Council advances $9 million bond intent for solid waste transfer station

Fire chief reports drop in calls, implementation of cancer screenings

Council scrutinizes fire department 'lift assists' at medical facilities

Proposal unveiled for new neighborhood park north of Highway 26

Parks director highlights 'mini-pitch' and pickleball success

Council questions lighting schedules at city parks

New cemetery office construction set to begin in March

Tree inventory reveals threat of emerald ash borer and pine wilt

Scotts Bluff County Board Chairman announces he will not seek reelection

Commissioners approve accessory dwelling units in split vote

Zoning changes allow more homes on ag land

Older subdivisions granted flexibility on lot sizes

'Event facility' added to zoning regulations

New $100 fine established for unpermitted building

Bridge projects move forward amid funding concerns

Sheriff's office to expand patrols in Minatare

State audit error to impact dozens of homestead exemptions

Council advances $9 million bond intent for solid waste transfer station

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city council approved a resolution declaring the intent to issue up to $9 million in bonds for the construction of a new solid waste transfer station and related equipment. City Engineer Dave Schaff stated that while the current budget allocates $3.5 million for the project, the higher bonding cap provides a financial "tool in the toolbox" to cover potential equipment costs, such as compactors and roll-offs. Finance Director Lane Kizzire clarified that this action allows the city to reimburse itself for current expenditures if they decide to bond later, noting the debt would likely be structured as a revenue bond repaid by enterprise funds rather than property taxes.

Fire chief reports drop in calls, implementation of cancer screenings

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Fire Chief Tom Schingle presented the 2025 annual report, noting a 9.7 percent decrease in calls for service compared to the previous year, a trend attributed to national patterns. The chief highlighted significant operational improvements, including the implementation of comprehensive health and wellness physicals for firefighters that include ultrasounds to detect early markers of cancer, consistent with state legislation regarding presumptive cancer coverage. The department also transitioned to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) for real-time data reporting.

Council scrutinizes fire department 'lift assists' at medical facilities

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — During the fire department's annual report, a council member questioned the use of city resources for "lift assists" at staffed medical facilities. The council member argued it was an inefficient use of public funds to dispatch a "$1.5 million piece of equipment" to assist uninjured patients at facilities that employ staff capable of handling such tasks. Chief Schingle acknowledged the concern, noting that while some facilities have "no-lift" policies, the department could review the data on how frequently these specific calls occur.

Proposal unveiled for new neighborhood park north of Highway 26

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The parks and recreation board presented a conceptual plan for a new neighborhood park located north of Highway 26 on land donated by local property owner Tim Reganis. A parks and recreation board member outlined the challenges of the site, including easements and setbacks, but presented a design featuring accessible playground equipment and a potential fundraising art installation along the pathway. The proposal addresses long-standing requests from residents for park amenities in the northern neighborhoods, with the design currently utilizing approximately 34,400 square feet of usable green space.

Parks director highlights 'mini-pitch' and pickleball success

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — In a review of recent capital projects, the parks and recreation department reported high utilization of the new pickleball courts at Westmoor Park and the soccer "mini-pitch" at Veterans Park. Parks and Recreation Director Matt Carpenter noted that the enclosed mini-pitch system is the only one of its kind west of Omaha and features lighting that allows for evening play. The department also highlighted the installation of new playground equipment at Veterans Park and upcoming lighting improvements at Lacy Park.

Council questions lighting schedules at city parks

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Council members raised concerns regarding the lighting schedules at city parks, specifically questioning why lights at the new pickleball courts remain on until 11 p.m. during winter months when usage is low. Parks staff explained that the lighting schedule is partly a vandalism prevention strategy, citing reduced incidents at Pioneer Park after security lighting was improved. Staff agreed to monitor usage and adjust the timers if the current schedule proves unnecessary during colder weather.

New cemetery office construction set to begin in March

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Parks and Recreation Director Matt Carpenter announced that construction on a new office for Fairview Cemetery is scheduled to begin in March. The project will replace the current aging facility, which lacks appropriate space for grieving families and staff breaks. The existing building will be retained for garage storage and converted into a staff lounge, while the new construction will house administrative functions and the cemetery vault.

