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After a 30-minute stop in Gothenburg on May 28, Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive fired back up, blew it’s iconic whistle, and began making its way east. The train is currently on a celebrate America’s 250th tour across the country. (Leader photo by Ellen Mortensen)

After a 30-minute stop in Gothenburg on May 28, Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive fired back up, blew it’s iconic whistle, and began making its way east. The train is currently on a celebrate America’s 250th tour across the country. (Leader photo by Ellen Mortensen)

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Iconic ‘Big Boy’ Draws Big Crowd

Alisa Mullen
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
A living legend passed through Gothenburg last week, stopping for a photo opportunity and for locals to get a sense of the enormity of an 80-year-old workhorse of a train engine, arriving at the crossing at Highway 30 and Lake Avenue at about 10:30 a.m. on May 28 with its iconic whistle.
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Council Discusses Litigation Issues, Approves New Preschool

Ellen Mortensen
Thursday, June 4, 2026
There will soon be a new preschool operating in Gothenburg, though its location is very familiar. McKenna Kolbo submitted a request for a special use permit to the Gothenburg City Council to open The 99 Preschool in the Cornerstone Bible Church on Lake Avenue.
The familiar yellow spray planes of Mid State Aviation in Cozad are coming under new ownership, as the business has recently been acquired by Nebraskaland Aviation. (Photo courtesy Allison Johnson)

The familiar yellow spray planes of Mid State Aviation in Cozad are coming under new ownership, as the business has recently been acquired by Nebraskaland Aviation. (Photo courtesy Allison Johnson)

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Nebraskaland Aviation Acquires Mid State Aviation

Liz Romero, Cozad Local
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Mid State Aviation owner Allison Johnson has sold the company to Nebraskaland Aviation, a decision she said came after careful consideration and a desire to ensure the business remained in good hands moving forward.

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Understanding Menopause: Managing Menopause for Long-Term Health

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
(Part Three of a Women’s Health Month series) As Women’s Health Month ends, the importance of understanding menopause does not. Healthcare providers are reminding women that menopause is about more than short-term symptoms. It can have lasting effects on a woman’s overall health.
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Annual Tractor Equipment/Safety Training For West Central Area

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, in partnership with Nebraska Extension, has announced the dates for its annual tractor and equipment safety training courses.
Members of the Gothenburg American Legion Honor Guard presented the gun salute during the Monday program at the cemetery. (Leader photo and story by Ellen Mortensen)

Members of the Gothenburg American Legion Honor Guard presented the gun salute during the Monday program at the cemetery. (Leader photo and story by Ellen Mortensen)

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War’s Casualties Both On And Off The Battlefield

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
The statistics are almost more than the human mind can comprehend. More than 405,000 Americans lost their lives in World War II; more than 116,000 in World War I; over 58,000 in Vietnam; and over 36,500 in the Korean War.
The Gothenburg men’s 4x400 relay team broke the school record in that event on their way to winning district gold last week and qualifying for the Nebraska State Track & Field Championships. Members of the team are, from left: Maddox Gilligan, Evan Johnson, Bryson Neels, and Callen Johnson. (Photo courtesy Bryson Neels)

The Gothenburg men’s 4x400 relay team broke the school record in that event on their way to winning district gold last week and qualifying for the Nebraska State Track & Field Championships. Members of the team are, from left: Maddox Gilligan, Evan Johnson, Bryson Neels, and Callen Johnson. (Photo courtesy Bryson Neels)

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Johnson Brothers Are In It To Win It

Ellen Mortensen
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Gothenburg senior Evan Johnson will be making his third trip to the Nebraska State Track and Field Championships in Omaha this week. However, this year is different. This year, Evan will be competing with - and against his little brother.
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