Due to the visibility Thursday morning, Neligh-Oakdale will have a two-hour late start. There will be no morning preschool and buses will run accordingly.
The area is in a Dense Fog Advisory until 9 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Visibility is at one-quarter of a mile or less at times. The NWS is reminding all motorists to use their headlights. Husband and wife team Shelby and Seth Snodgrass are excited to hold the grand opening of their new fitness center in downtown Neligh. 719 Fitness Center will be holding their grand opening on Saturday January 9. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m and will include free drinks and food. There will be contests, prizes, and drawings to win memberships, shakes, and personal training. There will also be a discount on shakes all weekend. The staff will also be doing demonstrations throughout the day, explaining the equipment and how to use it properly. Heckert Health will also be at the grand opening doing BMI's, med reviews, and blood pressure readings. To celebrate the Grand Opening, 719 will have free guest passes to the gym all weekend and $3 shakes. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Friday at 4:15 p.m. Free shake samples will be available then as well. 719 Fitness Center, named for the couple's anniversary, opened its doors on December 2. The community has had an overwhelmingly positive response to the new business. The fitness center has actually exceeded it's membership goal in the month it has been open. The center has roughly 125 memberships on a goal of 80 for the first year. Shelby said that the couple's motivation for opening a gym was being so far away from one. "I drove down to Norfolk everyday for the last two years," Shelby said, "We really wanted a gym and one day we were just like 'Hey, lets do it!'" She says that it feels like it has been years since they started the process. "We thought we were in way over our heads at times," Shelby said. The Neligh-Oakdale Wrestlers were in action Tuesday night in a dual against Ainsworth. The Warriors defeated Ainsworth at their Parent's Night by a team score of 41-27.
113:Cameron Wilkinson (Neligh-Oakdale) over Unknown (For.)60 120: Devan Breuer (Neligh-Oakdale) over Bronc Temple (Ainsworth) (Fall 3:32)60 126: Louis Herley (Neligh-Oakdale) over James Polen (Ainsworth) (Fall 1:07)60 132: Andrew Herley (Neligh-Oakdale) over Dwaine McDaniel (Ainsworth) (TF 15-0 4:26)50 138: Ned Pozehl (Ainsworth) over Jayden Arehart (Neligh-Oakdale) (Fall 5:28)06 145: Ty Richardson (Ainsworth) over Hunter Bergman (Neligh-Oakdale) (Dec 17-13)03 152: Garett Allemang (Neligh-Oakdale) over Unknown (For.)60 160: Jose Luna (Neligh-Oakdale) over Unknown (For.)60 170: Hunter Nickless (Ainsworth) over Blake Heithoff (Neligh-Oakdale) (Fall 1:30)06 182: Tyler Knievel (Neligh-Oakdale) over Jacob Nelson (Ainsworth) (Fall 1:13)60 220: Kyle Erthum (Ainsworth) over Unknown (For.)06 285: Jacce Beck (Ainsworth) over Unknown (For.)06
A former Neligh woman felt the effect of a rare earthquake that hit Nebraska on Monday morning.
Dianna Whitesel, who now lives in Broken Bow, said although it only lasted a couple of seconds, it was scary. "I was here in the house, and it sounded like an explosion," Whitesel said. "It was really loud." The U.S. Geological Survey has confirmed an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 struck just after 10 a.m. east and northeast of Broken Bow, near Weissert. It struck at 10:04 a.m. and there are no damage reports, according to the National Weather Service. It was felt in Broken Bow, Weissert, Westerville, Ansley, Berwyn, Comstock, Arnold, and Callaway, along with other surrounding communities. Mike and Dianna Whitesel own Sargent Irrigation, which has its administrative offices in Broken Bow. Neligh is home to one of its nine locations. Whitesel told the Antelope County News this morning that her house started shaking, but not enough to knock anything off of the walls. Whitesel said the first thing she thought was that her husband, Mike, had driven through the garage door. "A thousand thoughts go through your mind during something like that," Whitesel said. Whitesel said she thought their furnace may have exploded or a major accident had occurred on the highway near their house. But never an earthquake. "It's just something you don't even think about," Whitesel said. She recounted a memory of a small earthquake that hit Neligh when she worked at Neligh-Oakdale Public Schools years ago. Whitesel said she and Dr. Roger Macklem felt a definite vibration through the school. "We thought the boilers in the basement were going to explode," Whitesel said. Pre-registration for Neligh-Oakdale Prekindergarten is starting this week.
