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Laurel, Montana

Laurel is a city in Yellowstone County, Montana, United States. It is the third largest community in the Billings Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is located in the Yellowstone Valley, as an east–west terminal division point of the BNSF Railway. The population was 7,222 at the 2020 census.

Laurel is home to a Cenex Harvest States oil refinery and BNSF's Laurel Yard, the largest rail yard between St. Paul, Minnesota and Pasco, Washington.

History
Before Laurel became a city or a community, people passed through the site during the gold rush period, when gold was discovered at the Clarks Fork headwaters. They came by team and wagon, and by small steamer vessels up the Yellowstone River. The government was in the process of planning a railroad to the west coast, and had surveying crews out to map the country on the most direct route. Many of the prospectors that went west in search of gold, felt gold might be found in other parts of the state, so some returned to the Yellowstone Valley, and others came from the East to settle here. However, this did not take place until after the Custer Massacre in 1876. It was not until 1877 that the white man felt safe in the Yellowstone Valley, after the power of the Sioux was broken. So it was that while the memory of the Massacre of General Custer and his Command on the Little Big Horn River was still fresh in the minds of settlers of Montana, that a little community was established in the Yellowstone Valley.

The history of Laurel began when settlers began making their homes in the vicinity in 1879. There was a section house built that served as a depot and post office, situated about where Hobo Hill is, or near the center of the present railroad yards east of Laurel. The railroad pushed closer to Laurel from the east, up the Yellowstone Valley during the summer of 1882. Up to this time, there were about 200 people in the community. With the advent of the railroad, the population grew to 368 in 1900, 806 in 1910, and 2,338 in 1920.

Laurel was originally known as the station of Carlton, however by 1883, its name was changed to Laurel, after a local shrub. The post office was established in 1886. Laurel was considered a town in 1906, but it was not until August 1908 that it became incorporated, and two months later, on October 10, 1908, city government was established with the election of a city council and mayor.

Geography
Laurel is located at 45.67389°N, -108.77083°W (45.673986, -108.770893). It is 3300 feet (1006 m) above sea level.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.605 sqmi, is land and 0.002 sqmi, is water.

Most of Laurel is positioned on the northern side of the Yellowstone River. The Clarks Fork joins the Yellowstone approximately 2 mi (3 km) southeast of town.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 7,222 people, 2,960 households, and 1,859 families living in the city. There were 3,128 housing units.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 6,718 people, 2,790 households, and 1,765 families living in the city. The population density was 3139 PD/sqmi. There were 2,943 housing units at an average density of 1375 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 0.4% African American, 1.5% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

There were 2,790 households, of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.7% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.99.

The median age in the city was 37 years. 25.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.1% were from 25 to 44; 24.8% were from 45 to 64; and 15.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 6,255 people, 2,529 households, and 1,739 families living in the city. The population density was 3318 PD/sqmi. There were 2,647 housing units at an average density of 1404 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.55% White, 0.16% African American, 1.17% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.69% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.41% of the population.

There were 2,529 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,679, and the median income for a family was $40,068. Males had a median income of $33,370 versus $17,201 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,953. About 7.9% of families and 10.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.3% of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Cenex Harvest States oil refinery, Montana Rail Link, Laurel School District 7-70, and Wood's Power Grip comprise the major employers in Laurel. Farming and ranching provide other important mainstays.

The Billings Canal, used for irrigation, starts in Laurel.

Government
The City of Laurel operates under a Mayor – Alderman form of government. Full executive authority is vested in the mayor, who is elected at-large for a four-year term. The mayor presides over the meetings of the city council and appoints and charges regular and special committees of the city council. The mayor is eligible to vote only in cases of a tie, but he may be heard at all times. He may veto all city council actions, including line items within a budget resolution, and his veto may be overridden by two-thirds of the whole membership of the city council.

In November 2007, the citizens of Laurel approved a city charter with self-governing powers. This allows for the position of Chief Administrative Officer to supervise the city's operations.

Legislative authority is vested in the city council, which is composed of eight aldermen or women elected to four-year terms by the residents of the Ward within which the respective alderman/woman resides. The city council has management and control of the city's finances and property. The city council has the power to adopt ordinances and regulations consistent with state and federal law for the good government, preservation of good order, benefit of trade and commerce, protection of the quality of life within the city, and, as necessary, to carry out the purposes of the government of the City of Laurel.

As of 2022, David Waggoner serves as the Mayor of Laurel.

Arts and culture
Laurel is home to the Yellowstone National Cemetery, a United States national cemetery.

In addition to firefighting and rescue, the fire department is known for its world-class Fourth of July fireworks, rated as one of the top 10 events in the Northwest. They also have a fireworks show after the Christmas parade.

Laurel's 18-hole golf course first opened in 1968 and welcomed a new clubhouse in 2023. There is a frisbee golf course, horseshoe pits at 2 parks, and a basketball court at Kiwanis Park. A non-profit group has been raising funds to build a large recreation complex. The completed complex will include a community center, gymnasium, competition style pool, and skate park.

Other attractions near the Laurel area include Yellowstone National Park, the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and Pompey's Pillar National Monument (where in 1806, William Clark carved his name).

Laurel Public Library serves the town.

Laurel has been recognized as a Tree City USA for multiple years.

Infrastructure
Some of Laurel's residents commute the 15 mi to Billings, Montana's largest city. Laurel is also significant as it lies on one of two main roads to Red Lodge, 45 mi southwest on US 212; it is a popular mountain town and an end of the Beartooth Highway.

The City of Laurel has two types of public transit available to City residents: a Demand-Response Service and a Van Pool to Billings.

Laurel is served by the Laurel Municipal Airport, a publicly owned public-use airport, which is 2.4 mi north of the central business district.

Intermountain Health maintains a medical clinic in Laurel. Hospital care is provided in nearby Billings.

Police department
The Laurel Police Department is a member of the Montana Law Enforcement Testing Consortium (MTLETC). Rick Musson was promoted to the position of Chief of Police in August 1998, a position which he continues to hold.

The Laurel Police Department occasionally accepts applications from individuals who would like to volunteer their time to serve and protect the community. The LPD has had a reserve program for over 35 years.

Fire department
The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department provides firefighting and rescue emergency response for the town and 110 sqmi surrounding Laurel. The LVFD also provides mutual aid to Billings, Park City, and CHS Industrial Fire Departments; and assistance as needed to several surrounding Fire Departments, including Lockwood, Red Lodge, Columbus, Molt and Joliet.

