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The annual Can Care-A-Van was in Sutton Monday; the annual event helps raise food to stock local food pantries with nonperishable items. This year, the group surpassed their goal of 6,000 lbs, with 7,906 lbs being donated. Additionally, each year volunteers of The Bread Box— Sutton’s food pantry—honor someone for their committment and dedication to help, whether that be at Can Care-A-Van or with the pantry. This year, Mary Wolzen, pictured at the left, was honored. Standing with Wolzen is The Bread Box President Sallie Barbee; the two are being interviewed by 10/11.

The first session of the 108th Nebraska Legislature has come to a close, adjourning sine die on June 1.

Measures not addressed this year have another chance as carryover bills in the second session, beginning in January 2024.

Notable action from May 29-June 1 on bills impacting Clay County:

GENERAL BILLS— ACTIONTAKEN

LB138, which repeals the state’s helmet law for motorcycle riders ages 21 and older, passed its Final Reading—a measure’s final vote by the full Legislature, after two previous stages of floor debate: General File and Select File—at a vote of 41-0-8 and has been signed into law by Gov. Jim Pillen.

LB505, which would develop commercial charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, advanced from the Revenue Committee to General File.

KEARNEY – As the weather warms, more Nebraskans head outdoors to enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking and camping.

But they’re not alone. There’s another creature that’s most active during the spring and summer months.

Nebraska is home to a growing number of tick species. When these arachnids cross paths with humans, the consequences can be dire.

“Tickborne disease is on the rise in the United States. In fact, we have more tickborne vectored disease than mosquito-borne vectored disease. We tend to think about mosquitoes, but ticks are actually the bigger problem,” Julie Shaffer, a biology professor and department co-chair at the University of Nebraska at Kearney said.

In conjunction with Harvard Public School celebrating 150 years, the City of Harvard is also celebrating the sesquicentennial.

The start of celebrations began during the alumni weekend with a band and BBQ Friday, May 26, and then with history tours and the alumni banquet Saturday.

The tours, directed by Scott Stemper, took attendees around Harvard on a school bus; Stemper served as the historian on board.

The first part of the tour consisted of stopping near what is known as the courts, and then traveling a couple miles north of town to the air base field.

Back in the 1940s, when the airbase was the Army Air Force Base, the courts served as barracks and housing for military and their families.

In 1942-43, there were 6,000 military personnel stationed at the air base, not including their spouses/kids.

At the air base, and with permission, Stemper and his tour guests were able to enter the still-standing air base building.

Sutton’s Memorial Library has a new head librarian, and recently community members were able to meet and talk with her during an open house Monday.

Crystal Godina, of Harvard, started at the Sutton Library in January and has spent her time using the library’s Gloforge to glam up the library and label shelves; and reorganize and clean up areas.

Recently, the library received 100 brand-new children’s books, which Godina has been organizing and sifting through.

Prior to joining the library staff, Godina worked in the healthcare field, but when she saw the library position open, she threw her hat in the ring, especially since it was a chance to work closer to home.

For the summer, Godina is still fine-tuning the reading program, but has locked-in an event on July 26 featuring Dr. O(2)xygen, which brings science to life.

Sandy Creek Music teacher Lacey Franzen was recently selected as the Nebraska Choral Directors Association’s 2023 Outstanding Choral Director of the Year.

Barron Breland, vice provost of faculty and academic affairs at Creighton University, stated in an informational email that “this award is a testament to your [Franzen] work in the classroom and on the concert stage, and the organization could not be more proud to have you as our representative for the 2022-23 academic year.”

SC Secondary Principal Jason Searle also commended Franzen on her award, noting “this award is well served by Mrs. Franzen. In her short two years at Sandy Creek, she has had a huge impact on the students she works with and has hosted many great concerts!”

Franzen will be recognized in person for this award at a summer NCDA conference on July 11, at Peru State College.

The first phase of a twophase plan for the future Cooperative Produces, Inc (CPI) five-million-bushel grain facility officially kicked into gear with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, May 10.

The facility will be constructed east of Highway 14 between County Roads 318 and 319, between Harvard and Saronville.

Macon Construction Co. will begin working on the first phase, which focuses on developing two ground bunkers and a three-million- bushel grain building with 18-feet walls and an arched canopy ceiling.

“We hope to have it up by the end of harvest,” CPI CEO Gary Brandt said. “During harvest, it would make for a quick trip in and out of here.”

The facility will be able to load 50,000 bushels per hour.

SPS says goodbye to seniors at graduation ceremony