If you would like to enroll your child into the 2016-2017 Neligh-Oakdale Prekindergarten program, please call the West Ward Office at 402-887-4754 anytime on or after January 4, 2016. A child must be 3 or 4 years old by July 31 in order to enter the 3 or 4 year old prekindergarten program. By state requirements they are limited to 20 students per class; therefore, they will accept students on a first come first serve basis. Your child must be potty trained in order to be accepted into our prekindergarten program. Your information will be collected and an acceptance letter will be sent with information regarding registration and the class this summer. If your child is on the current waiting list, you must call in to pre-register for the 2016-2017 school year. When you call in to the school, you must speak with Mrs. Wilson, the school secretary. You may not leave a voicemail for the pre-registration process. Prior to the beginning of the school year, if your child is accepted, they will need a copy of your child’s state certified birth certificate, his/her social security number, and up to date immunization records.
The Girl scout troop collected 206 items to be donated to the Neligh Food Pantry to help with their distribution prior to the holiday season. Earlier this year, the troop sent Veterans Day cards to local veterans and some other veterans who are currently serving. Members of our Girl Scout troop include: Brooklyn Coover, Brihanna Dugan, Josslyn Hoefer, Raegan Home-Pedersen, Lexie Kallhoff, Bree Kester, Kylee Lichtenberg, Madison Metschke, Elizabeth Miller, Vivienne Miller, Emily Olson, Alyzabeth Patterson, Danny Smidt, Izzy Smidt, Lily-Ann Smidt, Rylee Tillema, Gracie Wiebelhaus, Jaedin Wilson, and Taryn Wingate. Troop leaders are Tina Wilson and Tabitha Kester. It was a tough 24 hours for the Neligh-Oakdale boys basketball team, but the Warriors still managed to finish fourth in one of the toughest Class C holiday tournaments around.
Neligh-Oakdale lost it's second-straight game Thursday. But, like the night before, it was to another quality opponent. In the third-place game at the Shoot-Out on the Elkhorn Holiday Tournament, Neligh-Oakdale dropped a 51-30 decision Thursday afternoon to Pierce, which carries a 7-2 record. The Bluejays' only losses so far this season are to undefeated Winnebago and undefeated Columbus Scotus. The Warriors lost to Ponca on Wednesday, which was the first of the season for Neligh-Oakdale. Alex Kerkman and Grant White each scored 10 points to lead the Warriors against Pierce. Neligh-Oakdale will be back in action at Plainview on Friday, Jan. 8. Neligh-Oakdale: Alex Kerkman 10, Grant White 10, Chris Bentley 2, Tyson Belitz 6, Austin Rice 1, Pepper Merchant 2. Two Antelope County residents were featured in the latest edition of Nebraska Life Magazine. In the magazine's section, "Profiles of Patriotism" Vincent Thiele of Neligh and Fred Capler of Elgin share their war time stories and the memories from World War II and Korea. On Thursday, Nebraska Life Magazine Assistant Editor, Alan Bartels, surprised Vincent Thiele with a visit and brought him several copies of the issue. Thiele is a resident at The Willows Assisted Living in Neligh. The issue of the magazine is now available for purchase at the Antelope County News. The edition will be mailed to subscribers, but single copies are available for $5.95 at our news office in Neligh, which now serves as a regular outlet for the publication. Neligh-Oakdale picked up its second win of the season on Thursday morning in the final day of the Shoot-Out On The Elkhorn Holiday Tournament.
The Warriors (2-7) defeated Wakefield (0-10) 40-33 at Wisner-Pilger. Neligh-Oakdale jumped out to a 32-19 lead heading into the final stanza and fought back a surging Wakefield team that cut that lead to just four points in the fourth. The Trojans went on an 11-2 run to start the fourth quarter to make a game out of it. Danae Smith and Whitney Beacom sealed the win from the charity stripe as they combined to go 6-of-10 from the free-throw line in the final quarter. The only Warrior points that quarter not scored from the free-throw line were from Heather Pellatz, who scored six points on the day. Leading scorer for the Warriors was Smith with 14 points. Beacom scored nine points and Bailey Frey added five more. Neligh-Oakdale 14 10 8 8 - 40 Wakefield 8 3 814 -33 Neligh-Oakdale: Whitney Beacom 9, Danae Smith 14, Bailey Frey 5, Jayda Chance 2, Kaylee Chance 2, Heather Pellatz 6, Kayla Wright 2. The Neligh-Oakdale girls and boys both fell to Ponca in the holiday tournament on Wednesday night.
