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	<title>Sandhills ExpressSandhills Express</title>
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	<description>Sandhills and Central Nebraska News and Radio</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 21:40:06 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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	<title>Sandhills Express</title>
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                	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[Area Athletes Compete at Dave Blevins Track Invite]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/local-sports/area-athletes-compete-at-dave-blevins-track-invite/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2023/03/Track-results-5-300x169.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 21:27:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brent Apperson]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Local Sports]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[Sandhills Valley hosted the annual Dave Blevins Memorial Track Invitational Friday in Arnold. North Platte St. Pat's swept the team titles. St. Pat's won the boys team championship with 163 points.  South Loup was the boys team runner up edging Anselmo-Merna by one point as the Coyotes finished in third.  St. Pat's won the girls team championship with 116 points followed by South Loup in second and Mullen was third.
The following athletes from the KCNI/KBBN coverage area took home gold
GIRLS
Discus - Lily Thornton (Anselmo-Merna) 134&#8242; 9&#8243;
Pole Vault - Lynae Wiese (South Loup) 8&#8242;
400 - Harper Andersen (Mullen) 1:06.16
1600 - Paizley Zutavern (Sandhills/Thedford) 5:50.76
BOYS
Shot Put - Tate Kvanvig (Mullen) 46&#8242; 3.25&#8243;
Discus - Tate Kvanvig (Mullen) 149&#8242; 3&#8243;
High Jump - Destrey White (Anselmo-Merna) 6&#8242; 4&#8243;
Long Jump - Destrey White (AM) 20&#8242; 10&#8243;
Triple Jump - Trevor Duryea (Anselmo-Merna) 45&#8242; 5&#8243;
Pole Vault - Tysen Schacher (South Loup) 12&#8242;
110 meter hurdles - Rhoshykee Bruns (Sandhills Valley) 15.59
400 - Connor Sutton (Sandhills/Thedford) 51.94
RELAYS
4&#215;800 (Girls) - South Loup (Delanie Weinman, Lynae Wiese, Chloe Coleman, Jade Bierman) 11:00.11
4&#215;800 (Boys) - South Loup (Dylan Pandorf, Walter Bierman, Jaden Baker, Elijah Cool) 8:42.45
4&#215;400 (Girls) - South Loup (Anna Coleman, Rae Hagler, Jimi Fletcher, Jade Bierman) 4:42.84
4&#215;400 (Boys) - South Loup (Elijah Cool, Braxton Cozad, Walter Bierman, Eli Hunt) 3:40.14
For full results of the meet click here
]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Sandhills Valley hosted the annual Dave Blevins Memorial Track Invitational Friday in Arnold. North Platte St. Pat's swept the team titles. St. Pat's won the boys team championship with 163 points.  South Loup was the boys team runner up edging Anselmo-Merna by one point as the Coyotes finished in third.  St. Pat's won the girls team championship with 116 points followed by South Loup in second and Mullen was third.
The following athletes from the KCNI/KBBN coverage area took home gold
GIRLS
Discus - Lily Thornton (Anselmo-Merna) 134&#8242; 9&#8243;
Pole Vault - Lynae Wiese (South Loup) 8&#8242;
400 - Harper Andersen (Mullen) 1:06.16
1600 - Paizley Zutavern (Sandhills/Thedford) 5:50.76
BOYS
Shot Put - Tate Kvanvig (Mullen) 46&#8242; 3.25&#8243;
Discus - Tate Kvanvig (Mullen) 149&#8242; 3&#8243;
High Jump - Destrey White (Anselmo-Merna) 6&#8242; 4&#8243;
Long Jump - Destrey White (AM) 20&#8242; 10&#8243;
Triple Jump - Trevor Duryea (Anselmo-Merna) 45&#8242; 5&#8243;
Pole Vault - Tysen Schacher (South Loup) 12&#8242;
110 meter hurdles - Rhoshykee Bruns (Sandhills Valley) 15.59
400 - Connor Sutton (Sandhills/Thedford) 51.94
RELAYS
4&#215;800 (Girls) - South Loup (Delanie Weinman, Lynae Wiese, Chloe Coleman, Jade Bierman) 11:00.11
4&#215;800 (Boys) - South Loup (Dylan Pandorf, Walter Bierman, Jaden Baker, Elijah Cool) 8:42.45
4&#215;400 (Girls) - South Loup (Anna Coleman, Rae Hagler, Jimi Fletcher, Jade Bierman) 4:42.84
4&#215;400 (Boys) - South Loup (Elijah Cool, Braxton Cozad, Walter Bierman, Eli Hunt) 3:40.14
For full results of the meet click here
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
                    	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[Area Track Recap - 5/7]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/local-sports/area-track-recap-5-7/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2023/03/Track-results-3-300x169.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 15:01:52 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brent Apperson]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Local Sports]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[Ansley/Litchfield and Twin Loup were among the teams that competed at the Centura Track Invite on Thursday.  Among the area highlights, Caydence Feldman of Ansley/Litchfield won the girls 3200 meters in a winning time of 13:41.02 and Alli Smith of Twin Loup was the runner up in the 3200. Feldman placed third in the girls 1600. Other top three area finishes included Ava Paitz of Ansley/Litchfield third in 100 meter hurdles. Oran Grint of Twin Loup placed third in the boys 200. Twin Loup's Emmet Grint was runner up in the boys 300 meter hurdles and was third in the 110 meter hurdles and Jackson Hall of Twin Loup was runner up in the boys pole vault.
In the relays, Twin Loup took gold in the boys 4&#215;400 meter relay and Ansley/Litchfield was second in the event. Ansley/Litchfield was runner up in the girls 4&#215;800 relay and placed third in the girls 4&#215;400.
For full results of the Centura Invite click here
&nbsp;
Arcadia/Loup City and Burwell were among the teams that competed at the Ord Track Invite on Thursday.  Among the area highlights, Addie Critel of Burwell won both the girls 800 and 1600 meters.  Lena Spencer of Burwell was runner up in the 3200 and 3rd in the 1600.  Mieke van der Walt of Burwell was runner up in the girls 100 meter hurdles.  Rylee Kursave of Arcadia/Loup City placed third in both the girls shot put and discus.  On the boys side, Arcadia/Loup City picked up runner up finishes from Tyce Calleroz in the boys 400, Carter Schmidt in the 800, and Dutch Miller in the 1600.  Wyatt Stieb of Arcadia/Loup City was runner up in the boys discus and placed third in shot put.  ALC's Isaac Fitzgerald was third in the boys high jump.
