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Nelson Library will host 'Visions of the Universe' exhibit
The Nelson Public Library is one of only three Nebraska libraries to host the "Visions of the Universe Four Centuries of Discovery" traveling exhibit. Galileo Galilei transformed our knowledge of the universe in 1609 when he peered into the cosmos using an astronomical telescope the first person to do so. A new exhibit opening at the library on April 24 celebrates that event and tells the story of how astronomy has evolved over the 400 years since then. "We are excited our library was chosen as a site for this groundbreaking exhibit covering four centuries of astronomy," said Mary Statz, library director. "The exploration of space is a topic that fascinates everyone, regardless of age, and the remarkable images in this exhibit show how far we have come in understanding the universe and our place in it. The images of the rings of Saturn and of stars that have exploded are truly awe-inspiring. We hope the whole community will be able to see the exhibit and participate in the programs the library has planned." "Visions of the Universe" covers a wide range of topics related to the scientific exploration of the universe, from storms on the sun to features on the surfaces of Mars and the Moon, the nature of comets, star birth and distant galaxies. The colorful exhibit panels feature striking images of planets, stars, comets, nebulae and galaxies taken by NASA's powerful astronomical observatories and spacecraft, as well as drawings and diagrams created by early astronomers such as Galileo, Christiaan Huygens and Charles Messier, which show how the universe, stars and planets were viewed and understood centuries ago. The Nelson Public Library, along with various community organizations, are sponsoring a number of free programs and other events for the public in connection with the exhibit. Contact the library or the Locomotive-Gazette for more information. Programming is still being developed and anyone who would like to share their knowledge of astronomy is encouraged to contact the library. "Visions of the Universe" uses historical drawings and diagrams made by Galileo and other early astronomers, along with dramatic contemporary images taken by the Hubble space telescope and other space missions, to show how our views and understanding of the universe and the objects within it have changed over the centuries. The traveling exhibit, which will visiting 55 libraries throughout the United States, is part of a multi-year global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of Galileo's achievement. In the U.S., the goal of this continuing celebration is to offer an engaging astronomy experience to every person in the country. "Visions of the Universe" is presented by the Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.; the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, Mass.; and the American Library Association, Chicago, Ill., through funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). "Visions of the Universe" will be on display at the library until June 25.
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Hardy Fire Department builds new truck
The people of Hardy should feel pretty good about their odds if there happens to be a fire in their community -- in a town of 179 people, there are 23 volunteer firefighters. That's 13 percent of the population, and may not sound like a lot, but if Lincoln had the same percentages, it would have 30,000 firefighters. (Currently, Lincoln employs just 300). Volunteers from the Hardy Fire Department have recently finished equipping a 500-gallon capacity tank, four-wheel drive firetruck. The truck was purchased in September of 2009 and finished in January of this year. A 360 degree front nozzle is on a remote and can be operated from the cab of the truck. The truck also features remote pumping to draw water in remote locations. The truck has a tribute to 9-11 firefighters on the back, created by Winkel Mfg. The Hardy Fire Department will host their annual soup supper on Saturday, March 20 from 5 to 8 pm at the Hardy Fire Hall.
Local officers receive portable breath testers The Superior Police Department and the Nuckolls County Sheriff's Department have been given hand held alcohol breath testing units through a traffic safety grant. The units valued at $350 each were provided by the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety as part of the state's ongoing effort to prevent underage drinking and alcohol-related traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities. According to Fred Zwonechek, highway safety administrator, "The Superior Police Department was awarded the new instruments to assist in identifying potential minor in possession, minor .02 driving, and driving under the influence violators." The portable units display a digital reading of the blood alcohol level from a suspect's breath sample. "These instruments provide the latest technology in preliminary breath testing." The sheriff's office received five of the units and the police department four.
Superior speech team reaches state finals Ever see the story of Hansel and Gretel done as a soap opera? A vaudeville act? A spy thriller? As Shakespearian theatre? Tyler Strobl and Katrina Wulf will retell the fairy tale in their own unique way and speech team members will perform at a talent showcase on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Superior High School library. Superior High School's speech team competed against nine other schools in district competition on March 2. Seven students in three events earned medals for their district performances: Bethany Brittenham in extemporaneous speaking, Toni Hunter in entertainment speaking and Kara Peterson, Vicki Simonsen, Tyler Strobl, Katrina Wulf and Toni Hunter for a group performance. The team moved up from C-2 to C-1 this season, and though the competition has gotten tougher, five students in four events will represent Superior High School at the state tournament held at the University of Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday, March 18. The students include Aaron Leibel in extemporaneous speaking, Vicki Simonsen in serious prose, Alison Hawley in humorous prose and in duet acting, Tyler Strobl and Katrina Wulf. The team is coached by Laurie Corman and Kelly Mumm. Corman said of the team, "The team has really grown and done well. We went from barely making it to the final rounds to consistently making it. The students are really talented and dedicated."
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