Applications to convert a Season 1 Pine Ridge Unit permit to an Auxiliary Season mountain lion hunting permit will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from March 2-5.

Only residents who held a 2026 Pine Ridge Unit mountain lion permit but did not harvest a mountain lion during Season 1 are eligible to apply for the Auxiliary Season.

An Auxiliary Season will take place because the harvest limit of 12, or female sublimit of six, was not reached during Season 1, which was open Jan. 2-Feb. 28. Ten mountain lions were harvested during Season 1 in the Pine Ridge Unit — five males and five females.

Two permits will be drawn from received applications for the March 14-31 Auxiliary Season and only will be valid for the Pine Ridge Unit.

From 1 p.m. CT on March 2 through 11:59 p.m. on March 5, eligible Pine Ridge Unit permit holders may apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.gooutdoorsne.com%2Flogin%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019caf8b502f-b657257b-7125-41af-9ce2-2a2bd3872664-000000/YAEz9ALsdZfMaZ3-Zc5T8p-0rQGvF0u2ruoqTJO1ScE=446" target="_blank">GoOutdoorsNE.com, in person at Game and Parks district offices or by calling agency headquarters at 402-471-1985.</a>&nbsp;There is no fee to convert to an Auxiliary Season permit. The bag limit for each permit is one mountain lion. Applicants will be notified of their draw status on March 6.

The Auxiliary Season will close once the overall limit of 12 or female sublimit of six is met or the season end date is reached. Mountain lions harvested during Season 1 apply to the limits. The Niobrara Unit closed Jan. 6 after the harvest of three females, and the Wildcat Hills Unit closed Feb. 14 after one male and two females were harvested. No Auxiliary Season in the Wildcat Hills or Niobrara units will occur.

Hunting with dogs is allowed during the Auxiliary Season. All other mountain lion hunting rules remain the same.

Once open, the status of the season will be posted on Game and Parks’ mountain lion harvest season webpage (<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fhunt%2Fgame%2Fmountain-lions%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019caf8b502f-b657257b-7125-41af-9ce2-2a2bd3872664-000000/8XSzcJ2zkilavdw83xiyC-98mEX3R-bVZOaijQHpJqU=446" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/game/mountain-lions/</a>) and 1-800 number that hunters are required to check before hunting mountain lions each day.

To read more mountain lion hunting regulations, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fhunt%2Fgame%2Fmountain-lions%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019caf8b502f-b657257b-7125-41af-9ce2-2a2bd3872664-000000/2M71sQU6oReUBKfkGPkOhyLkeqnQMFq1d94ok08akJE=446" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/game/mountain-lions/</a>

Eligible Hunters may Apply for Auxiliary Mountain Lion Permits

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp; —&nbsp; If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, now is your chance to pursue a career as a Trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol. Nebraska State Patrol applications are officially open until March 31st at&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

“A successful career as a Nebraska State Trooper is about more than your physical ability to do the job, it’s about your willingness to serve the community around you,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’re looking for driven individuals with a passion for helping others, and we’ll equip them with the skills to protect the great state of Nebraska.”

A career with NSP is full of opportunity. Across the state, troopers serve in many career paths including patrol, criminal investigator, K9 handler, crash investigator, pilot, tactical flight officer, crisis negotiator, drone operator, hazmat technician and many more. Troopers can also serve in specialty units including the SWAT Team, Carrier Enforcement, Bomb Squad, Executive Protection, Training Academy, Mobile Field Force and Husker Football Detail.

Troopers receive a starting salary of $33.75 per hour ($70,195 annually) upon graduation from the NSP Training Academy. Recruits are paid a minimum of $28.85 per hour during their training at the academy. Troopers also receive an excellent retirement plan, health, vision, dental and life insurance, as well as free college tuition for you and your dependents at the University of Nebraska, state colleges, or community colleges.

Troopers also have opportunities for additional pay, including overtime hours at a pay rate of 1.5 times their base salary rate, shift differential pay of an additional $1.00 per hour if they are regularly assigned to the night shift, and a 2.5 percent pay increase for qualifying as bilingual.

The next class of recruits is set to begin training at the NSP Training Academy on July 6, 2026, and are scheduled to graduate on December 18, 2026. At the academy, recruits spend 24 weeks receiving extensive training on numerous life-like scenarios and hundreds of hours of academic work. This training is aimed at preparing each recruit for their career as a trooper.

Applicants must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by graduation. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalence. Additional Information about the hiring process, including physical requirements, benefits, and recruiter contacts can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

Applications to Become a Nebraska State Trooper Open Today

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Down With The Sickness

BEVERAGES OF THE DAMNED: Cherry Bomb!

