Insurance agencies in Clearwater and Tilden are under new ownership this week.
Dane Nielsen, owner of Nielsen Insurance, announced he has purchased the Clearwater Insurance Agency and Tilden Insurance Center from The Tilden Bank. The purchase was finalized on Friday. “We’re really excited about this expansion,” Nielsen said. “Nothing will change for those currently insured by both locations, except we’ll now be able to bring even more companies in for quotes to offer even more opportunities in Tilden and Clearwater.” The company helps insure area residents for all sorts of loss prevention—from auto, home and crop insurance to health, long term care and life insurance. In an age when the insurance industry is continually changing, having a dependable agent who stays on top of those changes is invaluable, and Nielsen is happy to oblige. “Working for local people and helping them in the event of a loss is the most enjoyable aspect of my business,” said Nielsen, who grew up on a ranch in the Sandhills and completed his undergrad years at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Nielsen married Jennifer Blackburn in 1997 and purchased Heckert Insurance in 2005. He has operated it as Nielsen Insurance Inc. ever since. Recently, the company expanded to include offices in Valentine as well. Though not a short drive, Nielsen is able to make it work. Ultimately, Nielsen hopes to offer the best services around to his customers, and continues to take an interest in people, treating their needs as his own for years to come.
North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct air defense exercise flights over the states of Colorado and Nebraska between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday. NORAD F-15s, F-16s, a United States Air Force C-17 and a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 will participate in the exercise and will fly no lower than 10,000 feet above ground level. The exercise flights should not affect the public. To test responses, systems and equipment, NORAD routinely conducts exercises using a variety of scenarios, including airspace restriction violations, hijackings and responding to unknown aircraft. All NORAD exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled. The defense of Canada and the U.S. is NORAD’s top priority. NORAD forces are on alert around the clock, every day. For more than 60 years, NORAD aircraft have identified and intercepted potential air threats to North America in the execution of the command’s aerospace warning and aerospace control missions; and maintain a watchful eye over our maritime approaches in the execution of its maritime warning mission. Operation NOBLE EAGLE is the name given to the military response following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and applies to all air sovereignty and air defense missions in North America. NORAD is a bi-national command focused on the defense of both the U.S. and Canada, the response to potential aerospace threats does not distinguish between the two nations, and draws on forces from both countries. After allegedly stealing a gun while he was high on meth, a 24-year-old was sentenced to prison in Antelope County District Court last Wednesday.
Gordon Davidson was sentenced to an indeterminate term of not less than 3 years nor more than 4 years in the Nebraska Department of Corrections for attempted possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a class 2A felony. He was also ordered to pay $147 in court costs. Judge James Kube said Davidson would be eligible for parole in about 18 months. Prior to sentencing, Judge Kube reviewed his presentence investigation report. “Your criminal history is three pages long, you’re 24 years old, and there are some fairly significant crimes that you’ve committed—thefts, bad checks, grand theft, DUI, DUS, possession of marijuana,” the judge told him. Judge Kube said Davidson is fortunate to receive a plea agreement, since the original possession charge was a 1D felony. Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler agreed that the case was “troubling” due to the fact that Davidson was charged with a 1D felony at 24 years old and has “a heckuva criminal history.” “Here, we have a felon committing a crime with a firearm that he’s prohibited to have, he actually stole it,” Abler said. “It’s a double whammy in a sense. It’s not only a serious offense, but here he’s stealing it when he’s prohibited from having it.” Public Defender Pat Carney said his client would like a chance at probation, but knows “his criminal history is working against him.” The public defender said Davidson doesn’t even remember taking the firearm in this case. “He doesn’t have a clear memory of those events because of the drugs that were involved in this,” Carney said. He said his client wants to provide for his three children. “I want a chance to show that I can be a citizen here in town and be a father to my kids,” Davidson said. However, Judge Kube found that Davidson was not a suitable candidate for probation and handed down a jail sentence. In three separate cases, the judge did order probation sentences. Lauren Allyson Harms appeared on the charge of information to revoke probation after it was alleged that she failed to meet with her probation officer and tampered with a drug test. Carney said Harms had been near the end of her probation sentence when “things unraveled.” “She had some postpartum depression, had an unfriendly breakup with her boyfriend and the wheels came off,” he said. The judge said probation is intended to teach people how to deal with addiction issues, “and not just when times are good.” “The real test is when times are hard,” he said. Judge Kube added one year to her probation sentence. Two others were sentenced to SSAS —specialized substance abuse supervision—probation. The judge said it is a form of probation that is “a little more intensive.” Jacob Boutwell, 40, who tested positive for THC during his urinalysis just prior to his court appearance, said he “took a couple hits” about three weeks ago. Carney said his client did not appear to be under the influence of drugs. Judge Kube decided to proceed with sentencing Boutwell on one count of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, a class IV felony. Abler called Sheriff Bob Moore to the stand and the sheriff testified that he had witnessed Boutwell purchasing “a tall boy beer” at Casey’s while out on bond. “Mr. Boutwell clearly doesn’t think very highly of this court’s bond conditions,” Abler said. Boutwell asked for a chance to prove himself, and the judge ordered him to 18 months of SSAS probation. Christopher Shawn, 38, was sentenced on one count of DUI, third offense, a class W misdemeanor. His attorney Ron Temple said his client claims he now has his addiction “by the tail.” “It’s okay to drink and it’s okay to drive—you just can’t do both at the same time,” Judge Kube said. “You’ve got to stop drinking, period. You’re the kind of person everyone in this courtroom is afraid of driving down the road.” Per the plea agreement, Abler said he agreed to recommend probation. Shawn was ordered to serve 18 months of SSAS probation. Tickets are available for the Antelope County Fair (July 30-August 4) online at antelopecofair.com, as well as:
Neligh - Cubby’s, Casey’s, Thriftway, Pitzer Digital, & Neligh Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Office Elgin - Dean’s Market Tilden - JB Mart & Tilden Bank Brunswick - Brunswick State Bank Royal - Royal One Stop Orchard - Dusty’s Farewell, Tiger orange and Cyclone green. A new mascot is here.
