From strolling through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of metal health issues and even increase in empathy and cooperation, reports Nebraska Extension 4-H Educator Kimberly Cook.

By Furnas County Extension Assistant: Makayla Livingston Becoming involved in children’s 4-H activities is a great way for families to grow and develop. Whether parents are attending club meetings or teaching their children about animal care, rocketry or entrepreneurship, they are helping to build stronger relationships and families.

Recently, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 1402, an appropriation bill that would allow low-income, special needs, and other students denied option enrollment the opportunity to attend a private school of their family’s choosing.

Working as an RN in inpatient rehab, I am often called upon to care for patients who have had a cerebrovascular accident, or more commonly called a stroke. I have observed that every stroke patient experiences a unique combination of symptoms but the one of the most important tasks they accomplish in rehab is learning how to be adaptable.

Graduation week is upon us - well, for most of our schools, though congratulations are in order for the Southern Valley Class of 2024, which completed commencement last weekend. It’s that time of year when kids of all ages are excited, but particularly those who are wrapping up high school for good.

All youth aged 8–18 years old are invited to the annual Animal Science Discover Day May 29, Wednesday 9:00am – 3:30 pm in Curtis, NE on the NCTA Campus. Activities will focus on several different aspects of various livestock production & careers.

I never expected that after attending a couple events in Omaha I’d be rushing to a friend’s basement for cover from massive tornadoes at the end of April. But that’s what thousands of Nebraskans were doing that weekend. The strongest tornadoes our state has seen in years swept across Nebraska, leaving unbelievable damage in their wake.

On Thursday, April 18 th , we hit day sixty of the Second Session of the 108 th Legislature bringing the short session to the end. We passed some great legislation including protecting our farmland from potential foreign adversaries like China, strengthening of school security, investments in high-demand college programs, protections of religious freedom, and my personal priority bill, protections for minors from online pornography. I am happy to say Nebraska is now the fifteenth state to stand up to the big pornography industry and protect our kids.

Growing up, my dad was a civil engineer for the Nebraska Department of Roads. As kids, my brothers and I loved learning about his work. My dad would take us on Sunday road trips across Nebraska for “inspection tours” to check up on our state’s infrastructure.

Spring is here and you know what that means… its asparagus season. Asparagus is the favorite perennial vegetable. If you happen to be one that loves this vegetable, you can grow it yourself with a little know-how.