From our early files
Eighty Years Ago
Superior High School graduated 54 seniors. Ruskin High School graduated seven seniors.
Work began on the Highway 14 overpass over the Rock Island railroad line north of U.S 36.
Lucille Webber and Charles Bridwell had perfect attendance at the Bostwick school for the past three years.
Marie Sorensen celebrated her 80th birthday.
The Burlington Route offered round trip fares to the Chicago World's Fair for $26.25.
The Lyric Theatre was showing Mae West and Cary Grant starring in "She Done Him Wrong."
Seventy Years Ago
Wanda Hiff, 14, died. She was severely burned when a kerosene can exploded at her home two miles west of Angus.
William Marfa and Robert Bacon, Superior, graduated from the Marfa, Texas Army Air Force Advanced Flying School. Keith L. Garman, Republic, was reported missing in action.
William Clare Jones, Montrose, who had been reported being killed in action in the Philippines, was being held as a prisoner of war by the Japanese.
Blackbird Jell Powder was 49 cents for a 26 ounce jar at R. J. Stephenson's Superior grocery store.
The Lyric Theatre was showing "City without Men," starring Linda Darnell.
Sixty Years Ago
Superior real estate valuations were increased 33 percent but taxes will be levied on 50 percent of that amount.
Voters of the Superior school district approved the issuance of $275,000 in bonds to fund the construction of a new elementary school.
P. Abel Jernberg, 93 died. He was a longtime Red Cloud resident and was employed by the Burlington Railroad for 45 years.
Lucy Wyatt, 77, died. She was a life long resident of Jewell County. She was born on the family homestead south of Superior in 1876.
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn was 12 cents per pound at Superior's Ideal Market,
The Crest Theatre was showing "She's back on Broadway," starring Virginia Mayo and Steve Cochran.
Fifty Years Ago
George Higer, 95, died. He was resident of the Superior vicinity for 84 years.
Chester Marr was appointed rural mail carrier at Oak.
Gene Oldham, 19, was recovering from serious injuries received in a single vehicle accident east of Hardy. He suffered a concussion and was unconscious for 36 hours.
Emma Chaney, 84, died. She had resided in Superior since 1901.
Donald Biltoft was appointed as Nuckolls County treasurer. He filled the vacancy caused by the death of Dale Ferguson who was killed in an airplane crash.
Fluffo shortening was 59 cents for a three pound can at the Superior Safeway.
The Crest Theatre was showing "The Music Man," starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.
Forty Years Ago
The Elk Creek Country Club, Nelson, added 14 additional spaces for golf carts.
The Nuckolls County Fair received a $1,000 grant from Ak-Sar-Ben. The money was used to construct a 4-H show building.
Lightning in north Superior struck the substation. A four-man crew from the Nebraska Public Power District had just finished working on the substation. The strike caused considerable damage but no injuries.
Georgia Denny, 76, died. She was a long time Superior resident.
Rolled and tied beef roasts were $1.09 per pound at the Superior Safeway.
The Crest Theatre was showing "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean," starring Paul Newman.
Thirty Years Ago
Superior High School graduated 58 seniors.
A 1971 Ford LTD, reported stolen from the parking lot of Mid-American Dairymen and owned by Ron Kimminau, was found burned near Webber.
Twins Myrtle Rhoads Entwisle and M. J. Rhoads celebrated their 80th birthdays.
Gold medals were won at the state Class B track and field championship by Superior High School athletes Jim Schaaf in the discus throw and Brian Miller in the shot put.
Cora Jensen, 92, died. She was a long-time Ruskin and Superior resident.
The Sport Shack in Superior was having a quitting business sale.
The Crest Theatre was showing "Max Dugan returns," starring Marsha Mason and Donald Sutherland.
Twenty Years Ago
Mark and Cindy Betka relocated their plumbing and gymnastic businesses to Superior from Geneva.
Albert and Helen Ahrens, Angus, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary,
Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Kriger, Nelson, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Ginny Schultz, 60, died. She was a Superior High School graduate and had lived in Ruskin, Hardy and Cadams.
The Crest Theatre was showing "Sidekicks" and "Born Yesterday."
Ten Years Ago
The Guide Rock Community gathered at the school gymnasium for the final school musical program.
Verna Roe, 82, died. She was a long-time Nuckolls County resident.
Harry Jensen, 79, died. He was a life-long Nuckolls County resident.
Paul and Audrey Beaty celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
The Crest Theatre was showing "Daredevil," starring Ben Affleck and Jennifer Gardner.
Five Years Ago
The Superior Bowl celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The 50th anniversary of the dedication of Lovewell dam was observed..
Deweese voters, by a nine to four margin, approved the addition of a one percent city sales tax.
Max Darling celebrated his 79th birthday.
The Crest Theatre was showing "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" and "Made of Honor."
One Year Ago
The entrance into Superior's Lincoln Park no longer was divided by cottonwood trees. The trees which had served to divide the entrance for many years were removed because of safety concerns.
A strong storm struck the Superior area causing hail and wind damage.
Richard and Ellen Kistler celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Edwin Wharton celebrated his 86th birthday.
The Crest Theatre was showing "Men in Black 3" and "Mirror, Mirror."

