Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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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....
Reprinted with permission LuAnn Schindler has been a journalist in Nebraska for over 30 years. She's been a reporter and editor in the northeastern part of the state most of her career. Her office at the Summerland Advocate-Messenger is covered in stories, old newspapers and plenty of awards she's won over the years. Schindler said she's written over 6,000 stories. She's covered court trials, rodeos and the annual turtle race at a community celebration. "It's really gone by fast when I think...
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...
Summerland scored 40 first-quarter points in the Sept. 13 homecoming game, resulting in a 52-0 shellacking of the visiting Dragons. Michael Koenig completed six of seven passes for 197 yards. Steven Mast led the rushing corps with 42 yards on eight carries. Sam Cheatum pulled in three receptions for 121 yards. Defensively, Austin Mendoza led the Bobcats with six tackles, including three solo takedowns. Alec Schindler, Ethan Kester and Beau Ahlers each finished the game with five...
REGULAR PROCEEDINGS VILLAGE OF CLEARWATER BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sept. 9, 2024 The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met for a regular meeting Monday, Sept. 9, immediately following the budget and tax request hearings, in the fire hall meeting room. Meeting opened at 6:50 p.m. Notice of meeting was given in advance by publication in Summerland Advocate-Messenger, was posted at US Post Office in Clearwater, Clearwater Market and Cornerstone Bank-Clearwater and was given to board members prior to meeting. Public was informed of location...
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...
Summerland Bobcats kicked off homecoming activities, Sunday, with a bonfire at Clearwater's rodeo arena. In addition to a class cheer competition, moms of the senior football players held a tackling contest and students danced by the fire....
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...
Summerland's high school cross country squads traveled to Indian Hills Golf Course, near Beemer, Sept. 5, for the Wisner-Pilger Invite. They faced what many runners consider "Dead Man's Hill," a steep incline leading to the last two-thirds of the 5K race. Times were unavailable at press time. While there were no Bobcat medalists, each individual competitor showed improvement. Competitors included Xander Cepel, Jorden Cox, Luke Kester, Lenora Kester, Aubrey Parker and Carlee L...
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...
The following Summerland students participated in the Holt County Fair, Aug. 5 - 10 in Chambers. Award winners include: Clair Krysl Beef, Breeding Heifers, Shorthorn Breeding Heifers, Heifer Calves - Calved Mar 1 or after of current year, purple, Champion Shorthorn Breeding Heifer Beef, Breeding Heifers, Simmental Breeding Heifers, Yearling Heifers - Calved Mar/Apr of prior year, purple, champion Simmental Breeding Heifer and overall champion breeding heifer Beef, Breeding Heifers, Shorthorn Bre...
The Bobcat junior and senior high cross country teams opened the 2024 season at the Burwell Invite, Aug. 29, at the Calamus Golf Club. Results High school girls: Third in team standings; Lenora Kester, 12th, 19:48.30; Carlee Livingston, 20th, 21:22.20; Aubrey Parker, 21st, 21:48.50; Savannah Gallagher, 30th, 29:34 High school boys: Luke Kester, 16th, 17:05; Zander Cepel, 22nd, 18:01.20; Jorden Cox, 30th, 25:35.40 Junior high girls: Third in team standings; Isabella Kester, 7th, 9:11.10; Taylon...
