Dump was elected July 18 during the annual meeting of the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors in Cardiff, Wales.

He will serve a three-year term on the board of directors.

South Dakota newspaper publisher Molly McRoberts was elected president of the organization which features members from the United States, The United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, France, South Africa and Nepal.

The International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors is a professional organization devoted to community journalism, strong local reporting and independent editorial leadership.

Unlike many newspaper associations, ISWNE has traditionally concentrated less on advertising, circulation and newspaper management and more on the journalistic responsibilities of editors and publishers—particularly their obligation to investigate local government, take stands on community issues and provide a clear editorial voice.

ISWNE was founded in 1955 at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

WAYNE — A $5 million gift from Wayne State College graduates Don and Diane Soukup has helped the Wayne State Foundation secure more than $13 million in private commitments for the renovation of Brandenburg Hall.

The $18.7 million project will transform the building into the Brandenburg Student Success Center, bringing several academic and student services together in one location.

College officials said it is the largest privately funded project in Wayne State College history.

Along with the Soukups’ gift, the campaign has received financial commitments from the Sherwood Foundation and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation. Fundraising for the project will continue.

The renovated building will house the Academic and Career Success Center, admissions, financial aid, registration and records, disability services and other student support programs.

College officials said the center is intended to provide students with access to services ranging from recruitment and enrollment through graduation and career preparation.

Don and Diane Soukup graduated from Wayne State in 1971 and have continued to support the college through scholarships, academic programs and other projects.

“Wayne State College has always held a special place in our hearts,” the Soukups said in a joint statement. “The friendships we built, the education we received and the opportunities we were given helped shape the lives we’ve been blessed to live.”

The couple said they hope the project will provide future students with the resources they need to succeed.

Wayne State President Marysz Rames said the Soukups’ contribution encouraged other donors to become involved in the project.

“Their leadership inspired others to join this effort, creating a once-in-a-generation investment that will benefit students, strengthen our region and position Wayne State College for continued success for decades to come,” Rames said.

In addition to private donations, the renovation will be supported by State of Nebraska capital construction funding authorized through LB309 and money provided by Wayne State College.

Wayne State Foundation CEO Bob Machovsky said the Soukups’ initial contribution helped build support for the broader fundraising campaign.

“Don and Diane Soukup didn’t simply make a transformational gift — they provided the leadership that inspired others to invest alongside them,” Machovsky said.

A public groundbreaking and dedication ceremony will be held Friday, Oct. 2, during Wayne State College’s Homecoming weekend.

The event will take place on the north side of Brandenburg Hall. A reception, building tours and live entertainment will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the groundbreaking ceremony at 5:30 p.m.

A social featuring hors d’oeuvres, beverages, entertainment and additional building tours will follow the ceremony.

Things are getting plenty confusing about who is running for office this fall, and who isn’t.

And that’s probably the intent. Every day, it seems, we have new candidates joining races, old candidates dropping out, and at least a couple new political parties forming to field even more candidates.

You’re going to need a scorecard with erasable ink for this year’s November ballot.

For instance, in the U.S. Senate race, nonpartisan Dan Osborn recently submitted enough signatures to officially join the race against U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts.

That’s no surprise because Osborn announced his intent to run months ago. By now, you’ve seen the TV ads from him and Ricketts.

However, just after Osborn officially joined the ballot, Cindy Burbank, the Democrat who won her party’s nomination in the spring primary, dropped out of the Senate race. She had pledged to do that – to allow a Osborn-Ricketts race – and recently told reporters she wasn’t going to win, so I’m out.

With no Democrat on the ballot, that could swing the anti-Ricketts votes to Osborn, who has a decent chance of upsetting the former governor – if you believe early polls.

For a short time, Secretary of State Bob Evnen toyed with the idea of forcing Burbank to remain on the ballot. In the spring, he had called her a “bad faith” candidate (because she pledged to drop off the ballot if she won) and tried to remove her. But Burbank sued, and her name remained on the primary ballot.

This time, Evnen, after conferring with the Attorney General, ruled that he had no legal authority to decline her request to get off the ballot.

But the musical chairs in that race isn’t over.

Two new political parties have submitted signatures to become recognized parties, which would allow them to place their own candidates on the ballot.

It only takes about 6,700 valid signatures to form a new political party. With popularity ratings for both the Republican and Democrat parties in the tank, it probably wasn’t hard to collect those.

But, of course, there’s questions about whether those two parties are legitimate, or whether they’re a sneaky effort to siphon votes from other candidates. The head of the state Democrats, Jane Kleeb, has already called foul on the Nebraska Working People Party, claiming it is an effort to siphon off votes from Osborn (who campaigns as a working man who will represent their interests). One labor union also asked that party to stand down.

There’s claims as well that the America First Party is an attempt to siphon off votes, presumably from Ricketts. And speculation that the candidate in the Legal Marijuana NOW Party will drop out, which might help Osborn (Ricketts opposes legalization of cannabis for any reason).

Got all that? Meanwhile, one nonpartisan candidate in the 1st Congressional District race, Austin Ahlman, says he’s suspending his campaign, one he had barely begun.

And Republican-turned-nonpartisan Brett Lindstrom announced that he’s now seeking signatures to join the gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Jim Pillen and former State Sen. Lynne Walz, a Democrat.

Makes you pine for the days when the ballot was pretty much set after the spring primary.

***

There are days when you wake up feeling like a million bucks, and days when you wonder “how could I be so dumb?”

The latter was last week when I wrote a column about suspending the state’s gradual decrease in state income tax rates. To my horror, I wrote the word “sales” (tax) instead in the column I submitted, despite reading and re-reading the piece for accuracy.

I think we were able to make a correction in most papers, but those with earlier deadlines probably contained the error.

My apologies. What a dummy.

Paul Hammel has covered the Nebraska 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. A native of Ralston, Nebraska, he loves traveling and writing about the state.

But what would cause the United States government to prohibit the sale of such a beloved convenience? The answer is simple: World War II.

On Jan. 18, 1943, Claude F. Wickford, secretary of agriculture and head of the War Food Administration, handed down a shocking directive: “Henceforth the sale of sliced bread will be banned in the United States of America.”

Women throughout the country were furious.

To understand why the ban felt like such a blow, you have to realize how deeply sliced bread had woven itself into the American kitchen.

For millennia, people had torn, bitten and sliced into loaves. That changed thanks to Otto Rohwedder, who spent decades developing a commercial bread slicer.

Despite fires, injuries and financial struggles, Rohwedder introduced his innovation in 1928. The baking industry was taken by storm, and by 1930 Continental Baking’s sliced Wonder Bread — with its slogan, “Builds Strong Bodies in 8 Ways” — had cornered the market. Uniform slices became standard, pop-up toasters became a national rage and breakfast became a breeze.

