Mental Health Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1949 by Mental Health America, an organization dedicated to educating Americans about mental illnesses and reducing barriers to treatment and services. Since then, the psychiatry and behavioral health field has grown and helped millions of patients find solutions to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.

This year’s theme is “More Good Days,Together.”

According to Mental Health America, nearly one in five Americans will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. However, around 55% of adults with mental illness do not receive treatment. Rami Zanoun, MD, medical director of Regional West’s Psychiatry & Behavioral Health programs, emphasized the importance of treating others with grace and kindness while encouraging people to seek help if they need it.

“With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to take this opportunity to let our community know that our team at RegionalWest is here to help.We pride ourselves in delivering patient-centered and evidence-based psychiatric care with the utmost empathy and professionalism,” said Zanoun. “My wish this May is that we all make mental health a priority by being kind to each other.”

Regional West Physicians Clinic-Psychiatry & Behavioral Health physician Joe Angel Espinoza Jr, MD, added that he and his team are dedicated to expanding treatment options. The clinic now offers Spravato, a prescription nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression. “This treatment is part of our ongoing commitment to bring new forms of evidence- based psychiatric care to the community,” he said.

“Our team is dedicated to supporting individuals in need of mental health care. As this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme emphasizes, we want to help members of the community have more good days, together.”

Regional West Physicians Clinic-Psychiatry and Behavioral Health serves patients of all ages, offering medication management for a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Our team of physicians and providers offers in-person and telehealth services, working closely with each patient to develop comprehensive and individualized treatment plans.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, our clinic is open until 7 p.m.To schedule your appointment, call 308-635-3888.

This spring, we celebrate one of life’s most important milestones as graduating seniors across the district receive their diplomas and prepare for the next chapter of their lives. Congratulations to all of our graduates on this outstanding achievement.Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment have brought you to this moment, and your families, teachers, and communities share in your success.Whether your future includes college, military service, technical training, or entering the workforce, we are confident you will continue making Nebraska proud.

Nebraska also has an exciting opportunity ahead as Governor Jim Pillen recently announced the state’s participation in the 2026 “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of the national celebration commemorating America’s 250th birthday. Nebraska’s pavilion will highlight the people, industries, and values that define our state, including agriculture, manufacturing, innovation, tourism, and community leadership. Through interactive exhibits and Nebraska-made products, visitors from across the country will have the opportunity to experience what makes our state unique. The event, hosted by Freedom 250 from June 25 through July 10, 2026, will bring together all 50 states and U.S. territories to celebrate our nation’s history, culture, and future.

As Memorial Day approaches, we also pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Observed across the nation with ceremonies and flags flown at half-staff, Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that have preserved the freedoms we enjoy today.We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation, and we extend our gratitude to the families who continue to carry their legacy forward.Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

As always, I appreciate your continued engagement on these important topics. If you have any feedback or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our district and state. You can contact my office at (402) 471-2616 or by email at pstrommen@leg.ne.gov.

Elections often bring surprises, but the upset victory of retired Omaha businessman Scott Petersen in the Republican primary for Secretary of State wasn’t that surprising.

Sure, he defeated an incumbent, Lincoln attorney Bob Evnen, who was seeking a third, four-year term. His office runs our state elections and handles several different tasks, like registering corporations.

More than a couple of things were working in Petersen’s favor.

First off, Petersen appeared to mount a more aggressive campaign. His 4-by-8 foot campaign signs appeared everywhere around eastern Nebraska where I travel.There were few Evnen signs in the down-ballot race where yard signage is important.

“Petersen” is a pretty popular name to run with in a Nebraska election, like “Nelson” or “Anderson.” Everyone knows someone with those names.

Remember former Attorney General Doug Peterson? He was a very good trial attorney, but having the name “Peterson” helped him win a crowded GOP primary.

And, in a Republican primary, fewer people vote, and those who do are more conservative.

That was pretty evident the last time Evnen ran. He managed only 40% of the vote in the GOP primary against two, more conservative candidates in 2022.That was enough to win, but far from a show of strength.

Petersen, whose prior election experience included a losing run for Douglas County Clerk in 2020, touted himself as a “conservative leader” and the “America First” candidate (i.e. fully aligned with President DonaldTrump) who would “restore trust” in state elections.

Petersen is part of the crowd who thinks we ought to return to hand counting of ballots (instead of a machine count) and who question whether Trump lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden.

Like the bogey man in a horror film, the idea that Trump really won in 2020 just won’t die. That’s despite dozens of failed lawsuits challenging the election results and the lack of any evidence that Biden didn’t win. He won, something that Trump has admitted privately.

I guess if you say “the sky isn’t blue” enough times, some people will believe that it isn’t blue.

