Chadrad Communications, Inc.

12/17/2025

The 2026-2027 Football Classifications and Districts have been released by the Nebraska School Activities Association. The two year scheduling cycle will see Chadron, Crawford, Hay Springs and Sioux County return to the classes and districts that they were in during the 2024-2025 cycle.

Chadron will return to Class C-1 where they will be in the C1-6 district with Alliance, Ogallala and Sidney along with newcomer Cozad who replaces Chase County after they opted down to C-2.

Crawford, Hay Springs and Sioux County will still play six-man football and will be in the D6-7 district. Joining them will be Cody-Kilgore, Minatare along with Morrill who dropped down to six man after playing eight man in the most recent cycle.

Schedules for the next two seasons are expected to be released around February 11th of 2026.

The 2026-2027 Football Classifications and Districts have been released by the Nebraska School Activities Association. The two year scheduling cycle will see Ch

12/17/2025

Sharon Rose Cuny–Martin, Taoyate Awayankapiwin, was born on Oct 28, 1944. She was born at home in the Oblaya Community on her grandmother’s homestead. Sharon was raised by her grandparents, Julia and Reyes Hernandez alongside her little brother Randy Tuttle. From her earliest years, Sharon learned the values of family, hard work, and responsibility, values she carried throughout her life.

Sharon attended school at Our Lady of Lourdes, Holy Rosary Mission, and graduated from Oglala Community High School in 1962. Sharon married Hep Ross and they moved to Chicago to attend school. During this time their son, Duane Ross, Jr was born. The family eventually returned to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where Sharon welcomed Gregory, Jennifer, Patrick, Margaret, and William into the world. Years later she would take Nicholas Ross as her son.

Sharon moved her children back to Porcupine, where she made her home and remained rooted in the community.

Sharon Rose Cuny–Martin, Taoyate Awayankapiwin, was born on Oct 28, 1944. She was born at home in the Oblaya Community on her grandmother’s homestead. Sha

12/17/2025

Shawna Richter-Ryerson

A tree removal project beginning at Merritt Reservoir aims to restore prairie habitat in areas choked by undesirable trees.

Revitalizing the grassland will benefit plant and animals and open spaces for hunting, fishing, birdwatching and hiking.

Starting in mid-December, contractors hired by Nebraska Game and Parks will remove eastern red cedar and Rocky Mountain juniper from the prairie and shelterbelts at the wildlife management area and state recreation area near Valentine.

Shelterbelts of pine and deciduous trees on the WMA and SRA will be maintained to provide shade and cover for campers, picnickers and wildlife, such as deer. Trees along the Snake River and Merritt Reservoir will only be removed if necessary to allow for access to juniper encroachment.

The removals are part of a larger effort to protect the Sandhills prairies, which are a unique set of grasses, forbs, sedges and woody plants.

Shawna Richter-Ryerson A tree removal project beginning at Merritt Reservoir aims to restore prairie habitat in areas choked by undesirable trees. Revital

12/17/2025

Darlene May “Foster” Knight, age 88, passed away December 15th 2025, at the Gordon Countryside Care facility, after a short battle with fast moving cancer. Services will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church 5271 360th Lane, Rushville Nebraska,69360.

Darlene was born to James “Fred” and Mabel Foster in Holland MN on February 15th 1937. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. She attended school in Midland, SD from where she met and married Amos “Bud” Knight in 1952. To this union, they had four children, 2 girls and two boys. She leaves to mourn her husband Bud and children. Nadiene (Glen) McCready, Jerry (Phylis) Knight, Florence (Bud) Lawson, Bud (Gina) Knight. 13 Grandkids, 22 Great-grandkids, and to date, 8 Great Great Grandkids.

Of her 9 siblings 3 are left to morn: James(Cheryl) Foster, Rapid City, Bonnie Martin, Belle Fourche SD, Leslie (Vivian) Foster Dublin, GA.

Darlene May “Foster” Knight, age 88, passed away December 15th 2025, at the Gordon Countryside Care facility, after a short battle with fast moving cancer.

12/17/2025

Diggo Cadence White Face, Jr. was born on February 16, 2010 in Pine Ridge, SD to Cheryl Cross-White Face and Diggo White Face, Sr. Diggo made his journey to the Spirit World on December 10, 2025 in Stephan, SD.

Diggo was known as June, Junior, and Diggz to his loved ones, a vibrant 15-year-old, left us too soon. He was a happy kid who loved to laugh and tease his friends, spreading joy wherever he went. His best friend, Travis Red Owl, was more than just a friend - he was his brother. He loved chillin' at Taco Bell and exploring new places with Travis. He attended elementary school in Rockyford from kindergarten to eighth grade. He then attended Lakota Tech for his freshman year, transferring to Little Wound School second semester, and finally Crow Creek High School, where he was a student until his passing.

Diggo jr was a curious and eager learner, always trying new things and soaking up knowledge.

Diggo Cadence White Face, Jr. was born on February 16, 2010 in Pine Ridge, SD to Cheryl Cross-White Face and Diggo White Face, Sr.  Diggo made his journey

12/17/2025

Richard M. “Dick” Coats was born on September 15, 1946 at the Pine Ridge Hospital in Pine Ridge, SD to Robert L. Coats and Bernice Edna (Audiss) Coats.Siblings are: Robert “Bobby” Coats, Jr.; Larry Dean Coats; Carolyn Coats (Booth); Donna Jean Coats (Michael); Roland “Rolly” Coats; Calvin Coats; Renee Coats; Patricia “Patti” Coats (Nelson); Bonnie Coats (Musfelt); and Marvin Coats.

Dick lived with his family on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation all of his early life, initially in the Allen Pass Creek area, where they worked to establish a small herd of cattle. As the family expanded, they later relocated to the Porcupine/Sharps Corner community where they had the opportunity to purchase a piece of land to put down roots.

Dick attended school at Sharps Corner County School for one year, then joined his older siblings at Holy Rosary Mission until he was in the 10th grade.

12/17/2025

Last year Nebraska lawmakers approved State Statute 9-1303–otherwise known as the Gambling Winnings Setoff for Outstanding Debts Act. As the name implies, this statute requires casinos and other gambling and gaming establishments to withhold a portion of an individual’s winnings if they have unpaid debts with the state of Nebraska.

Since being implemented on September 3, 2025, the new law has raised considerable funds for state departments.

In just over three months, more than $500,000 has been attributed to 9-1303. These newfound funds will be distributed to multiple agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Labor, and even Health and Human Services.

The Gambling Winnings Setoff for Outstanding Debts Act applies to several types of gambling in Nebraska; sports betting, horse racing, and machines such as slots.

12/17/2025

(Courtesy/NU Media Relations)

Huskers.com

Four Nebraska volleyball players were named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America Teams on Wednesday.

Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly were selected to the AVCA All-America First Team. Rebekah Allick was chosen to the AVCA All-America Second Team.

The Huskers' four All-America selections bring their nation-leading total to 111 all-time.

Murray and Reilly are now three-time AVCA All-Americans, but both earned first-team honors for the first time in their careers.

Jackson earned a second straight nod on the first team, while Allick was named an All-American for the first time.

AVCA All-America First TeamAndi Jackson, Jr., MB, Brighton, Colo.• Jackson was chosen to the AVCA All-America First Team for the second straight year, as well as the All-Big Ten First Team.

(Courtesy/NU Media Relations) Huskers.com Four Nebraska volleyball players were named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America Te

12/17/2025

(Courtesy/CSC Sports Information)

Paxton Ritchey

KEARNEY, Neb. – Chadron State rallied in the second half, cutting the lead to a single basket after the Eagles were 13 down with under five minutes to go, but the comeback attempt fell short as Nebraska-Kearney eked out an 84-79 win over the Eagles on Tuesday night.

Jadon Cool scored a season-high 29 points, including 17 in the second half, shooting better than 50 percent from the field (10-for-16) and three-point range (5-for-9) while staying perfect at the line (4-for-4).

Isaiah Randolph added 16 points with eight rebounds and three steals, Ethan Russell poured in 13 points for a season-high and Luka Djurovic finished with six points and 11 rebounds for his third game this season with 10 or more.

Chadron State (2-10), who outscored UNK (6-5) 50-46 in the second half after putting up just 29 points before halftime, made its late rally despite playing its thinnest bench of the season.

(Courtesy/CSC Sports Information) Paxton Ritchey KEARNEY, Neb. – Chadron State rallied in the second half, cutting the lead to a single basket after the

12/17/2025

(Courtesy/CSC Sports Information)

Con Marshall

KEARNEY, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women’s basketball team had everything go its way on its home court against Chadron State Tuesday night while racing to a 90-46 victory over the Eagles in a non-conference contest.

The Lopers shot 61 percent (36-59) from the field, cashed in 41 points off turnovers and scored 50 points in the paint while improving their record to 6-6 for the season. Chadron State remained winless at 0-8.Audrey Quintana scored a season-high 16 points for the Eagles and tied a season-high with six made field goals and a trio of three pointers. McKenzi Petersen and Ella Moser followed with six points each as nine different Eagles scored total.

The Eagles made 33 percent (17-51) of their field goal attempts and scored 11 points off turnovers and 16 points in the paint.

(Courtesy/CSC Sports Information) Con Marshall KEARNEY, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women’s basketball team had everything go its way on its home cour

12/17/2025

PPHD Release

The new year offers an opportunity for a fresh start. For some of us, this means setting health goals such as losing weight, following a healthier diet, starting an exercise routine, quitting smoking or chewing, or focusing on managing stress more effectively.

When we start the new year with new goals, we always have good intentions, but then…life happens. Have you been there? If so, it might be time to rethink your goals for 2026. Reflecting on the past year can help determine what is needed to set successful goals for the coming year. What small changes can make a lasting difference?

Here are some keys to being successful with new goals:

- Focus on habits, the daily actions you can do that create results you really want.

- Be kind to yourself because it’s ok if it’s not perfect everyday.

- What’s most important to you? Its crucial to pursue goals that you truly want, not just that you feel obligated to do.

12/16/2025

Nebraska Game and Parks Press Release

Start the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1.

These annual guided hikes give you the chance to explore trails, snap photos, watch wildlife and participate in any planned activities. Or choose any state park and create your own hiking adventure.

Activities include a potluck soup luncheon at Ash Hollow State Historical Park, a guided tour at Fort Hartsuff SHP, winter art activities at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, and tours of the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Bring your dog but be sure to keep him or her on a leash.

Branched Oak SRA will host a 5- to 6-mile First Day Trail Ride for equestrian riders, rather than a hike.

Hikes are planned at:

- Ash Hollow SHP

- Chadron SP

- Eugene T.