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

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

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

The Hot Sheets: December 24, 2025

LINCOLN, Neb. — Gov. Jim Pillen is signaling Nebraska’s support for Union Pacific’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, pointing to job growth and the potential creation of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.

The statement follows Union Pacific’s announcement that it and Norfolk Southern have filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board seeking federal approval. In its submission, Union Pacific projects the addition of more than 500 new managerial positions at its Omaha headquarters.

“With continued investment in its Omaha-based headquarters and the people of this great state, we are proud to support Union Pacific’s efforts to create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad,” Pillen said. “A Nebraska-born and grown business, UP helps our farming and ranching families feed the world and transports the materials that are building the future of our country. Nebraska — a friend to business and perfectly located to serve as a nationwide transportation hub — is proud to be home of UP’s past and future successes.”

Union Pacific’s ties to Nebraska date back more than 160 years. The railroad was created in 1862 after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act, and the company laid its first track in Omaha in 1865. Since then, Union Pacific has maintained its headquarters and long-standing presence in the state.

According to Union Pacific, approval of the merger would reshape freight rail service nationwide by transforming “10,000 existing lanes from interline service into faster, more efficient single-line service – eliminating time-consuming handoffs between railroads.”

The proposed merger now awaits review by the Surface Transportation Board, which will evaluate its potential economic, transportation, and competitive impacts before issuing a decision.

Pillen Voices Nebraska’s Support for Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger, Citing Jobs and Rail Expansion

The Hot Sheets: December 23, 2025

The Lincoln Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol have identified the person found&nbsp; deceased in rural Furnas County last week as Jerica Hamre. 

Hamre was first reported missing from Lincoln on July 3, 2024. Her death is being investigated as a&nbsp; homicide and the Lincoln Police Department have a suspect who is currently in custody on&nbsp; unrelated charges. 

Since Hamre’s disappearance, numerous search efforts have been conducted near the location in which her body was found. The searches included law enforcement, family, friends, and community volunteers. 

Hamre’s body was discovered on Wednesday, December 17, on a rural farm in Furnas County, near Oxford. A representative of the farm owner(s) was inspecting the property in preparation for sale&nbsp; and found the body in a remote outbuilding. Investigators do not believe Hamre has an association&nbsp; to the property where she was discovered, or to property owner(s).

Numerous agencies are working together on this investigation, including the Lincoln Police Department, Furnas County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Furnas County Attorney, and Nebraska State Patrol. 

Investigators do not believe this incident poses an ongoing threat to the communities in the area.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call our non-emergency number at 402-441-6000. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, report online at lincolncrimestoppers.com or download the free P3 app.

Deceased Person Found in Furnas County Identified as Missing Lincoln Woman, Jerica Hamre

The Hot Sheets: December 22, 2025

The Hot Sheets: December 21, 2025

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

Dawson County Cattle Feeder Leads Cattlemen

Lincoln, Neb. (Dec. 22, 2025) – During their Annual Business Meeting, the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) membership elected Craig Uden to serve as president.

Craig stated,&nbsp;"When it comes to the beef cattle industry, there will always be issues to solve. The true meaning of sustainability is learning and adapting to the challenges we face.We must come together to solve the important issues and educate producers in order for our business to thrive. I look forward to tackling industry issues with like-minded people over the next year."

A fourth-generation cattleman from Johnson Lake, Nebraska, Craig Uden has always been active in helping shape the ever-challenging and changing beef industry. Craig is a partner in Darr Feedlot Inc., a commercial cattle feeding operation in central Nebraska. Craig and his wife, Terri, also own and manage three commercial cow-calf operations. He believes in giving back to an industry that has been good to him, and while he has stepped aside from the day-to-day management, he still enjoys buying and selling cattle and his customer relations title, because it is the relationships that are built in the cattle industry that make this business so rewarding. People work toward a common goal to improve and learn so that their industry is sustainable for future generations.

Craig and Terri have a daughter, Blair, who is involved in agribusiness and her and husband own a registered Red Angus operation and help oversee the family cow-calf operation. His son, Andrew, and his wife reside in Seward, Nebraska, and Andrew works with his own high tech animal information company. Craig graduated from the University of Nebraska. He has been involved with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) since the mid-1980s and has served on several committees throughout the organization. 

Craig served as NCBA President in 2017; he had previously served as the President-elect, Policy Division Chairman and Federation Division Chairman. He has been involved in a number of functions on a local and state basis, including past chairman and elder of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska, member and past chair of the Dawson County Cattlemen, and a 4-H leader. Along with serving on the Nebraska Beef Council, the Nebraska Cattlemen Research &amp; Education Foundation, and the Nebraska Feedlot Council, Craig has served on the Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors as a committee chairman and vice chairman, vice president, and president-elect. Craig is also a member of Nebraska Ag Builders and sits on the Foundation Board of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

Craig Uden began his one-year term as Nebraska Cattlemen President on Friday, December 12, 2025.

Craig Uden Starts Term as President of Nebraska Cattlemen

By Erin Bamer | Nebraska Examiner

Balancing the budget, tax reform, scheduling among top priorities for Arch heading into final session as speaker

Lincoln, Neb. — Heading into his final legislative session as a term-limited Nebraska state senator, Speaker of the Legislature John Arch of La Vista said he expects the short, 60-day session to fly by.

The session begins Jan. 7, and between the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/17/state-sen-dan-mckeon-changes-plea-to-not-guilty-on-misdemeanor-disturbing-the-peace-charge/">possible expulsion of a senator</a>, discord over the repurposing of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/15/nebraska-lawmakers-tour-mccook-ice-jail-call-it-orderly-clean-and-say-it-holds-100-150-migrants/">state prison facility into an ICE detention center</a>&nbsp;and a continued&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/25/petition-effort-seeks-to-halve-nebraska-property-taxes-cap-valuations/">push for property tax relief</a>, Arch acknowledged there are more than enough issues to occupy lawmakers’ time before they adjourn in April.

Arch’s top priority among those issues is filling a $471 million budget hole by Day 50, he said, the deadline lawmakers have to complete budget adjustments and send the proposal to Gov. Jim Pillen’s desk.

“Honestly, there is the budget, and then there’s everything else,” Arch said.

Budget struggles also took precedence during the Legislature’s 90-day session this spring, when lawmakers worked to fill a budget deficit that at one point grew to $432 million. After making numerous cuts that senators acknowledged were painful, the session concluded with the state’s two-year budget projecting a modest $4 million surplus.

That surplus didn’t last long, because new economic projections made in July put Nebraska back into a projected deficit of $95 million. When Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board met again in October, projections&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/nebraskas-projected-budget-deficit-grows-to-471-million-ahead-of-2026-legislative-session/">brought the expected shortfall to $471 million</a>.

Arch said balancing Nebraska’s budget is more difficult than normal, because the state’s revenue streams continue to evolve. Passage of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” in July is expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/02/one-big-beautiful-bill-projected-to-cost-nebraska-over-216-million-in-tax-revenue-in-state-budget/">cost Nebraska’s state government about $406 million</a>&nbsp;over the next four fiscal years, according to the state Department of Revenue.

Additionally, Nebraska is in the midst of scaling down its individual income tax rates to eventually hit 3.99% in 2027. Once lawmakers reach 2027, Arch expects state revenue sources to stabilize, which he said should make managing the budget a bit easier.

“After we flatten out in ‘27, there is a very simple formula, and that is: You spend less than you bring in,” Arch said.

The looming budget challenge is on the minds of many senators, and Arch said there may be fewer new bills introduced in 2026. Recent sessions have established a trend of a higher-than-average number of new bills introduced within the first 10 days of a legislative session, and there are still 240 bills carrying over from 2025, according to legislative records.

At the very least, Arch said lawmakers are aware that there needs to be extremely good cause to introduce any bill with an appropriation attached.

