A local business with an office in Albion is working hard to bring technology to other businesses. Taylor, Nebr., native Ed Knott and his team of technical experts at Applied Connective are bringing state-of-the-art technology to area businesses. Locally owned and operated in rural Nebraska, Knott established Applied Connective in 2004 as a small two-person operation offering commercial phone systems and IT services to local businesses. Since that time, the company has evolved tremendously and has flourished into a full-service technology group, with additional locations in Fullerton and Columbus. Due to necessity and demand, Applied Connective has built upon its initial offerings to provide a wide range of technology solutions, including Internet, managed IT, phone systems, access control, surveillance and professional audio/video. After earning his degree in Information Systems and Business Management from Doane College in 2002, Applied Connective co-founder and current president Ed Knott began working at Lincoln-based Fiserv, installing and supporting Internet banking and ATM products throughout the nation. Though the education and experience he acquired would’ve allowed him to be competitive in the densely saturated Omaha and Lincoln markets, Knott felt pulled to return to his roots in small-town Nebraska to focus on the largely ignored and under-served rural markets; thus, beginning Applied Connective Technologies, LLC. “I discovered early on that many of our clients felt undervalued and under-serviced by their previous IT providers because of their rural location or company size,” says Knott. “I’ve always had entrepreneurial inclinations, and so I became very interested in returning to rural Nebraska to work with local business owners I felt I could relate to, with the goal of bringing the wide range of service and skill you’d typically find in a large city back to business owners in and around where I grew up.” Though Applied Connective serves businesses in a wide range of industries throughout Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and South Dakota, they remain devoted to focusing on rural markets outside of the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas. “Increasingly, we’re committing more time and resources to remote counties, like Cherry, Valley, Custer, Holt and Brown. The IT needs of businesses striving to remain competitive in rural Nebraska are no different from the IT needs of businesses in more populated areas. We’re excited to get more involved with these communities and introduce them to technologies that will benefit their businesses and allow them to operate more efficiently." Commenting on the success their company has enjoyed thus far, Knott added, “I think the appeal of our company has been that we are also a small company with rural roots, so our clients know that we appreciate the importance of small business. We understand that any business, no matter the size, needs to be able to depend on current and functioning IT systems, and we’ve made it our mission to supply our clients with solutions that are not only state-of-the-art and cost-effective but also easy to maintain.” While Applied Connective has enjoyed explosive growth in recent years, it seems they have no intention of slowing down any time soon. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff that we’ve been able to expand to cover such a large territory,” continued Knott. “I feel extremely fortunate to be able to raise my family and make a living alongside honest, hardworking Nebraskans.” Several Boone Central FFA members qualified to compete at the State FFA Convention in their Career Development Events.
Members competed at the District CDE competition on Tuesday. The Livestock Management and Ag Sales teams both claimed golds in their events as the Floriculture team pulled in a silver. The teams as well as individuals in other events, will advance to compete at the State FFA Convention in Lincoln April 5-7. State Qualifiers: Livestock Management - 1st Place; Ty and Hannah Groth, Dalton Wagner, Sydney Wynn, and Brody Voichoski Ag Sales - 1st Place; Halie Andreasen, Jaclyn Frey, Jessica Weeder, and Kelsey Thompson Floriculture - 2nd Place; Jessica Weeder, Lyndsey Figgner, Maggie Cleveland, and Shanae Baker Other competitors (some of which will be competing at state): Agriscience (3rd place): McKenna Book, Brooke Groth, Emily Groeteke, Caitlin Nelson Welding: Payton Beierman, Griffin Babb, Clayton Carraher Vet Science: Sydney Wynn, Ashtin Kaumans, Ethan Dozler, Autumn Farmer Plant Science: Clayton Carraher, Nicholas Pelster Meats: Kade Noble, Hunter Meyer Farm Business Management: Halie Andreasen, Brenden Beierman, Shanae Baker The Boone Central/Newman Grove wrestling season officially came to an end Friday afternoon, but it was still an impressive run for their state-qualifying grapplers.
