My name is Devyn Bauer. I live in Herman, a little town seven miles east of Butler.

In recent months our community has suffered losses, two of which were personal to me: My Grandma-in-law Wilma Bauer; and our close friend’s son, Colbee Lovich.

With all the negativity happening right now, I just have to say how wonderful our community is. Everyone comes together to help where they can. To bring food, comfort, genuine concern, care and love.

Our community leaders and small businesses donate to our neighbors without having to be asked, they just do.

The way people came together for Wilma, Colbee, and many others has touched my heart in a way that is hard to describe. At Colbee’s viewing and funeral, A sea of camouflage and green filled the church in his honor. Our community came together to give him a procession of machines, semi trucks, tractors and motorcycles — the full size version of all the toys a little boy loves.

There was so much grief that day, but our community surrounded each other in love and support to help everyone through — not just that day, for for always.

In Herman you don’t have neighbors; you have friends and family. We don’t shut our doors to neighbors or turn a blind eye. We’re right up there with you, bringing support in times of happiness, grief or need. There is just something to be said for that type of community.

People ask me all the time why our homes are so costly out here. It’s not because of property value, it’s people value. You’re not just moving into a house, you’re moving into a community with friendship ties that last a lifetime.