State and local election officials in Nebraska, including Evnen, have consistently defended the ballot-counting systems now in place as safe and secure—and much less costly than hand counting.

Studies have indicated that hand counting is 1.5 to 1.8 times less accurate than the optical scanning machines now used.

Lancaster County Election Chief Todd Wiltgen has said that hand-counted audits of votes tallied by machine in his county have shown “zero deviation” (i.e. 100% accuracy).

Back in 2022, I remember hearing members of a self-appointed posse called “The Nebraska Voter Accuracy Project” insisting, at a legislative hearing, that there was no way Trump could have lost in Omaha’s congressional district in 2020. That, they said, was because another Republican, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon had won there.

Hmm. My recollection was that by 2020, voters had grown weary of Trump’s daily, social media rants and were seeking calmer, less chaotic leadership. Bacon, meanwhile, was a popular congressman who had won before in his district, which is pretty evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

The election deniers kept insisting that the state’s ballot counting computers had been hacked. But that conveniently ignored the fact that the ballot counting equipment is not connected to the internet.

Again, don’t forget: the sky isn’t blue.

Almost all of the state’s elected officials supported Evnen including Bacon, who said Petersen aligned himself with “crazies” and was the “president of the tinfoil hat club.”

That didn’t seem to matter. Evnen lost to Petersen by nearly 17,000 votes.

Some media speculated that Petersen’s victory might give a Democrat an opening to take the Secretary of State’s seat.

That seems like a long shot—a Democrat hasn’t served in that office for 85 years.The Democrat who won the May primary, Plattsmouth-area chef Sarah Slattery, has little name recognition outside of her area (where she lost a 2022 race for the State Legislature, and led a recall campaign that ousted a local school board member who wanted to ban dozens of books).

I wonder if she wishes her name was “Peterson?”

LINCOLN—Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement highlighting Nebraska’s participation in the Freedom 250 “Great American State Fair” this summer in Washington, D.C., as part of the national celebration commemorating America’s 250th birthday.

“America’s turning 250 years old – and that deserves a gigantic celebration,” said Gov. Pillen. “The ‘Great American State Fair’ is a wonderful opportunity for Nebraskans and Americans to come together to experience what makes this the greatest country in the history of the world. Nebraska’s pavilion will highlight the people, industries, traditions, and stories that define our state—from agriculture and manufacturing to innovation, faith, family, and our deep-rooted patriotism. As we celebrate the first 250 years of our nation’s history, we also look forward to contributing to the next 250 years of American leadership, opportunity, and freedom.”

Nebraska’s pavilion will feature interactive exhibits, Nebraska-made products, agriculture, tourism highlights, and experiences designed to celebrate the people and values that make Nebraska unique.

The pavilion will invite visitors to experience Nebraska’s leadership in agriculture, innovation, manufacturing, faith, family values, and community.

Nebraska is proud to take part in this historic national celebration honoring both the nation’s founding and the future generations who will carry the American story forward.

The Nebraska Pavilion will be supported by several Nebraska-based companies and organizations, which will be announced at a later date.

The Great American State Fair, hosted by Freedom 250, will take place June 25 through July 10, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.The event will bring together all 50 states and U.S. territories for a nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary through exhibits, performances, educational programming, and cultural showcases.

Additional information regarding Nebraska’s pavilion, programming, partnerships, and media credentialing will be announced in the coming weeks.

The event will be held on the beautiful prairie land near the Chimney Rock Pioneer Cemetery and will last about 11/2 hours, so bring your lawn chairs or blankets.

The worship service will feature theatrical performances by Bible character reenactor Luke Storer, and Mike Pena, as well as special music performed by the “Fellowship Band,” comprised of the Randy Brotzman family and others from this area.

The services will be held at the historic site of the “Gift of God” play that was presented from 1930-1941. To find the site, head south past the Chimney Rock visitor center, then turn right at the county road. It is a quarter mile from the parking area to the show site, so a shuttle service will be provided!

Note: In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Bayard High School Auditorium, at corner of 4th Ave. and 8th St. in Bayard.

The Panhandle Prep All-Star Basketball Games will be played Friday at Scottsbluff High School. Girls action will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the boys will follow.

Bridgeport will be represented in the girls’ contest by Ella Schluterbusch. She will play on the Red squad coached by Chadron’s Kelsey Scott and Alliance’s Mickenzie Brennan.

Bridgeport’s Gage Nein and Logan Levick will play for the Red team in the boys’ game.They will be coached by Scottsbluff’s Scott Gullion and Nick Goranson.

