Buffalo County Facilities OMP
Facilities General Maintenance Worker

Buffalo County Facilities currently has a position open for a general maintenance worker. Experience in building
maintenance and/or commercial construction is preferred, but we are willing to train the right person.

General Purpose
Perform work involving general, electrical, plumbing and/or HVAC maintenance and repair of County buildings
and grounds, which may also include, but is not limited to, the installation and maintenance of equipment and
utilities, and some remodel/new construction. Applicants must complete a standard application, available at
www.buffalocounty.ne.gov/EMPLOYMENT. Applicants must also submit a resume and cover letter. Incomplete
applications will not be considered.

Minimum Qualifications

    • High school education or equivalent is preferred. Some advanced education and/or skills training is
strongly preferred.
    • Thorough knowledge of methods, materials and techniques utilized in general building maintenance
and/or general commercial construction is required.
    • Ability to safely operate some machinery is preferred, such as mowers, skidsteer, forklift, etc.
    • Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions, and ability to work efficiently and
complete duties with minimal supervision.
    • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
    • Ability to establish and maintain positive rapport with supervisors, fellow employees and the general
public while presenting a positive image for the County.
    • Applicants must be able to comply with all physical requirements as required by the position and must
pass a background check.
    • Applicants must possess a valid Nebraska Driver’s License and be eligible to be insured under the
County’s insurance policies.

Wages
    • This position is a non-exempt position.
    • Starting wage will be $17.00 - $25.00 per hour, depending upon qualifications.
    • Comprehensive benefit package including retirement.

Application submission
Please submit complete application, resume and cover letter to:

Buffalo County Board Administrator
1512 Central Avenue
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848
facilities@buffalocounty.ne.gov

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm on May 30th, or until the position is filled.

EOE/AA/Veterans Preferenc

General Purpose:

Operate, light, medium, heavy equipment, road maintenance and manual labor

Full Job Description

Applicants must complete a standard application available at www.buffalocounty.ne.gov/employment.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent. Combination of equivalent education and/or work experience may be considered if substantially related to the detailed job requirements of the this position
At least one year experience as a laborer, in driving dump or similar trucks, light equipment in maintenance and construction or similar work
Appropriate trade school training is desirable
Must possess a valid State of Nebraska Driver’s License

Wages: $20.50/hour

Application Submission:
Please submit complete application, resume, and cover letter to:
Buffalo County Board Administrator
1512 Central Avenue
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE  68848
lmartin@buffalocounty.ne.gov

This position is open until filled.

General Purpose:
Operate tractor/mower and wood chipper to cut and remove brush from road right-a-ways and bridges on uneven or rough terrain

Applicants must complete a standard application available at buffalocounty.ne.gov/employment.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Qualifications:

• Have a valid driver’s license
• High School diploma or GED
• Must be able to pass a background check

Wages: $15.00

Application Submission:

Please submit complete application to:
Buffalo County Board Administrator
1512 Central Avenue
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE  68848
lmartin@buffalocounty.ne.gov

First review of applications will be May 10, 2023.  Position will remain open until filled. 

Buffalo County is EOE/AA/Veteran Preference.

Full Job Description

Truck Driver/Maintenance Worker II (CDL Required) Kearney Area

General Purpose:

Operate, light, medium, heavy equipment, road maintenance and manual labor

Applicants must complete a Standard Buffalo County Job Application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent. Combination of equivalent education and/or work experience may be considered if substantially related to the detailed job requirements of the this position.
• At least one year experience as a laborer, in driving dump or similar trucks, light equipment in maintenance and construction or similar work.
• Appropriate trade school training is desirable.
• Must possess a valid State of Nebraska Driver’s License
• Commercial Driver’s License with Class A Endorsement is required.
  

Wages: $21.00/hour

Application Submission:

Please submit complete application, resume, and cover letter to:
Buffalo County Board Administrator
1512 Central Avenue
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE  68848
lmartin@buffalocounty.ne.gov

This position is open until filled.  First review of applications will occur on May 2, 2022. 

