Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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One of the best yearbooks my students produced is based on the theme, "Everyone has a story." Like a typical yearbook, it is stuffed with photos and cutlines and articles, from bleed line to bleed line, placed on double-truck spreads. The difference from others we previously produced: We looked for commonalities among students that weren't school related. In that edition, students wrote about their peers who participated in non-traditional sports outside of the school day, like trap shooting...
Shaylie Kester envisioned a future as a veterinary technician. After working as a student teller at Cornerstone Bank's Clearwater branch, the Summerland FFA member is consider a career change. "This experience opened my eyes to the world of finance and made me realize how much I enjoy working in the field of business. Now, I plan to pursue a career in something on the financial side, like ag business." Kester, who serves as the local chapter president, initially considered showing fair cattle...
Whether the luck of the Irish was with them or if a divine power intervened, emergency personnel are thankful no injuries were reported in an explosion that rocked O'Neill before sunrise on Monday. At approximately 5:55 a.m., an explosion occurred in the St. Patrick's Parish Center. Initial reports of liquid oxygen tanks exploding were debunked by Terry Miles of the O'Neill Fire Department, who reported where the fire originated. Following the explosion, KBRX Radio owner Scott Poese reported fla...
Holt County Supervisors approved the purchase of a new pickup, Monday, when they met in regular session at the courthouse in O'Neill. Deputy Ed Nordby presented a bid of $49,446 from Anderson Auto Group through the State of Nebraska purchasing Bureau. The new vehicle will be a 2024 Ford F150 Super Crew XLT 4x4, with a push bumper, full-length running boards and driver-side spotlight. Nordby said, "Sheriff Matchett has it in the budget." County Clerk Cathy Pavel said American Recovery Plan Act...
I turned 13 when a magical show debuted on Saturday evenings, full of comedic genius and up-and-coming musicians. I grew up watching what was first dubbed NBC’s Saturday Night. It didn’t become known as Saturday Night Live until 1977, after ABC dumped its lackluster Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell. Those first seasons with the Not Ready for Prime Time Players - Gilda, Dan, Chevy, Jane, John, Garrett and Laraine - are classics. From Roseanne Rosannadanna to Landshark to the Killer Bee...
After being unable to produce a sample for a chemical test, prior to being sentenced in Antelope County Court, on Sept. 25, a 33-year-old Oakdale man remains in custody after testing positive to a test later that day. Christopher B. Brady appeared before the honorable James G. Kube in the Antelope County District courtroom for sentencing on a charge of third-degree assault - domestic, a Class I misdemeanor. Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith told Kube the defendant was unable to provide a...
An investigation into the cause of a Monday morning explosion at St. Patrick’s Parish Center in O’Neill is believed to be the result of a vehicle striking a gas line that fed into the building. In a press release issued Tueday by Holt County Attorney Brent Kelly, first responders identified a vehicle they believe was associated with the incident. The vehicle was driven by a 58-year-old Guatemalan national. “The O’Neill Police Department initiated an investigation into the cause of the inciden...
Part 2 in a 3-part series As a member of a farm family, Braelyn Bergman understands the basics of agriculture, the hard work and long hours it takes for seeds to sprout into a sustainable product. This summer, through a Supervised Agricultural Experience for FFA, Bergman has developed a new appreciation for work farmers provide. Summerland FFA Advisor Jacob Goldfuss said Bergman's project involved renting four acres of land from her dad, Ryan, and planting and raising a corn crop. Originally, Be...
Hand counting of election ballots will not take place in Holt County anytime soon, despite a request from citizens made at the Sept. 16 supervisors' meeting in O'Neill. Grace Coleman of Atkinson presented petitions discouraging use of electronic tabulators and encouraging a return to hand counting of ballots at the precinct level. She said individuals from Holt, Boyd, Antelope, Cedar, Knox, Dixon and northern Pierce counties signed the petitions, which were circulated over the summer months....
Good things come to those who wait. Or, sometimes, you have to flesh out details of a project before all the pieces come together. In this instance, the second statement hits the mark. For two years, we have wanted to establish a reader panel for SAM. Why? We believe listening to reader feedback is a solid way for our weekly product to continue to grow. We believe SAM has an invested group of readers and we feel it’s important to connect with you, whether you’re a print subscriber or prefer the...
At first glance, the Clearwater Veterans Park, located at the intersection of Main and Nebraska streets, pays homage to those who served this country. Flags recognizing each military branch of service wave on the eastern side of a concrete walkway. A bright mural decorates the south wall of the library. A plaque, defining the term "veteran," is installed. Benches supply a place for visitors to sit and reflect. As of Sept. 11, two more pieces have been added: a battlefield cross and a soldier bea...
For the 14th time, Clearwater's Big Rodeo, scheduled annually for the last full weekend in June, received the Mid-States Rodeo Association's award for large-purse rodeo of the year. Award recipients were announced Saturday, during the association's finale in Broken Bow. The chamber was tabbed as the top rodeo in 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Rodeo co-chairman Jeremy Kester attributes the event's success to a supportive community and large group...
