Visitors to the KBRB Web site may listen to live programming, with news broadcasts from 5:55 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

* Funeral Service notes: (see more on the obituaries page)

* Meeting reports located below for:

Dec. 10 Ainsworth City Council

Dec. 7 Brown County Commissioners

Nov. 17 Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors special meeting

* Nominations for Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame due Dec. 31

This  is a test for spacing

Ethical and Legal Aspects to the Project

In the pharmaceutical industry, there are numerous laws and regulations governing the operations of pharmacies and the information that is shared.  These were taken into consideration when putting together the Credentialing Automation Project. One of the main laws was the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and  the way it related to Personal Health Information (PHI).  These included Technical, Physical, and Administrative Safeguards.   Much of these processes internal in regards to these regulations and requirements are already in place in Pharmacy First so these procedures were adopted for this project.

 In addition to the laws there was also discussion on legal and ethical was the information gathering from websites could be automated using webscrapers.  One ethical issue that came up was the use of captcha’s that stopped the webscraper from gathering the information.  It was decided that on the websites where this type of information was prohibited,  the appropriate information would be acquired through the use of third-party data vendors.  This did lead to increase in costs and development time, but did not impact the overall schedule.

Ethical and Legal Aspects to the Project

In the pharmaceutical industry, there are numerous laws and regulations governing the operations of pharmacies and the information that is shared.  These were taken into consideration when putting together the Credentialing Automation Project. One of the main laws was the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and  the way it related to Personal Health Information (PHI).  These included Technical, Physical, and Administrative Safeguards.   Much of these processes internal in regards to these regulations and requirements are already in place in Pharmacy First so these procedures were adopted for this project.

 In addition to the laws there was also discussion on legal and ethical was the information gathering from websites could be automated using webscrapers.  One ethical issue that came up was the use of captcha’s that stopped the webscraper from gathering the information.  It was decided that on the websites where this type of information was prohibited,  the appropriate information would be acquired through the use of third-party data vendors.  This did lead to increase in costs and development time, but did not impact the overall schedule.

(Posted 3:15 p.m. Dec. 14)

The deadline to submit nominations for the 2021 Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame is December 31. Started in 2006, the Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame continues to recognize men and women who have made a lasting contribution to the Sandhills and the cowboy way of life.

Nomination forms are available by contacting any Hall of Fame board member or Executive Secretary Rod Palmer at PO Box 127, Ainsworth, Nebraska or calling 402-387-2212.  Nominees must be 50 years or older or deceased.  The nominee must fit the following criteria:

“The Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Western lifestyle or horse culture in the area of competition, business, or support of rodeo in the Sandhills of Nebraska.  This includes rodeo, ranching, rodeo stock contractors, western arts, western entertainment and special achievement awards.”

Online nomination forms are located at the website: www.sandhillscowboys.com

The mailing address is:

Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame

353 N Main St.

P.O. Box 127

Ainsworth, NE 69210

* Area students scheduled to graduate from UNK

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

Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred for 410 winter graduates at University of Nebraska at Kearney commencement exercises Thursday and Friday at UNK’s Health and Sports Center.

Graduate degrees will be conferred at a hooding ceremony scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, and undergraduate degrees will be conferred at exercises 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18.

Area students scheduled to graduate from UNK include:

Ainsworth

Meshayla Appelt, a Bachelor of Science degree in social work

Roberta Denny, a Master of Education degree in secondary education curriculum and instruction

Seth Taylor, a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, summa cum laude

Stuart

Hailey Paxton, a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education and special education, magna cum laude

Atkinson

Josie Paxton, a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood inclusive field education

* North Central Community Wildfire Protection Plan updated

(Posted 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14)

The North Central Nebraska Community Wildfire Protection Plan five-year update for Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, and Rock counties has been completed. The Nebraska Forest Service worked with counties, emergency managers, fire departments, natural resources agencies, and others to update the plan the counties adopted in 2015.

The Wildfire Protection Plan is intended to enhance collaboration and communication among the agencies and organizations who manage wildfire in north central Nebraska, and to help them effectively prepare for and respond to wildfire.

Landowners in counties with a plan are eligible to apply for federal and state cost-share funds for vegetative fuels reduction and other hazard mitigation efforts in at-risk areas within their boundary. The plan may also provide increased opportunities for counties, municipalities, and rural fire districts to seek grant funding for activities related to fire protection.

The plan, part of a statewide network of Community Wildfire Protection Plans, provides information useful to both local emergency responders and those from outside the area who provide mutual aid. The plan consolidates and relays critical information needed for responders in unfamiliar terrain.

The updated plan is available online at https://nfs.unl.edu/documents/CWPP/NCCWPP.pdf.

* Ricketts reduces some directed health measures

(Posted 7 a.m. Dec. 14)

Governor Pete Ricketts announced the state is moving from the “orange” to “yellow” phase of its coronavirus pandemic response plan.

As a result, the state of Nebraska is issuing new Directed Health Measures now in effect that change some of the restrictions put in place to help manage the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, protecting Nebraska’s hospitals has been the ‘north star’ guiding our strategic response to the coronavirus,” Ricketts said. “Coronavirus hospitalizations have decreased from where they were three weeks ago. As a result, we’re updating the state’s DHMs in keeping with our pandemic plan. The virus is still present in our communities, and we all need to continue using the tools we have to slow its spread. I especially urge Nebraskans to be mindful of at-risk loved ones when making plans to celebrate the holidays. Let’s all take personal responsibility to stay healthy and keep Nebraska headed in the right direction.”

Nebraska’s pandemic response plan links DHM restrictions to the percentage of staffed hospital beds in Nebraska filled by coronavirus patients. The percentage is below 20% for a seven-day average, which is the threshold for the state moving to the “yellow” phase of its pandemic plan.

Moving from the “orange” to “yellow” phase involves the following DHM changes:

Fan attendance at extracurricular activities – both school and club – is no longer limited to household members of participants.

Parties at restaurants and bars remain limited to groups of 8 or less. Individuals must still be seated unless ordering food, using the restroom, or playing games.  Six feet of separation between groups returns to a guidance.

The maximum capacity for indoor gatherings goes from 25% to 50%.

Only certain venues where people convene are considered “gatherings” under the State’s DHMs.

Masks are recommended, rather than required, for establishments such as childcare centers, salons, barber shops, massage therapists, and body art studios. 

Elective surgeries can resume as long as a hospital keeps 10% of its capacity available to treat coronavirus patients.

Executive Order 20-36 will remain in place.  It gives public bodies the option to meet virtually by videoconference or teleconference through January 31.

Roger Wiese, the Executive Director of North Central District Health Department, said, “In our Health District we continue to see vast community spread, from all types of gatherings and close contacts. To protect the availability of our local and statewide health care system, I ask all community members to embrace personal responsibility with respects to staying home and isolating when ill, keeping appropriate social distance from others outside your household, and wearing a face barrier when close contact is difficult to avoid. I also ask local organizations, businesses, and municipalities to implement these practices and enact policies and/or ordinances to best protect the stressed health care system and our neighbors.”

* Yankowski enters no contest plea to manslaughter charge

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

During Brown County District Court proceedings Tuesday, Nathan Yankowski, 28, of rural Brown County, pleaded no contest to felony charges of manslaughter and the unlawful/intentional discharge of a firearm in the death of Logan Maring, 18, of Merna.

Yankowski had previously pleaded not guilty to the initial charges of murder in the second degree and terroristic threats.

Yankowski will be sentenced in District Court Feb. 9. Brown County Attorney Andy Taylor said the manslaughter charge, a Class 2A felony, carries a sentence of between three and 70 years in prison.

The charges stemmed from a 2019 incident that resulted in Maring’s death.

Also in District Court Tuesday, Sean Burke, 36, of Ainsworth, appeared for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm and resisting arrest. Burke was sentenced on the felony firearm discharge count to a mandatory minimum of three years in the Nebraska Department of Corrections, with a maximum term of 10 years. Burke was given credit for 296 days served. On the resisting arrest charge, Burke was sentenced to six months in prison, with credit for time served.

Donald Hopkins, 63, of Bassett, appeared for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to charges of attempted assault in the second degree and disturbing the peace. On the Class 2A felony attempted assault charge, Hopkins was sentenced to 18 months of probation. On the misdemeanor disturbing the peace charge, Hopkins was sentenced to 15 days in jail with credit for four days served.

* Traffic Accident

(Posted 7 a.m. Dec. 11)

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department investigated a one-vehicle accident that occurred early Wednesday, Dec. 9, on Highway 20.

According to the sheriff’s department report, at 12:38 a.m. Wednesday on Highway 20 approximately 4 miles west of Johnstown, a 2016 Ford pickup, driven by Jody Kreycik, 34, of Wood Lake, was traveling west when the vehicle left the roadway and rolled in the north ditch.

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

The Ford was considered a total loss.

* Another 167 COVID-19 cases confirmed by NCDHD Thursday

(Posted 6:30 a.m. Dec. 11)

The North Central District Health Department was made aware of 167 additional COVID-19 cases in the district since the last reporting Monday. Among the newly reported cases were 14 in Brown County, 13 in Cherry County, 12 in Holt County, six in Rock County, six in Keya Paha County, and five new cases in Boyd County.

NCDHD confirmed 128 additional recoveries since the last report Dec. 3. Among those recovering from the virus were 41 people in Holt County, 13 in Boyd County, five in Cherry County, and one person recovered in Brown, Rock and Keya Paha counties.

There have been 576 COVID-19 cases reported in the nine-county district in the past 14 days, with a total of 3,242 cases, 1,293 recoveries and 41 deaths.

The Directed Health Measures, effective through December 31, have been updated to include the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention regarding shortened quarantine.

* Ainsworth man dies Tuesday in farm accident near Cozad

(Posted 8 a.m. Dec. 10)

An Ainsworth man died Tuesday after being hit and pinned by a large hay bale on a Dawson County feedlot, authorities said.

The farm accident happened Tuesday afternoon at Darr Feedlot near Cozad, KRVN Radio reported.

The Dawson County Sheriff’s Department said Vergil Heyer, 65, of Ainsworth, was unstrapping hay bales from a semitrailer when the bales fell off the truck, hitting Heyer.

One of the bales landed on top of Heyer and pinned him, witnesses told emergency responders. Workers at the feedlot moved the hay bale off Heyer and performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Heyer was a longtime veterinarian practicing in Ainsworth. His funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday.

* Work on Ainsworth’s $2 million wastewater project complete

(Posted 7 a.m. Dec. 10)

Work on the more than $2 million wastewater improvement project in Ainsworth has been completed, and the city’s engineer on the project told the City Council Wednesday the completion letter and final pay applications should be submitted during the council’s January meeting.

Jess Hurlbert with engineering firm Olsson Associates said all of the work on the project is done, and they are now working through the final paperwork.

