The Antelope County News won 35 total awards, including top honors in the weekly division at the Nebraska Press Association awards over the weekend in Lincoln.
Sweepstakes winners from the Better Newspaper Contest were the Antelope County News/Orchard News (weekly division) and the Norfolk Daily News (daily). The Antelope County News' point total was more than double that of second-place newspaper, Gering Courier. The ACN ended the night with 35 total awards, including 18 first-place awards, eight judged second best awards and seven judged third best awards for a point total of 296. It was the ACN's first year to win the top weekly sweepstakes award, and they beat out the second place winner by 154 points. There are 153 weekly newspapers in Nebraska and 62 entered. The ACN received multiple awards in the same categories and swept several in the online category, including all three video awards and breaking news. By placing first among all the Nebraska weeklies entered, the ACN will display the prestigious Loral Johnson Community Weekly Sweepstakes Award for one year. This year marks the 15th annual presentation of the Loral Johnson Community Newspaper Sweepstakes Award. Johnson had a passion for community journalism throughout his life, and this award is given in memory of his enthusiasm. The ACN is owned by Pitzer Digital, which purchased the Bloomfield Monitor/Knox County News last October. That newspaper won three first-place awards and garnered 30 points. Awards were for creative ad writing, breaking news photo and headline writing. The Norfolk Daily News was the winner in the daily category, which excludes dailies in Omaha and Lincoln. It finished with 7 first-place awards, 14 for second and 10 for third for a point total of 250. This is the second time the Norfolk Daily News has won the daily sweepstakes. They beat out the second place winner by 12 points. Nine daily newspapers were entered.
 Neligh-Oakdale School celebrated its prom on Saturday night in the high school gym. The class pictures began the night, followed by the grand march, dinner and dance.  A Neligh-Oakdale junior was selected as a member of the cast for the 2018 All State Musical of Grease School Edition at Midland University in Fremont this summer.
Cade Wilkinson was cast as "Teen Angel" in the Pink Ladies Cast for the musical production. "Wow! What an amazing amount of talent we have assembled," the casting director said. "It was so amazing that we have decided to double the experience. We have cast two complete casts - one is called “The Thunderbirds Cast” and the other is called “The Pink Ladies Cast.” It is a huge challenge to assemble one production in 3 1/2 days, and now we are going to do two! But we are up for the challenge and excited to get to work with all of the amazingly talented performers." Rehearsals will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20 and the shows will be on Saturday, June 23. The Thunderbirds Cast will perform at 2 p.m. and the Pink Ladies Cast will perform at 5 p.m. Seating will be limited. Tickets are free, but the shows will be completely full. Cast members will be asked to fill out ticket request forms to insure all family/friends get to the show. Pink Ladies Cast: (5 pm production) Patty: Libby Aschoff Eugene: Walter Turner Danny: Dominic Pelini Sandy: Piper Monson Rizzo: Jamie Gould Jan: Audrey Graves Marty: Susann Parlor Frenchy: Naudia Larsen Sonny: Will Yindrick Doody: Treyson Rassfield Roger: Thomas Wheeler Kenickie: Jaylin Wiese Johnny Casino: Noah Fowler Radio Soloist: Celeste Hellbusch Cha Cha: Kylie Groves Vince Fontaine: Brayden Schleissner Teen Angel: Cade Wilkinson Soprano: Piper Monson, Mackenzie Krumland, Lauren Breed, Allysa Riha, Molly Sorensen, Kylie Groves, Cassy Jacobson, Sarah Murray, Kaylee Tighe, Aisha Monismith, Jessica Palmquist. Women's Middle: Libby Aschoff, Jamie Gould, Jayden Credeur, Shannon Engel, Makenzie Nickel, Trinity Lewis, Ellie Nelson, Claire Donohoe, Jillian Hansen, Alyssa Blohm. Alto: Naudia Larsen, Audrey Graves, Susann Parlor, Celeste Hellbusch, Ciera Steuve, Lydia Mowles, Carlie Thompson, Lily Frields, Emily Cunningham, Sierra Ventura. Tenor: Treyson Rassfield, Thomas Wheeler, Nicholas Harmon, Trey Lamkins, Carter Levander. Men's Middle: Will Yindrick, Jaylin Wiese, Cade Wilkinson, Jacob Goetz, Konnor Kiesel, Eli Noyd. Bass: Dominic Pelini, Noah Fowler, Nate Meister, Tyge Thomas, Brayden Schleissner.Tech for BOTH productionsAutumn Arnold Fernando Dominguez Ian Wilshusen Katherine Sloup Lily Lundine  The Neligh Public