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

Girls B-1 District FINAL | FEB 23: #5 Plattsmouth 51, #4 Alliance 27

Girls B-5 District FINAL | FEB 23: #4 Omaha Mercy 70,&nbsp;#5 Ralston 29 FINAL | FEB 25: #1 Sidney 57, Omaha Mercy 36 Sidney advances to B-5 Finals against Gretna February 28

Girls B-6 District FINAL | FEB 25: ##2 Omaha Skutt 60, #3 Gering 37

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 Scottsbluff advances to B-7 Finals against Blair February 28 - 1:00

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 FEB 26: Championship - 6:00 - Ogallala vs Bridgeport

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 FEB 26: Championship - 6:00 - Kimball vs Valentine

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 FEB 26: Championship - 5:00 MT - NPSP vs M-HC

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 FEB 26: Championship - 5:30 - Mullen vs Cody-Kilgore

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 FEB 26: Championship - 6:00 - Bayard vs Potter-Dix

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 FEB 26: Championship - 6:00 - Leyton vs Garden County

Girls District Championships - Friday, February 27 C1-7: #10 Bridgeport at #7 Fort Calhoun - 4:00 MT C1-4: #13 Louisville at #4 Ogallala - 4:00 D2-1: #16 Potter-Dix at #1 Dundy County-Stratton - 5:00 D2-4: #13 Loomis at #4 Mullen - 5:30 D2-8: #9 Archangels Catholic at Hay Springs - 4:00

🏀 WED NIGHT UPDATE: Boys Subdistrict Scoreboard; Girls B Districts & C/D District Finals Details

By Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator, CSC

CHADRON, Neb. – 25 Nebraska high school students have been selected for the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) at Chadron State College.

Students selected as participants in the program are awarded full-tuition scholarships, and prioritized admission to their respective programs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) while students selected as alternates are offered other scholarships. All students are provided with specialized professional development opportunities with UNMC and additional mentoring.

Dr. Joyce Hardy, a Professor of Biology who has been on the faculty since the second year of RHOP, said the students who interviewed this year were outstanding.

“We interviewed a phenomenal group of students. They have the ability, commitment and passion for where they're going. They bring the energy and enthusiasm to do the necessary work,” she said.&nbsp;

Hardy said students not selected for RHOP still plan to enroll at CSC in what is called the traditional pathway and are convinced they will thrive here.

“When our students come in with that attitude, they will thrive. That’s what we’re looking for. We want students who are dedicated and engaged in a collaborative learning process. We provide an environment where they can gain the skills, knowledge and abilities they need to reach their goals. This new cohort will fit well with our current student body of both RHOP and traditional pathway students.”

Students who successfully complete their pre-professional education at CSC advance to UNMC. Founded in 1989, RHOP is a collaborative program between Chadron State College and UNMC. After earning their professional degrees, RHOP participants are expected and encouraged to return to rural Nebraska to provide health care.

Dental students complete their advanced training at Lincoln, dental hygiene students at Gering, nursing students at Scottsbluff and all others at the UNMC campuses in Omaha or Kearney. Students chosen for RHOP at CSC are listed below.

Dentistry&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

RHOP Students Announced by CSC

Nebraska Extension will host a webinar titled Confinement Feeding Cow-calf Pairs in the Face of Limited Perennial Grass Options on March 17 at 6:30 p.m. MT.

As drought continues to expand across Nebraska and the western Great Plains, pasture rental and purchase prices remain high while many harvested feed commodities are moderately priced. The webinar will explore the potential of adding a confined cow operation to an integrated cattle and crop system, along with nutritional and management considerations when drought limits or delays perennial grass growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Both the feed needs of the cow and calf have to be accounted for,” said Karla Wilke, Nebraska Extension cow-calf systems specialist. “Either the calf needs to be fed in a separate creep area, or the feed delivered to the pair needs to be increased as the calf grows to meet its needs.”