City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said the wastewater project will be a huge improvement to the city’s utility for the next 25 to 40 years. She said, with the new electronic read water meters, not only will it save on staff time, but the city can contact residential or commercial customers if it appears there may be a leak and their water meter is running higher than normal.

“We have already done that on a couple of occasions,” Schroedl said.

The city received a $350,000 USDA Community Development Block Grant to help pay for a portion of the more than $2 million project, which placed new cure-in-place sewer lines in more than 30 blocks, replaced several lift stations and installed new electronic read water meters throughout the city. The city issued bonds for the remainder of the project which will be repaid over time from the city’s wastewater fund.

The council approved a change order on the project, decreasing the price of Bid Section C by $5,269. Hurlbert said the change order reflected the actual price on a piece of the project being lower than the estimate. The council also approved the final pay application for Bid Section C of the project in the amount of $147,825, which reflected the change order.

In other business Wednesday, the council approved the six-month report from the LB 840 Citizens Advisory Review Committee. CARC member Chris Raymond said the committee reviewed the LB 840 financial report, the one active loan from the fund, and two grant projects where the funding had been drawn down and found no issues.

Raymond said several additional façade grants have been approved by the council, but the funds have not yet been drawn down by the applicant.

Raymond said the committee talked about confidentiality for those applying to the LB 840 program for funding, and the committee will meet again to provide recommendations for the council to consider at a future meeting.

The council, by a 2-0 vote with new council member Vance Heyer absent and new council member Shawn Fernau abstaining due to what he said was a conflict of interest, approved two additional façade improvement grants as recommended by the LB 840 Loan Committee, one in the amount of $4,775 and a second not to exceed $10,000. The façade grant program requires a 50 percent funding match by the applicant to make improvements to business properties in Ainsworth.

The council discussed a change in not receiving the specific information in its council packet on each applicant. Schroedl said, after receiving advice from the city’s LB 840 attorney, it was determined anything provided in the council packet would become part of the public record, so to keep the confidentiality of applicants, which is required by the LB 840 statutes, the council would need to visit with the program administrator or LB 840 loan committee personally to obtain additional information about each application.

She said the city continued to work with the LB 840 attorney and the Citizens Advisory Review Committee on recommendations for the council to consider regarding applicant confidentiality.

The council approved an agreement for legal services with Sikyta Law Office to continue having Heather Sikyta serve as the city’s LB 840 attorney. Schroedl said the new agreement was needed as Sikyta was raising her hourly rate by $10 per hour.

Councilman Brad Fiala said the council has been happy with the work and advice Sikyta has provided.

“She is knowledgeable on the LB 840 program,” Fiala said.

Fernau took the oath of office Wednesday and was seated on the council after being elected in November. Heyer, the other newly elected council member, was unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting.

Prior to the new council members being sworn in to office, the council accepted the resignation of Mayor Greg Soles. Soles, who as council president moved into the mayor position earlier this year following the resignation of Mayor Jeremiah Sullivan, said at the time he would fulfill the mayoral duties until his council term expired, which would have been during Wednesday’s meeting.

Soles thanked the city staff, council members and community for their work to better Ainsworth, and encouraged the city to continue to pursue and support development activities in the city.

With the council accepting Soles’ resignation, Council President Joel Klammer moved into the mayor post and will serve the remaining two years of Sullivan’s term.

The council, following the new members being seated, elected Fiala to serve as the council president, replacing Klammer.

The council also approved appointments for the remainder of Klammer’s term as mayor, which include Dr. Mel Campbell as the municipal physician, Rod Palmer as city attorney, Andy Taylor as prosecuting attorney, Bruce Papstein as chief of police, Lisa Schroedl as the city administrator, Brad Miller as the water and sewer superintendent, Kevin Shaul as the city streets foreman, Lloyd Smith as the streets superintendent, the Ainsworth Star-Journal and KBRB Radio for city publications, and the West Plains Bank, First National Bank, Union Bank & Trust and the Nebraska Public Agency Investment Trust as bank depositories.

The council also approved the appointment of Gerry Carr and Mary Jo Huey to the Ainsworth Housing Authority.

In a final action item Wednesday, the council authorized Klammer to sign the year-end certification of the city street superintendent. Schroedl said, by having a certified street superintendent, the city receives an additional $2,000 in streets funding from the state.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth City Council is scheduled for Jan. 13.

* Daily COVID-19 cases in Nebraska remain over 1,700

(Posted 6:30 a.m. Dec. 10)

The latest total of COVID-19 cases in Nebraska is 142,603. There have been 197 COVID-19-related deaths in Nebraska reported in the last seven days, for a total of 1,277. To date, a total of 73,592 Nebraskans testing positive for COVID-19 have recovered.

In the last week, hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients have been lower than recent highs, with Nebraska hospitals caring for an average of 805 people a day, versus an average of 910 in the prior week.

The daily average of new positive cases has remained steady in the last two weeks with a daily average of 1,773 cases in the last week and 1,787 cases the prior week, compared to 1,982 and 2,296 cases a day in the two weeks prior.  

Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS, said, “Our hospitalizations remain high, so we need to keep up the good work and keep pushing this curve down. Doing the right thing by limiting our interactions and being consistent about prevention will help us get there. Bringing hospitalizations down will make a difference for our frontline healthcare workers who are providing the care we rely on.”

Nebraskans are reminded to wear a mask, socially distance, wash hands often, and avoid the 3Cs – crowded places, close contact with others, and confined spaces.

DHHS recently updated directives to match the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations shortening the window for quarantine.
A five-phase series of Directed Health Measures remain in effect for the entire state. DHM restrictions are aimed at protecting hospital capacity for urgent medical care as COVID-19 hospitalizations remain high.

The state is in the second most restrictive of the five levels of directives. Many elective surgeries requiring an inpatient hospital stay are restricted, along with the capacity of indoor gatherings and other measures.

To move toward less restrictive measures, hospitalizations will need to remain below certain thresholds for seven days before DHMs are adjusted.

Pending federal approval, the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines is expected to arrive next week. Federal forecasts indicate Nebraska may receive a combined 100,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by month’s end.

Due to the limited supply, Nebraska is planning a phased approach to COVID-19 vaccination, focused on health care personnel and other high-priority groups, including residents and staff of long-term care facilities.

As more doses become available in the coming months, additional phases will target workers from critical infrastructure, those 65 and older, vulnerable populations, and those living in close contact with others.

Details are subject to further clarification and prioritization by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

The Nebraska Immunization Program and statewide partners continue their planning for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration. 

Those who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or who are experiencing symptoms can receive a free test through Test Nebraska. Symptoms can include a fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, tiredness, muscle aches, headaches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.   

Those planning to gather with those in need are advised to consider quarantine beforehand

 Those who host or attend a gathering with people from outside their household are encouraged to be remain vigilant in practicing social distancing and to self-monitor for symptoms.

* Gas service restored to more than half of Ainsworth Tuesday

(Posted 7 a.m. Dec. 9)

Black Hills Energy technicians have restored natural gas service to more than half of Ainsworth. Approximately 60 percent of homes and businesses are back in service. 

Crews are going door-to-door as part of the restoration process. They resumed work at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Technicians have visited every customer in Ainsworth.  If service has not been reinstated yet, customers should look for a door tag asking them to contact Black Hills Energy, and technicians will return to relight pilot lights at a time someone will be available to give them access inside.  It is important that customers do not attempt to relight pilot lights themselves.

On Monday afternoon, an issue at the regulator station which serves the community led to the loss of service to 647 customers.  Black Hills Energy relocated technicians from across Nebraska to help. Black Hills Energy is following all safety guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Customers with questions about restoring service should contact Black Hills Energy at 800-694-8989.

Remember these safety tips:

Be alert for leaking natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the building or area immediately and tell others to leave too.

After you’re safely away from the area, call 911 and our emergency number at 800-694-8989. Never assume someone else has reported a natural gas leak. Alert your neighbors.

Do not turn on lights, ignite a flame, use a cell phone or use anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator.

Never attempt to repair a natural gas leak, and do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.

* Ainsworth, Atkinson libraries earn recognition

(Posted 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8)

The Ainsworth Public Library was listed in the December 2020 issue of Library Journal as a Four-Star Library in their article “America’s STAR Libraries: The Library Journal Index of Public Library Service.”

Only 13 libraries in Nebraska received a star rating. The Ainsworth Public Library was one of only 11 libraries in the country to receive a four-star rating when judged among libraries of comparable size. The only other time the Ainsworth Public Library received a star rating was in 2016.

The Atkinson Public Library was one of only 10 libraries in the country and one of two libraries in Nebraska along with the Hartington Public Library to receive a five-star rating from the publication in its size, the highest rating bestowed upon public libraries.

The 2020 scores and ratings are based on FY18 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey.

* Monday fire north of Ainsworth burns 33 hay bales

(Posted 7 a.m. Dec. 8)

A Monday afternoon fire burned numerous hay bales north of Ainsworth, and the bales continued to burn Tuesday morning.
According to Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala, at approximately 2:15 p.m. Monday, firefighters received a call of a grass fire 7 miles north of Ainsworth near Meadville Avenue on property owned by the Larry Schelm Estate.
Fiala said someone was welding a piece of equipment when the grass started on fire. The fire spread to a bale pile owned by Pat Schumacher that contained 33 large round bales.
Firefighters spent an hour and a half at the site making sure the fire was contained to the bales, and Fiala said the site was monitored overnight and would continue to be monitored Tuesday, as the bales were still burning.
Damage in the area was limited to the bales.

* Black Hills Energy restoring natural gas service Tuesday

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Dec. 8)

Black Hills Energy technicians are now working to restore natural gas service to the city of Ainsworth. On Monday evening, natural gas service was lost after an issue at the regulator station which serves the community.
As part of the restoration, technicians checked gas meters at 644 homes and businesses who receive natural gas service. The next phase is now underway. Technicians restored service to medical facilities late Monday and are now going door-to-door relighting pilot lights for residential and commercial customers.
Black Hills Energy urges all customers not to attempt to relight pilot lights themselves.
At locations where no one is home, or the business is closed, a tag will be left on the door notifying the customer that the natural gas has been shut off and to contact the company.  
Additionally, to restore service safely, technicians will perform a normal, safe procedure releasing the natural gas from the main. Residents in the area may smell natural gas while that procedure is occurring. 
Black Hills Energy technicians will follow all COVID-19 safety guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Customers with questions about restoring service may contact Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554.
Black Hills Energy asks customers to remember safety tips:
Be alert for leaking natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the building or area immediately and tell others to leave too.
After you’re safely away from the area, call 911 and the Black Hills Energy emergency number at 800-694-8989. Never assume someone else has reported a natural gas leak. Alert your neighbors.
Do not turn on lights, ignite a flame, use a cell phone or use anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator.
Never attempt to repair a natural gas leak, and do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.

