LEMOYNE, NE — Mark Cohen, a former Air Force Judge Advocate, Lemoyne resident, and karate instructor in Ogallala, has launched an exploratory committee to consider an independent campaign for Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District against U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith.

Cohen says his potential candidacy stems from deep frustration with the current political climate.

“I love my country, and I’m fed up with a two-party system that forces voters to choose between extremists,” Cohen said. “It rewards politicians for using simplistic labels that pit neighbor against neighbor.”

A former Democrat, Cohen left the party three years ago.

“I left for two reasons,” he explained. “First, I lived in a small town for many years, and I got tired of people in big cities trying to set policy for rural areas on issues like firearms. Second, some Democratic leaders have largely abandoned moderates because extremists and interest groups dominate the agenda and the funding.”

Cohen is equally critical of today’s Republican leadership.

“Today’s Republican leaders are not conservatives,” he said. “They call themselves fiscal conservatives, but they cut taxes for the rich and balloon the deficit for our children. They claim to be patriots but do little to counter Russian aggression. They say they believe in limited government yet want to regulate almost everything at the federal level now that they’re in power.”

Cohen believes voters in rural Nebraska are more independent and more thoughtful than national politicians and the media often assume.

“Voters of Nebraska’s 3rd District know not all Democrats are socialists and not all Republicans are fascists,” Cohen said. “They yearn for a plain-speaking populist — a Harry Truman.”

Cohen first came to Nebraska in 1983 when the Air Force assigned him to Offutt Air Force Base. While on active duty, he also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for Nebraska. After leaving active duty, Cohen practiced law in Omaha for eight years, representing an

agricultural lender during the farm crisis of the late 1980s. He later earned an advanced law degree (LL.M.) in agricultural law from the University of Arkansas, where he also served as an adjunct faculty member. He also served on the Colorado Combative Sports Commission (formerly the Colorado Boxing Commission) for three years.

“Running for Congress is not something I take lightly,” Cohen said. “I know the enormity of the challenge and the importance of preparing for a fight. Over the past few months, I’ve spoken with many Nebraskans and listened to their concerns. My exploratory committee will continue those conversations and help determine the most effective path forward to serve rural Nebraskans and move beyond the divisive, ineffective climate the two parties have created.”

Former Air Force Judge Advocate Forms Exploratory Committee for Independent Challenge to U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith

OGALLALA, Neb. — Authorities have identified the man recovered from Lake McConaughy this week as a 38-year-old from Houston, Texas.

Nebraska Game and Parks officials said an autopsy confirmed Armando Marroquin drowned at the reservoir. The case remains under investigation.

Conservation officers responded Sunday evening after receiving a report of an overturned kayak near the Lemoyne Bay boat ramp. Multiple agencies searched with sonar until nightfall and resumed the effort Monday morning after a storm moved through the area. Marroquin’s body was recovered around 1:05 p.m. MT by the Keystone Lemoyne Fire and Rescue dive team.

Game and Parks urged boaters, kayakers and paddleboarders to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets while on the water. State law requires a life jacket on board for each person, and children 12 and under must wear one at all times.

Body of Texas man recovered from Lake McConaughy

The Hot Sheets: August 22, 2025

The Hot Sheets: August 21, 2025

COZAD, Neb. (Aug. 19, 2025) — An 80-year-old Cozad woman died Tuesday afternoon after her SUV collided with a cement truck, authorities said.

The crash happened shortly after 1 p.m. when a Chevrolet Equinox driven by Linda Bubak attempted to turn left from eastbound U.S. Highway 30 onto a residential street, according to the Nebraska State Patrol. Investigators said Bubak’s vehicle turned in front of a westbound cement truck, leading to the collision.

Bubak was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

Cozad woman, 80, killed in crash with cement truck

OGALLALA, Neb. (Aug. 20, 2025) — A day after opening its doors to the public, the Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack made its first local donation Wednesday, presenting a $25,000 check to Ogallala Public Schools.