Wilke said lactation requires significantly more protein and energy than gestation. “While we can use low-quality forages or residues in confinement diets, we have to add a source of energy and protein to meet the needs of the pair appropriately,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The webinar will provide practical information that producers can use this spring and summer as they evaluate drylotting operations. Wilke will highlight lessons learned from university research and from producers who have utilized drylot systems for cow-calf pairs.

-Logistics for drylotting pairs, including needed bunk space, water, fence, shade and creep access for calves

-Ration examples and feed cost estimates based on current commodity prices

-Limit feeding versus full feeding. Use of annual forages to complement drylot feeding

-Health considerations for cows and calves. Breeding strategies in a drylot setting&nbsp;

The webinar is free, but registration is required. To register, contact Aaron Berger at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aberger2@unl.edu" target="_blank">aberger2@unl.edu</a>.

Nebraska Extension to Host Webinar on Confinement Feeding Cow-Calf Pairs

Post Podcast: Kman's Concert Calendar, weekend starting Feb. 26 

HARRISON, Neb. - Agate Fossil Beds National Monument will host an intuitive doodling workshop Saturday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the monument visitor center, located at 301 River Road, Harrison Nebraska, 69346.

Catherine “Cat” Robinson is a Colorado based fiber artist and landscape painter. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2011 from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She moved to Colorado shortly after school to learn how to paint landscapes. Her landscape paintings inspired and continue to inform her fiber works and artists books. Catherine has shown her work in juried exhibitions throughout the United States and frequently shows in her home state of Colorado. Her work is also included in the Joan Flasch Artists’ Book Collection in Chicago and the Special Collections at Denver University.

Robinson plans to share her knowledge through a workshop in the visitor center this upcoming weekend. This program is free and open to the public; no reservations are needed. There is no set amount of time needed to participate in this workshop.

"In this workshop we will begin by using inks and thinned paints as washes over paper. Once the first layer dries participants will work back into the colored papers with meditative 'doodles,' allowing the colors and shapes created in the first step to inform on a subconscious level the drawings overlaid on top," Robinson said.

Further information about Agate Fossil Beds National Monument programs and schedules is available at the visitor center, by calling 308-436-9760 or by visiting our website at http://www.nps.gov/agfo/index.htm.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is located 34 miles north of Mitchell, Nebraska, or 22 miles south of Harrison, Nebraska on Highway 29 and 3 miles east on River Road. The Visitor Center winter hours are 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the trails are open from dawn until dusk.

Visit us at www.nps.gov/agfo. More information on events and activities can be found on the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/agfo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/agatefossilbeds.

Artist in Residence Workshop set for Feb. 28 at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Formal educators teaching grades 6-12 are invited to join Nebraska Game and Parks for a free, interactive Educator Field School at the Niobrara Valley Preserve north of Johnstown, where wetlands, prairie and river systems will become their classroom.

On June 16-18, they will explore alongside biologists before returning home with practical tools, resources and confidence to bring aquatic ecosystems to life for their students.

Participants will receive free lodging and meals, workshop materials, a $250 stipend to offset travel and participation, and field guides and classroom-ready lessons focused on Nebraska’s aquatic ecosystems.

This field school will examine riverine wetlands and prairie-water connections through wetland explorations with conservation biologists, kayaking the&nbsp;Niobrara River, water quality testing, community science projects, nature journaling and inquiry-based natural resource activities.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Flearn%2Feducator-resources%2Feducator-workshops%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c96e9c9f5-31cf7073-614d-4266-b01f-0fd024eb2388-000000/hsx5KXi--4mcQ7LRrs1LA8WK-DfjfxWwmaIFxS7NDa8=446" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search “Educator Workshops” to find more information and to apply.

Educator Field School Focuses on Wetlands

"Fruit Flies like a Banana" is the name of this show. Doesn't that make you curious?! The Fourth Wall will present a one of a kind variety show at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday March 7 at 7 p.m.

The Fourth Wall is part chamber music, part theatre company, part modern dance troupe, part circus act. These 3 performers blend music, dance, theatre and acrobatics into an electrifying, interactive experience. The audience chooses the order of over 20 pieces specially chosen for each show in this fast paced arts hybrid experience that's a fan favorite across North America. The Fourth Wall breaks the barrier between serious art and serious fun!

