Two Neligh-Oakdale sisters are trying to make a difference this winter for low-income families.
Nikki and Kasi Grosserode are organizing a coat drive starting on Wednesday and running through December 18. They will be collecting gently used coats and jackets in all sizes, kids or adults as part of their FCCLA STAR project. Boxes will be located at Thriftway Market, Neligh-Oakdale High School and in both elementary locations - East and West Ward. They will be also collecting coats during the Neligh-Oakdale Christmas Concert on December 17. According to Kasi, they are hoping to deliver the coats before Christmas. They will be taken to families who cannot afford winter coats and will be possibly donated through the Neligh Food Pantry, the Mobile Food Pantry or even through an application process. The girls said it is important to them that the coats are donated locally. "We thought we should give back to our community," Kasi said. Depending on how many coat donations are made, some may even be taken to Bright Horizons in Norfolk. Questions can be directed to FCCLA Sponsor Kim Scarborough at kscarborough@nowarriors.org. The Neligh Police Department is hoping to reunite a lost kitten with its owner.
The male kitten, which has a collar, was found in the area of 1st Street and F Street on Friday night. Please contact the Neligh Police for more information at 402-887-4335. Santa Claus is coming to town on Sunday, along with a parade, courthouse lighting, Christmas carols, a free meal and lots of games in Neligh. There will also be bingo cards for the $1,000 Business Bingo giveaway. Sponsored by the Neligh Chamber of Commerce, the annual Christmas kickoff is going to be bigger than ever on Sunday. Events will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday with the Lighted Parade lineup in Riverside Park. The parade through Main Street will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Courthouse Lighting at 6 p.m. More events are planned at the American Legion from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There will be a free hot dog feed sponsored by Carhart Lumber, games from the Neligh-Oakdale FBLA and photos with Santa Claus, sponsored by the Antelope County News. All families will receive a free professional 4x6, courtesy of the ACN. Bingo cards will be available at the Legion for the $1,000 Big Bucks giveaway. Assistant Economic Development Director Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen said every receipt for $20 or more spent at a Chamber business is worth a spot on a bingo card. 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. 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 Chamber and City of Neligh will again be sponsoring a Christmas Light Contest with the winners of the three categories receiving $100 of their electric bill. The categories are residential, religious and commercial. Judging will be during an evening sometime between Dec. 13-20. Many Neligh businesses are planning specials during the holiday season and some will be staying open late at various times. The City of Neligh has announced some changes next week due to Thanksgiving.
There will be no curbside recycling in Neligh on Thursday, November 26 due to the holiday. Dumpsters will be picked up on Friday at 10 a.m. Three people are being charged in four separate drug cases in Antelope County District Court and appeared on Wednesday morning.
Peggy Schrader appeared in court before judge Mark Johnson for arraignment with her attorney Gregory Jensen. She is facing five separate charges. 1. Possession of Methamphetamine, Class IV Felony 2. Driving Under the Influence, Class W Misdemeanor 3. Possession of Marijuana, Infraction 4. Driving without a License, Class III Misdemeanor 5. Speeding (82 MPH in a 60 MPH zone), Infraction Schrader pled not guilty to all five charges. Jury Trial is scheduled for counts 1, 2, and 4 on March 14 with Pretrial on February 24. Trial to the court will be held immediately following the jury trial on the infractions of count 3 and 5. Nicholas Mook appeared for arraignment with his attorney Brad Montag in two separate case. In the first case he is facing one count of Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class IV Felony to which he pled not guilty. Trial was set for January 19 and Pretrial December 16. In the second case he is facing three charges of Delivery of Methamphetamine, Class II Felony. This is punishable by a maximum of 50 years imprisonment and a minimum of one year. Mook pled not guilty to all three charges and his jury trial was set for March 14 and Pretrial for February 24. Sonia Frear appeared in district court with hear attorney Mark Klein. She pled guilty to one count of Possession of Methamphetamine, Class IV Felony. A plea agreement had been decided that if she pled guilty, there would be no further charges and the state would recommend probation. Frear said she was pulled over on June 9 after driving erratically on the highway. Antelope County attorney Joe Abler said methamphetamine residue was found in her vehicle at that time. Frear said that she is currently in treatment and facing similar charges in Madison County. Her sentencing was scheduled for January 27. In other cases, Douglas Carpenter appeared with his lawyer Ron Temple for sentencing. Temple asked for a continuance after his client had written letters that Temple said reflected on his mental health. He is requesting an evaluation from Carpenter's therapist before proceeding. Julie Lierman was not present but was represented by her lawyer Mark Klein. Her Pretrial was continued for December 16. Darryl Lierman appeared in Antelope County District Court on Wednesday along with his attorney Ron Temple.
