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Citizen Portal News Nebraska
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The Scottsbluff City Council just approved a significant boost to the Riverside Discovery Center's funding, raising their annual contribution to $350,000 and establishing a $50,000 contingency fund to help meet accreditation standards!

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#NE #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
City increases zoo support; council approves $350,000 annual contribution with $50,000 contingency
Council approved a three-year support agreement with the Riverside Discovery Center raising the city contribution from $300,000 to $350,000 in year one, including a one-time $50,000 contingency held by the city and a provision tying renewal to progress toward AZA accreditation.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 3:13 AM
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Scottsbluff's energy report reveals exciting developments, including a commitment to 58.3% carbon-free generation and potential rate changes that could impact your wallet!

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#NE #CitizenPortal #CommunitySolar
NPPD presents Scottsbluff energy report; cites 58.3% carbon-free generation, community solar and possible 3% rate increase for 2026
Nebraska Public Power District told the council the utility is 58.3% carbon-free and reported lease and sales-tax payments to the city; staff described community solar production and efficiency incentives and said a proposed 3% rate increase for 2026 will be considered by the NPPD board in November.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 11:23 AM
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The Seward City Council just took a major step to secure 100% federal funding for the East Hillcrest bridge project, paving the way for significant infrastructure improvements!

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#NE #CitizenPortal #UtilityRelocation #FederalFunding #InfrastructureDevelopment
Council authorizes mayor to sign electric relocation agreement tied to NDOT Hillcrest Bridge project
The council passed Resolution 2025-37 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement to relocate city-owned electric lines for the East Hillcrest (Hillcrest Bridge) NDOR project (BRO-7080(56)), a step required to secure 100% federal funding; state-managed construction is projected to span into 2027.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 10:57 AM
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Scottsbluff faces uncertainty as Sioux County extends its landfill moratorium, putting pressure on the city's purchase agreement and raising concerns over rising tipping fees.

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#NE #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunitySustainability #EnvironmentalPolicy
Landfill siting uncertain as Sioux County extends moratorium; city purchase agreement nears expiration
Staff reported Sioux County extended its landfill moratorium through April, complicating the city's purchase agreement with landowner David Lochimer (agreement expires 2026-01-21); staff said they hired HDR for representation and will explore other sites, transfer-station permitting and tipping fees after preliminary estimates returned above $72 per ton.
citizenportal.ai
November 20, 2025 at 6:30 AM
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Crete Public Schools just secured a $259,000 grant aimed at boosting literacy from birth through grade 12, with exciting new programs and professional development on the horizon!

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#NE #CitizenPortal #LiteracyAdvancement #TeacherDevelopment #EducationFunding
Crete Public Schools outlines CLSD literacy plan after $259,000 grant award
District academic leaders described how a $259,000 CLSD grant across two years will fund LETRS training, updated CKLA materials, MTSS/PLC development and targeted assessments tied to proficiency goals at multiple grade bands.
citizenportal.ai
November 18, 2025 at 6:09 AM
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NPPD's recent report revealed a staggering $10 million in lease payments to Kearney, alongside impressive strides toward renewable energy, including a community solar project generating 10 million kWh!

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#KearneyCityBuffaloCounty #NE #CitizenPortal #CommunitySolar
NPPD brief to Kearney council: nearly $10 million in lease payments, solar output and a mostly carbon-free mix
Nebraska Public Power District told the Kearney City Council it remitted almost $10 million in lease payments to the city, processed about $125,000 in local customer incentives, reported a community solar project produced ~10,000,000 kWh, and described a generation mix it called about 58% carbon-free and 28% coal.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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Local council members are pushing back against a $15 million aquatic center proposal, insisting it falls short of the community's needs for a competitive swimming facility.

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#GrandIslandHallCounty #NE #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityRecreation #GrandIslandAquatics
Council says $15M aquatic concept wont meet Grand Island needs; consultants say footprint can be reworked
City consultants presented a 27,000-square-foot aquatic/fitness concept budgeted at $15 million, but multiple council members and YMCA advisors told the developer that amount likely wont deliver a competition-capable pool and therapy spaces; the developer agreed to re-scope and return with options by Dec. 2.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 4:33 PM
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Woodsonia is proposing an ambitious $600 million Veterans Village project in Grand Island that promises an indoor/outdoor sports complex, an aquatics facility, and expanded housing—are you ready for this major transformation?

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#GrandIslandHallCounty #NE #CitizenPortal
Woodsonia pitches $600M "Veterans Village" for Grand Island; seeks $95M in Good Life bond proceeds for phase 1
Woodsonia told Grand Islands City Council it plans a $600 million mixed-use project called Veterans Village that would include a sports complex, aquatic center, housing and a 20-acre lake expansion; the developer asked the city to pledge roughly $95 million in initial Good Life bond proceeds and to consider a one-time land conveyance with clawback
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 12:37 PM
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Kearney City Council has taken a major step towards reconnecting with the Windy City by approving a daily flight to Chicago O'Hare starting in 2026!