MINDEN, Neb.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol Investigative Services Division, with assistance from the Kearney County Sheriff’s Office and Kearney County Attorney’s Office, is conducting a death investigation in rural Kearney County.

The Kearney County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene early in the afternoon on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Preliminary investigation revealed three children and an adult female with apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp;The adult female was found deceased.

The three children were transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and treated for their injuries.&nbsp;Two of the children have since been transported to Children's Hospital in Omaha.&nbsp;All three children are expected to survive. The children are all under the age of 12.&nbsp;

The investigation is continuing and law enforcement is confident there is no ongoing threat to the public.&nbsp;Names are not being released at this time to protect the identities of the victims.

NSP Investigating Attempted Murder/Suicide in Kearney County

By Alex Helmbrecht, CSC College Relations

CHADRON, Neb. – Dr. Tom Smith, History Professor and Department Chair at Chadron State College, died Saturday, Feb. 21, in Chadron. He was 59-years-old.

A memorial service for Smith will be Friday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron.

“Dr. Smith was a well-respected professor, colleague, researcher, and friend to so many students and employees on our campus,” said CSC President Jodi Kupper. “His confidence and intellect were equally at home on a rugby pitch as they were in a classroom. He will certainly be missed in our community, and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.”

Smith spent the majority of his academic career teaching at Chadron State College. He joined CSC as an Assistant Professor in the fall of 2011, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2014 and became Professor in 2019. Prior to teaching at CSC, he was a Visiting Assistant Professor of History at the University of Nevada at Reno and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Smith was a respected global history scholar, researcher and presenter who focused his academic work on Pan-African activism, post-colonial politics, and human rights. Smith published widely and his book, Emancipation without Equality: Pan-African Activism and the Global Color Line, was released in 2018.

Smith was an engaged faculty member who served on several campus committees, including Faculty Senate’s Academic Review Committee. He developed thoughtful courses and was committed to creating meaningful learning experiences for students. Alongside Professor Deane Tucker, he led study abroad trips to Cuba that immersed students in the history they were studying.

Smith is survived by his wife, Jeanice; his daughter, Jackson; and his son, Thomas.

Those wishing to leave memories in a remembrance book for Smith’s family may visit the Dean of Liberal Arts Office in Old Admin, Room 232.

CSC Mourns Loss of Dr. Smith

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;– On Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order that will help support the transportation of much-needed hay, feed, fencing and other supplies to fire ravaged areas of Kansas and Oklahoma.&nbsp; Cattle have been killed and injured. Some were set loose by producers to allow them to escape the flames. Today’s action by Gov. Pillen eases certain transportation regulations that will allow for expedited delivery of items to ranchers in need.

“When neighbor states are in need, Nebraska stands ready to respond,” said Gov. Pillen. “The quicker we can get donated supplies into those states, the better their chance of mitigating additional losses from these fires.”

Reports indicate that more than 300,000 acres have been destroyed across portions of northwest Oklahoma and southwest Kansas.

“Nebraska cattle producers understand the devastating effects of wildfires firsthand. From the very moment Nebraska Cattlemen members heard about the wildfires happening across the Great Plains, our office began receiving outreach from people who stand ready to help their fellow producers,” said Nebraska Cattlemen President Craig Uden. “We thank Governor Pillen for signing this important executive order as we work to help our friends in other states."

Donations of hay and ranching supplies are being collected at the following two Nebraska locations until March 6:

-Saunders County Fairgrounds, 635 E 1st St, Wahoo

-Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers, 2218 E. Walker Rd, North Platte

Executive Order 26-05 can be found on this link:.<a href="https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/docs/pilot/pubs/eoindex.html" target="_blank">https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/docs/pilot/pubs/eoindex.html</a>

Gov. Pillen Signs Order, Shares Information on Collections to Support Fire Relief for Ag Producers

ALLIANCE, Neb. - Shipping containers huddle on the south end of the Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Center building. A couple contain “treasures” that we have yet to bring out of retirement or finally part with forever. The other is destined to open with the changing of the seasons. At KAB we know spring is – really – here when the first person calls to buy a bag of rubber mulch.

The lucky member of the KAB crew to meet the eager gardener, possibly landscaper, wiggles a key into the temperamental padlock, pulls a bevy of handles and pushes open a stout steel door. The scent of slightly musty tires says this is the right place as he looks behind a forgotten tote of textbooks at pallets of mulch that all look the same color in the dim light.

Selling rubber mulch has been a venerable fundraiser at KAB over the years. The upcoming growing season will be the third year for the current batch. Get your bags while they last! Sales support unforeseen expenses and smaller projects that may not have been covered by grants.

