News

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) will celebrate National County Government Month this April with a renewed focus on telling the county story and highlighting the people and services that impact the everyday lives of Nebraskans in all 93 counties. The celebration kicked off April 1 when county officials from across Nebraska gathered at the Capitol to meet with senators, speak with state leaders, learn more about the legislative process, and engage in NACO’s advocacy efforts.

Janessa M. Milbrandt, Valentine, NE., Carry concealed handgun under influence, class I misdemeanor, $500 fine; minor in possession - ages 19 - 20, class III misdemeanor, $300 fine, $50 cost-Officer Ormesher.

Excitement and pride marked a milestone moment for the FFA Heart City Beef program as the first calf of the season - a healthy Angus-cross heifer - hit the ground. Tagged, vaccinated, and backed by a strong, attentive mother, the calf represents a promising start to the year ahead.

Cherry County once again competed in the Nebraska State 4-H Robotics competition in Lincoln on March 20-21, 2026. Ryan Adams, Tyson Cochran, and Luke Osnes came home sitting in 18th place in the Robot Games out of 98 teams and received a Rising Star Award.

Setting a herd health protocol with your veterinarian is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your operation. A well-planned vaccination program, especially when branding calves, helps build immunity early, reduces sickness, and protects your bottom line. Working closely with your vet ensures you’re using the right vaccines at the right time, tailored to your specific herd and regional disease risks.

The Valentine Farmers Market is making a comeback for 2026! To be successful, a variety of vendors are needed! If you are interested, please plan to attend an informal - rescheduled - Vendor meeting on April 14, at 11:30 a.m. CST at 201 Restaurant on Main Street.

As temperatures begin to rise, don’t’ forget to take a bit of time to assess alfalfa stand health going into this year’s growing season. Snow cover over the winter helped insulate plants from extreme temperatures, but exposed plants, older stands, or late harvested alfalfa still have a potential for winter kill.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering pastures and hay tracts on some of its properties to landowners affected by the recent wildfires. Game and Parks manages land for wildlife habitat management and recreation.

by Carolyn Applegate | Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Good guy or bad guy? Believe it or not, many insects in the landscape are beneficial to our gardens. When spotting insects in your landscape, it is important to first identify if they are beneficial or harmful. Plus, the beneficial insects can eat the bad guys, helping plants to flourish.

LINCOLN, NE – April 2, 2026, Governor Jim Pillen rescinded his most recently issued burn ban, which clears the way for burn permits to be issued through the authority of local fire chiefs or designated department members. The new executive order (2610) cites a reduction in the potential for drought-related emergencies across the state.