By&nbsp;Shelby Westinghouse, Chadron State College

CHADRON, Neb. – The Chadron State College Music Department has announced its concert schedule for the spring semester.

On Saturday, guest artist Dr. Rob Psurny will join Dr. Brooks Hafey for a 7 p.m. concert in the Chicoine Atrium of the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center.

The 54th&nbsp;High Plains Band and Choir Festival will begin Monday, Feb. 2, in Memorial Hall. Immediately following the day’s activities will be the CSC Music Faculty Concert at 4:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. Day two of the festival, Tuesday, Feb. 3, will begin with rehearsals and activities and conclude with a final honor concert at 5 p.m. in the Auditorium.

On Feb. 25, local high school students will gather in Memorial Hall for College Musician for a Day where aspiring musicians will workshop alongside CSC students and faculty.

CSC Music Department faculty will perform on March 1 at 3 p.m. in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Chicoine Atrium.

Late March will feature a variety of shows including the CSC and Chadron Public Schools Combined Band Concert March 20 and a Percussion Ensemble Concert March 21. Both of those concerts are at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium. On March 22, the Honors Recital will take place in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Chicoine Atrium at 3 p.m.

The Wind Symphony and Community Band will perform April 10, followed by the CSC Jazz Band performance April 13. Both concerts begin at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium.

April 19 will feature the Concert Choir joined with the Community Choir in the Chadron Arts Center for a concert at 3 p.m.

Closing out the season, the CSC Vocal Jazz and Jazz Combo Concert will take place April 21 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium and the Guitar Ensemble will perform in the COIL Planetarium May 1 at 7 p.m.

Dates and times are subject to change and should be verified on the Music Department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/academics/music/upcoming-events/" target="_blank">Upcoming Events</a>&nbsp;page.

Jan. 31, 7 p.m., Guest Artist Recital with Dr. Rob Psurny and Dr. Brooks Hafey, Chicoine Atrium

Feb. 2, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., High Plains Band and Choir Festival, Memorial Hall

Feb. 2, 4:30 p.m., High Plains Band and Choir Festival Faculty Concert, Memorial Hall

Feb. 3, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., High Plains Band and Choir Festival, Memorial Hall

Feb. 3, 5 p.m., High Plains Band and Choir Festival Final Concert, Memorial Hall Auditorium

Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Dr. Brooks Hafey concert with guest artist Beth Vanderborgh, Chicoine Atrium

Feb. 25, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., College Musician for a Day, Memorial Hall

March 1, 3 p.m., Music Faculty Showcase, Chicoine Atrium

March 20, 7 p.m., Combined Concert Bands: Chadron Schools &amp; CSC Bands Concert, Memorial Hall Auditorium

March 21, 7 p.m., CSC Percussion Ensemble Concert, Memorial Hall Auditorium

March 22, 3 p.m., Honors Recital, Chicoine Atrium

April 10, 7 p.m., Wind Symphony and Community Band Concert, Memorial Hall Auditorium

April 13, 7 p.m., CSC Jazz Bands Concert, Memorial Hall Auditorium

April 19, 3 p.m., Concert Choir and Community Choir Concert, Chadron Arts Center

April 21, 7 p.m., CSC Vocal Jazz Concert and Jazz Combo Concert, Memorial Hall Auditorium

May 1, 7 p.m., Guitar Ensemble Concert, COIL Planetarium

CSC Announces Spring Music Schedule

CHADRON, Neb. - The Chadron Shark’s Swim team attended the Deadwood invitational on Jan 10-11, 2026. This was the first meet of the New Year.&nbsp; The Deadwood pool is a 25 Yard 6 lane, salt water pool.

The Sharks were represented by seven swimmers from&nbsp; 3 communities. Swimmers from Alliance included&nbsp; Penn and Cybill&nbsp; Vergil. The swimmer from Rushville was Valeria Benitez. The Chadron swimmers were Ronin Hunt, Sarah&nbsp; Johndreau, Victoria Nix&nbsp; and Guinivere Roberts.&nbsp; The swimmers events, times and places are listed.

