The Post Podcast

Ropin' The Rodeo- Two Weeks Out, Justin Thompson & Levi Fisher

Buffalo Bill Rodeo Board Members Justin Thompson and Levi Fisher sit down with Derek Beck to talk about the rodeo, it starts Wednesday, June 18. 

Sponsored by Kelsey's Place, Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers' Jordan Maassen, Larry's Glass and Doug Kohler's Outlaw Trailer and Repair

Visit North Platte accepting Tourism Grant Applications ahead of July 1 Deadline

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Local tourism organizers are encouraging event planners and community groups to apply for Visit North Platte’s promotional grant programs before the fast-approaching deadline of July 1.

Lisa Burke, Executive Director of Visit North Platte, discussed the trio of quarterly grants available for events scheduled between October and December 2025.

“We do a quarterly grant process, so four times a year our board accepts applications,” Burke said. “We have about $200,000 every year that we give back to our tourism partners — attractions, events, and sporting events that bring in people from out of town.”

There are three types of grants available:

• Promotional Fund Grants, which help support marketing efforts such as social media campaigns, printed materials, and advertising.

• Event Promotion & Incentive Grants, which cover operational costs like facility rental, equipment, and speaker or entertainer fees.

• Sports Promotion & Incentive Grants, which support sporting events by funding referee fees, lodging for officials, and event bid costs.

Promotional Grants are used to promote, encourage, and attract visitors to come to Lincoln County. These grants are designed to market to visitors outside of a 100-mile radius of North Platte who will be utilizing lodging facilities to attend the event/activity being promoted. 

Burke emphasized that all applicants must focus their marketing at least 100 miles outside of North Platte.

“Our sole purpose is to bring people in to stay in our hotels,” she said. “Visit North Platte is 100% funded by lodging tax collected at those hotels. If an event doesn’t bring visitors, it impacts our ability to fund future events.”

Sporting events have been a growing focus for Visit North Platte’s board. The organization has invested in local sports infrastructure, including $100,000 for a new pickleball and tennis complex and support for the North Platte Rec Center rebuild.

“Those indoor courts are crucial, especially in the off-season,” Burke said. “We’re bringing in two college lacrosse tournaments in October, two pickleball tournaments, and a youth tackle football tournament in early August expected to draw 30 teams.”

Grant applications are available at VisitNorthPlatte.com. From the homepage, applicants can click on the “Industry” tab in the upper right corner to access forms for each grant type. The online application allows users to save their progress and return later.

“If you have questions about what you can or can’t apply for, our contact information is right there,” Burke said. “Just don’t wait. July 1 is going to sneak up fast.”

For more information or to explore upcoming events, visit the community calendar also available on VisitNorthPlatte.com.

Miss Nebraska Week 2025 Kicks Off in North Platte with Reigning Titleholders Reflecting on Their Reign

2024 Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren and 2024 Miss Nebraska's Teen Janae Harris spoke with the POST's Derek Beck about the last year and what to expect this week as the 2025 Miss Nebraska schedule begins.

Stories from the Pecos League: A North Platte 80s Season Preview with manager Todd Everleth

With opening day right around the corner for the North Platte 80s hosts of Baseball's Last Frontier, Evan Katz Bench Coach for the North Platte 80s, and Bruce McClure preview the season for the 80s. Guesting this week is Todd Everleth, manager of the North Platte 80s. He'll discuss this year's roster as well as how he built community connections in town in just a short time before last year's inaugural season. It's a master class on how to mentor these young men and how to help them sharpen their skills in order to advance to the next level. Enjoy this great discussion of team building in baseball's entry level!

Lake Mac Report for May 30, 2025: Cool Temps, Hot Bite as Summer Nears

LAKE McCONAUGHY, Neb. — Cooler temperatures aren’t stopping the bite at Lake McConaughy as anglers report success with walleye, bass and wipers across the reservoir, according to Patrick Schnell, superintendent with Nebraska Game and Parks for Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala.

Surface water temperatures near the dam were recorded at 54 degrees Fahrenheit Tuesday morning, with air temperatures expected to stay in the 60s through the week before warming up by the weekend.

Fishing Report
Walleye are hitting live bait at depths of 12 to 25 feet. White bass and wipers are also biting well along the north shoreline, particularly when winds push into the north bays.
Good-sized smallmouth bass have been reported on the rocky points along the south side of the lake and near the face of the dam.

Lake Conditions
Lake McConaughy is currently at 3,236.6 feet, equating to 1,012,800 acre-feet, or 58.1% of capacity. For daily updates, visit CNPPID’s Lake & River Data.

Boat Ramp Access
Boat ramps currently available include:

• Martin Bay (low water, near the base of the dam)

• Divers Bay/Burma Road

• Cedar View (lake side)

• Lemoyne

• Both ramps at Lake Ogallala

Fire Safety
Campfires are permitted at both Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala, but safety rules remain in effect. Fires must be contained in designated fire rings no larger than three feet in diameter. Open flames should never be left unattended and must be fully extinguished before leaving the area.

Fireworks are strictly prohibited at both State Recreation Areas (SRAs), and their sale and use remain banned in Keith County.

Camping Reminder
Camping reservations are now open. Beach camping may be reserved up to 30 days in advance, while modern campgrounds with electrical hookups can be booked up to 180 days out. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and click “Reservations” in the top right corner, or call the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center at 308-284-8800 for assistance.

Upcoming Events

• May 31 – June 1: Shut Up & Fish Tournament, Vogl’s Lodge & Lure

• May 31 – June 1: Denver Bassmasters Tournament

• June 7: Terry McCormick Memorial Walleye Tournament

• June 14: Junior Fishing Tournament (Youth Outdoors Nebraska)

For more information and updates, follow Nebraska Game and Parks or visit the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center.

Grape & Sizzle Fundraiser and Honoree Night is Back on Friday, June 6 in North Platte

One of Lincoln County’s most anticipated annual fundraisers is back. The Grape & Sizzle event, organized by the Lincoln County Cattle Women's Association, will take place Friday, June 6, at Venue 304 in downtown North Platte. The evening combines gourmet food, wine tasting, and lively auctions to raise funds for local nonprofits.

Tracy Olson, president of Grape & Sizzle, and committee member Amanda White joined the Sandhills Post this week to share details about the event, which has supported Lincoln County for over two decades.

Paxton Gordon with Eagle spoke with the ladies about this event on June 6. Podcast sponsored by North Platte Kubota

Ogallala City Council Recap with Manager Kevin Wilkins from May 27 Meeting

Eagle's Derek Beck spoke with Ogallala City Manager Kevin Wilkins on Wednesday morning about Tuesday night's Council Meeting. 

Ropin' The Rodeo - Buffalo Bill Rodeo Preview with Committee Members Justin Thompson & Levi Fisher

Ropin' The Rodeo - Buffalo Bill Rodeo Preview with Committee Members Justin Thompson & Levi Fisher (SPONSORED BY  Jordan Massen with Lashely Land & Recreational Brokers, Doug Kohler with Outlaw Trailers and Larry's Glass)

Town Hall Meeting to Focus on Revitalizing North Platte’s Original Town - Conversation with Nick McNew and Chad Fosdick

Eagle's Derek Beck sat down with North Platte City Councilman Nick McNew and North Platte Businessman Chad Fosdick this week, the two are helping host a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday to talk about revitalization efforts for North Platte's "Origional Town"

Buckin' Battle and Bash Returns To North Platte Memorial Day Weekend - Conversation with Bull Riders Mason Ward and Hayden Harris

Derek Beck, spoke with Bull Riders Mason Ward and Hayden Harris ahead of the 7th Annual Buckin' Battle and Bash Friday and Saturday in North Platte (May 23 & 24, 2025)