Visitors to the KBRB Web site may listen to live programming, with news broadcasts from 6 until 11 a.m., and from noon to 1 p.m., plus all of our local sports broadcasts.

E-mail us at kbrb@sscg.net

Service Information can be found on the Obituaries Page

* Milt Amsberry, 86, of Valentine 2 p.m. Oct. 11

* Donna Lee Marlatt, 89, formerly of Wood Lake and Long Pine 11 a.m. Oct. 11

* Meeting reports located below for:

Sept. 23 Brown County Commissioners

Sept. 17 Brown County Commissioners

Sept. 11 Ainsworth City Council

Sept. 9 Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors

Sept. 9 Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education

Sept. 2 Brown County Commissioners

* ACS Board, Wilkins recognized by NASB

(Posted 1:45 p.m. Oct. 6)

The Nebraska Association of School Boards staff and Board of Directors recognized 15 boards from across the state, including the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education, that earned a 2025 Board of Excellence Award.

The boards were recognized during nine area meetings throughout August and September.

In addition, ACS Board President Brad Wilkins received an individual board member Level 10 Award of Excellence. Level 10 is the highest level of achievement for a board member. Wilkins was one of just four board members in the entire state to achieve the Level 10 Award, which is earned through participation in workshops and events and the school district’s participation in NASB programs and services.  

NASB is a private, nonprofit organization that serves the needs of board members in Nebraska public school districts and Educational Service Units. Nebraska’s 1,700 school board members may participate in board development training throughout the year by attending workshops and conferences to help strengthen their role in governance, legislative advocacy, and stewardship of district resources in support of student achievement.

In recognition of their volunteer time and commitment to education, the NASB recognizes continued participation and growth in best practice governance.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:15 a.m. Oct. 6)

September 28

The Brown County Ambulance Association was on standby during the Pheasants Forever Youth Mentor Hunt.

The Raven, South Pine and Long Pine volunteer fire departments responded to a reported fire south of Long Pine.

The sheriff’s office received a report of dangerous dog attack in Ainsworth. The owner of the dog was contacted and issued a citation for having a dangerous dog.

The sheriff’s office received noise complaints and reports of UTVs driving recklessly in Long Pine. A deputy drove around the reported area and was unable to locate the UTVs described.

September 29

The sheriff’s office was notified of a silage truck that broke down in the ditch south of Ainsworth on Highway 7.

A deputy responded to a complaint about a speeding vehicle on Highway 20. The deputy found the vehicle reported and observed it be driving the speed limit.

September 30

A deputy received a voluntary statement of possible vandalism to a residence in Long Pine.

Deputies arrested an individual in Ainsworth on a warrant.

October 1

A traffic stop was made in the school zone in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made in the school zone in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning.

The Brown County Ambulance Association assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. During the traffic stop, 24 grams of marijuana were found inside of the vehicle. The driver was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and cited on charges of possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, possession/consumption of an open alcohol container in a vehicle and improper or defective vehicle lighting.

The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a call in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

October 2

The sheriff contacted a motorist after reports of a vehicle driving all over the roadway. It was discovered the driver may have been experiencing a medical emergency. The Brown County Ambulance Association responded and made sure the driver was ok to continue to drive.

An inmate was released from the Brown County Jail on bond.

The sheriff’s office was notified of cattle out on Meadville Ave. The sheriff drove to the reported area and was unable to locate any cattle out or on the roadway.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed coming into Ainsworth on Wilson St.

The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a call in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A traffic stop was made on Wilson St. in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for driving 9 mph over the posted speed limit.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a possible domestic assault in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk and no driver’s license on person.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

October 3

The sheriff responded to a vehicle-deer accident on Highway 20.

An inmate was booked into the Brown County Jail for a court ordered commitment.

The sheriff and a deputy provided traffic control for the Ainsworth Community Schools Homecoming parade.

The Brown County Ambulance Association was on standby for the Ainsworth homecoming football game at East City Park. Deputies were on foot patrol during the game.

Deputies administered preliminary breath tests at the Ainsworth Community Schools homecoming dance. 

October 4

A deputy patrolled in the area of a wedding after being notified of possible harassment during the wedding ceremony.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

A deputy was asked to conduct a welfare check on an Ainsworth resident. The resident was found to be ok.

A deputy spoke to a person regarding possible harassment in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a repair order for the rear taillights not working.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver was given a citation for driving 10 mph over the posted speed limit.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 753
Calls for service – 15
911 calls – 2
Vehicle titles inspected – 6
Firearm certificates purchased – 1
Inmates housed – 5

* Jones, Fernandez crowned homecoming royalty

(Posted 7:30 a.m. Oct. 6)

Megan Jones was crowned the Ainsworth High School homecoming queen for 2025 Friday following the Bulldog football team’s 71-6 victory over North Central.

Bulldog quarterback Chris Fernandez was crowned the homecoming king.

Madison Phares was named the homecoming princess, with Sam Titus the homecoming prince. Queen finalists were Adysson Sears, Addah Booth and Payton Moody. King finalists were Trevor Pike, Jace Johnson and Witten Painter.

* UN-L Homecoming King has local tie

(Posted 7 a.m. Oct. 6)

A rare tie has resulted in three seniors — Caden Connelly of Lincoln, Ava Hollingsworth of Omaha and Claire Kelly of Grand Island — being crowned homecoming royalty at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. 

The three were elected in an online vote of the student body Oct. 1 and 2 and crowned on the field at Memorial Stadium during halftime of the Oct. 4 Nebraska-Michigan State football game. With 2,387 ballots cast — nearly 10% of the student body — Hollingsworth and Kelly tied.

Connelly is a fisheries and wildlife major in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He is part of the university’s Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, launching the business CMC Media, and has worked on the Platte Basin Timelapse project. He is the son of Lonnie Connelly and Lorinda Rice and the grandson of Linda Rice of Ainsworth.

Hollingsworth is an accounting, finance and management major in the College of Business. She is also a student in the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management. A member of Kappa Alpha Theta and president of the Panhellenic Executive Council, she is the daughter of Robert and Addie Hollingsworth.

Kelly is an elementary education major in the College of Education and Human Sciences. She has also served as a New Student Enrollment orientation leader, a Nebraska Human Resources Institute mentor and a strengths coach in the Clifton Strengths Institute. President of Chi Omega, she is the daughter of Brian and Stacy Kelly.

* Coulter receives LEAD scholarship

(Posted 7 a.m. Oct. 6)

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded six agricultural professionals with scholarships to participate in the Nebraska LEAD program, keeping with the mission of cultivating the future of agriculture.

Among the scholarship winners is Erika Coulter of Bassett.

“These individuals continue to push to make agriculture better across Nebraska,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “We are proud to support these individuals as they make an investment in their future, becoming equipped to better serve their communities and agriculture through the Nebraska LEAD program.”

The LEAD Scholarship awards agricultural stakeholders that participate in the Nebraska LEAD program. The LEAD program improves leadership skills and abilities of Nebraska’s future agricultural leaders through exposure to diverse topics, issues, concerns, points of view, and innovative ideas. The winners of the LEAD Scholarship are current Farm Bureau members that commit to serving in a leadership role with Farm Bureau upon completion of the program.

* Portion of Meadville Avenue to remain closed

(Posted 7:15 a.m. Sept. 30)

Brown County Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported the 2-mile stretch of Meadville Avenue north of the asphalt will remain closed through the weekend.

Turpin said Meadville Avenue will remain closed between Road 886 and Road 888 to allow the Perma-zyme that was applied to the roadway to cure. The product is designed to harden the road surface.

Turpin will announce when the road has reopened to traffic.

* AHS homecoming royalty to be crowned after football

(Posted 7:15 a.m. Oct. 3)

Ainsworth High School’s homecoming king and queen will be crowned Friday following the Bulldogs’ football game against North Central.

Homecoming queen candidates are Madison Phares, Adysson Sears, Addah Booth, Payton Moody and Megan Jones.

Homecoming king candidates are Trevor Pike, Sam Titus, Jace Johnson, Chris Fernandez and Witten Painter.

The homecoming parade begins at 2:20 p.m. and will travel west on Second Street from the school to Main Street, north on Main Street and then back east on Third Street to the school. A pep rally in McAndrew Gymnasium follows the parade.

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 2:15 p.m. Oct. 2)

In addition to fines, each case carries $50 in court costs

Savannah A. McGowan, age 20, of Ainsworth, charged with no registration in the vehicle, fined $25.

Edgar A. Silva Olivas, 30, of Las Cruces, N.M., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Ethan D. Huff, 33, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Ronald P. Liewer, 81, of Mills, no valid registration, $25.

Peter T. McDermott, 45, of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Luke A. Paczosa, 33, of Battle Creek, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Airyan J. Goochey, 20, of Johnstown, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25; also charged with violating a trailer brake requirement, $25; brake light/turn signal violation, $25.

Joseph F. Wiegand, 50, of Omaha, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

John A. Snover, 73, of Nickerson, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Irving F. Edwards, 86, of Gordon, no valid registration, $25.

Shanda M. McCrory, 52, of Colorado Springs, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Virginia K. Sears, 72, of Valentine, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Jonathan D. Bigman, 60, of Sanders, Ala., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Eliesha K. Moravec, 18, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Miguel E. Roberto Vazquez, 18, of Valentine, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Michael P. White, 40, of Omaha, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75; no registration in vehicle, $50.

Aaron P. Westmoreland, 42, of Emporia, Kan., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Cipriano Longoria Herrera, 44, of Ainsworth, no proof of insurance, $100; no registration in vehicle, $25.

Robert V. Allen, 65, of Ainsworth, first offense reckless driving, $100.

Ashton M. Key, 22, of Burwell, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Dasani M. Phillips, 23, of Cincinnati, Ohio, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

John C. Gross, 69, of Johnstown, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

John W. Lewis, 15, of Johnstown, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Matthew E. Larsen, 31, of Springview, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Rhett L. Prine, 55, of Lindon, Utah, failure to display emergency flag or reflectors, $50; improper stopping or parking, $25.

Pamela K. Theis, 62, of Johnstown, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Andrea N. Malek, 31, of Zanesville, Ohio, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Christopher A. Hardy, 53, of Hayden, Idaho, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

* Licking claims KBRB Football Contest Week 5 win

(Posted 10:30 a.m. Oct. 1)

Flint Licking of Bassett missed just one of the 14 games on the KBRB Football Contest card for Week 5. Licking’s lone miss came in the high school ranks. By being the only contestant to miss one game, Flint Licking wins the $40 first-place certificate for Week 5.

Five contestants missed two games this week, which sent us to the tie-breaker. With the Huskers on a bye week, BYU’s 24-21 victory over Colorado served as the tie-breaking contest.

Stacey Knox and Dr. Marty Moravec of Bassett, Crystal Stout of Springview, Dwight Neiman of Ainsworth and Joel Colburn of Atkinson all missed two games on the Week 5 card and correctly picked BYU to defeat the Buffaloes in the tie-breaker.

Dwight Neiman picked a score of 27-21 to miss the final by just three points. That earns him the $20 second-place certificate for the week. Dr. Marty Moravec and Crystal Stout both had the Cougars to win by 27-14 margins, missing the total by 10 points. Colburn picked BYU 42-20 to miss by 19, and Stacey Knox predicted a 49-37 BYU win to miss by 41 points.

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB Studios or make arrangements to have the KBRB sports crew bring the certificates along during a broadcast.

Week 6 KBRB Football Contest cards are available now from Buckles Automotive and Speedee Mart in Ainsworth, the Sandhills Lounge in Long Pine, West Plains Bank in Springview, Circle B Livestock in Bassett, the Cast Iron Bar & Grille in Stuart, the Tri County Bank branches in Bassett, Stuart, and Atkinson, or from Speedee Mart in Atkinson.

Certificates are redeemable from those contest sponsors.

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 4 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed.

* Area counties among best in state for jobless rates

(Posted 10:15 a.m. Oct. 1)

Nebraska’s unemployment rate for August is 3.0 percent. The rate is unchanged from July and is a 0.1 percent increase from the August 2024 rate of 2.9 percent. The national unemployment rate for August is 4.3 percent, up 0.1 percent from both the July rate and the August 2024 rate of 4.2 percent.

South Dakota is the runaway leader in the nation for the lowest unemployment rate at 1.9 percent in August. That is 0.6 percent better than North Dakota and Vermont, who tied for second nationally with rates of 2.5 percent. Hawaii at 2.7 percent and Montana and Alabama at 2.9 percent round out the top five states with the lowest jobless rates.

Nebraska is tied with New Hampshire for the seventh-lowest rate in the country.

California had the highest unemployment rate in the nation in August at 5.5 percent. Nevada at 5.3 percent, and New Jersey, Oregon and Michigan at 5 percent round out the states with the worst jobless rates in the country in August.

Brown County’s August unemployment rate of 2.1 percent is better than the state average and is among the best in the state. Rock County and Holt County also saw jobless rates of 2.1 percent in August.

Cherry County tied Fillmore County for the top unemployment rate in the state in August at 1.9 percent. Boyd County’s rate of 2.3 and Blaine County at 2.8 percent were better than the state average. Keya Paha County at 3.5 percent had a rate higher than the state average.

Thomas County saw the highest jobless rate in the state in August at 4.8 percent.

“The labor force in Nebraska has continued to grow, led by record high employment in the Omaha metro,” said Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber. “August was the second straight month of historically high employment in Omaha at over 525,500.” 

Nonfarm employment, the number of filled jobs, was 1,062,438 in August, up 5,288 from August 2024 but down 886 jobs from July.

The private education and health services sector (up 7,801 jobs), the leisure and hospitality sector (up 2,009 jobs), and the mining and construction sector (up 1,998 jobs) had the most growth during the past year.

Private industries with the most growth from July to August were the private education and health services sector (up 649 jobs), the other services sector (up 443 jobs), and the information sector (up 72 jobs). 

The labor force includes both employed workers and those who are actively looking for work. The counts of employed and unemployed in the labor force are based on a survey conducted by the Census Bureau regarding employment status. 

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:30 a.m. Sept. 29)

September 21

Nothing to report.

September 22

A deputy responded to a possible trespassing call at a rural Brown County residence. The deputy spoke with the reporting party and searched the house and the other buildings on the property. The deputy did not find anyone on the property.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver was given a written warning for speeding.

The Brown County Ambulance Association assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received citations for defective vehicle lighting, no valid registration and no proof of insurance.

A deputy took a report of suspicious activity in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

September 23

The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a call in Long Pine and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

The sheriff’s office was requested to do a welfare check of an individual in Ainsworth. A deputy found the individual to be ok.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20, The driver received a citation for speeding 12 mph over the posted speed limit and for no operator’s license.

The Brown County Ambulance Association assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.

The sheriff’s office was requested to do a welfare check in Ainsworth. A deputy found that that the individual was ok.  

Deputies responded to a report of a possible juvenile sitting along the highway with luggage.

The sheriff’s office is investigating a possible child abuse case. This is an ongoing investigation.

September 24

The sheriff, deputies and dispatchers attended CPR training for recertification.

The sheriff’s office received a report of possible harassment. This is an ongoing investigation.

The sheriff and deputies did firearms training at the gun range in Brown County.

The sheriff and deputies responded to a vehicle and ATV accident in Ainsworth. Both drivers were found to be ok. One of the drivers received a citation for making an improper turn.

September 25

The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a call in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A traffic stop was made north of Ainsworth on Highway 183. The driver received a citation for speeding 15 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made in the school zone in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for speeding 9 mph over the posted school zone speed limit and for not coming to a stop at a stop sign.  

A deputy assisted a driver whose vehicle broke down south of Ainsworth on Highway 7.

September 26

The sheriff and a deputy provided traffic control for cattle crossing Highway 20 in rural Brown County.

The sheriff’s office assisted an Ainsworth resident with a possible scam letter they received in the mail.

A deputy and the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a gas meter that was hit by a vehicle in Ainsworth.

The Brown County Ambulance Association was on standby at East City Park during the Ainsworth High School football game.

Deputies were on foot patrol during the Ainsworth High School football game at East City Park.

Deputies investigated a suspicious person walking around a business checking doors. Deputies spoke with the person and discovered the business was owned by the person checking the doors.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a repair order for a headlight not working properly.

September 27

The sheriff and deputies passed annual assault rifle and handgun qualification.

The sheriff’s office received reports of a calf out on South Pine Avenue south of Long Pine. The sheriff and deputies were able to get the calf off the roadway and back into a field.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 897
Calls for service – 16
911 calls – 9
Vehicle titles inspected – 7
Handgun permits purchased – 4
Inmates housed in the jail – 5

* Three departments respond to Sunday grass fire

(Posted 9 a.m. Sept. 29)

Three area fire departments responded to a grass fire Sunday morning south of Long Pine.

According to Long Pine Rural Fire Chief Matt Pozehl, at 9:56 a.m. Sunday a fire was reported northwest of Cozad lake on ground owned by the Forgey Ranch.

Pozehl said a caker pickup ignited grass and burned approximately 45 acres. Pozehl said no structures were damaged and the fire was contained to grass. He said a total of seven trucks from the Long Pine Rural, South Pine and Raven volunteer fire departments responded.

Pozehl said firefighters had the fire extinguished and the trucks back to their respective fire halls by 1:05 p.m. Sunday.

* State announces property tax credits for 2025

(Posted 9 a.m. Sept. 25)

The state of Nebraska is providing property owners tax relief for real property taxes levied in 2025 through the Property Tax Credit Act and the School District Property Tax Relief Act. Both the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund and the School District Property Tax Relief Fund were certified to the State Treasurer and county officials Sept. 15 to reduce the fund levels to less than $1 million each.

For tax year 2025-2026, the School District Property Tax Relief Credit Fund will provide $797.2 million to directly reduce school taxes paid by Nebraska taxpayers. The amount disbursed to each county shall be equal to the amount available for disbursement pursuant to state statute multiplied by the ratio of the school district taxes levied in the prior year on all real property in the county to the school district taxes levied in the prior year on all real property in the state.

The Property Tax Credit Act provides a real property tax credit based upon the credit allocation valuation of each parcel of real property compared to the credit allocation valuation of all real property in the state. For purposes of the Act, credit allocation valuation means 120% of the taxable value of agricultural and horticultural land and agricultural and horticultural land receiving special valuation. For all other real property, other than agricultural land, credit allocation valuation means 100% of the taxable value. The total amount of credit available for statewide distribution in 2025 is $467.1 million. This amount includes $31.4 million transferred into the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund during 2024-2025 from gaming income pursuant to state statute as well as $5.6 million from unused tax credit monies returned to the fund by counties.

Real property (non-agland) tax credit rate is $119 per $100,000 of valuation. Agland tax credit rate is $142.79 per $100,000 of valuation.

Brown County will receive a total of $1.49 million that will be disbursed as credits to property owners. Keya Paha County will receive a total disbursement of $937,072. Rock County will pick up $1.18 million in property tax credits.

Cherry County property owners will receive $4.06 million, and Holt County will receive $5.39 million. Blaine County property owners will receive $511,683 in total tax credits, and Boyd County will pick up $1.07 million in tax credits from the fund.

By September 15th each year, the Property Tax Administrator shall determine the amount of each credit to be disbursed to each county and shall certify such amounts to the State Treasurer and to each county. The disbursements to the counties will occur in two equal payments, the first on or before January 31 and the second on or before April 1 each year.

From the school district property tax credit fund, Brown County property owners will receive $1.72 million, with Rock County picking up $1.09 million and Keya Paha County receiving $655,995.

Cherry County property owners will receive $4.05 million in school district property tax credits, with Holt County receiving $6.51 million in school district property tax credits. Blaine County is in line for $605,631, and Boyd County property owners will pick up $1.23 million in school district property tax credits.

The county treasurer will determine the amount of the School Credit for each parcel by multiplying the amount disbursed to the county by the ratio of the school district taxes levied in the current year on the parcel to the school district taxes levied in the current year on all real property in the county. The amount determined will be the School Credit for that parcel.

The school tax credit and the real property tax credit are not a reduction in the levy or tax rate. The rates of credit have no impact on the property tax rates set by political subdivisions. The credits will be shown on the tax statements as a credit after the full taxes levied, providing a reduction in real property tax due on the 2025 tax statements.

* Major grant awarded to area for firebreaks

(Posted 7 a.m. Sept. 25)

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced Wednesday the USDA Forest Service is investing $200 million in 58 projects through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. These investments, thanks to Congressionally mandated funding, help at-risk communities plan for and reduce wildfire risk, protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

The Nebraska Forest Service received nearly $25 million to create fuel breaks in Brown and Rock counties. Almost $15 million will be dedicated to creating firebreaks in Brown County. The Nebraska Forest Service received $5.19 million to collaborate with private landowners in establishing fuel breaks adjacent to structures and along strategic terrain.

Due to a lack of available contractors in the area, 10 Nebraska Forest Service foresters will be hired to plan and conduct the work, which will create 150 acres of firebreaks in the Hidden Paradise area and the Long Pine State Recreation Area.

An additional $9.8 million will be dedicated to creating 2,500 acres of firebreaks in Brown County along steep, remote and volatile landscapes to protect communities, rural homes and ranches.

The funding will allow the county government, landowners and partners to work together to create a more resilient environment. The project will foster collaboration between the Nebraska Forest Service and neighboring counties to hire a project leader who will work with private landowners to design, implement and manage individual fuel reduction projects and maintain them over a 10-year period.

The Nebraska Forest Service also received $9.8 million to focus on creating strategic firebreaks in Rock County in steep, remote and volatile landscapes. Rock County, landowners and partners will work with the Nebraska Forest Service to create a more fire-resilient environment.

“These grants are about putting real resources directly in the hands of the people who know their lands and communities best – America’s foresters,” Rollins said. “By empowering them, we are protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure while securing the future of our great American landscape. Keeping forests healthy, resilient, and productive doesn’t come from Washington. It comes from us standing alongside the people and communities we serve, and supporting practical, science-based management that ensures the future of the forests and rural prosperity. This is how we safeguard our heritage, protect future generations, and ensure that America’s land remains the envy of the world.”

Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said, “No single organization can address the severe wildfire threats we face today. It is imperative that we work together to protect our forests and communities. For those communities that already have plans in place, these investments will enable immediate, collaborative action to reduce wildfire risk.”

The selected projects span 22 states and two tribes, supporting efforts to develop or update their community wildfire protection plans and carry out projects to remove hazardous or overgrown vegetation that can fuel fires that threaten lives, livelihoods and resources.

In total, the program is investing $1 billion over five years to assist at-risk communities with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks on lands not managed by federal agencies.

The Forest Service will announce a fourth funding opportunity later this year.

The Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program helps communities maintain resilient landscapes, create fire-adapted communities, and ensure safe, effective wildfire response. The Forest Service worked with states through an interagency working group to develop the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. Grant proposals undergo a competitive selection process that includes review panels.

The proposals prioritize at-risk communities that have been impacted by a severe disaster, are at a high or very high potential for wildfire hazard and are classified as low income.

* Two pickers miss just once on Football Contest card

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Sept. 25)

Two contestants missed just one game during Week 4 of the KBRB Football Contest as our area pickers get dialed in to football.

Erin Allen of Ainsworth and Jim Slaymaker of Atkinson missed just one of the 14 games on the Week 4 card, which sent us to the tiebreaker, Michigan’s 30-27 victory over Nebraska. Slaymaker not only picked the Wolverines to win while Allen had faith in the Huskers, Slaymaker’s 28-27 Michigan prediction missed the total by just two points. That earns Jim Slaymaker the $40 first place certificate for Week 4. Allen picked the Huskers to prevail, 24-17, and earns the $20 second place certificate.

Sixteen contestants missed two games on the Week 4 card to just miss out.

Winners may pick up their certificates in the KBRB Studios or make arrangements to have the KBRB sports crew bring the certificates along to a future broadcast.

Week 5 KBRB Football Contest cards are available now from Buckles Automotive and Speedee Mart in Ainsworth, the Sandhills Lounge in Long Pine, West Plains Bank in Springview, Circle B Livestock in Bassett, the Cast Iron Bar & Grille in Stuart, the Tri County Bank branches in Bassett, Stuart, and Atkinson, or from Speedee Mart in Atkinson.

Certificates are redeemable from those contest sponsors.

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 4 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed.

* Commissioners approve budget, $4.19 million tax request

(Posted 3:30 p.m. Sept. 23)

Following public hearings Tuesday, the Brown County Commissioners approved a $33.26 million 2025-26 budget that asks property owners for $4.19 million in tax.

The $4.19 million in property tax requested by the county to fund the 2025-26 budget is an increase of $88,802 from the $4.10 million requested for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said, for the first time since he has been a commissioner, the board actually budgeted to replace some of the money that was spent from the county’s inheritance fund going back to the 2019 flooding. The budget includes a $48,000 contribution to the inheritance tax fund.

Bauer said the county’s inheritance tax fund had been well above $2 million but had been spent down to about $1.3 million.

“This is the first year in a long time we’ve actually attempted to pay back some of the funds we used from the inheritance tax,” Bauer said. “It is not bad to have that fund there for emergencies so we don’t have to borrow.”

The $4.19 million in property tax requested for the 2025-26 fiscal year includes $3.67 million to support the general fund, $204,887 to retire the hospital addition bond, $205,458 for a principal and interest payment on the Meadville Avenue road bond, and $116,328 for the third year of a voter-approved 1-cent levy to support the Sandhills Care Center.

Bauer said the ballot language approved by voters set the care center levy at 1 cent, which at the time of passage equated to about $100,000. He said that 1 cent of levy now generates over $116,000 for the care center. The same 1 cent in levy generated $108,138 for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Voters approved that 1-cent levy for a total of five years, after which time the levy will sunset.

The board chairman said the commissioners took advantage of low interest rates to renovate the Meadville Avenue asphalt in 2021 with a goal of making interest-only payments on the debt until the hospital addition bond was paid so taxpayers would not see a big increase in the levy.

“From a fiscal standpoint, we borrowed that money at next to no interest,” Bauer said. “The goal was for taxpayers to not see an increase from what they had been paying.”

The 2025-26 budget also includes a tax levy of six-tenths of 1 cent in levy, $70,000, to support the Brown County Agricultural Society’s $50,000 operating fund and $20,000 to repay the inheritance tax fund for money the agricultural society borrowed to make improvements to the fairgrounds.

The Brown County Rural Fire Protection District will receive the same $291,417 in property tax for the 2025-26 fiscal year. That represents 2.8 cents in tax levy, down from 3 cents levied for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The total property value in Brown County increased by $81.9 million for 2025, from $1.08 billion to $1.16 billion. Of that total, $10.64 million was attributed to new construction while the remainder was an increase in the value of existing property.

Assessor Peg Gross said most of the increase in 2025 valuations came from the residential and commercial property sectors. The total valuation in the county increased by 7.57 percent.

The county’s total property tax levy for 2025-26 is 36.07 cents for every $100 in property valuation, down from the 37.98 cents in total levy for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Had the county not requested the $88,802 in additional taxes for the 2025-26 fiscal year, the levy would have dropped to 35.31 cents due to the increase in the county’s overall property valuation.

Using the state’s formula for allowable growth, the county could have requested $122,413 in additional property tax without triggering a mandatory public hearing. By asking for $88,802 in additional property tax from the prior year and factoring in an inflation rate of 5.17 percent, the county created $136,659 in unused budget authority, which is money the county could have asked for in property tax but opted to leave in the pockets of property owners.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said, after having to be a part of the pink postcard meetings during his first two years on the board, he was determined not to have to hold the state-mandated public hearing for this budget cycle.

“We were all in agreement to get the budgets in earlier this year so we could study them,” Dailey said. “My main goal was not to send out pink postcards this year, and we accomplished that.”

Commissioner Don Painter said he ran for a seat on the board to try and make the county budget smaller.

“I have gained a new understanding of what we can and can’t do,” Painter said. “I thank Denny and Jeremiah for their work to try and hold the line.”

Bauer said the commissioners asked each county official to come in and go through the budget for their office ahead of the board beginning its work to finalize the overall county budget.

“That gave the public a chance to ask each official why they were asking for what they were with their budgets,” Bauer said.

He said he was fine with people telling the board that property taxes were too high, but he said unless those people have suggestions for which services they would like to see the county cut, complaining didn’t give the board much to work with.

“Maybe they would be ok with us only maintaining the roads once every two months, I don’t know,” Bauer said.

During the 2024-25 fiscal year, the county and the funds under its umbrella actually spent $23.85 million, which was down from $24.72 million that was actually spent during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The county spent $4.64 million from its general fund during the 2024-25 fiscal year, up from $4.58 million spent during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The roads department spent $2.40 million during the recently completed fiscal year, down from $2.51 million spent during the 2023-24 fiscal year.

A majority of the county’s $33.26 million overall budget and expenditures is the Brown County Hospital’s $21.64 million operating budget. The hospital spent $15.06 million during the 2024-25 fiscal year, a slight increase from the $14.94 million spent during the 2023-24 fiscal year.

The hospital pays for its operating budget through revenue it generates and does not receive property tax funding with the exception of the voter-approved addition bond that will sunset in December.

After $443,866 in property tax was collected to support the hospital bond for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which represented 4.1 cents of tax levy on every $100 of a property’s value, the 2025-26 budget only requires $204,887 to satisfy the remaining hospital bond payment.

The hospital bond addition requires just 1.7 cents in levy for the 2025-26 fiscal year and the one December payment will complete the bond payments for the addition. The county will levy an additional $205,458, or about 1.7 cents in levy, to make a principal and interest payment on the Meadville Avenue renovation bond. The county had been making interest-only payments on that bond until the hospital bond’s retirement.

Combined, the hospital addition bond levy and the Meadville Avenue bond levy will collect just over $410,000 and require 3.5 cents in total levy, down from the $443,866 and 4.1 cents that was levied for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The county has $2.26 million in remaining bonded debt principal and $129,268 in interest, totals which also includes the Brown County Ambulance Association’s new ambulance barn. The county does not collect property tax to pay for that improvement, as the ambulance association funds the payments on that project through its operating revenue.

Following the public hearings Tuesday, the commissioners unanimously approved the 2025-26 fiscal year budget and property tax request.

The next regular meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Oct. 7.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10 a.m. Sept. 22)

September 14

A deputy responded to a truck tractor semi accident in the Long Pine hills on Highway 20. During the investigation it was discovered that the trailer of the semi hydroplaned and struck the south guardrail while negotiating the curve of the highway. The semi was able to drive to Ainsworth to get the trailer worked on.

A deputy responded to an attempted break-in to an older building on Main Street in Long Pine. Photographs were taken of the door. This is an ongoing investigation.

September 15

Deputies received a report of a gas station pump in Ainsworth that was tampered with. This is an ongoing investigation.

A deputy found an abandoned vehicle near Keller State Park on Highway 183. The vehicle was towed.

A deputy transported a hitchhiker to Cherry County.

An inmate was released from the Brown County Jail on a personal recognizance bond.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20; The driver received citations on charges of driving 14 mph over the posted speed limit and having an unregistered vehicle.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a repair order for defective vehicle lighting.

September 16

The sheriff’s office received written statements referencing a possible crime. This is an ongoing investigation.

September 17

The sheriff and deputies responded to a truck tractor semi accident in the Long Pine hills on Highway 20. The semi began to hydroplane while negotiating a curve of the highway. The semi struck the north guardrail then continued across Highway 20 striking the south guardrail. The semi came to a stop on the edge of an embankment. The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to the accident and transported the driver to the Brown County Hospital. Later in the day the truck tractor semi was removed and towed.

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

An inmate was released from the Brown County Jail on a personal recognizance bond.

September 18

The Brown County Ambulance Association assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for not stopping at a stop sign.

Deputies investigated possible vandalism to a car in Long Pine.

Deputies assisted the Nebraska State Patrol with a traffic stop near the Brown County and Cherry County line.

September 19

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for not stopping at a stop sign.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

September 20

Deputies investigated a dead cow that might have been part of a vehicle accident. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

Dispatchers received a report of an open manhole cover in Ainsworth. Deputies replaced the manhole cover.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received citations for driving left of center and misuse of a school permit.

A traffic stop was made on Main Street in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for driving 10 mph over the posted speed limit.

The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a call in Johnstown and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a call in rural Brown County and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

Weekly Log
Calls – 761
Calls for service – 12
911 calls – 9
Vehicle titles inspected – 3
Handgun permits purchased – 4
Inmates housed in the jail – 5

* Two accidents occur in same stretch of Highway 20

(Posted 7 a.m. Sept. 22)

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department investigated two separate one-vehicle semi accidents that occurred on Highway 20 in the Long Pine hills during the past week.

The first accident occurred at 8:46 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, when a 2025 Peterbilt semi, owned by R-KO Truck Lines of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada., and driven by John Doerksen of Village Landing, Alberta, Canada, was traveling west on Highway 20 and struck the south guardrail east of the Long Pine Spur intersection after the driver said the trailer hydroplaned due to the wet asphalt while negotiating a curve.

No injuries were reported. Damage to the trailer was estimated at $2,500. Damage also occurred to the Nebraska Department of Transportation guardrail.

The second accident occurred at 6:24 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, in almost the same location and resulted in traffic delays on Highway 20 for most of the day.

According to the sheriff’s department report, a 2025 Freightliner semi, owned by Associated Wholesale Grocers of Kansas City, Kan., and driven by Ryan D. Hauf of Pilger, was traveling west when the trailer hydroplaned on wet asphalt, struck the north guardrail, went through the south guardrail and jackknifed on the edge of an embankment in the south ditch.

Hauf was transported by the Brown County Ambulance Association to the Brown County Hospital for treatment of injuries suffered during the accident.

Traffic was delayed on Highway 20 for most of the day while the scene was cleaned up and the semi removed from the south ditch.

The semi and trailer were considered total losses.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department requested the Nebraska Department of Transportation conduct a case study on the condition of the black asphalt when wet on a 4-mile stretch of Highway 20 between mileposts 247 and 251.

* Sheriff urges adherence to Highway 20 crosswalks

(Posted 10:45 a.m. Sept. 18)

Brown County Sheriff Brent Deibler urged the traveling public to be aware of the flashing crosswalks at the Highway 20 intersections with Main, Elm and Ash streets.

Deibler said there have been several instances of vehicles driving past pedestrians in the crosswalks after one side of traffic has stopped to allow the pedestrian to cross.

Deibler also discussed adverse road conditions in the Long Pine hills that have led to two hydroplaning accidents east of the 9A Spur. A semi crash Wednesday resulted in several hours of traffic control while the scene was cleaned up and the semi removed from the south ditch.

The full conversation is located below.

* Highway 20 traffic control continues near Long Pine

(Updated 2:45 p.m. Sept. 17)

A semi accident Wednesday morning on Highway 20 east of the Long Pine spur intersection resulted in traffic delays and damage to guardrails.

As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, traffic was still being controlled for both the eastbound and westbound lanes as crews worked to remove the semi from the south ditch.

Motorists are advised to try and use an alternate route while the semi is removed from the ditch and towed. Expect delays if using Highway 20 through the Long Pine hills.

* KBRB Football Contest goes to tie-breaker for Week 3

(Posted 2:30 p.m. Sept. 17)

Five contestants missed two games during Week 3 of the KBRB Football Contest. This time, Nebraska’s tie-breaking game score dictated both the first and second place certificates for the week.

Terry Allen of Ainsworth, Madison Stout and Jasmine Stout of Springview, Logan Olson of Stuart and Roger Brink of Atkinson each missed two of the 14 games on the Week 3 card.

Going to Nebraska’s 59-7 victory over Houston Christian to determine the winner, Jasmine Stout picked the Huskers to win, 52-7, missing the final score by just seven points. That gives Jasmine Stout the first-place, $40 gift certificate for Week 3.

Terry Allen picked a 56-13 Husker victory, missing the total by just nine points to earn the second-place, $20 certificate.

Madison Stout (47-7 Huskers, 12 points), Roger Brink (54-0 Huskers, 12 points) and Logan Olson (42-7 Huskers, 17 points) were all pretty close on their final score predictions of the Husker win and just missed out on winning a certificate for Week 3.

Winners may pick up their certificates in the KBRB Studios or make arrangements to have the KBRB sports crew bring the certificates along to a future broadcast.

Week 4 KBRB Football Contest cards are available now from Buckles Automotive and Speedee Mart in Ainsworth, the Sandhills Lounge in Long Pine, West Plains Bank in Springview, Circle B Livestock in Bassett, the Cast Iron Bar & Grille in Stuart, the Tri County Bank branches in Bassett, Stuart, and Atkinson, or from Speedee Mart in Atkinson.

Certificates are redeemable from those contest sponsors.

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 4 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed.

* Commissioners approve bond for motor grader purchase

(Posted 7:15 a.m. Sept. 17)

During a light agenda Tuesday, the Brown County Commissioners approved entering into a lease purchase agreement through the NACO Leasing Corporation to purchase a new Caterpillar motor grader.

Andy Forney with DA Davison said the company had recently helped the county with bonds to finance a road project a couple years ago. He said the county can also use the Nebraska Association of County Officials program to finance equipment purchases.

Forney said West Plains Bank agreed to purchase the note, so the financing will stay with a local institution. He said bond payments will be made semiannually for three years, with the county financing $300,000 at 4.25 percent interest.

The board unanimously approved financing the motor grader purchase through the NACO program.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said he planned to sell the county’s 2009 Caterpillar motor grader with the purchase of the new machine.

In other roads items Tuesday, the commissioners approved selling auto gates the county no longer needs at a set price of between $150 and $200 depending on the size and condition of the auto gates. Turpin said having a set price to purchase auto gates would be much more convenient than the purchaser having to remove the auto gate and haul it to a scale to have it weighed for scrap metal prices.

During his report, Turpin said the roads department has been spreading out windrows to allow people to mow road ditches adjacent to their property. He said that has created some rough roads in the county with that material pulled up onto the roads.

“We are waiting for people to get finished mowing ditches before we smooth them back out,” the highway superintendent said.

Turpin said the roads department planned on re-treating the 1-mile stretch of Meadville Avenue with Permazyme this week, but with rain in the forecast the treatment was postponed until Oct. 2, the next date the company’s representative was available to assist with the treatment.

“We want the rep to be here, and rain doesn’t allow it to pack in,” Turpin said.

In other business, the board approved supporting the Sandhills Care Center as it applies for a grant to the Nebraska Department of Transportation that would cover 80 percent of the cost to purchase a handicap-accessible van for the nursing home.

Commissioner Denny Bauer said the care center just needed a motion from the commissioners to support the application, since the facility is jointly owned and operated by the county and the city of Ainsworth. The Ainsworth City Council approved a similar motion during its meeting last week.

The board approved a propane contract with Madison’s Great Western for the county’s Johnstown roads shop. The contract will allow the county to lock in 2,500 gallons of propane for the winter season at a cost of $1.55 per gallon.

Bauer reported the Brown County Jail was inspected June 24 and the facility was found to be in full compliance with state standards.

The commissioners plan to appoint Thad Jones to fill the remainder of John Gross’s term on the Brown County Hospital Board of Trustees. Bauer said he talked to Jones about interest in serving on the hospital board.

“I think he would be a good addition to the board,” Bauer said. “He has good business sense, and the hospital is a business.”

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said Jones had shown an interest in becoming involved, and there were not a lot of people lining up to serve on the hospital board.

County Attorney Andy Taylor said the appointment needed to be in the form of a resolution, so the item was tabled until the board’s Sept. 23 special meeting, which will include the passage of the county’s 2025-26 budget and property tax request.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:45 a.m. Sept. 15)

September 7

A deputy provided traffic control for cattle crossing Highway 20 west of Johnstown.

A deputy provided civil standby at a residence in Johnstown.

The Sheriff’s Office received a report of a reckless driver in Ainsworth. A deputy was unable to locate the reported vehicle.

A deputy responded to a mental health crisis in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

September 8

The Brown County Ambulance Association assisted the Brown County Hospital with transporting a patient.

The Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible suicidal person in the Brown County or Rock County area. The sheriff, deputies, and Rock County deputies were able to locate the reported individual in rural Rock County. The individual was found to be ok.

Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with transporting a patient.

September 9

The sheriff provided security during district court in Ainsworth.

An inmate was booked into the Brown County Jail for a court-ordered commitment.

A deputy transported an inmate to the Brown County Jail from Hall County Corrections who was arrested on a Brown County warrant.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

A deputy investigated a single vehicle accident involving a vehicle pulling a trailer that hit the crosswalk sign at the corner of Highway 20 and Main Street in Ainsworth. The deputy was able to locate the vehicle and speak with the driver.

A deputy attended an online training for accident reports and e-citations.

The Raven and Calamus Fire Departments were dispatched to a fire in southern Brown County.

Deputies attended a two-state meeting at Winner, South Dakota.

September 10

A deputy attended an online training for accident reports and e-citations.

A deputy located an abandoned vehicle on Highway 20. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and advised the vehicle’s engine was blown. The vehicle was removed from the roadway and towed to Ainsworth.

Brown County Ambulance responded to a residence in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

September 11

The sheriff attended a meeting with surrounding county sheriffs.

Brown County Ambulance responded to a residence in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

The Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a reckless driver on Highway 20 near Long Pine that was traveling east bound. A deputy responded to the reported area and was unable to locate the vehicle described.

Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with transporting a patient.

September 12

The sheriff and a deputy responded to a welfare check of an Ainsworth resident. The resident was found to be ok.

A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

Brown County Ambulance responded to a residence in rural Brown County and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

Brown County Ambulance was on standby at East City Park for the Ainsworth High School football game.

A deputy was on foot patrol during the Ainsworth High School football game at East City Park.

September 13

A deputy was notified of a lost wallet from a business in town. The wallet was retrieved by the deputy, who was able to return the wallet back to its owner.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183 for driving on the shoulder of the highway. The driver was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was also given citations for driving with a revoked driver’s license and possession or consumption of an open alcohol container.

Weekly Log
Total Calls: 849
Calls for Service: 13
911 Calls: 7
VIN Inspections: 4
Handgun Permits Purchased: 1
Inmates Housed: 4

* Smith wins KBRB Football Contest for Week 2

(Posted 12:45 p.m. Sept. 11)

Our area football pickers were much more dialed in during Week 2 of the KBRB Football Contest. Wendy Smith’s only miss was the O’Neill St. Mary’s victory over Burwell in the high school ranks. She was perfect on the seven college games on the card. By correctly picking 13 of the 14 games, Wendy Smith of Ainsworth wins the $40 first-place certificate for Week 2.

Five contestants missed two games on the Week 2 card, which sent us to the tie-breaker, Nebraska’s 68-0 whitewashing of Akron. All five picked the Huskers to win. Dwight Neiman of Ainsworth picked the Huskers by a 49-10 margin to miss the total by 29 points and claim the second-place $20 certificate.

The others who missed two games were Doug Walton of Ainsworth (37-7 in the tie-breaker to miss by 38 points), Erin Allen of Ainsworth (42-17 to miss by 43), Tiffani Naprstak of Johnstown (31-10 to miss by 48), and Briley Naprstak of Johnstown (21-17 to miss by 65).

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB Studios.

Week 3 KBRB Football Contest cards are available now from Buckles Automotive and Speedee Mart in Ainsworth, the Sandhills Lounge in Long Pine, West Plains Bank in Springview, Circle B Livestock in Bassett, the Cast Iron Bar & Grille in Stuart, the Tri County Bank branches in Bassett, Stuart, and Atkinson, or from Speedee Mart in Atkinson.

Certificates are redeemable from those contest sponsors.

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 4 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed.

* Council approves $5.83 million 2025-26 budget

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Sept. 11)

The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday approved a $5.83 million budget that will ask property owners in the city for $669,761 in tax.

The amount of property tax requested by the city is about $61,000 more than the $604,937 the city collected to support the 2024-25 budget.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the budget was similar to the previous year minus the large capital improvement projects.

“There are no major capital improvement projects in the budget this year,” Schroedl said. “Phase II of the park project is in the budget. We are hoping to get a grant so the city’s cash contribution to that project will be lower.”

The city’s total valuation increased from $109.9 million to $126.3 million. Of that $17.6 million in additional valuation, $3.71 million was attributed to new construction. The remainder was an increase in the value of existing property.

The city will have to participate in a joint public hearing to allow the public to ask questions of the city regarding its expenditures and tax asking. The city could have increased its property tax request by $32,545 due to the allowable 2 percent base limit increase and the 3.38 percent attributable to new growth. The $61,824 increase in levy will require the city’s participation in the public hearing.

Schroedl said that hearing is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Ainsworth Conference Center.

The city’s levy rate remained at 45 cents for every $100 in valuation for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Schroedl said the city saw major increases to its medical insurance and property insurance premiums.

“Medical insurance went up 42 percent,” she said. “Property insurance went up 26 percent. We hope next year those rates will go back down, but because of some of those increases, the council opted to leave the tax levy at 45 cents. That is where it has been for a while.”

Property owners in the city are also responsible for an additional 10-cent levy approved by voters to support the Sandhills Care Center. The voter-approved levy generates $100,000 annually for the care center.

Schroedl said, after discussions with the bond attorney and the way the ballot language was written, the city does have the authority to reduce the 10-cent levy for the care center as long as $100,000 is collected. She said an 8-cent levy would generate $101,000 for the care center, so that voter-approved levy would be lowered by 2 cents for the 2025-26 budget year.

The $5.83 million budget approved for 2025-26 is lower than the $6.06 million the city actually spent during the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Main Street renovation project was included in the 2024-25 budget.

The $6.06 million spent during the 2024-25 fiscal year was substantially higher, due mainly to the Main Street paving, water and sewer project, than the $4.61 million the city actually spent during the 2023-24 fiscal year.

The budget includes the city maintaining a cash reserve across all funds of $769,041.

The city has $1.49 million in bonded debt, which will carry $398,123 in interest payments over the duration of the bonds for a total bonded indebtedness of $1.88 million. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the city will pay $273,854 to service its debt, which includes streets, water, wastewater and solid waste bond payments.

The city budgeted $3.91 million for operating expenses for the fiscal year, with $949,877 in capital improvements and $496,808 for other capital outlay.

Schroedl said the council tries to be conservative when putting together the city’s budget.

“We run the proprietary funds like a business,” the city administrator said. “We absorbed additional tipping fees again through KBR Solid Waste. We are trying not to raise garbage rates but it is getting pretty tight.”

Mayor Joel Klammer said the city has to budget for the “what ifs”.

“That doesn’t mean we have to spend it,” Klammer said. “I think the city is doing a good job of being responsible.”

The council approved the 2025-26 budget following a public hearing. The property tax request for the 2025-26 fiscal year will be approved following the Sept. 22 public hearing.

In other business Wednesday, the council voted to rezone three parcels on the west side of Meadville Avenue just north of the Highway 20 intersection.

CBI Inc. requested a zoning change from residential R-2 to commercial C-1 for the three parcels in the Morrow Subdivision.

Schroedl said the Planning Commission met a week ago and, after review, recommended approving the zoning change.

“One property owner to the north indicated he did not have an issue with the change,” Schroedl said. “Mark Kovar said NDOT did not have any concerns.”

Scott Steinhauser said everything around the area is zoned for commercial use, and the company would like the ability to develop the property commercially.

Acting on the recommendation from the Planning Commission, the council approved the zoning change.

The council approved a fireworks permit requested by Kathy Worrell representing the Ainsworth Commercial Club. Worrell said the Commercial Club was bringing back the Christmas City in the Sandhills with a light parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 14. The club would like to follow the parade with a 10- to 15-minute fireworks display and then begin a Sandhills Search scavenger hunt.

“We had a good turnout last year,” Worrell said. “We are wanting to add to it.”

Councilman Kent Taylor asked where the fireworks would be ignited as the council does occasionally receive fireworks complaints from people who own dogs.

Worrell said the site had not been finalized, but it would likely be near Main Street potentially in front of the Ainsworth Fire Hall.

Councilman Brad Fiala said, with the size of the fireworks, the group would not need any special permits from the state.

Council members Dustin Barthel and Heather Lutter both expressed support for the club’s work on the event, and the council unanimously approved the permit for Dec. 14.

In other action items Wednesday, the council approved a request from the Sandhills Care Center to have the mayor sign a grant application to the Nebraska Department of Transportation for a potential grant for a handicap-accessible van for the care center.

The council approved a $100 membership to the North Central RC&D. The organization works to bring recycling opportunities to a six-county area that includes Brown County. Recycling events include paper shredding, scrap tire collections and a potential electronic waste collection.

The council approved a special designated liquor license request for the Sandhills Lounge for the Brown County Foundation’s 30^th anniversary celebration scheduled for Oct. 17 in the Conference Center. Taylor said the foundation was celebrating 30 years and having its permanent endowment surpass the $2 million mark. He said the event would be a tailgate-style event and was being held in conjunction with a Husker football and Husker volleyball game.

The council approved a resolution declaring property at 187 N. Elm St. as a nuisance property. Klammer said the council approved a motion in August declaring the property a nuisance, but City Attorney Michael Scholes indicating the action needed to be in the form of a resolution.

“We are just making sure all our I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed,” the mayor said.

Jim Pinney approached the council about a valuation change he received this year on property he owns on the north side of Ainsworth. Pinney said the valuation of land around his commercial building increased from $45,000 to $119,000. He said that amounted to the property being valued at $90,000 an acre.

“I protested and the commissioners said their hands were tied and I needed to come to you,” Pinney said. “It is designated as commercial, but it is just empty land.”

Schroedl said she had spoken with Brown County Assessor Peg Gross about the matter.

“I’m not sure I understand it either,” Schroedl said. “You had been assessed per-acre prior, and it got changed to being assessed by square footage.”

Schroedl said property outside city limits is assessed by the acre, while property inside city limits is assessed by the square footage.

Taylor said the way a property is valued has nothing to do with the city, it comes down to the assessor.

Barthel said he sympathized, but he didn’t know if there was anything the council could do.

It was suggested that Pinney look into a potential subdivision and include the additional ground onto a property he owns north of his commercial property instead of having the land included with his commercial building. The council recommended Pinney discuss that with the assessor before moving forward with the cost of a survey as part of a potential subdivision request.

The council again tabled action on two old business items. Schroedl said the owner of the property at 352 N. Wilson St. that was included on the city’s vacant building registry who indicated a desire to donate the property to the city had not returned messages from the city attorney.

“Michael has tried numerous times to contact the property owner and has had no success,” Schroedl said.

The council also tabled action on a request to amend city ordinance regarding the operation of UTVs. Klammer said the city was still gathering information and was not quite ready to present the council with a proposal for amendments to the ordinance.

During her report, Schroedl thanked Ainsworth Community Schools students for their help in painting at East City Park and the Ainsworth Cemetery during the recent Community Betterment Day.

She said the council would need to schedule a special meeting for the end of the month to handle end of the fiscal year claims. The next regular meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. Oct. 8.

* Care Center continues strong recent performance

(Posted noon Sept. 9)

The Sandhills Care Center continued its strong performance during August, as the Board of Directors learned Monday the care center has 31 current residents calling the facility home.

Administrator Penny Jacobs reported there are 15 residents paying privately and 16 receiving Medicaid assistance. She said 12 of the current residents are from Ainsworth, 11 are from Cherry County, four are from rural Brown County, two are from Long Pine, one is from Keya Paha County and one is from Rock County.

Jacobs said there were no admissions or discharges during the past month. However, the facility anticipated receiving one new resident this week and having one resident discharged.

The care center generated $313,458 in revenue during August with expenses of $268,465 for a net profit for the month of $44,993.

Business manager Makenzie Crane said the care center was maintaining its strong financial performance. She said, despite September being one of two months with three pay periods for staff, the facility had plenty of funding to handle the additional labor expense for the month.

“The account looks good,” Crane said. “There are hefty bills this month and three payrolls, but we are still ahead by quite a bit.”

In addition to its operating account and accounts receivable totaling almost $750,000, the board has taken out a pair of certificates of deposit valued at $100,000 each and has another $123,050 in its interlocal account from the proceeds of the voter-approved bond funds. This year is the second of the five years those levies are being collected. The board has allocated the funding for making upgrades to the facility.

Crane reported the care center spent more than $73,000 during August on agency staffing. Director of Nursing Sara Mayhew said the center recently lost 14 full- or part-time employees who had either returned to college or had otherwise moved from the community.

Mayhew said there were currently three LPN or RN agency employees, and the facility brought on three or four agency CNAs with the loss of its summer college help.

Jacobs said the care center hired one full-time CNA and a part-time dietary employee during the month, and has a new full-time RN who should start by the end of the month. Jacobs said there are additional new employees currently going through the onboarding process.

Crane said, despite the higher cost for agency staffing, the care center was seeing a corresponding decrease in its in-house payroll expenses.

Board member Dr. Mel Campbell said it didn’t appear there was much of a difference in cost between in-house employees or agency staff members.

Jacobs said that was true when considering the benefits and paid time off that are given to in-house employees.

In action items Monday, the board approved a resolution authorizing the Central Nebraska Economic Development District to apply for a grant on behalf of the care center to the Nebraska Department of Transportation that would cover 80 percent of the cost of the purchase of a handicap-accessible van if awarded.

Board Chair Tom Jones said CNEDD would help the care center with the application. In addition to approving a resolution supporting the application, Jones said the Brown County Commissioners and Ainsworth City Council would need to pass similar resolutions in support of the project. He said the only handicap-accessible transportation the facility currently has is its bus, which is not convenient or comfortable in many instances for shorter trips.

The board briefly discussed implementing some kind of tuition assistance program for employees. Mayhew said competing facilities were offering large signing bonuses as well as providing student loan reimbursement to employees.

Crane said some kind of tuition assistance or helping current employees further their education might help with the retention of staff.

Brown County Hospital Administrator Mirya Hallock said the hospital provides some tuition reimbursement assistance to employees as well as some assistance for employees moving up from CNAs to LPNs or RNs.

Hallock offered to share the hospital’s program with the board. The item will be discussed again during the board’s October meeting.

Hallock also informed the board the Sandhills Care Center residents and staff had been selected as the Fans of the Year by the Ainsworth Booster Club. Hallock said all the residents and staff members would receive tee shirts from the Booster Club.

The board Monday withheld payment on a claim for the underground sprinkler system after the contractor’s invoice came in approximately $6,000 higher than the original quote.

Board member Denny Bauer said he would not vote to pay the invoice until he saw an itemized list of the work done and the labor charged.

“When you bid $16,000 and charge $22,000, I won’t vote in favor of it until I see the itemized bill,” Bauer said. “It was a quote, not an estimate. The quote shouldn’t have changed unless we approved the changes.”

Board member Kent Taylor said any large change orders should have come to the board for approval prior to any work outside the scope of the quote being undertaken.

The invoice was removed from the claims and will be discussed again during the board’s October meeting, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. Oct. 13.

* School reduces property tax request by $374,000

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Sept. 9)

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education on Monday adopted a 2025-26 budget that will ask property owners in the district for $374,000 less than what was approved for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Coupled with a valuation increase in the district of 8 percent, from $1.05 billion to $1.13 billion, the property tax levy for the 2025-26 school year will decline by more than 7 cents per $100 in property value from 58.5 cents to 51.1 cents. Had the district kept its tax asking the same instead of lowering its request, the levy would have been 54.4 cents.

“We know valuations are a concern, and we have no control over that,” Superintendent Dale Hafer said. “We are budgeting based on what we need, not just holding the levy the same and getting what we can get.”

The school district made the final payment on the ag and industrial technology building during the 2024-25 fiscal year, so the district’s special building fund will only require 2.2 cents in tax levy for 2025-26, down from 4.9 cents. The district will collect $253,535 for its special building fund, down from $566,667 in tax collected for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

“The lion’s share of the difference is we no longer have a payment on the ag building,” Hafer said. “The last payment was $457,000.”

The superintendent said the board tightened things in other areas as well, but did see an increase in staffing costs.

Property tax collections to support the district’s general fund will also decline for the 2025-26 school year, from $5.61 million to $5.55 million. The tax rate for the general fund will drop from 53.2 cents to 48.8 cents per $100 in property valuation.

While the district’s total budget for its general fund is increasing from $11.59 million in 2024-25 to $11.91 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, the amount of property tax needed to supplement the general fund budget declined by $61,305.

Hafer said the district receives about $600,000 in state aid on a per pupil basis. He said previous boards could have built budgets to try and get more state aid, but opted instead to base budgets on the district’s needs and not inflating budgets to receive more state aid.

Ainsworth Community Schools’ actual expenditures for the 2024-25 school year declined by approximately $78,000, from $9.89 million during the 2023-24 school year to $9.81 during the recently completed 2024-25 school year.

The board approved a budget of $14.99 million for the 2025-26 school year, though the amount actually spent during the year will likely be significantly below that mark. The budget approved Monday gives the district $760,000 in cash reserves.

Board President Brad Wilkins said the board has always tried to focus on maintaining a consistent tax asking from patrons.

“We had four or five years where the tax asking was about unchanged,” Wilkins said. “It went up some last year with staffing costs, but it is being reduced this year. We know it is a difficult time for ag producers.”

Board member Bryan Doke said his goal on the board was to make sure the district is spending money appropriately.

“This lets us meet the needs of the kids and gives some tax money back,” Doke said.

Board member Frank Beel said he tries to bring a conservative approach to the budgeting process, and only ask taxpayers for what is needed.

Board member Jessica Pozehl said she felt this year’s budget still allowed the district to keep its facilities and curriculum up to date, and provides for the staff.

After making the final payment on the industrial technology and agricultural education building in the previous fiscal year, Ainsworth Community Schools has just $300,000 in total bonded debt. The district has three years of $100,000 payments remaining on its only remaining debt, with total interest charges of just $4,150 remaining, including $2,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Hafer said the district included $150,000 in its special building fund as part of a strategic planning process to eventually address needed updates to the district’s facilities.

“We looked at four options during our budget retreat,” Hafer said. “This is the budget the board agreed to bring forward.”

Over the next few years, Hafer said the district planned to include some money in the special building fund to take on projects like replacing the roof of the elementary building.

“The board’s intent was to build the budget based on what we need to move forward,” the superintendent said.

Following the public hearings on the budget and property tax request, the board, with members Jake Graff and Crystal Dailey absent, approved the 2025-26 budget and property tax request as presented.

In other action items Monday, the board approved the district’s 2025-26 assessment plan as presented, adopted option enrollment standards for the 2026-27 school year, and approved the review of school policies 610 through 612.

