The Post Podcast

Jean Tobiasson talks about Velvet Spurs horseback poker run at Ash Hollow on September 6

LEWELLEN, Neb. — Riders will saddle up at Ash Hollow State Historical Park on Sept. 6 for the Velvet Spurs’ annual horseback poker run, a fundraiser for the Friends of Ash Hollow.

The family-friendly event begins at 10 a.m. Mountain Time, with registration at the park’s main entrance. Riders will travel trails through the historic landmark, stopping at stations to collect poker cards. Prizes will be awarded for the top three hands, along with the worst hand.

“It’s very family-friendly. There’s no time event on it, so you don’t have to speed,” said Velvet Spurs President Jean Tobiasson. “You can take your time, enjoy looking at the wildlife and the history up there, and just bring the whole family.”

The event, now in its third year, will feature some newly mapped trails, including a lookout point offering views of Lake McConaughy. The ride is $10 per participant, with entry available the day of the event.

Following the ride, participants are invited to a potluck dinner. The Velvet Spurs will provide sloppy joes and tableware, and riders are asked to bring a salad or dessert.

If inclement weather forces a postponement, the event will be rescheduled for Sept. 20.

Ash Hollow, located at the west end of Lake McConaughy, holds deep historical significance as a Native American buffalo jump site and features preserved cultural landmarks.

For more information, riders may contact Tobiasson or register on-site the morning of the ride.

Justin Petska talks Hershey Fall Festival this Saturday

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

Lake Mac Report (August 15, 2025)

4-H Sale, Hispanic concert highlight Thursday at Chase County Fair

North Platte — Thursday’s schedule at the Chase County Fair and Expo in Imperial features a mix of tradition and new attractions, including a rescheduled 4-H livestock sale and a first-time Hispanic concert.

Fair board member Jake Burke said the 4-H sale, typically held on Friday, will take place Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the show barn. “If anyone wants to come out and support the kids for all their hard work, it’s in the show barn today,” Burke said. “Show them that their effort didn’t go unnoticed.”

Buyers at the sale can choose to process the animals, with processing spots available at area facilities.

Later in the evening, gates open at 7 p.m. for the Hispanic concert in the grandstand arena, featuring La Fiera at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the fair ticket booth.

The fair’s carnival, billed as the largest in the area, continues Thursday. Day passes can be purchased at the carnival’s ticket booth, while “Mega Pass” wristbands — good for unlimited rides for the entire carnival run — are available through the fair’s website or ticket booth.

The Chase County Fair runs through the weekend, with concerts, livestock events, and entertainment scheduled each day.

North Platte Saint Patrick's Football ready for the challenge of a new season

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — After back-to-back successful seasons, North Platte Saint Patrick’s football team is gearing up to retake the field this fall with high expectations and a strong foundation built during the offseason.

Head Coach Kevin Dodson said the team’s commitment in the weight room and during speed camp this summer has been outstanding, laying the groundwork for another competitive season. "We've just had outstanding gains in the weight room this summer, so that's an indication of how hard the boys are working, " Dodson said. “One thing that I truly believe in is that you build the chemistry of your team during the summertime in the weight room, and that's where everything gets established and where leadership begins to blossom."

Last season, the Irish finished with an impressive 8-2 record, coming up just short against Stanton in a hard-fought playoff battle, 38-26. Dodson praised his team’s resilience during that game, noting how the players challenged themselves at halftime and fought fiercely to the whistle.

"They're not gonna throw the towel in at any point in time," he said. "They're just gonna keep fighting and try to be their best all the time." 

Dodson emphasized that the team will continue to play its trademark power football on offense and maintain a physical, fast-paced defense. “We’re going to run the ball and play power football," he said. "That’s who we are."

The season opens against a familiar rival, Bridgeport, whom the Irish defeated twice last year. Dodson expects Bridgeport to be hungry for revenge and believes the matchup will be a true test early on.

“I wouldn't be surprised to see them ranked highly in the preseason polls,” he said. “We probably won’t be favored, but we’ll embrace that challenge and use it as a measuring stick for where we are and where we want to be.”

With strong leadership, a committed roster, and a defined identity, the Irish are set to chase another memorable season as they look to build on the momentum of recent years.

 

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

An Art Affair is back this Saturday!

Celebrate creativity at the Prairie Arts Center on August 9th from 11 AM – 3 PM with FREE admission!

Free Art Classes & 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 & Live Demos (11 AM – 2 PM)

Shop from talented local artists, enjoy woodcarving, clay wheel throwing, painting & 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 & food vendors, and so much more.

