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.

Cody Goochey’s even-par round of 36 claimed the top spot Thursday during men’s league golf at the Ainsworth Golf Course. Goochey finished one shot ahead of John Pierce and Nick Martin, who carded 1-over par rounds of 37. Jaxon Rucker and Brett Knoetzel posted rounds of 38, followed by Graig Kinzie with a round of 39.

The team of Kathy Worrell, Stephanie Kinzie and Julie Micheel fired an even-par scramble score of 36 to lead the field Wednesday during women’s league golf at the Ainsworth Golf Course. Three teams finished three shots back with rounds of 39, including the team of Amy Simonson and Kat Kennedy, the team of Rylee Pierce, Chelsey Peterson, Danielle Palmer and Brenda Konkoleski, and the team of Nicole Johnson and Alyssa Wasmund.