While in Lincoln, I toured Southeast Community College’s new Welding Technology Center, which just opened last August.This 100,000 square-foot facility features 196 state-of-the-art welding bays, making it the nation’s largest welding training center. President Illich then showed me the college’s health sciences building, a four-story hospital, lab, and learning environment where healthcare students train for the workforce. I was so impressed by SCC’s commitment to addressing Nebraska’s skilled workforce shortage and their partnerships with government and industry leaders.

Next, I stopped in Davey to visit Otte Oil and Propane. During the visit, I learned that Nebraska has more than 54,000 homes primarily heated by propane gas. Fuel from Otte Oil and Propane also supports agricultural, commercial, and transportation uses across Nebraska. I appreciated the chance to get a firsthand look at propane operations and to better understand the role propane plays in powering Nebraskans’ daily lives.

I later visited Restore A Muscle Car, touring their 40,000-square-foot restoration and parts facility, including the showroom, assembly area, body shop, and storage building.We talked about the importance of investing in workforce development and the growing need for skilled trades technicians — a conversation that reinforced why I’ve long advocated for expanding vocational education and apprenticeship partnerships across Nebraska and our nation.

To round out the week with celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, I spoke at events inYork and Seward marking the 50th anniversary of the I-80 Sculpture Project. Fifty years ago, leaders from the federal government, the State of Nebraska, local communities, artists, and private supporters came together with a bold vision.They recognized that, in addition to helping people get where they need to go, our interstate system could also serve as a gateway to culture, creativity, and discovery.

For 50 years now, these sculptures along the interstate have shown how public investment and private support can work hand in hand to strengthen tourism, enrich communities, and create landmarks that showcase our state’s identity.

For me, this rededication ceremony was personal. My dad, Jerry Strobel, served as director of the Nebraska Department of Roads. Before serving as director, he held various roles within the department, and he supported this sculpture project in the 70s.Though he was an engineer and builder of roads and bridges, he also understood the importance of enriching our communities and our state through art.

Looking back, it’s remarkable to see how this idea has endured for half a century and become such an important part of Nebraska’s cultural landscape.Thanks to the efforts of the Nebraska Arts Council, a new generation now has the chance to learn about these iconic works.

Next week, I return to Washington to finish official business for the month of July. Then, I look forward to traveling across Nebraska during the August state work period to meet with even more small business owners, local officials, producers, and more.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting again with you next week.

In Lincoln, I celebrated the retirement of Brigadier General Gary Ropers. Gen. Ropers served the Nebraska National Guard for 45 years. I also attended an event to celebrate new funding for four interstate bridges. This project will ensure Nebraskans can safely and more easily get around our capital city and state.

I visited the Tractor Supply Distribution Center in Waverly. I heard how the Working Families Tax Cuts are positively impacting their team and operations. The immediate expensing and bonus depreciation for machinery allows Tractor Supply to invest in Nebraska and across the country.

I traveled to Crawford to tour the South Fork Fire damages. I also met with the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department. I heard about their work combating the South Fork Fire. They saved Fort Robinson State Park and evacuated residents from an assisted living facility. We discussed the support they need to continue their lifesaving work. This includes a FEMA grant I helped secure that will cover 75% of the firefighting costs. This grant makes sure that local communities do not bear the entire cost of the wildfire. Over a million acres have burned across Nebraska this year. I will continue to support our state and local efforts to help Nebraskans rebuild.

I also attended a lunch in McCook with members of the community. We discussed efforts to make housing more affordable and renew economic opportunity in the region. I shared how the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help. At McCook Community Hospital, I listened to feedback on how we can improve healthcare in rural communities. And I met with students at Mid-Plains Community College. They are training to become EMS and healthcare professionals. These jobs are needed in our state.

In Peru, I toured the levee with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Nebraska’s 2019 floods were the worst in our history. They damaged this levee at 5 different points. This threatened the town of Peru and caused tens of millions of dollars in damages. With $43 million allocated by Congress, the Army Corps of Engineers is working to repair that damage. We discussed project plans and timeline. They expect repairs to be done by November 5, 2027. The levee protects the town of Peru as well as Nebraska farmland. It also protects lives. Successful reconstruction is necessary for our farmers.

In Norfolk, I attended a roundtable with the Nebraska Farm Bureau. We discussed the importance of a new, five-year farm bill and year-round E15. I shared some of my bills included in the Senate’s farm bill text. The FENCE Act would help with rebuilding efforts by allowing USDA grants for virtual fencing. The AFIDA Improvements Act would restrict Communist China from purchasing American ag land. The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act would strengthen rural small businesses. This has been a tough year for Nebraska farmers and ranchers. We’re working together to recover and strengthen our family farms.

Meeting with Nebraskans while traveling our state is the best part of this job. As Senator, just as when I was Governor, I’ll keep fighting for the Good Life. This is what makes Nebraska great. It is an honor to serve you. I’ll keep working to make Nebraska the best place to live.

My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-2244224. You can also view my website at https://www.ricketts. senate.gov/contact.

Another priority of mine is supporting our communities by creating more opportunities for people to engage in meaningful ways with their government and our nation’s history. Earlier this week, I was pleased to join local leaders and community members in Gering to welcome the Freedom 250 Truck at the Gering Civic Center.This traveling museum, one of only six touring the country, is helping educate Americans about our nation’s rich history as we continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. It was a privilege to help bring this unique exhibit to western Nebraska and celebrate our shared heritage close to home.

