Sam Crisler
Verified
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sam Crisler
Report: Bailie Street traffic study does not warrant stop signs at 143rd or 145th streets
WAVERLY — Residents in a Waverly neighborhood say cars regularly speed through a pair of intersections while children play in driveways. The results of a traffic study suggest those speeders are few and far between. In December, a handful of homeowners in Waverly’s Riley neighborhood appeared before the Waverly City Council to express concerns about an increase in traffic along Bailie Street, which runs east to west through the neighborhood.
Waverly moving forward on fire station designs, despite unknowns
WAVERLY — While a number of unknowns still remain, the Waverly City Council is moving forward on plans for a new municipal fire station. The May 9 council meeting was the latest in a series of meetings featuring discussion about the yet-to-be-built fire station, which has been brought up periodically over the past decade as Waverly Fire and Rescue outgrows its aging station.
Raymond Central bond fails, board to turn focus to 'plan B' to tackle facilities issues
RAYMOND — When the results came in last Tuesday, Cathy Burklund cried tears of joy. The Ceresco resident was the only member of the Raymond Central Board of Education publicly opposed to the $41.8 million bond issue that would have paid for upgrades to the middle school and high school building’s science, special education and career and technical education wings.
WFR signs contract with Southeast Rural Fire District for advanced life support services
WAVERLY — Waverly’s fire department has never provided its own advanced life support service — and that won’t change in the immediate future. But a change is coming to the way Waverly contracts those services when they’re needed. As of the start of May, the City of Waverly — which funds and oversees Waverly Fire and Rescue — has signed into an agreement with Southeast Rural Fire District in which the latter will provide advanced life support (ALS) services to Waverly residents.
New Ceresco librarian takes over with service to community in mind
CERESCO — When Domonique Harris came to Ceresco, it was something like opening to the first page of a new book. From where she started, you could call this the sequel. The new Ceresco Community Library director and librarian, who graduated last week from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with degrees in English and film studies, said she has wanted to be a librarian since she was a kid. “I was always in the library,” Harris says of her school age years in Alliance, Nebraska.
County approves bid for window replacements, new public defender introduced
WAHOO — After more than a year of discussions and evaluations, the Saunders County Board of Supervisors last Tuesday selected a bid to move forward with replacing 122 of the Saunders County Courthouse’s exterior windows. On a 5-1 vote, the board approved a $514,000 bid from Omaha-based Chicago Lumber Company to install the windows, which will be manufactured by Marvin Windows. Installation would begin on May 1, 2024 and would be completed by the end of June 2024.
"Might as well use it": Empty Alvo fire hall finds new use
ALVO — There’s not much in Alvo. No school, no parks, and right now, no fire department. The Cass County village of 115 has made the news in recent years more often than most communities its size — usually for things that don’t help a town’s reputation or morale. Two village board members faced a recall vote last year, largely because of misappropriated funds and a massive tire pile on Alvo’s north edge that had long violated state environmental laws.
Towers of History at last set to come to life
ASHLAND — Two decades ago, an Ashland artist envisioned a cluster of sculptures rising on the west side of Salt Creek near the Silver Street bridge, telling the city’s story through a handful of its most foundational events. It would be called the Towers of History. Twenty years later, that vision is finally coming to fruition. Last Thursday, ground was broken on the long-awaited monument, which is meant to honor Ashland’s rich history as it relates to America’s westward expansion.
‘Worth the wait’: El Portal Mexican restaurant nears opening in Waverly at long last
WAVERLY, Neb. — After two long years, the wait for Waverly residents to try the city’s first Mexican restaurant is almost over. El Portal is scheduled to open soon at 13220 Callum Drive in Waverly. The restaurant has two other locations in Nebraska City and Auburn. “We’re very, very excited,” manager Mimi Ayala said. “We’re ready. It’s been two-and-a-half long years.” The restaurant has generated palpable buzz around town since its family of owners started renovating the former Subway space in 2021.
