BEATRICE – Gage County’s Veterans Service Officer says he is working to help establish a local effort aimed at preventing suicide among veterans of the military services.

Scott Bates says the Lincoln Veterans Administration will conduct a suicide training program for people that are involved in the effort. That’s on April 22nd, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Veterans Club in Beatrice.

"For the people who are involved in the Buddy Check...it's a new organization that's been going through town. I've been working with them a lot. They meet on the 22nd every month...trying to prevent veterans from harming themselves." Locally, the program began last November. Bates says it is a program being utilized in several communities.

Bates also told county officials Wednesday it appears that a Memorial Day Service will be held this year, at Evergreen Home Cemetery in east Beatrice.
"That looks like that is going to happen...a lot of people are going to be able to come out. The band is going to be able to do their thing again. The Covid thing is kind of slowing down a little bit, so hopefully that will be a go....it looks like it is, right now."

Last year, the Memorial Day ceremony had to be canceled over limits on gathering size, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bates said at the Lincoln Veterans Administration visit at the Beatrice Veterans Club on April 22nd, officials will hold a session from noon until five p.m., to help veterans with any needs they may have.

The Gage County Veterans Service Committee recently held a quarterly meeting. A new member, Dan Paul attended his first meeting. Don Junker has been reappointed to the committee.