Life expectancy is a measure commonly considered when it comes to the overall health of a population. In this day and age, when most of us think about which medical interventions are most important to increase life expectancy, we probably think about things like treatment of cancer, interventions to treat heart attacks, or surgeries for life threatening illnesses.

Shelly Ervin, age 59, of Arapahoe, Nebraska, a loving wife and mother passed away on Wednesday, March 16 , 2022, at home surrounded by family. She was born on April 20 , 1962, in Cambridge, Nebraska to Myron and Joyce (Stagemeyer) Hilker.

Judith A Magnus, age 81, of Valentine, Nebraska, formerly of Arapahoe, Nebraska died on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Great Plains Health Center in North Platte, Nebraska. She was born February 17, 1941 in Adams County Nebraska. She was adopted in July of 1941 by Walter and Mildred (Maple) Schroeder.

A Funeral Service for Ethel (Breitling Baumbach) Ball will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Nebraska, with Pastor Kenton Birtell officiating. Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery at Bertrand.

BEAVER CITY – The city council held their regular meeting on March 22, 2022, and approved the minutes of the last meeting and claims as presented. Lorissa Kermmoade presented the city council with a copy of her lease for a property that she rents from Pat Miller.

March 21, 2022 (McCook, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work is scheduled to begin March 21 on N 17, south of Culbertson, from reference post 6.85 to reference post 17.85, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

The Red Willow County Republican Party will hold its 2022 County Convention on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Bedore Barn/Marlene’s Kitchen (38404 Road 719, McCook, NE). Coffee/fellowship begins at 6:30 pm followed by the business meeting at 7:00 pm. We are excited to announce that Kathy Wilmot, proven conservative candidate for District 7 Board of Regents, will be the guest speaker. Kathy served 8 years on the State School Board several years ago and was an advocate for strong academic standards and worked to defeat comprehension sex standards during her tenure. Kathy is now advocating for strong academic standards, not indoctrination, of our college age students. She will stand against CRT and other liberal policies in our Nebraska University system. The Convention agenda includes election of officers for the county GOP and election of delegates to the State GOP Convention to be held in Kearny, NE, on July 8th and 9th. All Red Willow County Republicans and visitors are welcome.

The Indianola City Council held their regular meeting Monday evening, March 21st at 5:30 p.m. Following the approval of past minutes and bills to be paid, the board approved hiring Swimming Pool manager, Tara Fries, with assistant managers Michael Brodd and Alyssa Springer.

The weatherman was promising some moisture for the area and Mother Nature let us down again. The Monday night shower did wet the ground, but we need more than that.

The weekly weather report is courtesy of National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Observer Troy Fletcher. Readings are taken at 7:00 a.m..