The contribution will fund two new 16-by-10-foot video scoreboards in the competition gym at Prairie View School. Officials said the project will also provide students hands-on experience in content creation, scheduling and production as part of the district’s IT curriculum.

“This gift will not only enhance our athletic facilities, but it will also create new learning opportunities for students in technology and media production,” school leaders said in a statement.

The donation was made through Elite Casino Resorts’ #GivingBack program, which supports local nonprofit organizations in communities where the company operates.

Lake Mac Casino, a $31 million facility featuring horse racing, sports betting and table games, officially opened Tuesday in Ogallala with a crowd of nearly 1,000 people and an appearance from Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen.

Lake Mac Casino donates $25,000 to Ogallala Public Schools

The Hot Sheets: August 20, 2025

OGALLALA, Neb. (Aug. 20, 2025) — The Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack officially opened Tuesday in Ogallala, drawing nearly 1,000 people to a daylong celebration that featured horse racing, sports betting and a visit from Gov. Jim Pillen.

The $31 million facility includes more than 300 slot machines, electronic table games and the Draft Day sports lounge, which offers sports betting, simulcast racing and full food service.

Ole’s Steakhouse of Paxton catered a free meal before the ribbon cutting, preparing for 600 guests but running out of food as more than 900 people streamed through the gates.

Pillen praised the Kehl family, the Iowa-based developers behind the project, for their investment in Nebraska.

“It’s really important that we never, ever take each other for granted,” Pillen told the crowd. “I want to support the economic development and incredible tourism this casino brings, and give a shoutout to the Kehl family for their incredible investment here in Ogallala.”

The Kehls, longtime operators in the gaming and hospitality industry, also own and operate the Grand Island Casino and Resort at Fonner Park. The family has invested more than $250 million in Nebraska between the two projects. The Ogallala site has created 125 jobs so far and is expected to employ about 400 once fully built out.

Mary Wilson, executive director of Keith County Area Development, called the opening a milestone for the community.

“It was a momentous day for Ogallala and for the great state of Nebraska,” Wilson said. “This represents years of vision, planning and tireless work behind the scenes.”

After the ribbon cutting, the first horse race was won by Dear Dash, followed by two more races as the casino doors opened around 4 p.m.

The current casino space is temporary, but plans call for the facility to nearly double in size with additional restaurants, convention space and live table games. The casino expects to replace its electronic table games with live dealers next March.

Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack opens in Ogallala

HERSHEY, Neb. (Aug. 19, 2025) — The Hershey Lions Club is gearing up for a full day of small-town tradition and big-time entertainment Saturday as the Hershey Fall Festival returns, capped off by a concert featuring Texas country artist Casey Donahew.

The festival kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with a parade along Main Street, winding down to the park where events continue throughout the day. Highlights include a prime rib lunch, car show, tractor display, local vendors, and the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department’s popular water fight. Other crowd favorites are set to return as well, including Cow Pie Bingo and the Beer Olympics at Kathy’s Place.

“This festival really brings everyone together all day,” said Lions Club member Justin Petska. “There’s something for everyone, from families at the park to folks who just want to come out and enjoy the concert at night.”

The evening festivities open at 5 p.m. with a beer garden and food vendors, followed by live music. Drew Phillips will open the show before Donahew takes the stage downtown against the backdrop of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks — a setting organizers say makes the event unique.

Advance tickets are $20 and available at Hershey State Bank locations in North Platte and Hershey, as well as online at outhousetickets.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate for $25. Drinks will be sold on a ticket system, with beer and seltzers available for $5 each.

Petska said the festival has become the Lions Club’s biggest fundraiser, helping to support community projects throughout the year. He credited sponsors and local support for making the event possible.

“When you see a thousand people packed into Main Street in Hershey, it’s pretty special,” Petska said. “We couldn’t put on a weekend like this without the help of our sponsors and the community.