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#KearneyCityBuffaloCounty #NE #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #TransportationAccess #EconomicDevelopment
Kearney council authorizes SkyWest agreement to add daily Chicago flight beginning April 30, 2026
The council voted to authorize the city manager to sign an agreement with SkyWest Airlines (operating as United Express) for one daily round trip to Chicago O’Hare starting April 30, 2026, with a contract cap of about $2.4 million in potential city subsidy through Oct. 31, 2027.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 12:48 AM
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Columbus City Council has appointed Brett Strecker as police chief after a closed-session review of a citizen complaint, signaling a new direction for community policing in the city.

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#ColumbusCityPlatteCounty #NE #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityPolicing
Columbus City Council appoints Brett Strecker as police chief after closed-session review of complaint
The council approved Brett Strecker’s appointment as Columbus police chief on Nov. 3 after holding a closed session to consider a citizen complaint. The Civil Service Commission certified Strecker and the council waived the usual two‑week waiting period before voting to appoint him; Strecker pledged to expand community policing.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 4:39 PM
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Lincoln City Council is taking a bold step to reshape development by proposing to lower the minimum acreage for wastewater lift stations from 500 to 150 acres, opening doors for new housing opportunities!

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#LincolnLancasterCounty #NE #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureInnovation
Council considers code changes to allow wastewater lift stations for new subdivisions; developers and planners weigh trade-offs
City staff proposed amending development and sanitary sewer code to allow wastewater lift stations in limited circumstances, lowering the minimum acreage from 500 to 150 and setting density and lot-size conditions; the related comprehensive plan amendment was held for a Nov. 17 vote pending ordinance action.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 12:04 PM
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Residents of Papillion are demanding stronger animal-control laws after a series of shocking dog attacks left pets and their owners traumatized.

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#NE #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #VictimRights #AnimalWelfare
Papillion residents recount dog attacks and press council to draft stricter controls; issue sent to public safety committee
Multiple residents described recent dog attacks and argued the city’s penalties and victim protections are inadequate. Councilmember Lundberg asked staff to draft an ordinance and to forward it to the public safety committee for further work and a future public hearing.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 1:47 AM
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Columbus City Council just approved vital annual physicals for firefighters, aiming to combat serious health risks like cancer and cardiac issues on the job!

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#ColumbusCityPlatteCounty #NE #CitizenPortal #OccupationalSafety #PublicHealth #ColumbusFirefighters
Columbus Council adopts resolution to add annual physicals for career firefighters, approves contract for exams
Council adopted Resolution R25‑140 to include annual physicals and paramedic wage adjustments for career firefighters and approved a $42,690 contract with Frontline Mobile Health to provide the exams. Fire Chief Ryan Gray outlined occupational health risks motivating the change.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 11:43 PM
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Lincoln is stepping up to protect its residents from cryptocurrency scams by introducing a new ordinance that mandates warning signs at crypto ATMs.

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#LincolnLancasterCounty #NE #ElderlySafety #CitizenPortal #CryptoEducation #FraudPrevention #LincolnConsumerProtection
Lincoln introduces ordinance to require warning signs on cryptocurrency ATMs after police detail fraud losses
Council received an ordinance to require city-provided warning signs at cryptocurrency ATMs; proponents including police, AARP Nebraska and community banks urged adoption to protect older residents from scams. The ordinance was introduced and will be considered at a later council meeting.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 9:10 PM
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Lincoln Electric System has proposed a staggering $713.7 million budget for 2026, including a controversial 3% rate increase to manage rising power costs—what does it mean for you?

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#LincolnLancasterCounty #NE #CitizenPortal #LincolnUtility #PublicAccountability
Lincoln Electric System proposes $713.7 million budget, recommends 3% rate increase; council defers vote
LES proposed a $713.7 million budget for 2026 and a 3% overall rate increase to cover higher net power and transmission costs and major capital investments; the Lincoln City Council deferred votes on the LES budget and rate schedules to Nov. 17, 2025.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 8:27 PM
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Bennington Public Schools has officially approved a staggering $98.4 million budget for their new high school, ensuring transparency and accountability in the construction process.

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#NE #CitizenPortal #ConstructionManagement #EducationFunding
Bennington board approves $98.4 million guaranteed maximum price for second high school
The Bennington Public Schools board unanimously approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $98,431,752 for the district's second high school, a figure district officials said aligns with the project cost presented during the bond campaign after accounting for expected energy-efficiency credits.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 6:06 PM
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Exciting renovations are on the horizon for Ralston schools, with five roofing projects and a revamped stadium set to enhance accessibility and durability!

