LAKE MAC REPORT for August 15, 2025 — brought to you by Spahn Marine in Big Springs, Nebraska — where the boats are shiny, the service is friendly, and the fish stories are always free!

If you’re a trout chaser, Lake Ogallala is still the place to be. The river and canal below the lake are giving up plenty of fish, and some bigger trout are starting to show up right in the lake itself.

Prefer whiskers over fins? Catfish at Lake Mac are on the prowl this month, biting best from dusk to dawn pretty much anywhere you drop a line. Just remember — the later it gets, the taller your stories get.

During the day, smallmouth bass are still hitting hard along the rocky points on the south side and the face of the dam. Walleye hunters are finding some action too — 25 to 30 feet down with crankbaits is the magic recipe.

Available docks: Divers Bay, Martin Bay low water, both docks at Lake Ogallala, and the fishing dock in the northwest corner.

Lake McConaughy’s water temperature is about 77 degrees, elevation 3,225.3 feet. Inflows from the North Platte River are running around 650 cubic feet per second, with outflows at about 2,500. For the full water-level breakdown, check the CNPPID site once they update their numbers.

It’s still camping season, so grab your spot at outdoornebraska.gov or call 844-637-2757. Campfires are allowed, but keep ’em in a pit under 3 feet and don’t turn your hot dogs into torches.

Big thanks to Patrick Schnell from Nebraska Game and Parks for the fishing intel — and remember, this Outdoor Report is powered by Spahn Marine in Big Springs… because the only thing better than catching a fish is showing up in style to do it.

Lake Mac Report (August 15, 2025)

The Hot Sheets: August 16, 2025

The Hot Sheets: August 15, 2025

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Bidding is underway for the 2025 North Platte Community College Foundation Auction House — a custom-built home constructed by students in the college’s Building Construction, Electrical and HVAC-R Technology programs.&nbsp;

The annual project gives students hands-on training from the foundation up, with proceeds from the silent auction funding scholarships for future building trades students.&nbsp;

The public can tour the home during open houses from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and Aug. 25 on the college’s north campus, 1101 Halligan Drive. Individual tours are available by calling the North Campus Welcome Center at 308-535-3601.&nbsp;

This year’s house spans 1,886 square feet with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, Andersen 100 Series windows, LED lighting, high-performance insulation and LP SmartSide siding with a 30-year warranty. Interior features include solid hardwood floors, Shaker-style hickory cabinets, quartz countertops and a master shower with a full ceramic tile enclosure.&nbsp;

The home is wired for cable and telephones, but the buyer must install an electrical meter, main service disconnect, water heater, furnace and ventilation systems.&nbsp;

The minimum bid is $200,000, and bidders must be pre-qualified. Offers can be submitted <a href="https://www.mpcc.edu/house-auction.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawML9jdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxdFBSMllJOGZSVllIRkFHAR6FXgvLYae9bmbPhetYDBJmN_16WRyBOxJWX-0H8XAqLG-irPIyZzOnaeGyKQ_aem_Fdb_OpO4PuguOMzRbBkaAg">HERE</a> until 10:30 a.m. Aug. 26. After that, bids will be accepted in person until 12:30 p.m. in Room 206 of the W.W. Wood Building. The highest bid will be posted online during the auction.&nbsp;

Bidding Opens for NPCC Student-Built Home, Open Houses Set for Aug. 22, 25

North Platte — Thursday’s schedule at the Chase County Fair and Expo in Imperial features a mix of tradition and new attractions, including a rescheduled 4-H livestock sale and a first-time Hispanic concert.

Fair board member Jake Burke said the 4-H sale, typically held on Friday, will take place Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the show barn. “If anyone wants to come out and support the kids for all their hard work, it’s in the show barn today,” Burke said. “Show them that their effort didn’t go unnoticed.”

Buyers at the sale can choose to process the animals, with processing spots available at area facilities.

Later in the evening, gates open at 7 p.m. for the Hispanic concert in the grandstand arena, featuring La Fiera at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the fair ticket booth.

The fair’s carnival, billed as the largest in the area, continues Thursday. Day passes can be purchased at the carnival’s ticket booth, while “Mega Pass” wristbands — good for unlimited rides for the entire carnival run — are available through the fair’s website or ticket booth.

The Chase County Fair runs through the weekend, with concerts, livestock events, and entertainment scheduled each day.

