Dammast is one of four golfers from the B-3 district to qualify as individuals for state. His seventh place finish was the highest of the individual qualifiers in the district.

The Class B state golf championships will take place at Scotts Bluff Country Club in Scottsbluff on Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28.

A gas station at Crab Orchard was broken into last Thursday evening. Entry was gained through the back window of the garage. Approximately $40 was taken from the pop machine and cash register. Also taken were about four cases of pop and some cigarettes.

Two men found out last Thursday evening that it is safer to make a turn at the intersection of Highway 136 and First Street than to keep going straight west. A 1972 Dodge Monaco received extensive damage, but the driver only had minor injuries, when he missed the turn, went through the ditch, under the billboard, causing damage to the vehicle’s frame, and came to a stop 60 feet from the highway. He was issued a ticket for driving while intoxicated.

25 Years Ago

Marian Anderson announced her retirement after a 25-year teaching career at Nemaha Valley Schools. She has always encouraged young people to work up to their potential.

Through Operation Recognition, three veterans who served in World War II were honored by receiving high school diplomas during commencement exercises at Tecumseh High School on May 12. The veterans who were recognized were Richard Pella, Calvin Joachim, and Arnold Burow.

Patrons of the Sterling School District voted in favor of passing a levy override for the 2001 – 2004 school years.

10 Years Ago

Johnson County History enthusiasts soon will have a chance to tour the old county jail and see the recent improvements made in restoring this facility. Jim Philippi and Bruce Williamson have been restoring the building, including reglazing the windows, painting the window sashes, fascia boards and soffits.

An unusual accident occurred in a Tecumseh alleyway, according to Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Johnson, when a driver became distracted by a cell phone and veered off the roadway, driving a Hummer up a utility pole support cable. The Hummer was not damaged.

A sign posted on the door confirms the closure and includes a QR code directing customers to a store locator on the company’s website.

Sources say the company is shifting customer service to an app-based, online-only model, with digital assistance becoming the primary support channel going forward. Some corporate stores will remain open. According to T-Mobile’s website, the nearest corporate stores are in Lincoln and Omaha.

A general safety program for Auburn students from kindergarten through the sixth grade will be held next school year, conducted through the National Child Safety Council by the Auburn police department. It will be the first time such a program as been arranged in the county.

Guardsmen from Co. A, 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry from Nebraska City will be doing something a little uncommon on Saturday. The unit, after being transported to Omaha, will inflate some seven rafts and float down the Elkhorn and Platte rivers to Camp Ashland. Expected to arrive about dusk, the Nebraska City guardsmen will make a night attack on the camp which will be defended by members of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry from Falls City and Auburn.

25 Years Ago

Visit the Murdock Museum! Stroll the boardwalk of turn-ofthe- century Murdock. Pause for a quiet moment in the chapel. Learn about a small Nebraska town that started as a water stop on the Rock Island Railroad. Murdock is located between Lincoln and Omaha. The museum is located on Murdock’s main street. Open Sunday afternoons.

Comstock Windmill Festival! June 7-8-9-10, 2001. The best of America’s Young Country Brad Paisley, Oak Ridge Boys, Chely Wright, Sara Evans & more. 30 Performances with over 36 No.1 Hits. More than country! Alternative Rock, Blue Grass, Gospel & Polkas!

10 Years Ago

A man of many talents, Joseph H. Lauber, celebrated the one year anniversary of his business, The Brownville Market, during the 2016 Spring Flea Market. Lauber, who split time growing up in Brownville and Lincoln, wanted to bring the town of Brownville something that it was missing. “Find a need and fill it,” Lauber said.

The Nemaha Valley Pheasants Forever recently awarded a $1,500 grant to Aunt Bea’s Apiary near Brock to conduct a youth pollinator planting event. Students from the Johnson- Brock fifth grade class visited the apiary on Thursday, May 12.

