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Ainsworth High School Boys Golf team participated in District Tournament play in North Platte today (Tuesday). Matt Hollopter shot an 81 for 7th place and qualifies for the state golf tournament.

* D. Gerden and K. Arens resign positions with ACS.

Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education approved the resignation of Darrell Gerdes, current Secondary Assistant Principal and Activities Director at their regular monthly board meeting Monday evening.   Mr. Gerdes has been employed with Ainsworth Community Schools for the past 28 years.   Mr. Gerdes indicated in his letter of resignation that he planned to seek employment opportunities in a different location for the next school year. They also accepted the resignation of Kelli Arens who has taught Family and Consumer Science classes.  Due to these two resignations, the following staffing changes are planned for the 2008-09 school year.  Phil Hoyt has agreed to assume the Activity Director position and to teach several classes.  Roudy Clapper will fill the full-time P.E. position created by Mr. Hoyt’s reassignment.  The Board then approved a teaching contract for Robin Davis of Bassett in the Ainsworth Elementary School.  Robin has been student teaching in the Ainsworth system this semester.  Currently the only position left to be filled is the Family and Consumer Science area. In other action, the Board held first reading of Administrative Regulation governing the Classified Salary Schedule to reflect the increase in the minimum wage scheduled to go into effect July 24, 2008.   They approved $600.00 in financial support for the Destination Imagination team participating in National competition.   The 2008-09 student handbooks were approved with no changes other than those involving date, name and schedule changes.   They approved the purchase of a new mower from Niobrara Valley Equipment in the amount of $10,000.00 with trade in and voted to hold auctions of the District 3, 7 and 17 buildings, land, and surplus equipment.  Susan Scholtes and Rachel Baack, members of the Math Curriculum Committee presented the recently reviewed and updated curriculum to the Board.   The curriculum was approved as presented.  Lunchtime Solution’s proposal to provide food services for the district for the coming school year was accepted.   In a review of the monthly lunch report, it was noted that percentages continue to stay steady.  The IRS has implemented changes in the regulation of 403B plans.  Due to these changes the Board of Education moved to approve a resolution setting forth how and to what extent they will be involved in these investments.  In the Principal’s reports it was noted that all three of the N-Lighten Kids Teams finished in the top one-third of the state of Nebraska.  About 80 elementary students participated and most were involved in the morning lap walking.  The last day for elementary students will be Wednesday, May 21.  The Secondary school is busy with end of the year activities with the highlight being graduation.  This year Ainsworth High School has 32 in the senior class.  Superintendent Peterson reported to the Board that the final state aid figures have been released and Ainsworth Community Schools will receive $184,148.00 less than last year.  This figure is lower than was earlier projected.  The new changes in the state aid formula amounted to a reduction of $3,000.00 per student which contributed largely to the reduction.   Mr. Peterson reported the track and football field project at East City Park is progressing.   The grass has been removed from the football field, asphalt has been poured and the cement work in the high jump area is completed.  It was also noted that the A.E.A. will be holding an open house on May 19^th in the cafeteria honoring all retiring teachers.   The Board of Education moved to join with the A.E.A. in hosting this event.  The Board will not be holding a work session in May.  Their next regular meeting will be June 9 at 8 p.m.

* College graduation notes:

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln held commencement exercises Saturday at the Devaney Center.  Graduating with Highest Distinction was Adam Soles of Ainsworth and Erin Frank of Bassett.  Commencement exercises at the University of Nebraska at Kearney were held on Friday.  Graduates from our area included:  Eric Lemunyan, Summa Cum Laude, Rebecca Osborne, Magna Cum Laude and Kathleen Tielke, Honorable Mention, all of Atkinson.

