Madison County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska

08/19/2026

August 19, 2026
Let’s Work Together to End Drunk Driving!

Madison County, Nebraska — From August 21 through September 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be working alongside the Madison County Sheriff’s Office to deter drunk driving and prevent tragedies during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The message is clear: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

During the 2024 Labor Day holiday (6 p.m. August 30 – 5:59 a.m. September 3), there were 505 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 505 fatalities, 34% (170) involved a drunk driver. Seventy-seven percent of the impaired drivers killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher. Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday in 2024, 40% of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher.

“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Sheriff Todd Volk. “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an awareness effort to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it kills. Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect the community and put an end to this dangerous behavior.”

If a driver intends to drink during a Labor Day festivity, he or she should plan ahead for a safe ride home by securing a designated driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment and endangers others on the road.

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information on impaired driving, visit NHTSA.gov/DrunkDriving.

08/19/2026

Make a plan before the celebration starts. 🍻➡️🚕 That sober ride home will cost you a lot less than a DUI.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

08/18/2026

School has started in the County and school buses will be transporting our kids around. Be on the look out for buses picking up or dropping off.
Never pass a school bus with the red lights flashing, no matter where it’s parked at. Be prepared to stop when the yellow lights are flashing.
Let’s have a safe school year!

As students across Nebraska prepare to go back to school, let's all do our part to make sure they get there safely!
Remember to:
-Slow down in school zones and stay alert for children walking or biking.
-Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
-Watch for school buses and never pass a bus when its stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing.

08/18/2026

🚗 TRAFFIC TUESDAY

Give Yourself Some Space

Following too closely is one of the leading causes of rear-end crashes.

A good rule of thumb is the 3-second rule:
✔️ Pick a fixed object ahead.
✔️ When the vehicle in front passes it, begin counting.
✔️ If you reach the object before three seconds have passed, increase your following distance.

Increase that distance during rain, snow, or low visibility.

A little extra space can prevent a crash.

08/14/2026

Subject: Arrests made in sign theft investigation
Date: 08/14/2026
Location: Madison County
August 14, 2026

On August 13, 2026 at approximately 10:00 PM, arrest were made of two individual’s whom are being charged with the felony theft and criminal mischief of Madison County and State of Nebraska road signs. The amount of damage and replacement costs are over $4,000.00 at this time. The final amount is yet to be determined. These arrests came after a concern citizen reported information to the Sheriff’s Office.

Wyatt Wegener (24) of rural Madison County.

Colten Melcher (18) of Rural Madison County.

Both have been arrested and charged with the following:

Theft for Unlawful Taking or Disposition –Felony (28-511)

Criminal Mischief – Misdemeanor (60-6,130)

Signs, Markers, Devices, or Notices; Prohibited Acts (60-6,130)

This is still an on-going investigation and more arrests may be made. We appreciate the public’s concern and assistance in these arrests.

The damaged signs are still being replaced; it is believed that all of the “STOP” and “YIELD” signs have been fixed. If anyone knows where a sign used to exist, in a rural area of Madison County and it is gone or damaged please send an email with the information to: [email protected]

Sheriff Todd Volk

08/13/2026

Subject: Rural Sign Vandalism
Date: 08/13/2026
Location: Rural Madison County
August 13, 2026

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on vandalism/theft of numerous County road signs, that were reported on Monday August 10, 2026. The crimes occurred in a large area; from 830th Road then North to 835th Road, from 540th Avenue East to 546th Avenue (Hwy 121).

The suspect/s ran over signs and also used a cutting torch to remove the signs and poles, from bridge/culvert markers, Intersection, Yield and Stop signs.

Anyone with any knowledge about these crimes. Please contact Deputy Howard at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 402-454-2110.

Sheriff Todd Volk

08/11/2026

📵 TRAFFIC TUESDAY

Your text can wait.

Looking away from the road for just a few seconds can have life-changing consequences.

This week, challenge yourself to:
• Silence notifications before driving.
• Set your GPS before leaving.
• Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

One decision can make all the difference.

Drive focused. Arrive safely.

08/04/2026

🚔 TRAFFIC TUESDAY

Move Over. Slow Down. Save Lives.

When you see emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or maintenance vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights, remember to move over into the next lane when it is safe to do so.

If changing lanes isn’t possible, slow down and proceed with caution.

Every traffic stop, crash investigation, and roadside assist puts first responders just feet away from moving traffic. A simple lane change or reduction in speed can help everyone return home safely.

Thank you for helping protect those who work on Nebraska’s roadways.

07/28/2026

Our condolences and prayers to the families(blood &blue) of Chief Young.

City of Crete departments and staff are deeply saddened by the passing yesterday, July 27, of Chief of Police Gary Young. He served the Crete Police Department honorably for 41 years and was appointed Chief in 2022. A true public servant, Young was dedicated to the safety of his community and worked hard to make sure the department and officers in his command were successful in meeting the needs of residents. His commitment to the highest ideals of law enforcement and service to the Crete community will not be forgotten.

The thoughts of City of Crete staff are with his family, friends, and fellow officers during this difficult time.

Crete Police Department - Nebraska