From Gering, I traveled throughout western Nebraska to visit with community leaders and hear firsthand how decisions in Washington are affecting the communities I serve. One stop was the Western Nebraska Veterans Home, where I always enjoy visiting with residents and staff. I appreciate Administrator Stavely and the entire team for the outstanding care they provide to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. Hearing directly from residents about their experiences helps me better understand how Congress can continue supporting those who have served.

I then hopped back on the road and traveled to Sidney, where I met with the folks at Sidney Regional Medical Center, a critical health care provider serving families across western Nebraska. As a member of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, one of my top priorities is ensuring that every Nebraskan has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their zip code. Facilities like Sidney Regional Medical Center and Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff play an essential role in making that possible by delivering high-quality care closer to home.

The next day, I headed to Ogallala to meet with the Keith County Board of Commissioners and local Rotary Club during one of their regular meetings. It was a great opportunity to hear about the important work they are doing to strengthen their community while sharing updates on the work I am doing in Washington on behalf of Nebraskans.

I wrapped up the day back in Gering at the annual Oregon Trail Days Kickoff BBQ. Oregon Trail Days has long been one of my favorite Nebraska traditions, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the pioneer spirit and strong communities that define western Nebraska.

Whether I am in western Nebraska or traveling to any of the 80 counties across the Third District, spending time with constituents will always be one of the most rewarding parts of serving in Congress. The conversations we have during district work periods directly influence the priorities I take back to Washington and the work I do on your behalf.

Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas, concerns, and perspectives with me.Your input makes me a better representative, and I look forward to continuing to work together to keep Nebraska the Good Life.

Last Sunday we heard the Parable of the Sower. This weekend Jesus tells us another parable about growing seeds, the growth and the harvest to come.

The Lord tells us about the enemy, Satan, who had his agenda to mess up the wheat fields, that is our souls, just as he has an agenda to mess up the entire creation of God’s family.

We must always be aware of Satan’s agendas, how he wants us to come to him through our sins. Satan will stop at nothing to destroy our lives and our faith. Satan is working hard in our world today. He has brought division and hatred, and wants us to follow him and not God.

But we must remember that God is all powerful and He loves us unconditionally.

The question is how powerful is our love for Him? God is tremendously involved in our lives today. He reaches out to us and He loves us. But that PULMONOLOGY: Dr. Saed Awadallah, March 2, 4.

VISITING DOCTORS: Note: Our visiting specialists do not Specialty Clinic at 308-279-7010 to schedule.

DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETICS: John Blomstedt, DO.

March 26.

FEET: Dr. Mark Willats, DPM, FACFAS, Western Plains Foot March 4, 18.

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY: American Vein & Vascular Amber Malcolm, March 6; Sally Howe, None in March.

NEPHROLOGY: Dr. Ruba Sarsour. March 26.

NEUROLOGY: Dr. Eric Kelts. Fridays: March 6, 20.

OB CLINIC: Sidney Regional Medical Center; Dr. Scholar, Dr.

Wednesday: .

ORTHOPAEDICS: Dr. Michal Taylor, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Friday.

SURGERY: Dr. Casey, from Sidney Regional Medical Center.

UROLOGY: Dr. Joshua Caldwell, Sidney Regional Medical Center, Surgery: March 10 PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONALAND SPEECH THERAPY: PHYSICAL THERAPY and OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: SPEECH THERAPY: Available as needed.

MORRILL COUNTY PROFESSIONAL PLAZA, Call 308AUDIOLOGY:

Caitlin Nichols

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Melody Leisy: Tuesday, Thursday, Charli Lowery: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at Pro Plaza; Deanna Schrotberger: Monday, Friday at Pro Plaza; Tuesday, PAIN MANAGEMENT: Dr. Greg Wilroy REHABILITATION MEDICINE: Dr. Masumi Wilroy, DO.

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER MORRILL COUNTY HOME County and surrounding counties. Skilled Nursing, Home Health

MEALS ON WHEELS: Call 308-262-1616, Ext 233.

snake, evil, keeps crawling back into our lives.

We let the worldly things creep into our lives and we tend to forget what God is doing for us. We get caught up in sports, vacations, laziness and become downright neglectful of what the Lord does for us in our lives.

God forgives us for our sinfulness and our wandering away from Him. He is always here for us and brings us back into the family of God.

His love never leaves us but grows stronger when we fail in life. It is through reconciliation that we mend those fences and come back into the fullness of His glory.

God’s love is powerful and forgiving, that conquers the weakness and defeat in our lives.

Where are you in the realm of God’s love? Can you make the choice in life to follow Him and be the good seed that He has sown? It is up to you and your conscience in how you answer this question.

Have a good week!

Nothing is quite so refreshing on a hot summer day as a cold glass of lemonade. Well, how about all that refreshment in a delicious dessert! This has all the flavor of lemonade, but it’s so creamy it will practically melt in your mouth!

