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| Home / College Guide / News stories from the second six months of 2025 |
| Posted on Saturday, January 10 @ 00:00:49 PST |
National, state and local decisions continued to morph North Platte into a different place during the second half of 2025. Here is a summary of the highlights of July-December, from the Bulletin’s weekly news reports.
(A review of the first half of the year was published on Dec. 31, 2025.)
July 9
Deputy Lincoln County Attorney Kortnei Smith took her seat June 8 on the Lincoln County Court bench. Smith, a North Platte St. Patrick’s graduate, previously worked in the county attorney’s office since 2016.
North Platte Senior FNBO player Landan Greeno was voted the winner of the Leadership Award for the North Platte Seniors on July 5.
Sustainable Beef is on course, aiming to ramp up its workforce to 850 employees before Christmas, CEO David Briggs told the Bulletin on July 7. He said 600 employees have been hired. The process sustained a hiccup with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that had the effect of revoking some of the employment authorization documents that had been allowed under the Biden administration. Briggs said a few employees had to be terminated, with regret. “They are hardworking people,” he said. “They just want a better life for their families, like our ancestors did.
”
Paving started July 14 on West 9th St. from Carr Ave. to Emory, the final step in converting what was once a narrow blacktop street into a full paved street with curbs, gutters and sidewalks.
Karen Little Thunder told a rapt audience on July 7 at the Prairie Arts Center about the 1855 massacre of Lakota at the Battle of Blue Water, aka the Battle of Ash Hollow. Out of a village of about 200 people, about 85 Lakota were shot and killed by the U.S. Army. Little Thunder said most of the dead were women and children. The Army was provoked by a previous Lakota attack that killed 30 U.S. soldiers. The dispute erupted over a crippled cow that had strayed from or was left behind by a settler. Lakota braves found the cow and butchered it. The Army asked the tribe to turn over the perpetrators or face stern consequences. In turn, Lakota attacked the Army camp. A seventh-generation descendent of the Army commanding officer at the Battle of Blue Water now works with Little Thunder, who is a descendent of the Lakota chief, to spread awareness of the dignity of those who were killed.
The Lincoln County Cattlewomen presented three recipients checks on July 7 at the 21st annual Grape and Sizzle in North Platte — a beef meal and wine fundraiser.
Long-time, civic-minded Sutherland resident Don Main presided over the annual Sutherland Fourth of July parade as the grand marshal. Squirt guns were prevalent.
Ten downtown loft apartments are ready in what was once the headquarters of Sixth Street Foods at 316 E. Sixth. The Sixth Street company became a regional grocer and a major economic force in North Platte from the late 1930s to 2001. The upgraded, voluminous building was constructed in 1937-38. The seven-year renovation is now complete. The building is owned by MADD Properties, led by accountants Matthew Hawks and Jeffery Moore.
July 16
Police found two brothers dead from bullet wounds at a North Platte residence at 1609 W. Second St. According to investigators, James Kemp, 39, apparently shot Christopher Kemp, 37, and then took his own life. The standoff lasted 10-and-a-half-hours.
Elizabeth Tegtmeier of North Platte will run for re-election, representing central and western Nebraska on the state board of education. Tegtmeier is the president of the board. One of her top priorities is the lack of academic proficiency in core subjects.
The board of the Original Town group, the North Side Association, met to talk about the new city park south of Madison Middle School, the north side dog park, cemetery fences, neighbors helping neighbors, and better trash cans for tubers, kayakers and tankers on the N.
Platte River.
At a potential large-scale wind energy project is planned in the hills north of the Maxwell-Brady area, the towers nearly the height of the exhaust stacks at Gerald Gentleman south of Sutherland, the tallest structure on the county, Lincoln County Commissioner Chris Bruns said.
The North Platte city council pushed a deadline to December for Rev Development to improve drainage of District 177’s east and south parking lots. The decision came after a 53-minute closed-door session. Mayor Brandon Kelliher said the extra time would allow city engineers to develop the best drainage plan possible. The council agreed 5-2. Brad Garrick and Nick McNew voted no, expressing displeasure with the developer.
All kinds and styles of cars, pickups, motorcycles, rat rods and farm tractors lined more than six blocks of downtown North Platte on July 12 at the Canteen Cruise, plus pinup girls, pedal tractors and live music.
