LINCOLN – Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) Vice Chair Kevin Stocker, District 5, has been appointed to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ (NARUC) Committee on Gas.

In announcing the appointment, NARUC President Tricia Pridemore said service on the committee advances the mission of effective public regulation. NARUC is a nonprofit organization whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers nationwide.

“I’m honored to represent Nebraska on the NARUC Committee on Gas,” Commissioner Stocker said. “Natural gas is vital in ensuring affordable, reliable energy for our state and nation.”

Through panel discussions and educational sessions, the committee promotes awareness and understanding of issues affecting the transportation, distribution and sale of natural gas.

Committee members work closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. departments of Energy and Transportation.

“I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across the country to share Nebraska’s perspective and help advance policies that strengthen our energy infrastructure and serve the public interest,” Commissioner Stocker said.

Commissioner Stocker Appointed to NARUC Natural Gas Committee

The Hot Sheets: November 2, 2025

The Hot Sheets: October 31, 2025

The Hot Sheets: October 30, 2025

Listen to the full interview with Mary Pierce and Jake Soper on our Kubota Podcasts.

Ogallala, Neb - High school students in Ogallala are getting hands-on experience in the trades while making a real difference in the lives of local veterans, thanks to Mid Plains Community College’s Ready to Work Homes for Heroes program. This innovative course allows students to learn construction skills by building tiny homes for unhoused veterans, combining workforce training with community service.

Mary Pierce, working with Mid Plains Community College Ready to Work, explained that the program was created to meet a growing need for skilled workers in building construction, plumbing, electrical, and welding in Western Nebraska. “Not all high school students are going on to a two- or four-year college, but it’s important they leave school with marketable skills,” Pierce said.

The course is taught by Jake Soper, who guides students through all aspects of building, from rough framing and interior finishes to plumbing and electrical work. Students also learn job-ready skills such as writing resumes and interviewing, preparing them for entry-level construction positions in the community. The program starts in January and runs through March or April, with classes held all day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. At the end of the program, students receive a certificate listing the skills they have mastered.

What sets Homes for Heroes apart from traditional trade classes is its altruistic component. Students are building homes for veterans in need, giving them a tangible way to impact their community. “One of the most important parts of this program is that students are doing something so much bigger than themselves,” Pierce said. “They’re building a home for a veteran, and that changes the whole meaning behind the work.”

The program is free for students, thanks to grant funding, making it accessible to a wide range of participants. Over the next several years, the goal is to build seven to eight tiny homes, creating permanent housing for unhoused veterans.

The Ready to Work Homes for Heroes program is still recruiting students for the Spring 2026 class. High school or homeschool students interested in joining can contact Mid Plains Community College in Ogallala via email at <a>ogallala@mpcc.edu</a> or by phone at 308-284-9830.

This unique program is more than just a construction class—it’s an opportunity for students to gain skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose while giving back to the community, one home at a time.

High School Students Build Skills and Homes for Veterans Through Unique Program

Lincoln, Neb. (Oct. 28, 2025)&nbsp;– The HALT Human Trafficking Fund has awarded its second round of grants to the&nbsp;<a>Dawson County Sheriff’s Office</a>, the Sandhills Crisis Intervention Program and the&nbsp;<a>Set Me Free Project</a>. These grants will support projects aimed at preventing human trafficking in Nebraska.

The Dawson County Sheriff's Office will implement technology enhancements to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts through increased law enforcement capabilities. The Dawson County Sheriff's Office serves a critical transportation corridor where thousands of people pass through on I-80 daily, making advanced technology essential for identifying and preventing human trafficking.

The Sandhills Crisis Intervention Program will host a trafficking survivor and forensic nurse to deliver educational presentations aimed at preventing human trafficking. The program will train students, teachers, parents, community members and law enforcement to identify red flags, grooming techniques and trafficking indicators. The Sandhills Crisis Intervention Program works to prevent and eliminate interpersonal and family violence in Arthur, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Keith and Perkins Counties.