“I’ll emphasize ‘extremely,’” Arch said. “Because it’s just going to be very difficult for a bill to pass that has an A-bill attached.”

Aside from balancing the budget, the speaker said another one of his goals in setting the session’s agenda is scheduling as many priority bills as possible.

However, he acknowledged multiple other issues that could make staying on that track more challenging. He said any extraneous matters could mean priority bills suffer.

During the legislative break, Arch reset all existing priority bills from 2025 back to normal status. He said this was because he felt not all were “ready,” and he intends to start 2026’s floor debates with worksheet order bills before focusing on senators’ personal priorities. He noted that senators could still reprioritize the reset bills.

Even with less time for bills, Arch said there is still value to introducing bills on important topics for the sake of starting conversations. He noted that his recent bills on government efficiencies and legislative oversight took years to pass.

Arch said he intends to bring a smaller government efficiency bill in 2026 that would continue to eliminate certain government reports he views as “obsolete.” He said lawmakers should always keep government efficiency on their mind, because there is always something worth addressing.

On legislative oversight, Arch’s Legislative Bill 298&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/28/nebraska-advances-bill-codifying-legislative-oversight-role-dealing-with-executive-branch-agencies/">established a new Division of Legislative Oversight and a new Legislative Oversight Committee</a>. This being a significant change to Nebraska’s governmental structure, Arch said it needs time to settle before further bills with changes should be brought.

Arch anticipates that property taxes will remain a top issue for lawmakers in 2026. While it is also one of his goals to make progress on tax reform, he said he doubts there will be enough revenue to pass new tax relief.

In recent sessions, Arch said senators have been more focused on quick fixes for immediate tax relief, mostly through allocating state dollars to local governments.

Arch said he would like to shift the focus to structural reforms that address the root causes of rising taxes. Arch identified several factors that he believes contributes to higher taxes — rising property valuations, unfunded government mandates, and local government spending.

He said the Legislature ought to revisit its discussion on spending caps, and encourage local governments to be stricter about how it spends money. Though that may take more than one session to accomplish, he argued it will be better for the state in the long run.

Arch, who will be term-limited after 2026, said he hopes people look back on his legacy and view him as a speaker who put the institution first.

The 2023 session — his first as speaker — was contentious from start to finish, and Arch said he was pushed in multiple directions in regard to his scheduling. In those instances, he believed ceding to the pressure would not be good for the institution, so he stuck to the Legislature’s policies and held strong to those principles in subsequent sessions.

“You have to have the opportunity to debate what is important in our society, and we as senators have to learn how to do that well,” Arch said. “Some days we do that well, some days we don’t.”

Budget first: Speaker John Arch breaks down biggest tasks for Nebraska Legislature

Luke Karg is the only Missouri student to qualify for the high school national bass fishing championship five times, including as an incoming freshman

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"></a>The water on Truman Lake was colder and muddier than normal this April, making for some tough fishing conditions.&nbsp;

Luke Karg, of House Springs, had one last shot before graduating to win the Missouri TBF High School Trail Super Tournament for bass fishing – which he and his then 16-year-old fishing partner, A.J. Massa, had won the year before.

It’s the last tournament of the season for the Missouri student program of The Bass Federation, and it’s also the final opportunity to earn enough points to be named Team of the Year — the top-scoring duo in the state.

“The tournament itself meant a lot to us, with it being our last state tournament together,” Karg said. “It was very tough. There was, at most, two inches of visibility in the water, but a lot of fishing is just adapting to the changes.”

Karg and Massa headed out on the water for two days for eight hours each. At the end of each day, they weighed their top five fish.&nbsp;

“The first day, they caught almost enough bass to win the tournament,” said Gary Foree, Karg’s mentor and family friend, who is a former professional fisherman. “They had almost 19 pounds, which is insane. There hasn’t been a tournament in three years over 17 pounds on Truman Lake.”

