&nbsp;OGALLALA - The Ogallala City Council is hosting their meeting today, March 24. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Below is tonight's agenda for the meeting:

Listen to Sandhills Spotlight Wednesday morning at 9am MT on Z93.5 Country for a full recap with City Manager Kevin Wilkins.

03/25 Ogallala City Council Meeting Agenda

North Platte, Neb. - People's Health in North Platte is back again to education young adults with their focus this time around on high school students with the annual Wild Night. This event is taking place Friday at Wild Bills from 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

Students have the opportunity to attend the event and earn a passport card and attend all the different agencies to learn. The event is geared around health. After students complete their passport, they will get a card and that card can get them free laser tag, bowling and pizza. Their will be raffles and giveaways. Students are asked to bring their HS ID with them

POST Canon Rath chatted with Elizabeth Thayer about the upcoming event. To learn more, checkout the podcast below.

(Audio) People's Health gearing up for Wild Night at Wild Bills this Friday

Ogallala, Ne - The Ogallala Regional Arts Council is hosting another concert this Sunday, this time at the new Willow &amp; Oak Event Center at 801 Diamond Springs Trail on the north side of Ogallala. According to ORAC's Barb Jeffries, three members of the Council drove to Red Cloud a year ago to see The Wildwoods and said "they fell in love with their music". Jeffries and Elisha McBride joined Derek Beck on Thursday's Sandhills Spotlight on Z93.5 Country to talk about the show.

The Wildwoods have become a force in the folk scene, boasting accolades like being finalists at the FreshGrass Music Festival Band competition and Gems on VHS "Gems in the Rough" competition in 2023. Their songwriting prowess is underscored by semi-final placements in the International Songwriting competition, with tracks like "Untitled" and "Way of Train." Recognized consistently at the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards, they were crowned "Best Band" by the Lincoln Journal Star’s Lincoln Choice Awards in 2022.

The doors will open for the concert at 3:00pm Mountain time, at Willow and Oak. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.The Ogallala Regional Arts Council is able to bring entertainment to the area with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and through the sale of tickets and&nbsp;memberships. Members will be admitted with membership cards. Individual tickets may also be purchased at the door. Individual tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students.

Ogallala Regional Arts Council brings quality arts and entertainment to our community with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, donations, and your purchase of tickets or memberships. Thank you for your support! For more information about this program, email ogallalaarts@gmail.com

(Podcast) The Wildwoods will play Willow & Oak Sunday for Ogallala Regional Arts Council

North Platte, Ne - March is National Agriculture Month, and Eagle Media is spotlighting businesses and organizations giving back to agriculure this month. For years, homeschool students either had to take a minimum number of classes at public schools to participate in Future Farmers of America, or missed out entirely. Now a new Nebraska Agriculture Acadamy has entered the picture over the last few years. It started with former public school teachers Breann Zimmer, and Ann Dvorak in 2022 and they ave since been joined by Katie Shadbolt who are all Nebraska Certified Agriculture Educators. The three teamed up to create an online agriculture education academy for homeschool students.

Zimmer, who joined Derek Beck this week on Sandhills Spotlight on Z 93.5 Country says, "The Nebraska Agriculture Academy provides hybrid education to students grades 7-12. Our goal is to make it possible for homeschool students across Nebraska to participate in FFA and learn about agriculture."

Get more information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neagacademy.com/">here</a>. Enjoy the conversation with Zimmer and Derek Beck.

(Podcast) Homeschool Students can get agriculture classes and join FFA in Nebraska

Listen/Watch games, previously broadcast on Flatrock 100.7, courtesy of <a href="http://www.npkubota.com">NP Kubota</a>. (home games at Prairie View gym are available to re-watch via HUDL with Flatrock 100.7 Audio)

Boys State Tournament Round 1 - Ogallala falls 57-45 vs. Doniphan-Trumbull

Boys District Final - Ogallala 84-52 over Adams Central

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MjE5NjIzMw%3D%3D">Boys Subdistrict Final on February 27 - Ogallala over Sidney 81-49</a>

Girls District Final on February 28 - Ogallala falls to Gothenburg 55-48

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MjE5NjE5OA%3D%3D">Boys Subdistrict Semifinal on February 25 - Ogallala over Chadron 82-53</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MjE0MDUxMQ%3D%3D">Girls Game vs. McCook on February 7 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MTg3MTg0NQ%3D%3D">Boys Game vs. McCook on February 7 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MjA0NjU1Mw%3D%3D">Boys Game vs. Broken Bow (SW Conference) on January 28 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MjA3ODg4Mw%3D%3D">Girls Game vs. Holdrege (SW Conference) on January 28 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MjA1NTE1Mw%3D%3D">Girls Game vs. Alliance on January 24 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MTg3MTgzOQ%3D%3D">Boys Game vs. Alliance on January 24 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MjAzMjc3OA%3D%3D">Girls Game vs. Scottsbluff on January 21 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MTg3MTgzNw%3D%3D">Boys Game vs. Scottsbluff on January 21 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MTg3MTgzNQ%3D%3D">Boys Game vs. Valentine on January 18 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MTYwNzIzNQ%3D%3D">Girls Game vs. Cozad on January 10 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MTg3MTg3OQ%3D%3D">Boys Game vs. Cozad on January 10 (WATCH)</a>

Girls Game at Bridgeport on January 7, 2025

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MTg2OTkyOA%3D%3D">Girls Game vs. North Platte St. Pat's on December 17 (WATCH)</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MTQ5MzYxMA%3D%3D">Boys Game vs. North Platte St. Pat's on December 17 (WATCH)</a>

Girls &amp; Boys Games at Minden on December 7, 2024

Girls &amp; Boys Games vs. Lexington on December 6, 2024

Ogallala Basketball Games (Broadcast Replay)

The spring semester is here and People's Health is once again making their way over to NPCC for this semester STD and Tacos. The event is for college students only and runs from 11:00am - 1:00pm in the NPCC Health Building room #25. 

Students can get tested for STD's, learn educational facts about sexual activity and more. West Central District Health Department will be on location to provide vaccines.

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Elizabeth Thayer about the upcoming event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) People's Health STD and Taco event for NPCC students on Wednesday

POST news director had the chance to talk with North Platte native and Saturday's main even Jayson Scott about this weekends fights. The pair discuss training preparation, Scott's background and more. To learn more check out the podcast below.

(Audio) MCF 28 St. Paddy's Beatdown XIII - Jayson Scott

North Platte, Neb. - It's the time of the year when the Sandhill Cranes migration journey begins with plenty of them stopping in North Platte, Lincoln County and you can venture out to see the Sandhill Crane Migration. This year, Dusty Trails is offering tours with different parts of the day to check out this yearly migration. During the tour, you will learn about the birds and so much more. <a href="https://www.dustytrails.biz/sandhill-crane-tours">To sign up for a tour click here</a>. You can also check out the Prairie Chickens during this time and tours are available as well.&nbsp;

Nominations are now open for the North Platte Area Excellence in Tourism Awards but not a whole lot of time is left to get your nominations in. You can nominate someone in the following categories:&nbsp;

If you would like to nominate someone,<a href="https://form.jotform.com/250224323569151"> click here.</a>&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Lisa Burke, the Executive Director of Visit North Platte about the Sandhill Cranes, Prairie Chickens, Excellence in Tourism awards and more! To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Sandhill Cranes migration coming to the area, prairie chickens and nominations for Excellence in Tourism Awards!

Rebecca Wrage joined Derek Beck this week as she is getting ready to share her chicken knowledge and answers your poultry-raising questions in two classes coming up with Mid Plains Community College.

The next class is at the Ogallala Campus- March 10, and there will be another at the Imperial Campus on April 8.

Register today by contacting our Ogallala Campus. 308-284-9830 or ogallala@mpcc.eduRegister online for Ogallala or Imperial's class at&nbsp;<a href="http://bceregister.mpcc.edu/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2cV2tAq_IDmD1fADnk6bhU-saeTrKcbeam3GrWFaZxbKgc8G4QRt--eJw_aem_3I1LfSiE5Msr8ET4gP7X_Q" target="_blank">http://bceregister.mpcc.edu</a>

(Podcast) Want to raise chickens? MPCC has class on starting your flock this Monday

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss last week's end-of-season games against Otero and Trinidad State while getting you prepared for Postseason Basketball.