The Fire Department is also known for award-winning Fire Prevention program. With the motto "Prevention through Education", the LVFD visits the children of Laurel several times a year, educating them on preventing fires and fire safety. The first week of October is named "Fire Prevention Week". The week is filled with visits to the schools by the Firefighters, an open house where the Department's doors are opened to the public and an hour-long program for the children of the community.

Ambulance service
The Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service was created on June 1, 1976. The service is responsible for covering 183 square miles, including the territory within the city limits of Laurel. Before the service was formed, a local physician who owned and maintained an ambulance provided services and prehospital emergency care. As the needs of the citizens increased and calls for service became more frequent, the City felt an agency ran by city government was better equipped to provide for the people. The ambulance service has operated at the Basic Life Support level since 1976. The service is licensed through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, and it requires each staff member to maintain a license of at least the Emergency Medical Technician level.

The service has maintained two ambulances for transport of patients, and also provides a Quick Response SUV for various emergency purposes. The ambulance service is dispatched from the Laurel 9-1-1 Center and responds to medical emergency calls within the service area. While the service is able to provide some advanced therapies, such as intravenous access and 12-lead ECG monitoring, advanced life support services are provided mainly by American Medical Response-Billings, St. Vincent HELP Flight, Red Lodge Fire-Rescue, and Columbus Fire-Rescue. Neighboring agencies are often called to assist the service in meeting the needs of citizens, and Laurel Ambulance Service also provides mutual aid support to the neighboring agencies as well.

As of 2016, there are 22 active Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics providing ambulance services to the citizens of Laurel.

Education
The school districts are Laurel Elementary School District and Laurel High School District.

The Laurel Public School District (a combination of the elementary school district and the high school district) operates three elementary education schools (South, West, and Graff), one middle school, and one high school. Matt Torix is the current superintendent. The school team is the Laurel Locomotives. School colors are purple and gold.

Media
The Laurel Outlook is a weekly newspaper based in Laurel. They have both printed papers and e-editions.

The FM radio station KRSQ is licensed in Laurel. It plays a top 40 music format.

Notable people

 * Chet Blaylock, former member of the Montana State Senate.
 * Patrick Casey, middle-distance runner at Montana State University and University of Oklahoma.

title: Laurel, Montana


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Lockwood, Montana

Lockwood is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yellowstone County, Montana, United States. It is not an organized city or town. The population was 7,195 at the 2020 census.The population was 7,222 at the 2020 census. Lockwood is a suburb of Billings and is the second largest community in the Billings Metropolitan Statistical Area. Annexation of Lockwood to Billings has been studied; however, the June 2009 Billings City Council Annexation Plan states that the city has no plans to annex Lockwood in the foreseeable future. Lockwood is the site of a major Exxon refinery.

Geography
Lockwood is located at 45.8075°N, -108.42361°W (45.807504, -108.423600).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 12.855 sqmi, is land and 0.487 sqmi, is water.

History
Lockwood bordered the Crow “Mitsiadazi” Reservation, in the 1800s. Cows replacing the buffalo brought an end to the plains Native Americans’ way of life. Lockwood was named after Captain Lockwood, reputed to have many victories fighting Native Americans and to have been a surveyor for the government who camped in the foothills in the late 1800s. In 1907, settlers opened a public road through Lockwood flats of heavy loam to the 2nd crossing of Dry Creek, to the Dry Creek Road traversing to the Reservation. The old Native American supply road is still etched into the side of the hill at the south end of Exxon Road which was later called Peter Hoe Road.

Lockwood Flats was home of the Johnson Ranch. Just to the southeast of the ranch, one can find reminisces of Cavalry camps as they stay in the area for a whole winter surveying the land for the federal government. The area known as Lockwood Flats was also originally the site of a stop called Hirsch, located just between Johnson Lane and old Coulson Road. A community began to develop around it, however, the topographical name Lockwood stuck, and the name Hirsch was eventually forgotten. On June 16, 1965, an F3 tornado touched down near Lockwood. It was the strongest tornado ever recorded in Yellowstone County.

Today, Lockwood has grown to become the largest unincorporated community in the state of Montana and the 16th largest population center in the state. Lockwood is also one of the fastest-growing communities in Montana, with an estimated 58% increase between the 2000 and 2010 censuses. In 2010, Lockwood gained status as a Census Designated Place. Residents and local businesses are working with Yellowstone County and the City of Billings to create a framework for proper infrastructure and zone planning, as well as an eventual incorporation as an official municipality.

On October 24, 2013, Lockwood residents gathered for a large community meeting with 250 attendees to discuss and organize community interest, goals, and direction. Pictures of the historic meeting were recorded of the event and posted on the new [www.lockwoodmontana.com community website]. Groups were organized and champions were chosen for many different issues whether it was for a high school, incorporation, better roads, Billings bypass, community garden, community festival, water & sewer, lighting, sidewalks, and businesses. A celebration was held one year from the historic gathering to celebrate the progress that had been made.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 7,195 people, 2,697 households, and 1,862 families residing in the CDP. There were 2,811 housing units.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 6,797 people, 2,651 households, and 2,566 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 577.5 PD/sqmi. There were 2,651 housing units at an average density of 224.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 86.0% White, 0.4% African American, 4.5% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 1.02% from other races, and 2.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.74% of the population.

There were 1,599 households, out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.3% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

Lockwood's census data shows that the Lockwood CDP has a population of 8,477 and a 2011 Median Household Income (MHI) of $47,059 compared to the State of Montana's MHI of $43,872. With this MHI it may make it more difficult to secure grants specific to low income residents.

Education
The school district for the vast majority of Lockwood is Lockwood K-12 Schools, a K-12 unified school district. A small portion of the territory is in Huntley Project K-12 Schools.

Lockwood Schools provides education from kindergarten through high school. Lockwood High School's team name is the Lions.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Lockwood, Montana


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Shepherd, Montana

Shepherd is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yellowstone County, Montana, United States. The population was 193 at the 2000 census. Shepherd is a Billings suburb located to the northeast. The unincorporated town was named after R.E. Shepherd, a prominent early settler and owner of the Billings Land and Irrigation Company and the Merchants National Bank. The post office opened in 1915.

The farming community is near the Yellowstone River.

Geography
Shepherd is located at 45.94333°N, -108.34472°W (45.943253, -108.344635).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.1 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 193 people, 71 households, and 51 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 181.0 PD/sqmi. There were 79 housing units at an average density of 74.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.30% White, 4.15% Native American, and 1.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.52% of the population.

There were 71 households, out of which 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 15.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.8% were non-families. 23.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 33.7% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,250, and the median income for a family was $45,500. Males had a median income of $17,500 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,025. About 31.0% of families and 28.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 53.7% of those under the age of eighteen and 50.0% of those 65 or over.