The Nemaha Valley Observer lists Nemaha County traffic violations and criminal activity. Unless otherwise indicated all parties have been ordered to pay $49 in court costs in addition to the fines listed below.

Speeding

(6-10 mph over the limit)– Cameron A. Milke, Auburn, $75 fine and nine months probation concurrent with a county court sentence (Boden). Landon B. Jahnke, Lincoln, $75 fine (Wright).

(11-15 mph over the limit)– Chris E. Adams II, Nebraska City, $125 fine (Moyer).

Safety Training Option Program A speeding charge was dismissed against Angelico Chapa, Auburn (Davidson).

County Court

Cameron A. Milke, Auburn, driving under the influence (DUI)--.08 breath--first offense. Fined $500, nine months probation concurrent with traffic sentence. Assessed $10 offender assessment screening, $45 drug testing fee, $30 probation administrative enrollment fee and $225 regular probation fee. Revoked license 60 days. Apply for and install an approved ignition interlock device on any motor vehicle operated during revocation (Boden).

Lucy E. Ezell, Council Bluffs, Iowa, first appearance with counsel Tuesday, May 26 on burglary, terroristic threats and theft--unlawful taking of item valued at up to $500--third offense.

Patrick M. Mooney, St. Petersburg, Fla., show cause hearing May 26 after failing to appear at entry of plea hearing on theft--shoplifting of items valued at up to $500.

Bradley J. Morrow, Lincoln, first appearance with counsel Tuesday, June 9 on burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and theft--receiving stolen property valued at more than $5,000.

James B. Melton, Wichita, Kan., further pretrial Tuesday, June 16 on driving without ignition interlock, speeding 16-20 mph over the limit, nonresident violating suspension/ revocation order and possessing/ consuming open alcohol container. Has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Eliazar C. Reyes Jr., Carrizo Springs, Texas, preliminary hearing June 16 on possessing a controlled substance--methamphetamine.

Dillon M. Lotter, Auburn, preliminary hearing Tuesday, June 23 on burglary and violating domestic abuse protection order--two previous convictions.

Arden C. Johnson, South Bend, Ind., competency review hearing Tuesday, July 7 on escaping by using force/deadly weapon.

Dalton K. Smith, Auburn, entry of plea and possible sentencing Tuesday, July 14 on DUI--.15+ and improper/ defective vehicle lighting. Has pleaded not guilty to both counts.

Nemaha County Sheriff’s Report Nemaha County Sheriff Brent Lottman provided this detailed “calls by type” which his officers responded to from Saturday, May 16 through Friday, May 22.

Sheriff’s officers answered the following: 2 911 open line, 1 alarm--unknown, 1 animal--at large, 1 animal--dog, 1 animal in roadway, 2 animals--other, 1 burglar alarm--silent, 2 citizen assists, 1 civil, 1 civil standby, 3 collisions--non-injury, 4 Department of Health and Human Services--intake, 2 disabled vehicles, 2 disturbances-- other, 1 fire--burning without a permit, 1 fire--other, 4 juveniles, 1 medical call, 2 noise--other, 1 suspicious act-other, 1 suspicious acts--person, 2 suspicious act--vehicles, 1 theft--other, 3 threats, 1 traffic control--funeral, 1 traffic hazard, 1 traffic--reckless driver, 23 traffic stops, 2 trespassings and 4 welfare checks.

Other calls were: 1 911 accidentally dialed, 1 911 open line, 1 alarm--unknown, 2 citizen assists, 2 information for officer, 3 medical calls, 1 report not needed, 2 traffic hazards and 1 warrant.

Auburn Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fireother and a gas leak.

Auburn Rescue Squad responded to two medical alarm/ Lifeline calls and 7 medical calls.

Nemaha Rescue Squad responded to a medical alarm/ Lifeline call.

Peru Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire--other.

Peru Rescue Squad responded to a medical call.