Judge Mark Johnson sustained a motion to endorse witnesses from the state with no objection from the defense. Temple pointed out that the defense would have a problem because of the number of witnesses endorsed on the information. He said that it would be necessary to take all of their depositions. The defense filed a motion to compel earlier this month. Temple asked that the hearing on the matter be continued and said he was willing to file another motion pursuant to State v. Trammell regarding documentation of mental health. He suggested they bring both issues to the court at that time. The hearing was continued for December 16 at 1 p.m The defense also filed a motion for discovery of scientific testing. Temple asked for information regarding any testing that has been done by the state along with a list of everything that had been sent to be tested. The court sustained the motion with no objection to the state. Defense will be provided with evidence within 10 days and any further reports that the state receives must be also sent within 10 days. The state and defense also agreed to communicate and take depositions in January. Pretrial remains on Jan. 27, 2016, and his trial date is March 14. Lierman was remanded to the custody of the Antelope County Sheriff, pending posting bond. The Neligh Chamber of Commerce has found a new fun way to encourage local spending this holiday season, but it's not just for retail businesses. This program rewards people for using local service businesses as well.
The Chamber Business Bingo kicked off Monday and will run through Dec. 23. Every receipt for $20 or more spent at a Chamber business is worth a spot on a bingo card. 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. 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. If you have diabetes, it is important that you learn to control it for life.
Diabetes is a serious problem, but research shows that controlling diabetes makes a huge difference. Keep your blood sugar close to normal and you reduce your chances of serious health problems such as blindness, kidney failure and amputations. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension invites you and your family members to participate in a new and exciting diabetes education program. The series of programs is being offered via the two-way interactive distance education facilities. Participants will learn about current issues related to diabetes from educators with over 20 years of team-teaching experience with teaching diabetes self-management skills and will share practical hints. These sessions are designed to supplement the education that you receive from your local diabetes education team and not a substitute for diabetes classes through your local health care providers. On Wednesday, Dec. 2, the “Control Diabetes for Life” program will he held in Neligh. The free event will be held from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the basement of the Antelope County Courthouse in Neligh. The last 30 minutes of the program will be open to questions and answers from the presenters. The theme will be “Back to the Basics” topics to be addressed during the two-hour program include: Protecting Your Family; Obesity and Portion Size, and Get More From Medicare. There will also be a question and answer period. Participants will receive a new recipe for diabetic appropriate foods. Team-teaching the program will be Stacie Petersen, R.N., B.S.N., and Certified Diabetes Educator; and Deborah Willcox, R.D. L.M.N.T.; of Franciscan Care Services in West Point; and Debra Schroeder, M.S., Extension Educator in Cuming County. Please pre-register by Monday, November 30, with your local Extension Educator Libby Slack at (402) 887-5414 to ensure adequate availability of handouts. School Food Service staff may earn two hours of continuing education credit for attending this session. This program is a joint effort of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and Franciscan Care Services of West Point. It'll be a "Not So Manic" Merry Monday on Nov. 23rd with the day filled with specials throughout Neligh.