Made from recycled tires, KAB is proud to close the loop and promote a circular economy. We have assisted with tire amnesty opportunities in recent years where the City of Alliance has collected hundreds of tons of tires to be recycled. As an alternative to wood mulch, this product is heavier and more likely to stay put, lasts longer and has colors that won’t fade for years.

However, demand varies with some shipments selling out by fall the same year. I think the timeframe with our current supply may have to do with many people not needing to replace their original mulch and others yet to try the product. We will evaluate whether to continue sales once this inventory is gone. That begs the question: Is it an efficient business model for a Keep America Beautiful affiliate to both accept/prep recyclables and sell 100 percent recycled products?

Mulch has been reasonably profitable overall, competing well with similar products locally. To add a second item or replace mulch in a targeted fundraiser would mean finding a fairly unique item sure to have a market in our area. We acquire plenty of material that could be fashioned into something useful, such as pallets and licktubs. That would mean having our crew or a third party making that “sure thing” to stoke the rainy day fund. Importantly, we do not employ sales staff to win over customers. Mulch sells itself (almost). We just ask: how many bags and where do we stack them?

Rubber mulch has been a good fit. Perhaps better marketing and securing a few large projects will herald another shipment for 2027. Until then a similar fundraiser will be part of brainstorming sessions though I would not expect to drop off a bag of bottles and find a boutique at the recycling center full of shirts and other apparel woven with 100 percent recycled plastic fiber any time soon.

For information about rubber mulch, including color and quantities available, call the KAB office at 308-762-1729.

COLUMN - Rubber Mulch: Breathe In The Scent Of Spring

KEARNEY, Neb.&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol, with the assistance of the Kearney Police Department and the TRIDENT Task Force, have arrested a Kearney man as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

This week, investigators served search warrants as part of the investigation. One search warrant was conducted at a storage unit. Inside the storage unit, investigators found 25 pounds of marijuana, 1,699 THC vape cartridges, 879 grams of THC wax, 4 grams of psilocybin mushrooms and five firearms. An arrest warrant was issued for Austin Dean, 29-years-old, of Kearney, and a second search warrant was served on Thursday at Dean’s home, at 1020 West 22nd&nbsp;Street in Kearney.&nbsp;

Dean was located at home and was taken into custody. Investigators searched the house and found 787 grams of marijuana, 105 THC vape cartridges, 269 dosage units of LSD, and additional psilocybin mushroom products.

Dean was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of a controlled substance and five counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Additional charges are possible. The investigation remains ongoing. Dean was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

Kearney Narcotics Investigation Leads to Arrest

Russ Befort now has completed the Nebraska Upland Slam four times in four seasons.

The 43-year-old from Shawnee, Kansas, knows he couldn’t have done it alone. He credits his dog, Otis, for playing a “critical” role.

While hunting the greater prairie-chicken and sharp-tailed grouse, after walking several miles, Befort was presented just one shot on each bird. Otis, a Kliene Munsterlander, was able to retrieve each downed bird.

Befort was randomly drawn as the grand prize winner in the eighth year of the Upland Slam, winning a Winchester SX4 Upland Field 12-gauge shotgun.

The western Kansas drought in the early 2020s sent Befort, who first started hunting birds when he was 5, looking to the north.

“Based off the moisture maps, Nebraska appeared to have gotten the proper moisture for bird hunting, so I did some homework into hunting up there and I saw and advertisement for the Upland Slam,” Befort said. “It was the coolest thing I’d ever heard of in my life since I’ve started bird hunting. I immediately was hooked and was planning trips to Nebraska.

“Back home there really wasn’t much for you if you wanted to bird hunt, but in Nebraska, here was this golden challenge that existed. It was kind of a no-brainer,” he said. “It was very exciting.”

The Upland Slam concluded with hunters from 10 states pursuing four species of upland game birds on Nebraska’s private and public lands. The slam challenges hunters to harvest a ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken and northern bobwhite quail in Nebraska during the season, which ended Jan. 31. The slam is a partnership between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever of Nebraska.

The eighth year of the Upland Slam gave 143 hunters, including two youth, a reason to take advantage of the state’s excellent opportunities and growing availability of publicly accessible land. In the slam, hunters upload photos of their harvest to a website and share information about their hunting experience.

Befort harvested his pheasant on a Conservation Reserve Program site in Harlan County, sharp-tailed grouse on an Open Fields and Waters site in Brown County, greater prairie-chicken on private land in Rock County and quail on private land in Franklin County.

The 87 finishers of the slam became eligible for the prize drawings and received an official certificate and pin. Other prize winners were Patrick Lechner of Syracuse, who won the Print of the Year with Medallion: entitled Mr. Pheasant by Christa Dawn, and Lucas Kennedy of Shawnee, Kansas, who won a $100 Scheels gift card. Teal Peterson of Mullen, the only youth finisher, won a Lifetime Habitat Stamp, as he already had a Lifetime Hunt Permit.

