JD Wasserburger was the Master of Ceremonies, and despite a recent injury- guided the evening with recollections of the honorees. His ability to weave stories full of history entertained and brought the crowd together.

Having spent time all over the world, Colonel Steve Baribeau talked about roots in Lusk. Classmates Jim Meng and Doyle Davies brought Steve to the podium.

“Once it kind of sunk in what was going on, I realized it wasn’t neces- sarily about me, but more to talk about the community, coaches, the school, the friends I went to school with,” noted Baribeau. “What an im- pressive evening, and got to listen to some very unique stories, so I’m hon- ored to be considered a part of it.”

Randy Corley recalled his time in Niobrara County and how it shaped his life. This honor stands alone to all the others he’s received and proudly accepted his induction from longtime friend Jim Kruse.

“This evening has probably touched my heart more than any- thing I’ve been a part of,” mentioned Corley. “Listening to all these stories and the different experiences...how can you not be proud to be from Niobrara County?”

Rich Murray and Kaare Sigvar- tsen spoke of Mark Lohr- a man of immense talents (and another member of the class of 1966). His giving spirit and compassion for all left a legacy that will live on.

“Whew, a very emotional evening I would say for sure,” said Sigvartsen. “I think if he were here he would be so proud of this honor- he cared so much more for the community, the schools and the kids, than he did himself. He was definitely a pillar of the community and very deserving of this.”

As Doug Lytle took the mic to in- troduce Ron Nelson, a wave of emo- tions took over the room. Nelson graciously recalled a lifetime of memories in a place he didn’t grow up in, but has become home for over 50 years.

“What a wonderful deal to be inducted with these other great in- dividuals, and the whole evening was just fantastic,” said Nelson. “Back when we moved here I never dreamed anything like this would happen, but I am truly honored to beapartofthis.Itmeansalotto me.”

Denny Meier (another class of 1966 guy) took a liking to William A. “Al” Taylor after an “incident as a teenager”, and gave a wonderful tribute to a man very deserving of

this honor in the Hall of Fame. Tay- lor’s daughter Kari Gray concluded the evening with a recollection of past alumni that proudly called Niobrara County home.

“Dad loved Lusk, he loved the peo- ple of Lusk, and we share that love too,” said Gray. “I know this would mean so much to him and we are so proud and honored on his behalf. I was very moved by the character and really fine people that Niobrara County produces.”

Sponsors for this year’s event were Allbright’s True Value, Bloomers, Jason and Jenne Miller and the Best Western Motel.

The young FBLA crew did an ex- cellent job assisting Hickory Creek Catering with the meal and cleanup.

Phoebe Allbright created the program for the event, and the full bios of this year’s class will run in up- coming issues of The Lusk Herald.