Lynch, Nebraska: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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Lynch was incorporated as a village in 1892.<ref name="history">{{cite web | url=http://www.casde.unl.edu/history/counties/boyd/lynch/ | title=Lynch, Boyd County | publisher=University of Nebraska | work=Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies | accessdate=30 July 2014}}</ref> It was named for John Lynch, a pioneer settler.<ref name="history" /><ref>{{cite book|author=Chicago and North Western Railway Company|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OspBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA96|year=1908|page=96}}</ref> |
Lynch was incorporated as a village in 1892.<ref name="history">{{cite web | url=http://www.casde.unl.edu/history/counties/boyd/lynch/ | title=Lynch, Boyd County | publisher=University of Nebraska | work=Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies | accessdate=30 July 2014}}</ref> It was named for John Lynch, a pioneer settler.<ref name="history" /><ref>{{cite book|author=Chicago and North Western Railway Company|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OspBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA96|year=1908|page=96}}</ref>The basis of this narrative is notes taken from the minutes of the Lynch Village Board. Other items of interest have been passed down by the people who lived through the years, these events have also been included. Adding the dates of events makes this historically as correct as possible, giving it credibility for research. |
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On February 14, 1890, John Lynch staked out his claim on Indian Land that had just been opened for settlement. He later became the first postmaster, with the post office being located in his dugout on the bank of Whiskey Creek somewhere behind the present day home of Luceil Conklin at Fifth and Adams Street. |
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Many settlers arrived in 1891 to take up claims in the area. There were businesses established and trade earned on. This will be dealt with in another part of the book. |
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On March 29, 1892, the first meeting of the citizens was held primarily to procure land from John Lynch for the or¬ganized town site. Through due process of law, this was culminated on January 12, 1893 and the settlement be¬came an incorporated town. John Lynch was allowed to keep Lot 4 where his home was located and 20 acres of land valued at $1.50 per acre to be deeded back to him. |
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When the village was surveyed and streets platted, Mr. Lynch would not allow Fourth Street to be on the section line as he did not want the road going north of town to be so close to his home. So we find Fourth Street to be 1/2 block east of the section line which was the usual roadway property. |
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In the March 29, 1892, meeting, the first village board was elected. Neal Walters, Chairman; J.C. Hoffman, Clerk; Wil¬liam Haigh, Joseph Pravecek, Trustees; and Frank J. Mulhair, Treasurer. The business conducted at this meeting stated: Officers were to be elected semiannually. Lots were to be obtained by a $2.50 filing fee, $2.00 to remain in the village treasury and 50 cents payment to the clerk to hand¬le the transaction. This fee was good for 30 days, at which time there was to be $50.00 worth of improvements made or the fee would be cancelled. |
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January 11, 1893, finds some newly elected persons to the village board. K.J. Caldwell, John Korab and Charles S. Anderson. Part of the first board remained in office and Frank Mulhair was still treasurer. Patrick Hanlon was appointed as the first village marshal. Law and order then began on this frontier. |
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These men drafted the first ordinances, to wit: Ordinance No. 1 regulating the sale of Malt Spirituous and Vinous li¬quors; Ordinance No.2 defines nuisances and abatement; Ordinance No.3 prohibited the running of livestock on the streets. These were published in the Lynch Blade, the first known newspaper. |
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The first liquor licenses were granted to the Sedivy Brothers, Frank and Joseph and to J. I. Shurts to operate saloons. |
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At the March 4th meeting, Lots 6, 7, 8, and 9; Block 6 were reserved for the school site. The Clerk was instructed to turn over these lots and $1,000 to District 36 for a public school. The first school was a frame building built on the given lots. |
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The Methodist Church had filed on two lots but was granted a 30 day extension. These lots are at the corner of 3rd and Adams where the present Methodist Church stands. |
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Men were sent to O'Neill to the land office to complete the land transaction. The bills listed for this were $62.10 to U.S. Land Office and $19.75 expenses for men and team for the trip. Returned to the village treasurer was $7.15 for men and $5.00 for the team. |
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On May 10, 1893, it became necessary to have sidewalks on Fourth Street. Said sidewalks were to be bade of two inch planks and be not less than eight feet wide in front of the lots. The street com¬ missioner is instructed to build sidewalks and charge same to owner of lots. |
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Due to the flooding on Ponca Creek, John McGinitie was paid $8.00 for tending a ferry. Minutes did not state how long the ferry was operational. |
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On June 3, 1893, the chairman was instructed to issue a deed to the Trustees of the Methodist Church Association for Lots 1 and 2, Block 6 in the Village of Lynch upon pay¬ment of $2.00 each to the Chairman. Evidently, the town clerk waived his fees of 50 cents per lot. |
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Other people receiving their deeds at this on the June 12, 1893, meeting were John Lynch, Lot 4 and 20 acres of land; John Murray; Joseph Sedivy; William Cooper; and George W. Bell. Later Anderson, Hoffman, Pravecek, Shurts, and Caldwell received their deeds. |
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June 26, the Sedivy Brothers renewed their liquor license for Block 5; Lots 4 and 5; at the cost of $166.67 for the year. This was the last date of their renewal. Sometime during this year the following event took place: It was reported by George E. McGinitie in his book "The Not So Gay Nineties" page 196 copyright 1972 in which he told of the destruc¬tion of the saloon and running the owners out of town: He did not name the Sedivys, except by calling them the Bohemian Brothers. They did not open their saloon again but moved the building out of town to the Frank Sedivy farm, now owned by Steve Lechtenberg. It was made into a home for Sedivys' mother. Edward Zach said he had always wondered why their granary had a chimney when he was growing up there as a kid. The building is still standing. This story was pieced together from various sources of information. |
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In June, a town pump was installed at the crossing of Fourth and Hoffman near where the Nebraska State Bank is lo¬cated. Dan Melsha was appointed to town marshal. The minutes read "He shall receive no pay except such fines as he may collect as an officer." The town bought a pair of handcuffs for the marshal’s use. |
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At this time, holders of lots were given 20 days to install sidewalks where ordained by the village. |
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The first druggist's permit was issued to Shurts and Brevoort when their bond was approved according to law. On April 4, H.G. Kemp filed for a druggist permit also. The working of the permits "Provided for the sale of medicinal liquors and medicinal chemicals for medicinal purposes." |
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In 1896, the board members were C. C. Irwin, Chairman; Josiah Combs, Clerk; G. W. Bell, Treasurer; and C. S. Anderson. Neal Walters was village marshal and Ed Ross recorded the board minutes from January 1894 to March 1897. |
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Mr. John Sedlacek bought Lot 24, Block 11 for $60.00 on March 6, 1897. He was to erect a building 25 feet by 60 feet by May 1. The building materials were freighted from Fort Randall, South Dakota, where the U. S. Army Post was decommissioned. In April 1897, John Sedlacek was granted a saloon permit for $600.00, payable quarterly in advance. This location has always been a bar except during prohibition when it was used as a pop factory. It is located at Fourth and Hoffman Streets and is currently the home of the Double K Bar owned by Kory Kalkowski. |
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During 1897, the work of making board sidewalks con¬tinued and the town pump wore out and was replaced by a new one costing $13.00. A well platform was built by C.C. Irwin. |
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There were no recorded minutes from April 22, 1897 to May 5, 1899. Some of the record pages were missing and several were left unused. |
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May 5, 1897 minutes recorded C. D. Slattery was ap¬pointed village marshal for a salary of $6.00 per month. The street commissioner was paid $24.00 per annum, clerk $25.00 a year and treasurer $10.00 a year. |
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In the year of 2016, the Street Commissioner is paid $2050.00 per month, plus benefits. The clerk and treasurer are both paid $3000.00 per year or $250.00 a month. |
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January 1, 1900, the town clerk was ordered to have the Government Patent for the land transaction recorded in the county seat at Butte. Neal Walters received $1.20 on April 23 for this transaction. |
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A new board was organized on April 4, 1900, and Neal Wal¬ters was Chairman; A. C. McFarland, Clerk; C. E. Saunders, Treasurer; trustees were not listed. Oliver Prossner was marshal at a salary of $20.00 per month and as street commissioner he was to receive $2.00 per day only for days of service. |
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An occupation tax had been levied on all able bodied male citizens. |
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Dr. C. E. Walden, as dentist, was granted a license as den¬tal surgeon. It is said he filled a tooth for 50 cents. No pain killing drugs were used at this time. Other names of busi¬ness people were S. W. Lightner, lumberyard; Mullen and Sylvester, blacksmiths; C. E. Saunders, hardware; and at¬torney N. D. Burch. In February 1900, Dr. G. B. Ira was ap¬pointed Village Physician. Dr. Newel was appointed to the board of health. |
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In December 1900, the Village Marshal's bill for $20.00 was cut to $10.80 and he was suspended. E. G. Miller was appointed for one year, salary $15.00 a month. The Mar¬shal was instructed to notify saloons to obey ordinances regarding night and Sunday closings. |
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On February 12, 1900, a case of smallpox was reported. In April, two warrants were paid for the care of smallpox cases to Drs. Ira and Newel. |
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On May 1, 1901, there were two saloon permits issued to Sedlacek and Drobny and the Pearsall permit was rejected. The cost of permits were $750 a year. |
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On August 6, 1901, an ordinance passed to annex Mary's Ad¬dition, Annie's Addition, and West Addition to the village and extending the corporate limits to include these addi¬tions. |
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On October 28, 1901, it was passed by the board to construct a "pest house" on the Boon Chambers land north of town. A building 16 x 20 feet with three rooms to be equipped with needed furniture. The cost of this totaled $169.46. A registered nurse was hired to care for the smallpox patients. An ordinance was passed to prevent the introduction and spreading of contagious and infectious diseases and providing punishment of violations. |
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A dog tax was established by ordinance and a curfew law providing for the exclusion of children from the streets and places of public resort during certain hours. This provided for penalties and enforcement of same. |
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Another ordinance covered the closing time for saloons, billiard halls, bowling alleys, and shooting galleries and provided penalties for violations. |
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An interesting item: all able bodied males who had not paid their occupation tax would be required to work it out on the streets. Following this, the village board passed an ordinance to tax property in Lynch. |
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Expenditures for the fiscal year May 1, 1901, to May 1, 1902, were $1,495.00. The entire revenue for the same period was occupational tax of $344.31 and fines of $29.00 with a total of $373.31. Times were hard. |
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On May 16, 1902, resident freeholders petitioned that por¬tions of all streets and alleys within the proposed right-of¬-way of the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad Company within the village of Lynch be vacated. After due process of law the railroad company paid expenses of $18.00 and right-of-way was granted. Another addition of land called McGinitie’s Addition was passed on July 10, 1902. More land for homes was needed as the area was prospering with the coming of the railroad. |
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Following this, the freeholders held a special election for the purpose of voting bonds for the erection of waterworks and purchase of fire equipment. These bonds were to be in the amount of $6,000 at 6 percent interest and to run for 20 years. So August 13, 1902 was a milestone date with the election, and on September 9, 1902 the bonds were made into law. |
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The former pest house was no longer needed so the board turned this structure over the Fire Department and paid them $10.00 to move it into town for the first fire hall. |
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B. L. Chambers and son, Boon, were hired to do more surveying and were paid a total of $11.52 for their work. Sidewalks were still an issue and enforcement was con¬tinued for the construction of board walks of two-inch planks. This continued several months. |
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1903 names found were Nureburger and Pearsall, liquor licenses; Guenburg and Sedlacek, saloon keepers; Figgis, druggist permit; C.F. Roe, E.G. Miller, Dr. G.B. Ira, Tomek and Pravecek were town board members. Taxation was now based on 10 mills on the dollar. Other items: more sidewalk construction, street work, curfew bell to ring at 7:30 p.m, and night watchman $35.00 a month for working from 7:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. |
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After due process, $8,000 in bonds at 6% interest were voted to construct a water system, wells to be dug and mains developed. Also, fire extinguishing apparatus was to be updated. Newspapers carrying the legal notices were Lynch Journal and Lynch Sun. Two men were sent to Plain¬view to review the water system in preparation for the work to be done in Lynch. |
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Without a doubt, there was trouble with saloon keepers as there was a case in District Court against them. The saloons were closed for 25 days while proceedings were under way. There was not enough evidence presented to close the saloons but there were new rules and regulations imposed by the local law. Some regulations were for all screens, blinds, and obstructions to the windows be removed before the saloons could be opened for business. |
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Warnings were extended to the three establishments not permitting chairs and tables to remain in the saloons for the ensuing year. |
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This information reinforces the information given by Madlen Peklo when she and Velma McDonald were talking of the early days. Mrs. Peklo’s Story goes as so…“The local lawman was sure drinking and gambling was going on after the hours (all blinds were down) when the saloons were to be closed. Doors were locked and anyone wishing to enter had to identify themselves. By the time the proprietor would open the door all signs of drinking after closing time was not in evidence. On one occasion the mar¬shal told Emil Peklo to knock on the door and when he iden¬tified himself the door would be opened and the culprits would be caught in the act. Mr. Peklo knocked and was questioned by "Who is there?" Mr. Peklo answered "Peklo and the law!" Needless to say, the door did not open and the marshal was unhappy with Mr. Peklo who told him "I'm not about to turn in my next door neighbor and friend." Emil Peklo was the father of Madlen who retold the story of her fathers. The Peklo family operated the butcher shop next door to the saloon in the story. The Saloon building is the current home to the Double K Bar and Peklo’s butcher shop is the building currently owned by Ron McGuire for his feed business. |
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Electric street lights were furnished to the town in August 1904 by the Lynch Milling and Power Company. The power was generated by the artesian well flow and mill dam and a 25 HP motor. The town was to bear the cost of putting the lights in readiness and were to pay $1.00 per bulb per month. There were twelve 32 candlepower bulbs strung on wires across the streets. On November 10, 1904, a bill was allowed payable to the Lynch Milling and Power Company for the sum of $60.00 for street light fixtures. |
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December 1904 the town needed a larger water supply. A contract was let to have a well dug on the Anderson lot near what is now the fire hall. This well was to provide un¬limited supply of soft water and not to exceed $1,000 in cost. A motion was made March 20, 1905 to buy a pump for the town well, 250 feet of pipe, and a brass cylinder. The April, 16th meeting showed the total cost of well, labor, parts, and pipe was $1,189.49. Anderson was paid $2.50 for his lot 6, Block 18. |
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The next need, now that water was available, was a reservoir, pumping station, water mains to be laid out and dug for a full water system. This was to be completed by July 8th 1904. The offices of pumping station attendant, village marshal, and street commissioner were made into one job that paid $60.00 a month. A public watering trough was to be placed between Third and Fourth Streets. Plank sidewalks were still being made. City water was sold at 5 cents a barrel and no more than 20 cents for six barrels. |
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In September 1905, B.B. Gross petitioned for a telephone permit. It was granted subject to ordinance regulations. This was for the line between Lynch and Gross, Nebraska. Twenty cents an hour was the going wage for laborers in 1906. Other notes of interest for this year are: Ordinances were put in place for protecting trees in the village; preventing cruelty to animals and punishment for violations. The door be¬tween the Midway Bar and pool hall shall be permanently closed; $10.00 per year for school house water; John Klemingn was granted license to run a Pony Express and delivery wagon at the rate of $3.00 per year. This provided the dray service from the depot to business places. |
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Fifth Street was opened early in 1907. The Ponca Creek Bridge on Hoffman Street was to have three inch planks on the east approach; two street lights were discontinued. The city issued $2,200.00 more in bonds to continue work on the water system. In July contracts were let for a 10 inch well at the cost of $765.00 and $1,019.50 to be spent on pump, fittings, and connection to mains. |
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New concrete sidewalks ordinance was passed in Oc¬tober 1907. The town continued making concrete street crossings and extensive work on the water system con¬tinued along with installations of fire hydrants. |
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Burkholder’s West Addition to Lynch was completed in October 1908. Street lights were installed by the Pres¬byterian Church (current home of the Wesleyan Church) and at the school on Hoffman Street. |
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In 1910, a street light was placed north of the Whiskey Creek on Fourth Street. Work continued on concrete sidewalks, and board walks were condemned. If lot owners did not put in walks, the work was done and charged to property owners. J. D. Lee was to have legal notices printed to notify lot holders of board action. |
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New names appearing on the village board: L. Wilna, V.F. Jed¬licka, Walt Fullis, Dan Melsha, and J. R. (Bob) Carter. Wilna was chairman and H.E. McGinitie clerk in 1911 and 1912. Water has been an ongoing problem so the committee was to find a suitable tract for a pump station. They decided on Roe's property south of the railroad. A test well was dug but no more information was listed. |
