Pope John Graduates Receive Diplomas Sunday

Members of the 46th graduating class of Pope John Central Catholic High School were awarded diplomas during a program Sunday afternoon.
On a picture-perfect day, 21 seniors saw their goals of graduating from high school come to fruition.
During the hour-long program which included music performed by the senior choir members, the speakers on this day both reflected on past years and encouraged their classmates to excel in future endeavors.
Speaking first, Jenny Beckman said not only has the class excelled as Wolfpack athletes, winning state championships in football and competed with the best teams in other sports, there are other aspects of the high school years to cherish as well.
“We have stayed true to our Crusader roots, as we have ‘stood up and cheered’ our fellow Crusaders on to victory in both the classroom and other extra-curricular activities, which has ultimately led us to our ‘state title’ — graduation day. Throughout our years at Pope John, we have been challenged both academically and spiritually … We cared about each others’ success so much that we were willing to help each other when one of us did not understand … This is an attribute of a Crusader, to fight for those who struggle.”
For the complete story, see the print edition of The Elgin Review.

EHS Graduation Held Saturday

As a rite of passage, thirteen seniors at Elgin High School ended one phase of their live and began a new one Saturday.
Commencement exercises were held Saturday evening as the senior class accepted diplomas and took their first steps as alumni.
The gymnasium was nearly full of faculty, school board members, family and friends to witness the event which took slightly less than one hour to complete.
Before the diplomas were handed out, there were speeches.
First, salutatorian Angela Richart spoke of how coming to Elgin Public Schools six years ago was not a mistake. “There is no other school I’d rather be graduating from today…My classmates and I have been through a lot and we’ve all been looking forward to this day for a long time. We’ve made a lot of memories along the way. We will never forget the times we’ve had. And the moments we’ve shared,” she said.
After mentioning memories of each of her classmates and teachers, Miss Richart spoke of her late grandmother and how she inspired her to graduate from high school.

For the complete story, see the print edition of The Elgin Review.

NECC Diplomas to be Awarded Saturday

The 40th Commencement of Northeast Community College (NECC) will take place on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m. in the Cox Activities Center on the Norfolk campus. The 10 a.m. start time is earlier than in previous years.
As of Wednesday, May 1, some 807 students, including those earning double majors and 169 who completed their studies last December, were to be listed in the commencement program.
Northeast President Dr. Michael Chipps will give the commencement address.
Amanda N. Lorenz, Osmond, will give the Student Address. She will receive an associate of arts degree during the ceremony.  Richard Chrisman, computer programming instructor, will give the faculty address.
Commencement Speaker Chipps was named the 8th president of Northeast Community College on January 6th, 2012. Prior to leading Northeast, he served as president for Mid-Plains Community College in Nebraska from 2003-2012. Previous to these presidencies, Dr. Chipps served as vice-president and chief executive officer of North Platte Community College in Nebraska and for 23 years held multiple instructional, student affairs, and administrative positions at Central Community College in Nebraska.
Visitors approaching campus for the 10:00 a.m. ceremony can tune to 101.7 FM for parking information.
A Touch of Brass, under the direction of Keith Krueger, will provide the musical prelude, processional, and recessional.  Dr. Linda Boullion, music department chair and director of choral activities, will sing the National Anthem.  She will be accompanied by Northeast Music Instructor Margaret Schultz.
The tentative graduation candidates, as of Wednesday, May 1, are listed below by state and hometown.  Key to abbreviations:  AAS-Associate of Applied Science; AA-Associate of Arts; AS-Associate of Science, and ADN-Associate Degree Nursing.
Clearwater — Laura Hemenway AA; Stephanie Petersen AA; and Kayla Spangler AA
Elgin — Traci Beckman Diploma Practical Nursing; Jared Beltz AAS Electromechanical Technology; Samantha Heithoff AA; Tyler Johnson AAS Drafting; Justin Kallhoff AAS Electrical Construction and Control; Karlie Schiltmeyer AAS Horticulture and Golf Course Management; Lauren Selting Diploma Practical Nursing; Brandy Suhr AA; Christopher Vacha AAS Wind Energy; and Gabriel Wiegand AAS Diesel Technology
Neligh — April Arehart Diploma Medical Coding; Travis Coleman AA; Jared Frasch Diploma Welding; Angela Hartz AAS Veterinary Technology; Kasey Hoffman AAS Agriculture-Agribusiness; Josh Hurtig AAS Diesel Technology; Hollie Jisa Diploma Practical Nursing; Tyler Schrage AAS Electrical Construction and Control; Colby Snodgrass Diploma Welding; and Jessica Werner AAS Business
Oakdale — Jared Hanson AS
Petersburg — Breanna Bode AA; Skyler Knust AAS Agriculture-Agribusiness; and Rebecca Voecks Diploma Administrative Assistant-Legal
Raeville — RoseMarie Fangman AS

