Shelbi Hopkins of Grand Island: Driving Under Suspension; Speeding 21-35 MPH; Plea: No Contest; Found: Guilty; Sentence: Pay $300.00 in fines and court costs. Amberlee Wilmot of Arapahoe: Issuing a Bad Check; Defendant Failed to Appear; Continued to May 3, 2021 @ 9:30 A.M.

This has been an exhausting year for moms. Last spring, we had no idea we would still be dealing with this pandemic a year later. It presented difficult decisions, such as in-person school or remote learning, how to work from home while caring for children, or how to pay the bills without work, when to let children visit their grandparents, what to do for birthdays and holidays. Regardless of the decision made, it seemed someone somewhere was judging our choice. But I want you to know, I see you every day doing the best you can.

Last week was deemed ‘Revenue’ week here at the capitol. More long days and nights of passionate and sometimes angry debates ensued as we tackled taxation issues among other things. With an unclear picture at the beginning of last week as to the state’s financial wiggle room, it was important to carefully weigh any bills with significant financial price tags.

The Southern Valley Journalism team returned from state competition with a Class C NSAA State Journalism runner-up trophy for the second year in a row. They competed for the on site portion of the championship on Monday, April 26 . Southern Valley qualified 19 students for the state championship and brought home 58 NSAA medals, the most ever for Southern Valley in a single year under the direction of journalism advisor Mrs. Meredith McQuay. She has now been the advisor for 16 years.

Julia Holdcroft is one of two national recipients of the 2021 Kristen Caperton Inspiration Award through Academic Decathlon. This award is presented to Academic Decathlon student decathletes who demonstrate a high degree of dedication, strength of character, team leadership, perseverance and commitment while overcoming significant obstacles or unusual circumstances to participate in the United States Academic Decathlon.

The Arapahoe Public Library has been selected to receive a $20,000 grant from the Kreutz Bennet Donor-Advised Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, to complete their extensive renovation project. It is among fourteen Nebraska public libraries in communities with populations under 3,000 selected to receive funding.