The board approved an option enrollment request from Kyle and Johanna Babcock to allow their children Liam and Millie to attend Rock County Public Schools. Wilkins said the distance was about the same to both schools from where the family lives.

Hafer said the children have attended Rock County Public Schools in the past.

During his report, the superintendent said Ainsworth Community Schools is being awarded the ALICAP Safety Honor Roll Award for the 2024-25 school year for the district’s proactive and effective efforts regarding school safety.

Wilkins said ALICAP returned $1.7 million in premiums to its members in the form of discounts off the next premium. Hafer said the district would see between $2,000 and $3,000 in savings on its premium through the cooperative.

Elementary Principal Kelsey Riesen reported the recent Community Betterment Day was a success, with students helping to spruce up numerous areas as well as spending time with residents of the Sandhills Care Center and Cottonwood Villa.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 13.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 2 p.m. Sept. 8)

August 31

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for minor in possession of alcohol and possessing an open alcohol container. The passenger of the vehicle received citations for minor in possession of alcohol and possessing an open alcohol container.

A juvenile was released to a guardian by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office

Brown County Jail released an inmate on bond.

A deputy responded to possible trespassing at a business in Ainsworth.

Brown County Ambulance Association was on standby in Johnstown for the rodeo at the Brown County Fair.

The sheriff and a deputy were on foot patrol at the Brown County Fair in Johnstown.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for driving 10 mph over the posted speed limit.

September 1

A traffic stop was made in Johnstown. The driver received a repair order for lights not working properly on their vehicle.

A traffic stop was made north of Johnstown. The driver received a written warning for not coming to a stop at a stop sign.

A traffic stop was made west of Johnstown. The driver was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for not coming to a stop at a stop sign.

Brown County Ambulance was paged to Long Pine and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A welfare check was requested on a Brown County resident. Deputies were unable to speak with the individual. The requesting party later notified the sheriff’s office that they were able to make contact with the individual.

Brown County Jail released an inmate on bond.

Brown County Ambulance was on standby in Johnstown for the rodeo at the Brown County Fair.

The sheriff and a deputy were on foot patrol at the Brown County Fair.

Brown County Ambulance transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A deputy responded to a noise complaint in Ainsworth. Both parties involved were talked to by a deputy.

A welfare check was requested on an elderly female in Ainsworth. A deputy confirmed the female was ok.  

September 2

A deputy responded to a single vehicle accident, where the vehicle ran off the roadway due to fog.

September 3

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for not having a driver’s license on person. The driver also received repair orders for the vehicle’s lighting not working properly and not changing their driver’s license to a Nebraska license.

September 4

An individual was arrested on a charge of domestic assault and booked into the Brown County Jail.

Brown County Jail released an inmate on bond.

A deputy was notified of a possible mentally unstable person traveling through Brown County.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for 15 mph over the posted speed limit.

Brown County Ambulance transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

September 5

The sheriff provided traffic control at Ainsworth Community Schools during a fire drill.

The Johnstown Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a fire north of Johnstown.

A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7. The driver received a repair order for brake lights not working properly.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a repair order for vehicle lights not working properly.  

September 6

Dispatch notified a resident their pivot was watering the roadway.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a repair order for a headlight missing.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 810
Calls for service – 13
911 calls – 12
Vehicle titles inspected – 2
Handgun permits purchased – 2
Inmates housed – 2

* Bassett armor coating streets this week

(Posted 9:45 a.m. Sept. 8)

Figgins Construction is in Bassett armor coating city streets this week. The city of Bassett asks residents to avoid parking on:

State to Buchanan to North End

Legnard to Clark to Augusta

Legnard to Panzer to Alley

Legnard to Panzer to Buckendorf

Buckendorf to Legnard to Florence

Alma to State to Clark

State to South St to Hospital Entrance

The city of Bassett thanks residents for their cooperation to allow for unimpeded street access for the armor coating work to be completed.

* Six West Holt students earn Seal of Biliteracy

(Posted 2 p.m. Sept. 4)

The Nebraska Department of Education and the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Advisory Committee announces 122 Seals of Biliteracy have been awarded to 118 Nebraska students.

The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school students who have achieved a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language.

Six West Holt students earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. Those students are Alyssa Dobias, Anel Monasterio, Madalyn Pistulka, Madysen Kramer, Monica Chavez and Taylor Peek.

The Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have embraced this vital skill, demonstrating their proficiency based on the Nebraska World Language Standards, which emphasize communication, cultures, connections, communities, and cognition within a language other than English.

* Slaymaker wins KBRB Football Contest for Week 1

(Posted 3:30 p.m. Sept. 3)

The opening week of the KBRB Football Contest proved to be a tough one, with tightly contested games in both the high school and college ranks to start the season.

Of the 14 games on the contest card, Jim Slaymaker of Atkinson was incorrect on three picks, and that was the best card of the week. That earns Jim Slaymaker the $40 first-place certificate for Week 1.

Four contestants missed four games on the Week 1 card, which sent us to Nebraska’s 20-17 victory over Cincinnati to open the season. All four contestants correctly picked the Huskers to win. Nathan Finley of Valentine picked a score of 15-13 to miss the total by nine points and claim the $20 second-place certificate.

Mary Ludwig of Stuart narrowly missed a certificate, picking a 30-17 Husker victory to miss the final score by 10 points. Maxine Brink of Atkinson (35-7) and Stacey Knox of Bassett (49-12) also missed four games on the Week 1 card but missed out via the tie-breaker.

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB Studios.

Week 2 KBRB Football Contest cards are available now from Buckles Automotive and Speedee Mart in Ainsworth, the Sandhills Lounge in Long Pine, West Plains Bank in Springview, Circle B Livestock in Bassett, Cast Iron Bar & Grille in Stuart, the Tri County Bank branches in Bassett, Stuart, and Atkinson, or from Speedee Mart in Atkinson.

Certificates are redeemable from those contest sponsors.

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 4 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed.

* Beed’s Landing at Merritt Reservoir to close Sept. 9

(Posted 2:30 p.m. Sept. 3)

The Beed’s Landing boat ramp at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area will close to access Sept. 9-19 to allow for concrete work and improvements.

Visitors might see machinery and site preparations beginning prior to the closure. The project will enhance accessibility by improving the connection from the Americans with Disabilities Act trailer parking slip to the top of the ramp. New sidewalks will be added along the length of the ramp to improve access to docks.

Recent repairs also were completed at Powder Horn boat ramp at Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area, where winter heaving had damaged the launch. A center section of the ramp was replaced while lake levels were low. The ramp will reopen once water levels rise. A new roll-in dock system is expected to be installed at the ramp ahead of next boating season.

All work is being completed by Nebraska Game and Parks’ Engineering Division and the Operations and Construction team, with funding provided through Game Cash.

* Area micro-surfacing work begins Friday

(Posted 7:30 a.m. Sept. 3)

Weather permitting, micro-surfacing work will begin Friday on Highway 20 northwest of Wood Lake from milepost 210 to milepost 221, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Missouri Petroleum Company, of St. Louis, Mo., is the contractor. Work will continue on Highway 183 south of Springview from milepost 198 milepost 207. Upon completion, work will begin north of Bassett on Highway 7 from milepost 61 to milepost 67.

Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. Anticipated completion is September.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.

* Commissioners decline adding online payment option

(Posted 3 p.m. Sept. 2)

During a light agenda Tuesday, the Brown County Commissioners opted not to move forward with a contract with MIPS to make county tax information searchable online and give taxpayers the ability to pay taxes online with a credit card.

Treasurer Bruce Mitchell said the $1,176 annual fee for the service from MIPS did include the online payment option. The cost of the transaction to pay taxes online would be passed to the customer, and the county would receive the full amount of tax owed.

Commissioner Don Painter asked Mitchell how much the online payment option might be used. Mitchell said he had three people ask in August if they could pay their taxes online. He said that was the highest number of requests he had seen since he has been the treasurer.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said, if the county opted to move forward with a contract with MIPS for the online service, the expense should be taken from the miscellaneous general fund instead of having to amend the treasurer’s budget.

Both Painter and Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said they were inclined to decline the contract.

Bauer agreed, saying, “If it isn’t broke, it doesn’t need fixed.”

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported the roads department has been trying to get rid of grassy windrows so people can mow road edges. He said moving that material onto the road has made the roads rougher in some areas.

Turpin said the roads department made emergency repairs to the Sand Draw bridge on 430^th Avenue, replacing 13 planks on the top and two bridge planks underneath the deck.

“That should last for now,” he said.

The highway superintendent said the department trimmed overhanging trees on Meadville Avenue and has been spraying trees in various parts of the county.

Bauer said he had received some nice compliments on the Meadville Avenue tree removal.

“You guys did a good job on that,” Bauer said.

Turpin said Permazyme was sending a free bucket of its road hardening product for the county to use and would have someone from the company come to the county free of charge to help with the application of the product.

The county had previously applied the product to a 1-mile stretch of Meadville Avenue north of the asphalt and had seen mixed results. Turpin said it was a good show of faith that the company was sending additional product and someone to work with the department on the application.

Turpin asked the commissioners to consider amending a policy on selling used auto gates. Currently, the county has sold auto gates it no longer needs for weigh-up prices, but that requires the purchaser to haul the gate to a scale and have it weighed, which is an inconvenience when the gates can at times be located some distance from a scale.

“What do you think about just having a set price for used auto gates, maybe $200?” Turpin asked.

Bauer asked Turpin to visit with County Attorney Andy Taylor on a proposal that complies with bidding requirements.

“There is no need to tear them out, haul them in and then reset them,” Bauer said.

The commissioners approved a contract with Appeara to clean mats in the courthouse on a monthly basis. The cost of the cleaning would increase by 25 cents per mat. With 10 mats cleaned monthly the increase amounts to an additional $2.50 per month from the current contract.

The board also approved an amended plan document for Brown County’s FSA employee benefit plan through First Concord. Taylor said the document was simply a renewal.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Sept. 16 and will include the county’s 2025-26 budget hearing and property tax request.

* Two area men killed in Monday UTV accident

(Posted 10:30 a.m. Sept. 2)

Two area men died on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, during a UTV crash that occurred in South Dakota.

According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, at 5:40 p.m. Monday approximately 7 miles south of Custer, S.D., a 2023 Can-Am Maverick side-by-side, driven by a 60-year-old Long Pine man, was traveling south on Flynn Creek Road when the vehicle slid sideways on a curve, entered the east ditch and struck a tree.

Both the driver of the UTV and a passenger, a 41-year-old Ainsworth man, were pronounced dead at the scene. Both were wearing seat belts.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. Names of the accident victims have not been publicly released pending notification of family members.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9 a.m. Sept. 2)

August 24
Deputies checked on a broken-down vehicle on the side of Highway 20. The driver of the vehicle explained he thought he had vehicle fixed enough to get it back to Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

Deputies responded to a disturbance at a business in Ainsworth. The business employees expressed to the deputies that they did not want the customers to return.

August 25
The Sheriff’s Office assisted a resident with a possible internet scam.

Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A deputy took a report of possible stolen items. Later in the week the reporting party called and said she found the items that were reported stolen.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

A reckless driving citation was issued to a driver for doing “cookies” in a parking lot of a business in Ainsworth.

August 26
The Sheriff’s Office was notified of a juvenile who ran away from school. Deputies were able to locate the missing juvenile east of Ainsworth on the cowboy trail.

A deputy investigated a single vehicle accident at a business in Ainsworth.

The Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about a vehicle struggling to maintain its lane on Highway 20. Deputies were unable to locate the vehicle in the reported area.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 13 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a repair order for a trailer registration being expired and trailer lights not working properly.  

August 27
A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for not coming to a complete stop at the intersection of Highway 20 and Main Street.

August 28
The Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a pivot watering a county roadway. Dispatch notified the owner of the pivot.

A welfare check was requested on a resident in rural Brown County. Deputies found the woman to be ok.

Brown County Ambulance responded to a call in Long Pine and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported fire south of Ainsworth.

Deputies received annual training in Valentine for Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

August 29
A deputy responded to a domestic assault in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office received a report of tree branches and debris on Highway 20 after a thunderstorm. A deputy removed the large debris from the roadway.

Brown County Ambulance performed standby service at East City Park for the Ainsworth High School football game.

The Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible hit and run. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for expired registration and a repair order for a head light not working properly.

August 30
A traffic stop was made in Long Pine. The driver received a written warning for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence. Transportation was not required.

Dispatch received a 911 hang up call from Long Pine. A deputy was able to find the person who called 911 and everything was found to be ok. 

Brown County Ambulance was on standby in Johnstown during the Brown County Fair rodeo.

Deputies were out on foot patrol during the Brown County Fair rodeo.

The Sheriff’s Office received a report of a runaway juvenile. Later in the evening the juvenile was found by deputies. The juvenile was observed to be intoxicated and brought to the Sheriff’s Office where a guardian picked up the juvenile.

Deputies provided civil standby service at a Long Pine residence so an individual could collect belongings.

Weekly Log
Phone Calls – 774
Calls for Service – 22
911 Calls – 13
Vehicle Titles Inspected – 3
Handgun Permits Purchased – 1
Jail Inmates Housed – 2

* NPPD plans brief outage for Bassett customers Sept. 10

(Posted 10:30 p.m. Aug. 29)

A brief planned outage is scheduled for electric customers in Bassett Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 7 a.m. and lasting for approximately five minutes to allow for work at a substation in the area.

The outage is being conducted so crews can hook up a mobile substation to allow for maintenance work at the substation.

“Outages are not convenient and while it will be brief, we want to make sure people are aware so they can plan ahead for the morning schedule,” NPPD Account Manager Brittney Koenig said. “Over the next month, crews will conduct maintenance, and once completed a second five-minute outage will take place in late September to return the system to normal operation.”

NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages. NPPD will notify impacted customers prior to the planned outage, and customers can call 877-ASK-NPPD if they have any questions. NPPD will send out additional information once the second outage date and time are confirmed.

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 3:15 p.m. Aug. 28)

In addition to fines, each case carries $50 in court costs

Ian C. Moore, age 43, of Sioux City, Iowa, charged with speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, fined $25.

Keith L. Johnson, 33, of Ainsworth, disturbing the peace, $100.

Wallace E. Wiebesiek, 63, of Ainsworth, disturbing the peace, $100.

Sierra L. Jones, 23, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75; also charged with failure to use a seat belt, $25.

Kenneth L. Chini, 48, of Plattsmouth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Marie E. Arendt, 69, of Valentine, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

William K. Barthel, 36, of Ainsworth, no proof of insurance, $100.

Allen A. Gilbert, 42, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25; failure to use a child passenger restraint, $25.

Roman Golynskyi, 34, of Cleveland, Ohio, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Thomas J. Monroe, 46, of Valentine, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Makenna J. May, 25, of Broomfield, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Sharon M. Goff, 74, of Ainsworth, driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or greater second offense, $1,000, driver’s license revoked for 18 months and ordered to install an ignition interlock device.

Mercedes W. Little Elk, 20, of Ainsworth, first offense driving under the influence, $500, also sentenced to six months of probation, driver’s license revoked for 60 days, and ordered to install an ignition interlock device.

Matthew K. Zimmerman, 25, of Long Pine, attempting a Class 4 felony, $1,000.

Jai A. Bhala, 27, of Hayward, Calif., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25; no proof of insurance, $100.

Miguel A. Espinosa Barrera, 28, of Omaha, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Carsten W. Ganser, 26, of Ainsworth, no registration in vehicle, $100; improper or defective light, $25.

Brandi M. McDermott, 46, of Columbus, public indecency, $100.

David B. Lawler, 58, of Littleton, Colo., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Dustin S. Privett, 27, of Ainsworth, careless driving, $100; no proof of insurance, $100.

Daniel B. Williams, 35, of Chicago, Ill., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Diane D. High, 68, of Ainsworth, first offense reckless driving, $300.

Shalee M. Klein, 18, of Mills, speeding 36 mph or more over the limit, $300.

Larry G. Leverington, 76, of Ennis, Texas, failure to yield the right of way, $25.

Estela J. Henriquez, 20, of Ainsworth, no operator’s license, $75.

Joanne R. Krieg, 70, of Scottsbluff, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Ethan P. Arens, 20, of Ainsworth, no valid registration, $25.

Percival P. Tayem, 55, of Burlington, Wis., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Cynthia D. Garner, 51, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Landon C. Swann, 28, of Scottsdale, Ariz., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Kenneth D. Cox, 52, of Philadelphia, Tenn., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Robert C. Chapman, 50, of Golden, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Olga Y. Petrukhno, 66, of Huntsville, Ala., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

William G. Strong, 55, of Batavia, Ill., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Tierney K. Lorenz, 40, of Lincoln, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Anthony B. Ganser, 58, of Omaha, no operator’s license, $75.

Trevor L. Klimm, 51, of Garland, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Julianna D. Mata, 24, of South Sioux City, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Charles H. Daniels, 75, of Ainsworth, driving on a closed road/removing a barricade, $99.

Brett J. Alder, 20, of Atkinson, zero tolerance violation, $100 and driver’s license impounded for 30 days; minor in possession of alcohol, $300.

Colton T. Troxel, 23, of Ainsworth, no valid registration, $25.

Shubhajit Sen, 27, of Raleigh, N.C., speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

* Steffen, Brewster selected for LEAD 44 class

(Posted 12:30 p.m. Aug. 28)

The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development Program announced the selection of 27 individuals as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 44. Chosen for their leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities, these fellows represent a wide range of backgrounds within Nebraska’s agricultural industry.

Among the class are Katie Steffen of Ainsworth and Britanie Brewster of Butte.

Starting in September and over the next two years, Class 44 Fellows will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their knowledge of state, national and global agricultural issues, all while preparing them to serve as leaders in their communities and industries.

“I am thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of individuals to Nebraska LEAD Class 44,” said Kurtis Harms, Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Nebraska LEAD Class 44 represents the next generation of leaders who will help guide our state forward. These individuals bring unique experiences, perspectives and energy to the program. I’m eager to see how they will grow through this journey and the positive impact they’ll make in their communities and across Nebraska agriculture.”

The Nebraska LEAD Program, now in its 44th year, has a long-standing mission of developing agricultural leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska and beyond. Through in-state seminars, a national study experience and an international study/travel seminar, the program provides Fellows with the skills and experiences necessary to lead effectively in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.

The mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.” For more information on the program or its mission, visit lead.unl.edu

* Unemployment rate remained steady in July

(Posted 7:15 a.m. Aug. 28)

Nebraska’s unemployment rate for July is 3.0 percent. The rate is unchanged from June and is up 0.2 percentage points from the July 2024 rate of 2.8 percent. The national unemployment rate for July is 4.2 percent, up 0.1 percentage points from the June rate and the same as the July 2024 rate.

South Dakota maintains its grip on the best unemployment rate in the nation with a July rate of 1.9 percent. North Dakota had the second-best rate in the country at 2.5 percent, followed by Vermont at 2.6 percent, Hawaii at 2.7 percent and Montana at 2.8 percent. Nebraska is tied with Alabama with the sixth-best rate in the nation at 3.0 percent.

California had the highest rate in the country in July at 5.5 percent. Nevada at 5.4 percent, Michigan at 5.3 percent and Oregon and Ohio at 5 percent round out the five states with the highest unemployment rates.

Brown County saw a jobless rate of 2.4 percent in July, well below the state average. Cherry County’s unemployment rate of 1.9 percent in July was the best in the state. Rock County at 2.1 percent and Holt County at 2.2 percent were also among the state leaders.

Blaine County at 2.4 percent and Boyd County at 2.6 percent were also better than the state average. Keya Paha County had the highest unemployment rate in the area in July at 4.1 percent. Gage County in southeastern Nebraska had the highest unemployment rate in the state in July at 5.7. percent.

“Nebraska has seen record employment and labor force highs month after month in 2025 and July is no exception,” said Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber. “The labor force exceeded 1,087,000 and the number of employed workers surpassed 1,055,000.” 

Nonfarm employment, the number of filled jobs, was 1,063,946 in July, up 6,449 over from July 2024 and down 12,771 from June.

Private industries with the most growth during the past year were the private education and health services sector (up 8,168 jobs); the leisure and hospitality sector (up 2,752 jobs); and the mining and construction sector (up 1,906 jobs). Between June and July, the mining and construction sector (up 872 jobs) and the information sector (up 8 jobs) had the most growth.

The labor force includes both employed workers and those who are actively looking for work. The counts of employed and unemployed in the labor force are based on a survey conducted by the Census Bureau regarding employment status.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:15 a.m. Aug. 25)

August 17^th

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle impeding traffic. It was observed that the vehicle’s registration was expired by more than one year. The driver received a citation for not registering his vehicle.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning for speeding and did not have current insurance cards in his vehicle.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 where the driver received a citation for driving 14 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth where the driver received a citation for driving 26 mph over the posted speed limit.

August 18^th

A deputy was called to Highway 183 for an injured deer in the middle of the roadway. The deputy moved the deer out of the roadway.

Deputies investigated a two-vehicle accident in Ainsworth.

Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A deputy investigated suspicious behavior from a person in Ainsworth. The deputy spoke to the person about what was reported.

A deputy responded to a residence with an uncontrollable juvenile. The deputy was able to diffuse the situation with the juvenile.

August 19^th

The sheriff’s office received a call about cattle being out south of Ainsworth on Highway 7. Deputies provided traffic control until the cattle were off the roadway. Dispatchers were able to contact the owner of the cattle.

The sheriff and a deputy responded to a report of an uncontrollable juvenile trying to jump from a moving vehicle south of Ainsworth on Highway 7.

Brown County Ambulance responded to a rural residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth where the driver received a citation for driving 14 mph over the posted speed limit and no proof of insurance.

A deputy was requested to perform a welfare check on a Long Pine resident. The individual was found to be ok.

August 20^th

Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

The sheriff provided court security for county court.

A deputy provided traffic control during a fire drill at Ainsworth Community Schools.

A deputy responded to a family dispute in Ainsworth. The deputy responded to the residence and was found that everything was ok.

August 21^st

Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

Brown County Ambulance responded to a rural Brown County business and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth where the driver received a citation for not stopping at the stop sign at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 20.

Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with transporting a patient.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 where the driver received a repair order for taillights not working properly and a written warning for no driver’s license on person.

August 22^nd

Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with transporting a patient.

The sheriff’s office received a report of cattle being out on a rural Brown County roadway. Dispatchers were able to notify the owner of the cattle.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a calf in the middle of the roadway just west of Ainsworth. Deputies were able to get the calf back into the pasture and the owner of the calf was contacted by dispatch.

Deputies went to the gun range for training.

Brown County Ambulance responded to East City Park and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth where the driver received a citation for driving 14 mph over the posted speed limit.

August 23rd

The sheriff’s office was notified of a Christmas tree in the middle of Highway 20. By the time the deputy arrived the Christmas tree had been moved off the roadway.

A deputy responded to a dispute between neighbors in Ainsworth. Both parties were talked to by the deputy. No crimes were committed.

Brown County Ambulance responded to a rural residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth where the driver received a written warning for driving without their headlights turned on.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth where the driver was issued a repair order for a headlight not working properly.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth where the driver received a written warning for driving 8 mph over the posted speed limit.

* Ainsworth native co-founds thriving ag business

(Posted 7 a.m. Aug. 21)

By Geitner Simmons
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Jordyn (Lechtenberg) Bader, a Nebraskan with rural roots and a career in ag tech, points to a key ingredient that can strengthen 21st century agriculture and Nebraska’s rural communities.

The ingredient? Entrepreneurship. 

“Entrepreneurship is the catalyst for thriving communities,” said Bader, an Ainsworth native with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. 

Adopting an entrepreneurial mindset creates a vibrant culture where professionals want to live and work, she said, and “no one is better equipped, or more deeply invested, to solve challenges in rural communities and agriculture than the people who live there.” 

Her life experiences have given Bader a deep appreciation for her rural upbringing. As a teen, she deepened her passion for agriculture through FFA activities and leadership opportunities. 

“I’m a product of a rural community in Nebraska,” said Bader, whose husband, John, a Lincoln ophthalmologist, also has rural Nebraska roots. “Growing up in a remote area and agricultural community showed me the power of resilience, resourcefulness and supporting your neighbors.”

During her undergraduate years in Lincoln, she worked as a summer intern in Holdrege through the university’s Rural Futures Institute (now Rural Prosperity Nebraska) to help create strategies for recruitment of young professionals.

“There are so many career opportunities, and a fantastic quality of life and sense of community, in rural Nebraska,” she said.

Growing up in a rural community gave her wide-ranging benefits.

“My values and drive to pursue entrepreneurship were shaped by that experience,” she said. “Many of the opportunities I’ve had in my career trace back to the foundation built in my hometown.” 

Post-graduation, she co-founded Marble Technologies. Headquartered at Nebraska Innovation Campus, Marble is building AI-powered automation for the meat industry. As director of industry partnerships, Bader works with stakeholders served by the company’s automation technology.   

“Advancements in technology and AI are unlocking the next level of efficiencies in food and ag,” she said. “Physical AI will provide data-driven insights and a more resilient food system.” 

Meat processing remains one of the most labor-intensive sectors in the food supply chain. Many tasks are repetitive and physically demanding. Bader sees this as a clear opportunity for innovation. By leveraging advanced automation and AI, Marble aims to transform the industry — streamlining workflows, enhancing safety and improving job quality. 

“Automation can take on repetitive and difficult tasks, freeing up employees for higher-value roles,” she said. 

Bader has found that tackling big challenges in food and agriculture requires both scientific talent and deep agricultural expertise.

“It’s been incredible to witness meat scientists work alongside engineers to build technology for this industry,” she said. “The most impactful solutions in any industry are a result of diverse teams working toward a shared goal.” 

Bader points to the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program as one of the university’s most important assets for rural Nebraska. As an agricultural economics major, she was in the first student cohort for the Engler program in 2010, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2014 and her master’s degree in 2016.

Since its inception, the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program has helped launch more than 70 businesses in Nebraska, generating more than $147 million in lifetime revenue. As Engler reaches its 10-year milestone, the program will celebrate the entrepreneurs it has empowered and share the lasting impact of their work in a 2026 report.

Engler goes well beyond classwork. Students bounce ideas off mentors and benefit from networking. They gain insight into real-world experience by being challenged with the complications businesses often must deal with. 

Engler alumni such as Bader remain involved with the program, helping current students learn from the alums’ experiences — the positives as well as the negatives.

“It is an honor to remain involved in the Engler program as a member of the advisory board and to witness the impact it is making in the lives of students and the state of Nebraska,” she said. 

“Jordyn is bold, purposeful and inspiring a new generation to dream bigger, take risks and own their journey,” said Hailey DeMers, the Engler program’s chief creative officer. “Through her recent service to our program — delivering powerful messages, mentoring and creating opportunities for students — she proves that success isn’t just personal; it’s contagious.”

“I could not have predicted as an undergraduate where my career would take me,” Bader said. “I’ve learned to be willing to pivot and say yes to opportunities that challenge me. It’s been an incredible journey.”

* Agreement reached on road to isolated property

(Posted 10:15 a.m. Aug. 20)

An agreement has been reached that would potentially end litigation regarding the construction of a road to isolated property in southwestern Brown County.

County Attorney Andy Taylor told the Brown County Commissioners Tuesday the parties involved had reached a resolution. Taylor said the agreement narrows the road from 66 feet to 33 feet and makes minor alterations to the route.

“This would change the amount paid by the petitioner and would have less impact on fencing,” Taylor said.

Attorney Todd Flynn said the road would be moved a little to the south from the original location.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said 33 feet would likely be ok for the construction of the road, as it will be a minimum maintenance route after construction. He said, with a 33-foot road, there won’t be much for ditches.

Turpin asked if the county could use a contractor to build the road or if the county roads department would be responsible for the construction.

Taylor said, since property owner Grant Kobes was responsible for paying the cost of building the road, he would have to agree to have a contractor build the road if the cost would be in excess of what it would be for the county roads department to handle the construction.

Turpin said a contractor would get the work completed much more timely, as the roads department would only be able to work on building the road when it was not busy with other projects.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said he liked the idea of the smaller width roadway. Commissioner Dennis Bauer asked Taylor what the next steps would be in the process of creating the road to the isolated parcel owned by Kobes that was the former Long Lake State Recreation Area.

Taylor said, if the commissioners agree to the modifications, he would draw up a settlement agreement between the parties. When that was signed, the civil court case would be dismissed.

The commissioners, with board member Don Painter absent Tuesday, approved the modifications for the construction of the road, narrowing the width from 66 feet to 33 feet and slightly adjusting the former Route 5 proposal.

In other business Tuesday, Treasurer Bruce Mitchell said the county’s landfill costs were increasing again. After moving from $6,100 per month to $6,800 per month previously, landfill rates were going up again and would now cost the county $7,200 per month for its portion of the KBR Solid Waste compact.

Mitchell said the current rates charged to property owners would leave the county about $8,000 short of funding its share of the compact. He said each customer would be charged an additional $1.50 per month or $18 for the entire year. The new rate would take effect in January. The board approved the change in rates.

Mitchell also discussed a previous request to allow for property tax information to be available online. He said MIPS offers the online service for $98 per month, which equates to $1,176 per year. Mitchell said the service would save his office a few phone calls from people who lost their tax statements or wondering if property taxes had been paid.

