SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — Human remains discovered last month near Scotts Bluff National Monument have been confirmed Monday night through DNA testing to be those of Chance Engelbert, the Wyoming man who vanished in July 2019.

Engelbert, then 25, went missing after walking away from a family gathering in Gering. Despite years of searches, public attention, and ongoing efforts by law enforcement, no trace of him was found until October, when a person in a rural area on the north side of the monument reported finding remains and personal items.

Those items matched descriptions provided by Engelbert’s family, prompting forensic testing that has now officially identified the remains.

On Monday, Engelbert’s mother, Dawn Engelbert, issued a public statement confirming what investigators shared with her family:

“As most have already read on Facebook, unfortunately including our family before I could let them know, that the DNA confirmed that it was Chance. I was on the phone with Gering PD when it was posted. All I can say is, that this is not any type of closure to us — will just always be more questions. I am told that the State Attorney will be doing a press release Wednesday and his remains will be released to his next of kin at that time. I thank you for all the support, prayers and love! Please stay kind and careful what you post!”

Authorities have not released details regarding the cause or manner of death. Officials say additional forensic analysis is underway, and more information is expected following the State Attorney’s planned press release later this week.

Engelbert’s disappearance has remained one of the region’s most followed missing-person cases for more than six years. The confirmation of his remains answers long-standing questions about his whereabouts but leaves the circumstances of his final moments unresolved.

This is a developing story. Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Remains Found Near Scotts Bluff National Monument Confirmed as Chance Engelbert

Mid-Plains Community College will close at 3 p.m. Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving break.

The closure includes all MPCC campuses including McCook, North Platte, Broken Bow, Imperial, Ogallala and Valentine. Regular business hours and classes will resume on Monday, Dec. 1.

MPCC to observe Thanksgiving holiday

The Hot Sheets: November 25, 2025

NOVEMBER 24, 2025 (NORTH PLATTE, NEB.)&nbsp; —&nbsp; Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted local alcohol compliance checks in Keith County.

During the afternoon hours of Sunday November 16, 2025, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Keith County. In total, 10 businesses were checked. Of those businesses, 8 refused to sell alcohol to a minor for a compliance rate of 80 percent. All of the businesses checked the minor’s ID. One of the businesses that sold were also cited for allowing a minor to sell.

The businesses included convenience stores, restaurants, bars, and liquor stores. Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.

This project was funded (100%, $427,899.00) by the Region II Human Services Substance Use Prevention &amp; Treatment Block Grant (1B08TI088119-01) through SAMHSA, contracted through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alcohol Compliance Checks Held in Keith County

Kimball, Neb. — The Kimball Police Department has released details on three separate child-abuse-related arrests over the past week, outlining unrelated incidents investigated between November 15th and November 21st.

November 15:
Officers responded to a report of an assault in the 700 block of Chestnut Street. Following an investigation, police say probable cause was established to arrest 38-year-old Steven Nunley on a charge of child abuse. Officers attempted to contact Nunley at his residence, and after obtaining a search warrant, he exited the home and was taken into custody without incident. The Kimball County Sheriff’s Office assisted.

November 19:
Kimball officers responded to a report of child abuse in the 400 block of South Oak Street. A forensic interview conducted with Capstone in Gering and a joint response with DHHS led to the arrests of 31-year-old Becki Russi and 29-year-old Christopher Stewart. Russi faces three counts of child abuse; Stewart faces two. Both were arrested on scene. The Kimball County Sheriff’s Office assisted.

November 21:
Police opened an investigation involving suspected child sexual abuse material. Following the investigation, officers say they established probable cause to arrest 45-year-old Kenny Rogers. Rogers is charged under Nebraska Revised Statute 28-1803 with possession or receipt of child sexual abuse material.

In each case, the department noted that information is preliminary and may change as investigations continue. No additional details will be released to protect the integrity of the ongoing cases.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Kimball Police Issue Three Child Abuse-Related Arrest Announcements in One Week

Ogallala, Neb. -The Ogallala City Council will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, at 411 East 2nd Street. Residents are invited to attend.

The council will start the evening with the appointment of a new member to fill a vacant seat. The meeting will also include approval of claims and the minutes from the November 11 meeting.

