Category: Local News

Congressman Adrian Smith Says He Understands Why The President Declared A National Emergency At The Border

HASTINGS - Congressman Adrian Smith says he understands why President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border. Smith says that there are major issues at the southern border. [audio wav="https://images.platteriverradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/21131537/Smith-Border.wav"][/audio] For us to ignore this would be tragic. And whether it’s short term whether it’s long term. And so the President has...

Hastings Salvation Army Ministry Is More Than Just The Red Kettle Campaign

HASTINGS - While the Salvation Army is known for such things like their Red Kettle Campaign, feeding people who need it, and helping people with their utilities and rent. Major Dale Brandenberg of the Salvation Army wants people to know they are also a Church. [audio wav="https://images.platteriverradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/21131309/Brandenberg-Church.wav"][/audio] Originally, when the Salvation Army was formed, we...

Hastings Public Schools Makes Budget Cuts

HASTINGS - The Hastings Public School Board, facing a $2.5 million shortfall, had to make budget cuts at their meeting on Monday night. Tracey Katzberg, a school board member, says they have been working on the best ways to make the necessary cuts. [audio wav="https://images.platteriverradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/19144205/Katzberg-Cuts.wav"][/audio] We are going to defer some maintenance and materials. And...

Hastings Kiwanis Club Pancake Day Helps Children All Over the World

HASTINGS - The 67th Annual Kiwanis Club Pancake Day Fundraiser is March 7th but tickets are available now. It’s an opportunity to not only eat delicious pancakes but also help children around the world and locally. Greg Schultz, the President Elect for the Hastings Kiwanis Club, says that the money raised from this help fund...

Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele Talks About Unclear Future of Veterans Home Campus

GRAND ISLAND - Ninety-two residents made the move from Grand Island to Kearney and the new Central Nebraska Veterans Home last month, leaving the old campus’ future unclear. The city of Grand Island owns the 640 acres of land surrounding the campus. There were discussions between the Mayor and the Department of Administrative Services where the...

Silver Lake Public Schools Bond Issue Passes

SILVER LAKE - Silver Lake Public Schools asked the public to approve a special school bond for $3.8 million to pay for the costs of demolishing the existing elementary school and to construct and furnish a new facility on the same site and it passed yesterday. Josh Cumpston, the Superintendent for Silver Lake Public Schools, says...

Whoopers and Hoopers In Need of Volunteers

HASTINGS - Whoopers and Hoopers will be getting underway on March 15-17 and they are in need of volunteers. They need to fill about 350 different two hour shifts, but staying longer is encouraged. Mikki Shafer, the President for the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, says there are plenty of different volunteering opportunities. [audio mp3="https://images.platteriverradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/12123745/Shafer-Volunteeers.mp3"][/audio]...

Nebraska Department of Transportation Makes Final Decision on Adams Central and Highway 6 Intersection

HASTINGS - The Nebraska Department of Transportation has made a final decision on the intersection of Highway 6 and Adams Central Avenue. After taking public comments and assessing the situation they have decided to install a roundabout at the intersection. Shawn Scott, the Superintendent of Adams Central Public Schools, says this has been an enjoyable...

City Administrator Joe Patterson Announces Retirement

HASTINGS - After 19 years of service as City Administrator, Joe Patterson announced his retirement at Monday’s city council meeting. Starting in 2000 on an interim basis, Patterson says he has enjoyed his time in city government. [audio wav="https://images.platteriverradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/11181708/Patterson-Retirement.wav"][/audio] I want to thank all of you and I want to thank all of the elected...

Blue Hill Rancher Fighting Icy, Cold Conditions

BLUE HILL - While many schools get called off for the ice and bitter colds and some folks have extra days off, one profession keeps going rain or shine or ice or snow to keep feeding the world. Blue Hill rancher Trent Ockinga says conditions around the farms and ranches have been just as bad as...