Council approves Airport Funding Plan, Daycare Permit at former Osgood School

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte City Council worked through a packed agenda Tuesday night, tackling key issues from airport funding to conditional use permits including a well-attended public hearing on a proposed daycare center at the former Osgood School building.

Despite the many things on the agenda, the meeting remained civil and productive, Mayor Brandon Kelliher said.

“If you come out alive and don’t feel like you were beating each other up, I think we’re going to claim that as an overall success,” Kelliher said.

Airport Funding and Port of the Plains Expansion

The Council approved a resolution allowing city administration to draft an agreement with the North Platte Regional Airport Authority to provide monthly advances of its annual property tax revenues. The move aims to help the airport avoid taking out costly lines of credit by smoothing its revenue stream.

“It’s really a tax control measure,” Kelliher said, explaining that consistent monthly advances will eliminate the need for interest payments and reduce future tax burden.

The council also supported a resolution recommending the inclusion of the airport within the boundaries of the Nebraska International Port of the Plains. The move would allow for future cargo operations and potential commercial development on airport grounds—possibly making North Platte the first city in Nebraska with a port designation at an airport.

Dog Training Rules and Court Protection

With new tennis and pickleball courts now open, councilmembers addressed concerns about damage from off-leash dogs during training sessions. The council held the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting animals on the new court surfaces and introduced plans to install a fenced dog training area at Kriz Park.

“We’re not trying to displace dog trainers permanently,” Kelliher said. “We just can’t have the surface of the tennis courts damaged.”

The designated dog training area won’t be a full dog park but will offer space for off-leash training, fetching, and classes. The mayor said future expansions could be considered depending on how the area is used.

Public Hearing: Daycare at Former School Approved

The most anticipated item of the night was a public hearing and conditional use permit application by Trucks N Tiaras Academy, a local daycare operator seeking to move to 491–495 W. State Farm Road, formerly Osgood School.

“Usually when there's something contentious, someone will speak against it—even just one person,” Kelliher said. “But in this case, all public comments were in favor.”

Ryan Purdy, president of Mid-Plains Community College, which purchased the building earlier this year, shared the college’s future plans during the meeting. While Trucks N Tiaras will operate in the facility under a two-year lease, the college is preparing to develop academic programs at the site thereafter.

Civic Participation Encouraged

Mayor Kelliher took a moment to remind residents of the importance of public hearings and civic involvement.

“You make the best decisions when you have all the facts,” he said. “Just because you don’t agree with something doesn’t mean your facts are wrong. That’s how the democratic process works.”

Kelliher encouraged residents to attend council meetings, ask questions, and share their perspectives — especially on issues that matter directly to them.

“There’s nothing wrong with coming out and saying you disagree with something. It’s not only welcomed, it’s essential.”

The next North Platte City Council meeting is scheduled for later this month.

North Platte High Football reloads with youth, eyes playoff return in 2025 Season

North Platte – After a 2024 Football campaign that saw North Platte High barely miss out on the Class A football playoffs, Head Coach Kurt Altig is ready to usher in a new era of Bulldog Football – one defined by the team's youth and a huge emphasis on fundamentals.   

Coming off a 4-5 season, the Bulldogs were one of several teams in the mix for the final playoff spot before ultimately finishing 17th out of the playoffs. “It’s crazy how it comes down to hundreds of points,” Altig said. “You have to control your own destiny.” Despite a below .500 record, North Platte was able to put up competitive showings against some of the stronger teams in Class A, like Lincoln Southeast and Lincoln East  

Now, after years of small roster movement, Altig heads into the season with the largest turnover of talent he has seen since taking over the head coaching duties at North Platte High. The Bulldogs graduated 19 starters and more than 24 total players, leaving the depth chart largely blank heading into the season's start. “We’ve got a whole bunch of new faces,” he said. “It’s our job now to find the right spots for them.”  

The youth movement will be anchored by returning starters Jake Kincaid and Treyton Burke, two players Altig is counting on to lead both vocally and by example. “You know, those guys, they have the most varsity experience coming in,” Altig said. “We're really going to lean on them.” Burke, who has recently committed to Chadron State, and Kincaid bring rare varsity experience to a group that is largely making its Friday night debut soon.  

Despite the new faces, North Platte won’t stray far from their identity. Expect more of the Bulldog way with their Flex-bone offense, and a defense designed to stop the run and frustrate opponents. “Coaches hate playing us, they hate playing our offense,” Altig said. “That’s why we run it.”  

North Platte opens the season at home against Kearney on August 29th. While Altig didn’t want to commit to making record predictions, he said the team’s main goal is simple. Get back to the playoffs. “We're going to play our brand of football and give ourselves a chance,” he said. “That's all we can ask for.” 

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

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.