TOTAL UPDATE: Unofficial results for four precincts and absentee ballots are now posted. Keep watching the ACN Facebook for results as the remaining nine precincts come in.
County Commissioner District 1 Dean Smith 80 Jerald Schwager 31 County Commissioner District 5 Tom Borer 125 LeRoy Kerkman 100 Neligh-Oakdale Board of Education David Wright 286 Ryan Koinzan 350 Kenny Reinke 491 Kevin Hild 502 Elgin Board of Education Lisa Welding 176 Todd Heithoff 168 Ron Bode 137 Luke Hinkle 123 Janet Koinzan 129 Orchard Board of Education Terri Hergert 19 Nathan Schwager 25 Candice Hoke 24 Gordon Shrader 13 Clearwater Board of Education Tom Thiele 29 Regina Krebs 30 Ted Hupp 21 Steve Thiele 32 Neligh City Council Stephanie Wanek 201 Ted Hughes 214 Brent Pickrel 204 Clearwater Village Board of Trustees Michael Klabenes 7 Kevin Filsinger 5 Steven Hankla 7 Steven Stearns 8 Oakdale Village Board of Trustees Karen Berg 60 Ryan Dietz 61 Thomas Wilkinson 32 Jude Freeman 67 Ag Society For 383 Against 331 The Antelope County 4-H Achievement Celebration on Sunday recognized numerous individuals and a 4-H club for their hard work.
The awards were presented following a potluck meal in the Ag Building at the Antelope County fairgrounds in Neligh. Taralyn Baum, an 11-year 4-H member, was selected as the 2018 Outstanding Girl and 5-year member Trevin Hanson was named the 2018 Outstanding Boy. In its first year, Sandy Spurs 4-H Club was named the 2018 Outstanding Club. Grace Rittscher and Aiden Gregory received the Mark Hughes Memorial Award. Rhonda Meyer was presented a plaque for receiving the 2018 Jolene Mosel Helping Hand Award. Membership pin awards included: 4-H Leadership Awards: 1st year leaders - Anne Hemenway, Kara Pelster, Jordyn Pofahl, Julia Suckstorf 2nd year leaders - Cassandra Chessmore, Abigail Frank, Jenny Higgins, Paige Redding, Shannon Schumacher, Rick Smutny 5th year leaders - Jennifer Carr, Dawn Nelson, Lisa Christiansen, Rodney Christiansen 4-H Membership Awards: 1st year 4-H members - Kyla Donaldson, Asher Eischeid, Abryelle Kester, Cashten Kester, Madison Metschke, Rylee Tillema, Connor Hemenway, Dannyka Smidt, Elizabeth Kivett, Grace Longsdorf, Lily-Ann Smidt, Riddick Graham, Austin Hinkle, Abby Kerkman, Jacksyn Sehi, Gavin Longsdorf, Trista Hemenway, Ethan Hinkle, Isabella Smidt and Brianna Maughan. 5th year members - Taytum Clouse, Andrew Henery, Darby Carstens, Cassidy Frey, Jaidreona Hogancamp, Leevi Frey, Jacob Henery, Joe Ahlers, Xavier Hart, Samuel Hemenway, Jailee Hogancamp, Aubrea Howard, Montana Howard, Gracie Park, Carson Whitesel, Emily Ahlers, Lynae Koinzan, Trevin Hanson, Kody Qualset, Alyssa Burenheide, Jacob Cleveland, Taylor Bolling, Carson Anderson and Alexis Lind. 8th year members - Kierra Bearinger, Clay Curtis, Brooklynn Chipps, Collin Gale, Kassidy Grosserode, Grace Henn, Hunter Howard, Kaycee Kahllhoff, Faith Kinney, Adam Miller, Ashleigh Nelson, Angel Qualset, Allyson Selting, Elizabeth Selting, Sadie Smutny, Alison Stineman and Haley Zegers. 9th year members - David Durre, Breanna Carr, Christopher Kester, Alyssa Moser, Codey Snider, Isaiah Greenhalgh and Damien Knight 10th year members - Kaleb Pofahl, Kendra Carr, Rachel Higgins, Amber Miller, Travis Rudloff, Dalton Smutny, Matthew Suckstorf 11th year members - Taralyn Baum, Geoffrey Carr, Brianna Fry, Amy Nelson Four candidates are fighting for a spot on the Oakdale Village Board of Trustees. The candidates are Jude Freeman, Karen M. Berg, Ryan Dietz and Thomas Wilkinson. The Antelope County News received a questionnaire from one of the candidates. Learn more about him below. Jude FreemanName: Jude Freeman
Non-incumbent Reasons seeking office: To make Oakdale great again Qualifications/experience: Past city councilman Top 3 issues facing this office: Not enough revenue for priority items. Top 3 priorities if elected: Clean up the main routes through town How you will make yourself available to the public: phone Five candidates are racing for a seat on the Elgin School Board District 18. The candidates are Todd Heithoff, Lisa Welding, Ron Bode, Luke A. Hinkle and Janet Koinzan. The Antelope County News received questionnaires from two of the candidates. Learn more about them below. Todd HeithoffName: Todd Heithoff Nonincumbent Reason for seeking office: As a lifelong Elgin resident, EPS alumni, and father of 2 children attending EPS, I have a vested interest in the success of our school. Experience: I’ve been on several volunteer boards in the area. I also have a career in banking which gives me experience in finances, budgeting, etc. Other public offices: None Top 3 issues: 1. Declining population base/students enrollment; 2. Overall involvement of parents and students; 3. Continuing to stay on top of technology and facilities with increasing costs. Top priority: Doing everything we can to ensure our children keep receiving a high quality education that prepares them for life after high school. Lisa WeldingName: Lisa Welding
