News

(Chadron, NE., March 27, 2026) —The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands has issued a forest- wide fire ban due to ongoing drought conditions and an elevated risk of wildfire. The ban applies to the NebraskaNational Forest’s Pine Ridge and Bessey Ranger Districts and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests, as well as the Buffalo Gap and Oglala National Grasslands.

Lincoln, NE, March 25, 2026 – Agricultural operations in Nebraska were significantly impacted by recent wildfires. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from adverse natural disaster events. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.

With the extension of the governor’s statewide burn ban, guests at Nebraska Game and Parks’ properties are reminded that a temporary ban on campfires remains at all Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas.

The Rock, Brown and Cherry County Hospitals have joined in a collaborative effort to support the many, many individuals, home owners, ranchers, and farmers affected by wild fires. The Rock County Hospital, using its relatively new “Partners in Life” program, helped formulate this effort to partner with other hospitals.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 24, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a national awareness campaign promoting the voluntary Product of USA label, encouraging use of its updated standard that took effect earlier this year.

LINCOLN, NE -- An initiative launched by Governor Jim Pillen aimed at protecting and preserving Nebraska’s vital water resources, met a milestone today. In March of last year, Gov. Pillen kicked off the first executive-level meeting of the state’s Water Quality and Quantity Task Force, a group consisting of members representing industries, businesses and other relevant expertise. At today’s meeting, the Task Force presented the Governor with a report outlining key recommendations to protect and strengthen Nebraska’s water resources statewide.

The recent summer-like temperatures have been a welcome change, but this is Nebraska. It didn’t take long for cooler weather to snap us back to reality, and we are only in March. These temperature swings may have had us wearing shorts one day and sweatpants the next, but they can also impact our landscapes.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints — President Dallin H.Oaks,President;PresidentHenry B. Eyring, First Counselor; and President D. Todd Christofferson, Second Counselor — has released the following Easter message: AsMaryMagdaleneandhercompanions mournfullyapproachedthe Garden Tomb, two angels appeared to them and shared the clarion call of all Christianity: “Why seek ye the living among the dead?

I met up with a few pastor friends recently, and the topic of celebrating the Communion - AKA Lord’s Supper - was raised by a friend. Their comment was a parishioner told them that as a Christian, they never understood how we celebrate Christ’s death through Communion.

The weather keeps us on a roller coaster. Some mornings I want to turn the heat on, and by afternoon, it’s too hot. And the wind! Sheesh. The forecast at this writing calls for a chance of snow or rain mid week. Please let it be so!