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

* Kay Myers, 86, of Stuart 10:30 a.m. May 2

* Susan Beckwith, 69, of Emmet 1 p.m. April 27

* Meeting reports located below for:

April 17 Brown County Commissioners

April 15 Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education

April 10 Ainsworth City Council

April 2 Brown County Commissioners

* Plum Creek Fire now 70 percent contained

(Posted 7:15 a.m. April 25)

Improved weather conditions and numerous outside resources allowed for substantial progress to be made Thursday fighting the Plum Creek Fire west and north of Johnstown.

Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said the fire has now consumed 7,025 acres but he said the fire was mainly under control and is now considered 70 percent contained.

“Unexpected winds could still cause an issue, but it is under control right now,” Fiala said. “Sunday is the worry for us now.”

Warmer temperatures and strong winds are expected to return to the area Sunday.

The fire chief said many of the outside resources would be departing the area today and any additional efforts needed would be handled by local resources.

He said the Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopters would still make drops today on interior hot spots, and the hand crew was headed out this morning to look at a few spots of concern before departing for Norfolk.

“We are trying to work hot spots and smoldering areas now,” Fiala said. “You are still going to see smoke in there for the next couple weeks.”

The fire chief encouraged landowners to help the local volunteer fire departments monitor the area.

“If landowners can help us mitigate issues on their land, that would help us going forward,” Fiala said. “But, they can always call us too.”

With the one cabin and 45 head of cattle previously reported as lost to the fire, Fiala said firefighters have been able to save the houses in the area and other structures. He said a few people lost their deer stands.

* Progress made Wednesday, burned acre total revised

(Posted 8:15 a.m. April 24)

Progress was made Wednesday on the Plum Creek Fire as relative humidity increased and additional state resources were brought to bear.

“We are finally gaining,” Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said. “The rain, if anything, helped a little on the south end, but the higher humidity is helping.”

Fiala reported the official total burned area is 6,631 acres after a plane mapped the area Wednesday. He said the initial estimate of 20,000 acres was taken using a mileage estimate on the edges of the fire’s perimeter.

The fire chief estimated the fire to be 40 percent contained, with the hope of increasing containment prior to the weekend, when warmer temperatures and strong winds are forecast.

“It won’t be 100 percent contained by this evening, but we hope to get it to 60 percent by tonight,” he said. “If the wind comes up and embers can blow, then it is not considered secured.”

To be considered contained, Fiala said there needs to be no active embers within 200 yards of the burned perimeter.

“The southwest edge is the biggest concern now with the timber and buildings there,” he said. “The National Guard hand crew will be there today to work the southwest edge. We did a burn out yesterday as a precaution on the north edge of Plum Creek. I know people sometimes don’t understand why we do that, but sometimes we have to fight fire with fire to prevent it from spreading if the wind switches. We are doing the best we can after three or four days out here.”

Fiala said local firefighters will have the day off as state resources and outside volunteers continue the suppression effort.

He said the SEAT plane would not be used today unless the fire flares up, but the National Guard Blackhawk helicopters would continue to make drops on hotspots.

He said state resources would likely start leaving the area on Friday. He said he hoped to keep the helicopters and the hand crew working into Saturday.

“I am a little concerned about the forecast for Saturday and Sunday when those resources are no longer here,” Fiala said. “Landowners may have to do some scouting on their property over the weekend.”

Fiala urged the public to remain off Norden Avenue as that continues to be the main route for the firefighting effort. He said the Brown County Roads Department planned to maintain Norden Avenue today as the road is in rough shape.

He thanked the public for the outpouring of support shown to those fighting the Plum Creek fire.

“The communities have done a remarkable job,” Fiala said. “The support we have received is amazing. A fire like this is a hardship for these small volunteer departments. Two inches of rain would change everyone’s attitudes.”

* Pillen directs resources to assist firefighting efforts

(Posted 6:30 a.m. April 24)

Governor Jim Pillen on Wednesday authorized the Nebraska National Guard to mobilize 29 soldiers and airmen to assist local volunteer fire departments currently battling the Plum Creek Fire near Johnstown.

Nebraska Army National Guard aerial resources have also been authorized to support the firefighting mission. The assignment of state resources is in response to a request received Tuesday evening through the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency to assist local volunteer firefighters who have been fighting the fire since Monday.

The Plum Creek Fire is now estimated to have burned 6,600 acres. Forty-five cattle have died, and a cabin has been destroyed. Other structures have been threatened and were boxed in with heavy equipment to provide protection. The cause of the fire has been attributed to a permitted burn that got out of control.

Pillen issued a statewide burn ban Wednesday, emphasizing the persistent dry conditions that have continued to plague the state. In February, the governor issued an emergency declaration for wildfires in Custer and Dawes counties that were also fueled by dry conditions, high winds and a lack of humidity.

“It’s way too dry in Nebraska right now, and it only takes one burn, one mistake and then you have a situation like we have in Plum Creek. The risks are too significant,” Pillen said.  

Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton discussed the rough and dangerous terrain where the fire is burning, and the extreme difficulty that it poses for fire crews and others who were trying to control flames.

“As the director of agriculture, and a rancher myself, I support the statewide burn ban,” Vinton said. “While fire is a tool that we use in our agricultural operations and for conservation, right now our current conditions make it just too dangerous. Protecting our land, our livestock, wildlife, and most importantly, people in our neighborhoods and our communities from the potential of wildfire damage, is of the utmost importance right now.”

Currently, more than 60 local, state and federal partners are responding to the Plum Creek Fire.

“I applaud the governor for taking this action to save lives and protect property,” NEMA Assistant Director Erv Portis said. “Safety is our number one priority.”

The Nebraska Army National Guard is providing two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and a ground crew of 16 to assist with fire suppression. The helicopters arrived Wednesday and made 70 water drops throughout the day.

“We appreciate the willingness of our soldiers and airmen, as well as their families and employers, to support these local volunteer firefighters as they work tirelessly to control this wildfire,” said Col. Shane Varejcka, Nebraska National Guard chief of the joint staff.  

The governor signed three documents Wednesday – a proclamation providing state assistance to the Plum Creek Fire, a proclamation providing for state resources to be utilized in response to drought conditions and an executive order establishing the statewide burning ban in all areas of the state through April 30.

* Fiala provides update on firefighting effort

(Posted 8:15 a.m. April 23)

The large fire west and north of Johnstown has now burned between 20,000 and 25,000 acres,  with numerous resources brought to the area from across the state to try and contain the fire’s spread. Numerous smoke plumes dotted the landscape Tuesday afternoon as the fire flared.

A SEAT plane made numerous drops Tuesday as additional volunteer fire departments arrived on site to assist.

Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said two SEAT planes and two Blackhawk helicopters will make drops on the fire Wednesday, with additional state resources expected to arrive. He said one bulldozer will be working the fire line.

Fiala, the incident commander, said 50 volunteer fire departments have provided assistance, with 15 outside departments working the fire Wednesday to give local volunteers a break.

He said firefighters thought they had decent containment on the fire Tuesday morning, but winds switched and the fire broke out.

“By 1 p.m., it was back to zero percent contained,” Fiala said. “You think you have it stopped and two minutes later it explodes.”

Fiala said the conditions remind him of the 2012 wildfires that burned in the Niobrara Valley with the way the fire is behaving and the dry fuel loads.

Fiala said the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, the Nebraska Forest Service, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office and a WIRAT team are on location assisting the volunteer fire departments that have arrived.

The fire has been divided into East and West Divisions. Fiala said he has primarily been working on the east side of the fire, with crews attempting to keep the fire south of Plum Creek and west of Norden Avenue on that side of the complex. He said the fire is burning north of Plum Creek on the west side of the complex.

Fiala said firefighters got the fire stopped and saved a new house near Norden Avenue on the east side of the fire.

“On the east end, we have kept it from jumping east of Norden Avenue and north of Plum Creek,” he said. “We are trying to work to get it stopped today before it can flare up. We hope to have better containment by 1 or 2 p.m. today. We are trying to get it buttoned up before the wind picks up on the weekend.”

Fiala said he is thankful no one has been hurt. He said one fire truck became stuck in a low-lying area and three firefighters had to abandon it to escape after winds switched and pushed the flames toward the area.

“We thought for sure we had lost that truck, but we went back later and the fire had missed it and we were able to get it out of there,” Fiala said. “It is a dangerous situation.”

He said one building may have been lost but no homes have been burned thus far.

Fiala said the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Nebraska State Patrol were helping to keep traffic away from areas needed for firefighting efforts. He said roads are now rutted in the area with all the heavy equipment going across them.

The fire chief thanked members of the public who have provided food and water for the volunteer firefighters.

“We have had amazing support,” Fiala said. “I can’t thank people enough.”

The Johnstown Fire Hall and the Brown County Fairgrounds are being used as staging areas for anyone who would like to provide food and water to the volunteers.

KBRB will provide more information as it becomes available.

(Photos courtesy of Terry Burdick)
FIRE CONTINUES TUESDAY – Firefighters continued to battle the large fire burning west and north of Johnstown Tuesday, with volunteers from numerous departments assisting area departments and a SEAT plane making numerous drops Tuesday.

DRY FUEL – Large amounts of dry vegetation and cedar trees have provided the fuel as the fires continued to spread Tuesday. Burning grass burned white, while burning trees sent black smoke billowing.

BURNING TREES – Black smoke billows as cedar trees burned Tuesday.  Winds are expected from the northwest at 10-20 mph on Wednesday. Cooler temperatures and a decent chances for showers are in the forecast for Thursday, but winds are expected to pick up Sunday and Monday.

* Fire continues to burn, more resources arriving

(Posted 6:45 a.m. April 23)

The large fire west and north of Johnstown continued to burn Tuesday, with numerous resources brought to the area from across the state to try and contain the fire’s spread. Numerous smoke plumes dotted the landscape Tuesday afternoon as the fire flared.

A SEAT plane made numerous drops Tuesday as additional volunteer fire departments arrived on site to assist.

Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said two SEAT planes and two helicopters will make drops on the fire Wednesday, with additional state resources expected to arrive.

Fiala, the incident commander, said all responders will be briefed early Wednesday morning. He said he would have additional information to report on the progress made following that briefing.

Motorists are urged to stay clear of the entire area, as large pieces of equipment will be moving on county roadways.

(Photos courtesy of Ann Fiala)
FIRE BREAKS OUT MONDAY – A prescribed burn broke containment Monday afternoon west of Johnstown, prompting the response of numerous volunteer fire departments.

* Monday fire burns between 12,000 and 14,000 acres

(Posted 8:15 a.m. April 22)

The prescribed fire that broke containment Monday west of Johnstown has claimed between 12,000 and 14,000 acres and, as of Tuesday morning, was approximately 30 percent contained.

Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said the fire began as a prescribed burn by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and other partners on the Jack King Ranch. Fiala said the fire broke containment when the wind switched directions and picked up.

Winds Monday moved from the south to the west, then picked up from the north Monday evening.

“It was headed to the (Niobrara) river until the wind switched to the north,” Fiala said.

The initial call from the Johnstown Volunteer Fire Department for mutual aid went out at 3:20 p.m. Monday, with the Ainsworth, Long Pine, South Pine, Raven and Calamus departments responding.

Firefighters from Springview, Bassett, Valentine, Newport, Stuart, O’Neill and Kilgore later provided assistance.

Fiala said firefighters worked to protect a dozen structures that were potentially in the path of the flames. Fiala said one cabin may have been lost to the fire, but that was not yet confirmed as of Tuesday morning. He said he did not have confirmation on whether any livestock perished.

Fiala said the SEAT plane was stationed at the Ainsworth Regional Airport and made one aerial drop Monday before being grounded by strong cross winds and visibility issues at the airport caused by heavy smoke. He said the plane was available to make drops Tuesday if needed.

The fire mainly stayed north and west of Johnstown, but did burn about 50 to 60 acres east of Norden Avenue. Fiala said Johnstown was not in any danger Monday. He said the Theis residence was still under threat, with the fire burning about 500 yards from that residence Tuesday morning.

The Ainsworth fire chief said the fire was about 30 percent contained, with the fire burning in low-lying areas. He said firefighters should be able to keep the perimeter contained unless the wind switches again and picks up.

“It is going to burn for several days,” Fiala said. “We want to keep the perimeter contained and let the interior burn.”

Fiala said he was amazed no one was hurt Monday, as onlookers traveled through the smoke into dangerous areas and blocked Norden Avenue.

“I am really surprised no one got hurt,” he said. “They clogged Norden Avenue and we had to go around.”

* Numerous departments battling fire west of Johnstown

(Posted 7:45 p.m. April 21)

Numerous area fire departments are currently battling a large fire burning west of Johnstown. The fire, according to officials, began as a prescribed fire by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission west of Johnstown.

Increasing winds caused the fire to jump the prescribed area late Monday afternoon, with the first call for mutual aid going out at approximately 3:20 p.m. The Johnstown Volunteer Fire Department requested mutual aid from the Ainsworth, Long Pine, South Pine, Raven and Calamus volunteer departments. Additional departments responded later Monday.

This is an ongoing situation. KBRB will provide additional information as it becomes available.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 4:45 p.m. April 21)

April 13

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a hit and run accident on Main Street in Ainsworth. This is still an ongoing investigation.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a request for a welfare check of an elderly woman in Ainsworth. During the welfare check, the Brown County Ambulance was dispatched and transported the resident to the Brown County Hospital.
• A traffic stop was made south on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver was given a written warning.
• A traffic stop was made south on Highway 7 for speeding. The driver was given a written warning.

April 14

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a request for a welfare check on an Ainsworth resident. Before the deputies were able to get to the household the Sheriff’s Office received a call from a relative letting the Brown County Sheriff’s Office know that the resident was ok.
• The Brown County Ambulance responded to a Long Pine residence and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.
• A traffic stop was made east on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver was given a verbal warning for speed.
• A traffic stop was made east on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver was given a written warning.

April 15

• Brown County Sheriff’s office employees received state radio training.
• A traffic stop was made east on Highway 20 for speeding. The driver was given a written warning.

April 16

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of multiple horses out on the roadway south on Highway 7. Owners were contacted and the horses were removed from the highway.
• The Brown County Sheriff’s Office received more complaints about a vehicle playing their music too loud. The driver was previously talked to about how loud he had been playing his music driving around Ainsworth. The driver of this vehicle received a citation for disturbing the peace.

April 17

• Released an inmate from Brown County Jail on a PR bond.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of juveniles in Johnstown driving recklessly on four wheelers. Deputies patrolled around Johnstown for the next few days.
• Brown County Sheriff’s office took a phone call updating the Sheriff Office on a civil situation in Ainsworth.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report stating that they spoke to an out-of-state hunter about trespassing on their property.

April 18

• The Brown County Sheriff’s Office received taser training. This training included certifying employees to use their tasers and consisted of de-escalation scenarios.
• Brown County Deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident in Ainsworth.
• A traffic stop was made on Main Street in Long Pine for speeding. The driver of the vehicle received a written warning.
• A traffic stop was made on Main Street in Ainsworth for a vehicle headlight not working properly. The driver received a fix-it ticket.

April 19

• A traffic stop was made on 4^th Street in Ainsworth for speeding. The driver of the vehicle received a written warning.
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report on a possible drunk driver in Ainsworth. Deputy was able to locate the reported vehicle and it was parked with no driver present.
• Deputies contacted a couple of people outside of a bank on Main Street in Ainsworth. Everything was found to be ok.

Weekly Log
Calls:  596
911 Calls:  4
Calls for Service:  7
VIN Inspections:  1
Inmates Currently Housed:  1

* Work begins Monday on Highway 11 north of Butte

(Posted 6:30 p.m. April 20)

Weather permitting, work will resume Monday on Highway 11 north of Butte between mileposts 181 and 189, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Knife River Midwest, of Sioux City, Iowa, is the contractor for the project. Work will include aggregate subdrains, milling, cement stabilization, asphalt paving and seeding operations. Lanes will be temporarily reduced to single lanes for daily paving operations.

Traffic will be maintained with Automated Flagging Assistance Devices with a pilot car and flaggers. Anticipated completion is early summer.

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

* County road vacation process delayed

(Posted 10 a.m. April 17)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution directing Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin to perform a road study for the potential vacation of the Johnston Road in southern Brown County.

While the commissioners had approved having Turpin conduct the study during a previous meeting and Turpin had already provided a report, the board was advised Tuesday that the action needed to come in the form of a resolution.

During its April 1 meeting, the board set a public hearing for the potential road vacation for May 6. That hearing will now have to be pushed back as Turpin will now have to resubmit his report and recommendation to the board May 6.

Following that report, the commissioners can set a hearing to receive public comments on the road vacation. The county is also required to publicize notice of the hearing and notify all adjacent property owners.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said having to approve the study by resolution will just push back the process by a month.

In other roads items Tuesday, Turpin reported the roads department plans to clean out numerous culverts in the county so they flow the way they should.

Bauer said cleaning out culverts was hard work. Turpin said the roads department also has to contact utility companies before cleaning the culverts because sometimes utilities are buried near them.

Culverts on Moon Lake Avenue are among those that need to be cleaned. Turpin said there has been some erosion and beavers have plugged up a couple culverts in that area.

The highway superintendent reported the roads department has started hauling armor coat gravel from Brewster to the Elsmere Road ahead of an armor coating project on that paved road in the fall.

Turpin said he planned to switch leasing companies for the county’s skid steer.

“We have had our skid steer lease through Bobcat,” he said. “They wanted to take a $3,000 increase. Nebraska Machinery offered a lease for $100 more per year than what we had been paying.”

Turpin said he preferred to lease skid steers instead of purchasing them because the department then always has a new machine to operate that doesn’t need to be worked on. The highway superintendent said, in the past, the county had a tendency to hold on to skid steers for too long due to budget constraints and the roads department ended up having to have a lot of work done on the machines.

Turpin said he received a request from the Brown County Agricultural Society to perform some dirt work at the Brown County Fairgrounds. He also requested the commissioners conduct an evaluation of his performance with the potential to receive a pay increase after he said he did not request an increase last year.

In other action items Tuesday, the commissioners appointed Sheriff Brent Deibler, Turpin, Clerk Travee Hobbs, Veterans Services Officer Jake Graff and Commissioner Don Painter to a committee to update the county’s employee handbook.

Bauer asked that the committee review the handbook and provide recommended updates to the board by July.

The board approved a budgeted transfer of $5,000 from the county’s miscellaneous general fund to the reappraisal fund, and approved changing a signature card at Homestead Bank to remove Raymond Small and add Painter.

The board tabled action on a corrective resolution for the purchase of communications equipment by the sheriff’s department. Hobbs said the resolution approved for the equipment purchase during the board’s April 1 meeting showed a transfer of funds was necessary to complete the purchase.

Hobbs said the money was already in place in the sheriff’s budget to make the purchase, so a transfer was not needed and the resolution would need to be amended. That item was placed on the board’s May 6 agenda.

* Wilkins, Ortner earn UN-L Engler scholarships

(Posted 7 a.m. April 16)

Ninety students have been awarded scholarships through the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for the 2025-26 academic year. A total of $175,000 in one-time scholarships will support these aspiring builders in their pursuit of purpose and entrepreneurial growth.

Rooted in a gift from the Paul and Virginia Engler Foundation, the Engler program was founded in 2010 with a mission to embolden people on the courageous pursuit of their purpose through the art and practice of entrepreneurship. Today, Engler is more than a program—it’s a community where students from all majors and backgrounds converge to build purpose-driven enterprises, turn problems into solutions, and chase down the American Dream.

Area students who received Engler Entrepreneurship scholarships are Libby Wilkins of Ainsworth and Miah Ortner of Long Pine.

* NSAA names winter Academic All-State recipients

(Posted 9 a.m. April 15)

The Nebraska School Activities Association and the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association recognize students who have been nominated by their schools based on their individual academic excellence, leadership and significant contributions made to their NSAA activity with Academic All-State Awards.

Area students named Academic All-State for the winter sports and activities season are:

Ainsworth
Christopher Fernandez and Logan Schroedl in Boys Basketball, Jaylee Good and Puridy Haley in Girls Basketball, and Megan Jones in Girls Wrestling

Keya Paha County
Reece Taylor in Girls Basketball, and Brenna Caulfield and Bailey Kaufman in Speech

Rock County
Collin Hagan and Zak Swanson in Boys Basketball, Bridget Lewis in Girls Basketball, Branson Anderson and Kip Leonard in Wrestling, and Paisley Hoffman in Girls Wrestling

Stuart
Benjamin Paxton and Hunter Tubbs in Boys Basketball, Gracie Kaup and Elly Steinhauser in Girls Basketball, and Dawson Heiser and Drew Schmaderer in Speech

West Holt
Mason Crumrine and Andrew Rentschler in Boys Basketball, Ava Hoffman and Taylor Walnofer in Girls Basketball, Madison Kratz and Lily Vogel in Speech, Grant Osborne and Jamison Slaymaker in Wrestling, and Madalyn Pistulka and Morgan Schaaf in Girls Wrestling

Sandhills
Ross Martindale in Boys Basketball, Shaylee Mileson in Girls Basketball, Matelyn Zutavern in Speech, Caden Zutavern in Wrestling, and Emily Chavez and Shelby Schukei in Girls Wrestling

Boyd County
Adrien Baer and Will Nelson in Boys Basketball, Elizabeth Bernt and Addison Birmeier in Girls Basketball, and Brooklyn Eckert in Speech

* School Board approves laptop replacement plan

(Posted 7 a.m. April 15)

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education on Monday entered in to an agreement with Apple to replace the district’s laptop computers and begin a planned replacement program every four years.

The sustainability plan from Apple partners with Diamond Assets of Wisconsin. Diamond Assets provided a guaranteed quote of $102,249 to purchase the district’s current computers. That figure can increase based on the condition of the machines.

That money is credited toward the $331,471 cost to outfit the district with new Apple Macbooks and support. The district can make $57,305 interest-free payments over four years. After the four-year period, the computers would again be refreshed with new models and the previous models purchased by Diamond Assets.

Apple representative Brent Sallee said he handles Apple’s one-to-one computer initiatives for the entire state, and 60 to 70 of the districts utilize a planned replacement program similar to the one being offered to Ainsworth Community Schools.

“You have a lot of older equipment you are trying to use that has fallen out of warranty and is no longer supported by Apple,” Sallee said. “This lets you bring everything up to date and spreads out the cost. It keeps your hardware up to date and streamlines your budget.”

Keith Ryskoski with Diamond Assets said his company comes in and packs up all the old devices to be shipped.

Board member Jessica Pozehl asked how the minimum guaranteed quote is determined.

Ryskoski said the devices are cleaned and the memory erased before being resold. He said the value the district receives is based on the condition of the machines. Each machine is graded and the district receives payment based on the grade of each machine.

Superintendent Dale Hafer said the school has worked with Diamond Assets before.

“They are good to work with and are fair,” Hafer said. “Our devices are in good shape.”

Board member Bryan Doke asked what the turnaround time would be to receive the new machines if the district opted to accept the plan.

Sallee said it can take up to six to eight weeks after the order is placed to receive the new computers, however, in many cases the delivery time is quicker.

“We are seeing a lot of districts wanting to move up and lock in the price now with the potential for tariffs,” Sallee said.

Board President Brad Wilkins said the timing of this proposal was good due to the tariff uncertainty and where the district was in its current cycle of computers.

“I like the predictability of knowing our costs and what we will do with them when we replace,” Wilkins said.

The board unanimously approved the quote from Apple for the new laptops.

In other business Monday, with Board member Frank Beel abstaining, the board approved a certified teaching contract for CeeAnna Beel for Little Paws Preschool for the 2025-26 school year.

The board accepted the resignation of high school language arts teacher Lauren Osborne effective at the end of the current school year. Hafer said the district is currently advertising for the position.

The board approved a 3.25 percent increase in wages for classified and support staff, which includes positions like the district’s custodians, secretaries and paraprofessionals.

Wilkins said the district’s personnel committee met and reviewed the wage schedules for classified staff.

“It has been a while since we updated this,” Wilkins said. “We felt we weren’t quite recognizing the value of our classified staff. We want to make sure we recognize the work that is being done by all of our staff.”

Wilkins said the committee discussed keeping wage percentage increases somewhat equal to the percentages received by certified staff. He said the board could review the classified wages on an annual basis and let the superintendent make a recommendation on where the market is for those employees.

Doke said the district should be competitive with its classified staff wages and recognize the importance of the work they do.

The board approved an option enrollment request for Brooke Zeman to allow her son Maverick to attend kindergarten at Rock County Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year. Hafer said the family already has an older sibling attending Rock County.

During his report, Hafer said insurance covered most of the cost of the recent replacement of the heating and air conditioning unit in the agriculture and shop building.

He reported the district has received two proposals and anticipated receiving two more to replace the flooring in the cafeteria and kitchen. He said, at most, the flooring would cost $40,000, but the quotes would likely come in below that.

Hafer reported the district received a Diamond Status designation from the Department of Education as a safe school. He said the entire staff did well during the recent training through the I Love You Guys Foundation and the NDE.

Pozehl encouraged the board to submit comments to the state’s Congressional delegation regarding the importance of the National Weather Service to the district’s operations.

Pozehl said she uses the National Weather Service in her job with the county’s emergency management department, and the school utilizes the NWS as well when determining when to potentially cancel classes.

“They have had quite a bit of their funding cut,” Pozehl said. “They have lost 40 percent of their staff.”

She said receiving comments about the importance of the National Weather Service is the best way to see the funding restored.

Secondary Principal Steve Dike reported Prom was a success, with the kids behaving themselves and seeming to enjoy themselves. He said Jhett Hollenbeck and Miah Ortner were crowned Prom king and queen.

Activities Director Luke Wroblewski reported Addilyn Doke was named the state champion in the FCCLA fashion construction category and qualified for the national event. He said Payton Moody and Ady Sears received silver medals in interior design, and Miranda Lambrecht and Isabelle Arens earned silver medals in nutrition and wellness during state FCCLA.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 12.

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 2:30 p.m. April 14)

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 15
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda

Roll Call.

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law.

Opening Prayer.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Approve minutes of the 4-1-2025 and the regular meeting.

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update

Resolutions directing County Highway Superintendent to perform Road study on Johnston Road and setting a public hearing date – Turpin

Corrective Resolution regarding Sheriff equipment purchase – Clerk

Update signature card for Homestead Bank to remove Raymond Small and add Donnie Painter – Clerk

Establish a committee to update/revise Employee Policy/Handbook – Bauer

Aflac – decision regarding continuing to offer Aflac as a payroll deduction to all employees.

Budgeted Transfer of $5,000.00 from Miscellaneous General in the General Fund to the Reappraisal Fund – Clerk

Approve Claims

Correspondence

Public Comment

2 p.m.     Caleb Johnson – Budget prep

Update from County officials – Bauer

ADJOURN

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 11:15 a.m. April 14)

April 6^TH

• Brown County received a report on a deer that was hit on Highway 20 that was still alive in the ditch. Game and Parks were contacted reference the deer.
• The Brown County Sheriff Office received a call about water meter problems at their home in Ainsworth. Assisted the residents in getting hold of the water department.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver was given a repair order for no red lights on the back of the vehicle.

April 7^Th

• Deputy with Brown County stopped and did a follow-up interview with an Ainsworth resident on a prior investigation.
• Assisted a Brown County resident with questions on social media scams.
• A traffic stop was made on Hwy 20 for driving on the shoulder of the highway. The driver received a written warning for driving on the shoulder of the highway, no driver’s license on person, and violating license eyesight restrictions.

April 8^TH

• Received a report of horses out on South Pine Ave. South of Long Pine. The owners were contacted.
• Helped an Ainsworth residence with ignition interlock questions.
• Brown County Ambulance was dispatched to a Johnstown resident and transported to the Brown County Hospital.

April 9^TH

• A traffic stop was made on Highway 183. The driver was given a verbal warning for driving on the shoulder of the highway.
• The Brown County Ambulance was dispatched to an Ainsworth resident. The Ainsworth resident was transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• The Brown County Ambulance was dispatched for a transfer crew from Brown County Hospital to the airport.
• Brown County Deputies were asked to do a civil standby at an Ainsworth resident. The civil standby was cancelled by the parties involved.
• The Brown County ambulance was dispatched to a local business. The Brown County Ambulance transported an individual to the Brown County Hospital.
• Brown County Sheriff Office received a request for a welfare check of an Ainsworth resident. The resident was found to be ok.
• Brown County Sheriff Office received a noise complaint about a vehicle driving around Ainsworth playing their music loud. The driver of the vehicle was contacted by a Deputy and the Ainsworth code enforcement officer and was informed of the complaint. The driver of the vehicle said that he would no longer do it and keep his music turned down.

April 10^TH

• Brown County Deputy traveled to Norfolk for a follow-up interview for an ongoing investigation.

April 11^TH

• Brown County Sheriff Office received a report of harassment by an Ainsworth resident. Deputies took a report from the calling party. The reported person was no longer on or around the reported party’s residence.
• Brown County Sheriff Office received a call from a concerned family member asking for Deputies to speak to her son.
• A traffic stop was made on a Brown County resident for failure to yield the right of way. Driver of the vehicle almost caused a multi vehicle car accident at the intersection of 4th St and Main St. in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for failure to yield the right of way.
• Brown County Sheriff Office attended the Ainsworth Community School fire drill and provided traffic control around the school.
• Received a report that someone had left their broken down vehicle on their property. The reporter called back and let us know that it was a neighbor’s vehicle and was contacted.
• The Brown County Ambulance responded to a local business for an Ainsworth resident. The Ainsworth resident was then transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• Brown County Sheriff Office was informed that someone has blown a tire east on highway 20 and that there is tire debris all over the highway. Deputies removed the tire debris from the roadway.
• Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth resident. The resident was transported to the Brown County Hospital.

April 12^TH

• Deputies responded to a Brown County residence for a verbal altercation between family members. The family members were separated for the night.
• Brown County Sheriff Office took a possible theft report of personal items. Later in the day these items were returned to the owner.
• The Brown County Deputies and Ainsworth city code enforcement officer were out on foot patrol through East City Park for the softball tournament.
• Brown County Sheriff Office received multiple complaints about separate vehicles driving recklessly in Brown County. Deputies responded in the reported areas and were unable to locate the reported vehicles.
• Brown County Deputies were at Ainsworth prom and post prom to administrate PBT’s.
• A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth on a vehicle driving 19 Mph over the posted speed limit of 35 Mph. Driver of the vehicle was given a citation for speeding.

Weekly Log
Calls:  686
911 Calls:  11
Calls for Service:  11
VIN Inspections:  03
Handgun Purchase Permits:  1
Inmates Currently Housed:  2

* Blake qualifies for NHD national contest

(Posted 9 a.m. April 14)

Caitlyn Blake from Rock County Public Schools earned first place in the Junior Individual Documentary category at State History Day held Saturday at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln.

Blake’s documentary is titled, “Sequoyah’s Syllabary: Beginning the Fight for Cherokee Rights”.  She is now eligible to attend the national contest at Washington, DC in June.

* Ainsworth students qualify for NHD finals

(Posted 6:45 a.m. April 14)

The National History Day state contest was held Saturday on the campus of Nebraska Wesleyan University at Lincoln.

Of the 166 entries at the state contest, four were created by students from Ainsworth Middle School.

The top two entries in each project category qualify for the national contest. Two of the entries from Ainsworth Middle School are advancing to the national contest.

Blake Hansmeyer was the state runner-up in the junior individual documentary category. He created a documentary titled “Mendez v. Westminster: The Pathway to School Desegregation.” Adeline Hladky was the state runner-up in the junior individual exhibit category. She created an exhibit called “The Right to Safe Food.”

Also participating during the state contest from Ainsworth Middle School were Andrew Arens, Tristan Sedlacek, Kailey Cook and Emersyn Hasenohr.

All projects fit the 2025 theme for National History Day, which is “Rights and Responsibilities in History.” 

Advisor Nicole Flynn said the students have been working hard on their projects since last fall. 

The national contest will be held in June at College Park, Maryland.

* Work begins Monday on Highway 83 in Valentine

(Posted 7 a.m. April 14)

Weather permitting, work will resume Monday on Highway 83 in Valentine, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

The West Fourth Street project was awarded to Paulsen Inc. of Cozad. Work includes 0.74 miles and starts at the intersection of Highway 83 and Highway 12 at milepost 213.

Work on the project includes reconstructing Highway 83, which requires removing and replacing the existing concrete pavement. The project also includes improvements to sidewalks, storm sewer, roadway lighting, and repairs to the bridge over Minnechaduza Creek.

The city of Valentine plans to update city-owned sanitary sewers and water mains.

The project will be constructed in phases. The phase from the Highway 83 and Highway 12 junction to Edna Street will require complete closure and traffic will be detoured on Cherry, West Third, and Edna Streets. The phase from Edna Street to the end of the project will be constructed under traffic with lane closures controlled by temporary traffic signals.

Access to adjacent properties will be maintained during construction but may be limited at times due to phasing requirements.

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

* Council amends professional retainment agreement

(Posted 9:30 a.m. April 10)

By a 2-1 vote following an executive session Wednesday, the Ainsworth City Council amended the terms of an LB 840 professional retention application, shortening the contract from five years to three years.

After months of discussion, the council in March approved the application but required a five-year commitment from the professional to remain in the community. Mayor Joel Klammer said there were still some concerns from the applicant following that council decision.

“Each recruitment and retention application is unique,” Klammer said. “The council considers them one by one.”

Brown County Hospital Administrator Mirya Hallock said a typical contract for a hospital professional is three years.

“You have a larger candidate pool to choose from with a three-year contract,” Hallock said. “Then it is up to us as a community to get them to want to stay.”

Hallock said the state has a matching program for recruitment money provided by communities, and the initial state contract requires a professional to remain in the community for three years.

Audience member Karen O’Hare said she reached out to Rachel Wolfe at the state of Nebraska, who affirmed that the state’s matching program is for three years.

“I don’t understand why you are changing the rules now and punishing this applicant,” O’Hare said.

Klammer said the council was trying to provide $90,000 in matching funds for the provider.

“I don’t see that as a punishment,” the mayor said. “This wasn’t a standard tuition reimbursement.”

Councilman Dustin Barthel said the council had to consult with the city’s LB 840 attorney to see if the city could provide any support to the applicant.

“It took a little longer,” Barthel said. “We put a lot of work into this. We tried everything we could to make sure we could do it.”

Audience member McKenzie Brodbeck said there were concerns about having a five-year agreement with the city when the state’s program is for three years.

Barthel said the council agreed to provide all of the funding in the first three years to match the state, but the commitment with the city would be for five years.

Councilwoman Heather Lutter asked Brodbeck if there were issues created with the state program with the city requiring a five-year agreement. Brodbeck indicated there were issues created.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said in her conversation with the state it was not uncommon for a professional to have separate agreements with the state and with the community.

“The agreement with the community doesn’t take anything away from the agreement with the state,” Schroedl said. “Not every situation is the same. A lot of pieces play in to the recommendations that come from the loan committee.”

Councilman Brad Fiala said it was impossible for the council to handle every application the same. He said council members change and program administrators change.

Lutter said most of the professional contracts are agreements with the hospital, so the circumstances were different with this application.

Brown County Hospital Board member John Gross said he felt it would behoove the city to look back and see if the money provided through the program in the past had been effective.

“Those at the hospital, for the most part, we have kept for five years or so,” Gross said. “You could look at a three plus two plan. If everyone was happy after three years you can go to the next two for a max of five. That helps you get to where you want with longevity. I encourage you to take a hard look at how effective you have been.”

Gross said, from the hospital’s perspective, the question is how can the hospital position itself to be the most attractive option for professionals.

“How to we enhance what we are doing and be more effective?” Gross said.

Barthel said he received substantial feedback from community members on the issue of professional recruitment. He said community members who talked to him think five years should be the minimum commitment.

Brodbeck asked to enter into executive session with the council to provide additional information.

Following that session, by a 2-1 vote with Barthel against and Councilman Kent Taylor absent Wednesday, the council approved reducing the length of commitment from five years to three years for the professional retention agreement with the city.

In other business Wednesday, the council approved purchasing two solar-powered flashing speed limit signs for the 45 mph zones on the east and west entries into Ainsworth on Highway 20.

Brown County Emergency Manager Traci Booth said the county and the Brown County roads department had each agreed to purchase signs for the north and south entries into the community.

Booth said the state handles the installation and maintenance of the signs, which will cost the city a total of $8,208 to purchase.

Fiala said the signs do slow traffic down.

“I think it is a very good deal,” Fiala said. “Traffic needs to be slowed down.”

Booth said Rock County is also purchasing two signs for speed zones entering Bassett.

The council approved a recommendation from the Ainsworth Betterment Committee to provide $26,885 in ABC funding to the Brown County Ambulance Association to help replace defibrillator units in the association’s ambulances.

Ann Fiala said the association would need to replace both its ambulance defibrillator units in the near future at a total cost of $96,000.

“They are important pieces of equipment,” Fiala said. “It is vital we have these units. They should last us 20 years.”

She said the units being purchased would match what is in place at the Brown County Hospital so equipment would not need to be changed when transporting a patient to the hospital.

Ainsworth Betterment Committee member David Spann said the association has funding requests submitted to other groups as well.

“We agreed to recommend providing 50 percent of the cost of one unit hoping the hospital auxiliary and foundation might also assist,” Spann said.

The council approved the committee’s recommendation to provide $26,885 in ABC funding to the ambulance association. The city receives ABC funding from a portion of its city sales tax revenue.

Following a public hearing Wednesday, the council approved a Class C liquor license application for Yogi’s Place. Greg Jochem said the business wanted to change from a Class D to a Class C license so it could host wine tastings.

The council approved authorizing the North Central Development Center to submit an application to the Advancing Nebraska’s Communities grant program for the pickleball court project at East City Park.

NCDC Executive Director Kristin Olson said the grant could potentially assist with the Phase II portion of the project, purchasing the synthetic material for the pickleball court.

Olson said the application was due in May and required the applicant to raise 60 percent of the funding. She said the $107,000 from the ABC fund for Phase I of the project could count toward the community match.

She recommended the city also try to raise some private funding for the project to score better on the grant application.

In a related item, the council approved a policy regarding donor levels for naming rights for community projects. Schroedl said she received feedback from other communities and provided a proposal to the council based on what other communities utilize.

Klammer said the policy provides a framework for the council but doesn’t tie the city in to anything.

“Every situation is unique, so we want some flexibility,” Klammer said.

Fiala said, “I think we need to have something in place. If we want to change it down the road we can.”

The council approved a resolution to allow expedited reviews of Micro TIF redevelopment plans.

Klammer said the resolution is procedural and puts a framework in place for future projects.

Olson said the resolution was the state’s draft for any community that wants to utilize Micro TIF for development projects.

“It is a lot easier application than a full TIF project,” Olson said. “It is a one page application. It works with a city’s vacant property ordinances.”

Schroedl said Micro TIF is used more for housing development projects.

“Instead of a 15-year commitment, it is for five to seven years,” Schroedl said. “There is no harm in adopting it.”

The TIF program allows the additional property tax generated by improving the value of a parcel to be captured and used for improvements at the site, such as utility work.

In a final development item, Klammer appointed Barthel and Taylor to negotiate a continued agreement with the North Central Development Center to manage the city’s LB 840 program. Barthel and Taylor are to provide a recommendation for the full council’s consideration in May.

The council discussed a proposal from Tower Alliance to purchase the existing cell tower lease the city has with the company. The city has a long term lease with Tower Alliance that provides the city a lease payment of $785 per month with a 3 percent annual escalator.

Schroedl said the city renegotiated the current lease with Tower Alliance last year and at that time opted not to allow the company to purchase the tower.

She said the company was offering $170,000 as a one-time payment to the city to purchase the lease. She said the payment would equate to around 15 years of lease payments.

“This is not an emergency if you would like some time to think about it,” the city administrator said.

The council opted to table the item to its May meeting.

Brittney Koenig with the Nebraska Public Power District provided the council with an update on the utility’s rates and performance. NPPD has the most reliable electric grid in the country, and Nebraska is the only state completely powered by public power.

She said NPPD’s rate of 10.9 cents per kilowatt hour was below the state average of 11.2 cents and well below the national average of almost 16 cents per kilowatt hour.

Koenig said NPPD provided the city of Ainsworth with $279.053 in lease payments in 2024 and paid $28,524 in sales tax last year. She said the utility also provided $112,392 through a 5 percent gross revenue tax in 2024 to Brown County.

She said incentives were available to residential customers who upgrade their electric heating and air conditioning systems, and NPPD provides a 20 percent rebate for the cost of purchasing battery operated yard equipment. Customers can apply for the rebates at nppd.com. She said $1,830 in incentive payments were provided to Ainsworth customers in 2024.

Koenig reported the city’s solar farm produced 1.01 million kilowatt hours of electricity in 2024 and the power produced by the array was fully subscribed.

Koenig said the utility was in the beginning stages of utilizing small nuclear reactors in willing communities. She said 16 communities in the state, including Valentine, were identified as being potential sites for the small reactors, which she said could each provide 50 megawatts of power annually. She said the technology was still about 10 years away.

Koenig said NPPD was looking at spending $2 billion in the next five years to increase its power generating capacity. She said the utility was currently producing 58.3 percent of its power using carbon-free sources with a goal of being completely carbon neutral by 2050.

Councilman Fiala said NPPD runs a good organization.

“Ainsworth is rarely without power,” Fiala said. “The guys are good to work with.”

The council approved ratifying action taken during its March 12 meeting after a notice publication issue, and approved the mayor’s recommended appointments of Mark Johnson and Crystal Allen to five-year terms on the Ainsworth Housing Authority. Johnson and Allen replace Earl Brown and Tom Osborn on the Housing Authority.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 14.

* Rock County students attend AG Youth Conference

(Posted 10:45 a.m. April 9)

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers hosted 52 students Tuesday in the Nebraska State Capitol for the annual Attorney General’s Youth Conference.

Among the students attending were Trey Anthony, Carter Buell and Kade Wiiest from Rock County High School.

High school juniors and seniors from across the state were invited to the Youth Conference. Students submitted essays about the U.S. Constitution to be accepted to the conference.

Joining Hilgers in addressing the students were Governor Jim Pillen, Senator Beau Ballard, and Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Jason Bergevin. Additionally, students engaged with chiefs of several different bureaus in the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and members of the Solicitor General team.

“We had another great year with young Nebraskans from across the state, who came together for a jammed-packed day filled with learning and growth opportunities. I am excited to see how the futures of these energetic, conscientious, and bright Nebraskans unfold,” Hilgers said.

Students joined together in the Warner Legislative Chamber, where they had the opportunity to debate a bill on social media use. They spent the day immersed in various topics related to government, law, and consumer protection issues.

The Attorney General spoke to the students regarding the importance of following their passions, choosing meaningful careers, and considering a career in Nebraska.

* Great showing at State FFA for area students

(Posted 1:30 p.m. April 8)

The Nebraska State FFA Convention was held last week at Lincoln, and numerous area FFA students earned recognition for their efforts with the organization.

For the Ainsworth High School chapter proficiency events, Aiden Jackman was the state champion in fiber and oil production and Kenley Welke finished as the state runner-up in wildlife management. Emma Kennedy took third in the state in health and human services, and Terra Shoemaker placed third in nursery operations. Kennedy was also a gold medal winner in the employment skills category.

The Ainsworth veterinary science team of Megan Jones, Londyn Dunbar, Addi Held and Miah Ortner finished eighth as a team, with Jones placing seventh individually.

The agriscience team of Ben Clingman, Ryan Kerrigan, Bateson Raymond and Bristol Goodwin placed 11^th in the state. The ag sales team of Morgan Kinney, Preselyn Goochey, Emma Kennedy and Hannah Beel finished 14^th, with the livestock judging team of Kenley Welke, Holden Beel, Londyn Dunbar and Branden Freudenburg placing 20^th.

State FFA Degrees were awarded to Terra Shoemaker, Braxton Fletcher, Hannah Beel, Aiden Jackman, Preselyn Goochey, Emma Kennedy and Miah Ortner.

For Keya Paha County, Jamison Graham received a State Degree. The Keya Paha Chapter received fourth place in the I Believe in the Future of Ag contest, and Zach Wiebelhaus and Kit Painter received NIFA Chapter Awards.

The agricultural technology and mechanics team of John Schrader, Lucas Clay, Mason Schubauer and Landon Stephen finished 23^rd of 60 teams in the state. The natural resources team of Thomas Carr, Mason Schubauer, Reece Taylor and Courtnie Kruger finished 23^rd of 77 teams. The welding team of John Schrader, Mason Schubauer, Lucas Clay and Angela Frick placed 32^nd of 60 teams.

Kit Painter received a silver rating in her individual proficiency event, with Angela Frick earning a bronze rating in her event.

For Rock County FFA, Bridget Lewis, Sydney Sybrant, Maddie Corkle and Lindsay Wegener earned State Degrees. The Rock County Chapter placed third in the I Believe in the Future of Ag campaign.

Individually, Carter Buell earned a gold rating in senior public speaking. Kade Wiiest picked up a silver rating in extemporaneous speaking, and Addie Wiiest earned silver in natural resources speaking. Owen Blake placed third in ag literacy speaking, Trey Anthony and Macy Bearnson were third in the agriscience fair social systems category, Carter Buell took fourth in the agriscience fair social systems category, and Addie Wiiest and Lyndsey Sybrant placed fourth in the agriscience fair environmental natural resources category.

Rock County’s ag biotechnology team of Carter Buell, Trey Anthony, Noah Seberger and Collin Hagan placed fifth, with Buell and Anthony finishing 10^th and 11^th respectively.

The agriscience team of Noah Seberger, Lyndsey Sybrant, Ireland Buell and Trevor Keller finished fifth. The nursery and landscape team of Carter Buell, Trey Anthony, Macy Bearnson and Ireland Buell finished 12^th in the state.

The Stuart FFA Chapter landed state championships in both the Conduct of Chapter Meetings category and Parliamentary Procedure to advance to nationals.

The champion Conduct of Chapter Meetings team consisted of Kyra Tubbs, Tommy Paxton, Paityn Sheffield, Klaire Ramm, Max Alder, Annie Ludwig and Brook Wallinger.

The champion Parliamentary Procedure team included Hunter Tubbs, MaKayla Menke, Benjamin Paxton, Addie Ketteler, Luke Ludwig and Dawson Heiser.

The Marketing Plan Team of Gracie Kaup, Reagan Stracke and Annie Ludwig finished as the state runner-up, as did Tommy Paxton in Creed Speaking.

Blake Wallinger placed third in the state in MIG Welding. Hunter Tubbs took fourth in employment skills and fifth in ag sales.

Megan Karo finished fifth in food science, with Dawson Heiser sixth in the state in natural resources speaking. The Ag Demo team of Owen Littau, Kayde Ramm, Zane Doke and Morgan Menke placed sixth.

The Stuart team earned a gold medal in Conduct of Chapter Meetings with Kemberlyn Kohle, Ali Wondercheck, Alex Paxton, Mac Wallinger, Collin Heiser, Jaxon Kohle and Amry Paxton.

Blake Wallinger picked up a silver medal in extemporaneous speaking.

Luke Ludwig was a State Star in Agribusiness finalist, and Jameson Estill and Blake Wallinger were finalists in the State Star in Agricultural Placement.

The Stuart FFA Chapter also landed state proficiency champions with Blake Wallinger in diversified crop production placement and Luke Ludwig in vegetable production.

State proficiency runners-up were Gracie Kaup in equine science entrepreneurship and Reagan Stracke in home and occupational safety.

Third place finishers in state proficiency events were Zane Doke in specialty animal production, Ben Paxton in forage production and Luke Ludwig in ag sales entrepreneurship.

The Stuart farm and agribusiness management team of Blake Wallinger, Jameson Estill, MaKayla Menke and Austin Fuelberth finished sixth in the state.

The ag sales team of Hunter Tubbs, Blake Wallinger, Ben Paxton and Klaire Ramm placed seventh in the state.

The food science team of Megan Karo, Austin Fuelberth, Annie Ludwig and Alyssa Karo finished 16^th.

State Degrees were awarded to 11 Stuart FFA members: Gracie Kaup, Addisyn Ketteler, Reagan Stracke, MaKayla Menke, Megan Karo, Blake Wallinger, Luke Ludwig, Dawson Heiser, Hunter Tubbs, Jameson Estill and Benjamin Paxton.

The West Holt FFA Chapter saw 16 members earn State Degrees. Those students were Teagan Butterfield, Mason Crumrine, Abby Davis, Nick Hansen, Kruz Jelinek, Lincoln Konrad, Ryanna Mathis, Olivia Nelson, Drake Nemetz, Hannah Olson, Cole Poessnecker, Naomi Sanchez, Makenna Schaaf, Oliver Shane, Lily Vogel and Kimberly Wettlaufer.

The West Holt Parliamentary Procedure team of Cale Deseive, Ava Hoffman, Pavan Larson, Morgan Mitchell, Aleigha Ogden and Taylor Walnofer was named a state finalist and earned a gold medal.

The Ag Demonstration Team of Kruz Jelinek, Drake Nemetz, Teagan Butterfield and Naomi Sanchez earned a silver medal, as did the Conduct of Chapter Meetings team of Sadie Keogh, Jadon Davis, Case Shane, Taylor Nowlin, Tagen Kramer, Carter Wettlaufer and Gabe Monasterio.

Teagan Butterfield was a state finalist in agricultural production.

Ava Hoffman finished as the state runner-up in creed speaking and earned a gold medal. Lily Vogel took fifth in the state and earned gold in senior public speaking.

Madalyn Pistulka earned gold in natural resources speaking, and Monica Chavez received gold in employment skills.

Elizabeth Olson earned a silver medal in extemporaneous speaking.

In career development events, the Huskies earned a state championship in farm and agribusiness management with the team of Mason Crumrine, Nick Hansen, Drake Nemetz and Lincoln Konrad. Crumrine and Hansen finished second and fourth individually.

The West Holt Marketing Plan team of Kearsten Keogh, Aila Nowlin, Claire Sholes, Ansley Cadwallader and Kayli Monasterio also won a state championship.

The Agricultural Communications team of Lily Vogel, Monica Chavez, Hannah Olson and Taylor Walnofer finished as the state runner-up. Vogel placed fifth individually, with Chavez eighth.

The Nursery/Landscape team placed third in the state with Hunter Wettlaufer, Makenna Schaaf, London Konrad and Berkleigh Dvorak. Wettlaufer was fourth individually and earned a $1,000 scholarship from Stihl. Schaaf placed eighth and Konrad ninth individually.

The Environmental Natural Resources team of Marek Dvorak, Alex Gotschall, Zeke Klabenes and Carson Wieneke placed eighth, with Dvorak 11^th individually.

The Floriculture team of Kimberly Wettlaufer, Avery Nemetz, Abby Davis and Madison Kratz took ninth. Wettlaufer was 11^th individually.

The Poultry team of Taylor Schaaf, Case Shane, Carter Wettlaufer and Elizabeth Olson finished 12^th, with Schaaf 10^th individually.

The Welding team of Kyle Schmidt, Cole Poessnecker, Lane Cole and Max Caro took 19^th, with Schmidt third in TIG welding and Poessnecker fifth individually in MIG welding.

The Husky Chapter landed four state proficiency champions to qualify for nationals.

Teagan Butterfield won the proficiency championship in beef production, as did Ava Hoffman in diversified horticulture, Oliver Shane in forage production and Taylor Walnofer in agriscience research.

Four West Holt members were the state runners-up in their proficiency categories: Monica Chavez in agricultural mechanics, design and fabrication; Pavan Larson in nursery operations; Lane Keogh in residential construction; and Hunter Wettlaufer in landscape installation.

Hannah Olson finished third in the state in sales and service.

In the Agriscience Fair, Elizabeth Olson and Ansley Cadwallader won a state championship in power, structural and technical systems to qualify for nationals.

Anel Monasterio and Maria Mora Gallardo finished as the state runner-up in plant systems.

* Long Pine receives $53,000 in CDBG funding

(Posted 1:30 p.m. April 7)

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development announced $836,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to three communities through the 2024 Planning and Public Works opportunities.

The awards supplement DED’s Nov. 8 announcement of more than $8.3 million in CDBG awards.

The city of Long Pine received a $53,000 Community Development Block Grant  to create a comprehensive plan. Edison received $480,000 in CDBG funds to construct a backup well, and Sprague picked up $303,000 in CDBG funding to construct a new well and well building.

The CDBG program provides funds to help communities plan and implement projects that enhance public health and safety, economic well-being, local vitality, and quality of life. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Each of the funded communities outlined a sound plan for their community development project, demonstrating collaboration and support from local businesses and residents.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:15 a.m. April 7)

March 30

Received a report of power lines sparking in southeast Brown County. KBR was contacted.

Received a report of a vehicle speeding and driving carelessly south on Highway 7. Deputies were unable to locate the vehicle.

A traffic stop was made south on Highway 7. The driver received a citation for speeding 78 mph in a posted 65 mph zone. 

Received a report from a Long Pine resident about smelling smoke and seeing a possible fire in the canyon. Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department was contacted and reported that they could see the fire but it looked to be someone’s camp fire.

March 31

Received a written complaint about harassment of an Ainsworth resident. This is being investigated by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.

Brown County Sheriff’s Office was requested to do a welfare check on an elderly male in Ainsworth. The resident was found to be ok.

Received a report about a vehicle driving on Highway 20 that was struggling to maintain his lane. A deputy patrolled the reported area and was unable to locate the vehicle.

Received a report of possible child abuse. Deputies spoke with all parties involved. This is still an ongoing investigation.

Received a report of saws that were left at the Ainsworth car wash. The property was picked up by deputies and later returned to the owner.   

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

Deputy responded to suspicious activity in Ainsworth. Brown County deputy drove around the reported area and did not see anything out of the ordinary.  

April 1

A deputy responded to a request for a civil standby for an Ainsworth resident so they could deliver paperwork.