Fourteen Neligh Chamber of Commerce businesses are planning huge sales to help kick off holiday shopping . . . and encourage people to buy local. Neligh Flower Shop: Open 9-7, 20% OFF storewide, some exclusions apply. Serving refreshments. Hilltop Drugs Etc: 10% OFF Team Jack merchandise Moyers: Earlier you shop the more you save! 9-10 a.m. 40% OFF, 10-Noon 30% OFF, Noon to 5 p.m. 20% OFF. Storewide sales. Refreshments and a drawing for a $25 gift certificate. Carhart Lumber: Buy 1 gallon of paint at regular price & get the second gallon of paint for $5. Limit 2. Big Red Motorsports: Green Mountain Grill with rebates up to $100, including wi-fi models. Buy 3 bags of pellets, get the 4th FREE! Pitzer Digital: Call 402-887-4000 for 15% OFF holiday cards & business cards. Everything customized for business or family! Wanek Pharmacy: 25% OFF all gift items, excludes perfume. Thriftway Market: 10 a.m.—7 p.m. Shurfine powdered or brown sugar 2 lb. bag $.99 with store purchase, limit 1. Lucy’s Flower Corner: Stop in for the Special of the Day! Bangle Boulevard (Clip ‘N Curl): 20% OFF clothing. 719 Fitness Center: $25 OFF initial Personal Training Package and a free t-shirt. Massage by Cassie: Buy 1 massage gift certificate and get the second half off. Antelope County Chiropractic: FREE initial consultation and FREE 5 minute chair massage Kayton International: 15% OFF toy tractors. The Neligh-Oakdale Jaws of Life will be holding a Pancake Feed on November 22 at the Fire Hall.
The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a free will donation. The money raised will go towards the purchase of new equipment. An anonymous $5,000 donation helped to kick off the fundraiser for the Neligh-Oakdale Jaws of Life. According to Assistant Chief Dave Jacobsen, the current Jaws of Life is 33 years old and not strong enough to pry apart new cars. "As car technology has advanced, the steel in the car's supports are getting stronger and stronger," Jacobsen said. "Our old tools are not able to cut those anymore." Jacobsen said the Jaws of Life is important to rescue people trapped in vehicles after a car accident. "In a crash, the way cars are made today, they collapse upon themselves to protect the patient," Jacobsen said. "But while it does that, it takes special tools to unwrap the car around the patient." The total cost of the new equipment is $21,000. The new equipment the Jaws of Life is looking at is actually a year old and a demo set, which is more economical to purchase, Jacobsen said. He said the Neligh-Oakdale Jaws of Life is a separate entity from both the Neligh and Oakdale Fire Departments and doesn't rely on tax funds to operate. "We cover the Oakdale district, we cover Neligh district and part of Brunswick," said Jacobsen. The squad is also accepting donations. Donations can be mailed to Neligh-Oakdale Jaws of Life, P.O.B. 251 Neligh, NE 68756. A lot of history happens in a century, and Eva McGee knows that better than anyone. The Neligh woman spent her 107th birthday on Wednesday with family, some in person and some on a computer screen.