* Another 135 COVID-19 cases confirmed by NCDHD Monday

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Dec. 8)

The North Central District Health Department was made aware of 135 additional COVID-19 cases in the nine-county district since the last reporting on Thursday. Among the new cases reported were 24 in Hold County, 18 in Brown County, 14 in Cherry County, eight in Rock County, four in Keya Paha County, and two new cases were reported in Boyd County.
NCDHD was notified a Knox County man in his 90s died from COVID-19. 
There have been 503 confirmed cases in the past 14 days in the district, and 3,075 total cases. Of those infected, 1,165 people have recovered and 41 died.
There have now been 618 confirmed cases in Holt County with 251 recoveries and 10 deaths, 326 cases in Cherry County with 107 recoveries and five deaths, 217 in Brown County with 76 recoveries and three deaths, 146 in Boyd County with 49 recoveries and two deaths, 121 in Rock County with 78 recoveries and one death, and 28 in Keya Paha County with six people recovering.
Additional recoveries will be reported Thursday.
The Directed Health Measures, effective through Dec. 31, have been updated to include the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention regarding shortened quarantine. People exposed to someone with coronavirus can now discontinue quarantine without a negative test after 10 days if several conditions are met, and may halt quarantine after seven days with a negative test as long as several conditions are met.
Test Nebraska COVID-19 testing is available free of charge from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday at the north parking lot of the O’Neill Armory on the corner of Fourth Street and Hynes Avenue. Free testing is also available from 1 until 3 p.m. each Tuesday at the Rock County Fairgrounds near Bassett.
Pre-registration for testing at www.testnebraska.com is highly encouraged, but not required.

* Traffic Accident

(Posted 1 p.m. Dec. 7)

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department investigated a one-vehicle accident that occurred Wednesday, Dec. 2, in Ainsworth.
According to the sheriff’s department report, at 5:09 p.m. Wednesday in the 200 block east alley of North Osborne Street, a 2019 Ford F-250, driven by Jeffery Goedert, 48, of Kearney, was attempting to park a trailer when the vehicle struck a gas meter.
No injuries were reported. The accident prompted the response of the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department to secure a perimeter until Black Hills Energy employees could turn off the gas line and make needed repairs.
Damage to the gas meter, owned by Black Hills Energy, was estimated at $130. The Ford did not sustain any damage.

* Commissioners hear update on Meadville Avenue bridge timeline

(Posted 12:45 p.m. Dec. 7)

The Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday received an update on the timeline for the Sand Draw Creek bridge project on Meadville Avenue, with the engineering firm expecting the plans, specifications and estimates to be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Transportation by the end of February.
Highway Superintendent Kenny Turpin said the NDOT may let the project for bids in May of 2021, with completion by late fall of next year.
The box culvert on Meadville Avenue was damaged in March 2019 during flooding, then completely destroyed by subsequent flooding in September of that year. There is currently a detour route for travelers on Meadville Avenue.
The commissioners previously opted to replace the former box culvert at the site with a single-span bridge that will be 120 feet in length. There will be a 30-foot driving lane across the bridge.
In another roads item Tuesday, Commissioner Buddy Small reported he received a call from Ainsworth Airport Manager Lance Schipporeit about the county potentially using some of the millings created from tearing out a runway that is being replaced in 2021 to improve the Airport Road.
Turpin said Werner Construction, which will own the millings after tearing them out, may already have a place to go with them, but if they do become available the county will have to pay for them.
“It wouldn’t hurt to beef up that road,” Turpin said. “It is getting pretty rough. If we can get them, I would also like to use them for other areas if they have enough millings available.”
Turpin said, if the county roads department hauled the millings from the site, the cost would be lower.
Turpin reported he completed road studies for the two Hidden Paradise roads that have been requested for vacation. During its Dec. 15 meeting, the board will schedule a public hearing to determine whether or not to vacate the two stretches of dedicated but undeveloped roads.
Turpin said the roads crew has been grading roads, hauling gravel and putting up snow fence.
“We cleaned a ditch of 435^th Avenue, fixed a drainage issue on 881 Road, and installed a culvert on Norden Avenue,” the highway superintendent said.
Turpin said he inspected 12 bridges and did not find any major issues.
In action items Tuesday, the board approved an employment agreement for new Veterans Services Officer Austin Beard. Beard will be employed full time with an hourly rate of $20 and the cost of his employment to be split between Brown, Rock and Keya Paha counties.
The board approved add-on options, including identity theft protection, to the county’s long-term disability insurance policy. Clerk Travee Hobbs said the county can add the coverage to the policy at no cost.
Commissioner Dennis Bauer provided the board with a quote he obtained to place new downspouts and gutters on the courthouse building. Bauer said it is difficult to get people up on the courthouse roof to physically clean the gutters.
Small said Jerry Paulsen, who handles the courthouse lawn maintenance, had agreed to go up and clean the gutters and downspouts this week.
Commissioner Reagan Wiebelhaus said the county needed to find a solution to limit the time people have to spend on the roof of the building.
“It is a safety hazard,” Wiebelhaus said.
Bauer provided the board with an estimate of $3,705 from Fernau Siding for the project, but said he would also get price estimates to place leafless gutters on the building.
The next meeting of the Brown County Commissioners is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Dec. 15.

* Recent cases from Brown County Court

(Posted 12:45 p.m. Dec. 7)

In addition to fines, each case carries $50 in court costs
Elliott T. Torrez, age 27, of Omaha, charged with speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, fined $200.
Boe J. Brown, 39, of Valentine, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.
Jesse Anima, 61, of Sterling, Colo., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.
Valerie S. Hanson, 23, of Nelson, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.
Karen A. Green, 60, of Arcadia, speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200; also charged with driving left of center, $25.

Michelle Flores, 26, of Omaha, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Victor Corranza Gutierrez, 44, of Ainsworth, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125.

Shiela M. Zephier, 45, of New Hope, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25; no operator’s license, $75.

Cassius L. Russell, 27, of Ainsworth, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, sentenced to 10 days in jail with credit for two days served.

Luis M. Perez, 44, of Ainsworth, first offense reckless driving, $500.

Christine N. Bonacker, 35, of Sioux Falls, S.D., attempting a Class 4 felony, $1,000; possession of marijuana more than 1 ounce but less than 1 pound, $500; possession of drug paraphernalia, $100.

Christopher M. Pettengill, 20, of Ainsworth, leaving the scene of an accident or failing to furnish information, sentenced to six months of probation and ordered to pay $5,503 in restitution.

Ashley R. Happold, 26, of Ainsworth, domestic assault by intentionally causing bodily injury, $100.

Susan M. Clay, 48, of Denver, Colo., speeding 21-35 mph over the limit, $200.

Douglas R. Wald, 55, of Wichita, Kan., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Michelle S. Ashley, 32, of Winterville, Ga., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Angeline A. Joe, 39, of Blue Gap, Ariz., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Lynn K. Stephanie, 50, of Holdingford, Minn., speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Colton D. Deverick, 19, of Long Pine, minor in possession, $300.

Marius Unqureanu, 27, of St. Cloud, Minn., speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, $125; no operator’s license, $75.

Melissa A. Albert, 26, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, $300; possession of drug paraphernalia, $100.

Brandon J. Voigt, 18, of St. Cloud, Minn., attempting a Class 4 felony, $1,000; possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, $500; possession of drug paraphernalia, $100.

Richard J. Griswold, 37, of Henderson, Nev., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Stanley J. Adams, 72, of Falton, Mo., speeding 11-15 mph over the limit, $75.

Gerardo Saenz, 34, of El Paso, Texas, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

James H. Deloach, 55, of Kearney, speeding 6-10 mph over the limit, $25.

Christopher W. Johnson, 35, of Ainsworth, no operator’s license, $75; improper or defective vehicle light, $25.

* Another 143 positive COVID-19 tests in NCDHD area

(Posted 12:45 p.m. Dec. 7)

The North Central District Health Department was made aware of 143 new COVID-19 cases in the district since the last reporting on Monday. Among the new cases reported are 31 in Holt County, 14 in Brown County, 12 in Cherry County, six in Boyd County, five in Rock County, and four new cases in Keya Paha County.

There have been 510 COVID-19 cases confirmed in the district in the past 14 days, and 2,940 total confirmed cases. Of those 1,165 have recovered and 40 have died.

NCDHD has been notified of six additional COVID-19 related deaths in the nine-county district, including a Holt County man in his 80s, a Holt County woman in her 70s, one Knox County resident and three residents of Antelope County.

NCDHD announced 104 people who contracted COVID-19 have recovered from the virus. Among the recoveries are 42 in Holt County, six in Rock County, four in Cherry County, and three residents of Boyd County and Brown County recovered from the virus during the past week.

The Directed Health Measures, effective through December 31, have been updated to include recommendations from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention regarding shortened quarantine. The change includes:

Quarantine may now discontinue without testing under the following conditions: at least 10 days have passed since the quarantined individual’s last close contact exposure, the individual has no symptom development, continues to self-monitor daily for symptom development through day 14 since last close contact exposure, and wears a facial covering through day 14 since the last close contact.

Quarantine may discontinue with testing under the following conditions: at least seven days have passed since the quarantined individuals last close contact exposure, the individual has had no symptom development, results of a diagnostic specimen testis negative, the specimen was collected no earlier than 5 days since the quarantined individuals last close contact exposure, the individual continues to self-monitor daily for symptom development through day 14 since last close contact and wears a facial covering through day 14 since last close contact exposure.

Test Nebraska COVID-19 tests are available at the north parking lot of the O’Neill Armory from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 1 until 3 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Rock County Fairgrounds. Pre-registration for testing at www.testnebraska.com is highly encouraged, but not required.  

The Cherry County Hospital also offers Test Nebraska COVID clinics Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. at the north parking lot of the Valentine United Methodist Church.

* Traffic Accident

(Posted 12:45 p.m. Dec. 7)

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department investigated a one-vehicle accident that occurred Thursday, Nov. 26, east of Long Pine.

According to the sheriff’s department report, at 9:50 p.m. Thursday on Ponderosa Road approximately 2 miles east of Long Pine, a 1999 Ford F-350 pickup, driven by Ty Thurlow, 18, of Newport, was traveling south when the driver did not see a curve in the road. The Ford left the roadway, struck a sign and rolled in the south ditch.

No injuries were reported in the accident. Damage to the Ford was estimated at $4,000. A road sign, owned by Brown County, sustained approximately $100 damage.

* Firefighters respond to fire northwest of Ainsworth Nov. 28

(Posted 12:45 p.m. Dec. 7)

The Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a fire northwest of Ainsworth Saturday afternoon.

According to Ainsworth Assistant Fire Chief Randy Johnson, at approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, a fire was reported approximately 3 miles west and 2 miles north of Ainsworth on property owned by the O’Hare Feed Yard.

