News

Garland hung from the ceiling. Lights glittered on the trees. On the stage at the Spiritual Life Center, eight tubs became drums as residents of the Ellsworth Correctional Facility played “Little Drummer Boy.”“Last year we had a couple buckets.

HOLYROOD — The Central Plains USD 112 Board of Education approved a contract to mitigate asbestos at Central Plains Jr./Sr. High School during the Dec. 9 board meeting.USD 112 Superintendent Bob Murphy said two of the three companies he reached out to submitted bids.

At the request of landowner Evan Warta, and after a public hearing, the Ellsworth County Commission approved Resolution 2024-R-09 at Monday’s commission meeting.The resolution closes a one-mile stretch on 18th Road between Avenue I and Avenue H.

Despite a blaze tearing through the north end of the Home Lumber building Friday night, the grounds were buzzing with activity Monday.Store Manager Jaron Irvin said he was called about 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.

Leadership was at the forefront of the discussion during the petitions and delegations portion of Monday’s Ellsworth City Council meeting. Three people spoke, beginning with Mayor Dan Finnegan, who talked about leadership versus hate.

With Thanksgiving Day just four days away, an atmosphere of gratitude and well wishes prevailed over brief moments of unpleasantness during the Nov. 25 meeting of the Ellsworth City Council.

WILSON — Every Monday from 5-7 p.m., the food bank is now open at in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church, 319 24th St.Entrance is on the south side of the church.While the food bank in Wilson started more than 15 years ago, the hours haven’t been consistent for awhile.

Ellsworth’s city manager resigned in a letter Nov. 20 to the mayor and city council.“This decision was not made lightly, as I hold deep respect and appreciation for the city council, city staff and the community I have been fortunate to serve,” Dustin Stambaugh wrote.

Alocal businessman voiced his concerns about conduct at Ellsworth City Council meetings Nov. 12, during the petitions and delegations portion of that council meeting.“The reason I am here this evening is just to be heard,” said Rick Soukup, Ellsworth business owner.

On Monday, the Ellsworth County Commissioners officially canvassed the ballots from the Nov. 5 general election in the county.According to Ellsworth County Clerk and Elections Officer Shelly Vopat, 73 percent of the county’s 3,884 eligible voters cast ballots in the election.