They brought in 16 pounds on the second day, which would have brought their total up to nearly 35 pounds. But unfortunately it didn’t count. Their boat malfunctioned, making them miss the weigh in.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was pretty heart-wrenching,” Karg said. “It was one of our best bags as a team on one of the most difficult days.”

Karg and Massa ended up taking second place at Truman Lake with one day’s worth of fish, and they still had enough points to be named Team of the Year, just as they were last year.

Karg has been part of the Team of the Year five years in a row, including as an incoming high-school freshman.&nbsp;

That title also sent the team to the TBF Student Angler Federation High School National Championship, which was held at Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in June.&nbsp;

Only the top two high-school teams from each state can compete, and Karg is the only person in Missouri to have qualified for that opportunity five years in a row, according to officials for the national championship.

“To be one of the top two teams in Missouri for five consecutive years is pretty freaking amazing,” said Karl Buck, who previously led the federation’s high school program in Missouri and was also Karg’s team leader. “I’m just so proud it’s unbelievable. I mean, I can’t believe that I was involved in his upcoming as a fisherman.”

Karg began competitive fishing when he was 12 and participated in dozens of individual and team tournaments as a teen. Through it all, he struggled with an autoimmune illness that made him miss numerous days from school, he said, but he’s proud he still managed to graduate on time in May and continue fishing.

While it was grueling standing on a boat for hours under the hot sun, Karg said the national championship was exhilarating because some of the world’s top fishermen were watching.&nbsp;

“It’s the biggest tourn of the year, and a lot of people only get to go to it once, if even,” Karg said. “It really could be the biggest tournament of your life.”

Karg has loved to fish ever since he could hold a rod, said his father Rick Karg. Even as early as 5, he said Karg could catch fish when the adults around him were coming up empty.&nbsp;

“There’s a magic,” Rick said. “My scientific brain says, ‘Is there like a vibration from his heartbeat that travels down the line because he’s got his finger touching it, that the fish like?’”&nbsp;

Foree met Karg because of a life-changing promise he made to Karg’s mother, Becky Rumley.

Rumley was the nurse administering Foree’s chemotherapy treatment at St. Claire Hospital, and one day, she told him how much her nine-year-old son loved to fish. At the time, Foree thought he only had a few months to live.

“I ended up telling her that if I survive this, I’ll take him to Lake of the Ozarks and get him a five pounder because I used to be a [fishing] guide on the lake,” he said.

Foree did pull through, and when they went out fishing, Karg didn’t just catch one five-pound bass.&nbsp;

“I caught three five-pound bass and two six pounders, and like a bunch of big fish,” Karg said. “It is probably the best day of fishing in my life. And ever since then, he’s just dedicated a huge part of his life to help teach me and my partner.”

Foree was equally amazed after Karg pulled out nearly 40 pounds of fish that day.&nbsp;

“He just had the best day of fishing anybody could have,” Foree said. “That’s how I got him hooked on fishing.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the years, Foree taught him about tracking fish through the different seasons and how to read the water and the banks. He also helped him get his first boat.

Now, Foree said, Karg’s instincts are his fishing superpower.&nbsp;

“So many times they won a tournament when the fishing was really tough, and Luke said, ‘Let’s try over here. That bank looks good,’” Foree said. “And they’ll go over, and they’ll catch enough fish on that bank to win the tournament.”

Karg believes his instincts have developed with the dozens of tournaments and countless hours of fishing.&nbsp;

“Over time, it’s become more of an instinct, than having to think about, ‘Oh, I should make a change,’” he said. “It just naturally comes.”

For instance, at both the Truman Lake and national championship, Karg said he was painting his own custom lures while he was on the boat.

At Truman, he made the decision to color a half-inch chartreuse line on his spinner bait, he said, and he ended up catching much bigger fish, but less fish. If his lure had a straight tail, the catch was better as well, he said.

“It’s all about how the bait works in the water,” he said. “The smallest little detail that can just trigger the fish to eat. That’s where a lot of the fun comes into it for me, is all the difficulties and fun little changes you can make. You can go from catching no fish for hours on end to catching your limit in a minute.”

