This past week, the Bovee wildfire at Nebraska National Forest near Halsey, Nebraska led to the death of Purdum volunteer fire department assistant chief Mike Moody. It also prompted the evacuation of the entire town of Halsey. The fire was close to being controlled by last Monday after tireless work from some of Nebraska’s finest first responders who saved several farmsteads in the fire’s path. As of last Thursday morning, reports estimate the fire was 94% contained after burning nearly 20,000 acres of land. The Eppley Lodge, the historic Scott Lookout Tower, and all of the cabins at the state 4-H camp fell victim to this tragedy. This was the first 4-H campsite in Nebraska, dedicated in 1962, and recorded approximately 2,500 visiting youths annually, and more than 30,000 different youths over the years. I personally had the pleasure of attending the Halsey 4-H camp twice in the 1960s. The first time as a young 4-Her, I was super impressed by all of the tall pine trees and beautiful natural wooden cabins, and the huge Eppley Lodge. Being from the irrigated flatlands of Nebraska, I didn’t realize a campground with so many pine trees could even exist in Nebraska, or that it is the largest hand-planted forest in the Western Hemisphere. I was also impressed by the Scott Lookout Tower, from which one could look over the hills of pine trees and watch for smoke. The next time I attended was for a 4-H leadership camp in my teenage years. Believe it or not, a fire had burned through the camp the year before, leaving only cement foundation pads where many of the cabins once stood. Huge tents were erected on the pads but fortunately, the Eppley Lodge was still there in all its glory.

09/17/2022 12:59 PM Cambridge, NE 69022 Deputy investigated a report from a Cambridge resident that their cat had been shot and died. It was confirmed that the animal had been killed by a pellet gun. Neighbors were interviewed but no one had witnessed the event.

Nebraskans are hard-working, resilient, and innovative. One of the many reasons I love traveling the state is that I get to see that spirit on full display in communities across Nebraska.

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BARTLEY - The Southwest Board of Education met Monday to approve the hire of a new school superintendent as well as to discuss and approve a wage hike for classifi ed employees. After accepting the resignation of Superintendent Todd Porter as of June 30, 2023 - a formality as Porter had announced his intent to retire - the Board approved the contract and hire of Drew Billeter from Loomis as the school’s next superintendent.

Nebraska Pride Sweet Adelines International once again presents the annual show, “Music, the Spice of Life”. Under the direction of Connie Witt from Kearney, the chorus will bring the best of barbershop style a cappella harmony to the stage. Nebraska Pride Chorus represents central Nebraska with members all the way from McCook and North Platte in the west to Hastings in the east and eight communities in between. The chorus meets weekly in Lexington and perform throughout the year for different organizations and churches. The mission of Sweet Adelines is to promote harmonious singing through education and performance.

ELWOOD - During the regular meeting on October 10, 2022, the Elwood School Board approved an Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) for this year. To qualify, teachers have to be 55 years or older and have taught in the district for at least ten years. The incentive program provides $10,000 annually for three years. According to Supt. Daren Hatch, three teachers qualify at this time for the optional early retirement program.

ALMA - From the opening series of the contest, the Cambridge football team struggled to gain any momentum Friday. The Trojans opened with a three-and-out, Alma drove the field and scored and the Cardinals enjoyed the lead for almost the remainder of the contest.

ARAPAHOE - For almost a half, the Hi-Line football team had its hands full with the Arapahoe Warriors Friday night. Then on a third-and-short late in the second quarter, the Bulls scored on a quirky play that grabbed all the momentum and sent Hi-Line running away for a 60-28 victory.