Education
The school districts are Shepherd Elementary School District and Shepherd High School District.

Shepherd School District (a combination of the elementary and high school districts) educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Shepherd High School's team name is the Mustangs.

title: Shepherd, Montana


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Worden, Montana

Worden is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yellowstone County, Montana, United States. The population was 582 at the 506 at the 2020 census. Worden, along with Ballantine, Huntley, and Pompey's Pillar, is part of the Huntley Project, an irrigation district established by the United States Bureau of Reclamation in 1907.

Worden is home to a number of restaurants, bars, stores, churches, and other services. It is also the home of the Huntley Project School System, consisting of an elementary, junior high, and high school. Huntley Project High School's team name is the "Red Devils."

History
Worden is located on land designated in 1868 as part of the Crow Indian Reservation. When the Northern Pacific Railroad was surveyed and built in the early 1880s, a station called "Clermont" was supposedly built 21 miles from Billings, just across the tracks from present-day Worden.

The town of Worden was mapped out in 1907 as part of the Huntley Project. Irrigation transformed the area into an agricultural district and attracted immigrants. The town had a German Congregational church and a Methodist church. A newspaper, The Yellowstone County News, was based here.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.0 sqmi, all land. The Yellowstone River is just to the north.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 506 people, 223 households, and 136 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 254.1 PD/sqmi. There were 239 housing units at an average density of 120.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.25% White, 0.59% African American, 0.99% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.40% from other races, and 1.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.56% of the population.

There were 223 households, out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 35.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $22,625, and the median income for a family was $38,393. Males had a median income of $22,434 versus $20,156 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,319. About 3.8% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.9% of those under age 18 and 16.5% of those age 65 or over.

Media
The FM radio station KCHH is licensed in Worden. It plays an adult contemporary format.

Infrastructure
Worden is located along Shepherd Road, formerly Montana Highway 312. It is accessed via exit 6 on Interstate 94.

The nearest airport is Logan International Airport in Billings.

Education
The school district is Huntley Project K-12 Schools, a K-12 unified school district.

title: Worden, Montana


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Ayr, Nebraska

Ayr is a village in Adams County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 94 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Ayr got its start in the year 1878, following construction of the railroad through the territory. It was named for Doctor Ayr, a railroad official from Iowa. Ayr was incorporated as a village in 1883.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.18 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 94 people, 35 households, and 26 families in the village. The population density was 522.2 PD/sqmi. There were 36 housing units at an average density of 200.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.0% White.

Of the 35 households 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.7% were married couples living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.7% were non-families. 22.9% of households were one person and 8.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.15.

The median age in the village was 43.5 years. 28.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 34.1% were from 45 to 64; and 13.8% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 98 people, 40 households, and 32 families in the village. The population density was 568.6 PD/sqmi. There were 42 housing units at an average density of 243.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.94% White, 1.02% Asian, and 2.04% from two or more races.

Of the 40 households 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.0% were married couples living together, 2.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.0% were non-families. 17.5% of households were one person and 2.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.72.

The age distribution was 26.5% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 29.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median household income was $48,125, and the median family income was $51,250. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,179. There were no families and 4.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Ayr, Nebraska


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Hastings, Nebraska

Hastings is a city and the county seat of Adams County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 25,152 at the 2020 census, making it the 8th most populous city in Nebraska.

Edwin Perkins invented Kool-Aid in Hastings in 1927; the town celebrates the invention with the Kool-Aid Days festival every August.

During World War II, Hastings operated the largest Naval Ammunition Depot in the United States, and for this reason was awarded the distinction of American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service in 2023.

Settlement
Hastings was founded in 1872 at the intersection of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad and the St. Joseph and Denver City Railroad. It was named for Colonel D. T. Hastings of the St. Joseph and Grand Island Railroad, who was instrumental in building the railroad through Adams County. The area was previously open plain: the Donner party passed through on its way to California in 1846 and a pioneer cemetery marker in Hastings bears an inscription taken from Tamsen Donner's journal: "The country between the Blue and the Platte is beautiful beyond compare. Never have I seen so varied a country so suitable to cultivation." In the 1870s, railroads lured European immigrants to the new state of Nebraska with advertisements. Hastings' first settlers were English, from Liverpool, and were quickly joined by other English, Irish, Germans, Danes, and Germans from Russia.

Between 1872 and 1880, when the population had grown to 2,800, Hastings was a boomtown. Settlers first built sod houses, dugouts, and shanties, then houses and stores. The city was incorporated in April 1874, and in September 1878, after a five-year Great County Seat War, the county seat was transferred to Hastings from Juniata. However, a fire in 1879 destroyed 33 buildings downtown. The city was rebuilt between 1880 and 1890 in fireproof materials and in a more planned fashion, with characteristically ornate Victorian buildings, many designed by Charles C. Rittenhouse, the first practicing architect in Adams County and also mayor for ten years. Thanks to the railroads, the city enjoyed great prosperity during the Gilded Age. The population grew to 13,500. This period of expansion ended with the drought and agricultural depression of the 1890s; the town's population fell to 7,000 and would not reach 15,000 until 1930.

African Americans have lived in Hastings since the 1860s. In 1876, Horace G. Newsom started the first Black-owned newspaper in Nebraska.

20th Century
Hastings saw renewed growth from 1900 to 1930, which is reflected by buildings in the Craftsman, Prairie, Colonial Revival, and American Foursquare styles. The leading Arts and Crafts architect was Claude W. Way. Hastings had four brickyards and in 1911 was producing more bricks than any other city in Nebraska, and all the paving bricks. During this period, the city also became known as the cigar-making capital of Nebraska. The largest cigar factory, the Kipp Cigar Company, was by 1921 hand-rolling one-fifth of all cigars produced in Nebraska; in 1925 it produced half, a total of 10 million. Cigars lost their popularity to cigarettes between the two World Wars, and in the 1930s the Great Depression again brought the town's expansion to a halt.

In 1942, the Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) was constructed, initiating explosive growth: Hastings' population grew from 15,000 to 23,000 in under a year and there was a critical shortage of housing, which prompted both alteration of existing housing stock and rapid construction of new neighborhoods. Once World War II ended, staff was reduced at the ammunition depot, bringing Hastings' last growth period to an end in 1950, and the depot eventually closed. The NAD also significantly increased the city's African American population, which went from 70 Black residents in 1940 to more than 1,000 by 1943.

