Becker said during last week’s Hartington City Council meeting he was frustrated the city is paying the full cost of the repairs at the complex. He said the public school district has a larger tax base and should pay more to help keep the complex, and more specifically the track, in good condition.

Hartington-Newcastle Supt. A.J. Johnson told school board members Monday he believed the city had decided to move forward with repairing the foundation under the track and replacing the top surface.

“So I thought, 'okay, that seems to be settled. We can move on and come up with a new plan in five to 10 years,'" Johnson said.

The track was installed in 2004 and has outlived its projected lifespan. The city had considered replacing the track to extend its life another 20 to 25 years, but the cost proved too high. The city instead opted to repair the track at a cost of $152,625.

Councilman Roman Sudbeck said that the bid pays to tear the old rubber o the track and then repair the cracks and smooth out any low spots in the asphalt below it. New rubber will then be laid down and the track will then be painted. The work will begin this fall, but Sudbeck said the company guarantees the track season will not be aected.

The work comes with a five-year guarantee. Sudbeck said he is hoping to squeeze a few more years out of it, though.

Johnson said the district has met with city representatives a couple of times about the track.

“One time, they were asking the school district just to pay the entire cost of replacing the track," he said. "To which I replied, ‘well, it would be unusual for us to repair something we don’t own.’ ' Johnson said another discussion involved the possibility of the school district purchasing the complex, but he said that would bring legal concerns and could cost the district a large amount of money to do properly.

Johnson said he does not believe having the public school own the track would be the best answer for the community. He said Hartington-Newcastle and Cedar Catholic have a long history of working together, and he does not want the track issue to create division between the two schools or within the community.

“I just don’t think that having the public school own the track would be good for the community," he said.

Johnson said the district’s attorney also raised questions about what the school district would receive in return if it put extra money into a city-owned facility.

"Well, what do we get out of it?" Johnson said. "If we're shar ing the facility with Cedar Catholic and we’re working together there, do we get anything dierent out of it than we would get now if we spend that extra money?"

Johnson said anything that gave one school an advantage, such as first chance at scheduling, could become divisive.

“Those are the types of things that could put a divide between the two schools that really isn't there," he said.

Folkers, the daughter of Nick and Ann Folkers, Hartington, is a senior at Wayne State College majoring in journalism and minoring in editing and publishing.

She has been a photographer and news reporter for the Wayne Stater covering campus news, and currently serves as its news editor, where she proofs stories and designs pages.

A native of Bow Valley, Emma graduated from Wynot High School in 2018 at the top of her class.

She has always been an avid reader and was involved as a writer for the Wynot Whisper for three years before becoming its editor in her final year of high school.

Emma is passionate about communication and community journalism.

Cedar County News Co-Publisher Kellyn Dump said he is excited to have Folkers on board this summer.

'She is already a great addition to our sta,' Dump said. 'Her

reporting, editing and layout skills have been a real asset.'

Besides helping to edit and lay out the paper each week, Folkers will also be covering meetings, taking photos and doing feature stories for all four of the Northeast Nebraska News Company newspapers and websites.

The Cedar County News has a long history of hiring high school and college interns to help out during the summer months.

Several past interns have gone on to work at some of the most prestigious newspapers in the state and country, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Bloomberg News, Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star.

'Our internship program is a real win-win situation,' Dump said. 'They get the experience of seeing what it takes to put out a community newspaper, and having someone with Emma's skills on board really helps us out during the busy summer season.'

Through her internship, she hopes to gain experience in reporting, writing, and connecting with members of the community.

After graduating from Wayne State College in December 2026, she plans to remain living and working in Cedar County.

When she isn’t in the newspaper world, you can find her crocheting, spending time with friends and family or enjoying the outdoors with her dog Leroy.

Anyone with story or photo ideas for her is urged to contact the Cedar County News at 402-254-3997 or oce@cedarcountynews.net.

Heikes earned the majority of votes in the May primary election for the seat now held by Dave McGregor, who is retiring. Unless an independent candidate files by petition and defeats Heikes in the Nov. 3 general election, Heikes will take oce in January.

Heikes told the Board he would like to help train the person hired to replace him before the summer is over.

Also Tuesday, Zoning Administrator Tim Gobel presented several building permits for approval. The permits included: J & ER Farms, LLC, Pct. 6, 60-by-100-foot shed; John Pehrson, Pct. 15, hoop barn addition; Kara and Chris Lammers, Pct. 9, 25-by-31-foot attached garage; CLM Enterprises, Pct. 15, 40,000-bushel grain bin; Claire Wieseler, Pct. 1, 14-by-24-foot garden shed; Charles Arens, Pct. 3, 89-by-110-foot hoop barn addition.

Gobel also presented one conditional use permit for Middle Mile Infrastructure, LLC, for two 24-by-36-foot buildings for a booster station for a private fiber optic line.

Highway Superintendent Carla Schmit presented information on dust-control treatments and whether permits should be required before such treatments are applied on county roads.

Schmit said Nemaha County has a permitting process, but it has not been used in two years. She said that may be because the county is no longer paying part of the application fees.

Schmit also said Wayne County and Dakota County use a mixture of magnesium, calcium and beet juice for dust control.

Wayne County uses the mixture only during county fair season on the fair road.

Commissioners discussed that while beet juice can be sticky enough to help bind dust particles together, it may not be something people want sticking to their vehicles.

Schmit said she will continue gathering information on dust-control options.

The Board also heard bids for a new District 3 semi-tractor from I-State Truck Centers of Sioux City, Iowa, and Cornhusker International Trucks of Norfolk. Commissioner Dave McGregor will examine the bids before the board makes a decision.

HARTINGTON - Final preparations for the drive for funds for the erection of the new Trinity Lutheran church building at the corner of Center and Summit streets are being made, according to members of the commit- tee, and actual work of soliciting will be started within a week.

This has been delayed because of the condition of the crops but the copious rains of the past week have so brightened the outlook the committee now feels they can proceed.

In discussing the system to be used Martin Nelson, committee member, said subscriptions would probably be solicited which could be paid on the installment plan lasting over a period of three years.

The first installment will probably be due this fall when they begin the building.

Pencil sketches of the building have been drawn by members of the committee. They will be gone over and revised by the committee before they are submitted to architects.

The committee is composed of Andrew Lorenson, chairman, the Rev. A. M. Peterson, Stephen Seim, N. J. Olson, H. A. Schager and Martin Nelson.

June 17, 1926

HARTINGTON - With the installa tion of the very best modern equip- ment George Goetz expects the new slaughter house which he is erecting on the bank of Bow Creek north of town will be one of the best in this section.

