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
* Cynthia Jane Williams, 83, of Ainsworth 1:30 p.m. Aug. 3
* Stanley G. McNabb, 64, of Long Pine 2 p.m. Aug. 2
* Jane Brewster, 86, of Butte 10:30 a.m. July 30
* Anna Kleinberg, 63, of Newport 2 p.m. July 28
* Brian L. Priestley, 56, of Ainsworth formerly of West Point 10:30 a.m. July 27
* David Wayne McNally, 75, of Springfield, Mo., formerly of Cozad 10 a.m. July 27
* Kenneth Huston Jr., 63, of Emmet July 27
* Meeting reports located below for:
July 17 Brown County Commissioners
July 16 Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors
July 11 Ainsworth City Council
July 9 Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education
July 2 Brown County Commissioners
* Brewer discusses special session of Unicameral
(Posted 1:45 p.m. July 26)
Nebraska 43rd District State Sen. Tom Brewer discussed the special session of the Unicameral called by the Gov. Jim Pillen to address property taxes.
Brewer discussed the chances of the governor’s proposed bill being passed by the Legislature as well as other proposals that have been introduced.
Brewer’s conversation with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie can be heard below in two parts.
* Recent cases from Brown County Court
(Posted 2:30 p.m. July 25)
In addition to fines, each case carries $50 in court costs
Carolyn A. Rayman, age 24, of Springview, charged with no license on person, fined $50; also charged with no valid registration, $25; violating a stop or yield sign, $75.
Andrea M. Young, 56, of Rapid City, S.D., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Stetson L. Allen, 35, of Ainsworth, driving under suspension, $100; no valid registration, $25.
Timothy M. Wood, 59, of St. Paul, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Sklyer B. Gallegos, 21, of Springview, two counts of attempting a Class 4 felony, sentenced to one year of probation on each count.
David A. Sweley, 47, of Blue Hill, 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.
Shawn W. Nelson, 44, of Long Pine, first offense driving under the influence, $500, sentenced to seven days in jail with credit for two days served, driver’s license revoked for six months and ordered to install an ignition interlock device.
Christopher E. Davis, 53, of Atkinson, violating load contents requirement, $100.
Teresa K. Luse, 68, of Lincoln, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Joel D. Woodhead, 34, of Omaha, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.
Steven M. Macklen, 74, of O’Neill, exceeding posted load capacity, $100.
Khai D. Nguyen, 46, of Garden Grove, Calif., speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.
Jackson G. Irwin, 18, of Phillipsburg, Kan., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Gaylen S. Lewis, 49, of Ainsworth, no valid registration, $25.
Savannah B. Dinslage, 34, of Omaha, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Gregory A. Benson, 68, of Moses Lake, Wash., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
John C. Gross, 67, of Johnstown, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.
Daniel E. Bennett, 66, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Lydia G. Allen, 27, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Susan M. Burtwhistle, 67, of Ewing, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Caden D. Swanson, 21, of Ainsworth, failure to display proper number of plates, $25.
Nathaniel G. Stevens, 20, of Wheaton, Ill., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Calvin V. Christensen, 20, of Ainsworth, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.
Jason J. Batch, 47, of Littleton, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Scott C. Uehling, 50, of North Platte, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Kevin J. Enevoldsen, 51, of Montevideo, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Michael A. Cuny, 34, of Wounded Knee, S.D., possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, $300; possession of drug paraphernalia, $100; possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50.
* Pillen calls Legislature into special session
(Posted 6:45 a.m. July 25)
Gov. Jim Pillen issued a proclamation Wednesday calling the Legislature into a special session to consider legislation relating to his plan for property tax reform. Potential actions outlined in the call include, but are not limited to:
• changing appropriations approved by the Legislature last session;
• modifying state taxes on cigarettes, vaping products, alcohol, keno and game of skill devices;
• establishing sales or use taxes on services and items not currently taxed;
• modifying state education aid;
• eliminating state sales tax exemptions;
• eliminating the personal property tax liability on agricultural and machinery equipment; and
• establishing revenue caps that limit the authority of city and county governments to collect property tax revenue.
Senators will convene at 10 a.m. Thursday for three days of bill introduction.
Public hearings on introduced legislation are expected to begin July 29 at 9:30 a.m. Only measures that are referenced to a standing committee will receive a public hearing.
* Nebraska awarded $307 million EPA grant
(Posted 6:45 a.m. July 24)
Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy announced the receipt of a sizeable federal grant that will help accelerate the state’s realization of value-added agriculture and the bioeconomy initiative. The grant, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency totals $307 million – the largest federal grant ever awarded to NDEE.
“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are among the most innovative and sustainable in the world,” Pillen said. “These federal funds will help more farmers make more money by supporting the continued implementation of best management practices, establishing mechanisms to reward those practices, and expand investment in others that will protect our environment.”
The Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grant will be administered by Nebraska’s ONE RED Program (Opportunity for Nebraska: Reducing Emissions and Decarbonization). In 2023, Pillen endorsed the grant planning process, which enabled NDEE to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan for Nebraska.
Nebraska’s plan proposed high-impact, readily deployable, voluntary measures and incentives to reduce emissions and promote energy efficiency across the state. Selected measures from the Priority Climate Action Plan formed the basis for Nebraska’s successful application for the Implementation grant the state received.
NDEE will use the new grant funds to implement voluntary programs to bolster all sectors of Nebraska’s economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Projects may include efficiency measures to reduce energy costs, incentives for sustainable agriculture practices, and advanced livestock waste management, among others.
“This award provides exciting opportunities for our state,” said Thad Fineran, interim director for NDEE “By implementing the measures outlined in Nebraska’s priority action plan, we can reduce emissions, create high quality jobs, support rural and urban communities, and bolster our economy sustainably.”
The success of Nebraska’s application was made possible by the extensive public input from a broad range of partners and stakeholders across the state, including state and local government departments, public power districts, agricultural stakeholders, subject matter experts, and Nebraska’s citizens.
“The widespread input we received across Nebraska was instrumental to the success in this highly competitive grant application process,” Pillen said. “We are grateful for the investment in our state’s agricultural and energy projects that will make an incredible impact now and for future generations.”
Over the next few weeks, NDEE will negotiate a final grant agreement and workplan with the EPA. The department will then begin work to implement the funded incentive programs. Work will also continue under the original planning grant to develop a Comprehensive Action Plan to address emission reductions through 2050. That plan is due in August 2025.
* Nebraska sits fifth in best jobless rate in June
(Posted 1:30 p.m. June 23)
The Nebraska Department of Labor announced the state’s unemployment rate for June was 2.6 percent. The rate was up 0.1 percent from the May rate and was up 0.4 percentage points from the June 2023 rate of 2.2 percent.
Nebraska’s rate is ranked fifth lowest in the nation. South Dakota enjoyed the lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. in June at 2.0 percent, which was slightly better than the 2.1 percent rates in both North Dakota and Vermont. New Hampshire sits just ahead of Nebraska in fourth at 2.5 percent.
Nevada and California shared the highest unemployment rate in the country in June at 5.2 percent. Illinois at 5.0 percent, Washington at 4.9 percent, and Kentucky and New Jersey at 4.6 percent round out the states with the highest jobless rate.
Brown County’s unemployment rate in June was above the state average, coming in at 3.3 percent. In the area, Brown County’s rate was only lower than Blaine County, which matched Box Butte County for the highest unemployment rate in the state in June at 4.3 percent.
Cherry County had the lowest unemployment rate in the area in June at 2.2 percent, sitting slightly better than the 2.3 percent rates in both Rock County and Holt County. Keya Paha County’s unemployment rate was also better than the state average at 2.4 percent. Boyd County’s June rate was slightly higher than the statewide average at 2.8 percent.
Wheeler County at 1.8 percent edged Grant County’s 1.9 percent for the best jobless rate in the state in June.
“June was another record-breaking month for nonfarm employment, which surpassed 1,080,000,” said Commissioner of Labor John H. Albin. “Omaha added the most jobs compared to a year ago, and the private education and health services industry saw the largest over-the-year growth at over 6,600 jobs.”
Nonfarm employment, a count of filled jobs, reached 1,080,626 in June, up 3,832 jobs from May and 18,002 more than June 2023. Private industries with the most growth from May to June were the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (up 2,214 jobs); professional and business services sector (up 2,119 jobs); and the leisure and hospitality services sector (up 1,796 jobs).
Private industries with the most growth during the past year were the private education and health services sector (up 6,612 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities sector (up 4,019 jobs); and the manufacturing sector (up 3,868 jobs).
The national unemployment rate for June is 4.1 percent, up 0.1 percentage points from the May rate of 4.0 percent and up 0.5 percentage points from the June 2023 rate of 3.6 percent.
The counts of employed and unemployed in the labor force are based on a survey conducted by the Census Bureau regarding employment status.
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 9:45 a.m. July 22)
July 14
Responded to a motorist assist on Highway 183 after the vehicle struck an animal.
Served a protection order.
July 15
Received a report of a pivot watering the roadway near 885th Rd and 429th Rd. The pivot owner was called and corrected the issue.
Served a civil summons.
Calamus, Raven, and Johnstown Fire Departments were paged to South Moonlake Ave for a bale on fire.
The Brown County Ambulance were paged to transfer a flight crew to the hospital.
July 16
Received a report of a pivot watering Highway 183. The pivot owner was called and corrected the issue.
The Brown County Ambulance was paged to a 911 call in Ainsworth. One patient was transported to the hospital.
The Ainsworth Fire Department, Brown County Ambulance, and Brown County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch with one occupant on 429th Ave. One patient was transported to the hospital.
The Ainsworth Fire Department responded to a report of a generator fire at the wind tower facility South of Ainsworth.
Responded to a request for traffic control near Kyner Rd at Long Pine for a truck to turn around on correct detour route.
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in rural Brown County. Transport was denied by patient.
July 17
Served a protection order.
Attended a training in Valentine for Narcan usage.
July 18
Received a report of an oversize semi/trailer going across the restricted weight Long Pine bridge. The vehicle was not found.
Responded to a request for a welfare check at a hotel in Ainsworth. A male subject was located and pronounced deceased at the scene.
Issued a citation for impeding traffic to a semi/trailer driver on 3rd & Pine St in Ainsworth.
Responded to a hit and run accident on Richardson Drive in Ainsworth. The vehicle was able to drive away from the scene.
Issued a warning for speeding.
July 19
Responded to a report of a reckless driver in East City Park. The vehicle was not found.
During a traffic stop in the detour route near Long Pine, a citation was issued for 71 mph in a 45mph zone.
July 20
During a traffic stop on Highway 20, near mile marker 238, a citation was issued for speeding 77mph in a 65mph and expired registration to a Nebraska driver.
Received a medical alert alarm on Maple Street in Ainsworth. The Brown County Ambulance was paged but it was found to be a false alarm, so no transport was needed.
Responded to a request for a civil standby for property exchange in Ainsworth.
Weekly Log
Calls: 122
911 Calls: 11
Calls for Service: 10
Vin Inspections: 5
Gun Permits: 1
* Commissioners add pond upgrades to grant application
(Posted 9:30 a.m. July 17)
The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved including upgrades to the community fishing pond to a pending grant application.
North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said the Rural Community Recovery Program has a minimum application amount of $250,000. The commissioners had previously approved applying for demolition assistance for a building the county acquired in downtown Long Pine.
Olson told the board Tuesday that project only amounted to $65,000. She asked the commissioners what else they would like to consider for the application.
“I need some input on what you want to do,” Olson said.
Commissioner Dennis Bauer said adding a picnic shelter and concrete path at the community fishing pond would be a good public use of the potential grant funds.
“We could build a nice shelter and have a paved parking lot,” Bauer said. “You can also put playground equipment on the lot in Long Pine. You can use the daycare’s numbers and put in the same equipment.”
Olson said the application was due Monday and the county would learn if it was awarded funding in October. She said the grant funds needed to be spent, and Brown County was one of 41 counties deemed eligible to apply. She said she was also working on applications to the Rural Community Recovery Program on behalf of Ainsworth Community Schools and the city of Ainsworth.
The board, with Commissioner Buddy Small absent Tuesday, approved adding playground equipment to the demolition project at Long Pine and the improvements to the community fishing pond to the grant application.
In other business Tuesday, the commissioners approved having Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin sign and submit the annual federal funds purchase program certification. Turpin said the county receives the federal funding annually by completing the certification. He said, in March, the county received $76,697 in federal funds for roads and $72,644 for bridges.
The board approved declaring a 2008 John Deere motor grader as surplus equipment and selling the machine on Big Iron. Turpin said the John Deere was replaced by a new Caterpillar motor grader, which arrived two weeks ago. Turpin said he hoped the motor grader would bring between $50,000 and $60,000 at auction.
The commissioners set a public hearing for 1:15 p.m. Aug. 20 regarding the potential vacation of a portion of Cedar Road south of Long Pine. The hearing was moved back from Aug. 6.
During his report, Turpin said the roads department had been patching holes on Norden Avenue.
“We broke it up a little hauling gravel,” Turpin said. “There were a lot of cattle pots on it too.”
The highway superintendent said some of the sandier roads in the county sometimes get shorted on gravel because hauling the gravel can tear up the roads.
He said the roads department was mixing its first batch of cold-mix asphalt to use for patching paved roads in the county.
Turpin told the board the roads department would shut down the detour road near Long Pine on Wednesday to fix shoulder washing issues and trim trees to improve visibility.
“People drove off the road onto the shoulder and created holes that started washing,” Turpin said. “I don’t want it undermining the oil road.”
Turpin said he debated keeping the road open with flaggers but ultimately opted instead to close the road for a couple hours Wednesday due to the tight space. He said closing the route would give the department more room to work and would remove the chance of an accident.
Bauer said cutting has occurred to the bank on the north side of the Niobrara River near the Meadville Avenue bridge. He asked if it would be Keya Paha County’s responsibility to address the cutting issues on that side of the river.
Turpin said it would be the Keya Paha County roads department’s responsibility, but he said that department did not have as much equipment as the Brown County roads department.
“I can take a look at it and I can assist them if they need it,” Turpin said. “
In other action items, the commissioners approved a resolution amending a 2003 county resolution regarding deputy county officials’ salaries.
The previous resolution capped deputy county officials’ salaries to between 65 percent and 85 percent of the county official’s salary. The resolution approved Tuesday gives the elected official the discretion of setting the deputy’s salary after the deputy has been employed for 10 years. It removed the 85 percent cap on deputies’ salaries after the employee had completed 10 years with the county.
The board approved having Chairman Bauer sign a service and support agreement for the new courtroom equipment that was installed by the state. Clerk Travee Hobbs said the state will maintain the new equipment for five years. The county will be responsible for maintaining the equipment after that.
Sheriff Brent Deibler discussed the E911 radio equipment upgrade that would be undertaken soon. The board approved moving forward with the Lumen Vista hardware and software updates that will be done in conjunction with six other area counties. Deibler said the state will pay for a portion of that project.
That project and the replacement of the county’s radio dispatch system will cost approximately $358,000. Deibler said the county can use $50,000 from its E911 fund for the Lumen Vista updates and could apply $150,000 in E911 funds toward the new dispatch system.
Deibler said he planned to request $25,000 each from the roads department, the Brown County Ambulance Association, the Brown County Hospital and the Brown County Rural Fire Protection District as all four of those entities use the system.
Deibler said he included $200,000 in his budget for the system, but that line item could come down if the county receives the other support he is requesting.
Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said the county could take the $100,000 from its inheritance tax fund initially and ask the other entities to then include reimbursement to the inheritance tax fund as they prepare their future budgets.
In final action items, the board on Tuesday approved transfers of $5,000 from the miscellaneous general fund to the reappraisal fund, $8,735 from the ambulance fund to the other debt service ambulance building fund to make the interest payment on the new ambulance barn bond, and $72 from the Wireless 911 fund to the E911 fund.
The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Aug. 6.
The Ainsworth Golf Course was the recipient of a sustained hailstorm late Tuesday afternoon.
Some hail at the Ainsworth Golf Course Tuesday was as large as the golf balls typically found in play.
* Care Center Board approves 2024-25 budget
(Posted 11 a.m. July 16)
The Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors on Monday approved a 2024-25 budget that projects the facility will turn a more than $400,000 profit without factoring in voter-approved tax dollars.
The budget projects total revenue for the fiscal year of $3.29 million and total expenses of $2.88 million for a net operating margin of $407,978.
While the budget is simply an estimate, it is a much stronger forecast for how the facility expects to operate than previous years. The budget does not take into account the approximately $200,000 the facility will receive from a 10-cent voter-approved property tax levy in the city of Ainsworth and a 1-cent levy in Brown County.
It estimates a resident population ranging from 28 to 30, with the facility currently being home to 29 residents. The 2024-25 budget projects monthly losses just twice, both due to three pay periods falling within those months instead of the typical two.
Board member Bruce Papstein asked Care Center Administrator Penny Jacobs if she felt the projections were achievable. Jacobs said the numbers were achievable, considering the care center already has 29 residents and the budget projected 28 for July. She said the facility was not projecting a steep increase in resident population.
“This is better than we have been projecting since I have been here,” Jacobs said.
Business Manager Makenzie Crane said she believed the facility has come a long way, and the budget projections show that progress.
Papstein said, if the facility was able to generate that kind of profit, that would be excellent.
Board member Dennis Bauer said, “Even if we ended up with 25 percent of this projection, it would be awesome.”
The board approved the 2024-25 budget as presented. Board Chairman Tom Jones said he would present the budget to both the Brown County Commissioners and the Ainsworth City Council in August.
The Sandhills Care Center closed out the 2023-24 fiscal year in June by generating $408,278 in revenue with expenses of $274,351 for a net operating margin of $133,926. However, a one-time Medicaid reimbursement of $151,710 was included as part of the facility’s revenue. Without that annual payment, the facility would have been approximately $18,000 in the red for the month.
Crane reported the facility spent $16,328 in agency staffing. She said the agency contract will end Aug. 3, and the facility will no longer have agency staffing after that point. She said expenses in July also included an $11,549 payment to a dietary consultant who was brought in following the Department of Health and Human Services survey of the facility to recommend updates to the kitchen.
Board member Dr. Mel Campbell asked if the consultant provided recommendations that would make a difference in the building. Crane said she believed they would.
The board approved moving forward with the kitchen remodeling project, which included replacing the current cupboards with shelving, worktables, painting and a new sink.
Jacobs estimated the cost of the upgrade at $4,131 in equipment. She said she hoped the care center’s maintenance employee could handle most of the removal and replacement. She said the project was based off the recommendations of the consultant and the state survey.
Jacobs said the facility’s dietary manager was excited for the project.
“An update to the kitchen will make everyone happy,” Jacobs said. “No one is using cupboards anymore. The shelves will open it up more.”
The board approved the project and also recommended Jacobs replace the flooring in the kitchen as part of the project.
Jacobs reported there are 29 residents who currently call the Sandhills Care Center home. She said the facility had two admissions during the past month, and two residents had passed away. She said she anticipated a new resident would be admitted Wednesday, getting the facility back to the 30-resident mark.
Of the current residents, 12 pay privately, 16 receive Medicaid assistance and one is receiving hospice care. There are 16 residents from Ainsworth, seven from Cherry County, three from rural Brown County, and one each from Long Pine, Rock County and Keya Paha County.
Jacobs said the care center hired a full-time LPN for the night shift and had hired a new CNA. The facility could still use charge nurses and CNAs, and would also like to hire a weekend housekeeper.
With the annual Medicaid reimbursement payment the facility received in June, the facility was able to fully pay off the funds borrowed from its line of credit. The board in June approved paying off the line of credit if the Medicaid funding was received.
Crane reported the facility has now received $71,492 in property tax funds from the county and $53,393 from the city of Ainsworth. The care center will receive roughly another $28,507 from the county and $46,606 from the city.
Crane also reported the care center planned to have a back to school bash for youth from 4 until 8 p.m. Aug. 6 before school restarted. She said there would be food trucks, snow cones, carnival games, blowups and more.
In a final action item Monday, the board approved a new mission and values statement and a new slogan for the Sandhills Care Center as presented by the staff. Jacobs said all of the facility managers met for lunch and came up with the new mission and values statement, which will be incorporated throughout the building.
The facility’s slogan is “Guided by passion, driven by care.”
Its mission statement is “To serve our community with compassionate, person-centered care through life’s transitions.”
Its vision statement is “Aspire to be the community’s preferred care provider by creating a safe, healthy and nurturing environment for residents, while providing peace of mind for their loved ones.”
Its values statement is FAMILY – “Foundation and future; Assurance and acceptance; Means for morals, values and tradition; Inspiring, insight and patience with; Love, loyalty, laughter for; Young and old together.”
The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. Aug. 12.
* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda
(Posted 3:15 p.m. July 15)
Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 16
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda
Roll Call.
Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approve minutes of the 7-2-2024 Commissioner meeting.
Kenneth Turpin – Road Department Update
Authorize Brown County Highway Superintendent to sign and
Submit Federal Funds Purchase Annual Program Certification – Turpin
Declare 2008 772D John Deere Motor Grader surplus to be sold on Big Iron, serial #DW772DX61637 – Turpin
County Board resolution to set a public hearing date for vacation of Cedar Road per State Statute 39-1724
Discussion with North Central Development Center RE: RCRP Grant – Kristin Olson
Resolution regarding County Officials Deputies pay – Attorney
Sign CTI Service Support Agreement & Inventory relating to Courtroom upgrade project – Clerk
E911 Radio Equipment – Deibler
Resolution to transfer $72.00 from #2913 Wireless 911 Fund to #2910 – E 911 Fund
Budgeted transfer of $5,000.00 from Miscellaneous General in General to Reappraisal Fund – Clerk
Resolution transferring $8,735.00 from Ambulance Fund to Other
Debt Service Ambulance Building Fund – Treasurer
Approve Claims
Correspondence
Public Comment
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 6:30 a.m. July 15)
July 7
Received a report of assault in Long Pine. This is an ongoing investigation.
Released a male subject from the Brown County Jail on a personal recognize bond, and then transferred to a mental health facility.
Released a male subject from the Brown County Jail after bond was posted.
July 8
Provided traffic control for cattle crossing near the Highway 183/20 Junction.
Responded to a follow-up call involving a hit and run accident in Ainsworth. A citation was issued for leaving the scene of the accident.
The Brown County Ambulance transported a flight crew from the airport to hospital.
July 9
Received a report of a pivot watering the roadway near 427th and 877th intersection. The owner was called and corrected the issue.
July 10
Responded to a request for a civil standby in Ainsworth.
Responded to a report of an oversized truck in need of traffic control to turn around on the correct detour route.
Responded to a report of a reckless driver, West of Ainsworth on Highway 20. Contact was made with the driver and the Brown County Ambulance was paged to the scene where the driver denied further medical treatment.
Served a protection order.
The Brown County Ambulance was paged to a lift assist in rural Brown County.
July 11
The Brown County Ambulance was paged to a rural address in Brown County and transported one patient to the hospital.
July 12
Responded to a report of a sexual assault that occurred in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.
Received a report of a down stop sign at the 183/20 Highway junction. The NDOT was notified and corrected the issue.
Served a civil summons.
July 13
The Brown County Ambulance was paged to an apartment complex in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital. They responded to a 2nd page on this day at a senior living facility in Ainsworth resulting in the transport of one patient to the hospital.
Responded to a request for a civil standby in Long Pine.
Weekly Log
Calls: 131
911 Calls: 1
Calls for Service: 10
Vin Inspections: 4
Gun Permits: 1
* Ponderosa Road detour route will close Wednesday
(Posted 10 a.m. July 12)
Brown County Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported the local Highway 20 detour route through the Long Pine State Park will be closed for approximately two hours Wednesday morning.
Turpin reported Kyner Street in Long Pine from Eighth Street to the Pine Creek bridge, as well as Ponderosa Road from the Pine Creek bridge to Willow Ridge Avenue will be closed from approximately 10 a.m. until noon Wednesday.
The closure will allow the roads department to repair shoulders of the roadway that washed out during recent rain. The roads department will also trim trees in the area to allow for increased visibility on the detour route.
The traveling public will need to use the Nebraska Department of Transportation detour route using Highway 183 and Highway 7 while the local detour route is closed. Turpin will provide an update Wednesday when the work is complete and the local detour route through the park is reopened to traffic.
* Council approves pursuing grants for park project
(Posted 7 a.m. July 11)
The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday gave the go-ahead for the park board to pursue grant opportunities for a more than $200,000 basketball and pickleball court project at East City Park.
The upgrade would replace a dilapidated basketball and tennis court at the park east of the swimming pool.
City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the park board is looking at several potential grant sources for the project.
“We just want to make sure the council approves of us going out for grant opportunities,” Schroedl said.
Councilman Brad Fiala said he felt the council should vote on allowing the group to tear out the old basketball and tennis courts.
“The light poles are still ok,” Fiala said. “You can just put different lights on them.”
Councilman Dustin Barthel said the power is still good going to the light poles. He recommended just replacing the lights at the top with new LED lights.
“I would wait to tear out the old stuff until you are ready to move forward,” Barthel said.
Park Board Chairman Cody Goochey said the park board had its stuff in a group and was ready to go. He estimated the total cost of the project at $210,000.
Councilman Doug Weiss, who was appointed by the council Wednesday following a recommendation from Mayor Joel Klammer to complete the term of Shawn Fernau, who resigned from the council in June, asked if the council planned to use general funds to complete the project if the full amount cannot be secured through grants.
Schroedl said the city had some money in its capital outlay budget that could potentially be available to assist with the project.
Fiala said the council had talked about including some money in the upcoming budget to assist with the project.
Schroedl said the council could discuss including some of the cost of the project in more detail during its upcoming budget workshops.
The council approved allowing the park board to pursue grants for the new basketball and pickleball court project.
In other business Wednesday, the council tabled action on a request from American Tower Company for additional property lease options at a city tower site on the north side of Ainsworth.
The company requested the ability to lease additional space around the tower itself and would provide an up-front payment to the city as well as a monthly payment for that consideration.
Barthel said he would like to have a chance to visit the tower site, take some measurements, and visit with Streets Superintendent Jade Egle about the proposal before making a decision.
Schroedl said Egle expressed some concern about the additional lease, as the streets department does store gravel in the area around the tower.
Fiala said the city also owns the ground north of the tower so the streets department could pile more material on that side of the tower if the council opted to lease the space south of the tower to the company.