All times followed by (*) indicate state qualifying time in Wyoming. The Sharks are a Wyoming USA&nbsp; Swim team.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valeria Benitez-Socarras (17) F

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;100 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Fly &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:25.04 &nbsp; Place&nbsp; 3

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Back &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 36.02 &nbsp; Place&nbsp; 7&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;100 Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Free&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:07.42 &nbsp; Place&nbsp; 7&nbsp; *

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50 Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 41.19 &nbsp; Place 5

&nbsp;&nbsp;200&nbsp; Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; Breast&nbsp; &nbsp; 3:18.21&nbsp; &nbsp; Place 2

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Fly&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 33.48&nbsp; &nbsp; Place&nbsp; 5&nbsp; *

&nbsp;100&nbsp; Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Back &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:22.97 &nbsp; Place 4

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 30.65 &nbsp; Place 7&nbsp; *

&nbsp;&nbsp;100 Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:30.01 &nbsp; Place 1&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;200 Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; IM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2:53.89&nbsp; Place 3

Sarah Johndreau (17) F&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;100 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Fly &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:32.10&nbsp; Place 4&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Back &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 41.57&nbsp; Place&nbsp; 9&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;100 Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:14.58&nbsp; Place&nbsp; 9

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 45.72&nbsp; Place&nbsp; 6&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;200 Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast&nbsp; &nbsp; 3:36.01&nbsp; Place&nbsp; 3

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Fly&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 37.00&nbsp; Place&nbsp; 7

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;100 &nbsp; Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; Back &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:46.68&nbsp; Place&nbsp; 5&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 32.95&nbsp; Place 11

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;100&nbsp; Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:41.32&nbsp; Place 2

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Penn Vergil (12) F

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;100 &nbsp; Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Free&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:09.38&nbsp; &nbsp; Place 1 *

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; &nbsp; Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 41.15 &nbsp; Place1&nbsp; *

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;100 &nbsp; Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; IM &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:21.36 &nbsp; Place 2 &nbsp; *

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50 &nbsp; Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Free&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 30.37 &nbsp; Place 1&nbsp; *

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victory Nix (9) F

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Back &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 59.76&nbsp; Place16&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;100 Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2:05.08&nbsp; Place 20&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50 Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:47.48 DQ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guinivere Roberts (10) F

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Back &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:14:20&nbsp; Place 22

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:24:30&nbsp; DQ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50&nbsp; Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:03.45&nbsp; Place 19

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ronin Hunt (8) M

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Fly&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 31.45 &nbsp; Place &nbsp; 2&nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Back&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:08.77 &nbsp; Place &nbsp; 2&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 20.76 &nbsp; &nbsp; Place 2 &nbsp; *

&nbsp;100 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:43.57&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Place&nbsp; 2 &nbsp; *

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:13.81&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Place&nbsp; 2

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Back &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 33.7 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Place 3&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 49.64 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Placer 2

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 33.73 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; DQ&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cybill Vergil (7) F

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25&nbsp; Yards &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Fly &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 37.11 &nbsp; &nbsp; Place&nbsp; 2&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Free&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 25.43 &nbsp; &nbsp; Place&nbsp; 2&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Back &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 30.23&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Place&nbsp; 4&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25 Yards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Breast &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 39.40&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Place 2

The swimmers have been working very hard to improve times and skills. It is amazing to see how much they improve over the season.&nbsp; We now have three swimmers that have qualified for State and several that are so very close.&nbsp; We are hoping to get lots of sponsors for our meet January 31- February 1 and we hope to see you all there.&nbsp; Come Cheer on the Sharks.

Chadron Sharks Make a Splash in South Dakota

LINCOLN, Neb. –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order (EO) to preserve federal earned benefits for eligible youth in the care of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). This EO makes Nebraska the first state to respond via executive action to letters sent by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The letters called on 39 states to take&nbsp;immediate action to protect vulnerable foster youth and disallow state child welfare agencies the ability to divert their earned Social Security survivor benefits.

Gov. Pillen was joined at the signing event by Alex J. Adams, assistant secretary of ACF; Martha Verno, deputy assistant secretary for external affairs at ACF; Senator Brian Hardin, Health and Human Services committee chairman; Dr. Steve Corsi, CEO of DHHS, and Dr. Alyssa Bish, director of the Division of Children and Family Services.

"Safeguarding survivor benefits recognizes both the child’s right to these funds and our obligation to act in their best interest,” said Gov. Pillen. “Protecting these resources helps ensure youth in our care have greater stability as they prepare for independence.”

This executive order ensures that federal survivors’ benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) are conserved and made available to children in the care of DHHS as they transition into adulthood.

Benefits administered by those entities and previously used by DHHS to offset foster care costs, will now be preserved in an appropriate account type that best serves and supports the youth.

“The Trump Administration commends Governor Pillen and Nebraska for taking this bold and decisive step to protect the assets of children in foster care,” said Assistant Secretary Adams. “This action directly aligns with federal priorities to ensure foster youth have access to resources rightfully intended to support their success and future independence.”

Youth will receive financial literacy education and an annual account detailing their benefits. Benefits may be disbursed to the youth upon completing certain milestones with any remaining balance released upon exiting the state’s custody.

“Governor Pillen has been clear that these benefits are the rightful property of these children,” said CEO Dr. Steve Corsi. “Survivorship benefits are often the last gift a child will receive from their deceased parents and it is not right for DHHS to continue capturing these funds.”

“Ensuring our systems truly support the youth and children in our care is critical,” said CFS Director Dr. Alyssa Bish. “We have a responsibility to prepare them for the future and help them thrive and this order moves us meaningfully closer to that goal.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Pillen Directs DHHS to Preserve Benefits for Eligible Youth in Care

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;- Governor Jim Pillen was joined on Monday by Attorney General Mike Hilgers as the Governor signed an executive order aimed at addressing the ever-growing and illegal recreational synthetic THC industry. The executive order requires certain state agencies to review applicable laws, and relevant rules and regulations, regarding the use of synthetic THC in food, beverages, and other products intended for human consumption.

Marketed and sold as gummies, drops, and a variety of drinks, these synthetic THC products are chemically altered to produce psychoactive qualities similar to Delta-9 THC, the primary intoxicating compound in marijuana.  The chemical process used to synthetically enhance the amount of THC in those products creates serious health risks for consumers.

“We must be able to protect our kids from these products. They’re marketed like something they are not and the hemp industry is taking advantage of that fact,” said Gov. Pillen. “I’m pleased to partner with AG Hilgers in taking a strong stand against the selling of these potentially dangerous products.”

“Thank you to Governor Pillen for his leadership in signing this executive order. As we continue to fight the active poisoning of our communities, the tools in this order will help ensure that products not fit for human consumption are taken off retail shelves,” said AG Hilgers. “This order sends a clear directive to keep these products out of Nebraska.”

Recreational use of these products has long been a concern of Gov. Pillen and AG Hilgers. The EO will strengthen state efforts to protect Nebraskans consistent with the continuing resolution that President Trump signed late last year, which will ban synthetic THC products under federal law. Under the continuing resolution, effective November 2026, hemp products that exceed 0.4 mg of total THC – including Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC – will be federally illegal.

Gov. Pillen and AG Hilgers were joined at the signing by state directors Sherry Vinton, Nebraska Department of Agriculture; Kelly Lammers, Department of Banking &amp; Finance; and Jim Kamm, Department of Revenue. Those agencies, as identified in the Governor’s executive order, are responsible for ensuring that current statutory and regulatory authority is reviewed and, if necessary, new rules and regulations are drafted to ensure that products intended for human consumption do not contain intoxicating synthetic THC.

The executive order does not alter any current process underway to regulate medical marijuana in Nebraska. The order is included below and can be found on the Governor's website.

Gov. Pillen Joins AG Hilgers on Illegal Recreational Synthetic THC Industry Order

ALLIANCE, Neb. – The Alliance Senior Center is launching a new Caregiver Support Group designed to provide encouragement resources and connection for individuals who care for loved ones. The support group is open to the public and welcomes anyone in the community who is seeking guidance for sharing understanding in your caregiving journey.

Sessions will be led by Andrea Scandrett Marcy who has worked in the dementia field for over 20 years. She has a Master of Arts degree in Gerontology and is near completion on a Master of Science degree in Grief and Bereavement Counseling. She leads support groups for those living with dementia and their caregivers. She also facilitates Memory Cafes in several care communities including Highland Park. She is passionate about helping others live well with dementia and remain hopeful. Her husband George Marcy is from Hay Springs, and she and George are proud to be distant relatives of Dr. Bruce Forney. She is available for individual consultations if anyone needs help caring for a loved one with dementia.

Beginning in February, the group will meet on the 1st Thursday of each month, with the first meeting being February 5th. Each meeting will be from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Alliance Senior Center. Sessions will offer a safe and supportive environment for caregivers to share experiences, ask questions, and gain helpful tools for navigating the challenges of caregiving. The Senior Center remains committed to supporting the well-being of older adults and their families through meaningful programs and community engagement.

For more information, call the Alliance Senior Center at (308) 762-1293.

Caregivers Support Group in Alliance

Experience the spring ritual of the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance from a viewing blind at Niobrara State Park.

Male sharptails return to the same lek each year for this sunrise display of dancing to attract females. Reserve the viewing blind between March 1 and May 1, with the peak being between March 7 and April 20.

The park’s large trailer blind can hold up to 12 guests but holds 10 guests comfortably. Two pop-up blinds are available for those with bigger cameras and camera stands that won’t fit in the trailer blind. Reserve a spot by calling the park office at 402-857-3373. All blinds are free.

Call the park office before your arrival to confirm that the birds are still active before and during the dates listed.

Make an early arrival easy by staying at one of the park’s fully equipped cabins or electric campsites.

To make lodging reservations, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fnebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c0134c61d-371e4aff-f27b-406e-92c3-2b196cfc8145-000000/a5gWbvo4mg57hMsGKiIZwaptOUO39SvJhmw9DDHPOW4=442" target="_blank">NebraskaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com</a>&nbsp;and use promo code “SHARPTAIL26” for a discounted rate.

Find out more information about Nebraska State Parks at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fparks%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c0134c61d-371e4aff-f27b-406e-92c3-2b196cfc8145-000000/Wp-TzTYv-W75Pg-rwxLHwA-POfIfDF_PfC9z25ik0ks=442" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/parks</a>.

Reserve Niobrara State Park Blind for Sharptail Viewing

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol office in Omaha, representing Troop A, has moved to a new location.

The new Troop A office is located at 7200 World Communications Drive, Omaha, NE, 68122, near the intersection of Interstate 680 and North 72nd&nbsp;Street. The new office brings together all aspects of NSP Troop A operations, including the Patrol Division, Carrier Enforcement Division, Investigative Services, and fingerprinting services.

“This move marks the culmination of teamwork from several partners,” said Captain Greg Miller, Commander of Troop A. “Our team will benefit from this new facility, with troopers and investigators now working side by side after many years in different offices around the Omaha metro. The biggest benefit may be for our customers of fingerprinting services, who will now have much more room than the small space at our previous location.”

NSP Troop A is the busiest fingerprinting location in the state. Over 15,000 customers received fingerprinting services at the Troop A office in 2025.

NSP Troop A had occupied the previous office, near 108th&nbsp;and L, for over 50 years, since 1974.

NSP Opens New Troop A Office in Omaha

Naturalists with the Wildcat Hills Nature Center offer year-round programming focused on ecological education for preschoolers, homeschool programs and the public, including the following events scheduled for February.

The Nature Center, located within Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area south of Gering, is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mountain time Monday-Friday, from mid-November to mid-May.

A vehicle park entry permit is required. Get more information at 308-436-3777 or&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c01216fb1-b3a24e20-83f1-4fa2-bb6b-677bd0eee98f-000000/6QbcuWjaSrUFB0CQwl24iuDeFyncIavW5IhvDKdouUc=442" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

The free, monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program is on Feb. 17, with the theme of fossils of Nebraska.

The program will meet at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center at 10 a.m. It will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.

For more information, contact the Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Investigate fossils and learn about the ancient creatures that once lived in Nebraska during the homeschool program Feb. 19.

The free program meets once a month at 10 a.m. at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that showcase a different theme, focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations and habitats found only in western Nebraska.

For more information contact the Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wildcat Hills Education Events Set for February

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;-- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Ryan J. Stover of Norfolk as district court judge in the Seventh Judicial District. That district includes Antelope, Cuming, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Stanton, and Wayne counties. The vacancy is due to the resignation of Judge James G. Kube.

Since 2014, Stover has been an attorney with Stratton, Delay, Doele, Carlson, Stover &amp; Stratton P.C., L.L.O., in Norfolk. Before that, he was associated with Carney Law, also in Norfolk. A significant portion of his practice has been devoted to both family and juvenile law.

Stover has been chairman of the Mental Health Board of the Seventh Judicial District since 2018 and has performed similar duties in the Fifth Judicial District. He has worked with Legal Aid of Nebraska, Bright Horizons and the Nebraska Volunteer Lawyers Project, in addition to serving on the Legal Services Committee for the State Bar Association, which seeks to promote volunteer legal services and access to the courts in Nebraska.

Stover has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He earned his juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Gov. Pillen Appoints Stover as District Court Judge in Seventh Judicial District

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: "Vaseline" Is The Word

Rapid City PRCA Rodeo Ticket Contest 

Alliance City Council Meeting Agenda, Jan. 20

The Brothers Duo to play in Scottsbluff

Southern Fryed will perform at the Alliance Eagles Club for the annual Barn Dance on Saturday, Jan. 17 starting at 9pm. There is a cover charge to attend.&nbsp;

Southern Fryed to perform in Alliance 

Nebraska Extension Announes Dates for Pesticide License Trainings

The Greendales will perform at Flyover Brewery in Scottsbluff on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 6pm - 9pm.&nbsp;

The Greendales to play in Scottsbluff

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance Landfill’s loose fill pit and construction/demolition area is pausing operations for January 6th, 2026, and is anticipating to be intermittently closed over the next few days – weeks due to dangerous wind speed. This is for safety measures to ensure no one is injured.

For any questions, please contact the City of Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Alliance Landfill Intermittently Pausing Specific Operations Due to Wind 

Box Butte Commissioners Meeting Jan. 7 Agenda

By Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District

The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) is seeking a director to fill a vacancy on the board. The position will represent subdistrict 5 which encompasses western Dawes and northern Sioux Counties and was previously held by Al Rasmussen who passed away Dec. 12, 2025. The appointed applicant will serve until January 2027. The position will be up for election in 2026 and again in 2028.

Written letters of interest will serve as the application and must be submitted by January 15, 2026. Applicants must reside in the subdistrict as well as being a registered voter.

The UNWNRD is an eleven-person board serving Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and the northern 2/3rds of Sioux Counties. The district is made up of five election subdistricts with two representatives and one at-large director. Directors typically serve four-year terms. Board meetings are held in Chadron on the second Thursday of the month. Directors receive $70 per diem and reimbursement of mileage and other expenses while conducting NRD business.

Interested individuals should submit the letter of application to Patrick O’Brien, General Manager, Upper Niobrara White NRD, 430 East 2 nd Street, Chadron, NE 69337. For more information feel free to contact the UNWNRD at 308-432-6190.

Subdistrict 5 Vacancy Announcement

Loaded Dice will perform at the Elks Lodge in Scottsbluff on Dec. 31. The concert starts at 8:30pm - 12:30pm. There is a cover charge to attend.&nbsp;

Loaded Dice to play in Scottsbluff

&nbsp; Keep Alliance Beautiful will be picking up their regular curb side routes on Tuesday, Dec. 23, rather than Wednesday, Dec. 24 for the holidays.&nbsp;

Keep Alliance Beautiful announcement on holiday curb side recycling

President Trump announced on Monday he received a phone call with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

President Trump shares details of phone call from Gov. Tim Walz

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

A partial federal government shutdown appeared Sunday to unexpectedly be on the horizon, after another fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis led key U.S. Senate Democrats to say they will oppose a spending package that includes immigration enforcement funds.

Senators have until a Friday deadline to clear a package of six House-passed funding measures, including the $64.4 billion Homeland Security appropriations bill that includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol.

Republicans hold a majority in the chamber but would need at least seven Democrats to join them in voting for the package in order to clear the chamber’s 60-vote threshold to advance legislation.&nbsp;

The agreement had appeared to be on track for easy passage by the Senate by Friday, when a stopgap spending law expires.&nbsp;

But after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-agents-shoot-and-kill-man-minneapolis-rousing-more-demonstrations" target="_blank">Saturday’s killing of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti,</a>&nbsp;the second by Homeland Security Department officers in Minneapolis this month, key moderate Democrats, appropriators and leaders said they would not support the package if it includes the Homeland Security legislation in its current form.&nbsp;

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also said his caucus would not provide the votes needed, citing the killings of Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, and called for the DHS bill to be split from the five spending bills with broad bipartisan support.

“Senate Democrats will not allow the current DHS funding bill to move forward,” Schumer said in a Sunday statement. “The appalling murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on the streets of Minneapolis must lead Republicans to join Democrats in overhauling ICE and CBP to protect the public. People should be safe from abuse by their own government.

“Senate Republicans must work with Democrats to advance the other five funding bills while we work to rewrite the DHS bill,” he added. “This is (the) best course of action, and the American people are on our side.”

A complicating factor is the DHS bill also includes funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, even as a major winter storm swept through a large swath of the nation Saturday and Sunday, triggering disaster declarations in multiple states.

President Donald Trump and key administration officials committed to a robust media strategy over the weekend, defending the officers involved and smearing Pretti, despite contradictory evidence in available video.

Some elected Republicans backed the administration’s account, but an unusual number of GOP members of Congress and at least one governor called for accountability.

Five of the eight Democrats and independents who voted with Republicans to end a shutdown in November have said they will not support the package if it includes DHS funding.

Maine independent Angus King, who caucuses with Democrats, said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” that he would vote against the package.

“I hate shutdowns,” King said in a video interview on the Sunday morning show. “I’m one of the people that helped negotiate the solution to the end of the last shutdown, but I can’t vote for a bill that includes ICE funding under these circumstances.”

Nevada Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto, a former federal prosecutor, criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and called for blocking the funding package.

“The Trump administration and Kristi Noem are putting undertrained, combative federal agents on the streets with no accountability,” she said. “They are oppressing Americans and are at odds with local law enforcement. This is clearly not about keeping Americans safe, it’s brutalizing U.S. citizens and law-abiding immigrants. I will not support the current Homeland Security funding bill.”

Cortez Masto called for the DHS bill to be split off from the rest of the package.&nbsp;

“We have bipartisan agreement on 96% of the budget. We’ve already passed six funding bills,” she said. “Let’s pass the remaining five bipartisan bills and fund essential agencies while we continue to fight for a Department of Homeland Security that respects Americans’ constitutional rights and preserves federal law enforcement’s essential role to keep us safe.”&nbsp;

Fellow Nevada Democrat Jacky Rosen, who also voted to end the shutdown in November, said “enough is enough” and that she would oppose a funding package that did not “rein in ICE’s out-of-control conduct.”

“As a member of the U.S. Senate, I have the responsibility to hold the Trump Administration accountable when I see abuses of power — like we are seeing from ICE right now,” she said. “That is why I’ll be voting against any government funding package that contains the bill that funds this agency, until we have guardrails in place to curtail these abuses of power and ensure more accountability and transparency.

“My personal guiding principle has always been ‘agree where you can and fight where you must,’” she added. “And I believe this is a time when we must fight back.”

Virginia’s Tim Kaine said in a Friday statement — before Pretti’s killing — that he would oppose the package for several reasons, including as a check on ICE.

“We are not living in normal times,” he said. “The President is acting chaotically and unlawfully and we shouldn’t give his deranged decisions the imprimatur of congressional approval by passing this legislation without significant amendment.”

Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois also said after Pretti’s killing early Saturday — the third shooting by immigration officers in Minneapolis in three weeks — that he would vote against the package. Durbin is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.

The House last week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/many-dems-refuse-vote-fund-ice-us-house-passes-4-spending-bills" target="_blank">passed the DHS funding bill</a>, with seven Democrats voting to approve it, and a separate package of three other appropriations bills that passed with broad bipartisan support. House members passed two other funding bills the week before.

The fiscal 2026 Homeland Security spending bill cuts funding for Customs and Border Protection by $1.3 billion, and maintains flat funding for ICE at $10 billion.

The bill attempts to put guardrails around immigration enforcement by allocating $20 million for body cameras for ICE and CBP officers.&nbsp;

But even if the funding bill doesn’t pass or gets held up, the immigration enforcement agencies are still flush with cash after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that Republicans passed last year allocated $190 billion for DHS. ICE is slated to receive about $75 billion over four years, or $18.7 billion a year.

Any Senate amendment to the House-passed package would require another House vote. The House is scheduled to be out this week and the chamber, narrowly controlled by Republicans, may be unwilling to cooperate with Senate changes.

Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, a Maine Republican up for reelection this year in one of the nation’s most closely watched races, did not dismiss the possibility of changes in the spending bill package, telling The New York Times on Saturday she was “exploring all options” for passage.

The major winter storm also hit Washington, D.C., and could further complicate the Senate vote or potential House consideration. All flights into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were canceled Sunday as snow and sleet covered the region.&nbsp;

A handful of GOP officials, including Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska called for more scrutiny into Pretti’s killing and ICE’s conduct more generally.&nbsp;

“There must be a thorough and impartial investigation into yesterday’s Minneapolis shooting, which is the basic standard that law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting,” Tillis<a href="https://x.com/SenThomTillis/status/2015435983316189686" target="_blank">&nbsp;said on social media.</a>

“For this specific incident, that requires cooperation and transparency between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy.”

Cassidy&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenBillCassidy/status/2015247523003162922" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>: “The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth.”

Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican who is a former chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said on social media he was “troubled by the events that have unfolded in Minneapolis.”

“As an attorney and former federal prosecutor, I believe a thorough investigation is necessary—both to get to the bottom of these incidents and to maintain Americans’ confidence in our justice system,” he said.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, was among those who said he was troubled by the shooting.

“I think the death of Americans, what we’re seeing on TV, it’s causing deep concerns over federal tactics and accountability,” Stitt said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Americans don’t like what they’re seeing right now.”

Administration, some allies defend shooting&nbsp;

Many others, including Republican senators and Trump administration officials speaking on Sunday talk shows — Noem, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche — defended the agents involved and blamed Pretti and state and local Democrats in Minneapolis.&nbsp;

“Democrats are now backing out of a bipartisan agreement to fund DHS, which makes sure our border is secure and our immigration laws are enforced,” Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/2015428526829133864" target="_blank">wrote on social media.</a>

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