The Post Podcast

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. 

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #11 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we welcome back Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss offseason recruiting and how he is feeling after a long recruiting offseason as well as his thoughts on the upcoming schedule and so much more.

Ogallala City Council Recap from 6-25-25 - Ogallala City Council Lifts Fireworks Ban, Approves Street and Housing Projects

EAGLE'S Derek Beck spoke with Ogallala City Manager Kevin Wilkins by phone early Wednesday morning, recapping Tuesday night's City Council Meeting which including lifting of the current fireworks ban.

Annual Garden Tour Returns to North Platte to Support Women’s Recovery Program

Paxton Gordon spoke with Landscape and Garden Tour organizer Sam Elliott about the tour this Friday and Saturday in North Platte. 

Another great week in the Pecos League! This week, we visit with John Haimowitz, North Platte 80s Catcher!

John Haimowitz Joins Evan and Bruce this week to discuss preparation in professional baseball. The North Platte 80s C talks about his notebooks and how they're vital to him when it comes to moving forward in this great sport. It's another fascinating interview with another great personality in this league. Don't miss it. 

Rep. Adrian Smith Talks Tax Policy, “Big Beautiful Bill” During North Platte Visit

3rd District, Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith stopped at the Eagle Media Studio's over the weekend and spoke about many things he is working on.