Klammer said the council did not need to be in any hurry to make a decision, and the council tabled action on the item.
The council approved two pay applications to Myers Construction for the North Main Street water, sewer and paving project, one in the amount of $125,081 that Schroedl said covered work done in May and the other in the amount of $445,933 that covered work completed in June.
Klammer said the North Main Street project is essentially complete.
“It is nice to get the first step completed,” Klammer said.
Schroedl said the city would conduct a walk-through of the project Thursday with an engineer from Olsson Associates. She said the city holds back 10 percent of the contract amount until the project is deemed to be completed to the city’s specifications.
Audience member John Halbersleben asked if parking spaces were going to be striped in that area. Schroedl said painting was not included in the scope of the project with Myers Construction, but the city streets crew could handle the painting.
In addition to appointing Weiss to the council to serve until December, the council appointed Schroedl to continue serving as the city’s representative on the North Central Development Center Board of Directors and recommended Barthel be appointed to an at-large seat on the NCDC Board.
Weiss served on the City Council from 2004 through 2012, and Klammer said it was great to have someone with experience willing to fill the vacancy until the seat comes up for election in November. He encouraged anyone interested in serving on the council to file as a write-in candidate.
The council held a public hearing to review the six-month report submitted by the LB 840 Citizen Advisory Review Committee on the status of LB 840 projects. The committee did not recommend any changes to the program, and Schroedl said all seven applicants who received loans from the LB 840 fund are current on their repayments.
During her report, Schroedl said there was an issue with the bump-outs on the South Main Street project. The city initially included a tree and landscaping in the bump-out areas, but the trees were removed from the specifications by the Nebraska Department of Transportation due to potential visibility issues.
“There was a little misunderstanding on what the council approved compared to what was submitted to NDOT,” Schroedl said.
With trees not being an option, Schroedl said the city would rather just have paving on the bump-outs instead of mulched landscaping. Since concrete in those areas was not included in the bid specifications, Schroedl said the NDOT indicated the city would have to pay for the additional estimated $75,000 in concrete.
Schroedl said she planned to meet with District 8 Engineer Mark Kovar to see if something could be worked out.
Klammer said by discovering the discrepancy now at least everything would match instead of the city having to go back in after the project was completed and adding the concrete to those spots.
Schroedl said she would set up interviews for next week for the newly created code enforcement officer position. She said the city did set up its phone system to have call forwarding after normal business hours for code enforcement emergencies and any utility emergencies.
The city will have two cell phones its phone system will forward calls to for handling any issues. Residents can call the city’s standard office number at 402-387-2494 and those calls will be forwarded.
Schroedl said the city was shopping for a vehicle for the code enforcement officer.
The city administrator congratulated wastewater treatment plant operator Doug Petty for passing his wastewater II licensing examination.
“It is a very hard test to pass, and Doug passed with flying colors,” Schroedl said.
She also reported the city’s health insurance premium would increase by 18 percent for the upcoming plan year. She said the city initially saved 36 percent when it went to the League of Municipalities pool, so the city had still saved quite a bit by making the switch.
The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for Aug. 14.
* Long Pine Creek Watershed project updates
(Posted 3:45 p.m. July 10)
The Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District recently conducted an assessment of stream restoration projects within the Long Pine Creek Watershed following significant rainfall. Between June 17-21, Brown County landowners reported 9 to 11 inches of rain in the area. The restoration projects demonstrated remarkable resilience, exhibiting only minor erosion along the streambanks.
“Due to the diligent planning involved, we are elated to see that the conservation work has stood up to such significant rainfall,” Middle Niobrara NRD General Manager Mike Murphy said. “These efforts not only protect our natural resources but also enhance the quality of life for the residents and landowners within the Long Pine Creek Watershed.”
The stream restoration initiatives were a collaborative effort involving local landowners, the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Ainsworth Irrigation District, the Brown County Commissioners, the Natural Resources Commission, and the Middle Niobrara NRD. The projects were identified and implemented as part of the Middle Niobrara NRD’s Water Quality Management Plan, with the initial phase focusing on developing the plan and identifying priority areas within the Long Pine Creek Watershed.
Between 2020 and 2023, three key stream restoration projects were executed to address critical issues such as water quality, fish and wildlife habitat preservation, stream instability, head-cutting, scouring, erosion, excess sedimentation, and streambank degradation. The efforts aimed to improve water conditions, addressing the watershed’s status on the 303(d) impaired waters list. Long Pine Creek stream restoration work included bank stabilization, riprap, and re-seeding or vegetative covering to reduce erosion.
Murphy said the outcomes of the projects were significant. They protected and enhanced habitats across 36 miles of stream, improved water quality over an additional 27 miles of streams and safeguarded over 6,800 acres of land. The initiatives directly benefited more than 210 individual landowners and provided indirect benefits to more than 2,900 residents within the Long Pine Creek Watershed.
The stream restoration projects were funded with $1,746,530 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, $1,907,000 in federal funding, and supplemented by $652,819.71 in local match contributions.
* Long Pine school bus route changed during bridge work
(Posted 7 a.m. July 9)
With the Highway 20 bridge in the Long Pine hills closed while under construction, the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education on Monday opted to alter its Long Pine bus route pickup spot to the Long Pine State Park entrance just west of the city.
Superintendent Dale Hafer told the board he had checked with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and received permission for the school to pick up students from the state park entrance. Once the bridge work is complete, the school will go back to picking up students in front of the Palace.
Hafer said the bus is too heavy to meet the current weight restrictions on the detour route through the state park. He said that route could also pose some potential safety issues.
“This will be a minor inconvenience until the bridge opens,” Hafer said. “It is better than not running the route and paying mileage until the bridge is open. This will keep the kids safe.”
Board President Brad Wilkins asked if the bus had enough room to turn around at the Long Pine State Park entrance. Hafer said Joey Finley had taken the bus to the site to test that very thing and the bus would be able to get turned around without issue.
“This will be a good alternative, and it is temporary,” Hafer said.
The superintendent said the west bus route will be the same as the previous school year, with a pickup point at the intersection of Highway 20 and Rauscher Avenue and another at Johnstown.
Hafer said both routes have about the same number of students who ride the bus each day.
The board unanimously approved the routes for the 2024-25 school year, with the Long Pine pickup spot returning to the Palace when the Highway 20 bridge work is complete.
In other action items Monday, the board voted to increase pay for substitute teachers and substitute para-educators. Hafer said the district had not increased substitute teacher and para pay since 2021.
“Rock County will be at $145 per day this year for substitute teachers,” the superintendent said. “Valentine will be similar. It makes sense to raise it $10 per day to stay competitive.”
The district has paid substitute teachers $135 per day since 2021 and substitute para-educators $100 per day.
The board voted to increase the pay to $145 per day for substitute teachers and $110 per day for substitute para-educators.
The board also approved the second reading of policy updates as recommended by the Nebraska Association of School Boards based off legislation approved in 2024 by the Nebraska Unicameral.
During his report, Hafer said the track refurbishing project is complete and the track is open. He said the project went well and the cost was right where the company said it would be.
Hafer also reported the overhead bus barn door had been replaced and took care of the issues the district was having with the middle door of the bus barn.
The superintendent said the new cafeteria tables had been delayed. Instead of arriving in late July, the new tables were scheduled for delivery in mid August. He discussed potentially replacing the flooring in the cafeteria with new tile during the holiday break if the lunch fund continued to do well.
Elementary Principal Ben Wright reported summer school wrapped up for the year and had about 36 students attending on average.
“It was a great opportunity for kids to get some math and reading help,” Wright said. “They also had a fun time with the enrichment activities.”
The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for Aug. 12.
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 9 a.m. July 8)
June 30
Issued warning for speed issued on Highway 7.
At 4th and Osborne Street a verbal warning given for no registration.
July 1
Responded to a report of lewd images dispersed by an unauthorized subject. This is an ongoing investigation.
July 2
Completed a taser training.
Responded to a report of a protection order violation. One male subject was issued a citation for the violation and booked into the Brown County Jail.
July 3
The Brown County ambulance transported a flight crew to the airport.
Issued a citation for speeding on Highway 7.
Storm spotters were paged in Raven and Calamus fire districts for severe storm warnings predicting a tornado by the National Weather Service.
Responded to a report of a tree blocking the roadway on the 300 block of Maple Street, traffic control was provided until the city worker remove the tree.
July 4
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.
The Brown County Ambulance transported a flight crew from the airport to pick up a patient.
July 5
Responded to a report of stolen vehicle keys. The keys were located the following morning.
Responded to a report of a hit and run accident on 3rd St in Ainsworth.
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call from a gas station in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.
Issued a verbal warning to an oversized truck attempting to cross the bridge with current weight restrictions.
Booked a male subject into the Brown County Jail for a parole violation court commitment sentence.
Responded to a 911 call in Long Pine reporting domestic violence and a male subject experiencing a mental health crisis. The male subject was booked into the Brown County Jail for domestic assault and terroristic threats.
Responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth reporting a domestic dispute. The male subject was later found in an unoccupied home and the Brown County Ambulance was paged to assist with the transportation to the hospital. and booked into the Brown County Jail for domestic assault, criminal mischief, and assault of a public safety officer by bodily fluid.
July 6
Received a report of stolen prescription medication.
Issued a verbal warning for an oversized truck attempting to cross the restricted long pine bridge. Traffic control was provided for the truck to turn around.
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call at a rural address and transported one patient to the hospital.
Weekly Report
Calls: 121
911 Calls: 14
Calls for Service: 8
Vin Inspections: 5
Gun Permits: 2
Carter Nelson
* Nelson named KBRB Athlete of the Year
(Posted 9 a.m. July 3)
Carter Nelson has been named the 2023-24 KBRB Athlete of the Year. Among a senior class loaded with talented athletes, Nelson received the award based on a vote of Ainsworth High School coaches, faculty and A Club members.
The KBRB Athlete of the Year is presented to a student-athlete at Ainsworth High School who excels in at least two sports, shows sportsmanship and coachability, as well as a strong work ethic in the classroom and the community.
Nelson, who will compete for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln football team this fall, led Ainsworth to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in his junior and senior seasons. He was named First Team All-State and finished his football career with 1,533 passing yards with 27 touchdowns, 1,979 rushing yards with 33 touchdowns, and a school record 2,346 receiving yards with 43 touchdowns. Defensively, Nelson recorded 201 career tackles and 10 interceptions.
On the basketball court, Nelson was one of four seniors along with Kendyl Delimont, Traegan McNally and Trey Appelt, to finish with more than 1,000 points in a basketball career, an unprecedented feat for the Class of 2024.
Nelson finished his career with 1,234 points, 756 rebounds, 422 assists, 156 steals, and a school record 314 blocks. He helped the Bulldogs to a Class D-1 State Runner-Up finish during his senior year.
In track and field, Nelson set the Class C state record with a 7-foot high jump to win all-class gold in the event as a sophomore. He was also the state champion high jumper as a freshman. He won Class C gold in the long jump during his senior season.
Nelson also won state medals twice in the 200 meters, a third medal in the high jump and a medal in the pole vault.
He holds five school records in track and field, 11.03 seconds in the 100 meters, 21.90 seconds in the 200 meters, 7-feet in the high jump, 23-feet-2.5 in the long jump, and 188-feet-1 in the discus.
For being named the KBRB Athlete of the Year, Nelson receives a $500 scholarship to the University of Nebraska.
* Work to begin July 15 at Calamus Reservoir
(Posted 9:30 a.m. July 5)
Weather permitting, work will begin July 15 at the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Paulsen’s, Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for the project. Work includes improvements to most of the campgrounds, boat ramp parking areas, South Lake Road and Fish Hatchery Road. Work to the recreation areas will begin in July, starting at Little York Point and Valley View Flat Recreation areas, then progressing to Buckshot Bay, Homestead Knolls, Nunda Shoal and Hannaman Bayou. Access to the recreation areas will be limited during construction.
Asphalt paving and guardrail improvements to a portion of the South Lake Road and across the Virginia Smith Dam are anticipated to occur in the fall. Traffic on South Lake Road will be maintained with temporary traffic signals and/or a pilot card and flaggers.
Contact the Nebraska Game & Parks, Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area at (308) 346 5666 for closure information on campgrounds. Anticipated completion is June 2025.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.
* Fireworks stolen in Bassett during burglary
(Posted noon July 3)
The Rock County Sheriff’s Department is seeking any information members of the public may have following a burglary at the Rock County Fairgrounds late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
According to Rock County Sheriff Ben Shelbourn, sometime between 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday morning, someone forcefully entered a building at the Rock County Fairgrounds and stole approximately $4,000 worth of fireworks.
The fireworks were owned by Deb Buoy. The building at the fairgrounds also sustained damage during the break-in.
Shelbourn said fingerprints were recovered at the scene and have been sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for processing.
Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious at the fairgrounds Monday night into Tuesday morning is asked to call the Rock County Sheriff’s Department at 402-684-3811.
* All flood-damaged roads in Brown County now open
(Posted 3 p.m. July 2)
After substantial rainfall and subsequent flooding damaged several roads in the county and caused their closure, Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin told the Brown County Commissioners Tuesday all washouts have been repaired and roads reopened to traffic.
Turpin said the worst washouts were south of Long Pine and east and west of Ainsworth south of Highway 20.
“872 Road was completely washed out,” Turpin said. “The culvert there was in poor shape, so we put in a new culvert.”
Turpin said several stretches of Richardson Road south of Ainsworth and Long Pine had substantial washouts.
“We had some washing southwest and southeast of Ainsworth,” the highway superintendent said. “There are some spots that still need some gravel, and we will have to clean out the ditches.”
Turpin reported flood waters damaged pilings in the Hidden Paradise area. He said sheet piling installed after the 2019 flooding was compromised and fell over. He said that sheet piling was pulled back up, with additional sheet piling added and the tie rods welded.
“That should be pretty sturdy now,” Turpin said.
Turpin reported Willow Creek washed out the road near property owned by Larry Duden. He said the roads department may need to install additional culverts, as that area handles a lot of water.
In other roads items, Turpin said he planned to contract crack sealing work after researching the cost of the county purchasing the equipment needed to handle crack sealing. He said the initial equipment costs would be more than $100,000, so Bader Construction would be contracted to conduct crack seal work on Meadville Avenue and the Elsmere Road at an estimated cost of 55 cents per foot.
Commissioner Denny Bauer said he supported moving ahead with crack sealing work.
“That would be my preference,” Bauer said. “We need to stay after it.”
Turpin said he would also double the amount of cold mix asphalt the roads department typically mixes, as some paved county roads were seeing additional traffic due to detours.
The highway superintendent said he received permission from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to trim trees near the Long Pine State Park bridge to improve visibility.
In another roads item Tuesday, the board, with Commissioner Buddy Small absent, approved hiring Bonnie Downing with Agri Affiliates of North Platte to handle the appraisal of the land needed to construct a road to reach isolated property owned by Grant Kobes in southwestern Brown County at the site of the former Long Lake State Recreation Area.
Attorney Todd Flynn said it typically takes about six weeks to have an appraisal completed. The board included in the approval for Downing to have the work completed and sent to the county by Sept. 1.
Sheriff Brent Deibler told the commissioners new radio dispatching equipment would be needed as part of the North Central E911 System. The sheriff said the North Central group, which includes Brown, Rock, Keya Paha, Cherry, Sheridan, Holt and Boyd counties, had agreed to a contract with Lumen Vesta for a software and hardware contract for the system. Deibler said that company had been recommended by the state, and the state would provide some financial support for the equipment updates.
The cost for the hardware and software contract was $53,640 for the first year and $19,743 annually in years following. Those costs are shared between the seven counties involved in the region.
Deibler said the county would be responsible for the cost of a new radio dispatching system, which is used by the sheriff’s department, the roads department, all fire departments in the county, the ambulance association and the hospital.
Deibler said there was money in the county’s E911 fund to assist with some of the costs for the updates, but some of those funds could not be used for the dispatching equipment. He said the cost of the radio dispatching system was estimated at $225,000.
Bauer requested the sheriff put together a proposal for cost sharing between all the entities that use the radio dispatching equipment.
The sheriff said some counties had already upgraded their systems, but Rock County was in the same boat as Brown County and would need to update its dispatching system.
Deibler also reported the county passed a jail inspection Tuesday, and the sheriff’s department could again house inmates in the Brown County Jail. He said the jail would be able to house both male and female inmates. He said the sheriff’s department needed to install one additional camera to monitor the cells in the jail.
In other action items, the commissioners approved a resolution allowing the Brown County Hospital to construct an additional 224-by-130-foot paved parking area east of the current parking lot. The cost of the construction will be shouldered by the hospital.
The board approved a subdivision for a small parcel located north of Highway 20 in Section 21, Township 30, Range 22 as requested by attorney Todd Flynn on behalf of a client.
The commissioners approved CSG Printing of Omaha to handle printing postcards the state now requires counties to send to property owners anytime tax requests exceed a certain percentage allowed by the state. The cost to the county is 50 cents per mailed postcard.
The board discussed a resolution passed in 2003 that capped deputy county officials’ salaries at 86 percent of the elected official’s salary. County Attorney Andy Taylor said the resolution restricted deputy officials’ salaries to be between 65 percent and 86 percent of the elected official.
“If someone has been here long enough and has done a good job, it might be worth having a policy that isn’t arbitrary,” Taylor said.
Bauer said he was not in favor of caps, and the money paid to employees in each office should be at the discretion of the county official.
“I think most of our officials are conservative,” Bauer said. “I like the idea of the official being able to set the salary for the deputy.”
Clerk Travee Hobbs said the deputy clerk has numerous years of experience and expertise. Hobbs said she is at the point where she cannot even provide a full cost of living salary increase to the deputy clerk due to the caps.
Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey suggested keeping the current caps in place until the deputy official has worked for the county for 10 years. After that time, the salary would be at the discretion of the county official in each office.
Taylor said he would draft a resolution for the commissioners to consider at their next meeting.
The board approved having NACO administer the county’s Vision and MASA Cobra Contracts. Hobbs said NACO would handle the administration instead of it being left up to the county clerk.
In a final action item Tuesday, the board approved a budgeted transfer of $300,000 from the county’s miscellaneous general fund to the highway fund.
The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. July 16.
* NDOT unveils 2025 construction plans
(Posted 2:15 p.m. July 1)
The Nebraska Department of Transportation released its fiscal year 2025 Surface Transportation Program Book.
The book lists the 2025 State Highway System Program projects separated by each NDOT Geographical District and project type planned for construction within the next six years. The 2025 program has been published at $772 million. It is funded through state and federal highway user taxes and fees, and does not include Aeronautics, Broadband or Local system related construction.
Among the projects scheduled for 2025 in District 8 is 7.29 miles of milling and resurfacing work on Highway 183 north and south of Springview.
Two stretches of milling and resurfacing on Highway 11 in Holt and Boyd counties will be undertaken in 2025. The Holt County portion of Highway 11 is 4.59 miles between Brush Creek and the Niobrara River. The Boyd County stretch is 5.67 miles between the Niobrara River and Butte.
A total of 9 miles of milling and resurfacing work will be completed in 2025 on Highway 12 between Butte and Spencer in Boyd County.
Several micro-surfacing projects are scheduled for 2025 in District 8, including Highway 7 in the Bassett area and Highway 20 between Wood Lake and Bassett.
The 2024 State Legislature allocated an additional $70 million to help fill existing funding gaps. This allocation resulted in an increase from 540 to 805 miles of statewide highway preservation and the expansion of the Highway 275 Expressway from Norfolk to Pilger within the next year.
Other projects planned to begin within the next year include, but are not limited to, 10 miles of Interstate replacement between Cozad and Darr, preservation work and construction of Super 2 passing lanes on the Highway 83 corridor between North Platte and McCook and the Lincoln West Beltway Capital Improvement.
The 2025-2030 Nebraska Surface Transportation program and an interactive GIS map are available at ndot.info/program-book.
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 10:45 a.m. July 1)
June 23
Responded to a report of a male subject, with unauthorized access, located at a residence inside Ainsworth city limits. The male was issued a citation, for criminal trespassing and disturbing the peace, then booked into the Brown County Jail. Bond was posted the following day, and the male was released.
Responded to a two-vehicle accident in the Subway parking lot. Both vehicles were able to drive away and no injuries were reported.
Responded to a parking complaint on South Locust Street in Ainsworth. No vehicle was found to be in violation of the City of Ainsworth parking violations.
Responded to a report of a stuck vehicle near 430th Ave and 877th Rd. A tow truck was dispatched to assist the vehicle. No damage was reported.
Responded to a report of three loose dogs in Ainsworth on Elm Street. All three dogs were taken to the vet clinic until contact could be made with the owner.
June 24
Received a report of a transformer on fire near the 200 Block of Maple Street in Ainsworth. The Ainsworth Fire Department responded to the scene.
Responded to a report of suspected animal abuse near the intersection of Dawes and Osborne Street in Ainsworth. The dog was found to have adequate living conditions.
Responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Highway 7. The vehicle was not found at the time of reporting.
During a traffic stop near 4th and Cedar Street, a Nebraska driver was issued a citation for speeding 48mph in a 35mph zone.
June 25
Received a medical alert alarm in Ainsworth. It was found to be a false alarm.
Received a complaint of suspected animal neglect on Walnut Street in Ainsworth. The animals were found to be living in adequate living conditions.
Received a report of a male subject loitering at a business on 4th Street. The individual agreed to leave the business area.
Responded to a report of a minor two vehicle accident on 2nd Street in Ainsworth. No injuries were reported and both vehicles were able to drive away.
Responded to a motorist assist near the detour on Highway 20 for a semi attempting to turn around to travel the correct detour route.
Responded to a security alarm at a business on 4th Street. It was found to be a false alarm.
Issued a written warning for speeding on Highway 20.
June 26
Responded to a male subject facing a mental health crisis reported to be driving through Brown County. The driver was located in Cherry County.
Received a statement regarding a verbal disturbance in rural Brown County. This is an ongoing investigation.
Responded to a two-vehicle accident near 881st Rd and 429th Ave. No injuries were reported. A piece of equipment struck a mirror on a pickup while meeting on the road, and both vehicles were drivable.
June 27
Received a report that the stop sign at the Highway 183/20 Junction had been knocked down. The NDOT was notified.
Provided traffic control on the Highway 20 Bridge detour for the Tour De Nebraska bike riders.
Responded to a report of a reckless driver on Highway 20.
Received a report of cattle on the Cowboy Trail, one mile West of Long Pine.
Received a report of a credit card scam.
Responded to a report of a security alarm at a business on 4th Street. It was found to be a false alarm.
June 28
Responded to a report of a loose dog near 4th and Elm Street. The dog was taken to the vet clinic for a short period of time before returning to the owner.
Assisted with a fire drill at the Ainsworth Child Development Center.
Received a report of a suspicious vehicle in Ainsworth.
Responded to a report of 5 speeding and erratic driving cars on Highway 20. The vehicles were unfound.
Received a report of a vehicle purchased with a stolen identity. This is an ongoing investigation.
Responded to a report of a struck gas meter in the alley behind the Silver Circle bar. The Ainsworth Fireman were paged to the scene to plug the meter until a Black Hills Energy technician could arrive.
During traffic stops, issued a warning for defective vehicle lighting and operating vehicle without proof of ownership.
June 29
Responded to a report of a struck mailbox on 2nd Street in Ainsworth.
Served a civil summons.
Provided traffic control for the Alumni parade.
Responded to a motorist assist at Woodward and 2nd Street for a high centered semi and trailer. A tow truck was dispatched to assist with removing the vehicle from the roadway. The driver was issued a citation for impeding traffic and operating an oversized motor vehicle on a city street.
Responded to a disturbance at a business on 4th street. One male subject was issued a verbal warning.
Responded to a struck gas meter on 2nd Street in Ainsworth. The Ainsworth Firemen were also paged to assist plugging the meter until a technician could arrive.
Received a parking violation complaint on 2nd Street. The owner was contacted and agreed to move the vehicle.
Served a civil summons in Long Pine.
Received a request for a welfare check on a male subject in Woodlake. All information was forwarded to the Cherry County Sheriff’s Office and the male subject was located and reported safe at this time.
During traffic stops on this day a violation was issued for defective vehicle lighting. Three speeding citations were issued for 35 in a 25mph zone, and 86 and 83 in 65 mph zones.
Calls: 172
911 Calls: 6
Calls for Service: 22
Vin Inspections: 1
* Linse, Stracke receive Farm Bureau scholarships
(Posted 9:15 a.m. June 28)
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded 10 scholarships to students enrolled in the Agricultural Education Teaching Program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
“Classrooms and FFA chapters will benefit from the passion reflected in this year’s applications,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “It is an honor to support these future teachers who will develop strong leaders to ensure a bright future for Nebraska agriculture.”
Among the scholarship recipients are Sydney Linse from Keya Paha County and Madison Stracke from Holt County.
Each recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship during his or her student teaching semester at the university. Applicants shared why they wanted to be an agricultural education teacher, professional goals for the future, and what the scholarship would mean to them.
“With 218 schools offering high school agricultural education programs and FFA chapters, demand for teachers has never been stronger,” said Matt Kreifels, associate professor of practice in agricultural education at UNL. “These teachers serve a vital role in agriculture by introducing and recruiting talented students to the industry. We thank the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for supporting these future teachers. Through this scholarship program, and with Farm Bureau helping to promote the profession of agricultural education, UNL has seen an increase in the number of students entering this profession. Nebraska Farm Bureau, its members, and the Foundation are supporting the future of Nebraska agriculture by investing in these young teachers.”
* Mayor discusses city code enforcement
(Posted 6:45 a.m. June 28)
With the city of Ainsworth choosing not to renew its law enforcement contract with Brown County, effective July 1, the city will be responsible for handling the enforcement of city codes.
Ainsworth Mayor Joel Klammer discussed the city’s plans for code enforcement with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie. The conversation can be found below.
* Recent cases from Brown County Court
(Posted 12:45 p.m. June 27)
In addition to fines, each case carries $50 in court costs
Grace Christensen, age 25, of Boulder, Colo., charged with speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, fined $75.
Matthew M. Goshorn, 34, of Bassett, no valid registration, $25.
Kayla M. Sharman, 25, of Denver, Colo., no valid registration, $25.
Jacob F. Dickau, 29, of Page, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.
Ashley R. Happold, 29, of Ainsworth, disturbing the peace, $100.
