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Spike Box Ranch LLC, Valentine, Nebraska, is a new member of the American Angus Association, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national breed organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, MO. The American Angus Association, with more than 21,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world.

Lincoln, Nebraska, April 29, 2026 — The latest trends in 2026 Nebraska cash rental rates and land values will be covered during the next Land Management Quarterly webinar, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, at noon Central time on May 11.

Lincoln, NE (May 1, 2026) – Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly officially proclaimed May as Beef Month in Nebraska on Friday, recognizing the vital role the beef industry plays in the state’s economy, rural communities, and global beef production.

Spring is finally here, in its own strange form. A time of change, of renewal, whether we like it or not.

A total of 463 area high school seniors will receive honor cords from Mid-Plains Community College to wear at their high school graduation ceremonies this spring. MPCC awards honor cords to students who have taken the initiative to earn college credit while still in high school.

Fatherly advice has always been good advice, even if we didn’t think so at the time we received it. Something will happen in our daily routine and we will recall how our dad predicted that. After the recent dry spell this country has been experiencing, I recall my dad saying, “It always rains a half-hour before it’s too late.” Another comment he would make regarding rain was, “It will rain when it’s supposed to.”

Years ago, a cowboy was far from home And thought he needed something to feel less alone. With horses in the barn and the occasional date, He thought maybe a dog would make a decent housemate. So fluffy and small with energy to spare Soon, all his clothes and furniture would be covered in hair. That Montana winter saw its share of snow But everywhere that Cowboy went, Pup was sure to go. Bond set in stone, they came back to the family place. Most nights, after work, he’d give that tennis ball a chase. Bounding along, Pup pulls at the hem of Cowboy’s jeans He’s carrying his saddle and pup knows what that means. Up the fence, over hills, and through river and trees His 4-legged buddy stays by his side, aiming to please. An old cow turns back, bellowing and mad But Dog steps in and redirects before Cowboy’s lunch is had. By the branding pen, Dog finds his favorite snack For always having him there, Cowboy catches some flack. Years go by, Cowboy takes up the art of making a knife But soon, he feels something still missing from life. Dog notices the gal – sweeter and smaller Now, Cowboy goes to church and stands a bit taller. Dog tolerates a pup and then babies brought home But he doesn’t mind - through it all, Cowboy makes his love known. They’ve both slowed a little and spend life at a dad pace. They enjoy time in the knife shop, their only quiet space. He still hops and barks for family trips to the lake Despite being retired to the tractor to occasionally rake. His muzzle has turned white and his ears don’t hear Cowboy worries he won’t know when the end is near. He gives the old dog first pick of the treats and extra pets But, without doubt, it’s time now for Cowboy to call the vets. Quick and painless, his old friend is finally laid to rest A few silent tears, he knows they gave each other their best. Cowboy doesn’t say much, just goes to dig alone A grave that to many will never be known Under a night sky with brisk breeze, their bond comes to an end And Cowboy thinks, “there’s never enough time with man’s very best friend.”

American business life is often found not in shiny corporate headquarters, but in quiet moments. It’s in the late nights balancing books at the kitchen table, facing the worry of making payroll, and finding the tough determination needed to turn a personal financial risk into something valuable that keeps a community going.

APRIL 30, 2026 ~ LINCOLN NE — The Nebraska State Patrol is proud to announce the promotion of two NSP leaders to the ranks of Major and Lieutenant. • Capt.

April 2026 Survey Highlights • The overall index rose above growth neutral for a third straight month. • The nine-state region added manufacturing jobs for a second consecutive month.