Emerson Police Chief Charles Chinn applied to the League Association of Risk Management for funds towards the purchase of a bullet proof vest and was recently presented one. "We understand that many communities do not have the resources to pay for a bullet proof vest for their officers. We want to help keep the officers safe by providing them with assistance for a vest," said Dave Bos, LARM loss control manager.

The Norfolk boys basketball program started the 10,000 Shot Club program in 2017. Players are encouraged to make 10,000 shots between the end of May and before school begins in mid-August. Pictured is Caleb Disch (from left), Beckett Drees, Ty Pinkelman, Drew Streich and Kallan Herman. All five joined the club after they charted their made shots throughout the summer.

Sometimes the best advice is from Grandpa. Pictured is Briggs, 5, and Kasyn, 8, with their Grandpa Hoggins. 

On a chilly November day during pheasant season, Chris Avery and his son, Jackson, take a moment to pose for a photo taken by Jackson's grandpa, Randy Avery, before gearing up to go hunt. It was a proud moment for Jackson as this was his first time walking the fence line with his dad. 

Riley Prokop, 19, watches over his sister, Skyler Prokop, 17, both of Thurston, as she begins to weld the driver's door plate on her demolition car. Both kids entered demolition derby cars in the 2020 Cornhusker Chaos Indoor Derby in Kearney on Jan. 4 and 5, competing in the Old School Division. 

Ainsworth cheerleaders got into the school spirit during "beach night" at a recent home basketball game.

Lorretta Kratochvil of Norfolk has been gardening for over 50 years. Here she's pictured in her flower garden with raspberry bushes.

Members of Madison County Farm Bureau attended the Nebraska Farm Bureau annual meeting and convention in Kearney on Dec. 9 and 10. Pictured from left are Randy Sellin of Battle Creek, Dawn Kucera of Madison, Peggy Sellin of Battle Creek,  Bruce Grant of Meadow Grove, Karen Grant of Meadow Grove, Kathy and Roger Acklie of Madison.

Ryker, 3½, sits on the step with his sister, Brooklyn, 1, for a precious picture. They are the children of Dustin and Kayla Schlote.

The City of Norfolk recently received a $500 Lean on LARM Safety Grant. Lyle Lutt, City of Norfolk Risk Manager, applied for the grant to purchase earplugs, hearing protection, helmets, safety glasses, vests, chemical gloves and other protective wear for multiple divisions across the city. Pictured from the left are Pat Mrsny, Norfolk Parks and Building Maintenance Superintendent; Julie Knudson, Norfolk Police Division; Byron Wylie, Norfolk Water Division; Brianna Duerst, Norfolk City Clerk; Jason Hansen, Norfolk Streets Division; Mike Bauer, Norfolk Police Division Captain; Lynn Hans,…

New black and gold awnings were installed on the front of the Mohawk Apartment Building at Fifth and Madison as part of the Historical Restoration Downtown Facade Improvement Program.

Officers of local American Postal Workers Union went shopping for items to donate to the Salvation Army Tree of Angels and Furbaby Rescue. Pictured from left are Cindy Vollbrecht, vice president of maintenance; Holly Chapman, president; Dixie Johnston, secretary/treasurer; and Dixie Cunningham, vice president.

The 2019 Ladies Guild Luncheon and Retro Fashion Show, held Nov. 7, was an amazing success. Over 100 women filled the NAC gallery to eat a delicious seasonal meal and see amazing fashions from the 1940s through the 1980s. The clothing was all donated and modeled by women from the Ladies Guild. Every year the Guild donates all the proceeds from this event to the Art Center. 

Local Boy Scouts help Courtesy Ford give back to 5,000 Nebraska farmers with bags filled with donations from John Deere, Lou's, AWG and Walmart.

Sebastian and Vincent Guzman enjoying the last warm days of fall in style.

Delmer Pufahl was doing a little "clowning around" yesterday at Dinkel's Implement. 

Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth hosted their third annual Chili Cook-off on Oct. 26 to raise money for the Sandhill’s Cancer Fund.  There were 17 chilis entered in the various categories of spiciest, non-traditional and best tasting.  Chili tasters voted on their favorites while they enjoyed cinnamon rolls, corn bread, cookies and barbecue pork sandwiches.  Pictured from left to right are the three category winners:

Christ Lutheran School recently received their National Lutheran School Accreditation. The certificate culminates five years of hard work to ensure the staff serves their students and families to the best of their God given abilities. NLSA strives to help them continue to offer quality christian education by holding them accountable to be the best school they can be! 

Knights of Columbus and families support Mercy Meals.

On Sept. 27, 1919, a meeting was held at the Tri-County Community Club room to organize a chapter of the American Legion. No official post name was selected because families of deceased WWI veterans declined to have the post named after their next of kin. Thus the name The American Legion Post 73 Newman Grove was born. There were 17 chapter members — now there are 64. This year, Post 73 has taken on two large projects — moving into a new and bigger home, and building a memorial to honor past, present and future veterans.

Madison County Clerk Anne Pruss and Commissioner Ron Schmidt accept Madison County’s $30,049 dividend from Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association board of directors member Buddy Small, a Brown County commissioner.  The dividend was part of a $1 million distribution shared with 80 Nebraska counties and seven county-associated agencies during NIRMA’s annual membership conference Oct. 3-4 in York. Schmidt also is a member of the NIRMA board.

Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway recently held a “Garden Path” event. One of the numerous winners was Marilyn Tenney (left) of Lyons who visited the Deb Copple Studio & Garden near Homer. Copple is picture with Tenney.

Carter Tegeler (from left), Paige Taylor, Shane Taylor, Alesha Rosberg, Brooke Rosberg and Rob Lamm prepare for skydiving.

Norfolk Elk longevity members were recently invited for cake and coffee and were presented with pins. In attendance were 50-year members Howard Leshovsky and Ron Skiff; 60-year members Tom Dover, Warren Monson and Bob Huntley; and 55-year member Robert Dillon, who lives in North Carolina, was sent his pin.