Outdoor writer Rick Windham shared fond memories of nature lover Larry Golden of North Platte, who passed away on July 5. Windham also passed away before the year ended.
July 23
Every step of a dance is prayer – one of the spiritual notions at the North Platte Pow Wow on July 18-20.
The proceeds of the pow-wow benefit Operation Christmas Card, which sends 300-500 care packages overseas to service men and women each year. Both efforts are organized by Char Swalberg of North Platte.
A North Platte meth dealer was charged following a search of a home in the 900 block of E. Eighth St. In addition to the meth, $4,000 in cash, cell phones, packaging and distribution records were found on July 19.
The Bulletin’s Thought for the Week is by Mark Twain, who wrote, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.”
Due to the intense scrutiny of federal programs under the Trump administration, federal dollars for Kid’s Klub after-school programs were withheld for more than two weeks.
Local and state officials continued to push for construction of the Perkins County Canal, despite strong objections from the state of Colorado.
July 30
Union Pacific railroad wants to merge with the Norfolk Southern railroad. The deal must be approved by the federal oversight agency, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, which will listen to concerns about monopolization of the industry.
Top Tier owners Brad and Emily Garrick raise issues about the college-owned Osgood building.
The Garricks wanted to buy the building for $400,000, but the North Platte Community College bid $450,000. The Garricks said the college did not respond to collaborating on the use of the former elementary school. The college wants the building because it is near the campus.
Domingo Carrizales of Hershey was released the same day that he was sentenced to two terms of 180-days each in the Lincoln County jail for domestic assault. Carrizales had been in jail for 89 days awaiting his day in court. Therefore, “good time” reduced his sentence in half.
A North Platte motorcycle rider died Friday evening, July 25, after he tried to avoid hitting a bicycle rider at the south end of the Jeffers St. overpass. The bicycle rider entered suddenly and Tyler Irish, 26, crashed his motorcycle into a signpost at the foot of the overpassed. He leaves behind his fiancé, Kira, and three children.
Country music star Gary Allen performed for a big crowd on July 25, capping a successful Lincoln County Fair. About 5,000 people attended the Allen concert.
Lincoln County Commissioner Joe Hewgley was honored for 40 years as a commissioner. He is said to be the second-longest serving county commissioner in the state.
He received thanks and applause from a crowded room of well-wishers.
Outdoor writer Rick Windham died unexpectedly on July 31. Windham was a mainstay advocate of hunting, fishing and camp cooking who set up demonstrations at civic functions, worked with Scouts, wrote for both North Platte newspapers and hosted a KODY radio show. His death sparked tributes filled with admiring memories and an outpouring of condolences for those who were closest to him, including his widow, Vicki Vollertsen Windham.
Aug. 6
The North Platte school board censured long-time member and former president Skip Altig for asking board President Emily Garrick where her child would attend school in the fall. The vote was 4-2 to censure Altig for violating the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
A strong foul odor from the industrial wastewater plant was caused by a construction issue, Mayor Brandon Kelliher said. The odor provoked an outcry of complaints.
Model trains chugged around North Platte’s D&N Event Center during Rail Days, Aug. 1-3, to the delight of young people and the young at heart.
A two-day music festival at Pals Brewing featured Kris Lager and his Band of Assassins, but the only thing the band assassinated was the tendency to sit down.
One of the country’s “10 new artists you need to know,” Stephen Carry, impressed the audience.
In their second year of play, the North Platte 80s qualified for the Pecos League playoffs. On July 30, Ryan Lutinski, a native of Connecticut, was named the winner of the team’s Jerome Vieyra Memorial Award.
Aug. 13
Union Pacific might move 200 or so locomotive engineer jobs to eastern Nebraska. UP spelled out its intent on Aug. 4. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is protesting.
In separate arrests, North Platte police charged four men with assault, weapons and drug crimes.
Due largely to the influence of North Platte public school board president Emily Garrick and former president Angela Blaesi, the number of credit cards available for use by the school district’s staff will be restricted, and each card will have a spending limit of $250.
