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

* Donald D. Davison, 86, of Ainsworth 11 a.m. July 27

* Meeting reports located below for:

July 14 Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors

July 14 Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education

July 9 Ainsworth City Council

July 8 Brown County Commissioners

June 17 Brown County Commissioners

* KBR to implement load control Sunday

(Posted 6:45 a.m. July 16)

With the extended heat in the forecast, KBR Rural Public Power asks customers to be mindful of energy usage, and irrigators should plan for load control hours.

KBR Rural Public Power has announced a six-hour load control period on Sunday. Customers participating in irrigation load control are subject to control hours this Sunday.

KBR Rural Public Power appreciates the patience and cooperation of customers as it works to maintain the reliability of its electric grid during stretches of high usage. Anyone with questions may contact KBR at 402-387-1120.

* Study approved as new care center discussion continues

(Posted 10:45 a.m. July 14)

The Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors met in a joint session Monday with the Ainsworth City Council and the Brown County Commissioners to continue discussions on building a new facility.

Care Center Board Chair Tom Jones said ArCuretecture submitted a bid for the marketing and feasibility study, which would be the first step toward gauging whether a new facility would be workable.

The groups also discussed moving the ownership structure of the care center from a joint venture between the city of Ainsworth and Brown County to a facility solely owned and operated by the county.

Looking at a single-owner entity would keep the group from having to hold separate bond issues for county residents and city residents if the care center asks for a bond to pay for a new facility.

Care Center Administrator Penny Jacobs said moving to a strictly county-owned facility would be considered a change in ownership and would require new licensing.

Jones said the change in ownership would need to occur before the care center asked voters for a bond if a new facility is pursued.

City Councilman Dustin Barthel said it sounded like changing the ownership wouldn’t be a simple process.

Jacobs said it would just require additional paperwork and the care center reapplying for a license to operate.

She said there would be a 30-day window where the care center would not receive Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement if a new facility opened. She said once residents are moved into a new building, it would take 30 days before the facility could be approved to care for residents receiving Medicaid.

City Councilman Brad Fiala said the best option if a new facility were to be opened would be to move residents paying privately into the new building first while keeping the current facility in operation to start the 30-day clock. Once the new facility was approved for Medicaid, residents receiving Medicaid assistance could then be moved in to the new facility.

“We would just have to staff both facilities for a while,” Fiala said.

The group discussed appointing a community liaison and project coordinator to assist the group as it proceeded along the steps needed for a new facility.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said the group may need to appoint co-chairs so the work was not as daunting for one person.

“We need someone with good organization and communication skills,” Bauer said. “They don’t have to have construction knowledge.”

Jones said the next steps for the group would be to get the project coordinator in place and complete the marketing and feasibility study.

Barthel asked how long it would take to complete the marketing study. Jacobs said she was told by the bidder the studies would take between eight and 10 weeks to complete.

While no action was taken during the joint session, the Care Center Board voted during its regular meeting that followed to approve a bid from ArCuretecture to complete the feasibility study and market analysis at a cost of $18,800. The care center will use its interlocal fund to pay for the cost.

The board approved the 2026-27 care center budget, which estimates revenue of $3.69 million and expenses of $3.55 million for an operating margin of $138,000.

Jacobs said the budget should be pretty realistic as it mirrors the current census and takes into account private pay rate increases offset by decreases to Medicaid reimbursement rates. She said the budget also takes into account increased costs and small wage increases.

“We don’t include the tax levy funds in the budget, and we did not include any Medicare revenue since that is more sporadic,” Jacobs said. “A lot of our costs are going up. We are looking at some ways to reduce spending.”

Bauer asked about the care center’s operating numbers for the recently completed fiscal year. Board member Bruce Papstein said, without counting the tax levy money received, it appeared the care center had a profit of about $17,000 for the recently completed fiscal year.

Jones said the care center just needed to keep at it and look for ways to keep expenses down.

“It is a tough business,” Jones said. “We will try to keep our costs down as much as we can.”

The board, with members Kent Taylor and Dr. Mel Campbell absent, approved the budget Monday as presented.

The board approved the purchase of a 2012 Dodge handicap-accessible van with a chair lift from Myrna Jakob after receiving two additional bids for similar vehicles.

Jacobs said she reached out to Ainsworth Motors and First Class Auto to receive the required additional bids for a vehicle. She received two quotes from Ainsworth Motors in addition to the quote from Jakob.

Jones said the other quotes were more than $30,000 higher than the offer received from Jakob and the board approved the van purchase from Jakob.

During her report, Jacobs said there are currently 32 residents calling the Sandhills Care Center home. Of those, 12 are from Ainsworth, 12 are from Cherry County, four are from rural Brown County and there is one resident from Long Pine, Keya Paha County, Rock County and one from out of the area.

She said 14 residents pay privately, 15 receive Medicaid assistance, two receive hospice care and one receives Medicare assistance. During the past month, the care center admitted two new residents, with two resident deaths and two residents being discharged to an assisted living facility.

Jacobs said the care center hired a dietary cook and two housekeeping aides during the past month, which will help both those departments. She said the facility was still in need of nursing staff as agency nursing is being frequently utilized to cover shifts.

During her report, business manager Mackenzie Crane said the care center’s accounts look strong. The care center generated $366,427 in revenue during June with expenses of $302,799 for a profit of $63,628 for the month. The facility received an additional $16,983 from the voter-approved levies, which was placed in the interlocal account.

The care center spent more than $47,000 in agency staffing during June. Crane said the care center also paid its quarterly bed tax to the state in the amount of $24,300 during June.

Jacobs reported the facility received a one-time payment from Medicaid based on the number of days the facility cared for Medicaid residents. She said the annual payment was $24,342, less than the care center has received in the past few years.

Crane reported a $100,000 certificate of deposit with West Plains Bank was maturing. The board approved creating two $50,000 CDs with West Plains Bank that will mature in 12 months and earn the care center 3.8 percent interest.

Crane invited the board to participate in the annual Back to School Bash the center hosts. This year’s event is scheduled from 4 until 7 p.m. Aug. 7.

Jacobs thanked the board for assisting with the community barbecue to celebrate the facility reaching full capacity.

“We had a great turnout,” Jacobs said.

The board approved moving its October meeting up one week to Oct. 5 as Jacobs said she will be at Boston, Mass., during the regular meeting date of Oct. 12 to accept a national award the care center received.

The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. Aug. 10.

* School board discusses new workforce program

(Posted 7 a.m. July 14)

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education Monday heard information on a program designed to help students prepare for the workforce.

Jessi Hedlund with Jobs for America’s Graduates told the board the statewide workforce development program started in Nebraska in 2019 and is now in 61 school districts across the state.

“It is an elective program for seventh- through 12^th-grade students,” Hedlund said. “Students learn work readiness skills.”

Hedlund said the program has partnered with the United Way of the Midlands, which hires a program specialist who is then embedded in the school district.

“The specialist is hired in collaboration with district administrators,” Hedlund said. “The school chooses the best fit.”

Hedlund said the program is offered at no cost for the first two years through grant dollars received by the United Way of the Midlands. In year three, the district is asked to pay $10,000 for the program, with the cost then increasing annually by $2,250 before maxing out at $22,500.

She said the district provides use of a classroom, use of a school vehicle when needed and 10 days of substitutes.

Board member Bryan Doke asked if the program had any trouble filling instructor positions in rural communities.

Hedlund said it has actually been harder to maintain staff in urban communities.

Superintendent Dale Hafer said the program teaches job skills and leadership, which fits with the school’s strategic plan as priority areas identified by the district’s patrons.

“This might be something we look at for the second semester,” Hafer said. “There would be no additional responsibilities for staff. We would discuss with the principals and counselors on how best to implement this.”

Hafer said the district prioritizes the areas identified through the strategic planning process.

“The strategic plan is not meant to sit on a shelf,” the superintendent said. “The community helped set the goals for us.”

Board President Brad Wilkins said the program sounded like a great opportunity to enhance what the district is already doing through its COE and vocational tech programs.

“I am excited about where this might take us,” Wilkins said.

Hafer said he would meet again with the school’s administrators and counselors about how to best implement the program and whether it would work to try for a January 2027 start date or whether to potentially wait until the start of the 2027-28 school year.

In other business Monday, the board discussed efforts to improve chronic absenteeism in the district. While not having a high percentage of students chronically absent, meaning they miss more than nine days per semester, the district is looking at ways to use peer support to encourage attendance.

Elementary Principal Kelsey Riesen said the principals are looking at ways to incentivize kids to be in class every day.

“The first classes to get to 30 days with everyone there would get a pizza party,” Riesen said.

She said students with perfect attendance would be recognized each month.

Hafer said the incentives are a work in progress but the intent was to have a team-tiered approach to attendance.

“We are looking at strategies to encourage positive attendance,” he said. “Some parents feel hammered about attendance, and some families have unique challenges. We are looking for a deliberate approach to attendance. We are not going to solve everything overnight, but I would bet by January we will see improvement.”

Wilkins thanked the principals and Hafer for the effort they are putting in to try and encourage attendance.

“I like the idea of positive peer reinforcement and use of the carrot instead of the stick,” Wilkins said.

In action items Monday, the board approved increasing substitute teacher and substitute paraprofessional pay by $10 per day. Substitute teachers will be paid $155 per day and substitute paras will receive $120 per day. Hafer said the increase would put the district in line with what neighboring districts provide. He said the district last increased wages for substitutes in 2024.

The board approved an updated school calendar that adds a professional development day. Hafer said the additional day would be used to introduce “The Leader in Me” program.

The board approved an option enrollment request allowing Maxwell Sybrant and Miles Angelilli to attend Rock County Public Schools for the 2026-27 school year. Hafer said the family works in Rock County and has attended Rock County Public Schools but recently moved into the Ainsworth district.

The board also approved an option enrollment request allowing Theo Norwood to attend kindergarten in Keya Paha County for the 2026-27 school year. Hafer said, while the family lives in the Ainsworth district, their home is actually closer to Springview than it is to Ainsworth.

The board approved the student-parent handbook and the teacher-staff handbook for the 2026-27 school year.

Board member Frank Beel discussed the district’s dress code. He said the code regarding shorts and dresses is pretty generic and leaves a lot open to interpretation.

Hafer said the dress code can be a tough deal.

“This gives the principals some latitude,” the superintendent said.

Beel asked Hafer to check and see what other districts were doing for policies regarding the length of shorts and dresses.

The board approved the first reading of school policies updated through the Nebraska Association of School Boards and Perry Policies.

The board approved using depreciation funds to pay Conditioned Air Mechanical of Grand Island $7,568 to replace an air handler motor that failed. Hafer said the new motor weighed about 200 pounds.

During his report, Hafer said the district hired PaulEtta LeMaster to fill a paraprofessional position. He said LeMaster has more than 20 years of experience as a paraprofessional in Kansas. He said there is one additional para position the district still needs to fill.

He said two or three interviews have been set up for an open administrative assistant position.

The superintendent reported the district did not receive any viable candidates for the open language arts position created through a late resignation. He said the district plans to move forward with the adjusted schedule that had been communicated to staff at the end of the school year when the position first came open.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 10. The board will also hold a retreat at 7 p.m. Aug. 24 to work on the 2026-27 school budget.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 8:15 a.m. July 13)

July 5

The sheriff’s office received a complaint of people still shooting fireworks after midnight in Long Pine. Deputies patrolled Long Pine.

The sheriff spoke to individuals referencing a civil matter including doing a requested civil standby in Ainsworth.

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

Deputies and the Nebraska State Patrol responded to a disturbance in Long Pine regarding a very intoxicated person. The reported person was located and after an investigation the individual was arrested on charges of making terroristic threats, criminal mischief and third-degree assault.

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

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

July 6

Deputies are investigating multiple reports of juveniles being harassed on social media platforms. This is an ongoing investigation.

A deputy investigated a two-vehicle accident in Ainsworth.

July 7

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

The sheriff conducted a safety walk through for a business in Brown County.

The Brown County Jail released an inmate on bond.

July 8

A deputy responded to a bull in the roadway on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. By the time the deputy got to the reported area, the bull had been put back in its pasture.

The sheriff was asked to conduct a welfare check in southern Brown County. The individual was found to be ok.

The sheriff and a deputy stopped and spoke with a broken-down vehicle on Highway 7. The sheriff’s office facilitated calling a tow truck for the vehicle and arranged transportation for the family to Ainsworth.

The sheriff removed tire debris from Highway 20.

A traffic stop was made near Johnstown. The driver received a verbal warning for driving left of center.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a semi hauling bales of hay that may be unsecured because the bales of hay appeared to be close to falling off the trailer. A deputy was able to locate the vehicle and perform a safety inspection of the hay bales and make sure they were properly strapped down.

July 9

The sheriff’s office received a report of a possibly abandoned vehicle on Main Street in Ainsworth. A deputy attempted to gather information to contact the owner of the vehicle.

A deputy responded to a vehicle accident that turned into a verbal dispute in Ainsworth. During the investigation, one of the drivers involved in the accident was placed under arrest on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

July 10

The sheriff assisted two families in Brown County.

A deputy responded to a report of a person walking in the street in Long Pine yelling obscenities at people. A deputy was unable to find the reported person.

A deputy was asked to conduct a welfare check in Ainsworth. The deputy reported the individual was ok.

July 11

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

A deputy responded to a report of a drunk individual walking in the roadway in Ainsworth. The deputy spoke with the reported person.

A deputy received a report of vandalism to a mailbox in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for driving on the shoulder of the highway.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 725
Calls for service – 16
911 emergency calls – 15
Vehicle titles inspected – 5
Firearms permits purchased – 1

* NPPD to host open houses on transmission line project

(Posted 12:45 p.m. July 10)

The Nebraska Public Power District will host two open houses on July 22 in Ainsworth and Bassett to gather public input for a new transmission project in the area.

The open house sessions are informal and offer an opportunity to review project information and visit with project team members. In-person meetings will be held Wednesday, July 22, at the Ainsworth Community Building from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the Rock County Community Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

NPPD plans to build an approximately 25-mile, 115,000-volt transmission line to connect the existing Ainsworth Wind Substation south of Ainsworth to the existing substation south of Bassett. NPPD plans to build this line to provide a necessary path between the two substations to increase the system’s transmission capacity to meet increasing demand and further enhance reliability and resiliency in north central Nebraska.

NPPD has identified preferred and alternative routes, utilizing information gathered during the first phase of the project. Information gathered from landowners and stakeholders at the second set of open houses will help NPPD assess those potential routes.

The upcoming open house is the second of three rounds of public informational meetings NPPD plans to host for the project. The first round of open houses were held in March to gather information on the study area. The second round of open houses, scheduled for July will highlight preferred and alternative line routes. The third public meeting will be a formal public hearing dedicated to presenting key factors and community input that shaped the proposed route. The final line route will be announced no earlier than 30 days after the public hearing.

For those unable to attend in person, a self‑paced virtual open house and project information are available on nppd.com/AinsworthWind-Bassett with the same project information and an opportunity to submit feedback. The virtual open house will be available from Monday, July 20, through Friday, Aug. 7.

* Micro-surfacing work begins Friday on Highway 11

(Posted 6:30 a.m. July 9)

Micro-surfacing work will begin Friday on Highway 11 north of Atkinson between mileposts 155 and 171, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Missouri Petroleum Company, of St. Louis, Mo., is the contractor for this project. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers. Anticipated completion is end of July 2026.

* Work to begin Thursday on Highway 12

(Posted 11:30 a.m. July 8)

Work is scheduled to begin Thursday on Highway 12, beginning at the Cherry County and Keya Paha County line near milepost 22 and proceeding east to Norden near milepost 29, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Vontz Paving, Inc., of Hastings is the contractor for the project. Work includes asphalt resurfacing and grading. Traffic will be maintained under daily lane closures controlled by a pilot car and flaggers. Anticipated completion of the work is in September.

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

* Board hears update on NPPD transmission line

(Posted 7:30 a.m. July 8)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday heard an update from Nebraska Public Power District representatives regarding a planned transmission line linking the substation near the Ainsworth Wind Farm to a substation south of Bassett.

NPPD’s Daniel Weyer said 52 landowners in the area attended a public meeting in March to provide the utility with information on the land and their thoughts on where the line should be constructed.

Landowners were asked to prioritize criteria NPPD should use when selecting the route for the line. Weyer said property owners indicated distance from residences, wetlands and waterways, agriculture and irrigation as the top criteria for the utility to consider.

Following that meeting, NPPD created a preferred route and two alternative routes linking the two substations.

A second open house for property owners in the area will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, in the Ainsworth Conference Center followed by a 4 p.m. session in the Rock County Community Center.

Weyer said the transmission line will provide additional reliability for electric customers in the north central part of the state.

Following the open houses July 22, Weyer said NPPD would then finalize the route for the transmission line and would hold an additional hearing in October or November.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners again discussed the construction of a road to an isolated parcel in southwestern Brown County.

Appearing by phone, County Attorney Andy Taylor said the item was placed on the agenda so Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin could be consulted about the actual construction of the road once the route was finalized and property owner Grant Kobes paid the damages identified for the construction.

Turpin said he recommended the road be built by a contractor instead of by the roads department.

“If we do it, it will take forever,” Turpin said. “We can’t be out there all the time.”

Commissioner Donnie Painter said he didn’t believe the county needed to take on the construction itself with all the other work the roads department has to do.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer agreed, saying the project will move quicker if the county put it out for bids.

Taylor said, for the county to proceed with having the engineering work undertaken for the route, Kobes would need to pay the damages to neighboring property owners for the land needed for the road.

Kobes, also appearing by phone, said he was ready to pay the damages and move the project along as soon as the county agreed to properly assess the damage.

Kobes previously disputed the damage assessment put together by Agri-Affiliates that showed neighboring property owners should be paid a total of approximately $64,000. Kobes argued the cost should be closer to $5,000.

Taylor said the commissioners had already voted to accept the damage assessment created by Agri-Affiliates.

“It is up to Mr. Kobes to pay those damages,” Taylor said.

Bauer asked what the next step would be since Kobes was disputing the damage assessment.

Taylor said the matter would go back before the court and potentially through mediation.

Bauer said, “I am not an expert. I rely on appraisals. I think we need to follow those procedures. Either going through the courts or mediation is proper.”

No action was taken Tuesday.

Representing the Nebraska Association of County Officials, Candace Meridith provided the board with an update on services provided by NACO to its member counties and action taken by the Legislature that would affect county government.

Meridith said, starting in 2027, the pink postcard property tax hearings would move from September to July and all county commissioners, school board members and city council members would be required to attend.

She also reported legislation was passed that initiates timelines for taking action on conditional-use permit zoning requests. She said the action taken by county boards will have to be based on existing zoning regulations.

She said Brown County was holding the line on property taxes. She said the average residential property tax paid to the county was $389.

In action items with Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey absent, the board approved a transfer of $7,070 from the ambulance barn fund to the debt service ambulance building fund as requested by Treasurer Bruce Mitchell to make an interest payment on the ambulance barn addition.

The board approved grading 4-1/2 miles of county roads used frequently by Rolling Stone Feed Yard and placing gravel on the roads, with Rolling Stone agreeing to pay for the cost of the gravel.

Bauer said, after receiving a request from a family, there was some additional concrete work that needed to be done at the community fishing pond to allow for handicap access to the concrete trail around the pond.

“That is my fault,” Bauer said. “There is no way right now to get a wheelchair onto the concrete path. We need to build a slope near the pier onto the concrete path and pour a small pad near the picnic shelter so people can park on concrete to unload a wheelchair.”

Bauer said support from the community on the fishing pond improvements has been tremendous and the pond is being utilized frequently.

He said the funds donated for the fishing pond improvements were about gone.

“This should be about the last thing,” Bauer said.

The board approved paying for the concrete work.

Bauer also discussed drainage and signage at the pond. He said water was currently draining from First Street and pooling west of the pond in a low-lying area.

“We need to figure out where we are going to put that water,” Bauer said.

The board discussed with Turpin trying to create a path for the water to run east and into a ditch near the Cowboy Trail. Turpin said he would take a look at the site and try and provide a recommendation.

Bauer said signs needed to be placed at the pond limiting the speed limit to 10 mph along with a no swimming or diving sign. Audience member Graig Kinzie said he believed there was already a no diving sign posted on the pier. Turpin said he would look into getting any needed signs created.

During his report, Turpin said several county roads got mucky during recent rains and he had been receiving phone calls.

“We will work to get them shaped back up,” Turpin said.

He reported the roads department was getting low on crushed concrete and asked for permission to get bids for crushing a stockpile of concrete the roads department had accumulated. He said the cost to crush the concrete the roads department has on hand could run between $85,000 and $100,000. The board told Turpin to get bids for the work to present.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. July 21.

* Ainsworth City Council Wednesday agenda

(Posted 6:30 a.m. July 8)

Ainsworth City Council
Meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 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 June 10, 2026 regular meeting
  • Approval of claims
  • Treasurer’s report
  • Department head reports

• III. Mayor’s Appointments and Report
  • Mayor’s Report
  • Mayor’s Appointments
• IV. Public Hearings
  • None
• V. Old Business
  • None
• VI. Regular Agenda
  • Discuss and consider a Special Designated Liquor License (SDL) application for Ainsworth Golf Course for the Ainsworth Booster Club Fundraiser at the Ainsworth Conference Center on August 14, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. August 15, 2026
  • Discuss Urban Community Forestry and a grant that the Middle Niobrara NRD has received for tree removal and replacement as well as tree pruning for municipalities – James Battershaw, Middle Niobrara NRD
  • Discuss and consider the recommendation of the LB840 Loan Committee to approve business loan application #26-04 in the amount of $49,717 with a 5-year treasury note at prime plus 2%, paid monthly and secured by a second deed of trust on the real estate
  • Discuss the extra territorial zoning jurisdiction – Carol Woods
  • Discuss and consider Resolution #26-03:  League Association of Risk Management renewal for 2026-27
  • City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer Report
• VII. Adjourn

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 11 a.m. July 6)

June 28

A deputy investigated a vehicle-deer accident on Highway 20 near the Long Pine State Park.

The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a call in Ainsworth.

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

A deputy investigated a vehicle-deer accident on Highway 7.

June 29

The Ainsworth and Long Pine volunteer fire departments provided mutual aid for a fire near Crawford.

June 30

The sheriff investigated an accident in Ainsworth.

July 1

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

A deputy responded to an area of a 911 hang up call. The individual was not found.

July 2

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

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

A written warning was issued to a motorist for speeding on Highway 7.

A deputy took a report of an Ainsworth resident harassing another person via social media. The reported person was contacted.

A deputy assisted with a lost kitten in the Long Pine State Park.

July 3

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

The sheriff’s office received a report of a cattle truck struggling to maintain its lane on Highway 20. A deputy responded to the area and was not able to find the reported vehicle.

Deputies were requested to conduct a welfare check on a rural Brown County resident. The individual was found to be ok.

Deputies investigated a verbal dispute between two individuals in Ainsworth. Everything was found to be ok and no crimes were committed.

A written warning was issued to a motorist for speeding on Highway 20.

July 4

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The driver was given a citation for traveling 17 mph over the speed limit.

A deputy helped with the Red, White and Boom Truck Ball Drop in Ainsworth.

A deputy conducted foot patrol during the car show on Main Street in Ainsworth.

A deputy provided traffic control and led the bicycle parade to Main Street in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183. The driver received a citation for traveling 21 mph over the speed limit.

Deputies were asked to conduct a security sweep of a house in Ainsworth after a door was found open with the homeowner away. Everything was found to be ok.

Deputies and the Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a physical altercation in Ainsworth. After the investigation, deputies found the other individuals involved and a citation was given for third degree assault.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 557
Calls for service – 20
911 emergency calls – 7
Vehicle titles inspected – 6
Firearms permits purchased – 2

* NDOT announces projects on 1- and 5-year plan

(Posted 3:45 p.m. July 1)

The Nebraska Department of Transportation plans to contract 80 projects impacting about 570 miles of highway and 90 bridges in 2027. The NDOT Surface Transportation Program Book demonstrates how the NDOT plans to preserve and modernize existing assets, increase safety of the transportation system and expand capacity of the network.

The 2027 construction program is estimated at $747 million, representing a list of state system contracted construction projects located within NDOT’s eight geographical districts.  Each year, NDOT announces an updated list of construction projects that are scheduled to begin construction within the next year, and a list of projects being planned for construction during the following five years. The number of projects, funded through state and federal highway user taxes and fees, is dependent on available funding, project readiness and condition of the asset.

There are 10 projects on the NDOT’s one-year plan for District 8 in north central Nebraska. The projects in District 8 in the one-year plan carry a total estimated cost of $46.53 million. Total projects on the five-year plan in District 8 are estimated at $211.5 million.

The one-year plan in District 8 includes:

Milling and resurfacing on 7.7 miles of Highway 97 in Cherry County from Merritt Reservoir south, estimated cost of $11.1 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 9.3 miles of Highway 20 in Brown County between Ainsworth and Johnstown, $5.3 million.

Micro-surfacing on 18.6 miles of Highway 7 from the Calamus River to Ainsworth in Brown County at an estimated cost of $1.77 million.

Micro-surfacing on 17.3 miles of Highway 12 in Keya Paha County in the Springview area, $1.80 million.

Micro-surfacing on 21.9 miles of Highway 12 in Boyd County in the Spencer area, $2.04 million.

Micro-surfacing on 12.2 miles of Highway 83 in Cherry County from Valentine south, 1.92 million.

Milling and resurfacing of 10.3 miles of Highway 83 in Cherry County from the 16-B Spur to Highway 20, $5.85 million.

Milling and resurfacing of 13.1 miles of Highway 281 in Holt County from O’Neill north, $7.49 million.

NDOT projects on the five-year plan in the area include:

Micro-surfacing on 8.4 miles of Highway 7 in Blaine County from Brewster north, $930,000.

Milling and resurfacing on 6.7 miles of Highway 7 in Brown County from Ainsworth south, $6.2 million.

Resurfacing on 4.9 miles of Highway 7 in Keya Paha County from Highway 183 east, $5.98 million.

Micro-surfacing on 20.9 miles of Highway 11 from Amelia to Atkinson in Holt County, $3.11 million.

Resurfacing on 5.7 miles of Highway 12 in Cherry County from Sparks west, $3.74 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 11.3 miles of Highway 12 in Keya Paha County from Norden east, $10.16 million.

Resurfacing on 6.3 miles of Highway 20 from the Sheridan County and Cherry County line east, $3.97 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 9.2 miles of Highway 20 in Cherry County from Merriman west, $5.89 million.

Resurfacing on 9.1 miles of Highway 20 in Cherry County from the Eli Road east, $5.82 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 11.7 miles of Highway 20 in Cherry County east and west of Cody, $5.79 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 7.7 miles of Highway 20 in Cherry County from Nenzel to Kilgore, $3.91 million.

Resurfacing on 10.6 miles of Highway 20 in Cherry County from Crookston to Valentine, $7.92 million.