In the relays, Burwell took gold in the girls 4&#215;400.
For full results of the Ord Invite click here
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Ansley/Litchfield and Twin Loup were among the teams that competed at the Centura Track Invite on Thursday.  Among the area highlights, Caydence Feldman of Ansley/Litchfield won the girls 3200 meters in a winning time of 13:41.02 and Alli Smith of Twin Loup was the runner up in the 3200. Feldman placed third in the girls 1600. Other top three area finishes included Ava Paitz of Ansley/Litchfield third in 100 meter hurdles. Oran Grint of Twin Loup placed third in the boys 200. Twin Loup's Emmet Grint was runner up in the boys 300 meter hurdles and was third in the 110 meter hurdles and Jackson Hall of Twin Loup was runner up in the boys pole vault.
In the relays, Twin Loup took gold in the boys 4&#215;400 meter relay and Ansley/Litchfield was second in the event. Ansley/Litchfield was runner up in the girls 4&#215;800 relay and placed third in the girls 4&#215;400.
For full results of the Centura Invite click here
&nbsp;
Arcadia/Loup City and Burwell were among the teams that competed at the Ord Track Invite on Thursday.  Among the area highlights, Addie Critel of Burwell won both the girls 800 and 1600 meters.  Lena Spencer of Burwell was runner up in the 3200 and 3rd in the 1600.  Mieke van der Walt of Burwell was runner up in the girls 100 meter hurdles.  Rylee Kursave of Arcadia/Loup City placed third in both the girls shot put and discus.  On the boys side, Arcadia/Loup City picked up runner up finishes from Tyce Calleroz in the boys 400, Carter Schmidt in the 800, and Dutch Miller in the 1600.  Wyatt Stieb of Arcadia/Loup City was runner up in the boys discus and placed third in shot put.  ALC's Isaac Fitzgerald was third in the boys high jump.
In the relays, Burwell took gold in the girls 4&#215;400.
For full results of the Ord Invite click here
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
                    	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[Nebraska Softball Advances to Big Ten Tournament Semifinals]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/husker-news/nebraska-softball-advances-to-big-ten-tournament-semifinals/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2021/09/huskers-1-300x225.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 12:15:47 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brent Apperson]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Husker News]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[The No. 2 Nebraska softball team defeated the reigning Big Ten Tournament champion Michigan Wolverines, 4-2, on Thursday afternoon in College Park, Md., to move on to the semifinals of the 2026 Big Ten Tournament presented by Allstate.
With the win, NU improved to 44-6 on the season, while Michigan fell to 34-20.
Michigan scored first but the Huskers struck back with a three-run first inning to account for most of the scoring.
Samantha Bland and Emmerson Cope both went 2-for-3 for the Big Red offense, and Cope added a home run while Bland contributed a double. Hannah Camenzind, Ava Kuszak and Jesse Farrell each logged an RBI.
Jordy Frahm (17-4) grabbed the win in the circle, as she threw a complete game with two runs and four hits, along with nine strikeouts.
Michigan opened the scoring in the top of the first, going up 1-0 on an RBI double.
The Huskers struck back right away, as Frahm walked and Hannah Coor singled before H. Camenzind singled to score Frahm and send Coor to third. Coor crossed the plate on a Kuszak squeeze bunt and Farrell reached on a fielder's choice RBI to send H. Camenzind home and give NU a 3-1 lead.
UM added a run in the top of the fourth, aided by a Husker error.
Cope hit a solo bomb to extend the lead back to 4-2 in the bottom of the fourth.
The No. 1 seed Huskers will face the No. 4 seed Indiana Hoosiers Friday, May 8, at 4 p.m. (CT).
]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The No. 2 Nebraska softball team defeated the reigning Big Ten Tournament champion Michigan Wolverines, 4-2, on Thursday afternoon in College Park, Md., to move on to the semifinals of the 2026 Big Ten Tournament presented by Allstate.
With the win, NU improved to 44-6 on the season, while Michigan fell to 34-20.
Michigan scored first but the Huskers struck back with a three-run first inning to account for most of the scoring.
Samantha Bland and Emmerson Cope both went 2-for-3 for the Big Red offense, and Cope added a home run while Bland contributed a double. Hannah Camenzind, Ava Kuszak and Jesse Farrell each logged an RBI.
Jordy Frahm (17-4) grabbed the win in the circle, as she threw a complete game with two runs and four hits, along with nine strikeouts.
Michigan opened the scoring in the top of the first, going up 1-0 on an RBI double.
The Huskers struck back right away, as Frahm walked and Hannah Coor singled before H. Camenzind singled to score Frahm and send Coor to third. Coor crossed the plate on a Kuszak squeeze bunt and Farrell reached on a fielder's choice RBI to send H. Camenzind home and give NU a 3-1 lead.
UM added a run in the top of the fourth, aided by a Husker error.
Cope hit a solo bomb to extend the lead back to 4-2 in the bottom of the fourth.
The No. 1 seed Huskers will face the No. 4 seed Indiana Hoosiers Friday, May 8, at 4 p.m. (CT).
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
                    	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[Nebraska Extension hosting free 'fire smart property' workshops]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/local-news/nebraska-extension-hosting-free-fire-smart-property-workshops/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2026/05/Fire-smart-main-300x169.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 10:30:17 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christen Shirley]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Local News]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[Workshops are being held in May and June across central Nebraska focusing on making properties 'fire smart'. Sponsored by Nebraska Extension, each workshop will detail for attendees how they can create a fire-smart landscape to reduce the risk of damage to their property if fires happen.
Fire Smart Landscaping Program dates:

