Southern Valley FBLA held their installation of officers and new member induction on Thursday, November 21 before the Fall Fine Arts Festival. New officers for 2024-2025 are President, Sam Bantam; Vice President, Colby Noel; Secretary, Adi Hunt; Treasurer, Trey Broeker; Reporter, Shandlyn Green; Historian, Raiden Rickert; Parliamentarian, Tylor Grove.

Kerri Jo Hansen celebrated her 40th birthday on Saturday with a party planned by her parents, John and Tammy Hansen. They started out with a bowling party in Burwell in the afternoon. Her Uncle Tracy and Aunt Sheila Adkisson of Farnam prepared the evening meal for about 80 family and friends which was held at the Legion Club in Burwell. Among family attending were Todd and Tricia Grabenstein of Smithfield, Isaac and Cailey Terrazas of Arnold, Kenneth and Ginger Adkisson, Derek and Jordan Aden, Chelsea, Mackenzie and Berkley of Farnam, Jody Hansen, Ardis Hansen and her Aunt Sherry and husband of North Platte, Bill and Teresa Babcock of Long Pine, Kyle and Johanna Babcock, Millie, Liam and Henry of Bassett, Ashley and Jan Babcock of Burwell. On Saturday night, Kerri Jo and her mother, Tammy, Aunt Teresa and Aunt Tricia flew out of Grand Island to go to Branson, Mo. for a few days of fun.

Small Town Christmas has been scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024 . Open House events at local businesses will be from 1-4 p.m., a bake sale will be held at the Senior Center 3-7 p.m., firetruck rides and Santa will be from 4-6 p.m.

NCTA hosts LDE Public Speaking Contest.

We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Dennis McFarland. Your support has given us much comfort.

I would like to thank everyone who sent cards, gifts, and birthday wishes for my 80th birthday. It made my day special. I would also like to thank my children for throwing the surprise party. It was nice visiting with friends and family.

Deer season in Nebraska opened on Saturday, November 16 to warm weather. The season runs through Sunday, November 24.

The Elwood Area Foundation Give Big event raised $79,772 for 2024. The event culminated with the Give Big day on November 7.

An Arapahoe school bus rolled onto its side on a mudpacked road on the afternoon of Monday, November 18. Gosper County Sheriff Josh Richie reported the bus drifted toward the ditch and rolled onto its side with seven children and one adult.

HOLDREGE - The RPAC One-Act contest was held at The Tassel in Holdrege on Thursday, November 14. The conference was divided into East and West divisions with eight schools in competing in each division.