Residents of Cozad can find out if they truly know their American civics by attempting the U.S. citizenship test at the Wilson Public Library. The catch? You can’t use your phone or any reference materials—just memory and a bit of confidence.

Parents worried about nighttime snoring, bedwetting, and restless sleep in their kids can discover possible explanations at Boyden Library’s specialized presentation. The talk zeroes in on common sleep disruptors for elementary-aged children, offering insights into what may be causing their nightly restlessness.

This January, Stand UP Cass County is urging community members to step up and serve as mentors to local young people. As part of National Mentoring Month, organization leaders emphasize how positive role models can have a lasting impact.

A new, thirteen-week art program is set to begin on January 22, offering children in first through sixth grade a free opportunity to explore their creativity. Registration is now open, though space is limited and reservations are required.

As 2025 draws to a close, Henry County looks back on the McDonough Library’s renovation and grand reopening, along with new mobile initiatives from the local school board. These highlights underscore a year defined by forward-facing progress and a commitment to community development.

Loyal readers of this column have spoken up on everything from cell phone scams to saving strategies for children. Some called out flaws in previous advice about kids and money, while others offered encouraging support for ongoing discussions around technology and finances.

This winter, the historic Star Theatre in downtown Stuart opens its stage to local actors of all ages through an eight-week performance course. Participants will build acting skills, confidence, and creative expression in a supportive environment.

A mother contemplates whether to step in to help her son navigate the dating world. Torn between caring and meddling, she weighs the potential benefits and drawbacks of offering unsolicited guidance.

Livingston Center for Art and Culture invites artists of all backgrounds to “Come As Thou ART,” a hands-on, mentorship-based program from late January through early February 2026. Participants will learn, create, and exhibit their work in a supportive gallery environment, guided by experienced mentors. This initiative aims to foster community and artistic growth for creators at any level.

When a three-year-old joins a volunteer project, the impact goes far beyond the moment. A family’s journey making Valentine cards for seniors, picking up trash on nature trails, and harvesting produce in community gardens reveals how even the youngest can help build character and create cherished memories.

Community leaders, families, and supporters came together Saturday for the ribbon cutting of the ImPossible Oveta Culp Hobby Teen Club in Killeen. The new space promises to nurture innovation, mentorship, and learning opportunities for local youth.

Oklahoma has set aside US$5 million for teacher pipeline programs, marking a notable development in the state’s educational landscape. Featured in an end-of-year update by Oklahoma Voice, this funding highlights the story’s continued importance to Oklahomans in 2025.

The Utica Children’s Museum is welcoming school-aged kids for winter break programs designed to spur creativity, imagination, and movement. Families can drop in for engaging sessions, all included with admission.

Recent Kennesaw State University alumna, Toni-Ann McKenzie, believes entrepreneurship can create more than revenue—it can foster community impact. Her innovative insights focus on autistic students, seeking to make a meaningful difference through forward-thinking solutions.

For five years, local employers in the Golden Isles have embraced a new path to workforce development. By collaborating with schools in an externship program, they aim to nurture future talent well before students enter the job market.

On January 7, 2026, the Madison-Oneida Board of Cooperative Educational Services (MOBOCES) will hold its regular monthly board meeting at 5 p.m. in Verona. The agenda includes discussions on regional cooperative educational services, and the meeting will take place in the administration board room at 4937 Spring Road.

Looking for ways to keep children entertained after the holidays? The Frederick Mom shares family-friendly weekend ideas, ensuring locals can stay active and engaged on December 26.

A concerned mother reveals her growing alarm over her daughter’s sudden inclination to lie. She wonders how to address this troubling behavior before it becomes deeply ingrained in the child’s everyday life.

Through early wakeup calls, shared devotion, and cheering at every childhood performance, one mother’s guidance built the foundation for a daughter’s success—even across 8,000 miles.

A forward-thinking program at Lincoln Public Schools is preparing students for the child care workforce. By offering a Child Development Associate certificate through The Career Academy, LPS connects students with a nationally recognized credential in early childhood education.

In this piece from Johanna Thomas’s “Administrator’s Corner,” readers hear not from the administrator but from students at the Albert Lea Area Learning Center. Their insights shed light on the day-to-day experiences and personal growth they find within the ALC community.