May 13 in Burwell at the Garfield County Courthouse, 6 PM. RSVP by May 10 by calling 308-346-4200
May 19 in Kearney at the Buffalo County Extension Office, 6:30 PM. RSVP by calling 308-236-1235
June 9 in Long Pine, 6:30 PM (details TBA)

Elizabeth Exstrom, a horticulture, landscape, and environmental systems educator with Nebraska Extension will lead the workshops.
Each workshop points to defensible spaces, fire-conscious planning, and thoughtful landscape management as playing crucial roles in helping protect homes from wildfire.
Practical advice that will be expanded on at the workshops include:

Maintaining a fire smart landscape. Regularly remove any dead, dry plants, branches, or leaves before fire season starts. Make sure to clear combustible debris from around decks and under eaves, and be mindful of equipment use in dry conditions as sparks can be a hazard.
Understanding wildfire behavior. Wildfires behave according to three key factors: fuels, weather, and topography. Of these, fuel is the only one humans can influence.
Choosing fire-resistant plants. Certain plant traits can increase their flammability, including tall or open growth forms, low moisture levels, and high oil or resin content. Consider how and where each plant is placed and how it will be managed, rather than focusing on its flammability alone.


]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Workshops are being held in May and June across central Nebraska focusing on making properties 'fire smart'. Sponsored by Nebraska Extension, each workshop will detail for attendees how they can create a fire-smart landscape to reduce the risk of damage to their property if fires happen.
Fire Smart Landscaping Program dates:

May 13 in Burwell at the Garfield County Courthouse, 6 PM. RSVP by May 10 by calling 308-346-4200
May 19 in Kearney at the Buffalo County Extension Office, 6:30 PM. RSVP by calling 308-236-1235
June 9 in Long Pine, 6:30 PM (details TBA)

Elizabeth Exstrom, a horticulture, landscape, and environmental systems educator with Nebraska Extension will lead the workshops.
Each workshop points to defensible spaces, fire-conscious planning, and thoughtful landscape management as playing crucial roles in helping protect homes from wildfire.
Practical advice that will be expanded on at the workshops include:

Maintaining a fire smart landscape. Regularly remove any dead, dry plants, branches, or leaves before fire season starts. Make sure to clear combustible debris from around decks and under eaves, and be mindful of equipment use in dry conditions as sparks can be a hazard.
Understanding wildfire behavior. Wildfires behave according to three key factors: fuels, weather, and topography. Of these, fuel is the only one humans can influence.
Choosing fire-resistant plants. Certain plant traits can increase their flammability, including tall or open growth forms, low moisture levels, and high oil or resin content. Consider how and where each plant is placed and how it will be managed, rather than focusing on its flammability alone.


