Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

Articles from the October 15, 2020 edition


Sorted by date  Results 1 - 16 of 16

  • Invenergy requests road closure on one-mile stretch

    Mark Mahoney, Journalist|Oct 15, 2020

    Invenergy has requested the permanent closure of a stretch of road near its Thunderhead wind project in southwest Antelope County. County highway superintendent Brian McDonald spoke to the board of commissioners Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Neligh about the renewable energy company's request to close 841 Road between 510 and 511 avenues. "There are two wind tower driveways at the very west end of this," McDonald said. "I think they're probably on the Wheeler side of the county line. "There's also an...

  • Sunset Store temporarily closes

    Oct 15, 2020

    The Sunset Store, located in Ewing, will be closed until further notice, due to COVID-19. Donations will continue to be accepted and may be left on the back porch any time....

  • Volleyball bracket released

    Oct 15, 2020

    The Summerland Lady Bobcats enter the Niobrara Valley Conference tournament as the number two seed. A complete bracket appears on Page 6....

  • Mistrial called in Antelope County district court malpractice case

    Sandy Schroth, Editor|Oct 15, 2020

    An Antelope County district court civil case has been rescheduled, after a mistrial was called by the Honorable Mark Johnson on Monday, Oct. 5. The case, brought by plaintiff Jennie Schrage of Clearwater, individually, and as administrator of the estate of Cyril Schrage, deceased, was originally filed by the Schrages' attorney Jason Ausman of Ausman Law Firm in Omaha on Feb. 12, 2018, prior to Cyril Schrage's May 29, 2018 death. An amended complaint was filed Sept. 28 by Ausman. Defendants are...

  • New school supplies: Mask mandates

    LuAnn Schindler, Publisher|Oct 15, 2020

    Are masks giving people a false sense of security? The question was posed to Summerland School Board of Education members during its Oct. 12 meeting in Clearwater. During public participation, three district patrons offered comments, asking questions about the school mandate, which requires students in all grades to wear masks during the school day. The mandate went into effect Sept. 28. Sara Lemburg asked the board to be "objective and practical." She acknowledged COVID-19 is a dangerous...

  • State auditor releases results of annual Holt County audit

    Sandy Schroth, Editor|Oct 15, 2020

    The Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts released results of Holt County’s annual audit late last month. The report covers July 2019 through June 2020 and includes numerous areas of concern for internal control that were listed in a letter sent to the county board of supervisors Sept. 25. The report is a matter of public record and is posted on the APA’s website. Deann Haeffner, APA assistant deputy auditor, noted in the letter that the report is “critical in nature” as it addresses areas noted for improvement and does not include observa...

  • -Isms

    LuAnn Schindler, Publisher|Oct 15, 2020

    “Do one thing every day that scares you.” When our 10-year-old grandson was relaying a story about reading aloud in class, Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote came to mind. It’s not that he dislikes reading outloud. He told us he wants to feel confident about speaking in front of a group of people, and to do that, he will need to step outside his comfort zone. It’s okay, Jorden. It doesn’t matter if you’re 10 or 60. We all have a comfort zone. How we approach that area filled with fear is what sets indivi...

  • Identifying, verifying and diversifying your news

    Dawaune Hayes, Civic Nebraska Writers Group|Oct 15, 2020

    d it to make informed decisions as we navigate life. But, we must challenge ourselves to think deeper about the media we consume. Misinformation and disinformation campaigns are increasingly everywhere and we must be prepared to identify falsehoods, verify truths and protect ourselves from too much news. As a media maker and content consumer, I know firsthand how fatiguing the news cycle can be. From the endless comments, push notifications, social feeds, emails and more. Yet, it is important...

  • Small businesses have until Nov. 1 to apply for Microenterprise Tax Credit

    Trenton Buhr, Policy assistant Center for Rural Affairs|Oct 15, 2020

    Starting and growing a small business is hard work, but the Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit makes it easier by incentivizing new investments. Designed to promote the expansion of small businesses across the state and, in doing so, strengthen our communities, the Microenterprise Tax Credit is available to businesses with five or fewer employees. About 145,000 Nebraska businesses are eligible for the credit. If approved, applicants will receive a 20 percent tax credit on business...

