News of Albion and Boone County, Nebraska

Featured

Albion’s Fourth Street was transformed into a barbecue city full of tantalizing smells, smoke, ‘ribbing’ by the 18 contestants, and tasty sampling of chicken wings, jalepenos, shrimp, sausage, pineapple, pork loin, pork butt, pizza—some hot, and some not.

It was all part of the first ever Rhythm ‘n Ribs event sponsored last Saturday, Aug. 28, by the Albion Chamber of Commerce.

Attendance during the days’ event was nearly 700 people, including volunteers, workers, and band members.

“It was a success,” said Chamber President Shirley Petsche. “The committee will consider some improvements for next year. We will also be adding more help for the set up and clean up. Initial clean up on Saturday lasted into the early morning hours, but Sunday was done in about four hours.”

See the Sept. 1 Albion News Print or Electronic Editions for winners and details.

News

A semi tractor-trailer driver was killed in a roll-over accident last Friday, Aug. 27, on 110th Street east of Raeville, NE.

The 4:20 p.m. accident claimed the life of Gerald Lesko, 46, of Brodhead, WI, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.

Lesko had delivered equipment to the Laredo Ridge Wind Farm and was driving a 1988 Peterbilt tractor-trailer westbound on 110th Street when he apparently lost control. The vehicle flipped into the south ditch. Lesko was apparently not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, the Sheriff’s Department reported.

The semi, owned by Glen Strickland American Transportation Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, was a total loss.

Business

Wagonhammer Ranches celebrated their 100 year anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 28 with over 400 people present, including past and present employees, customers, family and friends.

The celebration was held in tents at the Wagonhammer East Ranch, west of Elgin.

After a catered dinner, Elaine and Jay Wolf welcomed all the guests.

Elaine spoke about the importance of the cattle industry and what it has meant to her family and the community.

Jay gave the history of Wagonhammer Ranches, beginning with Max and Julius Wolf’s immigration to the United States. He then introduced all the past and present employees who were in attendance.

After the meal, the guests visited, listened to music and enjoyed the ranch scenery.

Sports

The Boone Central varsity softball team began its 2010 fall season full steam ahead this past week, playing five games in a triangular at Cross County and the Fillmore Central Invitational tournament.
The Cardinals opened the campaign Thursday by winning a pair of wild offensive donnybrooks in Stromsburg, but dropped three contests to tough opponents in Saturday’s tourney action at Geneva. Read more »