4-H Sale, Hispanic concert highlight Thursday at Chase County Fair

Paulsen, Inc. will be working on the paving project along West 9th Street between Hayes Avenue and Buffalo Bill Avenue; the east side of Buffalo Bill Avenue to the west side of Hayes Avenue will be closed to all traffic in this area starting Tuesday, August 19, 2025, until the project is complete.

Alternate routes will be needed during construction.

Please use caution around the construction area and observe and follow all signs for the safety of you and the workers.

The North Platte Engineering Department would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation in making this a safe and expedient project.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of North Platte Engineering Department at 535-6724.

Construction on West 9th Street between Hayes Avenue and Buffalo Bill Avenue

&nbsp; The City of North Platte Water Department will be working on street and utility repairs at the intersection of West Philip Avenue and Gilman Avenue. This intersection will be closed. Work will start on Monday, August 18, 2025, until the repairs are complete.

The North Platte Water Department would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation in making this a safe and expedient project.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of North Platte Water Department at 535-6740.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte Road Closure - West Phillip and Gilman Ave

The Hot Sheets: August 14, 2025

The Sutherland Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska Public Power District will be hosting an open house at the Village office to discuss the Districts plan for the modular nuclear power plants after Sutherland was recognized as one of 16 communities best suited for the next generation nuclear reactor.

Sutherland to host Open House on small nuclear power plants

The North Platte Police Department along with law enforcement agencies nationwide will participate in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”, high-visibility, drunk driving enforcement campaign from August 16th through September 1st 2025. 

Drunk driving is not only illegal, but deadly. During the 2023 Labor Day Holiday, 311 drivers were killed in traffic crashes. 109 or 35% were alcohol-impaired with a BAC of .08 or above. 

The North Platte Police Department asks that you always plan for a safe and sober ride: designate a sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare.

NPPD participates drive sober traffic grant

IMPERIAL, Neb. (Aug. 13, 2025) — The Chase County Fair in Imperial is hitting its stride this week with a packed schedule of family events, concerts, and traditional fair favorites running through Saturday night.

Jacob Burke, a member of the Chase County Fair Board, said Wednesday marked the week’s first “big day,” featuring family-oriented attractions like turtle races, a climbing wall sponsored by the Imperial Community Foundation, a homemade pie and ice cream social, and the opening of the carnival.

Thursday’s schedule includes the 4-H and FFA livestock sale — moved up from Friday for the first time — beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a new Hispanic concert at 8 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m., and tickets are available online or at the fairgrounds.

The grandstand concerts kick off Friday with Ty Myers, Redferrin, and Anna Lucia, along with DJ Grant Fisher performing before and after the shows. Saturday’s entertainment will feature Hudson Westbrook, currently holding a Top 20 national hit, with Ned LeDoux opening.

Carnival rides run daily, with unlimited ride passes available. Other highlights include a parade Saturday morning, a car and motorcycle show, cornhole tournament, bingo, and free family shows throughout the fairgrounds.

Burke credited the fair’s 160 sponsors and a volunteer board for making the event possible each year. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our sponsors and volunteers,” he said.

Full schedules and ticket information are available at <a href="https://www.chasecountyfair.com/">ChaseCountyFair.com</a>

Chase County Fair in Imperial will close out the week with big events planned

Celebrate creativity at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrairieArtsCenter?__cft__[0]=AZV8STkjtnrCZQE9hhoPpMsZZAfbah04AophBeiZ4ikH8aGkJgMtLNeDNx2YrVEv684uwL5K_xxQoDemarguHZ9RgVPXqRmQnnHlnj2MSTvXrvFj26wWVSJwTtC8qWf0GRPPDLuzf3gVxq5VfTrv5Y5DrTEb0T1KykQ7YqJ9rQD3ng&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Prairie Arts Center</a> on August 9th from 11 AM – 3 PM with FREE admission!

 Free Art Classes &amp; Open Studio Ceramics (11 AM – 2 PM)From origami to watercolor minis, Q-tip painting to wooden pumpkins — try something new in 30-minute quick classes! (First come, first serve.)

 Artist Market &amp; Live Demos (11 AM – 2 PM)Shop from talented local artists, enjoy woodcarving, clay wheel throwing, painting &amp; drawing demos.

 Bob Ross Costume Contest (11 AM – 2 PM)Dress like everyone’s favorite happy little painter for a chance to win a prize!

 Amateur Hour Painting Competition (2 PM – 3 PM)Watch locals show off their painting skills — for free!

 Plus: face painting, raffles, downtown sculpture walk tours, art &amp; food vendors, and so much more.

