Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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A longtime Orchard staple flipped its sign back on Jan. 12, and it's serving up more than just seconds. The Lunch Box, now owned by Monte Shabram and family of Orchard, is dishing out homecooked meals, early-morning breakfasts and a daily buffet built to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Before reclaiming its Lunch Box name, the cafe operated as Sugarz. Then-owner Matt Wood was ready to step away from the restaurant business and planned to close if a buyer didn't step forward. "We got wind...
Questions recently circulating on Facebook about Orchard's water quality prompted discussion at the Feb. 9 Orchard Village Board meeting, according to Village Chairman Stephanie Cleveland. "During our board meeting last night, it was brought to our attention that there have been some questions circulating on Facebook regarding the water in Orchard," Cleveland said in a statement released on social media. "After discussing the matter, the village board would like to clarify some issues."...
Informal discussion on whether Clearwater, Ewing and Orchard could share a police officer took place Feb. 16, when representatives from each village's board of trustees met at Ewing City Hall. John Shaver currently fills the police chief position in Ewing. He said the biggest benefit of a co-op is that will be customized for the communities. "If there's an issue at this time of the day, patrolling will be easy," he said. According to Shaver, police departments can focus more in certain areas. "T...
After reviewing three bids submitted for a 7,200 square-foot pre-engineered metal shop, Holt County Supervisors, on Friday, approved a $1,798,965 bid submitted by Green Gable Contracting for a new District 6 shop, which will be located at 46748 882nd Road in Stuart. The bid also included a $25 per cubic yard cost for removal of soil and materials. The Ft. Calhoun-based business was recommended by officials from JEO Consulting, who are overseeing the project. A start date has not been set, but...
The Holt County Sheriff's Office responded to a single-vehicle accident, four miles north of O'Neill, on Feb. 24. Michael Simon was driving a gray 2010 Ford Focus SE, southbound on US 281. He became dizzy and blacked out. The vehicle left the road to the west side, continuing south, and impacting the north side of an embankment. The vehicle continued south over the roadway at 877 Avenue, and struck the south side of the ditch. The Ford Focus went through the fenced and flipped on its top. O'Neill Fire and Rescue responded to the scene to...
Holt County Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to a two-vehicle collision, Feb. 24, between 877 and 878 Roads, on Highway 281 north of O’Neill. At approximately 4:53 p.m., a 2017 Ford F150, driven by Kyle Sobotka, was southbound on Highway 281. Daniel Nickeson was driving a 2014 Chrysler 200 LX, headed north on Highway 281. Nickeson crossed the center line, entering the southbound lane. Sobotka attempted to avoid the oncoming vehicle but was unable to avoid a collision. Sobotka’s vehiclecame to rest on the shoulder of the southbound lane....
In their own words, former Tyson workers and community members describe the fallout after their town was rocked by one of Nebraska's biggest-ever layoffs When the Tyson Foods plant in Lexington laid off more than 3,000 employees in January, it wiped out jobs for nearly half the town's work force and left no aspect of life untouched. Already, the loss of the plant has forced families to leave town in search of work elsewhere. Dozens of students have left the school system. Businesses have...
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in both men and women and is very preventable. The most common form of colorectal cancer starts out as small abnormal growths, called polyps, that can grow and mutate over time to transform into cancer. If these polyps are removed when they are small, they never get the chance to evolve into cancer. These polyps grow slowly so screening doesn't need to be an annual event. Intervals depend on several...
A third phone system upgrade was presented to the Antelope County Commissioners yesterday. A representative from Applied Connective of Albion gave a presentation to the ACC for two different options for phone upgrades. One consisted of a web-based system and the other a more traditional “in-house” system. The ACC looked the options over, considering service, pricing, and reliability. At next week’s meeting, county clerk Lisa Payne will be requesting all three companies that made upgrade proposals (Stealth Broadband, Great Plains Commu...
During a Feb. 9 Antelope County District Court hearing covering pretrial motions in a case involving Thomas Warnke, 22, of Beatrice, the Honorable Michael Long was notified a plea agreement, with amended information, was reached. Earlier that morning, Antelope County Attorney Joseph Smith requested to consolidate two cases against Warnke for the purpose of the hearing. Long granted the motion. Defense attorney Dustin Garrison made a motion to sequester witnesses. Smith did not object but requested the two lead witnesses remain in the courtroom....
A continuance was granted in a case involving 63-year-old Denise Blevins of Norfolk, during a Feb. 11 Antelope District Court session. She is charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance, a Class IV felony. Martin Klein, representing Blevins, made the request to the Honorable Mark Johnson. Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith did not object and Johnson granted the motion. The judge continued bond at $1,500 personal recognize, with all previously ordered conditions still in...
Art students from Summerland Public School will have artwork on display, March 1 - 13 at the Advocate-Messenger, 522 Main Street in Clearwater. The public is invited to stop and visit the artwork between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. "Summerland has a lot of talented artists, and we want to showcase their work during Youth Art Month," said SAM publisher LuAnn Schindler. Youth Art Month began in 1961 as a way to "emphasize the value of participating in art for all ch...