Full Job Description

• Know what has been filed against you;
• An attorney (a Public Defender may be provided at no cost);
• Face and cross-examine witnesses;
• Present evidence in your own defense;
• Testify if you wish; however, you do not have to testify;
• Be advised by the Judge as to what the Court can do with you; and
• Appeal the Court’s decision to the Nebraska Court of Appeals or Nebraska Supreme Court.

• Dress neatly and cleanly, as you would for an important meeting.
• Be 15 minutes early, so you are ready to attend the hearing on time.
• Speak loudly and clearly.
• Be honest and make eye contact when talking.
• Respond to Judge’s questions by saying, “Yes, Your Honor,” or “No, Your Honor.”

• Curse, swear or lie;
• Get angry or roll your eyes;
• Walk out of the courtroom (you could be held in contempt;
• Speak or act rudely;
• Take a cell phone into the courtroom;
• Slouch or chew gum; or
• Wear sagging pants, offensive T-shirts or gang-related items.

• ...fail to follow court orders (any law violation, including Court orders to obey your parents’ rules and curfew, and/or attend school).
• ...are a runaway youth (a history of running from home or if you run from your Court-ordered placement, such as foster or group home).
• …are a danger to yourself or others (violent, aggressive, gang-related behavior or use of alcohol or drugs).
• ...are being discharged unsatisfactorily from a placement facility. If you are not following rules of your Court-ordered placement and are discharged, you may be detained.
• ...an OJS evaluation is ordered to be done residentially.

• Complete a comprehensive assessment with the Drug Court staff
• Complete the substance abuse treatment recommended by the Drug Court staff
• Attend regular appearances before the Drug Court Judge
• Submit to regular drug testing
• Pay a weekly program fee to the Drug Court
• Pay part of the costs of treatment, based on ability to pay
• Reside in a participating county while in the program
• Maintain employment, attend school, or complete other conditions as directed by the Court or staff
• Meet with the Drug Court staff
• Pay any court costs due
• Obey all laws

• If charged with an ineligible offense, such as murder, manslaughter, robbery, felony assault, sexual assault, or assault with a deadly weapon
• Prior felony conviction for a crime of violence
• Prior or current offense involved the use or possession of a firearm or a dangerous weapon
• Prior or current offense resulted in death or serious bodily injury
• Current offense involved the use of force against a person
• Two or more felony convictions
• Multiple prior misdemeanors for crimes against a person, such as assault, domestic violence, resisting arrest, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or flight to avoid arrest

• Be between 12 and 18 years of age. (Juveniles 11 and younger will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.)
• Accept responsibility for their offense and acknowledge the extent of their involvement.
• Be willing to comply with all of the program requirements.
• Reside in Buffalo County.

• The juvenile’s previous encounters with the law, including delinquent behavior.
• The length of time over which any prior offenses occurred, and similarity of those offenses.
• Whether the offense involved violence, and whether it was premeditated.
• The number of victims involved in the offense.
• The potential for actual harm to the victim(s), even if unintended.
• The monetary value of any damages.
• The juvenile’s motives for committing the offense.
• The likelihood of future law violations 
• Whether the juvenile is amenable to treatment.

• Criminal charges regarding the offense will be dismissed or not filed.
• Improvement in personal responsibility and coping skills.
• Opportunity to develop a sense of community responsibility and accountability.