Dogs were winners, too. Hunters who completed the slam and uploaded a photo of their hunting dog at work to their submission form received an official “Top Dog” tag and certificate.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019ca09c97cc-8fa3074c-5688-4e4c-ac02-dccca78961c1-000000/SybX0PECfw1GCiC2WyZvH4wf7MlV8ua3tIlR-iUL-uI=446" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search “Upland Slam” to find the names of all hunters who successfully completed the slam.

In eight years of the Upland Slam:

-405 hunters recorded 597 first-time harvests.

-58 percent of harvests came on public land.

-78 percent of totals participants come from Nebraska.

Befort, who’s never hunted in Nebraska before participating in the Upland Slam, estimates he’s spent 60 days hunting in the state in four years. He’s experienced the Sandhills and Niobrara River Valley for the first time. He plans to include the Panhandle on future trips. He encourages others to do the same.

“I would recommend they plan on exploring the state for what it is and plan on trying to really discover new territories because Nebraska has a lot of public access,” he said. “There’s a lot to explore here and it’s well worth the time.”

Hunters Accept Challenge in Upland Slam

ALLIANCE, Neb. –&nbsp; Panhandle Tree Service will begin to clear tree growth from around the power lines, streetlight wires, Spectrum/Allo lines and alley widening the first week of March. They will be working in both the alleys and streets. They will start working on Black Hills Avenue going from 1st to 10th Street, proceeding to the railroad tracks. When finished in that area, they will start on Flack Avenue, going from 10th to 18th Street, proceeding West.

For any questions, please contact Kirby Bridge at (308) 762-1907.

Panhandle Tree Service Completing Tree Trimming

Jay and Amanda Music will be performing today, Thursday at Roberta Barnes, Where I Hang my Heart from 5pm – 7pm at West Nebraska Arts Center.&nbsp;

Jay and Amanda to perform in Scottsbluff 

Kalin Krohe Reference, That One Guy to play in Sidney 

Jessi Laine to perform in Kimball 

SKYWARN Spotter Training Coming to Hemingford on April 22

NEBRASKA PANHANDLE — Panhandle Frontier Finds is a regional event that will highlight western Nebraska’s businesses and people. Panhandle Frontier Finds (PFF) will debut June 5–7, 2026, bringing together communities, vendors, and travelers for a three-day, multi-county celebration of the region.

Communities across 11 counties are working together to bring visitors and residents out for community-wide garage sales, barn sales, antique shopping, crafters and more. But time slips away quickly, so grab your listing in the official Panhandle Frontier Finds Trail Guide and advertise your sale or business to those hunting for bargains and vintage treasures.

Interested vendors can secure a listing in the sales booklet for $25-45 based on the type of listing. Panhandle businesses and organizations can advertise in the guide to drive business to their locations for $50-200 for display advertising, which must be camera ready and in black and white. There are also sponsorship and merchandising opportunities available for those interested in partnering with the event.

All vendor listings and ad space must be reserved by March 1 to be included in the printed Trail Guide. A limited quantity of Trail Guides will be made available throughout the Panhandle for free, or can be mailed for $5 shipping and handling.

Digital versions for viewing or download will be available at https://panhandlefrontierfinds.com/.

Additional information can be requested by emailing info@panhandlefrontierfinds.com.

Panhandle Frontier Finds Trail Guide deadline coming soon

Country Music Jamboree to be held in Chadron 

Spencer Gonzalez to play in Kimball 

Stars of Tomorrow to be held in Chadron 

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This message is to inform you of an upcoming change to our obituary policy in the Panhandle Post. Beginning July 1st, 2024, there will be a $50 fee associated with publishing obituaries on PanhandlePost.com.&nbsp;

We understand that obituaries are an important way to honor the memory of loved ones and share their life stories with the community. We remain committed to providing this service, and the fees collected will help us continue to offer high-quality obituaries while maintaining the overall sustainability of the Panhandle Post.&nbsp;

We would like for you to include Panhandle Post as an offering for families to place an obituary.&nbsp;

To submit an obituary for publication after July 1st, please send it electronically to tammy.griffee@eagleradio.net.&nbsp;

For more information about the new obituary fees and submission guidelines, please visit our website at PanhandlePost.com/category/obituaries or contact our Tammy Griffee at 308-762-1400 or <a href="mailto:tammy.griffee@eagleradio.net" target="_blank">tammy.griffee@eagleradio.net</a>.&nbsp;