Replacement of Bryan Bridge on Highway 20 in Cherry County, $1.97 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 8.2 miles of Highway 20 in Cherry County from Thatcher to Arabia, $6.03 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 5.8 miles of Highway 20 in Brown County from Ainsworth east, $3.50 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 4.2 miles of Highway 20 in Brown County east and west of Long Pine, $3.01 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 6.3 miles of Highway 20 in Rock County from Bassett west, $4.20 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 6.3 miles of Highway 20 in Rock County east and west of Newport, $3.48 million.

Milling, resurfacing and bridge work on 6.1 miles of Highway 20 in Holt County from Stuart west, $5.22 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 11.2 miles of Highway 20 in Holt County from Atkinson to Emmet, $5.33 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 8 miles of Highway 20 in Holt County between Emmet and O’Neill, $4.10 million.

Resurfacing and bridge work on 5 miles of Highway 20 in Holt County from O’Neill southeast, $10.25 million.

Resurfacing on 6.4 miles of Highway 20 in Holt County east and west of Inman, $4.44 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 10.4 miles of Highway 61 in Cherry County from Survey Valley south, $10.2 million.

Micro-surfacing on 25 miles of Highway 61 in Cherry County north and south of the Niobrara River, $2.82 million.

Milling, resurfacing and bridge work on Highway 61 in Cherry County from Merriman south, $5.46 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 3.9 miles of Highway 83 in Cherry County from the Thomas County line north, $2.06 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 10.1 miles of Highway 83 in Cherry County from the Brownlee Road south, $6.26 million.

Milling, resurfacing and bridge work on 8.4 miles of Highway 83 in Cherry County from Valentine north, $5.13 million.

Milling, resurfacing and bridge work on 13.6 miles of Highway 97 in Cherry County from Merritt Dam north, $11.27 million.

Milling and resurfacing on 6.5 miles of Highway 97 in Cherry County from Valentine southwest, $3.81 million.

Micro-surfacing on 13.3 miles of Highway 137 in Rock County from Newport north, $1.39 million.

Micro-surfacing on 17.6 miles of Highway 137 in Keya Paha County from the Niobrara River to the South Dakota Line, $2.38 million.

Micro-surfacing on 18.2 miles of Highway 183 in Rock County from Bassett north, $2.63 million.

Grading on two-tenths of a mile of Highway 183 in Keya Paha County from Springview south, $681,000.

Micro-surfacing on 7.1 miles of Highway 183 in Keya Paha County from the South Dakota line south, $1.07 million.

Milling, resurfacing and bridge work on 7.3 miles of Highway 281 in Holt County from O’Neill south, $4.18 million.

Micro-surfacing on 7.2 miles of Highway 281 in Holt County from O’Neill to Spencer, $674,000.

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 2:30 p.m. July 1)

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

Adekunle M. Ogunniyi, age 45, of Dallas, Texas, charged with speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, fined $200; also charged with a second count of speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Holly A. Oligmueller, 36, of Atkinson, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Lindsey M. Fernau, 41, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Tod K. O’Hare, 66, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Sierra T. Cordova, 28, of Colorado Springs, Colo., attempting a Class 4 felony, $1,000.

Christopher S. Huston, 21, of Ainsworth, dangerous dog, costs only judgment.

Ryan D. Barth, 43, of East Peoria, Ill., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Buck T. Ruhter, 14, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Dwight R. Wedel, 68, of Buhler, Kan., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Kelli B. Gibson, 44, of Indianapolis, Ind., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Cynthia A. Booth, 74, of Norfolk, displaying fictitious plates or certificate, $50.

Jonathan S. Briley, 49, of Custer, S.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Jacob A. Sanders, 25, of Topeka, Kan., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Jack A. Weaver, 51, of Grand Junction, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Darrell W. Gray, 65, of Springfield, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

Ashley N. Easterday, 19, of Eustis, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Anthony J. Garcia Cabeza, 29, of Calhoun, Ga., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Dennis L. Deichert, 77, of Mesa, Ariz., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

John W. Lewis, 15, of Johnstown, careless driving, $100.

Brian A. Arens, 49, of Ainsworth, first offense driving under the influence, $500, also sentenced to six months of probation, driver’s license revoked for 60 days and ordered to install an ignition interlock device.

Gayle L. Buoy, 64, of Long Pine, first offense driving under the influence, $500, also sentenced to six months of probation.

Amber M. Polen, 42, of Ainsworth, third degree assault causing bodily injury, sentenced to one year of probation.

Kimberly J. Arens, 19, of Ainsworth, minor in possession of alcohol, $300.

Norman E. Nielsen, 38, of Bassett, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Collin F. Kennebeck, 19, of Lohrville, Iowa, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Jairo F. Vasquez Jimenez, 36, of Fresno, Calif., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Bradley W. Kelly, 28, of Purdum, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Matthew L. Thomas, 45, of Colorado Springs, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Tyler J. Butterworth, 27, of Henrico, Va., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Braxton F. Lemunyan, 22, of Ainsworth, driving a commercial vehicle without a commercial license, $100; defective signal equipment, $25.

Matthew R. Quinn, 24, of Omaha, speeding 36 mph or more over the limit, $400; careless driving, $100.

Keith M. Wright Jr., 39, of Saint Albans, W.V., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Kelly P. Obryan, 27, of Colome, S.D., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Christina M. Ruiz, 46, of Gering, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Daniel A. Cole, 19, of Long Pine, disturbing the peace, sentenced to six months of probation.

Levi S. Peterson, 43, of Ainsworth, assault by mutual consent causing bodily injury, $100.

David C. Charging-Thunder, 54, of Gordon, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Cole R. Schilling, 22, of Worthing, S.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

* Area crews assisting with Sioux County fire

(Posted 6:45 a.m. July 1)

Governor Jim Pillen has issued an emergency declaration for Sioux County due to weather conditions that ignited a wildfire northeast of Harrison. The Log Road Fire, which was reported on Monday, has now burned more than 1,000 acres.

The Governor’s proclamation will allow for the utilization of state resources and funding to help ensure the protection of people and property.

The Log Road Fire is located north of the South Fork Fire, which burned more than 39,000 acres near Crawford. The South Fork Fire, which was reported June 9, was fully contained last week.

Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said the KBRC Task Force sent fire trucks and crews from Ainsworth, Long Pine, Newport, Springview and Valentine Monday night to provide mutual aid when the call for assistance was received.

“It is tough terrain,” Fiala said. “They pretty much have to follow a bulldozer to get in.”

Fiala said they received a request for mutual aid at 7:30 p.m. Monday and had crews headed to the scene by 10 p.m. The fire chief said the four Ainsworth firefighters from Ainsworth and three each from the other communities will remain on scene until Wednesday night.

Should assistance still be needed, he said the fire trucks will remain on scene and relief crews will depart to replace the firefighters who have been on scene since Monday night.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:15 a.m. June 29)

June 21

A deputy responded to a report of cattle out on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. Two vehicles were stopped. The driver of the first vehicle received a citation for traveling 16 to 20 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver of the second vehicle received a citation for traveling 16 to 20 mph over the posted speed limit, following too close and no proof of insurance.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for traveling 16 to 20 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a warning for driving over the posted speed limit.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a wallet left at a Holt County business belonging to a Brown County resident.

Responded to a report of an assault in Ainsworth. A deputy was unable to locate the subject. This is an ongoing investigation.

June 22

A deputy responded to a report of a disabled tractor trailer on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth.

A deputy responded to a report of a vehicle at the Long Pine turnoff heading west toward Ainsworth at excessive speeds. A vehicle was located but was not speeding at the time of sighting.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for driving 6 to 10 mph over the posted speed limit.

The chief deputy spoke to a Brown County resident about her runaway daughter.

The chief deputy spoke to a Brown County resident about a possible theft from a business.

Dispatch assisted with a fire alarm test at Ainsworth Community Schools.

June 23

A deputy responded to a report of a hit and run accident on East Third Street in Ainsworth.

A deputy spoke to an employee of a local business about restricting access of a Brown County resident to the business.

The chief deputy spoke to a Brown County resident for the second time about a possible theft from a business.

The sheriff’s office received a report of an injured racoon on Cemetery Road. The animal was dispatched.

A deputy spoke to a Brown County resident about his runaway granddaughter.

Deputies assisted the Brown County attorney and the Department of Health and Human Services with an investigation.

Firefighters were dispatched to reports of smoke in the Long Pine canyons.

A deputy attended training in Lexington.

June 24

A traffic stop was made on Meadville Avenue. The driver received a citation for driving over the posted speed limit.

A deputy assisted a neighboring agency looking for a driver who threatened roadworkers in Blaine County. The deputy was unable to locate the vehicle.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a verbal warning for driving over the posted speed limit.

The sheriff responded to reports from a road crew working on the Spur 9A of vehicles not slowing down for the crew.

The Brown County Ambulance Association transported a patient from the Brown County Hospital to CHI Omaha.

The sheriff’s office received a report of fraud from a Brown County resident and referred the caller to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

A deputy attended training in Lexington.

The sheriff and a deputy attended a training in Valentine.

June 25

A deputy responded to a report of a minor vehicle accident in Ainsworth.

The sheriff’s office spoke to Mckenzie Leach of the Alumni Committee to coordinate traffic control for the alumni parade.

Dispatchers coordinated the transfer of a patient from the Brown County Hospital to Kearney.

A deputy responded to a report of an open door at an Ainsworth business.

A deputy performed a welfare check on a pedestrian traveling through Brown County. The pedestrian was on foot because their bicycle had broken down. The deputy transported the individual to a local motel.

A deputy served a paper.

A deputy performed a traffic stop on Highway 20. A written warning was issued for not having headlights on due to weather conditions.

June 26

A deputy performed a welfare check on a hitchhiker camped on the south side of the Highway 20 and Highway 183 junction.

A deputy performed traffic control for a funeral procession in Long Pine.

The sheriff’s office requested the Nebraska State Patrol check on a motorist who might need assistance on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth.

A deputy retrieved evidence from a neighboring agency for an ongoing investigation.

A deputy responded to an automobile accident.

A deputy spoke to a caller regarding possible child abuse occurring at Dallas, S.D. The deputy provided the caller with phone numbers for the South Dakota Department of Health and Human Services and the Marshall County, S.D., Sheriff’s’ Office.

A deputy performed civil standby for a resident.

A deputy spoke to a resident about purchasing a firearms permit.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for traveling 16 to 20 mph over the posted speed limit and failure to renew registration on a trailer.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183. The driver received a written warning for traveling over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a verbal warning for traveling over the posted speed limit.

A deputy performed a welfare check on a resident.

Dispatch received a report of harassing phone calls from a Brown County resident.

Received a 911 call. The call was a misdial and no emergency service was needed.

A deputy responded to a report of a stalker in Ainsworth. The person was located and informed to stay clear of the area.

A deputy responded to reports of domestic violence.

A deputy responded to reports of an emergency alarm sounding at Park Homes. The resident had accidentally pushed the emergency alarm button.

June 27

A deputy performed a traffic stop on Highway 20. The driver was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver posted bond and was released. A passenger in the vehicle was cited and released.

A deputy provided traffic control during the Ainsworth Alumni Parade.

Dispatchers received a 911 call. The call was a misdial and no emergency service was needed.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 740
Calls for service – 23
911 emergency calls – 10
Vehicle titles inspected – 5
Firearms permits purchased – 1

* NPPD project delayed by court ruling

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

By Destiny Herbers
Flatwater Free Press
Despite recent federal and state approval, construction of a 226-mile transmission line is once again paused in parts of the Sandhills — the latest stumbling block in a 14-year battle.

A federal judge issued a partial preliminary injunction on June 8 in response to a lawsuit brought by local ranchers, historic organizations and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. They’re seeking to block the 345-kilovolt electric transmission line proposed by the Nebraska Public Power District.

Known as the R-Project, the line is “critical to safeguarding the reliability of the central Nebraska power grid,” according to NPPD. But the project sparked opposition from the moment it was proposed in 2012 and has been repeatedly delayed by lawsuits and permitting processes. 

The project appeared to have cleared those hurdles in February when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service granted NPPD an incidental take permit, which authorizes the utility to perform work that could harm threatened or endangered species — in this case the threatened American burying beetle. 

Fish and Wildlife granted that permit under an expedited emergency review process, citing an executive order from President Donald Trump that declared an open-ended national energy emergency. 

The group of landowners, nonprofits and other stakeholders — who had successfully challenged an earlier version of the permit — sued in March. 

As both sides made their initial arguments, NPPD appeared to clear another hurdle, with the Nebraska Public Service Commission voting to approve the project in early June.

The utility moved ahead with construction on some of the substations that would be served by the R-Project — but not on any part of the transmission line itself. In a filing, the utility estimated it would lose $100 million if it had to stop all construction now and the project was delayed for one year.

But in her June 8 ruling temporarily blocking the federal permit, Judge Nina Y. Wang wrote that those losses are self-inflicted as a result of NPPD ““jump(ing) the gun” on construction despite the lawsuit, but did not prevent NPPD from continuing some work.

While NPPD is disappointed in the court’s decision, CEO Tom Kent said in a statement to the Flatwater Free Press that it remains committed to pursuing the R‑Project “to meet Nebraska’s electricity transmission needs.”

“NPPD has reviewed the preliminary injunction and plans to begin construction of the R-Project in locations that are not American burying beetle habitat,” Kent said. “Crews will start working in the Gerald Gentleman Station area near Sutherland and work their way north toward Stapleton.”

NPPD said it anticipates it will take approximately two years to complete construction on the R-Project once it receives a full notice to proceed. The project is estimated to cost  $855 million. 

“Now more than ever, the R-Project is critical to ensuring reliable power transmission in north central Nebraska,” Kent said. “For 14 years, NPPD has worked tirelessly to permit the R-Project with reasonable and appropriate environmental controls.”

Under the National Historic Preservation Act, Fish and Wildlife is required to review historic and culturally significant sites that the R-Project might affect alongside the environmental impact. Nebraska’s Sandhills hold archaeological sites, burial grounds from tribes and wagon ruts from the Oregon and Mormon trails near the proposed line. 

Since the summer of 2023, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, the Oregon-California Trails Association and other organizations had been consulting on the R-Project and making good progress, said William Eubanks, an attorney representing the petitioners.

In February, that process abruptly ended, Eubanks said. 

“It was a shock to everyone,” he said. “Everyone thought that they were moving in a good direction, and then you know they got notice that the process was being halted.”

In a press release announcing the decision, Fish and Wildlife said the expedited approval would allow a critical project designed to “deliver affordable, dependable energy to Nebraska’s thousands of families and businesses” to move forward.

In the preliminary injunction order, Judge Wang wrote that the public has a strong interest in reliable energy, but the Rosebud Sioux Tribe is a sovereign nation with strong interest in protecting its history and culture, which could face irreparable harm. 

“Petitioners having the ability to monitor the construction — as it is already ongoing — at a few discrete locations along a 226-mile route is not the same as having the right to identify properties and having a role in resolving adverse effects prior to construction,” Wang wrote.

NPPD has made adjustments to its plans in recent years, including a 1-mile diversion to avoid O’Fallon’s Bluff, a historic site, and a commitment to marking the entire R-Project with diverters to reduce the risk of birds hitting the line.

Opposition to the transmission line remains strong inside and outside of the state, said Brent Steffen, whose Sandhills ranch, Horseshoe Bar Ranch, is part of the lawsuit.

The line will cross a half-mile section on the eastern edge of Steffen’s property, he said. He won’t sign an easement, and he estimates that owners of about 40 miles of the land along the line also haven’t signed.

There’s no question that north-central Nebraska has problems with electricity reliability, Steffen said, but he wants to see them fixed without damaging the Sandhills.

“For the past 10 years, I think NPPD has probably hoped opposition would wane and lose interest and fall away,” Steffen said. “That has not happened at all.”

* Area counties among best for unemployment rates

(Posted 2:30 p.m. June 25)

Nebraska’s unemployment rate for May was 3.0 percent. The rate is unchanged from the April unemployment rate and up 0.1 percent from May 2025. Nebraska is tied with Alabama and New Hampshire for the fifth-best jobless rate in the country.

South Dakota maintained its grip on the lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. in May at 2.1 percent. North Dakota stayed in second with a rate of 2.4 percent, followed by Hawaii at 2.5 percent and Vermont at 2.6 percent.

The highest unemployment rate in the country in May belonged to California at 5.3 percent. Fellow West Coast states Oregon and Washington followed at 5.2 percent along with Nevada. Michigan, Illinois, Delaware and Connecticut tied for the fifth-highest rate in the country at 5.1 percent.

The national unemployment rate for May was 4.3 percent, unchanged from the April unemployment rate and the May 2025 unemployment rate.  

Brown County’s May unemployment rate was 2.3 percent, lower than the state average. Cherry County tied Cuming County for the lowest unemployment rate in the state in May at 1.9 percent. Holt County at 2.0 percent and Rock County at 2.1 percent were also among the state leaders.

Boyd County at 2.5 percent and Blaine County at 2.6 percent were better than the state average, while Keya Paha County at 3.5 percent was the only county in the area with a rate higher than the state average.

Dawson County following the closure of the meat-packing plant in Lexington continues to see the highest unemployment rate in the state by a vast margin at 15.5 percent in May.

“Nebraskans are staying active in the workforce, helping local employers fill jobs and keeping our economy moving forward,” said Nebraska Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber.

Non-farm employment, the number of jobs filled, was 1,066,551 in May, an increase of 7,577 workers from April but down 4,450 workers from May 2025.

Private industries with the most growth between April and May were the leisure and hospitality sector (up 4,291 jobs), the mining and construction sector, (up 1,686 jobs), and the other services sector (up 301 jobs).

The largest job growth during the past year came from the private education and health services sector (up 3,263 jobs), the mining and construction sector (up 3,058 jobs), and the leisure and hospitality sector (up 1,321 jobs).

* West Nile case reported in area

(Posted 12:30 p.m. June 24)

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Nebraska for the 2026 season. The case was identified within the North Central District Health Department jurisdiction.

DHHS is urging Nebraskans to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites as WNV activity increases during the summer months.

WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, and Nebraska has historically experienced higher levels of WNV activity than many other states. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that acquired the virus after feeding on an infected bird. WNV is not spread directly from sick or dead birds to humans and people cannot get the virus from sick or dead birds.

“Since there is no vaccine or specific medicine to treat West Nile virus, it is important for Nebraskans to take preventive steps to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne illness and enjoy their summer safely,” said Dr. Sydney Stein, DHHS State Epidemiologist.  

People can reduce their risk:

Use a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside.

Take extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Drain standing water around your home. Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted trays at least once a week, if not more often.

Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.

Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight” and repair or replace torn screens.

Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild flu-like illness. However, fewer than 1% of infected individuals develop severe disease. Adults over age 50 and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for serious illness and complications.

Witten Painter (right) was named the Ainsworth High School Athlete of the Year by a vote of the school’s coaches, faculty and A Club. Painter received a $500 scholarship from KBRB’s Graig Kinzie (left) for being named the Athlete of the Year.

* Painter named KBRB Ainsworth Athlete of the Year

(Posted 1 p.m. June 22)

Ainsworth High School graduate Witten Painter has been named as the 2025-26 KBRB Athlete of the Year.

Selected by the school’s coaches, faculty and A Club, the Athlete of the Year is presented to a senior class member who excelled both on the playing field and court as well as in the classroom and the community.

Painter was a 12-sport athlete during his four years at Ainsworth Community Schools, receiving letters in football, basketball and track and field during each of his four seasons.

Painter was named the school’s male Lifter of the Year for the 2025-26 school year.

In football, Painter was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. He was named the Teammate of the Year and the defensive MVP in football.

Football coach Jessi Owen said, “For four years Witten was a major contributor on the football field. His career culminated his senior year by being selected first team all-district and playing in both the East-West All-Star game and Eight-Man All-Star game. Witten made the playoffs and won a district championship in three out of his four years in high school and was a captain his senior season.”

In basketball, Painter received the team’s Impact Player Award and competed in the Northeast Nebraska All-Star game following the season.

“Witten worked hard all four years to become the best basketball player and track athlete he could be,” boys basketball and track coach Jake Nelson said. “He was always willing to do anything I asked of him in both sports to help the team.”

Painter received an eighth-place medal in discus during the Nebraska Class D State Track and Field Championships and was named the 2026 boys track and field most valuable player.

For earning the 2025-26 KBRB Athlete of the Year, Painter receives a $500 scholarship he plans to put to use at Northeast Community College in the fall. His name will appear on the Athlete of the Year plaque at Ainsworth Community Schools.

Witten stopped in to the KBRB Studios and discussed his high school sports career with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie. The conversation can be heard below.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

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

June 14

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at Ainsworth Community Schools. The fire department reported that there was not a fire after walking the school and reset the alarm.

June 15

The Johnstown and Ainsworth volunteer fire departments responded to a reported fire south of Johnstown.

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

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 15 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver also received a written warning for not having up to date insurance in their vehicle.

June 16

The sheriff and a deputy provided traffic control for cattle crossing Highway 20 west of Ainsworth.

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

The sheriff and a deputy provided traffic control during a funeral procession in Ainsworth.

The sheriff investigated an area of a 911 hang up. The caller eventually called back and advised it was an accidental call.

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

Deputies responded to an incident involving the mental health of an individual.

June 17

A deputy investigated a 911 hang up call that occurred in southwestern Brown County.

The sheriff, deputies, Long Pine and Ainsworth volunteer fire departments and Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a UTV rollover accident south of Long Pine. The driver of the UTV was transported to the Brown County Hospital.

The chief deputy provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

Deputies assisted a gas station in contacting people who had forgotten to pay for their gas.

June 18

Deputies responded to a report of loud yelling and screaming that may be a domestic dispute in Long Pine. The deputies spoke with numerous individuals in the reported area. It was later discovered that the reported yelling and screaming was coming from a group of people in their backyard.

June 19

A deputy spoke with a concerned parent on juvenile related issues.

A deputy responded to a report of an injured dog along the highway near Johnstown. The owner of the dog was notified and picked up their dog.

A deputy spoke to an individual in Ainsworth about a civil situation.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth. The driver was given a citation for not having a registered vehicle.

June 20

The Ainsworth and Johnstown volunteer fire departments responded to a reported fire in northwestern Brown County.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 587
Calls for service – 13
911 emergency calls – 10
Vehicle titles inspected – 2
Firearms permits purchased – 1
Jail inmates housed – 0

* Report of smoke Saturday turns out to be steam

(Posted 7:15 a.m. June 22)

A report of smoke in the canyons northwest of Ainsworth Saturday afternoon during a thunderstorm prompted the response of the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department.

According to Fire Chief Brad Fiala, at just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday, a property owner reported seeing smoke in a canyon approximately 6 miles northwest of Ainsworth.

Upon arrival, Fiala said firefighters also believed smoke to be coming from a canyon.

“We sent five or six guys down there,” Fiala said. “It turned out to be steam conversion and not smoke. We thought it was smoke as well.”

Even though it did not turn out to be a fire in this instance, Fiala still encouraged people to call in when they believe they see smoke in canyon areas.

With the recent rains, Fiala said there will not be a need to restrict the ignition of fireworks during the upcoming Fourth of July celebration. However, he urged people not to ignite fireworks in the Hidden Paradise area.

* Buell continues collaboration with UN-L

(Posted 7 a.m. June 19)

Story courtesy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

When Homer Buell first returned to his family’s Sandhills ranch after attending the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, his focus was primarily on cattle. Over time, he said, his perspective on ranching shifted.

“When I first came back, I looked out at the cattle,” Buell said. “What I learned over the years was it was more important that I looked down to the ground.”

That shift — from managing cattle to managing grasslands — has shaped Buell’s approach to ranching for decades and reflects a lifelong connection with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln rooted in research, Extension and stewardship of Nebraska’s rangelands.

For more than 40 years, Buell has worked with university researchers, Extension educators and fellow producers to better understand grazing systems, land management and long-term ranch sustainability.

Today, Buell’s experience is informing a new UNL research initiative focused on grazing systems and ranch decision-making. As part of the university’s $5 million Advancing Development of Assessments, Practices and Tools project, anthropologist Effie Athanassopoulos and rural sociologist Gwendŵr Meredith are interviewing multigenerational ranch families across Nebraska about stewardship, adaptation and grazing practices.

Buell was among the first ranchers selected for in-depth interviews.

“We’re talking with ranchers who have been on the land for generations and who are leaders in the industry,” Athanassopoulos said in a previous interview about the project. “What has been especially striking is how environmentally conscious ranchers are and how deeply they care about the land.”

A fourth-generation rancher near Rose, Buell said his connection to the university began in the 1970s and ’80s through Extension relationships and research at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory and Barta Brothers Ranch.

The Buell family’s ties to Nebraska span generations. Buell’s parents met at UNL, his grandfather served on the Board of Regents and multiple family members, including his children and grandchildren, have attended the university.

“A lot of things have happened through the years that really got me plugged into UNL,” Buell said. “Just trying to learn more about how I could better manage our ranch — whether it had to do with financial management, cattle management or grass management.”

Buell said Extension educators, veterinarians, neighboring ranchers and university researchers all played a role in shaping his approach to ranch management.

He participated in the inaugural Nebraska Ranch Practicum and later joined producer groups and advisory discussions focused on grazing systems, cattle management and ranch economics.

“Learning is a lifelong experience,” Buell said. “You have to continue it.”

After his father, Barney Buell, died in 1983, Homer and his brother, Larry, assumed management of the ranch and worked together for more than 40 years. In 2010, the family completed a generational transition that divided the operation into separate ranches, allowing the next generation to take on leadership roles.

“The partnership Larry and I had and the synergy we had together was extremely important,” Buell said. “Even though our partnership formally ended, we still talk almost daily about how to best manage our individual ranches.”

Today, Larry’s daughter manages Twin Creek Ranch, while Homer Buell and his son, Chad, operate their ranch near Rose. Buell said those ongoing conversations remain an important source of perspective.

That willingness to combine experience with data also shaped how the ranch is managed. In the early 1990s, the family adopted grazing management software to track pasture use, grazing distribution and long-term land impacts.

“I’ve always been big on feedback and numbers,” Buell said. “It’s nice to look out there and think it looks better, but you need some way to measure what effect you’re having on the land.”

Buell said that approach reinforces the importance of Nebraska’s land-grant mission.

“Whatever the University of Nebraska can do to help us do what we do better, that’s a good thing,” Buell said. “Not only for the individual producer out there, but for the state in general.”

He said research becomes most valuable when it is connected directly to producers through Extension and peer networks.

“Some people may not go directly to the university to get that knowledge,” Buell said, “but they’re listening to other ranchers that do.”

He said relationships built through field days, Extension meetings and producer groups often help new ideas spread across rural communities.

“It’s the people you get to meet,” Buell said. “That’s how you learn the best.”

Buell said stewardship ultimately comes down to pride in the land, the cattle and the generations who built the ranch before him.

“We know it was built on the blood and sweat and tears of generations before us,” Buell said. “I’ve got a lot of pride in the cattle that we raise. I’ve got pride in those pastures.”

He said he hopes that perspective is better understood outside agriculture.

“I hope the public understands how much pride we have in everything that we do,” Buell said. “How the land is managed, how the cattle are cared for and how we contribute to feeding people.”