Incumbent Years in office, if incumbent: 2 years Reasons seeking office: I am at a point in my life where I want to serve my community and Elgin Public School has been a big part of my life. My husband Alan and our children Tanner and Kelsey have all attended and graduated from the school. I am also willing to commit the hours necessary to be an effective board member. I am motivated to keeping the school moving forward in the education of our students. I want to ensure that the students and teachers have the resources necessary to achieve educational success. Qualifications/experience: I have had the privilege of being on the school board for the last couple of years, so I have the knowledge of a working board. I am able to listen to opposing views and consider all sides of an issue before making a decision. I have knowledge of budgets, can follow policies and procedure with confidentiality. I have the ability to work with other board members in making sound financial decisions and in making sure students education is our priority. I am a good steward of taxpayers’ money. The success of the students, teachers and school depend on how well school board members manage funds. Other public offices held: I am a board member for the Elgin TeamMates. Top 3 issues facing this office: Exploring opportunities with area schools, funding and finances-always remembering the taxpayers, student education and a safe learning environment Top 3 priorities if elected: Preparing students to join the work force or going on to college, keeping to the budget, community involvement How you will make yourself available to the public: The public is always welcome to attend the monthly board meetings and my contact information is posted on the school website. Four candidates, Kevin Filsinger, Michael Klabenes, Steven O. Hankla and Steven J. Stearns are fighting for a spot on the Clearwater Village Board of Trustees in this year's election. The Antelope County News received a questionnaire from one of the candidates. Learn more about him below. Kevin FilsingerName: Kevin Filsinger
Incumbent Years in office, if incumbent: 6 years Reasons seeking office: Try to make Clearwater more attractive Qualifications/experience: Work for town for 9 years Other public offices held: Chamber president Top 3 issues facing this office: sewer system, clean town, roads Top 3 priorities if elected: sewer system, clean up town, more business LeRoy Kerkman and Tom Borer are fighting for a spot the District 5 County Commissioner seat. The Antelope County News received a questionnaire from one of the candidates. Learn more about him below. LeRoy KerkmanName: LeRoy Kerkman
Party affiliation, if applicable: Democrat Incumbent Years in office, if incumbent: 12 Reasons seeking office: Try to make a difference for the county. I believe in economic development. Qualifications/experience: I served on coop boards and school boards. Other public offices held: 4 years on Elgin Public School Board Top 3 issues facing this office: Black top roads, fair wages for county employees, amount of paperwork required in our jobs today Top 3 priorities if elected: Economic development - attract more young people back to county, keep roads as safe as possible, safety for employees and working relationship with employees How will you make yourself available to the public: Phone: 402-843-5946 or cell: 843-6446. Dean Smith and Jerald L. Schwager are fighting for the District 1 County Commissioner seat. The Antelope County News received a questionnaire from one of the candidates. Learn more about him below. Dean SmithName: Dean Smith
Party affiliation, if applicable: Republican Non-incumbent Reasons seeking office: I have attended many commissioner meetings and my business experience of 43 years would help contribute to make responsible financial decisions for Antelope County. Qualifications/experience: I am a self-employed farmer, operating since 1975. I have learned valuable skills on budgeting not only money, but also time that is needed to survive the ups and downs of the agriculture economy. Other public offices held: I was on the Neligh-Oakdale Board of Education for 8 years. Top 3 issues facing this office: I believe the top 3 issues facing the commissioner office are: budgeting, property tax, and the quality of roads. Top 3 priorities if elected: My top priorities if elected would be to help better understand all the needs of Antelope County, work on saving money by re-evaluating our budget, and research different issues that could possibly help our county. I believe Antelope County is a great place to live and a great place for families, and that is why I have lived here my entire life and raised my family here. I want to make life better for all the residents in Antelope County. How you will make yourself available to the public: I will always be available by phone if anyone has issues or ideas. My phone number is listed in the phonebook. Four candidates, Kevin Hild, Kenny Reinke, Ryan Koinzan and David Wright, are racing for a spot on the Neligh-Oakdale School Board. The Antelope County News received questionnaires from two of the candidates. Learn more about them below. Kevin HildName: Kevin Hild Non-incumbent Reasons for seeking office: While growing up, Neligh-Oakdale was an important part of our family’s life. My mother taught for 35 years and my father was on the school board and ESU 8 board for years. Now that I’m starting my family, I want to continue my family’s involvement in the decisions that will affect my children’s educational future. Qualifications and experience: With my family’s educational