The Set Me Free Project will develop the READY to Stand Empower Toolkit, a secure, trauma-informed digital platform that expands the organization's human trafficking prevention curriculum. The platform will deliver customized learning about healthy relationships, digital safety and emotional well-being through innovative technology and evidence-informed instructional design. The Set Me Free Project is dedicated to stopping human trafficking before it starts through prevention education for all ages.

"These grants will strengthen critical efforts to prevent human trafficking across our state," said Richard Baier, president and CEO of the Nebraska Bankers Association. "We're proud to support organizations that are protecting vulnerable Nebraskans in communities throughout our state."

Human trafficking occurs statewide in Nebraska communities of all sizes. The Nebraska Attorney General's Human Trafficking Task Force reported calls to the Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline from every corner of the state. If you suspect human trafficking, call the Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline at 833-PLS-LOOK (833-757-5665).&nbsp;

If you are a victim or need help, call or text for confidential, 24/7 assistance. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available in more than 200 languages. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (BeFree).

The HALT Human Trafficking Fund was established in 2024 by the Nebraska banking industry and is supported by community stakeholders. Grants are awarded to Nebraska-based nonprofits, government entities and educational institutions for projects that provide education, advance data analysis or leverage technology to prevent trafficking. The next grant cycle will open in spring 2026. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://haltfund.org/">haltfund.org</a>&nbsp;for more information.

HALT Human Trafficking Fund Awards Grants to Three Nebraska Organizations

McCook, Neb. — The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has released its 2024–2025 Annual Report, showcasing a year of strong progress in disease prevention, emergency preparedness, environmental health, and community wellness across its nine-county service area.

Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Disease Response

SWNPHD updated its Emergency Response Plan and contributed to the statewide Integrated Preparedness Plan, ensuring better coordination in future crises. The department also refined distribution plans for the Strategic National Stockpile to efficiently deliver medical supplies during emergencies.

This year, the team responded to a tuberculosis (TB) case in the region—working with local partners to contain the disease and treat six individuals exposed. In total, SWNPHD logged 1,299 disease reports and completed 469 follow-up investigations during the year.

Air quality monitoring expanded significantly with PurpleAir sensors now installed in all nine counties, giving residents real-time access to local air conditions.

The department also tested 144 private wells for nitrates. Roughly one-third exceeded the safe limit of 10 mg/L, underscoring the ongoing need for water safety awareness.

Meanwhile, 60 radon test kits were distributed and 227 students from eight schools participated in the annual Radon Poster Contest, helping spread awareness of the cancer-causing gas.

Childhood lead screening saw a notable rise—247 children tested this year, up from 187 last year. The department also investigated 10 elevated lead cases and added LeadCare II machines at its McCook and Ogallala offices to expand screening access.

SWNPHD continued its Polish Your Pearls dental program, offering free oral screenings and fluoride treatments to children in schools and daycares. Portable dental equipment also brought care to nine long-term care facilities.

More than 400 fourth-graders took part in the annual Nebraska Kids Fitness &amp; Nutrition Day, combining hands-on lessons in nutrition and exercise.

The Walk to Health challenge attracted 129 participants this year, using the new Be Well app to track progress and encourage daily activity.

SWNPHD’s Pool Cool program partnered with 12 swimming pools to teach sun safety and awarded each participating pool $250 for helping prevent skin cancer in their communities.

A partnership with CredibleMind expanded access to online mental health resources, offering over 38,000 residents free 24/7 support tools. Nearly 900 users accessed the platform during its first months.

The Lifespan Respite Network continues to support caregivers, enrolling nine families and hosting events—like a painting session in Trenton—to provide meaningful breaks and connection.

Reducing Tobacco Use and Improving Road Safety

Efforts to reduce tobacco and nicotine use remain a top priority, with community outreach focused on youth and underserved populations.

SWNPHD also earned a Nebraska Department of Transportation mini-grant, which funded local campaigns promoting seatbelt use and discouraging impaired or distracted driving.

Minority Health Initiative and Immunizations

Through the Minority Health Initiative, the department hosted free screenings across multiple counties—offering cholesterol checks, flu vaccines, and nutrition classes.

In total, SWNPHD provided 1,144 immunizations to 671 people, including routine shots, school clinics, and travel vaccines.

The department reported $1.78 million in total revenue and $1.61 million in expenses for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible resource use.

