.jpg)
HARTINGTON — New U.S. Census estimates show Hartington’s population fell to 1,499 in 2023, marking the first time the community has dipped below 1,500 residents since 1920. The data reflects a longterm downward trend following the city’s population peak in the early 1980s. Other Cedar County communities — including Laurel, Randolph, Coleridge, Wynot and Fordyce — also showed modest declines, with the county’s overall population now roughly half of its 1930s peak.
Jan. 8, 2025
HARTINGTON — Cedar County weather in 2024 was best described as a “mixed bag,” highlighted by a July heat wave and a generally dry winter.
Despite the summer heat, Hartington did not record any 100-degree days, with the year’s high topping out at 97 degrees on June 24.
Winter conditions were relatively mild, with only eight below-zero days, all occurring during a January cold snap.
Precipitation varied sharply throughout the year, with a wet spring helping crops and a dry fall contributing to renewed drought conditions.
Overall, the year featured wide swings in temperature and rainfall, underscoring the region’s increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Jan. 8, 2025
HARTINGTON — After 35 years of ownership, Gary and Lisa Kruse announced plans to sell Kruse True Value, marking the end of a longtime chapter in Hartington’s retail landscape. The store was sold to Gregg and Nikki Peters of Vermillion, S.D., owners of several family-run hardware stores in the region. While ownership is changing, the Kruses said they and their staff plan to remain involved during the transition to ensure continuity of service. New ownership plans include store improvements and an expanded inventory, keeping the locally owned hardware store a fixture in the community.
Jan. 15, 2025
HARTINGTON — Brett Wiedenfeld was sworn in to begin a four-year term on the Hartington-Newcastle School Board, replacing longtime board member Dana Rosener, who chose not to seek re-election after more than 20 years of service.
The board also re-elected Jason Dendinger as president, a position he has held for much of his tenure since joining the board in 2002.
The annual reorganization included officer elections, committee planning and routine appointments, marking a leadership transition while maintaining continuity within the district.
Jan. 15, 2025
HARTINGTON —Fans helped Cedar Catholic senior Nolan Becker celebrate his big night Thursday.
Becker connected for his 1,000th career point during action against the LCC Bears at the Msgr. Werner Activities Center Thursday.
Jan. 22, 2025
HARTINGTON — A Cedar County District Court judge rejected a renewed defense motion seeking to have Nebraska’s death penalty declared unconstitutional in the Laurel murder case involving Jason Jones.
Judge Bryan Meismer ruled the arguments raised by the defense had already been considered and upheld by the Nebraska Supreme Court in earlier decisions.
The ruling cleared the way for a three-judge panel to consider Jones’ sentencing, keeping the high-profile case moving forward and maintaining its central place in Cedar County court coverage throughout the year.
Jan. 22, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Cedar County Board of Commissioners reorganized at its first meeting of the year, with Dave McGregor re-elected as chairman for a fourth consecutive term.
Dick Donner was named vice chairman, while newly elected commissioner Mike Meier of Laurel officially took his seat on the board, replacing Craig Bartels. The reorganization set the tone for the year’s county governance, reaffirming leadership continuity while welcoming a new voice to the commission.
Jan. 29, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Hartington City Council explored options to offset a tipping fee increase at the Jackson landfill, which was expected to raise the city’s annual costs by about $2,600.
Rather than increase in-town garbage rates again, council members focused on adjusting transfer station fees — particularly for non-residents, who use the facility nearly as often as city residents but did not share in its construction and maintenance costs.
The discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to keep city services financially sustainable while limiting the impact on local households.
Jan. 29, 2025
HARTINGTON — Several Cedar County residents traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend events surrounding the inauguration of President Donald Trump, taking part in ceremonies, receptions and GOP events.
Local representation included party leaders and community members who participated in Republican National Committee meetings, inaugural balls and related activities, while one area student performed as part of a combined choir during the official ceremony.
The trip offered Cedar County Republican party leaders Cammie Metheny and Marissa Benson a firsthand look at a national political moment and highlighted local connections to events on a national stage.