Johnson said a power line started a grass fire, which spread to a garage and a haybale near the garage. Johnson said a passerby who called in the fire saved the day, as two tractors in the vicinity were able to be moved before they caught fire.

Firefighters moved the bale from the garage and extinguished both, and damage was contained to the garage and the bale. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately an hour.

* Deer harvest numbers down slightly from 2019

(Posted 11:15 a.m. Nov. 25)

Preliminary Nebraska deer check-in numbers indicate statewide harvest is down 3 percent compared to 2019 for the November firearm season. During the nine-day season, 42,024 deer were harvested, compared to 43,418 in 2019.

While the statewide trend was comparable to previous years, regions of the state varied. Deer harvest in southeast Nebraska was up 7% from 2019, while southwest Nebraska was down 10%. The northwest and northeast districts were down slightly at 2% to 3% each.

Mule deer buck harvest decreased 17%, with 5,990 taken, compared to 7,201 in 2019. Whitetail buck harvest was down slightly, with 23,814 taken compared to 24,301 in 2019. Antlerless mule deer harvest was down 15%, while antlerless white-tailed deer harvest increased 5% compared to 2019.

“Many factors can be related to the variations in numbers of checked deer,” said Luke Meduna, big game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Considering the increases in antlerless harvest in the southwest due to depredation complaints over the past few years, it’s not surprising harvest numbers would start trending downward at some point. In contrast, deer numbers in southeast Nebraska have been inching upward in recent years, and we’re seeing that in our harvest.”

One major change for the 2020 November firearm season was the use of Telecheck for all deer harvested. Due to COVID-19-related concerns, Game and Parks did not operate in-person check stations this year.

“Our hunters adapted quickly and did a great job at utilizing the Telecheck system,” Meduna said. Game and Parks plans to go back to in-person check stations for the 2021 November firearm season.

* Wilkins named to Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council

(Posted 7 a.m. Nov. 24)

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced its selection of the 2020-21 Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council. The 21-member Council, all students at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, will help lead the celebration as NAYC enters its 50th year of promoting Nebraska agriculture and making a difference in the lives of young Nebraskans.

Among the 21-member council is Ainsworth graduate Sam Wilkins.

NDA sponsors NAYC and its activities throughout the year.

“The student leaders who serve on NAYC dedicate their time to promoting Nebraska agriculture and teaching young Nebraskans about food and the many careers available in agriculture,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “It’s always an honor to be selected to serve on NAYC, and I look forward to working with these students as they continue to pursue their careers in agriculture and teach others about food, fuel and the ag industry.”

Throughout the year, NAYC members coordinate and participate in a wide range of activities and events that focus on agriculture. Council members visit elementary schools to talk about where food comes from, take urban youth on farm tours to experience life on a farm, and visit with high school students about career opportunities in agriculture. The primary focus of NAYC is to coordinate the annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute, a five-day summer conference for high school juniors and seniors full of speakers, workshops and networking opportunities.

NAYI is the longest running event of its kind in the nation.

* NCDHD reports another 142 COVID-19 cases in the district Monday

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

The North Central District Health Department was made aware of 142 additional COVID-19 cases in the nine-county district since Thursday. Among the new cases are 25 in Holt County, 19 in Boyd County, nine in Brown County, eight in Cherry County, four in Rock County and one new case was confirmed in Keya Paha County.

The health department received notification that two people died from COVID-19 complications, including a Holt County man in his 70s and a Pierce County woman in her 80s.

There have been 629 COVID-19 cases reported in the district in the past 14 days, with a total of 2,572 confirmed cases overall. Of the total cases, 977 people have recovered from the virus and 34 people in the district have died.

There have now been 173 confirmed cases in Brown County, with 68 recoveries and three deaths. There have been 98 confirmed cases in Rock County, with 70 recoveries and one death. Keya Paha County has had 17 cases, with five recoveries. Holt County has had the most cases in the nine-county district with 541. Of those 178 people have recovered and eight died. There have been 263 confirmed cases in Cherry County, with 96 recoveries and five deaths. Boyd County has confirmed 128 cases, with 41 people recovering and two deaths.

Due to weather concerns, the Test Nebraska clinic scheduled for O’Neill Tuesday has been cancelled, however the Test Nebraska clinic at the Rock County Fairgrounds will proceed as scheduled from 1 until 3 p.m. Tuesday.

* Most area counties see taxable sales jump in August

(Posted 9:30 a.m. Nov. 23)

Comparison of August 2020 and August 2019 Net Taxable Sales for Nebraska Counties and Selected Cities

Comparison of August 2020 and August 2019
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Collections by County

* Ainsworth School Board invites public input

(Posted 7 a.m. Nov. 23)

Anyone unable to attend last week’s community engagement session hosted by Ainsworth Community Schools may complete a survey online to provide their thoughts on the district’s future direction.

To complete the survey, just click on the link:

https://nasb.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_89aap8dc0Aex2iV

Information provided will be used by the Board of Education to help develop a strategic plan for the next three to five years. The board encourages people to provide their input as it plans for the future growth and success of its students.

* Ainsworth Public Library updates COVID-19 procedures

(Posted 11:45 a.m. Nov. 18)

The Ainsworth Public Library has announced changes to its procedures due to the increase of COVID-19 in our local area. Their goal is to provide library service and keep the public safe.
Face coverings must be worn inside the library. Everyone visiting the library is required to use the hand sanitizer provided before entering the main area of the building. Social distancing of six feet or more is encouraged and recommended. Individuals are allowed a maximum of 30 minutes in the library per visit. Curbside service can be obtained by calling 387-2032 or by emailing aplibrary@threeriver.net. A 30 minute time limit is also set for the use of the computers and staff will not be able to help you with the computer due to social distancing. Talk to the staff if you need a longer amount of time. You may also connect to the Wi-Fi from outside the building.
The book drop is available for all returned items. If members of your family have been ill and you need to return an item, please put the item in a bag and tie it closed and include a note cautioning the staff that a person has been ill in your family. That way the staff can take extra precautions. All returned items will be quarantined.
Library hours at this time are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Wednesday and Saturday from 1 until 5 p.m. Thank you for your continued patronage.

* Area students scheduled to graduate Friday from Wayne State College

(Posted 11:15 a.m. Nov. 17)

Wayne State College graduates will be recognized at 7 p.m. Friday in Rice Auditorium on campus.

Due to state Directed Health Measures effective Nov. 11, no guests will be permitted during the commencement ceremony. The ceremony will be livestreamed for public viewing.

Area students scheduled to graduate from Wayne State College are:

Long Pine

Kayla Miller, with a graduate degree in curriculum and elementary instructional leadership

Stuart

Travis Ludwig, with a graduate degree in school administration

Atkinson

Jennifer Alder, with a graduate degree in school counseling

Jennifer Poessnecker, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and human resources management

Megan Poessnecker, with a graduate degree in school counseling

* School Board holds strategic planning session to identify priorities for the district

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

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education Monday held a strategic planning session, inviting the public to help guide the district as it plans for major projects.

The audience Monday consisted primarily of school staff and administration, with Kori Stanoscheck of the Nebraska Association of School Boards serving as the facilitator.

Superintendent Dale Hafer said the community may also complete an online survey available on the district’s web site and Facebook page to provide input to the board if unable to attend Monday’s planning session.

“There is a lot that has gone in to this strategic planning process,” Hafer said. “The board’s goal is to get input from the public and make progress.”

Stanoscheck said she had previously surveyed students and staff members, and spoke with each board member individually to gain input.

“We are looking for the things that are most important to you,” Stanoscheck said. “The board will set priorities for the next three to five years based on the strategic plan. They will set measurably actionable goals.”

Asked to identify points of pride, accomplishments and achievements of the district, those in attendance cited strong curriculum, the effort of students in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities, the community realizing the importance of in-person learning after the district was forced to hold remote learning in the spring, the strong leadership of the district’s administration, the high graduation rate, and the support of local media in promoting the achievements of students.

The second survey question asked people to identify the characteristics of a quality school climate and learning environment.

Responses included the district using data to drive its education offerings, giving students the individual supported needed, setting an expectation for greatness, being inclusive, being transparent and giving the community a sense of ownership in the school, having the upper grades set a positive example for younger students, keeping alumni involved in the school and the community after they graduate, and preparing students for all levels of the workforce.

The third question asked those in attendance to identify obstacles that may prevent the district from addressing identified needs.

Responses included the tradition of always doing things a certain way, fatigue from COVID, the shortage of substitute teachers that does not allow the staff to attend professional development offerings, the availability of early childhood education and development opportunities, unfunded mandates from the state, a lack of state funding for rural school districts and the burden placed on property owners, declining population, poverty and the lack of legislative power for rural Nebraska districts.

The final survey question asked people for their expectations and priorities for the school district.

Those responses included upgrading curriculum on a rotating basis, having curriculum that is consistent and continuous from pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade, students graduating with college credits, giving support to students equally regardless of their career path and following up with graduates on areas where the district can improve, and updating facilities.

Stanoscheck said the survey information would be compiled and an overview presented to the school board as it begins to identify long-term priorities.

Those unable to attend Monday’s strategic planning session who would like to complete the survey and provide input may do so by calling the district office or completing the survey on the school’s web site or Facebook page.

* Rehkopf appointed Sandhills Care Center interim administrator

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

During a special meeting Monday, the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors appointed social services director Tina Rehkopf as the interim administrator of the facility effective Dec. 1. Rehkopf will temporarily fill the position currently held by Stephanie Clifton, who resigned effective Nov. 30.

Rehkopf will also continue in her role as the social services director for the facility.

The board added a new position, appointing Kent Taylor as the care center’s chief operating officer. Taylor, who served as the interim administrator prior to Clifton being hired, will begin Wednesday in the facility.

Taylor told the board he could not serve again as the interim administrator for the Sandhills Care Center, as his temporary license expired after six months and the Department of Health and Human Services does not allow a person to apply for a second temporary license for the same facility.

“The next step would have to be to take the classes, the mentoring program and apply for a full license,” Taylor said.

After appointing Rehkopf as the interim administrator and Taylor as the newly created chief operating officer, the board entered into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The next regular meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board of Directors is scheduled for Dec. 14.

* Brown County sees 21 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

(Posted 6:30 a.m. Nov. 17)

Another 159 people tested positive for COVID-19 since Thursday in the nine counties covered by the North Central District Health Department. Among the new cases were 27 in Holt County, 26 in Cherry County, 21 in Brown County, nine in Boyd County, six in Keya Paha County and two in Rock County. 

There have been 777 cases reported in just the past 14 days in the district, and a total of 2,247 people have tested positive for COVID-19 overall. Of those, 871 people have recovered and 30 people died.

