BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 February 21, Friday)
Don Harrold, Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook

Washington County Sheriff’s Weekly Activity Report

February 14-21, 2025

A busy week for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office included several weather-related vehicle incidents, a suspicious package investigation that turned out to be harmless, and a warning about individuals falsely claiming to be utility workers. Deputies also arrested a minor for alcohol violations and apprehended an individual on an outstanding warrant during routine patrols.

Friday, February 14, 2025

Deputies responded to multiple traffic incidents, including two separate car vs. deer collisions on County Road 36/37 and Highway 91 near Olive Branch Lane. A potential domestic dispute was reported on Highway 75, but investigation revealed it was verbal only and deputies were able to mediate the situation. School patrols in Fort Calhoun resulted in several stops for expired vehicle registrations.

The evening concluded with a DUI investigation on Highway 75 at Mary Nelson Lane where Elijah Struebing (DOB 12/20/04) was cited for a zero tolerance violation and Minor in Possession (MIP). Deputies also investigated reports of trespassing at Boyer Chute.

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Snowfall led to several motorist assists throughout the day, with deputies helping drivers stuck in snow on S 19th Street/South Street and Highway 30 near Ridgeview Road. Another driver required assistance after running out of gas on Highway 30 near Hollow Road.

A criminal mischief complaint was filed in Herman, and the department successfully executed a warrant arrest, taking Timothy Hand (DOB 11/14/59) into custody on a Washington County warrant. Deputies responded to an accident on Highway 75 and County Road 30 and assisted a landowner in rounding up cattle that had wandered onto County Road 4.

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Deputies continued routine business checks in Fort Calhoun and Arlington, confirming security at 28 establishments. Two motorist assists were provided on Dutch Hall Road where one vehicle was stuck in snow and another had struck debris. A single-vehicle property damage accident was reported at Highview Lane and Northern Lights Lane. Officers also mediated a disturbance on County Road 34.

Monday, February 17, 2025

The morning began with deputies responding to a single-vehicle rollover on County Road 38 and Dale Lane. Multiple vehicles were reported in ditches throughout the day, including incidents on Highway 91 at County Road P11 and at 6900 County Road 34. Deputies also provided traffic control for an incident on Highway 133 at Todd Drive and responded to a rescue call at Mock Turtle Lane, assisting until Bennington and Fort Calhoun Volunteer Fire Departments arrived.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

The department conducted routine business checks overnight and assisted with several minor incidents during the day, including a motorist with a flat tire on Highway 30 at Linn Street in Kennard and another who ran out of gas at County Road 15 and County Road 32. Deputies provided a special escort for the Arlington wrestling team and responded to a personal injury accident at County Road 37 and County Road 38 in the evening.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Deputies discovered an unoccupied vehicle running in the Arlington High School parking lot early in the morning. After contacting the owner, they learned the owner’s daughter had driven the vehicle to school and left it there. Two property damage accidents were reported, one at County Road 38 and County Road 45, and another at 6600 North Ridge Road.

Deputies provided traffic control and assistance at a structure fire at 12100 County Road 9, supporting Arlington and Nickerson Fire Departments.

Thursday, February 20, 2025

A suspicious package investigation in Arlington revealed that a clear baggie with an unknown powdery substance found on a resident’s doorstep contained only starch. Deputies assisted Blair Police Department with an unresponsive person and responded to an accident on Highway 75 where a driver slid off the road and hit a tree but refused medical attention.

The department also investigated reports of suspicious activity in Fort Calhoun, where two males in a white sedan were reportedly going door-to-door claiming to be from Omaha Public Power District (OPPD). When contacted, OPPD confirmed they had no employees working in the area.

Friday, February 21, 2025

Deputies completed overnight business checks in Fort Calhoun and Arlington, ensuring the security of 29 local businesses. In the early morning hours, they responded to a brush fire at 1500 Highway 31, which was handled by the Kennard Volunteer Fire Department.

Addendums

Arrests

• Elijah Struebing (DOB 12/20/04) – February 14, 2025: Cited for zero tolerance violation and Minor in Possession (MIP)
• Timothy Hand (DOB 11/14/59) – February 15, 2025: Arrested on Washington County warrant

Notable Incidents

• February 13: Three-vehicle personal injury accident on Highway 133 & County Road P30 with two people transported
• February 14: Two separate car vs. deer accidents
• February 19: Structure fire at 12100 County Road 9 requiring multiple fire departments
• February 20: Suspicious persons in Fort Calhoun falsely claiming to be OPPD employees
• February 20: Suspicious package investigation in Arlington (substance determined to be non-hazardous)