Due to unfortunate events and a bad snow storm in the west, several of her family members couldn't make it to help her celebrate. But through the use of technology, McGee still was able to see them. Several family took her to the Neligh Public Library, so they could use the wifi to Facetime her niece in Wyoming. "I enjoyed every bit of it, because it was different," Eva said about the celebration. Eva's grandparents were immigrants from Oslo, Norway, and settled west of Center, Neb. "When they came over here to the United States and saw the Statue of Liberty, they were very happy," McGee said. Eva (Halverson) McGee grew up on a farm in the Winnetoon area, living with her parents until she was in her mid-thirties. As a young girl, she learned to sew and crochet, and she enjoyed making doilies and quilts. "I was so thankful for all the things I learned, that my mother taught me," she said. For six years, she worked for a teacher in Niobrara, cleaning the blackboards and doing other chores. She said the experience taught her a great deal, including the sport of volleyball. She married Earl McGee in 1944 and together they settled on a farm south of Creighton, where he raised sheep and she tended to 500 laying hens. "He raised sheep because he didn't like cattle and he didn't like pigs," McGee said. The chickens kept her very busy between feeding and picking up eggs, which they sold in Neligh. "I had to go out about thee times a day and get eggs," McGee said. "And I'd have a whole pail full." The two sold their farm in the late 1960s and moved to a little house in Neligh, where she still resides. Although her husband died more than 20 years ago, McGee still lives independently. She spoke of the struggles she faced after his passing, knowing she would "have to do a man's work and a ladies work." "But I had to do it," she said, "so I accepted my role and have been living here ever since." McGee says she's been helped by many friends, neighbors and relatives and is grateful to them all. "I'm thankful for what I have," McGee said, "and that my good spirit guides me each and every day." McGee said she never thought she'd make it to 107 and is thankful for every day she has. Eva is the fifth oldest living Nebraskan. "I think I have done pretty well to have kept going by myself and that's the way I want it," she said. McGee recounted much of her history, including her memories of the 9/11 tragedy, a day she spent with her sister. "I've seen a lot of things, some that didn't effect me, but the whole country," she said. Despite the many hardships she went through, McGee remains positive and said she feels blessed. "I've had many real happy things that happened to me, and that's what I live on now," McGee said. "As long as I am living, I have to make the most of it." Almost 150 families will have a brighter holiday thanks to the Mobile Food Pantry.
Nothing says Thanksgiving more than giving to those less fortunate, and Tuesday night's food pantry is just one example of how people in Antelope County choose to give back. The food pantry was started in February by the former Methodist pastor, and after she left for another church the program was taken over by Jeanie and Lyle Juracek of Neligh. It is now held every month at the American Legion Hall in Neligh. Food is provided by the Heartland Food Bank out of Omaha. Heartland pays half of what the products cost and the local organization pays the rest. They thrive off of donations and have a bank account at Pinnacle Bank in Neligh. They never know exactly what is going to be coming on the truck for food, so they have to sort the packages and determine how many families are coming and how they will distribute the food. According to organizer, Jeanie Juracek there are usually about 145 families per month that come from 7 different counties. There are 20-30 volunteers from the community that come to help unload the truck, organize and distribute food. Some volunteers even collect food for individuals who are unable to make it. "It's valuable for me because there is a need for it in this county and surrounding counties." Juracek said., "Some people that live on a fixed incomes don't have many choices, and this gives them a choice of having food or not having food." She said that knowing this makes her feel good. "It makes a lot of the people that volunteer month in and month out feel good, cause they know that they're helping these people." With Thanksgiving near the food products distributed included turkey dinners, green bean casserole and desserts, so everyone would have a chance to celebrate the holiday. "That's why it's so important," Juracek said, "and that's why we do it, because it is necessary." TransCanada is withdrawing its application for the Nebraska portion of the Keystone XL pipeline, leaving a question if the pipeline will ever go through the state.
"We won. This is a good day for Nebraska - a good day for landowners across the state," said Art Tanderup of Neligh, of the state's most well-known pipeline fighters. "We're deeply exciting that TransCanada has decided to throw the towel in on KXL." TransCanada filed an application to the Nebraska Public Service Commission last month but later asked the Obama administration to suspend its years-long review of the project. Wednesday's announcement appears to halt the entire project, at least through the rest of President Obama's term, according to Tanderup. "I see this as the end during the Obama administration," he said. "Depending on how the election comes out for president, they may or may not decide to reapply for a federal permit." TransCanada spokesman Mark Cooper said the company decided it would be inappropriate to ask the PSC to continue working on the application as the company considers its next move. “Although we are withdrawing the application at this time, we are reserving the right to reapply to the PSC at a later date and remain committed to completing the final leg of the Keystone pipeline system, that has already safely delivered over a billion barrels of Canadian and U.S. crude oil to the Midwest and Gulf Coast,” he said. "Bowl Down Cancer" and help raise money for new gowns in the AMH Radiology Department!
Join the AMH Wellness Center on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 7-9 p.m. at Antelope Lanes in Neligh for their first Bowl Down Cancer Fundraiser. The cost is $15 to participate and a free-will donation box will also be available if you would like to contribute more. Half of the participation fee and 100% of the free-will proceeds will be donated to the AMH Radiology Department to help them purchase new gowns! Included in the cost are 2-3 bowling games (depending on the number of participants) and shoe rental. Participation is limited based on the number of lanes, so please call, email, or Facebook AMH Wellness to reserve your spot! There will be a prize for the highest game bowled! Contact AMH Wellness at 402-887-6204, wellness@amhne.org, or AMH Wellness on Facebook.
oSaturday's annual Rafts of Crafts event was more than an opportunity to get some holiday shopping done. It was also an opportunity to help local students.
More than 500 people attended the annual craft show featuring vendors from all across the state during the day-long event at Neligh-Oakdale. "We're so excited to have over 500 people through our doors today," said Stephanie Wanek, one of the event's organizers. "It's great to see the community come out to support our organization and this craft fair." The event is an annual tradition in Neligh in mid-November, but this is the first year the Neligh-Oakdale TeamMates Mentoring Program has spearheaded the craft fair. All of the TeamMates board of directors assisted with the event over the weekend, including Wanek. Several TeamMates mentors and mentees also volunteered their time. The Neligh Chamber of Commerce held a drawing for Chamber Big Bucks to encourage those attending to shop local this holiday season. "This is the 31st year for this event in Neligh," Wanek said. "It's our first year taking it over as the TeamMates board, so we're very thankful for the Civic & Fine Arts Committee for their leadership on this event." Besides organizing the event, Wanek said TeamMates also had a concession stand and served a soup luncheon as part of the fundraiser. She said proceeds go toward scholarships, activities and events for their mentoring matches. "TeamMates is a fantastic organization in our community, and we serve about 30 kids," Wanek said. "We really just set them up for a successful future and add that one person in their life to be their mentor." Stakeholders in the Neligh-Oakdale district are invited to share input Monday on the next superintendent.
Input of patrons, parents, students, staff and administrators is encouraged as the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) assists the board in the superintendent search. The NASB and has scheduled a visit to the community on Monday, and the public is invited to share their thoughts from 5-6 p.m. in the superintendent's office regarding the district and the superintendent position. They are asking for suggestions pertaining to skills, qualities or characteristics the candidate might possess in order to be successful in his or her role as superintendent and your views about the strengths of the school district and community. In the event you are unable to attend the visit, please feel free to share your comments to the following questions: 1. What are the strengths and achievements of the Neligh-Oakdale school district and community? 2. What critical issues will the district face in the next three years? 3. What background/training/experience should the new superintendent possess? 4. What leadership style/personal attributes are important in the new superintendent? You may submit your personal comments via one of the following methods: Access the online form at www.nasbsuptsearch.org Instructions for completing the online survey: Click on Current Positions Available Click on Neligh-Oakdale Public Schools Scroll to the bottom of the district web page Click on Staff and Community District Assessment Survey Complete the Survey Click on Submit Assessment Other methods: A copy of this form is available at the Neligh-Oakdale District Office Email your response to the questions: sbecker@nasbonline.org Fax: 402.858.4604 US Postal mail: Nebraska Association of School Boards Attn: Neligh-Oakdale Supt Search 1311 Stockwell Street Lincoln, NE 68502 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Antelope County Courthouse thanks to the combined efforts of the Neligh-Oakdale FBLA and Neligh Chamber of Commerce.
