Council approves $220,000 in economic development funds for tech firm

Tangled Tumbleweed to reopen under new ownership

Riverside Discovery Center reports success with winter events

Harris, Reisig elected to lead county board in reorganization

Commissioners freeze own salaries, reject cost-of-living adjustment amendment

Transit services reduced due to federal funding shortfall

County stiffens weed control enforcement, authorizes double billing for noncompliance

Detention center reports temporary $623,000 revenue shortfall

Council approves $220,000 in economic development funds for tech firm

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Scottsbluff City Council approved an Economic Development Assistance Agreement with Gardner Technologies LLC, granting $220,000 in Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act funds, known as LB 840. Owner Jerry Gardner told the council that $20,000 of the funds will be used to complete a partnership and training certification with Crestron, a high-end automation software, while the remaining $200,000 will be utilized to refinance existing high-interest business debt. Gardner also outlined plans to create a high-tech rental meeting room for the public at the company's location in "The Loft," featuring advanced audiovisual capabilities for remote meetings.

Tangled Tumbleweed to reopen under new ownership

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council approved a Class CK liquor license for Green and Tangled LLC, paving the way for the reopening of the Tangled Tumbleweed at 1823 Ave. A. The new owners told the council they plan to refresh the interior and menu, returning the establishment to its roots as a wine bar with small plates. The owners expect to open by March and confirmed that all management and staff will undergo TIPS alcohol safety training.

Riverside Discovery Center reports success with winter events

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Executive Director Kei Hodgson reported that the Riverside Discovery Center's "Wild Lights" event drew 683 attendees and the snow leopard habitat construction is nearing completion due to donations of lumber and funds from 21st Century Equipment. The zoo is also applying for a $50,000 grant to expand the bear encounter program. Future plans for the holiday season include hiring an external company to manage the light display to free up maintenance staff for other projects.

Harris, Reisig elected to lead county board in reorganization

GERING — The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners elected Mark Harris as chairperson and Russ Reisig as vice chairperson for the upcoming year during its annual reorganization meeting. Both appointments were approved unanimously. The board also ratified appointments for various department heads and designated commissioner liaisons to county offices and 26 regional boards and committees.

Commissioners freeze own salaries, reject cost-of-living adjustment amendment

GERING — While approving raises for other officials, the board voted 4-1 to freeze their own salaries for the next four years, a rate unchanged for eight years. Commissioner Ken Meyer cast the lone dissenting vote.

Prior to the final vote, a commissioner offered an amendment to attach a cost-of-living adjustment to commissioners' pay, arguing that small incremental increases are fiscally more responsible than large, infrequent jumps. The amendment failed 2-3, with Commissioners Harris, Mike Blue and Russ Reisig voting against and Commissioners Ken Meyer and Matt Parsley in favor.

Transit services reduced due to federal funding shortfall

GERING — The board unanimously approved service reductions for Scotts Bluff County Public Transit, doing business as Tri-City Roadrunner, effective immediately through June 30, 2026.

Transit Manager Curtis Richter reported that federal and state funding is insufficient to maintain current operating levels. Changes include starting fixed routes one hour later, ending them two hours earlier and capping demand-response rides at approximately 125 trips per day. Full-time administrative staff hours have also been cut from 40 to 37.5 hours per week.

County stiffens weed control enforcement, authorizes double billing for noncompliance

GERING — Commissioners adopted two resolutions granting Weed Superintendent Steve Baird greater authority to issue 10-day and 15-day notices for noxious weed control and establishing a fee schedule for noncompliance.

Baird noted that the county risks losing state points and funding if it does not enforce cleanup on long-standing infestation files. Under the new resolution, if the county hires contractors to spray noncompliant private property, the landowner will be billed at twice the ordinary cost of labor and machine hire, plus a $250 management fee per parcel, filing fees and mileage.

Detention center reports temporary $623,000 revenue shortfall

GERING — Sheriff Mark Overman addressed a $623,000 shortfall in the detention center's current cash flow during staff reports, attributing it to delayed payments from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Overman noted that the facility holds federal detainees under contract and that payment delays, potentially linked to federal budget issues, are not uncommon. He said he would contact federal representatives immediately to resolve the matter, noting that similar past issues were rectified quickly.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us