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #10 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Neb. -&nbsp;POST Derek Beck sat down with Holly Carlini from the Prairie Arts Center to chat about the Carousel Horses Project Carlini has been working on. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Carousel Horses Project with Holly Carlini

A total of&nbsp;126 senior medical students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska,&nbsp;learned about their residency assignments March 21&nbsp;during an event at the Omaha Design Center.&nbsp;The 2025 Main Residency Match®&nbsp;-- referred to as Match Day --&nbsp;is an annual rite of passage for medical students, a day when students across the country learn where they will train&nbsp;for&nbsp;the next three to seven years, depending on the&nbsp;medical area of their choice. 

Students are matched through a computer program to align their preferences for residency programs to&nbsp;fill the thousands of training positions available at U.S. teaching hospitals.&nbsp;

Forty-six percent of UNMC medical students are staying in Nebraska for their training, with 41% at UNMC. Fifty-three percent matched&nbsp;in primary care, which includes family medicine, internal medicine, internal medicine/pediatrics, medicine-preliminary, medicine-psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics.

Nationally, there were&nbsp;43,237 residency positions.&nbsp;

The UNMC medical students, slated to graduate in May, are listed&nbsp;below by their hometown, name, specialty,&nbsp;and location of residency assignment.&nbsp;Some students have chosen not to have their names and match results released to the public.&nbsp;The hometowns listed are Nebraska communities unless otherwise stated.

Bennet: Grant Albers, Emergency Medicine, Unity Health-Arkansas, Searcy, AR&nbsp;

Blair: Logan Baumberger, Internal Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Chadron: Corbin Johnson, Otolaryngology, University of Texas HSC-San Antonio, TX&nbsp;

Cody: Cade Cody, Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland&nbsp;

Columbus: Caitlin Molczyk, Psychiatry, Creighton University, Omaha&nbsp;

Creighton: Makayla Brockhaus, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Crete: Luke Siedhoff, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

David City: Branden Daro, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Elkhorn: Paige Eicher, Pediatrics, Childrens Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO; Jacob Owens, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Brawly Taylor, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC&nbsp;

Fremont: Samantha Schindler, Surgery-General, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Phoenix, AZ&nbsp;

Fullerton: Katie Hytrek, Family Medicine, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville&nbsp;

Gering: Alex Duncan, Anesthesiology, UNMC&nbsp;

Grand Island: Shane Jacobs, Pediatrics, UNMC; Nam Nguyen, Ophthalmology, UNMC; Alyssa Wells, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Gretna: Patrick Arnold, Anesthesiology, UNMC; Garett Ostdiek-Wille, Urology, University of Oklahoma HSC, Oklahoma City; Michael Stage, Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical, University of Chicago Medical Center-Illinois&nbsp;

Hickman: Max Devine, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;

Homer: Connor Woodard, Surgery-General, Ochsner Clinic Foundation-Louisiana, New Orleans&nbsp;

Kearney: Josiah Adamson, Surgery-Preliminary, Central Iowa Health System, Des Moines; Ty Connely, Otolaryngology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington; Kennedy Johnson, Internal Medicine, University of Texas HSC, San Antonio; Alexandra Pool, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington&nbsp;

Lincoln: Molly Antonson, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC; Anna Barent, Emergency Medicine, Hennepin Co Medical Center-Minneapolis; Peyton Bash, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jake Denesia, Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston; Laura Ebers, Surgery-General, UNMC; Cole Homer, Surgery-Preliminary, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington; Ben Hynes, Surgery-Preliminary, Methodist Health System, Dallas; Kara Netz, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Kim Nguyen, Medicine-Preliminary, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange; Jenny Song, Psychiatry, Charles R Drew University, Los Angeles; Alex Stogdill, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, UNMC; Currey Zalman, Orthopaedic Surgery, UNMC&nbsp;

Malcolm: Mikayla McKee, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;

Martell: Kaili Jorgens, Anesthesiology, UNMC&nbsp;

Norfolk: Luke Blomenberg, Family Medicine, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Lincoln, NE; Aurora DePalma, Medicine-Psychiatry, ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville, NC; Baylor Price, Surgery-Preliminary, Creighton University, Omaha

North Platte: Treyvon Bokoskie, Family Medicine, UNMC; Jordyn Childears-Vyzourek, Family Medicine, UNMC; Chase Kimberling, Emergency Medicine, Corewell Health, Royal Oak, MI; Austin Snyder, Internal Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City