Brown County has now had 142 people test positive for the virus, with 62 recovering and two deaths. Rock County has had 88 confirmed cases, with 68 recoveries. There have now been 15 cases confirmed in Keya Paha County with the six added this week. Holt County has the most confirmed cases in the district with 491. Of those 133 people recovered and six died. Cherry County has had 239 confirmed cases overall, with 94 recoveries and five deaths. Boyd County has had 99 cases of the virus, with 36 recoveries and two deaths.

NCDHD has expanded its COVID-19 testing capacities to include a 15-minute rapid test, in addition to the PCR test already offered. The rapid test will be offered only to individuals who are currently exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID.

Free COVID-19 testing is available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the north parking lot of the O’Neill Armory. The armory is located at the corner of 4th and Hynes Ave. Free testing is available from 1 until 3 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Rock County Fairgrounds.

Pre-registration for testing at www.testnebraska.com is highly encouraged, but not required.

The last patient will be scheduled 15 minutes before the scheduled end of the clinic. 

* Two-vehicle accident Thursday injures two motorists east of Ainsworth

(Posted 11 a.m. Nov. 16)

A two-vehicle accident just east of Ainsworth Thursday injured two motorists.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, at 2:50 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, on Highway 20 approximately 1 mile east of Ainsworth, a collision occurred between a 1992 Chevy pickup, driven by James D. Clopton, 57, of Ainsworth, and a 2014 Ford F-150, driven by Jason Schubauer, 30, of Crookston.

The report indicated the Clopton Chevy was traveling east on Highway 20 and attempted to turn north onto 432^nd Avenue when the collision occurred with the westbound Schubauer Ford.

Both Clopton and Schubauer were transported by the Brown County Ambulance Association to the Brown County Hospital for treatment of injuries suffered during the accident.

Both the Chevy, owned by the city of Ainsworth, and the Ford, owned by Midwest Fertilizer Inc. of Kilgore, were considered total losses.

* Bassett man found unresponsive in Brown County Jail Wednesday

(Posted 11 a.m. Nov. 16)

A 30-year-old Bassett man died in the Brown County Jail on Wednesday, Nov. 11. According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Christopher Jameson of Bassett was found unresponsive in his jail cell on Wednesday.
Jameson was being held on charges of sexual assault of a child and violation of a sexual assault protection order.
The Nebraska State Patrol is currently investigating the death. Anytime a person dies while in custody, a Grand Jury will be convened to hear evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding the death.

* Producers encouraged to apply for CFAP 2 before deadline

(Posted 9:30 a.m. Nov. 16)

The USDA Farm Service Agency reminds farmers and ranchers the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 is Dec. 11. The program provides direct relief to producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

“Producers have one more month to get their applications in for this important relief program,” said Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agency administrator. “Applying is simple and our staff is available to assist every step of the way.”

CFAP 2 will provide up to $14 billion to eligible producers of certain row crops, livestock, dairy, specialty crops, aquaculture and more. All eligible commodities, payment rates and calculations can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of the program and interested producers must complete a new application to be eligible for payment for CFAP 2.

Producers have several options for applying to the CFAP 2 program by the Dec. 11 deadline:

Using an online portal at farmers.gov/cfap. This allows producers with secure USDA login credentials, known as eAuthentication, to certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center.  

Completing the application form using the CFAP 2 Application Generator and Payment Calculator found at farmers.gov/cfap. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, then signed and submitted to their local USDA Service Center. 

Downloading the AD-3117 application form from farmers.gov/cfap and manually completing the form to submit to the local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically, or by hand delivery to an office drop box. In some limited cases, the office may be open for in-person business by appointment.

Producers of commodities with payments based on acreage will use acreage and yield information provided by FSA through the annual acreage reporting process. Producers have the option to complete their application by working directly with their local FSA office or online through the CFAP 2 Application Portal.

All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can be downloaded from farmers.gov/cfap/apply. For existing FSA customers, including those who participated in CFAP 1, these documents are likely already on file.

Both CFAP 1 and CFAP 2 are self-certification programs, which means the applicant certifies the information submitted is correct. FSA will soon begin an important step in the internal controls portion of CFAP 1 by conducting spot checks. Producers have been randomly selected using a statistically sound methodology. These CFAP 1 applicants will be contacted by FSA staff and asked to provide supporting documentation to verify the information certified by the producer on their CFAP 1 application.

As of Nov. 9, FSA has paid more than $9.5 billion with more than 576,000 applications nationwide for CFAP 2. This builds upon more than $10.3 billion paid through CFAP 1.

To find the latest information on CFAP 2, visit farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364.

* Ainsworth Community Schools strategic planning session set for Monday

(Posted 7:30 a.m. Nov. 14)

Ainsworth Community Schools will host a strategic planning session with the public at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the school cafeteria. Those wanting to attend are asked to RSVP by calling the district office or via the school web site.
Those attending will be asked to identify the points of pride, accomplishments and achievements of the district, the characteristics of a quality school climate and learning environment, the obstacles that may prevent the district from addressing identified needs, and the expectations and priorities for the district.

* Viaduct now open on Highway 183 and Highway 92 junction near Ansley

(Posted 7 a.m. Nov. 14)

The Nebraska Department of Transportation announced the viaduct near Ansley at the junction of Highway 183 and Highway 92 is now open to traffic, though construction continues.
Constructors Inc. of Lincoln has the $7.52 million contract, which includes bridge replacement, box culvert installation, earthwork, concrete paving, guardrails and seeding. The project is scheduled for completion this month.
Motorists had been detoured through Ansley’s Main Street, but the junction and overpass are now open to all traffic. Motorists are reminded to use caution near work zones and put phones down.

* NCDHD confirms 145 new COVID-19 cases since Monday

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Nov. 13)

The North Central District Health Department was been made aware of 145 COVID-19 cases in the district since the last reporting on Monday. Among the new cases were 31 in Holt County, 17 in Cherry County, 18 in Brown County, six in Boyd County, two in Rock County, and one new cases was reported in Keya Paha County.

There have been 720 COVID-19 cases reported in the past 14 days in the nine-county district. Of the 2,088 total cases reported in the district, 871 people have recovered and 30 have died.

NCDHD announced 110 people recovered from the virus during the past week. The recoveries included 24 in Holt County, 10 in Brown County, four in Cherry County, three in Rock County, and two people recovered in Boyd County after testing positive.

There have now been 464 confirmed cases in Holt County, with 133 recoveries and six deaths. Cherry County has confirmed 213 cases, with 94 recoveries and five deaths. A total of 121 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Brown County, with 62 recoveries and two deaths. Rock County has had 86 confirmed cases, with 68 people recovering. There have been 90 confirmed cases in Boyd County with 36 recoveries and two deaths. Keya Paha County has had just nine confirmed cases, with two people recovering.

NCDHD has expanded its COVID-19 testing capacities to include a 15-minute rapid test, in addition to the PCR test already offered. The rapid test will be offered only to individuals who are currently exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID.

Free COVID-19 testing is available from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday at the north parking lot of the O’Neill Armory. The armory is located at the corner of 4th and Hynes Ave. Free testing is also available from 1 until 3 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Rock County Fairgrounds.

Pre-registration for testing at www.testnebraska.com is highly encouraged, but not required.

The last patient will be scheduled 15 minutes before the scheduled end of the clinic.

* Hunters invited to submit photos for annual gallery

(Posted 3 p.m. Nov. 12)

KBRB invites deer, elk and antelope hunters to submit photos and information from their hunts.

Email JPEG photos to kbrb@sscg.net. Please include the hunter in the photo with the animal.

Include the hunter’s name, the county and date where the animal was harvested, and any additional information such as the number of points or the score of a buck or especially if it is the hunter’s first deer.

KBRB will run a gallery of all hunting photos at www.kbrbradio.com on the sports page, and the hunting gallery is again being brought to you by Tall Tails Taxidermy, with its new location at Valentine.

* City health inspector identifies 24 vacant properties under new ordinance

(Posted 7 a.m. Nov. 12)

Mayor Greg Soles told the Ainsworth City Council Wednesday the city’s health inspector had identified 24 properties as vacant, and the owners would be sent a notice under the city’s new ordinance regarding vacant properties.

The vacant property ordinance requires owners of homes that are vacant to either list the property for sale or rent or provide the city with additional information. Vacant properties may be subject to a fine under the new ordinance.

In addition, Soles said the health inspector identified an additional 18 properties as violating the city’s nuisance ordinances, and those properties were forwarded to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department to have notices sent describing the violation and giving the property owner time to abate the nuisance before citations are issued.

The mayor said, of the original 15 properties identified by the Board of Health as dangerous properties, only three property owners did not respond with plans to correct the issues. He said those three property owners were issued citations.

“Some have started correcting the issues,” Soles said. “Some have indicated their plans and that they would get the work done in the spring.”

In other business Wednesday, the council received a report from Ashley Weesner with Miller and Associates indicating the low to moderate income survey the city had the company initiate did show more than 50 percent of the respondents to be low to moderate income, which makes the city eligible for Community Development Block Grant project funds.

A recent American Community Survey pegged the city’s low to moderate income individuals at 48 percent, but the Miller and Associates survey showed 57 percent of the population as low to moderate income. A city must have 50 percent of its population classified as low to moderate income to qualify for CDBG funds.

Weesner said a total of 103 surveys were completed, and the survey is good for four years. She said the survey results also indicated the biggest issues facing the city were the condition of city streets and the availability of rental housing.

The council Wednesday approved allowing the Ainsworth Area Chamber of Commerce to move forward with creating an ice skating rink just north of the main entrance to East City Park.

Councilman Brad Fiala said the chamber received a $2,500 grant to go toward a project and chose to create an ice rink.

“They would like to have it by this winter,” Fiala said. “They have talked to Bruce Dannatt about digging out the hole, and they will line it before filling it.”

Fiala said the Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department agreed to fill the area with water after the dirt work was completed.

The council discussed whether the rink would fall under the city’s liability insurance or if the chamber would need to provide coverage. City Administrator Lisa Schroedl said she contacted the League Association of Risk Management, which indicated anything located at the park would be covered under the city’s general liability policy.

Councilman Tonny Beck encouraged the chamber to get the dirt work completed before the ground freezes, and the council approved allowing the chamber to create the skating rink at East City Park.

The council opened one bid for property owned by the city advertised for sale at 255 N. Oak St. Sun West Properties LLC submitted a bid of $4,750 for the property, which the council accepted. The council then approved an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of the property.

Following a recommendation from the LB 840 Loan Committee, the council, by a 3-1 vote with Councilman Schyler Schenk against, approved a professional recruitment grant application in the amount of $100,000. Beck asked if the project was structured so that all parties were satisfied. Brown County Hospital Administrator John Werner said attorneys worked on the structure of how the funds would be distributed for recruiting medical professionals, and the auditors were happy with the structure.

