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

* Judith Jo Baxter, 86, of Kearney formerly of Ainsworth 11 a.m. Oct. 24

* Gordon Hitchcock, 83, of Ainsworth 2 p.m. Oct. 19

* Douglas Eugene Bechtold Sr., 50, of Daingerfield, Texas, formerly of Ainsworth 1 until 5 p.m. Oct. 17

* Betty Jean Perrett, 97, of Valentine 2 p.m. Oct. 15

* Meeting reports located below for:

Oct. 15 Ainsworth City Council

Oct. 13 Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education

Oct. 7 Brown County Commissioners

Oct. 6 Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors

Oct. 1 Sandhills Care Center, Brown County Commissioners and Ainsworth City Council special meeting

Sept. 28 Brown County Commissioners budget hearing

Sept. 16 Brown County Commissioners

* Another Swan victory in KBRB Football Contest

(Posted 1:30 p.m. Oct. 15)

Week 6 of the KBRB Football Contest proved to be another tough one for the area forecasters, as there were multiple upsets in the college ranks and several toss-up high school games to navigate.

Continuing its recent run of dominance was the Swan family. This time it was Derek Swan of Lead, S.D., who emerged victorious, missing just two games on the Week 6 card. That earns Derek Swan the first-place, $40 certificate. His win comes after Tatum Swan captured first place in both Week 4 and Week 5.

Two contestants, Joel Coburn of Atkinson and Erin Allen of Ainsworth, missed three games, which sent us to Indiana’s 20-17 come from behind victory over the Huskers for the tie-breaker.

Both Coburn and Allen correctly picked the Hoosiers to win. Coburn picked a score of 35-28, missing the final by 26 points, while Allen picked a 27-17 final to miss the total by just four points and claim the $20 second-place prize.

Eleven contestants missed four games on the Week 6 card to just miss out.

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB Studios.

Certificates are redeemable at Speedee Mart in Ainsworth and Atkinson, Buckles Automotive in Ainsworth, the West Plains Bank in Springview, the Sandhills Lounge in Long Pine, Circle B Livestock in Bassett, the Cast Iron Bar & Grill in Stuart, and from the Tri County Bank branches at Bassett, Stuart and Atkinson.

* Council votes to allow care center to proceed to next phase

(Posted 10:45 a.m. Oct. 15)

The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday approved allowing the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors to pursue the next planning stage in its quest to build a new nursing home facility in the community.

As the co-owner and operator of the care center with the Brown County Commissioners, the City Council discussed avenues to pay for the approximately $325,000 cost of the design and development phase to get the project to the point where it can be promoted ahead of a potential levy vote and where the design can be used on grant applications.

Care Center Board Chair Tom Jones said his board was just looking for permission to move forward at this point. He said the Brown County Commissioners approved the next phase during their meeting the prior week.

“We are still working on the funding for it,” Jones said. “We will be diligent in looking for funds to support this.”

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said the next phase finalizes the scope of the project by providing a design for the facility. She said there were a lot of working pieces that would need to occur to get the project to the finish line.

Councilman Dustin Barthel said the council and the commissioners were basically gambling the $325,000 that the project will continue to move forward.

“If the voters don’t pass it we will have wasted that,” Barthel said.

Jones said the care center was not asking the council for money, just for permission to move forward.

Councilman Brad Fiala said, if the council was not being asked to fund half of the cost of the next phase through the city’s budget, he was in favor of the care center moving forward.

The council voted unanimously to allow the care center to proceed.

In other business Wednesday, Brenda and Marty Graff addressed the council regarding a drainage issue on their property near North Main and Fifth streets caused by a neighboring property being raised in elevation for new construction.

“The lot was built up and a building was constructed,” Marty Graff said. “The water now all drains onto me and it is making a hell of a mess. We never had any issues like this before that was built. There is no way for it to drain to the south.”

Brenda Graff said an area where there used to be white rock on the couple’s property is now entirely mud.

“We would like to have the water not run on to us,” Brenda Graff said. “Maybe there could be a drainage ditch on both sides of the alley.”

Barthel said he had visited the site and it appeared the new concrete slants to the alley and right onto the Graff property.

“If we cut a ditch on that side of the alley, we could get the water to flow to the street,” Barthel said.

Marty Graff said the best solution would likely be for the neighboring property owner to create an opportunity for the water to flow west into the street.

“That would help,” he said. “We are willing to work something out, but so far that hasn’t happened. I don’t want to bring more rock in until we can get the water issue resolved.”

The council discussed whether the city’s current building permit process addresses how properties drain when there is new construction proposed.

Mayor Joel Klammer asked if homeowners are directed to have water drain to the alley. City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said that is how city code addresses the issue of drainage.

Klammer said, “In my mind, this may be more of a civil matter than an issue for the city. The goal would be to get the water to run to the storm sewer. I don’t know that we have the answer now, but we can continue to look into it and see if there is anything we can do.”

Councilman Kent Taylor asked if there was anything in the building permit process that addressed raising the elevation of a property for construction. Schroedl said the permit process did not address changing the grade of a property.

Fiala said the city may need to address drainage in its building permit application.

The council indicated it would look to see if it could assist with a solution to the drainage issue.

Ainsworth residents and commercial businesses utilizing the city’s garbage removal service will see a 25 percent increase in rates beginning in the next billing period after the council approved a rate increase.

Klammer said the city previously increased the rates for water and sewer service to keep up with rising expenses and now needed to address garbage rates. The mayor said the city’s solid waste expenses have increased several thousand dollars per month and fuel costs have risen sharply.

Schroedl said the city’s landfill costs to dispose of solid waste have increased $4,000 per month.

Fiala said the council discussed an increase in garbage rates during its budget workshop.

The council unanimously approved the rate change, which will increase residential garbage removal service from $20 per month to $25. Dumpster fees will increase from $65 per month to $81.25.

The council tabled action on a resolution setting a wage schedule for non-union, part-time and seasonal city employees.

Schroedl said the union contract covers full-time, non-administrative employees, but there was no set wage scale for part-time and seasonal employees.

Schroedl said creating a wage schedule was requested by the city’s auditing firm.

“The trouble with a wage scale for these positions is you have to have them and we don’t want to lock the city into too tight of a scale,” Schroedl said. “Historically, we pay minimum wage for temporary positions.”

She said it is a benefit to the city to have seasonal employees come back each year, especially lifeguards, as it reduces the training time and those employees have experience. She said she typically provides a seasonal employee with a 25 cents per hour wage increase for each year they return to the same position.

Fiala asked what would happen if the council continues to simply have the city administrator continue to set wages for part-time and seasonal employees.

“I don’t want to tie us down,” Fiala said. “If we get a little ding on our audit report every year, so be it. We need the seasonal help.”

Barthel said he didn’t see any reason for the council to change the current procedure for hiring seasonal positions.

Fiala suggested the council could have the mayor assist the administrator with setting wages so it isn’t just up to one person, and a wage scale could be created that would give the city some flexibility when hiring those positions.

Schroedl said she would modify the proposed wage scale and would add language that wages would be set by the city administrator and the mayor and would bring the document back to the council’s November meeting for consideration. The matter was tabled.

The council approved a resolution identifying 533 E. Second St. as a nuisance. Code Enforcement Officer Kelsie Evans said the property owners have had numerous chances to abate the overgrown vegetation on the property. She said the property owners reached out Wednesday requesting additional time.

“They will have five days to abate,” Evans said. “They are aware it will be prosecuted if it is not corrected.”

The council approved the mayor’s recommended reappointment of Judy Walton to another five-year term on the Ainsworth Housing Authority and the appointment of Maggie Earney to replace RoseMary Saner on the Ainsworth Betterment Committee for a three-year term.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 11.

* Storer discusses upcoming session

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Oct. 15)

Nebraska 43rd District State Sen. Tanya Storer made a stop in to the KBRB Studios, discussing the upcoming session of the Nebraska Unicameral.

Storer talked about a few of the bills she planned to introduce as well as the looming $800 million project budget shortfall. The conversation can be heard below.

* Ainsworth City Council Wednesday agenda

(Posted 7 a.m. Oct. 14)

Ainsworth City Council
Meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14
Ainsworth Conference Center
Agenda

• Call to Order
• Routine Business
  • Announcement of Open Meetings Act
  • Roll Call
  • Pledge of Allegiance
• Consent Agenda – All items approved with the passage of one motion
  • Approve minutes from the September 9, 2026 regular meeting and the September 30, 2026 special meeting
  • Approval of claims
  • Treasurer’s report
  • Department head reports

• Mayor’s Appointments and Report
  • Mayor’s Report
  • Mayor’s Appointments
    • Reappointment of Judy Walton to the Ainsworth Housing Authority with a term expiring 8/7/2031
    • Appointment of Maggie Earney to the Ainsworth Betterment Committee with a term expiring 10/14/2029
  • Public Hearings
    • None
  • Old Business
    • Discuss a cooperative agreement between the Ainsworth Fire Department and the Nebraska Forest Service
  • Regular Agenda
    • Discuss drainage concerns near the alley east of 5^th Street and North Main Street – Brenda and Marty Graff
    • Discuss and consider Resolution #26-07: Setting the wage schedule for part-time and seasonal positions 
    • Discuss and consider Ordinance #1570: Establishing and imposing rates for garbage services provided by the city 
    • Discuss and consider the Sandhills Care Center financial and feasibility study results and project validation report, as well as funding strategy considerations toward a new facility project
    • Discuss and consider nuisance properties identified:
      • Resolution #26-08: 533 E 2^nd Street
    • City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer Report
  • Adjourn

* School Board adopts option enrollment policy

(Posted 7 a.m. Oct. 13)

During a light agenda Monday, the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education approved the district’s option enrollment standards for the 2027-28 school year.

The policy outlines how many option enrollment students the district could accept before each class reached capacity for the number of teachers available.

In about every class, the district could accept 20 or more option enrollment students. Superintendent Dale Hafer discussed the district’s policy for accepting option enrollment students with special needs or individual education plans.

“In a special education capacity, if we have the ability to serve a student, we accept them,” Hafer said.

Hafer said the state requires an extenuating circumstance for a district not to accept an option enrollment student who required special education services.

“We would have to have a good reason to deny a student with an IEP,” the superintendent said. “If we had to hire an additional behavioral specialist or had to purchase a specialized vehicle, we could decline.”

Board President Brad Wilkins said the Nebraska Legislature is always working around the edges of the option enrollment issue.

“There is always pressure from the Legislature,” Wilkins said.

The board approved the option enrollment standards for the 2027-28 school year as presented.

In the only other action item Monday, the board approved the review of district policies related to community relations. Hafer recommended no changes to the current policies and board members did not request anything be altered.

During his report, Hafer said Dan Morrell and his crew are completing the installation of three new boiler modules in the building. He said the building’s HVAC system would be switched from air conditioning over to heat next week. Hafer said the switch was delayed a week due to a mild forecast for the upcoming week.

Hafer reported auditors from Dana F. Cole were in Ainsworth Oct. 1 to conduct the district’s annual audit. He thanked Dedra Stoner for her work in getting all the needed information to the auditing firm.

“It was as quick and as smooth as we’ve seen that process go,” Hafer said.

The board discussed the district’s advocacy efforts, with Hafer and board member Frank Beel reporting on a recent visit to KBRB and a report on the district’s budgeting process that aired on the radio.

They discussed enhancing the district’s social media outreach to keep patrons informed with what is happening at Ainsworth Community Schools.

Hafer thanked the principals, teachers and students for a smooth first quarter.

Board member Crystal Dailey said she has not heard a single complaint so far this year.

“It seems to be a very positive environment,” Dailey said.

Hafer said the principals and teachers have been working hard.

“It has been a great start,” he said. “Very little has come in to my office.”

Principals Cory Friedrich and Kelsey Riesen both provided information to the board on recent baseline MAPS testing for students in third through eighth grade and the junior class. They said those results would be used to identify focus areas and to track progress throughout the year.

Riesen reported the first grade won the September attendance competition with 98 percent attendance during the month. All six classes from kindergarten through fifth grade achieved attendance of 95 percent or better during the month.

Hafer provided the board with information on the district’s multicultural education plan. He said the plan was recently updated, but there were not many changes from the previous plan.

“In my opinion, this is an archaic policy,” the superintendent said. “We do these things already in our curriculum.”

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 9.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9 a.m. Oct. 12)

October 4

The sheriff’s office received a report about two dogs in rural Brown County coming into a yard and barking for an extended period in the middle of the night. The owner of the dogs was contacted by a deputy.

October 5

The sheriff, with the assistance of a Nebraska State Trooper, investigated a 911 call for a crash detection in rural Brown County.

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

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

The sheriff and a deputy investigated a reported domestic assault in Ainsworth.

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

October 6

The sheriff and a deputy provided assistance to a motorist on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth.

October 7

A deputy, with assistance from Nebraska State Patrol investigators and the Norfolk Police Department, were able to locate a stolen trailer from a local business on a property south of Norfolk. The trailer was later returned to the business owner. This is an ongoing investigation.

The sheriff and a deputy investigated a report of a suspicious vehicle just outside of Ainsworth. The owner of the vehicle was contacted, and everything was found to be ok and that they were in the area working.

A deputy investigated a report of vandalism to a door at a business in Ainsworth.

October 8

The sheriff was asked to conduct a welfare check in Ainsworth. The person was found to be ok.

A verbal warning for headlights not working properly was given to a motorist on Highway 20.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 22 mph over the posted speed limit.

A deputy received a report of a dead deer on Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth. A deputy removed the deer from the roadway and after continuing to drive on Highway 7 provided assistance to the motorist who hit the deer.

October 9

A deputy spoke with individuals in Ainsworth about burning the rubber off their vehicle tires in Ainsworth.

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

Deputies were on foot patrol during the high school football game.

Deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity around a business in Ainsworth. A deputy searched the reported area along with areas nearby but was unable to find the reported individuals.

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

The sheriff’s office received reports of a person walking on the white shoulder line on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth. Deputies responded to the reported area but were unable to find the reported person. 

A repair order was given to a motorist for improper or defective vehicle lighting.

October 10

A written warning for driving on the shoulder of the highway was given to a motorist on Highway 20.

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

A speeding warning was given to a motorist on Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for traveling 19 mph over the posted speed limit.

Deputies responded to a 911 call of a vehicle backing over the edge of the Cowboy Trail near the bridge in Long Pine. During the investigation, the driver of the vehicle was placed under arrest on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and cited on charges of possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both Precision Auto and KC Klassics responded and were able to retrieve the vehicle from the slope.

A deputy investigated a verbal dispute between household members.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 723
911 emergency calls – 9
Fire calls – 2
Firearms permits purchased – 1
Vehicle titles inspected – 2
Jail inmates housed – 2

* Swan wins KBRB Football Contest for Week 5

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

Week 5 of the KBRB Football Contest was a tough one as conference battles heat up on the college side along with district games on the high school side.

The best of the bunch this week was Tatum Swan of Springview, who missed three of the 14 games on the Week 5 card. That earned Tatum Swan the $40 first-place certificate for the week.

Six contestants missed four games, including Josh Titus and Delbert Smith of Ainsworth, Roger Brink of Atkinson, and Derek Swan, Mike Swan and Russ Richey of Springview. That sent us to Nebraska’s 48-23 victory over Maryland for the tie-breaking score.

Russ Richey and Derek Swan both picked the Huskers to win, 38-17, missing the final by 16 points to tie again. Richey submitted his card first, earning him the $20 second-place certificate for Week 5.

Titus (44-10) missed the total by 17 points to just fall shy of a prize. Delbert Smith (38-10), missed by 23, followed by Mike Swan (35-10) missing by 26 and Roger Brink (31-7) missing by 33 points.

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB Studios.

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

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 3 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed. Those mailing more than one card can place them all in one envelope to save on postage costs.

* Commissioners approve next phase of nursing home project

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

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday approved allowing the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors to move forward with the planning and design phase for the potential construction of a new nursing home facility.

Care Center Board Chair Tom Jones told the commissioners the next step would be to have ArCuretecture, the care center’s architectural firm, create a schematic design for a new 36-unit facility.

“To move forward, this is the information we have to have,” Jones said. “We will need to make a good effort to find some grant money and private funds to help.”

Jones said the cost for the design and development phase of the project is $325,000.

“We would be billed as they do the work,” Jones said. “It will be about a two-and-a-half month process to get it done.”

Commissioner Dennis Bauer, who also serves on the Care Center Board, said the care center has some funding it can put toward the project to have some skin in the game.

“The nursing home board just needs approval to proceed,” Bauer said. “We can work out the finances.”

The board discussed potentially utilizing the county’s inheritance tax fund to assist with the cost if necessary, with the goal to replenish that fund over time if it is used.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said the board has discussed some options for planning grants to assist with the cost. She said some of the timelines for those applications would not work with the care center’s timeline and might be unrealistic. She said there were some local funding sources that could potentially assist with the cost of the design phase.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said he would encourage the care center to use some of its funding to help with the cost.

“I would like to see us keep moving forward to get to a vote of the people, but $325,000 is a little concerning to me,” Dailey said. “I am ok with it moving forward.”

Commissioner Donnie Painter said it would be a major impact on the county and the hospital if the nursing home was to ever close.

“This $325,000 could be a building block,” Painter said.

The commissioners unanimously approved allowing the care center to move forward with the next phase.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners again discussed the damage to property owners from the creation of a road to an isolated property in southwestern Brown County.

At the outset of the discussion, Bauer said the board intended to hear from all parties involved Tuesday and would take that information under advisement before determining during its Oct. 20 meeting the damage to the property impacted.

The board again heard from attorneys representing property owners who would be impacted by losing property for the road to be built as well as the attorney representing property owner Grant Kobes, who requested the road be constructed to his otherwise landlocked property.

Both sides agreed that the amount of total acreage needed to construct the road was 5.2 acres instead of the 9.1 acres included in the previous appraisal. However, they differed on whether Kobes should be required to pay for fencing on both sides of the newly created road.

Attorney Susie Beel said her client’s position was fencing was needed and it was appropriate for the board to include it in the damage assessment. She said District Court Judge Mark Kozisek wanted the commissioners to determine the damage for the real estate at this point, as the fencing issue was still in dispute.

Kobes’ attorney said his client’s position is that he is responsible for paying for the cost of the real estate and the subsequent construction of the road, but nothing more.

Bauer said, if the judge is only wanting a dollar amount for the real estate impacted by the road at this time, the board could set that damage amount and not deal with the fencing dispute.

Attorney Todd Flynn said it would behoove the commissioners to have County Attorney Andy Taylor, who was not present Tuesday, weigh in and make a recommendation on how to proceed. Flynn asked if Taylor would be present for the board’s Oct. 20 meeting, to which Bauer indicated Taylor would be present.

No action was taken and the board plans to make a determination on the damage to the real estate involved during its Oct. 20 meeting.

The commissioners accepted the resignation of courthouse custodian Tammy Grupe and voted to advertise for the full-time position, with applications being accepted until 5 p.m. Nov. 2.

Weed Superintendent Tyler Buoy discussed whether the county should be involved with providing a certificate of inspection for hay that will be transported from the county. Buoy said, to provide the certification the hay to be transferred is free of noxious weeds, he has to physically inspect the site before it is hayed, inspect the area where the hay will be stored, and then provide a certification tag.

“I don’t feel like the county should have to do all that for nothing,” Buoy said.

Buoy said he would continue to provide the certification if the board wanted him to, but he felt like the county should charge a fee for that service.

Bauer said he used to provide the certification when he worked for the BKR Extension office.

“If we certify it and it goes to another state, and they get an infestation, could they sue the county?” Bauer asked.

Audience member and likely incoming county attorney Reagan Wiebelhaus said, as long as the county made a good-faith effort to inspect the hay, there shouldn’t be any liability exposure.

Dailey said Buoy has enough on his plate as the weed superintendent and a member of the roads department.

“If he does do it, the county should probably be reimbursed,” Dailey said.

Bauer said if the hay has already been mowed and wind-rowed or if it has already been baled, it is about impossible to tell whether there were potentially any noxious weeds that would be transported.

“To me, it would have to be standing grass only, not something that is already baled,” Bauer said.

Painter said there were very few meadows in this day and age that don’t have any noxious weeds.

The board placed the item on its Oct. 20 meeting for additional discussion and a potential decision on whether to charge for the certification.

In a final action item, the commissioners unanimously approved a special designated liquor license application for Niobrara Valley Vineyards to hold a wine tasting during an event Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. in a building near the intersection of Highway 20 and 433^rd Avenue.

During his report, Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said the roads department has been working to reduce and eliminate windrows on county roads ahead of the winter season.

Turpin said the roads department planned to undertake several tree removal projects from county road right of way during the winter as long as the department didn’t have to move too much snow.

He asked the commissioners about charging property owners for the cost of gravel when pivot irrigation systems water county roadways.

Turpin said the commissioners previously approved allowing the roads department to charge irrigators for damage from an end gun watering a roadway.

Bauer said it was a potential safety hazard, but he encouraged Turpin to give irrigators a couple of warnings first.

“Sometimes those end guns shut off like they are supposed to, sometimes they don’t,” Bauer said.

He said the wind can sometimes cause irrigation water to drift across a road even if the end gun does shut down like it is supposed to.

Dailey encouraged Turpin to document any instance where systems repeatedly water a roadway.

Sheriff Brent Deibler said the sheriff’s department keeps a record of any instance where it finds a system watering a roadway.

Turpin said, after providing warnings, if the county charged the irrigator for the cost of adding gravel to the road, that would likely have enough teeth to it to fix the issue.

The commissioners discussed with Turpin painting a center line on Meadville Avenue.

Painter said he had received a call questioning why the center line was not striped. Turpin said the center line had been painted until Meadville Avenue received an armor coat layer.