Tree inventory reveals threat of emerald ash borer and pine wilt

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Nebraska Forest Service presented an updated tree inventory, revealing that the city manages over 7,500 trees valued at nearly $56,000 in annual environmental benefits. Foresters warned that the city's ash tree population—comprising a significant portion of street trees—is vulnerable to the encroaching emerald ash borer, while non-native Scotch pines are increasingly succumbing to pine wilt disease. The report recommended discontinuing the planting of ash and Scotch pine trees and focusing on species diversity to protect the city's canopy from future mass die-offs.

Scotts Bluff County Board Chairman announces he will not seek reelection

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners Chairman Mark Harris announced at the close of Tuesday's meeting that he did not file for reelection prior to the incumbent filing deadline. Harris said he attempted to reach the clerk's office before the 5 p.m. deadline but was unable to file, adding that he would share more about his decision later in the year. County Clerk Kelly Sides confirmed that no incumbents filed for office between 4 p.m. and the close of business Tuesday.

Commissioners approve accessory dwelling units in split vote

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to amend zoning regulations to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and guest homes in rural residential districts, provided they do not exceed 800 square feet of habitable living space and two bedrooms. Commissioner Russ Reisig voted against the measure following a debate, arguing the regulation should restrict the building's "footprint" to 800 square feet rather than total living space to prevent property owners from building finished basements that do not count toward the size limit.

Zoning changes allow more homes on ag land

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — The board unanimously approved changes to "ag estate dwelling" regulations, removing a "reserve area" requirement that previously restricted density on agricultural land. The new rule allows for two estate dwellings per 80-acre tract, specifically targeting "pivot corners" that are difficult to farm. Zoning Administrator Bill Maben said the change updates regulations from the 1970s and allows landowners to sell unused corners for low-density residential use without complex replatting.

Older subdivisions granted flexibility on lot sizes

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — Commissioners passed an amendment allowing the replatting of existing nonconforming lots without meeting current 3-acre minimum requirements. Maben cited subdivisions such as Rolling Hills, where original lots are often 1.2 acres, making it difficult for homeowners to meet setback requirements for new septic systems or wells. The change allows neighbors to combine lots to increase their size, even if the total remains under the current 3-acre zoning standard.

'Event facility' added to zoning regulations

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — To accommodate the growing trend of rural wedding venues and party barns, the board approved a zoning text amendment defining "event facilities" and creating two classes based on capacity. Class I facilities will host fewer than 300 occupants, while Class II facilities are for 300 or more occupants and will require fire suppression systems compliant with the State Fire Marshal. The amendment also replaces the term "racetrack" with the broader "event facility" definition in conditional use permits.

New $100 fine established for unpermitted building

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — Commissioners unanimously approved a zoning amendment introducing a $100 late fee for construction work commenced without a building permit and a new affidavit fee for work completed without inspections. Following a discussion led by Reisig regarding liability, the board amended the language to hold the "landowner" specifically responsible for obtaining the permit, rather than the "person or contractor," to clarify accountability when multiple subcontractors are on a job site.

Bridge projects move forward amid funding concerns

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — Highway Superintendent Steve Baird reported that crews have placed bridge slabs on the Northeast Minatare bridge, with completion expected in the coming weeks. Baird also noted that a bridge project near the Cook Oil facility will go out for bid soon, with construction slated for next winter. Baird emphasized the urgency of completing these infrastructure updates, warning that the state's County Bridge Match funding program, which covers 55 percent of project costs, may be ending soon.

Sheriff's office to expand patrols in Minatare

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — Sheriff Mark Overman informed the board that the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office is finalizing an amended contract with the city of Minatare to provide regular patrol coverage. Overman said Minatare's police department is currently facing staffing shortages, with the chief working limited hours and difficulties in hiring new officers. The new agreement, which will be brought to the commissioners for formal approval soon, outlines specific hours and costs for deputies to cover shifts within the city limits.

State audit error to impact dozens of homestead exemptions

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — Scotts Bluff County Assessor Robert Simpson alerted commissioners that a recent Nebraska Department of Revenue audit of the homestead exemption program revealed significant errors made by the state regarding income calculations. Approximately 80 to 85 county residents will receive tax corrections, potentially requiring them to pay back taxes due to the state's miscalculation of allowable exemption percentages. Simpson noted that while the error was on the state's end, statutes require the county to collect the difference, though affected residents will have 30 days to pay without interest.

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