News

The first three years in a child’s life are important because a child’s brain develops rapidly during this time laying the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. Early Head Start programs exist to promote the development of pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers by supporting the child’s growth and development and enhancing school readiness. The Sixpence/Early Head Start program in Merrick County is a free home visiting program for families who are expecting a child and/or who have children ages zero to three to help prepare them for school. The family consultant visits families weekly and provides developmentally appropriate parent child interaction activities, shares child development information, and provides referrals to resources to help with family needs.

The Merrick County Salvation Army is seeking volunteer bell ringers for several dates throughout the holiday season. Open dates include November 29th to November 30th and December 6th and 7th, 13th and 14th, and December 18th and 24th.

With a three-year, $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Nebraska– Lincoln’s Chi Zhang, Edgar Cahoon and Bin Yu will focus on the genome-wide identification of small gene fragments called microexons to advance knowledge on gene functions and regulation for oil accumulation and stress response in sorghum.

10 YEARS AGO Members of the Central City Council presented an offer to Solt-Wagner Funeral Home to purchase their property south of Kwik Stop and Rodeway Inn. After some minor remodeling, city offices will be moved to the new location.