(Audio) Tara and Traeli from the Prairie Arts Center discusses the upcoming Art Affair

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte City Council worked through a packed agenda Tuesday night, tackling key issues from airport funding to conditional use permits including a well-attended public hearing on a proposed daycare center at the former Osgood School building.

Despite the many things on the agenda, the meeting remained civil and productive, Mayor Brandon Kelliher said.

“If you come out alive and don’t feel like you were beating each other up, I think we’re going to claim that as an overall success,” Kelliher said.

Airport Funding and Port of the Plains Expansion

The Council approved a resolution allowing city administration to draft an agreement with the North Platte Regional Airport Authority to provide monthly advances of its annual property tax revenues. The move aims to help the airport avoid taking out costly lines of credit by smoothing its revenue stream.

“It’s really a tax control measure,” Kelliher said, explaining that consistent monthly advances will eliminate the need for interest payments and reduce future tax burden.

The council also supported a resolution recommending the inclusion of the airport within the boundaries of the Nebraska International Port of the Plains. The move would allow for future cargo operations and potential commercial development on airport grounds—possibly making North Platte the first city in Nebraska with a port designation at an airport.

With new tennis and pickleball courts now open, councilmembers addressed concerns about damage from off-leash dogs during training sessions. The council held the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting animals on the new court surfaces and introduced plans to install a fenced dog training area at Kriz Park.

“We’re not trying to displace dog trainers permanently,” Kelliher said. “We just can’t have the surface of the tennis courts damaged.”

The designated dog training area won’t be a full dog park but will offer space for off-leash training, fetching, and classes. The mayor said future expansions could be considered depending on how the area is used.

Public Hearing: Daycare at Former School Endorsed

The most anticipated item of the night was a public hearing and conditional use permit application by Trucks N Tiaras Academy, a local daycare operator seeking to move to 491–495 W. State Farm Road, formerly Osgood School.

“Usually when there's something contentious, someone will speak against it—even just one person,” Kelliher said. “But in this case, all public comments were in favor.”

Ryan Purdy, president of Mid-Plains Community College, which purchased the building earlier this year, shared the college’s future plans during the meeting. While Trucks N Tiaras will operate in the facility under a two-year lease, the college is preparing to develop academic programs at the site thereafter.

Mayor Kelliher took a moment to remind residents of the importance of public hearings and civic involvement.

“You make the best decisions when you have all the facts,” he said. “Just because you don’t agree with something doesn’t mean your facts are wrong. That’s how the democratic process works.”

Kelliher encouraged residents to attend council meetings, ask questions, and share their perspectives — especially on issues that matter directly to them.

“There’s nothing wrong with coming out and saying you disagree with something. It’s not only welcomed, it’s essential.”

The next North Platte City Council meeting is scheduled for later this month.

Council approves Airport Funding Plan, Endorses Daycare Permit at former Osgood School

&nbsp;Paxton Gordon sat down with Paul from Pal’s Brewing Company to preview an action-packed weekend of events. This Friday, Pal’s hosts its 7th Annual Craft Beer Festival, featuring a wide selection of regional breweries, live music, and a lively atmosphere perfect for beer lovers. Then on Saturday, it's the return of the 2nd Annual Boots 'N Beef Music Festival, celebrating Nebraska’s best beef with great food, country music, and cold brews. Paul shared all the details, inviting everyone out for a weekend full of flavor and fun at Pal’s.

Pal’s Brewing gears up for Craft Beer Festival and Boots & Beef Weekend

By Derek Beck North Platte Post| August 1, 2025 | North Platte, Neb.

A local chapter of the Widows Sons motorcycle organization presented a $6,000 donation to Homestead Refuge on Friday morning, offering a significant boost to the nonprofit’s mission of supporting victims of sex trafficking in rural Nebraska.

The presentation took place during a live radio interview at Eagle Media in North Platte, where representatives from both groups spoke about their shared commitment to helping vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives.

Road Runner, Guardian of Membership for District 13 and a representative of the Widows Sons’ Western Travelers Chapter, said the funds were raised during the group’s annual state rally held in June. The Widows Sons, a fraternal motorcycle group made up of Master Masons, selected Homestead Refuge as the charitable beneficiary for this year’s event.

“We’re a charitable riding organization that focuses on helping widows, orphans, and anyone in need, especially those affected by abuse or hardship,” Road Runner said. “We’re proud of what we were able to raise with the help of our brothers from across the country.”

The Western Travelers Chapter includes nine fully patched members and two journeymen currently working toward full membership. The funds were raised through raffles, auctions, and other rally activities.