1. Assessment. Upon the offer by the County Attorney to participate in Diversion, the juvenile will complete an intake assessment. He or she will be required to meet with the Diversion Administrator to discuss the referral, the diversion process, and the offender’s willingness to participate. The youth’s history, family life, academic performance, and other relevant factors will be examined. The Diversion Administrator may also provide avenues for additional services and/or make referrals to other agencies.
2. Drug/Alcohol Assessment. All youth who are referred with drug- or alcohol-related offenses will be required to get a complete professional drug/alcohol evaluation at their expense. The results of this assessment will be shared with the youth and their parent(s), and be required to follow the recommendations of the assessment.
3. Drug/Alcohol Testing. Once accepted into the Program, continued use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol will be forbidden. At any time while on Diversion, the youth may be required to submit to drug and alcohol screening. The Diversion Administrator may share the results of such testing with the County Attorney, who will consider whether the youth will be allowed to continue in the Diversion Program. An offender deemed no longer eligible for Diversion will be referred back to the court for formal charges.
4. Curfews. After being accepted into the Juvenile Diversion Program, some participants may be required to observe a curfew. The juvenile, the parent(s), and the Program Administrator will help in determining the curfew times and conditions.
5. Duration of the Program. The Program will be tailored to the individual needs of the juvenile. Consequently, the duration of the program will depend on the offender. The maximum term of Diversion will not exceed one year.
6. No Plea Required. While the participant must acknowledge their participation in the offense, they will not be required to enter a court plea of “admit” or “no contest.” The County Attorney will not use any admissions if charges are subsequently filed.
7. Victim/Offender Mediation. If the victim agrees, the offender may be considered for mediation.
8. Sponsor. A juvenile participating in Diversion will be asked to have a responsible adult as their sponsor. The Program Administrator must approve the sponsor. The sponsor may be a parent, relative, or friend.

• Paying all required fines, fees, and restitution.
• Satisfactorily completing all required community service.
• Attending and participating in all educational classes.
• Writing a letter of apology to the victim(s).
• Informing the school in writing about participation in the Diversion Program and serving all, if any, school-related consequences.
• Avoiding social situations that may involve criminal or delinquent behavior.
• Obeying school and household rules, and working towards a good academic standing.
• Receiving no additional violations and obeying the rules of the Program.
• Signing a release of information permitting open communication with the school and other interested parties and the Diversion Program.
• Each individual is entitled to and capable of being responsible for his or her lawful participation in society.

• Amherst, 248
• Elm Creek, 901
• Gibbon, 1,833
• Kearney, 30,787
• Miller, 136
• Odessa, 130
• Pleasanton, 341
• Poole, 19
• Ravenna, 1,360
• Riverdale, 182
• Shelton, 1,059

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force youto evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off?  Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they will not be able to reach everyone right away, so it is important for you to develop a plan for you and your family.

Families can, and do, cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Follow the steps below to create your family's disaster plan.  Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere--at work, at school or in the car.

How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe?

4 STEPS TO SAFETY

1.  Find Out What Could Happen to You

Contact the Emergency Management office or the Ft. Kearney Chapter of the American Red Cross.

• Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen in Kearney and the surrounding area.  Request information on how to prepare for the different types of emergencies that could occur.
• Learn about the existing warning signals in Buffalo County: what they sound like (outdoor warning sirens), and that the alert signal should indicate to all citizens to tune to local radio or television for emergency information and instructions.
• Ask about animal care after a disaster. Animals will not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations, so prepare a plan for your pets.
• Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
• Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.

2.  Create a Disaster Plan

Meet wiith your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and hazardous materials to children.  Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
• Pick two places to meet;
1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
• Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, its often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
• Discuss what to do in an evacuation.  Plan how to take care of your pets.

3.  Complete This Checklist

• Post emergency telephone numbers by your telephones or have them programmed into your phone (fire, police, EMS, etc.)
• Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency help.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them the designated locations where they are kept in the house.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home.  Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster, including your Shelter-in-Place spot.

4.  Practice and Maintain Your Plan

• Quiz your children every six months so they remember what to do.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
• Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries the same weekend as the time change occurs in the spring (daylight-savings time) and fall (standard time).

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation.  Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered plastic containers. Include:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
• Emergency tools, including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.

UTILITIES
Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main.  Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members.  Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.

Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or neighborhood watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child-care in case parents are unable to get home during the emergency.

HOME HAZARD HUNT
During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a home hazard.  Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards.

Contact the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department to learn about home fire hazards.

EVACUATION
Evacuate immediately if told to do so:

• Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your family disaster supplies kit.
• Lock your home.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities--don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.