In the girls game, Ponca jumped out to a big lead early in the game, holding a 20-point advantage after just one quarter of play, 22-2. They continued to extend their lead and went on to win 58-23 over the Lady Warriors. Neligh-Oakdale will play Wakefield at 10 a.m. today. Bailey Frey led Neligh-Oakdale scorers with 6, followed by Shelby Keetle with 5, Whitney Beacom 4, and Danae Smith, Heather Pellatz, Kayla Wright and Jaclynn Hixson each with 2. The Neligh-Oakdale boys suffered their first loss of the season as Ponca grabbed a 42-40 victory over the Warriors. Ponca knocked off previously-undefeated Battle Creek the day before. They will go on to play Winnebago in the championship today and Neligh-Oakdale will play Pierce at 2:30 p.m. for third place. The Warriors trailed most of the game, fighting back from a 14-6 first quarter score to a 23-20 score at the half. Neligh-Oakdale tied up the game, 40-40, with just over one minute to play, but Ponca answered to regain the lead and pick up the win. Tyson Belitz led the Warriors with 20 points, followed by Grant White with 9, Alex Kerkman with 6 and Chris Bentley with 5. The Neligh-Oakdale wrestling community is pulling together in mourning and in honor of former coach Steve Jessen.
Jessen, 68, of Neligh, was a longtime teacher at Neligh-Oakdale and wrestling coach. He died early Tuesday at UNMC due to complications of an infected heart valve, according to family members. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church and visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home. Wrestling coach Gary Davis is asking all Neligh-Oakdale wrestlers and alumni, especially those from 1995 to 2006 to meet in Elmer Lindal Gymnasium prior to the funeral. The wrestlers are planning to attend the funeral as a team to honor Coach Jessen. Jessen was a guidance counselor at Neligh-Oakdale from 1992-2010, after spending nearly 20 years at Osmond. He was a part of the Warrior wrestling coaching staff from 1995-2006.
The Lady Warriors got off to a sluggish start against Wisner-Pilger, giving the host team a 15-2 advantage after one quarter of play. Buckets from Kinsley Klabenes, Bailey Frey, Danae Smith and Jayda Chance in the second quarter put them within 12 at the half. The Gators continued to extend their lead in the second half for the 44-27 win. Klabenes led N-O with 13, followed by Frey with 5; Chance and Smith 4; and Heather Pellatz 1.
The boys game got off to a slow start as well, with Wisner-Pilger leading 9-7 at the end of the first quarter and 24-19 at the half. But the Warriors came out firing after halftime. The nets were blazing in the third as Alex Kerkman hit a jumper and two treys; Grant White drained three 3-pointers and a two; and Clayton Anderson and Chris Bentley each added two to take over the lead, 42-31, heading into the final quarter. Tyson Belitz, White, Kerkman, and Bentley finished up the scoring in the fourth for a 62-60 victory. White led the Warriors with 29 points, folllowed by Kerkman with 15; Anderson 7; Belitz 5; and Bentley and Austin Rice with 3 each. This year will be going out with a bang at the 26th Annual Gun Show hosted by the Antelope County Shooters Club.
The show will be held this weekend, January 2-3 at the Antelope County Fairgrounds along Highway 275. It will be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gun enthusiasts will be able to buy, sell or trade guns. Public admission is $4.00 per day and children under 12 can enter for free as long as they are accompanied by an adult. There will be a snack bar and 24 hour security as well. All firearm laws must be observed and the Shooters Club is not responsible for theft or accidents. To reserve a table at the show, the cost will be $25 for both days. There will be 80-100 8 foot tables available. For information on reservations or information call Duane Childers. Cell: 402-843-8753 Home: 402-843-5348 Make checks payable to Antelope County Shooters Club. A Neligh youth received an unexpected Christmas present this year, his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Thomas Johnson has been working towards his goal since 2012 when a YMCA class inspired him to begin taking classes. Two days before Christmas The 12-year old received the news that he had earned his Black Belt, an honor that only about 1 in every 10,000 ever achieve. "He had a couple of hiccups in the road," mother Christy said, "but he was determined to get this, so I have to really take my hat off to him for that." "It was exciting, it was unexpected," Johnson said. One of the challenges he has faced was having to find a new instructor. His mother said this transition from one style to another set him back about 8 months. "He wanted to keep going, and I'm very proud of him for that," Christy said. Johnson said that he has learned a lot from his current instructor, a 4th Degree Black Belt Master. "She really explains things, like if it's a block she teaches you what it's for and how to use it," Johnson said. There are 9 degrees of Black Belt from the 1st Degree all the way up to a 9th Degree Grand Master Even though Johnson has reached his goal, he plans to continue and attend more tournaments to improve his rank. Johnson said he has considered taking up Karate as well. Johnson is currently in 6th grade at Neligh-Oakdale. Neligh Economic Development Director Greg Ptacek was recently recognized one of three finalists for the 2015 Norfolk Area Person of the Year award.
