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Dawson County 4-Hers Do Well at UNL Premiere Animal Science Event

Dawson County 4-Hers Do Well at UNL Premiere Animal Science Event

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Dawson County 4-Hers Do Well at UNL Premiere Animal Science Event

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
KAYLEEN ZIMMERMAN, DAWSON COUNTY EXTENSIONThe University of Nebraska’s East Campus in Lincoln was the site of the 2026 4-H Premier Animal Science Event. 4-H’ers from across the state gathered to compete in several livestock events.
Births

Births

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Births

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Reilly and Jade Lauer of Gothenburg announce the birth of a son on June 10, 2026, at Gothenburg Health. Milo Blair Lauer was born at 12:53 p.m. weighing six pounds 13 ounces and measuring 19.75 inches in length. Milo is welcomed home by a brother, Kayson, and sisters Nicole and Raegan.
It’s ‘Himicane’ Season in The Atlantic

It’s ‘Himicane’ Season in The Atlantic

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It’s ‘Himicane’ Season in The Atlantic

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
According to NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) the Atlantic Hurricane Season started on June 1. At one time June 15 was the start date and Nov. 15 the end date. In 1965 the date was moved back two weeks to the first and extended two weeks to the end of November.

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Crop Progress: Nebraska Corn, Soybean, Stay on Pace

Unl Crop Watch
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Nebraska corn and soybean development remained largely on track with historical averages last week, while sorghum planting made strong progress and matched the five-year pace.Dry conditions continued to shape the broader crop outlook, particularly for winter wheat, oats, and pasture and range.
artboard 1 | 4.9 x 5 Lake Helen in Gothenburg will be just one of many sites across the area hosting fireworks displays this 4th of July. The region will offer activities for all ages for several days in celebration of America’s 250th. (Leader file photo)

artboard 1 | 4.9 x 5 Lake Helen in Gothenburg will be just one of many sites across the area hosting fireworks displays this 4th of July. The region will offer activities for all ages for several days in celebration of America’s 250th. (Leader file photo)

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Area Events to Celebrate America’s Birthday

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, many communities are hosting special events and activities to commemorate the occasion. Here are a few within about a 50-mile radius that you may be interested in checking out.
The Pony Express Re-Ride promoted America’s 250th birthday all across the trail, as shown by this rider in her leg of the journey across Wyoming. (Photo courtesy National Pony Express)

The Pony Express Re-Ride promoted America’s 250th birthday all across the trail, as shown by this rider in her leg of the journey across Wyoming. (Photo courtesy National Pony Express)

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Annual Tradition Leaves Hoofprints Over 1,966 Miles of Trail

Alisa Mullen
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
A crowd of around 50 people gathered south of Gothenburg last Wednesday, near a small cedar log cabin on the 96 Ranch to witness a throwback to a simpler, yet immensely more difficult time in our nation’s history.
Secretary of State John Marshall managed the second US Census in 1800.

Secretary of State John Marshall managed the second US Census in 1800.

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America Counts 250 Years - Census is Not Far Behind

Travis Shoemaker, Us Census Bureau
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
For 236 of America’s 250-year history, the census has measured our nation’s population. It has also tracked our values, interests, and changes in the way we live.Census questions, how they’re asked and of whom, capture what’s important to American society.
The Sod House Museum in Gothenburg averages about 12,000 visitors each year, not counting those who don’t actually go inside and sign the book. The leaking roof on the soddies has been recently replaced and co-owner J.C. Smith hopes to have the cactus back on the roof soon. (Leader photo by Ellen Mortensen)

The Sod House Museum in Gothenburg averages about 12,000 visitors each year, not counting those who don’t actually go inside and sign the book. The leaking roof on the soddies has been recently replaced and co-owner J.C. Smith hopes to have the cactus back on the roof soon. (Leader photo by Ellen Mortensen)

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Restoring The Past: Bringing Back The Soddie

Ellen Mortensen
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Back in 2020, J.C. Smith, Justin Strasburg, and Jim Aden partnered together to purchase Gothenburg’s Sod House Museum. It was strictly an act of love.“It was not an ideal time to buy a museum,” Smith quipped, noting that at the time, people had to wear a mask to visit.
The Ingredients of Summer

The Ingredients of Summer

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The Ingredients of Summer

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
What is summer fun made of?Bikes and ball games, and swimming pool nights; And that’s what summer fun is made of.There is something magical about summer in a small town. Perhaps the magic happens in cities as well, but my lived experience has mostly been in small, rural communities.

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Board Adopts Resolution to Increase Property Tax Request Authority

Ellen Mortensen
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
The noon meeting on June 8 of the Gothenburg Board of Education began with two public hearings, which are required annually for Nebraska school districts. The hearings were on policies related to parental involvement and student fees. No one from the public offered input during either hearing.
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