American Leader, Thayer County

By Kris Polly

Welcome the debut issue of American Leader, Thayer County edition! This is a new kind of magazine. As our mission statement says, “It is a family magazine that is based on Christian values and American ideals, with a focus on regular Americans who are doing extraordinary things for the benefit of their communities and our nation.” The content of the magazine aims to feel like a combination of your high school yearbook, the county fair, and the many conversations at your family’s Thanksgiving dinner table.

This past May, I had the honor of attending my 40th high school reunion in Wauneta, Nebraska, and being among many of the wonderful people that made up our small class of 19. Your good neighbors, Deb (McGregor) and Mike Schardt were there. Deb and I rode bus number 5 and were classmates K though 12. Our reunion began with 97-year-old Bonnie Crosson Majors (class of ’46) speaking to our group about going to school during World War II and her love of our country. “We must do everything we can for our country,” she said and then sang an impressive acapella rendition of ‘God Bless America.’ When complimented about her gifted singing ability, she humbly said, “Well, I have been singing since I was a child, and “God Bless America” is my favorite song.” It was a small-town America moment. Such people, faith, and values should be celebrated.

Water Strategies LLC is a government relations, publishing, and marketing firm. We have published water-related trade magazines, beginning with Irrigation Leader, since 2010. All our magazines allow our interviewees to review and make changes before publication, and we follow the Golden Rule in that we do not say negative things.

American Leader, Thayer County edition, will be published six times per year. Half of all subscription and local advertisement revenue will be provided to the Deshler FFA; subscribers and advertisers may also opt for their money to go toward a scholarship fund for high school graduates.

Our contributing editor, Amanda (Schultz) Rolls graduated from Deshler High School in 2018. She has done an amazing job for Water Strategies for several years, and this debut issue is a testament to her work ethic and abilities.

In our cover story, we interview Juliana Kroeger, who has done an inspiring job of organizing and growing the Deshler FFA over the last 4 years. Once an FFA student herself, she grew up just down the road in Belleville, Kansas, in a family full of farmers, educators, and faithful leaders. We are so impressed by her dedication and commitment to her students.

After that, we interview Susan Williams of Susan’s Used Bookstore and Puzzles, located in nearby Aurora. Her store has become well known throughout the state as a Nebraska Passport stop and has been featured on News Channel Nebraska and KOLN 10/11 news. She offers customers unique puzzle and gift finds, and every time you enter the store, you get a free book! In 2025 alone, she donated over 40,000 books to local teachers, pastors, prisons, and daycares. Her passion for books and helping people shines through in her welcoming store.

Next, we interview Shannon LeFave, scout master of Boy Scout Troop 305. As a Boy Scout himself, Shannon’s meaningful experiences with positive leadership laid the foundation for his spirit of service. Since 2010, he has mentored countless young men through the ranks, from Cub Scouts to Eagle Scouts, as they follow the Scout Oath and Law. His love of scouting is clear as he explains the values and benefits of the storied organization.

Deanna Powell shares about her Dream Designs Bridal store and the many young ladies whom she has helped find the perfect dress. With a love of sewing that began when she was only 12 years old, Deanna has built a legacy of personalized care in her shop and a large inventory of bridal, prom, mother of the bride/groom, and flower girl dresses. While she is slowing down her business, she has so much to offer at her beautiful shop in downtown Aurora.

Rick Ricart of imagine Tours & Travels talks about the business his father created to help people tour Israel. From its beginnings in 1959 to the present day, his family-run business has helped tens of thousands of people visit the Holy Land.

Our inaugural article for the Our Veterans section is a collection of stories from the late Colonel Jess Baldwin, an interesting Texan with a fittingly Texas-size military career.

Finally, an article about the late Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Robert W. “Bob” Johnson shares the man’s philosophies and explains the Golden Rule inspiration for our magazines.

We hope you enjoy this first issue of American Leader, Thayer County edition. We look forward to working with you and your families as we highlight and celebrate the great work of good people in our upcoming issues.