Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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Since we're writers, we, at SAM love lists. Trust us, we keep and use them every single day. But, how does one determine which articles should be at the top of the yearly list? In the past, we've based it by reader count from our website. This year, we're still relying on reader count, featuring the top-read article by month. We wrote nearly 2,000 articles in 2023 and, while some of our favorites don't appear on the list, we're sure these are a newsworthy representation of the Summerland region....
Have you started Christmas shopping or are you one of those people who have completed the task and have everything wrapped? I belong to the first group. While I blame my tardiness on my over-scheduled time, part of me also knows I don't need to hurry because I can get everything I need locally. The push for shopping local hit home last week, when a 20-something year old shopped the Sidebar for holiday gifts. She told me she's "keeping it local." Her holiday gift giving will feature only items...
What is the best gift found around any Christmas tree? According to syndicated columnist Burton Hillis, the answer is "a happy family all wrapped up in each other." Friday, while sorting a few holiday items in the Sidebar, in preparation for a vendor show, I unfolded a quilted table runner and immediately was transported to my grandparents' home in Tilden. The pink and black floral print, swatches patched together with coordinating colors, resembled a queen-size quilt and matching pillow cases m...
Whether you're looking for stocking stuffers for youngsters, the perfect holiday decor or a unique present for the person who has everything, Saturday's Holiday Marketplace will offer a wide array of holiday gift ideas. The event, planned at The Office, located at 522 Main Street, in Clearwater, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to The Sidebar, a craft and food boutique featuring Nebraska-based artisans, vendors on site will help shoppers find artwork, jewelry, holiday items, home...
I wonder if people who think nothing cool happens in Nebraska have paid attention to the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska contest, sponsored by the state’s manufacturing alliance. ICYMI, here’s how it works. Manufacturers and related sectors were invited to nominate their favorite Nebraska-made product. The top 16 were placed in a bracket, with head-to-head voting taking place. What products made the top 16? Chocolate Meltaways from Bakers Candies; M Grills Big M Smokers made by Kinney Man...
Foodies searching for the ultimate comfort food will find plenty of options available from Woodshed Vittles. Located on a ranch near Chambers, owner Deeann Carson Wood bakes, cans and cooks a variety of foodstuffs available at area establishments, including the Sidebar in Clearwater, Farmers Store in Page, Valley Food Coop in Lynch and Village Market in Chambers. Boutique 129, in O'Neill, sells her company's jellies and jams. Wood's interest in cooking began with family members. "I've always...
Here’s a tip: Leave one. Or, don’t feel pressured to leave one. According to a recent Associated Press report, requests for tips are growing out of control. With digital payments trumping cash, customers are asked the following multiple choice question after making a purchase: 10%, 15%, 25% or custom amount. And the tipping prompt isn’t only at restaurants. Fast-food joints, convenience stores and clothing boutiques are urging customers to click to tip. I’ve seen several social media posts t...
Something for everyone. That's how organizer Courtney Soper, of Page, describes offerings at Saturday's Harvest Merchant Market, planned in Clearwater, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature approximately 20 vendors from across northeast Nebraska. Booths will be set up in The Office, at 522 Main Street, and the Clearwater American Legion, located at 507 Main Street. In addition to the Sidebar, artists/crafters attending the show include Burlap & Bows, Patriots Landing, Maple Leaf...
REGULAR PROCEEDINGS Village of Clearwater BOARD OF TRUSTEES October 12, 2022 The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met for a regular meeting Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m., in the fire hall meeting room. Meeting opened at 7:32 p.m. Notice of meeting was given in advance by publication in Summerland Advocate-Messenger and notice was given to board members prior to meeting. Public was informed of location of Open Meeting Act poster. Present: Kevin Filsinger, Steve Hankla, Kelly Kerkman, Jeff Schlecht, Cody Kester. Others present:...
By the time this edition lands in your mailbox, I imagine our office will be a bit quieter. Our summer reporters either will have returned to high school or be headed to Wayne for college. Both will be seniors at their respective schools. It has been a joy working with Faith King and Erin Schwager this summer. Erin joined the paper the day before our first edition debuted in 2019. She had recently graduated high school and was leaving soon for her first year at Wayne. She’s written stories f...
NFPW Communicator of Achievement director Karen Stensrud and NPW COA director Ruth Brown contributed to this article. LuAnn Schindler of Clearwater received the 2022 Communicator of Achievement Award from the National Federation of Press Women. This prestigious award has been given for 65 years. Schindler received the honor during a celebration at the organization's annual conference, held June 23 to 25, in Fargo, North Dakota. Now in its 85th year, NFPW is a nationwide organization of...
The first annual Clearwater Community Awards were presented during the April 11 village board of trustees meeting. When people talk about Clearwater, they often mention the great people that add to the community and the abundant quality of life in Clearwater. Many incredible people, businesses and organizations were nominated, but unfortunately, there could only be three winners, according to economic develoment director Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen. The Business of the Year was awarded to Orval's...
In the Sidebar, we have a T-shirt screen print available that reads, “Merry Stress-mas.” I can relate. It’s Monday night and I haven’t started holiday shopping. In my defense, we aren’t celebrating family Christmas until a week later, but, still. My sister asked what the plans are for Dec. 25 and my response was, “I have no clue.” In a former life, I loved decorating and cooking for the holidays. We definitely decked the halls ... and every other room in the house. You do those things when you’r...