* High School academic honors:

The Omaha World Herald announced their 2008 High School Scholars.  The West-Central Second Academic Team included Lane Carr of Ainsworth.Honorable Mention were Hannah Johnson and Kyle Klammer both of Ainsworth, Dena Dearmont and Austin Kroll of Rock County, Cody Guggenmos and Mary Shinn of Sandhills and Annie Kaup and Hannah Myers both of Stuart

* Brown County Court Cases for disposition up to 5-7-2008 (Charge & Fine):

Bryan Riveria, Lincoln; Issue bad check, $25.00, $36.64 restitution

Ruth Anne Farnsworth, Carter, South Dakota; Speeding, $75.00

Roland E. Paddock, Ainsworth; Speeding, $25.00

Raymond A. Adams, Ulysses, Pennsylvania; Speeding, $75.00

Gordon W. Hitchcock, Ainsworth; Speeding, $25.00

Joseph P. Schumacher, Ainsworth; Speeding, $25.00

Isaac J. Jantz, Scotia; Speeding, $25.00

Steven W. Knodel, Scottsbluff; Speeding, $25.00

James F. Johnston, Thedford; Speeding, $25.00

Eugene L. Hodge, Ainsworth; Speeding, $25.00

Jennifer D. Jordan, Greeley, Colorado; Speeding, $25.00

Brad A. Peterson, Ankeny, Iowa; Speeding, $25.00

David G. Loecker, Fordyce; Speeding, $125.00

Donald J. Schmaderer, Stuart; Speeding, $25.00

In addition each case carries court costs of $44.00

* Travee Nelson of Ainsworth was the winner Friday, May 9 of the KBRB 14/92 Classifieds Certificate. This drawing is held each Friday from the names of those calling the Classifieds program. The $14.92 certificate is redeemable at any current advertiser on KBRB.

*  H & R Food Center/KBRB Birthday Club ice cream drawing winners for the week of May 5: Monday-Brandy Messersmith.  Tuesday-Clara Mae Daniels. Wednesday- Louise Jeffries.  Thursday-Jim Furman. Friday- Jean James.

* School Board Meets Monday:

Agenda for the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, May 12, 8 pm at the district office:

Reports/Information: Destination Imagination National Competition...Math Curriculum...Cash Flow...Principals, Activities Director, Superintendent and Monthly school lunch reports.

Action items: Approve a food service management proposal...Math curriculum...Auction of former rural school district 3-7-17 properties...Replacement of lawn mover...Resolution in the 403b Plan...2008-09 Student Handbooks...Financial request for Destination Imagination competition...First reading on salary schedule for classified employees...Acceptance of two resignation requests...Executive session to discuss teacher negotiations.

The complete agenda is available for inspection by the public at the office of the superintendent.

* Ainsworth City Council Meeting, Wednesday, May 14, 7 pm. The agenda:

• Roll Call
• Open Hearing on CDBG Re-Use Loan Application
• Approval of consent agenda

All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.  There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council member or a citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from consent status and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

• *Minutes of the previous meetings
• *Treasurer’s report
• *Claims for the month of April
• *Cemetery Deed-Virginia Lewis
• *Approval of Financial Statement for year ending September 30, 2007
• *Authorize the Mayor to sign the Assignment & Estoppel Certificate between the City of Ainsworth and Midcontinent Communications
• Department Heads Report
• Ordinance to allow the operation of all terrain vehicles (ATV) within City limits
• E & L Program-Cody Stutzman
• Special designated liquor license for June 21 & June 28 for the Silver Circle Bar
• Consider recommendation from the Re-Use Loan Application Review Committee on a request for a loan by David Anderson
• Updates on Projects of the North Central Development Center-Kristin Simonson
• Consider new State law on fluoridation
• Review plans for a new restroom at East City Park
• Establishing an Employees Health Savings Account (HSA)

* AHS Alumni Info

Tom Bejot reports that the Ainsworth High School Alumni website has been off the internet for a few weeks but is now back online. You will find it at the same address www.ainsworthalumni.com

Tom also reports that if you have any information or updates for your family or your graduating class members you may contact him by phone or mail...RR1, Box 28, Ainsworth 69210.

