The Post Podcast

LAKE McCONAUGHY, Neb. — Dust off those rods, untangle the tackle box, and stock up on leeches — fishing season is about to fire up at Lake McConaughy.

With water temperatures holding steady at 50°F near the dam, early May marks the beginning of peak action for walleye anglers. Fish are on the move post-spawn, and seasoned locals know this is the time to strike — especially around the Sand Creek and Otter Creek points, where the walleye tend to migrate.

Whether you're trolling sinkers, spinning rigs, or keeping it classic with a hook and crawler in 15 to 25 feet of water, chances are you'll find success. Just don’t forget your snacks — and maybe a lawn chair for those slower moments.

Currently, the lake is sitting at 61.6% capacity (3,239.4 feet, or roughly 1,073,600 acre-feet of water). Docks open for action include Divers Bay, Martin Bay low water, Lemoyne, Cedar View, and both north and south ramps at Lake Ogallala.

Planning to make a weekend of it? A friendly reminder: starting May 20 through Sept. 10, camping at both Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Areas requires an advance reservation. You can book beach spots 30 days out and campgrounds up to 180 days in advance. Until then, camping remains first-come, first-served. CLICK HERE TO MAKE RESERVATION

Thanks to the Keith County Visitors Center for keeping anglers in the loop — and if you're looking for updates or some fishy inspiration, check them out on Facebook (search Lake McConaughy).

So grab your gear and make your getaway — the fish are waiting, and so is the lake.

Derek Beck spoke with Molly Jeffres about the "Western Trails Sculpture Walk" kickoff event planned for this Monday, May 5.

Derek Beck spoke with  new Mid Plains Community College-Ogallala Campus Administrator Jenni Soper, and chated with outgoing administrator Mary Pierce ahead of commencement on May 9.

Derek Beck spoke with Jennifer and Taylor with Rape & Domestic Abuse Program in North Platte on April 30. The ladies spoke about funding cuts they're organization is facing and that they're looking forward to North Platte Giving Day on May 7. You can donate now (early) at www.northplattegiving.org 

EAGLE's Paxton Gordon spoke with Nelson Jett & Gena Cullinan from the North Platte Childrens Museum this week about the Museums "Giving Day" plans.

 

The North Platte Children’s Museum is gearing up for a major fundraising push during North Platte Giving Day on May 7, hoping to raise at least $5,000 to kick off a capital campaign for a new facility.

The museum, a local staple for over 25 years, is one of 74 Lincoln County nonprofits participating in the annual day of giving. Early donations are already being accepted at northplattegiving.org.

“Our goal this year is to raise at least $5,000, which will launch a much larger capital campaign to fund a new building,” said Nelson Jett, a board member for the museum. “Our current location has served us well, but it’s aging and in constant need of repairs. We hope to relocate within the next three to five years.”

Gena Cullinan, an ex-officio board member, emphasized the museum's historical value and its importance for families in the area.

“The museum was started about 26 years ago by a group of dedicated community members who wanted a place where children could explore and learn through play,” Cullinan said. “Today, we’re seeing growth in North Platte, and we want to match that growth by expanding what the museum offers.”

She said future plans include more STEM-focused exhibits and activities for older elementary students, transforming the museum into a year-round educational destination for families.

To raise awareness, the museum will host a free open house on May 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at its current location, 314 North Jeffers. The event will include music demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, hot cookie decorating, and opportunities to donate or set up recurring contributions.

“The children’s museum is one of the first things young families look for when moving to a new community,” Cullinan said. “This is about building something that inspires learning and supports our growing city.”

For more information or to donate, visit northplattegiving.org.

North Platte Kubota Podcast with Eagle's Derek Beck, speaking with Hope Esperanza's Maria Rodriguez & Community Connection's Angela Hipp

(Full Story)

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Downtown North Platte will come alive with music, dancing and family-friendly fun this Saturday, May 3, as Hope Esperanza hosts its 3rd Annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration.

The event will run from 1 to 6 p.m. on the bricks between 5th Street and Dewey and is free to attend.

“There’s gonna be a lot of things for families,” said Maria Rodriguez of Hope Esperanza. “We will have piñatas every 30 minutes—16 in total—and a DJ will be there keeping the energy up all afternoon.”

A folk dance group from Hastings will perform during the festivities, and children can enjoy games, face painting and more. Crowd favorites like the chili eating contest and the pan walk are set to return, with Lincoln County Sheriff Jerome Kramer among the brave contestants taking on the hot chili challenge.

Food will also be available, with Alicia’s Pupusas providing authentic eats for guests throughout the event.

In addition to the celebration, attendees can support Hope Esperanza by purchasing raffle tickets, which are being sold at Fresh Foods on East 4th Street. Tickets will be available Friday, April 25  from 3 to 5 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 26 from 1 to 3 p.m.

“They’re $5 for one or five tickets for $20,” Rodriguez said. “We have some amazing prizes this year.”

Raffle items include donations from Noel’s Food, San Pedro’s, Wild Bill’s, and Sustainable Beef, as well as gift cards to Margaritas, movie tickets from Golden Cinema, a donation from Ashley’s Home Store, and even a set of tires.

Rodriguez encourages families to come out and celebrate. “It’ll just be a fun night for the family to come out,” she said.

For more information, visit Hope Esperanza’s Facebook page.

Th Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report — your go-to source for the latest news, water conditions, and fishing action from Nebraska’s largest lake, Lake McConaughy.

