Many of us have been there before—near the top of a ladder, stretching just a little farther to finish the job. Maybe we are cleaning a gutter, hanging Christmas lights, or rescuing a cat from a tree. There is always the temptation to climb one rung higher to reach that final spot.

The start of a new year invites more than resolutions; it invites reflection. As I look back on 2025, I do so with an eye toward what effective governing should mean at a time when Americans are stretched by costs, uncertainty, and rapid change.

Each year on January 9th, we recognize Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. It’s a time to thank the police officers who keep us safe.

The prestigious Tri Valley Medical Foundation Merle Jane Harpst Awards were presented to one licensed and one non-licensed Tri Valley Health System employee at the Tri Valley Health System Holiday Party held on Saturday, December 6th. The Merle Jane Harpst award was established in 1998 to honor the late Merle Jane Harpst and her 20 plus years as an employee and administrator at Cambridge Memorial Hospital and Tri Valley Health System. The award is organized and presented by the Tri Valley Medical Foundation.

Every New Year, we have the opportunity to reflect on the last year and plan for the future. With family and friends by our side, we enter the New Year with clarity and inspiration.

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture welcomed alumna Dr. McKenzie (Beals) Hendricks back to campus to speak with students in Success in Veterinary Technology and Success in Animal Science classes.

By Ranelle Nissen, Ph.D., OTR/L and Allison Naber, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L First, you notice the small changes. It may be challenging to find the right word or remember the name of someone you just met. You may forget where you placed your keys when you came home from the grocery store.

Picture a man crawling through the desert in tattered clothing, whispering “water” as he nears an oasis. He isn’t thinking about his kidneys, yet they may be the main organ still keeping him alive.

Christmas is nearly upon us, but in The Good Life, the spirit of the season lasts all month long. You may recall that last year I featured our state’s Christmas City of Minden in my Christmas column. Even with more than 12,000 lights illuminating the courthouse dome and town square, Minden’s magic extends far beyond its dazzling display. Each year, the community comes together to present The Light of the World Christmas pageant — an impressive culmination of months of preparation and local pride.

Note: Denver Air Connection is the Essential Air Service provider at three airports in Nebraska: Alliance, Chadron and McCook. Dear Editors, We want to inform your readers, and our neighbors, of a troubling development affecting our region.