🌱 How a Norfolk lawyer just became a key area judge

Good morning Norfolk! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a Norfolk lawyer just became a key area judge
• How did Norfolk’s state play stage spotlight Nebraska’s top student performers?
• Which Norfolk students just earned Nebraska’s prestigious Seal of Biliteracy?

Also on today's calendar: Live Comedy with Comedian Uncle Lazer and 2 more events.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Norfolk? Post it to Norfolk photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Freezing fog in the morning, with a high of 52 and low of 27 degrees.
• Wednesday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 52, low: 27.
• Thursday: Very windy; colder, with a high of 35 and low of 17 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Gov. Pillen appoints Patrick Carney of Norfolk to county court judgeship (newschannelnebraska.com) — A longtime Norfolk attorney, Patrick Carney, has been appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen as a county court judge in the Seventh Judicial District, which includes Madison and surrounding counties. Carney, who founded Carney Law in Norfolk and serves on several legal and advocacy boards, will fill the vacancy created when Judge Mike Long moved to a district court position.
   

2. Potter-Dix earns third at Class D2 state play production championships (newschannelnebraska.com) — A recent state one-act play competition brought schools from across Nebraska to the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk, where Potter-Dix placed third in Class D2. While Norfolk hosted the championships, schools like St. Mary’s and Arnold claimed the top spots, and several students earned individual performance and technical honors.
   

3. Nebraska students awarded Seals of Biliteracy (norfolkdailynews.com) — Two Norfolk students, Santiago Lugo Aquino and Sebastian Lugo Aquino, have earned Nebraska Seals of Biliteracy in Spanish, recognizing high proficiency in both English and another language. They’re among nearly 200 Nebraska students honored in November, including peers from Hartington-Newcastle, St. Edward, and South Sioux City, reflecting growing recognition of multilingual skills across the region.
   

4. NPPD donates funds to provide scholarships at Northeast (norfolkdailynews.com) — Northeast Community College just received a $15,000 scholarship check announced by NPPD’s Norfolk retail manager, adding to more than $400,000 the college has gained from the Nebraska Open golf tournament. The long-running partnership helps train local workers, many of whom go on to internships and full-time jobs with NPPD, supporting the broader Northeast Nebraska economy.
   

5. UM News Digest - Dec. 15, 2025 (umnews.org) — Norfolk residents might spot a familiar face under Santa’s hat this Christmas, as First United Methodist Church’s white-bearded pastor, the Rev. Neil Gately, has stepped into the beloved role after the previous Santa passed away. Church leaders say the transformation fits his personality, and his Santa duties are even taking him to the Chiefs-Broncos game on Christmas night.
   

📸 Around Norfolk

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Norfolk

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Tuesday December 16

• Karaoke Night
  Jake's Bar, 1422 S 1st St, Norfolk
  9:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Wednesday December 17

• Ribbon Cutting celebration at CharterWest Bank
  CharterWest Bank - Mortgage Center , 2100 Market Ln, Ste. 1000 , Norfolk
  10:00 am
• Christmas After Hours 2025
  Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce , 609 W Norfolk Ave , Norfolk
  5:15 pm

Friday December 19

• Live Comedy with Comedian Uncle Lazer
  District Event Center , 218 W Norfolk Ave , Norfolk
  8:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• 1 Million Cups
  Intersect Coworking and Incubator , 509 W Norfolk Ave , Norfolk
  9:00 am

📣 Norfolk Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 17

• Ribbon Cutting celebration at CharterWest Bank
  CharterWest Bank - Mortgage Center , 2100 Market Ln, Ste. 1000 , Norfolk
  10:00 am
• Christmas After Hours 2025
  Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce , 609 W Norfolk Ave , Norfolk
  5:15 pm

Thursday December 25

• Merry Christmas - CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED
  Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce , 609 W Norfolk Ave , Norfolk

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• The Salvation Army in the Midwest posted a job opening for Janitor and Warehouse Helper in Norfolk. Apply here.
• MilkSpecialties Global posted a job opening for Filtration Operator - Days in Norfolk. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Norfolk here.

Ok Norfolk! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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