Harlan County Journal

08/02/2025

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07/30/2025

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬
Harlan County Board of Supervisors accepted the resignation of Sheriff Chris Becker during a meeting held at the Harlan County Courthouse at 9:30 a.m. July 30, 2025.
The Board then appointed Deputy Jesse Langley as Interim Sheriff, effective August 1, 2025. Langley will serve out the remainder of Becker's elected term, which ends December 31, 2026 and plans to run for Sheriff in the 2026 election.
Becker has served on Harlan County Nebraska's Sheriff Department for forty-two years with over thirty-four years as Sheriff. Langley has served in law enforcement for sixteen years, thirteen of which have been in Harlan County.

Congratulations to Becker on his retirement and to Langley on his new position as Sheriff!

Watch for additional information in the Harlan County Journal

07/20/2025

High winds halt activity at the Furnas County Fair - at least temporarily

Update: The severe thunderstorm warning expired at 9:15 p.m. Gusty winds are still possible. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until midnight

According to a post on the "Furnas County Fair & Rodeo" page, Logan Mize will play as soon as rain quits. Probably in about 1 - 1/2 hours. (Posted around 9:10 p.m.) Check their page for updates.

07/18/2025

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝗜 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝘆𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻

Alma, Nebraska American Legion Post #118 along with Long Island, Kansas American Legion Post #304, Nebraska State Commander Judy Walters, and past VFW State Commander Ken Yount honored World War II Veteran, Lynne Halderman, with a medal and certificate in recognition of his military service.
The recognition was held at the Johnson Center in Alma, Nebraska July 18, 2025 as part of Nebraska’s World War II veterans recognition program, which strives to recognize those who served and thank them for protecting freedom.
Halderman, who has been a member of the American Legion for over 70 years, served in the United States Army from May 26, 1946 until he was honorably discharged October 17, 1946.
“To date, 137 medals have been presented at nearly 60 different ceremonies and events across the state. It’s an honor to be able to present this medal to Lynne Halderman to recognize his service and help remind everyone of his story and the sacrifices our Greatest Generation made in protecting freedom. These veterans literally saved the world.” said Alma American Legion Post Commander, Aaron Guthrie. “On behalf of the Alma American Legion Post, please accept these tokens of thanks for your service.”

See more on the ceremony and the recognition of Lynne Halderman in the July 24, 2025 edition of the Harlan County Journal

07/11/2025

Fatal Accident, Highway 183

According to the Harlan County Sheriff's Office, on July 10, 2025 at 2:56 p.m. the Harlan County Sheriff's Office, Alma Fire Department, Orleans Fire Department and Phelps County Sheriff’s Office responded to a head on collision involving a semi and an SUV on Hwy 183 approximately ¼ mile south of 719 Road. The SUV driven by fatality victim Hayley Beason (28) of Holdrege was northbound on Hwy 183 when it crossed the center line and struck a southbound semi.

The semi driver was transported by personal vehicle to Harlan County Health System in Alma and later released. The fatality victim was transported to Phelps Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

It is unknown if restraints were in use. An autopsy has been ordered.

The accident was investigated by the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office and Troop D of the Nebraska State Patrol.

07/10/2025

Traffic is currently at a standstill on highway 183 just south of mile marker 117, approximately 10 miles north of Alma. Crews working to clear what appears to be a small SUV and semi accident.
Harlan County Sheriff's Department and Alma Fire and Rescue remain at the scene

No additional information is available.

*updated

07/05/2025

07/04/2025

UDATE: FIREWORKS POSTPONED UNTIL JULY 5 AT 10 PM

Alma's Chamber of Commerce parade is at 10:30 a.m. and Fireworks at 10 p.m.
Have a safe and enjoyable day celebrating freedom!

07/02/2025

FYI...
For the most current lake information, click on their page.

🚨 Alert: Temporary Beach Closure at Gremlin Cove – Harlan County Lake 🚨

Weekly sampling conducted by the Lower Republican Natural Resource District has detected high E. Coli levels at Gremlin Cove Beach, currently measuring 365.4 colonies per 100 ml of water.

This exceeds the EPA-recommended safety threshold of 235, prompting health concerns for swimmers.

In alignment with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers policy, swim beaches may be temporarily closed during the summer season due to:
• Bacterial contamination
• Blue-green algae blooms
• High-water levels

Temporary closure signs will be placed at the Gremlin Cove Beach entrance to notify the public of these conditions and protect visitor health and safety.

The area will be tested again on July 7, with results expected the following day.

For a comprehensive list of current lake conditions and closures, visit:
Kansas City District > Locations > District Lakes (army.mil).

Weekly water quality updates are also posted on the Nebraska DEQ Beach Watch website.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep our recreation sites safe for all.

| | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | Northwestern Division, US Army Corps of Engineers USACE

06/20/2025

Tractors in the 9th Annual All NE Tractor Drive arrive at the South Outlet below Harlan County Dam where they will eat lunch before crossing the Dam and heading back to Franklin.

The current temperature is 93°F. 38% humidity. Wind 22.

06/16/2025

𝗡𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗮 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗽 2025 ✓

The Nebraska Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament was held June 14 and 15, 2025. Weigh-in was at North Shore Marina.

Watch for winner photos and information in an upcoming edition of your Journal