North Platte Attorney Chawnta Durham was selected by Gov. Jim Pillen to become a new district court judge in Dawson County. Durham’s primary seat will be in the courtroom in Lexington.
Two nights of live music lit up the streets on Friday-Saturday, Aug. 8-9 at Music on the Bricks. On Friday, the Baxter Bond entertained about 350 people for more than three hours.
On Saturday, Top Shelf Country and the Platinum Pearls entertained, with a fun interlude by the North Platte Pacers.
Aug. 20
Just five days after Domingo Carrizales was released from jail on assault charges, he violated court orders not to contact his previous victim. He was taken to jail, where bond was set at only $5,000. He paid the required 10% — $500 – and was released, again raising concerns of lax punishment of repeat domestic assault offenders.
A new casino and racetrack open in Ogallala on Aug. 19. The “racino” was one envisioned for North Platte but the public was not overly enthused about it. The casino is expected to operate seven days a week.
The McCook work camp will be converted to a “Cornhusker Clink” for immigrants, Gov. Jim Pillen said Aug. 19. The camp will be expanded to house 300 inmates, up from its capacity of 200.
Nebraska Public Power District officials discussed the benefits of a small nuclear plant in the Sutherland area, at an open house on Aub. 18. Sutherland is one of 16 locations around the state under consideration. A small nuke plant could be operational in 10 years or so.
Aug. 27
The “Livin’ Out Loud” Christian music festival was held in Gothenburg on Aug 16-17.
The festival attracts tens of thousands of people each year. This time was no exception.
Thursday, Aug. 14 marked the 80th anniversary of the unconditional surrender of Japan at the end of the end of World War II. At 11 a.m., a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery south of Maxwell.
Some of the business changes in North Platte — McCabe’s Pub and Lounge is at the corner of Fourth and Dewey, bringing a more-than-welcome nightspot to downtown. Also, the popular restaurant, Dave’s Place, opened in a completely new place at 502 E. Francis.
Country music star Casey Donahew capped the Hershey Fall Festival on Aug. 23 with a jam-packed concert, attracting 1,800 fans to main street. Hershey Lions Club President Justin Petska thought the weekend festival was the most successful in the 60 years of the event in terms of attendance and funds raised.
Sept. 3
The North Platte public school board voted to table a 5% increase in the property taxes. Board members Emily Garrick, Angela Blaesi and Justin Thompson voiced concern about the increase. Garrick said taxpayers have every right to feel frustrated if the district continually raises its tax request.
City officials are conservative in next year’s budget and tax call.
City Administrator Layne Groseth pointed to nearly $500,000 in unspent funds and proposed a relatively small, 2.5% increase in property taxes.
Public Library Researcher Kaycee Anderson tells the story of one of North Platte’ s grandest houses at 519 W. Fifth St, in a new feature series in the Bulletin – Historical Houses of North Platte.
Sept. 10
A large, slightly comical ape looks out from downtown on traffic on U.S. Highway 83, painted on the backside of a building by artist Holly Carlini at the request of Ape Ship Brewing.
The Lincoln County Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution urging Union Pacific to keep the locomotive engineer jobs in North Platte. They said North Platte’s location is strategic in the Midwest and the United States.
Chase Q. Lenz-Schurr was sentenced to 20-30 years in prison for sexual assault of a minor.
Faced with rising costs and constraints on spending, the Lincoln County Commissioners looked at spending cuts as well as an increase in property taxes.
The annual Cody Cruisers Show and Shine attracted about 180 cars to Memorial Park in nearly perfect weather.
One of the city’s most popular annual weekend events. Arts in the Park, was held Saturday, Sept.
6. Exhibitor Patty Burrows of Rockin’ 47 Apparel said it was “the best day we’ve ever had.”
Sept. 17
Criticism and outrage became forceful against a social media post that celebrated the assassination of conservative spokesman Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA on Sept. 10. Critics called for a boycott of Mackenzie’s restaurant downtown after the owner made the offensive post. Mackenzie’s subsequent apology was published in the Bulletin’s social media and some forgave her, but most reactions remained hostile. Police had to deal with a handful of physical threats. The mob-like outrage drained customers from Mackenzie’s, forcing the restaurant to close within weeks. Not only that, a $450,000 grant was cancelled for a greenhouse that the group, “Las Mananitas,” wanted to build, dooming the project. Mackenzie was working with her sister-in-law Adi Fernandez on the greenhouse.
