Landowners raise concerns over proposed paving district for sports complex

Council approves creation of new utility districts for Triple Peaks

Road maintenance scope reduced following budget-busting bid

Economic development plan expanded to include childcare, higher retail grants

City moves forward with $250,000 downtown revitalization grant

City renews agreement with 23 Club for baseball facilities

Mobile veterinary clinic granted permit for permanent facility

Subdivision of old Cedar Canyon School sparks septic debate

Commissioner warns of state bill limiting local zoning control

Chairman announces intent not to seek re-election

Panhandle Public Health expected to receive $8 million in funding

Assessor launches homestead exemption outreach for seniors

Commissioners flag safety concern over USDA chemical storage

Board discusses community impact of Lake Minatare School closure

Carpenter offers free caskets to low-income families

Landowners raise concerns over proposed paving district for sports complex

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Scottsbluff City Council heard testimony Tuesday regarding the creation of Paving District No. 315, which would pave 18th Avenue to provide access to a proposed sports complex and the Triple Peaks subdivision. Representatives for the Quindt family, who own adjacent land, expressed support for the recreation center but objected to potential assessments on their agricultural property. Attorney Michael Matukewicz, representing Wilbert and Vicki Quindt, requested confirmation that all costs would be borne by the developer, Bruner Bunch, LLC, citing a previous contract. Developer Deidra Bruner stated she intends to honor the agreement and is working to finalize financing for the project. The council advanced the ordinance on first reading.

Council approves creation of new utility districts for Triple Peaks

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — In addition to the paving district, the council advanced ordinances on first reading to create Sanitary Sewer District No. 168 and Water District No. 106. These districts are designed to service the proposed Triple Peaks subdivision and commercial tracts north of the Winters Creek Canal. City Engineer Dave Schaff explained that the new lines will tie into existing infrastructure to support the development of the proposed sports complex and surrounding lots.

Road maintenance scope reduced following budget-busting bid

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council voted unanimously to award the 2026 chip seal project to Midwest Coatings for $1.06 million, but only after significantly scaling back the project's scope. The city received only one bid for the project, which originally came in at $1.46 million—well over the engineer's estimate and the city's $950,000 budget. To move forward, city staff negotiated with the contractor to lower the price per square yard and reduced the amount of road work to be completed, cutting the coverage area from roughly one-third of the city to one-quarter.

Economic development plan expanded to include childcare, higher retail grants

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Council members unanimously approved amendments to the city's LB840 Economic Development Plan, officially classifying early childhood care and education as qualifying businesses for funding. The changes also expanded the boundaries for eligible retail businesses from the downtown district to the entire city limits and increased the maximum grant application amount for retail businesses from $10,000 to $25,000. Economic Development Director Sharaya DeSersa told the council the changes aim to address the local childcare shortage and adjust for rising construction costs.

City moves forward with $250,000 downtown revitalization grant

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council authorized an agreement with the Panhandle Area Development District (PADD) to administer a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for downtown revitalization. The federal funds will be used primarily for facade improvements on downtown buildings. PADD will handle the administrative compliance and federal requirements for a fee of $25,000, which is covered within the grant structure. City staff indicated they expect to begin accepting applications from business owners in the spring.

City renews agreement with 23 Club for baseball facilities

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council approved a five-year use agreement with 23 Club, Inc. for the operation and maintenance of local youth baseball facilities. Under the new terms, the club will pay the city $3,000 annually. Parks and Recreation staff noted that the club saves the city significant money by handling maintenance and capital improvements, including recent upgrades to lighting and irrigation funded through grants and donations. The facility serves approximately 400 participants annually.

Mobile veterinary clinic granted permit for permanent facility

GERING, Neb. — The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a veterinary clinic and related facilities on Sugar Factory Road. The veterinarian, who currently operates a mobile clinic, told the board the new facility—housed in a renovated barn previously damaged by wind—is essential for recruiting a successor to the practice. The permit allows for animal surgery and temporary recovery boarding but prohibits long-term commercial kenneling. Several residents spoke during the public hearing to support the project, citing a critical need for large animal veterinary services in the area.

Subdivision of old Cedar Canyon School sparks septic debate

GERING, Neb. — The board approved a preliminary plat for the Allen Canyon Subdivision, a request to split the former Cedar Canyon School property into three tracts to reduce insurance costs. A commissioner raised concerns regarding the location of septic systems on the subdivided lots, specifically whether future buyers would be aware if a septic system was located on a neighboring tract. To address liability concerns, the county zoning administrator agreed to attach a note to the final plat disclosure to ensure future property owners are informed of the septic layouts.

Commissioner warns of state bill limiting local zoning control

GERING, Neb. — During board and staff reports, a commissioner voiced strong opposition to Legislative Bill 663, currently advancing in the Nebraska Legislature. The commissioner stated the bill, which aims to reform livestock siting permits, would severely restrict county boards' ability to set conditions or require additional processing for industrial feedlots and renewable energy projects. Officials noted that under the proposed legislation, counties would have only 90 days to complete investigations and issue decisions, a timeframe argued to be insufficient for proper due diligence and local control.

Chairman announces intent not to seek re-election

GERING, Neb. — Chairman Mark Harris announced that he does not plan to file for re-election, stating he is "90 percent sure" of his decision. With the filing deadline for incumbents approaching on Feb. 17, Harris alerted the board and the public to his intentions, noting that several potential candidates have expressed interest in running for his seat if he steps down. Harris clarified that while he has not made a final decision, he wanted to be transparent about his likely departure from the board.

Panhandle Public Health expected to receive $8 million in funding

GERING, Neb. — During his report, the chairman announced that the Panhandle Public Health District is anticipated to receive approximately $8 million in funding, passed down from the federal government through the state. The funds are expected to support a variety of initiatives, including behavioral health programs, and may allow the district to hire six to eight additional employees. The board noted that the district is primarily funded by state and federal sources rather than county tax dollars.

Assessor launches homestead exemption outreach for seniors

GERING, Neb. — The county assessor reported that approximately 1,800 homestead exemption applications were mailed out this week, marking the start of the filing period which runs through June 30. The assessor expressed concern that many eligible seniors do not use the internet and may miss digital announcements regarding tax relief eligibility. To bridge this gap, the office proposed holding town hall meetings and utilizing radio spots to ensure residents who do not use computers are aware of the exemptions available to them.

Commissioners flag safety concern over USDA chemical storage

GERING, Neb. — While discussing the county's predatory animal control agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the board raised safety concerns regarding a shipping container located on county property. Commissioners noted the container, used by the USDA to store poisons and other control materials, has been sitting for years and may no longer be actively monitored. The board directed staff to ensure the container is inspected and secured to prevent any potential leakage of hazardous materials or accidental access by the public.

Board discusses community impact of Lake Minatare School closure

GERING, Neb. — A commissioner discussed the emotional toll of the closing of the Lake Minatare School, noting he has been working with local patrons as a private citizen. While acknowledging the closure is expected to save the school district roughly $750,000 and that the county board has no jurisdiction over school district budgets, the commissioner highlighted the disruption to the tight-knit community. He noted that affected families are now exploring options in other districts, such as Minatare, for their children's education.

Carpenter offers free caskets to low-income families

GERING, Neb. — A commissioner reported on a meeting with a local carpenter who has started a ministry building caskets at no charge for families unable to afford traditional funeral costs. The carpenter approached the commissioner to raise awareness of this resource for residents in financial distress. Officials suggested connecting the carpenter with Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska and the veteran service officer to help coordinate the donation of these services to those in need.

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