The government closest to the people serves the people best. But too many in Washington stay in Washington, and don’t get back to what I know is “real America.” These people tend to make decisions and policy by listening only to each other.

There is an old joke where a man walks into his doctor’s office and says, “Doc, it hurts every time I do this. What should I do? To which the doctor replies, “Simple, don’t do that!” While the advice seems trite and maybe even insulting, like most jokes, there is some truth in it. Pain is one of the ways your body tries to protect you from even worse injury.

Robert Lyle (Bob) Hein of McCook, Nebraska was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado, on November 10, 1939 to Harry and Frieda Hein. He went to his heavenly home on April 4, 2024.

Wade Grilli, age 53, of Beaver City, Nebraska, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Tri Valley Health System in Cambridge, Ne on March 20, 2024. He was born on June 5, 1970 in Boulder, CO to Bill Barbara (Harris) Grilli.

Jo Murner, age 93 of Indianola, passed away at the Community Hospital of McCook on April 2, 2024. She was bon in Mott, North Dakota on September 14, 1930, to Gale and Cora (Oliene) Rounds. She and the family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota where Jo graduated from Rapid City High School.

Thank you to everyone who made my 80th birthday so much fun. Truly enjoyable, regardless of my age! Thanks to all who sent cards and visited and who gave gifts and called. All were much appreciated. Thank you again.

Beginning today, county election offices are sending out early voting ballots for the May 14, 2024, statewide primary to voters who completed early voting applications and fulfilled the new voter ID requirement.

The Southwest High School Board of Education met for their monthly meeting on April 8th, 2024. The meeting was called to order at 7:31 p.m.

In an effort to clean up the community, Elwood Village Board has approved moving forward with the Nuisance Program. Nuisance Officer, West Central Nebraska Development District, Inc.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #290 in Elwood, NE chose Poppy Poster winners for the 6th grade at Elwood School. From left to right: Benjamin Morton 3rd, Kollan Pohl 2nd and Traeston Hagan 1st.