Council members approved Ordinance 1039 on final reading, allowing a subdivision near the potato factory that lies just outside city limits but within the city’s zoning jurisdiction. The planning commission had already reviewed it favorably.

An ordinance on electric bikes and scooters was tabled after resident Joanne spoke. She has ridden more than 1,400 miles on her e-bike around Bridgeport and told the council the draft rules looked stricter than those in nearby towns. Members agreed the proposal needs more work, especially on faster motorized scooters used by kids, and said they would bring a revised version back next month.

The council also advanced an ordinance requiring certified electrical inspections before power is restored to homes that have sat empty more than six months. After discussion they broadened it to cover all dwellings. It passed on first reading.

During the Public Works report, council members discussed a $5-per-hour raise for employee Dane Jeffords after he received his lineman certificate. Mayor Gail Beyer said the higher amount had been discussed years earlier.

“There were discussions had, and it was said $5 an hour,” she told the council. “There were emails about this conversation, $5 per hour, and it was approved. … But he was told $5 when this happened.”

Some members questioned whether the usual certification bump had been only $1 an hour; no decision was made Thursday.

The Keno Board presented its recommendations for disbursements in the 2026-2027 budget year: Bridgeport 3rd and 4th grade football, helmets, shoulder pads, jerseys, equipment, $5,000 Bridgeport Bombers baseball, uniforms, drag mat, $3,200 Morrill County Veterans Service Office, tents, tables, flags, coolers, $1,500, Sons of the American Legion, windows, $10,000.

The council approved those recommendations.

On spending, the council adopted a resolution requiring prior approval for any purchase over $1,500. Members said they wanted closer oversight of non-emergency purchases that had sometimes gone through under higher limits.They also approved a 5% increase in solid- waste rates to keep pace with the contractor’s charges.

The change is retroactive to mid-October.

Discussion of electric rates produced no action. Council members noted that higher power costs from WAPA are squeezing the city’s budget and that a rate increase may eventually be needed.They want more numbers before deciding how large it should be or whether to phase it in.

The council also briefly discussed limits on pets and stray animals and asked staff to draft clearer language for next month.The meeting then adjourned. Minutes and attachments are available at city hall and online.

It’s been 26 years since Nebraskans voted to impose term limits on state senators.

But in November, voters have a chance to extend the state’s term limit – from two consecutive, four-year terms to three consecutive, four-year terms.

(Lawmakers can come back after being term limited and sitting out a four-year term. A handful have.The most famous case is Omaha State Sen. Ernie Chambers, who served 38 years in the Unicameral, was term limited in 2008, and then won election in 2012 and served eight more years.)

While term limits have allowed more people to serve, it’s also ended the service of some really smart legislators too soon. It has shifted power to the executive branch and to lobbyists, and also contributed to a harsher partisan divide in the one-house Unicameral.

The State Legislature deals with many complicated issues, like AI, data centers and even the death penalty.

The most complicated issue is taxation, especially concerning property taxes and how local, K-12 education is funded.

Do you raise state sales taxes so you can cut property taxes? How far can you cut state income taxes? (The state is discovering that the most recent cut probably went too far, and has contributed to huge deficits in state budgets.)

How exactly should local education be funded? More state aid? More local tax options?

Should lawmakers change the state aid formula? If you give more state aid, doesn’t that mean that there’s less local control, via local school boards, over whether you keep a local school?

Governors and several platoons of senators have grappled with the issue of property taxes for decades. And still we feel property taxes are way too high.

We’re often told that Nebraska’s formula for distributing state aid to local school districts is so complicated that “no one understands it.”

I’m not sure that’s completely true. A smart staffer in the depths of the State Department of Education understands it.

But to expect part-time, state senators to grasp how it works in a couple of years is probably a stretch. And then, once they understand it, to expect them to craft a solution, and sell it to their fellow state senators before they are term limited is probably a stretch, too.

I have little doubt that property taxes would be lower in the state if we allowed state senators to hang around for more than eight years. I keep thinking of former State Sen. Jerome Warner of Waverly, a truly wise legislator, who ruled over the state’s tax system for years. He knew which levers could be pulled, and which ones couldn’t.

It takes time to understand complicated problems, develop solutions, and then sell them to fellow senators. It also takes time to develop trust among fellow representatives, and develop leaders.

If you cannot serve more than two consecutive, fouryear terms it creates an ever churning cast of legislators, who have to start the education process anew and hope, before their clock strikes two terms, they can get something done.

Term limits have also helped to make “moderate” state senators an endangered species because there’s an open seat, at least, every eight years.

Our state legislative districts have been drawn so that most, if not all, are either “safe” Republican or “safe” Democrat districts.That makes it harder for a moderate candidate to win a primary election because fewer people vote in the primary and the ones who do, tend to be more partisan, from the right and left fringes of their parties.

Norfolk State Sen. Rob Dover, who introduced the change in term limits to three terms, also argues that Nebraska, because it has a one-house Unicameral, loses more institutional knowledge than states with a Senate and House.

In two-house states, he said, a term-limited senator could run for the House, and continue to serve, albeit in a different legislative body.

Polls consistently show that voters approve of term limits. “Throw the bums” out is a line we often hear.

