Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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With the official start of summer quickly approaching, The 402 Theater Group offers more opportunities for people of all ages to get involved by providing entertainment for the community. Jillian Henn, of Orchard, is one of the creators of The 402 Theatre Group. "The 402 Theater Group is a community inspired to bring the performing arts to rural communities," she said. The group started in 2022, when Orchard resident Don Lallier posted an ad around town to gather interest in starting a theater...
Lauren Behnk, of Clearwater, always knew she wanted to travel and experience life outside of Nebraska, especially in a Spanish-speaking country. Several people introduced travel as a way to study on Behnk's radar. Leenda Thiele, Behnk's high school Spanish teacher, shared her journey of coming to the states from Puerta Rico. Thiele encouraged her to experience travel for a better opportunity to learn. Behnk's cousin, Valley, also traveled and spurred her interest in seeing the world. Finally,...
An Orchard woman, Jessica Shaver, crushed her original goals – to become an inspiration to others, to be a better mom, wife and overall person, and to feel confident. While she achieved these goals, she is still on an "amazing journey" to live a healthier lifestyle for both her and her family. Shaver explained that her family had a history of obesity, which has contributed to other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. "When I finally decided to take charge of my l...
It's not very often that you hear someone say they enjoy running, but Jessica Barone, of Royal, loves running and the way it makes her feel. Barone has taken on a some new habits that have led her whole family to take on a healthier lifestyle. Barone's story began when she had some minor health problems in October 2021. She decided then that she had to do something to lose weight. "We are a busy family, and I wanted to have more energy and better health overall," Barone explained. She started by...
It's back. Yik Yak, a social media app shut down in 2017 following incidents of bullying on high school and college campuses, has reinvented itself and is blowing up once again. Created in November 2013, Yik Yak was the brainchild of two college students in South Carolina who intended the app to be beneficial for college students. After changes were made to limit anonymous postings, use significantly dropped off. Essentially, the app allows any user to create "Yaks," or anonymous threads. App...
What is the primary purpose of attending college? The most common responses include to gain more knowledge in the particular field one is pursuing, become involved, make connections, and, of course, to attend college for the experience. While all of these reasons are highly important, college is about growth and watching friends and family mature into the responsible adults they hope to become. Two students from Page - one a freshman, one a senior - talk about the college experience and how the...
Antelope County Commissioners listened to updates about the proposed Midwest Carbon Express pipeline, Sept. 13, during the board's regular monthly meeting. Derrick Montgomery was scheduled to present on behalf of Summit Carbon Solutions; however, due to illness, Ben Fuller, a relationship manager with the Iowa-based company, gave an overview of the project. He provided commissioners with handouts, including a map of the county and a few pages including tax information. Summit Carbon Solutions...
Voter integrity was yet again a topic of discussion when Antelope County Commissioners met, Sept. 6, in Neligh. Chairman Charlie Henry opened the floor to Sheryl Baker, who yielded her time to Mike Seier, who spoke about materials presented by Antelope County Patriots at the previous board meeting. Commissioner Regina Krebs questioned information that had the official tally with a "true" number, and she was interested where that number came from. According to Connie Baker, the information came...
With the three-day weekend in store, people across the world are grateful for Labor Day, but how many people truly know what Labor Day is, the sacrifices that were made and how the holiday came about? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day originated in the 19th century "when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being." During the 1800s, the Industrial Revolution had people of...
Max Heiter, of Royal, took a project to the Antelope County Fair with low expectations. Later, he learned his open class exhibit received the first-place blue ribbon for the 65-and-over class. It all started when Heiter saw a fiber optic knife made by someone on the internet a little over a year ago. "I saw a fiber optic knife somebody made on the internet, so I get on the internet and looked for this fiber optic and I found it in Oklahoma," he said. "I thought 'I'm gonna try it; he did it,...
Farrah Gray, a famous American businessman, said, "Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs." Four years ago, Parker Napier, of Ewing, decided to take a chance at starting his own business, Parker's Lawn Mowing. Now, he continues to expand his business. Parker's Lawn Mowing began when Napier was just 11 years old. He purchased his first lawn mower from his parents, Chad and Karen Napier. He wanted to start this business because he was bored and needed something to do....
Should ballots cast in Antelope County elections be counted by hand instead of by machine? Members of the Antelope County Patriots filled the Antelope County commissioners' meeting room, Aug 9, to discuss those questions and other election procedures. Sheryl Baker approached the board and yielded her time to Professor David Clements, of New Mexico, and Connie Reinke with the Nebraska Voter Accuracy Project. Clements introduced himself as a former law professor at New Mexico State University, a...
Nebraska’s new slogan “Honestly, it’s not for everyone” may be true for some people, but the one thing that may be for everyone is Nebraska’s beef. The state’s quality beef is what inspired the Nebraska Beef Council to launch the Nebraska Beef Passport, which includes Sly’s Family Bar and Grill in Neligh. According to nebeef.org, “The Nebraska Beef Council is a non-profit organization served by a nine-member board of directors. The volunteers oversee Nebraska’s beef checkoff and checkoff-fund...
