Earthquake recorded in Webster County

The words “earthquake” and “Nebraska” are not used together very often as the earth shaking events are a rare occurrence in this great state.

However, they do happen in Nebraska.

The latest we know about happened just before midnight last Thursday, March 16. The other thing about earthquakes is that they get very little attention unless they inflict significant damage to property or people. This reporter had trouble finding proof that the event even took place.

The U. S. Geological Service put out the map pictured saying the quake happened 27 miles south of Hastings with a magnitude of 2.9. In the grand scheme of things that number is pretty low. Another report put the event 8KM east, north east of Cowles, Nebraska. (Both are reporting it in the same location.)

The interesting thing is how this reporter came to find out about the event.

At times this reporter has medical appointments in Hastings before and after noon. Last Friday a stop for a snack came along with meeting Ron Schutte and wife. As we were visiting Ron asked if we felt the earthquake the night before. They both heard and felt it. As we were visiting, a couple in the next booth heard our conversation and they joined in, also having heard and felt the quake. They were from Superior. The Schutte farm is located between Lawrence and Guide Rock, close to where the quake happened.

In checking with others in the area, very few, if any also felt the quake.

However, there is enough proof that the quake did actually occur and it happened here in Nebraska.