The holidays are a special time in Nebraska. We volunteer to serve our communities. Families and friends spend more time together. But for too many Nebraskans, the holidays can be lonely. Families are increasingly spread apart. Digital connections are good, but it’s not the same thing as being there in person. Nebraskans of all ages are becoming more isolated as a result.

Following the news that, as a result of Nebraska’s Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA) formula, $30 million was overpaid to Omaha Public Schools, Senator Dave Murman, Chair of the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee, issued the following statement: “The TEEOSA formula was first adopted nearly 35 years ago. In 1990, 258 out of 278 of Nebraska’s school districts received equalization aidabout 93 percent. Thirty-five years later, only 50 of our 245 school districts receive equalization aid- just 20 percent. In short, as property values have skyrocketed, so have property taxes, with state funding seeing a decrease at like amount.

I don’t think I ever have looked to Jerritt Elliott, the University of Texas Volleyball Coach, to provide perspective after an excruciating result. Following Nebraska’s stunning volleyball defeat to Texas A&M on Sunday in the NCAA Regional Final, I jumped aboard the Wisconsin bandwagon for an hour.

The holiday season is fast approaching with all its festive occupations like decorating the house, buying and wrapping presents and preparing and serving holiday meals. Between the additional time requirements, costs, travel and interactions with family members, this can be a particularly stressful time of year.

Gayle Lewis Kircher was born October 27, 1929 to Albert and Ola (Elms) Kircher on the family farm in rural Red Willow County, Nebraska. He lived a life characterized by dedication, hard work, and a deep connection to his faith and family.

Peggy Anne Poore, age 93 of McCook, Nebraska went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 08, 2025 surrounded by beloved family. Peggy was born on a farm north of Traer, KS, on May 23, 1932, to Emery and Louise Kelly. She married her college sweetheart and the love of her life, Dale Poore, on March 30, 1952. They spent 68 wonderful years together. To this union, two sons were born, David Scott and Daniel Dean.

Hitchcock County's Karson Shuler in the finals. Downey led the match in the third period, but Shuler earned a pin with 20 seconds to go.

NORTH PLATTE - The Hi-Line wrestling team scored nearly 170 points and finished runner-up at the North Platte St. Pat's Invite Friday.

CAMBRIDGE - Behind a first-half blitz and just enough at the end, the Southern Valley boys basketball team grabbed its first win of the season, 55-50, at Cambridge last week. The Eagles scored 31 firsthalf points and led by 13 at the break, a lead they nursed through much of the second half until the Trojans rallied in the fourth.

SARGENT - With four medalists, the Cambridge wrestling team finished fourth place at the Twin Loup Invite Friday. Myles Stanton led the Trojans with a first-place finish at 190 pounds, earning a 45-second pin in the finals.