Scottsbluff local news summary

Council moves to sell former senior center property

New library system to save city over $11,000 annually

City approves purchase of new park mowers under budget

Flyover Brewing granted license for downtown Christmas market

Zoo's 'Spooktacular' event draws over 2,800 visitors

Riverside Discovery Center announces new community partnerships

Facilities manager terminated after state audit findings

Purchase card policies tightened in response to audit

County braces for financial strain from potential federal shutdown

District 3 seat vacant; appointment process underway

County backs Gering racetrack and casino proposal

County transit system faces potential service cuts

Council moves to sell former senior center property

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The City Council has formally decided to sell the city-owned property at 1502 21st Ave., the former location of the senior center. The building has been vacant since approximately the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and is in a state of disrepair, making it unsuitable for future city use, officials said. The council noted that while a modern senior center is a need for the community, the current building does not meet those needs and costs the city money in insurance and maintenance. The city will list the property “as is” with Haun Nelson Real Estate LLC for $165,000.

New library system to save city over $11,000 annually

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Lied Scottsbluff Public Library will transition to a new integrated library system after the council approved a subscription purchase agreement for the Apollo system from Biblionix. The new system will cost the city $5,080 annually, a significant savings from the approximately $17,000 per year paid to a previous consortium. According to city staff, the new software is simpler, more streamlined and better suited to the library’s operational needs.

City approves purchase of new park mowers under budget

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city will purchase three new John Deere wide-area mowers for the parks department for a total of $194,000. The purchase from 21st Century Equipment came in under the city's $200,000 budget and will allow the department to acquire three mowers instead of the two originally planned. Parks staff explained the 11-foot mowers are critical for maintaining over 300 acres of parkland, and having a third machine will prevent downtime during maintenance and repairs, increasing efficiency. The cost includes the trade-in of two older mowers.

Flyover Brewing granted license for downtown Christmas market

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Flyover Brewing Company will operate a beer garden at the upcoming Very Merry Christmas Market after the City Council unanimously approved a special designated liquor license for the event. The market is scheduled for Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Broadway between 17th and 19th streets. This marks the fifth year for the event, which will feature designated service areas and entry points managed with cattle panels and monitored by trained staff.

Zoo's 'Spooktacular' event draws over 2,800 visitors

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Riverside Discovery Center's annual “Spooktacular” Halloween event was a major success this year, attracting 2,832 attendees, according to a report given to the council. Favorable weather contributed to the strong turnout, with over 800 people visiting on a single Friday night alone. The event is a key fundraiser and community engagement activity for the zoo.

Riverside Discovery Center announces new community partnerships

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The zoo is moving forward with several projects thanks to new community partnerships and sponsorships. In a report to the council, it was announced that J.G. Elliott Insurance Center is now sponsoring all pond food for fish and ducks, while a local auto repair business has donated lumber to complete the “Slither Inn” reptile exhibit. The zoo is also collaborating with the North Platte Natural Resources District on tree planting and landscaping and with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on pond improvements.

Facilities manager terminated after state audit findings

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to terminate Facilities Manager Jay Steinle following a lengthy and tense discussion regarding findings from a recent state audit. The motion cited misappropriation of funds. The termination stems from a report by the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts that detailed the personal use of Menards rebate cards earned through county purchases and at least one personal purchase made with a county purchasing card. During public discussion, Steinle stated the errors were unintentional mistakes related to bookkeeping and managing personal and county accounts on electronic devices. He noted his years of service and efforts to save the county money. Commissioners debated whether the actions showed intent. Commissioner Ken Meyer suggested the issue was poor bookkeeping rather than malicious intent. The board voted to terminate, with Meyer casting the lone dissenting vote.

Purchase card policies tightened in response to audit

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — In direct response to recent audit findings, the board unanimously approved an updated Scotts Bluff County Purchase Card Holder Agreement. The new agreement more explicitly outlines responsibilities for county employees authorized to use a purchasing card, clarifies that cards are to be used only for county business, prohibits payment of sales tax on most in-state purchases and details consequences for misuse, including reimbursement and disciplinary action. All county cardholders will be required to sign the new agreement.

County braces for financial strain from potential federal shutdown

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — County officials are conserving cash in case a federal government shutdown delays reimbursements. Management Accountant Lisa Rien told commissioners the county’s cash flow is a concern, primarily due to potential delays in U.S. Marshals Service payments for housing federal inmates at the county detention center. County Treasurer Heather Hauschild said she sent second-half tax notices early to encourage faster remittance. Departments have been instructed to limit spending to essentials.

District 3 seat vacant; appointment process underway

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — The District 3 commissioner seat, which encompasses most of Gering and Terrytown, remains vacant. The county previously opened an application process and indicated an appointment would be made pursuant to state statute by the County Clerk, County Attorney and County Treasurer. Chairman Mark Harris welcomed the public to follow updates on the county website. Committee assignments tied to District 3 will be finalized after the appointment.

County backs Gering racetrack and casino proposal

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — The Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to send a letter of support to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission for a proposed racetrack and casino in Gering. Chairman Mark Harris read the letter, which highlighted the potential for the project to enhance tourism, provide new entertainment and bring substantial economic growth to the region. Commissioners clarified that the project, being within Gering city limits, does not require county approval, but the city requested the board’s official endorsement.

County transit system faces potential service cuts

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — The county’s public transit system, Tri-City Roadrunner, may face service reductions following a reported 30 percent cut in federal funding, Public Transit Manager Curtis Richter told the board. He is analyzing first-quarter expenses to project the fiscal impact and determine the extent of potential cuts, noting any reduction of 10 percent or more would require public hearings before implementation. Richter said he hopes to provide a clearer picture by the next meeting.

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