Poetry From the Saddle and More

R.P. Smith, Poetry From the Saddle He was content to work cattle on his ranch, but he says the Good Lord had other plans that didn’t involve “just following cows around,” setting R.P. Smith on the path to poetry. He wrote his first poem at 27 and soon found his voice on local stages. Today, he performs across the U.S. and is a regular at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. Written in Trees In Nebraska trees do more than grow, they tell stories. Near the Calamus Reservoir, a stand of trees forms the words “Sostad Forest.” Outside of Rose, a grove of cedars spell “Caskey.” Families like the Sostads and Caskeys planted their names into the land, knowing it would take years, a view from the air, to read them. Indie Voices: Seven Years a Correspondent The longest-serving American war correspondent of the Vietnam War was a woman from Nebraska. Hebron native Beverly Deepe Keever earned a double major in journalism and political science from University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1957. At 26, she traveled to Saigon to cover the war, with stories picked up by the Associated Press and featured in national magazines and newspapers, including her reporting on the Battle of Khe Sanh, which earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination. Running Down a Dream Bellevue middle schooler Jaiya Patillo gained social media fame with a video showcasing her impressive running skills, hitting 17 mph on a treadmill at just 12 years old. Now, she’s not only competing against, but beating college track athletes in the 400 meters. Jaiya has already secured the title of national champion, with the fastest time recorded in all AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) divisions. With a growing following and garnering national attention, Jaiya is on the fast track to success, clinching junior championships and setting her sights on the Olympics.