But if you want solutions to complicated problems, you might want a legislative body that can gain more experience, and more knowledge.

October 13, 2021—The Bridgeport girls cross country team finished second at the South Platte Valley Association meet and third at the Western Trails Conference meet held last week.The team members include Samantha Hill, Demi Lapaseotes, Madison Ribble, Alexis Hill, Emilie Miller, and Bethany Nichols…A fall farmer’s market was held last Friday at the Meadow Park Motel and RV Park north of Bridgeport on Highway 385.

Fresh garden products and baked treats were for sale. Another farmer’s market will be held this Saturday morning at the Karette parking lot…The Bridgeport Board of Education approved 8-man football for the next two years for Bridgeport High School… Obituaries: Bonnie Joyce (Jeffres) Richter, 81; Marie Louise (Walters) Smith, 91; Michael (Mike) Jean Waltman, 62…

10Years Ago

October 12, 2016—An early 1900s structure previously located on property at 821 N Street in Bridgeport was donated to Dobby’s Frontier Town in Alliance.The building was donated by Stacy Hanway… The Bridgeport boys cross country team swept the SPVA and WTC titles held last week. The Bulldog girls finished second in both meets… The Bridgeport football team dropped a 50-18 setback to Valentine last Friday night in Bridgeport.The Bulldogs are now 3-4 on the season…

20Years Ago

October 18, 2006—Harold Kraupie auctioneered his last auction for Kraupie’s Real Estate & Auctioneers last Saturday. Harold founded the business. A very large crowd attended the horse auction… Heritage of Bridgeport donated a multi-task copier to the Bridgeport Public Library.

The copier will handle the bigger projects that come into the library…The Bridgeport girls golf team finished eighth at the Class C state tournament held in Columbus. Candace Harless finished second at state for the Bulldogs. Members of the team include Harless, Emily Wright, Alecia Hutson, Cassie Wegelin, Shannon Anderson, and Nicole Houston.Todd Janicek is the coach…Obituaries: Barbara C. (Lewis) White, 71; Lloyd Harms, 81…

30Years Ago

October 16, 1996—Kim Parker and Jesse Weibert were named Bridgeport’s Homecoming Queen and King during the football game on Friday night.The rest of the homecoming court included Lindsay Nelson, P.J.

Muzquiz, AnnaYekel, Corey Amateis, Jennifer Blackstone, Ben Jacoby, Anadelia Lamas, and John Kraay…Sugar beet harvest is in full swing with huge trucks transporting beets from the fields to the factories and dumps. Although the unseasonal warm weather has caused a few problems, most of the growers appreciate digging beets in something other than cold and wintry weather… Erin Neely qualified for the girls state golf tournament after placing in the top 10 at the district tournament last week in Ogallala. Neely qualified with a score of 97… Obituaries: E.L. “Vern” Brass, 64;Tamara “Tammy” Christine Myers, 34; Gregory Scott Eichthaler, 25…

40Years Ago

October 16, 1986—The Bell Motor Inn and Restaurant will host an open house this weekend. Rooms of the new motel recently completed can be viewed by local residents on Saturday.The Bell Restaurant will offer several specials. Jim Biberos is the manager…The Bridgeport volleyball team will host the Prairie Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday at Bridgeport High School.The Bulldogs will take on Gordon in the first round at 9 a.m.The other firstround games include Bayard taking on Crawford, Rushville facing Hemingford, and Minatare taking on Morrill… The Bridgeport football team earned a 30-12 win over Hemingford last Friday night.

Steve Stull rushed for 93 yards on 13 carries.The Bulldogs are now 3-3 on the season and will host Grant this Friday…

50Years Ago

October 14, 1976—The Bridgeport football team earned a 40-6 win over Minatare on Friday night.The Bulldogs totaled 458 yards of offense and made 18 first downs.Todd Faessler led the rushing game with 113 yards on eight carries. Mike Chikos added 89 yards on 15 carries. Bridgeport, No. 3 in the World-Herald state ratings, will play Holyoke, Colo., this Friday…The flagpole and plaque in memory of “Bun” Alshouse will be dedicated next Tuesday at 1 p.m. in front of the city hall and library. The Bridgeport Lions Club will be in charge of the ceremony…

60Years Ago

October 16, 1966—Two Gurley children were stranded about 30 feet up Court House Rock on Sunday afternoon.

According to Bridgeport fire chief Vic Nuss, members of the rescue squad helped lower the youths to safety. Participating in the rescue were Nuss, Marvin Sides, Ronnie Roberts, Joe Camacho, Jim Vassos, Ivan Griffith, Leo Gusman, Red Ellard and Tix Estrada… Harvesting of the 1966 sugar beet crop will start Friday in the Bayard factory district. All receiving stations will open that day, except the smaller stations where growers have indicated they are not ready to start. Factory operations will be under the supervision of J.E. Stone, superintendent, and R.E.Townsend, master mechanic, at the Bayard facility… The Bridgeport Bulldogs beat Morrill 26-6 here on the local gridiron Friday night. It was the locals second North Platte Valley Conference win of the season. George Watson scored two touchdowns and had an interception return 90 yards for a touchdown…

