The Post Podcast

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)

North Platte City Council Recap with Mayor Brandon Kelliher (May 20th, 2025)

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte City Council meeting began with a proposed ordinance aimed at addressing long-abandoned properties, which sparked the lengthiest discussion during the May 20th meeting, as officials opened the floor to public feedback on the measure. 

Ordinance 4211, which would establish a vacant property registration system, was brought back after being tabled at the previous meeting. Mayor Brandon Kelliher emphasized that the session was intended solely for discussion, with no vote planned. 

“We wanted to give the public an opportunity to comment,” Kelliher said, noting that about 10 residents spoke during the hearing. “Many of them were thoughtful, had questions, and we were able to clarify a few misunderstandings.” 

The ordinance targets properties that have been left unattended, often due to unresolved estates when owners pass away. Kelliher acknowledged the difficulty of balancing property rights with neighborhood well-being, especially when abandoned homes are infested or hazardous. 

“A big part of this discussion is you don't want to run across the property rights of an owner who isn't taking care of their property,” Kelliher said, “but the neighbors also have some rights in this as well. And so, you have we have to try to find balance.” 

A revised version of the ordinance is expected to be returned for council consideration at a future meeting. 

 

The Council also approved two ordinances that move forward the long-term expansion of Francis Street, a project expected to improve traffic flow and encourage economic development on the city’s east side. 

Ordinance 4204, passed on its third reading, creates a new paving district to extend Francis Street from Tabor Avenue to Bryan Avenue. 

“This is an ordinance for the beginning of the extension of Francis Street,” Kelliher noted. “Francis Street is the one that runs kind of across the one-ways by McDonald's, down by the edge of the mall, and behind Walmart… right now, it kind of ends on the eastern head stop on the east of the town. This little piece right here will extend it about a block and a half because the homeless shelter and that organization are going to build some housing right there on that corner — well, what will be a corner.” 

The council also approved Ordinance 4208, which advances the next segment of the Francis Street project, stretching the road behind the post office and eventually out to Newberry Access at Golden Road. 

“Nothing’s going to happen there next week,” Kelliher added, “but over the next few years, what you have to do is set your community up for success in the future… It’s going to be a great deal for the town in the long run.” 

Items 9 and 10 were removed from the meeting agenda for further work and will be considered at a later date. 

Lake Mac Report (Weekend of May 16)

Lake McConaughy Report – Ogallala, Nebraska
Sponsored by Sphan’s Marine in Big Springs & Buzz’s Marine in Kearney
With Patrick Schnell, Superintendent – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

As we head into peak camping and fishing season at Lake McConaughy, here’s your latest report brought to you by Sphaun’s Marine in Big Springs and Buzz’s Marine in Kearney, your go-to boating experts for a safe and enjoyable summer on the water.

Lake Conditions – May 16, 2025
Lake McConaughy is currently sitting at 61% capacity, with water temperatures hovering around 52°F. While it’s a bit chilly for swimming just yet, anglers are enjoying productive days on the lake, especially those chasing walleye, smallmouth bass, and catfish.

Fishing Update

• Walleye continue to be caught in 15–25 feet of water using both lures and bait. Reports indicate a strong size class, with several large fish being caught. Remember: anglers may keep one walleye 22 inches or longer in their daily bag.

• Smallmouth bass are active on rocky points and near the face of the dam—great spots for both shore and boat anglers.

• Catfish are biting from Sand Point all the way to the mouth of the river, with stink baits and cut bait producing the best results.

Upcoming Tournaments
Get ready for a big week of competitive angling:

• May 27 & 28: Nebraska Bass Nation Tournament

• May 31 – June 1: Denver Bassmaster Tournament alongside Vogl’s Shut Up and Fish Tournament

These events promise exciting action and will bring top-tier anglers from across the region to our waters.

Camping & Reservations
Camping season is officially here! Superintendent Patrick Schnell reminds visitors that dry conditions have prompted a statewide burn ban in Nebraska. This means no wood-burning campfires, but propane grills and fire pits are still allowed—just no open flames involving wood.

Reservation season kicked off May 20, so now’s the time to plan your Memorial Day Weekend getaway.

• Visit outdoornebraska.gov or call 308-284-8800 to reserve your site.

• Beach camping reservations can be made 30 days in advance, while modern campground reservations can be made 180 days in advance.

• As of now, Lake McConaughy is 26% booked, and Lake Ogallala is 61.8% booked for Memorial Day Weekend.

Weather Watch & Safety
A severe thunderstorm recently swept through the area, producing 50–70 mph winds. There is still storm debris—including fallen limbs—in many areas. Crews are hard at work cleaning up, but visitors should remain cautious.

All four docks at Lake McConaughy were pulled on May 15 due to sustained high winds and forecasts. Docks will remain out any time gusts are expected to exceed 30–40 mph for safety. Keep an eye on the weather before heading out, and be prepared for sudden changes.

Free Park Entry Day – May 17
Don’t forget—Saturday, May 17 is Free Park Entry Day in Nebraska. No park entry permit is required at any state park. Fishing is also free, although all other regulations still apply. It’s a perfect time to explore the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

From Superintendent Patrick Schnell and our partners at Sphan’s Marine and Buzz’s Marine, have a safe and enjoyable time at the lake. Respect the weather, follow fire safety guidelines, and enjoy everything Lake McConaughy has to offer!