Bauer asked what the benefit would be to residents in the county to pay for the online service. Mitchell said, if the county offered people the ability to pay their tax statements online using a credit card, people might take advantage of that opportunity.

“That would be a benefit to the taxpayer and a huge headache for me,” Mitchell said, as there would be a longer lag time for the county to receive tax payments made via credit card.

Bauer asked if the county would be responsible for paying the fees charged for using a credit card. Mitchell said those fees would be passed to the customer. The county would receive the full amount of taxes due.

The board tabled action, as Mitchell said he would see what the cost would be to add the online payment option.

Sandhills Care Center Board Chair Tom Jones presented the commissioners with the care center’s 2025-26 budget. Jones said the care center currently has 31 residents and has been averaging between 30 and 31 residents for the past year.

“That level keeps us in the black,” Jones said.

He said the 2025-26 budget forecasts a profit of $381,000 from operations and does not include the voter-approved tax funds the facility receives.

Jones said some upgrades have been made to the facility, from a handicap-accessible front door to a lawn sprinkler system to upgrading the kitchen to updating the facility’s lighting.

Bauer said first impressions are important and applauded the installation of the sprinkler system for the care center lawn.

“It looked weedy and abandoned prior to that,” Bauer said. “The board has done a good job. The atmosphere is a lot better.”

Jones said the care center is on really good financial footing right now.

“There are 60 jobs out there, that is important economically for the community,” Jones said. “The staff has done a great job.”

He said the care center building is horribly energy inefficient, and the board would look to make some upgrades in that area moving forward. He said the board would also work with the staff on strategic planning, identifying priority areas for upgrades.

The commissioners on Tuesday approved an increase in pay for public defender Michael Borders. The new contract will be for $50,000 annually for a three-year period, up from the current $45,000 per year.

Bauer said the county pays the sheriff to arrest people, the county attorney to prosecute and also has to pay for the attorney to defend.

“I know we probably don’t have any choice, but that is more than a 10 percent increase,” Bauer said.

Taylor said Borders handles most of the defense cases in the county, and the $50,000 contract is way less expensive than it would be for the county to hire attorneys on an hourly basis to advocate for defendants who cannot afford an attorney.

During his report, Turpin said the roads department has been working on the Elsmere Road, placing 700 tons of cold mix asphalt on the road ahead of armor coating work that is scheduled for the fall.

He said, while property owners are by statute responsible for trimming trees located on their property away from county roads, the roads department planned to start trimming trees on Meadville Avenue.

Bauer said, from a public safety standpoint, it was probably best for the county to just handle the tree trimming work.

The board discussed gravel piles created when ditches are pulled up that can hinder people when they try to mow the road ditches as they are required to do.

“I have had several people call asking if we can do something with the gravel piles so people can mow between now and October,” Bauer said.

Turpin said he would try to keep the piles small, but rains this year have made it difficult. He said property owners are supposed to mow the entire ditch, not just the road edge.

Bauer said some of the ditches were too steep for people to be able to mow. Turpin said he felt 60 to 70 percent of the ditches could be mowed without an issue.

Bauer said, “I don’t think it is worth the safety hazard to have someone tip a mower over in a ditch.”

The board discussed having the roads department take over mowing ditches in the county once each year during August.

Dailey said, “It would be a lot of added expense for the county, but it would benefit the roads department and it would take some of the heat off of us every year.”

Mowing road ditches prior to winter helps keep snow from drifting onto county roadways. Turpin said he would research the cost of a mower and how many miles the county may have to mow.

Prior to adjourning Tuesday, the board held an executive session to discuss job performance evaluations for two members of the roads department, and held a second executive session to discuss the county attorney, county assessor and county sheriff’s offices.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Sept. 2.

* Sheriff’s department participates in enforcement

(Posted 11:15 a.m. Aug. 18)

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office participated in a Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety selective overtime enforcement for “Speeding High Visibility Enforcement” from July 14 through July 31.

A total of 32 citations were issued during the enforcement period, including:

16 – speeding
2 – arrested for driving with a suspended driver’s license
3 – no registration or unlicensed vehicles
2 – no operator’s license
2 – no proof of insurance
1 – seatbelt violation
1 – failure to yield to the right of way
1 – no driver’s license on person
1 – leaving the scene of an accident without furnishing information
1 – criminal trespassing second degree
1 – shoplifting
1 – possession of drug paraphernalia 

41 warnings were given for traffic violations.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9 a.m. Aug. 18)

August 10
A traffic stop was made on a vehicle driving 104 mph on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for speeding 39 mph over the posted speed limit and no proof of insurance.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a vandalized vehicle in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

The sheriff’s office received a 911 hang up call around Keller State Park. Deputies drove the area and were unable to locate anyone.

A written warning was given to a motorist for speeding west of Ainsworth on Highway 20.

A motorist was stopped east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 and received a citation for driving 12 mph over the posted speed limit.

August 11
Jailers attended certification training in Norfolk.

A driver was stopped in Long Pine and received a citation for an unregistered vehicle.  

August 12
The sheriff provided security for district court in Ainsworth.

A deputy investigated a two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of Ainsworth Municipal Golf Course.

The sheriff investigated a reckless driver doing “cookies or donuts” in the parking area behind NAPA in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

A deputy investigated a wide load trailer that was left on the shoulder of the highway just east of Ainsworth causing a possible traffic hazard due to an unlighted roadway. The trailer was not properly marked, and traffic triangles were not set out behind the trailer. A deputy left a red-light flashing light on the back of the trailer to assist in visibility of the trailer. The next morning the driver responsible for the trailer was located and given a citation for improper stopping or parking and failure to display emergency flags/reflectors.  

August 14
A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for driving 12 mph over the posted speed limit.

The sheriff and a deputy responded to a local business in Ainsworth to investigate concerning messages that have been written in chalk on the sidewalk of the business. The messages were already cleaned off the sidewalk.  

The sheriff and a deputy walked around a business in rural Brown County. During the walk through the sheriff and deputy were shown shelter areas and consolidation areas in case of emergencies.

A deputy assisted with traffic control during an Ainsworth Community Schools fire drill.

August 15
The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a business in Ainsworth for a possible fire.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

Deputies responded to suspicious activity in Long Pine. The deputies patrolled the reported areas and were unable to locate the reported vehicle.

Deputies investigated a call that a vehicle and trailer were blocking Highway 20 near the golf course. It was discovered that the reported vehicle attempted to turn too sharply and spilled a partial load of mineral in the middle of Highway 20.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver received a repair order for improper or defective vehicle lighting.

August 16
A deputy responded to a 911 call of an out-of-control juvenile in Ainsworth. The juvenile was detained without incident and brought to the Brown County Jail where the juvenile was given a citation on charges of assault – threatening/menacing manner and disturbing the peace.

The sheriff’s office was notified of a theft in Long Pine. During the investigation a deputy located the stolen property. This is an ongoing investigation.

A driver in the courthouse parking lot received a repair order for having an expired registration.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. The driver was given a citation for speeding 13 mph over the posted speed limit.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 647
Calls for service – 16
911 calls – 13
Vehicle titles inspected – 6
Handgun permits purchased – 1
Inmates housed – 2

* Outage planned Aug. 26 for Long Pine NPPD customers

(Posted noon Aug. 15)

A planned outage is scheduled for electric customers in Long Pine from 7 until 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, to return the system to normal operation following recent substation work.

The outage will impact Nebraska Public Power District customers in the city of Long Pine, including Hidden Paradise. Crews recently completed upgrades to a substation in the area, and during that time period the system has been utilizing a mobile substation. With the upgrade work completed, the planned outage will allow crews to return the system to its normal operation.

“We want to thank everyone in Long Pine for their cooperation and understanding during the two outages,” NPPD Account Manager Brittney Koenig said. “The work done at the substation will help ensure the area continues to receive reliable electric service. As always, crews will complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible, and customers will be restored once the mobile substation is removed from service.”

NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages, and customers impacted by the outage will receive a call or notification prior to the outage.

* City Council declares 2 properties as nuisances

(Posted 7 a.m. Aug. 14)

The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday approved declaring two properties in the city as nuisances, allowing for citation of the property owners under city ordinance.

Code Enforcement Officer Kelsie Evans recommended the council declare property at 227 E. Second St. owned by Clayton and Jenny Denaeyer and property at 452 N. Main St. owned by Charles Eick as nuisances.

Evans said she had posted notice of three separate violations since June at the Denaeyers’ property. Evans said the property owners took care of some of the issues, but she said the vegetation inside the backyard fence is now over 6 feet tall.

Evans said, after giving the property owners three opportunities to comply voluntarily, she recommended the council declare the property a nuisance.

Evans said the property at 452 N. Main St. had been an issue for several years, and the city had previously tried to work with the property owner. She said the building has sat as a nuisance for over 15 years, and had been included on the city’s vacant building registry since 2021.

The code enforcement officer said she had visited with the property owner on several occasions, and minimal work had been done.

The council, with Councilman Kent Taylor absent, declared both properties as nuisances.

In a related item, the council on Wednesday tabled action on potentially taking ownership of a property at 352 N. Wilson St. The property owner at that address had previously received notice of a nuisance violation, and offered the property located next to the city’s water department building to the city.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said she has had conversations with City Attorney Michael Sholes about the property but did not have anything new for the council to consider and asked that the item be tabled until September.

Sandhills Care Center Board Chair Tom Jones provided the council with the care center’s 2025-26 budget.

“After all the care center has been through, we are on good footing right now,” Jones said.

Jones said, if the resident census remains near where it is currently, the facility should operate in the black. The care center’s budget projects total profits of $381,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, which does not include the voter-approved levy dollars the facility receives.

Jones said the property tax dollars approved by both city of Ainsworth and Brown County for the care center go into a separate account and are currently in certificates of deposit earning interest. Those funds are not spent to assist in the facility’s operations but to upgrade the facility and require the board’s approval to be spent.

“We put a new handicap-accessible door in, and we added a lawn sprinkler system,” Jones said. “We have made updates to the dining room and the lighting to make it more homey.”

Jones said the kitchen area has also been upgraded. He said the next step would be to create a strategic plan to identify areas of the facility that most need upgrades, including in the area of energy efficiency.

“The building is very energy inefficient,” Jones said. “We are going to do some strategic planning and make for a better situation.”

Councilman Brad Fiala commended the care center staff and board members for the work they are doing.

Jones said, “It is a good environment out there now. Thank you for sticking with us during the Covid years.”

Rod Worrell approached the council about potentially updating the city’s ordinance regarding the operation of UTVs in Ainsworth.

Worrell said the city’s UTV ordinance was adopted years ago and mirrored state statute at the time. He said the state had since changed their statute and he asked the council to consider updating the city’s ordinance.

Worrell said the city’s ordinance still has a weight limit of 2,000 pounds for UTVs, but most of the machines sold now weigh in excess of that. He said the ordinance also states UTVs should operate on non-highway tires, but most of the units sold now come with highway tires, which are much quieter.

“The hours of operation are sunrise to sunset,” Worrell said. “That is not an issue in the summer but it makes it difficult in the winter.”

He asked the council to consider allowing UTVs to operate 24 hours per day, as almost all are now equipped with headlights and taillights.

Fiala agreed the council needed to take a look at the ordinance.

“There are some things I would like to see changed as well,” Fiala said. “I think we should get a committee together and get Kelsie (Evans) involved.”

Mayor Joel Klammer said there was no question the way UTVs are manufactured has changed a lot.

“We probably need to get caught up with the current technology,” Klammer said.

The council held a public hearing on the Citizen Advisory Review Committee’s six-month report on the state of the city’s LB 840 program.

Schroedl said the committee reviewed all active loans and grants from the LB 840 program. She said all loans are current. She said one loan has been closed out and two façade files were closed out during the past six months.

“There were no complaints or recommendations from the committee about how the program is functioning,” Schroedl said.

The council approved a resolution signing the annual certification of program compliance to the Nebraska Board of Roads Classifications and Standards. Schroedl said certifying that the city keeps the proper documentation required by the Board of Classifications and Standards factors in to the city receiving its Federal Highway Allocation dollars from the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

In final action items Wednesday, the council approved a recommendation from the mayor to appointment Laurie Goodloe to the Ainsworth Public Library Board to replace Tammy Hancock, who moved from the community. Goodloe’s term expires April 30, 2028.

The council approved the recommended reappointments of Dr. Mel Campbell and Kent Taylor to represent the city on the Sandhills Care Center Board, and the reappointment of Bruce Papstein as the joint city/county board representative.

The final recommended appointments approved Wednesday were the reappointments of Brian Johnson and Audrey Wilson and the appointments of Cindy Buckles, Danny Bennett and Carlene Burrows to the Sellors-Barton Cabin Advisory Board.

Klammer said there has been a change in law that now allows cities of the second class like Ainsworth to have the City Council serve as the Board of Adjustment.

“We have a lot of boards and committees,” Klammer said. “It might be beneficial to have the council just handle that.”

Klammer said there were other committees the city has that are not required by statute so he may recommend other changes at upcoming council meetings.

During her report, Schroedl said there was substantial tree damage at the parks and cemeteries during recent storms.

“The guys have been working hard to clean up,” Schroedl said. “People in general did an excellent job cleaning up after the storms.”

Fiala said the community was appreciative that the KBR Solid Waste Transfer Station stayed open to allow people to haul out downed trees.

Schroedl said a tree fell on one of the city’s lift stations, wiping out a control station. She said a tree fell on the fence and a shade structure at the swimming pool, and a lightning strike took out the controls on the city’s east water tower. She said the controls have been repaired.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 10 and will include the 2025-26 budget hearing and property tax request.

* Fischer discusses federal legislative issues

(Posted 11:45 a.m. Aug. 11)

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer visited Ainsworth Monday and stopped by the KBRB studios to provide an update on recent federal legislation and areas where she is working for Nebraskans.

The conversation between Sen. Fischer and KBRB’s Graig Kinzie can be heard below in two parts.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:15 a.m. Aug. 11)

Aug. 3

A driver was issued a citation for speeding 13 mph over the posted speed limit.

Multiple traffic stops for speeding were made in Long Pine.

Aug. 4

A Brown County Jailer attended jail administration school at Lincoln.

The sheriff’s office was requested to do a welfare check on an elderly person in rural Brown County. The elderly person was found to be ok.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a gas meter hit in Ainsworth.

The sheriff’s office was notified of a suspicious acting vehicle in Long Pine. Deputies investigated the reported area.

The sheriff’s office was notified that a person who was not allowed to be in a local business was inside of the business. The report person was no longer on the premises by the time a deputy responded.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle speeding. The driver was given a citation for 19 mph over the posted speed limit.

The sheriff’s office was requested to do a welfare check of an elderly male in Ainsworth. The man was found to be ok.

Aug. 5

The sheriff’s office responded to a trespassing call at a business in Ainsworth.

The sheriff’s Office assisted in returning lost luggage to its owner.

A driver received a written warning for speeding in Ainsworth.

Aug. 6

The sheriff’s office transported a female inmate to a mental health facility at York.

The sheriff provided court security for county court in Ainsworth.

The sheriff’s office investigated a report of a hit and run on a pole in an alley in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

The sheriff’s office received a report of another telephone scam.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183 for a vehicle speeding. The driver received a citation for driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit.

The sheriff’s office investigated a report of possible child abuse in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

Aug. 7

A deputy assisted another agency in the Long Pine State Park for a camper not picking up trash around their camp site.

The sheriff looked into a strong smoke smell in Ainsworth. The area was located and determined that the smoke was coming from a burn pit.

Aug. 8

A driver received a written warning for speeding on Highway 183.

A driver was given a written warning for speeding in Long Pine.

Aug. 9

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 on a vehicle speeding. The driver was given a citation for speeding 18 mph over the posted speed limit.

A driver was given a written warning for speeding in Ainsworth.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 477
Calls for service – 12
911 calls – 6
Vehicle titles inspected – 3
Handgun permits purchased – 4
Inmates housed – 2

* Principals discuss attendance, cell phone policies

(Posted 1:30 p.m. Aug. 7)

Ainsworth Community Schools Secondary Principal Steve Dike and Elementary Principal Kelsey Riesen visited KBRB to discuss some policy updates implemented by the district based on bills passed by the Nebraska Legislature.

The conversation can be heard below.

* Sheriff discusses recent identity theft cases

(Posted 2:15 p.m. Aug. 4)

Brown County Sheriff Brent Deibler discussed two recent cases of identity theft that occurred in the county. One case involved a business and one involved an individual.

In both cases, a bad actor obtained their personal or business information and opened bank accounts, unbeknownst to the actual person or business.

Deibler stressed that people in the county should be vigilant with their online activity and never provide any personal or banking information on an unsolicited email, call or text. People should also be sure of their online purchases, as there have been several cases of people being scammed online using fraudulent sites.

The full conversation with the sheriff and KBRB’s Graig Kinzie is located below.

* Area students earning UNK Master’s degrees

(Posted noon Aug. 4)

Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred for 196 summer graduates during the University of Nebraska at Kearney commencement exercises 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, in UNK’s Health and Sports Center.

Christina Buckles of Ainsworth is graduating from UNK with a Master of Arts degree in supervisor of special education.

Emily Swan of Springview is graduating with a Master of Arts degree in curriculum and instruction.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:45 a.m. Aug. 4)

July 27

• An individual was turned in for trespassing; charges filed with the Brown County Attorney.
• An individual requested a civil standby to collect his property and an officer assisted.
• An individual came home from vacation to discover a broken window; reported to the sheriff’s office.

July 28

• An individual reported a suspicious vehicle parked in Hidden Paradise. The sheriff talked with the owner, and everything was okay.
• A hit and run accident was reported at Dollar General. The sheriff located the individual and cited them with a must-appear citation for leaving the scene of an accident.
• Ainsworth Volunteer firemen responded to a 911 call from Cherry County reporting smoke sighted south of the Niobrara River off Meadville Ave. The smoke ended up being steam coming from the river.
• The Ainsworth Fire Department was called to a reported gas leak in Ainsworth.
• The sheriff’s office and multiple EMTs held a de-escalation meeting concerning an event that happened earlier in the month.

July 29

• The sheriff’s office responded to a Life Alert call. The individual was found to be okay in his residence.
• The sheriff’s office received multiple calls regarding a couple of black cows out on Highway 7. The owner was notified.
• The sheriff’s office received notification of an out-of-state entity repossessing an auto from an individual in Ainsworth.
• An individual in Ainsworth requested assistance with unlocking their vehicle. Locksmith numbers were provided.

July 30

• The neighboring county’s 911 system was temporarily down. Any possible emergency calls were routed to Brown County 911.
• Brown County Ambulance crew transferred a patient from the Brown County Hospital to the Good Samaritan Hospital at Kearney.
• The sheriff’s office assisted an attorney with a request for information via subpoena.
• The sheriff’s office received a report of cattle out north of Johnstown. The owner was notified and advised he would get them in.
• A lost wallet, which was turned into the sheriff’s office, was claimed by its owner.
• The sheriff’s office responded to a report of a vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth.
• The sheriff’s office staff interviewed multiple individuals for both dispatch and deputy positions.

July 31

• An individual stopped into the sheriff’s office to complete a report of identity theft/fraud. The case is ongoing.
• An individual turning the age of majority had questions regarding the guardianship of their parents.
• The sheriff’s office staff interviewed multiple individuals for both the dispatch and deputy positions.
• An individual called the sheriff’s office regarding the legality of recovering an impounded vehicle.
• The sheriff’s office referred a call to the Brown County Court Clerk regarding a warrant issue for an individual from another state.
• The sheriff met with a medication representative and a provider from Brown County Hospital regarding medication being administered to inmates in an emergency.

August 1

• The sheriff’s office received multiple reports from individuals from in and around Ainsworth reporting a power outage. Advised to call NPPD/KBR Rural Electric at their location.
• The sheriff’s office is working with the Nebraska State Patrol on multiple reports of identity theft.
• The sheriff’s office assisted a Holt County business owner with contacting an individual regarding a fuel drive-off from their business.

August 2

• Provided traffic assistance for a funeral procession.
• Officer responded to a cow out on Highway 20 west of Johnstown.
• The sheriff’s office assisted with cattle crossing Moon Lake Road.
• Ainsworth individual having a dispute with other Ainsworth residents pertaining to the return of his dog.
• The sheriff’s office took a report on a missing bicycle.
• The sheriff’s office took a report of property left at the car wash.
• The sheriff’s office received a 911 call from a party of nine people on the Niobrara River. Assisted with their location via cell phone mapping.  The sheriff’s office coordinated with neighboring counties to respond to aid the group.

Weekly Log
Phone calls: 772
Calls for service: 10
911 calls: 9
Papers served: 13
Vehicle title inspections: 4
Handgun permits purchased: 1
Inmates currently housed: 1

Tickets issued

7/27: 1 ticket issued for 80 in a 65, 1 ticket issued for 10 over, and failure to register vehicle; 1 ticket issued for criminal trespass.

7/28: 1 ticket issued for leaving the scene of an accident.

7/31: 2 tickets for 10 over speeding; 1 ticket for no valid registration or proof of insurance; 1 ticket for no operator’s license on person; and 2 tickets for 10 over speeding.

Warnings issued

7/27: 4 warnings issued for speeding.

7/29: 1 warning issued for speeding.

7/30: 1 warning issued for stop sign violation.

8/02: 3 warnings issued for speeding.

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 1:45 p.m. July 31)

In addition to fines, each case carries $50 in court costs

Kevin J. Wells, age 45, of Chinook, Mont., charged with possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, fined $300; also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, $100.

John P. Hayes, 53, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Shawn T. Kralik, 50, of West Point, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Brent M. Bauer, 45, of Ogallala, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Jonathan P. Vittetoe, 41, of Washington, Iowa, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Jackson G. Irwin, 19, of Ainsworth, excess windshield or window tinting, $25; obstructed view of driver, $50; failure to display proper number of plates, $25; speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Cash F. Chisholm, 19, of Harwood, N.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Joseph H. Sherman, 86, of Webster, Iowa, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

Joachim J. Steffen, 19, of Hartington, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

John P. Two Strike, 51, of Valentine, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Sylvia M. Konrath, 80, of Deforest, Wis., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Richard J. David, 79, of Pontiac, Mich., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Marshal R. Tinant, 41, of Crookston, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Melissa A. Stewart, 36, of Long Pine, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Laken D. Krogman, 16, of Valentine, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Amber D. McNally, 41, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Natalie A. Barry, 21, of Crawford, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

* Work to begin on roads in Cherry County

(Posted 1:15 p.m. July 30)

Weather permitting, work will begin Aug. 4 on Highway 97 south of Valentine from milepost 127 to 134, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Knife River Midwest, of Sioux City, Iowa, is the contractor for this project. Work includes bridge repair, asphalt paving and shoulder repair. Anticipated completion on the project is December.

Weather permitting, work will also begin Aug. 4 on Spur 16-B near Hackberry Lake in Cherry County, from milepost 0 to milepost 13.47, according to the NDOT.

Western Engineering, of Harlan, Iowa, is the contractor for this project. Work includes asphalt paving. Anticipated completion on the project is November.

Traffic on both projects will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect.

* Area sees strong employment rates in June

(Posted 7:45 a.m. July 29)

Nebraska’s unemployment rate for June is 3.0 percent. The rate is unchanged from May and is up 0.2 percentage points from the June 2024 rate of 2.8 percent. 

The national unemployment rate for June is 4.1 percent, down 0.1 percentage points from the May rate and the same as the June 2024 rate.

South Dakota maintains its dominance in the national unemployment rankings with a nation-best 1.8 percent rate in June. North Dakota follows at 2.5 percent, with Vermont at 2.6 percent and Hawaii and Montana both at 2.8 percent rounding out the top five. Nebraska has the sixth-lowest June jobless rate.

The highest unemployment rate in the country in June was shared by California and Nevada at 5.4 percent. Michigan at 5.3 percent and Oregon, Ohio, New Jersey and Kentucky at 4.9 percent round out the bottom five.

Brown County’s June unemployment rate was among the best in the state at 2.5 percent. Cherry County had the lowest unemployment rate in Nebraska at 2.2 percent. Rock County is also in the top five best jobless rates in the state at 2.5 percent. Holt County at 2.6 percent, Boyd County at 2.7 percent and Blaine County at 2.8 percent were also better than the state average.

Keya Paha County had the highest unemployment rate in the area in June at 4.1 percent. Hall County’s 4.8 percent unemployment rate in June was the highest in the state.

“The number of employed workers in Nebraska’s labor force reached a record high in June at nearly 1,054,000,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “June also marked the sixth straight month of a record high labor force, which surpassed 1,086,000.” 

The labor force includes both employed workers and those who are actively looking for work. The counts of employed and unemployed in the labor force are based on a survey conducted by the Census Bureau regarding employment status.

Nonfarm employment, the number of filled jobs, reached a record high 1,076,683 in June, up 4,067 from May and 8,236 from June 2024.

Private industries with the most growth from May to June were the leisure and hospitality sector (up 1,948 jobs); the mining and construction sector (up 1,476 jobs); and the private education and health services sector (up 1,259 jobs).

Private industries with the most growth during the past year were the private education and health services sector (up 8,442 jobs); the leisure and hospitality sector (up 2,812 jobs); and the mining and construction sector (up 1,568 jobs).

A funnel cloud was visible west of Ainsworth Sunday evening. The National Weather Service reported at the time the funnel was visible in Ainsworth it was actually located over the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 8:45 a.m. July 28)

July 20
Sheriff’s office provided traffic control for a funeral procession in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7 for a vehicle speeding. The driver received a citation for speeding 15 mph over the posted speed limit.

Sheriff’s office received a report of a possible dog bite from a few months ago. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle driving 16 mph over the posted speed limit. During the traffic stop, it was discovered that the driver was driving with a suspended Nebraska driver’s license. The driver was arrested on a charge of driving with a suspended license and cited for speeding 16 mph over the posted speed limit.

Brown County Jail released an inmate on bond.

July 21
A deputy attended Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement class in Broken Bow.

A deputy attempted to assist an individual with getting his dog back.

July 22
A deputy completed Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement class in Broken Bow.

A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

Brown County Ambulance was on standby in Johnstown for an event.

A deputy responded to a nonphysical disturbance in Ainsworth.

July 23
Sheriff’s office was requested for traffic control in the Long Pine hills during road work. A deputy patrolled through the area.

Sheriff’s Office received a report of cows out on a county road. Dispatch contacted the owners of the cattle.

Brown County Ambulance responded to a business in Long Pine and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

The sheriff and a deputy responded to a suspicious acting person at a business in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

July 24
Brown County Ambulance responded to a residence in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

Deputies received training on swatting calls and hoax calls.

Deputies provided a civil standby while an individual retrieved their belongings from a household in Ainsworth.

July 25
A deputy assisted an Ainsworth resident with a possible fraud case. This is an ongoing investigation.

The sheriff assisted in moving a broken-down vehicle in the middle of Main St. in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver was given a written warning.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver was given a written warning.

A deputy was out on foot patrol during an event at East City Park in Ainsworth.

Sheriff’s office received an emergency call from people tubing the Niobrara River. The party that called was lost and had a person who was having a medical emergency during the trip. Tubers were located by canoers and helped to the Sunny Brooke campsite where dispatch relayed the information to a neighboring county to send an ambulance. 

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle’s taillights not working properly. The driver received a repair order.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle driving left of the marked centerline. The driver was given a written warning.

July 26
A deputy responded to a vehicle-deer accident south of Ainsworth on Highway 7.

A traffic stop was made on a vehicle that did not come to a complete stop at a stop sign. The driver received a written warning.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

Brown County Ambulance transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident in Ainsworth.

A deputy responded to a noise complaint of a vehicle playing their music so loudly that it was shaking the walls and windows of a home. Deputies patrolled the area and were unable to locate the reported vehicle.

A deputy investigated a report of terroristic threats made against a Brown County resident. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 on a vehicle that drove onto the shoulder numerous times. The driver was given a verbal warning.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 695
Calls for service – 16
911 calls – 7
Vehicle titles inspected – 4
Handgun permits issued – 1
Inmates housed – 1

* Highway 12 micro-surfacing work begins Monday

(Posted 12:45 p.m. July 24)

Weather permitting, micro-surfacing work will begin July 28 on Nebraska Highway 12 east of Valentine and proceeding east to milepost 12.94, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Missouri Petroleum Company, of St. Louis, Mo., is the contractor. Work includes micro-surfacing and electrical. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. Anticipated completion is September. 

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.

* McCrea to feature area on American Countryside

(Posted 10 a.m. July 24)

American Countryside host Andrew McCrea made a trip through Ainsworth Thursday, stopping in the KBRB Studios to talk about his travels producing the daily show.

KBRB is one of 125 affiliate stations that air the program, which can be heard at 6:50 a.m. Monday through Friday. Following his visit with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie, McCrea met with representatives from the Brown County Historical Society and will have future segments of American Countryside featuring the Ainsworth area.

McCrea’s conversation on KBRB can be heard below.

* Area communities receive Tree City USA awards

(Posted 2:30 p.m. July 23)

The Nebraska Forest Service, the Nebraska Community Forestry Council, and the Arbor Day Foundation support and celebrate communities throughout the state demonstrating a strong commitment to urban and community forestry by participating in the Tree City USA program. The program recognizes communities, educational institutions, and electric utility companies that value the importance of trees in the state’s cities and share these values with their partners and the general public. 