]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
                    	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[Broken Bow Claims Runner-Up Trophy at Southwest Conference Boys Golf]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/local-sports/broken-bow-claims-runner-up-trophy-at-southwest-conference-boys-golf/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2026/05/20260507_142235-scaled-e1778187985422-300x267.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 21:06:46 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brent Apperson]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Local Sports]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[The Southwest Conference high school boys golf championships were held Thursday at the Broken Bow golf club and golf course.  McCook claimed the conference team championship with the host team Broken Bow finishing as team runner-up.  Just two shots separated the top two teams with McCook finishing with a 328 team score and Broken Bow finished with a 330.
The SWC hands out all conference honors for boys golf based on one's finish at the SWC tournament.  Those who place in the top five are first team all conference, places 6 thru 10 are 2nd team all conference, and places 11 thru 15 are third team.  McCook and Broken Bow led the all conference selections as each team placed four golfers in the top fifteen.
Broken Bow was led by Adrian Gibbons who was first team all conference placing fifth with a round of 79.  Bowen Ridder was second team all conference placing 7th with a round of 83 and Jack White was second team all conference placing 10th with a round of 84.  Garrett Johnk received third team all conference honors by placing 12th with a round of 84.
The SWC tournament was won by Cozad's Ethan Atchison who recorded the low round of the day with a 77.  Zach Ptacnik of Holdrege and Rylan Gilmore of Ogallala were each just one shot behind with a round of 78.  After the tie break, Ptacnik was second and Gilmore third.
SWC 1st Team











1
Ethan Atchison
Cozad
37
40
77


2
Zach Ptacnik
Holdrege
40
38
78


3
Rylan Gilmore
Ogallala
38
40
78


4
Trenton Raile
McCook
37
42
79


5
Adrian Gibbons
Broken Bow
41
38
79





SWC 2nd Team











6
Asher Wilson
McCook
40
40
80


7
Bowen Ridder
Broken Bow
41
42
83


8
Turner Schmidt
Minden
40
43
83


9
Cruz McCarty
McCook
45
38
83


10
Jack White
Broken Bow
45
39
84





SWC 3rd Team











11
Eli Kidder
Holdrege
40
44
84


12
Garrett Johnk
Broken Bow
42
42
84


13
Zach Klabunde
Minden
39
45
84


14
Trey Bartels
Gothenburg
40
45
85


15
Brody Anthony
McCook
45
41
86




&nbsp;
]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Southwest Conference high school boys golf championships were held Thursday at the Broken Bow golf club and golf course.  McCook claimed the conference team championship with the host team Broken Bow finishing as team runner-up.  Just two shots separated the top two teams with McCook finishing with a 328 team score and Broken Bow finished with a 330.
The SWC hands out all conference honors for boys golf based on one's finish at the SWC tournament.  Those who place in the top five are first team all conference, places 6 thru 10 are 2nd team all conference, and places 11 thru 15 are third team.  McCook and Broken Bow led the all conference selections as each team placed four golfers in the top fifteen.
Broken Bow was led by Adrian Gibbons who was first team all conference placing fifth with a round of 79.  Bowen Ridder was second team all conference placing 7th with a round of 83 and Jack White was second team all conference placing 10th with a round of 84.  Garrett Johnk received third team all conference honors by placing 12th with a round of 84.
The SWC tournament was won by Cozad's Ethan Atchison who recorded the low round of the day with a 77.  Zach Ptacnik of Holdrege and Rylan Gilmore of Ogallala were each just one shot behind with a round of 78.  After the tie break, Ptacnik was second and Gilmore third.
SWC 1st Team











1
Ethan Atchison
Cozad
37
40
77


2
Zach Ptacnik
Holdrege
40
38
78


3
Rylan Gilmore
Ogallala
38
40
78


4
Trenton Raile
McCook
37
42
79


5
Adrian Gibbons
Broken Bow
41
38
79





SWC 2nd Team











6
Asher Wilson
McCook
40
40
80


7
Bowen Ridder
Broken Bow
41
42
83


8
Turner Schmidt
Minden
40
43
83


9
Cruz McCarty
McCook
45
38
83


10
Jack White
Broken Bow
45
39
84





SWC 3rd Team











11
Eli Kidder
Holdrege
40
44
84


12
Garrett Johnk
Broken Bow
42
42
84


13
Zach Klabunde
Minden
39
45
84


14
Trey Bartels
Gothenburg
40
45
85


15
Brody Anthony
McCook
45
41
86




&nbsp;
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
                    	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[Sargent's Grant Ottun, NCTA students shine at crops and precision agriculture contests]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/local-news/sargents-grant-ottun-ncta-students-shine-at-crops-and-precision-agriculture-contests/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2026/05/NCTA-main-300x169.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 20:30:01 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christen Shirley]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Local News]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[Grant Ottun of Sargent and his Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) Crops Judging teammates earned top placement at the 2026 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference, hosted by Illinois State University late last month.
The conference brings together top two-year and four-year agricultural colleges from across North America to compete in hands on contests designed to mirror real world ag careers.
Crop Contest Results
NCTA earned 1st Place Team honors in the Crops Contest against the eight two-year colleges competing.
Overall Individual

