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July 30, 2025
HARTINGTON — The longrunning Laurel homicide case reached another critical moment as jury selection began for Carrie Jones’ trial in Madison County, while her husband, Jason Jones, was granted a separate mitigation hearing in his effort to avoid the death penalty. The dual proceedings kept the case at the forefront of public attention, cementing its place as the year’s most consequential court story.
July 30, 2025
HARTINGTON — Youth achievement took center stage at the Cedar County Fair as 11-year-old Heidi Lewon emerged as the event’s most prolific exhibitor, entering 44 projects across multiple categories. Her success highlighted the depth of local 4-H participation and the next generation of county talent.
July 30, 2025
HARTINGTON — Cedar County commissioners adopted a new budgeting strategy by approving the use of sinking funds, allowing departments to set aside money annually for future capital purchases. Officials said the move promotes fiscal discipline, reduces budget spikes and reflects evolving approaches to county financial management.
July 30, 2025
HARTINGTON — Preparations for Hartington Dayz and the approaching end of the swimming season marked a transition toward late summer.
City officials approved street closures for the Aug. 2 celebration.
Aug. 6, 2025
MADISON — Testimony in the Carrie Jones murder trial continued to shed light on the aftermath of the 2022 Laurel killings as jurors heard body-camera footage of Jones speaking with Nebraska State Patrol investigators. In the recorded interview, Jones described helping her husband after he was burned and insisted he was attempting to help fire victims, statements prosecutors later challenged. The testimony marked another pivotal moment in a case that dominated court coverage throughout the year.
Aug. 6, 2025
HARTINGTON — A revitalized Skylon Ballroom Community Center prepared to reopen after a dramatic year-long rescue effort that saw the historic building moved, renovated and reimagined as a city-owned venue. Once facing demolition, the 72-year-old landmark was saved through a lease-to-purchase agreement and extensive remodeling, positioning it to host weddings, concerts and community events once again and cementing its place as one of the year’s most significant local redevelopment stories.
Aug. 6, 2025
HARTINGTON — After 46 years of ownership and management, Burnell Herbolsheimer marked a major milestone by passing day-to-day operations of the Hartington Food Town to the next generation. The transition highlighted both the longevity of one of Hartington’s most important businesses and a broader trend in 2025 of longtime owners handing responsibility to family members while maintaining strong community ties.
Aug. 13, 2025
MADISON — A Madison County jury found Carrie Jones guilty on all charges, including first-degree murder, tampering with evidence and accessory to a felony, in connection with the 2022 Laurel quadruple homicide.
Jurors deliberated just over three hours before returning guilty verdicts, bringing one phase of the case to a close while setting the stage for sentencing and additional proceedings.
The verdict marked one of the most consequential legal developments of the year in Cedar County.
Aug. 13, 2025
HARTINGTON — Hartington volunteer firemen and EMTs emphasized preparedness through a largescale mock disaster drill, simulating a vehicle crash in a steep ravine near the airport. The exercise highlighted the extensive training hours required of local emergency responders and underscored the importance of readiness for complex rescue situations in rural areas.
Aug. 13, 2025
HARTINGTON — Debate continued over Hartington’s updated ordinance banning chickens and other fowl within city limits as residents urged the City Council to consider a permitting process instead of strict enforcement. Council members acknowledged the concerns and discussed potential revisions, reflecting ongoing tension between neighborhood regulations and changing attitudes toward urban livestock.
Aug. 20, 2025
HARTINGTON — The historic Skylon Ballroom officially reopened with live music and celebration, marking a new chapter for a venue that has hosted community gatherings since 1952. Organizers also announced the creation of a Skylon Preservation Fund to support the final phases of renovation, reinforcing the ballroom’s role as both a cultural anchor and an ongoing community investment.
Aug. 20, 2025
COLERIDGE — A longtime Coleridge business entered a new era as Kerry Hefner passed ownership of Hefner Oil and Feed to Todd Erwin, ensuring the 78-year-old family business would remain locally owned.
Aug. 27, 2025
HARTINGTON — Hartington City Council members reopened debate over the city’s long-standing ban on chickens and other fowl, signaling a potential shift toward a permitting system that would allow limited animals within city limits. The discussion followed a presentation from a local teenager and reflected growing interest in aligning Hartington’s ordinance with practices in neighboring communities.
Officials ultimately tabled the issue to gather more information, underscoring ongoing tension between neighborhood concerns, enforcement challenges and changing attitudes toward urban livestock.
Aug. 27, 2025
HARTINGTON — Building permits, zoning disputes and variances dominated city business as the Hartington City Council denied a request to replat a downtown lot, citing conflicts with city code. The meeting also included resident concerns over large “shouse” and warehouse-style buildings in residential neighborhoods, highlighting broader questions about growth, land use and how development fits within established areas of town.
Aug. 27, 2025
BOW VALLEY — Nissen Family Vineyards marked more than two decades in business by embracing new technology and evolving consumer tastes while maintaining a slow-andsteady growth philosophy. Owners Tim and Dave Nissen highlighted increased automation, expanded bottling capacity and a growing focus on fruit wines and seltzers as part of their effort to adapt to industry trends.
The vineyard’s continued evolution reflected both resilience and the importance of diversification in Cedar County’s ag-based economy.
Sept. 3, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Hartington Chamber of Commerce reached a crossroads as declining volunteer participation prompted leaders to question the organization’s future.
Chamber officials announced plans for a community-wide Town Hall meeting to determine whether the group should restructure, reinvent itself or potentially disband, elevating concerns about civic engagement and the sustainability of volunteer-driven organizations in small communities.
Sept. 3, 2025
RANDOLPH — Randolph Public Schools emerged as a bright spot amid rural population decline, posting the strongest enrollment growth in Cedar County over the past decade. School officials credited the Cardinal Kids Learning Center and expanded early childhood offerings for helping families remain in the district, positioning Randolph as a model of stability while neighboring districts faced challenges.
Sept. 3, 2025
HARTINGTON — Cedar and Dixon County officials once again weighed the possible closure of a county border road, with commissioners citing liability concerns and fairness to landowners. No final action was taken as attorneys from both counties were directed to confer, continuing a long-running debate over infrastructure responsibility, access and inter-county cooperation.