On Sept. 14, Sue Wewel, a North Platte St. Pat’s graduate, was inducted into the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame for volleyball coaching achievements. Wewel coached at Fremont Bergan and Fremont High.
Michale Stroble, 32, of North Platte was sentenced to federal prison for 11. 5 years for meth distribution.
Stroble was part of a group that, in 2022-23, sold meth in and around North Platte. The group included Joe Romero, Jamie Hopkins, Luke Schwartz, prosecutors said.
In other court news, Dustin Noble of North Platte was sentenced to 22 months in prison and $179,680 in restitution for state and federal hunting violations. In all, 20 people were convicted of violations in the scandal. Noble was the CEO of Noble Enterprises that operated from 2015-21.
North Platte Community College celebrated its 60th anniversary July 3. The college opened for the first time in 1964 in the downtown 1913 federal building and post office, now the home of the Prairie Arts Center.
Preliminary plans are presented to improve traffic flow at North Platte’s busiest intersection, Leota and Dewey/ US Highway 83. That stretch of Dewey St. will be renovated in 2026-27.
A 20-foot inflatable North Platte Bulldog made its debut on Sept. 10 at a Homecoming parade and pep rally. Members of the football team rode carriages and all six coaches of fall sports downtown teams dropped beach balls from 25 feet in the air for their teams to catch.
Sept. 24
Survivors of domestic violence staged a demonstration at the Lincoln County Courthouse, calling for a strong sentence for Nathan Creel, 29, convicted of the brutal assault on his domestic partner.
The woman was found in April with eyes swollen shut, face and head bleeding, and nose broken. Creel is set to be sentenced Oct. 20.
The Lincoln County Commissioners approved a large 19% increase in the county’s property tax call in the coming year. Commissioner Chris Bruns cast the lone ‘no’ vote, citing taxpayers’ concerns. Bruns said the county plans to put more money than needed into a new “sinking fund” of cash reserves during the coming year.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts spoke to a full room on a campaign stop in North Platte, as he toured the state. The former Nebraska governor seeks re-election to the Senate in 2026.
A Moorfield man, Timothy Young, 55, died when his car hit a semi-tanker-truck about eight moles south of North Platte. The fog was heavy and visibility was near zero, the sheriff’s office said.
One thousand or so people came to see guns, knives and outdoor equipment on display at the annual Platte River Sportsman’s Club Gun and Knife Show at the D&N Event center on Sept. 20-21. Visitors came from a 100-mile radius to see the items displayed by 212 vendors.
Great Plains Health celebrated its 50-year anniversary. CEO Ivan Mitchell said the hospital opened in 1975 after an extensive fund-raising drive generated $1.
2 million. The hospital combined two existing community hospitals.
On Sept. 27, Justin Herbst of North Platte captured the title at a national Funny Car Chaos drag racing championship in Union Grove, Wisc.
Oct. 1
In construction news – Large colorful wall paintings jazz up the new Fat Dogs truck and travel center at Newberry / Exit 179, which opened in late July. A new hospital therapy building is completed at the intersection of Leota and Jeffers. New apartments are in the final stages at West A and Lakeview and seven-plex homes are rapidly going up on West 18th, in addition to the city’s two new swimming pools, a new airport terminal and a waste treatment plant for Sustainable Beef.
Eisenhower elementary school is improving student academics, attendance and behavior, Principal Collette Sauer told the school board Sept. 25. It was one of a series of such reports from North Platte school principals.
County Clerk and Election Clerk Becky Rossell was recognized by the county commissioners for her outstanding 35 years of service to Lincoln County.
Bailey Yard union leader Mike Gage became the new president the Nebraska chapter of the AFL-CIO, which is the largest federation of unions in the United States.
The North Platte High School theater department presented the play, The Outsiders, which looks at social division, rivalry and hate. It advises everyone to see the best in the world and in other people, despite every hardship.
Oct. 8
The annual United Way chili cook-off netted $5,000 for non-profits in the area.
