ALMA - Houston Billeter scored 12 of his game-high 29 in the fourth quarter and led sixth-seeded Southwest to a consolation win over fifthseeded Hi-Line to close out the RPAC Tournament Friday in Alma. Southwest improved to 7-10 while the Bulls fell to 8-11 this season.

Katherine Jo (Stewart) Tellus of Cambridge, Nebraska, passed away from complications due to Alzheimer’s on Friday, January 31st, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Bloomfi eld, Nebraska. She was seventy-six years old.

William Charles “Bill” Strackbein, age 55, of Overton, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the Grand Island Regional Medical Center, Grand Island, Nebraska surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on May 16th, 1969, in Kansas and then was adopted by Gerald C and Ruth (Urban) Strackbein. He is the Oldest of 3 children.

Helen Joan (Ruppert) Magee, age 92, of McCook, died on January 31, 2025. When God whispered her name and called her to join his heavenly choir for all eternity, Helen was ready and gladly went.

This “sweet”lady is going to be 95 on Valentine’s Day!!! Send her a card to tell her how amazing she is: DONNA SHAFER 402 Pine Street Arapahoe, NE. 68922.

I was so very blessed by the Open House for my 90th birthday that my dear family hosted for me on January 18. It was so special to see friend, family members, and acquaitnences at my Open House. I would like to thank everyone for the visits, flowers, cards, and gifts. May God Bless each one of you.

January 31, 2025 For the first time this century, Nebraska’s property taxpayers opened their statements in December and saw a reduction. The state’s economy continues to grow at a near record pace and our population has surpassed two million. We’re proud of our accomplishments, and 2024 will go down in history as a success. Now, with a new legislature in place, it’s time to turn our attention to the future and continue efforts to protect our kids, address the property tax crisis, grow our agriculture and defend our commonsense values.

In 2022, the Justice Department charged two people for allegedly attempting to obstruct a government investigation into Huawei, a Chinese-owned company. Both defendants, thought to be Chinese intelligence officers, orchestrated a plot to steal sensitive case material from the U.S.

Nebraska 4-H celebrates February as 4-H Month to unite youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni to honor past, present, and future outcomes developed through 4-H. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth-serving organization, rooting values in creating positive youth experiences by learning by doing. In the United States, 4-H brings together six million youth and over 500,000 volunteers.

The most recent survey of teen mental health by the Centers for Disease Control in 2023 revealed that 20.3% of adolescents in the United States have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. This reflects a 35% increase since 2016. The survey also found that 40% of teens reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered suicide, and, tragically, 9% attempted suicide.