Kool-Aid
Kool-Aid was invented by Edwin Perkins in Hastings. All of his experiments took place in his mother's kitchen. Its predecessor was a liquid concentrate called Fruit Smack. To reduce shipping costs, in 1927, Perkins discovered a way to remove the liquid from Fruit Smack, leaving only a powder; this powder was named Kool-Aid. Perkins moved his production to Chicago in 1931 and Kool-Aid was sold to General Foods in 1953. Hastings still celebrates a yearly summer festival called Kool-Aid Days on the second weekend in August in honor of their city's claim to fame. Kool-Aid is known as Nebraska's official soft drink.

21st century
Today, Heartwell Park and Central Hastings, two of the oldest neighborhoods, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hastings Symphony Orchestra performs in the Chautauqua Pavilion, built in 1907 and on the National Register of Historic Places, while the Hastings Community Theatre performs in the auditorium of the former Spencer Park School, built during the housing shortage of the 1940s. The city has adapted several of its historic buildings to new uses. Central Community College is housed in buildings of the former Naval Ammunition Depot. St. Michael's Elementary School (formerly the Lincoln Elementary School building), built in 1912, is now the police headquarters. The Clarke Hotel, built in 1914 and also on the National Register of Historic Places, is now the Kensington, a home for senior citizens. Spencer Park, an 840-unit "village" built to house workers in the 1940s, is now Good Samaritan Retirement Village.

In 2000, there were 200 African Americans living in Adams County, with almost all living in Hastings. According to the U.S. Census, in 2022 African Americans comprise .6% of the city's population.

On June 24, 2007, Hastings won Yahoo's Greenest City in America competition.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.66 sqmi, of which 13.48 sqmi is land and 0.18 sqmi is water.

Climate
A National Weather Service Forecast Office is located in Hastings, serving central and south-central Nebraska and six counties in north-central Kansas. The data below are from the WRCC.

Hastings has a humid continental climate (Dfa) with short, cold, and snowy winters and hot, rainy summers with mild nights.

Demographics
Hastings is the principal city of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of Adams and Clay counties.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 25,152 people, 10,137 households, and 6,139 families in Hastings. The population density was 1,691.5 per square mile (653.1/km$2$). There were 11,103 housing units at an average density of 746.7 per square mile (288.3/km$2$). The racial makeup was 83.16% (20,917) white, 0.99% (250) black or African-American, 0.66% (167) Native American, 1.62% (408) Asian, 0.04% (9) Pacific Islander, 5.88% (1,480) from other races, and 7.64% (1,921) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 13.0% (3,343) of the population.

Of the 10,137 households, 28.1% had children under the age of 18; 44.1% were married couples living together; 30.1% had a female householder with no husband present. 33.6% of households consisted of individuals and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 3.0.

23.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 13.0% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 96.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 95.5 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $52,747 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,112) and the median family income $72,458 (+/- $6,758). Males had a median income of $36,612 (+/- $2,682) versus $22,994 (+/- $2,354) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $29,221 (+/- $1,883). Approximately, 9.4% of families and 13.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under the age of 18 and 8.5% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 24,907 people, 10,110 households, and 6,160 families residing in the city. The population density was 1847.7 PD/sqmi. There were 10,847 housing units at an average density of 804.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.4% White, 1.0% African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.0% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.8% of the population.

There were 10,110 households, of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.1% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 36.8 years. 23.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 12.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.1% were from 45 to 64; and 15.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 24,064 people, 9,610 households, and 5,948 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,448.5 PD/sqmi. There were 10,333 housing units at an average density of 1,051.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.39% White, 0.79% African American, 0.42% Native American, 2.02% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.39% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.58% of the population.

There were 9,610 households, out of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 12.8% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $35,461, and the median income for a family was $44,688. Males had a median income of $29,633 versus $21,262 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,941. About 5.6% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service at station in Hastings, operating its California Zephyr daily in each direction between Chicago and Emeryville, California, across the bay from San Francisco. Hastings is served by major highways, including east-west U.S. Highways 6 and 34, and north-south U.S. Highway 281. Burlington Avenue is the main street running from south to north in Hastings; northward it leads to U.S. 281. Hastings is approximately 14 mi south of Interstate 80.

Hastings Municipal Airport, owned and operated by the City of Hastings, serves the city.

Education
The school district is the Hastings Public Schools.

Hastings has several elementary schools. The largest public elementary is Alcott. Others include Hawthorne, Watson, and Lincoln. Zion Classical Academy serves students in grades Preschool–8. There was a new middle school that opened in the fall of 2008. The high schools are Hastings High School (public) Athletics Class B and St. Cecilia's (Catholic) Athletics class C–2.

Just outside town is Adams Central Junior-Senior High School (public rural) Athletics Class C.

Hastings College is a private liberal arts college, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), and founded in 1882. Central Community College, a two-year technical college, began serving students in 1966, and it occupies the site of the old Naval Ammunition Depot.

Fisher Fountain

The Jacob Fisher Rainbow Fountain in Highland Park shoots continuously changing arrays of water jets (reaching heights of 67 feet) while green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, and blue lights illuminate the water in varying patterns.

Fisher Fountain was originally a temporary exhibit at the 1932 Adams County Fair, called the Electric Fountain. It was invented by Edward R. Howard and became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. Because of its popularity, it was moved to the park and made permanent. A competition among schoolchildren to rename it resulted in two winning names that were combined: Rainbow Fountain, and Fisher Fountain after Mayor Jacob Fisher. According to Spilinek, it was set up on the grounds of Hastings Utilities.

Fisher Fountain was renovated in 1982 but was then dynamited by vandals in 1984. Its destruction aroused a strong community response. $63,000 was raised to rebuild it, and it was rededicated on Mother's Day in 1985.

Hastings Museum
The Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History is in an art deco building funded by $75,000 from the Works Progress Administration and completed in 1939. Albert Brooking, who founded the museum in 1926 and provided it with many exhibits, including Indian relics, fossils, and the largest private collection of mounted birds in the US, was buried in the basement in 1946. The museum currently houses the Lied Super Screen Theatre, McDonald Planetarium, and local and regional exhibits including the largest diorama of whooping and sandhill cranes in the world. The Adams County Historical Society is located within the museum.

Naval Ammunition Depot
The Naval Ammunition Depot, constructed on 49000 acre southeast of Hastings and in operation from 1942 to 1946, was the largest United States World War II naval munitions plant, encompassing over 2,200 structures valued at $71 million. Hastings was chosen as the location for the plant because of its central location. In 1945 it employed 6,692 civilians in addition to 125 officers and 1,800 enlistees.

The plant was reactivated in the Korean War but decommissioned between 1958 and 1966, and the site now houses a US Department of Agriculture research station, training facilities for the National Guard and Reserves, an industrial park, Central Community College, and a golf course.

