From the Superintendent’s Desk

by Chris Kuncl, MPS Superintendent As I write this article on the first day of school, I am reflecting back as this is my 40th first day of school. A lot has changed since 1983, but to be honest I cannot think of a more rewarding profession than a profession in education.

Mullen News

Lois Folk went back to Haxtun, Colorado, with Drew Folk on July 28th after he was here since July 26th. Lois, Drew and Stephanie ate at the new El Paso Mexican restaurant on Friday evening. Lois and Drew visited Clayton Gall at Pueblo on Saturday, the 19th.

Books galore read by local kids

by Julie Pfeiffer, Hooker County Librarian Over 350 books were read by the kids this summer as part of the Hooker County Library Summer Reading Program. They were able to pick a prize out of the treasure chest each time they read 10 books and turned in their reading sheet.

Nuisance abatement draws mixed responses

Editor’s note: A subscriber requested the reprint of this July 5, 2023, article that ran in “The North Platte Telegraph.” It is being reprinted with permission from the Telegraph. Another story about Mullen’s nuisance program ran in the April 13, 2023, edition of the Tribune.

Sandhills Calendar

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 1:30 United Women in Faith, Mullen Methodist Church 6:00 Mullen Book Club, Hooker County Courthouse lawn. Discussing “Dear Edward” by Ann Napolitano.

Pedal Tractor Pull results from fair

The youth Pedal Tractor Pull took place Saturday, Aug. 5 during the Hooker County Fair with the following results: Age 3 Girls (just for fun): Amelia Higgins, Charlie Cline Age 3 Boys (just for fun): Johnny Phillips, Aiden Stichka Age 4 Girls: 1. Violet Stichka, 2. Harper Myers Age 4 Boys: 1.

Kinley Olson is crowned Days of 76 Rodeo Jr. Queen

Kinley Olson was recently crowned Days of 76 Rodeo Jr. Queen for the Historic 101st Rodeo at Deadwood, South Dakota. Kinley is the 14-yearold daughter of Kristin Simonson-Olson of Ainsworth and the granddaughter of Val Simonson of Mullen.

4-H State Fair exhibit pick up information

Please contact the Extension Office if you have any questions regarding criteria for exhibits for State Fair. Extension Office Staff will attach the proper exhibit tags to your exhibit before it leaves for State Fair.

Gudmundsen Open House is Aug. 23

The public is invited to the 24th annual University of Nebraska Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) Open House, Wednesday, Aug. 23. Speakers at this year’s Open House will cover a wide range of topics, ranging from weather to research.

Dark skies, dangling questions greet 30th annual Nebraska Star Party

Flatwater Free Press Merritt Reservoir - Last Septhe International Dark-Sky Association confirmed what veterans of the Nebraska Star Party have known for 30 years: On a clear night, the Sandhills boast some of the darkest skies on Earth.