The building is large and roomy, and the cattle to be butchered will be driven into a small enclosure where they will be shot. They will then be raised to an overhead track just as they are in the big city plants so the carcass can be given the best of care.

A well has been drilled and a force pump installed so the most sanitary conditions can be maintained. A boiler will provide hot water when needed. The new building is located adjacent to the Goetz feed lots and the creek and will be so arranged that there will be no unpleasant surroundings.

June 17, 1926

HARTINGTON - A neighborhood quarrel which happened in Hartington June 1 resulted in an assault and bat- tery charge which was tried in the local police court Saturday. The defendant, Mrs. Genevieve Brockman, was found not guilty. Mrs. Jennie Johnston was the plainti. Another similar case was tried the preceding Friday in which Joseph Her filed complaint against Harry Woods. The defendant plead guilty and was fined $5 and costs by city police court judge Otto Emerson.

June 17, 1926

HARTINGTON - Numerous badly needed repairs on the public school grade building are being planned by the committees of the Board of Educa- tion having charge of that work which will add much to the safety and com fort of the students enrolled therein.

New seats will be provided for two of the lower rooms in one of which the seats have been in constant use for 32 years. New treads will be placed on two flights of stairs which have been in use since the building was erected. New stairs to the basement will also be provided, the stairs given additional supports and a number of minor im- provements made after which several of the rooms will be painted.

The exterior of both buildings will also be painted this summer.

A break in the water main several feet down under the high school build - ing will be repaired by laying a new pipe outside of the building, making it easier to reach should it be necessary to do so at any time in the future.

June 17, 1926

HARTINGTON - The Land Clas- sification Board of Knox County completed field work classification of 673,836 acres of land by 40 acre tracts in Knox County on June 4, consuming approximately 8 months of work.

During that time much of the transcribing of field notes to perma nent records has been done and the remainder will be perfected by today or tomorrow. The assessment thereon will, it is anticipated, be fully com puted and complete by Tuesday, June 15, much of the clerical work being already accomplished.

To the prejudiced onlooker the work of classification has been a mere incident while in actuality it has been a huge task. Members of the Board express considerable satisfaction in being relieved from the long grind.

The greater di$culties encountered were the many almost inaccessible tracts to classify which impeded the process. In many places all vestige of survey were obscured, requiring much time being spent finding divisional lines. Tracts smaller than 40 acres in gave additional reason for searching scrutiny for survey lines.

It is probable that Knox county is the first in many states to have autho - rized classification by 40-acre tracts or less for assessment purposes.

HARTINGTON - Henry Hirschman, 20, Coleridge, the third member of the gang alleged to have committed sev- eral chicken robberies on farms near Coleridge on the night of May 18, was arrested by state o$cers on Friday and lodged in the Cedar County jail.

Julius Feldhacker and Floyd Den - nis, first members of the gang to be arrested, were sentenced to the state penitentiary at Sioux Falls last week on a charge of stealing cars.

Sheri Clarence and a party of Coleridge o$cials visited the men at Sioux Falls and obtained valuable information in regard to the chicken thefts. It is expected that they will be arrested again when their present sentence is finished.

Hirschman has been sought by o$cers, but they were not able to locate him until Friday when the state o$cers arrived.

The complaints signed by Nick Gartner and Charles Willey charged that Hirschman was connected with the gang who stole chickens from their farm on the night of May 18.

He was brought before Judge Bry ant in county court Saturday after- noon and waived preliminary hearing. Bonds of $2,000 on each complaint were asked by the court. They were furnished and Hirschman was released from jail after being bound over to the next term of district court.

While this is the first of arrests by o$cers here, enough information has been gathered on the chicken and hog thieving ring that more arrests are expected soon.

June 17, 1926

HARTINGTON - Joe Meirose, the new mail carrier on the star route between Fordyce, Wynot and Yankton, moved into the Haas house in Fordyce

Wednesday in preparation for making his home in Fordyce.

He will take the route on July 1. Franz Meirose is driving the route now during the vacation of Frank Seely, the present carrier.

June 17, 1926

HARTINGTON - Taking the last hens from the farm of Mrs. August Pe - terson of the Pearl Creek community, thieves may now turn their attention to other chicken houses in the county. In the haul last Wednesday night 50 pure-bred Rhode Island Reds and 50 mixed hens which had been marked with blue daubs on their wings were taken.

The theft occurred sometime

between 12 and 3 o'clock in the morn -

ing. Mrs. Peterson said she was up until midnight and that it started to rain shortly after she retired. The rain stopped about three in the morning, and when they missed the hens at

feeding time Thursday investigations showed car tracks past the orchard during the rain, as the tracks were partly washed in.

The building from which they were taken is situated not more than 120 feet from the rear of the house, which shows that the work was evidently done by someone acquainted with the place and the situation.

This is the third time chickens have been taken from Mrs. Peterson this spring. Early in the spring she lost 75 hens, then about a month ago a number of young chickens about ready for market were taken. Hogs have also come up missing from the Peterson farm.

The fact that Mrs. Peterson is a widow and unable to take necessary measures to warrant the protection of her property is believed to be the reason for the continued looting of her chicken and hog houses.

HARTINGTON - As a result of a bootlegger's war in the territory about ten miles north of Hartington, one alleged manufacturer is minus his still and a quantity of mash. He is also being sought by o$cers who confiscated the equip - ment, and the consumers who have been imbibing freely are complaining loudly, explaining as they do so that the war has cheated them out of some very good “moon.”

When state o$cers arrived here last week to aid in the cleanup of chicken thieves, they found the moonshiners and bootleggers with their war paint on. It appeared as if the majority of these warriors were after George Dettmer, who lives about eight miles north of Hartington.

With the vast amount of excitement about the war, o$cers had little di$culty in finding out about Dettmer's products. The warriors loudly proclaimed that he had a corner on all the business in that end of the county.

It appeared as if he had found a recipe whereby he could make a better bever - age and sell it for less, and like all good products it was reaping the harvest.

Consumers were with him to a man, it is said, and competitors were as solidly against him. A week ago Thursday night two of them are alleged to have visited his place and appropriated a five gallon keg of fine stu. That loss was trivial, and under all of the circumstances, nothing was said about it, but fear was expressed that they might make personal use of it, and in return, so several good friends agreed to assist in opposing the enemy if further assaults were made on the cita - del of joy. And so the armed neighbors kept vigil until the wee small hours when they all went home. But next morning it was found that a big vat of something or other used in securing the wanted liquid was so messed up as to be unfit for use.