12 (2½-inch) graham cracker squares 2 (4-serving) packages sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix 1 (4-serving) package sugar-free lemon gelatin 1⅓ cups dry milk powder 2 cups diet lemon-lime soda 1 cup reduced-calorie whipped topping 1. Evenly arrange 9 graham crackers in a 9' x 9' cake pan. In large bowl, combine 1 package dry pudding mix, dry gelatin, ⅔ cup dry milk powder and 1¼ cups diet lemon- lime soda. Mix well using wire whisk. Blend in ¼ cup whipped topping. Carefully spread mixture evenly over graham crackers. Refrigerate while preparing topping.

2. In same bowl, combine remaining package of dry pudding mix, remaining ⅔ cup dry milk powder and remaining ¾ cup soda pop. Mix well using wire whisk. Blend in remaining ¾ cup whipped topping. Spread topping mixture evenly over filling. Crush remaining 3 graham crackers into fine crumbs; evenly sprinkle over top. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Makes 8 servings.

*Each serving equals: 96 calories, 0g fat, 5g protein, 19g carb., 296mg sodium, 0g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: ½ fat-free milk, ½ starch

(c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

During the warm summer months in South Dakota, many of us spend extra time outside walking, working or enjoying community events.The heat and wind can pull moisture from the body faster than we realize. Hydration becomes important for everyone, from kids running around at the park to adults juggling busy schedules to older adults who may not notice thirst as quickly.Water supports our health in every season, but summer reminds us just how essential it is.

We often think of dehydration as something that only happens when a person is ill, running a marathon or working outside on a hot day. But in reality, our bodies lose two to three liters of water every day just by breathing, urinating and through our skin. If we don’t replace that water, the body begins borrowing it from tissues, including the mouth and brain.

And here’s the remarkable truth: every single cell in the human body requires water to function.We can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without fluids.Water fuels energy production, carries nutrients, removes waste, regulates temperature and supports the electrical signals that keep our hearts and brains working. It is the foundation of life.

Hydration needs change across the lifespan While everyone needs water, the reasons vary across the lifespan. Children lose water faster and may forget to drink while playing. Teens and adults often push through busy days relying on caffeine instead of water. Athletes and outdoor workers lose more fluid through sweat.

Although dehydration can affect anyone, it can be especially impactful on older adults and is a well-recognized contributor to confusion. Older adults are more prone to fluid loss because they don’t sense thirst as easily, many take medications that cause the body to lose water, and they naturally have about 1520% less total body water than younger adults.

Hydration and oral health: a connection for all ages Saliva is 99% water, and dehydration can cut salivary flow by half.When the mouth dries out, problems follow:

• Higher risk of cavities and gum disease

• Denture discomfort

• Difficulty chewing and swallowing

• Changes in taste that reduce appetite

Hydration and the brain The brain is about 73% water, and losing just 1-2% of that water can affect you even before you feel thirsty and negatively impact things like attention span, memory, mood and reaction time. For kids, this can mean trouble focusing in school. For adults, it may feel like brain fog. For older adults, it can increase fall risk.

Simple habits that help everyone

• Keep a bottle or glass nearby at home, school or work and sip it regularly even if you’re not thirsty

• Choose infusions that don’t lower pH, such as mint, basil or cucumbers. If you enjoy citrus, use it occasionally rather than sipping it all day to protect enamel.

• Choose hydrating foods like fruits, yogurt, soups and smoothies

• Avoid excessive salt and alcohol intake which can both contribute to dehydration As we move through the warm months, staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to support comfort, clarity and wellbeing.Water helps us enjoy the activities we love- working, learning, playing and aging well. Small habits that support hydration can help people of all ages stay healthy and strong throughout the South Dakota summer and beyond.

Carissa Regnerus, RDH, MA, FADHA, has been a licensed dental hygienist for more than 25 years and a faculty member in the University of South Dakota’s Department of Dental Hygiene since 2001. She teaches courses in dental public health, nutrition and preventive care, with a focus on helping students understand the oralsystemic connections that shape overall health. Her work in medical mission settings reflects her dedication to improving oral and systemic health across diverse communities. She can be reached at Carissa.Regnerus@usd.edu. Follow The Prairie Doc

at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram,YouTube, and Tik Tok.

Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc

, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm onYouTube and streaming on Facebook), 2 podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB, Sundays at 6am and 1pm).

Kovarik’s areas of experience have included criminal defense and prosecution, family and juvenile law, estate planning and insurance, corporate formation and other areas of civil practice.

He received a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and earned a juris doctor from the Washburn University College of Law.

Kovarik fills the vacancy in the 12th Judicial District due to the retirement of Judge James M.Worden.

For nearly 30 years, I’ve been a season ticket holder for Nebraska volleyball matches. I also used to cover the sport. I was around when then-Coach Terry Pettit was begging football fans to attend volleyball matches after watching a football game.Way back in the day (years before I caught the volleyball bug) loyal fans used to set up their own folding chairs so they could watch a match.

Fast forward to today.

Home volleyball matches in Lincoln have been sold out for years, making it harder for new fans to attend matches despite the move to the Devaney Center, which doubled the tickets available.

Nebraska’s volleyball program has won five national championships, and is regularly in the top five teams in the country.Team members are celebrities and now, internet darlings. Little girls in the state grow up dreaming to be Huskers.

And, oh yeah, don’t forget the incredible Memorial Stadium match in 2023 when 92,000 eager fans packed the football venue. It set a record for the most fans to attend a women’s sporting contest.

To say that the success of women’s volleyball has been incredible is almost an understatement. And this fall, the Huskers will again be one of the favorites to win it all.

But now, loyal fans like me are being asked to step aside so people who have more money, and give more money to the university, can choose the best seats in the house—the ones where fans like me used to sit.

It’s called “reseating” and the NU athletic department describes it as an attempt to “embrace the evolution of intercollegiate athletics and find ways to preserve our financial model.”

In plain English: “college sports is a big money enterprise, and we need to cater to the people who give the most money.”

The big donors, mostly those giving to football and other sports, have been allowed to pick season tickets (up to six each) since early June. I get to wait until July 13, and can only choose up to four.

This is despite being a regular contributor to the athletic department, faithfully giving the suggested contributions to keep our two seats.

Our seats were great.We felt like we were part of the match, and responded loudly. Now, we’re looking at the nose-bleed sections, in the darkened, upper reaches of the arena, far from the action.

Some friends who used to share our seats have backed out, saying it’s not worth it.

Others I know gave up when the reseating was announced last year.

On some level I understand what’s going on. College athletics has become a big-money enterprise, and now that athletes are being paid, big money needs to be raised.

But it stinks that loyal fans, including those who used to set up their own chairs for matches (you know, the ones who “all stick together, in all kinds of weather”) are being shoved aside.

I complained about this so much that the NU athletic director (to his credit) called me to talk me off the ledge.

He calmly explained that since players can now be paid, and can earn extra money through “name, image and likeness” deals with companies, Nebraska needs more money to compete.

I appreciate that the university is getting creative, and using assets like Memorial Stadium to earn extra money by staging concerts, “Banana Ball” and even some goofy golf game inside Memorial Stadium.

Reseating is now planned for football, basketball and softball, so it’s not just faithful volleyball fans being impacted. I felt especially bad for softball season ticket holders, who sat through some pretty chilly and wet early games this year, but when it came to the NCAA tournament, had to move to the bleachers so bigger donors could sit in the front row.

When I write stuff like this, part of me is whispering, “boy, you’re getting old and grumpy—give it a rest.”

But the rest of me is thinking this is just sad—sad that, in one more place, it’s all about money.

Maybe they should change the words in the fight song.

— I’m also sad about the passing of Paul Fell, a masterful cartoonist, who I was honored to have collaborated with every week in this corner of the paper.What a talented guy, always upbeat and full of wit. Draw well in that art studio in the sky, my friend.

Maybe it was bussing tables at a local restaurant, stocking shelves at a grocery store, mowing lawns during the summer, or working the cash register after school. For many of us, those first jobs weren’t about supporting a family or paying a mortgage.They were about earning a little spending money, gaining independence, learning responsibility, and getting our first taste of the working world.

Just as importantly, they were opportunities. A chance for an employer to take a chance on someone with little experience and a chance for a young worker to begin building the skills and work habits that would open doors later in life.

That is one reason the debate over Nebraska’s minimum wage has become so important.

As Platte Senior Fellow Laura Ebke writes in her recent blog, earlier this year, Nebraska’s minimum wage reached $15 per hour, completing the voter-approved increases approved in 2022.The Legislature later passed LB 258, establishing a fixed annual growth rate for future increases and preserving a lower wage option for certain younger workers entering the workforce. Not everyone agreed with that approach.

The Lincoln City Council recently approved a local ordinance that would continue tying minimum wage increases to inflation and eliminate the youth wage provision. Omaha officials have discussed similar ideas, and last week, Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed a lawsuit challenging Lincoln’s ordinance, arguing that it conflicts with state law and the Legislature’s effort to create a uniform statewide wage system. The legal questions will ultimately be settled in court.

The economic questions deserve broader consideration.

Wanting to help workers is reasonable, especially where everyday costs are higher. But every wage policy has tradeoffs, and good intentions do not change economic reality.

Supporters of local minimum wage ordinances argue that cities like Lincoln and Omaha face different economic conditions than smaller communities and should have the flexibility to respond accordingly. But wages do not exist in a vacuum.

When government mandates higher wages, employers still have to make the numbers work. Large corporations may have more flexibility to absorb those costs, but small businesses often do not. For a family-owned restaurant, local retailer, or small manufacturer, higher labor costs can mean raising prices, reducing hours, delaying expansion, investing in automation, or ultimately, hiring fewer workers altogether. Those trade-offs are particularly important when we think about younger and less experienced workers.

The youth wage provision included in LB 258 recognizes a simple reality: workers entering the job market often require more training and supervision as they develop their skills. A lower entry wage can create an incentive for employers to hire first-time workers, invest in their development, and give them an opportunity to gain valuable experience.

Eliminating that flexibility may sound worker-friendly, but it can also make employers more hesitant to hire those workers in the first place.

There is also the question of whether Nebraska should have one set of wage rules or several.

Our economy does not stop at city limits. Businesses operate across multiple communities. Workers commute across county lines. A patchwork of local wage mandates can create confusion, increase compliance costs, and make it more difficult for businesses to plan for the future.

The effects can extend well beyond Lincoln and Omaha.

Rural communities already work hard to attract and retain workers. Policies adopted in Nebraska’s largest cities can influence labor markets, wages, and business decisions throughout the state, even in communities that had no say in adopting those policies.