<a href="https://outhousetickets.com/events/hershey-fall-festival-2025">GET TICKETS HERE</a>

Casey Donahew to Headline Hershey Fall Festival on Saturday (Podcast)

JULESBURG, Colo. (Aug. 19, 2025) — A Colorado man has been indicted in connection with a July homicide in Missouri after investigators tracked leads across state lines, authorities said.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri said deputies responded July 18 to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive man in the driveway of a home in the 1300 block of Finney Road in Robertsville. The victim, identified as 46-year-old Jared Bodine, was found with a gunshot wound and later died at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Mo.

Detectives opened a homicide investigation and, following weeks of work, traveled to Morgan County and Sedgwick County in Colorado to pursue leads. On Aug. 13, a Franklin County grand jury issued a no-bond indictment for 40-year-old Zachary J. Pankonin of Julesburg, charging him with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Franklin County Sheriff Steve Pelton credited cooperation from Colorado law enforcement, including Morgan County Sheriff David Martin and Sedgwick County Sheriff Koby Quayle, in helping investigators move the case forward.

“This investigation is still ongoing,” Pelton said in a statement, noting no further details are being released. “I would like to thank our investigators for their tireless work and dedication to bring justice to the victim.”

Julesburg man indicted in Missouri homicide after multi-state investigation

NORTH PLATTE, Neb - West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) has confirmed the first positive human case of West Nile Virus in the jurisdiction for the 2025 season. “Our thoughts are with this individual and their loved ones,” said Meghan Trevino, Executive Director of WCDHD. “Behind every case is a person, and this is a reminder that West Nile virus is not just something we track in mosquitoes, it can have real impacts on people in our own community.”

West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on a bird that carries the virus and then may spread it to people.

Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% of those infected become severely ill. However, individuals over age 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable and more likely to experience serious complications.

Mosquito season isn’t over. Even though it is August, mosquito season is still very active in Nebraska.

“We know it’s easy to let your guard down as we head into the back-to-school season, but mosquitoes don’t follow the school calendar,” said Trevino. “We want to encourage everyone to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and their families.”

People can reduce their risk of West Nile Virus by following these prevention steps:

· Use EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

· Wear long sleeves and pants to reduce skin exposure when possible.

· Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes lay eggs (for example, in buckets, flowerpots, old tires, or birdbaths).

· Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

To support prevention efforts, WCDHD is offering free mosquito repellent products to community members. Residents are encouraged to stop by the office at 820 South Maple Street in North Platte during regular business hours to pick up supplies. For more information about West Nile Virus and prevention tips, visit wcdhd.org or the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/westnile.

First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in West Central District Health Department Jurisdiction for the 2025 Season

(Audio) Dianne Morales with PAWS-itive Partners Humane Society stops by to talk Woofstock 2025

LAKE MAC REPORT for August 15, 2025 — brought to you by Spahn Marine in Big Springs, Nebraska — where the boats are shiny, the service is friendly, and the fish stories are always free!

If you’re a trout chaser, Lake Ogallala is still the place to be. The river and canal below the lake are giving up plenty of fish, and some bigger trout are starting to show up right in the lake itself.

Prefer whiskers over fins? Catfish at Lake Mac are on the prowl this month, biting best from dusk to dawn pretty much anywhere you drop a line. Just remember — the later it gets, the taller your stories get.

During the day, smallmouth bass are still hitting hard along the rocky points on the south side and the face of the dam. Walleye hunters are finding some action too — 25 to 30 feet down with crankbaits is the magic recipe.

Available docks: Divers Bay, Martin Bay low water, both docks at Lake Ogallala, and the fishing dock in the northwest corner.

Lake McConaughy’s water temperature is about 77 degrees, elevation 3,225.3 feet. Inflows from the North Platte River are running around 650 cubic feet per second, with outflows at about 2,500. For the full water-level breakdown, check the CNPPID site once they update their numbers.

It’s still camping season, so grab your spot at outdoornebraska.gov or call 844-637-2757. Campfires are allowed, but keep ’em in a pit under 3 feet and don’t turn your hot dogs into torches.

