News | Oakland Independent and The Lyons Mirror-Sun

Congratulations to the 2026 Decatur Community Club's chili cook off winners 3rd place Bob Jacobsen, 2nd place Krystal Raue, 1st place Jack Rife. The People's Choice Award went to Dale Webster.

Webster wins People’s Choice at Annual Chili Cook-Off

The Decatur Community Club joined with Pop 'n Doc's to host the 29th annual chili cook off on March 26 at Pop 'n Doc's at the Decatur Marina. There were 12 pots of chili submitted for blind … more

4/9/26

Decatur Museum Opens New Season with Look at Native Education History

The Decatur Museum will open for the 2026 season with a special program by Nancy Gillis entitled “Straddling Worlds: Negotiating Indian Education” on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the … more

Norma Farrens Decatur Museum | 4/9/26

Worshiping together during Girl Scout Week - Gathering at Immanuel Lutheran Church were: (front from left) Alice, Antonia, Kinzy, Lola, Skylar, Elsie; (middle from left) Nora, Beatrice, Elenor, Lucy, Ivy, Bellamy, Maizy; (ack from left) Leaders Terri Hoeneman, Elizabeth LaFleur, and Judy Geisler.

God has always been a part of the Girl Scout Promise

Girl Scouts worship as a group on March 22 at Immanuel Lutheran Church as part of Girl Scout Week. Girl Scouts of the USA was 114 years old on March 12. A group of local Scouts also worshiped at … more

4/9/26

Congratulations to the Tekamah-Herman Quiz Bowl Team in capturing 3rd place in the ESU 2 tournament in Fremont just missing out on a trip to state.. Picutred are competitors (front from left) Kendall Bowland, Ryan Roche, and Cadence Heath; (back from left) Nate Connealy, Kaleb Kjar, and Charlie Beck.

Quick thinking pays off as Tekamah-Herman Quiz Bowl finishes third

Buzzers, quick thinking, and split-second decisions defined the ESU 2 Quiz Bowl meet held March 11 in Fremont, where students from across northeast Nebraska tested their knowledge in a fast-paced … more

Naomi Gahan Quiz Bowl | 4/9/26

Cast members are hard at work preparing for the UFFDA production of Road Kill Café: Mary Loftis, Leha Manderson, Laura Ruwe, Adam Holm, and Michael Mattes..

“Road Kill Café” Headlines Uehling Follies’ 20th Anniversary Show

Road Kill Café is one of the offerings of two one act comedies to be presented Saturday, April 18 in the Uehling Auditorium by Uehling Famous Follies and Drama Association. Morning brunch will … more

4/9/26

It’s all fun and games until someone tips off law enforcement concerning illegal gambling via bingo at Oakland Heights. Officer Tadd Vosberg eventually removed the handcuffs letting Activities Director Kelly Johnson off the hook once it was determined the only thing of monetary value changing hands was a bag of cheese puffs or an occasional piece of candy. In the end, it was one of the better April Fools pranks of the day last week courtesy of Gwen Maxwell.

Oakland Heights Gambling Operation Busted

4/8/26

Oakland’s new water system nears completion, promising improved capacity and reliability

Oakland’s long-anticipated water infrastructure upgrade is entering its final stages, with Oakland City Councilman J.J. Johansen and Water Superintendent Dan Tanksley, III outlining what residents … more

Curt Hineline editorcurt@gmail.com | 4/8/26

Eight girls from Tekamah-Herman Elementary attended the Burt County Museum Tea Party for 3rd-graders.

Burt County Museum hosts etiquette tea party for Local Students

Burt County Museum’s annual third grade “Tea Party” was a wonderful time. Eight girls from Tekamah-Herman Elementary attended the event on March 21 at in the E.C Houston House. The girls … more

Jane Elske Assistant Curator | 4/3/26

Participatig locally in the National No Kings Rally, about 20 from Burt County turned out in Lyons on Saturday,

Burt County joins nationwide day of protest

On Saturday, a group of 21 residents from across the county gathered in Lyons to take part in what national organizers described as the largest single-day protest in American history. The … more

Curt Hineline editorcurt@gmail.com | 4/3/26

Cameron Maryott, a junior at Lyons-Decatur Northeast has been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls Cornhusker State. Her parents are George and Carrie Maryott.

