Nebraska Life Magazine March-April 2025 by Flagship Publishing

SKYBOUND SURVIVORS

A VISUAL JOURNEY OF THE ENDANGERED WHOOPING CRANE

STORYTELLER TRAIN RIDE TO HASTINGS OMAHA BEEF UNDEFEATED CHAMPS AT THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE

MARCH/APRIL 2025

FEATURES

22 Whooping Cranes

Villasur Massacre, pg. 30 Winter Greenhouse, pg. 36

Beef, pg. 60

Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg follows the whooping cranes migration, compiling the best images in his new book, Into Whooperland. story by Alan J. Bartels photographs by Michael Forsberg

30 Villasur Massacre

A 1720 Spanish expedition into the Great Plains ends with a bloody battle at the confluence of the Platte and Loup rivers. by Ron Soodalter

36 Winter Greenhouse

Surrounded by frost and snow, the Lorenzen greenhouse grows crops all year long, powered by a simple 10-inch squirrel fan. by Ariella Nardizzi

60 Omaha Beef

The nation’s oldest active indoor football team drives for another undefeated season in 2025 at the Slaughterhouse in Ralston. story by Tim Trudell photographs by John and Katie Myers

DEPARTMENTS

Flat Water News

David City’s agrarian art museum expands; a new eastern cottonwood becomes state and national champion; Kearney opens a new visitors center in Younes Landing; Nebraska fights for statehood in 1867.

STORIES IN THIS ISSUE COME FROM:

Crawford pg. 52

pg. 52

pg. 12

Sidney pg. 12

pg. 12

pg. 22

DEPARTMENTS

18 Trivia

Graduate with Nebraska’s alumni. Answers on page 57.

20 Storyteller

A Nebraska Life reader recalls a train ride to Hastings near the end of World War II. Learn how you can be published, too.

40 Kitchens

Fresh ingredients can make for the best seafood dishes. Reel in delicious flavors with these savory seafood recipes.

44 Poetry

Our poets reflect on the simple, still nights in Nebraska.

46 Naturally Nebraska

Alan J. Bartels recalls stories from all across the state.

48 Museums

Big or small, these museums preserve Nebraska history and heritage for all to experience.

52 Traveler

Valentine gears up for Old West Days; Nebraska State Parks plan for free fishing derbies on May 17.

66 Last Look

Photographer Paul Julian captures a river otter poised atop a frozen pond in Wood River.

River pg. 66

pg. 20

ON OUR COVER

An endangered whooping crane settles in Baraboo Hills, Wisconsin, one of few nesting grounds across North America. Story begins on page 22.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL FORSBERG

Above: Danelle McCollum, Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston Page 5: Frederic Remington, The Lorenzen Family, John and Katie Myers

PH TO CONTEST 2025

Nebraska Life Magazine is thrilled to announce our inaugural Photo Contest, opening April 1! Showcase the beauty of Nebraska through your lens to win prizes and be featured in the magazine.

The Nebraska Photo Contest

FOR THE FIRST time in Nebraska Life’s 28-year history, we’re launching a statewide photo contest! Starting with this issue, we invite photographers of all skill levels to share their unique perspectives of our great state through the lens of their cameras and smartphones.

Nebraska is a land of breathtaking landscapes, tight-knit communities and an enduring spirit. Each corner of this state holds stories worth telling. The mighty Niobrara River winds its way through the Sandhills, while the streets of Omaha hum with energy. In my hometown of Norfolk, rolling hills of farmland stretching to the horizon inspired me, as a young photographer, to chase sunsets and capture windmills against painted skies.

Through this contest, we aim to showcase the people who are inspired to capture Nebraska’s visual story – from the quiet moments to the grand celebrations. We want to shine a light on the places, people and traditions that make Nebraska so special. Amateurs and professionals alike are encouraged to submit, and we welcome high-quality smartphone photos as much as shots taken with professional cameras.

Submissions open April 1 at NebraskaLife.com/ photo-contest and close August 31. Winners will be announced in our November/December 2025 and January/February 2026 issues.

Categories range from macro shots that reveal the intricate beauty of everyday objects to sweeping aerial imagery that captures the grandeur of our state. We’ll celebrate wildlife, agriculture, sports (Go Big Red!), hometown pride, history and much more.

ONE OF THE MOST exciting elements of this contest is the “Photographer of the Year” award, chosen by you – our readers. This honor recognizes a photographer whose work not only showcases exceptional talent and artistry but also serves as a force for good in our state. Through your nominations, we want to learn about photographers who champion a cause or mission – big or small – in Nebraska. We believe art truly does make the world a better place.

Since 1975, Rockbrook Camera & Video has been a cornerstone of Nebraska’s photography community, equipping both new and professional photographers with expert knowledge and curated gear. As they approach their 50th anniversary, we at Nebraska Life are proud to partner with our friends at Rockbrook Camera & Video to recognize Nebraska’s talented photographers. Thanks to their generous sponsorship, each first-place photographer will receive a prize redeemable at Rockbrook Camera & Video’s stores in Omaha, Lincoln and online.

We look forward to seeing your submissions and nominations. Together, we will celebrate the spirit of Nebraska and tell the story of our state through photographers and their incredible work.

CHRIS AMUNDSON Publisher & Editor editor@nebraskalife.com

MAILBOX

Duly Noted

The editors owe a heartfelt thank-you to our readers for a correction to the first Trivia question about the Nebraska State Flag (January/February 2025). The Nebraska state motto is “Equality Before the Law.” Though both important, equity and equality are not one in the same. “Equality Before the Law” reflected the expansion of political and civil rights to Black Americans. Nebraska House Representative Isaac Wiles introduced “An Act to Provide for Procuring a Seal for the State of Nebraska” which proposed a state motto. On June 14, 1867, Governor David Butler signed it. The motto is now a part of the Great Seal of Nebraska and State Flag. We cherish our Nebraska history and appreciate our readers who love this land and state.

Thistle capital

“The Lewis Fox home in Big Springs Saturday became the Nebraska thistle capital as driving winds blew the weeds househigh. They covered a garage on one side ... [and] the road was partially blocked by a six-foot high wall of thistles.”

As any good Nebraska story shows, when a family is in crisis the town steps up to help. This was the story of my family, Lewis Fox (a World War II veteran who gave his right leg in Italy), his wife Marjorie, and children Judy, Connee and John.

On Dec. 7, 1963, our family woke up and our home was surrounded by thistles. The driveway was covered and the stone shed, garage and chicken house were consumed – we could only see a small part of the top of the roofs. We were afraid to drive as any spark could start a fire. The lot in front of the house was full of thistles, making it impossible to get out of the driveway. No one had ever seen anything like it. Thankfully, friends, neighbors and firemen stepped up to help clear and burn the thistles. The ladies provided food for the workers.

We are fortunate to have this very unusual event recorded by newspaper accounts.

Judy Fox Knoblock Grayslake, Illinois

Editor’s reply: Thank you, Judy, for sharing your story. Here is one account published on Dec. 12, 1963, in Keith County News

One more ‘Winter Reading’

As an avid reader of each issue of Nebraska Life , your “Winter Reading” article (January/February 2025) regarding books by Nebraska authors was of considerable interest.

It reminded me of a book written by an Omaha author Gary Koenig regarding the plight of packing house workers in early Omaha, titled Sheelytown. The book may be of interest to descendants of those who lived through that period and relatives who subsequently migrated out of the area.

I have also heard that Koenig will soon publish a book on the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition that will include some never-before-seen photos along with maps depicting location and attractions of the international event.

I look forward to each issue of Nebraska Life and enjoy learning about events throughout the state.

Roger Wozny Elkhorn

SEND YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Send your letters and emails by April 1, 2025, for possible publication in the next issue. One lucky winner selected at random will receive a free 1-year subscription renewal. This issue’s winner is Roger Wozny of Elkhorn. Email editor@nebraskalife.com or write by mail to the address at the front of this magazine. Thanks for reading and subscribing!

Fairbury’s mother hen

In the January/February 2025 issue, the tribute titled “A Portrait of German Grit” rekindled my memories of Mavis Lloyd.

During the summer months she took in boarders to acquire funds for her college tuition. It was the summers of 1952 and 1953 when I was one of her boarders while attending the summer school sessions at Fairbury Junior College. There were eight girls occupying her upstairs rooms enjoying the comforts of home.

Mrs. Lloyd was a busy lady caring for her children, tending the yard and garden along with being a mother hen to the young girls who had just graduated from high school. She often took time to visit with us while sitting on her front steps which established a great relationship.

Yes, Mavis Lloyd displayed “grit” as she pursued her goals. What a wonderful lady to remember.

Janet Lentfer Geneva

The other Chrisman sister I would like to introduce your readers to an exceptional book, When You and I Were Young, Nebraska! by Berna Hunter Chrisman. Berna and her parents homesteaded in Custer County near New Helena (now Victoria Springs). She is related to the large Chrisman family (“Frontier Matriarchs,” January/ February 2025) through marriage. Her youngest son edited her publication, as

well as other books and is an accomplished Nebraska author. Her book is a great connection to the long ago homesteading days.

The book is out of print but can be found online and well worth the effort of looking for it. Thank you for your very fine publication.

Bill J. Ihm Ainsworth

History Nebraska

Noteworthy news, entertaining nonsense

Bone Creek Museum Blooms in Space A larger home for agrarian art in David City

BY ARIELLA NARDIZZI

The broad plains of Nebraska are redolent with the scent of tilled soil. Earth stretches beneath a sweeping horizon, punctuated by silhouettes of a grain elevator and weathered barn. Green fields turn flaxen, autumn leaves swirl into winter’s first frost, and spring breathes color into the landscape with the shifting seasons.