70Years Ago

October 18, 1956—Performing at the high school auditorium Thursday, Nov. 1, will be the Tom Crotser Show and stage revue, well-known traveling road attraction.The show comes to Bridgeport sponsored by the local Lions Club and is recommended for persons of all ages…The 1957 Chevrolet will be on display at Clemens Chevrolet Co., in Bridgeport on Friday offering new styling and improved mechanisms… The high school classes in Bridgeport named their officers for the school year recently. The senior class president is Glen Harless, the junior class president is Larry Middleton, the sophomore class president is Jim Vassos, and the freshman class president is Cliff Houk… Frank Johannsen was elected as president of the Morrill County Farm Bureau for the coming year…Movies showing this week at the Trail Theatre in Bridgeport are Rock Around The Clock, Hot Blood, Miracle In The Rain, and Prince Of Players…

80Years Ago

October 10, 1946—A heavy snow fell covering the ground to a depth of four or five inches on Sunday night.

Much of the moisture melted as it fell, and there was no drifting.Work on the bump bean crop suffered a serious setback. Potato picking was delayed until midweek in most of the county…The Bridgeport football team continued its blazing journey down the victory trail Friday by turning in a 26-6 win over Lyman. Peters and Neff are credited as Bridgeport’s standouts on offense. Bridgeport will meet a real test this Friday at Minatare. A large crowd of Bridgeport rooters is planning to attend the game…Obituaries: Mrs. Lizzie Klinch, 73; Omar J. Dean, 74…

90Years Ago

October 15, 1936—A well attended meeting was held Tuesday evening to consider the feasibility of the construction of a swimming pool in Bridgeport prior to next summer.Two types of pools were advanced at the meeting, a concrete pool and an open pool of the sand pit nature but with a controlled depth.

Several of those attending commented on the great desirability of a pool in the near future…In a game featured by hard tackling and frequent fumbles, the Bridgeport football team downed a lighter Lyman team by an 18-6 score. Bridgeport showed an almost impregnable defense but gave only occasional flashes of offensive power. Sidney will be in town for a game on Friday afternoon…The debate teams at the high school will use the question of government ownership of electric utilities for their question this year…

100Years Ago

October 14, 1926—Saturday night about 7:40 p.m. while Fred Garvin was alone at his filling station on the highway in the southeast part of town and was going over his accounts, he was held up in the conventional manner at the point of a 25 caliber automatic and forced to allow two bandits to take over 30 dollars in cash and five or six dollars in checks from his cash drawer while he faced the door with his hands elevated in air. After they left across the railroad tracks, Mr.

Garvin went up town and notified the offers and a search was begun…Baseball fans will give a dance Saturday night which is intended to be a formal opening of the fine pavilion on the fairgrounds. Everything is for the benefit of our baseball association…

110Years Ago

October 13, 1916—The students of the Bridgeport high school are in the lime light again with that same old pep and spirit which is characteristic of them, but this time it is something new and different - a student paper.The paper will, in its initial issue, be eight pages and will gradually be increased as the finances allow. About 100 subscriptions have already been raised in the high school and a canvas of the town will no doubt increase that number very substantially… Mrs. Lloyd Wiggins gave a delightful party at her handsome home last Tuesday afternoon. The party was complimentary to Mrs.Watkins of McCook, who has been visiting with Mrs.Wiggins for some time…

120Years Ago

October 12, 1906—The dance in Beerline & Scott’s new building next Friday night is looked to by some of the young people as a great social event…The city dads got busy after the fire out east of town last week.They have plowed fire guards around the town and are also putting the town well in order…The Platte Valley Telephone Co., had a man in town this week to work on the Bridgeport system. It is hoped that the service will be improved…

Young readers in grades 4-12 are invited to write a personal letter to an author for the Nebraska Letters about Literature (LAL) contest, a state reading and writing... 6

It took most of the fall, but the Leyton Warriors finally got the one that had been missing. On a busy Saturday in early October, Leyton swept Cody-Kilgore 2-0, winning... 12

From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Morrill County are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready. During... 14

Recently I met a new patient who had waited several months for her appointment. At this first meeting, I was quickly able to diagnose Rheumatoid arthritis. Like others.... 16

AMPRIDE

October

8 K-5th Maker Club, library, 3:35-4:15 p.m.;

V/JV/C Volleyball, vs. Mitchell, 4:00 p.m.;

JH/HS SPVA Cross country, at Grant, 4:00 p.m.; Food Pantry, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Morrill County Fair Board meeting, extension office, 6:00 p.m.

9 Ballots mailed out in Morrill County; Storytime, library, 10:00 a.m.; TweenTime, grades 5-7, library, 3:45 4:45 p.m.; Football, at Chase County, 6:00 p.m.

10 Flu Shot Clinic, Hospital’s clinic, 8:00-11:00

a.m.

12-13 Girls State Golf 12 School board meeting,

media center, 7:00 p.m.

13 Morrill County Commissioners meeting,

courthouse, 7:30 a.m.;

Public Hearing, vacating roads in Morrill County, courthouse, 8:00 a.m.; Adult Crafter Dark, tie dye coasters, no registration required, supplies provided, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

14 Browns Creek Irrigation District meeting, village office, 1:00 p.m.; D&D new campaign, grades 8-12, library, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; TAG meeting, library, 3:30 p.m.

