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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...
Summerland scored 40 first-quarter points in the Sept. 13 homecoming game, resulting in a 52-0 shellacking of the visiting Dragons. Michael Koenig completed six of seven passes for 197 yards. Steven Mast led the rushing corps with 42 yards on eight carries. Sam Cheatum pulled in three receptions for 121 yards. Defensively, Austin Mendoza led the Bobcats with six tackles, including three solo takedowns. Alec Schindler, Ethan Kester and Beau Ahlers each finished the game with five...
REGULAR PROCEEDINGS VILLAGE OF CLEARWATER BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sept. 9, 2024 The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met for a regular meeting Monday, Sept. 9, immediately following the budget and tax request hearings, in the fire hall meeting room. Meeting opened at 6:50 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...
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...
Summerland Bobcats kicked off homecoming activities, Sunday, with a bonfire at Clearwater's rodeo arena. In addition to a class cheer competition, moms of the senior football players held a tackling contest and students danced by the fire....
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...
Summerland's high school cross country squads traveled to Indian Hills Golf Course, near Beemer, Sept. 5, for the Wisner-Pilger Invite. They faced what many runners consider "Dead Man's Hill," a steep incline leading to the last two-thirds of the 5K race. Times were unavailable at press time. While there were no Bobcat medalists, each individual competitor showed improvement. Competitors included Xander Cepel, Jorden Cox, Luke Kester, Lenora Kester, Aubrey Parker and Carlee L...
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...
The following Summerland students participated in the Holt County Fair, Aug. 5 - 10 in Chambers. Award winners include: Clair Krysl Beef, Breeding Heifers, Shorthorn Breeding Heifers, Heifer Calves - Calved Mar 1 or after of current year, purple, Champion Shorthorn Breeding Heifer Beef, Breeding Heifers, Simmental Breeding Heifers, Yearling Heifers - Calved Mar/Apr of prior year, purple, champion Simmental Breeding Heifer and overall champion breeding heifer Beef, Breeding Heifers, Shorthorn Bre...
The Bobcat junior and senior high cross country teams opened the 2024 season at the Burwell Invite, Aug. 29, at the Calamus Golf Club. Results High school girls: Third in team standings; Lenora Kester, 12th, 19:48.30; Carlee Livingston, 20th, 21:22.20; Aubrey Parker, 21st, 21:48.50; Savannah Gallagher, 30th, 29:34 High school boys: Luke Kester, 16th, 17:05; Zander Cepel, 22nd, 18:01.20; Jorden Cox, 30th, 25:35.40 Junior high girls: Third in team standings; Isabella Kester, 7th, 9:11.10; Taylon...
The Bobcats opened the season with a win and a loss when they played at the West Holt triangular on Aug. 28. Summerland lost to Elkhorn Valley in the first match, 11-25 and 23-25. In the nightcap, the Bobcats defeated West Holt, 2-1. After dropping the first set, 22-25, Summerland rallied to win the match, 25-21 and 26-24. The Bobcats travel to St. Mary's, Sept. 5....
The Summerland Bobcat football team traveled to Newman Grove, Aug. 30, to open the 2024 season against the Newman Grove/St. Edward Panthers. The Bobcats score 48 points in the first quarter en route to a 60-8 victory. Michael Koenig led the team in passing, completing 9 of 11 attempts for 156 yards. Mason Schwager connected on two passes for 41 and Aiden McAllister went 1-1 for 8 yards. Steven Mast led the rushing attack, gaining 50 yards on eight carries. He found his way into the end zone for...
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...
The Bobcat fall sports teams begin the 2024 campaign Thursday, Aug. 29. At 10 a.m., the junior and senior high cross country teams will compete in the Burwell Invite at Calamus Golf Club. Bobcat volleyball teams travel to Atkinson for a triangular. Junior varsity and varsity teams will compete. At 6 p.m., Summerland will face Elkhorn Valley. West Holt will face off with the Bobcats at 7 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 30, the Bobcat football teams will battle Newman Grove/St. Ed in Newman Grove. Kickoff...
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....
Driving north on Highway 14, one may be inclined to stop and smell the roses. Rylee Wagner, proprietor of Wild Arrow Farms, hopes you stop to smell the zinnias, sunflowers, snapdragons and other floral varieties at her you-pick flower farm, located at 87544 Highway 14 near Winnetoon. For $20, visitors to the not-so-secret garden can cut stems and fill a 20-ounce cup, creating their own bouquet. Wagner also offers made-for-you bouquets. She recently organized a you-pick fundraiser for a family...
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...