I am happy to report the first special session of the 107th Nebraska legislature has adjourned sine die. Nebraska has successfully completed its redistricting process. The Governor signed the six bills (maps) on the last day of September. Now other subdivisions of state government can finish drawing their precincts and other maps. Each bill had the emergency clause attached so they became law when he signed them. Unlike quite a few states who intend to wait until January to finish this vital work, we have got it done. It’s important to remember this process was made much more difficult by the federal government’s failure to provide the census information in April. States didn’t receive the data until August. The bottom line is we cannot have another election until this important work is completed, and I am glad it is.

As Expected, Greater Nebraska Loses a Legislative Seat The Legislature needed a hero. As debate dragged on over redrawing legislative districts in its first special session, it became obvious that something big had to happen to break the deadlock.

Opening day for the Sandhills Corn Maze was Saturday, October 2nd. The maze will be open from 1:00 p.m. until dark every Saturday and Sunday in October. The last two weekends of the month, October 23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st, the daytime maze will be transformed into a haunted corn maze starting at dark, complete with spooky masked characters.

Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? What does it all mean? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and knows how to respond.

The Ainsworth Fire Department was called to a bale fire northeast of Ainsworth on Wednesday, September 29th just before 8:00 a.m. Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said the fire was on the Orton Ranch owned by Jason and Summer Orton.

The Ainsworth Bulldogs hosted the West Holt Huskies on Friday, September 24th and were handed a 42-66 defeat. Ainsworth scored on a 48 yard pass from Caleb Allen to Carter Nelson.