Garrett Cornwell lost a heartbreaking 3-2 decision in the second round of consolations against Zeth Gerkensmeyer of Columbus Lakeview. Trey Schafer lost 12-4 against Josh Schmutz of Elkhorn earlier in the day. 2017 NSAA Championships Results for Boone Central/Newman Grove B152 - Garrett Cornwell (36-18) Champ. Round 1 - Garrett Cornwell (Boone Central/Newman Grove) 36-18 won by decision over Jayden Wooten (Plattsmouth) 20-18 (Dec 2-0) Quarterfinal - Derek Robb (Sidney) 54-0 won by fall over Garrett Cornwell (Boone Central/Newman Grove) 36-18 (Fall 0:54) Cons. Round 2 - Zeth Gerkensmeyer (Columbus Lakeview) 36-14 won by decision over Garrett Cornwell (Boone Central/Newman Grove) 36-18 (Dec 3-2) B160 - Trey Schafer (36-15) Champ. Round 1 - Lance Jarrett (Gretna) 48-3 won by fall over Trey Schafer (Boone Central/Newman Grove) 36-15 (Fall 2:17) Cons. Round 1 - Josh Schmutz (Elkhorn) 25-15 won by major decision over Trey Schafer (Boone Central/Newman Grove) 36-15 (MD 12-4) Garrett Cornwell and Trey Schafer competed Thursday in first-day action of the state wrestling tournament for Boone Central/Newman Grove.
At 152 pounds, Cornwell picked up a first-round win over Jayden Wooten of Plattsmouth to advance to the quarter finals. Derek Robb of Sidney took the Cardinal down with a pin in 54 seconds. Cornwell will be back at in the second round of wrestle backs on Friday. At 160 pounds, Schafer lost by tech fall to Lance Jarrett of Gretna in 2:17. He moves into wrestle backs and will face Josh Schmutz of Elkhorn on Friday. 2017 NSAA Championships Results for Boone Central/Newman Grove B152 - Garrett Cornwell (36-17) place is unknown and scored 2.00 team points. Champ. Round 1 - Garrett Cornwell (Boone Central/Newman Grove) 36-17 won by decision over Jayden Wooten (Plattsmouth) 19-17 (Dec 2-0) Quarterfinal - Derek Robb (Sidney) 54-0 won by fall over Garrett Cornwell (Boone Central/Newman Grove) 36-17 (Fall 0:54) B160 - Trey Schafer (36-14) place is unknown and scored 0.00 team points. Champ. Round 1 - Lance Jarrett (Gretna) 48-3 won by fall over Trey Schafer (Boone Central/Newman Grove) 36-14 (Fall 2:17) Boone Central/Newman Grove fans will have a pair of wrestlers to cheer on at this week's state wrestling tournament at Omaha's CenturyLink Center.
At 152, Garrett Cornwell took third at the B1 meet to earn a spot in the tournament. He will take on Jayden Wooten of Plattsmouth. Trey Schafer will take the mat at 160 for the Cardinals. He took fourth in districts to qualify for the tournament. He will meet Gretna's Lance Jarrett in the opening round. The Class B tournament will kick off at 4 p.m. on Thursday. Boone Central/Newman Grove earned the fourth seed in the C1-9 subdistrict tournament.
They will take on the top seed, Central City, on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Northwest High School in Grand Island. Reza, master magician and illusionist, will be the main attraction for the Boone County Ag Society's Dinner/show on February 18 at the Boone County Fairgrounds.