ties, I am aware of the importance of the decisions that the school board makes. I have learned as a self-employed business owner and in my association with agriculture, the impact the financial decisions you make today have. With my construction business, I have knowledge that will be helpful in maintaining the facility longevity. I also have interests in common with the younger families that will be keeping our school moving forward. Other public offices: Even though I have been involved in the community’s growth in various aspects, I have yet to find a public office in which I felt I would be able to make a difference. Top 3 issues facing this office and top 3 priorities: 1. Communication: Even though the school board is elected by the community sometimes the community loses their voice after the election. I would like to be a voice for the community without having any personal agendas in my decisions. 2. Accountability: I feel the links in the chain of command need to be held accountable for their responsibilities. When they are accountable, I want to be able to support their decisions without micromanaging them. If they aren’t doing their job, I would encourage them to identify the problem and then seek the tools they need to do the job they were hired to do. 3. Finances: Financial stability will always be an issue for maintaining our quality of school. I would help approve budgets with consideration of providing proper equipment, technology, and resources so that our teachers can provide a top education for our students while in a safe environment both physically and structurally. How will you make yourself available to the public: I will be available to the public for any questions, or opinions concerning my accountability or my responsibilities as a school board member at 402-309-5256 when the communication does not affect my business or family time. Kenny ReinkeName: Kenny Reinke
Incumbent Years in office: 4.5 Reasons seeking office: I am seeking office because I believe it’s important to have a balanced and diverse board. Qualifications/experience: I have been through many obstacles the district has faced and also celebrated the many accomplishments. This has given me a well rounded view of the day to day challenges we face, and I believe a more open mind and willingness to find compromise to solve our issues as they may arise. Other public offices held: Antelope County Ag Society Top 3 issues facing this office: 1. Long term funding of the district. 2. Conflict resolution and being able to compromise to find workable solutions in a timely matter as they arise. 3. Board unity and mutual respect. Top priorities if elected: 1. To keep an open mind and eye to opportunities that help fund the district and reduces the tax burden. 2. Continue to support the hard working staff at Neligh-Oakdale and give them the necessary tools and opportunities to continue to be the best they can be. 3. Continue to look for educational opportunities and curriculum that will continue to produce well rounded diverse graduates that are ready for both the real world and continuing education. How you will make yourself available to the public: I am always willing to listen to concerns of the public. I know people feel that chain of command is used to hide behind by people in public office but I have seen the devastation it can cause when not followed and respected. It undermines school staff and administration. There’s nothing wrong with constructive criticism but don’t use a public office against someone. Four candidates are racing for a spot on the Unified District No. 1 - Orchard Public District 49 Board. The candidates are Nathan Schwager, Terri Hergert, Candice Hoke and Gordon W. Shrader. Learn more about the candidates from the questionnaires below. Nathan SchwagerName: Nathan Schwager Incumbent Years in office, if incumbent: 4 Reasons seeking office: Eight years ago, I was offered the opportunity to come back home and raise my kids in a great community and great school. The future of my kids is very important to me and I just want to do my best to help lead this school district in a positive direction. Qualifications/experience: 4 years experience on this board, several years coach area youth baseball, soccer, football and basketball Other public offices held: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church - treasurer, 2 years; Orchard Young Men’s Club - treasurer, 2 years; CORE Development Board - 8 years Top 3 issues facing this office: 1. Unification/consolidation - finding the right path for our district; 2. Long term solution to extra curricular activities; 3. Property tax relief for district patrons Top 3 priorities if elected: 1. Creating opportunities for every student to make meaningful progress towards college or career readiness; 2. Informing our patrons on consolidation/unification options; 3. Providing a safe and positive learning environment for our students. How you will make yourself available to the public: [email protected] and 402-841-3954 Terri HergertName: Terri Hergert Incumbent Years in office, if incumbent: 28 Reasons seeking office: With the issues facing the school district there needs to be board continuity. I have a lot of board history so I know what the role requires. I have been a part of