Category: Local News

South Heartland District Health Department Reports 7 New Cases; Contacts Quarantined

HASTINGS - South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) officials reported 7 new lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases over the past 4 days (July 3-6), bringing the total number of cases in the 4-county health district to 341. By county, the new totals are 305 in Adams, 28 in Clay, 7 in Webster, and 1 in Nuckolls. New cases in...

Mary Lanning Healthcare Encouraging Everyone to Do Physicals, Immunizations, and Check Ups

HASTINGS - Mary Lanning Healthcare has seen a drop in regular check ups, immunizations, and physicals during the coronavirus pandemic and they are encouraging everyone to get those done. The Department of Health and Human Services and Governor Pete Ricketts are also spreading that same message. They are taking all of the precautions to keep...

Health Officials and Doctors Still Encouraging Wearing Masks and Social Distancing

HASTINGS - As the state of Nebraska continues to reopen, health officials and doctors are still encouraging people to wear masks and social distance. Michele Bever, Executive Director of the South Heartland District Health Department, says that the virus is in the cells of the lungs so it can be spread by talking, sneezing, coughing,...

Hastings Parks and Recreation Getting Back to Doing Some Events and Activities

HASTINGS - The Hastings Parks and Recreation Department is getting back to doing some events and activities this month. They are doing another rock scavenger hunt this whole month, where they give clues about the location of a rock on their Facebook page. People who find the rock will be entered in for a gift...

Mail Carrier Gets Probation for Stealing Hastings Mail

HASTINGS - A former Hastings mail carrier received probation and 12 days in jail for stealing greeting cards. United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that 58-year-old Renee L. Coats of Hastings was sentenced yesterday in Lincoln for opening and destroying U.S. mail as a postal employee. Coats was sentenced for a term of three years...

Nebraska Commission Files Complaint Against Railroad for Grand Island Blocked Crossing

GRAND ISLAND - The Nebraska Public Service Commission on Tuesday, June 30, issued an Order releasing its findings and closing the investigation into the blocking of railroad crossings in Hall County (PI-228) and directed the PSC Transportation Department to file a formal complaint against Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad, Nebraska Central Railroad (NCRR) and Union Pacific...

Emerald Ash Borer Found in Kearney

KEARNEY - The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced that the emerald ash borer (EAB) was found in Kearney. A severely declining street tree located near Pioneer Park was determined to be infested with the insect. This detection adds Buffalo County to the growing list of Nebraska counties with known EAB infestations.  “Emerald ash borer is...

Nebraska State Fair Will Happen but Will Be Limited; 4H and FFA Events are Happening

GRAND ISLAND - The Nebraska State Fair Board announced that the State Fair will be happening this year but it will be limited for now with a chance to add more events if Directed Health Measures allow for more. They will have 4H and FFA events and those will be open to the public. Admission...

Adams County 4H Will Still Have Some Events Going On This Summer

HASTINGS - Although the Adams County Fair has been cancelled this year, the 4Hers will still be participating in some events this month. Starting on July 13th, and continuing until July 17th, they will be doing private shows for the livestock animals. All of the events will be closed to the public. They will have...

Hastings Catholic Schools is Planning on and Hoping for Students to Return in the Fall

HASTINGS - Hastings Catholic Schools is currently in the planning process for students to return in the fall semester. They are hopeful that students will be able to return in the fall and, as of right now, it seems likely they will be able to. Although they are making multiple plans for the many different...