Library is at the forefront of innovation for the next 20 weeks with the arrival of the Library Innovation Studios on Monday, April 9. The library is excited to be a part of the Nebraska Library Commission Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities Project. The project is being funded by a National Leadership Grant of $530,732, awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (MILS). The project uses kits, or makerspaces, hosted by public libraries for a period of around 20 weeks. The grant allowed the Nebraska Library Commission to purchase four of these kits to use at a total of 30 libraries in rural communities by June 30, 2020. The makerspaces are free for the public to come and use at any time during the 20 weeks. The only thing that the public will have to pay for is consumable materials for the equipment unless you bring in your own materials to use. The Library Innovation Studios consist of various equipment, machines, and technology. Most notable are a 3D printer, laser cutter, and CNC router. Also included in the studio is a vinyl cutter, embroidery/sewing machine, heat press, laminator, and a button maker kit. Individual kits in the studio include Lego Mindstorms, an Arduiono starter kit for programming and coding, a SparkFun inventor’s kit, a Makey Makey invention kit, a camera and video creator kit complete with a green screen, a music and recording kit, and a soldering kit. All the machines and equipment have their own individual manuals and instruction guides. A team of community member volunteers have also been trained on how to use the equipment and are able to train the public on using the machines. The library is planning to hold an open house in mid-May, but Jennifer Norton, library director, said, “People are welcome to come in, ask question, and learn more right now.” They will have training sessions and events, such as a maker’s showcase, planned and scheduled very soon. The goals of this project include: empowering rural community members with the tools and knowledge to explore, collaborate, create, learn, and invent and allowing libraries to transform their rural communities through the individual learning spaces while establishing themselves as strong motivators for change within the community.  In light of recent events across the country, Neligh-Oakdale hosted the Nebraska State Patrol last week for civilian training for active shooter situations.
All Neligh-Oakdale faculty and staff, along with several the Neligh Police Department, were on hand as the NSP went through the Civilian Response to Active Killer Events (CRAKE) program. “The reason we’re having this training is we just want to have the mindset, and I think we need to have a conversation about what procedures we have, what weaknesses we have, what we need to improve upon and, quite frankly, what do we do to make things more safe,” said Superintendent Scott Gregory. “I think the goal is to give new ideas and look at trends and things we need to consider doing.” The (CRAKE) program was developed to provide information on awareness and steps a civilian can take to increase their safety in these horrific situations. CRAKE focuses on three steps: avoid/run, deny/hide and defend/fight concepts. “This training is designed specifically for civilians to know how to react in the worst situations,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “The CRAKE course helps Nebraskans be more prepared and have a plan of response to increase their likelihood of survival.” The CRAKE course was offered at no cost to the district. “As we’ve seen around the country, every active shooter situation can be different,” said NSP Training Academy Sergeant Paul Hagen. “We want to equip people with the mindset and thought process to help them realize what’s happening, be decisive, and act.” If other schools, business or other group are interested in requesting a CRAKE presentation from the Nebraska State Patrol, call the Troop B office at 402-370-3456.  Neligh-Oakdale 6th graders completing the All-Star Program were (front) Cameron McKirdy, Kegan Payne, Colson Krebs, Tori Heckert, Taisha Hurtig, Cassidy Booth, Daniella Parra and Bryce Hornback; (second) Jakolby Wecker, Chase Furstenau, Austin Klabenes, Emerson Knust, Hailey Horstmann, Mallory Belitz, Raina Le, Nathan Juarez and Maguire Detlefsen; and (back) Mrs. Becky Kerkman, Trystan Coover, Leonardo Luna-Duran, Courtney Blecher, Abby Kerkman, Ryder Schwager, Jacksyn Sehi, Mariah Henley, Xavier Hart, Bryson Gadeken, Jacob Henery and Tanner Martensen.