Daniel D. Orton, 47, of Ainsworth, second degree false imprisonment, $1,000 and sentenced to six months of probation.
Gloria A. Frick, 17, of Springview, failure to yield the right of way, $25.
Aaron N. Ramirez, 25, of Baltic, S.D., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.
Pamela N. Scheer, 68, of Elsmere, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Jerry P. Joseph, 63, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
David J. Anderson, 55, of Ainsworth, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.
Magaly Monroy, 31, of Hanover, Md., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Rebecca J. Klempan-Harris, 42, of Swink, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Grant A. Schutz, 37, of Elwood, no valid registration, $25.
Travis N. Brown, 32, of Loup City, possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50.
Lillian A. Moe, 53, of Lakewood, Wash., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.
* Long Pine residents must boil water
(Posted noon June 26)
Water service was interrupted Wednesday morning in Long Pine. When water service is restored, Long Pine residents are urged to boil their water before using until further notice.
* Nebraska May jobless rate fourth best in nation
(Posted 9 a.m. June 26)
The Nebraska Department of Labor announced Nebraska’s preliminary unemployment rate for May is 2.5 percent. The rate is unchanged since September 2023 and is up 0.4 percentage points from the May 2023 rate of 2.1 percent.
Nebraska’s rate is ranked fourth lowest in the nation, tied with New Hampshire. North Dakota and South Dakota share the lowest jobless rate in the nation at 2.0 percent, followed closely by Vermont at 2.1 percent.
The highest unemployment rate in the nation again belonged to California, where 5.2 percent of the labor force is out of work. Nevada’s jobless rate is 5.1 percent. Washington and Illinois both had a May rate of 4.9 percent to round out the states with the highest unemployment.
Brown County’s May unemployment rate of 2.6 percent was slightly above the statewide average. Rock County saw the lowest unemployment rate in the state in May at 1.6 percent.
Cherry County and Holt County were also among the state leaders in unemployment rate at 1.8 percent in May. Keya Paha County’s unemployment rate at 2.1 percent was below the state average. Boyd County saw a jobless rate of 2.8 percent in May.
Blaine County and Loup County tied for the second highest May unemployment rate at 3.7 percent, just ahead of the 3.8 percent rate in Box Butte County.
“Nebraska’s total nonfarm employment has been on an upward trajectory since February and reached an all-time high in May at 1,077,200,” said Commissioner of Labor John H. Albin. “Omaha’s leisure and hospitality industry saw a large gain over the month, with all the metro areas reaching record highs in total nonfarm employment.”
Nonfarm employment, a count of filled jobs, was up 11,610 over the month and 25,264 over the year. Private industries with the most growth month to month were leisure and hospitality (up 4,306 jobs); private education and health services (up 1,707 jobs); and mining and construction (up 1,451 jobs). Private industries with the most over-the-year growth were private education and health services (up 8,160 jobs); leisure and hospitality (up 4,257 jobs); and manufacturing (up 4,127 jobs).
The counts of employed and unemployed in the labor force are based on a survey conducted by the Census Bureau regarding employment status.
* Richardson Road reopens to traffic
(Posted 6:30 a.m. June 25)
Brown County Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported Monday afternoon that Richardson Road has been reopened to traffic. Water levels have receded and the roads department completed repairs to the road, allowing it to be reopened to traffic.
Several other county roads remain closed at this time. Watch for barricades, and Turpin will provide additional updates as roads reopen.
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 6:45 a.m. June 24)
June 16
Responded to a verbal disturbance on Park St in Ainsworth. Verbal warnings were issued to both parties.
Responded to reports of gunfire within Ainsworth City Limits. The noise was unfound.
Responded to a report of cattle on Highway 20, near mile marker 246. The owner was later discovered.
Received a report of a loose dog on 2nd Street in Ainsworth. The owner was identified via a social media post and was reunited with their dog.
Issued a notice to correct for a property in Ainsworth due to overgrown weeds.
During traffic stops on Highway 20, one citation for speeding 77mph in a 65mph zone and one warning was issued to Nebraska drivers.
During a traffic stop on 4th and Maple Street in Ainsworth, a Nebraska female driver was issued a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under suspension, willful reckless driving, and speeding. The female was subject was booked into the Brown County Jail and released the following day after bond was posted.
Responded to a report of abandoned dogs on Walnut Street. The dogs were found to be taken care of.
Paged the Ainsworth Water Department for a sewage issue on 1st Street.
June 17
Served a protection order.
Responded to a one vehicle accident on Highway 20, near mile marker 248. Long Pine Rural Fire Department was also paged for additional assistance with traffic control. A pickup pulling a gooseneck trailer left the roadway and the trailer suffered significant damage after ending up on its top. The pickup was drivable but had significant damage to the box bed. No injuries were reported, and the wet driving conditions were a factor.
The Brown County Ambulance transported an aircrew from the airport to the hospital.
Received a traffic complaint of harassment and vehicle following too close. A verbal warning was issued to the driver to stay away from reporting parties.
Received reports of cattle out on Highway 7, near mile marker 35. A neighbor assisted in removing them from the roadway until the owner was determined.
June 18
Responded to a report of loose dogs on Maple Street in Ainsworth. No dogs were found in that area.
Provided motorist assistance near 4th and Oak Street in Ainsworth.
During a traffic stop in Ainsworth, a citation was issued for no valid registration, no proof of insurance, and stop sign violation. A written warning was also issued for speeding on this day.
June 19
The Brown County Ambulance transported a patient from a senior living facility to the hospital.
Responded to a report of harassment in Ainsworth.
Received a report of an abandoned vehicle on 880th Road. The owner later called to claim their vehicle.
Responded to a report of suspicious activity on Dawes Street.
June 20
Released an inmate from the Brown County Jail after they received a personal recognizance bond.
Received an overgrown weeds complaint on 1st Street in Ainsworth. The owner was issued a notice to within 7 days.
Responded to a report of a female subject in a mental health crisis.
June 21
Responded to a request for a welfare check on a female subject in Ainsworth. The female later returned home and was reported safe at this time.
Responded to a tornado warning from the National Weather Service and provided storm spotter coverage.
Responded to a report of harassment on Meadville Ave. The male subject was later found and received a verbal warning.
During a traffic stop on Meadville Ave, a citation was issued for speeding 53mph in a 35mph zone. Two additional written warnings were issued on this day for speeding.
Attended the Long Pine Outlaw Day parade.
Responded to a report of a vehicle-antelope collision on Highway 20, near mile marker 225. No injuries were reported, and the vehicle was able to drive away from the scene.
Responded to a request for a welfare check on a male subject in Ainsworth. The male was found and reported safe at this time and advised to contact his family.
Weekly Log
Calls: 158
911 Calls: 5
Incident Reports: 12
Gun Permits: 2
Vin Inspections: 10
(Photo courtesy of Logan Leonard)
Storm spotter Logan Leonard captured a photo of Thursday’s tornado touching down south of Long Pine.
(Photo courtesy of Logan Leonard)
Storm spotter Logan Leonard captured a photo of a wall cloud that formed south of Long Pine Thursday evening ahead of a tornado touching down in the area.
(Photo courtesy of Lynn Robertson)
Rushing water washed out Lynn Robertson’s driveway south of Long Pine. Robertson reported a total of 7.01 inches of rain fell at her residence 2-1/2 miles south of Long Pine.
(Photo courtesy of Amanda Ganser)
Wind was blowing rain off the top of the roof of an outbuilding at the home of Luke and Amanda Ganser south of Ainsworth as hail fell Thursday.
(Photo courtesy of Roxanne Broeckelman)
Roxanne Broeckelman was visiting her sister Janet Alberts south of Long Pine and captured a photo at 5:59 p.m. Thursday of the rain-wrapped tornado that touched down south of the Alberts Ranch.
(Photo courtesy of Brown County Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin)
Water ran over the road and washed out a portion of Road 872 south of Long Pine, which is closed to traffic.
(Photo courtesy of Bret Younkin)
An overlook view of a swollen Pine Creek south of Long Pine during Thursday’s severe thunderstorm. Flash flooding was reported south of Ainsworth and Long Pine and Pine Creek was flowing out of its banks in the Hidden Paradise area.
(Photo courtesy of Ryan Welke)
Ryan Welke’s rain gauge south of Long Pine captured in excess of 4 inches of rain during the first thunderstorm Thursday. A tornado was confirmed on the ground just south of Welke’s home.
* Two roads closed in Rock County
(Posted noon June 21)
Rock County Road Foreman Waylon Reynolds reported Friday two roads in Rock County have been closed following Thursday’s storms.
Twin Lakes Road South of Bassett is closed, and the road south of the feedlot on 442nd Avenue is closed until further notice.
Reynolds advises motorists to use caution when driving county roads because there is water over the roads in several areas, which could lead to additional washouts.
* Thunderstorm brings over 6 inches of rain, tornado
(Posted 6:45 a.m. June 21, updated 10:30 a.m.)
A severe thunderstorm anchored itself over north central Nebraska for nearly two hours Thursday, dropping more than 6 inches of rain south of Long Pine and spawning at least one confirmed tornado approximately 8 miles south of Long Pine.
The tornado was confirmed on the ground at approximately 5:50 p.m. Thursday by a weather spotter positioned south of Long Pine.
Large hail was reported south of Johnstown, south of Ainsworth and south of Long Pine, and flash flooding was reported south of Long Pine.
Brown County Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported Road 872 south of Long Pine is closed, as water running over the road caused the road to wash out. Water was reported Thursday running over Richardson Road in southern Brown County.
Turpin reported Friday morning water is running over 435th Avenue approximately one-half mile south of Highway 20 and over 434th Avenue near the Road 876 intersection 2 miles south of Highway 20.
Turpin reported 432nd Avenue between Road 875 and Road 876 is closed. A portion of 432nd Avenue is underwater and washing out.
Road 876 is closed between Highway 7 and 431st Avenue, and 427th Avenue is closed between Road 876 and Road 877.
Turpin will continue to provide updates on additional closures as the roads department conducts an inspection of the flooding.
Water is also reported to be running over South Street west of Main Street on the southwest side of Ainsworth.
Motorists are urged to use caution and not attempt to cross any roads that have water running across them. Roads could become compromised or be washed out underneath the running water.
A flood watch remains in effect Friday after Brown and Rock counties both had flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service Thursday evening.
A second line of thunderstorms Thursday night added to the overall rain totals and were more widespread.
The threat for additional thunderstorm activity and locally heavy rain continues Friday.
* Area students named to UN-L Deans’ List
(Posted 6:45 a.m. June 21)
More than 6,600 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have been named to the Deans’ List for the spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year.
Area students named to the Deans’ List at UN-L are:
Ainsworth
Libby Wilkins, junior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agricultural leadership, education and communication.
Wood Lake
Ty Schlueter, junior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agribusiness.
Shyanne Dawn Urbin, senior, College of Engineering, biological systems engineering.
Bassett
Brooklyn Buell, sophomore, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, environmental and sustainability studies.
Jillian Mckenna Buell, senior, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, advertising and public relations.
Gracie Eva Swanson, sophomore, College of Education and Human Sciences, elementary education.
Springview
Sydney Linse, senior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agricultural leadership, education and communication.
Stuart
Anthony Heiser, sophomore, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, PGA golf management.
Sadie Jarecke, junior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agricultural economics.
Cameron Sattler, junior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, animal science and pre-veterinary medicine.
Madison Stracke, senior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, agricultural education.
Atkinson
Emma Alder, junior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, biochemistry.
Grace Alder, junior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, biochemistry.
Madeline Ann Rentschler, sophomore, College of Business, actuarial science.
Valentine
Logan Michael Cate, senior, College of Business, supply chain management.
Ryan OKief, senior, College of Business, finance.
* Area ambulance services equipped with telemedicine
(Posted 2 p.m. June 20)
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced it has successfully completed the implementation of Avel eCare’s EMS telemedicine services. Ambulances in more than two dozen rural communities across the state are now equipped with Avel eCare’s telemedicine technology – virtually connecting EMTs and paramedics with Avel eCare’s experienced emergency physicians, paramedics, and nurses for support during transports.
Among the communities participating in the program include are the Brown County Ambulance Association, Cherry County Hospital Ambulance, Atkinson Ambulance Service and the Thedford Volunteer Rescue Squad.
“Putting telemedicine in ambulances is invaluable in rural areas in Nebraska as it provides critical support during complex situations, long transports, or when there is only one provider in the back with a critical patient. We are already hearing reports about the multiple benefits and are experiencing strong utilization, which we expect will continue to grow even more now that the program is fully up and running,” said Tim Wilson, State EMS Director at the Nebraska DHHS.
Ravenna Emergency Medical Services was the first community to go live back in December. Since then, a cross-section of 65 ambulances, including those that provide Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, 911, and transfer services, in at least 26 communities have been outfitted with a cabin-mounted telehealth tablet equipped with the appropriate technology to support strong connectivity in the field. Utilization has been substantial, with the number of calls increasing by an average of 151% month after month over the past six months. The most frequent calls to date have been for assistance with trauma, altered mental status, and cardiac/chest pain.
Jeffrey Mathias, Captain of the Atkinson Ambulance Service and Fire & Rescue, said, “Within a week of going live, we had a critical patient that we used telehealth on. The result was even better than I anticipated it would be. Having another set of eyes and a second opinion on the outside looking in was a tremendous comfort. Everything went as well as could be expected on the call, and having the documentation at the end was amazing. I know our department is grateful to have these new team members, as will anyone else who gets to use the Avel service.”
In addition to offering peer-to-peer consults and pre-hospital documentation support, participating agencies have access to Avel eCare’s 24/7 interpretation services, remote ECG readings, and diagnostic test reviews.
Rebecca Vande Kieft, VP and General Manager of Emergency Services at Avel eCare, said, “Our goal is to support EMS personnel by offering a virtual helping hand whenever needed, ensuring that no EMT or paramedic ever feels alone. Putting telemedicine in ambulances also helps ensure the best possible patient outcomes by supporting field crews during the critical first 60 minutes – known as the Golden Hour in medicine.”
Nebraska’s EMS telemedicine initiative is funded by a $1.3 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control designed to support the state Emergency Health Systems with recruitment and retention while reducing health disparities and improving access to care for underserved populations.
* Weed superintendent provides update to commissioners
(Posted 3:45 p.m. June 18)
Weed Superintendent Scott Erthum provided the Brown County Commissioners Tuesday with an update on efforts to combat noxious weeds in the county.
Erthum said he had almost completed spraying noxious weeds on all county road right of way. The weed superintendent said he still had to get to the East Calamus Road and stretches northwest of Long Pine. He said he used a lot of spray on South Pine Avenue.
“We attacked (leafy) spurge early,” Erthum said. “Now we are going after thistle.”
Commissioner Buddy Small asked Erthum if he was seeing a larger outbreak of leafy spurge this year.
Erthum said leafy spurge is appearing in places that it hasn’t before. He wasn’t sure of the cause, whether it was the wind or the amount of moisture that was causing the noxious weed to appear in more areas.
The weed superintendent said he had conducted 92 land inspections.
“The response from landowners has been overwhelmingly positive,” Erthum said.
He said both the city of Long Pine and village of Johnstown had been in contact about spraying for leafy spurge inside their limits.
“The Long Pine tree dump has had a lot of spurge on it,” Erthum said. “They have been doing a better job.”
He said he had checked the Ainsworth Transfer Station and had sprayed that area along with the Brown County Fairgrounds at Johnstown. Erthum said he will work with the Farm Service Agency on CRP acres when needed.
Erthum said the Barta Brothers Ranch, owned by the University of Nebraska, went through a vacuum after current Commissioner Denny Bauer retired from the Extension office. Erthum said there is now someone at the ranch who is doing some spraying and has hired a contractor to help spray problem areas.
“They are throwing what they can at it,” Erthum said. “It is nice to see an effort to address the problem.”
The weed superintendent said he had not had to conduct a forced spraying on any private property and assess the cost to the property owner in the past five years.
“There is a process we have to follow if a landowner does not cooperate,” Erthum said. “It takes some time.”
While Erthum said he respects private property rights, his position as weed superintendent is a balancing act.
“I don’t like to intrude on private property rights, but I have a job to do,” he said. “I look at what I do as a service to the county and its people.”
Erthum said, with more than 700,000 acres in Brown County, he appreciates when landowners notify him of potential problem areas.
“Landowners know best what is out there and I appreciate them letting me know,” Erthum said.
He said a vast majority of property owners are willing to spray when they are contacted about an infestation. He said most just need some education.
Erthum told the commissioners there were no grant funds available from the state this year to assist in spraying for noxious weeds, as the governor had reallocated those funds toward property tax relief.
The commissioners, with Bauer absent Tuesday, thanked Erthum for the update.
In other business, Brown County Hospital Administrator Mirya Hallock approached the board about adding more paved parking on the east side of the hospital.
“We are running out of space,” Hallock said. “We would like to add a parking lot. We have employees parking now where patients should.”
Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said he had noticed that parking was an issue at the hospital. Hallock said it was especially an issue on days where surgeries were scheduled or when specialty clinic providers were on campus.
She said the city of Ainsworth had agreed to abandon a portion of Park Street south of Zero Street to allow for the additional paving.
“It is county property,” Hallock said. “I just want to make sure a cement parking lot is acceptable.”
Hallock said the new paving would accommodate approximately 60 new parking spaces.
County Attorney Andy Taylor said he would work with the hospital to create a legal description of the area the hospital wants to pave and present a resolution for the board to consider during its July 2 meeting.
In roads items Tuesday, the commissioners approved the purchase of a sod chopper from Cole Construction and Maintenance at a cost of $13,000. Since the front end disk was a unique item and not readily available from other sources, the commissioners did not have to go out for bids before approving the quote for the piece of equipment.
Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin asked the commissioners how they wanted to handle paying the remaining $80,000 due on the motor grader that was purchased for the roads department.
Turpin said the board could budget to pay for half of the cost of the grader and pay for the remainder using inheritance tax funds. The county could then budget in the 2025-26 fiscal year to replenish the inheritance tax fund.
“I assume you don’t want to finance $80,000,” Turpin said. “Or we could just budget for it and pay it all.”
Both Small and Dailey indicated they would prefer to budget for the entire $80,100 payment in the 2024-25 fiscal year since no other large equipment purchases were planned in the upcoming budget year.
Turpin reported he had completed a traffic study of Cedar Road south of Long Pine after the county received a request to vacate the road.
Turpin said Cedar Road has minimal vehicular use, less than five vehicles per day. He said there was an additional road that serves that area and would only add 2.6 miles of driving if Cedar Road were to be abandoned.
“It would benefit the county to maintain one road instead of two,” Turpin said. “It will reduce the county’s liability and will not landlock any property owners.”
Turpin said he recommended scheduling a public hearing on the road’s vacation so anyone with concerns would have a chance to address the commissioners. Turpin is required to notify all adjacent property owners by letter.
Taylor said the county would also need to notify the U.S. Postal Service since Cedar Road was still designated as a mail route. Turpin said he would provide that notification even though there were no longer any mailboxes on Cedar Road.
Small said the county could not abandon a mail route without the postal service’s permission.
The commissioners scheduled a public hearing regarding the abandonment of Cedar Road for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 6.
Turpin reported an engineer from Oak Creek Engineering had visited a site on Norden Avenue near property owned by Royce Greder. Turpin said the engineer did not see any drainage issues with the stretch of road.
“We had 2 inches of rain and I couldn’t see any spots where it looked like it had washed,” Turpin said. “If you tear it up and lose the vegetation, it will start to wash again.”
Turpin said the engineer was willing to visit the site with the commissioners if they preferred.
“If we do pipes like Denny suggested, we are going to need wider ditches,” Turpin said.
Dailey said he would visit with Greder before the county determines whether to pursue any potential drainage projects.
Turpin reported another area of Norden Avenue where the county did some work to improve drainage issues had washed a little, but he said the water went where the roads department wanted it to go.
The highway superintendent said the roof of the county’s Ainsworth roads shop was leaking substantially following the recent rain.
“We don’t want water running in on our expensive stuff in there,” Turpin said.
The board encouraged Turpin to look at the cost of making repairs to the roof.
Turpin said the Nebraska Department of Transportation was willing to place yield signs on the local Ponderosa Road detour route near Long Pine. He said, if the yield signs did not help with the traffic issues, the NDOT would consider placing stoplights at the site.
The highway superintendent said he was still waiting for the “no trucks” signs to be delivered so they could be placed on both Ponderosa Road and the Bar 25 Road where the county had closed bridges to commercial truck traffic for the duration of the Highway 20 construction project in the Long Pine hills.
Sheriff Brent Deibler said both the sheriff’s department and the Nebraska State Patrol were working the detour routes and were rerouting truck traffic when encountered from the roads the county closed. Deibler said State Patrol troopers were issuing citations Tuesday to any trucks found using the routes that were closed.
Brown County Deputy Emergency Manager Jessica Pozehl provided the commissioners with an update on potential grant opportunities the emergency management office would pursue on the county’s behalf.
Pozehl said Brown, Rock and Keya Paha counties were not awarded cedar tree clearing grants this year since it had been more than 10 years since the three counties had any major wildfire issues.
She said the emergency management office had been awarded $9,600 in Homeland Security grant funds to develop a mobile emergency operations center. Pozehl said the office was working with area fire departments on potential grant opportunities as well.
The commissioners approved a payment of $29,750 to Shawn Fernau Construction to pay for the materials needed for the courthouse roof repair project. The company provided the county with an itemized list of the materials needed for the repair project.
During its final regular session prior to the close of the 2023-24 fiscal year June 30, the board approved resolutions transferring $300,000 from the miscellaneous general fund to the county highway fund, transferring $21,000 from the sheriff’s fund to the jail fund, transferring $1,300 from the miscellaneous general fund to the building and grounds fund, and transferring $100 from the miscellaneous general fund to the county treasurer fund.
The board discussed its annual contribution to the North Central Development Center. After agreeing to provide $10,000 to the NCDC as a contributing partner, Dailey said the county had only budgeted $8,000 in its 2023-24 fiscal year budget. NCDC Board member Graig Kinzie said it would likely not be an issue if the board was willing to provide the remaining $2,000 as part of its 2024-25 contribution.
The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. July 2.
* Area students named to Wayne State Dean’s List
(Posted 10:45 a.m. June 18)
Wayne State College included 1,154 students on its Dean’s List for exemplary academic achievement during the spring semester. Students listed on the Dean’s List are full-time undergraduate students who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale for the semester. An asterisk (*) denotes a 4.0 GPA for the term.
Area students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester are:
Ainsworth
Cameryn Goochey*, Madelyn Goochey, Brandt Murphy, Makenna Pierce and Zachary Welch*
Long Pine
Gavin Olinger
Bassett
Benjamin Barrow* and Carson Shaw
Stuart
Brayden Almgren and Jett Kunz
Atkinson
Gracie Beddow and Olivia Jarman
Valentine
Riawna Reimers*
* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda
(Posted 2:15 p.m. June 18)
Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 18
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda
1:15 Roll Call.
Kenneth Turpin – Road Department Update
Road Study for Cedar Rd – Turpin
Payment on Balance of new motor grader purchased – Turpin
Resolution to purchase sod chopper (front end disk) from Cole Construction and Maintenance – Turpin
Weed Update – Scott Erthum
Grant Update – Emergency Management
Roof material purchase – Dailey
NCDC 2023/2024 Contribution
Resolution correcting Resolution #2024-23
1:30 Mirya Hallock – Brown County Hospital Additional Parking or Parking Lot for Brown County Hospital
Resolution for a budgeted transfer of $300,000.00 from Miscellaneous General Fund within the General Fund to the County Highway Fund – Hardy
Resolution for a transfer of $100.00 from Miscellaneous General to the County Treasurer Fund all within the General Fund – Hardy
Resolution for a transfer of $1,300.00 from Miscellaneous General to Buildings and Ground Fund all within the General Fund – Hardy
Resolution for a transfer of $21,000.00 from Sheriff Fund to Jail Fund all within the General Fund – Hardy
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 9 a.m. June 17)
June 9
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital. They later transported a flight crew and a patient to the airport.
Served a civil summons.
Provided foot patrol at carnival in Long Pine.
Responded to a report of a disturbance on 2nd Street in Ainsworth. One male subject was booked into the Brown County Jail for criminal trespassing and disturbing the peace.
Responded to a report of a car deer accident on Highway 7 at mile marker 38. The vehicle was not able to drive away from the scene, but no injuries were reported.
A Brown County arrest warrant was served on a male subject in Sioux Falls, SD. The male is awaiting extradition court and will be brought back to Brown County.
June 10
Provided traffic control for a cattle crossing at the Highway 183/20 Junction.
Received a report of a stolen handgun that had been recovered.
The Brown County Ambulance provided ground transport to Norfolk, NE.
June 11
Released an inmate from the Brown County Jail after receiving a personal recognizance bond.
Completed a fingerprint audit through the Nebraska State Patrol.
Responded to a minor accident in the courthouse parking lot. No damage was found to both vehicles.
Served a civil summons.
Responded to a report of a reckless driver in Hidden Paradise. A traffic stop was completed on the driver, and a written warning was issued to the driver for speeding and reckless driving.
June 12
Received a burglar alarm and was found to be a false alarm.
Received a statement regarding an incident involving terroristic threats, possession of weapon by prohibited person, and use of a firearm to commit a felony. One male subject was booked into the Brown County Jail.
Served a civil summons.
Received a report of horses standing in a trailer for an extended period of time in Long Pine. The driver was reached by phone and fixed the issue.
Responded to a report of a medical alert alarm in Ainsworth. Upon arrival the individual denied further medical care.
Responded to a report of a disturbance at a gas station in Ainsworth.
June 13
Received a complaint regarding overgrown weeds and trash in Ainsworth. The owner was notified and agreed to correct the issue within 7 days.
Served a protection order and four civil summonses.
Received a report of a male subject experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.
Responded to a report of gun shots within Ainsworth city limits. It was found to be from a vehicle.
Issued a written warning for speeding.
June 14
Responded to a report of trespassing and loitering on Pine Street in Ainsworth. The individual left the area.
Released a male subject from the Brown County Jail after they posted bond.
Responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident at a gas station in Ainsworth. Minimal damage occurred to both vehicles and drivers exchanged information.
Responded to a report of a reckless driver on Highway 183. The vehicle was not found.
