It’s almost time to ring in the New Year. But before he did that, the chef wanted to take a moment to remind you of some of the stories that made our headlines in 2021. And there was more than we could get in just one installment – so take advantage. to reflect on the first few months of community events.
JANUARY
It’s not often that the staff at Göteborg Health welcome a real ‘New Year’s baby’ – but in 2021 they did! Elkin Wayne Knust was born at 7:28 pm on January 1, 2021. He is the son of Andrew and Alicia Knust from Gothenburg.
Thanks to the improvement in the Covid figures due in large part to public complacency, the high school winter sports season is on. New guidelines issued by the NSAA came into effect on January 4, which increases the number of people allowed to attend matches, as well as who can attend. Additionally, the spectator restriction has been lifted to include only household members and grandparents to all spectators until capacity is reached.
High winds fueled a grass fire that burned more than 300 acres of farmland north of Gothenburg on January 15. Dirk Rubenthaler’s land near the intersection of Route 780 and the East County Line was the biggest casualty, with several fields of corn and three pivots caught in the fire. Gothenburg, Cozad, Maxwell, Arnold, Callaway, North Platte, Hershey and Sutherland Fire Departments responded to the call to help contain the blaze.
The snow started to fall late on Sunday night on January 25 and continued throughout Monday, prompting most schools – including Gothenburg – to close on Monday and Tuesday. He forced the postponement of sporting events and on Monday morning Mayor Joyce Hudson issued a snow emergency for the city from 6 p.m. Monday until 8 a.m. Tuesday. As of Tuesday morning, Gothenburg had received nearly 5 inches of snow.
FEBRUARY
The new employee of the city of Gothenburg was officially introduced at the city council meeting on February 2. Noah Dea will take on the role of City Parks Director and started his new job in Gothenburg on January 28.
After meeting for around seven meetings to work out details, Gothenburg Public Schools and the Gothenburg Education Association have reached an agreement on the terms of the contract for the 2021-22 school year. The agreement represents an increase in base salary from $ 36,800 to $ 37,325.
From fierce winds to snowfall, and now freezing cold, 2021 is off to a flying start in the weather department! Early on Monday morning February 15, the National Weather Service reported -30 ° F in Gothenburg. This prompted biologist Mark Peyton to do a little research. He discovered that Gothenburg’s record was -33 * F, set in 1899.
On Monday, February 22, appreciation packages were delivered to Hilltop Estates, Gothenburg Health, Stone Hearth Estates and The Remedy for all healthcare workers. Gothenburg Realty, Gothenburg and Cozad Runza restaurants and hospitality agency have joined forces with Sabin Motor Company to generously deliver gifts to healthcare workers.
MARCH
On Tuesday March 2, Gothenburg City Council discussed how to move forward into 2021 with the city’s parks, public swimming pool, playgrounds, ball fields, public toilets and camping facilities. The council accepted the recommendations of the city administration and plans will be made to resume normal operations at all city park facilities for the 2021 season.
Gothenburg volunteer firefighters responded to a grass fire south of Interstate 80 between Gothenburg and Cozad on Thursday, March 4. As the winds picked up throughout the afternoon, the fire quickly spread – dangerously approaching the pavement. Due to heavy smoke creating visibility issues, the Nebraska State Patrol closed the eastbound lane of I-80 between Brady and Cozad for about an hour.
On March 10, three bids were opened to the public and read aloud at City Hall by Gary Steele, project engineer for Miller & Associates, for the improvement of paving and infrastructure in the city. Council awarded the bid to BSB Construction Inc. of Curtis in the amount of $ 1,640,977.
This year 2021 marks the 90th anniversary of the relocation of the Pony Express station to Ehmen Park. Originally located in the Upper 96 Ranch, the Pony Express station was donated to the city by Mrs. CA Williams and moved to the park in 1931. The Gothenburg Pony Express station was officially opened to the public in the mid-1950s. .
APRIL
On April 1, Gothenburg Health launched an online registration form to make it easier to find a time to receive your Covid vaccine. Gothenburg Health has also been told that they may start offering the vaccine to the general population, which includes anyone aged 16 and over.
This year’s 12th grade class at Gothenburg High School loved the idea of the 1950s Drive-In so much that they chose it as their ball theme. They are therefore releasing the socks, poodle skirts and lettered jackets for the 2021 ball, which will take place on Saturday, April 17.
Peterson’s Supermarket is a family business that has been part of Gothenburg for many years. It’s that rich foundation that Blaine and Steve Peterson plan to build on, with a new supermarket currently under construction on the old Shopko location. The plans were shared with the frontman in the April 14 issue.
Dick Larson has been involved in just about everything in Gothenburg over the past half century. On April 19, he was honored for his service to the community of Gothenburg and the State of Nebraska by receiving the Admiral of the Grand Navy of Nebraska Award.
Avenue I, a main thoroughfare in Gothenburg providing access to both school and hospital, is currently under construction and closed from 16th Street to 20th Street. Today’s water pipes have been in place for decades – some date back to the 1930s and 1940s.
CAN
On April 30, Gothenburg was granted Tree City USA designation by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 33rd consecutive year. Five of the seven members of the city’s tree board, along with the city’s director of parks, Noah Dea, were on hand in Lake Helen on Arbor Day for the planting ceremony for two new Turkish hazel trees. .
The GHS 2021 class was recognized for their accomplishments at the Honors Night on May 3. Principal Jr / Sr Seth Ryker said 36 class members applied for and received some kind of scholarship – totaling over $ 600,000.
The Gothenburg Public School Discovery Center was packed with people for the May 10 school board meeting, with over an hour of the nearly 2.5-hour meeting devoted to hearing the comments and concerns of the public about health standards proposed by the state.
Gothenburg Chamber Ambassadors presented a Thank You for Your Faith award to the Board of Trustees of the Gothenburg Historical Museum. As the pandemic kept the museum doors closed in 2020, volunteers worked hard on a basement renovation project, new exhibits and a new take on the museum. The doors officially open for the season on Wednesday, May 18.
JUNE
The Heibner family – Zach and his parents Royce and Brenda – opened the Good Life on the Bricks barbecue restaurant at North Platte in July 2019. On June 2, the family announced plans to open a second location right here in Gothenburg. . The new restaurant, aptly named Good Life Gothenburg, will be built directly west of Orscheln and the new Peterson’s grocery store located in the old Shopko building.
On Friday June 4th, Deb Meredith enjoyed her last day as owner of Deb’s Diner & Daylight Donut and officially handed over the reins to new owner Tish Hood. Tish said that Nana’s Country Kitchen will serve the same great food, great donuts and rolls, and provide the same relaxed and welcoming atmosphere everyone has become accustomed to.
On June 16, Erika Richards was delighted to open The Giving Closet in a new downtown location, offering a larger, more accessible and accessible space to the public. With the support of organizations in the area, Richards was able to secure his much-needed largest location at 827 Lake Avenue.
Gothenburg was pleased to host Stories in the downtown business district on June 24th. Located in Charm’s former home, the interior of the space has been redesigned to give the impression of a welcoming café.