In November of 2024, Rod and Kathy Worrell announced that they would be shutting down the newspaper in December, after taking over in September of 1984. In what many people would consider a ‘Christmas Miracle,’ less than a week before the Star-Journal was set to release its final issue, the paper was saved.

Beck’s Well and Irrigation opened its doors in 1950, as Beck’s Well Company. Since then, the business has been passed down two generations.

Daylight Savings Time (DST) will go into effect fr much of the country this Sunday, March 9. This go around, citizens will lose an hour, this makes it so there is more daylight during the summer evenings.

Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital in O’Neill was listed among the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals in the United States for 2025 as named by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are proud to receive this recognition despite the hardships we experienced in 2024,” said John Kozyra, President and CEO of Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital. Kozyra is referring to the Oct. 7 explosion near the hospital campus that caused extensive damage. “It is a true testament to the work our providers and staff do every day to serve our community.”

Capitol Conversations: From Pasture to Policy This week the Transportation & Telecommunications Committee advanced my bill LB 667 on to General File for floor debate. I am pleased to see this move out of committee as it will provide a more robust reimbursement process for warranty work for our local dealers.

A new pitch for increasing pay for state legislators: appoint a commission to consider it The old joke around the State Capitol is that legislators get paid “$12,000 a year and all you can eat and drink.”