Unfortunately, so are mosquitoes.

For most people, mosquito bites are more annoying than dangerous, but that doesn’t make them any less unwelcome. Researchers have spent decades studying mosquitoes, what attracts them, and what methods may help reduce the chances of being bitten.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the most effective tools is the use of EPA-registered insect repellents. Products containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol (PMD) are among those most often recommended by public health experts.

Mosquito control starts before the insects ever begin buzzing around the backyard. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and surprisingly small amounts can do the job. Bird baths, flower pots, buckets, clogged gutters, pet dishes, children’s toys, and old tires can all become breeding grounds.

Because mosquito larvae develop quickly during warm weather, experts recommend regularly emptying or refreshing standing water around homes and businesses.

Another surprisingly simple tool may already be sitting on the patio: a fan. Research has shown that mosquitoes are weak fliers, and moving air can make it more difficult for them to reach people. The airflow can also disperse some of the scents and carbon dioxide mosquitoes use to locate a meal.

Not every commonly suggested remedy is backed by science. Studies have found little evidence that eating garlic, taking vitamin B supplements, or using ultrasonic mosquito-repelling devices significantly reduces mosquito bites. Bug zappers may kill plenty of insects, but researchers have found they generally do little to reduce mosquito populations.

Even with the best prevention efforts, most people will collect a few mosquito bites over the course of the summer. The itching comes from the body’s reaction to proteins in mosquito saliva, which can cause redness, swelling, and irritation.

Health experts recommend avoiding scratching when possible, as it can further irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection. Cold compresses, over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams, and certain antihistamines may help relieve itching. Some research has also suggested that gentle heat may temporarily interrupt itch signals, though experts caution against using temperatures hot enough to burn the skin.

Most bites heal on their own within a few days. However, anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, widespread hives, fever, unusual swelling, or signs of infection should seek medical attention.

As mosquito season settles in across Clay County, experts say the best defense remains a practical one: eliminate standing water where possible, use a proven insect repellent when spending time outdoors, and treat bites promptly when they occur.

Mosquitoes may be one of the less popular signs of summer, but a few simple steps can help make those Nebraska evenings outside a little more enjoyable.

The Sutton community didn’t just meet this year’s Can Care-a-Van goal—it surpassed it in remarkable fashion.

With a goal of collecting the equivalent of 6,000 pounds of food, community members rallied together to donate a record-breaking 10,301 pounds, providing enough food and financial support to keep The Bread Box supplied through the summer and into the beginning of the school year.

Can Care-a-Van, held last Monday in partnership with 10/11, counts donations of food pound for pound, while every dollar donated is converted to two pounds toward the campaign total. The impressive final tally reflects both the generosity of those who brought food and those who chose to make financial contributions.

For Dee Boals and the volunteers however, the most meaningful part of the day wasn’t the record total.

“Our goal for Can Care-a-Van is to show our neighbors that we care for each other,” Boals said. “We also take this time to recognize community members who have a caring and giving spirit.”

During the event, the Bread Box Board of Directors presented its Spirit Award to Sandi Hoffman in recognition of her ongoing donation of fresh eggs to the pantry. Hoffman has faithfully supplied fresh eggs throughout the year, providing families with a nutritious, high-quality source of protein that is often difficult for food pantries to keep in stock.

Approximately 50 people stopped by during the event to donate food or money. Volunteers spent the following day sorting and shelving donations that will directly support The Bread Box’s operations and help local families facing food insecurity.

“It was impressive how many people came out on Monday to join in our cause,” Boals said. “The Sutton community truly cares for those who struggle to make ends meet.”

While celebrating another successful food drive, The Bread Box is also looking ahead to its future home on Ash Street. The organization remains in the planning phase, with contractors providing bids for needed equipment. Major construction is expected to begin in September, and organizers hope to move into the new facility and begin serving clients there by Christmas.

Support for The Bread Box isn’t limited to Can Care-a-Van. Donations of food and financial gifts are accepted throughout the year and may be given to any Bread Box board member or dropped off at Waypoint Bank or Cornerstone Bank.

Boals expressed appreciation not only to everyone who contributed to the campaign but also to 10/11 for continuing to highlight food insecurity across Nebraska and encouraging communities to help their neighbors.

