Sign up is open for one-on-one swimming lessons with lifeguards at Wilber Municipal Pool. Get all the details in today's edition of the Wilber Republican.
Digital Saline County Fair books are available at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saline/saline-county-4-h/saline-county-fair. Printed copies will be made available through the UNL extension office in Wilber.
Crete Public Schools announced the closure of area athletic fields for the summer to prevent damage, support turf regrowth and prepare for the 2025-26 school year.
Effective immediately, the football/soccer field located by the Intermediate School will be closed, along with the practice fields on both the west and east sides of Iris Avenue. The west side is currently under construction while the east side contains the district's new practice fields.
These closures are necessary to main high-quality facilities for students and the community.
Although the above fields are closed, the practice fields located behind Crete High School are expected to remain open to the public throughout the summer.
The Crete City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to deed a minority share of the Isis Theatre to the Blue River Arts Council (BRAC) for $1.
Under the terms of the ordinance, the city will retain 51 percent ownership while BRAC will hold 49 percent. City Administrator Tom Ourada said the agreement allows BRAC to strengthen its position and possible eligibility for grant funding by formally holding an ownership stake in the historic theatre.
The Isis Theater, located on Main Avenue, has been the centerpiece of local arts revitalization efforts since BRAC began restoration work during COVID, reopening the theatre last year. Due to conditions tied to past funding for the renovation efforts, the city must continue to hold a controlling interest in the building for five years.
Council members voted to waive the statutory three readings of the ordinance, allowing for immediate approval.
The Crete City Council approved the final reading of an ordinance June 3 to raise electric rates in two phases, beginning Oct. 1, 2025. Residential base rates will increase from $22 to $25 by 2026, with usage rates rising slightly. Small businesses and large power customers will also see higher charges, with some LP1 and LP2 rates increasing by more than 7 percent.
City Administrator Tom Ourada said the changes address a 10 percent rise in wholesale energy costs. The city hasn’t raised rates in several years. Efficiency programs and assistance remain available through the city and its power supplier.
The Crete Public Library's adult craft night will be June 11 at 5: 30 p.m. and feature Grow with the Flow. They will showcase flower arranging techniques. Registration and a $5 fee is required.
"The Wilber Garden Club will host its 2025 Flower Show on Saturday, June 21 at the Wilber Czech Cultural Center. With the theme “Growing Together Since 1927,” the event is free and open to the public. Entries will be accepted from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with judging to follow from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. A special program, “The Tasting Table – Making Everyday Food Extraordinary,” begins at 11:30 a.m.
