Page 8 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 their day is going and will listen to them share their worries. In the back room of the library, Gass sometimes sets up crafts. She keeps a variety of games there for kids to come in and play. There are also special events during the holiday seasons and a summer program Gass hosts on Thursdays during June and July. Lisa Rohlfs said some of the summer programs Gass has had are [about] Legos, camping, trains and animals. There have also been programs focusing on American Girl dolls. This summer’s programs include the topics rocks, Jacque Cousteau, Legos and Scooby Doo. Emden resident Joyce Klokkenga appreciates what Gass does at the library. Klokkenga said, “it is always a delight to go to the Whistle Stop Library and be greeted with a smile and a conversation by Ladonna Gass. Ladonna knows each patron’s favorite author and will find those books for me.” Klokkenga also said, “Ladonna has a heart for children and will do something special for each holiday. In the summer, she has an informative library time for children each week [where she] passes out treats and small gifts for the kids. Ladonna gives back to Emden with her enthusiasm.” The Biven’s family really appreciates the work Gass does. Chris Bivens said, “Ladonna has been a blessing to my family and our community. Her warm inviting personality draws the youth of Emden to the Whistle Stop Library every year. Ladonna has put in so much time and effort to bless our community with programs and events that are both fun and educational for the children.” Bivens said, “I have enjoyed many conversations with Ladonna as well during these events.” Gary Dodson said Gass helped him with the library at the Oasis Senior Center. Many of the books they had were romance novels and Gass donated several books on various topics. In turn, he helped her find out more information about her ancestors from Emden, Germany, a sister city to Emden. Another thing Gass is involved with is the Emden Historical Society. Gass said she and her husband started working with the Historical Society when Bob Cross started offering cemetery walks in both Emden and Hartsburg. Earl Gass videotaped these walks as community members described the lives of long deceased members of the two communities. Continue --
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzExODA=