A drive through the alley behind Brenda and Marty Graff’s residence at 515 N. Walnut Street is why they were named this week’s Chamber of Commerce Yard of the Week.

During the regular meeting of the Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday, July 12th, the council discussed improvements to the East City Park and Ainsworth Municipal Golf Course (AGC). Todd Kicken with the Ainsworth Municipal Golf Course met with the council to discuss a possible new clubhouse at the golf course.

After seven years of service, Brown County Sheriff’s Office Police Service Dog Dutch is being retired. Dutch’s primary function and training was in narcotics detection. Dutch has been paramount in the success of the Sheriff’s Office’s fight against drugs. Whether it was along the highway in a vehicle or in a building search, Dutch assisted deputies locating concealed illicit drugs otherwise undetectable by the deputies. Dutch has had two K9 handlers: Chief Deputy Zach Welch for two years and Sergeant Ian Calder for five years. During his seven years of service, Dutch has found methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana when deployed. Dutch assisted in numerous search warrants and school searches in Brown County and helped neighboring agencies including the Nebraska State Patrol whenever he could. During his service, approximately $166,500.00 of County Court fines stemming directly from drug violations were accrued. A large percentage of those fines went to Ainsworth Public Schools. Dutch has also been a part of the community by participating in meet and greets and educational presentations with various organizations and school age children ranging from preschool to high school.

On Tuesday, June 28th, Brown County Weed Superintendent Scott Erthum was spraying road ditches two miles south of Ainsworth on Road 876 and he came upon a patch of flowering plants he hadn’t seen before. These plants were about two and a half feet tall and crowned by a large head of bright yellow flowers with a red throat. He identified these plants as Lysimachia vulgaris, or more commonly known as Yellow loosestrife.

In a world that values self-serving motivations, we seldom reflect on how little decisions we make today vastly impact the lives of others tomorrow. But tiny acts of heroism always prevail, even in our hometowns. Showing up to the local blood drive is one of these opportunities.

The Brown County Community Foundation recently presented scholarships for the following categories: Jan O’Hare Memorial, Teacher Education, Non-traditional and Upper Class College Student Scholarship. Winners for 2023 include: Non-Traditional Student - Tiffany Barthel - $1,000.00 and Emily Jones - $1,000.00; Upper Class College Student Benjamin Flynn - $1,000.00 and Alyssa Erthum - $1,000.00; Teacher Education - CeeAnna Beel - $1,150.00 and Elizabeth Wilkins - $1,150.00; and Jan O’Mare Memorial - Madelyn Goochey - $500.00.