UNK University of Nebraska at Kearney students won six events and once again claimed the top chapter award during a statewide business competition. Lopers also earned six second-place awards, with a total of twenty-two top-five finishes, at the Nebraska Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate State Leadership Conference.

Roads discussion and public hearings made up the bulk of a relatively brief regular meeting of the Howard County Board of Commissioners last Tuesday, March 26th. During Roads discussion, Howard County Highway Superintendent Janet Thomsen said that, in the wake of the spring snowstorm that beset the county early on the morning of March 25th, the county roads crew had been working to keep the county’s roads clear.

On Saturday, March 16, 2024, ten schools participated in the Loup-Platte Conference Art Competition, and each school was able to bring twenty-five works of art for judging by two judges who work in the art field.

A special thank you to all who attended my 90th birthday celebration at the Elba Community Center. It was great to catch up with all of you on “the good ole” days.

I want to say how much I appreciate Jeff’s poker players and Jamie and Kristi Weller for organizing the Memorial Benefit Auction for Jeff. Thank you all for remembering him; you were all very close friends to him. Also, I want to thank the people that donated all the food for the supper and of course, the amazing cooks, Kevin Kunze and Anthony Eckstrom. Thank you Heather Paulsen for designing the artistic flyer and Rod Wichmann for auctioning the donated items off. And finally, I would like to thank all the businesses of St. Paul, Palmer, Clarks, Central City, and Grand Island for the donated items for the auction and all the cash donations. The money raised will be used to put up a lighted marquee sign engraved “In memory of Jeff Friedrichsen.” Jamie and Kristi, I appreciate everything you’ve done to make this memorial benefit a special day for celebrating Jeff’s memories. If I have forgotten anyone, please accept my apology. Again, a big thank you to everyone that donated or attended Jeff’s Memorial Benefit Auction. God Bless You All, Mary Friedrichsen

I want to “thank” Ron Sack for the many things he spends his time, effort, and funding on for the benefit of St. Paul citizens. The latest of many is the discovery, restoration, and return of the historic statues of St. Paul and St. Peter to our Catholic church. I am not Catholic, but I loved the great statues and colored windows that were in the old Catholic church. The statues will be a great connection between the old and the new for this generation. We are so blessed. Ron cares so much for our heritage and history for the future. May you be blessed Ron in every need and in every way for your caring and generosity. Thank you so much from so many. Gratefully, Janet Edwards

308.968.3348 Reminder: Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church will be on April 20th at 6:30 p.m.