After so many nice warm days, even the first few in December, these last few days have felt mighty cold. But, the moisture department has stayed the same. Dry! One has to wonder how much longer the wheat can hang on without moisture.

The State Highway Commission will hold its regular meeting December 10, 2021, 8:30 a.m. at the Nebraska Department of Transportation Central Headquarters Auditorium, Room 139A, 1500 Highway 2, in Lincoln. You can also attend virtually by dialing 1-415-655-0003. When prompted, enter meeting number 2590 133 6351 to connect to the call.

Shirley A. Phillips age 89 of Cambridge, passed away at the CHI St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln on December 3, 2021. Services are pending. Friends may leave on-line condolences at lockenourfh. com. Lockenour-Jones Mortuary entrusted with arrangements.

Janet McCarville, age 64, of McCook, passed away at Community Hospital in McCook on Monday, December 6, 2021. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

Janice Irene Magorian, 83, of Pleasant Valley, MO, passed away Friday, December 3, 2021 after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Her husband Bill was with her at the time.

A Memorial Service for Tom Ridenour was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Mark Crist officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Karen Kay Lehmann, age 60, passed away peacefully at her home in Lincoln, Nebraska on December 1, 2021. Karen was born April 6, 1961 in San Diego, California to Ted and Phyllis (Adams) Thomas. She was the middle of three daughters. Karen graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1979. Following graduation, she attended Central Community College in Hastings for Dental Hygiene. On June 6, 1981, Karen married Kevin Lehmann. The couple lived near Eustis, Nebraska where they raised their two children, Nathan and Tristan. Karen lived a very adventurous and fun life. She practiced as a dental hygienist for over 30 years. She enjoyed being Crew Chief for Kevin during their years of Hot Air Ballooning. She would often trick her kids into going to balloon rallies by telling them they were going on vacation. When they moved to Lincoln she got involved in Healing Hearts Therapy Dogs and soon became board member of the organization. Karen recruited and certified many therapy dogs. She started therapy dog visits at the Lincoln Airport and made many friends with the airports TSA employees. Karen also took an interest in saving wolves at Yellowstone. She spotted a white female wolf that she was interested in and donated money to the cause. Karen was preceded in death by her father Ted; sister Tamie; and her mother and father inlaw, June and Sherman Lehmann. She is survived by her husband Kevin of Lincoln; two children, Nathan (Natalie) Lehmann of Ord and Tristan (Matt) Newcomb of Eustis; mother, Phyllis Thomas of Cozad; sister,Lisa (Derrick) Gengenbach of Cozad; grandchildren, Kellan, Drew and Amelia; her nephews; and many other family members and friends. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome. com. In lieu of plants, memorials are suggested to Healing Heart Therapy Dogs, 15855 Bobwhite Trail, Crete, NE 68333. A memorial service was held Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eustis United Methodist Church. It was Karen’s wish to be cremated. A memorial book signing was held Sunday, December 5, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Eustis United Methodist Church, family was present.

As a family physician living on the upper Great Plains, I have many patients of Norwegian and German descent. Thus, I am familiar with some diseases that are prone to affect people of northern European ancestry. One such example is Dupuytren’s contracture.

Big families don’t tend to be the most social of groups, at least not mine. I suppose a good part of it is that every night, you’re just worn out from noise and you don’t want to talk to or hang out with other people.

11/22/2021 Shad Fiene, Leaving the scene of an accident, Plea: Not Guilty, Pretrial: December 13, 2021 @ 10:15 A.M. Susana Campos Arredondo, Driving under suspension, Pretrial: December 13, 2021 @ 9:30 A.M.