A key item on the agenda is a public hearing on a request for an in-home daycare at 1420 East 6th Street. Planning and Zoning officials will review the proposal.

During the public forum, the council will recognize Maureen Schumm for five years of service, hear an update from PeopleService Inc., and consider a request for financial support from Karen Lundquist and Jeryl Eastman after a sewage backup at 715 Valleyview Drive.

Other items include an ambulance service tiering agreement and a nuisance abatement rescission for 810 West 3rd Street. City staff will also provide updates on ongoing projects.

The meeting is open to the public, and written materials for discussion will be available for review at the meeting location.

For more information, contact the City Clerk at 308-284-3607.

Ogallala City Council Meeting Preview: Daycare Proposal, Sewage Damage Request, Council Vacancy on the Agenda

SIDNEY, Neb. — Three people were taken into custody Sunday morning after Sidney Police executed a drug-related search warrant at a home on the north side of town.

Officers served the warrant around 7:30 a.m. at a residence in the 400 block of North 14th Avenue. Police say the warrant was based on information developed from recent tips about possible drug activity at the home.

Nine Sidney Police officers and one Cheyenne County Sheriff’s deputy assisted in the operation. Five people were detained during the search. Two were released at the scene, and three were transported to the Cheyenne County Jail.

The three arrested individuals face felony drug and weapons charges. Their names have not yet been released.

Police say no children were found inside the residence and no injuries were reported during the search.

The case remains active, and authorities expect to release additional information as charges are formally filed.

Three Arrested After Drug Search Warrant Served in Sidney

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) will be offering Vaccines for Children at public clinics in December.&nbsp; Anyone two months of age and older are invited to get their vaccinations. Flu shots will still be available for anyone 6 months of age and older. The US is starting to see an increase in influenza (flu). Getting a flu shot now will provide protection during the busy holiday season and for the rest of the flu season.

Vaccination rates for SW Nebraska continue to look good per the 2023-2024 immunization rates proved by the State of Nebraska.&nbsp; SWNPHD nine counties show Kindergarten vaccination rates at 93.76% for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis and 93% of 7th&nbsp;graders are covered.&nbsp;

Curtis&nbsp;– Monday, December 8th, 4:30-5:30 pm at Medicine Valley High School.

Imperial&nbsp;– Wednesday, December 17th, 4:00-6:00 pm Mountain Time at Chase County Clinic.

Ogallala&nbsp;– by appointment only, based upon the nurse availability, at 10 N. Spruce St, Suite B.

McCook&nbsp;–&nbsp;daily Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00 pm based upon the nurse availability, at 404 West 10th Street (one block north of Arby’s).

Other locations:&nbsp;check with your local healthcare provider or pharmacy.

We encourage those interested in vaccination to call to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to those with a scheduled appointment.&nbsp;

Vaccines for Children is&nbsp;funded in whole with federal and DHHS funds.&nbsp;Children with no insurance, under-insured, Medicaid, Native American or Native Alaskan qualify for state-funded vaccine. Adults who are uninsured or under-insured may also qualify for state funded vaccine. Call the office for qualifications at 308-345-4223. Only state-funded vaccines are available at the Imperial location. Both state- funded and private vaccine will be offered at all other clinics.&nbsp; Insurance billing and cash or credit card payment options are available to those who do not qualify for the state-funded vaccine.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and You Tube.

SWNPHD: Vaccines for Children Public Clinics in December

Sixteen Contestants Proudly Represent Nebraska at Miss Alliance Pageant

ALLIANCE, Neb.&nbsp;- 16 young ladies from across the state gathered on Saturday night to compete in the Miss Alliance and Miss Alliance’s Teen pageant.&nbsp;

Crowned Miss Alliance 2026 was Olivia Vanderford, the 20-year-old daughter of Jon and Taryn Vanderford of Lincoln, NE.&nbsp; Miss Alliance’s Teen 2026 was awarded to Halle Knutson, the 16-year-old daughter of Ryan and Sara Knutson of Scottsbluff.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Your new Miss Panhandle 2026 is Addilyn Wilson, the 20-year-old daughter of Francis and Andrea Wilson of Hershey, Nebraska.&nbsp; Wilson also received 2nd&nbsp;place in the Miss Community Service competition.&nbsp; Paige Dodson, the 17-year-old daughter of Kevin and Wendy Dodson of North Platte, earned the title of Miss Panhandle’s Teen 2026.&nbsp;Dodson received the overall teen talent award, the teen community service award, and was also voted as the Teen Miss Congeniality by her peers. 

