News

May 11, 2026, Ainsworth, NE — Weather permitting, work will begin May 18, on U.S. Highway 83 (US-83), from reference post 188+00 to reference post 193+00, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has a director position available, after the termination of Bruce Anderson, who filled the vacancy left behind when Jenny Moore resigned earlier this year. Chamber of Commerce President Matt Benzing confirmed that Anderson was terminated, and that in an upcoming meeting he and the board members will discuss hiring a new director.

Three groups have come together to kick off Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 29. The Heart City Art District will host Jewel Rodgers, Nebraska’s State Poet Laureate.

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Platte Basin Coalition, the Lower Platte River Drought Consortium, the Republican River Basin NRDs, and the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) are urging the public to utilize water conservation best practices due to the ongoing presence of drought conditions throughout Nebraska. As of April 30,theNationalDroughtMitigation Center finds that two percent of the state is experiencing exceptional drought (D4), 55 percent of the state is experiencing extreme drought (D3), 21 percent of the State is experiencing severe drought (D2), and nine percent of the state is experiencing moderate drought (D1). While recent rains have been helpful, they have not been sufficient to substantially alter the drought conditions for many areas of the state.

Foaling season is here—an exciting (and critical) time for mares and their newborn foals! Those first few hours of life are incredibly important. That’s where the 1–2–3 Rule comes in: • 1 hour: Foal should stand • 2 hours: Foal should nurse • 3 hours: Mare should pass the placenta If any of these milestones aren’t met, it’s time to call your veterinarian right away.

Nebraska net farm income is projected to increase by 12 percent in 2026, reaching a record $9.96 billion, according to the latest projections from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Missouri.

Nebraska Extension and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, have announced plans for the annual tractor and equipment safety training courses scheduled at 8 sites across Nebraska in late May and early June.

Ham Pasta Salad Creamy Dressing 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar salt to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste Ham Pasta Salad 8 ounces medium pasta shells 2 cups diced ham, cut into small cubes 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes 1 red bell pepper, diced ¾ cup baby peas ¼ cup cup thinly sliced green onions ½ tablespoons chopped fresh thyme Instructions Whisk the mayo, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Explore 12 rooms filled with historical artifacts showcasing pioneer life, military history, and other local heritage ~ all inside this beautiful historic 1897 building. Admission is only $5, and all proceeds go toward building maintenance and preservation.

There will be a potluck Sunday, May 17 at the Lakeview Church following the 10:00 a.m. service.