Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Sorted by date Results 301 - 325 of 1879
Summerland will make a return trip to the NSAA Boys State Basketball Championships. The Bobcats punched their ticket to the dance, Monday, after claiming the Class C2-6 district championship with a 62-32 win over Pender. While tournament play begins Wednesday, March 12, the Bobcats will take the court at The Bob on Thursday, March 13. As of press time on March 4, official pairings had not been released by NSAA. Unofficially, the Bobcats are slated to enter as the sixth seed, which would mean a...
The Summerland Public School Board of Education will meet Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m. at the school, with discussions expected on staffing, work agreements and a contract renewal for student counseling services. The meeting will open with public participation, including a presentation by Jack Moles from the Nebraska Rural Schools Association. Among key agenda items, the board will discuss and take action on certified staffing for the next school year, as well as classified work agreements for...
The time comes when you know you’re ready to retire. No, I’m not making an announcement today, so don’t get the rumor mill started. I’m bringing up retirement because last week I had an opportunity to join newspaper folk from around the country to watch a 30-minute documentary, “For the Record.” The independent film chronicles The Canadian Record and its owner/publisher, Laurie Ezzell Brown. The newspaper, based in Canadian, Texas, is located in the state’s panhandle. It’s survived oil bo...
Summerland's boys basketball team slayed the Pender Pendragons, Monday, to claim the Class C2-6 district championship. "What an atmosphere," exclaimed Coach Brett Kaczor. "It was awesome to see the gym absolutely packed." Three Bobcats - Michael Koenig, Preston Hoke and Parker Napier - led the team's offensive attack, scoring 20, 16 and 13 points, respectively. But it was Summerland's tough defense that secured the win and a repeat trip to the boys state tournament. "The guys have really bought...
Laughter and conversation echoed through the hallway Monday as guests gathered at the new Orchard Senior Center. Located in the northeast corner of the Orchard Community Center, the center offers a place for the young at heart to connect. On Feb. 24, food provided another reason to gather, with village and community center committee members serving chicken noodle and ham and potato soups to visitors checking out the new space. Orchard Village Chairman Stephanie Cleveland said plans for a senior...
A public hearing for Holt County's one- and six-year road improvement plan will be held this Friday at the Holt County Courthouse in O'Neill. The hearing, originally scheduled for Feb. 18, will start at 11:30 a.m. It was postponed due to weather conditions. In addition to the hearing, Holt County Supervisors will hear an update about the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, listen to concerns about Chance Road from two residents, review and/or approve a skid steer lease through NMC, hold bid...
Potential changes to the United States Postal Service may have a profound effect on rural communities, newspapers and businesses. President Trump may take control of USPS this week and disband the agency’s governing board. If the plans go through, USPS is slated to become part of the Commerce Department. When the postal service was founded in 1775, it wasn’t a for-profit model. By the mid-1960s, the service needed revamping. Then-President Nixon agreed, noting “Our present postal system is ob...
Summerland held firm through three quarters but couldn't withstand Norfolk Catholic's late surge in a 43-35 girls subdistrict loss Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Crofton. The Lady Bobcats carried a two-point lead into the final period but managed only three points down the stretch. The Lady Knights capitalized, outscoring Summerland 13-3 to secure the win. Abryelle Kester recorded one turnover, while Belle Anson contributed five points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four turnovers. Caydence...
When Ewing Police Chief John Shaver asked Summerland fifth-grade students if they have felt stress, hands shoot in the air and eager students share a range of experiences. The discussion was one of 10 Shaver has with students about responsibility and decision-making as part of the D.A.R.E. program. This is not your parent's D.A.R.E. program from the 1980s and 1990s that focuses strictly on drug, alcohol and tobacco use. While those elements are covered in the first two sessions, today's...
A Wednesday evening accident on the east edge of Neligh resulted in the death of Steven Binkerd, a Holt County sheriff's deputy. Binkerd's 2012 GMC Sierra pickup slid off the highway around 10:15, Feb. 12, a half-mile east of Neligh, according to the Antelope County Sheriff's Office. The initial investigation showed Binkerd, 41, was driving west on the highway when he drifted slightly onto the shoulder. He tried to drive back into the roadway but overcorrected, losing control of the pickup. The...
Locally-grown beef may soon be what's for dinner at Summerland Public Schools. During the Feb. 12 board of education meeting, FFA Advisor Jacob Goldfuss outlined programs at Sandy Creek and Thayer Central and suggested a similar setup could work here. "Parents who were interested or passionate about having locally-raised beef in their school lunches got together and agreed to seek donations," Goldfuss said. Each family in the district received a letter giving an overview of the program....
One of my favorite classes, besides English and journalism, was social studies. I’m certain my enthusiasm for understanding the intricacies of government stemmed from my elementary teacher, Mrs. Hajny. Our elementary classes voted in a mock election in 1972. Our results didn’t mirror the national election, which resulted in Richard Nixon receiving 60.7% of the popular vote, sailing to a landslide win over George McGovern. At school, the results were closer to a 50-50 split, and class dis...
Summerland wrestlers battled through the NSAA Class C2-3 District Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 15, finishing ninth overall with 69 team points. Minden captured the team title, while Pierce took second. Three Bobcats - Isaac Mendoza, Austin Mendoza, and Ethan Kester - punched their tickets to the 2025 NSAA Class C State Wrestling Championships, set for Feb. 20-22 at the CHI Center in Omaha. State Qualifiers 132 – Isaac Mendoza will take a 39-16 record to the state meet. He finished third in the d...
A slow second quarter could’ve proven costly for the Summerland boys basketball team, but Brett Kaczor’s squad played maintained their focus to take a 51-39 win over Lutheran High Northeast. The Bobcats finished 10 of 13 from the charity stripe, while only hitting five of 14 three-point shots. From two-point range, Summerland shot 39%. Alec Schindler, Michael Koenig and Preston Hoke each scored 10 points in the Feb. 13 win. Sam Cheatum, Carter Bergman and Schindler each pulled down six reb...
Ruby Jenkins' name symbolizes love, strength, and protection-qualities she has embodied since birth. Born without pulmonary arteries entering her heart, she underwent open-heart surgery at four months old. Now, as she celebrates her third birthday on Valentine's Day, Ruby's resilience shines as brightly as the gemstone and great-grandmother she shares a name with. On a recent Friday afternoon, Ruby sang the ABC song and serenaded her mom, Jolene, with "The Wheels on the Bus." "What she does now...
Summerland's Alec Schindler will trade his Carolina blue for Wayne State College gold and black as he becomes one of 42 recruits who committed to play football for the Wildcats on Feb. 5, on national signing day. "We are very excited to announce our 2025 recruiting class. I am very proud of the work our staff did get identifying student athletes that fit Wayne state College and building relationships with these young men," said Logan Masters, head coach. Developing a wide receiver corps is top o...
Holt County Supervisors handled a variety of matters when they met in regular session, Jan. 31, in O'Neill. Supervisor Duane Neiman made a motion to appoint Randy Bilstein to the Holt County Board of Adjustments. He will replace Barb Steskal. Bilstein's term will run until 2027. County clerk Cathy Pavel said a county planning board member will need to appoint a member. Surety bonds were approved for Carol Hammerlun, treasurer of School District #7, and Todd Nelson, secretary/treasurer of the Lyn...
If I had an extra $8 million tucked away, I’m not sure I would have spent it on a 30-second spot during Sunday’s big game. A couple caused chuckles, others left me scratching my head. The biggest takeaway: social awareness can be subtle and effective. Dove’s “Keep Her Confident” spot packed a strong message. At age three, a young girl running is unstoppable. By age 14, the same girl will think her legs are unbearable. “One in two girls who quit sports are criticized for their body type. Let’s ch...
Just as pioneers once measured their progress west by the towering presence of Chimney Rock, Nebraska's young female wrestlers continue forging their own path in a growing sport. The Summerland Lady Bobcat wrestling team took another step forward last weekend, securing a fifth-place finish at the NSAA Girls Class B4 District tournament in Bayard, home of the famous rock formation. Head coach Dan Roeber called the district meet "an emotional rollercoaster." "We had our highs and our lows all in...
The Summerland girls' basketball team finished 1-1 in Great Northeast Activities Conference tournament play, bouncing back from an opening-round loss to secure a victory. The Lady Bobcats fell 61-37 to Laurel-Concord-Coleridge in a Feb. 3 matchup in Tilden. Struggles from beyond the arc proved costly, as Summerland missed all 14 of its three-point attempts. The team shot five of nine from the free-throw line and connected on 16 of 44 two-point shots. "Laurel is a very good team that plays well,"...
The Bobcats bid for their first Greater Northeast Activities Conference championship came up just short, as West Holt staged a fourth-quarter rally to secure the title on Feb. 8. Despite a dominant third quarter, Summerland couldn't hold off the Huskies, falling 57-56 in the final game of the tournament. Summerland surged ahead in the third, outscoring West Holt 19-6 to take control. However, the Huskies responded with a 23-10 fourth quarter, erasing the deficit. With 1.8 seconds left, the...
There's a first time for everything. On July 25 to 29, Orchard will host the Class C Area 1 Senior American Legion Baseball Tournament. Jeff Shabram, coach of the Tri-County Titans based in Orchard, said the Jan. 21 announcement was exciting for Orchard, its ball programs and residents. Shabram, along with John Shaver, commander of Orchard American Legion Post #136 completed the application, which outlined the growth of the Titans program, facility upgrades and the village's experience hosting...
While temperatures reached the mid-40s on Sunday, action on Grove Lake was hot, with 39 teams competing in the annual Royal Fire Department Ice Fishing Tournament. Wade Frederick and Spencer Frederick caught 13.58 pounds of fish, casting the duo into first place. Justin Brandt and Brock Belik reeled in 11.54 pounds to finish second, while Derek Thiele and Eric Allemang finished third, with 10.68 pounds. Others finishing in the top eight include Max Heiter and Corey Curtis, fourth, 6.79 pounds; A...
Whether you've been married more than 50 years or are newlyweds, SAM wants to hear your love story. This month, the newspaper staff invites readers to share the story of how they met. Perhaps it's a funny anecdote, maybe it was love at first sight. Readers are asked to submit up to 700 words describing their story, along with a photo. The winning story will appear in an upcoming edition of SAM. Additionally, the winner will take home prizes totaling approximately $100. Details on how to submit...
Summerland School board of education members will consider contracts for elementary and junior/senior high school principals when they meet Feb. 12. A presentation on Beef in Schools will be given. Prior to the formation of the Summerland district, Ewing and Orchard schools offered the program. Other agenda items include • Consideration of the 2025-2026 school calendar. The administrative team will present a suggested calendar included start date and holidays. • Action on summer lawn care. AGE...
