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On Saturday, January 3rd the Cross County boys traveled to Gretna High School where they were part of the Inaugural Hoops for Feek Invite. Coach Brad Feek was the Gretna boys basketball coach who lost his battle with cancer in December of 2023. Hoops for Feek was started in 2022. Photo provided.

On Saturday, January 3rd the Cross County boys traveled to Gretna High School where they were part of the Inaugural Hoops for Feek Invite. Coach Brad Feek was the Gretna boys basketball coach who lost his battle with cancer in December of 2023. Hoops for Feek was started in 2022. Photo provided.

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Cross County Boys Play in Hoops for Feek

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Above and below: Pillen Family Hog Barn Fire had units from Creston, Platte Center, Lindsay, Madison, Monroe, Leigh and Columbus battling flames in freezing temperatures. The hog barn was completely destroyed. Photos courtesy of Platte Valley Media.

Above and below: Pillen Family Hog Barn Fire had units from Creston, Platte Center, Lindsay, Madison, Monroe, Leigh and Columbus battling flames in freezing temperatures. The hog barn was completely destroyed. Photos courtesy of Platte Valley Media.

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Freezing Temperatures Hamper Fire Crews in Battling Pillen Family Hog Barn Fire

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Several volunteer fire departments spent more than four hours battling a hog barn fire early Monday morning near Humphrey, contending with extreme cold and strong winds.Fire crews were dispatched to a Pillen Family Farms hog barn located approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Humphrey at around 3 a.m.
Ben Sasse Former Nebraska Senator

Ben Sasse Former Nebraska Senator

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Sasse Battling Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Editor’s Note: This is from Ben Sasse, former Nebraska Senator, age 53.Friends This is a tough note to write, but since a bunch of you have started to suspect something, I’ll cut to the chase: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die.
Covenant Home

Covenant Home

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Covenant Home Clips

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Wow! 2026 already! How can it be? Many people make New Year’s resolutions to begin the year. One resident said her New Year’s resolution was to keep on walking. That’s an admirable one for all of us.

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Childcare Forum

Beth Sparrow
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
STROMSBURG - As the childcare shortage continues, Stromsburg continues to discuss opening a large childcare center. Another meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 7th from 6:45 to 7:45 PM at the Viking Center in Stromsburg.
NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER

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2025 Year in Review: Part 2

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Continuing our year in review for the last half of 2025.July:Osceola Community Players present “Unsound Effects” to good crowds.Marci Ostmeyer of Osceola becomes ESU #7 Chief Administrator.A new gazebo is dedicated in Stromsburg, located in the square.
Left: Mike Wetjen of Shelby is pictured with his book in the Shelby Community Library.

Left: Mike Wetjen of Shelby is pictured with his book in the Shelby Community Library.

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Wetjen Releases First Book

Beth Sparrow
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
SHELBY - Mike Wetjen of Shelby has always dreamed of writing a book, and he just made that dream a reality last month with the release of “The Mysteries of Myrk: A Chronicle of Creation, Collapse, and the Return of Balance”.The book is 108 pages long and is a fantasy novel.
Mr. Alexander Brandenburg of High Plains received the Merrick County extraordinary educator award. He was presented this award on Dec. 18th. Photos provided.

Mr. Alexander Brandenburg of High Plains received the Merrick County extraordinary educator award. He was presented this award on Dec. 18th. Photos provided.

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HPC MUSIC TEACHER RECOGNIZED

Staff Report
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Polk County NewsMr. Andrew Brandenburg of High Plains was awarded the Merrick County extraordinary educator award on Dec. 18th. He is a music teacher and the junior high/high school band was in attendance when he received it.He was nominated by a couple different people.