NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– The Nebraska Extension will host another “Calculating Annual Cow Costs” webinar course on March 24, 27, and 31.&nbsp;

“We had exceptional interest in the first Calculating Annual Cow Costs course. So, we decided to offer a second course in late March,” said Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator. “Knowing annual cow costs is the foundation for evaluating and making management decisions that can improve profitability for a cow-calf enterprise.”&nbsp;

Input costs can challenge producers to examine the cost of production and identify opportunities to adjust the production system. Calculating costs and breaking them into categories can help producers understand where changes may be possible.&nbsp;

The webinar course will cover the fundamentals of knowing and calculating annual cow costs and will include:&nbsp;

The webinar series will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. CST. It is $70 per person and includes a resource workbook. The course is limited to 40 participants. To register, go to https://go.unl.edu/cow_costs. Registration is requested by March 17 since materials will be mailed out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For questions about the webinar series or more information, contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741273201133.jpeg" alt="Tibbets Sioux cattle (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Tibbets Sioux cattle (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska ExtensionNORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– The Nebraska Extension will host another “Calculating Annual Cow Costs” webinar course on March 24, 27, and 31.&nbsp;“We had exceptional interest in the first Calculating Annual Cow Costs course. So, we decided to offer a second course in late March,” said Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator. “Knowing annual cow costs is the foundation for evaluating and making management decisions that can improve profitability for a cow-calf enterprise.”&nbsp;Input costs can challenge producers to examine the cost of production and identify opportunities to adjust the production system. Calculating costs and breaking them into categories can help producers understand where changes may be possible.&nbsp;The webinar course will cover the fundamentals of knowing and calculating annual cow costs and will include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Understanding the economic unit cost of production for the cow-calf enterprise.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Recognizing the value and cost of both grazed and harvested feed.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Calculating cow depreciation and replacement development costs.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Figuring the cost of equipment and labor utilized in the cow-calf enterprise.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Examining breeding expenses and evaluating the value and cost relationship.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Reviewing benchmark cost and production data to see how you compare.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The webinar series will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. CST. It is $70 per person and includes a resource workbook. The course is limited to 40 participants. To register, go to https://go.unl.edu/cow_costs. Registration is requested by March 17 since materials will be mailed out.&nbsp;&nbsp;A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.&nbsp;&nbsp;For questions about the webinar series or more information, contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.&nbsp;

Nebraska Extension offers second course on Calculating Annual Cow Costs   

(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to over 300 weather-related traffic incidents during Nebraska’s latest winter storm. Tragically, one crash near Grand Island involved multiple fatalities.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, a Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 near mile marker 310, when it lost control, crossed the median, and struck an eastbound semi. Both occupants of the Chevrolet, Emelin Ortega Rodas, 25, of Lexington, and Daniel Ortega Marroquin, 62, of Lexington, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the semi was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Severe winter weather was a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to over 300 weather-related traffic incidents during Nebraska’s latest winter storm. Tragically, one crash near Grand Island involved multiple fatalities.At approximately 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, a Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 near mile marker 310, when it lost control, crossed the median, and struck an eastbound semi. Both occupants of the Chevrolet, Emelin Ortega Rodas, 25, of Lexington, and Daniel Ortega Marroquin, 62, of Lexington, were pronounced deceased at the scene.The driver of the semi was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Severe winter weather was a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

Lexington father and daughter killed in winter crash on I-80 near Grand Island

Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team members Kahiwa Augustiro, of Ho’olehua, Hawaii, and Laynee Ohm, of Hyannis, are recognized with $1,500 Dual Excellence Scholarships. The presentation was made Saturday night at Venue304 in North Platte during the team’s annual banquet.

Dual Excellence Scholarships are awarded every year by the Wranglers booster committee. They are given to rodeo team athletes who excel in both the classroom and the arena. Selection is based upon GPA and overall points earned.

Also at the banquet, two $500 scholarships from the Phillipsburg, Kansas Rodeo were awarded.

This year the recipients are rodeo team members Clay Meyer, of Loomis, and Erin Osmotherly, of Hot Springs, S.D.<a></a>

Rodeo team member Laysha Cottrell, of Waianae, Hawaii, was also awarded $500 for being the top raffle ticket seller this year.

In addition to the scholarship presentations, the banquet included live and silent auctions, a prime rib dinner and comments from the coaches.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741271415459.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer FullerMPCCMid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team members Kahiwa Augustiro, of Ho’olehua, Hawaii, and Laynee Ohm, of Hyannis, are recognized with $1,500 Dual Excellence Scholarships. The presentation was made Saturday night at Venue304 in North Platte during the team’s annual banquet.Dual Excellence Scholarships are awarded every year by the Wranglers booster committee. They are given to rodeo team athletes who excel in both the classroom and the arena. Selection is based upon GPA and overall points earned.Also at the banquet, two $500 scholarships from the Phillipsburg, Kansas Rodeo were awarded.This year the recipients are rodeo team members Clay Meyer, of Loomis, and Erin Osmotherly, of Hot Springs, S.D.<a></a>Rodeo team member Laysha Cottrell, of Waianae, Hawaii, was also awarded $500 for being the top raffle ticket seller this year.In addition to the scholarship presentations, the banquet included live and silent auctions, a prime rib dinner and comments from the coaches.&nbsp;

Scholarship winners announced at MPCC Rodeo Team Banquet

Harmon&nbsp;Johnsen&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sutherland, a&nbsp;junior&nbsp;majoring in&nbsp;broadcasting, and sports media and communication,&nbsp;was part of a team that won an award&nbsp;in the Broadcast Education Association's Festival of Media Arts in February.

Johnsen&nbsp;was a sports reporter on the Nebraska Nightly team that won first place&nbsp;in the&nbsp;television newscast (three days a week or less) category.

The BEA Festival of Media Arts is an international media competition focused on student and faculty creative endeavors. In the last six years, more than 8,000 creative works have been submitted by BEA's 300-plus member institutions around the globe. This year, BEA received 2,285 entries and awarded 445 student winners from 111 colleges and universities.

To learn more about the BEA Festival of Media Arts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://beaweb.org/festival" target="_blank">https://beaweb.org/festival</a>.

For the full list of this year's award winners from Nebraska, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://go.unl.edu/xtr8" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/xtr8</a>.

-UNL<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741277403149.jpeg" alt="Harmon Johnsen (image courtesy UNL Journalism)" />
 <figcaption>Harmon Johnsen (image courtesy UNL Journalism)</figcaption>
 </figure>Harmon&nbsp;Johnsen&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sutherland, a&nbsp;junior&nbsp;majoring in&nbsp;broadcasting, and sports media and communication,&nbsp;was part of a team that won an award&nbsp;in the Broadcast Education Association's Festival of Media Arts in February.Johnsen&nbsp;was a sports reporter on the Nebraska Nightly team that won first place&nbsp;in the&nbsp;television newscast (three days a week or less) category.The BEA Festival of Media Arts is an international media competition focused on student and faculty creative endeavors. In the last six years, more than 8,000 creative works have been submitted by BEA's 300-plus member institutions around the globe. This year, BEA received 2,285 entries and awarded 445 student winners from 111 colleges and universities.To learn more about the BEA Festival of Media Arts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://beaweb.org/festival" target="_blank">https://beaweb.org/festival</a>.For the full list of this year's award winners from Nebraska, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://go.unl.edu/xtr8" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/xtr8</a>.

Harmon Johnsen of Sutherland wins award in BEA Festival of Media Arts

Las Mañanitas Community Advocates&nbsp;

North Platte, Nebraska – Las Mañanitas Community Advocates is excited to announce that it has received a $15,000 grant from Farm Credit Services of America through the Working Here grant program. These funds will be used to build a hydroponics greenhouse on a three acre plot of land just east of the Poplar viaduct on the north side of North Platte. This area, which currently lacks access to fresh produce, will soon have a sustainable solution for local residents and businesses.&nbsp;

Adi Dobbins, the Director of Las Mañanitas Community Advocates, shared, “We’ve had conversations with several local restaurants, and we’re excited to secure partnerships with them to rent plots in the greenhouse. The fresh produce grown will be featured in their menus, bringing high-quality, locally grown ingredients to North Platte. Additionally, we will be growing microgreen sprouts in the greenhouse, providing a nutrient-rich addition to the produce we offer.”&nbsp;

The greenhouse is slated for construction in late spring and is just one part of a larger, three phase project. The organization also plans to build a community center and a business incubator to support local entrepreneurs. In addition to selling fresh produce and microgreens, the greenhouse will host farm-to-table workshops, educate the community on modern agricultural practices, and offer a weekly produce giveaway to those in need.&nbsp;

“We’re thrilled about the opportunities this project will create for the community,” said Dobbins. “However, we still need additional funding to make this vision a reality. We plan to host fundraisers and collaborate with community partners to ensure the success of this important initiative.”&nbsp;

Las Mañanitas Community Advocates is committed to fostering economic growth, community connection, and youth development in North Platte, and this greenhouse is just the beginning of a long-term community transformation.&nbsp;

For more information or to contribute, please contact Las Mañanitas Community Advocates at info@lmca308.org

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741270703082.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Las Mañanitas Community Advocates&nbsp;North Platte, Nebraska – Las Mañanitas Community Advocates is excited to announce that it has received a $15,000 grant from Farm Credit Services of America through the Working Here grant program. These funds will be used to build a hydroponics greenhouse on a three acre plot of land just east of the Poplar viaduct on the north side of North Platte. This area, which currently lacks access to fresh produce, will soon have a sustainable solution for local residents and businesses.&nbsp;Adi Dobbins, the Director of Las Mañanitas Community Advocates, shared, “We’ve had conversations with several local restaurants, and we’re excited to secure partnerships with them to rent plots in the greenhouse. The fresh produce grown will be featured in their menus, bringing high-quality, locally grown ingredients to North Platte. Additionally, we will be growing microgreen sprouts in the greenhouse, providing a nutrient-rich addition to the produce we offer.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741270730304.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The greenhouse is slated for construction in late spring and is just one part of a larger, three phase project. The organization also plans to build a community center and a business incubator to support local entrepreneurs. In addition to selling fresh produce and microgreens, the greenhouse will host farm-to-table workshops, educate the community on modern agricultural practices, and offer a weekly produce giveaway to those in need.&nbsp;“We’re thrilled about the opportunities this project will create for the community,” said Dobbins. “However, we still need additional funding to make this vision a reality. We plan to host fundraisers and collaborate with community partners to ensure the success of this important initiative.”&nbsp;Las Mañanitas Community Advocates is committed to fostering economic growth, community connection, and youth development in North Platte, and this greenhouse is just the beginning of a long-term community transformation.&nbsp;For more information or to contribute, please contact Las Mañanitas Community Advocates at info@lmca308.org

LMCA Secures $15,000 Grant for Hydroponics Greenhouse Construction 

Lincoln, Ne - The Boys 2025 State Basketball Brackets were officially released Thursday morning. In Class C1, Ogallala (24-1) is the #2 seed while Cozad (24-3) is on the other side of the C1 bracket as the #4 seed. In Class D1, North Platte St. Pat's (19-6) is the #6 seed and also from the area, Dundy County-Stratton (19-5) is the #7 seed. The tournament begins next Wednesday in Lincoln.

Lincoln, Ne - The Boys 2025 State Basketball Brackets were officially released Thursday morning. In Class C1, Ogallala (24-1) is the #2 seed while Cozad (24-3) is on the other side of the C1 bracket as the #4 seed. In Class D1, North Platte St. Pat's (19-6) is the #6 seed and also from the area, Dundy County-Stratton (19-5) is the #7 seed. The tournament begins next Wednesday in Lincoln.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741269783073.png" alt="2025 Boys State Basketball Bracket" />
 <figcaption>2025 Boys State Basketball Bracket</figcaption>
 </figure>

Boys State Basketball Brackets released, Irish, Indians & Haymakers will make the trip

Ogallala, Ne - Graduate students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Community and Regional Planning program are collecting anonymous feedback regarding what is currently working in Ogallala and what improvements are needed for the future. 

The UNL graduate students will present an overview of their findings at an Open House on Sunday, April 6th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the City Hall Administration Building (411 E 2nd Street).