Big thanks to Patrick Schnell from Nebraska Game and Parks for the fishing intel — and remember, this Outdoor Report is powered by Spahn Marine in Big Springs… because the only thing better than catching a fish is showing up in style to do it.

Lake Mac Report (August 15, 2025)

Celebrate creativity at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrairieArtsCenter?__cft__[0]=AZV8STkjtnrCZQE9hhoPpMsZZAfbah04AophBeiZ4ikH8aGkJgMtLNeDNx2YrVEv684uwL5K_xxQoDemarguHZ9RgVPXqRmQnnHlnj2MSTvXrvFj26wWVSJwTtC8qWf0GRPPDLuzf3gVxq5VfTrv5Y5DrTEb0T1KykQ7YqJ9rQD3ng&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Prairie Arts Center</a> on August 9th from 11 AM – 3 PM with FREE admission!

 Free Art Classes &amp; Open Studio Ceramics (11 AM – 2 PM)From origami to watercolor minis, Q-tip painting to wooden pumpkins — try something new in 30-minute quick classes! (First come, first serve.)

 Artist Market &amp; Live Demos (11 AM – 2 PM)Shop from talented local artists, enjoy woodcarving, clay wheel throwing, painting &amp; drawing demos.

 Bob Ross Costume Contest (11 AM – 2 PM)Dress like everyone’s favorite happy little painter for a chance to win a prize!

 Amateur Hour Painting Competition (2 PM – 3 PM)Watch locals show off their painting skills — for free!

 Plus: face painting, raffles, downtown sculpture walk tours, art &amp; food vendors, and so much more.

(Audio) Tara and Traeli from the Prairie Arts Center discusses the upcoming Art Affair

&nbsp;Paxton Gordon sat down with Paul from Pal’s Brewing Company to preview an action-packed weekend of events. This Friday, Pal’s hosts its 7th Annual Craft Beer Festival, featuring a wide selection of regional breweries, live music, and a lively atmosphere perfect for beer lovers. Then on Saturday, it's the return of the 2nd Annual Boots 'N Beef Music Festival, celebrating Nebraska’s best beef with great food, country music, and cold brews. Paul shared all the details, inviting everyone out for a weekend full of flavor and fun at Pal’s.

Pal’s Brewing gears up for Craft Beer Festival and Boots & Beef Weekend

By Derek Beck North Platte Post| August 1, 2025 | North Platte, Neb.

A local chapter of the Widows Sons motorcycle organization presented a $6,000 donation to Homestead Refuge on Friday morning, offering a significant boost to the nonprofit’s mission of supporting victims of sex trafficking in rural Nebraska.

The presentation took place during a live radio interview at Eagle Media in North Platte, where representatives from both groups spoke about their shared commitment to helping vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives.

Road Runner, Guardian of Membership for District 13 and a representative of the Widows Sons’ Western Travelers Chapter, said the funds were raised during the group’s annual state rally held in June. The Widows Sons, a fraternal motorcycle group made up of Master Masons, selected Homestead Refuge as the charitable beneficiary for this year’s event.

“We’re a charitable riding organization that focuses on helping widows, orphans, and anyone in need, especially those affected by abuse or hardship,” Road Runner said. “We’re proud of what we were able to raise with the help of our brothers from across the country.”

The Western Travelers Chapter includes nine fully patched members and two journeymen currently working toward full membership. The funds were raised through raffles, auctions, and other rally activities.

Accepting the donation on behalf of Homestead Refuge was Betty Remus, a volunteer who has been instrumental in the organization’s development.

Located in rural Lincoln County, Homestead Refuge offers a safe haven for survivors of sex trafficking, providing peace, privacy, and healing in a country setting. The home features animals and quiet outdoor spaces to aid in recovery.

“We’re a place where survivors can escape the chaos and begin the long process of healing,” Remus said. “This donation means the world to us, especially as we work to sustain and grow our program with limited staff and funding.”

