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I originally wanted to write something to counter Yellowstone and all of its spinoffs but it quickly turned into something for a mama’s heart because that’s just the phase of life I’m in and it is such a blessing. When we get to enjoy saddle time, I either have a partner in mine or I’m ponying another but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

June 2026 Survey Highlights RuralMainstreetIndexExpands to Two-Year High • The region’s overall reading climbed to its highest level since July 2023. Small Business Conditions Show Mixed Signals • More than half of bank CEOs reported that small business growth in their service area was stable, while four of 10 indicated modest business declines.

The Nebraska 4‑H Premier Communication Event (PCE) is a two‑day state‑level competition for youth in Lincoln, NE, designed to showcase communication skills, explore industry issues, and connect with peers across the state. This year was held at the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln on the East Campus on June 16‑ 17, 2026.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Nebraska to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning April 21.

During the week of June 14-20, two arrests were made by the Valentine Police Department: • At 3:30 a.m. on June 14, officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 200 block of East Highway 20.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran: “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action with the goal of eliminating Iran’s nuclear weapons capability. After much progress, I’m urging the administration to not lose sight of that objective. The president has put us in a position of strength. We cannot afford to squander it. I want more details from the administration on how the final deal will put America first, limit the regime’s ballistic missiles, and verifiably ensure Iran turns over its highly enriched uranium.”

Lincoln, NE, June 17, 2026 — Nebraska Extension is urging residents who rely on private wells for their drinking water to take immediate action to test their drinking water and treat any identified risks. Annual testing and recommended treatment is the only reliable way to ensure water safety and protect household health.

Rocky Mountain CIM Team 2 Transitioned to a Type 3 Team at 6:00 p.m. Current Conditions: Containment on the South Fork Fire is 90 percent and acres stand at 39,696.

“My love of animals helped me decide to provide this much needed service to our community. Spending the whole day loving on dogs is a dream come true for me. I look forward to serving you and your furry family members,” said Pam Battershaw, owner of Heart City Paw Spa, LLC.

b y Dahn Hagge, Volunteer Coordinator As we all enjoy the beautiful colors of spring, a new kind of “color” is appearing on Main Street. We are pleased to feature muralist Lauren Olson as she brings a stunning new mural to life on the Huskerland Hardware building in downtown Valentine.