Weekly Reports

Cottonmill Swimming Pond in Kearney has tested positive for E. Coli bacteria, according to samples taken Monday, August 11th . When E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies/100 ml a Health Alert is not issued. However, conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels. Although, we want people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they use a listed water body. There is a risk of infectious disease when swimming in ANY recreational body of water.

KEARNEY - Two Rivers Public Health Department (TRPHD) has received three national awards from the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO).

The awards given to TRPHD were received for the following practices:
• Model Practices:
o Engaging diverse stakeholders for Community Health Needs Assessment in a Local Health Department in Rural Nebraska
o Bridging the Gaps: Mobile Vaccination Clinics
• Promising Practice: Advancing Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiatives Through Environmental Action

Model Practices are awarded to local health departments across the country for implementing programs that demonstrate exemplary and replicable outcomes in response to an identified public health need. Promising Practices are exciting approaches and strategies to local public health issues that are on track to become Model Practices. A committee of peers reviewed each awarded practice, made up of other local health department professionals, and selected from a competitive collection of applications.

Two Rivers Public Health Department is alerting residents in Buffalo, Dawson, Franklin, Gosper, Harlan, Kearney, and Phelps Counties of poor air quality due to smoke from ongoing fires in Canada and the mountain west. Air pollution levels are currently unhealthy for all populations, but especially for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions.

West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in a mosquito pool in the Two Rivers Public Health Department district. Additionally, there has been 1 confirmed equine WNV case in the district. WNV can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. About 1 in 5 people who are infected with WNV develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with febrile illness due to WNV recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Serious symptoms occur in less than 1% of infected people. At this time there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in the Two Rivers district.

KEARNEY –Two Rivers Public Health Department’s Board of Health will be holding two separate in-person meetings in open session on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025. Meetings will be held at 522 W. 11th St. The first meeting, beginning at 6:00 PM, will be the public hearing on the proposed annual budget, following state statutes (§13-506). Any member of the public desiring to speak on the proposed budget is invited to address the board.
The second meeting, following the conclusion of the first, will discuss standard business items as provided in the agenda available on the department website at trphd.ne.gov or by contacting Jeremy Eschliman, Health Director at 1-888-669-7154.
Members of the public are invited attend virtually on Zoom at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/874797624?pwd=L0FDdzEvazk0TDdJWEw3a0U3bExXUT09
Meeting ID: 874 797 624
Password: 12345678

KEARNEY- Two Rivers Public Health Department (TRPHD) is conducting a medication takeback event at the Franklin Senior Center in Franklin, Nebraska, on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 11 AM-12 PM. TRPHD employees will accept unused medications to dispose of them safely. This event will reduce unused medications in homes, preventing accidental poisoning, intentional misuse, and potential diversion for illicit use. Naloxone and medication lock boxes will be available at this event.

KEARNEY – Two Rivers Public Health Department’s office will be closed on the following days and times:
• Internal meeting, on Friday, July 11th, 2025
• Labor Day, on Monday, September 1st, 2025

Please note that the regularly scheduled vaccine clinic on July 17th has been cancelled due to limited staffing availability.

KEARNEY- Multiple lakes in the Two River’s area have tested positive for E. Coli. These lakes include Cottonmill Swimming Pond in Kearney, Harlan County Reservoir in Alma, and Windmill State Recreation Area Lake No. 5 in Gibbon. When E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies/100 ml a Health Alert is not issued. However, conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels. Although, we want people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they use a listed water body.