Speeding

(6-10 mph over the limit)– Alan J. Nicolas Lopez, Lincoln, $75 fine

(16-20 mph over the limit)– Ron R. Benjamin, Jr., Las Vegas, $200 fine.

(21-35 mph over the limit)– Shawn P. Salts, Steinauer, $300 fine. Nathan P. Conant, Lincoln, $300 fine.

Safety Training Option Program A following too close charge was dismissed against Erin L. Ebeler, Cook. A careless driving charge was dismissed against Rex T. Fisher, Omaha.

Other Traffic Violations Alan J. Nicolas Lopez, Lincoln, no operator’s license/ waiverable. Fined $75. Jessica M. McGinley, Tecumseh, no valid registration--car/ pickup/stepvan. Fined $25. Mandy S. Maag, Cook, no valid registration--car/pickup/ stepvan. Fined $25. Justin M. Thompson, Eagle, no valid registration--car/pickup/ stepvan. Fined $25. Jacob A. Simon, Tecumseh, violating stop or yield sign, failing to use child passenger restraint and failing to use seat belt. Fined $125 total.

County Court

Clinton J. Kanter, Lincoln, hunting/possessing game birds/animals without a permit and violating Game and Parks regulations. Fined $200 total. Amy Severe, Tecumseh, animals running at large. Fined $25. Ethan J. Driesen, Tecumseh, willful reckless driving--first offense. Fined $500, six months probation, assessed $10 offender assessment screening, $30 probation administrative enrollment fee, $100 lab tests, $150 regular probation fee and $30 drug testing fee.

The commission said the merger includes customer protections such as a freeze on general base rate increases for Nebraska customers through May 1, 2028, limits on passing merger costs to ratepayers, and annual reporting on safety and service quality.

Commission Chair Tim Schram said the agreement supports safe and reliable natural gas service while maintaining oversight and customer protections.

Black Hills Energy officials said customers should not expect changes to billing, meter reading or emergency response services. The all-stock merger was announced in August 2025 and approved by shareholders in April 2026. The transaction is expected to close later this year pending remaining approvals.

Sure, he defeated an incumbent, Lincoln attorney Bob Evnen, who was seeking a third, four-year term. His office runs our state elections and handles several different tasks, like registering corporations.

More than a couple of things were working in Petersen’s favor.

First off, Petersen appeared to mount a more aggressive campaign. His 4-by-8 foot campaign signs appeared everywhere around eastern Nebraska where I travel. There were few Evnen signs in the down-ballot race where yard signage is important.

“Petersen” is a pretty popular name to run with in a Nebraska election, like “Nelson” or “Anderson.” Everyone knows someone with those names.

Remember former Attorney General Doug Peterson? He was a very good trial attorney, but having the name “Peterson” helped him win a crowded GOP primary.

And, in a Republican primary, fewer people vote, and those who do are more conservative.

That was pretty evident the last time Evnen ran. He managed only 40% of the vote in the GOP primary against two, more conservative candidates in 2022. That was enough to win, but far from a show of strength.

Petersen, whose prior election experience included a losing run for Douglas County Clerk in 2020, touted himself as a “conservative leader” and the “America First” candidate (i.e. fully aligned with President Donald Trump) who would “restore trust” in state elections.

Petersen is part of the crowd who thinks we ought to return to hand counting of ballots (instead of a machine count) and who question whether Trump lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden.

Like the bogey man in a horror film, the idea that Trump really won in 2020 just won’t die. That’s despite dozens of failed lawsuits challenging the election results and the lack of any evidence that Biden didn’t win. He won, something that Trump has admitted privately.

I guess if you say “the sky isn’t blue” enough times, some people will believe that it isn’t blue.

State and local election officials in Nebraska, including Evnen, have consistently defended the ballot-counting systems now in place as safe and secure -- and much less costly than hand counting.

Studies have indicated that hand counting is 1.5 to 1.8 times less accurate than the optical scanning machines now used.

