The Ogallala City Council will address several development and infrastructure items during its upcoming meeting, including a proposed apartment project, airport runway improvements, and changes to the city’s ambulance fee schedule.

Representatives from Ogallala Community Hospital are also scheduled to provide an update to council members. Tim Gullingsrud and Amber Kuskie will present information on hospital operations and ongoing initiatives.

Another item expected to draw attention is a presentation from Justin Hernandez regarding the proposed Ogallala Multi-Family LLC apartment project. Details of the development are expected to be discussed during the meeting’s public forum.

Council members will also consider approving contract documents and specifications tied to multiple improvement projects at the Ogallala Municipal Airport. The projects include reconstruction of Runway 8/26, rehabilitation of Runway 13/31, and airfield lighting upgrades associated with Airport Improvement Program projects OGA 018, 019, and 020.

In addition, the council will review a proposed resolution adopting an updated ambulance fee schedule for city emergency services.

Planning and zoning matters are also on the agenda, including consideration of a final plat for Emmett’s Replat of Tracts 1 and 2 of Johnson’s Subdivision, along with a nearby tract recorded in 2021. The property is located in the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 2 in Keith County.

Administrative items include consideration of a potential conflict of interest disclosure involving Austyn DuPeire and an open contract with A &amp; B Tool at 802 East First Street.

The council will also review minutes from its February 24 regular meeting and the city’s February financial report.

City Manager project updates and reports from council members are scheduled before adjournment.

The meeting will also include opportunities for public comment.

Ogallala City Council to Discuss Apartment Project, Airport Improvements

The City of Ogallala is chlorinating the City water supply system as part of a routine 

maintenance measure starting Monday March 16, 2026 and continuing through Friday March 

20, 2026. There may be a slight taste or odor. If you have any questions, please feel free to 

Ogallala to Chlorinate City Water System Next Week

The Hot Sheets: March 9, 2026

The Hot Sheets: March 8, 2026

The Hot Sheets: March 7, 2026

The Hot Sheets: March 5, 2026

North Platte, Neb. - Sandhill crane season is underway in central Nebraska, bringing one of the state’s most well-known wildlife spectacles back to the Platte River.

Lisa Burke with Visit North Platte said more than one million sandhill cranes migrate through Nebraska each spring during a six-week window as they stop to rest and refuel along the river.

“They arrived a couple weeks ago,” Burke said. “And we’re starting to see the peak of them all arriving. There’s over a million cranes pass through Nebraska this time of year.”

While Grand Island and Kearney see the largest concentration, Burke said hundreds of thousands also roost in the North Platte area, particularly where the river is wide and shallow.

“The birds come in at night, and they roost at night,” she said. “And then in the morning they leave. When we say they come in at night, it’s thousands of them. It’s quite a spectacle.”

Dusty Trails offers guided morning, evening and daytime crane tours. The City of North Platte has also partnered with Visit North Platte to create a public viewing blind north of the Legion baseball field near the Highway 83 bridge.

In addition to cranes, prairie chicken viewing tours are also underway this spring.

Another major tourism draw returns May 1 with the Nebraska Passport program. Burke said the program includes at least 70 stops across the state each year and continues to grow in popularity.

“Within a week somebody has done all 70 stops,” she said. “It amazes me every year.”

Two Lincoln County businesses are featured this year: Crystal Cave and Falls Adventure Mini-Golf at Cody Go-Karts and The Coffee Bin. Burke said both locations can expect a boost in visitors throughout the season.

“Last year they said there was 147,000 digital stamps,” she said. “And that’s digital tracking.”

Passport participants can use a printed booklet or a mobile app to collect stamps through the end of October.

Burke also encouraged residents to submit nominations for the annual Tourism Excellence Awards. The program recognizes excellence in hotels, restaurants, retail, events and attractions, along with Volunteer of the Year and the Hero of Tourism award.

“Our frontline staff is the first person that a visitor meets, so it’s very important that they’re trained well,” Burke said. “We want to recognize that and give those awards to those individuals.”

Nominations are due March 18. Award recipients will be honored May 6 at Venue 304.

More information on crane viewing, the Nebraska Passport program and award nominations can be found at visitnorthplatte.com.

🎙️Lincoln County Tourism Highlights Crane Migration, Passport Stops and Awards Nominations

LINCOLN, Neb. – (March 2, 2026) –&nbsp;Visit Nebraska is thrilled to announce the stops included in the 2026 Nebraska Passport program. The Passport helps Nebraskans and out-of-state visitors to travel and discover the state’s hidden gems while supporting tourism destinations and local businesses.

"The Nebraska Passport is our signature in-state marketing program, and it’s one of the most fun things we do all year,” said Jenn Gjerde, executive director of Visit Nebraska. “It’s designed specifically to encourage Nebraskans to explore their own backyard, to take a day trip, try somewhere new and support the small businesses and communities that make this state special. Last year alone, travelers logged more than 147,000 digital stamps. That’s real foot traffic in local shops, restaurants and attractions across Nebraska. I can’t wait to see where Passporters go in 2026."

Once again, the 2026 Passport features 70 stops divided into 10 themed tours. Travelers will have from May 1 to September 30 to visit the attractions and collect their stamps. Passporters earn prizes based on the number of stamps they collect.

The program also continues to build community through the&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1d6419d772&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska Passport Pals</a>&nbsp;Facebook group, where nearly 6,000 members share trip tips, photos and encouragement as they explore the state together.

This year’s themed tours include a tribute to historical stops in honor of America’s 250th,&nbsp;adventurous outdoor stops to get the whole family moving, businesses located in Nebraska’s picturesque downtowns and, of course, plenty of unique spots for food and drink.

New and veteran Passporters alike should mark their calendars for the&nbsp;2026 Passport Kickoff Party:

Museum of American Speed 599 Oak Creek Drive, Lincoln, NE May 1 More details to come&nbsp;

Passport booklets will be available at participating stops starting May 1 or can be pre-ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=62e20e233b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>. Participants are encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone for the option of digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Please note that the Passport app will be updated with the 2026 information on May 1. Those who used the mobile app in previous years will need to update the app to see the new program information. To download, search “NE Passport 2026” in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.

2026&nbsp;Nebraska Passport Stop Categories

70 Selected Stops (alphabetical by town)

2026 Nebraska Passport Stops Selected

The Hot Sheets: March 2, 2026

The Hot Sheets: March 1, 2026

The Hot Sheets: February 28, 2026

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, to discuss a strong end to the season and how they are looking to bring that into postseason play with their first game on the road.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #13 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 talk about the team's end-of-regular-season games and how a strong ending could bring positives to the postseason.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #17 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

Listen to the full interview with Chloe Gose of The Wildwoods on our Kubota Podcast

NORTH PLATTE — Lincoln-based folk/Americana trio The Wildwoods are bringing their latest album, Dear Meadowlark, to western Nebraska next month after a busy year of national and international performances.

Chloe Gose, one-third of the band, joined Allison Peck by phone to talk about the group’s recent momentum and their upcoming March 14 show at Pal’s Brewing Company in North Platte.

Formed by husband-and-wife duo Noah and Chloe Gose and longtime friend Andrew Vaggalis, The Wildwoods have built a following around tight three-part harmonies, acoustic instrumentation and storytelling rooted in Nebraska life.

Their newest album, Dear Meadowlark, has earned critical acclaim and a nomination for Album of the Year in the No Depression reader’s poll. The release follows appearances at AmericanaFest, NPR’s Mountain Stage, Audiotree Live and festivals overseas, including Celtic Connections in Scotland.

“We’ve had a really busy and great year,” Gose said.

Despite the recent travel, the band is currently home in Lincoln, writing new music and preparing for a busy summer touring season.

The concept behind Dear Meadowlark grew out of time spent away from Nebraska.

“When Noah and I graduated college, we immediately just started touring full time,” Gose said. “For the first time in our lives, we were away from home for a super long period of time. We really got to experience what it felt like to miss home.”

She said touring changed how they viewed Nebraska.

“After years of touring and always being away from home, it’s kind of given us a new appreciation for the place that we were raised,” Gose said. “It’s such a slow-paced way of life here, but I think the beauty is in the simplicity of living here.”

The album draws inspiration from small-town living and summers spent near Valentine, including time at Smith Falls. Nature imagery — open roads, fields, rivers and sky — runs throughout their music.

“That’s our love,” Gose said. “Nature and the open road and Nebraska.”

The Wildwoods’ sound developed organically over the years. Noah Gose serves as the band’s primary songwriter. He and Chloe met in middle school and have been writing music together since they were 14. Vaggalis joined after high school as the band began touring more seriously.

“It makes things very easy creatively,” Gose said. “All three of us are just super close.”

The trio keeps their instrumentation simple, focusing on acoustic guitar, upright bass and violin, with harmonies carefully arranged but still rooted in their live sound.

One of the band’s biggest milestone moments came with their appearance on NPR’s Mountain Stage.

“That has been a dream of ours since we started playing,” Gose said, calling it a full-circle moment after earlier playing a small show across the street from the venue.

Now, The Wildwoods are returning to Nebraska stages, including North Platte.

“Our music is very soft and calming,” Gose said. “We like to tell a lot of stories and jokes throughout the night, just to balance the somberness of the music.”

The band often closes its set with “Postcards from Somewhere,” a song Gose described as a love letter to family and friends back home.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. March 14 at Pal’s Brewing Company, with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at thewildwoodsband.com.

🎙️Lincoln’s The Wildwoods Bring ‘Dear Meadowlark’ Home to Nebraska Stage

Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast

An Ogallala man traveling in Mexico to celebrate his grandmother’s 103rd birthday is now stuck under shelter-in-place conditions as cartel-related violence and widespread road blockades disrupt daily life and travel across parts of the country.

Joey Isenbart arrived in Mexico Thursday, flying into Guadalajara before traveling with family to his grandmother’s home about three hours away. What began as a routine family trip shifted dramatically over the weekend. Joey said that Saturday night, after a birthday celebration, he and his family saw vehicles on fire along the road — something he’d seen before on previous trips and didn’t think twice about.

But by Sunday morning, everything had changed. Joey said his cousin knocked on the door and told them, “You guys ain’t going nowhere. They just killed the big cartel guy. Roads are blocked off. They’re blowing up cars that block the roads off.”

The violence that followed commemorates one of the most significant developments in Mexico’s ongoing drug war: the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — widely known as “El Mencho” — leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). El Mencho, considered one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals and a major figure in international drug trafficking, was killed in a military operation by Mexican forces on Feb. 22, according to government statements. He headed one of the country’s most violent and expansive criminal organizations, implicated in trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as extortion, fuel theft, and other rackets. 

The Mexican government reported that his death sparked immediate retaliatory violence across multiple states. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, fires broke out, and clashes between cartel members and security forces erupted in at least 20 of Mexico’s 31 states.  The unrest has led authorities, including the U.S. Embassy, to advise shelter-in-place guidance for U.S. citizens in affected areas due to “ongoing security operations and related criminal activity.” 

For Joey and his family, the shift from celebration to crisis was stark. “We woke up yesterday to check in for our flight to leave this morning,” he said. “My cousin’s knocking on the door saying, ‘You ain’t going nowhere.’” He described a town that went eerily quiet as people fled the streets and shops shut their doors. “I’ve been coming here for 30 some years every year and I have never heard flies or mosquitoes. I heard them all day yesterday. This town was dead.”

Local authorities later drove through town with sirens and loudspeakers urging residents to remain indoors for safety. Within hours, family members received mass text alerts reinforcing shelter-in-place orders and instructions for American citizens to contact the U.S. Embassy. Joey said cell service has been “hit and miss” in recent days, complicating contact with loved ones back home.

Joey and his family attempted to leave early Monday for a scheduled 8 a.m. flight from Guadalajara, setting out around midnight. But about an hour from town, at the border between Michoacán and Jalisco, they encountered burning semitrailers blocking the highway. “It was blocked off by semis on fire… and no, you’re not passing,” Joey said. As they turned back, he said they heard gunshots in the distance.

Although Guadalajara’s airport remains operational and flights continue to be scheduled and canceled, Joey said the challenge is reaching it safely. “That’s the problem — getting there,” he said.

Joey emphasized that his experience staying with family in a smaller community is different from what many resort visitors are seeing in major coastal tourist areas. While some flights have been canceled or diverted in places like Puerto Vallarta, the situation for locals — especially outside resort districts — reflects deeper concern. Many residents have been told by family members familiar with the area to stay cautious, avoid going out alone, and avoid identifying themselves as Americans in public.

Locals have also interpreted symbolic signs of the unrest in ways that underscore their fear: Joey shared that in his town, people believe the half-mast flag hung over the central plaza was placed there by cartels as a message that, “he might be dead, but we’re still here.” While it cannot be independently verified, that interpretation reflects how deeply cartel influence is perceived among residents.

For Joey personally, the experience has been surreal and sobering. He said although he feels relatively safe staying within town limits, his family is on edge. “If you go out in the country, that’s where the most risk would be,” he said. “If you stay here in town, we’re safe for the most part.”

Officials and analysts warn that the death of a powerful cartel leader like El Mencho can create violent power vacuums as rival factions fight for control, leading to unpredictable and extended periods of unrest. That dynamic helps explain the scale and intensity of the road blockades, fires, and clashes unfolding across the region.

As of now, Joey and his family plan to wait a few more days to see whether roads reopen and travel routes become safer before attempting another departure. “Our main concern right now is can we even get to the airport?” he said.

In the meantime, he urges other Americans in Mexico to follow guidance from the U.S. Embassy and stay in contact with authorities. “Listen to what the embassy says — that’s a big deal for your safety,” he said.

🎙️Ogallala Man Inside Mexico's Cartel Lockdown: Flaming Roadblocks and Gunshots

Listen to the full interview with Brody Cleveland on our Kubota Podcast

Ogallala, Neb. - The Oregon Trail Builders Home Show returns to Ogallala this weekend with more vendors, more prizes and a few schedule changes organizers hope will draw even bigger crowds.

The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Keith County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. Sunday hours have been extended by one hour compared to previous years.

Brody Cleveland, chair of the Home Show and Ogallala Committee, said planning has been underway for months.

“We’ve been prepping for several months and the week is here,” Cleveland said. “This is my second year at the helm. So now it’s a little more controlled chaos than it was last year.”

One of the biggest changes is the earlier start time on Sunday. Cleveland said the adjustment is tied to the return of the Freewheel pancake feed, which will run from 9 a.m. to noon Mountain time Sunday.

“We are going to do that again this year, but it felt like if we started an hour earlier, it might let more people come and enjoy some pancakes in and before and after church,” he said.

The show will feature about 50 vendors, up from the high 30s last year. Cleveland said the variety continues to grow.

“There’s going to be something for everybody from home booths to ag booths, a few sports booths,” he said. “We’re really excited about the amount of vendors and lots of new vendors.”

Attendees can expect to find home builders, plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople, along with vendors covering areas that have not been represented in past years.

For families, the free Lego building contest for kids will return. Children will have a limited time — either five or 10 minutes — to build their creations. Winners will receive prizes including bikes and Lego sets.

Several food trucks will also be on site throughout the weekend, with one or two more vendors than last year.

Fundraising efforts will continue as well. Organizers will sell tickets for gun raffles to benefit the group’s scholarship fund. New this year are two $1,000 prize packages that attendees can enter to win for free. Each package includes multiple high-value items and gift cards ranging from $200 to $250.

The drawings for the prize packages will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, and winners must be present to claim their prize. Additional booth giveaways will also be drawn Sunday afternoon.

“It’s a free raffle to enter all weekend,” Cleveland said. “And then Sunday at three, we will draw for those. So you must be present to win.”

Cleveland said the committee has worked throughout the year to prepare for the event and is eager to see the community turn out.

“We’ve been working all year really on it and had a lot of help from our committee,” he said. “We’re just excited for the weekend and hope everybody can come out and check out what we got going on.”

🎙️Oregon Trail Builders Home Show Returns to Ogallala With Expanded Hours, Vendors, Prizes and Sunday Pancake Feed

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 talk about the team's most recent struggles and what could be the cause. We also discussed what he envisions the team needs to do going forward to get back to the successes the team had earlier in the semester.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #15 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

Listen to the full interview with Lane Anderson on our Kubota Podcast

Keith County Commissioners appointed a new representative to the Perkins County Canal Committee and moved forward on several maintenance and budget items during their latest meeting.

Commissioner Lane Anderson said the board appointed Thomas Wilber to serve as Keith County’s representative on the Perkins County Canal effort. Anderson said the commissioners believed it was important to have someone involved who understands local infrastructure.

“The commissioners felt that it would be good to have a representative that knows our roads and stuff, the things that are going to happen with the Perkins County Canal coming into our area,” Anderson said.

The board also heard from NACO Deputy Director Candice Meredith of Lincoln about an upcoming student art contest. The contest will be open to K-12 students across the county. Keith County and KCAD will serve as sponsors, and other community partners may also get involved.

At the end of the contest in April, artwork will be displayed and judged at the NACO North facility. Anderson said the event will also include a community art viewing and a county government day, giving residents a chance to meet local officials and celebrate student artists.

“It’ll just be a nice Keith County day and we’ll be honoring these art students,” he said.

In other business, commissioners reviewed routine operational items. The county recently rebid its fuel and oil contracts and expects to see cost savings as a result.

The Keith County Jail passed its recent inspection. Anderson credited Jail Director Travis Ponick for maintaining the facility.

“It’s a very old jail, so it’s very hard to keep it in order. But Travis does a great job, so the jail inspection went very well,” Anderson said.

Commissioners also continue to prepare for the upcoming budget cycle and are reviewing audit information. Several county buildings are in need of updates, including heating and air conditioning improvements at the county attorney’s building to improve efficiency.

The courthouse is also receiving exterior updates. After installing a new roof last year, the county is now changing the red fascia trim on the building to black to give it a refreshed look. The courthouse was built in 1969.

Anderson also praised courthouse staff for their work in maintaining the building.

“Our courthouse is very, very nice and shiny and we get a lot of compliments on it,” he said. “I think that’s a great tribute to some of our employees that go on and above to take care of our property.”

Anderson said it has been a busy season at the courthouse, especially with an election coming up in May. Election preparations are underway, and county offices continue routine operations.

Overall, Anderson described the meeting and recent activity as “business as usual” for the county.

🎙️Keith County Appoints Canal Representative, Plans Student Art Contest and Courthouse Updates

Listen to the full interview with Dawn Haney on our Kubota Podcast

Ogallala, Neb. - The Keith County Chamber of Commerce is thanking its agricultural community and looking ahead to a busy season of events and fundraising.

Membership Director Dawn Haney joined Allison Peck in studio this week to share updates on recent and upcoming efforts.

Haney began by recognizing the success of the recent Ag Appreciation Banquet.

“The Ag Appreciation Banquet was a wonderful evening. We’re so grateful for the producers, the sponsors and the volunteers who all made it possible,” Haney said. “With agriculture being foundational to Keith County, it was an honor to recognize the hard work and dedication around it.”

Haney said agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, especially in smaller communities like those in Keith County.

“We depend on it,” she said. “That’s who we are.”

The Chamber is now preparing for several upcoming events. A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting is scheduled for Ogallala Esthetics Collective on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at 100 E. 11th St., Suite C in Ogallala.

The new business includes Scratch Nail Company, Esthetics with Maddy and Muse Society. Haney said the event will include tours of the space, giveaways and special promotions.

“It’s great to see another business growing,” she said. “Some of these girls were just renting little room spaces in other businesses, and now they’ve made their own space, and it’s great to see them succeed.”

Later this month, the Chamber will partner with TeamMates Mentoring of Ogallala for a Lunch ’n’ Learn on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at noon at Mid-Plains Community College. Lunch will be provided, and Ashton Honnor with TeamMates will be the featured speaker.

Haney, who serves as a mentor herself, said the program has a lasting impact.

“My teammate is a sophomore and we started when she was in fourth grade,” she said. “There’s a strong bond there and it’s very, very special.”

She said mentoring requires less time than many people expect.

“I go and have lunch with her once a week during the school year,” Haney said. “You just hang out. We love the time together. It’s definitely special and it doesn’t take much time.”

Businesses and employers are encouraged to attend the Lunch ’n’ Learn to learn how mentoring can strengthen the workforce and support employees who volunteer as mentors. Those interested can RSVP by emailing <a>info@explorekeithcounty.com</a> or calling 308-284-4066.

Haney also shared an update on the 2026 Fourth of July fireworks show. The Chamber is stepping in to coordinate fundraising and organization for next year’s display.

“The Chamber is uniquely positioned to coordinate fundraising and bring businesses and the community together,” Haney said. “Our focus is ensuring the show continues in a financially responsible and transparent way.”

She said the fireworks show has historically cost about $25,000, but vendor increases have pushed the expected cost up by roughly 40%, bringing the minimum fundraising goal to about $35,000.

The City of Ogallala and Keith County have each committed $6,000, giving organizers a $12,000 starting base. Fireworks must be ordered by late April to secure an early-order discount.

Haney stressed that Chamber membership dues will not be used for the fireworks. Donations will be deposited into a dedicated account through Keith County Area Development, which is serving as the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) partner so contributions can be tax-deductible.

If the fundraising goal is not reached, Haney said organizers will adjust responsibly.

“This could mean scaling down the show or holding funds for a future year,” she said. “The goal is stewardship and sustainability.”

Fundraising will officially kick off at the Oregon Trail Home and Sports Ag Show on Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22. The Chamber will host a booth with information and QR codes for easy donations.

“It’s a community effort,” Haney said.

Haney said the Chamber’s work this year reflects its broader mission.

“Honoring our roots, supporting local businesses, and bringing community together around shared goals is what we’re all about,” she said. “We’re grateful for the support and excited for what’s ahead.”

🎙️Keith County Chamber Thanks Ag Community, Prepares for Business Ribbon Cuttings and 2026 Fireworks Fundraising

Listen to the full interview with Melissa Ewert on our Kubota Podcast

The Ogallala Goodall YMCA is experiencing unprecedented growth as it heads into the spring season, with new facility upgrades and several major program registrations opening in April.

Branch Executive Director Melissa Ewert says the increase in daily traffic has been noticeable.

“I feel like we have never been this busy ever,” Ewert said. “It’s just crazy to see how many people are in there and it is really exciting for my staff to see that their job is important and how much we’ve grown over the last year.”

Pickleball courts are now open and already drawing participants. Reserved times are available on Mondays and Wednesdays in both the morning and afternoon, and additional court times can be scheduled as availability allows. While the YMCA awaits paddle shipments, players are encouraged to bring their own equipment if possible.

The facility has also expanded its fitness offerings with the addition of a 42-foot strip of turf and a push-pull sled equipped for weighted training. The upgrade provides members with expanded functional strength-training opportunities.

“It’s a great way to work out your legs, so we’re pretty excited about that,” Ewert said.

April will be a key month for registration. The YMCA plans to host a triathlon May 2, weather permitting. Registration for the event runs April 1 through April 10 to allow organizers to plan accordingly.

The after-school YMCA Kids Corner program will accept registrations April 13 through April 16. The licensed program serves preschool through fifth-grade students and must meet state staffing ratios, making early signups essential.

Swimming lesson registration will take place April 20 through April 23. Ewert encouraged families with younger swimmers to act quickly.

“The TOTS and preschool class, if you’re not there on the first day, you’re probably not getting in,” she said, noting toddler classes are limited to 10 participants for safety.

