News

LINCOLN, NE — Amy Johnson, publisher of the Springview Herald, has been named a recipient of the Harpst Leadership Nebraska Award, presented by the Nebraska Press Association. Established by the Harpst family in memory of longtime newspaperman Don Harpst Sr., the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and a commitment to strengthening their communities through local journalism.

Valentine is stepping up to solve a problem that many rural communities face: a shortage of childcare. Families, local leaders, and churches are working together to fill the gap, showing what is possible when a community takes action. This issue directly impacts families, employers, and the ability of communities to grow. When parents cannot find reliable childcare, it limits workforce participation and puts added strain on already stretched rural economies.

Lincoln, NE, March 19, 2026 —On cold spring mornings in the Nebraska Sandhills, calving season can test even the most experienced ranchers. Twenty-five years ago, a collaboration between a Sandhills ranch family, a rural veterinarian and University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers led to a management innovation that transformed how cattle producers prevent calf scours.

By Shuhua Xie, postdoc at PREEC Irrigation and Digital Ag Lab/XinQiao,NebraskaExtension Irrigation Management Specialist / Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Water and Crops Educator Nebraska is experiencing below- normal snowfall and rainfall during the past winter and this early spring. In addition, the below-average snowpack in the North Platte River Basin has raised concerns about irrigation water supplies for this upcoming growing season. With potentially high irrigation demand expected this summer, making informed irrigation decisions will be critical.

Lincoln, NE, March 11, 2026 — Nebraska cattle producers facing ongoing drought conditions have an opportunity to learn more about the current weather outlook and potential impacts for the upcoming grazing season during a Nebraska Extension webinar on March 30.

Last week’s warm temperatures may have nudged you out of winter mode and into garden planning. While it is still too early to plant most vegetables outdoors, there is plenty you can be doing right now to prepare for the season ahead.

This spring has already been a historic one for wildfires in Nebraska. Our thoughts are with the producersimpacted,andourthanks go out to the fire crews and first responders who have put in long hoursprotectinglives,livestock,and property. As producers are able to assess damage and plan next steps, grazing management will be an important part of pasture recovery.

Lincoln – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) encourages Nebraskans affected by the wildfires to seek emotional support at relief centers near areas affected by the wildfires.

March 20, 2026 (Lincoln, Neb.) — Governor Jim Pillen, joined by Sherry Vinton, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and Erv Portis, Assistant Director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, visited Valentine and Gothenburg to meet with those who have been on the frontlines of the fires near Valentine (Anderson Bridge Fire) and Gothenburg (Cottonwood Fire) firefighting efforts.

VALENTINE, Neb. — March 20, 2026 — The Sandhills Area Foundation has entered a pass-through agreement with John and Mark Johnson to administer the Anderson Bridge Fire Relief Fund. This fund has been created to provide vital financial support to those impacted by the devastating Anderson Bridge Fire and related fires across the region.