Lancaster County Election Chief Todd Wiltgen has said that hand-counted audits of votes tallied by machine in his county have shown “zero deviation” (i.e. 100% accuracy).

Back in 2022, I remember hearing members of a self-appointed posse called “The Nebraska Voter Accuracy Project” insisting, at a legislative hearing, that there was no way Trump could have lost in Omaha’s congressional district in 2020. That, they said, was because another Republican, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon had won there.

Hmm. My recollection was that by 2020, voters had grown weary of Trump’s daily, social media rants and were seeking calmer, less chaotic leadership. Bacon, meanwhile, was a popular congressman who had won before in his district, which is pretty evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

The election deniers kept insisting that the state’s ballot counting computers had been hacked. But that conveniently ignored the fact that the ballot counting equipment is not connected to the internet.

Again, don’t forget: the sky isn’t blue. Almost all of the state’s elected officials supported Evnen including Bacon, who said Petersen aligned himself with “crazies” and was the “president of the tinfoil hat club.”

That didn’t seem to matter. Evnen lost to Petersen by nearly 17,000 votes.

Some media speculated that Petersen’s victory might give a Democrat an opening to take the Secretary of State’s seat.

That seems like a long shot – a Democrat hasn’t served in that office for 85 years. The Democrat who won the May primary, Plattsmouth- area chef Sarah Slattery, has little name recognition outside of her area (where she lost a 2022 race for the State Legislature, and led a recall campaign that ousted a local school board member who wanted to ban dozens of books).

I wonder if she wishes her name was “Peterson?”

It represents a $649.25 decrease over the previous year.

Melanie Stormer, chief probation officer, updated the Nemaha County Commissioners Wednesday morning, May 20. The interlocal agreement was accepted by the county board.

Stormer continued the organization’s budget had been reduced two consecutive years. She noted there has been a shift over the past two years moving staff into offices on the eastern side of the district. Those are at the Nemaha County Courthouse, Richardson County Courthouse in Falls City and at 917 Wildwood Lane in Nebraska City.

The officer stated District 1 Probation has great spaces but none allowing privacy. She said most of the time there are not a lot of clients coming into Auburn. Stormer inquired how can site barriers be used to make it less invasive to individuals being asked sensitive information. She also inquired about a possible future central office on the east side. The eastern end also covers Johnson and Pawnee counties.

There is a six-person management team with one vehicle each located in Nemaha and Richardson counties with two in Otoe County.

Stormer related she plans to return in six months with specific data covering the 10-county district. State officials are working on implementing a workload formula to balance out all resources in all areas.

During 2025, 56 adults and three juveniles were served by probation in Nemaha County. There were 940 adults and 157 juveniles served throughout the district.

The $84,996 budget, no change from last year, covers postage, telephone, supplies, equipment, repair, office rent, custodial and custodial services.

The western end of the district entails Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer counties.

The service of our veterans embodies the highest ideals of resilience and selflessness. Their contributions form the backbone of our national identity and serve as a reminder that our strength lies in protecting something greater than ourselves. By honoring our veterans, we strengthen our resolve to support those who served and ensure their legacies continue to inspire future generations.

We saw a similar sort of resilience and service when storms hit our area last week. I was on the road out of town but my wife LuRae traveled to Elk Creek and Auburn on Tuesday to help with clean up from the storms. I was able to Auburn later in the week to observe the remarkable progress that had been made in a short period of time and to lend a helping hand to the cleanup efforts. Refreshing, but not surprising to see neighbors helping neighbors and volunteers from other communities step up to provide assistance. We are stronger when we come together to help one another.

I will continue to travel the District over the summer and would welcome the opportunity to meet people from your community, either for an event or for a town hall meeting. I welcome your input on issues of interest and importance to you. I encourage you to follow along on my Facebook page designated as Senator Bob Hallstrom, for updates on legislation and District 1 activities. Please feel free to contact me directly at: bhallstrom@leg.ne.gov.