Ogallala and Keith County residents and business owners are encouraged you to take a few minutes to complete the survey below.&nbsp;

<a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawIlnWxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaQHeF49Wxr5MO6DUD9UkDGT6u_8smgDRa87KiX2vn4iVTwcMClBDl3a5w_aem_bENtGxVBlCit8_LkT4HWPA&amp;id=rQHb_YNJbkOrNRrwQ7gYyUCfq-WcVPZPo1PiBHIkXCpUMVlBSEw1TDQ1VlNUUTE5VjVQTjZaSE1IUC4u&amp;route=shorturl">CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY</a>

Ogallala, Ne - Graduate students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Community and Regional Planning program are collecting anonymous feedback regarding what is currently working in Ogallala and what improvements are needed for the future. The UNL graduate students will present an overview of their findings at an Open House on Sunday, April 6th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the City Hall Administration Building (411 E 2nd Street).Ogallala and Keith County residents and business owners are encouraged you to take a few minutes to complete the survey below.&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawIlnWxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaQHeF49Wxr5MO6DUD9UkDGT6u_8smgDRa87KiX2vn4iVTwcMClBDl3a5w_aem_bENtGxVBlCit8_LkT4HWPA&amp;id=rQHb_YNJbkOrNRrwQ7gYyUCfq-WcVPZPo1PiBHIkXCpUMVlBSEw1TDQ1VlNUUTE5VjVQTjZaSE1IUC4u&amp;route=shorturl">CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741189358649.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Ogallala Community Vision Survey's are due Friday

Paul Hammel <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/03/students-educators-tout-benefits-of-funding-dual-enrollment-classes-in-high-school/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN – Soon after beginning her studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, McKenzie Murphy, then 19, applied for a part-time job.

She had graduated from high school only a few months earlier, but Murphy’s application also read “graduate, associates degree, Northeast Community College.”

Her interviewer didn’t believe that someone so young could have a two-year college degree.

“Oh my gosh, when did you graduate?” Murphy was asked.

In May of 2023, Murphy received her diploma from Bancroft-Rosalie High School. But because she had participated in a state dual enrollment program, she also earned a college degree by taking college-level classes while in high school — classes that came with both college and high school credits.

During her last semester of high school, Murphy took 21 credit hours of such dual enrollment classes, completing a lot of general education courses normally taken at colleges or universities, but also learning about investing.

This year, more than 20,000 Nebraska high school students at more than 200 schools across the state are taking dual enrollment classes, with hundreds each year, like Murphy, graduating with two diplomas when they finish high school.

Students, including those home-schooled or in private schools, get discounted tuition when taking the classes. In two areas of the state, tuition and books are free, those served by Omaha-based Metropolitan Community College and Norfolk-centered Northeast Community College.

But the future affordability of the program for families statewide is being threatened by a reduction in funding.

The $5 million a year from the federal pandemic-related American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is going away, leaving only $3 million a year in state funding remaining.

On Thursday, several administrators of community colleges and Nebraska high schools joined a student and a representative of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry in testifying in favor of state legislation to keep the program affordable for high school students and their families. It would provide an additional $21 million over the next two years to continue.

Supporters of the additional funding praised the program as jump-starting student higher education, which they said leads to higher rates of college enrollment and earlier graduation. It also gets students into the workforce sooner, in high-need jobs like welding, teaching and health care, and is a proven way to reverse the “brain drain” exodus of educated young people from Nebraska.

“This maybe has been the most successful higher education partnership with K-12 education and business in all my years in education,” said Randy Schmailzl, the long-time president of Metropolitan Community College, which had nearly 9,000 dual enrollment students this year.

Mark Shepard, the superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, said the program had helped boost a local career and technical education program that has trained 200 student welders over the past nine years. Seventy of those trained are now working in well-paying, high-demand jobs in the state, he said.

“We view these programs as a true game changer for our state,” Shepard said of the technical training offered in Fremont through dual enrollment.

Murphy, whose family lives in Walthill, said she could not have taken the classes she did if she had been required to pay full tuition, which is $108 per credit hour at Northeast Community College.

At her high school, students have taken 790 credit hours of tuition-free dual enrollment classes this year with eight of the 18 members of the senior class on track to graduate with community college associate degrees, according to Jon Cerny, superintendent at Bancroft-Rosalie.

At Millard Public Schools, 2,200 students took dual enrollment classes last year, earning 26,000 credits. Superintendent John Schwartz said that added up to just short of $2 million in tuition that families didn’t have to pay.

The result, the two educators told members of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, is that students complete college sooner and with less debt, and are able to graduate earlier and join the Nebraska workforce.

“It’s hard to find a better program that supports young people and our economy,” said Michael Johnson of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, who called the state’s shortage of workers “the number-one barrier to economic growth in the state.”

“This program presents a win-win-win opportunity for all of us,” said State Sen. Jason Prokop of Lincoln.

His proposal, Legislative Bill 173, would provide $10 million for the dual enrollment program in 2025-26 and $11 million the following year.

Prokop said it exceeds the $5 million a year in ARPA funds that are going away because that money hasn’t covered all costs of the program, which are nearing $20 million a year. He said funding also hasn’t kept up with the 65% increase in students taking the courses.

“This program produces a pipeline of skilled labor that Nebraska employers desperately need,” the senator told the committee.

LB 173 wasn’t included in the preliminary budget recommendations of the Appropriations Committee, which is now taking testimony on its proposed budget. Senators are seeking to close a budget gap, leaving little funding for new spending.

Omaha State Sen. Christy Armendariz, a member of the committee, praised the program. But more than once, she asked whether other funds — rather than state taxpayer money — might be found to finance the dual enrollment program, or whether it could be more focused on families who could not afford to pay the tuition.

An official with Northeast Community College said that institution doesn’t have the funds to continue to offer free tuition on its own, and would have to start charging students. Schmailzl said that when Metro used to offer the classes at 50% of full tuition, it “cut a lot of people out.”

Shepard, the Fremont superintendent, said that 40 some businesses have contributed to the vocational programs in his district, but that ending free tuition, or having students fill out a waiver to get a tuition break, would present barriers.

The Appropriations Committee took no action on the bill after the public hearing on Thursday. It received 70 online comments in support of the bill and no opposition.

Murphy, the UNO student, wasn’t able to attend the public hearing. She’s working three part-time jobs as she pursues her pre-medicine degree in hopes of eventually becoming an ophthalmologist.

Besides saving money and getting a jump start on her university studies, she said dual enrollment and the rigors of college classes forced her to get more organized. She made a daily list of what she needed to get done each day.