‘Worth the wait’: El Portal Mexican restaurant opens in Waverly at long last
WAVERLY — After two long years, the wait for Waverly residents to try the city’s first Mexican restaurant is over. El Portal was scheduled to open at 13220 Callum Drive in Waverly. The restaurant has two other locations in Nebraska City and Auburn. “We’re very, very excited,” said manager Mimi Ayala. “We’re ready. It’s been two-and-a-half-long years.” The restaurant has generated palpable buzz around town since its family of owners started renovating the former Subway space in 2021.
Never too late: Wahoo woman receives master's degree at 56, after life full of roadblocks
WAHOO — High school English classes hadn’t prepared Genoveva Prochaska for the language barrier she faced when she came to Wahoo. Words like “chicken” and “kitchen” sounded the same, and her new classmates’ conversations moved too fast for her to keep up. But Prochaska needed to make it work if she wanted to support her mother and siblings back in Mexico. And if she wanted to raise her future children in better living conditions than the ones she grew up in.
‘Loving and safe’: New Ashland childcare center Kids’ Ark to open this month
The owner of Ashland’s newest daycare has run childcare centers for about four years, but her training of watching over children began long before then. “I’m the oldest of eight kids, so I kind of never walked away from this, and I’ve never done anything else,” said Katie Naylor, the 25-year-old who will open her new childcare center, Kids’ Ark, later this month at 2342 Silver St. in Ashland. “It started out as just babysitting my siblings and turned into this,” she said.
‘Worth the wait’: El Portal Mexican restaurant opens in Waverly at long last
WAVERLY — After two long years, the wait for Waverly residents to try the city’s first Mexican restaurant is over. Pending a final health inspection, El Portal will open this week at 13220 Callum Dr. in Waverly. The restaurant has two other locations in Nebraska City and Auburn. “We’re very, very excited,” said manager Mimi Ayala. “We’re ready.
020924-wah-spo-rcgb-p4
Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
In service to his city: Ashland says goodbye to former mayor Lienke
ASHLAND — Paul Lienke didn’t grow up in Ashland. But by most accounts, he loved it like he had. For much of his time in town, Lienke held public office, first as a city council member, and later, as mayor, from 2008 to 2014. And then, instead of returning to his longtime line of work, he took a job in the city’s public works department. That was all after Lienke moved to Ashland in 1993 with his wife Jeanie, whom he married in 1989.
Pascoe announces bid for mayor
WAVERLY — The first name has been thrown into the hat in the race that will decide Waverly’s next mayor. Abbey Pascoe of Waverly announced on Jan. 25 her intention to run for mayor and fill the seat that will be left by current Mayor Bill Gerdes, who has stated he will not run for reelection. Pascoe has served as a Waverly City Council member since Gerdes nominated her in 2020 to fill his seat when he became mayor.
Chamber reflects on eventful 2023, looks ahead to more small business support in 2024
WAHOO — In the fall and early winter months, three of the county’s biggest events take place in Wahoo, drawing visitors to town from all over the region. Without a face to which to attribute those celebrations — Boo in Wahoo, Christmas in Wahooville and the Wahoo Merry Market — they may seem like spontaneous gatherings that just materialize once a year.
Community rallies around fire department on 11-hour emergency call
WAVERLY — When Waverly Fire and Rescue volunteers arrived on the scene on Jan. 16, they knew it wasn’t going to be a normal call. They were braving subzero temperatures to respond to a structure fire northwest of town, at a construction company near 112th Street and Waverly Road.
'Quite the sight': Burst pipes between county buildings floods probation office
WAHOO — Nick Wiese got the call shortly after 5 p.m. on Jan. 15, a federal holiday that was supposed to give him the day off. Instead, the county director of Facilities and Grounds and a handful of county employees worked full second shifts in subzero temperatures, cleaning up the mess left by hundreds of gallons of water that had burst from a utility room connecting two historic county buildings.
