02-18-10

 One day after the Norfolk City Council approved a one-and-six year road plan, Madison County Commissioners did the same thing. Road Superintendent Dick Johnson told commissioners yesterday the plan includes work on miles of roads -- as well as structures. Johnson says one structure that won't be replaced is the bridge over the North Fork River on Eisenhower Avenue just east of Highway 81. It was closed late last year for safety reasons. Johnson says traffic that would normally use the bridge will eventually use the new Northeast Industrial Highway which will connect Highways 35 and 81.

Nebraska lawmakers are on track to give teens another reason to stop drinking alcohol. On Wednesday, they gave first-round approval to a bill that would give judges the option of suspending the driver's licenses of people 18 and under when they were convicted of minor-in-possession. Lawmakers said teens now view the convictions as badges of honor. Sen. John Harms of Scottsbluff introduced the bill and had wanted licenses to automatically be suspended.

The old adage about bad news is "don't blame the messenger," and that's what one area State Patrol Trooper would like to say to drivers in snow storms. Trooper Greg Lammers says motorists often get upset when troopers have to tell them a road is closed. Lammers adds that just because one lane has been opened does not mean the road is open for travel. He urges motorists to be patient when road crews are working in an area both for their own safety and help get roads open sooner.

A third person has entered their name in the race for a position on the Norfolk City Council representing Ward Three. Dave Hedrick joins Chad Korth and Rob Merrill in seeking the seat now held by Ivan Van Dyke. Van Dyke is not seeking re-election. One person has filed for the Ward Four seat -- Todd Wolverton. The current office holder, Karl Reeder, is also not seeking another term. Challengers have until March first to file.

A few seats remain on next week's Madison County Day bus from Norfolk. Wednesday has been declared Madison County Day in Lincoln, and a bus will take citizens from Norfolk to the State Capitol for the day. Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce President Dennis Houston says it's a great chance to meet with 18 state senators, 23 agency heads, and Governor Dave Heineman. The bus will leave Norfolk at 8:30 Wednesday and return later that afternoon. Cost is $25 for lunch in the Nebraska room. For more information, or to reserve a seat on the bus, call the Norfolk Chamber Office, 371-4862.