I believe the U.S. is facing its most difficult potential Foreign threats in its history, which will require strong leadership.

Before attending a conference today on rural development, about 25 community leaders from across the state got a first-hand example Thursday.

After record October rainfall, area aquifers are charging at a rapid rate, which could spell flooding trouble next year if there's a rainy spring. The Central Platte Natural Resources District is just completing its fall groundwater readings of selected wells across the district. Preliminary results indicate some well readings are near what was recorded last spring.

All that Loup City's old Carnegie library is missing now is Harriet Gallaway. Peg Lyman and Wendy Charlton remember from their childhoods the longtime librarian's elaborate setups for read-along sessions, her customary spot behind the library's big central desk, her frequent shushes to talkative browsers.

 A Loup City man was convicted Tuesday of fraud in federal court for falsely reporting crop production on a client's insurance forms.

Freeze warnings were out Tuesday morning for Central Nebraska following a weekend where area rainfall was nearly 2 inches at some locations.

All it takes is a drive from tiny Sarpy County (241 square miles) across Nebraska to Cherry County (5,961 square miles, slightly larger than Connecticut) to see there's no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to Nebraska's counties. That doesn't just go for the size of those counties; it goes for the size of their boards, too. Stand before the county board in Hall, Buffalo or Adams County, and you'll face seven people.  Head east to Hamilton County, and you'll see just three. That could change next month, when Hamilton County residents vote on whether to increase their board's size to five members.

 It didn't seem likely that the victory bell would be ringing at Fullerton on Friday. The Warriors found themselves down by 21 points with 11 minutes, 38 seconds left and little going their way against Loup City. One furious rally later, Fullerton was celebrating a 28-27 victory that probably left the Red Raiders' heads ringing.

Three Central Nebraska organizations are among 16 that will receive a total of $9 million over four years for substance abuse prevention activities.

Now in its fifth year, Nebraska's Junk Jaunt is no longer a new event. Most Central Nebraskans are familiar with the three-day, 300-mile garage sale, and many antique enthusiasts across the state are, too.

Grand Island's quest to build a year-round household hazardous waste facility is expanding beyond the city.

Thanks to federal block grants for community developments, Central Nebraska towns will begin major projects.

Loup City Public Schools and Broken Bow Public Schools each received a Sixpence grant in partnership with Central Nebraska Community Services in Loup City.

LOUP CITY -- Kevin T. Fulton of Litchfield was arrested Thursday for his part in a fight that sent a Loup City man to the hospital, according to a press release from the Sherman County Sheriff's Department.