1st - Wyatt Ozenbaugh, Ohiowa, NE
2nd - Grant Ottun, Sargent, NE
3rd - Aaron Underwood, Esbon, KS

KaCee Jo Saffer of Arriba, CO, was also a member of the official team contributing to the championship. Additional students competing as individuals included Mason Semler of Exeter, NE; Jada Eilert of Jewell, KS; Kyra Jespersen of Hemingford, NE; Hailey Loutzenhizer of Flagler, CO; and Rachel Bose of McCook, NE. All NCTA team members placed in the top 15 individually among over 50 competitors.
Precision Agriculture Contest Results
NCTA achieved 1st Place Team in the Precision Agriculture Contest.
Overall Individual

1st - Aaron Underwood
2nd - Grant Ottun


Wyatt Ozenbaugh and Jada Eilert were also members of the official team. Additional individual competitors included Mason Semler, Kyra Jespersen, Hailey Loutzenhizer, and Rachel Bose.


The NACTA Judging Conference is one of the premier collegiate agriculture competitions in North America, emphasizing technical knowledge, precision, and applied problem-solving across disciplines.


Dr. Brad Ramsdale, NCTA agronomy professor and crops judging coach, said the results reflect both preparation and the team culture built throughout the season. "These contests are about more than results; they're about building confidence, sharpening skills, and learning to think through real agronomic challenges," said Ramsdale. "This group continues to push each other, and that's what makes them successful."

NCTA's continued success at both regional and national contests highlights the strength of its Agronomy program, where students gain hands-on experience and develop the technical expertise needed for careers in crop production, precision agriculture, and agribusiness.
]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Grant Ottun of Sargent and his Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) Crops Judging teammates earned top placement at the 2026 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference, hosted by Illinois State University late last month.
The conference brings together top two-year and four-year agricultural colleges from across North America to compete in hands on contests designed to mirror real world ag careers.
Crop Contest Results
NCTA earned 1st Place Team honors in the Crops Contest against the eight two-year colleges competing.
Overall Individual

1st - Wyatt Ozenbaugh, Ohiowa, NE
2nd - Grant Ottun, Sargent, NE
3rd - Aaron Underwood, Esbon, KS

KaCee Jo Saffer of Arriba, CO, was also a member of the official team contributing to the championship. Additional students competing as individuals included Mason Semler of Exeter, NE; Jada Eilert of Jewell, KS; Kyra Jespersen of Hemingford, NE; Hailey Loutzenhizer of Flagler, CO; and Rachel Bose of McCook, NE. All NCTA team members placed in the top 15 individually among over 50 competitors.
Precision Agriculture Contest Results
NCTA achieved 1st Place Team in the Precision Agriculture Contest.
Overall Individual

1st - Aaron Underwood
2nd - Grant Ottun


Wyatt Ozenbaugh and Jada Eilert were also members of the official team. Additional individual competitors included Mason Semler, Kyra Jespersen, Hailey Loutzenhizer, and Rachel Bose.


The NACTA Judging Conference is one of the premier collegiate agriculture competitions in North America, emphasizing technical knowledge, precision, and applied problem-solving across disciplines.


Dr. Brad Ramsdale, NCTA agronomy professor and crops judging coach, said the results reflect both preparation and the team culture built throughout the season. "These contests are about more than results; they're about building confidence, sharpening skills, and learning to think through real agronomic challenges," said Ramsdale. "This group continues to push each other, and that's what makes them successful."