The trio has sold out shows in Edmonton, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Orlando (Patrons Pick and Critics Choice Awards), and Winnipeg, where they received five stars from both the CBC, Manitoba and the Winnipeg Free Press for their vaudeville inspired show. They have performed in venues ranging from performing arts centers to elementary school cafegymnatoriums, from an off-Broadway run at the SoHo Playhouse in New York City to ABC Television's The Gong Show.

Tickets to the Alliance show are $15 Adult, $10 Senior and $5 Student. Tickets are available now at Carnegie Arts Center and the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Co-presenters for this event are KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, Western Nebraska Real Estate, Harris Sales, FNBO and FNIC.

Alliance Arts Council to Host Performance by The Fourth Wall

By Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is offering free quit medications to eligible Nebraskans through June 30, 2026, or while supplies last.

Participants may receive two free quit medication kits that include both a two-week supply of nicotine patches and an additional two-week supply of either nicotine gum or lozenges. Using more than one form of nicotine replacement therapy, known as combination therapy, has been shown to increase quit success. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that combining short-acting nicotine replacement therapy, such as gum or lozenges, with long-acting therapy, such as patches, increases quit success compared with using a single form.

To qualify, participants must be Nebraska residents age 18 or older, enroll in the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline, and complete at least one free coaching session. Eligible participants may receive quit medication kits following their first and second coaching sessions. The quitline provides support for quitting all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products such as nicotine pouches.

“Nearly seven out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes report they want to quit,” said Dr. Timothy Tesmer, DHHS Chief Medical Officer. “The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is here to give Nebraskans tools and extra support for their quit journey. Quitting is possible and you do not have to do it alone.”

The quitline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers free tobacco cessation coaching and quit medications, regardless of insurance coverage. Individuals can enroll in free help or stay tobacco-free by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.GfuENRT80eFcHB0yCoTjpiZBOcOjCsEM4yBOhhpOE7JJDN66pjJpsaTu7FjAlDTez4vt_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyDFUXts0PPRvJVwOzrZydJLyKHOwrfm-2FVnUnD7DxPTfciEORkT5FIOfxBj-2FE5p80o8k-2FNoAYLmvsiBuZneZxdPJ4cU2dWdqm8uJMZgQ-2FtsIlfylHACs06VaHGl2M3xxdU-2BQq9w3e9-2FZkaJRgfDS63QmLp2LNBNGHgMmwWhdO4R0NR-2BPSE7KyAFqi9X35xyKfBS7WBUdmm0AGySsBq4AW43WYt41bGxmo2BW9bpsuY5lSYd37JU44KdtcsppVMHfQTQFhbwEmzmGgktB-2BH4mEGvYFpfd-2FoN0ZG-2BcVJC5gRWIuptgU4ovN59wzssKLVyZmdZUqBCG0BmEh3XZXhrfcZ-2Bg-3D-3D" target="_blank">QuitNow.ne.gov</a>.

For free help quitting or staying tobacco-free, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.GfuENRT80eFcHB0yCoTjpiZBOcOjCsEM4yBOhhpOE7JJDN66pjJpsaTu7FjAlDTe8ZRG_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyDFUXts0PPRvJVwOzrZydJLyKHOwrfm-2FVnUnD7DxPTfciEORkT5FIOfxBj-2FE5p80o8k-2FNoAYLmvsiBuZneZxdPJ4cU2dWdqm8uJMZgQ-2FtsIlfylHACs06VaHGl2M3xxdU-2BQq9w3e9-2FZkaJRgfDS63QmLp2LNBNGHgMmwWhdO4R0M5R-2FbSpUyS-2BDOjMR1bq3UCRrvhzkqPrnQBqY2-2BBzmMNeXgcU3yaxJOOeInBlwhdfq2RDnQnCz0msR4VUu-2FueFW0okhnWKu1wzj46Z4UJ6bc1-2BXV3i3zMojp-2BKW-2BAm-2Bfy0qZlteyiZ1iZetSrpw7q7bblmc88oMLPr23JeDt4-2FLkw-3D-3D" target="_blank">QuitNow.ne.gov</a>. Quitline services are available in more than 200 languages. Spanish-speaking residents may call 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (335-3569).

