Alliance, NE- The Alliance Police Department is pleased to announce that Rebecca Ashing F/W DOB 3/18/1994 of Alliance, Nebraska, was found guilty on four felony charges related to a premeditated attempt to murder her husband with a knife. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries but, thanks to the exceptional efforts of the Alliance Fire Department, medical staff at Box Butte General Hospital and other facilities survived the attack.

On December 18, 2024, Ashing was sentenced as follows:

20-25 years in prison for the first charge of attempted murder.

5-10 years in prison for the second charge involving use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.

These two sentences will be served consecutively, meaning the total duration of imprisonment for the first two charges is 25-35 years.

2-4 years in prison for the third charge of first-degree domestic assault.

1 year in prison for the fourth charge of second-degree domestic assault. The third and fourth sentences will run concurrently with the first two charges.

Chief David Leavitt of the Alliance Police Department would like to recognize the officers involved for their hard work and dedication in this case, which resulted in a successful conviction, as well as the hard work and dedication brought forth from the Box Butte County Attorney's office.

The Alliance Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the community, ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held accountable.

Alliance Woman Sentenced for Attempted Murder

Alliance, NE – The Alliance Landfill has begun their new hours of operation for December 1 through March 31, being Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Alliance Landfill announces updated hours

Box Butte County, Nebraska – The Box Butte County Planning and Zoning Board invites residents to share their insights and ideas for the future of the county by participating in a survey designed to inform the development of its 30-year comprehensive plan.

The comprehensive plan aims to guide Box Butte County in addressing land use, infrastructure, economic growth, and community priorities over the next three decades. Residents’ opinions will play a crucial role in shaping strategies to enhance quality of life, support sustainable growth, shape the direction of energy use and development, and preserve the county's unique character.

The survey is accessible online and is open to all community members. Responses will help identify key areas of opportunity and focus, ensuring the comprehensive plan reflects the collective vision and needs of the county. To access the survey, go to <a href="http://boxbuttecountyne.gov">boxbuttecountyne.gov</a>, and click “Box Butte County Comprehensive Plan Survey” under Hot Topic Items.

“This determines what happens in Box Butte County for the next 30 years and how we foster that growth in all fields including the type of energy we will be using,” said Zoning Board Administrator Mike Johnson. “We strongly encourage everyone to take a few minutes to participate in the survey.”

Community feedback gathered through the survey will be integral to the plan’s development, ensuring it aligns with local values while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

For more information about the comprehensive plan or assistance with completing the survey, please contact the Box Butte County Planning and Zoning Board Administrator Mike Johnson at 1-308-763-8348.

Box Butte County seeks community input for 30-Year Comprehensive Plan

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance has been notified of utility customers receiving phones regarding their utility accounts and threats of their power being turned off. Please be aware that this is a scam and these calls are not coming from City of Alliance Utility Office Staff. Please do not give any Personal Identifiable Information to these callers. If you are unsure about the validity of a phone call or if the caller is asking for Personal Identifiable Information, please hang up and call the direct number to the Alliance Utility Department (308) 762-5075.

If you have fallen victim to this scam, please contact the Non-Emergency Police Department line at (308) 762-4955 to file a report.

If you have any questions, please call the Utility Department at (308) 762-5075.

City of Alliance reminds citizens of phone call utility scam 

CHADRON, Neb. – The Pine Ridge Job Corps Center will hold its annual Winter Banquet on Dec. 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at the PRJC Gym, located at 15710 Highway 385, Chadron, NE 69337.

The banquet promises to celebrate the season with food, festivities, and community spirit. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by calling (308) 360-3866 or completing the form available at <a>https://forms.office.com/g/iRg4ryq7ch</a>.

This year’s gathering highlights Pine Ridge Job Corps' dedication to fostering connections and celebrating achievements in a warm and festive setting.