  • Vaccine clinic planned in Orchard

    Oct 15, 2020

    North Central District Health Department will offer a drive-through flu vaccine clinic, Thursday, Oct. 15, in Orchard. The clinic will be held between 2 and 6 p.m., at the Rex Theater. Enter the alley from the east to line up. Individuals taking part are asked to remain in their vehicle and follow the signs. Individuals six months old and older may participate in the clinic. A high-dose vaccine will be available for individuals more than 65 years old. A screening form must be filled out and can be found online at ncdhd.ne.gov. Health...

  • Bobcat XC team running on all cylinders

    Oct 15, 2020

    Three Bobcat runners earned conference medals during Friday's Niobrara Valley Conference meet, held at Neligh's Antelope County golf course. Kaci Wickersham finished in fifth place and teammate Aislynn Kester ended 13th in the girls' division. Senior Eli Thiele crossed the finish line in fourth place. Team members travel to Ainsworth, Oct. 15, for district competition. Start time is planned for 4 p.m....

  • Bulldogs take a bite out of the Bobcats

    LuAnn Schindler, Publisher|Oct 15, 2020

    The Summerland football team experienced a case of second-half blues, Friday, as Creighton took control en route to a 50-14 Bobcat loss. Summerland hit paydirt first, when Trevor Thomson sprinted 53 yards to the end zone and added the PAT to take an 8-0 lead. The Bulldogs responded with a touchdown when Sam Vortherms sailed a 59-yard pass to R.J. Wilmes. Creighton's extra-point attempt failed, giving the Bobcats an 8-6 edge. Brody Eggers scampered 28 yards to boost the Bulldogs ahead of...

  • October the time to celebrate popcorn

    Terri Hahn, Journalist|Oct 15, 2020

    I remember a story my mom used to tell about her coworker, Opal, and Opal's two little boys. One night, Opal asked the boys what they wanted for supper. One of the boys, about 4 or 5 years old, scrunched up his face and said, "Let's have ... let's have ... let's have ... POP TORN!" That answer became a joke in my family for years because I never met anyone who liked popcorn more than my mom. Popcorn was often her choice for supper. But it wasn't just popcorn my mom liked - she liked the butter...

  • Antelope County weed superintendent submits resignation

    Mark Mahoney, Journalist|Oct 15, 2020

    Bruce Ofe is planning to retire from the position of Antelope County weed superintendent. The Oakdale man turned in his letter of resignation to the board of commissioners during their meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Neligh. Ofe informed the commissioners he will be retiring effective Dec. 31 of this year. "I have enjoyed my time here these last 40-plus years as part of Antelope County," according to his letter. While he is looking forward to his retirement, Ofe noted he will miss being a part of...

  • Fire marshal investigates Orchard blaze

    LuAnn Schindler, Publisher|Oct 15, 2020

    Orchard Fire and Rescue Department responded to a house fire, Thursday, Oct. 8, at 436 Noble Street. The call was issued at approximately 10 p.m. According to Antelope County deputy John Shaver, the dwelling's resident, Andrew Clifton, escaped from the home without injury. Shaver said the cause of the fire is undetermined. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office is investigating. "I should have the report in two to three weeks," Shaver said. Details about the fire were not released at this...

  • O'Neill man faces first-degree sexual assault charge

    Sandy Schroth, Editor|Oct 15, 2020

    A 55-year-old O’Neill man waived his right to preliminary hearing when he faced the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County courtroom last Tuesday, Oct. 5, and was bound over to Holt County district court on a charge of first-degree sexual assault. Ronald J. Ross Jr. is scheduled to appear for arraignment in the district courtroom Nov. 9, on the Class 2 felony, alleged between March 2008 and March 2009. The complaint was filed by Holt County attorney Brent Kelly last month. Ross is represented by Bergan E. Schumacher and the firm Bruner F...