Obituaries posted will be billed directly to the funeral home for the postings for that current month. Invoices will be received in the mail at the end of each month or early the following month.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We appreciate your understanding and continued support of the Panhandle Post.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries and service times

The Early Childhood Planning Region Team Meeting for the ESU 12 service area will be held on&nbsp;WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18TH,&nbsp;FROM 9:00 AM TO 11:00 AM. THE MEETING WILL BE AT WNCC ALLIANCE PANHANDLE ROOM.&nbsp;

The Planning Region Team meets throughout the year for local school providers, DHHS, Head Start and Early Head Start, families and others to&nbsp;assist&nbsp;in collaborative planning and problem solving to serve young children with disabilities and their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are concerned about a child’s development or ongoing health condition, contact WCHR for more information about referrals, evaluations, and&nbsp;possible services&nbsp;available at no cost to your family by calling 800-717-1231 and asking for the Early Development Network.&nbsp;

Early Childhood Planning Region Team meeting to be held in Chadron 

🎥President Trump updates timeline of Iran campaign 

U.S. embassies in the Middle East updated security advisories for Americans traveling and residing in these regions to exercise caution amid the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the&nbsp;Department of State Consular Affairs.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides detailed destination-specific travel and risk information to allow U.S. citizens to make informed international travel decisions. U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe provide services that support the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad.

<a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel.html">Click here</a> to get the latest updates and enroll to receive alerts directly at <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcSWRE" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a>. Americans who need consular help can reach help 24/7 by phone: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).

3 countries designated with a ‘Do Not Travel For Any Reason’ warning

🎥Pentagon officials answer questions on Iran strikes

WASHINGTON. – As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries. 

Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.

Fourth US soldier dies in Operation Epic Fury

WASHINGTON —U.S. military officials are investigating a reported friendly fire incident in Operation Epic Fury.

At 11:03 p.m. ET, Sunday, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.

All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.The cause of the incident is under investigation.&nbsp;

The U.S. Central Command released no additional details early Monday.

US fighter jets shot down in friendly fire Incident in Kuwait

Three U.S. service members were killed in action and five&nbsp; seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. Central Command reported Sunday.

On social media Nebraska U.S. Senators issued statements on the death of U.S. Soldiers.

Neb. lawmakers react to U.S. military deaths after attack on Iran

🎥President Trump warns more U.S. troops will "likely" die in Iran attacks

President Trump says 9 Iranian warships have been sunk

As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

3 US service members killed, 5 wounded in Iran operation

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The U.S. has launched “major combat operations” on targets in Iran, and the all-Republican Nebraska federal delegation expressed support Saturday for the escalation in the Middle East.

Members, in statements after the attack, said they were praying for the U.S. troops and “innocent civilians in Iran.” Some again emphasized that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon — even though President Donald Trump had touted a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/24/nebraska-house-and-senate-republicans-cheer-u-s-strikes-on-iran/">U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites</a>&nbsp;last year as a success because the sites had been “completely and fully obliterated.”

Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general who served during the Cold War, said he “hates war, but Iran has been waging war against the U.S. since 1979.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“These attacks include the Beirut Marine Barracks, attempted assassination against the president, Khobar Towers, cyber attacks and 609 murdered servicemen in Iraq,” he said. “The regime just murdered approximately 50,000 of its own people.”

Bacon added, “Military operations come with lots of risks and the results are hard to predict, but we should help the people topple the Ayatollah.”

In a strike&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/28/repub/us-israel-strike-iran-iran-threatens-retaliation/">with Israel</a>, Trump said the objective is to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime” and to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from ever obtaining nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

Trump acknowledged that Americans “may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now, we’re doing it for the future.” The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/live-updates-israel-iran-february-28-2026#0000019c-a3c7-dfc5-adbd-a7cf0edf0000" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;the first strikes appeared to target the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Reuters said the skies above Tehran were filled with smoke.

U.S. Rep Mike Flood, R-Neb., who represents eastern Nebraska’s 1st District, said, “Diplomacy with Iran has been tried time and again to no avail.”

“The time to act on Iran is now, as they’ve never been weaker,” he said. “Iran has funded terrorism around the world, and nuclear weapons would only allow them to spread more chaos and destruction. Our prayers are with the American troops and our allies in the region, some of whom have already faced direct attacks from Iran.”

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, who represents Nebraska’s largely rural 3rd District, said, “For years, the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies have waged war against the lives of Americans, their own people, and millions of others across the Middle East.”

“Lasting peace can ultimately only be achieved through strength, and President Trump is taking action to achieve that goal,” Smith said. “May God bless and protect our brave servicemen and women as they protect our freedom.”

Nebraska GOP U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer said she is “praying for our brave service members as they carry out this mission to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.”