Accepting the donation on behalf of Homestead Refuge was Betty Remus, a volunteer who has been instrumental in the organization’s development.

Located in rural Lincoln County, Homestead Refuge offers a safe haven for survivors of sex trafficking, providing peace, privacy, and healing in a country setting. The home features animals and quiet outdoor spaces to aid in recovery.

“We’re a place where survivors can escape the chaos and begin the long process of healing,” Remus said. “This donation means the world to us, especially as we work to sustain and grow our program with limited staff and funding.”

Homestead Refuge currently employs one paid staff member, thanks to a private donor, with the remainder of operations handled by volunteers. The organization began about four years ago, when Remus and others repurposed an old family home into a shelter after feeling called to address the growing trafficking issue in the area.

For more information or to support Heartland Refuge, visit <a href="https://www.homesteadrefuge.org/">HomesteadRefuge.org</a>

Widows Sons Donate $6,000 to Homestead Refuge for Victims of Trafficking

North Platte 80s Head Coach Todd Everleth joined host Paxton Gordon on the show to preview the team’s upcoming playoff showdown against the Blackwell Flycatchers. Everleth broke down the team’s approach heading into the high-stakes matchup. He also reflected on the excitement surrounding Trevor Pochop Night, honoring the fan-favorite’s impact on and off the field.

North Platte 80s Manager Todd Everleth joins to talk about the Pecos Playoffs and Trevor Pochop Night

Evan and Bruce get together to talk about all the latest action in the Pecos League, playoff implications and more. And keeping with the catchphrase, "Anything can happen in the Pecos League" we talk about impromptu laundry service and chess boards, too. All of that, and North Platte RF/PH/jack of all trades Ryan Lutinski joins Evan for this week's interview. Don't miss it!&nbsp;

Wild Card Fever, Chess Championships, Super Sub Ryan Lutinski and more. Another fun week in the Pecos League!

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Families in the North Platte area are invited to a one-stop community health event this Friday, July 25, at Mid-Plains Community College’s North Campus, where organizers hope to eliminate barriers and connect residents to vital services — all while having a little fun.

Running from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Community Health Fair is a collaborative effort led by organizations including Hope Esperanza, Great Plains Health, West Central District Health Department, North Platte Public Schools, and People’s Health. This year’s event moves to the college’s North Campus at 1101 Halligan Drive, with health booths, safety resources, and school-readiness support available to the public at no cost.

Maria Rodriguez of Hope Esperanza, a nonprofit helping bridge language gaps and connect underserved residents to resources, said the event is designed to streamline back-to-school preparations for local families — particularly those new to the area.

“It’s a one-stop shop where parents can take their children to get vaccines, health screenings, school registrations, safety education, and so much more,” Rodriguez said in a radio interview this week. “We have a lot of newcomers, and we’ve been encouraging them to come, because they can get almost everything done in one visit.”

Booths inside the college cafeteria will feature health screenings, vaccinations, educational materials, and community resources. Outside, families can enjoy kid-friendly activities including a helicopter landing by LifeNet at 4:30 p.m., free backpacks for children who complete activity cards, and grilled food provided by Sustainable Beef, using a grill donated by First Interstate Bank.

Hope Esperanza will also provide language access services for non-English speakers — a core part of its mission, which began with outreach to minority communities but has since expanded to serve all residents.

“We started this to bridge the language gap, but we saw the greater need across the whole community,” Rodriguez said. “This is also a great place to learn about resources people may not need now but could need in the future.”

Rodriguez credited funding from the Nebraska Blue Foundation for helping make the event possible. Part of the grant supports the health fair, while the remainder will fund ongoing health-focused programs through Hope Esperanza.

With school just weeks away, organizers hope families will take advantage of the opportunity to prepare — and enjoy a fun Friday afternoon.

“Bring the kids — there’s something for everyone,” Rodriguez said. “We hope to see you all there.”

Health Fair Offers One-Stop Services, Fun for Families at North Platte Community College Today (PODCAST)

GRANT, Neb. — With near-perfect weather and a jam-packed schedule, the Perkins County Fair in Grant is in full swing — and gearing up for a high-energy weekend of food, fun, and live music.

Kasey Kroeker of the Perkins County Fair Board joined Z93.5 Country’s Derek Beck Thursday morning to preview the final days of the fair, which officially kicked off with a community Chamber breakfast and continues with a flurry of 4-H events, family activities, and live entertainment.