Parks and recreation
Hastings has twenty parks and recreational facilities throughout the city. The city offers recreational and leisure programs and operates the Aquacourt Water Park, the City Auditorium, Lake Hastings, Chautauqua Pavilion, Duncan Field, the Pioneer Spirit Trail, Smith Softball Complex, Brickyard Park Amphitheater, and Heartwell Lake.

Media
The principal newspaper in Hastings is the Hastings Tribune, published six days a week.

KNHL's studio is located north of Hastings on U.S. 281.

Notable people

 * Marc Boerigter, football player
 * Stan Campbell, football player
 * James F. Capalino, businessperson
 * Adam Carriker, football player
 * Clarence L. "Ben" Coates, computer scientist
 * Dorothy Weyer Creigh, Nebraska historian
 * Sandy Dennis, theater and Academy Award-winning film actress
 * Charles Henry Dietrich, Governor of Nebraska and U.S. Senator
 * Stephen Goodin, football player
 * Robert Keith Gray, influential Republican public relations specialist
 * Francis Greenlief, United States Army Major General and Chief of the National Guard Bureau
 * Neal Hefti, jazz musician and composer
 * Sheila Hicks, fiber artist
 * Johnny Hopp, Major League baseball player
 * Rollin Kirby, political cartoonist
 * Gwen Lee, stage and film actress
 * Les Nunamaker, Major League baseball player
 * Tom Osborne, University of Nebraska football coach and Congressman
 * Edwin Perkins, inventor of Kool-Aid
 * Randall Ray Rader, former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
 * Carrie Renfrew (1858–1948), author
 * Fred A. Seaton, U.S. Secretary of the Interior 1956–61.
 * Rick Sheehy, lieutenant governor of Nebraska 2005–13
 * Teddi Smith, Playboy Playmate (July 1960)
 * Zach Sterup, football player
 * Jeri Kehn Thompson, political commentator, wife of Sen. Fred Thompson
 * Gerald Lee Warren, journalist

title: Hastings, Nebraska


text:
Holstein, Nebraska

Holstein is a village in Adams County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 188 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Holstein was platted in 1887 when the Kansas City and Omaha Railroad was extended to that point. A large portion of the early settlers being natives of Germany and Denmark caused the name Holstein, after Schleswig-Holstein, to be selected.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.23 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 229 people, 95 households, and 54 families residing in the village. The population density was 930.4 PD/sqmi. There were 102 housing units at an average density of 443.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.5% White and 0.5% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 95 households, of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.0% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.2% were non-families. 36.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the village was 40.5 years. 24.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 28.4% were from 45 to 64; and 16.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 57.9% male and 42.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 229 people, 91 households, and 65 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,023.7 PD/sqmi. There were 99 housing units at an average density of 442.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.56% White, and 0.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.44% of the population.

There were 91 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 2.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $41,591, and the median income for a family was $46,750. Males had a median income of $27,404 versus $25,313 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,999. About 6.7% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 31.7% of those 65 or over.

title: Holstein, Nebraska


text:
Juniata, Nebraska

Juniata is a village in Adams County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 744 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Juniata was named by the Burlington Railroad for a river in Pennsylvania and is the oldest town in Adams County. It was platted, organized, and became the county seat in late 1871, the first school district in the county was established there, and the first newspaper in the county, the Adams County Gazette, was published there. During the 1870s the Commercial Hotel, south of the railroad depot, was one of the largest in Nebraska west of Lincoln. It was demolished in 1879. On April 12, 1872, the county commissioners declined a request from the St. Joseph and Denver City Railroad for $75,000 in bonds to build 25 miles of track, reasoning that the line would be built anyway and would logically cross the Burlington line at Juniata. Instead the railroad laid its tracks seven miles east and set up the new town of Hastings, which in September 1878 won a five-year Great County Seat War and became the county seat. Juniata continued to grow and now has more residents than in the 1880s. However, it has suffered a number of disastrous fires, the last in 1961, and in 1960 a tornado destroyed the 2-story town pump with bandstand that had been built in 1904 at the intersection of Juniata Avenue and Tenth Street. Because of its proximity to Hastings, Juniata is today a commuter suburb.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.68 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 755 people, 299 households, and 214 families residing in the village. The population density was 1110.3 PD/sqmi. There were 312 housing units at an average density of 458.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.1% White, 0.1% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 3.2% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population.

There were 299 households, of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.4% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the village was 39.7 years. 26.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.7% were from 25 to 44; 33.2% were from 45 to 64; and 9.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 51.8% male and 48.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 693 people, 274 households, and 198 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,319.3 PD/sqmi. There were 295 housing units at an average density of 561.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.56% White, 0.43% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.14% Asian, and 0.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population.

There were 274 households, out of which 37.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.7% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.6 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $32,833, and the median income for a family was $39,250. Males had a median income of $26,300 versus $21,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,009. About 6.2% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * George Jay Lapp, Mennonite bishop

title: Juniata, Nebraska


text:
Kenesaw, Nebraska

Kenesaw is a village in Adams County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 917 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Kenesaw got its start in the year 1872, following construction of the Burlington railroad through the territory. Its name commemorates the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in the American Civil War.

In a 2004 attempt to increase the population and school enrollment, the village offered free home lots on the condition that the new owner build a house within a year. Three weeks after the publication of the offer, seven of the fifteen available lots had been claimed.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.79 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 880 people, 326 households, and 227 families living in the village. The population density was 1113.9 PD/sqmi. There were 350 housing units at an average density of 443.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.5% White, 0.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 326 households, of which 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.0% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.4% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.12.

The median age in the village was 40.2 years. 26.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 26.3% were from 45 to 64; and 17.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 873 people, 318 households, and 232 families living in the village. The population density was 1,022.0 PD/sqmi. There were 345 housing units at an average density of 403.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.20% White, 0.23% Native American, and 0.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.69% of the population.

There were 318 households, out of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.1% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.5% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $37,050, and the median income for a family was $45,500. Males had a median income of $28,125 versus $18,917 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,206. About 2.2% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Sandy Dennis, theater and Academy Award-winning film actress, grew up in Kenesaw

title: Kenesaw, Nebraska


text:
Prosser, Nebraska

Prosser is a village in Adams County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 73 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hastings, Nebraska, Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Prosser got its start following construction of the railroad through the territory in the spring of 1888. It was named for T. J. Prosser, a railroad official. Prosser was incorporated as a village in 1907.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 66 people, 34 households, and 22 families living in the village. The population density was 264.0 PD/sqmi. There were 40 housing units at an average density of 160.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.0% White.

There were 34 households, of which 11.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.94 and the average family size was 2.41.

