Morning Invitational and Afternoon Open House on Deck Today

Madrid, NE · September 10, 2026

Overcast skies are keeping the glare down this morning, perfect for anyone heading over to Imperial to catch the early cross country meet. Take a look around before the afternoon warms up — the county pace is steady today.

The Lead

Following Tuesday's budget hearing at the Perkins County Courthouse, county officials have issued formal notices establishing the schedule for the next fiscal year's property tax deliberations. Under Nebraska's joint hearing statutes, representatives from the county board and municipal subdivisions will convene on September 23 at the Grant Council Chambers. The joint session ensures taxpayers receive a consolidated explanation whenever local governing bodies consider property tax requests exceeding state-set allowable growth benchmarks. For village residents across Madrid, Elsie, and Venango, the upcoming hearing provides an open microphone to review valuation adjustments and ask direct questions about public spending before individual boards take final votes. Property owners can examine full budget packets at the county clerk's office in Grant throughout regular business hours.

Local Pulse

County Thrift Shoppe Pauses Fall Donations Volunteers request residents hold drop-offs until September 17 while staff completes their seasonal inventory changeover.

Today's Outlook

High 88°F · Low 55°F — Overcast
- A thick cloud blanket keeps the afternoon manageable, but grab a morning jacket.

What's On Around Town

Imperial: Chase County Invitational Imperial Country Club, 9:00 AM High school cross country runners tackle the morning course.
Ogallala: Safe at Home Open House Safe at Home (16 N Spruce St), 1:00–4:00 PM Tour the expanded community advocacy space and enjoy free refreshments.
Ogallala: Rooted in Nebraska Gathering Willow & Oak Event Center (801 Diamond Springs Trl), 5:00–8:00 PM Casual evening networking featuring appetizers and conversations on community growth.

Spotlight & Story

John Mason
- Born in Madrid on March 30, 1927, Mason grew from Perkins County dirt into a towering pioneer of contemporary sculpture. In the 1950s, he abandoned the potter’s wheel to sculpt monolithic, multi-ton ceramic abstractions that permanently reshaped twentieth-century American art.

Madrid Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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