The Post Podcast

Perkins County Fair gears up for BIG Weekend

Kasey Kroeker with the Perkins County Fair spoke with Derek Beck about the closing days of the fair which will go out with a bang with two nights of concerts in Grant.

North Platte City Council Wraps Up Lengthy Meeting with Key Infrastructure, Development Votes

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — In a nearly three-hour session Tuesday night, the North Platte City Council tackled a packed agenda featuring major infrastructure investments, commercial redevelopment progress, and housing rehabilitation projects.

Mayor Brandon Kelliher said the council’s extended discussion reflected “a lot of good activity,” highlighting the reappointment of Lee Davies, Kathleen Matthews and Emily Worll to the city’s Planning Commission. “They dedicate three to six hours a month—sometimes more—on work that really shapes our community,” Kelliher said.

The council discussed the first reading of an ordinance outlining wastewater charges for users of the city’s new industrial wastewater plant, built to support Sustainable Beef. As the facility's sole user for now, Sustainable Beef will shoulder all operational and debt service costs. The city also authorized a contract with HDR Engineering to assist with the plant's construction phase.

“This isn’t costing taxpayers anything,” Kelliher noted. “And this infrastructure is already attracting interest from other major employers looking to bring about 150 jobs.”

In redevelopment matters, the council approved an amendment to the North Platte Mall project’s redevelopment contract, part of the District 177 site. The site, which now hosts successful retail additions like Five Below and TJ Maxx, could soon see further expansion in the near future. “This incentive-based model rewards developers who bring in retailers our community wants,” Kelliher said.

On housing and road expansion, council members discussed paving changes and awarded a contract to Paulsen Inc. to extend Francis Street eastward.

Lastly, the council reviewed a proposal from the North Platte Regional Airport Authority seeking budget distribution changes to avoid high-interest lines of credit, potentially saving taxpayers money. 

“We’re trying to be efficient with every tax dollar,” Kelliher said.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for August 6.

Lake Mac Report (July 11)

Anglers are seeing strong success with walleye this week, especially when trolling in 15 to 25 feet of water from Lone Eagle Campground to Sand Point, as well as along the south shore near Kelly Bay. Small Fire Tiger swimbaits have been a reliable lure of choice.

Smallmouth bass fishing has also remained productive, particularly along the rocky points on the south side of the lake and near the face of the dam during daylight hours. Many of the catches reported are of good size.

Water temperatures are holding steady between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lake Conditions:

• Lake Elevation: 3,230.3 feet

• Volume: 82,000 acre-feet (50.6% of capacity)

• Inflows (North Platte River): 411 cubic feet per second (CFS)

• Outflows: Approximately 1,527 CFS, which is below average due to recent rains and decreased irrigation demand.

Available Docks:

• Divers Bay

• Martin Bay (low water access)

• Both docks at Lake Ogallala

Reminders:
Campfires are currently allowed at Lake McConaughy, but visitors are urged to exercise caution and ensure all fires are well-contained.

As it is peak camping season, all campers are reminded to make reservations in advance.

Upcoming Events at Lake Mac:

• July 12–13: Nebraska Walleye Tournament

• July 19–20: Nebraska Walleye Trail

• July 25–26: Big Mac Spearfishing Tournament (hosted by Platte River Scuba Divers)

• July 26: Kites & Castles Sand Sculpture Competition

Special thanks to Patrick Schell of Nebraska Game and Parks for this week’s outdoor update.

100+ Women Who Care Keith County gearing up for 3rd meeting of the year

The local philanthropy group 100+ Women Who Care Keith County is preparing for its next quarterly giving event, set for Monday, July 14, at the Hayloft Meeting Room upstairs at Front Street Café in Ogallala. Derek Beck spoke with Kerri Anderson about Monday's upcoming meeting where the group will present one organization with around $10,000 in local money. 

Recap of Ogallala City Council Meeting from Tuesday, July 8 with City Manager Kevin Wilkins

OGALLALA, Neb. — Ogallala City Manager Kevin Wilkins recapped a busy Fourth of July weekend and discussed city updates during Tuesday’s “Sandhills Spotlight” segment on The POST, following a brief but productive Ogallala City Council meeting Tuesday evening.