Ally Parker, the 19-year-old daughter of Jay and Jennifer Parker of Omaha, has earned the title of Miss Niobrara River 2026.&nbsp; Parker also received the award for overall Miss talent on Saturday night.&nbsp; The Miss Audience Choice winner as well as the Miss 1st&nbsp;Place Community Service awards were earned by Mara Soto of Bridgeport.&nbsp; Soto is the 18-year-old daughter of Marlana Gomez and Alex Soto.&nbsp; Olivia Terwey, the 20-year-old daughter of Trevor and Abby Terwey of Hastings, was named Miss Alliance 1st&nbsp;Runner up.

Rounding out the final awards, Emma Jensen, the 13-year-old daughter of Heather and Todd Jensen of North Platte, was named the Teen Audience Choice winner and Hannah Henton, the 27-year-old daughter of Kris and Tom O’Brien and Jason Henton of Kimball, received the Miss Congeniality prize, voted on by the contestants.&nbsp;

Along with representing their titles for the year, the 2026 titleholders will now advance to the Miss Nebraska and Miss Nebraska’s Teen competitions held in North Platte in June of 2026.&nbsp; For more information on the competition or for appearance information on any of the titleholders, please contact Riki Hunter at 308-430-4355.

Local Contestants Among Five Titleholders Crowned at Miss Alliance Pageant

The Hot Sheets: November 24, 2024

The Hot Sheets: November 23, 2025

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

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

Listen the full interview with Russ Jones on our Kubota Podcast Page.

North Platte, NE – Midwest Championship Fighting (MCF) is set to bring a night of intense MMA action and community celebration to North Platte with its upcoming “Salute to Veterans V” event at the D&amp;N Event Center.&nbsp;

Russ Jones, MCF President, says the event offers a mix of fight levels rarely seen in one night. “We start with street fights—guys literally off the streets—then move to amateur matches, amateur title fights, and finally professional bouts,” he explained. “The lower-level fights are just as important as the high-level fights because that’s how fighters get to the top.” Some street fighters even receive free training if they want to continue competing, giving local athletes an opportunity to develop skills and find a constructive outlet.

Veterans Honored
The “Salute to Veterans” program, now in its fifth year, invites over 200 veterans to attend free of charge with VIP seating. The event includes a flag salute at the start and a special parade of veterans during intermission. “We started this program to give veterans a place to gather, celebrate, and be recognized for their service,” Jones said. The initiative also creates a space where veterans of all ages can connect, fostering camaraderie and community.

Tickets remain available at <a href="https://www.midwestchampionshipfighting.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">midwestchampionshipfighting.com</a>, including a pay-per-view option for $35. Jones encouraged fans to arrive early to see the veterans parade, expected around 7:30 p.m..

He also highlighted several fights fans are eagerly anticipating, including local favorites Bristol vs. Seamann, Chris Burbine, Jareb Huerta, Oliver Nutter, and Madison McCord. 

“Bristol vs. Seamann is a heated street fight that fans have been waiting for,” he said. “And we also have a title fight that promises to be one of the standout bouts of the evening.”

Beyond entertainment, MCF provides a safe, structured environment where fighters—many on the "fringe" of society—can channel their energy positively. 

“These kids are looking for an outlet, a brotherhood,” Jones said. “Seeing fighters step into the cage is a moment you can’t put a value on.”

MCF events also draw a significant audience, boosting the local economy while providing a unique entertainment option in Western Nebraska. For North Platte residents, MCF Salute to Veterans offers a rare combination of high-level MMA action, veteran recognition, and community engagement.