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March 4, 1913 C.F. Roe was to contact C. H. Stewart in regard to the use of the springs west of town on the Stewart property for a water supply. On June 13, 1913, an agree¬ment was reached with C. H. Stewart to buy 2.80 acres of land to be paid for in two installments. The payment of $280.00 at the time the deed was drawn and $280.00 at the time a clear deed was issued and a lease for a right-of-way across Stewart land for the water line. |
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Ed Ross was hired as the village attorney. Sid Woolf fur¬nished street lights for many years. In 1914, a motion was made to submit to the voters at the regular annual election April 7, 1914, a proposal to let bonds for the sum of $6,000.00 for the purpose of extending the water system. Two other items of interest was the streets were to be graded and a fording spot for wagon crossing be fixed across the creek on Ponca Street. |
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On February 26, 1915, a motion was made to proceed at once on the purchase of land from Stewart, also to hire a sur¬veyor to lay out the best feasible route of water mains on a grade line from the springs to the pump station. The board agreed to purchase the land from C.H. Stewart for $500.00 and lease right-of-way to and from the springs for 99 years. It is not known why there was a change of price from the first agreement. On June 5, 1915, bids on the water main and extensions, fire hydrants, etc. were taken. A commit¬tee was to draw up plans for the reservoir, dams, and pum¬p house. Crane and Company got the bid for $912.14. |
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A new foot bridge on the west side of Fourth Street across Whiskey Creek was built for $75.00. This lasted from June 6, 1916, to May 1932, when the big flood washed it out. It was never replaced. Work on the Ponca Creek Bridge to raise the level of the bridge was completed. |
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The railroad purchased water from the town for 15 cents for 1,000 gallons. Water overflow from the west reservoir was sold for five cents per 1,000 gallons. The town lease from Hanse Nelson water rights was $12.00 per year. |
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March 29, 1917, the proposition for locating a new bridge on Ponca Creek was placed on the ballot. The locations were (1) Hoffman Street; (2) Ponca Street; or (3) the section line. |
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The first street signs were made July 7, 1917. They were four barrels placed at intersections of Fourth & Hoffman; Fifth & Ponca; Fifth & Hoffman; Fourth & Ponca. Barrels were painted white and lettered in black to read "Keep to the Right." |
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In February 1918 there was a petition for the municipal ownership of electric lights. The village clerk was to find out if they could lawfully issue $8,000.00 in bonds. The report on the above issue was that the village could issue bonds for an Electric Light Plant to the sum of $2,800.00, that being 10% of the assessed valuation of all property in the village. |
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Election results of the Light Bond Proposition were 62 votes for and 10 against and 10 electors not voting. Total votes cast 82. Proposition carried. |
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On June 6, 1918, Mr. Dawson was offered $3,000.00 for his light plant. Light Bonds were printed and notice sent to the State Treasurer that the bonds were for sale at 5 1/2% interest. On August 1 the transaction was completed. The Village bought the Dawson plant for $3,000.00, last half of the amount to be paid after bonds were sold. In Septem¬ber, a new 25 HP type Y electric light engine was bought for $1,783.00. A new belt running from the engine to the generator cost $1.75 per foot and was 43 feet in length, F.O.B. Omaha. |
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Spring cane in 1919 and all people were notified to clean up back yards, barn yards and alleys effective at once. This included all the business places also. On August 16th an agreement with a Denver Bonding Com¬pany for $20,000.00 at 6% was formed that would consolidate all pre¬vious bond issues into one and have 20 years to pay off the debt. |
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Another type Y electric light engine with 75 HP was bought in 1920 for electric power. A 10,000 gallon steel tank was ordered for water supply storage. Since this was now prohibition days, the board voted to hire a competent man for the purpose of detecting and con¬victing bootleggers and gamblers in the Village of Lynch. |
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On May 21, 1920, electric power was raised 3 cents KWH, and water was costing $1.00 for the minimum of 1,000 gallons. The town bought a road maintainer and $200.00 was appropriated for the swinging foot bridge across Ponca Creek. Street signs were to be mounted on the light poles "to keep to the right." Going wage at this time was 70 cents per hour for a man and team. |
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There was a committee of Joe Rysavy and Rex Hume ap¬pointed to confer with engineers and make arrangements for a sewer system. In January 1921 a special meeting was held outlining specifications for the system. After due process those voting yes were G. Rex Hume, G. A. Binkerd, H. M. Halber, and F. T. Schrunk. Not voting, William Alford. Motion carried and a contract was signed by F.T. Schrunk and McGinitie, Clerk for the village. |
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Hal Craig was hired as marshal, street commissioner and water pump attendant for $125.00 per month. A petition was presented to the board to permit Sunday moving pictures and baseball games in the village. This was on the ballot at the general election for the people to decide. |
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The April meeting found changes to be made by the board. The office of marshal and street commissioner was filled by Dude Hoyer at $85.00 a month. Herbert Mannen and Glen Long were hired to run the light plant and other work at a salary of $100.00 a month each. Since the Treasurer did not collect light bills, Long received $25.00 a year extra. Man and team for hire received 75 cents an hour for dragging the streets, mowing weeds 35 cents an hour and $4.00 an hour for cleaning the spring’s water supply. |
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The valuation was set at $493,085.00 and taxes raised totaled $15,400.00. Kenneth McMeen was appointed treasurer. George Shuber was the depot agent for the C&NW Railway. |
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The year 1922 brought these improvements: Electric light lines and 1150 feet of water mains were extended into east Lynch. The town bought lots at a tax sale and converted them into a city park. Roy Hagadorn became marshal. |
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The budget for the year 1922-23 was $8,280.00. Sidewalk work seemed continuous as the town ex¬panded. The town rented a toilet for $5.00 a year. A sign was to be put on it "For Ladies Only." |
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The machine age came to Lynch as more and more automobiles were bought. Laws changed to meet the need. Speed limits were set by Ordinance 68. Motor vehicle speeds eight miles per hour on the streets, six miles per hour crossing bridges, and four miles per hour at the intersections. Exemptions were granted to Doctors, Police, and Fire Vehicles. Center of the street parking replaced the curbside. White street light posts were also placed in the cen¬ter of the street. |
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Property owners must clean sidewalks immediately after snow storms or walks will be cleaned and charged to owners. If this is not paid it shall be added to the taxes. |
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In 1923, the electrical supply needed more power. Specifications and regulations of a contract between Lynch Village and the Minnesota Distributing Company to con¬struct a transmission line substation, and connections to supply electrical energy to Lynch was drawn up. The cost was to be $20,000. The board had to present the proposition to the voters for bond issue. The special election was held in Sid Mannen’s cream station. The results of the elections were 97 votes for bonding, 36 votes against. Bonding carried. |
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The board at this time was William Alford, chairman; J.C. Devine, F. T. Schrunk, Clyde Hensley, R. H. Harris, trustees; and H.E. Oline, clerk. At the April 24, 1923 meeting, W.M. Alford resigned as chairman and member of the board. Fred Wurtz and William Wilson were new members, terms were two years. Dr. J.C. Devine was made chairman to fill the vacancy. Kenneth McMeen, treasurer and Ed McGinitie, light and water commissioner. |
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The city water main was to be extended 480 feet east on Ponca Street commencing at Fourth Street. The motion also passed to extend the light system 240 feet west from the Fourth Street when funds were available. |
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Mention was made of Mulhair Garage in the August meet¬ing. Permission given to Lynch General Hospital to lay a four inch sewer line from the hospital building east to Ponca Creek on the south side of Ponca Creek provided that such sewer line comply with sanitary laws. Note: The Lynch General Hospital was in the Hotel Building on Ponca Street and the present location of Steve Crawford’s shop building. A suit was brought against the Boyd County Treasurer compelling him to turn over funds due to the Village of Lynch from the road funds. The Lynch Township board had collected money erroneously, as part should have gone to the village, a sum of $1,100.00 over the previous ten years. The village board offered to settle for $500.00, the township board offered $250.00. This was not agreeable so the vil¬lage board notified the township board if they did not set-tle for $500.00 they would sue for the full amount of $1,100.00. The township board was asked to reconsider the settlement terms. |
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On December 4, 1923, Ear1 Rosicky was appointed as clerk to fill a vacancy. |
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May 6, 1924, shows new names on the board are Ross, Keeley, and Martin Lang. Actions for the board for the year 1924-25 included the following: feed lot users of city water be metered; occupa¬tion tax put on all businesses; Ernest Darnell hired as water commissioner; water rates 50 cents minimum for 2,000 gal¬lons, 25 cents a thousand above this; a franchise ordinance for purpose of furnishing electric energy be accepted after attorney general's approval; board accepted proposition of Firemen to build a new fire hall and hitching posts were to be moved to south of the blacksmith shop. Village Marshal Hagadorn's salary was set at $100.00 a month providing all fees collected by him for arrests or other source be turned over to the treasurer and if he was willing to do any extra work when he was instructed to do so. He was to take charge of the pumping plant at the springs for the winter, to keep the pumps drained, fires built and be responsible for all damages which may occur due to neglect of his duty. The damages would be deducted from his salary. |
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A legal agreement with the Northern Nebraska Power Company to furnish 20 one hundred candle power street lights at $1.50 each, maintenance free to operate from dusk to sunrise the next day. Later a 25 year contract was entered into by the board. |
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A new fire bell was purchased January 20, 1926. Claude Collins was hired as village marshal at $75.00 per month April 24, 1928. Other board changes J. D. Lee was police magistrate, Ed Ross attorney, A. D. Neeley, board of health, later G. B. Ira was appointed. |
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Water supply continues to be a big problem. The town hired the city engineer from Norfolk to come and make recommendations to remedy the situation. Two more Kelly wells were added to the system and a wind mill erected to help pump water, in November a large motor was bought but was only to be used when necessary. In 1929, Mr. C. H. Stewart and the village, after much discussion, entered into a contract. The lease terms set $40.00 per year as rental for all water rights, pipe line and road to the pump station and land for the location of the reservoir. The duration of the lease was 99 years. |
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The Bank of Lynch and Farmers State Bank of Lynch were legal depositories for city funds. Ordinance 84 granted a franchise to the Lynch Telephone Company, privately owned by Elizabeth Sinkbeil for 20 years. |
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Did you ever wonder how long the fire siren has told vil¬lage folk when to get up, have the noon meal, and time to go home in the late afternoon? It all began June 5, 1928! The village board gave the firemen $150.00 for a new siren. It has regulated Lynch folk, notified all of the fires in town or in the country until 911 came in to effect in 2002, storm warnings and other impending disasters. Lynch wouldn't be the same without it! |
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The Sedlacek soft drink parlor was declared a public nuisance and there were steps to close it. No outcome of this action was found. October 3, 1928 was a milestone for the board. They appointed Genevieve Dolezal as treasurer to replace William Alford who had resigned. Most people will remember her as Genevieve Rosicky. (Mrs. Earl) She was the first lady to be a part of village government. She served until April 26, 1932 with distinction. |
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1929 brought more work on the water system and negotiations with Mr. Stewart. Permission was given to the American Legion to have a July 4th Celebration and Concession rights. The Ball Club had permission to rope off Hoffman Street from the hotel on Fifth Street east to Fourth Street for a bowery and Carnival Com¬pany at the baseball tournament on September 1. There was a $200.00 reward offered by the citizens for information, arrest, and conviction of person or persons poisoning dogs. The town hall was also remodeled so fire equipment could enter from the south. Budget for the year 1929-30 was $5,800.00 and for the year 1930-31 $4,950.00. |
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New names on the village board are Joseph Micanek Sr, Louis Nelson, Fred Naegele, and E.V. Mulhair were new school board members. A new roof was put on the city reservoir to keep it in a sanitary condition. An ordinance was passed requiring an occupational tax for Hawkers, Peddlers, and other nonresi¬dents retailing fruit and vegetables from railroad cars, truck, or cars at $5.00 per day, also anyone taking orders for produce. Joe Sedivy was paid $5.10 for 34 loads of gravel. Genevieve Dolezol resigned from her position and Floyd Wolfe was appointed to fill the vacancy. |
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Fiscal year 1932-33 budget was $5,150.00. Village monies were to be deposited with the County Treasurer since there are no local banks for depository. The banks failed in 1931 or were closed. |
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The Whiskey Creek Bridge washed out in the big flood in May. This same flood claimed the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Clinch, washing their house near the Whiskey Creek clean off the foundation. Much damage was done to the homes, streets, and other property. The bridge was replaced with aid from the County Board of Supervisors. A bridge 1/2 mile west of Lynch on the Ponca Creek washed out and was lodged against the railroad bridge. The town was given this bridge which was recovered and later reconstructed. The township board was to pay 1/2 of the cost and labor was $31.00. |
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To conserve electricity, the marshal was instructed to turn off all street lights in the residential districts on moonlit nights and all street lights off at 10:00 p.m. except on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A notice was served on John Lynch to open the alley to the Catholic Cemetery. An ordinance was passed concerning animals and fowls running at large and inhumane treatment of same be prohibited. A new contract with the Interstate Power Company was completed. The Box Factory was billed for two large belts it was using and a notice to keep lots and ditches free from trash. |
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In April 1933, Marshal Collins salary was cut to $80.00 a month with provisions to regulate salary during the year ac¬cording to conditions. Labor prices were 25 cents an hour single hand, 35 cents man and team to maintain the streets, and 35 cents a yard to haul gravel. |
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Budget for fiscal year 1933-34 was $4,400.00. July 13, 1933, legalized 3.2 beer and again liquor licenses were being issued. The board permitted all fees to be paid monthly due to the bad conditions. Men who worked for the town would assign their wages to local merchants Rysavy, McMeen, Alford, and Rosicky or others to pay their bills. Hay and straw was shipped in by train loads so local people could feed their livestock. With this came the Texas sand burrs. Member of the Commercial Club asked people to dig and destroy this noxious weed. The Commercial Club representatives protested electric rates and asked to meet with the power company representatives. |
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Dr.Kriz and Charles Carroll proposed funds from C.W.A. for a golf course. They made it clear they did not want money that could be used for the village. |
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A C.W.A. project was granted to gravel streets. It employed five men for ten days, no wage listed. The village was to pay 50 cents an hour for the use of trucks. Anton Wasatko furnished gravel for six cents a yard. Marshal Col¬lins received $80.00 a month, other labor rates remained low. |
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In June 1936, the Volunteer Fire Department members were: Claude Collins, Chief; D.L. Stewart, Assistant Chief; Carlie Darnell, President; Raymond Hoffman, Vice Presi¬dent; Louis Nelson, Treasurer; R. A. Ashby, Secretary. Members Bernard Peklo, Jerry Sixta, Wm. Scheissler, Charles Mulhair, Oral Pickering, Roy Mulhair, Donald Brown, E.P. Rosicky, Marshall Binkerd, Glen Stewart, Wm. Teadtke, Leslie Stewart, Vernon Mills, Ted Crooks, Ed Hof¬fman, Don Bare, and Jake Birmeier. The town paid for their liability and comprehensive insurance for the first time. |
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Tie posts for teams were put behind Jedlicka and Rosicky stores. The W.P.A. project concerning the bridge across Whiskey Creek was accepted November 28, 1936. The town had discontinued the night watchman position held by Charles Bare. Businessmen petitioned the board to have a night watchman and agreed to contribute to the salary. |
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The year of 1937-38 budget was $4,800.00. The board had been unable to pay off bonds so they reissued funding bonds to pay off old indebtedness, new bonds were issued at 5% interest. Due to the conditions there were a large num¬ber of unpaid taxes for three or more years. The county put these up for tax sale but there were no bidders. Foreclosures then could be brought against property owners. |
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In March 1938, the pump station burned down due to an electrical short. Much damage was done to the large pumps and motors. A new pump house was made of brick. The board reorganized in April 1939. Vac Jedlicka, Chair¬ man; E. P. Rosicky, Clerk; Anton Wasatko, Treasurer; Claude Collins, Marshal and Street Commissioner; Dr. Kriz and Ira, Board of Health. The following changes took place under their guidance. Lots 3 and part of 4,5, 6; Block 17 sold for $100.00 and two years back taxes; beer parlors closed on Sundays; Nebraska State Bank of Bristow was depository for village funds as there still was no bank in Lynch. Tractors with lugs were prohibited from crossing sidewalks unless planked; two street lights were installed on the street running to the Sacred Heart Hospital. |
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May 1940, saw that minor changes were made when the board reorganized. In August, a resolution was sent to the State Highway Department to widen and oil Highway 12 from Knox County line to the junction of Highway 281. Bridges on Ponca and Whiskey Creeks in the town limits were repaired with the County helping with the cost. The secretary was to write to the State Board of Engineers to widen and grade Highway 12, two and three-fourths miles east of Lynch and to straighten the crooked bridge across Ponca Creek. |
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In the 1941-42 fiscal year, street improvements were com¬pleted; 25 blocks were graveled, four blocks of curbs and gutters on Fourth Street, the center street light poles were moved to curbside and water mains were extended four blocks. This was accomplished by a government W.P.A. project. These same curbs remain today. A contract was signed with Consumers Public Power District from O'Neill for electricity. Curb parking was started after light poles were moved in 1942. |
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December 7, 1941 started the World War II years. C. B. Darnell was appointed Chief Air Raid Warden on January 2, 1943, Marshall Collins resigned. He had served faithfully for 17 years from April 3, 1926 through the depression years. He was elected Boyd County Sheriff and served in this posi¬tion until his retirement. He was a dedicated law officer. Lee Mulhair was appointed to fill the marshal position in Lynch. The State Board of Health made recommendations for the water system. |
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New covers for the collection wells were or-dered at the springs in 1943. |
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A resolution was passed that minors were prohibited in the beer parlors and parents were asked to cooperate with the officials enforcing this law by keeping their children off the streets and out of beer parlors. The beer parlor owners were to enforce this law, starting June 30, 1943 Lee Mulhair resigned as marshal. D. L. Stewart was appointed. |
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In May 1944, the board reorganized. The only change was that McColly was chairman. Budget set at $3,450.00 for the fiscal year 44-45. Many lots in town were still being sold at tax sales. |
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The following is a direct quote from the village minutes: "April 2, 1945 Whereas: From recent events we can an¬ticipate early victory in European War and when realized, to celebrate the day with parades and public demonstra-tions would be in itself inappropriate conduct in that it is only one step toward complete victory. Therefore, it is resolved that the day be commemorated by giving thanks to Al¬mighty God for the boys who made the supreme sacrifice and to our Men and Women in the Armed Services who are so gallantly serving us in this great emergency. Be it therefore resolved that no intoxicating liquor be sold for a period of twenty-four (24) hours following the announcement and that churches, Legion Posts, mayor, counsel men and civic organizations make every effort to keep from staging public demonstrations that in lieu thereof it be made a day of payers and thanksgiving and sober thought” The above resolution was adopted and published in the Lynch Herald. |
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The board of trustees sent a letter of protest to the C&NW Railroad on the proposal of removing the passenger train. Minors were prohibited from entering taverns unless accompanied by parents. Carson and Tomlinson received their bar permit. |
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The 1951-52 fiscal year brought these items of interest. The Consumers Public Power Company was granted a franchise to build and maintain an electric light and power system for the town. Social Security was granted to village employees in May 1952. The village board voted to pay $1,000.00 on a fire truck and set a 2 mill levy to pay for same. Water rates set at 50 cents for each 1,000 gallons above the minimum. |
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In 1953-54 Wayne Christensen was Chairman of the board. The American Legion Auxiliary was paid $40.00 per lot for the ground occupied by the swimming pool on August 4, 1953. An artesian well was dug for water used in the swimming pool, and was to be paid for by donations. |
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The swimming pool was built and donated to the community by Dr. and Mrs. R. E. Kriz. They wanted to give something back to the community and children for all the years they worked and lived here. In July, Greene resigned as marshal. Leo Thomson was his replacement. In February 1955 the board hired Albert McDonald as marshal and street and water commissioner. In September 1955, the alley between the Dr. Ira residence and F. T. Schrunk was closed. Elmer Christensen bought the land and built a new house there. |
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The yearly budget for 1956-57 was $4,600.00. Major improvements were that street oiling began, old con¬crete light posts from the center of the street were sold for $1.25 each; water main was extended to the south city limits, a transfer of title from the Nebraska Department of Roads to the Village of Lynch of all property occupied by Highway 12, including the bridge over the Ponca Creek in east Lynch, to the Ponca bridge west of town. This is the through street now known as Ponca Street. Julia Hasenphlug, Ronald Carson and Joseph Birmeier were all granted Class C liquor licenses. |
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The fiscal year 1958-59 budget was $3,400.00. The items of interest are the Jolly 17 4-H Club donated $35.00 for paint for the swimming pool and painted the park tables and benches for their community work. The town helped finance lights for the ball field north of Whiskey Creek and west of Fourth Street. An agreement was reached for the Rural Fire Truck to be housed in town. |
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The 1959-60 year brought these improvements and chan¬ges. The town board agreed to take over the repair and up¬ keep of the TV Booster; street lights were installed from 3rd and Hoffman Street to the highway; repairs and improve¬ment were made Fire Department House. An ordinance was passed to limit three beer and liquor licenses. |
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In March 1960, flood waters again hit Lynch, doing exten¬sive damage to streets and homes. This was caused by the heavy snow blanket of winter and the sudden rise of temperatures to 60 degrees day and night. Bills for street repairs were well over $2,500.00. |
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The going wage for labor in 1960-61 was $1.00 per hour. Few items of interest other than flood damage repair were listed. Albert McDonald was given a $5.00 bonus for good service of extra duty for the month of November. He resigned in May 1961, and retired after serving 6 years and 3 months. Alfred Ehrhardt was hired to fill the vacancy. |
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In 1962 Wayne Blair started a new laundry business. The 1962-63 budget was $6,975.00. The main event of this year was the meeting where five members were appointed to the Local Housing Planning Board in September, 1963. Kenneth McMeen was the chairman, Glenn Hull, Fred King, Ray Counts, and Leland Moody were members of the board. A special election was held showing 175 votes for and 0 against which gave the board permission to proceed with legal work. A Quit Claim Deed for Lots 1 through 6; Block 10; Original Village of Lynch was issued to the Hous¬ing Authority. The Federal Housing Administration fur¬nished the money for construction of the housing complex. A payment is made every year to HUD and when the loan is paid the facility will be returned to the town. The 10 unit complex is a great improvement to the town. |
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In 1964-65 the budget was set at $6,985.00 and the chair¬ man was Thomas Courtney Jr. The Northwest Bell Telephone Company was granted per¬ mission to install underground cables. They supplied a detailed map of the lines laid. A contract for street oiling was let in June. |
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The year of 1965-66 brought several improvements. Con¬sumers Public Power District (Now NPPD) gave the town an estimate on converting street lights to mercury vapor lights. In Septem¬ber, it was voted to install the new system. That same month, a Grand Island engineering firm was hired to draw up a complete set of plans for a city sewer and disposal system. In November, a special meeting was held to inform the public of the sewer proposal and the possibility of obtaining a federal grant. An application for a grant was filed with the Public Health Service of the U.S.A. under the Water Pollution Control Act. |
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The contract was completed December 7, 1965. In January 1966 a representative from the FHA met with the planning board to furnish information and to answer ques¬tions on loans and grants for community projects. At a spe¬cial meeting, July 12th, plans were accepted on the sewer project and they advertised for bids. Later the board ac¬cepted William Anderson Company's bid and a contract was signed. In April 1967, the total cost of the sewer system was $106,789.89. A federal grant of $11,790.00 cut the cost to the village. Connection fees were set: residential $25.00; school $100.00; housing development $50.00; and hospi¬tal $25.00. These fees were to be double for a late hookup. |
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The fiscal years of 1967-68 budget was $10,525.00. Dr. Whitney was chairman of the board. A bond for $98,000.00 was is¬sued for payment of the sewer system. |
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1968-69 budget was $12,075.00. Ernest Sixta was chairman. K. McMeen, E. Rosicky, and Wm. Halva were reappointed to Boyd County Planning Commission. A 10:00 p.m. curfew was passed for school age children unless they were with parents or at special school events. |
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The 1969-70 fiscal year budget was $12,725.00. The decade of the 1970's brought several major changes in the village. Land was purchased southeast of town for a dumpsite; a 6 year street plan was passed and work to get all home owners to connect to the sewer system continued. Alfred Ehrhardt resigned in 1974 as marshal after serving 13 years and 3 months. His beginning salary was $225.00 per month and at retirement, $575.00. He served the village faithfully and was known to go the extra mile in his work. |
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A resolution passed to submit an application for flood in¬surance so it would be available for people living on the flood plain. In 1976 the board published a new ordinance book as so many ordinances had been outdated and changed by new laws. In December of 1976, a special meeting was held for the proposed construction of an athletic field. The board voted unanimously in favor of the field and would participate financially in the construction in accordance with the ap¬plication to the Nebraska Game and Parks division. Final papers were signed December 6, 1977. |
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Ponca Street was closed 117 1/2 feet east of Sampson Street. The REA purchased the land for a warehouse build¬ing. |
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The Community Hall was accepted March 6, 1978 by the board on its completion with the understanding it would be leased back to a nonprofit organization (Community Club) which would main¬tain the property and pay all utility bills. The hall was financed and built with donations of land, money, and labor. No government funds or tax money was used in its con¬struction. A governing board was set up for the hall main¬tenance. |
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Another landmark of legislation was started on April 4, 1978, when the Lynch Board of Trustees voted to go on the Rural Water District. There were heated discussions as there were people opposed to the action. Representatives of the Rural Water District met with the board to answer questions about the cost, volume of water and easements required. Another special meeting was held where the trus¬tees made a visit to the springs to see if there were any al¬ternatives to acquire more water there. On their return, they voted three ayes, two nays to join the proposed district. Chairman Halstead announced he would call the State Health Direc¬tor to be present at a Community Club meeting on June 26, 1978 to discuss standards of providing the town with pure water. This meeting was open to the public. After this meet¬ing, the trustees met in special session where they passed Resolution 101 to authorize the mayor and clerk to sign F.H.A. loan papers and to connect to Boyd County Rural Water District No. 2. Later, Ordinance 78-4 authorized the issuance of a general obligation water bond for the amount of $130,000.00, prescribing the terms of the bond, and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the principal and interest. |
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January 1979, Carl Weeder, Boyd County Supervisor met with the trustees and presented a proposal to replace the Whiskey Creek bridge on Fourth Street. The Federal Govern¬ment would provide 75%, State 15%, local (county and town) 10% of the approximate cost of $100,000.00. The proposal was accepted. The concrete and steel bridge was completed which was a much needed improvement as many heavy loads are hauled over this bridge. This bridge is still in use today. |
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The budget for the fiscal year 1979-80 was $202,281.00. Trustees were Jack Darnell, Vernon Oleson, and Earl Pritchett, Lester Derickson, and Larry Halstead, chairman. Two items of business completed in the 70's were a warrant for the payment of the contractors for lighting the baseball field was issued to be in force only until money was received from the State Game and Parks Commission of Nebraska. In December the trustees voted to buy the C&NW Rail¬ road land within the village limits for the sum of $11,000.00. The contract was signed in January 1980. |
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The decade of the 1980's trustees' business consisted of matters related to the purchase and sale of lots that were subdivided from land annexed from the railroad property, also zoning or restrictions concerning types of construc¬tion on lots west of 5th, 6th, or 7th Streets. Brockmann & Tarr Inc. applied for a building permit for a warehouse for their electrical business to be located on Fourth Street, east side, between Hoffman and Ponca Streets. Bill Spelts, manager of R.W.D. No. 2, explained the necessity of adequate water pressure in the mains to eliminate water contamination. An officer of the State Health Depart¬ment also met with the board. Specifications were presented for the water line to the hospital. |
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Fiscal year 1980-81 budget was set at $126,797.00. Ordinance No. 80-11 was passed, annexing continuous land and streets known as Chambers First Addition. This annexation to repeal all sections in conflict. Ordinance No. 80-12 provided for Railroad Addition to the Village of Lynch adopted after due process of law. The village was responsible to provide water and sewer lines to railroad property lots, also streets and lighting. |
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The fiscal year 1981-82 budget was $130,996.00. All meetings were conducted according to form as set by law. A special meeting was held to select a qualified elector of the village to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Jack Darnell for the unexpired term ending June 1982. At a later meeting, Ernest Sixta was appointed to fill the vacancy. |
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A Circuit Rider for the Community Development Block Grant was contacted to meet with the board. At a later meet¬ing the resolution authorizing participation in the Circuit Rider management assistant program and authorizing the Mayor to enter a contract with the Region 24 Council of Governments pursuant thereto. |
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The fiscal year 1982-83 saw the budget set at $130,636.00. Electrical power was discontinued to the springs pum¬p house. A resolution to participate in Government Surplus property was carried. Sealed bids for land sale in McGinitie’s Addition were opened; open burning ban was passed; water rates were thought to be inadequate to meet future costs. In January the board voted to proceed with legal work for the removal of two buildings. At the March meeting the Board of Health found buildings on Lot 5, Block 12 and Lot 12 Block 12 to be public nuisances due to the dilapidated condition and notices were sent to owners. In May an or¬dinance passed authorizing issuance of water bonds for construction of a storage tower. A motion to apply for EDA grant for a water system was passed on July 6, 1983 a grant agreement was signed. |
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The 1983-84 budget was $395,445.00. New water rates were set; issuance of $50,000.00 water bonds were passed; a con¬tract with Consolidated Engineers & Architects of Norfolk was authorized. On November 2, 1983, Randy Thomson met with the board and presented a proposition for the Community Club to setup a library project for the town. A motion was made and carried to give the proposed library the use of the Town Hall providing the Fire Department agreed. On December 7, 1983, an ordinance passed, providing for the establishment of a municipal library, establishing a library board, and adopting the manner a library board is chosen; also setting duties of the board. This passed with a unani¬mous vote. The appointed board members were Maureen Tarr, Joyce Hull, Marlene Rosicky for four year terms and Claryce Allen and Randy Thomson for two year terms. |
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Contracts for Water Improvement Project and water lines were awarded to Slowey Construction Company of Yankton, South Dakota, and the contract for a steel bolted reservoir was awarded to Nebraska Harvester Systems. This is the current water tower still in use on the hill west of town. |
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David Kalkowski donated land for a street, called David Street. Otto Ruzicka bequeathed $10,000.00 to the Village of Lynch for the purpose of improving the hospital in Lynch. May 1985 saw the American Legion Auxiliary deeding the city park to the town. |
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In the year 1985-86, the work continued on improvements but no new projects were made. The 1986-87 fiscal year general business was conducted. Dr. Keil was appointed to the Board of Health. The old build¬ings of Jedlicka and Van Meter properties were declared a public health hazard and steps for removal were taken. |
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The 1987-88 budget was $161,450.00. The Booster Club asked if the town would accept the land and insurance if the Club bought the land and constructed a tennis court. The town accepted the proposal. The tennis court is lo-cated on the lots north of the doctor's clinic on Fourth Street and was originally the Jos. Micanek Hardware and Implement Business. It was later expanded and became the I.O.O.F Hall. It was raised in 1978. |
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On November 11, 1987, the Lynch Sewer Bonds were paid in full. Collection of sewer fees now go into the general fund. May 11, 1988, found Vision Electronics Cable TV representative meeting with the board to explain the services of the company. This company was granted a franchise on June 8. Les and Gary Jeffords met with the trustees to discuss their sanitation business, J&J Sanitation, as local dumps were to be closed soon. Trustee Halstead motioned to appoint the Village Clerk to contact U.S. Ecology Inc. so the Village of Lynch could be included in the study of the Low Level Radioactive Waste Compact. Seconded by Derickson. RCV: Ayes: Vernon Oleson, Ernest Darnell, Lester Derickson, Larry Halstead, and Richard Black. Nays: None. |
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On January 1, 1989, Marlene Rosicky and Janis Purviance were elected to Library Board. The trustees acknowledged all the volunteer hours Claryce Allen, Velma McDonald, Randy Thomson, and others have put into the library work. On June 14th Ron Schroetlin presented a letter informing the towns of Lynch, Monowi, and Butte that they had a mutual agreement on the grant money from the LLRW project, with Lynch to receive $35,000.00. In September the board voted to purchase street signs. New ordinances were passed in December to meet require¬ments of new state laws, other general business was con¬ducted. On January 10, 1990, Rick Pritchett met with the Trustees to discuss the procedure for getting a roping arena started. |
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George Courtney was granted the go-ahead to remove the Retzlaff building on Fourth Street and the old hotel build¬ing belonging to Lester Derickson on Ponca Street. The buildings were both brick structures. The hotel building was built in 1907 and the other may have been older. |
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Jackie (Lueken) Cassidy was the first woman trustee to hold office on the Lynch board. A new business owned by Cindy (Tarr) Black opened. She does silk screening and upholstery work in the building vacated by Zach's Variety Store. This business known as Special T’s and More has since grown by leaps and bounds, and is a great success and asset to the Lynch business district. The Community Club bought new welcome signs for the light poles. Brockmann and Tarr are to do the needed electrical work in the Community Hall building making it air conditioned. |
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The 1990-91 fiscal year budget was $225,316.00. In January of 1991, the board discussed getting a flag pole for the Village Library and a report on cost for a new 24 x 40 foot meeting hall building was discussed. Contract was renewed with Arens Sanitation to collect the trash and garbage and contact was made with Lawrence Lueken about building a podium for the com-munity hall in memory of Alfred Ehrhardt. The adopted the 1991/1992 fiscal budget was a total amount of $209,420.00. Items discussed in November and December included a medical waste incinerator, any remaining households within the village not yet connected to the sewer system, possible interest was shown in forming a planning committee, and obtaining insurance coverage for the 1992 Centennial events. The February 1992 guests to the meeting were Allen Holz, Karen Giles, Tami Heiser and Shari Shaw of the Lynch Centennial committee. Discussion was had on having the centennial dance at the baseball field. The centennial committee had plans of obtaining a catering license for “carry in” liquor with none to be sold. The motion to allow the dance at the baseball field passed. Village Clerk, Cathy Wade also handed in her resignation. In the March 1992 meeting discussion was held with Clerk Wade on working for $200.00 a month. A motion was made and passed to hire Cathy Wade as Clerk for $200.00 per month. In April of 1992 it was moved that the village landfill be officially closed to everything. Arens Sanitation had been doing weekly trash routes and the landfill was no longer needed. In June of 1992 ordinance 92-10 was passed which closed Schley Street running north and south through blocks 8 and 9 of McGinitie’s addition. In July of 1992 a new liquor license was granted to Barb Johnson, new owner of the Sundowner. |
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In July of 1993 Boyd County supervisors Leslie Purviance and Todd Nelson were present discussing with the village board about options for a new bridge on Ponca Street by the swimming pool. In August of 1993, visitors to the meeting Jerry Denney and Mike Pellet asked the board for support of a casino for the Santee Tribe and what effects a casino would have for communities. In October of 1993, discussion was held on the purchase of a different police car, as all squad cars must be air bag equipped by 1994. |
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In November of 1994, it was moved by to close 3rd street south of Ponca Street, section 14, block 14, lots 9-12 and block 15 lots 9-12. Discussion was also held by the board about 4 door pickups blocking the view down the street. As we sit in 2017, 4 door pickups have now become the norm. In December of 1993, it was found that the village was still having problems with people from the country placing trash in cans at Lynch resident places. Police Chief, Albert Lee said fine for perpetrators could be up to $100.00. In February 1994, Rev. Patricia Knauss and Tami Eilers were present discussing the needs of a Youth Center. It was moved by the Village board in the June 1994, meeting to declare June 21, 1994, as “Russell Sutliff Day”. This notion of Russell Sutliff Day was discussed by Duke Testerman at the previous meeting. Russell, was a long time employee at the Hospital, which Mr. Testerman was the administrator of. In August of 1994 the board purchased a 1990 Ford Crown Victoria police car for $4,440.00. |
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In June of 1995, discussion was held on the cleanup after the flooding of the Ponca Creek, including fixing roads, sewer lines, repairing the pool and removing trees lodged by bridges. The estimated amount of damages to all property, both public and private was $80,433.80. The Village of Lynch applied for funds after declaring a state of emergency. In October of 1995 the village board voted to buy 2000 replacement sand bags that were borrowed from the village of Verdigre and used around the hospital in the flood of 1993. |
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The 1995/1996 budget was set at $233,453.86. June Courtney was granted a liquor license for the “Courtney Lounge” in November of 1996. In the December 1996 meeting, Allen Holz became a new board member, replacing Lester Derickson. In October of 1997 discussion was held on the fire department’s new addition to the fire hall. Also in October of 1997 an easement was given by signing of a 100 year lease on 14 feet of the west edge of 6th Street for an addition to the Cecil and Pat Scott home. |
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In February of 1998, it was moved by the board to allow the Boyd County Legion baseball team to use the Lynch Baseball Field as its home field with Neil Classen being the ball field coordinator. In May of 1998, Rural Fire Board members Todd Nelson, Leonard Havranek, and Carl Weeder discussed reasons to combine the village fire department with the rural fire department. The village agreed to combine the Village/Rural fire department. |
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In May of 1999, the Village board accepted a letter of resignation from Jack Wickersham, utilities superintendent after 15 years of service. They then held a discussion on the salary for the Utilities Superintendent, followed by interviews for the job with Richard Black and Frank Thomson Jr. After voting by secret ballot it was moved to hire Richard Black as the Utilities Superintendent. On June 2, 1999, town board member Richard Black resigned his seat on the town board in order to become Utilities Superintendent. In August of 1999 Jeff Hart took the oath of office as a new trustee for the Village of Lynch, replacing Richard Black. The board also accepted a bid of $8,123.68 by Lawrence Lueken to place a new pitched roof on the Village Fire Hall. |
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The 1999/2000 village budget was set at $270,065.00. In October of 1999, a liquor license was issued to Linda Strom, doing business as the D&L Corral. Also, in October, it was moved to accept resignation of Jackie Cassidy with regret. Jackie was thanked for her years of service. In November of 1999, discussion was held on paving the railroad addition street. Later Railroad Street was paved. This same month it was moved to appoint Gay Hull as a trustee on the village board, replacing Jackie Cassidy. In January of 2000 a petition was presented to the Village board with the undersigned registered voters in Lynch requesting that the Village Board discontinue the position of police officer in Lynch. They requested that the money saved be used to do one of three things: 1. Lower Taxes, 2. Hire a part time economic development officer to bring new business to Lynch. 3. To maintain or keep hospital open. Public comment from several concerned citizens regarding the Chief of Police was also heard. The board also read a letter from the State Liquor Commission on denying permit to Dan and Linda Strom. In April 2000 the village approved a liquor license for Waylon Strom. |
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The 2000/2001 village budget was set at $285,448.00. The December, 2001 meeting found two new trustees on the village board. They were Robert Dahlberg and Deborah Rossmeier. They replaced Ernest Darnell Jr. and Allen Holz. In April of 2001, discussion was held with the fire department on the needed equipment when the 911 system is being put into effect, including radios and pagers. |
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The 2001/2002 budget was set at $294,476.00. In September of 2001 a liquor license was granted to Tom Bessert doing business as “BTR Quick Stop”. In October of 2001 a liquor license was approved for Kory Kalkowski, doing business as “Double K Bar”. In February of 2002 the board granted a liquor license to Evie Barta, doing business as “BTR Quick Stop”. |
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The 2002/2003 budget was set at $335,600.00 In the November 2002 meeting, mountain lion sightings near or in the village was discussed. Chief of Police, Albert Lee reported that the Nebraska Game and Parks gave him authorization to shoot a mountain lion if he was to see one. In April of 2003 a liquor license was granted to Eileen Pickering, doing business as BTR Qwik Stop. |
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The 2003/20014 budget was set at $335,600.00 In March of 2004, it was moved to purchase a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria police car from the State of Nebraska for $2,700.00. In July of 2004 a letter of resignation was read by trustee Robert M. Dahlberg. He would be moving out of Lynch, and ceasing his position on the board August 1st. In September of 2004 the village board moved to go into executive session to discuss the applications from Kristy Cassidy and LeRoy Purviance in filling the vacated trustee position. It was moved by majority vote of secret ballot to appoint Kristy Cassidy to fulfill the vacated term of Robert M. Dahlberg. |
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The 2004/2005 budget was set at $352,256.00. In May of 2005, the board was notified that the cable TV company which has operations in Lynch will be ceasing to offer the service in Lynch. In September of 2005 the village purchased a 1999 Chevy pickup for the village utilities department from the Nebraska Surplus for $7,385.00. The 1984 Ford pickup with 84,000 miles previously used was to be put up for bids. |
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The 2005/2006 budget was set at $306,806.00. In September of 2005, Police Chief Albert Lee read a letter of resignation to the Village Board, effective November 1, 2005. Chief Lee had served the village for 21 years. The police number for the village would be transferred to 911, and a committee was formed to discuss police coverage in the village. In November, discussions were held with David Derickson, Boyd County Sheriff, on a contract with the county for police patrol services. In January of 2006 Boyd County Sheriff, David Derickson was at the meeting discussing his plan for an inter-local agreement between Boyd County and the Village of Lynch for police coverage. The proposal was for 15 hours a week of coverage for $1,000.00 dollars a month. Chairman Halstead moved to approve the proposal with the motion. This motion died due to a lack of a second. The following month in February, the above motion for police coverage was passed, signing ordinance 2006-1, authorizing the Boyd County Police Department to patrol the village of Lynch. In September of 2006 the board voted to vacate 8th Street running north and south through blocks 4 and 6 of the railroad addition. The 2006/2007 budget was set at $311,882.00. |
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In November of 2006 it was moved to accept the bid of $25.00 from Larry Halstead for the old cable company lot and property including dishes, fence, tower, and building. In January of 2007 the board read and accepted a letter of resignation from Kristi Cassidy on her position as a trustee on the village board. In February of 2007 it was moved to appoint Steven McBride as new trustee on the village board, filing the position vacated by Kristi Cassidy. |
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The 2007/2008 budget was set at $578,645.00. In October of 2007, discussion was held on contract with the Boyd County Police Department and its duties in the Village of Lynch. In January of 2008 resolution 2008-1 was passed concerning the village sewage system, primarily the lift station on the south edge of town by the House of Renewal. The resolution granted chairman Halstead to authorize all documents necessary to facilitate a loan between the Nebraska DEQ and the village of Lynch for the new sewage lift station improvements. Discussion was once again held on the duties of the County Sheriff departments obligations to the Village of Lynch. In February of 2008, it was moved to discontinue the inter-local agreement between the Boyd County Sheriff Department and the Village of Lynch. In May of 2008 the estimate of $140,000.00 was approved for construction of the new sewage lift station in south Lynch. In September of 2008, a bid was accepted from Rutjens Construction for the lift station in south Lynch, with the final bid being $179,289.00. |
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The 2008/2009 budget was set at $578,645.00. In December of 2008, new member appearing on the village board was Kenneth Crooks, replacing the seat previously held by Gay Hull. In February of 2008 a bill was paid to Rutjens Construction of $40,150.00 for repairs resulting from the June 2008 flood. In June of 2009, Brent Pritchett became the new fire chief, replacing the position previously held by Larry Eilers. |
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The 2009/2010 budget was set at $353,275.00. In March of 2010 the motion was made and passed to sell the west half of the alley east of and adjacent to lot 12, block 26, of Annie’s Addition in the Village of Lynch to Steve and LeAnn Crawford for $1.00 with a perpetual easement for public utilities. |
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The 2010/2011 budget was set at $358,565.00. In November of 2010, a new liquor license was approved for Laree A. Pritchett doing business as Eagle Lanes. This was the first liquor license ever issued in the bowling alley. Steve Crawford appeared as a new board member in December of 2010, replacing Steven J. McBride. In February of 2011, the board agreed to lease a tractor from Mark’s Machinery for $3.00 per hour up to 250 hours. This was a special lease program put on by Case IH for civic municipalities. In April of 2011, discussion was held with the health board concerning the condemnation of the “Lueken Grocery” building owned by Clyde Carpenter. In May of 2011, it was moved to purchase a building for the town tractor from Fox Auto Inc. for $3,668.92. The building was to be placed next to the village fire hall, on property owned by Strom Construction, after an easement from Strom’s was obtained. In July of 2011 Kevin Thomson was present at the meeting. He discussed purchasing the property known as “Luekens Grocery” from Clyde Carpenter. The town would not need to take bids for the demolition of the condemned building, as Mr. Thomson would be taking care of it. My. Thomson was able to salvage the store front portion of the building and has improved the looks of the building with new siding. |
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The 2011/2012 budget was set at $393,744.45. In February of 2012 a low bid of $42,522.00 from Christensen Construction was accepted for a generator. This generator was to be placed in south Lynch for the sewage lift station, so the sewage system would properly work in the case of a power outage. The acceptance of the bid was contingent on a 10 year term note approval from the Nebraska DEQ, which was later approved. In February of 2011 a liquor license was granted to Amy Heiser, doing business as the Sundowner Bar. In May of 2012, motion was passed to purchase a 2012 Case IH tractor and loader from Mark’s Machinery of Wagner, South Dakota for $41,500.00 In July of 2012 the Village of Lynch municipal code 10-117 was amended by ordinance number 2012-2 to allow the hours of sale for alcohol in the village establishments to be extended to 2:00 A.M. from the previous time of 1:00 A.M. |
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The 2012/2013 budget was set at $393,744.45. New board member at the December 2012 meeting was Michael Heiser who replaced Larry Halstead. Larry Halstead was presented a plaque from the village board for all his years of service. At this time, Kenneth Crooks was appointed chairman of the board. During the discussion of the 1-6 year street plan in the February 2013 meeting, it was approved that David Street will be paved in the upcoming summer. In April of 2013, discussion was held on replacing the fire siren in Lynch, as the previous siren had served its useful life. In May of 2013 a used 1998 fire siren was purchased from the Butte Fire Department for $2,000.00. In the June meeting, it was moved to purchase the Paul Nyquist property to be used as the new village hall. The village had previously shared space in the Lynch Public Library, and would now have its own space, which allowed the Public Library to expand as well. |
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New Lynch town hall that was the former Paul Nyquist home. Materials for the sign in front were donated by Don Hoffman, with the work being completed by Dana Dea’s Industrial Tech class at LHS. |
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The 2013/2014 budget was set at $402,792.00. In March of 2014, more discussion was held on the remodeling of the new town hall. All plumbing and wiring was being replaced, and the floor plan was to be rearranged. Other items of discussion at this meeting was the construction of two new welcome signs on the east and west entrances to Lynch along Highway 12. In May of 2014 a liquor license was granted to Carla A. Wilson, doing business as the Sundowner Bar and Grill. |
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The 2014/2015 budget was set at $451,320.00. In the December, 2014 meeting, discussion was held on the upcoming Cattlemen’s Ball that was to be held south of Lynch. The board agreed to write letters to individuals in town who needed to clean up lots, and also to place notices in the paper about cleaning up for the Cattlemen’s Ball. In February of 2015, it was moved to grant a liquor license to B-RAD LLC, doing business as Bubba’s 4th Street Tavern. In August of 2015 the east “Welcome to Lynch” sign was being constructed with funds from the Irene Stenger Fund. The west sign had already been completed. Both signs were built out of brick, with Bill Muller doing the masonry work. Both signs are complete with lights that illuminate them at night. In September of 2015, the very first meeting was held in the newly remodeled town hall. |
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The 2015/2016 budget was set at $429,580.00. In January of 2016, the board approved a liquor license for Patricia Ann and James Joseph Schmitz doing business as Between 2 Rivers Quick Stop. In March of 2016, Joe Micanek and Ann Holz were at the board meeting discussing plans for the upcoming quasquicentennial celebration that is to be held in June of 2017. Brad Jerman discussed with the board plans and permits that he needed for a street dance fundraiser for the Q125 that was to be held in August of 2016. In May of 2016 Kathryn Purviance was present at the board meeting discussing cleaning up the “Bee House” property next to the RV Park. The board agreed that the Village of Lynch would accept the property once it was cleaned up. Funds to demolish and clean up the property were to be obtained from the Irene Stenger Fund. In August, discussion was held on the upcoming vacancy of the Utilities Superintendent, Richard Black who is slated to retire in April of 2017. |
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The 2016/2017 budget was set at $2,033,905.00. This is a substantial increase compared to previous years, because of the anticipated sewer lagoon improvements that are being proposed in order to comply with the Nebraska DEQ requirements, along with the need to rebuild the Ponca Creek sewage lift station by the swimming pool and the Whiskey Creek lift station by the Whiskey Creek Bridge in north Lynch. The amount of $1,612,080.00 has been budgeted to cover this possible expense. In November of 2016, the Village Treasurer, David Kalkowski reported that the water bond is paid off. This bond for $130,000.00 was signed by Chairman Larry Halstead; Clerk Leland Moody; and Village Treasurer David Kalkowski with the lending agency being the Farmers Home Administration. Annual payments of $7,707.00 over the life of this bond were supported by a Water Bond tax levy with occasional supplement by Village Funds. The final payment amount of $4,979.48 was processed on November 3, 2016 and the Village of Lynch received back the paid off bond on November 4, 2016. This payoff was accomplished well ahead of the final payoff date of August 1, 2018 that had been set by provisions of the bond. This water bond only funded connection to the rural water district. Other projects such as the new Ponca Creek crossing west of town; looping at various points around town; and the blue water tower were funded by other bonded debt and/or grant funds throughout the years. |
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In December of 2017 applications for the Utility Superintendent were reviewed. The hiring of a new Utility Superintendent was tabled to the January, 2017 meeting. In January of 2017, the board agreed to hire Frank Thomson Jr. as the new Village Utility Superintendent. Frank will be taking the position from Richard Black in January, and Rick will be on part time, helping Frank train for the job. Joe Micanek and Ann Holz were once again present at the meeting to discuss plans for the upcoming Q125 celebration in June. Discussions were held on obtaining insurance for the celebration and other aspects of the event. Joe Micanek also discussed with the board sponsorship pages in the Q125 book that is being printed in the spring of 2017. The trustees voted to sponsor 20 pages in the book at $50.00 per page. Much anticipation has been displayed by board members and members of the community for the upcoming celebration of Lynch’s 125th anniversary. Current members on the town board in January of 2017 are Kenneth Crooks - Chairman, and members: Steve Crawford, Deb Rossmeier, Jeff Hart, and Michael Heiser.<ref>Lynch Q125 Book 1892-2017</ref> |
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Thirty of the one hundred homes in Lynch were destroyed by [[2019 Midwestern U.S. floods|flooding]] in 2019.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/09/11/us/midwest-flooding.html|title=The Great Flood of 2019: A Complete Picture of a Slow-Motion Disaster|last=Almukhtar|first=Sarah|last2=Migliozzi|first2=Blacki|date=September 11, 2019|website=[[New York Times]]|access-date=2019-09-15|last3=Schwartz|first3=John|last4=Williams|first4=Josh}}</ref> |
Thirty of the one hundred homes in Lynch were destroyed by [[2019 Midwestern U.S. floods|flooding]] in 2019.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/09/11/us/midwest-flooding.html|title=The Great Flood of 2019: A Complete Picture of a Slow-Motion Disaster|last=Almukhtar|first=Sarah|last2=Migliozzi|first2=Blacki|date=September 11, 2019|website=[[New York Times]]|access-date=2019-09-15|last3=Schwartz|first3=John|last4=Williams|first4=Josh}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 14:19, 8 June 2020
Lynch, Nebraska | |
|---|---|
 Downtown Lynch: 4th Street | |
 Location of Lynch, Nebraska | |
| Coordinates: 42°49′47″N 98°27′56″W / 42.82972°N 98.46556°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Boyd |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.53 sq mi (1.38 km2) |
| • Land | 0.53 sq mi (1.38 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,401 ft (427 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 245 |
• Estimate (2017)[3] | 230 |
| • Density | 430.71/sq mi (166.34/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code | 68746 |
| Area code | 402 |
| FIPS code | 31-29750[4] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0830974[5] |
Lynch is a village in Boyd County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 245 at the 2010 census, down from 269 in 2000. Lynch is located in northern Nebraska, between the Missouri and Niobrara rivers.