Since 2008, Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City has captured the spirit of the land as the nation’s only art museum dedicated exclusively to agrarian art. Prolific hometown artist Dale Nichols’

series of paintings, “Four Seasons,” depicting a red barn through the changing seasons, inspired founders Anna Nolan, Allen Covault and art connoisseur Mark Moseman to preserve Nichols’ legacy through a museum. Its flagship collection featuring Nichols’ work offers an immersive look at art rooted in the land and farming.

The original 1,000-square-foot gallery provided a modest introduction to American Regionalism – a movement known for its raw, sentimental portrayals of rural life, with Nichols as a leading figure. A landmark exhibit in 2011, “Dale

Nichols: Transcending Regionalism,” drew thousands of visitors to the museum and helped it gain national recognition for its collection, said to rival those of America’s most prominent art museums.

As the museum’s collection grows, so does its vision. On April 12, 2025, it opens its doors in a new, state-of-the-art space – a 1917-era brick building that once housed a Ford assembly plant. With five galleries, two classrooms and a theater, Bone Creek’s airy structure is 10 times the size of its original space. The new building accommodates larger exhibits and artworks, such as famous painter Gary Ernest Smith’s 8-foot

Sarah Juranek

canvases, and provides dedicated space for artist talks, community events and opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in agrarian art.

Curator Amanda Mobley Guenther said agriculture is the backbone of daily life. Since its founding, the museum has become a platform for more than 50 artists who explore the ongoing relationship between people and the land. “There is so much that we want to do to give voice to the beauty and emotional experience of being in nature and working the land,” Guenther said.

In 2015, the museum engaged the community with a multimedia exhibit called “Ballad of the Farm: Then, Now and Tomorrow.” Inspired by the public’s own historic farm photos, artists created works featured in a documentary film. Hundreds of participants from across the nation submitted photos – each accompanied by an emotional story or familial anecdote about the value of hard work and character, echoing themes found in other agrarian exhibits at Bone Creek Museum.

The Ford Building sits in the heart of David City’s creative district, one of several around the state designated to spark economic development through the arts. “A cornerstone of the program is bringing the community together to find out what they want to see happen. Through these conversations, communities are working together to build a place where they want to live and raise their families,” said Rachel Morgan, director of the Creative District Program for the Nebraska Arts Council.

As Bone Creek Museum opens the doors of its new home, this David City gem is more than a repository for regional history. It is poised to nurture the next generation of artists and visitors, proving that agrarian art, like the land itself, will continue to inspire conversations for generations to come.

A Rocky Road to Statehood

BY LOREN AVEY

On Aug. 24, 1866, Lieutenant General W. T. Sherman, and his brother U.S. Sen. John Sherman of Ohio, spent the night at the stage station known as “French Louie” near present-day Sidney. They were en route to Fort Laramie in the Wyoming Territory.

At the conclusion of this trip – and with the help of Sen. Sherman – Nebraska applied for statehood. Congress passed the Nebraska Statehood Bill toward the end of the legislative session and sent it to President Andrew Johnson for his signature. Johnson decided not to act on the bill, allowing the bill to die a natural death – a tactic known as a “pocket veto.”

Johnson harbored a deep disdain for Nebraska, even going so far as to assert that the state should never have existed. His opposition was rooted in concerns over the political balance during Reconstruction –he feared that a new, Republican-leaning state would undermine his policies. Johnson also viewed Nebraska’s boundaries as artificially drawn and unviable; he proposed that its Panhandle be detached and added to the Wyoming Territory, with the

land north of the Platte River becoming part of the Dakota Territory and the area south of the Platte joining Kansas.

Undeterred by Johnson’s rejection, Nebraskans applied for statehood again as soon as 1867 arrived. When the Nebraska Statehood Bill was presented to Johnson, he outright vetoed it. However, led by Sen. Sherman, Congress overrode the presidential veto on March 1, 1867 – making Nebraska the only state to achieve statehood with an override of the presidential veto.

As if the struggle for statehood were not enough, the young state soon faced challenges in governance. Nebraska’s first elected governor, David Butler, found himself under intense scrutiny. About three years into his term, growing discontent among the citizens led to his impeachment.

Thus, for the United States’ 37th state, the journey to full statehood was far from ordinary – it was truly a rough and rocky road.

Borislav Marinic/Alamy

Loren Avey is the author of Lynchings, Legends & Lawlessness: The Story of Historical Sidney Nebraska.

A new eastern cottonwood, located 10 miles south of Bartlett, is crowned state and national champion, boasting a 120-foot canopy spread.

Cottonwood Crowned King

Pibel Lake tree is shining ‘star’ of state and nation

BY ALAN J. BARTELS

Nebraskans love their trees. Iconic cottonwoods like the Council Tree near Crawford and the historic Lone Tree at Central City once served as waypoints and meeting places for Native Americans and early settlers. Today, near the shore of a quiet Sandhills lake in Wheeler County, a truly tree-mendous eastern cottonwood has been discovered in plain sight.

The Nebraska Forest Service has crowned a new Nebraska Champion eastern cottonwood, located 10 miles south of Bartlett at Pibel Lake Recreation Area. This tree replaces the previous champion cottonwood near Beatrice that had held the title since 2013 (“Nebraska cottonwood wins national title,” January/February 2014).

“It would take at least 6 adults linked together to give the Pibel Lake tree a complete hug,” said Justin Evertson, the green infrastructure coordinator for the Nebraska Forest Service and Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

Pibel Lake is a hidden gem of the rural county – a small but beloved scenic body of water owned and managed by the Lower Loup Natural Resources District. The sprawling eastern cottonwood grows along the eastern side of the 24acre lake, easily reached by a leisurely stroll along the shore.

In the summer of 2024, a survey crew working at Pibel Lake Recreation Area noticed the cottonwood. They stretched a tape measure around its gnarly trunk and alerted the National Forest Service to the potential

record-breaker. The agency soon dispatched experts for official measurements.

The Nebraska Champion Tree program awards points based on height, canopy spread and trunk circumference. The Pibel Lake cottonwood stands 85 feet, boasts a 120-foot canopy spread and has a trunk circumference of 37.2 feet. Just in time for Arbor Day, the Nebraska Forest Service announced the Pibel Lake tree as the new Nebraska champion. Moreover, this colossal cottonwood is also the new national champion. Of the 546 title holders in the National Champion Tree program, it is Nebraska’s sole representative.

The eastern cottonwood’s significance to Nebraskans predates its designation as the Nebraska State Tree in 1972. Pioneers burned its logs for heat and cooking, and

JEO Consulting Group

FLAT WATER

the tree’s soft wood proved invaluable for lumber. A fast-growing and prolific species, early settlers planted spindly cottonwood saplings on their homesteads. For Nebraska’s indigenous tribes, cottonwoods were sacred – the Pawnee used its wood to build canoes, and many tribes believed that cottonwoods were a link the earth and the heavens. With the right break, a cottonwood limb reveals the shape of a star.

“Finding those little cottonwood tree stars is just the beginning of what this tree can teach about Nebraska’s history and culture,” said outdoor educator Keanna Leonard.

The Pibel Lake tree now joins the cottonwood legacy as a towering tribute to Nebraska history – a sight accessible to all who pass through this eastern side of the Sandhills.

“That makes it everybody’s tree,” said Evertson, who nominated the tree for national championship status. “It is fitting that the national champion grows in Nebraska, where the cottonwood is king.”

A crew from JEO Consulting Group had it made in the shade when they measured the circumference of the eastern cottonwood.

JEO Consulting Group

Photo by Courtney Kaup

Photo by Bobbi Anderson

Photo by Joe Burns

New welcome center captures Kearney’s spirit

BY ARIELLA NARDIZZI

Stepping into the new Kearney Welcome Center in the heart of Younes Landing is like entering the city’s vibrant pulse. A locally inspired mural greets visitors at the entrance, each letter of “Kearney” artistically depicting a defining landscape – from the iconic Archway to rolling cornfields and whitewater kayakers navigating the Platte River.

Above, sandhill cranes float effortlessly, suspended from the ceiling, while natural light floods the space. The floors mirror the winding Platte, guiding visitors through Kearney’s past, present and future.

After two years of construction, the city celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony in early February. Crews broke ground in fall 2023 on the $5.3 million facility, located just north of Interstate 80. An interactive map connects visitors to Kearney’s top attractions and upcoming community events.

“We’ve created a space to engage, educate and inspire both visitors and locals by showcasing our city’s rich history, natural wonders and year-round attractions,” said Bobbi Dickerson of Visit Kearney.

The Welcome Center embeds Kearney’s history in its walls with a “Then & Now” display, incorporating repurposed bricks from downtown streets. Text and photographs trace the city’s evolution, honoring its roots.

For nature lovers, the center offers a multi-sensory experience. The 12,000-square-foot space features panoramic videos from Nebraska photographer Michael Forsberg, capturing the Platte’s sweeping beauty and breathtaking sandhill cranes migration at nearby Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon.

Visitors can listen to the cranes’ piercing calls from a makeshift bird blind or try their hand at the origami station, crafting delicate keepsakes that embody Kearney’s spirit.

Open seven days a week, the Welcome Center staff are eager to greet visitors, ensuring every detail of this reimagined space reflects Kearney’s deep connection to the land.

Kearney visitors enjoy a new welcome center off Interstate 80. As guests walk through the 12,000-square-foot building, they learn about the town’s history, attractions, wildlife and upcoming events through interactive maps and activity stations.

Visit Kearney (all)

Discover

Main Street Gallery

Visit us and discover the latest arrivals – new artists showcasing their wonderful work.

Explore the heart of Nebraska’s fine art at Main Street Gallery.

Open Wed-Sat, 10 am-5 pm or by appointment.

dynomitered.61@gmail.com

308-219-0382 • Join us on 414 1st St • North Loup, NE

UNMC students ask about our student discount!

Omaha South High School and University of Nebraska-Omaha graduate James R. Young served as president and CEO of what Omahaheadquartered company from 2003 to 2012? The company famously crossed paths with the Central Pacific Railroad in Utah in 1869.