The council also approved a façade grant application for $4,237 after a recommendation from the LB 840 Loan Committee.

The committee recommended two applications in the amount of $10,000 each be denied as they did not fit the definition of façade, and the council agreed to deny those applications.

Audience member Rod Worrell urged the council to change its application form and guideline form to be more specific, as the current applications do not describe what qualifies as façade.

“That would save people some headaches when they are deciding whether to apply,” Worrell said.

The council also approved doubling the limit for demolition grant awards from the LB 840 program from $5,000 per project to $10,000.

Soles said, due to the cost of asbestos inspections and mitigation, and the cost of debris removal, the Board of Health recommended the limit be increased.

North Central Development Center Executive Director Kristin Olson said several people with nuisance properties have contacted the NCDC about assistance with demolition.

The NCDC had previously been able to accept property and then apply for demolition assistance, however since it was later determined NCDC was not a qualifying business, demolition projects have slowed. The city has determined the applicant must be a qualifying business and own the property.

Soles indicated the city would work with the NCDC on possible solutions through either qualifying as a non-profit entity or forming a separate housing corporation to move forward with assisting in the demolition of nuisance properties.

Following a public hearing, the council approved a CDBG application in the amount of $385,000 for the wastewater improvement project. Schroedl said the city was required to hold a hearing before finalizing the application so the public had an opportunity to ask questions or make comments. She said the wastewater improvement project was nearly complete, and the grant funding would help offset some of the cost of the cure-in-place sewer line work and the lift station upgrades.

In a related item, the council approved a $153,936 payment for Bid Section C of the wastewater improvement project. Schroedl said the project was now about 98 percent complete.

The council approved having the Central Nebraska Economic Development District serve as the city’s administrator for repurposing Community Development Block Grant funds from the business re-use fund to the housing rehabilitation fund. Schroedl said the city was moving the remaining $26,000 from the business re-use fund to the housing rehabilitation fund. That fund allows homeowners who income qualify to receive a low-interest loan to make improvements to their home. She said the city was required to have a certified administrator handle the transfer.

In old business items, the council approved an ordinance amending the city’s fireworks regulations. In addition to setting dates and times when fireworks may be discharged without a special permit, the ordinance indicates fireworks debris must be picked up by 9 a.m. the day following the discharge or a littering citation could be issued. The item was tabled from the October meeting to remove the city’s one-mile jurisdiction from the ordinance and make it effective only inside city limits.

The council again tabled a request from the Ainsworth Airport Authority to levy an additional 3.5 cents per $100 in taxable valuation in the city for the purpose of the airport issuing bonds for a runway rehabilitation project.

City Attorney Rod Palmer said, after speaking with representatives from the airport, the additional levy was not needed for the current fiscal year but could be budgeted into the 2021-22 fiscal year. The airport indicated it would not ask for any property tax to pay for the bonds and would use its own funds. The additional levy authority was needed by the bond company in case the airport defaulted on the bonds.

Palmer said the council could address the request when preparing its 2021-22 budget.

The council approved the mayor’s recommended appointments of Tony Allen to a three-year term on the Cemetery Board, Diana Syfie to a five-year term on the Housing Authority, and Rick Goochey to a three-year term on the Planning Commission.

During her report, Schroedl said Wilson Street had reopened to traffic after lift station upgrades were completed. She said she should have a draft agreement by the end of the week for the council to consider regarding the solar array project on the south side of East City Park.

She reported city representatives have had several meetings with Three River Communications representatives regarding the broadband internet project and continue to negotiate franchise and right of way agreements.

Brian Delimont with Three River indicated construction of the broadband fiber cable in the city should be completed in the next few weeks, but with the amount of splicing required to bring the fiber into each home, it would be a few months before the new high-speed internet could be hooked up to individual customers.

Prior to adjourning, the council entered into executive session to discuss a contract and a $17,185 claim submitted by Universal Broadband Consultants for legal fees which Fiala had removed from action on the other city claims.

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

* Clifton submits resignation as Sandhills Care Center administrator

(Posted 10:15 a.m. Nov. 10)

The Sandhills Care Center Board on Monday accepted the resignation of Administrator Stephanie Clifton. Clifton’s final day with the facility will be Nov. 30 after beginning in the position in May.

The board will begin advertising for a replacement, and will also work on finding an interim administrator.

Clifton said the nursing home continues to advertise for a director of nursing, and has openings for full-time and part-time registered nurses, LPNs and CNAs, as well as a full-time and part-time opening in the dietary department.

After a recommendation from Clifton, the board approved offering sign-on bonuses for new employees, including a $5,000 bonus for the director of nursing position, $2,000 for RNs, $1,000 bonuses for LPNs, $750 for CNAs and full-time dietary, and $500 for the part-time dietary position.

The board previously approved shift bonuses for current employees who pick up additional work shifts, which Clifton said have been much appreciated by employees. She said the care center also received referrals for two new employees through a bonus program offered to current employees for referring potential new employees.

Clifton reported there have been no COVID-19 cases in the facility, and the care center continued to have group activities and communal dining for the residents. However, with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services showing a positivity rate of 27 percent for residents of Brown County who are tested for the virus, Clifton said family visitation is not allowed inside the facility. She said the positivity rate has to fall below 10 percent for family members to be allowed inside the care center.

The administrator said employees are currently being tested twice each week, which takes about four hours. If a staff member would test positive, contact tracing would be performed and all the residents would be tested again.

Clifton urged the public to wear masks and practice social distancing in an effort to bring down the number of positive cases. She said the care center has prepared four rooms in an isolated part of the facility to house residents if there are eventually COVID-19 cases found in the building.

Board member Buddy Small asked if there are exceptions made to the visitation policy if a resident is dying. Clifton said the care center does have compassion care visitation measures in place to allow family members in if their loved one is placed in hospice care.

Clifton reported the state has approved a $20 per resident per day increase in Medicaid reimbursement payments to nursing homes, and will backdate those payments to May.

Clifton said the new bedspreads have arrived and have been a nice addition to the facility. The care center received a grant from the Brown County Foundation to assist with the bedspread purchases, which totalled $1,935.

Board Chairman Phil Fuchs said the new bedspreads were a nice update, and the board would continue to try and make updates to the facility as finances allowed. Clifton said the residents were excited to get the new bedspreads.

During October, the care center had 19 residents and generated $129,398 in revenue with expenses of $135,224 for a net operating loss for the month of $5,826. The care center utilized $16,896 in agency nursing to pick up open shifts.

Prior to entering into executive session to discuss personnel issues, the board approved a resolution authorizing Fuchs and Small to sign documents on behalf of the care center related to a USDA grant application for the replacement of the facility’s generator. The next meeting of the Sandhills Care Center Board is scheduled for 4 p.m. Dec. 14.

* Mask mandate for Ainsworth middle and high school students begins Tuesday

(Posted 7 a.m. Nov. 10)

Masks are required of Ainsworth Community Schools students in fifth grade through 12^th grade beginning Tuesday during any time when 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained. The Board of Education and administrators discussed the change during Monday’s meeting.

“We are trying to keep people in school,” Superintendent Dale Hafer said of mandating masks for middle school and high school students. “The community has been really good. We have had some calls with questions, but we haven’t had a lot of pushback.”

Hafer said administration and staff are trying to promote a positive outlook to the students.

“With what the governor had today, and with what we are hearing from the health department, I don’t see this going away anytime soon,” Hafer said.

Board member Brad Wilkins said he appreciated all the hard work administration, staff and students have put in.

“We are now having to focus on public health as well as education,” Wilkins said.

Activities Director Jared Hansmeyer said the new directed health measures from the governor limit attendance to all extra-curricular activities to parents only, at least until Nov. 30, and limit occupancy in the gym to 25 percent.

“Twenty-five percent occupancy puts us at 252 in the gym, and each family group has to be 6 feet apart,” Hansmeyer said.

Hansmeyer said everyone in attendance will be required to wear a mask. He said district wrestling has already been changed, as meets are to be limited to eight teams or fewer. Instead of 16-team wrestling districts, there will be eight-team subdistricts the week prior to districts, with the top wrestlers in each subdistrict advancing.

Hansmeyer reported the Niobrara Valley Conference voted not to accept Ainsworth into the league for the 2021-22 season, and the school instead committed to remain in the Southwest Conference for 2021-22. Hansmeyer reported the NVC is exploring a large school/small school program for some activities, and Ainsworth has been invited to reapply when the conference has that format figured out.

The board discussed leasing a bus from Prestige Leasing of Kearney. Maintenance director Joe Finley told the board the school’s 2006 bus has 145,000 miles on it and is starting to require substantial repairs. He said the district doesn’t have many other options if that bus breaks down and the school has to wait two weeks for a part to arrive.

Wilkins said when the school has two groups in an activity on the same day, one of the groups has to travel on a yellow bus, which is not comfortable for a three-hour ride.

Prestige Leasing quoted the district a $3,500 monthly charge for the unlimited use of a 2007 MCI 56-passenger bus.

Board member Jessica Pozehl said, in any other year she believed the bus lease would be a great option.

“This year, we aren’t even sure we will have seasons,” Pozehl said. “I think it would be a great idea in a normal year.”

Mark Johnson agreed leasing a bus for six months is a large investment.

“Though, if our bus breaks down, we will wish we would have done it,” Johnson said.

Board member Jim Arens said the value was there to lease a bus if the district has the need.

“Should we wait and pull the trigger next August?” Arens asked.

After discussion, by a 5-1 vote with Pozehl against, the board approved the lease of the bus from December through May with Prestige Leasing.

In another action item Monday, the board approved a $58,837 quote from Guarantee Roofing of Norfolk to replace two sections of roof after moisture was found under the roof in testing samples.

Brent Jackson with Trane visited with the board via Zoom regarding other potential building improvement projects the district may want to undertake. Jackson discussed the replacement of windows, LED lighting upgrades in the buildings, and the replacement of the gym floor in McAndrew Gymnasium.

Hafer said he was simply giving the board options to consider should the board decide to move forward on any of the projects.

“I would like the board to give the building and grounds committee some priorities to work on,” Hafer said.

In a final action item Monday, the board approved the first reading of school policy updates recommended by the Nebraska Association of School Boards.

During his report, Secondary Principal Steve Dike said the district’s Veterans Day program Wednesday would move to a virtual program to recognize veterans in the area.

“We have put together a virtual program to acknowledge veterans,” Dike said. “We are all facing the challenges of COVID. I am excited to see the final product.”

Dike thanked the social studies department for developing and creating the virtual program. A link to the program will be available Wednesday on the school’s web site.

The board discussed postponing the Nov. 16 scheduled strategic planning session with the community but opted to move forward with the session under the same protocols used for students in the building. That session is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, in the school cafeteria.

The next meeting of the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 14.