George had the good will of all his neighbors who understood his circum - stances. He was left a widower a short time ago and was the father of a large family and was hard hit with other matters, and it was supposed that he took up the manufacture of certain refreshments for the consumption of his friends, and George had few enemies, especially after they tasted his brand. It is believed that he expected in this way to get out from under the heavy load financially. He had partly succeeded when along came the business competitors and broke up his still.

George didn’t lose heart but set up in business again. His continued opposi- tion and bitter rivalry caused his arrest this time, it is understood. The o$cers haven't located him yet, however, and his customers hope he is successful in getting out of the toils of the law.

HARTINGTON - Dallas Darland entertained the members of the senior Christian Endeavor Society Friday evening at its regular monthly meet- ing. Election of o$cers were held with Stella Andrews being elected its president; Frances Darland, vicepresident and Luellen Opfer, secretary and treasurer.

Frances Darland was appointed

chairman of the prayer meeting com- mittee. It was voted to take into the society several members from the junior society and committees for the initiation of the members.

The evening was spent in playing lawn games, and a lunch was served at a late hour. The guests present were Misses Frances Darland, Luellen and Lucille Opfer, Rena Day, Stella and Eunice Andrews, Perla Whitney, Mar -

vin Opfer, Glen Eby, Lawrence Fox, Phillip Darland, Robert Whitney and Henry Hansen.

June 18, 1931

HARTINGTON - Rev. B. H. Lordemann, pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic church of this city, was completely sur -

prised last evening when his parishio ners carried out a program in honor of his birthday, which occurred on that day, June 17. Rev. C. A. Beyersdoerfer with the hearty cooperation of the members of the parish arranged the surprise birthday party.

A program was carried out with Rev. C. A. Beyersdoerfer in charge of the arrangements. The Melody Masters gave a selection, "The Waltz You Saved for Me;” Theresa Arens and Mary Hahn extended "Congratula - tions;" and The Holy Trinity sextette gave two numbers, "Moonlight and Roses" and "Spring Time in the Rock - ies." The sextette is composed of Pau - line Schwartz, Myrtle Beste, Dorothy Beste, T. Stevens, Ralph Wiebelhaus and George Labeley, and they were accompanied by Miss Irene Burbach. Theo. Happe gave a selection, “The Personality Boy," and Paul Morris gave a violin solo, being accompanied on the piano by Mrs. F. P. Dorsey. The Dendinger brothers gave “Homespun Novelties.” Miss Cecelia Bange gave a vocal solo, “Just a Memory.” Four boys, Frederick Lubeley, Ted Thom - ann, Jim Dorsey and Carl Pedersen, rendered "Them Was Happy Days." Father Lordemann was presented with a gift by the Holy Trinity parish -

ioners as a token of their gratitude.

Father Lordemann made a heartfelt address of appreciation and the pro- gram closed with the audience singing, “America.”

Luncheon was served in the K. of C. basement following the program and the remainder of the evening was spent in dancing in the K. of C. hall.

June 18, 1931

HARTINGTON - Fire of undetermined origin considerably damaged the interior and the household furnishings of the Joel Johnson home Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and children were away when the fire broke out, but Mr. Johnson reached home about 1 o'clock and discovered the blaze and had the flames under control when the fire department arrived at 1:30.

The rugs, curtains and consider- able furniture were damaged, the woodwork was scorched and the entire house was smoke-filled. The Johnson family is living with Mrs. Johnson's mother, Mrs. T. W. Johnson, but will start repairs as soon as the loss has been determined by insurance adjusters. June 18, 1931

HARTINGTON- Peter Clarence, excounty sheri of Cedar County, died at St. John’s hospital in this city Sunday afternoon after a short illness. He was conscious up until the end and all the members of the family were present at his bedside.

About eight years ago, the late Mr.

Clarence suered for a time with an ailment of the glands, from which he apparently recovered, but the trouble reappeared recently and, during the past year or more, he had failed quite rapidly. Two months ago he under - went a minor operation at the local hospital but did not recover his nor- mal health, and on Sunday, May 31, he was operated on again. Since then he had been taking daily treatments with the expectation of undergoing a third operation as soon as he was able.

The deceased was apparently making satisfactory progress and, according to hospital attendants, last Saturday night was the best night he had had since the operation. He slept well and was in excellent spirits Sun - day morning. However, after he left the operating table following the daily treatment, he fainted and only a few hours elapsed until his death. He left the operating room at 10 o'clock.

Death is said by members of the family to have been due to bladder and gland trouble with heart complica tions.

He was born in Cass county, Nebraska April 7, 1862 and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Clarence. He spent his boyhood on the farm and also learned the carpenter trade.

Supt. A.J. Johnson spoke on behalf of the special committee dedicated to the Newcastle site during Monday's School Board meeting.

Johnson said the committee recently met with the Village of Newcastle and had a productive discussion.

Information has now been sent to the school's attorneys so a draft agreement can be prepared. Johnson said the hope is to vote on the agreement with the Village of Newcastle at the July meeting.

The agreement would be a lease agreement, with the Village of Newcastle essentially taking over the cost of the building, Johnson said.

Also Monday, Johnson announced Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools received a $15,000 grant through the Nielsen Foundation for the purchase of musical instruments.

"I'd like to thank the music teachers, Mrs. Hahne and Mrs. Collier, especially Mrs. Hahne," Johnson said. "In the time that Mrs. Hahne was here, I know it was at least over $100,000 that she wrote grants for." Johnson said those grants have helped create opportunities for students to participate in band by expanding access to instruments that families otherwise would have had to purchase.

"The Nielsen Foundation is very generous, so hopefully we will continue to be able to get grants through them and work with Mrs. Collier and a new band teacher to get those done," Johnson said,."But I truly want to thank Mrs. Hahne for getting that done in her years here." The Board also voted Monday to approve an increase in school meal prices for the 2026-27 school year.

Student and adult lunch prices will increase by 10 cents, while student and adult breakfast prices will increase by 15 cents.

The price of milk will also increase by 5 cents to cover the 4.5-cent increase in Hiland Dairy Products' bid this year. The Board also approved the Hiland Dairy bid Monday.

Lunch prices for the 2025-26 school year were $3.35 for elementary students, $3.65 for high school students and $5 for adults.

Student breakfast was $2.05, adult breakfast was $3 and extra milk was 55 cents.

Johnson said rising costs are the reason for the price increases.

The School Board also approved summer school contracts for Susan Anderson, Ladonna Kneifl and Julie Steen for 17 days.

The Hartington-Newcastle School Board will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m., July 15. Meetings are held in the school's consumer science room.