April 2

Brown County deputies with the assistance of Valentine Police Department did a K9 sniff of Ainsworth Community Schools. The K9 officer reported that there was nothing found or located during the K9 sniff.

Brown County Sheriff and a staff member attended a NIRMA conference in Norfolk.

April 3

Calamus fire department did a training burn on Calamus Road.

Received a call from the Fremont Police Department advising that an individual had been arrested on a Brown County warrant.

April 4

Brown County deputy assisted an individual with civil matter questions.

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

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

A traffic stop was made west on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for not having a registered vehicle and was given written warnings for not having their driver’s license on the person and his headlight was not working properly.

A traffic stop was made just east of Ainsworth for driving 50 mph in a posted 35 mph zone in Ainsworth. The driver was given a citation for 15 mph over the posted speed limit and driving without having valid driver’s license.

Brown County Ambulance assisted an Ainsworth resident with transport from the Brown County Hospital back to their house.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for a headlight not working properly. During the traffic stop the deputy discovered that the driver’s registration has been expired for approximately one full year. The driver received a citation for his expired registration and warning for his headlight not working properly.  

April 5

Brown County Deputies responded to a call for a possible shot window of an Ainsworth Resident. This is still an ongoing investigation.

Responded to hit deer south on Highway 7 still in the roadway. Brown County Deputy removed the deer from the traffic lane.

Brown County Deputies responded to a car deer accident on highway 20.

Deputies responded to a welfare check of a child. The child was found to be ok.

Weekly Log
Calls:  681
911 Calls:  4
Calls for Service:  14
VIN Inspections:  5
Handgun Purchase Permits:  2
Inmates Currently Housed:  2

* Swanson recognized during Teacher Education Convocation

(Posted 7:15 a.m. April 7)

The 225 University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate students who have officially been admitted to teacher education programs in the College of Education and Human Sciences during the 2024-25 academic year were recognized at the second annual Teacher Education Convocation April 4 at Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall.

Among the students recognized was Gracie Swanson of Bassett, a junior majoring in elementary education and special education.

Students were formally recognized during the ceremony and presented with a commemorative pin symbolizing that they are one step closer to entering the professional life of an educator. 

Kenneth and Annie Bird provided the keynote address for the event. Kenneth Bird is a former superintendent of Omaha’s Westside High School and former founder, president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit Avenue Scholars. Annie Bird is a former speech-language pathologist for the Nebraska Department of Education and former educator.

“You have chosen an amazing career path,” Annie Bird told the future teachers during the convocation. “I would guess that as you’ve chosen this profession, there was some teacher, some educator in your life, that really left an impression on you and led you to the direction of wanting to go this route. You’re going to be that person for someone else.”

* Area counties see lowest February jobless rates

(Posted 1:30 p.m. April 3)

The Nebraska Department of Labor announced Nebraska’s unemployment rate for February is 3.0 percent. The rate is up 0.1 percent from January and up 0.4 percent from the February 2024 rate of 2.6 percent.

Nebraska’s unemployment rate is tied for fifth lowest in the nation. South Dakota maintained its grip on the best unemployment rate in the country in February at 1.9 percent. North Dakota and Vermont tied for second with rates of 2.6 percent, followed by Montana at 2.8 percent, then Nebraska, Minnesota, Maryland, Hawaii and New Hampshire at 3.0 percent.

The highest jobless rate in the country continues to be Nevada. That state’s rate climbed to 5.8 percent in February. Michigan and California tied for the second highest rate in February at 5.4 percent, with Kentucky at 5.3 percent and Illinois at 4.8 percent rounding out the bottom five.

Brown County and Rock County each saw jobless rates of 2.7 percent in February, below the state average and tied with several other counties for the second-best rates in the state.

Cherry County had the lowest rate in the state in February at 2.4 percent.

Holt County was also better than the state average with a rate of 2.8 percent in February. Blaine County’s rate came in at 3.8 percent, followed by Keya Paha County at 4 percent and Boyd County at 4.3 percent.

The highest unemployment rate in the state was experienced in Hooker County in the Sandhills at 8 percent.

“Nebraska’s labor force reached 1,077,890 in February, a record high for the second straight month,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber.  “Employment is up by 10,000 compared to a year ago.”

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, a count of filled jobs, was 1,048,487 in February, up 4,754 from January and up 6,569 from February 2024. Private industries with the most growth between January and February were the private education and health services sector (up 1,399 jobs), the manufacturing sector (up 665 jobs) and the mining and construction sector (up 557 jobs).

Private industries with the most growth during the past year were the private education and health services sector (up 5,889 jobs); the mining and construction sector (up 1,803 jobs); and the other services sector (up 1,144 jobs).

The national unemployment rate for February is 4.1 percent, up 0.1 percentage point from January and up 0.2 percentage points from the February 2024 rate of 3.9 percent.

* Meadville Avenue speed limit to remain 50 mph

(Posted 8:15 a.m. April 2)

The Brown County Commissioners will not attempt to increase the 50 mph speed limit on Meadville Avenue after the results of a speed study indicated there were areas where minimum site line standards for stopping were not met.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin told the commissioners Tuesday the survey was conducted free of charge by Lance Harter with Oak Creek Engineering because of the time it took to complete the survey.

Turpin said the survey showed at least four areas where the minimum site line standards for stopping distances would not be met if the speed limit on Meadville Avenue was increased to 55 mph.

Turpin said Harter recommended the commissioners keep the speed limit at the current 50 mph. The highway superintendent said increasing the speed limit after receiving a recommendation not to do so could lead to liability issues for the county if an accident occurred.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said, now that the commissioners have this information, he didn’t believe the speed limit should be changed. Dailey said he did not want to see the county exposed to potential liability should an accident occur.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer agreed, saying he did not want to see anyone get hurt if the speed limit was raised and an accident occurred.

The study did recommend the county extend the 35 mph speed limit on Meadville Avenue an additional 500 feet north of the 879^th Road intersection. The current 35 mph speed limit begins at the 879^th Road intersection and continues south to the Ainsworth city limits.

In another roads item Tuesday, Turpin recommended the commissioners move forward with a request to vacate 1.65 miles of Harry Johnston Road in southern Brown County.

Turpin conducted a study of the road’s usage and reported the road has daily traffic of five vehicles or fewer. He said the property adjacent to the entire stretch of road is owned by one landowner.

He recommended the county consider vacating the road and hold a public hearing so anyone with concerns could voice them.

The commissioners set a public hearing on the road vacation request for 1:15 p.m. May 6.

Turpin said, should the commissioners ultimately decide to vacate the road, the landowner would be given the option to either purchase the county-owned auto gates on the stretch or the roads department would remove them.

Turpin reported there have been erosion issues on both 430^th Avenue and Meadville Avenue where they intersect with Bone Creek.

Turpin said he contacted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about potentially straightening the channel on Bone Creek to alleviate the erosion issues and was told it was a possibility but would require a wetlands delineation from an engineer.

“If we get the wetlands delineation, I can fill out the application to the Corps of Engineers,” Turpin said.

The board approved hiring an engineer to conduct the study needed for the application.

The commissioners approved the purchase of three pieces of equipment from armor coating company Topkote, which recently ceased operations.

Turpin recommended the county purchase a 1998 packer, a 24-foot Trail King trailer and a 2018 Bearcat tar pot. Turpin said each piece of equipment would be useful to the roads department.

“The tar pot will let us fill cracks on oil roads,” Turpin said, instead of the county having to contract for that work.

Dailey said the tar pot would pay for itself in the first year.

The commissioners authorized Turpin to purchase all three pieces of equipment for a total cost of $64,000. Turpin said he did have money in his current budget to accommodate the purchase.

In a final roads item Tuesday, the commissioners approved a request from property owner Randy Rau to have the county surveyor locate property lines in an area that had recent road improvement work completed.

Rau said he purchased property near the Ainsworth South Cemetery and the property markers were removed when the roads department made the road wider while it was being used as a detour route.

Rau said he would like to see the property lines reestablished so he knew where he could put in fencing.

The commissioners approved having Lloyd Smith survey the site.

In other business, the commissioners approved a resolution for a countywide burn ban after receiving a request from fire chiefs in the county during the board’s March 18 meeting.

Fire chiefs indicated the state statutes on open burning bans were not all-encompassing and a county-issued burn ban would cover types of open burning state statutes did not address.

The resolution approved by the commissioners bans all forms of open burning when fire chiefs deem conditions call for a ban.

The commissioners authorized the purchase of new communications equipment for the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Brent Deibler said the current dispatching system was outdated and parts could no longer be found.

The board approved a resolution drafted by County Attorney Andy Taylor that designated the equipment as specialized, removing the requirement to advertise for bids.

Deibler said $85,509 in E911 funding could be used to pay for a majority of the cost of outfitting the department with the new equipment, and the remaining $49,111 could be financed through Shaffer Communications of Lincoln.

By a 2-1 vote with Commissioner Donnie Painter against, the commissioners approved a special designated liquor license request for the Sandhills Corral for a wedding reception to be held May 17 on the Carson Ranch in southern Brown County.

The commissioners approved the 2024 weed superintendent performance evaluation as submitted by the state. Weed Superintendent Scott Erthum said he scored 3,390 out of a possible 3,400 on his evaluation. He said he was docked 10 points because he didn’t see a question asking if he was a full time or part time employee.

Treasurer Bruce Mitchell reported a recent public tax sale had four entities purchase 12 parcels of overdue property tax with the county receiving $23,158. The companies purchasing the back taxes receive interest from the property owner if the taxes are eventually repaid. If the taxes are not paid within three years, the companies can file a lien on the property.

Mitchell said 99.76 percent of 2023 property taxes have now been collected.

Emergency Manager Traci Booth discussed EMPG grants the county receives to cover half the cost of the wages paid to the designated emergency manager. Booth said deputy emergency manager Jessica Pozehl had been nominated for the deputy emergency manager of the year award.

The board approved providing a letter of support requested by Next Link to bid on broadband projects advertised by the state to provide service to residents located in the northern and southern portions of the county.

Next Link representative Aaron Clark said the letter of support was needed for the company to bid the project, and the county could provide a letter of support to more than one company if requested.

AFLAC representative Ashley Leonard discussed the products the company provides to county employees at the employees’ cost. She said 19 of the county’s 30 employees participate in supplemental insurance provided by AFLAC, and those employees receive lower premiums and better coverage by having the cost of the premiums withheld from their paychecks by the county.

If the county does not participate, employees would have to pay higher premiums and receive lower levels of coverage. Leonard said the county currently saves about $1,600 in payroll tax responsibilities as an added benefit since the insurance premiums are pre-taxed.

* Randolph receives inaugural NSAA award

(Posted 11:15 a.m. April 1)

The Nebraska School Activities Association presented the inaugural NSAA Above and Beyond Award, celebrating individuals whose dedication and service make a profound impact within their school communities.

The NSAA recognized Mark Randolph from West Holt Public Schools with the first Above and Beyond Award, noting he truly embodies the spirit of going above and beyond.

Randolph is employed as West Holt’s transportation director and custodian, but his contributions extend far beyond any job description. Described as a servant at heart, Randolph is the kind of person who quietly and consistently makes life better for those around him. Whether it’s driving buses through snowstorms to ensure students arrive safely, preparing classrooms for a new day, or simply offering a kind word of encouragement, his unwavering dedication is evident in every action.

As a bus driver, Randolph has logged countless miles, transporting students to field trips, FFA and FCCLA events, music performances, athletic competitions, and even church mission trips. Coaches and staff alike have often relied on his vast knowledge of Nebraska roads, giving them peace of mind knowing they’re in the safest hands. His calm presence and genuine care ensure every journey is a secure and positive experience.

In his role as a custodian, Randolph brings joy and warmth to every corner of West Holt. From ensuring the school is clean and welcoming, to checking in on teachers and staff just to see how they’re doing, his kindness and willingness to help never waver. It’s not uncommon to find him lending a hand with a smile, no matter the task.

As Transportation Director, Randolph treats his responsibilities as more than a job, it’s his life’s work. Maintaining West Holt’s fleet of vehicles with meticulous care, he ensures each bus and van is road-ready, both inside and out. And when it comes to assigning drivers for school events, he often volunteers himself not because he has to, but because he genuinely loves being there for the students and staff.

Beyond his official roles, Randolph’s dedication to his community is unmatched. He even opens the local coffee shop each morning, simply to lend a helping hand. His support and positivity provide a sense of comfort, offering a smile and words of encouragement after both wins and losses.

Randolph’s connection with the students is remarkable. He knows their interests, passions, and favorite songs, making every ride feel like a moment of joy and belonging. His kindness, humility, and selflessness have left an indelible mark on West Holt, and his legacy of service will inspire generations to come.

* Ludwig receives KLOP scholarship from UNK

(Posted 6:30 a.m. April 1)

Twenty high school seniors from across the state, including Luke Ludwig of Stuart High School, will attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney as part of scholarship programs that prepare them for high-demand careers in law, government and public administration.

The UNK Department of Political Science selected 16 students for the prestigious Kearney Law Opportunities Program, a partnership with the University of Nebraska College of Law that addresses the ongoing need for more attorneys in greater Nebraska.

Launched in 2016, the program recruits and trains students from rural Nebraska who are committed to practicing in these communities as professionals.

All KLOP participants receive a partial room waiver and tuition assistance during their time at UNK, with most scholarships covering the full cost of tuition. The program also offers academic support, including one-on-one mentorship from faculty and peers, along with professional development opportunities.

KLOP members connect with current law students, judges, attorneys and other professionals during on-campus events and frequent visits to the Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln, with these interactions leading to internships both locally and nationally. They’re encouraged to participate in undergraduate research and other experiential learning activities, including field study courses that allow them to learn about international human rights law during a two-week trip to Europe and the politics and law of the Civil Rights Movement during a one-week trip to the Southern U.S.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree at UNK, students are guaranteed admission into the Nebraska College of Law, provided GPA and Law School Admission Test requirements are met.

When the newest class of KLOP scholars arrives on campus this fall, a total of 56 students will be part of the UNK program.

“This highly accomplished class of incoming KLOP students comes from all areas of the state, which is really exciting,” said program director and political science professor Chuck Rowling, who serves as chair of the UNK Department of Political Science. “It is clear that these students are drawn to the intellectual rigor of this program, as well as the numerous experiential learning and professional development opportunities that will be available to them. I am excited to see the eventual impact these students will have on addressing the shortage of attorneys in rural Nebraska.”

The KLOP program is available to Nebraska students outside Lincoln and the Omaha metropolitan area. Participants can major in any academic area as long as they plan to pursue a law degree.

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 2 p.m. March 31)

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 1
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda

Roll Call.

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law.

Opening Prayer.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Approve minutes of the 3-18-2025 and the regular meeting.

Approve Claims

Public Tax Sale Report – Treasurer

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update

Randy Rau, location of property line and reimbursement of dirt – Randy Rau

Meadville Avenue Speed Limit change & speed study recommendation – Turpin

Letter of Support for Central Nebraska Economic Development District – Bauer

Resolution for a County wide burn ban Taylor

Resolution to provide Sheriff Department additional funds for unique communications equipment – Taylor

Special Liquor License for Sandhills Corral @ the Carson Ranch on May 17, 2025 – Kendra Johnston

1:30     Grant and LEOP update – Booth

1:45     Ashley Leonard – Aflac                     

2:00     Scott Erthum –  Present and approve State evaluation

Correspondence

Public Comment

Executive Session

Adjourn

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 11 a.m. March 31)

March 23

Released inmate from Brown County Jail because they completed their court commitment.

Released inmate from Brown County Jail on Bond.

Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth residence and took the resident to the Brown County Hospital. 

March 24

Brown County Sheriff Office responded to a harassment call on an Ainsworth resident.

Deputies responded to a welfare check on an individual in Long Pine State Park. Individual was found to be ok.

The Sheriff’s office took a report of lost property in Ainsworth.

The Sheriff’s office took a report of possible child abuse in Ainsworth. This is still an ongoing investigation.

Deputies responded to a noise complaint with a Long Pine resident screaming and making threats in the middle of the street. This is still an ongoing investigation.

Deputies responded to Long Pine for a possible trespassing. The Deputies walked the property, including neighboring properties, and were unable to locate anyone.

March 25

Received a report of a bicyclist looking through the windows of Pump and Pantry.

Deputies responded to a call to Long Pine for a noise complaint.

The Sheriff’s Office received a written report of a Scam on social media and harassing phone calls. This is an ongoing investigation.

Released an inmate to a neighboring county for court appearance.

Neighboring County dropped off inmate after completing their court appearance.

Received a traffic complaint for a reckless driver in East City Park. A traffic stop was made, and the driver was arrested for driving with a revoked driver’s license. A Citation was also given for reckless driving.

Deputy attended storm watch training in Long Pine.

Suspicious activity was reported south of the airport on Highway 20. A deputy responded and reported nothing was found to be out of the ordinary.  

March 26

Sheriff’s Office employees attended Traffic Incident Management training.

Brown County Sheriff’s Office Tested Tornado sirens for Brown County.

Deputies took a report of a physical altercation that happened between two residents of Ainsworth.

Received a phone call about a residence around Long Pine smelling smoke. Long Pine fire department was notified. They advised that they did not locate fires in the Long Pine area that it may be coming from a controlled burn near Broken Bow.

Received complaint of a Transient camping off Highway 7. Transient was spoken to and that he is traveling the sandhills on his bike.

March 27

Took a report of someone has been doing “cookies” out at the Ainsworth Airport.

The Sheriff’s Office did a welfare check on an Ainsworth resident. The resident was found to be ok.

The Sheriff’s Office found a vehicle driven into the trees in Keller State Park. Since the vehicle was not in a designated parking area or camping area, the vehicle was towed.

March 28

Received a phone call from Cherry County requesting mutual aid for a fire south on Highway 83. The Ainsworth fire and Johnstown fire responded to the fire On Highway 83.

Traffic Control was provided for a funeral service in Ainsworth.

Received traffic complaint in Ainsworth of reckless driving. Vehicles reported were not located.

Took a report of a possible fire, the caller advised that a chimney in Ainsworth was puffing black smoke.  There was no fire found.

Deputy responded to two separate car deer accidents South on Highway 7. The Brown County Ambulance was called to assist with a possible injury from the accident. One of the drivers was transported to the Brown County Hospital.

March 29

A written warning was given to a driver for driving left of center.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 the driver of the vehicle was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was also cited for driving left of center, minor in possession of alcohol, unlawful consumption of alcohol and no license on person.

Brown County Ambulance responded to an Ainsworth resident; the resident was transported to the Brown County Hospital.  

Released individual from Brown County Jail on Bond.

Responded to a verbal argument of Long Pine residents. Parties were separated for the night.

Responded to a report of a vehicle parked along the highway with a person possibly slumped over the steering wheel. Deputies checked the reported area, and the vehicle was no longer there.   

Weekly Log
Calls:  870
911 Calls:  10
Calls for Service:  21
VIN Inspections:  2
Handgun Purchase Permits:  3
Inmates Currently Housed:  4

* Stuart finishes as Class D-2 State Speech runner-up

(Posted 6:45 a.m. March 31)

Class D-2 State Speech
Kearney
Team Scores
1. O’Neill St. Mary’s, 116; 2. Stuart, 110; 3. Chambers, 86; 4. Giltner, 64; 5. Arnold, 5; 6. Elgin Pope John, 52; 7. Sioux County, 50; 8. Wallace, 34; 9. Scribner-Snyder, 32; 10. Lewiston, 28.

Stuart Medal Winners
Extemporaneous speaking – 1. Dawson Heiser; 3. Thomas Paxton.

Entertainment speaking – 2. Maddux Alder.

Humorous prose – 2. Thomas Paxton.

Oral Interpretation of Drama – 4. Thomas Paxton, Matthew Yemma, Drew Schmaderer and Maddux Alder.

Persuasive speaking – 4. Dawson Heiser.

Serious Prose – 5. Drew Schmaderer.

* Fire burns 23,000 acres in Valentine Wildlife Refuge

(Posted 5:30 p.m. March 29)

Federal and state firefighters continue full fire suppression and monitoring operations for the Dads Lake Fire south of Valentine. Cooler temperatures, increased humidity and decreasing winds aided firefighters in blunting fire growth overnight Friday and into the day Saturday.

As of noon on Saturday, the fire perimeter was estimated at 23,000 acres based on preliminary information from heat signature mapping, which is not precise.

Reduced fire activity with limited to no growth is expected in the days ahead, but crews will continue suppression operations and monitor for renewed activity. The most active area of fire Saturday was in the southwest area of Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, but the fire burned off the refuge yesterday and overnight.  

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary information indicates the fire may have been sparked by a UTV used for refuge operations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service thanks the many volunteer fire departments, nearby landowners, and public safety and law enforcement departments that responded Friday and through the night. Federal and state interagency fire resources have responded with more enroute Saturday to assist with ongoing suppression, extinguishing any hotspots, and removing burning material near fire control lines to ensure the fire is fully out in areas that have burned. Resources supporting firefighting efforts include both ground and air assets. 

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 1:45 p.m. March 27)

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

Christopher G. Hockaday, age 42, of Parker, Colo., charged with speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, fined $125.

Nicholas J. Heisel, 41, of Garretson, S.D., possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, $300; also charged with no operator’s license, $50; possession of drug paraphernalia, $100.

Bryant J. Neel, 19, of Gainesville, Mo., disclose undercover license plate information, $100; improper or defective vehicle lighting, $25; no proof of insurance, $100.

Morris A. Gilmore, 59, of Terlingua, Texas, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Kateryna O. Mukhina, 37, of St. Paul, Minn., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Kenneth D. Voss, 78, of Ainsworth, no license on person, $50.

* Trout to be stocked at Ainsworth pond next week

(Posted 6:45 a.m. March 26)

Spring trout stockings will continue throughout the state in April. As the spring temperatures continue to rise, anglers are encouraged to catch some of these larger trout – many near or exceeding 12 inches – being stocked.  

The Ainsworth Community Pond will have 250 cutbow trout stocked the week of April 1. The Sand Springs Pond on the Plum Creek Valley Wildlife Management Area will have 250 rainbow trout stocked the same week.

Pond 4 at Keller State Park will see 200 rainbow trout stocked the week of April 1, with 250 rainbow trout stocked in Pond 5.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is continuing to seek valuable input from trout anglers, particularly those who fish put-and-take lakes. Information from a voluntary survey will be used to continue informing future trout management and stocking decisions.

A survey is available at OutdoorNebraska.gov. Search “trout stocking reports.” Information from this survey will be used to inform future trout management and stocking decisions.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 6:30 a.m. March 25)

March 16

• Officers responded to a report of vandalism.  Citations issued to two parties with future court dates.
• Papers served to two residents of Ainsworth.
• Assisted motorist with brake issues on Hwy 20.
• A traffic stop in Ainsworth resulted in two citations with future court dates.

March 17

• Ainsworth Firemen responded to report of a fire south of Ainsworth which was started by a blown transformer. KBR Rural Electric also notified of down powerline.
• Officers and Administration staff attended the “I Love U Guys” reunification training held by the NE Dept of Education, Safety and Security & “I Love U Guys” Foundation.
• Paper service handed to Ainsworth resident through window at the BCSO.
• Received report of pedestrians walking unsafely in the streets of Ainsworth.  This office would like to remind people to use the sidewalks whenever possible and to always walk against traffic.  Walking in the street in the same direction as traffic, with headphones on, can be extremely unsafe.
• Officers arrested a female for DUI who was booked into the Brown County Jail until posting bond the next morning.

March 18

• Responded to a report of suspicious activity in Ainsworth which was later found to be someone visiting the neighbors.
• Transported a female patient to Richard Young in Kearney on an emergency protective custody hold.
• Responded to mutual aid request from the State Patrol to intercept a speeder entering Brown County from the west. The speeding driver either slowed down or turned off Hwy 20 as it was not found.
• A local resident accidentally drove off after getting fuel was contacted by an officer and returned to local business to pay for their fuel.

March 19

• Citation issued to driver speeding on Hwy 20.
• Verbal warning given to driver in Ainsworth for repairs needed on vehicle.

March 20

• Officers responded to an accident reported in a parking lot in Ainsworth.
• Written warning given to a driver in Ainsworth.

March 21

• Responded to reports of two vehicles in the ditch on east Hwy 20. No injuries were reported, and an ambulance was refused.
• Officers investigated suspicious activity near Ainsworth Community Schools.  It was determined to be a non-threat.
• Traffic stop at Hwy 20 & Hwy 183 resulted in a written warning for speed.
• Papers served in Ainsworth.
• Responded to noise complaint in Ainsworth.  Party turned down his music.
• Written warning for speeding issued for driver on Hwy 20.
• Traffic stop made on individual in Ainsworth.  Party was advised to walk home as they did not meet the DUI threshold.

March 22

• Officers responded to a report of fighting in the street in Ainsworth.  One party taken to Brown County Hospital by the Brown County Ambulance.  This is an investigation still underway.
• Female booked into Brown County Jail on a 12 hour hold per a mandatory PBT check by court order from Holt County.
• Papers served in Ainsworth.
• Multiple citations were issued as result of investigation into incident in street on 3/21.
• Ainsworth Ambulance transported a female patient to the Brown County Hospital from Cottonwood Villa.
• Responded to report of reckless driving in Long Pine.  One driver was arrested on DUI charges.

Weekly Log
Calls:  776 
911 Calls:  7 
Calls for Service:  14 
VIN Inspections:  5 
Handgun Purchase Permits:  1 
Inmates Currently Housed:  3 

* Lions Club meets for first time in three months

(Posted 6:30 a.m. March 25)

The Ainsworth Lions Club held its regular monthly meeting March 17 after the January and February meetings were cancelled due to the weather.

The Ainsworth Food Pantry sent a thank you card for the club’s donation. The club received a $500 anonymous donation that will be added to the Activity Account. The Lions Club International Foundation sent recognition of the $1,000 donation made to LCIF’s Empowering Service Fund.  This donation allows the Ainsworth Lions Club to name a Melvin Jones Fellowship recipient. Lions Club International informed the club that it earned the Membership Satisfaction Award for the 2023-24 year and sent the club’s award patch.

The club approved to renew the Adopt-A-Highway service project that is completed twice per year.  It was approved to renew the Ainsworth Lions Club annual membership to the Ainsworth Area Chamber of Commerce at the $100 level.  The club also approved to again be a hole sponsor in the amount of $200 for the Brown County Hospital Fundraiser Golf Tournament.

The Ainsworth Lions Club Officers/Directors initial nomination slate for the 2025-26 year was reviewed and completed.  The final nomination slate will be approved during the April meeting and will then be sent to the membership for voting approval.

The annual Fourth Grade Forester Project will be held April 25 at McAndrew Elementary, in conjunction with the Natural Resources District.  All students will be provided a tree sapling for planting.  The annual All-Sports Tailgate is scheduled for April 29 in McAndrew Gymnasium.  There will again be no presale tickets, with all meal tickets purchased at the door.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Lions Club will be held Monday, April 21, at 5 p.m. in the Ainsworth Senior Center.