A Clearwater business is offering last-minute holiday gift suggestions. On Saturday, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Sidebar, located in The Office, at 522 Main Street, will host a sip, shop and socialize event. Shop the Sidebar for gift items, stocking stuffers and teacher gifts. Paparazzi Jewelry will be onsite, offering the latest trends. Jim Bean coffee, apple cider, hot cocoa and wine will be served while guests shop. A cookie exchange is also planned. Bring a dozen of your family's favorites and...
Six Saturdays of shopping remain until Christmas morning, which falls on the seventh Saturday from today. I haven't even started shopping. One of our kids told us no toys for the grandkids this year, please. "Get them something they need." Well, if we grandparents believe the kiddos need a LEGO set to work on for next year's 4-H project, they will, more than likely, get it. Or maybe they won't. I'm all about practical gifts, a necessity, a replacement, something you know you need but wouldn't ne...
The Sidebar, in Clearwater, will host vendors in the village, Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. At The Office, located at 522 Main Street, handcrafted treasures will be available for sale, including wood-turned bowls and vases, crochet items, custom T-shirts, home decor, holiday treasures and jewelry. In addition to unique handmade items for sale in the Sidebar, Paparazzi jewelry, 31 bags, Scentsy and Color Street vendors will have items for purchase. Boutique clothing will be available...
This Sunday, May 9th, children will honor their mothers. The holiday came about because of the persistence of a daughter wanting to honor mothers, including her own, for the sacrifices they make every day of the year. In the mid-19th century, Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia organized sessions called Mother's Day Work Clubs. The purpose was to educate mothers about proper hygiene and nutrition aimed at giving children a better chance of surviving the ongoing typhoid outbreak. During the Civil...
A 10-county road trip, featuring more than 140 small businesses, including 11 Antelope County locations, begins Saturday and continues through Sept. 30.. The 2021 Best of the Backroad Tour of Northeast Nebraska, sponsored by News Channel Nebraska and Giant Gear, combines travel, adventure and unique small-town charm and hospitality. The tour features four Summerland-area sites, including the Sidebar, in Clearwater; Corner Hardware & More and the Orchard Historical Society, in Orchard and Royal...
Two stretches of roadway in Clearwater will receive a much-needed update. During an April 12 meeting, Clearwater Village Board of Trustees approved hot mix patching on a two-block stretch of Nebraska Street, starting at the intersection near the Clearwater Public Library and moving east. Also included will be a stretch of road, beginning at the intersection of First and Main streets and extending north to U.S. Highway 275. Knife River Midwest will complete the project, which will total...
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met in regular session, Monday, April 12, at 7 p.m., in the fire hall meeting room. Meeting opened at 7:02 p.m. Notice of meeting was given in advance by publication in Summerland Advocate-Messenger and notice was given to council persons prior to meeting. Public was informed of location of Open Meeting Act poster. Present: Kevin Filsinger, Steve Stearns, Kelly Kerkman, Mike Klabenes, Steve Hankla. Others present: Lauren Sheridan-Simonson, Kate Ahlers, LuAnn Schindler, Sheriff Bob Moore,...
Plans to develop single-family housing units, in Clearwater, are one step closer to reality. Clearwater Community Development Group, LLC, broke ground on property located at Sixth and Iowa streets, March 23. Group members, including Jeremy Sanne, Bill Thiele, Curt Thiele and Walt Aschoff outlined plans to a gathering of approximately 30 community members at a March 28 meeting. Bill Thiele said the group has tapped into Aschoff's experience with construction and development in communities across...
A day off. What’s that? Since starting this business venture, we haven’t been “out of the office” very often. Even when we aren’t there, it seems like one or both of us is constantly working on some project involving the paper, the print shop or the Sidebar. I don’t think either one of us will complain though. Our business continues to grow and we’re excited to see where we’re headed. Yet, it’s a balancing (and sometimes, juggling) act. A smart living piece in the New York Times recently caught...
Antelope County businesses participating in the northeast The Best of the Backroad Tour of northeast Nebraska, sponsored by News Channel Nebraska and area economic development groups, will receive an economic incentive, in the form of $100. Visitor fund committee member Rick Schuchardt, along with NCN representative Laurie Larsen, addressed the Antelope County Commissioners March 2. Schuchardt said a discussion with Neligh Chamber of Commerce officials led to discussion about the tour and...
I’m guilty ... and I imagine you are, too. I’m guilty of spending dollars outside the community, sharing my wealth with box stores and high-dollar chains, instead of investing in mom and pop establishments. Granted, I don’t do it all the time, but if I happen to be in Norfolk or Lincoln, I’ll stop and pick up items I may need soon. I’ve written it before, but it bears repeating. Spending locally makes dollars and sense. (Yes, that’s a play on words.) Let’s use my shopping example mentioned abo...
Searching for unique, handcrafted Christmas gifts? Want to support local businesses this holiday season? Shoppers will find unique buys during the vendor fair at The Office, 522 Main, in Clearwater, Saturday, Dec. 12. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Sidebar, Paparazzi, Pink Zebra, Cut Across Creations, JuJu Bean Coffee, Thirty One Gifts will be on site, in addition to other vendors. Food will be available fromWeave's BBQ food truck....