🎙️Midwest Championship Fighting Returns to North Platte with “Salute to Veterans V”

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 opening weekend of basketball and what he observed from the games. Coach Thurman also discussed how important culture is to a young team and how he sees its effects early on.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #4 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 opening weekend of action vs Laramie County Community College and Eastern Wyoming Community College and what he saw from his team. And what transpired on the Knights' first two road games earlier this week.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #5 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

Listen to the full interview with Landon Drews on our Kubota Podcasts

PAXTON, Neb. — What started as a small student idea has blossomed into one of Paxton’s most hands-on community agricultural projects. Paxton High School junior Landon Drews is preparing to host the second annual Harvest Day, part of his student-led Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project through FFA.

Landon first began the project as a freshman, taking on the challenge of managing a test plot on local farmland — a bold move that’s since grown into a full-scale, community-supported event.

“When we started, I was just supposed to farm the ground,” Drews explained. “Then my brother mentioned doing a test plot, and from there I knew I wanted to make it big.”

Last year’s plot featured six seed dealers and multiple corn varieties. This year, Landon expanded the project to include no-till and strip-till test plots with seven seed dealers — each providing a single variety for comparison. The project, he said, gives seed companies valuable data while helping him learn the science and strategy behind crop production.

“It’s a dryland test plot, which is pretty rare,” Drews said. “Most are irrigated, but I wanted to see how these varieties perform under real dryland conditions. It’s been awesome to watch it all come together.”

Support from area businesses like Hi-Line Co-op and Clauss Equipment in Ogallala has made the project possible, assisting with spraying and harvesting. Drews said he’s grateful for their continued backing — and for the enthusiasm from the community.

The highlight of the year is Harvest Day, happening Tuesday, November 4, starting with elementary student visits around 9 a.m., followed by a community hamburger feed from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (MT).

This year’s event will include hands-on learning stations featuring farm equipment, seed corn, and ag technology from 21st Century Equipment, Akrs Equipment, Fendt, and more. Students will have a chance to see and touch machinery they might not encounter otherwise.

“I wanted to get kids involved and show them what agriculture looks like up close,” Drews said. “It’s amazing how many kids from rural schools haven’t had that opportunity. Maybe it sparks something in them to go into farming or ag careers.”

Landon’s leadership has already made an impact — younger students recognize him in the halls and ask how “their” test plot is doing.

“It shows me I might be a role model for them,” he said. “This project has really helped me grow as a leader.”

Looking ahead, Drews said he and his seed partners are already brainstorming what next year’s plot might hold — possibly dryland soybeans. He’s also applying for a proficiency degree, a prestigious FFA recognition awarded to top student projects across Nebraska.

For now, his focus is on celebrating this year’s success. “I invite everyone out to Harvest Day,” Drews said. “Come see what we’ve built, enjoy a hamburger, and learn a little bit about agriculture.”

Harvest Day 2025 will be held Tuesday, November 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (MT) at the Paxton test plot. The public is invited to attend.

🎙️Paxton FFA Student Grows Leadership and Community with Harvest Day Project

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

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

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)

🎥Not much holiday cheer as President pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy&nbsp; launched a new civility campaign titled&nbsp;“The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.”

The campaign, according to a statement from the agency, is intended to jumpstart a nationwide conversation around how we can all restore courtesy and class to air travel. This won’t just make the travel experience better for the flying public – it will ensure the safety of passengers, gate workers, flight attendants, and pilots.&nbsp;

It’s not just your imagination – the data backs up the feeling that travel has become more unruly.&nbsp;

Secretary Duffy posed a few key questions every flyer should ask themselves this holiday season to help Americans reach their destinations as quickly, efficiently and comfortably as possible: &nbsp;

There’s no question we’ve lost sight of what makes travel fun – the excitement, the relaxation, the cordial conversations. Americans already feel divided and stressed. We can all do our part to bring back civility, manners, and common sense. When we can unite around shared values, we can feel more connected as a country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥DOT Secretary: Stop wearing pajamas on airplanes

WASHINGTON&nbsp; — First lady&nbsp;Melania Trump&nbsp;on Monday welcomed this year’s official White House Christmas tree to the White House.

🎥First lady welcomes Christmas tree to the White House

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>-

A senior federal judge dismissed charges Monday against two public officials with long-running public disputes with President Donald Trump, saying the controversial appointment of the president’s former personal attorney as a prosecutor doomed the cases.