 D.A.R.E. graduates at Neligh-Oakdale were (front) Dylan Wright, Graysen Sauser, Alberto Avila, Wyatt Olson, Aubrey Parker and Haddi Heckert; and (back) Deputy John Shaver, McKenna Boggs, Christian Rodgers, Robert Dugan, Jaydrian Parra, Izzy Pitzer, Sydney Sands, McKenzie Hansen and Chase Thomas.
 Members of the Neligh-Oakdale elementary student council sorted items from their food drive exceeding their goals with a total of 425 items donated from students in preschool through sixth grade.
 The Antelope County community showed care and offered a bit of rehabilitation to the employees of Neligh Care & Rehab last week with a benefit event.
After the facility went into receivership last month by the state due to its inability to pay employees, the community quickly stepped up to help. While the state ensured residents would have food and medication, the employees still had to deal with three weeks of no pay. Melissa Smith and Krista Schindler of Neligh decided to step up and organize a free-will offering meal last Tuesday, along with a silent auction, with all proceeds going to employees. While Smith and Schindler are both community leaders, they also both worked at the facility early in their careers and have a deep commitment to its success. “I used to work here. This was my first job when I was 16, so this is sentimental, but also if we lost this facility, it would be devastating to our community. We just couldn’t let that happen,” Schindler said. Elisabeth George said when she first accepted the position as CEO, she interviewed with the management team and was deeply impressed by the commitment and dedication they had for these residents. “When this happened, I was unsure of how things would take place and what would happen, but I’ve been even more touched by the huge outpouring of the community,” George said. “I’m deeply touched by the incredible community care and the strength of this community.” Schindler said even without pay, employees still made sure the residents were taken care of, which meant that it was the community’s turn to do the same for the employees. Equally as impressive, George said, was that all residents remained with the facility, proving they trusted the management team and staff to take care of loved ones. “We have lost a single resident, and all of our staff remains committed and dedicated to taking care of these residents,” George said. “They want the best to happen for these residents. They love this facility and there’s lots of longevity.” Those who were unable to attend the benefit can still make a donation to assist employees thanks to an account that has been set up at Pinnacle Bank in Neligh.  The high school band and choir students put on a Pre-District Music Concert at Neligh-Oakdale on Monday night. The concert band, choir and small groups performed their pieces in the high school gym in preparation for the District Music Concert on Friday.  Three former Neligh-Oakdale students returned to the high school to perform with their college jazz band. Zia Moore, Blake Heithoff and Brittany McConnell were part of the Northeast Community College Jazz Machine that put on a show in the Neligh-Oakdale High School Gym on Tuesday morning.   About 125 people attended the Tales of the Tables event in Neligh on Sunday afternoon. "I was very pleased with the turn out," organizer Beth Kaup said. "It was one of the best events we've ever had." The Neligh Friends of the Library hosted the Tales of the Tables fundraiser, featuring 21 themed table decorations and a salad luncheon, at the Antelope County Ag Building in Neligh. Sarah Mitchell won the People's Choice Award with her table, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," and Jim Asmussen earned honorable mention with the theme, "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes." Each table was set with a different book theme. Others decorating tables for the event were Stephanie Wanek "Very Hungry Caterpillar," Robin Boschult "The Best Loved Doll," Leigh Pedersen "A Court of Thorns and Roses," Tara Purdie "Beauty and the Beast," Dara Boschult "The Secret Garden," Jayne Funk "Adventures of Raggedy Ann and Andy," Anne Dexter "Alice in Wonderland," Jennifer Norton "Little House on the Prairie," Traci Jacobsen "Guess How Much I Love You," Rochelle Reuss "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish," Deb Branstiter "The Polar Express," Karmen Sauser "Harry Potter," Shannon Garcia "Clifford The Big Red Dog," Megan Jacob "The Quilt That Gave a Hug," Mary Ellen Taylor "The Twilight Saga," Gloria Christiansen "Pioneer Girl: Growing Up on the Prairie," Angie Mortensen "Peanuts Treasury," Cheryl and Red Horst "Centennial Parade" and Jailhouse Junkees "Oh the Places You'll Go." For entertainment during the event, Wynter Fulsaas, a senior band student at Neligh-Oakdale, provided musical entertainment with her saxophone and children from the library's programs were interviewed about their favorite library events. Proceeds from the event will be used to help pay for the children's programs throughout the year, including the summer reading program and monthly family nights.   Antelope County farmers Terry and Trish Smith directed $2,500 to Neligh-Oakdale FFA as part of the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.
