[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 113 (Friday, July 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE CITIES OF COLUMBUS AND NORFOLK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ADRIAN SMITH

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 24, 2009

  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
two cities in my district for being named to the list of 100 best small 
towns to live in in America by Money Magazine.
  Columbus was recognized for its low jobless rate with its industry 
and manufacturing infrastructure providing employment for more than 
5,700. Columbus is home to major agricultural equipment companies and 
the Nebraska Public Power District. Glur's Tavern, the oldest bar west 
of the Missouri River reminds residents of the days when Buffalo Bill 
Cody frequented the area.
  Money Magazine took note of Norfolk's public school system. The 13 
schools in the K12 district are relatively diverse, teacher-student 
ratios are often under 1:20, and the ``Challenge'' program offers 
differentiated instruction for academically talented children. It was 
also pointed out that Norfolk is a major retail trade center for 
northeast Nebraska, and the manufacturing industry in the city employs 
more than 4,000 people.
  These designation weren't accidents. Columbus and Norfolk are strong 
communities of people who care for each other, who help out during hard 
times, and who live up to the benchmarks set by our forefathers.
  So, congratulations to Columbus and Norfolk for representing Nebraska 
and making us proud.

                          ____________________