“When you see someone who graduates with an associate degree, they realize that’s a hard-working person, Murphy said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741022622934.jpeg" alt="Dual enrollment programs are helping Nebraska high school students earn college credit and in some cases associates degrees before graduation. Shown is the downtown Lincoln campus of Southeast Community College. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Dual enrollment programs are helping Nebraska high school students earn college credit and in some cases associates degrees before graduation. Shown is the downtown Lincoln campus of Southeast Community College. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/03/students-educators-tout-benefits-of-funding-dual-enrollment-classes-in-high-school/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN – Soon after beginning her studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, McKenzie Murphy, then 19, applied for a part-time job.She had graduated from high school only a few months earlier, but Murphy’s application also read “graduate, associates degree, Northeast Community College.”Her interviewer didn’t believe that someone so young could have a two-year college degree.“Oh my gosh, when did you graduate?” Murphy was asked.In May of 2023, Murphy received her diploma from Bancroft-Rosalie High School. But because she had participated in a state dual enrollment program, she also earned a college degree by taking college-level classes while in high school — classes that came with both college and high school credits.During her last semester of high school, Murphy took 21 credit hours of such dual enrollment classes, completing a lot of general education courses normally taken at colleges or universities, but also learning about investing.“I like to stay busy,” she said.<h2>A strong head start</h2>This year, more than 20,000 Nebraska high school students at more than 200 schools across the state are taking dual enrollment classes, with hundreds each year, like Murphy, graduating with two diplomas when they finish high school.Students, including those home-schooled or in private schools, get discounted tuition when taking the classes. In two areas of the state, tuition and books are free, those served by Omaha-based Metropolitan Community College and Norfolk-centered Northeast Community College.But the future affordability of the program for families statewide is being threatened by a reduction in funding.The $5 million a year from the federal pandemic-related American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is going away, leaving only $3 million a year in state funding remaining.On Thursday, several administrators of community colleges and Nebraska high schools joined a student and a representative of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry in testifying in favor of state legislation to keep the program affordable for high school students and their families. It would provide an additional $21 million over the next two years to continue.Supporters of the additional funding praised the program as jump-starting student higher education, which they said leads to higher rates of college enrollment and earlier graduation. It also gets students into the workforce sooner, in high-need jobs like welding, teaching and health care, and is a proven way to reverse the “brain drain” exodus of educated young people from Nebraska.“This maybe has been the most successful higher education partnership with K-12 education and business in all my years in education,” said Randy Schmailzl, the long-time president of Metropolitan Community College, which had nearly 9,000 dual enrollment students this year.<h2>Students, schools embrace program</h2>Mark Shepard, the superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, said the program had helped boost a local career and technical education program that has trained 200 student welders over the past nine years. Seventy of those trained are now working in well-paying, high-demand jobs in the state, he said.“We view these programs as a true game changer for our state,” Shepard said of the technical training offered in Fremont through dual enrollment.Murphy, whose family lives in Walthill, said she could not have taken the classes she did if she had been required to pay full tuition, which is $108 per credit hour at Northeast Community College.At her high school, students have taken 790 credit hours of tuition-free dual enrollment classes this year with eight of the 18 members of the senior class on track to graduate with community college associate degrees, according to Jon Cerny, superintendent at Bancroft-Rosalie.At Millard Public Schools, 2,200 students took dual enrollment classes last year, earning 26,000 credits. Superintendent John Schwartz said that added up to just short of $2 million in tuition that families didn’t have to pay.The result, the two educators told members of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, is that students complete college sooner and with less debt, and are able to graduate earlier and join the Nebraska workforce.“It’s hard to find a better program that supports young people and our economy,” said Michael Johnson of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, who called the state’s shortage of workers “the number-one barrier to economic growth in the state.”“This program presents a win-win-win opportunity for all of us,” said State Sen. Jason Prokop of Lincoln.<h2>Bill offers replacement funding</h2>His proposal, Legislative Bill 173, would provide $10 million for the dual enrollment program in 2025-26 and $11 million the following year.Prokop said it exceeds the $5 million a year in ARPA funds that are going away because that money hasn’t covered all costs of the program, which are nearing $20 million a year. He said funding also hasn’t kept up with the 65% increase in students taking the courses.“This program produces a pipeline of skilled labor that Nebraska employers desperately need,” the senator told the committee.LB 173 wasn’t included in the preliminary budget recommendations of the Appropriations Committee, which is now taking testimony on its proposed budget. Senators are seeking to close a budget gap, leaving little funding for new spending.Omaha State Sen. Christy Armendariz, a member of the committee, praised the program. But more than once, she asked whether other funds — rather than state taxpayer money — might be found to finance the dual enrollment program, or whether it could be more focused on families who could not afford to pay the tuition.An official with Northeast Community College said that institution doesn’t have the funds to continue to offer free tuition on its own, and would have to start charging students. Schmailzl said that when Metro used to offer the classes at 50% of full tuition, it “cut a lot of people out.”Shepard, the Fremont superintendent, said that 40 some businesses have contributed to the vocational programs in his district, but that ending free tuition, or having students fill out a waiver to get a tuition break, would present barriers.<h2>No immediate action</h2>The Appropriations Committee took no action on the bill after the public hearing on Thursday. It received 70 online comments in support of the bill and no opposition.Murphy, the UNO student, wasn’t able to attend the public hearing. She’s working three part-time jobs as she pursues her pre-medicine degree in hopes of eventually becoming an ophthalmologist.Besides saving money and getting a jump start on her university studies, she said dual enrollment and the rigors of college classes forced her to get more organized. She made a daily list of what she needed to get done each day.It also helped her get hired.“When you see someone who graduates with an associate degree, they realize that’s a hard-working person, Murphy said.

Students, Educators Tout Benefits of Funding Dual Enrollment Classes in High School

LINCOLN, Neb. – (March 3, 2025) –&nbsp;VIsit Nebraska is excited to announce the stops included in the 2025 Nebraska Passport program. The Passport inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes while also supporting Nebraska's tourism destinations and local businesses.

"Year after year, Nebraskans and more and more out-of-state travelers alike use the Nebraska Passport as their guide to discovering what our state has to offer," said John Ricks, Visit Nebraska executive director. "We are excited to once again connect visitors to these gems and the communities where they thrive."

The Passport will again feature 70 stops organized into 10 themed tours. Travelers will have from May 1 through September 30 to visit the attractions and collect their stamps.

Passporters can expect to find all sorts of new and unique destinations during their travels this year. Highlights include female-owned businesses, historic treasures, delicious eats and a tour dedicated to showcasing Nebraska's thriving Creative Districts.

“Whether you are a longtime Passporter or just picking up a booklet for the first time, there is so much to see and do this year,” said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. “We’re guessing many travelers will find something they haven’t seen before with these 70 stops, and there is something everyone will enjoy."

Passports will be available at participating stops starting May 1 or can be pre-ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d9afb07c66&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>. Participants are encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone for the option of digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Please note, the Passport app will be updated with the 2025 information on May 1.

