Opinions

I recently heard some rumblings that there were some new residents spotted in my neighborhood. No, neither new neighbors who moved in and took up a new address, nor those cows that I encountered grazing along my driveway while heading to work on Friday morning, but rather, new neighbors of the most exciting kind.

On October 15th, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Medicare open enrollment window began. This important annual opportunity allows seniors to select their Medicare coverage, including Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, for 2026.

As the farm economy continues to struggle – exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown – Nebraska’s agricultural producers are feeling the strain. Agriculture is the economic backbone of our state, and when our farmers and ranchers suffer, so does the entire Nebraska economy.

I almost made it. I could have hit the gas and sped through the crossing, but I knew that if I did there was always a chance I didn’t make it in time.

Senator Loren Lippincott • District 34 Born in Texas, David grew up on a Kansas farm. One day as he was running home from school, he fell and skinned his knee.

The Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department could have, possibly, saved my life. In my twelve years as a small town newspaper publisher, I have attended my fair share of educational sessions with local fire departments and have taken numerous photographs of kids climbing on the departments’ rigs during Fire Prevention Week.

American farmers and ranchers work hard to provide the world with high-quality, nutritious, and affordable food options, all while dealing with many challenges outside of their control. Agricultural markets are inherently volatile, and the high-risk nature of the agriculture industry means producers are particularly exposed. Recent headlines are a reminder of why American producers need as much certainty as we can provide.

Last week, I headed off to camp! I would love to say that my duffle bag was filled with my swim trunks, a flashlight, and all the fixings necessary to make some killer s’mores, but that might paint more of a rosy picture of camp than the one I experienced. Let’s just say that, after only about an hour, I was about ready to call my mom for a ride home! In the middle of October, across the Cornhusker State, fall sports seasons are making the rapid transition from regular-season events to postseason competition.

It is now nearly one month since the House passed its clean continuing resolution to keep open the federal government. On September 19, House Republicans did our job. We passed legislation which would have prevented—and still could immediately end—the shutdown. This funding bill has received bipartisan support in the Senate.

I have been to Wilber, Nebraska once in my life, and it was a trip—or more like a pitstop— that I will never forget. Several years ago, while traveling from St.