News

A prescribed fire taking place west of Johnstown in Brown County escapedcontainmentonMonday, April 21, and has since burned an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 acres. (Which was later reduced to more than 7,000 acres.)

LINCOLN, NE, April 24, 2025 – Governor Jim Pillen has authorized the Nebraska National Guard to mobilize 29 soldiers and airmen to assist local volunteer fire departments, which are currently battling the Plum Creek Fire near Johnstown, NE, in Brown County. Nebraska Army National Guard aerial resources have also been authorized to support the firefighting mission.

The Plum Creek fire began Monday, April 21, 2025 when a prescribed burn was blown out of proportion due to high wind gusts west of Johnstown. In all, over 7,000 acres were consumed in the deep, rough terrain. According to reports, from the Ainsworth Fire Department there were two planes dropping retardant and two helicopters dropping huge baskets of water trying to stifle the spread. An exact number of responding departments hasn’t been shared yet, but a Nebraska Game and Parks press release says there were more than 60 local, state, and federal responders.

Kirk Barnes Construction is removing the existing concrete shoulder of the northbound lane between Edna Street and Wood Street. This removal will be completed in the next few days.

The non-profit Valentine Bike Share has opened back up for its sixth season! This year, there are two e-bikes available for checkouts and we are currently fundraising to replace all of the Classic Bikes with e-bikes. For more information on the program, please visit www.valentinebikeshare.org Bike Share is located on the corner of First and Main Street - look for the kiosk.

Apr 24, 2025 - In conjunction with the statewide ban on fires through April 30, Nebraska Game and Parks is implementing a temporary ban on campfires, effective immediately, at all Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas.

Participate in the third Nebraska Birding Bowl and learn about birds, enjoy the outdoors and contribute data toward bird conservation. This fun, free statewide competition is returning this May for Nebraska Bird Month.

It’s fishing season and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has a lineup of Community Fishing Events scheduled across the state for family fun beginning in May. Community Fishing Events provide opportunities for people of all ages who have never fished or have not fished in years to learn and enjoy the activity.

Visitors to state park areas in southwestern Nebraska will find enhanced day-use and camping amenities. Projects in the works or completed will appeal to an array of park users. The following is a roundup of those improvements and projects:

Spend some time this spring in Nebraska’s state parks. During May, a variety of events are planned for those of all ages and interests.