Free Quit Medications Available Through Nebraska Tobacco Quitline

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)

ALLIANCE, Neb. – Story Time at Alliance Public Library for ages 3-6 will feature What’s New plus Show &amp; Tell Time on March 3 and 5, Giggles and Laughter on March 10 and 12, Spectacular St. Patrick’s on March 17 and 19, Bear Hugs on March 24 and 26, then Hopping Into Spring plus Easter Egg Hunt on March 31 and April 2. Story Time meets on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. in the Children’s Room with several stories, birthdays, puppets, music and crafts.

Preschool through second grade can participate in a Search for Lucky Dog, with one prize per day and one prize per child, during library hours through March 17.

LEGO Club for grades K-2 will meet on Tuesdays, March 3 and 17 from 4-5 p.m. LEGO Club for grades 3-5 will meet on Tuesday, March 10 from 4-5 p.m. These events are in the APL Community Room with LEGO supplies remaining at the library for future use.

Adventure Book Club for grades 3-5 will feature the Cat Kid Comic Club and Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey with discussion on Tuesday, March 24 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the APL Community Room.

For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at (308) 762-1387.

March Story Time, LEGO Club and More at Alliance Public Library

In light of current market dynamics, there has been growing interest in converting marginal dryland crop acres to perennial pasture. Additionally, several government and non-governmental organizations have cost-share dollars available to help facilitate the establishment of perennial forages. To address this opportunity, UNL Extension and the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition will host programs on Monday, March 16, in Kimball, and on Tuesday, March 17, in Rushville.

The programs will begin at 2 p.m. MT and focus on agronomic practices and cost-share opportunities for establishing perennial forages. The first hour and a half will feature presentations with ample time for questions, followed by a panel discussion with area producers sharing personal experiences in establishing perennial forages.

-Practical considerations for establishing perennial forages on former cropland – Dr. Jerry Volesky, UNL Extension Specialist

-Available cost-share opportunities through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and keys to success – Kristen Dickinson (Kimball NRCS); Cody Gibbons (Rushville NRCS)

-Available cost-share opportunities through the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition – Jack Arterburn, NGLC Western Nebraska Program Coordinator

-What worked, what didn’t, and what we would do differently now – Producer Panel of area farmers and ranchers.

There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is requested. To register, please call or email the contact for your preferred host site.

March 16 – Kimball County Transit Meeting Room, 233 S Chestnut St, Kimball – contact Aaron Berger at 308-235-3122 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aberger2@unl.edu" target="_blank">aberger2@unl.edu</a>

March 17 – Sheridan County Extension Office, 800 South Loofborrow St., Rushville – contact Brock Ortner at 308-327-2312 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bortner2@nebraska.edu" target="_blank">bortner2@nebraska.edu</a>

Forages and Crop Information Program Coming to Kimball & Rushville in March

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 

VP: Largest anti-fraud effort of its kind in Medicaid history

&nbsp;On&nbsp;Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall introduced&nbsp;Dr. Casey Means at her confirmation hearing.

🎥Surgeon general nominee questioned about vaccines, birth control

WASHINGTON — Nebraska’s federal delegation reacted Tuesday night following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on February 24, 2026.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer said the president outlined what she described as the success of his policy agenda.

“Tonight, President Trump articulated the success of his policies to rebuild our military, keep our communities safe, lower energy costs, and realize the American dream for all U.S. citizens,” Fischer said in a statement. “I was pleased to hear the president renew his commitment to securing our borders, strengthening our economy, and cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. I look forward to continuing to partner with him to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

Congressman Adrian Smith also issued a statement following the address, pointing to recent legislative efforts and economic indicators.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering meaningful tax relief for hardworking Americans across the country,” Smith said. “We have seen robust engagement with key trading partners, helping to level the playing field for American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and workers.”