2 According to the Creighton website, “no Creighton alumnus has had more days named after him than” what legendary St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, the second player ever to win World Series MVP twice, after Sandy Koufax with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Hastings College alum Clayton Anderson is the first and only Nebraskan to boldly go where, spending a total of 167 days there?

Graduate of Doane College (now Doane University) Dr. Claude E. Welch was called in as a consultant after the 1981 attempted assassination of what Polish-born man?

North Bend Central High School alum Marg Helgenberger won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as K.C. in what show set during the Vietnam War?

Craig Chandler

Glasshouse Images / Alamy

Nebraska Wesleyan University alum John R. Dunning conducted research into the gaseous diffusion process, a method used to isolate what incredibly important isotope?

a. Carbon-14

b. Cobalt-60

c. Uranium-235

7 As a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Johnny Carson completed a 45-minute reelto-reel recording for his Bachelor of Arts thesis in radio and speech. The thesis analyzed how comedy writers construct jokes for radio shows. What was the title of his thesis?

a. How to Write Comedy for Radio

b. Comedy and the Radio

c. The Art of Radio Comedy

8 Scientist James E. McDonald graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and was a vocal scientific supporter of the belief in the existence of what, testifying before Congress on the topic in 1968?

a. Bigfoot

b. Extraterrestrials

c. The Loch Ness Monster

9 College Football Hall of Fame coach and Peru State alum

Darrell “Dr. Victory” Mudra spent most of his head coaching career at various colleges, but in 1966, he had a brief stint as a head coach in what professional league?

a. American Football League

b. Australian Football League

c. Canadian Football League

10 Late actress Sandy Denis graduated Lincoln High School in 1955. Eleven years later, she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in what movie?

a. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

b. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

c. They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?

From 1997 to 2021, American Samoa had three consecutive governors with bachelor’s degrees from Nebraska schools.

Nebraska alum and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather represents Nebraska in the National Statuary Hall. Her statue was sculpted by Creighton professor Littleton Alston, making him the first African American sculptor represented in the collection.

Nebraska hasn’t had a governor who attended a Nebraska university since 2005, when Mike Johanns, who received his Doctor of Law at Creighton, left office to be Secretary of Agriculture.

Rosie Ruiz, the woman who “won” the 1980 Boston Marathon only for it to be discovered later that she cheated, attended Wayne State College. Perhaps appropriately, though, sources differ as to whether or not she actually graduated.

Late rapper Unk had a top 10 hit in 2006 with “Walk It Out.” His stage name is a reference to the fact that he attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Architect of the U.S. Capitol

All Aboard to Hastings

by JANICE McBRIDE

THE TROOP TRAIN shoots across Midwestern flatlands, whistle howling like coyotes. Its cat eye pierces the night.

“We’re packed tight as sardines,” I hear a man say. Mama holds baby Allan. I’m almost four. This is night and we don’t have beds. I didn’t know people could sleep sitting up. I watch men who wear the same clothes, the men that Mama calls soldiers and sailors. She says the war is over and they’re coming home.

The train chugs through small Iowa towns, then on through unseen fields of corn, west toward fields of Nebraska wheat. We’re going to Grandpa and Grandma’s house in Hastings.

“Omaha! Next stop Omaha!” the conductor calls as he walks through the coach. Mama stands up holding Allan, her purse and diaper bag. “Our bags are checked on to Hastings,” she says. “We’ll have to wait for another train.”

We squish between uniforms to a door and into that scary space where wind blows between cars. I cling to Mama’s dress and the railing. The conductor holds her elbow as we step on the heavy stool and onto the platform. Steam hisses from monster wheels. We follow soldiers who disappear through the open doors of Omaha Union Station.

We watch the stairs squeeze out from the floor and unfold, see how a person steps onto a stair, stands still and rides.

“Mama, it’s magic! The stairs move!”

Long, wooden seats that look like church pews line the big stone building. Soldiers and sailors sleep on benches, leaning against duffel hags. Others smoke and pace the floor, their boots tramping on the tile

floor mixing with the sounds of people talking, coughing and snoring.

Mama tells me it is midnight. “Midnight? I thought everyone sleeps at midnight. That’s when Santa comes.”

“Look! There’s a cloud inside.” I point toward the ceiling.

“That’s smoke,” Mama says. I watch it curl slowly around long, hanging lamps that keep darkness outside the high windows. Through the haze, I hear a man’s voice that bounces off the walls. Mama listens. “Our train to Hastings is here. Let’s go.”

“All aboard!” the conductor calls with his big voice. We climb into another crowded brown train with a funny roof. The conductor punches tickets and I curl up, head against Mama’s arm while she holds the baby. The jiggle and clickety-clack feel like a lullaby. I want to sleep on a train every night.

The sun wakes me, and I look out the window as we pass miles of funny, grassy hills that are all the same. I want to play on them. “Mama, what are they?”

“Those are ammunition bunkers. They held ammo for the war.”

“Hastings! Next stop Hastings!” shouts the conductor. The train whistles and squeals into the depot. We step out into fresh air. Grandpa and Grandma are waiting. They smile, chuckle, pat my head and say, “My, how you’ve grown. Oh, and here’s the baby.”

Grandpa opens the doors to his old black car. I’m big, so I climb up on the running board by myself and onto the back seat. “The car’s been in the garage all through the war,” Grandpa says. “I ride my bicycle.” He smiles at me, “I’ll give you a ride in the basket.”

We cross their porch and enter the home where Mama grew up. “Who’s that?” I point to a man with happy eyes and a white cap in a picture frame on top of a tall, old piano. I like him.

“That’s your Uncle Lyle, your mother’s brother. He’s in the Navy,” Grandpa says. “We have men rooming upstairs in the two spare bedrooms. Those rooms have been rented all through the war. You know the Naval Ammunition Depot was built here in Hastings, largest in the country. It doubled our population overnight. You’ll have to share the studio couch downstairs.”

Grandma fixes lunch. Grandpa says grace, then passes corn on the cob that he picked from the garden. “A Victory Garden, FDR calls it. We’ve had a garden all our lives.”

Grandma wags her finger, “Eat your beans. Waste not, want not!” After rhubarb sauce dessert we hear thunder on a sunny day, rush outdoors and look up. A giant plane is flying so low, so huge, so noisy that I cover my ears.

“That’s a Flying Fortress B-17 bomber,” Grandpa says. “The war is finally over! Folks are going home. Hastings can get back to normal.”

The Naval Ammunition Depot Hastings was the largest of four inland U.S. Navy ammunition depots, at one point producing 40% of the ammunition used by the U.S. Navy. The National Park Service designated Hastings as an American WW II Heritage City in January 2024. Tours of the decommissioned depot are available through the Hastings Museum, (402) 461-2399.

Ammunition bunkers at the Naval Ammunitions Depot stand as tribute to Hasting’s vital role during WW II.

Jorn Olsen

FOLLOWING THE

Whooper Highway

Lincoln photographer migrates to lift whooping crane conservation

story by ALAN J. BARTELS

photographs by MICHAEL FORSBERG

PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL FORSBERG has long been known for creating photography for a cause. His first book, On Ancient Wings: The Sandhill Cranes of North America, came out 20 years ago and shared the life history of the beloved species through his elegant photographs and words. Now, the Lincoln native and award-winning conservation photographer is back at it with a chronicle of the world’s most endangered crane species.

Into Whooperland: A Photographer’s Journey with Whooping Cranes, is the product of a five-year passion project to raise awareness about the birds. Overflowing with beautiful images, this is not one of those large photography books that dwarfs a coffee table. But it is large enough to allow the reader to fully appreciate the beauty of these animals and their habitat, and still easily toss it into a backpack for a bird-watching trip or other excursion.

FORSBERG TELLS THE conservation stories of these birds, such as how fewer than 20 whoopers remained in the 1940s.

He writes about their habitat requirements, the many threats to the mix of wetlands and uplands they depend on, and introduces readers to individual birds (like the one nicknamed Husker Red) and a dedicated group of biologists, conservationists, land managers and landowners working to ensure whooping cranes persist within their historic but changing landscapes.

Forsberg, a faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a fellow with the Center for Great Plains Studies, credits family trips to the Rocky Mountains with his parents for inspiring his love of the outdoors. Experiencing the

sandhill crane migration for the first time with his grandparents in Kearney during high school sparked a deep connection with the birds that merged with his soul. The most common crane species on Earth, sandhill cranes – along with whooping cranes, the rarest of the world’s 15 crane species – both rely on Nebraska’s Platte River during their spring and fall migrations.

The author/photographer who does not claim to be a writer traveled far from his Nebraska roots for the book project. With a friend at the controls of a 1957 Cessna 172, and with the spring whooping crane migration underway, Forsberg took off. He headed north from near the cranes’ wintering grounds at Aransas National Wild-

Michael Forsberg is known for his photo journalism to educate and help conserve sandhill cranes. His newest publication follows the migration of whooping cranes, chronicling 120 stunning images across a 3,000-mile journey from wintering to nesting grounds.

life Refuge in Texas. This was not a flight with whooping cranes flapping alongside the airplane. But it did allow Forsberg to see what the birds see from the air, and to touch down each night to fuel up, feed and rest, just like the cranes. Eighteen days later, after an aerial journey of roughly 3,000 miles, the plane touched down near the birds’ nesting grounds deep within the 11-million-acre wilderness of Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada.

Eight days hiding in a camouflaged blind in that Canadian wilderness while

subsisting on mostly meat sticks, nuts and granola bars provided a rare window into these endangered birds’ lives and yielded some of the most intimate whooping crane images ever captured by any photographer. Merciless hordes of blood thirsty insects found their way through mosquito netting and into the blind. Still, Forsberg stuck it out. He calls it “Being comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

He was photographing – click, click, click – at the very moment that a baby whooping crane, still wet and fresh out of

the egg, stood up for the first time; when it swallowed a larval dragonfly as its first meal, and as the young crane – called a colt – took its first swim.