Turpin said, along with painting a center line, the county should probably have an engineer mark no passing zone areas on Meadville Avenue and paint the continuous line that indicated a no passing zone.

The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Oct. 20.

* Board recommends moving forward on new facility

(Posted 10:45 a.m. Oct. 6)

After reviewing the market analysis and feasibility study prepared by ArCuretecture and a recommendation from the company’s founder Jeff Ahl, the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors on Monday voted to recommend to the Ainsworth City Council and the Brown County Commissioners that the group proceed with the schematic design and design development phase for the potential construction of a new facility.

ArCuretecture submitted a quote of $325,500 to handle that phase of development as part of a total $651,000 quote for all the preliminary work needed ahead of construction. The quote represents 7 percent of the estimated $9.3 million cost of construction.

If the Ainsworth City Council and Brown County Commissioners agree to proceed, the schematic design for the new building, the selection of a site and the estimated cost of construction would be formalized so it could be put in front of voters for a potential property tax bond vote sometime in the first half of 2027.

Board members indicated the desire of the entities during a Sept. 30 joint meeting seemed to be to move forward with this phase of the process.

The board discussed with North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson potential grant funding options to cover a portion of the $325,500 in design costs. Olson said any grant funds obtained could still be used as matching funds toward the overall project cost. She said some grant applications may fit the care center’s preferred timeline, while the window for others would not be available until well into 2027.

The Brown County Commissioners and Ainsworth City Council will each address the recommendation during upcoming meetings.

In a related item, Care Center Board Chair Tom Jones said he discussed the possibility of amending the interlocal agreement to allow for a single county bond issue to be posed to voters for a new building with Attorney Alan Wood, who helped draft the original interlocal agreement prior to the Sandhills Care Center opening.

Jones said Wood would review the interlocal agreement and make a recommendation on whether it could be amended to allow for the single bond issue. He would bill the care center $295 per hour. The board approved the engagement letter from Wood.

In other business Monday, Administrator Penny Jacobs reported there are 34 residents currently calling the Sandhills Care Center home. Of those, 14 are from Ainsworth, 13 are from Cherry County, three are from rural Brown County, two are from Keya Paha County and one each are from Long Pine and Rock County.

Of the 34 residents, 13 pay privately, 16 receive Medicaid assistance, three receive Medicare assistance and two receive hospice Medicaid assistance.
Jacobs reported two representatives from U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer’s staff planned to visit the care center at 10 a.m. Oct. 8 to tour the facility and discuss needs and potential federal funding assistance.

Jeff Fritzen and Dan Michaels with Unico Group presented the board with options for insurance coverage for the upcoming term. Fritzen said the company serves as the care center’s broker and shops the various portions of needed insurance through numerous carriers.

Fritzen said the company works with more than 30 senior living facilities in the state and can compare proposals to what other facilities received.

By shopping the care center’s workman’s compensation insurance, property, vehicle and liability insurance policies, Fritzen said the care center would see a reduction in overall premium of approximately $20,000 from its current rate. In addition, the wind and hail deductible will move from 5 percent of the building’s value currently to 2 percent, which results in the wind and hail deductible moving from $231,000 to $89,000.

The board approved the insurance policy portfolio as recommended. The total premium is $69,675, down from $89,332 currently.

During September, the Sandhills Care Center generated $343,692 in revenue with expenses of $311,548 for a net profit of $32,143. In addition, the facility received $1,702 from the voter-approved levy.

Business Manager Makenzie Crane reported the care center’s account balances are in good shape, and agency staffing costs are trending downward. Jacobs reported two potential CNAs are completing their training and four others will be starting the CNA class soon.

Jacobs reported Simple Solutions installed additional wi-fi routers in the facility, which she said seems to have remedied fire alarm and call light issues the care center was experiencing.

Jacobs said the Sandhills Care Center plans to host a 10-year anniversary party Nov. 20 in The Connection to celebrate 10 years since the facility opened.

The next regular meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 9.

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 3:15 p.m. Oct. 5)

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda

Roll Call

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law

Opening Prayer

Pledge of Allegiance

Approve minutes of the 9-15-2026 regular meeting

Approve minutes of the 9-22-2026 special meeting

Approve minutes of the 9-30-2026 special meeting

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update 

Paint line on Meadville Ave – Painter

Review, Approve or Deny Special Designated liquor license application by Niobrara Valley Vineyards LLC Event to be held at 433^rd Ave & US Hwy 20, Ainsworth, Nebraska

1:30  Determine method of setting damages in Kobes/Hathshire/Berkaway isolated lands case – County Attorney

Weed Department Discussion of a fee for Certificate of Inspection on hay within – Weed Superintendent

Acknowledge Custodian resignation and advertise to fill the position – Board

Care Center building, discussion/approval/denial of moving forward with the next step toward a new building

National Flood Insurance Program – Bauer

County Attorney Secretary position

Approve Claims 

Correspondence  

Public Comment 

ADJOURN 

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 11:45 a.m. Oct. 5)

September 27

Deputies assisted Nebraska State Troopers with a traffic checkpoint on Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth.

A deputy investigated a vehicle-deer accident on Highway 20 near Long Pine. The Brown County Ambulance Association also responded due to possible motorist injuries.

September 28

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

A speeding warning was given to a driver on Highway 20.

A warning was given for driving without headlights on in Ainsworth.

A driver received a citation for traveling 14 mph over the posted speed limit on Highway 20.

A driver received a citation for traveling 15 mph over the posted speed limit on Highway 20.

September 29

A speeding warning was given to a driver on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth.

A deputy conducted a welfare check of a resident in Ainsworth. During the welfare check the Brown County Ambulance Association was dispatched and transported a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

A deputy investigated possible theft in Ainsworth.

September 30

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

October 1

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

The sheriff and deputies held firearms training.

A deputy responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in Ainsworth. The deputy searched the reported areas and other areas and did not find the reported vehicle.

The sheriff conducted a traffic stop on a reported erratic driver. The sheriff spoke with the driver and issued a verbal warning.

A deputy removed a dead deer and vehicle parts from Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth.

October 2

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

The sheriff and a deputy spoke to people in Ainsworth about the abundance of calls they have placed to the sheriff’s department and explained to them what emergencies are and when it is appropriate to call into the sheriff’s office.

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

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for driving without headlights on and a repair order for not having proof of insurance.

Deputies responded to a suspicious phone call that a business was receiving late at night.

October 3

A welfare check was conducted on an individual in rural Brown County.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 772
Calls for service – 22
911 emergency calls – 10
Vehicle titles inspected – 7
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Area students compete in State Range Judging

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Oct. 5)

Conserving native range resources and teaching others to do the same is a long-standing tradition in Nebraska. In 1965, a group of people associated with the Nebraska Chapter of Society for Range Management began the Nebraska Range Judging Contest.  The contest today is open to youth and adults who have an interest in range management.  There are six local contests held around the state followed by the state contest allowing an opportunity for all youth and adults in the state to participate and increase their knowledge in range management. 

The state contest was held northwest of North Platte on September 23 with 484 students and 38 adults participating from 48 schools.

West Holt was named the top Senior Team in the state. West Holt winning team members were Hunter Wettlaufer, Case Shane, Ian Shane and Elizabeth Olson.

Wettlaufer also finished third individually in the Senior Division.

Others from the area in the top 25 percent individually in the Senior Division for grades 11 and 12 were:

Rock County – Noah Seberger

West Holt – Case Shane, Ian Shane, Elizabeth Olson, Mason Troidl and London Konrad

Valentine – Annalena Nelson, Camilla Brown, Raken Tinant, Josie Shaul and Callie Kenner

 Loup County – Sierra Slagle, Alyissa Moody and Jaelynn Blackburn

In the Junior Division individually for seventh through 10^th grades, area students finishing in the top 25 percent were:

West Holt – Landri Nemetz, Atziri Sanchez, Mahlon Stine, Ryder Wettlaufer, Reese Hoffman, Lainey Skrdla, Isabella Schaaf, Payton Skrdla and Ryan Havranek

Boyd County – Juliana Cline and Miri Johnson

Valentine – Ali Weller, Bayley Burdick, Ezra Dorsey and Tylee Tinant

Loup County – Lane Moody

In the adult division, Philip Simpson of Burwell was the winner. Mike Kozeal of Sargent took third, followed by Tanner Dunbar of Loup County in fourth.

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 3 p.m. Oct. 1)

In addition to fines, each case carries $95 in court costs

Tomas A. Mejia Jr., age 19, of Kensington, Md., charged with speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, fined $125.

John K. Carlin, 62, of Huron, S.D., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

Tyler J. Richards, 37, of Oologah, Okla., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Nicholas J. Budweg, 36, of Maple Grove, Minn., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Zohaib Ali, 25, of South Richmond, N.Y., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125; also charged with displaying fictitious plates, $50; careless driving, $100.

Jolyn C. Pozehl, 20, of Long Pine, first offense driving under the influence, $500, also sentenced to six months of probation, driver’s license revoked for 60 days and ordered to install an ignition interlock device.

Asher J. Anderson, 22, of Omaha, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Juana L. Brown, 41, of Winslow, Ariz., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Cameron R. Mizner, 33, of Springview, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Maleeka K. Stoker, 28, of Omaha, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200; following too closely, $50.

Joel T. Grams, 62, of Minden, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Taylor T. Schmidt, 26, of Aberdeen, S.D., reciprocity – no trip permit, $35; failure to carry a fuel permit, $100; no UCR registration, $100.

Eric P. Wilcox, 49, of Clearwater, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Daryl F. Williams, 57, of Spokane, Wash., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Baili J. O’Neil, 32, of Denver, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Clayton Denaeyer, 32, of Valentine, city nuisance ordinance violation, $200.

Nathanael E. Johnson, 36, of Norfolk, possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, $300; possession of drug paraphernalia, $100.

Autumn Breeze A. Hock, 27, of Ainsworth, possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, $300; possession of drug paraphernalia, $100.

Kevin K. Kaiser, 68, of Ainsworth, first offense reckless driving, $500.

Zacheria D. Towning, 34, of Elkhorn, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125; no valid registration, $25.

Douglas E. Peery, 55, of Oro Valley, Ariz., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Jack F. Huber, 32, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Krikor A. Missak, 35, of Gretna, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

* New care center building information reviewed

(Posted 11 a.m. Oct. 1)

During a special meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board, the Ainsworth City Council and the Brown County Commissioners Wednesday, a consulting firm provided the results from a recently completed market analysis and feasibility study for the potential construction of a new nursing home facility.

Jeff Ahl with ArCuretecture said he worked with Henrickson Consulting and Novak Consulting to put together the comprehensive market analysis of the area and the feasibility of constructing a new facility to replace the aging Sandhills Care Center building, which was constructed in the 1960s.

Ahl had previously presented the group with estimates for renovating the current building, finding the cost to update the existing building in stages with residents and staff in the building was comparable to the cost of constructing a new facility.

“The idea then became a new building plan with 24 rooms with two potential additions, one with 12 rooms and another wing with 10 rooms,” Ahl said.

Ahl said, after looking at that concept, the group agreed the best way to potentially proceed was to include the first addition as part of the original construction and build a 36-room facility, with 10 of the rooms built for potential double-occupancy to get the facility to its licensed 46-bed capacity.

While the care center is licensed for 46 beds, the current facility limits residency to around the current population, which has been running from 30 to 34 residents.

Ahl said renovating the current facility would not solve problems related to having two residents to a room and having four residents sharing one bathroom, and the renovation work would majorly disrupt the residents and staff in an occupied facility.

“It just made sense not to put the residents at potential risk,” Ahl said.

In presenting the market analysis, Ahl said the analysis found Ainsworth was in a unique situation with the potential construction of a facility because it would be replacing a current facility that already has a substantial number of residents. He said, unlike most newly built nursing homes, the community would not be starting from scratch to build a resident base but would be moving a large number of residents into the new facility immediately.

Ahl said the market analysis showed there would be a projected growth of 16 percent in the number of citizens in the area between the ages of 75 and 84 in the next five years.

“Over the next 20 years, your percentage of the population needing these services will likely be higher,” Ahl said. “The average age of a person in a nursing home is 84. You should see reliable growth over the next 20 to 25 years.”

Ahl presented the group with the potential costs of new construction and the feasibility of the project being sustainable.

Ahl said construction of the full 36-bed facility would be $12.24 million, which included $9.3 million in construction costs, $300,000 in site preparation, $1.5 million in equipment and other soft costs, and a contingency margin of $1 million.

If the entire project was funded using debt and the facility did not receive any grant funding or private donations, the cost to finance the construction would range between $827,000 and $857,000 annually over a 30-year period.

Ahl said that would equate to a county levy of about 8 cents per $100 in value or about $81 in additional property tax for every $100,000 in property owned.

If $2 million in grant funding and private donations could be raised to support the project, the levy would drop closer to 6 cents per $100.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said there were potential grant funding sources available to assist with the project. She said grant applications would have to identify where the remainder of the funding would come from, likely through a county bond.

“Private grants could be quicker, but federal funds especially have longer wait times for approval,” Olson said.

Ahl provided the group with the next steps to keep the project moving forward. Those steps include selecting a project manager and providing plans for the building by the end of the year, selecting a site and then putting the issue before voters in a special election with the costs of construction and the bond funding required.

Ainsworth City Councilman and Sandhills Care Center Board member Kent Taylor asked Ahl what the cost would be to complete the planning stages of the project and get it to a point where it could go in front of voters.

Ahl said the typical design and schematic fee is about 7 percent of the building construction, so he estimated that cost to be between $200,000 and $300,000. Olson said the groups could potentially apply for planning grant funding to assist with that cost.

“If we can raise funds for that portion, they can still be counted as matching funds for other grant applications,” Olson said.

Care Center Board Chair Tom Jones indicated the care center did have $300,000 in certificates of deposit that could potentially assist with that cost if the decision was to move forward.

Care Center maintenance director Darrell Olson said, if the community moved forward, it would have the premier facility in the entire area. He asked Ahl, who has years of experience working with other communities, whether he believed the project would be successful.

Ahl said he relied on the information in the market analysis and feasibility study, which showed the new building project was warranted.

“I trust the consultants explicitly,” Ahl said. “I have had to recommend to some communities who have gone through this process not to move forward. That is not the case here.”

Ahl said the fact that the current care center was profitable was a definite positive that a new facility would be financially viable for the community and could potentially assist with paying off the debt.

Care Center Board member and Brown County Commissioner Dennis Bauer said his mother-in-law was on a waiting list for eight months to get in to a new facility built at Gregory, S.D., and was then denied residency to that facility because she did not require that level of care.

Jones said, if the community was to move forward with a new facility, he personally knew of six to eight residents the care center would likely gain who have chosen to reside elsewhere.

“My in-laws are in another facility because they could not live together in the same room here,” Jones said. “I keep hearing Valentine is going to open a facility. If Valentine opens a facility and we do nothing here, we will likely be closed within a year.”

The group discussed a news release that a group in Valentine had received non-profit status and was looking to potentially purchase the current Cherry Hills Estates to convert into a skilled nursing home. That release indicated the project was still years away from becoming a potential reality.

Audience member Crystal Dailey said she could only speak from her personal experience, but as a medical provider in the community she was constantly in contact with nursing homes for potential placement of patients.

City Councilman Dustin Barthel said he believed the community would not have any problem filling a new facility.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey agreed that the way the current care center was operating a new facility would likely be about filled by the time it was ready to open its doors.

“I think we should keep moving forward and put it to a vote of the people,” Dailey said.

The group discussed having the Ainsworth City Council dissolve its ownership stake in the care center so a levy vote would only be required for the entire county and not both the county and city.

Administrator Penny Jacobs said she checked with the state and if the city left the current interlocal agreement it would trigger a new licensing procedure for the facility. She said the state would essentially treat a facility solely owned and operated by Brown County as a new facility.

Audience member Graig Kinzie asked the group to check with legal counsel and see if the group’s interlocal agreement could be amended.

Instead of each entity being responsible for providing half of the resources needed for the project, Kinzie asked if the interlocal agreement could be amended by both parties to allow for a single county bond issue to be placed in front of voters for the new facility.

Voters in both the city and the county previously agreed to provide a property tax levy of $100,000 annually for five years to support the care center. While that required only a 1-cent levy from county property owners, it required close to a 10-cent additional levy from city property owners. That levy has one full year remaining in 2027, with the taxes collected in 2028.

With the cost to bond a new facility requiring a higher levy amount, it would likely not be feasible for the city to ask its voters to come up with 50 percent of the cost of financing bonds for a new facility while those property owners would also be taxed for the county’s portion of a new levy.

The city council indicated it would have its attorney review the agreement, while Olson provided the group with contact information for the Lincoln law firm that originally drafted the interlocal agreement. The care center board will pursue seeing if the interlocal agreement could be amended to have a bond question submitted solely by the county.

Should the project continue to move forward, the goal would be to put the issue to a vote of the people in the first quarter of 2027.

Bauer said the care center board would thoroughly review the market analysis and feasibility study and would potentially make a recommendation during its upcoming meeting Oct. 5 on how to proceed to the Ainsworth City Council and the Brown County Commissioners.

* Swan wins Week 4 of the KBRB Football Contest

(Posted 7:30 a.m. Oct. 1)

Week 4 of the KBRB Football Contest proved to be a difficult one for contestants with several toss-up games and upsets on the college and high school slates.

Tatum Swan of Winner, S.D., missed two of the 14 games on the Week 4 card, one on the high school side and one on the college side. That was the best of the week, earning Swan the $40 first-place certificate for Week 4.

Six contestants missed three games, which sent us to the tie-breaking score, Nebraska’s 31-13 victory over Michigan State. Henry K. Beel of Johnstown (27-20), Brett Swan of Rapid City, S.D. (24-17), Joyce Stahl of Bassett (31-24) and Jasmine Stout of Springview (24-17) each missed the final score by 11 points. Of those cards, Joyce Stahl submitted her card the earliest, which earns her the $20 second-place certificate by virtue of the second tie-breaker. Michelle Adulaju of Springview (21-10) missed three games and missed the final score by 13 points, while Kooper Delimont of Atkinson missed three games but picked the Spartans to win the tie-breaking game.

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB Studios.

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

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 3 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed. Those mailing more than one card can place them all in one envelope to save on postage costs.

* Nebraska unemployment rate steady in August

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

Nebraska’s unemployment rate for August was 2.9 percent. The rate was unchanged from July and was also the same as the August 2025 rate.

The national unemployment rate for August was 4.1 percent, unchanged from the July unemployment rate and down 0.2 percent from the August 2025 unemployment rate.

South Dakota maintained its stranglehold on the best unemployment rate in the nation in August at 2.0 percent. Its neighbor North Dakota remains in second in the country at 2.2 percent. Vermont at 2.6 percent, Hawaii at 2.7 percent and New Hampshire at 2.8 percent round out the top five. Nebraska is sixth with the only other rate in the country below 3 percent.

Brown County’s 2 percent unemployment rate in August was better than the state average. Rock County matched Brown County at 2 percent during the month.

Cherry County had the second-lowest unemployment rate in the state in August at 1.8 percent, trailing only Pierce County’s 1.7 percent August rate. Holt County was also among the state leaders in August with a jobless rate of 1.9 percent.

Boyd County’s August rate was better than the state average at 2.5 percent. Keya Paha County had the highest unemployment rate in the area in August at 3.9 percent. Blaine County was also higher than the state average at 3.6 percent.

Dawson County continues to see the highest jobless rate in the state by a wide margin at 16.4 percent following last year’s closure of the Tyson meat processing facility. Hooker County in the Sandhills had the second highest rate in the state in August at 4.8 percent.

Of the 1,005 jobs added between July and August in the state, 700 were in the health care and social assistance sector, including 358 in Omaha. The Educational services sector added another 305 jobs, with growth concentrated in Omaha and Nebraska’s nonmetropolitan areas.

“Private education and health services employment reached another all-time high in August, growing by more than 4,000 jobs over the year,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “Statewide employment in the industry reached over 177,000.”

Total non-farm employment was 1,061,019 in August, down 519 from July but up 839 from August of 2025. The largest monthly gains occurred in the private education and health services sector (up 1,005 jobs), the mining and construction sector (up 399 jobs), and the leisure and hospitality sector (up 135 jobs). 

Since August 2025, the largest gains were in the mining and construction sector (up 4,293 jobs), the private education and health services sector (up 4,005 jobs), and the leisure and hospitality sector (up 3,173 jobs).

* Ainsworth School Board receives NASB award

(Posted 12:15 p.m. Sept. 30)

The Nebraska Association of School Boards, its Board of Directors and staff, recognized 15 school boards from across the state for earning a 2026 Board Award. The school boards were recognized during nine area meetings throughout August and September.

Among the schools earning the NASB’s Board of Excellence Award is Ainsworth Community Schools and board members Brad Wilkins, Frank Beel, Jessica Pozehl, Bryan Doke, Crystal Dailey and Jake Graff.

Nebraska’s 1,700 school board members may participate in board development training throughout the year by attending workshops and conferences to help strengthen their role in governance, legislative advocacy, and stewardship of district resources in support of student achievement. In recognition of their volunteer time and commitment to education, the Association recognizes continued participation and growth in best practice governance.

Through the Awards of Achievement program, board members earn points for participation in workshops and events, as well as their district’s participation in NASB programs and services. There are 10 total levels of the program, with points carrying over year to year. Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education member Jessica Pozehl was recognized for achieving Level 7 in the program.

NASB is a private, nonprofit organization that serves the needs of board members in Nebraska public school districts and Educational Service Units.

