LAUREL – A project that began with a vision and a fundraising campaign is taking shape on Second Street, giving Laurel-area veterans a permanent place to be remembered.

Granite monuments were placed at the Laurel Area Veterans Memorial site east of the Laurel Community Center Tuesday, Sept. 1, marking another major step toward completion of the project led by members of American Legion Post 54 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4504.

The concrete on site was laid in the fall of 2025, and the lights were installed in the spring of 2026. For Shane Kinkaid, a member of both American Legion Post 54 and VFW Post 4504, finally seeing the granite in place was a significant moment.

“You can have all the drawings in the world,” Kinkaid said. “But then when I actually went... it was just, holy cow.”

Kinkaid said the granite pieces were larger than he expected, but seeing them installed helped him appreciate how the various pieces of the project were coming together.

The memorial’s development has included selecting a site with the city, fundraising, designing the memorial, coordinating the concrete work and lighting and working with Yankton Monument on the granite.

The project began taking shape about four years ago, with fundraising efforts gaining momentum through community events. Kinkaid said one of the earliest fundraising efforts came through lemonade sales at a local car show, and the community’s support has been a major part of bringing the project to reality.

“Whether you donated $5, $50, $100, or thousands of dollars, every little bit helped out,” Kinkaid said. “Thank you to everybody who did donate and had faith in and belief in this happening.”

Dwayne Freeman, a member of both American Legion Post 54 and VFW Post 4504, said the memorial includes names of living area veterans as well as veterans buried in the Laurel Cemetery and in the Dixon and Concord cemeteries.

Freeman said one of the goals was to make sure veterans with a connection to the communities were remembered, even if they no longer had family members living in the area.

The memorial also will have room for additional names in the future. Freeman said organizers already have a list of additional names that have been brought forward since the granite was completed.

Freeman described the memorial site as a place where people can remember those who served and those who died for their country, and he hopes young people will see the memorial as a reminder of the role veterans have played in protecting the country and consider serving themselves.

“It’s a nice memorial to our whole community of showing the patriotism that our town has,” Freeman said. “And we always include Dixon and Concord in that, everything that we do, because they’ve been very helpful with this.”

More than remembrance of veterans, Freeman said the nearly complete site carries a bit of catharsis after the death of Gene Twiford.

“It gives our town a kind of healing thing after Gene was killed,” Freeman said. “So, it’s kind of a healing in that respect also.”

Kinkaid said another important part of the project has been allowing older veterans who helped envision the memorial to see it finally taking shape.

“It’s just great to see the veterans that are still around here to see their dream come to fruition, their recognition,” he said.

Evenings bring an even more special atmosphere to the site, according to Kinkaid.

“It just has a different feeling of accomplishment and pride looking at it in the evening when it’s lit up because I think it’s just a little more subdued or solemn,” he said.

The memorial’s remaining work includes an arch over the entrance, installation of a bugler statue and landscaping around the site. As the project moves toward completion, Kinkaid said the project’s future will continue to depend on community support.

“Thank you to the community for, again, having faith in what we’re trying to accomplish,” Kinkaid said. “We have a little bit more to go, so we just look for continued support from the community as it moves forward.”

For owner Kim Wattier, the store has become part of the fabric of the Laurel community – a place where customers have become friends and where she has watched generations of families grow up.

“They’re more than just a customer,” Wattier said. Wattier and her husband, Scott, opened the Laurel store in 2001, nine years after they started their first hardware business in Randolph. The opportunity to own a business had appealed to Wattier, who studied accounting and management and wanted to run a business of her own.

Scott, a Randolph native, already had experience in heating and air conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing. When he learned the Randolph hardware store was for sale, the two saw an opportunity that would allow them to combine their skills.

The couple had long noticed the former Wagon Wheel Steakhouse along Highway 20 and thought the building would make an ideal location for a hardware store. Eventually, they approached the school, which owned the building at the time, about purchasing it.

Wattier said the building needed considerable work. She said she remembers the project as both difficult and meaningful because of the building’s history in Laurel.

“It was kind of sad and happy, because it was an icon in the town, the steakhouse,” she said.

The couple gutted the interior and worked with contractors to transform the old building. After beginning the project in January 2001, they had the store open by May.

“We started in Laurel with Scott and I owning 75 percent and my parents Ralph and Doyle Timmerman with 25 percent ownership,” Wattier said. “In the last 10 years, my parents sold some of their shares to Laurel investors Pat Arens, Brian and Chris Rasmussen, Mike and Diane Nelson and Preston Wattier.”

Laurel Ace initially operated as a True Value store. In 2020, the Wattiers made the switch to Ace, a change Wattier said brought new products and added excitement to the store.

Over the years, the building has continued to evolve. The Wattiers replaced the flat roof, added a garage and a ramp, leveled the area where the dance floor once stood, converted the garden center into a rental center and later added a new garden center.

But some of the biggest changes have taken place not with the building but in the relationships the Wattiers have developed with their customers.

People who once came into the store as children now come in with families of their own. Some of those customers even bring their grandchildren.

“It’s just neat seeing everybody through their life,” Wattier said.

That sense of connection is especially important as small businesses face increasing competition from online retailers and larger stores. Wattier said the survival of a small-town business ultimately depends on whether people in the community choose to support it. “It’s wonderful that Laurel supported us and was willing to let somebody from Randolph come in,” Wattier said. “And they’ve been very good at helping us keep it alive and make it a good business.” The Wattiers believe one of the advantages of a local hardware store is personal service. Employees are willing to go beyond the store’s walls when customers need help, including visiting homes to look at paint or plumbing problems or picking up equipment when a customer cannot bring it in.

“We care about the people,” Wattier said. That philosophy reflects why the Wattiers chose to return to small-town life after spending time in larger communities. Both grew up in small towns, and Wattier said they appreciate the way residents look out for one another.

“In a small town, it’s just like a big family,” Wattier said. “If something happens to somebody, everybody’s there for you. And if something good happens, everybody’s there for you too, just to cheer you on. Can’t beat it.”

The Wattiers aren’t currently planning to retire. Although people frequently ask when they plan to step away from the business, Wattier said they continue to enjoy what they do and who they work with.

“We have been blessed with a great team of employees to work with and couldn’t have done it without all of them,” she said.

To celebrate 25 years in Laurel, the store will host a daylong anniversary celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12, featuring donuts from 8 to 10 a.m., followed by a bounce house, cotton candy, popcorn and slushies. Pulled pork sandwiches will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The celebration will also include a 25 percent discount and door prizes and drawings throughout the day, with names drawn every 15 minutes.

For Wattier, the celebration is about more than marking a business milestone. It is an opportunity to recognize the people who helped make the past 25 years possible.

“Couldn’t have done it without them,” she said of the Laurel community.

HARTINGTON — The proposed elimination of one ag educator from the Northeast District has Cedar County Extension Board President Becky Graham concerned.

Graham, Belden, received notification of a possible merger of Cedar County with Wayne and Dixon counties with the ag educator to be located in Concord.

Currently, there are ag educator openings in four area counties— Pierce-Madison, Dixon-Wayne, Dakota-Thurston and Cedar counties in the 16-county Northeast Nebraska district under John Witkowski.

Graham said she was committed to trying to keep a full-time educator in Cedar County.

“Our county has diversified ag products and a strong youth development program with the 4-H and ag programs,” she said.

“I am afraid if they combine the three counties and the educator is in Concord, northern Cedar County will be neglected.”

Cedar County is a huge agricultural community and needs its own agricultural educator, she said.

In the 1998 agricultural census Cedar County ranked in the top 10 counties in the state for soybean, oats and alfalfa hay produced as well as milk cows, hogs and pigs and sows farrowed and boasted 1,020 farms.

She said she will continue to push for another educator here. She will attend a meeting with Witkowski and convey the commissioners’ support in keeping an ag educator in Cedar County and will report back to the commissioners on the recommendation.

Sept. 14, 2016

COLERIDGE — Area First Responders were thanked and honored on the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Coleridge were a good example Sunday of “God’s work – our hands” as they offered a big ‘thank you’ to area first responders.

“It was a good day for a reminder of the important job First Responders provided 15 years ago on 9/11 when the twin towers were brought down by terrorists,” said event organizer Robert Colwell.

First responders, which include the members of the Ambulance Squads and Fire Departments, from Coleridge, Belden, Hartington, Laurel and Randolph communities were invited to enjoy a free meal on Sunday.

Residents in the Coleridge community were also invited to enjoy the meal, said Colwell.

The event was a way to honor first responders and give the people in the community a chance to personally thank the volunteers who serve on the Ambulance Squads and as Firemen.

Volunteers from Coleridge and the surrounding communities definitely enjoyed the day.

Sept. 14, 2016

LAUREL — LCC is preparing for 2016 Homecoming.

This year’s members of Royalty include: Trey Erwin, Jayden Reifenrath, Mason Forsberg, Austin Heller, DJ Spahr, Lyndsey McCoy, Kaci Groene, Katie Leapley, Kienna Berg, and Katelyn Cook. Crown Bearers are Anderson Hall and Grace Galvin.

Coronation will take place after the football game Friday at the LCC gym.

LAUREL — Information from the 1980 census is now out. The census states Laurel as having 1,031 persons in the3 city limits.

Sept. 10, 1981

LAUREL — Neil Kluver was medalist in the Cedar View League. He finished the season with a two handicap.

Sept. 10, 1981

LAUREL — The Laurel Bearettes took third place in the Pender Volleyball Tournament. Coach Dwight Iverson cited Kim Sherry, Jayne Reynolds, Anne Schultz, Cyndi Jonas and Cam Crookshank for “outstanding play.”

Sept. 3, 1986

LAUREL — Thirty Lady Bears are vying for a spot on the team as the gals get the 1986 volleyball season underway Thursday. The Lady Bears will open the tournament against Emerson.

Coach Carol Manganaro said, “We lost only two girls from last year’s squad, but their importance was significant. Sara Adkins is our only returner with conference honors, we will be looking to her for most of the setting duties and positive leadership. Other seniors include Stacy Strawn, Heidi Pehrson, June Heydon, Donna Herrmann and Tami Schmitt.

We have a transfer student from Coleridge, junior Dawn Addison, who fits into our program nicely. We have been working with our 6 foot girl, Becky Christensen, to utilize her height to the teams best advantage. The 14 freshmen who joined our squad show great potential and commend the junior high program that is building here at Laurel-Concord. We should see some Sept. 17, 1986

COLERIDGE — Jim Forsberg has been re-elected to a three-year term as director of the Federal Land Bank Association of Norfolk. Larry Anderson of Elgin was also re-elected to a three-year term to the board.

Sept. 17, 1986

COLERIDGE — A victory by the Coleridge Bulldogs by the score of 52-24 was recorded over visiting Wakefield Friday night. Five touchdown runs by Scott Gray highlighted the evening performance.

Only one Wakefield touchdown in the second quarter was scored on the number one Bulldog defense.

Scott Gray opened scoring midway in the first quarter with a 71-yard punt return with Bratt Anderson adding the point-after.

Todd Kratke of Wakefield used a 61 yard run half way in the second quarter to push the score to 8-6.

Gray and Anderson again teamed up to put eight counters on the Coleridge side of the board. Gray this time rolled 20 yards and the PAT effort by Anderson on the right end put the Bulldogs ahead 16-6.

Just 17 seconds remained on the first half clock when Gray plunged in from one yard out. A Jon Heithold pass to Rod Benson added the extra counters and the Dogs led 24-6.

Opening the third quarter Gray rolled the left ends two times for a touchdown and the extra point giving Coleridge a 32-6 margin.

Deon Anderson covered a Wakefield fumble with four minutes remaining in the third stanza.

Sept. 17, 1986

COLERIDGE — The Coleridge Boy Scouts are in need of a new Scoutmaster to replace Stan Carlson who is moving from the community. All interested parties are asked to contact Stan.

Sept. 11, 1991

LAUREL — Actor James Coburn got a hero’s welcome upon his arrival at the Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City late last Wednesday evening.

Coburn, who was born in Laurel, returned to Siouxland for the filming of the ABC television movie entitled “A Thousand Hero’s.”

The movie, which will document the rescue of United Airlines Flight 232, will begin production on Monday.

Sept. 11, 1991

LAUREL — The Nebraska State Taxidermists Association (NSTA) held its 1991 state competition in Omaha, Aug. 30-31, at Wehrspann Lake. Ava Fink of Laurel won four amateur second place ribbons at the state competition in game head, fish, small mammal life-size and bird categories.

Sept. 11, 1991

LAUREL — The Lady Bears dropped their season opener last Thursday, Sept. 10, on the road to Randolph with scores of 5-15 and 13-15.

By July 7, the club had raised $5000. But that was still $2000 short of the goal. In order to trim the cost, someone proposed building a combination baseball-football field and have the school contribute to the expenses.

On Monday, July 12, Jack Fennell and C.W. Fahnestock met with members of the school board and invited them to join in building a new field at the ball park. The idea was the town baseball team and the high school football team would have separate fields but share the same lights.

The school board said they were not interested. They said football season was near and there was not enough time to develop a new field comparable to the one they already had. They also said the baseball field was too far from the school for the boys to walk in hot or inclement weather.

The baseball club then decided to go back to their original plan of improving the field they now had. In addition to installing lights, plans called for leveling the entire playing field, building new bleachers, and moving the grandstand back far enough to comply with the dimensions of a regulation baseball field.

The baseball committee advertised that they would like to purchase eight steel windmill towers upon which to install the lights. That plan also was rejected.

The lighting contract was awarded to Peabody Electric. Charlton E. “Dutch“ Peabody had just purchased Jack Brookley’s electric business. Peabody advised the club it would be better to mount the lights on 80-foot wooden poles instead of 30-foot windmill towers. On Sunday, July 7, a crew of seven men dug all the holes needed to mount the light poles in 12 hours.

A single pole was set to the right of home plate and another to the left of the plate. Each pole was mounted with a single bank of lights. A double bank of lights mounted on twin poles was aimed at first base and a similar double bank illuminated third base. Four single poles each mounted with a single bank of lights were set in an arc in the outfield.

Meanwhile, the fundraising continued. By the first of August the lighting fund was up to $6300. This was still short of the goal. At least one of the donors is still living. The Advocate reported that 12-year-old Jon Ericson had donated five dollars of his summer earnings to the fund because he wanted to help light the field so Laurel could have a good ball park. Ericson, who pitched for the town team in the 1950s, currently lives in Coronado, California.

A picture of several members of the Peabody crew climbing the poles to wire the lights appeared on the front page of the Advocate of August 11. The Advocate noted that the crew completed the entire project in just nine days.

Meanwhile, a crew of 30 volunteers turned out on Sunday, August 8, to help put the field in top condition for the first game. The grandstand, which had been moved back, was reinforced and painted. Two sets of bleachers were built: one set parallel to the first base line; the other parallel to the third base line. Wire mesh was put up in front of the grandstand and the bleachers to protect spectators from foul balls. Screened dugouts were built to protect the players.

The first game under the lights was played on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 10. The newly remodeled park was dedicated before the game when Fay Stewart handed Dutch Peabody a check for the final payment of the lights. Some of the difference was made up by members of the lighting committee. Mayor Charles Ebmeier then threw out the first ball for the game between the Laurel “All-Stars” and the Bloomfield town team.

The new lights didn’t do much to help the local boys. Bloomfield was leading 4-0 in the third inning when a drenching rain suddenly began to fall. The game was called and the crowd, estimated at more than 1500, bailed out in a hurry. The rain probably saved the “All-Stars” from going down to an embarrassing defeat. As it turned out, there were plenty of hurt feelings after the game.

The Laurel town team had not been doing well in the Super-8 League. The committee, which had invested so much time and money having lights installed and renovating the ball park, feared the local boys were likely to get trounced by the much stronger Bloomfield team – and that wouldn’t look good at the dedication game.

So the committee rounded up a number of veteran players and called them the “Laurel All-Stars.“ This did not set well with members of the town team who had played all season and naturally were expecting to play at the dedication game. And if the game hadn’t been called because of rain, the “All-Stars” might have gotten trounced, too.

On Monday, Aug. 23, members of the town team and members of the lighting committee held a joint grievance session.

“Why didn’t we get to play?” complained the town team. Members of the lighting committee responded with a lengthy explanation which basically boiled down to “because you guys suck.“ By the time the dedication game was played, the Laurel town team ranked second from the bottom in the Super-8 League — just above Maskell.

The issues were not resolved at the meeting and more hard feelings were created at the game played the following week.

That will be discussed in another article.

LAUREL — Elmer Hattig is planning and will soon start upon a splendid improvement at the west end of Main Street.

He has recently purchased the Corey lot at the intersection of Main Street and Hwy. 20 and has also purchased the Rohdemaker house on the south street of the west hill.

He will move the house to the lot on Main Street and remodel it for the home of his family. He will also build a new garage at that place to house his fleet of trucks.

Sept. 13, 1951

LAUREL — Laurel High School has a total of 133 pupils enrolled this year. There are 36 freshmen, 37 sophomores, 31 juniors and 29 seniors. There are 116 pupils enrolled in the grades.

Jim Danielson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mauritz Danielson, who is working at a filling station in Colon, California, reports to his parents that a bandit walked into the station and at the point of a .45 caliber automatic took $62.79 from the till while Jim was on duty. Danielson said the bandit-resembled photographs of Kenneth Jones, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a series of armed robberies in California.

Sept. 13, 1956

LAUREL — Work was completed this week on the Laurel Feed and Grain Company’s grain storage building. This bin has a capacity of 60,000 bushels.

With the construction of this bin, Laurel’s two elevators have increased their storage capacity 160,000 bushels. Sept. 13, 1956

LAUREL — According to George Slone, superintendent of the Laurel Public Schools, 262 pupils are enrolled this year, with 153 in grade school and 109 in high school.

Of the 153 in grade school, there are 24 enrolled in kindergarten; 27, first grade; 25, second grade; 17, third grade; 14, fourth grade; 13, fifth grade; 12, sixth grade; 9, seventh grade; and 12 in the eight grade.

The Junior class is the largest class in high school with an enrollment of 34. Other class totals are: freshman, 31; sophomores, 26; and seniors, 18. This makes a grand total of 109 high school pupils.

Sept. 13, 1956

LAUREL — The Girl Scouts opened their club year by having a picnic in the park, Monday.

The following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year; president, Saundra Mallatt; vice president, Diana Kennedy; secretary, Mary Lamson; treasurer, Gloria Hattig; scribe, Jeanine August; patrol leaders, Meadow Lark, Diane Huetig and Bluebird, Sharon Huddleston.

Girls who are in the 8th grade will meet Monday night at 7:30, September 17 at the home of Ruth Ebnmeier to plan the year’s activities.

LAUREL — At the recent Dixon County Fair held in Concord, a great many prizes were taken by people of this vicinity, a few of which we have learned of and are below.

W.H. O’Gara took first on his bull two year olds and over; first on aged cow; first on two-year old heifer and grand champion on his cow.

A.W. Weston took first on his bull one year old and first and third on yearling heifers; first young herd and grand champion on his bull.

Jacob Norris took second on his yearling Poland China boar and third on six months’ old boars.

Mrs. Jacob Norris took first on Barred Rock cockerels and first on pullets.

Mrs. Norris and daughter Dorothy also took some 15 prizes on canned fruits.

Sept. 15, 1926

LAUREL — Mrs. D. D. Coburn very pleasantly entertained a company of friends at her home last Friday afternoon in honor of Mrs. J. C. Hay. Bridge was the diversion of the afternoon. A light lunch was served at the close of the afternoon. It was a most pleasant time for those in attendance.

Sept. 15, 1926

LAUREL — The “Go-Getters” held a peanut party in the church basement Thursday evening. Invitations were sent enclosed in peanut shells and all the games and stunts of the evening were “peanut” games. A delicious lunch was served at the close of the evening.

Sept. 15, 1926

LAUREL — F. I. Solso, Laurel’s progressive furniture dealer, has been very busy the past week getting ready for his big economy sale of furniture.

This is truly a real bona fide sale. No shipped in pieces for slae purposes but the regular stock has been priced to move and there are going to be many bargains for the thrifty buyer.

Be sure to read his ad in this issue of your Advocate and plan to take advantage of this ten days’ special selling of furniture.

COLERIDGE MEALS ON WHEELS Wednesday, Sept. 9: Stuffed Potato w/Steak & Cheese, Buttered Corn, Side Salad w/Dressing, Fruit Cookie Tart Thursday, Sept. 10: Citrus BBQ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Country Mixed Vegetables, Lemon Cream Cake, Strawberries Friday, Sept. 11: Roast Turkey w/Gravy, Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans Casserole, Carrot Cake Bars, Peach Cobbler.

Monday, Sept. 14: Chicken Casserole, Mixed Vegetables, Cornbread w/Butter, Strawberry Cobbler, Mandarin Oranges

Tuesday, Sept. 15: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Texas Sheet Cake, Pearse

Woman calls to report that someone backed into her car at a convenience store.

Caller said there is an erratic driver near Highway 121. It looks like the vehicle has been in an accident. “It flew past us going really fast and flipping us off. When we got to highway 81, it pulled off and the driver got out and started hitting the car. We got out of there because we didn’t know if they had a weapon or something.”

Dispatch is informed about a possible stolen pick up truck traveling up Highway 81.

Man calls from a collection agency to inform law enforcement that he will be in Randolph to repossess a vehicle.

June 19: Woman calls with concern for someone she just met. “They were talking about cutting her head off.”

Driver on Highway 81 reported seeing a vehicle on the side of the road with a tarp over the front end.

Randolph Fire Department issued a burn permit for Mark Korth.

Caller reports two cows fell out of a trailer near the Laurel golf course and are now on the road . One is injured and the other is running around.

Officer calls into say he received a complaint about a jet ski below the dam. He can’t do anything about it but is trying to see if a Game and Parks officer is near.

Laurel ambulance is paged out for aman having a seizure.

Randolph ambulance called out for man complaining of chest pains.

June 20: Report of a motorcycle accident comes in north of Bow Valley. The Victim is laying in the middle of the road with a big gash on his head.

Out of state man calls to get more information for son. The son gs a residence in Cedar County and will soon have his 18-yearold girlfriend move in against her parents’ wishes. Caller wants to know if she is 18, does that mean she’s a legal adult, or does she need to be 19 to be considered a legal adult in Nebraska.

Caller reports a man is laying on the side of the road just off Highway 81 near Sho EZ.

Caller concerned about Laurel man taking pictures of young girls.

June 21: Caller reports concerns about a woman with a protection order against her. He fears she is going against the terms of the protection order and is unlawfully at a residence.

Coleridge resident calls to report her three-year-old daughter is missing. She called back a few minutes later to report the girl has been found. ‘’She was hiding under some blankets,’’ Hartington Fire Department issues burn permit for Al Wortmann.

Caller reports a stop sign is down near the Highway 59, Highway 81 intersection.

Hartington woman calls for an ambulance. She is experiencing a very sharp pain in her leg.

Burn permit issued for Matt Nohr.

Caller reports a pick up truck is following them north on Highway 81. ‘’He hs been all over the road and down in the ditch and then back out.’’

June 22: Burn permit issued for Marlen Scheiffer.

Burn permit issued to Bill Leapley.

Burn permit issued for Scott Kinkaid.

Burn permit issued to Loren Paulsen.

Burn permit issued to Gregg Schifferal.

Burn permit issued to city of Laurel to burn tree debris.

Burn permit issued to Jeff Wolffe.

Burn permit issued for Joyce Kathol.

Elkhorn Valley was a distant second with 50 with Homer third with 55.

Faith Galvin led the way for the Lady Bears and the field for that matter, winning the individual championship with a time of 20-minutes, 33.50-seconds.

Megan Breitbarth of Pender was second in 20:38.60.

Galvin’s teammate, Leah Gould was ninth in 21:45.80.

Two other Lady Bears finished in the top 15 with Justice Olson taking 13th in 22:16.90 and Ava Christiansen taking 15th in 22:18.60.

Abbie Brummels was 25th and Madison Olson was 40th.

Ponca won the boys’ section of the race with 14 points, Elkhorn Valley was second with 48.

The Bears placed 10th with 164.

Jaiden Anderson of Archangels Catholic was the fastest on the course taking first in 17:14.40.

Owen Johnson was the first LCC runner to cross the tape taking 17th in 18:32.70.

Sebastian Van Drongelen was next in 39th, Hunter McGhee was 61st, Jeremiah Kinkaid placed 64th, Dillion Sanderson was 70th and Luke Jackson came in 76th.

WISNER-PILGER INVITATIONAL

Girls Team Results: 1. LCC 22; 2. Elkhorn Vlly 50; 3. Homer 55; 4. Wisner-Pilger 61; 5. Bancroft-Rosalie 80; 6. West Pt-Beemer 100; 7. Winside 125; 8. Wakefield 134; 9. East Butler 147; 10. Cedar Bluffs 148; 11. Tek -Herm 169; Scribner-Snyder NTS. Individual Results (Top 10 and LCC): 1. Faith Galvin (LCC) 20:33.50; 2. Megan Breitbarth (PEN) 20:38.60; 3. Mazzy Kuchar (EV) 20:47.40; 4. Jaelen Templeman (PON) 20:49.90; 5. Louisa Pretorius (S-S) 21:15.50; 6. Barrett Beutler (B-R) 21:15.80; 7. Hayleigh Szymanski (W-P) 21:17.50; 8. Brisa Reigle (AC) 21:24.50; 9. Leah Gould (LCC) 21:45.80; 10. Camilla Korus (HUM) 21:50.00; 13. Justice Olson (LCC) 22:16.90; 15. Ava Christiansen (LCC) 22:18.60; 25. Abbie Brummels (LCC) 23:46.10; 40. Madison Olson (LCC) 24:51.10.

The Bears jumped out to a 22-6 lead at the end of the first quarter then added a pair of touchdowns to the lead by the halftime whistle.

A 20-point third frame initiated the continuous clock and the final was set.

Offensively, the Bears put on a clinic about balancing an offensive attack.

LCC posted 210 passing yards and 217 rushing yards on the way to the big win.

Paxton Hoeppner completed 8-of-15 passes for 136 yards and a couple of touchdowns, Drey Puppe completed his only pass of the night for a 38-yard score and freshman Alex Kvols was 2-for-2 for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Dayton Korth, Kai Hartung, Tanner Thompson and Hoeppner each scored rushing touchdowns.

Hartung, also a freshman, had a solid game on the other side of the ball recording eight tackles including a tackle behind the line of scrimmage.

Bryson Urwiler, Cade Johnson and Turner Thompson each had a tackle for loss and Alex Allison picked off a pass.

Laurel-Concord-Coleridge is set for a home date with Hartington-Newcastle Sept. 11.

The Wildcats will also bring an undefeated record to Haskell Field.

LCC (2-0) 22 14 20 0 - 56 N/V (0-2) 6 0 8 0 - 14 LCC Passing 11-18 210 Rushing 33-217 Total Yds 427 PASSING

LCC: Paxton Hoeppner 8-15 136 2TD; Drey Puppe 1-1 38 1TD; Alex Kvols 2-2 36 1TD.

RECEIVING

LCC: Parker Hoeppner 1-38 1TD; Drey Puppe 4-85 1TD; Talon Carson 2-27 1TD; Tanner Thompson 1-9; Turner Thompson 3-51 1TD.

RUSHING

LCC: Dayton Korth 3-17 1TD; Paxton Hoeppner 2-18 1TD; Bryson Urwiler 8-11; Drey Puppe 2-17; Alex Kvols 3-26; Kai Hartung 3-63 1TD; Tanner Thompson 9-56 1TD; Alex Allison 3-9.

DEFENSE/TACKLES

LCC: Dayton Korth 3; Paxton Hoeppner 5; Bryson Urwiler 2 1TFL; Kai Hartung 8 1TFL; Talon Carson 1; Alex Allison 5 1INT; Josiah Tasler 2; Foster Stone 1; Cade Johnson 2 1TFL; Luke Erwin 1; Anderson Hall 2; Turner Thompson 2 1TFL.

The TC Thunder won the team title posting a team total of 434 over 18 holes with West Point-Beemer second at 443. The Lady Bears finished fifth on the day after carding a 471.

West Point-Beemer’s Molli Miller was the individual medalist with a 96, Leonard was second with a 99.

Lydia Felber from the Thunder was third, Stanton’s Chloe Belt was fourth at 102 and Bruning won a scorecard playoff with two other girls who all three shot a 106 for the fifth spot.

Grace Ankeny was next for the Lady Bears at 126, Josie Young posted a 140, Ruby Tasler a 163 and Anna Lipp came in with a 196.

The Lady Bears will play at Covington Links in South Sioux City Sept. 11 for the SSC Invitational and in the Pierce Invite on Sept. 12.

STANTON INVITATIONAL

Team Results (Top 6): 1. TC Thunder 434; 2. West Pt-Beemer

443; 3. Norfolk JV 451; 4. Lutheran High NE 467; 5. LCC 471; 6. Stanton 483.

Individual Results (Top 15 and LCC performances):

1. Molli Miller (WP-B) 96; 2. Alyza Leonard (LCC) 99; 3. Lydia Felber (TC) 101; 4. Chloe Belt (STA) 102; 5. Harper Bruning (LCC) 106; 6. Megan Asbury (NJV) 106; 7. Brinn Peters (TC) 106; 8. Hadley Woehler (Wayne) 107; 9. Hallie Korth (Leigh) 107; 10. Mia Sherman (STA) 108; 11. Kaitlyn Trimble (TC) 109; 12. Emerson Rose-Hancock (Lutheran High NE) 112; 13. Olivia Gall (NJV) 113; 14. Adalyn Klassen (NJV) 114; 15. Charlie Clark (Lutheran High NE) 115; Grace Ankeny (LCC) 126; Josie Young (LCC) 140; Ruby Tasler (LCC) 163; Anna Lipp (LCC) 196.

Annual weeds like horseweed, sunflowers, snow-on-the-mountain, and buffalo bur can be plentiful, often showing up in areas of pastures that have relatively thin grass stands, in areas where animals congregate, or if some overgrazing has occurred. These weeds are taking advantage of open space, providing the sunlight, nutrients, and water they need to grow.

Besides being too large to easily kill at this point, many annuals have already set seed. Spraying now may do little to prevent that seed from maturing and starting a new plant next year.

To control the population of annual weeds next year, preventing seed spread is key. At this point, pulling or collecting plants by hand is one of the surest options, although it is obviously labor intensive. Plants that have yet to set seed may be mowed off to improve appearance and stop some seed production. We can also mark these areas as spots to keep an eye on next year. A spring herbicide application when plants are smaller is generally a much better option for summer annual control and gets plants well ahead of seed set.

Another group of annuals we may run into later on are winter annuals. These plants sprout in the fall, overwinter, and initiate growth again in the spring. Species like henbit, downy brome, and mustards are often easier to control later this fall while plants are still small and actively growing. If a pre-emergent or residual option is available for the species you want to control, make sure to look at the length of residual and time your application appropriately. Again, marking these locations to come back and check later this fall or early next spring can provide more complete control.

Perennial weeds like western ragweed, ironweed, vervain, Canada thistle, and leafy spurge require a different approach. Spraying large, mature weeds right now may not provide great control, but the fall window can still be very useful.

As we get later into September and into October, many perennial weeds begin moving nutrients down into their roots for winter storage. Herbicides applied while plants are still actively growing can move with those nutrients into the root system. This can improve control and provide that double whammy of stressing the plant heading into winter while also getting more product down into the roots and shoots.

That doesn’t mean every perennial weed will disappear after one treatment. Tough species like Canada thistle and leafy spurge often require repeated control over several years. But a properly timed fall application can be an important part of that plan.

Dry conditions can throw a wrench in our plans as well. Plants that have gone dormant due to drought are not absorbing and translocating herbicide like normal, so little control may come from an application. It is better to hold off until moisture renews growth, either this fall or next spring.

When it comes to herbicides, getting a proper ID is critical for making the correct management decision. Different weeds respond differently depending on their life cycle, growth stage, and the herbicide being used. Always read and follow the label, including any grazing or haying restrictions.

If you need a hand with identification, UNL produces two handy plant ID books available in PDF form free online: “Common Grasses of Nebraska” and “Common Forbs and Shrubs of Nebraska.” As always, your local Extension office is also willing to lend a hand.

The last point to consider for pasture weeds, but arguably the most important, is focusing on grazing management for longterm weed control. This includes using the proper stocking rate and developing a good rotational grazing plan. While this doesn’t work for all weeds, especially some of our more nasty perennial species like leafy spurge and Canada thistle, many recurring pasture weeds are a symptom of poor grazing management.

These plants are opportunistic invaders, taking advantage of open ground and weakened competition from their neighbors. As such, an important objective is to increase the health, vigor, and density of your grass. Healthy, competitive grass stands are essential to reducing weed populations economically over time.

Pasture weeds may look unsightly now, but don’t let appearance alone determine when to spray. Improve grazing management, properly identify the weed, and time herbicide applications for the best window of control. Doing so can improve control now and help reduce how often herbicides are needed in the future.

-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

While you may want to spring to action, the first step is actually to give the field a little time before making a harvest decision. Nebraska Extension guidance for severely lodged alfalfa recommends waiting three to four days to see how much the plants are able to stand back up. If stems are bent rather than broken, alfalfa can sometimes recover much better than you may expect.

Next, consider where the field was in its normal harvest schedule. If the alfalfa was already within a couple weeks of harvest, cutting once field conditions allow is generally appropriate. Some yield loss should be expected, but trying to hold a mature, heavily lodged crop for significant additional growth will not gain much.

Harvesting the lodged crop can be the bigger challenge.

Disc mowers generally do a better job picking up lodged forage than sicklebar mowers, especially when angled or twisted knives provide some lift. Cutting against the direction the crop is leaning can also help the mower get underneath downed stems.

Tilting the cutterbar or discs slightly forward may improve pickup as well. With a sicklebar mower-conditioner, moving the reel forward and down and increasing reel speed can help lift lodged stems into the cutterbar. Any adjustments should stay within manufacturer recommendations, and operators should avoid getting so aggressive that they begin scalping the field or damaging alfalfa crowns.

Cutting every pass against the direction of lodging may recover more forage, but it also takes additional time. In a large field, timeliness may be more important than recovering every stem, particularly when good haymaking weather is limited.

It is also important to separate simple lodging from more severe storm damage. Plants that are pushed over but remain intact are mainly a harvest concern. If stems have been snapped, crowns damaged, or significant leaf and terminal bud loss occurred, management decisions need to account for plant recovery as well.

Finally, don’t let lodging alone dictate a late-season cutting decision. As we move into September, fields being allowed to accumulate fall growth for stand health should still be managed with normal fall harvest considerations in mind. Stand age, previous cutting schedule, soil moisture, fertility, and overall plant condition all play a role.

A lodged alfalfa field may not be pretty, but in many cases a few days of recovery and some adjustments at harvest can still allow much of the crop to be successfully harvested.

LAUREL — Laurel-Concord-Coleridge swept two opponents over the past week on the volleyball court.

The Lady Bears handled Ponca on the road Sept. 1 25-15, 25-11 and 25-16 then returned home for the first time this season to take on Elkhorn Valley in Greater Northeast Activities Conference action where they turned away the Lady Falcons 25-17, 25-13 and 25-18.

The Lady Bears came out “on fire” according to coach Julie Kvols and she liked how her team performed in their home opener.

“Elkhorn Valley is a really good team and we came out fast and we got everyone involved attacking, so we had a good night,” said Kvols. “We’ll meet up with these guys again, maybe next week in the Wakefield tournament. We’ll just keep working and try to improve each night on the court.”

Lady Bear senior Kaida Eriksen slammed an overpass winner and teammate Rena Rasmussen fired an ace serve causing Vaughn to ask for a timeout in the first set with LCC in front 10-3.

Three Laurel-Concord-Coleridge hitting errors and a Cameron Rutjens’ kill for the Lady Falcons tightened the set up to 10-7 but a Boston Brown block, a monster kill from Eriksen and a winner off the touch by Hattie McCorkindale put the Lady Bears back in command 13-7.

“I have really been just going to practice and working my butt off to get better and keep focused on what’s in front of me right now,” said McCorkindale. “It is so fun to get together with our team and play fast and win games like this.”

A second shot winner by LCC setter Carlie Kvols made it 17-11 but a four-point run by Elkhorn Valley punctuated by an Ava Koch ace serve closed the gap to 17-15.

A Rasmussen slam, a Kvols winner and a Lady Falcon hitting error increased the Lady Bears’ advantage to five points.

An LCC hitting error followed by a Rasmussen back row kill and a Lady Falcon miscue made it 22-16.

Olivia Werner hit a winner for Elkhorn Valley but a McCorkindale kill, another Brown ace serve and a Lady Falcon hitting error closed out the set 25-17.

LCC got busy in the second set and bolted to an 11-3 lead and kept the accelerator to the floor on the way to a 25-13 win then came back from a 5-4 deficit to take set three and the match 25-18 after an Eriksen winner found the floor.

“We have the Wakefield Tournament next week already and that is on our list for the season,” said Kvols. “We’ll take it just one match and one point at a time.”

In the match with the Lady Indians, LCC took care of business in turning away Ponca winning the straight-set match.

Rasmussen had a monster night offensively smacking 29 kills in the match. She completed the doubledouble with 18 digs.

Eriksen just missed a doubledouble with nine winners and 14 digs. Kvols tipped up 44 set assists.

The Lady Bears will play in the Wakefield Tournament Sept. 10 and Sept. 12.

EV 17 13 18 LCC 25 25 25

k=Kills, a=Ace Serves, b=Blocks, d=Digs, s=Set Assists.

LCC Boston Brown 4k, 1a, 1b, 7d, 2s; Hattie McCorkindale 8k, 1a, 10d; Rena Rasmussen 16k, 1a, 11d, 2s; Carlie Kvols 4k, 6d, 37s; Tae Settje 2k, 4d; Kaida Eriksen 10k, 13d; Payton Swanson 2a, 8d. LCC 25 25 25 PON 15 11 16 LCC Boston Brown 2k, 1a, 7d; Hattie Mc-Corkindale 5k, 1a, 8d, 1s; Rena Rasmussen 29k; 18d, 2s; Carlie Kvols 4k, 4d, 44s; Tae Settje 4k, 1a, 5d; Kaida Eriksen 9k, 1a, 14d.

The action came during a special council meeting Aug. 27, where council members considered updated plans for Laurel Youth Rec’s proposed baseball and softball field improvements.

“We’re about $20,000 away from being able to get the baseball field ready to play baseball next summer,” a Laurel Youth Rec representative told the council. “Our only goal here today is to get the approval to get the dirt work moving and everything moving on this baseball field.”

Laurel Youth Rec representatives said the project has reached a point where work needs to begin soon to allow time for leveling, seeding and installation of the sprinkler system before the 2027 baseball season.

The updated plan calls for flipping the orientation of the baseball field, moving home plate to the southwest corner. The crow’s nest planned for the facility will be located along the first-base side rather than directly behind home plate.

According to Laurel Youth Rec representatives, positioning the crow’s nest along the first-base side would allow it to serve the proposed third field if that portion of the project moves forward. The third field is part of the organization’s longer-term plans but was not the focus of Thursday’s request for approval.

The dirt work will include leveling the right field area, which currently sits low, and improving drainage toward the north. The parking lot will also be leveled and additional rock added as part of the work.

Plans also call for burying threephase electrical service rather than leaving overhead lines in place, which representatives said would improve both the appearance and safety of the facility.

The broader renovation plan includes additional improvements that can be completed after the field is playable, including bleachers and other amenities.

The council’s motion specifically authorized moving forward with the dirt work and sprinkler installation and called for home plate to be moved to the southwest corner.

The motion also authorized the city attorney to draft a resolution and memorandum of understanding outlining the responsibilities of the city and Laurel Youth Rec, including project funding, procurement, construction and oversight.

The motion passed unanimously. The memorandum of understanding is expected to be drafted over the following week. City officials also discussed preparing specifications for the fencing portion of the project so it can be put out for bids.

The county’s valuation was certified the previous week, allowing officials to move forward with the budget process.

County Clerk Jessia Schmit told commissioners that the county’s cash balances are significantly higher than they were a year ago.

That increase is due in part to funds received through FEMA. The inheritance tax fund also received substantially more revenue than in recent years and now has more than $5 million.

Rather than using the money all at once, the county plans to apply roughly $30,000 this year toward reducing the amount requested for the road bond and continue that approach over the remaining life of the bond.

The county also proposed increasing its general fund cash reserve from $750,000 to $1.2 million. A $75,000 cash reserve was restored to the transit budget after officials realized one had not been included in last year’s budget.

Commissioners reviewed Cedar County Transit’s vehicle fleet and plans to replace aging vehicles.

Seven new Toyota Sienna vans are expected through a grant program. The county’s local share is expected to be about $21,000, or roughly $3,000 per vehicle.

The seven incoming vehicles are regular passenger vans rather than wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Transit Director Ashley Gowery also identified three older wheelchair-accessible vans the Transit would like to replace because of mechanical problems.

Gowery said she plans to apply for another grant when the next funding cycle opens.

Commissioners also discussed confusion caused by election-related mailers being sent by a third-party nonprofit organization.

Schmit said these mailers are not being sent by the county election office or through Nebraska’s voter registration system.

Officials said they have received questions about postcards and applications for early or absentee voting. Some residents have wondered if they must complete the third-party application to receive a ballot. Officials stressed that is not necessary and that registered voters will continue to receive ballots according to the normal process.

One conditional use permit was approved by commissioners for Towers, LLC, Pct. 16, for a 315-foot tower.

The commissioners’ next meeting is set for Sept. 8 immediately following the budget hearing beginning at 8 a.m.

Cedar County, the city of Laurel, Laurel-Concord- Coleridge Schools, the Village of Coleridge, the Village of Belden, the Village of Dixon and the Village of Concord, the Belden Rural Fire District and the Coleridge Rural Fire District are all planning budget hearings this month.

The Cedar County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget at 8 a.m. Sept. 8 at the Cedar County Courthouse. A separate hearing on the final property tax request will be held at 11 a.m. that day.

Both the city of Laurel and the Laurel-Concord Coleridge School District are planning budget hearings for Monday, Sept. 14.

Cedar County is proposing a $31.72 million operating budget for 2026-27, an increase of 7.29 percent from the previous year’s $29.57 million budget. The county’s property tax request, however, would decline by $174,631, or 2.06 percent, from $8.47 million to $8.29 million.

The county’s taxable valuation increased 3.6 percent, climbing from $3.90 billion to $4.04 billion. The combination of higher valuation and a lower tax request would reduce the county tax rate by 5.47 percent, from 21.6948 cents to 20.5088 cents per $100 of taxable valuation. If a property’s valuation remained at $100,000, the county tax would decline by about $11.86.

Some of the biggest spending changes involve the inheritance tax, bridge and road projects.

The county saw an increase in inheritance tax income, so $5.75 million was budgeted in that account. Commissioners have no plans to spend those funds, though. By budgeting that amount, they have the ability to spend the money in case of an emergency, however.

LAUREL — The sounding of the old school bell Monday called the youngsters back to their duties in the educational plant in Laurel after a three-month’s vacation.

A great deal of work has been done on the buildings during the vacation, and the plant is in fine condition for the year of school ahead. Everything points to a fine nine months of educational success, and we are sure the results of the year will measure up to the years that have gone by.

Last minute faculty changes had to be made when Miss Mary Elizabeth Stewart did not report for duty in the local schools. Her place is being filled temporarily by Mrs. E. O. Waite, who has had much experience in the commerce subjects she is teaching. She has had much practical experience as well as the kind found in books.

The position of coach has been filled. The new coach is Mr. McGillis, who comes to Laurel with a splendid record both as a coach and teacher. He coached in the Honeycreek consolidated schools near Salem in 1936 and 1937 and at Friend in 1937, 1938 and 1939. While at Friend his football teams had the best record since 1933 when Friend had an all-state team. In 1939 and 1940 he was at St. Francis, S.D., where his basketball team won the state title and went on to the national tournament, where they advanced to the semifinals. Last year he again coached at Friend. His basketball teams have won 113 games against 11 losses.

We are sure he will fit nicely into Laurel and will prove to be a popular coach and teacher. All other teachers are on the job, and the work is fast being organized for the year. There are 156 enrolled in the high school, 69 boys and 87 girls. There are 98 free tuition students in the high school.

We have not learned the grade school enrollment, but are sure it is up to the average. We as parents of children and citizens of the community have just as important a part to play in the success of the schools as have the faculty and the board of education. Let us all unite in making this one of the best years in history.

Sept. 3, 1941

LAUREL — Leslie Paulsen, who has been touring the west on his motorcycle, met with an accident recently near Oakland, Calif., in which his motorcycle was smashed up and he received injuries that kept him in a hospital there for a week. He will be obliged to use crutches for a couple of weeks. The injuries, while painful and serious, are not critical, and he is getting along nicely at this time. His legs were injured in the wreck. He has a job waiting for him as soon as he recovers sufficiently from his injuries and he will remain in the west for the present time. The many friends of “Les” will be glad to learn that his injuries are not critical and that he is getting along as well as can be expected at this time.

Sept. 3, 1941

LAUREL — The housewarming and party of your Advocate Saturday exceeded all expectations and was a fine success in every way.

More than 500 people visited our new home during the evening and many words of complimentary nature were then heard throughout the evening. It is difficult to know just how many visitors we had, as it was impossible to register all, so thick and fast did they come, but you can get some idea of the enormity of the crowd when we tell you that it took 11 pounds of Chase and Sanborn coffee and more than 550 doughnuts to satisfy the demands.

Smilin’ Louie Jurgensen was in charge of serving and baking doughnuts at his bakery. He did a commendable job of seeing everyone was taken care of. It kept him hopping to keep up when the crowd was the heaviest, but he did a swell job.

LAUREL — Joy Bloom, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Bloom of Laurel, graduated from the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City on Aug. 6.

Joy is a 1975 graduate of Laurel High School.

Sept. 2, 1976

LAUREL — Pat Schaer finished the 1976 golf season with a flourish and earned the Cedar View ladies club championship. Following last week’s opening round of 44, Pat carded a 47 Tuesday to win the title with the best score ever recorded in the title tournament.

Dorothy Wentworth was nine strokes off the pace, turning in scores of 51 and 49.

FLIGHT RESULTS

First — Pat Schaer, 1st; Dorothy Wentworth, 2nd; Dianne Anderson, 3rd.

Second — Marilyn Van Ausdall, 1st; Mickey Hopkins, 2nd; Glennis Swift, 3rd.

Third — Jan Casey, 1st; Ginny Tuttle, 2nd; Marvalee Sudbeck, 3rd.

Fourth — Roxann Gade, 1st; Nadine Lubberstedt, 2nd; Mryna Collins, 3rd.

LEAGUE WINNERS

Trophies were also presented to the winners of the league. Karen Schultz and Dianne Anderson finished the season with 24 wins to claim the “A” league title; Pat Berg and Virginia (Tiny) Burns won the “B” league, registering 28 victories.

BUSINESS MEETING

Anita Gade, president of the ladies’ league, conducted a business meeting following tournament play.

Among the topics discussed were changing league night to Thursday; shotgun tee offs; and how to use money, raised over the year, to improve the clubhouse.

The treasurer reported a balance of $757.82 and informed the group that 67 golfers had participated in the season schedule.

The officers were reinstated for next year — Anita Gade, president; Joleen Skovbo, vice president; Pat Schaer, secretary; and Lois Marie Smith, treasurer. Doris Manz will also serve, again, as social chairman.

Sept. 2, 1976

LAUREL — The Laurel Bears, with a new coach at the helm, will launch the 1976 football season Friday.

Joe Boyle, who comes to Laurel from South Sioux City, will take his squad to Randolph to meet the Cardinals for the campaign opener. Kickoff time is 7:30.

Coach Boyle reports he has 41 players, with 14 returning lettermen, hopeful of a successful season. He lists probable starters: Offense — Garth Paulsen, 160 pound senior, split end; Tim Harrington, 180, senior, left tackle; Keith Knudsen, 196, senior, left guard; Klyde Matthews, 185, junior, center; Scott Pigg, 165, junior, right guard; Mike Martin, 185, junior, right tackle; Doug Thompson, 150, senior, tight end; Gordon Kardell, 150, senior, quarterback; Mike Dalton, 145, senior, and Don Dalton, 140, sophomore, halfbacks; and Cleve Stolpe, 150, senior, or Calvin Bingham, 150, senior, flanker.

Don Burns, 155, junior, and Ron Gadeken, 160, sophomore, are expected to see action in the halfback position and Dennis Sindelar, 170, senior, and Kevin Diediker, 180, sophomore, will be early substitutes at the guard slot.

Defense — Harrington, left end; Martin, left tackle; Knudsen, middle guard; Matthews, right tackle; Paulsen, right end; Pigg and Toby Cunningham, 178, junior, linebackers; Don Dalton and Stolpe, cornerbacks; and Mike Dalton and Kardell, safeties. Burns, at linebacker, and Sindelar, at end.

Sept. 3, 1981

LAUREL — There’ll be bands galore at this year’s Nebraska State Fair. A traditional favorite of fair-goers, a total of fifty-nine marching bands are scheduled to participate in the festivities of the 10-day event. “We’re delighted with such a terrific turnout of bands,” Manager Henry Brandt said. “The Fair is first and foremost an educational experience, and we’re happy to encourage youth participation in all areas. We hope the individual communities will come out and support their bands. We know the kids and their band directors put one whale of an effort into their performances, and we sure think they do a great job.”

The Laurel-Concord High School band is scheduled to appear September 12.

Sept. 3, 1981

LAUREL — ‘’The Rustler” cafe in Laurel is celebrating the completion of their first year in business.

The owners, Mary Peterson and Connie Mann are marking the anniversary with an appreciation coffee Wednesday. They invite you to stop in for free coffee and donuts which will be served from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday.

Mrs. Peterson and Mrs. Mann, who previously operated a cafe in Concord, purchased The White House Inn from Lois and Harold White. The business, renamed “The Rustler”, is located on the north edge of town on highway 20.

Sept. 3, 1981

LAUREL — It has been announced this week that pre-publication orders for the Dixon County Cemetery Records book are now being accepted.

The book consists of nearly 12,000 entries from some 22 cemeteries and several plots on outlying farms, is indexed and alphabetically arranged in a soft cover approximately 8½” x 11”.

Every known tombstone in every cemetery in Dixon County was recorded as well as the remaining stones in the old LaPorte, Wayne County cemetery.

According to Linda Baumgardner and Maryls Rice, who have done all of the research, the recording was undertaken in an effort to save for future generations material which is all too often being lost to irreverent vandals, fires in church records, inaccessible courthouse files, years of weathering on the stones, and in some cases, the abandonment of old cemeteries.

LAUREL — In the Wednesday Nite Men’s Golf League the team of Ole Anderson, Zeb Thompson, Brad Penlerick and Verl Carlson won the second half of the league with 63 wins as they edged out the team of Lee Dahl, Bill Norvell, Darrell Dahl and Rollie Granquist which wound up with 61 wins.

The Anderson team will play the team of Keith Clarkson, Tubby Blatchford, Craig Hanson and Kenny Wracker, who were the winners of the first half.

The play off will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3 (tonight) and will determine the league champions.

In other golf action, last Wednesday night a four-man Texas best ball was played and the winners were the Doug Thompson team with a score of 23; Rick Hank’s team placed second; Pat Casey’s team, third; and Jim Erwin’s team, fourth.

A meeting was held after last Wednesday nights golf match with election of officers held. Greg Urwiler will assume the office of league president for the upcoming year.

Sept. 3, 1986

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Highway Commission and the Department of Roads are offering the opportunity for a public hearing on the proposed improvement of a nine mile segment of Highway 15 in Cedar County.

Superintendent Michels was replaced by Robert Anderson and Marshal Taylor was replaced by Frank Curtis. The resignations of Hansen and Novak left the light plant with only three employees.

There was no explanation as to what caused the problem. Salaries averaging about $200/mo. were comparable to other nearby towns.

“It is our belief that things could be resolved if the Village Board and employees of the light plant could meet together and talk things over man to man,“ said Editor Hill.

Through it all the lights remained on but the light plant was about to face a new demand on its generating capacity.

The Laurel Baseball Club announced plans to install lights on the ball field to make it possible to play games at night when it was cooler, instead of hot afternoons. Initial plans called for installing 150,000 watts of light on old windmill towers at a cost of approximately $7,000. Despite the shortage of help at the light plant, the Village Board assured them the light plant could supply enough power to carry the load and gave them the go ahead.

Additional plans called for revamping the ball diamond by moving the grandstand back a few feet, putting up more fence, and rebuilding the dugouts. This would make Laurel‘s field comparable to those in area towns of similar size.

Then another plan was proposed. This one called for making a combined football-baseball field on the school grounds. That way both the high school football team and the town baseball team could benefit from the same lights.

The baseball diamond was to be located on the northeast corner of the property while the football field would run diagonally from northwest to southeast. When that plan did not prove feasible, it was proposed to build the combination field at the baseball park. Find out how that plan worked out next week.

The Laurel Legion was up against the wall trying to finish their new building. They were informed that they had to sell $8,000 worth of bonds in the next two weeks or they would lose the building. The public was asked to step up and help by buying bonds in denominations of $50 and $100. The Legion assured the public that if not enough money was raised, all contributions collected would be returned.

The new Havorka Motor Company on Highway 20 opened to the public on June 18. The main feature of the day was the unveiling of the new 1949 Ford cars. The 1949 models were radically different from the 1948 models which had changed little since 1941. Gone were the running boards and bolt on fenders. The lower, sleeker design was extremely popular and has been credited with saving the Ford Motor Company. Prices ranged from $1,500 for a standard two-door sedan to $1,950 for a custom convertible.

Another construction project was underway. The entire second floor of the two-story building that now houses the Wintz Funeral Home (116 E. Second) was completely torn off and rebuilt. At that time, the building housed the Central Bar on the west side of the main floor and the Maytag Store on the east side. The second floor housed Dr. Herse’s dental office and the telephone office. Erected shortly after the town was founded, the building was constructed of brick manufactured in Laurel.

Fire of undetermined origin caused severe damage to the Masonic building on the south side of Main St. The fire, which was thought to have started in the stairway leading to the second floor, spread through the walls, causing extensive damage to the lodge rooms upstairs and also to Truby’s meat market on the ground floor. The building was repaired and is still standing.

The bodies of three Laurel servicemen were on their way home. Mrs. Belle Olmstead received word that the body of her son, Pfc. Fahy L. Olmstead, was en route to San Francisco on the US Army transport ship “Lt. George W.C. Boyce.” The ship was due to arrive in port on June 3. Olmstead’s body would then be shipped by rail to the American Graves Registration Center in Kansas City and then escorted to Laurel for burial.

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dahl received word that the body of their son, Staff Sergeant Lester E. Dahl, was being returned from the Philippines aboard the army transport ship “Sgt. Morris E. Crain.” The Crain was expected to dock in San Francisco on or about June 28. Dahl’s body also would be shipped to Kansas City and then escorted to Laurel.

Mr. and Mrs. Julius Knudsen, who operated the cabin court that later became the Shady Rest motel, received a telegram, informing them that the body of their son, Vernon L. Knudsen, was en route to the United States.

Several business changes took place in June 1948: Dr. R. P. Carroll announced that his son, Dr. John J. “Jack“ Carroll, would begin his medical career with his father on July 1.

C.E. “Dutch” Peabody purchased Brookley Electric. Brookley and Peabody had been partners when the business was started in Laurel a couple of years earlier.

John Calcavecchia purchased Bill Chambers’ Standard Station.

The Logan Valley Dairy Bar, located in the old hotel building at the corner of Oak and Main, was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Meyers of Lincoln. This Oscar Meyers sold ice cream, not wieners.

The Nebraska Bureau of Vital Statistics reported there were 334 births and 131 deaths in Cedar County in 1947.

This was the second year of the so-called Baby Boom. The bureau also reported that the average age of death had reached a new high of 61.5 years. In 1940, the average age of death was 60.8.

Roger Tryon is a Laurel High School graduate and a retired teacher. His weekly history column has appeared in the Advocate since the early 1990s.