Now, as another generation becomes involved in the family operation, Buell said he hopes those values of stewardship, learning and service continue.

“We all think each generation has learned from the generation before,” Buell said. “And I hope that’s still happening.”

* Long Pine man killed in UTV accident Wednesday

(Posted 10:30 a.m. June 18)

A UTV accident Wednesday morning, June 17, claimed the life of a 63-year-old Long Pine man.

According to Brown County Sheriff Brent Deibler, at approximately 5:58 a.m. Wednesday, a 2025 Polaris UTV was being driven southbound by Timothy J. Iverson on South Pine Avenue approximately 2 miles south of Long Pine when it entered the east ditch and rolled.

Deibler said Iverson was ejected from the UTV. The Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department, sheriff’s department and Brown County Ambulance Association responded. Iverson was transported by the Brown County Ambulance Association to the Brown County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the accident scene by the Ainsworth and Long Pine volunteer fire departments.

Funeral service for Iverson is pending.

* Buell recognized for perfect ACT score

(Posted 3 p.m. June 17)

Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Education recognized graduates from the class of 2026 who achieved a top score on their ACT college entrance exam.

Among the graduates recognized for earning a perfect score was Carter Buell of Rock County High School.

“Earning a perfect score of 36 on the ACT is an extraordinary accomplishment. These students represent the very best of Nebraska,” Pillen said. “Setting a new record of 53 perfect ACT scores reflects the strength of our schools, the dedication of our educators and families, and the remarkable talent of Nebraska’s young people. I hope each of these students know that Nebraska needs their leadership, innovation, and determination. Our state is full of opportunity, and we want them to build their futures right here at home.”

NDE Commissioner Dr. Brian Maher said, “Achieving a perfect ACT score is a testament to both the exceptional academic dedication of these students and the strength of our Nebraska school communities,” said Commissioner Maher. “This milestone is a gateway to boundless opportunities. I am incredibly proud of these scholars not only for their academic mastery but for the bright futures they are building. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make as they move into their next chapters.”

Historically, on average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students score 36 on the ACT. This year, 52 Nebraskans in the high school graduating class of 2026 achieved that accomplishment. One student earned a perfect score twice. This is a significant increase from 33 students in 2025.

The University of Nebraska offers the Nebraska Presidential Scholars Program that will cover tuition, fees, books, housing and all other costs of attendance, plus a $5,000 annual stipend, for any Nebraska student who scores a perfect 36 on the ACT.

* Board approves agreement for dispatch services

(Posted 10:30 a.m. June 17)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved an interlocal agreement with Antelope County to handle overnight and weekend dispatching for the sheriff’s department.

Sheriff Brent Deibler said, due to recent resignations, the sheriff’s department did not have enough staff to handle dispatching and jail supervision duties 24 hours per day.

“We are currently advertising seeking more help,” Deibler said. “If we get people hired, we will end the contract.”

Brown County will pay Antelope County $35 per hour for dispatch services from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. on weekdays and during all weekend hours. Deibler said Antelope County’s equipment was the same as Brown County’s dispatching equipment so things should work well.

Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said, except for one early issue, ambulance calls have gone pretty smooth so far working with Antelope County.

The contract will continue until either party dissolves it. The commissioners unanimously approved the interlocal agreement.

In other business Tuesday, by a 2-1 vote with Commissioners Dennis Bauer and Donnie Painter in favor and Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey against, the board approved having a new road to an isolated property in southwestern Brown County be a graveled public access road.

Attorney Suzy Beel, representing property owners whose land will be utilized to create the road to isolated property owned by Grant Kobes with Hathshire Berkaway at the former site of the Long Lake State Recreation Area, said her clients have been cooperative through the process because they would like to see a good quality road built.

“Scott Flannery agreed to allow the road to cut through his property instead of staying on the section line,” Beel said. “The road will cut through grazing pastures so it needs to be fenced to protect livestock from traffic and protect the road from damage by the cattle.”

Beel said the neighboring property owners request the county lay out a public road, as it will serve four neighboring properties along with having agricultural and recreational use. She said the road would also provide access for fire protection, which is a benefit to all the landowners in the area.

“There has been litigation pending on this for several years,” Beel said. “That is not close to being completed with a disagreement now over fencing. We request the county engage in engineering to create a public road. The amount of recreational use of the road will be high.”

Beel said an agreement was reached by all parties to shorten the length of the route and narrow the width in an effort to work with Kobes, who will be responsible for paying the cost of the engineering and construction of the route to his property. Beel said that agreement reduced the damages Kobes is required to pay to the neighboring property owners.

However, during the board’s June 1 meeting Kobes’ attorney indicated the cost to neighboring property owners should be less than $5,000 total instead of the more than $64,000 that was determined through an appraisal. Kobes’ attorney during that meeting disputed that fencing be included as part of the damage Kobes owed to neighboring property owners.

Kobes on Tuesday said he did not plan to develop real estate at the site after Beel said the property would likely be developed.

“I understand the concerns, and I have tried to be cooperative through this process,” Kobes said. “I don’t need to make all these improvements for a road I won’t be using often.”

Kobes said he plans to construct a cabin for personal use at the site and had planned to hold his wedding this year at the property, but with the continuing litigation that was now impossible. He said after three years he still does not have access to his property.

“Moon Lake Avenue in that area is not fenced and it gets way more traffic than this will,” Kobes said. “Fencing does not make sense. I would appreciate the county keeping it as an access road and nothing more. My use of the road will not be high traffic.”

Attorney Todd Flynn, who also represents neighboring property owners, said his clients have more than 80 years of cattle experience across four generations.

“These people have lived here and earned their livelihoods here,” Flynn said. “We are here to protect that. We are not asking for anything more than the protection of the natural environment.”

Flynn said a graveled public road would be a benefit to the county for not only fire protection but to service any future development in the area.

“All appraisals have included fences and a gravel road,” Flynn said. “The first objection to that was not raised until June 11.”

County Attorney Andy Taylor said the terms access road and public access road have been used without really defining those terms. He said the decision ultimately rested with the commissioners on whether to allow the road to be a dirt track or a graveled road.

“You can determine it to be a public gravel road if the number of people served and the use of the road warrants it to be a public road,” Taylor said. “The person petitioning for the access is responsible for all the costs of engineering and construction.”

Taylor said the commissioners also needed to take liability into account. He said, if fencing was not included and vehicles left the road and started a fire in tall grass that damaged property, the county could be held liable.

Dailey said he didn’t understand how the county could be held liable when the county was not the party requesting a road at the site.

Taylor said the county could be held responsible if the board was warned that not fencing out the road could potentially result in a fire hazard.

Following the discussion, the commissioners voted by a 2-1 margin for the road to be a public access gravel road. Dailey cast the vote against.

Taylor said the decision could still be challenged in court. He said engineering work and construction of the road could not commence until the issue was resolved and Kobes had provided the county with payment for the damages.

“I have a feeling it will go back to court again,” Taylor said.

In other items, the commissioners approved amendments to the county’s 2025-26 budget. Clerk Travee Hobbs said the budget amendments covered additional expenditures from the reappraisal fund, the ambulance fund and the community fishing pond fund.

Hobbs said expenditures from those funds exceeded the authority approved during the 2025-26 budgeting process due to unforeseen circumstances.

The ambulance association received a grant and donated funds to purchase new defibrillators, and donations were received to make upgrades to the fishing pond.

Bauer said, “The pond was all donations, we just didn’t budget for the expenditures. That was the same for the ambulance fund.”

Bauer said there were no additional tax dollars used for the adjustments made to the ambulance fund and the pond fund.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson provided the commissioners with an annual review of work done by the NCDC on the county’s behalf. Olson said, in addition to providing assistance to numerous businesses and organizations in the county, the NCDC assisted in a $100,000 grant application that was approved by the Nebraska Crime Commission for communications system upgrades. She said the continuing second-year application to the Crime Commission for new laptops for the sheriff’s department’s patrol vehicles was also approved for $42,837.

Olson said a $21,000 grant was awarded to assist the ambulance association with its defibrillator replacement, and the NCDC has assisted the Sandhills Care Center on several applications, including $1.35 million in federal funding to make updates to the facility and a $100,000 energy grant. Both of those applications are still pending, as is a $43,000 grant application for the construction of a restroom at the fishing pond site.

“We’ve proven a return on your investment,” Olson said.

Bauer said the secret to successful grant applications is the follow-up work that is done before the grant application is even submitted.

“That is what I appreciate,” Bauer said.

Olson said the grant world has changed, and several grant funders are making awards based off relationships and with entities that have shown proven success.

“We have good relationships with several private funders,” Olson said.

Following discussion at a previous board meeting regarding a need to clean up dilapidated properties in the county, Olson offered to have the NCDC administer a cost-share demolition program for the county similar to a city of Ainsworth program the NCDC administers.

She said, if the county can identify funds to put toward a similar program, the NCDC would handle the applications and the awarding of 50 percent of the cost of demolition projects up to $10,000.

“We could work proactively with the county attorney to identify properties the county may otherwise have to foreclose on,” Olson said.

The commissioners expressed interest in a demolition cost-share program to help keep the county from having to take ownership of dilapidated properties. A potential funding source for the program would be explored during the 2026-27 budgeting process along with the NCDC’s annual funding request.

In remaining action items, the commissioners approved signing an agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation for the bridge replacement projects in the county that were awarded federal funding. Bauer said, with federal funds paying for 80 percent of the cost of the bridge replacement projects, signing the agreement was a no-brainer.

The board approved having the State Print Shop create any property tax levy increase postcards that may need to be mailed. The cost is 62 cents per mailed postcard.

The commissioners also approved a transfer of $42,000 from the jail fund to the sheriff’s fund.

Property valuation protest hearing dates were scheduled for July 15-17, and July 21 and 23.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. July 6.

* Two fires reported Monday in Brown County

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

The civil defense siren sounded in Ainsworth twice late Monday afternoon.

The first call came in just after 4 p.m. Monday. Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said a fire was reported south of Highway 20 on Moon Lake Avenue on property owned by Brad Gambill. Fiala said the Johnstown Volunteer Fire Department responded and extinguished the small grass fire quickly, allowing the Ainsworth department trucks to be cancelled. No property was reported damaged during that small fire.

At 5:30 p.m., firefighters were summoned to the 500 block of East Second Street to a report of a vehicle fire. Fiala said materials in the back of a pickup caught fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, and damage was limited to a spare tire in the bed of the pickup, owned by Zachary Wiseman of Lincoln.

The fire chief said the KBRC task force mustered several trucks to assist with the South Fork Fire near Crawford last week. Trucks and crews from the Ainsworth, Long Pine, Bassett, Springview, Wood Lake and Valentine volunteer departments supported firefighting efforts on the South Fork Fire from Wednesday through Saturday night.

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

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

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 16
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda 

Roll Call

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law

Opening Prayer

Pledge of Allegiance

Approve minutes of the 6-2-2026 regular meeting

Approve minutes of the 6-4-2026 special meeting

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update 

81183 – control Number, DPS-9(11)- Project Number, Brown County Bridges- Project name program agreement BC 2627 and approve signing resolution agreement between Nebraska Department of Transportation and Brown County

North Central Development Center – Annual update, Budget request and Demolition project proposal – Olson

Designate printer for 2026 post cards – Clerk

Interlocal agreement between Brown County and Antelope County regarding Dispatch and Jail services

Resolution for a transfer of $42,000.00 from Jail Fund to Sheriff Fund all within the General Fund – Clerk

Approve Claims 

1:30     Suzy Beel – Discuss the road design for Isolated Road

1:45     Adoption of the Amended Budget – Clerk

Correspondence  

Public Comment 

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:30 a.m. June 15)

June 7

Deputies provided traffic control for cattle crossing Highway 20 west of Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth. The driver received written warnings for following too closely, improper passing and driving left of center.

June 8

Deputies responded to a call of a missing person with health concerns in Ainsworth. The person was found and transported by the Brown County Ambulance Association to the Brown County Hospital.

The sheriff’s office received a report of an erratic driver on Highway 20. The deputy responded to the area and was unable to find the reported vehicle.

A traffic stop was made in rural Brown County. The driver received a written warning for speeding.

June 9

The sheriff provided security during district court in Ainsworth.

A speeding warning was given to a motorist on Highway 183.

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

June 10

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department sent vehicles to help with the Crawford fire. 

June 11

The sheriff received multiple complaints about a reckless driver on Highway 20. The reported vehicle was found, and the driver was spoken to and checked for impairment. The driver received a repair order for not having current registration in their vehicle.

A deputy responded to a mental health call in Ainsworth. The individual was spoken to by the sheriff and a deputy. After speaking with available resources, the individual was turned over to family members.

The sheriff’s office took a report of possible harassing messages on a social media platform. 

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

A repair order was given to a motorist for improper and defective vehicle lighting on Highway 20.

June 12

The sheriff and deputies completed annual certification for handgun and patrol rifle.

Deputies were out on foot patrol during the carnival in Ainsworth.

A deputy helped an individual retrieve their phone after it was accidentally dropped down a drainage hole on Main Street in Ainsworth.

June 13

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and given additional citations for a minor in possession of alcohol, possession of an open alcohol container, and driving left of center. The passenger in the vehicle also received a citation for procuring alcohol to a minor and possession of an open alcohol container.

Deputies were out on foot patrol during the carnival in Ainsworth.  

An inmate posted bond and was released from jail.

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

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

A repair order was issued to a motorist for improper or defective vehicle lighting on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth.

 A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth for speeding, and license plates were not clear and visible.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 825
Calls for service – 10
911 emergency calls – 11
Vehicle titles inspected – 1
Firearms permits purchased – 5
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Area students named to UN-L Deans’ List

(Posted 7 a.m. June 15)

Nearly 500 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have been named to the Deans’ Commendation List for the spring semester of the 2025-26 academic year.

The Commendation List recognizes students 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 for the spring semester at UN-L are:

Ainsworth
Libby Wilkins, senior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agricultural leadership, education and communication.

Valentine
Lauren Schoonveld, junior, College of Education and Human Sciences, communication sciences and disorders.

More than 6,200 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have been named to the Deans’ List for the spring semester of the 2025-26 academic year. Area students named to the Deans’ list are:

Long Pine
Lauren Marie Ortner, senior, College of Business, marketing.
Dylan Benemerito, junior, College of Business, business analytics.

Bassett
Brooklyn Buell, senior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, environmental and sustainability studies.

Stuart
Hunter Tubbs, sophomore, College of Arts and Sciences, biological sciences.

Atkinson
Madeline Ann Rentschler, senior, College of Business, finance.

Valentine
Jenalee Michelle Garwood, sophomore, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agricultural leadership, education and communication.

Doc Lancaster, sophomore, College of Business, accounting.

Finley Melisande Mosner, junior, College of Engineering, software engineering.

Cadence Rachelle Swanson, sophomore, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agribusiness.

* Council approves scope of work for museum

(Posted 11 a.m. June 11)

The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday approved the concept of work recommended by the Sellors-Barton Cabin Museum Committee to make repairs to two sections of the current museum, demolish the north addition and restore the damaged items inside the museum.

Mayor Joel Klammer said, while the council was not approving any bids or funding for the work at this stage, it allowed the museum committee to pursue grant opportunities for the scope of the recommended work.

The committee recommended the north cabin be demolished and the basement filled in. Committee member Danny Bennett said that portion of the museum was beyond repair. The committee indicated Bruce Dannatt with Frontier Diesel had volunteered to tear down that portion of the building and fill in the basement free of charge.

The committee presented the council with estimates totaling just over $100,000 for repairing the original log cabin and the east addition, as well as an estimate of $29,500 to clean and restore the items in the museum that have been damaged. That estimate was much lower than the original estimate the committee received that was in excess of $100,000 to restore the contents of the museum.

Committee member Carlene Burrows said the committee would like to move forward with grant applications but needed the council’s approval to do so. Bennett said having approval on the project from the council would allow the committee to begin raising funds.

Councilman Brad Fiala said the committee would need to include heating and air conditioning as part of the scope of the work. Burrows said there were grants that could be applied for that would potentially assist with the heating and air conditioning.

Fiala said, “You have done an excellent job figuring out your direction. The north addition is not salvageable so tearing it off is the right decision.”

Councilman Kent Taylor questioned if there would be enough future volunteers to keep two museums going 20 years down the road as the city museum operates separately from the Brown County Historical Society’s Coleman House Museum. Committee members indicated they felt there would be enough volunteers to keep the city museum going in the future.

Taylor reminded the group that the city would have to go out for bids for the work if the funding is raised despite the committee having received estimates for the work.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the city would likely have to be the applicant on any applications for grant funding.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said any funding provided locally could be used toward matching requirements on other grant applications. She said the project would likely need to go through the state’s historic preservation office due to the cabin’s age, even though it was not listed as a state historical building.

“I don’t foresee there being any issues and they will likely work with us,” Olson said. “But you may want to get a letter back from them before you start tearing anything apart.”

The council agreed to the scope of the work presented by the committee and allowed the group to proceed with raising funds toward the project.

In other business Wednesday, the council received the annual audit report of the city’s finances from Michael Hoback with accounting firm AMGL.

Hoback said there were no material misstatements in the recently completed audit, and the only adverse finding was the lack of segregation of duties over financial controls, which all smaller governmental entities receive.

“You will never get rid of that finding,” Hoback said. “It is not feasible to have enough staff to have a true segregation of duties. The mayor and council provide oversight and need to continue to do that.”

Hoback said the city had improved its general fund cash reserve balance in the past two years, increasing the cash reserve from $53,000 two years ago to over $700,000 currently. He said the firm recommends having at least $560,000 in cash reserves for a city of Ainsworth’s size.

“You are in pretty good shape overall,” Hoback said.

Hoback said the city’s water and sewer funds saw operating losses during the past year of $67,000 and $110,000 respectively. He said the garbage fund is basically breaking even.

“You need to watch your utility rates,” Hoback said. “Those are hard to get caught up if you get behind.”

Klammer told Hoback the council had recently taken action to increase water and sewer rates, with the new rates taking effect Aug. 1.

Hoback said the city continues to see strong per-capita sales tax revenue. He said the typical sales tax revenue for cities of similar size is $294 per capita. Ainsworth has sales tax revenue of $379 per capita, showing the city attracts spending from outside the area.

“That $379 per capita is well above average,” Hoback said.

He said the city receives $374 per capita in property tax revenue, which is above the average of $359. He said the difference in that data is the additional 10-cent property tax levy for the nursing home that voters approved.

He reported the city saved $134,000 during the past year by employing a code enforcement officer instead of having a contract for the service with the sheriff’s department.

Hoback said, overall, it was a clean audit.

“You are in good shape with your cash reserves,” Hoback said. “The city has adequate resources available to handle its day to day operations.”

Klammer said it appeared the city was in position financially to potentially undertake a streets project in the near future.

The council on Wednesday continued discussion with Carol Woods regarding zoning regulations outside the city limits but inside the 1-mile zoning jurisdiction.
Woods continued to urge the council to approve zoning regulations that would prohibit animals from being allowed on small parcels outside the city limits.

Woods said her property was located in a platted subdivision, and there were no animals when they purchased their home in 1982. She said she has now visited with the people who purchased property near hers, and they indicated they do have hogs.

“They didn’t say how many,” Woods said.

She and Jim Marsh provided the council with a state statute showing cities of the second class may apply ordinances in their extra-territorial jurisdiction.

“The other places where livestock is kept in the 1-mile are not in subdivisions,” Woods said. “What I am requesting shouldn’t affect them. How would you feel if this was your neighborhood?”

Klammer said City Attorney Michael Sholes was contacted after discussion on the topic during the May council meeting.

“He recommended against us making any changes,” Klammer said. “It is zoned as ag residential. That is not the same as residential zoning in the city. There is no intent for the city to provide any water or sewer services so I don’t view that area as a subdivision.”

Taylor said the city’s current animal ordinances apply only inside city limits.

“We could not enforce the ordinances you are referencing outside city limits,” Taylor said. “You don’t pay city taxes or vote on city officials. I am not going to attack your neighbor and then not enforce any others in the 1-mile.”

Woods said the council could grandfather in other properties that currently have animals inside the 1-mile jurisdiction.

Fiala said he would want Sholes to review the statutes Woods and Marsh presented before the council would consider any action.

The council did not take action on the zoning request.

In action items Wednesday, the council approved an Ainsworth Betterment Committee recommendation to provide $2,500 to the Ainsworth Commercial Club and the Ainsworth Municipal Golf Course for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display.

The council also approved a request from Ainsworth Family Dental to close a portion of Third Street from the Maple Street intersection west to the alley for an event from noon until 3 p.m. June 26.

During her report, Schroedl said Garrett Hollenbeck had been hired as the new park lead for the city. She said the city is still advertising for an equipment operator for the streets department.

Schroedl said the new vacuum truck has arrived and a few things were identified that needed to be fixed. Maqueen will fix the items and provide the city with a one-year warranty on the truck.

“It is certainly better than what we had been using,” Schroedl said.

She reported the equipment for the pickleball court had been ordered and should be delivered and installed within the next eight weeks.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 8.

* Sheriff’s Department office moving to reduced hours

(Posted 5:30 a.m. June 11)

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department is temporarily moving to modified hours of operation in the administrative office due to staffing shortages.

Beginning Friday, June 12, the administrative office in the sheriff’s department will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

All jail inmates currently in custody, as well as any future jail inmates, will be housed in neighboring correctional facilities for the time being.

Law enforcement service will continue, with deputies available to respond to calls for service. Emergency 911 services will continue 24 hours per day.

Residents needing law enforcement service on weekends and after 8 p.m. will need to call 911, as the administrative phone line at 402-387-1440 will not be answered during those hours.

Sheriff Brent Deibler said the department understands the change may cause inconvenience. He said he appreciates the community’s patience as the department works through the unforeseen staffing shortage.

* Ainsworth City Council Wednesday agenda

(Posted 7 a.m. June 10)

Ainsworth City Council
Meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 10
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 May 13, 2026 regular meeting and the June 4, 2026 special meeting
  • Approval of claims
  • Treasurer’s report
  • Department head reports
  • Cemetery Certificate

• III. Mayor’s Appointments and Report
  • Mayor’s Report
  • Mayor’s Appointments
• IV. Public Hearings
  • None
• V. Old Business
  • None
• VI. Regular Agenda
  • Discuss the September 30, 2025 audited financial statements – Michael Hoback, AMGL
  • Discuss the AGR zone within the 1-mile zoning jurisdiction – Carol Woods
  • Discuss and consider options regarding potential cleaning and renovation of the Sellors-Barton museum
  • Discuss and consider a street closure from 3^rd and Maple west to the alley, for an event hosted by Ainsworth Family Dental on Friday, June 26, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m.
  • Discuss and consider the recommendation by the Ainsworth Betterment Committee to approve a request in the amount of $2,500 to the Ainsworth Commercial Club/Ainsworth Golf Course for the Ainsworth 4^th of July fireworks display
  • City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer Report
• VII. Adjourn

* Care Center Board approves rate increase

(Posted 2 p.m. June 9)

The Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors on Monday voted to increase private pay rates by $25 per day to keep up with increasing costs to operate the facility.

Administrator Penny Jacobs said the rates the care center charges to those paying privately have not changed since September 2023.

“Our vendor fees are all increasing due to fuel costs,” Jacobs said. “Our Medicaid rates are going down effective July 1 by about $25 per day.”

Jacobs said the care center has typically set its private pay rates at about $50 per day more than Medicaid reimbursement rates as the Medicaid rates do not recoup the full cost of caring for those residents.

Board member Kent Taylor said keeping private pay rates $50 more than the Medicaid reimbursement rates would increase the private pay rates by $11 to $16 per day.

“If we haven’t done an increase in three years, that’s not bad,” Taylor said. “We should probably look at this every year.”

Taylor motioned to raise the private pay rates to place them $50 per day more than the facility receives in Medicaid reimbursement.

Board member Bruce Papstein questioned if that increase would be enough to keep up with increasing costs and the decrease in Medicaid reimbursement.

With the care center trending at around an even mix of residents paying privately and those receiving Medicaid assistance, the board voted against keeping the rates $50 above the Medicaid reimbursement rate and instead voted to increase private pay rates across the board by $25 per day.

Board Chair Tom Jones said, “That increase shouldn’t be unacceptable with the way inflation has been.”

The board unanimously approved the $25 per day increase. Audience member Troy Peters said that would result in a more than $9,000 annual increase for those families paying privately.

Board member Dr. Mel Campbell said the board should review private pay rates annually if not semi-annually instead of waiting three years to approve an increase.

The Sandhills Care Center is currently home to 34 residents, with 14 paying privately, 15 receiving Medicaid assistance, two receiving hospice care and three receiving Medicare assistance.

Jacobs reported the care center admitted four new residents during the past month, with one resident discharged from the facility and one resident death. She said the care center at one point during the past month reached its building capacity of 35 residents.

The facility does not have room to care for more than 35 residents even though the care center is licensed for 46 beds.

Of the 34 current residents, 14 are from Ainsworth, 12 are from Cherry County, four are from rural Brown County, and there is one resident each from Long Pine, Rock County, Keya Paha County and Scotts Bluff County.

During May, the care center generated $340,980 in revenue with expenses of $285,517 for a net profit for the month of $55,463. The facility also received $47,655 in tax levy funds during May, which were placed in the center’s interlocal account.

The board discussed moving forward with a market analysis and feasibility study for a potential new facility after that was the consensus between the Ainsworth City Council and Brown County Commissioners during a special meeting Thursday.

Jones said he did not have a bid yet from ArCuretecture on the study.

“They said the last one they did was $19,000,” Jones said.

The board also discussed naming a group to help oversee the steps needed to move forward with getting things ready for a potential property tax levy ballot question to pay for a new facility over time. While potential names were discussed as being potentially strong members of a committee, no action was taken Monday.

The board discussed the purchase of a 2012 Dodge van with a handicap-accessible wheelchair lift from Myrna Jakob. Jakob said the van was refurbished with the wheelchair lift a couple years ago. She said she would sell the van, which has 95,000 miles on it, for $16,000.

Since the price was above the threshold where the board could take immediate action, board member Dennis Bauer said the care center could obtain informal bids from the two local dealers if they have anything similar available before taking action on the van purchase. The item was placed on the board’s July meeting agenda.

Jacobs reported the care center’s exit door keypads were sticking and needed to be replaced. She provided a quote of $4,518 for the purchase and installation of three keypads from Life Care Associates of Omaha.

Papstein asked if a local electrician could wire in keypads at a better price than having to pay more than $1,800 in installation fees from the Omaha company. The board agreed to have Jacobs check with local electricians first.

“Check it out and if it can’t be done locally, go ahead,” Jones said of replacing the keypads. “It is under the $5,000 threshold.”

Prior to entering into executive session Monday, Jacobs said the Equal Employment Opportunity complaint filed against the care center had been reviewed and dismissed.

Jacobs and business manager Mackenzie Crane invited the public to attend a community barbecue from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday, June 12, to celebrate the care center reaching maximum occupancy.

The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 13. The Ainsworth City Council and Brown County Commissioners are expected to schedule special meetings to coincide with the board’s July meeting to continue the process of moving forward on the feasibility of constructing a new facility.

