Supervisors Approve Funding For CASA

CASA MEETING - Monica Huber (left) executive director of CASA, addresses Holt County Supervisors during the June 30th meeting. Huber requested a 5 percent increase in funding, which will be used to create to-go backpacks for children who need to be removed from home immediately. Supervisors unanimously approved the request, with funding coming from Opioid settlement monies.

Courtesy of Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Luann Schindler

Holt County Supervisors re-approved $10,500 in funding for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Elkhorn Valley during a June 30 meeting at the Holt County Courthouse in O'Neill.

The amount includes a 5% increase from 2024.

Monica Huber, executive director of the CASA of Elkhorn Valley, which includes Holt and Madison counties, said the increase will allow for the creation of to-go backpacks for children who need to be removed from a home immediately.

"Three days worth of clothes, toiletries, a comfort item, a blanket, so they have something to have that's theirs," Huber said.

Supervisor Doug Frahm asked how many backpacks will be distributed.

Last year, six children were served through Holt County's program.

"There were 18 (kids) total. More kids could have been served; however, there was not a person here in this office to manage that, to make it happen, to oversee anyone. The Judge can't appoint anyone if there's not someone to help and direct them." Huber said.

Program funding comes from opioid settlement monies, according to Chairman Bill Tielke.

"For this budget year, we've received 11,886.83," said Holt County Clerk Cathy Pavel.

Huber told supervisors the program has gone through a couple directors in past years.

"I'm here to hopefully successfully see it through and have it be a strong program," Huber said.

She formerly worked in the Holt County Court office and is a Holt County native.

"I know how important things need to be run in our county, and utmost, the most important thing, I feel, are these children," Huber said, noting that Holt County Judge Kale Burdick supports the program.

CASA programs in Holt and Madison counties recently merged, which will provide access for more people, allow for grant and funding opportunities, and allow for growth.

"We're looking to expand. In the next six to nine months, we'll be bringing on Antelope, Pierce and Stanton counties," she said.

The program does not rely on federal funding, according to Huber.

"We rely on state funding through the Nebraska CASA office, United Way, the Sherwood Grant, Buffet Foundation, and personal donations, as well," Huber said.

Madison County has its own director and Madison County Supervisors also supply funding for the EV office. Funding from each county will be used within that specific county, according to Huber.

Currently, five volunteers assist with the program and four more will be sworn in at the end of July.

"One of the goals I have is to surpass that zero to 18 range, so we have volunteers later on who can help them transition into adulthood," Huber noted. She also plans to add bilingual volunteers.

CASA volunteers visit a child they work with once a month, and talk to anyone involved with the child.

In other business, supervisors:

• Approved a liquor license amendment to the Springlake Angus Center, for a 320 foot by 609 foot fenced area.

• Approved surety bonds for Dennis Hrbek, Steel Creek Township; Kurt Meusch, Cleveland Township Treasurer; James Meusch, Cleveland Township Clerk; Ken Stenka, Veterans Service Officer; Jerry F. Homolka, Conley Township; Duffy Burrell, Conley Township; Michael A. Mahood, Page Rural Fire District #4; and Rick L. Doolittle, Wyoming Township.

• Accepted a bid of $311,737.74 from Prouty Construction, of O'Neill, for the Atkinson East project.

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