SilverSneakers programming continues to expand as well, including chair yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and a Strength 101 class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:45 a.m. Though designed with older adults in mind, the classes are open to all.

“Strength for our community that’s 50 and older is so important. It helps you be able to stay on your own,” Ewert said. “Strength and our health is so important as we get older.”

She acknowledged that gyms can feel intimidating for newcomers but emphasized the welcoming atmosphere.

“I know it can be very intimidating just to walk into the gym, but I promise we’re all very nice, and we are more than willing to help.”

For younger families, the YMCA’s Rugrats program meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for children ages two to five. The 30- to 45-minute session includes structured play, crafts and snacks while parents remain in the building.

“We entertain them for you,” Ewert said.

Most classes are included with membership, and non-members may participate for a one-dollar daily fee.

With new equipment installed and a full slate of programming on the horizon, YMCA officials expect the strong participation trend to continue throughout the spring.

🎙️Ogallala Goodall YMCA Prepares for Spring Programs Amid Membership Growth

Listen to the full interview with Kevin Wilkins on our Kubota Podcast

OGALLALA — The Ogallala City Council appointed a new member Tuesday night and handled routine financial and transit business during a meeting that adjourned in about 30 minutes.

Kevin Clockman was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kevin Block. Clockman brings more than 30 years of service on the Ogallala Planning Commission and has been a resident of Ogallala for over four decades. He also owns a business in Oshkosh.

The appointment is temporary under Nebraska law.

“They're only appointed to serve until the next election cycle,” City Manager Kevin Wilkins said.

Clockman is the second council member appointed within the past year. Councilman Weddington previously returned to the council following the resignation of Councilman Dustin Holstein. Both Weddington and Clockman will appear on the November general election ballot for two-year terms, while Councilman Kraske and Councilman Laughlin will be on the ballot for four-year terms.

Wilkins clarified that an appointment does not automatically mean a place on the ballot.

“They'll still have to file,” he said.

Residents interested in serving on the council are encouraged to contact the county clerk’s office for filing information and deadlines.

Wilkins also emphasized the value of local government experience, noting that city councils and school boards provide firsthand understanding of budgeting, taxation and the complexities of governance.

The council also received its January financial report from the city clerk-treasurer. The monthly report allows department heads to track expenditures and enables the council to monitor revenue trends and overall spending. Wilkins said the city remains transparent with its financial reporting and that documents are available for public review.

In other action, the council approved two transit-related items. Resolution 2323 updates the city’s special fee schedule to remain compliant with Medicaid reimbursement requirements connected to transportation services.

The council also adopted the Federal Transit Administration Title VI Program for 2026. Wilkins described the Title VI plan as “a non-discrimination plan,” required to maintain eligibility for federal transit funding.

Both items were described as routine compliance measures tied to public transit operations.

The meeting began at 7 p.m. and adjourned at approximately 7:30 p.m.

🎙️Ogallala City Council Appoints Kevin Clockman, Reviews Transit Items in Brief Meeting Feb. 10

WASHINGTON — Adrian Smith is inviting high school students across Nebraska’s Third Congressional District to submit artwork for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, with entries due Friday, March 27.

“Every year the Congressional Art Competition showcases the talent, creativity, and unique perspectives of young people from across our country, generating an amazing collection of artwork that reflects the creativity of the next generation,” Smith said. “Students across Nebraska’s Third District never fail to amaze me with their impressive talent and imagination, and I look forward to seeing this year’s entries.”

The winning entry from Nebraska’s Third District will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol as part of a national exhibition featuring artwork from students across the country. Smith will also display one of the runners-up in his Washington, D.C., office and in each of his district offices.

The annual competition is sponsored by the Congressional Institute and is open to high school students in every congressional district in the United States, including students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

According to the program’s guidelines, artwork may include paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photography, though entries must follow specific size and framing requirements. Students must submit their artwork through their member of Congress.

More information, including official rules, guidelines, and submission forms, is available on Smith’s website at:
<a href="https://adriansmith.house.gov/services/art-competition">https://adriansmith.house.gov/services/art-competition</a>.

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