Taken from the news columns of area newspapers.

Cozad’s Roadway Inn earns gold award

COZAD—The Roadway Inn Hotel of Cozad was recently announced as a recipient of a 2010 Gold Hospitality Award from world lodging leader Choice Hotels International, Inc. The hotel is now known as among the top ten percent within the brand. Cozad’s Inn was chosen in part for exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to providing superior service to the area.—reported in the Tri-City Trib.

Bow man selected as Principal of the Year

BROKEN BOW—Broken Bow middle/high school principal, Ken Kujath, was named Principal of the Year and received the 2010 Outstanding Principal award by the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA), at a recent conference held at Kearney. Kujath received a nomination with letters of recommendation in order to be considered for the award. Kujath has been with Broken Bow schools since 2006 following a 27 year career in the field of education. “Broken Bow’s community is fortunate to have the quality leadership and the type of school system they have,” stated Kujath.—reported in the Custer County Chief.

500 acres burned in fire near Lake McConaughy

OGALLALA—Approximately 500 acres of rangeland burned recently after fire escaped from an unattended burn barrel behind a house on the north side of Lake McConaughy. Six fire departments had responded to the grass fire which took over four hours to contain. With the extreme fire danger in the area, residents are reminded to be extra careful with any outside burning, and to cover burn barrels with a mesh or wire screen, and most important, never leave a fire unattended.—reported in the Keith County News.

Eye-opening tragic story shared with students

CURTIS—A former Ogallala High School student, Tom Knott, who went to Hastings College on a football scholarship, recently shared his story to 7-12 grade students at Medicine Valley. Shortly after arriving at college, he began drinking with fellow football players, and eventually the drinking and drugs consumed his life. Knott ultimately spiraled out of control and ended up hitting a car where the driver was killed on impact. The wife of the driver had pleaded for Knott to not go to prison but instead help others by speaking to high school students. “If I could influence one kid’s life today then it was worth the trip to Curtis,” stated Knott.—reported in the Frontier County Enterprise.

SORC makes donation to local fire department

ARNOLD—Members of the Arnold Volunteer Fire Department recently received a presentation check from Sandhills Open Road Challenge (SORC) representatives in the amount of $19,500. The donation was raised at an auction from the sixth annual SORC Winter Party held in Lincoln. The donation was presented at the Arnold Fire Hall on March 26 and will be used to purchase a new Jaws of Life, a life-saving piece of equipment.—reported in the Arnold Sentinel.

Old steakhouse building gets new life

CALLAWAY—The old steak house building located on West Kimball Street will be refitted for a new business. Plans include renovating the west side of the building into a bar, and the east side will be reserved as storage. John Witthuhn, owner, plans to restore the building to a basic bar serving beer and spirits to offer residents a place without traveling to another town. The new bar, which has no name yet, is planned to open in May.—reported in the Callaway Courier.