"Ride for the Brand" is the theme for Circle C Days this year at Cody, Nebraska.  Events will begin May 24th with Governor Dave Heineman's opening speech at the Adamson Community Complex just before the ribbon cutting at the new Circle C Store.  That evening, the first performance of the melodrama "The Ballad of Gopher Gap". 

Then on Saturday, the 5k run/walk will begin at 7:45, followed by the parade , horseshoes and kids games in the park.  The rodeo is at 11am with sand volleyball also beginning at 11am.  Softball on Saturday as well.  The barbecue supper runs from 6-7 and the second melodrama performance at 7.  After the curtain call, the White Elephant Hall will host the dance starting at 8pm.

A bill designed to help fight wildfires in rural Nebraska has advanced to a final legislative vote.  Lawmakers approved several changes to the measure on Wednesday before giving it second-round approval.  While two air tanker bases are being planned for Valentine and Alliance, additional bases may be approved - including a mobile air tanker base.  However, the number of tanker planes planned to be stationed in Nebraska has been cut from two to one at the request of Governor Dave Heineman. 

Also included in the bill is a requirement that the Nebraska Forest Service thin forests, and develop markets for the wood shavings.  Senator Al Davis of Hyannis says the shavings could be used for pets, landscaping mulch, fence posts, and fuel for heating and cooling.

Report cards for the high school students will be handed out along with sports physical information and summer gym hours on Monday, May 20 from 9am til 1pm.  Many students owe fines or have items that need to be returned to the school before they may pick up their report cards. The high school also has a great deal of clothing, coolers and bags that are in the lost and found located in the commons.  Please take some time to look through these items and take home what is yours.  Those not able to pick up their report cards at this time will receive them via mail later in the week.

The Cherry County Commissioners met Tuesday for a regular meeting at the courthouse in Valentine.  One of the items on the agenda was the jail administrator position.  The board conducted two interviews and tentatively offered the position to Terry VanHouten of Bassett.  Ms. VanHouten will start full time in the position in mid June.  The hiring is contingent on a background check by the commissioners.