Issued a citation for speeding and no valid registration.
June 15
Received a medical alert alarm in Ainsworth. It was found to be a false alarm.
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a page in Ainsworth and transported one patient to the hospital.
Received a report regarding a check scam.
Responded to a 911 call regarding a reckless driver on Oak and Maple Street in Ainsworth.
Weekly Log
Calls: 183
911 Calls: 12
Incident Reports: 16
Vin Inspections: 7
Gun Permits: 0
* Council discusses East City Park projects
(Posted 9:30 a.m. June 12)
The Ainsworth City Council on Tuesday discussed potential improvement projects at East City Park with a representative from the Park Board and funding avenues for the priority project.
Park Board representative Cody Goochey told the council the Park Board presented the council with several proposals three years ago, but nothing had moved forward.
“The city has always said, if we could find the money, the city would support,” Goochey said. “We don’t know what our budget is or what gets earmarked for the park each year.”
Councilman Brad Fiala said, after the lengthy discussion on awarding ABC funds for a playground at the Ainsworth Child Development Center, he had many people asking about improvements at the city park.
“I would like to discuss our budget and put in maybe $50,000 to get started and see if we can double it with a grant,” Fiala said. “I would like to see a couple projects get done in 2025.”
Goochey said the Park Board had submitted estimates three years ago on the cost to construct a new basketball and pickleball court at East City Park to replace a dilapidated court.
With concrete, lighting, fencing and equipment, the projected cost of the project is between $200,000 and $215,000 depending on the council’s equipment preferences.
Goochey said the Park Board looked into the creation of a walking trail connecting the park to the Cowboy Trail. He said the projected cost for the 3,400 feet of new path was $68,000, but that estimate was from three years ago.
The Park Board has also looked into a potential splash pad at East City Park and the construction of a dog park east of the horseshoe pits.
Councilman Kent Taylor asked which project was the top priority for the Park Board.
Goochey said the basketball and pickleball court project was the top priority for the Park Board.
“We are looking for direction,” Goochey said. “There are things that get done at the parks that our committee knows nothing about. The Park Board would like to know what gets budgeted each year. I have been on the board for six years and I don’t know.”
City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said most of the city’s committees make recommendations to the City Council.
“The committees do the leg work and take that to the council,” Schroedl said. “The council determines through the budget what can be done.”
Goochey said, when the Park Board made a presentation to the council three years ago on these projects, he thought that is what the park board was doing.
Fiala said he would work with the Park Board, as improvement to East City Park was one of his top priorities.
Councilman Dustin Barthel said he would also be willing to assist in getting projects moving forward.
“I want to see something get done,” Barthel said.
The council discussed applying for funding through the Ainsworth Betterment Committee and the Brown County Visitors Committee in addition to budgeting funds for potential improvements.
Goochey said the Park Board planned to meet monthly to try and keep moving forward on getting projects completed.
In other business Tuesday, the council approved vacating a portion of Park Street south of Zero Street on the east side of the Brown County Hospital to allow the hospital to construct additional parking lot pavement.
Hospital Administrator Mirya Hallock said hospital employees currently park in a gravel lot, and the Hospital Board would like to move forward with paving that area.
“We need more parking,” Hallock said. “I am not sure if I am asking you to abandon a portion of the road by the hospital or what we need to do.”
Schroedl said there is a platted road east of the hospital, but that portion of Park Street has never been developed.
“If we are not going to make it a road, we could abandon that portion,” Schroedl said. “I would recommend we keep an easement for any future utility work that might be needed.”
Mayor Joel Klammer asked if the council could simply permit the hospital to pave the area without abandoning the street.
Hallock said the hospital would also like to add some lighting to the area.
Barthel said he did not see an issue with abandoning the stretch of Park Street south of Zero Street.
The council approved having Schroedl move forward with abandoning that portion of Park Street to allow the hospital to expand its paved parking area.
After months of discussion, the council Tuesday approved a renewed agreement with the North Central Development Center for administration of the LB 840 program. The NCDC will receive $60,000 annually to administer the program, the same amount as the previous contract. The new contract will include that the city receives one seat on the NCDC Board and can recommend a member for an at-large seat on the NCDC Board. At least one of the seats is to be occupied by a current council member.
The contract was backdated to March 8, the date the previous contract expired.
In another economic development item, the council Tuesday approved a $10,000 façade grant from the LB 840 program to provide 50 percent of the cost of replacing windows and a door at the Brown County Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store.
At the outset of Tuesday’s meeting, Klammer read a letter of resignation from Councilman Shawn Fernau. Fernau, who resigned from the Sandhills Care Center Board Monday, indicated he was resigning from the council for personal reasons and thanked the city for allowing him to serve in the role.
Klammer said he was sorry to see Fernau exit the council.
“He was a good councilman,” the mayor said.
Fiala said Fernau had done a great job for the community in his role as a council member.
Klammer will make a recommendation to the council during its July meeting to appoint someone for the remainder of Fernau’s term, which expires at the end of 2024. The seat is up for election in November, and Klammer said he hoped a community member would file as a write-in candidate for the council seat.
Klammer also addressed questions he has heard following the city opting not to renew a contract with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement service.
Klammer said City Attorney Michael Sholes had provided a statement to the council that the mayor has the authority to determine whether a city police force is needed and at what level. Klammer said there is no legal requirement for a city of the second class to have its own police force.
The mayor said the sheriff’s department is still obligated to enforce criminal statutes in the city but is not responsible for enforcing city codes.
“We need to have a subcommittee meeting to look at hiring a code enforcement officer,” Klammer said.
The council approved allowing that subcommittee to move forward with advertising for a code enforcement officer and establish procedures for the position.
The council approved moving forward with an application for a $1 million Rural Community Recovery Program grant for site development for housing projects.
Schroedl said the grant opportunity was federal COVID money that was being made available by the state.
“There is a preference given to communities that had applied for a previous grant program that we were not awarded,” Schroedl said. “Eligible projects are redevelopment for housing or into public green spaces. We have green spaces already. The need is clearing and redevelopment for housing.”
The council approved a general administration contract with the Central Nebraska Economic Development District following its previous action to repurpose its housing rehabilitation reuse loan funds for a lighting project on South Main Street.
Schroedl said CNEDD will handle the general administration as the funds are repurposed. She said the contract was a formality, as the Department of Economic Development has approved the paperwork to repurpose the funds.
The council approved a pair of special designated liquor license requests Tuesday, one for the Silver Circle for an event running from 3 p.m. June 29 to 2 a.m. June 30 that also will close the alley behind the business and a small portion of Second Street. The second approved application was submitted by Bolo Brewing Co. for a Tour de Nebraska biking event from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. June 27 at East City Park.
In a final action item Tuesday, the council approved removing Lendi Osborn from the city’s bank signature cards and adding Barthel as a signatory. Schroedl said she, the mayor and city employee Cody Nilson were the other bank signatories.
During her report, Schroedl said Stan Daniels had been hired to operate the garbage truck. She said the pool has opened for the season. The Nebraska Rural Water Association found a leak on the south side of the pool on a return line between the baby pool and the main pool. She said the line runs under the concrete pool deck.
The city administrator said she had received information from the League Association of Risk Management that a claim filed against the city and Ainsworth Community Schools by someone who tripped and fell on a sidewalk in front of the school had been settled for $17,500. LARM and the school’s liability insurer are each responsible for half the cost of the claim. Schroedl said the LARM attorney indicated the cost of the settlement was likely lower than the legal costs the city and school would have incurred by continuing the case through the court system.
Schroedl also reported a complaint had been issued against the city to the federal Department of Justice alleging the city violated the Open Meetings Act by having two council members and the mayor negotiate on the city’s behalf on the law enforcement contract.
The complaint alleges two council members and the mayor constituted a quorum of the council based off an executive order issued by the governor during COVID allowing for the mayor to count toward a quorum when the council otherwise lacked a quorum.
Schroedl said the city has always operated that as long as two or fewer council members participated, a quorum was not reached. The only time the mayor is used for a quorum is when two council members are not available for a meeting. She said no decisions were made during the subcommittee negotiations. The administrator said the Department of Justice would issue a letter of finding and its interpretation of the allegation to both the city and the complainant.
The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 10.
* Striping works moves east to Atkinson area
(Posted 2:30 p.m. June 11)
Roadway paint striping work is complete in the Ainsworth, Springview and Bassett areas. Striping work is progressing east to the Atkinson, O’Neill, Spencer and Burwell areas, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Sir Lines-A-Lot of Edina, Minn., is the contractor for the project. Work includes repainting the yellow and white stripes on the roadways. This is a slow speed mobile operation. Be aware of wet paint when approaching the striping equipment. Anticipated completion is July.
* Care center to receive additional Medicaid funds
(Posted 12:30 p.m. June 11)
With the Sandhills Care Center scheduled to receive a $151,710 payment from Medicaid during June, the Board of Directors Monday voted to pay off the remaining line of credit previously taken out to cover a three-pay-period month.
Administrator Penny Jacobs told the board the facility was expecting the $151,710 Medicaid settlement payment, which occurs once per year based off the nursing home’s overall costs, prior to the end of the current fiscal year June 30.
The facility still owed $46,668 on its credit line, which the board approved paying off contingent upon the Medicaid settlement funds being received as anticipated.
During May, the Sandhills Care Center generated $269,588 in revenue with expenses of $258,749 for a net profit for the month of $10,839. The facility also received $33,111 in May from the voter-approved property tax levy.
The care center has received $59,457 of the approximately $100,000 in tax that will come from a 1-cent levy on property in Brown County.
The care center has yet to receive any tax funds from the voter-approved 10-cent levy on property inside the Ainsworth city limits.
City Administrator Lisa Schroedl told the board the levy funds were co-mingled with the city’s general property tax funds. She said she was working with the city’s auditor on the proper way to account for the additional care center levy. When that is complete, Schroedl said it is just a matter of doing the math on how much property tax the city has received that goes to the care center.
“I will do my best to get that worked out and will let Bruce (Papstein) and Makenzie (Crane) know when I am done,” Schroedl said.
At the outset of Monday’s meeting, board member Shawn Fernau informed the board he was resigning for personal reasons. He said it had been an honor to be a part of the board, and he believes in the staff and the facility.
Board Chair Tom Jones told Fernau he appreciated his service to the board and the volunteer work he has performed to improve the facility, from assisting with snow removal and interior painting to other work.
“Your heart has been in the right place on this board,” Jones said.
Jacobs reported the care center is currently home to 29 residents and was expecting its 30th resident this week. She said, if the new resident arrives this week as planned, there would be a party as promised for the facility reaching 30 residents.
Of the current residents, 12 pay privately, 15 receive Medicaid assistance, one receives Medicare assistance, and one is on hospice care. She said 16 residents are from Ainsworth, seven are from Cherry County, three are from rural Brown County, and there is one resident each from Long Pine, Rock County and Keya Paha County.
Jacobs said the care center was still in need of charge nurses, and will need CNAs since the facility would lose several CNAs when school starts back up. She also reported the care center could use help in the dietary department.
Jacobs said state surveyors had been in the building recently, and the care center was tagged for a total of 13 violations. She walked the board through each violation, which included procedural issues, medication storage, emergency planning and resident care items.
“My kudos to the staff,” Jacobs said. “They did a good job while the surveyors were there. There is nothing on there that can’t be fixed.”
Jacobs said she was working to provide a plan of corrective action to submit to the state, which was due by Friday.
Board member Dr. Mel Campbell said state surveys always find something.
Jacobs discussed the potential need for the facility to install a handicap-accessible door into the building, with a push button opener. She said she received an email from the Nebraska Healthcare Association related to making sure nursing facilities have full access into buildings.
She said the front door was currently not fully handicap accessible. She said the facility at some point would probably need to install a handicap accessible door at the main entrance to the facility.
The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 8.
* Bridge work underway east of Inman
(Posted 10:30 a.m. June 11)
Work began Monday on Highway 20 east of Inman near milepost 321, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
JJK Construction of Ceresco is the contractor for the project. Work includes bridge repair. No traffic delays are expected. Anticipated completion is mid-August.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.
* Ainsworth City Council Tuesday agenda
(Posted 7 a.m. June 11)
Ainsworth City Council
Meeting 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 11
Ainsworth Conference Center
Agenda
- 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 8, 2024 regular 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
- Discuss and consider subcommittee recommendations regarding the Law Enforcement Agreement and Economic Development Services Agreement
- VI. Regular Agenda
- Discuss and consider a request for additional parking lot paving for Brown County Hospital on city property – Mirya Hallock, Brown County Hospital
- Discuss and consider a recommendation from the LB840 Loan Committee to approve façade application #24-03 in the amount of $10,000
- Discuss and consider authorizing the submission of a grant application for the Rural Community Recovery Program (RCRP) for site development of affordable housing in the requested amount of $1,000,000
- Discuss and consider the approval of a general administration contract with Central Nebraska Economic Development District (CNEDD) for the repurposing of the Housing Rehabilitation funds
- Discuss and consider Park Board updates and recommendations – Cody Goochey
- Discuss and consider a Special Designated Liquor License (SDL) application for BCW Inc. dba Silver Circle Bar for an event on June 29, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. June 30, 2024, with street closing (alleyway) behind the bar and on 2nd Street from Main Street to the west alleyway during the event
- Discuss and consider an SDL application for Bolo Brewing Co. for the Tour de Nebraska event at East City Park to be held on June 27, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Discuss and consider updates to bank signature cards
- City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer Report
* Schlueter updates board on dual credit classes
(Posted 7 a.m. June 11)
During Monday’s meeting, Guidance Counselor Lisa Schlueter discussed with the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education the dual credit opportunities available for high school students and the work she does to assist students with applying for scholarships and filling out financial aid forms.
Schlueter told the board there have been 15 different dual credit class opportunities offered to students during the past few years.
“Students can take anything they want to take, but to take a class during the school day it has to be for dual credit,” Schlueter said. “Otherwise, they take online classes outside the school day and those go on their Northeast Community College transcript.”
Schlueter said, during the 2023-24 school year, 46 Ainsworth High School students took a total of 142 dual credit classes through Northeast. That was an increase from 39 students taking 114 dual credit classes during the 2022-23 school year.
Schlueter said she sends letters to students and parents in the spring since registration for the fall semester occurs in the spring. She said she sends additional letters in the fall for the second semester classes.
“Only five seniors graduating this year did not participate in at least one dual credit class,” Schlueter said.
She said the school has independent learning periods during the school day to allow students to work on the dual credit classes. The guidance counselor said the college has expanded its course offerings for the dual credit program.
Superintendent Dale Hafer said Northeast Community College is now offering classes tuition-free to students. He said the college did request a discontinuation of small payments that were made by the college to school districts offering dual credit courses since the college was no longer charging tuition to the students participating.
He said superintendents in the college’s service area agreed to the discontinuation of payments.
Schlueter also discussed how she provides information to seniors on scholarship opportunities available and sometimes has to individually encourage students to apply for scholarships for which they may be eligible.
She said she also can assist students with completing the federal FAFSA forms for potential federal loan and grant assistance.
In other business Monday, the board held annual public hearings on the school’s student fee policy and its parent and family involvement policy.
Hafer said students who qualify for free and reduced school meals can fill out a form to have student fees waived. He said 186 waiver forms were completed during the recently completed school year.
Hafer said the parent and family involvement policy helps parents to understand their rights. No changes were recommended to either policy.
The board also conducted annual reviews of the district’s bullying policy and its staff conduct with students policy.
Hafer said the bullying policy was fairly open-ended, and it needed to be because each situation was unique.
“We need to be able to work with kids and parents through these situations,” the superintendent said. “Sometimes it doesn’t even occur in the building, it can be through social media. We do have discipline issues at times related to bullying.”
Regarding the staff conduct with students policy, Hafer said administration goes over the policy annually with the staff. He said the policy covers inappropriate conduct with students, the obvious things and those that are not so obvious.
During action items Monday, the board approved the 2024-25 student-parent handbook and the 2024-25 teacher-staff handbook.
Hafer said one change made to the student-parent handbook involved the district’s drug and alcohol policy. He said the school board received some questions regarding the policy.
“There are varying opinions out there on what the consequences should look like,” the superintendent said. “A lot of work went into the current policy.”
Hafer said it was recommended that the district weave in a diversion program to lessen the first offense.
“The policy has some teeth, and there is a reason it is there,” Hafer said. “But this is a genuine push to address the mental health of students. It is an opportunity for the student to connect and help a kid if they need some help.”
High School Principal Steve Dike said adding the education component allows a student to reduce the activity suspension by 50 percent on a first offense. He said the diversion component would not be available for any subsequent offenses, as the students should know better.
For a student self-reporting a first offense, completing the diversion program would reduce the activity suspension from 30 school days to 15 school days.
The board approved the policy as presented.
In reviewing the teacher-staff handbook, Hafer said an addition was included this year regarding proper use of technology.
He said part of the policy deals with electronic communication as teachers and coaches provide information to students and athletes. He said everything is either done within a group message or includes a parent if electronic communication occurs individually.
The board approved that policy as presented.
The school board approved the second reading of a policy regarding workplace privacy, and approved the first reading of policy updates as recommended by the Nebraska Association of School Boards.
In a final action item Monday, the board approved a $10,000 payment to the North Central Development Center as a contributing partner. Hafer said the NCDC was assisting the district with a large grant application to replace playground equipment.
During his report, Hafer said the refurbishment of the track is going well. He said the new layer of coating has been completed. He said the company will return to paint lines and marks.
The superintendent reported Austin Jones has been hired as a custodian and will train with Nick Krause starting July 8 prior to Krause’s retirement. Hafer said the district was in need of another custodian and is advertising to fill that position.
The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 8 p.m. July 8.
* Concrete on Main Street to be poured Tuesday
(Posted 12:30 p.m. June 10)
Weather permitting, concrete paving will begin Tuesday on the first portion of the South Main Street project in Ainsworth.
According to Nebraska Department of Transportation Project Manager Carl Hart, the sanitary sewer, water lines and storm sewers are in place from Third Street to Highway 20. Base preparations have been completed in that block ahead of concrete surfacing.
Additional concrete pouring will occur later this week on the Third Street intersection.
Highway 7 will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, June 17, for Phase II of the project, which includes Main Street between First and Second streets. The First Street intersection with Main Street will remain open for cross traffic during Phase II.
Water and sewer connections to businesses will progress into Phase II of the project as removals are completed. Temporary sidewalk closures and service interruptions may occur during Phase II.
Anyone with questions on the Main Street renovation project may contact the Nebraska Department of Transportation District 8 office at 402-387-2471.
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 10:45 a.m. June 10)
June 2
The Brown County Ambulance and the Sheriff’s office responded to an unconscious Male subject laying on a roadway in Long Pine. The Male was taken to the hospital and later transported by a flight crew to another facility.
During traffic stops on this day a Nebraska driver was issued a citation for speeding 47 in a 35mph zone. Other warnings were issued for speeding and failure to stop.
Served three civil service papers.
June 3
Received a report of a downed stop sign near 5th and Ash Street. This was reported to the City of Ainsworth office and corrected.
Received a medical alert alarm but was found to be a false alarm.
Issued two verbal warnings for speeding on Pine Street in Ainsworth.
Received a report of domestic assault in Long Pine. This is an ongoing investigation.
June 4
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a senior living facility and transported one patient to the hospital.
Provided traffic control for a funeral procession.
The Brown County Ambulance provided standby services at the Brown County Fairgrounds on the 4th, 5th
Issued a notice to correct overgrown weeds on Walnut Street and followed up with a previous overgrown lawn on 2nd Street that had been mowed.
Served two civil service papers.
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth. One patient was transported to the hospital.
Issued a written warning for speeding.
June 5
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call near Ainsworth. The patient denied transport at this time.
Released two inmates from the Brown County Jail after receiving personal recognizance bonds in court.
Received a report of stolen prescription medication.
June 6
Received an alarm for a Main Street business that was found to be a false alarm.
Received a report of a male subject in a mental health crisis. Contact was made with the male in rural Brown County. The male was issued a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol 2nd offense and booked into the Brown County Jail.
June 7
Responded to a report of gunshots inside City of Ainsworth limits. Contact was made and was found to be a pellet gun.
Served a protection order.
Responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident on Main & 2nd Street. No injuries were reported, and minimal damage occurred to both vehicles.
Two written warnings were issued for speeding and one citation was issued for misuse of a school permit.
Increased foot patrol supervision at the carnival in Long Pine for all three days.
June 8
Responded to a report of reckless driving in Ainsworth on 1st Street. A Nebraska male driver was issued a citation for careless driving and disturbing the peace.
Provided increased traffic control for Highway 20 detour.
Weekly Report
Phone Calls: 179
911 Calls: 11
Vin Inspections: 0
Gun Permits:0
* Commissioners close McCullough bridge to truck traffic
(Posted 6:45 a.m. June 10)
During an emergency meeting Friday, the Brown County Commissioners unanimously voted to close the McCullough bridge on the Bar 25 road in northern Brown County to commercial truck traffic.
The move comes as trucks are detoured from Highway 20 through the Long Pine hills with a bridge replacement project underway. The Nebraska Department of Transportation designated Highway 7 north of Bassett to Highway 183 south of Springview as the detour route during the bridge replacement project.
The commissioners on Tuesday voted to close Ponderosa Road through the Long Pine State Park to truck traffic, as many commercial trucks were using that local detour route around the closed Highway 20 bridge.
The board Friday discussed trucks now using the Bar 25 Road to avoid the longer detour route after being barred from using the route through the Long Pine State Park.
With the potential for the McCullough bridge and Bar 25 Road being damaged from the increased truck traffic, the board unanimously voted to close that bridge to truck traffic as well.
That was the only item on Friday’s emergency meeting agenda. The next regular meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. June 18.
* Area students selected for youth institute
(Posted 7 a.m. June 7)
High school students continue to show their passion for agriculture and their enthusiasm to attend Nebraska’s premier youth ag event, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. The
Nebraska Department of Agriculture received a record number of applications from high school juniors and seniors across the state to attend NAYI this summer.
NAYI brings together hundreds of students every year to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with ag leaders and explore career opportunities. This year, NAYI will be held July 8-12 on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.
Among the students selected to attend the youth institute are: Hannah Beel of Johnstown; Brynn Almgren of Stuart; Cale Buss, Naomi Sanchez, Teagan Butterfield, Elley Engelhaupt, Rylee Poessnecker and Hannah Olson all of Atkinson; Elizabeth Bernt of Butte; Delaney Rogers of Dunning; and Ariana Blume, Doc Lancaster, Finley Mosner, Alivia Patterson, Cadence Swanson and Kennedie Assman of Valentine.
“We were overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the record number of applications we received from students interested in attending NAYI,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “NAYI is an incredible opportunity for young leaders to expand their knowledge of agriculture and connect with peers and network with agricultural professionals from around the state. These students are the future leaders and innovators of Nebraska’s ag industry. They will be the ones working together in the future to strengthen our state’s number one industry.”
NAYI is in its 53rd year, making it the longest running ag youth program of its kind in the nation. This year’s theme, “Leading Your Legacy,” is appropriate because students participating in the youth institute start a legacy of exceptional ag leaders in Nebraska. NAYI features motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, a farm management game, a formal banquet, and a dance. NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests, and involvement in agriculture.
The youth institute is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 21 college students selected by NDA for their passion, interest, and investment in the ag industry. During the youth institute, NAYC members provide valuable insight and advice about agriculture, college coursework and career-building.
“The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council does a fantastic job showcasing the opportunities here in our state. It is our hope that after NAYI, the delegates will be better prepared for whatever path they choose in life and know that they will always have a part to play in Nebraska agriculture,” Vinton said.
* Cosgrove, Sedlacek to serve as NCF interns
(Posted 10:15 a.m. June 5)
Twenty-two college students from across Nebraska returned to their hometowns this May as members of Nebraska Community Foundation’s 2024 Hometown Interns cohort.
A Hometown Intern is a current college student who has completed at least one year of schooling or other learning experience and lives at home for the summer. They are compensated for their work through a generous gift from an anonymous donor to NCF.
This year’s interns will serve NCF affiliated funds in Rock County, Holt County, Arnold, Bertrand, Deshler, Diller, Dorchester, Friend, Hebron, Howells, Keith County, Leigh, Red Cloud, Shickley, Sidney and Valley County. Three previous Hometown Interns will serve as Youth Engagement Interns focused on helping the other interns reach their goals.
Allie Cosgrove will serve as the intern for the Rock County Community Fund and Ally Sedlacek will serve as the intern for Holt County Economic Development.
Hometown Interns began the summer at a retreat in Keith County where they connected with their peers and learned about Asset-Based Community Development, an approach to development that focuses on identifying and leveraging the strengths and assets within a community. Over the course of the summer, they will work alongside their supervisors and other members of their local affiliated fund on a mission to discover and unleash the assets in their community. Together, they will mobilize local wonders to help their hometown accomplish its goals and dreams.
“This internship isn’t just about gaining experience,” said NCF Community and Cultural Impact Specialist Becky Boesen. “It’s designed to be a journey of self-discovery and shared growth. Together, we’ll explore roads less taken, lift-up hidden assets, celebrate the uniqueness of our places, and co-create an experience alongside local affiliated funds that will add value to the future of both students and their communities.”
While the specific tasks and projects will vary from one internship to another, the Nebraska Community Foundation will provide numerous opportunities for interns to connect throughout the summer to give them space to learn from each other, share ideas and foster appreciation for their hometowns while contributing to community development efforts at the local and statewide level.
Past Hometown Interns have worked on wide variety of projects, including:
Documenting local history and storytelling
Creating unique learning experiences for local youth
Facilitating local arts and cultural activities
Interviewing local entrepreneurs and highlighting their innovations
Developing branding, graphic design or web-building projects
Leading community planning conversations
After five years of internships, the endeavor is showing inroads to ongoing people attraction efforts and dozens of interns have elected to remain in Nebraska, most of them in rural communities.
“Hometown Internships offer evidence for NCF’s longstanding belief that the key to bringing young Nebraskans back to our state is an invitation,” said NCF President and CEO Jeff Yost. “By extending to these students an opportunity to play a meaningful role in community-building, we are telling them we value their contributions to our state’s future and reminding them they will always have a place in Nebraska.”
* Board bans commercial trucks on Ponderosa Road
(Posted 10 a.m. June 5)
The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution closing Ponderosa Road near Long Pine to all commercial truck traffic following the closure of Highway 20 in the Long Pine hills for a bridge replacement.
Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin told the board it might be a good idea to ban truck traffic on Ponderosa Road for the duration of the Highway 20 closure, as a large amount of traffic is using the shorter route through the Long Pine State Park instead of taking the Nebraska Department of Transportation detour using Highway 183 to Springview and Highway 7 to Bassett.
“It is extremely dangerous,” Turpin said.
Sheriff Brent Deibler said the sheriff’s department is doing the best it can to patrol the route.
“It is very much a safety hazard,” Deibler said. “I agree banning trucks is the best option.”
Commissioner Buddy Small said he had contacted a company about placing stoplights on either side of the bridge across Pine Creek on Ponderosa Road near Long Pine State Park. Small said having stoplights on each side would cost $200 per day, approximately $18,000 for the duration of the Highway 20 closure.
Commissioner Dennis Bauer said he believed the county should ask the Nebraska Department of Transportation to pay for the cost of placing the stoplights. If the state declines to pay for the stoplights, Bauer said the county should place stop signs on either side of the bridge.
Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said the ambulance had to back up last week to allow oncoming traffic to cross the bridge even though it had its lights flashing.
The commissioners unanimously approved banning commercial truck traffic on Ponderosa Road for the duration of the Highway 20 bridge construction project.
In other roads items Tuesday, the board approved making approximately $43,000 in repairs to the county’s 1994 Caterpillar loader truck. Turpin said the county likely could not afford a new loader, and the 1994 Caterpillar had been a good vehicle for the roads department.
“That loader has been running poorly,” the highway superintendent said. “We knew it would need an overhaul.”
Turpin said the repair work included an engine overhaul, but there could be additional repairs needed when they start working on the truck. He said the work included a three-year warranty and a $2,950 parts credit. He said the county typically puts about 100 to 150 hours on the loader each year.
Turpin reported he had done work on the Norden Avenue hill near Ron Reinert’s property to help with runoff.
“It is very sandy, but it should drain better,” he said. “I still have a little more to do. There is a fiber optic cable where I would have liked to do more of a ditch.”
Turpin said he had contacted Lance Harter with Oak Creek Engineering to look at another area of Norden Avenue near property owned by Royce Greder and provide the county with options for drainage improvements.
In other business Tuesday, Deibler discussed including in the 2024-25 budget additional compensation for his serving as the county’s jail administrator.
Deibler said the jail administrator is a paid position in other counties, and sheriffs in other counties who serve as the jail administrator instead of having another person on staff are compensated for that role.
“Someone has to take on the liability of running the jail and taking in inmates as well as meeting the requirements of the state,” Deibler said. “It had been passed around in the past. We need to do it correctly.”
Deibler said he compared compensation for jail administration in Cherry, Knox and Antelope counties. While he said those counties had larger jails than Brown County, he receives requests to take in prisoners for other counties. The sheriff said he would be willing to house inmates for other counties once repairs to the jail are complete.
Bauer asked what Deibler’s daily duties would entail in serving as the jail administrator.
Deibler said he would be responsible for determining any health and safety issues for incoming inmates and would assume liability for the inmates in the jail.
Bauer said it seemed fair to him that Deibler be compensated for serving as jail administrator. The board approved additional compensation beginning with the start of the 2024-25 fiscal year July 1.
The commissioners also approved a contract between the county and Big John’s Restaurant for prisoner meal service after awarding the bid to the restaurant during a previous meeting. Big John’s will receive $9 for each lunch and $9 for each evening meal it provides to Brown County Jail inmates.
Deibler also requested the county contract with Metl Sandblasting of Stuart to restripe the parking lot at the courthouse. Deibler said he assisted custodian Tammy Grupe with restriping the parking lot last year, but the paint they applied did not last.
“The entity painting the jail does this professionally,” Deibler said. “He said it would last multiple years.”
The board approved using American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for the $1,181 quote from Metl Sandblasting to restripe the parking lot.
The commissioners also approved using the federal ARPA funds to pay for tree removal and trimming at the courthouse park. Jerry Paulsen told the board at a previous meeting one tree needed to be removed and several needed to be trimmed.
County Attorney Andy Taylor said the commissioners would need a written quote from Paulsen before approving the work. That item was placed on the board’s June 18 agenda.
The commissioners approved making payments on both the Brown County Hospital addition bond and the Meadville Avenue highway bond. The $217,170 hospital bond payment was made from the hospital bond fund, while the board approved a transfer of $8,588 from the inheritance tax fund to make the interest-only payment on the highway bond.
Following discussion Tuesday, the commissioners approved hourly pay raises for several county employees. Custodian Tammy Grupe received a $2 per hour pay raise. Emergency Manager Traci Booth received a 75 cents per hour raise, and assistant emergency manager Jessica Pozehl received an increase of $2.63 per hour.
Weed Superintendent Scott Erthum and Veterans Services Officer Jake Graff each received $1 per hour pay raises, and Zoning Administrator Tom Jones received an increase of $3.17 per hour.
Dailey said the roads department employees received raises based on their annual evaluation.
“That might be something we should look into,” Dailey said.
Taylor encouraged the commissioners to begin conducting performance evaluations for all of the aforementioned county employees.
“I would support that strongly,” Taylor said. “You want to do that every year. Then, if there are any issues, it can be supported.”
In a final action item Tuesday, the board approved renewing its insurance through NIRMA and keeping its deductible per occurrence at $1,000. The premium increased by 3.98 percent.
At Bauer’s request, the board will hold a preliminary budget workshop at 11 a.m. Friday. The next regular meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. June 18.
* Commissioners approve route to isolated property
(Posted 7 a.m. June 5)
After numerous meetings and a public hearing, the Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a route for the construction of a road to a landlocked property in southwestern Brown County.
Grant Kobes, who purchased the former Long Lake State Recreation Area from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, requested the commissioners step in and establish a road in 2023 after he said he was unable to secure an agreement from neighboring property owners on a way to access the site.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission had an easement to the site when it was operated as a state recreation area, but that easement went away when the property sold.
After being unable to reach an agreement on access, Kobes requested the county step in and establish a route, as state statute requires county boards to establish access to isolated property.
During the board’s May 21 meeting, Attorney Todd Flynn, representing neighboring property owners, submitted a route that followed section lines he said the neighboring property owners approved.
Kobes had an engineering firm present four proposed routes during a previous public hearing on the matter.
Kobes on Tuesday presented two additional potential routes for the commissioners to consider based on Flynn’s suggestions. He said those two routes adhered pretty closely to section lines, which state statute said should be done when possible.
Kobes said he would still advocate for the first route he proposed, which he said was the most efficient and direct route to the property but did not follow section lines.
“I understand Route 1 does not follow section lines,” Kobes said. “That area does not lend itself to roads on section lines.”
Kobes said very few roads in the southern part of the county followed section lines but rather were constructed based on the features of the land.
County Attorney Andy Taylor said he was not an engineer and preferred to follow the state statute.
“I don’t believe Route 1 follows the law,” Taylor said. “Route 5 and Route 6 follow section lines and are compliant. My advice to follow statute best is Route 5.”
Route 5 would require the construction of 8,421 feet of road. Kobes’ preferred Route 1 required less than 5,000 feet of new road.
The commissioners unanimously approved Route 5, which followed Flynn’s proposal, for the construction of the road.
Commissioner Dennis Bauer asked what the next steps were in the process.
Taylor said the property must now be appraised so affected landowners can be compensated. He said a certified real property assessor must determine the value of the land that will be used to construct the road. The county attorney said the commissioners would need to find an appraiser to appoint.
Both Flynn and Kobes said they had worked previously with appraisers and could provide contact information to the board.
Bauer asked who would design the road and the standards that would be followed.
Taylor said the road could be built to minimum standards, but the decision rested with the commissioners.
Bauer said part of that consideration should be the type of road Kobes preferred, since he would be responsible for paying for the cost of the construction.
Kobes said he didn’t anticipate much travel on the road.
“I had minimum design standards in mind,” Kobes said.
Kobes asked if his engineering firm could move forward with survey work now that a route had been determined.
Taylor said proper procedure had to be followed, so surveyors could not access the site at this stage.
“The board has to issue an order, but it can’t until an appraisal is completed and the amount determined is paid to the treasurer,” Taylor said. “Then engineering and survey work can be completed.”
The board will place the matter on a future agenda for the appointment of an appraiser as the process now moves forward.
More information on Tuesday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners will air Thursday on KBRB.
* NDOT paint striping area highways
(Posted 3 p.m. June 3)
Roadway paint striping is complete in the Merriman and Valentine areas. Paint striping is progressing to the Ainsworth, Springview, Bassett and Atkinson areas, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Sir Lines-A-Lot LLC of Edina, Minn. is the contractor for this project. Work includes repainting the yellow and white stripes on the roadways. This is a slow speed mobile operation. Be aware of wet paint when approaching the striping equipment.
After striping work is completed in the Ainsworth to Atkinson area, work will progress into the O’Neill, Spencer and Burwell areas. Anticipated completion is July.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.
* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda
(Posted 1:30 p.m. June 3)
Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 4
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda
Roll Call.
Resolution for a budgeted transfer of $5,200.00 from Miscellaneous General within the General Fund to the County Treasurer Fund within the General Fund – Hardy
Approve Claims
Kenneth Turpin – Road Department Update
1994 Caterpillar 938F repairs – Turpin
Resolution regarding Ponderosa Road and Bridge Structures C000904210P & C000904205P in pursuant to State Statute 60-681 – Turpin
Isolated Land – Board
Approve payment of Highway Bond and Hospital Bond – Mitchell
Approve resolution to Transfer money from Inheritance Fund to the Highway Bond fund – Mitchell
Resolution for Sheriff Deibler to be compensated as Jail Administrator – Deibler
Food Service Contract for Prisoner Meals between Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Big John’s restaurant – Deibler
Restripe Courthouse Parking Lot – Deibler
Raises for employees.
NIRMA Insurance Renewal Deductibles – Hardy
Membership into North Central Nebraska Resource Conservation Development Planning
Tree removal/trimming from Courthouse Park.
Preliminary Board Budget Worksheet
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 10:15 a.m. June 3)
May 26
Responded to a report of a verbal disturbance on Woodward Street. No citations were issued at this time.
Issued a citation for speeding on Highway 7 to a Nebraska driver traveling 87mph in a 65mph zone. Another traffic stop resulted in a written warning for speeding.
May 27
Provided traffic control for a cattle crossing at Moonlake Road and Highway 20.
The Brown County Ambulance provided standby services at the Brown County Fairgrounds on the 27th, 28th,29th, and 30th for Rodeo Bible Camp.
Responded to a report of a gas drive off. Contact was made with the vehicle West of Ainsworth on Highway 20 and they returned to pay their ticket.
Responded to a report of domestic assault on North Main Street in Ainsworth. One male was issued a citation for Domestic Assault and booked into the Brown County Jail.
Speeding citations were issued for 49mph in a 35mph and 82mph in a 65mph.
May 28
Responded to a car deer accident on Highway 7, near mile marker 15. The vehicle was towed from the scene, and no injuries were reported.
Received numerous reports of oversized loads not utilizing the correct detour route on Highway 20. This is an ongoing issue that the Brown County Roads Department, the Nebraska Department of Transportation, and the Sheriff’s Office are all working on a resolution.
Served a protection order.
Received a report of a motorcycle driving recklessly in Ainsworth. A verbal warning was issued to the driver.
May 29
Responded to a report of a car deer accident on Highway 183. The vehicle was able to drive away from the scene, no injuries were reported, and a report was completed.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call from Long Pine. One patient was taken to the Brown County Hospital.
Released an inmate from the Brown County Jail after receiving a personal recognizance bond.
A Brown County bench warrant was served to a Kansas female, who was initially arrested in El Dorado Kansas, and then extradited back to Ainsworth and booked into the Brown County Jail for possession of controlled substance and domestic violence assault.
Responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on 1st Street. The vehicle was found to have broken down and the driver was awaiting a ride.
May 30
Received a report of a sexual abuse and a prohibited person in possession of a handgun. One male subject was booked into the Brown County Jail.
May 31
The Brown County Ambulance and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth.
Received a report of a semi driving without taillights. Dispatch was able to contact the driver by phone to resolve the issue.
June 1
Responded to a request for a welfare check on juveniles fishing without supervision. The juveniles were found to be supervised.
Weekly Log
Calls: 101
911 Calls: 6
Incident Reports: 13
Vin Inspections: 0
Gun Permits: 3
* Recent cases from Brown County Court
(Posted 11:30 a.m. May 30)
In addition to fines, each case carries $50 in court costs
Cristy Abbott, age 50, of Nora Springs, Iowa, charged with possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, fined $300; also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, $100; no operator’s license, $50; improper or defective vehicle light, $25.
Sadaq A. Mohamud, 32, of Bloomington, Minn., following too close, $50.
Tree’re A. Edwards, 28, of Omaha, speeding 36 mph or more above the limit, $300.
Mark J. Mathis, 61, of Springview, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Katelyn B. Richards, 25, of Ainsworth, no proof of insurance, $100; no valid registration, $25.
Shane T. Hamling, 26, of Wood Lake, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Dallas R. Ulibarri, 22, of Ainsworth, careless driving, $100.
Kelly L. Morris, 53, of Stapleton, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Riggin S. Blumenstock, 18, of Ainsworth, no proof of insurance, $100; no registration, $25; no operator’s license, $50.
Colton T. Troxel, 22, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Valenti V. Farfan, 31, of Grand Island, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Ysavella D. Gomez, 15, of Ainsworth, failure to yield the right of way, $25.
Levi E. Gum, 30, of Long Pine, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Robert R. Bailey, 62, of Johnston, Iowa, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75; passing in the same direction, $25.
Rodney G. Gilliland, 56, of Wakefield, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.
Evan M. Otruba, 52, of Cheyenne, Wyo., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.
Michael R. Spotted Bear, 24, of Ainsworth, possessing an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50.
Griselda Escobar, 34, of Ainsworth, no valid registration, $25.
Jonathan G. Hoadley, 34, of Platte Center, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.
* Area students named to UNK Dean’s List
(Posted 9:15 a.m. May 30)
The University of Nebraska at Kearney announced students who earned a place on the dean’s list for the spring 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 UNK students named to the dean’s list for the spring are:
Ainsworth – Raven Stewart
Johnstown – CeeAnna Beel
Purdum – Elizabeth Smith
Bassett – Josie Kuchera
Atkinson – Alexis Monasterio and Kelcie Osborne
Brewster – Brayden Guggenmos
Dunning – Kenna Rogers
Valentine – Logan Muirhead, Rhiannon Painter, Elliana Springer and Rhea Benson
* Weight limits placed on Long Pine State Park bridge
(Posted 8 a.m. May 29)
With Highway 20 in the Long Pine hills now closed for a bridge deck replacement project, many local travelers are forgoing the Nebraska Department of Transportation designated detour route using Highway 7 north of Bassett to Highway 183 south of Springview and are instead using a county road through Long Pine State Park.
Brown County Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said, due to the high volume of truck traffic using Ponderosa Road, Kyner Street and Eighth Street northwest of Long Pine, the roads department has decreased the weight limit across the Pine Creek bridge near Long Pine State Park.
The weight limit has been dropped to 15 tons for truck and trailer combinations and 8 tons for straight trucks. The posted speed limit through that area is 25 mph, with the speed limit dropping to 20 mph on Ponderosa Road.
Turpin said he was especially concerned about the potential for accidents and the loss of life with the added traffic in that area. He said the added truck traffic also has the potential to damage the bridge, which would cut a potential route for emergency responders if the bridge had to be closed.
Turpin said weight limits will be enforced by a scale officer in the area, and the roads will also be patrolled for speeding violations. He urged the traveling public to be cautious if using the route as opposed to the designated NDOT detour.
Turpin visited with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie Wednesday. That conversation can be heard below.
* Nebraska April jobless rate among best in nation
(Posted 9 a.m. May 28)
The Nebraska Department of Labor announced Nebraska’s preliminary unemployment rate for April was 2.5 percent. The rate remained unchanged since October 2023 but was up 0.5 percentage points from the April 2023 rate of 2.0 percent. Nebraska’s rate is ranked fourth lowest in the nation. North Dakota and South Dakota are tied for the lowest rate in the country at 2 percent. Vermont sits third with an unemployment rate of 2.1 percent, followed by Nebraska at 2.5 percent. Maryland and New Hampshire are tied for fifth at 2.6 percent.
The highest unemployment rate in April belonged to California at 5.3 percent. Nevada was the only other state above 5 percent in April at 5.1 percent. Illinois and Washington had rates of 4.8 percent in April.
The national unemployment rate for April was 3.9 percent, up 0.1 percentage points from the March rate of 3.8 percent and up 0.5 percentage points from the April 2023 rate of 3.4 percent.
Nebraska’s nonfarm employment, a count of filled jobs, was up 7,102 jobs from March and was up 18,816 jobs since April 2023.
Private industries with the most growth between March and April were mining and construction (up 2,097 jobs); leisure and hospitality services (up 1,968 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (up 920 jobs). Private industries with the most over-the-year growth were private education and health services (up 6,643 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (up 4,381 jobs); and leisure and hospitality services (up 3,316 jobs).
“Nebraska’s nonfarm employment reached an all-time high in April at 1,063,738,” Nebraska Commissioner of Labor John Albin said. “This was driven by record highs in Omaha and Lincoln of 516,399 and 198,570, respectively.”
Brown County’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.2 percent in April and was back below the statewide average. Rock County had the lowest unemployment rate in the area in April at 1.2 percent and the second-lowest rate in the state behind the 0.9 percent rate in Wheeler County.
Cherry County tied Garden County for the third-lowest jobless rate in the state at 1.3 percent. Holt County was also among the state leaders in April at 1.4 percent.
Keya Paha County’s April rate of 2.4 percent was below the statewide average, and Boyd County matched the state average at 2.5 percent.
Blaine County’s 4.1 percent rate in April was the highest in the area and tied Hooker County for the highest rate in the state.
The counts of employed and unemployed in the labor force are based on a survey conducted by the Census Bureau regarding employment status.
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 7 a.m. May 28)
May 19
Released an inmate from the Brown County Jail after they posted bond.
Received a report of an aggressive dog on Woodward Street. The dog was not found.
Responded to a report of a portable greenhouse in which due to high winds blew into power and telephone lines. Power and cable technicians responded to clear the debris.
May 20
Received a report of a cow out on Highway 183.
Served two paper services.
May 21
The Brown County Ambulance was paged to Highway 7 and transported one patient to the hospital.
Responded to a report of cattle on Highway 7, near mile marker 38.
The Brown County Ambulance transported a patient to Grand Island.
Responded to a report of terroristic threats in Long Pine. A statement and an incident report will be sent to the Brown County Attorney’s office.
Received a report of a gift card scam.
Received an adult protective services intake regarding a vulnerable adult. This is an ongoing investigation.
May 22
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth at a senior living facility. One patient was transported to the hospital.
Received a report of an individual scamming people in reference to the selling of puppies with a fake name and address.
Responded to a request for a welfare check. A female was found deceased in her home. No foul play is suspected at this time, and an investigation will be completed.
Issued two written warnings for speeding, and one for no registration in the vehicle.
May 23
Received multiple reports of spam callers on this day. All reporters were encouraged to contact the Attorney General Fraud line.
Attended a fire drill at the Ainsworth Child Development Center.
Received a report of an individual driving an unauthorized motor vehicle through someone’s lawn.
Served a paper service.
Responded to a report of a driver having a medical emergency that had ran off the road near Highway 20 and the 9A spur. The Brown County Ambulance was paged to the scene and transported one patient to the hospital. The vehicle was towed from the scene but sustained no damage.
Issued one citation for speeding, and a written warning for failure to yield/stop.
May 24
Received a report of a vehicle window that was believed to be shot by a pellet or bb gun.
Responded to a report of individuals drinking in a gas station parking lot. The individuals were found to be drinking water.
The Brown County Ambulance transported a flight crew to the hospital to pick up a patient.
Received a report of a parking complaint near Bumble Bee Rd.
Issued a warning for speeding and driving on the shoulder of the highway, and a citation for no valid registration.
May 25
Provided traffic control for a cattle crossing West of Johnstown on Highway 20.
Weekly Totals
Calls: 139
911 calls: 2
Incident Reports: 10
Gun Permits: 4
Vin Inspections: 0
* Highway paint striping begins Tuesday
(Posted 10:45 a.m. May 22)
Weather permitting, roadway paint striping will begin Tuesday, May 28, in the Merriman and Valentine areas, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Sir Lines-a-Lot of Edina, Minn. is the contractor for the project. Work includes repainting the yellow and white stripes on the roadways. This is a slow speed mobile operation. Be aware of wet paint when approaching the striping equipment. After striping is completed in the Valentine area, work will progress into the Ainsworth, Springview and Bassett areas. Anticipated completion is July.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.
* Commissioners discuss law enforcement contract
(Posted 10:15 a.m. May 22)
During Tuesday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners, Sheriff Brent Deibler discussed the apparent impasse on renewing a contract for law enforcement service between the sheriff’s department and the city of Ainsworth.
Deibler said he, County Attorney Andy Taylor and Commissioner Buddy Small had met with city of Ainsworth representatives Mayor Joel Klammer, City Administrator Lisa Schroedl and Councilmen Brad Fiala and Kent Taylor.
Deibler said the city initially offered $140,000 to renew a contract that was $276,000 for the current year. He said the city was told that offer would not be considered.
Taylor told the commissioners the county knew the last contract was a split vote by the council.
“This has been brewing for a while,” the county attorney said. “We knew it would be a matter of discussion and debate.”
Deibler said he understood the city was not willing to pay $276,000 for another contract. He said he offered a $200,000 contract to provide 20 hours per week of dedicated law enforcement to the city that would not include enforcement of city ordinances.
Deibler said he didn’t feel like the sheriff’s department was going to please the city on code enforcement based on the past year, so he was not interested in including code enforcement in a new agreement.
Deibler said the city’s negotiating team indicated they would address the contract during the May City Council meeting. He said he has not heard back from the city on any further negotiations.
The City Council, following discussion on the contract during its May meeting, took no action on approving a new contract or continuing negotiations with the sheriff’s department.
“The city said they will get their own code enforcement officer,” Deibler said. “There is no agreement on a contract. We put our best foot forward trying to get a contract done.”
Commissioner Denny Bauer asked Deibler to explain what will happen beginning July 1 after the current contract expires June 30.
Deibler said the sheriff’s department will still enforce criminal statutes inside the Ainsworth city limits but would no longer be handling code enforcement work for the city.
“This will take some of the load off my plate,” Deibler said. “It will relieve us from having to seek multiple deputies.”
Deibler said the lack of a contract would change the way the sheriff’s department patrols in the county.
Bauer said deputies having more of a presence in the county is not a bad thing.
Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said Ainsworth residents would need to understand there will no longer be a deputy dedicated to Ainsworth.
Bauer asked how dispatching services would be handled without the city having a contract with the county for law enforcement.
“Who do people call if there is a loose dog?” Bauer asked.
Taylor said Ainsworth residents with animal issues or code enforcement concerns would have to contact the Ainsworth city office.
Deibler said the city would have to have their own system set up for ordinance enforcement and animal control. He said the sheriff’s department was still dedicated to handling criminal statute violations inside the city limits.
“This will change our patrolling and how we do business,” Deibler said.
No action was required by the commissioners Tuesday.
Deibler also discussed placing flashing speed signs on the east and west entrances to Ainsworth. He said the Nebraska Department of Transportation had recently moved the signs for reduced speeds on the east side of Ainsworth on Highway 20.
Deibler said Emergency Manager Traci Booth was assisting the sheriff’s department in working with the Department of Transportation, Rock County and the cities of Ainsworth and Bassett to apply for a grant to place the flashing speed signs on the Highway 20 east and west entrances to both cities.
Bauer said the flashing speed signs definitely grab your attention. Dailey said the speed sign in Atkinson helps to slow traffic down before making a turn and coming toward the school in that community.
In other business Tuesday, North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson approached the commissioners about the potential of receiving federal grant funding.
Olson said an opportunity came about a week ago for $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding that was being made available to 41 counties. Brown County was one of the 41 counties eligible to apply.
She said a letter of intent was due June 3 with an accelerated time frame. She said the grant can address dilapidated housing, improving public spaces or vacant lots among other qualified activities.
“Is the county interested?” Olson asked. “If so, we would need to appoint a committee and identify projects. We have to put in the letter of intent first.”
If awarded, Olson said the grant dollars would have to be spent by September 2026. She said there were no matching funds required of the county.
“It is a great deal if we can get something that works,” Olson said. “We do score extra points if there is some community match, through funding or in-kind contributions.”
Commissioner Buddy Small asked about a grant for a building to store county equipment. Olson said that type of project would not qualify for this particular grant.
Bauer said there is a dilapidated building in Long Pine the county acquired through a tax sale that would potentially work. He said that building could be torn down and donated to the city of Long Pine for a park. Olson said that project would qualify. She said she would work with the county on an estimated project cost and would get a letter of intent ready to submit.
In roads items Tuesday, the commissioners, by a 2-0 vote with Small absent from a portion of the meeting, approved a resolution having Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin conduct a study and provide the board with a recommendation on whether to abandon a portion of Cedar Road south of Long Pine.
Turpin said a petition had been submitted to the county clerk with the required signatures requesting the road be abandoned by the county. He said the stretch requested for abandonment is just shy of 3 miles and runs from the late Roger Brede’s property to the West Y.
Turpin will conduct a study of the stretch and submit a recommendation to the board on whether to proceed with abandonment.
Turpin said the roads department employees had recently attended equipment operator Level II and Level III training that was held in Rock County.
“The operators all seemed to respond to the training and had good attitudes,” Turpin said. “It was the most hands-on training we’ve ever had. We had three full days in the field.”
Turpin reported the new belly dump trailer and truck had arrived. He thanked the commissioners for approving the purchase of the new equipment. Bauer said it should cut down on the county’s repair bills. He said maintenance should be a priority on all new equipment.
Bauer discussed repairing cracks on the new Meadville Avenue asphalt.
“I haven’t seen many, but we might consider purchasing a crack sealer,” Bauer said.
Turpin said it was likely more cost effective to hire a contractor for crack sealing. Turpin said he planned to armor coat Meadville Avenue this year.
“In my training, I learned that armor coating asphalt sooner is better,” the highway superintendent said.