Cozad Set to Host Full Day of Food, Music, and Fun at Bands, Brews & Barbecue This Saturday

Cozad’s popular Bands, Brews & Barbecue event returns this Saturday, offering a full day of live music, local vendors, and sizzling barbecue in downtown Cozad. The POST spoke this week with the Chamber's Jordan Starman.

Lake Mac Report: Fun in the Sun, Fish on the Line, and Fireworks in the Sky (July 4th, 2025)

OGALLALA, Neb. — It's a sizzlin’ start to July out at Lake McConaughy, where temps are heating up and the fish are biting. Whether you're trolling for walleye, tossing lines off rocky points, or just catching some rays on the water, Nebraska’s biggest lake is the place to be this weekend.

Welcome to the Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report, your weekly update on all things Big Mac — brought to you by Spahn Marine in Big Springs, your go-to for Mercury Premier service and boat motor help at the lake. Stuck on the water? Call Spahn at 308-889-3531 and get back to cruising. Report from Patrick Schnell/Nebraska Game & Parks

Fishing Report 🎣

Surface temps are holding steady between 68 and 70 degrees, and the walleye action is hot! Anglers are having success trolling in 15 to 25 feet of water — especially from Lone Eagle to Sand Point, and on the south side from Kelly Bay to Lakeview. Fire Tiger swim baits are the lure of choice this week.

Meanwhile, smallmouth bass are still hanging around the rocky points on the south side and the dam face. Trout fans, don’t sleep on the canal below the Lake Ogallala dam — the bite there remains strong.

Lake elevation currently sits at 3,231.1 feet — that’s about 51.5% full, or 898,100 acre-feet of water for you technical types.

Docks in the Water 🚤

Need a place to launch? You’re covered at:

• Diver’s Bay

• Martin Bay (low water dock)

• Both docks at Lake Ogallala

Camping & Safety 🏕️🔥

Every tent site and camper pad is booked solid for the 4th of July weekend — so if you didn’t grab a spot early, head to VisitKeithCounty.com to check for alternate lodging nearby.

Campfires? Still allowed, but remember: use extreme caution and never leave your fire unattended. And keep the fireworks at home — they are not permitted at Lake McConaughy or Lake Ogallala.

Weekend Events 🎆🏐

• Saturday, July 5: Hit the sand for a good cause! The Keystone Lemoyne Fire Department is hosting a sand volleyball tournament fundraiser starting bright and early at 8 a.m.

• Saturday night: Don’t miss the FREE Patriotic Drone Show at 10 p.m. at Ogallala’s Western Diamonds Sports Complex. It’s a sky-high salute you won’t forget!

Thanks to Patrick Schnell with Nebraska Game and Parks for the outdoor updates, and to the Keith County Visitors Committee for helping keep us all in the know.

That’s your Lake Mac Report for the week! Find more updates at SandhillsPost.com, and remember — whether you're casting a line or just soaking up the sun, life’s better at the lake.

Brought to you by Spahn Marine in Big Springs and Buzz’s Marine in Kearney.

Lincoln County Ag Society Building Still A Go: Conversation with Chessmore about building's progress

The Lincoln County Agricultural Society is renewing its call for community support as it continues efforts to fund and build a long-discussed multi-purpose facility at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in North Platte.

Kristi Chessmore, a member of the Lincoln County Ag Society Board, said in a recent interview with The North Platte Post that despite rumors to the contrary, the board is committed to seeing the project through.

Olivia’s 10 Minutes of Kindness’ Inspires Acts of Compassion, Organ Donation Awareness, Conversation with her mom Lauressa Gillock

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Ten years ago today, 3-year-old Olivia Swedberg gave the ultimate gift — the gift of life. Following her unexpected passing on July 1, 2015, Olivia became an organ donor, saving four lives and giving the gift of sight to another.

Now, her mother, Lauressa Gillock, is honoring Olivia’s legacy by asking others to take just 10 minutes today to do something kind in her memory. Her conversation with the POST's Derek Beck

Sutherland Gears Up for 88th Annual 4th of July Celebration (Conversatin with Janet Mueller)

The Sutherland Rodeo doesn't technically begin until Thursday evening, July 3 but events that are around Sutherland's 4th Of July week begin today. Derek Beck spoke with Sutherland Rodeo's Janet Mueller about the fun week.