INDIANOLA - The annual Old Settler’s Celebration was held this past weekend in Indianola, bringing in a large crowd for a parade (led by the 2021 Honor Family of Don and Donna Behnke, pictured above), a ranch rodeo, the annual Bum Malleck Memorial Threshing (pictured right) and many more activities.

WILSONVILLE – Austin Rice is a popular guy—at least among the students who have taken his concealed carry class. The 26-year-old farmer is a Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit certified and National Rifle Association (NRA) basic pistol certified instructor. Since he opened Wildcat Firearms last September, over 30 people have taken his six-to-eight-hour class that includes both classroom instruction at his farm office and onsite shooting at the range he constructed across the road.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) is working closely with the Nebraska Plains Healthcare Coalition (NPHCC) to help area hospitals and clinics coordinate care for people hospitalized with COVID-19. NPHCC is assisting hospitals with medical surge planning in order to spread the patient load across all hospitals. Surge planning is a key preparedness tool for responding to disasters and other events that may exceed the limits of the normal medical infrastructure.

ARAPAHOE – After three years of hard work, planning and fundraising — on top of a global pandemic — Arapahoe’s newly-renovated public library held a ribbon cutting and open house Saturday. “When you think about it, a library is a part of the community fabric, especially in a small town like Arapahoe,” said library director Jennifer Einspahr.

ARAPAHOE – Earlier this year, the Arapahoe Board of Education voted to have a High School Junior and Senior representative serve as nonvoting board members for one semester terms. Students Tracy Roskop (Senior) and Gentry Warner (Junior) began their respective terms during the August 9, 2021, board meeting. As members of the Student Council, they will serve as liaisons between the school board and the student body.

10 years ago Crews from the Scott Martin Construction have been removing the steeple to the Arapahoe Public Library and interior and outside remodeling. City Council allocated $40,000 for capital improvements and $10,000 for interior and friends of the Library hope to raise $30,000 to cover the remainder.

10 years ago Former Virginia tech Dale Wolf offers a handson lesson in pasture management to a group of students from around the country. A total of 19 students and two professors gave a two-hour tour of the Wolf’s farm of 774 acres.

10 years ago Rich Einspahr and Kyle Hemmerling grilled burgers and brats for the annual back-to-school staff get-together on Monday evening. New staff members are: Tina Stauffer Lunchroom and Playground Supervision, Chelsey Neville as Science teacher, Neal Boyd as Bus Driver, and Kassandra Coover as Special Education/Assistant Girls Basketball Construction of the new roof of the Elwood Public School and Gymnasium is progressing by workers of Mid-West Roofing and Sheet Metal.

10 years ago The benefit for the Jimmy Sughroue family last Friday at St. Catherine’s Hall was a great success with large numbers coming to eat pancakes.

100 Years Ago August 11, 1921 Burglars entered the J.H. Nissen and Sons Store and carried away silks valued at $400.00.