Karl Buck remembers meeting Karg when he was about 12 on a dock at the Peaceful Valley Lake in Owensville, where Karg’s grandparents have a lake house. Buck used to run a student program called the Owensville Anglers, and they were finishing up a tournament that day.

“When we were doing our weigh-in down at the dam, they came down to the boat ramp to inquire,” Buck said. “He’ll probably hate this, but he was the most bashful young man, super quiet and reserved.”&nbsp;

The Owensville Anglers is how Karg got his start with tournament fishing, which Buck says is much different than regular fishing.&nbsp;

In a tournament, Buck said the first rule is “find five.”&nbsp;

“You’re fishing for five fish,” Buck said. “Doesn’t matter what they weigh, they just got to be keepers,” meaning they are big enough to keep.

The fish go in the box where they’re kept alive and healthy, which is a standard conservation practice in the high-school tournaments.&nbsp;

“After you have five, then you’re going to change your game,” he said. “It’s now no longer about just catching fish. You’re looking to upgrade the fish that you already have. Big fish get big for a reason. They’re hard to catch.”

Big fish know how to hide, and that’s where casting skills come into play, Foree said. He called Karg’s casting skills “insane.”&nbsp;

“He can skip jigs and lures and put them in places nobody else can,” Foree said. “That’s why he’s so good.”

But he wasn’t always that good, Buck remembers, which is why Karg earned the nickname “Oops” after fishing with Buck and his son one day.

“Luke throws this cast — I believe it was a spinner bait — and it winds up on the roof of this dock, stuck,” Buck said. “So we go up and we get it. A little while later, he makes another cast and it gets stuck on somebody’s dock.”

After each time, Karg would just say, “Oops” and the nickname was born. Buck said when they fished together this past summer, he was blown away at his talent.&nbsp;

Karg and Massa ended up placing 56th out of more than 200 teams in the national championship in Oklahoma.&nbsp;

“We lost three three-pounders that came off the boat,” Karg said after the tournament finished. “That would have gotten us up to nine or 10 pounds. We would have been around 12th place probably.”

Karg said he’s proud of his accomplishment over this high school career, and he couldn’t have done it without his fishing partners Massa and previously Kyle Kannawurf, along with their boat captains.

“No one gives credit enough to our boat captains, which were both of our dads,” he said, “just giving the time to drive all the way out there and standing with us out the boat for eight hours straight a day.”

As boat captain, Rick said he was in “constant amazement” at his son’s skill.

“I’d just sit there and watch and think, ‘How in the world are you doing this?’” Rick said. “You’re like a super sharp shooter.”

Rick said he’s watched Karg fish for seven hours without catching anything, but he’d still have the focus and creativity change his strategy and get a big catch at the last minute. Karg’s humility and attitude are among the most impressive things about him, said Foree and Buck, particularly his ability to bounce back from setbacks.

“He never got rattled,” Foree said. “Oh, he’d get upset if he lost a big fish, but he’d just say, ‘Okay, I learned something from that,’ and go on to the next one. His ability to focus and stay focused in times of turmoil when he loses fish or the weather changes is very, very important in professional bass fishing.”

Karg&nbsp;has his own&nbsp;<a href="https://lukesboatservices.com/about-us" target="_blank">boat detail business</a>, and there are several career paths he’s interested in taking, including a professional fisherman.&nbsp;

“But for that, I would have to be away from home around 200 days of the year,” he said. “So the one I’m probably gonna go with is a natural environmentalist studying fresh water fish.”

Missouri teen makes history for tournament bass fishing

A Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas won an estimated $1.817 billion jackpot in the Christmas Eve drawing on Wednesday, Dec. 24, marking the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history.

The winning numbers drawn were 4, 25, 31, 52 and 59, with the Powerball number 19 and a 2x Power Play.

Lottery officials say the jackpot grew to approximately $1.817 billion following final ticket sales, making it the largest Powerball prize awarded in 2025 and second only to the $2.04 billion jackpot won in 2022.

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