The Crete Police Department bestowed the Distinguished Service Medal upon Officer Dawn Jonas in a gesture of appreciation at the March 5 city council meeting. Jonas is the driving force behind Operation Under the Tree. The year-round program distributes toys, necessary items, gas money and food throughout the year as need arises. Jonas said Operation Under the Tree, run by the CPD and the Fraternal Order of Police, works with the schools to identify families in need. It started serving Crete only but has grown to other areas in and around Saline County including Tri County schools and Milford.
Read more in the March 27, Crete News.
Get ready to clean the winter off the lawn. The Wilber Brush and Grass Site reopens on April 3. They will be open through the summer on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 1 to 4 p.m.
A house near DeWitt caught fire last Friday morning, and smoke inhalation sent two people to the hospital. The massive flames prompted part of Nebraska Highway 103 to be shut down, and firefighters in Wilber, Beatrice, Clatonia and Plymouth were called to the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. More information straight from DeWitt Fire Chief Shawn Weise will be printed in next week's edition of the Wilber Republican.
Now is the time to remember volunteers who contribute to the success of the annual Wilber Czech Festival.
The Nebraska Czechs of Wilber honor people who have, by their contributions or efforts, contributed significantly to the preservation, enhancement or development of the Czech heritage with the Knights of Blanik and Ladies of Libuse community awards.
The recipient may or may not be of Czech descent and may or may not be a resident of Wilber or Nebraska. Since the awards were developed in 1969, 514 people have been honored with these awards.
Nominations for 2024 are currently being accepted. Submissions should include a short resume about the efforts of the individual being nominated. All nominations must be dated and signed to be considered. The 2024 deadline is May 1, 2024.
Send nominations to: Nebraska Czechs of Wilber, PO Box 652, Wilber, NE 68465.
