Well, I guess .20” qualifi es to be called moisture. It wasn’t much and won’t make a wheat crop, but we are grateful for even that much. At least it cleaned the air a bit. Prayers are up for more to come really soon. And in the meantime, we really could do with a little less wind.

Southern Valley is proud of their FCCLA State Leadership Conference competitors. Students took challenge tests and had the top three scores in the state on six exams. Ten students completed in skills contests including culinary knife skills, pastry arts, fashion drawing, interview skills, and impromptu speaking, with nine members finishing in the top three! In STAR events, 18 students competed in six events earning one bronze, four silver, and one gold medal. Eight members qualified to compete at the National FCCLA Conference in Washington, DC this summer.

In my role as a hospitalist, I am always happy when a patient is healthy enough to be discharged. A resounding majority of people want to go back to their home after they leave the hospital.

Farms and ranches are the foundation of the Good Life in Nebraska. Nebraskans feed the country and fuel the world. Our farmers and ranchers keep America healthy and safe with a secure, reliable food supply.

This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting Grand Island for an exciting occasion: the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Central Nebraska Regional Airport’s new Snow Removal Equipment Building. It was a particularly special event to me because I fought to secure $3.15 million for this project in the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bills.

In the face of fire, Nebraskans – once again – proved our grit and came together to protect life, property, and livestock. After a dry winter, high temperatures, and relentless winds created a dangerous recipe for wildfires, our state has finally seen some badly needed rain.

Garrett “Gary” Hoefs, age 90, formerly of Arapahoe, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska. He moved to Hastings in 2021, to be closer to family due to Arapahoe Nursing Home closing down.

Rebecca S. Bletscher, age 76, of Arapahoe, Nebraska passed away in her home on April 2, 2026.

Virginia Elaine Siminoe, 92, of Cozad, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Private family services will be held at a later date. She was born May 17,1933 in Kiowa, CO to Lester and Eunice (Pearson) Sims. Elaine graduated from Clifton High School in 1950.

James Elliott Frack, age 75, passed away on March 31, 2026, at Beaver City Manor in Beaver City, Nebraska. He was born on September 13, 1950, in McCook, Nebraska, to Harold and Martha (Peg) Frack.