15 Food Pantry, 10:00 noon; K-5th Maker Club, library, 3:35-4:15 p.m; V/JV/C Volleyball, at Chase County,

4:00 p.m.

16 Storytime, library, 10:00 a.m.; Tween Time, grades 5-7, library, 3:45-4:45 p.m.;

Flu Shot Clinic,

Chimney Rock Medical Center in Bayard, 4:00 7:00 p.m.; Football, at Chadron, 6:00 p.m.

17 30th Annual Harvest Festival, Legacy of the Plains Museum, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; SPVA Volleyball, at Chase County, 10:00 a.m.;

Rocky Mountain Oyster feed, Lisco Fire Hall ($20), 5:30-7:30 p.m.

19 JH/HS Fall Concert,

6:30 p.m.

20 Flu Shot Clinic, Hospital’s clinic, 4:00-7:00 p.m.; Fiction Book Club, BYO book to share, library, 5:00 p.m.;

Friends of the Library meeting, 6:00 p.m. 21 FFA/MCCH Blood Drive; Call of Cthulhu new campaign,

grades 8-12, library, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

22 K-5th Maker Club,

library, 3:35-4:15 p.m.;

FFA Labor Auction and prime rib feed,

5:30 p.m.; Food Pantry, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

23 Last day to register to vote, County Clerk’s office open until 6 p.m.; Storytime, library, 10:00 a.m.; Table games for everyone, community room, Broadwater city hall, 2:00 p.m.; Tween Time, grades 5-7, library, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

We want Nebraska to be a place where people come to build a career, start a business, raise a family, and eventually retire.We want the people who have spent decades building something here to stay here, invest here, and pass what they have built on to the next generation.

Nebraska’s inheritance tax works against that vision.

Last Wednesday, our team at the Platte Institute released a new report making the case for finally taking this outdated tax off the books.

Nebraska is now one of only five states that still has an inheritance tax, and the only one west of the Mississippi River. Every one of our neighboring states has found a way to do without it.There is no reason Nebraska cannot do the same.

Our inheritance tax dates back to 1901, when Nebraska had neither an income tax nor a sales tax. More than 120 years later, it remains on the books, taxing savings, family farms, businesses, and other assets passed from one generation to the next.

Our new report highlights just how unreliable the tax is as a source of revenue for counties.

Over the past two years, 73 of Nebraska’s 93 counties have experienced a year-over-year swing in inheritance tax revenue of 50 percent or more. In Polk County, for example, collections went from $845,000 in FY 2024 to nearly $3 million the following year before falling to $584,000 in FY 2026.

That is hardly a predictable revenue source for local governments to build budgets around.

There is also a broader economic cost.

Inheritance taxes can encourage retirees to relocate, taking years of income, spending, investment, and other tax revenue with them. Research cited in our report found that when a typical wealthy retiree moves five years before death to avoid estate or inheritance taxes, the state could lose $1.73 in other tax revenue for every $1 it eventually would have collected from the tax.

Repeal would also send a powerful message about Nebraska’s competitiveness. In the latest Rich States, Poor States rankings, Nebraska sits at #27. Removing the inheritance tax from our score would move Nebraska eight spots into the top 20 at #19.That is a significant improvement from eliminating a single outdated tax.

And if that weren’t enough, Nebraska’s inheritance tax has also earned our state a spot on Forbes’ less-than-flattering “Where Not to Die” list.

Nebraska has taken some big swings on tax reform in recent years.We have lowered income tax rates, eliminated the tax on Social Security benefits, and made our state more competitive. Repealing the inheritance tax should be next.

Forty-five other states have, Nebraska can too.

It is time to retire a tax that belongs to another era and make Nebraska an even better place to build something worth passing on.

Thanks for reading,

If you hated the “reseat” process for Nebraska volleyball season ticket holders, just wait for the cascade of complaints when reseating of football tickets begins next year.

The University of Nebraska recently announced a two-year process to “reseat” Memorial Stadium.The 103-year-old facility is undergoing a major renovation that will reduce its capacity from 85,458 to about 65,000 next year, and eventually to around 80,000 in 2028.

The South Stadium, which typically holds 23,000 fans on crowded bench seats, will be torn down and replaced. And major changes are planned for the West Stadium—including the addition of all kinds of luxury boxes—as part of a $600 million rebuild.

As a long-time volleyball season ticket holder who was reseated to the nosebleed seats, I have a suggestion for long-time football season ticket holders: be prepared to donate a lot more money or be ready to sit much farther from the action.

The biggest change at Memorial Stadium will be the end to “grandfathering” season tickets, which allowed long-time season ticket holders to keep their seats and hand them down to future generations without providing a monetary donation to the athletic department.

About 24,000 seats in Memorial Stadium are held by “legacy” season ticket holders— who give no donations or provide discounted donations to the athletic department, according to Chris Dunker of the Lincoln Journal Star. Some season tickets that require no donation will remain, but they’ll be several rows from the field, like the upper reaches of the North Stadium.

I know it’s called “reseating” but a better term would be “unseating.”That’s because a lot of fans—including those whose tickets began long before Nebraska football began winning lots of games—will lose their seats to big donors (like $25,000 to $100,000 a year) to the athletic department every year.