“Community Forests are planted in Nebraska towns for the health, economic, and ecological benefits they provide, so it’s important to celebrate communities that embrace these benefits and encourage others to do the same” said Graham Herbst, Community Forester with the Nebraska Forest Service. “These communities are showing that trees matter, and that investing in community forests leads to healthier, more vibrant places to live.” 

Each year, Tree City USA recognition is granted to Nebraska communities that meet the core standards of effective community forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and holding an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

In 2024, 95 Tree City USA communities spent $17.6 million on community forestry and provided 10,908 hours of volunteer time. A total of 6,811 public trees were planted, 15,996 public trees were pruned, and 6,765 public trees were removed.

Among the communities receiving Tree City USA recognition and the number of years in the Tree City USA program include Johnstown (5), Bassett (25), Atkinson (25) and O’Neill (40). 

Much of community tree work is made possible by dedicated local volunteers, municipal staff, and tree boards who give their time and talents to improving community forests.

“Trees are essential infrastructure in Nebraska communities,” said Nebraska State Forester John Erixson. “They provide shade and protection, increase property values, and improve public health. The Tree City USA Programs are a wonderful way to acknowledge the leadership and passion behind these efforts across Nebraska.”

* Holt County mosquito pool positive for WNV

(Posted 6:45 a.m. July 23)

The North Central District Health Department is alerting the public that mosquitoes collected near O’Neill in Holt County have tested positive for West Nile Virus. This summer, positive mosquito samples have also been found in Dakota, Red Willow, and Scottsbluff counties in Nebraska.

Finding infected mosquitoes means the virus is present in the area and people could be at risk of being bitten by mosquitoes that carry it.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• Avoid being outside during dusk and dawn—this is when mosquitoes are most active.
• If you need to be outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants.
• Use mosquito repellent that’s approved by the EPA, such as those containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
• Dump out standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed—like in buckets, flowerpots, or old tires.

West Nile Virus is spread through mosquito bites. Most people who are infected (8 out of 10) will not have any symptoms. Those who do become sick might feel like they have the flu, with fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or vomiting. People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for serious illness.

* Herrington finishes third in nation in pole bending

(Posted 1:30 p.m. July 22)

Maci Herrington of Bassett completed three runs in the National High School Finals Rodeo in Wyoming with the third-fastest cumulative time in the country.

Herrington talked about the NHSFR with KBRB’s Cody Goochey. The conversation can be heard below.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:15 a.m. July 21)

July 13
A deputy spoke to Ainsworth residents about a person trespassing on their property.

The Sheriff’s Office contacted a rural Brown County resident about a pivot watering the roadway on Highway 20.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a citation for speeding 13 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning for speed and improper or defective vehicle lighting.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a citation for speeding 14 mph over the posted speed limit.

July 14
A deputy responded to a call at Ainsworth Community Schools for a possible person stuck in the elevator. The deputy did not find or locate anyone inside of the elevator and spoke to the school staff present.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning for speed.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a citation for speeding 9 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made north on Highway 183 for speeding. The driver received a citation for speeding 23 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

A deputy investigated vandalism to a house near Fifth Street. This is an ongoing investigation.

July 15
The sheriff investigated a possible theft of a cell phone. Later in the day it was found that the phone was misplaced inside of the reported party’s house.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning for speed, obstructed view, and no proof of insurance on their person.

Brown County Ambulance responded to a residence in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a citation for speeding 12 mph over the posted speed limit and a citation for no driver’s license on person.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a citation for speed.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

The sheriff received a report of a possible drunk driver. A deputy was able to locate the reported vehicle. After the driver completed standardized sobriety testing. It was discovered that the driver was sober but was tired and struggling to stay awake while driving.

July 16
Brown County Ambulance responded to a residence in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

The sheriff provided court security for county court in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a citation for speeding 22 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a citation for speeding 6 mph over the posted speed limit and a citation for failure to use a child passenger booster seat or car seat.

The sheriff and a deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident on Main Street in Ainsworth. Both drivers were found to be ok. One vehicle was towed due to disabling damage. Citations were given to both drivers; one driver received a citation for failure to yield to the right of way and the other received a citation for no operator’s license.  

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 that resulted in the driver’s vehicle getting towed and a citation for no insurance.

A deputy responded to a fender bender accident in the Pump and Pantry parking lot.

A deputy responded to a disturbance in Ainsworth. The reported person left the house before the deputy arrived. The deputy patrolled the area in Ainsworth.

July 17
A deputy took a report of an accident in a parking lot.

A traffic stop was made at Fourth Street and Oak Street on a driver that has a suspended driver’s license. The driver was arrested for driving with a suspended driver’s license and given a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

A deputy responded to a business on Main Street for merchandise that had been stolen. The juvenile came back to the store and returned the stolen item. The juvenile received a citation for shoplifting.

The sheriff and the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a gas line being hit on Fourth Street in Ainsworth.

The Brown County Jail released an inmate on bond.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a person trying to get into a local business while the employees were locking the doors. Before the deputies got to the business the person left.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle’s lighting not working properly. The driver received a repair order for the lights on the vehicle.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a citation for driving 20 mph over the posted speed limit.

July 18
Brown County Ambulance responded to a residence in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle that did not have a rear license plate. The driver was given a repair order for failing to display two plates.

A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver received a citation for driving 18 mph over the posted speed limit.

The sheriff’s office was requested to provide civil standby so a person could retrieve items from a residence in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle speeding. The driver received a citation for driving 8 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning for speeding and license eye restriction.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a bale of hay on fire in rural Brown County.

The Raven Volunteer Fire Department responded to a transformer on fire.

Dispatch paged out tornado warnings for southern Brown County.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department storm watchers responded to the tornado warnings.

A deputy was asked to check on a house in Ainsworth due to a house alarm going off. The deputy was unable to locate anyone around the house.

July 19
A deputy responded to an accident on Fourth Street in Ainsworth. The vehicle struck a building and got stuck and high centered on a retainer wall. KC Klassics assisted in getting the vehicle off the retainer wall. The driver of the vehicle received a citation for having an expired registration.

A deputy stood by during a custody exchange of dogs at the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office received a weather report of a severe storm. During the severe storm the office received approximately 100 calls. Calls included downed trees blocking roadways and highways, power lines that were knocked down, damaged properties, flooded roads in Ainsworth and county roads, power lines smoldering or on fire, and power outages throughout Brown County. The sheriff’s office dispatched the Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department, the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department, available deputies, KBR Rural Public Power, and the Nebraska Public Power District to assist with calls from the severe storm. The sheriff’s department thanks everyone who helped or assisted during the storm.

Weekly Log
Calls – 833
Calls for Service – 22
911 Calls – 7
Vehicle Titles Inspected – 8
Handgun Permits Purchased – 2
Inmates Housed – 1

* Firefighters respond to several weekend calls

(Posted 7 a.m. July 21)

Severe weather Friday and Saturday kept the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department active. In addition to assisting the city of Ainsworth with helping to clear tree branches and debris from city streets, firefighters responded Friday to reports of bales on fire west of Ainsworth.

Lightning struck a single bale just southwest of the Ainsworth Ready Mix plant, with another lightning strike causing a bale fire near Siedel and Sons Trailer Sales west of Ainsworth. Firefighters responded to both calls. Fire Chief Brad Fiala said there were at least two other bale fires reported Friday, with the property owners extinguishing those.

Saturday evening after the strong winds, the fire department responded to a report of smoke coming from the roof of a home at 604 E. Sixth St. owned by Rolling Stone Feed Yard. Fiala said a tree fell across a power line, which shorted out the wires inside the eve of the home and started a fire.

The fire chief said the Nebraska Public Power District assisted by shutting off the power to the home, and firefighters put out the small fire that had started. Fiala said there was little damage to the home, and the fire department was on the scene for approximately a half hour.

* Doke second nationally in FCCLA Star Event

(Posted 6:45 a.m. July 21)

Nebraska members proudly represented their schools, communities, and state association at the highly anticipated FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) held at the Orange County Convention Center July 5-9, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. This annual event brought together more than 10,500 passionate Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) student members, advisers, and guests, including 385 attendees from Nebraska.

The conference offered FCCLA members an incredible experience filled with inspiring speakers, hands-on youth workshops, national competitions, and valuable networking with fellow student leaders. With the theme “Dare to Dream,” this year’s event encouraged members to envision bold possibilities for their futures through Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education.

STAR Event competitors were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights. With more than 35 events to choose from, participants have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing important issues concerning families, careers, or communities. By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquire valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century.

Of the 5,500 competitors, Nebraska had 235 participants who came home with 114 Gold medals, 104 Silver medals, and 17 Bronze medals. There were 61 top ten award-winning entries and those winners include:

First Place

Lynn Miner, O’Neill – Career Investigation, Level 1, Gold

Jozy York, O’Neill – Digital Stories for Change, Level 1, Silver

Gracen Eckert, Boyd County – Job Interview, Level 2, Gold

Charlotte Welsh, O’Neill – National Programs in Action, Level 2, Gold

Kiarra Kennedy, O’Neill – Teach or Train, Level 1, Gold

Second Place

Addilyn Doke, Ainsworth – Fashion Construction, Level 1, Gold

Jailyn Romesser, O’Neill – Focus on Children, Level 1, Gold

Third Place

Mary Licking & Emerson Pettit, Thedford – Food Innovations, Level 1, Gold

Brooklyn Eckert, Boyd County – Promote and Publicize FCCLA, Level 3, Gold

Fourth Place

Emma Bowder, O’Neill – Say Yes to FCS Education, Level 1, Silver

Fifth Place

Talon Kurtz, O’Neill – Fashion Construction, Level 1, Gold

Addison Birmeier, Boyd County – Interpersonal Communications, Level 3, Gold

Seventh Place

Claire Reiman, Boyd County – Teach or Train, Level 3, Gold

Eighth Place

Polly Belmer & Emily Larsen, O’Neill – Chapter Service Project Portfolio, Level 2, Gold

Juliana Cline & Paige Wendt, Boyd County – FCCLA Chapter Website, Level 1, Gold

Tenth Place

Peyton Olberding, West Holt – Entrepreneurship, Level 2, Gold

Jaiden Ertzner, a senior at Battle Creek Jr/Sr High School, and Lia Montenegro, a senior at West Point-Beemer High School, represented Nebraska as two of the 26 National Officer Candidates vying for a position on the 2025-26 National Executive Council. After taking an FCCLA knowledge test, participating in interviews and delivering a speech, and having their resume and application evaluated by the nominating committee, Jaiden and Lia were both slated in the top 20 candidates selected to move on in the election process. Following the voting delegate networking session and speeches, unfortunately neither were in the top ten candidates selected to serve as a national officer next year. Jaiden and Lia will continue to serve Nebraska FCCLA as Leadership Liaisons in the upcoming year. Bri O’Brien serves as the Battle Creek FCCLA chapter adviser, and Brianna Wolfe serves as the West Point-Beemer High School chapter adviser.

Harrison Koehn, a 2025 graduate from Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools, was one of the recipients of the national FCCLA Go for the Red Individual Award. This recognition is awarded to individuals who have successfully recruited three or more new members to FCCLA, demonstrating outstanding dedication and leadership. Additionally, Harrison was one of three winners selected to receive a $150 Amazon gift card for his recruitment efforts. Lisa Hynes is the Elmwood-Murdock FCCLA chapter adviser.

Dawson Conyers, a 2025 graduate from Minden High School, was selected as the Grand Prize winner of the FCCLA Safe Roads Challenge. Over the last year, FCCLA members across the nation participated in the FCCLA Safe Roads Challenge, a national initiative promoting safer driving and responsible road practices in their communities. The competition helped members enhance their driving skills while contributing to their state’s overall driving score, with states competing for the top spot. The Grand Prize was an all-expense-paid trip to the 2025 National Leadership Conference in Orlando, where Dawson was recognized for his participation in the challenge and commitment to safe driving. The Minden FCCLA chapter adviser is Pam Johnson.

Blake Dahlberg, Superintendent at Thedford Public Schools, was honored with the 2024-25 FCCLA National School Administrator Award during the Adviser Recognition General Session on Tuesday, July 8. Dahlberg’s dedication to Career and Technical Education (CTE) and FCCLA has empowered students to pursue leadership, competitions, and service projects, while also supporting FCCLA chapter adviser Ms. Mikaela Franzen in growing a locally involved and nationally engaged chapter. From championing student initiatives to personally ensuring students could participate in FCCLA along with other school athletics and activities, his commitment to student success is evident. Dahlberg’s leadership has strengthened FCCLA’s presence in Thedford and across Nebraska, making a lasting impact on students, educators, and the broader community.

* Storms form on consecutive nights in Brown County

(Posted 5:45 p.m. July 19)

KBRB is currently off air as power has been disrupted east of Ainsworth following another strong thunderstorm that built in central Brown County.

After thunderstorms Friday resulted in two confirmed tornadoes touching down south of Johnstown, a system built before 5 p.m. Saturday setting off another round of severe thunderstorm activity.

Strong winds and torrential rain occurred in the Johnstown, Ainsworth and Long Pine areas. Downed tree limbs were reported and hail up to golf ball size was reported in the Long Pine area.

Power is currently out east of Ainsworth, which has affected the KBRB transmitter site. KBRB has been providing severe weather updates on its streaming platform, which can be found by going to the listen live tab on the KBRB web site.

City of Ainsworth crews along with assistance from Ainsworth Volunteer firefighters are out working to clear downed tree branches from city streets.

There have also been reports of an irrigation system that was blown over onto 432nd Avenue, making that road impassable. That location is near the KBRB transmitter site.

* Statewide ag land values decline by 2 percent

(Posted 7 a.m. July 17)

By Ryan Evans
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Nebraska’s average agricultural land value declined in 2025 for the first time in six years, falling 2% to $3,935 an acre, according to the final report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2024-25 Farm Real Estate Market Survey.

The decline comes as Nebraska crop producers face growing financial pressures. Following years of rising farm income, the land market is beginning to reflect recent realities like lower crop revenues, elevated production costs and higher interest rates, according to Jim Jansen, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension who coordinates the annual report.

“Crop producers are dealing with pressure on their margins,” Jansen said. “The combined effect of softer commodity markets and higher costs is being reflected in what people are willing to pay for different types of cropland.”

The report details how land values vary by region of the state and land type. Grazing land showed modest gains, reflecting ongoing demand driven by higher livestock prices, while irrigated and dryland cropland experienced declines in many parts of the state. Jansen said that the differences in crop and livestock profitability may continue to be reflected in the market value of each industry’s land classes. 

“Higher cattle prices have helped support the value of grazing land, while lower crop prices and tighter margins are putting pressure on cropland values,” Jansen said. “We expect these market dynamics to continue influencing land values across different regions and land classes in Nebraska.”

Cash rental rates for cropland trended lower across the state, down between 1% and 7% compared to last year. The productivity of rented cropland — including the type of soil, expected rainfall and local market — contributed to regional cash rental rates, according to survey panel members.

Pasture rental rates declined 1% in the central region but saw modest gains across the rest of the state, increasing between 1% and 5% over the prior year. These rates were driven by stronger cattle markets and demand for grazing land. Cow-calf and stocker monthly rental rates also trended steady to higher across the state in 2025.

The financial pressures for many landowners and tenants from rising crop input expenses, combined with higher borrowing costs, are putting increased emphasis on risk management and lease flexibility. Jansen noted that clear communication between landowners and tenants, particularly about weather-related terms in a lease, is essential.

“Provisions regarding drought in grazing land leases need to be reviewed by the appropriate agency or organization providing disaster assistance for pasture or range to ensure the property remains eligible in the event of adverse weather patterns,” he said.

Each year, the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey report provides a special feature section, analyzing topics related to new or emerging issues in the state’s agricultural land industry. This year’s report looks at the role of hunting leases as a growing source of income. Landowners who have not already granted hunting rights to their tenant(s) may lease exclusive rights to third parties to hunt certain types of wild game on their land.

About 49% of wild game leases in Nebraska this year were for antelope or deer. Pheasants, turkey, waterfowl and other game constituted 17%, 13%, 19% and 2%, respectively.

Survey panelists reported that hunting lease provisions, contract duration and the type of wild game found on a property all affect the value of a hunting lease. Different types of vegetation, conservation practices or topography features may also influence it. As for annual income, 62% of hunting leases in Nebraska were reported to generate up to $2,499 a year; 29% generated $2,500 to $4,999; 8% generated $5,000 to $9,999; and 1% generated more than $10,000.

“Recreational leases continue to add value for many landowners, especially in areas with good wildlife habitat,” Jansen said. “These leases can help diversify income and offset some of the expenses associated with land ownership.”

The final 2024-25 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey report was published June 30 by the Center for Agricultural Profitability. It features updated land values, cash rental rates and other detailed information important to land industry participants in the state. The report is the final product of an annual survey of land professionals, including appraisers, agricultural bankers and farm and ranch managers. 

* Nebraska sues Colorado over South Platte water rights

(Posted 9:45 a.m. July 16)

Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Governor Jim Pillen announced Nebraska has sued the state of Colorado to enforce the South Platte River Compact and clear the way for construction of the Perkins County Canal.  

Nebraska and Colorado signed the South Platte River Compact in 1923. The compact was approved by both states’ legislatures, ratified by Congress in 1926, and has the force of federal law. The compact limits certain Colorado uses and defines how much water Nebraska is to receive from the river in both the summer (irrigation) season and the winter (non-irrigation) season.

The suit alleges Colorado is currently threatening Nebraska’s water supply of the South Platte River in at least two ways. First, Colorado allows unlawful water diversions that have deprived Nebraska of its right to water during the irrigation season. Second, Colorado is obstructing Nebraska’s efforts to construct the Perkins County Canal.

The U.S. Supreme Court has original jurisdiction regarding disputes between states. Hilgers said the court’s intervention is needed to stop Colorado’s violations of the South Platte River Compact and to resolve what has turned into an irreconcilable conflict over the design and operation of the Perkins County Canal.

“Today’s action will ensure that Nebraska receives all the water to which it is entitled to under the Compact and that Nebraska’s agriculture and economy are protected,” Hilgers said. “Our suit has two basic elements: First, it challenges Colorado’s ongoing, unauthorized overuse of Nebraska’s water during the summer and the rationale Colorado uses to justify it. Second, we challenge Colorado’s efforts to obstruct the construction of the canal and prevent Nebraska from accessing the additional water Nebraska is entitled to in the South Platte River Compact. Water is the essential lifeblood of Nebraska’s economy, and it’s my goal to protect one of the state’s most important assets.”

Pillen said, “Today’s action comes only after we made every reasonable effort to resolve our differences with Colorado. Ultimately, Nebraska must push forward to secure our water for future generations. Although we hoped to avoid a lawsuit, we are confident we remain on schedule to complete the Perkins County Canal by 2032.”

Colorado is now required to answer Nebraska’s claims, and the U.S. Supreme Court will later decide how to proceed.

* Care Center Board approves 2025-26 budget

(Posted 10 a.m. July 15)

The Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors on Monday approved the facility’s 2025-26 budget, which projects revenue of $3.59 million and expenses of $3.21 million for an operating margin of $381,000.

The projected profit does not take into account the approximately $200,000 in tax revenue the care center will receive from voter-approved city of Ainsworth and Brown County bonds.

The budget projects a resident population of 30, which Administrator Penny Jacobs said the care center has been consistently reaching during the past year. The budget projects an even mix of residents who pay privately and residents who receive Medicaid assistance.

Despite potential cuts in Medicaid benefits, Jacobs said those cuts are not expected to impact the approximately $309 average daily rate the facility receives to care for residents who receive Medicaid. The average private pay daily rate is $336.

“Getting Medicare residents is unpredictable, so we didn’t really include that in the budget,” Jacobs said. “Those are a bonus.”

The budget projects the facility will be profitable for the 2025-26 budget year and would again not need to rely on the voter-approved property tax funds to assist with its operations. The collected levy funds have been placed into a separate account for potential improvements to the facility. Any money spent from the interlocal account where the levy funds are deposited must be approved by the board.

The board voted to place another $100,000 from its interlocal account into a 12-month certificate of deposit through West Plains Bank. The care center will receive 4 percent interest on the 12-month CD. It is the second $100,000 CD the care center has taken out, with the first earning a little more than 4 percent interest from Union Bank & Trust.

Board Chairman Tom Jones said the idea with the CDs is to generate additional interest revenue while having the CDs come due at different times in case the funds are needed. He said the first 12-month CD was taken out about six months ago when the interlocal account had about $170,000 in it. He said the account was now back up to $162,000 so another CD could be taken out while still having funds in the account if something comes up.

Business Manager Makenzie Crane said the care center’s fund balances look fantastic.

“The financials look great,” Crane said.

The care center in June generated $421,779 in revenue, which included an annual Medicaid settlement payment of $116,986. Expenses for June of $301,487 left the facility with a net profit for the month of $110,292.

Administrator Penny Jacobs reported there are currently 31 residents, with 14 paying privately, 13 receiving Medicaid assistance, one receiving hospice care, two receiving Medicare assistance and one on hold while being medically treated.

Jacobs reported the facility admitted two new residents during the past month, while one was discharged home and one resident passed away.

Of the current residents, 13 are from Ainsworth, 10 are from Cherry County, four are from rural Brown County, two are from Long Pine, one is from Rock County and one resident is from Keya Paha County.

Jacobs reported the care center hired two full-time CNAs during the past month and one LPN. She said one full-time CNA was terminated during the month, one CNA resigned and one dietary employee resigned due to health issues.

She said the facility is in need of nursing staff, CNAs and a dietary cook.

Jacobs provided the board with an update from the annual state survey that was recently conducted by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Jacobs said DHHS personnel were good to work with.

“DHHS here works with nursing homes,” Jacobs said. “That is so much better than other states where I’ve worked, where they are just out to get you.”

Jacobs said the facility received five tags on the health care side and had already submitted its plan of correction for those issues. She said the facility received eight tags from the fire marshal, which were all easy fixes.

Jacobs provided the board with an update on the facility’s open enrollment period for its health insurance plan. She said health insurance premiums were not increasing for the upcoming plan year. She said there was an increase in premium for dental coverage.

The board approved a quote of up to $6,449 from Applied Connective to replace the phone system in the facility. Crane said the quote covered the installation of 20 phones, which the facility would not need so the actual cost would be lower. She said the $181 monthly service plan included unlimited long distance calling as well as service calls for any issues. She said the monthly service charge would be lower than the facility’s current phone plan.

Crane presented the quarterly employee turnover report to the board. She said the facility cleaned up its books during the quarter, removing some PRNs from the employee roster who had not picked up any hours in the facility.

She said some of the turnover was due to college students who worked for the facility during the summer who were going back to school. She said some of the turnover was due to employees moving from the community. She said only a few were let go for not meeting job duties or misconduct.

Crane invited the board to attend the facility’s back to school bash scheduled from 4 until 7 p.m. Aug. 8. She said participation by the business community has been overwhelming, as more than 20 businesses would take part in the event.

The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. Aug. 11.

* School Board reviews student cell phone policy

(Posted 7 a.m. July 15)

Following passage of a bill by the Legislature, the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education on Monday discussed the district’s student cell phone and electronic device policy.

Superintendent Dale Hafer said the district’s current policy satisfied the language used in the passage of LB 140. He said the bill required the school to obtain public comment. No one spoke regarding the policy during dedicated agenda time Monday.

Hafer said the district’s current policy requires kindergarten through fourth grade students who have cell phones to shut them off and keep them in their backpacks. Fifth- through eighth-grade students are required to check in their phones at the beginning of the day when they check out their laptops. Their phones are returned at the end of the school day.

The current high school policy prohibits the use of cell phones and electronic devices during class time. Students have the ability to check phones between the bells and during lunch.

“We have always tried to be as transparent as possible,” Hafer said. “We developed a simple survey for patrons.”

The superintendent said 46 surveys were returned, with 58.7 percent agreeing with the district’s current policy. He said nine survey responses indicated the district should be more restrictive, and 10 survey responses felt the district’s policy should be less restrictive on cell phone use.

“What we are currently doing satisfies LB 140,” Hafer said. “Other districts are moving toward being more restrictive. We are looking for the proper balance. Our job is to prepare kids for the future, and there are obviously inappropriate times to be on a cell phone.”

Board President Brad Wilkins asked if students have access to their phones during travel for extra-curricular activities. Secondary Principal Steve Dike said students are generally allowed to have their phones during travel to activities unless the coach or sponsor prohibits it.

“As busses come home, it is important for kids to have their phones so they can notify their parents when they will need to be picked up,” Dike said.

Board member Bryan Doke said, as a coach, he would not be too excited about having to keep track of 12 cell phones.

Board member Jake Graff said he had only had one issue regarding a cell phone in his years of coaching.

“During tournaments, I stay on them about it,” Graff said. “But I don’t limit their phones during transportation.”

Dike said the coaches have discretion currently.

“We leave it in your hands until you decide it needs to be in my hands,” Dike said.

Hafer said there is some flexibility in the district’s policy.

“It is hard to have a fool-proof plan,” the superintendent said. “We will handle it responsibly and will monitor. If we have any problems, I have no doubt we will recommend to you that we lock phones down during the school day for everyone.”

In other business Monday, the board approved an approximately $12,000 contract with the Nebraska Association of School Boards to assist the district with its five-year strategic planning process.

Caden Frank and Ben Anderjaska with the NASB provided the board with details on how NASB engages with both the board, administrators and the public when creating and implementing the five-year strategic plan. The NASB follows the strategic plan from the creation stage, which includes community engagement, to the plan’s rollout and its implementation over the five-year period by following up with the board and administrators.

Wilkins said he believed rollout of the strategic plan would be a lot easier this time around since the district had already been through one five-year cycle.

“After completing one strategic plan, the goal is to keep our eye on the ball,” Wilkins said. “In the absence of a strategic plan, it is easy to just go with the issue of the day.”

Hafer said an outside consultant would cost between $25,000 and $40,000 to assist the district over the five-year period.

“This is very affordable, and we are getting that value because we are NASB members,” the superintendent said.

The board unanimously approved the contract with the NASB.

The board approved a contract with English/language arts teacher Brady Baker for the 2025-26 school year. Hafer said, after the district received two resignations from English teachers that came in later in the cycle, it was challenging to get both positions filled.

The hiring of Baker fills the second open position, as the first open English position was filled previously.

Hafer said Baker previously taught at Cambridge and had recently been serving as a long-term substitute teacher in O’Neill. He said Baker also planned to serve as the assistant speech coach.

“He is also close to his EMT certification and is a volunteer firefighter,” the superintendent said.

The board Monday approved the second reading of policy updates from the NASB and reviewed the district’s policy regarding substitute teachers. After adding language relating to a substitute teacher’s responsibilities and opting to keep the pay at $145 per day for short-term subs and $180 per day for long-term subs, the board approved the policy.

The board approved the student-parent handbook for the 2025-26 school year and the teacher-staff handbook for the upcoming school year.

Doke asked that the district be as clear as possible with parents regarding the district’s absentee policy and stress that there is no difference between excused and unexcused absences when it comes to attendance.

Dike said the district would provide information on the policy through the radio and multiple platforms so people can hear and see it.

“When they hit four absences for a semester we send out a letter,” Dike said. “An absence is an absence.”

He said the state considers a student chronically absent with nine absences during one semester, the equivalent of missing 10 percent of the school days in a semester.

The board opted to keep bus routes the same for the 2025-26 school year, with the district bussing students from Long Pine and Johnstown with an additional stop at the intersection of Highway 20 and Rauscher Avenue west of Ainsworth.

In a final action item Monday, the board replaced administrative assistant Lacey Marbry on the district’s bank signatory accounts with Bailie Kovarik, who has been hired in the district office to replace Marbry.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 11.

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 2 p.m. July 14)

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 15
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda

Roll Call

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law.

Opening Prayer.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Approve minutes of the 7-1-2025 regular meeting.

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update

Purchase of a new motor grader – Turpin

Proposal from Walton Concrete for labor and material to pour slab

DHSG purchase approval – Booth

Contract between Contryman & Associates P.C. and Brown County for 2024-2025 fiscal year audit – Clerk

Clarification on the levy generating funds for the nursing home

Approve Claims

Correspondence

Public Comment

ADJOURN

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 8:45 a.m. July 14)

July 6

A deputy investigated possible vandalism to a house in Ainsworth.

A deputy spoke to an individual about accidental damage to an apartment building in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

The Ainsworth, Raven and Calamus fire departments responded to a possible fire at a house in southwestern Brown County.

Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.

A traffic stop was made on Main Street in Ainsworth for a vehicle turning too wide into the parking stalls. The driver received a written warning for improper turn and no driver’s license on person. The driver also received a repair order for the vehicle’s brake lights not working properly.

July 7

A deputy provided traffic control in Ainsworth during a funeral procession.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning for speeding and a repair order for the registration being expired.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle’s lights not working properly. The driver was given a repair order for the lights.

July 8

The sheriff provided courtroom security for Brown County District Court.

The sheriff’s office received a complaint from a Brown County resident that there was a vehicle blocking the driveway to his farm. A deputy drove around the reported area and was unable to locate the reported vehicle.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

A deputy notified an Ainsworth resident that they were not allowed in a local business in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

The sheriff attended a meeting with multiple law enforcement agencies in Rock County.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle’s headlight not working properly. The driver was stopped a few months prior and was given repair order for the headlight not working. The driver received a citation for the headlight not working.

