The Brown County Hospital Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting on Monday, July 21, at 3 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kirk Peterson.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced she advanced over $60 million in funding to support critical infrastructure projects and firefighting capabilities across Nebraska.

On Saturday, July 26, Shawn Fernau Construction and The Haley Project partnered to host a draft slow-pitch softball tournament with proceeds going toward the Haley Project. Players from all over Nebraska and South Dakota joined in the tournament, being drafted to one of several participating teams.

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to you, the reader, for taking the time each week to read “Living On Purpose.” I’ve written sermons, songs, and books for over 40 years, but only started this faith column in January 2016. Each of my columns has a file number, and as several editors have noticed, this week is number 500. It’s hard to believe that 10 years have gone by so quickly. We know that 500 weeks of messages is small compared to many pastors and teachers who have presented thousands of sermons. Sharing my heart with you is very special, and this week I’m celebrating God and grateful to Him for making it possible.

The North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) is alerting the public that mosquitoes collected near O’Neill in Holt County have tested positive for West Nile Virus. This summer, positive mosquito samples have also been found in Dakota, Red Willow, and Scottsbluff counties in Nebraska.

Floodwaters are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. It’s difficult to know exactly what they contain—sewage, manure, pesticides, fertilizers, and harmful pathogens such as E. coli or Salmonella are all possibilities. If your vegetable garden was submerged during a flood, you’ll need to take extra precautions this growing season to ensure your produce is safe to eat.