This year’s record-breaking total is more than a number. It represents months of meals, peace of mind for families who rely on The Bread Box, and another example of the Sutton community’s willingness to care for one another when the need arises.

During Tuesday’s win, pitcher Everett Yost tossed a four-hit gem, without allowing a run, while walking four and striking out six.

Cale Nuss drove in three runs with a pair of singles in the win, while Michael Lockhart drove in two runs with a double in the game.

Rounding out the hitting attack were Remington Behmerwohld, Camden Temme, River Glinsmann and Yost, as all four gained a single, as Sutton held a 7-4 hitting advantage in the win.

Sutton 10, BDS 0 Sutton.............................. 2 3 0 3 2 -10 BDS...................................0 0 0 0 0 -0 AB R H RBI

Cale Nuss................................. 3 2 2 3 Remington Behmerwohld...... 1 4 1 1 Camden Temme...................... 3 2 1 0 Michael Lockhart..................... 3 0 1 2 River Glinsmann...................... 3 0 1 0 Everett Yost............................. 4 0 1 2 Kaige Jones.............................. 1 0 0 0 Conner Aspegren..................... 2 1 0 0 Brooks Ebert............................ 2 1 0 0 Sutton Totals-.................. 22 10 7 8 BDS Totals-....................... 17 0 4 0 Extra Base Hits: Sutton: Lockhart: 1-Double, Glinsmann: 1-Double. BDS: 1-Double.

Brooks Ebert handled the pitching duties against Wilber, without giving up a walk, he struck out two, while allowing four Wilber runs on six hits.

Lockhart led the offense in the game with three singles during his three trips to the plate. Lockhart drove in a team-high four runs.

Yost was 2-3 at the plate with a pair of singles, while Temme was 2-4 with a double and a single.

Also adding to the hitting mix were Kellen Ebert, Creighton Jones and Cale Nuss who all singled once in the win.

Sutton 13, Wilber 4 Wilber..............................2 1 1 0 0 -4 Sutton.............................. 1 0 10 2 x -13 AB R H RBI

Michael Lockhart..................... 3 1 3 4 Everett Yost............................. 3 1 2 0 Camden Temme...................... 4 3 2 1 Kellen Ebert............................. 2 1 1 1 Creighton Jones....................... 3 2 1 1 Cale Nuss................................. 4 1 1 1 River Glinsmann...................... 1 2 0 1 Remington Behmerwohld...... 1 1 0 2 Kaige Jones.............................. 0 1 0 1 Sutton Totals-.................. 21 13 10 12 Wilber Totals-.................. 22 4 6 3 Extra Base Hits: Sutton: Temme: 1-Double. Wilber: 1-Triple.

If it feels like there’s something happening every weekend in Clay County right now, that’s because there is.

As summer settles in across the county, communities are preparing for a season of festivals, parades, fireworks, reunions and hometown traditions. While the calendar is filled with events throughout the summer, two celebrations will kick off one of the busiest stretches of the season: EdgarFest and Sutton’s Dugout Days.

Taking place at about the same time, both events have become annual traditions that draw residents, former residents and visitors back to their communities for weekends filled with activities, entertainment and hometown pride.

EdgarFest returns June 26 and 27 with two days of family activities, food, entertainment and community fun. This year’s theme, “Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday,” reflects the patriotic spirit that will be on display throughout the weekend. From the parade and fireworks to community meals, games and activities, the event showcases the volunteer spirit and community pride that continue to define small-town Nebraska.

Starting just a few days earlier, Sutton will begin its annual Dugout Days celebration, scheduled for June 25 through 28. This year’s theme, “From Founding Fathers to Hometown Heroes,” honors both the nation’s history and the local residents who have helped shape the community through service, leadership and volunteerism. Over the years, Dugout Days has grown into one of the largest community celebrations in the area. The annual event brings together current residents, former residents and visitors from across the region. Class reunions, family gatherings and community activities fill the schedule as people return to Sutton for a weekend of celebration.

For many families, these events mark the unofficial start of summer’s community celebration season. Lawn chairs appear along parade routes. Volunteers spend months planning activities. Former residents make plans to come home. Children create memories while parents and grandparents reconnect with friends and neighbors.

