News

A month after taking office, Gov. Jim Pillen stepped to the mic, flanked by lawmakers and leaders from Nebraska nonprofits, and announced an initiative close to his heart: State money to support mentorship programs.

02/12/2026 - LINCOLN, NE — With dry conditions persisting across much of Nebraska, forestry professionals are encouraging residents to prioritize watering trees to reduce stress and prevent long-term damage to community landscapes.

During the week of February 8 - 14, the following arrests were made by the Valentine Police Department: • On February 14 at 12:55 a.m., a traffic stop in the city park lead to the arrest of a 26 year old South Dakota woman for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

• February 18, St. John’s Episcopal Church.

VALENTINE, NE — The Sand Painters Art Club and Valentine Public Library are the proud hosts of the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) Travel Show throughout the month of February. The exhibit showcases a premier selection of artwork from across the state, bringing Nebraska’s finest creative talents to the Sandhills. Leading the exhibition is local artist and Sand Painter Art Club member David Dorsey, who earned the prestigious Best of Show award for his acrylic painting, Barn Swallow.

Candidates filing for the Primary Election as of February 10, 2026 are as follows: Neil Wescott, City of Valentine Councilmember, 4 year term MaxwellRenning,CherryCounty Sheriff, 4 year term Brad Arnold, City of Valentine Councilmember, 4 year term Barry D. Lancaster, Nenzel Village Board,4yearterm-GENERAL Jessica Dawson-Coyle ,Valentine Community Schools - Board of Education Member, 4 year term Erick Wickman, Cherry County Sheriff, 4 year term Kathy Hammond, Cherry County Treasurer, 4 year term Andrew C. Johnson, Cherry County Public Defender, 4 year term Gregory Gass, Valentine Community Schools - Board of Education Member, 4 year term Eric A. Scott, Cherry County Attorney, 4 year term Timothy A. Hanson, Cherry County Surveyor, 4 year term Henry Brown, Merriman Village Board,4yearterm-GENERAL Timothy J. Nollette, Nenzel Village Board,4yearterm-GENERAL Incumbents - currently in office - have until February 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to file for office.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R‑NE) released the following statement in support of Nebraska’s cattle ranchers after President Trump signed an exec‑utive order permitting an increase of Argentine beef imports into U.S. grocery stores: “Nebraska produces the world’s best beef. Instead of imports that sideline American ranchers, we should be focused on solutions that cut red tape, lower production costs, and support growing our cattle herd.”

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify Youth Fishing Instructors at five locations across the state this spring. These instructors, who will become part of Game and Parks’ Youth Fishing Program, will re‑ceive training and tools to conduct youth fishing clinics.

Lincoln, NE ~ February 3 —Ne‑braska Extension invites farmers, agricultural professionals and con‑servation partners to participate in a local 2026 Nebraska Master Irri‑gator Shop Talk discussion. These will be two‑day, discussion‑based programs offered across four locations focused on tackling to‑day’s most pressing irrigation and nitrogen management challenges.

BILLINGS, MT ~ February 6, 2026 — Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for Ivomec (ivermectin) injectable solution to help prevent infesta‑tions caused by New World screw‑worm (NWS).