You’ve no doubt heard stories about long-time ticket holders: how they endured many lean years of Nebraska football, and were finally rewarded for their loyalty when Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne began regularly winning 9 or 10 games a year in the 1960s. Over the years, they’ve watched teams that won five national titles, but also witnessed the decline over the past 30 years.

These were fans who epitomized the words in the Husker fight song: we “all stick together, in all kinds of weather, for dear old Nebraska U.”

Well, NU’s football team isn’t ranked annually in the Top 10 like it used to be. And now, college athletics is all about money, to pay players and make stadiums more welcoming.

Thus, the reseating, which is projected to bring in nearly $30 million a year in additional donations.

For the volleyball reseating, donors who gave $25,000 a year or more got first dibs on the best seats. And they gobbled up so many that fans like me, who were supposed to get to pick four seats, got to only pick two.

My old season tickets used to be in the last row of the lower bowl. Now, I’m 15 rows higher, much nearer the ceiling than the court.

To be sure, my new season tickets are cheaper, and the mandatory contribution (which I’d paid faithfully every year) is much less. But I’d rather pay more for extra leg room and a better view of the action.

I still hear complaints from fellow volleyball fans who bought season tickets well before the sport became so crazy popular.

(And it drives me crazy to see blocks of empty seats— bought by the big donors— that sit empty in the lower bowl nowadays. Hey, if you aren’t going to use your tickets, donate them to Big Brothers- Big Sisters, or give them to someone who’s never attended a volleyball match.)

I get it, Nebraska volleyball, and now Nebraska football, needs more and more money to pay top players to come here.You just shake your head when you hear that top football programs now have payrolls of up to $50 million a year.

It’s sad, but that’s the world we live in. And long-time, faithful fans will have to step aside in the process.

This generous spirit is at the heart of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Angels in Adoption Leadership Program.This program allows Members of Congress the opportunity to recognize their constituents who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children through adoption, foster care, and child welfare.

This year, I am honored to recognize Jenna and Robert Stoner of Holdrege as Nebraska’s Third District Angels in Adoption honorees.Through their compassion and care, Jenna and Robert have provided their adoptive children with the love, stability, and support they needed during a pivotal time in their lives.Their example is a reminder of the profound difference a family can make when they open their hearts and their home to a child in need.

I understand that supporting families also means advancing policies that give them opportunity, stability, and confidence in the future.

That is why my Republican colleagues and I fought to pass the Working Families Tax Cuts last summer.We stayed focused and delivered the largest tax cut for working families in American history by creating a tax code that rewards work, encourages investment, and helps Nebraska families build a more secure future.

For adoptive families like the Stoners, keeping more of what they earn can make a meaningful difference as they provide their children with the love, stability, and support they need. As part of the Working Families Tax Cuts, Republicans increased the refundable portion of the Adoption Tax Credit to $5,000.

Adoption is beautiful and life-changing, but it can also be expensive.This increased credit helps ease the financial burden for hardworking families who are opening their homes to children in need.

But our commitment to families does not end there.

Through the creation of Trump Accounts, we are giving parents a new tool to help build a stronger financial future for our children from the very beginning. Americans born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will be eligible for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution to their Trump Account. Families can also contribute up to $5,000 annually, allowing those savings to grow over time and help a young person pursue an education, purchase a home, or start a career.

Unfortunately, under current law, the $1,000 federal contribution expires after 2028, meaning future generations won’t receive the same investment. I introduced my Trump Accounts for All Generations Act to permanently extend the contribution and index it to inflation beginning in 2029. Ensuring every newborn will have the same opportunity to build a strong financial foundation from the very beginning for years to come.

While policies like these create more opportunities, ultimately, it is families who give children the love, support, and foundation they need to succeed. Jenna and Robert Stoner are a powerful example of what it means to put family first. Their compassion, generosity, and willingness to open their home have made a lasting difference in the lives of their children and reflect the values that make Nebraska such a special place.

I am proud to honor the Stoners for the example they have set and will continue working in Congress to support Nebraska families by strengthening financial security, expanding opportunity, and helping parents build a brighter future for their children.

The City of Bridgeport has four essential responsibilities: protecting the community through effective police and fire services; providing reliable electricity and water; maintaining a properly functioning sewer system; and keeping city streets drivable. Other city operations may offer benefits, but they are not essential services.

For years, the city has neglected the infrastructure that supports these essential services. Our electrical distribution system urgently needs major repairs and upgrades.

Sewer lines must be replaced, sewer lagoons repaired, and failing water lines and inoperable isolation valves addressed.

Unfortunately, we continue to spend taxpayer money on projects that are neither essential nor beneficial to the city’s financial health.

Since 2020, the city’s net capital position has declined.

Bridgeport operates on a $9 million annual budget, yet property taxes contribute only $400,000.00 which is only 5% of our budgeted revenue. If revenue from essential services continues to fall, the city may eventually need to raise service rates, which we have worked to keep at or below those of similarly sized cities. If net revenue cannot keep pace with unnecessary spending, the city will lack the reserves needed to upgrade its infrastructure.

I fear that, at this pace, we will have to raise electricity, water, and sewer rates simply to fund the infrastructure work essential to maintaining these services.