“This is something that the

citizens of Hartington voted for over 20 years ago," Johnson said. "The citizens of Hartington knew the best way to get it done 20 some years ago was jointly and for the city to do it and for the schools to help contrib- ute. And I think that relationship needs to continue." Board President Jason Dendinger said he was on the board when the city originally approached the district about the complex. He said the city wanted guaranteed users for the facility.

"If they were going to go forward with this, then that is what they wanted," Dendinger said. "They were asking us if we would be that customer along with the other school." Dendinger said he views the two schools as equal users of the cityowned facility.

"So in my mind, we're equal customers to the city," he said.

Both schools currently pay $8,000 a year to rent the facility.

Board member Jason Heikes also questioned the mayor's posi- tion.

"It's a bold statement from one person to overrule the whole city that voted for this 20 years ago," Heikes said.

Dendinger said the city had

previous opportunities to set money aside for future track repairs.

"They were talking about increasing that user fee. That's fine. We understand that. Put it to the side," Dendinger said. "So then when the time comes to redo the track, there's funds there." Johnson said he would like to see the three entities sit down and discuss a long-term plan for the complex.

"My message to the mayor would be and my request to you guys would be like, okay, let's get together and talk," Johnson said, "but any solution has to involve all three entities and not just the Hartington-Newcastle school."

They are the twins of Eric and Crystal Hames. They received a medal, a certificate, their final prize and a FREE book from the Hartington Public Library.

Mya and Reid will be entering Kindergarten at Holy Trinity Grade School in the fall of 2026.

Maya and Reid love coming to the library with their brothers and sister to play with the kitchen and playhouse and also like to attend craft day. They like to read books about Barbie (MYA), Paw Patrol and Dinosaurs (REID). They like it when Miss Kim brings the Old Lady to the mom's daycare to read. Awesome job to mom and dad for instilling the love of the library and books at such a young age.

This program was launched to get children ready for school, and to encourage more parent/child library visits. Books are logged and prizes are awarded along the way. One of the best ways to encourage pre-reading skills is to spend time sharing books each and every day. Reading provides a solid foundation, a key to school and learning success.

Interested in learning more about this reading adventure for your child? Stop by or call the Hartington Public Library, 402-254-6245.

Steen, a senior at Cedar Catholic High School in Hartington, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter HZ of Hartington.

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional high school senior women in their final year of high school to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. The competitive STAR Scholarship is for women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success. Steen is involved in National Honor Society, Yearbook, EMHC, Volleyball, Cross Country, Student Council, Campus Ministry, One Act, Choir, Swing Choir, Lector, Speech, C-Club, FFA Secretary and 4-H Council Secretary. Steen plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Kearney and major in Communications Disorders. Breah is the daughter of Brad and Jackie Steen of Hartington.

Chapter HZ has been a part of the Hartington community since it was organized in 1982.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been motivating, educating and celebrating women for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 129,000* women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $462 million* in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood is also the primary support for Cottey College.

Through membership, the P.E.O.

Sisterhood has brought together more than half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members.

What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women's organizations in North America with over 5,400 chapters. To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org. You can also find more information at: facebook.com/ peointernationalPEOInternational on Instagram linkedin.com/company/peo- international

“Speech-i-fying” isn’t his cup of rhetorical tea. I’m sure he’d admit that.

But every so often, we get evidence of, shall we say, a misstep of the vocal variety.

Most recently, it was when he was signing an executive order intended to “further eradicate” antisemitism, a worthy goal.

Pillen had already ordered state agencies to use a definition of antisemitism developed by an organization, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, when investigating cases of discrimination and harassment.

The new order directed the state’s public schools, colleges and universities to also utilize the IHRA’s definition – one that several Jewish groups have rejected but one adopted by many states – and to annually report incidents of antisemitism. One more mandate for our schools to deal with.

But things got off-track when the governor was asked whether his order (patterned after a bill that failed in the Legislature) might conflict with the right to free speech. Could it also target criticism of Jews in general – rather than the Israeli government — over the war in Gaza?

Pillen, in response, recalled a recent trip to Israel and a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Anybody that wants to stand up and talk about … the Palestinians, they’ve got to understand that those people are born to kill Jews and Christians,” he said.

Whoa. Angry letters to the Lincoln Journal- Star followed, as well as harsh reaction on social media.

The letters condemned Pillen for broad-brushing all Palestinians as hateful, even though they are a diverse group of people that includes those who promote co-existence and those who promote hate.

Other letters chided the governor for directing hateful comments at Palestinians while also saying that Nebraskans “do not tolerate hate in any form.”

I am far from any kind of expert on the Middle East, and I have not travelled to Israel like the governor.

Israelis were rightly shocked and outraged when a militant group based in Gaza, Hamas, staged a bloody, surprise border attack in 2023. Nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed and another 250 were taken hostage.

It was horrendous. Israel responded with bombing and invading the Gaza Strip, killing an estimated 70,000 rebels and civilians, destroying almost all of the civilian infrastructure (water, sewer and electricity), and displacing nearly all of the area’s 2.3 million residents. Blockades of food aid led to near famine conditions, and blocks upon blocks of Gaza are rubble.

That was horrendous, too. You can judge for yourselves if the destruction went on too long, but it’s our right to voice an opinion.

It should be noted that not all residents of Gaza hate Israel and want people there dead. There are Christians and Muslims living there. Many Palestinians live and work peacefully in Israel. This isn’t the first time that the governor’s speech has sparked a backlash. Back in 2023, he dismissed reporting by the Flatwater Free Press about extremely high levels of nitrates in groundwater near his hog sites by saying the journalist who wrote the stories was “from communist China. What more do you need to know?”

(The story was based on publicly available groundwater tests, which clearly show that Nebraska has a problem with nitrates. The reporter, Yanqi Xu. Xu, grew up in China but left to study journalism in the U.S., which guarantees a free press in the Constitution.)

More recently, Pillen boiled up some more hot water by using the term “libtards” to describe critics of his policies and decisions.

(“Libtard” is a derogatory word used to describe liberals. It’s also a term that families with developmentally disabled kids feel resurrects the word, “retard” – a term they find offensive and consider a slur.)

It’s sad to say, but name calling and finger pointing seems to be par for the course in our solidly divided politics today.

Unfortunately, that tends to reduce really complicated issues – like the war in Gaza and awarding no-bid contracts – to single words, words that distract and demean.

Here’s hoping we can all use words more judiciously. And when we misspeak, that we can muster up an apology.

Paul Hammel has covered state government and the state for decades. He is a retired senior reporter for the Nebraska Examiner and the former Capitol Bureau Chief for the Omaha World-Herald.

