Honoring Nell Dikeman

At the first city commission meeting in December, the commissioners honored the Tribune's Nell Dikeman for her service to this community. After the mayor presented her with a key to the city and a certificate, the audience and the commission rose as one to honor this special lady who has given new meaning to the words service and dependability. She shared one of her favorite mottos, "The greatest ability is dependability."

My first contact with Nell came many years ago when she wrote a column titled, "The Kitchen Cabinet" where she wrote a forerunner to the "Hints from Heloise" type of information.

I called her over 40 years ago and asked, "How do I get candle wax out of a pair of slacks?" She told me to take a warm iron and place a grocery sack on top of the slacks and the wax and gradually heat the area. Sure enough it worked.

That was the beginning of a friendship and appreciation of what she brings to this community. Probably the quality that stands out is her dependability and appreciation of people. In spite of what's happened in her life, she has a real interest and graciousness that comes across in every contact you have with her.

There used to be a TV show called "Queen for a Day." I believe as a community we have been blessed with a special "Queen" for the last 50 years.