None of this means policymakers should ignore the challenges workers face. Helping Nebraskans achieve greater economic security is a goal we should all share.

The question is how best to accomplish it.

As this debate continues, Nebraska should focus on free market policies that expand opportunity, encourage job creation, and preserve pathways into the workforce for young people and first-time job seekers. Those first jobs may not always pay the most, but they often provide something just as valuable: a starting point.

Hosted by the Golden Spike Tower which overlooks the world-famous BaileyYard, Rail Days offers four days of behind-the-scenes railroad experiences, family-friendly entertainment, and opportunities to discover why North Platte has become a must-visit destination for rail enthusiasts.

Guests can enjoy exclusive guided bus tours through BaileyYard, breathtaking views from the Golden Spike Tower, evening Twilight Tower Tours, one of the region’s largest Model Train Shows, the Whistle Stop Kidz Zone, railroad exhibits, shopping, food, and activities designed for visitors of every age.

For those looking to make the most of the weekend,VIP Experience tickets are on sale now.VIP guests receive exclusive benefits and access that enhance their Rail Days visit.

Because VIP experiences have limited availability, organizers encourage visitors to purchase tickets early.

“Rail Days celebrates the incredible impact the railroad has had on North Platte and our nation’s transportation system,” said Kelley Barner, Executive Director for the Golden Spike Tower. “Whether you’re a lifelong railfan, bringing your family for a weekend adventure, or discovering BaileyYard for the first time, Rail Days offers experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.”

Located above BaileyYard— the world’s largest railroad classification yard—the Golden Spike Tower provides visitors with a spectacular view of the nonstop railroad operations that have made North Platte famous around the globe.

Community organizers expect thousands of visitors throughout the four-day celebration, providing a significant boost to local restaurants, hotels, attractions, and businesses while showcasing everything North Platte has to offer.

With unforgettable railroad experiences, family activities, and exclusive tours, North Platte Rail Days continues to be one of North Platte’s signature summer events.

Tickets are available at https://goldenspiketowerstore. com/collections/north-platterail- days. For schedules, and complete event information, visit: https://goldenspiketower. com/northplatteraildays/.

Male and female athletes will be selected to represent their home state or territory.

They will take part in a series of high-intensity challenges designed to test strength, speed, agility, teamwork, resilience, and leadership.

“Here in Nebraska, we are known for our grit, determination, and hard work.This event provides our youth with a chance to prove to the rest of the country that we have amazing student athletes who demonstrate those outstanding qualities,” said Gov. Pillen. The competition will be held Aug. 9-11. The televised finale will air on ESPN Aug. 13. At the end, one male and one female Patriot Games champion will be recognized. Each one will receive $125,000 in scholarship funding.

Additional information and a participant application can be found at: https://www.freedom250. org/patriot-games. A short video needs to be submitted as part of the application.

All applications are due Friday, July 10.

AMPRIDE

July

2 Tornado siren test,

10:00 a.m.; Food Pantry, 10:00-noon

3 Camp Clarke Stampede slack, 9:00 a.m.; Table games for everyone, community room, Broadwater city hall, 2:00 p.m.; Camp Clarke Stampede Rodeo, followed by fireworks, 7:30 p.m.

4 Happy 250th 4th of July

Camp Clarke Stampede slack, 9:00 a.m.; Water Fight Parade,

10th and L Street, 10:30 a.m.; Freewill donation hamburger lunch, entertainment by Avid Dischordcourthouse lawn, after parade; Camp Clarke Stampede Rodeo,

followed by fireworks, 7:30 p.m.

6 Angora Cemetery annual board/budget meeting, community building, 8:00 p.m.

7 Bridgeport Irrigation District meeting, office, 10:00 a.m.;

Northport Irrigation District meeting,

office, 1:00 p.m.

8 Tornado siren test,

10:00 a.m.; Bridgeport Housing Authority board meeting, McMillan room, noon; Table games for everyone, PWCC, 1:00 p.m.; Food Pantry, 5:30-6:30 p.m.;

Bridgeport Rural Fire District meeting, 1621 Main Street,

7:30 p.m.

9 Tornado siren test,

10:00 a.m.; Browns Creek Irrigation District meeting,

office, 1:00 p.m. ;

Food Pantry, 5:30 6:30 p.m.; Village of Gurley board meeting, village office, 7:00

p.m.

10 Table games for

everyone, community room, Broadwater city hall, 2:00 p.m.; City Council meeting

( note date and time change), PWCC, 3:00 p.m., budget workshop to follow; Celebrate Recovery, Cornerstone Church, 434 1st Ave., Bayard, 6:00 p.m.

13 Board of Education,

Budget workshop 6:00 p.m., regular meeting 7:00 p.m.; Village of Dalton board meeting, village office, 7:00 p.m.; Village of Broadwater board meeting, village office, 7:00 p.m.

A good buddy has a favorite saying: “We’re all smart.

We have smartphones.”

It’s funny, and I’ve used it several times.

After all, smartphones have, in a lot of ways, made our lives easier and smarter.

Got an unfamiliar address to find? Use the smartphone to give you directions.

Hungry for a burrito? Use a smartphone to find the nearest restaurant.

Engaged in a heated argument over who hit the most home runs,Willie Stargell or Harmon Killebrew? Google it on your smartphone.