With the start of the second year at Summerland Public School this week, there are a multitude of opportunities students can still be introduced to. Kelly Anson, of Ewing, hopes to share Summerland school spirit by forming the Dance Catz dance team. Anson said she is “excited to offer this opportunity to students who share the love of dance and look forward to promoting school spirit.” “I hope it brings out the best in each other, role models, new traditions, school spirit and camaraderie,” she...
The Antelope County commissioners met on Tuesday, Aug. 9 for a regular meeting in the county courthouse. Commissioners Charlie Henery and Carolyn Pedersen were not in attendance of the meeting. Several items on the agenda were discussed but at 9:40 a.m. Bobbi Risor, Region 11 emergency manager, approached the commissioners about the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant through FEMA. The grant was applied for in 2020, and Antelope County itself participated fully in the grant....
Corey Curtis is the master of the cattle rattle. He's cornered the market on the auction cry. And, he has the hardware to prove it. Curtis, of Royal, along with his wife, Tanya, and daughter, Christen, traveled to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, in Aurora, July 31, for the 2022 Nebraska Auctioneers Association auctioneer championship contest. Curtis earned the reserve champion title. Curtis has been an auctioneer for around 22 to 23 years. "My dad was the one that kind of talked me into going...
Keegan Smith is preparing for his next adventure: boot camp for the Marine Corps. "I had heard people talking about the military at a young age, so when I had time, I looked up the different branches," Smith said. The 2022 Summerland School graduate said he always knew he wanted to join the military. "We would have been shocked if he would have taken a different path. Ever since he was young, you could either find him out back dressed in camo playing army, or he would be in the street playing...
Orchard village trustees discussed concerns about buckling gym floors and heating and cooling systems during a special meeting held July 25, at 6 p.m., at the former school site. Edges of the floor have been buckling from humidity, due to asbestos tiles below. In the past, Tony Tabbert, the school’s janitor, cut the floor, flipped tiles to relieve pressure, then glued it back down. Trustees discussed blocking edges of the gym for laser tag during Orchard Celebration Days, to prevent people f...
Antelope County Commissioners tackled multiple agenda items when they met in regular session, Aug. 2, in Neligh. One promotional and one improvement grant request were approved. A promotional grant request for $242.50 was received from the Orchard Community Club. Funds were used for Orchard Free Celebration Days. Commissioner Eli Jacob moved to accept the request; commissioner Dean Smith made the second. All voted in favor. The second grant request was an improvement grant for $1,750 from Oakdal...
With school beginning next week, summer's end is in sight. What did you do over summer vacation? While the question may be a first-day ice breaker, a teacher's response may surprise you. Several teachers run their own side business in the summer to keep them busy and gain a little extra cash. Kindergarten teacher, Taryl Bazelman stayed busy throughout the summer by offering car detailing and creating custom T-shirts. She also makes shirts throughout the school year. Individuals interested in...
According to Nike, "The only one who can tell you 'you can't' is you. And you don't have to listen." Taking that advice, Randi Strunk, 39, of Minneapolis, originally from Orchard, has overcome that mindset and will participate in her third full Ironman race, Sunday, Aug. 7. The Ironman race will take place in Juneau, Alaska. The 140.6-mile race includes a 2.4-mile swim in Auke Lake, located near Mount McGinnis, a 112-mile bike ride along Glacier Highway to the final 26.2-mile run through the...
Discussion regarding lease agreements took precedence at the Village of Orchard Board of Trustees meeting held Monday, July 11. Trustees Glen Cheatum and Dwight VanOstrand were not in attendance of the meeting. Chairman Stephanie Cleveland addressed the status of several items at the community center. The shed has been cleared out and Jeff Shabram paid rent for the weight room through December. Officials are still waiting on lease and rental agreements, which will include utility costs, from vil...
Disney claims, "Beauty and the Beast" is "the most beautiful love story ever told." The O'Neill Community Theater had a busy summer with practices, and was rewarded by crowds supporting performances of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," Sunday, July 17 and Monday, July 18, in O'Neill. The North Central Nebraska Arts Council chose "Beauty and the Beast" to be performed during O'Neill's Summerfest celebration. Two Summerland English teachers fell into the roles of being directors for the musical. "I...
The rock band Bread sang, "Life can be short or long. Love can be right or wrong, and if I chose the one I'd like to help me through, I'd like to make it with you." This was the one of three songs sang at Sam and Barb Schwager's wedding on July 15, 1972. The Orchard couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past weekend, with loved ones, sharing their history and reminiscing about the past. The love story started in June 1970, at Barb's cousin's wedding dance, at the Legion Club in...
It was a hot, sunny day at the Hyannis Junior Rodeo where brothers Weston and Wayge Ferguson, of Clearwater, participated in several events on Sunday, July 10. Weston Ferguson, a third grader at Summerland, took part in the flag race, calf riding, poles and barrels in the 7-10-year-old boys group. "I was kind of scared (of calf riding), but I was supposed to hold my hand up like bull riding," explained Weston Ferguson. The calf rider placed eighth, with a ride of five seconds, just short of the...