Another school bus will be added to the Summerland Public School fleet following action taken by the board of education when they met Sept. 11. According to transportation supervisor James Ramold, a new bus will need to be purchased in each of the next two years before the rotation can resume to a two-year cycle. Superintendent Molly Aschoff said, "After looking at bills, we've spent a lot of money of that bus of Tony's (Shrader)." Aschoff suggested purchasing a 2021 Freightliner for $93,350....
Holt County Supervisors gave the nod to VRDG, LLC, for construction of a commercial solar conversion system, following a public hearing held Monday in O'Neill. Opponents expressed concerns about setbacks, environmental issues and health concerns, while proponents touted the tax advantages, seeing the system as a way to keep the family farm viable. The 325-megawatt nameplate capacity site will cover 300 Holt County acres, with the balance of construction set to take place in Knox County. It is...
While reading a weekly email from James Clear, writer of the wildly popular book “Atomic Habits,” the author posed a question that caught my attention. “What season are you in right now and what does that season require?” We walk through life and experience different phases, like the changing of seasons. Right now, we’re transitioning from summer into fall, where the days cool down, school activities heat up and there’s a constant sense of motion. I call it the season of busy. What does it req...
For several Summerland FFA students, school never is out of session, even during summer months. Through a Supervised Agriculture Experience, FFA members are able to explore career options and learn about workplace life. Summerland FFA Advisor Jacob Goldfuss said, "Essentially, it is some type of job or project that an FFA member should have to help them learn skills and knowledge that they can use in the classroom and in FFA contests." The sky's the limit when it comes to a job or project for an...
Eight street projects will fill Clearwater's six-year street plan. The one-year plan can be summed up in a single word: maintenance. Village engineer John Zwingman told trustees he went through the prior plan "with a fairly fine-tooth comb." "Last year's plan costs made zero sense to me and the attached maps didn't match project descriptions," he said during Monday's public hearing held at the fire hall meeting room. Projects include: • Nebraska Street, from Iowa Street to Main Street, .22 m...
After listening to a presentation about county IT services by Dave Sharr, of RTI, on Aug. 30, Holt County Supervisors authorized the Sioux City-based company to conduct an assessment for managed IT services in the courthouse, annex, road and administrative buildings. Supervisors also approved a quote from Boyd's Network Solutions to expand the current phone system in the administrative building. County planning and zoning administrator Marv Fritz briefed supervisors on the commission's approval...
How to handle the River Road, near Clearwater, will come down to engineering specifications. Village officials and Clearwater residents were present, Sept. 10, when Antelope County Commissioners discussed the potential project. Road superintendent Leigh Kluthe said he and Brian McDonald traveled the road last week to talk to about options for the three manholes in the stretch off Highway 275 to the first bridge. Kluthe hasn't received McDonald's findings yet. "He's directing everything back to t...
My Uncle Paul left this earth about 10 days ago. He was an entertaining character who loved his family and always had a knack for making people laugh. I was asked to speak at his funeral. My Aunt Deanna tells me he loved this column. He told me that, too. Uncle, this one’s about you. I read two statements this week that hit home. The first one said, “An auntie and her first-born niece will always have an unbreakable bond. I know it’s true. Ask my aunties, I’m their favorite “Hey, will you run t...
Homecoming festivities for Summerland Public School kick off Sunday, Sept. 8, with a bonfire at the rodeo arena in Clearwater. Fun and games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Each class has been assigned a class color. Seniors will wear white; juniors, pink; sophomores, black; freshman, blue; and junior high, yellow. Dress-up days have been set and will be the same for all classes. Monday, Sept. 9 is 'Merica Day. Students are asked to dress in red, white and blue. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, grab a...
Ed. note: The print edition of SAM has the wrong amount for the anticipated budget. Instead of $16.1 million, the print edition reports $16.1 billion. The correct amount has been updated in this article. SAM regrets the error. Summerland Public School District will enter the 2024-2025 fiscal year with an anticipated budget of $16.1 million, which includes $11.825 million in the general fund, $3.25 million in the bond fund and just over $1 million in a special building fund. The total property ta...
An interlocal agreement may be required if Antelope County assists the Village of Clearwater with updates to a portion of River Road, from Highway 275 to the first bridge, heading north. The key word: If. During Tuesday's commissioners' meeting, Brian McDonald, highway superintendent, learned that Clearwater officials asked for a quote to fix the road. "I think you run into some obligation authority on spending county funds on city roads," McDonald said. "I have mixed emotions about dealing...
Last week, I watched ESPN E60: No Place Like Nebraska. It wove several storylines into one, showing why Husker volleyball continues to be the program to emulate. The show included snippets of the program’s humble beginnings, a fair amount about the attendance record at volleyball day and a glimpse into Harper Murray’s successes on the court and downfalls outside of Devaney. It’s a lot to wrap into a 50-minute video. Maybe too much. One storyline needed more. If you’re a volleyball enthusi...
Chelsea Silbernagel opened not one, but two, new chapters in her life recently. Not only did the Clearwater native get married on Aug. 17, she recently was hired as the director of the Clearwater Public Library. Her first day in the position was Aug. 27. Silbernagel fills the spot left open after former director Kathy Feusse moved to Michigan with her family in late July. Silbernagel graduated from Clearwater-Orchard Public Schools in 2013. She's worked in customer service-based positions, inclu...
