Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Sorted by date Results 276 - 300 of 409
North Central District Health Department reported June 24, an Antelope County resident, in his 70s, was determined to be the first COVID-related death in the region. The individual was reported to have underlying health conditions. On June 29, NCDHD reported it is receiving an increase in trends for cases and direct contacts over the last week. With the July 4 holiday approaching and guidance loosening in the state, NCDHD reminds district residents to stay healthy and safe by being mindful of the importance of social distancing, only making...
Midland University is recognizing more than 800 students for their outstanding achievements in being named to the Spring 2020 academic awards’ list. Midland also announced the addition of three new awards for the 2020 spring semester: President’s Achievement Award, Dean’s Achievement Award and Warrior Grit Academic Achievement Award. Dean’s list honorees must have a term grade-point average of 3.50 to 3.99, all course requirements completed and at least 12 credits on the A-F grade scale. Warrior Grit Academic Achievement Award honorees must ha...
KATIE ANDERSON Nebraska News Service With the summer session less than three weeks away, Nebraska Legislature's leaders say there are important tax and revenue topics to be debated and hope to keep everyone safe inside the Capitol. When the 17-day session reconvenes July 20, changes most notable to the public will be how the George W. Norris Legislative Chamber is set up and how it will function. Due to COVID-19, the Legislature is taking safety precautions for senators' return. "The speaker...
MADELEINE GRANT Nebraska News Service Ballot initiatives that encourage economic development and repeal slavery language in the state constitution will appear on the Nebraska ballot in November. The Nebraska Tax Increment Financing Repayment Amendment increases the repayment period for TIF in blighted areas, which can help stimulate economic growth. The second amendment on the ballot is Remove Slavery as Punishment for Crime, which removes language in the Nebraska state constitution that says slavery can be used as punishment for a crime. Both...
LUNA STEPHENS Nebraska News Service While much of the attention on this summer's legislative session will likely be focused on property tax relief, Nebraska state senators passed a variety of bills before the session was suspended and have more to discuss. The Nebraska Legislature's 2020 session was suspended March 16 because of COVID-19 concerns and will resume July 20. Here's a look at some of the legislation that became laws, and some that will continue to be debated when the Legislature resu...
KATIE ANDERSON Nebraska News Service Property tax relief is on the agenda for the 17-day legislative session later this month, but opponents argue that the proposed property tax relief plan will hinder school district spending and taxing authority. State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, chairwoman of the revenue committee, is leading the charge to get a property tax relief package passed when the Legislature resumes on July 20. “We have a property tax crisis more severe now in agriculture but moving toward suburbia,” Linehan said. “If you b...
When the Red Cross visits Clearwater, July 14, for a blood drive, the organization will offer testing for COVID-19 antibodies. The organization began testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations, June 15. According to a Red Cross news release, the antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may indicate if the donor's immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed symptoms. "A positive antibody test does...
Clearwater Public School seniors did not let the coronavirus spoil graduation, despite limited attendance at Saturday's commencement exercises. The ten graduates turned a stressful final quarter of classes into a memorable celebration. Jackie Olivan welcomed family members and guests. Lauren Behnk, valedictorian, and Kierra Bearinger, salutatorian, shared memories and provided their take on spending one-fourth of the year learning at home following the school's March 13 closure due to COVID-19....
Each year, Aksarben pays homage to the dedicated and hard-working Nebraskan families who have met the incredible milestone of owning at least 40 acres of farmland within one family for 100 or 150 years, respectively. The Aksarben Foundation, along with Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers, recently announced this year’s 122 honorees for the Aksarben Pioneer Farm (100 years) and Aksarben Heritage Farm Awards (150 years). Three Antelope County families will receive Pioneer Farm awards, including John and Patricia S...
Justin W. Bennett, 24, formerly of Lancaster, California, currently incarcerated at the Antelope County Jail, appeared before the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom Wednesday, June 17, on an extradition request from Los Angeles County, California. Prior to facing the judge, Bennett informed county attorney Joe Abler he intended to request a hearing, to find out what the California charges are about. Documents in possession of Antelope County officials listed allegations by code only. Abler said he had not looked up...
Over 10,000 years ago, goats provided hair, hide, meat and milk for the nomadic tribesmen who domesticated the animal. In addition to those purposes, present day goats serve as pack animals, companion pets and 4-H/FFA projects for youth. Their unique browsing habits control unwanted vegetation, plus the pelleted droppings are an excellent fertilizer. Goats also offer a feasible option for hobby farm enthusiasts. Current breeds are varied in size and color, with docile personalities and...
LU NELSEN Policy associate Center for Rural Affairs As the global COVID-19 pandemic has swept across Nebraska, it has taken many clean energy jobs with it—especially in the solar energy industry. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the novel coronavirus has led to the loss of 105 jobs in Nebraska, a decrease of 29% from the original forecast. In addition to job loss, COVID-19 may also impact the projected growth of solar in the state. As recently as 2019, the solar industry employed 1,332 Nebraskans and about 47 megawatts o...
