CURTIS, Neb. — Graduates of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture were celebrated May 7 during the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony at the Curtis Memorial Community Center, marking the culmination of two intensive years in preparation for careers across the agriculture and animal health industries.

Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Jennifer A. Huxoll of Palmyra as district court judge in the Third Judicial District.

Since the landmark 1998 study conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, it has been understood that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), traumatic events occurring before age 18, have a profound and lasting impact on adult health. These experiences, ranging from abuse and neglect to household dysfunction like substance misuse or mental illness, are remarkably common. Approximately 62% of adults have experienced at least one ACE, and one in six report four or more. The evidence for a dose-response relationship between ACEs and negative health outcomes is striking. Individuals with high ACE scores (four or more) face significantly increased risks for nine of the ten leading causes of death in the United States. This includes a 2.1-fold increased risk of heart disease, 2.3-fold for cancer, and 3.1-fold for chronic lower respiratory disease. The impact on behavioral health is even more acute, with high ACE scores associated with a 4.7-fold increase in depression, a 10.2-fold increase in substance dependence, and a staggering 37.5-fold increase in suicide attempts.

A funeral service for Shirlee A. Poyser washeld on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Nebraska, with Pastor Curtis Simonson officiating. Interment followed at the Orleans Cemetery in Orleans, Nebraska.

We’ve had some beautiful showers! The Hill received .87” on one and 76” on another plus several sprinkles. And there’s good chances for more in the forecast. It may be too late to help the wheat a whole lot, but it’s sure making the pastures show some green.

After an eight-year closure, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is preparing to reopen the lodge (now named the Medicine Creek C Store) at Trail 1, bringing new services and conveniences back to area lake visitors.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (May 20, 2026) - University of Saint Mary Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle Metzinger has announced the Spring 2026 Dean’s List. The following USM students from this area ended the semester with a 3.5 GPA or better.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) encourages residents to learn about the resources available in their area. There are different kinds of support available depending on what people need, like doing a mental health check-in or finding someone to talk to. According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), around 1 in 10 people in southwest Nebraska report their mental health was not good (including stress, depression, and problems with emotions) for half or more days a month.

KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney announced students who earned a place on the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester. Students who are on the dean’s list must have completed 12 credit hours or more of classes with a 3.5 grade-point average or better on a 4.0 scale.

Meeting Minutes, May 20, 2026 The meeting was called to order at 12:02 p.m. Open meeting laws noted in the City Office. Members Present: Tom Shoemaker, Darcy Johnson, Jan tenBensel, Jarod Albers, Derek Downer, Jo Lee Ebbers, Lori Harding, Randy Heitmann, Jason Weiss Members Absent: None Others Present: Melissa Jackson Consent Approval of Financials/ Invoices and Minutes and Bills: The Board reviewed the April financials. A motion was made by Jason Weiss, seconded by Jo Lee Ebbers, to approve the financials. Motion carried.