* Phares qualifies for State Speech

(Posted 11:30 a.m. March 23)

Class C2-4 District Speech
Plainview High School
Team Scores
1. Howells-Dodge, 280; 2. Plainview, 216; 3. Humphrey-Lindsay, 166; 4. Creighton, 104; 5. Lutheran High Northeast, 60; 6. Ainsworth, 42; 7. Burwell, 32.

Ainsworth Results
Poetry – 3. Madison Phares (qualifies for state)

Serious Prose – 5. Preselyn Goochey

Persuasive Speaking – 4. Hannah Beel

* Stuart wins Class D2-3 District Speech Meet

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

Class D2-3 District Speech
Stuart Public School
Team Scores
1. Stuart, 282; 2. Cody-Kilgore, 136; 3. Sargent, 114; 4. Tie between Keya Paha County and Mullen, 78; 6. Thedford, 48; 7. Loup County, 42; 8. Sandhills, 34.

Top Three in Each Event Qualify for State
Entertainment speaking – 1. Maddux Alder, Stuart; 3. Connor Sutton, Sandhills.

Extemporaneous speaking – 1. Dawson Heiser, Stuart; 2. Thomas Paxton, Stuart.

Informative speaking – 2. Matthew Yemma, Stuart; 3. Jasmine Davis, Stuart.

Oral Interpretation of Drama – 1. Drew Schmaderer, Maddux Alder, Matthew Yemma and Thomas Paxton, Stuart; 2. Connor Sutton, Mason Sutton and Mattee Zutavern, Sandhills.

Humorous Prose – 1. Thomas Paxton, Stuart; 2. Maddux Alder, Stuart; 3. Brenna Caufield, Keya Paha County; 4. Zoey Snyder, Keya Paha County.

Poetry – 1. Bailey Kaufman, Keya Paha County; 2. Jasmine Davis, Stuart.

Serious Prose – 1. Drew Schmaderer, Stuart; 2. Jasmine Davis, Stuart; 3. Brenna Caufield, Keya Paha County; 5. Courtnie Krueger, Keya Paha County.

Persuasive – 1. Dawson Heiser, Stuart; 2. Matthew Yemma, Stuart.

Program of Oral Interpretation – 1. Drew Schmaderer, Stuart; 2. Dawson Heiser, Stuart.

* Commissioners approve roof replacement funding

(Posted 2:45 p.m. March 19)

After months of discussion over the bids received, the Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday opted to provide the Brown County Agricultural Society with $52,000 from the county’s inheritance tax fund to pay for the replacement of the Johnstown Community Hall roof.

Board Chairman Dennis Bauer said, after discussing the matter with County Attorney Andy Taylor, the commissioners had the authority to decide how much money to provide the agricultural society for the project.

The agricultural society previously told the commissioners, of the numerous bids received for the roof replacement, the group opted for a quote of approximately $57,000 from Leach Roofing. The board did not approve the low bid for the project, which came in at around $44,000.

Bauer said he would be abstaining from any vote regarding the funding for the roof replacement.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said he was considering providing $52,000 from the inheritance tax fund to the agricultural society, with the money repaid to the inheritance tax fund over a three-year period.

“That is in between the two bids,” Dailey said.

Commissioner Donnie Painter said that number would be agreeable to him, as he wanted to provide $51,000 for the project.

By a 2-0 vote with Bauer abstaining, the board approved contributing $52,000 from the county’s inheritance tax fund toward the roof replacement, with the Brown County Agricultural Society repaying the money to the inheritance tax fund over a three-year period.

Agricultural Society representative Alex Goochey said the Ag Society has been receiving $50,000 annually from the county in property tax for its general operations and $20,000 toward a sinking fund. The sinking fund money would be used to repay the inheritance tax fund over the three years.

In other business Tuesday, Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala approached the commissioners about passing a more strict burning ban in the county during times of extreme fire danger.

Fiala said fire chiefs in the county would like to see the commissioners approve a resolution that included the prohibition of all burning in the county when fire chiefs issue a burn ban.

Fiala said state statute covers some forms of burning that are prohibited when a burn ban is issued, but the state statute does not cover everything.

“In the past several months, there have been several wildfires,” the Ainsworth fire chief said. “Some started from burn piles that got away. Some started from trash barrels.”

Fiala said one of the recent large fires in Custer County started from a burn barrel.

“It is a huge cost to the county to fight fire,” Fiala said.

Despite firefighters being volunteers, the fuel for the vehicles and the wear and tear on vehicles and equipment are a cost burden to the county.

“It would be nice to be able to recoup the cost of our fuel when having to fight a fire that someone causes,” Fiala said. “Fires are getting worse every year.”

He said recreational campfires were not included in burn bans issued by fire chiefs unless an additional resolution was approved by the county board.

Bauer said he would not have a problem voting for a resolution prohibiting all burning in the county when a burn ban is issued.

Taylor said he would like to have some time to research the state statutes and then prepare a resolution for the board to consider that would be in addition to the state regulations.

The item was placed on the board’s April 1 agenda.

Max Fay approached the commissioners with a petition to vacate a road in extreme southern Brown County. Fay presented the commissioners with signatures from property owners near the road, which is bordered on all sides by property he said he owns.

The commissioners directed Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin to proceed with a study of the road. Turpin has 30 days to complete the road study and present a recommendation to the board. Should the recommendation be to vacate the road, the commissioners would then set a public hearing on the vacation. The county is required to publish notice of the hearing and notify all adjacent property owners of the public hearing.

Dailey said it would likely be June before the board could provide Fay with an answer on vacating the road.

Bauer said, “The wheels of progress turn slowly.”

The commissioners discussed creating an official procedure for determining when to close the Brown County Courthouse during inclement weather.

Bauer said there are times when a blizzard is forecast but then the area doesn’t end up with much snow. He said he didn’t want to see people trying to drive in to the courthouse when the weather is bad, and having people slip and fall on the courthouse parking lot or the sidewalk is a concern.

While some counties follow the school and close the courthouse when the school cancels classes, the board determined the decision would be left to the commissioners, with decisions made by 6 a.m. on whether to close the courthouse for the day.

Clerk Travee Hobbs asked about whether board meetings would be cancelled on days the courthouse was closed as that issue came up March 4 when the courthouse was closed due to inclement weather with a board meeting scheduled. The board convened later that week to pay claims, but the remainder of the March 4 meeting agenda was moved to the following regular meeting date.

Taylor said he would work with Hobbs to draft a policy for the commissioners to consider April 1.

Sheriff Brent Deibler presented the board with a quote for a dispatch system. He said the current system is 30 years old and is having problems, buttons were sticking and information was not going out to responders during fire and ambulance calls. He said parts are no longer available to fix the current system.

Deibler said the $134,620 quote for the new system would include a hardware update after five years, and the county could pay for the cost of the system upgrade over a five-year term. If a grant is approved the sheriff’s department applied to receive, there would be no penalty for paying off the system early.

Taylor said, unless the equipment is specialized or it is an emergency, the county would have to advertise for bids for the new system. He said he would visit with Deibler to determine whether any other companies made a similar system to the one quoted.

Linda Alberts approached the board regarding a building on Main Street in Long Pine the county now owns.

Alberts said she understood the county was not awarded a grant to demolish the dilapidated building and asked if the board had a Plan B in mind.

Dailey said the county had no choice but to take ownership of the building.

“Nobody in Long Pine made anyone do anything about it before we inherited it, so I am not in favor of spending a bunch of money on it,” Dailey said. “The last time we checked, it was going to be $60,000 to demolish it.”

Bauer said the county should probably tear down the building and clean up the lot at some point.

In other action items Tuesday, the board appointed Painter to serve as the county’s representative on the Lexington Area Solid Waste Board, with Bauer serving as the alternate.

The commissioners also approved the final 2023-24 county audit as prepared by Contryman Associates of Kearney.

The board open sealed bids for armor coating, with just one bid received from Midwest Coatings of Modell, Iowa, at $25,875 per road mile with the county also responsible for the cost of the gravel.

Turpin said the quote approved for 2024 was $18,747 per mile so the cost for armor coating had increased substantially. He said Dan Osborne, who had performed armor coating work in the county for numerous years while employed by TopKote, was now working for Midwest Coatings.

The board discussed rejecting the bid and readvertising for armor coating. Turpin said, the longer the county waits to approve a quote, the higher the risk of not getting anyone at all to do the work.

Dailey said he was not in favor of increasing the line item budget for paved road maintenance, but he also did not want to short the roads department from having the ability to create cold mix asphalt for use on paved roads in the county.

Turpin initially said he hoped to armor coat 13 to 14 miles of paved roads, but with the price of the quote he said he would cut down to armor coating 10 miles of the Elsmere Road this fall.

The commissioners approved the bid from Midwest Coatings for 10 miles of armor coating in the county in the fall.

During his report, Turpin said there are members of the roads department who also serve as volunteer firefighters. He asked if the commissioners wanted those employees to clock out if they respond to a fire

Painter said he did not believe the employees needed to clock out as long as they used good judgment on when to respond.

Turpin said, if the employees are close to the shop, they could respond to fire calls but he would not have them respond if they were miles away.

Dailey said, “If they aren’t going to make it in the first five minutes, there is no point in going most times.”

Turpin reported the county has now received $783,730 in reimbursement from FEMA from the 2019 flooding in the county and an additional $490,605 in federal aid project reimbursement. He said the only thing that has yet to be reimbursed from the 2019 flooding is about $30,000 in administrative expenses.

Painter said he toured a site on Moon Lake Avenue where a property owner requested the county provide work on a private drive. He said he didn’t think the county should have anything to do with working on private drives.

Dailey said, “If we do that, we are going to open up a huge can of worms. Everyone in the county with a private drive will want us doing work.”

Turpin said he had researched the drive and found it had never been a dedicated county road.

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

* County Highway Improvement Plan approved Tuesday

(Posted 3:45 p.m. March 18)

Following a public hearing Tuesday, the Brown County Commissioners approved the one- and six-year highway improvement program as submitted by Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin.

Turpin said the county completed four projects in 2024 and partially completed two others. Among the projects completed during 2024 were:

* Armor coating Meadville Avenue

* Grading on East Calamus Road

* Grading on Road 883

* Grading on 426^th Avenue

* Grading on a portion of 422^nd Avenue

* Grade on a portion of Meadville Avenue

Turpin said the roads department still had about one-half mile of grading work to complete the Meadville Avenue project.

Turpin said the other projects from the county’s 2024 one-year plan will carry over to this year’s plan.

“Getting five to six projects completed each year is pretty typical,” Turpin told the commissioners. “The most we have ever got done in one year is 13.”
Turpin said he included 24 projects on the one-year plan for this year.

“It is overloaded because we put a bunch of bridge projects on there hoping to get federal earmarked funds,” Turpin said.

Eight bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects were included on the one-year plan, with the county applying for federal funding to assist in the completion of those projects.

The projects include the replacement of the McCullough Bridge on the Bar 25 Road, and the rehabilitation of bridges located on 426^th Avenue, 432^nd Avenue, Road 881, Road 882, 424^th Avenue, Rauscher Avenue and a bridge on the access road off Koshopah Road.

“I like to try to keep the one-year plan to about 10 projects,” Turpin said. “That is more realistic. But I do try to make it flexible based off the weather and funding.”

In addition to the eight bridge projects, the one-year plan includes:

* Armor coating on 10 miles of the Elsmere Road (estimated cost of $185,000)

* Grading and gravel resurfacing on one-half mile of Road 879 ($6,000)

* Grading and resurfacing of one-half mile of Norden Avenue ($20,000)

* Grading and culverts on a portion of Road 880 ($2,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on 2 miles of 430^th Avenue ($15,000)

* Grading and gravel on one-half mile of Road 876 ($6,000)

* Grading and gravel resurfacing on 2 miles of Meadville Avenue

* Grading and gravel on 1 mile of Road 881 ($9,000)

* Grading and gravel on one-half mile of Road 880 ($4,000)
* Grading and resurfacing on two-tenths of a mile of Raven Road ($8,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on an additional two-tenths of a mile of Raven Road ($8,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on an additional one-half mile of Raven Road ($10,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on 1 mile of Road 886 ($12,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on 1.5 miles of Moon Lake Avenue ($14,000)

* Grading and resurfacing of seven-tenths of a mile of Kicken Road ($4,000)

Turpin said most of the 14 projects on the six-year plan involve grading or armor coating.

“The plan helps us keep track of what we are getting done,” Turpin said. “We are required to have a one- and six-year plan to receive our $850,000 in highway allocation funding.”

Projects on the county’s six-year plan include:

* Armor coating 10 miles of the Elsmere Road (estimated cost of $185,000)

* Armor coating 7.9 miles of South Pine Avenue ($148,000)

* Grading and gravel on one-tenth of a mile of Norden Avenue ($8,000)

* Grading and gravel on an additional 1.2 miles of Norden Avenue ($14,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on one-half mile of Road 876 ($8,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on 1 mile of Seaman Road ($12,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on 1 mile of 435^th Avenue ($6,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on one-half mile of Road 882 ($8,000)

* Grading and gravel on 1 mile of 434^th Avenue ($8,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on 1 mile of Cattleman Road ($16,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on 3 miles of 422^nd Avenue ($27,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on one-half mile of Road 888 ($8,000)

* Grading and resurfacing on 1 mile of Road 879 ($8,000)

* Grading and gravel on one-tenth of a mile of Road 885 ($8,000)

Following the public hearing Tuesday, the commissioners unanimously approved the one- and six-year improvement plan as presented.

* Work to begin on Highway 12 east of Burton

(Posted 3:15 p.m. March 18)

Weather permitting, work will resume March 25 on Highway 12 east of Burton between mileposts 65 and 80, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Werner Construction of Hastings is the contractor for the project. Work includes earthwork, pavement marking and seeding. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. Traffic for the bridge work will be maintained with a lane closure controlled by a traffic signal.

The project’s anticipated completion is in June. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 6:45 a.m. March 17)

March 2

• Citation issued for speeding on Hwy 20
• Officer investigated reports of reckless driving in Ainsworth. Suspects not found.

March 3

• The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page in Ainsworth. Patient then transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 2^nd page in Ainsworth. Patient then transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• Received call from security alarm triggered. Was determined to be a false alarm.
• Issued Warning for speeding on Hwy 183.
• Officer made contact with motorist on Hwy 20. No citations were issued.
• Assisted NE State Patrol with traffic stop with suspicion of drugs.
• Booked a female inmate into Brown County Jail on DUI violation.

March 4

• Papers Served to residences in Ainsworth
• Motorist assistance for a semi-truck which slid into the ditch. Motorist had their company mechanic come make minor repairs.

March 5

• The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page in Ainsworth. Patient then transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• The Brown County Ambulance assisted 2 flight crews with patients transported from Brown County Hospital to the airport.
• 3 Warnings issued for speeding on Hwy 20.
• Warning issued for no proof of ownership.
• Driver’s License pickup order completed in Long Pine.
• Verbal warning issued for expired plates on Hwy 20. The stickers were in the vehicle.
• Papers served in Ainsworth.
• Verbal warning given in Ainsworth for traffic infraction.
• Responded to a business security alert in Ainsworth. All windows and doors found to be secure.

March 6

• The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page in Ainsworth. Patient then transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• Motorist assisted due to sliding into ditch on bad roads. Officer transported 3 passengers to hotel until tow services could be made next morning.

March 7

• Assisted motorist in gaining access to their vehicle
• Responded to accident call in Ainsworth.
• 3 Burn permits were issued.
• Citation issued for no operator’s license and speeding on Hwy 20.
• Warning issued for speeding in Ainsworth.

March 8

• The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page in Ainsworth. Patient then transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• Citation issued to DUI driver also leaving the scene of an accident.
• 2 Burn permits issued.
• Civil standby at an Ainsworth residence.
• Citation issued for speeding on Hwy 183.
• Made contact with motorist on side of Hwy 20. Motorist had already made arrangements for a tow.

Weekly Log
Calls:  642
911 Calls:  7
Calls for Service:  9
Vin Inspections:  3
Handgun Purchase Permits:  3
Inmates Currently Housed:    2

March 9

• 2 vehicle no injury accident on north Main St in Ainsworth. One vehicle towed a 2^nd was able to drive away.
• Citation issued for failure to yield, no insurance or registration.
• Responded to a report of reckless driving of motorcycle in Long Pine. Unable to make contact with driver.
• Responded to a report of hit & run accident in Ainsworth. This is still under investigation.

March 10

• The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page in Ainsworth. Patient then transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• Responded to Brown County Hospital regarding an emergency protective custody of a male juvenile. Patient later transported to Richard Young in Kearney.
• The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page for lift assist at residence in rural Brown County. Patient then transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• The Ainsworth Firemen assisted with standby of pallet fire at the Brown County Dump.
• Booked a Boyd County inmate into the Brown County Jail for holding.

March 11

• Received report of a one vehicle deer accident on Hwy 20. Driver reported minimal damage to vehicle and will self-report to Crash.Nebraska.gov
• Provided traffic control for funeral.
• Assisted Nebraska State Patrol with suspect photo line-up.
• Made contact with motorist on Hwy 7. No citation reported.
• The Brown County Ambulance transported a patient from the Brown County Hospital to their residence when discharged.
• Officer investigating suspicious activity at a residence in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.
• Officers attend multi-state meeting held in Springview, NE.
• Warning issued for not having Operators License on person on Hwy 20.

March 12

• Officers respond to Ainsworth residence for reports of domestic abuse. One individual transported to the Brown County Hospital.
• Released an inmate held for Boyd County on bond.
• Written warning given for speeding on Hwy 20.
• Written warning given for driving left of center and expired registration on Hwy 183.
• Dog complaint referred to City of Ainsworth.

March 13

• Released inmate from Brown County Jail at completion of their Court Commitment.
• Citation issued in Ainsworth for stop sign violation and expired registration.
• Verbal Warning issued for speeding on Hwy 20.
• Responded to report of impaired driver in Ainsworth. Officers located elderly driver and will submit report to DMV for driving recheck.
• Officers responded to security alarm at an Ainsworth business. Keyholder notified and met with officer at the business where all windows and doors remained secured.
• Written Warning issued for taillight out and expired registration on Hwy 20.
• Officers made contact with motorist illegally driving on the cowboy trail and was advised it is unlawful.

March 14

• Provided traffic assistance for cattle crossing on Hwy 7.
• Received a pocket 911 call. Caller reports no emergency.
• Written warning for speeding on Hwy 183.
• Made contact with motorist missing rear plate. Found to be commercially licensed with no rear plate required.
• Written Warning issued for no proof ownership on Hwy 20.
• Received report of speeding driver West of Ainsworth. Officer dispatched but at the time he made contact the driver was no longer speeding.
• Received complaint of improperly parked vehicle in Long Pine. Owner was able to relocate to correct parking spot.

March 15 

• Written Warning issued for speeding on Hwy 7.
• Written Warning issued for speeding on Hwy 20.
• Officer made contact with vehicle without plates, Temp tag was hard to see in window with tint.
• Received report of a one vehicle accident with deer. No injuries reported. Driver with self-report to Crash.Nebraska.gov.
• Written warning issued for stop sign violation on Hwy 20.
• Verbal warning issued for speeding on Hwy 20.
• Written warning issued in Long Pine for driving without headlights after dusk.
• Written warning issued in Long Pine for speeding.

Weekly Log
Calls:  681
911 Calls:  4
Calls for Service:  13
VIN Inspections:  3
Handgun Purchase Permits:  5
Inmates Currently Housed:  3

* State grant assists Rock County Community Center

(Posted 11:45 a.m. March 16)

On March 1, more than 350 attendees gathered to celebrate the new Rock County Community Center at Bassett. The evening event featured dueling pianists, prime rib served by the Bassett Country Club, and a tour of the new community center. The facility has a large multipurpose room, stage, kitchen and dining area, bar, and a smaller community meeting room.

The City of Bassett’s offices will soon be housed in the 13,200-square-foot building as well. The community constructed the facility with support from a grant of $562,000 through the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund.

Kristin Olson, North Central Development Center Executive Director, said the CCCFF grant was instrumental in helping complete the project.

“We needed a steppingstone, and the CCCFF grant positioned us to go back to some of the private funders so they could see the progress,” Olson said. “That’s what gave us the motivation to be able to finish the project.”

The Rock County Community Center reflects the power of partnership. Groups throughout the county united around the project—giving their time, money, and talent to support its construction.

“The people, the government, all the organizations, the businesses, it was everyone coming together [that made it possible],” said Sonny Corkle, a board member of the Rock County Community Fund.

The idea of building the community center dates back more than a decade. That’s when an informal group of civic-minded citizens started gathering to discuss local development.

“My brother and I ran a ranching operation in southern Rock County,” said Larry Buell, a member of the RCCF board. “In 2014, my brother called and told me he was meeting two other people, and I needed to come. That was the start of the Rock County Community Fund.”

The group determined that their county would need to access capital to support development. “Rock County is a great place to live and there are great people here, but there was not a lot of infrastructure,” Buell said.

Since forming, the Rock County Community Fund has raised over $1 million in funding. It has assisted numerous area projects and initiatives, including a fire hall for the Newport Rural Fire Department, the Bassett Arts Council, and Miles of Smiles—which offers no-fee dental services to children across north-central Nebraska. The foundation also supports local sporting events.

Early on, Rock County Community Fund set its sights on building a community center.

“The community has always recognized that there is a lack of public space for community members to use,” Corkle said.

The only large gathering place in Bassett has been the public school, which is only available at times when school is not in session.

While the need for a community center was clear, the path to fund it was uncertain. That all changed in 2016, thanks to a generous gift from Francis Kramer. Kramer, who died in 2016, bequeathed money to build a community gathering place. Mobilized by the memorial gift, local leaders sought community input, conducted a feasibility study, and set about raising additional funds for the project.

When Corkle began volunteering for the Rock County Community Fund in 2019, she saw an opportunity to access grants for the community center. She didn’t know a lot about grant writing at the time, but she knew how valuable the grants could be. Undeterred by her inexperience, she forged ahead with drafting proposals.

Her initiative paid off. RCCF received its first grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation and then another from the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation. These funds, along with contributions from local businesses, made it possible to break ground on the Rock County Community Center in June 2023.

Additionally, Corkle and Olson learned about the CCCFF grants from the state of Nebraska, which are available to municipalities.

“Honestly, probably the best thing for us was to find out about the CCCFF grant,” Corkle said. “As a foundation, we had the idea we needed to build the facility, but there was no clear plan about who was going to own and operate it. We’re a bunch of volunteers.”

The Rock County Community Fund reached out to the city about partnering on the project. Since most of the construction funds had already been raised, building the facility would not impose costs on taxpayers. RCCF even committed to set up a $250,000 endowment fund to help maintain the building. 

“The city agreed [to own and run the facility], and that was huge for us. It’d be one thing for us to build the building, but who was going to take care of it? It was a huge thing to have collaboration with the city,” Corkle said.

With municipal leaders on board, Olson and Corkle then supported the city of Bassett’s successful application for a CCCFF construction grant.

Olson said gaining community support is essential for a large-scale project, and grants like CCCFF can help attract this backing.

“If you don’t invest in your own community, nobody else is going to invest in your project either,” Olson said. “It was really up to the community to come up with those sources of support and, without the CCCFF grant funds, I’m not sure we would have.”

Corkle said the day she found out they were receiving the CCCFF grant was memorable.

“It was probably the perfect time,” Corkle said. “I will never forget when I got the phone call that we received the grant. I was going to call some of our board members and tell them, ‘I just think we need to re-evaluate and not look at doing this right now.’ The importance of a grant like this is that it keeps the passion going. That way you can be successful in your project.”

* Work begins Monday on Carns Bridge replacement

(Posted 11:30 a.m. March 16)

Weather permitting, work will begin Monday, March 17, on Bassett Northeast Bridge, along county road 449th Ave and Carns Road, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

United Contractors of Johnston, Iowa, is the contractor for the project. Work includes removing the old bridge and replacing it with a new 950-foot bridge. Traffic will be maintained using the existing detour along Highway 7. Anticipated completion is July 2026.

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

* Cowboy Hall of Fame banquet set for June

(Posted 11:45 a.m. March 16)

The 20^th annual Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony will be held June 7 in the 4-H Building at the Cherry County Fairgrounds in Valentine. Social Hour begins at 4 p.m., followed by the banquet at 6 p.m. and induction ceremony at 7 p.m.

There are 10 inductees into this year’s Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame. They are Stanley Huffman and Sam Miles of Cherry County, John Schroder Sr. of Loup County, Jerry Kennedy and Jack Malmberg of Sheridan County, Lee “Butch” Stout of Garfield County, Vern Boeser and Charles Daly of Logan County, Mick Knott of Arthur County, and Alice Cotton of Garden County.

* Council approves $90,000 LB 840 grant

(Posted 7 p.m. March 12)

After several months of discussion, executive sessions and a special meeting Tuesday, the Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday approved a $90,000 professional recruitment/retention grant to a local applicant.

Mayor Joel Klammer said the application was first discussed in November. He said the council gathered a lot of information.

Councilman Kent Taylor said, going forward, the council was going to ask the LB 840 Loan Committee, which makes a recommendation to the council on each LB 840 application, to work on some guidelines for future applications relating to professional recruitment and retention.

The council unanimously approved the application with a provision that the professional commit to five years in the community instead of three.

Councilman Dustin Barthel said, as far as he was concerned, future applications for professional recruitment would all need to be five-year commitments.

“I am tired of professionals coming for a couple years and then leaving just to take advantage of this program,” Barthel said.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson asked how the five-year agreement would be structured when the funds were being used as a match for a state grant program for professionals serving in rural areas.

Klammer said the city could provide the match the state needs. He said the council was just asking for a longer commitment.

“I don’t think anyone believes (the applicant) plans to leave,” Klammer said.

In other business Wednesday, the council opened bids for three pieces of an East City Park basketball and pickleball court project. The site planned for the project is a dilapidated basketball and tennis court east of the swimming pool.

The council received one bid for the concrete portion of the project, and approved the $79,385 bid from Walton Concrete of Ainsworth for the pad, which includes 249 yards of concrete for the court, 18 yards for the border as well as rebar, sealer and labor.

The council also received just one bid for the fencing portion of the project, and unanimously approved the $15,570 bid from Schumacher Fencing of Kearney and Ainsworth. The bid included 451 feet of fence, two gates, cement and labor.

The council received two bids for the lighting portion of the project. The council discussed any potential differences in the items quoted by bidders Ainsworth Electric Motor and Travis Electric of Ainsworth.

“It worries me there is that much difference in the price,” Councilman Brad Fiala said.

Travis Electric quoted $8,014 for the lighting project, with Ainsworth Electric Motor submitting a bid of $13,306.

Councilman and Ainsworth Electric Motor owner Dustin Barthel said the specifications included the potential for having to bury new conduit as well as replace the electrical box at the site. He said he included those items in his bid.

Klammer said the Ainsworth Electric Motor bid included the lights, conduit and new box, while the Travis Electric bid included the lighting portion.

Olson said most of the bids were coming in at or below the estimates from the city’s Park Board.

