The winter sports season is coming to an end and before that happens, we would like to thank and congratulate Tino Martinez and all those who helped him for bringing the Hoops Classic to the Heartland Events Center. It was an excellent opportunity for people in the central Nebraska area to witness some great round ball from teams across and outside the state. Thanks again for bringing quality basketball to an excellent facility like the Heartland Events Center!

Greg Logsdon, Superintendent

and the Administration Staff at Grand Island Central Catholic

Polka music made for a great day

Let me extend my 'thank you' for the nice job you did to cover the Kolache Day at Elba. If you missed it, you missed a great day which included a polka mass, good food, both at the church and school, along with Rodostny Polka Mjuzik all day. It was good to again hear the polka voice coming from Willie Skala. We all still miss the Sunday KMMJ polka show. Help keep polka music alive and if there is a polka dance or band playing, don't miss it.

Dale Matousek, Czech Friends Polka Band

St. Paul

Caucus was learning experience

Caucus What's that?

After Feb. 9, at least 800 Hall County Democrats know. The 39 precincts in our county met to express their support for a presidential candidate. After lively discussions, delegates were chosen committed to Obama or Clinton. (There was one delegate for Edwards and one uncommitted.) Counties reported to the State Democrat Headquarters for the final tally.

Hall County Democrat Officers and Caucus Committee thank precinct leaders and all other volunteers for a successful caucus. Thank you, The Grand Island Independent for several informative precaucus articles and for the excellent coverage of the event. Also, thanks to the radio and television media. Several churches and schools kindly let us use their facilities. Thank you, all was appreciated.

The caucus was a huge learning experience. The county convention will begin at 7 p.m. June 5 at the Skagway Banquet Center. Elected delegates are encouraged to attend. Visitors are welcome.

Donna F. Fredrick, Secretary

Hall County Democrats

2708 W. Anna St.

Farm income, costs are both up

Farm gross income is up. Yes, we have $4.75 corn and $12 beans. Net income for the farmer has hardly changed. For the 2008 crop, modified seed corn is up 12 percent (even more if you are switching from regular seed to modified seed); fertilizer is up 34 percent; crop insurance doubled in 2007; fuel costs, (who knows, if crude oil reaches $100 a barrel again or higher); used machinery is up; new machinery is up; repairs are up; cash rent is up; price of land is up and cost of living is up.

Forty percent of the fertilizer we use in the United States is imported. At this rate, we will not be worried about the price of crude oil but the price of fertilizer. Phosphate is up 52 percent and potash is up 20 percent for 2008.

As land prices go up, I am only hoping the farmer does not end up like the home owners in the housing industry. The bottom line is when your total value is less than the amount you owe the bank, you are out of business.

For more on 2008 costs, check "Successful Farmer" magazine, December 2007, page 38.

In 2007, we had an excellent year with a wet summer and a dry harvest season. What will 2008 bring?

As we read our paper, we believe that farmers have gold mines in their corn fields. The farmers are only handling more money but very little is staying in their pockets. As costs increase, so does the risk.

Darrell Dey

2404 Vandegrift Ave

Post office hours shrinking again

Well, they did it again. Our Postmaster must be needing another raise.

The post office located at Webb Plaza has long been one of the best places to receive mail, but this is about to change.

Starting Feb. 23, you will not be able to get your mail until 10:30 a.m. I have talked to many patrons of this post office and they all agree that this should not be happening. We have been very fortunate in having some of the best postal clerks in this area working at Webb Plaza.

I am sure there is nothing that can be done regarding this, but it will create a serious problem for the many businesses that rely on an early morning mail.

In addition, there is also going to be a price increase for letters. It is too bad that one person can exert this much power.

Larry Clark

2316 W. 13th St.