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

* Ainsworth City Council special meeting agenda

(Posted 6:30 a.m. Sept. 30)

Ainsworth City Council
Special meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30
Held in conjunction with the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors and the Brown County Commissioners
Ainsworth Conference Center
Agenda

• Discuss and consider approval of the fiscal year end 2025-26 claims
  • Discuss and consider the results of the Sandhills Care Center market analysis and financial feasibility study in consideration of the construction of a new facility

* Commissioners approve 2026-27 budget

(Posted 1:30 p.m. Sept. 28)

During a special meeting last week, the Brown County Commissioners approved a $43.67 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year that asks property owners in the county for $4.3 million in tax.

The property tax requested includes $3.88 million to support the county’s general operations, with $301,458 in property tax to make the Meadville Avenue highway bond payments and $121,531 in voter-approved support to the Sandhills Care Center.

The $4.3 million in total property tax is up from approximately $4.2 million requested for the 2025-26 budget.

The property tax levy for the county’s general fund for the 2026-27 fiscal year amounts to 31.1 cents in tax for every $100 in property value. The county will collect 2.4 cents in levy to pay for the Meadville Avenue highway bonds and nine-tenths of 1 cent in levy to support the Sandhills Care Center.

The Brown County Rural Fire Protection District will receive 3.4 cents in levy, which amounts to $388,048 in property tax. The Brown County Agricultural Society will receive $70,000 in property tax, which amounts to about one-half of 1 cent of levy.

The county no longer has to levy property tax for the Brown County Hospital addition, as the bonds for the hospital addition have now been paid in full.

The county’s overall tax levy will decrease by about 1.5 cents per $100 in property valuation. The county will collect a total of 34.5 cents in levy per $100 in property value, down from 36 cents during the 2025-26 fiscal year. Had the county left its property tax request the same as the 2025-26 fiscal year, the total levy would have been 33.7 cents.

The total value of property in Brown County increased by $81 million from $1.16 billion to $1.24 billion. Of that increase in total value, $6.2 million was attributable to new growth. The remainder came from an increase in the valuation of existing residential, commercial and agricultural property in the county.

Under the state’s allowable growth percentage, the county could have asked for $4.43 million in property tax but created $137,412 in unused budget authority by asking for $4.3 million in tax. The county will not have to participate in a state-mandated public hearing because it did not exceed its allowable growth percentage.

Brown County spent just over $26 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year, which was up from $23.85 million spent during the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Brown County Hospital’s budget and expenditures are included in the county’s total spending. The hospital accounted for $22.15 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year, more than half of the total budget. The hospital does not receive property tax money to operate, but its annual budget is included within the county’s overall budget since it is a county-owned hospital.

The county spent $4.7 million from its general fund in 2025-26 and $2.25 million from the roads department fund. General fund spending was up slightly from the $4.64 million spent during the 2024-25 fiscal year while roads department spending was down from $2.41 million in 2024-25.

The Brown County Hospital spent $17.43 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year, up from $15.06 million spent during the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Following the public hearing, the board approved the 2026-27 budget and property tax request by a 2-0 vote with Commissioners Dennis Bauer and Jeremiah Dailey in favor and Commissioner Donnie Painter absent.

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

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 8:45 a.m. Sept. 28)

September 20

The sheriff and deputies investigated a two-vehicle accident on Highway 20 in the Long Pine hills. During the investigation, it was determined that a semi hydroplaned on the wet roadway causing it to collide with oncoming traffic. The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to check the well-being of all parties involved. The Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department provided traffic control until all vehicles and trailers involved in the accident were removed from the roadway. 

A deputy investigated a single vehicle accident in rural Brown County. The driver of the vehicle was later issued a citation on a charge of leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

September 21

A deputy conducted a welfare check on an individual in Ainsworth.

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

A driver received a written warning for speeding on Highway 20.

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

September 22

The sheriff’s office was asked to check a serial number on a boat motor due to suspicion that it may be stolen. Deputies documented the boat motor and notified the county where the boat motor came from.

The sheriff and a deputy responded to a verbal dispute between family members in Ainsworth. The sheriff and deputy provided civil standby so one of the parties could move their belongings from the residence.

September 23

A deputy investigated a report of a stolen dump trailer from Ainsworth. This is an ongoing investigation.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a carbon monoxide detector going off in an Ainsworth home.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received citations for traveling 79 mph in a posted 65 mph zone and no operator’s license.

A driver received a repair order for improper or defective vehicle lighting on Highway 20. 

The sheriff’s office was notified of a possible mental health situation but did not need assistance at this time.

September 24

The sheriff conducted a welfare check in Ainsworth.

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

The Ainsworth and Raven Volunteer Fire departments responded to a fire on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth. The sheriff and deputies provided traffic control.

The Brown County Ambulance Association provided standby service during the Ainsworth varsity football game at East City Park.

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

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

September 25

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

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

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received citations on charges of driving on the shoulder of the highway, misuse of a school permit, possession of a controlled substance (THC), minor in possession of alcohol, and possession of electronic tobacco under the age of 21. The juvenile was released to a legal guardian once the traffic stop was completed. 

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

September 26

 A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for no operator’s license and a written warning for driving on the shoulder of the highway.

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

A deputy was notified that ownership of a boat motor investigated earlier in the week was reported stolen from a neighboring county. A deputy returned to the person in Ainsworth and took possession of the boat motor and held it at the sheriff’s office until the rightful owners picked up the motor later in the day.

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

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

Deputies took a report of a hit and run accident in Ainsworth.

A warning for speeding was given to a motorist on Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth.

Two drivers received repair orders for improper or defective vehicle lighting on Highway 20.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 893
Calls for service – 28
911 emergency calls – 19
Vehicle titles inspected – 5
Firearms permits purchased – 2
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Fire Thursday south of Ainsworth destroys feed trailers

(Posted 8:45 a.m. Sept. 25)

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department was called to a report of a fire near Highway 7 south of Ainsworth Thursday afternoon.

According to Ainsworth Fire Department Assistant Chief Devin Painter, at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, three trailers full of feed caught fire while parked off Highway 7 approximately 8 miles south of Ainsworth. Painter said it appeared a propane leak on one of the trailers sparked the fire.

The Raven Volunteer Fire Department and Brown County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene. Painter said firefighters remained on site until approximately 7:30 p.m.

All three feed trailers were considered a total loss.

* Speed limit reduced in Long Pine hills

(Posted 10:45 a.m. Sept. 24)

The speed limit on Highway 20 east and west of the 9A Spur into Long Pine has been reduced to 55 mph. Another accident occurred over the weekend on the east end of the Long Pine hills involving a vehicle that hydroplaned during wet road conditions.

This is the sixth accident in the Long Pine hills area during the past year, according to Brown County Sheriff Brent Deibler, who submitted the request to the Nebraska Department of Transportation to have the speed limit through the hills reduced.

Deibler discussed the accidents and road conditions with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie. The conversation can be heard below.

* Beel submits perfect contest card

(Posted 7 a.m. Sept. 24)

Eli Beel of Johnstown turned in the second perfect card of the season to win the third week of the KBRB Football Contest. Beel picked all seven high school games and all seven college games perfectly. By submitting a perfect cart, Eli Beel wins the $40 first-place certificate for Week 3.

Five contestants missed just one game on the Week 3 card and for each the miss was Chambers/Wheeler Central’s victory over Sandhills/Thedford on the high school side.

Logan Mundorf and Kristie Mundorf of Springview, Kim Shaw of Bassett, Robert Hanzlik of Stuart and Tristen Strong of O’Neill all picked the Huskers to defeat North Dakota in the tie-breaking game. Hanzlick picked a 42-14 Husker win to miss the total by 15 points and claim the $20 second-place certificate.

Kim Shaw (52-7) and Tristen Strong (42-17) each missed the total by 18 points, followed by Logan Mundorf (52-17) at 28 points and Kristie Mundorf (63-10) at 32 points.

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB Studios or make arrangements to pick up their certificates from the KBRB sports crew on location.

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

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 3 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed. Those mailing more than one card can place them all in one envelope to save on postage costs.

* Lions Club assists with pond improvements

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Sept. 24)

The Ainsworth Lions Club met Monday.

The Activity Account had a deposit of $500 from the District 38I Assistance Fund for the Ainsworth Fishing Pond project match.  There was a withdrawal of $500 to the Brown County Treasurer to add those matching funds to the Ainsworth Fishing Pond account.

Zone D1 Chairperson Brian Martin provided the club with their copies of the Nebraska Lions Who’s Who booklets.  His purpose for attendance was to gather information about the Ainsworth Lions Club and take back any suggestions or needs to the District Governor.

The Ainsworth Lions Club received a letter and patch from Lions International for the 2025-2026 Membership Satisfaction Award.

The club received the $500 grant from the District 38I Assistance Fund as a result of the Ainsworth Lions Club donating a minimum of $1,000 to the Ainsworth Fishing Pond project.  The grant funds were turned over to the fishing pond account.  Five Lions assisted with planting trees around the fishing pond on September 9.  An invitation for the Ainsworth Fishing Pond dedication and donor recognition, luncheon, and youth fishing derby scheduled for October 3 was shared.

The club worked the admission gate for the Ainsworth High School home varsity football games on August 28 and September 11 and will provide a work crew for the September 24 and October 9 games.

The club’s Highway 20 Fall Clean-Up project is set for September 27, with a weather date of October 4.

ESU 17 health checks are underway, including vision screenings conducted by Ainsworth Lions Club members using the club’s vision machine.  Over 400 students have been screened to date, with the remaining screenings to be completed by the end of September.

The Ainsworth Child Development Center is removing the rubber mulch from their play area and donating it to the Ainsworth Lions Club.  The club is working with the city to store the mulch at the park so it is available to refill playground areas as needed.  There are two play areas at East City Park that do not have borders around the rubber mulch.  The availability of obtaining additional borders is being pursued.

The Lions Club will host meal fundraisers during two high school basketball games.  The first date will be December 4 for the games vs. Ord.  There was preliminary discussion as to the type of meal that will be served, with more planning to occur during the October and November meetings.

The announcement and presentation for the 2025-26 Ainsworth Lions Club Member of the Year was to occur at this meeting, but due to some circumstances, it was postponed to the October meeting.

The Ainsworth Lions Club’s next regular meeting will be held at noon Monday, October 19, in the Ainsworth Senior Center.

* Area again experiencing phone issues

(Posted 12:30 p.m. Sept. 23)

Three River Communications is aware of an issue affecting some landline customers’ local and long-distance calling.

Three River technicians are actively working with the necessary providers to resolve the issue. Three River apologizes for the inconvenience and the issues with the outside provider and appreciates customers’ continued patience.

A fiber line cut in Omaha is affecting the ability of landlines to receive incoming calls from numbers outside the local Three River network as well as incoming calls from cellular phones.

Anyone with questions may contact the Three River office at 866-569-2666.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 8 a.m. Sept. 22)

September 13

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth. The driver received a repair order for improper or defective vehicle lighting.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received citations for their vehicle registration being expired by more than five months and improper or defective vehicle lighting. 

A written warning was given for speeding on Highway 20.

September 14

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

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 14 mph over the posted speed limit.

A written warning was given for speeding on Highway 7.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide detector going off in an Ainsworth residence.

A written warning was given for speeding on Highway 20.

A deputy was asked by a neighboring agency to help locate a possible speeding vehicle near the Brown County and Cherry County line.

September 15

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

September 16

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

Deputies conducted a welfare check at a residence in Ainsworth.

The sheriff transported an inmate to the Brown County Jail.

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

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

A deputy responded to a report of a child riding a 4-wheeler recklessly in Ainsworth. It was learned that the parent of the child took care of the problem.

A deputy investigated an unusual call for service. It was reported by the deputy that everything was ok.

September 17

The sheriff investigated a two-vehicle accident in Ainsworth. One of the drivers involved in the accident received a citation for not having insurance.

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

A deputy attended Critical Safety Insights for Schools training at Omaha.

September 18

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 18 mph over the posted speed limit.

A deputy investigated suspicious and threatening behavior toward an employee at a business in Ainsworth. The deputy was able to locate and speak with the reported people involved.

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 11 mph over the posted speed limit.

A warning for speeding was given on Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth.

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

September 19

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

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 709
Calls for service – 14
911 emergency calls – 12
Firearms permits purchased – 3
Vehicle titles inspected – 3
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Keya Paha County FFA receives large grant

(Posted 6:30 a.m. Sept. 21)

What began with a challenge experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic has now come full circle at Keya Paha County Schools.

During the pandemic, there were times when the school faced shortages of fresh food because of food supply disruptions and the distance food-service trucks had to travel. The experience gave FFA members a firsthand look at the importance of having reliable access to fresh, locally available food.

Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Ellen Trahan challenged students to think about possible solutions. Their ideas centered on a simple concept: Students could learn to grow their own food, starting with healthy soil and seeds, harvesting it fresh, preserving what they could and ultimately using that food to help feed their community.

That idea began taking shape in spring 2024, when seventh-grade students planted and raised fruits and vegetables as part of the school’s Farm-to-School program. The garden gave students an opportunity to put their ideas into practice and led them to consider how they could process and preserve the food they grew.

The project gained momentum through grant support and has now become a fully equipped learning space for agricultural education.
Keya Paha County Schools received $101,000 in grant funding through the Nebraska FFA Foundation grant program. The funding was provided through the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s general fund, industry partner grants from CVA and FMNE, and a large project grant through Growing a Brighter Future for Nebraska FFA & Agricultural Education, funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

The completed kitchen represents more than a remodeled classroom. It is the culmination of a multi-year effort to give Keya Paha students hands-on opportunities to grow, process and preserve food while developing skills in nutrition, food safety and agriculture, as well as exploring careers in food processing.

The Agricultural Kitchen Expansion Project transformed an existing space into a functional kitchen within the school’s agricultural education classroom. The renovation included upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, flooring improvements, cabinetry, sinks, a dishwasher and kitchen appliances. The project also upgraded the stove to a gas-burning unit, allowing students to learn multiple canning and food-preservation techniques.

The project builds on a long-standing tradition within the Keya Paha FFA chapter. Each year, the chapter purchases additional Colorado peaches through its peach sale fundraiser.

Students preserve more than 40 boxes of peaches annually by freezing them for use in the school cafeteria. That experience helped demonstrate the value of preserving food for later use and became another part of the vision for the agricultural kitchen.

Students were involved throughout the remodeling process, helping move materials and equipment into a storage container purchased by the district in fall 2024. The renovation included removing a wall between the kitchen and ag classroom and adding the necessary electrical, plumbing and flooring infrastructure.

The kitchen was completed for the start of the 2025 school year, giving students the opportunity to use the new equipment to process and preserve food harvested from the school garden. The school kitchen also uses fresh produce grown in the FFA garden, helping address some of the food-access challenges students experienced during the pandemic.

The space provides a setting for students to develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills as they make decisions involving soil and plant health, recipe measurements and food preservation techniques. Students are also learning basic food preservation and meat processing as part of their agricultural education classes.

“We believe it is important for students to be inspired and educated about nutrition, how to grow your own food, and how to process food for later use,” said Trahan.

The Nebraska FFA Foundation team visited Keya Paha County Schools to see the completed kitchen firsthand and witness the impact of the investment. The visit offered a full circle moment for a project that grew from challenges experienced during the pandemic, developed through student ideas and hands-on learning, and has now become a lasting resource for agricultural education.

The project demonstrates how agricultural education can connect classroom instruction with real-world experiences—giving students the opportunity to grow, process and preserve food while learning about nutrition, agriculture and career opportunities in the food and agricultural industries.

* KBR plans power outage for Newport Sept. 24

(Posted 7 a.m. Sept. 18)

KBR Rural Public Power District has scheduled a power outage for electric customers in the village of Newport on Thursday, September 24.

The outage is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and is expected to last approximately two hours. The planned interruption of service will allow KBR Rural Public Power District crews to perform maintenance at the Newport substation. The work is necessary to maintain the reliability, safety, and proper operation of the electrical system.

Anyone with questions on the outage may contact the KBR Rural Public Power District office.

* West Holt students earn Seal of Biliteracy

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

The Nebraska Department of Education, in partnership with the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Advisory Committee, announced 247 Nebraska Seals of Biliteracy have been awarded to high school students in the August award cycle. The seal recognizes students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language.

Eight West Holt High School students received a Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. Those students are Aleigha Ogden, Berkleigh Dvorak, Daleni Knust, Kayli Monasterio, Morgan Mitchell, Peyton Olberding, Morgan Schaaf and Taylor Schaaf.

The Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy celebrates students who have developed this valuable 21st century skill, with proficiency verified through assessments aligned to the Nebraska World Language Standards. The standards emphasize communication, cultures, connections, communities and cognition in a language other than English.

* KBRB Week 2 contest proved more difficult

(Posted 7 a.m. Sept. 17)

Week 2 of the KBRB Football Contest proved to be much more difficult for our area prognosticators. After a perfect card was submitted during Week 1 and numerous contestants missed just one game, the best cards submitted during Week 2 missed three games.

Numerous games on the college slate tripped up the contestants in Week 2, including Michigan’s win over Oklahoma and losses by Big 10 powers Oregon and Ohio State.

Kristie Mundorf of Springview and Kooper Delimont and Brady Delimont of Atkinson missed three games, all on the college side, which sent us to Nebraska’a 56-7 domination of Bowling Green for the tie-break score.

All three contestants correctly picked the Huskers to win. Kristie Mundorf picked a 63-17 final, missing the total by 17 points. That won her the $40 first-place certificate for the week. Kooper Delimont picked a 42-17 final, missing the total by 24 points to earn the $20 second-place certificate. Brady Delimont’s 34-14 prediction missed the total by 29 points.

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB studios.

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

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 3 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed. Those mailing more than one card can place them all in one envelop to save on postage costs.

* School officials discuss budget process

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

Ainsworth Community Schools Superintendent Dale Hafer and School Board member Frank Beel discussed with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie the process the district utilizes to create its annual budget and property tax request. The conversation can be heard below.

* Game & Parks plans fall trout stockings

(Posted 2:30 p.m. Sept. 16)

Fall stockings of rainbow trout into ponds and lakes across Nebraska are beginning.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission fish hatcheries staff are releasing 12-inch trout to enhance fishing opportunities this fall.

“This popular program emphasizes our urban and community waters statewide,” said Daryl Bauer, Game and Parks’ fisheries outreach program manager. “We encourage anglers to get out and enjoy the weather and harvest a few trout.”

Those just getting into fishing, are encouraged to read Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at OutdoorNebraska.gov. There, they also can find additional information on fishing or buy a fishing permit.

The following is a schedule for trout set to be stocked, including quantities. Dates can change because of weather or unforeseen circumstances:

Week of Sept. 28

Ainsworth Community Pond, Ainsworth, 250

Keller Park State Recreation Area Pond No. 4, Long Pine, 200

Keller Park SRA Pond No. 5, Long Pine, 250

Week of Oct. 19

Gracie Creek Pond, Burwell, 1,000

Week of Oct. 26

Bessey Pond, Halsey, 250

* Commissioners approve office lease agreement

(Posted 11:15 a.m. Sept. 16)

During a light agenda Tuesday, the Brown County Commissioners approved a lease agreement for office space with Reagan Wiebelhaus, who will most likely be the next county attorney.

Wiebelhaus said he plans to purchase the building on Main Street occupied by current County Attorney Andy Taylor.

The commissioners had an agreement in place with Taylor for office space at the same location.

Wiebelhaus said the agreement he put together would span his potential four-year term in office, and would stair-step down in price each year.

The first year of the agreement would see the county provide Wiebelhaus with $1,000 per month plus $100 per month to assist with utilities. The contract would decrease by $100 per month each subsequent year.

Wiebelhaus told the commissioners he hoped to generate enough business from his private law practice to pick up the remainder of the mortgage payment. He said he would move forward with finalizing the purchase of the building if the commissioners were ok with the agreement.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said he was happy to see the decrease in cost each year for the county.

“I don’t know what I was thinking when I voted in favor of that,” Bauer said of approving the previous lease agreement with Taylor. “I made a mistake voting for that.”

That agreement passed by a 2-1 margin at the time with Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey voting against.

Bauer asked Wiebelhaus if he planned to keep standard office hours in the county attorney’s office.

“I think the office needs to be open from 8 to 5 just like the other county offices,” Bauer said.

Wiebelhaus said, while there may be a few exceptions, his plan was to keep standard office hours at the office on Main Street and would try to keep the current staff in place.

Dailey said he was not in favor of the county attorney’s office moving out of the courthouse.

“I appreciate some of the expenses being incurred by your private practice,” Dailey said.

The board unanimously approved the agreement as presented. It would take effect in January 2027.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners approved the purchase of a shredder for the courthouse from Office Products Center of Winner, S.D., to replace the current courthouse shredder.

Clerk Travee Hobbs said the current shredder was 17 years old and the oil pump was failing. The new shredder costs $7,200.

Following an executive session to conduct performance evaluations, the commissioners approved a wage increase of $1.45 per hour for roads department employees Austin Cook and Nakoa Fletcher.

During his report, Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said Midwest Coatings had completed armor coating work on the west half of the Elsmere Road as well as portions of 432^nd and 433^rd avenues.

“I thought they did a good job,” Turpin said. “It does protect the surface. It really helps areas where we have sealed cracks. I think it is one of the reasons our oil roads have held up as well as they have.”

The highway superintendent said he planned to armor coat a stretch of Moon Lake Avenue as well as Norden Avenue and the Airport Road next year.

Bauer said he believed the armor coating was a good investment to maintain the quality of the county’s asphalt roads.

Turpin said he did not have any major equipment purchases planned for the next year, but he did ask the board for permission to look at quotes for a packer that could be pulled by existing county equipment.

“I think a packer would extend the life of our maintenance work,” Turpin said. “It would pack things down way better than relying on traffic to pack it down.”

He said a packer would likely cost between $40,000 and $60,000 and there were now several companies who manufactured the equipment.