NCTA's continued success at both regional and national contests highlights the strength of its Agronomy program, where students gain hands-on experience and develop the technical expertise needed for careers in crop production, precision agriculture, and agribusiness.
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
                    	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[Area students achieve performance recognitions at NSAA district music]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/local-news/area-students-achieve-performance-recognitions-at-nsaa-district-music/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2026/05/Music-NSAA-300x169.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 20:26:29 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christen Shirley]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Local News]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[Area students took part in NSAA District Music recently, among students from across the state performing. Several achieved Outstanding Performance and Honorable Mention Award recognition as a result of their efforts.
Below are the students from the KCNI/KBBN listening area recognized. View full results from NSAA District Music at this link.
District IV - AA, A, B, C, D: held at Broken Bow High School
Madden Kleeb, Broken Bow - Honorable Mention Instrumental Solo
Nicole McCaslin, Broken Bow- Outstanding Performance Instrumental Solo
Vocal Quartet, Broken Bow - Honorable Mention Vocal Ensemble (Eleni Hernandez, Mandi Mattox, Jadyn Scott, and Tristan Taylor)
Eliana Myer, Broken Bow - Outstanding Performance Vocal Solo
Nyachay Haidle, Callaway - Honorable Mention Vocal Solo
Vocal Ensemble, Cozad- Honorable Mention Vocal Ensemble (Apiphany Bowden Taegan Dexter Brooke Dyer Brynna Edeal Hailee Hemphill Ava Joyce Emma Lindekugel Brantley Malcom Mallory Munster Damen Noble Riley Peck Talyn Propp Kordillia Tena Ryly Valkema Brooklyne Wingrove)
Instrumental Duet, Gothenburg- Outstanding Performance Instrumental Ensemble (Lathan Buesing and Brant Miller)
Lathan Buesing, Gothenburg- Honorable Mention Instrumental Solo
Brant Miller, Gothenburg- Honorable Mention Instrumental Solo
Aleigha Spradlin, Gothenburg- Honorable Mention Instrumental Solo
Mavrix Butterfield, Gothenburg- Outstanding Performance Instrumental Solo
Mavrix Butterfield, Gothenburg- Outstanding Performance Instrumental Solo
Vocal Duet, Gothenburg- Honorable Mention Vocal Ensemble (Carter Kincheloe and Brant Miller)
Vocal Octet, Gothenburg- Outstanding Performance Vocal Ensemble ( Colbie Brown Lathan Buesing Mavrix Butterfield Amelia Haas Carter Kincheloe Brant Miller Kaylee Olsen Kennedy Tucker)
Vocal Trio, Gothenburg - Outstanding Performance Vocal Ensemble (Mavrix Butterfield Kaylee Olsen Kennedy Tucker)
]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Area students took part in NSAA District Music recently, among students from across the state performing. Several achieved Outstanding Performance and Honorable Mention Award recognition as a result of their efforts.
Below are the students from the KCNI/KBBN listening area recognized. View full results from NSAA District Music at this link.
District IV - AA, A, B, C, D: held at Broken Bow High School
Madden Kleeb, Broken Bow - Honorable Mention Instrumental Solo
Nicole McCaslin, Broken Bow- Outstanding Performance Instrumental Solo
Vocal Quartet, Broken Bow - Honorable Mention Vocal Ensemble (Eleni Hernandez, Mandi Mattox, Jadyn Scott, and Tristan Taylor)
Eliana Myer, Broken Bow - Outstanding Performance Vocal Solo
Nyachay Haidle, Callaway - Honorable Mention Vocal Solo
Vocal Ensemble, Cozad- Honorable Mention Vocal Ensemble (Apiphany Bowden Taegan Dexter Brooke Dyer Brynna Edeal Hailee Hemphill Ava Joyce Emma Lindekugel Brantley Malcom Mallory Munster Damen Noble Riley Peck Talyn Propp Kordillia Tena Ryly Valkema Brooklyne Wingrove)
Instrumental Duet, Gothenburg- Outstanding Performance Instrumental Ensemble (Lathan Buesing and Brant Miller)
Lathan Buesing, Gothenburg- Honorable Mention Instrumental Solo
Brant Miller, Gothenburg- Honorable Mention Instrumental Solo
Aleigha Spradlin, Gothenburg- Honorable Mention Instrumental Solo
Mavrix Butterfield, Gothenburg- Outstanding Performance Instrumental Solo
Mavrix Butterfield, Gothenburg- Outstanding Performance Instrumental Solo
Vocal Duet, Gothenburg- Honorable Mention Vocal Ensemble (Carter Kincheloe and Brant Miller)
Vocal Octet, Gothenburg- Outstanding Performance Vocal Ensemble ( Colbie Brown Lathan Buesing Mavrix Butterfield Amelia Haas Carter Kincheloe Brant Miller Kaylee Olsen Kennedy Tucker)
Vocal Trio, Gothenburg - Outstanding Performance Vocal Ensemble (Mavrix Butterfield Kaylee Olsen Kennedy Tucker)
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
                    	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[Free active shooter training being held later this month]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/local-news/free-active-shooter-training-being-held-later-this-month/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2026/05/North-Central-PET-Region-300x169.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 10:19:36 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christen Shirley]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Local News]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[The North Central Planning, Exercise, and Training (PET) Region is hosting a free, multi-discipline active shooter training later this month in both Ainsworth and Taylor.
Click to enlarge
The trainings are open to those in dispatch, fire and rescue, law enforcement, emergency management, school administration, and hospital administration. Organizers have set a goal of strengthening coordinated response efforts while also sharing the best practices should critical incidents arise.
The Ainsworth school will host the first session on Thursday, May 14 from 8:30 to 11 AM, while the second session option will be Friday, May 15 from 8 to 10:30 AM at the Taylor Event Center.
Trainer Chief John Whalen and Trainer Deputy Chief Michael Moser will lead the sessions. Both are experienced trainers from Florida who were directly involved in the response to the Parkland school shooting. The two will provide real world insight and focus on lessons that were learned at that incident.
"Some emergency managers within the PET region had been to a conference that had seen the group that is going to be putting on the training and said it was really fantastic," said Region 26 Emergency Management Executive Director Catie Larsen. "They were part of that Parkland, Florida shooting so they are kind of coming in and doing a 'lessons learned' with us to see how we can plan for things."
All agencies and community partners are strongly encouraged to attend, and organizers are encouraged by the opportunity for those who attend to improve their preparedness.
Those interested can register online at this link. For more information about the Ainsworth session, contact Brown and Rock County Deputy Emergency Manager Jessica Pozehl at 402-684-9077. For the Taylor session, contact Catie Larsen at 308-214-0642. Registrations will be open until the day of the event, but organizers are asking for pre-registrations to help with a head count.
Those who attend the Taylor session are invited to stick around for a party for dispatcher Libby Burk, who is retiring following her 20 years at Region 26.
Click to enlarge

