News

LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska Soil Health Coalition (NSHC) and Nebraska CommunityFoundationare pleased to name Casey Hoins as the Coalition’s new Coordinator. Her extensive experience in program and grant management spans the agriculture, water and sustainability sectors. In her prior role as a senior program manager for a sustainability consultancy, Hoins led conservation-focused projects for nonprofits, municipalities and ag-sector clients across Nebraska. She has also managed large USDA agriculture programs across the globe. Her strengths lie in working collaboratively with teams, systems and communities to guide programs forward.

(Washington, D.C., December 5, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced major updates to federal crop insurance, reducing red tape for farmers, modernizing long-standing policies, and expanding access to critical risk protection beginning with the 2026 crop year. The Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) Final Rule streamlines requirements across multiple crops, responds to producer feedback, and strengthens USDA’s commitment to putting America’s farmers first.

Margaret Figert shared the following recipe for Brown Sugar Carrot Melt. “I make it whenever we get a good carrot crop! Don’t know its origin - just an old recipe I’ve had for many years.” Perhaps this could be the start of a new family tradition at your home with friends and family coming to visit!

R-CALFUSAStatement,December 4, 2025 – Media reports indicate that on December 2 the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the third case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in close proximity to the United States border. This is the third case reported in Nuevo León, Mexico. The first case was detected in September within about 70 miles of the Texas border, the second detection was in early October and within about 120 miles of the border, and this latest case was also detected within about 120 miles from Texas.

It’s hard to look at your television or social media and not see a headline about some “superfood,” supplement, or other product promising to “boost immunity.” And who doesn’t want to boost immunity, especially in a year in which measles outbreaks are becoming routine? Genuinely, there is one entity available to us that, more than any other fad, will help our immunity and protect us against infection: vaccines.

Some days, grace looks like a spotless kitchen table and a warm supper on time. Other days, it looks like cold coffee, messy hair, and a quiet prayer whispered over a mountain of laundry.

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Tucked away in the back of an old cedar cupboard, beneath the soft scent of wood that has guarded keepsakes for generations, rests a quilt whose story is far from forgotten. Its pieces - worn cotton, faded florals, and sturdy plaids - were stitched together by hands long gone, yet their presence is still felt in every square.

All are invited to the Christmas program at Lakeview Church this Sunday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m. The children will share their talents at the program, and a potluck dinner will follow.

Sympathy is extended to the family of one of Cody’s foundation residents, Barb Schmit, 103, of North Platte, whose residence was in Cody prior. Barb is lovingly remembered for her talents and love of music, shared with many over the years. Local survivors are Paula (Taylor) Marshall of Cody. Barb had 13 grandchildren, 25 greats and 3 great-great grandchildren. It was a life well lived.