FLBA students and parents turned out in droves Sunday afternoon to place decorations around the courthouse as one of their annual service projects to assist the Neligh Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the community's annual Christmas kickoff celebration. The Christmas decorations will officially be lit on Sunday, Nov. 29, following the lighted parade. The parade line-up starts at 5 p.m. with the parade through Main Street at 5:30 p.m. The lights will be turned on immediately following the parade. Children are encouraged to gather around the gazebo to sing Christmas carols prior to the lighting. The community is then invited to the American Legion for a free hotdog feed sponsored by Carhart Lumber, games from the FBLA and, of course, a visit with Santa Claus! The Antelope County News will be taking photos a the event and giving every family a free professional 4x6 print. Retired teachers are invited to join the Elkhorn Sandhills Education Association-Retired group at noon on Monday, November 16, for their annual holiday carry-in dinner and gift exchange.
The holiday party will be held at the ESU 8 Building, 302 Main Street in Neligh. Please bring a covered dish to share, as well as a $4 grab bag gift suitable for a male or female. After the noon meal, we will have a brief business meeting and a social activity which will include our gift exchange. Jan Petersen is also preparing some entertainment for us this year. Feel free to bring guests, if you wish. If you have any questions, please call Marlene Petersen at 402-887-7025. The Nebraska Game and Parks deer check station for the Neligh area is Cubby's convenience store.
The Antelope County Sheriff's Department are reminding hunters that they are not checking in deer. The Nebraska firearm season begins today and runs through Sunday, Nov. 22.
A patron of the Neligh-Oakdale district is questioning why the community is being asked to donate to a project that appears will proceed with or without their financial support.
About mid-way through Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Galen Furstenau engaged in a 10-minute question and answer session on the impending track replacement project. Neligh-Oakdale is accepting bids through Dec. 1 on the six-lane track. View bid letting request He asked why donations were being sought if the district already had enough money for the track. Furstenau, who referenced his opposition of last year's school bond and the City of Neligh's recent annexation, said he also disagreed with the idea that asking people for money would pull the community together. Board member Krista Schindler said additional funds are necessary for expenses outside of construction, such as hurdles and other needs now and down the road. “The board’s going to build a track and not put the equipment on it? I don’t believe that,” Furstenau said. Board president David Wright said some people may not donate to the track fund since the district already has the money, but he wanted to invite the community to "participate" by contributing financially. Furstenau disagreed and said, “Pulling the community together? I don’t believe that. I was against this bond, I was against this annexation, but I am still for Neligh. Your statement is not an overall statement for everyone in this community, and it’s definitely not for me.” He added, “We as the rural sector were picked on with this, and I don’t think anybody out there feels we’re against Neligh. We are not against Neligh. How much money do we spend in the town of Neligh. I spend more money in this town than probably part of the people sitting here with my equipment and such. So how am I against Neligh? I’m not. And I don’t want to be labeled that way anymore.” Wright said the bond vote showed farmers were carrying too much of the load and suggested the community "step up and spend a little money to help build the track.” Furstenau questioned how the district could commit to building a track without knowing where the money was coming from. Wright said, “We have enough money to do it, but we also have an HVAC system that has to be addressed and other fire marshal issues that have to be addressed.” Furstenau said, “So basically you’re telling me you’re going to build it right now.” “That’s my inclination,” Wright said. Bids for the track will be opened on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. with the winning bid awarded Dec. 14. Grace Lutheran Church is hosting its 20th annual Grace’s Gracious Giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Neligh
Members of Grace Lutheran and others in the community donate clothing to the giveaway, bringing it this week prior to the giveaway. On Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon, anyone in the community is invited to receive whatever they can use. Clothing not taken at the giveaway will then be given to the Norfolk Rescue Mission. “God graciously provides us with all that we need and more. To see people give their 'more' to others is great," Pastor David Kuhfal said. "And seeing others being able to benefit from others grace is really special.” Grace Lutheran Church is located at 508 K St in Neligh. A new program to rid Neligh of nuisance properties was discussed at Tuesday night's meeting of the Neligh City Council.