The celebrations also highlight something that remains special about Clay County. While every com munity has its own traditions, the events are powered by local volunteers who dedicate countless hours to planning, fundraising, organizing and ensuring that each celebration is successful.

And while EdgarFest and Dugout Days may be taking center stage right now, they are only the beginning.

In July, Deweese will host its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring the community’s Soap Box Derby, fireworks and activities throughout the day. Clay Center will celebrate Independence Day with a street dance, parade, community activities and fireworks as part of its America 250 celebration.

Later in the month, Harvard Days returns July 19 through 25 with a full week of activities. One of the most anticipated attractions will be a traveling circus on July 20, something that has become increasingly rare in small-town America and is expected to draw families from throughout the area.

The summer celebration season will continue with the Clay County Fair, opening July 24 and bringing together 4-H and FFA exhibitors, volunteers, businesses and fairgoers from across the county for one of Clay County’s most beloved traditions.

From Edgar and Sutton to Deweese, Clay Center and Harvard, the weeks ahead offer plenty of opportunities to gather with neighbors, celebrate community traditions and enjoy the best parts of small-town living. For Clay County residents, summer celebration season is officially underway.

ORLANDO, FL. — South Central Volleyball Club’s 18 Black team capped a historic club career by earning a third-place finish in the 18 Club Division, AAU’s highest level of competition, at the AAU Girls National Volleyball Championships.

Competing against many of the nation’s top club programs, South Central’s only losses during the tournament came to eventual national champion Alabama Performance. The teams first met during pool play before meeting again in the semifinals. South Central was the only team in the tournament whose only defeats were to the national champions.

Alabama Performance’s roster featured an impressive collection of NCAA Division I commits, including future players at Michigan State, Syracuse, Ohio State, Mississippi State, Bucknell, and Virginia Tech, underscoring the level of competition South Central faced on its path to the national semifinals.

After advancing out of pool play, South Central opened Gold Bracket play with a victory over Sanford Sports of South Dakota before defeating Southwest Minnesota in the quarterfinals. Southwest Minnesota had previously handed eventual national runner-up River City its only pool play loss. The quarterfinal victory secured the team’s third national podium finish in the past four seasons as South Central finished the tournament with a remarkable 10-2 record.

The accomplishment marks the culmination of years of success for a core group of seniors who helped establish South Central Volleyball Club as one of Nebraska’s premier club volleyball programs.

Over the past four seasons, these athletes consistently proved themselves among the nation’s best, finishing third at USAV Nationals as 15s, third as 16s, fifth as 17s, and third at AAU Nationals as 18s. Their sustained excellence over four seasons is an achievement few club teams can match.

The team was led by head coach Jill Bauer, a former Kansas State University Wildcat and current assistant coach at Deshler High School, and assistant coach Michelle Sjuts, a former Nebraska Cornhusker standout and assistant coach at Lincoln Lutheran. Together, they guided a roster built on selflessness, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Two players, Kyla Griess of Sutton and Myla Emery of Minden, were named AAU All-Americans following the tournament. Both will continue their volleyball careers this fall at Concordia University, where they will be joined by Jamie Vavra of Ord.

Payton Bauer of Deshler and Jalyn Branson of Shelton will continue their careers at the College of Saint Mary. Bella Sjuts of Lincoln Lutheran and Payton Sullivan of Hastings St. Cecilia will play at Wayne State College. Sydney Hengelfelt of Cross County will attend Chadron State College through the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP), pursuing an academic path.

The team competed without Taytum Perdew of Nebraska Christian, who was unable to attend the tournament as she prepared to begin her collegiate career at Midland University. Filling her role was Cayle Grossart, an incoming senior from Central Valley High School and standout member of South Central’s 17 Black team. Grossart stepped seamlessly into the lineup and made significant contributions throughout the tournament against elite national competition.

While the medals and accolades speak for themselves, the legacy of this team extends far beyond tournament finishes. Five years ago, South Central Volleyball Club, based in Aurora, qualified just one team for the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships. This season, the club sent seven teams to compete on the national stage, a testament to the remarkable growth of the club and the foundation this senior class helped build.