A longtime Orchard business announced Monday, via social media, that it will close its doors. Lazy T Tire & Implement, known for its flatbed installation and mower sales, will cease operations immediately. "Lazy T Tire has been an asset to many. It became so much bigger because of you - our customers, friends, and community. Your support, encouragement, and loyalty carried us through every season. "Though this chapter is coming to an end, we are deeply thankful for the relationships and...
A 32-year-old Orchard man appeared in Antelope County Court, Feb. 18, for a preliminary hearing. The Honorable Kale Burdick heard a status report from county attorney Joe Smith in a case against Michael F. Doty, who faces one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a Class IB felony, and two counts of terroristic threats, both Class IIIA felonies. Doty's attorney, Kaz Long, requested a continuance prior to the court date, noting that the "defendant is negotiating a resolution in...
An assault case involving Dillan Knapp, 24, of Lincoln, will be continued to March 26. The charges are the result of an incident alleged to have occurred on or about June 29, leading to Knapp's arrest. He faces one count of assault-cause bodily injury, a Class I misdemeanor. Defense council Michael C. Moyer requested a continuance in Antelope County Court, Feb. 18, asking for "additional time to review discovery and (council) is not yet prepared for pretrial or trial." Moyer discussed the...
School is often associated with reading, writing, and math, but for many students it is also where they learn how to navigate stress, relationships, and personal challenges. At Educational Service Unit 8, Licensed Mental Health Professionals are helping ensure students receive support that goes beyond academics. ESU 8 introduced Licensed Mental Health Practitioner services in schools during the 2019–2020 school year, beginning with two full-time therapists. Since then, the program has steadily g...
Learn about the history of Ireland, including the backstories that brought people to Holt County and O'Neill in a March 9 class, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at O'Neill's Northeast Community College location. The class, taught by Natalie Butterfield, also focuses on the evolution of the St. Patrick's Day celebration in O'Neill from the 1880s through the present day. Take this class taught by an old-school insider and never be called a Plastic Paddy again. Cost for the class is $30. Call 402-336-3590...
Prescribed burns will begin this spring on some Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas, state parks and state recreation areas where weather allows. Burning allows habitat managers to positively affect more acres. Those burns not completed this spring will be attempted this summer, fall or winter as weather allows. Burned acres often become more attractive to wildlife species, and for some species, the effect is immediate. The long-term effects on wildlife habitat are much better if prescribed burning is used as a...
According to Supreme Court Justice John R. Freudenberg, the Judicial Nominating Commission for County Court in the Seventh Judicial District will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 26, beginning at 10 a.m. CST, at the Madison County Courthouse, Courtroom #1, 1313 N Main Street, Madison, Nebraska. At the hearing, the commission will receive information on the qualifications of candidates to fill the vacancy in the office of County Court Judge due to the retirement of Judge Donna Farrell...
State officials said Nebraska-specific plans to mark the nation's semiquincentennial will highlight history and contributions from many, including Indigenous people. The Spanish soldiers did not stand a chance. As they hastily broke camp to continue their southward retreat, arrows began raining down from the sky. When it was done, 45 Spaniards and allied Native Americans lay dead in the grass near present-day Columbus. The slaughter, carried out by Pawnee and Otoe warriors, became known as the...
Spring stockings of rainbow trout into ponds and lakes across Nebraska are beginning. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission fish hatcheries staff are releasing 12-inch trout to enhance fishing opportunities this spring and jump-start the open water fishing season. “This popular program emphasizes our urban and community waters statewide,” said Daryl Bauer, Game and Parks’ fisheries outreach program manager. “We encourage anglers to get out and enjoy the weather and harvest a few trout.” Those just getting into fishing, are encouraged to read Game...
A 19-year-old Sioux City, Iowa, woman facing a Class IV felony, appeared before the Honorable Kale Burdick, Feb. 18, in Antelope County Court. Ivy J. Romo was advised of a demand for extradition made by the State of Nebraska. She waived extradition and agreed to voluntarily return to Nebraska. Romo’s council, Martin Klein of Neligh, requested a March 12 preliminary hearing. Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith did not object. Burdick conducted a bond hearing. Smith requested $10,000-10% be set, with conditions that Romo not use alcohol or c...
Join in the fun, this Sunday, March 1, for BINGO at the Bunker Bar. Play begins at 2 p.m. and continues until 4. The first card is $5, and each additional card will cost $1. Everyone is welcome to join, so gather your friends and spend an afternoon in Clearwater....
A Ewing football standout will join Nebraska's Eight-Man Hall of Fame this June. Brett Kaczor, who led the Ewing Tigers to the 2008 Class D-2 Championship, will join two coaches and 12 players at an induction ceremony on Saturday, June 20 at The Osborne Family Sports Complex in Hastings. Kaczor, a 2009 Ewing Public Schools graduate, went on to play football at Nebraska Wesleyan University. The hall of fame is presented by the Nebraska Eight-Man Football Coaches Association and sponsored by...
In 2025, a total of 367 cases of pertussis were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Early pertussis symptoms often resemble a common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, or low-grade fever. Within one to two weeks, symptoms may worsen into severe coughing fits that can cause vomiting, extreme fatigue, or a high-pitched “whoop”. Some peo...