“Whatever meets your fancy, we’ve got it,” Kroeker said, highlighting a diverse lineup of food vendors offering everything from barbecue to Mexican cuisine, pizza, and ice cream. “We’ve got some new ones this year, and the weather’s been amazing.”

Thursday night marks the start of the fair’s major entertainment slate, featuring a Ranch Rodeo with 11–12 teams, FFA Farm Olympics, and mutton busting. The beer garden will be open and ready for guests.

“We’ve got a great group on the board that puts the Ranch Rodeo together,” Kroeker said. “FFA’s going to put on a good show too — I’ve heard it’s going to be pretty funny.”

Friday brings a full day of family fun with a Kids Carnival and a performance by local talent Shane Parde at 5 p.m. in the bingo area — a popular return act, playing both Friday and Saturday evenings.

“He just plays with his guitar and has a great voice. He’s super entertaining,” Kroeker said.

That sets the stage for Friday night’s big rock concert with Eve 6, with gates opening at 6 p.m. A live DJ will entertain ahead of the 8 p.m. show, with more music following the concert.

“This is new for us,” Kroeker said. “We had the rodeo last year, but we wanted to mix it up. Eve 6 was a great option. If you’re a 90s or 2000s fan, you’ll definitely recognize the hits.”

Country Music Doubleheader Saturday

Saturday brings even more with the traditional parade in the morning, followed by the annual 4-H barbecue — an important fundraiser for local youth programs.

“We really want people to come out and support it. All that money goes back to the 4-H Council and the kids,” Kroeker said.

The afternoon includes a kids’ tractor pull before things gear up again for the final night’s headline show — a country music doubleheader with Josh Ross and Joe Nichols.

“Josh Ross is an up-and-comer we were lucky to book. And pairing him with Joe Nichols — who has had hit after hit — makes for a huge finale,” Kroeker said.

Tickets are available in advance at <a href="http://perkinscountyfairgrounds.com">perkinscountyfairgrounds.com</a> and at the gate. Schedules, updates, and photos are posted regularly on the fair’s Facebook page.

Kroeker emphasized the importance of community support and local sponsors in making the event possible.

“Everything we do down here — it doesn’t happen without our sponsors,” he said. “If you’re at the fair, go thank them. Better yet, shop with them. That’s how all of this works.”

Big Crowds, Big Sounds Expected at Perkins County Fair This Weekend in Grant (PODCAST)

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — In a nearly three-hour session Tuesday night, the North Platte City Council tackled a packed agenda featuring major infrastructure investments, commercial redevelopment progress, and housing rehabilitation projects.

Mayor Brandon Kelliher said the council’s extended discussion reflected “a lot of good activity,” highlighting the reappointment of Lee Davies, Kathleen Matthews and Emily Worll to the city’s Planning Commission. “They dedicate three to six hours a month—sometimes more—on work that really shapes our community,” Kelliher said.

The council discussed the first reading of an ordinance outlining wastewater charges for users of the city’s new industrial wastewater plant, built to support Sustainable Beef. As the facility's sole user for now, Sustainable Beef will shoulder all operational and debt service costs. The city also authorized a contract with HDR Engineering to assist with the plant's construction phase.

“This isn’t costing taxpayers anything,” Kelliher noted. “And this infrastructure is already attracting interest from other major employers looking to bring about 150 jobs.”

In redevelopment matters, the council approved an amendment to the North Platte Mall project’s redevelopment contract, part of the District 177 site. The site, which now hosts successful retail additions like Five Below and TJ Maxx, could soon see further expansion in the near future. “This incentive-based model rewards developers who bring in retailers our community wants,” Kelliher said.

On housing and road expansion, council members discussed paving changes and awarded a contract to Paulsen Inc. to extend Francis Street eastward.

Lastly, the council reviewed a proposal from the North Platte Regional Airport Authority seeking budget distribution changes to avoid high-interest lines of credit, potentially saving taxpayers money.&nbsp;

“We’re trying to be efficient with every tax dollar,” Kelliher said.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for August 6.

North Platte City Council wraps up Lengthy Meeting with Key Infrastructure, Development votes

COZAD, Neb. — Cozad’s popular Bands, Brews &amp; Barbecue event returns this Saturday, offering a full day of live music, local vendors, and sizzling barbecue in downtown Cozad.

Hosted by the Cozad Chamber of Commerce, the event kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs through midnight, with activities scheduled throughout the day for all ages.

“This event really has it all,” said Chamber Director Jordan Starman. “We’ve got live music, a barbecue cook-off, bounce houses for the kids, and a great variety of vendors. It’s going to be a great day.”