* School Board reviews several policies Monday

(Posted 8:30 p.m. June 8)

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education on Monday conducted annual reviews of the district’s student fee policy, parents and family involvement policy and bullying policy, with no changes requested.

During the public hearing on student fees, Board President Brad Wilkins asked if students on free and reduced-price meals can apply for waivers of any student fees. Superintendent Dale Hafer said any fees charged can be waived, with some of the parents choosing to complete the waiver application.

Wilkins asked if charging fees to participate in certain activities was a barrier to having students participate.

Hafer said school officials have routine conversations with parents on free and reduced-price meal plans each year.

“I don’t think fees are a barrier to anyone,” Hafer said.

He said a majority of the fees, such as for class dues, are housed in the district’s activities fund.

Board member Bryan Doke said he knows Mrs. Rathe has some band instruments that have been donated for students to use who might not be able to afford an instrument.

“I know in track there have been track shoes donated for anyone who might need them,” Doke said.

During the parent and family involvement policy public hearing, Wilkins asked if the district had adequate interpreter services for parents.

Hafer said having enough interpreters can be a challenge.

“We have a para who is our main interpreter,” the superintendent said. “If she is not available, it can be difficult.”

During the hearing on the district’s bullying policy, Hafer said the school’s counselors do a lot with bullying prevention.

“It is a tough topic to wrestle with,” Hafer said. “It can be emotional.”

High School Counselor Lisa Schlueter said she has seen students getting better at reporting what they see or experience. She said that can lead to faster interventions if necessary.

During his report Monday, Hafer said the district hired Echo Juhke as a paraprofessional. He said Juhnke has been a para at Chadron and will step in and help with some of the district’s high needs students. He said she also planned to get her bus license and the plan would be to have her drive the daily Johnstown bus route.

The superintendent said he had an interview scheduled with a second paraprofessional candidate next week who also had experience as a para in Kansas.

He said the district hired Bill Cole to the custodial staff. Cole plans to start June 15 and have a couple weeks to work under Joe McMurtrey before the current custodian’s final day with the district June 30. Hafer said Cole also plans to obtain a bus license.

The superintendent reported the district has not had any viable candidates apply for the open middle school and high school language arts position that was created through a late resignation.

“There is a distinct possibility we may not find someone,” Hafer said.

He said an alternative schedule had already been designed and would be implemented if the district cannot find a viable candidate in the next week or two.

“The alternative schedule is very doable,” Hafer said.

Hafer reported the district returned its annual program vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, to First Class Auto and was now working with Ainsworth Motors on a 2022 Ford Explorer for the 2026-27 school year.

Hafer said, with the program vehicles, the district buys a vehicle and then sells it back to the dealership at the end of each school year. He said it costs the district between $5,000 and $6,000 annually.

Activities Director Luke Wroblewski’s written report indicated the district was still in need of head coaches for football, boys basketball, girls wrestling, junior high girls wrestling and junior high golf.

“I had a meeting with Luke today working on the football coaching position,” Hafer said. “By tomorrow or the next day we should have a head football coach named.”

He said the district did not have to be in as big a rush to hire the other positions since they were not in the fall, but they wanted to get the head football position wrapped up soon.

Hafer also reported the district has replenished three certificates of deposit that were utilized while waiting for property tax credits to be received from the state. He said the district received some of those funds from the state.

“We are now close to where we were,” Hafer said. “Our cash flow looks fine as we head into budget season.”

During his final written report to the board, High School Principal Steve Dike thanked Hafer and the board for their support and collaboration during his eight years with the district.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together for our students and community,” Dike wrote.

Wilkins said Dike definitely left the district in a better position during his eight years as principal.

“I appreciate his efforts,” Wilkins said.

In the only action item Monday, the board approved an option enrollment request allowing incoming kindergarten student Rhen Stewart to attend Rock County Public Schools for the 2026-27 school year.

Hafer said Stewart has attended preschool at Rock County but her family recently moved into the Ainsworth district.

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

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 11 a.m. June 8)

May 31

A deputy investigated a report of missing cattle in Brown County.

Two traffic stops were made. One driver received a citation for driving 16 mph over the posted speed limit and the other driver received a citation for driving 14 mph over the posted speed limit.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department provided mutual aid for a fire in Cherry County.

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

June 1

The sheriff assisted with getting cattle out of the roadway on South Pine Avenue south of Long Pine.

A deputy provided traffic control for a funeral procession in Ainsworth.

A deputy responded to a complaint of a reckless driver on Highway 20. The deputy was unable to find the reported vehicle.

The sheriff’s office received complaints of an erratic driver on a motorcycle. The deputy was able to find the reported motorcycle and speak to the driver. It was reported that everything was ok. 

June 2

A deputy responded to a suspicious activity call in southern Brown County. The deputy was able to find the reported vehicle and the driver. After the deputy investigated the call, the individual found inside of the car was given a citation for criminal mischief and trespassing.

Deputies arrested an individual on a Custer County Warrant.

A deputy investigated a report of fraud. This is an ongoing investigation.

June 3

The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a call in Ainsworth. No transportation was needed.

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

The sheriff and a deputy attended training for mental health, substance abuse and officer wellness.

The chief deputy provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

The Brown County Jail released an inmate on a personal recognizance bond issued by the court.

A deputy assisted a gas station by notifying a Brown County resident they had forgotten to pay for their fuel.

The Brown County Ambulance Association provided standby service in Johnstown during Rodeo Bible Camp.

Two traffic stops were made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. One driver received a citation for driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit and the other driver received a citation for driving 20 mph over the posted speed limit.

June 4

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for failing to stop at a stop sign and not having a current driver’s license.

A deputy responded to a reported broken-down vehicle near the Long Pine State Park. The vehicle was already gone before the deputy arrived.

June 5

A deputy was asked to conduct a welfare check on individuals south of Ainsworth. The individuals were found to be ok.

The sheriff received reports of a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed entering Brown County from the west. The deputies drove to the county line and never located the reported vehicle.

A deputy investigated complaints of how vehicles were driving in Long Pine.

Suspicious activity was reported near the junction of Highway 20 and Highway. The deputy was able to find the reported vehicle and found they were having vehicle trouble and trying to get the vehicle home.

June 6

The sheriff led the parade in Long Pine.

Deputies provided traffic control for the Long Pine parade.

A deputy stopped to check on a broken-down vehicle on Highway 20. During the stop it was discovered that underage juveniles had been drinking alcohol. Two individuals received citations for minor in possession of alcohol and open alcohol containers. Another individual received a citation for procuring alcohol to minors and possession of an open alcohol container.

Weekly log
Total phone calls: 1044
Calls for service: 17
911 emergency calls: 8
Vehicle titles inspected: 5
Firearms permits purchased: 1
Jail inmates housed: 1

* New care center feasibility study to move forward

(Posted 7:45 a.m. June 5)

The Ainsworth City Council and Brown County Commissioners agreed to have the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors pursue a feasibility study and market analysis for the construction of a new nursing home facility after an architect provided the group with options for either attempting to renovate the current building or moving forward with a new building.

The cost to renovate the current facility properly was estimated at between $8 million and $9 million, with construction having to be completed while residents were living in the facility.

The cost for a new 17,400 square foot facility would be between $8 million and $9.3 million.

At the outset of Thursday’s joint special session of the three boards, Care Center Board Chair Tom Jones said the current care center was built in the 1960s.

“The building does not lend itself to current expectations for care,” Jones said. “The building is inefficient.”

Jones said the care center is in a strong position financially after people voted to support the care center with property tax dollars.

“We used some bond money for a new whirlpool bath and a sprinkler system, but we have saved more than $300,000,” Jones said.

Jones said the care residents are receiving is excellent, with surveys showing families are happy with the care their loved ones receive.

“The facility is holding us back,” Jones said. “We hired ArCuretecture to provide us with facts on renovation or building new.”

Care Center Board member and City Councilman Kent Taylor said having four people sharing one bathroom is not feasible long-term.

“The building was poured on a concrete slab so everything runs through the attic,” Taylor said. “We are at an all-time high of 35 residents now.”

Taylor said there are three ways the interlocal group could go.

“We can do nothing and people will eventually say they aren’t coming or we will have a major structural issue,” Taylor said. “We could renovate, or we look at new construction. It is not an easy decision. It is a different world than 1963.”

Jeff Ahl with ArCuretecture said the expectations for care have changed in the senior living industry.

“People expect what they can get at home,” Ahl said. “If you are not providing what they expect, they will go elsewhere. Private rooms are a necessity unless you are only dealing with Medicaid individuals.”

Ahl presented the group with three options – stabilizing the current building, renovating the current building and building an administrative addition, or replacing the existing facility.

“The center is as full as it can go now with 35 even though you are licensed for 46,” Ahl said. “Private rooms are the standard, and a new building would provide that and you would be good with all code compliance.”

After meeting with front line staff members, management and leadership teams, Ahl said several priorities were identified.

Reducing the number of residents sharing one bathroom was a top priority.

“I have never been involved with a project in 30 years where four people share a bathroom,” Ahl said.

He said the attic in the current facility is a mess.

“Your fire sprinkler system and your plumbing system are in the attic,” Ahl said. “Staff have to open sinks at the end of the corridors so the pipes don’t freeze when it gets cold.”

Ahl said more room is needed for chair lifts and bedside care, hallway congestion needs to be relieved, the medication area needs to be brought up to current code, and private family space is needed.

“In almost every way, the building there now is prohibiting staff from providing the level of care they are capable of providing,” Ahl said. “The people working here really do care about the residents. It was never about making their work life easier, it was always about making the residents’ lives better.”

Ahl said the care center has rebuilt the confidence the community has in the local facility.

“I understand the challenges you are experiencing,” Ahl said. “They are in direct alignment with what we have seen working with other older nursing homes.”

Ahl provided the group with estimates and the scope of work needed to properly renovate the current facility. He said renovation would be completed in five phases and would take three years or more to complete, as work would have to be undertaken while residents were in the facility.

He said the benefit to renovating the current facility would be the ability to phase in each improvement over time. Renovation would stabilize critical systems, renovate the interior of the facility and build an administrative addition.

The cost for the complete renovation of the current facility would be between $8 million and $9 million.

Ahl estimated the cost for a new 17,400 square foot nursing home would be between $8 million and $9.3 million and could be completed in 12 to 14 months.

“Replacement was not our expectation when we came out here,” Ahl said. “Cost wise, renovation and replacement were almost identical, which was a surprise for us. The operational challenges are significant with renovation. There would be resident discomfort and displacement during a renovation.”

Ahl said the drawback to building the new facility was it was a large up-front cost and could not be phased in. He said there would likely still need to be some money put into the existing building during the time it would take to build a new facility.

He said the benefits to building new are that all systems would be designed together and would meet all current code requirements. There would be fewer unknowns in the bidding process. There would be minimal disruptions to existing operations, and the comfort level for residents and staff would be enhanced.

Taylor said, with a new building, there would still be instances where two people share a room. Ahl said that was correct, but the rooms would be larger.

“The facility would be designed for two additions so that eventually, all rooms would be private,” Ahl said. “Each room would have an independent toilet and sink.”

Audience member Paula Peters asked, with putting an addition on the current building as part of the renovation option, could the addition be constructed for additional rooms instead of for an administrative area.

Ahl said the addition could be done to add resident rooms, but the current site had limited space to make that type of addition work.

“The width of the addition would be challenging,” Ahl said. “The office addition would work much easier and would be a lower cost per square foot.”

He said an administrative addition would free up more space in the current building.

Audience member Leanne Maxwell asked Ahl what other communities he has worked with have done when faced with a similar situation.

Ahl said most have gone with the option of fixing what they have.

“More progressive communities have built new and have shown a better ability to survive and thrive,” Ahl said. “Sutton was almost in the same situation. They couldn’t raise the funds for a new building, so they renovated and are working in phases. They raised $2 million, but they need $6 million.”

Ahl said financing new nursing home facilities is always a challenge. He said Ainsworth having affiliation with the city and the county was helpful.

“We could do a wonderful renovation of this building and end up being right back where we are now in 10 years,” Ahl said. “This building has ultimately reached the end of its useful life.”

Care Center Business Manager Mackenzie Crane said there would be nowhere to take the facility’s current residents during a major renovation.

“We would have to move them elsewhere, and we would likely not get them back,” Crane said. “There are already there for end of life, and that would not be very peaceful under renovation.”

Ahl said the loss of revenue if residents had to be relocated would be a big factor if they could not stay in the facility while the renovation work was being completed.

Audience member Tonny Beck said the reality was the area has an aging population that would not be going away anytime soon as the Baby Boomer Generation ages.

“We need to think about building a facility that can handle the demand we are going to see for the next 20 years,” Beck said. “By the time I get there, even if you renovate you are going to need a new facility anyway. Renovating is not a viable option. Spending the same money to renovate seems like a fool’s errand.”

Beck said the good news was the current facility was full.

“You’ve proven the demand,” Beck said. “That dynamic has completely changed. Thank you to all of you for the time and effort you have spent to get there. You are all to be commended. Now is the time for the next step.”

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said a new facility would likely bring people from outside the area who would want to move into a modern facility.

Care Center Board member Bruce Papstein said the reality was, if a new building was the best route, one of the two future additions would likely need to be included on the initial build.

“Otherwise, you would be doubling up on most rooms with just 25 rooms,” Papstein said.

Commissioner and Care Center Board member Dennis Bauer said, looking at the area’s demographics and with people living longer through medical advances, the need for a nursing home was not going away.

“People are staying in nursing homes longer,” Bauer said.

Councilman Dustin Barthel said the issue would come down to whether a bond for a new facility would be supported by voters.

“I think you would need to see if a bond passes,” Barthel said. “We are wasting our time if people say no.”

Taylor agreed, and said there are two years remaining on the current bonds approved by voters in the city and the county.

“To make this work, I think we need to go to one county entity instead of having two entities,” Taylor said. “We need to figure out the numbers first, but I think we need to look at going to one entity, just like the hospital.”

Bauer agreed that having one county entity made sense.

“Either entity can provide notice that it wants to be dissolved,” Bauer said.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said the group would need to see if changing the interlocal agreement would affect the care center’s licensing.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said a feasibility study would go a long way toward answering the questions of whether a new facility would work.

Ahl said a feasibility study coupled with a market analysis would be the next step in the process.

Taylor said the Care Center Board had funds available to move forward with a study.

Bauer said the Care Center Board could get that process going as quickly as possible and could check to see if moving to a county entity would affect the care center’s licensure.

Jones asked the council and commissioners if they had any problems with the Care Center Board moving forward with a study using current interlocal account funds, which are generated through the bond revenue.
Both entities indicated they were in favor of moving forward with a feasibility study and market analysis for the construction of a new care center.

The Sandhills Care Center Board meets at 5 p.m. Monday, June 8. Items relating to the discussion were placed on that agenda, including moving forward with a market analysis and feasibility study, naming a project manager to oversee all the steps in the process, and determining the process to proceed with creating a single entity.

* Commissioners vote to not pursue road vacation

(Posted 10:15 a.m. June 3)

After receiving objections from several property owners in the area, the Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved not pursuing the vacation of a road in the western part of the county.

During its May 19 meeting, the commissioners indicated an intention to begin proceedings to vacate approximately 3 miles of Road 44. Several property owners in that area attended Tuesday’s meeting to voice objections to the road being vacated.

Loren Appleman said the stretch of road the commissioners were proposing to vacate provided access to at least five property owners in that area.

Property owner Jim Edwards said he didn’t understand the need for the county to close the road, as the county does not currently spend any money to maintain the route.

“I understand you aren’t going to spend money on maintenance,” Edwards said. “There is so little traffic you couldn’t justify dumping a bunch of money into it.”

Property owner Sharon Pelc said her family has lived in that area for a long time, and she could not recall the county ever maintaining the stretch of road that was being proposed for abandonment.

“There are at least half a dozen landowners who use that road,” Pelc said.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said the county typically looks at vacating roads it does not maintain due to potential liability issues.

“You can find several little-used roads in the county that aren’t being maintained,” Turpin said. “When we look at vacating a road, we look first at access. And if it would block access, it usually doesn’t move forward.”

Turpin said the access issues that would be created for property owners in the area if the county vacated the road would have likely stopped any vacation proceedings in their tracks.

Commissioner Donnie Painter said he did not realize there were that many different property owners in that area.

“I appreciate you all coming in,” Painter said. “I learned a lot about out there I didn’t know. I want to see you continue to have access.”

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said the county would not pursue vacating the stretch of Road 44 any further.

With Commissioner Dennis Bauer absent, the board approved keeping Road 44 open.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners approved damages to three property owners created by the need to acquire land to construct road access to an isolated property in southwestern Brown County at the site of the former Game and Parks Commission’s Long Lake property.

Now owned by Grant Kobes with Hathshire Berkaway, the route to the isolated property had now been agreed to through court negotiations by all affected parties.

The commissioners obtained the services of Agri-Affiliates to re-appraise the site to determine damages Kobes would be required to pay the affected property owners for the road to be constructed to his property.

Kobes is also responsible for the cost of the road’s construction.

The report provided by Agri-Affiliates included damages of $26,633 for property owners Greg and Gale Wales, $24,090 to property owners Milligan, Mace LLC, and $13,664 to property owners Scott and Samantha Flannery.

County Attorney Andy Taylor said the damage appraisal of just over $64,000 was lower than the appraisal of more than $80,000 for the initial route that was disputed in court.

Appearing by telephone, an attorney for Kobes stated his client’s belief that total damages across all three properties should only be $4,914. The attorney disputed the inclusion of fencing on both sides of the newly created road and the width of four rods that was used by the appraiser to determine the land needed. He said the road was not a county road but private access so it did not need to be that wide, and fencing should not be a consideration.

Attorneys representing the affected property owners stated their desire to have the road fenced out for the safety of their cattle and the safety of any drivers using the road.

Taylor said the county hired Agri-Affiliates to conduct the appraisal, so he recommended the board accept that appraisal.

“Judge Kozisek requires the commissioners to assess the damages,” Taylor said. “The county previously did that and it was challenged.”

Taylor said any of the parties would have the opportunity to challenge in court any new damage assessment approved by the board.

The commissioners voted to approve the damage assessment to the three properties as indicated by the Agri-Affiliates appraisal.

Zoning Administrator Tom Jones asked the commissioners if they would like him to pursue regulations regarding data centers through the County Zoning Commission.

“Data centers are a hot topic in zoning right now,” Jones said. “You are probably aware of the pros and cons. I would recommend we develop zoning standards for siting and any water discharge.”

Jones said he had money in his existing budget to utilize the services of a company that assists counties with the creation of zoning regulations.

“I would just like to know if you would like me to proceed,” Jones said.

Dailey said he was glad to see the item on Tuesday’s agenda.

“Personally, I am not in favor of them,” Dailey said. “I think we need to go through the process and create the zoning.”

Jones said regulations would address water usage and discharge as well as the exterior appearance.

“One data center uses the same amount of water as a city of 10,000 to 50,000 people,” Jones said.

He said there were designs that included a closed system that recirculated water and would not result in water being discharged. He said that would likely be a requirement in the county’s regulations.

Audience member Marty Graff said the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District only allows for the creation of about 3,000 new irrigated acres each year, so a data center would not be able to use groundwater wells to provide the water needed.

Jones said the looped systems required an initial 1.5 million gallons of water but then did not have to have a continuous supply of new water and water would not be discharged.

An audience member said data centers should be banned in Brown County. Jones said data centers are a legitimate business recognized by the state so they cannot be banned. However, counties could create zoning regulations companies would have to follow to apply for a permit to construct a center.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said there have been companies from out of state inquiring about the construction of data centers in the region.

“Make sure you include interior and exterior designs in your regulations,” Olson said.

Jones said a data center being constructed in eastern Nebraska was more than a $1 billion project that would generate more than $4.6 million in annual property tax for that county.

Jones said the next step would be having a company create a proposed set of regulations. The Zoning Board would then work with the proposal and tailor the regulations for Brown County. The Zoning Board would then hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the commissioners. The commissioners would hold an additional public hearing before adopting any new regulations.

Jones said he would move forward with the process.

Olson reported the county had been awarded a $42,837 grant for six new computers to be placed in the sheriff’s department’s vehicles. The county was not responsible for any matching funding with the grant.

In other action items Tuesday, the commissioners approved several resolutions transferring funds among various county accounts, including a $6,000 transfer from the miscellaneous general fund to the institution fund, a transfer of $300,000 from the miscellaneous general fund to the county highway fund, a transfer of $48,700 from the miscellaneous general fund to the inheritance tax fund, a transfer of $7,084 from COVID ARPA fund to the general fund, and a transfer of $52,399 from the other capital projects Meadville Avenue fund to the general fund.

The commissioners heard requests for funding from the Brown County Historical Society and the East Woodlawn and Grand Prairie cemeteries. The historical society requested $4,500 to assist with insurance and utilities for the museum. The cemeteries requested $3,500 for assistance with maintenance and upkeep. The board acknowledged both requests and would make decisions on funding during the 2026-27 budget process.

The commissioners approved removing former Weed Superintendent Scott Erthum from all signor accounts at area banks. Tyler Buoy has been hired as the new weed superintendent.

Taylor provided the board with a minor typo that needed to be changed on the warranty deed for property on Main Street in Long Pine the county agreed to sell to Long Pine Feed Service. The commissioners approved the change to the warranty deed.

The commissioners tabled action on approving an agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation for bridge replacement projects since Bauer had to sign the agreement. The item was placed on the board’s June 16 agenda.

During his update, Turpin reported the roads department should have between $115,000 and $150,000 remaining in its budget that could be used toward paying off the recent motor grader purchase.

“It makes it easier and saves us money when we don’t have much of a winter,” Turpin said.

The commissioners ratified action on several items from the May 19 board meeting as Clerk Travee Hobbs said she had an email issue when sending notices for the May 19 board agenda.

Those items included work on the weed superintendent pickup, renewing the county’s Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan through the Nebraska Association of County Officials, and making payment on the Meadville Avenue bond interest from the highway bond fund.

Prior to adjourning, the commissioners held an executive session to conduct roads department employee performance evaluations, and an executive session with representatives from the sheriff’s department.

Following the executive session, the board approved wage increases ranging between $1.25 per hour and $1.50 per hour for six roads department employees.

The commissioners will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday in the Ainsworth Conference Center with the Ainsworth City Council and the Sandhills Care Center Board to discuss improvements to the care center building or the potential construction of a new facility.

The next regular meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. June 16.

* Area students receive degrees from UNMC

(Posted 1:30 p.m. June 1)

Diplomas and certificates were conferred on more than 1,000 University of Nebraska Medical Center students during recent graduation ceremonies.

Area students receiving degrees from UNMC include:

Mackenzie George of Ainsworth, graduating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions at Kearney

Megan Erickson of Bassett, graduating with a Doctor of Medicine degree from the UNMC College of Medicine

Benjamin Klemesrud of Bassett, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the College of Nursing West Division at Scottsbluff

Cadence Kramer of Stuart, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the College of Nursing Northern Division at Norfolk

Tessa Krolikowski of Valentine, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in medical imaging and therapeutic sciences from the College of Allied Health Professions at Kearney

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:45 a.m. June 1)

May 24

Deputies responded to a call regarding a suspicious person at the Ainsworth Airport. Deputies spoke with the individual and found everything to be ok.

Traffic stops were made throughout Brown County resulting in five speeding warnings and a warning for driving left of center.

May 25

A deputy investigated an unattended death in Long Pine.

A deputy was asked to conduct a welfare check after reports of a driver slumped down inside of a vehicle. The deputy found the driver was ok.

The Brown County Ambulance Association provided standby service during rodeo Bible camp in Johnstown.

The South Pine and Long Pine volunteer fire departments provided mutual aid for a fire near Rose.

Traffic stops were made throughout Brown County resulting in six warnings for speeding, driving left of center, and not wearing seat belts and repair orders were issued for improper defective vehicle lighting, no proof of ownership of vehicle, and no registration inside of the vehicle.

May 26

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

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

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 14 mph over the posted speed limit and a written warning for not having proof of registration inside of the vehicle.

One speeding warning and one driving on the shoulder of the highway warning were given.

May 27

A deputy asked campers in the Long Pine State Park to leave the park after Game and Parks Commission staff had continuous issues with the campers throughout the holiday weekend. The campers left the park. 

A deputy responded to notification of a bank alarm going off in Ainsworth. The deputy checked with the staff inside of the bank and everything was found to be ok.

Deputies investigated a reported party in Ainsworth that included minors consuming alcohol.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for their registration being expired for more than one year.

Two traffic stops were made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The drivers each received a citation for traveling 16 mph over the posted speed limit.

A deputy was dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle in Long Pine. The deputy was able to speak with the driver of the vehicle and found that he was with Viaero and was testing cell phone towers around the area. 

Two speeding warnings, a failure to yield the right of way warning and seat belt warnings were issued.

May 28

The sheriff looked into a report of an unsafe bicyclist on Highway 20. The bicyclist was found to not be doing anything inappropriate.

The sheriff and a deputy investigated a possible break-in to a residence in Ainsworth.

The sheriff’s office received a complaint of a semi unable to maintain its lane while driving. A deputy was able to follow the reported semi and a traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver was tired and stopped to rest for the night. The driver received a written warning for failing to maintain lane.

Two warnings for speeding were issued.

May 29

The sheriff’s office received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked at the East Cemetery on Highway 20. The reported vehicle left the cemetery shortly after the report.

One speeding warning and repair orders for no proof of insurance inside of the vehicle and improper or defective vehicle lighting were issued.

May 30

A deputy responded to a report of a calf in the roadway on Highway 20. The deputy was unable to find the calf.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183. The driver received a citation for driving 36 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver also received a written warning for not wearing a seat belt and a repair order for not having proof of current insurance.

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

A citation was issued for minor in possession of alcohol and possession of drug paraphernalia, and another citation was issued for drug paraphernalia in Ainsworth.

Four warnings for speeding were given and a repair order was given for not having insurance inside of the vehicle.

Weekly Summary
Phone calls – 940
Calls for service – 14
911 emergency calls – 11
Firearms permits purchased – 2
Vehicle titles inspected – 4
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Olberding selected for leadership program

(Posted 10 a.m. May 29)

The Nebraska Department of Education announced the nomination of three Nebraska students to attend the Great American Leadership Program at no cost this summer. The program is in partnership with the Education Department of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan to advance his legacy and principles of individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

The NDE selected three outstanding Nebraska students to represent the state at this year’s Great American Leadership Program, with one student chosen from each congressional district. Peyton Olderding of West Holt High School will represent Congressional District 3. Avery Nordhues of Lincoln East High School will represent Congressional District 1, and Nora Wessel of Omaha Central High School will represent Congressional District 2.

Held in Malibu, California, the Great American Leadership Program is a hands-on summer experience designed to help high school students grow as leaders, strengthen their understanding of American values, and build skills they can carry into college, career, and civic life.

The full program cost is $2,499 per student, making these free nominations a significant investment in Nebraska students and their future.