After discussion, with Barthel abstaining, the council approved the bid from Travis Electric.

The three approved bids total $102,969. The city received a $107,000 grant from the Ainsworth Betterment Committee for the project.

Fiala asked if the city included money in its parks budget to go toward the project, as Phase 2 of the project would include a surface for the pickleball court as well as the construction of basketball hoops at the site.

Schroedl said the city’s budget included the entire estimated amount of the full project, but the hope was for the city to secure outside funding to cover the cost.

Olson said there was a private grant that was potentially available to assist with the Phase 2 portion of the project, but the city would need to have matching funds.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the city’s park budget could probably come up with the funds needed to match a grant for the second phase of the project.

Klammer said it was exciting to get that improvement project at the park moving.

Fiala said, “I am glad we are doing something with that.”

Taylor said he was excited for the community to have a pickleball court.

Olson provided a quarterly update of activity related to the LB 840 program. She said there were currently four applications that had been requested for potential business loans from the fund, as well as three applications for façade projects, two applications for professional recruitment and one for a potential housing project.

Olson said some applicants end up opting for private financing instead of utilizing the LB 840 program, as there is a substantial amount of documentation required to complete an LB 840 application.

She said the LB 840 loan committee and the council had been diligent in the applications approved for the program, as all LB 840 loans are current or have been repaid. She said few communities have that kind of record with their LB 840 program.

Fiala said he would like to see the LB 840 program used to bring businesses to the community. Olson said retaining current businesses was equally as important.

In final action items Wednesday, the council approved the mayor’s recommended appointment of Dr. Kenneth Wasmund to the physician position on the city’s Board of Health. Wasmund replaces Dr. Mel Campbell in that role.

The council also approved the mayor’s recommendation of Dan Spier to a three-year term on the city’s Board of Adjustment. Spier replaces Heather Lutter, who was appointed to the City Council.

The council also approved the mayor’s recommended reappointment of Mark Kovar and Marcus Fairhead to four-year terms on the LB 840 Citizen Advisory Review Committee, and the appointment of Rod Worrell to a four-year term on the Citizen Advisory Review Committee. Worrell replaces Roger Lechtenberg on the committee.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. April 9.

* Care Center interlocal account growing

(Posted 10:45 a.m. March 11)

With a growing interlocal account as voter-approved tax dollars are received, the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors voted Monday to place $100,000 into a 12-month certificate of deposit with Union Bank & Trust which will earn the care center a 4 percent interest return.

Board Chairman Tom Jones said, with the interlocal account now having more than $170,000 in it, and with additional tax revenue likely to come in during the next two months, he researched CD rates with local banks.

Jones said Union Bank & Trust offered the best return on a 12-month CD, and he recommended the board place a portion of its interlocal funds into a CD to take advantage of the 4 percent interest rate.

With board member Kent Taylor abstaining and board member Dr. Mel Campbell absent, the board on Monday approved putting $100,000 from its interlocal account into a CD with Union Bank & Trust.

The care center’s interlocal account is used to house the money collected from the voter-approved county and city bond funds. Those funds are not used for the facility’s operations and must be approved by the board for improvements to the facility.

The Sandhills Care Center during February generated $280,749 in revenue with expenses of $235,074 for a net operating margin for the month of $45,675. The facility also received $19,083 in tax levy funds. This is the second year that the 1-cent county property tax levy and 10-cent city property tax levy are being collected. The levies each generate approximately $100,000 annually for the care center.

Administrator Penny Jacobs reported there are currently 31 residents calling the Sandhills Care Center home. The facility admitted two new residents during the past month, with one resident being discharged back to an assisted living facility and one resident death.

Of the 31 residents, 13 are residents of Ainsworth, nine are from Cherry County, four are from rural Brown County, two are from Long Pine, two are from Keya Paha County and one is from Rock County.

Of the current residents, 14 pay privately, 15 receive Medicaid assistance, one receives Medicare assistance and one resident receives hospice care.

Jacobs said the care center hired a new CNA during the past month, and was still in need of additional CNAs, charge nurses and dietary staff.

Jacobs reported repairs to the facility’s generator are completed and the generator is operational. She said she was working with the care center’s insurance carrier on a potential claim.

Jacobs said the new door should have arrived and she is working with Securitas to schedule a date to replace the front entry door to the facility.

Brown County Attorney Andy Taylor provided the board with a review of the Open Meetings Act. Taylor reviewed the construction of agendas, allowing public comment and being transparent with all board action.

Taylor said the biggest thing that gets boards in trouble with the Open Meetings Act are the way executive sessions are conducted. He reviewed the allowable reasons for a board to enter into executive session and stressed that only the allowable topic can be discussed during the closed session. All action must be taken in open session, and anyone who is going to be talked about during the executive session must be notified and given the option to attend the session.

The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. April 14.

* Ainsworth joining the Niobrara Valley Conference

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

The Ainsworth Bulldogs have found a conference to call home after being unaffiliated for the 2024-25 school year following the school’s departure from the Southwest Conference. The Board of Education Monday accepted an invitation to join the Niobrara Valley Conference, a league that had twice previously denied Ainsworth’s application for entry.

After losing West Holt, Summerland, Neligh-Oakdale and Elkhorn Valley to the newly formed Greater Northeast Activities Conference, dropping the league’s membership from 12 to eight teams, the NVC extended an invitation to Ainsworth to become the ninth conference member.

After its application twice did not meet the 75 percent approval threshold for conference membership, Ainsworth indicated to the NVC it would not apply for membership again, but if the conference changed its mind it could extend an invitation to join the league.

Board member Bryan Doke said, “It makes the most sense going forward with the location and size of schools.”

The Niobrara Valley Conference consists of North Central, Stuart, Boyd County, O’Neill St. Mary’s, Chambers/Wheeler Central, Niobrara/Verdigre, Santee and Elgin/Elgin Pope John. Ainsworth becomes the ninth member.

Activities Director Luke Wroblewski said the 2025-26 school year will be a transition year for the Bulldogs, with the school becoming a full member for the 2026-27 year.

“We will do our best to try and become a full member in the first year,” Wroblewski said. “The basketball schedule for next year is pretty full already, but we are working on it. With everything else, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

The board unanimously approved accepting the invitation Monday to join the NVC.

In other business Monday, the board approved a contract for Kelsey Riesen to serve as the district’s elementary principal for the 2025-26 school year. Riesen moves to the position after serving as the elementary counselor.

Emily Jackman is moving from the agricultural education and FFA advisor position to the elementary counselor spot for the 2025-26 school year to fill the vacancy created by Riesen’s move.

The board Monday approved a contract for Josie Ganser to replace Jackman as the agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor. Ganser is an Ainsworth High School graduate.

Referring to Ganser, Superintendent Dale Hafer said, “We are excited to bring one of our own back.”

The board also approved a contract for Bailey Schneider to serve as a fifth-grade teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Hafer said the district received four applications for the position and interviewed two candidates. He said Schneider is currently teaching in the Arapahoe-Holbrook School District.

In other action items, the board approved the second reading of policy updates recommended by the Nebraska Association of School Boards, and approved the second reading of an update to district policy 408.02 regarding the date when staff members can be released from a contract.

The board, after member Frank Beel requested one policy be pulled for further discussion in April, approved the review of district policies 506.11 through 509.03.

The board approved an $11,122 quote from the Educational Service Unit to replace five office computers. Two machines will be replaced in the district office, two in the secondary office and one in the elementary office.

Hafer also discussed putting the district on a replacement schedule with Apple he said would lead to fewer swings in the district’s budget. He said technology coordinator Laurie Goodloe had been working with representatives from Apple on planned technology refreshes and trading in machines while they still had value.

Hafer said the plan would put the district on a replacement cycle for all of its laptop computers for the elementary, middle and high school students as well as the staff. Machines would be refreshed every four years at a cost that Hafer said would be equal to the way the district currently replaces its laptops.

“It is a smaller annual budgeting number to keep our technology updated,” Hafer said. “It doesn’t cost us any more, and it gives us credit for trading in our current devices.”

Hafer said, if it was just a convenience to enter into the replacement schedule with Apple but cost the district more, he would not bring the proposal to the board.

“We would not be spending any more than we otherwise would, we would just be going about it in a different way,” the superintendent said.

In the past, the superintendent said the district may budget $130,000 in one year to replace the high school computers, then budget nothing the next year, then budget $80,000 to $90,000 to replace the teachers’ computers.

“There are a lot of perks to this,” Hafer said. “Think about it, and I will bring you a proposal in April.”

Hafer discussed the reunification training the district will host March 17 with representatives from the Nebraska Department of Education and the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. There will be no school on March 17, with training provided to district staff and participating community responders during the morning and a live exercise conducted during the afternoon.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 14 beginning with a required Curriculum, Americanism and Multicultural Education meeting followed by the regular session.

* NRD to host special meeting March 21 on building project

(Posted 5 p.m. March 10)

The Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District will host a special meeting from 12:30 until 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, in the Ainsworth Conference Center for the purpose of providing information to the public on a proposed office building construction project.

The MNNRD acquired property in 2012 to house its offices. Middle Niobrara NRD Manager Mike Murphy said the entire property was initially leased out to Morris Equipment who paid rent, taxes, and insurance, so there was no increase in property tax required. 

Murphy said the board put ambitions for improved office and shop space on hold for four years. The MNNRD offices were relocated to the site along Highway 20 in early 2017.

Issues with the building have since been identified, and include a leaky roof, rotten insulation, uninsulated doors and no kitchen. Murphy said the NRD has also been working to address inadequate electrical, ADA compliance issues and fire codes that are required to be met.

Since 2017, Murphy said the NRD has worked with local contractors, the city of Valentine, architectural engineer(s), and the state fire marshal to make improvements and develop a plan for an improved facility.

Murphy said the MNNRD has budgeted for capital improvements alongside applying and being awarded grant funding for many of the planned improvements.

Miller Architects and Builders provided two options with costs: adding on to the existing structure and building a stand-alone unit. Murphy said the board deemed it would be better to have a stand-alone office when comparing costs while addressing electrical and fire code requirements.

As proposed, the new facility would be connected to the existing shops via a breezeway. The proposed new 11,000+/- square foot ADA-compliant facility would include a kitchen/break room, lobby, offices, a meeting room along with smaller conference areas, and a tree pickup area for local constituents.

The ADA parking lot would be paved and include green infrastructure like rain gardens and landscape to help address city storm water drainage and wind management all while being used for educational purposes. 

Murphy said planning for the future would also allow office space for the additional staff needs now and into the future but also allow partnerships with other agencies if space is available.

The MNNRD has been able to utilize NDEE Litter and Waste Reduction grant funds to assist with the removal and repurposing of the aggregate material from the parking lot and three old building foundations.

Murphy said the current building would be torn down and repurposed as an equipment storage lean-to. The new facility with improved signage would be set to run east to west and a little closer to the highway. The estimated cost for the new building, parking lot, and green infrastructure is $3.62 million. 

Murphy said the board has been budgeting funds annually into its capital outlay fund for this building project for over 10 years and feels confident that they can complete the project without having to raise local property taxes.

If outside funding and grant funding become available, Murphy said future plans would include the creation of an indoor classroom to compliment the already started outside environmental educational classroom and training facility that has been funded through donations and grants.

Anyone with questions on the building project is invited to attend the MNNRD Board of Directors special meeting from 12:30 until 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, in the Ainsworth Conference Center.

* Ainsworth to participate in reunification training

(Posted 12:15 p.m. March 6)

Groups of educators, law enforcement officers and first responders from across Nebraska are joining the Nebraska Department of Education’s School Safety staff for a series of specialized trainings from the “I Love U Guys” Foundation at three different sites.

Ainsworth Community Schools has been selected as one of the three sites, with the training scheduled from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. March 17. The other training sites are at North Platte and Wahoo schools.

NDE staff will help schools in developing safe school communities during emergency situations by putting Standard Reunification Method into a practical exercise. The SRM-Reunification Exercises will be giving school communities and their surrounding partners the opportunity to practice how to reunite children with their families during mock emergency incidents.

The one-day training will include in-person, hands-on simulated emergency events.

The purpose behind the training is to bring together a variety of different partners, agencies, and school personnel so everyone can work together more efficiently during a real emergency.

“Parents practice reunification daily with their children when they pick them up from school,” said NDE School Safety and Security Director Jay Martin. “However, during emergencies more people and challenges come into play leading to chaos if it is not practiced. These events are meant to reduce the potential of chaos and be as prepared as possible for an emergency.”

The events will also emphasize key components to avoiding emergency situations all together such as having Threat Assessment Teams at every school and using reporting services like Safe2HelpNE, a system designed for students, staff, and parents to anonymously report concerning behavior that could impact the safety of students or schools across Nebraska.

* Storer provides update from Nebraska Legislature

(Posted 5:45 a.m. March 5)

Nebraska 43rd District State Sen. Tanya Storer visited with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie, discussing bills making their way through committee and onto the floor of the Nebraska Legislature.

The conversation is located below.

* Ainsworth places third in home speech invitational

(Posted 8:45 a.m. March 3)

The Ainsworth speech team finished third Saturday in its home invitational. Placing for the Bulldogs Saturday were:

Entertainment

Willa Flynn – 4th

Erick Hitchcock – 5th

Extemporaneous

William Biltoft – 4th

Erick Hitchcock – 5th

Informative

Hannah Beel – 6th

OID

Miranda Phares, Erick Hitchcock, William Biltoft and Raelynn Reagan – 3rd

Humorous Prose

Miranda Phares – Superior

Poetry

Madison Phares – 4th

Serious Prose

Madison Phares – 4th

Persuasive

Hannah Beel – 5th

Program Oral Interpretation (POI)

Preselyn Goochey – 4th

Raelynn Reagan – 5th

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 2 p.m. Feb. 27)

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

Hunter J. Kykendall, age 27, of Ainsworth, charged with speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, fined $75.

Michael D. Holz, 63, of O’Neill, passing on the left side, $25.

Miranda M. McKillip, 32, of Ainsworth, no valid registration, $25.

Travis Anson, 31, of Springfield, Mo., assault – causing bodily injury, sentenced to 29 days in jail with credit for 29 days served and ordered to pay $1,957 in restitution.

Kay L. Collins, 43, of Long Pine, violating a stop or yield sign, $75.

Fred A. Cooper, 38, of North Platte, violating a stop or yield sign, $75.

Alec H. Masters, 28, of Ainsworth, no valid registration, $25.

Kathleen E. Torpy, 44, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Heidi Dubois, 20, of Hot Springs, S.D., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Sara E. Kubik, 31, of Bassett, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

James A. Strom, 37, of Green Bay, Wis., attempting a Class 1 misdemeanor, $250.

Jayne L. Baraky, 40, of Colorado Springs, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Michael L. Swingen, 35, of Boulder, Colo., speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

Ethan J. Cozad, 19, of Valentine, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

* Reignited burn pile sparks fire in Keya Paha County

(Posted 8:45 a.m. Feb. 25)

A burn pile reignited Monday afternoon in Keya Paha County, sparking a fire that burned into canyons north of the Niobrara River.

According to Springview Fire Chief Scott Hallock, at 4 p.m. Monday, a fire was reported 4 miles south and 2 miles east of Norden on property owned by Anita Swim.

Hallcok said the burn pile that reignited was pushed by the wind into canyons that burned in 2012. He said downed trees from the 2012 fire ignited. The fire burned approximately 80 acres.

Firefighters from the Valentine, Ainsworth, Raven and South Pine departments provided mutual aid.

Firefighters were on scene until approximately 1 a.m. Tuesday.

Hallock said firefighters were spending Tuesday morning mopping up hotspots.

“We are going to hit the north edge of it really well before the wind comes up,” Hallock said.

The Springview fire chief said his department also sent a truck to Custer County Tuesday to assist in the fires burning there.

Hallock urged property owners who have received permits for burn piles to check those burn sites to make sure they are extinguished and don’t have the ability to reignite and cause issues with the warm and breezy conditions expected this week.

* Three fires reported in area Monday

(Posted 7:15 a.m. Feb. 25)

It was a busy day for area firefighters Monday, as three fires sprang up in the area and crews traveled today (Tuesday) to assist with a large fire burning in Custer County.

The first fire Monday was reported at 3 p.m. northwest of Long Pine on property owned by Joe and Betty Nelson. Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said sparks from a welder started a fire that was pushed by the wind into a small canyon.

Fiala said firefighters from the Ainsworth, Long Pine, South Pine, Raven, Bassett and Springview volunteer departments responded.

“We cut down some trees and worked to really douse all the hot spots to make sure it was completely out with the winds expected today,” Fiala said.

Shortly after the first call, a second fire was reported in Brown County approximately 3 miles west and 1 mile north of Ainsworth.

Fiala said that fire resulted from a burn pile that reignited and spread. He said the Johnstown Volunteer Fire Department responded to that fire and got it extinguished near the irrigation canal.

In both instances, no property was damaged, and the fires were contained to small areas.

Fiala said the Ainsworth department sent three trucks Monday evening to assist Keya Paha County with a fire that was reported north of the Niobrara River south of Norden. Those firefighters returned to the fire hall by 9 p.m.

The BKRC task force sent four trucks Tuesday morning to assist with a large fire burning in Custer County. One truck from the Ainsworth, Bassett, Springview and Newport departments traveled to assist with that fire.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:30 a.m. Feb. 24)

February 16
Responded to a request for a welfare check on a female subject in Ainsworth.  The female was located and reported safe at this time.

Follow-up investigation regarding a previously reported abandoned vehicle accident.  A citation was issued to a female driver for leaving the scene of an accident.

Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a house fire in Ainsworth.  Trucks were out of the barn from approximately 7:15 p.m. to shortly after 8 p.m.

February 17
Assisted another agency with locating the owner of an abandoned vehicle near Elm Creek.

February 18
Provided traffic control for a funeral procession.

Responded to a smoke alarm at a business in Ainsworth.  It was found to be a false alarm.

February 19
Booked a male subject into the Brown County Jail for housing for Boyd County Sheriff’s Office.

Attended a North Central E911 meeting.

February 20
Booked a female subject into the Brown County Jail for housing for Holt County Sheriff’s Office.

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth, transporting one patient to the hospital.

Served a paper service in Ainsworth.

Responded to a request for a welfare check in Ainsworth.  

February 21
Responded to a report of a male subject having a mental health crisis in Ainsworth.

During a traffic stop on Highway 20 a warning was issued for expired registration and failure to maintain lane.

Provided traffic control for cattle crossing near the intersection of 433rd Ave and Highway 20.

Provided a civil standby for a landlord/tenant dispute.

Served two paper services in Ainsworth.

During a traffic stop issued a violation card for defective taillights.

Another traffic stop resulted in a written warning for speeding.

February 22
Provided traffic control for a funeral procession.

Provided traffic control for cattle crossing near Highway 20 and 433rd Ave intersection.

Written warning for speeding issued to an Arizona driver.

During a traffic stop near 4th and Pine Street in Ainsworth, a Nebraska driver was issued a citation for driving under suspension.  

Issued a speeding citation on Highway 20 during a traffic stop.

Weekly Log
Calls:  81
911 Calls:  7
Calls for Service:  11
Inmates Housed:  4
Vin Inspections:  4
Handgun Purchase Permits:  1

* Commissioners take no action on shingling bids

(Posted 2:15 p.m. Feb. 20)

Following an executive session Tuesday, the Brown County Commissioners did not come to an agreement on approving bids submitted by the Brown County Agricultural Society for its roof replacement project at the Johnstown Community Hall.

During its Feb. 4 meeting, Brown County Agricultural Society representative Alex Goochey told the board the Ag Society had approved a $58,775 bid from Leach Roofing to replace the roof.

Goochey said during the Feb. 4 meeting the Ag Society received nine bids for the roof replacement project, but said the lowest bid of just over $42,000 did not include comparable shingles to the other bids. Goochey said most of the bids ranged between $58,775 and $65,000.

On Tuesday, the commissioners held an executive session to discuss the shingling project and invited Agricultural Society representatives into the closed session.

After the session, Commissioner Donnie Painter made a motion to accept the lowest bid submitted for the project. That motion died for lack of a second. No other motions were made. The commissioners indicated they would seek input from County Attorney Andy Taylor on how to proceed.

In other business Tuesday, Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported the Nebraska Department of Transportation had notified him that the county would be responsible for resurfacing a portion of county roadway near Long Pine that was heavily utilized during the Long Pine Creek bridge reconstruction project that closed a portion of Highway 20.

Willow Ridge Avenue from Highway 20 to the Long Pine State Park was used as a local detour route. Since that route was not the official NDOT detour, Turpin indicated the NDOT would not take responsibility for the wear and tear that occurred to Willow Ridge Avenue.

Turpin said the cost to resurface the portion of roadway would be approximately $150,000. He recommended cold mix asphalt be used for the resurfacing.

Turpin also reported Tonny Beck indicated he no longer wanted to pursue the vacation of a portion of a dedicated county road in the southwest quarter of Section 21, Township 30 North, Range 22 West. The commissioners, therefore, would not need to schedule a public hearing on vacating the road.

Brian Johnson and Pam Hill discussed road maintenance on a road going into the Hill Ranch off Moon Lake Avenue. Johnon told the commissioners it had been years since any maintenance had been provided.

The board determined, since the route in question was a private drive and not a county road, the county was not responsible for providing any maintenance.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer asked Turpin to tour the area and determine what repairs may be needed. The board indicated it was hesitant to perform any work on private drives even if paid by the property owner. The commissioners will consult the county attorney to determine any legal ramifications that may be involved by having the county perform work on a private drive. The item will be discussed during a future meeting.

In a final action item, the commissioners approved renewing its long term disability policy with Madison LTD.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. March 4.

(Information taken from the minutes of the meeting provided by the Brown County Clerk’s office as sub-district basketball kept KBRB from being able to attend Tuesday’s meeting)

* Ice jam closes Smith Falls State Park

(Posted 2 p.m. Feb. 20)

Smith Falls State Park’s campground is closed temporarily after an ice jam on the Niobrara River broke loose Wednesday evening.

The ice jam has encroached into the campground, blocking its roadway. Access to the falls also has been affected. For public safety, Verdigre Bridge, the footbridge leading to the falls, is closed until further notice.

Park visitors are encouraged to call the Smith Falls park office at 402-376-1306 for the latest updates.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10 a.m. Feb. 17)

February 2

Written warning issued for stop sign violation and defective vehicle lights during traffic stops.

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page from Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.

February 3

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth, transporting one patient to the hospital.

The Brown County Ambulance were paged to Long Pine and transported one patient to the hospital.

February 4

Received a report of a civil issue regarding the lending of a vehicle to a driver who then caused damage to the vehicle.

Served one paper in Ainsworth.

Responded to a report of struck deer on Highway 20, near mile marker 227.  The deer were removed from the roadway.

February 5

Provided court room security.

Transported a subject to Norfolk after they were released from the Brown County Jail.

Responded to a two-vehicle accident involving a pickup and a tractor near the intersection of Highway 20 and 432^nd Ave.  The driver of the pickup was extricated from the vehicle and transported to the Brown County Hospital. 

The Brown County Ambulance provided a transport driver to pick up a flight crew from the airport to pick up a patient from the hospital.

Issued a written warning for no taillights during a traffic stop on 4^th Street.

February 6

The Brown County Ambulance was paged to a business in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.

A gas line was struck near 3^rd and Elm Street in Ainsworth.  The Ainsworth Fire Department was paged to the scene.

Served one paper in Ainsworth.  Served one paper on 877^th Ave.

February 7

Provided traffic control for a funeral procession.

During a traffic stop on Highway 20, near Rock and Brown County line, a citation was issue for speeding and no insurance to a driver.

During a traffic stop near Ulrich and South St in Ainsworth, a driver was issued a citation for speeding.

A traffic stop near 4^th and Cedar Street resulted in a violation card issued for a defective headlight.

A traffic stop near Highway 20 and mile marker 243 resulted in a written warning for no trailer lights.

A traffic stop on Highway 20, near mile marker 252, a driver was issued a written warning for speeding.

February 8

Responded to a burglary alarm near 4^th & Oak Street in Ainsworth.  It was found to be a false alarm.

Served a modified protection order service to a male and female subject in Ainsworth.

Issued two written warnings for speeding during traffic stops on Highway 20.

Received a report of a speeding vehicle from the Rock County Sheriff’s office.  The vehicle was located near 4^th and Main Street in Ainsworth.  The driver was issued a warning for no front plate.

A subject was booked into the Brown County Jail for violation of the sex offender registry act.

Responded to a report of a physical disturbance near the 500 block of Osborne Street in Ainsworth.  A female and male subject were later located near the Brown/Rock County line on Highway 20.  The male subject was booked into the Brown County Jail for terroristic threats.

Weekly Log
Calls:  110
911 Calls:  10
Calls for Service:  13
Vin Inspections:  2
Handgun Purchase Permits:  3

February 9

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page north of Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.

Two subjects were released from the Brown County Jail after they received personal recognizance bonds.

February 10

Responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle that had appeared to be in an accident approximately 6 miles south of Long Pine.  The driver was later located and reported safe and issued a citation for leaving the scene of an accident and failure to furnish information.

Responded to a request for a welfare check in Ainsworth.  The subject was not located at this time.

Received a report of a semi-trailer with a tire issue in Ainsworth.  The driver was advised of the issue.

February 11

The Ainsworth Fire Department was paged to a car fire near Highway 7 and 877^th Rd.

Provided court room security.

Transported a subject to the Nebraska Department of Corrections after sentencing in District court.

Booked a subject into the Brown County Jail for a 30-day court commitment after sentencing in District Court.

Served a paper in Ainsworth.

Booked a subject into the Brown County Jail holding for Boyd County.

February 12

Issued violation card for no taillights to a driver.

Received a request for a welfare check on a juvenile in Long Pine.  The juvenile was located and reported safe at this time.

February 13

Responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident involving a pickup and a semi and trailer.  No injuries were reported. 

Issued a warning for speeding and no proof of insurance on a Highway 20 traffic stop.

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.

February 14

A female in a mental health crisis was admitted for emergency protective custody and was transported to a facility in Kearney.

Responded to a report of a vehicle accident near 4^th and Maple Street in Ainsworth.  No injuries were reported.

February 15

Issued written warning for no taillights and issued a violation card for defective lights on traffic stops this day.

Weekly Log
Calls:  112
911 Calls:  4
Calls for Service:  9
Vin Inspections:  5
Handgun Purchase Permits:  1
Inmates Currently in House:  2

* UNMC announces Dean’s List students

(Posted 9:15 a.m. Feb. 17)

The University of Nebraska Medical Center has announced its fall 2024 dean’s list for students enrolled in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and the allied health professions of medical imaging and therapeutic sciences program and medical laboratory science.  

To qualify for the dean’s list, nursing and the allied health students must be enrolled for 12 or more hours during the semester and have a grade point average of 3.75 or above.

College of Nursing – Norfolk
Stuart — Cadence Kramer

Radiography
Valentine — Tessa Krolikowski

* House fire reported in Ainsworth Sunday evening

(Posted 7:45 a.m. Feb. 17)

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a fire Sunday evening in a home in the 1000 block of East First Street in Ainsworth.