For these senior athletes, Orlando marked the final chapter of their club volleyball careers before beginning the next stage of their athletic and academic journeys. Their success helped transform South Central Volleyball Club into one of Nebraska’s premier volleyball programs and paved the way for future generations of athletes. They leave South Central not only as national medalists, but as the class that redefined what was possible for a small-town Nebraska club program.

South Central 18 Black

• Kyla Griess (Sutton) – Concordia University – AAU All-American;

• Myla Emery (Minden) – Concordia University – AAU All-American;

• Jamie Vavra (Ord) – Concordia University;

• Payton Bauer (Deshler) – College of Saint Mary;

• Jalyn Branson (Shelton) – College of Saint Mary;

• Bella Sjuts (Lincoln Lutheran) – Wayne State College;

• Payton Sullivan (Hastings St. Cecilia) – Wayne State College;

• Sydney Hengelfelt (Cross County) – Chadron State College (RHOP)

• Taytum Perdew (Nebraska Christian) – Midland University; and

• Cayle Grossart (Central Valley) – South Central 17 Black guest player.

Against Millard, Sutton and the Reds were tied 3-3 going into the fourth inning when the Mustangs posted three runs to secure the onerun win.

Camden Temme, Remington Behmerwohld and Cale Nuss were all 2-4 at the plate with a pair of singles each, while Cale Nuss and Everett Yost hammered one double each, while Kaige Jones and Michael Lockhart both had singles, as Sutton outhit Millard 9-7 in the game.

River Glinsmann and Brooks Ebert shared in the pitching duties, allowing Millard’s five runs on seven total hits.

Ebert struck out eight and walked just two, while Glinsmann walked five and struck out six.

Sutton 6, Millard Reds 5 Millard Reds............... 1 0 1 1 0 0 -5 Sutton........................1 0 1 1 3 x -6 AB R H RBI

Camden Temme...................... 4 2 2 0 Remington Behmerwohld...... 4 1 2 0 Cale Nuss................................. 4 0 2 3 Everett Yost............................. 2 1 1 1 Kaige Jones.............................. 3 0 1 1 Michael Lockhart..................... 4 0 1 1 Creighton Jones....................... 2 0 0 0 River Glinsmann...................... 2 0 0 0 Brooks Ebert............................ 3 0 0 0 Sutton Totals-.................. 28 6 9 6 Millard Reds.................... 28 5 7 4 Extra Base Hits: Sutton: Yost: 1-Double; K. Jones: 1-Double. Millard: None.

Prior to Mother Nature ending the weekend tournament, Sutton squeezed in one more game on the Hebron diamond, blasting the Lincoln Stratojets 11-1.

Sutton held a narrow 1-0 lead after two innings of play and then exploded for 10 runs in the final three innings, scoring four in the third, one in the fourth and five more in the fifth frame.

Kaige Jones led the hitting attack with two hits during his three trips to the plate, while Yost and Jesse Mohnike both had one hit in the win.

Kellen Ebert led the pitching staff in the win, allowing one hit, while striking out four and walking one.

Temme gave up one run, while striking out two and walking one.

Sutton 11, Lincoln Stratojets 1 Sutton.............................. 1 0 4 1 5 -11 Lincoln.............................0 0 0 0 1 -1 AB R H RBI

Kaige Jones.............................. 3 1 2 1 Everett Yost............................. 2 1 1 2 Jesse Mohnike......................... 1 0 1 2 Camden Temme...................... 2 1 0 1 Kylar Ely................................... 0 1 0 0 Creighton Jones....................... 1 1 0 0 Cale Nuss................................. 3 1 0 0 River Glinsmann...................... 1 0 0 1 Micheal Lockhart..................... 2 2 0 2 Remington Behmerwold......... 2 0 0 0 Kellen Ebert............................. 4 0 0 0 Sutton Totals-.................. 21 11 4 9 Lincoln............................ 15 1 1 1 Extra Base Hits: Sutton: None. Lincoln: None.

The change to orders will:

• Move the start of the spring archery season from March 25 to the Saturday closest to April 8.

• Move the start of the spring youth shotgun season from the Saturday closest to April 8 to the Saturday closest to April 15.