Senior U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, whom former President Bill Clinton appointed to the bench in South Carolina, wrote in a Monday order that Attorney General Pam Bondi did not have the authority to make Lindsey Halligan the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.&nbsp;

The judge said the deadline for an interim appointee to that position had lapsed.

Because that process was invalid, the prosecutions against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom had investigated or prosecuted Trump, must be dropped, Currie&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136.213.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">wrote</a>.

Currie dismissed the indictments without prejudice, meaning they could be revived. But at least in Comey’s case, in which charges were brought on the eve of the statute of limitations expiring, that appeared unlikely.

U.S. attorneys are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, but the attorney general can appoint someone on an interim basis for 120 days. After that, the judges in the district are responsible for appointing an interim prosecutor.

“Ms. Halligan was not appointed in a manner consistent with this framework,” Currie wrote.

Bondi appointed Erik Siebert as the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in January, while his confirmation was pending in the Senate. After 120 days, the judges in the district allowed him to continue.

Siebert resigned in September, reportedly under pressure from Trump and Bondi to bring charges against Comey. Bondi then named Halligan, at the time a White House aide who had also worked for Trump in a private capacity, as the interim U.S. attorney.&nbsp;

But Bondi could not do that because, after 120 days, the responsibility for naming an interim U.S. attorney fell to the district court judges, Currie wrote.

“The 120-day clock began running with Mr. Siebert’s appointment on Jan. 21, 2025,” she wrote. “When that clock expired on May 21, 2025, so too did the Attorney General’s appointment authority. Consequently, I conclude that the Attorney General’s attempt to install Ms. Halligan as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was invalid and that Ms. Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role.”

Halligan, after gaining office in September, quickly secured a two-count indictment against the former FBI chief from a grand jury in Alexandria. Comey was accused of lying to Congress about whether he had authorized a press leak of information related to an FBI investigation of Russian actors’ involvement in Trump’s first presidential campaign.&nbsp;

However, U.S. District Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-cites-profound-investigative-missteps-court-case-against-james-comey" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;last week that issues with evidence, testimony and statements to the grand jury in the case outweighed the usual heavily guarded secrecy of proceedings. He said “profound investigative missteps” could result in the dismissal of Comey’s indictment.

Comey has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/former-fbi-director-comey-pleads-not-guilty-criminal-charges-demanded-trump" target="_blank">pleaded</a>&nbsp;not guilty.

James won a civil case against Trump related to business fraud, though a state appeals court later overturned the sentence as overly punitive.

Trump has publicly blasted James and Comey as using the mechanisms of legal proceedings to persecute him.&nbsp;

In an extraordinary public message to Bondi just before Halligan replaced Siebert, Trump complained that the prosecutions against both were not developing faster.

The Justice Department did not respond to a message seeking comment Monday.

Judge drops James Comey and Letitia James charges, saying prosecutor served ‘unlawfully’

Charles Herbster, who lost to Gov. Jim Pillen in 2022, says Pillen’s ‘shortcomings make it hard to say no,’ will decide closer to new year

By Juan Salinas II | Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN — The Republican primary race for Nebraska governor is already heating up, and it might soon get serious.&nbsp;

Trump donor and multi-state agribusinessman Charles Herbster has made more pointed statements about Gov. Jim Pillen in recent weeks on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Herbster’s posts have shifted in tone from talking about national politics and President Donald Trump, with some references to state politics, to more direct criticism of Pillen as he continues mulling a 2026 rematch bid for governor.

Starting this month, Herbster has criticized Pillen for not listening to the business community, for not selling the state aggressively enough to business leaders elsewhere and for resisting voter-approved medical cannabis, the legalization of which Herbster now&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wowt.com/video/2025/11/12/herbster-reverses-position-medical-cannabis/" target="_blank">says should be respected</a>.&nbsp;

“Our governor should be the state’s leading salesman,” Herbster wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/cwherbster/status/1985424695341301966?s=46&amp;t=B4v5xSml401BbJ1-tGAokQ" target="_blank">one post</a>. “To say we should not focus on attracting new businesses is beyond reckless — it is not leadership.”

In another&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/cwherbster/status/1988321270757241199?s=46&amp;t=B4v5xSml401BbJ1-tGAokQ" target="_blank">social media post</a>, Herbster said, “Governor Jim Pillen has done everything he can to delay and dismantle the voter-enacted medical cannabis statutes.”

Herbster also has started reviving his 2022 campaign staple of saying he wants to “Make Nebraska Great Again” and sounds more and more like someone running for governor.&nbsp;

Asked this week whether his statements should be read as telegraphing a 2026 bid, he told the Examiner, “Governor Pillen’s shortcomings make it hard to say no.” Herbster said his decision on whether to run would come closer to the new year.&nbsp;

“We are not on a path to success,” Herbster said. “Our governor seems stubbornly convinced he alone has all the answers and continues to double down on failure. He can tout some social-issue wins — which I wholeheartedly support — but Nebraskans are worried about the economy.”

If Herbster gets in, 2026 would be a rematch between the two candidates who received the most votes in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary. That race included former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha, who is now running for the open seat in Nebraska’s Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. Lindstrom finished third in that 2022 GOP primary.&nbsp;

Pillen cruised to general election victory against then-Democratic State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue.&nbsp;

That 2022 contest was one of the most expensive gubernatorial races in Nebraska history,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/06/nebraskas-costliest-governors-race-left-wild-numbers-in-its-wake/">with&nbsp;$29 million flowing into it</a>. Herbster largely self-funded his campaign, while Pillen raised large sums and also benefitted from outside help by then-Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Herbster during that 2022 primary earned the endorsement of President Donald Trump, while Pillen was backed by Ricketts. Pillen appointed Ricketts to the U.S. Senate shortly after becoming governor. Ricketts, R-Neb., won a special election in November to serve out the final two years of former GOP U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse’s term. Ricketts is currently in a heated race against former Omaha labor leader Dan Osborn, a registered nonpartisan.&nbsp;

Herbster spent weeks of that campaign denying the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/14/gop-state-senator-seven-other-women-say-charles-herbster-groped-them-he-denies-allegations/">allegations of eight women</a>&nbsp;who alleged in a 2022 Nebraska Examiner article that Herbster had groped them. All eight accounts were&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/19/three-people-speak-on-the-record-to-confirm-allegations-of-groping-by-charles-herbster/">corroborated either by witnesses</a>&nbsp;or people the women told what happened immediately afterward. But the reasons for his loss were&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/05/13/where-herbster-stumbled-and-how-pillen-won-nebraskas-gop-gubernatorial-primary/">more complex than the national political narrative</a>.

Several GOP operatives have expected Pillen to draw at least one primary challenger, partly because of national and local polling numbers that indicate he could be vulnerable. Among the criticisms they and others have said he is likely to face are about increased state spending, the effectiveness of state investments in property tax relief and his tax and budget proposals.

But Pillen is an incumbent, and Nebraska rarely changes horses midstream. The last incumbent Republican to lose the Governor’s Mansion was Gov. Kay Orr, who lost to Democrat Ben Nelson in 1990. Pillen had more than $3 million in cash on hand last year, state campaign finance reports show. Many expect him to raise more than $10 million.&nbsp;

The governor&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/29/nebraska-gov-jim-pillen-announces-reelection-bid-amid-herbster-speculation/">announced his reelection bid in May</a>. His campaign video focused on controversies familiar to those who followed his 2022 campaign, including support for tougher immigration enforcement and other culture-war issues. Pillen, in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/02/nebraska-governor-brags-about-historically-conservative-budget-wins/">his end of session speech to state lawmakers</a>, touted the passage of bills that limit high school and college sports participation to students’ sex at birth, banning lab-grown meat and lowering income tax rates.

Herbster said Nebraskans are with Pillen on some of those issues, but he said more needs to be done about core issues that have long been central for statewide campaigns — particularly job creation and reducing property taxes.&nbsp;

People, Herbster said, are “worried about property taxes.” He said “they’re worried about making ends meet.”

Pillen’s campaign declined to comment Friday on Herbster’s potential bid.

Pillen, whose family owns a major hog operation based in Columbus, has prioritized property tax relief, including investing $1 billion into a state effort to fund more of special education costs and a baseline amount of state aid to K-12 schools.

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