The West Nebraska all-star games will be played on June 13.The 48th annual football game will kick off at 11 a.m. at Bearcat Stadium in Scottsbluff. Bridgeport will be represented on the West squad by Nik Weibert, Cole Leithead and Logan Leithead. Coaching the West will be McCook’s Joe Vetrovsky. Leyton’s Alec Watchorn will also play for the West team.

The 42nd annual volleyball match will follow the football game at 3 p.m. at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff. Selected to play on the West team from Bridgeport is Kendal Deaver.The West coaches are Jody Craig of Morrill and Lisa Merritt of Hay Springs.

Proceeds from the West Nebraska All-Star Games benefit local organizations.

AMPRIDE

May

21 Veterans Service Board meeting,

Commissioners’ room, courthouse, 9:00 a.m.;

Tornado siren test,

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

sheriff’s training office, 6:30 p.m.

22 State Highway Commission hearing,

Gering Civic Center, 8:30 a.m.; Table games for everyone,

community room, Broadwater city hall, 2:00 p.m.; Celebrate Recovery, Cornerstone Church, 434 1st Ave., Bayard, 6:00 p.m.

23 Library closed, for Memorial Day 25 MEMORIAL DAY; Community Picnic at Veterans Memorial Park, freewill donation for hot dogs and hamburgers, bring fishing poles 26-29 VBS at First Presbyterian, ages 5-12, lunch provided, 8:30-12:30 25 Dalton Memorial Day Service, Dalton Cemetery, 10:00 a.m.

26 Morrill County Commissioners meeting,

courthouse, 7:30 a.m.;

Tax exempt hearing, courthouse, 7:45 a.m.; Camp Clarke Days kickoff, food vendors and music, Town Square on Main, 5:00-7:00 p.m.; Spring Wildflower Walk,

Scotts Bluff National Monument, 6:30 p.m.

27 Table games for everyone, PWCC, 1:00 p.m.; Family Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by MC Sheriff’s office, sloppy joes served, 5:30 p.m.

28 Tornado siren test,

10:00 a.m.; Food Pantry, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

29 Table games for everyone, community room, Broadwater city hall, 2:00 p.m.; Sidewalk Chalk competition, at the school, freewill donation, 5:006:30 p.m.; Lions Club hamburger feed,

5:30 p.m.; Kickball, at the school, 6:00 p.m.;

Camp Clarke Play, HS auditorium, 7:00 p.m.

The controversy surfaced during public comment when a resident questioned how the PWCC director position was filled, alleging it was given to a friend of Mayor Gail Beyer without a proper application or interview process. Later in the meeting under agenda item 26, Dustin Lee, the current PWCC building manager who had applied for the director role, directly addressed the council.

Lee expressed deep disappointment at not being selected despite encouragement from council members to apply. He noted that he and at least one other internal candidate underwent three-person interview panels when they were originally hired, while the selected candidate was reportedly offered the position shortly after applying. Lee highlighted his three months of dedicated service, experience managing major events and budgets in the absence of a director, and strong community ties.

“I was surprised and disappointed to learn that I was not selected for the director position,” Lee told council members. He questioned what message the decision sends to other city employees and residents, several times asking to know the reason he was not chosen, finally being told that he was “not director” material. Mayor Gail Beyer defended the process, emphasizing that Tony McGrath, who oversees the community center, was responsible for the hire.

“Tony McGrath, he oversees the community center.

He looked at all the applicants. We kind of discussed them, and we talked to Travis (Rodak), and he said,You do not have to do interviews.You know these people, if you feel that there is one that stands out, then you most certainly do not have to do interviews.

And Tony is the one who offered her a job,” Beyer stated. McGrath was not present at the meeting but was supposedly available by phone.

The exchange highlighted broader frustrations in this small community about internal promotions, perceived favoritism, and the need for clearer policies. Lee also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting the selected candidate’s working relationship with both McGrath and the mayor.The discussion came just before the council considered—and later tabled— planning for a city-wide conflict of interest policy.

In other business, the council approved the addition of three probationary members to the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department, accepted the resignation of Planning Commission member Todd Harless, and passed Resolution 2026-07 adopting an updated employee handbook that includes new health insurance and cash-in-lieu provisions.The council also tabled action on a proposed 270-acre land conservation easement by Ducks Unlimited pending further input from Morrill County commissioners. The meeting concluded with the council entering executive session to discuss personnel matters.The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for June 11.

Nebraska’s women and men in blue set the standard for the nation. For example, homicide rates are down 75% in Omaha this year. This is the lowest rate in over 10 years. The Omaha Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office have worked hard to make our streets safer. We thank them for their efforts.

I am also grateful for the work of Nebraska law enforcement officers to keep deadly drugs out of our communities. The Biden Administration’s terrible policies created a catastrophe at the southern border. But the Nebraska State Patrol stepped up. In my last year as governor, state troopers confiscated two times as much methamphetamine, three times as much fentanyl, and ten times as much cocaine as just two years prior.