They have basically killed a good bar bet.

But more and more evidence says smartphones haven’t exactly sharpened our intellect.

(It’s even been suggested that smartphones have contributed to a falling birthrate in the U.S. by replacing in-person relationships, those that could lead to a birth, with swiping on the smartphone.)

Lots of states, including Nebraska, now have laws that aim to eliminate or reduce smartphone use by students at school.

The book, “The Anxious Generation,” argues that the advent of the smartphone— one that allows continuous access to the internet—was the main driver behind a sharp increase in teen depression and suicides in the 2010s after smartphones became widely used.

The author, Jonathan Haidt, maintains that as more and more teens went to their phones to check on social media rather than engage in unsupervised play, it created a “great rewiring” of sleepless nights, isolation from others and addiction to screen time.

Those video “reels” on Facebook are the most addictive to me. Stuff like scenes of ocean liners capsizing, huge walleye being caught somewhere, or my Pirates eking out a run.Ten minutes later—or even later—I snap out of it, and return to reality.

We’ve all been to restaurants and watched four teens, or even four adults, glued to the screens of their smartphones rather than engaging in any kind of conversation.

(And we’ve all glanced at a nearby driver who is staring into a smartphone instead of looking at the road ahead.

Thirty-three states have bans on hand-held cell phone use while driving a car or truck.

Nebraska restricts it only for school bus drivers and kids under 18 using a learners permit.)

In the classroom, the research is somewhat mixed, with some studies showing that smartphone use can increase learning. But there’s no doubt that smartphones can be a distraction, and take away from person-to-person interactions.

I think Nebraska’s law, which requires local school districts to adopt smartphone policies, makes sense. It allows local school boards and parents some flexibility on where to draw the line.

It’s a complicated topic.

Smartphones have become indispensable in a lot of ways.

They’re our football tickets, our wallets, our weather forecaster, our newspaper, our compass and a prime means of communication.

But too much screen time isn’t very smart, it seems. But where to draw the line? (And where to draw the line on artificial intelligence or AI?)

My daughter, a thirdgrade teacher, says there’s hope. “Her generation,” she says, is setting limits, though she knows that some parents find it hard to say “no” and use smartphones to occupy their kids, rather than engage with them.

Setting limits and restrictions has also become a key topic for debate by lawmakers and school officials.

You can tell I’m getting old because I miss those days when a gang of kids would gather on a vacant lot and pick up teams for a wiffle ball match or football game. If there was a dispute, we’d work it out among ourselves—a really valuable life lesson —rather than deferring to a referee or coach in a sports club.

Such “unsupervised play” was recommended by the author of the Anxious Generation. He also suggested that kids shouldn’t get a smartphone till they turn 16. If they need to keep in touch with their parents, let them use an old-fashioned flip phone—one that doesn’t allow constant access to the internet and social media, like Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook.

As parents, we could, and should, set our own limits. After all, we’re all smart; we have smartphones.

Families, ranchers, farmers, volunteer firefighters, and entire communities have come together to help one another through unimaginable challenges.While the recovery process is far from over, I remain confident that Nebraska will persevere.We will rebuild, restore what was lost, and emerge stronger than before. As I continue meeting with those impacted by these devastating fires, one message has been clear: the last thing Nebraskans need while recovering from disaster is more government red tape.

This year alone, wildfires have burned more than 860,000 acres across Nebraska’s Third District, leaving behind damaged fences, destroyed grazing land, and significant economic losses for agriculture producers.We all know recovery will take time, resources, and support.The last thing anyone needs is for it to be delayed by bureaucratic hurdles.

That is why I was proud to support and work alongside Senator Fischer to advance the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act.

This commonsense legislation recently passed in the House and is now headed to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

The bill makes important improvements to the Emergency Conservation Program, which provides assistance to agriculture producers recovering from natural disasters.

Under current law, producers can face delays and uncertainty while waiting for eligibility determinations and disaster designations. In the case of future disasters, our legislation will streamline that process by allowing assistance to be triggered more quickly following disasters like the wildfires that have devastated parts of Western and Central Nebraska.

Just as importantly, the bill provides greater flexibility for producers as they begin the difficult work of rebuilding.

Whether restoring fences, rehabilitating damaged land, or addressing other conservation challenges caused by natural disasters, producers will have faster access to the relief they are eligible to receive.

Nebraskans are resilient, but resilience does not mean they should have to navigate unnecessary obstacles while recovering from disaster. Congress has a responsibility to ensure federal programs work efficiently and effectively when Americans need them most.

The passage of the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act is a meaningful step towards helping Nebraska’s producers rebuild from the damage and recover when disaster strikes. Moving forward, I will continue to urge President Trump to sign this legislation into law and work with USDA to ensure that these necessary changes are implemented without delay.

As recovery efforts continue across our state, I will keep working to ensure that Nebraskans have the resources and support they need to move forward.Together, we will meet these challenges, rebuild our communities, and continue writing the next chapter of Nebraska’s proud story.

Stress surrounds us every day.We experience it in our personal lives, at work, in our relationships, and through the constant stream of information from the news and social media.We live in a world of endless notifications, growing expectations, and competing demands that pull us in multiple directions at once. We are often expected to be constantly available and do more than our time and energy allow. However, our body and brain were not designed to handle this level of continuous stress and demand. As a result, many people struggle to maintain balance, manage stress effectively, and protect their overall well-being.