History
Lynch was incorporated as a village in 1892.[6] It was named for John Lynch, a pioneer settler.[6][7]The basis of this narrative is notes taken from the minutes of the Lynch Village Board. Other items of interest have been passed down by the people who lived through the years, these events have also been included. Adding the dates of events makes this historically as correct as possible, giving it credibility for research. On February 14, 1890, John Lynch staked out his claim on Indian Land that had just been opened for settlement. He later became the first postmaster, with the post office being located in his dugout on the bank of Whiskey Creek somewhere behind the present day home of Luceil Conklin at Fifth and Adams Street. Many settlers arrived in 1891 to take up claims in the area. There were businesses established and trade earned on. This will be dealt with in another part of the book. On March 29, 1892, the first meeting of the citizens was held primarily to procure land from John Lynch for the or¬ganized town site. Through due process of law, this was culminated on January 12, 1893 and the settlement be¬came an incorporated town. John Lynch was allowed to keep Lot 4 where his home was located and 20 acres of land valued at $1.50 per acre to be deeded back to him. When the village was surveyed and streets platted, Mr. Lynch would not allow Fourth Street to be on the section line as he did not want the road going north of town to be so close to his home. So we find Fourth Street to be 1/2 block east of the section line which was the usual roadway property. In the March 29, 1892, meeting, the first village board was elected. Neal Walters, Chairman; J.C. Hoffman, Clerk; Wil¬liam Haigh, Joseph Pravecek, Trustees; and Frank J. Mulhair, Treasurer. The business conducted at this meeting stated: Officers were to be elected semiannually. Lots were to be obtained by a $2.50 filing fee, $2.00 to remain in the village treasury and 50 cents payment to the clerk to hand¬le the transaction. This fee was good for 30 days, at which time there was to be $50.00 worth of improvements made or the fee would be cancelled. January 11, 1893, finds some newly elected persons to the village board. K.J. Caldwell, John Korab and Charles S. Anderson. Part of the first board remained in office and Frank Mulhair was still treasurer. Patrick Hanlon was appointed as the first village marshal. Law and order then began on this frontier. These men drafted the first ordinances, to wit: Ordinance No. 1 regulating the sale of Malt Spirituous and Vinous li¬quors; Ordinance No.2 defines nuisances and abatement; Ordinance No.3 prohibited the running of livestock on the streets. These were published in the Lynch Blade, the first known newspaper.
The first liquor licenses were granted to the Sedivy Brothers, Frank and Joseph and to J. I. Shurts to operate saloons. At the March 4th meeting, Lots 6, 7, 8, and 9; Block 6 were reserved for the school site. The Clerk was instructed to turn over these lots and $1,000 to District 36 for a public school. The first school was a frame building built on the given lots. The Methodist Church had filed on two lots but was granted a 30 day extension. These lots are at the corner of 3rd and Adams where the present Methodist Church stands. Men were sent to O'Neill to the land office to complete the land transaction. The bills listed for this were $62.10 to U.S. Land Office and $19.75 expenses for men and team for the trip. Returned to the village treasurer was $7.15 for men and $5.00 for the team. On May 10, 1893, it became necessary to have sidewalks on Fourth Street. Said sidewalks were to be bade of two inch planks and be not less than eight feet wide in front of the lots. The street com¬ missioner is instructed to build sidewalks and charge same to owner of lots. Due to the flooding on Ponca Creek, John McGinitie was paid $8.00 for tending a ferry. Minutes did not state how long the ferry was operational. On June 3, 1893, the chairman was instructed to issue a deed to the Trustees of the Methodist Church Association for Lots 1 and 2, Block 6 in the Village of Lynch upon pay¬ment of $2.00 each to the Chairman. Evidently, the town clerk waived his fees of 50 cents per lot. Other people receiving their deeds at this on the June 12, 1893, meeting were John Lynch, Lot 4 and 20 acres of land; John Murray; Joseph Sedivy; William Cooper; and George W. Bell. Later Anderson, Hoffman, Pravecek, Shurts, and Caldwell received their deeds. June 26, the Sedivy Brothers renewed their liquor license for Block 5; Lots 4 and 5; at the cost of $166.67 for the year. This was the last date of their renewal. Sometime during this year the following event took place: It was reported by George E. McGinitie in his book "The Not So Gay Nineties" page 196 copyright 1972 in which he told of the destruc¬tion of the saloon and running the owners out of town: He did not name the Sedivys, except by calling them the Bohemian Brothers. They did not open their saloon again but moved the building out of town to the Frank Sedivy farm, now owned by Steve Lechtenberg. It was made into a home for Sedivys' mother. Edward Zach said he had always wondered why their granary had a chimney when he was growing up there as a kid. The building is still standing. This story was pieced together from various sources of information. In June, a town pump was installed at the crossing of Fourth and Hoffman near where the Nebraska State Bank is lo¬cated. Dan Melsha was appointed to town marshal. The minutes read "He shall receive no pay except such fines as he may collect as an officer." The town bought a pair of handcuffs for the marshal’s use. At this time, holders of lots were given 20 days to install sidewalks where ordained by the village. The first druggist's permit was issued to Shurts and Brevoort when their bond was approved according to law. On April 4, H.G. Kemp filed for a druggist permit also. The working of the permits "Provided for the sale of medicinal liquors and medicinal chemicals for medicinal purposes."
In 1896, the board members were C. C. Irwin, Chairman; Josiah Combs, Clerk; G. W. Bell, Treasurer; and C. S. Anderson. Neal Walters was village marshal and Ed Ross recorded the board minutes from January 1894 to March 1897. Mr. John Sedlacek bought Lot 24, Block 11 for $60.00 on March 6, 1897. He was to erect a building 25 feet by 60 feet by May 1. The building materials were freighted from Fort Randall, South Dakota, where the U. S. Army Post was decommissioned. In April 1897, John Sedlacek was granted a saloon permit for $600.00, payable quarterly in advance. This location has always been a bar except during prohibition when it was used as a pop factory. It is located at Fourth and Hoffman Streets and is currently the home of the Double K Bar owned by Kory Kalkowski. During 1897, the work of making board sidewalks con¬tinued and the town pump wore out and was replaced by a new one costing $13.00. A well platform was built by C.C. Irwin. There were no recorded minutes from April 22, 1897 to May 5, 1899. Some of the record pages were missing and several were left unused. May 5, 1897 minutes recorded C. D. Slattery was ap¬pointed village marshal for a salary of $6.00 per month. The street commissioner was paid $24.00 per annum, clerk $25.00 a year and treasurer $10.00 a year. In the year of 2016, the Street Commissioner is paid $2050.00 per month, plus benefits. The clerk and treasurer are both paid $3000.00 per year or $250.00 a month.
January 1, 1900, the town clerk was ordered to have the Government Patent for the land transaction recorded in the county seat at Butte. Neal Walters received $1.20 on April 23 for this transaction. A new board was organized on April 4, 1900, and Neal Wal¬ters was Chairman; A. C. McFarland, Clerk; C. E. Saunders, Treasurer; trustees were not listed. Oliver Prossner was marshal at a salary of $20.00 per month and as street commissioner he was to receive $2.00 per day only for days of service. An occupation tax had been levied on all able bodied male citizens. Dr. C. E. Walden, as dentist, was granted a license as den¬tal surgeon. It is said he filled a tooth for 50 cents. No pain killing drugs were used at this time. Other names of busi¬ness people were S. W. Lightner, lumberyard; Mullen and Sylvester, blacksmiths; C. E. Saunders, hardware; and at¬torney N. D. Burch. In February 1900, Dr. G. B. Ira was ap¬pointed Village Physician. Dr. Newel was appointed to the board of health. In December 1900, the Village Marshal's bill for $20.00 was cut to $10.80 and he was suspended. E. G. Miller was appointed for one year, salary $15.00 a month. The Mar¬shal was instructed to notify saloons to obey ordinances regarding night and Sunday closings. On February 12, 1900, a case of smallpox was reported. In April, two warrants were paid for the care of smallpox cases to Drs. Ira and Newel. On May 1, 1901, there were two saloon permits issued to Sedlacek and Drobny and the Pearsall permit was rejected. The cost of permits were $750 a year. On August 6, 1901, an ordinance passed to annex Mary's Ad¬dition, Annie's Addition, and West Addition to the village and extending the corporate limits to include these addi¬tions. On October 28, 1901, it was passed by the board to construct a "pest house" on the Boon Chambers land north of town. A building 16 x 20 feet with three rooms to be equipped with needed furniture. The cost of this totaled $169.46. A registered nurse was hired to care for the smallpox patients. An ordinance was passed to prevent the introduction and spreading of contagious and infectious diseases and providing punishment of violations.
A dog tax was established by ordinance and a curfew law providing for the exclusion of children from the streets and places of public resort during certain hours. This provided for penalties and enforcement of same. Another ordinance covered the closing time for saloons, billiard halls, bowling alleys, and shooting galleries and provided penalties for violations. An interesting item: all able bodied males who had not paid their occupation tax would be required to work it out on the streets. Following this, the village board passed an ordinance to tax property in Lynch. Expenditures for the fiscal year May 1, 1901, to May 1, 1902, were $1,495.00. The entire revenue for the same period was occupational tax of $344.31 and fines of $29.00 with a total of $373.31. Times were hard. On May 16, 1902, resident freeholders petitioned that por¬tions of all streets and alleys within the proposed right-of¬-way of the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad Company within the village of Lynch be vacated. After due process of law the railroad company paid expenses of $18.00 and right-of-way was granted. Another addition of land called McGinitie’s Addition was passed on July 10, 1902. More land for homes was needed as the area was prospering with the coming of the railroad. Following this, the freeholders held a special election for the purpose of voting bonds for the erection of waterworks and purchase of fire equipment. These bonds were to be in the amount of $6,000 at 6 percent interest and to run for 20 years. So August 13, 1902 was a milestone date with the election, and on September 9, 1902 the bonds were made into law. The former pest house was no longer needed so the board turned this structure over the Fire Department and paid them $10.00 to move it into town for the first fire hall. B. L. Chambers and son, Boon, were hired to do more surveying and were paid a total of $11.52 for their work. Sidewalks were still an issue and enforcement was con¬tinued for the construction of board walks of two-inch planks. This continued several months. 1903 names found were Nureburger and Pearsall, liquor licenses; Guenburg and Sedlacek, saloon keepers; Figgis, druggist permit; C.F. Roe, E.G. Miller, Dr. G.B. Ira, Tomek and Pravecek were town board members. Taxation was now based on 10 mills on the dollar. Other items: more sidewalk construction, street work, curfew bell to ring at 7:30 p.m, and night watchman $35.00 a month for working from 7:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
After due process, $8,000 in bonds at 6% interest were voted to construct a water system, wells to be dug and mains developed. Also, fire extinguishing apparatus was to be updated. Newspapers carrying the legal notices were Lynch Journal and Lynch Sun. Two men were sent to Plain¬view to review the water system in preparation for the work to be done in Lynch. Without a doubt, there was trouble with saloon keepers as there was a case in District Court against them. The saloons were closed for 25 days while proceedings were under way. There was not enough evidence presented to close the saloons but there were new rules and regulations imposed by the local law. Some regulations were for all screens, blinds, and obstructions to the windows be removed before the saloons could be opened for business. Warnings were extended to the three establishments not permitting chairs and tables to remain in the saloons for the ensuing year. This information reinforces the information given by Madlen Peklo when she and Velma McDonald were talking of the early days. Mrs. Peklo’s Story goes as so…“The local lawman was sure drinking and gambling was going on after the hours (all blinds were down) when the saloons were to be closed. Doors were locked and anyone wishing to enter had to identify themselves. By the time the proprietor would open the door all signs of drinking after closing time was not in evidence. On one occasion the mar¬shal told Emil Peklo to knock on the door and when he iden¬tified himself the door would be opened and the culprits would be caught in the act. Mr. Peklo knocked and was questioned by "Who is there?" Mr. Peklo answered "Peklo and the law!" Needless to say, the door did not open and the marshal was unhappy with Mr. Peklo who told him "I'm not about to turn in my next door neighbor and friend." Emil Peklo was the father of Madlen who retold the story of her fathers. The Peklo family operated the butcher shop next door to the saloon in the story. The Saloon building is the current home to the Double K Bar and Peklo’s butcher shop is the building currently owned by Ron McGuire for his feed business. Electric street lights were furnished to the town in August 1904 by the Lynch Milling and Power Company. The power was generated by the artesian well flow and mill dam and a 25 HP motor. The town was to bear the cost of putting the lights in readiness and were to pay $1.00 per bulb per month. There were twelve 32 candlepower bulbs strung on wires across the streets. On November 10, 1904, a bill was allowed payable to the Lynch Milling and Power Company for the sum of $60.00 for street light fixtures. December 1904 the town needed a larger water supply. A contract was let to have a well dug on the Anderson lot near what is now the fire hall. This well was to provide un¬limited supply of soft water and not to exceed $1,000 in cost. A motion was made March 20, 1905 to buy a pump for the town well, 250 feet of pipe, and a brass cylinder. The April, 16th meeting showed the total cost of well, labor, parts, and pipe was $1,189.49. Anderson was paid $2.50 for his lot 6, Block 18. The next need, now that water was available, was a reservoir, pumping station, water mains to be laid out and dug for a full water system. This was to be completed by July 8th 1904. The offices of pumping station attendant, village marshal, and street commissioner were made into one job that paid $60.00 a month. A public watering trough was to be placed between Third and Fourth Streets. Plank sidewalks were still being made. City water was sold at 5 cents a barrel and no more than 20 cents for six barrels. In September 1905, B.B. Gross petitioned for a telephone permit. It was granted subject to ordinance regulations. This was for the line between Lynch and Gross, Nebraska. Twenty cents an hour was the going wage for laborers in 1906. Other notes of interest for this year are: Ordinances were put in place for protecting trees in the village; preventing cruelty to animals and punishment for violations. The door be¬tween the Midway Bar and pool hall shall be permanently closed; $10.00 per year for school house water; John Klemingn was granted license to run a Pony Express and delivery wagon at the rate of $3.00 per year. This provided the dray service from the depot to business places. Fifth Street was opened early in 1907. The Ponca Creek Bridge on Hoffman Street was to have three inch planks on the east approach; two street lights were discontinued. The city issued $2,200.00 more in bonds to continue work on the water system. In July contracts were let for a 10 inch well at the cost of $765.00 and $1,019.50 to be spent on pump, fittings, and connection to mains. New concrete sidewalks ordinance was passed in Oc¬tober 1907. The town continued making concrete street crossings and extensive work on the water system con¬tinued along with installations of fire hydrants. Burkholder’s West Addition to Lynch was completed in October 1908. Street lights were installed by the Pres¬byterian Church (current home of the Wesleyan Church) and at the school on Hoffman Street. In 1910, a street light was placed north of the Whiskey Creek on Fourth Street. Work continued on concrete sidewalks, and board walks were condemned. If lot owners did not put in walks, the work was done and charged to property owners. J. D. Lee was to have legal notices printed to notify lot holders of board action. New names appearing on the village board: L. Wilna, V.F. Jed¬licka, Walt Fullis, Dan Melsha, and J. R. (Bob) Carter. Wilna was chairman and H.E. McGinitie clerk in 1911 and 1912. Water has been an ongoing problem so the committee was to find a suitable tract for a pump station. They decided on Roe's property south of the railroad. A test well was dug but no more information was listed. March 4, 1913 C.F. Roe was to contact C. H. Stewart in regard to the use of the springs west of town on the Stewart property for a water supply. On June 13, 1913, an agree¬ment was reached with C. H. Stewart to buy 2.80 acres of land to be paid for in two installments. The payment of $280.00 at the time the deed was drawn and $280.00 at the time a clear deed was issued and a lease for a right-of-way across Stewart land for the water line. Ed Ross was hired as the village attorney. Sid Woolf fur¬nished street lights for many years. In 1914, a motion was made to submit to the voters at the regular annual election April 7, 1914, a proposal to let bonds for the sum of $6,000.00 for the purpose of extending the water system. Two other items of interest was the streets were to be graded and a fording spot for wagon crossing be fixed across the creek on Ponca Street. On February 26, 1915, a motion was made to proceed at once on the purchase of land from Stewart, also to hire a sur¬veyor to lay out the best feasible route of water mains on a grade line from the springs to the pump station. The board agreed to purchase the land from C.H. Stewart for $500.00 and lease right-of-way to and from the springs for 99 years. It is not known why there was a change of price from the first agreement. On June 5, 1915, bids on the water main and extensions, fire hydrants, etc. were taken. A commit¬tee was to draw up plans for the reservoir, dams, and pum¬p house. Crane and Company got the bid for $912.14. A new foot bridge on the west side of Fourth Street across Whiskey Creek was built for $75.00. This lasted from June 6, 1916, to May 1932, when the big flood washed it out. It was never replaced. Work on the Ponca Creek Bridge to raise the level of the bridge was completed.
The railroad purchased water from the town for 15 cents for 1,000 gallons. Water overflow from the west reservoir was sold for five cents per 1,000 gallons. The town lease from Hanse Nelson water rights was $12.00 per year.
