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HASTINGS, Neb. (April 30, 2026) - During Hastings College’s Honors Convocation April 29, 2026, students and faculty were recognized for their outstanding achievements during the academic year.

HOLDREGE – The Platte Basin Coalition, the Republican River Basin NRDs, and the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) are urging the public to utilize water conservation best practices due to the ongoing presence of drought conditions throughout Nebraska. As of April 30th, the National Drought Mitigation Center finds that 2% of the state is experiencing exceptional drought (D4), 55% of the state is experiencing extreme drought (D3), 21% of the State is experiencing severe drought (D2), and 9% of the state is experiencing moderate drought (D1). While recent rains have been helpful, they have not been sufficient to substantially alter the drought conditions for many areas of the state.

FARNAM — First State Bank has announced a $100,000 donation to the Farnam Volunteer Fire Department to aid in recovery efforts following the Cottonwood Wildfires. The contribution was significantly amplified through the CARE Program administered by FHLBank Topeka, which matched the bank’s donation at a three-to-one ratio.

Cambridge - Saturday, May 9 at 2 pm Arapahoe - Saturday, May 16 at 2 pm Southern Valley Saturday, May 9 at 1 pm Southwest - Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 am Elwood - Saturday, May 9 at 2 pm Maywood - Saturday, May 9 at 1 pm Medicine Valley Saturday, May 9 at 2:30 pm Eustis-Farnam - Saturday, May 9 at 11 am

Communications KEARNEY – Kailey Wilcox wants to make a difference in people’s lives. With a passion for mental health, the Indianola native will do just that when she earns her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling during Friday’s spring commencement ceremony at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

A funeral service for Don M. Spangrud was held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oxford, NEwith Pastor Eric Soure and Pastor Duane Duley officiating. Interment followed at the Oxford Cemetery in Oxford with Military Honors provided by the Oxford American Legion Post #219 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Roger Brougham, of Cambridge, passed away on May 2, 2026 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He was 89 years of age.

Dwayne A. Sheldon, 62, of Minden, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Kearney County Health Services in Minden. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Craig Funeral Home in Minden with Rev. William Zwick offi ciating. Private family burial will be held at White Hill Cemetery, north of Minden. There will be no visitation or book signing. Memorials in Dwayne’s honor are kindly suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Nancy L. Laier, dedicated wife, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and “Santa Lady”, passed away at Meadowlark Pointe on April 29th, 2026. Nancy’s journey began on August 25, 1937 on her parents’ Ernst and Helen (Jordan) Kraye ranch southwest of Mullen, NE.