Those who used the mobile app last year will need to update the app to see the new program information. To download, search 'NE Passport 2025" in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.2025 Nebraska Passport Stop Categories

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d9a05b2b35&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Dobby’s Frontier Town</a>&nbsp;(Alliance)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e0476270d3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">T</a><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e0476270d3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">he Roost Bed and Breakfast</a>&nbsp;(Ashland)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4c3c643540&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Flat Iron Bar and Grill</a>&nbsp;(Atkinson)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b0549785cf&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Cenacle Bookstore and Cafe</a>&nbsp;(Auburn)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=aa44474dd7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">JoJo's Gelato &amp; Grill</a>&nbsp;(Aurora)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=497e9f0b13&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Big Blue Bike Company</a>&nbsp;(Beatrice)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=0f27b813a6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Zoellner Design Co. at Beatrice Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Beatrice)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7064a8d431&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Dip Cravers</a>&nbsp;(Bellevue)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=8f0728ec36&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Cup &amp; Cone</a>&nbsp;(Bennington)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ba4ad3d07d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Big Springs Depot Museum and Veterans Memorial</a><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ba4ad3d07d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank"></a>&nbsp;(Big Springs)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=8303825382&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Boys Town Hall of History Museum</a>&nbsp;(Boys Town)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3269575817&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Ortello Dale</a>&nbsp;(Broken Bow)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=cdaaf4fb1e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">EnvironsArt</a>&nbsp;(Brownville)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b690690b22&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Calamus Outfitters</a>&nbsp;(Burwell)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ca187d74f7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">CocoShack</a>&nbsp;(Chadron)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ff6249b224&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Burgies Bowling</a>&nbsp;(Chappell)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3834768a42&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Fat Head Honey Farms</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clarkson

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5de79f4d8a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Columbus Area Children's Museum</a>&nbsp;(Columbus)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a3c96c94a5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Frontier Frau</a>&nbsp;(Cozad)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=fecc495dcd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bess Streeter Aldrich House</a>&nbsp;(Elmwood)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=284b133dce&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Gal and Goat Creamery</a>&nbsp; (Eustis)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=9eeb21d11b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Memories &amp; More Antique Mall</a>&nbsp; (Fairbury)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=aa45915af9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Cumberland’s Fashions</a>&nbsp;(Geneva)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1ab8eb0b84&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Western Nebraska Pioneers Baseball Club</a>&nbsp;(Gering)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=aaf4a2a059&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Windmill State Recreation Area</a>&nbsp;(Gibbon)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=527da2a499&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Big Red Treats - Downtown</a>&nbsp;(Grand Island)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e7917893b3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Pham's Coffee &amp; Boba</a>&nbsp;(Grand Island)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1136a486d0&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Agate Fossil Beds National Monument</a>&nbsp;(Harrison)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c24e4437b5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bryant Books &amp; Music</a>&nbsp;(Hastings)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d9f5639ca1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Cheese and Wine Shop</a>&nbsp;(Hastings)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=be796e6807&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Blue Bison</a>&nbsp;(Hebron)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=85aa32f474&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Coal &amp; Feed Coffee and Vittle at Iron Horse Arts District</a>&nbsp;(Holdrege)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=433aba0f1a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Axe Holes Kearney</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5ac4ffeab7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Kearney Welcome Center</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=86efb5bcdd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Museum of Nebraska Art at The Bricks Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=da47281210&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">(402) Creamery</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b15481cdfe&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Elleinad Books</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=835b691e18&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=62121b11ec&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Open Harvest Co-op Grocery</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=59aa9099fe&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Sower Books</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=2ca9ceddd7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Scarlet, Tribute Hotel</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=974d7ca8f6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Tipsy Pine Pizza Pub/Elm Street Ambitions Boutique</a>&nbsp;(Long Pine)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6b64c810d1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Embers Bakery &amp; Cafe&nbsp;at McCook Creative District</a>&nbsp;(McCook)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4e1c53770d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Mint 217</a>&nbsp;(McCook)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a9aae39323&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Senator George Norris State Historic Site</a>&nbsp;(McCook)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4b42206be9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Lake Minatare State Recreation Area</a>&nbsp;(Minatare)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=62e9ccb9da&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Happy Dackle Market</a>&nbsp;(Mitchell)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=bc23fc16fe&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Grimm's Gardens - Nebraska City</a>&nbsp;(Nebraska City)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a9c772468f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">River Mill Coffee Co.</a>&nbsp;(Neligh)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=fcb14e5384&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NoFo Pizza &amp; Cafe at the River Point Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Norfolk)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=20ce597467&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">V'z Oddz and Endz</a>&nbsp;(Norfolk)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=023e0d46a4&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">North 40 Chophouse</a>&nbsp;(North Platte)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=72fcaa81ec&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Eccentric Lamb Fiber Arts, Ltd at the Western Trails Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Ogallala)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=742e002c44&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Legends Comics &amp; Coffee at Benson Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e830cb4f61&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Capitol District</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=11aea15035&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Next Chapter Books</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b4c5dddc51&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Corner Hardware and More</a>&nbsp;(Orchard)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3ab4c24566&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Historic Oshkosh Water Tower</a>&nbsp;(Oshkosh)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=54b03e25eb&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">A-Mazing Flowers and Studio</a>&nbsp;(Prague)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5f4e540508&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">It's All About Bees!</a>&nbsp;(Ralston)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=91085757a9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Hotel Garber</a>&nbsp;(Red Cloud)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3db9bc5c34&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Savor &amp; Grace</a>&nbsp;(Sidney)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=0b076be865&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bloomin Daisies Floral &amp; Gifts</a>&nbsp;(Stuart)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a2042b627f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Roc Hopper Brewing Company</a>&nbsp;(Syracuse)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5573da48c3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bed Head Coffee Co.</a>&nbsp;(St. Paul)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c923dedccf&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Tooth and Whisker Outdoors</a>&nbsp;(Valentine)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b6d99dc7b1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Found + Flora</a>&nbsp;(Wahoo)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6d26e18f65&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Rose Cottage</a><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5e09afe9c6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">&nbsp;Guest House</a>&nbsp;(Wayne)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3423ea0b2f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Winnetoon Mall &amp; Post Office</a>&nbsp;(Winnetoon)