July 9

The sheriff’s office received a report of oversized vehicles stopped in the turn lanes in Ainsworth. The sheriff spoke to the drivers of the oversized vehicles and discovered that one of the vehicles was having mechanical issues and that their repair technician was on their way to work on the vehicle.

The Sheriff and deputies responded to a dispute between neighbors about parking on private property in Long Pine.

A deputy responded to an accident on Highway 20 in the Long Pine hills. The Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department assisted with traffic control while the vehicle was removed from the guardrail. The driver was not injured. 

July 10

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a possible fire caused by a lightning strike on Highway 183.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a taillight not working properly. The driver was given a repair order for the taillight.

July 11

A deputy investigated vandalism to a house in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle driving 12 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver received a citation for speeding.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire alarm in a business on Main Street in Ainsworth.

The sheriff’s office received a report of juveniles throwing large rocks off the bridge into the Long Pine Creek almost hitting a few people tubing. A deputy went to the reported area and patrolled around the area but was unable to locate the described juveniles.

A traffic stop was made on a vehicle that did not come to a stop at stop sign in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning.

July 12

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

The sheriff’s office received a report of unsecured property at a business in Ainsworth. Dispatch contacted a key holder for the business and a deputy walked through the business and secured the door.

The sheriff’s office received a report of suspicious activity behind their residence. A deputy spoke to the property owner and walked around the area. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a person walking on the side of Highway 20 near Long Pine State Park advising that the person looked upset or distraught. Deputies patrolled the reported area but were unable to locate the reported female.

Deputies responded to a call for lost tubers on Long Pine Creek advising that they traveled too far on the creek and may be somewhere in the wildlife management area north of Highway 20. Deputies took a nature walk through the state park from the north and followed the creek line approximately three-quarters of a mile and did not find the tubers. The reporting party was told to go back to where he was supposed to pick the tubers up in case the tubers walked upstream. Eventually the tubers were found and reported to be ok.

The sheriff’s office was requested to perform a welfare check at a camper in the Long Pine State Park because of yelling and screaming coming from the campground. Deputies were able to locate the camper. The camper appeared to be ok and was talked to about the yelling. The camper was reminded of the quiet hours of the campgrounds.

Weekly Log
Phone Calls – 696
911 Calls – 15
Calls for Service – 19
Vehicle Title Inspections – 2
Handgun Permits Purchased – 1
Inmates Housed – 1

* Council moving forward with property acquisition

(Posted 7 a.m. July 10)

After receiving a letter from a property owner, the Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday approved having the city’s attorney pursue an agreement to have the city take over ownership of the property.

Steve Swett sent a letter offering the property at 352 N. Wilson St. to the city at no charge. In the letter, Swett indicated he did not have the means to repair or tear down the older house located at the address and he did not want to incur fines from the city for owning the vacant property.

Mayor Joel Klammer said the best option might be to have City Attorney Michael Sholes put together an agreement between the city and property owner.

Councilman Brad Fiala said the property is adjacent to the city’s water department building.

“I think that is a good idea,” Fiala said.

With Councilwoman Heather Lutter absent, the council approved having Sholes pursue an agreement to have the city acquire the property.

The council also voted to declare a property at 187 N. Elm St. near Ainsworth Community Schools in violation of the city’s nuisance codes, which will allow the city to file a charge in court against the property owner.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the house at that location had been in a state of disrepair for some time, with siding partially finished. She said former Sheriff Bruce Papstein and current Sheriff Brent Deibler had both previously tried to address the issues with the property owner.

“When it gets to this point, there has usually been little or no response,” Schroedl said.

Before the city attorney can file in court, city ordinance requires the council to formally declare the property a nuisance. The property owner then has the right to appeal that declaration and request a hearing.

The council approved declaring the property in violation of the city’s nuisance ordinance.

In other business Wednesday, the council met with property owners regarding drainage issues west of Meadville Avenue south of the irrigation canal.

Klammer said he met with Annie and Gerhard Gous to discuss options to improve drainage in the area.

Gerhard Gous said he did not realize the trees in the area were a part of their property.

“If they are cut down, the flow may go back to where it was,” he said. “I will take that on myself to start cutting the trees down and we will see what that does to the flow.”

Streets foreman Jade Egle said an old fence in the area would also likely need to be removed.

“It acts as a dam,” Egle said.

Gous said he agreed with that assessment and would also handle that work on his end.

“The trash that goes with the drainage is a problem,” Gous said. “A lot of vehicles use that road to take trash to the dump and things blow out.”

Klammer said he did not disagree that trash in the area was an issue, but he felt that was a separate problem from the drainage issue.

The mayor indicated the city would continue to work with the property owners on the issue and see how things flowed after the trees and fence are removed.

“This is a long-term issue,” Klammer said. “We can work on it and see how we can improve things.”

The council approved the renewal of the city’s property, auto, liability and workman’s compensation insurance through the League Association of Risk Management. By agreeing to a three-year commitment and providing LARM with a 180-day notice before the city would ever cancel its policy, LARM provides the city with a 5 percent discount on the total premium.

The $138,338 premium included a more than $7,000 discount by agreeing to the longer commitment.

Schroedl said the commercial property portion of the premium was increasing by 26 percent for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The policy increased by 5 percent for both the city’s general liability and workman’s compensation coverage. Those three portions account for the lion’s share of the total premium.

“This would take effect in October, but LARM wants a decision made by August,” Schroedl said. “Our claims are handled smoothly, and they provide good customer service.”

Klammer said the city has never been able to find a more competitive policy and has typically opted to accept the 5 percent discount.

The council approved a renewal of its interlocal cooperation agreement with the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department and Brown County Rural Fire Protection District as part of a Mutual Finance Organization.

Schroedl said the agreement was the same as the previous version with only the dates changed. The agreement calls for the city and the county to match property tax levies for fire protection for at least one of the next three years in order to receive funding from the state.

She said both the Ainsworth and rural fire departments were agreeable to 3-cent property tax levies from the city and county. She said the levy for the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department is just a part of the city’s general fund levy.

Klammer said he didn’t see a need to change anything.

“This is just a renewal,” the mayor said.

In a final action item Wednesday, the council approved city ordinance 1563 that addresses mobile food vendors wanting to locate their mobile unit on city property.

Schroedl said she was happy to see food trucks occasionally providing meal options in the city, and the ordinance only addresses mobile food trucks that park on property owned by the city. She said the ordinance would not affect trucks that park on private property.

She said the ordinance simply protects the city’s liability. It would require food truck owners who plan to set up on city property to pay a daily permit fee of $20 or an annual fee of $100 and provide certain documentation when applying for the permit. She said the language in the ordinance was taken from other communities that already have similar ordinances in place.

The council approved the ordinance and waived the three separate readings.

During her report, Schroedl said the offer made by American Tower the council approved to buy out the company’s current lease with the city for more than $170,000 was ultimately rejected by the company. She said, instead of the buyout offer, the council would now continue to receive monthly lease payments from the company.

Schroedl said the city was continuing to have issues with software upgrades through Gworks to the point the company had paused the upgrades while it works out issues on its end.

“We might have to look at changing software companies,” Schroedl said. “No one really wants to do that because it’s a big deal. But we are spending a lot of staff time and it is taking up to three weeks to get a response when we contact them with issues. It has been a constant frustration. There are so many issues on their side they have paused making any of the upgrades.”

She said she has explored price quotes from other companies for similar software. She said one company’s product was significantly cheaper and does everything the city needs it to do. She said numerous municipalities have been moving away from Gworks after the recent issues.

She said the council could discuss options during the budgeting process.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. Aug. 13.

* See, McIntosh win Cruise Card drawings

(Posted 2:30 p.m. July 7)

During KBRB’s Classifieds program Monday, Brad See and John McIntosh were drawn as the winners of the Bob Buckles Memorial Cruise Night punch cards.

See was drawn as the grand prize $500 winner, with McIntosh earning the $350 runner-up cash prize.

Those participating in the Cruise Night on July Fourth could fill out punch cards by stopping in participating businesses. More than 80 completed cards were submitted.

Chris Johnson was crowned the champion of the Ainsworth Elks Lodge inaugural hot dog eating contest. Johnson polished off 13 hot dogs during the time frame to finish four ahead of the runner up and earn bragging rights for the night.

More than 140 vehicles registered to be a part of the annual Bob Buckles Memorial Cruise Night Show and Shine. The event culminated Friday in a fireworks show at the Ainsworth Golf Course.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:45 a.m. July 7)

June 29

• A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver received a citation for speeding.
• A deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident in Ainsworth. Brown County Ambulance also assisted in the call. Once the driver was medically cleared, the driver who caused the accident was placed under arrest on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was also cited for failing to maintain their lane and failure to renew registration.
• Brown County Jail released two inmates on bond.
• Sheriff’s Office received a report of four-wheelers driving on Highway 20 and one of the four wheelers was towing a camper. A deputy responded to the reported area and was unable to locate the reported four-wheelers.
• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported the patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked near the archery range in Long Pine. A deputy drove around the reported area and did not locate the reported vehicle.
• A traffic stop was made north on Highway 183 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.
• A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle driving 13 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver received a citation for speeding and failure to renew their registration.

June 30

• The sheriff and a deputy responded to a single vehicle accident striking a guardrail on Highway 20 near the Long Pine bridge. Long Fire Department provided traffic control while the vehicle was removed from the guardrail.
• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported the patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.
• The sheriff and deputies did foot patrols during the Middle of Nowhere Days Carnival.

July 1

• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported the patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• A deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident in Ainsworth.
• Sheriff and deputies provided a civil standby at a residence in Ainsworth, so one of the parties could pick up their belongings.
• A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for brake lights not working properly. The driver received a repair order.
• Sheriff’s Office received a request for a welfare check of a semi-truck that has been parked on the side of the highway for an extended period. The sheriff and a deputy responded and found the driver was ok.
• A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle’s brake lights and turn signals not working properly. The driver received a repair order.
• The sheriff and deputies conducted foot patrols during the Middle of Nowhere Days Carnival.
• A deputy responded to a single vehicle accident in rural Brown County. The vehicle drove off the roadway, through a fence and the vehicle came to a stop in the middle of the irrigation pond. The driver and passenger were not injured.

July 2

• The sheriff and deputies provided traffic control for large equipment to fish out a vehicle from the irrigation pond.
• A deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident in rural Brown County.
• A deputy investigated a reported panel van parked near the carnival with homemade signs saying “free candy” in the windows. The deputy spoke to the person that owned the vehicle, and the signs were taken down.
• The Sheriff’s Office received a request for a welfare check on a Long Pine resident. The person was found to be ok.
• The sheriff and deputies conducted foot patrols during the Middle of Nowhere Days Carnival.

July 3

• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence.
• The Sheriff Office received a call from people floating Long Pine Creek asking for assistance to help get a friend from the creek that stopped her float trip. The owner of the rented tubes was able to help and with permission of the landowner was able to drive a side by side down to the creek and pick up the person. The person was ok, just did not want to continue the float trip to Long Pine State Park.
• The Sheriff’s Office received a request to help locate a person possibly in Ainsworth. A deputy drove the reported areas requested and was unable to find the person.

July 4

• A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7 for a vehicle driving 16 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver received a citation for speeding.
• Deputies patrolled the Ainsworth car show and cruise night.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for careless driving. The driver received a citation for careless driving and not having a driver’s license.
• Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department assisted with fireworks at the golf course.
• Deputies investigated a suspicious activity call at an abandoned property in Ainsworth.
• A deputy spoke to a person in Ainsworth about a fire from fireworks in the middle of the roadway. Deputies stood by until the person was able to put the fire out.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for trailer lights not working properly. The driver received a repair order.
• A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for no license plates displayed on the vehicle. The driver received a written warning to get their vehicle registered.

July 5

• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth on a vehicle for a taillight not working properly. The driver received a citation for improper/defective vehicle lighting and failure to renew registration.
• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported the patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• A traffic stop was made after a deputy observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in an alley behind a business in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for careless driving and driving without insurance on their vehicle.
• Deputies investigated a possible harassment call in Ainsworth. The reported person was spoken to. This is an ongoing investigation.
• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence.

Weekly Log
Calls – 767
911 – 12
Calls for Service – 24
Vehicle titles inspected – 11
Handgun permits purchased – 1
Inmates housed – 2 

* Storer reviews her first session in Legislature

(Posted 7 a.m. July 3)

Nebraska 43rd District State Sen. Tanya Storer visited the KBRB studios to discuss the recently completed session of the Legislature, her first session in the Unicameral.

The conversation can be heard below.

* Micro-surfacing starts soon on Highway 96

(Posted 12:30 p.m. July 2)

Weather permitting, micro-surfacing work will begin July 15 on Highway 96 at the intersection of Highway 183, beginning at milepost 0.0 and proceeding southeast to milepost 20, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc., of Watsonville, Calif., is the contractor. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. Anticipated completion is July.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.

* Storer updates commissioners on legislative activity

(Posted 9:30 a.m. July 2)

Nebraska 43^rd District State Sen. Tanya Storer visited with the Brown County Commissioners Tuesday, providing an update on bills passed during the session and talking with the board on issues that impacted county governments.

Storer said one of the bills she is working on addresses a lack of bed space in rural communities for people taken into emergency protective custody. She said the Legislature approved a pilot program to identify potential space that could be used when regional treatment centers are full.

“Norfolk has a regional facility but at times there may not be space available,” Storer said. “That is not conducive for the individual or the sheriff’s department. We are trying to identify space where people can be kept safely until space opens up.”

Storer said, when someone is placed into emergency protective custody, someone from law enforcement must remain with that person until space in a treatment facility becomes available. She said, as part of the pilot project, an area inside the county jail could be made into a space where someone could be placed until a treatment center has space available. She said the only space available for most rural counties would be in the county jail.

Storer also discussed a bill she introduced that was approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Jim Pillen related to regulating social media for minors. Storer said the data is clear on the damage social media use causes children.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in depression and youth suicide rates,” Storer said.

Under the bill, anyone who opens a social media account will be required to verify their age. If the user is under age 17, a parent will have to provide permission for the social media account to be activated, and parents will have access to the account.

Storer said she is working on an interim study with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to see if it is possible for the Game and Parks to take over management of the Niobrara National Scenic River from the National Parks Service.

Storer said the federal government has withdrawn all funding previously provided to the Niobrara Council, which helps manage the scenic river, and the National Parks Service office at Valentine was on the list for potential closure as part of budget cuts.

Storer said there was a steep learning curve in her first year in the Legislature, but she was able to get nine of the 15 bills she introduced signed into law.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners approved a resolution abandoning a public road known as the Harry Johnston Road in Sections 32, 33 and 34, Township 25 North, Range 22 West in southern Brown County.

The commissioners held a public hearing June 17 in which no one spoke against vacating the dedicated county road. With the approval of the resolution Tuesday, the property will revert back to the adjacent landowner.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported the roads department planned to create some cold-mix asphalt to use on portions of the Elsmere Road before a stretch of that road receives armor coating in the fall.

“We will hit the worst spots,” Turpin said. “That used to be our best oiled road, but it is starting to show some age.”

Turpin said, when the county finishes paying for the Meadville Avenue asphalt renovation project, the board may need to consider doing something similar for asphalt on South Pine Avenue and Moon Lake Avenue.

“We won’t be able to get those done through our regular budget,” the highway superintendent said.

In another roads item Tuesday, the board approved having Rasmussen Surveyors conduct a survey of an area in southwestern Brown County planned for the construction of a county road to property determined to be isolated with no access.

Clerk Travee Hobbs said County Surveyor Lloyd Smith was unavailable to conduct the survey work. She said Rasmussen Surveyors could get the survey work completed in the next two months.

Turpin said he also needed some survey work done on a road the department plans to relocate and Smith had been unavailable to conduct that survey. He said he may also use Rasmussen Surveyors to complete that survey.

The commissioners approved a pair of fund transfers by resolution Tuesday, moving $10,000 from the miscellaneous general fund to the reappraisal fund and $7,902 from the ambulance fund to the debt service ambulance barn fund. Treasurer Bruce Mitchell said the transfer from the ambulance fund was needed to make the interest payment on the new ambulance barn. He said the principal payment on that bond is made in January.

After more than 40 years in the clerk’s office, Becky Hardy is retiring from her deputy clerk’s position. Hobbs said Hardy has been an incredible asset to Brown County.

“Her work ethic, dedication and integrity have set a standard that we’ve all admired and appreciated,” Hobbs said. “As she steps into retirement, we wish her nothing but the best, knowing her legacy will continue to inspire.”

The board approved removing Hardy from the county’s Homestead Bank and West Plains Bank accounts and adding Nadine Starkey as a signatory on the accounts.

Blaire Speck presented the commissioners with the BKR Extension office’s 2025-26 budget proposal. Speck said five candidates were being interviewed for the open livestock specialist position in the Extension office. She said the budget request was 8.3 percent higher than the 2024-25 budget proposal, due in part to the anticipation of the Extension office being fully staffed.

She said the total increase in the office’s budget was about $7,000, with Brown County seeing a $2,948 increase. Brown County pays 42 percent of the Extension office’s budget, with Rock County paying 33 percent and Keya Paha County 25 percent.

The commissioners will consider the budget request as they prepare for the adoption of the 2025-26 fiscal year budget in September.

During the Board of Equalization meeting prior to Tuesday’s regular meeting, Assessor Peg Gross discussed a quote from Stanard Appraisal to reappraise commercial property in the county after a request for a reappraisal was made by the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

Gross said commercial property is valued based on sales as well as a cost approach. She said the Department of Revenue indicated the previous appraisal of commercial property in the county was not up to its standards.

The assessor said the previous appraisal of commercial property was conducted by Lake Mac Appraisal in 2019-20.

“We took out the rural residential reappraisal request because we don’t have that much money available in the budget,” Gross said.

The request to reappraise rural residential property in the county would have cost an estimated $100,000. Gross said the quote from Stanard Appraisal to reappraise commercial property and create new depreciation tables was $48,000.

Commissioner Don Painter asked if the county had a choice in the matter.

“It is their opinion,” Painter said. “Why isn’t your opinion as valuable as theirs?”

Gross said the commissioners likely did not have much choice since the state was requesting the property be reappraised.

“We have to have it reappraised every six years,” Gross said.

Gross said there have been quite a few sales of commercial properties in the county during the past year. She said a lot of the commercial uses for the buildings that were sold have changed.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said he wouldn’t mind spending the money on the reappraisal if the valuations on commercial property in the county got straightened out.

“We have $1 million commercial properties valued at $500,000, and we have some older commercial properties that are now valued at $1.2 million,” Dailey said. “Or are they going to do this reappraisal and make it worse?”

The board, with Commissioner Dennis Bauer absent Tuesday, took no action on the item and will discuss the quote further during the board’s July 15 meeting.

* NDOT releases construction plans for 2026

(Posted 11:15 a.m. July 1)

The Nebraska Department of Transportation announced plans for 2026 highway construction projects. In the area, the NDOT plans to mill and resurface 7.78 miles of Highway 20 between Stuart and Atkinson. The estimated cost of the work is $4.08 million.

Milling and resurfacing work is planned for 6.97 miles of Highway 12 in Keya Paha County starting at Norden and moving west. The estimated cost of that work is $4.11 million.

The NDOT also plans to conduct micro-surfacing work on a 14.47-mile stretch of Highway 11 between Atkinson and Brush Creek at a cost of $1.43 million.

Micro-surfacing work is planned for Highway 91 east and west of Almeria in Loup County at a cost of $2.03 million.

A total of 92 projects impacting 560 miles of highway and 83 bridges is planned for 2026. The program, released this week, is outlined in the NDOT fiscal year 2026 Surface Transportation Program Book. It specifies how NDOT plans to preserve, modernize and improve the safety of the state transportation system.

The 2026 program is valued at $722 million and lists state system projects in each of NDOT’s geographical districts projected for construction within the next six years. Each year, NDOT announces an updated construction program that takes projects from the five-year planning forecast and moves them into the one-year construction program.

The number of projects, funded through state and federal highway user taxes and fees, is dependent on available funding, project readiness and condition of the asset. The program does not include aeronautics, broadband or local system related construction.

A relatively new addition to the Program Book is the inclusion of multiple projects leveraging alternative delivery. This is the second year NDOT has identified projects that will benefit from early contractor involvement for delivery through collaborative methods.

Among the larger of the 92 new projects for 2026 are:
• Complete the US-275 Expressway corridor between Norfolk and Omaha
• Progress on the Expressway system connecting Minatare to US 385 along US Highway 26 and Nebraska Link 62A
• Expand and improve Interstate 680 (I-680) Pacific to Dodge Street in the Omaha metro
• Improve more than 40 miles of Interstate from Lincoln to west of Kimball
• Install Cable Median Guardrail on the Interstate between Giltner and Hampton exits in Hamilton County

* NPPD power outage set for July 9 in Long Pine area

(Posted 10:45 a.m. July 1)

The Nebraska Public Power District has scheduled a planned power outage for electric customers in Long Pine, Wednesday, July 9, from 7 until 11 a.m. to allow for work at a substation in the area.

The outage will impact NPPD customers in the city of Long Pine, including Hidden Paradise. The planned outage will allow crews to complete work needed for future electric system upgrades.

“Outages are not convenient for anyone but taking this planned outage will allow our crews to complete work at the substation and help ensure reliable service to the area,” NPPD Account Manager Brittney Koenig said.

An additional outage will be observed at a later date, and customers will be notified once the date and time are confirmed. NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:45 a.m. July 1)

June 22

• A welfare check of an Ainsworth resident was requested. A deputy was able to find that the person was ok.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. The driver received a written warning.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth on a vehicle driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver received a citation for speeding.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a reckless driver on Highway 20. The reported vehicle was located by a deputy. A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for the vehicle driving left of the center line. The driver of the vehicle was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for possession of an open alcohol container and tampering or circumventing an ignition interlock device.

June 23

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office took a report of possible harassment in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.
• Brown County Ambulance assisted the care center with transporting a patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• Brown County deputies were called to investigate an unattended death in Ainsworth.

June 24

• Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.
• A deputy responded to a suspicious activity report in East City Park. This is an ongoing investigation.
• Brown County Jail was inspected and passed the Nebraska Jail standards.
• Brown County Jail released an inmate back to the arresting agency for a court appearance.
• The Brown County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a lost backpack in Ainsworth.
• Brown County Jail released an inmate on bond.
• Deputies made a traffic stop east on Highway 20 for a vehicle that was driving on the rim of their vehicle at highway speed. The driver refused to communicate with the deputies and refused to obey commands. Deputies removed the driver from the vehicle. The driver was arrested on charges of resisting arrest, failure to obey lawful orders, reckless driving and bald or improper use of tires.

June 25

• Deputies provided traffic control at the Plum Creek Bridge west of Johnstown for large farm equipment crossing the bridge.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle speeding west on Highway 20. A deputy was able to locate the reported vehicle and check the speed of the vehicle. The vehicle was traveling 4 mph over the posted speed limit.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of cattle out on Highway 20 near the Rock County Line. The owners of the cattle were contacted, and they were able to get the cattle off the highway.

June 26

• The Brown County Sheriff and deputies received training on new citation software to utilize from patrol vehicles.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible child abuse. This is an ongoing investigation.
• A deputy returned a lost purse to its owner. The purse was left at a gas station in Ainsworth.

June 27

• The sheriff spoke to a person fishing off the bridge between Brown County and Keya Paha County. Because of foggy conditions the safety of the person fishing was compromised.
• The sheriff investigated a possible theft from a property in rural Brown County.
• A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 on a vehicle driving 16 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver was given a citation for speeding.
• A traffic stop was made in Long Pine for a vehicle speeding. The driver received a written warning.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle’s brake lights not working properly. The driver was given fix-it ticket.
• Brown County Ambulance responded to a lift assist for an Ainsworth resident.
• A traffic stop was made on a vehicle that did not come to a complete stop at a sign in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning.

June 28

• A traffic stop was made on a vehicle with the taillights not working properly. The driver was given a fix-it ticket.
• A deputy responded to a report of a possible fight between two subjects in Ainsworth. The deputy discovered it was a verbal dispute and the parties were already separated.
• A deputy responded to a possible trespassing call in Ainsworth. The deputy responded and the reported person was already off the property.
• Brown County Sheriff and deputy assisted the City of Ainsworth with traffic control for the Alumni Parade in Ainsworth.
• A traffic stop was made south on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a reckless driver east of Ainsworth on Highway 20. Deputies were able to find the reported vehicle. A traffic stop was made on the vehicle for driving left of the center line and driving on the shoulder of the highway. The driver of the vehicle was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for possession of an open alcohol container, driving left of center and driving on the shoulder of the highway.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth on a vehicle that did not use their turn signal in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning.
• A traffic stop was in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

Weekly Log
Phone Calls – 751
Calls for Service – 20
911 Calls – 14
Vehicle titles inspected – 3
Handgun permits purchased – 2
Jail inmates housed – 2

* Murdock wins car show People’s Choice Award

(Posted 9:15 a.m. June 29)

George Murdock’s 1959 Chevy Corvette won the People’s Choice Award Friday during the Ainsworth Does Drove 54’s annual car and motorcycle show as part of alumni weekend.

Second place went to Darrell Steele and his 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo, and third in the vehicle division was a 1997 International bus owned by Warren and Dawn Dorsey.

In the motorcycle division, Robert Ellis took the People’s Choice Award with his 2006 Harley Davidson Roadking. Second went to Jake Graff with his 1981 Honda CX500, and third was Stan Daniels and his 2005 Harley Davidson Fatboy.

With a Saturday charge, the Class of 2020 won the inaugural 402 Bar alumni shot challenge. The classes of 2005 and 1980 were neck and neck for the lead Friday, only to be overtaken by a wide margin Saturday by the five-year class of 2020.

A donation to the Brown County Foundation Endowment Fund will be made by The 402 Bar on behalf of the Class of 2020.

* Rock County Commissioners meeting notes

(Posted 11:15 a.m. June 27)

The Rock County Board of Commissioners met Thursday.

NIRMA Representative Ally Grant met with the Commissioners to report damage to the sheriff’s pickup and at the airport. The matter was tabled until estimates are received.

An employee evaluation for Weed Superintendent Mitch Dean was held. Dean requested an executive session for the evaluation.

Roads Foreman Waylon Reynolds met with the commissioners and provided road updates. Water drainage on the hill was discussed. Highway Superintendent Lloyd Smith reported Dan Hagemeyer will start surveying 878 Road, 880 Road & 453 Avenue next week. The tractor purchase was discussed. Mitchell Equipment’s bid was $90,500 for a 2013 Puma170. Sandhill Equipment’s bid was $95,000 for a 2018 Kubota M7-151 series.  The board approved Sandhill Equipment’s bid for $95,000.

The board entered into executive session to review road employee evaluations with Reynolds. Road Employee wages and weed superintendent raises were discussed. The matter tabled until the board’s July 15 meeting.

Kathy Maloun & Tonya Larson from the Rock County Senior Center met with the commissioners with a budget proposal for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The item was tabled until the board’s budget workshop.

Nebraska 43^rd District State Senator Tanya Storer met with the commissioners to provide legislative updates. Treasurer Mona Davis shared her concerns with license plates being handled at the state level & not the county level. Unfunded mandates for the county were also discussed.

Sheriff Ben Shelbourn met with the commissioners on a budget shortage in wages of $3,500. The board approved moving $3,500 from the miscellaneous general fund to the sheriff’s fund.

The next meeting of the Rock County Commissioners is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 15.

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 2:30 p.m. June 26)

In addition to fines, each case carries $50 in court costs

Devlin T. Welch, age 18, of Valentine, charged with speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, fined $75.

Matthew C. Walton, 33, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Jacob H. Held, 18, of Johnstown, minor in possession of alcohol, $300; also charged with possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50; failure to use a turn signal, $25.

Lingchun Kong, 29, of Happy Valley, Ore., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Luis J. Lopez Carvajal, 34, of Ainsworth, improper or defective vehicle light, $50.

Riley D. Christensen, 27, of Bassett, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Hunter J. Kuykendall, 27, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Stetson W. Dodds, 17, of Stuart, no registration in vehicle, $25.

Ronald L. Klein, 69, of Newport, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Mikel B. Grondahl, 64, of Gold Canyon, Ariz., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Joshua R. Sirek, 44, of Norfolk, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Nathan L. Kutter, 42, of Aurora, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

* Area counties among top jobless rates in state

(Posted 2:45 p.m. June 25)

The Nebraska Department of Labor announced Nebraska’s unemployment rate for May is 3.0 percent. The rate is unchanged from April but is up 0.3 percent from the May 2024 rate of 2.7 percent. 

Nebraska has the sixth-lowest unemployment rate in the country. South Dakota maintains the best percentage in the nation at 1.8 percent, followed by North Dakota at 2.5 percent, Vermont at 2.6 percent and Hawaii and Montana at 2.8 percent.

Nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the country at 5.5 percent. Michigan at 5.4 percent, California at 5.3 percent, Kentucky at 5 percent, and Rhode Island and Ohio at 4.9 percent round out the bottom five states.

Brown County’s May unemployment was better than the state average at 2.3 percent. Cherry County tied Wheeler County for the lowest jobless rate in the state in May at 2.1 percent.

