News

Nebraska Game and Parks reminds campers and other outdoor recreationists to be safe with fire this coming Fourth of July holiday weekend. While no campfire bans are in place at Nebraska State Parks or on state wildlife management areas, campers and recreationists should be aware that local entities may have burn restrictions in place.

JUNE 25, 2025, LINCOLN, NE — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol are renewing their request for information from the public on two long-term ongoing investigations. June marks the anniversaries of two investigations that remain open years later.

JUNE 23, 2025, OMAHA, NE — A Nebraska State Trooper was injured in Omaha when his patrol unit was struck by a large truck. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m.

During the week of June 22 - 28, the following arrest was made: • On June 26, at 12:33 a.m., the Cherry County Communications Center was advised that a road grader had been stolen in Mission, SD. GPS tracking on the road grader indicated it was within the city of Valentine.

On Friday July 4, 2025 members of the American Legion Family will sponsor the national Let Freedom Ring ceremony by ringing bells in honor of The Signers of the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony will be held at the football field adjacent to the Badger Bell immediately following the parade.

VALENTINE, Nebraska (June 26, 2025) — Many people want to give back to the community but may not have a lot of time to volunteer. In only about an hour, volunteer blood donors can help save lives and feel instant gratification.

“Bess Streeter Aldrich was one of Nebraska’s finest writers. In her short stories and novels, she chronicled the ups and downs of small town living in hopes that her readers would understand the hardships and struggles of the times, but also see the virtues and hopes that became a part of these prairie times in the Midwest,” said www.bessstreeteraldrich. org, where they also host a short story contest.

The sun hung low over the Nebraska Sandhills, casting a golden haze across the Niobrara River. The air smelled of dust and pine, a blend of earth and sky. In the distance, the sound of rustling leaves mixed with the low murmur of the water as it wound its way through the valley. The river was calm that morning, its surface smooth and clear, a mirror to the vastness of the land around it.

The past few months have been a time of unprecedented change in our country. Countless organizations and institutions are experiencing budget cuts that will undoubtedly have an impact on hometowns across our state. To be clear, the purpose of this column is not to determine if these cuts to funding are good, bad, right or wrong. Ask ten Nebraskans and you are sure to get ten different answers. The purpose of this column, rather, is to acknowledge the reality that rural communities across Nebraska are facing and examine the ways our hometowns can best prepare for whatever the future holds. Build an Endowment

322 N. Macomb 402-376-1400 M-F • 8:00 a.m.