The commissioners discussed excess bricks from the sheriff’s department building renovation project. Sheriff Brent Deibler said the bricks were specially ordered to match the building. He said he planned to transport the bricks to a roads shop to store them for future use.

“You don’t want to get rid of them,” Deibler said.

The commissioners discussed a quote from Applied Connective for a battery backup system for the courthouse computer network.

Dispatcher Vincent Lanas said the server that runs the voice over internet telephone system is currently in the courthouse, which does not have a backup generator. Lanas said the best thing to do would be to move that server to the sheriff’s department building, which is equipped with a generator, so the phone system would still work in the event of a power outage.

The board tabled the item to determine the cost of relocating the server.

Bauer reported the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission planned to stock rainbow trout in the community fishing pond Oct. 2. He said the Elks Youth Fishing Derby that was postponed due to rain in June would be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 3, with a meal for the community served at noon followed by the pond’s dedication and recognition of contributors at 12:30 p.m. ahead of the youth derby.

The next regular meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Oct. 6. The commissioners will meet for a special session at 5 p.m. Sept. 30 with the Ainsworth City Council and the Sandhills Care Center Board to review the market analysis and feasibility study for the potential construction of a new nursing home.

* Sandhills Care Center completes annual survey

(Posted 11 a.m. Sept. 15)

Administrator Penny Jacobs told the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors Monday the annual survey of the facility had recently been completed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal.

Jacobs said the care center did not receive any serious deficiencies, and the few items that were noted on the health side and the life safety side have been addressed through a plan of correction.

“They really had to dig to find anything,” Jacobs said. “There was nothing earth-shattering in any of those.”

She said the facility should move up from a three-star rating to a four-star rating following the survey.

The board set a special meeting for 5 p.m. Sept. 30 to meet with the Ainsworth City Council and the Brown County Commissioners regarding results of the market analysis and feasibility study as the groups look at the potential construction of a new facility to replace the 1962 building.

Jacobs said she would like to find a company that could help determine the process needed for the care center to move from an entity jointly owned by Brown County and the city of Ainsworth to a facility solely owned by the county.

“I want to make sure we don’t lose our certificate of need,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs reported there are currently 34 residents calling the Sandhills Care Center home. Of those, 13 are from Ainsworth, 12 are from Cherry County, five are from rural Brown County, two are from Keya Paha County, and there is one resident each from Long Pine and Rock County.

Of the current residents, 13 pay privately, 17 receive Medicaid assistance, two receive hospice care and two receive Medicare assistance.

Jacobs said the care center admitted six new residents during the past month. Four residents were discharged during the past month back to their communities.

She said the facility hired two full-time dietary aides during the past month and had two students signed up to take the upcoming certified nursing assistant class.

Jacobs said the facility is in need of nursing staff, as all of the current registered nurses are agency staff.

Bruce Papstein asked about the per-hour cost of agency staffing with the facility spending more than $50,000 on agency nursing in the past month. Jacobs said the care center pays agencies $77 per hour for nursing staff. While that figure seems high, she said by the time the care center pays for the employer’s share of payroll taxes and pays for benefits, the $52 per hour the care center offers in-house nursing staff is pretty similar.

Jacobs said the care center used a company to place a foreign-born nurse in the care center. The nurse will be an in-house staff member and will be contracted for three years. She said two CNAs are on a similar track. She said the company works with those staff members to gain their citizenship while they are working.

Business manager Makenzie Crane said, “The one CNA we have from that program is fabulous. If I could clone her, I would.”

She said nurses can make more working through an agency and then also receive per diem, which is why many choose to go through an agency instead of becoming in-house employees for nursing home facilities.

Crane reported, during August, the care center generated $341,375 in revenue with expenses of $275,024 for an operating margin during the month of $66,350. The facility received an additional $5,355 from the voter approved property tax levy during the month.

The special meeting of the Sandhills Center Board, the Ainsworth City Council and the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Ainsworth Conference Center to go over the results of the market analysis and feasibility study.

The next regular meeting of the Care Center Board was moved up a week to 5 p.m. Oct. 5 due to Jacobs traveling to Massachusetts Oct. 12 to accept an award the facility received.

* Concession stand grants available through NCDHD

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

The North Central District Health Department has launched the Healthy Concession Stand Mini Grant, a new funding opportunity to help area schools offer healthier snacks and beverages at their concession stands. Schools can apply for up to $1,000 in equipment funding, $350 in project support, or both. This is open to all schools in Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Pierce and Rock counties in Nebraska.  Applications are due September 30.

Concession stands used to be a place for an occasional treat. Today, many school sporting events and community gatherings last all day or even multiple days, and the concession stand is often where families eat their main meals. This grant helps schools meet that shift by making healthier choices more available to everyone in attendance.

“This isn’t about taking away the traditional concession stand experience,” said Heidi Kuklis, Health Director at NCDHD. “It’s about making sure that families, student athletes, and the elderly grandparents and neighbors who come out to support them all have at least a few genuinely healthy options available, no matter how long they’re at the event.”

The initiative is designed to serve everyone who spends time at a concession stand, including:

• General attendees and community members, who deserve healthier options alongside traditional favorites, regardless of health background or dietary needs.
• Student athletes, who benefit from better fueling choices that support performance, recovery, and focus.
• Elderly family members and attendees managing chronic illness, who need healthy options they can actually use.

NCDHD is encouraging community members to reach out to their local schools and ask them to apply. Community members who want to support this effort are encouraged to:

• Contact their school’s administration, athletic director, or concession stand coordinator to ask whether they plan to apply.
• Share this press release or the grant details with school board members, booster clubs, or parent-teacher organizations.
• Volunteer to help a local concession stand identify healthy options or apply for the grant, if the school needs extra hands.

Applications are due to Jennifer at NCDHD by September 30. Schools with questions can email Jennifer Booker at jennifer@ncdhd.ne.gov or contact NCDHD directly.

* School Board asks for $5.94 million in tax for 2026-27

(Posted 7 a.m. Sept. 15)

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education approved a $13.37 million budget Monday following a public hearing that asks property owners in the district for $5.94 million in tax.

The budget includes $5.73 million in property tax to support the general fund and $202,020 for the district’s special building fund.

“Overall, the budget is about a 1 percent increase,” Superintendent Dale Hafer said. “It is not a whole lot different. About 76 percent of what we spent last year was on our staff.”

The total property tax levy to support the district will decrease from 51.1 cents per $100 in valuation to 48.8 cents. The total includes 47.1 cents in levy to support the general fund and 1.6 cents to support the special building fund.

With total valuation in the district increasing by 7 percent from $1.13 billion to $1.21 billion, the district’s levy would have been 47.7 cents if the district had asked for the same $5.80 million in tax as it did during the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The $5.94 million in property tax requested for the 2026-27 fiscal year is approximately $131,000 more than was requested for the 2025-26 year.

“The board had several options, and settled on a 2.2 percent increase in property tax,” Hafer said. “That makes up the difference in expenses we know are going to increase. Strategically, we have looked at trying to go up incrementally instead of taking big jumps. We want to be transparent and only budget for what we need.”

While the district approved a $13.37 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, actual expenditures will likely come in well below that total.

The district actually spent $9.86 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year, a year in which the district budgeted $13.25 million. Actual expenditures were up only about $21,000 from the $9.84 million spent during the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The district has just $202,100 in bonded debt, with $200,000 in principal and $2,100 in interest.

With $6.2 million in new growth value from the $1.13 billion total value of property in 2025 and a 2 percent allowable growth rate, the school district could have asked for $5.95 million in property tax and stayed within the allowable growth rate.

The $5.94 million tax asking was within the district’s allowable growth percentage, so the board will not be required to send postcards and attend a joint public hearing on property tax expenditures.

The district is scheduled to receive $586,696 in student aid for the 2026-27 year. The school receives nothing in state equalization aid funding.

Hafer said, when the state began providing the $1,500 per pupil state aid, the district reduced its property tax ask by nearly the same amount.

“Then another more than $300,000 in property tax went away when the ag building payment sunset,” the superintendent said. “When we had the ability to give a break to the taxpayers, we did.”

Hafer said the $5.94 million in property tax requested for the 2026-27 school year is well below the $6.6 million in tax that was requested during the 2019-20 school year.

Hafer said one of the board’s major concerns is the state reducing the per pupil aid or the special education reimbursement that is currently provided to districts with the state facing a substantial budget shortfall.

“If they peel back the state aid, it will look like we are asking patrons for a lot more than we have been,” Hafer said. “The per pupil aid and the SPED reimbursement are the two big things we are waiting on along with the property tax credit.”

Board President Brad Wilkins said, four years ago, the state told districts the education future funding would be safe for 10 years.

“It doesn’t look as safe today,” Wilkins said. “Our budget increase over the past several years has been below the (Consumer Price Index). As much as we hear about schools not tightening their belts, all we are doing is keeping up with inflation. We put together conservative budgets.”

Hafer said, with the proposed budget, the school district has $1.5 million of unused budget authority.

“That doesn’t affect the tax ask, but we aren’t giving our taxing authority away to Lincoln,” the superintendent said. “We look at our current needs while also looking down the road. You do have the ability to increase if something unexpected comes up. We have room to grow if you and the patrons decide to, it is not dictated to us by Lincoln. We have held the line being conservative with our budgets.”

Following the public hearings, the board approved the 2026-27 district budget and property tax request as presented.

In other business Monday, the board approved using its special building fund to replace a heating and air-conditioning unit in the school’s high school choir room. Hafer said the current HVAC unit is decades old. Instead of spending $12,000 to $13,000 to repair it, a new unit would cost the district around $25,000.

Board member Bryan Doke said replacing the choir room unit could be a test run for future needs.

Hafer said there were 16 similar units in that part of the building. He said, with the efficiency of models today, the number of units needed to heat and cool that portion of the building could likely be cut in half.

“This will give us a good idea of where we are headed,” the superintendent said.

Wilkins said, “It is better to put one in and see if it works instead of putting 15 in and finding out they don’t.”

The board also approved the scope of work for replacing the roof of the elementary school building in four different sections. Guarantee Roofing provided the district with quotes on each section, which range in price from $129,000 to $135,000.

Board member Jake Graff said it wouldn’t be possible to do the entire elementary roof during one summer, but approving the entire project now would lock in the cost of materials.

“Otherwise, materials could go up 8 percent to 12 percent,” Graff said.

Board member Jessica Pozehl said working on the roof in sections was a great way to put the project together.

Hafer said the district would likely start next summer by replacing one or two sections of the elementary roof. He said the district approved sealing work about five years ago on that portion of the building, which bought the board some additional time.

“We have been preparing for this,” Hafer said. “There will be a 20-year warranty on the new roof.”

The board approved the scope of the work and will use the special building fund to pay for replacing the roof in sections.

The board also approved using the special building fund to pay for the already completed fine arts roof seam repair project. While the $56,472 project had already been approved and the work completed, Hafer said Monday’s action specified that the invoice for the project be paid through the district’s special building fund.

In the only other action items Monday, the board approved the review of a portion of the school policy handbook and approved the district assessment plan for the 2026-27 school year.

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

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 3 p.m. Sept. 14)

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

Roll Call. 

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law. 

Opening Prayer. 

Pledge of Allegiance. 

Approve minutes of the 9-1-2026 regular meeting.

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update 

Applied Connective backup battery quote

Rolling Stone – Bridge Widening – Painter

Extra bricks from Sheriff Office

Replacement of the Courthouse Shredder – Clerk

Job Performance evaluation for Austin Cook & Nakoa Fletcher and recommended pay raises – Turpin

Approval of Office Space lease between Brown County and Reagan Wiebelhaus – Wiebelhaus

Approve Claims 

Correspondence  

Public Comment 

ADJOURN 

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:30 a.m. Sept. 14)

September 6

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. During the traffic stop the driver was placed under arrest on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and also cited for traveling 10 mph over the posted speed limit, refusal of a pretest and refusal of the data master.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a person lying next to the roadway possibly unconscious. A deputy spoke with the reported person and asked him to move off the roadway. The person involved said they were just looking at the stars.

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

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 19 mph over the posted speed limit.

The Brown County Ambulance Association provided standby service during the Brown County Fair rodeo.

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

A deputy was on foot patrol during the Brown County Fair.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a warning for not having their lights all the way on after dark.

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

A deputy received a report of an abandoned vehicle in rural Brown County.

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

September 7

The Brown County Ambulance Association provided standby service during the Brown County Fair rodeo.

Fire departments in Brown County took part in the Brown County Fair Parade.

September 8

A deputy provided civil standby at a residence in Ainsworth.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a vehicle that was stuck in a ditch. The sheriff and a deputy responded. The vehicle was pulled out of the ditch by other employees.

A deputy investigated a report of luggage that was previously on fire near the airport ponds.

A deputy provided assistance to a motorist on Highway 7 after the motorist ran out of fuel south of Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7 south of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 16 mph over the posted speed limit.

September 9^t

The Brown County Ambulance Association assisted the Brown County Hospital with transferring two patients.

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

September 10

The sheriff responded to a mental health issue near Ainsworth.

The sheriff and a deputy came across a broken-down vehicle next to the roadway near the Long Pine State Park. It was discovered that the license plates on the vehicle were more than 10 years old and did not belong to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed.

September 11

A deputy helped the city of Ainsworth with traffic control for the homecoming parade on Main Street in Ainsworth.

The Brown County Ambulance Association provided standby service during the homecoming football game.

Deputies were requested to administer breath tests before the homecoming dance in Ainsworth.

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

A deputy was requested to conduct a welfare check of an elderly individual in Ainsworth. The individual was found to be ok.

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

September 12

A deputy along with a Keya Paha County deputy provided traffic control for cattle crossing Highway 7 near the Brown County and Keya Paha County line.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 31 mph over the posted speed limit.

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

A deputy investigated reports of harassment in Ainsworth.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 875
Calls for service – 27
911 emergency calls – 6
Vehicle titles inspected – 6
Firearms permits purchased – 1
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Fiber line cut affecting landline phone service

(Posted 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11)

A fiber line that was cut in Omaha is affecting landline telephone service across a large portion of northern Nebraska. According to Three River President Brian Delimont, Lumen is aware of the damage but there is no current estimate on when the line will be repaired and service restored.

Three River landlines will work when calling another Three River landline, but calls from cell phones or from outside the Three River Network will not connect to a landline at the present time.

Due to the landline issue, KBRB will not be able to broadcast the West Holt football game at Wakefield tonight. We apologize for not being able to carry the game.

* Council approves new throwing ring at park

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

The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday, in addition to approving the 2026-27 fiscal year budget (see separate story below), approved allowing Ainsworth Community Schools to use a portion of East City Park south of the track for a shot put and discus ring.

Ainsworth High School track and field coach Jake Nelson presented the council with a plan for the layout of the shot and discus ring. He said the ring would be tucked into the southeast corner of the open field south of the track.

“We changed the layout a little from last year,” Nelson said. “This provides more space for throwing and doesn’t take up any parking space. That field could still be used for other purposes.”

Councilman Kent Taylor said the old T-ball field in that area has not been used in several years, and the area is not being utilized.

Councilman Brad Fiala said it would be nice to get some grass put back in that area.

Nelson said the plan would be to try and clean up the sandburs and plant grass.

“The middle school and high school could then both throw at practice and we can adjust to the wind during meets,” Nelson said. “The shot and discus rings would also be closer to the track.”

Mayor Joel Klammer asked if the school board was on board with the project. Nelson said the board and administration were aware of the planned changes and approved. He said the Booster Club would help with the cost of the initial setup.

The council unanimously approved the proposal.

In other business Wednesday, the council approved a recommendation from the Ainsworth Betterment Committee to provide the Ainsworth Senior Center with up to $15,000 to replace the heating and air-conditioning system in the original portion of the facility.

Mike Rudnick provided the council with a quote of $11,104 for the heating and air-conditioning system, with an additional $450 in electrical work for a total project cost of $11,554.

Taylor asked how old the previous unit was that went out. Rudnick said the unit was the original from 1981 when the center was constructed.

Klammer said the senior center was a valuable part of the community.

“We need to help keep it maintained,” the mayor said.

He said the ABC Committee unanimously recommended the project be approved.

Following public hearings, the council approved two Class C liquor license requests for businesses on Main Street. Stella’s Floral and Sweets at 159 N. Main and Rat Enterprise LLC doing business as The (402) Bar both applied for and were approved by the council for Class C licenses.

The council also approved a special designated liquor license request submitted by the Ainsworth Golf Course to serve alcohol during the Sandhills Chapter Pheasants Forever banquet Nov. 6.

The council approved two requests from the Ainsworth Commercial Club, one to close down a portion of Third Street in front of the Ainsworth Fire Hall between Walnut Street and Main Street for the annual Hocus Pocus event Oct. 17 and the other to allow the club to discharge fireworks during a Christmas Search Light event Dec. 19 with an alternate date of Dec. 20 if weather conditions are adverse.

The council approved two zoning related items Wednesday. Acting as the Board of Adjustment, the council following a public hearing approved a variance request submitted by Graig and Stephanie Kinzie to allow for a garage to be constructed inside 10 feet of the property line.

Graig Kinzie said they planned to purchase a small parcel from the neighboring property owner to allow for room for the project. However, a tree line would only allow for the garage to be constructed with 7 feet of setback from the property line instead of 10 feet.

This was the first time for the City Council acted as the Board of Adjustment after state statute allowed council members to serve in that capacity instead of having a separate board make a recommendation to the council.

Schroedl said the variance request was not unusual. She said, in the past, the Board of Adjustment would consider the opinion of affected neighboring property owners. In this instance, a letter was provided from the only neighboring property owner stating he did not object to the request.

The council approved the variance following the hearing.

The council also approved an administrative subdivision request for an irregular tract of land in the southeast quarter of Section 23, Township 30 North, Range 22 West. The request would sub-divide one current tract into two parcels. Schroedl said the council had approved similar requests in the past.

The council approved declaring 316 E. First St. as a nuisance property. Code enforcement officer Kelsie Evans said the property had a long-documented history of code violations. She said she provided the property owner with multiple opportunities and ample time to remedy the issues.

“It is a nuisance to the neighborhood,” Evans said.

Klammer said the city has invested a lot of time and effort to get nuisance properties cleaned up.

“By the time these get here, they have had a lot of chances,” the mayor said.

Fiala said he believed the council needed to take a tough stance on nuisance properties when the owners refuse to take action to remedy the issues.

“Kelsie is doing a lot of work on these,” Fiala said. “

In a final agenda item Wednesday, the council declined an offer from Tower Alliance to amend the lease on a tower owned by the city. Both Fiala and Councilman Dustin Barthel said they believed the city needed to leave the terms of the current agreement in place.

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

* Area students selected for UN-L Honor Program

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

A record 830 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have been selected to join the University Honors Program this fall — a 12% increase from the previous record class in 2025. 

To be admitted to the Honors Program, students must demonstrate a record of academic excellence, outstanding leadership and involvement in prior activities, and significant contributions to their community. 

“These students have shown the potential to achieve at a high level, both academically and in the broader community,” said Tamy Burnett, director of operations for the Honors Program. “We welcome this incredible group of students as they begin their Honors journey, and we are excited to see where their future takes them.”

Area students selected for the UN-L Honors Program are:

Bassett

Trey Anthony, College of Business

Carter Buell, College of Business

Stuart

Maddux Alder, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts

Atkinson

Monica Chavez, College of Arts and Sciences

Alex Gotschall, College of Engineering

Lucas Griess, College of Business

Ava Hoffman, College of Arts and Sciences

* Council approves 2026-27 budget Wednesday

(Posted 7 a.m. Sept. 10)

Following a public hearing Wednesday, the Ainsworth City Council adopted a $6.42 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The approved budget asks property owners in the city for $576,135 in tax to support the general fund and another $101,010 in tax for voter-approved support to the Sandhills Care Center.

The total levy between the general fund and the care center funding is 52.8 cents per $100 in property value.

The city could have asked for $689,452 without exceeding its allowable growth percentage and triggering attendance at a required joint public hearing. The city will not be required to send pink postcard notices to property owners, nor will the council have to participate in the joint public hearing.

The $677,145 in property taxes requested by the city creates $23,792 in unused tax authority.

The general fund levy for the 2026-27 fiscal year is 45 cents, equal to the prior year, while the city will levy 7.8 cents to provide $101,000 to the Sandhills Care Center.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the council opted to levy only enough property tax to get to the $100,000 commitment instead of levying the full 10 cents in tax.

Voters approved up to 10 cents in levy to support the care center. The 2026-27 fiscal year will be the fourth year of a five-year voter-approved commitment.

The total property tax levy of 52.8 cents per $100 in valuation is up from 52.2 cents for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Had the city left the amount of tax the same, the levy for 2026-27 would have been 52.3 cents.

The total value of all classes of property inside the city limits increased by 1.03 percent to $128.03 million, up from $126.39 million.

Schroedl said, while the levy rate remains the same as the previous year, the increase in total valuation allowed the city to collect an additional $7,300 in property tax from the prior year.

“The budget is pretty status quo this year,” Schroedl said.

She said the city did include the replacement of asphalt on Meadville Avenue in its 2026-27 budget, but plans to use the $534,000 in reimbursement the city finally received from FEMA from the 2019 flood damage to pay for the cost of the renovation of Meadville Avenue.

“We plan to recycle those funds back into that project,” Schroedl said. “The NDOT is working on Highway 20 from Ainsworth to Johnstown in 2027 and will have an asphalt plant here, so we will try to save some money and piggyback off their project.”

The city administrator said there were no other major capital improvement projects in the 2026-27 budget.

She thanked all the partners who helped with the pickleball and basketball court project at East City Park, which was completed during the 2025-26 budget. Schroedl said the city had to spend less than $3,000 on the more than $170,000 project.

“Very little tax dollars went into that project,” the city administrator said.