“God bless America and the innocent civilians in Iran, who deserve far better than the regime that has long oppressed them,” Fischer said.&nbsp;

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said, “The Iranian regime has been focused on destroying the United States and our allies.”

“Unlike past presidents, who have been fooled by the Iranians at the negotiating table, President Trump wasn’t,” Ricketts said. “He did not allow the Iranians to draw out the negotiations without offering real concessions.”

Gov. Jim Pillen weighed in, saying, “Pray that God will protect them as they carry out this mission against one of the most notorious and evil terrorist regimes in human history. “

Some Congressional Democrats are calling for<a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/trump-iran-congress-war-powers-vote" target="_blank">&nbsp;a vote on war powers resolutions</a>&nbsp;to have a say on war with Iran, but there is some division within the party about the strikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/iran-trump-strikes-congress-democrats-israel" target="_blank">according to Axios</a>.

Nebraskans in Congress pray, support troops as U.S., Israel attack Iran

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. – The Chadron State men's basketball team ended its season on a high note Saturday afternoon by pulling a 107-95 victory out of the fire in overtime versus the Westminster Griffins in the Chicoine Center.

In short, the Eagles dominated the first half by a 50-30 margin and the Griffins dominated the second half 56-36, thus tying the score 86-86 at the end of regulation. But the Eagles led all the way in overtime while outscoring the visitors 21-9 in the extra period. 

Both teams lived and died by the three-pointer. Chadron State was 11 of 18 from three-point range in the first half while Westminster was 1 of 15. The shoe was on the other foot in the second half when the Griffins were 7 of 16 from behind the arc and the Eagles were 2 of 14. Neither team made a trey in overtime, when CSC was 0-2 and the visitors 0-8 from long range.

Chadron State's three seniors who were saluted prior to the game were among the Eagles' heroes.  They joined forces to tally 64 points. 

Zach Smith nailed five of six three-point shots to lead the Eagles in the opening half when they built their 20-point intermission lead. He didn't make any three-pointers in the second half, but added a dunk and finished with a career-high 24 points.

Isaiah Randolph was the game's leading scorer with 25 points, including nine in overtime when he made seven of eight free throws, several of them when he was fouled while relentlessly driving to the basket. Overall, Randolph was 13-17 at the line.  

Blessing Adesipe ended with 15 points that included six crucial points from CSC's only second half treys after Westminster had fought its way back into the game.

The Eagles had another double-digit scorer in junior Jadon Cool. He finished with 19 points that included a driving layup and a putback in the space of 23 seconds to give CSC some breathing room in overtime.

After Chadron State jumped out to leads of 8-0 and 13-2, Westminster was never in contention in the first half. Slowly but surely, the Griffins whittled on what had seemed to be the Eagles' insurmountable lead and went ahead for the first time at 74-73 with seven minutes left to play.

Cool's layup and Adesipe's second trey of the half reclaimed the lead, but the Griffins soon scored five straight points to go ahead again 81-78 with 2:44 remaining.

After the Eagles regained the lead on a layup by Luka Djurovic and Smith's two free throws, the Utah team was never ahead again, but with 18 seconds left the Griffins' leading scorer with 20 points, 5-10 sophomore Nick Holland, tied the count at 86 with an off-balance field goal and a free throw that he was awarded for being fouled on the shot.

Chadron State ran the clock down and launched a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but it failed to connect. A basket by Smith on the Eagles' opening possession in OT gave them the lead and they never relinquished it.

Saturday marked the Eagles' only overtime game this season. They finished with a 7-21 record and a 5-15 RMAC mark. They also topped the Griffins 73-67 in Salt Lake City on January 22. Westminster ends its schedule at 12-16 overall and 7-13 in the RMAC. 

Westminster—Nick Holland 20, Michael Frazier 18, Cole Kadoguchi 18, Cameron Kohn 12, Colin Hayes 11, Jonah El-Farra 8, Jack Mamele 6, Boston Painter 2. Totals: 32-69 FG, (8-39 3PT), 23-30 FT, 95 points, 48 rebounds, 15 assists, 5 turnovers. 

