Bridgeport News-Blade

10/15/2026

A widespread freeze is expected overnight Thursday into Friday morning. A Freeze Watch is in effect.

10/09/2026

10/06/2026

Gov. Pillen Thanks Trump for Presidential Executive Order to Lower Diesel Prices

GRAND ISLAND, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is thanking President Donald Trump for taking action to ensure that heartland farmers receive even more relief at the pumps. The President signed an executive order at his much-anticipated rally in Grand Island tonight to further address rising diesel prices and assist farmers during their busy fall harvest.

The order clears the path for the temporary use of red dye diesel for highway use and defers the applicable federal excise tax.
“This action expands on state efforts I enacted by executive order just a few weeks ago. This will greatly assist farmers who are dealing with extraordinarily high diesel prices, impacting everything they do – from field operations to transportation of their products and livestock.

I appreciate that President Trump signed his order today in Nebraska. Agriculture is the tip of the spear in our great state, and we need to continue to do all that we can to feed the world and save the planet. President Trump knows that, and we appreciate his support.”

Late last month Gov. Pillen issued a pair of executive orders – one to increase the load capacity of trucks hauling seasonably produced products and livestock. The second order authorizes the use of red dye diesel and provides a state tax refund for using clear diesel in ag operations and vehicles.

Information about the President's executive order can be found here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/10/president-trump-takes-decisive-action-to-lower-diesel-costs-for-american-truckers-farmers/.

09/25/2026

Gov. Pillen Issues Executive Orders to help the Agriculture Community

LINCOLN, NE – To combat rising diesel fuel shortages and high operating costs during harvest season, Governor Jim Pillen has issued two executive orders providing immediate, temporary relief to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agricultural transporters across the state.
Under the first executive order, highway-registered vehicles are permitted to hold, sell, or use untaxed, dyed diesel fuel without facing state fines or penalties. Additionally, diesel taxes paid while transporting Nebraska seasonally produced products and livestock on state roads are eligible for a refund by filing Form 84AG with the Nebraska Department of Revenue. This order takes effect immediately and will remain active for 90 days.

To address transportation pressures facing producers, Gov. Pillen signed a second executive order providing weight limit relief for seasonal crop transport. Vehicles transporting seasonally produced products and livestock now operate up to 25% over legal gross and axle group weight limits without purchasing additional permits or paying associated fees.

In addition to state-level action, Gov. Pillen sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump requesting federal intervention through a temporary 90-day pause on U.S. diesel exports to foreign countries. Halting exports would allow domestic diesel reserves to rebuild, lowering costs for consumers and helping producers navigate harvest season without severe financial strain.

“Our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state,” said Gov. Pillen. “It’s critical that I do everything in my power to make sure they are supported, especially during this season where they are working day in and day out to get the crops out of the ground.”

09/09/2026

I am sorry to have to do this but my full time job has requirements during this time that hinder me from keeping these dates. Please be respectful and understanding. I welcome any phone calls after 5pm cst and I will be doing my best to contact vendors personally. The Community Center and I are working together for a future date.
I am sincerely sorry!
Stefani

09/09/2026

Rural Health Advisory Commission Member Needed

Lincoln, NE – The Rural Health Advisory Commission is seeking applicants for an open position.

Applicants must be a licensed Physician Assistant in Nebraska and live or work in a county with a population of fewer than 15,000 residents. The commission meetings are held quarterly, with three meetings in Lincoln and one in a rural area. While virtual options are available for these meetings, commission members are required to attend two of the four meetings in person.

All members must receive legislative approval after being selected by Governor Jim Pillen.

For more information and to see a map of qualifying Nebraska counties, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Rural-Health-Advisory-Commission.aspx

Applications can be submitted at https://governor.nebraska.gov/boards-commissions-open-positions

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Rural Health Advisory Commission is a governor-appointed commission consisting of thirteen members as follows: (1) the Director of Public Health of the Division of Pu...

09/06/2026

Work has begun on I-80 in Cheyenne and Deuel Counties

GERING — Work began Sept. 1 on Interstate 80 (I-80), from mile marker 74 to mile
marker 85, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

McGill Equipment Company, of Omaha, is the contractor for this project. Work includes concrete joint repair, penetrating concrete sealer, and new pavement marking. Traffic will be maintained by intermittent lane closures, signs, arrow boards, and cones. Anticipated completion is Oct. 24, 2026.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.