News | Ainsworth Star-Journal

All Things Nebraska

Paul Hammel, Retired Senior Contributor, Nebraska

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

We Deserve Transparency, Not ‘No Comment’ There’s an old saying about government – “it’s not that ‘what is said isn’t so,’ it’s what is so isn’t said.” So that means that someone – maybe a state auditor, maybe a whistleblower, but often a news reporter – needs to dig in and find out what is really happening with our tax dollars and state policies. That’s why it was so disgusting to read recently about our “Secretary of War’s” crackdown on access by reporters to the Pentagon.

Ainsworth Community Schools Calendar of Events/Lunch Menu

News Staff

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Thursday, November 20th
7:30 a.m. AHS Cheer Practice
1 p.m. Musical Dress Rehearsal
3:30 p.m. MS Boys Wrestling at Plainview Invite
6:30 p.m. HS Boys Wrestling Parents Meeting in the Cafeteria
7:30 p.m. One Act Practice
Friday, November 21st
7 a.m. One Act Practice
7 p.m. Musical Production First Performance
Saturday, November 22nd
10 a.m. MS Girls Basketball in Valentine
3 p.m. Musical Production Second Performance
7 p.m. Musical Production Final Performance
Monday, November 24th
7 a.m. POM Squad Practice

Community Senior Center News

News Staff

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Lunch

Chef Salad Available Daily Thursday, November 20th: Thanksgiving Meal: Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole,
cranberry salad, dinner roll and milk.

Friday, November 21st: Chicken a’la King, grapes, biscuit and milk.

Monday, November 24th: Tater tot casserole, Jell-O with pears, dinner roll and milk.

Tuesday, November 25th: Pork chops, peas, vegetable pizza, oranges, dinner roll and milk.

Wednesday, November 26th: Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, spinach, fruit cocktail, muffin and milk.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips: Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Celebration

News Staff

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

As we gather for Thanksgiving, it’s important to follow simple safety steps to keep your holiday healthy and enjoyable. The Nebraska Poison Center offers these helpful guidelines for safe food preparation and handling. Improper food handling can increase the risk of foodborne illness, especially during large holiday meals.

NPPD Board Approves 2026 Retail and Wholesale Rates

News Staff

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

The NPPD board of directors approved a 3% retail and 1% wholesale rate increase during November’s regularly scheduled meeting. The average residential retail customer uses around 1,000 kilowatts of electricity a month, and based on this amount, would experience an increase of just over $5 per month.

Submit Nominations for the Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame By December 31

News Staff

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Time is quickly running out for the public to submit nominations for the 2026 Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame. Nominations are due by December 31.

Los Elegantes performed at the Ainsworth Public Library during the fundraiser collecting money for a new water bottle filling and drinking fountain.

Ainsworth Public Library Holds ‘A Night at the Library’

News Staff

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

“A Night at the Library” was held Saturday, November 6, from 5-7 p.m. This evening featured a book basket silent auction, a large selection of hors d’oeuvres and delightful entertainment by the singing duo, “Los Elegantes.” Group members Francisco Zumano Martinez and Uvaldo De Leon shared their musical talents (vocals, guitar and accordion) by performing Mexican music for the well-attended event.

Blake Hansmeyer (left) and Adeline Hladky (right) along with their seventh-grade classmates performed a flag folding during the program.

Ainsworth Community Schools Holds Veterans Day Program

News Staff

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Ainsworth One-Act Play Festival outstanding performers were (left - right): William Biltoft, Erick Hitchcock, Willa Flynn, Addilyn Doke, Kristofer Hitchcock, Zaine Evans, Jaylee Good, Kiley Orton and Jacob Ortner.

One Act Cast Performs at Ainsworth Play Festival

News Staff

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Ainsworth High School’s One-Act team kicked off its competitive season at the Ainsworth Play Festival on Saturday, November 15. The cast performed a 30-minute production titled ‘How to Get Away with a Murder Mystery’, earning a strong runner-up finish.

Pictured above is Raelynn Raegan (left), who was cast as Wednesday Addams, and Madison Phares (right), who was cast as Morticia “Tish” Addams.

Ainsworth Fine Arts Students Prepare for Public Performances of “The Addams Family” Musical

News Staff

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

The Ainsworth Music Department invites the community to its fall musical production of “The Addams Family.” Join the cast for a great time full of mischief, mayhem, humor, fun, sorrow, and a lot of love! It will be a shocking good time for the whole family. Show times are Friday, November 21, at 7 p.m.