Nebraska

Drought improving but still hanging around southeast Nebraska

Published

2 years ago

May 24, 2024

Drought improving but still hanging around southeast Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The drought is easing in Nebraska, but it’s stubborn in some spots, mainly the southeast part of the state.

On Thursday, the Lincoln-based National Drought Mitigation Center released a map showing that only 20% of the state is in drought.

At this time last year, practically the entire state was parched.

Today, most of Lancaster County is still in moderate drought, though things are improving.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska farmer says wet spring is setting harvest up for success

Tom Peterson, a farmer near Waverly, said the increase in rain gives him hope, but there is still room for improvement.

“We might be able to raise a crop, get enough grass for the cows,” said Peterson. ” I mean, the subsoil moisture isn’t there yet. We’re getting soaked up from the top down, and it hasn’t gotten that far down yet.”

Peterson said growing was difficult in 2023, but this year is looking better.

“The rains have been nice and soaking,” he said. “And that’s beneficial to getting our corn crop and our bean crop off to a good start. Give them the best start they can, and then you got to hope you’re going to continue to get those rains over the summers to keep feeding those things.”

SEE ALSO: Nebraska farmers ‘cautiously optimistic’ as planting begins

While his grass and crops are growing, Peterson said some of the creeks and ponds on his property could use a little more moisture.

“Those ponds are actually ground fed,” he said. “So the water level underneath is what actually brings the water level up in those ponds.

Peterson said once those ponds start to fill, that will be a sign that the drought is no more.

SEE ALSO: ‘Are we going to have a crop?’: Nebraska farmers worried about drought

He is hopeful that Friday morning’s storm will be productive and not destructive.

“We got a good grass stand to start with now, and there’s a good start with that for the cows,” he said. “But if that floods over, that lays all that grass over, covers some of it with mud. And, you know, you lose a lot of tonnage, a lot of a lot of meals for the cows.”

Peterson does not use irrigation, so he’s hoping Mother Nature will give him a helping hand.

“She takes good care of things, most of the time,” he said. “If we don’t have to haul water to the cows, that’s great … We’re dryland farmers. But you know, if Mother Nature gives us a shower every now and then, it’s very beneficial, and you don’t have to sit there and hope for rain.”

SEE ALSO: The latest forecast from the Storm Alert Team

Tags: crops, drought, drought monitor, farmer, Lancaster County, lincoln, mother nature, National Drought Mitigation Center, Nebraska, ponds, rain, southeast nebraska, Tom Peterson, water, Waverly, weather

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Nebraska

Pinwheels, proclamation: Central Nebraska communities mark Child Abuse Prevention Month

Published

11 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Pinwheels, proclamation: Central Nebraska communities mark Child Abuse Prevention Month

GRAND ISLAND, KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) – Signs and pinwheels appeared around parts of Grand Island as part of Wear Blue Day, an effort to bring attention to child abuse prevention.

The Association for Child Abuse Prevention, along with Bikers Against Child Abuse and other volunteers, painted the town blue on Thursday.

In a Facebook post, the group said each pinwheel represents something bigger than all of them — a reminder of the children in the community who deserve safety, support and a voice.

The group said awareness matters, conversations matter and together they will continue to stand up for children and families impacted by abuse and neglect.

In Kearney, Mayor Jonathan Nikkila read a proclamation honoring the Family Advocacy Network (FAN) for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Nikkila said FAN is the type of organization that is on the front lines in Kearney that most of us don’t see as much or don’t like to think can happen here.

He said FAN serves adults and children who suffer all kinds of abuse, advocating for and supporting abuse victims as they go through the law enforcement process.

Nikkila said they have an amazing heart for the people who need it the most.

Click HERE for information on child abuse and how to spot abuse or neglect by Nebraska DHHS.

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Nebraska

Nebraska basketball star Braden Frager returning for next season

Published

23 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Nebraska basketball star Braden Frager returning for next season

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Nebraska

Belmont forward Orme commits to Nebraska

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Belmont forward Orme commits to Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska received its first commitment from the 2026 transfer portal on Thursday. Belmont forward Sam Orme gave his pledge to the Huskers.

Orme is a 6-foot-9 sophomore that emerged as a top portal target earlier in the week. Orme averaged 12.7 points while shooting 55.9 percent from the floor for the Bruins.

Orme joins Nebraska after the most successful season in program history. The Huskers won 28 games and advanced at the NCAA Tournament for the first time.

Orme’s commitment comes on the same day that Braden Frager, the 2026 Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, re-signed with the Huskers.

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