Left to right: Stan Clouse, Bruce Lear, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Outgoing Kearney city council members Stan Clouse and Bruce Lear were recognized for their years of service to Kearney at their last meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Clouse has served as mayor of Kearney since 2006 and has been on the council since 2003. Lear has served as a council member for 20 years.
Clouse was elected to the Nebraska Legislature to represent District 37, which includes Kearney. District 37 was represented by Senator John Lowe, who is term limited, having been elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020.
During their outgoing remarks after certifying the 2024 general election, Lear said that he can’t look back and say that he has zero regrets, because with the benefit of hindsight and greater wisdom, there were things he would have done differently.
However, Lear said he has always striven to do his best and thanked the support of the current council members and former members he had served with over his two decades.
“You can’t do something like this without the support of your family,” Lear said. He thanked his wife and his mother for their continual support.
“I really have enjoyed working on behalf of the city and all the people I have worked with,” Lear said.
Clouse was presented with a plaque from the Kearney Elks Lodge 984 in appreciation for his service as mayor of Kearney.
During his remarks, Clouse said the things he will miss the most are the ribbon cuttings, welcoming people to Kearney and being involved in the goings-on of the community.
Clouse said that local government is the best form of government, he said you can make a tremendous difference in your community from this more local level.
Closing out his time as mayor, Clouse said he can hold his head high and looks forward to representing Kearney and the rest of District 37 down in Lincoln as a state senator.
Clouse said the parting is bittersweet, but he looks forward the new opportunities in the future.
During the reports, the council members and city staff took time to thank Clouse and Lear for their time and service to Kearney.
City Attorney Michael Tye said Clouse and Lear have helped to make Kearney a better place. Council member Tammy Moore echoed the sentiment and said Kearney is the envy of the state thanks to their work.
Newly appointed Mayor Jonathan Nikkila said that it was Clouse who first encouraged him to get involved in local government and he said that Lear is one of the most intelligent people that he knows.
Council member Randy Buschkoetter quipped that he would miss Lear’s snide comments and jokes, the two sat next together in the council chambers. He also extended his appreciation to Clouse.
City Manager Brenda Jensen said the city council will not be the same without Clouse and Lear, but noted that she looks forward to the future with the new council members.
