It’s simple to install the Bulletin App on your smart phone or iPad:
If you have an Android phone, connect to the Bulletin’s website
— https://northplattebulletin.com
Look at the bottom of the screen for the install command. Tap. Then, install.
If you have an iPhone or iPad:
The Bulletin icon will appear on the page of your home screen where there is space for a new icon. Look for it and move it to the front page for handy access.
This process creates a web app on an Android phone. A web app lives on your phone. It is easy to access. It does not always require an internet connection.
by: Kristi Smith, The North Platte Bulletin – Dec. 16, 2025
Time is pressing for Premier Energy, LLC, and Jay Bhole, LLC to qualify for federal tax incentives for a commercial solar farm in North Platte, but the decision was postponed Tuesday for the second straight meeting.
The 20-acre solar farm would be built at the intersection of Victoria Lane and E. State Farm Road.
The developers decided to withdraw their request before the meeting, when it became apparent that three of the eight councilmen would be absent — Rod Dye, Ty Lucas and Brian Flanders.
Mayor Brandon Kelliher said the applicants want move consideration to the first meeting in January.
The solar farm proposal has generated a lot of public interest and discussion in recent months. Council members shared thoughts, information and concerns at previous council meetings, but no decisions have been made. Some members said they are continuing to study the project.
With deadlines approaching for federal solar energy incentive grants, the council is expected to reach a decision relatively soon. During the developer’s original presentation in October, Premier Energy representatives asked for a decision by mid-January at the latest.
Seasonal gratitude
The council opened its final meeting of 2025 with a seasonal message, as Kelliher took a few moments before regular business to reflect on the community and those who serve it. He read a statement of gratitude for the season and the approach of a new year. He thanked North Platte residents for their dedication, heart, and commitment to the community.
“This time of year offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the progress we have made together,” Kelliher said, noting that the city’s growth and development are driven by residents who give time, talents, and energy to strengthen North Platte.
The mayor specifically recognized members of the council for their leadership and decision-making during the year, as well as the city’s volunteer boards, commissions, and committees for behind-the-scenes work.
He also expressed appreciation for city employees in all departments, including public safety, utilities, parks, streets and administration, for keeping the city operating day-to-day, often without recognition.
Additional thanks was extended to local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and residents whose investment and civic pride contribute to the city’s progress. The mayor said service, generosity, and care for one another are defining values of the community. He wished residents Merry Christmas and a hopeful New Year.
Councilman Ed Rieker shared some positive feedback that he has received regarding the holiday display at Cody Park. Rieker said that similar drive-thru Christmas displays in Lincoln charge $25 admission per vehicle, making North Platte’s free display a point of community pride.
Parks and Recreation Director Lyle Minshull, his staff, and volunteers were thanked for their efforts in creating the seasonal attraction.
The council then moved into its consent agenda, approving the Dec. 2 meeting minutes and placing the October and November 2025 treasurer’s reports on file.
Council members also approved routine items, including a new contract for street right-of-way mowing with Big Brother Landscaping. The city has been trying to do the mowing since the last owner of the M&E Lawncare’s company passed away. M&E had the contract from 2014-22.
The council also approved a contract extension for Ryan Kuhlman for yard and tree waste hauling from the city transfer station.
They approved a warranty deed for real estate at 1619 W. 13th St. — the final step in consolidating two half-lots into a 44-foot by 132-foot lot.
One consent item, the purchase of two semi-tractors for the sanitation department in the amount of $252,879 through Sourcewell contract pricing, was briefly removed for discussion.
Rieker voiced appreciation that the purchase is from a local dealership — Nebraska Truck Center — keeping the investment in the community. The purchase was then approved.
Annexation
Under regular agenda items, the council approved the second reading of the ordinance to annex 11 government-owned parcels of about 51.97 acres into the corporate limits of North Platte. The ordinance will be considered one more time before the parcels become part of the city.
The areas include a large, wedge-shaped area near E. 12th and Roosevelt Ave. on the northeast corner of the city, as well as land in the area of Centennial Park, next to W. Park Drive, the riverbank and the park itself.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing a warrant in the amount of $317,319.83 to Paulsen, Inc. to pay approved claims. Other agenda items were tabled to a future meeting due to the absence of several council members.
Also, the council postponed the election of a new city council president to ensure full council participation in the decision. Jim Nisley is the current president. He becomes the presiding officer in the mayor’s absence and represents the city at meetings and public events if the mayor is unavailable.
At the end of the meeting, during a time devoted to taking requests from the public, resident Tracy Martinez asked about the process for requesting a public hearing. Kelliher said requests must be submitted to his office and the topic must fall within the council’s authority.
The meeting ended with Kelliher wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
© 2025 The North Platte Bulletin. All rights reserved!
Log in to post Talk Back
