News

Yucca plants, which are also called soapweed, can be quite common on rangeland in western and central Nebraska. They are especially noticeable here in June when flowering. In some areas, they can be quite thick and significantly reduce grass production. There are ways, though, to reclaim those grazinglands.

What does it cost to rent pasture this year? 2026 results are out for Nebraska cash rental rates. According to the latest survey, average monthly rates for grazing pasture have increased between two percent and eight percent compared to the previous grazing season.

Anyone that ever grew up on a farm or ranch, has ever lived on one, or are currently doing so, has had an experience that is possibly not a happy one involving the opening or shutting of a gate. Barbed wire gates that are attached to a sturdy post of some sort are the worst kind. A friend, Larry Larson of Rapid City, posted a series of videos depicting the life of a ranch woman experiencing the gate-opening ordeal. That video, although intended to be humorous, was spot-on accurate about the stages of her experience. It began with courtship, where the fellow gets out, opens the gate, drives through, then gets out and shuts the gate while she watches this polite young man in the process. Then comes the engagement era where he apparently is prepping on the fine art of working a gate. Next is the newlywed stage where he lets her out to handle the gate opening and shutting process. She did well. Lastly, well into the marriage where “getting the gates” is part of her wifely duties, whether or not in the company of the husband. In this last video, he is shown driving the ranch rig, she is trying to close a gate that is way too tight for her, he finally gets out to assist and the argument ensues.

322 N. Macomb 402-376-1400 M-F • 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m Available Daily Cards • Board Games • Pool • Men’s coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Jason and Lizzie Schubauer, Ella, Clara and Leora were in Lincoln over the weekend where they were guests of Tayler and JayLynn Schubauer, and attended the celebration of life of Lizzie’s uncle, Tom Simons. Rick and Peggy Medema, Dan Medema and Katy McCleary of Valentine also attended. Tom passed away February 21 at the age of 76.

Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) is urging Nebraskans to use extra caution when hiring contractors for home or business repairs and remodeling. While all contractors working in the state are required to register with NDOL, registration doesn’t guarantee the quality of their work.

The North Central Nebraska RC&D will not hold a meeting in June. However, we have several upcoming events and announcements: • June 9 - 10: Tire Amnesty in O’Neill • June 17-18: Ranch Expo Booth and Battery Recycling– Please stop by and say hello! In conjunction with the booth, we will be accepting batteries for recycling.

Summer weather can change quickly, bringing storms, power outages, extreme heat, and travel delays. Having a simple emergency kit ready can help keep you and your family safe and prepared.

Beginning on Monday, June 15, Dowden Street in Valentine will be closed from Highway 12 to 9th Street for about six weeks for interceptor sewer construction..

June 8, 2026 (Fremont, NE — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one person after a standoff in Fremont overnight Saturday into Sunday. Saturday at approximately 11:00 p.m., Fremont Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 1200 block of North L Street.