Southwest High School hosted their 3rd annual college and career fair on Wednesday, October 20th. Several businesses from the Southwest Nebraska area were able to participate. Business professionals conducted mock interviews with the seniors from Southwest High School and they hosted 20 college representatives as well. Several area schools were able to bring students to participate. Students heard about careers and employment opportunities in our area. Participating businesses and individuals were River View Vet Service, Pinpoint Communications, Inc., United States Army, AKRS Equipment Solutions, AFLAC, YMCA of McCook, Tri Valley Health System, Hometown Family Radio, Tyler Esch, Valmont, Artistic Cabinetry, Nebraska Army National Guard, The Maschhoffs, Nebraska Corn Processing, Mary Dueland, Colfer, Wood, Lyons, & Wood Law Office, Walmart, Ambience Counseling, United States Marine Corps and Nebraska State Patrol.

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Students and instructors from 39 high schools met at the Bertrand Community Building to compete in State Land Judging Oct. 20. The Tri-Basin Natural Resources District (NRD) partnered with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to host the annual competition.

Cindy Ray Schutz, age 69, of Elwood, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 in Fremont, Nebraska at Methodist Fremont Health. The oldest of three children, Cindy was born August 22nd, 1952 to Harold (Chuck) and Bilva (Schultz) Hueftle of Eustis, NE. Cindy grew up in and graduated from Eustis. After graduation, she attended college at Nebraska Wesleyan until marrying Scot Schutz of Elwood on November 27th, 1971. After marrying, the couple settled down on a farm south of Elwood. They were blessed with three children. They lived on the farm until 1994 when they built the house they still call home south of Elwood. Cindy became a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church after marriage and remained active in the church throughout her life.

A Memorial Service for DeAnne L. Bose will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Oxford, Nebraska with Pastor Wes Holen officiating. A private family interment will be held prior to the service at the Carter Cemetery at rural Harlan County, Nebraska.

RoJean Betheen Lamprecht, age 77, of Weeping Water, NE passed away October, 19, 2021, at her home. She was born December 9, 1943 in Milford, NE, to Arthur and Lillie (Haussler) Liesing.

Tammie Middagh, age 63, of Arapahoe, Nebraska went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 21, 2021. She bravely battled ovarian cancer and COPD for several years before finally overcoming the battle and peacefully going home as she was surrounded by family at home.

A Funeral Service for Christopher L. Malone was held on Monday, October 25, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Harlan County Ag. Center in Orleans, Nebraska with Pastors Mike Hulinsky and Mark Gervais. Interment followed at the Orleans Cemetery in Orleans, Nebraska.

A Memorial Service for Edwin R. “Ed” Sisson will be held at a later date.

Robert Gerold McBride, age 96, of McCook, NE passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at his home at Highland Park in McCook. Robert was born November 9, 1924 in Indianola, NE to parents Dale Sheldon and Mary Theresa (Colling) McBride.

Nebraska has come through the pandemic stronger than any other state. We have the third-lowest mortality rate from COVID-19 among states. We have the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 2.0%, which is tied for the lowest rate any state has ever achieved! Our state’s GDP grew 11.8% in the fourth quarter of 2020, which was the biggest increase in America by far. We were the sixth-best state for getting kids back in the classroom, which has given our children a number of learning and social advantages.