Kenney earns Swenson award 

Each year since 1925, Peru State College has honored outstanding student-athletes with the Bert Swenson award in recognition of their participation in athletics, outstanding character, personality, service and loyalty to Peru State. The award was created in memory of Bert and Stella Swenson's 13-month old son, Bert. Jr., who passed away.

Alexandra Kenney of Milford was a recipient of the award this year. Kenney, the daughter of Justin and Rose Kenney from Milford, is one of the most unique selections for a female selection of the Swenson Award as she participated in three different sports and completed her schooling at Peru State in three years.

Her biggest recognition came as a senior as she was the top runner on the cross country team in every meet in which she participated.

In addition, during her senior year, Kenney played on the basketball team when they were in need of additional players. As a freshman, she was a member of the softball team.

Following her senior season, Kenney was named a Google Cloud District 3 First Team selection and was also a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete. In addition, she was a Heart of America Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete and previously was a National Fastpitch Softball Scholar-Athlete.

She was on the Dean's List six semesters and had a perfect 4.0 grade point average in five of those semesters. With her academic efforts, she was initiated into the College's Alpha Chi honorary.

Kenney was active on campus as a two-year resident assistant, two-year Admissions Ambassador and an intramural supervisor/referee. She also participated in Phi Beta Lambda and was a two-time national qualifier. In 2017, she placed first in national competition in Client Services.

The biochemical science graduate was a Rural Health Opportunities Program scholar. Presently, Kenney is attending the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the College of Pharmacy.

Milford to vote on LB840 tax

Milford residents will be able to vote on the city's LB 840 tax in the general election on Nov. 6.

The tax, which sets 1 percent of city sales tax aside for use in economic development projects, initially was approved by voters for a period of 10 years. That 10-year window has come to a close, and voters will again decide whether to renew or ditch the tax.

No new tax is being proposed. For more information, contact the city office at (402) 761-3247.

Trail asks for evaluation before trial

Aubrey Trail has requested through his lawyers to undergo a competency evaluation before standing trial.

Trail, one of two people thought to have had a role in the death of Lincoln woman Sydney Loofe last November, submitted the request Sept. 21. 

“This is a fairly standard motion,” his attorney, Ben Murray, said. “This is something we have to do to prepare for the trial nine months from now.” 

The evaluation has yet to be scheduled, however, Murray said he thinks Trail’s trail date should not be affected by the outcome.

Read the full story HERE.

Watch for power lines during harvest

Nebraska Public Power District reminds farmers and harvest equipment operators to look up and look out for power lines, which can pose a deadly hazard.

“Equipment can get caught in power lines if operators are not aware of their

surroundings,” said Art Wiese, transmission and distribution manager. “Even coming too close to a power line can cause electricity to arc to your equipment.”

Avoiding contact with a power line is the best way to stay safe, but if contact does happen, remain inside the equipment until help can arrive.

“If a line is not de-energized by a public power utility crew, stepping out of the vehicle could cause your body to become the path and electrocution could occur. Even if the power line is resting on the ground nearby, that surrounding area could potentially be energized,” Wiese said.

If you are forced to exit the vehicle, the appropriate action is to jump – not step – with both feet landing on the ground at the same time. Do not touch the vehicle and ground at the same time, and shuffling your feet on the ground to safety. Never simply step out of the vehicle – jump clear of the equipment.

Each day:

• review all farm activities and work practices that will take place around power lines and remind all workers to take precautions.
• know what jobs will happen near power lines and have a plan to keep the assigned workers safe.
• know the location of power lines, and when setting up the farm equipment, be at least 20 feet away from them. Contact your local public power provider if you feel this distance cannot be achieved.
• use caution when raising augers or the bed of a grain truck or wagon. It can be difficult to estimate distance, and sometimes a power line is closer than it looks. Use a spotter to make certain the equipment stays a safe distance from the line.
• adjust portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level – under 14 feet – before moving or transporting them. Variables like wind, uneven ground, shifting weight or other conditions can combine to create an unexpected result. Be aware of antennae.
• never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path. If power lines near your property have sagged over time, call your public power utility to repair them.
• be careful not to raise any equipment such as ladders, poles or rods near or into power lines. Non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness and dust and dirt contamination.

See stars, planets at CU observatory

Mars and Saturn will be viewed at a special open house Thursday, Oct. 4, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Osten Observatory near Concordia University's campus.

“October is another good month for planets with a view of Mars and Saturn,” Dr. Robert Hermann, professor of physics, said. “We'll also be able to see a double star and a dying star.”

Hermann will provide a brief explanation of each object and will answer questions from attendees. There is no set program and visitors are urged to check the weather before they arrive as it can change quickly. If the sky is cloudy, or if it is very windy at the time the observatory is scheduled to open, the viewing will be cancelled for the night.

The observatory is located on the northeast corner of Concordia's campus on East Hillcrest Drive in Seward. Visitors should be prepared to walk across a short length of field as the path to the observatory is not paved. There is also a step up to be able to reach the telescope. There is no charge for admission.

Scoreboard

Volleyball: Centennial def. Thayer Central, 12-25, 25-22, 27-25, 25-23 - the Broncos knock off the previously unbeaten Titans

Seward def. Beatrice, 25-17, 12-25, 25-16

Seward def. York, 25-10, 27-25

Milford def. Wilber-Clatonia, 25-21, 25-20, 25-15

Malcolm def. North Bend Central, 18-25, 25-11, 25-21, 25-18

Softball: Malcolm 10, Conestoga 0

Scheduled today: The Seward golf team hosts its conference tournament starting at 9 a.m. at the Seward Community Golf Course.

Seward softball travels to Grand Island for its conference tournament.

Under the lights tonight: Seward (4-1) is at Crete (3-2)

Milford (2-3) is at Fairbury (1-4)

Centennial (5-0) is at North Bend Central (5-0)

Malcolm (1-4) hosts Freeman (3-2) for homecoming

Saturday softball: Centennial will host the Southern Nebraska Conference tournament, which includes Milford. Games start at 10 a.m. in Utica.

This weekend:

Give blood: The American Red Cross will host a blood drive Saturday, Sept. 29, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Seward High School. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

Author speaks: Award-winning food writer and investigative reporter Ted Genoways will speak at Seward Memorial Library on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 2 p.m. He is the author of five books, including This Blessed Earth, winner of the Stubbendieck Great Plains Distinguished Book Award. Genoways will share his experiences which led to the story of the Hammond family who reside in York County and are featured in This Blessed Earth.

CU at the recital: Music faculty members at Concordia University will showcase vocal, instrumental and keyboard musical selections during a recital on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m. in the Music Center’s Recital Hall on campus. The recital will feature a variety of classical repertoire performed by five faculty members including Talea Bloch, soprano, and Anne Gray, soprano, each doing a vocal performance, Elizabeth Grimpo on piano, Julia Marble on violin and Paul Soulek on organ. The recital is free and open to the public. A brief reception with light refreshments will follow.

Gold Star Mother's Day: Sunday, Sept. 30, is Gold Star Mother’s Day, a national observance to recognize mothers who have lost children in the line of duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. The day is the last Sunday in September. It was founded after World War I and is named for the gold star on the service flag displayed in honor of those who have given their lives.

Suicide prevention: September is Military Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During this month, and all year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs works with organizations around the country to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health resources and to encourage communities to support veterans, service members and their families and friends. Free, confidential crisis support is available from the Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.