March 29, 1917, the proposition for locating a new bridge on Ponca Creek was placed on the ballot. The locations were (1) Hoffman Street; (2) Ponca Street; or (3) the section line. The first street signs were made July 7, 1917. They were four barrels placed at intersections of Fourth & Hoffman; Fifth & Ponca; Fifth & Hoffman; Fourth & Ponca. Barrels were painted white and lettered in black to read "Keep to the Right." In February 1918 there was a petition for the municipal ownership of electric lights. The village clerk was to find out if they could lawfully issue $8,000.00 in bonds. The report on the above issue was that the village could issue bonds for an Electric Light Plant to the sum of $2,800.00, that being 10% of the assessed valuation of all property in the village. Election results of the Light Bond Proposition were 62 votes for and 10 against and 10 electors not voting. Total votes cast 82. Proposition carried. On June 6, 1918, Mr. Dawson was offered $3,000.00 for his light plant. Light Bonds were printed and notice sent to the State Treasurer that the bonds were for sale at 5 1/2% interest. On August 1 the transaction was completed. The Village bought the Dawson plant for $3,000.00, last half of the amount to be paid after bonds were sold. In Septem¬ber, a new 25 HP type Y electric light engine was bought for $1,783.00. A new belt running from the engine to the generator cost $1.75 per foot and was 43 feet in length, F.O.B. Omaha. Spring cane in 1919 and all people were notified to clean up back yards, barn yards and alleys effective at once. This included all the business places also. On August 16th an agreement with a Denver Bonding Com¬pany for $20,000.00 at 6% was formed that would consolidate all pre¬vious bond issues into one and have 20 years to pay off the debt. Another type Y electric light engine with 75 HP was bought in 1920 for electric power. A 10,000 gallon steel tank was ordered for water supply storage. Since this was now prohibition days, the board voted to hire a competent man for the purpose of detecting and con¬victing bootleggers and gamblers in the Village of Lynch.
On May 21, 1920, electric power was raised 3 cents KWH, and water was costing $1.00 for the minimum of 1,000 gallons. The town bought a road maintainer and $200.00 was appropriated for the swinging foot bridge across Ponca Creek. Street signs were to be mounted on the light poles "to keep to the right." Going wage at this time was 70 cents per hour for a man and team. There was a committee of Joe Rysavy and Rex Hume ap¬pointed to confer with engineers and make arrangements for a sewer system. In January 1921 a special meeting was held outlining specifications for the system. After due process those voting yes were G. Rex Hume, G. A. Binkerd, H. M. Halber, and F. T. Schrunk. Not voting, William Alford. Motion carried and a contract was signed by F.T. Schrunk and McGinitie, Clerk for the village. Hal Craig was hired as marshal, street commissioner and water pump attendant for $125.00 per month. A petition was presented to the board to permit Sunday moving pictures and baseball games in the village. This was on the ballot at the general election for the people to decide. The April meeting found changes to be made by the board. The office of marshal and street commissioner was filled by Dude Hoyer at $85.00 a month. Herbert Mannen and Glen Long were hired to run the light plant and other work at a salary of $100.00 a month each. Since the Treasurer did not collect light bills, Long received $25.00 a year extra. Man and team for hire received 75 cents an hour for dragging the streets, mowing weeds 35 cents an hour and $4.00 an hour for cleaning the spring’s water supply. The valuation was set at $493,085.00 and taxes raised totaled $15,400.00. Kenneth McMeen was appointed treasurer. George Shuber was the depot agent for the C&NW Railway. The year 1922 brought these improvements: Electric light lines and 1150 feet of water mains were extended into east Lynch. The town bought lots at a tax sale and converted them into a city park. Roy Hagadorn became marshal. The budget for the year 1922-23 was $8,280.00. Sidewalk work seemed continuous as the town ex¬panded. The town rented a toilet for $5.00 a year. A sign was to be put on it "For Ladies Only." The machine age came to Lynch as more and more automobiles were bought. Laws changed to meet the need. Speed limits were set by Ordinance 68. Motor vehicle speeds eight miles per hour on the streets, six miles per hour crossing bridges, and four miles per hour at the intersections. Exemptions were granted to Doctors, Police, and Fire Vehicles. Center of the street parking replaced the curbside. White street light posts were also placed in the cen¬ter of the street. Property owners must clean sidewalks immediately after snow storms or walks will be cleaned and charged to owners. If this is not paid it shall be added to the taxes. In 1923, the electrical supply needed more power. Specifications and regulations of a contract between Lynch Village and the Minnesota Distributing Company to con¬struct a transmission line substation, and connections to supply electrical energy to Lynch was drawn up. The cost was to be $20,000. The board had to present the proposition to the voters for bond issue. The special election was held in Sid Mannen’s cream station. The results of the elections were 97 votes for bonding, 36 votes against. Bonding carried. The board at this time was William Alford, chairman; J.C. Devine, F. T. Schrunk, Clyde Hensley, R. H. Harris, trustees; and H.E. Oline, clerk. At the April 24, 1923 meeting, W.M. Alford resigned as chairman and member of the board. Fred Wurtz and William Wilson were new members, terms were two years. Dr. J.C. Devine was made chairman to fill the vacancy. Kenneth McMeen, treasurer and Ed McGinitie, light and water commissioner. The city water main was to be extended 480 feet east on Ponca Street commencing at Fourth Street. The motion also passed to extend the light system 240 feet west from the Fourth Street when funds were available. Mention was made of Mulhair Garage in the August meet¬ing. Permission given to Lynch General Hospital to lay a four inch sewer line from the hospital building east to Ponca Creek on the south side of Ponca Creek provided that such sewer line comply with sanitary laws. Note: The Lynch General Hospital was in the Hotel Building on Ponca Street and the present location of Steve Crawford’s shop building. A suit was brought against the Boyd County Treasurer compelling him to turn over funds due to the Village of Lynch from the road funds. The Lynch Township board had collected money erroneously, as part should have gone to the village, a sum of $1,100.00 over the previous ten years. The village board offered to settle for $500.00, the township board offered $250.00. This was not agreeable so the vil¬lage board notified the township board if they did not set-tle for $500.00 they would sue for the full amount of $1,100.00. The township board was asked to reconsider the settlement terms. On December 4, 1923, Ear1 Rosicky was appointed as clerk to fill a vacancy. May 6, 1924, shows new names on the board are Ross, Keeley, and Martin Lang. Actions for the board for the year 1924-25 included the following: feed lot users of city water be metered; occupa¬tion tax put on all businesses; Ernest Darnell hired as water commissioner; water rates 50 cents minimum for 2,000 gal¬lons, 25 cents a thousand above this; a franchise ordinance for purpose of furnishing electric energy be accepted after attorney general's approval; board accepted proposition of Firemen to build a new fire hall and hitching posts were to be moved to south of the blacksmith shop. Village Marshal Hagadorn's salary was set at $100.00 a month providing all fees collected by him for arrests or other source be turned over to the treasurer and if he was willing to do any extra work when he was instructed to do so. He was to take charge of the pumping plant at the springs for the winter, to keep the pumps drained, fires built and be responsible for all damages which may occur due to neglect of his duty. The damages would be deducted from his salary. A legal agreement with the Northern Nebraska Power Company to furnish 20 one hundred candle power street lights at $1.50 each, maintenance free to operate from dusk to sunrise the next day. Later a 25 year contract was entered into by the board. A new fire bell was purchased January 20, 1926. Claude Collins was hired as village marshal at $75.00 per month April 24, 1928. Other board changes J. D. Lee was police magistrate, Ed Ross attorney, A. D. Neeley, board of health, later G. B. Ira was appointed. Water supply continues to be a big problem. The town hired the city engineer from Norfolk to come and make recommendations to remedy the situation. Two more Kelly wells were added to the system and a wind mill erected to help pump water, in November a large motor was bought but was only to be used when necessary. In 1929, Mr. C. H. Stewart and the village, after much discussion, entered into a contract. The lease terms set $40.00 per year as rental for all water rights, pipe line and road to the pump station and land for the location of the reservoir. The duration of the lease was 99 years. The Bank of Lynch and Farmers State Bank of Lynch were legal depositories for city funds. Ordinance 84 granted a franchise to the Lynch Telephone Company, privately owned by Elizabeth Sinkbeil for 20 years. Did you ever wonder how long the fire siren has told vil¬lage folk when to get up, have the noon meal, and time to go home in the late afternoon? It all began June 5, 1928! The village board gave the firemen $150.00 for a new siren. It has regulated Lynch folk, notified all of the fires in town or in the country until 911 came in to effect in 2002, storm warnings and other impending disasters. Lynch wouldn't be the same without it! The Sedlacek soft drink parlor was declared a public nuisance and there were steps to close it. No outcome of this action was found. October 3, 1928 was a milestone for the board. They appointed Genevieve Dolezal as treasurer to replace William Alford who had resigned. Most people will remember her as Genevieve Rosicky. (Mrs. Earl) She was the first lady to be a part of village government. She served until April 26, 1932 with distinction. 1929 brought more work on the water system and negotiations with Mr. Stewart. Permission was given to the American Legion to have a July 4th Celebration and Concession rights. The Ball Club had permission to rope off Hoffman Street from the hotel on Fifth Street east to Fourth Street for a bowery and Carnival Com¬pany at the baseball tournament on September 1. There was a $200.00 reward offered by the citizens for information, arrest, and conviction of person or persons poisoning dogs. The town hall was also remodeled so fire equipment could enter from the south. Budget for the year 1929-30 was $5,800.00 and for the year 1930-31 $4,950.00. New names on the village board are Joseph Micanek Sr, Louis Nelson, Fred Naegele, and E.V. Mulhair were new school board members. A new roof was put on the city reservoir to keep it in a sanitary condition. An ordinance was passed requiring an occupational tax for Hawkers, Peddlers, and other nonresi¬dents retailing fruit and vegetables from railroad cars, truck, or cars at $5.00 per day, also anyone taking orders for produce. Joe Sedivy was paid $5.10 for 34 loads of gravel. Genevieve Dolezol resigned from her position and Floyd Wolfe was appointed to fill the vacancy. Fiscal year 1932-33 budget was $5,150.00. Village monies were to be deposited with the County Treasurer since there are no local banks for depository. The banks failed in 1931 or were closed. The Whiskey Creek Bridge washed out in the big flood in May. This same flood claimed the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Clinch, washing their house near the Whiskey Creek clean off the foundation. Much damage was done to the homes, streets, and other property. The bridge was replaced with aid from the County Board of Supervisors. A bridge 1/2 mile west of Lynch on the Ponca Creek washed out and was lodged against the railroad bridge. The town was given this bridge which was recovered and later reconstructed. The township board was to pay 1/2 of the cost and labor was $31.00. To conserve electricity, the marshal was instructed to turn off all street lights in the residential districts on moonlit nights and all street lights off at 10:00 p.m. except on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A notice was served on John Lynch to open the alley to the Catholic Cemetery. An ordinance was passed concerning animals and fowls running at large and inhumane treatment of same be prohibited. A new contract with the Interstate Power Company was completed. The Box Factory was billed for two large belts it was using and a notice to keep lots and ditches free from trash. In April 1933, Marshal Collins salary was cut to $80.00 a month with provisions to regulate salary during the year ac¬cording to conditions. Labor prices were 25 cents an hour single hand, 35 cents man and team to maintain the streets, and 35 cents a yard to haul gravel. Budget for fiscal year 1933-34 was $4,400.00. July 13, 1933, legalized 3.2 beer and again liquor licenses were being issued. The board permitted all fees to be paid monthly due to the bad conditions. Men who worked for the town would assign their wages to local merchants Rysavy, McMeen, Alford, and Rosicky or others to pay their bills. Hay and straw was shipped in by train loads so local people could feed their livestock. With this came the Texas sand burrs. Member of the Commercial Club asked people to dig and destroy this noxious weed. The Commercial Club representatives protested electric rates and asked to meet with the power company representatives. Dr.Kriz and Charles Carroll proposed funds from C.W.A. for a golf course. They made it clear they did not want money that could be used for the village. A C.W.A. project was granted to gravel streets. It employed five men for ten days, no wage listed. The village was to pay 50 cents an hour for the use of trucks. Anton Wasatko furnished gravel for six cents a yard. Marshal Col¬lins received $80.00 a month, other labor rates remained low. In June 1936, the Volunteer Fire Department members were: Claude Collins, Chief; D.L. Stewart, Assistant Chief; Carlie Darnell, President; Raymond Hoffman, Vice Presi¬dent; Louis Nelson, Treasurer; R. A. Ashby, Secretary. Members Bernard Peklo, Jerry Sixta, Wm. Scheissler, Charles Mulhair, Oral Pickering, Roy Mulhair, Donald Brown, E.P. Rosicky, Marshall Binkerd, Glen Stewart, Wm. Teadtke, Leslie Stewart, Vernon Mills, Ted Crooks, Ed Hof¬fman, Don Bare, and Jake Birmeier. The town paid for their liability and comprehensive insurance for the first time. Tie posts for teams were put behind Jedlicka and Rosicky stores. The W.P.A. project concerning the bridge across Whiskey Creek was accepted November 28, 1936. The town had discontinued the night watchman position held by Charles Bare. Businessmen petitioned the board to have a night watchman and agreed to contribute to the salary. The year of 1937-38 budget was $4,800.00. The board had been unable to pay off bonds so they reissued funding bonds to pay off old indebtedness, new bonds were issued at 5% interest. Due to the conditions there were a large num¬ber of unpaid taxes for three or more years. The county put these up for tax sale but there were no bidders. Foreclosures then could be brought against property owners. In March 1938, the pump station burned down due to an electrical short. Much damage was done to the large pumps and motors. A new pump house was made of brick. The board reorganized in April 1939. Vac Jedlicka, Chair¬ man; E. P. Rosicky, Clerk; Anton Wasatko, Treasurer; Claude Collins, Marshal and Street Commissioner; Dr. Kriz and Ira, Board of Health. The following changes took place under their guidance. Lots 3 and part of 4,5, 6; Block 17 sold for $100.00 and two years back taxes; beer parlors closed on Sundays; Nebraska State Bank of Bristow was depository for village funds as there still was no bank in Lynch. Tractors with lugs were prohibited from crossing sidewalks unless planked; two street lights were installed on the street running to the Sacred Heart Hospital. May 1940, saw that minor changes were made when the board reorganized. In August, a resolution was sent to the State Highway Department to widen and oil Highway 12 from Knox County line to the junction of Highway 281. Bridges on Ponca and Whiskey Creeks in the town limits were repaired with the County helping with the cost. The secretary was to write to the State Board of Engineers to widen and grade Highway 12, two and three-fourths miles east of Lynch and to straighten the crooked bridge across Ponca Creek. In the 1941-42 fiscal year, street improvements were com¬pleted; 25 blocks were graveled, four blocks of curbs and gutters on Fourth Street, the center street light poles were moved to curbside and water mains were extended four blocks. This was accomplished by a government W.P.A. project. These same curbs remain today. A contract was signed with Consumers Public Power District from O'Neill for electricity. Curb parking was started after light poles were moved in 1942. December 7, 1941 started the World War II years. C. B. Darnell was appointed Chief Air Raid Warden on January 2, 1943, Marshall Collins resigned. He had served faithfully for 17 years from April 3, 1926 through the depression years. He was elected Boyd County Sheriff and served in this posi¬tion until his retirement. He was a dedicated law officer. Lee Mulhair was appointed to fill the marshal position in Lynch. The State Board of Health made recommendations for the water system. New covers for the collection wells were or-dered at the springs in 1943. A resolution was passed that minors were prohibited in the beer parlors and parents were asked to cooperate with the officials enforcing this law by keeping their children off the streets and out of beer parlors. The beer parlor owners were to enforce this law, starting June 30, 1943 Lee Mulhair resigned as marshal. D. L. Stewart was appointed. In May 1944, the board reorganized. The only change was that McColly was chairman. Budget set at $3,450.00 for the fiscal year 44-45. Many lots in town were still being sold at tax sales. The following is a direct quote from the village minutes: "April 2, 1945 Whereas: From recent events we can an¬ticipate early victory in European War and when realized, to celebrate the day with parades and public demonstra-tions would be in itself inappropriate conduct in that it is only one step toward complete victory. Therefore, it is resolved that the day be commemorated by giving thanks to Al¬mighty God for the boys who made the supreme sacrifice and to our Men and Women in the Armed Services who are so gallantly serving us in this great emergency. Be it therefore resolved that no intoxicating liquor be sold for a period of twenty-four (24) hours following the announcement and that churches, Legion Posts, mayor, counsel men and civic organizations make every effort to keep from staging public demonstrations that in lieu thereof it be made a day of payers and thanksgiving and sober thought” The above resolution was adopted and published in the Lynch Herald. The board of trustees sent a letter of protest to the C&NW Railroad on the proposal of removing the passenger train. Minors were prohibited from entering taverns unless accompanied by parents. Carson and Tomlinson received their bar permit. The 1951-52 fiscal year brought these items of interest. The Consumers Public Power Company was granted a franchise to build and maintain an electric light and power system for the town. Social Security was granted to village employees in May 1952. The village board voted to pay $1,000.00 on a fire truck and set a 2 mill levy to pay for same. Water rates set at 50 cents for each 1,000 gallons above the minimum. In 1953-54 Wayne Christensen was Chairman of the board. The American Legion Auxiliary was paid $40.00 per lot for the ground occupied by the swimming pool on August 4, 1953. An artesian well was dug for water used in the swimming pool, and was to be paid for by donations. The swimming pool was built and donated to the community by Dr. and Mrs. R. E. Kriz. They wanted to give something back to the community and children for all the years they worked