Meet Craig Drauker of Drauker Funeral Home

Derek sat down with owner of Drauker Funeral Home in Ogallala, Craig Drauker. They spoke about Craig's 40 years in the industry, rotary and family history. Enjoy

1st Run.Walk.Remember 5k Next Saturday in Ogallala, Conversation with Jordan & Todd Namuth

Eagle's Derek Beck spoke with Jordan and Todd Namuth about next Saturday's First Annual 5K Run.Walk.Remember in Ogallala. Enjoy the Conversation, heard on Z93.5 Country's Sandhills Spotlight!

 

INFO:

This Memorial Weekend, join Outy Obsession in Ogallala, Nebraska for our First Annual 5K RUN/WALK — a powerful morning dedicated to honoring those who served and sacrificed for our freedom

 

 Saturday, May 24th | 9:00 AM
Starting at the Ogallala Softball Fields Parking Lot
(Check-in opens at 8:00 AM with coffee & juice on-site)

 

Whether you're running for a veteran in your life, walking in memory of a fallen hero, or simply showing your support, your steps carry meaning 

 

Why this 5K matters:
Outy Obsession is a Nebraska-based nonprofit devoted to getting veterans and youth outdoors — hosting life-changing experiences like guided hunts and fishing trips that bring healing, community, and purpose.

Every dollar raised from this 5K goes directly to these events.

 

REGISTRATION HERE:
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/outyobsession5k

Let’s rally together this Memorial Weekend. For the brave. For the fallen. For the ones still healing.
Thank you to all who’ve already registered! WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE

Nebraska Community Access Partnership Again Offering Landowner Incentives for Public Access, Interview with Addie Piernicky

Nebraska Community Access Partnership Again Offering Landowner Incentives for Public Access, Interview with Addie Piernicky. Deadline is soon. 

Landowners within the target area have an opportunity to receive a sign-up bonus with a 5-year Open Fields and Waters (OFW) agreement: $25/acre for high-quality CRP and $10/acre for rangeland and undisturbed grasslands.

Primary Enrollment Counties: Keith, Deuel, Garden, Arthur, Perkins
Secondary Enrollment Counties: Lincoln, Cheyenne, Morrill, Kimball

Learn how you can join the 850-plus landowners in Nebraska who provide public access opportunities through the OFW program by contacting your nearest Nebraska Game and Parks office.

Memorial Service Planned in North Platte for National Police Week, Conversation with Police Chaplin Don Anderson

Derek Beck spoke with North Platte Police Chaplin Don Anderson about National Police Week, this week, and the Memorial Service at Iron Horse Park in North Platte planned for Wednesday at 11am CT. 

Lake Mac Report, May 9 2025

The May 9, 2025 Lake Mac Report sponsored by Spahns Marine & Buzz's Marine

 

OGALLALA, Neb. (May 9, 2025) — As spring continues to unfold across western Nebraska, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are flocking to Lake McConaughy—Nebraska’s largest reservoir—for prime fishing, camping, and early-season recreation. 

Post-spawn activity has shifted walleye into deeper water, but according to recent reports, anglers are still having success. Smallmouth bass activity has been particularly strong, with excellent results recorded at two recent fishing tournaments. 

Water conditions remain favorable heading into mid-May. The current water level at Lake McConaughy sits at 3,239.2 feet elevation, equating to 1,069,200 acre-feet, or roughly 61.3% of the reservoir’s total capacity. 

Shower houses are now in service at several major recreation areas, including Cedar View, Arthur Bay, and Lake Ogallala. Additional facilities at Lone Eagle, Little Thunder, and Martin Bay are expected to open soon, pending water quality test results. 

All fish cleaning stations around the lake are open for use, and docks have been installed at multiple ramps including Diver’s Bay, Martin Bay (low water), Lemoyne, Cedar View, and both north and south ramps at Lake Ogallala. 

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds campers that reservation season begins May 20, and advance reservations are required for overnight stays at Lake McConaughy throughout the summer. Reservations can be made online at OutdoorNebraska.gov. 

A temporary campfire ban remains in effect for Nebraska state recreation areas in central and western parts of the state—including Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala—through May 10 due to fire safety concerns. 

The most recent water temperature reading at the dam was 50 degrees Fahrenheit, signaling that peak fishing conditions are just around the corner. 

Several upcoming events are scheduled around the reservoir: 

• May 17 – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day across Nebraska 

• May 31–June 1 – Shut Up & Fish Tournament hosted by Vogl’s Lodge & Lure at Lake McConaughy 

• June 14 – Junior Fishing Tournament organized by Youth Outdoors Nebraska 

Lake McConaughy, located just north of Ogallala, continues to be a top destination for outdoor recreation in the Midwest. For updates on lake conditions, camping, and events, visit VisitKeithCounty.com. 

Information provided by Visit Keith County and the Keith County Visitors Committee. 

North Platte Giving Day - Val & Holly with Communities For Kids

Derek Beck spoke with Val & Holly last week from Communities For Kids (Lincoln County) about their organizations upcoming needs, and how you can help with those during North Platte Giving Day. Aired on Eagle Radio on April 29. Give at www.northplattegiving.org and get more info on Communities For Kids Lincoln County here https://www.facebook.com/C4KLC

North Platte Giving Day - Lincoln County 4H looking to buy Agriculture Kits for educators

Derek Beck spoke with UNL Extension Educator Caitlyn Jacobson and 4H'r Makynzi Smith about Agriculture Education Kits that the Extension would like to purchase to share with educators from Lincoln County. Specifically, they're trying to raise money during North Platte Giving Day, donate at www.northplattegiving.org