According to his biography, he is widely considered by critics to be the Nation's Top Touring Illusionist. Reza has sold out venues from Denver to New York, Orlando to Los Angeles, entertaining millions as well as being featured on television and radio in 31 Countries around the World. Reza has made his presence felt in the world of illusion since a very young age. His focus in the art began at the early age of seven after being inspired by a magic show in his hometown of Brookings, South Dakota. By the age of fourteen, Reza was landing significant gigs performing for resorts and large corporations across the Midwest. On his fifteenth birthday Reza left his hometown in South Dakota to perform a six week run in Branson, MO, the live entertainment capitol of the world. The grueling eighteen-show-a-week schedule allowed Reza to hone his gift for entertaining. After Branson, one opportunity led into the next and as the doors began to open, Reza’s style took on a fresh and cutting edge feel. With a largely original show and an engaging stage presence, Reza began selling out theatres as the entertainment world took notice. Fast forward to present day. The once youth magician prodigy is today one of the fastest rising stars in the industry, with his mind set on changing the world’s perception of magic. The night will start with a social hour at 6 p.m. A windsor loin dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and Reza will take the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25, with a very limited number being sold. Tickets are available at Rae Valley Market in Petersburg, The Boot Rack in Albion or by calling Tina at 402-386-5327. Albion received $30,000 in grant funding on Tuesday to be used to develop a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan that would create the blueprint for creating business and infrastructure improvements that would help to increase revenues and attract new investments.
An additional $14,600 in matching resources will be used for the project. On Tuesday, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) awarded $206,550 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to seven Nebraska communities to complete Phase I (pre-development and planning) in the Downtown Revitalization category. These projects are designed to develop a strategy for improving businesses and infrastructure within central business districts. The CDBG Downtown Revitalization Category is open to CDBG non-entitlement incorporated municipalities throughout Nebraska. Grants are administered by DED from the State’s annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Communities that successfully complete the planning phase have the opportunity to apply for Phase II (implementation) resources, which may include up to $350,000 per community for implementing the CDBG-eligible activities defined in the approved plans. Below are brief descriptions about the other communities that will be undertaking Phase I planning projects and their awards: Cambridge (pop. 1,020) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a strategic pre-development plan for business and infrastructure improvements that focus on preserving historic resources and attracting additional businesses and customers to the downtown. An additional $10,600 in matching resources will be used for the project. Gretna (pop. 4,165) —$26,550 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan that encompasses preserving the city’s historic buildings, (including enhanced usage and improved accessibility), and developing new businesses in the downtown. An additional $7,850 in matching resources will be used for the project. Norfolk (pop. 22,835) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a strategic downtown plan that will focus on continuing efforts to improve and revitalize buildings and determine ways in which to enhance the downtown for events that help to attract additional visitors and customers. An additional $7,500 in matching resources will be used for the project. Seward (pop. 6,050) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan that focuses on preserving the City’s 100-year-old downtown; enhancing the area for business and visitors; and evaluating the potential for upper story residential development. An additional $7,500 in matching resources will be used for the project. Wausa (pop. 520) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a strategic downtown revitalization plan that determines the needs and interests of downtown businesses and Village residents to prioritize business and infrastructure improvements in the Village’s historic commercial district. An additional $14,550 in matching resources will be used for the project. York (pop. 7,450) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a strategic downtown plan that works to prioritize downtown improvements to properties and enhancing the area for business and visitors. An additional $7,500 in matching resources will be used for the project. Some of the area's best music talents were on display Friday night as part of the 46th Annual Jr. High Choral Clinic hosted by Elkhorn Valley.
Junior high students from Battle Creek, Bloomfield, Boone Central, Clearwater-Orchard, Columbus Lakeview, Elkhorn Valley, Humphrey St. Francis, Neligh-Oakdale, Newman Grove, Norfolk Catholic, Norfolk Junior High, Pope John, Randolph, Schuyler, St. Michael's, Wayne Middle School and Wheeler Central all participated in the event. Angela Wright, a K-5 music specialist for Kearney Public Schools, acted as the director for the event. Ginger Bruzek joined as the accompanist. The night began with three songs by the mass choir. After that, some of the schools performed as small groups. Boone Central's seventh and eighth grade chorus performed "Do You Feel The Rhythm?" and Newman Grove's show choir performed "When I Grow Up." After the small groups, the mass choir performed two final songs to wrap up the night. The Boone County Friends of NRA Banquet will feature an auction and raffle this year. On Saturday, November 6 at 5:30 there will be a prime rib dinner at the Boone County Event Center at the fairgrounds. Everyone will have the chance to win exclusive NRA guns, gear, decor and collectibles! For tickets, visit friendsofnra.org. |