and lived here. In July, Greene resigned as marshal. Leo Thomson was his replacement. In February 1955 the board hired Albert McDonald as marshal and street and water commissioner. In September 1955, the alley between the Dr. Ira residence and F. T. Schrunk was closed. Elmer Christensen bought the land and built a new house there. The yearly budget for 1956-57 was $4,600.00. Major improvements were that street oiling began, old con¬crete light posts from the center of the street were sold for $1.25 each; water main was extended to the south city limits, a transfer of title from the Nebraska Department of Roads to the Village of Lynch of all property occupied by Highway 12, including the bridge over the Ponca Creek in east Lynch, to the Ponca bridge west of town. This is the through street now known as Ponca Street. Julia Hasenphlug, Ronald Carson and Joseph Birmeier were all granted Class C liquor licenses. The fiscal year 1958-59 budget was $3,400.00. The items of interest are the Jolly 17 4-H Club donated $35.00 for paint for the swimming pool and painted the park tables and benches for their community work. The town helped finance lights for the ball field north of Whiskey Creek and west of Fourth Street. An agreement was reached for the Rural Fire Truck to be housed in town. The 1959-60 year brought these improvements and chan¬ges. The town board agreed to take over the repair and up¬ keep of the TV Booster; street lights were installed from 3rd and Hoffman Street to the highway; repairs and improve¬ment were made Fire Department House. An ordinance was passed to limit three beer and liquor licenses. In March 1960, flood waters again hit Lynch, doing exten¬sive damage to streets and homes. This was caused by the heavy snow blanket of winter and the sudden rise of temperatures to 60 degrees day and night. Bills for street repairs were well over $2,500.00. The going wage for labor in 1960-61 was $1.00 per hour. Few items of interest other than flood damage repair were listed. Albert McDonald was given a $5.00 bonus for good service of extra duty for the month of November. He resigned in May 1961, and retired after serving 6 years and 3 months. Alfred Ehrhardt was hired to fill the vacancy. In 1962 Wayne Blair started a new laundry business. The 1962-63 budget was $6,975.00. The main event of this year was the meeting where five members were appointed to the Local Housing Planning Board in September, 1963. Kenneth McMeen was the chairman, Glenn Hull, Fred King, Ray Counts, and Leland Moody were members of the board. A special election was held showing 175 votes for and 0 against which gave the board permission to proceed with legal work. A Quit Claim Deed for Lots 1 through 6; Block 10; Original Village of Lynch was issued to the Hous¬ing Authority. The Federal Housing Administration fur¬nished the money for construction of the housing complex. A payment is made every year to HUD and when the loan is paid the facility will be returned to the town. The 10 unit complex is a great improvement to the town. In 1964-65 the budget was set at $6,985.00 and the chair¬ man was Thomas Courtney Jr. The Northwest Bell Telephone Company was granted per¬ mission to install underground cables. They supplied a detailed map of the lines laid. A contract for street oiling was let in June. The year of 1965-66 brought several improvements. Con¬sumers Public Power District (Now NPPD) gave the town an estimate on converting street lights to mercury vapor lights. In Septem¬ber, it was voted to install the new system. That same month, a Grand Island engineering firm was hired to draw up a complete set of plans for a city sewer and disposal system. In November, a special meeting was held to inform the public of the sewer proposal and the possibility of obtaining a federal grant. An application for a grant was filed with the Public Health Service of the U.S.A. under the Water Pollution Control Act. The contract was completed December 7, 1965. In January 1966 a representative from the FHA met with the planning board to furnish information and to answer ques¬tions on loans and grants for community projects. At a spe¬cial meeting, July 12th, plans were accepted on the sewer project and they advertised for bids. Later the board ac¬cepted William Anderson Company's bid and a contract was signed. In April 1967, the total cost of the sewer system was $106,789.89. A federal grant of $11,790.00 cut the cost to the village. Connection fees were set: residential $25.00; school $100.00; housing development $50.00; and hospi¬tal $25.00. These fees were to be double for a late hookup. The fiscal years of 1967-68 budget was $10,525.00. Dr. Whitney was chairman of the board. A bond for $98,000.00 was is¬sued for payment of the sewer system. 1968-69 budget was $12,075.00. Ernest Sixta was chairman. K. McMeen, E. Rosicky, and Wm. Halva were reappointed to Boyd County Planning Commission. A 10:00 p.m. curfew was passed for school age children unless they were with parents or at special school events. The 1969-70 fiscal year budget was $12,725.00. The decade of the 1970's brought several major changes in the village. Land was purchased southeast of town for a dumpsite; a 6 year street plan was passed and work to get all home owners to connect to the sewer system continued. Alfred Ehrhardt resigned in 1974 as marshal after serving 13 years and 3 months. His beginning salary was $225.00 per month and at retirement, $575.00. He served the village faithfully and was known to go the extra mile in his work. A resolution passed to submit an application for flood in¬surance so it would be available for people living on the flood plain. In 1976 the board published a new ordinance book as so many ordinances had been outdated and changed by new laws. In December of 1976, a special meeting was held for the proposed construction of an athletic field. The board voted unanimously in favor of the field and would participate financially in the construction in accordance with the ap¬plication to the Nebraska Game and Parks division. Final papers were signed December 6, 1977.
Ponca Street was closed 117 1/2 feet east of Sampson Street. The REA purchased the land for a warehouse build¬ing. The Community Hall was accepted March 6, 1978 by the board on its completion with the understanding it would be leased back to a nonprofit organization (Community Club) which would main¬tain the property and pay all utility bills. The hall was financed and built with donations of land, money, and labor. No government funds or tax money was used in its con¬struction. A governing board was set up for the hall main¬tenance. Another landmark of legislation was started on April 4, 1978, when the Lynch Board of Trustees voted to go on the Rural Water District. There were heated discussions as there were people opposed to the action. Representatives of the Rural Water District met with the board to answer questions about the cost, volume of water and easements required. Another special meeting was held where the trus¬tees made a visit to the springs to see if there were any al¬ternatives to acquire more water there. On their return, they voted three ayes, two nays to join the proposed district. Chairman Halstead announced he would call the State Health Direc¬tor to be present at a Community Club meeting on June 26, 1978 to discuss standards of providing the town with pure water. This meeting was open to the public. After this meet¬ing, the trustees met in special session where they passed Resolution 101 to authorize the mayor and clerk to sign F.H.A. loan papers and to connect to Boyd County Rural Water District No. 2. Later, Ordinance 78-4 authorized the issuance of a general obligation water bond for the amount of $130,000.00, prescribing the terms of the bond, and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the principal and interest. January 1979, Carl Weeder, Boyd County Supervisor met with the trustees and presented a proposal to replace the Whiskey Creek bridge on Fourth Street. The Federal Govern¬ment would provide 75%, State 15%, local (county and town) 10% of the approximate cost of $100,000.00. The proposal was accepted. The concrete and steel bridge was completed which was a much needed improvement as many heavy loads are hauled over this bridge. This bridge is still in use today. The budget for the fiscal year 1979-80 was $202,281.00. Trustees were Jack Darnell, Vernon Oleson, and Earl Pritchett, Lester Derickson, and Larry Halstead, chairman. Two items of business completed in the 70's were a warrant for the payment of the contractors for lighting the baseball field was issued to be in force only until money was received from the State Game and Parks Commission of Nebraska. In December the trustees voted to buy the C&NW Rail¬ road land within the village limits for the sum of $11,000.00. The contract was signed in January 1980.
The decade of the 1980's trustees' business consisted of matters related to the purchase and sale of lots that were subdivided from land annexed from the railroad property, also zoning or restrictions concerning types of construc¬tion on lots west of 5th, 6th, or 7th Streets. Brockmann & Tarr Inc. applied for a building permit for a warehouse for their electrical business to be located on Fourth Street, east side, between Hoffman and Ponca Streets. Bill Spelts, manager of R.W.D. No. 2, explained the necessity of adequate water pressure in the mains to eliminate water contamination. An officer of the State Health Depart¬ment also met with the board. Specifications were presented for the water line to the hospital. Fiscal year 1980-81 budget was set at $126,797.00. Ordinance No. 80-11 was passed, annexing continuous land and streets known as Chambers First Addition. This annexation to repeal all sections in conflict. Ordinance No. 80-12 provided for Railroad Addition to the Village of Lynch adopted after due process of law. The village was responsible to provide water and sewer lines to railroad property lots, also streets and lighting. The fiscal year 1981-82 budget was $130,996.00. All meetings were conducted according to form as set by law. A special meeting was held to select a qualified elector of the village to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Jack Darnell for the unexpired term ending June 1982. At a later meeting, Ernest Sixta was appointed to fill the vacancy. A Circuit Rider for the Community Development Block Grant was contacted to meet with the board. At a later meet¬ing the resolution authorizing participation in the Circuit Rider management assistant program and authorizing the Mayor to enter a contract with the Region 24 Council of Governments pursuant thereto. The fiscal year 1982-83 saw the budget set at $130,636.00. Electrical power was discontinued to the springs pum¬p house. A resolution to participate in Government Surplus property was carried. Sealed bids for land sale in McGinitie’s Addition were opened; open burning ban was passed; water rates were thought to be inadequate to meet future costs. In January the board voted to proceed with legal work for the removal of two buildings. At the March meeting the Board of Health found buildings on Lot 5, Block 12 and Lot 12 Block 12 to be public nuisances due to the dilapidated condition and notices were sent to owners. In May an or¬dinance passed authorizing issuance of water bonds for construction of a storage tower. A motion to apply for EDA grant for a water system was passed on July 6, 1983 a grant agreement was signed. The 1983-84 budget was $395,445.00. New water rates were set; issuance of $50,000.00 water bonds were passed; a con¬tract with Consolidated Engineers & Architects of Norfolk was authorized. On November 2, 1983, Randy Thomson met with the board and presented a proposition for the Community Club to setup a library project for the town. A motion was made and carried to give the proposed library the use of the Town Hall providing the Fire Department agreed. On December 7, 1983, an ordinance passed, providing for the establishment of a municipal library, establishing a library board, and adopting the manner a library board is chosen; also setting duties of the board. This passed with a unani¬mous vote. The appointed board members were Maureen Tarr, Joyce Hull, Marlene Rosicky for four year terms and Claryce Allen and Randy Thomson for two year terms.
Contracts for Water Improvement Project and water lines were awarded to Slowey Construction Company of Yankton, South Dakota, and the contract for a steel bolted reservoir was awarded to Nebraska Harvester Systems. This is the current water tower still in use on the hill west of town. David Kalkowski donated land for a street, called David Street. Otto Ruzicka bequeathed $10,000.00 to the Village of Lynch for the purpose of improving the hospital in Lynch. May 1985 saw the American Legion Auxiliary deeding the city park to the town. In the year 1985-86, the work continued on improvements but no new projects were made. The 1986-87 fiscal year general business was conducted. Dr. Keil was appointed to the Board of Health. The old build¬ings of Jedlicka and Van Meter properties were declared a public health hazard and steps for removal were taken. The 1987-88 budget was $161,450.00. The Booster Club asked if the town would accept the land and insurance if the Club bought the land and constructed a tennis court. The town accepted the proposal. The tennis court is lo-cated on the lots north of the doctor's clinic on Fourth Street and was originally the Jos. Micanek Hardware and Implement Business. It was later expanded and became the I.O.O.F Hall. It was raised in 1978. On November 11, 1987, the Lynch Sewer Bonds were paid in full. Collection of sewer fees now go into the general fund. May 11, 1988, found Vision Electronics Cable TV representative meeting with the board to explain the services of the company. This company was granted a franchise on June 8. Les and Gary Jeffords met with the trustees to discuss their sanitation business, J&J Sanitation, as local dumps were to be closed soon. Trustee Halstead motioned to appoint the Village Clerk to contact U.S. Ecology Inc. so the Village of Lynch could be included in the study of the Low Level Radioactive Waste Compact. Seconded by Derickson. RCV: Ayes: Vernon Oleson, Ernest Darnell, Lester Derickson, Larry Halstead, and Richard Black. Nays: None. On January 1, 1989, Marlene Rosicky and Janis Purviance were elected to Library Board. The trustees acknowledged all the volunteer hours Claryce Allen, Velma McDonald, Randy Thomson, and others have put into the library work. On June 14th Ron Schroetlin presented a letter informing the towns of Lynch, Monowi, and Butte that they had a mutual agreement on the grant money from the LLRW project, with Lynch to receive $35,000.00. In September the board voted to purchase street signs. New ordinances were passed in December to meet require¬ments of new state laws, other general business was con¬ducted. On January 10, 1990, Rick Pritchett met with the Trustees to discuss the procedure for getting a roping arena started. George Courtney was granted the go-ahead to remove the Retzlaff building on Fourth Street and the old hotel build¬ing belonging to Lester Derickson on Ponca Street. The buildings were both brick structures. The hotel building was built in 1907 and the other may have been older. Jackie (Lueken) Cassidy was the first woman trustee to hold office on the Lynch board. A new business owned by Cindy (Tarr) Black opened. She does silk screening and upholstery work in the building vacated by Zach's Variety Store. This business known as Special T’s and More has since grown by leaps and bounds, and is a great success and asset to the Lynch business district. The Community Club bought new welcome signs for the light poles. Brockmann and Tarr are to do the needed electrical work in the Community Hall building making it air conditioned. The 1990-91 fiscal year budget was $225,316.00. In January of 1991, the board discussed getting a flag pole for the Village Library and a report on cost for a new 24 x 40 foot meeting hall building was discussed. Contract was renewed with Arens Sanitation to collect the trash and garbage and contact was made with Lawrence Lueken about building a podium for the com-munity hall in memory of Alfred Ehrhardt. The adopted the 1991/1992 fiscal budget was a total amount of $209,420.00. Items discussed in November and December included a medical waste incinerator, any remaining households within the village not yet connected to the sewer system, possible interest was shown in forming a planning committee, and obtaining insurance coverage for the 1992 Centennial events. The February 1992 guests to the meeting were Allen Holz, Karen Giles, Tami Heiser and Shari Shaw of the Lynch Centennial committee. Discussion was had on having the centennial dance at the baseball field. The centennial committee had plans of obtaining a catering license for “carry in” liquor with none to be sold. The motion to allow the dance at the baseball field passed. Village Clerk, Cathy Wade also handed in her resignation. In the March 1992 meeting discussion was held with Clerk Wade on working for $200.00 a month. A motion was made and passed to hire Cathy Wade as Clerk for $200.00 per month. In April of 1992 it was moved that the village landfill be officially closed to everything. Arens Sanitation had been doing weekly trash routes and the landfill was no longer needed. In June of 1992 ordinance 92-10 was passed which closed Schley Street running north and south through blocks 8 and 9 of McGinitie’s addition. In July of 1992 a new liquor license was granted to Barb Johnson, new owner of the Sundowner. In July of 1993 Boyd County supervisors Leslie Purviance and Todd Nelson were present discussing with the village board about options for a new bridge on Ponca Street by the swimming pool. In August of 1993, visitors to the meeting Jerry Denney and Mike Pellet asked the board for support of a casino for the Santee Tribe and what effects a casino would have for communities. In October of 1993, discussion was held on the purchase of a different police car, as all squad cars must be air bag equipped by 1994. In November of 1994, it was moved by to close 3rd street south of Ponca Street, section 14, block 14, lots 9-12 and block 15 lots 9-12. Discussion was also held by the board about 4 door pickups blocking the view down the street. As we sit in 2017, 4 door pickups have now become the norm. In December of 1993, it was found that the village was still having problems with people from the country placing trash in cans at Lynch resident places. Police Chief, Albert Lee said fine for perpetrators could be up to $100.00. In February 1994, Rev. Patricia Knauss and Tami Eilers were present discussing the needs of a Youth Center. It was moved by the Village board in the June 1994, meeting to declare June 21, 1994, as “Russell Sutliff Day”. This notion of Russell Sutliff Day was discussed by Duke Testerman at the previous meeting. Russell, was a long time employee at the Hospital, which Mr. Testerman was the administrator of. In August of 1994 the board purchased a 1990 Ford Crown Victoria police car for $4,440.00. In June of 1995, discussion was held on the cleanup after the flooding of the Ponca Creek, including fixing roads, sewer lines, repairing the pool and removing trees lodged by bridges. The estimated amount of damages to all property, both public and private was $80,433.80. The Village of Lynch applied for funds after declaring a state of emergency. In October of 1995 the village board voted to buy 2000 replacement sand bags that were borrowed from the village of Verdigre and used around the hospital in the flood of 1993. The 1995/1996 budget was set at $233,453.86. June Courtney was granted a liquor license for the “Courtney Lounge” in November of 1996. In the December 1996 meeting, Allen Holz became a new board member, replacing Lester Derickson. In October of 1997 discussion was held on the fire department’s new addition to the fire hall. Also in October of 1997 an easement was given by signing of a 100 year lease on 14 feet of the west edge of 6th Street for an addition to the Cecil and Pat Scott home. In February of 1998, it was moved by the board to allow the Boyd County Legion baseball team to use the Lynch Baseball Field as its home field with Neil Classen being the ball field coordinator. In May of 1998, Rural Fire Board members Todd Nelson, Leonard Havranek, and Carl Weeder discussed reasons to combine the village fire department with the rural fire department. The village agreed to combine the Village/Rural fire department. In May of 1999, the Village board accepted a letter of resignation from Jack Wickersham, utilities superintendent after 15 years of service. They then held a discussion on the salary for the Utilities Superintendent, followed by interviews for the job with Richard Black and Frank Thomson Jr. After voting by secret ballot it was moved to hire Richard Black as the Utilities Superintendent. On June 2, 1999, town board member Richard Black resigned his seat on the town board in order to become Utilities Superintendent. In August of 1999 Jeff Hart took the oath of office as a new trustee for the Village of Lynch, replacing Richard Black. The board also accepted a bid of $8,123.68 by Lawrence Lueken to place a new pitched roof on the Village Fire Hall. The 1999/2000 village budget was set at $270,065.00. In October of 1999, a liquor license was issued to Linda Strom, doing business as the D&L Corral. Also, in October, it was moved to accept resignation of Jackie Cassidy with regret. Jackie was thanked for her years of service. In November of 1999, discussion was held on paving the railroad addition street. Later Railroad Street was paved. This same month it was moved to appoint Gay Hull as a trustee on the village board, replacing Jackie Cassidy. In January of 2000 a petition was presented to the Village board with the undersigned registered voters in Lynch requesting that the Village Board discontinue the position of police officer in Lynch. They requested that the money saved be used to do one of three things: 1. Lower Taxes, 2. Hire a part time economic development officer to bring new business to Lynch. 3. To maintain or keep hospital open. Public comment from several concerned citizens regarding the Chief of Police was also heard. The board also read a letter from the State Liquor Commission on denying permit to Dan and Linda Strom. In April 2000 the village approved a liquor license for Waylon Strom. The 2000/2001 village budget was set at $285,448.00. The December, 2001 meeting found two new trustees on the village board. They were Robert Dahlberg and Deborah Rossmeier. They replaced Ernest Darnell Jr. and Allen Holz. In April of 2001, discussion was held with the fire department on the needed equipment when the 911 system is being put into effect, including radios and pagers. The 2001/2002 budget was set at $294,476.00. In September of 2001 a liquor license was granted to Tom Bessert doing business as “BTR Quick Stop”. In October of 2001 a liquor license was approved for Kory Kalkowski, doing business as “Double K Bar”. In February of 2002 the board granted a liquor license to Evie Barta, doing business as “BTR Quick Stop”. The 2002/2003 budget was set at $335,600.00 In the November 2002 meeting, mountain lion sightings near or in the village was discussed. Chief of Police, Albert Lee reported that the Nebraska Game and Parks gave him authorization to shoot a mountain lion if he was to see one. In April of 2003 a liquor license was granted to Eileen Pickering, doing business as BTR Qwik Stop. The 2003/20014 budget was set at $335,600.00 In March of 2004, it was moved to purchase a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria police car from the State of Nebraska for $2,700.00. In July of 2004 a letter of resignation was read by trustee Robert M. Dahlberg. He would be moving out of Lynch, and ceasing his position on the board August 1st. In September of 2004 the village board moved to go into executive session to discuss the applications from Kristy Cassidy and LeRoy Purviance in filling the vacated trustee position. It was moved by majority vote of secret ballot to appoint Kristy Cassidy to fulfill the vacated term of Robert M. Dahlberg. The 2004/2005 budget was set at $352,256.00. In May of 2005, the board was notified that the cable TV company which has operations in Lynch will be ceasing to offer the service in Lynch. In September of 2005 the village purchased a 1999 Chevy pickup for the village utilities department from the Nebraska Surplus for $7,385.00. The 1984 Ford pickup with 84,000 miles previously used was to be put up for bids. The 2005/2006 budget was set at $306,806.00. In September of 2005, Police Chief Albert Lee read a letter of resignation to the Village Board, effective November 1, 2005. Chief Lee had served the village for 21 years. The police number for the village would be transferred to 911, and a committee was formed to discuss police coverage in the village. In November, discussions were held with David Derickson, Boyd County Sheriff, on a contract with the county for police patrol services. In January of 2006 Boyd County Sheriff, David Derickson was at the meeting discussing his plan for an inter-local agreement between Boyd County and the Village of Lynch for police coverage. The proposal was for 15 hours a week of coverage for $1,000.00 dollars a month. Chairman Halstead moved to approve the proposal with the motion. This motion died due to a lack of a second. The following month in February, the above motion for police coverage was passed, signing ordinance 2006-1, authorizing the Boyd County Police Department to patrol the village of Lynch. In September of 2006 the board voted to vacate 8th Street running north and south through blocks 4 and 6 of the railroad addition. The 2006/2007 budget was set at $311,882.00. In November of 2006 it was moved to accept the bid of $25.00 from Larry Halstead for the old cable company lot and property including dishes, fence, tower, and building. In January of 2007 the board read and accepted a letter of resignation from Kristi Cassidy on her position as a trustee on the village board. In February of 2007 it was moved to appoint Steven McBride as new trustee on the village board, filing the position vacated by Kristi Cassidy. The 2007/2008 budget was set at $578,645.00. In October of 2007, discussion was held on contract with the Boyd County Police Department and its duties in the Village of Lynch. In January of 2008 resolution 2008-1 was passed concerning the village sewage system, primarily the lift station on the south edge of town by the House of Renewal. The resolution granted chairman Halstead to authorize all documents necessary to facilitate a loan between the Nebraska DEQ and the village of Lynch for the new sewage lift station improvements. Discussion was once again held on the duties of the County Sheriff departments obligations to the Village of Lynch. In February of 2008, it was moved to discontinue the inter-local agreement between the Boyd County Sheriff Department and the Village of Lynch. In May of 2008 the estimate of $140,000.00 was approved for construction of the new sewage lift station in south Lynch. In September of 2008, a bid was accepted from Rutjens Construction for the lift station in south Lynch, with the final bid being $179,289.00. The 2008/2009 budget was set at $578,645.00. In December of 2008, new member appearing on the village board was Kenneth Crooks, replacing the seat previously held by Gay Hull. In February of 2008 a bill was paid to Rutjens Construction of $40,150.00 for repairs resulting from the June 2008 flood. In June of 2009, Brent Pritchett became the new fire chief, replacing the position previously held by Larry Eilers. The 2009/2010 budget was set at $353,275.00. In March of 2010 the motion was made and passed to sell the west half of the alley east of and adjacent to lot 12, block 26, of Annie’s Addition in the Village of Lynch to Steve and LeAnn Crawford for $1.00 with a perpetual easement for public utilities. The 2010/2011 budget was set at $358,565.00. In November of 2010, a new liquor license was approved for Laree A. Pritchett doing business as Eagle Lanes. This was the first liquor license ever issued in the bowling alley. Steve Crawford appeared as a new board member in December of 2010, replacing Steven J. McBride. In February of 2011, the board agreed to lease a tractor from Mark’s Machinery for $3.00 per hour up to 250 hours. This was a special lease program put on by Case IH for civic municipalities. In April of 2011, discussion was held with the health board concerning the condemnation of the “Lueken Grocery” building owned by Clyde Carpenter. In May of 2011, it was moved to purchase a building for the town tractor from Fox Auto Inc. for $3,668.92. The building was to be placed next to the village fire hall, on property owned by Strom Construction, after an easement from Strom’s was obtained. In July of 2011 Kevin Thomson was present at the meeting. He discussed purchasing the property known as “Luekens Grocery” from Clyde Carpenter. The town would not need to take bids for the demolition of the condemned building, as Mr. Thomson would be taking care of it. My. Thomson was able to salvage the store front portion of the building and has improved the looks of the building with new siding. The 2011/2012 budget was set at $393,744.45. In February of 2012 a low bid of $42,522.00 from Christensen Construction was accepted for a generator. This generator was to be placed in south Lynch for the sewage lift station, so the sewage system would properly work in the case of a power outage. The acceptance of the bid was contingent on a 10 year term note approval from the Nebraska DEQ, which was later approved. In February of 2011 a liquor license was granted to Amy Heiser, doing business as the Sundowner Bar. In May of 2012, motion was passed to purchase a 2012 Case IH tractor and loader from Mark’s Machinery of Wagner, South Dakota for $41,500.00 In July of 2012 the Village of Lynch municipal code 10-117 was amended by ordinance number 2012-2 to allow the hours of sale for alcohol in the village establishments to be extended to 2:00 A.M. from the previous time of 1:00 A.M.
The 2012/2013 budget was set at $393,744.45. New board member at the December 2012 meeting was Michael Heiser who replaced Larry Halstead. Larry Halstead was presented a plaque from the village board for all his years of service. At this time, Kenneth Crooks was appointed chairman of the board. During the discussion of the 1-6 year street plan in the February 2013 meeting, it was approved that David Street will be paved in the upcoming summer. In April of 2013, discussion was held on replacing the fire siren in Lynch, as the previous siren had served its useful life. In May of 2013 a used 1998 fire siren was purchased from the Butte Fire Department for $2,000.00. In the June meeting, it was moved to purchase the Paul Nyquist property to be used as the new village hall. The village had previously shared space in the Lynch Public Library, and would now have its own space, which allowed the Public Library to expand as well.
New Lynch town hall that was the former Paul Nyquist home. Materials for the sign in front were donated by Don Hoffman, with the work being completed by Dana Dea’s Industrial Tech class at LHS. The 2013/2014 budget was set at $402,792.00. In March of 2014, more discussion was held on the remodeling of the new town hall. All plumbing and wiring was being replaced, and the floor plan was to be rearranged. Other items of discussion at this meeting was the construction of two new welcome signs on the east and west entrances to Lynch along Highway 12. In May of 2014 a liquor license was granted to Carla A. Wilson, doing business as the Sundowner Bar and Grill. The 2014/2015 budget was set at $451,320.00. In the December, 2014 meeting, discussion was held on the upcoming Cattlemen’s Ball that was to be held south of Lynch. The board agreed to write letters to individuals in town who needed to clean up lots, and also to place notices in the paper about cleaning up for the Cattlemen’s Ball. In February of 2015, it was moved to grant a liquor license to B-RAD LLC, doing business as Bubba’s 4th Street Tavern. In August of 2015 the east “Welcome to Lynch” sign was being constructed with funds from the Irene Stenger Fund. The west sign had already been completed. Both signs were built out of brick, with Bill Muller doing the masonry work. Both signs are complete with lights that illuminate them at night. In September of 2015, the very first meeting was held in the newly remodeled town hall.
The 2015/2016 budget was set at $429,580.00. In January of 2016, the board approved a liquor license for Patricia Ann and James Joseph Schmitz doing business as Between 2 Rivers Quick Stop. In March of 2016, Joe Micanek and Ann Holz were at the board meeting discussing plans for the upcoming quasquicentennial celebration that is to be held in June of 2017. Brad Jerman discussed with the board plans and permits that he needed for a street dance fundraiser for the Q125 that was to be held in August of 2016. In May of 2016 Kathryn Purviance was present at the board meeting discussing cleaning up the “Bee House” property next to the RV Park. The board agreed that the Village of Lynch would accept the property once it was cleaned up. Funds to demolish and clean up the property were to be obtained from the Irene Stenger Fund. In August, discussion was held on the upcoming vacancy of the Utilities Superintendent, Richard Black who is slated to retire in April of 2017. The 2016/2017 budget was set at $2,033,905.00. This is a substantial increase compared to previous years, because of the anticipated sewer lagoon improvements that are being proposed in order to comply with the Nebraska DEQ requirements, along with the need to rebuild the Ponca Creek sewage lift station by the swimming pool and the Whiskey Creek lift station by the Whiskey Creek Bridge in north Lynch. The amount of $1,612,080.00 has been budgeted to cover this possible expense. In November of 2016, the Village Treasurer, David Kalkowski reported that the water bond is paid off. This bond for $130,000.00 was signed by Chairman Larry Halstead; Clerk Leland Moody; and Village Treasurer David Kalkowski with the lending agency being the Farmers Home Administration. Annual payments of $7,707.00 over the life of this bond were supported by a Water Bond tax levy with occasional supplement by Village Funds. The final payment amount of $4,979.48 was processed on November 3, 2016 and the Village of Lynch received back the paid off bond on November 4, 2016. This payoff was accomplished well ahead of the final payoff date of August 1, 2018 that had been set by provisions of the bond. This water bond only funded connection to the rural water district. Other projects such as the new Ponca Creek crossing west of town; looping at various points around town; and the blue water tower were funded by other bonded debt and/or grant funds throughout the years. In December of 2017 applications for the Utility Superintendent were reviewed. The hiring of a new Utility Superintendent was tabled to the January, 2017 meeting. In January of 2017, the board agreed to hire Frank Thomson Jr. as the new Village Utility Superintendent. Frank will be taking the position from Richard Black in January, and Rick will be on part time, helping Frank train for the job. Joe Micanek and Ann Holz were once again present at the meeting to discuss plans for the upcoming Q125 celebration in June. Discussions were held on obtaining insurance for the celebration and other aspects of the event. Joe Micanek also discussed with the board sponsorship pages in the Q125 book that is being printed in the spring of 2017. The trustees voted to sponsor 20 pages in the book at $50.00 per page. Much anticipation has been displayed by board members and members of the community for the upcoming celebration of Lynch’s 125th anniversary. Current members on the town board in January of 2017 are Kenneth Crooks - Chairman, and members: Steve Crawford, Deb Rossmeier, Jeff Hart, and Michael Heiser.[8]
Thirty of the one hundred homes in Lynch were destroyed by flooding in 2019.[9]
Geography
Lynch is located at 42°49′47″N 98°27′56″W / 42.82972°N 98.46556°W (42.829804, -98.465453).[10]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.53 square miles (1.37 km2), all land.[11]
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 231 | — | |
| 1910 | 583 | 152.4% | |
| 1920 | 589 | 1.0% | |
| 1930 | 498 | −15.4% | |
| 1940 | 487 | −2.2% | |
| 1950 | 440 | −9.7% | |
| 1960 | 409 | −7.0% | |
| 1970 | 375 | −8.3% | |
| 1980 | 357 | −4.8% | |
| 1990 | 296 | −17.1% | |
| 2000 | 269 | −9.1% | |
| 2010 | 245 | −8.9% | |
| 2017 (est.) | 230 | [3] | −6.1% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] | |||
2010 census
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 245 people, 125 households, and 64 families residing in the village. The population density was 462.3 inhabitants per square mile (178.5/km2). There were 179 housing units at an average density of 337.7 per square mile (130.4/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 94.3% White, 0.8% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.8% Pacific Islander, and 3.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9% of the population.
There were 125 households of which 17.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.2% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 48.8% were non-families. 45.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 29.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.96 and the average family size was 2.67.
The median age in the village was 53.5 years. 21.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 13.5% were from 25 to 44; 27.7% were from 45 to 64; and 34.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
2000 census
As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 269 people, 131 households, and 78 families residing in the village. The population density was 476.2 people per square mile (185.5/km²). There were 177 housing units at an average density of 313.3/sq mi (122.0/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 96.28% White, 1.86% Native American, 0.37% Asian, and 1.49% from two or more races.
There were 131 households out of which 18.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 38.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 22.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.63.
In the village, the population was spread out with 21.2% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 15.6% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 28.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $25,333, and the median income for a family was $29,792. Males had a median income of $23,571 versus $24,583 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,702. About 5.2% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.0% of those under the age of eighteen and 8.0% of those sixty five or over.
Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Lynch has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.[13]
| Climate data for Lynch, Nebraska | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 1 (34) |
2 (36) |
9 (49) |
17 (62) |
23 (73) |
28 (82) |
31 (88) |
31 (87) |
26 (78) |
19 (66) |
9 (49) |
2 (36) |
16 (61) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −13 (8) |
−12 (10) |
−6 (22) |
1 (33) |
7 (45) |
13 (55) |
16 (61) |
15 (59) |
9 (48) |
2 (35) |
−6 (22) |
−12 (11) |
1 (34) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 13 (0.5) |
20 (0.8) |
38 (1.5) |
69 (2.7) |
86 (3.4) |
94 (3.7) |
76 (3) |
71 (2.8) |
58 (2.3) |
43 (1.7) |
20 (0.8) |
15 (0.6) |
600 (23.7) |
| Source: Weatherbase [14] | |||||||||||||
References
- ^ "2017 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved Jan 12, 2019.
- ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
- ^ a b "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ a b "Lynch, Boyd County". Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies. University of Nebraska. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
- ^ Chicago and North Western Railway Company (1908). A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways. p. 96.
- ^ Lynch Q125 Book 1892-2017
- ^ Almukhtar, Sarah; Migliozzi, Blacki; Schwartz, John; Williams, Josh (September 11, 2019). "The Great Flood of 2019: A Complete Picture of a Slow-Motion Disaster". New York Times. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2012-01-25. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ Climate Summary for Lynch, Nebraska
- ^ "Weatherbase.com". Weatherbase. 2013. Retrieved on October 10, 2013.
External links
Municipalities and communities of Boyd County, Nebraska, United States | ||
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