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Nuckolls County Courthouse News

County Traffic Court
Derek E. Kral, Superior, overweight single axle or group of axles by 3,800 pounds, $150.
County Civil Court
Credit Management Services vs. Perla Alonzo and Reyes Alonzo, Jr, Ruskin, judgment entered.
General Collection Co. vs. William D. Hiatt and Kassie Hiatt, Superior, judgment entered.
County Criminal Court
State of Nebraska vs. Joshua S. Scheuerman, Ruskin, possess or consume open alcohol container, $25.
State of Nebraska vs. Cody Luben Deshler, littering first offense, $50.
State of Nebraska vs. Daniel J. Beaty, Superior, no proof of insurance, $100; No registration, $50; Possess K2 or marijuana 1 oz. or less, $300; Possess or use drug paraphernalia, $100.
State of Nebraska vs. Alex Rauch, Superior, dog running at larg e; $50.
District Civil Court
     Shelbi C. Wills vs. Larry D. Wills, Jr., complaint for dissolution of marriage.
Juan Garcia vs. Dawn R. White, custody established and order for support.
District Criminal Court
State of Nebraska vs. Derek A. Hathaway, Superior, driving under the influence of alcohol, third offense, 90 days in jail, $1,000 fine, driver's license revoked for 15 years.
Real Estate Transfers
Pauline Y. Hanson, trustee for the Pauline Y. Hanson Trust Agreement, to Dick D. Hanson, Claudia L. Hanson, SW14 23-3-5.
Pauline Y. Hanson Trust Agreement to James A. Hanson: N12 NW 14 22-3-5; NW14 NW14 26-3-5; NW14 34-3-5 .
Harley O. Furrey and Lorie M. Furrey, trustees for the Furrey Family Trust to Tamatha F. Steward, Part Lots 10, 11 and 12 in Block 30, Original Town of Nelson.
Furrey Family Trust to Craig Samp, Block 6, Wheelers First Addition of Nelson.
1031 Rex, LLC to John A. Kaldahl, co-trustee for the John A. Kaldahl Revocable Trust, Mary K. Kaldahl, co- trustee for the Mary K. Kaldahl Revocable Trust: SW14 SE14 20-1-7; Part Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 29-1-7 Nuckolls County.
South Central Public Power District to Nebraska Department of Roads, R.O.W. Division Tract in Lot 12, Block 12 Wheelers First Addition to Nelson.
TNT Painting, LLC, to James P. Kucera, Judith A. Kucera: Lot 9 and Part Lots 7 and 8 in Block 10, Original Town of Lawrence.
1031 Rex, LLC, to John A. Kaldahl co-trustee for the John A. Kaldahl Revocable Trust, Mary K. Kaldahl, co-trustee for the Mary K. Kaldahl Revocable Trust: SW14 SE14 20-1-7; Part Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 29-1-7.
Barbara K. Bohling, trustee for the Barbara K. Bohling Trust to Beverly J. Prucha, trustee for the Beverly J. Prucha Trust, Shari M. Collins: one-half interest each in NW14 14-4-5.
Barbara K. Bohling, trustee for the Barbara K. Bohling Trust, Beverly J. Prucha Trust, Beverly J. Prucha, trustee, Shari M. Collins, David A. Collins to Beverly J. Prucha Trust, Beverly J. Prucha trustee: S 12 NW 14 and SW 14 8-4-5.
James R. Marr, sheriff, to David L. Drohman: Lots 1 and 2 in Block 12, Original Town of Oak.