The median age in the village was 54.4 years. 12.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 13.6% were from 25 to 44; 60.5% were from 45 to 64; and 10.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 43.9% male and 56.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 94 people, 37 households, and 26 families living in the village. The population density was 379.0 PD/sqmi. There were 45 housing units at an average density of 181.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.94% White, 1.06% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.13% of the population.

There were 37 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.2% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 31.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.3 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $29,583, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $21,875 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,011. There were 8.3% of families and 21.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 38.1% of under eighteens and 50.0% of those over 64.

title: Prosser, Nebraska


text:
Roseland, Nebraska

Roseland is a village in Adams County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 260 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Roseland got its start in the year 1887, following construction of the railroad through the territory. It was named from the wild roses in the area. Roseland was incorporated as a village in 1889.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.27 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 235 people, 91 households, and 68 families residing in the village. The population density was 870.4 PD/sqmi. There were 98 housing units at an average density of 363.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.0% White.

There were 91 households, of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.8% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.3% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the village was 36.8 years. 28.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.5% were from 25 to 44; 28.6% were from 45 to 64; and 15.3% 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 of 2000, there were 242 people, 102 households, and 69 families residing in the village. The population density was 957.0 PD/sqmi. There were 106 housing units at an average density of 419.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.04% White, 1.24% Native American, 1.24% Asian, 2.07% from other races, and 0.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.72% of the population.

There were 102 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples living together, 2.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $35,714, and the median income for a family was $41,875. Males had a median income of $30,962 versus $19,063 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,626. About 3.9% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 5.7% of those 65 or over.

title: Roseland, Nebraska


text:
Brunswick, Nebraska

Brunswick is a village in Antelope County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 138 at the 2010 census.

History
Brunswick was founded in 1879. A large share of the early settlers being natives of Germany caused the name Brunswick to be selected. According to another source, a local beet grower named the town after Brunswick, Germany, which was also a center of beet production.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.59 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 138 people, 68 households, and 43 families living in the village. The population density was 233.9 PD/sqmi. There were 72 housing units at an average density of 122.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.0% White.

There were 68 households, of which 17.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.8% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.60.

The median age in the village was 49 years. 16.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18% were from 25 to 44; 27.5% were from 45 to 64; and 29.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 54.3% male and 45.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 179 people, 71 households, and 47 families living in the village. The population density was 301.9 PD/sqmi. There were 81 housing units at an average density of 136.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.77% White, 0.56% African American, 1.12% Native American, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.56% of the population.

There were 71 households, out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 20.7% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $23,750, and the median income for a family was $33,438. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $6,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,159. About 20.8% of families and 25.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.4% of those under the age of eighteen and 3.2% of those 65 or over.

title: Brunswick, Nebraska


text:
Clearwater, Nebraska

Clearwater is a village in Antelope County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 419 at the 2010 census.

History
Clearwater was founded in 1881 when the railroad was extended to that point. Its name is descriptive of the quality of water in the creek outside of town.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.37 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 419 people, 157 households, and 109 families in the village. The population density was 1132.4 PD/sqmi. There were 182 housing units at an average density of 491.9 /sqmi. The racial makup of the village was 93.1% White, 0.2% African American, 0.5% Asian, 5.3% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.5%.

Of the 157 households 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.6% were non-families. 28.0% of households were one person and 14% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.30.

The median age in the village was 31.9 years. 32.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.5% were from 25 to 44; 23.4% were from 45 to 64; and 13.1% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.8% male and 49.2% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 384 people, 166 households, and 107 families in the village. The population density was 1,048.5 PD/sqmi. There were 187 housing units at an average density of 510.6 /sqmi. The racial makup of the village was 98.96% White, 0.26% Asian, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.26%.

Of the 166 households 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 33.7% of households were one person and 19.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.93.

The age distribution was 28.4% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $29,375, and the median family income was $36,538. Males had a median income of $28,625 versus $19,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,499. About 15.5% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.2% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 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, Clearwater has a humid continental climate, Dfa on climate maps.

Education
Summerland Public Schools formed in 2020 after absorbing the Clearwater school district.

Clearwater was formerly in Nebraska Unified School District 1.

title: Clearwater, Nebraska


text:
Elgin, Nebraska

Elgin is a city in Antelope County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 661 at the 2010 census.

History
Elgin was platted in 1887 when the railroad was extended to that point. Its name was chosen at random from a postal directory, after the city of Elgin, Illinois.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 661 people, 307 households, and 194 families living in the city. The population density was 931.0 PD/sqmi. There were 364 housing units at an average density of 512.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.5% White, 0.8% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 307 households, of which 21.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.7% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.8% were non-families. 35.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.75.

The median age in the city was 49.8 years. 21% of residents were under the age of 18; 5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.3% were from 45 to 64; and 31% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.7% male and 53.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 735 people, 333 households, and 208 families living in the city. The population density was 1,025.1 PD/sqmi. There were 372 housing units at an average density of 518.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.59% White, and 0.41% from two or more races.

There were 333 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 35.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 20.7% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 29.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.6 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $29,833, and the median income for a family was $38,250. Males had a median income of $26,827 versus $17,361 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,724. About 3.4% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.71 sqmi, all land.

Media
A weekly newspaper, The Elgin Review, is published in Elgin.

Education
Elgin High School, Pope John High School, and St. Boniface Elementary School are located in the city.

title: Elgin, Nebraska


text:
Neligh, Nebraska

Neligh  is a city and county seat in Antelope County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,599 at the 2010 census.

History
In 1872, John D. Neligh and a few of his friends took a trip up the Elkhorn River from West Point, Nebraska. Neligh took note of the scenic landscape and thought it would be the ideal setting for a town and the county seat. He immediately left for Omaha to buy 520 acres for the town site. Misunderstanding the prime land he was selling, Omaha banker Herman Kountze sold the land required to develop Neligh. He was apparently not aware it would make the ideal county seat, which Neligh eventually became. The records were moved to Neligh on January 1, 1884. Neligh was platted in 1873 by John Neligh and others, and named for him.

White Buffalo Girl
In May 1877, the Ponca tribe was forced to leave their homeland on the Niobrara River and move to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. The rigors of the journey and resettlement led to the death of one-third of the tribe's population. During the migration, an 18-month-old girl named White Buffalo Girl died near Neligh. Her father, Black Elk, asked the townspeople "to respect the grave of my child just as they do the graves of their own dead". She was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, and her grave tended by the residents; in 1960, owing to the deterioration of the monument, the marker was set on a new foundation.

Neligh Mill
Shortly after founding the town, John D. Neligh began building the Neligh Mill in the southern part of town. The original two-story mill was built with bricks made by John J. Crawford, using local clay. Currently, the Neligh Mill is a Nebraska State Historical site.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.11 sqmi, of which 1.10 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

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, Neligh has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,599 people, 707 households, and 407 families residing in the city. The population density was 1453.6 PD/sqmi. There were 781 housing units at an average density of 710.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.2% White, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 1.2% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.2% of the population.