The alumni banquet will be held Saturday, June 28, 630 pm at McAndrew Gymnasium. Tickets for the banquet ($15.00) are available at the offices of KBRB, PO Box 285, Ainsworth, NE 69210

* Honors to Carr and Klammer:

Lane Carr and Kyle Klammer of Ainsworth High School were named to the Norfolk Daily News 2008 Top 20 Students All-Academic Team. Kyle is the son of Joel and Kathy Klammer. He was the top-ranked senior in a class of 36 at the end of the fall 2007 semester with a 4.0 gpa on a 4.0 scale. He earned a composite score of 32 on the ACT college entrance examination, including a 34 in English, 33 in math, 30 in reading and 32 in science. He plans to pursue a degree in biology at Chadron State College, then attend the University of Nebraska Mecal Center. Lane is the son of Bill and Gerry Carr. He was also the top-ranked senior at the end of the fall 2007 semester with a 4.0 gpa. He earned a composite score of 33 on the ACT including a 35 in English, 32 in math, 32 in reading and 34 in science. He plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in political science.  

* State Track Meet Notes:

The Nebraska School Activities Association has announced additional qualifiers for the State High School Track Meet next week (May 16-17) in Omaha. These athletes include the Rock County girls 1600 meter relay team of Alyx Friedrich, Kaylee Leonard, Taylor Beck and Abby Sybrant. Their time at the district in Atkinson was 4:23.1.

Additional qualifiers for Ainsworth from the district Thursday in Battle Creek are: Jesse Carr in the 110 meter high hurdles with a time of 15.4 and the 3200 meter relay team of Lane Carr, Adam Ford, Kyle Klammer and Whitten Hoover with a time of 8:29.5. This same team placed 4^th in the state track meet last year with a time of 8:25.2 and these same four boys Carr, Ford, Klammer and Hoover qualified for state as sophomores in 2006. They did not place but had a time of 8:53.9 in the state meet that year.

Speaking of repeat performances...Jesse Carr as a sophomore in 2006 qualified for the state track meet in the long jump and high jump. He placed 2^nd in high jump that year at 6-5. He will be going for his third straight high jump medal this year. Last year (2007) Jesse placed 5^th.

Several other area state qualifiers are returning to state competition:

Hannah Johnson and Adam Ford in the 1600

Katie Appleman in the 800

Lane Carr in the 800 and 1600

Caleb Hoyt in the pole vault

It’s a return for two of the four runners on the Rock County girls 1600 relay team; Alyx Friedrich and Kaylee Leonard. Along with last year’s seniors Jaci Kepler and Jenna Stolcpart they ran a time of 4:19.2 at the state meet a year ago.

* Ainsworth Wrestling Club awards for 2008 wrestling season:  K-2nd Grades: Rookie of the year - Ty Conroy, Most Improved Wrestler of the Year - Colby Lukasiewicz, Wrestler of the Year - Ben Arens.   3rd-8th Grades: Rookie of the Year-Logan Clark, Most Improved Wrestler of the Year-Jacob Fernau, Wrestler of the Year-Dustin Dailey.  Winners for most sales of Raffle Tickets:  1st place-Price Pinney won $25.00, 2nd place-Doc Rogers won $15.00, 3rd place-Jacce Beck won $10.00

* Severe weather hit our area Tuesday (May 6). The Rock County Sheriffs Department received reports of hail damage. Dale Sybrant reported quarter-size hail with house windows broken and the hail covered the ground. Tony Fox reported golf ball size hail  with 8 to 10 inche drifts, house screens torn, could ride a snowmobile on the hail. Softball size hail reported at the Rose Church and east with windows knocked out of one vehicle.

* Luke Witte of Long Pine graduated Saturday (May 3) with a degree in Construction Management from South Dakota State Universtiy at Brookings. Luke is the son of Brad and Lori Witte of Long Pine. He has accepted a job and reports to work soon in Orlando, Florida.

* The Brown County Commissioners met on Tuesday, May 6, 08, at 8:30 a.m., Brown County Courthouse, Commissioners Room with all members present with roll call: here Chairman Russell Dodd, here Roland Paddock, here Les Waits. Also present were County Clerk Janet Huggins and County Attorney David Streich.

Chairman Dodd acknowledged the posting of the Open Meeting Law Poster located near the entrance of the Commissioners Room.