North Central District Health Department has been made aware of two additional positive COVID-19 cases in Knox County. The first case, through contact investigations, has been deemed to be from community spread. Close contacts have been identified and asked to quarantine. The second case is currently under investigation. Contacts in this case have been identified and asked to quarantine. Residents of Knox County should assume the illness is in their community, as community spread is present in the county. NCDHD reminds residents that Test...
City-wide garage sales will be held in Ewing, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free maps will be vailable at the Post Office the day of the sales. All COVID-19 restrictions apply. Individuals interested in having a sale listed on the map should contact LaVonne Sisson, at 402-626-7755, by Monday, June 22....
A global pandemic, social distancing and threat of a thunderstorm didn't keep the senior class at Orchard Public Schools from walking across a makeshift stage to accept their diplomas, June 6. Family members watched from seats on the football field, as Chance Boelter, Gage Clifton, Ira Lampert, Eli Macke, Houston Marino and Gage Switzer became the last class to graduate from OPS. Exchange students Silvia Bode-Garcia and Madleen Reipen were not present. Both students returned to their respective...
Charlie Henery, chairman of the Antelope County board of commissioners, told his peers, when they met at the courthouse last Tuesday, June 2, that the condition of a road north of Clearwater embarrassed him. Discussion on 854 Road began as commissioner Eli Jacob asked the road superintendent his timeline for grinding a two mile stretch of 516 Avenue, from Clearwater north to the cemetery. Road boss Aaron Boggs said he first needed to know "where we're going with it." "Well, we either have to...
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture recently announced student delegates selected to attend this year’s Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. Alyssa Moser, of Clearwater, has been tabbed as one of the delegates. In its 49th year, NAYI challenges its delegates to learn more about the agricultural industry and careers available to them in their future. To slow the spread of COVID-19, this year’s Institute will be held virtually. NAYI is coordinated by NDA and the members of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council. “NAYI is the longest runni...
The Clearwater Public Library's summer reading program for kids began at the end of May. The program is meant to help children continue to read and work on skills for when school begins in August. Library Director Kathy Feusse also created activities to keep the 45 participating kids entertained as well. "Normally, the program offers a fun social time with their friends and allows them to explore a theme and do activities based on that theme," Feusse said. "This year is going to offer them some...
The Holt County board of supervisors approved more than $60,000 in courthouse maintenance projects when they met there May 29. On a motion by supervisor Bob Snyder, the leaders unanimously approved a proposal from Beckenhauer Construction for several maintenance projects at the courthouse. The proposal included replacement of a metal door and frame for $21,165; cleaning and painting 26 window frames for $22,825; and clean and paint the metal stairs for $19,085. Steve and Janene Peterson addressed the board regarding ongoing drainage issues...
The 2020 Antelope County Fair will feature a few changes from original plans. On Wednesday, during a special meeting, Antelope County Ag Society directors unanimously voted to postpone the Michael Ray concert, scheduled for Aug. 1. "Negotiations are underway for Michael Ray to perform at the 2021 Antelope County Fair. Any tickets sold for the concert will be refunded," the society said in a statement released to the media. Another change will be noticed in the fairground's exhibit hall. The...
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions on gathering and not knowing what restrictions will be in July, the Ewing Young Members Club has decided to postpone the 150th Summer FunFest Celebration, that was previously rescheduled for July 10 through 12. "Although it was a very tough decision, the safety of our small community is very important to us," organizers said. Little Texas, with Hi-Fi Hangover, and the 150th plus 1 celebration will be held next year, May 28, 29 and 30. Letters will be sent to sponsors giving them options on their...
While we have all done our best to stay healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic, rural communities have risen above the challenges forced upon them during this unprecedented time and shown what true fortitude and grit look like - coming together to make sure neighbors, friends and family are safe, well-fed and cared for. One sector—rural grocery stores—has stepped up to provide for their customers. During the onslaught of new restrictions and regulations, people started panic buy...
The Holt County courthouse, annex and road department office are set to reopen next week. The county offices, which have had restricted access since March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume normal operations June 8, according to county clerk Cathy Pavel. The county board of supervisors, when they voted to reopen, left use of masks and social-distancing measures to the discretion of the respective official or department head of each office. The supervisors will convene as a board of equalization to hear property valuation protests June...
Clearwater Public Schools will host commencement exercises, Saturday, June 20, at 1 p.m., at the school gymnasium. Social distancing requirements will be enforced. Chairs will be set up throughout the gym. Use of bleachers will be prohibited. Household members of graduates will be seated toward the front. Groups shall be no larger than six individuals, with one exception. Families who live under the same roof may sit together. Principal Mike Sanne said the ceremony will be as traditional as possible; however a few honored traditions will not...
The Holt County 4-H public speaking contests were originally scheduled for April, but due to COVID-19, for the first time the contest was held virtually. Junior division winner, with a purple ribbon, was Eisley Mlady, Atkinson. Emersyn Mlady, Atkinson, was named intermediate division champion. Carlee Jo Livingston, Orchard, earned the reserve title. Landyn Mlady, Atkinson, won the senior division. Public service announcement junior division champion went to Brooke Carey, Atkinson. In the intermediate division, Miya Carey, Atkinson, was named...