There were 707 households, of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.4% were non-families. 39.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the city was 47.1 years. 23% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.1% were from 25 to 44; 28.6% were from 45 to 64; and 24% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,651 people, 697 households, and 443 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,731.7 PD/sqmi. There were 771 housing units at an average density of 808.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.97% White, 0.55% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.45% of the population.

There were 697 households, out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.3% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 24.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.5 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $30,580, and the median income for a family was $39,750. Males had a median income of $29,261 versus $16,667 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,888. About 10.6% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

Media
There are two media groups in Neligh - the Antelope County News and Neligh News & Leader. Both are members of the Nebraska Press Association.

The Antelope County News was launched in January 2014 as online-based media from Pitzer Digital, LLC. The company purchased The Orchard News in February 2016, and expanded the content and doubled circulation as The Orchard News/Antelope County News, becoming the first newspaper in the county to publish in color. Besides print and online forms, the Antelope County News is also available on radio station WJAG and on television with partner News Channel Nebraska.

The Neligh News & Leader serves all of Antelope County and has a circulation of more than 1,600.

Notable people

 * John DeCamp - politician and author of The Franklin Cover-up
 * Robert A. Harper (1862-1946) - botanist who researched the cytology and development of fungi, slime molds, and plants; he taught Greek and Latin at Gates College in Neligh 1886–1888.
 * Frank Hughes - sport shooter
 * Josephine Roche - industrialist, activist, and politician; Assistant Secretary of the Treasury 1934–1937

title: Neligh, Nebraska


text:
Oakdale, Nebraska

Oakdale is a village in Antelope County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 322 at the 2010 census.

History
Oakdale was laid out and platted in 1872. It was named from the numerous oak groves in the area. Oakdale was incorporated as a village in 1882.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.52 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 322 people, 134 households, and 91 families residing in the village. The population density was 619.2 PD/sqmi. There were 160 housing units at an average density of 307.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.0% White, 1.2% African American, 0.9% Native American, 1.9% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.3% of the population.

There were 134 households, of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 15.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.1% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the village was 43.5 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.8% were from 25 to 44; 29.2% were from 45 to 64; and 19.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 345 people, 140 households, and 97 families residing in the village. The population density was 664.4 PD/sqmi. There were 163 housing units at an average density of 313.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.84% White, 0.87% Native American, 0.29% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population.

There were 140 households, out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.8 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $27,500, and the median income for a family was $30,139. Males had a median income of $22,917 versus $20,469 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,979. About 9.3% of families and 13.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.6% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 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, Oakdale has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

1999 snakes incident
Oakdale was briefly famous nationwide in 1999 when actor and comedian Steve Carell visited Oakdale to interview Raymond Branz, a local herpetologist and venom researcher, whose snakes would sometimes escape and distress the village. Carell has referred to that early interview over the years, most recently at a June 2022 speech in the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

title: Oakdale, Nebraska


text:
Orchard, Nebraska

Orchard is a village in Antelope County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 379 at the 2010 census.

History
Orchard was founded in 1880 when the railroad was extended to that point. It took its name from local apple orchards.

Recreation
Approximately one block north of Orchard Public School, there is a collection of recreational facilities, including two baseball fields, a municipal pool, a playground area, tennis court, and batting cage.

Education
Summerland Public Schools formed in 2020 after absorbing the Orchard school district.

Orchard was formerly in Nebraska Unified School District 1. Around 2007, the villages of Clearwater, Orchard, Royal and Verdigre became the Unified School District #1 and began sharing administration between them. Subsequent to this, in 2009, presumably due to a lack of funds and a lack of student participation on both ends, school rivals, the Orchard Orioles football team, and the Clearwater Cardinals football team, combined to form the O-C Cyclones. After the initial trial year, it was decided that all sports teams between the two schools would combine under the O-C Cyclones banner. The school systems have since combined to form the Clearwater-Orchard Public Schools.

Orchard is served by the Orchard Public Library.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.45 sqmi, all land.

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, Orchard has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 379 people, 176 households, and 111 families living in the village. The population density was 842.2 PD/sqmi. There were 214 housing units at an average density of 475.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.2% White, 1.1% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 176 households, of which 21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.9% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.71.

The median age in the village was 48.3 years. 20.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.3% were from 25 to 44; 29.8% were from 45 to 64; and 24.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.7% male and 49.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 391 people, 183 households, and 120 families living in the village. The population density was 937.1 PD/sqmi. There were 208 housing units at an average density of 498.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 183 households, out of which 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.68.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.2% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 20.7% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 23.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $21,771, and the median income for a family was $29,063. Males had a median income of $27,813 versus $16,719 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,075. About 11.7% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.3% of those under age 18 and 20.2% of those age 65 or over.

Media
The only media is the Antelope County News/Orchard News. The publication is now located in Neligh, Nebraska, but remains the legal newspaper for the community. It is owned by Orchard native Carrie Pitzer. While Orchard has no television or radio stations within the village itself, KGRD is licensed in Orchard, Nebraska. The station is a Christian radio station and broadcasts out of O'Neill, Nebraska.

title: Orchard, Nebraska


text:
Royal, Nebraska

Royal is a village in Antelope County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 63 at the 2010 census.

History
The community was established in 1890 (or 1880 ), and was originally named "Savage". The community was renamed after Royal Thayer, who helped establish the post office.

An unusual point in the town's history is the defunct "Zoo Nebraska", which was near Royal. After some chimpanzees escaped, and were killed, the zoo gained some national attention and then ultimately collapsed. In 2019 a book about the zoo and the incident was released.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.14 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 63 people, 29 households, and 14 families living in the village. The population density was 450.0 PD/sqmi. There were 38 housing units at an average density of 271.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.4% White and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6%.

Of the 29 households 24.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.9% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 51.7% were non-families. 41.4% of households were one person and 17.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.79.

The median age in the village was 45.1 years. 19% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.2% were from 25 to 44; 36.5% were from 45 to 64; and 14.3% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the village was 55.6% male and 44.4% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 75 people, 34 households, and 21 families living in the village. The population density was 523.6 PD/sqmi. There were 40 housing units at an average density of 279.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White. Of the 34 households 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, and 38.2% were non-families. 38.2% of households were one person and 23.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.90.

The age distribution was 22.7% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 22.7% 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 123.1 males.

The median household income was $27,292, and the median family income was $50,000. Males had a median income of $34,063 versus $18,125 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,414. There were 7.7% of families and 6.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 19.0% of those over 64.