Police officers do this life-saving work for the community, not for praise. We need to continue to support them. When I was Governor, we made sure our officers had the best training and resources. We invested $47.7 million in the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island. This month, I visited the newly expanded center. It is a state-of-theart training facility for State Troopers, veteran officers, and new cadets. Our State Patrol Crime Laboratory will nearly double in size, thanks to a $16.9 million investment when I was Governor. This will help prosecute cases successfully, keep bad actors off the street, and decrease re-offenders. Bottom line, these investments will equip officers with worldclass training and tools to continue keeping Nebraskans safe.

As Governor, I signed one of the most comprehensive law enforcement and public safety packages in Nebraska’s history. We provided retention bonuses and education benefits. We also improved retirement plans for our police. Law enforcement officers and their kids received tuition waivers for Nebraska universities. Retired officers were allowed to deduct their health insurance premiums from state taxes. This was another way we expressed our gratitude for the work of our police forces.

My work to support our law enforcement has continued in the U.S. Senate. As a member of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I’m co-leading the Back the Blue Act and the Thin Blue Line Act. The bills would provide officers with more tools to protect themselves and increase penalties for targeting law enforcement.

This week, I joined the BLUE Act.This bill would safeguard the personal information of police officers and their family members. Activists and protesters use this information to target officers and their families. This is unacceptable. The BLUE Act would make it illegal.

We are also recognizing National Police Week with a bipartisan Senate resolution. The resolution honors law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. It includes Nebraska’s own State Patrol Trooper Kyle McAcy. While responding to a collision during a snowstorm last year,Trooper McAcy was hit by a vehicle. He died on the scene.We continue to honor his sacrifice and pray for his loved ones.

As National Police Week comes to an end, we recognize law enforcement. They put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. These women and men stand between danger and our communities. They protect our homes, our families, and our future. Their bravery should not go unnoticed. We must continue to Back the Blue.

Please join me in expressing our appreciation for their important work — not just during Police Week, but every week. If you see an officer, say thank you.

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.

Every so often, you’re reminded that people are generally good.

And, you get some idea how important the media is in helping generate good news.

My latest refresher came via a story I wrote for the Nebraska Examiner, an online news site that used to consume most of my labors.

It involved a woman I met when writing for the Omaha World-Herald about the tiny village of Whiteclay, where four beer stores were selling more than 3 million cans of beer a year to residents of the nearby Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

The Pine Ridge is one of the poorest areas in the United States. Alcohol possession and sales are banned there, officially, but alcoholism is rampant. Whiteclay—the closest, legal outlet for alcohol—was the reservation’s liquor store.

Reporters, like me, wrote stories until we were blue in the face about the drunken, street people who urinated and passed out along the highway running through Whiteclay.

It was a pathetic sight, something you’d think you wouldn’t see in our country or state. But little changed in Whiteclay until we wrote stories about Nora Boesem.

Boesem, a former nurse, served as a foster parent for dozens of Native American kids afflicted with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a set of often profound physical and mental handicaps caused by drinking during pregnancy.

We’re talking about kids who couldn’t walk and couldn’t speak words, who had major deformities, shortened lifespans and had cognitive development of preschoolers.

“Nora’s a saint,” one person told me, for taking in high-need kids that few others would. She ended up adopting several.

Anyway, upon hearing that Boesem was in dire financial straits due to a divorce, a wreck with an uninsured motorists, a cutback in government aid, and mounting medical bills for her now-14 adoptees, I picked up my reporter notebook and wrote a story.

The reaction blew me away, and reduced Boesem to tears. Within six hours of the story’s posting, $12,000 had been donated to a GoFundMe account started by a friend of Boesem’s.

As I write this, eight days later after the story ran in other publications, donations are nearing $29,000.

There are still good people in this world.

That’s the same reaction some of our Nebraska ranchers had this spring when they saw a semi-load of hay bales driving to their ranches, blackened by historic wildfires.

“People were just tearful,” said Jason Christensen of Crusty’s Feed Store in Arthur, where some donations were received. “They were humble and overtaken with emotion.”

Christensen said his store alone saw 700 semi-loads of hay arrive from as far away as Texas,Tennessee and South Carolina.There were also 10 donated truckloads of protein tubs. It was maybe half or a third of what was donated overall to fire victims in the state, he estimated.

“It’s a ‘thanks is not enough’ kind of deal,” Christensen said.

You often hear the same reaction after countless local chili feed fundraisers for families stressed by the pricey bills of treating a family member’s cancer.

In the news business, we often don’t know what, if any, impact was generated by a story.

