Nebraskans are pulling for Solich

Frank Solich's many friends and admirers were elated Thursday when it was announced the former Nebraska coach would be taking over as coach of the Ohio University Bobcats.

Ohio is a mid-level college football program, but that didn't dim Solich's enthusiasm. He is just happy to be back in coaching after a year on the sidelines.

Solich received an offer to coach Army soon after being fired by Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson, but had received no other firm offers until the Ohio job came up.

Ohio could be the right match for Solich. The program has been down for a number of years, and Solich's intensity might be just the ticket to get the Bobcats back on the winning trail. That would please many Nebraskans, who feel Solich received a raw deal by being fired after a 9-3 season.

State Hunting Issue -- U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson is taking the right position in his fight to let Nebraska have lower fees for home state hunters and fishermen. As Sen. Nelson points out, this is a state's rights issue and Nebraska, and other states, should have the right to set fees for hunting and fishing licenses.

He is joining U.S. Sen. Harry Reid from Nevada to prevent the U.S. from interfering with state hunting and fishing rules. "If Nebraska wants to favor its residents over non-residents, as most states do, it should be up to us and the federal government should have no say," Nelson said.

Right on, Ben. Here's hoping that Senate Bill 2978, which you are co-sponsoring with Sen. Reid, gains congressional approval.

Eighty-five percent Ethanol, 15 percent Gasoline -- Remember the day, Dec. 15, 2004, and the place, Bosselman's Pump & Pantry in Hastings. That's where the first sales of E-85 fuel were made. Time will tell the significance, but the blend of 85-percent corn based ethanol and 15 percent gasoline could revolutionize energy production in the United States.

If the plan works -- and gasoline economies are achieved -- just think what that could mean for America. A renewable resource, corn, could be used to extend the effectiveness of gasoline, thereby reducing the nation's reliance on diminishing oil supplies.

In the process, the value of corn would be enhanced, pumping new economic vigor into America's Golden Plains.