News

Nebraska is the best place in the world to live. But for so many potential first-time homebuyers, the market has become out of reach.

The first pediatric influenza (flu)-related death in Nebraska has been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the 2025 to 2026 season. Nationally, there have been 52 additional pediatric flu-related deaths this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As part of National Rural Health Day, Rock County Hospital announced it has earned a 2025 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Patient Perspective. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards program recognizes top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes, and/or Patient Perspective.

The groundhog may have seen his shadow, but Spring will be here soon. While many of us look forward to warmer days and blooming flowers, those who suffer from seasonal allergies know that the return of grass, budding trees, and blooming flowers can lead to more sneezing than smiles.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. You can’t see it.

February 1st An inmate was released from the Brown County Jail after completing their court commitment. A traffic stop was made on Highway 20 east of Ainsworth.

Let’s consider tracking how we spend our time in a typical 24-day period. Sleeping and working naturally take up most of it, followed by household tasks and hobbies, and finally, entertainment. Recently, I heard someone point out a troubling contrast: for Christians, spending more time on television or social media than on Bible study, prayer, or ministry seems out of balance. We often hear about the spiritual battle for our minds, but do our choices reflect the seriousness of this struggle? Though I’m involved with ministries and activities, I must ask myself whether I’m still allowing these daily distractions to consume too much of my focus. Do I believe there is such a thing as having a balance with my busy schedule of helping others versus how much time I spend watching and being conformed to the world? The essential question is whether our attention is fully turned toward God, or if we are trying to justify and play both sides as we indulge in meaningless distractions? Can you sense Jesus prompting you to re-examine your priorities?

The Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education met for its monthly meeting on Monday, February 9. Members present were Bryan Doke, Jake Graff, Jessica Pozehl, Crystal Dailey, and Frank Beel.

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U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced over $60 million in funding has been awarded to support critical infrastructure projects and firefighting capabilities across Nebraska.