The city carries $1.8 million in bonded debt across all departments. That debt includes $1.43 million in principal and $366,958 in interest obligations.

The city spent substantially less during the 2025-26 fiscal year than it did during the 2024-25 fiscal year, which contained the bulk of the Main Street renovation project. The city spent $6.22 million during the 2024-25 fiscal year, including more than $2.35 million from its water and wastewater departments. An additional $1.22 million in expenditures for streets improvements also fell during 2024-25 as part of the Main Street project not covered by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Total disbursements shrank to $3.36 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with total disbursements from the water and wastewater departments under $1 million. Total streets disbursements dropped to $435,588.

The city budgeted for $6.21 million in disbursements for the 2026-27 fiscal year, though actual expenditures will likely come in substantially below that total. The budget requires the city to include disbursement of all its available proprietary funding.

For example, the city budgeted to spend $5.83 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year but actually spent $3.36 million.

Mayor Joel Klammer said the budget is just spending authority, and the city never plans to spend all of the money it includes in a budget.

“You learn more by looking back at the previous years’ expenditures,” Klammer said.

The city plans to carry a cash reserve through all its departments and proprietary funds of $4.44 million.

Schroedl said the city tries to hold the levy rate the same each year, even with inflation raising costs and insurance premiums increasing.

Following the public hearings Wednesday, the council approved the 2026-27 budget and property tax request.

KBRB will have more information from the Ainsworth City Council meeting on its Friday newscast.

* Contest sees perfect card during first week

(Posted 3 p.m. Sept. 9)

Richard Pirnie of Ainsworth picked all 14 games correctly to win the $40 first-place certificate during the opening week of the KBRB Football Contest.

Pirnie picked all seven high school games and all seven college games perfectly during the opening week of the contest. He finished one game better than seven other contestants who missed just one game on the Week 1 card.

Brett Swan of Rapid City, S.D., Crystal Stout of Springview, Brady Delimont of Atkinson, and Erin Allen, Tony Allen, Larry Burkheimer and Delbert Smith all of Ainsworth missed just a single game, which sent us to Nebraska’s 49-21 victory over Ohio in the tie-breaking game.

Tony Allen picked the Huskers to win, 42-20, missing the final by just eight total points to capture the $20 second-place certificate for Week 1. Brett Swan (31-21), Brady Delimont (35-17), Erin Allen (35-17), Crystal Stout (42-10) and Larry Burkheimer (38-14) each missed the score by 18 total points, while Delbert Smith (38-10) missed the total by 21.

Winners may pick up their certificates from the KBRB Studios. Week 2 KBRB Football Contest cards are available now from Speedee Mart in Ainsworth and Atkinson, Buckles Automotive in Ainsworth, the West Plains Bank in Springview, the Sandhills Lounge in Long Pine, Circle B Livestock in Bassett, the Cast Iron Bar & Grill in Stuart, and from the Tri County Bank branches at Bassett, Stuart and Atkinson.

Cards must be returned to the KBRB Studios by 3 p.m. Thursday or carry a Thursday postmark if mailed. Those mailing more than one card can place them all in one envelop to save on postage costs.

* Group receives grant for weed spraying work

(Posted 12:45 p.m. Sept. 8)

The Sandhills Weed Management Area was awarded $516,450 through a Nebraska Environmental Trust Grant for a variety of projects over a three-year period. Part of the grant is to use a helicopter to survey and spray river systems in the region for phragmites, purple loosestrife, yellow flag iris and other invasive species. A total of $110,000 was awarded for 2026 and another $90,000 for 2027 for that work.

The Sandhills Weed Management Area is comprised of 19 counties: Boyd, Blaine, Boone, Brown, Cherry, Custer, Garfield, Grant, Greeley, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Nance, Thomas, Valley and Wheeler counties.

Planned projects include:

Calamus River – Surveying and spraying will start at the Cherry County and Brown County line, continue through Loup County, go around the Calamus Reservoir, and end in Garfield County to where it enters the North Loup River.

North Loup River – Surveying and spraying will start at Purdum in the northeast corner of Blaine County, continue through Loup County, the southeast corner of Garfield County, Valley County, and end in the southeast corner of Greeley County at the Howard County line.

Middle Loup River – Surveying and spraying will start at Seneca by the Hooker County and Thomas County line, continue through Blaine County, Custer County, the southwest corner of Valley County and end just south of Arcadia at the Sherman County line.

South Loup River – Surveying and spraying will start just west of Arnold in Custer County and end in the southeast corner of Custer County at the Buffalo County line at Highway 183.

Cedar River – Surveying and spraying will start at the Garfield County and Wheeler County line, include Lake Erickson, continue through the northeast corner of Greeley County, the southwest corner of Boone County, and end at the Nance County line.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

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

August 30

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

A deputy responded to a disturbance in Ainsworth. The suspected person was arrested on charges of terroristic threats, protection order violation, and disturbing the peace.

August 31

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

A deputy removed a dead deer out of the middle of the road on Highway 20.

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

September 1

The sheriff’s office investigated a report of possible trespassing and a family pet that had been killed on their property. This is an ongoing investigation.

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

The sheriff’s office received a report of a borrowed trailer that had not been returned to the owner. Later in the day trailer was returned.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a written warning for speeding and a repair order for an expired registration.

A deputy investigated a two-vehicle accident on Main Street in Ainsworth. The Brown County Ambulance Association assisted by checking the drivers of the vehicle.

A deputy helped a gas station in Ainsworth by notifying a person that they had forgotten to pay for their fuel.

September 2

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

September 3

The sheriff’s office received a report that the night before in western rural Brown County that a vehicle was driving on Highway 20 shooting a firearm out of the windows. This is an ongoing investigation. 

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a citation for driving 16 mph over the posted speed limit.

A deputy responded to East City Park in Ainsworth for a mental health issue. The person was later placed into Emergency Protective Custody.

September 4

A deputy spoke to a person at East City Park in Ainsworth after a report of suspicious behavior.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for driving 18 mph over the posted speed limit.

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

A deputy received a request to conduct a welfare check on a person in Ainsworth. After speaking with the person, the Brown County Ambulance Association responded to check the person’s well-being.

September 5

A Brown County inmate was transferred out of Brown County Jail and is being housed in another jail after the inmate vandalized jail property. The inmate will receive additional charges for criminal mischief related to the damaged jail property.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for driving 19 mph over the posted speed limit.

The Brown County Ambulance Association provided standby service during the Brown County Fair rodeo.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 800
Calls for service – 17
911 emergency calls – 6
Vehicle titles inspected – 6

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 3 p.m. Sept. 3)

In addition to fines, each case carries $95 in court costs

Todd G. Weinrich, age 56, of Crofton, charged with speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, fined $125.

Mason P. Sudbeck, 34, of Norfolk, commercial vehicle marking violation, $50; also charged with two brake violations, $50 for each count; overweight on capacity plates, $100.

Edward W. Mader, 57, of Annandale, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Clarence G. Leach, 71, of Ainsworth, dangerous dog, $100 and ordered to pay $275 in restitution.

Alexander B. Weber, 38, of Grand Forks, N.D., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Shane A. Swanson, 31, of Long Pine, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Jeffrey M. Shapiro, 75, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Mark W. Ashton, 64, of Colorado Springs, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Alice R. Guhl, 49, of Northglenn, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Graham F. Jordan, 33, of Austin, Texas, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Nicholas J. Haselhorst, 40, of Hartington, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Lilly A. Irvine, 26, of Clarkfield, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Joelle R. Rofrano, 41, of Arvada, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Ryan A. Roggasch, 36, of Bassett, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125; no registration in vehicle, $25.

Jackson G. Irwin, 20, of Ainsworth, possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50; possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, $300; possession of drug paraphernalia, $100; minor in possession of alcohol, $300.

Scarlett A. Pedersen, 20, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Mark D. Liu, 72, of Westminster, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Forest J. Ortiz, 40, of Sinclair, Wyo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Wilson P. Roberts, 34, of Denver, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

* Construction sector adding jobs in Nebraska

(Posted 9 a.m. Sept. 2)

Nebraska’s preliminary unemployment rate for July is 2.9 percent. The rate is unchanged from the June unemployment rate and is equal to the July 2025 rate.

The national unemployment rate for July is 4.1 percent, down 0.1 percent from the June unemployment rate and down 0.2 percent from the July 2025 unemployment rate.

Nebraska had the sixth-lowest unemployment rate in the nation in July. South Dakota continues to lead the country with a 2.0 percent unemployment rate in July. North Dakota is second at 2.2 percent, followed by Vermont at 2.6 percent, Hawaii at 2.7 percent, New Hampshire at 2.8 percent and Nebraska.

Oregon and Connecticut shared the highest unemployment rate in the U.S. in July at 5.2 percent. California at 5.1 percent, and Washington and Nevada at 5.0 percent rounded out the bottom five states.

Brown County’s 2.7 percent jobless rate in July was better than the state average. Holt County at 2.0 percent, Cherry County at 2.1 percent and Rock County at 2.2 percent were among the leading counties in the state. Boyd County at 2.5 percent was also better than the state average.

Blaine County at 3.3 percent and Keya Paha County at 3.8 percent in July were the only area counties with rates higher than the state average.

Boone County enjoyed the best rate in the state in July at 1.9 percent, while Dawson County continued to see a high percentage of the workforce, 18.7 percent, collecting unemployment benefits following the closure of the Tyson meatpacking facility in Lexington.

“Mining and construction employment reached another all-time high in July, marking three consecutive months of record employment,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “Statewide employment in the industry reached 71,487.”

The three major construction sectors added a combined 435 jobs between June and July. Construction of buildings led the increase with 192 jobs, followed by heavy and civil engineering with 144 and specialty trade contractors with 99. Omaha’s growth was driven primarily by specialty trade contractors, while building construction and heavy and civil engineering accounted for most of the gains in Lincoln and the rest of the state.

Total nonfarm employment was 1,061,118 in July, down 10,442 from June but up 727 jobs from July 2025. The month-to-month decrease is a normal seasonal trend due to many education-related jobs being off for the summer. The largest over-the-year growth came from the leisure and hospitality sector (up 5,410 jobs), the private education and health services sector (up 3,459 jobs), and the mining and construction sector (up 3,247).

Aside from mining and construction, private industries with the most growth between June and July were the professional and business services sector (up 741 jobs) and the private education and health services sector (up 126 jobs). 

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:45 a.m. Aug. 31)

August 23

A written warning was given to a motorist for driving left of center on Highway 20.

Deputies provided traffic control for cattle crossing Highway 20.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a residence in Ainsworth to check a carbon monoxide detector.

A deputy investigated a report of a possible domestic assault.

Deputies responded to a verbal altercation between household members in rural Brown County.

A written warning was given to a driver for speeding on Highway 20.

August 24

A deputy investigated a possible trespassing and threatening behavior in rural Brown County.

The sheriff and a deputy helped with a tornado drill at Ainsworth Community Schools.

Deputies investigated a report of an unlicensed driver on county roads.

The Raven Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire in southern Brown County.

August 25

The sheriff contacted the driver of a vehicle who is out on bond. The driver was tested for alcohol and drugs. The test resulted in the driver violating his bond restriction set forth by the Brown County Court.

The sheriff investigated a report of suspicious activity in Long Pine. It was found that the reported people were in the area working.

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

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

A deputy investigated a hit and run accident in the Brown County Courthouse parking lot. The deputy was able to find the vehicle and speak with the driver who left the scene of the accident.  

A deputy investigated a report of suspicious behavior around children in Ainsworth. All parties involved were spoken to, including the parents of the children.

August 26

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

August 27

A deputy assisted another law enforcement agency with finding a person for a welfare check. The deputy was able to verify the reported person was ok.

The sheriff investigated a report of vandalism to a vehicle in Ainsworth.

A driver received a citation for driving 13 mph over the posted speed limit on Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth.

The sheriff removed debris on Highway 20.

A driver received a written warning for driving on the shoulder of Highway 20.

The sheriff’s office received a report of people using the locker room showers at the Ainsworth Conference Center while Ainsworth Community Schools volleyball practice was going on in the conference center gym. A deputy spoke with the city office about the matter.

A deputy investigated a report of gunshots heard in the vicinity of Long Pine.

August 28

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

A deputy received a report of a bad check that had been written to a local business.

A driver received a citation for driving 24 mph over the posted speed limit on Highway 7 northeast of Ainsworth.

A driver received a repair order for improper or defective vehicle lighting.

A driver received a written warning for not using a turn signal in Ainsworth.

August 29

A person in Ainsworth received a citation on a charge of disturbing the peace after complaints about the person in the early morning walking up and down the road yelling.

A deputy was asked to conduct a welfare check after a medical alert bracelet went off in Ainsworth. During the wellness check, the Brown County Ambulance Association was called and the person was transported to the Brown County Hospital.

The Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department and Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched after smoke was reported near Long Pine.

A verbal warning was given to a motorist for driving left of center on Highway 20.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. Both the driver and a passenger in the vehicle received citations on charges of minor in possession of alcohol and possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle also received a repair order for improper or defective vehicle lighting.

Deputies wrote two repair orders for improper or defective vehicle lighting and written warnings for speeding, driving on the shoulder of the highway and driving left of center while patrolling Brown County.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 925
Calls for service – 29
911 emergency calls – 5
Vehicle titles inspected – 2
Firearms permits purchased – 1

* Fredericks win Wally Award with restored Falcon

(Posted 7 a.m. Aug. 31)

By Angie VonHeeder

A car that once sat parked among the weeds has turned heads on one of drag racing’s biggest stages.

After seven years of work, Brad Frederick and his wife Kelly of Bassett debuted their Ford Falcon Roadster, “Vibes 2,” at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota — and the couple’s longtime dream quickly became something even bigger.

Frederick competed with Vibes 2 in the Super Gas division during the NHRA Division 5 race at Brainerd, where the roadster was selected as the event’s Best Appearing Car.

For the Fredericks, the honor was especially meaningful as the Ford Falcon wasn’t simply another race car purchased and brought to the track. Brad Frederick drove the car during high school and tech school before parking it in 1997.

More than two decades later, in June of 2019, he pulled the Falcon out from among the weeds with a vision of transforming it into a Super Gas drag racing roadster.

Seven years of building, fabricating, problem-solving, trouble shooting, and countless hours in the shop later, Vibes 2 finally made its way to the drag strip.

The Fredericks remained in Brainerd for the following week’s NHRA National Event, where Vibes 2 was selected by the NHRA Tech Department as the Best Engineered Car among hundreds of race cars competing at the event.

With that recognition, the Fredericks received a Diamond Wally — a special version of drag racing’s iconic NHRA Wally trophy.

The trip was also a milestone for the Fredericks in another way. It marked the first time they hauled and competed with both of their Ford Falcons — the newly completed Vibes 2 in Super Gas and Brad’s longtime Super Street race car, “Vibes.”

For a car that spent more than 20 years parked and forgotten, its return was anything but quiet.

For the Fredericks, the event was the payoff to a dream and a lot of work.

* Olson completes Advanced Infantry Training

(Posted 11 a.m. Aug. 27)

Private First Class Trayton Olson graduated from Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Va., Aug. 11 where he completed training as a Petroleum Supply Specialist in the United States Army.

Following graduation, Olson returned home to Atkinson with his family just in time to enjoy the community’s annual Hay Days celebration. After spending some time at home, Olson will return to college at Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, S.D., where he is enrolled in the Machining and Manufacturing Program.

Olson is scheduled to graduate from Mitchell Tech in May with a degree in Machining and Manufacturing. 

Olson will continue to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves with the 323rd Chemical Company based at Sioux Falls, S.D. He has the opportunity to serve alongside his father, Sgt. Ryan Olson, who is also a member of the unit.

* Council approves bids for museum rehabilitation

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Aug. 27)

During a special meeting Wednesday, the Ainsworth City Council approved two bids for rehabilitation work at the Sellors-Barton Cabin Museum.

Wickett Construction of Valentine submitted a bid of $86,052 to replace damaged logs and repair the roof among other items. That was the lone bid received for that portion of the project.

Representatives from the Sellors-Barton Cabin Museum Advisory Board said the bid was higher than what Wickett Construction had previously estimated for the work.

The council approved the lone bid for that portion of the project.

Three bids were received to install a heating and air-conditioning unit in the museum. With Councilman Dustin Barthel abstaining, the council approved the low bid of $12,399 submitted by Greg’s Heating and Air of Bassett to place two mini split heating and cooling units in the museum.

Saner Heating and Air submitted a bid of $15,240, and Pro Electric bid $17,756 for the project.

No bids were received for the mold remediation portion of the project. Cabin board member Carlene Burrows said the group had been working with Environmental Services of Norfolk and had an estimate of $29,500 to remove the mold from the building and its contents.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said Environmental Services did not submit a bid for the work.

Mayor Joel Klammer said, since no companies bid on that portion of the project, the group should be able to engage Environmental Services for the work.

Burrows said the estimate Environmental Services provided expired in July so the group would have to solicit a new estimate from the company.

Barthel asked the advisory board members if they were happy with the bids submitted. Burrows said the group had $135,000 available for the project.

Board member Cindy Buckles said, with another $1,000 estimated to place a door on the north side of the cabin where an addition was being demolished at no cost by Frontier Diesel, the group still should have a little cushion to complete all three phases of the project.

Using the previous estimate provided by Environmental Services, the three phases of the project would cost a total of $125,918.

In the only other action item during Wednesday’s special meeting, the council approved an amended agreement with the Central Nebraska Economic Development District to manage the sidewalk replacement project the council approved repurposing Community Development Block Grant revolving loan funds.

CNEDD will work with the contractor to ensure all federal guidelines are followed. Schroedl said the city had a previous agreement in place with CNEDD, the amendment adds the construction management piece for the sidewalk project.

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

* Man arrested on drug charges at Valentine

(Posted 7 a.m. Aug. 27)

Troopers and investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol found methamphetamine and cocaine after a traffic stop in Cherry County led to a narcotics investigation.  

In the late evening of August 18, a trooper saw a Cadillac sedan speeding on Highway 83 near Valentine. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. 

A Valentine Police Department K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance in the vehicle. The trooper and Valentine PD officer searched the vehicle and found over 100 grams of suspected methamphetamine. The driver, James Zacher, 57, of Oakland, Calif., was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver. He was lodged in the  Cherry County Jail. 

State Patrol investigators then obtained a search warrant for the motel room in which Zacher had been staying in Valentine. On August 19, State Patrol investigators and Valentine officers searched the room and found over 5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 17 grams of suspected cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia. 

The investigation remains ongoing. 

* Council approves replacing sidewalks near school

(Posted 7 a.m. Aug. 25)

Following a public hearing Monday, the Ainsworth City Council during a special meeting approved a bid from Walton Construction to replace several portions of sidewalk in the city near Ainsworth Community Schools.

Using money from its Community Development Block Grant revolving loan fund, the council plans to have six sections of sidewalk near the school removed and replaced.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the city previously spent money from the CDBG revolving loan fund for lighting on Main Street. The lighting project utilized $90,000 from the former housing rehabilitation fund.

She said there is approximately $75,000 remaining in the CDBG fund, and it needed to be spent down under $35,000 or the city risked having to return the funds to the state.

“We were informed by the DED (Department of Economic Development) that we need to get the balance below $35,000 by the end of the year,” Schroedl said.

The city administrator said replacing sidewalks heavily utilized by the public would be a good way to use the funding. She said the city targeted sidewalks in poor condition near Ainsworth Community Schools.

Although there were about 20 areas of sidewalks initially identified, Schroedl said a priority list was created and the funding would cover just shy of 1,400 feet of new sidewalk.

She said, once the CDBG fund dips below $35,000, the city can de-obligate the remainder and use the money for a community betterment project.

Following the public hearing, the council opened one bid received for the sidewalk work. Walton Construction submitted a bid of $48.45 per linear foot. The council approved the bid and plans to remove and replace the sidewalks on:

* 324 feet on the east side of Ash Street from Third Street to the Red & White Market parking lot

* 90 feet on the west side of Ash Street from 339 to 325 Ash

* The corner of Ash and Third streets

* 703 feet on the south side of Third Street from Elm to Cedar streets

* 79 feet on the east side of Elm Street from 312 to 336 Elm

* 174 feet on the east side of Elm Street from 354 to 388 Elm

The 1,382 feet of sidewalk replacement costs $66,957 and will take the CDBG revolving loan fund under the $35,000 threshold.

The council unanimously approved the work.

Following Monday’s special meeting, the council held a budget retreat as it works on the city’s 2026-27 budget. The council has scheduled a special meeting for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, to open bids for the Sellors-Barton Cabin Museum rehabilitation project.

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

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 10:30 a.m. Aug. 24)

August 16

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

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver received a citation for traveling 17 mph over the posted speed limit.

August 17

A deputy removed a dead deer from Highway 20.

A deputy was asked to conduct a welfare check on a camper in the Long Pine State Park. The camper was found to be ok.

A deputy investigated a report of a person trespassing on private property. This is an ongoing investigation.

August 18

No reportable activity.

August 19

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

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

Deputies provided traffic control for a fire drill at Ainsworth Community Schools.

A deputy was asked to conduct a welfare check on a family in Ainsworth. Everyone was found to be ok.

August 20

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

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

August 21

A deputy investigated a reported suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a business in Ainsworth. The deputy spoke to the driver of the vehicle and found they were early to deliver equipment to the business.

Deputies are investigating a report of possible stalking in Ainsworth.

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

August 22

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

Two repair orders were issued to motorists on Highway 20 for improper or defective vehicle lighting.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 623
Calls for service – 15
911 emergency calls – 5
Vehicle titles inspected – 4

(Photo courtesy of Lance and Christina Buoy)
A severe thunderstorm Wednesday morning produced golf ball sized hail in Newport and across parts of the KBRB listening area. A semi also overturned east of Newport near the Rock County and Holt County line during the storm.