Pine Ridge Job Corps to host Winter Banquet in December

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This message is to inform you of an upcoming change to our obituary policy in the Panhandle Post. Beginning July 1st, 2024, there will be a $50 fee associated with publishing obituaries on PanhandlePost.com.&nbsp;

We understand that obituaries are an important way to honor the memory of loved ones and share their life stories with the community. We remain committed to providing this service, and the fees collected will help us continue to offer high-quality obituaries while maintaining the overall sustainability of the Panhandle Post.&nbsp;

We would like for you to include Panhandle Post as an offering for families to place an obituary.&nbsp;

To submit an obituary for publication after July 1st, please send it electronically to tammy.griffee@eagleradio.net.&nbsp;

For more information about the new obituary fees and submission guidelines, please visit our website at PanhandlePost.com/category/obituaries or contact our Tammy Griffee at 308-762-1400 or <a href="mailto:tammy.griffee@eagleradio.net" target="_blank">tammy.griffee@eagleradio.net</a>.&nbsp;

Obituaries posted will be billed directly to the funeral home for the postings for that current month. Invoices will be received in the mail at the end of each month or early the following month.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We appreciate your understanding and continued support of the Panhandle Post.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries and service times

Avid Dischord will perform at Hights in Scottsbluff on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8pm - 12pm.&nbsp;

Avid Dischord to play in Scottsbluff 

By&nbsp;Dawes County Clerk, Cheryl Feist

Dawes County will hold a Public Hearing on December 10, 2024 to correct the General Fund Levy for Dawes County. 

Corrected tax statements will be mailed out to all taxpayers. 

The levy was certified as 0 .355792 instead of 0 .349620.&nbsp;

Dawes Co. to hold public hearing to correct General Fund Levy

Randy Burghardt will perform at Gathering Spot in Alliance on Friday, Dec. 6 starting at 9pm.&nbsp;

Randy Burghardt to perform in Alliance 

Hemingford to hold Christmas Tree Lighting, Soup Supper

Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held in Chadron 

Alliance, NE – Due to high winds, the Alliance Public Landfill construction and demo area, and loose fill area, are closed to the public. Operations in these areas will resume once the wind gust lowers to 25 mph or less.

Partial Closure at the Alliance Landfill Due to High Winds

<a>December</a>&nbsp;19, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp; —&nbsp; The recruits of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 70th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class will graduate during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol this Friday, December 20, 2024. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Capitol, 1445 K. Street, in Lincoln.

Remarks will be provided by&nbsp;<a>Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Colonel John Bolduc</a>, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The recruits will receive their badges and take the oath of office, which will be administered by Secretary of State Robert Evnen.

Following graduation, the recruits will begin their careers at Nebraska State Troopers, serving in a variety of communities across the state.

The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">NSP Facebook Page.</a>

Nebraska State Patrol 70th Basic Recruit Camp to Graduate Friday

Megan Yardley and Monica Buskirk discuss their project raising funds to pay off school lunch balances.

POST PODCAST: School Lunch "Pay It Forward"

Between now and January 11, the Studio Gallery at the Carnegie Arts Center will host the work of students who participated in the 2024 Summer Adventures Art Camp.

While in camp, students learned technical skills while engaging in creative problem solving and experimentation with a variety of mediums. Under the instruction of professional artist Robert Peltz, students initially began with a warmup to get their creative minds firing. After, they were encouraged to seek out imagery and materials that spoke to them. This included paint, spin art, Sculpey, mixed media, charcoal pastels, Posca Markers, and much more. Whatever the selected imagery and material were, Robert provided the guidance in artistic techniques to help them reach their personal goals.

This past summer, the Carnegie was pleased to host 42 students at the camp, with six of those participants being the recipients of scholarships offered through the CAC. We would like to thank all of our generous sponsors for making these scholarships and gallery shows possible!

Thank you to the individuals and organizations that make such scholarships possible—you are nurturing the next generation of creative minds!

And as always, we want to thank our sponsors for making meaningful arts opportunities possible for our community. Thank you to our August exhibit sponsors Charles and Ellen Lierk, Walter Mischnick Contractors, and Dave's Pharmacy. Thank you to our operational grantors the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Bill and Virginia Coffee

“Summer Adventures” Student Exhibit Now Up at the Carnegie Arts Center

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance Facilities will close at noon Tuesday, December 24th through Wednesday, December 25th and Wednesday, January 1st in observance of the holidays. This closure includes the Utility Office, Public Works, and the Municipal Building.

The Alliance Public Library, Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center, Military Museum and Senior Center will close at noon Tuesday, December 24th through Wednesday, December 25th and Wednesday, January 1st in observance of the holidays.

