Keiser, BSN, RN, recently received Avera Sacred Heart Hospital’s quarterly DAISY Award after helping a diabetic man who became dizzy during a stop at Wall Drug.

The award recognizes nurses for their skill and compassionate care.

Keiser has worked as a nurse at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital for more than 24 years. She currently works in cardiac rehabilitation and perioperative services and has previously served in the hospital’s medical unit, pain services, swing-bed rehabilitation and chemotherapy departments.

Although Keiser has spent more than two decades caring for hospital patients, she was nominated for assistance she provided while traveling through western South Dakota with her family.

The nomination was submitted by the wife of a man with type 2 diabetes. The couple had stopped at Wall Drug while traveling farther west.

The man had recently been hospitalized and treated with steroid medication that was affecting his blood sugar levels.

“When we got out of the vehicle, my husband was so dizzy that he grabbed onto the pole in front of him,” the woman wrote in her nomination. “Three people were coming down the street at that exact moment. I yelled, ‘I need help now!’” Keiser, her mother and her son helped the woman get her husband seated on a bench. They then brought applesauce, yogurt and grapes from their vehicle to help stabilize his blood sugar.

Keiser and her family remained with the couple until the man began feeling better.

“They waited with us until I could get orange juice for my husband from the café and made sure he was OK,” the nomination stated. “If Daisy had not been there at that exact moment, we might have had a very different outcome.”

Keiser said helping the couple came naturally after spending much of her life caring for others.

“Our everyday lives are filled with opportunities where we can make a difference in someone’s life, no matter how simple or small the act is, many times without even realizing it,” Keiser said.

“Most of these small acts go unnoticed. Occasionally, someone notices.”

She said she was grateful to be nearby when the couple needed assistance.

“I am grateful I was in the right place at the right time to help this couple and reassure them during a distressing experience,” Keiser said.

The DAISY Award was created to recognize nurses who provide compassionate care. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Nurses working at Avera Sacred Heart facilities are eligible for the award.

Activities will begin at 7 a.m. with a 5K, 1-mile race and fun run hosted by REPS Fitness. Participants may preregister at the Hartington city office.

A vendor market will run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., while sidewalk sales will be offered throughout downtown Hartington. The children’s zone and carnival, human foosball and nine square activities will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

A patriotic-themed kiddie parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools campus. Duck races will follow at 11 a.m.

A car show will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. near Accura HealthCare. Water activities and a foam party are scheduled from 2-3 p.m.

Food trucks will serve customers from 11 a.m. until midnight.

The Hard Patch Street Dance will wrap up the celebration from 7 p.m.-midnight. Entertainment will include College Radio, James and Langston Christensen and Kevin Kathol and Friends.

Hartington Dayz shirts are available for $20 at Etched Impressions. Vendor market registration is available by calling 402-254-6353.

The event is sponsored by the Hartington Chamber of Commerce.

BOW VALLEY — For more than an hour Sunday afternoon, the old wooden bird refused to budge from its perch.

One by one, more than 100 men dressed in crisp white Schüetzen uniforms stepped from the line, carefully raised their rifles and took aim at the weathered wooden target perched high atop a pole overlooking the Bow Valley Ballroom grounds.

Shot after shot chipped away at the bird, but it stubbornly clung to its perch.

Finally, on the 210th shot, the bird tumbled to the ground.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Riley McCain was surrounded by well-wishers offering handshakes, hugs and hearty pats on the back as his shot earned him one of the community's highest honors — Schüetzenfest king.

Moments later, the Schüetzen, the traditional German marksmen's society whose roots in Bow Valley stretch back more than a century, marched back to the ballroom for the coronation of King Riley McCain and Queen Bailey McCain.

The coronation marked the official conclusion of another Bow Valley Schüetzenfest, but the celebration was far from over.

Music echoed across the grounds, friends gathered around tables swapping stories, cold beverages were raised in celebration and children and adults alike looked forward to one final event— the always-popular greased pig contest.

For visitors, the weekend offered a glimpse into one of northeast Nebraska's most distinctive German heritage celebrations. For many local families, however, it was simply another chapter in a tradition passed from one generation to the next.

The celebration traces its roots to 1896 and has survived wars, changing times and a dwindling rural population. Although the festival was dormant for several years, it was revived in 1976 and has continued to celebrate Bow Valley's German heritage since.

That history was impossible to miss throughout the weekend.

Inside the ballroom, hundreds of historic newspaper clippings, photographs and memorabilia lined the walls, telling the story of generations of Schüetzenfest celebrations and the families who have kept the tradition alive.

One of the weekend's most anticipated events also celebrated that history. A time capsule buried during the 1976 Schüetzenfest revival was opened Saturday near Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, giving residents a chance to look back at the community as it existed a half-century ago.

While visitors enjoyed the festivities, dozens of volunteers worked behind the scenes to make sure everything ran smoothly.

The event represented nearly five years of planning and preparation. Volunteers mowed and trimmed the grounds, organized contests, parked vehicles in nearby pastures, maintained the facilities and handled countless other tasks necessary to host thousands of visitors.

Holy Trinity Elementary will host a back-to-school night at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. The first day of classes will be Thursday, Aug. 13, and the school's annual Fly-In Breakfast is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.

At East and West Catholic Elementary, preschool and students in grades one through six will begin classes Thursday, Aug. 13. Kindergarten students will report for their first day Friday, Aug. 14.

Cedar Catholic High School will begin classes Thursday, Aug. 13. The Booster Club kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21.

Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools will also begin classes Thursday, Aug. 13. A preK-12 open house is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, and the Booster Club Tailgate at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21.

Wynot Public School will welcome students back Thursday, Aug. 13, with preschool beginning Tuesday, Aug. 18. The annual Breakfast for Champions is planned for Sunday, Aug. 23. Volleyball and football Gatorade scrimmages will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.

All fall sports practices will begin Monday, Aug. 10, as mandated by NSAA.

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.

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.

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.

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.

HARTINGTON — From the first nervous jump into the shallow end to the final cannonball of the afternoon, the Hartington Municipal Swimming Pool has once again been one of the coolest — and busiest — places in town this summer.

As the season winds down, Pool Manager Alex Kirby said hundreds of area children and families have passed through the gates for swimming lessons, afternoon recreation and special community events.

The pool offered three sessions of swimming lessons, attracting about 235 children.

Participation grew as the summer progressed, with 67 children attending the first session, 87 taking part in the second and 79 enrolled in the final session. The pool also sold about 150 family passes.

Some of the summer’s largest crowds arrived during the Fourth of July holiday, the annual Bank of Hartington pool party and a visit from Camp Assurance.

Assistant Manager Breah Steffen said attendance reached the pool’s 250-person capacity on an especially hot day when Camp Assurance visited.

The Bank of Hartington pool party also made a splash, drawing children and families for an afternoon filled with swimming, games, giveaways and raffle prizes.

Keeping watch over the swimmers throughout the summer were lifeguards Kyson Lammers, Emily Climer, Brynn Bernecker, Mara Bernecker, Kynlee Steffen, Shayla Heine, Cameron Carl, Landry Heimes, Sophia Kleinschmit, Kloe Fischer, Landon Rutar and Danielle Eickhoff.

For Kirby, who moved to Hartington from Omaha, the summer offered more than an opportunity to manage the pool. It also gave her a chance to become better acquainted with the community.

Kirby said getting to know area residents and families has been one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Steffen, who is completing her fourth summer at the pool and her first as assistant manager, said she has especially enjoyed the relationships she has developed with the children and her fellow staff members.

Both managers credited the lifeguards for helping make the season a success.

Kirby praised the group for arriving ready to work, learning new skills and continuing to improve throughout the summer.

Steffen said the staff’s teamwork stood out from the opening day of the season.

“I think we have a really good group,” she said. “They all get along really well. They all have a lot of fun, and they still get their work done.”

The summer fun isn’t over quite yet. Pool employees are planning an after-hours swim for adults ages 18 and older July 30, provided repairs to the overhead lights are completed.

The Hartington Municipal Swimming Pool is scheduled to close for the season Aug. 7.

As staff members prepare to put away the rescue tubes and lock the gates for the final time this summer, Kirby and Steffen hope visitors remember more than the laps they swam or the games they played.

“I hope they remember how welcoming our pool is and how much fun they had,” Steffen said.

Kirby said the pool has developed into a close-knit community of its own, where children know they will be watched over, encouraged and welcomed each time they arrive.

“The lifeguards take good care of the kids and form a good connection with every single kid who comes in and out of here,” Kirby said. “They always have a place here.”

LAUREL — When summer temperatures climbed, Laurel residents knew exactly where to cool off.

The Laurel Swimming Pool remained a popular gathering place throughout the summer, with strong attendance, special events and swimming lessons helping make the 2026 season a successful one.

Pool manager Laney Folkers said attendance was especially strong during Laurel Ag Days, when many families returned to town, and during stretches of extreme heat.

A total of 104 family passes were purchased for the season.

Swimming lessons were divided into two two-week sessions, one in June and another in July. Participants practiced their swimming skills for 30 minutes each day.

The June session, which included levels one through six, drew 61 swimmers. Another 38 participated in the July session.

The pool also hosted a weeklong Aqua Tots session June 8-12, giving 3- and 4-year-olds an opportunity to become more comfortable in the water through daily 30-minute classes.

During Ag Days, the Laurel Chamber of Commerce sponsored a pool party June 19. Younger children were invited to swim from 6-8:30 p.m., followed by a high school night swim from 9-10 p.m. Pizza for the event was donated by Cubby’s.

City Administrator Dan Kuhlman said he hopes the annual pool party will continue to grow in the coming years and attract even more participants.

This summer marked Folkers’ first season as the pool’s sole manager after previously serving as a co-manager and lifeguard.

She credited her assistant managers with helping make the transition a smooth one.

Folkers oversees a staff that includes assistant managers Tanya Miranda, Taelynn Settje, Boston Brown, Addison Hoeppner, Kaida Eriksen and Kate Tasler.

Lifeguards include Nora Specht, Willa Roberts, Ruby Jonas and Rena Rasmussen.

Folkers praised the staff for responding professionally during the season’s only significant emergency, when a child became stuck in the diving board structure.

The child was safely freed before emergency responders arrived and suffered only minor bruising, however, she said.

Folkers said the staff’s calm and immediate response, particularly Miranda’s, demonstrated the value of the lifeguards’ training.

The Laurel Swimming Pool will close for the season Aug. 9.

As another summer winds down, Folkers said she hopes families leave with plenty of good memories of afternoons spent swimming and visiting with friends.

New fairground benches honor Austin Burcham

HARTINGTON — Two new Cedar County Fairgrounds benches offer visitors a place to rest, but for those who knew Austin Burcham, they also serve as a lasting reminder of a young man remembered for always lending a helping hand.

The benches were purchased through memorial donations made in honor of Burcham, who died Feb. 24, 2026, at age 26. In lieu of flowers, his family requested memorials be designated to the Cedar County Fair, a place where he spent countless hours volunteering.

The Cedar County Ag Society received just over $3,000 in donations following Burcham's death and worked with his family to determine how the funds could best benefit the fairgrounds.

'We weren't entirely sure, so we talked to Austin's parents, and they were happy with anything we could do that would help the fair,' Cedar County Ag Society President Greg Heine said. 'One of our board members suggested memorial benches because that's how they had honored someone in their family. When we told Austin's family, they were very pleased with the idea.'

The society purchased two custom benches from Wiechelman Repair, which Heine said provided the project at a significant discount.

While the benches provide a permanent addition to the fairgrounds, Heine said they also represent someone whose contributions to the fair extended far beyond a financial gift.

Burcham grew up participating in 4-H and FFA, showing horses, goats and bucket calves before graduating from Hartington-Newcastle Public School in 2019. As an adult, he remained deeply involved with the fair, volunteering wherever he was needed.

'About a week before the fair every year, I would get at least one or two calls from Austin just asking if there was anything he could do to help,' Heine said. 'He helped at the rodeo, the concerts, putting up gates, setting up tents, anything and everything. He always did it with a smile.'

Heine said Burcham's enthusiasm was contagious, especially during the busy days leading up to and during the fair.

'It didn't matter how hot it was, how muddy it was or if things weren't going right,' Heine said. 'He always had that smile that would cheer you up. You could tell fair time was his favorite time of year. He’s one of those guys that we’re going to miss every year.'

That willingness to serve was not limited to the fairgrounds. In his obituary, Burcham was remembered as someone with a heart of gold who would drop everything to help someone in need, someone whose kindness made everyone feel welcome and whose strong work ethic was matched only by his compassion.

His father, David Burcham, said helping others simply came naturally to his son.

'He was always that way,' David Burcham said. 'Always.' Looking back, David Burcham said what stands out most is not only the number of people Austin touched but that he often did so without realizing it.

'I think the biggest thing about Austin is his actions proved who he was,' he said. 'He touched so many people without even knowing it. There just needs to be more of it. There just needs to be more people like that.'

For Heine, those qualities are exactly what he hopes visitors remember when they stop at the benches.

'I hope he never gets forgotten,' Heine said. 'I hope people remember his spirit, his positivity and how he made an impact just by working hard, smiling and always giving back.'

Each July, the Cedar County Fairgrounds fill with volunteers putting up gates, pitching tents and preparing for another fair.

Now two benches quietly stand among that activity — a tribute to someone who spent years doing those same jobs without seeking recognition.

For those who knew Austin Burcham, they are a fitting reminder that a life devoted to helping others can continue to make a difference long after it ends.

Nebraska Association of County Officials Deputy Director Candace Meredith provided commissioners with an overview of new legislation at Tuesday’s meeting.

Among the changes is LB663, which establishes required timelines, commonly referred to as “shot clocks,” for counties to act on conditional use permits and zoning applications.

Meredith said the legislation is intended to create greater consistency while ensuring applications move through the review process in a timely manner.

Meredith also explained changes to Nebraska’s Truth in Taxation process, commonly associated with the pink postcards mailed to property owners each year.

Meredith said residents should expect to receive pink postcards later than they have in previous years.

She said the delay is the result of the mailing timeline established under the new legislation, shortening the window between when taxpayers receive the notices and when local governments hold budget hearings.

While the notices will still be sent, she said the delay raises concerns the compressed timeline may leave residents with less opportunity to review the information and participate in the process.

Additional legislation allows counties greater flexibility in records retention by expanding the use of electronic storage rather than requiring records to be preserved on microfilm.

She also reviewed legislation that failed to advance this session, including proposals involving inheritance taxes and additional local sales tax authority for counties, noting both issues are expected to return in future legislative sessions.

Emergency Manager Kevin Garvin reported Cedar County recently received $44,831.68 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Performance Grant program, which Garvin said was an annual grant.

Also Tuesday, the board approved a resolution authorizing Board Chairman Richard Donner to sign an agreement with the Neb. Dept. of Transportation for a planned passing lanes project scheduled for 2028.

Cedar County Highway Superintendent Carla Schmit said the project will include construction of new passing lanes along Highway 81 and improvements affecting county road intersections near Pleasant Valley.

The agreement allows the county to coordinate with NDOT as planning for the project continues.

Commissioners approved Special Designated Liquor Licenses for Nissen Wine for receptions slated for Aug. 8, Sept. 4, Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Dec. 5.

The board also approved building permits for Wesley Wortmann, Pct. 5, for a 36-by-100-foot hoop barn; Larry Jensen, Pct. 14, for a 40-by-40-foot shouse; Clint and Kara Culliton, Pct. 2, for a 2,000 square foot house and 40-by-60-foot post barn; Brian Lange, Pct. 4, for a 60-by-100-foot machine shed and lean-to; and Skyles Kinkaid, Pct. 11, for a 50-by-70foot office building.

For the Tanderup family of rural Hartington, that means months of caring for animals, preparing projects and juggling busy schedules, an experience shared by countless 4-H families across Cedar County.

Although every family's fair week looks a little different, the Tanderups' experience reflects the commitment shared by many 4-H families whose work happens long before the first judge steps into the ring.

For Alicia and Karl Tanderup and their children — Maverick, 13, Sawyer, 11, and Harley, 9 — 4-H isn't something that begins during fair week. It's a year-round commitment built on early mornings, daily chores and lessons that extend far beyond the fairgrounds.

Their youngest daughter, Lilyann, 1 1/2, is still a few years away from becoming a Clover Kid, but Alicia already jokes she'll have plenty of experience by watching her older siblings.

“Our family has been involved in 4-H for five years with our kids, and our involvement continues to grow each year,” Alicia said. “We're continuing to learn something each year or deciding to try something new.”

That willingness to try new things has become a family tradition. Alicia grew up participating in Dixon County 4-H, showing rabbits, dogs, cats and static exhibits, while her mother, grandmother and other relatives were also active in the program. Today, both sides of the family help support the children's projects.

“We're just one big family wanting everyone to succeed,” she said.

This year, the Tanderup children exhibited rabbits, poultry and bucket calves, along with static projects including welding, woodworking, photography and baked goods.

Preparing for the fair begins weeks, and often months, in advance, all while balancing baseball, softball and other summer activities.

“The weeks before the fair are very busy with daily animal care, grooming, practicing showmanship, completing record books and getting projects ready for judging,” Alicia said. “Feeding, watering, cleaning, health checks and handling animals take time every day, not just during fair season.”

Those months of preparation culminate in one hectic week where schedules often overlap.

On Thursday, while the bucket calf show was still underway, rabbits and poultry needed to be checked in at the same time. Because the family's livestock had already been stalled the evening before, one of the boys was able to check in his siblings' entries while the rest of the family remained at the cattle show.

“We rely on schedules, checklists, teamwork and plenty of communication to make sure everyone gets where they need to be,” Alicia said.

She said bringing livestock to the fairgrounds the night before check-in has become one of the family's best strategies.

“It's definitely so much less stressful,” she said. “Yes, we're making extra trips to check and feed the animals, but it's worth it.”

Fair week can be exhausting, she admits, but it's also one of the highlights of the year.

“The days are long, but the excitement and memories make it worthwhile,” Alicia said.

Even amid the packed schedule, the family tries to pause long enough to walk through exhibits, visit with friends and discover a new vendor before another fair season slips by. For Alicia, however, the greatest rewards aren't measured by ribbons.

She said one of her proudest moments comes when her children eagerly choose projects to present during interview judging.

“You immediately see them light up,” she said. “They're proud of their own accomplishments and excited to tell the story behind their project.”

Through 4-H, she's watched her children develop confidence, communication skills, time management and problem-solving abilities while learning responsibility and perseverance.

“I hope they remember more than the ribbons and awards,” Alicia said. “I hope they remember the early mornings, the hard work, the responsibility of caring for their animals and the time we spent together as a family.”

She hopes those lessons stay with her children long after they leave 4-H behind.

“Most of all, I hope they look back and realize that 4-H helped shape them into hardworking, caring and capable adults who aren't afraid to take on new challenges,” Alicia said.

When Alicia looks across the fairgrounds each summer, she sees more than livestock barns and exhibit halls. She sees a community built around young people learning, growing and supporting one another.

“4-H brings people together,” she said. “Whether you live in town or on a small farm, we're all part of this community. There's something here for everyone to learn, get involved with and grow.”

LAUREL — For Blanky Garcia Perez, serving food has never just been about feeding people.

It’s about creating a place where customers feel like family, where someone far from home can find a familiar meal, and where a conversation over Central American cuisine might become an opportunity to offer encouragement, friendship or even a prayer.

That vision became a reality with Centro Americano Restaurant, a family-owned restaurant featuring homemade Central American cuisine inspired by Garcia Perez’s upbringing in Guatemala.

While the restaurant is already serving customers in Laurel, Centro Americano’s grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, July 25.

The restaurant’s arrival in Laurel is years in the making. Garcia Perez originally planned to open Centro Americano Restaurant in Laurel, but when no building was available, a friend offered her a location in Wakefield. After building a following there over nearly three years, she has finally realized her original goal of bringing the restaurant to Laurel.

“I like serving people,” Garcia Perez said through her daughter, Richell Garcia Perez. “I want people to feel happy and feel at home.”

Garcia Perez has lived in Laurel for 17 years after moving from Guatemala. Having also lived in Michigan and Delaware, she said Laurel has been the best place to raise her family because of its welcoming community.

Long before opening her own restaurant, Garcia Perez cooked meals for construction workers and prepared food for community events in Laurel. As more people sampled her cooking, word spread. But the dream started much earlier.

Growing up, Garcia Perez watched her parents operate a restaurant in Guatemala and admired the way they served others. Although she dreamed of owning one herself, she waited until her children were older before pursuing the idea.

Opening the restaurant wasn’t easy. Garcia Perez said she worried about the unknowns of starting a business and often prayed with her husband and family before taking the leap. Early staffing challenges also led the family to make Centro Americano a true family operation.

Today, Garcia Perez, her husband Daniel, son Mario and daughter Richell all help operate the restaurant, while daughter Darly lends a hand when she can. Social media is managed with help from Diana Badley.

“Having my family help make my dream a reality has brought us closer together,” Garcia Perez said. “We’ve put everything in God’s hands.”

The menu reflects both her heritage and her family’s recipes.

While customers will find familiar Mexican favorites, the restaurant also serves Central American dishes from Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala, some made from recipes passed down by her mother, grandmother and other relatives. Fresh ingredients and handmade tortillas distinguish many of the meals.

She hopes introducing authentic Central American cuisine will broaden people’s understanding of Hispanic food.

“Most people have tried Mexican food,” Richell Garcia Perez said while translating her mother’s comments. “We want them to know there are many different kinds of food from different countries.”

Perhaps even more important than the food is the atmosphere Garcia Perez hopes to create. She wants customers to feel peace when they walk through the doors.

“We’re here to serve,” she said. “Our customers aren’t just customers. They’re family.”

That philosophy extends beyond the dining room.

Garcia Perez hopes the restaurant becomes a place where people can find help during difficult times. She envisions supporting local first responders through discounts, helping local families in need and simply being available to listen.

“We’re not just here to serve food,” Garcia Perez said. “We’re here to show people the love of Christ. If someone needs help or someone to talk to, we want them to know we’re here for them.”

If Garcia Perez accomplishes what she set out to do, Centro Americano Restaurant will be remembered for more than its homemade tortillas or Guatemalan recipes. It will be remembered as a place where strangers become regulars, customers become family and everyone is welcomed with a warm meal.

Nebraska Association of County Officials Deputy Director Candace Meredith provided commissioners with an overview of new legislation at Tuesday’s meeting.

Among the changes is LB663, which establishes required timelines, commonly referred to as “shot clocks,” for counties to act on conditional use permits and zoning applications.

Meredith said the legislation is intended to create greater consistency while ensuring applications move through the review process in a timely manner.

Meredith also explained changes to Nebraska’s Truth in Taxation process, commonly associated with the pink postcards mailed to property owners each year. Meredith said residents should expect to receive pink postcards later than they have in previous years.

She said the delay is the result of the mailing timeline established under the new legislation, shortening the window between when taxpayers receive the notices and when local governments hold budget hearings.

While the notices will still be sent, she said the delay raises concerns the compressed timeline may leave residents with less opportunity to review the information and participate in the process.

Additional legislation allows counties greater flexibility in records retention by expanding the use of electronic storage rather than requiring records to be preserved on microfilm.

She also reviewed legislation that failed to advance this session, including proposals involving inheritance taxes and additional local sales tax authority for counties, noting both issues are expected to return in future legislative sessions.

Emergency Manager Kevin Garvin reported Cedar County recently received $44,831.68 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Performance Grant program, which Garvin said was an annual grant.

Also Tuesday, the board approved a resolution authorizing Board Chairman Richard Donner to sign an agreement with the Neb. Dept. of Transportation for a planned passing lanes project scheduled for 2028.

Cedar County Highway Superintendent Carla Schmit said the project will include construction of new passing lanes along Highway 81 and improvements affecting county road intersections near Pleasant Valley.

The agreement allows the county to coordinate with NDOT as planning for the project continues.

Commissioners approved Special Designated Liquor Licenses for Nissen Wine for receptions slated for Aug. 8, Sept. 4, Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Dec. 5.

The board also approved building permits for Wesley Wortmann, Pct. 5, for a 36-by-100-foot hoop barn; Larry Jensen, Pct. 14, for a 40-by-40-foot shouse; Clint and Kara Culliton, Pct. 2, for a 2,000 square foot house and 40-by-60-foot post barn; Brian Lange, Pct. 4, for a 60-by-100-foot machine shed and lean-to; and Skyles Kinkaid, Pct. 11, for a 50-by-70-foot office building.

HARTINGTON — Behind nearly every exhibitor at the Cedar County Fair is a family whose work begins long before fair week arrives.

For the Tanderup family of rural Hartington, that means months of caring for animals, preparing projects and juggling busy schedules — an experience shared by countless 4-H families across Cedar County.

Although every family's fair week looks a little different, the Tanderups' experience reflects the commitment shared by many 4-H families whose work happens long before the first judge steps into the ring.

For Alicia and Karl Tanderup and their children — Maverick, 13, Sawyer, 11, and Harley, 9 — 4-H isn't something that begins during fair week.

It's a year-round commitment built on early mornings, daily chores and lessons that extend far beyond the fairgrounds. Their youngest daughter, Lilyann, 1½, is still a few years away from becoming a Clover Kid, but Alicia already jokes she'll have plenty of experience by watching her older siblings.

“Our family has been involved in 4-H for five years with our kids, and our involvement continues to grow each year,” Alicia said. “We're continuing to learn something each year or deciding to try something new.”

That willingness to try new things has become a family tradition. Alicia grew up participating in Dixon County 4-H, showing rabbits, dogs, cats and static exhibits, while her mother, grandmother and other relatives were also active in the program. Today, both sides of the family help support the children's projects.

“We're just one big family wanting everyone to succeed,” she said.

This year, the Tanderup children exhibited rabbits, poultry and bucket calves, along with static projects including welding, woodworking, photography and baked goods.

Preparing for the fair begins weeks — and often months — in advance, all while balancing baseball, softball and other summer activities.

“The weeks before the fair are very busy with daily animal care, grooming, practicing showmanship, completing record books and getting projects ready for judging,” Alicia said. “Feeding, watering, cleaning, health checks and handling animals take time every day, not just during fair season.”

Those months of preparation culminate in one hectic week where schedules often overlap.

On Thursday, while the bucket calf show was still underway, rabbits and poultry needed to be checked in at the same time. Because the family's livestock had already been stalled the evening before, one of the boys was able to check in his siblings' entries while the rest of the family remained at the cattle show.

“We rely on schedules, checklists, teamwork and plenty of communication to make sure everyone gets where they need to be,” Alicia said.

She said bringing livestock to the fairgrounds the night before check-in has become one of the family's best strategies.

“It's definitely so much less stressful,” she said. “Yes, we're making extra trips to check and feed the animals, but it's worth it.” Fair week can be exhausting, she admits, but it's also one of the highlights of the year. “The days are long, but the excitement and memories make it worthwhile,” Alicia said. Even amid the packed schedule, the family tries to pause long enough to walk through exhibits, visit with friends and discover a new vendor before another fair season slips by. For Alicia, however, the greatest rewards aren't measured by ribbons. She said one of her proudest moments comes when her children eagerly choose projects to present during interview judging.

“You immediately see them light up,” she said. “They're proud of their own accomplishments and excited to tell the story behind their project.” Through 4-H, she's watched her children develop confidence, communication skills, time management and problem-solving abilities while learning responsibility and perseverance. “I hope they remember more than the ribbons and awards,” Alicia said. “I hope they remember the early mornings, the hard work, the responsibility of caring for their animals and the time we spent together as a family.” She hopes those lessons stay with her children long after they leave 4-H behind.

“Most of all, I hope they look back and realize that 4-H helped shape them into hardworking, caring and capable adults who aren't afraid to take on new challenges,” Alicia said.

When Alicia looks across the fairgrounds each summer, she sees more than livestock barns and exhibit halls. She sees a community built around young people learning, growing and supporting one another.

“4-H brings people together,” she said. “Whether you live in town or on a small farm, we're all part of this community. There's something here for everyone to learn, get involved with and grow.”

RANDOLPH – When Dwayne “BoBo” Schutt talks about his life’s work, he rarely talks about himself.

Ask him about building a trucking company that has logged an estimated 30 million miles over 36 years, and he’ll tell you about his sons. Ask what the Chrome N Smoke Hall of Fame means to him, and he’ll mention his wife sitting in the audience. Ask about the success of BoBo’s Express, and he’ll credit the drivers who helped make it happen.

That appreciation for family and the people around him has defined Schutt’s career — one that was recognized during this year’s Chrome N Smoke Truck Show in Osmond, where he was inducted into the Chrome N Smoke Hall of Fame.

For Schutt, the recognition was both unexpected and meaningful.

“I felt very honored and proud to be getting inducted into it, and I want to thank the group that nominated me,” he said.

Schutt started BoBo’s Express in 1990, hauling his first load of cattle from a farm near Randolph to Tyson Foods in Dakota City.

What began with one truck grew into a family- operated business hauling everything from livestock and groceries to boxed meat, frozen foods and fresh produce across the Midwest and beyond, but Schutt said the business was never built by one person.

“I had good employees throughout the years to help out,” Schutt said.

Those employees — and especially his family — remain the accomplishment he treasures most.

“My sons worked with me all those years and helped me out,” Schutt said. “My wife has been by my side and does whatever she has to do to help make things work. It’s been good to have family working with me.”

His sons, Larry, Robert and Donald, grew up around trucks and went on to join the business before venturing out on their own trucking endeavors. Robert and Donald still help their dad cover loads when they can.

“They enjoy driving truck,” he said. “It’s just in their blood.”

Working together with his boys created countless memories, Schutt said, but his favorites are from evenings spent washing trucks.

“That was always fun,” he said. The same appreciation extends to the people outside his family.

Schutt said longtime driver Russ Peters, office manager Traci Strathman and many others played an important role in BoBo’s Express becoming what it is today.

“If you don’t have good drivers, you’re not going to get very far in trucking,” he said. “The drivers pretty much mean everything.”

He believes treating employees with respect is the reason they’ve stayed with the company for years.

“I try and treat them with the most respect,” Schutt said. “If I need help or they need help, we work together. I won’t have my help do anything that I won’t do.”

Someday, Schutt said, he’ll retire, just not any time soon. After 36 years in trucking, Schutt said he’s still motivated by the same thing that got him started: the satisfaction of seeing another load safely delivered and another day’s work done right.

Looking back, Schutt doesn’t measure his legacy by the number of trucks he owned or the miles his company traveled. Instead, he points to the drivers who learned alongside him and eventually struck out on their own.

“All of my drivers that I had over the years — a lot of them went out on their own and are still trucking,” he said. “I must have taught some of them something to go by.”

Awards eventually gather dust, and trucks eventually wear out. But the drivers Schutt mentored, the sons who followed him into the industry and the family business he built continue rolling down highways across the Midwest. For Schutt, that’s a legacy worth more than any plaque.

LAUREL — On hot summer afternoons, customers visit Sweet Sisters looking for soft-serve ice cream, Dole Whip, slushies and frozen treats. Behind the counter, they’re greeted not by seasoned business owners, but by two sisters who are learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship one customer at a time.

Hannah Detlefsen, an incoming seventh grader at Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School, and her sister, Aliya, an incoming ninth grader, are the faces behind Laurel’s newest frozen treat shop.

Since opening on June 26, the sisters have discovered that running a business means much more than serving cold treats — it means learning responsibility, solving problems and gaining confidence with every customer who walks through the door.

The idea for Sweet Sisters came from their mother, Kayla Detlefsen, who works at Creative D.zynes, where Sweet Sisters is located. Looking for a way to bring more customers through the door, she suggested adding a frozen treat shop.

“We’re always looking at ways to bring more traffic through the door,” Kayla said. “Hannah has always wanted to do an ice cream shop, so we thought, ‘Let’s combine the two.’” Just a few months later, the idea became reality. While Kayla helped launch the business, she said the day-to-day operation belongs almost entirely to her daughters.

“They pretty much run this part of it,” she said. “Even when the equipment was brought in, they were the two who were trained on it.”

Neither Hannah nor Aliya had previous work experience, but both quickly settled into their new roles. They learned how to operate the equipment, prepare frozen treats, manage customers and keep the shop running smoothly.

Like any new business, Sweet Sisters came with a learning curve.

“The amount of work it takes to get it started,” Aliya said, was the biggest surprise.

For Hannah, the adjustment meant giving up some carefree summer days.

She also learned that maintaining the equipment can be just as demanding as serving customers.

“Cleaning the machines is harder than you think,” Hannah said.

The shop’s popularity created its own challenges. During its first week, Sweet Sisters sold out of vanilla ice cream after drawing larger crowds than the family expected.

The sisters say some of the biggest lessons haven’t come from making cones or shakes, but from interacting with customers and adapting to feedback.

“I feel like talking to people has gotten easier,” Hannah said. “At the beginning, customers would tell us things we could improve, and we kind of changed it.”

Watching that confidence develop has been especially rewarding for Kayla.

“They’ve just taken the whole thing from the very beginning and done it all themselves,” she said. “If something doesn’t work, they problem-solve. Maybe what has impressed me most is their teamwork.”

The community has embraced the new business, often exceeding the family’s expectations.

For Hannah, that support means more than a successful business; it means contributing to the community too.

“Since the Dairy Barn isn’t open anymore, people don’t have to drive all the way to Wayne to get ice cream,” she said. “They can just get it here.”

She also hopes Sweet Sisters can inspire other young people to invest in their hometown by contributing their own talents and interests to make it a better place.

Kayla believes the shop’s impact extends beyond frozen treats. She has enjoyed watching children stop in after activities, families gather for dessert and residents spend a little more time on Main Street.

“I’m kind of hoping it’s someplace kids can go hang out and meet up with their friends,” she said. “It’s just kind of cool to see that livelihood on Main Street.”

Although the family hasn’t decided whether Sweet Sisters will continue operating year-round, the shop has already accomplished something its owners never expected.

Along with serving frozen treats, it has given two young entrepreneurs the confidence to step outside their comfort zones while adding a little more life to downtown Laurel — one customer, one conversation and one sweet treat at a time.

If you attended the Randolph Community Fair and left hungry there’s a chance you weren’t doing it right. From taverns, walking tacos and made-to-order omelets to barbecue beef sandwiches and funnel cakes, nearly every event included some kind of food or beverage.

Judging by the line that stretched at times more than 300 feet with serving going on for more than an hour Sunday night, Randolph residents love their barbecue.

With full bellies, the youngest to the seasoned fair-goer kept busy all weekend with more than a dozen events, starting with citywide garage sales, a foam party and firemen water fights Friday night; the livestock show, swimming, lawnmower races and street dance Saturday; and omelet feed, car and tractor show, pedal tractor pull, quilt show, inflatables for the kids and the community barbecue Sunday.

“This is what you want, children, old people, everybody,” said Shawn Kai, looking around at the large crowd at the Sunday night barbecue which culminates the fair.

Along with the barbecue, Shawn and his wife, Kim, attended the car show and the lawnmower races. Their grandchildren enjoyed the foam party. They live north of Randolph and have been attending fairs for more than 10 years, each year making special memories with their family.

Perry Jones, from nearby Carroll, has been attending the Randolph Community Fair since he was a boy. At that time, it was a smaller version of a county fair with a carnival and a farm machinery display.

This year, Perry and his wife, Jean, spent Sunday in Randolph, starting with the omelet feed, the car and tractor show and then enjoying the community barbecue.

The Community Fair, organized by Reaching Out Around Randolph (ROAR) included several new events to the lineup of traditional favorites.

The Randolph Volunteer Fire Department brought back a throwback from 25 years earlier – firemen’s water fights.

“We wanted to do something different, and it’d been a really long time since we’d done one here,” said Fire Chief Jim Scott, although many on the volunteer squad took part in a water fight in Laurel recently.

For small trophies but huge bragging rights, seven teams of three battled against each other to determine who had the best aim. Lining up on opposite sides and with 90 pounds of water pressure through each firemen’s hose, they sprayed an empty metal barrel suspended overhead with the goal of getting over to their opponent’s side.

A team made up of state fire marshals got beat right off the bat. “Maybe it’d been a while since they were behind a hose,” Scott said with a smile.

The winner was a firefighter from Akron, Iowa, who had also traveled the farthest to compete.

“I was about 6 the last time they had water fights, and it was neat to see it this year as an adult,” said Tony Backer, Randolph Rescue captain.

Along with flipping omelets Sunday morning, the volunteer firefighters also added a dunk tank to the fair this year for something new.

Another new event – lawnmower races – was mentioned by many fairgoers as their favorite addition to this year’s community fair.

Mapped out like a barrel racing course, mowers in several distinct categories “raced” for time.

“It was the first time ever having done the lawn mower races and it was just about having fun,” Backer said.

Layne and Andrea Burbach, and their two children, Riley Jo, 10, and Clayton, 8, took part in many fair events including the foam party, free swimming at the city pool, lawnmower races, inflatable activities, and the floral crown making, among others.

Many commented on the large turnout at all the fair events throughout the weekend. Coupled with alumni gatherings, the fair serves as a good opportunity to reconnect with friends old and new.

“The whole thing about the community fair is just what it says in the name, community. You see a lot of people from the community that you don’t normally see, from those out of town, so it’s always a lot of fun,” said Shawn Kai.

A campaign is underway to raise an estimated $700,000 for repairs to the church, a Gothic Revival structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The work includes masonry restoration, roof replacement and other projects designed to protect the church from water damage and preserve one of northeast Nebraska's historic landmarks.

For Deacon Shane Kleinschmit, the effort is about much more than repairing bricks and mortar.

'When you go in that church and you walk in those doors and you look up, your heart, your mind, your spirit is just drawn to the divine,' Kleinschmit said. 'No matter what your belief is, the architecture in that church lifts you up.'

That architectural vision has inspired visitors since parishioners laid the church's cornerstone in 1896. Built in just 18 months, the church cost about $20,000 — roughly $800,000 in today's dollars, Kleinschmit said.

The parish has already completed approximately $170,000 in repairs this year, including restoration of the bell tower, masonry work on the decorative cupolas, replacement of the clock faces and repairs to metalwork and flashing to prevent water infiltration.

Next on the list are repairs inside the bell tower followed by installation of a waterproof liner beneath the bells. Among the largest remaining projects is replacing the 25-year-old cedar shake roof with a slate roof, an investment expected to cost about $630,000 and provide protection for the next century.

Father Marcus Knecht, pastor of Our Catholic Family of Parishes, said maintaining the church is important not only because it remains an active place of worship but because beauty itself has value.

'Beauty is for everybody,' Fr. Knecht said. 'Whether you're rich or poor, whether you're Catholic or a non-Catholic Christian or a non-believer in God, beauty belongs to everybody.'

Visitors regularly stop to admire the church rising above the Missouri River hills, prompting parish leaders to create informational displays and launch an online GoFundMe campaign so travelers can easily contribute.

Fr. Knecht said donations do more than preserve a historic building.

'People who contribute to this aren't just pouring money into something,' he said. 'They are providing projects that pay artists and human individuals that are able to use their craft and their training to maintain and better something beautiful.'

The church's history mirrors that of the community itself. German settlers first established a log church in the 1860s before replacing it with a frame building. As the congregation continued to grow, they undertook the ambitious project of constructing the present church — an accomplishment Kleinschmit said demonstrated extraordinary sacrifice from a town of only about 150 residents.

Today, St. Helena has fewer residents than it did when the church was built, but Kleinschmit believes the same pioneer spirit remains.

'We don't have to do it all in one year,' he said. 'We just need to set goals and keep working toward those goals and not lose hope.'

Although regular Sunday Mass is celebrated elsewhere within the parish family because of diocesan scheduling, Immaculate Conception remains an active church, hosting holiday liturgies, special celebrations and parish events. Leaders emphasized that the repairs are preventive, intended to keep the building safe and usable rather than rescue a building that has fallen into disrepair.

Beyond serving parishioners, the church remains a gathering place for the broader community through dinners, reunions and other events, while visitors often stop simply to enjoy the quiet grounds overlooking the countryside.

For Kleinschmit, preserving the church is ultimately about honoring both those who built it and those who will inherit it.

'We marvel at the building being 130 years old now,' he said. 'The things that we're doing to this building will help it last another 100 years. Really, it's an invitation to be part of the legacy.'

Found walking west on Highway 20 between Randolph and Osmond, Sweetland shared his story and his mission.

He started in St. Augustine, Fla., on Feb. 1, traveled up through Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky, where he went to the Ark Encounter, which is a life-size Noah’s ark exhibit, then headed west from there, through St. Louis, Missouri, Iowa and now Nebraska.

Sweetland’s ultimate destination, although still fluid, is Newport, OR. He laughed and added, “or maybe Astoria, Oregon, that’s where they filmed ‘The Goonies.’ I’m a Gen X-er, so Goonies Forever.”

Roland Sweetland served in the Army National Guard for 32 years. “I love America, and have driven this road several times, up to Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone,” he said. He wanted to go there this time, but it’s illegal to push a cart through Yellowstone – and dangerous, he added.

He explained that he is doing this because he wants to show his kids and his grandkids that “you can do it.” Another reason is spelled out on his shirt, which says “Make America Love Again” in American Sign Language. His parents are deaf, as are other people he knows.

“I just want to spread some love and show people how wonderful America is, and how beautiful it is,” he explained. “There are several of us doing this.”

He and others are sharing their missions on Facebook. It’s hard to tell how many people try this every year, he said. “Some say it’s as few as 12, some say about 100. I do know that fewer people walk across America than summit Mt. Everest, so it’s a small group.”

Sweetland added that those who walk the highways have to be careful.

“You can’t take the traffic for granted,” he said. “I’ve been run off the road – once on purpose. It’s usually the middle-aged white men, like a road-rage thing. They don’t always notice me, so I give a little flash (of my hand) to catch their eye, and sometimes when I do that, it triggers something and makes them angry, like ‘I knew you were there!’ I’m not trying to get on them, I’m just trying to stay safe.”

Sweetland said that he had “flashed” one man who jerked his steering wheel, which he said many do instinctively, but this driver “full out aimed his truck toward me, and ran me off the road. I feel sorry for them. I don’t know what he was going through that day. I had just gone through the Smoky Mountains, where there’s no shoulders, and thankfully I was coming out of it, and it just happened to be where I could jump off the road and not kill myself. So it’s dangerous, but we mitigate the danger the best we can.”

Roland’s family includes his parents, a son and daughter and grandchildren, who all support him in doing this.

He is retired now, and living off retirement and VA compensation. He said, especially in these rural areas, everyone supports the military. He commented on the people from other countries who are visiting in our country who say how great it is here, and it is, he said, calling it the best country in the history of man.

Roland said there are some beautiful countries out there, but walking through, mainly Iowa and then Nebraska, which has more trees, it reminds him of some screensavers one gets on their TV when they haven’t been watching for a while, that shows pictures of Italy or other similar countries.

“It looks like southern Italy here,” he commented. “It’s a beautiful country, and it is different at three miles an hour. I’ve driven through here before, and nothing looks familiar. It all looks different when you’re walking.”

For those who would like to follow his journey, Roland Sweetland is sharing his adventure on Facebook under his name. To follow others on similar journeys, search for “walking across America.”

HARTINGTON — For generations of Hartington residents, Broadway Lanes has been more than a bowling alley. It's been the site of league nights, birthday parties, friendly competition and countless community gatherings.

Now, one of the community's longtime gathering places is entering a new chapter under owners who say they're investing in Hartington because Hartington first invested in them.

Efrain Gonzalez and his family, owners of Ma Mona's Restaurant, purchased Broadway Lanes on June 22 from Derek Klug and hope to reopen the business by late August or early September, pending licensing and inspections. While ownership is changing, both families say the goal is the same: preserve a place that's long been part of the fabric of the community.

'Ever since we came into Hartington, every single person has been so welcoming,' Gonzalez said. 'It feels like we were in our town back in Mexico because we were from a small town too. The main thing is the community. The community supports us, and we like it here.'

The Gonzalez family moved to Hartington about two-and-a-half years ago and opened Ma Mona's Restaurant in 2023. Gonzalez said purchasing a second business wasn't something they envisioned when they first established Ma Mona’s.

In fact, he admitted he wasn't even sure a restaurant would succeed.

'People would tell me restaurants here don't last more than two years,' Gonzalez said. 'So it was kind of scary.'

Instead, the opposite happened. Supported by local customers, Ma Mona's continued to grow, and Gonzalez said another opportunity gradually presented itself.

'We said, 'Why not start another business?' especially because I know from talking to other people how much they want the bowling alley here in town.'

For Gonzalez, the purchase wasn't simply about expanding the family's business. It was about investing in something the community wanted to keep.

That commitment was important to Klug. 'I couldn't be any more excited about who it's going to be,' Klug said. 'I think they're going to knock it out of the park. They're going to make it more available to the town than I was ever able to, and I'm super stoked about that.'

Gonzalez said longtime bowlers shouldn't expect Broadway Lanes to lose the traditions that have made it a community fixture. The bowling alley will continue operating under the Broadway Lanes name, league schedules will remain intact and much of the menu will stay familiar. Over time, Gonzalez hopes to introduce scratch-made pizzas, keep the facility open year-round and expand opportunities for birthday parties and other community events.

While Gonzalez has grown comfortable operating a restaurant, he admited the bowling side of the business will be a learning experience. Fortunately, that's one lesson he won't have to learn alone.

Klug said he plans to remain involved throughout the transition, helping Gonzalez learn the machines while continuing to bowl in local leagues.

'I plan to be there for them through the duration of the first year,' Klug said. 'I'll continue to be there as far as the machines go. That can't be trained in just one year.'

For Klug, it's a fitting way to close a chapter that began when he started working at Broadway Lanes at age 15.

Klug then took over the business in 2015, two years after graduating high school, continuing the legacy established by Gene and Karen Haberer after Broadway Lanes opened in 1970 following the destruction of Hartington's original Sun Glow bowling alley.

After 11 years as owner, Klug said he was ready for a different pace of life, one that allows him to spend more time with his family and focus on his construction career.

For Gonzalez, Broadway Lanes represents another opportunity to give back to the town that welcomed his family.

'I know for a fact they'll support us because it's a good community,' he said. 'Not just me, but I can see how they support each other too. We're just ready to keep growing and helping Hartington the same way they have supported us.'

If the first few years have taught Gonzalez anything, he said, it's that Hartington is a community that invests in the people and places it believes in.

Now, his family hopes to return that investment by ensuring Broadway Lanes remains a place where neighbors gather, friendships grow and new memories are made for years to come.

The proponents, known as Respect Nebraska Voters, argue that increasing the threshold to tweak or overturn voter-passed laws — such as casino gambling, caps on payday lending, medical cannabis legalization and regulation, minimum wage increases and guaranteed paid sick leave — is necessary because of state lawmakers’ interference in 2025 and 2026.

If successful, the threshold of state senators needed to change voter-approved laws would increase from 33 of 49 lawmakers (two-thirds) to 40 (four-fifths). That would be for any changes, including positive ones, for laws that voters have approved since 2004 and into the future.

'Too many politicians think they know what’s best for Nebraskans, that they know better than the people that elected them,” said Jo Giles, one of three sponsors of the campaign. “But Nebraskans know what’s best for Nebraskans, and after we vote, politicians should listen.”

Under the group’s proposal, only legislation to facilitate and “safeguard” voter-enacted laws, and which “advance a compelling state interest by the least restrictive means,” could be passed by the Legislature after a successful ballot measure at all. That could set up new legal challenges.

The effort also constitutionally seeks to prevent the Legislature from making ballot measures tougher to run. The changes would not address constitutional signature gathering requirements.

“Such laws may include neutral, ministerial and administrative laws necessary to facilitate the fair, orderly and efficient administration of these powers, but no law shall be valid that conditions, restricts, burdens or otherwise impairs the exercise of these powers,” the proposed constitutional amendment states.

The campaign needs roughly 126,000 of its signatures to be valid for the measure to reach voters. That bulk total must include at least 5% of registered voters in at least 38 of the state’s 93 counties. The deadline for local county officials to validate signatures is early September.

Giles, the executive director of the Women’s Fund of Omaha, was previously one of the sponsors of the 2024 petition effort to guarantee some paid sick leave for nearly all Nebraska workers. She and other supporters lamented that lawmakers exempted some teen workers and agricultural employees from approved paid sick leave protections, for instance, changes Giles’ campaign said removed guaranteed paid sick leave for 140,000 workers.

This spring, lawmakers locked annual minimum wage bumps at 1.75% each year, rather than the cost of inflation as voters approved in 2022, and created a “youth minimum wage” that dips below the current $15 minimum wage. The youth wage takes effect July 18.

City leaders in Lincoln passed an ordinance restoring the 2022 ballot language, and Omaha could soon follow suit. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is suing to block the city’s effort.

Employers can still choose to offer more paid sick leave or pay higher than the minimum wage.

Mike Gage, the president and secretary-treasurer of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, said Respect Nebraska Voters “ensures the voices of working people are heard and respected.”

“If you work for a living, you know what it means to work toward a just and fair livelihood, and if you work for a living, this should be an easy yes,” Gage said.

Tay’Viana Robinson and Ta’Miyah Wright, two 16-yearold Omaha students who both work at Step Up Omaha on career readiness and workforce preparation, said Respect Nebraska Voters would show their future votes matter and can make a difference for the next generation.

'Just because someone is too young to vote doesn’t mean their needs should go overlooked,” Tay’Viana said.

As advocates hope to turn to November, some state lawmakers and advocates behind other voter-approved measures, including gambling and medical cannabis, have expressed concern that the proposal could have unintended consequences.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who will be term-limited come January after eight years, said in a Monday Facebook post that her lack of support for Respect Nebraska Voters seems to “surprise” some people she’s spoken to. She was among lawmakers who pushed back on the minimum wage and paid sick leave changes, which passed with the minimum 33 votes needed.

Cavanaugh said Respect Nebraska Voters’ proposal is seeking to respond to a “very real concern,” that the Legislature has, at times, “undermined the will of the voters.”

“I share that concern. It deserves serious attention,” Cavanaugh wrote. “I don’t believe this particular initiative is the right solution.”

She specifically pointed to hesitation about Medicaid expansion, which voters opted the state into in 2018, and the legalization and regulation of medical cannabis, two laws approved in 2024 after years of roadblocks in the Legislature, and on the third petition attempt.