Two candidates for NRD board

RANDOLPH – Two candidates will face off to represent the Randolph area on the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District.

Incumbent Jay Reikofski, Foster, will face off against challenger Kelsey Jones, Hoskins, for the seat representing Subdistrict 1 including Randolph, Sholes, McLean, Wausa, Osmond and more communities.

Here’s a look at both candidates: Kelsey Jones

Raising crops and children gives Kelsey Jones a unique perspective she would bring to the role of LENRD Board of Directors, if elected.

“My intention as a farmer is to be a good steward of the earth and encourage my children to do the same,” she said of her 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old twin sons. “I am an advocate for sustainable practices in agriculture, land use and resource management that balances economic, community and agricultural needs. I want to share the knowledge and hands-on experience that I have gained with other landowners and beginner farmers in my community. Also, as a mother of young children, I hope my efforts will engage younger generations in conversations surrounding conservation, resource management and foster future leaders.”

Jones has owned Source Farms with her husband since 2021 - a vegetable farm specializing in growing unique produce such as okra and kohlrabi, and heirloom varieties of tomatoes. She also sells baked goods, using local sources for baking ingredients when in season or available. Source Farms vends at the Norfolk Farmers Market.

She participated in a beginner farmer conservation fellowship with the Center for Rural Affairs during the 2022-23 growing season and attends educational conferences frequently related to sustainable farming practices that she incorporates into her own farm.

She has no prior experience in public office but chose to seek the NRD seat so she can help develop a proactive approach to natural resource challenges and promote conservation.

If elected, Jones would encourage soil conversation practices to support and protect Nebraska’s rich, nutrient dense soil. She would also promote and support local agriculture and food systems as well as build community around locally-grown food, and encourage water quality protection through the use of responsible fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

Jay Reikofski

Jay Reikofski is seeking another term on the NRD board, having previously served as board secretary.

“My reason for running is to protect our way of life by protecting our water quality for future generations,” he said.

Along with water quality, responsible distribution of water and fiscal responsibility rounds out the top issues he plans to address during his second LENRD term, he said.

Reikofski is currently participating as a volunteer in the North Fork Elkhorn River Watershed Flood Risk Reduction Plan study advisory team.

He is a lifelong Northeast Nebraska resident, farmer/rancher, husband and father of four. He serves as Vice President of the Osmond Rural Fire Board, is a member and past commander of the Osmond Sons of the American Legion, and a trustee at Trinity Lutheran Church, Foster. He previously served on the Foster Village Board.

“My dedication to the LENRD Board responsibilities and volunteer service outside of the board differentiates me from the other candidate,” he said. “I’d appreciate your votes.”