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.

Following historic wildfires that have burned nearly one million acres of Nebraska grazing lands this spring, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has launched a new online hub that integrates science, mapping and fieldbased documentation in one place.

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McCook, Neb. – As Community Hospital celebrates Nurses Week 2026, April 27–May 1, we pause to recognize the extraordinary nursing professionals who serve our patients and communities with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication. In this letter, Molly Herzberg, MSN, RN, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, reflects on the evolving role of nursing, the challenges faced across the profession, and the integrity, ownership, and excellence our nurses demonstrate every day. Her message is one of gratitude, respect, and continued commitment to supporting our nursing teams.

A total of 463 area high school seniors will receive honor cords from Mid-Plains Community College to wear at their high school graduation ceremonies this spring. MPCC awards honor cords to students who have taken the initiative to earn college credit while still in high school.