Clearwater voters to decide on keno

Clearwater voters will decide whether to allow keno gambling in the November General Election.

Clearwater Village Board of Trustees held the first reading of Ordinance 2024-2, regarding placing the question of allowing the lottery within village limits on the November 2024 ballot when it met May 13.

Second reading will take place at the June 10 meeting, with the third reading to take place during the July meeting.

The public will have an opportunity to ask questions or offer comments during the readings.

According to village chairman Kelly Kerkman, "Two Bills (Steakhouse) wants to get keno."

Village clerk Angie Hupp said The Waterhole is considering adding the lottery if it passes in the election.

Kerkman said keno is good for communities.

"Even if someone isn't playing, if the button is pushed, there's revenue for the village," he said.

In December, the Nebraska Department of Revenue reported $357 million was wagered across the state on keno between June 2022 and July 2023.

Through the Nebraska County and City Lottery Act, a county, city or village may conduct a lottery for community betterment purposes.

Per Nebraska Revised Statute §9-604 and NDR Regulation 35-601, community betterment includes educational advancement; relieving or protecting individuals from disease, suffering or distress; recreational and athletic activities; business opportunities; cleanup and beautification; civic events; public works; supplementation of services which the government would typically render to residents; and tax relief.

A majority vote will be necessary to bring keno to the village.

Trustees agreed to table a building permit for Joe Funk, at 203 Highway 275, until a survey plat can be viewed.

Trustee Brian King asked if any type of survey had been completed.

"I was just curious. It kind of angles," he said.

Kerkman questioned if approval should be given without a survey since it isn't clear where the property line is located.

Trustee Cody Kester asked if the matter should be addressed by the village's zoning board.

According to Hupp, a variance may have been granted when the storage units were first built, however, she is unsure if there is paperwork or when it was signed.

"Depending on how close to the property line it gets, we might want to go ahead and do another variance for that addition," she said.

In other business, trustees:

• Approved three building permits for Cole and Amy Scott at 209 River Road. Permits are for fencing, driveway expansion and a shop addition.

• Learned about the possibility of moving the Clearwater Cardinals sign to Clearwater Market for advertising. Bill Thiele, representing the grocery store, started the discussion. Trustees agreed to donate the sign if the store's board gives approval. Moving costs will be the responsibility of the Clearwater Market.

• Heard a report from Hupp that approximately 12 known residents failed to register dogs by the May 1 deadline. Pet owners received an extension to June 1. If dogs are not registered by then, pet owners will receive an invoice with a $50 late fee per dog.

• Appointed Kala Kruger as a CORE board member.

• Hired Dylan Lueking for summer help at a rate of $12 per hour.