Smith added, “Americans have seen lower gas prices, decreased inflation, secure borders, and mortgage rates reach a three-year low. While our work is far from over, I am encouraged by the progress we have made and the direction our nation is headed.

“I remain committed to working in Congress to build on this progress and ensure that Nebraska’s families, small businesses, and agricultural producers can continue to thrive. Together, we can make the Good Life even better for all Nebraskans.”

The president’s annual address outlined administration priorities on national security, border enforcement, tax policy, energy production, and economic growth, themes echoed in statements from Nebraska’s Republican delegation.

Nebraska Lawmakers Respond to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

🎥Highlights of President Trump's State of the Union address

US hockey team members meet President in the Oval Office

Someone knows how to find our mom and bring her home. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) — you can remain anonymous — or find a way to reach out to me.NOTE: Family reward of up to $1 million will be paid only for recovery of Nancy Guthrie, consistent with FBI criteria for payment of its reward in this case: <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/nancy-guthrie">Click here for details</a>

There is also a $100,000 reward in the case.

🎥Family offering $1 million reward for tip in Nancy Guthrie mystery

On Monday, at the direction of U.S. Southern commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command.

 Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp;

Monday’s attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on drug boats to at least 151people in at least 44 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

🎥 3 more dead in latest U.S. attack on drug boat in the Caribbean 

Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast

An Ogallala man traveling in Mexico to celebrate his grandmother’s 103rd birthday is now stuck under shelter-in-place conditions as cartel-related violence and widespread road blockades disrupt daily life and travel across parts of the country.

Joey Isenbart arrived in Mexico Thursday, flying into Guadalajara before traveling with family to his grandmother’s home about three hours away. What began as a routine family trip shifted dramatically over the weekend. Joey said that Saturday night, after a birthday celebration, he and his family saw vehicles on fire along the road — something he’d seen before on previous trips and didn’t think twice about.

But by Sunday morning, everything had changed. Joey said his cousin knocked on the door and told them, “You guys ain’t going nowhere. They just killed the big cartel guy. Roads are blocked off. They’re blowing up cars that block the roads off.”

The violence that followed commemorates one of the most significant developments in Mexico’s ongoing drug war: the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — widely known as “El Mencho” — leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). El Mencho, considered one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals and a major figure in international drug trafficking, was killed in a military operation by Mexican forces on Feb. 22, according to government statements. He headed one of the country’s most violent and expansive criminal organizations, implicated in trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as extortion, fuel theft, and other rackets. 

The Mexican government reported that his death sparked immediate retaliatory violence across multiple states. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, fires broke out, and clashes between cartel members and security forces erupted in at least 20 of Mexico’s 31 states.  The unrest has led authorities, including the U.S. Embassy, to advise shelter-in-place guidance for U.S. citizens in affected areas due to “ongoing security operations and related criminal activity.” 

For Joey and his family, the shift from celebration to crisis was stark. “We woke up yesterday to check in for our flight to leave this morning,” he said. “My cousin’s knocking on the door saying, ‘You ain’t going nowhere.’” He described a town that went eerily quiet as people fled the streets and shops shut their doors. “I’ve been coming here for 30 some years every year and I have never heard flies or mosquitoes. I heard them all day yesterday. This town was dead.”

Local authorities later drove through town with sirens and loudspeakers urging residents to remain indoors for safety. Within hours, family members received mass text alerts reinforcing shelter-in-place orders and instructions for American citizens to contact the U.S. Embassy. Joey said cell service has been “hit and miss” in recent days, complicating contact with loved ones back home.

Joey and his family attempted to leave early Monday for a scheduled 8 a.m. flight from Guadalajara, setting out around midnight. But about an hour from town, at the border between Michoacán and Jalisco, they encountered burning semitrailers blocking the highway. “It was blocked off by semis on fire… and no, you’re not passing,” Joey said. As they turned back, he said they heard gunshots in the distance.

Although Guadalajara’s airport remains operational and flights continue to be scheduled and canceled, Joey said the challenge is reaching it safely. “That’s the problem — getting there,” he said.