Education
Royal was formerly in Nebraska Unified School District 1. As per the website it is now in Summerland Public Schools.

Parks and recreation
The Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is located six miles from Royal. The park features well preserved skeletons of prehistoric animals, and is a joint project of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the University of Nebraska State Museum.

title: Royal, Nebraska


text:
Arthur, Nebraska

Arthur is a village in, and the county seat of Arthur County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 117 at the 2010 census.

History
Arthur was founded in 1913 to be the seat of Arthur County, then just organizing. The town and county were both named for President Chester A. Arthur. Arthur was incorporated as a village in 1944. The first county office was a covered wagon, with a one-room courthouse being built in 1915. A year before that, in the Spring, a general store was constructed, and afterward a newspaper, the first church and the post office were established. A one-room high school was also built in 1914, expanding to two rooms in 1920. In 1916 the Arthur State Bank was founded. Into the 1920s, Arthur continued to be built. The town got electricity in 1926, though most of the county would not have it until the early 1950s.

Then in 1932, the Great Depression struck Arthur, closing its bank, which was not replaced until 1939 with the Arthur County Co-op Credit Association. Following WWII, in 1950 construction of a new, large and modern highschool was completed. A new courthouse was built in 1960-1961. In 1980, the census population was 125.

Historic sites
Two sites in Arthur are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Pilgrim Holiness Church was built in 1928 out of straw bales, in response to the region's dearth of trees or construction sod. The First Arthur County Courthouse and Jail complex was built in 1914-15; the courthouse is billed as the smallest ever built in the United States. Both sites are now maintained by the Arthur County Historical Society.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.31 sqmi, all land.

Climate
Arthur has a borderline humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa/Dwa) just wet enough to avoid being classed as a cool semi-arid climate (BSk). Like most of the High Plains, winters vary from frigid due to incursions of Arctic air, to an average of six afternoons between December and February of 60 F or higher during the afternoon due to chinook winds off the Rocky Mountains. In contrast, 18.2 mornings below 0 F can be expected each winter, alongside 176.5 mornings below freezing and 38.6 afternoons that do not top freezing. Snowfall is moderate in winter due to dryness: the median between 1971 and 2000 being 24.0 in and no day having median snow cover over 3 in.

Spring warms up steadily but erratically: although the first afternoon over 70 F can be expected on March 13, the last morning below freezing is not expected until May 14, and the first fall morning below freezing can be expected on September 26, giving a frost-free season of only 134 days. Most precipitation falls as rain from late spring and summer thunderstorms: the wettest month on record is June 2014 with 8.89 in and the wettest calendar year 2009 with 28.56 in, whilst the driest year on record has been 1931 with 9.02 in. The wettest day on record has been September 4, 1937, with 3.58 in. During dry spells with the upper subtropical ridge is pushed northwards, heatwaves and droughts can occur: 113 F was recorded during the infamous 1936 heat wave, when Arthur averaged 98.6 F as monthly maximum; in contrast, the wet month of July 1958 had an average maximum of only 79.8 F.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 117 people, 61 households, and 35 families residing in the village. The population density was 377.4 PD/sqmi. There were 82 housing units at an average density of 264.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.1% White and 0.9% Asian.

There were 61 households, of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.6% were non-families. 42.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.92 and the average family size was 2.60.

The median age in the village was 52.5 years. 20.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 13.7% were from 25 to 44; 34.2% were from 45 to 64; and 28.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 51.3% male and 48.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 145 people, 62 households, and 43 families residing in the village. The population density was 460.5 PD/sqmi. There were 88 housing units at an average density of 279.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.93% White, 0.69% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.69% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.07% of the population.

There were 62 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 2.8% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $24,821, and the median income for a family was $31,458. Males had a median income of $25,417 versus $15,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,196. There were 13.7% of families and 18.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 20.8% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Transportation
The Arthur Municipal Airport is located about one mile (about a kilometer and a half) southwest of Arthur's central business district. The runways are unpaved. The airport handles about 25 operations per year.

title: Arthur, Nebraska


text:
Harrisburg, Nebraska

Harrisburg is a census-designated place in, and the county seat of, Banner County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 100 at the 2010 census.

History
Harrisburg, and all of Banner County, were originally part of Cheyenne County and began with a homestead in 1884. A settlement, at first called Randall and then Centropolis, developed around this and neighboring homesteads. In November, 1888, Cheyenne County subdivided into five counties, and the settlement was included in the territory which became Banner County. Its county seat was originally located at Ashford, a few miles northeast. However, in 1889 Charles Schooley, a settler, donated part of his land for the development of a formal town. A migrant being from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania caused the name to be selected.

Because of its central location, Harrisburg became the home base for stagecoach and mail carrier lines in the county, and the county government moved its operations from Ashford in mid-1891. By 1892, Harrisburg had two hotels, two livery stables, a brickwork, a cheese factory, two banks and three newspapers. It was the principal community for the county, which was almost entirely devoted to wheat farming and cattle ranching. In 1951, oil (which had first been discovered in 1919) became the county's third commodity.

Harrisburg's fortunes rose and fell with the county's. The lack of a railroad line for shipping eventually drew the larger farm and ranch houses to the north, while the 1960s routing of Interstate Highway 80 through Kimball brought the removal of other businesses to the south. Other small hamlets in Banner County collapsed as people moved either north or south, or consolidated their activities around Harrisburg. This movement has allowed Harrisburg to flourish into the 21st century, despite its low resident population.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.3 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
Harrisburg is part of the Scottsbluff, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Harrisburg CDP
Harrisburg is also the locus of a census designated place (CDP) of the same name, established in 19__ by the United States Census Bureau. The Census Bureau has, since then, not tracked relevant data for the town alone, but only for the entirety of the population within the CDP boundaries. Pending establishment of a separate article about the CDP, this data is summarized below.

As of the census of 2000, there were 75 people, 31 households, and 23 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 14.0 people per square mile (5.4/km$2$). There were 33 housing units at an average density of 6.2/sq mi (2.4/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.67% White, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.67% of the population.

There were 31 households, out of which 19.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.0% were married couples living together, 3.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 16.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.63.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 21.3% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 14.7% from 25 to 44, 36.0% from 45 to 64, and 21.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 127.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $47,083, and the median income for a family was $50,625. Males had a median income of $43,750 versus $11,563 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,992. There were no families and 2.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Harrisburg has a cold semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Harrisburg was 105 F on July 16, 2006, June 24, 2012, and June 27, 2012, while the coldest temperature recorded was -44 F on December 22, 1989.

title: Harrisburg, Nebraska