Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 1798
Summerland Public Schools will begin the search for three positions for the 2025-2026 school year following retirements announced during the Jan. 15 board of education meeting. Jim Schutt, Julie Harley and Misty Nilson turned in applications for the early retirement program. Schutt has taught social studies for Orchard, Nebraska Unified and Summerland districts for 39 years. In his resignation letter, Schutt thank board members, administration, fellow staff members and everyone who made this a w...
They're known as The Greatest Generation. On Friday, six Nebraskans who served in World War II were recognized at the Holt County Courthouse Annex in O'Neill. Each received a medal and certificate marking the 80th anniversary of WWII's end, part of a program introduced by Gov. Jim PIllen and the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs. Bernard Hoffman, of Chambers, and John Schultz, of O'Neill, attended the ceremony. John Hilgert, NDVA director; Scott Menish, O'Neill mayor; and Ken Stenka,...
I’ve been thinking (and that can be a dangerous thing). Last week’s All Things Nebraska column by Paul Hammel posed the question, “Should the Legislature dish up a state dessert?” ICYMI, Hammel lamented that our northern neighbors have a designated dessert. It’s Kuchen, a German cake, stuffed with fruit or custard filling. Once, Hammel made the suggestion to a state senator who represented several Czech communities that, perhaps, the legislature should designate kolaches as the official...
All six school board members took the oath of office Wednesday, Jan. 15. Nate Schwager, Scott Thiele, Austin Twibell, Jeremy Wagner, along with newcomers Chelsi McLain and Ryan Ahlers, recited the pledge of office. Officers for the board were also elected during the 50-minute meeting. Superintendent Molly Aschoff conducted the election. Nate Schwager will serve as president for the upcoming year and Jeremy Wagner was elected as vice president. Austin Twibell was chosen to fill the secretary...
Andrew Steskal, a 2018 graduate of Clearwater-Orchard Public Schools, will fill a math vacancy at Summerland Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year. Steskal spent two years at Northeast Community College and received a degree in mathematics education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Currently, he fills a similar position at Cross County High School. This is his third year in the district, located south of Stromsburg. Superintendent Molly Aschoff said, "We're very fortunate. He came...
The Summerland Bobcats wrestling team competed at the West Holt Invitational in Atkinson on Friday, Jan. 17, finishing eighth in the 10-team field with 66.5 points. Burwell captured the team title with a dominant 180-point performance. Despite their mid-pack finish, the Bobcats saw standout efforts from two individual champions, along with medal-winning performances in several weight classes. Austin Mendoza secured first place in the 144-pound division, earning 26.0 team points. After receiving...
The Orchard Community Center is turning up the heat this winter with its second annual soup supper on Sunday, Jan. 26, starting at 5 p.m. Locals can ladle up a variety of hearty soups while supporting a great cause - funds raised will go toward bringing new amenities to the center. Speaking of upgrades, while there, don't miss the center's latest addition: an indoor pickleball set. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious first-timer, this fast-paced, fun game is perfect for all ages. Bring...
The Summerland Lady Bobcats showcased their dominance in a Jan. 16 triangular matchup against Creighton and Norfolk Catholic, earning decisive victories in both contests. Against Norfolk Catholic, the Lady Bobcats triumphed 47-17. Ava Cleveland started strong, earning a 19-2 technical fall over Gracie Bowers in the 115-pound match. Abbey Chipps followed with a swift pin against Lily Curry in just 27 seconds at 120 pounds. Norfolk Catholic secured points at 130 pounds, with Micheli Fisher...
The Summerland boys wrestling team delivered a hard-fought performance at the Summerland Triangular on Jan. 16, earning a narrow victory over Norfolk Catholic before falling to Creighton in a dramatic finale. The Bobcats secured a 35-31 win over Norfolk Catholic, thanks to several standout performances: Steven Mast (138): Pinned Tanner Risinger in 1:28. Austin Mendoza (144): Earned a 20-5 technical fall over Oliver Daniel. Ethan Kester (150): Stuck Kaden Nutzman in just 53 seconds. Jason Shaver...
The Summerland Bobcats secured a 71-62 victory over O’Neill St. Mary’s on Jan. 16 in a thrilling matchup at SMH. A barrage of three-point shooting in the first half set the tone, with Summerland burying eight triples while St. Mary’s countered with nine of their own. Head coach Brett Kaczor said, “Our guys knew it was going to be a battle. We were able to get off to a really good start and match every run that St. Mary’s threw at us throughout the game.” The Bobcats demonstrated efficiency...
The St. Mary’s Lady Cardinals showcased their defensive prowess and consistent scoring in a 55-31 victory over the Summerland Lady Bobcats during their Jan. 16 matchup in O’Neill. The Lady Bobcats were held to single-digit scoring in three quarters, while St. Mary’s delivered a steady offensive performance, establishing an early lead and maintaining control throughout the game. Emerson Mlnarik contributed three points and seven rebounds for the Lady Cardinals. Pyper Ickes added one point and f...
The Summerland Bobcats showcased their dominance on Friday night with a decisive 61-34 victory over the Humphrey-Lindsay Bulldogs in front of a home crowd at Summerland. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Bobcats maintained control, powered by standout performances and consistent team play. Coach Brett Kaczor said Friday was a quick turnaround against another quality and very well-coached Humphrey-Lindsay team. Summerland opened strong, outscoring the Bulldogs 19-8 in the first...
REGULAR PROCEEDINGS VILLAGE OF CLEARWATER BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jan. 13, 2025 The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met for a regular meeting Monday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m., in the fire hall meeting room. Meeting opened at 7 p.m. Notice of meeting was given in advance by publication in Summerland Advocate-Messenger, was posted at US Post Office in Clearwater, Clearwater Market and Cornerstone Bank-Clearwater and was given to board members prior to meeting. Public was informed of location of Open Meeting Act poster. Present: Kelly Kerkman,...
When an infant needed a lifeline, a 15-year-old Ewing teen sprang into action without hesitation. Little did Taelyn Nilson know the CPR skills she acquired through SkillsUSA - a career and technical education organization at Summerland Public School - would save a life on a cold December night. "I just thought it would make a good speech," Nilson said. On Dec. 19, after a basketball game in O'Neill, Nilson opted for a ride home with her mom instead of the school bus, craving a McDonald's $5...
Imagine 30 minutes in a warm, soothing environment that claims to deliver health benefits like easing chronic pain, reducing stress and even promoting weight loss. Thanks to 26 Renew, area residents can now experience these perks by booking time in an infrared sauna located in the heart of Orchard. Owned by Alexa Simons, 26 Renew operates out of the former girls' locker room at the Orchard Community Center. Simons, originally from Sutton, moved to Orchard in 2023 with her husband, Tristan....
Holt County officials reorganized for 2025, during a Jan. 9 meeting. Judge Kale Burdick swore in newly-elected supervisors Don Linquist Jr., Dustin Breiner and Darrin Paxton. Under the direction of county clerk Cathy Pavel, supervisors entertained nominations for chairman. Bill Tielke was nominated and re-elected as chairman. Doug Frahm was selected to chair the county board of equalization. After delegating committee assignments, supervisors reappointed Gary Connot as road superintendent and...
Since Antelope County Courthouse offices were open Jan. 9 on the National Day of Mourning, in honor of the death of former President Jimmy Carter, employees will receive a floating holiday. During a Jan. 7 meeting, commissioners approved a motion outlining the decision to remain open on Jan. 9, with a floating holiday for all county employees to be used by Feb 28. Antelope County Clerk Lisa Payne said since it’s a federal holiday, the state follows suit in declaring the holiday. “Our motion las...
Dear Mark Zuckerberg: How ironic your company axed its fact-checking program, aimed at stopping the proliferation of disinformation, earlier last week. Imagine my surprise on Thursday, when this newspaper, a community weekly covering the Summerland region in Nebraska, had a post celebrating Orchard Fire and Rescue Department members honored for long-time service, removed from Facebook. I linked the story from our paper’s website directly to your social media site, a procedure I’ve done mul...
Antelope County Commissioners learned about concerns regarding window frames and falling apart and buckling carpet during the Jan. 7 meeting in Neligh. Marlene Schindler shared concerns during the janitorial and maintenance report. "Most of the window frames are falling apart. Most of the windows I cannot even open," she said. Clerk Lisa Payne said she and Schindler discussed contacting a local handyman to see if he would tackle the job. Chairman Charlie Henery said if the individual can't, a...
The Summerland Lady Bobcats cruised to a decisive 37-16 victory over the Plainview Pirates in a Jan. 7 contest on the Pirate's home court. Summerland jumped out early, scoring eight points in the first quarter while holding Plainview to just four. Consistent offensive efforts by the Bobcats led to quarter scores of 8, 12, 9, and 8, while their defense kept Plainview at bay, limiting them to single digits in the final three quarters. Junior Jenna Funk led the charge for the Lady Bobcats, putting...
The Summerland girls’ wrestling team put forth a strong effort at the Norm Manstedt Girls’ Invitational in Columbus on Jan. 9, with six wrestlers earning medals and a 13th-place team finish out of 55 teams, scoring 93 points overall. Leading the charge for Summerland was Jaelyn Shaver (190B), who pinned her first three opponents to reach the finals. Shaver’s early victories included a swift 28-second fall over Karrie Weaver of Raymond Central and a semifinal pin over Laney Abell of Cente...
In a hard-fought battle of unbeatens on Friday night, Summerland's boys' basketball team edged West Holt, 43-40, in a home contest that came down to the final moments. Head coach Brett Kaczor praised his team's effort after securing back-to-back wins over challenging opponents. "Coming out of the week with two wins over two really good opponents is a big success," Kaczor said. "We will focus on fine-tuning our offensive execution and shoot countless free throws as we prep for a busy week with...
Summerland Public School played host to an action-packed Bobcat Wrestling Invite on Jan. 11, with the home team placing third overall by scoring 94 points. The tournament's final match provided a dramatic conclusion, determining the team championship in nail-biting fashion. Jason Shaver of Summerland stepped onto the mat in the decisive 190-pound championship match against Luke Hagedorn of Guardian Angels Central Catholic. With the team title on the line - a Hagedorn victory would secure the...
The Summerland Bobcats held off a late surge from the Plainview Pirates on Jan. 7, securing a 52-48 victory on the Pirates' home court. Despite a fourth-quarter rally by Plainview, Summerland's steady play throughout the game ensured the Bobcats remained unbeaten this season. By the end of the first half, Summerland led 30-24, thanks to a strong 19-point opening quarter. A defensive battle followed in the third, with the Bobcats outscoring the Pirates 9-7. However, Plainview found rhythm in the...
The Summerland Bobcat boys wrestling team returned from Elkhorn Valley on Jan. 9 with mixed results after a triangular meet against Howells-Dodge and Elkhorn Valley. Following a dominant 42-17 win over Howells-Dodge in the first dual, the Bobcats fell to a strong Elkhorn Valley squad, 53-23. Bobcats v Howells-Dodge Summerland opened the night with a decisive win over Howells-Dodge, powered by key performances from Ethan Kester (150) and Austin Mendoza (144), who both secured falls. Matt...