* Commissioners discuss wind rows, road maintenance

(Posted 11:15 a.m. Aug. 19)

Road maintenance and wind rows were the topic of discussion Tuesday between the Brown County Commissioners, members of the roads department and the public.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin stressed the importance of having proper drainage on county roads. He said having the proper crown on each roadway, a surface crust and sloped ditches all played roles in making sure county roads drain properly.

“Drainage is the most important,” Turpin said. “You need a crust on the road surface to help water runoff. If you don’t have a crust, you don’t have anything. The more you cut into the crust, the more you hurt yourself in the long run.”

Turpin said, without the proper crown, water will collect on roads and break up the crust. Shoulders must be sloped away from the road to allow water to reach the ditch.

“The roads need to be wide enough for two lanes so people don’t drive on the crown,” the highway superintendent said. “We have to keep the grass under control, that’s why we have wind rows.”

Commissioner Dennis Bauer asked Turpin if the roads department tries to remove the wind rows by the fall. Turpin said the department attempts to get wind rows cleared by October.

Bauer said the complaints he receives from the public are often regarding property owners trying to mow road ditches when there are wind rows present.

“I have heard way more compliments than complaints about the roads,” Bauer said. “You guys are doing a good job.”

Commissioner Donnie Painter said he had heard from a number of people unhappy about the wind rows.

“We have to think about liability,” Painter said. “If someone gets hurt, the county will end up in court.”

Turpin said the county would also face liability if the roads weren’t wide enough, which is why the shoulders are pulled as part of road maintenance.

“If it was a major liability, NIRMA would have said something,” Turpin said. “A lot of counties do this.”

County Attorney Andy Taylor said, if the roads department uses wind rows properly, the chance of being held liable is very small.

“Using wind rows won’t cause the county to lose a lawsuit,” Taylor said.

Roads department employee Chris Osterman said he has been with the department for quite a while and he hears frequently from people that the roads in the county are better than they have ever been.

“When I started, you couldn’t go on the Moon Lake Road after a rain,” Osterman said. “We started doing wind rows and we don’t have near the ongoing maintenance.”

Roads department employee Joe Kronhofman said, by using wind row material, equipment operators don’t have to dig in to the roads when grading.

Commissioner Jeremiah Dailey said, while the washboards and potholes have been reduced on county roads, it didn’t appear to him that the roads have as much gravel on the surface.

“It just seems like the gravel is off to the side instead of on the road,” Dailey said.

Roads department employee Bill Worden said pulling the material from the shoulders brings gravel back on to the surface of the roadways instead of the department having to constantly haul in new gravel.

Audience member Tom Jones said the county roads in his area were the best they have been during his lifetime.

Audience member Sherm Goochey said he initially hated wind rows, especially when trying to mow the ditches.

“But, our road is now 10 times better than it used to be,” Goochey said.

Worden said property owners along roads he maintained all have a direct method to contact him.

“If people want to mow and there is a wind row, just let us know and we can move the wind row to the opposite side and then move it back when they are ready to mow the other side,” Worden said.

Turpin said having roads employees attend trainings and learn best practices for maintaining roads has made a huge difference. He said the best equipment operators are the ones who are confident in the work they are doing and don’t worry about having one person get mad.

Bauer discussed potentially spraying the shoulders to kill live vegetation ahead of wind rowing so the material is already dead and breaks down faster.

“Then you are pulling up dead sod,” Bauer said.

He asked Turpin to research whether there are statutes related to the height of wind rows and if the roads department has wind rows that are tall to flag them.

During his report to the board Tuesday, Turpin said the roads department was trying to keep up with grading work following several recent rains. He said the concrete project at the intersection of 430^th Avenue and Road 879 is complete.

“That project turned out well,” the highway superintendent said.

He said the department was looking into having a headwall poured at a culvert on Meadville Avenue. He said the head walls washed out in 2019 and have not been replaced.

Turpin said the bridge projects in the county awarded federal funding were moving along. He said he has $259,000 remaining in his bridge fund that should help to pay for a majority of the county’s share of the bridge work, with the rest being paid for through federal funds.

“I should be able to take $75,000 to $100,000 out of my 2026-27 budget since we have those bridge funds we can use,” Turpin said.

In other business, the commissioners heard a request from the Brown County Rural Fire Protection District for 3 cents in levy for the 2026-27 budget year.

Representing the rural board, Jeep Cozad said the 3-cent levy request would fulfill an agreement made between the rural district and the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department to match 3 cents in levy in order for both entities to receive MFO funding from the state.

Cozad said the two departments must match a 3-cent levy during at least one of the three years of the agreement. The rural department did not match that 3-cent levy during the first year of the agreement and Cozad said he would hate to wait until the final year of the agreement to make sure the match was implemented. Without having the 3-cent levy for at least one year, the departments risked having to pay back the MFO funding, which amounted to about $42,000 annually.

Goochey, a rural fire board member, said costs for the rural department are going up, from fuel to equipment repairs. He said the department’s radios needed to be replaced so they could communicate with other responders during fires.

“We have to have the radios,” Goochey said. “There is no point in having a fire department if you can’t communicate during a fire.”

Bauer said the fire department was requesting about $100,000 more than what it budgeted to spend during the upcoming year.

“How much of a cushion do you currently have?” Bauer asked.

Cozad said the rural department has about $250,000 in a certificate of deposit, $200,000 in a sinking fund and about $50,000 in its operating account.

Bauer said, “It is hard from where I sit to dole out $100,000 that isn’t spoken for when you have that kind of cushion.”

Cozad said, if the 3-cent match is made for the upcoming budget, he anticipated the rural department’s levy request could be reduced for the 2027-28 year.

Dailey said he believed the rural department’s budget included more wants than needs.

The request will be discussed as the commissioners put together the 2026-27 fiscal year budget.

Keith Baker approached the commissioners about concerns he had over the use of Flock license plate reading cameras in the county.

“I object to the Flock cameras,” Baker said. “Once that digital information is out there, it is out there. It is a loss of our freedom, period.”

He asked if the commissioners agreed to the placement of the cameras in the county. Dailey said the board did agree to utilizing the technology.

Vincent Lanas with the sheriff’s department said the department had to have a valid reason to seek information from the license-plate reading cameras.

“The only time we would ever use it would be during an Amber Alert or a high-profile case,” Lanas said. “You all carry trackers every day with your cell phone.”

Sheriff Brent Deibler said the department has not had to utilize data collected by the cameras since they were installed.

In action items Tuesday, the commissioners approved an agreement with Felsburg, Holt and Rullevig to provide the environmental studies on the federal bridge projects that will be undertaken in the county.

The board approved having Turpin complete the annual certification of program compliance form with the Nebraska Department of Transportation. By certifying the county has a highway superintendent on staff, the county receives additional funding from the NDOT.

The board approved inventory lists as submitted by each county department, and approved adding Lanas and Deibler to the DARE account at West Plains Bank. Lanas said neither he nor Deibler were currently listed on the account. The department plans to close the account, but cannot do so until the account is updated.

By a 2-1 vote with Dailey against, the board approved transferring $3,000 from the county’s miscellaneous general fund to the community pond fund. The board had previously approved the funding for concrete at the pond that would allow for handicap accessibility.

Following an executive session to discuss pending litigation, the commissioners conducted a budget workshop with department heads and budget preparer Caleb Johnson. The 2026-27 county budget will be finalized in September.

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

* Grant available to remove, replace trees

(Posted 9:15 a.m. Aug. 18)

The Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District was recently awarded a $120,000 Community Forestry Infrastructure Grant from PlantNebraska. The grant was part of $10 million in grant funds awarded to PlantNebraska in 2024 by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program.

The goal of the grant program is to improve Nebraska’s community forestry infrastructure by supporting tree removal, care and planting to preserve tree canopy cover; protecting, enhancing and increasing access to watersheds in urban and development areas by focusing on conserving and managing community forests and green stormwater infrastructure; and improving workforce development in the tree care industry by providing pathways for high school students, creating job training programs and connecting newly trained professionals with local tree care companies. 

The Middle Niobrara NRD will use the grant funds to remove and replace 20 trees in Brown County. The funding is one for one, meaning that one tree gets removed and one tree gets planted in its place per address.

The funding will also be utilized for pruning up to 20 trees on municipality properties. The Middle Niobrara NRD will accept applications now through August 31.

“We are so pleased to be able to award this grant to the Middle Niobrara NRD, which will profoundly impact the well-being of residents in Brown County,” PlantNebraska Executive Director Hanna Pinneo said. “This significant investment will yield important, long-term results. We are proud to partner with the Middle Niobrara NRD to support a greener future. This is an excellent opportunity for the residents of Brown County to learn more about tree quality, how to care for their trees, and learn more about the local NRD.”

For more information about PlantNebraska’s Community Forestry Infrastructure grants, including eligibility requirements and information about the grant application process, visit plantnebraska.org/ucf-grants or call the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District at 402-376-3241.

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

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

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda

Roll Call. 

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law. 

Opening Prayer. 

Pledge of Allegiance. 

Approve minutes of the 8-4-2026 regular meeting.

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update 

Authorize Kenneth R Turpin to fill out and sign Annual Certification Form for July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026 – Turpin

NEPA Agreement for execution between Felsburg, Holt, Rullevig and Brown County for project 81183 control # DPS-9(11) Program Agreement BL 2665 – Turpin

Windrow concerns

Discussion on Road maintenance with Road crew – Turpin

Windows Estimate

Approve Departments Inventory lists – Clerk

Add Vincent Lanas and Sheriff Brent Deibler to the DARE Account at West Plains Bank and remove all other current signers. – Sheriff

Resolution to Transfer $3,000 from Miscellaneous General within the General Fund to the Pond Fund – Clerk

Approve Claims 

Executive session to discuss pending litigation – Taylor

1:45 p.m. Keith Baker – Concerns regarding Flock cameras within the county

2 p.m. Jeep Cozad – Rural Fire Board Budget

Caleb Johnson – Budget Workshop

Authorization/Reauthorization of Petty Cash Fund

Tax Allocation to Miscellaneous Districts

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9 a.m. Aug. 17)

August 9

A deputy responded to a report of cattle out on a county road south of Highway 20. The cattle were moved off the county road.

A deputy responded to assist a motorist on Highway 183.

A driver received a written warning for speeding on Highway 20.

Deputies responded to a report of criminal mischief in Long Pine. During the investigation it was discovered that there was an injured individual from an assault, and the Brown County Ambulance Association was called to assist.

August 10

A deputy completed investigating the incident from the night prior in Long Pine. An individual was placed under arrest on charges of second-degree assault, terroristic threats, third-degree assault, criminal mischief $5,000 or more, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, contributing to the delinquency of a child, and willful reckless driving. Four other people involved in the incident received citations on charges of mutual consent fighting.

August 11

A deputy retrieved an inmate from the jailing facility and transported them back to Brown County for a District Court appearance.

The sheriff provided security during District Court in Ainsworth.

The sheriff provided civil standby in rural Brown County.

An inmate was released from the Brown County Jail after appearing in court.

A deputy investigated possible harassment in Ainsworth. The reported person was spoken to by the deputy.

August 12

The Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported fire near the Rock County and Brown County line.

A deputy is investigating a report of vandalized property near Highway 7.

August 13

The sheriff and deputies investigated reports of suspicious activity in Ainsworth.

The sheriff and a deputy provided traffic control around Ainsworth Community Schools during a fire drill.

August 14

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

A driver received a written warning for speeding on Highway 20.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20. The driver was assisted with vehicle lighting.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department, Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department and Brown County Ambulance Association responded to a structure fire in Ainsworth. Deputies provided traffic control around the fire scene.

A deputy responded to a report of suspicious activity in Ainsworth.

August 15

A deputy responded to a local business in Ainsworth about drugs that have been found on the property.

A repair order was given for improper or defective vehicle lighting on Highway 20.

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

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for not using a turn signal.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 661
Calls for service – 15
911 emergency calls – 10
Vehicle titles inspected – 10
Firearms permits purchased – 1
Jail inmates housed – 2

* Friday night fire destroys building in Ainsworth

(Posted 7:45 a.m. Aug. 17)

A Friday night fire destroyed a building in Ainsworth. According to Ainsworth Assistant Fire Chief Devin Painter, at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday, a fire was reported in a building owned by Chuck Irwin on the northeast corner of the intersection of Woodward and Second streets.

Painter said, upon the arrival of firefighters, the shop building was completely engulfed in flames. Firefighters attempted to gain control of the fire by going onto the roof, but the roof of the building was deemed to be unstable. Heavy equipment was used to take down the roof and allow the firefighters to work on extinguishing the fire.

Painter said firefighters remained on scene until 2:15 a.m. Saturday. The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department received mutual aid from the Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department.

Painter said the building was considered a total loss. The fire, investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s office, was determined to have started by people working on vehicles inside the shop.

* Area students receive degrees from UN-L

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

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln conferred 604 degrees during a combined graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremony Saturday in Pinnacle Bank Arena.

The 595 graduates are from 42 countries; 40 U.S. states and Puerto Rico; and 55 Nebraska communities.

Area graduates from UN-L Saturday include:

Bassett

Rhegan Shankland, a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Human Sciences.

Atkinson

Lindsey Jelinek, a Master of Education degree.

Valentine

Lee Major, a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics.

* Museum repair project takes next step

(Posted 7:45 a.m. Aug. 13)

The Ainsworth City Council on Wednesday approved a recommendation from the Ainsworth Betterment Committee to provide $50,000 in ABC sales tax funds for repairs to the Sellors-Barton Cabin and voted to advertise for bids for the project as presented by the cabin advisory committee.

Coupled with $20,000 in previous funding and a $50,000 commitment from the Brown County Visitors Committee in lodging tax funding, committee member Carlene Burrows told the council the group has enough money to get the project going and would like to get started right away.

Burrows provided the council with estimates the group had obtained for each portion of the project, which includes repairs to both the original log cabin museum and the east addition, mold remediation and cleaning and the addition of heating and air-conditioning to the cabin.

“Could it be declared an emergency so we can get it done instead of having to wait and go out for bids?” Burrows said.

Committee member Cindy Buckles said, during the last rain, there was water coming in to the building from numerous locations.

“There was water all over the floor,” Buckles said in urging the council to allow the group to begin the work as soon as possible.

Burrows said the main contractor they spoke with had time to do the project this fall if the group committed to the work soon.

Councilman Dustin Barthel asked if the group had received any additional quotes other than those provided. Burrows said they had not.

“I am all for getting this done,” Barthel said. “But the problem has been going on for years, it is hard to call it an emergency. I don’t want to get in trouble for not going out for bids. I get that you want to get it done.”

Committee member Danny Bennett said a lot of the work needed is specialized.

“I don’t know who else would even bid it,” Bennett said.

Mayor Joel Klammer said there are some statutory provisions to allow for single-source contracting but there were a lot of special hoops the city would have to jump through.

“It looks like we would only need to advertise for bids for a week for this,” Klammer said.

Council members Heather Lutter and Brad Fiala indicated they would both be more comfortable with having the city advertise for bids now that the committee had come up with the scope of the work needed to repair the museum.

“We could have a special meeting if needed,” Lutter said in an effort to keep the project moving forward. “I have apprehensions with calling it an emergency.”

Klammer said the city could probably advertise for bids and not hurt the timeline for getting the project completed. He said the committee could contact the companies they had been working with and encourage them to submit a formal bid for the work.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said she could work with the committee to come up with the specifications for the project and get it advertised fairly quickly.

Following the discussion, the council approved advertising for bids, with the advertisement being included in the Aug. 19 edition of the Ainsworth Star-Journal. Bids would be due by 5 p.m. Aug. 26, and the council agreed to hold a special meeting to open the bids and award the work.

The council encouraged the committee to contact the companies that had provided the quotes and encourage them to bid on the project. Each portion of the project could be bid separately, or the entire project could be bid together.

In a related item, with Councilman Kent Taylor absent Wednesday, the council approved a recommendation from the Ainsworth Betterment Committee to provide $50,000 in ABC sales tax funding for the project.

The committee unanimously recommended the funding be awarded.

In other business, the council heard a request from Ainsworth Golf Course Board President Robert Magill to provide additional funding to the course in the city’s 2026-27 budget to allow the course to repair equipment.

“All of our costs are going up,” Magill said. “We have been at $22,000 from the city for the past three or four years. We are hoping to get $30,000 to $34,000 for next year.”

Magill said the golf course had updated some of its equipment with the help of funding from the Brown County Foundation and funds raised privately. He said the golf course was the most utilized recreational property the city owns.

“The course is in immaculate shape,” Magill said. “Membership is up. We need updates on the greens mower and the rough mower.”

Magill said the golf course had taken out a loan through a local bank that was nearly paid off to complete a previous round of equipment updates. He asked if the city would be potentially willing to provide the golf course with around $60,000 in funding the course could repay over time to make the next round of updates.

“Anything we buy is owned by the city,” Magill said. “It saves us sales tax when the city writes the check for the equipment.”

Having the city provide the funding with the golf course paying the city back over three or four years would save the course the interest that would be incurred if it had to take out a loan for the work.

Fiala said he was not opposed to the idea, but the city would need to talk to its accountant and figure out the best way to do it.

“We will see if we can get you a little more in the budget,” Fiala said. “The course looks nice.”

Barthel said the request sounded reasonable.

Klammer said usage of the golf course seemed to be high this year.

“There have been a lot of people out there,” the mayor said. “This was the right time to talk about this before our budget workshop.”

No action was taken. The council will address the requests during the upcoming budget workshop.

The council approved a cooperative agreement between the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department and the Nebraska Forest Service that would allow the fire department to be compensated if it sent a truck and personnel to fires in the region that were declared state or federal emergencies.

Devin Painter with the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department said the department was approached by the Nebraska Forest Service with the potential cooperative agreement. Through it, the fire department would agree to follow the forest service’s rules and carry insurance. The agreement would allow the local department to receive additional reimbursement if it takes a truck and crew to a large fire that is declared an emergency. Under the agreement, the fire department could send a truck to larger fires and go out of state if needed.

“We are hoping this could help get some younger people on the fire department if they had this opportunity,” Painter said. “You have to be 18, but kids out of high school would be eligible for the training, which is easy to complete. It would be a chance for them to make some decent money.”

Fiala said, if this agreement is approved and the fire department deployed a truck and crew just twice, it could potentially allow the fire department to lower its property tax asking.

“There are some departments that do this that don’t end up having to use any property taxes,” Fiala said. “The firefighters are paid per day. The agreement doesn’t cost the city anything.”

Klammer said he didn’t see any drawbacks to approving the agreement.

“It is a good opportunity,” the mayor said.

The council approved the agreement.

The council held a public hearing on the six-month review of the LB 840 program from the Citizen Advisory Review Committee. The review showed payments are current on all eight active LB 840 loans.

The council approved a $10,000 façade grant from the LB 840 fund as recommended for approval by the LB 840 loan committee.

In a final action item Wednesday, the council approved a resolution signing the annual certification of program compliance with the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Schroedl said the certification shows the city has a streets superintendent employed and keeps all records required by the NDOT.

She said the NDOT provides the city with an additional $3,000 in funding if it has a streets superintendent.

During her report, Schroedl said the final phase of the pickleball court installation is in progress. She said the city hired Tyson Morrell for an open position with the streets department.

“He will be a good addition,” Schroedl said.

She said she and the mayor met with representatives from the union. A 4 percent cost of living wage increase was recommended. That item will be discussed and finalized during the upcoming budget hearing.

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

* Care Center Board opts to change health insurance

(Posted 9:30 p.m. Aug. 10)

The Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors on Monday discussed the health insurance plan the facility offers to full-time employees after the board learned its current plan premium would increase by 21 percent.

Administrator Penny Jacobs said the current plan offered by United Health is done through the facility’s payroll service. She said the care center could move to a Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan offered by the Nebraska Association of County Officials and could do so through its affiliation with Brown County.

Jacobs said there were currently nine employees who utilize the single health insurance policy offered by the care center and three others who use a spouse or family plan.

Board member Kent Taylor said, accounting for all of the policy premiums, moving to the NACO plan would save the care center approximately $21,000 in premiums.

“That’s quite a bit of scratch,” Taylor said.

Board member Denny Bauer said the savings would be fairly substantial through NACO for pretty much the same coverage.

Jacobs said the facility would need to work with its payroll service to make sure the employees’ portion of the premiums would be deducted correctly from their paychecks.

“Right now, we get our health insurance through our payroll company so they handle it all,” Jacobs said.

Board Chairman Tom Jones said if switching to the NACO plan doesn’t create problems with the payroll service, then he believed that was the best way to go.

The board approved moving to the NACO plan through Blue Cross/Blue Shield but gave Jones authorization to return to the United Health plan through Lyons Payroll if the service won’t handle withholding the employees’ share of the premiums.

Jacobs introduced new Director of Nursing Cindy Yung.

“She has a lot of experience,” Jacobs said. “She will take the changes we have made, tweak them and make us even better.”

Yung said she had really enjoyed her first week in the facility. She said she was previously in Wyoming, but her father’s family was from the Burton area originally so she has ties to north central Nebraska.

During her report, Jacobs said there are currently 33 residents calling the Sandhills Care Center home, with 13 coming from Ainsworth, 13 from Cherry County, four from rural Brown County, and one each from Long Pine, Rock County and Keya Paha County.

Of the 33 current residents, 12 pay privately, 16 receive Medicaid assistance, three receive hospice care and two receive Medicare assistance.

During the past month, three new residents were admitted, with one resident discharged to the hospital and one resident death.

During July, the care center generated $318,003 in revenue with expenses of $272,075 for a net profit during the month of $45,927. In addition, the care center received $38,775 in voter-approved property tax levy funds that were placed in the board’s interlocal account.

