The Post Podcast

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — As October draws to a close, the North Platte Post recognizes Whitney Petska, a 4th grade teacher at Cody Elementary, as our October Community Hero for Kids recipient.

Petska has been teaching fourth grade for more than 15 years and has always enjoyed working with children.

Petska said her interest in teaching began in high school when she interned with her former kindergarten teacher. She said she knew from that moment on she wanted a career helping children learn, grow, and succeed.

"I love children. I knew growing up I wanted to do something with children." Petska described, "I had maybe thought about counseling, but then I decided to go the education teaching route. I love kids, I love helping, and I love encouraging them and helping them learn."

Petska and her 4th grade class

With 15 years of experience, Petska had some words of advice for any young student who has aspirations about following their dreams of becoming a teacher.

"I would say work hard, keep your focus, work hard, and try your best." Petska stated, "And when you see someone maybe struggling, jump up, lend a hand, and see what you can do to help them."

Each month the North Platte Post recognizes one member of the community that makes a difference in the life of kids. If you have someone you want to nominate, head to the North Platte Post webpage and click on the contest tab to nominate someone in the community today.

Pheasants Forever is bringing back its annual Pheasant Tail Feather Contest, encouraging hunters across the state to participate in a friendly competition during pheasant season.

Addie Pernicky, a biologist with Pheasants Forever and coordinator of the Nebraska Community Access Partnership (NCAP) outlined the contest ahead of the pheasant hunting season.

The contest begins this weekend and runs through Jan. 31, 2027. Hunters who harvest a pheasant on public-access land enrolled in the Nebraska Open Fields and Waters Program can submit a photo of their bird’s tail feather measured against a yardstick.

Official NCAP yardsticks will be available at Lured In, The Watering Hole, Lake McConaughy's Visitor Center, Pronto in Grand, and in Sidney which has yet to be determined.

Pernicky said NCAP has enrolled approximately 64,000 acres over the past two and a half years across the southern Panhandle, including Keith, Arthur, Deuel, Garden and Perkins counties, expanding public hunting opportunities.

Hunters can contact Pernicky at 308-737-0944 for more information about the contests and public-access opportunities.

Operation Manager Paxton Gordon is joined by Mike Honerman with the North Platte Rotary to talk about their upcoming event, Pints for Polio, this Wednesday from 4-7 at Ape Ship Brewery and Double Dips Ice Cream. This is the biggest Rotary fundraiser of the year for the North Platte Rotary, and it's a $20 donation to either get a pint of your favorite drink at Ape Ship or a pint of ice cream at Double Dips.

 

With the November 3rd Election approaching Operations Manager Paxton Gordon was able to sit down and talk with Jim Riewe who is running for the open City Council Ward 3 Chair that was vacated by Brian Flanders. Rewey, who has lived in North Platte with his wife for 17 years, discussed economic development, housing, property taxes and tax increment financing, or TIF. Riewe has over 45 years of business leadership experience with the last 11 years being with Wilkinson Companies as the president of travel centers and is looking to use his experience to help the city continue to grow in the right ways.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher discussed several city projects, including housing development, street improvements and the sale of city-owned property, during his weekly visit with Operations Manager Paxton Gordon.

The City Council approved naming the trail at Iron Horse Park the Milton Berger Mile in honor of the North Platte native and World War II general. The trail is being renovated and will provide visitors with a route measuring approximately one mile long.

Kelliher also discussed ongoing housing development along East Philipps Street, where apartments and row houses are nearing completion. The council addressed changes to redevelopment agreements and paving assessments associated with Francis Street, including costs for road, sidewalk and storm sewer improvements estimated at approximately $2 million.

The council also approved plans to install stop signs at several intersections along Francis Street to improve traffic safety as the road opens and traffic patterns change.

Another topic involved the potential sale of city-owned property near Walker Road and Victoria Lane. Kelliher said the city is reviewing how to handle unused parcels and may establish a process to auction properties to interested buyers. The city is also preparing to sell properties acquired through a state grant program that funded the demolition of dilapidated homes.

Listen to the full interview for a full breakdown yesterdays City Council meeting under the news tab.

Melissa Edmonds Branch Executive Director with the Ogallala YMCA joins Allison Peck to discuss the return of the Daddy-Daughter Dance on Oct. 17, the YMCA's Duck Hunt membership promotion, its partnership with the local library and a pumpkin patch fundraiser benefiting the Kids' Corner after-school program. Learn more about upcoming family activities, photo opportunities and the Oct. 23 Halloween-themed family night.

Ogallala City Manager Tell Jensen joins Allison Peck to recap the October 13 City Council meeting. They discuss a $7.5 million wastewater project loan, potential changes to Keith County Chamber of Commerce funding, a land exchange near the city's north water tower, and the council's decision on a request to keep more than four dogs. Jensen also explains the recent Spruce Street water main break and provides updates on airport improvements and city technology projects.

Allison Peck sits down with Gary Person, president and CEO of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation, for a wide-ranging conversation about the projects and priorities shaping North Platte and the surrounding region.

Person discusses North Platte's 20 housing developments and projects moving forward, regional housing challenges and the new 6 Regions, One Nebraska housing toolkit. He also shares insight into ongoing data center discussions, potential economic development opportunities, the upcoming Chamber annual meeting and this year's award recipients.

Hear what's happening across the region, how local leaders are approaching future growth and what lies ahead for North Platte's business community.

Listen to the full interview on the Post Podcast, powered by Kubota, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podbean and online at NorthPlattePost.com.

North Platte High School football player Brecken Korkow is our North Platte Area High School Student-Athlete of the Week!

Paxton Gordon talks with Korkow about his performance against Norfolk, the brotherhood among the Bulldogs' running backs, and how the team uses weekly themes to build unity and keep players accountable. Korkow also looks ahead to Friday's matchup and shares his favorite meal.

Hear from one of the Bulldogs helping lead the way as North Platte looks to build momentum this football season.

North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher joins Paxton Gordon to recap the latest City Council meeting. Topics include the city’s updated comprehensive development plan and zoning regulations, the final bond financing for the industrial wastewater facility, and the new Freedom 250 Trail.