Orscheln's Development in Preliminary Stages

Plans are now underway to go forward with constructing a new Orscheln's store on the east side of Auburn on the south side of Highway 136, just west of the railroad tracks. An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) was recently signed between the City of Auburn and the site developer. This is a non-binding agreement, as final figures have to be worked out before a legal contract can be drawn up, though it is estimated that the city will pay approximately $200,000 for infrastructure, including electricity, water and an entrance road.

As it becomes available, the Nemaha County Herald will report additional information on this matter.

Photos from Area Tornado Damage

Mother Nature showed her strength last week with more severe storms as well as a few tornadoes. The second tornado in six weeks touched down in Johnson, this time damaging rural outbuildings. The first storm that struck Johnson hit mostly the downtown area, closing numerous businesses for repairs.

Power was lost in Brock and Highway 67 had to be closed due to downed power lines. Grain silos to the west were ripped off their foundations, with debris scattered throughout fields.

Some of the devastation following the mixture of tornadoes and straight line winds can be seen in these photos.

Auburn Apartment Fire Claims One Life and Displaces Many

Auburn Volunteer Firefighters, in conjunction with other rural and city volunteer fire units, responded to an apartment fire in the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 21. No official cause of the fire has been released, however it is believed to be accidental and related to an oxygen tank exploding, as many witnesses stated that they heard an explosion shortly before the outbreak of the fire.

One life was claimed in the fire, 45 year old Shawnee Hammer, and her husband, Gene, was transported to St Elizabeth's in Lincoln for severe burns. A few other residents were treated for smoke inhalation. Those displaced from the fire were processed at Trinity Lutheran Church and received vouchers from the American Red Cross for stays at the Grand Central Hotel. 

More information and details can be found in the Feb. 28 issue of the Nemaha County Herald. 

State Wrestling Photos

The Auburn High School Bulldogs took nine athletes to the State

Wrestling Tournament at the Qwest Center on Feb. 14-16. Of the nine, five took home medals. 

They were Travis Cole (2nd place), Kiefer Coatney (3rd place), Matt Oliver (4th place), Joe Alston (4th place) and Darian Haynes (5th place). 

As a team, the Bulldogs  tied their previous best effort (1997) with a third place finish. Only 11-time State Champs Omaha Skutt Catholic and Syracuse High Schools were ahead of the Auburn team. 

Coatney broke the school record for most wins in a season with 37, a feat previously held by AHS alum Seth Groff, and is the first Bulldog to win 40 matches in a season.

The Auburn High School Wrestling team has a long history of

 excellence, and next year's team should prove to be just as good

 on the mats. The team will return  seven state qualifiers and four medalists in the 2008-2009 season. 

Many of the varsity wrestlers will also be back and the upcoming 8th grade class has a lot of potential, according to Coach Mark Oliver. As a team, the Bulldogs set a school record with 16-2 record in duals.