Waits moved to approve the previous minutes of April 15, 08 as officially recorded in Commissioner Book 18. Paddock second. Roll Call: All three Ayes. Motion carried.

Road Foreman Dewey Jefferies was present to discuss various Road Dept matters. It was the consensus of the Board to proceed advertising for bids on a belly dump.

Paddock moved to approve the 2008-09 FY budget of Region Emergency Management 24 in the amount of $18,050.00, which is Brown County=s share. Dodd second. Roll Call: All three Ayes. Motion carried. Doug Fox, with Region Emergency Mgmt was present to update the board with issues.

Paddock moved to approve all claims and the Sheriff=s April monthly fee report in the amount of $383.25. Dodd second. Roll Call: All three Ayes. Motion carried.

The Board viewed the update on the Notice of Appeal Case Number 7:05cv5024 Fletcher v Brown County and Cherry County, etal.

One bid was received and opened for the custodial position. The bid was from Penny Collins with three proposals as follows:

Proposal #1 - $25,000.00 w/ Cleaning duties only;

Proposal #2 - $30,000.00 Professional Company strip, wax, buff floors once a year; Collins would maintain floors and cleaning duties during that contract year;

Proposal #3 - $35,000.00 Collins would strip wax, and buff floors and cleaning duties.

Paddock moved to reject all three proposals and re-advertise with the current specifications and stating contract to be for 25 hours a week @ $15.00 an hour. The cleaning specs are available at the County Clerk=s Office. Dodd second. Roll Call: All three Ayes. Motion carried.

Mayor Al Graves was present to discuss the County Wide Law Enforcement Agreement with the City of Long Pine. The current agreement expires June 30, 2008. Mayor Graves informed the board that a Special Meeting was scheduled May 9, 08 at 3:00 p.m. to allow the new city council members to discuss and become familiar with the contents of the agreement. Commissioner member Les Waits agreed to also be present at that meeting to discuss options and proposals of the agreement.

Sheriff Steve Hapner and Deputy Darrin Kremer were present to discuss law enforcement performances.

Further discussion was held regarding the City of Ainsworth street repairs on Zero and Harrington Streets. Hospital Adm Neil Hilton was also present. No final decisions were made pertaining to resolving the permanent Zero street and curb situation.

Meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

The next regular meeting will be May 20, 2008 at 8:30 a.m., Brown County Commissioners Room, Brown County Courthouse.

This meetings public notice was published in the Ainsworth Star-Journal, aired on KBRB Radio Station and posted at the Brown County Clerk=s Office where all minutes and agendas are kept current for public inspection at anytime.

* Northeast CC grads

The 35th Annual Commencement Ceremony at Northeast Community College in Norfolk will be held Saturday, May 10. Graduates from our area earning an Associate of Arts degree include: Katie Watts - Ainsworth, Camie Allen - Long Pine, Julie Sisson - Springview and Amanda Meusch of Stuart. Receiving Associate of Applied Science degrees were: Orrin Seidel - Ainsworth - Utility Line, Trevor Gotschall and Brandon Poessnecker - Atkinson - Diesel Technology - Agriculture Option , Ryan Schroeder - Atkinson - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Chris Schoenberg - Bassett - Audio and Recording Technology, Dustin Dillon - Long Pine - Auto Body Repair, Kyle Mizner - Springview - Automotive Technology, Elizabeth Painter - Springview - Business - Entrepreneurship Option, and Tiffany Malone - Stuart - Veterinary Technician. Jennifer Malone - Stuart received her Associate Degree in Nursing. Diplomas were awarded to Amy Falor - Atkinson - Practical Nursing, Stetson Feller and Heath Rudnick both of Ainsworth and Kody Mizner of Springview in Welding, Teri McCoy - Springview - Administrative Assistant - Legal and Kayla Thompson - Newport - Administrative Assistant - General.

*Madson receives award

Outstanding Youth Leadership Awards From the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Student Affairs were recently announced. These awards recognize outstanding leadership in academic, activities and involvement. A recipient from our area was Katie Madson of Stuart.