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#NE #CitizenPortal #AccessibilityImprovements #FacilityDurability #CompetitiveBidding
Board previews roofing bid packages and stadium redesign as capital work ramps up
Facilities staff outlined five roofing bid packages and a stadium press‑box/concession design, with Nov. 26 walk‑throughs and phased bid openings planned; staff aim to complete major projects while managing special‑building fund obligations.
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 5:12 PM
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Ralston schools are revolutionizing the classroom experience with new tech tools for live translation and AI-driven lesson planning, all while strengthening cybersecurity measures.

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#NE #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #MultilingualSupport #CybersecurityEducation
Ralston board reviews tech plan: live translation, AI pilots and strengthened cybersecurity
District leaders outlined a multi‑year technology plan that includes live classroom translation, Clever single sign‑on and a pilot of Google’s Gemini Plus for staff, along with network rebuilds and expanded cybersecurity training.
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 4:53 PM
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Lincoln County commissioners are pushing for transparency on a crucial IT services contract and fighting to reinstate Viera Drive's maintenance, sparking heated discussions with North Platte officials.

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#LincolnCounty #NE #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal
Lincoln County presses North Platte for clarity on IT services contract and to restore Viera Drive to road maintenance interlocal
Commissioners asked for a detailed comparison of a proposed network services interlocal with the City of North Platte and sought to reopen talks over the city’s removal of Viera Drive from this year’s road-maintenance interlocal. Commissioner Hughley volunteered to review the IT contract and the roads committee will meet with city officials to seek
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 4:16 PM
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The Norfolk Public Schools Board is gearing up for a major leadership change, with interviews for the next superintendent set for January 20 and four applications already in hand!

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#NE #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvolvement #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationReform
Norfolk board finalizes interview timeline, screening options as superintendent search continues
The Norfolk Public Schools board reviewed community survey results, confirmed an interview schedule for Jan. 20 and discussed enhanced background screening options for finalists as the search for a permanent superintendent continues; four applications had been received at the time of the update.
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 2:27 PM
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The Beatrice City Council has unanimously approved an exciting redevelopment project that promises 35 new apartments and 16 townhomes, poised to boost local housing and economic growth!

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#NE #WorkforceHousing #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityReinvestment
Council adopts Beatrice Commons plan modification to advance TIF-backed housing project
The council unanimously approved a plan modification for Beatrice Commons, clearing the way for a project that includes an estimated 35-unit apartment building and about 16 townhomes. Staff estimated the development would generate roughly $1.2 million in tax increment financing and carry an assessed valuation near $8.3 million when complete.
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 3:59 AM
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The Beatrice City Council has taken a bold step toward transforming the Dempster property into a vibrant community space by applying for a $4 million EPA Brownfields grant!

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#NE #CommunityReuse #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalCleanup #BeatriceEnvironment #PublicHealthSafety
Beatrice council approves Brownfield grant application to pursue cleanup at Dempster site
The Beatrice City Council voted unanimously to apply for a 2026 EPA Brownfields Grant to fund cleanup of part of the Dempster property. City staff and the Dempsters Committee recommended demolishing structures and removing two feet of soil in a roughly 3.7-acre area to allow an open-park reuse; deeper remediation to support enclosed development was
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 11:07 PM
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The Omaha City Council just greenlit a major redevelopment project in Little Bohemia, but concerns about parking and neighborhood impact have residents divided.

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#OmahaDouglasCounty #NE #HistoricPreservation #HousingDevelopment #CitizenPortal #CommunityInput #OmahaLittleBohemia
Developers win council approval for Old Town/Little Bohemia plats; neighbors press for parking study
The Omaha City Council approved multiple rezones and plats connected to the Old Town Village/Little Bohemia redevelopment, and held public hearings on associated TIF redevelopment agreements. Neighbors and businesses urged the council to delay rezoning until a comprehensive parking analysis is completed; City Planning and the developer said the 201
citizenportal.ai
November 5, 2025 at 4:35 AM
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Omaha's proposed Tranquility Park Sports Complex is poised to generate $50 million in revenue, but crucial funding decisions could determine if it features 12 or 16 high-demand sports fields.

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#OmahaDouglasCounty #NE #CitizenPortal #CommunityRecreation #PublicFinancing
Council presses timeline and financing questions as Tranquility Park sports complex moves toward approval
Council members pressed city finance staff and developers about how the proposed Tranquility Park Sports Complex will be funded, how many fields will be built and when construction would begin. City staff said lease‑purchase bonds backed by project revenue and sales‑tax turnbacks tied to surrounding development would fund most of the project, with
citizenportal.ai
November 5, 2025 at 4:33 AM
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NDOT is taking steps to address the backlog of crucial county bridge projects, but funding remains a contentious issue as the need for larger structures grows.

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#NE #CitizenPortal #TransportationInnovation #InfrastructureFunding
NDOT staff clarifies county bridge match program, funding shortfall and future options
Staff told the commission the county bridge match program originated from the Transportation Innovation Act and a $50 million transfer; NDOT supports the program but cautioned state general funds are not the preferred long‑term funding source and said larger bridge needs remain in counties' portfolios.
citizenportal.ai
November 3, 2025 at 3:27 AM