City/area digest

Sheriff’s office issues ‘Click It’ citations

COLUMBUS -- Platte County Sheriff’s deputies issued 48 citations for traffic violations during the recently completed Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign.

Deputies also issued 173 warning/violation cards during the weeklong campaign at the end of November.

The sheriff’s department was awarded a grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety to fund the overtime worked by deputies during the enforcement campaign.

CHS yearbooks now available

COLUMBUS -- The 2007-08 edition of the Columbus High School yearbook will be distributed from 12:30-3 p.m. today and Thursday at CHS in room 2203.

If other arrangements need to be made, call 563-7050.

Extra yearbooks will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis Thursday. Cost is $50.

Shelby library raffle Thursday

SHELBY -- The Shelby Public Library will have its annual raffle drawing at 2 p.m. Thursday in the library.

The public is invited to purchase tickets for $1 each or six for $5. Prizes include a $500 EE bond, handmade quilt, $100 Shelby bucks, two sets of four Nebraska men’s basketball tickets, an angel sculpture, $50 Shelby bucks, $50 cash, two $50 gift certificates for Shelby Food Mart, a tool set, gift certificates for restaurants and shops and other items.

For more information, call the library at (402) 527-5181.

Food donation raffle planned

COLUMBUS -- Columbus Bank & Trust Company employees included a new twist in this year’s Christmas office party -- a food donation raffle.

Bank employees borrowed two grocery carts, which they decorated in greenery and lights, and put in the downtown and branch lobbies to collect groceries for the Platte County Food Pantry. For each item an employee donated, their name was entered in a drawing for door prizes at the office party.

On Friday, during the bank’s open house, people who bring in donations for the Food Pantry will receive a special gift.

Deadline nears for academy signup

COLUMBUS -- The Columbus Police Department is accepting applications for its annual 14-week Citizen’s Police Academy course through Friday.

Participants must be 19 years of age or older, live in the Columbus vicinity and have no criminal arrests or convictions.

Sessions will be held Wednesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 14 and running through April 22.

The course combines classroom training and hands-on experiences to familiarize participants with training law enforcement officers receive. It is accredited by Central Community College.

Applications are available at the Columbus Police Department, 2419 14th St., and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact Capt. Charles Sherer or Sgt. Alan Wilkins at the police department or call 564-3201.

Holiday promotions set for Silver Creek

SILVER CREEK -- The ABC Club of Silver Creek invites the public to participate in the many holiday promotions taking place during the month of December.

Santa will be in his gingerbread house next to the Legion Club from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be available. Letters to Santa can be mailed at any time in the Santa mailbox on the front of his gingerbread house.

Area residents are encouraged to enter the lighting contest co-sponsored by Polk County RPPD and the ABC Club. Prizes will be awarded to three winners for rural and village residents. First prize, $25; second prize, $15; and third prize, $10 will be taken off the winners’ electric bills. Nominations should be submitted before Dec. 15 in the box located at Home Town Market.

A customer appreciation contest will be taking place at area businesses, with winners receiving SC Bucks of $5, $10, $15 and $20. Drawings will be held Dec. 21 at the Legion Club during Santa’s visiting hours. Entries should be submitted at Home Town Market.

Christmas cantata set for Sunday

COLUMBUS -- St. John’s Lutheran Church, Shell Creek, will present “And Glory Shone Around,” a Christmas cantata, at 7 p.m. Sunday.

The public is invited to attend as 20 members of the congregation perform carols and narrative. Refreshments will be served by the women of ELCA following the concert.

A free will offering will be accepted to provide scholarships for church youth to attend camps next year. Matching funds will be applied for from Thrivent Financials for Lutherans.

Daycare survey in Platte Center

PLATTE CENTER -- Parishioners at Grace Lutheran Church in Platte Center are working on a plan to reach out to parents of preschool children as they explore the potential need for a daycare center in Platte Center.

A community survey to explore the level of need is available at the church at 216 First St., on the church Web site at www.lutheransonline.com/graceplattecenterne and at J & L General Store in Platte Center.

The deadline to return the community survey is Monday.

Christmas dinner at senior center

COLUMBUS -- The Columbus Senior Center will be hosting a Christmas dinner from 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Dec. 23.

The menu will include turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, corn, rolls, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Reservations are required before 3 p.m. Dec. 22.

Suggested contribution is $3 for seniors; under 60 years $7.50. Take-out is available for an addition $1.

For more information or to make a reservation, call the senior center office at 564-9293.

Benefit fund set up for fire victims

COLUMBUS -- A benefit fund has been set up at the Columbus United Federal Credit Union on behalf of the Brian and Susie Keyes family whose home was destroyed by fire recently.

Donations may be dropped off or mailed to the Columbus United Federal Credit Union located at 2472 39th Ave. in care of the “Brian and Susie Keyes House Fire Fund.”

Recycling trailer at Cornhusker

COLUMBUS -- A recycling trailer is now available for the public at Cornhusker Public Power District, 23169 235th Ave. on Highway 81.

Acceptable items include newspaper, magazines, plastic bottles and containers, and clean tin cans.

The trailer is located on the north side of the building and is visible from the highway. Money for the new recycling trailer was received through a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.