• Move the start of the spring regular shotgun season from the Saturday closest to April 15 to the Saturday closest to April 22.

Delaying harvest at the start of the spring turkey season will reduce the likelihood of harvest negatively affecting reproductive success. The later start will better align the seasons with the timing of turkey dispersal from their winter flocks and breeding and nesting activities.

Commissioners amended the recommendation to reduce the nonresident spring season personal permit limit to one. It remains at two.

In other business, commissioners indefinitely tabled the recommendation to change the personal deer permit limit regarding antlered deer.

In addition, commissioners also tabled recommendations for mountain lion regulation changes for the 2027 season until the August meeting so that landowner permit regulation recommendations could be included.

Commissioners approved wildlife orders that moved the close of squirrel season from Jan. 31 to the last day of February to align it with other seasons.

In addition, the commissioners approved:

• changing the agency responsible for boundaries of State Game Refuges from the Department of Natural Resources to Game and Parks.

• an interlocal agreement between Game and Parks and the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council to continue to purchase Zoom software.

• a permanent 10-foot-wide utility easement to Mountain Tower and Land, LLC, on the property of Game and Parks’ northeast district office in Norfolk, to allow for the installation of 1,300 linear feet of conduit, ground vaults and fiber.

The commissioners also recognized all the Game and Parks staff who responded to the spring wildfires in western Nebraska.

To view the proposed regulations and orders, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Regulations.”

According to Sutton Public Schools Superintendent Jason Cline, that question is at the heart of the district’s ongoing facility study.

While some residents may view the study as a discussion about buildings or potential construction projects, district leaders say the process is really about understanding what opportunities the community wants future students to have and whether current facilities can support that vision.

The Sutton Public Schools Board of Education approved a facility study last fall and hired BVH Architecture to evaluate district facilities. Since then, engineers, architects and facility specialists have spent months examining the buildings and gathering information about their condition and future needs.

Following this interview, Cline provided a tour of the school, offering a firsthand look at many of the challenges being discussed.

The district’s high school building dates back to the early 1960s, while the elementary building was constructed in the late 1970s. Although the facilities have been well maintained, much of the original design remains intact. During the tour, Cline pointed out areas where space is limited, hallways become congested, and modern expectations for accessibility, security and technology are difficult to accommodate in buildings designed decades ago.

The superintendent stressed that the buildings themselves are not the problem.

“Our building has done its job. It’s a great building,” Cline said.

Instead, the question is whether facilities designed for students in the 1960s and 1970s can continue to support the educational expectations of today and tomorrow.

When Sutton’s high school was built, students spent most of their day sitting in rows of desks facing the front of the classroom. Today, education often includes technology, small-group collaboration, career training, college-credit courses and hands-on learning experiences that require different types of spaces.

“As education changes, have we changed with those times?” Cline asked.

One factor driving the conversation is growth. The district currently has an incoming kindergarten class of about 40 students, larger than many recent classes. Sutton has also experienced residential growth in recent years, with several new homes constructed throughout the community.

Space limitations are already evident. Years ago, sixth-grade classes were moved into the high school building because of limited room at the elementary school. The district’s commons area and lunchroom also operate on a tight schedule to accommodate student demand, leaving little room for students to gather outside of class time.

As Cline walked through the building, he pointed out that there is little room for expansion within the current footprint. He also noted that many newer schools include common areas where students can collaborate, socialize and learn from one another. Those types of flexible spaces were not part of school design when Sutton’s facilities were constructed.

The study is also examining whether the district can support future programs that residents may want for students, including expanded career and technical education offerings, technology-focused instruction and additional college-credit opportunities.

Cline noted that career and technical education continues to evolve as workforce needs change. Programs such as welding, health care, automotive and diesel technology, manufacturing and other skilled trades are becoming increasingly important pathways for students. Those programs often require specialized equipment, dedicated instructional space and facility designs that many older schools were never built to accommodate.

“If we want to offer more college classes, more career and technical education programs, more technology opportunities, then we have to ask what that looks like and what facilities are needed to support it,” Cline said.

The study is also examining issues such as building infrastructure, technology needs, accessibility and safety. During the tour, Cline pointed out that the school was built during a time when security concerns looked very different than they do today.