Dear Kids of Hartington: It’s a sight to behold: Schools out, your face is to the wind, you’re free as a bird and you’re on your scooters.

We older folks get that and we’re very happy for you. However, you can’t be running stop signs and barging through intersections without slowing down and looking both ways.

There’s literally no protection or barrier between you and a moving vehicle. You could be severely injured or worse. Be sensible and safe, because we want all of you around for a long, long time to come. May God bless and here’s hoping you have a great summer.

— Daniel Kruse Hartington

This series is brought to you by the Nebraska Press Association in celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday, enjoy!

Roger Locher was a farm boy from Sabetha Kansas. He joined the Air Force in 1969 and became a decorated navigator/weapons specialist officer. Roger was a “backseater” in the most sophisticated fighter of the day, the F4-D. Having achieved acclaim in the ranks after re-upping for his third tour in Vietnam, ending that tour with 407 career missions. Locher became one of the most prolific MIG killers of the war.

Captain Patty Schnieder was an Intelligence Officer working alongside Locher at Udorn Air Force Base in Thailand. Schnieder and Locher had an on again/off again relationship but, “there was something there,” Kevin Drewelow, the Director of the Combat Air Museum in Topeka says with a wry grin.

That connection would have to wait, however, because duty called.

On May 10, 1972, Locher and his pilot Major Roger Lodge, part of the 555th “Triple Nickel” squadron, took off with three other F4’s as part of Operation Linebacker. US political and military leadership had decided to carpet bomb targets around North Vietnam, including Hanoi and Haiphong, to halt the Vietcong’s supply lines and force them back to the stalled peace talks in Paris.

Operation Linebacker would end up being the last and largest bombing campaign of the war. B-52’s unloaded an unprecedented 20,000 tons of ordnance during the action, killing at least 1,500 civilians.

Those B-52 bombers needed support. F4’s and other fighters would accompany them on every sortie, and the skies were incredibly dangerous; MIGs seemed to be everywhere, and 134 allied aircraft were lost during the six-month operation.

On May 10th, Lodge and Locher were in a dogfight. They had already downed one MIG-19 that day when disaster struck! “It felt like you were sitting at a stop sign and someone rear ended you,” Locher would later say. They had been hit by a missile and chunks of the plane were blown away. As they quickly lost control, fire engulfed parts of the cockpit. Now inverted and falling, Lodge immediately ordered Locher to eject. Roger got out just as the fire consumed the backseater’s cabin. Lodge, however, didn’t get out, going down with his plane in a fireball.

In the chaos of air combat, other US pilots didn’t see Locher eject. But the enemy did. MIG pilots set up to strafe Locher as he parachuted to earth. Then for some reason, they backed off, maybe seeing him as a valuable prize to capture and interrogate once on the ground.

When Locher landed, he knew he was entirely on his own, 65 miles from Hanoi and deep in enemy territory. He could not use his radio because the transmission would no doubt be intercepted by the Vietcong. The enemy had become deadly adept at luring U.S. rescue helicopters into kill zones by tricking pilots into thinking they were saving a downed airman, so Locher would have to rely solely on his survival training.

Standard protocol dictated that airmen were given two code words at the start of each mission: one to signal they were fine and the another to signal they had been compromised...captured with a gun to your head.

But moving only at night and constantly evading farmers, children and soldiers in the impossible jungle terrain, meant days turned into weeks. His code words had expired. With nothing edible to forage so early in the growing season, Locher’s health and stamina began to fade as he managed to travel just a mile a day.

Locher had to take a massive risk and knew he had to attempt radio contact with the next plane he heard. It was an F4 overhead and upon contact, the pilot on the other end was naturally skeptical — was this a trap for the rescuers, or was it truly their MIA comrade, known by all?

As fate would have it, several pilots and crewmen had served at Fort Riley, close to Manhattan, Kansas, just as both the F4 pilot and Locher did. The pilot had a thought and blurted out, “What’s Kites?”.

Locher paused, then it clicked. “It’s a bar in Aggieville, where I drink beer!”

The pilot’s response? “That’s it … he’s our boy … let’s go get him!”.

Back at Udorn, word spread quickly. A massive extraction mission featuring a Jolly Green “heavy lift” helicopter was needed. Four-Star Air Force General John Vogt practically “put the Vietnam War on hold for a day,” Kevin proudly proclaimed. Using an astounding 119 different aircraft, the operation became the deepest rescue ever made in North Vietnam.

British General Thomas Gage lands his troops on the Charlestown Peninsula overlooking Boston, and leads them against Breed’s Hill, a fortified American position just below Bunker Hill. As the British advanced, American Colonel William Prescott reportedly told his men, “Don’t one of you fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” When the Redcoats were within 40 yards, the Americans let loose with a lethal barrage of musket fire, throwing the British into retreat.

On June 17, 1837:

Charles Goodyear receives his first patent for vulcanized rubber, a discovery which revolutionized the rubber industry and led to countless new applications for the material.

I want to thank the Hartington-Newcastle School Board and administration for not getting conned into buying or paying for repairs on the second biggest money pit that the city of Hartington owns.

The mayor said that it’s rare for a city to own, operate and maintain a large sports complex, really?

I challenge Mr. Mayor to name any public school in Nebraska, that owns, operates and maintains their own private large sports complex.

Private and parochial schools, own, operate and maintain large sports complexes, because they have deep pocket supporters. These supporters, would be embarrassed to have visiting football teams play on a hard patch field.

Just over two years ago the Hartington taxpayers (not the mayor or his council) had a fiscal surplus. This surplus had to be used or our tax base would have been lowered.

I think Mr. Mayor said it was between $120,000 $140,000 a year. That money would have easily paid for the new track, plus yearly maintenance.

Mr. Mayor, where did our hard-earned tax money go to? Again, I would like to thank the Hartington-Newcastle School Board and administration for being good stewards with our hard-earned taxes. Keep up the good work.

Other local governmental entities can learn a lot from you, if they would just sit in on your School Board/Administration meetings.

— Dennis A Schumacher Hartington

With hay supplies tight and pasture growth limitedinmanyareasacrossnortheastNebraska, producers with irrigated acres available may be considering an annual forage crop to help fill the feed gap. Millet, sorghum-sudangrass or even corn silage can produce a lot of forage quickly under a center pivot, but irrigation timing is critical — especially during stand establishment and early vegetative growth.

Before starting the pivot, check how much moisture is already in the soil profile. Even during a dry year, fields irrigated late last season may have more stored water than expected.

O-season precipitation may have also rewetted the upper portion of the profile.