“Through the Great American Leadership Program, students are challenged to grow in character, confidence, and conviction while engaging deeply with the values that have shaped our nation,” said Dr. Richard Schroeder, Chief Education Programming Officer at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. “We are proud to partner with the Nebraska Department of Education to make this opportunity available to three outstanding students and to help equip the next generation of leaders for lives of purpose, service, and impact.”

“This nomination reflects our commitment to recognizing and investing in the next generation of Nebraska leaders,” said Commissioner of Education Brian Maher. “By providing three students with the opportunity to attend the Great American Leadership Program at no cost, we are opening the door to an exceptional experience that will strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of service and citizenship, and prepare them to make a meaningful impact in their schools, communities, and beyond.”

The Great American Leadership Program offers students a rare mix of leadership training, historical learning, and real-world application. Throughout the program, participants take part in interactive challenges that sharpen critical thinking, communication, and decision-making. Students also engage in small-group discussions with experienced leaders and peers who share a commitment to leadership and service.

A key part of the experience is its setting at the Reagan Presidential Library & Museum, where students receive VIP access and the chance to explore history in a deeper, more meaningful way. The program also includes a high-pressure crisis simulation, giving students the opportunity to test their judgment, teamwork, and leadership skills in a dynamic environment.

The program’s combination of leadership development, civic learning, and immersive experiences makes it a standout opportunity for students who want to grow personally and professionally while connecting with peers from across the country.

* School Board approves staff member resignation

(Posted 3:15 p.m. May 26)

During a special meeting Tuesday, the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education approved the resignation of English teacher Brady Baker that took effect upon the completion of the 2025-26 school year.

The board approved Baker’s resignation by a 4-0 vote with board members Bryan Doke and Crystal Dailey unable to attend the Tuesday special session.

Superintendent Dale Hafer said the district is actively advertising for the open position. Should a suitable replacement not be located this late in the hiring cycle, he said administration will work on alternatives to the 2026-27 schedule.

* Sheriff’s department vehicle involved in recent accident

(Posted 2:45 p.m. May 26)

The Nebraska State Patrol was requested to investigate a recent two-vehicle accident involving a Brown County Sheriff’s Department patrol vehicle on Highway 20.

According to the State Patrol investigation, at approximately 1:30 p.m. May 17 on Highway 20 west of the Long Pine hills, a Brown County Sheriff’s Department F-150 patrol vehicle, driven by Deputy Shannon Nelson, was traveling westbound and attempted to turn around and go eastbound when a collision occurred with a westbound Ford F-150, driven by Steve Salzman of Ainsworth.

No injuries were reported in the accident. Both Ford pickups were considered a total loss.

* McCarthy graduates from NCTA

(Posted 1:15 p.m. May 26)

Graduates of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture were celebrated May 7 during the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony in the Curtis Memorial Community Center, marking the culmination of two intensive years in preparation for careers across the agriculture and animal health industries.

Courtney McCarthy of Springview graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in agribusiness management and livestock from NCTA.

* Jobless rate remains low in area counties

(Posted 9:30 p.m. May 25)

Nebraska’s unemployment rate for April was 3.0 percent. The rate is down 0.1 percent from the March unemployment rate and up 0.1 percent from April 2025.

The national unemployment rate for April was 4.3 percent, unchanged from the March unemployment rate and up 0.1 percent from April 2025. Nebraska’s unemployment rate was the sixth best in the nation. South Dakota maintained its spot atop the jobless rankings in April at 2.2 percent. North Dakota stayed in second at 2.4 percent, followed by Hawaii at 2.5 percent, Vermont at 2.6 percent, Alabama at 2.8 percent and Nebraska.

The highest unemployment rate in the country in April was shared by California, Delaware and Nevada at 5.3 percent. Washington and Oregon rounded out the bottom five states at 5.2 percent unemployed.

Brown County’s April unemployment rate was 1.9 percent in April, well below the state average. Cherry, Rock and Holt counties were among the state leaders in April with jobless ratings at just 1.6 percent. Blaine County also saw a low unemployment rate at 1.7 percent, with Boyd County also better than the state average at 2.0 percent. Keya Paha County, at 3.1 percent, was the only north central Nebraska county to see a rate above the state average.

Dawson County, at 19.9 percent unemployment, continues to have the highest unemployment rate in the state after the closure of the Tyson plant in Lexington.

“Our state’s workforce keeps showing its strength and adaptability,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “It’s clear that Nebraskans are committed to their work and contributing to a stable, resilient state economy.”

Non-farm employment, the number of jobs filled in Nebraska, was 1,057,727 in April, up 10,330 from March but down 4,072 from April 2025. All of the metro areas, as well as rural Nebraska, saw growth in the number from March to April. Private industries with the most growth from March to April were the leisure and hospitality sector (up 3,540 jobs); the mining and construction sector (up 2,049 jobs); and the trade, transportation and utilities sector (up 1,326 jobs).

The largest growth during the past year came from the private education and health services sector (up 3,756 jobs), and the mining and construction sector (up 2,576 jobs).

* Area students selected for youth institute

(Posted 9 p.m. May 25)

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture received a record-breaking number of applications from high school students wanting to attend this year’s Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute with 252 students being selected to attend this year’s event.

Area students selected to attend the institute include Mia Heyden of Bassett; Rylee Fuelberth of Stuart; Anel Monasterio, Ava Hoffman, Cale Deseive, Elizabeth Olson, Kearsten Keogh and Taylor Walnofer of Atkinson; Jaylee Lechtenberg of Butte; Eli Rogers of Dunning; and Josie Shaul, River Doyle and Tygh Miller of Valentine.

Coordinated by the NDA and the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, the youth institute is a week-long summer program designed to bring students from across the state together to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with ag leaders and explore career opportunities. NDA selects students to attend the institute based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture. The institute will be held July 6-10 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.

NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm said, “It’s wonderful to see students that are passionate about agriculture. The institute provides young people, who are about to begin the next chapter of their life, with the resources necessary to help build their futures. Not only will they be making lifelong friendships and connections, but the institute will give them insight into the many different career possibilities that a job in agriculture offers so they can follow their passion.”

The institute is in its 55th year, making it the longest running ag youth program of its kind in the nation. This year’s theme “Passion Meets Purpose” represents the idea that students can turn what they care about into meaningful careers within agriculture. Through the institute, students gain the knowledge, skills and connections needed to take their passion and apply it in a way that makes a difference.

The institute features motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities as well as several hands-on learning opportunities and workshops.

The NAYC, which is comprised of 21 college-aged students selected by NDA, helps plan and facilitate the event and provide valuable insight and advice about agriculture, college coursework and career-building to the delegates.

* NCTA names dean’s list students

(Posted 11:15 a.m. May 20)

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture named dean’s list students for the spring semester. Earning dean’s list or honor roll distinction reflects the dedication students bring to their education.

This semester, 56 students achieved distinction, including 23 students named to the dean’s list with a perfect 4.0 grade point average and 33 honor roll students with a GPA range of 3.50-3.99.

Named to the dean’s list from the area were Sydney Sybrant of Bassett and Courtney McCarthy of Newport.

* Area students named to UNK dean’s list

(Posted 10:30 a.m. May 20)

The University of Nebraska at Kearney announced students who earned a place on the dean’s list for the spring 2026 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 UNK dean’s list are:

Ainsworth – Jordan Beatty

Johnstown – Jaden Lee

Bassett – Mason Hagan

Stuart – Addie Karo, Andrew Yemma, Cory Gubbels, Dawson Heiser, Lacey Paxton, Luke Ludwig and Makenna Schaaf

Atkinson – Andrew Rentschler, EmiLee Walnofer, Grant Osborne, Kelcie Osborne, Mady Kramer and Sidney Burkinshaw

Valentine – Jaycie Cox, Lainey Egelhoff, Logan Muirhead and Traven Fletcher

* County will see 10.5 percent health premium increase

(Posted 3:15 p.m. May 19)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved renewing the county’s health insurance policy through the Nebraska Association of County Officials for the 2026-27 plan year.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said the cost of the health insurance premium was increasing by 10.5 percent. He said, after a couple years of around 3 percent increases, he was afraid the county would see a more substantial increase for the upcoming year based on conversations with officials in other counties in the NACO pool.

The cost for a single employee’s premium will increase from $1,051 per month to $1,161 per month. The county pays the full cost of the premium, which includes a $2,600 deductible that the county buys down to $600 for each employee. The county pays 78 percent of the additional premium for family policies.

For employees who opt not to take health insurance through NACO, the county pays 75 percent of the single-policy premium in cash in lieu of insurance.

The board unanimously approved the NACO policy for the 2026-27 year.

In other business Tuesday, Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said the weed superintendent position had been offered to Tyler Buoy, who accepted the position and plans to start around June 1. Bauer said Buoy would have to become certified to spray noxious weeds.

During his report, Turpin said the Nebraska Department of Transportation had approved the Form 530 he submitted for the federal bridge funding the county received.

“I will keep you updated with what happens next,” the highway superintendent said.

He said the roads department hauled clay onto Redwing Road near Camp Witness and got that road firmed up before the camp opens for the summer.

The board discussed Road 44 in western Brown County after having a discussion with property owner Loren Appleman during a previous board meeting. Turpin said the road was currently an open county road.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said he would like to see the county begin proceedings to abandon that stretch of road, located in Sections 2, 3, 10 and 15 of Township 30, Range 24, and Sections 34 and 35 in Township 31, Range 24.

The board approved beginning the procedure to abandon the stretch of road, which begins with a petition to gather signatures to abandon the road.

The board also discussed placing concrete on a stretch of North Wilson Street north of the Bone Creek bridge. Commissioner Don Painter said he and Turpin visited the site. Painter said he would meet with Mike Freeman at Rolling Stone Feedyard to see how much of the project the company was willing to shoulder.

Turpin recommended the concrete be poured at a thickness of 15 inches due to the heavy truck traffic on that stretch. Bauer encouraged Turpin to try and get an estimate for the total cost of the project to present to Rolling Stone, then the board could make a decision on the project based on how much of the expense the company was willing to pay.

The board met with a representative from U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts’ office. Bauer said he would encourage the senator to try and come up with a way to expedite a program that would allow people from other countries who were willing to work in rural areas to work without the employer having to pay $120,000 to $130,000 in work visa application fees.

“There should be a way to allow people to come in legally and be productive citizens,” Bauer said. “Our employers are really struggling for workers.”

Painter said he would like to see the senator come up with a plan to make removing dilapidated housing less expensive, as current asbestos regulations make removing run-down properties cost prohibitive.

The commissioners approved making a $7,131 payment on the Meadville Avenue bond from the Highway Bond Fund as recommended by Treasurer Bruce Mitchell. He said a larger payment on the Meadville Avenue bond would be due in December.

The board approved repaying $99,327 from the county’s miscellaneous general fund to the inheritance tax fund after receiving grant money for the purchase of communications equipment for the sheriff’s office.

The board previously approved using money from the inheritance tax fund to pay for the equipment until the approved grant dollars for the project were received. Clerk Travee Hobbs said the grant funds were received May 1.

The board heard proposals from Matt Childress with Applied Connective on a backup internet network and replacing the county’s data backup server. The board took no action on the proposals.

Bauer said he placed on the agenda a potential request for the county to cover any shortfall to complete the picnic shelter portion of the pond improvement project. Bauer said he thought there might be enough in current donated funds to cover the total cost, but the initial estimate did not include electricity for the shelter, which was added later due to popular request.

Bauer said, after the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting was announced, a private donor came forward who agreed to cover the cost if there was a shortfall to complete the upgrades, so no action would be needed from the board.

“The community support for the project has been awesome,” Bauer said.

The board tabled action on assessing damages to property owners affected by the creation of a road to isolated land in southwestern Brown County.

County Attorney Andy Taylor was not able to attend Tuesday’s meeting so the board did not have information on how to assess the damage. That item was placed on the board’s next agenda.

The commissioners scheduled a special meeting with the Ainsworth City Council and the Sandhills Care Center Board for 5 p.m. June 4 to discuss whether to invest in renovating the current care center building or potentially pursuing the construction of a new facility.

That meeting will be held in the Ainsworth Conference Center.

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

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 5 p.m. May 18)

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 19
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda

Roll Call. 

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law. 

Opening Prayer. 

Pledge of Allegiance. 

Approve minutes of the 5-5-2026 regular meeting. 

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update 

Loren Appleman – Road #44 access, located in Secs 2,3,10, & 15 Twp 30 Range 24 & Sec 34 & 35, Twp 31 Range 24

Road located near Rolling Stone Feedyard replacing with concrete – Painter

1:30     Debbie with Senator Ricketts legislative update

Applied Connective – Internet backup/server proposal – Matt Childress

BC/BS Renewal rates for 2026-2027 Plan Year, Set employee contributions & Cash in Lieu – Clerk

Weed Superintendent position

Maintenance on the Weed Superintendent pickup – Dailey

Letter from Nebraska Department of Water, energy and environment regarding Niobrara Basin Management

Consider extra funding to the Pond Fund to finish stage 4 (Picnic Shelter) – Bauer

Highway Bond Interest Payment – Mitchell

Determine damages associated with the isolated land road for Hathaway Berkshire/Grant Kobes – Taylor

Resolution to repay Inheritance Fund from Miscellaneous General Fund $99,327.94. Grant funds received for dispatch equipment. Hobbs

Approve Claims 

Correspondence  

Public Comment 

* Council approves water, sewer rate increases

(Posted 2:15 p.m. May 14)

The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday approved ordinances increasing water and sewer utility rates.

The base rate for water and the base rate for sewer service will each increase by $8 per month, with the base rate for water moving from $12.50 per month to $20.50 and the base for sewer service increasing from $31 to $39 per month.

In addition, the cost per 1,000 gallons of water usage will increase from $1.55 to $2.25, with the per 1,000-gallon sewer cost going up from $2.30 to $3. The sewer usage rate is based off a customer’s January and February water consumption.

Mayor Joel Klammer said the council discussed raising the rates during its April meeting to keep up with the costs of running the water and sewer departments. Those proprietary funds are designed to bring in enough revenue to cover expenses.

With the city’s auditor encouraging the council to include the cost of bonded debt for water and sewer improvement projects into the utilities’ budgets, the water and sewer funds showed losses during each of the past two years. The auditor also encouraged the council to include a portion of administrative salaries into the water and sewer funds, as city office staff spend a portion of their time administering the funds.

The council had not raised water and sewer rates since 2019, and a study conducted by the Nebraska Rural Water Association showed Ainsworth had the lowest rates among similar-sized communities.

Audience member Bill Burchell said he contacted numerous communities in the area and provided the council with the water and sewer rates charged. Many of the communities Burchell said he contacted had rates similar to Ainsworth’s current rates.

“You are increasing water 64 percent and the per-gallon usage by 45 percent,” Burchell said. “The sewer base rate will increase 26 percent and 30 percent on the gallons used.”

Burchell said the city should have done its own legwork and called neighboring communities instead of relying on someone else for a study.

Klammer said the Rural Water Association wasn’t pushing any kind of agenda, and was just providing the city with comparisons of the rates charged by cities of similar size.

“We try to keep the rates for proprietary funds – garbage, water and sewer – as low as possible, but we want those funds to pay for the service,” the mayor said.

Councilman Dustin Barthel said the goal of the council was to make each entity self-sufficient.

“We have a problem and we have to fix it,” Barthel said. “We should have been raising rates for the last seven years.”

Audience member John Halbersleben said the city should consider making smaller annual increases instead of waiting and making large one-time increases.

“You can make smaller increases before you have to put out a fire like this,” Halbersleben said.

Klammer said the ordinances up for passage Wednesday did include an annual 3 percent increase over each of the next three years in an effort for the rates to keep up so future councils would not face the same shortfall.

Councilwoman Heather Lutter said she agreed the city should have been increasing its rates every year.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the auditor encouraged the council to include bonded debt payments for water and sewer improvements as part of each department’s expenses.

Schroedl said, previously, the council had been using sales tax dollars directed toward debt relief to make payments on the water and sewer debt. The auditor encouraged the city to include the debt as part of calculating the rates the city needs to charge for those utilities to sustain themselves.

She said the council would like to utilize the sales tax debt service funds toward a potential streets project. That department does not have the ability to generate revenue.

Audience member Randy Rau said he believed anyone who owns property in Ainsworth should be charged at least a minimal fee for water and sewer, even if they are not actively utilizing the service.

“We have people who own houses with no one living in them,” Rau said. “They are not paying for those services but they expect them to be available when and if someone moves in. You need to charge a minimum fee for vacant houses.”

Barthel said that was a good idea, but he wasn’t sure the city could charge property owners for the services if they weren’t being used.

Lutter said, “We all understand it is hard for everyone. No one is excited to pay more, but we want to get to the point where we can make some other improvements.”

She said the council could ask the city attorney if the city had the ability to charge a minimal fee for water and sewer to property owners inside the city limits who had vacant homes that weren’t utilizing the services.

With Councilman Kent Taylor absent, the council approved the increases to the water and sewer rates effective Aug. 1 and waived the three unique readings of the two ordinances. During the April discussion, Taylor said he would be gone during the May meeting but voiced his support for increasing the fees.

In other business Wednesday, the council approved allowing the Ainsworth Golf Course Board to pursue grant applications for improvements and an addition to the clubhouse.

Golf course representative Todd Kicken said the board initially looked at building a new clubhouse, but due to the cost decided to instead fix the current clubhouse and build a 16-by-25-foot addition on the south side.

Kicken said 25 feet of the west wall of the current clubhouse needed to be replaced.

“We are to the point we need to know if you are on board and we can start working on grants,” Kicken said.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said the board was working on getting all the estimates for the project put together.

“The total project should be $100,000 or less,” Olson said. “We would first have to file the plans with the Fire Marshal. I also visited with the Board of Architects and we will have to submit a plan to them also.”

Klammer asked if the group was requesting any funding for the project from the city at this point. Golf Board member Troy Brodbeck said the course was not asking for any money but just wanted to see if the council was ok with the proposal since the golf course is owned by the city.

The council approved allowing the golf course to proceed with grant applications and raise funds for the project.

The city received just one bid for Phase II of the pickleball and basketball court project at East City Park after advertising. American Playground and Recreation of South Dakota submitted a bid of just over $76,000 for Phase II, which included all materials and labor for the surfacing, the basketball hoops, pickleball nets, trash cans and benches.

After discussions on the grant funds that were available for Phase II, the council approved the bid but removed the two trash cans from the project, which dropped the bid to $74,361.

Schroedl said the council has not used any general funds for the project and had grant funds available to pay for Phase II and finish the project.

Carol Woods approached the council regarding the city’s agricultural zoning ordinance for its 1-mile jurisdiction outside city limits.

Woods said she heard a new landowner in her neighborhood planned to move in goats, pigs bucket calves and chickens onto a lot that was less than 1 acre. She said that lot is within 250 feet of her property, and she was concerned about potential odors and damage that could be caused by the animals.

“In the city limits, the limit is one goat for every one-half acre,” Woods said. “I would like to see something done with the ordinance before these animals are brought in.”

She requested the council include the same restrictions for livestock in the 1-mile zoning jurisdiction outside city limits as are enforced inside city limits.

“Would you want all these animals on your doorstep?” Woods asked.

Lutter asked Woods if she had actually spoken to the property owner regarding their plans and shared her concerns. Woods said she had not.

Klammer said the ordinances are different for town and the 1-mile jurisdiction, with farming and ranching activities currently allowed within the 1-mile zoning jurisdiction.

“Your request is to have us adopt our city limits animal restrictions into the 1-mile zone?” Klammer asked. Woods confirmed that was her request.

Councilman Brad Fiala said the city would have to consider the 1-mile zoning jurisdiction around the entire circumference of the city before making any decisions on changing ordinances.

He said the council can ask the city’s attorney to review Woods’ request.

In other action items Wednesday, the council approved renewing a contract with the North Central Development Center to manage the LB 840 program. The council will pay the NCDC a $50,000 contract to assist potential applicants with seeking LB 840 funding. An auto renewal was included for future contracts unless either party opts out.

The council approved two special designated liquor license requests related to alumni weekend. The first allows The Silver Circle Bar to close a portion of Second Street and an alley behind the business and serve alcohol during a street dance from 3 p.m. June 27 until 2 a.m. June 28.

The second allows the Sandhills Lounge to serve alcohol in the Ainsworth Conference Center from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. June 27 as part of a planned alumni luncheon.

Klammer said there had not been problems in past years with The Silver Circle’s designated licenses during alumni and, while the event in the Conference Center was new for alumni, the council had approved licenses for other events in the center in the past.

The council approved renewing its health insurance plan through the League Insurance Government Health Team. The group coverage includes a Blue Cross/Blue Shield health plan and other benefits. Schroedl said premiums for the city were increasing by 15 percent from the prior year to $29,418 per month. She said there were no other plans offered through LIGHT that had a lower premium.

Fiala said the city’s pay scale is not overwhelmingly high, so the city’s health insurance and benefits package is how the city tries to gain and keep employees.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 10.

* Petersen defeats Evnen in Secretary of State Primary

(Posted 4:15 p.m. May 13)

In one of the only close races at the state level Tuesday during the Primary Election, Scott Petersen defeated incumbent Secretary of State Robert Evnen in the Republican Party by a 55 percent to 45 percent margin. After defeating the sitting secretary, Petersen will face Democrat Sarah Slattery in the General Election.

The other Primary races for state office were not close, with Jim Pillen garnering 76 percent of the Republican vote in his re-election bid for governor. None of the other five candidates running received more than 10 percent of the Republican vote.

Pillen will face Democrat Lynne Walz in the General Election. Walz scored 91 percent of the Democratic Party vote Tuesday.

Republican Joey Spellerberg and Democrat Daniel Ebers will face off in November for state treasurer after neither faced opposition during the Primary.

Incumbent Republican Attorney General Mike Hilgers will run against Democrat Jocelyn Brasher in the General Election after neither faced opposition Tuesday.

Republican incumbent Mike Foley is the only candidate from either party running for state auditor of public accounts.

Pete Ricketts scored 82 percent of the Republican vote in his bid for a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate. Democrat Cindy Burbank picked up 89 percent of the vote in the Democratic U.S. Senate Primary. Dan Osborne announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate as an independent after losing a competitive race to Deb Fischer in 2024 for a Senate seat. Osborne did not have to appear on a Primary ballot.

In U.S. House of Representatives races, Republican 3^rd District incumbent Adrian Smith held off a Primary challenge from David Huebner, garnering 65 percent of the vote. Smith will face Democrat Becky Stille, who ran unopposed, in the General Election.

The 2^nd District race was close in the Democratic Primary Tuesday, with Denise Powell picking up 39 percent of the vote to edge John Cavanaugh by 2 percent in the six-candidate field. Powell faces Republican Brinker Harding in the General Election. Harding ran unopposed in the Primary.

Incumbent 1^st District Rep. Mike Flood ran unopposed in the Republican Primary and will see Democrat Chris Backemeyer in the General Election. Backemeyer defeated Eric Moyer in the Primary by a 57 percent to 43 percent margin.

Tonny Beck of Ainsworth and incumbent Mark Monroe of Valentine advanced to the General Election for an at-large seat on the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District Board. Beck led the race with 37 percent of the vote. Monroe advanced with 34 percent of the vote. Jeff Ward finished third Tuesday with 29 percent of the vote and will not advance to the November race.

* Dailey, Jones, Nilson win Brown County races

(Posted 9:15 p.m. May 12)

During Tuesday’s Primary Election, Republicans Jeremiah Dailey and Thomas Jones won the four-way race for two seats on the Brown County Board of Commissioners. Dailey, an incumbent, received 761 votes to lead the field, and Jones secured the second seat with 537 votes.

Patrick Brede finished with 342 votes for third, followed closely by Eric (Sherm) Goochey with 311 votes. Republican voters could select up to two of the four candidates.

With no candidates from the Democratic Party running in November, Dailey and Jones will earn seats on the Board of Commissioners.

In the Republican Party race for Brown County Sheriff, challenger Aaron Nilson picked up 631 votes to defeat incumbent Sheriff Brent Deibler, who earned 413 votes. With no candidates from the Democratic Party in the race, Nilson will be elected in November.

A total of 1,127 votes were cast in the Primary Election in Brown County from the 2,053 registered voters for a turnout of 54.89 percent.  Of those, 1,046 were from the Republican Party, 46 were from the Democratic Party, and 34 non-partisan ballots were cast.

KBRB will air results from regional and statewide races on Wednesday.

* Smith, Buoy win Rock County Commissioners race

(Posted 9 p.m. Mat 12)

In the Rock County Republican Primary Tuesday, the race for the second commissioner seat was extremely close, with just 12 votes separating second from third. Incumbent Faye Smith received 315 votes to lead the four-way race for two seats. The second seat went to Tyler Buoy, who received 268 votes to 256 for incumbent Colby Sybrant, who will not advance. Duane Pfister picked up 40 votes to finish fourth in the race.

Smith and Buoy advance to November, where they will not face opposition from the Democratic Party.

Eight candidates were on the non-partisan ballot for the Rock County Public Schools Board of Education. Six of the eight advanced Tuesday to the General Election, where three will earn School Board seats.

Courtney Knox led the field with 281 votes. Also advancing to the November General Election were Kasey Foster with 260 votes, Becca Kroll with 242 votes, Tamra Blake with 196 votes, Lucas Fischer with 170 votes, and Josh Severin with 89 votes.

Tammi Nielsen finished seventh among the eight candidates with 78 votes, followed by Johanna Babcock with 75 votes. Those two candidates will not advance to the General Election. Voters could select up to three of the eight candidates appearing on the ballot.

A total of 512 ballots were cast in Rock County from the 1,056 registered voters for a turnout of 48.48 percent.

* Nilson, Frederick re-elected Keya Paha County Commissioners

(Posted 9 p.m. May 12)

In Keya Paha County, two commissioner races were contested on the Republican Primary ballot Tuesday during the Primary Election. In the East District Commissioner race, incumbent John Frederick defeated Thomas Munk by a tight 15-vote margin, 66-51, to advance to November. With no one running from the Democratic Party, Frederick will be re-elected to a seat on the Board of Commissioners.

In the Center District Commissioner race, incumbent Corey Nilson secured another term with 67 votes to defeat Cameron Mizner, who received 34 votes. Nilson advances to November, where he will run unopposed.

A total of 304 votes were cast in Keya Paha County, 290 by Republicans, 13 by Democrats and one non-partisan vote. Voter turnout was just under 50 percent at 49.19 percent.

* Care Center Board discusses grant applications

(Posted 2:30 p.m. May 12)

The Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors heard updates Monday on grant applications that have been submitted for improvements to the care center, even while contemplating whether to try and move forward with constructing a new facility.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson reported both Congressman Adrian Smith and Senator Deb Fischer advanced the center’s federal funding application. The NCDC applied for a $1.35 million federal allocation to make improvements to the facility. The care center would be responsible for providing more than $400,000 in matching funds. Facility infrastructure projects were identified for upgrades with the funding.

Olson said she also submitted an energy grant for the facility prior to the April 15 deadline. If awarded, the facility would receive $100,000 in energy efficiency funds to replace the windows of the care center and improve insulation in the attic. Olson said the funding would have to be spent by Oct. 31 if awarded. She said she worked with the architect to put together the specifications on the energy efficiency project and had everything quoted.