I encourage the Citizens of Bridgeport to come the Council meetings and voice your concerns with the council Meetings are held the 2ndThursday of the month at 6:00 pm Respectfully, Mark Wickard Bridgeport

On a busy Saturday in early October, Leyton swept Cody-Kilgore 2-0, winning 25-20 and 25-23, and put a victory in the books for the first time this season. After opening 0-17, the Warriors looked like a team that had been waiting for a match to break their way. Junior Kyndell Kesselring led the way with five kills. Freshman Skylar Draper was efficient on the swings she got, and sophomore Paige Frerichs supplied the team’s only block. Across the two sets Leyton finished with 15 kills, seven aces and 51 digs.

The rest of the week was a reminder of how steep the climb still is. Leyton opened the stretch with a 0-3 loss to Banner County on Oct. 1. Later on Saturday, the same day as the Cody-Kilgore win, Potter-Dix took a 2-0 decision. Hyannis was a closer fight: Leyton stole the middle set 25-20 before falling 2-1. On Tuesday night in Paxton, the Tigers never let the match get comfortable, sweeping Leyton 25-16, 255, 25-16.

Coach Hanks’ group is now 1-18 overall and still looking for its first district win, sitting 0-7 and fifth in D2 District 11.The first win does not change the record much. It does change the feeling in the gym. Leyton gets another chance Friday, when South Platte comes to Dalton for a district match.

Bridgeport, which improved to 10-10 on the season with the win, will host Mitchell tonight.

In the win over the Bobcats, Alba Norman led the hitting attack with 12 kills. Payton Kepler followed with seven kills and Riley Cline finished with four kills.

Avery Schneider fueled the offense with 29 assists from her setter’s position.

Bridgeport enjoyed a solid serving performance in the match. Reata Loomis served a team-high nine points. Elizabeth Higgins and Claire Eckhardt served eight points each, while Schneider and Kayci Sorenson fired in six points each.

Sorenson powered the Bulldogs defensively with a teamhigh 12 digs. Norman and Loomis totaled eight digs each. Schneider added six digs.

In the boys division, the Bulldogs earned a fifth-place finish as a team. Leading the way individually was Ron Varner. He ran to a third-place finish in a time of 17 minutes, 30.2 seconds. Kristian Thurow was next across the finish line for Bridgeport in 22nd with a time of 22:00.2. Daemen Thurow followed in 23rd in 22:11.7, Drake Devrous was 32nd in 23:59.6, and Preston Harden finished 37th in 24:47.1.

In the girls division, a pair of Bulldogs competed individually. Janessa Lussetto led the way by placing 13th with a time of 25:42.2. Lucy Tretter finished 17th in 28:20.4.

The Bulldogs will close out the regular season today competing in the South Platte Valley Association meet in Grant. The C-5 district will be held Oct. 14 in Ogallala.

While Original Medicare provides broad coverage, there are some services that aren’t covered, including many that people are likely to need as they age, according to Jane Funk, vice president of Medicare Market Growth with HealthSpring, which offers Medicare and supplemental policies across the country.

For starters, it’s important to know that people who choose Original Medicare generally remain responsible for deductibles and coinsurance, and there is no annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Either Medicare Supplement or standalone Supplemental Health & Life policies can help with some of those costs. Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have annual limits on out-of-pocket spending for covered services, but costs, networks and authorization requirements vary.

Funk points to the following areas that can be particularly tricky for those looking to secure their coverage for the year ahead.

Routine dental, vision and hearing care. Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental care or dentures, routine eye exams for glasses or contacts, or hearing aids. Many MA plans or standalone dental, vision and hearing policies offer additional benefits in these areas.

Services, provider networks, frequency limits and member costs vary so make sure you know exactly what is covered.

Hospital status. Hospital services can also trip people up. Someone may spend several nights in a hospital but still be classified as an outpatient receiving observation services rather than as an inpatient. Under Original Medicare, that distinction can affect both the hospital bill and whether a subsequent skilled nursing facility is covered. Patients or their caregivers should ask directly: “Am I admitted as an inpatient, or am I here under observation?” Annual wellness visits. An annual wellness visit is not the same as a traditional comprehensive physical. The wellness visit focuses on preventive planning and assessing health risks. If the provider performs additional tests or addresses medical concerns, deductibles or coinsurance may apply.

Some MA plans offer more comprehensive annual exams at no additional cost to the member.

Prescription drugs. Many people assume they have outpatient drug coverage under Original Medicare, but they do not. Original Medicare doesn’t include outpatient prescription drug coverage; beneficiaries need a separate drug coverage plan, called a Part D plan, or they need an MA plan with Part D included (MAPD) for that. Each plan has its own formulary, pharmacy network and coverage rules, such as prior authorization, step therapy or quantity limits. Just because a medication is prescribed doesn’t mean it will be covered by a specific plan.

International care. Original Medicare provides very limited foreign travel coverage. Medicare Supplement and plans may offer certain emergency benefits abroad, but Medicare beneficiaries with any Medicare plan should verify those provisions before traveling, rather than assume their usual coverage will follow them.

One last note. Being wary of unsolicited calls from fraudsters about Medicare plans is important. Do not provide insurance or personal information without verifying that you are speaking to a legitimate Medicare provider. If you are not sure who you are speaking with, hang up and call back using a number from a verified source, such as the back of your Medicare card or a website.