But it’s good to know that stories, like the ones about Nora Boesem and others about the state’s fire-ravaged ranches, can still have an impact.

It’s also another reminder of how important a local newspaper, news site or a TV or radio station can be in spreading the word about people in need, people who need some help.

Because there are still good people out there.

Just as Nebraskans work hard every day to provide for their families, strengthen their communities, and build a better future, I am fighting for them in Washington. Along the way, I have learned that nothing worthwhile comes easy. Few issues reflect this lesson more clearly than the fight for nationwide, year-round E15.

With global instability, volatile fuel prices, and continued uncertainty in the energy sector, energy independence is no longer just an aspiration— it is essential to America’s national security and economic strength.

It is finally clear E15 is part of the solution. It is a reliable, clean, and more affordable homegrown fuel that strengthens our domestic energy supply chain while supporting Nebraska’s farmers and biofuels producers.

In the House, I have led efforts to adopt nationwide, yearround E15 to end the patchwork of outdated regulations that have limited some consumer choice and harmed producers. In the Senate, Senator Fischer been leading similar efforts with the strong support of the rest of Nebraska’s federal congressional delegation.

After years of unnecessary roadblocks, I am proud to say the House recently passed my Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act on a bipartisan basis. This marks a major victory for Nebraska agriculture, American energy independence, and consumers across the country.

I am grateful to my colleagues who voted in favor of expanded market access, consumer choice, and an allof- the-above American energy strategy. However, while this was an important step forward, the work is far from finished. American families, farmers, and fuel producers are counting on Congress to finish the job and deliver the certainty they deserve. Expanding access to year-round E15 will strengthen rural economies, support domestic energy production, and give consumers a more affordable option at the pump.We cannot afford to let unnecessary delays stand in the way of policies that benefit both our economy and our energy security.

Now, the Senate must act. Nationwide, year-round E15 can lower prices at the pump—in some instances by over 50 cents a gallon. It is projected to increase demand for corn by over 2 billion bushels a year.This cannot wait – we must deliver this vital part of America’s energy independence.

I know Senator Fischer and Senator Ricketts will do everything in their power to pass this legislation in the Senate, and I look forward to continuing to support their efforts in any way that I can.Together, I am confident we will be able to send my Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act to President Trump’s desk, where he will make nationwide, year-round E15 a reality once and for all.

Established in 1942 by then-Senator Hugh Butler, it is the longest-running gathering of its kind on Capitol Hill.The Nebraska Breakfast is a chance for constituents to speak directly with their representatives, and it’s a tradition I always look forward to.

This past Wednesday, I took a moment during the breakfast to do something equally meaningful: introduce and honor my office’s spring interns.

Each spring, summer, and fall, my offices in Washington, D.C., Omaha, and Lincoln welcome college students eager to learn how the Senate works.These young Nebraskans are often the first face you see when you visit my office. They process constituent correspondence, lead Capitol tours, attend briefings and committee hearings, track legislation, assist with federal casework, and conduct legislative research.They show up every day ready to serve, and their work ethic shows.

The interns who have passed through my office throughout my time in the Senate have proven, time and again, to be invaluable. Their energy, curiosity, and fresh perspectives enrich our team and ensure that young Nebraskans have a voice in our work. I hope this experience has been as rewarding for them as their service has been for our state.

If you know a Nebraska college student who would thrive in that kind of environment, please encourage them to apply. Internship positions are available year-round and are open to both current college students and recent graduates. Details and application deadlines are available on my website at fischer.senate.gov.

A Senate internship offers a firsthand look at how government operates, how policy is made, and how one office can make a real difference for real people. I can think of no better classroom.

And to any Nebraskan planning a trip to the nation’s capital: come join us for a Nebraska Breakfast.The remaining dates (Wednesdays) this year are: June 3, 10 and 24 July 15 and 22 September 16, 23, and 30 We meet at 8 a.m. in the Dirksen Senate Office Building whenever both chambers of Congress are in session. We’d love to see you there.

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

Team camps kick things off with three options for area programs. A Varsity Team Camp will be held June 14–15, followed by a Jayvee Team Camp June 16–17, and a Middle School Team Camp on June 18.

Team camps require a minimum of seven players per team. Cost is $50 per player for the varsity and jayvee camps, and $30 per player for the middle school camp.

Teams should pay as a group on the first day of camp.

Individual skills camps begin June 19–20 with the Little Cougars Camp for athletes in grades 3–6. Cost for the Little Cougars Camp is $140.

The second individual camp is the Middle School All-Skills Camp on June 22–23 for middle school athletes. Cost is $160 per camper.

The final two camps are one-day sessions for high school athletes. A Blocking Camp will be held June 24, followed by a Serving Camp on June 25. Both camps are $100 per camper.