* Another 176 COVID-19 cases reported by NCDHD since Thursday

(Posted 6:30 a.m. Nov. 10)

The North Central District Health Department was made aware of 176 COVID-19 cases in the district since the last report on Thursday. Among those were 30 new cases in Holt County, 21 news cases in Cherry County, five in Brown County, four in Boyd County and two new cases in Rock County.

There have been 575 COVID-19 cases reported in the past 14 days, and a total of 1,943 cases in the nine-county district overall. Of those, 761 people have recovered and 30 have died.

The health department was notified of three deaths in the district. Two deaths were reported in Boyd County, a man in his 70s and a man in his 80s. A Holt County woman in her 80s also succumbed to the virus.

The NCDHD is expanding its COVID-19 testing capacities to include the 15-minute rapid test in addition to the standard PCR test already offered. The rapid test will be offered only to individuals who are currently exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID.

Free COVID-19 testing is offered Monday through Thursday from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the O’Neill Armory parking lot, and from 1 until 3 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Rock County Fairgrounds. Pre-registration for testing at www.testnebraska.com is highly encouraged, but not required.

The Cherry County Hospital will host a COVID-19 testing clinic from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. Wednesday on the north side of the clinic.

* Grass fire burns small area in road ditch Thursday northwest of Ainsworth

(Posted 8 a.m. Nov. 6)

The Ainsworth and Johnstown Volunteer Fire departments responded Thursday afternoon to a report of a grass fire northwest of Ainsworth.

According to Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala, at approximately 2:45 p.m. Thursday, a grass fire was reported in a road ditch northwest of Ainsworth on Rauscher Avenue.

Fiala said the fire burned approximately 2 acres and was contained to the road ditch on Rauscher Avenue and Road 880. Fiala said the wind pushed the flames north and burned tall grass and weeds in the ditch. No property damage was reported.

Fiala indicated the fire may have started from a power line that shorted and sparked, as some residents in that area were without power for a short time.

The fire chief reminded residents the area is under a red flag fire warning, and conditions will be conducive to fires spreading quickly with warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds forecast through the weekend.

* NCDHD confirms 139 COVID-19 cases since Monday in district

(Posted 6:45 a.m. Nov. 6)

The North Central District Health Department was made aware of 139 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the nine-county district since Monday.

Of those, there were 33 new cases in Holt County, 16 in Cherry County, six in Rock County, four in Brown County, two in Boyd County and one case in Keya Paha County.

There have been 471 new COVID-19 cases in the past 14 days in the nine-county district.

The NCDHD reported 102 people have recovered from their illness since the last report Oct. 29. A total of 29 people recovered from the virus in Holt County. There were 10 recoveries in Boyd County, nine in Brown County, five in Cherry County, and four Rock County residents recovered.

The NCDHD is expanding its COVID-19 testing capacities to include the 15-minute rapid test in addition to the gold standard PCR test already offered. The rapid test will be offered only to individuals who are currently exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID.

Free COVID-19 testing will be available from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday at the O’Neill Armory parking lot, and from 1 until 3 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Rock County Fairgrounds. Pre-registration for testing at www.testnebraska.com is encouraged, but not required.

There have now been 98 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Brown County, with 52 people recovering from the virus and two deaths. Rock County has had 82 cases with 65 people recovering. There have been just eight confirmed cases in Keya Paha County, with two people recovering.

Holt County has now had more cases than any other county in the district with 403. Of those, 109 people have recovered and five have died. Cherry County has had 175 confirmed cases, with 90 recoveries and five deaths. There have been 80 confirmed cases in Boyd County, with 34 people recovering.

District-wide, 1,767 people have been confirmed to have COVID-19, with 761 of those people recovering from the virus. There have been 25 total deaths from the virus in the district.

* Masks required beginning Tuesday for Ainsworth fifth- through 12th-grade students

(Posted 3:30 p.m. Nov. 5)

Ainsworth Community Schools Superintendent Dale Hafer reported masked will be required beginning Tuesday, Nov. 10, for all Ainsworth fifth-grade through senior class students. Hafer said the district made the decision to require masks after receiving guidance from the local health department and the Nebraska Department of Education.
Masks will be required when students cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others. The only exception to the mask requirement is for students who have a medical issue and a written diagnosis from a medical professional.
Hafer said the goal of the mask requirement is to keep students in the classroom and to avoid having to go back to a remote learning model.
Masks will be recommended for kindergarten through fourth-grade students, but are not required at this time.
Hafer visited with KBRB’s Graig Kinzie Thursday regarding the decision to implement the mask requirement for the middle school and high school. To hear the conversation, click on the audio link below.

audio clips/ACS Superintendent Dale Hafer 11-5.mp3

* Trump wins 4 of 5 Electoral College votes, Brewer tops Storer for Legislature

(Posted 7 a.m. Nov. 4)

Nebraska’s unique system for awarding its five presidential electoral votes will come in to play in 2020, as President Donald Trump will win the statewide vote count but Joe Biden will win one electoral vote by capturing Nebraska’s Second Congressional District.

Nebraska awards two of its five electoral votes to the statewide winner, and Trump will win that race with about 58.5 percent of the vote to Biden’s 39.5 percent.

Trump’s statewide results were bolstered by winning 75.6 percent of the vote in the Third District to Biden’s 22.3 percent.

Trump also won the First District with 55.5 percent of the vote, but Biden won the Second District, picking up 166,224 votes (52.25 percent) to Trump’s 145,538 (45.75 percent).

Republican Ben Sasse cruised to a second term in the U.S. Senate, winning all 93 counties and capturing 67.5 percent of the total vote to 26 percent for Democrat Chris Janicek.

The Republican Party will retain all three of its seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jeff Fortenberry beat back a challenge from Democratic State Sen. Kate Bolz to win the First District with 58.75 percent of the vote to Bolz’s 38.5 percent.

Republican Don Bacon defeated Democratic challenger Kara Eastman by about 15,000 votes. Bacon received 162,087 votes, almost 51 percent, to 146,992 for Eastman (46 percent). Bacon retained his seat despite the Second District breaking for Biden in the presidential race.

Tom Brewer won a second four-year term in the Nebraska Legislature representing the 43^rd District, securing 58 percent of the vote to 42 percent for challenger Tanya Storer. Brewer earned 10,628 votes to 7,691 for Storer. Brewer won all but two counties in the 43^rd District, including Brown, Keya Paha and Cherry counties. Storer’s two county wins were by narrow margins in Dawes County and Hooker County.

Jeff Scherer defeated Timothy Miller for an at-large seat on the Northeast Community College Board of Governors. Scherer picked up 59 percent of the vote to 41 percent for Miller. That was the only contested NECC Board race.

Though there will likely be an automatic recount, it appears Aaron Troester has edged Barry DeKay for a term on the Nebraska Public Power District Board representing Subdistrict 2. Only 115 votes separate the two candidates among the 24,713 cast in the race. Troester earned 12,414 votes (50.25 percent) to 12,299 for DeKay (49.75 percent) Keya Paha County voters participated in that race, giving DeKay a two-vote edge.

All of the Constitutional Amendments and Initiatives on the ballot passed in Nebraska.

Voters in Nebraska opted to amend the State Constitution and eliminate a provision in the constitution that states slavery or involuntary servitude may be used as punishment for a crime.

Nebraska voters approved that Constitutional Amendment by a 68 percent to 32 percent margin.

Voters approved a second amendment to the Nebraska Constitution authorizing the Legislature to extend the maximum length of time for the repayment of indebtedness for tax increment financing from 15 years to 20 years if more than half of the property in the project area is designated as extremely blighted. Voters approved that amendment by a margin of 61 percent to 39 percent.

Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved Initiative Measure 428, which reduces the amount payday lenders can charge to a maximum rate of 36 percent annually, prohibits payday lenders from evading the rate cap, and deems void any delayed transaction made in violation of the rate cap. Almost 83 percent of Nebraskans supported the measure.

The three initiatives relating to the authorization, regulation and taxation of games of chance within licensed racetracks in Nebraska were all approved by Nebraska voters, which is the first time casino gaming has been approved by voters in the state.

The initiatives allow racetracks to offer games of chance, allow the Nebraska Gaming Commission to license and regulate the gaming, and impose a 20 percent annual tax on gross gaming revenue with a portion of the taxes going to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund.

Nebraska voters approved all three measures, with Measure 429 and Measure 430 each garnering 65 percent of the vote, and Measure 431 being approved by a 68 percent to 32 percent margin.

More than 73 percent of Nebraskans cast a ballot in the General Election, with 928,497 votes counted in the state from among the 1.26 million registered voters.

Brown County’s turnout was nearly 80 percent. Turnout was nearly 82 percent in Rock County, and just about reached 85 percent in Keya Paha County. More than 85 percent of Cherry County voters cast a ballot in the General Election, and turnout in Holt County was nearly 78 percent. Blaine County had the highest percentage turnout in the entire state with 88.67 percent of registered voters casting a ballot. Boyd County turnout approached 84 percent.

More than 78 percent of voters in District 8, which includes area counties, approved retaining District Judge Mark Kozisek, and more than 79 percent of voters opted to retain County Court Judge Kale Burdick in District 8. Both Kozisek and Burdick received six-year terms on the bench.

Workers Compensation Court judges Thomas Stine and Dirk Block appearing on ballots in Brown, Rock and Keya Paha counties were also retained in office with more than 75 percent of the vote.

All three Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District Board members running for re-election were unopposed and earned additional terms, including Tim Nollette in Subdistrict 1, Leonard Danielski in Subdistrict 3 and Gregory Wilke in Subdistrict 5.

There was only one candidate running for each of the four open seats on the Educational Service Unit 17 Board. Renee Adkisson ran unopposed in District 4, with Roxie Lindquist, Jan Knispel and Jody Dexter also winning seats.

* Heyer, Fernau elected to Ainsworth City Council

(Posted 10 p.m. Nov. 3)

Nearly 80 percent of Brown County registered voters cast a ballot during the General Election, with 1,695 votes cast from among the 2,126 registered voters in the county for a turnout of 79.7 percent.

In one of the only contested local races in the county, Ainsworth voters selected Vance Heyer and Shawn Fernau for four-year terms on the Ainsworth City Council. Heyer received 553 votes and Fernau earned the second open seat with 380 votes. Brett Duester placed third in the race with 263 votes, and Anissa Julius picked up 212 votes from Ainsworth residents.

In the race for the 43^rd District seat on the Nebraska Legislature, Brown County voters sided with incumbent Tom Brewer over challenger Tanya Storer by a margin of 990 to 641.

Republican Buddy Small ran unopposed in the General Election for another four-year term on the Brown County Board of Commissioners.

Brad Wilkins (1,264 votes), Scott Erthum (1,176 votes) and Mark Johnson (1,160 votes) were all re-elected to four-year terms on the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education.

