December 2022

Winter officially arrived on Wednesday, Dec. 21, but the cold north winds and falling temps have already left many households turning up the heat and, with it, the anticipation of higher utility costs. Fortunately, southeast Nebraska residents have access to local resources that can not only help reduce utility costs but can help economically challenged households improve the overall energy efficiency of their home.

If you have received your letter from the state regarding your recertification, one day of training has been scheduled in Otoe County this year. Classes will take place at 1 or 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the Kimmel Orchard and Education Facility in Nebraska City.

Tony Martin has been promoted to the position of Assistant Trust Officer for Pinnacle Trust Service’s Lincoln office. In his role, Martin serves as a liaison between product vendors as well as handles trades and balances on multiple platforms. Martin received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Peru State College. He has been with Pinnacle Trust Services since 2018 and has over 33 years of experience in trust services.

Nebraska Governor-elect Jim Pillen announced his team has reached a breakthrough agreement with the State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council (SLEBC) that will take effect July 1, 2023. The agreement shows Governor-elect Pillen's commitment to law and order and includes the largest pay increase for State Troopers in the past two decades.

The first student to complete the Correctional Leadership Scholarship Program graduated from Peru State College on December 16, 2022. Paw Wah earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Legal Studies. Originally from Myanmar, Wah has been enrolled in the program since January 2020, and was among the first of three Peru State students to be accepted into the program and complete the Staff Training Academy (STA) through the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) in July 2021.

Don't have one last alcoholic beverage “for the road' if you're about to leave a celebration. December is designated as Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month to draw attention to the lifesaving topic, as drunk and drugged driving often increases in December due to travel and holiday parties with alcohol.