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Chadron officials report wildfire containment, urge caution on fireworks; Aquatics Center opening delayed
Summary
Fire Chief Branden Martens reported the Ash Creek Fire was about 90% contained and the Grizzly Fire fully contained; officials warned about fireworks risk given dry conditions and asked to place fireworks restrictions on a future agenda. The Aquatics Center opening was delayed to June 1 pending maintenance.
City Manager Tom Menke asked Fire Chief Branden Martens to update the council on recent wildfires during public comment. Martens said the Ash Creek Fire is about 90% contained and the Grizzly Fire is fully contained. He noted that fireworks remain an important local tradition but cautioned that low moisture this year complicates the decision whether to ban fireworks and said joint communication between the City Council and the Fire District would help ensure consistent public messaging.
Councilmember Kevin Oleksy asked that the topic of fireworks restrictions be placed on the next council meeting agenda; Councilmember Shane Shepherd said the city should be proactive and keep the public informed. Menke also noted water restrictions could become necessary if dry conditions persist, though none were currently in place.
Menke separately reported that the Aquatics Center opening has been delayed until June 1 due to issues discovered during annual maintenance; he added the facility could open earlier if those issues are resolved promptly.
John Reed, Executive Director of the Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation, gave a brief monthly report saying he is working with The New Leaf on a "Spotlight on Local Business" feature and is adding housing resource information to the NNDC website. Councilmembers offered congratulations to Chadron State College and Chadron High School graduates and thanked firefighters for their efforts.