Like many schools of its era, Sutton’s facilities do not have controlled entrances that direct visitors through the administrative offices before entering the building. Administrative offices are also not located near the primary entrances, creating additional challenges from a security and visitor-management standpoint.

While the district has implemented measures to improve safety over the years, modern school design increasingly incorporates secure entry points, improved visibility and building layouts specifically intended to enhance student and staff safety.

The facility study remains in its early stages. BVH presented an initial draft to the Board of Education this spring and is continuing to refine its findings. Another work session is expected this summer before broader community conversations begin in the fall.

The district expects to hold community meetings and distribute surveys this fall, providing residents with multiple opportunities to share their thoughts and priorities. School officials say those responses will help guide future discussions as the study progresses.

According to Cline, those meetings will focus less on presenting solutions and more on listening.

“It’s not about what I want,” Cline said. “It’s about what the community wants their schools to look like.”

As the facility study moves forward, district leaders say community input will play a critical role in shaping the future of Sutton Public Schools. The goal is not simply to evaluate buildings, but to have a broader conversation about the opportunities students should have available to them in the decades ahead.

Whether that includes expanded career and technical education programs, additional college-credit opportunities, new technology, flexible learning spaces or something entirely different, school officials believe the conversation should begin with a simple question: “What should education in Sutton look like over the next 5, 10, 20, or even 50 years?”

The answer to that question will help guide not only future decisions about facilities, but also the experiences, opportunities and preparation Sutton students receive long after they leave the classroom.

It has thick brick walls, barred windows, and just enough room for two jail cells. At first glance, it looks exactly like what it is: an old town jail.

But this little building once belonged to a 16-yearold boy and later became the property of one of the most famous ventriloquist dummies in America.

Welcome to one of the strangest stories in Clay County history.

Located on West Oak Street, the Harvard Jail has been part of the community for well over a century. Built during Harvard’s early years, the structure served as the town jail for decades. It was designed for function rather than comfort, with sturdy brick construction, iron bars, and small cells intended to hold prisoners awaiting court appearances or serving short sentences.

When Harvard was founded in the 1870s, life on the Nebraska prairie looked very different than it does today. Dirt streets, horse-drawn transportation, and a rapidly growing population created the need for basic public services. Like many communities of the era, Harvard eventually built a jail to help maintain order in a growing town.

For many years, the building quietly did its job.

Then came one of the most unusual chapters in Nebraska history.

During World War II, Americans were buying war bonds, conserving resources, and doing what they could to support the war effort. In Harvard, 16-year-old Robert Pinckney was reviewing a list of properties available through a delinquent tax sale when he noticed something unusual.

Among the properties listed was the Harvard Jail.

Somehow, through what appears to have been a clerical error, the city-owned building had ended up on the tax sale list.

According to accounts of the story, Pinckney pointed out the mistake to city officials. When no immediate action was taken to correct it, he decided to purchase the property himself.

For approximately $1.50, he became the legal owner of the Harvard Jail.

Just like that, a teenager owned the town jail.

Before long, newspapers from Nebraska and across the country were telling the story of the boy who bought a jail. At a time when most headlines were filled with news from overseas battlefields, the unusual tale offered readers a rare bit of humor.

As publicity grew, the story eventually reached California, where a wounded sailor recovering from war injuries suggested using the jail as part of a war bond fundraising campaign. The proposal was simple: auction the jail and use the proceeds to support the war effort.

Pinckney agreed. The resulting publicity attracted national attention and introduced countless Americans to a small Nebraska community they had never heard of before.

Then came the winning bid. The purchaser was Charlie McCarthy, the famous wooden ventriloquist dummy performed by entertainer Edgar Bergen. During the golden age of radio, Bergen and McCarthy were among the most recognizable entertainers in the country, drawing millions of listeners each week.

Through the war bond campaign, Charlie McCarthy “purchased” the jail for $10,000 in war bonds. The funds supported the war effort, and ownership of the building was eventually returned to the City of Harvard.

The sequence sounds almost impossible: a tax sale mistake, a teenage owner, national publicity, a war bond auction, and finally a ventriloquist dummy. Yet every step of the story is documented, making the Harvard Jail one of Nebraska’s most unusual historical landmarks.

