The duties of your local sheriff

The purpose of government is to maintain the peace, and when that fails, to provide justice for all. The following is one example of a local law enforcement agency at work.On Feb.

Working for Nebraska’s families

“Welcome to the Good Life.”A phrase every traveler sees as they cross our state lines. For many, it’s just a slogan. But for those of us who call this state home, it’s something deeper. It’s a promise.I see this promise fulfilled every day.

Celebrate rural libraries this week

Libraries are a vital part of our rural communities. That’s why I invite you to celebrate the library in your small town during National Library Week, April 19 to 25.These book-filled buildings serve as community spaces, wifi hotspots, children’s imagination stations, and more.

Another legislative session in the books, along with another budget crisis averted

Some State Capitol watchers say they can’t relax until state legislators go home for the year.As a reporter who chased the occupants of the “Hall of Hot Winds” for too many decades, I can attest that the fire drill-like finish to legislative sessions leaves you ready for something different.

God will not be mocked

I had planned for a light-hearted column this week reflecting on something fun I did with my kids over the weekend. But sometimes those plans have to change.President Donald Trump has a way of shifting the news cycle simply by walking into a room. On Monday, he did it with a social media post.

The non-equality of Tax Day

It is that dreaded Tax Day again where we are expected to apply rules laid out in the 6,871 pages of the U.S. Federal Tax Code and 1,271 pages of the Nebraska Tax Code. And whether in Congress, the Nebraska Legislature or on Main Street, we hear the mantra: “The rich don’t pay their fair share!

It’s important to invest in rural health care

Last week, I wrote about my team’s work to secure federal tax dollars Nebraskans already sent to Washington to improve the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island. This week, I want to update you on my recent visit to Avera St.

Political craziness now includes supposed ‘plants’ running

Spring is planting time in Nebraska.But the looming primary election on May 12 for U.S. Senate is also, allegedly, quite a planting session, generating competing claims that candidates are “plants” to help or hurt the two leading candidates.We’re referring to the race between U.S. Sen.

A better Tax Day for Nebraska families

Tax Day will never be anyone’s favorite holiday. There are no parades, no family gatherings, and certainly no celebrations when April 15th rolls around. For most, it’s a painful reminder of how much of their hard-earned money goes out the door.

Pulling the legislative purse strings

Our Nebraska Constitution requires us to end each legislative session with a balanced budget and we have done that while additionally maintaining a cash reserve (rainy day fund) of approximately 10 percent.