Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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Hand counting of election ballots will not take place in Holt County anytime soon, despite a request from citizens made at the Sept. 16 supervisors' meeting in O'Neill. Grace Coleman of Atkinson presented petitions discouraging use of electronic tabulators and encouraging a return to hand counting of ballots at the precinct level. She said individuals from Holt, Boyd, Antelope, Cedar, Knox, Dixon and northern Pierce counties signed the petitions, which were circulated over the summer months....
Good things come to those who wait. Or, sometimes, you have to flesh out details of a project before all the pieces come together. In this instance, the second statement hits the mark. For two years, we have wanted to establish a reader panel for SAM. Why? We believe listening to reader feedback is a solid way for our weekly product to continue to grow. We believe SAM has an invested group of readers and we feel it’s important to connect with you, whether you’re a print subscriber or prefer the...
At first glance, the Clearwater Veterans Park, located at the intersection of Main and Nebraska streets, pays homage to those who served this country. Flags recognizing each military branch of service wave on the eastern side of a concrete walkway. A bright mural decorates the south wall of the library. A plaque, defining the term "veteran," is installed. Benches supply a place for visitors to sit and reflect. As of Sept. 11, two more pieces have been added: a battlefield cross and a soldier bea...
For the 14th time, Clearwater's Big Rodeo, scheduled annually for the last full weekend in June, received the Mid-States Rodeo Association's award for large-purse rodeo of the year. Award recipients were announced Saturday, during the association's finale in Broken Bow. The chamber was tabbed as the top rodeo in 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Rodeo co-chairman Jeremy Kester attributes the event's success to a supportive community and large group...
Another school bus will be added to the Summerland Public School fleet following action taken by the board of education when they met Sept. 11. According to transportation supervisor James Ramold, a new bus will need to be purchased in each of the next two years before the rotation can resume to a two-year cycle. Superintendent Molly Aschoff said, "After looking at bills, we've spent a lot of money of that bus of Tony's (Shrader)." Aschoff suggested purchasing a 2021 Freightliner for $93,350....
Holt County Supervisors gave the nod to VRDG, LLC, for construction of a commercial solar conversion system, following a public hearing held Monday in O'Neill. Opponents expressed concerns about setbacks, environmental issues and health concerns, while proponents touted the tax advantages, seeing the system as a way to keep the family farm viable. The 325-megawatt nameplate capacity site will cover 300 Holt County acres, with the balance of construction set to take place in Knox County. It is...
While reading a weekly email from James Clear, writer of the wildly popular book “Atomic Habits,” the author posed a question that caught my attention. “What season are you in right now and what does that season require?” We walk through life and experience different phases, like the changing of seasons. Right now, we’re transitioning from summer into fall, where the days cool down, school activities heat up and there’s a constant sense of motion. I call it the season of busy. What does it req...
For several Summerland FFA students, school never is out of session, even during summer months. Through a Supervised Agriculture Experience, FFA members are able to explore career options and learn about workplace life. Summerland FFA Advisor Jacob Goldfuss said, "Essentially, it is some type of job or project that an FFA member should have to help them learn skills and knowledge that they can use in the classroom and in FFA contests." The sky's the limit when it comes to a job or project for an...
Eight street projects will fill Clearwater's six-year street plan. The one-year plan can be summed up in a single word: maintenance. Village engineer John Zwingman told trustees he went through the prior plan "with a fairly fine-tooth comb." "Last year's plan costs made zero sense to me and the attached maps didn't match project descriptions," he said during Monday's public hearing held at the fire hall meeting room. Projects include: • Nebraska Street, from Iowa Street to Main Street, .22 m...
After listening to a presentation about county IT services by Dave Sharr, of RTI, on Aug. 30, Holt County Supervisors authorized the Sioux City-based company to conduct an assessment for managed IT services in the courthouse, annex, road and administrative buildings. Supervisors also approved a quote from Boyd's Network Solutions to expand the current phone system in the administrative building. County planning and zoning administrator Marv Fritz briefed supervisors on the commission's approval...
How to handle the River Road, near Clearwater, will come down to engineering specifications. Village officials and Clearwater residents were present, Sept. 10, when Antelope County Commissioners discussed the potential project. Road superintendent Leigh Kluthe said he and Brian McDonald traveled the road last week to talk to about options for the three manholes in the stretch off Highway 275 to the first bridge. Kluthe hasn't received McDonald's findings yet. "He's directing everything back to t...
My Uncle Paul left this earth about 10 days ago. He was an entertaining character who loved his family and always had a knack for making people laugh. I was asked to speak at his funeral. My Aunt Deanna tells me he loved this column. He told me that, too. Uncle, this one’s about you. I read two statements this week that hit home. The first one said, “An auntie and her first-born niece will always have an unbreakable bond. I know it’s true. Ask my aunties, I’m their favorite “Hey, will you run t...
Homecoming festivities for Summerland Public School kick off Sunday, Sept. 8, with a bonfire at the rodeo arena in Clearwater. Fun and games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Each class has been assigned a class color. Seniors will wear white; juniors, pink; sophomores, black; freshman, blue; and junior high, yellow. Dress-up days have been set and will be the same for all classes. Monday, Sept. 9 is 'Merica Day. Students are asked to dress in red, white and blue. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, grab a...