If you're sure you have time:

• If instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
• Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Make arrangements for your pets.

IF DISASTER STRIKES

• If disaster strikes
  Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
• Check for injuries
  Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
• Listen to your battery powered radio for news and instructions.
• Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.

Check for damage in your home...

• Use flashlights--do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
• Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater.  If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
• Shut off any other damaged utilities.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately.

Remember to...

• Confine or secure your pets.
• Call your family contact--do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
• Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
• Stay away from downed power lines.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Family Protection Program and the American Red Cross' Disaster Education Program are nationwide efforts to help citizens prepare for disasters of all types. For more information, please contact the Emergency Management office, or the Fort Kearney Chapter of the American Red Cross. Start planning now.

Buffalo County will (may) provide public road top only maintenance within established subdivisions on the following basis:

Subdivision must be properly platted and recorded with established roads dedicated to the public.

Subdivision must present the County Board of Commissioners a petition for such maintenance signed by a majority of property owners.

Maintenance will be on a "Low-priority" basis, as compared to "Regular or High-priority" main roads, school bus routes, emergency roads, section line and half section line roadways.

The County may require the subdivision to improve roads to minimum standards if there is difficulty operating maintenance vehicles because of such conditions. The cost of their improvement or any other significant road improvements shall be the financial responsibility of the subdivision.

Each subdivision should have an alternate snow removal plan in the event that emergency situations dictate the use of equipment elsewhere.

It is further recommended that each subdivision's governing body or committee appoint one representative within the subdivision to communicate problems or questions to the County Road Department.

Severe storms strike quickly! Thunderstorms can produce heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, hail and tornadoes. You may need to respond promptly to one of these threats posed by a storm in your area.

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the broadcast media, BuffaloWatch and the local spotter system, will provide you with the warnings you need to quickly respond. If you listen to the media, you will know when a storm is approaching your area and you will know if you need to take protective action.

Watch or Warning
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are right for the development of storms. Stay tuned to the media for further advisories.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a storm is probable in the warned area and residents there should be prepared to take cover.

Don’t wait until an emergency siren sounds to start looking for flashlights and other things. Plan ahead. When severe storms threaten, keep alert. Stay tuned to the media for current information. Know where to find shelter. Pick the safest spot. Make sure the entire family knows where to go – at home, at work, in school, at the mal l- anywhere they might be when the storms strike. Avoid traveling. If you live in a mobile home, you should make sure the mobile home is securely anchored. During storm warnings, you should seek more secure cover and have a plan that includes abandoning your mobile home.

Flash flooding
Floods kill more people on average than tornadoes and lightning combined! Most flood deaths are due to flash floods. Flash floods are often the result of heavy rains associated with severe thunderstorms. You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming.

When a Flash Flood Watch is issued, be alert and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. When a Flash Flood Warning is issued, or the moment you realize a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself. You may only have seconds. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto related. In your automobile, look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges and low areas. Do not drive through flowing water. A mere two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

Lightning
Lightning kills between 75 and 100 people nationwide annually. During thunderstorms, stay inside. If you are outdoors, an automobile is a safe place to be. Indoors, keep away from doors, windows, stoves, sinks, metal pipes or other conductors. Disconnect electrical appliances such as TV’s, radios and computers. Outdoors, minimize your height but don’t lie flat. Do not take shelter under a tree. Stay away from wire fences, overhead power lines and other metallic conductors. Avoid standing in small sheds in open areas.

Tornadoes
The most destructive and devastating product of a thunderstorm, these violent "twisters", are characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud, which forms from the bottom of a wall cloud and touches the ground. Tornadoes are often accompanied by lightning, heavy rain and hail. In an average year, the United States reports 800 tornadoes resulting in 80 deaths and 1,500 injuries.

While they can occur all year, they are most common during the spring in the Great Plains, where they develop along “drylines,” which separate very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west. Tornado-producing thunderstorms may form as the dryline moves east during the afternoon hours. Nebraska is in the middle of tornado alley and each year the state averages 35 tornadoes.

Knowing tornado safety is your best hope for surviving. You must have a PLAN. Stay tuned to the media when the watches are sounded and be prepared to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued in your area. The safest place to be when a tornado strikes is in a basement under something sturdy like a workbench. If your house doesn’t have a basement, seek shelter in a small room in the middle of the house. A closet or bathroom is best. The more walls between you and the approaching storm the better.

Have a portable radio and flashlight handy to take with you.

If you live in a mobile home, even those with tie-downs, seek more permanent shelter. Go to a prearranged shelter. Go to a friend’s house or a nearby structure with a basement. As a last resort, go outside and lie flat on the ground with your hands over your head and neck.

In an automobile, never try to outrun a tornado. Tornadoes can toss cars, and even large trucks, around like toys. Get out of your vehicle and seek a safe structure or lie down in a low area with your hands covering the back of your head and neck; keep alert for flash floods.

At Work or School, know the emergency shelter plans. If no specific plans exist, go to an interior hallway or small room on the building’s lowest level. Avoid areas with glass and wide, freespan roofs.

In a store or shopping mall, if you can’t get to a basement or designated shelter, go to the center of the lowest level of the building. Avoid windows and lie flat. Cover yourself with any handy object.

Most towns in Nebraska sound the sirens when tornado warnings are issued or a funnel cloud is sighted. Some times there are no warnings though. The best bet is to be aware of weather conditions and be prepared to seek shelter.

A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for them to develop. Be prepared to take action.

A Tornado Warning is issued when radar indicates a tornado, or if a funnel cloud has been sighted. Seek shelter immediately.

Potential Shelter List

What is Shelter-in-Place?
In a situation where a serious hazardous chemical spill has quickly caused a toxic atmosphere, it may be more dangerous to go through those toxic vapors or to attempt to outrun them than to stay in an existing structure. Shelter-in-Place means to get to the inside of a building and remain there during a chemical emergency rather than attempting to evacuate the area. Shelter-in-Place is a viable option for protection against exposure to potentially dangerous airborne chemicals during an emergency.

Why Should I Shelter-in-Place?
During a hazardous materials incident, the idea is to keep everyone's exposure to any chemical as low as possible. It is best to get out of the area and have no exposure, but in a sudden chemical release there may not be time to safely evacuate. In such cases, attempts to evacuate could place you at greater risk of exposure than if you had stayed in your home or workplace. Shelter-in-place is used when there has been a serious hazardous chemical spill that has quickly caused a toxic atmosphere and there is not enough time to safely leave the area. When you shelter-in-place, you take protective action in a structure to reduce exposure to toxic chemical levels. So, unless otherwise instructed to evacuate, sheltering-in-place could be the best way to safely wait out a hazardous chemical release.

How safe is it to Shelter-in-Place?
In a 2001 report by The National Institute for Chemical Studies, several studies were cited that demonstrate the value of sheltering-in-place during a chemical emergency. In older homes, the average house was found to change its air at a rate of less than 1/3 change per hour. It was also found that if one room in the house was sealed up with duct tape and plastic, the amount of chemical that was in the room after one hour was between 1/7 to 1/17 of what was outside. Another study found that sealing up a house also filtered out some of the chemicals. Not only did a sealed up house limit the amount of air coming into a house, the walls actually did some filtering of the air that seeped in. Sheltering-in-place cannot completely eliminate all exposure to the chemical, but it can keep the exposure below dangerous levels.

The report concluded: "For the vast majority of events that have led to the public to shelter-in-place, there have been no reported injuries. In fact, for a very few cases, clouds of toxic materials of sufficient concentration to cause harm have entered communities and, because sheltering-in-place has been accepted by the community and was successfully implemented, no one was injured. The body of evidence suggests that if there is insufficient time to complete an evacuation, or the chemical leak will be of limited duration, or conditions would make an evacuation more risky than staying in place, sheltering-in-place is a good way to protect the public during chemical emergencies."

When should I Shelter-in-Place?
A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere. There may even be a time when you are close to where a chemical accident has taken place. If you feel or hear a strange sound like an explosion; if you see a strange cloud; if you smell a strange odor; if you feel nauseous or have burning or tearing eyes; trust your senses, don't wait for a warning confirmation and act immediately. If it is obvious that you can safely evacuate the area, do so, but remember shelter-in-place as the next option.

In Buffalo County Monitor:

If there is a chemical release in Buffalo County, the emergency alert system will be utilized. The outdoor warning sirens will sound to alert the public to turn on a radio or television for further emergency information.

Where do I Shelter-in-Place?
If you are told to shelter-in-place or if you believe you need to, you should go inside any building close by immediately. If you are not by your own house, a church, school, or store are good options. If you are not near any buildings, your car is a better choice than staying outside. Your home is the best choice to shelter-in-place because you will know where tapes, towels, plastics and other items are located to help you create your shelter space.

How do I Shelter-in-Place?

• Close all doors to the outside and close and lock all windows (windows sometimes seal better when locked.)
• Ventilation systems should be turned off so no outside air is drawn into the structure.
• Turn off all heating systems and all air-conditioners and switch inlets to the "closed" position.
• Seal any gaps around window type air-conditioners with tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper, or aluminum wrap.
• Turn off all the exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms and attics, and cover the openings with plastic wrap or plastic sheeting.
• Close all fireplace dampers and seal with plastic if possible.
• Close as many internal doors as possible in the structure you are in.
• Pick a room on the highest level of the structure, as most of the chemicals that are of concern are heavier than air and will settle in the basement.
• Select a room in the building that is comfortable and easy to seal off. The room should, if possible, provide access to water, toilet facilities, and have adequate room for people and pets to sit.
• If the vapor begins to bother you place a wet cloth over your nose and mouth. For a higher degree of protection, go into the bathroom, close the door and turn on the shower in a strong spray to "wash" the air. Seal any opening to the outside of the bathroom as best you can.
• Make sure you have a battery-powered radio and a flashlight in case the power goes out.
• Once in the room, seal windows, air vents, and exhaust fans with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• In some homes, light switches and electrical outlets on outside walls are sources of air infiltration and should also be sealed with duct tape and plastic.
• Lastly, seal around the door with duct tape. If the space under the door is too big to seal with tape, try stuffing a damp towel under the door.
• Continue to listen to the radio or TV for emergency information and updates on the incident.
• Don't call 911 unless you have an emergency like a fire or a serious injury.
• Keep your phone available in case someone needs to contact you.

What if I can't make it to a building?
If you can get to your car, go there. Turn off the ventilation system, close your windows and vents, and tune your radio to a local station. If you are driving, try to avoid driving through a vapor cloud and try to drive crosswind. If you are in a chemical cloud, be aware that your car may stall. If your car stalls or was not running when enveloped by the cloud, DO NOT try to start it unless told to do so by a public announcement on the radio.

If you are outside and not close to a building, such as being on a golf course or in a rural area, try to move crosswind. The vapors may drift downwind for miles and unless there is no wind at all you will not be able to outrun them. Going perpendicular to the wind, away from the center of the cloud will get you to a less harmful atmosphere quicker.

How will I know when it is safe to come out?
As soon as it is deemed safe, authorities will tell you it is safe to leave your building.

Disaster Supplies to have on hand:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable battery-operated radio
• Duct tape and plastic sheeting & wrap
• Games and toys to occupy children
• First aid kit and essential medicines
• Emergency food and water

SPECIAL NOTE: SHELTER-IN-PLACE DOES NOT APPLY TO FLAMMABLE GASES SUCH AS PROPANE AND NATURAL GASES.

Is registration required in Nebraska to be eligible to vote?

Yes, the only exception is during Presidential elections. If you have recently moved to Nebraska or moved to another state after the registration deadline, then you may only vote a Presidential ballot.

Who may register to vote?

Anyone who meets the following criteria:

• Will be 18 years of age or older on General Election Day (first Tuesday after the first Monday in November)
• Is a United States Citizen
• Is a resident of Nebraska
• Has not been convicted of a felony or, if convicted it has been at least two years since I completed my sentence for the felony, including any parole term
• Have not been found mentally incompetent

How may I register?

You may register at the Election Commissioner's Office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also download the form and send it by mail if you
have access to a printer (see instructions on the right) or click on the link above
that says Nebraska Online Voter Registration.

What is the registration deadline?

Mail-in registration must be postmarked on or before the third Friday before an election. You may register in person at the Election Commission by the second Friday prior to an election.

Do I have to be a resident for a certain time period?

No, you may register the same day you become a resident of Buffalo County.

How is residence determined?

Residence shall mean:

• That place in which a person is actually domiciled, which is the residence of an individual or family, with which a person has a settled connection for the determination of his or her civil status or other legal purposes because it is actually or legally his or her permanent and principal home, and to which, whenever he or she is absent, has the intention of returning.

• The place where a person has his or her family domiciled even if he or she does business in another place.

• If a person is homeless, the county in which the person is living.

May a student register and vote from a school address?

Yes, you may decide to register and vote from either your school or home address. If you want to vote from your home address, write your county election commissioner or clerk and ask them to mail a voter registration form and an absentee ballot. (See Absentee Ballot information)

Must I designate a party affiliation on my registration?

Yes. Nebraska has a "closed primary" which means that you are only allowed to vote the ballot for the party you designated on your voter registration. Currently Nebraska has Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Non-partisan, and Marijuana NOW. If you are registered as one of the above parties, you would receive the party ballot along with the non-partisan ballot. You may indicate that you wish to be Non Partisan, but in that event, you would only receive the non-political ballot and (if you request) a congressional and senatorial partisan ballot. You may change your party affiliation anytime before the registration deadline.

Do I ever have to re-register?

You must re-register whenever you change your name, your address or political party affiliation.

Will I receive notice that my mail-in registration has been accepted and processed?

Yes, if you completed the form correctly and mailed it by the deadline (third Friday prior to an election). If you do not receive notification within 10 days that your registration has been accepted, call the Election Office. You are not a registered voter until you receive confirmation.

State of Nebraska - Alphabetical Index of Buffalo County Land Patents
Compiled by the Buffalo County Register of Deeds

Return to: Register of Deeds Homepage | Land Patents

County Clerk’s office

Contact:
Janice I. Giffin
County Clerk
1512 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847

Phone: (308) 236-1226
E-mail: clerk@buffalocounty.ne.gov

Hours: 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Treasurer: Brenda R. Rohrich (elected 4 yr. Term)
Deputy Treasurer: Michele L. Richardson

Duties:

• To collect all revenues for the County
• To bill and collect all real estate and personal taxes in the County
• To issue motor vehicle titles
• To register all motor vehicles with tax situs in the County
• To issue driver licenses, CDL’s, learner permits, ID cards, school permits, etc
• To disburse collections to the proper political subdivisions
• To register motor boats
• To register snowmobiles

General Information:

• Information on titling NEW motor vehicles and watercraft
• Information on titling previously owned motor vehicles and watercraft
• Information on titles coming from out of state
• Information on replacing a lost title
• Information on your first registration for cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles and boats whether new or used
• Information on renewing registrations
• Information on registering snowmobiles
• Information on refunds
• Tax Sales and Tax Sale Certificates

 Telephone Numbers:

Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes: (308) 236-1250
Motor Vehicle: (308) 236-1259
Tax Sales: (308) 236-1250

The Courthouse is located one block east of 2nd Avenue on 16th street.

Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Friday

Mission Statement: Maintain the integrity of the election process and maintain an accurate registry of voters. 

Nebraska VoterCheck Website
Click the above link to access your polling place address and party affiliation

Nebraska Online Voter Registration
Click the above link to register to vote, change your address, party affiliation or change your name on your voter registration record.

All results are UNOFFICIAL