The day begins with vendor booths opening at 9 a.m. in the green space next to the 100th Meridian Museum, offering everything from coffee and baked goods to crafts and baby items. Vendors will remain open until 4 p.m.

At 10 a.m., visitors can view a half-size replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the museum. The Sweet Adelines will follow at 11 a.m. with a performance of patriotic music. Free children’s activities, including bounce houses and obstacle courses, will also begin at 11.

The evening’s headline entertainment begins when gates open at 6:30 p.m., with all-you-can-eat barbecue included in the price of admission. Sweetwater takes the stage first, followed by featured performer Tyler Anthony.

The centerpiece of the evening is the barbecue contest, with six local grillers from the Cozad and Gothenburg areas competing for prizes. All competitors receive identical cuts of meat—donated by Tyson and Busy Bones Butchers—and are judged on appearance, flavor, and presentation. Judging begins at 5:30 p.m., and winners will be announced prior to the evening performances. Cash prizes and custom trophies are up for grabs.

Attendees can purchase tickets for $20 in advance through the Cozad Chamber office at 121 West 9th Street or by contacting the chamber directly. Tickets will also be available at the gate on Saturday for $30.

Starman says the weather is expected to cooperate, with a comfortable forecast in the mid-80s.

“It always seems to fall on the hottest day of the year, but this year looks pretty mild,” she said. “We’re ready for a great time.”

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact the Cozad Chamber of Commerce.

Cozad Set to Host Full Day of Food, Music, and Fun at Bands, Brews & Barbecue This Saturday

Read the letter the First Lady had the President deliver to Putin

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem used social media on Thursday to congratulate the men and women of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

Troopers in South Dakota this week made &nbsp;the largest meth bust in state history — 207 pounds worth $12Million. &nbsp;

Noem, who served as South Dakota governor from 2019-2025 wrote, "This criminal, an illegal alien from Mexico, is now in immigration proceedings. Justice will be served."

Patrol seized 207 pounds of meth worth $12 million

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold will not keep a performance-based 15% salary bonus and will instead donate the funds to support campus programs.

Gold announced the decision Friday, a day after the NU Board of Regents voted 6-2 to award him the&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nebraska.edu/docs/board/agendas/Agenda%208-14-25%20with%20Materials.pdf#page=308" target="_blank">$159,386 bonus</a>&nbsp;on top of his base salary of $1.06 million. Multiple regents said the question wasn’t whether Gold had earned the bonus. The metrics the regents baked into Gold’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/-/media/projects/unca/docs/transparency/contracts/gold-contract-of-employment-and-deferred-compensation-agreement.pdf" target="_blank">employment contract</a>&nbsp;after each year in office said he had. Instead, some regents said it was a question of how to pay for it.

NU faces a&nbsp;<a href="https://nupublicweb.blob.core.windows.net/$web/unop/docs/Board%20of%20Regents/2025/June%2019,%202025/Agenda%206-19-25%20with%20Materials.pdf" target="_blank">systemwide budget deficit of $20 million</a>, which Gold cited for declining his bonus.

“I am grateful for the strong support of the Board of Regents and inspired every day by our students, faculty and staff,” Gold said in a Friday statement. “It is an honor to be able to make this decision to support our university and the communities we serve during this critical time for higher education.”

Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, chair of the NU Board of Regents, praised Gold’s decision and for a tenure that “has consistently put students at the center of his leadership.”

“We are grateful for his generosity and for the example he continues to set for our university community,” Kenney said in a Friday statement.

Regents Kathy Wilmot of Beaver City and Jim Scheer of Norfolk opposed paying the bonus, both suggesting that finding an alternative funding source would be better.

Scheer, a former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, which decides how much the state funds NU, said his opposing vote was “not one of disrespect” for Gold, a sentiment Wilmot echoed.

“We are in a financial bind,” Scheer said. “We are continuing to have to reduce services and other things across all the campuses to rectify our budget problems.”

Wilmot said she has seen how much Nebraskans appreciate Gold when he’s out in the community, and she said she knows he has “definitely” met the requirements for merit pay. However, she said, families and students will be impacted by budget cuts and tuition hikes.

Part of NU’s budget shortfall comes with the slowing of year-to-year increases in state funding under Gov. Jim Pillen, a former regent for 10 years before becoming governor in 2023. NU will offer a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/08/nu-will-offer-tenured-faculty-buyout-program-to-help-close-budget-gaps/">buyout program this fall for tenured NU faculty</a>&nbsp;who are at least 62 years old and have 10 years of service to NU.