Business Manager Makenzie Crane said the care center’s accounts were in good shape, but there would be three pay periods during the next month, which happens twice annually.

“We are looking good,” Crane said.

She reported a tremendous turnout Friday during the Back to School Bash hosted by the care center.

“It was great,” Crane said. “The kids had fun and the weather was great. It was really busy.”

The board continues to work on finding a community liaison and project coordinator to assist with the steps toward determining the feasibility of a new facility and moving the ownership of the care center from being jointly owned and operated by the city of Ainsworth and Brown County to a strictly county-owned facility.

The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 14. The October meeting was moved up a week from Oct. 12 to Oct. 5.

* ACS prepares for beginning of school year

(Posted 9 p.m. Aug. 10)

With classes starting Thursday for students, the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education heard reports during its meeting Monday from the district’s superintendent and principals on opening week activities.

Elementary Principal Kelsey Riesen said staff are participating in professional development days for the first three days of the week and are getting classrooms ready.

Secondary Principal Cory Friedrich thanked Superintendent Dale Hafer and Riesen for their help during his transition from the classroom to the principal’s position. He reported the principals met with the county attorney as required to discuss attendance.

There are a total of 96 students in the high school for the 2026-27 year, with 25 seniors, 19 juniors, 23 sophomores and 29 freshmen.

The middle school has 89 students, with 31 eighth-graders, 28 seventh-graders and 30 sixth-graders.

The elementary has 24 fifth-grade students, with 27 in fourth grade, 26 in third grade, 30 in both second grade and first grade, and 29 entering kindergarten.

Hafer said the district is off to a good start thanks to the work of the principals, activities director and staff.

He reported he has a working draft of the 2026-27 budget ready to present during the Aug. 24 budget retreat.

“We will know exactly where we are after payroll expenses this month,” Hafer said. “I will have some options for you to consider. We are in good shape.”

Hafer said the threshold for the pink postcard notices to be sent regarding property taxes requested by the district trigger if the district increases its tax asking by more than 2 percent, which amounts to $119,000.

“That is not a lot,” the superintendent said. “Just our insurance premium increase this year is about $120,000. We have stayed under the radar with the postcards, but it is unforgiving.”

Hafer encouraged the board to be strategic during the budgeting process and think about the long term in addition to the 2026-27 school year.

The budget retreat is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 24 in the district office.

Hafer reported Guarantee Roofing has completed repairs to the gym roof and the replacement of the high school building roof. Both sections required attention due to damage from storms and high winds, and the district’s insurance covered the cost of the repairs.

Educational Service Unit 17 Coordinator Geraldine Erickson provided the board with a list of the services the ESU provides to the district. She said, in addition to the services the district pays for such as special education and nursing, there are many other services provided to the district at no cost.

Erickson said the ESU only charges the district for the cost of providing the special education and nursing services.

“We don’t make any profit off providing any special education services,” Erickson said.

Hafer and the board congratulated Erickson for receiving a Distinguished Service Award during the recent school administrators convention.

In action items Monday, the board approved the Emergency Operations Plan for the district as presented by Guidance Counselor Lisa Schlueter.

Schlueter said duties for all district employees during emergencies are outlined in the plan.

“We can act quickly and knowledgeably when there is an event because everyone knows their role,” she said.

Board President Brad Wilkins asked how information is relayed to parents if there is an incident.

Schlueter said, in addition to calls, texts and emails through Power School, the district coordinates with KBRB Radio to provide information to parents and also uses the district’s Facebook page.

She said the district conducts lockdown drills each semester and practices for various types of emergencies.

Hafer said the Emergency Operations Plan is a fluid document and is updated as needed.

“However, what we do for evacuations and lockdowns pretty much remains the same,” he said.

The board, with board member Jessica Pozehl absent, approved the plan Monday as presented.

The board approved the bus routes for the 2026-27 school year with no changes. The bus picks up students in Long Pine and Johnstown and makes an additional stop near the intersection of Highway 20 and Rauscher Avenue west of Ainsworth. Hafer said he received one request to provide an additional stop along Highway 20 between Ainsworth and Long Pine.

Hafer said he discussed the bus routes with board member Frank Beel, who questioned the cost difference in keeping bus routes going or paying families mileage instead.

“It can be a challenge to keep certified bus drivers,” Hafer said. “We are the only school in the ESU that still runs a bus route.”

He said the board’s transportation, building and grounds committee could take a look at the number of students riding the bus and compare the cost of running the bus route with the cost of paying mileage.

Wilkins said some families would become eligible for mileage who don’t currently utilize the bus route service if the routes were discontinued.

The board approved transferring $150,000 as recommended by Hafer from the district’s general fund to the depreciation fund, which is then used to handle expenses related to building repairs or vehicle replacement.

Hafer said the board moved $200,000 a year ago into the depreciation fund anticipating some larger expenses but he said he felt comfortable recommending $150,000 to be transferred this year.

The board approved three option enrollment requests to allow families living in the district to have their children attend Rock County Public Schools. Gracelynn Cassity, Raylynn Shifflet and Emmett Paddock were all approved to option into Rock County.

The board approved corporate certificates of authority to the three local banks and the Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund, and the board approved the second reading of board policies from the Nebraska Association of School Boards and Perry Policies.

The next regular meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 14.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

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

August 2

A deputy assisted an individual with a civil issue.

A deputy investigated reports of a dangerous dog. This is an ongoing investigation.

August 3

A deputy responded to a vehicle-deer accident on Highway 20.

A deputy investigated a reported theft from a motor vehicle near Highway 183.

A deputy assisted a person who was locked out of their vehicle by their dog in Ainsworth.

A deputy assisted a neighboring agency with an investigation regarding a reported domestic assault.

August 4

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

The sheriff and the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle accident at Highway 20 and Highway 183 junction.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183. The driver was given a citation for driving 17 mph over the posted speed limit.

The sheriff, deputies, dispatchers, Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department and the Brown County Ambulance Association attended the National Night Out at East City Park.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported fire near Meadville Avenue.

A deputy responded to a report of suspicious activity around a residence in Ainsworth. Nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious was found.

August 5

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a citation for driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit.

Deputies responded to a report of a possible assault at a residence in Ainsworth. During the investigation it was discovered that a domestic assault had occurred and that the suspect had left the area. This is an ongoing investigation.

August 6

The sheriff’s office assisted another agency with an investigation of possible child abuse and neglect.

Deputies investigated a possible assault in Ainsworth.

Deputies investigated a single vehicle accident in Ainsworth.

August 7

A traffic stop was made on Highway 183. The driver received a citation for driving 20 mph over the posted speed limit.

August 8

The Brown County Ambulance Association assisted the Brown County Hospital with transporting two patients.

Three traffic stops were made on Highway 20 that resulted in citations being issued for driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit.

One repair order was given to a motorist for improper or defective vehicle lighting.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 739
Calls for service – 18
911 emergency calls – 9
Vehicle titles inspected – 3
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Intersection remains closed near Rolling Stone Feedyard

(Posted 9 a.m. Aug. 10)

Brown County Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported the intersection of 430^th Avenue and Road 879 will remain closed this week.

The second half of the concrete at the site near Rolling Stone Feedyard is being poured this week.

Rolling Stone Feedyard and the county are improving the intersection through a cost-share partnership.

The concrete, once poured, will need time to cure before the area can be reopened to traffic. Barricades are located at the site of the closure.

* Erickson receives Distinguished Service Award

(Posted 2 p.m. Aug. 7)

The Nebraska Council of School Administrators held Administrators’ Days last week in the Younes Conference Center North at Kearney, where the organization announced its annual award winners.

The NCSA Distinguished Service Award is given annually to an individual or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional, distinguished leadership in public education. The 2025 recipients are Geraldine Erickson from Educational Service Unit 17 and Dr. Mike Teahon.

Erickson has served as administrator for ESU 17 for the past 10 years. Before that, she was superintendent at Keya Paha Community Schools. ESU 17 serves more than 1,500 students in five different school districts across a 100-mile stretch of the Sandhills.

Dr. Teahon currently serves as Department Chair and Associate Professor for the University of Nebraska-Kearney’s Educational Administration program and has long been active at the state level, serving as Chair of the NCSA Executive Board from 2014-2015. He was the Nebraska Superintendent of the year in 2018, and served his final 18 years in public education as superintendent of Gothenburg Public Schools.

“Dr. Mike Teahon and Gerald Erickson are well-deserving of the NCSA Distinguished Service Award, and each reflect what this award was established to honor and celebrate,” said NCSA executive director Dr. Mike Dulaney. “Nebraska has benefited from their leadership for decades, and we were proud to honor them at Administrators’ Days. The impact they’ve made on the profession has been enormous, and their leadership invaluable. They’ve given so much to our organization, and they’ve done so while keeping Nebraska’s students and the future of our state their top priorities.”

* Minutes from Brow County Commissioners meeting

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

The Brown County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 4, at 1:15 p.m. in the Brown County Courthouse meeting room with members Chairman Dennis Bauer, Jeremiah Dailey and Donnie Painter present. Also present was Brown County Clerk Travis Hobbs.

Dailey moved to approve the minutes from the regular Commissioner meeting of July 21, officially recorded in Commissioner Book 24. Painter seconded. Roll Call: All three Ayes, motion carried.

The Commissioners acknowledged the Mileage Rate increase from $0.725 to $.76 per mile, effective July 1, 2026, received from the State of Nebraska Judicial Branch.

The Board discussed the renewal of the Appeara contract.

Painter moved to approve the two-year Appeara contract as presented. Bauer seconded. Roll Call: All three Ayes, motion carried.

The Board acknowledged receipt of the tax requests for the Brown County Rural Fire and Brown County Ag Society. The Board will discuss the tax requests and decide at the next meeting.  

Bauer discussed providing funding for the Ainsworth Senior Center. Further discussion will be held at the next meeting.  

Tanya Storer was present to provide updates on the bills introduced and passed in the last legislative session.

Kristin Olson updated the Board on the slip-on tanker project. Olson stated that the award letter has been received.  

The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 18 at 1:15 p.m. in the Brown County Courthouse.

* Minutes from Rock County Commissioners meeting

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

The Rock County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday.

The Carns bridge was discussed. Commissioner Wade Hollenbeck received an e-mail regarding cracks in the deck. Highway Superintendent Elizabeth Yost is aware of the cracking. The matter was tabled until next meeting when Yost can attend. The Keya Paha Commissioners and Rock County Commissioners plan to meet at 3 p.m. August 11 at the Carns Bridge site to assess the cracking. The approaches have been installed. An open house date has not been set yet.

The commissioners approved the purchase of a new shredder for the courthouse from Office Products.

Weed Superintendent Scott Erthum provided the board with e-mailed updates from the weed department and the Community Wildfire Defense Grant. The board discussed the Community Wildfire Defense Grant, particularly the hold up with tree removal and whether it is required to shred the trees versus piling them. Jess Pozehl, Emergency Management Deputy was also in attendance.

Rock County Hospital Administrator Stacey Knox met with the commissioners regarding the hospital’s budget. The hospital bond is paid off & she would like the levy for the paid off bond to go to the hospital. Right now, the hospital is allowed 2 cents outside the levy as approved by voters and the hospital receives 2 cents of levy from the county’s general budget. The commissioners have a budget workshop scheduled for 8 a.m. August 18.

Keeping the third ambulance will also be discussed during the August 18 regular meeting of the board.

Tanya Storer met with the commissioners with updates from the Legislature.

* Twin Lakes Road to close Monday

(Posted 1:15 p.m. Aug. 6)

The Rock County Roads Department plans to close a portion of Twin Lakes Road Monday and Tuesday.

Roads foreman Waylon Reynolds said the Twin Lakes Road from the Nebraska Public Television tower to Stockdale Road will close at noon Monday and remain closed through approximately late Tuesday afternoon.

Reynolds said the roads department plans to replace two culverts on Twin Lakes Road. Barricades will be placed at noon Monday marking the area where the road will be closed.

* Intersection closed near Rolling Stone Feedyard

(Posted 7:30 a.m. Aug. 5)

Brown County Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin reported the intersection of 430^th Avenue and Road 879 would be closed for the remainder of the week.

The site near Rolling Stone Feedyard is being prepped and concrete will be poured on the approach to and at the intersection of the two county roads.

Rolling Stone Feedyard and the county are improving the intersection through a cost-share partnership.

The intersection will likely remain closed for the rest of the week. Once poured, the concrete will need time to cure before the area can be reopened to traffic. Barricades will be located at the site.

* Celtic riders raise funds for Mizner

(Posted 8:30 a.m. Aug. 4)

By Angie VonHeeder

The rumble of motorcycles and the spirit of generosity filled the roads of north central Nebraska on Saturday as the Celtic Riders hosted their annual Miles That Matter Poker Run, raising funds to help Ainsworth youngster Kolter Mizner and his family.

The day began with registration and a freewill donation meal at the Ainsworth Elks Lodge before participants kicked their stands up at noon and hit the highway. Whether traveling on two wheels or four, everyone was welcome to take part in the ride, which included stops in Johnstown, Valentine, South Dakota locations Carter, Winner and Colome, then back through Springview, before concluding in Ainsworth.

The timing of the ride’s conclusion proved especially meaningful, as Kolter arrived back at the Elks from his recent Make-A-Wish trip to participate in the event. Riders, family members and supporters gathered to welcome him home before enjoying food, fellowship and 50/50 drawings to wrap up the day’s festivities.

By the end of the event, $3,889 had been raised to help the Mizner family purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Based in O’Neill, the Celtic Riders are more than a motorcycle club. United by a passion for riding and an even greater passion for helping others, the organization’s membership has continued to grow throughout north central Nebraska. Each year, the group selects a local individual or family to support through a series of fundraising events, and in 2026 their efforts are focused on helping Kolter.

The generosity doesn’t stop there.

The next opportunity to support the Mizner family will be during the Steel Creek Bikefest, scheduled for September 18-19 at the Springlake Angus Center. The event will feature another poker run, vendors, food trucks, silent and live auctions, a bike wash and numerous activities throughout the weekend. Organizers emphasize that everyone is invited to attend—whether they ride a motorcycle or simply want to support a great cause.

For the Celtic Riders, every mile truly does matter, proving once again that compassion, community and a willingness to help others can travel just as far as any motorcycle on the open road.

* Roadway striping to begin on Highway 20

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Aug. 4)

Weather permitting, roadway paint striping is scheduled to begin today, Aug. 4, on Highway 20 from Merriman to Valentine, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Contractor Services, Inc., of North Platte, 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 October.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9 a.m. Aug. 3)

July 26

A deputy investigated a report of a vandalized house in Ainsworth. The children and parents involved were notified.

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported fire near Meadville Avenue.

July 27

A deputy responded to a vehicle-deer accident on Highway 20.

A deputy is investigating a dog complaint. The dog is reported to be chasing livestock around Ainsworth.

The sheriff’s office received reports from multiple businesses in Long Pine of teenage children attempting to use a fake driver’s license to purchase alcohol. Deputies notified other businesses. The fake driver’s license was destroyed.

A deputy investigated threatening messages between children in Ainsworth.

July 28

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

A deputy responded to a verbal altercation in Ainsworth. During the investigation, more than 1 ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were taken. Both people involved were issued citations. 

July 29

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

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire in northern Brown County.

A deputy responded to a report of an agitated person at a gas station in Ainsworth. During the contact it was discovered the reported person’s vehicle battery was dead. The deputy helped get his vehicle running.

July 30

The sheriff conducted a welfare check in Ainsworth. Everything was found to be ok.

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

Deputies responded to a single vehicle accident in the Long Pine Hills. The Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department assisted with traffic control.

July 31

The sheriff investigated a suspicious activity complaint.

The sheriff removed tree debris from the middle of Highway 20.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a citation for traveling 16 mph over the posted speed limit.

The sheriff and a deputy responded to assist a motorist on Highway 183.

Two traffic stops were made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth. Both drivers received citations for traveling 13 mph over the posted speed limit. 

Deputies helped with getting cattle off the roadway on Highway 7.

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

August 1

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

Deputies provided traffic control in Ainsworth during a funeral procession.

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

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

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

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 811
Calls for service – 20
911 emergency calls – 14
Vehicle titles inspected – 2
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

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

In addition to fines, each case carries $95 in court costs
(Court costs increased from $50 to $95 effective July 25)

Kevin W. Stewart, age 65, of Killeen, Texas, charged with speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, fined $75.

Meganne M. Kriha, 36, of Omaha, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Dean T. Razinnk, 55, of Farwell, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Anthony C. Sad, 30, of Boulder, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Shannon R. Shell, 55, of West Fargo, N.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Camron S. Hendrix, 20, of Gold Beach, Ore., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Calvin V. Christensen, 22, of Johnstown, no valid registration, $25.

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

Evan M. Eggert, 18, of Brewster, minor in possession, $200; also charged with possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50.

Audrey J. Rupnow, 79, of Denver, Colo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Robert T. Hooper, 26, of Taylor, procuring or selling alcohol to a minor, $300; also charged with possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50.

Ella M. Switzer, 19, of Burwell, minor in possession of alcohol, $200; possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50.

Elizabeth A. Brison, 62, of Lafayette, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Carol J. Wietzki, 73, of Ainsworth, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Dee Wee, 35, of Huron, S.D., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Inocente Romero Amaya, 63, of Schertz, Texas, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Jonathan D. Mohr, 51, of Sterling, driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or greater, $500, also sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served, six months of probation, driver’s license revoked for one year and ordered to install an ignition interlock device; no registration in vehicle, $25.

Caleb J. Bonilla, 23, of Lincoln, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Noah Z. Busler, 19, of Columbus, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Eric J. Schafer, 56, of Lincoln, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Bryan Bennett, 46, of Tuba City, Ariz., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Luke T. Zauhar, 45, of Independence, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

William S. Black, 70, of Elkhorn, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Peter K. Moore, 41, of Denver, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Jose A. Olvera Velazquez, 36, of Wray, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Joel A. Fox, 52, of Des Plaines, Ill., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Reynaldo O. Espinoza, 55, of Grand Junction, Colo., possession or use of drug paraphernalia, $100.

Megan M. Lenigan, 36, of Omaha, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

Benjamin R. Crandall, 27, of Fargo, N.D., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

Jeffrey M. Eliason, 46, of Thompson, N.D., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $200.

Malia G. Espinoza, 23, of Ordway, Colo., speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $300.

Andrew L. Goldsmith, 17, of Gretna, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Mason A. Bye, 37, of Ainsworth, possession or use of drug paraphernalia, $100.

Scott L. Loseke, 62, of Columbus, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

Lois M. Fanning, 63, of Olivet, S.D., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $125.

George M. Collatos, 57, of Long Pine, no valid registration, $25.

John W. Bunch, 22, of Ainsworth, first offense driving under the influence, $500, also sentenced to six months of probation, driver’s license revoked for 60 days and ordered to install an ignition interlock device.

Regina M. Riley, 54, of Briggsdale, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

Wyatt R. Fowler, 18, of Springview, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $300.

Marley J. Fischer, 19, of Gothenburg, possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, $50; minor in possession of alcohol, $300; underage tobacco or electronic nicotine use, $100.

Houston K. Hutton, 30, of Ainsworth, first offense driving under the influence, $500, also sentenced to six months of probation, driver’s license revoked for 60 days and ordered to install an ignition interlock device.

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

Aiden W. Rothe, 22, of Golden, Colo., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $75.

* Firefighters respond to report of smoke Wednesday

(Posted 12:30 p.m. July 30)

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a remote area northwest of Ainsworth Wednesday afternoon to a report of smoke.

According to Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala, at approximately 2:45 p.m., a pilot departing the Ainsworth Airport spotted smoke 12 miles northwest of Ainsworth on property owned by the late John Appleman.

Fiala said it took firefighters about 45 minutes to reach the site, located between The Nature Conservancy to the west and land owned by Jason Appelt to the east.

Fiala said the remoteness of the site made it difficult to reach and even more difficult to try and fight the fire.

“We called in the SEAT plane and it dumped five loads of retardant,” the fire chief said. “We were able to put some hoses together and get some water on it. We got it to the point where we felt it wouldn’t spread and the rain in the forecast would take care of it.”

Fiala said the renter and neighboring property owners planned to keep an eye on the site for the next few days, but with the area receiving about 1.50 inches of rain he hoped that was enough to extinguish the fire.

“The neighbor said it looked good Thursday,” Fiala said. “The plane really helped keep it from spreading.”

Fiala said firefighters on the ground coordinated the drops, and remained on site until approximately 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

“There is a lot of fuel out there now,” Fiala said of conditions in the area.

* Area producers can apply for NC disaster funds

(Posted 12:15 p.m. July 30)

As many are recovering from the worst wildfire disaster in Nebraska’s history, it is inspiring to witness the ways people from across the state, country, and the globe are banding together and showing their support for producers in the Beef State. The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund has received more than $2.2 million from more than 2,570 donors across Nebraska, 48 states, and five countries. To every individual, family, business, and organization that gave — thank you. Your support is helping Nebraska’s beef cattle producers recover, rebuild, and move forward after the devastating wildfires.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund will close for donations and relief applications on Tuesday, Sep. 1. 100% of the donations will be distributed to impacted producers and membership in Nebraska Cattlemen is not required for applicants to receive relief. Once the fund is closed, applications will be reviewed by a committee convened by the fund board and eligibility of expenses will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Funds are not distributed until the applications period closes and all applications are reviewed.