LPNNRD planning new headquarters near Lake Wanahoo
WAHOO — Lake Wanahoo may soon have a brand new building overlooking it. The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District — which includes parts of Boone, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Madison, Platte and Saunders counties, and whose headquarters is in Wahoo — is approaching the bid stage of a project that would replace its current facility along Old Highway 77.
A-G FBLA's 'Hometown Hygiene' program more than a school project
ASHLAND — Ashland business owners may soon have a new group of enterprisers to add to their contact list — consisting of high school students. In the next month or so, members of Ashland-Greenwood High School’s FBLA chapter will be seeking funding from area donors to help pay for their annual chapter project, “Hometown Hygiene,” which in 2024, will again aim to distribute hygiene products to as many people in need as possible.
011924-wav-new-darleen-p2
Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Waverly home building slowed in 2023; lull not expected to last
WAVERLY — For a half-decade, Waverly was seeing new home construction at a record rate, with the building and zoning office approving an average of about 45 new residential building permits per year between 2017 and 2021. In the two full years since then, that number has dropped to 25. Waverly in 2022 received 24 building permit applications and 26 in 2023.
Waverly home building slowed in 2023, lull not expected to last
WAVERLY — For half of a decade, Waverly was seeing new home construction at a record rate, with the building and zoning office approving an average of about 45 new residential building permits per year between 2017 and 2021. In the two full years since then, that number has dropped to 25. Waverly in 2022 received 24 building permit applications, and 26 in 2023.
Wahoo housing market sees boost in 2023, ripe for more growth in 2024
WAHOO — To the naked eye, Wahoo is a city on the up and up. In 2023, the numbers confirmed it. If prosperity can be determined by the number of new homes built in a year, then Wahoo was more prosperous last year than the year before. And signs point to more growth coming in 2024. In 2023, Wahoo building and zoning administrator Travis Beavers’ office approved building permits for 25 new housing units, including one duplex and one townhome. In 2022, that number was 19.
Ashland's housing growth slows in 2023, but not for lack of demand
ASHLAND — The general consensus in recent years has been that Ashland is growing rapidly. And for the most part, it has. But the number of building permits issued in 2023 suggest that it was a down year. The cause is perhaps not that Ashland’s attractiveness to young families has dipped, but more likely economic factors and a relative shortage of lots available for building.
Despite overcrowding elsewhere, it’s business as usual at Saunders County Lost Pets
WAHOO — During the pandemic, animal shelters across the country watched as lonely quarantiners turned to pet adoption to bring a spark to their lives. As a result, shelters’ kennels emptied. But before long, those once-excited new pet owners returned with their animals as the average cost of living soared. In 2023 alone, the nationwide population of animals living in shelters saw a net increase of 250,000, as reported in an Associated Press article published in December.
Ashland looks forward to more growth in 2024
ASHLAND, Neb. — In the last few years, much of Ashland’s growth has been steered largely by the Ashland Area Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit launched in 2015 to help spur and oversee economic growth in and around the city. Caleb Fjone was appointed in 2020 as the organization’s first full-time executive director, after a pair of part-timers held the position. Ashland’s growth has only compounded in that time, especially as the world has recovered from the pandemic.
Ashland’s economic development corporation looks forward to more growth in 2024
ASHLAND — In the last few years, much of Ashland’s growth has been steered largely by the Ashland Area Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit launched in 2015 to help spur and oversee economic growth in and around the city. Caleb Fjone was appointed in 2020 as the organization’s first full-time executive director, after a pair of part-timers held the position. Ashland’s growth has only compounded in that time, especially as the world has recovered from the pandemic.
New Waverly health hub The Mix offers drinks both nutritious and delicious
WAVERLY — With flavors like “Bomb Pop” and “Caramel Cheesecake,” the first impression at the new Waverly tea and shake shop The Mix might suggest that its main selling point is indulgence. In a way, it is. But at The Mix, indulgence intersects with nutrition. The healthy drink hub opened in Waverly on Dec. 1, employing a business model similar to the one in place at co-owner Kyann Sheets’ previous management stop, a health club and community space called Blend Ashland.