<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=86a126058b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Mack's Golden Grounds</a>&nbsp;(York)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741020658866.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Visit NebraskaLINCOLN, Neb. – (March 3, 2025) –&nbsp;VIsit Nebraska is excited to announce the stops included in the 2025 Nebraska Passport program. The Passport inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes while also supporting Nebraska's tourism destinations and local businesses."Year after year, Nebraskans and more and more out-of-state travelers alike use the Nebraska Passport as their guide to discovering what our state has to offer," said John Ricks, Visit Nebraska executive director. "We are excited to once again connect visitors to these gems and the communities where they thrive."The Passport will again feature 70 stops organized into 10 themed tours. Travelers will have from May 1 through September 30 to visit the attractions and collect their stamps.Passporters can expect to find all sorts of new and unique destinations during their travels this year. Highlights include female-owned businesses, historic treasures, delicious eats and a tour dedicated to showcasing Nebraska's thriving Creative Districts.“Whether you are a longtime Passporter or just picking up a booklet for the first time, there is so much to see and do this year,” said Madison Johnson, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. “We’re guessing many travelers will find something they haven’t seen before with these 70 stops, and there is something everyone will enjoy."Passports will be available at participating stops starting May 1 or can be pre-ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d9afb07c66&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>. Participants are encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone for the option of digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Please note, the Passport app will be updated with the 2025 information on May 1. Those who used the mobile app last year will need to update the app to see the new program information. To download, search 'NE Passport 2025" in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.2025 Nebraska Passport Stop Categories<ul>
 <li>Activate Yourself</li><li>America's Artland</li><li>Colorific</li><li>Culture Cluster</li><li>Eat, Shop, Repeat</li><li>Growth Spurt</li><li>Her Way</li><li>Lactose Tolerant</li><li>Lasso Lane</li><li>Tale Trail</li>
 </ul>70 Selected Stops (alphabetical by town)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d9a05b2b35&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Dobby’s Frontier Town</a>&nbsp;(Alliance)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e0476270d3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">T</a><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e0476270d3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">he Roost Bed and Breakfast</a>&nbsp;(Ashland)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4c3c643540&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Flat Iron Bar and Grill</a>&nbsp;(Atkinson)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b0549785cf&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Cenacle Bookstore and Cafe</a>&nbsp;(Auburn)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=aa44474dd7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">JoJo's Gelato &amp; Grill</a>&nbsp;(Aurora)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=497e9f0b13&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Big Blue Bike Company</a>&nbsp;(Beatrice)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=0f27b813a6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Zoellner Design Co. at Beatrice Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Beatrice)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7064a8d431&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Dip Cravers</a>&nbsp;(Bellevue)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=8f0728ec36&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Cup &amp; Cone</a>&nbsp;(Bennington)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ba4ad3d07d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Big Springs Depot Museum and Veterans Memorial</a><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ba4ad3d07d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank"></a>&nbsp;(Big Springs)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=8303825382&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Boys Town Hall of History Museum</a>&nbsp;(Boys Town)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3269575817&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Ortello Dale</a>&nbsp;(Broken Bow)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=cdaaf4fb1e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">EnvironsArt</a>&nbsp;(Brownville)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b690690b22&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Calamus Outfitters</a>&nbsp;(Burwell)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ca187d74f7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">CocoShack</a>&nbsp;(Chadron)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ff6249b224&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Burgies Bowling</a>&nbsp;(Chappell)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3834768a42&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Fat Head Honey Farms</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clarkson<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5de79f4d8a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Columbus Area Children's Museum</a>&nbsp;(Columbus)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a3c96c94a5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Frontier Frau</a>&nbsp;(Cozad)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=fecc495dcd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bess Streeter Aldrich House</a>&nbsp;(Elmwood)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=284b133dce&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Gal and Goat Creamery</a>&nbsp; (Eustis)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=9eeb21d11b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Memories &amp; More Antique Mall</a>&nbsp; (Fairbury)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=aa45915af9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Cumberland’s Fashions</a>&nbsp;(Geneva)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1ab8eb0b84&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Western Nebraska Pioneers Baseball Club</a>&nbsp;(Gering)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=aaf4a2a059&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Windmill State Recreation Area</a>&nbsp;(Gibbon)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=527da2a499&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Big Red Treats - Downtown</a>&nbsp;(Grand Island)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e7917893b3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Pham's Coffee &amp; Boba</a>&nbsp;(Grand Island)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1136a486d0&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Agate Fossil Beds National Monument</a>&nbsp;(Harrison)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c24e4437b5&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bryant Books &amp; Music</a>&nbsp;(Hastings)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d9f5639ca1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Cheese and Wine Shop</a>&nbsp;(Hastings)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=be796e6807&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Blue Bison</a>&nbsp;(Hebron)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=85aa32f474&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Coal &amp; Feed Coffee and Vittle at Iron Horse Arts District</a>&nbsp;(Holdrege)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=433aba0f1a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Axe Holes Kearney</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5ac4ffeab7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Kearney Welcome Center</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=86efb5bcdd&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Museum of Nebraska Art at The Bricks Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=da47281210&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">(402) Creamery</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b15481cdfe&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Elleinad Books</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=835b691e18&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=62121b11ec&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Open Harvest Co-op Grocery</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=59aa9099fe&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Sower Books</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=2ca9ceddd7&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Scarlet, Tribute Hotel</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=974d7ca8f6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Tipsy Pine Pizza Pub/Elm Street Ambitions Boutique</a>&nbsp;(Long Pine)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6b64c810d1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Embers Bakery &amp; Cafe&nbsp;at McCook Creative District</a>&nbsp;(McCook)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4e1c53770d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Mint 217</a>&nbsp;(McCook)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a9aae39323&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Senator George Norris State Historic Site</a>&nbsp;(McCook)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4b42206be9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Lake Minatare State Recreation Area</a>&nbsp;(Minatare)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=62e9ccb9da&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Happy Dackle Market</a>&nbsp;(Mitchell)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=bc23fc16fe&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Grimm's Gardens - Nebraska City</a>&nbsp;(Nebraska City)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a9c772468f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">River Mill Coffee Co.</a>&nbsp;(Neligh)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=fcb14e5384&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NoFo Pizza &amp; Cafe at the River Point Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Norfolk)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=20ce597467&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">V'z Oddz and Endz</a>&nbsp;(Norfolk)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=023e0d46a4&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">North 40 Chophouse</a>&nbsp;(North Platte)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=72fcaa81ec&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Eccentric Lamb Fiber Arts, Ltd at the Western Trails Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Ogallala)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=742e002c44&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Legends Comics &amp; Coffee at Benson Creative District</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e830cb4f61&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Capitol District</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=11aea15035&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Next Chapter Books</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b4c5dddc51&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Corner Hardware and More</a>&nbsp;(Orchard)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3ab4c24566&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Historic Oshkosh Water Tower</a>&nbsp;(Oshkosh)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=54b03e25eb&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">A-Mazing Flowers and Studio</a>&nbsp;(Prague)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5f4e540508&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">It's All About Bees!</a>&nbsp;(Ralston)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=91085757a9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Hotel Garber</a>&nbsp;(Red Cloud)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3db9bc5c34&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Savor &amp; Grace</a>&nbsp;(Sidney)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=0b076be865&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bloomin Daisies Floral &amp; Gifts</a>&nbsp;(Stuart)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a2042b627f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Roc Hopper Brewing Company</a>&nbsp;(Syracuse)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5573da48c3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bed Head Coffee Co.</a>&nbsp;(St. Paul)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c923dedccf&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Tooth and Whisker Outdoors</a>&nbsp;(Valentine)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b6d99dc7b1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Found + Flora</a>&nbsp;(Wahoo)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6d26e18f65&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Rose Cottage</a><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5e09afe9c6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">&nbsp;Guest House</a>&nbsp;(Wayne)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3423ea0b2f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Winnetoon Mall &amp; Post Office</a>&nbsp;(Winnetoon)<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=86a126058b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Mack's Golden Grounds</a>&nbsp;(York)