The program would allow owners who have nuisance properties to sign the title over to the City for demolition. City Clerk Dana Klabenes said the City would pay the cost of demolition and then be able to resell the property or use for city purposes such as parking lots in the downtown area. "It might be in instances where they're too close to another building, so a controlled burn is not an option, they just don't have enough space for that barrier." Klabenes said, "Then funding is generally a predicament, they don't have enough money to pay for demotion costs." "They continue to pay taxes and don't have a use for the property, " Mayor Joe Hartz said. It was discussed that the demolition of some properties would cost more than the resale value would be, but the city did not want to turn a profit on these properties, but to at least try to break even. The agenda item was tabled, but the Building and Grounds committee will meet with City Attorney Jim McNally to discuss possible policies and guidelines for the program. Also at the meeting, the city council made a motion to make a legal notice of sale for city property on 906 P Street. Big changes are ahead for Thriftway Market in Neligh, in both leadership and in what’s offered to customers.
Thriftway Market owner and manager Lynne Bichlmeier will retire at the end of the month, which she said provides an opportunity for restructuring leadership. Perry Smith will serve as the floor manager as well as the liaison between the Neligh and Tilden locations. Donnelle Weed will assume role of social media manager, and Rhonda Schwager will continue as frozen foods manager besides taking on the role of office manager. Other department managers taking on added responsibility, Bichlmeier said, are: Gaye Lewis, meat manager; Tim Anderson, grocery manager; Nikki Kallhoff, dairy manager, Marian Shabram, bakery manager and head cashier; and Tanya Chelle, produce manager Along with the transition of leadership, customers will notice other additions to the services offered at Thriftway Market in Neligh. Launching soon is the online shopping service where customers will be able to select groceries online and pick up their sacked goods. "We are not sure when it’s going to launch, but we plan on doing some online shopping just for the Neligh store,” Weed said. Customers can now also download the Thriftway Market app on smartphones to access weekly ads and coupons. Bonus coupons can be unlocked when customers turn on their Bluetooth devices and have the app open as they shop throughout the Neligh location. “They can walk around the store, use their Bluetooth and have coupons pop up on their phone. It’s a great way to save money,” Weed said. Smith, who was referred to as a the face of Thriftway, said the newly added hardware section has already been a great addition to the store. Bichlmeier said Thriftway added the section with everything from tools and paint products to provide extended access during the evenings and on Sundays. “It’s providing a need when the other businesses are closed - at night and on Sundays,” Bichlmeier said. “We don’t want to compete with the other businesses.” Smith also mentioned that they are now taking orders for holiday gift baskets and snack boxes. Thriftway Market will be open on Thanksgiving morning from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dennis Maple, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel from Neligh, gave the key address at the Veteran's Day program at Neligh-Oakdale on Wednesday. In front of a packed gym, Maple told the crowd that it is our duty, as U.S. citizens, to do all we can for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. "Veterans have given us security, freedom and the greatest nation on earth," he said. "It is impossible to put a price on it. We must remember them. We must appreciate them. Do not forget their efforts and sacrifices. God bless you all for being here today. God bless our veterans, and God bless America." Shortly after Maple's address, veterans in attendance were asked to stand and were recognized with applause. The Veterans Day program began with the advancement of colors by members of the American Legion and VFW color guard and the National Anthem, played by the Neligh-Oakdale High School band. Norm Larabee, chaplain for Post 172, led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Daryl Booth welcomed the crowd. Neligh-Oakdale Elementary students sang "The Brave," under the direction of Pat Miller, and gave a salute to the veterans. The high school band, under the direction of Nate Metschke, played numerous patriotic selections throughout the program and concluded with "Taps." After the color guard retired the colors and the program ended, Neligh-Oakdale kindergarten students presented "Thank You" cards to the veterans in attendance. |
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