Royce Greder approached the commissioners about drainage issues on Norden Avenue near Road 881. He said water draining from the road brings sediment into his dam.
“The county did dirt work last fall north of Road 881 on the Norden Road,” Greder said. “I asked about putting drops in to slow the water down. Nothing has happened. Something needs to be done.”
Bauer said his suggestion would be to use drop downs and pipes to drain the water like the county had done years ago at another site.
“We could try that, it has worked well in that other spot,” Bauer said.
Turpin said that type of project would require an engineer.
“Since we have never apparently been able to fix it right, I think we will need an engineer to look at it,” Turpin said.
Dailey said the county did not have any other solutions for the drainage issues at the site, so an engineer would likely be required. Turpin suggested waiting until the new fiscal year to have an engineer visit the site. Bauer told Turpin to report back at the next meeting with a suggestion for an engineering firm to use and provide a potential date when they could visit the site.
Greder asked if the county would be willing to dredge his dam in exchange for the material that is excavated.
Bauer said he would be willing to do that one time in exchange for the material.
The commissioners also approved wage increases for roads department employees based on their performance evaluations and a recommendation from Turpin.
“I have had more positive comments about the roads department than negatives,” Bauer said. “That isn’t usually the case. I would like the roads department to be a desirable place for people looking (for work).”
Dailey said about 90 percent of any negative comments he receives about county roads come from the same few people.
Turpin said there wasn’t a single employee working for the roads department he couldn’t count on during a blizzard or other emergency.
“We have good help,” Turpin said. “I would like to keep them.”
The board also discussed whether to keep Turpin as a salaried employee or move him to an hourly wage.
Taylor said, as a salaried employee currently, Turpin was not entitled to overtime. He suggested moving Turpin to being paid on an hourly basis.
Bauer said he didn’t feel it was fair to Turpin to have him on a salary and ineligible for overtime when he also was out operating equipment at times.
“He’s not strictly in the office from 8 to 5,” Bauer said. “To me, he should be hourly.”
Turpin said he was fine either way. He said he would try not to have to put in a lot of overtime.
The board approved moving Turpin from a salary to an hourly wage.
In a final roads item, Turpin requested the purchase of a homemade front mount disk from Cole Maintenance and Construction for use by the roads department.
“I tested it, and it worked well,” Turpin said.
The cost for the equipment is $13,000. Taylor said that is an item that would normally need to go out for bids, but since it is a unique item, it does not require additional bids. He said he would draw up a resolution for the commissioners to consider at their next meeting.
The board approved a tuition reimbursement application for county employee Zach Welch.
Jim Jackman approached the commissioners with a request for the county to provide assistance to the East Woodlawn and Grand Prairie Cemetery Board to maintain the two small cemeteries in the county.
Jackman said the only income the cemetery board receives is through selling burial plots and a few donations. He said those two cemeteries were the only two in the county not funded through cities.
Taylor said, if the cemetery board submits a written proposal, the commissioners could address it during the next board meeting.
Bauer said he would not be opposed to providing some assistance to maintain the cemeteries.
“It is important to keep those up and not let them go,” Bauer said. “To me, that is a reasonable request, and I would consider it. It would need to go on the next budget year.”
Jackman said he would provide a written request to the board.
Bauer asked Taylor to check into $80,000 in funding to support the Sandhills Care Center potentially owed to the county by the city of Ainsworth.
Bauer said, prior to a bond being approved by voters, the county had provided the care center with $160,000 in additional funding with the understanding that the city would reimburse the county for half of that amount.
The city of Ainsworth and Brown County jointly own and operate the Sandhills Care Center. Both entities initially agreed to supply $80,000 in funding per year for five years.
Clerk Travee Hobbs said she believed the $160,000 provided by the county was in addition to the five-year agreement.
Taylor said he would pursue the matter with the city’s attorney.
The commissioners received a request from the Ainsworth Public Library to provide $11,000 in funding to support the library’s operations. The amount requested has remained the same for several years. The board will consider the request as it prepares the 2024-25 fiscal year budget.
The board approved an audit agreement between the county and Contryman Associates. The board also approved having Chairman Bauer sign a 2024-25 NACO Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance subgroup application.
At the outset of Tuesday’s meeting, Small said, in light of the recent Primary Election results, he felt he should step down as the board’s chairman. He nominated Bauer to serve as the chair, which the board approved by a 2-1 vote with Bauer against. The commissioners then approved Dailey to serve as the board’s vice chair.
The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. June 4.
* Commissioners close to decision on isolated land access
(Posted 6:45 a.m. May 22)
Again tackling an isolated land access issue that has been discussed for more than a year, the Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday indicated they plan to make a decision on a route at their next meeting after neighboring property owners said they had come to an agreement on a preferred route for a road.
Attorney Todd Flynn, who represents two surrounding property owners near the former Long Lake State Recreation Area, said his clients had met and were in agreement. He presented the board with a route to the site purchased by Grant Kobes of Gretna the neighboring property owners would not dispute.
“The route we are proposing is on section lines,” Flynn said. “It doesn’t divide their property.”
Flynn said state statutes indicate the county is to follow section lines when creating roads to isolated lands, and the route the neighboring property owners propose is compliant with the state statute.
Brown County Attorney Andy Taylor said the commissioners might agree with the route, but Kobes may want to review the proposed route and provide comment to the commissioners. He asked Kobes if he had seen the route proposed by the neighboring property owners.
Kobes said he had not seen the proposed route. He said he would like to have a copy of the proposed route to provide to his engineering firm. Kobes said he didn’t believe it would be possible to follow section lines completely because there were wetland areas across a portion of the section lines.
“I think the board should go forward with the route our engineers proposed,” Kobes said. “I really think it is the board’s decision.”
Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey asked Flynn how long the proposed route would be. Flynn said the proposal from the neighboring property owners would require construction of approximately 7,200 feet of road.
“It does not divide neighboring property by staying on the section lines,” Flynn said.
Since the county had already held a public hearing on the matter and had discussed the issue across numerous meetings, Commissioner Dennis Bauer said he didn’t believe the county needed to wait 60 days from the previous hearing May 1 as suggested since the neighbors had now come to an agreement.
Bauer asked Kobes if he would have enough time to review Flynn’s proposal in time for the board to take action during its next meeting.
Kobes said he would have enough time for his engineers to review the proposed site. He again indicated part of the route proposed by the neighboring property owners goes through a wetland area.
Dailey said he believed the commissioners would be able to make a decision on the route during the board’s next meeting.
Kobes is responsible for all of the costs of constructing a road to the isolated property. The Game and Parks Commission had an easement to access the Long Lake State Recreation Area. However, when the property sold, that easement was no longer in effect, and Kobes had previously indicated he could not reach an agreement with neighboring property owners to access the site, leading to him filing the isolated land access request with the commissioners.
The item was placed on the board’s June 4 agenda for a potential decision on a route to the property.
More information from Tuesday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners will be aired Thursday on KBRB.
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 5:15 a.m. May 20)
May 12
Issued a citation to a Nebraska driver for driving an unauthorized motor vehicle within city limits without flags or registration.
Received a report regarding the unauthorized use of pasture for cattle grazing. The livestock owner was issued a citation for theft of services and abandonment of livestock.
Responded to a report of suspicious activity in East City Park. No criminal activity was found at this time.
Received a statement form regarding an assault. This is an ongoing investigation.
May 13
Received a report of a stolen vehicle from Osborne Street in Ainsworth. The vehicle was later located in Minden, NE. This is an ongoing investigation.
Provided traffic control for a funeral procession.
Responded to a report of a male subject in a mental health crisis.
Responded to a two-vehicle accident at the Highway 20 and 432nd Ave intersection. No injuries were reported and both vehicles were able to drive away from the scene. One driver was issued a citation for failure to yield while entering roadway.
Responded to a report of a domestic disturbance.
During a traffic stop near 428th Ave and 884th RD, a Nebraska male driver was issued a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol. The male subject was booked into the Brown County Jail, where he later posted bond and was released.
May 14
Received a complaint regarding a barking dog on 1st Street. The dog owner was called by dispatch and resolved the issue.
May 15
The Brown County Ambulance transferred a flight crew to the hospital to pick up a patient.
May 16
Issued a written warning for excessive barking to an owner on 1st Street in Ainsworth.
Received a traffic complaint regarding excessive speed and reckless driving within Ainsworth city limits. A written warning was issued for speeding and failure to stop/yield. A violation was issued for no proof of insurance.
Responded to a traffic complaint of a motorcycle driving in excessive speeds within Ainsworth City Limits.
Responded to a report of a verbal disturbance on Woodward Street.
May 17
Responded to a report of a semi on Highway 20 with an un-tarped load of rock. The trailer was found to be tarped.
Booked a male subject into the Brown County Jail after receiving a district court commitment sentence.
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call in Ainsworth. One patient was taken to the Brown County Hospital.
After serving a search warrant, at an apartment complex on South Main Street, in Ainsworth, two subjects were booked into the Brown County Jail. A male subject was issued a citation for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a controlled substance (meth and thc), and destruction of evidence. The female subject was issued a citation for possession of a controlled substance. During the search warrant, a dog bit a Brown County Sheriff’s Office deputy, and was euthanized on scene. A Nebraska State Trooper and the Brown County Ambulance also provided assistance during the search warrant.
May 18
During traffic stops on this day a written warning was issued for driving on the sidewalk and a violation was issued for improper/defective vehicle lighting.
Calls: 128
911 calls: 5
Incident Report: 14
Gun Permits: 1
Vin Inspections: 0
* Recent cases from Brown County District Court
(Posted 8 a.m. May 19)
During Brown County District Court Tuesday, May 14, Thomas Wiedell, age 74, of Crosby, Minn., appeared for a hearing on his petitions to set aside Nov. 8, 2022, criminal convictions of terroristic threats and carrying a concealed weapon. Those petitions were denied by District Judge Mark Kozisek.
Also on Tuesday, Jeffrey Q. Keezer, 53, of Neligh, received sentencing after previously entering guilty pleas to three counts. Keezer received a $2,500 fine on a Class IIIA felony charge of terrorist threats, 30 days in jail on each of two counts of Class I misdemeanor violation of a protection order. Those sentences are to be served consecutively.
* Area students to graduate from UN-L
(Posted 1:30 p.m. May 16)
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will confer more than 3,500 degrees during its May commencement exercises.
Area students graduating from UN-L are:
Ainsworth
- Jonathan Edward Ortner, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness.
Valentine
- Logan Michael Cate, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with high distinction.
- Skyler Hope Reagle, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
* Painter wins Brown County Commissioner race
(Posted 9:45 p.m. May 14, updated 7 a.m. May 15)
During Tuesday’s Primary Election, Brown County Republicans elected Don Painter as the party’s representative for Brown County Commissioner. Painter secured 407 Republican votes compared to 290 for incumbent Raymond “Buddy” Small. With no candidates running from the Democratic Party, Painter will secure a four-year term in November barring a write-in effort.
By a 230 to 138 margin, Rock County voters adopted an additional 3-cent property tax levy to support the Rock County Hospital’s operations and the Rock County Ambulance Association. Two cents of the 3-cent levy will go to support the hospital, while 1 cent of the levy will go to the Rock County Ambulance for either a replacement ambulance, a building to house the association’s fleet, or equipment for the ambulance.
In Keya Paha County, Tony Tiefenthaler secured the Republican nomination for Keya Paha County Commissioner in the West District. Tiefenthaler received 65 votes from West District Republicans. Kayla Schrantz earned 33 votes, followed by Darrell Olson with 31 and Beth Rutar with seven.
A total of 37.43 percent of registered voters cast a ballot in Brown County, with 761 of 2,033 registered voters submitting a ballot.
Voter turnout in Keya Paha County for the Primary Election was 49.2 percent, with 307 ballots cast among 624 registered voters. Turnout in Rock County was 36.12 percent, with 384 ballots cast among the 1,063 registered voters in the county.
All three area counties had turnout well above the state average. Statewide, 27.05 percent of registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s Primary Election. There were 333,299 ballots submitted from the 1,231,963 registered voters in the state.
More than 60 percent of Cherry County voters cast a Primary ballot, which was the second highest turnout in the state behind 61 percent in Garden County.
Holt County turnout was below the statewide average at 25.5 percent. A total of 46.5 percent of Blaine County voters cast a ballot, and 34.9 percent of registered voters in Boyd County participated in the Primary.
While both candidates will advance to the November General Election, Tanya Storer scored 58.5 percent of the vote in the race for the 43rd District seat in the Nebraska Unicameral. Tony Tangwall picked up 41.5 percent of the vote. The top two candidates in each legislative race advance from the Primary. Storer and Tangwall will square off again in November in an effort to replace Tom Brewer, who was unable to run for another four years due to term limits.
Storer received 444 votes in Brown County compared to 281 for Tangwall. Storer carried Rock County by a 212 to 127 margin, and she bested Tangwall in Keya Paha County by the count of 162 to 129.
There were no surprises in the Presidential Primary Tuesday. With both top candidates already securing the nomination, Donald Trump picked up a little more than 80 percent of the Republican Primary votes Tuesday, while President Joe Biden collected about 90 percent of the Democratic Party votes.
Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer scored nearly 80 percent of the Primary vote in her run for re-election, while Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts scored 79 percent of the Republican Primary vote in his first run for a full term after being appointed to replace Sen. Ben Sasse, who resigned before his term was complete. Ricketts will face Democrat Preston Love Jr. in the November General Election, while Fischer’s only opponent in November is Independent candidate Dan Osborn.
In the U.S. Congressional races, 1st District Republican Rep. Mike Flood scored 81.5 percent of the Primary vote against challenger Michael Connely. Flood will face Democrat Carol Blood, who ran unopposed, in a rematch of a previous special election.
Republican 2nd District Rep. Don Bacon earned 62 percent of the Primary vote against challenger Dan Frei, and will have a rematch against Democrat Tony Vargas in November. Vargas ran unopposed Tuesday.
Republican 3rd District Rep. Adrian Smith picked up 74 percent of the Primary vote compared to 18.5 percent for John Walz and 7 percent for Robert McCuiston. Smith will face Democrat Daniel Ebers in November. Ebers squeezed past David Else Tuesday, picking up 53 percent of the vote to Else’s 47 percent.
* Care Center Board pays down credit line debt
(Posted 1:30 p.m. May 14)
The Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors voted Monday to repay half of the money it had previously borrowed from a line of credit and provided Administrator Penny Jacobs with a 5 percent salary increase.
The care center generated $250,531 in revenue during April with expenses of $241,555 for a net profit of $8,976 for the month. The care center also received $10,442 in property taxes during March and another $22,668 in April from voter-approved levies.
With more than $68,000 in its account, the board opted to repay $46,668 from the $93,337 it borrowed from its credit line in April. The credit line was used due to the care center having three pay periods during the month instead of the usual two. Each pay period for the center is roughly $85,000.
The board voted to increase Jacobs’ salary by 5 percent. Board President Tom Jones said the increase was based off Jacobs’ annual performance review.
“Penny was directed that if Mark Iverson’s recommendations were implemented and we didn’t have any issues, we would revisit the increase in May,” Jones said. “Financials and other performance measures are trending the right way.”
Board member Shawn Fernau agreed, saying the board has seen a lot of improvement.
Board member Bruce Papstein said he read, nationwide, salary increases have been around 4 to 5 percent.
Board member Dr. Mel Campbell said the facility has been in the black in recent months, and he agreed a 5 percent increase would be appropriate.
Campbell asked if the board needed to revisit wages for the other positions in the facility. Jacobs said the care center is still very competitive with its current wages after the board previously implemented 30 percent increases across the board.
The board unanimously approved the 5 percent increase for the administrator.
Jacobs reported there are currently 27 residents in the Sandhills Care Center, with 12 paying privately, 14 receiving Medicaid assistance and one receiving hospice care.
She said two residents were admitted since the board’s previous meeting, with two residents discharged home and one resident being discharged to the hospital.
Jacobs said staff was currently working on two referrals for new residents, who would likely be admitted this week.
Jacobs said the facility was still in need of charge nurses.
The board reviewed a survey completed by care center employees. Jones said the care center scored well on several of the most important questions, including employees agreeing they know what is expected of them at work, having the equipment and materials to do their jobs effectively, having the opportunity to do what they do best on a daily basis, and feeling their supervisor cares about them as a person.
Jones said those were pretty good areas for the center to score high.
He said the scores were a little lower on questions related to receiving recognition or praise during the past seven days and receiving meaningful feedback in the past seven days. Jacobs said those scores were likely lower because both she and Director of Nursing Sara Mayhew had been out of the facility for about a week when the surveys were distributed.
Mayhew told the board she would like to see an effort made to improve first impressions of the facility, including improvements to the maintenance of the care center’s lawn.
Jones said the board and administrator were also working on a mission statement with a plan to post that statement prominently in the facility so residents, staff and visitors could see it.
“We don’t just want to write our mission statement down and put it in a book to forget about,” Jones said. “I’m pretty happy with these numbers. We will revisit this every six months.”
Board member Dennis Bauer agreed the numbers were not bad overall. He encouraged the administration to focus on the question in the survey relating to the care center always delivering on the promises it makes to residents and employees.
The survey was one of the recommendations made by consultant Mark Iverson during his visit to the facility.
Iverson also recommended the care center review its employee turnover rate each quarter. After a high employee turnover rate of between 11 and 16 percent in the first three quarters of 2023, the turnover rate decreased to about 8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 and was down to about 6 percent during the first quarter of this year.
Business Manager Makenzie Crane said much of the higher turnover rate in 2023 came from CNAs who had been with the facility for less than one year. She said some of those employees would either resign with no notice or just quit showing up for their shifts. She said some employees were let go for policy violations, excessive absences or insubordination.
Jones said the turnover rate was trending in the right direction.
“I think it is important to look at it,” Jones said. “The total number of employees went up because we have been hiring in-house instead of using agency.”
In a final agenda item Monday, the board discussed a recent meeting in Ainsworth with representatives from Northeast Community College regarding the school’s potential nursing class offerings in Ainsworth.
Campbell said he felt there was a lot of talking but not necessarily a lot of action.
“A lot of people expressed interest in having at least part of their nursing classes here,” Campbell said.
Papstein said some nursing classes could potentially be held in the Educational Service Unit building.
“If we have employees interested, we might consider assisting them with tuition reimbursement,” Papstein said.
Bauer said it might be good for the facility to assist in-house employees interested in furthering their education considering the high cost of agency nursing staff.
Audience member Mirya Hallock, the Brown County Hospital administrator, said the hospital has a tuition reimbursement program in place for hospital staff members furthering their education.
The board took no official action on the item.
The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 10.
* School Board approves security system upgrades
(Posted 7 a.m. May 14)
The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education on Monday approved spending close to $30,000 in district funds to upgrade the school’s security systems and supplement grant funding the school received.
Superintendent Dale Hafer told the board the district was awarded a $68,325 grant from the Nebraska Department of Education to cover upgrades to the school buildings’ door access points and controls. The district did not receive grant funds to cover the upgrade of security cameras that was included in the application.
Hafer said the cost to the school would be a little more than $29,000 to keep the camera system upgrades in the project.
“We have been talking for a few years about upgrading our security equipment,” Hafer said. “We held off because we knew this grant opportunity was coming. It was worth waiting.”
Hafer asked the board if it wanted to just stick to the items that were awarded in the grant or if the board wanted to undertake the entire project.
The quote to complete the entire upgrade was $97,607, submitted by Safe -N-Secure Security Equipment.
The superintendent said the district had the cost of the upgrade in its budget, but also had the option of using depreciation funds or special building funds to cover the cost not included in the grant.
Board member Brad Wilkins asked if the hardware needed for the door access upgrades would also be used for the camera equipment.
Hafer said there was some overlap in the equipment. He said everything that would be needed for the door access portion would be included in the grant, and the district would receive a second invoice for the camera equipment not covered by the grant funds.
Board member Scott Erthum said he believed the district needed to do everything at one time.
“If you try and piece it together it likely won’t work,” Erthum said. “The technology changes so fast.”
The board voted to approve the entire project and pay for the district’s portion using depreciation funds.
In other business Monday, the board approved using depreciation funds to purchase a control upgrade for its heating and cooling system.
Hafer told the board to think of the equipment upgrade as the motherboard that talks to all of the heating and air controls in the building. He said some of the current controls are from the 1990s and are causing issues with some of the district’s newer systems.
Board member Bryan Doke asked if replacing the control system would allow the district to see some additional efficiency in its heating and cooling costs.
Hafer said there would be improved efficiency.
“It will give us a better ability to troubleshoot some problem spots in the building,” Hafer said.
The board approved the $15,985 quote from Engineered Controls of Lincoln.
The board voted to increase the price of student breakfasts and lunches by 10 cents per meal for the 2024-25 school year. The increase was lower than was recommended by Lunchtime Solutions, the district’s meal program contractor.
Hafer said the lunch fund is sitting in a good spot, with around $100,000 in the account even after the district recently spent between $26,000 and $30,000 to replace the tables in the cafeteria.
“We can adjust these prices however we want,” Hafer said. “I don’t think we have to go quite as high as recommended, but we don’t want to leave them too long and then have to jump them 50 cents in a couple years.”
Hafer said the district typically increased meal prices by about a dime each year. He said Lunchtime Solutions based its recommendation off the Consumer Price Index, which climbed by 8.27 percent in the past year.
Board member Mark Johnson said increasing prices by a dime sounded good to him.
Student breakfast prices will increase to $2 for the 2024-25 year. Lunch prices for elementary students will increase to $3.45 per meal, with junior high and high school lunch prices increasing to $3.65 per meal.
The board approved a revision to its graduation requirements Monday, including a mandate passed by the Nebraska Unicameral that requires five hours (one semester) of computer science.
High School Principal Steve Dike said the change takes effect for the incoming freshman class. He said the district planned to offer the computer science class for one semester during students’ sophomore year and pair it with the five-hour communications requirement in the second semester.
Dike said the five-hour personal finance class would be moved to a student’s junior year and paired with one semester of life and career readiness.
The board approved the revision as presented.
In other action items, the board approved an option enrollment request to allow Tara Gaskins to option her incoming kindergarten student Lilliana Jameson to Rock County, and a request from Brooke Zeman to option her incoming kindergarten student Kenna Zeman to Rock County. Hafer said both students have siblings already attending Rock County.
The board also acknowledged a review of the personnel section of its board policies.
During his report, Hafer said the track refurbishing project would be undertaken in June when weather conditions allowed. He suggested the board hold a work session next week to address several items. The board set that session for 7 p.m. May 21.
Four middle school students who qualified for the National History Day national contest this year in Maryland presented their winning projects to the board.
Max Hasenohr, Paul Denny and Keith Munnu presented their winning group performance on the Pearl Harbor attack and the United States’ entry into World War II. Miranda Lambrecht presented her winning video of Woodrow Wilson and America’s entry into World War I.
The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 8 p.m. June 10.
* Polls open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday
(Posted 12:45 p.m. May 13)
Nebraska Primary voters will have a few decisions to make when they cast their ballots Tuesday.
While few local races will be decided during the Primary, several state and federal offices are being contested in partisan primary races.
Though the Primary races for President have been sewn up by Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, Nebraska voters will still see choices in both those races. Republicans have a choice between Trump, Nikki Haley and Perry Johnson, while Democrats can decide between Joe Biden and Dean Phillips.
Republicans have two U.S. Senate seat races to choose who represents the party during the General Election in November. Incumbent U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer is being challenged by Arron Kowalski in the Primary, while appointed U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts faces John Glen Weaver and Mac Stevens in his effort to be elected to the seat.
Republicans will also choose between current 3rd District Rep. Adrian Smith and challengers John Walz and Robert McCulston for the party’s nomination to the House of Representatives race in the fall.
Democratic Party voters have a decision between Daniel Ebers and David Else to represent the party in November for the House of Representatives seat held by Smith.
Two candidates are running to replace State Sen. Tom Brewer’s 43rd District seat in the Nebraska Unicameral. Tanya Storer and Tony Tangwall will both advance to the General Election, as the top two candidates in that race advance from the Primary and they are the only two candidates running to replace Brewer, who could not run for re-election due to term limits.
In Brown County, Republican voters have a choice for County Commissioner between incumbent Raymond “Buddy” Small and challenger Don Painter. No Democratic Party candidates filed for commissioner.
In Keya Paha County, four Republican candidates are vying to replace Mike Tuerk on the Board of Commissioners. Tuerk did not file for another term. Republican candidates for that seat are Tony Tiefenthaler, Darrell Olson, Beth Rutar and Kayla Schrantz. No one from the Democratic Party filed for the commissioner seat.
All voters in Rock County will be asked to vote on a special issue, which asks, shall Rock County on behalf of the Rock County Hospital and Rock County Ambulance be allowed to levy a property tax not to exceed 3 cents per $100 in valuation beginning with the 2024 fiscal year and continuing until the 2029 fiscal year, with 2 cents going toward Rock County Hospital operations and 1 cent going to the acquisition of medical equipment, supplies and training for the Rock County Ambulance, for a sinking fund for the purchase and equipping of one or more replacement ambulances, and/or the construction of a building to house ambulances and supplies. Rock County residents will vote either for or against the levy.
All other local races for offices such as city council, school board and village board will appear during the November General Election ballot.
Brown County voters cast their ballots Tuesday in the Ainsworth Conference Center. Rock County voters cast ballots in the Bassett Fire Hall. Keya Paha County voters cast their ballots in the Springview Activity Center. Polls are open Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
For the first time, voters must present a valid form of identification in order to vote in a Nebraska election.
* Area students set to graduate Friday from UNK
(Posted noon May 13)
Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred for 702 spring graduates at University of Nebraska at Kearney commencement exercises 10 a.m. Friday, May 17, in UNK’s Health and Sports Center.
Area students scheduled to graduate from UNK are:
Ainsworth
Raven Stewart, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in modern languages and receiving magna cum laude distinction.
Farncesca Castillo, graduating with a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling.
Bassett
Carter Camp, graduating with a Master of Arts in Education degree in physical education.
Brewster
Keesha Albrecht, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in English.
Valentine
Jaime Eggert, graduating with a Master of Arts in Education degree in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade reading.
Jordan Kelber, graduating with a Master of Business Administration degree.
Rhea Benson, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.
Butte
Heather Atkinson, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education with a special education endorsement and receiving summa cum laude distinction.
