Clarks Volunteer Fire & Rescue

10/09/2026

😔

On October 8, 2026, at approximately 4:55 p.m., the Merrick County Sheriff's Office was detailed to the area of US Hwy 30 and 3rd Road, rural Merrick County after receiving a report of a two vehicle motor vehicle crash.

Upon arrival and preliminary investigation, it was determined that an westbound 2015 Ford Focus, operated by 43-year-old Grand Island, NE resident Jean Worth Loudy, entered the eastbound lane and collided with a 2012 Chevy Malibu, operated by 30-year-old Central City, NE resident, Logan Engel.

Both drivers, Worth Loudy and Engel, were pronounced deceased as a result of their injuries on scene.

This is an ongoing investigation. Alcohol and speed are not believed to be factors in this crash.
Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The Merrick County Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by the Nebraska State Patrol, Hall County Sheriff's Office, Grand Island Rural Fire Department, and the Chapman Volunteer Fire Department.

The Merrick County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest sympathies to the families and friends affected by this tragedy.

John Westman
Merrick County Sheriff

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

Distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk.

Taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving can have devastating consequences in the blink of an eye.

As first responders, We all know how quickly an ordinary day can turn into a life changing emergency.

Don't text. Don't scroll. Don't take chances.

DRIVE FOCUSED.

Your loved ones are waiting for you at home. Make sure you get there safe.

Help us keep our roads and our community safe!

09/26/2026

******PRESS RELEASE******
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

RE: THREE VEHICLE COLLISION RESULTING IN FATALITY

At approximately 6:00 a.m. on September 26, 2026, Merrick County Sheriff's Deputies were detailed to Highway 30 and F Road in rural Merrick County regarding a three-vehicle injury crash.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a 1999 Ford E150 Econoline van was traveling westbound on Highway 30, crossed the center of the roadway and struck the side of a 2018 International Straight Truck traveling eastbound on Highway 30, and also struck a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 pickup truck also traveling eastbound which resulted in a head on collision.

The driver and sole occupant of the Ford van, identified as Daniel R. Zegers, 64 years old, of Fullerton, Nance County, Nebraska, succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash. Zegers was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The driver and sole occupant of the International did not sustain any injuries and driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The driver and passenger of the Chevrolet Silverado sustained minor injuries but were not transported to a medical facility for treatment and were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Neither alcohol or drugs are suspected with any of the drivers.

We would like to thank the Nebraska State Patrol and the Chapman Fire and Rescue Department for their assistance with this incident.

The Merrick County Sheriff's Office expresses our condolences to family, friends, and community.

John R. Westman
Merrick County Sheriff

09/15/2026

As harvest season approaches and grain bin activity increases, safety on the farm is our top priority. Grain entrapments can happen in a matter of seconds, making specialized equipment and proper training essential for life saving rescues.
​Our team recently reviewed and trained on our Grain Rescue Tube and Rescue Auger critical tools designed specifically for grain entrapment emergencies.

09/04/2026

If you are interested here is your chance!!

09/01/2026

*** THIS POST IS OUTDATED. PLEASE REFER TO THE MOST RECENT POST FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION. ***

Strong to marginally severe storms are possible during the late evening-overnight hours. The strongest storms will be capable of producing wind gusts around 60mph and quarter sized hail.

08/24/2026

****** OUTDATED POST...please refer to newer post on our feed for latest info regarding any severe storm threat for Tues night-Wed AM (Aug 25-26)

The threat for severe storms increases on Tuesday. Damaging wind is the primary threat, but isolated large hail is also possible.