Ptacek said he fell in love with Neligh while courting his wife, Kelly (Eickholt), a 2005 graduate of Neligh-Oakdale. The two met at Wayne State College, married in 2008 and moved to Neligh in 2011. Kelly Ptacek teaches Title I at Neligh-Oakdale and the couple have two children - daughter Alexis and son Crispin. Originally from Osceola, Ptacek - who has a degree in political science and history and is working toward a masters in public administration - was hired as Neligh’s first economic development director in 2012. Since he was hired, the Economic Development office has completed several project, which assisted in creating 19 jobs and helping to retain 75 jobs in Neligh. To date, $92,000 in LB 840 loads have led to 34 jobs in the community. “When interviewing, I told the board I wasn’t going to chase smokestacks. If that's what they wanted, I wasn't their guy. That’s where economic development was 10 years ago, but not now,” Ptacek told the Antelope County News last year. “We’re taking a more holistic approach to getting entrepreneurs to invest in Neligh, and we’re seeing success. Neligh is growing.” The Norfolk Area Person of the Year award is sponsored by the Elkhorn Valley Bank and Norfolk Daily News. Below are excerpts from some of the nomination letters in support of Greg Ptacek (printed in the Norfolk Daily News and also provided to the Antelope County News): "Greg exemplifies the kind of energy, enthusiasm and work ethic we need to keep rural Nebraska alive and thriving. Since re-launching the Neligh Economic Development office after a 20-year gap in service, Greg has made a difference in our area not only economically but also by igniting a positive energy in the community." Stephanie Wanek, Neligh City Council member "Since he began his position for the City of Neligh, the town has exploded with growth in many directions. I had been watching the growth and was incredibly impressed by this young man's tenacity in his appointed position. I was so impressed with Mr. Ptacek that when the city decided to hire an assistant economic development director in June, I applied for the position even though it was a complete career change for me, and at the time I was extremely happy with the job that I had. I saw the vision and wanted to be part of this program as I believe his mission is so important." Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, Assistant Economic Development Director "Greg still finds time to spend with his family. When you see him at many of these events, he is there with his family, and that is one thing that really clinches my thought of why he deserves (Norfolk Area Person of the Year). He hasn't sacrificed his time with his family to help build his career or community. He has involved, or should I say, integrated, that love of family to build the community. His energy and passion can be noticed every time you and around him, and I don't think I've ever seen him without a smile on his face." Steve Simonsen, Local Business Owner "Greg's fortitude does not appear to waver despite the challenges all small towns face with funding or structures. In fact, at the time of writing this nomination, Greg has contributed to Bomgaars and the Mill Pointe LLC with their business expansion. He realized the impact of Bomgaars nearly doubling the size of their retail store and the Mill Pointe LLC developing a new four-plex multi-business had on a community of Neligh's size. Greg worked extensively on both projects with tireless determination and stamina to help guide both projects to fruition." Dana Klabenes, City Clerk The "Shootout on the Elkhorn" holiday tournament, which will include Neligh-Oakdale, will be delayed by a day thanks to the impending weather.
The "Shootout on the Elkhorn," hosted by Wisner-Pilger, is a 3-day tournament at Wisner - now December 29-31. Eight teams will be playing in this year's tourney: Neligh-Oakdale, Wisner-Pilger, Ponca, Battle Creek, Wakefield, Pierce, Lutheran High Northeast and Winnebago. The Neligh-Oakdale girls and boys will each play Wisner-Pilger in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 29. The girls are set to tip off at 6 p.m. and the boys at 7:45 p.m. Both games will be played in the north gym. Click here for a complete bracket. Admission is adults $5 and students $4. An all tournament 1st and 2nd team will be selected at the end of the tournament. The quota system will be as follows: 1st Team------ Champion—2 selections Runner-up---1 selection 3rd Place----1 selection 4th Place----1 selection 5th Place----1 selection 6th Place----1 selection 2nd Team----- Champion---1 selection Runner-up---2 selections 3rd Place----1 selection 4th Place----1 selection 7th Place---1 selection 8th Place---1 selection The City of Neligh is reminding residents of the snow removal procedures.