Homestead Refuge currently employs one paid staff member, thanks to a private donor, with the remainder of operations handled by volunteers. The organization began about four years ago, when Remus and others repurposed an old family home into a shelter after feeling called to address the growing trafficking issue in the area.

For more information or to support Heartland Refuge, visit <a href="https://www.homesteadrefuge.org/">HomesteadRefuge.org</a>

Widows Sons Donate $6,000 to Homestead Refuge for Victims of Trafficking

North Platte 80s Head Coach Todd Everleth joined host Paxton Gordon on the show to preview the team’s upcoming playoff showdown against the Blackwell Flycatchers. Everleth broke down the team’s approach heading into the high-stakes matchup. He also reflected on the excitement surrounding Trevor Pochop Night, honoring the fan-favorite’s impact on and off the field.

North Platte 80s Manager Todd Everleth joins to talk about the Pecos Playoffs and Trevor Pochop Night

Listen To Interview with Gene Russel here

OGALLALA, Neb. (July 30, 2025) — As the calendar turns to August, the energy is building at Ogallala Public Schools ahead of the first day of school on Wednesday, August 14. Superintendent Gene Russel says the district is eager to welcome students back with new programs, facility upgrades, and a strong emphasis on community support and student readiness.

Among the key initiatives this year is the “Kick Start to Kindergarten” program. Designed to help incoming kindergarteners ease into their new environment, the program gives students a chance to meet their teachers and experience a mock school day before the official first day of class.

“This helps take away the tears and anxiety for both kids and parents,” Russell said. “It’s a smooth transition that sets the tone for the year.”

Russel says students and families will notice major updates across the district, especially at Prairie View School, where modernization efforts include new record boards, upgraded trophy cases, a freshly painted gym, and a new video scoreboard. At the high school, renovations include remodeled restrooms and custom murals by local artist Brianna Benton, helping create a more engaging and modern atmosphere.

“We’ve worked hard to save over the last four or five years so we could reinvest in the student experience,” said Russel. “We believe our kids deserve to walk into a building that feels exciting and inspiring.”

One of the most significant proposals on the horizon is a possible expansion of the district’s preschool offerings. Ogallala Public Schools is exploring the addition of new preschool classrooms, potentially at the National Guard Armory, to help address a critical early education gap.

According to district data, about 60% of incoming kindergarten students have little to no formal preschool experience.

“We’re seeing too many kids show up not ready—socially, emotionally, or academically,” Russel said. “This expansion could help close that gap and offer free, accessible education to the students who need it most.”

The proposal is still under discussion and will be a topic at upcoming school board meetings in August and September, as the board finalizes its budget and levy.

Russel encourages community members to share their input early: “This is the time to get involved. We want to hear your thoughts before decisions are made.”

New Staff, Fall Sports and Community Spirit

Teachers officially report back to school on Friday, August 8, with returning staff beginning in-service training on Monday, August 11. Russell says the district is welcoming several new staff members this fall and is focused on getting everyone ready for a strong start.

And it wouldn’t be back-to-school season without fall sports. Volleyball, football, cross country, and girls golf all kick off the first week, and the district is rolling out some fun new additions to its concession stands—including soft-serve ice cream and a refreshed menu aimed at making game night the place to be in town.

“It’s going to be fun,” Russel said. “We’re working hard to enhance the experience for students, families, and fans.”

With energy high and plenty of excitement in the air, Ogallala Public Schools is set for a fresh start filled with community, commitment, and continued growth.

For more information or to get involved with district initiatives, residents are encouraged to contact the superintendent’s office.

Ogallala Public Schools Ready to Kick Off New Year with Exciting Updates and Community Focus (PODCAST)

Evan and Bruce get together to talk about all the latest action in the Pecos League, playoff implications and more. And keeping with the catchphrase, "Anything can happen in the Pecos League" we talk about impromptu laundry service and chess boards, too. All of that, and North Platte RF/PH/jack of all trades Ryan Lutinski joins Evan for this week's interview. Don't miss it!&nbsp;

Wild Card Fever, Chess Championships, Super Sub Ryan Lutinski and more. Another fun week in the Pecos League!