As part of their mission Neligh-Oakdale FFA will use the funds to continue to build the restarted agriculture education program. Funds will be used to purchase resources to continue to provide students with extended learning opportunities. “We are very thankful to the Smith family for directing their America’s Farmers Grow Communities funds to our chapter. Our community has been extremely supportive in helping us restart our agriculture education program, and these funds will allow us to continue to provide our students with hands-on learning opportunities,” said, Kali Bohling, Neligh-Oakdale Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor. Since the program began in 2010, the Grow Communities program has partnered with farmers to support nonprofit organizations important to them in their local communities. The program has given more than $29 million to farming communities since its inception, including more than $3 million in 2018. Each year, farmers enter for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit they care about in their community. The organizations reflect the makeup and character of rural America, including emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs, food banks and many others. “Farmers play a pivotal role in rural communities, and through their commitment to the Grow Communities program, we are able to provide the monetary support these nonprofit organizations need to make an impact,” said Al Mitchell, Monsanto Fund president. “We’re proud to play a part in helping these rural communities grow and thrive.” To see if a nonprofit in your local community is a 2018 America’s Farmers Grow Communities recipient, visit www.GrowCommunities.com. You can also learn more about the Grow Communities program by checking out Facebook.com/AmericasFarmers. About America’s Farmers The America’s Farmers campaign highlights the importance of modern U.S. Agriculture through communications and community outreach programs that partner with farmers to impact rural America. To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.AmericasFarmers.com. About the Monsanto Fund The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.   American Legion Post #172 in Neligh announced that juniors Austin Rice and Cole Belitz of Neligh-Oakdale have been selected to attend Cornhusker Boys State in June.
Rice is the son of Ron and Deb Rice. His activities are basketball, football, golf, band, musical, quiz bowl, National Honor Society, FBLA, Letterman’s Club and wellness committee. Belitz is the son of Matt and Angie Belitz. He has been involved in cross country, basketball, track, one act, band, speech, National Honor Society, student council, FBLA, FFA, N-O Club and quiz bowl. Cornhusker Boys State will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, June 3-9. The programs are designed to provide youth with a better understanding of how city, county and state governments operate.  Sixteen students and three adults staying for two nights in a big city might sound like a logistical nightmare, but for many of the Neligh-Oakdale students attending the FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Lincoln, Nebraska, it was a dream come true. The Neligh-Oakdale teens, ranging from seventh to twelfth grade, attended the Opening Session on April 8th where speaker Ryan Moran discussed bullying and making a difference.
The following day, many attendees competed in STAR events, while the others donated their time to serving the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and the People’s City Mission Group. Colleges from Nebraska and nearby states advertised at the Opportunity Fair, along with some other nonprofit organizations. Throughout the day, most participants attended smaller sessions on a variety of topics such as stress, driving safety, and healthy relationships. The busy day was wrapped up with the option of a movie or a dance, both of which provided a fun and much-needed break. The Closing Ceremony ended the State Leadership Conference on April 10th. Neligh-Oakdale received the Gold Award for its completion of the Chapter Award, and Sadie Heckert was also recognized for completing the national program Community Service. Sadie Heckert, Hailey Bixler, and Emma Bixler were recognized for making BFFs (Best FCCLA Friends) and adviser Kim Scarborough was given the Adviser Committed to Excellence Award as well as being recognized for twenty years of service. Individuals who competed in STAR events also received medals in their respective events. Medals included Adrienne Parker (Silver in Illustrated Talk, Jr) Skylar Long and Lesly Luna (Silver in Chapter in Review, Sr), and the Parliamentary Procedure team of Brittany Ingalls, Kendall Wiseman, Tonya Legate, Megan McWhorter, Alex Morrison, Hannah Schrader, and Meredith Wiseman, which received a silver medal as well as a third place finish. Three events also received gold medals and qualified for Nationals with a first place finish, including Hailey and Emma Bixler (Interpersonal Communications, Sr), Aleesha Bergman (Life Event Planning, Jr), and Sadie Heckert (Chapter Service Project Portfolio). Sophomore Hailey Bixler was also inducted as the Vice President of Programs on the State Leadership Team. April 8th-10th was full of busy excitement for the sixteen Neligh-Oakdale students who attended the State Leadership Conference, but for these teens hard work produced sweet success. –by Hailey Bixler  Neligh native Hunter Bergman was among a number of business students at Northeast Community College to qualify for the National Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Conference this summer.
“Many of our competitors will be moving on to the National Leadership Conference in Baltimore this June,” said Angie Shaffer, business instructor, and Northeast PBL Club advisor. The team competed against many four-year schools including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Midland University, Chadron State College, Peru State College and Doane University. Other two-year colleges at the conference included McCook Community College, North Platte Community College and Southeast Community College. Phi Beta Lambda focuses on developing leadership, communication and team skills in its members as well as giving members an opportunity to meet and network with other PBL members at the local, state and national levels. PBL places an emphasis on helping students transition to the business world. There are approximately 11,000 PBL members on college campuses across the country. Students placing first and second at the conference automatically qualify to compete at PBL’s National Leadership Conference, June 23-26, in Baltimore. Bergman placed 2nd in Community Service Project, 4th in Future Business Executive, 2nd in Social Media Campaign, 6th in Job Interview, 4th in Website Design, and was elected as the 2018-19 State Vice President of Technology. He was also named to Who's Who in Nebraska PBL. Other Northeast students who received awards during the Nebraska Leadership Conference and Business Competition include: Accounting Principles – Jack Tyson, Carroll, 4th; Business Ethics - Tyson and Chelsea Wortmann, Crofton, 3rd; Business Presentation – Wortmann, Shanae Baker, Petersburg, and Shayla Kramer, Norfolk, 2nd; Community Service Project - Baker, Kramer and Hunter Bergman, Neligh, 2nd; Computer Concepts - Jesse Wiseman, Norfolk, 2nd; Shawn French, Norfolk, 4th; Holden Gabel, Osceola, 7th; and Ramon Bustamante, Burwell, 8th; Contemporary Sports Issues - Zaine Gallagher, Norfolk, 4th; Cyber Security – Wiseman, 1st; French, 2nd; Christopher Ellenberger, Osmond, 3rd; Gabel, 5th; and Koby Lammers, Hartington, 8th; Desktop Publishing - Bergman and Emily Gonnella, Dawson, 4th; Future Business Executive - Bergman, 4th; Job Interview – Bergman, 6th; Management Analysis and Decision Making - Baker and Wortmann, 2nd; Marketing Concepts – Gonnella, 5th; and Kramer, 8th; Networking Concepts – Wiseman, 1st; French, 3rd; and Bustamante, 7th; Social Media Campaign – Baker, Bergman, and Gallagher, 2nd; Statistical Analysis – Gallagher, 4th; Website Design – Bergman and Gonnela, 4th; Maria Juan, of Madison, also competed for Northeast at the event.   There’s no reason to throw caution to the wind with safety as construction begins on the Upstream Wind Energy Center, the 81-turbine farm north of Neligh.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite as was proven last Tuesday when members of the construction management team met with more than a dozen area agencies and about 60 first responders to discuss potential emergency situations. Held at the Neligh Fire Hall, First Captain Jason Krebs said the Neligh Fire Department has been in contact with their turbine contractors during last year and both agreed that when it came time, they would have a meeting to become familiar with one another. The meeting also helped educate local responders of the wind turbine safety procedures. “It was really to have common ground knowledge of how they operate and for them to have common ground knowledge of how we operate,” Krebs said of the meeting. “In the event there is an incident, they know what they can expect out of us, and we know what to expect out of them.” Krebs said with scale of the operation and amount of people on the ground, it was extremely important all of the emergency personnel were available — EMS, fire departments, jaws of life, dispatchers and law enforcement. Nine neighboring communities were also invited — Brunswick, Plainview, Pierce, Tilden, Oakdale, Elgin, Clearwater, Orchard and Royal. Marlin Conroy, site construction manager, said the meeting April 3 was perfect timing since the project broke ground on the site the day before. The idea, he said, was to open the lines of communication before an emergency occurred to ensure everyone is proactive and prepared. “We don’t do this on every job, but we’re trying to make it happen more and more,” Conroy said of meeting with local agencies. “We did it on Prairie Breeze II and III. It’s also good dialogue between departments to know who’s in charge. Some of it is facilitating and getting everyone together.” The hour-long meeting was led by Conry and Jeremy Johnson, site safety manager for the Upstream project. They discussed procedures, equipment and how local first responders would be utilized in various emergency situations. Dialogue ensued with dispatchers on situations and locations. Steve Simonsen, a Neligh EMT, inquired about the type of injuries they could be called to assist on since the project has its own safety response team. Johnson said while the crew is well versed in safety, there is still a risk of injury. Among the potential calls for assistance would be heart attacks, pinch injuries leading to uncontrollable bleeding, cranes falling and crushed limbs. After the safety meeting, dialogue continued among the various first responders about potential situations and how they would handle them. “We achieved what we wanted to achieve.We wanted to get all agencies in one room. We all hear the same message and are all on the same page. That’s the biggest thing,” Krebs said. “We have to be on some page to form a collaborative effort if there is an incident. We know how to react and know what to expect from one another.” Conry said the Upstream Wind Energy Center is expected to be commercially operational by the end of 2018. After the meeting, Krebs said the dialogue was beneficial for all agencies involved. “Now we hope we never see each other again,” Krebs said with a smile. “But in the event that we do, we’re ready to go and know what to expect.”   Themed table decorations and salads will be featured at a fundraiser for the Neligh Public Library.
The Neligh Friends of the Library is hosting a Tales of the Tables fundraiser on Sunday, April 15, at the Antelope County Ag Building in Neligh. This year's table decor theme is children's literature. Doors for the event open at 4 p.m. and a salad luncheon will be served at 5 p.m. Tickets for the event are $15 and can be purchased at the door. Proceeds from the event will be used to help pay for the children's programs throughout the year, including the summer reading program and monthly family nights. Those decorating tables for the event are Deb Branstiter, Mary Ellen Taylor, Gloria Christiansen, Angie Mortensen, Karmen Sauser, Jayne Funk, Jennifer Norton, Traci Jacobsen, Robin Boschult, Dara Boschult, Cheryl Horst, Roechele Reuss, Leigh Pedersen, Megan Jacobs, Tara Purdie, Sara Mitchell, Jim Asmussen, Shannon Garcia, Anne Dexter, and Stephanie Wanek. For questions, contact Beth Kaup at 402-887-4310 or DeManda McGowen at demandamcgowen@gmail.com.   Due to the impending weather, Scouting For Food has been rescheduled for Monday, April 16.
Scouts will be canvassing Neligh after school to pick up your donated food items. Please place the items on your doorsteps for scouts to pick up.  The mobile food pantry, sponsored by various churches, individuals, and businesses in Antelope County, will be dispersing food on Tuesday, April 17, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the American Legion Club in Neligh.
