Nebraska
Concordia Nebraska to host Early Childhood Conference June 7-8, 2026, with preconference
SEWARD, Neb. — Early childhood educators from Nebraska and surrounding states will gather at Concordia University, Nebraska, for the school’s annual Early Childhood Conference on June 7-8, 2026, with an optional pre-conference also planned on campus.
“The theme for this year’s event is Unshakable!” said Concordia Nebraska Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Drew Gerdes. “We know that teachers are hard workers; teaching is challenging in many ways but also rewarding. At Concordia, we have a strong history in developing and supporting teachers, and this conference is one way that we can connect with those in the field, support and encourage them, and offer opportunities to ‘fill their toolbox’ with new ideas and strategies.”
Conference keynote speaker Raelene Ostberg, founder of Thriving Together, will address attendees about finding and keeping joy in their work with students, families and colleagues. Thriving Together is an organization dedicated to supporting early childhood educators.
The Sunday evening dinner keynote speaker will be Rev. Dustin Lappe ’97, who serves at Messiah Lutheran Church and School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Organizers said Lappe has years of experience as both an early childhood teacher and a pastor.
“This conference will feature many break-out sessions on a variety of topics,” Gerdes said. “From the value of music in learning to differentiated learning to early literacy skills, participants will be able to hear from veterans in the field and leaders in education who have a great passion for sharing and helping others grow.”
Concordia Nebraska first hosted an early childhood conference decades ago under the leadership of then-program director Dr. Leah Serck ’58.
“Educators from Nebraska and many surrounding states look forward to this event each year, which has a rich history of bringing in high-quality keynote speakers and valuable topics,” Gerdes said.
More information, including pre-conference and conference details and pricing, is available at cune.edu/ecc. Early bird discounted registration is available until May 22.
Nebraska
Hilgers says Nebraska, Colorado water dispute could take years, but Perkins County Canal should progress
It could take years for the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve Nebraska’s water dispute with Colorado. But Attorney General Mike Hilgers said in the meantime, work on the Perkins County Canal should continue.
Hilgers’ comments on Tuesday came one day after the Supreme Court said it will consider Nebraska’s complaints that Colorado’s not sending enough water across the state line on the South Platte River and is blocking Nebraska’s attempt to build a canal to bring more. Hilgers said it could take three to five years for a special master to make a recommendation and the court to decide. And he said while it’s up to the Legislature, it would make sense to proceed with planning and construction on the canal.
“We need to be able to show the court, which is ultimately true, which is Nebraska is committed to doing this. I do see the policy wisdom, but even more importantly… from our perspective, it’s critical from a litigation perspective to really be able to push forward on this,” Hilgers said.
The Legislature has set aside $630 million for the canal. Separate from the court case, the Army Corps of Engineers must still decide whether to issue a permit for the project.
KEY WEST, Fla. (KOLN) – A Nebraska football running back was arrested in Florida on Monday.
According to jail records, 20-year-old Mekhi Nelson is accused of aggravated battery involving a pregnant woman in Key West, Florida.
Details about the alleged assault are limited. 10/11 News has made a request for more information with the Key West Police Department.
He will be arraigned in court on July 9 at 9 a.m.
The sophomore has been with Nebraska since 2024. He played 12 games with one start during the 2025-26 football season.
Nelson is still listed on the Nebraska football roster as of Monday afternoon.
10/11 News contacted Nebraska Athletics for a statement and received the following response:
“The Nebraska Athletic Department and football program are aware of the arrest of Mekhi Nelson in Florida. We have no further comment at this time.”
This is a developing story.
Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
-
World6 minutes agoMap: 6.0-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Off Mexico’s Coast
-
News13 minutes agoIn the United States, Every World Cup Team Is a Home Team
-
Lifestyle51 minutes agoHow does the Kennedy Center board make decisions? This legal filing sheds some light
-
Technology1 hour agoMeta is adding ridiculous ‘rate limits’ and a soft paywall to its smart glasses
-
World1 hour agoBoy, 2, pulled alive from rubble six days after Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes
-
Politics1 hour agoSocialism goes west as DSA-backed challenger ousts longtime Democrat
-
Health1 hour agoAmericans are giving up multivitamins for a different daily health habit, study finds
-
Sports1 hour ago2026 World Cup Quarterfinal Odds: Which Squads Will Make Final 8?