* Wanted: Rental Property:

The North Central Development Center office in Ainsworth would like to update their list of available houses for rent due to recent requests. If you have rental property they would appreciate a call 387-2740 extension 10.

* Chadron State holds Commencement

Chadron State College held their Spring Commencement Saturday.  Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science of Education degree was Theresa Kelly of Ainsworth.  Kelsi Devall of Bassett also received her Bachelor of Science of Education degree.  Lucas Vogel of Stuart was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree and Merrill Feller of Valentine received his Master of Education degree. 

* Some Brown County Property Valuations Going Up Nearly 18%:

The commissioners confirmed a directive from theNebraska Tax Equalization and Review Commission (TERC) to increase certain rural residential real property values at a special meeting today (Thursday, May 1). The adjustments will effect rural residential (acreage type property) as well as farm home dwelling property (one acre). Brown County Assessor Charlene Fox said about 250 acreage type parcels and approximately 550 to 600 farm dwelling sites will see the 17.85% increases. (see complete minutes of this meeting below as "Special Meeting")

* Ainsworth Student is National Finalist:

Clay Chohon, 6^th grade student at Ainsworth Community Schools, took top honors in the Modern Woodmen’s School Speech Contest Wednesday (April 30). Students from South Dakota and Nebraska competed in the regional contest. This year’s topic is "An American Landmark." Clay’s speech is about Chimney Rock. The regional competition featured students who had won first, second or third in their local and district contests. As South Dakota-Nebraska region winner, Clay won a $100 cash award and a trophy. His school will also receive an engraved trophy. He will advance to the national competition. Second place winner was Hailey Stores, a 7^th grade student from Whitman, Nebraska. She won a $75 cash award and trophy. Third place winner Caleb Lackaff, an 8^th grade student from Bassett, received a $50 cash award and a trophy. National finalist Clay Chohon is the son of Tom and Lisa Chohon of Ainsworth, and the grandson of Don and Kaye Chohon of O’Neill and Terry and Donna Peterson of Neligh.

* Anniversary Roses:

Jerry and Sharon Knepp of Bassett won the end of the month drawing for a dozen roses courtesy of the Rusty Petal and KBRB Radio Station. The drawing is held from the names of all couples who observed a wedding anniversary in April and were extended Happy Anniversary greetings on KBRB.

* Ainsworth FFA Banquet Award Winners:

Star Greenhand in Agri-Business-Justin Imm

Star Greenhand in Agri-Placement-Haley Harthoorn

Star Chapter Degree in Agri-Business-Tommy Schumacher

Star Chapter Degree in Agri-Production-Ryan Schwindt

Outstanding Member of the Year-Kraig Freeman

Honorary Chapter Degree Recipients: Dee Allen, Mike Freeman, and Linda Schumacher

New Chapter Officers: President – Brent Bartak, Vice President – Jordyn Lechtenberg, Secretary- Keanna Gross, Treasurer- Jennifer Lyons, Reporter- Raelyn Davis, Sentinel- Jay T Davis, Jr. Advisor- Vance Heyer, Parliamentarian- Tommy Schumacher, Historian Ryan Schwindt

The guest speaker for the evening was Dean Pike. Dean is a former Ainsworth FFA president, and also a former State FFA President. Dean spoke to the assembly about smart decision making, dealing with conflicts that may arise and making the most of our opportunities while being proud of our association with Ainsworth and the FFA Organization. The awards banquet was held Monday, April 28.

* Schumacher Scholarship Winner

Pheasants Forever Sandhills Chapter #471 first annual scholarship winner has been announced.  The 2008 winner is Joey Schumacher of Ainsworth, the alternate is Molly Mangelsen of Bassett.  Joey will be attending UNL majoring in Grassland Management and Ecology.  Molly will be attending Eastern Wyoming college majoring in Ranch Management.  The Sandhills Chapter #471 Scholarship is a $500.00 scholarship for a graduating senior from Brown, Rock, Keya Paha or Valentine High School pursuing a career in Natural Resources, Environmental Education or Wildlife Biology.

