The Omaha guide., 1955-08-12
News From Around Nebraska

Predominahng the news in the states countyseat newspapers
this week was the water problem. Water, as a natural resource
has become an item which is in extremely short supply and con-
servation of water is fast becoming a matter of great concern.
Once regarded as inexhaustible, much the same as the early
settlers regarded the buffalo of the prairies, the need for conserv-
ing water is now clearly seen. Some, who have studied the water
situation, forecast that the time will come when much Of the water
which now flows down the midwests Missouri and Mississippi
rivers, will never be allowed to 60 to the ocean, but, instead, will
be impounded behind huge dams to form irrigation supplies and
water sources for this nations growing population
The Crete News last week recorded that the Big Blue River,
which is normally a very sizeable stream, was all but dry at Crete
The water flow in the Big Blue at Crete amounted to a tiny trlckle
which was measured at one point as IL inches wide and only three
inches deep. Much Of that, it was pointed out was polluted water,
coming from sewers of towns upstream and not from springs or
natural sources of the river itself.
Members of the State Game and Fish department were call
ed to the Big Blue to rescue thousands of fish which had been
trapped in pools and which were dying because of heat and stag
nant water. An estimated 10000 fish died in a short measured
area of the river, the Crete newspaper stated.
Lack of rain had lowered the water level, but much Of the
trouble was attributed to the taking of water for irrigation-a
need which is just as beneficial and justfyable as any other use
of water could be.
But it all brings the point forcefuly to mind that this country
is running out Of its most precious natural resource-water.
Water troubles were not limited to the Crete area and the
At Ainsworth water consumption has grown until the supply
is having difficulty keeping up with the demand. AS a result,
the Ainsworth StarJournal issued a notice last week that all resi-
dents are to Immediately turn off all water uses upon the outbreak
of a fire in the city so that the citys pumps will be able to keep
up with whatever demands the fire department might have. The
reserve on hand is but a few minutes ahead of the demand.
Aurora experienced a water shortage last week. 1t was a
shortage caused by mechanical reasons, but it brought the neces-
sty of water to mind very forcefuDy.
Bearings in one Of the city's water pumps burned out, leaving
the city with only one pump. Consumption was more than the
single pump could provide and within a few hours there was only
a few feet of water in the standpipe and water pressure was non
existent in some residences. The day before the break occurred,
that community had used 100000 gallons of water. Because of
the pump trouble, the Aurora water department asked all users
to turn off air condtioners and sprinklers. So, on one Of the
hottest days of the year, the Aurora folks got along without their
air conditioners while the mechanical troubles were overcome.
Atkinson, which has been short of water all summer, is
breathing easier now with a new pump and well in operation. The
Atkinson Graphic announced last week that for the first time this
year, water users could have all the water they wanted.
The West Point Republican last week related the troubles
of the City Council there in trying to supply water to all Of the
new homes which are being built. A wholesale rebuilding of the
chys water system and electric distribution system is being
planned to keep up with the demand.
The Republican stated that the anticipated growth of electric
power would double in the next ten years. Water use would also
show a big increase.
At Ord, irrigators who have been taking water from the Loup
river. wer still sparring around for angles which they could use
to defend their rights to that rivers water. The Loup River
Public Power District had previously ordered all irrigators to quit
using water because there was not enough for both irrigation and
the generating Of electric power.
Loup Power had told the irrigators that they must pay for
the water they take from the river. The latest comeback of the
farmers is: IF you own the river, then why am | paying taxes
on the land it occupies? And if you insist you own this water,
then please refund all the taxes that you've collected in years
past" The Ord Quiz expressed doubt about anyone getting back
their tax money
There were other communities having water trouble, all be-
cause the demand has increased faster than the supply.
Young musicians from South Dakota, Wyoming and a number
of points in Nebraska spent much of last week at the Chadron
State Park in attendance at the 14th annual National Music Camp.
Band and choral rehearsals furnished entertainment at the meet,
along with numerous types of specialized instruction. Donald A.
Lent, director of the University of Nebraska band, was guest
band conductor, according to the chadron Record
The icemaking plant at Chadron has been discontinued after
operating for a period of forty years, the Record has revealed.
Like most other ice plants which made ice for public purchase,
the plant has been pushed out of existence by mechanical refrig-
orators and small icemakhng machines. The plant once ran "a
hours per day and produced a ton of ice every hour. Now, the
demand has fallen so low that there is no profit in its operations.
The Oakland Independent pulled a whizzer on its readers last
week. With the mercury crowding the 100degree reading every
day. that newspaper hunted up a picture of Oakland as it appear
ed last winter after a heavy snowfall. With snow heaped high
along Oaklands main street and cars almost buried, the Indepen-
dent readers looked, all popeyed, and mopped their brow once
more. 1t was a teaer, anyway.
The Blue Star Food Company, whose efforts to get a rezoning
measure through at Wahoo was reported in this column last week.