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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.

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, in partnership with Nebraska Extension, has announced the dates for its annual tractor and equipment safety training courses. The training will be offered at various locations across Nebraska throughout May and June.

Each year, since 2011, The Maschhoffs recognize an employee who has displayed the company core values through key business decisions and leadership actions. The Core Values award is a prestigious honor that recognizes the outstanding commitment of a single individual. This year’s winner is Mike Harris, Onboarding & Training Manager in Great Plains.

The Curtis American Legion Post 95 held a fundraising spaghetti supper on Friday April 17, 2026. The event raised $3,621.00 for the Curtis Volunteer Fire Department after their efforts fighting the Cottonwood fire. The meal of spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread was donated anonymously to the Legion. Post 95 Auxiliary supplied two tables full of homemade desserts. Over 100 Curtis area residents attended. (Left photo) Post 95 Vice Commander Rod Miller presented the check to firefighter Matt Wiiest at the April 20th American Legion meeting.

By Erin Laborie, Livestock Systems Educator Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) will be offering BQA and BQA Transportation (BQAT) certification opportunities in early May for producers needing certification/ recertification. Many commercial beef packing facilities require producers who sell fed cattle to them to be BQA certified and those who deliver cattle to their facilities to be BQAT certified.

The Village of Bartley will be celebrating 140 years early this summer. A historical talk will be given at the Bartley Library on May 3, 2026 at 2:00PM. Historian Kevin Mc-Gregor will present a program of history about Bartley and Red Willow County. Kevin is the grandson of Bill and Ruth Teter. Bill had a drug store and pharmacy in Bartley starting in the 1920’s . After Bill’s untimely passing in 1970, Ruth kept the store going until 1986. Kevin will be joined by his cousin Steve Teter, who is also a grandson of Bill and Ruth.

April 27, 2026 We got rain!! Enough to measure! The gauge on The Hill showed about .70”. That’s not nearly as much as we need but sure hope it primes the pump for more to come really soon! It seems a lot early, and it is a little early – the wheat is heading out.