many rewarding decisions, some of the most difficult decisions a board/community member will ever have to make and I see more looming in the near future. I feel with my experience I am qualified to make the best decisions for the entire district, to be a voice for our taxpayers and our great staff. Most of all, I want to ensure that we continue to provide the best education we can for our kids while putting the least burden on our taxpayers. Qualifications/experience: I think the 28 years speak for themselves. Other public offices held: None. I believe 28 years on the Orchard School Board and 5 years on the Royal School Board prior to that fulfills my civic duty. Top 3 issues: 1. Do we reunify a)for how many years b)with the same 3 schools c)with a combination of just 2 schools d)add additional schools 2. Is this the right time to consolidate with neighboring schools 3. Public Trust: Conveying to our patrons that even though it seems that things are not moving as quickly as they would like, we are working on it. Trust that myself and fellow board members are continually working toward what’s best for our kids and community. We are being asked to make decisions that will impact our community forever and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Please be patient with us. Top 3 priorities if elected: 1. Continuing the great education we as a district have provided to our kids for many years and constantly seeking ways to improve that with the least burden to our taxpayers. 2. Listen to any and all opinions with an open mind so I have a good foundation to base my decisions on. 3. Making the huge decision to re-unify, to consolidate, to build a new school or to maintain the building we have based on what the majority of taxpayers tell us to do. How will you make yourself available to the public: I am either by my work phone or cell phone every day. People are welcome to stop by my office anytime or I can be approached whenever, wherever. I am a good listener. Candice HokeName: Candice Hoke Incumbent Years in office, if incumbent: 8 Reasons seeking office: Share experiences and knowledge to serve our kids best. Qualifications/experience: 8 years on the board - 4 as president, mother of 3 students Top 3 issues and priorities facing this office: Unification agreements up in June 2020, future of our school - possible consolidation, etc. being considered How you will make yourself available to the public: Encourage the public to attend meetings or reach out to me - even if we may not agree, I will always listen. Gordon W. ShraderName: Gordon W. Shrader
Non-incumbent Reasons for seeking office: Helping to plan the future education for our kids and grandkids - explain options to the public for the best possible education money can buy. Qualifications/experience: 28 years serving on the Orchard School Board and Unified Board District #1. Other public offices held: Church boards, golf course board, AMH Hospital Board, Farm Bureau president Top 3 issues and priorities facing this office: Consolidation - reunification - build new school How you will make yourself available to the public: By phone, personal contact and during 3 month time period in Arizona will fly back for meetings. I’m here to help resolve issues and promote an excellent education for our children. Three candidates are fighting for a spot on the Neligh City Council. They are Brent Pickrel, Stephanie Wanek and Ted D. Hughes. The Antelope County News received questionnaires from two of the candidates. Learn more about them below. Brent PickrelName: Brent Pickrel Party: Republican Incumbent/Nonincumbent: Nonincumbent Reasons seeking office: Seeking office to provide unbiased point of view Qualifications/experience: My experience is being a member of several community organizations Top 3 issues facing this office: Funding, community involvement, family retention and recruitment Top 3 priorities if elected: Infrastructure, frugality, opinion How you will make yourself available to the public: [email protected] Stephanie WanekName: Stephanie Wanek
Party affiliation: Democrat Incumbent Years in office: 4 Reasons seeking office: I love my hometown and want to see its continued growth and success. Qualifications/experience: I have served one previous term on the council. I also serve on the Neligh Area Community Foundation, Friends of the Library and various other committees around town. Top 3 issues and priorities: We are currently working to investigate options for a community-run nursing facility. I want to see this through in order to provide care for our family members and neighbors as they age. Housing is another issue in our town that needs to be addressed. We need additional housing options for both rentals and ownership that will allow us to grow and retain our workforce. Continued economic development is another area that will benefit our community. The effects of our Downtown Revitalization Grant are apparent in our business district. Business attraction and retention will ensure viability in the future. How you will make yourself available: I welcome community input. We must all work together to problem solve, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate in order to ensure a successful future. |
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