Maryott to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls Cornhusker State

Cameron Maryott of Decatur has been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary Cornhusker Girls State May 31 – June 6, 2026, on the campus of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Maryott … more

4/3/26

Mutual Aid Disaster Drill Strengthens Regional Emergency Response

On March 7, a large-scale mutual aid disaster drill was conducted at Lyons School, bringing together multiple emergency response agencies for a coordinated mass casualty training exercise. … more

Shannon Burgett Lyons Fire and Rescue | 4/3/26

Thanks to a grant from the Friends of Oakland Foundation, Oakland Fire and Rescue are pleased to be able to better assist the community during a power outage. FOOF fully funded the purchase of a Generac generator to power the fire hall creating a welcoming hub for the community in times of emergency. Assistant Chief Jessica Crimmins, FOOF President Sue Beckner, and Chief Nick Seery are grateful to be able to work together to serve their friends and neighbors.

Oakland Fire and Rescue secures generator to serve community in emergencies

After last March’s devastating ice storm and blizzard left much of northeast Nebraska without power for days, communities across the region were reminded just how critical local resources can be in … more

Curt Hineline editorcurt@gmail.com | 4/3/26

Oakland-Craig finishes a strong speech season! Competing at district competition were (back from left) Gracie Raymond, Adrianna Bittner, Eva archer, Karleigh Huson, Patrick Rayburn, Brinley Burton; (third row from left) Josie Peterson, Greta Pearson, Chloe Selk, Scarlet Moreno, Tye Penke, Josie Howell Black; (second row from left) Second row (left to right) - Paisley Peterson, Naomi Gahan, Jalie Meyer, Lily Peterson, Piper Tanksley, Jay Howell Black, Levi Garcia; (front from left) Front row (left to right) - Coach Nancy Lierman, Max Bures, Ashlynne Gramke, Madeline Pearson, Brooklyn Richards, Grace Wallerstedt, Winston Wilkey, Cand oach Lonnie Lierman.

Orators Petersen and Wallerstedt bring home state hardware

The Oakland-Craig Speech team closed out a successful season at the state competition, highlighted by several standout individual performances and strong representation across multiple events. … more

Naomi Gahan School Correspondent | 4/3/26

VFW Auxiliary Post 7998 Seeks New Members

… more

3/29/26

Rehearsal for Death of a Dead Man pictures Leha Manderson, Patty Miller, Roger Johnson, Michael Mattes, Adam Holm and Kalee Olson.

UFFDA is at it again!

The latest production date is set for Saturday, April 18 th as the Uehling Famous Follies and Drama Association celebrates 20 years of famous follies in Uehling. There will be a breakfast … more

3/29/26

Logan View Girl Scouts visit Nye Center and share experiences with former scouts. Making the trip were (front from left) Kinzy, Alaina, Elsie; (middle from left) Lillyann, Alice, Beatrice, Skylar; and (back from left) Wyatt, Emery, Keona, Maizy, and BreAnna. Last names withheld per request.

Young and Old Girl Scouts share their experience

Girl Scout Troops from Logan View celebrated with residents at Nye Court in Fremont Thursday afternoon. Girl Scouts were started March 12, 1912, so we are 114 years old. We found out many … more

Terri Hoeneman Girl Scout Leader | 3/29/26

Qualifying for the State Science Fair for Lyons-Decatur are (back from left) Hoss Punke, Kellyn Knaak, Caroline Timm, Bryannda Chavira-Prieto, Kaylin Miller; (front from left) Carsyn Miller- alternate, Meika Maryott, Cassidy Miller, Adonai Salazar.

Cougars Present for Public/Compete at Regional STEM Research Competitions

For Lyons-Decatur students, the third week of March brings a different kind of madness than the NCAA basketball tournament. Over the past several months, 66 secondary students conducted scientific … more

Paul Timm LDNE STEM | 3/29/26

Tekamah Lions Club member Thomas Wenstrom, center, received a friendship banner from the Lions International President and a Presidential Certificate of Appreciation at the Mid-Winter Convention for District 38-O and 38-N held March 7, 2026, in Lincoln. Making the presentations were, at left, International Director Debbie Dawson from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, who made the presentation on behalf of Lions International President A.P. Singh and District 38-O Governor Karen Jackson from Tekamah.