Nationals bound: Wahoo High School Quiz Bowl team to compete in national tournament for first time
WAHOO — Before Nov. 18, the Wahoo High School quiz bowl team didn’t know a trip to nationals was on the table. The team, made up of seniors Nathan Eriksen, Lukus Forbes, Jesse Stebbing and Seth Obert, approached the Nebraska Invitational at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln only with goals of competing hard and winning a few matches. Then word started swirling between bouts about the ultimate prize of earning a trip to the national competition in Chicago.
Appreciating Ashland’s present, preparing for more growth
ASHLAND — In the last few years, much of Ashland’s growth has been steered largely by the Ashland Area Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit launched in 2015 to help spur and oversee economic growth in and around the city. Caleb Fjone was appointed in 2020 as the organization’s first full-time executive director, after a pair of part-timers held the position. Ashland’s growth has only compounded in that time, especially as the world has recovered from the pandemic.
Waverly urges homeowners to apply for nearly $25,000 in rehabilitation funds
WAVERLY — Waverly homeowners on a budget and looking to make high-dollar repairs have an option to receive financial help. But city officials fear the grant dollars on hand to fund a public assistance program may go to waste if more people don’t apply. In early 2022, Waverly received grant funds totaling $547,000 to be used within its income-based Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Housing Program, administered through the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD).
122923-wav-new-santa-p1
BACK ACHE: An inflatable Santa Claus in Waverly leans forward on Dec. 26, presumably after hauling a bag full of toys around the world in a 12-hour span.
122923-ash-new-growth-p1
Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
'Same bar they always loved': Davey Tavern reopens under new ownership
DAVEY — A small town isn’t much of a community without its bar, and for more than a year, Davey was missing its only public gathering place and its only spot serving food. It had gotten to the point where Grace Ralston and Brandon Burton made jokes about stopping into the old Davey Tavern in the town of fewer than 150 people that's about 15 miles north of Lincoln. “We were regulars here, so when they closed out of the blue, we were pretty bummed,” Burton said.
'Same bar they always loved': Davey Tavern reopens under new ownership
DAVEY — A small town isn’t much of a community without its bar, and for more than a year, Davey was missing its only public gathering place and its only spot serving food. It had gotten to the point where Grace Ralston and Brandon Burton made jokes about stopping into the old Davey Tavern in the town of fewer than 150, 5 miles from their country house. “We were regulars here, so when they closed out of the blue, we were pretty bummed,” Burton said.
Waverly adopts comprehensive plan for next 10 years
WAVERLY — The City of Waverly officially has its plan for the future. At the Dec. 12 city council meeting, members adopted a new comprehensive plan, which has been in development for more than a year, in coordination with a city steering committee, Lincoln-based city planning team Hanna:Keelan and engineering firm Schemmer. The 254-page document is designed to examine the city as it is and provide recommendations for improvements for the next 10 years and beyond.
Shrine of Santas: Ashland woman’s apartment filled wall to wall with Santa collection
ASHLAND — When people decide it’s time to lug their Christmas decorations out of storage, they look for totes with Sharpied labels denoting a bin full of ornaments, or lights or the miscellaneous holiday odds and ends they’ve inevitably accumulated over the years. Immediately after the chaos of Thanksgiving dinner settles, Peggy Posey’s favorite time has come.
New Wahoo crafts store caters to niches of all kinds
WAHOO — The owners of Wahoo’s newest store know there are hundreds of people in Saunders County with in-home quilting operations. But a lot of those quilts are made using fabrics and materials bought at shops in Omaha, Lincoln and Fremont. Jennifer Pinkelman and Donna Stephenson think their fabrics inventory at JD’s Craft Shack — now open at 450 N.