NPPD Open Houses Scheduled for Neligh, Norfolk

A third round of public open houses focused on potential line routes and substation locations is set for May 14 and 15 on Nebraska Public Power District’s proposed Hoskins to Neligh 345,000-volt transmission line project.
The first of two open houses will be Tuesday, May 14, at the American Legion, 115 W. Third Street in Neligh. A second open house will be held on Wednesday, May 15, at the Lifelong Learning Center located at Northeast Community College, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., in Norfolk. Both open houses will run from 2 to 8 p.m. and input will be taken from landowners and interested public.
The open houses continue NPPD’s public involvement process in routing transmission lines. Two earlier sessions on the Hoskins to Neligh line gathered information from landowners that assisted in identifying potential line routes and substation sites, although NPPD has made not made a decision on a final line route or substation site. Landowners who are within close proximity to those line routes have been extended an invitation to attend the open house, and were provided a map showing what NPPD feels is the most suitable line route and substation site at this time.
NPPD is building the line route to enhance transmission system reliability and provide opportunities for additional renewable energy generation. The new line will cover approximately 50 miles in length, and also includes rerouting four, existing 115,000-volt transmission lines into a new substation location.

For the complete story, subscribe to The Elgin Review

City Council Discusses Numerous Topics Monday Night

Over the weekend, the Elgin community ‘cleaned up’ in big fashion.
The Elgin City Council received a report on the event during Monday night’s meeting. The response was overwhelming as two dumpsters were filled and a third was brought in to handle items brought in. Members of the Elgin Community Club, sponsors of the event along with the City of Elgin, canvassed the community Saturday morning picking up items along curb sides.
The City of Elgin pays for the cost of the dumpsters.
While some council members said there is a need to establish what will and what will not be accepted for next year’s event, it was called “a roaring success.”
Council member Shirley Nissen said, “Our tax money was put to good use.”
It’s likely the cost of hauling the dumpsters away will be in excess of $1,000. One year ago the cost to remove two dumpsters full of items was over $800.
In other action:
Agreement — The council voted 4-0 to approve an agreement for use of the ball field during the summer season, at the request of Ron Bode. The cost of the agreement which runs from May thorugh July is $3,000.
Dead end street signs — After learning the cost to place 33 street signs around the edges of Elgin could run as much as $100 per sign, the council approved a motion by Shirley Nissen to drop the matter. She had expressed concern about the liability of a property owner who lives near a dead end street. Attorney Ron Temple said since the property owner doesn’t own the road they would have nothing to do with any liability issues were there to be a motor vehicle accident.
Resolution — Approval was given to Resolution 2013-5 for an interlocal agreement with Antelope County allowing the county to provide assistance in emergency situations.
Vicious dogs — Discussion was held on whether or not to add to a city ordinance dealing with vicious dogs inside the city limits. Currently, the city ordinance stipulates a dog owner can be fined for their pet running large. City Clerk Vicki Miller said when a call is received at city hall and the owner of the animal is known, they will receive a certified letter which warns them if it happens again the matter will be turned over to the county attorney for prosecution.
Councilman Ken Jochum questioned whether specific breeds of dogs should be singled out since, it was the council’s consensus was that any dog can be called vicious. The decision was to leave the current ordinance as it is.
New EMT — Carli Bolli, a certified EMT, was approved as a new member of the Elgin Rescue Squad.
Fireworks — Mark Burenheide will have a fireworks stand in Elgin following approval of an application. It was approved pending Burenheide providing a certificate of insurance.
Pool — The summer pool season will officially begin on Friday, May 24. That will be the first day the city swimming pool will be open, weather permitting.
Playground — Miller told council members she will be submitting a grant application to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) which, if approved, could cover one-half of the cost of adding rubber to the playground equipment area at Elgin City Park. Preliminary figures, she said, show the total cost for the rubber would be in excess of $33,000. Mayor Mike Schmitt said if the city receives the grant, the deadline for applications is August 1, then they will proceed with the project.
Maintenance report — City Street Superintendent Donnie Poulsen Jr. said tests are planned for City Well 77-1 which could determine at which level arsenic is entering the water well. The test, he said will cost more than $16,000, will take water samples at three different levels, will extend the city’s timetable for putting in a new welL.
Insurance — Kathy Volk of Elgin Insurance presented the council with bids for the City’s 2013-2014 insurance policy. One policy, from Continental Western has special event coverage built into its’ liability package at a cost of just over $15,000. As with all insurance packages, there would be exemptions, she said. Temple advised and the council agreed to get an “apples to apples” comparison between the Continental Western’s bid and that of the current insurance provide, Cornhusker, and then review the proposed policies at a special meeting before the current policy expires on May 28.

« Previous Page — Next Page »