It's National Agriculture Week, March 21-27. As we celebrate agriculture we'd like to thank the people behind the food we depend on every day, and shine a spotlight on all of our area farmers. We are inviting them to post a photo of themselves or their farm, or ranch, on the Tribune's Facebook page this week. We salute you Niobrara area farmers and ranchers!!!
The last day to vote for Niobrara's Top Ten Priorities for 2021 is Feb. 28. The votes will be counted by Niobrara's FBLA Class on Monday morning. Please remember to vote! Thank you!
The N/V Cougar boys defeated Boyd County in the first round of the D1-5 Sub-District at Niobrara Monday night, 60-53. They are set to play Osmond at 6:30 p.m. In the second game this evening, Bloomfield plays Creighton at 8 p.m.
First round sub districts NV Lady Cougars vs Bloomfield Lady Bees tonight at 7pm @ Hartington CC.
Another photo just received from the Spencer Advocate, of the ice under the new Spencer Dam Bridge.
This photo was just sent down from the Spencer Advocate. Ice is right up underneath the new Spencer Dam. "The REA was down at the bridge at the Spencer Dam checking on the main transmission line because it was getting close to the bank," said Advocate editor, John Wells.
There will be no worship service on Sunday, Feb. 14 for Faiths United Parish due to the extreme cold weather predicted for Sunday. There will be an Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 6:45 p.m.
It's National Plan for Vacation Day!!!
Work progressing on new river access project…
An alfalfa field, owned by Niobrara State Park and located near the new Mormon Canal Bridge at Niobrara, is being made into a new river access area. The project began in November and will include a boat ramp for canoe and kayak launches, a parking lot, and an overlook area. A new road is also being made veering from the county road on 522 Avenue. The same contractors that worked on the Mormon Canal Bridge are working on this project. Tribune photos.
N/V Cougars held off Wausa; finish second in Holiday Tournament
The N/V Cougar boys' varsity team dropped its game with Creighton on December 19 as Creighton claimed a 76-62 victory. To find out how the players did, including Coach Quick's comments, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
A new year of priorities-Residents asked to submit priorities for the year 2021
Niobrara residents are once again being invited by the Niobrara Tribune to submit their ideas for Niobrara's 2021 Top Ten Priority List. To find out what last year's top ten priorities were, and to find out how to submit ideas, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
School officials announced that there has been a change in game times for the high school basketball games this week. On both Tuesday, Jan. 12 and Friday, Jan. 15, the JV girls’ games will begin at 4:15 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. The girls will play four quarters on both dates and the JV boys will play two quarters.
N/V Cougar girls runners up in Holiday Tournament
By Pat Svec, Cougar Coach
The N/V Lady Cougars squared off against the St. Edward Beavers in the first round of the Verdigre Booster Club Holiday Tournament on Monday, December 28. To read about the tournament and how the players scored, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
Growth chart: Niobrara grew by a leap and many small projects in the year 2020
Nineteen building permits were purchased for projects in Niobrara in 2020. A lot of deconstruction and clean up after the flood took place this year. Plus, two large projects happened in 2020. To read all about the projects that happened, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
Ketelsen retires from Knox County Extension Office in Center
Mary Ketelsen has worked in the Knox County Extension Office in Center for 32 years.
“Every day was a new day. I learned something from everyone who visited or called the office. I enjoyed immensely working with all the families through the 4-H program,” Ketelsen said.
She has enjoyed working alongside her co-workers. Each Extension Educator brough with them a knowledge that kept the learning process diverse and exciting.
Ketelsen never missed a fair during her 32 years of service. She enjoyed seeing the 4-H’ers happy faces and stories. It was an honor for her to watch each member grow by learning through the Knox County 4-H Program. Each summer was filled with 4-H activities. She would say the Clover Kid and Project Days were always a highlight in June with Fair and its pre-fair activities being her highlight in July and August.
The Knox County Extension Office wishes Ketelsen a happy retirement.
NCDHD announces COVID-19 Vaccination plan
The NCDHD has received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and is proceeding to disperse vaccine to Phase 1 A partners, as outlined in the Nebraska COVID-19 vaccination plan. Pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune to read the tentative timeline for district COVID-19 vaccinations.
Concerned about the future of Lewis and Clark Lake? Tune into the US Army Corps of Engineers' Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 15 beginning at 6 p.m.
The USACE is updating and revising their Project Master Plan for Gavins Point Dam/Lewis and Clark Lake Project, last updated and approved in 2004. Part of the process is to gather public input. Join the meeting with the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/7381098612
There will be a flag raising ceremony at the Santee Sioux Nation Honoring Monuments on Veteran's Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Test NE Clinic Wednesday, November 4th in Niobrara at the Trading Post from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Test NE Clinic Wednesday, November 4th in Niobrara at the Trading Post from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
North Central District Health Department will be hosting a drive-through public influenza vaccine clinic from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Niobrara Public School parking lot.
St. Rose of Lima School hosted a Scholastic Book Fair Oct 1-7 in the parish Hall, earning just over $4,000 in new books for the preschool and grades 1-8 classrooms and the school library! Thanks to generous upfront “shopping spree” donations by the Knights of Columbus and St. Rose Ladies Guild and the many parents and grandparents that donated from the Teacher’s Wish List, this year’s Fair was the most successful in year’s past. The book fair has come to a conclusion, but the books the children enjoy in the classroom will be lasting.
NVC releases conference volleyball bracket
New addition to sports schedule
The N/V Cougar boys will be playing Blue Hill on Friday, Oct. 16 at 3:30 p.m. in Verdigre. The early kickoff is due to the distance Blue Hill will be traveling and the officials for the game have another game at 7 p.m. in Wausa that night.
All Things Pumpkin
Is Cancelled
Niobrara’s Third Annual “All Things Pumpkin,” set for Saturday, Oct. 17 has been cancelled, but the ATV Parade scheduled for 7 p.m. in the evening. will be held.
Time for fall fun at Niobrara...
Bonnie Paulsen and Linda Crosley arranged this pretty fall arrangement at the end of the Hickory Street cul-de-sac on Sunday morning. Autumn is in the air and the orange, brown, red, and gold colors of the season are making their annual appearance. A fall fun day is being planned in Niobrara, on October 17- the Third Annual All Things Pumpkin event. Tribune photo.
Test-Nebraska, coronavirus testing, Wednesday, September 30th in Niobrara at the Trading Post from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
In celebration of Mike and Judy Mauch's 25th Wedding Anniversary on September 30th, their children would like to honor them with a card shower.
Cards of congratulations can be sent to:
89167 557th Ave., Fordyce, NE 68786
Boat dock in pretty good shape...
The Niobrara boat landing on the Missouri River, north of town, is in pretty good shape this summer after volunteers helped to restore it, after the flood. The village hauled in several loads of rock, the outdoor toilets have been repaired, and trash cans have been added. Tribune photo.
Test Nebraska Clinic: Wednesday, September 23rd in Niobrara at the Trading Post from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Pre-registration on testnebraska.com for a testing time is preferred, but not required. Testing at these events is free.
Nebraskans sign up for healthcare coverage; and can still apply
Heritage Health Adult Medicaid Expansion (HHA) has successfully signed up 5,218 Nebraskans to date. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) continues to provide great customer service. Applications are currently processed in about seven days, which is over a month faster than required by federal law. Additional DHHS teammates have been hired and trained to be able to help answer callers' questions and process applications. To find out how to apply, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
The family of Frank (Bub) Jones of Niobrara, is requesting a Card Shower for his 90th birthday on September 22.
His family includes Eldon and Gayle Jones of Torrington, Wyo.; Greg Jones and Isabelle Knori, Niobrara; Mary Ann Skuya, Niobrara; Bev and Bob Motacek, Verdel; Doug and Peggy Jones, Yankton, S.D.; and Jeff and Donna Jones of Crofton, and their families.
Cards will reach him at: 89161 522 Avenue, Niobrara, NE 68760.
COVID-19 Update: North Central District Health Dept. reported 137 Total Cases and 69 Recoveries for Knox County, as of Sept. 16, 2020.
Early ballot applications have begun to be mailed, and are now on their way to every registered voter in Nebraska, Secretary of State Bob Evnen announced. For info or to track your mail-in ballot visit: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/early-voting
Current COVID-19 Case Update: As of Sept. 8 at 3 p.m.: Knox County: 115 Total Cases; 59 Recoveries
Current COVID-19 case count as of Sept. 2, 2020 at 3 p.m.: Knox County: Total Cases: 104. Recoveries: 44
Test Nebraska testing clinics will be held in Niobrara on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Niobrara Trading Post, 248 Walnut St., Niobrara. A one-time event in coordination with the Santee Health Center will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santee Health Center, 110 S. Visiting Eagle.
Niobrara-Verdigre Volleyball Triangular
Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Niobrara
Niobrara-Verdigre, Creighton, Osmond will be playing. Games times are as follows: 5:30 p.m., Osmond vs. Niobrara/Verdigre; 6:30 p.m., Creighton vs. Osmond; 7:30 p.m., Niobrara/Verdigre vs. Creighton.
Bridge ceremony Tomorrow
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Nebraska Department of Transportation will host an event at 9:30 a.m. to celebrate the opening of the Mormon Canal Bridge at Niobrara. With the opening of the new permanent bridge over the Mormon Canal, and repairs made to the bridge over the Niobrara River, full mobility has been re-established in the area.
This marks a major milestone in progress after the March 2019 flood event caused significant damage to the approach and girders of the bridge over the Niobrara, and completely washed out the bridge over the Mormon Canal. The temporary and permanent reconstruction of Highway 12 is one of the most complex flood recovery projects in the state.
NDOT Director Kyle Schneweis, Governor Pete Ricketts, industry partners, and local stakeholders will make brief remarks. This event is open to the public.
New graphic artist at the Niobrara Tribune
The Niobrara Tribune has a new graphic artist on staff, who arrived on the scene in June. Trina Adermann has been designing and selling ads at the local newspaper this summer, and even with the lack of activities because of the virus, has already met lots of the locals. Be sure to pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune to get to know Adermann a little better.
Restoring the town sign...
Brian Swanson and a crew of Cole Swanson and Jim Swanson were completing the rock work on the Niobrara sign at the west edge of town Saturday. The sign was destroyed during the March 14,2019 flood. This is one of the flood repair projects the village received FEMA funds to repair. Tribune photo.
COVID-19 Case Count Update: As of Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. Knox County had 45 Total Cases, Recoveries: 35. Read the state totals in this week's edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
Meals on Wheels at Niobrara is looking for drivers. For more information, persons can contact Barb Farrar.
The western half of Niobrara experienced a power outage on Monday evening for 30 minutes from 7-7:30 p.m. An electric pole by the Niobrara tree dump was hit by lightning which was the cause of the problem.
Niobrara will celebrate the completion of the bridge projects on Sept. 4 and 5 with Bridge Days. Activities are being planned. Watch the Tribune for details.
Gov. Pete Ricketts hosted Dr. Deborah Birx at the State Capitol on Aug. 14. She serves as a representative for global health diplomacy and serves in the office of Vice President as the government's Coronavirus Response Coordinator. Read more in this week's Tribune.
North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) has been made aware of 16 additional positive COVID-19 cases in the district. Two (2) cases in Antelope County, one (1) case in Boyd County, one (1) case in Brown County, three (3) cases in Knox County, six (6) cases in Pierce County, and one (1) case in Rock County that through case investigations have been determined to be due from close contacts with positive cases. One (1) case in Brown County, one (1) case in Holt County through case investigations have been determined to be due to from community spread. All close contacts with all cases have been identified and asked to quarantine.
A mountain lion was sighted in Lynch on the evening of Aug. 7. The Boyd County Sheriff's Office is asking residents in the area to be cautious and vigilant. If persons see one, call 911. Do not approach. Read more in the Tribune.
The Knox County 4-H Fashion Show was held Aug. 6 at the First Trinity Social Hall in Bloomfield. Starlet Nielsen of Niobrara was a trophy winner. She is a member of the Running Water 4-H Club.
Garage sales were successful...
The Niobrara Historical Society's Citywide Garage Sales at Niobrara and Running Water drew a crowd on Friday and Saturday. Judy Kopp's moving sale on Buckeye Road sold out. Many reported record crowds this year. Tribune photo.
Nebraska Strong will be in the area bringing information about coping during an infectious disease outbreak. Nebraska Rural Response Hotline-1-800-464-0258. Nebraska Family Helpline - 1-888-866-8660.
People are traveling for the Nebraska Passport Program
The Nebraska Tourism Department announced that 115 people have completed the 2020 Nebraska Passport so far. The Passport inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes, while also supporting Nebraska's tourism destinations and small businesses. To read more on the passport program, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
DHHS encourages Test Nebraska use
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) dashboard continues to show an increase in positive cases. DHHS asks every Nebraskan to do their part to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. To read more on Test Nebraska and how you can protect yourself and others, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
Beach "shore" is fun...
Niobrara Adventures' beach has been a busy place this summer, three miles south of Niobrara o Highway 14. Courtesy photo
A Card Shower has been requested for Rozann Graves of Niobrara in honor of her 80th birthday. Her address is: 169 Buckeye Road, Niobrara, NE 68760
Northeast Community College to require masks
Northeast Community College continues to put plans into place to prepare to begin the fall semester on August 17. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans have been developed to include appropriate social distancing and classroom safety protocols. To read the full story, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
See this week's Niobrara Tribune for the School Supply List for Niobrara Public Schools. School starts Aug. 20.
Check out this week's Niobrara Tribune to see the Niobrara Public Schools' full-color back to school ad, listing staff members, and lots of pertinent information about the coming school year.
Niobrara Public School is having an Open House on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 4:30 - 7 p.m. Hotdogs and chips will be served from the concession stand. Look for more info in this week's Tribune or next week's back to school ad.
Santee offered a cultural day camp for youth on July 22 and 23 at the powwow grounds.
Sponsors are needed for the Knox Co. Relay for Life Radio Luminaria on Aug. 22 from 5-10 p.m. broadcast from Creighton Community Radio station. Learn what the event includes and how to be a sponsor by reading this week's Tribune.
Faiths United Parish's Sunday morning worship service will be broadcast on 89.5 FM this Sunday at 9 a.m.
There will be hunting season this fall. Hunters may begin purchasing 2020 big game permits Aug. 3, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has just announced.
Knox County Fair,
August 13-16
Entertainment:
D.C. Lynch Midway all four days
August 13, 2020 Bull-A-Rama With Soundz Unlimited in Beer Garden
August 14, 2020: Lonestar at the Grandstand TBD, with Eastern Heights in the beer garden afterwards
August 15, 2020: Hairball at the Grandstand TBD, with Eastern Heights in Beer Garden afterwards
August 16, 2020: Monster Trucks
Fall sports will be taking place, according to the Nebraska School Activities Association. First practices for football and volleyball, cross country and golf are set to begin Aug. 10.
Niobrara School Board has approved the first reading of the updated Student Handbook, and the first reading of the new Staff Handbook, during their regular board meeting on Monday, July 13. See this week's Tribune for details.
Cade Kalkowski, a member of the Wayne State College men's track and field team, has received individual All-Academic honors from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association by the association office in New Orleans, La.
The Isanti Cultural Day Camp is taking place July 22 and 23 at the Isanti Powwow Grounds in Santee. Sessions run from 8 - 11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Sessions include Dakota Language, Dakota Song and Dance, Dakota Stories, Tipi Lessons, Hand Games and Archery.
"Visit531 Nebraska" visits in Niobrara
Visit531 Nebraska was in Niobrara on Sunday.
They are a couple of UNL-Omaha students entering their sophomore year, who, due to the virus, found themselves getting frequently bored, so they decided to explore the state and visit all 531 towns in Nebraska.
Cheer Camp held at School
A Cheer Camp for the Niobrara High School cheerleaders was held on Monday in the school gym. Instructors came from the University of South Dakota at Vermillion.
Drive-In Church being held...
Faiths United Parish at Niobrara held its first in-person church service since the pandemic on Sunday morning. The service was held drive-in theatre style and cars were parked six feet apart. Courtesy photo.
A fun summer learning camp featuring art has been taking place at Niobrara Public Schools during the past five weeks.
Congratulations to the NHS Class of 2020, who will graduate on Saturday, July 18. Ceremony is not open to the public but persons can view all of the graduates and their future plans in this week's edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
New Website and Mobile App coming!
The website may take a new look for some of you this week as we launch our new website and mobile app.
It will likely cause some disruption for a few days - so email or call if you have any issues.
Look to the paper next week for an update!
Graduation is Saturday for the 11 members of the NHS Class of 2020. The ceremony is not open to the public.
The Niobrara Village Board, met July 7 and passed an amendment to the village zoning ordinances, creating an ordinance to establish a process for joining lots.
Niobrara Promoters met July 9. Discussion was held on when to have the Bridge Dedication Celebration. It was decided the celebration would be held on Sept. 4 and 5. Activities planned are a car cruise, road rally and barbecue. Other suggestions are being welcomed.
Osni Ponca, LLC, the economic development arm of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, has purchased Farnik's Market in Niobrara. They are planning a renovation and hope to be open by Sept. 1.
The Niobrara Tribune won two awards in the Nebraska Better Newspaper Contest, Thursday, June 25; first place in the Class A Breaking News Photography category and first place in the Class A Editorial category.
The Niobrara Promoters are requesting a Card Shower for Ken and Galen Farnik to congratulation them on 55 years of service to the Niobrara Community. Cards will reach them at PO Box 105, Niobrara.
In Niobrara, fireworks are allowed for one week prior to the 4th of July, and times are until 10 p.m. each evening with a leeway given on July 4 (between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m. )
The NHS Alumni Association Board's deadline for the Alumni Scholarships has been moved to July 15, 2020 for Niobrara graduates (before 2020) or still in college. For specifics see the alumni newsletter.
NENCAP Immunization Program will be holding an Immunization Clinic on July 21 in Creighton by appointment only, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment or get more information persons can call 402-385-6300 or 1-800-445-2505.
From the Nebraska State Activities Association:
The NSAA Membership voted 31 to 20 FOR adding Bowling as a sanctioned NSAA activity.
The NSAA Membership voted 28 to 23 AGAINST adding Girls Wrestling as a sanctioned NSAA activity. The NSAA Board of Directors voted 7 to 1 to add Girls Wrestling as an EMERGING sport.
Complete results from the 2020 NSAA Representative Assembly are available on the NSAA website at https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/leg/repmin.pdf.
Cruise Night Set
The community of Niobrara is sponsoring a Cruise Night to honor the Niobrara High School Seniors of the Class of 2020, on Saturday, May 9 from 6-9 p.m. Persons are to tune in to KBRX 102.9 for music, prizes and specials.
Cruise Night Set
The community of Niobrara is sponsoring a Cruise Night to honor the Niobrara High School Seniors of the Class of 2020, on Saturday, May 9 from 6-9 p.m. Persons are to tune in to KBRX 102.9 for music, prizes and specials.
Dam safety experts release report on Spencer Dam failure
The Spencer Dam Independent Investigation Panel has prepared the final report on the failure of the Spencer Dam that occurred in northern Nebraska on March 14, 2019. To read the report, find this story in the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
Nebraskans urged to "stay connected"
Governor Pete Ricketts encouraged Nebraskans to stay connected to friends and family during this time of increased social distancing. To read the full story, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
COVID-19 case updates given
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported that Nebraska COVID-19 topped 1,000 with the Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services's Thursday evening report of 1.066 cases. To read more, pick up the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
NCPA Academic All-State Winter 2019-2020 awards announced
The Nebraska School Activities Association announced the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association's Winter 2019-2020 Academic All-State Awards. Find this story in the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
Cattlemen call for public support
The WNAX radio station had a special program pertaining to "the cattle market crisis." IT was reported that since the virus, all of the Ag markets have been hurt severely, but the livestock market the most severe. To read more, find this story in the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune
Niobrara senior citizens handling pandemic well Donna Meier, 86, of Niobrara had just switched off her television Friday night when she decided to prepare supper. She glanced out her kitchen window and saw 13 of her family members in her driveway. To read the full story, find this story in the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
Construction on educational trail...
Construction is taking place, paving the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's Educational Trail, three miles south of town. Concrete is being poured with plans to have the trail work completed over the next few months.
Niobrara senior citizens handling pandemic well
Donna Meier, 86, of Niobrara had just switched off her television Friday night when she decided to prepare supper. She glanced out her kitchen window and saw 13 of her family members in her driveway. To read the full story, find this story in the latest edition of the Niobrara Tribune.
Bridge Construction at Niobrara
Work has not stopped all winter long on the bridge project at Niobrara, to replace two bridges that were washed out in the March 14, 2019 flood.
Local Priest “surprised” on Easter Morning…
Father Kizito Okhuoya, who serves St. William Catholic Church at Niobrara, and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Verdigre, gave a live-stream service Sunday morning. The night before, following the Saturday Vigil service, the church secretary, Rita Pavlik, and several others, placed photos of church members in the pews so Father Kizito wouldn’t feel like he was preaching to an empty church on Sunday morning. “We thought this would brighten his day a little,” Pavlik said. “I know it’s been so hard on him, not having the parishioners at church.”
County ballots will all be mailed...
Knox County staff member Denise Burman was in the process of running ballot return envelopes through a meter affixing paid postage one day last week. Nearly 5,400 ballots will be mailed on April 22 from the Knox County Clerk's Office
Easter yard decor...
Easter yard decorations are scarce this year, but there is a colorful one on the west side of Verdel. The decorations are placed in the home's front yard complete with an Easter bunny and bright colored eggs.