The goal is to provide free food to those whose needs are great and resources are limited without being restricted by income guidelines. Due to liability reasons, recipients will not be allowed in the building until 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your own boxes and a completed proxy form signed by the person you will be picking up food for.  Neligh's Dial-A-Ride is celebrating a big milestone with 40 years of service this year. More than 25 people attended an open house in Neligh's City Council Chambers on Thursday morning as part of the Public Transit Week activities. Those attending the open house included past and present drivers, city council members, city officials, members of the business community and representatives from UNO who collaborate with the Nebraska Department of Transportation. City council member Ted Hughes thanked those in attendance and recognized them for their service to the Dial-A-Ride program. "We appreciate your patronage for 40 years," City Clerk Dana Klabenes said. "Let's keep it rolling." The Dial-A-Ride service began in Neligh in August of 1978 when Elaine Hamm was the city clerk and it was operated through a separate board with Mary Schwager serving as the transit administrator, Klabenes said. Hamm said the very first Dial-A-Ride driver was Floyd Varn of Elgin. "Dial-A-Ride was free through a grant, there was no cost to us," she said. "I can still see those buses when they brought them. They were huge." Hamm said it began as a county-wide service before the City of Neligh took over the program. A contest was held to name the service. She said Jane Ruterbories of Neligh received $25 for the name "Dial-A-Ride." One of her favorite memories of Dial-A-Ride was a dispatch call she received at the city office. "One time I got a call and the man said, 'I see your bus and it says to call 887-4225, and I need a ride to Boys Town.' I told him we don't travel that far," Hamm said smiling as she recalled the memory. "As it turns out, we had sent two or three employees to Omaha for training, and before his last day, Nate Metschke confessed that he had made that call while he was there for training. He used to work for the park in the summer." She said the program "wouldn't do you any good if you didn't have good drivers," and Neligh has been fortunate enough to have some great drivers over the years. Current drivers are Jack Conger, Gordy Hagge, Kathy Heckert and Rachel Shrader. Two of the past drivers also attended the open house, Dave Detlefsen and Leroy Clarkson. Clarkson said he "just enjoyed driving, being around people and helping people." Hamm said when the program began, she hoped it would be around for a long time. "I just hoped it would be there when I needed it," she said. "I have used it. It's a good service." The Dial-A-Ride service is available 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. The cost is $1 for a one-way trip. Call 887-4225 to schedule a ride, 24-hour notice is appreciated. The service is often used for children going to and from school, rides to the grocery store, hospital, hair appointments, bank, doctor's appointments, or even Sunday church services (call by Friday at 4 p.m. to schedule). Dial-A-Ride has the capability to help residents with mobility devices such as wheel chairs or walking devices.   Ewing unanimously voted to withdraw from talks on a potential merger with Neligh-Oakdale and Clearwater on Wednesday night.
Pete Funk made the motion during the three-school board meeting at Neligh-Oakdale. Mark Ramold seconded the motion. It passed 6-0. Neligh-Oakdale hosted the 7 p.m. three-board meeting, which began with a presentation on curriculum. At about 8:40 p.m. the motion was made and passed. The Ewing board then left the table. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. Following the vote, Neligh-Oakdale Board President David Wright pleaded to continue talks with Clearwater. Amy Thiele, president of the Clearwater board, said her district was open to discussion; however, she said it is not willing to be absorbed by any other district. Several Neligh-Oakdale members on Monday suggested Neligh-Oakdale absorb Clearwater and no longer talk with Ewing. Read What Was Said Monday By Neligh-Oakdale: Merger Talks Shift To Absorbing Clearwater, Leaving Ewing This is a developing story and will be updated.  The Neligh-Oakdale quiz bowl team claimed a top-10 finish on Wednesday at the state quiz bowl competition.
The Warriors lost to Cambridge 30-5 in the final round but had two huge victories just before, including a a 25-20 win over Sutherland after getting the final question right and a 40-15 win over Lutheran High Northeast, which topped the Warriors at the ESU meet. Neligh-Oakdale also defeated Johnson Brock and lost to Hastings during competition. There were 36 teams competing.  Earlier in April, members of the Antelope County Health Care Foundation presented a $30,000 check to Tami Kester, AMH Clinic Manager, and Jack Green, AMH Administrator, who accepted the gift on behalf of Antelope Memorial Hospital.
The check will go toward the new AMH Family Practice Clinic in Neligh. The new clinic was completed this winter and opened in February. It enhances the patient experience by improving the flow and delivery of experiences. Pictured above (l-r) - front row: Danelle Charf and Janet Koinzan are shown presenting the check to Tami Kester and Jack Green; middle row: Gina Moser, Sam Stotlz and Cindy Hild; and back row: Bill Bates, Frank Morrison, Sid Charf and Gabriel Steinmeyer. (Not pictured: Martha Drayton, James Meuret and Jay Snider).  A Neligh-Oakdale sophomore was selected as a member of the FCCLA State officer team this week.
Hailey Bixler was chosen as vice president of programs during the FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Lincoln. |
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