to not only reconnect with my tourism counterparts from across the state, attend a couple of really, really insightful sessions, but also be a part of the welcoming video before awards were handed out.
What About Bob -- Travel, marketing, soup and holidays
This column will be a bit shorter this week, much to the delight of some folks, as I will be leaving tomorrow morning for the 2023 Nebraska Travel Conference in South Sioux City. I have to be there tomorrow afternoon for a NETA meeting, followed by what I think will be a fun event. Every year Maly Marketing does a taped session with CVB and travel officials to open the conference.
What About Bob -- Great old memories and memories of a good friend
We had a great time renewing old friendships and catching up at our York High School class reunion three weekends back, with about 60 attending including spouses. A few had really changed appearances with either grayer hair or no hair at all, but for the most part everyone was very easily recognizable. For a couple of the ladies, time had stood still. I wish I could say the same for myself.
What About Bob -- Surviving Junk Jaunt
Junk Jaunt 2022 was aptly named once again as there were a few treasures and lots and lots of junk at every stop along the route. Lora Jean, Jean and I took off early Friday morning in search of those exciting treasures starting at Cairo. After stops in at least 11 other communities, and lots of walking, we ended up in Broken Bow for the night. Saturday morning, we were once again on our way to another 12 communities with at least two stops along the way in each. Sunday was a repeat.
Offering advice to new royalty on Yorkfest matters
Congratulations to our new Yorkfest royalty for 2023 -- Queen Susan Cox and King Steve Moseley -- who were crowned last Friday to kick off the weekend of the annual fall celebration. Both were crowned by last year's King and Queen, Lonnie Berger and Marilyn Jackman, following a luncheon at York Country Club. I am very aware that Susan, who for those of you who don't know, is my sister, is not used to this kind of attention, and is definitely not used to having a crown on her head.
What About Bob -- Yorkfest turns 44 and still going strong
Who is 44, still going strong and getting better and better with each passing year? She has survived the heat, downpours of rain, windy, chilly weather, changes in scheduling of Nebraska football games, COVID and even the days following 9/11. She's a tough cookie and pretty darn resilient. She's stayed the same in many ways, but yet has been reinvented at times to freshen her up. You know her and I know her well.
What About Bob -- The weather is hot, as well as the entertainment at the fair
One of the hottest weeks of the year will be this week, and you have to know that it's York County Fair time. . . and I will be helping in one of the non-air-conditioned buildings at the fairgrounds. York County Fair "Fun in the Sun" (there will be plenty of that), kicked off Thursday, August 4 and will run through Sunday, August 7.
What About Bob -- Busy weekend, crazy Bigfoot story and the end of the garden
It was a busy weekend in York with the annual Chamber Golf Tournament last Friday which kicked off Balloon Days events in York. The day started nice enough under a shade tree on hole #5, with a gentle, steady breeze blowing through to keep us cool, but just about the time we cranked up the grill for hot dogs, the breeze died down and the flies were biting like crazy.
Henderson Days, Balloon Days and so much more
Henderson Community Days will be celebrated in Henderson this weekend, July 8-10. The grand parade, kids' games, fun and of course, all of that great Mennonite food will be available all weekend. Don't forget the Henderson Community Days Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 9 at the Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park starting 6:30 a.m. and running until 9:30 a.m. Best pancakes in the county! The annual Chamber Golf Tournament kicks off a full weekend of Balloon Day activities July 15-17.
What About Bob -- Summer events in full swing for 2022
Once again, Father's Day has come and gone with nary a card from my "kids" for the guy who provides a good, nice home, expensive nutritional food and fresh water with ice cubes during the summer months. And, lest I forget, there's all the meds and grooming expenses, trips to the vet, collars and leashes, regular treats, and sometimes the best-ever four-legged treat . . . ice cream! Even the cats are very fond of vanilla.