As entertaining as the ownership story may be, the building itself remains an important piece of Harvard’s history.

Visitors can still see the small brick structure. Though modest by modern standards, the jail offers a tangible connection to the community’s earliest years. While many historic buildings have been lost through redevelopment or neglect, the jail survived, standing as a reminder of a different era in Nebraska’s history.

By the early 2000s, preservation efforts were needed to ensure the structure remained standing. Local supporters recognized that both the building and its remarkable story deserved protection. Restoration work took place between 2008 and 2010, helping preserve the jail for future generations.

In September 2010, a Nebraska Historical Marker was dedicated at the site, ensuring visitors could learn the story behind the little brick building.

Today, travelers who stop at the marker often arrive expecting a simple story about an old jail. Instead, they discover a tale involving a teenager, a wartime fundraiser, national headlines, and one of the most famous fictional characters in America.

The Harvard Jail reminds us that history isn’t always found in grand buildings or famous battlefields. Sometimes it survives in unexpected places: a small brick jail on a quiet street, a teenager willing to ask questions, and a story so unusual that it still makes people smile decades later.

That is part of what makes Clay County’s historical markers worth exploring. Behind each one is a story waiting to be discovered, and sometimes those stories are stranger than fiction.

Landowners willing to allow public walk-in access for hunting or fishing can receive annual, per-acre payments through the program.

Participating landowners are afforded liability protection through the Nebraska Recreational Liability Act.

Additional financial incentives often are available for habitat improvements, such as Conservation Reserve Program enrollment or management upgrades.

Game and Parks primarily is seeking to add the following types of enrollments, but all properties offering high-quality hunting or fishing opportunities will be considered: CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM: CRP fields provide excellent hunting opportunities for upland game birds and acres in any part of the state will be considered.

Landowners can receive up to $20 per acre for CRP, depending upon location and habitat quality.

WETLAND RESERVE PROGRAM EASEMENTS: Landowners who have Wetland Reserve Program easements can earn up to $15 per acre for accessible portions of WRP easements with suitable habitats.

GRASSLANDS: High-quality grassland habitat that provides mixed-bag hunting opportunities for upland game birds and big game species are being sought statewide. Properties in the Sandhills supporting prairie grouse, mule deer and/or antelope are a priority, along with sites in south-central and southeastern Nebraska that offer quail and/or whitetailed deer hunting opportunities.

WOODLANDS: Heavily timbered areas along riparian corridors and those with canyon-like topography are being pursued in many areas. Rates for high-quality woodlands range from $3 to $25 per acre, depending on habitat quality and location.

FISHING ACCESS: Ponds, lakes, warm-water streams or rivers and cool-water streams with trout are potential targets. Payment rates are per surface acre on lakes and ponds and per stream mile on streams or rivers.

For more information about Open Fields and Waters, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Open Fields and Waters.” Interested landowners should contact a biologist at their nearest Game and Parks district office or service center (OutdoorNebraska.gov, scroll to Locations tab at the bottom).

Since 2016, more than 235,000 acres have been added to Open Fields and Waters with more than 940 private landowners participating in the program in 2025-26. Those landowners provided walk-in hunting and fishing opportunities across 471,000-plus land acres, more than 350 acres of ponds and lakes and more than 42 stream miles.

Funding for the Open Fields and Waters Program primarily is provided by a grant obtained through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Voluntary Public Access – Habitat Incentive Program and Pittman-Robertson funds (Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Act).

In addition, Game and Parks uses funds from Habitat Stamp and hunting license sales, and contributions from partners to fund the program and increase opportunities for hunting, trapping and fishing on Nebraska’s private lands.

In the opener, the games lone run came in the third inning when Wehrman scored the lone run.

Wehrman, Joel Hoelting and Jaxen Vaughn had one single each in the game, while Brockett Reed earned the win on the pitchers mound. In five innings of work, Reed allowed just two hits and struck out eight without giving up a walk.