The care center plans to request the Ainsworth City Council and Brown County Commissioners meet in a joint session with the Care Center Board in early June to discuss either moving forward with repairs to the current facility or work toward building a new care center.

In other business Monday, Administrator Penny Jacobs reported the Sandhills Care Center is now home to 32 residents, with six new residents admitted during the past month. Two residents were discharged from the facility in the past month, with two resident deaths. Of the 32 residents, 13 are from Ainsworth, 12 are from Cherry County, four are from rural Brown County and there is one resident each from Long Pine, Rock County and Keya Paha County.

Of the 32 residents, 13 pay privately, 14 receive Medicaid Assistance, three receive Medicare assistance and two residents receive hospice Medicaid care.

Jacobs said two CNAs have been hired to assist with weekends, but the care center was still in need of nursing staff as well as additional employees in the housekeeping and dietary departments.

Jacobs reported the care center had an issue with its commercial dryer. She said, while a temporary fix was made to get the dryer working, the unit would either need permanently repaired or a new commercial unit would need to be ordered.

The board opted to approve a bid of $2,398 from Mid Dakota to repair the current dryer.

During April, the Sandhills Care Center generated $280,032 in revenue with expenses of $283,307 for a net loss of $3,275 for the month. That total does not include the $8,865 the care center received from the voter-approved property tax levy funds during the month.

Board member Dennis Bauer asked Business Manager Makenzie Crane not to include the tax levy collections in future monthly profit and loss statements so the board could easily see the facility’s financial performance without the levy funds.

In paying claims for the month, the board opted to use its interlocal account to make the $24,000 payment to ArCuretecture of Kearney to assist with plans for facility upgrades as well as plans for the construction of a new care center. The interlocal account was also used to pay a $611 claim from Ainsworth Electric Motor to wire in the new whirlpool bath that was recently purchased.

The care center will hold a Memorial Day program at 2 p.m. May 22 that is open to the public.

The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 8.

* School Board increases meal prices for 2026-27

(Posted 5:45 a.m. May 12)

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education Monday approved increases for school breakfast and lunch prices as recommended by the district’s meal provider.

Superintendent Dale Hafer said there is a tool that calculates recommended pricing to ensure the district remains eligible to receive free and reduced-price meal federal reimbursement.

The price for breakfast for students will increase by 10 cents per meal, with lunch prices increasing by 20 cents per meal.

The board approved the recommended increases.

In other business Monday, the board approved a contract with Educational Service Unit 17 for special education, technology and nursing services for the 2026-27 school year. Hafer said the contract for special education services decreased from the current year, while the contract for nursing services increased by about 3 percent.

The board approved the $587,204 contract with ESU 17 for the next school year.

The board approved a $99,000 quote from 20/20 Technologies of McCook to replace the district’s internet hardware. Hafer said the quote includes new wiring, access and switches for the district’s network.

“This would keep our network solid for the next decade,” the superintendent said.

He said the federal Universal Services Fund has Category 2 E-Rate Funds available that would cover 70 percent of the cost of the project. If the funds are awarded, the district would be responsible for about $35,000 to complete the upgrades.

The board approved the quote pending approval of the federal funding being awarded for the project.

The board approved the implementation of a professional development scholarship program for teachers.

Board President Brad Wilkins said he, board member Crystal Dailey and Hafer had met with teachers regarding the district potentially helping to cost-share professional development opportunities.

Wilkins said an application has been created, and a committee would review applications and would award cost-share scholarships with funds available.

Dailey said the group planned to start simple with the program and see where it goes.

Hafer said, in a given year, there may be three or four scholarships awarded at a total cost of between $4,000 and $5,000. He said the teacher applying for the funds would be responsible for a portion of the cost of attending a professional development opportunity.

The board approved the implementation of the scholarship program.

In a final action item, the board approved an option enrollment requested by Josh and Ashley Titus for their son Dylan Titus to attend Keya Paha County Public Schools for the 2026-27 school year. Titus will be a high school junior.

Ainsworth sixth-grade students Matthew Clingman, Ty Ruhter and Kevin Gomez presented their state champion National History Day junior group exhibit. The exhibit, which highlighted New Deal era post office murals, captured the state championship to qualify the students for the National History Day Contest in Maryland in June. The group also earned the NebraskaLand Foundation Award for the junior division for the best junior entry featuring Nebraska history.

Ainsworth FFA Chapter President Londyn Dunbar and Reporter Lily Beel presented the board with an update on the organization’s activities during the school year.

Dunbar said the FFA appreciated the support of the board and superintendent. She said 21 FFA members attended the state convention and 12 attended the national convention. She said the chapter helped collect 83 pints of blood during a community blood drive and provided several educational activities for elementary students.

Sam Stecker, representing the company Franklin Covey, presented information on the district potentially implementing the company’s “Leader in Me” material into its curriculum.

Stecker said 40 schools in Nebraska currently participate in the program that provides professional development for staff and curriculum for students. He said the curriculum consists of 15 to 20-minute sessions four days per week on the seven habits of effective leadership.

Wilkins said he was excited about potentially implementing the program, which would teach leadership skills to students and teachers.

“I am not sure we are doing a good job of teaching kids to be leaders,” Wilkins said. “It is important to find ways for all kids to be leaders in the areas where they are gifted. This might give us a platform to develop those skills.”

Dailey said some groups and organizations do a good job with training on leadership, but not all students participate in those groups.

Wilkins said the program would fit nicely with the district’s strategic plan of giving students marketable skills and getting them prepared for the future.

Board member Jessica Pozehl said she felt the district did develop some leaders, but those leaders stick out.

“I don’t think we are teaching everyone to be a leader,” Pozehl said.

Hafer said he felt the program was worth exploring.

“How do we build good citizens and good leaders?” Hafer asked. “This might be a good opportunity to take things to the next level.”

Stecker said the average cost to implement the program, depending on how the district wanted to individually tailor it, is around $18,000 per year over four years. He said some districts spend more, some spend less.

Hafer said there was potentially an opportunity to coordinate the program with other districts in the area through the ESU. No action was taken, as Hafer said he would provide more information to the board during a future meeting.

During his report, Activities Director Luke Wroblewski said the district was still looking for a head football coach, head boys basketball coach, head girls wrestling coach and an assistant football coach for the 2026-27 season.

Madison Phares was named the Ainsworth High School Harriet Hughes Fine Arts Student of the Year during an awards night last week. Phares also received the National Choral Award and the Outstanding Varsity Speaker in speech.

William Bilftoft received the John Phillip Sousa Award in Band and the Senior Oratory Award in speech.

During his report, Hafer said the transportation, building and grounds committee moved forward with the purchase of a 2025 Jeep Wagoneer from First Class Auto to replace a 2011 van. The district received $6,000 on the 2011 van, so the cost of the Wagoneer is $49,000. Hafer said the vehicle has 24,000 miles on it, and First Class Auto would provide a warranty on the vehicle.

“Our local dealers really take care of us well,” the superintendent said.

Hafer said the district was still in need of one or two full-time paraprofessionals as well as a full-time custodian. All certified staff positions have been filled for the 2026-27 school year.

Hafer and Pozehl discussed the potential of implementing GeoComm mapping for the district’s facilities. The project would allow emergency responders and other officials to provide detailed digital maps to allow them to better support the school during any emergency situation. The mapping would include things like shut-off valves for gas and water lines.

“If there is a gas leak, more people would be aware of where the shut-off valve is located,” Pozehl said. “Right now, we use a lot of paper maps.”

Hafer said, if there was a water leak and a custodian was not available, dispatchers could identify the site and guide someone to the valve shut-off.

Pozehl said the cost would be about $5,000 to implement initially with an annual fee of between $650 and $1,000 per year to maintain the mapping system. The item will be placed on a future agenda.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 8.

* Culvert work begins next week on Highway 83

(Posted 2:30 p.m. May 11)

Weather permitting, work will begin May 18 on Highway 83 south of Valentine between milepost 188 and milepost 193, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Van Kirk Sand & Gravel, Inc. of Sutton is the contractor for the project. Work includes removal and replacement of five roadway culverts. Traffic will be maintained with one-lane restrictions and temporary traffic signals. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is November.

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

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 8:45 a.m. May 11)

May 3

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

A deputy was asked to confirm the smell of propane near a residence in Long Pine.

May 4

A traffic stop was conducted on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for driving left of center and on the shoulder of the highway.

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

May 5

A deputy investigated a report of harassment in Ainsworth. The deputy spoke with the reported person.

Deputies investigated a report of dead calves being dumped off a bridge into a creek in rural Brown County. The owner of the calves was contacted and issued a citation for not properly disposing of a dead animal.

The Long Pine and Ainsworth volunteer fire departments responded to a report of a possible chemical spill and cloud near the Highway 20 and Highway 183 intersection.

May 6

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

The sheriff spoke with an individual about their compost setup.

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

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

Three written warnings for speeding were given in Brown County.

May 7

A deputy investigated a complaint of a reckless driver in rural Brown County.

May 8

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

May 9

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

Two written warnings were given for speeding and a repair order was given for improper and defective vehicle lighting.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is partaking in a selective overtime enforcement “Make it Click” grant. The enforcement period runs from May 15-31. Please buckle up and make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seat belt.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 787
Calls for service – 6
911 emergency calls – 9
Vehicle titles inspected – 6
Firearms permits purchased – 1

* Wayne State College awards degrees to area students

(Posted 7:30 a.m. May 11)

Wayne State College held commencement ceremonies for graduate students Friday and Saturday. A total of 637 degrees were conferred by Wayne State President Marysz Rames. Those students receiving their degrees include 482 undergraduates and 155 graduate students.

Area students receiving degrees from Wayne State College are:

Ainsworth
Britley Elaine Beck, a Master of Science in Education degree in curriculum and instruction leadership/reading and specialist PK-12
Cameryn Danae Goochey, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in sports management
Madelyn Danielle Goochey, graduating Summa Cum Laude a Bacher of Science degree in elementary education and special education
Brandt Murphy, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science

Bassett
Christy Sue Clay, a Master of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies/communication and leadership
Carson Washington Shaw, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art

Newport
Samantha Jo Connell, a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication/digital film production and theory

Atkinson
Olivia Marie Jarman, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice – forensic technician

Naper
Paige Drueke, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration/agri-business and finance

* Area students receive degrees from UN-L

(Posted 7 a.m. May 11)

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln conferred a record 3,885 degrees during commencement exercises May 8-9. The 3,762 graduates — also a record — are from 61 countries; 45 U.S. states and the District of Columbia; and more than 230 Nebraska communities.

DeMoine Adams, motivational speaker and former Husker football student-athlete, delivered the keynote address, “The Power of People,” during the morning undergraduate ceremony.

Area students who received degrees from UN-L are:

Ainsworth
Grant Allan Taylor, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Elizabeth A. Wilkins, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication with high distinction.

Long Pine
Lauren Marie Ortner, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Thomas Ryan Ortner, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness.

Atkinson
Joseph Edward Ciserella III, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Valentine
Conner Eugene Fowler, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife.

* Area counties eligible for disaster loans from FSA

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

Governor Jim Pillen announced the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency will provide loan assistance to farmers who are in counties impacted by drought. 

The disaster declaration applies to three primary counties and 10 contiguous counties. The primary counties are Keya Paha, Rock and Logan counties. Any counties contiguous to the primary counties are also eligible. Those counties are Brown, Holt, Cherry, Boyd, Blaine, Custer, Thomas, Loup, McPherson and Lincoln counties.

Pillen said, “I appreciate the designation provided through the USDA, as we know that many counties in the central and western part of the state have been under sustained drought conditions. The ability of farmers to access this assistance to help them through this season, will be critical.”

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with additional information.

* Ainsworth Community Schools Academic Awards winners

(Posted 3:15 p.m. May 7)

Ainsworth Community Schools
Academic Awards

Principal’s Leadership Award – Megan Jones
Highest ACT English score – Erick Hitchcock

Highest ACT Reading score – Erick Hitchcock

Highest ACT Math score – Jaylee Good

Highest ACT Science score – Erick Hitchcock

Pre-ACT Highest English score – Teigan Marbry

Pre-ACT Highest Reading score – Raelynn Reagan

Pre-ACT Highest Math score – Mickal Crisman

Pre-ACT Highest 8-9 English score – Kristopher Hitchcock

Pre-ACT Highest 8-9 Reading score – Kristopher Hitchcock

Pre-ACT Highest Grade 9 Math score – Kristopher Hitchcock

Pre-ACT Highest Science score – Ben Clingman, Addilyn Doke and Kristopher Hitchcock

Fastbridge Highest eMath score – Kristopher Hitchcock

Fastbridge Highest Automaticity score – Mickal Crisman

Science

Biology

Friendly Neighbor – Raelynn Reagan

Mad Scientist – Ryan Kerrigan

Extra Mile – Ben Clingman

Awesome Attitude – Krystel Meneses Merino

Rising Star – Zaine Evans and John Lewis

Academic Excellence – Skylear Flageolle

College Biology

Rising Star – Adysson Sears

Academic Excellence – Payton Moody

Anatomy and Physiology Academic Excellence – Addah Booth

Physical Science

Academic Excellence – Addilyn Doke

Awesome Attitude – Marissa Phares

Extra Mile – Ava Graff

Friendly Neighbor – Cesar Guichard Mingo

Mad Scientist – Holden Beel

Rising Star – Barrett Keller

Earth Science

Academic Excellence – Addison Held

Awesome Attitude – Gracyn Painter

Extra Mile – Branden Freudenburg and Kenley Welke

Friendly Neighbor – Braylin Rudnick

Mad Scientist – Holden Beel

Rising Star – Madison Palmer

Chemistry

Academic Excellence – Jaylee Good and Kiley Orton

Awesome Attitude – Willa Flynn

Extra Mile – Damian Hernandez

Friendly Neighbor – Londyn Dunbar

Mad Scientist – Brayden Ziemba

Rising Star – Adolfo Rojas Salazar

Physics

Academic Excellence – Jace Johnson

Mad Scientist – Sam Titus

English

English I Outstanding Achievement – Addilyn Doke and Payton Sears

English III Outstanding Achievement – Erick Hitchcock, Jaylee Good, Addison Held and Puridy Haley

Composition I Outstanding Achievement – Payton Moody and Madison Phares

Composition II Outstanding Achievement – Megan Jones and Addyson Sears

English II Outstanding Achievement – Raelynn Reagan

Speech Communications Best Storyteller – Trevor Pike

Math

Technical Math Student of the Year – Addison Held

Geometry Student of the Year – Kristofer Hitchcock

Precalculus Outstanding Achievement – Jaylee Good

Precalculus Outstanding Dedication – Kiley Orton, Londyn Dunbar, Christopher Fernandez, Axel Gress Luna, Jace Johnson, Adolfo Rojas Salazar and Sam Titus

Algebra II Outstanding Achievement – Mickal Crisman, Tiegen Marbry, Puridy Haley and Ben Clingman

Algebra I Outstanding Achievement – Gracyn Sisson

Algebra I Outstanding Dedication – Tinley Buechle and Treyton Allen

Social Studies

Government Students of the Year – Colby Beegle, William Biltoft and Jace Johnson

Government Future Politician – Sam Titus

Psychology/Sociology Outstanding Achievement – Madison Phares, Jace Johnson and Gracyn Painter

Social Studies Outstanding Achievement – Reagan Moody, Addilyn Doke, Payton Sears and Kristofer Hitchcock

Social Studies Most Improved – Brock Contreras

World History Excellence – Raelynn Reagan and Ben Clingman

World History Most Improved – Zaine Evans

American History Excellence – Willa Flynn, Addison Held, Jaylee Good and Londyn Dunbar

American History Most Improved – Branden Freudenburg

Physical Education

Strength Class Lifter of the Year – Witten Painter and Chris Fernandez

Spanish

Spanish I Student of the Year – Addilyn Doke, Bailee Rea and Erick Hitchcock

Spanish II Student of the Year – Raelynn Reagan

Family and Consumer Science

Food and Nutrition Outstanding Achievement – Jessica Clingman

Dual Credit Medical Terminology Outstanding Achievement – Jaylee Good

Dual Credit Nutrition Outstanding Achievement – Kiley Orton

Public Speaking Outstanding Achievement – Jaxon Rucker and Raelynn Reagan

Interpersonal Relationships Outstanding Achievement – Annick Altamirano

Life and Career Readiness Outstanding Achievement – Puridy Haley

Agricultural Education

Ag Leadership Outstanding Student – Londyn Dunbar and Cesar Guichard Mingo

Agribusiness Outstanding Student – Megan Jones

Plant Science Outstanding Student – Annick Altamirano

Animal and Vet Science Outstanding Student – Addison Held

Industrial Technology Students of the Year – Holden Beel, Branden Freudenburg and Witten Painter

Business

Account Outstanding Student – Ryan Kerrigan

Computer Science Semester 1 – Raelynn Reagan

Computer Science Semester 2 – Ben Clingman

Information Technology – David Cook

Web Site Design – Brayden Ziemba

Art

Artist of the Year – Annick Altamirano

Drawing Student of the Year – Natalie Auten, Willa Flynn and Addison Held

Beginning Artist of the Year – Fernanda Nucamendi and Bailee Rea

Painting Student of the Year – Madison Palmer and Teigan Marbry

Graphic Design Student of the Year – Brian Eick and Talone Tripp

Pottery Student of the Year – Gracyn Painter and Zaine Evans

Artistic Honorable Mention – Addilyn Doke and Sandra Krystel Meneses

Niobrara Valley Conference All-Conference Scholastic Awards – Jaylee Good and Erick Hitchcock

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 2:45 p.m. May 7)

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

Johanna M. Missak, age 57, of Omaha, charged with speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, fined $200.

Aaron J. Rea, 55, of Windsor, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Allie K. Stephen, 20, of Mitchell, S.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Jaford D. Burgad, 62, of Fargo, N.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Kelly J. Mayfield, 20, of Burwell, tobacco or electronic nicotine use under the age of 21, court costs only judgment.

Mark R. Miller, 58, of Glenview, Ill., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

Charles O. Olson, 24, of Valentine, driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or greater, $500, also sentenced to two days in jail with credit for one day served, six months of probation, driver’s license revoked for one year and ordered to install an ignition interlock device.

Dustin S. Privett, 28, of Ainsworth, no proof of insurance, $100.

Andres I. Milian, 54, of South Sioux City, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

Alvarez I. Carlos Alfredo, 21, of St. Cloud, Minn., possession of drug paraphernalia, $100; also charged with possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50.

Ryan G. Boots, 23, of Driscoll, N.D., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Thomas Abel Hernandez Salas, 36, of Ainsworth, no valid registration, $25.

Jacob D. Rath, 29, of Norfolk, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Oscar M. Gonzalez, 47, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75; no operator’s license, $75.

Titus M. Tschetter, 20, of Flandreau, S.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Jason W. Good, 55, of Ainsworth, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

James J. Bughman, 68, of Casper, Wyo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Samuel D. Van Vleet, 21, of West Fargo, N.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

* Commissioners discuss roads items Tuesday

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

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday discussed a request from Rolling Stone Feed Yard to place concrete north of the bridge on Wilson Street that is used extensively by the company.

Commissioner Don Painter said he was approached by representatives from the feed yard, who offered to assist in paying the cost to place concrete on an approximately 100- by 75-foot stretch of Wilson Street north of the Bone Creek bridge.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said the roads department could smooth up the stretch of road with some cold mix asphalt, but with the heavy equipment that utilizes the road asphalt would only be a temporary fix for the rough stretch of road.

“Rolling Stone has been good to work with in the past,” Turpin said.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said the approximate cost of the concrete would be between $35,000 and $40,000.

“It is rough, so I’m not opposed to it,” Bauer said.

Painter said he would check back with Rolling Stone to see how much of the cost the company would be willing to pay for the concrete work.

In another roads item Tuesday, Loren Appleman approached the board regarding a road access issue in western Brown County.

Appleman asked if a portion of a road near his property was a county road or if it had been abandoned. Appleman told the board he currently had access to his property, but it was through a $1,400 annual easement paid to a neighboring property owner.

Bauer said an old bridge near the area had been abandoned by the county. He asked Turpin to look into whether the stretch of road in question had also been abandoned.

During his report, Turpin said the roads department had utilized the recent moisture to blade roads in the county.

“I about forgot how to blade a road that had actual moisture,” the highway superintendent said. “It helps a lot.”

Turpin reported the roads department had installed several culverts in the county, including three near the Bar 25 Road. He said the department planned to mix up a batch of cold mix asphalt to use on the Elsmere Road.

Turpin said he inspected two bridges over Plum Creek and two across Goose Creek. He said the Stewart Bridge on Goose Creek may be on its last year of being able to pass an inspection.

“It is one we have scheduled to replace,” Turpin said.

The highway superintendent reported he completed and submitted the NDOT form needed for the county to receive the federal funds the county was awarded to replace several bridges. He said the engineering firm and environmental company have been lined up for the projects.

Jay Jenkins with the University of Nebraska Extension presented the commissioners with the Extension’s budget request for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The cost to fund the extension office is split between Brown, Rock and Keya Paha counties.

Bauer questioned why the Extension was asking for a $5,000 increase from the previous year’s budget when it turned back about $4,500 from the last budget.

Jenkins said the Extension office had been down an educator for the past year, and was down two educators at one point.

“We want to provide a budget so that when we fill that open position they have the money to do their job,” Jenkins said. “Even though we didn’t spend it all last year, we want to have it available should that position be filled.”

Bauer said it also appeared the Extension budget included an approximate 8 percent increase for wages.

“We haven’t been giving that big an increase in the county,” Bauer said.

Jenkins said, while there was a small increase for Mary Jo McCall included, part of the increase was to hire an intern for the summer.

Bauer said the commissioners would take the budget request under advisement and would see how the other budgets shake out as the board begins work on the 2026-27 fiscal year budget.

Jenkins also introduced Extension Educator Keesha Albrecht, who had been hired to fill the 4-H educator position with the BKR office.

Albrecht said she was originally from the Brewster area and had worked in the Thomas County Extension office.

The commissioners opted to make no changes to solid waste fees charged to property owners Teresa Sladek and Janet Huggins. The board determined, while Sladek and Huggins were paying another entity for trash pickup, the actual fees for the solid waste itself would still need to be collected by the county as those properties are included in the county’s portion of the KBR Solid Waste Compact.

The documentation submitted by the two property owners requesting the removal of fees were for garbage pickup service only, not the actual fee for solid waste as part of the compact.

The commissioners opted to keep a 2011 Ford F-150 that was damaged in a collision recently. EMC Insurance, the provider for the driver of the vehicle that struck the county pickup, offered the county $6,809 should the county decide to keep the pickup, which was deemed a total loss. Or, if the county relinquished the vehicle, the company would pay $8,075.

Painter said the pickup has 194,000 miles on it. Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said he felt the county should keep the pickup and look at replacing the box that was damaged.

“We can find another box to put on it,” Dailey said.

Painter said, “We can’t replace it for $8,000 if it is still useable.”

County Attorney Andy Taylor reported Sandhills Title Co. of Valentine had completed warranty deed work on property owned by the county on Main Street in Long Pine.

Taylor said there are no liens on the parcel and the county has a clean title. He said the county could release the deed when Long Pine Feed Service provided payment for the parcel. Long Pine Feed Service submitted a bid to purchase the parcel located next to the business on Main Street. The board approved having Bauer sign the deed when payment was provided to the county for the property.

Prior to adjourning, Bauer reported the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission planned to stock 250 rainbow trout in the community fishing pond on Thursday. Bauer said, for anyone planning to keep rainbow trout, the limit was five trout per day with a possession limit of 10. He encouraged adults to consider catch and release so the trout would be available for youth to catch.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. May 19.

* Area students named Academic All-State by NSAA

(Posted 8:45 a.m. May 6)

The Nebraska School Activities Association announced the student recipients of the spring Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association Academic All -State awards. 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 an NSAA activity.

Area students receiving spring Academic All-State awards are:

Ainsworth
Carson Koch and Bear Rea in boys golf, Erick Hitchcock and Jonathan Strand in music, Chris Fernandez and Sam Titus in boys track and field, and Willa Flynn and Kiley Orton in girls track and field

Keya Paha County
Zachary Wiebelhaus in boys golf, and Karlene Kepler in girls track and field

Rock County
Brandt LeZotte in boys golf, Eliesha Moravec and Kade Wiiest in music, Trey Anthony and Noah Seberger in boys track and field, and Ireland Buell in girls track and field

Stuart
Seth Connot and Thomas Paxton in boys golf, Maddux Alder and Jasmine Davis in journalism, Maddux Alder in music, Cameron Kaup and Kayde Ramm in boys track and field, and Kemberlyn Kohle and Paityn Sheffield in girls track and field

West Holt
Dominick Ogden and Hayden Ruda in boys golf, David Armstrong and Ava Hoffman in music, Marek Dvorak and Brody Galyen in boys track and field, and Ava Hoffman and Madalyn Pistulka in girls track and field

Sandhills
Connor Sutton in boys track and field, and Paizley Zutavern in girls track and field

Boyd County
Ben Schmitz and Will Nelson in boys track and field, and Jaylee Lechtenberg and Kaylee Warnke in girls track and field

Valentine
Brenden Battershaw and Reeves Witte in boys golf, Katelyn Bitner and Leighton Reagle in journalism, Landen Mooney and Hope Woodraska in music, Dominic Beebout and Isaac Utecht in boys track and field, and Aubrey Benson and Maeli Patterson in girls track and field

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:15 a.m. May 5)

April 26

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The driver was given repair orders for not having registration and proof of insurance. The driver also received a written warning for driving left of center.  

The sheriff’s office received reports of two vehicles in Ainsworth that were driving at a high rate of speed. A deputy responded and patrolled the area for the reported vehicle.

The sheriff’s office received reports of a horse on Highway 20. The owner of the horse was contacted, and the horse was removed from the roadway.

The sheriff, deputies, Ainsworth and Long Pine Volunteer Fire departments and the Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a two-vehicle accident on Highway 20 at the 9A Spur intersection near Long Pine.

Deputies responded to reports of a vehicle in Ainsworth doing “cookies” in a yard near a residence. This is an ongoing investigation.

Long Pine and Ainsworth Volunteer Fire departments responded to a fire on Highway 183.

Deputies were asked to perform a welfare check on a person in Ainsworth. The person was found to be ok.

April 27

The sheriff and a deputy assisted with a lock down drill at Ainsworth Community Schools. 

Deputies attended mental health and substance abuse training in Valentine.

April 28

A deputy trained and certified a neighboring county to use Axon tasers.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a possible fire in Ainsworth.

A deputy assisted with getting a bull off the road in rural Brown County.

A deputy responded to a report of two vehicles “hot rodding” in Ainsworth and doing “cookies” on county roads. The two reported vehicles were found, and the drivers of the vehicles were issued citations on charges of careless driving.

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

April 29

A deputy responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle parked at a business in Ainsworth. The owner of the vehicle was contacted, and the vehicle was going to be moved later in the week.

