The Post Podcast

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.

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 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.

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

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 (SPONSORED BY  Jordan Massen with Lashely Land & Recreational Brokers, Doug Kohler with Outlaw Trailers and Larry's Glass)

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"

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, 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 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!