In healthy amounts, stress can be beneficial. It can motivate us to try new things, work toward our goals, and overcome challenges. Our bodies and brains are designed to respond to stress by addressing a stressor and then returning to a state of balance and recovery. However, when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, the body may struggle to return to this balanced state. Instead, it can remain in a prolonged state of stress, which may have lasting effects on both physical and mental health, as well as overall quality of life.

In a world of constant news, social media, and other sources of stress, it is important to be intentional about disconnecting from these influences and reconnecting with the habits and practices that support overall well-being. One framework for achieving balance is the eight dimensions of wellness identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social wellness. By supporting each of these dimensions, individuals can build resilience, manage stress more effectively, and improve their overall quality of life.

Wellness is about creating balance between different areas of life. Being mindful of the dimensions of wellness can help you better understand where you are thriving and where you may need additional support.Taking time to reflect on each dimension individually by asking yourself what is going well and what feels challenging can provide valuable insight into your overall well-being.The dimensions of wellness are interconnected, and challenges in one area can impact other areas. For example, occupational stress may influence emotional wellness, while financial concerns can impact social relationships and physical health.

Regularly checking in with the dimensions of wellness can help you better understand what your mind and body need in a given moment. If you identify an area where you are struggling, consider what actions or resources might be helpful.Writing down specific, achievable steps can be an effective way to address your needs and restore a greater sense of balance.

Stress is a natural part of life, and it is not something we can eliminate completely. However, we can take intentional steps to care for ourselves while navigating life’s challenges. The eight dimensions of wellness provide a practical framework for understanding our needs and identifying areas that may require additional attention.

Wellness is not about achieving perfection in every area of life. Instead, it is an ongoing process of self-awareness and growth. By making small, consistent choices that support our well-being, we can build resilience, find greater balance, and feel better equipped to meet the demands of everyday life

Curstie is a certified social worker in private or independent practice and holds a Master of Public Health degree. Curstie owns Mindful Matters, LLC, where she provides mental health services and promotes trauma-informed care to her clients. Curstie is also the Associate Director at the Center for Rural Health Improvement at the University of South Dakota, where she supports projects that advance rural health initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and improve access to quality care across rural communities.

Follow The Prairie Doc at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram,YouTube, and Tik Tok. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm onYouTube and streaming on Facebook), 2 podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB, Sundays at 6am and 1pm).

Back in the day, reporters used to be able to hitch a ride with the governor or National Guard to the site of a disastrous tornado or flood.

One of those trips involved a flight to Coleridge, in northeast Nebraska, after a tornado had destroyed two farm homes and damaged several residences on the north edge of the town.

At one of the farms, the owner stood just outside the now-bare foundation where his house once stood.The house was gone.

“It could have been worse,” he said. No one had been injured or killed, after all.

For some reason, that quote has stuck with me over the years. It could be, I keep thinking—maybe should be— the state motto.

I can’t recall the number of times I’ve heard the same comment when visiting the scene of a devastating flood, a horrible fire, or, like in Coleridge, one heck of a nasty tornado.

But it kind of typifies what Nebraskans are all about. Despite homes being washed away by flooding, or burned to the ground in a fire, or wiped off the map by a tornado, despite watching crops burn up in a drought, the phrase we often use is, “it could have been worse.”

It says to me that Cornhuskers are in it for the long run.We’re not cutting our losses and moving on due to some calamity or disaster.

To be sure, Nebraska has always been a place where people traveled across, to get somewhere else. It’s fly-over country.

That was true back in the pioneer days when wagon trains rolled up the flat Platte River Valley en route to Oregon, Utah and other points west. It’s still true today as semis and SUVs rumble down Interstate 80 and jetliners leave lazy contrails in the sky.

“Nebraska is an Indian word for ‘long ways across,’ “ is how the joke goes.

But it’s also a place where people stuck it out, through thick and thin, disasters and droughts.There was always an expectation that things would get better, and that it could have been worse.

Nebraskans persevere, through all kinds of weather. They stay on.They don’t move on. (Unless, of course, it’s to follow the football or volleyball team, or to go to a NASCAR race.)

The state motto has sparked more debates than I can remember.

“Equality Before the Law” is the official state motto, the one on the state flag and seal. It’s a unique expression that everyone, black, white and otherwise, should be viewed equally, with equal rights.

Nebraska was granted statehood back in 1867 only after it dropped a “whites only” voting provision in its constitution, according to the Nebraska State Historical Society. You know, “equality before the law.”

We’ve also had a variety of other state mottos, mostly for tourism.

I personally liked “Where the West Begins,” a 1960s pitch, because Nebraska really is where “the West Begins” (and that’s somewhere west of North Platte or thereabouts).

There’s been a variety of other tourism taglines, but the one that stirred the most controversy was “Honestly, it’s not for everyone.”

That motto, since mothballed, was hailed by marketing types as edgy and directly confronting the idea that Nebraska was flat and boring.That slogan won some awards, and a survey said that interest in visiting the state increased after we admitted the state “wasn’t for everyone.”

But Gov. Pillen and others called it “nonsense” and a putdown.They said it hurt efforts to lure new residents to the state, and was contrary to economic development slogans stating that Nebraska was “open” for business and new folks.

