This Year's Grand Marshal of the Holbrook Days parade was Larry Cotnoir. Larry is a 1977 graduate of Holbrook High school.

CAMBRIDGE — After nearly 47 years of dedicated service, Tri Valley Health System recently honored Plant Operations Director Mark Harpst as he retired from the organization that has been a significant part of both his family's legacy and his own life's work.

The month of June, annually one of the wettest months of the year, provided some moisture to the region, but drought continued its grip, primarily in Frontier County. For the month, Wilsonville led the area in observed rainfall with 4.85 inches, bringing its year-to-date total to 9.5 inches.

There will be ample opportunities for fireworks throughout the region this Fourth of July weekend with two different fireworks shows on Friday night, July 3rd, and two more on Saturday, July Fourth. On Friday, Indianola Volunteer Fire & Rescue will have the Donny Lepper Memorial beanbag tournament with a fireworks show at dark at the Indianola ballpark and arena.

From our founding pioneers to today, Nebraskans have always been known for our grit, determination, and resilience. Unfortunately, this year those characteristics have been tested like never before as communities across our state faced the worst wildfires in Nebraska’s history.

In 1789, the same year the first United States Congress met in Federal Hall in New York to declare the Constitution in effect, France was undergoing its own revolution. But within just a few years, the newly established French government fell apart, went into what was described as the “Reign of Terror,” and eventually paved the way for the dictatorship of Napoleon.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) will be offering Vaccines for Children at public clinics in July. Anyone two months of age and older are invited to get their vaccinations.

ARAPAHOE — Ag Valley Co-op has begun receiving grain on a newly installed scale at its Wilsonville grain facility, an investment designed to improve efficiency and better serve producers during harvest.

On June 26, 2026, Gosper County Highway Department will open the newly constructed read which will bypass the Johnson Lake Inlet Bridge. Road 749A, an east-west road, connects to Johnson Lake Drive with Road 425.

Harvest is finally underway but without the usual anticipation and excitement. In most of The Valley area, there just wasn’t enough moisture last winter and spring to make a decent crop. Prayers for moisture this summer for good yields this fall and for pasture this summer for the cows. And more prayers for a safe harvest for all! Our great Country is celebrating its 250th birthday on July 4th! There is lots of noise about all the things that are wrong with this country and some have even moved to other countries, but there’s no place in the world that I would rather be. I choose to be proud of our country and will celebrate this milestone birthday. The Indianola Fire Department will again hold their traditional fireworks display on July 3rd. The sparks will start flying when the sky turns dark. Donations will be accepted so please be generous. Speaking of fireworks, it is still a dry countryside, so be very careful as you set off your fireworks. The State American Legion and Auxiliary convention was held last weekend in Columbus. Those attending from the Lebanon Post and Unit were Mike Helm, Shari Haag and Myrna Haag. Shari was installed as District 9 President. Congratulation Shari! Graveside memorial services are set for Karen Brown on Wednesday, July 1st, at 10:00 in the Lebanon Cemetery. Karen, 87, died June 21st at Hillcrest in McCook. Her survivors include her sons, Terry (Marylin) Sailors of Lincoln and Scott (Stephanie) Leach of Stapleton. Her sons, Gary, Larry, Jim and Mike preceded her in death. Karen was a dedicated American Legion Auxiliary member and would have been so very proud to see a member of the Lebanon Unit installed as District President.