LCNRD RECOGNIZES YEARS OF SERVICE AND CONSERVATION AWARDS
The Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) hosted the 2025 Annual Banquet at the Hartington Golf Club on November 21st. This banquet provides LCNRD with an opportunity to acknowledge years of service for directors and staff and to recognize residents and partners who go above and beyond for Nebraska’s natural resources.
Senator Barry Dekay, Chairman of the Ag Committee, joined the Lewis & Clark NRD for its Annual Banquet. We are grateful for Senator Dekay’s support and leadership in representing northeast Nebraska. Sen. Dekay recognized LCNRD for its continuous efforts and support for the betterment of the conservation of northeast Nebraska’s natural resources.
Two LCNRD directors and two LCNRD employees were acknowledged for their years of service. Matt Weinandt has been a director for 10 years, representing Subdistrict 4, which includes the Wynot area. He is the immediate past chair and helped the district plan the conversion of Cedar Knox Rural Water (CKRWP) to the Yankton water source. Matt sits as the NRD representative on the CKRWP Advisory Committee. Jeff Steffen has been a director for 10 years, representing Subdistrict 1, which includes the Crofton Area. He is the representative for the Papio-Missouri Tributaries River basin on the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission. Jeff is also a member of the Bow Creek Mentor Group. Becky Ravenkamp has worked as the Bow Creek Watershed Coordinator for 5 years. Becky’s planning innovation has led to numerous educational events and conservation practices in the Bow Creek Area and the surrounding district. Kristi Hochstein has been with the district for 5 years as our dedicated Office Coordinator. She keeps us on task with her encouraging words and ensures the office has everything it needs to operate effectively and efficiently.
The CKRWP is a fully customer-funded rural water district overseen by the Lewis & Clark NRD Board of Directors. The CKRWP had one director and an employee who reached a milestone. Chuck Sudbeck has been a Board Member for 30 years and is currently the Chair of the CKRWP Advisory Committee. His agricultural and work experience bring knowledge of water needs and use across the service area, which is critical to the success of the rural water system. Cope Clark has been the plant technician with CKRWP for 10 years and has worked in the water industry for 23 years. He keeps the water flowing to customers and ensures compliance with all drinking water standards.
Every year, residents and partners of LCNRD are recognized for outstanding conservation within the district. LCNRD and the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts recognized the Bow Creek Watershed Project Mentor Group for Outstanding Water Conservation. Producers share experiences and information to improve water quality, soil health, and profitability. The peer-to-peer group nurtures and creates passionate advocates for conservation. The group was formed in 2021 to further the goals of the Bow Creek Watershed Project.
The directors, staff, residents, and partners of LCNRD are essential to help protect the lives, property, and future of natural resources in Northeast Nebraska.