Author Archives: Joe Burns

Washington County Strong

Floodwaters inundated the Arlington fair grounds in March, but thanks to the determination of the The Washington County Fair Board and hours and hours of hard work by more than 100 volunteers, the Washington County Fair was held as scheduled July 26-31. I enjoy everything about the fair, but the most memorable event for meContinue reading “Washington County Strong”

Last of a series: Homeward bound

During the last few days of my month-long adventure through the North-west I drove along U.S. Highway 2 which parallels the Canadian Border. My plan was to end my trip as I began by visiting historical forts, battlefields, and other points of interest. After a night off the road at a motel in Haver, MontanaContinue reading “Last of a series: Homeward bound”

Spring time in Glacier National Park

For the past two years I have planned to visit Glacier National Park and each time a severe forest fire dashed those plans. This year I decided to incorporate the trip in my journey to follow the Lewis and Clark Trail. While Lewis and Clark never passed through what is now Glacier National Park, streamsContinue reading “Spring time in Glacier National Park”

Wandering along the Washington coast

Following the Lewis and Clark Trail to the Columbia river and the Pacific Ocean was only one part of my vision in traveling to the Northwest.  The other part was to view some of the sights that my wife and I had visited almost 36 years ago when we were first married. On leaving OregonContinue reading “Wandering along the Washington coast”

Ocean in view!

“Ocian in view!  O! the joy,”  were the words ( and spelling) that Clark penned in his journal on November 7, 1805. He was a bit premature – what he had seen was the Columbia River estuary – not the ocean. Never-the-less he was near the end of his trek to reach the Pacific Ocean. IContinue reading “Ocean in view!”

Northwest Adventure: Following the Lewis and Clark Trail

On May 28, 2019 – The Day after Memorial Day – I departed from my home in Blair, Nebraska on a month- long adventure through the Northwest United States.  My goal was to  visit significant historical landmarks along the Lewis and Clark Trail and  spend time in Olympic and Glacier National Parks. My first stopContinue reading “Northwest Adventure: Following the Lewis and Clark Trail”

Blair High School Class of 2019

Family and friends filled the Blair High School gymnasium Sunday, May 19 to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the Blair High School Class of 2019. Blair Community Schools Superintendant Randall Gilson commended the class members for their many accomplishments in academics, athletics fine arts and extra -curricular activities.  He then told the graduates thatContinue reading “Blair High School Class of 2019”

Washington County athletes compete in State Track and Field Championships

Blair, Fort Calhoun and Arlington track teams qualified 27 athletes for State Track and Field Championship competition at Omaha Burke Stadium on Friday and Saturday, May  17 and 18.  Fort Calhoun runners Zack Marshall and Taya Skelton earned state track gold.  Arlington freshman Kailynn Gubbels and junior Milee Young each took home two state medals.

Fort Atkinson Living History Days

On the first weekend of each month from May until October, visitors to Fort Atkinson Historical Park near Fort Calhoun can experience how life might have been lived at the first U.S. military post west of the Missouri River. The fort was established in 1820 and was active until 1827.