But Secretary Wickford put a stop to all that. He claimed the steel used to manufacture slicing machines and the wax wrapping paper needed to keep sliced bread fresh would be better used in the war effort.

The backlash was immediate. New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia — undoubtedly listening to his incensed wife, Marie — announced he would not enforce the ban.

Across the country, housewives pulled out old serrated knives and sawed through fresh loaves. Uneven slices often wouldn’t fit into the new pop-up toasters. The result was burnt toast, wasted time and frustration, leaving many a housewife with bloody fingers, a dull knife and choice words for Secretary Wickford.

To be fair, Americans were already coping with major sacrifices on the homefront. Even before the United States entered the conflict, the government had begun preparing for war.

After France fell to the Nazis in 1940, England in the West and Russia in the East stood as the last European powers trying to slow Hitler’s advance. Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Premier Joseph Stalin pressed the U.S. for help. Although many Americans were reluctant to enter another European war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt knew that while our military wasn’t ready, our industrial base was.

The Lend-Lease Act of March 1941 transformed the United States into the “arsenal of democracy,” supplying allies with military equipment, food and munitions. Allies could pay us back “as they could,” with the understanding that the supplies were vital to U.S. defense. During the war, $50 billion worth of supplies — roughly $700 billion today — went overseas aboard convoys dodging German U-boats in the North Atlantic.

Among those shipments was a practical, protein-packed delicacy: Spam.

Introduced in 1937, the Hormel product was purchased by the U.S. military at a rate of 15 million cans per week. Although troops maligned it as “the ham that couldn’t pass its physical,” Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev later credited it with helping save his fighting men from starvation.

Once Pearl Harbor pulled the U.S. into the war, rationing became a way of life. Families managed shortages with ration coupons that looked much like the old S&H Green Stamps — remember? Victory Gardens appeared in backyards, while bartering returned to combat black markets. Coal, tin, wood, oil, rubber, sugar, steel, meat, dairy products, coffee and even shoes were regulated. Sugar was the last item removed from the ration list in 1947, owing to its use in explosives manufacturing.

Americans proved creative and willing to make do. Women drew lines down the backs of their bare legs to mimic nylons. Multiple generations moved in together to save money and stretch supplies — including my own family. Everyone understood the need to go without, but they couldn’t understand the sliced bread ban.

Fortunately, the government soon realized it had bitten off more than it could chew.

Just two months after it was imposed, the ban was rescinded. In an ironic twist, one of Wickford’s own Food Administration Board directors had been caught in a sliced bread black-market ring. Sliced bread became the only restricted product to receive a reprieve in the middle of the war.

The secretary didn’t admit he had made a mistake. Instead, he claimed the restriction hadn’t saved as much steel as expected and reassured the public that the country had plenty of wax paper.

Bakers rejoiced, housewives tucked their serrated knives back in the drawer and harmony returned to the American homefront. From there, with our sandwiches neatly sliced and our spirits high, we went on to win the war!

This column is provided by the Nebraska Press Association through a grant from Owen Metals Group. Owen Metals Group is the parent company of several Midwest steel processing and fabrication businesses. Learn more at owenind.com. Find more of Bob’s work at bobfordshistory.com or watch his history videos on YouTube and TikTok. Bob can be reached at robertmford@aol.com.

“ The result was burnt toast, wasted time and frustration.”

RANDOLPH — Construction projects at Randolph Public Schools remain on schedule as the district prepares for the start of the 2026-27 school year, with elementary staff expected to move into renovated classrooms during the final week of August.

Randolph Superintendent Daryl Schrunk said teachers will be able to prepare their classrooms Aug. 24-28, and the district’s staggered start dates remain unchanged.

Students in grades 7-12 will begin classes Aug. 13, while kindergarten through sixth grade students will start Aug. 31, a delayed opening that was approved earlier this year to accommodate construction.

Summer work has included completion of the elementary school’s second-floor remodel, an upper first-floor restroom renovation, relocation of information technology equipment, removal of the library stage and the start of a kitchen addition. Air conditioning installation in the high school gym is expected to be completed in August, and construction continues on the district’s new career and technical education building.

Schrunk said the project has experienced no major delays.

“We are excited to have the community walk through it this fall,” he said.

Construction will continue during the school year. Completion of the south first-floor restroom and the elementary kitchen addition is expected by Christmas break, while the first-floor remodel is scheduled to wrap up by summer 2027. The new CTE building is anticipated to open in spring 2027.

The only significant classroom adjustment this year will involve agricultural education classes, which will temporarily meet in high school classrooms while construction of the new CTE facility continues.

Schrunk said the improvements will modernize the district’s facilities with upgraded lighting, heating and cooling systems, and windows and electrical infrastructure, while creating a more comfortable learning environment for students and staff that allows education to be the primary focus.

The new elementary kitchen also will eliminate the need to transport elementary students to the high school for lunch, allowing the district to reclaim instructional time.

The district plans to provide families with additional information before school begins as construction progresses.

“We anticipate there will be adjustments needing to be made and we will communicate those the best we can throughout the construction of our project,” Schrunk said.

Schrunk also credited the Randolph community for supporting the facility improvements.

“The future for the children of Randolph is very bright because the community has supported this project,” he said. “It takes a village to raise a child. The community of Randolph understands that and is committed to ensuring ‘Where Tomorrow is Built Today!’ is not just a slogan but a reality that we strive for every day.”

The council introduced and approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 775, which would annex two tracts of land in C.A. Kissinger’s Addition in Pierce County. The property includes Lot 5 and Lots 1, 2 and 3.

Several community members attended the meeting to ask what benefits the proposed annexation would provide.

“The betterment of Randolph in general,” Councilman Todd Greiner said.

The properties are not currently included on the city’s tax rolls, meaning the city receives little tax revenue from the area even though some properties already benefit from city utilities and other services.

Randolph Farm Supply, which is located on one of the tracts, approached the city several months ago about the possibility of annexation. The business is constructing a new building and would like access to the full range of city services.

The ordinance must be approved on two additional readings before the annexation can become final.

The council also discussed extending city sewer infrastructure across Highway 20 to property where Greg Villwok plans to construct a truck wash. Council members said the expansion could also encourage future business or residential development in the area by providing access to the city sewer system.

The city asked its engineering firm, JEO Consulting Group, to study possible routes for extending the sewer line.

JEO recommended beginning at a manhole near Bobo’s Express on Main Street, extending the line north to Highway 20 and crossing the highway before continuing to the proposed truck wash site.

The preliminary cost estimate for the project is approximately $1 million.