Use a soil probe or shovel to determine where the soil is moist and where it is dry. A silt loam soil may hold more than six inches of plant-available water in the root zone, while a sandy soil may hold only about half that amount. Depending on what is already stored, it may take only about one inch of water to refill a sandy profile or around two inches for a silt loam.

For stand establishment, pre-irrigate only when the soil is too hard or dry for the drill to penetrate and place seed at the proper depth. If the drill can place the seed correctly in dry soil, planting first and irrigating immediately

afterward is usually more water-ecient. It can also improve seed-to-soil contact.

When irrigating for emergence, avoid applying just enough water to wet the top inch or two. Seedlings may germinate, but their roots cannot grow through a dry soil layer to reach moisture below. When possible, apply enough water to connect surface moisture with moist soil deeper in the profile, or wet the soil to at least 12 inches.

Sandy soils can be an exception. Because the surface dries quickly, smaller and more frequent applicationsmaybeneeded while seedlings are becoming established. Once the crop develops a root system, return to larger applications—ideally eight-tenths to one inch at a time, or as much as can be applied without runo.

Producers should also expect annual forage water use to increase rapidly. Corn may be planted at 30,000 to 34,000 seeds per acre, while some annual forages are planted at one to two million seeds per acre. That dense stand can reach full canopy while plants are still only a few inches tall.

Full canopy occurs when leaves capture about 90 percent of the sunlight at noon. Once that happens, millet, sorghum-sudangrass, corn, soybean and other full-canopy crops use roughly similaramountsofwater.Dependingonweather, that could range from three-quarters of an inch to two-and-a-half inches per week.

Finally, if forage tonnage is the goal, prioritize irrigation during vegetative growth. Water stress during this stage reduces plant height, leaf area, tillering and ultimately total biomass. Irrigation after seedheads begin emerging may increase grain production, but it generally has less eect on total forage yield.

For producers with irrigation available, annual forages can be a productive way to turn water and open acres into additional feed.

— Ben Beckman is a beef systems Extension Educator serving northeast Nebraska. He is based out of the Cedar County Extension oce in Hartington.

You can reach him by phone: (402) 2546821 or email: ben.beckman@unl.edu

To be named to the President’s Honor List, students must earn a grade point average of 4.0 and be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours. Students named to the President’s part-time list attained a 4.0 grade point average while taking at least six credit hours.

Students named to the Dean’s Honor List earned a grade point average of at least 3.75 while taking at least 12 credit hours. Students named to the Dean’s part-time list earned a grade point average of 3.75 or above while taking at least six credit hours.

Students are listed by their respective hometowns.

President’s List

Coleridge — Abigail Rice, Dalton Rice.

Fordyce - Emma Wubben.

Hartington — Cole Heimes, Kale Korth.

Laurel - Caleb Erwin, Julia Johnson, Holly Patefield.

Osmond — Xander Brown, Keely Gubbels, Jeffrey Thelen.

President’s List Part time Belden — Stella Kock. Coleridge — Broderick Kleinschmit.

Concord - Justice Olson.

Fordyce — Morgan Kuchta, Graham Potts, Alexa Suing.

Hartington — Reese Albers, Kally Becker, Nolan Becker, Brynn Bernecker, Audrey Christensen, Quinn Hochstein, Autumn Kathol, Kaley Lammers, Tammy Leise, Savannah Pick, Isabel Rolfes, Anna Steffen, Breah Steffen, Addison Walter, Haley Wieseler, Anisten Wortmann.

Laurel — Addison Hoeppner, Samantha Recob, Avery Stone, Kate Tasler.

Newcastle — Ava Stewart.

Osmond - Erin Aschoff, Abi -

gail Brown, Peyton Brunckhorst, Kooper Gubbels, Jade Halsey, Donovan Heiman.

Randolph - John Dickes, Syd ney Robinson, Brecken Shearer.

Saint Helena — Gavin Klug. Wynot — Addison Fix.

Dean’s List

Coleridge — Christian Fiscus.

Fordyce — Kody Kleinschmit. Hartington — Bailey Hoch- stein, Jacob Steffen, Ty Thoene.

Laurel - Eli Haisch.

Newcastle — Brailyn Hogan. Osmond — Brooklyn Wattier. Randolph — Zachary Capetil- lo, Jocilyn Greiner, Rylee Thelen.

2 LITER BTL.............. 12 PACKS....................

Dean’s List Part time 6 PK 16.9 OZ BTL........... Coleridge — Kennedy Hall.

Dixon — Alexander Ankeny. Hartington — Mason Baller, Langston Christensen, Brady Hochstein, Jacob Kruse, Camryn Loecker, Jared Rutar, Michael Schroeder, Kighter Wortmann.

Laurel — Hannah Hart.

Wynot - Joshua Pinkelman, Wesley Pinkelman, Tiara Sudbeck.

Greg Villwok is purchasing property from Larry Janssen and would like to convert one of the buildings into a truck and cattle pod washout. The plan would also include space for local residents and others to wash vehicles.

Villwok said the business would operate as a do-it-yourself car wash, since Randolph does not have enough population to support an automatic car wash.

The biggest issue is sewer service. The building is not currently connected to a city sewer line, and wastewater from the washout would need somewhere to go. Under Villwok’s plan, wastewater from the truck washout would go into the sewer system, while solids would be held back, loaded up and hauled away.

City officials looked at possible locations where a sewer line could cross the highway to serve the property. Measurements and other information have been sent to JEO, the city’s engineering firm, for review.

JEO will look at possible crossing locations and determine whether a lift station or other equipment may be needed.

Council members said they liked the concept Villwok presented, but will wait to hear back from JEO before deciding on the next steps for any possible infrastructure expansion.

The Council also heard an update on the city’s pool renovation project.

Kalynda Kuhl, representing the pool committee, told the Council the total cost of the project is $77,491.39.

The pool committee and city have contributed a combined $25,500 so far, with the committee contributing $10,500 from donations and the city contributing $15,000.

Some back-ordered parts still need to be ordered so they can arrive by fall. Those parts will cost $14,278. The committee is hoping to receive a grant from the Randolph Community Foundation to help cover that expense.

The remaining cost of the project is $37,713.39.

The pool committee asked the Council to consider working the remaining project cost into the city budget.

A few Council members said they liked the idea of spreading the cost over two budget years so the entire amount would not fall into one year’s budget. Council members said they would look into that possibility as the city’s budget season approaches in the next few months.

In other action, the Council approved allowing the city administrator to sell the city’s 2007 utility pickup.

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss two personnel reviews.

Man calls concerned about animal abuse. His neighbor’s dog is tied outside and ‘’freezing to death.’’

March 11: Man calls to report cattle were out on Highway 12 near the Dixon County line.