** Ainsworth Elks Attend State Convention:

The Nebraska State Elks Convention was held this past week-end, April 25th, 26th & 27th at the Quality Inn & Suites / Sandhills Convention Center in North Platte, Nebraska with Officers from Ainsworth Lodge #1790 attending. At the Saturday evening banquet Exalted Ruler Troy Fiesterman introduced Lane Carr, son of Bill & Gerry Carr, and a Senior at Ainsworth High School, who was being honored for receiving the 2008 Nebraska Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship. Also announced at the banquet was that Past Exalted Ruler Richard Hurless will be installed as the District Deputy for the Nebraska Central District. On Sunday morning following the Elks Memorial Service the 2008-2009 Nebraska State Elks Officers were installed. Installed as State Elks President was Darwin Mast of Cozad, Nebraska and Stan McKimmey of Ainsworth Lodge was installed as State Tiler, which is an appointed office by the State President.

* Ainsworth Lions Club Notes:

The Ainsworth Lions Club sponsored the 40^th Annual All-Sports Banquet April 22, at McAndrew Gymnasium. A total of 289 meals were served. Special thanks to Lion Scott Ritter, Chairperson for the event, and to all Lions who helped.    

The Ainsworth Lions Club held their regular meeting at the Golden Steer April 21 with 14 members present.  The following issues were addressed:

• Lion Dick Albrecht and Lion Phil Fuchs received congratulatory letters from Lions Club International for sponsoring new members in 2007.
• Lion Jerry Allen and Lion Dick Albrecht completed the audit of the 2007 financial records, reporting that all receipts and expenditures had been properly recorded. 
• The following members were elected for 2008-09: President-Todd Mundhenke; 2^nd Vice-President-Dick Albrecht; Treasurer-Phil Fuchs; Secretary-Jerry Ehlers; 2 year Directors-Dr. Evan Evans and Dwain Grunke; Lion Tamer-Marla Ritter; Tail Twister-Scott Ritter; Membership Committee-Jim Arens.  Lori Spall will move up to 1^st Vice-President, Jim Walton and Doug Weiss will continue as 1-year Directors, and Keith Erickson will assume the Chairmanship of the Membership Committee (previously a member of the Membership Committee). 
• Following a vote of members, the meeting time will remain as a noon luncheon meeting.
• Lion Jim Arens informed the membership that he has had some discussion with Brown County Fair Board representatives regarding a renovated or replacement facility for concessions.  Lion Arens will continue to maintain dialogue with the Fair Board regarding this project. 
• Lion Dick Albrecht advised that the Q125 Planning Committee will give $50 to any organization providing an activity in recognition of Q125.  The Lions Club may qualify with the Barnyard Olympics reflecting the Q125 theme during Middle of Nowhere Days.  Lion Jim Arens indicated that he would look into finding replacement hot wheels for one of the Barnyard Olympics events.  It was suggested that some new events should also be considered. 
• The Lions Club will donate $100 to the Brown County Arts Council for summer scholarships.

The following Lions have maintained “perfect attendance” this year: Dick Albrecht, Phil Fuchs, Jerry Ehlers, Todd Mundhenke, Steve Hapner, Dwain Grunke, Scott Ritter, David Spann, Jerry Allen, Evan Evans, Marla Ritter, Lori Spall, Jim Walton, Doug Weiss, Jim Arens, and Keith Erickson.  Several other Lions Members, with the upcoming activities in June available for makeups, can still achieve “perfect attendance” recognition.