2025 Nebraska Passport Stops Selected

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>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.<div><iframe title="(Audio) Knight's Weekly #10 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=a8w2d-1827054-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

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

While temperatures are on the rise since the last snowfall to impact the region, the National Weather Service, North Platte Office (NWS) has stated a Blizzard Warning will go in effect for much of the listening area beginning at 3:00am Tuesday morning and will last until 12:00pm Wednesday. Winter weather could impact the region from Tuesday, heading into Wednesday.&nbsp;

A possible snowfall is predicted to hit the region and also wind speeds up to 60 mph could cause for whiteout, blizzard conditions with any snowfall. A possible 2-5 inches could fall. The NWS predicts the winter weather could hit the area as early as 3:00am Tuesday morning. Rain is supposed to fall Tuesday before the winter storm moves in during the morning.&nbsp;

Travel is not advised over the next couple of days when the weather hits. Follow along North Platte Post, Sandhills Post and Eagle Media radio stations with weather updates, road conditions and more.&nbsp;

North Platte Post/Sandhills PostWhile temperatures are on the rise since the last snowfall to impact the region, the National Weather Service, North Platte Office (NWS) has stated a Blizzard Warning will go in effect for much of the listening area beginning at 3:00am Tuesday morning and will last until 12:00pm Wednesday. Winter weather could impact the region from Tuesday, heading into Wednesday.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNWSNorthPlatte%2Fposts%2Fpfbid036JQ98Sqzwd96u11kCakhyBmdpw83DExFRhSWVGDumn66ZGKqQwqhci1Nq3uKGt2fl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>A possible snowfall is predicted to hit the region and also wind speeds up to 60 mph could cause for whiteout, blizzard conditions with any snowfall. A possible 2-5 inches could fall. The NWS predicts the winter weather could hit the area as early as 3:00am Tuesday morning. Rain is supposed to fall Tuesday before the winter storm moves in during the morning.&nbsp;Travel is not advised over the next couple of days when the weather hits. Follow along North Platte Post, Sandhills Post and Eagle Media radio stations with weather updates, road conditions and more.&nbsp;

Winter weather potentially to hit the region Tuesday

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PostNorth 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.<div><iframe title="(Audio) Carasel Horses Project with Holly Carlini" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2fphs-1821534-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Carousel Horses Project with Holly Carlini

North Platte, Neb. - Brave the icy cold water by taking a plunge in this year's 2025 Polar Plunge at Iron Horse Park in North Platte to benefit the Special Olympics Nebraska. The event is Saturday March 8th with registration beginning at 10:00am and the plunge begins at 11:00am. &nbsp;

A minimum of $50 is needed per person before plunging in the water but you can raise more money to earn more cool swag. You can also do the plunge in teams and even wear costumes! You can register at the event, but you can also register online by <a href="https://www.classy.org/campaign/north-platte-polar-plunge-2025/c648957">clicking here.</a>&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Nathan Veal about the upcoming Polar Plunge. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Plate Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Plate Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post&nbsp;North Platte, Neb. - Brave the icy cold water by taking a plunge in this year's 2025 Polar Plunge at Iron Horse Park in North Platte to benefit the Special Olympics Nebraska. The event is Saturday March 8th with registration beginning at 10:00am and the plunge begins at 11:00am. &nbsp;A minimum of $50 is needed per person before plunging in the water but you can raise more money to earn more cool swag. You can also do the plunge in teams and even wear costumes! You can register at the event, but you can also register online by <a href="https://www.classy.org/campaign/north-platte-polar-plunge-2025/c648957">clicking here.</a>&nbsp;POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Nathan Veal about the upcoming Polar Plunge. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="(Audio) Registration now open for the 2025 Polar Plunge!" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j7sb6-18213fc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Registration now open for the 2025 Polar Plunge!

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-ded-awards-414k-to-groups-for-recruiting-out-of-state-talent/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A total of $414,706 in awards will go to Nebraska organizations to recruit talent as part of the state’s “Good Life is Calling” campaign.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development, in announcing winning proposals Thursday, said it launched&nbsp;<a href="https://thegoodlifeiscalling.com/" target="_blank">the campaign</a>&nbsp;in 2021 to promote the state’s quality of life and career opportunities.&nbsp;

Last year, the Legislature approved Gov. Jim Pillen’s funding request to carry out the next phase, designed as a more targeted recruitment of out-of-state talent. Winning proposals, which range from local governments to businesses, are to provide matching funds.

DED Director K.C. Belitz, in a news release, said his agency is excited to partner with organizations statewide on initiatives to “promote the Good Life.”&nbsp;

“Nebraska’s employers are looking to hire, and communities have plenty of career opportunities to offer,” he said.

<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/ded-announces-awards-for-talent-recruitment-through-the-good-life-is-calling-campaign/" target="_blank">Awardees:</a>

Cheyenne County Chamber Foundation, $29,500

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740761147898.jpeg" alt="An extension of Farnam Street in downtown Omaha extends to a pier overlooking the Missouri River. It’s part of the new riverfront parks system designed in part to attract and retain talent. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>An extension of Farnam Street in downtown Omaha extends to a pier overlooking the Missouri River. It’s part of the new riverfront parks system designed in part to attract and retain talent. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-ded-awards-414k-to-groups-for-recruiting-out-of-state-talent/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A total of $414,706 in awards will go to Nebraska organizations to recruit talent as part of the state’s “Good Life is Calling” campaign.The Nebraska Department of Economic Development, in announcing winning proposals Thursday, said it launched&nbsp;<a href="https://thegoodlifeiscalling.com/" target="_blank">the campaign</a>&nbsp;in 2021 to promote the state’s quality of life and career opportunities.&nbsp;Last year, the Legislature approved Gov. Jim Pillen’s funding request to carry out the next phase, designed as a more targeted recruitment of out-of-state talent. Winning proposals, which range from local governments to businesses, are to provide matching funds.DED Director K.C. Belitz, in a news release, said his agency is excited to partner with organizations statewide on initiatives to “promote the Good Life.”&nbsp;“Nebraska’s employers are looking to hire, and communities have plenty of career opportunities to offer,” he said.<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/ded-announces-awards-for-talent-recruitment-through-the-good-life-is-calling-campaign/" target="_blank">Awardees:</a>Midland University, $85,000Greater Omaha Chamber, $75,000Hastings College, $50,000South Sioux City, $50,000York County Development Corp., $47,800Cheyenne County Chamber Foundation, $29,500Major Talent, $20,000Marble Technologies, $15,000Lincoln Literacy, $14,406JT Martin, $9,000Boone County, $8,000Falls City, $6,000Knox County, $5,000

Nebraska DED awards $414k to groups for recruiting out-of-state talent

Warmer temperatures and wind still affect much of the listening area and the National Weather Service, North Platte office (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning now in effect until 7:00pm (MT)/8:00pm (CT) tonight. All of western and north central Nebraska are in the warning.

Friday's weather brings in critical fire weather conditions with the temperatures, wind and low humidity. Wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour is possible. Many local fire departments in the listening area have banned burned permits at this time due to the potential fire hazard conditions.&nbsp;

North Platte Post/Sand Hills PostWarmer temperatures and wind still affect much of the listening area and the National Weather Service, North Platte office (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning now in effect until 7:00pm (MT)/8:00pm (CT) tonight. All of western and north central Nebraska are in the warning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740760092998.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Friday's weather brings in critical fire weather conditions with the temperatures, wind and low humidity. Wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour is possible. Many local fire departments in the listening area have banned burned permits at this time due to the potential fire hazard conditions.&nbsp;

Red Flag Warning in effect for the listening area

Columbus, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will be contracting with Osmose Utility Services to conduct inspections on the distribution, subtransmission, and transmission system across the state.

The inspections will begin in March and last through June. This process will include wood pole inspections as well as ground line excavation, inspection, and rehabilitation treatment. Communities where distribution system inspections will take place include Gordon, Bassett, Scottsbluff, York, Ogallala, Norfolk, and Paxton.

“The inspection program is a proactive approach to finding poles with decay so that they can be replaced or repaired before the poles fail,” says NPPD Senior Project Coordinator Doug Meyers. “These inspections are an important part of our process to maintain our system, and we want customers to be aware of what’s going on as crews begin to head out across the state.”

Crews will be dressed in high-visibility vests and will be traveling from pole to pole in a UTV to conduct inspections. In addition, NPPD line crews will be using helicopters and vehicles to patrol all NPPD transmission lines.

Anyone who has questions relating to this activity, please&nbsp;

Nebraska Public Power DistrictColumbus, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will be contracting with Osmose Utility Services to conduct inspections on the distribution, subtransmission, and transmission system across the state.The inspections will begin in March and last through June. This process will include wood pole inspections as well as ground line excavation, inspection, and rehabilitation treatment. Communities where distribution system inspections will take place include Gordon, Bassett, Scottsbluff, York, Ogallala, Norfolk, and Paxton.“The inspection program is a proactive approach to finding poles with decay so that they can be replaced or repaired before the poles fail,” says NPPD Senior Project Coordinator Doug Meyers. “These inspections are an important part of our process to maintain our system, and we want customers to be aware of what’s going on as crews begin to head out across the state.”Crews will be dressed in high-visibility vests and will be traveling from pole to pole in a UTV to conduct inspections. In addition, NPPD line crews will be using helicopters and vehicles to patrol all NPPD transmission lines.Anyone who has questions relating to this activity, please&nbsp;

Pole inspections to be conducted on NPPD system across state

February 27, 2025 (OMAHA, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol were joined by law enforcement officers from all corners of the country in honoring Trooper Kyle McAcy #302, who gave his life in the line of duty on February 17, 2025.

“On behalf of the state of Nebraska, I simply want to say thank you for sharing your hero with the people of our great state,” said Governor Jim Pillen, addressing Trooper McAcy’s family at the funeral service. “I am incredibly proud of him for how he represented our state.”

Trooper McAcy joined the Nebraska State Patrol in 2014 as part of the 56th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class, graduating on May 1, 2015. He began his career in North Platte, working as a part of the Carrier Enforcement Division. From there, he transferred home to Omaha, continuing his work with commercial vehicle enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740694862639.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolFebruary 27, 2025 (OMAHA, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol were joined by law enforcement officers from all corners of the country in honoring Trooper Kyle McAcy #302, who gave his life in the line of duty on February 17, 2025.“On behalf of the state of Nebraska, I simply want to say thank you for sharing your hero with the people of our great state,” said Governor Jim Pillen, addressing Trooper McAcy’s family at the funeral service. “I am incredibly proud of him for how he represented our state.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740694949980.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Trooper McAcy joined the Nebraska State Patrol in 2014 as part of the 56th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class, graduating on May 1, 2015. He began his career in North Platte, working as a part of the Carrier Enforcement Division. From there, he transferred home to Omaha, continuing his work with commercial vehicle enforcement. In 2022, Trooper McAcy joined the Troop A Patrol Division where he worked to keep roadways safe and help those in need across the Omaha metro and surrounding counties. At every stage of his career, Trooper McAcy brought joy and laughter to everyone around him.“If you didn’t know Kyle, let me give you a little glimpse of Kyle, the trooper. He loved his job. He was an extravert, and he loved people.” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If you tried to keep pace with his hunger for work or conversation, you would finish a tired second place.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740695052404.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hundreds of law enforcement officers from around Nebraska and the entire nation attended today’s service, including troopers from more than 20 states.Trooper McAcy is survived by his parents Teresa and Kevin McAcy; brother Collin (Briana) McAcy; sister Bethany McAcy (Garrett Perry); and fiancé Spencer Ryan. He is preceded in death by both sets of grandparents.The Nebraska State Patrol will continue Trooper McAcy’s legacy by joining his family in asking, “What would Kyle do?” Trooper McAcy served the state of Nebraska with a passion for service and a love for all who crossed his path. The Nebraska State Patrol wishes to extend gratitude to all who have sent support to his family, friends, and colleagues after this tragic loss.

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