JR Tacos A New Food Truck In Newton

By Wendy Nugent

NEWTON—Victor Martinez and JR Tacos owner Aylin Torres moved around the food truck like choreographed dancers, each doing what he or she needed to, preparing food and not running into each other.

The two prepared food on a recent Wednesday night in a food truck parked in the O’Reilly’s parking lot on the northwest corner of First and Main streets while Mexican music played out into the evening.

Chef Makes Personal And Seasonal Dishes

By Blake Spurney

HESSTON—Grant Gordon has been trying to bring residents of Schowalter Villa their favorite dishes while at the same time exposing them to regional dishes from different parts of the globe.

To bring residents an eclectic mix, Gordon has taken surveys of residents’ tastes, and some have given him recipes from their mothers and grandmothers.

Party Leaders Expecting Large Turnout For Election

By Adam Strunk

Party leaders are expecting the governor’s race and energization from previous ballot initiatives to drive local members to the polls in this coming general election on Nov. 8.

There’s technically one contested local election on the ballot in Harvey County. Incumbent Rep. Stephen Owens has a libertarian opponent for the District 34 House seat, Henry Hein from Hillsboro.

Chargers Win First Playoff Game In Nearly 20 Years

By Jared Janzen

BURRTON—The Burrton football team did something Thursday night that’s never been done in their lifetime — win a playoff game. The Chargers easily handled Southern Coffey County in the first round of playoffs, 73-24. The game was called early in the third quarter once Burrton took a 45-point lead.

“It’s good for the kids,” head coach Tim McCreedy said. “It’s good for the fans, the kids and the community. It’s been a long time for this community from what I understand.”

County Buys Pine Street Building To Address Office Space Needs

By Blake Spurney

The Board of Harvey County Commissioners on Tuesday approved the purchase of the building at 215 S. Pine St. from Prairie View, Inc. for $430,000.

The purchase will be made using American Rescue Plan Act funds. Commissioner Randy Hague using the federal funds would allow the county to use money in the capital-improvement fund at its discretion for improvements to the building or at the courthouse.

Driver’s License Office Could Be Closed Until 2023, Due To Treasurer Transition, Staff Departures

By Blake Spurney

The awkward transition between the terms of the current county treasurer and the one who will take office Nov. 15 is forcing the closure of the local driver’s license office for a period of weeks.

County Administrator Anthony Swartzendruber explained the situation to the board of county commissioners on Tuesday while he was recommending an audit of the treasurer’s office. He said he met with both Amanda Hitschmann, the current treasurer, and Becky Fields, who is expected to take over the duties after the Nov. 15 election canvass, about the upcoming transition. He said the audit, which will take place Nov. 14, was part of a plan.