All fire hydrants will be turned on and tested to make certain they are in good working condition for winter. Tests will be conducted during the week of June 2- June 4th..

The Board of Public Works (BPW) will operate all remaining fire hydrants to make certain they are functional. High velocity flushing removes any sediment that may have settled in the water mains.

Customers may find temporary discoloration of the water during these periods. This is normal and the water remains safe to drink. Before washing clothes on these days, please check the water for clarity. If it is not clear, please run until it is clear and then wash clothes.

If testing was not performed, it could affect the community’s fire insurance rates.

The following is a compilation of American Red Cross blood donation opportunities.

Tuesday, June 2: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institute, 2723 Highway 50.

Thursday, June 25: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nemaha County Hospital, 2022 13th St. in Auburn.

To make an donation appointment or obtain additional particulars, you have multiple options.

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800733-2767 or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required when you check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Other opportunities are: Thursday, June 4: noon to 6 p.m. at the Pawnee City First United Methodist Church Poteet Fellowship Hall, 849 F St.

Wednesday, June 10: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Agricultural Building, 1034 4th St. in Humboldt.

Monday, June 15: noon to 6 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church, 601 Ash St. in Adams.

Wednesday, June 24: noon to 6 p.m. at the Talmage Community Building, 404 Main St.

June 25: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center, 2700 Sylvan Road in Nebraska City.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving on site. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood. org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Those include eight from Nemaha County, an increase; nine from Richardson County, no change; five from Otoe County, a decrease; three from Pawnee County and one from Johnson County. The Auburn location began in 2019.

Throughout District 1 probation, over three years, 12 participants, 63 percent, successfully completed adult drug court while seven, 37 percent, did not. The western court, headquartered in Wilber, serves residents of Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer counties.

Also throughout the district, 11 participants, 85 percent, did not relapse into criminal behavior after release from the justice system while two relapsed in 2024. Chris Reece, coordinator, noted figures will be updated this summer.

Adult drug court is a component of problem solving court. Problem solving courts serve high-risk individuals with extensive drug histories. Individuals who are going through the justice system on felony charges can apply for it with the support of their defense attorney and the county attorney.

Chris Reece, coordinator, noted each person has an individual plan. The program is a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of 36 months. Occasionally one exceeds 36 months, she stated.

It also reduces relapsing into criminal behavior by fostering a comprehensive and coordinated court response. It utilizes early intervention, treatment, intensive supervision and consistent judicial oversight.

Drug court’s mission is to rehabilitate individuals, restore families and promote safety in our communities, Reece reported. It offers an alternative to incarceration in the Cornhusker State.

Average cost to supervise a participant is about $5,000 annually, compared to about $50,005 per year for incarceration. Those taking part also contribute to program costs. Reece related participants have to pay a monthly fee, which recently increased from $40 to $50.

Average cost to supervise an individual is about $14.42. Estimated daily cost is based on the total cost of probation personnel and operating expenses divided by the total population of individuals supervised, which varies yearly.

Required days in program phases are: 60 in Phase 1; 120 each in Phases 2 and 4; 150 in Phase 3 and 90 in Phase 5.

Among the supervision elements are: weekly, biweekly or monthly court appearances to review progress; outpatient and residential drug and alcohol treatment services; Global Positioning Systems and radio frequency monitoring services; continuous alcohol monitoring; group services; home and employment visits and curfew checks; and frequent and random drug testing.

Reece indicated classes are available online and in the Nebraska City office. Transitional housing and sober living are not currently in the immediate area, but she said the team is working to develop a sober living facility in Johnson County.

Emma is married to Jason Kettelhake and is the daughter of Jeremy and Rebecca Vantol of Unionville, Mich.; and daughterin-law of Vern and Joann Kettelhake of Tecumseh.

It is at First Street near the north entrance of the Lake Park. Enroll by Saturday, May 30. Fee is $10. It is open to ages 8 through 18 years. You need not be in 4-H to participate. Additional particulars and registration is available at go.unl.edu/workshop26. The cost can be paid at the Nebraska Extension Nemaha County office.