Joey emphasized that his experience staying with family in a smaller community is different from what many resort visitors are seeing in major coastal tourist areas. While some flights have been canceled or diverted in places like Puerto Vallarta, the situation for locals — especially outside resort districts — reflects deeper concern. Many residents have been told by family members familiar with the area to stay cautious, avoid going out alone, and avoid identifying themselves as Americans in public.

Locals have also interpreted symbolic signs of the unrest in ways that underscore their fear: Joey shared that in his town, people believe the half-mast flag hung over the central plaza was placed there by cartels as a message that, “he might be dead, but we’re still here.” While it cannot be independently verified, that interpretation reflects how deeply cartel influence is perceived among residents.

For Joey personally, the experience has been surreal and sobering. He said although he feels relatively safe staying within town limits, his family is on edge. “If you go out in the country, that’s where the most risk would be,” he said. “If you stay here in town, we’re safe for the most part.”

Officials and analysts warn that the death of a powerful cartel leader like El Mencho can create violent power vacuums as rival factions fight for control, leading to unpredictable and extended periods of unrest. That dynamic helps explain the scale and intensity of the road blockades, fires, and clashes unfolding across the region.

As of now, Joey and his family plan to wait a few more days to see whether roads reopen and travel routes become safer before attempting another departure. “Our main concern right now is can we even get to the airport?” he said.

In the meantime, he urges other Americans in Mexico to follow guidance from the U.S. Embassy and stay in contact with authorities. “Listen to what the embassy says — that’s a big deal for your safety,” he said.

🎙️Ogallala Man Inside Mexico's Cartel Lockdown: Flaming Roadblocks and Gunshots

WASHINGTON —The Mexican army killed the leader of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-jalisco-cartel-us-sanctions-8e40e7da8ce88c4feb45e61f3a2e00a3">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a>, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," on Sunday, decapitating what had become Mexico's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-mencho-justice-department-drug-cartels-cjng-73b539b8029c793fbd995a357b57f25f">most powerful drug cartel</a>&nbsp;and thrusting swaths of the nation into chaos.

According to a social media report late Sunday from White House spokesperson Karaoline Leavitt, " The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated. 

‘El Mencho’ was a was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested.

"President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved."

"The Trump Administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation."

The drug lord was the Mexican government's biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration in its efforts to crack down on the cartels, and his death was met with a forceful reaction from the cartel, known by its Spanish initials CJNG.

White House: U.S. helped Mexican army kill powerful drug lord

Click below to listen to the Palm Beach County Sheriff and Secret Service update on the fatal shooting at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago club.

New details: Armed man shot, killed at Mar-a-Lago 

🏀 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.  

The Eagles had also trailed by sizable margins at halftime at home the previous weekend—16 points against Metro State in the first game and 13 versus Colorado School of Mines in the second. CSC rallied to defeat Metro 84-77 and to draw within two points of Mines. But Fort Lewis held off the challenge with some room to spare on its home court. 

Fort Lewis was led by 6-foot-2 guard Stewart Erhart, who sank three of his team's six early treys, with 22 points. Fellow guard Jaxon Smith had 16 and the inside duo of Chuol Deng and Cassius Carmichael, 13 and 12, respectively.

The win snapped the Skyhawks' four-game losing skid and solidifies their status as one of the top three teams in the RMAC standings. They are now 13-4 in league play while Black Hills State is 14-3 and Colorado Mesa is 13-3.

The Eagles are 6-19 overall and 4-13 in the RMAC. They will tangle with Adams State in Alamosa on Saturday afternoon.

Chadron State—Isaiah Randolph 13, Luka Djurovic 13, Zach Smith 11, Mack Keighran 11, Jackson Schauer 7, Collin Nick 5, Blessing Adesipe 3, Jovan Jovanovic 2.  Totals: 19-58 (11-41) 16-7, 65 points, 33 rebounds, 13 assists, 16 turnovers.