More major construction – A Panda Express drive-thru restaurant is rapidly taking shape near Dewey St. at District 177. Shopko Optical is setting up shop in one of the front stores. A large new Kwik Stop store stands at the corner of Walker and Buffalo Bill Ave. The Fed Ex truck headquarters along the Holiday Frontage Road is starting a large expansion. Maple Park Dental is expanding and Mead Lumber has a large new warehouse.
The city council heard a proposal for a 20-acre solar farm on the south side of town, near East State Farm Road and Victoria Lane.
Supporters who want a roller-skating rink in North Platte held an initial fundraiser that generated $3,000.
Debates continue in the city council about the city buying blighted properties, cleaning them up and reselling them for affordable housing projects. Some say the city is paying too much for such properties, in addition to concern that the government is intruding into private businesses.
Sidewalks are now installed on W. Ninth all the way to Buffalo Bill Ave. and paving is set to begin on the final stretch. The project was announced in 2020.
A new, $3.7 million electrical education building is nearing the final stages on the north campus of North Platte Community College.
In real estate transactions of note, Saphire Properties of Newberg, Ore. sold the Comfort Inn at 2809 Halligan Drive for an eye-popping $10.3 million to a North Platte company named Rajarshi, LLC.
On Oct. 14, Allie Jones of North Platte High took fifth at the Nebraska State Girls’ Golf Meet with a score of 733. Jones led the Lady Bulldogs to an eighth-place team finish.
Oct. 15
Residents are deeply concerned about conditions in North Platte’s tallest building – the 11-story, low-income apartments at Buffalo Bill Manor. Police are dispatched to the high-rise an average of five times a week. Bed bugs and cockroaches are in the building, as well as drug addicts. The management declined to be interviewed.
North Platte’s annual Alzheimer’s Walk on Sept. 21 generated $9,600 for the cause.
Parent Rebecca Barton told the North Platte school board that her daughter is thriving in high school theater, and her son is eager to move up to high school when the time comes.
But she also said disruptive students need more discipline, including holding parents accountable. Barton said bullying can follow kids home.
Construction is making big strides for the city’s new skate park in Centennial Park, southwest of Great Plains Health.
Rancher and former state Sen. Tom Hansen passed away on Oct. 11 after dedicating his life to conserving natural resources, nurturing grazing lands, improving the family’s cattle herd, plus community service.
About a dozen women strapped on tool belts at the Habitat for Humanity building site at 1400 E. Second St. to help clean and construct two houses, after raising $10,000 for the effort. Chairwoman Lori Rodgers received a special hammer with the words “She Nailed It” engraved on the handle for raising nearly $2,000.
Oct. 22
The day of reckoning came for Nathan Creel, who was sentenced to 8-10 years in the Nebraska penitentiary for the vicious assault of his domestic partner in April. The victim was treated for brain bleeding, a partially collapsed lung, fractured ribs, facial hematoma and detached retina that required surgery. Defense attorney Bob Lindemeier said the couple drank a bottle of tequila that night and neither of them remembered what happened.
Creel also violated the terms of his probation on a federal charge, for which he also faces prison time. The assault sparked demands to end lenient plea agreements and slap-on-the-wrist sentences for first and second offenses of domestic violence. As the year ended, the concerns continued, and state Sen. Tanya Storer pledged to introduce tougher measures in the Legislature.
Amy Childers, the pharmacy clinical coordinator at Great Plains Health, received the prestigious Caring Kind award from the Nebraska Hospital Association.
Another “No King’s” protest brought about 165 people to the corner of the Lincoln County Courthouse on a chilly, windy day. The rally lasted three hours. People from about a dozen communities attended. They said President Trump’s partisan behavior is not just un-American, but anti-American.
In an editorial, Bulletin Publisher George Lauby said it will take more than criticism of Trump to put the U.S. on a better track. He urged moderate Democrats to take control of their party and correct the past “kingly” mistakes, such as rigging primary elections in 2024 so the aging Joe Biden would be certain to be the party’s nominee.
The U.S. Senate learns that AI programs such as ChatGPT have encouraged teenagers to commit suicide.
The Chat algorithm programs, designed to keep the user addicted to the chat-bots, provide emotional support for the teens’ decisions.
