New trade war — like the last one — would hurt Nebraska farmers, ranchers It’s hard to overstate the impact agriculture has on the State of Nebraska. The production of crops contributes $25 billion a year to the state’s economy, according to the University of Nebraska, and the impact extends to the cities, where suppliers, bankers and consultants make a living providing goods and services to farmers and ranchers.

This week in the Transportation & Telecommunications Committee, LB 449 introduced by Sen. Fredrickson generated the most discussion. This bill attempts to change the NDOT roads funding to a formula base which would shift more money to Omaha and away from rural Nebraska. This is not supported by NDOT and does not appear to have support from the committee. I have and will continue to fight against this from advancing as it would be detrimental to District 43.

“I Think Winter Caught Up With Us!” On Groundhog Day, February 2nd, the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter. This screen shot was from Weather Bug and isn’t exactly what one would like to see in the forecast.

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On February 3rd and 4 t h , Saul Fernandez Arcipreste Andrade and Damian Hernandez Cerda participated in the High Plains Honor Guitar Ensemble at Chadron State in Chadron, NE. Both students played bass, and the concert was a huge success.

West Plains Bank of Ainsworth held it’s Annual Stockholders meeting on January 14, 2025 and elected James F. Arens as the new President and Chairman of the Board to replace the recently retired Douglas L. Weiss.