The sheriff’s office was given a lost wallet. A deputy returned the wallet to its owner.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth. The driver was given a written warning for not having a license plate on their vehicle and no proof of insurance.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a vehicle not maintaining its lane driving on Highway 20. A deputy initiated a traffic stop on the reported vehicle. The deputy checked for signs of impaired driving and issued a written warning for driving on the shoulder of the highway.

April 30

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported fire near Highway 183.

A deputy investigated a dog attacking livestock near Ainsworth. The owner of the dog received a citation for a dangerous dog.

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

May 1

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a possible fire near Highway 20 east of Ainsworth.

The sheriff’s office is investigating tarp arrows in the ditches in rural Brown County.

The sheriff’s office received reports of a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed without its headlights on in Long Pine.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 928
Calls for service – 16
911 emergency calls – 13
Vehicle titles inspected – 4
Firearms permits purchased – 1
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Area students set to graduate from UNK May 8

(Posted 12:30 p.m. May 4)

Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred for 739 spring graduates at University of Nebraska at Kearney commencement exercises 10 a.m. Friday, May 8, in the Health and Sports Center.

Area students set to receive degrees from UNK include:

Ainsworth
Allison Arens, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
Haley Hunter, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.

Purdum
Elizabeth Smith, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree in K-12 special education.

Bassett
Tate Kuchera, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial distribution.

Stuart
Maxine Leick, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in English.

Valentine
Troy Nelson, graduating with a Master of Arts in Education degree in physical education.

* Storer discusses 2026 legislative session

(Posted 8:45 a.m. May 4)

Nebraska 43rd District State Sen. Tanya Storer discussed the recently completed 2026 session of the Nebraska Legislature.

The conversation between Storer and KBRB’s Graig Kinzie can be heard below.

* Ainsworth holds Athletic Awards banquet Tuesday

(Posted 10 a.m. April 29)

Witten Painter was the sole Ainsworth High School senior to receive a 12-sport athlete award Tuesday during the 58^th annual All-Sports Tailgate Party, hosted by the Ainsworth Lions Club.

Not only was Painter a 12-sport athlete, he received letters in football, basketball and track and field in each of his four high school seasons.

Senior Chris Fernandez will finish his career with 11 letters, four each in football and basketball and three in track and field.

Seniors Megan Jones and Adolfo Rojas Salazar were named the John Nelson Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2025-26 seasons.

Witten Painter and junior Gracyn Painter were named the Lifters of the Year.

Cheer coach Juli Murphy and pom coaches Britley Beck and Chera Sisson recognized participants and named the 2026-27 Bulldog cheer and pom squads.

In fall sports, cross country coaches Trey Schlueter and Katie Winters presented the Girls MVP award to freshman Reagan Moody. Moody finished sixth in the Class D State Cross Country Championships and beat 98 percent of the runners she raced during the season. She helped the girls team to a district title.

The Boys Cross Country MVP was presented to junior Holden Beel, who qualified for the Class D State Meet for the third straight season. The Team Player Awards, voted on by the cross country team members, went to senior Payton Moody and junior Ty Bolli.

Girls golf coach Jessica Kempcke presented the Most Valuable Golfer Award to junior Braylin Rudnick. Sophomore Fernanda Gomez was named the Most Improved Golfer.

Football coach Jessi Owen presented Witten Painter with the Team MVP Award. Painter was also named the team’s defensive most valuable player. Chris Fernandez received the offensive MVP award.

The team’s Leatherhead Award went to sophomore John Lewis. The Newcomer of the Year Award was given to sophomore Graham Duester, and Witten Painter was named the Teammate of the Year.

Owen said the football team was presented an Academic Excellence Award for the overall grade-point average of all team members.

Volleyball coach Jeri Graff said the volleyball team also received the Academic Excellence Award for its cumulative grade-point average. Graff said Gracyn Painter set the single season record for kills with 260 and the career digs record, while junior Willa Flynn earned the single season record for set assists with 464 and was presented with the team’s Heart Award.

Gracyn Painter was named the Volleyball MVP. Junior Jaylee Good received the team’s Hustle Award, and freshman Payton Sears was named most improved.

Turning to winter sports, girls wrestling coach Todd Pollock presented the team’s MVP Award to senior Megan Jones, who finished in the top four of every meet during the season and qualified for the Class B State Wrestling Championships.

Boys wrestling coach Jake Graff named Holden Beel the Most Valuable Wrestler. Beel and sophomore Dylan Titus qualified for the state tournament. Senior Sam Titus, who finished his career one win shy of 100, received the team’s Leadership Award, and sophomore Mickal Crisman was named the team’s Most Improved Wrestler.

Girls basketball coach Sandi Nelson reported Gracyn Painter set the school’s single-game scoring record with 38 points and the single-season school record for points with 465. She eclipsed the 1,000-point plateau during her junior season. Painter was named the team’s overall MVP and the Offensive MVP.

Juniors Kenley Welke and Jaylee Good shared the Defensive MVP Award, and freshmen Addilyn Doke and Ava Graff were named the most improved girls basketball players.

Boys basketball coach Jake Nelson named Chris Fernandez the team’s MVP. Witten Painter received the Impact Player Award, with senior Adolfo Rojas Salazar winning the Bryent Wilkins Teammate of the Year Award in a vote of the players.

Sophomore Zaine Evans received the Most Improved Award for the boys basketball team.

For the spring sports season, coach Jake Nelson provided an update on the current season and recognized the athletes who qualified to compete in the Northeast Nebraska Track and Field Classic this week.

Junior Kiley Orton and graduate Owen Blumenstock were named the 2025 Track and Field MVPs. The Ashley and Andrew Ford Team Player Awards for the 2025 track and field season were given to graduates Preselyn Goochey and Morgan Kinney.

Boys golf coach Brenda Konkoleski provided an update of the current golf season, with the team hosting the district meet for the third straight year. She said 2025 co-MVPs graduate Jhett Hollenbeck and sophomore Jaxon Rucker were the first golfers to qualify for the state meet for the team since 2016.

The Ainsworth Lions Club provided burgers, baked beans, chips and drinks to the athletes, coaches and spouses of the coaches Tuesday.  

* Sunday collision totals two vehicles near Long Pine

(Posted 7 a.m. April 29)

A Sunday morning collision at the intersection of Highway 20 and the 9A Spur north of Long Pine prompted the response of emergency personnel, but no serious injuries were reported.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, at 10:32 a.m. Sunday, April 25, a 2026 Chevy Astro Van, driven by Kevin Frost of Atkinson, was attempting to turn west from the 9A Spur onto Highway 20 when a collision occurred with an eastbound 2026 Ford Explorer, driven by Mataya Peck of Burke, S.D. No injuries were reported. Both vehicles were considered a total loss.

* Stuart students claim state journalism awards

(Posted 10:30 a.m. April 28)

Nebraska State Journalism Contest
Class C
Stuart High School
Owen Littau – State Champion in Broadcast Feature Story
Bryer Almgren – State Champion in Broadcast Feature Story
Kayde Ramm – State Champion in Broadcast Public Service Announcement
Tom Paxton – State Champion in Broadcast Public Service Announcement
Maddux Alder – Second Place in Broadcast Public Service Announcement
Jasmine Davis – Second Place in Broadcast Public Service Announcement
Robert Peterson – Sixth Place in Editorial Writing

This was the first year for Stuart to compete in journalism.

Instructor Jahn Kile said, “I was very proud of the effort these students and others put into their projects that were submitted to this year’s state journalism competition. Competing in Class C is challenging and being the first year of entering means a new experience for those who won a medal and were able to attend the competition and awards ceremony at Northeast Community College in Norfolk.”

* Brown County see’s lowest jobless rate in state

(Posted 11:15 a.m. April 27)

Nebraska’s unemployment rate for February was 3.1 percent. The rate was up 0.1 percent from the January rate of 3.0 and was up 0.2 percent from February 2025.

Most of the north central Nebraska counties saw a jobless rate below the state rate in February.

Brown County experienced the lowest rate in the area at 2.3 percent. Brown County’s rate matched Harlan County’s 2.3 percent rate for the lowest in the state.

Cherry County and Rock County, both at 2.4 percent in February, were also among the state leaders. Holt County’s jobless rate was 2.5 percent in February.

Blaine County’s 3.1 percent February rate was equal to the statewide average, while Boyd County at 3.9 percent was above the average. Keya Paha County had the highest unemployment rate in the area at 4.4 percent in February.

Dawson County, by far, experienced the highest unemployment rate in the state in February at 16.9 percent, primarily related to the closing of the meat-packing plant in Lexington.

“Nebraska’s unemployment rate continues to trend well below the national average,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “Our workforce continues to demonstrate resilience.”

The national unemployment rate for February was 4.4 percent, up 0.1 percentage points from the January rate and up 0.2 percent from the February 2025 unemployment rate.

Non-farm employment, the number of jobs filled in Nebraska, was 1,070,390 in February, down 3,304 from January and down 5,043 from February 2025.

Private industries with the most growth between January and February were the private education and health services sector (up 784 jobs), the leisure and hospitality sector (up 320 jobs) and the mining and construction sector (up 18 jobs).

The largest growth since February 2025 came from the mining and construction sector (up 3,481 jobs), the private education and health services sector (up 3,330 jobs), and the other services sector (up 79 jobs). 

There were 510,926 Nebraskans working in the Omaha metro area during February, with another 195,925 working in the Lincoln metro area. Those two areas represent more than 700,000 of the 1.07 million total non-farm jobs in the state. A total of 33,924 Nebraskans collected unemployment benefits during February.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10 a.m. April 27)

April 19

The Brown County Ambulance Association assisted the Brown County Hospital with multiple transfers of patients.

The Brown County Jail released an inmate after completing a court-ordered commitment.

The sheriff and deputies responded to a mental health emergency in southwestern Brown County. It was learned the individual was last seen out in a pasture. With the help of nearby residents, the sheriff and deputies searched a large pasture until the reported individual was found. The Brown County Ambulance Association was called to assist with transporting the individual to the Brown County Hospital.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth. The driver received written warnings for speeding and an unregistered license plate.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The driver received written warnings for driving left of center and driving on the shoulder of the highway.

April 20

A deputy was asked to speak with a person in Ainsworth about unwanted attention they were receiving from the person.

A deputy investigated a report of vandalism on their property in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received citations for traveling 11 mph over the posted speed limit, displaying fictitious license plates and careless driving.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for speeding and repair orders for not having their driver’s license on person and an expired insurance card.

A deputy was asked to perform a welfare check on a person in Ainsworth. The deputy was able to assist the individual with counselling resources available and assisted with finding transportation for the person to receive the help they were requesting.

April 21

A deputy responded to a verbal altercation between family members. Both parties were separated for the night.

The sheriff removed vehicle debris from Highway 20 and dispatched an injured deer.

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

Deputies assisted with traffic control around Ainsworth Community Schools during a fire drill.

A deputy assisted DHHS with an investigation of a report of possible child abuse and neglect.

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

Deputies responded to a report of an individual screaming obscenities and threatening people in Long Pine. This is an ongoing investigation.

April 22

A deputy investigated a two-vehicle accident at the Subway parking lot in Ainsworth.

A deputy helped push a broken-down vehicle off of a road in Ainsworth.

The Raven Volunteer Fire Department was notified of reports of smoke in southern Brown County.

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

April 23

A deputy investigated a report that someone in rural Brown County left trash on their property.

The sheriff conducted a walk through with CVA personnel so if there was an emergency the sheriff’s office would know the company’s updated plan of action.

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

A deputy investigated a report of a dilapidated trailer house’s insulation blowing all over the road and into nearby fields near Johnstown. The owner of the property is being contacted. 

April 24

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

A deputy responded to a business in Ainsworth after a report of a very intoxicated person being rude to the business’s staff. The deputy went and spoke with the reported person who was informed they were no longer allowed back in the business.

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

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a repair order for improper/defective vehicle lighting and not having a driver’s license while driving a motor vehicle.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver was given a written warning for driving left of center.

April 25

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

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

Deputies were requested to conduct a welfare check on an individual in rural Brown County. During the wellness check, the Brown County Ambulance Association was called for assistance, and the individual was transported to the Brown County Hospital.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 966
Calls for service – 16
911 emergency calls – 10
Vehicle titles inspected – 1
Firearms permits purchased – 3
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Group wins National History Day state contest

(Posted 6:45 a.m. April 27)

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

Ten sixth-grade students from Ainsworth Middle School participated in the contest. Matthew Clingman, Kevin Gomez and Ty Ruhter won the state championship in the junior group exhibit category for their project on Nebraska’s New Deal Era Post Office Murals.

The group also won the junior division NebraskaLand Foundation Award for the best junior entry featuring Nebraska history.

Earning first place at the state contest qualifies the team to attend the national competition at College Park, Maryland, in June.

Each year, students research topics that fit a broad annual theme. This year’s National History Day theme was “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”

Teacher, Nichole Flynn said, “These kids have been working hard on these projects since September. I’m very proud of their efforts.”

* Lions Club holds spring Highway 20 cleanup

(Posted 6:45 a.m. April 27)

The Ainsworth Lions Club met April 20 in the Ainsworth Senior Center.

The annual All-Sports Tailgate Party will be held in McAndrew Gymnasium on April 28.  The Fourth Grade Forester Project, in conjunction with the Natural Resources District and the school, was held April 24. 

The Ainsworth Lions Club Officers/Directors nomination slate for 2026-27 was again reviewed.  All nominating positions have been filled, with the exception of President-Elect.  The nomination slate will be sent to the membership for final approval. 

The club completed its spring Highway 20 cleanup project on April 19, with 12 Lions participating. Over 10 bags of trash were collected.

Phil Fuchs submitted the Treasurer’s Report. The Activity Account had deposits of $400 for hamburger donations for the All-Sports Tailgate and $7,096 from ABC for the pond project.  There were withdrawals of $7,096 to the Brown County Treasurer, $736 to the Brown County Treasurer for the Lions Club purchase of a picnic table for the pond shelter, and $25 to the Ainsworth Chamber of Commerce for the Lions Club donation for Post Prom.  The Administrative Account had no deposits or withdrawals.

The Lions Club approved to again sponsor a hole for the Brown County Hospital’s annual golf tournament fundraiser in the amount of $200. The club also approved to again sponsor a golfer in the amount of $60 for the annual Nebraska Lions Club High School Golf Tournament for the top senior girl and boy finishers at the NSAA State Golf Tournaments.

The Ainsworth Lions Club’s next regular meeting will be held at noon Monday, May 18, in the Ainsworth Senior Center.

* Fire near Oconto burns 9,000 acres, no containment

(Posted 6:45 a.m. April 24)

Fire crews continue to battle the Pressey Fire burning near Oconto in Custer County. The wildfire has burned an estimated 8,953 acres and remains at 0 percent containment. More than 130 personnel are actively working on the fire. Governor Jim Pillen has verbally approved an emergency proclamation.

Fire suppression efforts are ongoing day and night, with additional resources being ordered to support the response. Air support includes two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Nebraska Army National Guard performing bucket drops to assist crews on the ground. A ground firefighting hand crew made up of members from the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard will also support suppression efforts.

At this time, one primary residence and multiple outbuildings have been confirmed lost. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

“We are ordering the necessary resources to assist on the fire and support our local responders,” said Mark Rempe, Emergency Manager for Custer County. “Our priority remains protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure as crews continue suppression operations.”

Officials urge the public to stay clear of the fire area to allow emergency crews to operate safely and efficiently. Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

* Evacuation order lifted for Atkinson

(Posted 8:15 p.m. April 22)
(Some information obtained through our friends at KBRX)

A Wednesday evening fire temporarily resulted in an evacuation order being issued for the community of Atkinson.

A fire started approximately 14 miles south of Atkinson just before 6 p.m. and quickly burned 6 miles north, prompting an evacuation of the city of Atkinson to be issued by emergency officials.

With a shift in the wind, the evacuation order was lifted at approximately 6:30 p.m. as numerous fire departments and air resources from the Nebraska Forest Service were brought to bear.

Power to rural substations was shut off as the fire damaged infrastructure. The outage affected customers in the Chambers and Swan Lake areas.

KBRX was informed at just after 8 p.m. that the fire had been contained, with firefighters working to clean up hotspots.

The area has been in a red flag fire weather warning for much of the day with hot temperatures, low relative humidity and gusting south winds.

KBRB apologizes for not being on air with information immediately. The news guy/owner/head housekeeper was serving as the moderator for a candidate forum and did not have a phone available to see the emergency situation. Our apologies for not having that information to our listeners in a more timely manner, and thanks to Scott Poese and the folks at KBRX for providing that information to the public.

* Commissioners approve pursuing grant funds

(Posted 6:45 a.m. April 22)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved providing a warranty deed to the purchaser of property on Main Street in Long Pine.

The county received a lot with a dilapidated building due to the lack of property tax payments over time. The roads department cleared the building and Long Pine Feed Service agreed to purchase the lot.

County Attorney Andy Taylor said Dustin Dailey did end up asking the county to provide a warranty deed as opposed to a quit claim deed. Taylor said a warranty deed includes a title search, which would cost the county approximately $125.

“It had clear title when we took ownership,” Taylor said.

The board approved providing the title search and warranty deed for the transaction.

In other business Tuesday, the board approved having the North Central Development Center pursue a JAG grant for 2027 for the sheriff’s department. NCDC Executive Director Kristin Olson said the sheriff’s department was awarded a $100,000 grant from the program last year and the county received an invitation to apply for a continuation on that grant.

Olson said the application for 2027 would have to tie in to the previous award. She said the sheriff’s department planned to apply to replace computers and the department’s fingerprint machine.

Sheriff Brent Deibler said the department’s laptop computers are six to seven years old and will no longer receive updates.

Replacing the laptops would cost $42,000 and the fingerprint machine $25,000. The JAG grant, if approved, does not require any matching funds from the county.

The board approved having Olson pursue the grant for the equipment.

Clerk Travee Hobbs reported the county has received one application for the weed superintendent position. The commissioners asked Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin to set up an interview with the applicant. Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey will represent the board during the interview.

Teresa Sladek asked the commissioners to cancel her billing for solid waste disposal as she pays the city of Long Pine for the service.

“We were paying Long Pine and Ainsworth,” Sladek said. “We use the dumpsters provided by Long Pine.”

Though Sladek said she had paid both entities for several years, she only asked to be refunded for the portion of 2026’s billing she has already paid.

Taylor said Sladek would need to provide an invoice from her Long Pine bill to show she was paying for the service elsewhere. The item was placed on the board’s May 5 agenda.

The board also received a request from Janet Huggins to have county solid waste fees removed. In a letter, Huggins said she and her husband pay the city of Ainsworth for trash pickup.

The commissioners discussed whether the city is charging only for the pickup service and not the actual solid waste fees. The request was tabled until the board’s May 5 meeting.

During his report, Turpin said the federal funds awarded through U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer’s office to replace aging bridges might run a little short as the estimates would likely be higher than he anticipated.

Turpin said the Matteos with Norfolk Contracting, where he based the estimates, could have built the bridges cheaper, but the company was not a state-approved contractor.

“The bids will likely be higher than we estimated,” the highway superintendent said. “We might have to find some more money elsewhere.”

Turpin said the bids may come in between $250,000 and $300,000 higher than he estimated. He said, if the county did not spend the federal funds in the year they are awarded, they would be lost.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said, “Well, I guess we will cross that bridge when we get there.”

During his report, Turpin said he planned to have Walton Concrete pour an additional concrete pad at the county roads shop. He said there was money in the budget to pay for the approximately $9,000 in concrete work.

The highway superintendent also reported he planned to mix up some cold mix asphalt to use on the Elsmere Road. He said there was money in this year’s budget to pay for the oil needed to create the cold-mix.

Audience member Dan Spier issued an apology to Clerk Travee Hobbs and Deputy Emergency Manager Jessica Pozehl after stating during the last meeting that the county had not properly advertised a Feb. 11 joint meeting with the Rock County Commissioners.

“I was wrong,” Spier said. “I have no excuse. I apologize to Travee and Jessica.”

Acting as the Board of Equalization Tuesday, the commissioners approved an application to create the Garfield Cemetery Association. A group of citizens reformed the previous association that had been inactive for a long period of time.

Bauer thanked the group for volunteering to get the association reorganized.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. May 5.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:15 a.m. April 20)

April 12

There were three written warnings for speeding given to drivers on Highway 20.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for driving on the shoulder of the highway and no driver’s license on person. The driver also received a repair order for their registration not being current.

April 13

A deputy responded to a possible disturbance in Ainsworth. The deputy reported that everything was ok and that the commotion was due to their pet dog not listening.

A deputy was requested to perform a welfare check on a rural Brown County resident. The individual was reported to be ok.

The sheriff dispatched a wounded deer on Highway 183.

A deputy provided traffic control during a funeral procession.

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

April 14

The sheriff provided security during district court in Ainsworth.

The sheriff is investigating harassing calls to an Ainsworth business.

The sheriff and a deputy responded to a suspicious acting person in an Ainsworth business. The sheriff and deputy spoke with the individual and reported that everything was ok and the reported person left the business.

The sheriff and deputies served papers throughout Brown County due to an incident that took place last year.

The sheriff helped get a cow off the roadway in rural Brown County.

The Raven Volunteer Fire Department responded to reports of smoke in rural Brown County. It was discovered that smoke was possibly coming from a burn permit issued in another county.

A deputy responded to a welfare check in Ainsworth. The individual was found to be ok.

A deputy responded to a verbal altercation between family members in Ainsworth. Both the parties involved were separated.

April 15

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

The sheriff assisted an individual in Long Pine being harassed at their residence. The reported person was contacted and told to leave the person alone.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a repair order for not having current registration stickers.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183. The driver was given a citation for no proof of insurance and a written warning for speeding.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 13 mph over the posted speed limit.

The Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department was paged for a possible fire after reports of smoke and the smell of fire. It was later reported the smoke was due to a controlled burn earlier in the day.

April 16

A deputy dispatched an injured deer on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth.

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

Multiple traffic stops were made around Brown County. During the traffic stops three drivers received written warnings for speeding, two drivers were given written warnings for not having proof of insurance and one driver received a repair order for defective vehicle lighting.

April 17

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183. The driver received a written warning for speeding and not having current registration tags on their trailer plates. The driver also received a repair order for defective vehicle lighting on the trailer.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a citation for driving 16 mph over the posted speed limit.

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

Deputies were notified of a welfare check in Ainsworth. While the deputies were enroute, the sheriff’s office received a call from the individual stating they were ok.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a written warning for speeding and not having current registration tags on their license plate.

April 18

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

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

A deputy provided civil standby in Johnstown.

A deputy investigated a possible theft in Ainsworth. During the investigation the reported stolen item was found and returned to the owner.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a citation for driving 16 mph over the posted speed limit.

Deputies responded to a verbal altercation in Ainsworth. A disturbing the peace citation was given.

The sheriff’s office was informed by other counties that a missing person may be in rural southwestern Brown County. The individual was later found to be ok with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol and the Cherry County Sheriff’s Office.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a repair order for modified exhaust and a written warning for speeding.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 934
Calls for service – 15
911 emergency calls – 10
Vehicle titles inspected – 5
Firearms permits purchased – 1
Jail inmates housed – 1

* ACS adopts five-year strategic plan

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

Ainsworth Community Schools has adopted a new five-year strategic plan. Designed to support student success while reflecting the priorities and expectations of district stakeholders, the plan is the result of a months-long collaboration with the Nebraska Association of School Boards Leadership Team.

Using online surveys of administration, board members, staff, parents, and students, as well as information gathered through a series of community engagement meetings, the plan provides a clear set of priorities to guide district decision-making over the next five years.

“The purpose is that we’re deliberate in what we’re accomplishing while knowing our stakeholders have a voice in what we’re doing,” Superintendent of Ainsworth Community Schools Dale Hafer said. “Now that we’ve done this work, we will honor the effort and input that all of our staff, students, and stakeholders have given us.”

The plan allows the district to address challenges, set district-wide priorities, and align resources with the needs and expectations of students, staff, and the community. It identifies several key priority areas, known as Guiding Principles, that will serve as areas of focus for the district’s efforts:

Personnel Effectiveness: Recognizing that staff play a vital role in student success, the district is committed to supporting teachers and staff through comprehensive onboarding, relevant professional development, and opportunities for collaborative decision-making.

Family and Community Partnerships: Recognizing that strong family and community partnerships are a cornerstone of student success, the district will focus on clear, consistent communication, explore opportunities for community partnerships that enrich classroom experiences, and bolster family engagement to support meaningful involvement.

District Resources: Recognizing the importance of continued fiscal responsibility, the district is committed to maintaining safe, functional learning spaces and focusing on the recruitment and retention of quality staff to meet the evolving needs of students, families, and the community.

“Now we start to engage with our staff to make these things a reality,” Hafer said. “As we do district business, we need to have this plan in the background guiding our decisions.”

To learn more about the Ainsworth Community Schools Strategic Plan, contact the district office at 402-387-2333.

* Recent cases from Brown County District Court

(Posted 6:45 a.m. April 15)

During Brown County District Court Tuesday, Zachary W. Frazier, age 32, of Ainsworth, was found guilty of violating the sex offender registry, a Class IIIA felony. Frazier was sentenced to five years of probation.

Joe W. Crooker, 44, of Johnstown, was found guilty in District Court Tuesday of attempting to violate the sex offender registry, a Class IV felony. Crooker was fined $750 and ordered to pay court costs.

* Care Center Board discusses new facility construction

(Posted 1:45 p.m. April 14)

The Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is debating whether to proceed with major renovations to its existing facility or explore the possibility of constructing a new facility.

The center’s contracted architect estimated the cost to bring the current facility up to date would be similar to the cost of simply building a new care center.

Board Chair Tom Jones said the board needed to figure out a path forward. He read a letter from board member and Brown County Commissioner Dennis Bauer, who was unable to attend Monday’s meeting but indicated his preference to build a new facility.

Bauer also indicated the cleanest way forward, in his opinion, would be for the nursing home to be a county-owned facility and dissolve the interlocal agreement with the city of Ainsworth. That way, if voters approved a levy to assist in paying for a new facility, that levy could be spread across the entire county and would not have to include ballot measures for both the county and the city of Ainsworth.

The Sandhills Care Center has been jointly owned and operated by the city of Ainsworth and Brown County through an interlocal agreement since it was reopened in 2016.

Board member and Ainsworth City Councilman Kent Taylor said the interlocal agreement served the facility well at the start, as the city of Ainsworth had some Community Development Block Grant funding at the time that helped with getting the facility reopened.

“I agree with what Denny wrote,” Taylor said. “The world has changed and what people expect is different. If fixing the current building was half the cost of building new, I would feel different, but it is about the exact same money.”

Taylor said he believed the Brown County Commissioners and Ainsworth City Council needed to have a joint meeting with the Care Center Board to determine the best way forward.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said the $1.35 million application to Congressman Adrian Smith’s office for federal funding support was included on Smith’s earmarked appropriations list for the 2027 federal budget.

“It still needs to be approved by Congress,” Olson said. “But you would then either have to move forward with the projects we included or you would have to turn back that grant.”

Taylor said the care center could spend all the federal funds just improving the attic of the current facility.

He said a new facility with 24 dual-occupancy rooms would cost approximately $9.3 million, which is about the same as the cost would be to make all of the major renovations that are needed in the current building, constructed in the 1960s.

“It is not an easy decision, but I am not surprised the costs are about the same,” Taylor said. “It’s pretty similar to any big home renovation project.”

Taylor said the cleanest way to move forward with the potential construction of a new facility would be to have the facility owned and operated by the county, similar to the way the Brown County Hospital operates.

“With a new facility, you wouldn’t double up on a lot of rooms, and two residents would share one bathroom instead of four residents,” Taylor said.

Jones said trying to undertake major needed renovations to the current building would be about impossible with residents living in the facility.

“We would have to go to the community for a vote,” Jones said.

Board member Dr. Mel Campbell said having one entity own and operate the facility would be easier from a governing standpoint.

“I thought the cost for a new building would be closer to $15 million to $18 million,” Campbell said.

Campbell and board member Bruce Papstein both agreed having a joint meeting of the commissioners and the city council was warranted to discuss the best path forward.

Olson said, depending on the decision made by the group following a joint meeting, she could follow up with Smith’s office to see if the project could be amended to have the earmarked federal funds go to help with the construction of a new facility instead of making renovations to the current building.

Taylor said he would likely not be in favor of spending any additional money renovating the current facility.

Audience member Graig Kinzie said the care center could face some public relations issues if it moved forward with spending more than $1 million to renovate the current facility and then ask voters to approve a new building by passing a property tax levy to support the construction.

“If you accept those federal funds, you could look at improving the current building with things that could move to a new building to offset some of those costs,” Kinzie said.

Following the discussion, the board approved requesting the Brown County Commissioners and Ainsworth City Council set a joint meeting to discuss their preference for moving forward with either renovations or new construction.

Administrator Penny Jacobs said representatives from arCuretecture would attend the joint session to provide information on both options.

Olson reported Monday an application for a $100,000 grant to make energy efficiency improvements to the current building has been submitted. That grant would not require any matching funds if awarded, and could be used for things like insulation in the attic or new windows and doors for the facility.

Jacobs reported there are currently 30 residents calling the Sandhills Care Center home, with 13 from Ainsworth, 10 from Cherry County, four from rural Brown County, and one resident each from Long Pine, Rock County and Keya Paha County.

Jacobs said, of the 30 residents, 14 pay privately, 15 receive Medicaid assistance and one receives Medicaid hospice assistance.

Business manager Makenzie Crane reported the care center remains on solid financial footing. She said expenses were higher in March due to there being five Mondays in the month with supplies typically ordered on Mondays. She said the facility paid a quarterly bed tax to the state in March in the amount of $21,519 and also paid full-time staff for excess paid-time off hours that were not taken. She said the paid-time off buyouts are made in March and October.

The Sandhill Care Center generated $280,898 in revenue during March with expenses of $311,804 for a net loss during the month of $30,906.

Crane reported the care center has $129,707 available through its operating account and accounts receivable remaining after expenses are paid. The facility also has $19,435 in a savings/donation account, $54,016 in its interlocal account, $24,294 in its depreciation reserve account, and three CDs, each at $100,000, in local banks earning interest.

Crane requested and received permission from the board to open a checking account dedicated to the care center’s annual Back to School Bash. She said support for that event grows each year, and numerous donations for this year’s event scheduled from 4 until 7 p.m. Aug. 7 have been received.

“Some donors made checks out to the Back to School Bash so I would like a separate account for that event,” Crane said.

The board approved the request with the same signatories as the care center’s other operating accounts.

“That is very good PR for our facility,” Jones said. “Makenzie has really grown this event.”

Jacobs reported the new handicap-accessible whirlpool bath has been installed and is in use.

“It is very much appreciated,” Jacobs said.

She said residents can be seated on a chair that is lowered into the tub.

Jones said he was glad that project worked out, as the accessible whirlpool tub was definitely something the facility needed.

The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 11.

* School Board approves 4 new hires for 2026-27

(Posted 5:30 a.m. April 14)

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education on Monday approved four teaching contracts for the 2026-27 school year and approved the resignation of two staff members effective at the end of the current year.

Spanish and government teacher Jessi Owen submitted his resignation after nine years with Ainsworth Community Schools, and Little Paws Preschool teacher Cee Anna Beel submitted her resignation effective at the end of the current school year. The board approved both resignations, with board member Frank Beel abstaining on Cee Anna Beel’s resignation vote.

The board approved a contract with Savannah Willesden for an open English/language arts position with the district created when current teacher Cory Friedrich was hired as the high school principal for the 2026-27 school year. Mathias Beyer was hired to teach industrial technology to replace Todd Pollock, who previously announced his retirement.

Hunter Kocian was hired for a social studies position created by Owen’s resignation. The board also approved a contract with Madisyn Steinkraus for the Little Paws Preschool position created by Beel’s resignation.

Superintendent Dale Hafer said every one of the staff members hired for the upcoming school year planned to help with coaching assignments as well. He said Willesden also has a license to drive a bus.

Board President Brad Wilkins read resignation letters from paraprofessional Karen Kackmeister and custodian Joe McMurtrey effective at the end of the current school year.

Hafer said the district planned to absorb the open activities director secretary position and have current staff handle those responsibilities. Hafer said the move to absorb that position would not only save the district money, it would empower current office staff to demonstrate their strengths as a team.

In other business Monday, the board approved allowing the building and grounds committee to review quotes to replace hallway flooring in the elementary building at a cost not to exceed $55,000.

Wilkins suggested, since quotes for the project have not all been received, the board could have the building and grounds committee review the quotes and make a decision on who to hire for the project.

Hafer said the cost of the project should be lower than what the board was authorizing the committee to approve. The goal of allowing the committee to make the decision was to make sure the project could move forward and be completed during the summer when school was not in session.

The board also discussed replacing the flooring on the Learning Center stage, but Wilkins said the board could make a decision on that project during its May meeting.

The board authorized the transportation committee to purchase an SUV from First Class Auto using depreciation funds.

Wilkins said the SUV would replace the district’s 2011 van.

In a final action item Monday, the board approved the purchase of new science curriculum for the elementary school from McGraw Hill at a cost of $27,414.

Elementary Principal Kelsey Riesen said the elementary teachers were excited to have the new curriculum for the next school year.

The board reviewed school policies 904.02 through 905.10 as it continues to go over the district’s policy book.

Prior to Monday’s meeting, the board held the first of two required Americanism meetings. The second Americanism meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 11 ahead of the board’s next regular meeting.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10 a.m. April 13)

April 5

A deputy was notified of a possible reckless driver. The vehicle was located driving 74 mph and a traffic stop was made. The driver was given a written warning for speeding and a verbal warning for improper passing.

April 6

The sheriff provided a welfare check on a vehicle in southern Brown County. The individual was found to be ok.

A written warning for speeding was given to a motorist on Highway 7.

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

April 7

Deputies investigated a report of trash blowing into their pastures from another property south of Long Pine.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183. The driver received citations for speeding 71 mph in a 65 mph zone, driving without a driver’s license and no proof of insurance.

Deputies assisted with getting cattle off the roadway on Norden Avenue.

A deputy was asked to help notify a Brown County resident who forgot to pay for fuel in Ainsworth.

April 8

The sheriff responded to an alarm going off in the courthouse. Everything was found to be ok.

A deputy responded to the location of a 911 hang up in Ainsworth. The person was found to be ok and it was an accidental dial.

The sheriff’s office and the Brown County Attorney’s office are assisting the Attorney General’s office with an ongoing investigation.

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

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire in rural Brown County.  

A deputy responded to suspicious activity reported in Ainsworth. The deputy was unable to locate the reported person.

April 9

A deputy responded to a vehicle that was reported to be driving recklessly. The sheriff’s office was notified that the vehicle was in another county and dispatchers relayed the information to the appropriate county.

Deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity at a vacant business in Ainsworth. Deputies checked the building and reported there was nobody inside and no vehicles were present. The deputies checked in the area and were informed there are people who are remodeling and cleaning up the building.

April 10

A reckless driver was reported to the sheriff’s office. The sheriff responded to the reported area and was unable to find the vehicle described.

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

Deputies responded to reports of smoke in rural Brown County. It was discovered the smoke was most likely due to the wind blowing smoke from burn permits issued in other counties.

Deputies responded to a report of minors doing “cookies” in a business parking lot in Ainsworth.

April 11

A written warning for driving left of center was given to a motorist in Ainsworth.

A deputy conducted a traffic stop on a semi after a complaint the semi was struggling to maintain its lane and speeding. The driver was given a written warning for speeding.

Deputies were at Prom and Post Prom activities providing alcohol breath testing for Ainsworth Community Schools.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 804
Calls for service – 18
911 emergency calls – 9
Vehicle titles inspected – 5
Firearms permits purchased – 1
Jail inmates housed – 0

* Pozehl is state’s deputy emergency manager of the year

(Posted 1:15 p.m. April 10)

Brown/Rock Emergency Management Agency Deputy Jessica Pozehl was awarded the Deputy Director of the Year for 2026 during the NAEM conference Thursday. 

Pozehl began her career as deputy director for Brown and Rock counties Dec. 1, 2022. She completed her Basic Certification in October of 2023.

As a long-standing member of the Long Pine Rural Fire Department, Pozehl serves on the front lines of response providing accurate and real time information to her director while working side by side with firefighters. Pozehl pulled double duty during the Plum Creek Fire in April 2025 to include pursuing her state Finance Taskbook while meeting all local deputy requirements.

Pozehl is eager and capable of adding to her growing resume. Last year found her among a new group of contributing members in the North Central PET Region and at NEMA. Given the task of organizing and leading grant trainings including assuming the state training committee role, Pozehl has shown great improvements in an area that was lacking under prior leadership.

Among her many accomplishments of 2025, she has focused on obtaining a wider scope of grant writing abilities. Of the many grants Pozehl has received during her career, her most recent contributions to the Community Wildfire Defense Grant team led Brown and Rock counties to receive Community Defense Wildfire Grants totaling over $24 million.

Brown/Rock EMA Director Traci Booth said, “We knew locally how fortunate we are to have Jess, but now the state recognizes her contributions as well. I am confident that when our area is again confronted with a disaster or even a lesser devastating incident that Jessica will continue to contribute skillfully to support local agencies toward a sensible and successful conclusion, establishing a return to normalcy in a reasonable manner.”

* Council plans to increase water, sewer rates

(Posted 11 a.m. April 9)

The Ainsworth City Council plans to increase water and sewer rates soon after both funds finished in the red during 2025.

The city’s water fund generated $256,047 in revenue during 2025, with expenses of $391,573 for a net loss of $135,526. The sewer fund lost $43,115 in 2025, with revenue of $412,158 and expenses of $455,273.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said during Wednesday’s council meeting the city has not increased its water and sewer fees since 2018. A study conducted by the Nebraska Rural Water Association showed Ainsworth had the lowest fees charged for water among a dozen communities in the state with populations between 1,500 and 2,500.

Ainsworth’s current monthly fee of $12.50 was well below the $23.49 per month average of the group of communities, and its $1.55 charge per 1,000 gallons of water used matched Geneva for the cheapest among the group of communities.

Schroedl said it might be more palatable for water and sewer customers to spread the increases out over a period of time.

“We are lucky to have the debt service fund from the local option sales tax,” Schroedl said. “That has allowed us to get by up to this point.”

The debt service fund, which receives a portion of the 1.5-cent city sales tax, has been used to make payments on outstanding water and sewer bonds.

Councilmen Kent Taylor and Dustin Barthel, after discussing whether to spread the increase out over two years or to make the increase all at once, agreed that increasing the fees one time would be the preferred option.

Mayor Joel Klammer said, even by making the increase all at once, the city would still be below the average of what communities of similar size charge residents for water and sewer service.

Schroedl will craft an ordinance for the council to consider during its May meeting that would increase water service fees from $12.50 per month to $20.50 per month, with the rate per 1,000 gallons used increasing from $1.55 to $2.25.

Sewer rates would increase from $31 per month to $39 per month with the usage rate increasing from $2.30 per 1,000 gallons to $3.

Audience member Graig Kinzie suggested the council consider in May making small annual increases to its water and sewer rates so future councils weren’t put in the same position of having to make large one-time rate increases.

With council members Brad Fiala and Heather Lutter absent, Taylor and Barthel said it would be good to get those two members’ input in May before voting on the rate increases. Taylor said, though he would be absent for May’s meeting, he was in favor of approving the increased rates to get the water and sewer funds on more stable footing.

The council will vote on an ordinance to increase the water and sewer rates during its May meeting.

In a related item, the council approved declaring $2,963 in past-due utility bills as bad debt after a recommendation from the city’s auditor.

Schroedl said the accounts have gone unpaid for a long time.

“Some of the people have passed away, and some of the businesses are no longer operating,” she said. “Some have been on here for several years.”

In other business Wednesday, the council agreed to pay for half of the cost of repairs incurred by property owners on the west side of the city who had to dig up an area to find a water leak.

Property owner Jake Wilkins said the owners of townhomes on the west side of the city spent $6,550 to find a leak in the water line.

Wilkins said the leak was found to be coming from stripped threads on the outward side of a curb stop.

“Because it was a curb stop, which the city owns, we would request the city pay for half of the cost,” Wilkins said. “We should have probably stopped work to figure everything out first, so we are willing to take on half of the cost.”

Water Superintendent Brad Miller said it was difficult to figure out where the problem was occurring, and with plastic pipe in that area, it was difficult to locate the lines.

Klammer said there was a substantial discrepancy between the hours billed by a private contractor for the project and the hours the water department estimated it would have taken for city crews to perform the work.

Miller said it would be difficult to estimate the hours needed when digging to a plastic line. Contractor Grant Stec said a portion of the labor was hand-digging in a pit by the bucket full to excavate an area around the pit to determine if the leak was coming from there.

Barthel said, though he would be abstaining from the vote since he owns one of the townhomes in the area, he believed splitting the expense was fair.

Taylor said he was good with paying half of the cost. He said the city already paid $700, so that would leave $2,575 to cover the remainder of the city’s half.

By a 2-0 vote with Taylor and Klammer in favor and Barthel abstaining, the council approved paying for half of the cost of the repair work.

The council again discussed the Sellors-Barton Museum repair project with members of the museum committee.

CRDN Commercial of Lincoln provided the city with an estimate of $140,000 to $150,000 to remove the mold-damaged items from the museum and clean them in the company’s facility.

Klammer said he, Schroedl and Lutter met with the committee and had a productive discussion.

“There are still a lot of things to sort out to develop a plan,” Klammer said.

Museum committee representative Cindy Buckles said the committee will meet again next week to see if there are ways to pare down the estimate for the restoration work. She said the group will likely seek estimates from other companies.

“There is a company in Norfolk that did some work for Springview,” Buckles said. “We have to bring that figure down. They may be able to give us an idea of what we can do. We will keep working on it. There are more people jumping in to help.”

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said the NCDC has been pulling together some potential funding options to assist with both the restoration work and repairs to the museum building. No action was taken by the council.

The council approved declaring property at 227 E. Second St. as a nuisance as recommended by code enforcement officer Kelsie Evans. Evans said the resident has had a substantial amount of time to remedy the issues and has not complied. She said multiple residents have voiced concerns about the condition of the property.

With the nuisance declaration, the city can contract for the property to be cleaned up with the cost assessed to the resident.

The council received one bid for a three-year lease on farm acreage owned by the city east of town near the KBR Solid Waste Transfer Station.

Airyan Goochey submitted a bid of $2,720 annually during each of the next three years to farm the acreage.

The council approved recommendations by the mayor to reappoint Jean Hunt and Stacie Gilliland to four-year terms on the Ainsworth Public Library Board, and to reappoint Jim Hoch and Shari Luther to three-year terms on the Cemetery Board.

During her report, Schroedl said she is advertising for bids for Phase II of the pickleball court project at East City Park. Proposals are due May 1, and contractors can bid on all or portions of the project.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 13.

* Paving works begins soon on Highway 20

(Posted noon April 8)

Weather permitting, work will begin April 20 on Highway 20 between Stuart and Atkinson, from milepost 280 to milepost 288, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Werner Construction of Hastings is the prime contractor for the project. Work includes culvert repair, milling, asphalt paving and seeding. Traffic will be maintained with flaggers, Automated Flagger Assistance Devices and a pilot car for the milling and asphalt paving operations. Anticipated completion is the middle of July.

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

* Ainsworth City Council Wednesday agenda

(Posted 6:30 a.m. April 8)

Ainsworth City Council
Meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 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 March 11, 2026 regular meeting
  • Approval of claims
  • Treasurer’s report
  • Department head reports

• III. Mayor’s Appointments and Report
  • Mayor’s Report
  • Mayor’s Appointments
    • Library Board (4-year term):  Reappointments of Jean Hunt and Stacie Gilliland with terms ending 4/30/2030
    • Cemetery Board (3-year term):  Reappointments of Jim Hoch with term ending 12/9/2028 and Shari Luther with term ending 12/9/2027
• IV. Public Hearings
  • None
• V. Old Business
  • Open and consider sealed bids received for the farm lease
• VI. Regular Agenda
  • Water leak – Jake Wilkins
  • Sellors-Barton museum update
  • Consider the City of Ainsworth utilities bad debt listing
  • Discuss and consider the Ainsworth water and sewer utility rate studies prepared by Nebraska Rural Water Association
  • Discuss and consider nuisance properties identified:
    • Resolution #26-02:  227 E 2^nd St
  • Agreement with North Central Development Center – subgroup
  • City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer Report
• VII. Adjourn

* Commissioners approve applying for care center grant

(Posted 2:45 p.m. April 7)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved having the county be the applicant for a potential energy grant for the Sandhills Care Center.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said an energy efficiency grant opportunity was potentially available through the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The $100,000 grant, if awarded, would be used by the Sandhills Care Center to make energy efficiency upgrades in the facility. The grant requires no matching funds from the local entities.

“The NDEE suggested having the county apply instead of the care center,” Olson said. “It could be used for lighting, windows or HVAC, we just need to decide which project we would apply for.”

Olson said the application was due Monday, so the timeline was short to complete the application.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said there weren’t many chances to get grant funding without having local matching funds, so applying was a good idea.

“A lot is grandfathered in that doesn’t meet code,” Bauer said of the current facility. “As we start to make improvements, we may get forced into bringing more up to current code.”

Bauer said he would be comfortable having Olson meet with the architect spearheading the potential facility renovation project to determine which portion to include in the grant application.

“Lighting upgrades would have an impact on the workers and the residents,” Bauer said.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said it was definitely worth applying for the grant. The board unanimously approved allowing the NCDC to apply for the grant on the county’s behalf.

In other business Tuesday, audience member Dan Spier provided the commissioners with language from the Open Meetings Act and asserted the county had been in violation on two recent occurrences, during a Feb. 11 joint meeting with the Rock County Commissioners and during a March 31 meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board.

Spier said neither of those meetings were publicly advertised according to Open Meetings Act requirements.
Bauer said he took responsibility for the March 31 meeting of the Care Center Board.

“Originally, just two members were going to meet with the architect,” Bauer said. “But, other board members wanted to hear what the architects had to say so it was a miscommunication on how many of us could attend. Two of us needed to stay away. I showed up and I shouldn’t have.”

Spier said he wasn’t asking anyone to take action but boards cannot have meetings if notice is not provided.

Bauer said the commissioners would try to make sure the Open Meetings Act is followed and all meetings have proper public notice.

Commissioner Don Painter said advertising has now started in both the newspaper and on the radio for the weed superintendent position. Clerk Travee Hobbs said she received a phone call from someone who plans to stop in and pick up an application. The opening will run for two weeks on the radio and in three issues of the newspaper.

Treasurer Bruce Mitchell reported a recent delinquent tax sale led to 37 parcels being purchased by two entities and three individuals for a total of $48,329 that was paid to the county.

Those purchasing the delinquent property taxes either receive interest when the property owner pays the tax or, after a period of time, can file a lien against the property.

Mitchell said there are 34 delinquent properties remaining where the tax was not purchased.

In other action items, the board took no action on a request from Men’s Health Network to declare June as Men’s Health Month in Brown County.

The board approved renewing a sign permit through the Nebraska Department of Transportation for a Brown County Visitors Committee sign along Highway 20 on property owned by Mark Krieger.

Budget preparer Caleb Johnson said, with the county having to amend its budget to account for the federal dollars received for the cedar tree removal project and the money received by the Brown County Ambulance Association for the purchase of new defibrillator units, he planned to wait until May to make the amendment so everything could be lumped into one budget amendment and the county would not have the expense of having to amend its budget more than once.

Bauer said the budget amendment would also need to include the fishing pond line item, as money has been donated to the county for that improvement project as well.

Johnson said the amendments were all pass-throughs due to the additional funds coming in for each of the projects and would not affect the county’s tax funds.

Bauer provided an update on the fishing pond improvement project. He said 60 yards of concrete have been poured, which was more than half of the total.

“It looks good,” Bauer said. “We had a lot of help from the roads department and volunteers.”

Bauer said the next stretch has been formed up and is ready for concrete to be poured weather permitting. He said the plan was to pour the next stretch of concrete on April 16.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. April 21.

* Area residents receiving scam traffic court messages

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

Area residents have received a text message purporting to be from the state of Nebraska, Lancaster County Court. The message references final notice of a court enforcement action and asks the recipient to scan a QR Code to pay a past due traffic enforcement fine.

This is a scam, do not reply or scan the code. Anyone who has received this message and responded should contact local law enforcement or the Nebraska Attorney General’s office and notify any relevant financial institutions.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

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

March 29

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

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

Deputies were contacted regarding a person bitten by a dog in Ainsworth.

March 30

The sheriff assisted a business in Ainsworth with an abandoned vehicle left in their parking lot.

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

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for driving without an operator’s license.

March 31

The sheriff assisted an Ainsworth resident with a fix-it ticket and assisted a resident with a license pick-up order.

April 1

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a citation for an expired registration.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department, Long Pine Fire Department and the Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a structure fire in rural Brown County north of Ainsworth.

April 2

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

A deputy provided civil standby during a custody exchange.

April 3

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

A deputy was notified of people trespassing on a property in Ainsworth. The people trespassing were asked to leave the property.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for driving 24 mph over the posted speed limit.

A deputy responded to a verbal altercation between family members in Ainsworth. Both parties were separated.

April 4

Deputies provided civil standby at a residence in Ainsworth so an individual could retrieve their belongings.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for driving 17 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made near Long Pine. The driver of the vehicle received citations on charges of minor in possession of alcohol, minor in possession of tobacco, no proof of insurance and no operator’s license. The driver also received a repair order for improper and defective vehicle lighting.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 900
Calls for service – 7
911 emergency calls – 7
Vehicle titles inspected – 7
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Stuart places fifth in State Speech Championships

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

Class D-2 State Speech
Kearney
Team Sweepstakes
1. Osmond, 128; 2. Chambers, 92; 3. O’Neill St. Mary’s, 72; 4. High Plains Community, 72; 5. Stuart, 66.

Stuart Medal Winners
Entertainment Speaking – 1. Thomas Paxton (State Champion)
Oral Interpretation of Drama – 2. Matthew Yemma, Drew Schmaderer, Maddux Alder and Thomas Paxton
Humorous Prose – 4. Maddux Alder
Serious Prose – 4. Drew Schmaderer

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

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

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

Daniel R. Forgey, age 62, of Dallas, S.D., charged with speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, fined $75.

Sheldon K. Wernick, 44, of Cheyenne, Wyo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Karen V. Brace, 36, of Florissant, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Gerald P. Denny, 77, of Long Pine, careless driving, $100.

Stephanie M. Altamirano, 31, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Robert J. Cox, 33, of Valentine, no proof of insurance, $100; also charged with failure to display plates, $50.

Austin L. Root, 32, of O’Neill, assault by threatening in a menacing manner, sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served.

Tristin J. Tarrell, 26, of Long Pine, first offense driving under the influence, $500, also sentenced to six months of probation, driver’s license revoked for 60 days, and ordered to install an ignition interlock device; violating a stop or yield sign, $75; failure to wear a seatbelt, $25.

Dillon R. Bacon, 25, of Ainsworth, third degree assault causing bodily injury, sentenced to six months of probation; criminal mischief between $500 and $1,499, sentenced to six months of probation and ordered to pay $1,234 in restitution.

Mark E. Engardt, 63, of Ainsworth, second degree criminal trespassing, $100.

Isaac W. Hood, 23, of Ainsworth, disturbing the peace, $100.

Nakoa M. Fletcher, 46, of Ainsworth, disturbing the peace, $100.

Joseph L. Mixon, 42, of Newport, careless driving, $100; no proof of insurance, $100.

Gregory J. Rudloff, 28, of Verdigre, no proof of insurance, $100; no registration in vehicle, $25.

Kya L. Kariuki, 21, of Colorado Springs, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Ethan P. Arens, 21, of Ainsworth, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Edgardo Chavarria Wilmer, 21, of Willmar, Minn., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Todd W. Eberle, 63, of Broken Bow, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Kylie M. Hewett, 23, of Orchard, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Brett J. Ruzicka, 38, of Ravenna, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Newt R. Bussinger, 27, of Long Pine, no valid registration, $25.

Donald E. Graham, 82, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Taylor S. Rensch, 32, of Hot Springs, S.D., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

John J. Waldron, 34, of Lincoln, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Ida J. Vandewalle, 41, of Ord, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Tammy S. Wright, 54, of Ainsworth, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

Cody L. Simmons, 38, of Garretson, S.D., possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, $300; possession of drug paraphernalia, $50.

Charles L. Kaiser, 44, of Farmington, N.M., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Tanner J. Fuelberth, 30, of Ainsworth, commercial vehicle load securement violation, $100; no valid registration, $25.

Kaleab S. Kloppel, 23, of Ainsworth, two counts of having a dangerous dog, fined $50 on each count and ordered to pay $358 in restitution.

Gary L. Ross, 68, of Springview, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Kaari M. Robertson, 37, of Westminster, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125; no valid registration, $25.

Levi M. McFarland, 22, of Lincoln, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125; Expired in-transit decals, $50.

* Fire destroys home north of Ainsworth Wednesday

(Posted 10:45 a.m. April 2)

A Wednesday evening fire destroyed a home north of Ainsworth and prompted the response of four area fire departments.

According to Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Devin Painter, firefighters received a call at approximately 7:55 p.m. of a structure fire north of Ainsworth. Painter said, upon arrival, the attached garage of a home owned by Mike and Wanda Johnson was fully engulfed.

The fire quickly spread to the home itself. Painter said one occupant was in the home and was assisted outside and transported by the Brown County Ambulance Association to the Brown County Hospital.

Painter said Ainsworth called for mutual aid from the Long Pine, Raven and Springview fire departments. Beck’s Well and Irrigation also provided a tanker and opened a pivot to use as a water source while firefighters battled the blaze.

The house and garage were considered a total loss. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the fire’s origination.

Painter said firefighters remained on scene until approximately 1:30 a.m. Thursday.