Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts (right) congratulates Scoular Chief Executive Officer Paul Maass on the new facility at a welcome reception March 20 at Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. in Seward. Scoular will open a $50 million manufacturing plant to make freeze-dried protein ingredients for pet food.
Today is National Mom and Pop Business Owner Day! Celebrate by supporting your local businesses.
After years of working to bring more industry to Seward, the Seward Regional Rail Campus south of town will soon welcome a new manufacturer.
Scoular, an Omaha-based grain company, will occupy roughly half the acres that have been for sale at the Rail Campus. It will invest $50 million in buildings and equipment and is expected to create 100 new jobs.
The Seward City Council approved the sale of 15 acres to Scoular at its March 19 meeting.
“They’re going to be the flagship company at the rail campus,” Seward Mayor Josh Eickmeier said.
Scoular (pronounced “school-er”) will manufacture freeze-dried protein ingredients for pet food; however, the company itself does not make pet food—it just sells the ingredients.
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During its March 19 meeting, the Seward County Board of Commissioners:
• heard reports from Emergency Manager Gary Petersen and Highway Superintendent Casey Kiem regarding state and federal emergency funding and the condition of county roads.
• approved a request from Seward Kiwanis Club President Jill Perdue for $500 to fund spring cleaning efforts.
• ratified a disaster declaration effort.
• held a public hearing for a conditional use permit for a livestock feeding operation submitted by Bryce Borchers.
Several people including Jessica Kolterman of Lincoln Premium Poultry, Andy Scholting of Nutrient Advisors, Megan Kahler with the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership, Will Keech representing the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska and current permit holder Jim Schultz all spoke in support of the commissioners approving Borchers’ request.
• approved resolution 3439, which allowed Borchers to move forward with his proposed livestock feeding operation, which will include eight chicken barns about two miles east and half a mile south of Utica.
• approved the sheriff’s fee and mileage reports for February, of $910.26 and $1,557.50 respectively.
• discussed and authorized 50 percent of the payment to Zuercher Technologies, the county jail’s public safety software system. The payment authorization was made prior to receiving the software in order to receive a discounted rate on the technology.
• tabled action on seeking bids for a new information technology contract in order to get more information.
Several department heads discussed their specific needs when it comes to their software and technology needs.
At its March 19 meeting, the Seward City Council:
• approved the resignation of Ward 1 council member Dean Fritz who has served the city for six years and four months. Fritz is moving out of Ward 1 but will remain in Seward.
Other council members expressed their appreciation for Fritz’s service and Mayor Josh Eickmeier presented Fritz with a certificate.
• approved the purchase of 87.71 acres of land located in the Rail Campus at 2837 Walker Road. The land is owned by John Heath, trustee of the Donald L. Heath Trust.
• approved a special designated liquor license for Dave’s Place in Superior for an event at Harvest Hall on May 12.
• approved a memorandum between the city and the Ridge Run Homeowners Association Inc. clarifying that the city does own and is charged for maintenance, repair and replacement of the sanitary lift station in the Ridge Run Development.
• approved a bid from Pavers Inc. for $208,118.80 for a 2-inch asphalt overlay on Columbia Avenue from Highway 34 to Lincoln Avenue.
• approved the option to purchase the Phyllis Aegerter property at 2025 South Highway 15. This property is needed to develop a new entrance for the Rail Campus.
Friday
St. Vincent de Paul Church will host fish fries on Fridays during Lent. The menu includes deep-fried fish, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, cornbread, ice cream and a drink. Take-outs are available. Dinner is from 5–7:30 p.m. and tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children.
Saturday
Cinderella’s Formal Gown Rental of Ralston will hold a pop-up store in Milford atthe Milford High School Commons Area Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Help Milford’s Flag Fly in an effort to purchase a flag pole to display Milford’s city flag designed by soon-to-be Eagle Scout Nolan Eickhoff. Cinderella’s will bring dresses up to size 18. If you need a bigger size, contact Cinderella’s at (402) 639-2121.
The Seward baseball team held on to defeat Platteview 8-7.
Seward's girls' soccer team beat Crete 11-1.
The Seward boys' soccer team lost to Crete 10-1.
Branched Oak baseball beat Central City/Fullerton 6-0. Aiden Urbom and Garret Moudrey combined to pitch a no-hitter for Branched Oak.
Seward's golf team finished second in a triangular at York. Tyler Welch and Garrett Erickson each shot a 40 to tie for the low score on the day.
The Nebraska Coaches Association announced its all-star basketball selections for games in July. Kayla Luebbe of Seward, Brooklyn Minzel of Malcolm and Jack Hirschfeld of Centennial were selected.
