Creativity and innovation were rewarded at the 2025 Lick Tub Challenge, hosted by the North Central RC&D. Held in conjunction with the Sandhills Ranch Expo, repurposed lick tubs were converted from waste and judged on originality and functionality.
John Connell, from Long Pine, made a tractor with a baler and won the first-place cash prize in the youth division as well as the people’s choice award. The adult division was won by Scott Ruzicka of Verdigre, who utilized old mineral tubs to make a water fountain.
The event was made possible through the support of sponsors, Anson’s Feed & Trucking in Atkinson, Long Pine Feed from Long Pine, Rio Nutrition out of Valentine, Suther Feeds in Verdigre, and Vitalix, Inc. from Broken Bow.
Ruzicka donated his cash award back to the RC&D to help with continued efforts in bringing recycling events to the area. The North Central RC&D serves six Nebraska counties, focusing on protecting natural resources and making local communities better places to live.