(I’ve always thought that the state’s best tourism pitch would be showing on-coming motorists flashing the one-finger wave, the friendly greeting to strangers that is unique to Nebraska (and kind of unheard of elsewhere).)

But for my money, the state motto, while nice, could use an upgrade. And “It Could Have Been Worse” works for me.

No matter how you choose to spend it, Nebraska’s Third District is the perfect place to enjoy summer.This year is no exception, with community celebrations and hometown traditions filling calendars across our great state.

The season gets underway with NEBRASKAland Days in North Platte. Beginning June 18th with the Buffalo Bill Rodeo and concluding June 27th with the finale of the Summer Jam Concert Series featuring Zack Topp.This yearly celebration captures the spirit and pride that defines the Nebraska summers we all know and love.

The excitement continues on July 4th as communities across the Third District come together to celebrate both Independence Day and our nation’s 250th anniversary. From the Chamber of Commerce parade in Crawford to the Junior Rodeo in Ericson, live music at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds to fireworks in Fairbury, Nebraskans will honor America’s birthday with patriotism, tradition, and hometown spirit.

Just days later, my childhood favorite summer tradition returns: Oregon Trail Days in Gering.This year’s celebration includes a special visit from the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum on July 7th and 8th. My family and I are excited to join fellow Nebraskans as we all have the unique opportunity to experience a traveling piece of American history right here at home.

Mid-July brings one of Nebraska’s premier rodeo events as Nebraska’s Big Rodeo celebrates its 105th year in Burwell from July 22nd through the 25th.Whether it’s chuckwagon races, team roping, the Dinner Bell Derby, or bull riding, there is something for every member of our families to enjoy.

As summer begins to wind down, the Panhandle skies will come alive during the Old West Balloon Fest, August 10th through the 16th.Visitors from across the region will gather to watch colorful hot-air balloons rise above the prairie and take part in a week of unforgettable activities.

The Nebraska State Fair will provide a fitting finale to another memorable summer, August 28th through September 7th.The fair brings together Nebraskans from every corner of the state with livestock shows, static exhibits, concerts, carnival rides, food trucks, and more, all while showcasing the very best of who we are. I look forward to the State Fair every year and cannot wait to see all of the incredible projects Nebraska’s next generation of leaders will showcase in a few short months.

Summer in the Good Life is always special, but this year promises to be especially memorable. I look forward to celebrating our communities, our traditions, and our nation alongside fellow Nebraskans in the weeks ahead.

Hosted in partnership with Visit North Platte and Pals Brewing Company and managed by Airstream Ventures, the two-day competition and concerts is expected to attract competitive pitmasters, certified judges, local residents, and traveling spectators while showcasing North Platte as a premier destination for sports, events, and tourism. To kick the weekend event off on Friday night, CMA award nominee Love and Theft will headline the opening concert while the Drew Phillips Band will perform after the competition on Saturday.

The Sandhills Smoke Show BBQ Competition will feature KCBS-sanctioned categories including brisket, pork, ribs, and chicken, allowing teams to earn points toward national rankings while competing for prize money and championship honors. KCBS sanctions hundreds of barbecue contests annually throughout the United States and internationally. Attendees will get the opportunity to taste all of the food that will be prepared from the teams.

“North Platte continues to be an outstanding destination for unique events that attract visitors from across the country,” said Lisa Burke, Executive Director of Visit North Platte. “The Sandhills Smoke Show combines great competition, hospitality, and community spirit while introducing new visitors to everything our destination has to offer. We are excited to welcome competitors and their families to North Platte and showcase the attractions, restaurants, and experiences that make our community special.”

KCBS officials believe the event will provide competitors another premier destination event on the national barbecue calendar.

“KCBS-sanctioned competitions celebrate barbecue as a sport, culinaryw art, and community gathering,” said the Kansas City Barbeque Society. “We are excited to welcome the Sandhills Smoke Show BBQ Competition to the KCBS family and look forward to seeing teams compete in North Platte. Events like this help grow the sport while creating memorable experiences for competitors and fans alike.”

In addition to the barbecue competition, organizers anticipate the event will generate overnight stays, restaurant visits, and economic activity throughout the North Platte area as teams, judges, and visitors travel to the community for the weekend.

“Events like the Sandhills Smoke Show are exactly what sports tourism and event tourism are all about,” said Alan Verlander, CEO of Airstream Ventures. “We believe great events create lasting economic impact while bringing people together. North Platte has proven time and again that it is a community capable of hosting outstanding events, and we are excited to partner with Visit North Platte and KCBS to launch what we believe will become one of the premier barbecue competitions in the region.”

North Platte has increasingly become a destination for sports and special events, utilizing tourism initiatives to attract visitors and generate economic impact throughout Lincoln County. Visit North Platte has continued to invest in events and tourism development that drive visitation and strengthen the local economy.

Additional concert and event details, registration information, sponsorship opportunities, entertainment announcements, and spectator activities will be released in the coming months. For more information visit the website https://airstreamventures.com/ sss-bbq/.

About the Kansas City Barbeque Society The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) is the world’s largest organization of barbecue enthusiasts, dedicated to promoting and preserving barbecue through education, competition, certification, and community engagement. KCBS sanctions barbecue contests throughout the United States and around the world.