A look back at the second half of 2012

This week we continue our year in review with a look at the second half of 2012.

July

Thayer County started its descent into drought this month as the U.S. Drought Monitor deemed it abnormally dry in the first week, then made it officially drought-ridden by mid-month even though the county received about 1.5 inches of much needed rain July 7 and 8. Blistering temperatures were also put on hold as the front knocked them down to the mid-70s while it passed. The highest daytime  temperature in Thayer County was recorded on June 27 at 106 degrees.

Lack of moisture and extreme heat prompted the Nebraska Public Power District to ask customers to conserve energy and Little Blue Natural Resources to ban watering of lawns, flowers and gardens and car washing in parts of the county. Also, CRP ground was released for haying and grazing in the county.

The mild winter brought on by the dry conditions resulted in an increased coyote population, according to wildlife specialist Spencer Nelson. Reporting to Thayer County Commissioners in his annual report, Nelson said the coyotes were especially big and very healthy.

Thayer Central Community Schools introduced a new construction design highlighting campus unification during the month of July; however the plan didn’t fly as voters turned it down by an extremely narrow margin in November.

During its regular meeting, the Hebron City Council questioned the cost of its contract with county law enforcement; however, after much discussion and investigation, approved it in August.

The Hebron Junior Legion Baseball team won the Class C Area 5 tournament earning a berth at the American Legion State Tournament.

Five Thayer County athletes  brought home gold medals from the Cornhusker State Games.

August

The Thayer County Ag Society celebrated a century of organization as they presented the 100th Thayer County Fair in August.

Thayer County received the National Association of Counties (NACo) outstanding performance award in recognition of outstanding utilization of the prescription discount card program.

Reinke Manufacturing opened  ReinCoat LLC, a galvanizing facility employing up to an additional 30 people.

Thayer Central Community Schools’ new track and football stadium greeted students as they returned to school.

MetalQuest added a $1.5 million expansion resulting in a team effort between the company and the City of Hebron for sewer improvements. MetalQuest CEO Scott Harms requested sewer hookup to the City’s  system stating additional manpower would overtax his septic tank. An agreement between the two entities resulted in new sewer lines for the company and a piece of city-owned property earmarked for economic development.

The City of Hebron issued a drinking water warning stating high nitrates in one of its wells could be dangerous to infants. The well was immediately shut down and city officials are currently looking into a blending program until a new well can be located.

September

The Thayer County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) underwent a change in directorship over the summer months. The non-profit organization works to improve county, region and statewide relationships with the express purpose of developing a strong economic base among local communities and businesses.

The Village of Carleton celebrated its 140th anniversary with its annual Milo Day celebration. The combined celebrations featured traditional events such as a milo pancake breakfast, baking, cutie, Milo Queen contests and a horse show and demolition derby.

The American Legion Riders, also known as the “Oregon Trail Riders” of Hebron Post 180, grew to 20 members since the group’s formation in April.

October

A foot chase resulted in the capture of two Lincoln teens after they were seen running from a vehicle that was on fire on River Road. Thayer

County deputies, Nebraska State Patrol troopers and  Nebraska Game and Parks officer combed the surrounding area for three hours before finding the teens under an old grain truck by the river.

The City of Hebron passed a new ordinance against the parking of garbage trucks within the city limits.

Thayer County Commissioners, TCEDA and Hanna: Keelan Assoc., conducted a housing study to assist in identifying housing needs for the county. Results, which are currently available, will aid in community planning, grant application and economic development.
Local harvest was well underway in October; both corn and beans were approximately three weeks ahead of schedule.

The Thayer Central Lady Titans cross country team qualified for state competition; it had been a decade since the school had sent a team to the state competition. Shawna Timmerman, Bailey Linton, Madison Reece, Sydney Cottam and Rachel Heitmann combined to finish in second place as a team at the D-1 district meet.

The Village of Belvidere celebrated its 140th anniversary. Johnny Ray Gomez entertained.

The Davenport Volunteer Fire Department was one of 12 departments called in to assist on a field fire that started on the Clay/Fillmore County line near Sutton. Traveling on 40 mph winds, the fire eventually scorched a 5-mile long by 3/4-mile wide area of land damaging two homes, seven farm buildings, 20 acres of corn and 80 acres of soybeans.

Dr. Marlin Bauhard became the new Thayer County veterans service agent.

November

The Thayer Central High School arts department presented the classic comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

Hebron Mayor Shane Day said he had been receiving complaints that some parts of the city do not have sidewalks. In December, the council, after investigating the scale of what it would take to put sidewalks in, invited the public to weigh in on the situation.

Longtime Thayer Central volleyball coach Kurk Wiedel relinquished his duties after 25 seasons.

A handful of volunteers showed up to help the Women’s Achievement Club decorate Roosevelt Park. WAC has been lighting up the central city park for several years.

County workers donated 657 food items to the local food pantry.

A group of county residents formed the Arts Council of Thayer County (ACT) to actively pursue keeping the Majestic Theatre open. Current owner Carla Gebers decided to close the movie house when movie industry officials announced new movies would no longer be available on film, thereby requiring the purchase of a new projection system. Management of the theater will change hands in February.

December

December 12, 2012 or 12-12-12, was the last date of its kind – when all three numbers are the same – for the next 88 years. The next time the it will happen is on January 1, 2101.

The Bruning-Davenport High School arts department won the D-2 State Play championship.