Dunning
Amanda Payne, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 7 a.m. May 13)
May 5
During a traffic stop on 4th Street in Ainsworth, a Nebraska male subject was issued a citation for speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol, and subsequently booked into the Brown County Jail. The male was later released after posting bond. A Nebraska male passenger was issued a citation for open alcohol container also during the traffic stop.
The Brown County Ambulance provided standby on the 5th and the 6th at the Brown County Fairgrounds.
Responded to a request for a welfare check in Ainsworth. The Brown County Ambulance was paged to the scene and transported one patient to the Brown County Hospital.
Received a report of a dog bite on Park Street. The owner was issued a citation for dangerous dog.
May 6
The Brown County Ambulance responded to two different pages in Ainsworth, both resulting in one patient being transported to the hospital.
Received a report of multiple dogs attacking a male individual in Keller Park. This is still under investigation.
Responded to a report of two loose dogs on Dawes Street. The dogs were taken to the vet clinic and later claimed by their owner.
Responded to a report of a dog attack that occurred on 1st Street in Ainsworth. The juvenile victim had to seek medical treatment due to the bite. Due to the nature of the attack the dog was euthanized. The dog owner was also issued a citation for dangerous dog.
May 7
Responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident on South Main Street in Ainsworth. Brown County Ambulance and Ainsworth Fire Department also responded. No injuries were reported, and one vehicle was towed from the scene.
Issued a notice to correct an overgrown lawn to a homeowner on 2nd Street in Ainsworth. The violation was corrected.
Responded to a physical disturbance on 5th Street, all parties were separated.
Responded to a report of a civil matter involving easement rights of a property.
May 8
Responded to a report of child abuse/neglect in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.
Received a report of a struck gas meter in Ainsworth. The Ainsworth Fire Department responded to secure leak until a Black Hills Energy technician could arrive.
Received a report of vandalism that occurred to a vehicle in the East City Park.
Responded to a report of suspicious activity near the Ainsworth track and field.
May 9
Responded to a report of a loose dog on Elm Street. The dog was taken to the vet clinic and later claimed by its owner.
Received a report of stolen property from an apartment complex in Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.
Responded to a report of a missing juvenile in Ainsworth. The juvenile was found to not be missing, just not where they were allotted to be.
Responded to a report of a small fender-bender accident on Wilson Street in Ainsworth. No injuries were reported, and both vehicles had minimal damage.
Received a report of theft of property in Ainsworth on North Main Street. This is an ongoing investigation.
May 10
The Brown County Ambulance responded to a 911 call from Long Pine and transported one patient to the hospital.
Received a barking dog complaint on Maple Street. No barking was found.
May 11
Received a report of assault on South Main Street. This is an ongoing investigation. A report will be sent to the County Attorney’s office.
Received a report of loose cattle on the roadway near the 183/20 Highway junction. The owner quickly removed them.
Received a report of a hit gas line in Long Pine. The Long Pine and Ainsworth Fire Departments were paged to secure the scene until a technician could arrive on scene.
Received reports regarding a motorcycle driving in excessive speeds in Ainsworth. The driver was not found.
Weekly Totals
Phone Calls: 134
911 Calls: 4
Incident Reports: 17
Vin Inspections: 2
Gun Permits: 1
* Council approves $25,000 for ACDC playground
(Posted 10:30 a.m. May 9)
The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday continued deliberation on an application from the Ainsworth Child Development Center for $70,000 in funding to support the construction of a playground for the Main Street daycare.
The council tabled action in April on a recommendation from the Ainsworth Betterment Committee to award $70,000 in ABC funds for the projected $140,000 project.
Council members in April indicated they had received more calls in opposition to awarding public funds for the private daycare than they had heard on any other recent agenda item.
ACDC Board member Nancy Steinhauser said her board was initially shocked by how expensive playground equipment was to purchase.
She said the city provided $36,000 to the Ainsworth Golf Course recently, and that was for just one piece of playground equipment.
Steinhauser said the ACDC located some used turf and found some other ways to cut costs on the project. She said the group was able to get the cost down to $50,000 for materials and would try to have all the labor donated for the construction of the playground for the facility.
“The ACDC is a non-profit entity serving a need in Ainsworth and the area,” Steinhauser said. “Childcare needs have been a priority for the community, and the center has brought that to reality.”
Steinhauser said the project was recently featured on KETV in Omaha as a community that was addressing the lack of adequate childcare.
She said the playground portion was not included in the ACDC’s initial budget and fund-raising. The board felt ABC was a good potential source of funds for the project.
“It makes me proud the area is benefitting from this center,” Steinhauser said. “We want to work with you. We just won’t do the slide feature this year, and we will use volunteers wherever we can.”
Councilman Brad Fiala said he was glad the child development center was willing to undertake the project in stages.
“I have had calls about taking that money and fixing up our park that everyone can use,” Fiala said. “A lot of projects need to be done out there.”
Steinhauser said she understood public access was a potential issue.
“ABC granted a lift to the care center, which is not accessible to the public,” Steinhauser said. “I didn’t think that was a bad use of those funds. I don’t feel we are out of line asking for this.”
ACDC Board member Haley Miles said she understood the perceptions of the public relating to the cost of the playground project, and the board had looked hard at costs.
ACDC Board member Devyn France said she agreed the funds need to be used to better the community, which is why the funds are there.
Mayor Joel Klammer told France she was right that the funds need to be used.
“I think this has opened people’s eyes about the ABC fund,” Klammer said.
Klammer said he did not like to go against recommendations made by the city’s committees, and the ABC Committee recommended providing $70,000 in funding.
“No one from the public goes to the committee meetings,” the mayor said. “The recommendation from the committee generated public comments.”
ABC Committee representative David Spann said the ACDC presented a request to the committee and there was a lot of give and take.
“We came up with $70,000 as being money well spent,” Spann said.
Councilman Shawn Fernau said his phone rang off the hook Wednesday afternoon, with about half of the callers supporting funding the project and half against.
Fiala said he had calls asking why the council was not supporting the daycare center.
“We have awarded two façade projects and $200,000 as a forgivable loan for the center,” Fiala said. “The city is supporting that business on Main Street. We have said yes to a lot of things. I could justify $25,000.”
Fernau asked if the center could get something done for $25,000. Steinhauser said that would cover the cost of the turf and concrete for the project.
Audience member and former City Councilman Vance Heyer said there had been a lot of discussion about public accessibility.
“This project provides a huge public benefit,” Heyer said. “This is not an in-home vs. center issue. People from outside see that this community has childcare covered. That is huge for people looking at moving here to take a job when there are hundreds of jobs open.”
Heyer said the ABC fund regenerates off sales tax.
“There will be more funds available,” Heyer said. “This is a critical need.”
Audience member Mark Miles said he appreciated the dialogue between the council and the childcare center.
“You are going to get pushback on anything you do,” Miles said. “When you talk about the use of these funds, everyone in the community is impacted by this center. Even if it is only 40 or 50 kids going there, it still impacts everyone. The first questions asked by people being recruited here are housing and daycare. I encourage you to consider $50,000.”
Councilman Kent Taylor said the ABC program is designated for community improvement projects such as parks, the pool, cemeteries, fire departments and other projects that benefit the community.
“It is pretty broad,” Taylor said. “Like Brad talked about, there has been support from the city with $220,000. This is politics at a local level. People are questioning if this is a proper use of tax dollars.”
Audience member Leanne Maxwell said the council has shown support for the childcare center.
“An ABC contribution shows you will give more to help something the community needs,” Maxwell said. “This project means so much to the community. These women have stuck their necks out big time for this.”
North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said a recent survey asked Brown County residents if there were enough daycare opportunities available in the county.
“Ninety-three percent of respondents said ‘no,’” Olson said. “We have in-home daycare providers, and they are all important.”
Fernau asked if in-home daycare providers could apply for ABC funds.
Olson said the ACDC qualifies for different things that in-home daycare providers don’t, and there are some funds that in-home daycare providers qualify for that the ACDC does not.
“It is just based on how they are all structured,” Olson said.
Fiala made a motion to approve $25,000 in ABC funds for the playground project, with Taylor providing a second.
Audience member and former Councilman Tonny Beck said, as a council member, you have to make decisions you feel are the best for the community regardless of the people chirping in your ears. He said, if people think they can make better decisions, they can sign up and run for a council seat.
“Don’t sit up there and do nothing because you are scared,” Beck said. “Approve the funds the committee recommended. I challenge you to do that. Don’t cave to the squeakiest wheel.”
Beck said he and his wife Michelle would donate the remaining $25,000 toward the project if the council would step up and award $50,000.
Fernau said he agreed with Beck, but he planned to abstain from the vote because he has done work for the childcare center.
Councilman Dustin Barthel said he was conflicted about whether ABC funds should be awarded to the private daycare.
“It doesn’t fit the criteria to me, because it is not public,” Barthel said.
By a 2-1 vote with Fiala and Taylor in support, Barthel against and Fernau abstaining, the council approved $25,000 in ABC funding toward the Ainsworth Child Development Center playground project.
In a related item Wednesday, the council approved a building permit for the playground project submitted by the child development center. A portion of the proposed playground site is located on city property that was previously leased to the center.
In other business, accountant Michael Hoback from firm AMGL of Grand Island presented the council with a report from the audit of the city’s finances for 2023.
Hoback said the audit went smooth considering this was the first year AMGL performed the audit for the city.
The city had previously used Dana F. Cole to handle its annual audit.
Hoback said the city had strong cash reserves in its water and sewer funds. While the city has over $1 million in cash in the general fund, much of that total is restricted for specific uses and the city has little cash in the general fund that is not assigned.
Hoback compared the city’s financial picture to other similar-sized communities. He said the city of Ainsworth has outstanding sales tax revenue for a community of its size. The city generates $407 per capita in sales tax each year. The average for similar-sized communities is $308 per capita.
Hoback said the city was also in excellent shape regarding its outstanding debt ratio to its overall property valuation. He said a 5 percent ratio is good and a 3 percent debt ratio is excellent. The city’s ratio is 0.13 percent, but that will likely go up with the renovation projects on North Main and South Main streets.
He said one issue for the city was a lack of segregation of duties related to financial protocols. However, he said all but one of the 80 communities AMGL audits have that same issue simply due to a limited number of paid staff members.
Hoback recommended the city spread its cost for administration salaries among all its funds instead of all the office staff salaries coming from the general fund.
“Salaries aren’t getting allocated across all funds,” Hoback said. “Those are usually split up between the different departments.”
Hoback said spreading those salaries out among the different departments was warranted, as those funds are administered by city staff.
“That would allocate those wages more fairly,” Hoback said. “The city as a whole has good cash reserves. A lot of reserves are in water and sewer, but there is not much in the general fund. You just need to reallocate some of those expenses.”
Barthel said reallocating those salaries among the departments would help relieve some of the stress on the city’s general fund.
City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the council can reallocate where those funds are taken as part of the budget process.
Fiala asked Hoback if he provides recommendations on how the city can work on its budget. Hoback said he would return in July or August and hold a budget workshop with the council as it prepares its 2024-25 fiscal year budget.
Brittney Koenig with the Nebraska Public Power District provided the council with an overview of the services provided by NPPD as the city’s operating utility. Koenig said the city owns its distribution system and NPPD serves as the operator.
Koenig said NPPD remits 12 percent of revenue to the city, which amounted to $286,615 in 2023 into the city’s general fund. NPPD remitted another $29,233 in sales taxes to the city, and $113,903 in gross revenue tax that in 2023 that was paid to Brown County.
Koenig said NPPD earned its third consecutive Diamond Level Reliable Public Power Provider designation from the American Public Power Association. She said just 122 of more than 2,000 public power entities received that highest-level designation from the APPA. She said NPPD in 2024 marked its 11th consecutive year with no overall retail power rate increases.
In action items Wednesday, the council:
* Approved two pay applications of $461,210 and $171,781 to Myers Construction for the North Main Street renovation project.
* Approved a contract with engineering firm Olsson Associates for engineering services on the South Main Street renovation project not to exceed $96,750.
* Approved declaring a 1998 Chevy boom truck as surplus property and a bid of $3,100 submitted by Duane Anderson for the vehicle after it was advertised for sale.
* Approved a $10,000 façade grant application for a Main Street business for 50 percent of building improvements which include a sign, and window and door awnings. The approval was contingent upon the sale of the property being completed to the applicant, as Klammer said the sale of the property was not yet finalized.
* Approved using Walnut Street between Second and Third streets as the route for this year’s alumni parade as requested by the 25-year alumni class with Main Street under renovation.
* Approved the reappointment of Bruce Papstein and Cody Goochey to three-year terms on the Park Board.
* Approved the reappointment of Harlan Welch and the appointments of Jake Graff and Jason Nelson to three-year terms on the Board of Adjustment.
* Approved the reappointment of Evan Evans and RoseMary Saner to three-year terms on the Ainsworth Betterment Committee.
* Approved the reappointment of Tony Allen to a three-year term on the Cemetery Board.
* Approved the reappointment of Devron Crawford and the appointment of Chris Lammers to three-year terms on the Planning Commission.
During her report, Schroedl said contractors were finding water service lines into businesses on South Main Street were old and deteriorated enough that they are not confident new water lines being installed could be hooked into the existing lines without leaks or breaks.
Schroedl said, after discussion with Olsson Associates, she believed the best option would be for the city to take the new service lines through the walls of the buildings and cap them inside the buildings. She said the cost to stub the lines through the walls would be on the city, with the building owners then encouraged to utilize a plumber to connect internal plumbing to the stub at their cost.
She said, if the building owners chose not to replace the lines while the work was being done now and the old lines would fail with the added water pressure, the cost to dig up the lines and then replace the concrete would run between $15,000 and $25,000.
Schroedl said the cost to attach to the new stub now and prevent that potential issue should be substantially less for those building owners. She said she, Water Superintendent Brad Miller and Jess Hurlbert with Olsson Associates would begin visiting building owners to review options.
The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 12.
* Council does not adopt law enforcement contract
(Posted 7 a.m. May 9)
The Ainsworth City Council Wednesday did not take action to renew a contract with Brown County for law enforcement service.
Mayor Joel Klammer said the issues on the contract began about five years ago when the county increased the city’s cost by 35 percent over a three-year period.
“As most folks know, we again negotiated a contract last year and at that time the city was able to review the statutes and also look at what other communities were paying for law enforcement,” Klammer said.
The mayor said, after comparing Ainsworth’s law enforcement contract with other communities of similar size, it appeared the city was paying more for law enforcement than its peer communities.
“We tried to negotiate some changes in the law enforcement contract, but quite honestly, most of the options proposed by the city were not accepted,” Klammer said. “In the end we made the decision to proceed with a one-year contract.”
In discussing a contract for the upcoming year with Brown County Commissioner Buddy Small, Sheriff Brent Deibler and County Attorney Andy Taylor, Klammer said it became clear the two entities were not going to be able to reach an agreement.
Councilman Brad Fiala, who was part of the city’s negotiating team, said the contract proposed to the city did not include any code enforcement.
“They wanted $200,000 for a law enforcement presence in Ainsworth 20 hours per week,” Fiala said.
Klammer said the city plans to hire a code enforcement officer to process city code violations.
“This is not a decision that was taken lightly, nor was it made in haste,” the mayor said. “For the moment, this appears the best path forward.”
Councilman Kent Taylor said, to him, the issue came down to the enforcement of city ordinances.
“Even if we approved a contract, we would still have to hire a code enforcement officer,” Taylor said. “It was clear from the start that ordinance enforcement was not on the table.”
Fiala said he believed the city could hire a code enforcement officer and get better service.
Councilman Dustin Barthel asked if the county was at all willing to negotiate the contract.
Klammer said he talked to Commissioner Small about it, who indicated he visited with the sheriff and his answer was there was no room for negotiation.
“In no way should this lack of a law enforcement contract suggest the city does not support law enforcement,” Klammer said. “We will continue to assist the county sheriff’s office as they carry out their statutory obligation to enforce the laws of the state for all the citizens of Brown County.”
Fiala said the sheriff’s department was still responsible for responding to calls in the city.
“The presence in Ainsworth won’t be there as it has in the past when we had a contract,” Fiala said. “We are still county residents, but there won’t be as much presence in Ainsworth. When a resident calls, they might not be there as quickly.”
Klammer said he expects the city will utilize more technology for surveillance of critical areas moving forward and could adjust its approach as needed.
The mayor said the city has no say in what the county does with the sheriff’s department budget.
“We tried to negotiate last year and were told the city needed to contribute more so more officers could be hired,” Klammer said. “The city proposed a tiered structure based on the number of officers. That was rejected.”
Klammer said the current contract expires June 30. If the council was not interested in accepting the proposal from the county, then no action was needed.
The council took no action on agreeing to a contract, and did not vote to pursue additional negotiations.
The council on Wednesday also discussed its contract for LB 840 administration with the North Central Development Center.
Barthel and Councilman Shawn Fernau have served as the city’s sub-committee for negotiations on the LB 840 contract with the NCDC.
Barthel said, after discussions on accountability for both parties, he proposed continuing the contract with the addition of a council member as a member of the NCDC Board of Directors. The city currently has one board seat as a contributing partner, which is filled by City Administrator Lisa Schroedl.
A council member would be recommended to fill an at-large seat on the NCDC Board.
“We want the checks and balances,” Barthel said. “We are paying a large portion of their budget. We want to see the city gets priority on projects.”
Fiala said he would like to see all contributing partners of the NCDC pay the same across the board.
“Then we wouldn’t have to rely on LB 840 so much,” Fiala said. “I am all in favor of the NCDC, I just feel the city is contributing quite a bit.”
NCDC Executive Director Kristin Olson said LB 840 was put in place in part so the NCDC did not have to rely as heavily on the city’s general fund budget.
“Our job is to give you a return on your investment,” Olson said. “We have to prove we have given you a return. We have reduced our LB 840 request from $75,000 a few years ago down to $60,000.”
Olson said the city needed to work together with the NCDC.
“Come up with a list of priority projects,” Olson said. “Let us know what we can help you with. There are things we can help with if you let us know.”
Fiala asked if there was a way the NCDC could reduce its ask further from the LB 840 fund.
NCDC Board member Graig Kinzie said the development office does not operate on a large budget.
“The only way to reduce the NCDC budget is to reduce staff,” Kinzie said.
After the NCDC reduced its LB 840 contract from $75,000 to $60,000, Kinzie said the board had to cut from two full-time staff down to one. The NCDC has a part-time person who assists with some office duties after hours because that person has another full-time job.
Kinzie said the NCDC entered into a contract with the city of Bassett to administer its LB 840 program as well, and that has allowed the board to hire a part-time staff person to assist Olson with development projects.
Fernau said he was ok with the contract.
“I think communication will be helped with adding a council member to the board to go along with Lisa,” Fernau said.
A contract will be presented for the council’s consideration during its June meeting.
* Allen wins Fine Arts Student of the Year
(Posted 10:45 a.m. May 8)
Ainsworth High School senior Taylor Allen was named the 2024 Harriet Hughes Outstanding Fine Arts Student during Fine Arts Awards Night April 30 in the Learning Center.
Allen receives a $750 scholarship from the Hughes Memorial, the Brown County Arts Council and the Ainsworth Star-Journal.
In addition to being named the Outstanding Fine Arts Student, Allen received three major speech awards, including the Outstanding Varsity Speaker, the Senior Oratory Award and the Jess Duden Memorial Speech Team Member of the Year.
Allen was also named the Thespian of the Year during the awards night.
Seniors Cole Bodeman and Mason Titus were the other finalists for the Outstanding Fine Arts Student of the Year. Bodeman received the Patrick S. Gilmore Award and the John Phillip Sousa Award in band. Bodeman also received the Dave Streich Mock Trial Award.
In addition to the awards mentioned above presented during Fine Arts Awards Night were the following:
Chorus
National High School Choral Award – Grace Goodwin
Outstanding Juniors – Grace Goodwin and Emma McMurtrey
Outstanding Sophomore – Madison Phares
Outstanding Freshman – Miranda Phares
Most Improved – Jordan Beatty, Colby Beegle, William Biltoft, Ty Bolli, Cassie Cole, Daniel Cole, Jodie Denny, Saul Fernandez, Damian Hernandez, Abbigail Paulson and Nacona Shurter
Band
Outstanding Senior – Cole Bodeman
Outstanding Junior – Emma McMurtrey
Outstanding Sophomore – Colby Beegle
Outstanding Freshmen – Erick Hitchcock and Jon Strand
Letter Winners – Colby Beegle, David Cook, Jodie Denny, Erick Hitchcock, Miranda Phares, Jon Strand and Braeyden Ziemba
Most Improved – David Cook, Erick Hitchcock, Madison Phares and Miranda Phares
Mock Trial
Most Valuable – Emma Kennedy
Most Improved – Erick Hitchcock
Newcomer of the Year – Lura Hodge
Speech
Outstanding Novice – Erick Hitchcock
Thespians
Thespian Initiates – Colby Beegle, Ty Bolli, Cassandra Cole, Jodie Denny, Grace Goodwin, Erick Hitchcock, Madison Phares and Brianna Starkey
Drama
All-Southwest Conference – Taylor Allen, Trey Appelt, Cole Bodeman, Puridy Haley and Katherine Kerrigan
All-District Performances – Taylor Allen, Trey Appelt, Cole Bodeman, Puridy Haley, Katherine Kerrigan and Kiley Orton
* Ainsworth City Council Wednesday agenda
(Posted 9 a.m. May 8)
Ainsworth City Council
Meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 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 April 10, 2024 regular meeting
- Approval of claims
- Treasurer’s report
- Department head reports
- III. Mayor’s Appointments and Report
- Mayor’s Report
- Mayor’s Appointments
- Park Board (3-year terms): Reappointments of Bruce Papstein and Cody Goochey with terms ending 1/1/2027
- Board of Adjustments (3-year terms): Reappointment of Harlan Welch with term ending 1/1/2026; Appointments of Jake Graff and Jason Nelson with terms ending 1/1/2027
- Ainsworth Betterment Committee (3-year terms): Reappointments of Evan Evans and RoseMary Saner with terms ending 10/14/2026
- Cemetery Board (3-year terms): Reappointment of Tony Allen with term ending 12/9/2026
- Planning Commission (3-year terms): Reappointment of Devron Crawford with term ending 12/2/2026; Appointment of Chris Lammers to fill the vacancy left by Kent Taylor, with term ending 12/2/2025
- IV. Public Hearings
- None
- V. Old Business
- Discuss and consider subcommittee recommendations regarding the Law Enforcement Agreement and Economic Development Services Agreement
- Discuss and consider the recommendation by the Ainsworth Betterment Committee (ABC) to grant funding in the amount of:
- $70,000 to the Ainsworth Child Development Center for their proposed playground project
- VI. Regular Agenda
- Discuss and consider a request to modify leased property
- Financial audit report for fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 – AMGL, P.C.
- NPPD Retail Update – Brittney Koenig, NPPD
- Discuss and consider pay applications 2 and 3 for Myers Construction for the Ainsworth Main Street Rehabilitation North project
- Discuss and consider the contract for services with Olsson for the Main Street Rehabilitation South project
- Consider Resolution #24-02: Declaration of surplus property and offering of property for sale by sealed bid
- Consider bids received for surplus property: 1998 Chevrolet PU/Boom Truck
- Discuss and consider a recommendation by the LB840 Loan Committee to approve façade grant application #24-02 in the amount of $10,000
- Discuss and consider an alternative parade route and street closings for the 2024 Ainsworth alumni parade: closing of Walnut Street between 2nd Street and 3rd Street on June 29, 2024 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
- City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer Report
* Commissioners table making up-front roof payment
(Posted 7 a.m. May 8)
The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday tabled making a payment for a portion of the proposed roof repair project at the courthouse.
Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said Shawn Fernau Construction had requested a $28,750 payment, which represented half of the cost of the project, in advance so materials could be purchased and a subcontractor hired for the work. Dailey said the subcontractor requires money in advance before they will come out to work on the project.
County Attorney Andy Taylor said the only way for the county to legally pay anything up front would be to have a signed contract between the county and Shawn Fernau Construction.
“We can pay for materials up front if a contract is in place,” Taylor said. “It is reasonable to pay for materials up front, but we need to know the cost of those materials.”
Taylor said, without a contract signed by both parties, the work would need to be completed first with a claim then submitted to the county for payment.
Dailey said tabling action would just delay the project for yet another month. The item was placed on the board’s May 21 agenda.
In other business Tuesday, the commissioners, with Denny Bauer absent, met with Jerry Paulsen regarding the removal of a tree in the courthouse park.
Paulsen said a tree east of the courthouse was rotten and could be blown down by a strong wind.
“It needs to be removed,” Paulsen said. “Several other trees need to be trimmed.”
Paulsen estimated the cost to remove the tree would be $1,500, with an additional $3,000 in tree trimming work needed.
Commissioner Buddy Small asked if the tree trimming and removal could wait a few weeks until the county begins a new budget year July 1. The board determined $10,400 remained for the current fiscal year in the building and grounds budget, but that line item was also responsible for paying the courthouse custodian.
Paulsen said he could work to take down the tree and do the trimming work now, but would wait until after July 1 to bill the county for the work.
Shari Luther and Mike Rudnick from the Brown County Veterans Memorial Committee met with the board and Paulsen regarding the courthouse sprinklers hitting the veterans memorial at the courthouse park.
“There is residue from the hard water on the north wall from the sprinkler system,” Luther said. “I know we can’t control how the wind blows, but could a soaker be used for that area?”
Luther said the veterans memorial cost $90,000 and she would hate to see it damaged.
Paulsen said none of the sprinklers come near the memorial.
“It has to be strictly from the wind,” Paulsen said. “The sprinklers don’t hit it otherwise.”
Small asked Paulsen if he could check the wind before watering the area. Paulsen said the sprinklers run at night.
“That is the only time we can do it,” Paulsen said. “We already keep the sprinklers far enough away from that area that we have to use smaller sprinklers there most of the time.”
Rudnick said the committee may have to see if there was anyone available who could perform stone restoration. He said 30 veteran names were being added to the memorial. The cost to add each name is $200.
The board approved Larry Zeigler, Audrey Wilson, Tony Allen, Luther and Rudnick to terms on the veterans memorial committee, with Zeigler and Wilson’s terms expiring in 2026 and the remainder of the terms expiring in 2027.