According to Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala, at approximately 7:15 p.m. Sunday, a fire was reported in a bedroom at 1009 E. First St. in a home owned by Jeanne Smith.

Fiala said the residents of the home discovered the fire, called it in and evacuated. Firefighters entered the home through the garage and discovered a mattress on fire in a bedroom.

The fire chief said firefighters extinguished the mattress and the belongings around it that had caught fire.
Fiala said fire damage was contained to the mattress, bed and a trunk located near the bed. However, Fiala said the entire home sustained extensive smoke damage.

Firefighters were on the scene approximately 90 minutes Sunday evening. The Brown County Ambulance Association and the Brown County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the call.

* AVFD, Ambulance Association present awards

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Feb. 17)

Ainsworth Fire & Rescue and the Brown County Ambulance Association held their annual banquet and awards night Saturday in the Ainsworth Elks Lodge.

 Ainsworth Fire & Rescue recognized Jeremiah Dailey as its Rookie of the Year. Dailey has over 24 years of experience as a firefighter but has been a member of Ainsworth Fire & Rescue for two years. His service with the department has been exemplary, unanimously qualifying him for the award. Years of Service awards were given to Randy Johnson for 45 years, Brad Fiala for 40 years, Austin Cook for 15 years, Trent Kinney for 10 years, and Cameron Koch for 5 years.

Brown County Ambulance Association Years of Service Awards went to Amanda Evans for 5 years.

The service responded to a total of 221 calls in 2024 which included responding to 149 emergency 9-1-1 calls in Brown County, 72 non-911 calls and providing stand-by service 19 times as well as a total of 53 transfers to hospitals at Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, O’Neill, Valentine, Norfolk, Lincoln and Omaha as well as several transfers to and from the Ainsworth Regional Airport to transport patients for fixed-wing air service to higher care hospitals.

The Ainsworth Fire & Rescue and Brown County Ambulance Association also presented the Community Members of the Year award to Rod and Kathy Worrell for over 40 years of continued support of both services through not only the Ainsworth Star Journal but personally.

So often, they have volunteered their time on larger scenes including helping out at the fire hall, taking photographs for historical documentation as well as transporting water, food and supplies if needed. Rod and Kathy have also graciously boosted winter spirits by dropping off a tin of cookies every Christmas season for many years.

Behind the scenes, they have been present to take in a wide variety of training sessions and drills to capture in photo and story the work that goes into being “ready for the call.”  One of those trainings even resulted in Kathy rappelling off the Long Pine train trestle right alongside the firefighters. The Worrells were presented a plaque in honor of their outstanding support.

* Council tables action on LB 840 application

(Posted 6:30 a.m. Feb. 13)

Following a lengthy executive session Wednesday, the Ainsworth City Council tabled action on an LB 840 application for professional recruitment/retention.

After initially voting to deny the application for $90,000 in LB 840 funding in November, Mayor Joel Klammer said the council received additional information from the applicant and placed the item on Wednesday’s agenda for further discussion.

Prior to entering into the executive session, audience member Karen O’Hare said the city’s LB 840 plan as well as language in the state’s plan clearly states that LB 840 funding can be used for both recruitment and retention.

“It states multiple times that it can be used not only to recruit but to retain existing businesses,” O’Hare said. “The next closest business to this business is two counties away.”

O’Hare said the LB 840 fund has been used to recruit professionals, who receive the funding over a period of time and then leave the community.

“This business has been here six years and plans to grow and expand,” O’Hare said. “The public voted on these guidelines.”

Audience member Andy Taylor also encouraged the council to approve the application.

“An LB 840 package was something that helped bring us to Ainsworth,” Taylor said. “It is a valuable program to grow and retain businesses.”

Taylor said the LB 840 program is about making cities better places to live and a place people want to come to live and work.

“If this business is not given the help it needs, it may not be here,” Taylor said. “I think it is a good idea to approve this application.”

The council, after the executive session, tabled action on the application until its March meeting.

During a light agenda Wednesday, the council accepted the six-month report from the Citizen Advisory Review Committee on the LB 840 program as submitted.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said there is currently $508,851 in the LB 840 fund, with $77,578 of that total allocated.

During the six-month review, all seven active loans from the LB 840 program were found to have all repayments current. Three façade grants were also closed during the six-month review period.

The committee, which consists of Chair Marcus Fairhead, Mark Kovar, Roger Lechtenberg, Jennifer Schuett and Lacey Marbry, did not recommend any changes to the program.

Schroedl said three of the committee members have terms that expire in March. She said Kovar and Fairhead both indicated they were willing to serve another term on the committee. Klammer said he would contact Lechtenberg to see if he was interested in serving another term.

In the only other action item, the council approved a special designated liquor license application for Niobrara Valley Vineyards to host a wine tasting in Willow Creek Mercantile March 14 from 5 until 8 p.m. during a citywide event.

During her report, Schroedl said she continued to follow up with FEMA to complete any necessary information needed for the city to finally receive the $521,000 in damage reimbursement from the 2019 flooding.

Schroedl said, once the city receives the damage reimbursement, she can apply for administrative reimbursement. She said she has kept track of all the city’s staff time dedicated to the 2019 flooding and subsequent application process for FEMA reimbursement.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 12.

* Care Center continues strong financial stretch

(Posted 1:30 p.m. Feb. 11)

The Sandhills Care Center experienced another solid month financially in January, with the facility generating $332,048 in revenue with expenses of $251,770 for a net margin for the month of $80,278.

The facility received an additional $32,065 in tax levy funding as the care center begins receiving the second year of property tax funds from Brown County and the city of Ainsworth of a five-year commitment approved by voters.

The funds received from the property tax levies are kept separately from the care center’s operating account in an interlocal account. That account has grown to approximately $153,000, with funds used from the interlocal account having to be approved by the board. The money used from that account thus far has gone toward facility improvements.

Board Chair Tom Jones said the West Plains Bank offers a business municipality account. If the board was to change the interlocal account to the business municipality account, the care center would receive 3.25 percent interest on the funds.

“It would still serve as a checking account if we need the funds,” Jones said. “I think we need to make the change.”

The board, by a 3-0 vote with Kent Taylor abstaining and Dennis Bauer absent, approved moving the interlocal funds to a business municipality account through West Plains Bank.

Business manager McKenzie Crane discussed a fraudulent charge that was made on the care center’s debit card by an airline in Spain.

Crane said staff caught the fraudulent charge quickly, but it was difficult to recoup the funding since the account was a debit account instead of a credit account.

“We were able to get together with the bank and get the account credited,” Crane said. “The bank suggested we go to a credit card instead of a debit card.”

Taylor said a credit card would be safer than a debit card. He thanked the staff at Homestead Bank for working with the care center staff to get the fraudulent charge credited back.

The board approved closing the debit card account and opening a credit card account through Homestead Bank with a credit limit of $5,000.

Jacobs reported there are currently 30 residents in the Sandhill Care Center, with 14 paying privately, 13 receiving Medicaid assistance, two receiving hospice Medicaid assistance and one receiving Medicare assistance.

She said there were no admissions during the past month, with one resident being discharged back to an assisted living facility and one resident death.

Jacobs said 14 residents are from Ainsworth, seven are from Cherry County, four are from rural Brown County, two are from Long Pine, two are from Keya Paha County and one resident is from Rock County.

Jacobs said the care center had hired one full-time CNA during the past month and had rehired a former CNA. She said one part-time dietary employee was terminated during the past month, one full-time CNA resigned and two full-time RNs were leaving for different jobs.

Jacobs said the facility is in need of CNAs, dietary employees and night shift charge nurses.

In a complete reversal from the pandemic years, Jacobs and Crane provided the board with a current analysis of hiring in-house staff compared to hiring agency staffing.

While agency staffing was previously much more expensive than in-house staff, Jacobs said it is now actually less expensive to bring on agency RN staff members than it is to pay for in-house RNs.

“Agency rates have gone down,” Jacobs said. “We are not looking to go all agency, we are just comparing the current costs for you.”

She said the facility, for the time being, was replacing the two nurses who were leaving with one RN and one LPN from an agency. The cost of the two agency staff members will be $4,765 less per month than the care center was paying for the two in-house RNs.

Crane said agencies are now calling the care center frequently to see if the facility has any placements for agency staffing.

Director of Nursing Sara Mayhew said the two nurses leaving were excellent and she would prefer to have in-house staff in the long term for continuity. However, she said, in the short term, using agency staffing was not as big an issue as it had been in the past. She said the agency LPN who was coming had been in the facility before and was a wonderful staff member.

Jones said there were a lot of benefits of having in-house staffing compared to agency staffing, as in-house staff members tended to live in the community and provide more support to the local economy.

The board heard updates on the generator repair project and the front door replacement project.

Jacobs said Glass Edge estimated the new handicap-accessible front door would arrive in two to three weeks. She said the company would then try to coordinate the installation of the door with an installation the company also had planned in the Bassett area.

Jacobs said the switches for the generator have now arrived, and Ainsworth Electric would coordinate with the Nebraska Public Power District to make the needed repairs to the facility’s generator.

Following the regular agenda items, the board held an executive session to conduct the administrator’s annual performance review.

The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 10.

* Personal property schedules due May 1 to assessor

(Posted 12:15 p.m. Feb. 11)

The Brown County Assessor’s office reminds owners of personal property that the Nebraska Personal Property Return and Schedule must be filed on or before May 1 with the county assessor where the personal property is located.

A Nebraska Personal Property Return and Schedule must be filed for all depreciable tangible personal property that is:

1. a) Owned or held on January 1, 12:01 a.m. of each year; or
2. b) Leased from or to another person.

The personal property schedule pertains to any depreciable property, farm or ranch equipment that is used to conduct business operations.

If depreciable tangible personal property subject to taxation is not reported by May 1, it is subject to penalties.

Those needing to file a personal property schedule may do so personally or an accountant can fill out the schedule online.

Anyone with questions on what needs to be included on the personal property schedule may contact the Brown County Assessor’s office at 402-3876-1621.

* Board accepts resignations of principal, teacher

(Posted 7 a.m. Feb. 11)

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education on Monday accepted the resignations of Elementary Principal Ben Wright and junior high English teacher Heather Lutter.

Wright has served as the principal at Ainsworth Elementary for the past four years after being hired for his first principal position by ACS. In his resignation letter, Wright said he had been offered and accepted the superintendent position with Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Public Schools.

Superintendent Dale Hafer announced, after conducting three interviews, elementary guidance counselor Kelsey Reisen had been hired as the elementary principal for the 2025-26 school year.

“We had three solid interviews,” Hafer told the board. “Kelsey’s knowledge stood out related to MTSS, student data, curriculum and especially in the student mental health area.”

Hafer said the district would now need to fill the elementary counselor position, and would move on that fairly quickly.

Wright thanked the community for welcoming his family in such a warm way. He said he was grateful for the trust and support shown by the school board, the staff and the community.

In her letter of resignation, Lutter thanked the school for its comradery and acceptance during her 12-year career.

Hafer said Lutter had accepted a position on the Educational Service Unit 17 professional staff.

“She will still be around, and we will get to work with her,” Hafer said.

Activities Director Luke Wroblewski said Lutter indicated she would like to continue serving as the speech and play production coach for the school if the district was interested in keeping her on in those roles.

Hafer said the district had received two applications thus far for the middle school teaching position.

“We have seen some interest,” the superintendent said.

In other business Monday, the board approved the 2025-26 school calendar as presented. The calendar includes 175 days of student instruction and 185 teacher work days. The first day of class for students will be Aug. 14, with Christmas break running from Dec. 20 through Jan. 6, 2026.

Graduation is set for May 10, with the final day of class for students slated for May 21, 2026.

Hafer said work on the calendar started several weeks ago. The administrators have looked it over, and teachers also provided their input.

The board approved the 2023-24 audit of the district’s finances completed by Dana F. Cole Co. of Ainsworth. Hafer said there was a little frustration with getting the audit completed.

“There is a shortage of auditors across the state,” the superintendent said. “Audits cost more and more each year.”

He said the cost of the district’s audit was $17,000. He said he remembered audits at Sandhills costing $3,400 when he was the superintendent there and the board at the time thinking that cost was high.

Hafer thanked Deidre Stoner and Lacey Marbry for their work with the auditors.

“They did an excellent job,” he said.

The only adverse finding in the audit was a lack of segregation of duties over financial controls, which Hafer said all smaller districts with limited paid staff members receive.

The board approved the first reading of policy updates as recommended by the Nebraska Association of School Boards. The board also recognized the review of district policies 504 through 506.

Hafer said the NASB asked the board to consider an update to its policy regarding timelines for certified employee contract releases.

The superintendent said current policy allows certified staff to be released from their contracts as late as May 1.

“Not many schools have that late a date,” he said. “It hasn’t been an issue, but it could put us in a bad spot.”

NASB suggested the policy be updated to include that certified staff submit a letter of intent to accept a contract for the following school year by March 15, with signed contracts due back to the district by April 15.

Hafer said the intent with the policy update was not to play hardball, and the policy included language that the staff member could be released from the contract after April 15 if a suitable replacement can be found.

“It gives us more time to do what we need to do,” Hafer said. “It also gives us the flexibility to work with someone if a suitable replacement can be found.”

The board approved the first reading of the policy update.

The board also approved the extra duty salary schedule as presented. Hafer said the extra duty schedule is an addition to the negotiated salary schedule that was approved in January. He said the extra duty schedule was separated to allow board members Jake Graff and Bryan Doke to abstain from voting on the schedule since they both serve as coaches for the district.

“This will conclude negotiations for the next two years,” Hafer said.

The board approved the pay schedule as presented, with Graff and Doke abstaining from the vote.

During his report, Hafer updated the board on the district’s finances. He said revenue in January was down from the previous year, but a larger payment was received in February. The superintendent said the district has certificates of deposit in reserve that can be used as needed and then renewed when funding is received.

Hafer said utilizing CDs allowed the district to generate about $150,000 during the past year, which can then be used to supplement the district’s cash on hand and reduce future tax asking.

During his report, Wroblewski said Ainsworth had been selected to host district boys golf for the second consecutive year. District golf will be held May 19 at the Ainsworth Municipal Golf Course.

“That is exciting for our kids,” Wroblewski said.

During his written report, Secondary Principal Steve Dike congratulated Emma Kennedy for qualifying for state in the FFA District LDEs by finishing as the district runner-up in the employment skills category.

Prior to the regular meeting, the board conducted a walk-through of the school facilities and discussed potential building and grounds repairs and upgrades. Hafer said the board may hold an additional walk-through ahead of its next meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 10.

* Mashburn wins KBRB Big Game Contest

(Posted 3:45 p.m. Feb. 10)

Young Henry Mashburn of Ainsworth picked Philadelphia to best Kansas City in Sunday’s NFL Championship by a score of 37-22 to miss the 40-22 Eagles triumph by just three points. That guess earns Henry the win in this year’s KBRB Big Game Contest and $200 in certificates to participating Big Game sponsors.

Mashburn’s score was two points closer than any of the other 187 scores that were called in to the KBRB Studios Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Tom Mundorf of Springview and Jordyn Foster of Bassett both missed the final score by just five points to tie for second. Mundorf picked a 40-17 Eagles triumph, while Foster had the Eagles pegged to win, 37-20. Mundorf and Foster each earned $125 in certificates for their second-place tie.

Sharla May of Bassett took fourth by herself, picking the Eagles by a 35-20 margin to miss the total by seven points. May earned $100 in certificates for her pick.

There was a four-way tie for fifth place this year with picks that missed the final score by 10 points. Madison Stout of Springview (38-30), Walker Shaw of Bassett (35-27), Logan Mundorf of Springview (31-21) and Amy Daugherty of Ainsworth (31-23) each received $50 in certificates.

Ten contestants missed the final score by 11 points to finish tied for ninth. Each will earn a $25 certificate to one of KBRB’s Big Game sponsors. Those contestants are Kenley Welke of Long Pine (34-27), Shauna Rudnick of Ainsworth (35-28), Kristin Kinnick of Ainsworth (34-27), Allen Privett of Ainsworth (38-31), Jan Buoy of Bassett (31-24), Brady Foster of Bassett (31-24), Dominic Schumacher of Ainsworth (38-31), Sam Titus of Ainsworth (31-24), Nancy Falk of Ainsworth (38-31) and Kevin Schuetz of Ainsworth (31-24).

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB Studios.

KBRB thanks everyone who called in a score, and to all of this year’s Big Game Contest sponsors:

Ainsworth
Ainsworth Elks Club
Willow Creek Mercantile
Kelly Gambill Massage Therapy
Stella’s Floral and Sweets
Needles N Pins
Calista’s Family Styling Salon
Husker Meats
Yogi’s Place
Red & White Market
The 402 Bar
Buckles Automotive
First Class Auto
The Grand Theater
The Silver Circle Bar
The Book Peddler
Palmer Embroidery & Boutique
Ainsworth Motors
H&R Food Center
Pizza Hut
Speedee Mart
Ainsworth Auto Parts Carquest
Century Lumber Center
Long Pine
Long Pine Lumber
Simple Solutions
The Sandhills Lounge
Johnstown
The L-Bow Room
Bassett
Circle B Livestock
G&V’s Market
Scott’s Place
The Whistle Stop
Turp’s Automotive
Stuart
Cast Iron Bar & Grille
Bloomin’ Daisies
Atkinson
Wettlaufer’s Flower Shop and Nursery
RF Goeke/Daze of Wine
First Stop
O’Neill
Shamrock Nursery
Lynch
Springlake Angus Center
Winner, S.D.
Office Products Center

* Arganbright appointed to Game and Parks Board

(Posted 11 a.m. Feb. 7)

Governor Jim Pillen announced the appointment of Kurt Arganbright of Valentine to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Arganbright will serve as the representative for District 6.  His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Nebraska Legislature.

Arganbright has been in private practice with Arganbright Law Office at Valentine since 2010 with expertise in agricultural law, real estate, estate planning and business planning. He also serves as county attorney for both Rock and Thomas counties. Additionally, his family owns and operates a cow-calf operation.

Arganbright has served multiple entities in leadership roles including the Sandhills Cattle Association, Valentine Planning Commission, Agriculture Builders of Nebraska and the Nebraska State Bar Association.

Arganbright has a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He received his juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

* Rock County, Ainsworth qualify for State Quiz Bowl

(Posted 3:45 p.m. Feb. 5)

Rock County and Ainsworth claimed the top two spots during the ESU 17 High School Quiz Bowl Monday. Finishing in the top two qualifies both Rock County and Ainsworth for the State Quiz Bowl April 30 at Hastings.

Rock County finished the competition a perfect 4-0, while Ainsworth claimed the second qualifying spot with a 3-1 record. Other teams participating in the ESU 17 event were Keya Paha County, Valentine and Cody-Kilgore. The event was played in a round robin format, with each team going head-to-head against all of the other competing teams in a series of 12 toss-up questions and bonus questions for those who answered the toss-up questions correctly.

Ainsworth’s qualifying team consists of Grace Goodwin, William Biltoft, Jace Johnson, Sam Titus, David Cook, Willa Flynn, Erick Hitchcock, Ben Clingman, Raelynn Reagan and Dylan Titus. Ainsworth will next compete in the Gothenburg Quiz Bowl Feb. 19.

Rock County qualifying team members are Solomon Pyle, Lyndsey Sybrant, Kade Wiiest, Carter Buell, Trey Anthony, Andrew Rowan and Noah Seberger.

* Community Hall roof to be replaced

(Posted 3 p.m. Feb. 4)

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners, Brown County Agricultural Society representative Alex Goochey told the board the Ag Society had approved a $58,775 bid from Leach Roofing to replace the roof of the community hall at Johnstown.

Goochey said the Ag Society received nine bids for the roof replacement project. He said the lowest bid of just over $42,000 did not include comparable shingles to the other bids. Goochey said most of the bids ranged between $58,775 and $65,000.

Goochey said the bid from Leach Roofing included a Class 4 impact-resistant shingle, which the $42,000 bid did not, and included a 10-year warranty on the work and a 40-year warranty on the shingles.

The cost of the roof replacement will initially be paid using inheritance tax funds, with the Agricultural Society then reimbursing the inheritance tax fund over time.

No action was needed by the commissioners, as the board had previously approved allowing the Agricultural Society to proceed with the project.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners, with Board Chair Dennis Bauer absent, visited by phone with Hathshire Berkaway attorney Bryce Sealock of Kearney regarding an appeal bond for the company to post after it filed suit against the county over the amount of damages awarded by the county to property owners who would lose land for the construction of a road to isolated property in southwestern Brown County.

County Attorney Andy Taylor said the county had the right to request the company post an appeal bond. If the judge rules in favor of the county, the bond would be used to reimburse the county for the expense of having any expert witnesses testify during the proceedings.

Taylor said, if the appeal is successful, then the appellant would receive the full appeal bond back from the court and the county would be liable for any of the expenses incurred.

Sealock said he did not see an issue with posting an appeal bond, which the board then voted to set at $5,000. Sealock asked what would define a successful appeal. Taylor said, by statute, if the court rules to any reduced amount in damages that were assessed by the county, then the appeal would be deemed successful.

Taylor said County Surveyor Lloyd Smith had agreed to survey the proposed Route 5 for access to the isolated parcel purchased by Grant Kobes at the site of the former Long Lake State Recreation Area.

Sealock said his client would request a more comprehensive survey of the area, but that decision would be left to the court.

During his report, Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said the roads department had received 37 stop signs and four stop ahead signs from the Nebraska Department of Transportation and had placed those signs at county road intersections in need. The board approved a resolution certifying the completion of the stop sign upgrades.

Turpin reported the roads department had performed an inventory of the 911 road signs in the county. He said some signs were missing or damaged. Replacement signs will be purchased using 911 funds.

“We will do an order when we know exactly how many signs we need,” Turpin said.

He said delivery drivers, emergency personnel and motorists from outside the area really liked having the road signs.

Turpin said he had completed a study on a road requested for vacation. The commissioners set a public hearing on the road vacation for 1:30 p.m. March 18. Turpin said he would send letters to all adjacent property owners notifying them of the public hearing.

Tim Grubb, owner of Grubb Grinding of Norfolk, told the commissioners he worked on heavy equipment repairs in Antelope and Madison counties and had received work requests from the Stuart and Atkinson area.

He said it only made sense to make trips to the area if he could line up a week’s worth of work. He said he worked on Caterpillar and John Deere heavy equipment, and could potentially find the county discounts for some parts.

“We can at least give you competitive comparisons,” Grubb said.

Grubb supplied Turpin with his contact information.

The commissioners approved signing a letter of opposition to LB 216, which has been introduced in the Legislature and would effectively combine the district and county court systems.

Clerk Travee Hobbs, who also serves as the district court clerk, said the same bill had been introduced before. She said combining the district and county courts would make it harder for people to receive services, especially in rural counties.

Blair Speck with the BKR Extension office presented the commissioners with the annual report from the Extension office. Speck said 4-H participation increased by 22 percent during the past year and she reached more than 1,000 school students through outreach efforts. Speck said she was currently working with classrooms on embryology projects.

Speck said candidates for the BKR Extension’s open beef educator position were being interviewed this week.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said it was nice to see that 4-H participation numbers were on the rise and more families were benefitting from the programs offered by the Extension office.

In a final action item Tuesday, the board reviewed its 2026 insurance renewal questionnaire from NIRMA.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Feb. 18.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 11:45 a.m. Feb. 3)

January 26

Responded to a one vehicle accident near the intersection of Highway 20 and 432^nd Ave.  The Brown County Ambulance and the Ainsworth Fire Department also responded to the scene.  The driver and one passenger were taken to the Brown County Hospital.  The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Follow-up investigations regarding abandoned vehicles left along Highway 20 and Highway 7.  Both vehicles were found to finally be removed from the roadway the following day.

January 27

Received a parking complaint in the school drop off line.  The driver was found to be utilizing the correct drop-off procedures the following day.

An Ainsworth resident reported she received a package that she did not order. 

Issued a verbal warning for speeding on a traffic stop near Highway 20 and mile marker 240.

Received a 911 hang-up call from an automated crash detection application.  The caller was located and reported safe at this time; the phone had fallen off a moving vehicle.

Responded to a report of a Nebraska driver near the intersection of Highway 183 and 879^th Ave that lost large round bales off of a trailer. The Nebraska Department of Transportation was called for assistance in removing the hay from the roadway.  The driver was issued a citation for no valid registration and a warning for proper load securement, as it was found the appropriate straps were applied but had failed.

Vin Inspection-1

January 28

Released a male subject from the Brown County Jail back to Boyd County Sheriff’s office for a court appearance where they were issued a personal recognizance bond.

Vin Inspection-2

Follow-up interview regarding a previous assault case.

Received a report regarding a bank scam.  The reporter was believed to be on the phone with an Amazon support technician.  The technician had the reporter download an app on her cellphone.  The reporter did not provide any banking info on the phone call, but the technician was able to transfer money out of the reporter’s bank account utilizing this app.  The reporter was able to stop the transfer at her bank while still on the phone with the technician.

Attempted one and served two paper services in Ainsworth and served one in Long Pine.

Responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in Ainsworth. 

Issued a citation for speeding 30mph in a 20mph school zone near 4^th and Ash St in Ainsworth.

The Brown County Ambulance provided a ground transport crew to pick up a flight crew from the airport.

January 29

Vin Inspection-1

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth at a senior living facility and transported one patient to the hospital.

Received a report of a disturbance near South Main St in Ainsworth.

Responded along with the Ainsworth Fire Department to a vehicle fire on Highway 183 near mile marker 201.  The driver was able to put out the fire with an extinguisher and the fire department provided water to make sure it wouldn’t ignite again.

The Brown County Ambulance provided a ground transport crew to pick up a flight crew at the airport.

Responded to a report of a verbal disturbance near the 400 Block of Dawes Street. 

January 30

Assisted in a fire drill at the Ainsworth Community Schools.

Attempted a paper service South of Long Pine. Served one paper service in Long Pine.

Received a report of a toll scam.

January 31

Provided traffic control for cattle crossing near Highway 183 and 881^st Rd intersection.

Provided traffic control for cattle crossing near Highway 20 and 429th Ave.

Received a report of a disturbance near Cowboy Trail Rd and 435^th Ave.

Located a small grass fire on Highway 183 near the 881^st Rd intersection.  The Long Pine Fire Department was paged to the scene.

Issued a written warning for speeding on Highway 7, near mile marker 40.

During a traffic stop near 4^th and Pine St in Ainsworth, the driver, a  juvenile, was issued a citation for failure to use turn signal, minor in possession of alcohol, open alcohol container, and driving under the influence of alcohol.  A juvenile passenger was issued a citation for minor in possession of alcohol.

Responded to a report of a one vehicle accident near Front Street in Ainsworth.  The driver was having a medical emergency and struck a building.  No injuries were reported, damage occurred to the building and vehicle, and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

February 1

Attempted paper service in Ainsworth.

Issued a citation for speeding 84mph in a 65mph zone during a traffic stop on Highway 20, near mile marker 246.

