Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
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Nebraskans are known for common sense, tenacity, and grit. When faced with a major challenge, we don’t panic or abandon core principles and long-standing traditions. Instead, we pull together to do what’s best for our communities. Whether it’s a pandemic or historic flooding, Nebraskans have shown the world that we can overcome incredible challenges. In mid-November, Nebraska’s coronavirus hospitalizations had reached a critical point. With nearly 1,000 coronavirus patients, hospitals across...
It’s fitting to set aside time each year to express gratitude to God and to one another for the many blessings we enjoy. In seasons of peace and plenty, as well as in times of war and loss, Americans have faithfully carried on Thanksgiving traditions. During challenging times, it’s even more important to remember the abundant blessings we enjoy as Americans. In 2001, President George W. Bush issued a Thanksgiving proclamation a couple months after the tragic September 11th terrorist att...
It’s fitting to set aside time each year to express gratitude to God and to one another for the many blessings we enjoy. In seasons of peace and plenty, as well as in times of war and loss, Americans have faithfully carried on Thanksgiving traditions. During challenging times, it’s even more important to remember the abundant blessings we enjoy as Americans. In 2001, President George W. Bush issued a Thanksgiving proclamation a couple months after the tragic September 11th terrorist att...
Sometimes the only way out is through. That’s certainly true of the coronavirus pandemic. We can’t stop this virus, but we can slow its spread. Right now, there’s an urgent need for all of us to take personal responsibility for slowing the spread by using the tools we have to protect our healthcare system. The situation in our hospitals is very serious. The coronavirus not only continues to spread in Nebraska, it has picked up steam. Six weeks ago, we had 200 coronavirus-related hospi...
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs creates a theme for Veterans Day each year. For 2020, the theme is “Vision: Veterans in Focus.” It’s a reminder to remember the years of service and sacrifice our nation’s veterans have given throughout our country’s history. It’s also a call to look toward the future of supporting and showing gratitude to those who serve. As Americans, the peace and prosperity we enjoy wouldn’t be possible without our veterans. Time and again throughout our republic’s hi...
LINCOLN – On Oct. 16, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced changes to the State’s directed health measures (DHMs) that will take effect statewide today, Oct. 21. The Governor also launched a campaign to encourage Nebraskans to avoid the “Three C’s” to help slow the spread of the virus: 1) crowded places, 2) close contact, and 3) confined spaces. Dr. James Lawler, associate professor of infectious disease at UNMC, joined the Governor to emphasize the increasing spread of the virus across the state. Th... 
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As pandemic restrictions loosen, Nebraska is growing again. While some states continue to struggle through the current coronavirus impacted economy, Nebraska now has the lowest unemployment rate of any state in the country. We have struck a balance between slowing the spread of the virus to preserve our hospital capacity and letting people return to a more normal life. In doing so, we have avoided the major budget shortfalls that are being faced by many states. Our financial position was so...
In Nebraska, our goal is to be the most welcoming state in the country for veterans and military families. Our servicemen and women make tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedoms. While we can never fully repay their service, we can shape state law and policy to better serve their needs. When they return to civilian life, veterans continue to give and serve to benefit their communities. We’ve seen that spirit of volunteerism on display once again in 2020. American Legions across the state ha...
The Nebraska Legislature’s “short session” went much longer than usual this year due to coronavirus. While the session didn’t wrap up until August, it was worth the wait for Nebraskans. From property tax relief to career scholarships, several key priorities were achieved to help grow our state both now and for future generations. Property Tax Relief: LB 1107 not only delivered significant property tax relief to Nebraskans, but it also reformed our business incentives and puts Nebraska in the...
Despite a constant push by big marijuana to promote marijuana legalization so that it can cash in on new markets, Nebraska has wisely rejected the lobbying of drug advocates. The $13.6 billion marijuana industry’s latest efforts have tried to rebrand the drug as a medical tool—even though it’s not approved for medical use. In reality, there is no difference in the chemical composition or potency of recreational marijuana and so-called “medical marijuana.” The same products are being sold unde...
June is usually the month when summer hits full swing in Nebraska. In a typical year, Omaha would be hosting the College World Series right now. The Swedish Festival in Stromsburg, Polish Days in Loup City, and numerous other community celebrations would occur this month. NEBRASKAland Days would be underway in North Platte. Communities like Seward, Central City, and Ralston would be readying plans for Fourth of July celebrations. While this year has been anything but normal, we’re seeing e...
Here in Nebraska, June is both Renewable Fuels Month and Dairy Month, so it’s a fitting time to talk about how we’re working to get Nebraska agriculture growing. 2020 has been another challenging year for our state’s largest industry. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted commodity prices and caused significant changes to the nation’s food supply chain. Through it all, our farmers, ranchers, and food processor workers have delivered the food our nation and the world need. Over the years,...