All individual camps will run from 9 a.m.–12 noon and from 1–3 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch for the lunch break.

The camps will be conducted by third-year Cougar volleyball coach Fatima Balza, who has three collegiate national championships to her name—one atWNCC in 2007 and two at Penn State.

For more information on the volleyball camps, contact Coach Balza at balzaf1@wncc.edu. Camp flyers and online registration are available under the Camp Link on the WNCC athletic website at www.wnccathletics.com.

The Leyton boys’ squad was powered by senior Alec Watchorn, who dominated the hurdles and contributed significantly in the relays. Watchorn claimed first place in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.16 seconds and the 300-meter hurdles in 39.78 seconds, both performances qualifying him for state.

In the sprints and jumps, Leyton athletes consistently placed high. Sophomore Colt VanAnne took third in the 100-meter dash (11.72 seconds) and fourth in the shot put (42-0.25). Junior Austin Beutler placed third in the 200-meter dash (23.62 seconds) and second in the long jump (20-5.25). Freshman Henry McLaughlin added valuable points with a fourth-place finish in the 110 hurdles.

The highlight for Leyton came in the relays, where the Warriors demonstrated excellent teamwork:

• 4x100 Relay — Leyton’s squad of Colt VanAnne, Alec Watchorn, Austin Beutler, and Henry McLaughlin won gold with a time of 45.39 seconds, punching their ticket to state.

• 4x400 Relay — The same group, in a slightly different order (McLaughlin, Beutler, Watchorn, VanAnne), captured first place in 3:46.96, another automatic qualifier.

On the distance side, junior Riley Benish turned in a strong second-place finish in the 1,600 meters (4:59.48), narrowly missing first but securing a state berth.

Senior Macey Roelle placed fifth in the 200 meters (28.99 seconds) and fourth in the 400 meters (1:07.10).

Qualifying for state for the Bulldogs were Logan Levick in the 110-meter high hurdles, Ron Varner in the 3,200, Jose Arreola in the pole vault, and Reata Loomis in the 400.

For Levick it will be his fourth trip to Omaha as a state qualifier. He punched his ticket this year after finishing third at districts with a time of 15.11 seconds.

Varner earned his state qualification in the 3,200 after placing fifth with a time of 10:40.79.

Loomis, just a freshman, qualified in the 400 by finishing fourth with a time of 1:00.22.

Arreola cleared a height of 13 feet, 2 inches to earn his state qualification in the pole vault.That gave him the new school record in the event.

A number of other Bulldog athletes nearly earned a trip to state. Landon Dean finished third in the discus, fourth in the shot put and fifth in the 110 hurdles. Jonah Conley finished third in the long jump, while Jake Sparks finished fifth in the 400 and sixth in the 200. Taylor Bright also just missed out as she finished fourth in the 100. Loomis placed fourth in the 200. Fallon DeBlois ended third in the shot put and Olivia Corman finished fifth in the discus.

Freshman Jane Plummer cleared 8-2 to place fifth in the pole vault.That height gave her the new school record in the event.

Bridgeport’s 4x100 relay team of Loomis, Bright, Cloie Mulloy and Mia Blanco finished third. The Bulldogs’ 4x400 relay team of Conley, Levick, Sparks and Jose Castellanos placed fourth.

The state meet will be held Friday and Saturday at Burke Stadium in Omaha.

Adan Castano Isabella Dominguez Macy Franzen Rachel Freiberger Chanel Geonzon Livia Kanack Paycen Little Chloe Lowery Jocelyn Sanchez Braxtyn Stoltenberg 5th Grade Andrea Aguilar Mayzie Babic Emma Blackstone Nicole Cardenas Elena Eggleston Teagan Ellis Jack Freiberger Amberlyn Gonzalez-Garcia Griff Norman Deborah Post Hunter Post Weston Sigle Pearl Simmons Julieta Velazquez-Mier 4th Grade

Zoi Banzhaf Josef Basa Phillip Childers Lennon Dean Max Dominguez Henry Gosselin Piper Harris-Miller Miles Jacoby Cole Lowery Alexandra Perez Losoya Harper Schmidt Henry Twarling A/B Honors 6th Grade Lilyanna Aguilar Paisley Amateis Lee Braxton Chace Childers Emma Collins Marina Cordes Grace Edwards Kayden Fisher Bentley Hecht Victor Lopez Evan Noonan Bo Rodak Eleanor Schmidt Elijah Sifuentes Averi Twarling 5th Grade

Casey Abbott Jazmyne Bellmyer Andromeda Blair Rodolfo Dominguez Dilyn Faessler Landon Harden Kaleb Hutchinson Ava Neilan Jackson Plummer Sophia Sanchez Tayson Schwager Moises Sosa Barron Makayla Soto Kinsley Sterkel Brielle Stoltenberg Fred Weibert 4th Grade

Laney Bright Braden Crider Kenadi Deines Khael Eichthaler Amelia Garvin McKenzie Hogsett Monty Keyes JayLynn Kildow Nicole Looser Joaquin Lopez Zoey Myers Kassandra Perez Losoya Xavier Pineda Nicholas Sanchez Curtis Schultz

Morrill County Court Judge Paul Wess issued an order tossing the Class IIIA felony charge against Nelson, ruling that prosecutors had not presented enough evidence to proceed to district court.

