The last week the Nebraska Legislature was in session, a group of Senators took away our voting privileges. 117,000 plus voters throughout Nebraska asked that an issue be placed on the ballot and a handful of Senators denied those thousands the right to vote.

Susanne and I continue to pray for everyone impacted by the tornadoes that recently hit our state. The response to the tornadoes is yet another example of why Nebraska is the best place in the world. We suffered devastating hits to homes and property. But gratefully no Nebraska lives were lost. As soon as the storms passed, Nebraskans rolled up their sleeves and got to work. First responders worked tirelessly to make sure everyone was accounted for. Volunteers flocked to staging areas with hammers and saws. Churches filled trucks with bottled water, Gatorade, and food. This is a testament to the resilience and strength of our state.

I never expected that after attending a couple events in Omaha I’d be rushing to a friend’s basement for cover from massive tornadoes at the end of April. But that’s what thousands of Nebraskans were doing that weekend. The strongest tornadoes our state has seen in years swept across Nebraska, leaving unbelievable damage in their wake.

The historic tornadoes which pummeled the eastern and central portion of our state last week were devastating, and supporting the ongoing recovery efforts for Nebraskans remains top of mind. The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported damage to homes, farm equipment and buildings, power lines, other infrastructure, vehicles, and trees across many counties in the Third District. Fortunately, despite the destruction of hundreds of homes, no Nebraskans lost their lives. We owe such great thanks to the hard work of meteorologists, broadcasters, emergency responders, and countless volunteers who have donated time and resources to those affected.

Nebraska schools have been awarded $10 million in safety and security grants for security- related infrastructure projects, ensuring a safer learning environment for students statewide. Among these schools is Sterling Public, which received $7,490 for doors and locks.

The Johnson County Hospital has been ranked in the Top 20 Best Practices & Quality among critical access hospitals by the National Rural Health Association. There are 1,332 critical access hospitals in the U.S. The five catagories included in these measures are heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, and outpatient.

VFW Auxiliary 8221 We HONOR the Veterans and SERVE our Community. And, We Need YOU! Honramos a los veteranos y servimos a nuestra comunidad.

BEATRICE, Neb. – Curious about the plants and animals of Homestead National Historical Park? Then be at the park on Saturday, May 11, 2024, for the 2024 Critter Count - Bioblitz! The three ranger-led nature walks will start at Homestead’s Education Center.

Grandson Number Three is a wise and energetic 22-month-old. He likes to talk to me via video-chat.

On May 4, Concordia University, Nebraska awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees to more than 475 graduates. The class of 2024 was honored during an undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremony.