News

Merrick County Board: Complex discussions and legislative impacts

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The Merrick County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday morning in a session marked by significant discussions and critical decisions. While the long-term care bond, which failed to secure a spot on the November ballot, drew much of the public’s attention, the meeting also covered other key issues related to local governance and financial management. Among these were the implications of Legislative Bill 34 (LB 34), recent state legislation aimed at providing property tax relief.

Merrick County Supervisors decline Long-Term Care bond proposal, leaving future uncertain

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The Merrick County Board of Supervisors convened Tuesday morning for a highly anticipated meeting to discuss the future of the Litzenberg Memorial Long Term Care facility. This topic has been a focal point of community debate, with strong opinions on both sides regarding whether to place a bond proposal on the November ballot. Despite the significant anticipation, the discussion ended without change, as the motion to advance the bond proposal to voters failed by a narrow 3-4 margin.

Survey results to be unveiled at Central City Town Hall

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Residents of Central City are invited to participate in a pivotal Town Hall meeting where the results of the recent Community Needs Assessment Survey will be unveiled. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, at the Central City High School Commons Area. The evening will begin with a light dinner at 6:00 p.m., followed by the presentation of the survey results.

Federal funds back renewable energy, efficiency upgrades for NE ag, small business

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Nebraska ag producers and small businesses have until Sept. 30 to apply for the latest funding round of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program, part of the Farm Bill providing grants and guaranteed loans for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements.
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Heartbreak in the Heartland: Two tragic tales of child abuse shake Central Nebraska

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In the span of a few short weeks, two counties in Central Nebraska have been gripped by heart-wrenching incidents of child abuse, both involving infants barely three months old. The Merrick County Sheriff’s Department and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office have released statements detailing these shocking events, leaving communities in a state of disbelief and sorrow.
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New Superintendent Jason Brown begins first year at HPC

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High Plains Community has appointed a new superintendent, Jason Brown, who has taken the position after the former superintendent, Mrs. Beran, moved to Elm Creek last year. With the start of the new school year, Brown is looking forward to getting to know the area and helping the students and faculty at High Plains Community.
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The future of Litzenberg Memorial Long Term Care: A community at a crossroads

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As the debate over the future of Litzenberg Long-Term Care intensifies, the Merrick County community finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The recent decision by the Merrick County Board of Supervisors to reject a bond proposal for a new long-term care facility has left residents and stakeholders grappling with questions about the path forward. This decision, reached by a 5-2 vote last Tuesday, marks a significant turning point in an ongoing saga that has spanned several years, involving complex financial considerations, community values, and the well-being of the county’s elderly population.
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Area students return to school in Merrick County

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Last week marked the beginning of a new school year for students across Merrick County, as they returned to Central City Public Schools, Nebraska Christian Schools, and High Plains Community Schools. Excitement, anticipation, and a renewed sense of purpose filled the air as students, faculty, and administrators embarked on another academic journey.