Tekamah Lion recognized with international award

A member of the Tekamah Lions Club was recognized for the impact his club is making in its community. Thomas Wentstrom received a friendship banner from International President A.P. Singh and a … more

Mark Jackson mark.a.jackson1959@gmail.com | 3/29/26

Among those participating in the wildly successful quarter auction at the Oakland Women’s Club Ladies Night Out in 2024 are: from left, Ashten Von Essen, Jane Nincehelser, Kiersten Elsasser, Lexi Beavers, and Sarah Nelson. The club looks for even more excitement at this year's event on April 9th.

Women’s Club Dinner Fundraiser Returns with Roaring ’20s Theme

A sense of community, a touch of vintage flair, and a whole lot of heart. That’s what attendees can expect at this year’s Roaring ’20s-themed Oakland Women’s Club Dinner Fundraiser on April 9 … more

Naomi Gahan News Contributor | 3/27/26

Oakland-Craig's Ellinor Johnson (center) has qualified to go to the national Hosa conference in Indianpolis. She is pictured with State Vice President of Competitive Events Joelle Peatrowsky (left) and State VP of Partnerships Ridhyi Nayakwadi (right).

Health Occupation Students exposed to valuable networking and collegiate opportunities

For students with their sights set on careers in healthcare, the statewide HOSA conference is more than just a competition, it’s a glimpse into the future they’re working toward. This past week, … more

Naomi Gahan School Correspondent | 3/20/26

Recognized as the Tekamah Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year at the awards banquet Monday evening, Burt County Public Power received a standing ovation for the dedication and relentless work to restore power following last year's blizzard/ice storrm. Receiving the award and pictured center are Jon Dockhorn, Nicole Parcel and Zach Olson. Chamber board members Austin Clarkson (far left) and Cami Gregerson (far right).

Standing ovations mark business celebration in Tekamah

Addressing a nearly full house of celebrants, Tekamah Chamber of Commerce President Spencer Breckenridge looked on with gratitude as 175 members enjoyed Chicken Marsala served by Scott Herbolsheimer … more

Curt Hineline editorcurt@gmail.com | 3/20/26

Among the members attending FFA CDE’s are (front from left) Logan Ehlers, Tye Penke, Eva Archer, Tate Penke, Brooklyn Richards, Noah Anderson, Preston Wheeler, Gavin Johnson, Landon Ehlers; (back from left) Patrick Rayburn, Paisley Peterson, Keryn Uehing, Vivian Kopetiz, and Ava Johnson.

FFA State Degrees earned as students prepare for State Convention

As Nebraska FFA members prepare for the upcoming State FFA Convention, local chapters are preparing to showcase a strong year of hard-work and competition. Members from Oakland-Craig, Tekamah-Herman … more

Naomi Gahan School Correspondent | 3/20/26

An integral part of the TeamMates program is group outings and the Logan View chapter had a great time bowling together.

LV TeamMates go bowling

Logan View TeamMates went on a fun adventure last Thursday to the Hilltop Lanes & Event Center in Dodge, Nebraska. Mentors and mentees boarded the bus at Logan View and headed to Dodge … more

Amy Kremke Sports Contributor | 3/14/26

Soren Miller puts a sticker on a chart marking the 100th day of preschool at LDNE.

First 100 days of their educational careers in the books at LDNE

First year Lyons-Decatur Northeast preschoolers celebrated their 100th day of preschool last week! The day started with finding a hidden 100 on their breakfast tray, participating in … more

3/14/26

Bethel #56 members celebrating Job's Daughters Founders Week are (front from left) Hayden Johanson and Cecilia Johnson; (back from left) Emily Wiese, Keryn Uhing, and Mya Bergman.

Job’s Daughters Celebrate Founders Week, March 8-14th

Bethel #56 of Tekamah planned daily activities to honor their Founder, Ethel T Wead Mick. “Mother Mick” had a radical idea in 1920 to create an organization just for girls. Job’s … more

3/14/26