* The Sand Hills Discovery Foundation chaired by Barbara Lamb had their regular monthly board meeting on April 24 at the NCDC/Chamber meeting room in Ainsworth.  Eight members were in attendance.  The finishing touches are being put on many aspects of the Sand Hills Discovery Experience for the coming July 10.  The Theme “The Sand Hills;  A Sea of Grass” will be reflected in much that takes place on that day and in the tours scheduled for Wednesday, July 9 and Friday, July ll.  The speaker’s committee announced that the five speakers for the day’s conference will include:  Chuck Butterfield, professor at Chadron State College who will speak on the grasses of the Sand Hills;  Jim Swinehart, professor at UNL who will speak on Sand Dunes of Nebraska in the late l800’s; Amy Koch, archeologist at Fort Robinson who will discuss Archeology Explorations of the Nebraska Sand Hills;  Dennis Ferraro, UNL, extension who will present on Snakes and Lizards of Nebraska’s Sand Hills and John Carter, Nebraska State Historical Society who will discuss the Introduction of Cattle to the Sand Hills. Paleontologist, Shane Tucker will once again be on hand to discuss fossils during that day and will also be at the Rick Irwin fossil dig site for tours on Wednesday.  Jim Swinehart will lead a driving tour along the Niobrara River.  The final details are being worked out on other tours.  Teachers may note that Kathleen French of the State Museum has developed a fossil teaching packet and will demonstrate this for registrants on Wednesday afternoon.  Additional plans for the conference will be the topic at the next meeting scheduled for May 22. Contact information is available at the Ainsworth Chamber. The board also announced June 24, 5:30 p.m at the NCDC/Chamber meeting room for the annual Sand Hills Discovery Membership meeting.   Business items will include election of three members to the board of directors, and a review of the past year’s activities. 

* Northeast Nebraska Track and Field Achievement Award:

Larry Rice of KBRB Radio Ainsworth presented award at the Norfolk Track Classic April 24 for years of broadcasting track and other sports events and activities.  

* 2008 Johnstown Rodeo Bible Camps for ages 8 thru 19. See more information on Community Events Page-May 26:

* Housing Funds Available:

The City of Ainsworth has funds available for residents within the municipality for housing rehabilitation. These funds are for homes that are owner/occupied. For more information, contact Judy Petersen, Housing Coordinator for Central Nebraska Housing Developers at 402-482-5711.

* Funds Available for Business Loans in Brown County:

The City of Ainsworth has re-use funds available to businesses in Brown County.  Businesses with a need for loans are encouraged to contact the North Central Development Center (NCDC) office regarding this source of funds.  For more information, contact Kristin Simonson at 387-2740 ext. 10. 

* Election Time:

New filings up to the March 3 deadline for non incumbents include Chris Gudgel, Shane Jones and Jan O’Hare. Chris Gudgel filed for Brown County Commissioner. Jan O’Hare and Shane Jones filed for Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education.

Candidates for the three positions on the Ainsworth School Board: Incumbents Lisa Chohon, Mark Johnson and Robert Maxwell plus Jan O’Hare and Shane Jones.

Candidates for one position for Brown County Commissioner include incumbent Rolland Paddock plus Raymond Small and Chris Gudgel (all Republicans).

Candidates for two positions on Ainsworth City Council include incumbent Doug Weiss plus Kent Taylor.

Only one candidate has filed for the two positions on the Ainsworth Airport Authority. That is incumbent David Spann.

* Theme Announced for 2008 Sand Hills Discovery “Experience”

Now in their 7^th year of planning conferences, the Sand Hills Discovery Foundation announces plans for this summer’s event in Ainsworth July l0, “The Sand Hills:  A Sea of Grass.”  Noted presenters will discuss reptiles and amphibians native to Nebraska; prairie grasses; history of the ranching industry; and fossil identification.  One hour of college credit through Wayne State College and area tours the day before and after will complete the event options.  Registration information is at the Ainsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and NCDC offices - phone 866-387-2740 (toll free), 402-387-2740; or write P.O. Box 444, Ainsworth, NE 69210.

* Cable Company Serving This Area Has Sold:

Midcontinent Communications and Cable Nebraska V, LLC announced that they have reached agreement for Cable Nebraska’s purchase of the seven Midcontinent Cable Television systems in Nebraska.  Systems involved in the transaction are located in Ainsworth, Cody, Long Pine, Naper, O’Neill, Springview and Valentine.  Specific terms and conditions of the agreement were not disclosed.  Cable Nebraska will begin operations in these communities following the closing which is scheduled for May 31, 2008.  Until then, service related concerns should continue to be directed to Midcontinent Communications.  Beginning June 1, 2008, service related issues will be handled by Cable Nebraska.

* Weekly activity summary from the Rock County Sheriff’s Dept.