The Benkelman Post and News Chronicle

09/03/2025

This is supposed to be pretty good. At the Zorn this weekend.
If any church groups want to go Sunday the matinee is at 1:30
Friday 7:30
Saturday 7:30

Coming to theaters beginning September 5, this beautiful, 2D-animated story of Jesus is told through the eyes of his beloved young friend, the Apostle John. ...

09/02/2025

Cleaning Help Wanted - Circle B Motor Lodge
Tues- Fri part time 9 am - ?? Some Mondays may be available too.
Position open monday September 9,2025
Excellent pay.
Cleaning references preferred, but not required.
Please pick up job applications at Benkelman Post.

08/29/2025

DCS Football Team opened the season with a 46 to 16 win over over Perkins County on the road. Congratulations on a great start to the 2025 season.

08/29/2025

DCS boys open open season with a 46 to 16 win over over Perkins County on the road. congratulations on a great start to the 2025 season.

08/26/2025

Buffington-Damon Family endures two more accident related losses this year.

The community is reeling from the loss of (44) Rayetta Jene Buffington-Damon and her juvenile son (7) Jaxson Buffington-Damon Monday evening. Another family member, Raiden Buffington (17 years) was also in a fatal vehicle accident in February of this year.


The Dundy County 911 Center received a report of a car/train accident near old highway 34 between mile markers 13 and 14, which is approximately 6 miles east of Haigler Ne.

Emergency units were then dispatched to the scene from the Dundy County Sheriff's Office, Benkelman E.M.S. and Fire units, as well as fire units from the Haigler Fire Department.

An adult female aged (44) Rayetta Jene Buffington-Damon and her juvenile son (7) Jaxson Buffington-Damon were both critically injured in the accident and were transported to the Dundy County hospital where they were both pronounced deceased.

The on scene investigation determined that the car was Southbound on a private drive where it then entered the crossing and was struck by the Eastbound Burlington Northern Train.

Seatbelts were in use by both parties.
The Dundy County Sheriff's Office would like to express are sincere sympathies to the family and friends of both of these individuals lost in this accident.

Rayetta and Jaxson and Raiden were the wife and sons of Hitchcock County Deputy Damon. ( former Dundy County Deputy)

08/21/2025

The DCS Lady Tiger Volleyball team kicked off the 2025 Fall Sports season with a Jamboree match at Wallace this afternoon. While the sets against Hitchcock County and Wallace won’t count toward the girl’s season win/loss records, the match does serve to begin the season for the DCS Tiger fall teams.

08/19/2025

COMMENTS ARE TURNED OFF
“Cornhusker Clink” Is Headed to Southwest Nebraska

Cornhusker Clink: A New Partnership with DHS and the State of Nebraska
Following Alligator Alcatraz and Speedway Slammer, the Nebraska correctional facility marks the third state partnership to expand ICE detention space

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new partnership with the state of Nebraska to expand ICE detention space by up to 280 beds. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is partnering with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, and these beds will be available at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. The facility dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink” will house criminal illegal aliens arrested by ICE.

This agreement was made possible by the One Big Beautiful Bill. This law fully funded the 287(g) program and provided funding to secure 80,000 new beds for ICE to utilize when detaining and deporting the worst of the worst.

“COMING SOON to Nebraska: Cornhusker Clink. Today, we’re announcing a new partnership with the state of Nebraska to expand detention bed space by 280 beds,” said Secretary Noem. “Thanks to Governor Pillen for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Nebraska’s Cornhusker Clink. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App.”
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We shared Pillen’s side of the story on our Facebook Live.
Outside the press conference a large crowd arrived, and they weren’t thrilled with the plans.
Here is what one McCook woman had to say about things:

08/19/2025

McCook Mayor Linda Taylor Along Governor Pillen talking about the future if McCook Work Ethic Camp

Gov. Pillen Partners With President Trump, DHS, ICE On National Security Efforts a

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced three state-federal partnerships to support President Donald Trump’s efforts to promote homeland security and protect Americans from criminal, illegal aliens in the United States.

“This is about keeping Nebraskans – and Americans across our country – safe,” said Governor Pillen. “We want President Trump to know that Nebraska is supportive and grateful for his ongoing, critical work with Secretary Noem to arrest and deport criminal, illegal aliens.”

In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Kristi Noem, Gov. Pillen ordered the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based ICE officials in enforcing immigration laws. Approximately 20 Army National Guard soldiers will participate in this mission, commencing training within the next week.

Additionally, Gov. Pillen and Sec. Noem announced an agreement to utilize the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) in McCook as a future detention facility for those awaiting deportation and other immigration proceedings.

Finally, at Gov. Pillen’s direction, the Nebraska State Patrol announced its intent to sign a 287(g) agreement empowering its Nebraska State troopers to help ICE arrest criminal, illegal aliens.

“Earlier this summer, on the streets of Omaha, Nebraska law enforcement agents worked with ICE to arrest a MS-13 drug-trafficking kingpin and murderer,” said Gov. Pillen. “This stuff hits close to home – and hits every corner of this state and country. Government's most important job is to keep us safe, and that’s why the State of Nebraska, under my leadership, is partnering with President Trump and his team to help Make America Safe Again.”

08/19/2025

We understand the audio is quiet when Govener Pillen is talking. This was a very last minute press conference and we were alerted 40 minutes before it began. They unfortunately did not have a mic on the podium to pick up what Govern Pillen was saying.

08/15/2025