The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves residents of Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties.

Learn more or view the full report at <a href="https://swhealth.ne.gov">swhealth.ne.gov</a> or follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

SWNPHD Highlights Major Health Achievements in 2024–2025 Annual Report

The Hot Sheets: October 29, 2025

Coming off the bye week Coach Long talks about how the team spent its time without a game, what it will be like to face two former Chadron High School stars, gambling in college sports, NIL, transfer portal, D2 advantages and much more!

🔊 PODCAST: Jay Long Show - 10/28/25

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) encourages residents to get their flu shots and COVID-19 shot updates to protect against respiratory illnesses this winter. SWNPHD has seen an increase of COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, following the late summer wave of infections seen across most of the country. Last year SWNPHD gave over 400 flu shots and 125 COVID shots, with pharmacies and clinics giving many more as well.

Influenza (flu) is a potentially fatal, contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu vaccines make it less likely that you will get the flu; if you do get the flu, it keeps your symptoms from becoming serious, lowering the risk of needing medical care or hospitalization.

Everyone ages 6 months and older are recommended to get the updated flu vaccines. Flu shots are available at local clinics, at pharmacies, community shot clinics, and at SWNPHD offices in McCook and Ogallala.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with this virus experience mild illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some people become seriously ill and need medical attention. The COVID vaccines reduce the risk of developing severe complications, hospitalization, long COVID symptoms, or death.

Recommendations for COVID vaccinations have changed since last season:

· This year anyone aged 65 and over is eligible for a COVID vaccine. Those 6 months of age to 64 years of age may get it based on individual decision making, also known as shared clinical decision making. This means you should speak to a healthcare provider such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist prior to vaccination.

· The CDC still recommends vaccination especially for populations at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including adults aged 65 and older, persons with underlying medical conditions, pregnant people, residents of long-term-care facilities, and the immunocompromised.

· Those at high risk for severe complications from COVID-19 such as someone who is immune compromised, has a medical condition, those who live with someone who as at high risk for COVID-19 complications, or those who have a high-risk job like working at a nursing home or hospital, are also recommended for COVID vaccine.

According to the CDC, it is safe and acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine during the same appointment. These are separate shots and are not combined into one shot. Check with your healthcare provider if you have questions about getting multiple vaccinations at one time.

For more information, call SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. Follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, or view the website at swhealth.ne.gov which contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health.

SWNPHD: Time for Flu Shots and COVID-19 Shots

OGALLALA, NEB - As Nebraska’s upland hunting season begins, a local conservation partnership is opening more land for public access while boosting the rural economy across western Nebraska.

Addie Piernicky, Coordinating Wildlife Biologist with&nbsp;Pheasants Forever, joined&nbsp;Sandhill Spotlight&nbsp;this week to discuss the&nbsp;Nebraska Community Access Partnership (NCAP)&nbsp;— a collaboration between Pheasants Forever, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, OnX, and the Keith County Chamber of Commerce.

“This program provides a one-time bonus for individuals who enroll land for public hunting access on top of their regular Open Fields and Waters payments,” Piernicky said. “It’s been really exciting — we’ve been able to spend nearly $900,000 on public access in just 18 months.”

The funding, made possible through an&nbsp;$800,000 Nebraska Environmental Trust grant, helps landowners earn additional income while providing hunters more opportunities. Participating landowners can receive&nbsp;$25 per acre for CRP ground&nbsp;and&nbsp;$10 per acre for rangeland&nbsp;as a one-time bonus, along with annual Open Fields and Waters payments that range depending on habitat quality.

For some property owners, Piernicky said, the payments can make a real difference.

“In some cases, it might even cover your property taxes,” she said. “If there’s a section of land you’re not using but has good habitat, it can be a great revenue source.”

Currently, the program is focused in&nbsp;Keith, Garden, Deuel, and Arthur Counties, with secondary areas including&nbsp;Lincoln, Morrill, Perkins, Kimball, and Cheyenne Counties. Piernicky said Pheasants Forever hopes to expand the program farther west after submitting a new grant application earlier this year.

So far in 2025, the group has enrolled&nbsp;57,000 acres&nbsp;in total, including&nbsp;14,000 acres added this year&nbsp;— about half of which are new to public access.

To address landowner concerns, Piernicky emphasized that participants are protected by the&nbsp;Nebraska Recreational Liability Act, which shields them from liability for injuries to hunters using the land.

“There’s no liability,” she said. “People are only allowed to walk. No driving, no camping, no target shooting — it’s all low-impact recreation.”

Hunters can find access areas in the&nbsp;Nebraska Public Access Atlas, available at gas stations, Walmart's, and online through the&nbsp;Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The digital atlas is updated more frequently than the print version and includes properties added throughout the year.

For a little extra fun this season, Pheasants Forever is once again hosting its&nbsp;Longest Tail Feather Competition, where hunters who harvest a rooster on public access can measure their bird’s tail feather at a participating business and submit entries online.

“Last year, the winning tail feather was 33¼ inches,” Piernicky said with a laugh. “It was wild — one of those rare, record-breaking birds.”

Entries can be submitted at&nbsp;NebraskaPF.com/Nebraska-Hunting, and prizes include a&nbsp;dog kennel and Sheels gift cards.

Piernicky encouraged both hunters and landowners to get involved in the spirit of conservation and community.

“Hunting provides not just recreation but real economic impact,” she said. “We’re thrilled to see so many people participating, and we’re looking forward to another great season.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙️Public Access Expands for Hunters in Western Nebraska Through Pheasants Forever Partnership

It's gameday everyone! 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 the opening weekend of action vs Laramie County Community College and Eastern Wyoming Community College.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #4 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 the team's journey this preseason and where the most growth has been shown. Plus, getting you prepared for the first regular season games of 2025, beginning on Friday.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #3 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

By Derek Beck | Z 93.5 Country/Q Country Classics 107.3 / North Platte Post

SUTHERLAND, Neb. — Nebraska musician Rascal Martinez is bringing his music career full circle, releasing a new single and music video while building a creative home base in his hometown.

In an interview with Z 93.5 Country’s Derek Beck, Martinez said his new song “Don’t Even Know You” will be released Nov. 21 on all streaming platforms. The track, written nearly a year ago, tells the story of a close friend coping with betrayal, addiction, and emotional abuse.

“It’s a song a lot of people can relate to,” Martinez said. “Hopefully, they can get something positive out of it.”

LISTEN TO FULL RADIO INTERVIEW WITH RASCAL

The accompanying music video, shot entirely in Sutherland and produced by a Nebraska-based team, features actress Katie Bodenhamer, Hershey who has had appearances as an actress in The Office, played Lacey in Desperation Road among other portrayals on-screen. The video also features North Platte local actor Landon Swedberg, who stepped in at the last minute as the male lead.

“We filmed it over three days and used all Nebraska people — Nebraska crew, Nebraska actors,” Martinez said. “It turned out just the way I hoped: heavy, emotional, and real.”

The project marks another milestone for Martinez, who in 2024 opened his own recording space, Stolen Vault Records, inside a renovated former bank building in downtown Sutherland.

“I bought it thinking it’d be an office, but then I turned the upstairs into a full recording studio,” he said. “We do rehearsals, record albums, and host intimate live shows for about 30 people. It’s kind of got that Bluebird Café vibe.”

Martinez said he’s been producing his own material and recording other artists while keeping his Nebraska roots at the center of his music.

“I’ve played all over the country, but I wanted something here that feels local — something where artists can tell their stories,” he said.

Fans can sign up for exclusive show announcements and ticket information at stolenvaultrecords.com under the “SVR Live” tab.

The music video for “Don’t Even Know You” is now streaming on YouTube, with the full single set to drop later this month.

“I just want to put out good music that people can connect with,” Martinez said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

<a href="https://www.stolenvaultrecords.com/svrlive">Sign up to get on Rascals Mailing List to see future events including LIVE AT SVR.&nbsp;</a>

Sutherland Musician Rascal Martinez Debuts New Song, Builds Music Hub in Hometown (podcast)

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 the team's journey to Lawrence, Kansas for the second preseason jamboree. As well as his thoughts going into the last preseason game this Saturday.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #2 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

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 the final preseason games that took place last week in Colorado and how he feels going into the first match against Lamar coming up on October 31st.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #3 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

OGALLALA, NEB - Nebraska hunters are gearing up for the start of pheasant and quail season this weekend, and experts say bird numbers across southwest Nebraska are showing strong signs of recovery after recent drought years.

Pheasants Forever Coordinating Wildlife Biologist Addie Piernicky said during a recent interview that the season officially opens for adults on Saturday, Oct. 25, following a successful youth weekend last week.

“We are still somewhat recovering from our drought two years ago,” Piernicky said. “But our numbers — it’s amazing how well they have come back.”

According to Piernicky, recent crow count and rural mail carrier surveys show bird numbers are up significantly across southwest Nebraska, including in the McCook area and parts of Perkins and Keith Counties.

“We’re seeing about a 150% increase in our crow count surveys,” she said. “We’re still down from a few years ago when we had really, really good numbers, but they’re getting close.”

Hunters heading out this weekend are reminded to follow safety and access rules. Piernicky said firearms must be unloaded in vehicles, and hunters need permission—either written or verbal—from landowners before entering private property. Public access areas enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters program are clearly marked, and maps can be found in printed atlases available at gas stations, Walmarts, and online through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

For those targeting pheasants, the daily bag limit is three roosters, with a possession limit of 12. The quail limit is six per day, with a possession limit of 24.

Piernicky also reminded hunters pursuing waterfowl to carry a valid HIP number, along with state and federal duck stamps.

As excitement builds for opening weekend, Piernicky encouraged hunters to show respect for one another in the field.

“Have common courtesy,” she said. “We might all have the same public access area in mind. If someone’s already there, maybe try another spot — or make some new friends.”

Pheasant and quail season begins Saturday across Nebraska, and Piernicky said conditions in southwest Nebraska make this year one of the best opportunities in recent memory.

“This is the heyday of quail right now in southwest Nebraska,” she said. “Get out there, have fun, and happy hunting.”

🎙️​Pheasant and Quail Hunting Season Opens Saturday; Biologist Says Bird Numbers Bouncing Back

Ogallala, Neb. — The Ogallala City Council met Tuesday evening for a regular session that included approvals for new fire department volunteers, a zoning change for residential development, and upcoming street projects.

The council began the meeting by welcoming three new members of the Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department: Tristan Markowski, John Morris, and Cory Wyckoff, the latter also serving as a new city officer.

A key item on the agenda was a public hearing and subsequent vote on rezoning the former Green Acres trailer park, located east of Travel America. Developer Brody Cleveland has acquired the property and plans to convert it into higher-density residential housing suitable for workforce needs. The council unanimously approved the rezoning from highway commercial to R3, clearing the way for Cleveland to plot the lots and move forward with infrastructure planning while addressing floodplain elevations.

The council also discussed a disputed engineering invoice related to prior construction stop orders. After reviewing the circumstances, the council agreed to cover part of the bill while clarifying that future projects would be responsible for securing engineering solutions to proceed.

In other business, the council acknowledged a contract for IT services with Mark Skinner, ensuring full transparency due to his family connection with the city clerk-treasurer. The move will address ongoing technical issues with the city’s proprietary email system, SmarterMail, which has increasingly conflicted with Outlook and other platforms.

Looking ahead, the council discussed plans for a half-cent sales tax proposal for infrastructure, potentially set for the November 2026 ballot. Officials highlighted that revenue from the tax, particularly from non-residents using local attractions like the resort and casino, could generate $700,000 to $900,000 annually for street and infrastructure projects.

Finally, the council approved an agreement for upcoming street work near City Hall. Construction is expected to begin Thursday, with some temporary closures of the drive-through window. Weather permitting, the projects—including work between Spruce and A streets—are scheduled to be complete by mid to late November.

City Manager Kevin Wilkins noted that despite some detailed discussions, the meeting concluded efficiently around 8:30 p.m.

🎙️Ogallala City Council Approves Workforce Housing, Prepares for Street Projects

On today's first 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 the opening days of the preseason, how this young team is reacting to the early stages of the season, and what to expect in the opening games of the season.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #1 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's special edition 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 how the preseason games of the season at the All-American Showcase in Wichita went, and thoughts going into another round of preseason games.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #2 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

Trump: It will be my honor to fund SNAP if ....

Sen. Dan McKeon faces Class II misdemeanor allegation by woman attending gathering

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited this week for misdemeanor “public indecency” stemming from an incident at lawmakers’ end-of-session party this spring, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Patrol investigators cited him after investigating an allegation by a woman attending a sine die party often attended by staff, family and friends of legislators, Patrol Public Relations Director Cody Thomas confirmed first to the Examiner.

The Patrol received a report in early September about an alleged incident in the evening hours of May 29 at Lincoln Country Club. That is the same time and location that lawmakers attended the first of two post-legislative session sine die parties.

“An adult female reported that Dan McKeon had made inappropriate contact with her buttocks with his hand, over the top of her clothing,” Thomas said in response to a reporter’s questions about the incident.

Thomas said the State Patrol issued McKeon a citation for public indecency — a Class II misdemeanor — Thursday. The allegation was forwarded to Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon’s office, which had no immediate comment.

McKeon, reached in person just before an Agriculture Committee hearing on Friday, told the Examiner: “I’m not going to respond.”

“Just like anything else, you just shut your mouth,” McKeon said.

Kathleen Neary, the attorney representing the woman making the allegations, said her client is grateful to the Nebraska State Patrol for conducting a swift and thorough investigation.

Additionally, Neary said her client plans to file an administrative charge with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC). The NEOC filing is an administrative prerequisite to filing a lawsuit against the state under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

While Neary is hopeful that the matter could be resolved without a lawsuit, she noted that, if necessary, she will sue and ask the jury for a verdict that vindicates and compensates her client for the harms that she has suffered.

McKeon is a registered Republican who was elected to the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature in 2024, replacing former State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul. McKeon’s biographical page on the Nebraska Legislature’s website highlights that he has been married for 30 years and has four children.

During his first session in office, McKeon passed two bills to ease agricultural regulations and has another bill pending that aims to protect veterans from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/05/legislation-would-protect-nebraska-veterans-benefits-from-predatory-claim-sharks/">“predatory claim sharks.”</a>

The Examiner is not naming the woman making the allegation, because it is the policy of States Newsroom and the Examiner not to identify people who say they have been abused unless they wish to talk publicly.

People around the Capitol have been talking for months about an alleged incident involving someone who works for the Legislature.

Democrat State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha said he is “anxiously awaiting” the results of the State Patrol’s investigation. He confirmed that lawmakers have been aware of the incident behind the scenes for some time and said it’s been a “concern” among him and other senators.

“This type of behavior is really egregious,” Fredrickson said.

On Oct. 20, State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha — a progressive nonpartisan — posted on social media in response to a comment criticizing her that the Legislature doesn’t “have an ‘ethics committee,’ and if we did, my colleague who grabbed a staffers ass at an event a few months ago would have resigned already.”

Hunt, in a separate post on Friday, called elected office “a public trust” and said it should not be “a shield for misconduct.” She called on McKeon to resign and said the Legislature should also be held accountable for “sweeping” the incident “under the rug.”

“My colleague Senator McKeon — or ‘Dirty Dan,’ as he calls himself — should have resigned from this office, which I never observed him to represent with dignity or professionalism, long ago,” Hunt said in a Facebook post.

“Dirty Dan” is likely a reference to “Dirty Dan’s Barn Bash,” a Sept. 27 fundraiser McKeon touted in the midst of the State Patrol investigation.

As of mid-afternoon Friday, no resignation letters from a member of the Legislature had been received by the legislative or executive offices that would expect them.

Gov. Jim Pillen, through a spokesperson, had no immediate comment.

Republican Speaker John Arch, through a staffer, referred questions to Republican State Sen. Ben Hansen of the Legislature’s Executive Board, which investigates allegations of wrongdoing against members.

Hansen neither confirmed nor denied whether the Executive Board was separately investigating the incident. He said he could not disclose details because of a strict confidentiality standard, but added, “The Legislature handles all incidents of workplace harassment with the utmost respect and importance.”

Republican State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, vice chair of the Executive Board, confirmed that members of the committee are looking into the situation separately from the criminal investigation, but she said the group hasn’t yet reached a conclusion.

McKeon is expected in Lancaster County Court Dec. 10, authorities said.

McKeon faced court proceedings earlier this year on an unrelated civil case. The senator was named in a lawsuit filed in April by Kaup Produce Inc. The company sued McKeon for breach of contract, alleging McKeon did not pay for more than $18,000 worth of seed and other agricultural products the company provided him.

The case was closed on July 7, according to Nebraska’s judicial website. The case summary says the case “was disposed as uncontested default,” indicating that an agreement had been reached between the parties.

Nebraska Examiner Reporters Zach Wendling and Juan Salinas II contributed to this report.

Nebraska state senator cited for ‘public indecency’ during session-ending party

By:<a href="https://stateline.org/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Boston ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding before she decides on a motion to force the benefits be paid despite the ongoing government shutdown.

At nearly the same time Friday, a Rhode Island federal judge in a similar case brought by cities and nonprofit groups ordered USDA to continue payments and granted a request for a temporary restraining order.

In Massachusetts, in a Friday afternoon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71783393/26/commonwealth-of-massachusetts-v-united-states-department-of-agriculture/" target="_blank">order</a>, District Court of Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani said she would continue to take “under advisement” a coalition of Democratic states’ request to force the release of funds from a contingency account holding about $6 billion.

Her ruling came a day before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-double-whammy-snap-food-benefits-ending-and-federal-workers-go-unpaid" target="_blank">a cutoff of&nbsp;</a>Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to low-income households.

Because Congress is locked in a stalemate over a stopgap spending bill and did not appropriate money for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, administration officials say the program cannot provide federal funds beginning Saturday. In states, SNAP benefits are loaded onto cards on varying dates, but the cutoff would be effective for November benefits.

Talwani, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, called the administration’s conclusion it can’t provide SNAP funding “erroneous,” and said the reserve fund was sufficient for SNAP benefits to flow to states and the vendors that add money to debit-like cards issued to the program’s beneficiaries that are used to purchase groceries.&nbsp;

The law creating the program mandated that benefits continue, she said.

“Defendants are statutorily mandated to use the previously appropriated SNAP contingency reserve when necessary and also have discretion to use other previously appropriated funds,” Talwani wrote.

Talwani ordered the administration to say by Monday whether it would provide at least partial benefits for November.

The 25 states that sued were Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state, Wisconsin Kansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The District of Columbia also sued.&nbsp;

In Rhode Island, where the judge granted a temporary restraining order, the advocacy group Democracy Forward, which was among those bringing the suit, praised the move.

“A federal court today granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful effort to halt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown,” the group said. &nbsp;“The decision ensures that millions of children, seniors, veterans, and families will continue to receive essential food assistance while the case proceeds.”

The judge in that case, John James McConnell Jr., said the administration’s actions violated a key federal administrative law against arbitrary and capricious executive action and federal spending laws “by disregarding Congress’s direction that SNAP must continue operating,” Democracy Forward said.

Trump admin. blocked from cutting off SNAP benefits as two judges issue orders

DHHS says Gov. Jim Pillen can issue partisan statements with state resources; message blames Democrats for federal shutdown as SNAP shutoff looms

&nbsp; By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a>

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/30/nebraska-dhhs-website-blames-dems-for-federal-government-shutdown-as-snap-shutoff-looms/">Nebraska Examiner&nbsp;</a>

LINCOLN — The&nbsp;Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website posted a banner this week blaming U.S. Senate Democrats for the federal government shutdown and urging them to “stop using Nebraska’s most vulnerable people for political leverage.”&nbsp;

On the banner, the state points to Democrats for disrupting the state-federal partnership on public grocery benefits, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, which it says will run out of funds by the end of the month.&nbsp;

The original message followed a similar approach to the Trump administration, some GOP-led states and some Democratic-led states during the messaging battle over who’s to blame for the federal shutdown.&nbsp;

Nebraska DHHS updated the banner on its website Thursday after reporters and others asked questions, tweaking the announcement from a blanket statement by DHHS into the same message shared as a direct quote from Gov. Jim Pillen.&nbsp;

A DHHS spokesperson said the post was added at the Governor’s Office’s request and was updated to “eliminate any confusion” about where the statement came from.&nbsp;State law prohibits&nbsp;public resources from being used for&nbsp;political purposes, as critics of the banner note. On Thursday afternoon, Pillen’s office confirmed that it approved the posting.&nbsp;

DHHS officials and the Governor’s Office said the Republican governor has the authority to issue partisan statements on state websites.&nbsp;

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a Democrat, said the tweak to the website is an admission that he overstepped state law by authorizing the statement and is now trying to “thread the needle” with a quote from him.

“Nebraskans are rightly concerned about the disruption of SNAP benefits … and instead of finding solutions, what the governor decided to do was to create yet another distraction,” Conrad said.&nbsp;

Common Cause of Nebraska officials said it was unlikely that Pillen violated state law. The national version of the same group is among legal observers who have argued&nbsp;the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/10/14/nx-s1-5574162/kristi-noem-tsa-video-hatch-act-ethics-violation" target="_blank">likely violated</a>&nbsp;the Hatch Act by using government websites and agencies to blame Democrats for the shutdown. That federal law limits political activities of federal employees and federal agencies to ensure government programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion.&nbsp;

Criticisms grew after the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Housing and Urban Development posted messages blaming the “Radical Left” in Congress for the shutdown, in website banners similar to the initial Nebraska DHHS post. The Trump administration also inserted language in some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5563182/shutdown-lawsuit-education-department-partisan-messages" target="_blank">automated email responses</a>&nbsp;from federal agencies blaming Democrats.

The political messaging also reached American airports in a video by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the shutdown, a video&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-airports-arent-playing-video-from-dhss-noem-blaming-dems-for-government-shutdown/">Nebraska’s two largest airports</a>&nbsp;have said they aren’t airing.

In Democrat-led Massachusetts, a state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mass.gov/" target="_blank">government website</a>&nbsp;has an alert saying, “President Trump is freezing SNAP benefits,” while New York’s&nbsp;<a href="https://otda.ny.gov/#expanded" target="_blank">Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance</a>&nbsp;urges New Yorkers to call their representatives in Congress.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Nebraska DHHS announced that SNAP benefits for roughly 150,000 low-income recipients across Nebraska would be paused due to the&nbsp;shutdown. The agency also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-dhhs-will-not-fund-snap-benefits-if-federal-aid-stops-in-november/69184134#:~:text=Tens%20of%20thousands%20of%20Nebraskans,says%20that%20would%20be%20illegal" target="_blank">told Omaha ABC affiliate KETV</a>&nbsp;that it would&nbsp;not take over SNAP funding by itself, because “absorbing the expense of this federal program is not sustainable.”&nbsp;

Twenty-five states&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/30/trump-administration-snap-food-aid-lawsuit-shutdown-00630133" target="_blank">have sued the Trump administration</a>&nbsp;over its decision that the USDA cannot use&nbsp;emergency funds to cover SNAP benefits in November. Several other states, such as Virginia and Rhode Island, have declared a state of emergency to reallocate state funds to cover shortfalls in the SNAP program, bolster food pantries or do both.

Texas Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/30/texas-snap-food-assistance-greg-abbott/" target="_blank">have urged</a>&nbsp;Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://directory.texastribune.org/greg-abbott/" target="_blank">Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;to use his executive authority to provide emergency state funding. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/2025-10-30/governor-reynolds-announces-support-food-banks-and-pantries-delay-snap-benefits-expected" target="_blank">announced some state funding</a>&nbsp;for Iowa’s food banks and pantries and activated the Iowa National Guard for&nbsp;food distribution.&nbsp;

Pillen joined other governors in saying their states can’t cover the missing federal food aid, Pillen’s office said it has no plans to declare an emergency. Nebraska is currently dealing with a budget shortfall.&nbsp;

Also on Thursday, a lawsuit was filed against Steve Corsi, the CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, alleging that he violated state law by posting the message slamming the Democrats.

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