A look at small farms near North Platte — Destiny and Kyle Malcom raise chickens and goats and sell eggs and baked goods from a 20-acre farm. C.J. Monheiser produces prime lamb meat on an acreage near Hershey.
The Nebraska Pride Chorus dressed like hippies and sock-hop dancers on Oct. 19 concert at North Platte’s Episcopal Church, They sang a string of hits form the 50s-60s-70s. Also, Rascal Martinez played a 25-minute set, including Hank Williams and do-wop songs.
Oct. 29
City, county and state officials joined the Bulletin urging Congress to improve the postal system. They told of undelivered mail, return mail that takes nearly a year to come back, even though the government, businesses and individuals rely on the mail. Post offices are minimally staffed. Employees often work 12-hour days, the letter said.
Dewaine A. Nichols was charged with wildly stabbing another man on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 26, at a laundromat on E. 10th. The two men reportedly exchanged words, and then Nichols stabbed the victim 10-15 times in the neck, head and shoulders, according to security camera video.
As the year ends, Nichols remains in jail, held on $150,000 bond.
The ICE detainment center in McCook opened. A new high fence topped with razor wire surrounds the former low-security work camp.
North Platte Catholic Schools netted more than $200,000 for the schools at their annual GREEN fundraiser.
City officials plan to annex 34 properties around town. John Erickson, whose property is in one of the areas along E. Sixth St, said, “Everybody I’ve talked to doesn’t want to have anything to do with it.”
The annual Downtown Halloween Walk in the Canteen District drew hundreds of costumed kids and parents. The staff at Lindemeier Law handed out 4,300 pieces of candy so none of the monsters would play devious tricks on the firm.
On Oct. 29, North Platte St. Pat’s Head Coach Kevin Dodson and Defensive Coordinator Brent Aufdenkamp announced their retirements after coaching the Irish together for 27 years. Special Teams Coordinator Brad Braithwait was immediately promoted as Dodson’s replacement.
On Oct. 24, Kori McClain of North Platte High and Coltan Ham of North Platte St. Pat’s finished third at the Nebraska State Cross Country meet. Ham led the St. Pat’s boys to a sixth-place finish in Class D while McClain led the Lady Bulldogs to eighth place in Class A.
The NPHS boys team finished ninth.
Nov. 5
A fundraiser for Deborah’s Legacy featured a graduate of the recovery program, as well as the creators of the North Platte Canteen: A Musical Miracle. The musical drew a packed house to the Fox Theater a year earlier.
Believing that each person is “created on purpose (by God) for a purpose,” Deborah’s Legacy provides living quarters and activities for women who are ready to develop a life of sobriety and health.
Teenager Brayden Hulquist was killed around 7 p.m. on Halloween evening in a crash on U.S. Highway 83 a few miles north of the city. Hulquist and another person were trying to push their stalled pickup off the road when it was hit by a Jeep Wagoneer.
Plans are altered for the Mulligan Meadows residential development to accommodate three four-plex units. Additional tax increment financing was also approved for added utility lines. The area is just north of the city cemetery on N. Adams.
In court news, Colbey Flaming, 33, was sentenced to 2-6 years in the state penitentiary for dealing drugs. Also, Addison Malone, 19, was sentenced to 2-5 years in the women’s correctional center for manslaughter. In July, Malone was driving a car that ran headlong into a tree on West A.
St., about a mile west of town. Her passenger, Nathanial Sandoval, was killed.
Nov. 12
On Nov. 8, Madison McCord of North Platte defeated Darcie Bickel of Omaha by split decision in the main event of mixed martial arts, Midwest Championship Fighting Salute to Veterans.
Virtually every school held a Veterans Day program on Nov. 11, in addition to America’s Veterans Memorial in North Platte, and American Legion Posts. Two words summed up the spirit of the day – Thank You.
The Northern Lights lit up the sky soon after darkness fell on Nev. 11, prompting hundreds of people to take photos of the scenes, which brought a fitting end to Veterans Day.
Buddy the Elf took the stage at the Fox Theater for near-capacity crowds for six heartwarming performances.
Nov. 19
Eric and Kari Wiezorek began restoring a unique historical house, which they named Casa Blanca, near W. Ninth and Buffalo Bill Ave., capitalizing on the new street pavement for access and expanding improvements of that section of town. Their ambition was applauded by hundreds of residents.