Nelson, 54, of Bridgeport, had been accused of lying under oath during her testimony in a 2022 civil land dispute case involving a disputed fence line on property tied to F2 Land & Cattle LLC, a company in which she held a partial ownership stake.The case, Bryan McKay and Jessica McKay v. F2 Land & Cattle, LLC, became a flashpoint in the public debate that led to her recall by voters in 2025.

Nelson was arrested Feb. 9, 2026, on a warrant issued after the charge was filed Feb. 5 by Assistant Attorney General Paul Schaub, who was serving as special county attorney. The felony carried a potential penalty of up to four years in prison, two years of post-release supervision, a $25,000 fine, or both.

Nelson lost her bid as one of six Republican candidates seeking two at-large seats on the Morrill County Board of Commissioners in the May 2026 primary.

The dismissal brings to a close a criminal case that stemmed from a long-running property dispute and added to the controversy surrounding Nelson’s tenure as assessor. Court officials have not commented publicly on the ruling

A total of 1,802 ballots were cast countywide. Republicans accounted for the vast majority with 1,594 votes, while Democrats cast 136, Libertarians 3, Legal Marijuana NOW 1, Nonpartisan 68, and 2 ballots were blank.

Republican Primary Winners In the high-profile races, familiar names cruised to victory:

• U.S. Senate (6-year term): Pete Ricketts received 1,195 votes, far ahead of Todd Knobel (111), Mac Stevens (58), Debb Axtell Schultz (64), Eric Mortimore (31), and write-ins (9).

• U.S. House, District 3: Adrian Smith won with 971 votes over David P. Huebner (518) and write-ins (9).

• Governor: Jim Pillen took 1,012 votes, defeating John Walz (179), Sheila J. Korth-Focken (135), Jacy Todd (70), Gary L. Rogge (42), Sal Holguin (12), and write-ins (10).

• Secretary of State: Scott Petersen led with 730 votes to Bob Evnen’s 593.

• State Treasurer: Joey Spellerberg received 1,158 votes.

• Attorney General: Mike Hilgers won with 1,162 votes.

• State Auditor: Mike Foley received 1,168 votes.

Locally, Milo Cardenas defeated Ricky Trevino for the Republican nomination for Morrill County Sheriff, 946–626. For the two County Commissioner at-large seats, Jeff Metz led with 776 votes and Steve Erdman placed second with 575. Other candidates were Cheree Fisher (504), Grady Norman (465), Kathleen L. Brandt (347), and Rose M. Nelson (190).

Democratic Primary Winners On the Democratic side (136 ballots):

• U.S. Senate: Cindy Burbank, 105 votes

• U.S. House District 3: Becky Kelly Stille, 114 votes

• Governor: Lynne Walz, 97 votes

• Secretary of State: Sarah J. Slattery, 100 votes

• State Treasurer: Daniel Ebers, 110 votes

• Attorney General: Jocelyn Brasher, 118 votes No Democratic candidates filed for State Auditor.

Libertarian and Legal Marijuana NOW races saw minimal participation, with most contests resolved by write-in votes or single ballots.

Nonpartisan and Local Issues Voters also selected Elizabeth Tegtmeier as Member of the State Board of Education with 1,294 votes (nonpartisan race).

Several local ballot measures produced mixed results on cemetery tax levies:

• Angora Cemetery: FOR excess levy passed 23–9.

• Bayard Cemetery: AGAINST excess levy won 368–272.

• Broadwater Cemetery: FOR excess levy passed 95–48.

• Bridgeport Cemetery: AGAINST excess levy prevailed 420–395.

Bridgeport Rural Fire District #1 voters approved the measure 258–157. In Broadwater, the effort to recall Dick Wagoner failed 34–22.

Agriculture is the heart and soul of our state, and beef is a cornerstone. We’re recognizing the hard-working producers who make that possible.

That’s why I introduced a resolution that designates May as National Beef Month.

This resolution honors Nebraska cattlemen and women. Overall, our cattle account for about $16 billion of cash receipts for Nebraska’s economy. Last year, we led the nation with over $1.75 billion in beef exports. Nebraska also led the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with over 6 million head. Nebraska beef production is key to our state’s success.

Nebraska’s ranchers are the best in the world. They’ve shown it this year in response to this spring’s devastating fires across the state. The wildfires across Western Nebraska are the worst since we became a state. They are the ninth most devastating in American history. They have burned over 1,000,000 acres.

Hundreds were evacuated and one Nebraskan was tragically killed. Despite the challenge posed by the wildfires, Nebraska ranchers banded together. Nebraska Cattlemen gathered donations and delivered animal feed. Farmers and ranchers from across the state helped move animals to safety. Nebraskans are resilient, we help one another.

This past week, I kicked off Beef Month with the Nebraska Cattlemen. We enjoyed some Nebraska beef with a barbecue at their office. I was able to share how I’m fighting for Nebraska beef. This month, I introduced a bill that protects real meat. It would prohibit labeling plant-based or cell-based alternatives as “meat.” That name will be reserved for the real thing. I also discussed my bill that would make sure sound science is used for animal feed regulations.

Then, I hosted Under Secretary of Agriculture Richard Fordyce. He oversees Farm Production and Conservation. We heard from Nebraska ranchers. We listened to them about the challenges for rebuilding and policies that get in the way. They said they needed flexibility, not onesize- fits-all policies. Under Secretary Fordyce and I also shared information about recovery resources.

We discussed how the Farm Service Agency (FSA) supports Nebraska agriculture.

Their programs help with farm credit, risk management programs, and wildfire recovery. One first-generation farm family shared how grateful they are for FSA loans. With access to this support, and a lot of hard work and stewardship, the family has been able to grow their operation. Now, they feel confident that their children can pursue a future in agriculture.

With the wildfires, I’ve worked with the USDA to encourage flexibility for farmers and ranchers who are rebuilding. A roundtable participant was impressed by the strong partnership between the USDA and state and federal leaders. From day one, they have listened and been responsive. The participant noted that promised flexibility and resources are actually being implemented. One example of USDA flexibility consistently raised was fence posts.

USDA policies dictate that recovery funds are used for strict standards. Usually, they only provide assistance for replacement fences that meet USDA specs. Our farmers and ranchers stressed the need for quick replacements. Slightly smaller posts will do the job just fine. The USDA listened and changed their policies. I am encouraging USDA to continue finding new ways to support Nebraska’s recovery.

When I was Governor, I partnered with our ranchers as they navigated droughts, extreme flooding, and the effects of a global pandemic. As they rebuild from the devastating fires of this past spring, their resilience is on full display. I am proud to partner with them again in the United States Senate. This month and every month, we celebrate Nebraska’s beef industry.

Happy National Beef Month, Nebraska!

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.

For ag producers across the Third District, spring is filled with hard work. Mornings start earlier and evenings stretch longer as they work to prepare for what lies ahead.

Many Nebraskan ranchers have just finished calving, which means branding season is now in full swing. For Nebraska’s farmers, it is time to check equipment and make sure their machinery is ready to go as they begin planting this year’s crops. Each year, these routines and preparations begin again like clockwork. They stand the test of time because regardless of current events, the latest trends, or the craziness in Washington, because there are some things that just have to get done.

While the same cannot always be said for Congress, the House recently did check one major item off its never-ending to-do list when we passed a long-overdue Farm Bill. I recently had the opportunity to share this update when I spoke with several members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau about key provisions in this legislation and what they would mean for Nebraska’s producers.

This year’s Farm Bill builds on our efforts from last summer’s Working Families Tax Cuts, where we strengthened crop insurance, permanently doubled death tax relief to $15 million per individual, and allowed producers to immediately expense 100% of new equipment costs.The House version of the Farm Bill would provide long-awaited solutions to several challenges facing agriculture. It would deliver a much-needed fix to California’s overreaching Proposition 12 mandate, ensuring out-ofstate regulations do not dictate how Nebraska producers raise their livestock.

The bill would also build on previous efforts to strengthen trade by increasing support for export promotion programs like the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program, helping open new doors for American agriculture abroad.

It would also increase Farm Service Agency loan limits, so producers have greater access to the capital they need to operate and grow.

In addition, it would permanently move the Food for Peace program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), bringing a farmer-founded initiative closer to those who know agriculture best. It would also direct USDA to evaluate and strengthen its preparedness against foreign animal diseases, helping protect our livestock industry from emerging threats.

Just like our ag producers still have work to do, regardless of the season, my work for you in Congress is far from over. I will continue fighting to ensure Nebraska’s producers have the markets, tools, and support they need to succeed— not only for today, but for generations to come.