Randolph’s sewer system operates primarily through gravity flow. Engineers considered another possible highway crossing, but that option would require construction of a lift station, increasing the cost of the project.

The council agreed to continue researching the proposal and seek answers to several questions, including a more complete estimate of the project’s total cost, before moving forward.

In other business, the council approved a building permit for Mike Schmit and a curb-grinding permit for Mitch Stratham.

The council also approved Christiansen Construction to complete renovations at the Randolph swimming pool.

Council members accepted the resignations of Craig Flaming and Angela Nordhues from the Randolph Planning Commission. Anyone interested in filling one of the vacancies is encouraged to contact the city office.

Early weaning is not something every operation needs to do every year. But in a short forage year, it can be a difference maker. Once the calf is weaned, the cow no longer has the nutrient demand of lactation. That can reduce her forage needs, help maintain or improve body condition, and give her a better chance of going into fall and winter in good shape.

Timing matters. Early weaning is most useful before cows are already thin and pastures are already overused. If cows have lost significant body condition, or if grass has been grazed too short, the opportunity to recover is more limited. Making the decision earlier gives producers more flexibility to protect the cow herd, stretch forage, and plan winter feed needs.

As a rough rule of thumb, each day calves are weaned early may save about one-quarter to one-third of a cow-calf grazing day. Put another way, weaning 30 days early might stretch forage by roughly 7 to 10 days, if the saved forage is actually captured and managed. That estimate will vary, but it gives producers a way to think about the value of acting before pastures are gone.

Calf age is also an important consideration. Calves can be weaned successfully at younger ages, but they need more management. Younger calves require high-quality feed, clean water, good facilities, and close observation. They also need to be eating well before weaning begins. Typically, creep feeding is not cost effective, but creep feeding ahead of early weaning may help calves adjust.

Health management also becomes more important. Early-weaned calves should have a solid vaccination plan, low-stress handling and a clean, dry place to rest. Work with your veterinarian on timing of vaccines, parasite control and any respiratory disease concerns. Stress is still stress, whether calves are weaned at three months or seven months, so the goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible. Early weaning can also change how forage is used. Calves are not the largest consumers on pasture, but removing the calf reduces total grazing pressure and lowers the cow’s nutrient demand. That can help stretch late-summer pasture, reduce the need to overgraze, or allow more recovery time where plants have been stressed by drought.

There is an economic side too. Early weaning may save forage or reduce cow supplement needs, but it can increase feed, labor, facility, and health costs for calves. You need to know if the benefits and costs fit the operation. Compare the value of saved forage, improved cow condition and reduced winter feed needs against the added cost of managing calves separately.

Marketing should also be part of the decision. Some producers may retain early- weaned calves and feed them to a heavier weight. Others may sell calves earlier if markets are favorable or if facilities are limited. Either option can work, but the plan needs to be made before calves come off the cow.

Early weaning is not a failure; it is a management tool. In a dry year or a short forage situation, using it at the right time can protect cow condition, preserve pasture resources and keep more options open for the months ahead.

— Ben Beckman is a beef systems Extension Educator serving northeast Nebraska. He is based out of the Cedar County Extension office in Hartington. You can reach him by phone: (402) 254-6821 or email: ben. beckman@unl.edu

RANDOLPH — Howard Willey of this city returned last week from Fort Snelling where he has completed the course of five weeks training in the citizen’s military camp.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Market report for this week: hogs, $8.00 to $9.00; corn, 38c; oats, 25c.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Miss Amanda Albers returned this week from her vacation spent at Atlantic, Manning, and other Iowa points. John Casteel has been filling her place in the post office.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Kenneth Cook, son of Dr. A.

E. Cook, has received notice of his selection to the citizens’ military training camp at Fort Snelling.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Alfred Reese, a Randolph lad, won third place in the shot put in the international field meet held last Saturday at Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Reese came across the Atlantic with the athletes of Oxford university.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — The rain last Friday night and Saturday was just about an inch as measured by the Security bank gauge.

The wet weather held up threshing and grain stacking, but most certainly is the guarantee of a corn crop.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Peter and Anton Kohnen left Randolph Monday morning for Dyersville, Iowa, where they will attend the funeral of their uncle who died at West Point.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Randolph fans saw some of the ball games and the airplane, and chautauqua and big time in general at Magnet this week.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — The Allen ball team gave Randolph a trouncing on the local grounds Sunday, 7 to 3. Baird pitched for Randolph. Dickson, an ex-Western Leaguer, pitched for Allen.

Crews are repairing two and replacing one bridge along U.S. Highway 20 near Laurel while completing work connected to a nearly eight-mile resurfacing project extending east toward the Nebraska Highway 116 junction.

Robert Wiebelhaus Nebraska Department of Transportation project manager based in Hartington, said work on the two bridges north and east of Laurel should be completed this fall. Traffic is being maintained with traffic signals one half of each bridge at a time.

Phase 2 of the southern bridge is will start Thursday. Because that bridge is being repaired rather than replaced, Wiebelhaus expects the work to be completed sooner than the project on the northern bridge.

Work on the southern bridge includes removing deteriorated concrete, repairing or replacing portions of the bridge deck and new guard rail.

The northern bridge is being completely replaced. Wiebelhaus said crews expect to pour the new bridge deck within the next few weeks, with the project tentatively scheduled for completion sometime in November.

A third bridge east of Laurel was closed last week for repairs. Wiebelhaus said that work should move more quickly, with each half of the bridge expected to take less than two weeks to complete.

The bridge work is part of a $6.7 million NDOT project covering about 7.8 miles of U.S. 20 from Laurel east to near the Highway 116 junction. In addition to the bridge improvements, the project includes highway resurfacing, bridge deck and approach repairs.

Constructors Inc. of Lincoln submitted the low bid for the project during NDOT’s December 2025 contract letting. The project has been included in the state’s highway improvement program since at least 2023, with construction beginning this summer.

Another major NDOT project is underway along Highway 57 between Belden and Coleridge. Two bridges North of Belden are under construction, and a portion of Highway 57 from Belden north toward Coleridge is expected to remain closed for at least four more weeks, Wiebelhaus said.

That project covers about 6.7 miles of Highway 57, beginning near the U.S. 20 junction at Belden and extending north toward Coleridge. Plans call for resurfacing the highway, widening the paved roadway to 28 feet and completing bridge, culvert, guardrail and drainage improvements.

Knife River Midwest LLC submitted the apparent low bid of $4,100,677 for the work. Four other bids ranged from about $4.13 million to nearly $4.97 million.

Wiebelhaus said motorists should continue to expect lane restrictions, reduced speeds, temporary closures and delays around the construction zones through the remainder of the summer.

