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[HALSEY, Neb., March, 2026] — The Chokecherry prescribed fire on the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest was declared a wildfire at approximately 4:00 p.m. March 12, 2026. Although forecastedweatherconditionswere within parameters for the implementation of the prescribed fire, the wind event that took place 36 hours after ignitions ceased caused a spot fire that spread outside the project boundary.

When I headed home on Thursday afternoon, I thought that the focus of this week’ss column would be the budget battle taking place in Lincoln. That’s what I was prepared to write about. Somewhere between Broken Bow and Dunning late Thursday afternoon, the focus for not just myself but thousands of other Nebraskans changed. Fires began to break out across the state, the largest being in western Nebraska.

From my Window Yesterday was my annual rant, “Will this be the last year we have to put up with springing-ahead for Daylight Savings Time?” Every fall, we turn back our clocks one hour, but I really don’t mind that so much, after all that’s the standard time we were blessed with, although we always wake up and go to bed about the same time every day no matter what the clocks say. Daylight Savings Time makes no good sense to me and I do wish they would do away with it instead of just talking about it year after year.

Cody-Kilgore held their Prom this past weekend at the White Elephant Hall. Congratulations to this year’s royalty – King was Cash Cooper, son of Tom and Buffy Cooper; Queen was Kayleigh Ravenscroft, daughter of Kevin and Liz Ravenscroft; Princess was Maddy Leithhead, daughter of Alvie Leithead and Judy Leithead; and Prince was Wesley Willert, son of Kevin and Laura Willert.

Imagine a garden where vegetables and fruit grow all year long. As visitors take a slow stroll along the path, they notice fall apples in hues as varied as green, yellow, red, and swirling combinations. Summer blueberries and ripe red strawberries rest nearby. Spring lettuces range from deep emerald to gentle pale green. Is it a garden? Not quite, it is the grocery store.

When Shopko closed its doors in Valentine, it left a substantial retail space sitting empty along Highway 20. As shopping habits changed, many large chain stores struggled to remain viable in small Nebraska communities. Residents often wondered why this location wasn’t ultimately chosen for the Cherry County Event Center (CCEC)—despite being considered twice. In the end, it simply wasn’t meant to be.

As Nebraska Public Transit Week begins, Open Plains Transit is proud to announce its commitment to supporting the firefighters and volunteers currently serving our region. While this week is typically a celebration of transit’s role in our infrastructure, the team at Open Plains Transit believes there is no higher honor than using their resources to support those on the front lines.

MARCH 16, 2026 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to over 40 weather related incidents during Sunday’s winter storm. As blizzard-like conditions affected Nebraska, troopers remained busy across the state.

by Laura Vroman What started out as a wonder by Pastor Scott McClellen of Berean Bible Church has since been blessed by the Lord and a new worship center is now located at 706 East 7th Street in Valentine. They held their open house Sunday, March 15, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen is issuing a statewide burn ban, to help reduce the potential for additional wildfires in Nebraska. Dry and windy conditions have caused the spread of significant fires in the central and western parts of the state. Earlier today, Gov. Pillen issued an emergency proclamation activating the deployment of state resources to help combat fires, including the use of aircraft and personnel from the Nebraska National Guard.