It’s official— the new sports co-op for Clearwater, Ewing and Orchard has been named the Summerland Bobcats. Their new colors are Carolina blue, black and silver. After a month-long process — which included several meetings and surveys distributed to all students in grades 6-11, staff and families in Orchard, Clearwater and Ewing — the three school boards confirmed the student’s mascot and color selections at their joint board meeting Thursday night. Summerland Central was another consideration for the coop; however, Clearwater principal Mike Sanne said the students preferred the shortened version. “It’s too wordy for a cheer,” Orchard principal Cathy Cooper said with a laugh. She said the students worked well together to find common ground when they recognized that all of the groups had Summerland, Bobcats and Carolina blue as options. “I just want to commend our students because I think they did a phenomenal job of compromising, working together and strategizing,” Cooper said. The other mascot option was the Panthers. Clearwater school board president Amy Thiele said she was pleased that the students decided to be “a little more original than that.” “The Norfolk High Panthers are only 40 miles down the road,” Thiele said. Ewing principal Greg Appleby said the Bobcats were “overwhelmingly the top choice” by the students. “My opinion is to roll with what the kids chose,” Ewing board president Mark Ramold said. When it was put to a vote, the three boards agreed and the Summerland Bobcats were born. The sports cooperative will begin with the 2019-20 school year for junior high and high school sports, with the exception of high school football due to the two-year contract cycle. They will remain the OC Cyclones and CWCE Renegades for another football season. Varsity head coaches for the Summerland Bobcats, include: volleyball-Suz Funk, girls and boys cross country-Jamie Turpin, boys basketball-Brett Kaczor, girls basketball-Greg Appleby, wrestling-Dan Roeber, girls track-Shannon Schumacher, boys track-Jackson Medina and boys golf-Bill Tabbert. The athletic directors will be Shelly Mlnarik-Clearwater, Greg Appleby-Ewing and Jim Schutt-Orchard. In other matters, the board members: •Approved Wilkins Architecture Design Planning, LLC of Kearney, as the architectural firm for proposed school construction project; •Discussed methods for contracting services and named Superintendent Dale Martin as the point of contact; •Voted on the criteria to be used when hiring a construction manager; and •Offered input on the reorganization petition, which will be drafted by Steve Williams of KSB. They agreed the new board would consist of six members — two members from each school, one serving a 2 year term and the other 4 years. After that time, the members will be elected at large. It was decided to start forming committees to educate the public about the bond elections. They agreed schools for PK-12 will remain in each community until a new school is built. Communities will honor our fallen heroes on Monday, May 27, with Memorial Day programs.
Orchard 10:30 a.m. - Orchard Cemetery All Legion members are asked to report by 10 a.m. at the Rex Theater. Flags and crosses will be put out at the cemetery on Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m. Aging Legion members would appreciate help from the public. Royal 11 a.m. - Royal Cemetery Tilden 9:30 a.m. - St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery 10 a.m. - Tilden City Cemetery 10:30 a.m. - Meadow Grove Victory Park Oakdale 11:15 am. - Oakdale Cemetery Clearwater 10:30 a.m. - River Bridge 10:45 a.m. - Clearwater Cemetery (If inclement weather, services will be held inside the Clearwater Legion, beginning at 10:30 a.m.) All Legion members are asked to meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Legion. After the programs, a free-will lunch will be served with chicken & all the trimmings. Neligh 9:30 a.m. - Laying of the wreaths at the Antelope County Courthouse 10 a.m. - Laurel Hill Cemetery Elgin 10 a.m. - Park Center Cemetery 11 a.m. - Elgin Cemetery Fly Overs Three Air Force flyovers are planned in Antelope County on Memorial Day. Tilden - 10:15 a.m. Neligh - 10:30 a.m. Elgin - 10:40 a.m. Several Antelope County schools will be hosting upcoming alumni events. High school alumni associations can be contacted individually for more information.