🏀 Skyhawks soar to early lead, hold serve to keep CSC in check to begin RMAC week

🏀 High School Basketball Scoreboard - 2/13

🏀 High School Basketball Scoreboard - 2/13

CHADRON, Neb. – Redshirt freshman Jackson Schauer hit eight three-pointers, Jadon Cool scored 17 second-half points and Chadron State rallied from as many as 21 points down to stun MSU Denver 84-77 at home in the Chicoine Center. 

Chadron State is now 6-17 overall and 4-11 in the RMAC after the Eagles outscored the Roadrunners 55-32 in the second half. MSU Denver dropped to 7-16 and 5-10 in the RMAC after leading by 16 points at halftime.

Schauer finished with 26 points, nearly doubling his previous career high of 14. The South Dakota native hit four triples in each half and accounted for eight of CSC's 13 total makes by himself. 

Cool made 12 of 14 free-throw attempts, the last two with a bloody mouth after a hard foul with 3.8 seconds left, and finished with 22 points for his fifth 20-point game of the season.

Zach Smith tied a career-high with 37 minutes logged and made plays all night long, chipping in 10 points to go with game-high totals of five assists and four steals. Isaiah Randolph (12 points), Blessing Adesipe (10) and Smith gave the Eagles five double-figure scorers.

Two weeks after shooting 70 percent from the field in the second half of their most recent win, the Eagles again found another several gears out of the locker room. After halftime, Chadron State sunk 59.3 percent of its total attempts and 61.5 percent of three-pointers (8-13). Over the same stretch, the Roadrunners shot 30 percent from the field and 8.3 percent (1-12) from deep.

An inauspicious start set the stage for CSC's dramatic comeback. The Eagles trailed 13-2, 21-5 and 31-13 and shot only 28.6 percent in the first half while the Roadrunners made 9 of 16 threes. 

CSC's largest deficit of the night came with under three minutes to go in the first half, when the cherry on top of a 6-0 MSU Denver run made it 42-21, Roadrunners. The visitors led 45-29 at the break. 

Still, there were signs in the first half of what was to come. Schauer, who came off the bench, took his first three-point attempt with 6:57 remaining in the first half and missed. He would make his next four before the end of the half, providing both a spark and a healthy chunk of CSC's entire point total, then missed an off-balance heave at the buzzer.

In the second half, MSU Denver turned it over on its first two possessions, then missed seven of its first eight field goal attempts. CSC used those empty possessions to chip away – Smith and Adesipe tallied five points while Cool had four on a 17-4 run across the first six-and-a-half minutes. 

Then, Schauer took over. Every time the ball rippled through the net, the Eagles' momentum, player emotions and the volume from fans inside the Chicoine Center intensified, starting with murmurs and growing until it reverberated into an unstoppable tidal wave of energy. 

Schauer's first three of the second half cut the deficit to just two points at 51-49. His second three came a minute later, halting a mini 4-0 Roadrunner run. His third three gave the Eagles a 58-56 lead, their first of the game after Cool had tied it at 55 with a three of his own. 

His fourth three brought the lead up to five points at 63-58, and the perimeter opened up for other options. Cool hit a stepback three and Luka Djurovic blew by a defender for a layup, and suddenly, it was 70-59 Eagles, an incredible 41-14 scoring reversal since the start of the half. 

The game grew more physical after halftime as teams attacked the paint (a category in which MSU Denver did lead, 34-22). There were only 10 total free throws in the first half, all by the Eagles, but the two teams combined for 40 in the second half with the visitors taking 21. 

The Eagles were better from the line to maintain their cushion down the stretch, hitting 23 of 29 attempts (79.3 percent) while the Roadrunners made 13 of 21 (61.9 percent). Cool (12-for-14), Isaiah Randolph (4-for-5) and Smith (3-for-4) accounted for most of the free throw damage.

This is the only matchup between Chadron State and MSU Denver this season. The previous matchup was just as wild, with the Eagles coming back from an 11-point halftime deficit but losing 73-71 after a made halfcourt shot by Chadron State was ruled to be after the buzzer. 

The Eagles will try to corral their positive momentum into another key showdown against Colorado School of Mines this Saturday. The Orediggers (13-13, 9-6 RMAC) lost to Black Hills State on Thursday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

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