Motorist calls to say he was on Highway 12 and Highway 81 and ‘’the roads are horrible.’’

Coleridge Fire Dept issues burn permits for Larry Domina and Syndi Vogle.

Area fire departments

issue burn permits to Patrick Lammers, Bill Tramp, Kevin Becker, Brady Peterson and CD Feedlot.

Man calls to report vehicle on Highway 81 near Randolph continually slowing down and speeding up. “He is driving in the wrong lane again.”

LCC school calls to make law enforcement aware they are holding an active shooter drill.

Man calls to report his mother was scammed out of $10,000. “I pay her bills. I replied to an email and didn’t realize it was not correct. It was a letter o."

March 12: Randolph man calls to say he received a suspicious letter and the envelope was full of seeds. He will deliver it to law enforcement for them to check out.

County courthouse oce staer asks if an ocer can come into the lobby area. There is an argumentative customer at the counter. They would like to have an ocer near.

A 911 call comes in and is abandoned. Dispatch calls back and caller apologizes. “I got a new Apple Watch and the kids and I must have said something that activated 911 on it.”

Randolph resident reports that her neighbor just barged into their apartment, knocking her son down when she opened the door. “She was yelling that we are making too much noise.”

March 13: Hartington woman calls for an ambulance for her mother who has a nose bleed that won’t stop. It has been bleeding for three hours.

Man calls to report a truck is blocking him in.

Man reports seeing a field fire east of Highway 81. It is discovered there is a burn permit for the fire and all trucks are called back.

Man calls from convenience store to say someone backed into him when he was standing by his truck. His arm and hand were injured. Yankton ambulance is dispatched out.

Coleridge resident calls to report there are trucks blocking the street.

March 14: Hartington woman calls to say she is in the basement of her house and just heard a loud crash upstairs. She thinks someone broke in. Ocer checks but finds nothing.

Ambulance dispatched for Fordyce woman who is feeling dizzy and “shaky.”

Woman calls to report a “very intoxicated man” just left a restaurant and is now in his truck heading home.

March 15:

Neb. Department of Transportation calls to report they are pulling all their plows o of the road because of poor visibility.

Man reports there is a vehicle stalled on Hwy. 20 near Randolph. Caller asks if they can get a ride into Laurel. They are getting cold.

Wynot ambulance called out for an elderly woman who is feeling very sick.

March 16: Man calls for assistance. He is stuck in the snow on Highway 59 between Laurel and Coleridge. Tow truck driver is afraid he will get stuck, too. He will pull them out after a snow plow has gone through. Dispatcher calls stuck motorist two hours later to check on him and report a snow plow and tow truck would be headed his way soon.

Motorist said another vehicle tried to go around him, but got stuck in the process, so he will need a tow, too.

OMAHA — A Randolph native will rely on his steadfast moral compass taught by his parents along with the freedom of his small-town upbringing to serve the public as the newest Douglas County District Court judge.

“My parents instilled a lifelong appreciation of learning, that leadership is earned through hard work and dedication to those around you, and that a good attitude and good laugh can take you a long way in life,” said Michael Jensen, a 1996 Randolph High School graduate.

His parents, Dorothy and the late Russell Jensen, worked as teachers at Randolph Public Schools, which helped strengthen a love of learning.

“Throughout my career I have done my utmost best to make sure that I am curious before I’m critical, that I understand all positions before making a decision or passing judgment, and when I do act that I do so with determination and sincerity,” he said.

Beyond all reasonable doubt, those qualities will serve him well on the bench. Although he’s been hearing cases for a month already, he was publicly sworn in at a ceremony Friday.

Jensen said it was surreal being addressed as “your honor” in a courtroom setting for the first time.

“It’s almost like imposter syndrome,” he said. “It’s intimidating to hear myself being referred to as that. I don’t feel I’m worthy of that, but I have to get over that in a big hurry. At the end of the day, that’s what you’re appointed to do and I’m sure all new judges feel the very same way.”

He’s already been surprised by the wide variety of cases so far. District court judges preside over felony criminal cases, all domestic cases including harassment and protection orders, custody disputes, child support and other divorce matters, as well as any major civil proceedings.

His path to the bench started at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and then Creighton University for law school. He worked in a prosecutorial role with the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Douglas County Attorney’s office for 15 years, and then as a defense attorney in private practice for a few years.

When the chopper finally touched down at the base, the mood was jubilant.

Throngs came out to greet him, including General Vogt, but Captain Patty Scheinder was there, too. Without missing a beat, she shoved the four-state General aside, hugged her Roger then climbed in the back of the ambulance for a ride to the hospital. She flat-out ignored the doctors and General who asked her to get out — she would have none of it!

Roger and Patty have been married for 50 plus years and still live just outside Sabetha.

Stories and exhibits like this are all over the Combat Air Museum in Topeka. If you enjoy crawling around vintage military aircraft and hearing tales about air wars, fighter jets and the dedicated people behind them, this muse um is for you. The devoted people preserving this important part of American history are veterans who are following their call.

After a day with aircraft, drive to Manhattan, have a beer at Kite’s. Roger’s story is on the wall. You can salute him, along with the other brave men and women who served in the defense of our country — cheers!

You can find more of Bob's work on his website, bobfordshisto - ry.com also check out his videos on YouTube and TikTok. He can be reached at robertmford@aol.com.

Folkers, the daughter of Nick and Ann Folkers of Hartington, is a senior at Wayne State College majoring in journalism and minoring in editing and publishing.

She has been a photographer and news reporter for the Wayne Stater covering campus news and currently serves as its news editor, where she proofs stories and designs pages.

A native of Bow Valley, Emma graduated from Wynot High School in 2018 at the top of her class.

She has always been an avid reader and was involved as a writer for the Wynot Whisper for three years before becoming its editor in her final year of high school.

Emma is passionate about communication and community journalism.

Cedar County News Co-Publisher Kellyn Dump said he is excited to have Folkers on board.

“She is already a great addition to our staff,” Dump said. “Her reporting, editing and layout skills have been a real asset.”

Besides helping to edit and lay out the paper each week, Folkers will also be covering meetings, taking photos and doing feature stories for all four of the Northeast Nebraska News Company newspapers and websites.

To earn dean’s list distinctions in SDSU’s colleges, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits and must have earned at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Overall, 3,941 students from 38 states and 29 foreign nations are on the list. The following is a list of area students named to the list.

Braeden Kleinschmit, Coleridge, in SDSU’s College of Nursing.

Lane Heimes, Hartington, in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Dylan Heine, Hartington, in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Weston Heine, Hartington, in SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences.