OGALLALA, Neb. — The Ogallala City Council took care of a mix of routine and forward-looking business during a relatively light meeting Tuesday night, according to City Manager Kevin Wilkins.

Wilkins, speaking Wednesday morning on the Sandhills Spotlight on Z 93.5 Country, said the council efficiently moved through a lengthy consent agenda, which included over two dozen contractor license renewals. Most of those were for gas fitters, master and journeyman plumbers, right-of-way contractors, and mobile home license renewals.

“We’re in that season where there are a lot of contractor renewals,” Wilkins said.

The council also approved a new engineering agreement for a flood control project along Highway 30. While a federal grant that initially supported the project—FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program—was canceled, Wilkins said the city is continuing engineering work independently.

“We’re keeping momentum going while working with the Nebraska Department of Transportation,” he said, adding that the estimated project cost is around $9 million.

In preparation for next week’s Keith County Fair, the council approved a request to provide picnic tables for the fairgrounds. The parks department will collect tables from city parks and deliver them to a central drop-off point at the fairgrounds.

“Fairgoers will get to enjoy them out there, but just a heads-up—your local park may be without tables next week,” Wilkins noted.

On the public health front, Wilkins encouraged residents to cooperate with city workers conducting lead pipe surveys. Though Ogallala isn’t believed to have many, if any, lead service lines, the city is complying with a required survey by taking random samples.

“We want to make this as smooth as possible for our water department,” he said.

The council also took further steps in its ongoing nuisance property initiative, declaring one property a nuisance and advancing three others to formal abatement. Wilkins emphasized the city’s commitment to cleanup, citing $60,000 spent on nuisance enforcement last year, including the removal of fire-damaged structures.

“If a property owner doesn’t follow through, we will—and then bill the cost. And if it’s not paid, we’ll put it on the property taxes,” he said.

Council members also addressed invasive species, specifically the “tree of heaven,” which has been reported growing along some city walkways. Wilkins warned that the tree, often mistaken for sumac, is fast-spreading and harmful to local vegetation.

“If you think you have one, it’s important to remove it—and you can reach out to the tree board or a local arborist for help,” he said.

Additional reports included a $50,950 grant award for a city project, ongoing planning for a new ambulance barn at the Community Hospital, and a public health alert about tick-borne illness and the risk of West Nile virus during the summer months.

“We’re just trying to keep the community moving forward—and looking good while doing it,” Wilkins said.

Ogallala Council Moves Forward on Flood Control, Nuisance Abatement and Fair Preparations (PODCAST)

In the interest of transparency, the United State's Department of Justice on Friday released the complete transcript and audio of&nbsp; Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's interview of&nbsp; Ghislaine  Maxwell.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/maxwell-interview">Click here</a>&nbsp;to listen to and or read the transcripts

🎙Read, listen to the DOJ interview with Epstein's girlfriend

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">Aaron Sanderford</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Nebraska State Auditor’s Office saw dead people in Nebraska’s Medicaid payments to managed care organizations as part of an audit, so it dug deeper and found 13.

The Auditor’s Office reviewed all regular monthly payments made in March to managed care groups by Nebraska’s Medicaid program under the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

It identified 83 payments worth a combined $65,554 that were made on behalf of 13 Nebraska recipients of Medicaid after they had died, according to a letter from Auditor Mike Foley’s office.

The state systems that HHS oversees are supposed to flag the Medicaid program when HHS’ own Office of Vital Records notifies its eligibility system and its payment system of a person’s death so the payments stop.

In at least two and possibly three of the 13 people’s cases, Vital Records, which handles birth and death certificates, failed to flag the system automatically about the deaths.&nbsp;

One Medicaid recipient’s managed care organization received payments for more than two years after the patient’s death — 783 days, the state auditor’s letter says.

