By Governor Jim Pillen September 19, 2025 Distracted driving and speeding are endangering and killing Nebraskans. So, here’s a challenge to everyone who gets behind the wheel: Let’s make our roads the safest in America.

Social Security benefits should be completely tax free. That’s how Social Security was originally intended to function. When I was Governor, we eliminated state income taxes on Social Security benefits. We need to provide this same relief at the federal level. I’m fighting to protect Social Security. I’m fighting to help Nebraskans keep more of their hardearned money in retirement.

The start of the school year brings new routines and scheduling challenges for working parents. Any working parent can attest that school schedules and calendars were not designed with them in mind. Rightfully so, the scheduling priority should be based on the needs of the students and the educational goals of the teachers.

Shane & Susie Farr, Farnam, are proud parents of a new baby boy Shepherd John Farr. He was born May 28th, 2025, at Great Plains Health Hospital in North Platte; weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz. and 20.5 inches long. Shepherd’s proud siblings are Sofie, Stetson, Sadie, Stella, & Simon at home, and Spencer in Heaven.

By NCTA News contributor Teresa Wiiest, Bassett area recruiter When Ashley Connell, a 2020 graduate of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA), first came to Curtis, she was drawn by the small-town atmosphere, hands-on agriculture programs, and the opportunity to learn in a close-knit community. Today, those same values shape her growing leather business, which blends artistry, durability, and deep agricultural roots.

The Arapahoe and Hi-Line football teams hit the road last week while Southern Valley battled at home as each took on an undefeated foe. All three struggled.

OVERTON - In a battle of teams ranked at or near the top of their class, Class D1 No. 2 Overton overcame a 2-1 deficit and turned back Class D2 No. 1 Cambridge Thursday in five sets, 20-25, 25-15, 23-25, 25-18, 15-12.

LOOMIS - During a busy weekend, the Hi-Line volleyball team captured a pair of wins in Phelps County, downing Bertrand in a triangular Thursday before beating Wallace at the Loomis Tournament on Saturday.

CURTIS - The Medicine Valley volleyball team captured its first win of the season with a straight-sets victory over visiting Creek Valley Monday. The Raiders hit .265 in a 25-20, 25-8, 25-14 win that also included a season-high 25 ace serves.

The Maywood/Hayes Center football team will take a 0-3 record into district competition after a 28-36 loss to Maxwell. The Wolves relied heavily on quarterback runs during the road game.