UNADILLA – U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts made his first parade as a U.S. Senator at Nebraska’s Groundhog Capital Saturday for Unadilla’s Groundhog Day celebration.

Ricketts regularly attended the parade as governor and gave the thumbs up during the parade when the public announcer said the parade is still his favorite. His wife, Susanne Shore, also attended.

 

 

Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Ricketts to the senate seat early in January.

 

New royalty was announced as  King Turner Moore and Queen Shelby Wallen.

 

 

 

 

Turner is third generation royalty following grandfather Jim Eisenhauer and mother Jan Eisenhauer.

Unadilla Billie, who replaced the retiring Unadilla Bill two years ago, predicted six more weeks of winter. Bob Brandt, head of the Central Groundhog Committee, called it a “firm shadow” leaving no doubt about the prediction.