]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The North Central Planning, Exercise, and Training (PET) Region is hosting a free, multi-discipline active shooter training later this month in both Ainsworth and Taylor.
Click to enlarge
The trainings are open to those in dispatch, fire and rescue, law enforcement, emergency management, school administration, and hospital administration. Organizers have set a goal of strengthening coordinated response efforts while also sharing the best practices should critical incidents arise.
The Ainsworth school will host the first session on Thursday, May 14 from 8:30 to 11 AM, while the second session option will be Friday, May 15 from 8 to 10:30 AM at the Taylor Event Center.
Trainer Chief John Whalen and Trainer Deputy Chief Michael Moser will lead the sessions. Both are experienced trainers from Florida who were directly involved in the response to the Parkland school shooting. The two will provide real world insight and focus on lessons that were learned at that incident.
"Some emergency managers within the PET region had been to a conference that had seen the group that is going to be putting on the training and said it was really fantastic," said Region 26 Emergency Management Executive Director Catie Larsen. "They were part of that Parkland, Florida shooting so they are kind of coming in and doing a 'lessons learned' with us to see how we can plan for things."
All agencies and community partners are strongly encouraged to attend, and organizers are encouraged by the opportunity for those who attend to improve their preparedness.
Those interested can register online at this link. For more information about the Ainsworth session, contact Brown and Rock County Deputy Emergency Manager Jessica Pozehl at 402-684-9077. For the Taylor session, contact Catie Larsen at 308-214-0642. Registrations will be open until the day of the event, but organizers are asking for pre-registrations to help with a head count.
Those who attend the Taylor session are invited to stick around for a party for dispatcher Libby Burk, who is retiring following her 20 years at Region 26.
Click to enlarge

]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
                    	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[$7,250 awarded by Custer County Salvation Army, $250 donation received]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/local-news/7250-awarded-by-custer-county-salvation-army-250-donation-received/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2026/05/Salvation-main-300x169.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 18:13:24 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christen Shirley]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Local News]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[BROKEN BOW, Neb.- Checks totaling $7,250 were presented to food pantries, swimming lessons, and meals for senior citizens at the May 4 meeting of the Custer County Salvation Army.
The food pantries of Ansley, Arnold, and Sargent each received $750 checks.
The Prairie Pioneer Center in Broken Bow received $2,000 to help with meals they deliver to senior citizens recovering from hospital stays.
The communities of Ansley, Arnold, Broken Bow, and Callaway each received checks for $750 to assist their summer swimming lesson programs.
In addition to checks awarded, the Salvation Army received a $250 donation from Palmer Lomax American Legion Auxiliary Unit 126 to go toward the back-to-school backpack and school supplies giveaway. The donation was made in alignment of the Legion Auxiliary's 250th year.
]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[BROKEN BOW, Neb.- Checks totaling $7,250 were presented to food pantries, swimming lessons, and meals for senior citizens at the May 4 meeting of the Custer County Salvation Army.
The food pantries of Ansley, Arnold, and Sargent each received $750 checks.
The Prairie Pioneer Center in Broken Bow received $2,000 to help with meals they deliver to senior citizens recovering from hospital stays.
The communities of Ansley, Arnold, Broken Bow, and Callaway each received checks for $750 to assist their summer swimming lesson programs.
In addition to checks awarded, the Salvation Army received a $250 donation from Palmer Lomax American Legion Auxiliary Unit 126 to go toward the back-to-school backpack and school supplies giveaway. The donation was made in alignment of the Legion Auxiliary's 250th year.
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
                    	<news>
                