Andrea Collatos received 121 votes for a four-year seat on the Long Pine City Council. There were 35 write-in votes for the second open seat on the Long Pine City Council. David Cheatum received 23 write-in votes and will earn a four-year term on the council.

Randy Welke and Reena King were elected to the Johnstown Village Board. Welke received 19 votes and King 18 votes to earn the Village Board seats. Ruth Trobee received four votes in that race.

Bill Lentz earned 711 votes for a six-year term on the Ainsworth Airport Authority.

Brown County voters also opted to have the county surveyor be an elected position, with 952 votes in favor of making that an elected position compared to 512 against.

In the race for an at-large seat on the Northeast Community College Board of Governors, Brown County voters sided with Jeff Scherer over Timothy Miller. Scherer earned 661 votes in Brown County to 461 for Miller. Nicole Sedlacek received 1,273 votes running unopposed for the District 2 seat on the Northeast Community College Board of Governors.

Tim Nollette, Leonard Danielksi and Gregory Wilke all received strong support running unopposed for seats on the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District Board of Directors.

Renee Adkisson received 601 votes running unopposed for the Educational Service Unit 17 Board of Directors for District 4.

Brown County voters narrowly approved the first Constitutional Amendment on the ballot, removing language relating to having slavery be punishment for a crime. By a three-vote margin, 765 to 762, Brown County voters approved that amendment.

Voters in the county were more in favor of the second proposed Constitutional Amendment relating to blighted areas, with 834 in favor and 649 against.

Brown County voters sided in favor of capping the interest payday lenders can charge to 36 percent annually, approving Initiative 428 with 1,156 in favor and 374 against.

Brown County voters were against two of the three ballot initiatives relating to allowing gaming at horse racing tracks in the state, voting against Measure 429 by a margin of 843 to 750 and against Measure 430 by a margin of 864 to 728. Brown County voters were narrowly in favor, 827 to 760, of Measure 431 that would allocate a portion of gambling tax revenue to the state’s property tax credit cash fund.

Brown County voters supported the retention of District Judge Mark Kozisek (1,291 to 250) and County Court Judge Kale Burdick (1,340 to 172). Workers Compensation Court judges Thomas Stine and Dirk Block also received strong retention votes in Brown County.

President Donald Trump received strong support in Brown County, with 1,468 votes cast for the president’s reelection to just 190 cast for Democrat Joe Biden.

Republican Ben Sasse picked up 1,386 votes in Brown County in his bid for another term in the U.S. Senate. Democrat Chris Janicek received 124 votes.

Third District Rep. Adrian Smith earned 1,460 Brown County votes in his bid for another term in the U.S. House of Representatives compared to 128 for Democrat Mark Elworth Jr.

* Johnson, Ferguson and Kepler elected to Keya Paha County School Board

(Posted 10:15 p.m. Nov. 3)

A robust 84 percent of Keya Paha County voters cast a ballot in the General Election, with 533 registered voters either voting early or at the polls.

In local races, Erik Johnson, Rachel Ferguson and Ann Kepler earned four-year terms on the Keya Paha County Public Schools Board of Education. Johnson had 399 votes, with Ferguson receiving 395 and Kepler 391 votes. Jason Rutar finished fourth in that race with 139 votes.

David Lewis and Ernest Hallock earned four-year seats on the Springview Village Board. Lewis received 105 votes and Hallock 97. Nathan Arends finished third in that race with 54 votes.

Republican Mike Tuerk ran unopposed for another four-year term on the Keya Paha County Board of Commissioners and received 145 votes.

In the race for a seat on the KBR Rural Public Power District Board, Keya Paha County voters cast 314 ballots in favor of Patty Anderson to 180 cast in favor of Kirk Sharp.

In the race for the 43^rd District seat on the Nebraska Legislature, Keya Paha County voters sided with incumbent Tom Brewer by a 374 to 126 margin over challenger Tanya Storer.

Keya Paha County voters gave Jeff Scherer a 173 to 132 advantage over Timothy Miller in the race for a Northeast Community College Board of Governors at-large seat. Nicole Sedlacek ran unopposed for the District 2 seat on the Northeast Community College Board and earned 327 Keya Paha County votes.

Barry DeKay edged Aaron Troestar in Keya Paha County, 207 to 202, for a seat on the Nebraska Public Power District Board of Directors.

Keya Paha County voters, by a 251 to 203 margin, were against a proposed amendment that would have eliminated from the state constitution having slavery be a potential punishment for a crime.

Keya Paha County voters were narrowly against, 220 to 217, the second proposed amendment to the state constitution relating to blighted areas.

Voters in Keya Paha County supported the Ballot Measure 428, limiting payday lenders to charging 36 percent interest, by a margin of 315 to 134. Keya Paha County voters were not in favor of two of the three ballot measures related to allowing gaming at horse racing tracks in the state, voting against Measure 429 by a margin of 276 to 200 and voting against Measure 430 by a margin of 289 to 193. Keya Paha County voters were narrowly in favor, 230 to 228, of allowing a portion of gaming tax proceeds to go to the state’s property tax credit cash fund.

Keya Paha County voters were in favor of retaining District Court Judge Mark Kozisek (325 to 86) and County Court Judge Kale Burdick (313 to 69). Voters also were in favor of retaining Workers Compensation Court judges Tomas Stine and Dirk Block.

Keya Paha County voters supported President Donald Trump in his bid for a second term, with 476 in favor of Trump to just 49 votes cast for Democrat Joe Biden.

Republican Ben Sasse earned 427 votes in Keya Paha County in his bid for another six-year term in the U.S. Senate. Democratic challenger Chris Janicek picked up just 41 votes.

Keya Paha County voters also supported Third District Rep. Adrian Smith in his bid for another term in the U.S. House of Representatives, giving Smith 464 votes to just 34 for Democrat Mark Elworth Jr.

* Shaw, Kaup, Hagan earn Rock County Schools Board of Education seats

(Posted 9:15 p.m. Nov. 3)

Rock County voters chose Timothy Shaw, Krystal Kaup and Leah Hagan to serve on the Rock County Public Schools Board of Education during Tuesday’s General Election.

With five candidates running for three seats on the School Board, Shaw led the field with 620 votes. Kaup earned a seat with 435 votes for a second-place finish, and Hagan snagged the final seat with 427 votes. All five candidates received more than 300 votes, as Mark Klemesrud collected 331 votes and Erin Moravec 307 votes.

Josh Wright edged Tim Shaw for a six-year term on the KBR Rural Public Power District Board. Both were write-in candidates, and Wright scored 69 write-in votes compared to 53 for Shaw.

Wade Hollenbeck ran unopposed and received 771 votes for Rock County Commissioner. Hollenbeck won the Republican Primary in May and did not face a challenge in the General Election.

Andrew Hollenbeck was voted on to the Bassett City Council, receiving 262 votes. A second council member will have to be appointed. No one ran for the open Bassett mayor seat.

Tammy Cline earned a seat on the Newport Village Board with 26 votes. She was the only candidate to run for two open seats, so the Village Board will have to appoint a member.

In the state ballot measures and constitutional amendments, Rock County voters were against Amendment 1 removing slavery from the constitution as punishment for a crime. A total of 413 Rock County voters opted against that measure, with 326 in favor.

Just more than half of Rock County voters approved the second Constitutional Amendment, authorizing the Legislature to extend the maximum length of time for the repayment of indebtedness for tax increment financing from 15 years to 20 years if more than half of the property in the project area is designated as extremely blighted. There were 358 votes cast in favor of that amendment in Rock County compared to 344 against.

Rock County voters were overwhelmingly in favor of Ballot Initiative 429, reducing the amount of interest payday lenders can charge, capping the interest at 36 percent annually. A total of 527 Rock County voters were in favor, compared to 205 against.

The first of the three gambling initiatives, Initiative 429, was a dead heat in Rock County, with 388 in favor and 388 against. Initiative 430 failed in Rock County by a margin of 409 against to 371 in favor. Initiative 431, allocating a portion of gambling tax revenue to the state’s property tax credit cash fund, was approved by Rock County voters with 395 in favor and 380 against.

Rock County voters overwhelmingly supported the Republican ticket in the federal races, giving Donald Trump 741 votes for President to just 84 for Joe Biden. Republican Ben Sasse received 697 votes from Rock County residents for U.S. Senate, with Democrat Chris Janicek picking up just 43 votes.

Republican Third District Rep. Adrian Smith picked up 745 Rock County votes in his bid for re-election to just 53 for Democratic challenger Mark Elworth Jr.

Rock County voters, by wide margins, approved retaining District Court Judge Mark Kozisek (559 to 126) and County Court Judge Kale Burdick (532 to 112). Workers Compensation Court judges Thomas Stine (479 to 132) and Dirk Block (451-140) also were favored for retention by Rock County voters.

In the race for an at-large seat on the Northeast Community College Board of Governors, Rock County voters sided with Jeff Scherer over Timothy Miller by a margin of 283 to 198.

Nicole Sedlacek, running unopposed for the Northeast Community College District 2 seat, received 568 votes in Rock County.

Turnout in Rock County was 81 percent, with 849 voters casting a ballot for the General Election among the 1,037 voters registered in the county.

* USDA awards $3.1 million grant for broadband service to area counties

(Posted 7 a.m. Nov. 2)

The United States Department of Agriculture announced an investment of $3.1 million to provide broadband service in Brown, Rock and Keya Paha counties.

This investment is part of the $550 million Congress allocated to the second round of the ReConnect Program.

Rock County Telephone Company will use a $3.1 million ReConnect grant to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network that will connect 261 people, 70 farms and seven businesses to high-speed broadband internet in Rock, Keya Paha and Brown counties.

“USDA has prioritized connecting America’s rural communities to this essential infrastructure,” USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach said. “When rural America thrives, all of America thrives, and expanding access to this critical infrastructure will help ensure rural America prospers for years to come.”

“Broadband is a cornerstone to prosperity in Nebraska’s rural communities because it is essential to economic development, as well as access to health care, educational opportunities and connections to people and services,” USDA Nebraska State Director for Rural Development Karl Elmshaeuser said. “USDA is committed to being a strong partner in deploying this critical infrastructure in Nebraska and across all of America’s rural communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

* NCDHD reports another 158 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

(Posted 6:30 a.m. Nov. 2)

The North Central District Health Department was made aware of 158 COVID-19 cases in the nine-county district since the last reporting on Thursday. Of those, 47 new cases were reported in Holt County, 33 in Cherry County, seven in Boyd County and five new cases were reported in Brown County.
NCDHD was informed of three additional deaths in the district, a Holt County man in his 70s, a Pierce County woman in her 70s and a woman from Pierce County in her 80s.
The district has seen 437 new positive COVID-19 cases in the past 14 days, and there have been 1,628 cases confirmed overall. Of those, 659 people have recovered and 25 died. Additional recoveries will be reported Thursday.