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CRP sign-up now underway
The Farm Service Agency is holding a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup through June 14. "Producers and landowners are urged to take action now in considering the environmental and financial benefits of CRP as the signup period may be the only opportunity to enroll in General CRP for several years," said Dan Steinkruger, state FSA director.
"CRP is an important program in Nebraska for protecting environmentally sensitive land from erosion and sedimentation, improving air quality and ensuring the sustainability of our groundwater, lakes and rivers. CRP helps protect Nebraska's natural resources, preserve wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation related to hunting and fishing," said Steinkruger. "Nebraska participants currently have more than 900,000 acres enrolled in CRP and earn nearly $60 million in annual rental payments per year," he said.
To be eligible, a producer must have owned or operated the offered acreage for at least 12 months prior to the end of the sign-up period (with some exceptions). The land must be cropland planted to an agricultural commodity four of the six crop years from 2002 to 2007 and be physically and legally capable of being planted. Offers for new acreage and acreage already in CRP but expiring on Sept. 30, 2013, will be considered. Offers will be ranked according to the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). A cutoff score will determine offers accepted. FSA provides 50 percent cost-share assistance to establish the conservation cover and an annual rental payment based on the productivity of the soils and the average dryland cash rent value. Rental rates were recently updated in Nebraska and increased substantially in many counties.
Steinkruger encouraged producers and landowners to also look into CRP's other enrollment opportunities, including Continuous CRP, State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative, the Highly Erodible Land Initiative, the Pollinator Habitat Initiative, and the Platte-Republican CREP. These programs are open on a continuous, non-competitive basis and provide further financial opportunities and incentives.

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Three Rempe siblings graduate, two in one day

The family of Ron and Arlene Rempe celebrated the graduations of three of the children within five months.
Kayla earned her master's of social work degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, graduating with high honors on Dec. 15, 2012, after receiving her bachelor's degree in social work, graduating Summa Cum Laude, at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, in May of 2011. She is currently employed by Hillcrest Health Systems of Bellevue as a hospice social worker.
Nicholas graduated on May 11 from Northeast Community College in Norfolk, receiving an associate's degree of applied science in diversified agriculture. Nick graduated with highest honors, earning a cumulative GPA of 4.0. Nick is now employed in agriculture near Ayr, Neb.
Lauren also graduated on May 11, at the top of her class from Superior High School. She will be attending College of Saint Mary in Omaha this fall where she has been accepted into the occupational therapy program.
With careful planning and much determination, Ron and Arlene were able to attend both Nick and Lauren's commencement ceremonies even though the two schools are separated by a three hour drive. Nick and his parents went by private plane to Norfolk for the 10 o'clock ceremony which was over at noon. They arrived back in Superior at 1:30, just in time to attend Lauren's ceremony at 2 p.m.
With the help of their older siblings, Matthew, Brian and Kayla, a barbecue reception in honor of Nick and Lauren was held after the ceremonies at the home of the Rempe family in their newly remodeled machine shed. It was attended by numerous guests of family and friends, numbering 90 in all, helping to celebrate this memorable day.

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Photo ID to vote bill brings threat of lawsuit
By Demetria Stephens, Nebraska News Service
March 7, 2013
LINCOLN ­ Nebraskans want some kind of voter ID law, but a senator's second attempt to bring such a bill misses the mark, according to Secretary of State John Gale.
Larry Dix, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, read Gale's statement during Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on Legislative Bill 381, Thursday, March 7. The bill, introduced by Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont, would require Nebraskans to show a photo ID when voting. Janssen, a candidate in the 2014 governor's race, introduced a similar bill last year, which failed.
Former senator Brenda Council of Omaha said LB381 might be unconstitutional. Amy Miller, ACLU Nebraska legal director, and Adam Morfeld, the Nebraskans for Civic Reform executive director, agreed. Morfeld said his group of 27 Nebraska organizations would sue the state if the bill passes.
"Voting is a fundamental constitutional right, not only the U.S. constitution," she said. "But I urge the members of this committee and the Legislature as a whole to not forget the Nebraska Constitution."
The Nebraska constitution prohibits anything hindering a qualified voter, which is a registered voter, she said.
Thirty-three states now have voter ID laws, with one of the strictest being Indiana. Janssen based LB381 on that law. His bill would make the Department of Motor Vehicles offer a state identification card at no cost to a voters who can't afford another government photo ID. Mail ballots wouldn't require a photo ID, unless it was the person's first time voting. Anyone who doesn't provide the ID at the polls would have to cast a provisional ballot, which means voting officials have to verify the person's identity.
Janssen was amending the bill to allow election officials in rural areas to vouch for the identity of voters if they forget to bring their ID to vote. He cited a 2012 report by the Pew Center on the States that found 24 million U.S. voter registrations, or one out of eight, were no longer valid or significantly inaccurate.
"The report also found 1.8 million dead people listed as voters and 2.75 million people registered in more than one state," he said.
But because Nebraska hasn't had widespread voting fraud, Gale said the bill might not be appropriate for the state. Gale's statement was read in a neutral position. Other opponents said the bill could reduce the amount of people who vote by putting up barriers. Some groups who might be hurt included students and adopted children who might be on the move, and people who can't easily travel such as the elderly and disabled, including veterans.
Former judge Jan Gradwohl said veterans might be in homes or hospitals and not able to go to the Department of Motor Vehicle to get the ID required by this bill.
"Here are people who have fought for the right to vote and who would be themselves unable to vote," she said.
Supporter Marty Brown, vice president of Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom, said the American flag in the hearing room reminded him of his service in the military in 1965. People spit on him when he returned from service, he said.
"We don't have any respect for that flag," he said. "In reference to LB381, we'd give some of that respect back."

March. 6, 2013

Tax breaks for wind energy could attract development, revenue
By Joseph Moore, Nebraska News Service
LINCOLN ­ Nebraska would become one of only two states in the country that offer tax credits for renewable energy generation under a bill introduced by Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha.
The Legislature's Revenue Committee heard testimony March 6 on LB 411.
The bill would offer a new tax incentive for solar, wind, biomass and landfill gas energy producers just as the federal tax credit on renewable energy production is set to expire at the end of 2013.
"Us having something like this in place would make us a magnet for renewable energy developers," Nordquist said. He said the tax incentive would give Nebraska a competitive advantage over other states in attracting investment in renewables.
Currently, only Oklahoma offers a production-based tax credit on renewable energy.
Despite covering several categories of renewable energy, Nordquist said the bill's goal is to attract wind developers.
Nebraska currently ranks fourth in the nation in wind resources, according to the American Wind Energy Association. The state had 260 wind turbines operating in 2012 with a total capacity of 459 megawatts, providing 2.9 percent of Nebraska's power.
By comparison, Iowa, which ranks seventh in the nation in wind resources, had a total wind energy capacity of 4,536 megawatts and generated more than 18 percent of its power from wind in 2011, according to the American Wind Energy Association.
Even with plentiful wind resources, Nebraska is falling behind neighboring states in wind energy production.
Nordquist's bill would provide a tax credit of .5 cents for each kilowatt-hour of electricity generated from a renewable source. That amount would increase to a peak of 1.5 cents between 2015 and 2017, dropping back down to .5 cents after 2019.
Producers would be eligible for the credit for up to eight years.
The estimated cost to the state for these tax credits is about $2 million for the fiscal year 2014-2015.
Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus asked if the tax credit is necessary to attract developers considering Nebraska's abundant wind resources.
Richard Lombardi, representing the Wind Coalition, a nonprofit group that advocates for wind energy production, responded by saying that the energy market is heavily subsidized and energy producers are forced to go where the incentives are greatest.
"Tax policy is everything in energy policy," he said.
Lombardi said the state, and particularly rural areas, would benefit from an increase in wind energy production. "Wind projects become one of the largest taxpayers," he said.
David Levy, representing Midwest Wind Energy, a wind farm development company with operations in Nebraska, agreed that the tax credit is necessary to attract more investment.
"Other states' tax incentives put Nebraska at a disadvantage," he said.
Levy said Midwest Wind Energy projects in Custer, Knox and Boone counties would generate an estimated $66 million in local and state tax revenue over the next 10 years, adding, "We would like to build more projects in Nebraska."
No one testified against the bill.
Nordquist said the committee would hear testimony on a number of related bills and encouraged members to consider some form of incentive for renewable energy development.