LINCOLN, Neb. (Oct 12, 2023) – When emergencies threaten and alarms sound, volunteer firefighters and medical teams stand by, ready and willing to protect citizens in more than 450 Nebraska communities. In fact, nine of every 10 firefighters in the state serve as volunteers. But what happens if people stop volunteering for their local fire departments?

(GRAND ISLAND, NE)Producers interested in improving water quality and quantity in their farming operations may apply for irrigation management funding now through November 17, 2023, at their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

Exploring possible careers and learning how to prepare for the future was the Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development program taught to 121 sophomore high school students from McCook & Southwest Public Schools on Sept 27, 2023. On September 26, an additional 103 freshman & sophomore students from Medicine Valley, Maywood, Hayes Center & Wauneta/ Palisade also attended the Connect the Dots program. Members of the Statewide Nebraska Extension Career & College Success Team brought the 4-H youth development program “Connect the Dots” to southwest Nebraska.

The meeting was called to order at 12:05 p.m. Open meeting laws noted in the City Office. Members Present: Tom Shoemaker, Darcy Johnson, Derek Downer, Judy Jackson, Randy Heitmann. Members Absent: Logan Baker, Jarod Albers, Jan tenBensel. Others Present: Mayor David Gunderson, Melissa Jackson, Ashley Gerlach.

The Furnas County Headstart program visited the Holbrook Fire Department to learn about fire safety from Fire Chief Wes Hock and volunteer firefighter Tiffany Hock. Students and their families enjoyed a walking taco meal provided by instructor Cindy Howerter before the presentation. Other members of the fire department joining them were Dale Long and Thomas Ahrens

ARAPAHOE – The Arapahoe School Board held their regular board meeting on October 9, 2023. The board discussed several topics during the meeting that lasted almost two hours before adjourning and meeting in executive session.

The Southern Valley Board of Education approved the hire of Hannah Hofaker to direct band. Superintendent Bryce Jorgenson told the board she graduated from Holdrege and is currently student teaching at Lexington.

BEAVER CITY – During the regular meeting on October 16, the council approved two action items. Upon the recommendation of the fire department board, they approved Gerald Utterback as a recruit.

Gale Callison Allen was born February 25, 1935 to Jack Albert and Dorothy Leona (Lyle) Allen on the family farm south of Cambridge, Nebraska. He attended grade school at three country schools around Cambridge. Gale attended high school in Cambridge, Edison, and Beaver City where he graduated in 1952. He joined the United States Navy in 1955 and was honorably discharged in January of 1959.

Illa Mae (Cochran) Warner was born in Mc-Cook on May 3, 1938, and went home to be with her Lord on Oct. 13, 2023.