Getting the lead out: Ashland looks to identify remaining leaded water pipes
ASHLAND — The Flint water crisis was a major eye-opener to the dangers posed by lead contaminants in water infrastructure, but the Michigan city is far from the only one to identify such issues coming from its taps. Yet, Flint’s fallout has sent ripple effects across the United States, including to Ashland.
New Waverly health hub The Mix offers drinks both nutritious and delicious
WAVERLY — With flavors like “Bomb Pop” and “Caramel Cheesecake,” the first impression at new Waverly tea and shake shop The Mix might suggest that its main selling point is indulgence. In a way, it is. But at The Mix, indulgence intersects with nutrition. The healthy drink hub opened in Waverly on Dec. 1, employing a business model similar to the one in place at co-owner Kyann Sheets’ previous management stop, a health club and community space called Blend Ashland.
Ashland library teams up with Dolly Parton to give away free books
ASHLAND — The written word continues a rapid and perhaps inevitable shift from tangible forms toward the pocket-sized screens that offer countless competing modes of brain stimulation. And, for more than one reason, Americans’ reading comprehension levels simultaneously trend downward, said Ashland Public Library Director Tanya McVay.
Ashland library teams up with Dolly Parton to give away free books
ASHLAND — The written word continues a rapid and perhaps inevitable shift from tangible forms toward the pocket-sized screens that offer countless competing modes of brain stimulation. And, for more than one reason, Americans’ reading comprehension levels simultaneously trend downward, said Ashland Public Library Director Tanya McVay.
New Wahoo crafts store caters to niches of all kinds
WAHOO — The owners of Wahoo’s newest store know there are hundreds of people in Saunders County with in-home quilting operations. But a lot of those quilts are made using fabrics and materials bought at shops in Omaha, Lincoln and Fremont.
Making childhood literacy accessible: Dolly Parton Imagination Library available in Ashland
ASHLAND — The written word continues a rapid and perhaps inevitable shift from tangible forms toward the pocket-sized screens that offer countless competing modes of brain stimulation. And, for more than one reason, Americans’ reading comprehension levels simultaneously trend downward, said Ashland Public Library Director Tanya McVay.
New set of water emergency triggers proposed for Waverly
WAVERLY — Back in June when Waverly Mayor Bill Gerdes declared a water emergency, he made the call in the face of declining groundwater levels and one of the driest starts to a year on record. At that point, Waverly’s part of Lancaster County was hovering between stages of “extreme” and “exceptional” drought, while the city’s daily water usage was consistently topping the 1 million-gallons-per-day mark. Most citizens could understand why, given those circumstances, a water emergency was declared.
Santa Express to make a stop in Waverly Sunday, will receive warmest greeting yet
WAVERLY — If the Waverly of years past was measured on a Clausometer — the tool made popular in Will Ferrell’s “Elf” that measures an area’s Christmas spirit — the city’s reading might have saddened Santa. At least according to Waverly Fire Chief Jared Rains. He visited other nearby small towns like Ashland and Wahoo, which both annually hold extravagant Christmas celebrations, and wondered why Waverly didn’t have an event that stacked up.
Study lays out next steps for Waverly's water infrastructure
WAVERLY — The effects of the ongoing drought in eastern Nebraska have made it clear that Waverly needs to take steps to make its water system more resistant to stretches with low precipitation.
120123-wav-new-hustle-p1
FINISHING STRONG: German (center) and Enzo Dalmagro (right) run with their labradoodle Rex in the Waverly Hen Hustle 5K and fun run on Thanksgiving Day. The race started at The Wave at 8:30 a.m. and had 194 registered runners, a record for the three-year-old race. The Hen Hustle is a benefit for School District 145's Backpack Program, which provides students in need with nonperishable foods for dinner and over the weekends. This year's race raised $5,200 for the Backpack Program.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Sam
Contact Sam, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack