• Paternity establishment; 
• Orders to Show Cause, also known as “contempt” hearings; or 
• Child support modifications 

Timothy Higgins - DISTRICT 3 - Elected in 2018, began office in 2019; re-elected 2022, began office in 2023.

The Emergency Manager is an appointed position responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an emergency management system in Buffalo County to save lives and protect property. Such emergency management system shall include disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities. The incumbent is charged with making certain that the components of the emergency management system know the threats to the jurisdiction, planning for emergencies, being able to function effectively in an emergency, and conducting recovery operations following a disaster.

The position requires direct responsibility for the organization, administration, and operation of the Buffalo County Emergency Management System, subject to the direction and control of the Buffalo County Board of Commissioners. The position serves as the principal advisor to the Buffalo County Board of Commissioners in disaster/emergency matters. Supervision of day-to-day activities shall be directed by the Buffalo County Sheriff and Kearney Chief of Police.

The incumbent, in discharging duties, must work with elected and appointed officials of the local governments, of the state and of the Federal government, and private sector interests.

The incumbent is given broad and extensive authority to determine program priorities, requirements and procedures so as to implement and support the local, state and national programs and objectives. Completed work is reviewed in terms of net results and the achievement of broad objectives and conformance with general policies. Job effectiveness can be determined by the ability of the Buffalo County Emergency Manager to take the lead in developing local capabilities to mitigate disasters/emergencies and conduct coordinated operations in disasters/emergencies, making maximum use of all public and private resources available.

Each year, the National Weather Service issues numerous watches, warnings and advisories.  Knowledge of those products is a critical element in winter weather preparations.

• Winter Storm Watch - Adverse winter weather (heavy snow, blizzard) is expected within the next two days, but the exact timing, location or occurrence of the storm is still uncertain. This is the time to get prepared for the storm.

• Winter Storm Warning - Hazardous winter weather is likely. If not already occurring, it is expected to occur within 6 to 24 hours. Travel will be hazardous, if not impossible. You should be ready for the storm by this time. Stay indoors!

• Blizzard Warning - The most dangerous of all winter weather will occur in your area. A combination of winds 35 mph or greater and significant snow and/or blowing snow with visibilities less than ¼ mile for three or more hours is expected in the warning area. Blinding snow ("white out"), deep drifts and life threatening wind chill will occur. Travel will be dangerous and should not be attempted. You should seek refuge immediately!

• Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these situations should not become life threatening. The greatest hazard is often to motorists.

Things to do at home or work BEFORE a winter storm strikes...

Primary concerns are the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

Have available:

• Flashlight(s) and extra batteries.
• Battery-powered Weather Radio and portable radio. These are used to receive emergency information. They may be your only link to the outside.
• Extra food and water. High-energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
• Extra medicine and baby items.
• First-aid supplies.
• Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. Make sure you know how to uses the heating sources to prevent a fire and make sure you have proper ventilation.
• Fire extinguisher and smoke detector. Test units regularly to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries the same weekend as the time change occurs in the spring (daylight-savings time) and fall (standard time).

On the farm....

• Move animals to sheltered areas. Shelter-belts, properly laid out and oriented, are better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds.
• Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
• Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration.
• Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm. Stay alert to changing weather conditions throughout the winter to maintain an adequate fuel supply in advance of severe weather moving into the area.

WINTER PRECIPITATION TERMS:

Snow

• Flurries - Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.
• Showers - Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
• Squalls - Brief, intense show showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region.
• Blowing Snow - Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.
• Blizzard - Winds over 35 mph with snow and blowing snow reducing visibility to near zero.

Sleet

Is formed by raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.

Freezing Rain

Is rain that falls onto a surface that has a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.

Wind Chill

The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by combined effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill.

WINTER DRIVING

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.

Have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

• Battery
• Antifreeze
• Wipers and windshield washer fluid
• Ignition system
• Thermostat
• Lights
• Flashing hazard lights
• Exhaust system
• Heater
• Brakes
• Defroster
• Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)

• Install good winter tires.  Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions.
• Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.
• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
• Plan long trips carefully.  Listen to the radio or Call 511 from anywhere in Nebraska for Nebraska Traveler information for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, try not to travel alone.
• Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
• Dress to fit the season.  Wear loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air insulates. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded. Wear a hat. Half your body heat loss can be from the head. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Try to stay dry.
• Carry food and water.  Store a supply of high-energy "munchies" and several bottles of water.

Carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT in your vehicle that includes:

• Flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• Several blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Extra newspapers for insulation
• Plastic bags (for sanitation)
• Matches
• Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
• Rain gear and extra clothes
• Small shovel
• Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
• Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
• Booster cables
• Set of tire chains or traction mats
• Cards, games, and puzzles
• Brightly colored cloth for a flag
• Canned fruit and nuts
• Non-electric can opener
• Bottled water

IF TRAPPED IN CAR DURING A BLIZZARD:

• Stay in the car. Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.
• Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the car hood.
• Occasionally run engine to keep warm. Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
• For warmth, huddle together. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.
• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.

Buffalo County is under the Commissioner form of County Government. The County is divided into seven districts. A person from each district is elected to serve on the County Board by the voters in that district.

County Commissioners serve terms of four years each. A Commissioner may serve as many terms as he/she wishes. The Commissioner’s terms are staggered - four Commissioners are elected in one election year and the other three Commissioners are then elected in the second year.

A Commissioner must be a resident of the district they are elected to represent. If they should move away from their district during their term, they must resign their seat on the County Board. The annual salary for the office of the County Board of Commissioners will be established at $38,538.00 for calendar year 2024.   Chairman of the Board will receive $200.00 per month additional pay. The Commissioners are also allowed a mileage expense of $0.67 per mile when conducting County business away from their home.

By law, the County Board is required to meet only once a year, which is on the 2nd Tuesday following the first Thursday in January. The Buffalo County Board chooses to conduct its meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.  These meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. and are open to the public.  Minutes from each meeting are published in the Kearney Hub & on the Buffalo County website.  During the first meeting of each year, the County Board elects a Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board.

In general, the County Board is the representative and guardian for the County. The County Board is the agency, which in official matters, acts for and on behalf of the County. The County Board derives its functions from the Legislature and its powers are prescribed by Statutes enacted by the Legislature

Buffalo County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite you to read our Affirmative Action Plan.

Chairman – Sherry Morrow

Vice-Chairman – Bill D. Maendele

 
[ View all ]