City digest

Big, Little Pals picnic Aug. 26

COLUMBUS --� Big Pals-Little Pals will be holding a fall picnic for all members of the organization from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the Pawnee Park East Shelter.

There will be games and fishing, fun, food and fellowship. This event is being sponsored by a donation from Cargill Meat Solutions of Schuyler. RSVP to Roxanne at the Big Pals-Little Pals office at 563-1081 before Thursday, Aug. 21.

Chermack to be guest speaker

COLUMBUS --� Susan Borgelt Chermack, a former resident and 1966 graduate of Columbus High School, will be returning to Columbus as a guest speaker for Stonecroft Ministries at the Christian Women’s Club Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the American Legion Club.

Her speech titled, “My Brush With an Academy Award,” will focus on her life growing up in Columbus, painting for the United States Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, a Naval Base in Puget Sound, and other accomplishments. In total, Chermack has painted more than 60 murals for the government.

She currently lives in Salida, Colo., but maintains a soft spot in her heart for Columbus and the many fond memories she has of growing up here. She will have a display of her murals at the luncheon. For more information about this event, contact Liz Frantz at 564-6469.

Drinking, driving crackdown starts

COLUMBUS -- Columbus Police officers will participate in the You Drink & Drive, You Lose crackdown on alcohol-related offenses today through Sept. 1.

The police department has been awarded a grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety to conduct the campaign. The grant will be used to pay for the overtime of adding additional officers to target impaired drivers.

A key to deterring impaired driving is highly visible enforcement, Officer Terry Heesacker said. “Through increased patrols, we feel we can increase our contacts and make our presence known,’’ he said.

In addition to the enforcement effort, Heesacker reminded drivers that recent law changes have increased the fines, jail time and loss of driving privileges for repeat offenders who are double the legal alcohol limit.

40/8 Voiture group meeting Saturday

COLUMBUS --� The Columbus Area 40/8 Voiture, a group affiliated with the American Legion, is hosting a bus trip to the Offutt Air Show on Saturday.

The bus will depart from the Columbus Legion at 7 a.m. The air show will feature Air Force Thunderbirds, F-16’s, and the group will cross the bridge to Horseshoe Casino following the air show. Cost is $25 per seat, and is open to the public.

For more information or reservations, contact Dean Pearsoll at (402) 270-4921 or 564-7775.

VB tourney for Relay for Life

ABIE -- A co-ed sand volleyball tournament is being organized to benefit the 2009 Butler County Relay for Life, American Cancer Society.

It will be played Saturday at Abie’s Place with a $60 entry fee per team. First place prize is $100, with all other proceeds to benefit Relay for Life. If interested in entering a team, contact Dawn at 367-4949 or dawnbo@neb.rr.com; or Julie at 367-4130 or tjbaer@alltel.net.

Changes coming in traffic signs

COLUMBUS -- Effective Aug. 18, the following changes will be made to the traffic control signs in the 27th Avenue, 26th Avenue, 11th Street, and 12th Street area due to the closure of the 27th Avenue across the Union Pacific Railroad:

The east and west bound “Stop” signs on 12th Street at 27th Avenue will be removed.

A “Yield” sign will be installed for south bound traffic on 27th Avenue at 12th Street.

The “Stop” signs on 26th Avenue for north and south bound traffic at 11th Street will be removed.

“Stop” signs for east and west bound traffic at 11th Street will be installed at 26th Avenue.

The east and west bound “Stop” signs on 11th Street at 27th Avenue will be removed.

A “Yield” sign will be installed for north bound traffic on 27th Avenue at 11th Street.

Senior Center fundraiser Sunday

COLUMBUS --� The Columbus Senior Center will be holding its 2008 Fundraiser Show at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the New World Inn and Conference Center.

Special guest will be Doug Gabriel of Branson, Mo., voted entertainer of the year, instrumentalist of the year, and seven-time winner of “Male Vocalist of the Year.” Gabriel and his family will perform music and comedy routines during this special event.

Tickets or more information are available by calling toll-free at (800) 280-9757. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on day of performance.

GriefShare starts meetings Aug. 28

COLUMBUS --� GriefShare, a support group for those grieving the death of someone close, will begin weekly meetings at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at First United Methodist Church.

The group provides a safe environment where participants are supported by those who understand their loss. They also will receive information that will help them move through this difficult time in their lives. First United Methodist Church is located at 2710 14th St.

For more information about GriefShare, call 564-8463.