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May, 14, 2025
HARTINGTON — A studentorganized “Cats Dash” event gave area students with disabilities a chance to compete and be celebrated alongside their peers, reinforcing Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools’ focus on inclusion. The special-needs track-style event, developed by FCCLA students, drew strong participation and praise from families and educators, highlighting a moment of joy and community pride during the school year.
May 14, 2025
HARTINGTON — The City of Hartington announced it was once again searching for a city clerk treasurer following the resignation of Brittni Benscoter, marking the fourth time in three years the position has opened.
Benscoter said she was leaving to pursue opportunities in higher education, while city leaders thanked her for helping bring stability and organization to city operations during her tenure.
May 14, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Hartington City Council voted to place the former Hartington Fire Hall on the auction block, beginning the process to sell the long-time city building at an August auction.
Built in 1965 and now used primarily for storage, the structure will carry a minimum bid of $200,000. The decision reflected ongoing efforts to reassess city-owned properties and re purpose or divest underused facilities.
May 21, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Hartington-Newcastle School Board approved several significant decisions affecting district operations, including a new storage location for school buses and the purchase of new band uniforms.
The board voted to enter a fiveyear agreement with Broadway Self Storage to house buses indoors, ending decades of outdoor parking.
Members also approved the purchase of new marching band uniforms and adjusted graduation requirements to ease student scheduling while continuing to meet state mandates.
May 21, 2025
HARTINGTON — Area communities finalized plans to observe Memorial Day with ceremonies across Cedar County, honoring local veterans and fallen service members. Events were scheduled at cemeteries, the Cedar County Courthouse and community centers, featuring honor guards, a 21gun salute and Taps.
May 28, 2025
BELDEN — The water may be a little more comfortable when swimming season makes its opening splash in Belden this summer.
The town’s 100-year-old pool received a plumbing replacement over the past year which should make the water warmer when the pool opens.
“We dug up all the old plumbing and piping for the pool and replaced it,” said Village Chairwoman Janice Wobbenhorst. “It’s solved all of our problems with leaks.”
The plumbing fix depleted most of the $78,000 raised for the pool over several years, said Patty Schulte who has spearheaded much of the rampedup fundraising efforts since 2020 including a large fundraiser in 2023 celebrating the pool’s 100th year.
At the time when the Belden pool opened, July 23, 1923, the town’s population sat at 350 strong. Indoor YMCA pools existed in a few cities and there were several privately-financed pools open to the public.
June 4, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Hartington City Council appointed Casey Schulte as the new city clerk/treasurer, elevating her from her role as assistant city clerk.
Schulte replaced Brittni Benscoter, who resigned after nearly two years to accept a position at Wayne State College.
Having spent the previous year working closely with Benscoter, Schulte said the transition into the top administrative role was eased by hands-on experience with city ordinances, meetings and procedures. Her new duties include managing public notices, deadlines and official records, responsibilities she described as paperwork-heavy but manageable.
Schulte said she plans to scale back some community involvement, including Chamber activities, to focus on her expanded responsibilities. She noted her long-standing interest in public service and said she looks forward to helping residents better understand city government while serving as a key connection between the city and the community.
June 4, 2025
HARTINGTON — Cedar County officials announced the rollout of a new mass emergency notification system designed to deliver faster alerts to residents during weather events and other emergencies.
County commissioners approved the move in November, and Emergency Management Director Kevin Garvin said Hyper-Reach was selected after a review of multiple vendors.
The Hyper-Reach system allows officials to send geographically targeted alerts within seconds using phone calls, text messages, emails and TTY/TDD services. Alerts can also reach residents through social media, browser notifications and Alexaenabled smart speakers. Landline phones are automatically enrolled for community alerts., while mobile phones, VoIP lines and email addresses require user enrollment.
June 11, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Hartington City Council moved toward strengthening enforcement of its ban on city chickens, poultry and other fowl after determining the existing ordinance lacked penalties. City Attorney Nikki Brandt told council members the law prohibits residents from keeping such animals but does not provide fines for violations. After discussion and resident complaints, the council directed Brandt to draft an ordinance imposing a $100 fine, with an additional $10 per day if violations continue.
During the same meeting, the council approved a liquor license for Skylon LCC, a building permit for a large storage facility planned by Brandon Eickhoff, and multiple street closures tied to fireworks, Hartington Days and the Hartington Dayz Fun Run. Officials also approved new ambulance squad members and discussed safety concerns related to a growing fireworks display near Highway 57.
June 11, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Cedar County News welcomed three interns for the summer months, adding student reporters and photographers to its newsroom staff. Hannah Ryun, Josie Heine and Lauren Bernecker joined the paper, bringing experience from high school journalism programs and, in Ryun’s case, collegiate studies at the University of Nebraska– Lincoln.
June 11, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Nebraska State Auditor raised concerns about several Cedar County practices following a constituent complaint, prompting a review of county records and internal controls. In a May 21 letter, State Auditor Mike Foley cited issues including the possible personal use of a county vehicle, the use of gift cards for payments, and questions about competitive bidding on certain purchases.
After preliminary review, the Auditor’s office determined a separate financial audit was unnecessary but identified matters requiring corrective action. Among them were allegations involving former Commissioner Craig Bartels, including photographs of a county truck parked near a private business and claims involving gift cards used as payment for services. County officials said the vehicle was used for county business and there was no evidence of personal benefit.
The Auditor also questioned more than $942,000 in claims that appeared not to follow state bidding statutes, largely tied to gravel, rock and equipment purchases.
