Weekly Reports

KEARNEY – Two Rivers is offering free Lead Environment Assessments for Families (LEAF) to eligible households throughout the district. The program is designed to help families identify potential sources of lead exposure and create healthier home environments for children and pregnant women.

Families may qualify if they live in a home built before 1978 and have at least one child under the age of 6 and/or a pregnant woman living in the dwelling full time. Eligible participants will receive a free lead risk assessment, lead-safe cleaning education, a lead cleaning kit, and water filters at no cost.

KEARNEY- Johnson Lake has tested positive for E. Coli bacteria, according to samples taken on Monday, June 8th. When E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies/100 ml a Health Alert is not issued. However, conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels. Although, we want people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they use a listed water body. There is a risk of infectious disease when swimming in ANY recreational body of water.

KEARNEY- Ft. Kearney Lake No. 7 near Kearney has tested positive for E. Coli bacteria, according to samples taken on Tuesday, May 26th. When E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies/100 ml a Health Alert is not issued. However, conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels. Although, we want people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they use a listed water body. There is a risk of infectious disease when swimming in ANY recreational body of water.

KEARNEY – Two Rivers is excited to host 7 well water presentations across the district in March. These events are tailored to 5th and 6th grade students who want to learn about the water cycle across Nebraska through a fun and interactive experience. Through these exercises, students will learn how water and nitrogen move through Nebraska and the impacts of water quality on our health. A closed event at Franklin Elementary for their science students will kick off the series of events on Monday, March 9th. The other events will be open to the public and are listed below.

Lincoln, NE — The first pediatric influenza (flu)-related death in Nebraska has been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the 2025 to 2026 season.

Nationally, there have been 52 additional pediatric flu-related deaths this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of January 30, 2026, there have been 22 additional flu-related deaths in Nebraska this season.

KEARNEY – Two Rivers Public Health Department (TRPHD) is reporting the second death of a community member due to complications related to influenza during the 2025–2026 respiratory season. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones. TRPHD continues to closely monitor all respiratory infections within the district, including influenza and RSV.

The individual was a resident of the seven-county Two Rivers Public Health Department District. In accordance with privacy standards and health information regulations, no further details about the individual will be released.

KEARNEY- Two Rivers Public Health Department (TRPHD) is conducting a medication takeback event at the Gosper County Senior Center in Elwood, Nebraska, on Monday, February 16th, 2026, from 10AM-12PM. TRPHD employees will accept unused medications to dispose of them safely. Participants are encouraged to bring medications in original packaging with all personal information removed. This event will reduce unused medications in homes, preventing accidental poisoning, intentional misuse, and potential diversion for illicit use. Naloxone and medication lock boxes will be available at this event.

KEARNEY –A free radon educational session will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the CHI Good Samaritan Wellness Center, at 10 East 31st Street in Kearney.