Year in Review

JANUARYKyle and Jill Russell won the Christmas Lights Contest.Allen Zimmerman launched a new business — Allen’s N Scale World. He creates small scenes with great detail.St. Peter’s Catholic Church opened their rectory to the public.PowerSchool announced there was a data breach back in December.

Loup Board OKs 2026 retail rate change

COLUMBUS — The Loup Power District Board of Directors approved a 7.28% retail rate increase at its December meeting. The increase comes amid increasing wholesale power costs, material price increases, and supply chain issues.

Musical Performance at Valley View

Students of the Kitten on the Keys music studio provided Christmas dinner music to the residents of Valley View the evening of Dec. 19. Pictured are Jenny Carr, Brady Carr, Charlotte Bittner, Hudson Carr, teacher Leta Liesch, Hayes Wetovick, Mindy Reimer and Elena Reimer. Photo provided

Christmas comes early in Nance County with Tree of Love

Christmas came early in Nance County. Members of First Bank & Trust in Fullerton delivered gifts to residents at Accura HealthCare in Fullerton and Hoffmeister Homes in Genoa. The gifts are donated by members of the community for the Tree of Love, which is in its 31st year.

District to meet with superintendent candidates

FULLERTON —The Fullerton Board of Education has narrowed the field of candidates in their superintendent search.The board met last Wednesday to discuss possible candidates and to select who they want to bring in on Jan. 7, 2026 for interviews. Two candidates were invited for formal interviews.

Nance County officials attend NACO conference

KEARNEY — The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) recently hosted its 131st Annual Conference in Kearney.

Seeking nominees for Cornhusker Power Goodwill Fund

The Cornhusker Power Goodwill Fund Trustees are looking for a person from Platte County who would like to be a Trustee on the Cornhusker Power Goodwill Fund Board. The current trustee, Cody Luchsinger, completed two 3-year terms. Cornhusker Public Power District must serve the applicant’s home.

Nebraska 1st in nation to pursue Medicaid work requirements

LINCOLN — Governor Jim Pillen was joined last week by Dr.

Pillen temporarily waives regulations for truckers hauling heating fuels used for residential heat

LINCOLN — Due to increased demand for heating products across the Midwest and resulting challenges in timely access to heating fuel, Governor Jim Pillen has issued an executive order to provide emergency relief.

Pillen appoints Newmyer as Director of Public Health

LINCOLN — Governor Jim Pillen is announcing his appointment of Ashley Newmyer as director of the Division of Public Health for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). She has been serving as interim director since May of this year.