News

NORTHPLATTE,NE––Nebraska producers will get an updated look at drought conditions in the state and what they could mean for the 2026 growing season during an upcoming webinar hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension.

The recent warm temperatures have many gardeners itching to get outside and start planting. While it may feel like spring has arrived, now is not the ideal time to plant most vegetables outdoors in Nebraska. However, it is one of the best times to start planning—and even planting indoors—for the upcoming vegetable season.

Hastings, Nebraska – Hastings College and the ASPIRE program are inviting students from across the region to experience a week of transformation, community and fun during the 2026 Hastings Youth Conference (HYC). The event, themed Wholly Shift!, will take place on campus from June 15 to June 19, 2026.

The Valentine Quiz Bowl team has kicked off the 2026 season with an impressive showing, earning second place out of 12 varsity teams at the Gothenburg Invitational. The strong finish sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season.

Maeli Patterson and Sam Sprenger put together a project for young girls in the community to get their nails done, operated on a free-will donation basis. “All the donations that will be collected will go toward Disabled American Veterans.

LateNovember/earlyDecember 2025, a group of VES students decided to help raise money for Kids Heart Challenge. Kids Heart Challenge is a fund raiser supported by the American Heart Association to raise money for kids that have special hearts.

Vernon and Marlys Walkling traveled to Tucson, AZ recently to visit his sister, Karla Walkling, Bob Jensen, Tyler Bartels, and Sammie, his fiance’. On Friday, Marlys traveled to Platte with Sheryl Noteboom where Sheryl visited daughter Mindi and family, and Marlys went to celebrate her sister Vonnie Koopal’s 86th birthday, and spent time with Joan and Harley DeVelder and Laura Dunwoody, her other sisters. Sunday dinner guests of Vern and Marlys were the Matt and Dakota Walkling families, the Doyles, and Josh Stammis.

NEBRASKA ~ February 24, 2026 – Losing an extra hour of sleep may not be the worst thing that could happen when you spring forward at the start of daylight saving time. According to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, scientific researchers have noticed a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes in the days following this time change each year.

The North Central Nebraska RC&D met in Bassett, Nebraska, on February 11, 2026. Chairman Mike Burge led the meeting. The group talked about the tire amnesty events scheduled for April 28th and 29th in Springview, and for June 9th and 10th in O’Neill. Ideas were shared about managing the weight log as well as conveying the value of the collection to participants. Other recycling topics were discussed, including electronics, used oil, and ag bags. Preparations for the display at the Ranch Expo were also visited about. Carla Stagemeyer announced that she has been appointed to the Nebraska Recycling Council Board of Directors. The next meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 1:40 p.m., and will be held in the Bassett City Meeting Room.

322 N. Macomb 402-376-1400 M-F • 8:00 a.m.