The photo opportunities were not always as uplifting. Aerial images showing coastal development in the cranes’ southern wintering areas, industrial agriculture in the Great Plains where migrating cranes depend on continually shrinking areas of grassland and wetlands, and tar sands open-pit mining near Canadian nesting grounds illustrate only a few of the many threats to whooping crane recovery.

Forsberg shot more than 100,000 photographs while working on the book. Time lapse cameras positioned within the migratory flyway in Nebraska and elsewhere – and one mounted to the airplane itself – captured another 330,000 more. About 120 photos made the book. Many more are being used at the new interactive website, whoopingcranechronicles.com. Several of the time lapse cameras used during the project did not survive.

One was pecked to pieces by a nesting whooping crane in Louisiana. A second camera was likely struck by lightning in Texas. Forsberg especially laments the images lost when a camera mounted to a tree in whooping crane nesting habitat was burned and melted in 2023, a record year for wildfires in Canada.

“Photos of wildfire sweeping across that landscape would have been important,” said Forsberg, who while working on the book, logged roughly 50,000 miles through the ancient migration corridor that he calls the Whooper Highway.

“Whooping cranes are beautiful. They are rare,” Forsberg said. “They are more resilient than we think, and their future is still in our hands.”

Into Whooperland: A Photographer’s Journey with Whooping Cranes by

Michael Forsberg

Michael Forsberg Photography michaelforsberg.com

224 pp, softcover, $49

To capture the whooping cranes’ migration, Forsberg took photos from the sky and on the ground, tucked in a tent blind overnight to observe the birds as they overwintered.

Migrating whooping cranes depend on Nebraska waterways, roosting at the Platte River or in rainwater basins like the Funk Waterfowl Production Area as they travel north to nest.

Villasur

How a Spanish-Indian battle in Nebraska changed American history

by RON SOODALTER

VILLASUR

ON JUNE

16, 1720 , Lieutenant-General Pedro de Villasur rode out of Spanishcontrolled Santa Fe at the head of a small army. Best estimates suggest his force consisted of about 45 elite Spanish “soldados de cueras” (leather-clad soldiers), a Jesuit priest and a trader with six pack animals. They were joined by 60 Pueblo “auxiliaries” – renowned as effective skirmishers – and led by José Naranjo, a seasoned scout, explorer, interpreter and guide of mixed African and Hopi descent. Along the way, Villasur added a dozen Apache scouts to the expedition; still smarting from a blistering defeat at the hands of the Pawnee the previous year, the Apache were eager for payback.

New Mexican Governor Antonio Valverde y Casio had ordered Villasur, a competent administrator but a military novice, to lead an expedition northeast into what is now Nebraska. Covering roughly 700 miles in seven weeks, his journey marked Spain’s farthest thrust into the Great Plains for years. His mission was to locate and capture French traders – and to question them about France’s plans for the region.

A Growing Conflict

At this time, control of the New World’s western territories and resources was fiercely contested by the two world powers. The Spanish, who arrived first, quickly built a vast colonial empire stretching north from Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America to Vancouver Island and west from Florida to California. Meanwhile, the French, driven by the lure of the profitable fur trade, were the first to colonize the Upper Midwest – erecting forts, towns and trading posts from the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

As both nations expanded, conflict became inevitable. With European hostilities already in play, Spanish officials in the Southwest were deeply concerned about a potential French incursion into their territory.

Compounding matters was the need to engage with the Native tribes already living in these lands. Both nations sought alliances through treaties that offered commercial and military advantages. Yet their approaches differed sharply.

The French presence was relatively benign when compared to the Spanish. According to Pawnee Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Matt Reed in Pawnee, Oklahoma, “Our cultural landscape was huge; it ran all the way up the Missouri River and into the Dakotas. You could see Pawnee lodges all the way to what is now North Dakota. But the French weren’t after our land. They started showing up in the late 1600s, and they respected our sociopolitical systems, sometimes intermarrying within the Tribe. Both the French and the Pawnee benefited from the trading.”

As Villasur’s expedition traveled further north, they encountered French-allied Pawnee (left) and Otoe warriors and their homes, or earth lodges (right), along the Loup and Platte rivers.

George Catlin/National Gallery of Art (left); History Nebraska (right)

Spanish expeditions preceded Pedro de Villasur’s journey into the Nebraska Territory, such as the Coronado Expedition in 1540, later depicted by painter Frederic Remington.

Frederic Remington; History Nebraska (page 30)

Reed noted that while the Pawnee had a longstanding ceramics tradition, “clay pots break; brass trade pots don’t.” Knives, scissors, thimbles, trade candles, decorative brass hawk bells and – most notably, firearms – became highly sought after items.

Current understanding of the French presence is flawed, Reed said. Many people today mistakenly think that the French were solely focused on exploiting the fur trade or acting in self-interest. Instead, Reed argues that the French were initially trying to build settlements and secure food for their communities. Their early interactions with Native Americans were more about establishing mutual relationships and trade – exchanging goods like corn, beans, squash and meat – before those exchanges evolved into a more formal market economy.

In contrast, Spanish relations with Native peoples were often marked by a superior and brutal approach. Those who rejected Spanish culture and religion were derisively labeled “indios bárbaros” – a term used for groups such as Pawnee and Otoe. “There were several times in our history when the Spanish ventured up into Pawnee country,” Reed said. “And every time, we either fought them or highly discouraged them from staying.”

When Villasur left Santa Fe, he could hardly have foreseen what awaited him.

The Expedition

Villasur’s precise route remains unknown, though Nebraska Historian James A. Hanson notes that it “followed a hunting and raiding trail of the Pawnee … surviving portions of Villasur’s journal state they were following an Indian trail.”

Eventually, the expedition reached the Platte River near present-day Grand Island, and shortly afterward, the Loup River – both of which they crossed. By then, increasing numbers of French-allied Pawnee and Otoe warriors began appearing along their route.

VILLASUR ATTEMPTED

to negotiate through a Pawnee slave – whom the Spanish had renamed Francisco Sistaka – as his intermediary. However, as the number of Pawnee and Otoe warriors swelled, so did their resentment toward the Spanish.

At some point, Sistaka disappeared. Although neither Spanish nor Pawnee accounts mention him again, it seems likely he rejoined his people, seizing the opportunity to strike back at his former masters.

Fear gripped Villasur’s party as they confronted both the mounting numbers and the palpable hostility of Indigenous warriors. They quickly retreated to the Loup River, recrossed it and established camp in a tall-grass meadow near present-day Columbus – a choice that, as Villasur would soon learn, provided ideal cover for an ambush.

At dawn on Aug. 14, 1720, a large force of Pawnee and Otoe warriors, hidden by the tall grass, attacked the sleeping camp. Hanson postulates, “Probably Sistaka had informed his people of the best time to attack.” What followed became known as the Villasur Massacre.

Villasur was killed almost immediately, while his cueras – armed with swords, lances and muskets – formed into a defensive circle. Outlying horse pickets attempted a desperate rescue; three soldiers charged into the melee on horseback. Two were killed, and only one managed to reach his comrades. In a final act of tenacity, seven soldiers mounted a ride to safety, while one man, shot nine times and scalped, somehow survived.

The Pueblos, who had camped apart from the main force, avoided the full brunt of the attack but still lost nine of their 60 members. The Spanish debacle was even more severe: Within minutes, 35 Spaniards – including the priest and the celebrated scout José Naranjo – lay dead. Of the force of 45 elite cueras, only eight survived, while all the Apache scouts emerged unscathed.

As both France and Spain vied for control the western lands, Villasur’s charge was to locate and capture French traders. Though his expedition ended in tragedy, it marked Spain’s furthest reach into the Great Plains and the first large-scale European incursion in Nebraska.

Photo credits

New York Public Library

Hanson observed, “It is hard to imagine the demoralizing effect of this disaster upon New Mexico. The province had lost a general, its finest scout, a distinguished businessman, a priest and the flower of its frontiersmen.”

In one day, the Spanish lost any hope of uncovering French intentions – and with it, the ambition for eastward expansion in North America. In the ensuing decades, intrepid French traders from Louisiana and Mackinac Island (in present-day Michigan), who had been trading with the Pawnee, traversed Nebraska to bring their trade goods to New Mexico – a movement that, as Hanson noted, “fueled Spanish hysteria.”

Initially treated well, by 1750, authorities in Mexico City began punitive actions against French merchants. Goods were confiscated, and traders found themselves imprisoned or worse. One merchant from Mackinac Island, after two successful trips, was arrested on his third venture, sentenced to life in prison and shipped to Spain in chains as a galley slave.

Recording the Massacre

Aside from some recovered pages from Villasur’s journal, the only contemporary visual record of the Massacre is a large hide painting. A reproduction of the painting resides at the Nebraska State History Museum in Lincoln, while the original – commissioned by a stunned Spanish government, based upon the testimonies of the few survivors – is on display at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe.

Measuring 17 by 4 1/2 feet and composed of three hides (most likely buffalo), the painting depicts the battle in fine detail at the confluence of the Platte and Loup rivers. Native warriors are shown nude, their bodies painted in the traditional style they wore into battle.

Some figures in the painting appear to wear cocked hats or pointed caps and carry long rifles – a detail that once sparked conjecture that Frenchmen participated in the fight. However, Reed is emphatic: “We are 99.9 percent certain that there were no Frenchmen at the massacre. It was just their rationale for losing to a bunch of Indians!”

The only visual record of the massacre at the confluence of the rivers is preserved by a 17-foot mural painted on three hides, likely buffalo. In honor of the 300th anniversary of the battle, the Nebraska History Museum created a reproduction of the original (below) in 2020.

After studying the hide painting, Otoe-Pawnee anthropologist Melea Hoffman, a researcher for the Otoe-Missouri Tribal Office, reflected, “One of the things I find most important about these pieces is that it brings back a lot of the forgotten history of our people. When we find art like this, we’re able to look back in history and see from a first-person perspective … what part we took.”

Hoffman added, “Native Americans have been downplayed in history, at least in a positive light. We’ve either been pushed to the back or we have been made a sidenote. As far as this battle, the Otoe and the Pawnee were a huge part of history … and this victory, where they helped the French and defeated the Spanish and Villasur … changed the tide of American history.”

The hide painting is not the only surviving memory of the massacre. Although it remains uncertain whether any living descendants of the Pawnee warriors exist, a traditional Tribal song – passed down through generations – vividly recounts the battle and the subsequent Pawnee and Otoe victory.

Growing Green ALL WINTER

Geo-air greenhouse grows fresh produce year-round

story by ARIELLA NARDIZZI photographs by LORENZEN FAMILY

FROST COATS THE frozen ground outside as Ryan and Rhonda Lorenzen mill about in their greenhouse two miles south of Wakefield. Fresh dirt stains the knees of their jeans. Saccharine citrus trees permeate the air with their fragrant blossoms.

The 132-foot-long structure overflows with thriving plants in balmy, 50-degree warmth. In the midst of winter, this geothermal greenhouse has been the Lorenzen family’s oasis of yearround fresh produce since 2019.

Thirteen tree varieties grow from the center aisle. Plump red pomegranates weigh down a branch. Mangos turn from ashgreen to their rainbow hue. Citrus trees bear fruit – mandarin oranges, Meyer lemons, limes and grapefruits.

At ground level, pineapples sprout spiky stalks and line the walkway at the greenhouses’ entrance. Plants frame the walls of the grow room, from typical heartland crops such as tomatoes, onions and garlic, which will eventually grow outdoors, to exotic, tropical plants like avocados or passion fruit.

THE LORENZENS’ JOURNEY into year-round growing began over six years ago. As Ryan approached retirement as a land surveyor for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, he sought a meaningful way to fill his time. In 2018, he came across a 3-minute television program on Russ Finch, the original creator of the geo-air greenhouse in 1992 (featured in “Citrus in the Snow,” November/December 2021). Intrigued, Ryan traveled to Alliance to learn more about Finch and his partner Allen Bright’s state-ofthe-art system.

Finch’s dedication to producing his own fruits and vegetables resonated strongly with Ryan and Rhonda, who wanted to feed their family and become more self-sufficient off the land. “Finch believed it was ridiculous to buy from the grocery store. We sit on some of the best, fertile land in the world and still buy things from overseas,” Ryan recalled, echoing Finch’s philosophy.

Ryan purchased a frame kit from Finch and Bright’s company, Greenhouse in the Snow, and got to work in June 2019. The family of four – Ryan, Rhonda and their daughters Sarah and Hannah – tackled all the construction themselves, except for electricity and water.

“We wanted to prove your standard family with minor construction experience can put one of these things up,” Ryan said. The Lorenzens finished the greenhouse by the fall equinox with enough

The Lorenzen family have always been avid gardeners. Daughters Sarah and Hannah learned how to tend to the land at an early age; now the family sustains the yield year long with their greenhouse.

time to start growing for their first winter season.

At its simplest, the greenhouse is a model of low-maintenance, sustainable gardening. It draws heat from the earth and uses a geo-air system to circulate warm air through underground tubes.

A 10-inch squirrel fan, no more complex than a household furnace, powers the system. It moves air through 250 feet of drain tiles buried eight feet underground. These tubes gather and store the earth’s natural warmth, enabling the greenhouse to stay at a moderate temperature, even during Nebraska’s harshest winters.

The structure’s translucent polycarbonate panels allow sunlight to filter in, creating the perfect balance of additional heat and natural light for the plants inside. The system practically runs itself –and does so without an extravagant investment in outside energy.

In fact, the challenge isn’t keeping the greenhouse warm; it’s keeping it cool. On sunny days below zero, the greenhouse’s average temperatures remains between 90 to 100 degrees when sealed shut. To combat this, Ryan cracks open windows and doors to regulate the temperature with air flow.

The family learned this the hard way, cautioning prospective gardeners to water plants in moderation. “Once you close up for the winter, it turns from greenhouse to terrarium. Every drop of water stays in there,” Rhonda said.

The result was an unexpected battle against white mold in their first year of growing. They’ve since learned to reduce their watering and regulate temperatures through better ventilation.

The greenhouse has also allowed the Lorenzens, who have been avid gardeners their whole life, to extend their growing season. Ryan and Rhonda still enjoy planting outside when the weather is conducive. They continue to grow cold-hardy crops such as garlic, onions and potatoes through the winter, then transfer them outdoors in the summer when the greenhouse becomes too warm.

The whole family began construction on the geo-air greenhouse in 2019, finishing just in time to start growing during their first winter.

Other resilient plants, such as rosemary and saffron, thrive in the 12-foot entryway of the greenhouse, which acts as a buffer between the cold winter air and grow room.

Though the family offers tours to prospective greenhouse growers, the greenhouse itself is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each structure is highly customizable, allowing for different layouts, growing beds and plant arrangements to suit each grower’s needs.

For Ryan, the grow room is “where the magic happens.” The greenhouse has become a laboratory where his curiosity roams free. Over the last six years, he has tried his hand at growing everything from saffron to yacón, a South American root vegetable.

The greenhouse requires a delicate touch to balance temperatures for so many varieties of plants. One year, the Lorenzens attempted to grow vanilla orchids for their oldest niece who made homemade vanilla extract. However, the plant needs a consistent temperature of 60 degrees to thrive, which was difficult to maintain without backup heat – and not justifiable enough for one plant.

Alternatively, the couple found that rosemary grew better in the 20-degree entryway of the greenhouse, unbothered by the cold.

Even as their knowledge of plants deepens, the Lorenzen’s approach remains rooted in the enjoyment of gardening and providing fresh produce for themselves, their family and neighbors.

“We’ve always been the homesteader, prepper types. It’s always been the way we’ve lived. The greenhouse allows us to do that year-round,” Ryan said.

Rhonda, a former paraeducator at Wakefield Community Schools for 21 years, has also enjoyed sharing their abundant bounty with their community. In October 2019, 5th grade students made compost bags as part of their science class lesson. Rhonda brought each bag home and added the students’ contributions to her greenhouse compost so that each student could share in feeding her garden – and just in time for their first growing season.

From 2021 to 2023, she brought fresh tomatoes, celery and cucumbers to feed students through Nebraska Thursdays, a program that allows schools to buy and serve harvests from local farmers.

Both Ryan and Rhonda are now retired. Every morning, as the sun weakens its grip on winter, Ryan steps inside the warm world of his greenhouse sanctuary. Rhonda, usually in tow, brushes the snow from her boots to join him.

“There’s nothing better than that smell of fresh dirt and green stuff growing. Being able to do that in the dead of winter is really enjoyable,” Ryan said.

Their greenhouse does not have a sign out front or a storefront, and that’s the way they like it. For the Lorenzen family, it’s a reminder of the food sovereignty that drives their every day.

While the winter frost keeps outside temperatures near zero, the Lorenzen greenhouse remains at a warm 50 degrees to grow fruits like bananas, pineapples, avocados and pomegranates. Crops like garlic and potatoes grow nearly all year-long, moved outside come summer.

SUPPERS SEA FROM THE

Three savory seafood dishes bring the ocean’s bounty to the Heartland’s table

recipes and photographs by DANELLE McCOLLUM

EACH RECIPE COMBINES fresh ingredients and simple techniques for a satisfying, gourmet meal. Tangy grilled shrimp skewers burst with flavor in each bite. A seared salmon with Asian-inspired sauce raises the bar for a restaurant-quality entrée. Then, put leftover fish to use with crunchy salmon cakes for a quick, easy air-fryer dinner.

Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp

From prep time to table, these tangy shrimp skewers with Tajin, lime juice and cilantro take just 10 minutes to make. For high-quality, gourmet cocktail shrimp, check out Absolutely Fresh Seafood Market in Omaha to level up your seafood game.

In a large bowl, toss shrimp in olive oil, Tajin, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Coat evenly. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side, or until just pink.

If desired, add additional Tajin, salt and pepper. Squeeze lime juice over shrimp skewers and sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

1 lb jumbo shrimp

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp Tajin seasoning

1/4 tsp garlic salt

2 limes

2-3 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Salt and pepper, to taste

Ser ves 4

Asian Seared Salmon

Elevate your dinner with restaurant-worthy seared salmon fillets drizzled in soy sauce, ginger and mirin, a sweet Japanese cooking wine. Get fresh salmon fillets flown in daily at Lincoln’s Surf and Turf Food Company on Old Cheney Road.

For the sauce, mix water, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, fresh ginger and red pepper flakes until combined.

Season salmon with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil on griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon skin side down for 3-4 minutes without disturbing.

Flip salmon, then add a generous amount of sauce to the pan. Cook for additional 5-8 minutes, adding more sauce as it thickens. Flip salmon once more and coat in sauce. Cooked salmon should be flaky, moist, opaque and pink or orange in color.

Let stand 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy!

For the sauce

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup mirin

1/2 cup soy sauce

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1 Tbsp garlic powder

2 tsp ground ginger

1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger

1 pinch red pepper flakes

For the salmon

4 4-oz salmon fillets

2 Tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Sliced green onion, for garnish

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Ser ves 4

Air Fryer Salmon Cakes

No need to worry about fresh fish with these cakes. Simply flake leftover salmon into patties with this easy, delicious meal. Don’t skimp on the breadcrumb coating – it’s the crispy layer that holds this recipe together.

Combine salmon, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, green onions, celery, garlic, dill, Old Bay, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Toss together gently to combine.

In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, egg yolk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Add to salmon mixture and stir gently until combined.

Shape salmon into 6-8 patties, 1-inch thick. Add 1 cup breadcrumbs to shallow dish. Coat all sides of patties in breadcrumbs. Refrigerate patties for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Spray both sides of patties with non-stick cooking spray. Cook in air-fryer at 375° for 10-12 minutes. Turn all patties over halfway through cook time.

Alternatively, add olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Fry salmon cakes for 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Serve hot with lemon wedges or tartar sauce.

3 cups cooked flaked salmon

1 ½ cups seasoned bread crumbs, divided

2-3 green onions, chopped

1 stalk celer y, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 egg yolk

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 lemon, juiced

Non-stick cooking spray

Ser ves 6-8

WE’RE RAVENOUS TO taste (and publish) your favorite family recipes and stories that accompany them. Send recipes and stories to kitchens@nebraskalife.com or to the address at the front of this magazine.

Still nights stretch wide over Nebraska, where the prairie winds meet the glow of distant towns. Our poets listen, weaving a quiet story of the land and its people caught between the moments the sun wanes into the deep dead of night.

Early March

Vaughn Neeld, Cañon City, Colorado

The midnight moon kindles sparks from frozen fields. I stand behind warm glass, breathe in the wonder of snow-blanketed stubble that rests quietly, waiting as if to gather strength for the hectic days come Spring.

On a Prairie Eve

Jim Bahm, Norfolk

Near midnight

I sit alone

On the prairie’s edge–

The wind on the grass

Whispering softly

In my ears

Like an ocean in a seashell–

The moon above

Just a sliver of silver

Smiling down.

These Nebraska days grow longer, And nights shorter

But a day’s work

Is never done–

Like tumbleweeds

Rolling in the western wind

Another day will rise

After each passing sun.

Still Night

Alivia Ulrich, Crete

The world releases a final, shuttered breath, rustling the shimmering leaves, brushing through the grass, in a reluctant surrender to the night. And then, all is still.

Small jewels of light begin to appear against the inky backdrop of sky, flickering like single flames of fire, hesitantly blinking on and off.

Yet, as they grow bolder, brighter–they become still, forming star pictures of the ages, hiding secrets of silent watching.

As I gaze up at the silver swirls of distant galaxies, enveloped by the night’s embrace; I release a gentle sigh, stilling my restless thoughts. My heart takes in the peace, a reminder to lay aside my cares and simply be still.

Dillon Hardinger

Still Nights

Geneva Connelly, Panama

She lays almost asleep listening to the ranch noises outside. Truck engines Jake-braking on the highway, the crickets chirping, and the dogs barking at something in the distance. It has just rained so she can hear the frogs croaking across the road in the rain-filled ditch. She must rest for chores lay ahead tomorrow. She falls asleep as the stars twinkle ahead, even when she moves away from the Sandhills, she knows she will always remember her beloved ranch.

Still Nights Through the Year

Angie Ulrich, Crete

Sitting on the porch swing

The scent of lavender in the still air

The day’s cares lessen, with each rhythmic movement

A cup of warm tea and a loved one next to me

The balm of a still night, after a hurried spring day.

Kids running barefoot in the grass

Catching and releasing the glowing orbs of light

The occasional giggles from sticky mouths and slightly illuminated faces

Are the only sounds of this still summer night.

Sitting in the back of a pickup, surrounded by wool blankets and dried corn stalks

A hot mug of cider warms my hands and heart

Gazing up at the endless canopy of stars, with my love beside me

The chorus of crickets serenading us, is the only sound on this still autumn night.

The shimmering white snow has blanketed the fields

Around me the crisp, overcast night is a backdrop of a sleigh ride

Wisps of fog flying by us, from the horse’s muzzle

The jingle of tiny silver bells and hooves lightly touching the glittered ground

Are the only sounds on this still winter night.

Perseids

Laura Hilkemann, Firth

We carry the old calico quilt Out in the night that’s cool and still, Trudging through ticklish pasture grass Where horses huff as we walk past.

The quilt is spread and there we lie To take in the vastness of the sky. The Milky Way’s blots of light and dark Lay smeared upon the night in a mottled arc. We search for Perseus who throws the stars; Below the leaning “W” we find his strong arms.

We wait.

Lulled by the bullfrogs crooning their song, There! An ephemeral white line is drawn. A dull pebble, debris from a comet, Touches our world and flickers resplendent.

SEND YOUR POEMS on the theme “At the Lake” for the July/August 2025 issue, deadline April 1 and “Harvest Season” for the September/October 2025 issue, deadline June 1. Email your poems to poetry@nebraskalife.com or mail to the address at the front of this magazine.

Bradley Goetsch

NATURALLY NEBRASKA

Spring Forward

Music, mementos and memories help author push through winter writer’s block

FOR MANY YEARS I told people that my only qualifications for writing for Nebraska Life were, one, having a passion for Nebraska, and two, possessing a willingness to listen and learn. It took me a very long time to realize that I have one other important qualification for being a writer – I am blessed with inspiration. Because of that, I fill as much of my time as possible researching and working on books and other writing projects about my home state.

The short days of winter (or maybe I should say the long nights) provide lots of time for sitting at my desk and cranking out assignments as the cold season rages outside. I hunt and hike and otherwise venture out when I feel the urge, but having a column due for Nebraska Life is a pretty good reason for hanging out in the great indoors. But it isn’t always easy. Writer’s block is always lurking.

When inspiration dries up and the ideas won’t flow, I put on some John Denver, Counting Crows or Guns N’ Roses, fire up a pot of coffee and let my thoughts drift away as I turn toward my home office window.

Although I never use them, there is a pair of walking sticks leaning in the corner. One, exquisitely carved at the top into the head and neck of a sandhill crane, was a gift from the staff at Rowe Sanctuary toward the end of Crane Season long ago. This year’s migration has only just begun as the cranes trickle back into Nebraska’s Platte River Valley. The topper on the other walking stick is a morel mushroom sculpted from clay.

by ALAN J. BARTELS

stories along the way.

I think it came home with me after a Pheasants Forever fundraising silent auction in the 1990s. Mushroom season will be here before we know it (and a new crop of ticks, too).

A small pile of deer antlers is stacked in the opposite corner. A tag on each one reminds me of where I picked it up. The best time for finding shed antlers is right about

now, as the last of the snow melts away, and before woodland creatures chew them up and the prairie grasses get tall. A frayed but beautiful goose feather that I found years ago at Pibel Lake in Wheeler County rests on the windowsill. With spring upon us, goose mothers will soon lead new broods of sunshiny goslings to the water’s edge for the first time.

I keep a ceramic turtle pencil holder perched precariously close to the left edge of my desk. No wonder I’ve had to glue it back together more times than I can remember. Before long, female turtles will be on the move searching for just the right piece of Nebraska dirt in which to lay their eggs. The miscellany occupying the tops of my three bookshelves, over a collection of titles by Nebraskan authors Mari Sandoz, Paul Johnsgard, John Neihardt and Jane Goodall (ok, Jane isn’t from Nebraska, but she loves it here) includes a couple dozen old cameras that I’ve picked up during my travels. They aren’t worth much, but it is always worth having a camera nearby when on the road in Nebraska.

The books and magazines in those cases remind me of the immense world of Nebraska and beyond that I explore when I’m not tied to this desk. I have come to realize that inspiration can fade, but in my case, it is often within arm’s reach. Each one of the mementos crammed into this small office proves that there is much to see, experience and do in Nebraska’s outdoors, which means there is a lot to write about. Spring has finally sprung, so I guess I’d better get to it.

Alan J. Bartels finds inspiration in his many travels across Nebraska, picking up a few trinkets and

BAYARD

Chimney Rock Museum, p 15

BROKEN BOW

Custer County Museum, p 49

DAVID CITY

Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art, p 49

FREMONT

Dodge County Historical Society Museum/ Louis E. May Museum, p 50

GOTHENBURG

Gothenburg Pony Express Station, p 58

GRAND ISLAND

Stuhr Museum, p 49

HENDERSON

Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park, p 51

KEARNEY

Museum of Nebraska Art, p 49

LA VISTA

Czech and Slovak Educational Center and Cultural Museum, p 50

MADISON

Madison County Museum, p 50

OMAHA

Durham Museum, p 48

RED CLOUD

National Willa Cather Center, p 19

SEWARD

Nebraska National Guard Museum, p 51

ST. PAUL

Museum of Nebraska Major League Baseball, p 50

YORK

Clayton Museum of Ancient History at York University, p 50

Lee’s Legendary Marbles & Collectibles, p 54

Wessels Living History Farm, p 51

SCAN & PLAN YOUR VISIT

and

IMMERSIVE EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY

NOW - MAY 4, 2025

Embark on a dramatic adventure to Antarctica — one of the most isolated and dangerous environments on Earth — and witness the latest discovery: dinosaurs. This immersive experience takes visitors back 200 million years to explore prehistoric Antarctic life and reveals modern challenges faced by adventurer-scientists.

Antarctic Dinosaurs was developed by the Field Museum, Chicago in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Discovery Place – Charlotte, NC,

the Natural History Museum of Utah. Generous support was provided by the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund.

Tracks of Time

Railroads brought prosperity to the Great Plains but towns without tracks are just a memory now. Research with us through history books and newspapers here in the museum.

Please call ahead. Museum may be closed for bad weather, illnesses, etc.

Hours: 1:30-5 pm

Mon-Fri or call for appointment 402-454-2313 or 402-649-1881

Visit this unique cultural experience in LaVista!

Explore our exhibits featuring the Immigration Room, Music Room, Sokol Room and Josef Lada calendars from the 1940s. Our gift store offers many beautiful Bohemian items from the Czech land.

Explore Fremont’s

Georgian Architecture

The May Museum takes you back to turn-of-the-century Fremont life. Tour the landscaped grounds, a Nebraska Arboretum Site.

Open late April-late Dec.

Wed-Sat, 1:30-4:30 pm | Final tour available at 3:30 pm

Admission: $5 for Adults, $1 for Students Free for ages 5 and under

FREE ADMISSION

212 S Kent St • Madison, NE learning24hrs@gmail.com

8106 S. 84th St. • LaVista 402-686-9837

Louis E. May Museum

Dodge County Historical Society

Explore ancient Rome, the Near East and much more. Special Bible exhibit shares the story of scripture from scroll to modern

Children’s interactive Little Kingdom now opened!

View rare artifacts from the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Roman Empire! Young and old can experience the museum’s Little Kingdom interactive area. Uncover objects in an archaeological dig, “live” in an ancient house and “shop” a Roman market.

with donations always accepted.

Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park and History Museum

Explore our 8 1/2 acre site with its turn-of-the-century farmstead, depot, country church, and school, where stories of Henderson’s Mennonite immigrants come to life!

May-Sept. Tue-Sat, 1-4 pm or open upon request

1 mile south of Henderson, I-80 Exit 342 Paid in part by a grant from York County Visitor’s Bureau.

In each issue you will find breathtaking outdoor adventure, mouthwatering recipes, stunning photography, captivating stories and humor from every corner of Nebraska. Whether you’re a longtime resident, newcomer or distant admirer – if you love Nebraska, then this magazine is meant for you.

TAKING TO THE ROAD FOR FOOD, FUN AND FESTIVITIES

by ARIELLA NARDIZZI

CULTURE

OLD WEST DAYS

APRIL 24-27 • VALENTINE

Soft strums on a guitar drown out the jingle of spurs on well-worn boots against the wooden floors of Valentine High School. Poets, musicians and storytellers spin a yarn of long rides across open ranges, cattle drives, campfires, history and harsh beauty of the land with an authenticity only those who lived a cowboy way of life could impart.

For over 30 years, this gathering has brought together cowboys from all corners of the Cornhusker State to celebrate a bygone era and the contemporary western spirit that still thrives in Valentine and beyond.

The event kicks off with an old-time melodrama Thursday night at the High School Auditorium. Throughout the weekend, wordsmiths transport the audience back in time through song and poetry. They weave cowboy tales of riding hard through dust and wind, driven by a sense of unshakable duty to the land. One can hear the creak of an old saddle and the distant call of a camp cook hollering for riders to come in for a hearty meal of sizzling beef, fresh biscuits and beans.

Oil paintings of open skies and wild mustangs adorn the walls, while craftsmen showcase their leatherwork, saddles

and spurs – tools of a trade that have remained unchanged for generations.

As the evening wears on, poetry turns to stories of the present day’s contemporary ranchers and cowboys. They manage cattle and live off the Sandhills with the same grit and resilience their forebears displayed.

Although the final note of a fiddle fades into the night, the spirit of those who labor on the land lingers in the air like dust after a long ride. The voices of those who share the cowboy spirit will always endure at Old West Days in Valentine. oldwestdays.net. (833) 693-7638.

Cowboys, poets, musicians and performers rendezvous in Valentine for Old West Days, celebrating the western spirit both on and off stage.

Laura Vroman

WHERE TO EAT BUNKHOUSE RESTAURANT & SALOON

This classic American staple off Highway 20 serves up generous portions. Fill your hungry stomach with a chicken fried steak smothered in gravy, fry bread tacos or a hot beef sandwich on Texas toast. 109 W. Hwy. 20. (402) 376-1609.

WHERE TO STAY LORD RANCH RESORT

An outdoorsman’s paradise is the perfect basecamp for birdwatching, hunting, stargazing and hiking in the Sandhills. Sleep peacefully in a cozy, deluxe cabin with room for the whole family. 38946 State Spur 16B. (402) 376-5984.

WHERE TO GO VALENTINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Frolic past pristine lakes and native prairie grasses at this biodiverse wildlife refuge. Home to 270 species of bird, visitors can search for sharp-tailed grouse from viewing blinds in April. 39679 Pony Lake Road. (402) 376-1889.

OTHER EVENTS YOU MAY ENJOY

APRIL

Tastydactyl

April 5 • Red Cloud

Local resident Wade Maudlin and his band, Tastydactyl, jam out at the Red Cloud Opera House with multi-generational hits from the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Their energetic sound will have the whole family dancing through the night. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. 13 N. Webster St. (402) 746-2653.

Lincoln Gem and Mineral Show

April 12 • Fairbury

Pulled pork pairs deliciously with beer and wine at the 12th annual festival. Fairbury Chamber of Commerce hosts local microbreweries and wineries sampling their signature flavors from 6-9 p.m. with live entertainment until midnight. 2337 N. K St. (402) 729-3000.

Signs of Spring Craft & Trade Show

April 12 • Kearney

April showers bring Kearney’s beloved craft and trade show supporting local entrepreneurs. Donate personal care items, canned or dried goods to help stock the shelves of Mid Nebraska Food Bank. Buffalo County Fairgrounds, 3807 Ave. N. (308) 440-0153.

Triple Bee Spring Flea Market

April 12-13 • North Platte

This two-day market showcases homemade crafts and vintage antiques from 30 vendors. Wander booths from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. D&N Event Center, 501 E. Walker Road. (308) 660-5077.

Micro One

April 13 • Ogallala

A wrestling cast under five feet tall shows off their riveting high-flying, body-slamming moves off the top rope and into the ring at Keith County Fairgrounds. Show starts at 6 p.m. 1000 W. 3rd St. (513) 519-3287.

Easter Brunch Buffet

April 20 • Nebraska City

Celebrate Easter with an annual brunch at Lied Lodge’s restaurant, Timbers. Indulge on seasonal entrees under soaring wooden rafters. Mealtimes are also served with sweeping panoramic views of Arbor Day Farm. 2700 Sylvan Road. (402) 873-8740.

Festival of Quilts

April 25-27 • Chadron

Beautifully woven quilted tapestries line the floors of Dawes County Fairgrounds at northwest Nebraska’s largest annual quilt show. The three-day festival includes fabric bingo, an organized sewing space and a scavenger hunt alongside a rainbow of handmade quilts. 2009 E. Gordon Ave. (308) 430-5615.

10th Annual Chip Kaup

Classic Golf Tournament

April 26 • Columbus

Columbus golfers rally for the 10th annual golf tournament in honor of deceased high school athlete Chip Kaup. Hosted at Quail Run Golf Course, the event begins at 1 p.m. 327 S. 5th St. (402) 564-1313.

Laura Vroman

FISHING

FREE DAY AT NEBRASKA STATE PARKS

MAY 17 •

AROUND THE STATE

Eager young anglers cast their lines from the glinting shoreline of Grabel Ponds in Fort Robinson State Park. A triumphant shout as a fish is reeled in occasionally accompanies the swish of water and flick of fishing poles into the pond teeming with life.

The annual kids’ fishing derby, free to the public on May 17, offers novice fishers the chance to catch a variety of species like shimmering rainbow and exotic tiger trout, smallmouth bass and small bluegill. After the derby from 9 to 11 a.m., Crawford residents gather for a sizzling barbecue feast until 1 p.m.

Nebraska’s Free Fishing and Free Park Entry Day is celebrated at many of the 78 parks and recreation areas across the state. It provides residents a chance to fish and enjoy the extensive outdoor offerings without a fee. While the derby at Nebraska’s largest park is a highlight, other destinations around the state have hosted their own beloved events each year.

At Ponca State Park in Dixon County, the annual Bill Morris Memorial Fish-

ing Derby welcomes anglers of all ages on Sunday to join a casting competition and fish-cleaning demonstration. In eastern Nebraska along the Platte River, Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area celebrates the Bob Bruner Memorial Fishing Derby. Participants fish with loaner tackle and bait, and instructors offer their free expertise for beginners.

For those who’d prefer to recreate by land, the 4th annual Northwest Nebraska Volksmarch invites hikers to traverse the White River Trail, a 3-mile path connecting Crawford to Fort Robinson. The volksmarch, German for “sport of the people,” follows former railroad bridges.

These events not only offer a chance to recreate for free but invite Nebraskans to explore the state’s rich outdoor heritage, from fishing to hiking and wildlife watching for Longhorn and buffalo on Fort Robinson’s 22,000 acres. Whether a day by the water or a weekend in the plains, Nebraska’s state parks are eager to welcome visitors – without a price tag. outdoornebraska.gov. (402) 471-0641.

WHERE TO EAT BRICKHOUSE EMPORIUM

Grab a slice of ‘za from this century-old Crawford establishment. The building, which used to be the town’s city hall, now serves up a diverse menu, from traditional pizzas to homemade goulash and tacos. 209 Elm St. (308) 615-9605.

WHERE TO STAY HIGH PLAINS HOMESTEAD

Step back in time to the early homesteading days. Stay in bunkhouse cabins from the 1880s and live like a frontier pioneer in the badlands of northwest Nebraska. 263 Sandcreek Road, Crawford. (308) 665-2592.

WHERE TO GO PRAIRIE AGATE ROCK SHOP

This is a must-stop for amateur fossil collectors to avid rockhounds, featuring rare rocks, gemstones and fossils from northwest Nebraska to around the world. 3575 US Hwy. 20, Crawford. (308) 430-4404.

Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston

State Parks across Nebraska host Free Fishing and Park Entry Day on May 17, including the Bill Morris Memorial Fishing Derby at Ponca State Park.

MAY

Railroad Town Opening

May 1 • Grand Island

All aboard! Stuhr Museum’s beloved representation of an old prairie town, Railroad Town, welcomes their first visitors back into the 1890s for the summer season. Grab a snack at the mercantile or take a visit to the blacksmith shop. 3133 W. US Hwy. 34. (308) 385-5316.

Dundy Roo Craft Show

May 3 • Haigler

Artists and crafters from the tri-state area flock to the southwest corner of Nebraska to showcase their wares. Enjoy live entertainment, art exhibits from the Museum of Nebraska Art, local food vendors and wine and beer tastings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sip Nebraska

May 9-10 • Ashland

Taste delectable wines from local vineyards and join craft beer, spirit and cider tastings at the 12th annual event. Partic-

ipants can also relax with goat yoga or a trolley tour through the park. Mahoney State Park Open Air Pavilion, 28500 Westpark Hwy. (402) 882-2448.

Cinco de Mayo Omaha Festival

May 9-11 • Omaha

This year’s fiesta celebrates 105 years honoring Mexican heritage as one of the state’s largest tourism events. Join a Mariachi Mass on Sunday morning, revel in local, authentic foods and cheer for Omaha’s largest parade. cdmomaha.com.

A Stroll Through the

Seasons

May 21-June 29 • Omaha

Impressionist painter Erika L. Bailey welcomes spring with an ethereal showing of seasonal-inspired paintings in the visitor and education center of Lauritzen Gardens. Each painting mixes natural realism with dark fantastical swirls. Event is included with paid admission. 100 Bancroft St. (402) 346-4002.

ThisisourCommunity.

Guys & Dolls

May 23 • Crawford

The Post Playhouse’s 2025 season begins with Guys & Dolls, a romantic comedy musical set in New York City. All showings are at 8 p.m. at the theatre in Fort Robinson State Park. (888) 665-1976.

Bucking Battle & Bash

May 23-24 • North Platte

Bulls, riders and fighters compete for over $30,000 in cash and prizes in the 7th Annual two-day event. D&N Event Center, 501 E. Walker Road.

Photos of Gage County

May 24-Sept. 27 • Beatrice

Step back in time through 170 years of historical photographs capturing southeastern corner’s Gage County. Six framed photos will be raffled away to support the mission of the Gage County Historical Society and Museum. 101 N. 2nd St. (402) 228-1679.

Photo: Arturo Banderas

9 c.

10 b. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

(One from University of NebraskaKearney and two from Chadron State College)

(current Governor Jim Pillen went to the University of NebraskaLincoln)

Page 18, Top Love Memorial Hall at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Page 18, Bottom Sandy Dennis in 1967. Page 19 Statue of Willa Cather in the National Statuary Hall. Trivia Photographs

OMAHA BEEF

Indoor football’s oldest active team in the nation scores big

story by TIM TRUDELL

photographs by JOHN AND KATIE MYERS

THE LIGHTS DIM in Omaha’s Liberty First Credit Union Arena – nicknamed The Slaughterhouse. Spotlights dart across the faces of a few thousand fans in the stands. Cowbells ring. Music blares. A Jeep fresh off the dealership lot cruises out of an inflated bull tunnel. It is game night for the Omaha Beef indoor football team, the oldest active team in the nation. Waving a team flag, the Beef’s mascot, Sir Loin, raises his hands, exhorting the crowd to stand on its feet and cheer on the team.

The Prime Dancers – the Beef’s cheerleading/dance team – take the field and put on a show, moving and dancing for the crowd. Shortly afterward, about a dozen slightly overweight dudes known as the Rump Roasters do their own impressions of dancing.

One by one, Beef players dance, gyrate and run through the tunnel and onto the field. The loudest cheers await the true stars of the team – former Nebraska

Cornhusker quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. and Head Coach Mike Tatum. Armstrong walks along the field, stopping short of midfield and basks in the glory as Beef fans – many of them also Husker football fans – cheer on the quarterback. The all-star QB then joins his teammates as they huddle for last-second encouragement. Following behind, Tatum raises his arms encouraging fans to get raucous and root on their team.

The Omaha Beef celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. With three league championships, including the 2024 National Arena League (NAL) championship, the team has become a fan favorite among Husker loyalists looking for more tastes of football after the fall season ends. The Beef finished the 2023 season undefeated, winning its second league championship in the Champions Indoor Football League, before moving to the NAL, where the Beef still dominated the game 10-0 in 2024.

INDOOR FOOTBALL IS played on a surface the size of a hockey rink. The fields are 50 yards long. Teams play seven-on-seven, with a quarterback and lone running back in the backfield and three offensive linemen to block defenders. Defenses often feature five defensive backs, creating a challenge for passing teams. Each team still gets four downs to travel 10 yards for a first down, but they often gun the ball downfield for quick scores. Netting hangs above the end of the field, with goal posts only 10 feet wide – a challenge for any kicker, and kickoffs can be played off the nets.

With 36 players on its roster, Beef players aren’t going to get rich playing indoor football. Cashing checks for $200 a game

(up drastically from 20 years ago when players were lucky to get $75 a game), players know the indoor game isn’t the answer to their dreams. However, Beef ownership and coaches will do what it takes for players to get a shot at the National Football League, Canadian league and even the upstart United Football League.

Originally filling its roster with former Huskers, Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks and small state college players, the Beef always makes room for a player from Concordia University, Nebraska or University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Surveying the field, Most Valuable Player (MVP) Armstrong takes the shotgun snap from his center and rolls to his right

The Omaha Beef indoor football team look towards another undefeated season in 2025. Players and coaches drive for their third consecutive championship, hoping to bring the trophy home to the Slaughterhouse, the Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Ralston.

looking for an open receiver. He finds Troy Evans, a speedy receiver, who spurts past a defender en route to the end zone.

With a defense capable of shutting down teams, the Beef doesn’t need to score a plethora of points, but when they’re behind, watch out for a stampede. Trailing the Sioux City Bandits by three touchdowns at the start of the fourth quarter, Armstrong scored the tying touchdown with nine seconds left in the game. A twopoint conversion gave the champs a 34-32 win, their second over their I-29 rivals in consecutive weeks.

After a long career from high school quarterback to playing for the Nebraska Cornhuskers to leading the Omaha Beef

to two undefeated consecutive championships, Armstrong retired in 2024. The Omaha Beef press on for another undefeated season with newly signed quarterback, Lorenzo Brown Jr. Brown joins the 2025 roster with five league championships and two MVP awards with over 16,000 passing yards, 4,000 rushing yards, 305 passing touchdowns and 150 rushing touchdowns.

THE NEW QUARTERBACK will be right at home with the Beef as he joins former teammates Coach Tatum and Offensive Coordinator James Terry. University of Nebraska-Kearney alum Olukayodo “June Bug” Akinmoladun also returns this

The energy is high at the Slaughterhouse, every Meathead (fans) adorning team colors orange, black and silver. Performers like the Rump Roasters hype the crowd for another Beef victory.

year to bring the third consecutive championship home to Omaha. Akinmoladun is the longest tenured player for the Omaha Beef and helped clinch three league championships as an offensive lineman. The commitment is similar for the fans. Wearing orange and black, Pat Kenison and Peggy Frederick ring their cowbells in support of Armstrong and his teammates. The longtime fans – Kenison and her husband were among the original season tick-

The 2024 season ended in victorious applause as the team took home their second undefeated trophy with a 10-0 run. As the 2025 year kicks off, the Beef are ready to slaughter the competition.

et holders and have been loyal to the Beef all 25 years – are easily recognized by the Rump Roasters, with some of the dancers joining them in the stands.

The speed of the game enthralls them, as does the Beef’s ability to score points in a hurry. It’s a big change from the outdoor game where teams can take up to 20 plays to drive downfield, eating the clock. For indoor football, the clock isn’t your friend; time runs almost constantly, requiring teams to move the ball quickly.

Kenison, an original member of the “Meathead” fan group, once organized road trips for fans and anything else needed to show the fans’ love for the team. The Beef recognized her by naming her to the team’s Hall of Fame in 2024.

Fellow fans David and Darla Bates ring their cowbells from seats in the end zone. Their affection for the Beef started when their daughter’s dance team performed at halftime five years ago. Darla bought David (and herself) season tickets for his birthday. They’ve been donning the team’s orange, black and silver ever since.

For Coach Tatum, his path to the Omaha Beef began in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Losing his brother to violence at a young age, the Beef’s rookie head coach started a flag football team called Stop the Violence and focused on training his players into better athletes and people. His team went on to win championships at national tournaments, eventually leading Tatum to play indoor football, originally in Ohio before he took gigs in the Midwest with stops in Bismarck, North Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Grand Island, where he became friends with Armstrong as teammates on the Nebraska Danger and Brown with the Sioux Falls Storm.

Calling plays on the field as the offensive coordinator in 2023, Tatum engineered a game plan that took the Beef to the top of the league, setting the stage for another run at the title in 2024. The Beef didn’t miss a beat with Tatum at the helm, winning the championship and named NAL Franchise of the Year, Best Fan Base and Best Mascot. As the Beef drives for another championship in the 2025 year, the players get ready to take over the Slaughterhouse as fans clang their cowbells for another undefeated season.

EDITORS’ CHOICE

photograph by PAUL JULIAN

ON A CRISP January morning, Paul Julian arrived at the Crane Trust Pond in Wood River, hoping to capture a graceful migration of cranes. Instead, he encountered a playful family of river otters, posing atop the ice as if waiting for his camera.

Julian set his Nikon’s tracking feature to autofocus, using a rapid 1/1000-second shutter speed to freeze their mischievous movements.

Naturally curious, the otters dunked their paws into the frigid water as they fished and played. One, its coffee-brown fur slicked back, raised a paw to its mouth as if whispering a secret to the photographer watching from the pond’s bank.

“River otters are very accommodating,” Julian said. “If you can find them, they’re fun to photograph.”

A longtime minister at South Street Church of Christ in Hastings, Julian finds joy in both community leadership and photography. His passion for photography began in 2009 while documenting his son’s sports games, and it has since become a creative outlet.

He treasures those quiet moments in nature – just him, his camera and the animals. “I especially love taking pictures that make the animals look like a human would,” he said.

Paul Julian shot this photo with a Nikon Z 7II, paired with a 600mm f/4 VR lens. The settings: 600mm, ISO 160, f/4 and 1/1600-second exposure.

SUBMIT YOUR BEST photographs for the opportunity to be published in Nebraska Life. Send digital images with descriptions and your contact information to photos@nebraskalife.com or visit nebraskalife.com/contribute.