Omaha: Bailey Anderson, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit Medical Center/WSU, Detroit; Jack Begley, Ophthalmology, UNMC; Lauren Bexten, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Madison Bierman, Internal Medicine, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; Camden Bilyeu, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Caroline Boyd, Internal Medicine, Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, SC; Jay Byrd, Radiology-Diagnostic, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Scottsdale, AZ; Trevor Daubert, Anesthesiology, UNMC; Joe David, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Pranita Devaraju, Internal Medicine, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, Vancouver, WA; Danielle Dircks, Child Neurology, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix; Sineah Donaldson, Family Medicine, Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, IA; Anna Dorhout, Family Medicine, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Lincoln, NE; Sophie Gart, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC; Matthew Gromowsky, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jessica Hack, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jarod Hamsa, Medicine-Preliminary, Billings Clinic, Billings, MT; Madison Han, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington; Marcus Judah, Medicine-Preliminary, UNMC; Grace Kelly, Pediatrics, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix; Joseph Kleinsmith, Otolaryngology, SSM Health/St Louis University School of Medicine, MO; Spencer Lau, Neurological Surgery, University Hospitals, Jackson, MS; Andrew Leavitt, Psychiatry, UNMC; Brenden Lofgren, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Sarah Maki, Internal Medicine, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA; Billy McGuire, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Maggie Meyer, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Will Mitchell, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Jack Mordeson, Neurological Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria OSF, Peoria, IL; Nick Mullen, Transitional Year, Summerville Medical Center, Summerville, SC; Savana Nawojski, Psychiatry, Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA; Ashlyn O'Leary, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas; Morgan Penry, Pediatrics, UNMC; Emma Poulas, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virtua Health, Voorhees, NJ; Morgan Rothanzl, Surgery-General, Creighton University, Omaha; Matthew Schefcik, Internal Medicine, Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA; Rizwan Siddiqui, Internal Medicine, Kettering Health Network, Kettering, OH; Nate Singh, Anesthesiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Rachel Sisley, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Macy Thonen, Obstetrics and Gynecology, UNMC; Danielle Tibbels, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Diego Trejo, Pediatrics, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin; Natalie Von Oldenburg, Internal Medicine, UNMC; Katie Weaver, Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill; Lauren Weis, Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Medical School-Houston; Eva Wetzel, Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals &amp; Clinics, Iowa City; Andrew White, Orthopaedic Surgery, AdventHealth Florida, Orlando; Lauren Ziegenbein, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans&nbsp;

Ord: Benjamin Stevens, Family Medicine, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Moore, GA&nbsp;

Papillion: Lauryn Caster, Family Medicine, North Colorado Medical Center, Greeley; Haley DeWitt, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, UNMC; Hannah Manoj, Psychiatry, UNMC; Alexander Wu, Surgery-General, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis&nbsp;

Scottsbluff: Llicel Rodriguez Gurrola, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Sidney: Seth Ostdiek, Family Medicine, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Lincoln, NE&nbsp;

Sutton: Brandon Chelewski, Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Sydnee Gemar, Family Medicine, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City&nbsp;

Wahoo: Lauren Crockett McGill, Anesthesiology, UNMC

Weeping Water: Sydney Keckler, Emergency Medicine, UNMC

San Diego, CA: Jaime Yrastorza, Otolaryngology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA&nbsp;

Colorado Springs, CO: Alicia Phillips, Emergency Medicine, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ&nbsp;

Miami, FL: Dustin Quinata, Family Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

St. Petersburg, FL: Rose McCoy, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;

Council Bluffs, IA: Max Regester, Transitional Year, MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, IL&nbsp;

Naperville, IL: Nicholas Amendola, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY&nbsp;

Lawrence, KS: Cole Herrin, Emergency Medicine, UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, PA&nbsp;

Leawood, KS: Bria Foley, Surgery-General, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA&nbsp;

Wichita, KS: Matthew Pile, Anesthesiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita

Franklin, MA: Stephen Higgins, Surgery-Preliminary (OMFS), UNMC&nbsp;

Detroit, MI: Austen Washington, Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis&nbsp;

Pine City, MN: Alyssa Bursott, Pediatrics, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA&nbsp;

Arnold, MO: Kaitlyn Thompson, Psychiatry, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO&nbsp;

Charlotte, NC: Sarah Sutter, Pediatrics, UNMC&nbsp;

Bismarck, ND: Roarick Schollmeyer, Emergency Medicine, UNMC&nbsp;

Sturgis, SD: Joe Levey, Psychiatry, Mountain AHEC, Asheville, NC&nbsp;

Union County, SD: Will Bruening, Ophthalmology, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Caption:&nbsp;Forty-six percent of UNMC medical students are staying in Nebraska for their training.

 126 UNMC medical students learned residency assignments on Match Day

North Platte, Neb. - The growth of North Platte continues to grow as Sustainable Beer welcomed nearly 1000 guests for Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. The event featured FFA Chapters from around the area, residents, guests making a trip across Nebraska and even folks from out of the state. &nbsp;

Eleven guest speakers hit the podium to talk about the excitement of the new plant, the growth of the community and so much more. Guest speakers who attended the event were the following:&nbsp;

North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher&nbsp;

Bill Rupp – SB Board Member &amp; COO&nbsp;

Trey Wasserburger – SB Board Member&nbsp;

Taylor Lehr – SB Board Member &amp; Walmart SVP&nbsp;

David Briggs – SB Board Member &amp; CEO&nbsp;

Gary Person – President/CEO of the NP Chamber &amp; Development Corp.&nbsp;

Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony marked a big day for North Platte and its economic growth.&nbsp;

“It’s a great day for North Platte, it’s our largest economic development opportunity in probably a century and we celebrated the ribbon cutting of Sustainable Beef and it’s like nothing we have ever seen,” said North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher. “Fantastic crowd, people all over the country, a few from all over the world came to North Platte Nebraska to see this monument event.”&nbsp;

When the plant is fully operational, the plant will see nearly 1,500 cattle head and will employee just a little over 800 employees and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts stated during his three minutes speak to guest that young families are moving towards North Platte for this new opportunity of employment.&nbsp;

The idea of getting this plant to North Platte and what it takes is a team of leaders to get the job done and Gary Person with the North Platte Chamber was a big hand in getting the project to North Platte.&nbsp;

“We did it!” said Gary Person, President/CEO of the NP Chamber &amp; Development. Person went on to discuss how the talks of the project begin in 2019 and exactly 1,678 days, one hour, and 14 minutes after the initial planning meeting heading into Monday’s ribbon cutting to celebrate the big day with everyone in attendance. &nbsp;

After the conclusion of the speakers, guest had the chance to tour the facility and learn about how it will operate. The guided tours took around 40-50 minutes.

The day also marked a big day for Walmart who has been an investor and will work closely with the beef plant. Progress is being made towards the official opening day and will mark a new era in economic growth for the great city of North Platte, Lincoln County and the state of Nebraska. &nbsp;

Sustainable Beef welcomes nearly thousand guests for ribbon cutting ceremony 

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission&nbsp;

Portions of Red Willow State Recreation Area in Red Willow County are temporarily closed after a fire burned approximately 85 acres in the park.

The fire, which was reported about 12:40 p.m. March 22, was contained to the southwest side of the dam and no structures were affected. However, this area of the park — which includes South Lookout and Red Willow campgrounds — will remain closed to camping and hiking until further notice.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though it is suspected to have originated from an unattended campfire at a campsite.

Nebraska Game and Parks law enforcement is seeking Wildlife Crimestoppers tips about the fire; report anonymously at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Foutdoornebraska.gov%252F%253Futm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01000195ca11056e-ff69b76d-60be-469d-9006-7e64c4d26105-000000%2F2N-NjfAxT9AuepMKFr5D_yomeGMlfwEG1Jh90_3yqXQ%3D397&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cshawna.richter-ryerson%40nebraska.gov%7Cbc071be5ee5f42a7b7d308dd6b1b311a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638784486708477705%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=zoju%2FA2S534LopiHp0a7gS5vu869ZCnI1zg8ba0FfOA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;by searching for “crimestoppers.”

Eight area fire departments and several neighboring landowners with tractors joined Nebraska Game and Parks wildlife and parks staff to contain the Saturday fire. The fire departments included Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department, McCook Fire Department, Culbertson Rural Fire Department, Beaver City Volunteer Fire Department, Maywood Volunteer Fire Department, Curtis Volunteer Fire Department, Hayes Center Rural Fire Department, and Indianola Fire and Rescue.

Red Willow fire department and Game and Parks staff continue to monitor for hot spots.

Portions of Red Willow SRA temporarily closed after fire

North Platte Community College will host a blood drive April 9. The event is open to the public.

The American Red Cross will be set up from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the concession area of the McDonald-Belton Building on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to participate and earn a $15 Amazon.com gift card by email.

Save time by making an appointment using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification will be required at check-in.

NPCC to host blood drive

The Hot Sheets: March 25th, 2025

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) is partnering with Tobacco-Free Nebraska to promote the Take Down Tobacco Initiative on April 1, 2025. Sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, this event empowers individuals to take a stand against the tobacco industry. On this day, young advocates and their communities will unite to confront Big Tobacco, unveil the tactics used to entice youth into addiction, and advocate for meaningful change.

Tobacco products like flavored vapes have contributed to the youth e-cigarette epidemic, undermining years of progress made in reducing tobacco use in the U.S. The tobacco industry has a longstanding pattern of targeting young people with flavored products, including e-cigarettes and menthol tobacco.

“We are witnessing a rise in smoking rates among our youth, and it’s becoming increasingly alarming,” says Hunter York, Senior Program Manager at SWNPHD. “Raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use is crucial in safeguarding our young people from its dangers.”

On April 1, 2025, during the Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action, SWNPHD invites youth activists, educators, parents, health advocates and concerned citizens to unite in their commitment to:

The SWNPHD and Tobacco Free Nebraska are working to help people quit tobacco, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, and protect youth by keeping them from using tobacco. Learn more and get involved at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Tobacco-Free-Nebraska.aspx">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Tobacco-Free-Nebraska.aspx</a>. For help quitting, the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/I-Want-to-Quit-Tobacco.aspx">Quitnow.ne.gov</a>, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), and in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569). Youth cessation services offered by Tobacco Free Nebraska can be accessed by testing “START MY QUIT” to 36072.

“Although we have successfully reduced cigarette sales—a significant step towards addressing health disparities and countering the industry’s predatory marketing toward youth and Black Americans—our fight must persist,” continues York. “Big Tobacco will not relent, and we must remain vigilant.”

Take Down Tobacco

Spring is in the air and animals are out and about. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) reminds everyone to use caution around wild animals or animals you do not know. Animals can carry several diseases that are infectious to people, and sick animals or mothers protecting babies may be more likely to bite or cause injuries.

“Even animals that may look friendly should be treated with caution if you are unfamiliar with them,” explains Melissa Propp RN, Clinic Manager with SWNPHD. “Teaching your children about animal safety is extremely important to help prevent bites.”

Wild animals have the potential to carry rabies which can be passed on to humans by the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is a deadly viral infection that affects the nervous system of humans if not treated quickly after exposure. Rabies should be suspected in all animals that show a sudden change in behavior that is different from normal, such as animals normally active at night being seen during the day.

Be alert when around wild animals and do not approach them. Baby animals such as raccoons or opossums may be cute but should never be touched or handled. Bats are important bug eaters in Nebraska but are also a common carrier of rabies. Bats should always be treated with caution, especially if they need to be removed from human spaces. Trap and remove bats using containers and thick gloves to make sure there is no direct contact or contact a professional to remove them.

If you believe you had contact with a bat or other sick animal, contact your healthcare provider or the public health nurses at 308-345-4223 for more information and instructions. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. You can follow SWNPHD on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Stay Safe Around Animals

The Hot Sheets: March 24th, 2025

Yordanis Navarro Castro,  35, North Platte &amp; Aidelin Milian Rodriguez, 29, North Platte

Marriage Licenses For Lincoln County (Week of March 17th)

The Hot Sheets: March 23rd, 2025

Area NSAA Spring Baseball results

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Tuesday, March 25 – 6:05 p.m. CT

Pitching:&nbsp;RHP Carson Jasa (2-1, 5.52 ERA) vs. RHP Donte Lewis (2-0, 2.31 ERA)

Radio:&nbsp;Huskers.com, Huskers Radio Network, Huskers App

• Tuesday night's midweek matchup can be seen on ESPN+, with Matt Walters and Mike Clark on the call.

• Fans can also listen to Ben McLaughlin and David Gustafson call the action Tuesday night on the Huskers Radio Network.

• Every game this season can be heard for free on Huskers.com and the Official Nebraska Huskers App for both iOS and android devices.

• Nebraska and Kansas State have met 292 times on the diamond, with the Huskers holding a 174-118 advantage in the all-time series over the Wildcats.

• K-State picked up a 9-6 win over the Big Red at the Frisco Classic earlier this season.

McConnaughey to Miss Remainder of 2025 Season

• Nebraska Coach Will Bolt announced the first week in March that junior right-handed pitcher Mason McConnaughey will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering an arm injury against Sam Houston at the Frisco Classic.

• McConnaughey began the season as the first husker named to the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List since 2016 and earned Preseason All-American recognition from D1Baseball and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

• Redshirt freshman Carson Jasa is set to make his third career start for the Huskers on Tuesday night.

• As a starter, the right-hander is 2-0 and holds a 1.80 ERA with 15 punchouts and an opposing batting average of .118 across 10 innings this season.

• The Thornton, Colo., native has recorded a pair of five-inning outings with two hits allowed in starts against Wichita State and Pepperdine.

• On the season, Jasa has appeared in seven games, including two starts, and has compiled a 5.52 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 14.2 innings of work.

• Nebraska is 113-23 under head coach Will Bolt when scoring at least six runs.

• The Big Red have scored six-plus runs in nine of the 10 victories this season, defeating No. 16 Vanderbilt (6-4), San Diego State (13-0), Louisiana (6-1), Washington (6-2), Wichita State (10-1), Pepperdine (9-6, 11-4) and USC (6-5).

• The Husker offense reached the six-run mark 34 times last season, compiling a 28-6 record.

• Nebraska scored six-plus runs in 33 contests (26-7) in 2023 after tallying at least six runs 23 times (19-4) in 2022, 28 times (26-2) in 2021 and seven times (5-2) in 2020.

NU's First Strikeout-Free Game Since 2014

• With an 11-4 win at Pepperdine last week, the Husker offense posted its first strikeout-free game since a 5-3 win vs. UNLV on March 30, 2014.

• The Huskers scored 11 runs on 11-of-35 hitting (.314) with a double, three homers and 10 RBI. The NU hitters drew seven walks and were plunked two times.

• Devin Nunez is slashing .343/.397/.478 with three homers, 14 RBI and 11 runs scored in 119 games, including 15 starts this season.

• Dylan Carey is hitting .279 on the season and leads the Huskers with seven doubles, four homers, 21 RBI and a .500 slugging percentage.

• Cayden Brumbaugh has scored a team-high 17 runs and is batting .286 with a team-high seven multi-hit contests this season.

• Robby Bolin has appeared in 17 games, including 10 starts, and is second on the team with a .314 batting average, while Tyler Stone has five doubles, two home runs and eight RBI in 15 games this season.

• Case Sanderson leads the NU offense with a .429 on-base percentage and 13 walks in 20 games played, and Riley Silva is second on the team with a .409 OBP and has scored eight times in 19 games.

• Will Jesske has three doubles, a triple, four RBI and eight runs scored while splitting time behind the dish with Hogan Helligso.

• Joshua Overbeek has tallied five extra-base hits with four RBI and nine runs scored, while Cael Frost has driven in eight runs, homered twice and is tied with a team-high 13 walks.

• Luke Broderick has totaled four saves in seven appearances for the NU bullpen and picked up his first win after dealing a career-high 2.1 innings at USC last weekend.

• Drew Christo and Caleb Clark have appeared in a team-high nine relief appearances on the season.

• Casey Daiss has tossed 5.1 scoreless frames across four appearances against Kansas State, Washington, Pepperdine and USC.

• Jalen Worthley is third on the team with eight appearances and has posted a 1-0 record, while TJ Coats has made four appearances, including two starts, in his debut season with the Huskers.

• Freshmen Pryce Bender, Colin Nowaczyk, Gavin Blachowicz and Blake Encarnacion have combined to pitch 26 innings in their debut season at Nebraska.

• Grant Cleavinger and Ryan Harrahill have each taken the mound five times for the NU pitching staff this season, combining for nine strikeouts in 8.1 innings.

Silva Closing in on All-Time HBP Chart

• Riley Silva has been hit by pitch 30 times in his two seasons as a Husker, which is one shy of 10th all-time in program history.

• Silva is one away from tying Jed Dalton (1992-95) in second and four shy of Dave Crain (1994-95) in ninth.

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