What About Bob -- 2022 Nebraska Wine Passports available
In addition to the official 2022 Nebraska Passport Program folders, I also have a good supply of the 2022 Nebraska Wine Passports put out by the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association. Listed alphabetically, the wineries and tasting rooms span the length and breadth of Nebraska. It also features a listing of Nebraska whites and Nebraska reds, with full descriptions of flavor profiles and food pairings.
What About Bob -- May marks travel season and people are ready to hit the road
The first of May pretty much marks the official beginning of tourism season because once school ends, it's time to load up the kids, dogs, camping equipment and phones and take off. Despite the record-setting gas prices, people are on the road in force. Being cooped up the past two years with COVID may have meant forgoing a family trip, but not this year.
Brochures to be swapped for the busy summer ahead
May 17-18 brings another annual Brochure Swap to North Platte. I will be loading up the Kia Soul with several thousand brochures to take and swap with tourism entities from all over Nebraska. They come from all over the state, east to west, north to south and all points in between, to share their new 2022 publications and brochures.
What About Bob -- Gardening ensues, Passports start, Bigfoot enthusiasts gather
Potatoes were put in my tubs on Good Friday as the old-timers always recommend, along with a good dash of aged horse manure. Plots were ready for onion planting as well, but so far, there is no water turned on to get them settled in the dirt, and no rain, as of yet, to lend a helping hand. It could be another strange year of gardening with all of the challenges we seem to face: enough moisture, bugs, weeds, fertilizing, animals and, of course, pests . . . primarily the two-legged varieties.
What About Bob -- Nashville duo coming to York and Easter's on its way
Our family is very excited to announce that my great-niece (Susan's granddaughter) Kaylor Cox and her significant other, Alex Smith, both from Nashville, will be playing in concert at the York Country Club on June 25. Some of you may remember Kaylor opening at the York County Fair three summers ago. She is an amazing singer/songwriter.
What About Bob -- It must be close to spring, with so many seeds and events
It must be close to spring planting season as my mailbox is now being stuffed full of actual seeds instead of dozens of seed catalogues. In addition to ordering plants, we have decided to start a few things indoors without the benefit of a greenhouse. Except we are creating a "greenhouse" of sorts inside with plant-starter heat pads and grow lights. April 1st is our targeted start date, which is a bit ironic considering that April 1st is April Fool's Day. Should we be concerned?
What About Bob -- Camping season is just around the corner
Come out and support the York Public Schools Foundation as they host their 2022 "The Luck of the Draw" on Friday, April 1st with a chance to win $5,000, plus $300 in additional cash prizes! Cost is $50 per person/ticket. Doors at the Cornerstone Ag Event Center will open at 6 p.m. and the drawing begins at 6:30 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres catered by Chance's 'R', and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are available at the YPS District Office, 402.362.6655 Opt.4, and North Printing Office & Supply.
What About Bob -- Passport Program about to get underway
Released on Wednesday of this week, the 2022 Nebraska Passports Program stops include McLean Beef, Inc. located on South Lincoln Avenue in York. Congratulations to this outstanding new attraction and business. May all of your visitors stopping for Passport stamps pick up at least a couple pounds of jalapeno ground beef or some magnificent ribeye steaks! The 2022 Nebraska Passports are due to be delivered to my office April 1. As soon as they are delivered, they will be available to the public.
What About Bob -- Home and garden shows and so much more
This Friday and Saturday, February 18-19, the doors open for that great spring event we've all been waiting for, the 2022 York Home and Garden Show. The Holthus Convention Center will play host once again to over 45 vendors offering the latest in new ideas for your home, yard and garden. Even though we have been blessed with a mild winter (knock on wood), folks are ready to get out and see not only other people, but the multitude of possibilities awaiting their spring, summer and fall projects.
What About Bob -- So many events, plenty to do in York
Now that Winkie, the new cat, has made herself completely at home, we have been getting used to her antics with not only the other animals, but just herself. An unattended bottle cap or rubber band provides hours of entertainment pouncing and shooting it across the room like a hockey puck. She seems confused when we cheer loudly if she "scores" by sending the "puck" under the closet door . . .
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