After 3 inches of new snow, a snow emergency may be declared and effective until street cleaning is complete. All vehicles should be moved off of the street by 10 p.m. for street plows. Sidewalk snow may be placed on the city right of way. Snow from private property should not be pushed into the street or alley or placed upon any city right of way. All sidewalks should be cleaned within 5 hours after a storm ceases, UNLESS the storm or snow falls during the night, which the sidewalk should be cleaned before 10 a.m. Residential sidewalks should be cleaned within 24 hours after cessation of storm. Motorists and pedestrians are being urged to use caution due to slick conditions on roads and sidewalks. At least one incident has already been reported Thursday due to the conditions.
According to the Nebraska Department of Roads, highways have improved significantly this morning and are in good condition in Antelope County. However, officials said slick spots are still possible and caution should be used, especially as motorists travel east. Pedestrians are also urged to use caution when walking on sidewalks and other areas. According to the National Weather Service, scattered snow showers are expected early on Christmas, with snow developing late at night. One to three inches of snow is expected. On Saturday, snow will continue with winds out of the north at 25-35 mph. The NWS is watching a potential winter storm that would be coming through the area on Monday dropping a possible 8-12 inches of snow. Shopping locally made one Neligh woman $1,000 richer today. She's not the only winner - the local business community also will benefit.
The Neligh Chamber of Commerce wrapped up its latest campaign to encourage local spending this holiday season with the Chamber Business Bingo. Mary Ellen Taylor's name was drawn from the nearly 200 entries of bingo finalists. The Chamber Business Bingo ran from Nov. 23 to Dec. 23. Receipts from Chamber-member businesses were taken to the Chamber office to be validated where participants then drew for a space on their bingo card. Every receipt from city water bills and chiropractors to haircuts and prescriptions were eligible, as long as they were for at least $20 and the businesses is one a member of the Chamber. With about 100 members, that made most businesses in Neligh eligible for the shop local campaign. Adding to the fun - and the local spending initiative - $100 was given away each week to the first bingo winner, besides being entered into the $1,000 grand prize drawing, according to Assistant Economic Development Director Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen. "We've had hundreds of people over the course of it all coming in," she said. "Most receipts were more that $20. It's exciting to see those dollars spent locally." She said Business Bingo provided not only an opportunity for participants to rethink local shopping, but it was also another great benefit of being a Chamber member since the organization is dedicated to helping local businesses. Sheridan-Simonsen said it also served as a connection between the Neligh Chamber of Commerce and community members. "There was one woman that has been a resident for more than 30 years that has never been in (the chamber office). She said she has never had the need to come in," Sheridan-Simonsen said. The University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Office in Neligh will be closing for the holiday season.
The office will close on Christmas Eve and will reopen Monday, January 4th. The First Congregational Church in Neligh will be holding their Christmas Eve service on Thursday evening.
Candlelight service will begin at 5:30 p.m. it will include pipe organ music and the song Silent Night sung in German. There will also be the Christmas story and many Christmas carols. Several Neligh residents have been cashing in on the Chamber Christmas Business Bingo event this week.
This program rewards people for using local service and retail businesses. Every receipt for $20 or more spent at a Chamber business is worth a spot on a bingo card. On Monday there were three blackout winners Amy Thiele, Carmen Peetz and Alyssa Dye. On Tuesday a fourth blackout winner was added to the list, Mary Ellen Taylor. Assistant Economic Development Director Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen said bingo cards are available at various businesses throughout town, as well as the Chamber office along Highway 275 near the entrance to Riverside Park. Receipts should be taken to the Chamber office, where they will be validated. Participants will then draw for their space. She said $100 will be given away every week with a $1,000 grand prize drawing on Dec. 23. Blackout winners are entered into a drawing 13 times. She said everything from city water bills and chiropractor receipts to haircuts and prescriptions are eligible as long as there is a receipt for at least $20 and the businesses is a Chamber member. The event will continue until 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. At 4:00 p.m. the winner of the $1,000 will be drawn. |
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