During a traffic stop on Highway 20, a written warning was issued for no taillights and operating a commercial vehicle without a CDL.

Responded to a report of reckless driving in Ainsworth near 1^st and Oak St. 

Weekly Log
Calls: 85
911 Calls: 10
Calls for Service: 12
Inmates Housed: 2

* Area students named to UN-L Deans’ List

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

More than 7,300 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have been named to the Deans’ List for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year.

Qualification for the Deans’ List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center.

Area students named to the UN-L Deans’ List for the fall semester are:

Ainsworth
Maren Arens, a senior majoring in marketing.

Long Pine
Allie Morgan Cosgrove, a sophomore majoring in child, youth and family studies.

Logan Kenneth Hafer, a senior majoring in biochemistry.

Bassett
Brooklyn Buell, a sophomore majoring in environmental and sustainability studies.

Gracie Eva Swanson a junior majoring in elementary education and special education (K-6).

Wood Lake
Ty Schlueter, a junior majoring in agribusiness.

Shyanne Dawn Urbin, a senior majoring in biological systems engineering.

Stuart
Cameron Sattler, a senior majoring in animal science.

Atkinson
Emma Alder, a senior majoring in biochemistry.

Madeline Ann Rentschler, a junior majoring in actuarial science.

Abby Thiele, a freshman majoring in elementary education.

Valentine
Finley Melisande Mosner, a freshman majoring in finance.

Lauren Schoonveld, a freshman majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

More than 200 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have been named to the Deans’ Commendation List for the fall 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/or College of Journalism and Mass Communications who met or exceeded a specified grade-point average and carried six to 11 graded semester hours.

Area students named to the Deans’ Commendation List are:

Ainsworth
Libby Wilkins, a junior majoring in agricultural leadership, education and communication.

* Carns Bridge replacement begins March 10

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

The Nebraska Department of Transportation announced construction on the Carns Bridge will begin March 10, weather permitting. The bridge is located approximately 5.5 miles east of the Highway 7 bridge over the Niobrara River in Rock and Keya Paha counties and is the final emergency response project from the flooding of March 2019 to go to construction.

The Carns Bridge, also spanning the Niobrara River, was one of the 27 bridges damaged in 2019 when historic water currents and extreme ice flows in the Niobrara River caused widespread damage to roadways and property across the state. At the highest point of flooding, approximately 1/3 of the state-maintained roadway system was impassable. 

Local Assistance Division Manager Jodi Gibson said, “NDOT is excited that full access for locals in these communities will soon be restored. The damage to roads and bridges that we saw in 2019 was unimaginable and we are glad to see the recovery efforts in Nebraska complete.” 

United Contractors is the contractor for the project. Work will include replacing the previous bridge with an 850-foot concrete bridge and a new roadway north and south of the river. A detour will remain in place until construction completion, which is anticipated to be July 2026.

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

* Wayne State announces Dean’s List students

(Posted 11:45 a.m. Jan. 31)

Wayne State College announced its Dean’s List students for the fall semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must take full-time course work and carry a 3.5 grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale.

Area students named to the Dean’s List at Wayne State College are:

Ainsworth
Cameryn Goochey, Madelyn Goochey, Brandt Murphy, Kaitlyn Nelson, Makenna Pierce, Emma Sears and Zachary Welch

Bassett
Makenzie Arnholt and Carson Shaw

Newport
Collin McCarthy

Stuart
Brayden Almgren and Mary Hamilton

Atkinson
Olivia Jarman

Naper
Paige Drueke

Valentine
Cailtynn Mack-Claypool

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 11 a.m. Jan. 30)

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

Ricardo Rodriguez Cordova, age 44, of Columbus, charged with two separate counts of speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, fined $125 for each count.

Thomas P. McGill Jr., 37, of Long Pine, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Glenn F. Collins, 53, of Letcher, S.D., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75; also charged with no proof of insurance, $100.

Bobby G. Lopez, 32, of Denver, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Jenna P. Belville, 37, of Valentine, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

Carolyn A. Rayman, 25, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Lloyd W. Johnson, 44, of Berwyn, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

Richard N. Barnett, 38, of Arvada, Colo., speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

Tyrin L. Daniels, 18, of Ainsworth, no proof of insurance, $50.

James H. Haskell, 59, of Ainsworth, assault causing bodily injury, sentenced to 50 days in jail with credit for 56 days served.

Amy B. Johnson, 41, of Denver, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Max E. Roberts, 15, of Tollhouse, violating a stop or yield sign, $75; failure to yield the right of way, $25.

Toby A. Grawe, 20, of Northfield, Minn., violation of Game and Parks Commission regulations, $50.

Steven D. Ritter, 28, of Casper, Wyo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Sue A. Harthoorn, 59, of Ainsworth, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Trina R. Myers, 32, of Omaha, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

John S. Reiss Jr., 37, of Omaha, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Jonah G. Firezar, 19, of Vining, Minn., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Daniel L. Lurz, 64, of Beemer, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Britney A. Lewis, 24, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Sean L. Zahradnicek, 55, of North Platte, improper or defective vehicle lighting, $25; no valid registration, $25.

Ethan M. Enholm, 20, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., failure to display the proper number of plates, $25.

Randy D. Laleff, 44, of Valentine, no proof of insurance, $75; no registration in vehicle, $25.

Matthew C. Walton, 33, of Ainsworth, no operator’s license, $75; failure to yield the right of way, $25; possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50.

Michael Rayman, 29, of Ainsworth, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Nicholas J. Vander Vorst, 31, of Elkhorn, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

* Jobless rates remain low in most area counties

(Posted 2 p.m. Jan. 29)

The Nebraska Department of Labor announced Nebraska’s unemployment rate for December is 2.8 percent, seasonally adjusted. The rate is unchanged from the November rate and is up 0.3 percentage points from the December 2023 rate of 2.5 percent.

Nebraska’s rate is ranked fifth lowest in the nation. South Dakota maintains its grip on the lowest jobless rate in the country at 1.9 percent in December. Vermont is second with a rate of 2.4 percent, followed by North Dakota at 2.5 percent, New Hampshire at 2.6 percent and Nebraska.

The highest unemployment rate in the country again belonged to Nevada in December at 5.7 percent. California has the second highest rate at 5.5 percent, followed by Kentucky and Illinois at 5.2 percent and Michigan at 5 percent.

Brown County’s December unemployment rate was just below the statewide average at 2.7 percent. Rock County enjoyed the lowest unemployment rate in the area during December at 1.8 percent. That rate tied with Custer County for the second best in the state behind the 1.6 percent unemployment rate in Wheeler County.

Cherry County was among the lowest unemployment rates in the state in December at 1.9 percent, followed closely by Holt County at 2 percent and Keya Paha County at 2.1 percent.

Boyd County’s December rate was just above the statewide average at 2.9 percent. Blaine County had the highest unemployment rate in the area in December at 3.8 percent, which was the second highest rate in the state ahead of only neighboring Thomas County and its state-worst 4.4 percent December rate.

Total non-farm employment in Nebraska was 1,028,791 in December, down 1,582 from November but up 20,668 from December 2023. Private industries with the most growth from November to December were the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (up 2,234 jobs), the private education and health services sector (up 927 jobs); and the financial activities sector (up 542 jobs).

Private industries with the most growth during the past year were the private education and health services sector (up 7,367 jobs); the leisure and hospitality sector (up 2,341 jobs); and the  manufacturing sector (up (2,340 jobs).

“Nebraska’s labor force reached an all-time high for the second straight month at 1,059,931,” Interim Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber said. “Our labor force has grown by over 2,000 over the month and over 4,000 over the year.” 

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 December is 4.1 percent, down 0.1 percent from the November rate and up 0.3 percentage points from the December 2023 rate of 3.8 percent.

* Miller selected as National Coach of the Year finalist

(Posted 2 p.m. Jan. 28)

The National High School Athletic Coaches Association and the Nebraska Coaches Association announced the advancement of 13 coaches as finalists for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association national coach of the year, including Stuart boys basketball coach John Miller.

The nominations were based on each coach’s career accomplishments through the 2023-2024 athletic seasons (not retired more than two years prior). 

Miller surpassed 800 career high school basketball coaching victories during the 2023-24 season, which is the most in the state’s history.

Eight finalists from across the nation in 19 sports categories will be recognized during the National Coach of the Year Awards Banquet June 25 during the NHSACA’s national convention at Rapid City, S.D. The national coach of the year in each sports category will be named during the banquet.

All Nebraska coaches were nominated the Nebraska Coaches Association.  The selection is based on career longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years, and winning percentage.

Two former Nebraska coaches – Tom McCann of Kearney and Dan Sorge of Shickley – will be inducted into the national high school coaching hall of fame during the same NHSACA Convention.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:45 a.m. Jan. 27)

January 19

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.

January 20

Responded to a report of a stranded motorist near 420^th Ave and Highway 20.

Provided 911 phone coverage for Rock County to provide necessary updates.

January 21

Attended the gun range for academy qualifications.

Served a paper service in Ainsworth.

Issued a speeding citation for 79mph in a 65mph zone and no valid registration to a Nebraska driver near Highway 20/183 junction.

Issued a violation card to a Nebraska driver for a defective headlight near mile marker 238 on Highway 20.

January 22

Served a notice of eviction in Ainsworth.

The Brown County Ambulance provided a ground transport crew to pick up a flight crew at the airport.

2 Vin Inspections

2 Gun Permits

Received additional information regarding a previous adult/abuse neglect intake case.

Responded to a report an unwanted intoxicated male subject in Ainsworth.

January 23

Vin Inspection

Follow-up investigation regarding unauthorized access to a property in Ainsworth.

Provided traffic control for cattle crossing near Highway 183 and 880^th Rd.

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.

January 24

Inmate transport for medical care.

Follow-up investigations regarding abandoned vehicle near 420^th Ave and Highway 20.

Vin Inspection

Provided traffic control for cattle crossing near Highway 20 and 423^rd Ave.

2 Gun Permits

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Long Pine transporting one patient to the hospital.

Two paper services served in Ainsworth.

Issued written warnings for defective headlights during traffic stops on Highway 20 near mile marker 234 and 246.

Issued a citation for no valid registration to a Nebraska driver near Main and 3^rd St in Long Pine.

January 25

Received a report of a reckless driver in Long Pine. 

Issued a written warning for speeding on Highway 20 to a Nebraska driver.

Issued a speeding citation for 49mph in a 35mph zone near 4^th and Woodward St in Ainsworth to a Nebraska driver.

Weekly Log

Calls:  70

911 Calls:  5

Calls for Service:  8

Inmates Housed:  1 Boyd County Holding, 1 for Brown County

* Heart disease the leading cause of death in Nebraska

(Posted 11 a.m. Jan. 23)

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services recently released the Nebraska Vital Statistics Top Causes of Death Dashboard. Vital statistics data are fundamental to public health assessment and planning processes correlating with the overall health of the population. This dashboard includes de-identified aggregate death data between the years 2005-2023 for Nebraska resident deaths. Deaths that occurred within Nebraska to non-Nebraska residents are not included in the data.

Heart disease was the top killer in the state in from 2023-24, with 3,840 resident deaths attributed to some form of heart disease. Cancer was the second-leading cause of death, with 3,667 cancer deaths reported. Heart disease and cancer were each responsible for more than three times the number of deaths of the third-leading cause, chronic lower respiratory diseases at 1,042.

Accidents or unintentional injuries were the fourth leading cause of death during the period with 878, followed by stroke (833), Alzheimer’s disease (721), Diabetes (579) and hypertension (369). Parkinson’s disease (316) and Septicemia (299) rounded out the top 10 leading causes of death in Nebraska between 2023-24.

The next five leading causes of death during the reporting period were liver disease, suicide, Covid-19, kidney disease and influenza/pneumonia and all had fewer than 300 deaths reported in the state during the reporting period.

“This data tells us a lot about the overall population health and wellness in Nebraska. Knowing the top causes of death supports the development of effective public health prevention efforts to increase public awareness, watch for and address new trends, support medical research, and work to improve health outcomes for our high-risk populations,” said Charity Menefee, Director of the Division of Public Health. “This dashboard is a key resource for the people of Nebraska, our medical community, researchers, and health departments to help foster healthier Nebraskans and families and stronger, more informed communities.”

The dashboard allows results to be filtered by geographic (state, local health department, behavioral health region, and urban/rural) and demographic (age, gender, and race/ethnicity) characteristics. Users can combine multiple years of data, examine trends over time, and explore data in charts, tables, and maps.

* Board approves resolution opposing EID tags

(Posted 2:15 p.m. Jan. 22)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a non-binding resolution opposing mandatory electronic ID tags for cattle in Nebraska after a request from a resident.

Roland Paddock, representing the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska and R-CALF, told the commissioners those organizations are requesting county governments sign the resolution to show there is opposition to the USDA mandate in cattle-producing counties in the state.

“This has been attempted before, and the grassroots producers are not in favor,” Paddock said. “Wyoming and South Dakota have passed laws making the EID tags voluntary instead of mandatory.”

Paddock said the Cherry County Commissioners had already approved the resolution against the mandate, and the request would be in front of numerous other county boards soon.

“We are hoping to give state senators the courage to stand up against the feds by having counties approve this resolution,” Paddock said.

Paddock said there has also been a lawsuit filed against the USDA to stop the mandatory implementation of the electronic tags.

Paddock said the traditional methods for identifying cattle ownership, including brands, have been effective for centuries.

County Attorney Andy Taylor told the commissioners signing the resolution was not binding in any way, that it just demonstrated the county’s opinion on the issue.

Board Chairman Dennis Bauer asked Paddock if any of the cattle organizations supported the electronic ID tags. Paddock said the Nebraska Cattlemen have come out in favor.

Bauer said, “I don’t think we need more federal regulations. This is not a safety or health issue.”

By a 2-1 vote with Bauer and newly seated Commissioner Don Painter in favor and Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey against, the board approved signing the resolution opposing the EID tags.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners held their annual reorganization, with Bauer reappointed as the chair of the board and Dailey appointed the vice chair.

Committee assignments will remain the same as 2024, with Painter replacing former Commissioner Buddy Small as the county’s representative on the Niobrara Council, the KBR Solid Waste Board and the Region 4 Behavioral Health Board.

Painter said, “If you want to assert me on the committees where Buddy was, that is fine with me.”

Dailey said he was fine with remaining on his current committees.

The board approved the Ainsworth Star-Journal as its official publication for legal notices, with the county’s web site and KBRB Radio as official sites for promoting county business.

The commissioners approved 14 holidays in accordance with the federal holiday schedule.

Board meetings will remain the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with Board of Equalization meetings at 1 p.m. followed by regular meetings at 1:15 p.m.

The board approved West Plains Bank, Homestead Bank, Union Bank & Trust, NPAIT and NFIT as official depositories for county funds.

The board reviewed but opted not to make any changes to the county’s tuition reimbursement policy for current employees. The policy allows 50 percent tuition reimbursement of up to $1,500 per semester for county employees to further their education. The employee must keep a 3.0 or better grade-point average and is required to continue employment with the county for at least two years or the tuition reimbursement funding must be repaid to the county.

The commissioners acknowledged the IRS mileage reimbursement rate of 70 cents per mile for employees who use their personal vehicles for county business. The rate is up from 67 cents per mile in 2024.

The board approved a 2025 lawn service contract with Paulson Lawn Service in the amount of $8,000 for maintenance and watering of the courthouse yard and park. Taylor said the terms and the rate are the same as the 2024 contract with the company.

Bauer said Paulson does a good job maintaining the courthouse grounds.

The board approved allowing Kristin Olson with the North Central Development Center to proceed with a 2026 Byrne Jag Grant application on behalf of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. Bauer said the grant application was similar to a grant the sheriff’s department pursued last year but was through a different funding entity.

During his report, Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said he had attended a bridge training workshop and there may be a move to have only certified engineers handle future bridge inspections instead of only requiring an inspector to be certified.

Turpin said, since he is certified, he handles bridge inspections for the county and his work is reviewed by the state.

“In the future, they may push people like me out and force counties to have engineers perform the inspections,” Turpin said.

Turpin told the board he had spoken to representatives from Permazyme on a potential refund for the binding material the county used on a 1-mile stretch of Meadville Avenue. The stretch became extremely muddy and rutted following a substantial rain in November. Turpin said he would like to give the product a little more time and see how it holds up after another rain.

“I feel like maybe we are pulling the plug early,” the highway superintendent said. “After another rain, if it turns to mud and ruts like it did the first time, then we will definitely ask for our money back.”

Turpin said he would like to have additional crack sealing work done this year on paved roads in the county, and he planned to go out for bids for armor coating work soon. He said Dan Osborne, the previous foreman of TopKote, was now working with Midwest Coatings after Topkote closed.

“He did a good job for us,” Turpin said of Osborne. He said the company would likely put in a bid on the county’s armor coating work.

Turpin requested the commissioners allow him to update the heaters in the Johnstown and Ainsworth roads shops. He said parts are getting hard to come by to repair the current heating systems in both shops. He said he would like to use infrared tubes like the department has in the Long Pine shop.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Feb. 4.

* Area students selected for UNK honor band, choir

(Posted 5:45 a.m. Jan. 22)

The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance will welcome 558 music students from 101 high schools across Nebraska for the annual Honor Band & Choral Clinic on Monday, Jan. 27.

The day-long event, held on the UNK campus, brings together young musicians to collaborate and learn under the guidance of UNK faculty and renowned educators from across the state and nation. Participants will rehearse throughout the day in preparation for two public concerts at the Health & Sports Center.

The first performance, starting at 5:30 p.m., will feature the UNK Wind Ensemble, Festival Band and Honor Band. The second concert, at 7 p.m., will spotlight the UNK Choraleers, Treble Choir, Festival Choir and Honor Choir.

Clinicians leading the rehearsals include Duane Bierman, professor of music and director of bands at UNK, who will direct the Honor Band; Erin Beave, former band director at Hastings High School, directing the Festival Band; John Petzet, associate professor of music and director of choirs at UNK, leading the Honor Choir; and Cal Cross and Molly Gonring, choir directors from Elkhorn South High School, directing the Festival and Honor Choirs respectively.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to enhance their musical skills while experiencing the energy and expertise of our faculty and guest clinicians,” said Brian Alber, associate professor of music and one of the event organizers.

Area students selected to perform include:

Ainsworth

William Biltoft, Emma McMurtrey, Erick Hitchcock, Colby Beegle, Jordan Beatty, Grace Goodwin, Jodie Denny and Miranda Phares

Rock County

Mia Heyden and Shelby Connell

West Holt

Emersyn Mlady, Ava Hoffman, Peyton Olberding, Claire Sholes, Elizabeth Olson and Aila Nowlin

Valentine

Titus Maunu, Jocelyn Jordan, Praise Maunu, Rylie Sexson, Devlin Welch, Marybelle Ward, Evelyn Rolfe, Sari LaDeaux and Neeley Cronin

* Bomb threat called in to theater Saturday

(Posted noon Jan. 20)

Law enforcement and fire personnel responded to Ainsworth’s Grand Theater Saturday just prior to the scheduled showtime after someone called the theater threatening that a bomb was in the building.

A call was received by the Grand Theater at 6:41 p.m. Saturday. Theater representative Kathy Klammer said the caller indicated there was a bomb in the women’s restroom. She said the theater volunteers evacuated the theater and called 911.

According to Brown County Sheriff Brent Deibler, law enforcement was notified of the call at 6:45 p.m. Saturday and had an officer on scene at 6:50 p.m. as the theater was evacuated.

Deibler said the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department established a perimeter around the theater. The sheriff notified the Nebraska State Patrol’s bomb tech coordinator.

The building was then searched. Deibler said nothing was found and the scene was cleared. He said the incident appears to be a “Swatting” incident, when someone calls in a threat or other situation that prompts a large emergency response.

In addition to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department, the Rock County Sheriff’s Department and Nebraska State Patrol provided assistance at the scene.

Deibler said the sheriff’s department and Nebraska State Patrol are investigating the incident and will work to determine the source of the call.

“We want to figure out who did this, and hold them accountable,” Deibler said.

Klammer said anyone who was in the theater Saturday when it was evacuated can receive a pass to attend another showtime.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:45 a.m. Jan. 20)

January 12

The Brown County Ambulance responded to two 911 calls in Ainsworth, transporting one patient to the hospital on each trip.

The Brown County Ambulance provided a ground transport crew to an Omaha hospital.

The Brown County Ambulance provided a ground transport crew to pick up a flight crew from the airport and take to the hospital to pick up a patient.

Responded to a report of a male subject in a mental health crisis.

January 13

Three burn permits were issued on this day.

Completed a set of fingerprint cards for a Brown County resident.

Received a report of a female subject as a victim of adult/abuse neglect.  Written statements were received, and a report was filed with the Department of Health and Human Services for their assistance.

Inmate transport for medical care.

Served two papers in Ainsworth.

Responded to a vehicle accident on Main St in Ainsworth.  The vehicle was struck while parked in front of a business.  No injuries were reported.

Responded to a hit and run accident report in Long Pine.  No injuries were reported.  A female subject was issued a written warning for leaving the scene of an accident and failure to furnish info.

January 14

Three burn permits were issued on this day.

Transported an Ainsworth man to the Nebraska Department of Corrections after he was sentenced in District Court.

Provided courtroom security.

Served a paper in Ainsworth.

The Brown County Ambulance provided a ground transport crew to pick up a flight crew from the airport.

Attended a meeting with other local agencies regarding interstate intel.

January 15

Provided courtroom security.

Responded to a report from an Ainsworth resident on Elsmere Road alleging a cow was shot.  This is an ongoing investigation.

Responded to a report from an Ainsworth resident regarding stolen frozen meat on Elsmere Road.  This is an ongoing investigation.

Released a subject from the Brown County Jail after serving 56 days for a failure to appear warrant for an initial charge of assault.

Traffic stop on Highway 7 resulted in a citation issued for speeding 80mph in a 65mph zone to a motorist.

Attended an NC911 meeting in Ainsworth with other agencies in our 911 region.

Responded to a report of suspicious activity near the 1^st and Pine Street intersection.  No criminal activity was found, the vehicle was parked illegally temporarily to unload materials.

Received a report regarding a phone scam stating the female subject owed money.  The reporter was encouraged to report to the Nebraska Attorney General fraud line.

Responded to a report of an intoxicated male subject dropped off at a hotel.  The male subject was later found to be near East City Park and was transported home.

January 16

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth, transporting one patient to the hospital.

The Brown County Ambulance provided a ground transport crew to pick up a flight crew from the airport.

Traffic stop near 4^th and Ash Street in Ainsworth issued a warning to a driver for no license plate.

January 17

Responded to a report of domestic disturbance on Meadville Ave.  Parties were separated upon arrival and an Ainsworth resident was issued a minor in possession of alcohol citation.

Provided traffic control for cattle crossing near 879^th Ave and Highway 183.

Received a report regarding theft of pivot parts north of the Airport.  This is an ongoing investigation.

Responded to a report of suspicious activity approximately 25 miles south of Long Pine.  The Brown County Sheriff’s office later made contact in Ainsworth with the reported vehicle and three male occupants and were found to be selling lightning rods and a sub-contractor crew of a local construction business.

Inmate transport for medical care.

Received a report of a phone scam where caller was asking for the reporter to purchase gift cards.  Reported was encouraged to contact the Nebraska Attorney General fraud line.

Follow-up investigation regarding a report of domestic disturbance.  An Ainsworth subject was issued a citation for procuring alcohol to a minor.

During a traffic stop near mile marker 24, a driver was issued a citation for speeding 80mph in a 65mph zone.

January 18

 Attended a central Nebraska special response team training in Elba.

Raven Fire Department was paged to a report of a runaway trash fire approximately 13 miles south of Ainsworth.

Responded to a report of a bomb threat at the Ainsworth Theatre.  No criminal activity was found at this time, and the building was found to be secure.  This is an ongoing investigation.

Responded to a report of a domestic disturbance on North Main Street.  A male party was asked to leave the premises.

Booked a subject into the Brown County Jail after they were extradited from Missouri on a Brown County warrant. 

Weekly Log

Calls: 106

911 Calls: 9

Calls for Service: 12

Handgun Purchase Permits: 1

Inmates Housed: 2

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 1:45 p.m. Jan. 19)

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda

1:15                             Roll Call.

Approve minutes of the 1-7-2025 and the regular meeting.

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update

Tuition Reimbursement Policy – Board

Open Reorganization meeting: D/A Reorganization meeting – Official Banks, Radio, Newspaper, Website; Set 2025 Holiday dates, BOE and Commissioner meeting dates, appoint Commissioner Chairman & Vice Chairman, appoint county surveyor, appoint County Highway Superintendent and committee representatives – Clerk

Resolution – Opposition to Mandatory Electronic I.D. (MEID) Livestock tags – Roland Paddock

Review/Approve ACH Direct Deposit forms with Homestead Bank – Clerk

Update contact/administration name on credit card – Clerk

Kristin Olson – Authorize to apply for 2016 Byrne Jag Grant for the Sheriff’s Office – Olson

Acknowledge mileage rate for 2025 of $0.70 per mile – Clerk

1:30      Jerry Paulson – Lawn Service Contract

Approve Claims

* Schroder receives degree from UNMC

(Posted 10:30 a.m. Jan. 15)

Diplomas were conferred on nearly 400 University of Nebraska Medical Center students on Dec. 20.

Among the students graduating from UNMC is Ashley Schroder of Stuart, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the UNMC College of Nursing Omaha Division.

* NCTA names fall Dean’s List students

(Posted 10:15 a.m. Jan. 15)

Fall Dean’s List students have been announced by the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis.

Area students named to the Dean’s List with a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale include Airyan Goochey of Johnstown and Courtney McCarthy of Newport.

* Brown County District Court proceedings

(Posted 5:45 a.m. Jan. 15)

During Brown County District Court Tuesday, Shannon Trust N. Tripp, 44, of Ainsworth, appeared for sentencing after having been previously found guilty of first degree false imprisonment, a Class 3A felony.

Tripp was sentenced to 18 months in the Nebraska Department of Corrections.

* Hafer discusses Monday School Board meeting

(Posted 10:45 a.m. Jan. 14)

Ainsworth Community Schools Superintendent Dale Hafer appeared on KBRB’s Open Line program Tuesday to discuss the action taken during Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

Hafer discussed a recent national breach of the Power School software utilized by the school. If there are any issues, patrons will be notified.

The superintendent also discussed items affecting schools that will likely be debated this year in the Nebraska Legislature.

* Storer discusses opening week of Legislature

(Posted 3 p.m. Jan. 13)

Nebraska 43rd District State Sen. Tanya Storer visited with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie, discussing her committee assignments, bills she has introduced and hot topics she expects the body to tackle during the 90-day session.

The conversation is can be heard below.

* Ainsworth Library receives 5-year accreditation

(Posted 2 p.m. Jan. 13)

Nebraska Library Commission Library Development Director Christa Porter announced the accreditation of 38 public libraries across Nebraska, including the Ainsworth Public Library.