South Central 1, Utica-Beaver Crossing 0 UBC..................................0 0 0 0 0 -0 South Central................... 0 0 1 0 x -1 Game 1- AB R H RBI Joel Hoelting........................... 1 0 1 0 Jaxen Vaughn.......................... 2 0 1 0 Camden Wehrman.................. 2 1 1 0 Mason Johanson...................... 2 0 0 0 Wyatt Hemberger................... 2 0 0 0 Wyatt Livgren.......................... 2 0 0 0 Brockett Reed.......................... 2 0 0 0 Alex Watts............................... 2 0 0 0 Jedt Livgren............................. 3 0 0 0 So. Central Totals-............ 18 1 3 0 UBC Totals-....................... 17 0 2 0 Extra Base Hits: South Central: None. UBC: None.

Pitching stole the show during game two for South Central, as Wehrman tossed a one-run no-hit gem in five innings of work. Wehrman walked just three and recorded nine strikeouts for South Central.

UBC took an early 1-0 lead, but one run in each of the second and fourth innings and two more in the third secured the victory for South Central.

Alex Watts was a perfect 2-2 in the win at the plate, while Wyatt Livgren, Mason Johanson, Reed and Wehrman had a single each in the win.

South Central 4, Utica-Beaver Crossing 1 UBC..................................1 0 0 0 0 -1 South Central................... 0 1 2 1 x -4 Game 2- AB R H RBI Alex Watts............................... 2 1 2 1 Wyatt Livgren.......................... 2 1 1 0 Mason Johnanson................... 2 0 1 0 Brockett Reed.......................... 3 0 1 1 Camden Wehrman.................. 3 0 1 0 Wyatt Hemberger................... 1 1 0 0 Jedt Livgren............................. 2 1 0 0 Joel Hoelting........................... 2 0 0 0 Carter Kluver........................... 2 0 0 0 So. Central Totals-............ 19 4 6 2 UBC Totals-....................... 14 1 0 0 Extra Base Hits: South Central: None. UBC: None.

Sutton’s road trip against SOS only put the Mustangs at the plate nine times before storms rolled in to cancel the rest of the game.

Cash Parrish had a two run double in the win, while Weston Ohrt, Aidan Banta, D.J. Hajny and Cale Nuss all had singles in the win.

Jones gained the win on the hill for the Mustangs, throwing for just two-thirds of an inning. He walked one and struckout one.

Sutton 7, SOS 0 Sutton................................................... 7 -7 SOS........................................................ 0 -0 AB R H RBI

Weston Ohrt............................ 1 1 1 1 Aidan Banta............................. 1 1 1 1 DJ Hajny................................... 1 1 1 1 Cale Nuss................................. 1 1 1 0 Micheal Lockhart..................... 1 0 1 1 Camden Temme...................... 1 1 0 0 Payton Reed............................ 1 1 0 0 Cash Parrish............................. 2 1 1 2 Sutton Totals-................... 9 7 6 6 SOS................................... 2 0 0 0 Extra Base Hits: Sutton: Parrish: 1-Double. SOS: None.

Returning to the home confines of Mike Thompson Memorial Field at DLD Park, Reed and Jones combined for the no hit effort, with Reed gaining the win. He held Wood River scoreless and hitless while striking out seven and walking one. In relief, Jones walked two and struckout one to finish the game.

Sutton scored once in the first inning, added three runs in the second and blasted Wood River with nine runs in the third, before sealing the 14-0 win with one run in the fourth.

Ohrt drove in one run while hitting a double and a single, while Micheal Lockhart Reed, Parrish and Cale Nuss all had singles in the win.

Sutton 14, Wood River 0 Wood River....................... 0 0 0 0 0 -0

Sutton.............................. 1 3 9 1 x -14 AB R H RBI Weston Ohrt............................ 2 4 2 1 Michael Lockhart..................... 1 0 1 0 Payton Reed............................ 2 0 1 1 Cash Parrish............................. 3 1 1 1 Cale Nuss................................. 4 1 1 0 Creighton Jones....................... 1 2 0 0 DJ Hajny................................... 1 1 0 0 Aidan Banta............................. 1 1 0 1 Camden Temme...................... 3 0 0 1 Sutton Totals-.................. 18 14 6 5 Wood River...................... 14 0 0 0 Extra Base Hits: Sutton: Ohrt: 1-Double. WR: None.