Other NU campus leaders will need to find specific ways to save funds, such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which is planning to cut $27.5 million by the end of the year to help close the systemwide budget hole and also close a campus-specific shortfall.

Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice joined Wilmot in June to oppose NU’s 2025-26 operating budget of $1.1 billion, which is composed of tuition and state dollars. He did so in part because it included a 5% tuition increase, which he said was a policy choice.&nbsp;

However, with the board’s contract with Gold, Schafer said regents had agreed “to pay him X, and if he performs Y, then he also gets Z.”

“It’s baked into the contract. It’s not a discretionary bonus or anything,” Schafer said Thursday.

Regents Elizabeth O’Connor and Jack Stark, both of Omaha, said the board’s hesitation to pay Gold’s bonus could set a bad precedent. They worried about what message it might send.

“The university cannot enter into contracts, refuse to honor them and look for private entities to bail us out,” O’Connor said. “That’s a non-starter.”

Sarah Zuckerman, an associate professor of educational administration at UNL and president of the campus chapter of the American Association of University Professors, was among those calling for Gold to donate his awarded bonus.&nbsp;

She noted NU presidential salaries have ballooned 281% since 2012, standing as a “stark contrast” to faculty and staff salaries.

“Tenure-line faculty are increasingly replaced with contingent faculty who are paid less and have fewer academic freedom protections,” Zuckerman told the Nebraska Examiner.

Upon learning of Gold’s decision not to keep his bonus and to donate it, Zuckerman said the AAUP UNL chapter is appreciative of his action but still concerned, as UNL faculty and staff have been “demoralized” after significant annual budget cuts while being asked to do more with less as executive compensation continues to rise.

NU’s operating budget for this fiscal year also included no across-the-board merit pay pool for campus staff, meaning most non-professorial employees at NU will not receive a raise.

Many faculty at UNL and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, who are not unionized, also won’t receive raises unless departments budget for those increases. Faculty at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and University of Nebraska at Omaha have negotiated contracts through their unions.

Schafer, who has served as a regent since 2013, said he has served with multiple NU presidents, but he said none had brought “as much talent to the table” or “accomplished more to move Nebraska ahead” than Gold.

Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, who has served as a regent since 2009, said he was honored to vote for the bonus as Gold has “done absolutely everything we’ve asked.”

UNMC Student Regent Brock Calamari said Gold had shown he would exceed board expectations while also fulfilling a pledge to listen to and seriously consider student opinions. Gold previously served as UNMC chancellor for 10 years.

Said Calamari: “I think he’s worth every dollar that we give him.”

NU President Gold will not keep $159,000 bonus, donating funds to support campus programs

🎥Trump and Putin reach an 'understanding,' but offer no details 

United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that five people were charged by complaint for a range of federal violations that center around their alleged conspiracy to engage in labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and harboring of aliens at several hotel locations across the Omaha metro area and into central Nebraska, according to a media release.

The defendants own, operate and manage several hotels in the Omaha metro area located at the following locations where federal search warrants were executed in the early morning hours of August 12, 2025:

The five charged and arrested on August 12, 2025, are:

The redacted complaint affidavit contains a more complete summary of the allegations. Criminal Complaints are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners worked together today to safely execute search warrants at 14 business premises and two residential locations associated with the defendants.&nbsp; Four of those premises were either hotels or motels, and the remaining businesses were “Brow and Lash” salons located in the Westroads Mall and at other Omaha metro area locations.

During the operation, law enforcement officers rescued 10 minors from an alleged labor trafficking conspiracy that involved putting children under the age of twelve years old to work at the hotels for long hours with little to no pay.&nbsp; Seventeen adult victims were also rescued from the same conspiracy.&nbsp; The complaint affidavit details the allegedly exploitative conditions these victims were subjected to while being required to pay the defendants for their lodging at the hotels.&nbsp; The lodging accommodations were unclean, unsafe, and unhealthy.&nbsp;Online reviews for the hotel locations detail the firsthand accounts of travelers who occupied the same locations briefly.&nbsp; On one occasion, a source working with the federal government entered a hotel room where immigrant victims were sleeping on the floor of the room with cockroaches crawling on the victims as they slept.

Separately, the United States Attorney’s Office has alleged that one or more of the defendants were engaged in a sex trafficking conspiracy that allegedly victimized both minors and adults.&nbsp; Sex trafficking was not only allowed at the hotels according to complaint affidavit allegations but also encouraged, protected from law enforcement detection, and sex trafficking victims at the hotels were subjected not only to the traditional perpetrators of a sex trafficking scheme but also to hotel management and employees victimizing them as well.