Porter said, “We are dedicated to helping Nebraska libraries meet Nebraskans’ information needs, opening up the world of information for citizens of all ages. The Library Commission continues to work in partnership with Nebraska libraries and the regional library systems, using the Public Library Accreditation program to help public libraries grow and develop.”

Public libraries in Nebraska are accredited for a five-year period.

The Nebraska Library Commission congratulates the accredited public libraries as they move forward toward the realization of the commission’s vision for the future that: “All Nebraskans will have improved access to enhanced library and information services, provided and facilitated by qualified library personnel, boards, and supporters with the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes necessary to provide excellent library and information services.”

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 1:15 p.m. Jan. 13)

January 5

Assisted non-county resident for welfare check on adult family member. Adult asked to get into contact with the requesting party.

Notice of 2 control burns near Long Pine and Johnstown.

Assisted local business regarding an accidental gas drive-off.  Party agreed to return to pay for their fuel.

Assisted non-county resident with local 511 road conditions.

Citation issued for speeding to a motorist in Ainsworth.

Issued written warning for speeding on Highway 20.

January 6

Notice of 7 burn permits issued throughout Brown County.

Verbal warning given for speeding on Highway 20.

Received request for assistance on a civil matter and was referred to contact an attorney.

Officer assisted with report of harassment.

January 7

Notice of 2 burn permits issued for today.

Booked an inmate into the Brown County Jail on a Bench Warrant.

Released inmate on bond from Brown County Jail

Provided civil standby for resident to collect their belongings.

Verbal warning issued for no headlights.

The Brown County Ambulance responded to page in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the Brown County Hospital.

January 8

Notice of 2 burn permits issued for today.

The Brown County Ambulance responded to page in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the Brown County Hospital.

Officer assisted with report of stolen long gun and trespassing.

Officers responded to 911 call received at Ainsworth address.  The caller was found to be safe and was determined to be a pocket dial.

Received confirmation of Warrant pickup in Missouri for a Brown County Bench Warrant. Inmate awaiting extradition.

Officers contact the party to a harassment report. 

Issued citation for speeding on Highway 20.

Responded to report of someone walking along Highway 20.  A person was found safe and just taking a stroll.

Officer served papers to Ainsworth resident.

Officer issued a violation card for an expired license and no proof of insurance. Proof of insurance was later provided to an officer at Brown County Sheriff’s office.

Assisted caller with complaint regarding posts on Facebook.  The caller was advised to contact Facebook to report the posts in question.

January 9

Notice of 2 burn permits issued for today.

Officers delivered paper service for two residents of Brown County. Unable to locate a third at this time.

Assisted Norfolk Police Department to contact a Brown County resident regarding a minor fender bender in Norfolk.

Officers responded to a report of harassment by unwanted physical touching.

Officers able to locate and dispatch a wounded deer east of Ainsworth near the Long Pine hills.

January 10

Notice of 8 burn permits issued for today.

Lost property found at Ainsworth Community Schools.  Attempting to locate owner from Lincoln.

Holding inmate for Boyd Co on DUI charges.

Officers made a welfare check on Ainsworth resident.  Found to be safe at home.

The Brown County Ambulance responded to two pages in Ainsworth and transported two patients to the Brown County Hospital.

Issued written warning for speeding on Highway 7.

Officer issued a citation for improper passing in Ainsworth.

Fingerprint cards processed for local resident.

Officer made traffic stop for missing plates.  Found to be a recent purchase with in-transit posted in windshield.

Assisted local Ainsworth resident with question regarding licensure of pet. Advised to license with City of Ainsworth.

Issued written warning for speeding on Highway 20.

Officer issued citation for speeding on Highway 20.

Officer issued citation for expired registration in Ainsworth.

January 11

The Brown County Ambulance responded to three separate pages in Ainsworth and transported two patients to the Brown County Hospital.  A 3^rd individual refused transport.

Report of 1 burn permit issued in Brown County today.

Officers provided traffic control for a funeral in Ainsworth.

Paper service delivered to 2 residents in Ainsworth.  Another Brown County resident not yet located.

Officer issued citation for speeding on Highway 20.

Officer issued warning for speeding on Highway 20.

Long Pine Rural Fire Department responded to a chimney fire in Long Pine. No injuries reported.

Received a report of driver locked out of vehicle.  Phone numbers for locksmith provided to caller.

Officer issued citation for speeding and misuse of school permit on Highway 20.

Motorist assistance provided on Meadville Ave.

Weekly Log

Calls: 112

911 Calls: 11

Calls for Service: 11

Vin Inspections: 6

Handgun Purchase Permits: 9

Inmates Housed: 2

* Council votes to equalize care center funding with county

(Posted 9:30 a.m. Jan. 9)

The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday approved making a payment to the Sandhills Care Center and requesting those funds be reimbursed to Brown County so the two entities’ funding to the facility are equalized.

During December’s council meeting, Brown County Commissioner Dennis Bauer requested the council either make an $80,000 contribution to the Sandhills Care Center or reimburse Brown County $40,000 since the county had contributed $80,000 more to the care center than the city. The two entities jointly own and operate the Sandhills Care Center and the agreement states that each entity provides an equal amount of funding to the facility.

Mayor Joel Klammer said Councilman Brad Fiala was not present for December’s discussion and was the only current member who was on the council years ago when the care center was in a poor financial spot and the city and county were holding joint meetings to work toward keeping the facility open.

Fiala said it was his recollection that the two entities at the time had decided their normal $80,000 annual contribution would not be enough and the care center would require additional funding to remain open.

Fiala said, at that time, the city and county agreed to each provide $125,000 to the care center. Fiala said it was his understanding that the $125,000 contribution made by each entity was a replacement for the annual $80,000 payment, not in addition to that payment.

Bauer, who was in attendance Wednesday, said that was not quite how he remembered the discussion between the city and county.

“I thought we had a gentlemen’s agreement that we would each kick in another $80,000 but the city did not have that on its agenda at the time,” Bauer said. “We contributed the additional $80,000 on the understanding that the city would as well because the $80,000 we were putting in would probably not be enough. It was our understanding the council was going to put it on its next agenda, and that didn’t happen.”

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said, at the time, she as treasurer for the care center had received an additional $80,000 check from the county and knew the city had not agreed to provide that additional amount.

She said at that time, in an effort not to cause future problems, she contacted Commissioner Buddy Small to let him know the City Council had not approved the additional $80,000 in funding. Schroedl said Small, who was on the Care Center Board at the time, indicated to her that the care center needed the money.

“He came and got the check and took it to the care center,” Schroedl said.

Bauer said the decision not to deposit the county’s check into the care center’s interlocal account was made by the treasurer and not the City Council or commissioners.

Schroedl said, “I was trying at the time to prevent the conversation we are having now because I knew the city had not agreed to that additional $80,000.”

Fiala said the city could either not do anything, it could reimburse the county for half of the additional $80,000 the county contributed, or the city could make an $80,000 payment to the care center to equalize the funding.

“I don’t think we owe anything, but we have to work together to move forward and keep the nursing home viable,” Fiala said. “Is $40,000 or $80,000 worth the headache?”

Councilman Kent Taylor asked if the city would need to wait until the next budget year to reimburse the county since the city did not include any funding for the nursing home in its current budget.

Schroedl said the city was basically taking money away from the streets and parks departments when it was previously making its contributions to the care center prior to the bond issue passing and the facility receiving additional property tax dollars.

Taylor said he was on the City Council when the city and county agreed to take ownership of the building and operate a nursing home.

“This has been quite a process,” Taylor said. “To see where we are now, it worked out and we are in a good spot. This is the good political thing to do, but in the future we need to be on the same page.”

Bauer said the county would never assume anything going forward and would make sure any agreements are in action form by each entity.

With the facility in a more solid financial position currently, the council unanimously approved making a $38,467 payment to the Sandhills Care Center with the intent that the care center then pay that amount to the county, as the city determined it likely could not provide a direct payment to the county.

In other business Wednesday, concerned citizens and the Brown County sheriff met with the council asking if it would provide a letter of support to the Nebraska Department of Transportation to reduce the speed limits on Highway 20 and Highway 7 on the approaches into the city.

Resident Todd Flynn said a number of parties met for a Zoom call with the Nebraska Department of Transportation Nov. 18 to express concern for the speed limits entering the city.

Flynn said, after that meeting, NDOT District Engineer Mark Kovar requested the city and county weigh in on the speed limit issue.

“I wanted it on the agenda so people could express any concerns,” Flynn said.

Klammer asked if the consensus of the group was to see the speed limits lowered on Highway 20 from the east and west and on Highway 7 from the south.

Sheriff Brent Deibler said the group has suggested to the NDOT that the speed limit be 35 mph on Highway 20 from each end of the new concrete and then be 45 mph east to the Evangelical Free Church and west from the new concrete.

Deibler said the group would also like to see the speed limit on Highway 7 be reduced to 25 mph south past Cottonwood Villa, then reduced to 35 mph to the next intersection.

The sheriff said the county was working on reducing the speed limit on Meadville Avenue to 35 mph north of the canal and asked the city to reduce the speed limit on Meadville Avenue to 25 mph from the Highway 20 intersection to the north end of the city limits.

“I received several letters I have forwarded to NDOT,” Deibler said. “I ask the council to support the request. It is just too fast now.”

Fiala said the No. 1 issue for emergency responders and law enforcement was getting the speed limits reduced.

Taylor said he thought it was a great idea to slow down traffic on the approaches to the city.

Councilman Dustin Barthel said he would also like to see a no passing zone extended past the entrances to businesses and residences just east of Ainsworth.

“There have been times when I have been coming out of our driveway when someone is passing going east and have about wrecked,” Barthel said.

Brown County Emergency Manager Traci Booth said she had applied for flashing speed signs similar to those motorists see when they enter other communities like Atkinson and had been approved for nine signs for Brown and Rock counties.

Local entities will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining the solar-powered signs, but the NDOT will place the signs.

The council approved having the mayor send a letter of support for lowering the speed limits to the NDOT.

Councilwoman Heather Lutter asked that the Meadville Avenue speed limit be placed on the council’s February agenda to begin the process of lowering the speed limit from Highway 20 to the north edge of city limits.

In other action items Wednesday, the council approved a special designated liquor license request for the Sandhills Lounge to serve alcohol from 3 p.m. Jan. 25 until 1 a.m. Jan. 26 in the Ainsworth Conference Center for the annual chamber gala.

Klammer said there have not been any problems in the past with the event.

The council approved the mayor’s recommended appointment of Bob Maxwell to fill a vacancy on the Ainsworth Airport Authority. Maxwell’s six-year term expires Dec. 1, 2030.

The mayor also recommended both County Attorney Andy Taylor and City Attorney Michael Sholes serve as prosecuting attorneys for the city. Klammer said appointing both attorneys will give the city additional flexibility. The council approved both attorneys as city prosecutors.

The council tabled an LB 840 application regarding $90,000 for professional recruitment. Schroedl said LB 840 Attorney Heather Sikyta would provide written recommendations on the application next week for the council to then consider.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 12.

* Commissioners vote to pursue road vacation

(Posted 1:30 p.m. Jan. 8)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday directed Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin to proceed with studying the potential vacation of a portion of a dedicated county road.

The road is located in the southwest quarter of Section 21, Township 30 North, Range 22 West. Turpin said there is county road right of way near a new shop that is being constructed by Tonny Beck.

A petition with 15 signatures was submitted to the county requesting the road vacation. Turpin said he did not see any issue with vacating the road, as the county does not currently maintain a road at the site and vacating it would potentially reduce county liability. Turpin said Beck indicated that any neighboring property owners who needed to use the site would still have access.

The board, with Commissioner Buddy Small absent Tuesday, approved having Turpin begin the process of vacating the road, which will include a traffic study and a report to the commissioners as well as a public hearing.

In other roads items Tuesday, Turpin reported the roads department had cleaned snow and ice off the paved roads in the county and had salted and sanded hilly areas.

After indicating he planned to purchase crushed concrete from the Ainsworth Main Street renovation project, Turpin said, upon inspection of the material, he believed it was better for the county to stay away from it.

“The crushed concrete has quite a bit of wire mesh in it so I don’t think we will end up buying it,” the highway superintendent said.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said using crushed concrete with wire had the potential to cause flat tires for motorists. He agreed the county should not purchase the material.

Turpin reported he visited with the Rock County Commissioners regarding the potential for a grant to cover 80 percent of the cost of replacing the McCullough bridge shared by the two counties.

Turpin said the Rock County Commissioners indicated they were in favor of him pursuing the grant. Each county would be responsible for 10 percent of the cost of the replacement, which Turpin estimated would be around $55,000 for each county.

Bauer asked Turpin for a progress update on getting a reduced speed sign placed on Meadville Avenue just north of the Ainsworth city limits.

Turpin said the engineer the county hired to conduct the study of the site had still not completed the work.

“The engineer kind of forgot about it,” Turpin said. “If he doesn’t get it done soon we will get someone else to do it.”

In other business, the commissioners approved making a transfer of $62,450 from the Brown County Ambulance fund to the debt services ambulance building fund and authorized Treasurer Bruce Mitchell to wire a payment in the same amount for the ambulance barn bond.

The board approved declaring Thursday, Jan. 9, as a holiday following both a federal and state declaration for the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, the 39^th President who died in late December.

Clerk Travee Hobbs said District Court will be in session so her office would be open Thursday.

The board approved tuition reimbursement of up to $1,500 for county employee Zach Welch in accordance with county policy. The board will review the county’s tuition reimbursement policy during its Jan. 21 meeting.

Erin Painter introduced herself to the board as the managing editor in training for the Ainsworth Star-Journal. The board thanked Painter for agreeing to move back to Ainsworth to help keep the newspaper publishing.

In a final action item, the board approved the reappointment of Matt Swanson to the Brown County Planning Commission for a three-year term.

Jacob Graff of Hastings presented the commissioners with information on a Globe Life supplemental insurance policy. Graff said there would be no additional paperwork or requirements of the county other than providing employees with the information on the plan options.

Graff said Globe Life offers policies similar to other supplemental insurance providers but has a return of premium feature if the policy is not utilized by the policyholder.

The board agreed to provide county employees with the information. Any employees interested would be responsible for contacting Graff to set up a policy.

With County Attorney Andy Taylor not present Tuesday, the commissioners did not enter into executive session to discuss pending litigation against the county regarding a dispute over the amount of damages awarded to neighboring property owners for the construction of a new road to isolated property in southwestern Brown County.

The commissioners reviewed the response Taylor planned to submit to the District Court judge.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Jan. 21, when Don Painter will join the board after being elected in November.

* Ainsworth City Council Wednesday agenda

(Posted 5:30 a.m. Jan. 8)

Ainsworth City Council meeting
5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8
Ainsworth Conference Center
Agenda

• Call to Order
• I. Routine Business
  • Announcement of Open Meetings Act
  • Roll Call
  • Pledge of Allegiance
• II. Consent Agenda – All items approved with the passage of one motion
  • Approve minutes from the December 11, 2024 regular meeting
  • Approval of claims
  • Treasurer’s report
  • Department head reports

• III. Mayor’s Appointments and Report
  • Mayor’s Report
  • Mayor’s Appointments
    • Airport Authority (6-year term):  Appointment of Bob Maxwell to fill the vacant seat with term ending 12/1/2030
    • Appointment of Michael Sholes and Andy Taylor as prosecuting attorneys for the City of Ainsworth
• IV. Public Hearings
  • None
• V. Old Business
  • Care Center funding – Denny Bauer, Brown County Commissioner 
• VI. Regular Agenda
  • Consider a Special Designated Liquor License for the Sandhills Lounge for the Chamber Gala to be held at the Ainsworth Conference Center from 3:00 p.m. January 25, 2025 to 1:00 a.m. January 26, 2025
  • Discuss and consider a request for a letter from the City of Ainsworth to the Nebraska Department of Transportation regarding speed limit signage – Todd Flynn
  • Discuss and consider additional information for LB840 application #24-06 – professional recruitment in the amount of $90,000
  • City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer Report

* NSAA recognizes fall Academic All-State winners

(Posted 7:30 a.m. Jan. 7)

The Nebraska School Activities Association announced the recipients of the fall Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association Academic All-State Awards. Since 2006, the 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 NCPA 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 by the NSAA for the fall activities season are:

Ainsworth
Jonathan Strand in boys cross country, Emma Kennedy and Kiley Orton in girls cross country, Chris Fernandez and Sam Titus in football, Jordan Beatty and Jaden Lee in girls golf, Erick Hitchcock and Kiley Orton in play production, and Jaylee Good and Megan Jones in volleyball

Keya Paha County
Nathaniel Frick in boys cross country, Angela Frick in girls cross country, and Brenna Caulfield in play production

Rock County
Andrew Rowan in boys cross country, Branson Anderson and Chase Gewecke in football, and Sydney Hoffman and Bridget Lewis in volleyball

Stuart
Luke Ludwig in boys cross country, Benjamin Paxton and Hunter Tubbs in football, Maddux Alder and Benjamin Paxton in play production, and Addisyn Ketteler and Reagan Stracke in volleyball

West Holt
Ava Hoffman and Kearsten Keogh in girls cross country, Mason Crumrine and Drake Nemetz in football, Brooklynn Butterfield in girls golf, Abigail Dunn and Drake Nemetz in play production, and Ainsley Galyen and Avery Nemetz in volleyball

Sandhills
Connor Sutton in boys cross country, Caden Zutavern in football, Rylyn Moody and Connor Sutton in play production, and Ella Held in volleyball

Boyd County
Will Nelson in boys cross country, Kaci Koenig in girls cross country, Peyton Wickersham in football, Addison Birmeier and Brooklyn Eckert in play production, and Elizabeth Bernt and Claire Reiman in volleyball

Valentine
Landen Mooney and Deklin Titus in boys cross country, Dominic Beebout and John Fulton in football, Tierney Miller and Marybelle Ward in girls golf, Jenalee Garwood and Titus Maunu in play production, and Kimber McGinley and Cadence Swanson in volleyball

* Area students named to UNK Dean’s List

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

The University of Nebraska at Kearney announced students who earned a place on the dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester.

Students who are on the dean’s list must have completed 12 credit hours or more of classes with a 3.5 grade-point average or better on a 4.0 scale.

Area students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester are:

Johnstown – CeeAnna Beel

Bassett – Mason Hagan

Wood Lake – Holden Mundorf

Stuart – Cory Gubbels, Addie Karo, Jordyn Laible and Lacey Paxton

Atkinson – Alexis Monasterio, Kelcie Osborne, Jack Hoffman and Sidney Burkinshaw

Purdum – Becca Smith and Elizabeth Smith

Valentine – Mekallyn Bancroft, Logan Muirhead, Rhiannon Painter and Elliana Springer

Halsey – Courtney Swisher

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 4 p.m. Jan. 6)

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda

Roll Call

Resolution to transfer $62,450.00 from Ambulance Fund to Debt Services Ambulance Building –

Approval to wire Ambulance Barn Bond Payment – Treasurer

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update

Petition to vacate road in the Southwest ¼ of Sec 21, Twp 30N, R22W       – Turpin          

Resolution to re-appoint Matt Swanson to the Brown County Planning Commission – Tom Jones

Update on Ainsworth Star Journal remaining open for County publications. County selling Plat Maps – Clerk

January 9, 2025, State holiday – Taylor

Tuition Reimbursement for Zach Welch – Welch

Jacob Graff – Globe Life – Family Heritage presentation – Graff

Approve Claims

Correspondence     

Public Comment

Executive Session to discuss District Court case number CI 24-43 Hathshire Berkaway v Brown County Board – Taylor

ADJOURN

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:30 a.m. Jan. 6)

December 29

The Brown County Ambulance responded to different pages in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital on each run.

Issued written warning for speeding on Highway 20.

Responded to a report of construction debris dumped on a county roadway near 437^th Ave and 879^th Rd. 

December 30

Two papers served in Ainsworth.

Follow-up investigation regarding an intake for child abuse/neglect from Department of Health and Human Services.

December 31

Responded to an abandoned vehicle report along Highway 20, near mile marker 247. 

Issued a written warning for defective headlights and no operator license on person.

January 1

Responded to a report of an assault in Ainsworth.  A male subject was later issued a citation for Assault 1^st Degree and booked into the Brown County Jail. 

Responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle on Highway 7.  The vehicle owner was issued a citation for expired plates and invoiced for damage that occurred to a roadway sign.

January 2

The Brown County Ambulance responded to two different pages in Ainsworth, transporting one patient to the hospital each run.

Issued a violation card for defective headlights during a traffic stop on Highway 7.

January 3

The Brown County Ambulance transported a flight crew from the airport to the hospital.

Participated with the Ainsworth Community Schools and Brown County Ambulance on a cardiac event training.

Responded to a report of suspicious activity near North Main Street in Ainsworth on an abandoned property.  No criminal activity was found at this time.

Responded to vehicle accident in Ainsworth.  No injuries were reported, and minimal damage occurred to the vehicle.

Released male subject from the Brown County Jail after bond was posted.

Issued a citation for speeding 81mph in a 65mph zone on Highway 20 to a South Dakota driver.

Issued two written warnings for speeding on Highway 20.

The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth, transporting one patient to the hospital.

January 4

Responded to a disturbance on South Main Street in Ainsworth.  A male subject was located and found not to be in possession of a weapon.  No further action was taken.

Provided traffic control for cattle crossing on Highway 7, near 877^th Rd.

Served a paper in Ainsworth.

Weekly Log

Calls: 89

911 Calls: 6

Calls for Service: 9

Vin Inspections: 2

Handgun Purchase Permits: 3

Inmates Housed: 2

* NDOT offers alternatives for melting ice on new concrete

(Poster 11:30 a.m. Jan. 3)

With the recent completion of Ainsworth’s Main Street project, the Nebraska Department of Transportation reminds residents and business owners that new concrete is more susceptible to deterioration with high salt use throughout its first year.

De-icers dissolve in melted ice and form a brine that’s absorbed by the concrete. The brine can react with newly placed concrete, causing the concrete to discolor, spall and crack. 

Some alternative de-icers for concrete include:

Propylene glycol: This product is effective at melting ice down to -75°F and is less corrosive than other de-icers. 

Urea: This common fertilizer is also an effective snow-melt product. 

Potassium chloride: This de-icer is good in warmer temperatures but less effective in the cold. 

Calcium magnesium acetate: This de-icer is effective for concrete and is biodegradable.

Some alternatives to de-icers:

Kitty litter: Good for traction and melting ice 

Sand: Provides traction on ice, but not as much melting power. Sand is widely available, cheap and environmentally friendly. 

Pickle brine or sugar beet juice: Can be used to melt ice on concrete.

* Pediatric flu death reported in north central Nebraska

(Posted 4 p.m. Jan. 2)

So far, during the 2024-2025 flu season, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has reported three pediatric deaths attributed to influenza.

One of the deaths occurred within the North Central District Health Department service area.

“NCDHD shares our deepest condolences with the families impacted,” said Heidi Kuklis, Director of the North Central District Health Department.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, so far for this season, there have been approximately 3.1 million flu cases, resulting in at least 37,000 hospitalizations and 1,500 deaths across all age groups.

Protect yourself from the flu by:

Washing your hands often

Avoiding contact with people who are sick

Staying home if you are sick

Covering your mouth and nose when you cough

Eating healthy, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting plenty of rest

Getting a flu shot

Flu shots can reduce flu-related illnesses, visits to the doctor, missed work and school, and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Flu shots are available from local clinics or from the NCDHD.

For more flu information visit the DHHS website at www.dhhs.ne.gov/flu or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.

The North Central District Health Department strives to promote and protect the health and wellness of the residents of Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Pierce, and Rock counties.

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 3 p.m. Jan. 2)

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

Keyleigh S. Stands, age 21, of North Platte, charged with speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, fined $125.

Brenton K. Mann, 40, of Norfolk, first degree criminal trespassing, ordered to serve six months of probation.

Macy C. Hake, 29, of Madison, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Tyler J. Robison, 33, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Ryan Smit, 46, of Lane, S.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Valene Cole, 23, of Ainsworth, careless driving, ordered to pay $2,340 in restitution.

Randal R. Rathe, 51, of Ainsworth, violation of a stop or yield sign, $75.

Brian J. Hula, 45, of Creston, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Jeromy A. Hand, 35, of Valentine, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Wyatt T. Killion, 27, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Richard L. Bontrager, 22, of Rome City, Ind., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Michael W. Sa Bell, 43, of Morrison, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Laura L. Privett, 55, of Ainsworth, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

John P. Jordan, 64, of Parker, Colo., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

John C. Recchia, 22, of Erie, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

James J. Latoza, 54, of Lincoln, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Enma F. Ramirez, 34, of O’Neill, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

* Nebraska jobless rate among best in nation

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Jan. 2)

The Nebraska Department of Labor announced Nebraska’s unemployment rate for November is 2.8 percent. The rate is up 0.1 percent from the October rate and is up 0.3 percentage points from the November 2023 rate of 2.5 percent. 

Nebraska’s rate is the fifth lowest in the nation.

South Dakota is the only state in the country with an unemployment rate below 2 percent, coming in at 1.9 percent. North Dakota and Vermont are tied for the second-lowest rates in the nation at 2.4 percent, followed by New Hampshire at 2.5 percent and Nebraska.

The highest unemployment rate in the country belongs to Nevada at 5.7 percent. California at 5.4 percent, Illinois at 5.3 percent, Kentucky at 5.1 percent, and South Carolina and Michigan at 4.8 percent round out the states with the highest jobless rates.

Brown County’s unemployment rate in November matched the state average at 2.8 percent. Cherry County and Holt County shared the lowest unemployment rate in the area at 2.2 percent, followed closely by Rock County and Keya Paha County at 2.3 percent.

Boyd County’s unemployment rate in November came in just below the state average at 2.7 percent.

Blaine County’s 3.9 percent unemployment rate was not only the highest rate in the area but tied neighboring Thomas County for the highest November rate in the state. Wheeler County had the lowest rate in the state at 1.7 percent.

“Nebraska’s labor force reached an all-time high in November at 1,057,890, which follows last month’s record high in total non-farm jobs,” said Commissioner of Labor John H. Albin.  “Our labor force has grown by nearly 20,000 people over the year.” 

Total non-farm employment, a count of filled jobs, was 1,084,052 in November, was down 1,522 from October but was up 21,075 over the year. Private industries with the most growth from October to November were the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (up 1,320 jobs); the other services sector (up 520 jobs); and the private education and health services sector (up 366 jobs). Private industries with the most growth during the past year were the private education and health services sector (up 7,244 jobs); the manufacturing sector (up 3,633 jobs); and the leisure and hospitality sector (up 2,281 jobs).

The national unemployment rate for November is 4.2 percent, up 0.1 percent from the October rate and up 0.5 percentage points from the November 2023 rate of 3.7 percent.

The counts of employed and unemployed in the labor force are based on a survey conducted by the Census Bureau regarding employment status. Individuals who are claiming unemployment benefits and those who are not claiming unemployment benefits can be counted as unemployed based on their survey responses.  Individuals who are not working and are not seeking work are not considered part of the labor force and are not included in the unemployment rate calculation.