Anyone with questions, please contact sheenaldavidson@unl. edu.

To qualify as an NAIA Scholar- Athlete, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a four-point scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport and have attended their institution for at least one full year.

The resolution highlights the critical role renewable fuels, like ethanol and biodiesel, play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, unleashing American energy independence, protecting the environment, and supporting rural communities.

Original cosponsors include U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb. U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

“It is a natural part of aging and there are modifiable actions that we can do to make living with arthritis better, noted Kim Hahn, physical therapist at the Auburn hospital. She continued the physical therapists see a lot of incidences of the joint inflammation.

Pain, swelling and stiffness are the most common symptoms, the physical therapist related. Key factors are inflammation, body weight and previous injury, Hahn continued.

Jaclyn Kreifels, director of dietary services, advised looking at nutrition from multiple standpoints.

Hydration is the key, certain herbs and nutrients can make a difference and they need to be used routinely, Kreifels said.

Eating a balanced and healthy diet and trying to keep processed foods to a minimum are also advised. A routine diet of anti-inflammatory foods can reduce side effects, enhance your daily mobility and provide good nutrition, the dietitian indicated.

Susanne Sornson, director of pharmacy, advised you consult with your doctor on pharmaceuticals because over-the-counter medications can interact with what prescription medicines you are taking. She thought acetaminophen is safer than ibuprofen, and you should always take the latter with food.

Short Term Plans to Live Better Hahn presented several possibilities. Ice vs. heat, pain medications, stretching for stiffness, ultrasound and acupuncture and injections.

Ice vs. Heat: Ice reduces inflammation and numbs pain while heat increases blood flow and relaxes muscles. She advised utilizing whatever your body prefers.

Cortisone injections: Pros are can provide rapid relief and increased mobility, are minimally invasive and may delay surgery. Cons are temporary effect, cartilage damage with repeated injections, advised limiting to three per joint annually, potential side effects and it may spike blood sugar.

Long Term Joint Replacement The physical therapist noted pros are you can say goodbye to most pain, it is a long lasting fix 15 to 25 years and rise of simpler surgeries. Cons are recovery can be tough, some times needs revision and risks of surgery include varied postsurgery capacity.

Advice

Hahn encouraged individuals with arthritis to lose weight, reduce inflammation, support their joints, get strong and moving, and eat and sleep well.

Types of arthritis will be detailed in a future issue of the Nemaha Valley Observer.

Auburn reached the state tournament for the first time. It was the second consecutive season the Bulldogs were ranked in the final poll. In 2025, Auburn was rated ninth by the Lincoln Journal Star and 10th by the Omaha World-Herald.

Cornhusker Beef Company in Nebraska City is among 14 meat shops. Among the 19 meat processors are Den’s Country Meats in Table Rock and M-K Meats in Unadilla. There are more than 60 sites, restaurants are also part of the program.

The 2026 Nebraska Beef Passports are available in print or digital download at Good-LifeGreatSteaks.org. Follow the Nebraska Beef Passport on Facebook for updated information throughout the season.

Sponsored by the Nebraska Beef Council, the Nebraska Beef Passport invites participants to explore restaurants, meat markets and processors across the state, all while enjoying high-quality Nebraska beef. The program started Friday, May 1 and continues through Wednesday, Sept. 30.

“This program continues to grow because people genuinely enjoy getting out and experiencing great beef in communities across Nebraska. It’s not just about the food but also discovering new places, supporting local businesses and celebrating the strength of Nebraska’s beef industry,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council.

Participants can check in at each location by scanning a QR code through the mobile pass platform. Each stop earns points that can be redeemed for prizes, while also entering participants into the grand prize drawing. Those who collect 30 or more check-ins can earn a spot in the Beef Passport Hall of Fame, recognizing the most dedicated beef enthusiasts in the state.