By Hanna Christensen scireporter@sewardindependent.com   Readers will have the chance to shake hands with storytellers, discover new books and get their favorites signed at a book …

Shay Smith has announced she will seek election in 2026 to the 32nd Legislative District in Southeast Nebraska. Smithis a registered nonpartisan and independent. Shay believes that her …

As producers in Seward and Saline counties work to recover from drought conditions, there are measures in place to help. Thanks to a Secretarial natural disaster designation, the United States …

For many new moms, the journey into breastfeeding comes with both excitement and uncertainty. Thanks to Public Health Solutions, they do not have to go at it alone. Since late spring, the Pump …

The Saline County Museum now showcases one of the largest private discoveries of prehistoric tools found in Nebraska, thanks to a 50+ item donation from Crete resident John Palky. He will be …

Nebraska has the second-lowest seatbelt usage rate in the country, and a new campaign aims to close that gap with the help of local voices. The Nebraska Department of Transportation is launching …

At 71, Dave Brandt of Sprague is still collecting medals – and he is not slowing down anytime soon. Brandt took home a championship title at the Senior Olympics, along with many other …

The Friend Pool will keep making waves through the end of August, a rare move made possible by a strong lifeguard staff and support from the community. “This is something we’ve never …

A ferocious storm took Friend and surrounding area by surprise in the early hours of Aug 9. Around 4 a.m., residents were awakened to nearly 90-mile-per hour winds and torrential rains. Non-stop …

Round-the-clock grocery runs are about to become a reality in Exeter as Greg’s Market prepares to roll out a membership program in which customers can shop even when the store is closed. …

Mark Schoenrock believes Nebraska’s next state senator for District 32 needs to do more than pass bills – they need to build bridges focused on relationships across the aisle. …

Jade and Breauna Blizek met as campers at Camp CoHoLo a decade ago. This July, they returned as volunteer counselors to celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary.  Located near Omaha, …

One of the most popular traditions of the Crete Chamber of Commerce will be varied in its location this year. The chamber's annual barbecue will be Friday, Aug. 15, from 6 – 10 p.m. at the …

Grasslands and skies take center stage in a vivid new exhibit celebrating nature’s beauty at the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, just 12 minutes from Crete. Artist Rachael M. Wells of …

When life gives you cows, make tallow cream! Meredith Kohout, Elly Due and Judy Kohout – all from the Friend-Exeter area – are bringing an old skincare secret to life with their new …

Where can alcohol and athletics team up? At Exeter’s Beer Mile 4X4, it is tradition. This year’s race began at Exeter’s water tower on July 25 at 7 p.m. Exeter’s …

The Congregational Church of Friend marked a major milestone with a three-day weekend celebration July 25 to July 27, honoring 150 years of history, faith and fellowship. The event brought …

Generations of agricultural heritage were celebrated at the Saline County Fair this year as seven families were honored with Pioneer and Heritage Farm Family Awards. These awards, presented in …

Forget powdered lemonade. Sweet B’s is slicing, smashing and squeezing sweetness into every cup. Sisters-in-law Becky Tyser of Dorchester and Brandee Norris of Beatrice are in their second …

At 96 years young, William “Chuck” Herndon still recalls the roar of Liberty ship engines, the clatter of Morse code keys he never quite mastered, and the sting of Korean cold that …

Breast cancer survivors gathered in the San Carlo Room in Friend on July 12 for an afternoon of support, celebration and connection reminding attendees that life after diagnosis can be full of hope …

The Saline County Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 distress warrant report during its July 22 meeting, a routine but important step in the county’s tax collection process. A …

Young designers and savvy shoppers took center stage at the Saline County Fair during the 4-H Fashion Show on   July 17. Participants showcased a range of garments through projects in …

A group of Dorchester students got the opportunity to travel and see many sites in Washington D.C. through World Classrooms.  Lisa Lautzenhiser with DPS, went on the trip with the students …

Carla Moore has called Friend home for 65 years, but this Fourth of July brought a new reason to celebrate: The city honored her as its longtime resident of the year. Moore, 93, moved to Friend …