Credible sources of information include Medicare.gov and HealthSpring’s website at https://HealthSpringMedicare. com/LearnMore.

“Plan benefits, formularies and networks can change, and so can one’s health, so people should never assume that last year’s plan will still fit their needs best,” says Funk. “Spending time doing research can prepare people to make an informed decision during AEP.”

HealthSpring products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company.

AMPRIDE

October

1 Tornado siren test,

10:00 a.m.; Food Pantry, 10:00-noon; K-5th Maker Club, library, 3:35-4:15 p.m; Bridgeport Public Library board meeting, 5:30 p.m.

2 NO SCHOOL; Storytime, library, 10:00 a.m.; JH/HSWTC Cross country, at Bayard, 2:30 p.m.; Tween Time, grades 5-7, library, 3:45-4:45 p.m.;

Football, vs. Mitchell, 6:00 p.m.

3 Operation Christmas Child workshop,

Harvest Valley Church in Scottsbluff, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

4 Life Chain, pro-life protest, north end of Main Street, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

6 Bridgeport Irrigation District meeting, office, 10:00 a.m.;

Northport Irrigation District meeting,

office, 1:00 p.m.; V/ JV/C Volleyball, at Scottsbluff, 4:00 p.m.

7 Used oil collection,

west side of 320 8th Street, 8:00-noon; FFA Area Land Judging; Bridgeport Rural Fire District meeting, 1621 Main Street,

p.m.

8 Tornado siren test,

10:00 a.m.; K-5th Maker Club, library,

3:35-4:15 p.m.; V/JV/C Volleyball, vs. Mitchell, 4:00 p.m.; JH/HS SPVA Cross country,

at Grant, 4:00 p.m.;

Food Pantry, 5:30--

6:30 p.m.; Morrill County Fair Board meeting, extension office, 6:00 p.m.

9 Ballots mailed out in Morrill County; Storytime, library, 10:00 a.m.; Tween Time, grades 5-7, library,

3:45-4:45 p.m.; Football, at Chase County,

6:00 p.m.

10 Flu Shot Clinic, Hospital’s clinic, 8:00-11:00

a.m.

12-13 Girls State Golf

12 School board meeting, media center, 7:00

p.m.

13 Public Hearing, vacating roads in Morrill County, courthouse,

8:00 a.m.; Adult Crafter Dark, tie dye coasters, no registration required, supplies provided, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

14 Browns Creek Irrigation District meeting, village office,

1:00 p.m.; D&D new campaign, grades

8-12, library, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; TAG meeting, library, 3:30 p.m.

15 Tornado siren test,

10:00 a.m.; Food Pantry, 10:00-noon; K-5th Maker Club, library,

3:35-4:15 p.m

16 Storytime, library,

10:00 a.m.; Tween Time, grades 5-7, library, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

To add your activities/events to this Bulletin Board, please submit them to the News-Blade.

Nebraska Extension will host an informational meeting on range recovery after wildfire onWednesday, October 14, with participants meeting at the Oshkosh Methodist Church... 13

The Bridgeport football team couldn’t overcome a slow start in dropping a 28-13 setback on the road at Valentine last Friday night.Valentine jumped out to a 14-0 lead... 11

Most of us have experienced heartburn or acid reflux at some point.

It may happen after eating too much.You might burp up food or liquid, notice a sour taste in your throat, or... 12

The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition (NGLC) and Nebraska Extension will host a pasture walk focused on practical grazing strategies and management decisions during drought.... 14

University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid, courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 100 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.

It is the “silly season,” as a spokeswoman for Gov. Pillen put it recently.

Derogatory labels—some deserved and many exaggerated— fly at us off the TV screen in political campaign ads, punctuated with scary music and darkened visages.

If you believe what the attack ads say on TV, we have a choice between a “con man” and a “Epstein class” law breaker in the U.S. Senate race. In the governor’s race, it’s a choice between a tax-happy “liberal” and someone who hires undocumented immigrants while calling for the arrest of others.

You wonder why anyone runs for public office.

To be sure, there’s always some crazy stuff that comes out during election campaigns.

Once, someone called me to say a candidate for sheriff in their county was found to have some white powder in their pickup. Had to be cocaine, they said (though a little checking found the allegation to be false).

And then there was the time when a mailer was sent out picturing a state senator in a Halloween costume with a couple of females in angel outfits. That senator partied too much, the mailer implied (though isn’t dressing in costume sort of the point of Halloween?).

Anyway, there was a recent news story that a spokeswoman for Pillen recently called a symptom of “the silly season.” But it seemed to be a tad more than that, given that it was the product of real reporting, not just some exaggeration from a campaign consultant.

I’m referring to a recent Flatwater Free Press story by Andrew Wegley about a $1 million state contract that had been sought by Lincoln lobbyist and business owner Julie Bushell.

Bushell, as you might recall, was awarded a $2.5-million, no-bid contract from the Pillen Administration that raised the eyebrows of State Auditor Mike Foley, who labeled it as probably illegal. Lincoln police have been investigating the allegedly improper contract since March, but as I write this, have not yet reached a conclusion to their probe.

But the latest story raises new questions.

