The Superior Express -

Nuckolls County Board of Commissioners and the Superior City Council met in back-to-back sessions Wednesday afternoon with Nick Elledge, the county’s emergency preparedness director, and approved emergency declarations relating to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective at 8 a.m. Thursday, the City of Superior canceled all meetings and gatherings at all city facilities including the public library and public safety building. While individuals may still visit the facilities, city-owned parks and ball fields may not be used for games and practices. All city owned buildings have been closed to public access but city employees are continuing to report for work. They are available during regular office hours to conduct business by telephone. Payment for city services may be left at the drive through box outside the city office, paid online with the Pay My Bill feature found on the city website which is cityofsuperior.org or by telephone.

The Superior Public Library remains open but a maximum of seven patrons allowed in the building at the same time.

The city will continue to provide such services as electric, water, wastewater, natural gas, police, fire and emergency medical service. In many cases people calling to request emergency services will be required to provide more information so the responders know how to prepare their response.

Mayor Sonia Schmidt said, “It is important during this time of uncertainty that we remain calm and proactive in protecting our citizens. I appreciate everyone’s patience and I encourage our businesses to also listen to the CDC (the federal center for disease control) recommendations and keep up to date with the latest information.”

The Superior City Council met at 4 p.m. At 3 p.m. the Nuckolls County Board of Commissioners held a similar emergency meeting at the Nuckolls County Courthouse. During that meeting the county board also approved an emergency declaration.

Effective at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday walk-in members of the public have limited access to the courthouse, extension office and road department. With the exception of those entering for scheduled court proceeding and meetings of the county commissioners, appointments are required.

Members of the public entering the courthouse for scheduled court proceedings must use the south entrance.

Those entering the courthouse to attending meetings of the commissioners are to use the north entrance.

The north entrance is also to be used when keeping appointments with the offices of the clerk, veterans service, district court clerk and attorney.

If keeping an appointment with the treasurer’s office, entrance is to be through the east door.

To keep an appointment with the assessor, county court and emergency manager, enter through the south door.

Exceptions to the entrance policy can be made for those needing to use the handicapped ramp at the north door.

The county is strongly recommending the use of online services or the postal system whenever possible.

County and district court scheduled will be kept and questions about those proceedings should be directed to the respective office.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has issued an executive order to increase flexibility with regard to driver licensing and vehicle registration. For those licenses and registration expiring on or after March 1 the deadline for renewal has been extended to 30 days after the COVID-19 order has been lifted.

President Donald Trump has issued an order allowing individuals and non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax due on April 15 until July 15 with penalties or interest. Corporate filers may defer up to $10 million.

The deadline for filing has moved from April 15 to July 15.

Telephone numbers and email addresses for the various county offices follow:

County Assessor, 402-225-2401, assessor@nuckolls.nacone.org

County Attorney, 402-225-3311

County Clerk, 402-225-4361, clerk@nuckolls.nacone.org

County Court, 402-225-2371, diane.wehrman@nebraska.gov

County Sheriff, 402-225-2831, ncsheriffbaker@gmail.com

County Treasurer, 402-225-4351, treasurer@nuckolls,nacone.org

District Court, 402-225-4341, royce.gonzales@nebraska.gov

Driver’s Exam, 402-225-2458

Extension Office, 402-225-2458, nuckolls-county@unl.edu

Highway Department, 402-225-4331, nuckollsroads@windstream.net

Veterans Service, 402-225-3971, vso@nuckolls.nacone.org