Rock County and Holt County both at 2.4 percent were better than the state average, as was Boyd County at 2.8 percent.

Keya Paha County saw its unemployment rate rise in May to 3.8 percent. Blaine County’s May rate was 3.1 percent. On either side of Blaine County, Thomas County at 4.7 percent and Loup County at 4.6 percent were among the highest jobless rates in May in the state along with the 4.7 percent rate in McPherson County.

“Total nonfarm employment has reached a historic high in May,” Nebraska Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber said. “This surpasses the prior high in October of 2024 by over 5,000 filled jobs.”                                                                         

Nonfarm employment, the number of filled jobs, was 1,073,696 in May, up 11,512 from April and up 7,156 from May 2024. Private industries with the most growth between April and May were the leisure and hospitality sector (up 6,234 jobs); the mining and construction sector (up 1,791 jobs); and the private education and health services sector (up 836 jobs).

Private industries with the most growth during the past year were the private education and health services sector (up 6,599 jobs); the leisure and hospitality sector (up 4,217 jobs); and the other services sector (up 1,408 jobs).

The labor force includes both employed workers and those who are actively looking for work. The counts of employed and unemployed in the labor force are based on a survey conducted by the Census Bureau regarding employment status.

The national unemployment rate for May is 4.2 percent, unchanged from the April rate and up 0.2 percentage points from the May 2024 rate of 4.0 percent.

* Sheriff’s department warns of scam text messages

(Posted 2:30 p.m. June 24)

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents to be cautious of a recent scam targeting residents in the area.

The following text is a scam: “Nebraska Department of Vehicles(DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 10. Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. In accordance with Nebraska Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if you do not complete payment by June 9, 2025, we will take the following actions: 1. Report to the DMV violation database 2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting June 10 3. Suspend driving privileges for 30 days 4. Transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee 5. You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes.”

The sheriff’s department warns that the Department of Motor Vehicles will never send a text message requesting payment of any kind. Always be suspicious of any unsolicited email, text or phone call that requests money or personal information, regardless of what kind of messaging is used.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 2:30 p.m. June 23)

June 15

• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle’s lights not working properly. The driver was given a repair order.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth on a vehicle driving 58 mph in a 35 mph zone. The driver received a speeding citation.
• Deputies investigated a complaint about illegal drug use by some of the campers in Long Pine State Park.
• Sheriff’s Office received a report that a couple of campers were having intercourse on a park bench in front of children and adults in Long Pine State Park. The two campers who were having intercourse received citations from deputies for public indecency and disturbing the peace and were escorted out of the State Park.
• Deputies, Nebraska Game and Parks and the Brown County Ambulance responded to a single vehicle accident near Long Pine. The driver was having a medical emergency and CPR was performed. The patient was transported to the Brown County Hospital.

June 16

• Sheriff’s Office took a report of possible domestic abuse. This is an ongoing investigation.
• Sheriff’s Office received a report of a hit and run on 434^th Avenue near the Cowboy Trail. This is an ongoing investigation.
• The sheriff responded to a civil dispute in Long Pine. Both parties were harassing each other causing neighbors’ peace to be disturbed. Parties involved were spoken to.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle’s lights not working properly. The driver received a repair order.
• Sheriff’s Office received a report of an injured fawn outside of Ainsworth. It was discovered that the fawn was not badly injured and ran away.
• Sheriff’s Office received a request for a welfare check on an Ainsworth resident. The deputy found the person to be ok.

June 17

• Sheriff Office was notified of cattle out on the roadway south of Ainsworth on Highway 7 near the Blaine County line. Deputies were unable to locate the cattle on the roadway.
• Sheriff Office was notified of a calf out on the roadway on Highway 20. The sheriff assisted the owner with catching the calf and getting the calf back into the pasture.
• Sheriff Office was asked to check if a vehicle was still at a residence in Ainsworth.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a vehicle speeding. During the traffic stop, the deputy discovered the driver’s license was expired and did not have proof of insurance. The driver was given a warning for the speed but received citations for the expired driver’s license and no proof of insurance.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth on a vehicle driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver received a citation for speeding.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speed. The driver received a written warning.

June 18

• The sheriff provided court security for county courts in Ainsworth.
• A deputy received a report of a possible theft of a gaming device from an Ainsworth business. This is an ongoing investigation.
• A traffic stop was made on Highway 183 for a vehicle driving at 118 mph in a posted 65 mph zone. The driver received a citation for speeding.
• A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

June 19

• A deputy assisted in a civil standby to retrieve a person’s property in Ainsworth.
• A traffic stop was made on the 9A Spur for a vehicle light’s not working properly. The driver received a repair order.

June 20

• The Sheriff Office received a request for traffic control for a bull out on the roadway on Highway 20. The sheriff and a deputy provided traffic control until the bull was caught and transported back to its pasture.
• A deputy provided traffic control during a funeral procession in Ainsworth.
• The sheriff and a deputy toured the CVA feed mill in Ainsworth and were shown their emergency plans and locations for tornado and storm shelters throughout the feed mill.
• A deputy investigated possible vandalism to a Long Pine house.
• The Sheriff’s Office and Rock County Sheriff’s Office responded to a possible suicide call near the Cowboy Trail bridge in Long Pine. The reported person was found to be ok and the Brown County deputy spoke with the reported person and discovered that he walked under the bridge to take landscape photos of the creek.
• A traffic stop was made in Long Pine for a vehicle speeding. The driver was given a written warning.
• A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning.
• Two traffic stops were made in Ainsworth on vehicle lights not working properly. The drivers received repair orders.

June 21

• A deputy and jailer drove in the parade in Long Pine.
• A deputy provided traffic control for the parade in Long Pine.
• A traffic stop was made on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver received a written warning.
• A deputy was requested to perform a welfare check on an Ainsworth resident. The deputy walked through the house and around the property and was unable to locate the person to check on them.
• A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth on a vehicle driving left of center and driving on the shoulder of the highway. The driver received written warnings.
• A deputy spoke with a juvenile in the Long Pine State Park about how she was acting toward her family members.
• A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a written warning.

Weekly Log
Phone Calls – 753
Calls for service – 25
911 – 12
Vehicle title inspections – 7  
Handgun permits purchased – 3
Inmates Housed – 2

* KBR Public Power reports damage from Sunday storm

(Posted 9 a.m. June 23)

KBR Rural Public Power General Manager Bob Beatty reported Sunday evening’s storm damaged some of the utility’s infrastructure south of the Long Pine substation.

Beatty reported wind snapped eight transmission poles between Bassett and Ainsworth in the southern part of the utility’s coverage area. He said some customers are without power Monday due to that damage, and KBR linemen will be working to replace the poles.

Beatty said there may be additional outages in the utility’s coverage area. Anyone who has lost power can contact the KBR Rural Public Power office at 402-387-1120 to report the outage.

Beatty will provide additional updates as repairs are made and power restored.

* Area students named to Wayne State Dean’s List

(Posted 7:30 a.m. June 23)

Wayne State College included 1,196 students on the dean’s list for exemplary academic achievement during the spring semester. Students listed on the Dean’s List are full-time undergraduate students who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale for the semester. An asterisk (*) denotes a 4.0 GPA for the term.

Area students named to the Dean’s List at Wayne State College are:

Ainsworth

Cameryn Goochey*, Madelyn Goochey*, Kaitlyn Nelson, Makenna Pierce, Cheyan Temple and Zachary Welch

Long Pine

Hannah Keller  

Bassett

Carson Shaw*

Newport

Samantha Connell  

Atkinson

Olivia Jarman  

Naper

Paige Drueke*

Valentine

Kaetryn Bancroft, Caitlynn Mack-Claypool* and Taycee Reimers  

* Area students named to UN-L Deans’ List

(Posted 7:15 a.m. June 23)

More than 250 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have been named to the Deans’ Commendation List for the spring semester of the 2024-25 academic year.

The Commendation List recognizes students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Journalism and Mass Communications who met or exceeded a specified grade-point average and carried six to 11 graded semester hours.

Emma Alder of Atkinson, a senior majoring in biochemistry, was named to the Deans’ Commendation List

More than 6,700 students were named to the UN-L Deans’ List for the spring semester.

Qualification for the Deans’ List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale.

Named to the UN-L spring semester Deans’ List from the area were:

Ainsworth

• Grant Taylor, junior, College of Business, agribusiness.
• Libby Wilkins, junior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agricultural leadership, education and communication.

Long Pine

• Dylan Benemerito, sophomore, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, broadcasting.
• Allie Morgan Cosgrove, junior, College of Education and Human Sciences, child, youth and family studies.
• Lauren Marie Ortner, junior, College of Business, marketing.

Bassett

• Brooklyn Buell, junior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, environmental and sustainability studies.
• Gracie Eva Swanson, junior, College of Education and Human Sciences, elementary education and special education (K-6).

Stuart

• Cameron Sattler, senior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, animal science.

Atkinson

• Abby Thiele, sophomore, College of Education and Human Sciences, elementary education.

Purdum

• Taylor Weber, junior, College of Architecture, architectural studies.

Wood Lake

• Ty Schlueter, senior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agribusiness.
• Shyanne Dawn Urbin, senior, College of Engineering, biological systems engineering.

Valentine

• Pryce Johnston, freshman, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, fisheries and wildlife.
• Finley Melisande Mosner, sophomore, College of Engineering, software engineering.
• Ryan O’Kief, senior, Dean’s List, College of Business, finance.
• Lauren Schoonveld, sophomore, College of Education and Human Sciences, communication sciences and disorders.

* Work to begin Monday on Highway 11 south of Butte

(Posted 12:30 p.m. June 20)

Weather permitting, work will begin Monday, June 23, on Highway 11 from milepost 171 to 176, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Knife River Midwest, of Sioux City, Iowa, is the contractor for the project. Work will take place from the Brush Creek Bridge to the Niobrara River and include bridge repair, milling, concrete and asphalt surfacing and seeding.

Traffic will be maintained with temporary traffic signals and a pilot car and flaggers. A 10-foot width restriction will be in effect at the bridge location. Anticipated completion is the end of July.

* Erthum talks noxious weed control on KBRB

(Posted 9:15 a.m. June 19)

Brown County Weed Superintendent Scott Erthum discussed the various noxious weeds present in the county that require spraying. He talked about what to look for and the best practices for controlling noxious weeds.

The conversation can be heard below.

* Evans discusses city code enforcement efforts

(Posted 9:15 a.m. June 19)

Ainsworth city code enforcement and animal control officer Kelsie Evans visited with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie to discuss her position and the work she does to enforce city codes.

The conversation can be heard below.

* Commissioners hold road vacation hearing

(Posted 2:15 p.m. June 18)

No one spoke against closing a public road in the southern portion of the county Tuesday during a public hearing.

The Brown County Commissioners are required to hold a public hearing to gauge public comment before voting on whether to act on a request to vacate a county road. The Harry Johnston Road is located in Sections 32, 33 and 34 in Township 25 North, Range 22 West. One landowner owns all the property adjacent to both sides of the road. That landowner requested the vacation.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said he sent a letter to one other landowner in the area. Clerk Travee Hobbs said that landowner called the clerk’s office ahead of the hearing and indicated he was in favor of the road being closed.

County Attorney Andy Taylor said the law requires the county to approve a resolution vacating the road at the next meeting after the public hearing is conducted. He checked to make sure the commissioners wanted to have the property revert back to the adjacent property owner instead of the county retaining ownership. The commissioners indicated they did not want to maintain ownership of the property.

Taylor said he would have a resolution prepared for the board’s July 1 meeting to vacate the road.

During his report, Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said the roads department had hauled clay onto Moon Lake Avenue and had been clearing out culverts on Meadville Avenue. Turpin said a landowner took issue with the county obtaining clay from his property without notifying him.

Turpin said he should have called the property owner beforehand.

“We didn’t think we were going to get to it that quick,” Turpin said.

The highway superintendent said the county pays the property owner $1.50 per square yard for clay.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said, from now on, everything should be in writing and signed.

“It should include the length of the term and the price paid,” Bauer said. “That way there are no misunderstandings and you don’t have to call every time.”

Turpin said he does try to let people know beforehand when the county would be hauling clay from various properties in the county. He agreed a written agreement should be in place moving forward.

“We also need to find more options for clay,” Turpin said.

Turpin requested the board approve a quote for $8,867 to replace the concrete in front of the county shop. He said he did have money available in his budget. He said the roads department staff would handle the removal of the old concrete.

Taylor said, since the item was not on the agenda, the commissioners could not take action Tuesday, but the item could be placed on the July 1 agenda for approval.

Beth Farrell from the Nebraska Association of County Officials provided the board with an update on NACO activities.

Farrell said NACO visits each of its 93 member counties annually to provide updates in addition to hosting a legislative conference and workshops for county commissioners and elected officials.

Farrell said NACO puts together a salary schedule for county governments, which is a tool to assist county boards when setting salaries. She said she appreciated the work of county clerks who help NACO compile that information.

Bauer said it would be nice to see NACO group that data into subsets of similar-sized counties.

“That would be helpful,” Bauer said.

Farrell updated the board regarding legislation passed during the 2025 session of the Unicameral. She said NACO advocated on behalf of counties as the Legislature debated ending the collection of inheritance taxes.

“There is about $100 million statewide that goes to counties from inheritance taxes that does not have to come from property tax,” Farrell said.

She said NACO worked with the Legislature on potential replacement revenue for counties if the state ended the collection of inheritance taxes.

The commissioners approved having the county be the applicant on a grant application on behalf of the Brown County Ambulance Association that would assist in the purchase of two new defibrillator units.

Brown County Ambulance Association representative Ann Fiala said the current defibrillators are 20 years old and are now outdated.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said the NCDC would assist in writing the application and administering the grant if funds are awarded, but the Ambulance Association could not be the applicant.

Olson said the Ambulance Association had been diligent and has $64,000 in funding available for the two units, which would cost approximately $85,000. Olson said the grant application could cover the remaining $21,000 if it is successful.

The board unanimously approved having the county serve as the applicant. Olson said she would submit the application on behalf of the county and would administer the grant if the application is successful.

Olson also updated the board on the $100,000 grant the NCDC helped the sheriff’s department apply for that was awarded through the Nebraska Crime Commission to help replace the outdated dispatching system.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said, with the grant and funding from the E911 fund, there would be no direct cost to the county to replace the dispatch system.

Jay Jenkins with the University of Nebraska Extension provided the board with a copy of the Extension Board’s bylaws which he said the commissioners needed to sign. Jenkins said the university did receive applications for the open livestock specialist position for the BKR Extension office.

Bauer encouraged Jenkins that anyone hired for the position live in the BKR area.

“They need to be here and get to know the people in the counties,” Bauer said. “That’s the way to build trust.”

The board approved three transfers Tuesday, one moving $4,750 from the E911 Fund to the Wireless 911 Fund. Another transfer moved $7,000 from the miscellaneous general fund to the building and grounds fund. The third was a budgeted transfer of $150,000 from the miscellaneous general fund to the county highway fund.

Hobbs reported updates to the county employee handbook have been made and will be reviewed by the county attorney and NIRMA before coming to the commissioners for approval.

“We hope to have it ready for your approval on July 1,” Hobbs said.

In a related item, the commissioners approved having the county continue to provide cash in lieu of insurance to employees when they enroll in the Family Medical Leave Act. Taylor said the county did not address the cash in lieu of insurance for the FMLA in its current policies. He said the county was not required to provide the cash in lieu of insurance payments, but is required to provide health insurance to employees while they are on family or medical leave.

The commissioners indicated they were not in favor of taking away the benefit to employees experiencing medical hardships. The policy will be included as part of the update to the employee handbook.

During the Board of Equalization meeting prior to the regular meeting Tuesday, the board was told the Nebraska Department of Revenue wants all the commercial and rural residential property in the county reappraised. Reappraising the commercial and rural residential property would carry a cost to the county of $148,000.

Dailey said he didn’t believe the state could force the county to spend that kind of money on a reappraisal. Taylor said he would look at the request and the county could potentially challenge the request in front of the Tax Equalization and Review Commission.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. July 1.

* Plum Creek fire property owners eligible for ECP

(Posted 10:30 a.m. June 16)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency announced Brown County is accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program to address damages from the Plum Creek Fire that occurred April 2 through April 28. ECP provides cost-share and technical assistance to producers to restore farmland to pre-disaster conditions. ECP signup begins Monday, June 16 and ends on August 15.
“The Farm Service Agency can help producers recover from natural disasters that impacted your operation,” said Laurie Andrews, FSA County Executive Director for Brown, Keya Paha, and Rock Counties. “If you have an immediate need to clean up and restore your operation, please call our office before beginning any restoration activities.”

Approved ECP practices include EC1-Removing Debris from Farmland, EC-3-Replacing or Restoring Permanent Fences, EC4-Restoring Conservation Structures and Other Installations, and EC8-Field Windbreaks and Farmstead Shelterbelts Emergency Measures.

Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the cost of the approved restoration activity with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event.  

ECP cost share is authorized to provide reimbursement of costs up to 75% of the total cost of rehabilitating the land, including availability of advance payments for up to 25% of the total allowable cost for all ECP practices before the restoration is carried out, an option that was previously only available for fence repair or replacement. The cost-share payment must be spent within 60 days; and allow producers who lease federally owned or managed lands, including tribal trust land, as well as state land, the opportunity to participate in ECP.  
Conservation concerns present on the land prior to the qualifying natural disaster event are not eligible for ECP assistance.  

For more information on ECP, producers can contact the Ainsworth FSA Office at 402-387-2242, Ext. 2, or visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:30 a.m. June 16)

June 8

• Brown County Ambulance assisted the Sandhills Care Center with the transfer of a patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver received a citation for speeding and an expired driver’s license.

June 9

• A deputy attended Taser Instructor Training in Broken Bow and was recertified as a taser instructor.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office assisted an individual in Ainsworth with a civil dispute.
• A deputy visited with children at the Ainsworth Child Development Center.
• Brown County Ambulance responded to a local business in Ainsworth.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a request for a welfare check on an Ainsworth resident. The individual was found to be ok.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible child abuse and neglect. Deputies responded. This is an ongoing investigation.
• A traffic stop was made for speeding in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for driving 10 mph over the posted speed limit.

June 10

• The sheriff provided court security for Brown County District Court.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office took a report of harassment. This is an ongoing report.
• A traffic stop was made in Long Pine. The driver received a written warning.

June 11

• A deputy assisted with getting cattle out of the roadway south of Ainsworth on Highway 7.
• A deputy assisted with getting cattle out of the roadway on Highway 183.
• A deputy responded to welfare check at an Ainsworth residence. The individual was found to be ok.
• Brown County Jail received an inmate from Boyd County.

June 12

• An Ainsworth resident called about a sick baby racoon. Brown County dispatch assisted by giving the caller the Nebraska Game and Parks phone number.
• Ainsworth Fire Department responded to a fire north of Ainsworth on Meadville Avenue near the Niobrara River.
• Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received reports that Long Pine’s power was out. Dispatch called KBR Rural Public Power.

June 13

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office picked up drug paraphernalia that was found in Ainsworth.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a pivot watering the roadway north of Johnstown. The owner of the pivot was contacted.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of people camping shooting off fireworks in the Long Pine State Park. Deputies patrolled the State Park and spoke to the individuals involved.
• Deputies assisted in locating lost juveniles floating down the Long Pine Creek late at night. The juveniles were found and transported back to their campgrounds.

June 14

• Deputies responded to a possible domestic disturbance in the campgrounds at Long Pine State Park. Deputies found out that it was not physical. The parties were separated for the night.
• Deputies received a report of missing bunnies in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a headlight not working properly. The driver was given a fix-it-ticket for the light, but the driver received a citation for their registration being expired.
• A traffic stop was made east on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a written warning for speed.
• A traffic stop was made east on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver received a citation for driving 13 mph over the posted speed limit.
• A traffic stop was made east on Highway 20 on a vehicle that did not have a license plate. The driver was given a fix-it-ticket for not having a license plate.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a headlight not working properly. The driver was given a fix-it-ticket for the headlight.

Weekly Log
Phone Calls – 705
911 Calls – 14
Calls for service – 28
Papers Served – 8
VIN Inspections – 4
Handgun Purchase permits – 3
Inmates Housed – 2

* Painter graduates from State Patrol Academy

(Posted 7 a.m. June 16)

The Nebraska State Patrol has welcomed a new class of state troopers into the ranks. Members of the State Patrol’s 71st Basic Recruit Class received their badges and were sworn-in during a ceremony in the State Capitol at Lincoln.

Among the graduates is Ryan Painter of Springview, who will be stationed at Valentine.

“You are the future of law enforcement,” Colonel Bryan Waugh told the new troopers during the ceremony. “You will carry on beyond my career and the careers of many in this room. Each of you chose this career for a reason. Never allow yourself to forget that reason.”

The seven members of Camp 71 completed 22 weeks of intense training, including extensive live-action training scenarios and rigorous academic instruction. Their training now continues in the field, pairing with veteran troopers in the field training process.

Governor Jim Pillen, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly, and Attorney General Mike Hilgers provided remarks during the graduation ceremony. Hilgers administered the oath of office.

“You’ve gone through an extraordinary process,” Pillen said. “The standard of the Nebraska State Patrol is the holy grail of safety. What you’ve embarked on and what you have accomplished is second to none. The Nebraska State Patrol does not take a second to any police in the United States of America. We’re incredibly proud of you.”

Hilgers said, “Not only are you going to be a Trooper, you’re going to be a Nebraska Trooper. And that means far more than just knowing the rules, or being physically fit, or being a great marksman. It’s about the inner character that each of you have… It’s from years of living in this state. It’s from years living around Nebraskans, people who reinforce important virtues like integrity, and humility, and courage, and wisdom, and judgement.” 

The State Patrol announced 24 new recruits will begin training next month. The 72nd Basic Recruit Camp is scheduled to begin training on July 7.

* Lightning sparks 3 small fires Thursday evening

(Posted 9 a.m. June 13)

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded Thursday evening to three small fires all sparked by lightning south of the Niobrara River.

Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said the fires were reported at approximately 7:30 p.m. and were all located on property owned by Jason and Michelle Appelt south of the river near Meadville. Fiala said there was no rain accompanying the lightning.

“All of the small fires stayed in grass on the top, they didn’t get into any timber,” Fiala said. “The Civil Air Patrol will fly the canyon today to see if there are any hotspots.”

Fiala said no property was damaged, and a total of only about 2 acres burned. Firefighters were on scene until approximately 9:45 p.m.

Fiala said, at this point, he was not planning on restricting fireworks for Fourth of July celebrations. He reminded people that fireworks are not allowed at state park, and Long Pine Fire Chief Matt Pozehl may restrict fireworks in Hidden Paradise, but he said there should not be an issue with home fireworks shows or the large display at the Ainsworth Golf Course.

“We just ask that people use common sense and don’t shoot them off in areas that could burn,” the fire chief said.

* Kinney named KBRB Athlete of the Year

(Updated 8:30 a.m. June 13)

A conversation with Morgan Kinney, KBRB’s Athlete of the Year, can be heard below.

Morgan Kinney has been selected as the 2024-25 KBRB Athlete of the Year.

Chosen each year by the Ainsworth Community Schools varsity coaches, teachers and A-Club, the KBRB Athlete of the Year is awarded to a senior who makes an impact in multiple sports, displays excellent sportsmanship, is coachable and is a great teammate.

Kinney was one of three seniors to receive a 12-sport athlete designation, participating in three sports during each of his four years of high school.

In football, Kinney was named the team’s MVP and was a contributor on three straight Bulldog football district championship teams. Kinney was named All-District in football following both his junior and senior seasons. He was selected by his fellow players as the Teammate of the Year.

As a senior, Kinney rushed for more than 900 yards and scored 21 touchdowns, added more than 500 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns and threw for seven touchdowns.

Kinney represented Ainsworth during the recent West Nebraska All-Star Football Game at Scottsbluff and will participate in the annual Eight Man All-Star Game.

In basketball, Kinney was a contributor on the Class D-1 State Runner-Up Bulldog team from the 2023-24 season.

As a senior, he set the single season record with 63 steals. He was named the team’s Defensive MVP and also received the Teammate of the Year and the Impact Player Award.

Kinney also participated in track for three years and golf for one season.

For being named the KBRB Athlete of the Year, Kinney receives a $500 college scholarship and his name will be engraved on a plaque at Ainsworth Community Schools.

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 3 p.m. June 12)

In addition to fines, each case carries $50 in court costs

Trenton D. Schmeckpeper, age 27, of Johnstown, charged with speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, fined $25.

Andrew J. Lesley, 40, of Ainsworth, attempting a Class 4 felony, sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for 30 days served and sentenced to one year of probation.

Richard A. Path II, 58, of Ainsworth, attempting a Class 1 misdemeanor, costs only judgment.

Matthew C. Walton, 33, of Ainsworth, disturbing the peace, $100.

Hunter J. Kykendall, 27, of Ainsworth, disturbing the peace, $50.

Megan J. Mashburn, 38, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Nina A. Buchanan, 26, of Fargo, N.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

John W. Lewis, 15, of Johnstown, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Trevor J. Modaff, 29, of Ainsworth, no registration in vehicle, $25; also charged with improper or defective vehicle lighting, $25.

Gordon W. Hitchcock, 83, of Ainsworth, failure to yield the right of way on a left turn, $25.

Chase W. Blum, 25, of Wayzata, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Mary L. Thompson, 68, of North Platte, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Landon J. Langenstein, 22, of Harrisburg, S.D., commercial vehicle marking violation, $50.

Kevin K. Kaiser, 67, of Ainsworth, violating a stop or yield sign, $75; no valid registration, $25.

Casey J. Vanvleck, 33, of Summerset, S.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Julie K. Rau Ruhter, 49, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Kirsten M. Schmuecker, 21, of Norfolk, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Kristy L. Mead, 46, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Dana B. Roads, 67, of Park City, Utah, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Michael G. Merkle, 43, of St. Louis, Mo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Robert T. Appleman, 87, of Johnstown, failure to yield the right of way, $25.

Sally M. Gronlund, 25, of Alliance, possession or use of drug paraphernalia, $100.

Brandy L. Dowdy, 44, of Johnstown, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Dennis A. Harman, 60, of Littleton, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75; no operator’s license, $75.

Stephanie Aguilar Garcia, 26, of Yankton, S.D., speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

* Council approves $170,000 tower lease buyout

(Posted 7 a.m. June 12)

The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday opted to accept a buyout of its tower lease, agreeing after several months of discussion to a $170,000 proposal from Tower Alliance.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the company currently pays the city $780 per month to lease space on the city’s communications tower on the north end of Ainsworth. She said the current lease runs for another 25 years, and includes a 3 percent annual escalator.

The $170,000 buyout offered by Tower Alliance represents about 15 years of monthly payments.

Mayor Joel Klammer said, “We just need to make a decision. I’m not sure there is a right or wrong decision.”

Councilman Brad Fiala said, if the council accepted the buyout, he would like to see the money placed into a separate account drawing interest to then be used to match a grant for a project in the city.

The monthly lease payments are currently placed into the city’s general fund.

The council unanimously approved accepting the buyout and placing the $170,000 in a separate account.

In other business Wednesday, auditor Michael Hoback with AMGL walked the council through findings from the recently completed audit of the city’s 2024-25 fiscal year.

Hoback said there were no major deficient findings in the audit other than a lack of segregation of duties over financial documents. He said almost all of the 80 to 85 cities AMGL audits receive that finding, as it is not feasible to hire additional personnel simply to avoid that finding. He encouraged the mayor and council to actively monitor claims and financial transactions.

Hoback presented the council with four findings from the audit, which include monitoring utility rates.

“It is hard to get caught up if you get behind,” the auditor said.

He said there were seven checks outstanding for more than a year that either need follow-up from the city staff or voided. Hoback said several deposits that were double entered needed to be cleaned up, and interest earned on CDs needed to be recorded.

“Those are all pretty minor,” Hoback said. “It was a pretty clean audit. The staff was good to work with.”

In comparing Ainsworth to other cities with populations between 1,000 and 3,000 the company audits, Hoback said the average sales tax revenue generated by those cities was $306 per capita. He said Ainsworth was on the higher end with per capita sales tax collections of $426. He said that shows the city has a strong sales tax base.

Cities of similar size on average collect $299 per capita in property tax, while Ainsworth collects $342 per capita. Hoback said the city receives $77 per capita in state aid, higher than the $61 average.

Hoback said the city’s utility funds are all below normal in their cash positions.

“I would just encourage you to keep an eye on it,” the auditor said. “You are in pretty good shape, but you took on additional debt.”

He encouraged the city to spread out its administrative costs across the utility funds instead of using the general fund entirely to pay for administrative staff. The council indicated it would address that recommendation during its 2025-26 budget preparation.

The city spent $2.1 million for the Main Street project and added $920,000 in debt compared to the previous year. The city bonded for water and sewer improvements and new concrete for Main Street north of Highway 20.

The council Wednesday approved three applications for LB 840 funds as recommended by the LB 840 loan committee. The first application approved was up to $10,000 for façade improvements for a local business. The second was approved for a business loan in the amount of $23,853 with repayment over five years at 4 percent interest. The third was approved for façade improvements for a non-profit organization up to $3,400.

