News

Otoe Rod and Gun Club hosts chili cookoff, pickled egg contest

The Otoe Rod and Gun Club held its annual Chili Cookoff and Pickled Egg Contest on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Otoe Community Building. There were 12 entries for the chili and seven entries for the pickled eggs. A five-person team judged chili and a three-person team judged the eggs. After the judging, chili was available for a free will donation. The night concluded with Shower Tunes Karaoke.

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2023 Tree Workshop takeaways

The Nemaha Natural Resources District (NRD) partnered with the Nebraska Forest Service, Pheasants Forever, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to host a free tree workshop at the Nemaha NRD on Feb. 1. Tree experts from across the State provided information on pests and diseases, windbreak renovation, proper planting and care techniques, considerations for wildlife, and programs available to assist landowners. Takeaways from the event include: Diversity, Drought Impacts, Wildlife Planning, and Assistance.

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Community Calendar

First Monday: Syracuse Chamber of Commerce member meeting, Syracuse Library, 496 5th St., noon. (402) 269-3242. Third Monday: Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Public Schools Board of Education meeting, elementary school conference room, 550 7th St., 7:30 p.m. (402) 269-2382. Every other Tuesday: Otoe County Board of Commissioners, Room 108, Otoe County Courthouse, 1021 Central Ave., Nebraska City, 8:30 a.m. 402-8739505. Second Wednesday: Syracuse City Council, Council Chambers, 495 Midland, 6 p.m. (402) 269-2173. Third Thursday: Otoe County Planning Commission, Syracuse Library, 496 5th St., 7 p.m. (402) 8739548.

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Arbor Day Foundation sees increase in community tree planting in 2022

In a year in which the Arbor Day Foundation announced a focus on more of its community tree plantings in neighborhoods of greatest need, year-end data showed it completed 535 community tree planting projects — more than any year in its history. “This record-breaking year is a testament to the unmatched network of tree-planting partners we have throughout the United States and around the world. Thanks to these dynamic local organizations, the Arbor Day Foundation is constantly expanding our impact to redefine what a tree can be for our communities,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re energized not just by the number of trees planted in 2022, but by our focus on getting those trees planted in the communities that stand to benefit from them most.” The community tree plantings resulted in more than 500,000 new trees finding homes in urban areas — more than 270,000 trees were distributed and another 245,000 trees were planted. The work spanned across approximately 175 cities in all 50 states and 16 other countries, including Mexico, Malaysia and Guatemala. The Arbor Day Foundation’s work in communities will have a focus in future years on planting trees where they are needed most as it continues to build on its growing momentum in 2023. It has committed to planting 500 million new trees in five years with a focus in neighborhoods of greatest need.

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Senior Center Menu

Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging has released the senior lunch menu. The menu for the next week is as follows: Friday, Feb. 17: Cook’s choice. Monday, Feb. 20: Center closed for Presidents’ Day. Tuesday, Feb. 21: Meat loaf, baked potato, mixed veggies, fruit.

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