News

Happy May Day! Your Merrick County Historical Museum has tied a May Day theme to its 2024 Go Big Give campaign and invites all to stop by the Traver House on either May 1 or 2 between 9 and 11 a.m. for refreshments and to view the work at hand in anticipation of its move to the new facility. Thursdays are a major work day for museum volunteers. This is a grand opportunity to thank those who’ve already contributed in any form and for other to find out how they can get involved. Please consider a donation to help complete the new building project. Pre-Give donations may increase the museum’s chances of extra awards from Go Big Give. A brief history of the day’s origins follows: Stemming from the European pagan festival of spring known as Beltane, more raucous elements were toned down after Christian influences evolved; with the Maypole dance and May basket traditions surviving in a more G-rated form. The May 1 date is derived as being mid -way between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice.

High Plains Community School’s 4th and 5th graders in Mrs. Laura Hedrick’s class recently held a Poetry Cafe after finishing up their poetry units. Each week different students poems will be published to honor their hard work!

The Mobile Food Pantry will be held in the parking lot of the Central City Airport, located at 1346 Ormsby RD, Central City, on May 4, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Daily Activity Report Monday, April 22 Officer responded to a citizen assist in the 2000 block of 14th Avenue, Situation resolved. Tuesday, April 23 Officer responded to a dog complaint in the 1900 block of 10th Street, Disposition unknown.

The Heartland United Way recently awarded grants totaling $31,550 to several nonprofit organizations across Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick counties, as well as in rural communities within Hall County. This funding initiative, which took place last Wednesday, is part of the organization’s broader effort to enhance the quality of life and expand opportunities for residents, focusing on boosting financial stability, educational opportunities, and access to healthcare.

In Central Nebraska, Opportune Acres is expanding the horizons of inclusivity through its comprehensive programs for individuals with special needs. Founded by Dennis, a pediatrician, and Kari Valentine, an occupational therapist, the organization sprouted from the need to bridge significant gaps in the current healthcare system for some of the most vulnerable groups.

The parking lot was packed at Central City Public Schools as the Merrick Foundation hosted its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony at the Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 28th. During the ceremony, 165 students were awarded a total of $164,150 in scholarship funds.