By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

Listen to the full interview with Derek Beck on our Kubota Podcast

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Derek Beck, Operations Manager at Eagle Media in North Platte, will be leaving the company effective January 1 after purchasing Your Ag Network from longtime broadcaster Monte James.

Beck confirmed his departure during a recent on-air announcement, noting he gave Eagle Media his notice about two months ago. His final day with the company is December 31.

Beck, along with business partner Parker James, has purchased Your Ag Network, an agricultural radio network that provides market and farm reports across much of the Midwest. Beck said the partnership will be a 50-50 ownership arrangement.

Your Ag Network airs on approximately 83 stations throughout the region, including Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Colorado, with plans to expand into Kansas.

Beck said one of the network’s key features is its overnight trading coverage, reflecting the global nature of today’s agricultural markets.

“One of the few networks that offers an overnight trading report,” he said. “The markets are global now… things happen overnight.”

As part of his new role, Beck will personally take over early morning market reports, with his first report airing at 6 a.m. He will also continue producing and expanding rodeo-related content, including the popular Territorial Rodeo Update.

Beck has worked closely with Monte James for several years, serving as a producer for the Territorial Rodeo Update and other reports. James will continue contributing content, including the Hot Barn Report, while stepping back from ownership.

“He’s been one of my best buds for 20-some years,” Beck said. “This opportunity, in some ways, came out of nowhere, but in a lot of ways it’s been in the background for a long time.”

Beck said the move represents a long-held goal of business ownership for himself and his wife, Carla, who will remain employed at Eagle Media.

“We’ve wanted to own our own business for years,” Beck said. “Radio makes me really happy… and this is something new.”

Although he is leaving his day-to-day role at Eagle Media, Beck said he is not leaving North Platte.

“We’re not moving. We’re not leaving town,” he said. “One of the cool things about this new gig is I don’t have to leave to do it.”

Beck described his time at Eagle Media as a highlight of his radio career and said the departure is bittersweet.

“This has really been a highlight for me at Eagle,” he said. “As I leave, it’s a little bittersweet because this was a really good stop on my radio career here with Eagle in North Platte.”

🎙️Derek Beck Fulfills Ownership Dream in New Chapter With Purchase of Your Ag Network

The Hot Sheets: January 1, 2026

The Hot Sheets: December 31, 2025

The Hot Sheets: December 30, 2025

The Hot Sheets: December 29, 2025

The Hot Sheets: December 28, 2025

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

Imperial, Neb. — Law enforcement and emergency responders were called to Veterinary Services in Imperial Friday afternoon after an individual was injured by a cow.

According to information released by the Imperial Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 1:35 p.m. on December 26, 2025, along with the Chase County Sheriff’s Office and Imperial EMS. The injured individual required medical attention and was treated by EMS at the scene.

Following the incident, the cow escaped the area and remained at large for a short time, creating a public safety concern. Authorities later located the animal near the 1100 block of Longhorn Street.

Officials determined the cow was dying, and for humane and safety reasons, the decision was made to dispatch the animal. A Chase County deputy carried out the action.

The Imperial Police Department stated the information is being released in the interest of public transparency due to a law enforcement firearm discharge occurring within city limits and near Chase County Schools. Authorities emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public related to the incident.

The department thanked the Chase County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance and expressed appreciation to the community for its understanding.

Cow Injures Individual, Later Dispatched Following Escape in Imperial

The Hot Sheets: December 27, 2025

The Hot Sheets: December 26, 2025

The Hot Sheets: December 25, 2025

Listen to the full interview with Brylee Thompson on our Kubota Podcast

North Platte, NE – Brylee Thompson, a local girl from Hershey, is preparing for one of the biggest nights of her life — her incoming Miss Rodeo Nebraska coronation on January 3 at Venue 304 in downtown North Platte.

Thompson, who will serve as the state’s rodeo ambassador over the coming year, calls the upcoming coronation her premier fundraiser, helping to fuel her travel around Nebraska and beyond. “I feel like I’ve been planning my coronation since I was a little girl,” Thompson said. “It’s so exciting that one night I get to have everyone together to support me for the next year, and raising all that money is just so helpful.”

As Miss Rodeo Nebraska, Thompson will travel extensively, representing the professional sport of rodeo, promoting events, engaging with fans, and advocating for agriculture. “I am constantly kept busy — whether I’m in the crowd, on a horse, clearing cattle, or signing autographs,” she explained. “I do my best to promote and answer questions anyone might have.”