Over the past three months, Nebraskans have once again shown the world how our grit, determination, and spirit of working together can help us overcome any challenge. Faced with the greatest public health crisis in over a century, Nebraskans have responded by slowing the spread of the virus, protecting our healthcare system, and taking care of our neighbors. Thanks to widespread adoption of social and physical distancing techniques, Nebraskans flattened the curve. Anybody in need of a hospital...
It’s hard to believe we’ve been battling coronavirus in Nebraska for over two months now. I applaud Nebraskans for working together and successfully slowing the spread of the virus. The impact of the virus has been much less severe here than in many other states. That’s due in part to Nebraskans staying informed, following the rules, and practicing good hygiene and physical distancing. As we have worked to mitigate the impact of the virus, communities have been working to overcome a varie...
Last week, Senators wrapped up the First Session of the 106th Nebraska Legislature. From property taxes to a new pro-life law, the Legislature did important work on a wide variety of issues. Here are a few of the highlights from the session over the last five months. When session began in January, it was hard to imagine that Nebraska would endure its most widespread natural disaster in state history within a matter of weeks. As Nebraskans stepped up to recover and rebuild bigger and better than...
This week, Nebraska turns 151 years old. On March 1, Nebraska celebrates Statehood Day, the anniversary of President Johnson signing Nebraska’s statehood proclamation in 1867. We have come a long way since then, and there are many great opportunities to grow the tradition of living the Good Life this year. To ensure a prosperous future for our state, it is important that the State of Nebraska continues to cultivate a pro-growth business climate. National rankings show some strengths we can b...
Life is precious. It is something that we can never take for granted. From our country’s earliest days, our Founding Fathers recognized life as the first right in the Declaration of Independence. As Americans, we have an obligation to step up and protect life. The right to life comes with responsibilities to ourselves and to others. Nebraskans across our state recognize these duties by standing up for the unborn, caring for the elderly, and getting involved in their communities among many o...
Like many Nebraskans, my life has been shaped by agriculture. For over 40 years, I’ve worked with agriculture and rural development organizations across our state and recognized how the success of ag producers is connected to the success of our state as a whole. As a state senator in the Nebraska Legislature and as a U.S. Senator, common-sense agriculture policies have always been a top priority for me. Now, I have an opportunity to be more involved at the federal level. I am happy to a...
Cutting and reforming taxes is key to growing Nebraska. Over the years, together, the Legislature and I have done the hard work needed to hold the line on taxes. Additionally, we have worked together to deliver over $840 million in property tax relief over four years. While this is significant, I’m continuing to make tax relief a top priority. Throughout the state, Senators and I hear stories of how high taxes are hurting Nebraskans. There’s one story that has really stuck with me: This fal...
The 2018 legislative session has commenced! Last week, State Senators gathered at the State Capitol building in Lincoln to kick off the second session of Nebraska’s 105th Legislature. This is a short 60-day legislative session. From now until to mid-April, State Senators will be debating changes to the state budget and a variety of policies. Short sessions require the Legislature to focus on high-priority issues. During this session, many senators have said that the state budget and tax r...
Happy New Year, fellow Nebraskans! With the start of a new year, the Unicameral Legislature convenes in January to work on priorities Nebraskans care about. In good times and in bad, Nebraskans work together to get things done and move our state forward. When we see a need, we go out and meet that need. Over the years, many of your State Senators and I have worked together on your priorities. You don't have to look any further than the work we did together in the 2017 session to see the power...
Every successful organization and household has to manage a budget. Our farmers and ranchers work to control the cost of inputs so that they operate profitably when it comes time to market their crop. Families watch their spending so that they can meet their household needs. Our Main Street job creators monitor their bottom line so they can deliver value to their customers, attract quality talent to their organizations, and grow opportunities. Just like Nebraska’s ag producers, households, a...
Here at the State of Nebraska, we’re working every day to build a government which is more effective and more efficient. When I took office, I identified the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as a priority for operational improvements. It’s one of our state’s biggest agencies with over $1.5 billion in state funding flowing through it annually. It’s no secret that the agency has faced challenges, but they’ve been focused on putting those in the past and running a new kind of operat...
Each spring, Nebraska farmers head to their fields to plant and prepare for their fall harvest. Their individual success depends on many factors and is a key part of our state’s overall economic success. Our farm and ranch families are the foundation of our state’s number one industry. To grow Nebraska, we have to continue to grow opportunities for those families. In 2017, I’ve continued to make growing agriculture a top priority for my administration by expanding trade, encouraging lives...