The commissioners discussed the county’s vacation accrual policy. Taylor said there was a potential discrepancy between how employees have been treated and the language in the policy.
“The way it has been handled is they get additional time starting in the sixth year of employment,” Taylor said.
Deputy Clerk Becky Hardy said the county’s policy indicates vacation time accrues at three-quarters of a day per month for the first five years of employment, with vacation time increasing to one day per month from years six to 10. She said the new payroll software wouldn’t start the full-day accrual until after six years of employment the way it was set up.
Dailey said the way he read the policy is the employees get the additional vacation time when they start their sixth year, not after they complete it. Small said he agreed with that interpretation of the policy.
Hardy said that is also how she read the policy, but she wanted to be sure before making the change in the software.
Hardy also discussed health insurance policy renewal rates for 2025. Hardy said Blue Cross and Blue Shield is changing the way it looks at premium rates. Instead of setting rates based on the entire Nebraska Association of County Officials pool, she said the company was instead pulling out individual counties and looking at different variables.
Using the new formula, Hardy said Brown County’s premiums would actually decrease by 7 percent for the upcoming plan year. She said some counties in the pool may see their rates go up by as much as 10 percent.
Hardy asked the board how they wanted to set up employee contributions for insurance premiums and the cash in lieu of insurance.
Hardy said the county currently pays 78 percent of the premium with the employee responsible for 22 percent. Cash in lieu is paid at 75 percent of the county’s contribution for those who opt not to take insurance through the county.
The board approved keeping the percentages the same.
Treasurer Bruce Mitchell asked the board which line item it wanted to use to pay for an interest-only payment on the highway bond. Mitchell said the hospital bond payment was handled, but the board needed to decide where it wanted to take the roughly $8,000 to $9,000 payment for the highway bond. The board determined the payment would likely be paid from the inheritance tax fund, with Taylor tasked with drawing up a resolution for the next meeting.
Mitchell said there are three payments remaining on the hospital addition bond before that bond is paid in full.
In other action items Tuesday, the commissioners renewed the county’s membership in the Central Nebraska Economic Development District at a cost of $1,496, and approved making budgeted transfers of $25,000 from the miscellaneous general fund to the building and grounds fund and $300,000 from the miscellaneous general fund to the county highway fund.
Several agenda items Tuesday were tabled due to the absences of Bauer and Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin from the meeting. Turpin was attending a weeklong road grader training in Rock County with a majority of the roads department.
The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. May 21.
* Area student-athletes named Academic All-State
(Posted 7:45 a.m. May 7)
The Nebraska School Activities Association announced the recipients of Spring 2024 Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association Academic All-State Awards. The program recognizes 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 Fall, Winter, and Spring Seasons who are nominated by their schools for their individual academic excellence, leadership, and significant contributions in their NSAA activity.
Area students named Academic All-State for spring activities are:
Ainsworth
Jordan Beatty and Cole Bodeman in music, Trey Appelt and Jonathan Strand in boys track and field, and Jocelyn Good and Katherine Kerrigan in girls track and field
Keya Paha County
Jameson Painter in boys track and field, and Karlene Kepler in girls track and field
Rock County
Branson Anderson and Keian Fischer in boys golf, Ella Mitchell and Kyla Pyle in music, Mason Hagan in boys track and field, and Morgan Lewis in girls track and field
Stuart
Dawson Heiser and Hunter Tubbs in boys golf, Lacey Paxton and William Paxton in music, Cory Gubbels and Luke Ludwig in boys track and field, and Addisyn Ketteler and Reagan Stracke in girls track and field
West Holt
Mason Crumrine and Dominick Ogden in boys golf, and Maddie Davis in music
Boyd County
Evan Harmon in boys golf, Zoe Kaczor in music, Will Nelson and Ethan Zeisler in boys track and field, and Jaylee Lechtenberg and McKenzie Snyder in girls track and field
Sandhills
Kallan Cox and Shelby Schukei in music, Kyle Cox in boys track and field, and Charlsie Teahon in girls track and field
Valentine
Leighton Reagle and Reeves Witte in boys golf, Katelyn Bitner in journalism, Grant Springer and Marybelle Ward in music, Lex Larsen and Grant Springer in boys track and field, and Kimber McGinley and Alivia Patterson in girls track and field
* Area schools earn NDE grants for building security
(Posted 3 p.m. May 6)
Nebraska schools have been awarded $10 million in safety and security grants for security-related infrastructure projects, ensuring a safer learning environment for students statewide.
Rock County Public Schools received the third-largest grant in the state, picking up $516,000 in grant funding for a remodeled entryway to the middle and high school.
Ainsworth Community Schools received a $68,325 grant for door and entryway access security improvements. The grant includes updated digital security cameras for the school campus.
Stuart Public School received a $3,500 grant for keycard entry.
West Holt Public Schools picked up a $20,000 grant for door locking systems.
Valentine Community Schools landed a $161,532 grant for a door locking system for all of the schools in the system.
The Nebraska Department of Education received 217 applications, including 162 from public and 55 from nonpublic schools, vying for a share of the $10 million allocated for critical projects.
Each application underwent a rigorous review process by NDE staff with knowledge of school safety strategies. Applications were also reviewed for alignment with the four pillars of School Safety & Security: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, & Recovery. The pillars served as a foundational guideline in determining the most effective allocation of funds.
Ultimately, 171 school districts were awarded grants, signifying a substantial step forward in the statewide commitment to creating safer educational environments for all students. The total amount initially requested by the applying schools amounted to more than $55 million, demonstrating the significant need and desire for enhanced security measures across Nebraska’s educational institutions.
* Work continues on Highway 7 in Ainsworth
(Posted 2:30 p.m. May 6)
Work continues to progress as planned on the Highway 7 renovation project in Ainsworth.
NDOT project manager Carl Hart said Monday the underground utility contractor has installed the main trunk line of the sanitary sewer for Phase 1. Beginning Monday, installation of the new water main commenced with the contractor working from north to south.
New water and sewer service connections to businesses will also begin. Hart said there may be temporary service interruptions and sidewalk closures as connections are made to businesses. All new service lines will extend to the store front or to the edge of the right of way.
Following installation of the new water main and service connections, work will begin on the storm sewer. Once the storm sewer work for phase 1 is substantially complete, concrete paving will begin.
* Area students receive UNMC degrees
(Posted 1:45 p.m. May 6)
Diplomas and certificates were conferred on more than 1,100 University of Nebraska Medical Center students during ceremonies held May 2 at Lincoln, Norfolk and Kearney and May 4 at Omaha and Scottsbluff.
Those from the area receiving degrees from UNMC were Sadie Martin of Bassett, who received a Master of Science degree in nursing; and Cherokee Ferguson of Springview, who received a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda
(Posted 1:30 p.m. May 6)
Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 7
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda
1:15 Roll Call.
Approve minutes of the 4-16-2024 Commissioner meeting.
Approve minutes of the 5-1-2024 Special Commissioner meeting.
Kenneth Turpin – Road Department Update
Approve ½ of roof repair payment – Dailey
Determine which fund to pay Highway Bond out of – Mitchell
Clarify Personnel Policy Re: Vacation Accrual Rate – Attorney/Hardy
Clarify County Highway Superintendent Turpin as a salary or hourly position – Attorney/Hardy
Budgeted Transfer $25,000.00 from Miscellaneous General to Buildings and Grounds all within the General Fund – Hardy
Budgeted Transfer $300,000.00 from Miscellaneous General to County Highway all within the General Fund – Hardy
Blue Cross Blue Shield Renewal Rates for 2025, Set employee contributions & Cash in Lieu for 2024-2025 Plan year – Hardy
2024/2025 Membership to the Central Nebraska Economic Development District
Raises for employees – Board
Approve Claims
2:00 Jerry Paulson – Trimming & Tree removal – Small
2:05 Brown County Veterans Memorial Committee – Resolution for new board members and watering on memorial – Shari Luther
* Brown County Hospital awards scholarships
(Posted 11 a.m. May 6)
The Brown County Hospital announced the recipients of three scholarships awarded by the hospital to graduating seniors and current students already enrolled in college.
This year’s scholarship recipients are Brielle Bussinger, a 2022 Rock County High School graduate pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing; Dominic Prewitt, a 2016 Ainsworth High School graduate pursuing a nurse practitioner degree in anesthesia; and Jocelyn Good, a pending 2024 Ainsworth High School graduate who plans to pursue a nursing degree in pre-physical therapy.
Each student receives a $750 scholarship from the Brown County Hospital.
* West Holt Medical Services awards scholarships
(Posted 11 a.m. May 6)
West Holt Memorial Hospital announced graduating seniors Addison Karo of West Holt and Savannah Kramer of Stuart have been selected as the recipients of the West Holt Medical Services scholarships for 2024.
Karo plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Kearney in the fall with a position in the Kearney Health Opportunities Program majoring in pre-medicine.
Kramer also plans to attend UNK and pursue a degree in biology with the intent of becoming a radiologic technician.
West Holt Medical Services annually awards two $500 scholarships to a graduating senior from West Holt and Stuart high schools seeking a post-secondary education in a healthcare related field.
* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary
(Posted 6:30 a.m. May 6)
April 28
Responded to a report of trespassing on a rural property near Johnstown.
Issued written warnings for traffic stops on Highway 7 and 20 for no registration and driving on the shoulder. A citation was issued for no valid registration.
Received a report of a domestic dispute in Ainsworth. The involved male subject was later arrested in Holt County for driving under the influence of alcohol. A report will be sent to the Brown County Attorney’s office regarding the domestic altercation.
April 29
Received a parking complaint on Woodward Street. Contact was made with the vehicle owner, and it was moved.
Provided traffic control for a funeral procession.
Responded to a report of a disturbance on Elm Street. All parties were separated, and a no trespassing letter was issued to a male subject.
Responded to a report of cattle on Highway 7, near mile marker 37. The owner was identified and removed them from the roadway.
April 30
Received a complaint regarding no speed limit signs posted on the detour route. Arrangements were made and the signs were placed in the detour route.
Received a report of fraudulent bank transactions.
May 1
Issued a verbal warning for speeding on Meadville Ave to a package delivery service vehicle. A written warning was issued to a Pennsylvania driver for speeding on Highway 20.
Responded to a report of unauthorized use of ATVs on shoulder of a highway. All drivers agreed to drive ATVs in the road ditch.
May 2
Received a report of a loose dog on Pine Street. A verbal warning was issued to the dog owner.
Issued a citation for no valid registration. A speeding citation was issued to a driver on Meadville Ave for 65mph in a 55mph zone. Another speeding citation was issued for 95mph in a 65mph zone.
Received a report of suspected child/abuse neglect.
May 3
Issued a speeding citation during a traffic stop on Highway 7 for 11-15mph over the posted limit.
Responded to a report of an altercation between two dogs on 5th Street. A citation will be issued to the owner of the loose dog.
May 4
The Brown County Ambulance provided standby coverage for a rodeo event at the Brown County Fairgrounds on the 4th and the 5th.
Served a protection order.
Received a report of an individual selling a saddle that was believed to be stolen. The saddle was found to not be stolen.
The Brown County Ambulance transported a patient to Kearney.
Warnings were issued for speeding, and defective vehicle lighting during traffic stops.
Weekly Totals
Phone Calls: 84
911 Calls: 0
Incident Reports: 15
Vin Inspections: 0
Gun Permits: 2
* Highway 83 project in Valentine awarded
(Posted 1:30 p.m. May 3)
The West Fourth Street in Valentine project has been awarded to prime contractor Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad and is scheduled to be constructed in 2025, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
The 0.74-mile project is located on Highway 83 in Cherry County. The project starts 0.06 miles west of the Highway 83 and Highway 12 junction at mile marker 213.42 and ends at mile marker 214.16.
Work includes reconstructing Highway 83, which requires removing and replacing the existing concrete pavement. The project also includes improvements to sidewalks, storm sewer, roadway lighting, and repairs to the bridge over Minnechaduza Creek. The city of Valentine plans to concurrently update city owned utilities along Highway 83/Fourth Street.
The project will be constructed in phases. The phase from the Highway 83 and Highway 12 junction to Edna Street will require complete closure and traffic will be detoured on Cherry, West Third and Edna Streets.
The detour is scheduled to be in place during the summer months while school is not in session. The phase from Edna Street to the end of the project will be constructed under traffic with lane closures controlled by temporary traffic signals. Access to adjacent properties will be maintained during construction but may be limited at times due to phasing requirements.
Additional information regarding the project will be provided as the construction start date approaches.
For more information contact Darrell Lurz at the Nebraska Department of Transportation Valentine office at (402) 376-1352.
* Commissioners hold hearing on land access
(Posted 7:30 a.m. May 2)
The purchaser of the former Long Lake State Recreation Area came no closer to finding a route to a property he is unable to access following a public hearing on the route held by the Brown County Commissioners Wednesday.
Grant Kobes first approached the commissioners a year ago saying he had purchased the former state recreation area in southwestern Brown County from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The Game and Parks Commission had access to the site located in Section 22 Township 27 Range 24 through an easement with a neighboring property owner. When the land sold, the easement dissolved. Kobes said he has had no success coming to an agreement with neighboring landowners on a route to access the property.
With no success privately, Kobes previously requested the commissioners step in, as counties are required by state statute to provide access to isolated land. The statute indicates section lines should be followed when possible to establish access in instances when a property is landlocked.
As part of that process, the commissioners, with Denny Bauer absent Wednesday, held a hearing to obtain public comment on any suggested route. The decision is ultimately up to the commissioners to establish access, with the landlocked property owner responsible for paying for all costs associated with the establishment of the route. That includes purchasing property from neighbors whose land is used to establish a route.
Kobes said he was excited to be a part of the community.
“I am requesting approval of a route to the property so I can continue survey work and the construction of a road,” Kobes said.
Kobes hired a surveyor to find property boundaries and an engineering company to design potential routes to the property. He presented the board with four possible routes to access the property. He said it was impossible to only use section lines to establish a road as the section lines go through wetland areas.
Kobes said the preferred route to his property would be just shy of a mile long at 5,134 feet and would run across two neighboring properties owned by the Wales family and the Villwok Ranch. He said the preferred route follows existing driveways through the Wales and Villwok properties.
Kobes said the second route was about 500 feet longer and ran through the Wales’ yard, which he said would not be preferable. The third and fourth routes he said were not viable and would create the most environmental impact going through flooded areas and blowouts.
Property owner Greg Wales said he did not want to see the route go through his yard.
Kobes said only 2-1/2 miles of the entire Moon Lake Road run on section lines, and only 1 mile of the 19-mile Elsmere Road is located along section lines.
Commissioner Buddy Small said it was his understanding that the Villwok Ranch had recently been sold.
Attorney Todd Flynn said the property had indeed been sold to Mr. Tom Milligan, who Flynn represented.
Flynn suggested proceedings be halted for 60 days to allow Milligan time to review the issue and see if an agreement with Kobes could be reached. He said a delay might also be warranted since the county attorney was not able to attend Wednesday’s hearing.
“The new owner has only had the property for five days,” Flynn said. “That time might give the new owner the ability to work on a proposal with Mr. Kobes.”
He said having a new landowner may allow for some traction on establishing a road.
Small said County Attorney Andy Taylor was in Kearney Wednesday attending a state conference.
Kobes said he did not agree that another 60-day delay was warranted.
“I need to get to that property this year,” Kobes said. “There are cedars that need to be cleared and leafy spurge that needs to be sprayed. That will affect the neighbors.”
Kobes said the portion of the former Villwok Ranch he needed to cross was about 100 yards and has an existing driveway. Kobes said every route the engineering company proposed used the same 100 yards of the Villwok Ranch, now owned by Milligan.
“I don’t see any reason to build a second road,” Kobes said. “We have tried to work with Mr. Flynn and his clients for more than a year. He would have no dialogue with me or my attorney.”
Flynn said he had talked with two different attorneys who had represented Kobes at one point.
“I propose postponing for 60 days to allow the landowners to come up with a proper proposal,” Flynn said. “There is nothing in state statute about expediting the process. The statute is clear that the road follows section lines when possible. If we have time to look, maybe there is a route that gets Mr. Kobes to his isolated property.”
Small said he was agreeable to postponing the proceedings.
“Things would be different if the county attorney was here,” Small said.
Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey asked Milligan if he needed 60 days to review the matter.
Milligan said he did, as this was a busy time of year.
“We are calving right now,” Milligan said. “It is an extremely busy time of year.”
Surveyor Matt Tinkam with Lamp Rynearson said he started a boundary survey more than a year ago.
“I am having difficulty finding some corners,” Tinkam said. “I cannot enter some property to finish the survey and I have been told I cannot enter some property to finish my work.”
Tinkam asked if his company could move forward with field work so the survey could be completed and all parties could have a better understanding of the properties being discussed.
“We can’t proceed until we can enter the Wales and Villwok properties,” Tinkam said.
Flynn, who also represents the Wales family, said his client did not want anyone entering the Wales property at this time, an opinion he said the county attorney shared.
“In 60 days, we should be able to come forward with a proposal,” Flynn said.
The commissioners took no action following the hearing. The board would not have taken action Wednesday regardless of the outcome of the hearing. Any action to establish a route would be taken during a regular board meeting.
The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. May 7.
* Ainsworth Community Schools Academic Awards
(Posted 7:15 a.m. May 1)
Ainsworth Community Schools recognized the top high school students Tuesday during its Academic Awards presentation.
Awards presented Tuesday include:
Math
Technical Math Student of the Year – Gus Ganser
Geometry Students of the Year – Londyn Dunbar, Jaylee Good, Erick Hitchcock and Kiley Orton
Precalculus
Outstanding Achievement – Emma Kennedy
Outstanding Vision – Carlos Pedreira and Logan Schroedl
Above and Beyond Leaders – Kadence Fletcher, Katherine Kerrigan, Karli Kral, Carter Nelson and Carlos Pedreira
Algebra II
Outstanding Achievement – Jaden Lee
Outstanding Vision – Aiden Jackman
Above and Beyond Leaders – Terrin Barthel and Tessa Barthel
Algebra I
Outstanding Achievement – Holden Beel, David Cook, Puridy Haley, Jon Strand and Kinsey Walz
Outstanding Dedication – Cassandra Cole, Damian Hernandez, Madison Palmer and Miranda Phares
College Algebra Academic Excellence – Jocelyn Good
Applied Statistics Academic Excellence – Korah Dunbar
Calculus
Academic Excellence – Mason Titus
Awesome Attitude – Cole Bodeman
English
Speech Communications Outstanding Students – Lura Hodge, Bailey Bowen and Makenzy Cheatum
Public Speaking Outstanding Students – William Biltoft and Adysson Sears
English II Outstanding Students – Nelly Hoche, Payton Moody, Addah Booth and Megan Jones
English III
Outstanding Achievement – Jordan Beatty, Logan Schroedl, Emma Kennedy and Jaden Lee
Outstanding Effort – Angel Ajin, Jacob Held, Grace Goodwin and Jolyn Pozehl
English I
Outstanding Achievement – Puridy Haley, Kiley Orton and Erick Hitchcock
Outstanding Effort – Ty Bolli and Addison Held
English Composition Outstanding Achievement – Kadence Fletcher, Jocelyn Good and June Iturbide
English Composition II Outstanding Achievement – Trey Appelt, Tessa Barthel, Korah Dunbar, Kadence Fletcher, Jocelyn Good and June Iturbide
Science
Physical Science
Friendly Neighbor – Braylin Rudnick
Mad Scientist – Jonathan Strand
Extra Mile – Addison Held
Awesome Attitude – Kenley Welke
Rising Star – Madison Palmer
Academic Excellence – Puridy Haley, Erick Hitchcock and Kiley Orton
Biology
Friendly Neighbor – Addah Booth
Mad Scientist – Jace Johnson
Extra Mile – Adysson Sears
Awesome Attitude – Witten Painter
Rising Star – Saul Fernandez
Academic Excellence – Megan Jones
Ecology
Awesome Attitude – Carter Nelson
Academic Excellence – Nelly Hoche
College Biology
Mad Scientist – Jakelynn Minor
Rising Stars – Breanna Fernau and Carter Nelson
Academic Excellence – Tessa Barthel
Anatomy & Physiology
Friendly Neighbor – Korah Dunbar
Mad Scientist – Lura Hodge
Academic Excellence – Jocelyn Good
Earth Science
Academic Excellence – Aiden Jackman
Awesome Attitude – Terra Shoemaker
Extra Mile – Grace Goodwin
Friendly Neighbor – Mason Painter
Rising Star – Gus Ganser
Chemistry
Academic Excellence – Emma Kennedy
Awesome Attitude – Jordan Beatty
Extra Mile – Miah Ortner
Rising Star – Jhett Hollenbeck
Mad Scientist – Logan Schroedl
Physics
Academic Excellence – Mason Titus
Rising Star – Carlos Pedreira Arizmendiz
Extra Mile – Kendyl Delimont
Mad Scientist – Cole Bodeman
Social Studies
Government
Student of the Year – Cole Bodeman
Future Politician – Carlos Pedreira Arizmendiz
Psychology and Sociology Outstanding Achievement – Nelly Hoche
Social Studies
Outstanding Achievement – Puridy Haley, Londyn Dunbar and Erick Hitchcock
Most Improved Freshman – Madison Palmer
World History
Excellence in World History – Payton Moody, Megan Jones and Adysson Sears
Most Improved – Adolfo Rojas Salazar
Most Enthusiastic – Jace Johnson and William Biltoft
American History Outstanding Students – Logan Schroedl, Jordan Beatty, Emma Kennedy and Jaden Lee
Language
Spanish I Students of the Year – Puridy Haley, Jaylee Good and Kiley Orton
Spanish II Students of the Year – Sam Titus and Megan Jones
Spanish III Students of the Year – Bailey Bowen, Makenzy Cheatum, Taylor Allen and Owen Blumenstock
Spanish IV Student of the Year – Katherine Kerrigan
Agriculture
Intro to Agriculture
Student of the Year – Londyn Dunbar
Friendly Neighbor – Kenley Welke
Floriculture/Nursery & Landscape
Student of the Year – Kiara Troxel
Friendly Neighbor – Tessa Barthel
Plant Science & Agronomy
Student of the Year – Trey Appelt
Friendly Neighbor – Aiden Jackman
Ag Business & Ag Sales
Student of the Year – Makenzy Cheatum
Friendly Neighbor – Terra Shoemaker
Animal Science & Large Animal Management
Student of the Year – Megan Jones
Friendly Neighbor – Addah Booth
Natural Resources & Wildlife Management
Students of the Year – Lura Hodge and Gracie Kinney
Friendly Neighbors – Riggin Blumenstock and Preselyn Goochey
Art
Artist of the Year – Kiara Troxel
Drawing Students of the Year – Bailey Bowen and Nelly Hoche
Beginning Artists of the Year – Christopher Fernandez and Megan Jones
Painting Students of the Year – Brian Eick and Gracie Kinney
Pottery Students of the Year – Trevor Johnson and Renata Pedreira Arizmendez
Artistic Honorable Mention – Airyan Goochey and Karli Kral
Integrated Technology
Students of the Year – Logan Schroedl and Jolyn Pozehl
Strength & Conditioning
Extra Mile – Cole Swanson
Shop
Student of the Year – Traegan McNally
Family & Consumer Science
Food and Nutrition Outstanding Students – Puridy Haley and Kiley Orton
Medical Terminology Outstanding Student – Jocelyn Good
College Nutrition Outstanding Student – Jocelyn Good
Interpersonal Relationships Outstanding Student – Katherine Kerrigan
Life and Career Readiness Outstanding Students – Jacob Held and Ryan Salzman
Interior Design Outstanding Student – June Iturbide
Fashion Design Outstanding Student – Kiara Troxel
Child Development Outstanding Student – Jordan Beatty
Families in Crisis Outstanding Student – Jaden Lee
Business
Personal Finance Outstanding Students – Payton Moody and Megan Jones
Information Technology Outstanding Students – Erick Hitchcock and Braeyden Ziemba
Accounting I Outstanding Students – Hannah Beel and Riggin Blumenstock
Accounting III Outstanding Student – Korah Dunbar
Omaha World Herald Honorable Mention Students – Trey Appelt and Jocelyn Good
Principal’s Leadership Award – Trey Appelt
Graduation Speaker – Trey Appelt
Southwest Conference Academic All-Conference – Trey Appelt, Jocelyn Good, Mason Titus, Taylor Allen, Kendyl Delimont, Katherine Kerrigan, Tessa Barthel and Traegan McNally
* Improvements made to area state parks
(Posted 9 a.m. April 30)
Plenty of improvements in Nebraska’s north-central state parks await visitors this year. Projects completed in 2023 or to be finished in 2024 will appeal to an array of park users. The following is a roundup of those improvements and projects:
Smith Falls State Park
Visitors again are enjoying the sight of Smith Falls, Nebraska’s tallest waterfall. The waterfall at Smith Falls State Park, and the newly constructed 500-foot boardwalk to it, reopened in 2023, replacing the wooden boardwalk.
The $2.7 million project includes a boardwalk built of composite decking on a steel frame with aluminum handrails and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. New benches provide places for visitors to rest and a platform over the stream has been added midway up the walkway.
Calamus State Recreation Area
A new activity is available for visitors of popular Calamus State Recreation Area as an archery range has been built at a cost of just more than $6,000.
Long Pine State Recreation Area
Two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant vault toilets are expected to be replaced this year at Long Pine State Recreation Area.
Keller Park State Recreation Area
Campers at Keller Park State Recreation Area will find RV campsites that received an electrical upgrade at a cost of more than $300,000. Two ADA-compliant vault toilets are expected to be replaced this year.
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
Good news for campers at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, the West Beeds campground will expand by 14 Electric Plus sites and a new shower house in a $900,000 project to be completed this year.
Victoria Springs State Recreation Area
A roof was replaced at Victoria Springs State Recreation Area for more than $5,000.
These state park system projects largely have been funded by Capital Maintenance Funds, which were established by the Nebraska Legislature in 2016 to help preserve Nebraska’s public outdoor recreation facilities and parklands; state and federal funding sources; and Nebraska Game and Parks’ funds generated from user fees of the state park system.
Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area
The demand for modern camping facilities in central Nebraska is high. At Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area, West Ridge Campground has been expanded in a $1.1 million project. The campground now has 61 campsites with Electric Plus (30/50 amp) service. A shower house roof also was replaced.
Mon-Sat – 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Sunday – 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