Months before the no-bid contract, Bushell was pitching another deal with a state agency for “real time” sensors to detect nitrates in groundwater. Only $1 million.

While that seems like a worthwhile device (one that might help farmers dial back their use of fertilizer and avoid contaminating groundwater), some state officials questioned whether the devices really worked.

Based on emails they obtained from state officials and interviews with staffers involved at the Department of Environment and Energy, the Free Press revealed that the head of that agency felt the sensors were “unproven,” and more aspiration than effective.

While an anxious State Legislature had passed a bill to allocate $1 million for sensors, another cautious state official told Bushell that there needed to be competitive bids taken before the agency could spend that amount of money.

Interestingly, none of these doubts were communicated to a state senator pushing for the funding of nitrate sensors. And, while there were doubts at the NDEE, it was clear, one staffer told the news outlet, that Bushell clearly had the backing of the governor.

The story gave us a rare look into how state government sometimes works in the shadows.

In the end, the $1 million was never spent on the nitrate devices. And Bushell? She’s sold her house in Lincoln and reportedly moved away in the wake of the critical audit and investigation.

While some may label such a story “silly season,” I’d call it “solid reporting,” the kind that holds public officials to account. That’s the highest calling of a free press.

As Nebraska voters prepare for the November 3 general election, the League of Women Voters of Nebraska encourages voters to visit VOTE411.org, our free, nonpartisan election resource.

VOTE411 is a “one-stop shop” for election information. Voters can learn about the candidates and issues on their ballot, check voter registration information, find their polling place, and get answers to questions about the voting process.

The League of Women Voters of Nebraska has published its 2026 voter guide on VOTE411. Candidates are invited to answer questions about issues important to voters, and their responses are presented without editing or commentary from the League. Resources are available in both English and Spanish.

Voting is one of the most important ways we participate in our democracy, and being prepared makes the process easier. Before casting your ballot, visit VOTE411.org, learn about the candidates and issues, and make your plan to vote.

The general election is Tuesday, November 3. Be informed. Be prepared. And most importantly, vote.

Claudia Stevenson Ogallala, NE President League of Women Voters of Nebraska

The Bulldogs finished a difficult stretch of the schedule going 1-4. After beating Crawford and falling to Morrill in a triangular last Tuesday in Morrill, the Bulldogs dropped all three of their matches in a tournament hosted by Hershey on Saturday.

In a 25-14, 25-23 setback to Gothenburg, Alba Norman tallied six kills and six service points. Avery Schneider handed out 15 set assists and recorded seven digs. Reata Loomis added seven digs and Elizabeth Higgins served a pair of aces.

In a 25-15, 25-20 loss to Hershey, Norman put down five kills to go with two aces and five digs. Morgan Abbott added three kills. Kayci Sorenson served a team-high six points. Schneider totaled 13 assists. Loomis added five digs.

In the final match of the tournament, Bridgeport dropped a 25-9, 25-23 setback to Ainsworth. Norman finished with seven kills and 13 digs. Riley Cline served five points. Schneider dished out 20 assists. Sorenson led the way defensively with 16 digs.

The Bulldogs will be back in action on Tuesday at Class B Scottsbluff. Bridgeport will be back at home on Thursday, Oct. 8 against Mitchell.

Oct. 3—Varsity Volleyball Round Robin, at Hyannis,

10:00 a.m.

Oct. 5-10—HomecomingWeek Oct. 6—JV/V Volleyball, at Paxton, 5:00 p.m.

Oct. 7—4th Grade to Flowerfield; FFA Area Land Judging; JH Volleyball, vs. Morrill, 1:00 p.m.; JH Football, vs. Morrill, 2:00 p.m.

Oct. 9—End of 1st quarter; JV/V Volleyball, vs. South Platte, 4:30 p.m.; Football, vs. South Platte, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 10—JH MacVolleyball, at Bayard, 9:00 a.m.; Homecoming Dance, 7:00 p.m.

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Brad Fitch has been playing professionally since he was 15 years old. He is proficient on eight instruments and has recorded 20 albums featuring his original music. Cowboy Brad has performed for two presidents, was featured at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, and has opened for an impressive array of folk and western artists. He has won many awards, including the Hawaii Music Award and the All-Around Cowboy Entertainer at the Aspen Lodge Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering, as well as community service recognition from the Estes Park Sunrise Rotary Club. Brad performs up to 300 shows each year and is a familiar voice at Aspen’s annual John Denver memorial concerts.

As an Estes Park native who just finished his 30th summer music series of singalong songs at Bond Park, Brad remarked, “I feel blessed that I now have a third generation of families coming to listen to me.”

Cowboy Brad owes part of his success to his ability to connect with audiences. “The purpose of my music is to have fun and share that with others,” says Brad. “If my music takes you to a pleasant place in your heart or your mind, then I have accomplished my purpose.”

Brad is a veteran United States Coast Guard officer and has also served as a YMCA Senior Director and as a National Park Service Wilderness Ranger.

The High Plains Arts Council is bringing Cowboy Brad back to Sidney by popular demand. He last appeared in Sidney on March 3, 2023, when he performed his John Denver Tribute show.

Tickets for this show are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for students (including WNCC), and children under 5 are free. Tickets will be available at the door.