News organizations and their journalists across Nebraska act as watchdogs, storytellers, community advocates and, sometimes, community critics. They help to foster civic engagement, they highlight social injustices and they help celebrate achievements. Journalists document the history of their communities and help their communities create a sense of identity and heritage.
They do this while remaining behind the scenes, preferring to shine a spotlight on other community members or organizations. That is the case for Jennifer Higgins, managing editor for the Antelope County News in Neligh.
Higgins has been honored with the 2024 Leadership Nebraska Award by the Nebraska Press Association. The award is given in memory of Don Harpst Sr. a Nebraska newspaperman who had a passion for developing leaders in the communities he served during his ownership of newspapers in southwest Nebraska.
Higgins is a 1996 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She earned a journalism degree with concentrations in news/editorial and advertising and minors in English, economics and history. After writing for the Daily Nebraskan college newspaper, she began her career at the Holt County Independent. She later worked at the Neligh News & Leader. She joined the Antelope County News as managing editor in 2014. Higgins oversees news and sports content for the Antelope County News and assists with the company's other publications — Knox County News, Stanton Register and Cedar Valley News.
Higgins was nominated for the award by a member of the Neligh City Council, who recognized her many contributions to the Antelope County area.
In addition to her contributions through the newspaper, Higgins has been involved with TeamMates, youth coaching, Neligh Chamber of Commerce, and Girl Scouts.
"She's deserving because she is a leader who has never been recognized because she works for a newspaper and doesn't want to self-promote," her nomination letter read.
Higgins and her husband, Brad, reside near Neligh and have two children, Rachel and Ashton.
The award comes with a $500 gift for the recipient, as well as a $1,000 prize that will go to a community organization of the recipient's choice.
The presentation will be made by Don Harpst Jr., son of the award's founder who lives in the McCook area. It will take place on the evening of Friday, April 26, during the NPA annual convention at the Lincoln Cornhusker Marriott.