Ed. note: The print edition of SAM has the wrong amount for the anticipated budget. Instead of $16.1 million, the print edition reports $16.1 billion. The correct amount has been updated in this article. SAM regrets the error. Summerland Public School District will enter the 2024-2025 fiscal year with an anticipated budget of $16.1 million, which includes $11.825 million in the general fund, $3.25 million in the bond fund and just over $1 million in a special building fund. The total property ta...
An interlocal agreement may be required if Antelope County assists the Village of Clearwater with updates to a portion of River Road, from Highway 275 to the first bridge, heading north. The key word: If. During Tuesday's commissioners' meeting, Brian McDonald, highway superintendent, learned that Clearwater officials asked for a quote to fix the road. "I think you run into some obligation authority on spending county funds on city roads," McDonald said. "I have mixed emotions about dealing...
Last week, I watched ESPN E60: No Place Like Nebraska. It wove several storylines into one, showing why Husker volleyball continues to be the program to emulate. The show included snippets of the program’s humble beginnings, a fair amount about the attendance record at volleyball day and a glimpse into Harper Murray’s successes on the court and downfalls outside of Devaney. It’s a lot to wrap into a 50-minute video. Maybe too much. One storyline needed more. If you’re a volleyball enthusi...
Chelsea Silbernagel opened not one, but two, new chapters in her life recently. Not only did the Clearwater native get married on Aug. 17, she recently was hired as the director of the Clearwater Public Library. Her first day in the position was Aug. 27. Silbernagel fills the spot left open after former director Kathy Feusse moved to Michigan with her family in late July. Silbernagel graduated from Clearwater-Orchard Public Schools in 2013. She's worked in customer service-based positions, inclu...
Members of the Antelope County Youth Enrichment Center board, break ground at the new building site. The Aug. 17 ceremony also included fair board and 4-H members, who took their turns turning over a shovel of ground. Fundraising for the building began more than two years ago. To date, more than $400,000 in donations have been made. The facility will be used for archery events and house poultry and rabbit exhibits during fair week....
Holt County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit, Aug. 22, for VRDG, LLC, to construct a commercial solar conversion system. Matt Robinette, of Bluestem Energy Solutions, represented VRDG, LLC, and explained the 325-megawatt nameplate capacity site. Three hundred Holt County acres would be used in the project, with the balance of construction set to take place in Knox County. Approximately 68 megawatts would be produced in Holt County and 257 megawatts would come from the Knox...
Orchard Public Library representatives made its budget presentation to Orchard Village trustees during the Aug. 12 board meeting. Library director Donna Hamilton and library board member Amanda Shabram requested $21,000 - $1,750 monthly - for the 2024-2025 budget. Village clerk Brenda Harrison reported this is an increase of $3,806.27 annually, which is a $317.19 monthly boost. Prior to the budget presentation, Hamilton reviewed the library’s annual report, noting the number of visitors has incr...
Jayden D. Garett, 23, of Stuart was sentenced to 90 days in the Holt County Jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor assault conviction, with credit given for two days previously served. He was taxed $60 costs. Garett pleaded guilty July 9, pursuant to an agreement with Holt County prosecutor Brent Kelly. Kelly dismissed a driving during suspension charge. Garett was represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith. According to an arrest affidavit filed by an O’Neill officer, Garett was arrested M...
Holt County Supervisors will meet with a representive from RTI, an IT firm based in Sioux City, when they meet in regular session, Friday, Aug. 30. The presentation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. At the Aug. 16 supervisors’ meeting, supervisor Josh Treptow reported three quotes have been received. The county has previously worked with two of the companies. Treptow said a subcommittee met to discuss options. “Let’s have a one-stop shop that takes care of the network, do managed services and handl...
When the Nebraska Huskers kick off the football season, Saturday at 2:30 p.m., fans will note several changes at Memorial Stadium. The biggest change will be how to pay for concession items, programs, stadium seats and merchandise. Keep the cash stashed. "All Husker athletic venues have now moved to cashless operations," Nebraska Athletic Department personnel reported. Volleyball and women's soccer, played at the Devaney Center and Hibner Stadium, respectively, will also move to cashless...
Happiness. It's a word Amy Larsen associates with the look on an individual's face when they receive flowers. "There's something about the happiness ... some would smile and some would cry when they open the door and see you with a bouquet," she said. Now, Larsen hopes to spark happiness in the Ewing area as she introduces Beautiful Chaos Designs, a floral and gift shop. The store is located in the science room in the former Ewing High School, at 416 North Spruce Street. Larsen's interest in...
The importance of teamwork throughout the school year was a loud and clear mantra mentioned Aug. 14, when Summerland Public School students returned for the oening day of the 2023-2024 school year. Superintendent Molly Aschoff told the K-12 assembly she was happy to see "their smiling faces." "It's what I've been waiting for, to see you at school," she said. Aschoff introduced her theme for the upcoming school year: Be the village, it's the Bobcat way," a twist on the African proverb. "It's all...
