News

By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

One of Ellsworth County’s last remnants of New Deal infrastructure is being torn down to make room for a stronger successor.

The current Black Wolf bridge, completed in 1939, was built to replace an even earlier one wiped out by flooding in the early summer of 1938. After several consecutive days of heavy rain, the Smoky Hill River rose well beyond its old record of 25 feet, marooning at least one family. Along with the Black Wolf bridge, the Dlabal bridge, southeast of Wilson, and two others southeast of Kanopolis were also destroyed.

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By the I-R staff

Santa is expected to make a pre-Christmas stop Saturday at Wilson’s annual Christmas Festival.

The Jolly Old Man will be at the St. Wenceslaus Parish Hall from 1 to 2 p.m. to visit with children and also pose for photographs.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

The holiday season often focuses on charity, but Amy Jo Hawley, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church is trying to expand the boundaries of giving to other months of the year.

As the mediator of the Ellsworth County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA), which unifies area churches for critical needs, she hopes community resources can be delivered in a compassionate manner.

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By Judi Brown
Marquette Tribune

To say that business is booming at the Tiffany Cattle Company would probably be an understatement.

Since Shawn and Shane Tiffany took over the feedlot located southeast of Marquette in July, they have doubled the number of people they employ and have nearly filled every pen they have available.

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By Jennifer McDaniel
For the Ellsworth I-R

Cherie Sauers has spent years volunteering for the Ellsworth County Historical Society. While she can’t specifically say how many, it’s safe to say it’s been more than two decades since she first started paying it forward preserving and advocating for county history.

In that time, she’s served in every position on the board of directors, including president — a role she’s held at least once before and currently does today.

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By the I-R staff

The sound of sleigh bells filled downtown Ellsworth Monday night. They competed with the music coming from the sidewalks and inside businesses along Douglas Avenue.

At 5:30 p.m. on the dot, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived, waving to shoppers as they rode up and down the street in a horse-drawn white carriage that later offered free rides.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

The clock is ticking for Ellsworth County’s current match opportunity.

“We’re running a bit behind,” said Theresa Staudinger, who heads the Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation (SHCF). Her foundation is trying to raise $50,000 in donations by today (Thursday, Nov. 30).

If successful, the SHCF would receive $75,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan. The Hansen Foundation is matching every dollar donated with a $1.50. The grand total goal of $125,000 would then allow for the establishment of an endowed trust. Staudinger said it would mean the SHCF could replenish its available grant monies each year.

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By Judi Brown
Marquette Tribune

The Marquette Fine Arts Center is presenting its 29th annual melodrama “A Sure Bet” or “Marryin’ a Librarian” and olio Dec. 1-3.

The town of Echo, Texas, has lost the will of a prominent citizen. Jack Pott, a dastardly villain, comes to town and tries to convince the people to build a casino with the money from the estate. Paige Turner, the heroine, enlists the help of Darren Deeds, a Texas Ranger, to try to change their minds and build a library instead. The cast is rounded out with many unique townspeople.

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By Vince Hancock

Braiden Wells, first grade, Ellsworth Elementary School - Get a turkey from the store, put it in the oven at 450 degrees for 5 minutes and cut it up.

Brylie Minear, first grade, Ellsworth Elementary School - Put it on a pan, put it in the oven at 100 degrees for 21 seconds and cut it up.

Justin McQueary, first grade, Ellsworth Elementary School - Shoot it and skin it, put it outside so it can heat up for about 20 minutes, then cool it down in the freezer.

Nevaeh Tromble, first grade, Ellsworth Elementary School - Get one from the store, cook it in the oven for 20 minutes at (not too hot) 400 degrees, then cut it.

Octavio Rodriguez, first grade, Ellsworth Elementary School - Get a turkey from the store, put it in the oven at 200 degrees for 3 hours, then let it cool.

By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

The mail carrier in Ellsworth wondered if the truck with the Nebraska plates had broken down. The man grading the roads in Geneseo just wanted it out of the way. Bill Bolte quickly allayed their concerns, but then returned to his work, walking briskly and watching for the metal rods in his hands to cross.

Bolte is trying to add to the historical record. Old pioneer, cattle and military trails are well known, but his interest lies in Native American footpaths. About five years ago, he began tracing a trail after collecting oral histories from central Nebraska residents.

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