The Amazon last mile delivery center opened in North Platte on Nov. 21. Activity there will be in training mode until after Jan. 1, the company said.
The energy produced by a proposed solar farm on the south edge of North Platte would cost electrical users 5-6% more per year for the next 15 years, City Administrator Layne Groseth told the city council. The council is expected to decide the fate of the project early next year.
Woodworker Don McBride is crafting artistic heirlooms in his North Platte workshop, which are sold at the gift shop of the Prairie Arts Center.
Nov. 25
A search was conducted in several states to identify the “Unknown Negro” who was buried in the North Platte Cemetery in on Nov. 1. 1961. Conducted by former KNOP reporter Marresa Burk, the quest became the topic of a National Geographic television series, Naming the Dead. The effort failed to identify the man, but found some of his relatives. Burke resolves to continue looking.
Tyson Foods announced it will close its beef packing plant in Lexington on Jan. 20, which will put about 3,000 people out of work and be costly for many feedlots in the area that will have to ship their cattle much farther for processing.
An error in the calculation of state aid to education gave Omaha Public Schools $30.5 million more than they should have received, and the mistake cost all the other districts in the state a share of that money.
On Nov. 20, the new city skate park at Centennial Park opened, designed by Spohn Ranch, a California-based firm. The park was 20 years in the making.
Dec. 3
Johan Groenewald, 41, of Hershey was killed Saturday morning, Nov. 29, when his pickup rolled on its side in a ditch on U.S. Highway 30 near Hershey.
Recently, three new businesses have opened — the Canteen Candy store downtown at 511 N. Dewey, and two stores in the 1100 block of Rodeo Road – Highball Liquor and La Guadalupana Market.
After prolonged discussions at three meetings, the city council approved the annexation of an eight-block area on E. Sixth St., despite repeated objections of the residents. The vote was 5-3.
North Platte High’s one-act drama team presented a story of Holocaust survivors, After the War, on Dec. 2 to a large crowd at the high school performing arts theater. The team finished third in district competition on Dec. 6, just a few points shy of qualifying for the state tournament for the second straight year.
Dec. 10
Sustainable Beef CEO David Briggs said the North Platte plant is nearing capacity production, and is employing 50 more workers than expected. Walmart is requiring the beef to be more finely cut than initially planned.
Sustainable Beef will eventually be sold in 650 Walmart stores, including the one in North Platte.
Justin Thompson said he will resign his seat on the North Platte school board because he is moving out of Ward 3, the area of town that he represents, prompting a search for a replacement.
Christopher Bornschein and Armani Vieyra were arrested and charged with fentanyl possession.
The Heartland Singers presented a concert This Christmas at the beautiful First Evangelical Lutheran Church on Dec. 7. Songs both classical and popular reached the rafters.
Dec. 17
On Dec. 13, Lincoln County sheriff’s deputies apprehended an immigration fugitive on E. Fourth St. in North Platte. Jorge Fonseca-Dominguez was wanted in Texas on federal charges of illegally re-entering the United States in 2018 after he was deported.
State Sen. Tanya Storer, who represents the Sandhills in the legislature, said she plans to introduce a bill in 2026 to strengthen penalties for domestic assault.
Holiday wreaths were placed on Dec. 13 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery by volunteers with the VFW, the Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scouts and older students at Jefferson Elementary.Black ice cancelled the. ceremony.
Nearly 60 entries marched in the annual downtown Parade of Lights, which got underway as a spectacular sunset lit the southwest skies.
The evening began with soups and sweets served by downtown merchants, with proceeds going to the “tiny homes for veterans” project near the Connection homeless shelter at Fifth and Chestnut.
North Platte has a new flower and plant shop – Plantiful Trails at 820 Rodeo Road.
Library Researcher Kaycee Anderson told the history of the sprawling two-story home of William H. LeDioyt at 403. W. Sixth in North Platte, and the survey marker that now stands at the west end of the county courthouse.
This report was first published in the Bulletin’s Dec. 31 print edition.
We wish you all the best in 2026!
© 2026 The North Platte Bulletin. All rights reserved!
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