                    <title><![CDATA[Ballot machine does its job, Custer County mock election a success]]></title>
                                                            <link>https://sandhillsexpress.com/local-news/ballot-machine-does-its-job-custer-county-mock-election-a-success/?radio=1</link>
                                        <image>https://media-news-affiliates.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2026/05/Ballot-main-300x169.jpg</image>
                                        <caption> </caption>
                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 17:30:11 +0000</pubDate>
                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christen Shirley]]></dc:creator>
                    		<category><![CDATA[Local News]]></category>

                                                    <description><![CDATA[BROKEN BOW, Neb.- Nearly 1,400 test ballots ran through the Custer County ballot machine on Wednesday morning as a part of a mock election ahead of next week's Gubernatorial Primary Election. Each county election office in Nebraska is completing similar mock elections as required by law before each statewide election.
After running a '0 report' to reset the machine, Deputy Clerk Nissa Shelby loaded the first of several stacks of ballots into the machine to be counted. The machine, which isn't even a decade old, is serviced before each primary election and sorts ballots into three categories: those with no errors that are good to go, those that have a write-in somewhere on them, and errors (which can be because of errant marks, incomplete bubbles, etc.).
From there, results are loaded into a computer that is not connected to the internet. It's there where images of the write-ins on ballots are put before a human who determines who the vote is for, adding those numbers to the results. All results are then compiled onto a new, never used drive to place into a computer and send to the state through code that is determined on the other end.
Custer County Clerk Kelly Jacobsen, who is working her first election in the position, said the results of the mock election came out in line with the expected goal.
Jacobsen, alongside Shelby (working her 7th election), and Dawn Raber-Goodwin (1st election) will collaborate with poll workers to receive and run the entirety of the county's ballots through the machine on the evening of May 12 after polls close at 8 PM. From there, unofficial results are given. They are not made official until those who didn't bring Voter ID to the polls return to the clerks office after the election to confirm they have it in addition to the results being certified through canvassing.
The three officials at Custer County's mock election stated that poll workers have been instructed to consistently ask for Voter ID from all voters, with no exceptions, as a result of LB514, signed by the Governor in 2023.
Acceptable forms of photo ID for voting include a Nebraska driver's license, Nebraska state ID, Nebraska college ID, Military ID, Tribal ID, U.S. Passport, Nebraska political subdivision ID, and hospital, hospice, home, and community-based developmental disabilities services agency, intermediate care facility, assisted-living facility, or nursing home records.
Those unsure of where their polling place location is can utilize VoterCheck, which can also be utilized to confirm your address, party association, and absentee/provisional ballot status.

]]></description>
                                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[BROKEN BOW, Neb.- Nearly 1,400 test ballots ran through the Custer County ballot machine on Wednesday morning as a part of a mock election ahead of next week's Gubernatorial Primary Election. Each county election office in Nebraska is completing similar mock elections as required by law before each statewide election.
After running a '0 report' to reset the machine, Deputy Clerk Nissa Shelby loaded the first of several stacks of ballots into the machine to be counted. The machine, which isn't even a decade old, is serviced before each primary election and sorts ballots into three categories: those with no errors that are good to go, those that have a write-in somewhere on them, and errors (which can be because of errant marks, incomplete bubbles, etc.).
From there, results are loaded into a computer that is not connected to the internet. It's there where images of the write-ins on ballots are put before a human who determines who the vote is for, adding those numbers to the results. All results are then compiled onto a new, never used drive to place into a computer and send to the state through code that is determined on the other end.
Custer County Clerk Kelly Jacobsen, who is working her first election in the position, said the results of the mock election came out in line with the expected goal.
Jacobsen, alongside Shelby (working her 7th election), and Dawn Raber-Goodwin (1st election) will collaborate with poll workers to receive and run the entirety of the county's ballots through the machine on the evening of May 12 after polls close at 8 PM. From there, unofficial results are given. They are not made official until those who didn't bring Voter ID to the polls return to the clerks office after the election to confirm they have it in addition to the results being certified through canvassing.
The three officials at Custer County's mock election stated that poll workers have been instructed to consistently ask for Voter ID from all voters, with no exceptions, as a result of LB514, signed by the Governor in 2023.
Acceptable forms of photo ID for voting include a Nebraska driver's license, Nebraska state ID, Nebraska college ID, Military ID, Tribal ID, U.S. Passport, Nebraska political subdivision ID, and hospital, hospice, home, and community-based developmental disabilities services agency, intermediate care facility, assisted-living facility, or nursing home records.
Those unsure of where their polling place location is can utilize VoterCheck, which can also be utilized to confirm your address, party association, and absentee/provisional ballot status.

]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                            	</news>
                
        

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