Sandhills State Bank, the Sandhills’ largest locally-headquartered and owned financial institution providing Nebraska values of stability, commitment, and partnership to its customers, today announced a $50,000 donation to the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association Endowment. The $50,000 donation will be invested in the NEHSRA Endowment that was established to help fund the year-end awards and scholarships for the student membership. Tricia Schaffer, NEHSRA Director, called this donation “The largest gift in the history of the NEHSRA Endowment Fund. We are hoping this contribution will give exposure to our endowment fund that will continue to benefit the association and youth rodeo in Nebraska forever.” Ted Klug, Jr., Sandhills State Bank President, said, “We are proud to be both associated with and sponsoring the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association. The families and students involved represent the thriving agricultural industry in Nebraska.” “The Nebraska State High School Rodeo Association is a long-standing tradition in the Sandhills. Youth rodeo provides an opportunity for youth to build life experiences while gaining a greater appreciation of our agricultural heritage.” Contributions and memorials to the NEHSRA Endowment Fund can be made by contacting Tricia Schaffer at 308.534.1244. The Nebraska High School Rodeo Association is a registered 501(c)(3). Sandhills State Bank is a locally owned and regionally focused financial institution committed to serving the Nebraska Sandhills’ ranching, farming and business community since 1902. It currently operates full-service branches in Alliance, Arthur, Bassett, Elsie, Harrison, Hay Springs, Hyannis, Keystone, North Platte, and Valentine. The Bank’s local ownership supports the region’s economic independence and sustains the quality of life for the communities it serves. 46 Holt County and Wheeler Central students have been honored on the fall 2016 Acadmic All-State team by the Nebraska School Activities Association.
Since 2006, this NSAA Award Program has recognized students who meet the criteria for nomination by their school in the season of their activity. Each year the NSAA and the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association recognize students during fall, winter and spring Seasons who are nominated by their schools for their individual academic excellence, leadership and significant contributions in their NSAA activity. To be eligible for the honor, students must meet three requirements: 1. A nominated student must be a varsity player or organizational leader who has played a significant role on the team or in the organizational activity during the seasons for which nominations are accepted. 2. A nominated student must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average, in all curricular subjects, of 93% or 3.7 on a 4.0-point scale or the equivalent. 3. NSAA high schools or their cooperative sponsorship may nominate a maximum of two students per NSAA activity program. Any student, freshman through senior, is eligible for the honor. The full list of Holt County honorees is below. Chambers Starlea Bowen (play production) Travis Halsey (play production) Jacie Laetsch (volleyball) Ewing Emily Eacker (play production) Sarah Hawk (play production) Danielle Anderson (volleyball) Ann Nordby (volleyball) O'Neill Nathaniel Jennings (boys cross country) Ehric Strope (boys cross country) Kadra Sommersted-Simmons (girls cross country) Whitney Watson (girls cross country) Parker Belgum (football) Jake Young (football) Nicole Gotschall (girls golf and play production) Makenzie Petersen (play production) Caleigh Miles (softball) Gabbie Scott (softball) Payton Birkel (volleyball) Emily Morrow (volleyball) St. Mary's Josh Cuddy (football) Zac Wiese (football) Hattie Blumenstock (play production) Betsy Crumly (play production) Logan Connot (volleyball) Breanna Hedstrom (volleyball) Stuart Connor Jarman (football) Peyton Alder (play production) Brook Doke (play production) Rachel Kaup (volleyball) Alison Stracke (volleyball) West Holt Dennis McDermott (boys cross country) Benjamin Thiele (boys cross country) Emma Laible (girls cross country) Lindee Wentworth (girls cross country) Edison Fredrick (football) Jake Judge (football) Megan Bilstein (girls golf) Brea Hostert (girls golf) Devon Dhorman (play production) Kyla Wallinger (play production) Bailey Kraus (volleyball) Anna Meyer (volleyball) Wheeler Central Derek Mahony (boys cross country) Connor Croxen (football) Zane Patrick (football) Regan Dierks (volleyball) The North Central District Health Department, serving Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Pierce and Rock Counties, would like to remind everyone to have their home tested for radon. Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas. It comes from the decay of radium and is present in varying amounts in most soils. Since radon is a gas, it is able to move through the soil and into the air or even into homes. In the outdoor air, radon becomes relatively harmless as it is diluted. However, once radon is trapped inside an enclosed space, radon can accumulate. The concentration of radon inside homes is dependent upon the amount of radon in the soil, the number of available paths into the building and the strength of the force drawing the radon into the building. Levels vary greatly from community to community, street to street and from home to home. Radon decays into a solid, radioactive decay product. These decay products can attach to other particles in the air and be inhaled. The inhaled radon products stay in the lungs and release tissue-damaging radiation. Radon does not cause headaches, nausea, sneezing and other symptoms normally caused by indoor air pollutants. Radon’s only known health effect is lung cancer after prolonged exposure to high levels. Radon is considered to be the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Children are at a higher risk from long-term exposure because their lungs are still developing and the tissues are damaged more easily. Persons who smoke are also at a higher risk, approximately 15 times greater than a nonsmoker. The existence of radon in the air has been known for a long time, but it’s presence in homes was not realized until 1984. High indoor radon levels have been noted in almost every county in the United States. In Nebraska, over 50 percent of homes test above the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) “action level”. Many Nebraska homes are considered “slightly high” and very few have been in the “very high” category. Radon enters the home as it moves through the soil into basements or lowest levels of homes through cracks, loose pipe fittings, sump pits, dirt floors, slab joints, or block walls. Every home in Nebraska should be tested for radon. Only individual testing can determine which homes may have a radon problem. Testing is very easy and free test kits are available through the North Central District Health Department. They can be picked up at our office at 422 East Douglas in O’Neill, at local farm and home shows, your local county extension offices or they can be mailed to you. Please call Jacqueline Wilson for more details at 1-877-336-2406. Residents in Holt County are being warned of yet another phone scam.
The latest is a VISA and MasterCard scam. The caller will have much of the information about the victim and their card, with the exception of one piece they need to complete the fraud. The caller will state that they are with the Security and Fraud Department at VISA and that your card has been flagged for unusual activity. They will then ask if you made a random purchase at a random location for a large dollar amount. If the victim states that they did not make the purchase, the caller will then state that they will credit the account, with the credit sent to the victim's address. The caller then states that they are launching a fraud investigation and asks the victim to verify the three-digit security code on the back of the card. The three-digit security code is the piece of information the scammer is looking for. They will then make a purchase for the same amount they stated as the fraudulent purchase in the beginning of the phone call. The call seems like a legitimate call from the credit card company. However, it is a scam. If you receive a call of this nature, authorities recommend hanging up and calling the number on the back of your card and speak directly with the VISA fraud department. The 2016 Fall Sports Season was a thriller week in and week out. Athletes all across Antelope, Boone, Knox and Holt counties put in work on and off the field and showed up when it was game time and proved themselves as the top performers every week. With that, we are proud to announce the inaugural Local County News All-Area Teams. 25 of the top football and volleyball players, as well as 15 of the top boy and girl cross country runners proved themselves as elite among their peers each week. It wasn’t easy narrowing down so many athletes to such a small list but thanks to some help from area coaches, everyone on these lists are deserving of the accolades they have received. FOOTBALL Holt County was spoiled by great football, as evidenced by the nine players on this team and a state championship. Connor Croxen, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing, WR/CB: Croxen was one of many big-play threats for the Renegades. He served as one of the top receivers and was among the state leaders in interceptions. He finished with 549 yards receiving and seven touchdowns, all while racking up eight interceptions. Josh Cuddy, Sr., St. Mary’s, QB/S: Cuddy was a do-everything man for the Cardinals. He led them to a five-win improvement over last season from his quarterback spot. He passed for 632 yards and 8 touchdowns while running for another 897 yards and 22 touchdowns. He proved to be a good defender as well, recording 85 tackles and four interceptions. Franklin Fessler, Sr., Stuart, RB/LB: Fessler was an outstanding defender for the Broncos. His 117 tackles led the team and his four sacks and four interceptions showed his versatility. Nicholas Haburchak, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing, RB/LB: Haburchak was one of the more overshadowed players in the area for much of the year. However, after the injury to teammate Daniel Libolt, Haburchak took over as the primary back and shined. He racked up 700 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns and 167 receiving yards. He was even better at linebacker, bringing down 128 tackles. Jason Hahlbeck, Sr., O’Neill, T/DE: One coach called Hahlbeck the best defensive lineman his team saw all season. He led an Eagle defense that was lock down from the opening snap of week one. He racked up 100 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and three sacks. Daniel Libolt, Jr., Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing, RB/LB: A players who's stats would have been more eye-popping had he not missed a few games due to injury, Libolt may be the most exciting player in eight man. He finished the season with 818 yards on the ground with 13 touchdowns. He also was a threat through the air, hauling in 347 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. He is a thumper at linebacker also, racking up 70 tackles. Breydon Mlady, Sr., West Holt, RB/LB: Another player who's season was marked by injuries, Mlady was a big-play guy for a strong running attack by the Huskies. He finished the season with 922 yards on just 170 carries and totaled 16 touchdowns. Shayden Neptune, Jr., West Holt, WR/S: Neptune was the definition of an eraser from his safety spot. He finished the year with an outstanding 155 tackles and six interceptions for the Huskies. Alex Thramer, Jr., O’Neill, QB/LB: How good was Thramer's season? He put the ball in the air 215 times and never once threw an interception. He led the Eagles to their first-ever state championship and proved himself among the top quarterbacks in C1. He finished the year with 2,211 yards through the air and 27 touchdowns and added nine more on the ground. VOLLEYBALL Holt County was also spoiled on the hard court, as two teams qualified for the state tournament in 2016. Hattie Blumenstock, Sr., St. Mary’s: A powerful presence for the Cardinals, Blumenstock helped lead them to their fifth-straight state tournament in 2016. She finished the year with 239 kills and 122 total blocks. Taylor Colman, Sr., St. Mary’s: Colman proved herself to be an elite passer in 2016. She wracked up an incredible 885 assists, spreading the ball around to the team's playmakers. She also brought up an impressive 212 digs. Logan Connot, Sr., St. Mary’s: Connot was one of two master attackers for St. Mary's. She finished the year with 239 kills and 125 total blocks after leading the Cardinals to state yet again. Regan Dierks, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: A great net player, Dierks was truly a strong all-around player for the Renegades. She filled the stat sheet for CWC, finishing with 265 kills, 50 aces, 83 blocks and 142 digs. Harlee Fischer, Sr., Stuart: When talking to area coaches about top players, Fischer's name was one of the first to come out. She was the focal point of the Broncos squad, finishing the season with 320 kills and 330 digs in 2016. Bailey Kraus, Jr., West Holt: Kraus was the leader on a feisty Huskies squad. She finished the year with 143 kills, 73 blocks and an impressive 203 digs. Jacie Laetsch, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: Few players can boast the power of Laetsch at the net. She played with aggression and authority all year and led the Renegades to a state tournament trip. She finished the year with an outstanding 467 kills, 76 aces, 62 blocks and 273 digs. Alison Stracke, Sr., Stuart: Stracke was brilliant as a setter in 2016. She dished out 598 assists and brought up 226 digs. She was also excellent from the service stripe, recording 70 aces. Brandon Heller, West Holt: Heller was one of two fantastic runner for the Huskies in 2016. He recorded a best time of 18:49.7 and qualified for state as well, recording a time of 19:00.9. Nathaniel Jennings, O’Neill: O'Neill certainly wasn't lacking in good runners and Jennings was one of the best. He recorded a best time of 17:32.0 and ran a 19:04.1 at state. Derek Mahony, Chambers/Wheeler Central: Mahony was a regular among the top runners all year. He recorded a top finish of 19:03.0 this season. Caden Moore, O’Neill: Another great O'Neill runner, Moore recorded a best time of 17:41.0 in 2016. At state, he finished in 19:28.2. McCoy Strong, O’Neill: Of all those great O'Neill runners, Strong may have been the best this year. He ran a top time of 17:21.0 and ran 18:43.7 at state. Ben Thiele, West Holt: Thiele was another fantastic runner for the Huskies in 2016. He ran a top time of 18:02.2 at the state meet in Kearney. GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY As good as the boys were, the Holt County girls were just as good in 2016. Kira Dickau, Stuart: Dickau has been one of the top runners in Holt County for a couple years now. She ran a top time of 21:05.9 at state, good enough for 17th. Taya Rainforth, O’Neill: Rainforth was yet another outstanding runner for the Eagles. She ran a top time of 22:40.0 in 2016. Alyssa Reiman, West Holt: Reiman led West Holt all season, posting a top time of 22:14.9. Her time at state was 22:24.3. Whitney Watson, O’Neill: Watson was excellent all season for the Eagles, posting a top time of 20:50.0 and running 22:02.1 at the state meet. The full all-area list, including athletes from Antelope, Boone and Knox counties, is below, listed alphabetically:
FOOTBALL Tyson Belitz, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale, WR/LB: 780 yards receiving, 11 touchdowns, 90 tackles, three interceptions Chris Bentley, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale, E/DE: 556 yards receiving, 14 touchdowns, 62 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks Creston Bertschinger, Jr., Clearwater-Orchard, RB/LB: 1,199 all-purpose yards, 10 total touchdowns, 84 tackles Brady Brockhaus, Jr., Creighton, WR/DB: 494 yards receiving, 10 touchdowns, 12 interceptions Tanner Crosley, Sr., Crofton, RB: 1,551 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns Connor Croxen, Sr.,, Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing, WR/CB: 549 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, 70 tackles, eight interceptions Josh Cuddy, Sr.,, St. Mary’s, QB/S: 632 yards passing, eight touchdowns, 897 yards rushing, 22 touchdowns, 85 tackles, four interceptions Franklin Fessler, Sr., Stuart, RB/LB: 117 tackles, four sacks, four interceptions Dylan Gentrup, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove, QB/CB: 1,111 yards passing, 13 touchdowns, 1,060 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns Nicholas Haburchak, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing, RB/LB: 700 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns, 167 yards receiving, 128 tackles Jason Hahlbeck, Sr., O’Neill, T/DE: 100 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, three sacks Liam Heithoff, Jr., Elgin Public/Pope John, G/DE: 105 total tackles, 52 solo tackles (new school record) Daniel Libolt, Jr., Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing, RB/LB: 818 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns, 341 yards receiving, seven touchdowns, 70 tackles Josh McFarland, So., Elkhorn Valley, QB/LB: 413 yards passing, 337 yards rushing, five touchdowns, 75 tackles, three interceptions Breydon Mlady, Sr., West Holt, RB/LB: 922 yards rushing, 16 total touchdowns Quinten Moles, Jr., Bloomfield, QB/CB: 2,511 yards rushing, 34 touchdowns Sam Morrill, Sr., Creighton, G/LB: 124 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries Shayden Neptune, Jr., West Holt, WR/S: 155 tackles, six interceptions Ryan Neumann, Sr., Creighton, QB/S: 1,344 yards passing, 23 touchdowns, 1,675 yards rushing, 33 touchdowns, two kick return touchdowns Braydon Olson, Sr., St. Edward, RB/CB: 1,586 yards rushing, 31 touchdowns Kevin Rudloff, Sr., Niobrara/Verdigre, RB/S: 918 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns Alex Thramer, Jr., O’Neill, QB/LB: 1,969 yards passing, 26 touchdowns, 339 yards rushing, six touchdowns Noah Valasek, Sr., Riverside, QB/S: 1,008 yards passing, 25 touchdowns, 888 yards rushing, 22 touchdowns Grant White, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale, QB/S: 1,798 yards passing, 32 touchdowns, 266 yards rushing, five touchdowns Bryce Zimmerer, So., Creighton, RB/CB: 1,488 yards rushing, 24 touchdowns, 223 receiving yards, four touchdowns VOLLEYBALL Kirsten Adams, So., Creighton: 166 kills, 105 blocks Monica Arens, Sr., Crofton: 360 kills, 79 blocks Hattie Blumenstock, Sr., St. Mary’s: 239 kills, 122 total blocks Peyton Clifton, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 128 digs, 357 assists, 46 aces Taylor Colman, Sr., St. Mary’s: 885 assists, 212 digs Logan Connot, Sr., St. Mary’s: 239 kills, 125 total blocks Regan Dierks, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 265 kills, 50 aces, 83 blocks, 142 digs Harlee Fischer, Sr., Stuart: 320 kills, 330 digs Nikki Grosserode, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 148 kills, 29 aces, 189 digs JoCee Johnston, So., Clearwater-Orchard: 253 kills, 88 blocks, 31 aces Jenna Kramer, Sr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 258 kills, 27 aces Bailey Kraus, Jr., West Holt: 143 kills, 73 blocks, 203 digs Jacie Laetsch, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 467 kills, 76 aces, 62 blocks, 273 digs Jordan Mescher, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 268 digs, 92 percent serving Amber Miller, So., Elkhorn Valley: 70 aces (new school record), 285 digs, 300 assists Amy Nelson, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 203 kills, 70 blocks Alyssa Rood, Sr., Elkhorn Valley: 285 digs, 36 aces, 113 kills Kelsey Sanger, Sr., Crofton: 308 kills, 77 aces, 59 blocks, 437 digs Grace Schalk, Jr., Riverside: 148 kills, 56 aces Liz Selting, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 324 kills, 105 digs, 42 blocks Alison Stracke, Sr., Stuart: 70 aces, 598 assists, 226 digs Chase Vleck, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 224 kills, 37 aces, 195 digs Maddie Walkowiak, Jr., Riverside: 329 kills, 45 aces, 27 blocks Baylee Wlaschin, Sr., Riverside: 790 assists, 52 aces Nicole Woebecke, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 143 kills, 36 aces, 200 digs BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Tanner Arens, Crofton: Best time of 18:18.78, State time of 18:18.78 Cole Belitz, Neligh-Oakdale: Best time of 17:36 Braydon Effle, Elkhorn Valley: Best time of 19:05.0 Thomas Hosford, Boone Central/Newman Grove: Best time of 18:43.0 Garrison Hazen, Creighton: Best time of 17:48.0. State time of 18:03.6 Zac Hazen, Creighton: Best time of 18:48.8. State time of 19:44.8 Brandon Heller, West Holt: Best time of 18:49.7. State time of 19:00.9 Tyler Janssen, Crofton: Best time of 18:06.33. State time of 18:33.78 Nathaniel Jennings, O’Neill: Best time of 17:32.0. State time of 19:04.1 Derek Mahony, Chambers/Wheeler Central: Best time of 19:03.0 Austin Miller, Elkhorn Valley: Best time of 18:04.0. State time of 18:37.4 Caden Moore, O’Neill: Best time of 17:41.0. State time of 19:28.2 Jake Neuhalfen, Crofton: Best time of 17:02.4. State time of 17:03.72 McCoy Strong, O’Neill: Best time of 17:21.0. State time of 18:43.7 Ben Thiele, West Holt: Best time of 18:02.2. State time of 18:02.2 GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Haley Arens, Crofton: Best time of 19:35.0. State time of 19:35.0 Amber Berger, Riverside: Best time of 22:37.6. State time of 23:14.6 Mariah Dendinger, Crofton: Best time of 22:59.0. State time of 22:59.0 Kira Dickau, Stuart: Best time of 21:05.9. State time of 21:05.9 Bree Eisenhauer, Bloomfield/Wausa: Best time of 20:47.2. State time of 20:47.2 Katie Goodwater, Boone Central/Newman Grove: Best time of 20:23.0. State time of 21:19.0 Kasi Grosserode, Neligh-Oakdale: Best time of 23:10.0 Jessica Lange, Crofton: Best time of 23:14.0. State time of 23:14.0 Taya Rainforth, O’Neill: Best time of 22:40.0 Alyssa Reiman, West Holt: Best time of 22:14.9. State time of 22:24.3 Christina Soto-Stopak, Boone Central/Newman Grove: Best time of 19:25.0. State time of 20:22.9 Alison Stineman, Elkhorn Valley: Best time of 19:20.0. State time of 21:24.1 Whitney Watson, O’Neill: Best time of 20:50.0. State time of 22:02.1 Ann Woockman, Bloomfield/Wausa: Best time of 22:02.48. State time of 23:13.3 Krista Zavadil, Crofton: Best time of 22:12.9. State time of 22:12.9 HONORABLE MENTION, FOOTBALL St. Mary's - Will Atkeson, Pete Blumenstock, Zac Wiese Wausa - Ghatlin Hegge Clearwater-Orchard - Travis Kerkman Boone Central/Newman Grove - Dalton Wagner, Cody Nelson, Levi Kruger O'Neill - Bailey Thompson, Wyatt Liewer, Justin Appleby, Jake Young West Holt - Jake Judge Elgin Public/Pope John - Chad Bode, Miles Schrage Elkhorn Valley - Shawn Klinetobe, Dylan Wilkins Creighton - Travis Tyler Crofton - Grant Wragge, Dylan Potts Bloomfield - Luke Fehringer Neligh-Oakdale - Damon Arehart, Pepper Marchant Riverside - Ty Martinsen, Tredyn Prososki, Trey Carraher St. Edward - Keenan Rasumussen, Jonah Micek Chambers/Wheeler Central - Carter Croxen, Zane Patrick, Ross Gribble HONORABLE MENTION, VOLLEYBALL Stuart - Rachel Kaup O'Neill - Payton Birkel Clearwater-Orchard - Kylie Thiele, Kinzly Macke Ewing - Miranda Summer, Bailey Schindler, Ashley Koenig, Jodi Fry Elgin Public/Pope John - Baylee Wemhoff, Grace Henn, Paige Meis, Nicki Payne Riverside - Morgan Haschke Bloomfield - Leah Poppe, Brandi Guenther The Nebraska State Patrol joins its law enforcement partners across the nation in an effort to save lives over the Thanksgiving holiday by participating in the “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Beginning Monday, Nov. 21 and continuing through Sunday, Nov. 27, troopers and communications specialists will put in overtime hours as a part of the seat belt enforcement effort. “The unfortunate reality is there will be crashes on our roadways,” said Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “But, if we make sure everyone, in every vehicle, is buckled up, and we all follow the rules of the road, not only can we reduce the number of crashes, we can prevent serious injuries and save lives.” During the “Click It or Ticket” enforcement, troopers will concentrate on reducing crash-causing behaviors such as speeding, following too closely, and impaired and distracted driving. A $21,900 grant from the Department of Roads Highway Safety Office will help fund the effort to save lives on our nation’s roadways. Travelers are also encouraged to pay special attention to weather and road conditions when preparing for holiday travel by utilizing 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System online at www.511.nebraska.gov. A Nebraska 511 mobile app is also available to download at no cost for smartphone users. For more information on specific enforcement activities during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign contact your nearest Nebraska State Patrol Troop Area Headquarters or view a calendar of selected NSP Enforcement Activities. Snow is coming soon and that means Snow days will be here too. And with the first storm, area roads departments are preparing for the winter season. Everyone there has been working the past few days to get all the trucks ready for winter. “We haven’t got any of our winter stuff out yet this year, so this is the first little storm coming in,” said maintenance supervisor Gary Park. “So we are putting the plows and the wings and the sanders, our liquid spray systems on all our trucks and testing them before the storm happens.” Even with just a little bit of snow, Park likes to stay prepared. He says testing all the equipment is a simple step to make sure the roads are nice and safe. “We do our best you know,” Park explained. “Every storm is different. There will be a storm that will happen and you will think ‘Jeeze, our roads aren’t that good.’ But we truly do try to do our best and provide the best road possible.” Working on the roads crew means watching the weather forcast to know when a storm is coming. “We got a several day heads up so you kinda know what kind of cushion you need,” Park said. “So you better get to start working on your trucks.” Park says the trucks are out on the roads at 4:30 in the morning. Every one of their workers has their own truck with their own routes to make sure roads get cleared and cleaned. Two of Holt County's best were heavily present on the D1-7 All-District team.
Chambers/Wheeler Central/Ewing and West Holt placed a total of 20 players on the team after two very successful seasons. On the first team, the Renegades had six students take home honors. Conner Croxen, Zane Patrick, Trevor Klabenes, Nick Haburchak, Bryce Summers and Ross Gribble were all named to the team. For West Holt, Jake Judge, Breydon Mlady, Bryce Kerkman and Shayden Neptune all had excellent seasons to make the team. CWCE also had four players named as honorable mention in Pat Tomjack, Trevor Brummels, Daniel Libolt and Carter Croxen. Earning honorable mention for the Huskies were Seth Wentworth, Mason Lofquist, Mason Hale, Perry Winer, Colby Deseive and Chase Harrison. Volleyball in Holt County was as competitive as ever in 2016, as is evidenced by the Niobrara Valley Conference All-Conference volleyball teams, announced on Tuesday.
21 girls were honored by the conference. On the first team, St. Mary's Hattie Blumenstock, Taylor Colman and Logan Connot were all honored. Chambers/Wheeler Central saw Jacie Laetsch and Regan Dierks added to the team while Stuart's Harlee Fischer was also a first-teamer. On the second team, Brianna Bauer represented St. Mary's while Taylor Peter represented Chambers/Wheeler Central. Alison Stracke and Rachel Kaup represented Stuart, Bailey Kraus represented West Holt and Miranda Summer and Bailey Schindler represented Ewing. Many players were named to the honorable mention list as well. Hailey Eiler and Branna Hedstrom were recognized for St. Mary's. Peyton Randolph of West Holt was recognized. CWC's Daneecia Thorin and Aleesha Williams as well as Stuart's Kennison Kunz were named honorable mention. Rounding out the list were Ashley Koenig and Jodi Fry of Ewing. NVC All-Conference Volleyball Teams 1ST TEAM St. Marys – Hattie Blumenstock, Taylor Coleman, Logan Connot EPPJ- Liz Selting, Amy Nelson, Baylee Wemhoff, Jordan Mescher NC- Jaycee Fleming, Rachel Stewart CWC- Regan Dierks, Jacie Laetsch Stuart- Harlee Fischer 2ND TEAM St. Mary’s – Brianna Bauer EPPJ- Grace Henn, Paige Meis NC- Caitlin Orton, Jaydyn Bussinger West Holt- Bailey Kraus CWC – Taylor Peter Stuart- Alison Stracke, Rachel Kaup Ewing- Miranda Summer, Bailey Schindler Orchard-Clearwater – Jocee Johnston Honorable Mention Niobrara-Verdigre- Ashley Guenther St. Mary’s – Hailey Eiler, Breanna Hedstrom EPPJ- Nicki Payne Boyd County – Kelsey Reiman, Rebecca Hiatt NC- Skylar Cosgrove EV- Alyssa Rood, Amber Miller Neligh-Oakdale- Chase Vleck, Nikki Grosserode West Holt- Peyton Randolph CWC- Daneecia Thorin, Aleesha Williams Stuart- Kennison Kunz Ewing- Ashley Koenig, Jodi Fry Orchard-Clearwater – Kylie Thiele, Kinzly Macke The Niobrara woman that sent authorities on a month-long search was in court Monday.
Amy Heiser was in court in Boyd County for the first time since being found last Thursday. She faces charges in three different counties stemming from actions leading up to her disappearance. In Boyd County, Heiser was charged with probation violations. In Holt County, she is dealing with gun and drug charges and she faces unknown charges in Knox County according to Boyd County Sheriff Chuck Wrede. Heiser disappeared and authorities searched for her for more than a month. She was set to appear in Holt County District Court on September 29 on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. A press release issued shortly after disappearance stated that the sheriff’s office located her black 2000 GMC Yukon Denali at the public landing of Sunshine Bottom on the Missouri River on September 26 at approximately 12:30 p.m. Heiser was not found near the vehicle, but the sheriff’s office says that items obtained in the vehicle lead authorities to believe she may have gone into the river. She was found alive on November 10 when the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office received a tip on whereabouts. Acting on the tip, Sheriff Wrede contacted Knox County Sheriff’s Office, who in turn contacted the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. At approximately 3:15 p.m., a search of a residence in rural Cedar County, outside of Hartington, revealed the location of Heiser. She was taken into custody, without incident and transported by Knox County to the Antelope County Jail, where she is currently being held. The investigation is ongoing as to the movements of Heiser and other parties involved in the case. Heiser will next appear in court on November 28. |