Thompson’s journey began at age 10 when she entered her first rodeo queen pageant. Now 21, she has dedicated over a decade to the sport, describing rodeo as her life. “It’s my family, and it’s everything I want to represent,” she said.

The coronation will include a social hour and silent auction beginning at 5 p.m., dinner and crowning at 6:30, and a live auction with live music at 7:30. Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for children ages 4–6, and free for children 3 and under. Attendees can purchase tickets through Sherry Slichtemeier at 308-289-4033 or via email at <a>sharislick@gmail.com</a>, with payments accepted by check or through the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Association’s Venmo account.

One highlight of the evening will be the reveal of Thompson’s custom-made chaps, crafted by Francis Wilson of Hershey, which she will wear throughout her reign. “I’m excited not only to wear the chaps but also to represent him throughout my year,” she said.

Looking ahead, Thompson will immediately begin her year of travel following the coronation, attending events in Denver, Steamboat, Dallas, Rapid City, and Florida. At the conclusion of her year as Miss Rodeo Nebraska, she plans to compete in Las Vegas for Miss Rodeo America.

“I encourage everyone to come out, even if you’ve never attended a coronation,” Thompson said. “We don’t always get to have them this close, and I’m just so excited to be a local girl celebrating right here at home.”

🎙️Local Hershey Native Brylee Thompson Set for Incoming Miss Rodeo Nebraska Coronation

Listen to the full interview with Caitlyn Jacobson and Leo Walz on our Kubota Podcast

A Logan County sixth grader is gaining hands-on farming experience through 4-H, using a wheat agronomy project to learn both the fieldwork and business side of agriculture.

Leo Walz, a fifth-year 4-H member, joined Nebraska Extension Educator Kaitlin Jacobson in the studio to talk about his project and what 4-H has meant to him so far.

Walz said joining 4-H felt natural, as it’s long been part of his family. “That’s where my mom and dad met,” he said. “So it kind of just came naturally. It’s a family thing.”

Over the years, Walz has explored a variety of projects. “My first two years, I showed cattle and then I did some shooting sports,” he said. “This last year, I did some baking projects and then this agronomy.”

When asked what he’s enjoyed most, Walz didn’t hesitate. “I liked showing cattle,” he said, adding that shooting sports has also been a favorite.

His current wheat agronomy project focuses on his family’s farm and a push toward more natural farming practices. “It involves our farm and everything we’re trying to do to get our farm back to not trying to use herbicides and chemicals,” Walz explained. “Kind of go in the natural route.”

That approach has come with challenges. “In today’s world, killing weeds is harder without chemicals,” Walz said. “So trying to keep the weeds down without chemicals is hard.”

Jacobson said projects like agronomy showcase 4-H’s “learn by doing” philosophy. “Agronomy is really just a prime example of the 4-H model,” she said. “4-Hers learn by doing.”

She explained that the project goes beyond fieldwork and includes detailed record-keeping. “He has a red binder with him, and that’s the record-keeping aspect,” Jacobson said. “You document all your expenses, what you make — all those things.”

Walz said much of that information came directly from his family’s farming operation. “Pretty much everything that my dad already has written down in the computers,” he said. “He was able to just give me that information right from his phone.”

Jacobson said that experience gives youth a realistic look at farming. “These are things that farmers have to do,” she said. “If a youth finds their spark in agriculture and wants to pursue being a farmer, this is great experience.”

Walz said the financial side of the project taught him a lot. “When we were doing the money aspect, like the breaking even stuff, I learned a lot about that,” he said.

Looking ahead, Walz plans to continue in 4-H. “This next year, I hope to do a couple more agronomy projects and some more wood and baking projects,” he said.

For youth thinking about joining 4-H, Walz offered simple advice: “Follow what you want to do and try your hardest.”

Jacobson said agronomy is just one of many project areas available. “The bottom line is you learn by doing,” she said. “It’s fun, and 4-Hers get life skills they can take with them into their adult life.”

4-H enrollment is currently open. Families can enroll online at v2.4honline.com, stop by the Nebraska Extension Office on West State Farm Road, or call 308-532-2683. Updates are also shared on the Lincoln Logan McPherson County 4-H Facebook page.

🎙️Logan County 4-Her Gains Real-World Experience Through Agronomy Project

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post

Listen to the full interview with Angela Hipp on our Kubota Podcast

North Platte, Neb. - Angela Hipp of Community Connections has been named The Post and Prairie Friends &amp; Flowers Community Hero for Kids this month, an honor recognizing her dedication to mentoring and supporting young people in North Platte.

Hipp said receiving the recognition was meaningful and affirming. “It’s amazing. It feels wonderful because, you know, we all want to be recognized for the things that we’re passionate about,” she said. “And I’m really passionate about my job, and I love the people that I work with and the kids that I work with. And when somebody thinks that I’m doing well with it, that feels really good.”

Hipp has been with Community Connections for 10 years and said the award prompted reflection on her journey and her connection to the community. “Maybe sometimes at 10 years, you start to think about, like, the past and how you’ve come through your job and where you’re at and your whole life,” she said. “And how much I love being a part of this community… and so feeling a lot more grounded in my community.”

As the coordinator of the mentoring program, Hipp explained her role focuses on connecting kids with mentors and building support systems. “I am the coordinator for the mentoring program,” she said. “And so I find mentors for kids… I find someone to spend some time with a child to hang out. But I also plan activities and gatherings for all of us so that we feel like we’re all a part of something together.”

Hipp said one of the most meaningful indicators of impact comes from annual surveys completed by youth and mentors. “Seeing what kids say when they can say it completely anonymous… really stands out to me,” she said. “They talk about what it has meant to them to be a part of the mentoring program and what it’s meant to have a mentor.”

She added that mentoring helps kids feel more connected and supported. “Just for them to have someone to talk to and feel like somebody cares about them,” Hipp said.

In addition to coordinating the program, Hipp is also a mentor herself. “I do. I have one mentee,” she said, noting they have been matched for nearly three years. Reflecting on the experience, Hipp added, “Those kids, you’re not just changing their lives, but they’re changing your life in the process.”

Hipp said being described as a safe person for kids aligns with the purpose of her work. “I think that’s the whole point of what I’m doing,” she said. “That I know there are kids that often feel like there’s not someone for them that they feel safe with… so we really try to create that space for them.”

Her passion for mentoring began years earlier while raising her daughters as a single parent. “I remembered thinking how much that would mean for my kids to have that extra support person in their life,” she said. “And I realized that all kids need that. They need to feel like somebody is recognizing who they are.”

Hipp said building trust with kids takes time and consistency. “It takes time and just showing up repeatedly,” she said. “A lot of dedication.”

Community Connections’ mentoring program has served North Platte for more than 20 years. Hipp said its strength lies in its mentors and flexibility. “One mentoring pair’s journey is going to look totally different than somebody else’s, and that’s OK,” she said.

Looking ahead, Hipp said the program continues to focus on youth mental health and positive development. “One of the things we’ve been doing… is really focusing on gratitude with our young people,” she said. “Looking at the positive things in their lives and looking at the positives in our community.”

When asked what message she would share with the community, Hipp emphasized the importance of everyday support. “I think that everybody needs to just approach their interactions with young people with a mentoring mindset,” she said. “There’s a lot of opportunities to show up for kids and make sure they know that they feel safe in our community.”

🎙️The Post & Prairie Friends & Flowers Present: This Month's Community Hero For Kids - Angela Hipp

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed a tough road trip to Wyoming that, in the end, had some positives. And what Coach feels are the small things the team can work on.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #7 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's late episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss a rollercoaster weekend in Wyoming where the Knights split the two-game road trip. While also touching on a very positive victory against Hastings College JV.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #10 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

On today's late episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, and dived into the recent struggles the team has faced over the past three games, and discussed an impressive victory against Hastings College JV on Monday.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #9 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed a record-breaking performance vs Midland University JV and what they need to take from that game to keep the momentum going.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #6 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's late episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss another tough loss this time against Frank Philips at home and what Coach Brandl is looking for from his team after the short Thanksgiving break.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #8 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss an exciting victory over Garden City Community College and what he feels his team needs to focus on for the upcoming games.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #6 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

Listen to the full interview with Kevin Wilkins on the Kubota Podcast Page.&nbsp;

Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala City Council met this week with several key items on the agenda, including the resignation of Councilman Dustin Holstein, recognition for long-serving members of the police department, and updates on ongoing city projects.

City Manager Kevin Wilkins said the council accepted Holstein’s resignation after he announced plans to leave Ogallala to pursue another venture. “That’s going to leave a vacancy on the council,” Wilkins said, adding that members were advised by legal counsel on how to proceed.

The council had two options — holding a special election or appointing someone through an application process. “The council has chosen to take the route of an appointment,” Wilkins explained. Applications will be accepted from anyone interested in serving the remainder of Holstein’s term. Applicants must be registered voters who live within the city limits, and political affiliation does not matter since the seat is nonpartisan.

Applications should include proof of eligibility and a short background or statement of interest. Wilkins said he will forward all applications to Council President Steve Kraske, who will make a recommendation to the council at its next meeting. The council will then vote to ratify that recommendation. If the nominee is not approved, the process will continue at the following meeting until the position is filled.

The meeting also included a pair of recognitions for members of the Ogallala Police Department. Chief James Herman was honored for 25 years of service to the community, and Sergeant Taylor Molzon was recognized for five years. “Chief Herman does a great job with the OPD,” Wilkins said. “He’s thoughtful and considerate to both his team and the citizens of Ogallala.” Molzon, who serves as the school resource officer, was also recently promoted to sergeant.

Council members then approved routine business, including minutes from the October 28 meeting and the city’s financial report. Wilkins said the council requested some additional detail in future reports to better track expenses tied to grant funding. “If we don’t get the money, we don’t spend it,” he said. “The council wants to take a more focused look at those budget items that depend on outside funds.”

The council also approved taking bids for a parking lot overlay project near Western Diamonds, located in the southeast quadrant of the facility.

In his city manager’s report, Wilkins said the council plans to take a deeper look at city operations moving forward. “They want to do possible department consolidations, contract consolidations, and a wage and benefit analysis,” he said. Each council member will take on a specific subject area to help guide that process, but final assignments will wait until the vacant council seat is filled.

Wilkins also noted that the latest city newsletter was sent out with water bills, outlining the next nuisance abatement area. “We hope residents will clean up their properties ahead of any nuisance action,” he said.

The Ogallala Tree Board recently received a $52,000 grant to support tree removal and planting efforts. About $30,000 of that total will go directly toward tree removal. Wilkins said the Tree Board will share more details on that project soon.

City crews are preparing for winter weather, with the street department tuning up snow removal equipment and continuing work on Second Street. “We just opened the street in front of City Hall,” Wilkins said. “They should be pouring concrete later this week in front of Second Chapter.”

The council is also expected to continue discussions about renewing the city’s half-cent infrastructure sales tax, which could appear on the November 2026 ballot. Wilkins said the tax could bring in around a million dollars a year for infrastructure, with more than half of that revenue likely coming from visitors outside Ogallala.

For residents interested in applying for the open council seat, Wilkins said members meet twice a month and spend an average of four to eight hours a week on city business. “There are also additional meetings during budget season and some extra time expected as we take deeper dives into city operations,” he said.

Residents are reminded to move RVs and boats off city streets by October 1 and to move vehicles every 72 hours during the winter months to allow for snow removal. “When you scoop snow, don’t push it into the street,” Wilkins said. “It just creates problems for your neighbors.”

Wilkins wrapped up the update by noting that the city is ready for the colder season ahead. “Hopefully we won’t have to use that snow equipment too much this year,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s hard to believe we’re already talking about snow.”

🎙️Ogallala City Council Accepts Resignation, Recognizes Longtime Police Chief, and Reviews City Updates

The nation’s capital&nbsp; is celebrating the transition to a new year in a historic way.

For the first time ever, the Washington Monument was&nbsp; illuminated on all four sides with a large-scale projection light show that began New Year’s Eve. The display kicked off celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.

🎥 DC light show kicked off America's 250th birthday 

On Dec. 30, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted kinetic strikes against three narco-trafficking vessels traveling as a convoy.

These vessels were operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and had transferred narcotics between the three vessels prior to the strikes. Three narco-terrorists aboard the first vessel were killed in the first engagement. The remaining narco-terrorists abandoned the other two vessels, jumping overboard and distancing themselves before follow-on engagements sank their respective vessels. Following the engagements, the U.S. Southern Command immediately notified the Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system.

On Dec. 31, at the direction of&nbsp; Secretary Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in narco-trafficking. A total of five narco-terrorists were killed during these actions - three in the first vessel and two in the second

🎥US military strikes more drug boats killing 8 'narco-terrorists'

By Aaron Sanderford |<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/30/nu-regent-oconnor-resigning-effective-jan-9-in-wake-of-dui-allegation-possible-impeachment/"> Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Embattled University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor, who increasingly faced likely impeachment proceedings, announced Tuesday that she is resigning her post.

O’Connor, 35, faces a felony charge of drunken driving causing bodily injury from a Douglas County crash that police say totaled two vehicles and broke the back and pelvis of a passenger.

Authorities allege the Omaha-area regent and former student regent tested with a blood alcohol content of 0.321% after the May 21 crash in the Benson area, in her&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/media/images/maps/2021/regents/omaha.pdf" target="_blank">eastern Douglas County district</a>. That’s four times the legal limit.

The father of three young children injured in the crash had lobbied the NU regent to resign and called on lawmakers and other politicians to ramp up the pressure on O’Connor to resign.

State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, a Republican in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, had pledged to pursue impeachment if O’Connor, a Democrat, didn’t resign. Impeaching her would require at least 25 votes and the approval of her removal by the Nebraska Supreme Court. The Nebraska Legislature last&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/99/PDF/Journal/r2journal.pdf#page=1554" target="_blank">impeached</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/nebraska/supreme-court/2006/425-0.html" target="_blank">state official in 2006</a>, then-NU Regent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2006/07/10/nebraska-regent-ousted" target="_blank">C. David Hergert</a>.

O’Connor, who has served as an elected member of the NU board since 2019, said in a statement that she did not want to “become a distraction to the Board’s important work.”

“I am choosing to resign now because I want to do the right thing for our great university,” she said in a statement.&nbsp;

“The University of Nebraska is facing many important opportunities and challenges, and District Four must have a representative that can serve effectively on the Board.”

Kauth, a Republican, said O’Connor should have resigned immediately as she still had seven months’ worth of decisions at the university, including managing a $3.6 billion budget.

“Clearly, she does not make great decisions, so I question why she stayed in so long,” Kauth said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Kauth’s push to consider O’Connor’s possible removal appeared to have significant bipartisan support, based on a recent survey of lawmakers by the Nebraska Examiner, which had been preparing a story on the topic. The Legislature currently consists of 33 Republicans, 15 Democrats and one nonpartisan progressive.

Any Democratic support for impeachment would likely imperil her ability to continue to serve. Three Democrats had said by mid-December that they would vote to impeach, and a fourth signaled leaning toward supporting impeachment.

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee and a Republican, said he was “definitely” in favor of impeaching O’Connor and that she should have resigned “a long time ago.” He noted public video evidence of the alleged crash.

“Regents, like it or not, should be a model for student behavior, and with that serious of a felony allegation and the overwhelming evidence of what happened, she should do the right thing and resign,” Murman said Dec. 18. “If she doesn’t, I think she should be impeached.

State Sens. Merv Riepe of Ralston, a Republican, and Jane Raybould of Lincoln, a Democrat, questioned why the regents had not weighed in first on O’Connor’s fate. Under the Nebraska Constitution, only the Legislature can impeach a constitutional officer.

Gov. Jim Pillen, who had served with O’Connor for four years on the regents, also had weighed in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/07/state-lawmaker-takes-steps-toward-impeaching-nu-regent-oconnor/">early September</a>, suggesting that she should resign if the allegations were true. His office had no immediate comment Tuesday on the resignation announcement.

The governor, a Republican from Columbus, would appoint her replacement, which would likely add a conservative member from one of the state’s most Democratic-leaning districts until a special election in November 2026 to serve the remainder of O’Connor’s term through the end of 2030. She was reelected in 2024 with 67% of the vote.

In O’Connor’s statement, the first to address her elected position since the charges were brought in July, she credited the work of her fellow board members and NU faculty and staff. Her resignation is effective at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 9, she and NU officials separately confirmed.

“The University of Nebraska is a very special place, and it represents the unique culture and leadership that is evident in the daily lives of Nebraskans in every community across our great state,” she said.

NU President Dr. Jeffrey Gold, in a statement of his own Tuesday afternoon, thanked O’Connor for her service and said he and NU “look forward to working with her successor to further advance and strengthen our university.”

Kauth said O’Connor should have recognized sooner that her continued service would be a “distraction,” not a week before the 2026 legislative session begins. Kauth reiterated she would have formally begun impeachment on Day One. She had briefed a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/27/legislative-committee-briefed-about-possible-impeachment-of-nu-regent/">legislative committee on the process</a>&nbsp;in October. Half of the committee told the Examiner they supported impeachment.

“Had we not had articles of impeachment drawn up and ready to go, would she have even thought to resign?” Kauth asked.

Charges against O’Connor were brought July 30, two months after the crash. The delay came as prosecutors awaited O’Connor’s blood test from the lab, and because the Douglas County Attorney’s Office transferred the case to the Omaha City Prosecutor’s Office to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.&nbsp;

Until early August, O’Connor served as a deputy county attorney.&nbsp;

Part of the 2026 legislative session will include plugging a projected $471 million budget deficit for the state through mid-2027. NU campus leaders have already taken steps to cut more than $40 million from NU’s systemwide budget this fall, and some lawmakers noted O’Connor’s service wouldn’t help the university system, one of the state’s largest line items in the budget.

“If the university is not living up to the standards that we think the university should, and that includes the regents, it doesn’t help,” Murman said.

Kauth said she had the 24 other votes necessary to impeach.

“No matter when that elected official chooses to misbehave and do something that deserves impeachment, we have to address it,” Kauth said. “The fact that she finally resigned means we are able to look at other issues, and we’re going to have a lot this session.”

O’Connor is next scheduled in Douglas County District Court Jan. 22. Her case appears headed to trial as her defense is subpoenaing medical records and conducting depositions.

NU Regent O’Connor resigning, effective Jan. 9, in wake of DUI allegation, possible impeachment

Lincoln, NE&nbsp;— A confirmed measles case in Platte County has been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The patient is an unvaccinated child with an out-of-state travel history in Arizona. Due to privacy, no further individual information will be provided.&nbsp;Individuals present at the following public locations on the indicated dates and times may have been exposed to measles and should visit and fill out the risk assessment survey at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://epi-dhhs.ne.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=CHAJNT3C9L9NEEY3" target="_blank">https://epi-dhhs.ne.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=CHAJNT3C9L9NEEY3&nbsp;</a>

If you do not have access to the internet or need help filling out the risk assessment survey, call the&nbsp;<a href="https://ecdhd.ne.gov/" target="_blank">East Central District Health Department&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;at (402) 562-8969. &nbsp;

Measles is an acute, highly contagious respiratory viral disease. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and rash. Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. Children under the age of five, adults over the age of 20 years, non-immune pregnant and immunocompromised people are at greatest risk of developing severe complications from measles. There is no specific treatment for measles.

Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Children should receive their first dose of measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and another dose at four to six years of age. DHHS recommends Platte County parents of infants from six (6) to eleven (11) months old speak with their health care provider to discuss early MMR vaccination.

If you plan to travel, particularly internationally, or live in a measles-affected county, ensure you are up to date with your MMR vaccines, which can include an early dose of MMR vaccine for children six to 11 months of age. Contact your health care provider to check your and your family's vaccination status against measles. If you have not had two doses of MMR vaccine, talk to your health care provider or local health department right away.

If you think that you are having symptoms of measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider, emergency room, or urgent care&nbsp;BEFORE&nbsp;arriving to be tested.&nbsp;Do not arrive at a healthcare facility without giving advance notice unless it is a medical emergency.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;​

Confirmed Measles Case Reported in Nebraska

By Juan Salinas II | Nebraska Examiner

Justice Department highlighted the indictment as a ‘nationwide crackdown’

LINCOLN — A federal grand jury in Nebraska charged 54 people with deploying malware and stealing millions of dollars from ATMs around the country, Nebraska U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods announced this month.&nbsp;

One indictment, returned Dec. 9, charges 22 people with offenses corresponding to their alleged roles in the conspiracy, including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank burglary and fraud and related computer activity and conspiracy to commit money laundering.&nbsp;

A related indictment, returned Oct. 21, charged 32 people, alleging 56 crimes, including one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit bank burglary and computer fraud, 18 counts of bank fraud, 18 counts of bank burglary and 18 counts of damage to computers, Woods’ office said.&nbsp;

The indictments also allege that the gang Tren de Aragua used jackpotting to steal millions of dollars in the U.S. and transferred the proceeds among its members and associates to conceal the illegally obtained cash.

Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan gang that started in a prison and has since expanded into Central America and the U.S., including to Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-new-york-city-arrests-unlawfully-present-venezuelan-fugitive-and-tren-de-aragua" target="_blank">New York</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://denvergazette.com/news/crime/venezuelan-gang-tda-timeline/article_e0866290-7215-11ef-aa34-53af1764f2a2.html" target="_blank">Colorado</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2024/09/09/venezuelan-undocumented-immigrant-arrest-becomes-campaign-fodder-for-van-orden/" target="_blank">Wisconsin</a>.&nbsp;

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://transparenciave.org/economias-ilicitas/tren-de-aragua/#:~:text=Se%20le%20identifica%20con%20el,una%20investigaci%C3%B3n%20publicada%20en%202021" target="_blank">report from Transparency Venezuela</a>, the group adopted its name between 2013 and 2015 but likely began operations earlier. The group has been accused of human smuggling and other criminal activity that targets migrants, including kidnapping, extortion and drug trafficking.

One of the people in indicted was&nbsp;Jimena Romina Araya Navarro, an alleged Tren De Aragua leader and Venezuelan entertainer who was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.&nbsp;

OFAC alleged that Navarro helped the notorious head of Tren de Aragua, Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, escape from a prison in Venezuela in 2012, and that others in the network laundered money for Tren de Aragua leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S. Attorney for Nebraska said the “case demonstrates what state, federal, and local law enforcement officers can accomplish when they fully join forces … [and] TdA members will find no safe harbor in the State of Nebraska.”&nbsp;

The Justice Department highlighted the indictment in its “Nationwide Crackdown on Tren de Aragua”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-highlights-nationwide-crackdown-tren-de-aragua" target="_blank">press release</a>.&nbsp;The announcement cited other indictments in New York, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico.&nbsp;

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said in a social media post that this is “another recent example of why I believe Nebraska has to do our part, through setting up the ICE Detention Facility in McCook and by sending the Nebraska National Guard and State Patrol to secure our southern border, to help the federal government root out and deport criminal, illegal aliens.”&nbsp;

The State Department designated the gang as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/designation-of-international-cartels" target="_blank">foreign terrorist organization</a>&nbsp;in February.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/all-the-u-s-military-strikes-against-alleged-drug-boats" target="_blank">President Donald Trump has justified a U.S. military strike</a>&nbsp;on a boat in&nbsp;waters off South America because he said Tren de Aragua operated it.&nbsp;Strikes have continued and&nbsp;face scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists. They told the Associated Press the administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-strikes-another-alleged-drug-smuggling-boat-in-eastern-pacific-killing-1-person#:~:text=The%20Trump%20administration%20has%20said,strikes%20amount%20to%20extrajudicial%20killings." target="_blank">offered scant evidence</a>&nbsp;that its targets are indeed drug smugglers and say the fatal strikes amount to extrajudicial killings.&nbsp;

Trump also mentioned the gang during the 2024 campaign. It was the group Trump named when calling a Colorado city a “war zone” after&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2024/10/11/false-claims-gang-takeover-trump-aurora/" target="_blank">online right-wing reports</a>&nbsp;of Venezuelan gangs “taking over” a Colorado apartment complex, amplifying social media claims later found to be false.&nbsp;

Woods’ office said the alleged ATM conspiracy developed and&nbsp;deployed a variant of malware known as Ploutus, which was used to hack into ATMs and force the machines to dispense cash. The malware’s primary purpose was to issue unauthorized commands to the cash dispenser to force withdrawals.&nbsp;

The conspiracy relied on recruiting several individuals to deploy Ploutus malware nationwide, authorities said. Members of the conspiracy and the gang would travel in groups, using multiple vehicles, to the locations of targeted banks and credit unions, according to Woods’ office.&nbsp;Authorities say the conspiracy members would then split the proceeds into predetermined portions.&nbsp;

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment ranging between 20 and 335 years.

Nebraska grand jury indicts alleged Tren de Aragua members in ATM jackpotting scheme

Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) recently hosted its 131st Annual Conference in Kearney, NE. The conference was held December 17-19 and brought together county leaders from across the state to discuss key issues facing local governments, participate in professional development, and celebrate outstanding public service.

NACO Executive Director Jon Cannon reflected on the Conference. “Nebraska’s counties were the very first in our great country to decide to hold an annual conference way back in 1893. The settings and technology may have changed, but what has been constant is Nebraska’s public servants seeking innovation through their shared experiences. NACO could not be prouder to bring together the leaders of our communities and work on their behalf.”

The theme of this year’s conference was “All In,” which celebrated Nebraska’s achievement of reaching 100% membership in the National Association of Counties (NACo). There to help us celebrate was NACo President J.D. Clark. Attendees also shared their “all in” stories about what drives their commitments to serving their constituents. 

Attendees took part in breakout sessions that gave them an opportunity to connect with their counterparts from across the state and discuss the challenges and priorities of their positions. 

Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including but not limited to, FEMA reform, salary guidelines, and public records. County officials also had an opportunity to connect with the more than 100 exhibitors and state and federal partners who provide resources and products that assist county government operations. 

On Thursday morning, attendees heard speeches from Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and NACo President J.D. Clark. Both spoke about the importance of strong local leadership.

During the awards luncheon, NACO recognized the exceptional dedication of the following 2025award recipients: 

County Official of The Year Award: Darla Walther, Frontier County Clerk

Lifetime Achievement Award: Kathleen Nieveen, Johnson County Clerk

Next Generation Award: Amber Scanlon, Saunders County Treasurer

The NACO Annual Conference once again demonstrated the dedication and professionalism of Nebraska’s county officials as they continue to work together to serve their communities.


Nebraska Association of County Officials Hosts 2025 Annual Conference in Kearney

The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) on Monday announced that all 50 states will receive awards under the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative established under President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts legislation (Public Law 119-21) to strengthen and modernize health care in rural communities across the country, according to a statement from CMS.&nbsp;

In 2026, states will receive first-year awards from CMS averaging $200 million within a range of $147 million to $281 million. Nebraska will receive $218,529,075. Missouri received $216,276,818 and Kansas&nbsp;$221,898,008.

&nbsp;This unprecedented federal investment will help states expand access to care in rural communities, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize rural facilities and technology, and support innovative models that bring high-quality, dependable care closer to home.&nbsp;

“More than 60 million Americans living in rural areas have the right to equal access to quality care,”&nbsp;said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This historic investment puts local hospitals, clinics, and health workers in control of their communities’ healthcare. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, rural Americans will now have affordable healthcare close to home, free from bureaucratic obstacles.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Today marks an extraordinary milestone for rural health in America,”&nbsp;said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Thanks to Congress establishing this investment and President Trump for his leadership, states are stepping forward with bold, creative plans to expand rural access, strengthen their workforces, modernize care, and support the communities that keep our nation running. CMS is proud to partner with every state to turn their ideas into lasting improvements for rural families.”

A Nationwide Commitment to Strengthen Rural Health Care

The Rural Health Transformation Program is a national commitment to improving the health and well-being of rural communities across the country. With this funding, states will implement comprehensive strategies to improve care delivery, support providers, and advance new approaches to coordinating health care services across rural communities. Across the country, many states are planning efforts that will:

States will advance Make Rural America Healthy Again goals by expanding preventive, primary, maternal, and behavioral health services and creating new access points that bring care closer to home and help preserve strong local health systems. Many states are implementing evidence-based, outcomes-driven strategies—such as physical fitness and nutrition programs, food-as-medicine initiatives, and chronic disease prevention models—to address root causes of diseases and manage chronic conditions. States will also strengthen rural emergency care through improved emergency medical services (EMS) communication, treat-in-place options, and coordinated transfers.

States will support clinical workforce training, residencies, recruitment and retention incentives, and new pathways that help students begin health care careers in their own communities. States are also investing in programs to train and support the existing clinical workforce and build futures close to home.&nbsp;

Investments will modernize rural facilities and equipment; strengthen cybersecurity and interoperability; and expand telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and digital tools that enable timely access to care. States are also exploring the use of technology such as AI scribes and clinical workflow improvement tools to reduce burdens on clinicians.&nbsp;

States will prioritize streamlining operations, empowering providers to enhance coordination of care and resources, and building partnerships across the state with the goal of keeping care local. This includes establishing specialized hub-and-spoke models, rural regional centers of excellence, comprehensive data-sharing platforms, and rural clinically integrated networks.

States will test new primary care and value-based care models, strengthen partnerships among rural and other providers, and promote regional collaboration that improves health sustainability and patient outcomes.

The Rural Health Transformation Program’s $50 billion in funds will be allocated to approved states over five years, with $10 billion available each year from 2026 through 2030. As directed by Public Law 119-21:

CMS made funding awards to all 50 states.&nbsp;

Nebraska secures $218 Million in 2026 from Rural Healthcare Transformation Fund

On Dec. 29, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters, according to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command.

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