From News Partners US92
LYNCH — Heavy rain and strong winds did not stop the state’s largest outdoor fundraiser for cancer research southeast of Lynch Saturday night. The 2015 Cattleman’s Ball of Nebraska hosted over 4,500 people on the Redbird Ranch in southern Boyd County. Just as dinner was served and the program began, the first of several storm cells introduced themselves to the large-event tent-system that protected thousands of people. At one point, attendees were advised of emergency procedures in the event of a tornado or winds in excess of 65 miles an hour. Event organizers relayed that the tents used could most likely not withstand winds in excess of 70 miles an hour. Luckily, the winds died down and the Ball continued well into the night amid 3 to 6 inches of standing water under the tent area. All funds raised benefit UNMC’s Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center in Omaha. The evening crowd was treated to a country music concert featuring Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Daryl Worley. Radar estimates available at midnight Saturday night suggested that up to 4 inches of rain had fallen northeast of O’Neill. Photos courtesy Molly Aschoff |