The Saline County jail can house over 100 inmates between federal and state cases, which means a lot of showers. When one of the four water heaters went out again Sheriff Alan Moore looked for a long term solution to a problem that represented almost every five years.
The law enforcement center has two commercial hot water heaters on both the northwest and southeast corners of the facility. Currently there is a leaking water heater in the northwest corner.
While gathering bids for the repair, Moore looked into a tankless option for the facility and was surprised when the estimate came back to be more economical than a traditional tank replacement.
Currently the jail is holding 100 gallons of hot water at all times. The tankless water heater will be operated by a circulation pump and will be able to keep up with the water demands by the number of inmates housed.
The Saline County Board of Commissioners approved the $21,700.86 estimate for replacement of the leaking commercial water heater in the northwest corner of the jail with a tankless option from Pribyl Plumbing and Heating in Crete.
Moore plans to continue with tankless commercial water heaters as the other three units reach their end of life and looks forward to the improved energy efficiency.
The Wilber Chamber of Commerce membership drive ends on April 13. To apply or for more information, contact Jennifer Reedy or call the chamber office at (402) 540-4604.
Monday, April 8 - Eclipse Program. Drop in from noon to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9 - Coffee Talk drop in from 9-11 a.m. for coffee, donuts and conversation.
Wednesday, April 10 - Toddler storytime at 10 a.m.
Thursday, April 11 - Preschool storytime at 10 a.m. and Spring Craft Time from 4-7 p.m.
Friday, April 12 - A sweet treat for all patrons checking out books this day.
Saturday, April 13 - Puzzle it out from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by drop in.
The Wilber Junior Czech Dancers entertained at the Wilber Czech Kick Off Dance on March 15 at the kickoff celebration for the 63rd annual Wilber Czech Festival Aug. 2 – 4.
Dancers included Eleanor Senft, Amelia, Loren, Elijah and Lydia Pracheil, Haegen Havel, Ivy Holsing, Bryar Myers, Remington Maryska, Barrett Maryska, Brooks and Anistyn Formanek, Isla Meister, Makayla Muff, Harper and Hayes Watson, Crew and Liam Hoesche, Tessa Lytle, Katelyn and Emma Wollenburg, Halsey and Lathan Watson, Briell McMillan, Joseph Filipi, Riggs, Emilee and Marlee Brueggemann, Judd and Brady Holsing, Madelynn Nicholson, Savannah and Mabel Polacek, Ellie and Ethan Taylor, Jaylee Krauter, Arthur Seyfert, Casen and Bristol Niemeyer and Franklin and Charles Koll.
Assisting the group were Barrett Vogel, Henry and Matilda Koll, Katherine Krivohlavek, Brynlee Burns, Gracyn Jordan, Mackenzie Anthony, 2023-24 Wilber Czech Queen Carly Rains and 2023-24 Wilber Czech Princess Lena Fritz.
All children are invited and welcomed to become a part of the Wilber Junior Czech Dancers. The first practice of the summer will be Monday, June 11, at 10 a.m. at the Wilber Outdoor Theater. For more information, contact director Sheryl Kastanek.
The final deadline to publish or make any changes to the 2024 Wilber Czech Festival Brochure is Wednesday, April 10. Contact Jen Pospisil or Sheryl Kastanek with any printing needs or questions.
Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., Ruth Karlsson is guiding people in free Tai Chi classes at the Wilber library. Check out our article in our upcoming Health and Wellness section to hear from her and a class member about the mind, body and spirit benefits of Tai Chi.
On April 6 residents of Friend are able to participate in a community shred day from 8-10 a.m. in the Citizens State Bank parking lot. Bring in documents that contain any identifying information such as old checkbooks, credit card offers and account statements. There is a 100 lb. limit per household. The bank is located at 150 Maple St. in Friend.
The Crete boys' soccer team came in as the underdog and left victorious as the Cardinals defeated No. 3 Schuyler 3-0.
The Crete girls' soccer team battled with Schuyler on April 2, but couldn't get the win, losing 4-1.
The Wilber-Clatonia tennis team traveled to Beatrice for a dual on April 2. The Wolverines went 0-3 in doubles and 0-6 in singles.
Concordia University baseball hosted Doane University at Plum Creek Park on a windy Tuesday afternoon and swept a doubleheader, winning game one 14-13 and game two 7-6.
Crete-Milford hosted Beatrice April 2 and held a 7-4 lead after the fourth inning. Beatrice outscored CM 9-1 over the final three frames to take home a 13-8 win. Brooks Piening went 3-4 and scored three runs for CM. The team is next in action this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. when Lincoln High comes to Tuxedo Park in Crete.
