Nemaha Commissioners Told Project Pantry Experiencing Increasing Distribution

Project Response continues to receive strong community support, Desaray Johnson, executive director, informed the Nemaha County Commissioners Wednesday morning, Nov. 5.
She reviewed the domestic and sexual violence agency’s activities from Tuesday, July 1 through Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Crisis Response and Support Services: Hotline calls, 258 from Nemaha County including 10 survivors; and 417 from the five-county region, including 52 survivors. Served 10 survivors from Nemaha County and 20 regionally, including protection order assistance and other services, Johnson stated.
Project Pantry distributions: There were 109 provided to those living in Nemaha County and 148 overall.
Clothing vouchers: 25 to Nemaha County residents and 43 total.
Johnson indicated Project Pantry continues to see an increase in need. October numbers were significantly higher. Last month, there were 51 distributions in Nemaha County and 139 over the five-county area. The normal monthly average is 38 to 48. She related there are higher numbers from Nemaha County since the pantry is located in the county. The October distribution was the most since the agency began documentation, Johnson added.
Family Fare is currently running a register donation program, where 100 percent of proceeds go directly to Project Pantry, she said. Several local businesses have also contributed through donations and drives, the executive director noted.
She said The Neighborhood Closet is thriving. “We’re proud of it,” Johnson concluded.
Besides Nemaha County, Project Response serves residents of Johnson, Otoe, Pawnee and Richardson counties. Johnson stated the organization’s staff wants to have more presence in the five counties in updating county officials on activities.
Project Response thanks the commissioners on their continued support in helping serve survivors, strengthen families and prevent violence in our community.
Action Items Accepted
The commissioners signed a memorandum of understanding between the county and the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs.
Assessor Mallory Lempka was allowed to update her office’s mapping system at a total cost of $4,281.06. It comprises a new computer and Agland calculator.
Other
Two bids on pup trailers and seven bids on semi truck tractors, all 2025 or newer, are being taken under advisement. That will allow reviewing the proposals. Michael Weiss, District 3 commissioner, also preferred seeing the semi truck tractors.
A pup trailer refers to a small trailer, usually between 26 to 28 feet, which is commonly pulled in singles or triples.
County officials will continue discussing salaries covering the 2027 through 2030 term. They need to be established by Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Most county offices will be up for election next year.