News

Across these northern Sandhills, hints of rain bring hints of green. We continue to pray for the southwest that the rains may come to stabilize the hills. Brandings are in full swing, and the toms are in full strut, a sure sign of spring.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pilen announced the retirement of Executive Director Bryan Tuma of the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. His final day with the agency will be June 5.

April 20, 2026 ~ Lincoln, NE — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is joining other agencies across the country in celebrating National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) from April 20-24. The national effort, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), focuses on encouraging safe driving through construction zones.

APRIL 17, 2026 LINCOLN, NE — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed 20 impaired drivers from the road during a special enforcement effort last weekend. The Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

There were no arrests reported last week. During the week of April 12 -18, the Police Department responded to 26 calls for service, including: • 2 traffic stops • 2 non-injury accidents • 1 harassment complaint • 1 welfare check • 1 criminal mischief/vandalism • 1 suspicious person or vehicle complaint.

It seems amazing that one of my first articles for local outreach was a year ago almost to the very day. Our topic then was transportation funding and here we are again or should I say still? The Nebraska Department of Transportation announced this past week that it is partnering with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research to conduct a study of the intercity bus services available in Nebraska.

The 3 Nails Community Bike Shop at First Baptist Church will reopen for its fourth season on Saturday, May 2. The public is invited to stop by for a free hot dog and chips.

The Living Christ Family parishioners gathered for a Passover Seder following the Holy Thursday Mass April 2, 2026. Organized and prepared by Kristy Opela from The Evangelist St. John Parish in Stapleton, NE, the guests sat at one of three beautifully set tables. Kristy developed the celebration based on the Jewish feast but added the experience of Christian faith and worship. The Seder is a beautiful reminder that our faith is rooted in the story of Israel, and that the Last Supper itself was a Seder meal.

VALENTINE,NE,March,2026– Local dentist Dr. Kelly Anderson, DDS, FAGD is helping Valentine residents get a more restful night’s sleep. Dr. Kelly of Sandhills Family Dental was recently designated as a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM). The ABDSM is the leading national testing organization for dentists who treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Earning Diplomate status from the ABDSM is a unique honor that recognizes special competency in dental sleep medicine.

The American Legion will host a benefit hamburger feed at the Vets Club on April 17 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event is a free-will donation, with Modern Woodmen of America matching contributions up to $2,500.