The Post Podcast

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

Tourism in the Spotlight: Conversation during National Tourism Week with Visit North Platte's Lisa Burke

Derek Beck spoke with Visit North Platte's Lisa Burke about National Tourism Week and there Excellence in Tourism Awards that will be held on Wednesday, May 7 in North Platte. 

 

STORY: 

North Platte, NE — As National Tourism Week kicks off across the country, North Platte is taking the opportunity to shine a light on the people and businesses that make the local tourism industry thrive. Visit North Platte, the city’s tourism bureau, will host its annual Excellence in Tourism Luncheon on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Venue 304, celebrating outstanding service and the vital economic role tourism plays in Lincoln County.

Lisa Burke, Executive Director of Visit North Platte, spoke with The POST this week about the importance of tourism and the recent findings of a comprehensive economic impact study. The results, which reflect tourism activity in 2023, underscore the industry’s massive contribution to the local economy.

According to Burke, tourism generated $121 million in Lincoln County last year alone. “Every other year we have a group that does a study for us—an economic impact study—and the last one was for the year of 2023,” she said. “They told us that $121 million is generated in Lincoln County due to tourism spending. It's also tied to 1,530 jobs, and those jobs bring in an income of $34 million. So tourism has a big impact on Lincoln County and everything that we do.”

But that’s not all. The study revealed that tourism contributes $10 million in tax revenue, reducing the tax burden for local residents. “I know nobody likes to talk about taxes,” Burke said with a smile. “But if there was no tourism in Lincoln County, the average household would have to pay an extra $735 a year to counteract the taxes generated from local tourism.”

In 2023, nearly 600,000 visitors explored North Platte and surrounding areas. The average traveling party consisted of 2.3 people, stayed two nights, and spent an average of $381 per day—a testament to the strength of the region’s hospitality, attractions, and small businesses.

To recognize the people behind those experiences, Visit North Platte will present five ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ awards at Wednesday’s luncheon. The categories include:

• Excellent Service within a Hotel

• Excellent Service within a Restaurant

• Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment

• Excellent Service at an Event

• Excellent Service within an Attraction

In addition, special honors will be given for Volunteer of the Year and the Hero of Tourism, acknowledging those who go above and beyond to make North Platte a welcoming and memorable destination.

“This is our chance to say thank you to the people who work hard every day to create positive experiences for visitors,” Burke said. “Tourism isn’t just about dollars—it’s about community pride, hospitality, and the stories we share with the world.”

The Excellence in Tourism Luncheon is open to the public, and Visit North Platte encourages locals to attend and show support for the individuals and organizations driving the region’s tourism success.

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Ogallala Tree Board Offers Tree Planting Reimbursement to Help Double City’s Canopy (Conversation with Drew Krab)

Derek Beck spoke with Ogallala Tree Board member Drew Krab about the reimbursment program Ogallala is offering for those that plant new trees..

 

Ogallala, NE — In an effort to restore and expand the city’s urban forest, the Ogallala Tree Board has launched a community-wide tree planting reimbursement program, with a long-term goal of doubling Ogallala’s tree canopy over the next decade.

“The Ogallala Tree Board has a goal that over the next 10 years we want to double the canopy in Ogallala,” said Drew Krab, a member of the board. “Historically Ogallala has had a great community forest, and we're trying to build that back.”

The reimbursement program is open to all Ogallala residents and aims to encourage the planting of large, healthy trees across neighborhoods and commercial corridors alike. Krab emphasized that the program is designed to be inclusive and equitable. “We open it up to everyone,” he said. “All of our neighborhoods could stand to have more trees.”

The board has about $5,000 in available funds for the program this year and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The reimbursement is for the lesser of the cost of the tree or $150. To qualify, residents must plant a tree with a minimum trunk caliper of half an inch—roughly six feet tall or more. The application process involves submitting a simple flyer-style form along with a receipt. The tree board then verifies that the tree has been planted before submitting the reimbursement request to the city.

Applications are available at the city offices and at Adams Bank & Trust, where Krab works. “The application is really a flyer,” he explained. “On one side it talks about the program and why we want to do it, and the backside is the actual application with just a few requirements.”

Beyond encouraging new growth, the board is also contending with aging trees—many over 100 years old—that have reached the end of their life cycle and pose safety concerns. “We’ve been trying to find as much money as we can to help with tree removal,” Krab noted. “Unfortunately, these older trees become a danger to the public.”

To date, the Tree Board has focused planting efforts along Ogallala’s main thoroughfares, such as Highway 30 and the city’s one-way streets. “When you see trees there, there’s a decent chance that the Tree Board facilitated that,” Krab said.

The program also receives funding through local donations and initiatives like the Big Give, and Krab said community support is vital to keeping it going.

“If people have questions, they can always give me a call,” Krab added. “I’m happy to share my cell phone number—308-289-0541. Whether it's questions about the program or about trees in general, I’m happy to help. We're very dedicated to this program.”

North Platte Gears Up for Annual Giving Day on May 7 Over $100,000 in matching funds and dozens of cash prizes available for local nonprofits

Derek Beck spoke with Eric Seacrest, Executive Director of Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation about North Platte Giving Day, which is this Wednesday, May 7. (Podcast Sponsored by NP Kubuta)

 

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — North Platte Giving Day returns this Wednesday, May 7, offering residents an opportunity to support dozens of nonprofits across Lincoln County — with the added incentive of matching funds and cash prizes. Early giving is already underway at www.northplattegiving.org.

Organized by the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, the annual fundraising event is now in its tenth year and has raised several million dollars for local causes since its inception.

“We have organizations from Brady to Sutherland, all over Lincoln County that participate in North Platte Giving Day,” said Eric Seacrest, Executive Director of the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, which hosts the event.

Seacrest emphasized that Giving Day is one of the most effective ways for people to support causes they care about, especially with the additional incentives built into the event. “We have lots of cash prizes that are gonna be awarded to local nonprofits based on people giving,” he said. “Some are random selections and in some cases, prizes go to the organization that got the most gifts — not dollars, but number of donations.”

According to Seacrest, 55 different cash prizes, ranging from $200 to $1,000, are being awarded this year. While a few have already been distributed during early giving, the majority remain up for grabs on Giving Day itself.

Another major feature of the event is over $100,000 in pledged matching funds, which will be applied to qualifying donations made to participating organizations. “Matching funds are great! A one-to-one match — some nonprofits have quite a bit pledged, some don’t have any,” Seacrest explained.

The initiative aligns closely with the mission of the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, which Seacrest said is “to help people do what they wanna do.” He added, “Hopefully people love their community and want to help somebody fund different projects.”

Gifts made during North Platte Giving Day are tax-deductible through the Community Foundation, a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations can be made easily online or by dropping off checks at several locations around town, including Orr’s Cleaners, the Catholic School Endowment, Prairie Arts Center, U-Save Pharmacy, and the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation office in downtown North Platte.

Whether large or small, every donation can make a meaningful impact, especially for the area’s smaller organizations. “Many of these organizations are so small and this is helpful,” Seacrest noted.

To learn more or make a donation, visit www.northplattegiving.org.

Lake Mac Report for May 2, 2025

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.

Ogallala to Unveil First-Ever Western Trails Sculpture Walk with Festive Kick-Off May 5

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

Mid Plains Community College Ogallala (Meet new administrator Jenni Soper, and chat with outgoing administrator Mary Pierce)

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.

RDAP gearing up for cuts in federal funding and looking forward to North Platte Giving Day

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 

North Platte Childrens Museum planning for Giving Day

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.

Hope Esperanza to Host 3rd Annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration in Downtown North Platte May 3rd

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.