Sheriff announces hope’s return to community

Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber delivered a message of hope and inspiration to kick off the 139th annual Shawano County Fair on Wednesday.

Bieber used the fair’s opening ceremony as an opportunity to point out that there is good, in spite of “political leaders and the media trying to divide us,” and in a short speech to more than 100 people, shifted between faith and patriotism as he encouraged the crowd to remain “steadfast” in their beliefs and in what’s right.

“Many in our community, our state and our nation have lost hope,” Bieber said. “They’ve lost hope in our political leaders, our media, our justice system and in humanity, and some have just lost hope in life and in purpose. I’m hear to announce there is hope.”

He said the divisiveness comes in the form of labeling people as essential, non-essential, left and right.

“We need to drop the labels and become Americans,” Bieber said.

What really matters, the sheriff said, is what happens in people’s homes and their minds. He touted the importance of parents passing their values to their children and said it was important to respect equality, freedom, innovation and family, among other things.

“These values have helped to develop the most diverse nation, the most generous nation, the most welcoming nation,” Bieber said. “If history has taught us anything, we can overcome any obstacle. History has taught us that, if we turn our back on God, responsibility, hard work, freedom, hard work and civility, we will lose our way.”

Bieber went on to say that the people who stand up for their patriotic beliefs can make a difference in the community.

“We can be heroes in our own lives when all seems lost, a few brave souls — us — can preserve everything that we cherish,” Bieber said. “I challenge you and ask that you join with me. Don’t lose hope. Let’s continue to fight for a better tomorrow for equality, for strong families, for our Bill of Rights, for our core beliefs.”

The sheriff concluded by encouraging people to put God “back in our homes and in our lives.” He also encouraged turning off the media, claiming that ratings are all they care about, along with reaching out to neighbors with love and kindness and going to church every Sunday.

Dale Hodkiewicz, president of the Shawano County Agricultural Society, noted during the opening ceremony that hope shined through as the county was one of the few in Wisconsin to decide to have a fair in light of the pandemic.

“In July, we didn’t even know if it was going to take place,” Hodkiewicz said, “but we put together a program as best we can and said, ‘We’re moving forward. We’re going to have a fair.’”

Bieber praised the fair staff during his remarks for making the event happen and not letting it be “just another cancelled event.”

“Your efforts give us hope,” Bieber said.

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com