Funds will only be distributed to producers who experienced property loss or damage in areas where a fire was reported through the Nebraska Emergency Management Association Watch Center. Area counties among the numerous counties included as of July 28 include:

• Blaine County (Road 203 Fire)
• Cherry County (Ashby, Anderson Bridge fires)
• Custer County (Pressey Fire)
• Holt County (Peterson Fire)
• Sheridan County (Ashby Fire)
• Thomas County (Road 203 Fire)

Applicants may submit documentation for agriculture-related expenses not paid for by insurance or other governmental sources related to fencing, pens, agricultural structure repair, feed, livestock removal, or other necessary agricultural-related costs directly related to rebuilding from the natural disaster. Applicants must demonstrate expenses and losses incurred were related to agriculture production and directly caused by recent wildfires in the state of Nebraska.

Applications must be completed and have all required documentation to be considered. Documentation can include copies of receipts for purchases of supplies, invoices for repairs, photos of the damage, and more. Please include losses of livestock, fence – miles or feet, land damage – specify grazing, crop, or haying loss, veterinary costs, feed costs/feed loss, and more in the description of impacts and loss to operation. If you need additional space to list damages, please include your additional list with the application.

For any questions, please contact the Nebraska Cattlemen office at (402) 475-2333 or email disasterrelief@necattlemen.org.

* Nebraska jobless rate back below 3 percent in June

(Posted 12:45 p.m. July 28)

Nebraska’s unemployment rate for June was 2.9 percent. The rate was down from the May unemployment rate and unchanged over the year. The national unemployment rate for June was 4.2 percent, down from the May unemployment rate and up 0.1 percent from the June 2025 unemployment rate.

Nebraska’s 2.9 percent June rate tied New Hampshire for the fifth lowest in the country. South Dakota continued to lead the country in June with an unemployment rate of 2 percent. North Dakota remained in second with a rate of 2.3 percent, followed by Hawaii and Vermont tied for third with rates of 2.6 percent.

The highest jobless rate in June was shared by Washington, Oregon, Connecticut and California at 5.2 percent. Nevada and Illinois shared the fifth-highest rate in the nation at 5.1 percent.

“Nebraska reached a record high in total nonfarm employment in June, demonstrating the ongoing strength of our labor market and employers’ confidence in Nebraska workers,” said Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber. “This achievement reflects the continued efforts of businesses and workers statewide to advance Nebraska’s economy.”

Nonfarm employment, the number of jobs filled, was 1,073,234 in June, up 5,895 from May and up 946 from June 2025. Private industries with the most growth between May and June were the leisure and hospitality sector (up 4,569 jobs), the mining and construction sector, (up 1,350 jobs), and the trade, transportation and utilities sector (up 1,157 jobs). The largest growth during the past year came from the leisure and hospitality sector (up 5,360 jobs), the private education and health services sector (up 3,800 jobs), and the mining and construction sector (up 2,815).

Brown County’s June unemployment rate matched the state average at 2.9 percent. Cherry County and Rock County shared the lowest rate in the area at 2.3 percent, tied for the third best in the state behind only the 2.2 percent rates in Kimball and Boone counties.

Holt County’s 2.5 percent rate and Blaine County’s 2.8 percent rate in June were both better than the state average, while Boyd County matched the statewide average at 2.9 percent. Keya Paha County had the highest unemployment rate in the area in June at 4.0 percent.

Dawson County continued to experience the highest unemployment rate in the state in June at 14.6 percent as former employees of the closed meatpacking plant continue to receive unemployment benefits.

* Firefighters respond to motor home fire Sunday

(Posted 9:45 a.m. July 27)

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a motor home on fire just north of Ainsworth on Sunday afternoon.

At approximately 1:45 p.m., a motor home parked in the driveway of a residence owned by Charlie Kyser 1 mile north of Ainsworth on Meadville Avenue caught fire.

The residents reported they had used the 1988 motor home on a trip and parked the vehicle in their driveway. Shortly after, smoke was seen coming from the vehicle.

Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala said the engine compartment of the vehicle caught fire. Fiala said the homeowners were able to extinguish the fire using a garden hose prior to firefighters’ arrival.

The motor home was considered a total loss.

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:45 a.m. July 27)

July 19

A deputy took a suspicious activity call in Ainsworth. The reported individual and vehicle were not located.

A deputy was dispatched to a possible mental health call with very little information given or reported. The deputy investigated all avenues available and was unable to find or locate the individual who made the call.

A deputy investigated a two-vehicle accident on Highway 183.

July 20

The sheriff responded to a suspicious activity call at a business in Ainsworth. The sheriff looked at multiple businesses for the reported person and vehicle and was unable to locate it.

The sheriff spoke to a person in Ainsworth about a civil complaint over a property line dispute.

The Raven Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a possible fire in southern Brown County.

A deputy investigated a harassment complaint in Ainsworth.

The Brown County Ambulance Association responded to two calls in Ainsworth and transported both patients to the Brown County Hospital.

July 21

The sheriff responded to a report of cattle out on Highway 7.

The sheriff’s office received a request for a welfare check to be conducted in rural Brown County. A deputy responded to the address and requested the Brown County Ambulance Association transport a patient to the Brown County Hospital.

The sheriff responded to a welfare check request in Ainsworth. The sheriff reported everything was ok.

The sheriff provided assistance to a motorist on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth.

An inmate was released from the Brown County Jail after completing a court-ordered sentence.

A deputy responded to a report of theft from a residence in Ainsworth.

A deputy responded to a report of a reckless driver on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The vehicle was stopped by the deputy after witnessing the vehicle drive on the shoulder and left of center. During the investigation the driver was checked for sobriety and was sober. The driver informed the deputy he was texting on his cell phone.

A deputy checked on a vehicle that had a flat tire. The driver of the vehicle stated they did not need help with the tire and had someone coming out to assist them.

July 22

The sheriff investigated damage to a fence caused by vehicle on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth.

The sheriff responded to a report of sheep out on Meadville Avenue. The animals were being moved for grazing purposes.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The driver received a citation for traveling 17 mph over the posted speed limit and having an expired temporary license plate by more than two months. The driver also received a repair order for their windshield being severely damaged.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver received a written warning for driving left of the center line.

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

July 23

A deputy transported an inmate to the Brown County jail after being arrested in North Plate on a Brown County warrant. The inmate was booked into the Brown County jail and then housed in a nearby jail until a court appearance.

The sheriff and a deputy attended training hosted by the FBI.

The sheriff and a deputy attempted to provide assistance during a cattle crossing on Highway 20. When they arrived, the cattle were already across the highway. 

July 24

The sheriff investigated a report of vandalized property in Ainsworth. The person who caused the damage of the property was discovered and the individual was cited on charges of leaving the scene of a property damage accident and criminal mischief.

The sheriff’s office returned a purse to its owner after it was found in the middle of Highway 20.

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

The sheriff’s office received a report of a possible lost or stolen firearm in Brown County. This is an ongoing investigation.

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

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

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

July 25

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

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

A traffic stop was made in Ainsworth. The driver received a written warning for making an improper turn.

A deputy was asked to assist Keya Paha County with an accident investigation.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 727
Calls for service – 23
911 emergency calls – 6
Vehicle titles inspected – 2
Firearms permits purchased – 1
Jail inmates housed – 2

* Highway 7, Highway 183 renumbering set for Aug. 10

(Posted 9:15 a.m. July 27)

The Nebraska Department of Transportation announced Highway 183 and Highway 7 near Bassett will be renumbered on August 10. Highway 7 north of Bassett will become Highway 183 and Highway 183 east of Ainsworth will become Highway 7.  The change will revert the highway numbers to their 1966 designations. Area residents have requested this renumbering for several years through NDOT and the State Highway Commission. After previous denials, the request was approved by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Committee on Route Numbering in fall of 2025.

The renumbering is now possible following recent resurfacing work along Highway 7. It will shorten Highway 183 and eliminate overlapping highways in the area.

The renumbering will affect approximately 17 miles of Highway 183 between milepost 193 and milepost 211, and about 23 miles of Highway 7 between milepost 60 and milepost 86. The change impacts portions of Brown, Rock, and Keya Paha counties, including the communities of Ainsworth, Bassett, and Springview.

Landowners and residents affected by this change will receive a letter from NDOT with more information.

* Electric users again asked to help conserve energy

(Posted 6:30 a.m. July 27)

Due to the extreme heat, NPPD is anticipating continued high energy use through today. There could be a need to implement some service interruptions Monday in north central Nebraska. This would occur if the need for electricity becomes greater than what the transmission system is capable of delivering in that area.

The areas around Brown, Keya Paha, Rock, Holt and Boyd counties are mostly served by wholesale customers of NPPD, but NPPD does serve the following communities in this area at the retail level: Ainsworth, Anoka, Atkinson, Bassett, Butte, Bristow, Emmet, Inman, Long Pine, Lynch, and O’Neill.

There is enough generation available to serve the load. But there could reach a point where the current transmission system in this area cannot move enough electricity to serve what the customers are using. If that occurs, utilities in this area could implement service interruptions in order to lower the amount of electricity being used, to a level the transmission system can handle. These service interruptions could be conducted by NPPD or the other Public Power providers in the area.  

NPPD was able to avoid interruptions to service over the weekend, and the utility appreciates efforts by customers who opted to voluntarily conserve energy during the days of peak heat.

NPPD officials indicated completing construction of two transmission projects, the R-Project and the Ainsworth Wind-Bassett project, would help alleviate these system issues.

Customers can voluntarily conserve energy in this area over the weekend. Ways to do this could include:

• Setting your thermostat 2-3 degrees higher, but keep your system fan running.
• Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and electronics.
• Avoid using large appliances, like ovens and washing machines.
• Keep curtains closed on the east, south, and west sides of the house during the day.
• Reset the fridge temperature to 35-38 degrees and the freezer to 0-5 degrees.
• Lower your electric water heater temperature to 120 degrees.

* Board hears Freedom of Information Act request

(Posted 3:45 p.m. July 21)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday heard from attorneys representing property owners who had land damaged by the Plum Creek Wildfire in 2025 asking that the Brown-Rock Emergency Management Agency turn over all relevant communications related to the fire.

Attorneys from Norfolk law firm Fitzgerald, Vetter, Temple, Bartell and Henderson indicated they had filed a Freedom of Information Act request for all relevant communications between emergency responders related to the April 2025 wildfire in the Plum Creek valley.

Attorney Ron Temple referenced social media posts made during and after the wildfire regarding containment efforts.

“It is hard to believe in today’s technological world that there were no emails or text messages,” Temple said. “The landowners who lost their land expect and deserve complete transparency.”

Both Emergency Manager Traci Booth and Deputy Manager Jessica Pozehl indicated they were primarily on site during the Plum Creek wildfire and the vast majority of communications during the event were made by radio, phone or in person, not by text or email.

Booth said she had forwarded everything she had regarding the Freedom of Information Act request to County Attorney Andy Taylor in May.

Taylor indicated he thought the information emailed to him by Booth was duplicate information of what she had sent to the law firm and did not realize Booth had not sent the same information to the law firm requesting it.

“We can go after the meeting and pull those files,” Taylor said.

He said, typically, the departments send the information directly. He apologized for the lack of clarity on the matter and assured Temple he would provide the firm with everything Booth had sent to him on the request.

“I will take an active role in this going forward,” Taylor said.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners approved a cost-share proposal from Rolling Stone Feedyard to pour concrete on a 100-by-50-foot stretch of county roadway at the intersection of 430^th Avenue and Road 879 north of the feed yard.

Commissioner Donnie Painter said Rolling Stone had agreed to pay for 80 percent of the approximately $75,000 cost of the concrete needed to pour the stretch a foot thick and reinforced by rebar.

Painter said the county roads department would handle tearing out the current surface of the road ahead of the project. He said the concrete would be poured so one lane remained open to traffic.

“It will make that intersection solid and keep it from getting torn up by turning trucks,” Painter said.

Commissioner Dennis Bauer said having the company who uses the stretch most frequently pay for a large portion of the project would be a good investment of $15,000 for the county’s share of the project.

The board unanimously approved the project and its 20 percent share of the cost along with having the roads department prepare the site for the concrete.

In another action item, the board unanimously approved allowing the North Central RC&D apply for a tire amnesty grant for 2027 to be held in Brown County.

Painter said the RC&D contacted him about Brown County being a host site for a collection in 2027 for 400 tons of tires. He said the KBR Solid Waste Transfer Station would be the site of the collection if approved for grant funding.

He said there would be approximately 60 days between when the collection was completed and when the grant dollars would be received. Painter said the RC&D asked if the county would be willing to pay the initial claim for the cost of the recycling and then be reimbursed within 30 to 60 days. The approximate cost of a 400-ton collection would be $80,000.

The commissioners all indicated, if the grant was approved, the county could pay the claim and then be reimbursed.

The board unanimously approved allowing the RC&D to proceed with the grant application on the county’s behalf.

In a final action item, the commissioners approved a transfer of $15,000 from the county’s miscellaneous general fund to the reappraisal fund.

Pozehl provided the commissioners with an update on the Community Wildfire Defense Grant. She said seven cedar tree removal projects have been bid and an eighth was scheduled to go out for bids this week. She said there are about 20 contractors of different sizes interested in bidding on the tree removal projects.

Prior to adjourning, the commissioners held an executive session with Taylor and Republican county attorney nominee Reagan Wiebelhaus regarding the county attorney position. A second executive session was held regarding safety concerns.

No action was taken following the executive sessions. The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Aug. 4.

* Smoke reported in home Monday south of Ainsworth

(Posted 7:15 a.m. July 21)

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department was called to assist the Raven-Calamus Volunteer Fire Department Monday afternoon following a report of smoke in a home south of Ainsworth.

According to Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala, at just after 4:30 p.m. Monday, smoke was reported in the home of Frank and Suzette Utter south of Ainsworth approximately one-quarter mile east of the Raven Fire Hall. The house is owned by Todd Kicken.

Fiala said there was smoke in the home. Firefighters could not determine any source in the home that may have caused the smoke. The fire chief said the windows were opened and the smoke cleared quickly. He said a small fire in a hayfield nearby may have resulted in the home’s air-conditioning unit bringing smoke from that fire into the house.

Fiala said there was no damage to the home.

* Brown County Commissioners Tuesday agenda

(Posted 2:15 p.m. July 20)

Brown County Commissioners
Meeting 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 21
Brown County Courthouse
Agenda 

Roll Call. 

Acknowledge posting of Open Meetings Law. 

Opening Prayer. 

Pledge of Allegiance. 

Approve minutes of the 7-7-2026 regular meeting.

Approve minutes of the 7-13-2026 special meeting.

Transfer $15,000 from Miscellaneous General within the General Fund to ReAppraisal Fund. Clerk

Kenneth Turpin Road Department update 

Rolling Stone Feedyard Bridge Agreement – Painter

Tire Amnesty Day for Brown County 2027 – Painter

Approve Claims 

1:45  Freedom of Information Act Request for Plum Creek Fire from Fitzgerald, Vetter, Temple, Bartell, Henderson & Todd Flynn – County Attorney

2:15 Discuss County Attorney position with Andy Taylor and Reagan Wiebelhaus

Correspondence  

Public Comment 

Executive Session to discuss safety concerns – Painter

ADJOURN 

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 9:30 a.m. July 20)

July 12

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

July 13

The sheriff conducted a welfare check in rural Brown County. The person was found to be ok after accidentally pressing a life alert bracelet.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth. The driver was issued a citation for traveling 16 mph over the posted speed limit.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 7. The driver was issued a citation for traveling 27 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver also received a written warning for not having their driver’s license with them.

A deputy investigated a reported dog bite on a child in rural Brown County. After the investigation was completed the owner of the dog was given a citation for having a dangerous dog.

July 14

The sheriff provided security during District Court in Ainsworth.

A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 west of Ainsworth. The driver was issued a citation for traveling 13 mph over the posted speed limit. The driver also received a repair order for improper or defective vehicle lighting.

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

The sheriff and deputies attended a two-state meeting with other law enforcement agencies in Ainsworth.

A deputy helped locate the owners of lost dogs in Keller State Park on Highway 183.

July 15

The sheriff provided security during County Court in Ainsworth.

A deputy checked on a vehicle that appeared to have broken down at a gas station in Ainsworth. The deputy reported that the driver informed him his vehicle ran out of gas and that he was ok.

The Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department responded to a gas leak coming from a meter in Long Pine.

The sheriff attended the property tax meeting at the Brown County Courthouse.

July 16

A deputy is investigating possible fraud and theft in rural Brown County. 

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

July 17

An individual was booked into the Brown County Jail for violating probation.

The Ainsworth and Johnstown volunteer fire departments responded to a hay field fire in rural Brown County.

Deputies responded to a verbal altercation between household members in rural Brown County.

Deputies responded to a possible mental health call in rural Brown County.

July 18

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

A deputy spoke to people in Ainsworth about harassing a person who does not live in Brown County and to stop contacting the individual.

Weekly Log
Phone calls – 671
Calls for service – 13
911 emergency calls – 8
Vehicle titles inspected – 4
Jail inmates housed – 1

* Firefighters respond to bale fire Friday

(Posted 7:45 a.m. July 20)

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in a hayfield southwest of Ainsworth.

According to Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Friday, a fire was reported in a field owned by the Salzman Ranch approximately 3 miles west of Ainsworth south of Highway 20.

Fiala said a hot bearing ignited a bale, which then spread to the pasture. Firefighters from the Ainsworth and Johnstown volunteer fire departments responded and contained the fire to approximately one-half of an acre.

Firefighters were on site approximately an hour and a half Friday before returning to their respective fire halls.

Conditions are again extremely dry with Ainsworth receiving just .07 of rain during the entire month of July after almost 6-1/2 inches of rain fell in June.

Use caution when haying and make sure equipment is lubricated and running properly.

* Work begins next Monday on Elsmere Road

(Posted 7 a.m. July 20)

The Brown County roads department will place cold-mix asphalt on stretches of the Elsmere Road next Monday and Tuesday, July 27-28. The asphalt will be placed between Clear Lake Avenue west to Koshopah Road at the Cherry County line. The work was originally scheduled for this week but was postponed a week due to the heat.

Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said the roads department will work on three different stretches of Elsmere Road in that area.

Traffic on Elsemere Road next week will be maintained during construction with a pilot vehicle and flaggers. Expect delays if traveling on that stretch of Elsmere Road next week.

* Customers in area encouraged to conserve electricity

(Posted 6:30 a.m. July 20)

The Nebraska Public Power District is anticipating high energy use Monday, and based on forecasted energy use, there could be a need to implement some service interruptions in north central Nebraska if the need for electricity becomes greater than what the transmission system is capable of delivering in that area.

The areas around Brown, Keya Paha, Rock, Holt and Boyd counties are mostly served by wholesale customers of NPPD, but NPPD does serve several communities in the area at the retail level, including Ainsworth, Anouka, Atkinson, Bassett, Butte, Bristow, Emmet, Inman, Long Pine, Lynch and O’Neill.

This is not an issue related to generation. There is enough generation available to serve the load. But there could be a point where the current transmission system in north central Nebraska cannot move enough electricity to serve what the customers are using. If that occurs, utilities could implement service interruptions in order to lower the amount of electricity being used, to a level the transmission system can handle. The service interruptions could be conducted by NPPD or the other public power providers in the area.  

NPPD indicated completing construction of two transmission projects, the R-Project and the Ainsworth Wind-Bassett project, will alleviate the system issues.

Customers can voluntarily conserve energy Monday. Ways to do this could include:

Setting the thermostat 2-3 degrees higher, but keep the system fan running.

Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and electronics.

Avoid using large appliances, like ovens and washing machines.

Keep curtains closed on the east, south, and west sides of the house during the day.

Reset the fridge temperature to 35-38 degrees and the freezer to 0-5 degrees.

Lower your electric water heater temperature to 120 degrees.

At this time, NPPD is unsure if service interruptions will need to occur, but wants customers to be aware of the possibility. NPPD will keep people up to date if any new information becomes available or if service interruptions need to be conducted.

KBR Rural Public Power representatives said irrigators should be prepared for load control of up to 13 hours Monday. Irrigators are encouraged to plan accordingly and remain aware that extended control periods may be necessary due to the anticipated high electrical demand.

KBR Rural Public Power appreciates customers’ cooperation and understanding as it works to ensure reliable electric service for everyone. Every effort to conserve energy during these high-demand periods makes a difference and helps protect the stability of the electric system.

* KBR to implement load control Sunday

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

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

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

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

* Study approved as new care center discussion continues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We had a great turnout,” Jacobs said.

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

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

* School board discusses new workforce program

(Posted 7 a.m. July 14)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hafer said the dress code can be a tough deal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

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

July 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 6

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

A deputy investigated a two-vehicle accident in Ainsworth.

July 7

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

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

The Brown County Jail released an inmate on bond.

July 8

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

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

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

The sheriff removed tire debris from Highway 20.

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

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

July 9

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

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

July 10

The sheriff assisted two families in Brown County.

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

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

July 11

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

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

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

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

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

* NPPD to host open houses on transmission line project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Micro-surfacing work begins Friday on Highway 11

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

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

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

* Work to begin Thursday on Highway 12

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

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

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

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

* Board hears update on NPPD transmission line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No action was taken Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The board approved paying for the concrete work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Ainsworth City Council Wednesday agenda

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

Ainsworth City Council
Meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 8
Ainsworth Conference Center
Agenda

• Call to Order
• I. Routine Business
  • Announcement of Open Meetings Act
  • Roll Call
  • Pledge of Allegiance
• II. Consent Agenda – All items approved with the passage of one motion
  • Approve minutes from the June 10, 2026 regular meeting
  • Approval of claims
  • Treasurer’s report
  • Department head reports

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

* Brown County Sheriff’s Department weekly summary

(Posted 11 a.m. July 6)

June 28

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

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

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

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

June 29

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

June 30

The sheriff investigated an accident in Ainsworth.

July 1

The sheriff provided security during county court in Ainsworth.

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

July 2

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

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

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

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

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

July 3

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

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

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

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

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

July 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The one-year plan in District 8 includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Area crews assisting with Sioux County fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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