But in seven cases, the payments continued after the Medicaid payment system had been automatically flagged about their deaths. For five people, the state listed them as ineligible rather than dead. The other two had delayed processing.

The auditor’s deeper review of the payments followed its letter in late June to HHS raising questions about the program and its ability to verify proper payments and patient deaths.

“The procedures utilized by DHHS appear to have failed to check for deceased individuals against other systems or records used by the same agency,” the Auditor’s team wrote.

Foley’s office recommended that HHS button up its processes to more quickly stop payments after a Medicaid recipient’s death and that it work more quickly to seek and collect overpayments.

HHS, in a brief response included in the letter, acknowledged that its existing processes failed to properly stop some of the payments and pledged to review its internal controls.

“While DHHS has had processes in place that have largely been effective to identify, take eligibility action and&nbsp;recoup payments made after the date of death for Medicaid recipients, this review highlights opportunities to strengthen established controls,” the agency wrote.

Nebraska DHHS made Medicaid payments for 13 dead people in March

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces conducted a successful raid in northern Syria on August 19, killing a senior ISIS member and key financier who planned attacks in Syria and Iraq, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

He had relationships throughout the ISIS network in the region, posing a direct threat to U.S. and Coalition forces and the new Syrian Government.

“We will continue to pursue ISIS terrorists with unwavering determination, throughout the region” said ADM Brad Cooper, Commander, Centcom. “Together with our partners and allies, Centcom remains steadfast in our commitment of ensuring the lasting defeat of ISIS and the protection of the U.S. homeland.”

U.S. forces kill senior ISIS official in Syria

🎥President Trump's field trip to thank police and troops in DC

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska immigrant advocates and elected officials are among those criticizing the state’s decision to host a federal detention center for migrants — and the flippant nickname the Trump administration gave the facility.&nbsp;

“The so-called ‘Cornhusker Clink’ — if that name doesn’t demonstrate the dystopian nightmare in which we now find ourselves, I don’t know what does,” says Kevin Abourezk, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe who was among protestors outside of Gov. Jim Pillen’s Office when details were announced.

“It’s meant to be funny, but in this context it is actually terrifying,” said the longtime Lincoln-based journalist. “It’s like they’re not human to them.”

Roger Garcia, the Democratic chairman of the Douglas County Board, which governs the most populous county in the state, took to social media to express concern.

“They create cute names for their pursuit of furthering their aggressive, callous efforts,” Garcia said of the federal nickname for the McCook Work Ethic Camp that is to be converted into a 300-bed immigration detention center. He referred also to the “Alligator Alcatraz” name Republicans gave the detention center in the Florida Everglades.

“But woe to you who laugh now and to those who use your power to harm instead of nurture harmony and compassion in our society,” said Garcia.

Garcia had a relative apprehended in an Omaha worksite raid in June and has been a vocal critic of ICE detaining “parents working to feed their children, community members that have been here for decades.”

A spokesperson for Pillen on Wednesday defended the Cornhusker Clink nickname and Pillen’s broader approach of supporting President Donald Trump in his campaign pledge to execute the largest deportation operation in American history.&nbsp;

Pillen told Fox News on Wednesday, “The bottom line is: We’re not worried about names. We’re worried about supporting and doing our fair share.”

He talked about how he and other Republican governors have heard “loud and clear” Trump’s call to “step up.” He said he was “really, really proud” to empower the state’s National Guard, State Patrol and Department of Correctional Services to become a part of Trump’s deportation mission.

Many Republican state senators in the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature have expressed support for the governor’s stance, including State Sen. Rob Clements, chair of the Legislature’s budget-writing Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;

State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha posted on social media site X that “using ‘Cornhusker’ to brand an ICE detention camp is a disgrace” — and called for action by the University of Nebraska.

“The University of Nebraska enforces its trademark all the time,” she said. “Why not now?”