DAKOTA DUNES, S.D. — Avera Health announced it has reached an agreement to acquire The Center for Neuroscience, Orthopedics & Spine, a specialty physician practice based in Dakota Dunes, with the transition scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Following the acquisition, the practice will operate as Avera CNOS.

The partnership includes more than 100 physicians, advanced practice providers, physical and occupational therapists, athletic trainers and more than 350 employees representing nine medical specialties and subspecialties.

CNOS was established in the 1990s and provides orthopedic, neurological and spine care throughout the Siouxland region. The practice has expanded over the years through mergers and partnerships with other specialty groups and now offers outreach services at 29 satellite locations.

The acquisition also includes eight clinic locations and expands Avera’s specialty care network in the tri-state region.

According to Avera, the health system currently operates two hospitals in Iowa and partners with seven others, along with 15 clinics and numerous specialty outreach locations. Company officials said adding CNOS is intended to improve coordination of specialty services and increase access to care as the region continues to grow.

CNOS Chief Executive Officer Nolan Lubarski said the organization spent considerable time evaluating potential partners before selecting Avera.

“It became very clear early in our conversations that our visions for the future of health care in this region were aligned,” Lubarski said. “Avera and CNOS share similar values, including a strong commitment to clinical excellence, patient-centered care and community service.”

David Flicek, Avera’s chief operating officer, said the two organizations have worked together for years through Avera’s network of hospitals and clinics.

“This group is well known for quality outcomes and patient care,” Flicek said. “We look forward to providing greater continuity of care for the patients and communities we serve.”

Lubarski said maintaining the organization’s workforce was an important consideration throughout the process. He said the two organizations share similar priorities in supporting providers and employees while continuing to expand access to specialty care.

CNOS officials said patients are being notified of the transition this week.

BELDEN — J. B. Gossard, Emil Johnson and J. F. Noecker are authority for the statement that there is a wild deer (spelled with two e’s) in this vicinity.

One day the latter part of last week while returning from an auto trip to the country northwest of town and when they were about two and one half miles out of town the animal was seen standing in the middle of the road.

The car was slowed down in an attempt to get quite close to the animal but it took fright and, clearing a four-strand barbed wire fence with astonishing ease, it sped away to the west.

July 15, 1926

BELDEN — Belden’s base ball sluggers met the fast Sholes club Sunday afternoon on the home ground.

The game went to 11 innings, Sholes winning by a score of 15 to 17. The score was close all the way through and the fans had plenty of thrills.

A young man by the name of Smith was on the mound for Belden and Benjamin and Creamer did the catching.

July 15, 1926

BELDEN — Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Locke have their household goods advertised for sale and as soon as matters can be arranged will move to Lincoln where Mr. Locke has a position offered him by a grain company.

Mr. Locke has made his home in Belden for over 30 years and is well known all over northeast Nebraska.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — The arrest of Harry Gray, 40, at Clay Center on Saturday, revealed the whereabouts of a Ford coupe belonging to Sam Black, which was stolen from the streets of Randolph last Aug. 13, nearly a year ago.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — A court of the Women’s Catholic Order of Foresters was inducted Sunday afternoon with a class of 43 Catholic women taking ceremonial work.

Mrs. Matilda Borasloux, a representative of the High Court at Chicago, was induction officer.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — John Gillespie, president of the local fire department, Ralph Hahn, vice-president, and Harry Sellon, fire chief, drove to Wakefield Monday evening, where they assisted in preliminary organization of the Northeast Nebraska Firemen’s association.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — Market report for this week: hogs, $9.00 to $12.50; corn, 75c; oats, 35c.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — Forty-nine hundredths of an inch of rain, which fell early this morning, put a smile on everyone’s face and brightened up a dusty, draught-besprinkled community that had been without rainfall for a three-week period.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — The five members of the Girl Reserves, who have been at Camp Sheldon, a state Y. M. C. A. Camp near Columbus, the past week, returned home Wednesday of last week.

While at camp the five Randolph girls annexed 21 individual ribbons and second team honors.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — J. Bolger, district inspector for Northwestern Bell Telephone company, was in Randolph last week inspecting the long distance lines switchboards and other telephone equipment in this territory.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — Gillespie Brothers this week placed a fine Mehlin and Sons grand piano in the A. J. Obert home.

A piano of this make is distinctively high grade in which there is to be found every mark of artistic skill and progress.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is encouraging producers not to wait until the last minute to apply for disaster assistance, specialty crop payments or review base acreage opportunities.

“Our advice is simple: don’t wait,” FSA Administrator Bill Beam said. “These deadlines represent important opportunities for producers dealing with weather- related losses, rising costs and changing markets.”

Upcoming deadlines include:

Aug. 3: Last day to submit nominations for local FSA county committee elections.

Aug. 7: Deadline to apply for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program.

Aug. 12: Deadline to apply for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP).

Aug. 31: Deadline for eligible landowners to review and, if applicable, increase base acreage for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.

Specialty crop assistance

The ASCF program provides payments to eligible specialty crop producers based on 2025 planted acreage.

Producers who previously reported eligible crop acreage should have prefilled applications available through their local FSA office or online using a Login.gov account.

Disaster relief

The SDRP provides more than $16 billion in assistance for producers who experienced crop, tree, bush or vine losses caused by qualifying natural disasters during the 2023 and 2024 calendar years.

The program includes assistance for producers with crop insurance claims as well as those with uninsured, underinsured or quality-related losses. Applications for both phases of the program are due Aug. 12.

Base acreage review

For the first time since 2002, eligible landowners have an opportunity to increase base acreage for ARC and PLC commodity programs under changes authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

Nationwide, as many as 30 million additional base acres may be added to eligible farms. Landowners should review their Base Allocation Summary through Login.gov or by contacting their local FSA office before the Aug. 31 deadline.

County committee nominations

Producers interested in serving on their local FSA county committee have until Aug. 3 to submit nomination forms.

County committees help administer federal farm programs at the local level and provide producers with input into FSA operations. Elections are held annually in designated local administrative areas, with ballots mailed to eligible voters in November.

Producers with questions about any of the programs or deadlines are encouraged to contact their local FSA office, where appointments can also be scheduled through the agency’s online appointment system.

RANDOLPH — Miss Bernie Wintz, daughter of Mrs. Sadie Wintz, was chosen by judges of the beauty pageant Tuesday night as “Miss Randolph.”

Her expenses and those of her chaperon will be paid to the state fair at Lincoln where she will enter competition with hundreds of other Nebraska girls for the title of “Miss Nebraska.” The state winner is eligible for the national contest and “Miss America” honors.

The judges were three men from Wakefield who performed their difficult task deliberately, taking plenty of time in considering the points on which their decision was based, viz: facial beauty, personal charm, figure, and grace. The judges qualified by declaring that they knew none of the contestants and had not been approached in the interest of any contestant.

Jos. G. Rogers, as master of ceremonies, performed his duties impartially and efficiently and he must be given due credit, together with his co-workers, G. F. Heady and Chas. Peterson for the success of the pageant.

The Orpheum stage was too small to show all contestants at once, and after the first appearance, singly, when each was introduced by Mr. Rogers, the candidates were divided into three groups, each girl carrying a number. Five were eliminated from each group after the first “group” appearance, then four were eliminated. The girls remaining then formed one group which was gradually cut down until the judges were asked to pick the winner. Miss Wintz was number 13, the famous unlucky number.

Miss Wintz made the final appearance alone and received hearty applause.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — Last Friday was a scorcher — 112 at Randolph and higher at other Nebraska points.

A little shower Monday was the turning point. South Dakota, parts of Iowa and Minnesota had good rains Sunday and Monday, over an inch at Yankton, 1.26 inches at Winner, half inch at Page, a quarter inch at O’Neill.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — This is to notify people of District 18, Pierce county, that the annual picnic enjoyed by this group for a number of years past, has been definitely canceled for this year.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — To help in the cooling process the Randolph Ice Co. under the management of H. L. Sherwood, has operated to capacity, which means 24 hours a day, during July. The ice plant produced six tons of ice every 24 hours and has sold all of it. Last Saturday only about 30 cakes were in storage and these together with Saturday’s 6-ton run went out that night and Sunday.

Six tons a day for 30 days means 360,000 pounds of pure commercial ice from filtered water. The excellent quality of Randolph ice has found for the local product a market in nearby towns. Laurel takes one and a half tons every day; Wausa about one ton, with consumption there on the increase; Belden and Magnet are also supplied from the Randolph plant. However, the bulk of the product is sold here and in the country nearby.

Three people are employed at the plant, working in shifts: They are Mr. Sherwood, manager; F. E. Courtney and Quillen Fox.

Despite the increased use of electric refrigeration in Randolph, there is still a very urgent need for the manufacture of ice here. Mr. Sherwood informs us that had there been a good amount of ice in the storage vaults at the plant, when he took over the management, he could easily have sold the additional tonnage. Despite a poor start the Randolph ice plant has been equal to the heat wave of July.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — Cedar county was shocked last Thursday to hear of the death of Joe B. Larson, 56, county clerk and his twin daughters, Virginia and Lorayne, 27. Mrs. Larson was critically injured at the time her husband and daughters lost their lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Larson and daughters left Hartington early that morning for Minneapolis to visit in Minneapolis and to enjoy fishing in Minnesota lakes as a vacation. At 7 o’clock at a point 11 miles west of Allen on No. 20, one mile of the junction with No. 9 and near the Everett Carr farm, the Larson car and an empty stock truck driven by Jay Mattee, 27, of Dixon, met in a side swipe, the auto going partly under the high rack of the truck.

Mr. Larson was instantly killed when his head was crushed; one daughter was also instantly killed, her skull crushed, one arm broken, and deep cuts and bruises; the other daughter sustained a skull fracture, many bruises and internal injuries. She died after 30 minutes.

Mrs. Larson received several severe skull injuries, cuts and bruises and it was feared, internal injuries. She was taken from the scene of the accident to St. John’s hospital in Hartington by two young men from Allen. At this writing she is still living, her condition showing some improvement.

At the point where the accident occurred the road is level and the view ahead unobstructed, the sides of the highway is also without deep ditches or a deep drop, one of few such spots along the route. Just what happened to cause the accident is not known. An eye witness was C. A. Dunaway of Plainview, a truck driver. An investigation by county Attorney Newton of Ponca resulted in no charges being filed against Mattee.

Joe B. Larson has lived in Cedar county 29 years. He was proprietor of the Anchor Grain Co. at Laurel for six years and for 21 years a member of the firm of Peck & Larson at Laurel. In the fall of 1934 he was elected clerk of Cedar County.

COLERIDGE — Coleridge staked their claim to a Tri-County Playoff Title this week with a 4-3 victory over the Norfolk Royals Friday night.

This win gave Coleridge the opportunity to face Crofton Sunday night in the unbeaten bracket. In Sunday night action however, Crofton handed Coleridge a short seven-inning lesson in the art of baseball, winning 12-1.

Coleridge jumped out to an early first inning 2-0 margin only to see Norfolk tie the game in the second frame.

Going into the top of the fifth inning, Olsen scored on a single by Stan Janssen to put Coleridge into a onerun lead. Ed Kalin scored in the sixth inning followed by a sacrifice by Hansen and a single by Ron Stone.

Aug. 5, 1981

COLERIDGE — Bill Hirschman’s rural Fordyce farm was recently visited by 20 vocational agriculture teachers who were on a livestock study tour. Keith Gilster, associate professor of animal science at the University of Nebraska, coordinated the tour. The study was sponsored by the University.

Hirschman specializes in feeder pig production. His farm was selected for the tour because of its practicality and good management record, Gilster reported. Bill is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hirschman of Coleridge.

Aug. 5, 1981

COLERIDGE — Superintendent Schnoor has released information regarding the 1981-82 budget for the Coleridge Community Schools. As printed in the official budget notice the requirements for 1981-82 are $801,600. This amount includes those programs totally funded by federal funds.

During 1980-81 the school district budget including federal programs, totaled $718,000. Consequently the proposed increase for 1981-82 is $83,000, an increase of 11.64%.

Aug. 5, 1981

COLERIDGE — The Coleridge Teachers Association and the Board of Education have not yet settled contract negotiations for the coming school year which will begin in about three weeks.

Negotiations which have been stalled since last spring went to fact finders and now concentrates on three basic proposals.

The Board of Education has offered $11,200 with 4x4 increments and $41.40 insurance for single teachers and $111.30 for married teachers.

Coleridge Teachers Association has countered with a proposal of $11,100, 4.5x4 increments and $41.40/$111.30 insurance payments.

July 31, 1991

COLERIDGE — Lawrence Heikes hit a hole-in-one Thursday morning at the Hartington Golf Course. His hit was on #9. Heikes was golfing with Jack Brandl and Ivan Hansen.

July 31, 1991

COLERIDGE — As the young trees in the southeast portion of the local park start to grow to maturity a new fresh look starts to take shape. A total of 82 new trees have been planted in 1991 in the park. Nearly $9,000 has now been spent in tree planting, nearly all acquired through contributions. An additional shelter house is also in the plans for the northeast part.

Aug. 1, 2001

COLERIDGE — Strong gusting winds late Sunday night and early Monday morning were responsible for a huge limb falling, just missing the Congregational Church.

Aug. 1, 2001

COLERIDGE — Colin and Cameron Milander of Coleridge participated in the Taekwondo-Martial Arts events in the Cornhusker State Games in Lincoln Sunday, July 22 and brought home medals.

Cameron was in the 19-29 years age group, advanced and won silver medals in Forms and Sparring. He also competed in the Olympic Style Sparring and received a silver medal. Colin was in the 16-18 years age group, advanced. He won a gold medal in Sparring. He also participated in Forms and received fourth place. Cameron and Colin are the sons of Doug Milander and Kathy Young.

COLERIDGE —Mr. and Mrs. Fred Urwiler celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday.

A family dinner was served at noon to about 55 relatives and close friends at the Congregational church at Coleridge. This was also the 31st wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Ted Newhirter. Mrs. Newhirter is a sister of Carl and Ernest Urwiler.

Relatives of Mrs. Urwiler present were Mr. and Mrs. Grant Lake, Mr. and Mrs. Merle Lake of Merrill, Iowa, and Mr. and Mrs. Dave Theophilus of Wayne. Other relatives from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Dean Sutherland of Omaha, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Whitney and Bobby of Salix, Iowa, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schwerson and son of Hawarden, Iowa.

Mrs. Urwiler read a poem, which she had written, at the dinner.

July 26, 1956

LAUREL — According to a report received from Superintendent George Slone, Laurel is still in need of three teachers.

Earl Felber, who has been superintendent at Wynot for the past three years, has contracted to be principal at Laurel. This fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Gerald Hish, who has been principal for three years.

Two high school vacancies are open. No one has been signed to replace Mr. Bell who taught science last year nor has anyone been contracted to replace Mrs. Hish and Mrs. Frazier, who each taught half days last year. Mrs. Hish taught English and dramatics and Mrs. Frazier home economics.

Due to the resignation of Mrs. Philbin, 7th and 8th grade teacher, an instructor for those grades is also needed.

Teachers who have contracted to date are: Kindergarten, Mrs. Ilene Dirks, who has been teaching in North Platte; first grade, Mrs. Nelson; second grade, Miss Sylvia Kanopek; third and fourth, Mrs. Powell, and fifth and sixth, Mrs. Rice.

Miss Larsen, English; Mr. Smith, commercial; Mr. Watson, who is returning after two years in the armed services, music; Mr. Norvell, social studies and athletics; Mr. Felber, principal, shop and driver education, and Mr. Slone, superintendent. July 26, 1956

LAUREL — The Cedar County ASC office at Hartington reported that as of July 25, 752 farmers had signed agreements to participate in the Soil Bank program. They also stated that farmers have until July 27 to sign up for the Soil Bank.

Two important deadlines are nearing for farmers in connection to complying to regulations set by the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee. They are: July 31, the deadline to destroy corn in order to come within allotments to seal harvested corn and Aug. 3, the final date a farmer can destroy corn to comply with Soil Bank agreements.

July 26, 1956

LAUREL — According to a letter from the Nebraska State Railway Commission, a hearing will be held in their office at Lincoln Aug. 22 about a proposed unification of railroad depots at Laurel, Randolph, Oakland and Plainview.

As stated in the letter, the local depots would be cared for by the C. St. P. M. & O. railway agent, if approved by the commission. Just the opposite would apply to Randolph, as the C. B. & Q. agent would care for both depots there.

The letter, in full, is as follows: “Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Co., North Western Railway Co., and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway Company for authority to establish joint agents at the stations of Oakland, Laurel, Randolph and Plainview.

“All persons interested in the above entitled application are hereby notified this application will be informally presented to the Nebraska State Railway Commission.

“At the present time, the applicant railroad companies maintain separate railroad agents and stations at Oakland, Laurel, Randolph and Plainview, and applicants allege that the total annual out-of-pocket cost of maintaining and operating the eight agencies at said stations is $41,062. Applicants further allege the principal business at each of said communities is the handling of supplies used in connection there with, and that the railroads are used principally for shipments of these commodities in carload lots.

“It is proposed the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company maintain and operate at its sole expense, the agencies at Oakland and Randolph, Nebraska, and that the Chicago & North Western Railway Company operate and maintain the agency at Plainview.

While Smith’s Atlantic crossing earned international attention, her return to the Cornhusker State Games revealed another side of her story. What began years ago as a middle school athlete competing in track and field has evolved into a lifelong connection with the Games, culminating in a year that saw her serve as torchlighter, compete in a new sport and stand atop the podium once again.

An Omaha native, Smith, 26, made history by rowing more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Her incredible journey began on Dec. 14, 2025 and concluded 46 days later when she reached her final destination in English Harbor, Antigua, on Jan. 29, 2026.

Smith first competed in the Cornhusker State Games as a middle school track and field athlete, an experience that introduced her to the event years before returning in one of its most celebrated roles. During an interview with the Nebraska Sports Council on Opening Night, Smith was asked which Cornhusker State Games sport she would choose if she were competing today. Without hesitation, she answered, “Sailing.”

Just days later, she turned those words into reality. Smith competed in the 2026 Cornhusker State Games Sailing competition in the Adult Snipe division alongside partner Mary Buckley. The duo finished with six points to capture the gold medal, adding another accomplishment to an already unforgettable year. From participant to torchlighter to champion, Smith’s journey reflects the lasting impact of the Cornhusker State Games and the spirit of trying something new.

Reflecting on her rowing journey, Smith credited her support team.

“I had an immense amount of support from family and friends. They’re the ones that got me to the start line and they’re also the ones that got me across the ocean.”

That support was evident during the 42nd Annual Cornhusker State Games Opening Night, where Smith served as the 2026 torchlighter. As she made her way down to the stage, she was met by her aunt with an emotional embrace.

Before Smith continued to the cauldron, her aunt placed a family keepsake in her hands—her grandfather’s 1989 Cornhusker State Games medal. The medal served as a powerful reminder of her family’s connection to the Games and the generations of support that helped shape her journey.

Carrying both the torch and her grandfather’s legacy, Smith stepped forward and lit the cauldron, officially opening the 42nd Annual Cornhusker State Games in a moment that connected the Games’ past, present, and future. It was a fitting conclusion to a remarkable homecoming, celebrating not only an athlete who made history on the open ocean, but one whose journey began years earlier as a young Cornhusker State Games competitor.

The participants ranked four head of livestock in each class of market swine, market beef, and breeding ewes. The main goal of this fun activity is to learn a good decision-making process by evaluating the characteristics of the animals, comparing them to the others in the class, and measuring them against a standard to select high-quality livestock.

Evelyn Lammers, Calvin Lammers, Paisley Foxhoven, Halley Lewon and Romy Thompson participated in the contest as Clover Kids.

In the Junior Division, Oakley Foxhoven received a purple ribbon and the Junior Division Champion medal. Colt Thompson received a purple ribbon and the Reserve Champion rosette. Harley Tanderup and Brecken Lammers were blue ribbon winners.

In the Intermediate Division, Maya Brummels received a purple ribbon and the Intermediate Division Champion medal. Harrison Winkelbauer received a purple ribbon and the Reserve Champion rosette. Clara Winkelbauer also received a purple ribbon. Blue ribbon winners were Elle White, Heidi Lewon, Ollie Lammers, Simon Lammers, Chesney Foxhoven and Emma Hochstein. Receiving a red ribbon were Sawyer Tanderup, Luke Lammers, and Maverick Tanderup.

In the Senior Division Nolan Nordby received a purple ribbon and the Senior Division Champion medal. Gus Lammers was the recipient of a purple ribbon and the Reserve Champion rosette. Stella Graham also received a purple ribbon. Blue ribbon winners were Breah Steffen and Jayden Lordemann.

The adults were also invited to participate in the contest. Participating were Erica and Derek Foxhoven, Tucker Lammers, June Heyden, Troy Lammers, Zach Thompson, Kelvin and Cynthia Putney, Carol Bruning, Terry and LouAnn Dendinger and Alicia Tanderup.

All of the 4-H events and contests can only be made possible through the help of a great many people volunteering their time. Ty Dybdal, Emma Lammers and Allison Claussen assessed the livestock and determined the official placing order for their respective classes. Larry and Krista Dybdal, Melissa Lordemann, and members of the Bow Creek 4-H Club assisted in the livestock judging contest. The livestock judged were provided by 4-H members exhibiting at the fair.

This year’s Champion Medals for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Divisions in the Livestock Judging were sponsored by Cedar Security Bank, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, and Security Bank. and the reserve champion rosettes were sponsored by Cedar County Ag Society.

This one on a national level. The 2026 American Volleyball Association’s Jean Groth Memorial Team Academic Award for excellence in academics was awarded to the LCC volleyball team.

The Lady Bears posted a cumulative grade point average of 3.625 to receive the recognition for their work in the classroom.

“Our girls are very competitive, on and off the court,” said Laurel-Concord-Coleridge head coach Julie Kvols. “To win this award named for a very special lady and coach is truly an honor and it shows the character and work ethic this team has, not just in volleyball, but in everything they do.”

Kvols and company are finishing up their summer activities as the Lady Bears prepare for the fall campaign.

“We‘re heading to Kearney this weekend for the Top 10 Camp and then it’s on to the season,” the coach said. “It’s a great camp because it lets us spend time together in a ‘family’ setting where we can do some team building and play some elite competition on the court at the same time.”

Kvols looks forward to the time the team will be spending together without a lot of distractions.

“It’s a time when we build some team chemistry and it kind of kicks off this season,” she said. “We’ll get back from that and get on the court for practices and matches.”

The Lady Bears are set to open the 2026 season in a Jamboree match with Guardian Angels Central Catholic on Aug. 20.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with a $10 fee which includes coffee and rolls and noon luncheon. OACCW meeting begins at 10 a.m. Please join us for 11:30 a.m. Mass and afternoon Commission reports. Guest Speaker will be Sam Minarik, an evangelization coordinator.

All women are invited to attend, sharing in activities of the day with your fellow Council of Catholic Women of Omaha Archdiocese.

Nominations are being accepted for an OACCW Vice-President— the term starting in September 2026.

RSVP is encouraged by Aug. 1 for lunch count to Leonarda Arens, OACCW President via email at arensljrepair@hotmail. com or text to 402-253-5120 .

BOW VALLEY — An event five years in the making is set to take center stage this weekend.

The Bow Valley Schützenfest — one of northeast Nebraska's longest-running community celebrations — returns this weekend as the Bow Valley Park Association brings the old tradition back to life Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1-2.

The two-day festival, which traces its roots to 1896, will feature food, live music, games, contests and activities for all ages.

Festivities begin at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, with the annual grounds opening and continue throughout the day with horseshoe and cornhole tournaments, kids games, a kickball tournament, a talent show and bingo.

The opening ceremonies are scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by a community meal at 5 p.m., Mass will be held at 6 p.m., a happy hour, featuring Shooter's Calcutta at 6:30 p.m., and live music by The 4020's band beginning at 9 p.m, followed by The Mercenaries from 10 p.m to 12 a.m.

Activities resume Sunday at 10 a.m., with the grounds opening and children's games.

A king and queen parade is scheduled for 11 a.m., followed by a sandpit money grab at 1 p.m. The festival's official opening ceremony begins at 1 p.m., with shooting to follow.

Coronation of the 2026 king and queen is set for 3 p.m., followed by an auction at 3:30 p.m., raffle drawing at 4:15 p.m. and live music by Outback Band beginning at 4 p.m. Greased pig contests are scheduled for 6 p.m., with the band returning at 7 p.m.

Raffle tickets are available in advance at Bow Valley Hall, Keith's Package Liquor, Grossenburg Implement and Stop-N-Go.

Festival organizers encourage area residents and visitors to attend both days of the celebration, which combines long-standing German traditions with family-friendly entertainment and community fellowship. More information is available at the festival website and on the Bow Valley Schützenfest Facebook page.

Overall, students from 32 states and 27 nations graduated, and more than 90 students received two or more degrees or certificates from a college.

Hannah Kleinschmit of Coleridge graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy from SDSU’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.

Ethan Becker of Hartington graduated with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Carson Jones of Hartington graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies from SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Morgan Blecher of Pierce graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an undergraduate certificate from SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Max Cooper of Pierce graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences.

Nicholas Erickson of Pierce graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.

Samantha Fischer of Pierce graduated with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Dakota Marks of Pierce graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

The Lewis and Clark expedition marked a turning point for the Indians.

A white invasion soon would be underway. On the homeward leg of their journey in 1806, Clark noticed a trading post already had been established near the mouth of the Vermillion River opposite what is now Dixon County.

The fur trade continued under American auspices. William Clark became an agent of the Missouri Fur Company. The Company’s first expedition was led by Manuel Lisa in 1809. Three years later Lisa established a fort and trading post a few miles north of the present site of Omaha.

In 1819 an expedition led by Major Steven Long set out to explore the region west of the Missouri River. Long traveled by steamboat as far as Lisa’s fort where he spent the winter. Long was not impressed with Nebraska. He wrote most of the land west of the Missouri was a desert wasteland. For a number of years the middle part of the continent was known as The Great American Desert.

Artist George Catlin didn’t see a vast desert when he came upriver a dozen years later. When he landed his canoe at Floyd’s Bluff in 1832, Catlin imagined the surrounding countryside “streaked with the plow and yellow with harvest sheaves, with houses and fences and groups of hamlets and villages.” Sixty years later, one of Catlin’s imaginary villages would become a real village named Laurel.

Catlin sat in “sad and tear-starting contemplation” as he sketched the grave of Sergeant Floyd. Apparently he did not feel the same emotion when he visited the grave of Chief Blackbird. Catlin dug into the earth, found the skull of the great Omaha chief, and carried it off to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Long’s view that the land west of the Missouri River was worthless desert provided the government with a convenient answer to the question of what to do with the Indians. The Great American Desert would become the new Indian homeland. In 1830 the removal of the Indians from the eastern states became official government policy. The eastern tribes did not wish to leave their ancestral homes but their ability to resist had been eroded by liquor, disease and warfare. Liquor was the crack cocaine of the day. Indians who tried it often became hopelessly addicted. Lewis and Clark even gave liquor to the Indians in violation of an Act of Congress passed in 1802. Trade whiskey was powerful stuff. One recipe called for one gallon of raw alcohol, three gallons of water, and a pound of chewing tobacco. Many traders became liquor pushers because the profits were immense.

Disease also came with the white man. Because Indians had no natural immunity to alien microbes, even minor infections could be deadly. Smallpox and cholera reduced the Omaha tribe by more than two thirds. The traders did not deliberately spread disease as many Indians believed. Healthy Indians were needed to bring in the furs. Charles Larpenteur described an attempt to vaccinate members of a Sioux tribe during a smallpox epidemic in 1837. Following instructions given in a medical manual, a smallpox vaccine was concocted. Unfortunately all of the vaccinated Indians died.

Contrary to the current politicallycorrect thought, the Indians were not one big happy family. The different tribes fought with each other. The Sioux were particularly feared and weaker tribes often sought protection from the white man. By the time their sacred Black Hills were invaded, the Sioux had few allies left. Without whiskey, disease, and warfare, the Indians might have been able to delay but not stop the settlement of the West.

Editor’s Note: Longtime Laurel Advocate columnist Roger Tryon is on vacation. This column is being reprinted from his book, “Pages of History.”

Overall, students from 32 states and 27 nations graduated, and more than 90 students received two or more degrees or certificates from a college.

Hannah Kleinschmit, Coleridge, graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy from SDSU’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.

Ethan Becker, Hartington, graduated with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Carson Jones, Hartington, graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies from SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

The city started working with League Association of Risk Management in 2024. That first policy cost the city $164,000. The city agreed Monday to sign a contract extension for two years at a cost of $201,000.

LARM representative Clint Simmons talked with the council about some recent changes to the policy that are responsible for the rate increase.

When the city originally agreed to work with LARM in 2024 the city-owned property wasn't valued properly, Simmons said. In January 2025, the city made some property valuation changes. Those changes, along with the addition of a new city shop and the Skylon Ballroom event center increased the valuation of city owned property by $11 million.

'Insuring you for $11 million more, is almost like adding another small community (to your policy),' Simmons said.

Council members also shared their concerns Monday about electric scooters and E Bikes. The council first brought these concerns up in June. Since then, Mayor Mark Becker has spoken to Cedar County Sheriff Larry Koranda about making sure officers are more aware of the city's concerns. Becker said law enforcement will begin enforcing the law more strictly. State law says scooters and E bikes can only be operated on a city street by someone who is 16 years old or older and has a state-issued driver's license.

In other action, the Council approved a resolution to update the city's bidding threshold to comply with a new law passed by the Nebraska Legislature. The new law updates the bidding threshold. The city will now only be required to seek bids if a project is over $90,000. The old threshold was $30,000.

Also Monday, the Council discussed and then tabled a request from the Hartington Library Board to pay for the purchase and installation of a new $7,400 air conditioning unit to cool the upstairs of the old Carnegie Library building. Library Board members noted that in 2013, the last time the library needed to replace one of the units, the city paid for it. Council members said they wanted to consider the purchase for their new financial year, which begins Oct. 1.

The council also approved a special designated liquor license for Josh Fritz of JJ's Bar for the Hartington Dayz event Aug. 15.

Hartington Chevrolet owner Ray Sukovaty addressed the council with his concerns about the city's tire disposal fee.

Sukovaty said Hartington's tire disposal fees are much higher than area communities, and he'd like to see if that could change. For passenger car and light duty trucks, Yankton, S.D., and Vermillion, S.D., charge $4 per tire, while Wayne charges $5.

'We pass the expense, on to our customers, so it doesn't affect us, but I think our customers deserve better,' he said.

The city charges businesses an $8 fee for each car and light duty truck tire disposal. The price was raised last year from $5.50 per tire, he said.

'I feel the previous amount was fair,' Sukavaty said. 'I can take my tires to Yankton for $4 or $5 depending on weight, but that means I have to invest time and fuel to take them up there.'

Council members discussed the issue, then asked City Clerk Schulte to get more information on what it costs the city to dispose of tires. Mayor Mark Becker told Sukavaty they would gather more information before making a decison. Also Monday, the Council approved a building permit for Chase Rolfes, who wants to put an addition on to his house in the Becker Addition.

The next Hartington City Council meeting is set for Monday, Aug. 10, at 5 p.m. A budget workshop is also scheduled for that same evening.

The department plans to request $2,936,300 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program.

The money would support a multiyear effort to identify and reduce lead-based paint hazards in residential units in Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne counties.

The notice does not specify how much of the requested funding could be used in Cedar County or how many homes could qualify.

The proposed program would provide lead-based paint reduction services in homes throughout the four-county public health district. Lead-based paint is most commonly a concern in older homes, particularly when painted surfaces are deteriorating or disturbed during repairs or remodeling.

Before submitting its request, the health department completed an environmental review process required for the federal funding.

The review found the program is categorically excluded from a full National Environmental Policy Act review, although individual projects could still require additional review for issues such as flood insurance, historic preservation or environmental contamination.

The Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department planned to submit the funding request to HUD on or about July 2.

Members of the public were invited to submit written comments on the environmental review record by July 1. The record may be examined at the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department, 801 Milo Drive in Wayne, or through the department’s website.

HUD will allow a 15-day objection period after receiving the request for release of funds. Objections must be based on limited federal environmental-review requirements, according to the notice.

Jill Belt, interim executive director of the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department, is listed as the certifying officer for the request.

Hawkins Construction, of Omaha, is the contractor for this project. Work includes paving the original median with temporary pavement. Traffic may be slowed due the restricted work area.

Flaggers may also be in use for this area. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Work is anticipated to last one week.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.