Sarah Karnes, Hartington, in SDSU’s College of Nursing.

Paul Kleinschmit, Hartington, in SDSU’s Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.

Melayna McGregor, Hartington, in SDSU’s College of Natural Sciences.

Meredith McGregor, Hartington, in SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences.

Madalynn Graham, Laurel, in SDSU’s College of Natural Sciences.

Bradyn Urwiler, Laurel, in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Ashley Wacker, Osmond, in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Brayden Shearer, Randolph, in SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences.

Heikes earned the majority of votes in the May primary election for the seat now held by Dave McGregor, who is retiring. Unless an independent candidate files by petition and defeats Heikes in the Nov. 3 general election, Heikes will take office in January.

Heikes told the Board he would like to help train the person hired to replace him before the summer is over.

Also Tuesday, Zoning Administrator Tim Gobel presented several building permits for approval. The permits included: J & ER Farms, LLC, Pct. 6, 60-by-100-foot shed; John Pehrson, Pct. 15, hoop barn addition; Kara and Chris Lammers, Pct. 9, 25-by-31-foot attached garage; CLM Enterprises, Pct. 15, 40,000-bushel grain bin; Claire Wieseler, Pct. 1, 14-by-24-foot garden shed; Charles Arens, Pct. 3, 89-by-110-foot hoop barn addition. Gobel also presented one conditional use permit for Middle Mile Infrastructure, LLC, for two 24-by-36-foot buildings for a booster station for a private fiber optic line.

Highway Superintendent Carla Schmit presented information on dust-control treatments and whether permits should be required before such treatments are applied on county roads.

Schmit said Nemaha County has a permitting process, but it has not been used in two years. She said that may be because the county is no longer paying part of the application fees.

Schmit also said Wayne County and Dakota County use a mixture of magnesium, calcium and beet juice for dust control.

Wayne County uses the mixture only during county fair season on the fair road.

PARK VIEW HAVEN ACTIVITIES: Wednesday, June 17: Rosary/ Communion, Chair Exercises, Fair Projects, Men’s Coffee, Balloon Volleyball, Social Time.

Thursday, June 18: Primp and Pamper, Nail Salon, Arts and Crafts, Ecumenical Church, Summer Pen Pal Program, Social Time.

Friday, June 19: Morning Coffee/ Daily Chronicles, Outside Time, Current Events, Movie and Popcorn, Social Time.

Saturday, June 20: Residents Choice, Open Centers, Catholic Mass (TV), Communion to Follow.

Sunday,June21: HappyFather’s Day! Ecumenical Church, Residents Choice, Arts and Crafts/Table Games, Coffee and Cake.

Monday, June 22: Morning Coffee Club/Daily Chronicles, Chair Exercise, Food For Fun (Onion Ring), Crafts, Bible Study Pastor Hill, Ecumenical Church, Garden Club.

Tuesday, June 23: Morning Coffee Club/Daily Chronicles, Crafts, Garden Club, Music with Val and Julie, Painting Class, Social Time.

COLERIDGE MEALS ON WHEELS Wednesday, June 17: Glazed Ham, Sweet Potato Casserole, Brussels Sprouts, Banana Chocolate Chip Cake, Peaches, Bread/Butter, Milk.

Thursday, June 18: Turkey Tetrazzini, Parmesan Zucchini, Caesar Salad, Cherry Tart, Pears, Bread/ Butter, Milk.

Friday, June 19: Baked Chicken, Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes, Italian Vegetables, Angel Food w/Strawberries, Bread/Butter, Milk.

Monday,June22: Roast Turkey, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini, Cherry Mousse Cheesecake, Pears, Bread/Butter, Milk.

Tuesday, June 23: Meatloaf, Baked Potato w/Sour Cream, Glazed Carrots, Cake, Fruit Cocktail, Bread/ Butter, Milk.

HARTINGTON SENIOR CENTER MENU Thursday, June 18: Oven Fried Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Green Bean Bake, Applesauce, Bun/Butter, Milk.

Friday,June19: Baked Fish, Parmesan Potatoes, Coleslaw, Peaches, Bun/Butter, Milk.

Monday, June 22: Biscuits and Gravy, Mini Denver Omelet, Tropical Fruit, Home Fries, Milk.

Tuesday, June 23: Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Stuffing, Baked Apples, Bun/Butter, Milk.

Wednesday, June 24: Cheeseburger Deluxe, Sweet Potato Fries, Macaroni Salad, Grapes, Seasonal Fruit, Milk.

The 100 hospitals on this list prove that extraordinary care is not the exclusive domain of large academic medical centers or major metropolitan health systems. Working within real-world resource constraints, these community hospitals deliver expert clinical care, drive local innovation and serve as economic cornerstones for the regions they call home.

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital is one of only 11 hospitals in the nation to have been named a Chartis Center for Rural Health “Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital” every year the list has been released. The hospital appeared in the top 20 in 2020, 2022, 2025 and 2026.

In June 2026, the hospital completed a $17 million renovation project creating a new Avera Cancer Institute location at the Avera Fox Run Health Campus in Yankton, consolidating medical oncology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy infusion, clinical research, genetic counseling and support services under one roof. Also in April 2026, the hospital added a da Vinci robotic surgical system, expanding minimally invasive surgical capabilities for patients in the region.

These hospitals demonstrate that accessible, affordable care close to home isn’t just an operational goal, but a promise to their neighbors. Becker’s is proud to celebrate the dedication, resilience and impact of these community hospitals.

The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations and curated the list to highlight the great work of community hospitals across the nation.

For more information about Avera, visit our website at Avera.org. For more information about Avera, visit Avera.org.

Randolph baseball 8U Tournament (location TBD on town rankings)

June 19-20:

Randolph baseball 8U Tourney at Creighton

June 22:

Randolph baseball at Pierce: 8U, 6 & 7 p.m.

June 23:

Cedar County Commission meeting

8:30 a.m. at Cedar County Courthouse

June 23:

Randolph softball @ Creighton: 14U, 6:30 & 8 p.m.

Randolph softball vs Ponca: 8U, 5 p.m.;

10U, 6 & 7 p.m.; 12U, 8 p.m.; Randolph softball @ Hartington: 14U,

6:15 p.m.

June 24:

June 24, 26 & 27:

Randolph baseball 10U tourney at Plainview

June 25:

Randolph softball @ Crofton: Park Field,

6U, 6 p.m.; 8U, 7 p.m.; Bottom Field:

12U, 5:30 & 7 p.m.; Top Field: 10U, 5 p.m.; 14U, 6 p.m.; 18U, 7:30 p.m.