Lower Loup NRD Accepting Tree and Shrub Orders for 2026 Planting

The Lower Loup Natural Resources District (LLNRD) is accepting orders for conservation tree and shrub seedlings for planting in spring 2026. The trees are sold to residents of the district who are seeking to implement windbreaks, wildlife habitat, buffer strips, or other conservation practices. The trees and shrubs are also available to people who live outside of the district but own land within District boundaries. Each tree/shrub is a two-year-old bare root seedling approximately 12 to 18 inches tall, unless otherwise noted in the Lower Loup NRD tree inventory.

In addition to bare root seedlings, container trees of various sizes are available. All container trees are sold in lots of 20.

Property owners can hand plant the trees and shrubs or request that the LLNRD machine plant them. The Lower Loup NRD is not offering chemical spray for weed control in 2026. Mats made from coconut husks are being offered for sale as a form of weed control. Each mat comes with three sod staples. The mats are easily placed around the trunk of tree seedlings to keep competing vegetation at bay. Site preparation before planting is recommended.

LLNRD will not install the coconut mats, and they must be ordered in multiples of 25. Trees, shrubs, and coconut mats can be ordered at LLNRD.org.

Cost-share assistance is available. More information is available from your nearest Natural Resources Conservation Service office or from the Lower Loup Natural Resources District. For more information about the Lower Loup NRD’s Conservation Tree Program, cost-share, weed control, drip irrigation, and tree care, visit the Lower Loup NRD at 2620 Airport Drive, Ord, Nebraska, or call (308) 728-3221.

Veterans Drop Point

The box for Valentines for Veterans is now at the Nigel Sprouse Library. The community is encouraged to make valentines for our local veterans and add them to the box. The box will be picked up on Feb. 11, and the valentines will be distributed to veterans by the ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary.

House Fire Jan. 18

Results in Total Loss

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ARNOLD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

On Jan. 18 at approximately 2:33 p.m., the Arnold Fire Department responded to a house fire on Lower Powel Canyon Rd. The fire involved a single-family residence with attached garage/building.

The home was fully engulfed upon arrival, with flames extending through the roof. Crews focused on protecting an adjacent garage on the south side of the residence and preventing the fire from spreading into nearby pasture. While trying to put the house fire out.

Winds were reported to be gusting over 40 mph at the time of the incident.

Mutual aid was requested from the Callaway Fire Department, Merna Fire Department and Stapleton Fire Departments. Additional EMS resources were also called from Callaway and Broken Bow due to manpower on scene in case of emergency.

Firefighters were able to save the garage; however, the residence is a total loss. The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.

The Arnold Fire Department expressed appreciation to firefighters, local farmers, neighbors and anyone that assisted during the incident, community support is vital in rural emergencies. The department also extended thoughts and prayers to the family affected by the loss of their home, belongings and pets. While they were not home at the time that the fire started and are safe, they still have lost everything.

Arnold Fire Chief, Andrew Tickle

Donation drop-off sites have been established at Reed’s Food Center and Mills Hardware in Arnold, or at 402 N. Morgan Ave. in Callaway. For more information, call Deb Hall at 308-340-3126.

Marv and Debbie Ritchie are safe and thankful for the community’s support. Items needed include toiletries, women’s size 8 shoes, 18 pants, and large/XL tops; men’s size 9.5 shoes, 48x32 pants and 2XL shirts.