CSC finishes season with OT win over Westminster (UT)

🏀 Boys Subdistrict Match-Ups; Local Girls B Subdistricts &amp; C/D District Finals Details &amp; Scoreboards

Boys District Finals - February 28 &amp; March 2, 3 FINAL | C1-1 #1 Ogallala 90,&nbsp;#16 Columbus Lakeview 32 FINAL | C1-5 #12 Lincoln Christian 65 Bridgeport 55 C2-3: #14 Hemingford at #3 Valentine - 5:00 MT C2-6: #11 Pender at #6 Kimball - 5:00 MT FINAL | D2-1:&nbsp; Elgin Public/Pope John 77, Potter-Dix 54 D2-2: #15 Mullen at #2 Archangels Catholic D2-8: #9 Leyton at #8 Falls City Sacred Heart - 4:00 MT&nbsp;&nbsp;

Girls C/D District Championships - Friday, February 27 FINAL |C1-7: #7 Fort Calhoun 60,&nbsp;#10 Bridgeport 51 FINAL |C1-4: #4 Ogallala 62,&nbsp;#13 Louisville 43 FINAL |D2-1: #1 Dundy County-Stratton 71,&nbsp;#16 Potter-Dix 15 FINAL |D2-4: #13 Loomis 55, #4 Mullen 48 FINAL |D2-8: #9 Archangels Catholic 58, Hay Springs 32

Girls B-5 District FINAL | FEB 23: #4 Omaha Mercy 70,&nbsp;#5 Ralston 29 FINAL | FEB 25: #1 Sidney 57, Omaha Mercy 36 FINAL | Championship: Sidney 75, Gretna 71 OT

Girls B-7 District FINAL |FEB 25: #1 Scottsbluff 58,&nbsp;#4 McCook 35 FINAL |FEB 25: #2 Blair 54,&nbsp;#3 Lincoln Standing Bear 33 FINAL | Championship: Scottsbluff 51, Blair 47

Boys C1-10 Subdistrict at Ogallala FINAL | FEB 23: #4 Sidney 61,&nbsp;#5 Mitchell 27 FINAL | FEB 23: #3 Chase County 59, #6 Chadron 45 FINAL | FEB 24: #1 Ogallala 83, Sidney 52 FINAL | FEB 24: #2 Bridgeport 54, Chase County 50 FINAL |&nbsp;FEB 26: Championship Ogallala 85, Bridgeport 44

Boys C2-10 Subdistrict at Kimball FINAL | FEB 23: #5 Perkins County 48, #4 Dundy County-Stratton 46 FINAL | FEB 23: #3 Hemingford 49,&nbsp;#6 Gordon-Rushville 41 FINAL | FEB 24: #1 Kimball 81, Perkins County 48 FINAL | FEB 24: #2 Valentine 85, Hemingford 61 FINAL |&nbsp;FEB 26: Championship - Valentine 69,&nbsp;Kimball&nbsp; 66

Boys D1-12 Subdistrict at McDaid Elementary in North Platte FINAL | FEB 23: #4 Maxwell 66,&nbsp;#5 Morrill vs 8 FINAL | FEB 24: #1 North Platte St. Pat's 71, Maxwell 41 FINAL | FEB 24: #2 Maywood-Hayes Center 62, #3 Hitchcock County 45 FINAL |&nbsp;FEB 26: Championship - M-HC 58,&nbsp;NPSP 53

Boys D2-12 Subdistrict at Mullen FINAL | FEB 23: #4 Crawford 50,&nbsp;#5 Hay Springs 48 FINAL | FEB 24: #1 Mullen 69, Crawford 47 FINAL | FEB 24: #3 Cody-Kilgore 58, Hyannis 47 FINAL |&nbsp;FEB 26: Championship - Mullen 53, Cody-Kilgore 51

Boys D2-11 Subdistrict at Bayard FINAL | FEB 24: #1 Bayard 53,&nbsp;#4 Banner County 24 FINAL | FEB 24: #2 Potter-Dix 63,&nbsp;#3 Minatare 36 FINAL |&nbsp;FEB 26: Championship - Potter-Dix 43,&nbsp;Bayard 39

Boys D2-10 Subdistrict at Leyton FINAL | FEB 24: #1 Leyton 69,&nbsp;#4 Creek Valley 33 FINAL | FEB 24:#2 Garden County 75,&nbsp; #3 South Platte 34 FINAL |&nbsp;FEB 26: Championship - Leyton 45, Garden County 43

Girls B-1 District FINAL | FEB 23: #5 Plattsmouth 51, #4 Alliance 27 Girls B-6 District FINAL | FEB 25: ##2 Omaha Skutt 60, #3 Gering 37

🏀 Girls B Districts & C/D District Final Scoreboard; Boys Playoffs Scoreboard

ALLIANCE, Neb. - On this week's edition of the Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show, presented by Harris Sales in Alliance, Jake Schrantz is joined by head boys varsity basketball coach, Jordan Mills. They break down Thursday's upcoming District playoff matchup against McCook.

Then, Alliance head boys varsity wrestling coach, William Schwartzkopf, joins the show to talk about last week's state wrestling tournament. The Bulldogs sent five state qualifiers, and left with some state championship gold, thanks to sophomore Coy Childers.

Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show - 02/25/26 (Boys Basketball & Wrestling)

🏀 Girls Sub-District Playoff Brackets, Scores

C1-10 at Ogallala #4 Chadron 51, #5 Chase County 40 #3 Bridgeport 66, #6 Cozad 40 #1 Ogallala 69, Chadron 37 #2 Gothenburg 57, Bridgeport 29 Championship: Ogallala vs Gothenburg - 6:00 *** NOW FRIDAY

C2-10 at Valentine #4 Mitchell 44, #5 Gordon-Rushville 41 #3 Kimball 62, #6 Hemingford 19 #1 Valentine 82, Mitchell 49 #2 Perkins County 51, Kimball 45 Championship: Perkins County vs Valentine - 4:00 MT ***NOW SATURDAY

D1-12 at Morrill #4 Sutherland 52,&nbsp;#1 Morrill 44 #2 Wauneta-Palisade 49, #3 34 Championship: Sutherland vs W/P - ***NOW SATURDAY AT WAUNETA, 7:00 MT D2-12 at Mullen #4 Hyannis 50, #5 Cody-Kilgore 44 #1 Mullen 66, Hyannis 37 #3 Crawford 44,&nbsp;#2 Hay Springs 38 Championship: Crawford vs Mullen - 5:30 ***NOW FRIDAY

D2-11 at Leyton #1 Leyton 35, #4 Minatare 28 #2 Potter-Dix 37, #3 Banner County 26 Championship: Potter-Dix 33,&nbsp;Leyton 29

D2-10 at Paxton #4 Arthur County 40, #5 Creek Valley 20 #1 Paxton 49,&nbsp; Arthur County 22 #2 South Platte 41, #3 Garden County 31 Championship: Paxton 49,&nbsp;South Platte 16&nbsp;

🏀 Sub-Finals Weather Updates: Girls Sub-District Playoff Brackets, Scores

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Hunter Jacobsen (133 pounds), Keegan Gehlhausen (184 pounds) and Mason Villwok (197 pounds) were all named First Team All-RMAC wrestlers, as announced by the conference office on Thursday.

Chadron State's three total All-RMAC honorees were tied for third in the conference, but with the Eagles placing all their selections on the first team, CSC's three first-team honorees were tied for the most in the RMAC with Colorado School of Mines. Adams State swept the special awards, with Isaiah Gamez winning his second straight Wrestler of the Year award while Malachi Rider won Freshman of the Year and Grizzlies coach Jason Ramstetter earning Coach of the Year honors.

The league's seven head men's wrestling coaches nominated and voted for the RMAC Men's Wrestling Major Awards and All-RMAC teams, with coaches unable to vote for their own wrestlers.

Jacobsen had a strong sophomore season, moving up to the 133-pound slot after competing at 125 pounds as a true freshman. Jacobsen went 5-1 in RMAC duals, including three major decision wins. He was named the RMAC Wrestler of the Week on November 18 after dominant tech fall and fall dual victories against Fort Hays State and Otero.

Gelhausen is the only of CSC's three selections to be a repeat honoree, earning first-team honors for the second consecutive year and third time in his career. He is one of six 2025-26 First Team All-RMAC picks to repeat their selection from 2024-25. Gehlhausen went unbeaten in four RMAC duals, placed second at the Midwest Classic and was victorious in CSC's dual against No. 1-ranked Nebraska-Kearney. He won RMAC Wrestler of the Week honors on February 10.

Chadron State takes three spots on All-RMAC Wrestling First Team

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information&nbsp;

DURANGO, Colo. – Both Chadron State and Fort Lewis finished their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference basketball game on Thursday night with 11 three-pointers, but the Skyhawks sank six treys to CSC's one in the first 10 minutes to give the home team a big lead that they never yielded en route to an 80-65 victory.

Senior Isaiah Randolph and freshman Luka Djurovic each had 13 points to pace the Eagles while guards Zach Smith and Mack Keighran added 11 apiece. Randolph also blocked three shots and the 6-8 Djurovic, who meshed five of his six field goal shots, including all three of his three-pointers, also grabbed 10 rebounds while playing arguably the best game of his young career.

The Skyhawks' early success from behind the arc put them ahead 25-11 halfway through the first half. Chadron State never got closer than nine points the rest of the way. Fort Lewis finished the first half 8-of-19 on three-pointers and held a 42-27 intermission lead. Three-pointers were certainly the game's feature. The two teams fired 72 of them—41 by CSC and 31 by FLC.  

Each team scored 38 points in the second half, but the die had been cast. Even though the Eagles made six treys in the second half, twice as many as Fort Lewis, the Skyhawks maintained at least a 10-point advantage.  

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