The council, by a 3-1 vote, approved a counter offer from the North Central Development Center to manage the LB 840 fund for the next year. During its May meeting, the city offered $40,000 to the NCDC for the LB 840 management contract, down from the previous $60,000.

The NCDC countered Wednesday with a proposal of $50,000 for the annual contract, with NCDC Board President Graig Kinzie saying that was down substantially from the $75,000 annually the NCDC had received a few years ago from the LB 840 fund.

The NCDC counter proposal also included having the mayor serve as the city’s second NCDC Board member along with Schroedl, and for the current quarter to be paid at the previous rate since the NCDC had continued to manage the program without a new contract since March 1.

Councilman Dustin Barthel said he was more comfortable with the $40,000 contract the city had offered.

Fiala said he would like to see LB 840 funds focused more on housing and bringing new businesses to the community. He said, while façade improvements do provide some benefit, they are not as impactful as housing and having new businesses open.

Kinzie said the NCDC housing program used to work well, with four new homes and a commercial property built inside city limits. He said the city determined the NCDC could no longer be the applicant for LB 840 funds for housing, and no contractors had applied privately for LB 840 funds to build houses. He said a group consisting of several members of the previous housing committee was working to form a private corporation so housing projects could resume.

Councilman Kent Taylor said he had issues with rural workforce housing funds having to be turned back to the state.

“I have received complaints,” Taylor said. “I don’t think we are getting good input.”

NCDC Executive Director Kristin Olson said it works both ways, as she has had complaints from applicants to the program about the city.

Olson said it is difficult to provide the service the city demands when it keeps cutting its contribution.

Kinzie said the NCDC has brought in partnerships with Rock County and the city of Bassett over the past few years in an effort to alleviate some of the burden from the city of Ainsworth for the NCDC budget. The NCDC now manages Bassett’s LB 840 program in addition to Ainsworth’s.

Following the discussion, the council approved the $50,000 counter proposal with Barthel voting against.

Julie Mizner approached the council with a request for a lift to be purchased for the Ainsworth Swimming Pool. Mizner said her son Kolter has muscular dystrophy which has now affected his muscles to the point he is almost wheelchair bound.

Mizner said Kolter has a caregiver who helps him get in and out of the swimming pool currently and pool staff have also assisted, which is generous of them. She said she would hate to have someone injured trying to help him in and out of the pool.

“The pool is his life in the summer,” Mizner said. “This would help our family but I feel there would be others who would use it.”

She said people had suggested to her to apply to the ABC Committee and to the Brown County Foundation for funds to purchase a lift.

“It would be great if the city could help me to navigate those,” Mizner said.

Fiala said a lift would not just be for Kolter’s benefit, it would help other people.

“This is something I think we should help with,” Fiala said. “We can see what would be the easiest for our pool employees to operate. I am glad we have some time to figure this out. We should definitely be able to have this in place by next year when the pool opens.”

Barthel said there are portable lifts that can be moved in and out when needed instead of having to install a permanent lift.

“I think this is something we need to do,” Barthel said.

Schroedl said she could fill out an application to the ABC Committee.

“It would be nice if you could attend their meeting with me,” Schroedl said.

Taylor said applications to the Brown County Foundation could be made at any time between now and March, with the foundation selecting projects after that for funding each year.

The council unanimously approved having Schroedl work with pool staff to select a lift and pursue applications for funding.

Mizner said she appreciated the council’s support.

“However I can help to get it accomplished,” she said.

In a final action item Wednesday, the council approved a special designated liquor license application for the Elks Lodge 1790 for the Ainsworth Booster Club’s fund-raising event Aug. 15 in the Conference Center.

During her report, Schroedl said Mike Quinn had been hired to operate the city’s garbage truck, with Stan McDaniel moving from that position to replace Monte Goshorn with the streets department. Goshorn retired recently after a more than 40-year career with the streets department.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 9.

* Recent cases from Brown County District Court

(Posted 6:45 a.m. June 11)

During Brown County District Court proceedings Tuesday, Mitchell Philben, age 27, of Valentine, entered pleas of guilty to two felony charges, including attempted use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, and terroristic threats. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 12 in District Court.

Donald Killion, 51, of Ainsworth, entered pleas of no contest to three counts: second degree domestic violence/assault, a Class IIIA felony; attempted possession of a deadly weapon by a felon, a Class II felony; and terroristic threats, a Class IIIA felony. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 9.

Hunter Kykendall, 27, of Ainsworth, entered pleas of no contest to three counts: terroristic threats, a Class IIIA felony; assault with a bodily fluid, a Class I misdemeanor; and criminal mischief, a Class III misdemeanor. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 12.

* Underground sprinklers installed at care center

(Posted 12:30 p.m. June 10)

An underground sprinkler system has now been installed and is operational at the Sandhills Care Center. The project covers the entirety of the care center’s lawn. Board members Monday said the underground system was a welcome addition and would enhance the appearance of the campus.

Maintenance director Darrell Olson said the company did an excellent job with the installation, with the areas that were dug up for the installation barely noticeable after the work was completed.

Administrator Penny Jacobs said a new compressor had been installed for the facility’s air-conditioning unit and the AC was working again to cool the halls and common areas. Each room has an individual window air-conditioner.

The board discussed the possibility of installing mini-split units in each room to provide cooling as well as supplemental heat. Each mini-split outdoor unit would have the potential to heat and cool three resident rooms.

Director of Nursing Sara Mayhew said the facility could really use a new whirlpool bath before moving forward with mini-split units as the window units were still working pretty well. Board member Dr. Mel Campbell said a benefit of the mini-split units would be the window units could be removed and residents would have a better view out of their windows.

Board member Bruce Papstein said he believed the board should do some planning and spend any money available where it was most needed.

The care center continued its stretch of profitability, as the facility generated $319,748 in revenue in May with expenses of $262,667 for a net profit for the month of $57,081. The care center also received $66,470 in voter-approved property tax funding during May. The property tax money collected is kept in a separate interlocal account and must receive board approval for facility upgrades to be spent.

The interlocal account now has $146,382, while the care center’s accounts receivable and operating account after bills were paid Monday showed a balance of $248,970. The facility previously paid off a line of credit in full and has not had to use its credit line at all in 2025. The care center also has a certificate of deposit in the amount of $100,000.

Business manager Makenzie Crane said the facility’s finances for May looked really good.

“Our savings is growing, and our interlocal account is growing,” Crane said.

Jacobs reported there are 31 residents calling the Sandhills Care Center home, with 14 of those from Ainsworth, nine from Cherry County, four from rural Brown County, two from Long Pine, and one each from Rock County and Keya Paha County.

Of the current residents, 15 pay privately, 14 receive Medicaid assistance and two receive Medicare assistance. Jacobs said there had been one admission since the board’s May meeting and the facility was working on two additional referrals. She said one resident would likely be discharged soon after completing rehabilitation.

Jacobs reported the care center hired two full-time CNAs during the past month, as well as one PRN RN, one PRN CNA and one full-time dietary aide. She said the facility lost one CNA and one dietary employee during the past month.

Crane discussed replacing the phones in the facility through Applied Connective. Twenty new phones would cost the facility $6,900.

“We are expanding our team, so we have to find office space,” Crane said.

She said the head of housekeeping is using a closet as an office currently, and the scheduler has an office set up in the activities room.

“The phones have to be upgraded so we can get lines into those offices,” Crane said.

Board Chair Tom Jones went through results of a recently completed survey by 31 employees of the care center. He said, overall, the facility scored better than it did during the same survey last year.

“Some areas have improved vastly,” Jones said. “Like employees feeling like they are being recognized for their efforts and receiving feedback. Feeling like the organization cares for their well-being has also improved. We are making progress. Most of the results were better than last year.”

Tina Rehkopf shared results from 12 surveys returned by family members of residents, which she said was a much higher participation rate than the three or four family member surveys typically returned. She said there was a lot of good feedback as well as good suggestions for areas where the care center could improve.

The care center entered into executive session to discuss the results of the resident family member surveys in greater detail.

The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 14.

* ACS hires middle school English teacher

(Posted 7 a.m. June 10)

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education approved a certified teaching contract Monday for a junior high English and language arts teacher for the 2025-26 school year.

After the school’s junior high and high school English teachers submitted resignations following the 2024-25 year to pursue other opportunities, the district was facing the possibility of having a shortage in that department.

Superintendent Dale Hafer said he was excited to have Cory Friedrich join the district’s staff and fill the junior high English position.

“Securing his hire has been helpful in the development of schedules,” Hafer said.

The superintendent said Friedrich had previously served as an administrator with Creighton Public Schools but decided to move back to the classroom.

Hafer said the district also had an interview lined up for Tuesday for a potential high school English teacher.

In the only other action item Monday, the board approved the first reading of Nebraska Association of School Boards policy updates for 2025. Hafer said the NASB updated policies to account for legislation passed during the recently completed session of the Unicameral. He said the policy updates take into account legislation passed regarding cell phone usage in schools, library materials and other items.

Addilyn Doke presented her National FCCLA qualifying project, explaining how she created a jumpsuit made from cotton gauze fabric. Doke sewed the garment herself, taking 11-1/2 hours to create the piece for a cost of $50. Doke will compete during the National FCCLA Conference at Orlando, Fla.

Caden Frank with the NASB walked through the process of creating the district’s next five-year strategic plan for school improvement. Frank said NASB staff would engage with the district’s staff, administration and the community to guide the next five years of strategic planning.

Frank asked the board what it was proud to have accomplished during the previous five years.

Board President Brad Wilkins said the district made several improvements to school facilities and made several upgrades to the district’s curriculum during the past five years.

Board member Jessica Pozehl said the district was using data to drive decisions and was using data to make sure the district was achieving its goals.

Board member Bryan Doke said the board was taking a more proactive approach in reviewing school policies.

Hafer said the district had increased dual credit opportunities for students during the past five years.

“That was important during our last strategic review,” the superintendent said.

Frank asked the board members what they would like to see happen during the next five years.

Doke said he would like to see more school pride and engagement at all levels.

“It seems harder to achieve these days, that sense of oneness,” Doke said.

Wilkins said the board has talked about chronic absenteeism, and would like to see students take responsibility for their education.

Hafer said it was important for the board to have community-based input, such as by asking business leaders in the community what they were looking for in future employees.

Frank said the NASB would work on timelines over the next few weeks and gather data for the board to review.

“The plans we create now are more concise and individualized,” Frank said. “We make these plans very useable for your district.”

Staff members Wendy Allen and Amanda Ganser presented the board with a Cognia review.

Allen said staff members spend a lot of time with the district’s data, reviewing strengths and identifying areas to improve.

The Cognia review identified district strengths as culture and student relationships, and continuous improvement in curriculum and individual interventions.

“We have worked on both those areas very hard,” Allen said.

She said areas of focus going forward would be to develop evaluation systems to optimize learning, and evaluate instructional programs.

Ganser said the Cognia reviews were a continuous process.

“Cognia is based on four performance areas – culture, leadership, engagement and growth,” Ganser said.

High School Principal Steve Dike said, when Ainsworth staff attend MTSS conferences and present on Cognia, Allen and Ganser are seen as the experts in this.

“People say at those conferences, ‘If you want to do this right, contact Ainsworth,’” Dike said. “It all goes back to being a student-centered approach.”

Hafer said the group was already making significant progress on updating its evaluation process.

“We have everything documented on instructional programs so anyone can come in and pick up right where the previous teacher left off,” Hafer said.

Scott Steinhauser presented the board with information on dyslexia reporting requirements that were mandated by the Legislature two years ago. Steinhauser said screening is done with all students to determine if individual interventions are needed.

The board on Monday held annual public hearings to review the district’s student fee and parent and family involvement policies. Hafer said there were no major changes to either policy. He said 133 students submitted waivers to have student fees waived, as any student who qualifies for free or reduced-price meals can apply to have any student fees waived. He said 51 percent of the district’s students qualified for the waiver during the 2024-25 school year.

The board also reviewed its bullying policy, which is an annual requirement. Hafer said there was a lot of effort that goes into educating students and parents on the topic of bullying. Efforts to address bullying occur at all class levels, with numerous lessons on bullying, cyber bullying and relationships.

“Both principals have spent considerable time meeting with parents on these issues,” Hafer said.

The activities director’s report Monday announced Preselyn Goochey and Morgan Kinney were named as the John Nelson Sportsmanship Award winners.

Elementary Principal Ben Wright reported between 27 and 30 students are attending summer school, and all children are being provided with free lunches during the month of June. Monday was Wright’s final board meeting, as he will begin his new position as the superintendent of Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Public Schools.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 14.

* Area students selected for youth institute

(Posted 7 a.m. June 10)

A total of 220 high school juniors and seniors across Nebraska have been selected to be a part of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute this summer. Put on by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the youth institute brings together hundreds of students every year to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with ag leaders and explore career opportunities.

NDA selects students to attend the institute based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture. This year, the youth institute will be held July 7-11 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.

Area students selected to attend are Macy Bearnson and Kade Wiiest of Bassett, Cale Deseive of Atkinson, Jaylee Lechtenberg of Butte, Eli Rogers of Dunning, and Kennedie Assman, John Fulton, Sari LaDeaux, Doc Lancaster, Grace Murphy, Maeli Patterson and Ella Brennemann all of Valentine.

“NAYI provides a unique opportunity to Nebraska high school students,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “The institute introduces young people to the many options that come from a career in agriculture as well as establishing lifelong connections and friendships. Our youth are the future of innovation and advancement in agriculture, and I am excited to see so many young people interested in our state’s largest industry.”

The youth institute is in its 54th year, making it the longest running ag youth program of its kind in the nation. This year’s theme is “It’s in Our Genes” and the institute will feature motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, as well as several hands-on learning opportunities and workshops.

The institute is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 22 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. During the institute, youth council members provide valuable guidance, insight and advice about agriculture, college coursework and career-building.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:30 a.m. June 9)

June 1

• The Brown County Sheriff’s Office took reports of a fight that took place in Ainsworth. After the investigation multiple people involved in the fight received citations for mutual consent fighting.
• Received a report of a dog bite victim in Long Pine.

June 2

• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• The Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a request for a welfare check of a child in Ainsworth. The child was found to be ok.
• Deputies responded to a dispute between neighbors in Ainsworth. The parties were separated.
• Deputies provided traffic control for NPPD while negotiating a turn into Long Pine.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle that was not parked in the correct area near the pond at East City Park. The deputy spoke to the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle was moved.

June 3

• A subjected was arrested near Norfolk on a Brown County warrant. The person bonded out of jail later in the day.
• A traffic stop was made on Highway 183 for speeding. A written warning was given.
• Brown County Ambulance helped at the rodeo camp in Johnstown.
• A Brown County deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. One of the drivers from the accident was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

June 4

• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• Brown County Sheriff provided courtroom security.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office released an inmate from the Brown County Jail on bond.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office released an inmate from the Brown County Jail for time served.
• Brown County Ambulance helped at the rodeo camp in Johnstown.
• Deputies provided traffic control for a funeral in Ainsworth.
• Brown County Sheriff’s office received multiple complaints of two juveniles disrupting the rodeo camp on their four wheelers in Johnstown. The juveniles were located. Deputies spoke with the juveniles and their parents.

June 5

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an abandoned vehicle behind the Ainsworth city office. The sheriff and deputy were able to contact the owner. Everything was found to be ok.
• Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with a transfer of a patient.
• Deputy started recertification training for taser instructor.

June 6

• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• Brown County Sheriff’s office was notified of a semi-truck struggling to maintain its lane driving on Highway 20 just west of Ainsworth. A deputy was able to locate the semi-truck and the driver reported he has been having trouble with tires or brakes.
• Assisted another county with an investigation.

June 7

• Brown County Ambulance responded to a Brown County residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office was requested for extra patrols in Long Pine due to a lot of extra traffic coming and going. A deputy patrolled the area.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received numerous phone calls regarding a scam text message.
• A deputy took a report from an Ainsworth resident of possible harassment. This is an ongoing investigation.
• A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a vehicle traveling 16 mph over the posted speed limit. A citation was issued to the driver.
• A deputy took a report of possible domestic abuse. This is an ongoing investigation.
• Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.
• A deputy responded to a call of harassment on a work site. Both parties involved were contacted.
• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about a reckless driver traveling eastbound on Highway 20. A deputy responded to the reported area and was unable to locate the vehicle reported.
• A traffic stop was made west of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a headlight not working on the vehicle. The driver was given a repair order for the headlight and received a citation for not having a driver’s license.
• A traffic stop was made east of Ainsworth on Highway 20 for a headlight not working. The driver was given a verbal warning for the headlight.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about kids jumping off a bridge on private property in Hidden Paradise. A deputy spoke to the kids who were jumping off the bridge.
• Deputies provided a civil standby at a residence in Ainsworth so an individual could get their things from inside of the house.
• Deputies along with the Brown County Ambulance responded to a single vehicle rollover accident approximately 8 miles north of Johnstown on Norden Ave. The driver was found to be ok.

Weekly Log
Calls received – 811
Calls for service – 19
911 calls – 12
Vehicle title inspections – 3
Handgun permits purchased – 1
Inmates housed – 1

* DMV text scam circulating in area

(Posted 7:15 a.m. June 9)

The Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles are warning about a scam that has targeted numerous Nebraskans. The Brown County Sheriff’s Department reported the scam has been circulating in this area.

The scam involves a text message purportedly from the Nebraska DMV claiming that the recipient has unpaid traffic fines and that several penalties are possible unless the recipient clicks a link to pay the supposed fines.

“None of these text messages are legitimate,” said DMV Director Rhonda Lamm. “The Nebraska DMV does not send any such official notice via text message. Thank you to the many Nebraskans who have reported this scam quickly to several law enforcement agencies.”

The aim of this phishing scam is most likely to steal personal or financial information. Do not click on the link.

“Scammers can be relentless, but there’s a rule of thumb to protect yourself from this type of scam,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Never click links or provide personal or financial information on unsolicited messages. If you think the message may be legitimate, go directly to the source and initiate contact yourself rather than clicking the unsolicited link.”

Additional information about spotting and reporting scams can be found at the Federal Trade Commission website.

* Micro-surfacing work scheduled for Highway 137

(Posted 6:45 a.m. June 9)

Weather permitting, micro-surfacing work will begin June 16 on Nebraska Highway 137 north of Newport according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc., of Watsonville, Calif., has the contract. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. The anticipated completion is June.

* Valuations increasing for many property owners

(Posted 9:30 a.m. June 4)

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners, Assessor Peg Gross discussed valuation increases many property owners will experience for 2025. Gross said a six-year evaluation was conducted in Ainsworth, resulting in some property valuations increasing dramatically due to comparable sales.

“Things were not between the 92 percent to 100 percent of value as the state requires,” Gross said after the evaluation of property in the Ainsworth area. “We were only at about 87 percent.”

The state of Nebraska requires valuations for residential and commercial property to be set between 92 percent and 100 percent of actual value, with agricultural property set at a minimum of 70 percent of actual value.

Gross said people continue to pay high prices for land, with many of those purchases coming from people who live outside the county.

The assessor said a costing metric also used to value property had not been updated since 2018. She said updating that metric resulted in property values increasing.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said he would like to have someone from the state explain the costing metric, as he was under the impression valuations were based strictly on sales.

“I would like to know how that is calculated,” Bauer said.

Gross encouraged homeowners age 65 and older to apply for a homestead exemption. If a property owner qualifies for a homestead exemption, the state will pay for a portion or all of the property tax levied on a primary residence. Qualifications for the homestead exemption are on a sliding scale based on income.

Commissioner Don Painter said he believed 1031 Exchanges were a factor in why people were willing to pay higher prices for property.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners approved making payments on the Brown County Hospital addition bond and the Meadville Avenue highway improvement bond. Treasurer Bruce Mitchell said the $7,992 payment on the highway bond was interest only and would be taken from the roads department’s highway buyback fund.

The $216,222 payment for the voter-approved hospital addition bond represents principal and interest on the bond. Mitchell said the 20-year hospital addition bond will be paid in full in December, as just one final payment remains.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported John Deere brought a motor grader for the roads department to try.

“There are a couple things I saw on it that I liked,” Turpin said.

Bauer asked if the size of the John Deere machine was comparable to what the roads department currently operates with its Caterpillar graders.

Turpin said the larger John Deere model was the same price as its smaller model and was comparable to what the county currently operates.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey asked whether John Deere would be able to service and repair the grader in a timely manner. He said Caterpillar has an area service technician for its machines.

Turpin said there was a John Deere technician at Neligh, and a service technician who was closer. He said most parts for the machine could be ordered through the local John Deere dealer.

Turpin said he had inspected several bridges in the county recently.

“The Meadville Avenue bridge is still in good shape,” Turpin said. “The bridge near Jason Appelt’s we had issues with in 2019 is in good shape.”

The highway superintendent reported he was seeing major improvements in the overall condition of roadways in the county based off some of the shoulder work the roads department has performed.

“We are bringing up a lot of material from the ditches and utilizing it,” Turpin said. “That should help cut back on some of the dust as well. The road crew is trying hard and is doing a good job.”

He said, with the lack of snow removal required during the winter months, coupled with the lower cost of fuel and the department operating with one fewer employee, there was money remaining in the roads department budget.

“I would like to use that to pay off the note on the truck if the bank will allow it,” Turpin said. “We could get that paid off early.”

Dailey said he did not have an issue with paying off the note early. He said the roads department could purchase additional gravel and materials instead if that would help. Turpin said the department had an adequate supply of gravel on hand.

Clerk Travee Hobbs, who is on a committee working to update the county’s employee handbook, asked the board to review its policy on compensatory time employees are allowed to bank. She said the current policy allowed roads department employees to bank 120 hours of compensatory time while the courthouse and sheriff’s department employees can only bank 80 hours of comp time.

Turpin said the commissioners had previously increased the amount of comp time bankable for the roads department after the 2019 flooding. He said employees were putting in a lot of overtime hours following the floods and preferred to receive additional comp time instead of overtime pay.

Hobbs said the committee just wanted to make the commissioners aware the bankable time was different and to provide guidance.

Bauer said the county could simply increase the comp time allowed for all employees to 120 hours, but after discussion the board opted to keep the policy the same.

Sheriff Brent Deibler said the committee should have the county handbook available to the commissioners for a preliminary review during the board’s June 17 meeting.

“It was good for us to go through it,” Deibler said. “I learned a lot.”

He said the updates, if approved by the commissioners, would then need to be reviewed by the county attorney and NIRMA before the updated employee handbook was finalized.

The board also approved an updated job description for the courthouse custodian position. Dailey said the job description was now much more detailed than the previous version.

County Attorney Andy Taylor said he reviewed the updated job description and it looked fine. Bauer thanked Dailey for his work in updating the custodian’s job description.

The commissioners approved renewing the county’s property, liability and workman’s compensation insurance through NIRMA for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Bauer said the NIRMA policy was going up by about $16,000 to a total premium of $104,689. He said the board could lower the premium if it chose to increase the county’s deductible when a claim is filed, but the board opted to leave the current deductibles in place.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. June 17.

* NSAA names Academic All-State Award winners

(Posted 7 a.m. June 4)

The Nebraska School Activities Association announced the student recipients of the Spring Academic All-State Awards. Since 2006 this NSAA Awards Program has recognized students who meet the criteria for nomination by their school in the season of their activity.

Each year the NSAA and the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association recognize students during the fall, winter, and spring seasons who are nominated by their schools for their individual academic excellence, leadership, and significant contributions in their NSAA activity.

Area students named Academic All-State for the spring season include:

Ainsworth
Jordan Beatty and Jon Strand in music, Chris Fernandez and Logan Schroedl in boys track and field, and Willa Flynn and Kiley Orton in girls track and field

Keya Paha County
Angela Frick in girls track and field

Rock County
Keian Fischer and Zak Swanson in boys golf, Dalton Gilbert and Kade Wiiest in music, Trey Anthony and Noah Seberger in boys track and field, and Bridget Lewis in girls track and field

Stuart
Dawson Heiser and Hunter Tubbs in boys golf, Maddux Alder and Megan Karo in music, Luke Ludwig and Drew Schmaderer in boys track and field, and Addisyn Ketteler and Reagan Stracke in girls track and field

West Holt
Mason Crumrine and Dominick Ogden in boys golf, Emersyn Mlady and Peyton Olberding in music, Drake Nemetz and Grant Osborne in boys track and field, and Ainsley Galyen and Makenna Schaaf in girls track and field

Boyd County
Madalyn Reiser in golf, Addison Birmeier in music, Adrien Baer and Will Nelson in boys track and field, and Jaylee Lechtenberg and Kaylee Warnke in girls track and field

Sandhills
Thatcher Teahon in boys track and field, and Kallan Cox in girls track and field

Valentine
Reeves Witte in boys golf, Katelyn Bitner and Tierney Miller in journalism, Titus Maunu and Marybelle Ward in music, John Fulton and Doc Lancaster in boys track and field, and Aubrey Benson and Kimber McGinley in girls track and field

* McCarthy named to NCTA Dean’s List

(Posted 2:30 p.m. June 3)

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis awarded Dean’s List students for the spring semester.

Courtney Jo McCarthy of Newport was named to the 4.0 Dean’s List for the spring semester at NCTA.

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 2:15 p.m. June 2)

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 3
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda

1:15 Roll Call.

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law.

Opening Prayer.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Approve minutes of the 5-20-2025 and the regular meeting.

Approval and Resolutions to pay Highway Bond and Hospital Bond payments – Treasurer

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update

NIRMA & NIRMA II Renewal Billing statement – Clerk

Review Janitorial Job Description – Dailey

Mary Jo McCall – FMLA – Attorney

Ag Society Agreement – Board

Review county policy on compensatory time bank limit – Clerk

Approve Claims

THE FOLLOWING WILL PRESENT THEIR PROPOSED BUDGET TO THE BOARD

2:30                             Brown County Attorney

2:45                             Brown County Highway Superintendent

3:00                             Brown County Treasurer

3:15                             Brown County Court

3:30                             Brown County Veteran Service Officer

3:45                             Brown County Sheriff

4:00                             Ainsworth Public Library      

4:15                             Probation

* City of Bassett issues advisory boil water notice

(Updated 10:45 a.m. June 2)

The city of Bassett has issued an advisory boil water notice for all customers on the city water system effective immediately. According to city officials, there is an issue with the city’s well that resulted in the boil water advisory being issued.

While boiling water is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended until appropriate water testing has been completed. The city of Bassett will notify KBRB when the boil water advisory has been lifted.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:45 a.m. June 2)

May 25

• A person from Ainsworth received a citation for no registration in their vehicle after getting a warning earlier in the month.
• Brown County Ambulance was dispatched to a residence in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

May 26

• A Brown County dispatcher helped an Ainsworth resident with changing the battery on her smoke alarm.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth on a vehicle speeding. The driver received a written warning.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth on a vehicle for speeding. The driver received a citation for driving 10 mph over the posted speed limit.
• Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.
• Received a report of possible harassment and a violation of a protection order. This is an ongoing investigation.
• The Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of cattle being out south of Ainsworth on Highway 7. The owners were contacted, and the cattle were moved off the Highway.

May 27

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a man sleeping in the laundry mat in Long Pine.
• The Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a welfare check request from another law enforcement agency in Nebraska. The person was found to be ok.
• Multiple traffic stops were made on Main Street in Long Pine for speeding. The drivers received written warnings. One driver received a citation for driving 17 mph over the posted speed limit. Watch your speeds in Long Pine, the speed limit drops from 45 mph to 25 mph. 

May 28

• Brown County Ambulance assisted at Rodeo Bible Camp in Johnstown.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a gas drive off in Ainsworth. A deputy attempted to locate the vehicle reported.
• A traffic stop was made south of Ainsworth on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver received a citation for driving 14 mph over the posted speed limit.
• Brown County deputies spoke to a resident of Ainsworth about putting out a fire in their backyard. The fire was on the ground and not in a burning barrel. The resident put the fire out.

May 29

• Brown County Ambulance assisted at Rodeo Bible Camp in Johnstown.
• The Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an injured deer near Highway 183. Deputies dispatched the deer.
• Brown County Ambulance was dispatched to a residence in Ainsworth and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

May 30

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office was requested to do more patrols around the Hog Farms in Brown County due to PETA’s vehicles being in Valentine over the weekend.
• Brown County Sheriff and deputies responded to the DMV room in the Brown County Courthouse because of an irate person screaming and yelling at the worker. The individual was detained by deputies and later transported to the Brown County Hospital by the Brown County Ambulance.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suspicious activity around a residence in Long Pine. A deputy patrolled the area and was not able to locate anything out of the ordinary. 

May 31

• A Brown County deputy performed a civil standby at a residence in Ainsworth.
• Brown County Ambulance assisted the Brown County Hospital with the transfer of a patient.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a reckless driver out on a county road. A deputy patrolled the reported area and was unable to find or locate the reported vehicle.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of cattle out north of Ainsworth on a county road. The owners were contacted.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 762           
911 calls – 7      
Calls for service – 16     
Vin inspections – 5
Handgun Purchase permits – 1
Inmates Housed – 2

* Work to begin on Highway 183 near Sargent

(Posted 7:15 a.m. June 2)

Weather permitting, work will begin today (June 2) on Highway 183 near Sargent, from milepost 114 to milepost 121, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Paulsen’s, Inc., of Cozad, is the contractor for the project. Work includes milling and asphalt overlay. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is this month.