Orchard High School Saturday, May 25 5:30 p.m.: Open House/Class Photos 6:30 p.m.: Alumni Banquet Sunday, May 26 10 a.m.: United Methodist Church breakfast and church service. It’s a great time to visit, fellowship, and enjoy some rolls, juice and coffee. There is no charge. Clearwater High School Saturday, May 25 9 a.m.: Alumni Golf Tournament at Summerland Golf Course 5 p.m.: Class photos and school tours 6 p.m.: Alumni Banquet at Clearwater American Legion Neligh-Oakdale High School Saturday, May 25 9 a.m.: Golf Tournament at Antelope Country Club 5 p.m.: Social at Legion 6:30 p.m.: Alumni Banquet Royal High School Saturday, June 1 6 p.m.: Social/Open House 7 p.m.: Alumni Banquet at Royal Auditorium The swimming pools in Neligh and Elgin are set to open over the holiday weekend.
Neligh's pool will open on Sunday, May 26 from 1-8 p.m. and Elgin will open Monday, May 27 from 1-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Neligh offers family season passes for $125, individual season passes for $75, adult daily passes $3, students (K-12) $2 and ages 4 and up $1. At Elgin, a family season pass is $100, individual season pass is $70, daily pass $3 per person and under 3 years old is free. An Antelope County man — who until last week also served as the Wisner Chief of Police — is under investigation after allegedly falsifying his military career. Jeff Treu’s resignation as Wisner Police Chief was accepted Monday night by the City Council. Treu, who still has a residence near Tintern Monastery outside of Oakdale, had his military career with the U.S. Marines called into question after Ryan Smith, a Howard County deputy and a retired Navy chief petty officer, filed a Freedom of Information request with the National Personnel Records Center. Smith publicly shared the documents on social media on May 10. Phone calls to Treu from the Antelope County News seeking comment have not been returned. Public record request responses were provided on July 25, 2018, and again on March 14, 2019, with similar letters that stated, “We have been unable to identify a military services record for this individual.” The 2018 request was for Jeff Treu and the 2019 request was for Jeffrey John Treu. Smith posted that he confronted Treu about having presented “himself as a U.S. Marine for the past 30 years.” “I got him to admit to his mistake, but I feel so utterly betrayed as he used that military connection to gain a friendship with me,” Smith wrote. “Why do people do this? Where is the honor and decency in these posers? I just want to throw up.” Falsely representing one’s self as having received any U.S. military decoration or medal is a federal misdemeanor under the Stolen Valor Act. The penalty may include imprisonment of up to six months. Tom Nelson, who is the post commander of the American Legion in Tilden and also the Antelope County Veterans Service Officer, said he is aware of the allegations against Treu and is cooperating with law enforcement. “His membership to the Tilden Legion was revoked on Friday,” Nelson said. “County-wise, everything has been turned over to law enforcement to be investigated.” Nelson took over as the county officer in June 2017 after he served 24 years in the U.S. Army. Nelson said Treu never received any county or federal VA benefits, as far as he is aware. The American Legion Post 170 in Tilden also revoked his membership on Friday. Treu has worked in law enforcement for decades. After a stint with the Grand Island Police Department, he began working at the Antelope County Sheriff’s Department in late 2001, according to Sheriff Bob Moore, who was not in office during that time. Court documents from a lawsuit against Antelope County show Treu was suspended in January 2007 and fired the following month. In 2008, Treu sued Antelope County and then-Sheriff Darrell Hamilton. According to court documents, Treu alleged he was fired after complaints about department operations and reported a deputy used a criminal database to do background checks on them, their significant others, fellow officers and other county officials. That, the documents said, violated his civil rights. The federal case was settled in May 2009. Treu was awarded $6,909. Treu most recently was hired as the Wisner Police Chief in April 2018. In November, he was the guest speaker at the West Point-Beemer High School Veterans Day program. Treu also previously owned a bar in Tilden called Heros, co-owned HEROS EMS and was a member of the Tilden Legion, Lincoln Legion Riders, Dodge Sons of the Legion and other organizations. He also traveled to Washington D.C. as a volunteer EMT with the veteran honor flights through Patriotic Productions and, according to the company’s Facebook page, collected donations on their behalf. |
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