Hunt, a progressive nonpartisan who has clashed before with Pillen on immigration, wrote that NU had built its reputation around “Cornhusker,” which she described as “a symbol of pride, community and the hardworking spirit” of Nebraska.&nbsp;

She said the term belongs to Nebraskans, not to ICE, Pillen or a detention facility that she said would “separate families and harm our immigrant neighbors.”

“Cornhusker should never be associated with incarceration, cruelty or state-sanctioned violence,” Hunt wrote. “To remain silent is to allow Nebraska’s most cherished identity to be co-opted for purposes that betray our values.”

The NU Board of Regents owns the trademark to the plural version of “Cornhuskers” and other related terms largely around Huskers athletics at the flagship Lincoln campus, like “Go Big Red.” Pillen previously served as an elected member of the regents and played defensive back for the Huskers.

The Nebraska Legislature dubbed Nebraska “The Cornhusker State” in 1945.&nbsp;

An NU spokesperson told the Examiner on Wednesday that while NU has certain legal protections, including for any use of phrases that would imply an NU endorsement or connection, the State of Nebraska can use the term for official state business. She also noted that many Nebraskans have informally used the “Cornhusker” label to describe themselves and their heritage.

The spokesperson added: “The University of Nebraska has had no role in the planning, naming or future operation of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility at the McCook Work Ethic Camp and learned of it only through the federal announcement.”&nbsp;

The nickname headlined the news release announcing the immigration detention center Tuesday from the Department of Homeland Security.

On its government X account, Homeland Security posted a caricature of ears of corn with black ICE hats on in a field near a jail yard.

Marty Ramirez, co-founder of the statewide immigrant advocacy group Las Voces, took issue with State Patrol and National Guard resources aimed at immigrants. But he says he believes “messing with the Cornhusker” name will backfire in prompting community backlash beyond immigration advocates.

“Nebraska — the good life — now equals militarized and politicized,” he said.

Ramirez and others noted how state officials say that criminals will be housed in the detention facility. He pointed out that many people in ICE custody today face civil administrative charges, not criminal.

For example, the June 10 ICE-led immigration raid at Omaha’s Glenn Valley Foods plant led to the detention of 75 to 80 undocumented workers at a North Platte facility. ICE officials said the worksite operation stemmed from a federal criminal search warrant looking for more than 100 individuals believed to have worked using stolen U.S. identities.

But according to available federal court records, it appears only one of the detained workers has been criminally charged for using the Social Security number of a U.S. citizen. Immigration judges who granted bond to several of the workers noted they had no criminal past.

Abourezk said the use and definition of the term criminal appears to be expanding by the day.

For that matter, he asked, “Who decides who is an immigrant? We live in a nation of immigrants except for our indigenous people. This administration seems to focus only on the brown ones.”&nbsp;

The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement also evoked the ‘Good Life’ theme.

“Detaining our neighbors in our own backyard doesn’t make Nebraska safer,” said Roxana Cortes-Mills, legal director of the nonprofit that provides attorneys for ICE detainees. “We’ve seen the damage detention causes when families are separated, people are cut off from their lawyer and children are left wondering when their parents will come home

The Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans, whose nine members are appointed by the governor, said in a statement Wednesday it also was concerned with the message the decision to host the detention facility sends locally and nationally.

“It is profoundly disappointing to consider that Nebraska may increasingly be viewed as a ‘Midwest hub of incarceration,’” said the statement issued by executive director Maria Arriaga for the commission. “Such an association risks diminishing the values of openness and justice that many Nebraskans hold dear.”

The commission urged elected officials and decision makers to reflect on the long-term impact and “prioritize solutions that honor human dignity and social cohesion.”

What’s in a name? Fed moniker for Nebraska immigration jail draws ire and defense

Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/94982d52cefc48babc242fb0e3853a43">James Dobson</a>, founder of Focus on the Family, died on Thursday. He was 89.

His death was confirmed by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

Legendary evangelical  leader Dr. James Dobson dead at 89

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN – The National Weather Service announced this month that it would hire back 450 meteorologists, hydrologists, and radar technicians after making sweeping cuts earlier in the year.&nbsp;

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