Beyond these allegations, multiple defendants are alleged to have maintained these hotels as premises to conduct drug trafficking freely.&nbsp; &nbsp;Drug traffickers allegedly received protection from law enforcement in the same manner in which human traffickers were also shielded by the hotel owners and managers.&nbsp; Overdoses were a common problem, and at least one hotel had to keep Narcan at the front desk as a result.&nbsp; One source cited described a stairwell of one of the hotels as being littered with drug needles.&nbsp; Drug use was open and notorious in the parking lots according to eyewitnesses and to some online guest reviews.

At least one of the defendants is charged with a conspiracy to defraud the United States government by instigating a criminal scheme designed to obtain U visas under fraudulent circumstances. The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.&nbsp; Allegations in the complaint affidavits reveal that one hotel owner hired a worker at a hotel to stage a fictitious robbery of one of the Brow and Lash salons in 2022.&nbsp;The goal was to secure a U visa for one of the other defendants by making her a “victim” of the robbery.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The complaint further alleges one of the defendants engaged in conversations involving questions about what it would cost to bring someone from India to America and negotiating various prices.&nbsp; A number of hotel employees crossed the Arizona border several years ago and reported to Customs and Border Patrol they would be residing at one or more of the defendant’s hotels, thereby indicating those arrangements were made prior to entering the country illegally.&nbsp;Furthermore, the complaint alleges that aliens were being transported by co-conspirators between the State of Nebraska and the State of Washington for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining Washington state driver’s licenses for around $1,000 per identification document.

The various alleged conspiracies generated significant illegal proceeds, and as part of today’s operation, significant cash assets were seized to include more than $565,000 in U.S. currency that are alleged to be involved in money laundering. The United States filed a notice of pending lawsuit on the hotel properties to prevent their sale or transfer while this investigation is ongoing.&nbsp; The United States Marshals Service is actively recovering assets in this investigation alleged to have been illegally acquired and hoarded by the defendants. Also, seized during this operation was an undetermined amount illicit drugs that will be quantified as this investigation progresses.

Several vigilant citizens made complaints to Human Trafficking Hotlines about child workers and sex trafficking issues at one or more of these hotels, and we commend the members of our community who help shine a light on these unspeakable crimes and give a voice to the voiceless.

Due to the number of victims already identified in this ongoing federal investigation and the breadth and combination of the alleged charges, the FBI has requested that anyone having additional information on the crimes occurring at these locations or other business locations in Nebraska where similar crimes occurred, please contact the Omaha FBI field office to report that information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

United States Attorney Lesley Woods said, “There is no evil greater than the evil that seeks to trap, oppress, and exploit human beings for profit or pleasure.&nbsp; Where that evil exists, Nebraska law enforcement working together at the federal, state, and local levels, as occurred in this case, will seek it, find it, root it out, and ensure every rescued victim has an opportunity to obtain justice and freedom from their captors.”

U.S. Attorney Woods commends the unparalleled investigative coordination and accomplishment of this case achieved by the combined efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, the Omaha Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Branch, the United States Marshals Service, and the Nebraska State Attorney General’s Office.&nbsp; U.S. Attorney Woods added, “When so many law enforcement agencies come together as one team, united in their relentless pursuit of justice, there is no organized crime network operating within Nebraska’s borders that can escape identification and accountability.”

Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel, leader of the Omaha FBI Field Office, stated, “Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. This investigation revealed victims right here in the heart of the heartland forced into sexual activity, living and working in dangerous and filthy conditions, and extorted to work in grueling jobs with little to no pay. We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners to aggressively identify and apprehend perpetrators of human trafficking, hold them accountable, and obtain justice for victims. Our approach to these horrific cases is always centered on the victims. We encourage anyone who may be a victim or have information about human trafficking to call us. We will continue to surge resources to arrest violent offenders in our community as part of the FBI’s Summer Heat Initiative.”

“There is nothing more reprehensible than exploiting human beings, particularly children, for sex, abusive labor conditions or deliberately violating U.S. immigration laws to profit from their suffering,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito of ICE HSI Kansas City, which covers Nebraska. “These criminals hide in the shadows, prey on the vulnerable and show no regard for the laws or values of our nation. Their crimes are calculated to be difficult to uncover but HSI and our federal partners have no intention of stopping until these predators are brought to justice and every victim is freed from their grip. ”

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