A walk-through of the Humphrey Aquatic Center was conducted Thursday. No serious issues were noted. The Humphrey City Council approved the pool staff and hours during its April 15 meeting. Democrat photo

Humphrey Aquatic Center staff, hours finalized

Humphrey is getting closer to having a pool again. The Humphrey City Council approved hiring the Humphrey Aquatic Center staff and setting hours of operation during its April 15 meeting. Cole Wemhoff and Tessa Deets were hired as assistant managers...

Ethan and Angela Hathaway have purchased Alice’s Cedar Inn and renamed it The Rambler, a tribute to the mascot of the former Creston High School. They take over as owners April 29. Democrat photo

The Rambler

They didn’t want their hometown to be without a restaurant, so they bought one. Ethan and Angela Hathaway purchased Alice’s Cedar Inn from Alice Long April 29. “When I was in college I worked at Alice’s, so I’ve been around, and when we moved back I...

Bylines.

Brooke Bialas Springtime Sunrises are Pretty to watch when you are Roller Skating In the evening. Nature is so Gorgeous when you can see flowers like Tulips In My Extra flower garden. Kade Ransom Springtime Spring is cool when you have to plant...

St. Francis junior Andrew Kosch, right, shot a 78 and finished as runner up in the Patriot Invite. Freshmen Jacob Keller, left, carded an 86 and earned the 14th place medal. The team shot a 355 which placed them 5th in the 15 team tournament.

Brockhaus 9th, Flyers 5th at David City Invite

The St. Francis golf team traveled to David City to compete in the David City Invite April 17. The Flyers were led by sophomore Matthew Brockhaus who shot an 80, which was good for the 9th place medal. Freshmen Jacob Keller carded an 83 and junior...

Cindy Gaspers

Gaspers promoted at Loup Public Power

Cindy Gasper has been promoted to Accounting Clerk at Loup Power District. In her new role, Gasper is responsible for paying District bills; filing reports; registering all District vehicles; and keeping inventory of office supplies for District...

Courtesy photos Alexis Kuchar runs a leg of the 4x100-meter relay, and St. Francis competed April 10 at the High Plains track meet in Osceola.

HSF girls 6th, boys 8th at Hgh Plains

The St. Francis girls placed 6th and the boys 8th April 10 at the High Plains Invitational in Osceola. Medaling for the Flyers are as follows: 100-meter dash — 3. Lillie Beltz; 5. Gavin Geilenkirchen 200-meter dash — 2. Lillie Beltz; 3. Gavin...

Obituaries

Dr. Donald H. Vrbka

Dr. Donald H. Vrbka

Wed, 03/31/2021 - 4:00am

Dr. Donald H. Vrbka, age 90, of Omaha, Neb., passed away peacefully from stomach cancer at his home on March 23, 2021, surrounded by family. He was a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather.

Read more about Dr. Donald H. Vrbka

Pauline Sander

Pauline Sander

Wed, 03/24/2021 - 4:00am

Pauline Sander, of Columbus, Neb., died Monday, March 22, 2021, at Emerald Nursing and Rehab in Columbus.

Read more about Pauline Sander

Lester L. "Les" Labenz

Lester L. "Les" Labenz

Tue, 03/09/2021 - 4:00am

Funeral service for Lester L. “Les” Labenz, 81, of Norfolk, Neb., was held at 6 p.m., Monday, March 8, 2021, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Officiating the service was Vicar Eric Gradberg.