St. John Lutheran Church, Ashcreek, south of McCook is pleased to announce the installation of their new Pastor, Reverend James Helms Jr. He is pictured here with his wife Jessica and their three children. Their Sunday schedule is Bible class at 9:30 a.m. and Divine Service at 10:30 a.m.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has seen a large increase in reports of Influenza A and COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks. Respiratory illnesses like these affect your lungs and airways and share common symptoms like fever and cough. As cold weather continues and people spend less time outdoors, respiratory illnesses spread more easily.

Tuesday, the Elwood preschool celebrated 100 days of school by dressing up as adorable little old people — 100 days smarter and 100 times cuter! .

For Children’s Dental Health Month this February, Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) encourages parents to teach good dental habits and get regular dental care for their children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit their dentist no later than their first birthday and every six months after that. When children learn how to care for their teeth early in life, their families save on costs and prevent future problems.

The Cub Scout Pack 236 held their annual Pinewood Derby at the Ella Missing Community Center in Arapahoe on Saturday night. (Above) Scouts include Madison Leising, Jack Snyder, Ryker Stark, Kaylee Leising, Jentzen Soncksen, Owen Houser and Henrey Barnes. (Left) First place was Kaylee leising, second place went to Owen Houser and third place went to Jentzen Soncksen.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) is reporting a third case of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in a 7-month period within the nine-county health district. This case was identifi ed in chickens in a backyard flock. According to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), bird flu is a disease caused by certain influenza viruses that are commonly spread between birds, not people.

On January 28th, Casie Helms, Arapahoe-Holbrook Public School Backpack Program Director, accepts a $1,984 donation, from Paige Hyke, Laura Frink, Jared Shafer, Justin Stagemeyer, and Mark Stagemeyer (not pictured) of MNB Insurance Services, Inc., to go towards the school’s Backpack Program. Children signed up for the Backpack Program are provided with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food and snacks when other resources may not be available, such as weekends and school vacations. This is the 9th year MNB Insurance and their employees of Arapahoe have given to the Backpack program for a grand total exceeding over $11,000 through the years.”

On Thursday night, at approximately 10:44 p.m., the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls generated by an automated crash alert system reporting a possible motor vehicle accident in the area of Road 425 near Drive 724.

After taking time away from real estate for the past three years, LeahAnn Brell of Brell Realty & Auction is back in business. Brell initially stepped away from real estate to help manage the family farm and ranch.

With the filing deadline for incumbent candidates for May’s Primary Election less than two weeks away, almost all county officials in the coverage area have filed for re-election. In local legislative races, four new candidates have filed for Legislative District 38.