Special to the Times Vedette

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln held its commencement exercises May 8 and 9. More than 3,700 graduates received their degrees, setting a record for the most graduates in a year. Among the 3,700 graduates, Jackson Thomas Grambart of Panora earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration, with high distinction from the College of Business. The graduates are from 61 countries; 45 U.S. states and the District of Columbia; and 230-plus Nebraska communities.

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Central College hosted a Celebration of Undergraduate Inquiry (CUI) to showcase the research and creative projects by Central students during the 2025-26 academic year. The event included in-person honors and senior presentations, poster sessions, performances and exhibits. Participating in the CUI Day was Eli Kading of Casey. His presentation was titled “AI vs. Humans: Who makes better decisions in Accounting?”

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Jackson Grambart of Panora is among 203 University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduating seniors who have completed the requirements to graduate from the University Honors Program this May. Grambart will graduate from the College of Business, earning Highest University Honors.

To graduate from the Honors Program, students must maintain at least a 3.5 grade-point average and fulfill specific curricular requirements. Students who choose to also complete a culminating Honors senior project are eligible for High University Honors or Highest University Honors.

“These students have demonstrated everything we want Honors graduates to embody: strong critical thinking skills, outstanding resilience in the face of challenges and dedication to their community,” said Tyler White, faculty director of the Honors Program. “We know they will go on to do great things and are so excited for them.”

For the full list of May Honors Program graduates, visit https://go.unl.edu/o7t6.

Special to the Times Vedette

The term social and charitable gambling sounds harmless. After all, what harm can a little gambling for a good cause hurt? A social gambling license allows patrons to socially gamble among themselves in a licensed establishment on small stakes card and parlor games such as euchre, pitch, pinochle, darts or billiards. Charitable gambling usually benefits an educational institution, religious group or social organization. Many people do not think games like bingo or raffles are included in the term gambling. The truth is that these games are indeed gambling, and players face the same risks as playing the lottery or visiting a casino.  

The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) regulate licenses for organizations to conduct bingo, game nights, games of skill or chance and raffles. Each year, DIA issues more than 2,000 social and charitable licenses. While school raffles and casino nights may be effective fundraisers, these types of activities may also introduce youth to gambling-type activities early in their lives that may decrease perception of risk and harm; impact individuals who are currently experiencing gambling problems by triggering them to play; or risk individuals who are in recovery by exposing them to gambling type activities. Here are some tips for playing safe:

• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Put your family and friends first.
• If you win, set aside at least some of your winnings.
• Track your losses.
• Don’t chase your losses. If you lose, don’t try to win it back.
• Remember that playing social and charitable games is for fun, not for financial gain.
• Stop playing when it is no longer fun.

If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing a problem with gambling, reach out to 1-800-BETS-OFF from Your Life Iowa for free, confidential support. New Opportunities, Inc. is part of the Iowa Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Service System with services funded by the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG). For more information on problem gambling, visit the Your Life Iowa website at yourlifeiowa.org or contact New Opportunities Inc. Behavioral Health Department for Problem Gambling treatment at 712-792-9266.

Matt Sandel and his family pose after he was given the DAISY award.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Thursday, May 7, Guthrie County Hospital held its 10th annual DAISY award ceremony. The DAISY awards started about 25 years ago, and now thousands of facilities hold an annual presentation to honor their selected nurse. Nominees for this year’s Guthrie County Hospital DAISY award included Stephaney Brondum, Dale Peterson and Matt Sandel. Sandel was announced as the winner for 2026.

Guthrie County Hospital also presents an annual Sunshine Award to honor an outstanding Personal Care Technician (PCT). PCTs are sometimes referred to as nursing assistants. For the third year in a row, LaRoyce Kress was the Sunshine award winner.

Other awards given included the Tender Care Blossom Award (Laurisa Stringer), Golden Bloom Award (Stephaney Brondum), Pollinator Award (Nicole Essinger), Evergreen Award (Carrie Stein), and Poised Poppy Award (Molly Hays). The Community Garden Award for a department went to the Environmental Services department, and the Community Garden Award for an individual went to Caitlin Gardiner.

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 6, a total of 15 players participated.  Chet Vaughan and Wayne Nickel each got a 16; Dan Webb got two 16s; Robert Klever got a 17; and Allen Pierce got a 17 and a 20.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Organizers say there is always room for more, and they will be glad to teach you how to play. They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday.