A proposed Cedar Knox Rural Water project upgrade is something that has been ongoing for the past several years.
But the current phase of the project to connect the rural northeast Nebraska system to the system at the City of Yankton is nearly ready for construction, in order to help improve water quality.
The pre-planning stages initially looked at new wells in the Dolphin Township south of Crofton and in the Aten area. But it was decided that a better option was to connect to the Yankton system. Phase 1 was finalized last year, and included replacing the ground storage tank north of Hartington with an elevated tank, said Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District general manager, Annette Sudbeck. Miles of pipes were installed throughout the distribution system.
But the current phase of the project to connect the rural northeast Nebraska system to the system at the City of Yankton is nearly ready for construction, in order to help improve water quality.
The pre-planning stages initially looked at new wells in the Dolphin Township south of Crofton and in the Aten area. But it was decided that a better option was to connect to the Yankton system. Phase 1 was finalized last year, and included replacing the ground storage tank north of Hartington with an elevated tank, said Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District general manager, Annette Sudbeck. Miles of pipes were installed throughout the distribution system.
The Crofton City Council accepted a bid for the new swimming pool bathhouse at their special meeting held on May 7 at the Crofton City Auditorium.
The lone bid for the pool bathhouse for $409,710 by Doyle Stevens Construction was accepted, with construction plans beginning immediately. Six contractors requested a bid package, but Stevens was the only one to bid the project.
The lone bid for the pool bathhouse for $409,710 by Doyle Stevens Construction was accepted, with construction plans beginning immediately. Six contractors requested a bid package, but Stevens was the only one to bid the project.
By: Taylor Arens - Journal Staff
The Nebraska Department of Transportation presented the US-81 and N-12 Roundabout Project at the Community Engagement Event on May 11 at the Crofton City Auditorium where around 80 area residents and 14 NDOT officials were present.
Frustration and concern by community members of Knox and Cedar county was present, and the NDOT was there to address concerns and answer questions.
According to NDOT, they are building a “rural, single-lane roundabout at the intersection of US-81 and N-12 in Cedar County.
This project is funded through the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which is designated exclusively for safety improvements.”
HSIP is federally not state funded
The Nebraska Department of Transportation presented the US-81 and N-12 Roundabout Project at the Community Engagement Event on May 11 at the Crofton City Auditorium where around 80 area residents and 14 NDOT officials were present.
Frustration and concern by community members of Knox and Cedar county was present, and the NDOT was there to address concerns and answer questions.
According to NDOT, they are building a “rural, single-lane roundabout at the intersection of US-81 and N-12 in Cedar County.
This project is funded through the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which is designated exclusively for safety improvements.”
HSIP is federally not state funded
As a reminder to those that may be in need, the Crofton community has a free food pantry cabinet outside the fire hall in downtown Crofton.
Anyone that needs assistance is welcome to access the pantry at any time and take what they need.
Anyone that needs assistance is welcome to access the pantry at any time and take what they need.
It was the perfect afternoon for baseball when the Crofton Bluejays opened their 2026 campaign at home Sunday afternoon, May 3 against non-league opponent, Dimock-Emery.
The Raptors took the game, 5-3, but the outing helped the Jays hone their skills as they enter into the tough South Central League schedule in the coming weeks. The Raptors kicked things off with a solo homer to right field in the first inning.
The Jays didn't get on the board until the bottom of the fifth inning when Zach Clark took a lead off walk, eventually scoring. They tacked on single runs in the sixth and the ninth, but it was too little too late.
Clark went 1-4 on the day. Tyler Potts also collected a hit for the Jays. Dimock-Emery scattered five runs on nine hits, although a combination of five Jays pitchers struck-out 12 Raptor batters and only gave up five walks on the day.
The Raptors took the game, 5-3, but the outing helped the Jays hone their skills as they enter into the tough South Central League schedule in the coming weeks. The Raptors kicked things off with a solo homer to right field in the first inning.
The Jays didn't get on the board until the bottom of the fifth inning when Zach Clark took a lead off walk, eventually scoring. They tacked on single runs in the sixth and the ninth, but it was too little too late.
Clark went 1-4 on the day. Tyler Potts also collected a hit for the Jays. Dimock-Emery scattered five runs on nine hits, although a combination of five Jays pitchers struck-out 12 Raptor batters and only gave up five walks on the day.
By: Darin Babcock - CCS Journalism
The Crofton Band and Choir both showed up and showed outstanding performances at the 2026 District Music Contest on Friday, April 24 in Laurel.
The band scored as high as they could with a rating of 1 in every category. Categories include performance, interpretation, and musicianship.
The Crofton Choir also performed extremely well scoring as high as they could with straight 1’s in each category. Categories include technique, diction, and musicianship.
Senior, Sophia Wortmann, has been a part of both the Band and Choir for four years. She states “I think that both performances at district music were satisfactory. I am happy with how I played and sang as an individual and as a group. I would not have asked for a better performance to end my high school career.”
The Crofton Band and Choir both showed up and showed outstanding performances at the 2026 District Music Contest on Friday, April 24 in Laurel.
The band scored as high as they could with a rating of 1 in every category. Categories include performance, interpretation, and musicianship.
The Crofton Choir also performed extremely well scoring as high as they could with straight 1’s in each category. Categories include technique, diction, and musicianship.
Senior, Sophia Wortmann, has been a part of both the Band and Choir for four years. She states “I think that both performances at district music were satisfactory. I am happy with how I played and sang as an individual and as a group. I would not have asked for a better performance to end my high school career.”
Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, was the site of the Nebraska History Day competition on Saturday, April 25.
Five St. Rose School students competed at the state contest with entries connecting to this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
Eighth grader Meredith Wortmann won second place with her Junior Individual Performance, “Rheta Childe Dorr: A Born Debater.”
Also competing at the state contest were eighth graders Jake Jackson, Alexis DeRoos, and Emma Arens and seventh grader Ella Pokorny.
Worthmann will represent St. Rose School and Crofton as part of the Nebraska contingent at the National History Day Contest in June at the University of Maryland/College Park, near Washington, DC.
Students from St. Rose School have advanced to the national level with their History Day projects each year since 2016.
Five St. Rose School students competed at the state contest with entries connecting to this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
Eighth grader Meredith Wortmann won second place with her Junior Individual Performance, “Rheta Childe Dorr: A Born Debater.”
Also competing at the state contest were eighth graders Jake Jackson, Alexis DeRoos, and Emma Arens and seventh grader Ella Pokorny.
Worthmann will represent St. Rose School and Crofton as part of the Nebraska contingent at the National History Day Contest in June at the University of Maryland/College Park, near Washington, DC.
Students from St. Rose School have advanced to the national level with their History Day projects each year since 2016.
Crofton Community Schools custodial staff had a busy morning Wednesday, April 29. Left to Right Larry Tramp, Jeff Burbach, Ryan Mueller, and Roger Yates work to move the fence around the playground at Crofton Elementary School to make way for equipment delivery for the construction to start when school dismisses May 11.
The Crofton Community Foundation Fund (CCFF) and Main Street Treasures (MST) partnered to provide the necessary funds to purchase a new convection oven for the Crofton Senior Citizens Center (CSSC) last fall when their old oven stopped working during “chicken night!” Pictured are representatives of the organizations involved: Tyler Wulf and Terry Mueller (CCFF), Dorothy Schoenberner (MST and CSCC), Mary Sawatzke and Jason Tomsu (CSCC), Larry Cooper and Bryce Rossman (CCFF).
Weather permitting, work will begin April 27 on Nebraska Highway 12 (N-12), from Newcastle to Ponca (reference post 211.5 to reference post 223.7), according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Knife River Midwest, of Sioux City, Iowa, is the contractor for this project. Work includes underground utility work, culverts, bridge repair and asphalt paving. Traffic will be maintained using temporary traffic signals and flaggers. Dixon County Road 586 will be closed during the bridge repair work. Anticipated completion is fall 2026.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.
Knife River Midwest, of Sioux City, Iowa, is the contractor for this project. Work includes underground utility work, culverts, bridge repair and asphalt paving. Traffic will be maintained using temporary traffic signals and flaggers. Dixon County Road 586 will be closed during the bridge repair work. Anticipated completion is fall 2026.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.
Incumbent Marty O'Connor addresses a crowd of around 30 citizens at the candidate forum he scheduled for Knox County Board of Supervisors District 1 Representative. Candidate Shane Wieseler had previously stated he was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.
Crofton High School held the National Honor Society induction ceremony on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m. They inducted three new officers and welcomed 21 new members.
Community service is a piece of importance when it comes to being in a 4-H club.
Crofton’s club, the Lucky Livewires, had their annual roadside cleanup on April 6th, 2026. The cleanup covers three miles of 550th Ave outside of Crofton. The club had 16 kids and 12 adults attend the cleanup.
“Roadside cleanup is a form of community service that teaches kids the values of teamwork and responsibility,” said 4-H leader Crystal Steffen. “They learn the impact of littering on our environment and also gain a sense of accomplishment by improving their community.”
The club has been doing the cleanup for over 25 years according to Steffen, with the event normally occurring on Easter Monday per recent history.
Crofton’s club, the Lucky Livewires, had their annual roadside cleanup on April 6th, 2026. The cleanup covers three miles of 550th Ave outside of Crofton. The club had 16 kids and 12 adults attend the cleanup.
“Roadside cleanup is a form of community service that teaches kids the values of teamwork and responsibility,” said 4-H leader Crystal Steffen. “They learn the impact of littering on our environment and also gain a sense of accomplishment by improving their community.”
The club has been doing the cleanup for over 25 years according to Steffen, with the event normally occurring on Easter Monday per recent history.
Brooklyn Guenther, Crofton, coordinated a volunteer project on March 27, 2026, to benefit the Pediatric patients at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, S.D.
Guenther and four fellow volunteers completed her project, “Blessings in a Basket,” using items donated by family and friends via her request through her Crofton FCCLA chapter and items purchased using grant funds.
As a Modern Woodmen member, Guenther applied for and received Modern Woodmen of America’s Do-Good Grant®, a fraternal member benefit that provides $200 and planning resources for members to hold a volunteer event with friends and family members in their hometowns. The benefit is one of many ways Modern Woodmen, a fraternal financial services organization, enriches member communities.
“I wanted to complete a project that would bring joy to others this Easter season,” said Guenther. “Seeing the smiles on the nurses faces, I can only image the joy and excitement my gift will bring to the kids.”
Guenther and four fellow volunteers completed her project, “Blessings in a Basket,” using items donated by family and friends via her request through her Crofton FCCLA chapter and items purchased using grant funds.
As a Modern Woodmen member, Guenther applied for and received Modern Woodmen of America’s Do-Good Grant®, a fraternal member benefit that provides $200 and planning resources for members to hold a volunteer event with friends and family members in their hometowns. The benefit is one of many ways Modern Woodmen, a fraternal financial services organization, enriches member communities.
“I wanted to complete a project that would bring joy to others this Easter season,” said Guenther. “Seeing the smiles on the nurses faces, I can only image the joy and excitement my gift will bring to the kids.”
A political forum for the public will be held at the Lewis & Clark Pulley Museum in downtown Crofton on April 14 for the candidates for District #1 County Supervisor race.
Candidates Shane Wieseler, and incumbent Marty O’Connor will be attending the forum, which will start at 7 p.m. and has been planned for two hours, ending at 9 p.m.
Candidates will be asked to introduce themselves, and will take questions and comments from the public, and be able to ask each other questions as well.
All are invited to the event, and to ask questions about their candidates.
Candidates Shane Wieseler, and incumbent Marty O’Connor will be attending the forum, which will start at 7 p.m. and has been planned for two hours, ending at 9 p.m.
Candidates will be asked to introduce themselves, and will take questions and comments from the public, and be able to ask each other questions as well.
All are invited to the event, and to ask questions about their candidates.
The Crofton Community School’s “Students of the Term” have been released for the third term of the 2025-26 school year.
The Students of the Term are:
High School: Addyson Ostermeyer
Junior High: Body Baker
Students are nominated by teachers for many reasons, not just grades. Some of the reasons students were nominated are helping faculty and staff, tutoring students that are struggling, coming in for extra help before and after school, or just being a good classmate. Teachers can nominate a high school student and a junior high student.
Others nominated:
High School: Gavin deShazer, Breckin Jansen, Tyson Jackson, Lella Barta, Quinn Mosher, Sophia Wortmann, Ian Foxhoven, Jacee Anthony, Luke DeRoos, Christopher Neuharth, Hudsyn Stout, Emmily Guenther, Kaydence Nielsen, Jackson Lynde, Ella LaCroix, Kaydence Jansen, Kaija Hass, Kaden Arens
Junior High: Colton Culp, Aaron Dickes, Maci Kolterman, Hadley Becker, Cairi Culiton, William Babcock, Sawyer Schendt, Gaia Vau, Santiago RivasGuerro, Dylan Gulbranson, Chesney Foxhoven
The Students of the Term are:
High School: Addyson Ostermeyer
Junior High: Body Baker
Students are nominated by teachers for many reasons, not just grades. Some of the reasons students were nominated are helping faculty and staff, tutoring students that are struggling, coming in for extra help before and after school, or just being a good classmate. Teachers can nominate a high school student and a junior high student.
Others nominated:
High School: Gavin deShazer, Breckin Jansen, Tyson Jackson, Lella Barta, Quinn Mosher, Sophia Wortmann, Ian Foxhoven, Jacee Anthony, Luke DeRoos, Christopher Neuharth, Hudsyn Stout, Emmily Guenther, Kaydence Nielsen, Jackson Lynde, Ella LaCroix, Kaydence Jansen, Kaija Hass, Kaden Arens
Junior High: Colton Culp, Aaron Dickes, Maci Kolterman, Hadley Becker, Cairi Culiton, William Babcock, Sawyer Schendt, Gaia Vau, Santiago RivasGuerro, Dylan Gulbranson, Chesney Foxhoven
The Crofton Community Club’s annual Easter Candy Run will be held on Saturday, April 4 this year, with a slight change of normal venue.
Because of work being done at the ballfields, the event has been moved to Crofton’s South City Park (across the street from the city auditorium) with a start time of 10:30 a.m.
Youth aged up to 4th grade are welcome to attend and participate in the candy run, as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny.
The vent will be held in cooperation with the Crofton FCCLA.
Because of work being done at the ballfields, the event has been moved to Crofton’s South City Park (across the street from the city auditorium) with a start time of 10:30 a.m.
Youth aged up to 4th grade are welcome to attend and participate in the candy run, as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny.
The vent will be held in cooperation with the Crofton FCCLA.
Governor Jim Pillen is issuing a statewide burn ban, to help reduce the potential for additional wildfires in Nebraska.
Dry and windy conditions have caused the spread of significant fires in the central and western parts of the state.
Gov. Pillen issued an emergency proclamation activating the deployment of state resources to help combat fires, including the use of aircraft and personnel from the Nebraska National Guard.
The Governor’s executive order prohibiting burning will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on March 27.
Dry and windy conditions have caused the spread of significant fires in the central and western parts of the state.
Gov. Pillen issued an emergency proclamation activating the deployment of state resources to help combat fires, including the use of aircraft and personnel from the Nebraska National Guard.
The Governor’s executive order prohibiting burning will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on March 27.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Knox County announced recently that Kevin Cook of Verdigre was elected to represent his Local Administrative Areas (LAA) during the recent county committee election.
All recently elected county committee members took office on March 2.
Every FSA office is served by a county committee made up of local farmers, ranchers, and foresters who are elected by local producers. Other members currently serving on the FSA County Committee include Brady Folck, Chairman; Taylor Hanefeldt, Kathryn Lauck, Michael Crosley and Larry Wright.
All recently elected county committee members took office on March 2.
Every FSA office is served by a county committee made up of local farmers, ranchers, and foresters who are elected by local producers. Other members currently serving on the FSA County Committee include Brady Folck, Chairman; Taylor Hanefeldt, Kathryn Lauck, Michael Crosley and Larry Wright.
Work to decommission the Spencer Hydroelectric Facility and Dam is getting underway. The Spencer Advocate sent photos to the Tribune this week.
The decommissioning will involve removing the remaining structure and material from the site and restoring the property to its natural state, including grading the land and seeding the site. Drivers should be aware of increased heavy vehicle traffic in the area, while the decommissioning work is being completed.
Nebraska Public Power District has contracted with Bradenburg Industrial services Company to complete the work, which is anticipated to be finished by year-end.
The Spencer Dam was damaged beyond repair in the 2019 flood. The dam collapsed as a result of the ice and backed water which overtook the dam taking out flood gates, the back wall of the hydroelectric facility as well as the earthen part of the dam on the early morning of March 14, 2019.
The decommissioning will involve removing the remaining structure and material from the site and restoring the property to its natural state, including grading the land and seeding the site. Drivers should be aware of increased heavy vehicle traffic in the area, while the decommissioning work is being completed.
Nebraska Public Power District has contracted with Bradenburg Industrial services Company to complete the work, which is anticipated to be finished by year-end.
The Spencer Dam was damaged beyond repair in the 2019 flood. The dam collapsed as a result of the ice and backed water which overtook the dam taking out flood gates, the back wall of the hydroelectric facility as well as the earthen part of the dam on the early morning of March 14, 2019.