First things first: If you’re having boat motor trouble, help is just down the road. Spahn Marine in Big Springs is a Mercury Marine Premier Dealer with Mercury-certified technicians who are ready to get you back on the water fast. Give them a call at 308-889-3531.

Now for the fishing: Did you know that of the 125 Master Angler walleye caught across Nebraska last year, a whopping 90 came from Lake McConaughy? And that’s not all — the lake claimed top honors with both the heaviest (15 lbs 2 oz) and longest (32") walleye. So far this year, three more 32-inchers have been caught, and just this week there were multiple reports of 10+ pound walleye being reeled in. The spring bite is on!

Water Conditions:

• Current lake elevation: 3,239.4 ft (61.6% capacity)

• Water temperature at the dam: 47°F

Boat & Shore Fishing Update:
Anglers trolling large crankbaits along the face of Kingsley Dam are finding success, while bank anglers are doing well with jigs and crankbaits. Thanks to Jake Fahrenbruch for the latest report from the water.

Docks are now in at Divers Bay, Martin Bay (low water), Lemoyne, Cedar View, and both the north and south ramps at Lake Ogallala.

Boater Reminder:
From sunset to sunrise through April 30, boats within 30 yards of Kingsley Dam must travel counter-clockwise (south-to-north) due to spawning regulations. All boats must stay at least 200 feet away from the dam's outlet and morning glory structures.

Coming Up:
Don’t miss the Catfish Classic Tournament next Saturday, May 3 at Lake McConaughy. For more details, contact Chad Vogl at (308) 355-2321.

That wraps up this week’s Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report. Catch more updates at SandhillsPost.com. This report is brought to you by Spahn Marine in Big Springs and our friends at Buzz’s Marine in Kearney.

Remember...Tight lines and safe boating!

Derek Beck spoke with Melissa Ewert with the Ogallala Goodall YMCA

In this POST Podcast, Derek Beck spoke with Wild West Soap Box Derby's Bob Collins who is the Rally Director about this Saturday kick off races in Ogallala.

 

OGALLALA, Neb.  — April 24, 2025 — Soap box derby season is set to roll out this Saturday in Ogallala, where young racers from across the country will gather at the Wild West Soap Box Derby Track for a day of head-to-head competition.

Located at 1502 North Spruce Street, the event will begin early with pit crews arriving at 7:30 a.m. for registration, vehicle inspections, and weigh-ins. The first race is expected to start around 9:30 a.m., according to Rally Director Bob Collins, a longtime organizer who’s been with the Wild West Soap Box Derby for more than 25 years.

“We’ll try to get all the cars weighed in, get everybody registered, and get their wheels checked — they can’t run their own wheels, they run ours,” Collins said. “Then we’ll get the cars scaled and the first race hopefully around 9:30. It should be a pretty full day.”

Organizers anticipate between 30 and 40 cars will compete, with participants traveling from states including Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and occasionally from as far away as California, Nevada, and Florida.

Racing is free for spectators, and attendees are encouraged to support the on-site concession stand. This weekend's event is billed as a "Double/Double," meaning racers will compete in back-to-back heats across all three divisions: Stock, Super Stock, and Masters.

Collins expressed gratitude to sponsors who make the event possible, including the Ogallala Optimist Club, Pinnacle Bank, Adams Bank & Trust, Kent’s Towing, NB Properties, and All Tech Electric. He added that the derby is actively seeking additional sponsors. Interested businesses can contact Collins at 308-289-6050 or Local Director Dave Barrett at 308-289-1464.

Ogallala City Manager Kevin Wilkins spot with Sandhills Post Wednesday morning, April 23 to recap the City Council Meeting on Tuesday Night

 

OGALLALA, Neb. — The Ogallala City Council appointed five residents to serve on the city’s newly created Historic Preservation Commission during its regular meeting Tuesday evening.

Kody Quint, Barb Jeffres, Molly Jeffres, Sheila Mitchell and Tomas Enland were named to the commission, which will play a key role in Ogallala’s efforts to designate a Historic District that includes the former Ogallala Middle School and Auditorium. City Manager Kevin Wilkins told the POST that forming the commission is the first step toward revitalizing the properties for future use as apartments.

“The Historic Preservation Commission is a new commission the city created about a month ago,” Wilkins said. “Basically, it engages properties in historic preservation so the city can join the Nebraska State Historical Society as a Certified Local Government, or CLG. With the CLG, we have the provision to create a landmark historical preservation district.”

The commission’s first meeting is scheduled for May 5, when members will organize, establish rules and procedures, and begin planning the proposed district. The proposed designation, which covers two parcels—the former middle school and auditorium—will then be presented to the Planning Commission on May 6, with final consideration by the City Council expected at its May 13 meeting.

In other business, the council heard from PeopleService Inc., Ogallala’s contracted water and wastewater services provider. The company reported an issue near C and D streets on the city’s east side, where a sewer line crosses over a water line. To correct the elevation conflict, PeopleService plans to install pipe elbows on both sides of the water line to maintain even flow in the sewer system.

The Ogallala Tree Board also provided an update, reminding residents of a rebate program offering up to $150 for planting new trees within city limits. Applications are available at Ogallala City Hall or from any Tree Board member.

Additionally, Ogallala’s Community Cleanup Week continues through Friday, April 25. Wilkins noted that Western Resources Group had already filled seven roll-off containers with recyclable materials as of last Friday. Residents can continue to drop off items through the end of the week at Western Resources Group, located at 3305 W H Street.

The next Ogallala City Council meeting is scheduled for May 13.