The Alliance Municipal Landfill will close at noon Tuesday, December 24th through Wednesday, December 25th and Wednesday January 1st. Refuse collection of curbside roll-out waste containers will be on Thursday, December 26, 2024, as well as Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Public Transit will be running Tuesday, December 24th 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and will be closed Wednesday, December 25th and Wednesday, January 1st.

Holiday Closures of Alliance City Facilities

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Dawes County Travel Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at 342 Main St., Chadron, NE. An agenda, kept continuously current, will be available at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce, 706 W. 3rd St., Chadron, NE.&nbsp;Publish&nbsp;Jan. 1, 2025

Dawes County Meeting Notice

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/joy.stricker.58">https://www.facebook.com/joy.stricker.58</a>

Western Nebraska National Monuments hiring Visitor Services Assistants for the Summer of 2025  

The Alliance Police Department is pleased to announce the conviction and sentencing of Gary Shott, who was involved in a violent assault in May 2024. During the incident, Shott attacked a victim with a katana sword, causing serious bodily injury.

Following the assault, the Alliance Police Department launched an extensive investigation, dedicating countless hours to ensure justice was served. As part of the investigation, asearch warrant was executed at the residence where the assault occurred. Officers recovered a significant amount of DNA evidence, which was sent to the Nebraska State Crime Lab for analysis.

The evidence gathered through this meticulous process led to the arrest of Shott, who faced multiple felony charges related to the assault. In the legal proceedings that followed, Shott was convicted and sentenced to 6 to 8 years in prison for his actions.

Chief David Leavitt of the Alliance Police Department commended the efforts of the men and women in blue who played a vital role in this case. “Cases like these showcase the dedication and professionalism of our officers. Their unwavering commitment to justice ensures that Alliance remains a safe community for our residents,” Chief Leavitt stated.

For more information, please contact: Alliance Police Department Phone: 308-762-4955 Email: comments@bbcpublicsafety.us

Alliance Police Department Secures Conviction in May 2024 Assault Case

Lincoln, NE – December 13, 2024 – Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions® Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Friday, December 13 drawing to $695 million or $322 million with the cash option selected.

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 26 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since September 13 without a jackpot winner.

The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.

Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.iAuI3qUyZqtRffZQ3zfUpzpNzmNSojhgdRv9EpaRm6-2BsU-2BqvsgP5YyAt9wOpVtfj5waj_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnZhhJ43hiB-2FDy7qfVhKhAYoKQwoFbXpnk-2FpmL8K2L4FV4FRHpxashMlkTylTPmPJThKikBIJYLjfl52HmGTPwEiKYYVMOuZ4op-2BEFCp5A6lYTqnDzjpSc-2FfQb7qxGZc0f1CAXNpVQI7giVvFWR0buWamdRwd5XtvzhPVcm8YGXTXURi0RDeO35n0vGMnOwrSHi-2FHQQvUraod5Ov6qg1ysAkonDCSjNu5Qpd-2FZnHDjCTHigo2JpuCFeKQ7BC5k74-2Fp" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.

Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVCGW7ZFoOjGhEOuDYk17Wg-2FqipgdhZLyD2cmoNUHZNZ9ZZLm_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnZhhJ43hiB-2FDy7qfVhKhAYoKQwoFbXpnk-2FpmL8K2L4FV4FRHpxashMlkTylTPmPJThKikBIJYLjfl52HmGTPwEiKYYVMOuZ4op-2BEFCp5A6lbV6sYwId3Nz-2B70P9GoLDsJp7NolLwA9JGeHpQIwY6wmmv6aUBfDL-2FosGa8zlay1RHwB9PiQkWESCOEbizIA1vq8JnNMue70pwq2G5vX0P3eE9uLMjjE2zTzx98pzi8TuhBsMppy16f7FIw-2FbQ0qoo9" target="_blank">nelottery.com/knowyourlimit</a>&nbsp;for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.

If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVNHPTLOEvuBuA89teB3GDv6K658eW-2BMDAHNY7Ma-2BC9I8YLEK_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnZhhJ43hiB-2FDy7qfVhKhAYoKQwoFbXpnk-2FpmL8K2L4FV4FRHpxashMlkTylTPmPJThKikBIJYLjfl52HmGTPwEiKYYVMOuZ4op-2BEFCp5A6lYDnjfeq4c1VqHlayHDhscazVgkw5u26-2BadLp-2F6ic2saL40lU6dYqf7iTh1CRPrJNtIMuyXZdh2-2F58bJxYWA-2Flh17LO-2F4X6cWyOlDtZPQBNht68l6DEpBi31CgUvI-2B-2Fl7ASA0lXKDQiSW0OBmJ7NcLP" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.003 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Mega Millions® Jackpot Increased for Friday Drawing

Chadron State Senior guard Zy Wright joins that show to talk about winning RMAC Offensive Player of the Week honors, the fun of playing in the raucous kids-day game, this week's match-up at South Dakota State and how his mom helped develop his love for basketball.

🏀 PODCAST: CSC Sports Journal: Zy Wright - 12/18/24

Check out this weeks KCOW Sports schedule for Huskers and Bulldog athletics. Contest can be heard on KCOW FM 92.5/AM 1400.

Thursday, Dec 19 - Husker Volleyball vs. Penn State. Pregame begins at 6:00pm

Friday, Dec 20 - Alliance High Girls &amp; Boys Basketball vs. Chadron High. Girls Pregame at 5:15pm followed by the boys at 7pm.&nbsp;

Saturday, Dec 21 - Husker Women's Basketball vs. Georgia Tech, Pregame at 3pm.&nbsp;

Sunday, Dec 22 - IF HUSKERS WIN VOLLEYBALL MATCH ON THURSDAY, WILL PLAY SUNDAY.&nbsp;

KCOW Radio Sports Schedule (Week of December 15th)

FRISCO, Texas, December 17, 2024&nbsp;–&nbsp;Student athletes from the Memphis Tigers and West Virginia Mountaineers football teams took a timeout from their bowl game preparations to pack lunches for K-12 students facing food insecurity in the Frisco, Texas area.

Nearly 50 college students from both teams competing in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl joined representatives from Scooter’s Coffee and the Frisco Bowl to give back to the Frisco community. The teamwork was in support of Frisco Fastpacs, an area non-profit whose mission is to ensure that no child in Frisco has to endure hunger when school is not in session.

Each team hustled to pack Scooter’s Coffee reusable lunch bags with delicious and satisfying foods. Cheered on by team and Scooter’s Coffee mascots, the Tigers and Mountaineers collectively packed about 1,000 meals. In addition to donating the food items, Scooter’s Coffee generously donated reusable lunch bags that students can use for years to come.

“The partnership between Frisco Fastpacs and Scooter's Coffee has been nothing short of remarkable. Their team has provided numerous opportunities for collaboration to improve the lives of the food-insecure children we serve in Frisco ISD,” said Heather Canterbury, executive director of Frisco Fastpacs. “Having the title sponsor of your local bowl game lead the way in volunteer service is such a blessing to our community and a true testament to the superb culture at Scooter's Coffee.&nbsp;For this we couldn't be more thankful to be their partner during the bowl season and beyond.”

The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl will present a check to Frisco Fastpacs during the game on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Scooter’s Coffee will be matching the bowl game’s donation to Frisco Fastpacs through funding the purchase of food and lunchbags used in the packing event and through additional financial support.

Frisco Fastpacs serves more than 1,200 students weekly across all 77 Frisco ISD schools through pre-packed meal bags of non-perishable food. Parents of eligible children can register for the Frisco Fastpacs program at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.TZ663KbgBa-2FTTklgYFe0HIuGiKVi1Qa-2BN-2BEMHhVo7KVMHRiWkb7EZZ-2B0MR-2B690HoWYw2_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtFwRbSsOR-2BccTRSiF15eQTyDA0EttF5IBJrGGJ2afHbUQmo3xzj2gJ5Y0-2FIk-2BSSVWtUPlWTOj4P0Dykye1lrGot-2BUzi0iRtAcQ6qDoO-2FL-2BWt2s44SkH-2BzUsDki39NI9n5RZegXZ2yp4WUc9-2BtCPj2EbqyvFAQMhv7HQK-2FK-2BX-2Fn2SfbjnSwGPvtU7LpqCiMB13MNsp-2BPKbKLlGIU-2B2EPkkN0PEHZCDBtKR3ASBuRT81EHrMVkhdI7rSDQceOz-2FvdMV-2BWQzIMm8iIgxwQQdPZrxU6dtZTKsEhZr-2B50zyUcrAUBVZhPqcXCsmWnJQ8DoqhwbIJPtwK3GzjTtSFK3sZkWSw-3D-3D" target="_blank">friscofastpacs.org</a>.

The 25th-ranked Memphis Tigers will kick off against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the 2024 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN and will simulcast on ESPN+.

College Athletes Pack Lunches for Students in Need Ahead of Scooter’s Coffee® Frisco Bowl

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Zy Wright scored 24 points, tying his career-high set earlier this week, and the Eagles shot 49 percent from the field, but the UCCS Mountain Lions hit enough shots from beyond the arc to defeat the Eagles 84-79 Saturday in Colorado Springs. 

UCCS (6-4, 2-2 RMAC) fired from three-point range at any opportunity, making 12 of 35 attempts, including nine makes in the first half. The home team led by as many as 16 in the second half before CSC closed the game on a 5-0 run to cut the final margin to five points.

Chadron State (5-6, 2-2 RMAC) shot 49.2 percent from the field (32-65), 35.3 percent from three (6-17) and 60 percent from the line (9-15), snapping an eight-game streak where the Eagles were 72 percent or better from the stripe. 

Behind Wright, who shot 9-for-16 from the floor and added six rebounds, three assists and two steals in addition to his 24 points, the Eagles received double-figure scoring from Julio Phipps (16 points, 8-11 FG) and John Jenkins (11 points). Wright, Phipps, Jenkins and Darrius Miles all tied with a team-high six rebounds.

The Eagles did have a season-high 19 assists against only 10 turnovers, but were outshone in that category by the home team, who put up 24 assists against just seven giveaways. 

UCCS took an early 8-4 lead, but the Eagles went to John Jenkins for back-to-back baskets to tie the score. Wright tallied 11 of CSC's first 22 points in the first half, including a three-point play to bring the Eagles within two points at 24-22. 

The Mountain Lions used an 8-0 run to open up a 10-point lead, but the Eagles answered with a back-cut layup from Jaylen Davis and a three from Darrius Miles. The Eagles continued to go to Miles, with the Texas native hitting a layup and a jumper to make it a three-point game, 36-33, at the under-four media timeout. UCCS responded, outscoring Chadron State 13-5 over the final two-and-a-half minutes to lead 49-40 at halftime.

The home team picked up where they left off at the end of the first half, opening on a 7-0 run before a pair of Wright free throws. The Eagles responded with a 6-0 run on an inbounds alley-oop to Phipps, a jumper by Zach Smith and a Phipps hook shot before the Eagles forced a 10-second violation. 

The Mountain Lions used a 15-8 run, including two threes, to open up a double-digit second half lead. As the Eagles pushed into a full-court press in a bid to create turnovers, UCCS used its ball movement and spacing to create several transition baskets.

Trey Ballard hit back-to-back threes to trim the UCCS lead to eight at 80-72 with a minute left, but the Mountain Lions made enough free throws down the stretch to close out the game. Zy Wright scored five points in the final three seconds of the game thanks to a jump shot and a UCCS technical foul that allowed Wright to hit one of two foul shots then make a basket as time expired when the Eagles retained possession.

UCCS had five players finish in double figures, led by Gavin Carter's 16. William Becker had a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double.

The Eagles will return home this Monday, December 16 to play Central Christian (NAIA) in a nonconference game at 1 p.m. in the Chicoine Center. 

Chadron State— Zy Wright 24, Julio Phipps 16, John Jenkins 11, Trey Ballard 8, Darrius Miles 7, Jaylen Davis 7, Jalen Thomas 2, Dalton Peterson 2, Zach Smith 2. Totals: 32-65 FG, 6-17 3PT, 9-15 FT. 79 points, 37 rebounds, 19 assists, 10 turnovers.

Another big night from Wright helps CSC bite back at Mountain Lions Saturday

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Kylie Krise put up a career-high 25 points and Chadron State outscored UCCS in the second half, but a slow start proved too much for the Eagles to overcome as the Mountain Lions defeated the Eagles 82-66 Saturday afternoon in the Gallogly Events Center.

The Eagles (2-8, 1-3 RMAC) dropped their third straight RMAC game since winning their conference opener. UCCS improved to 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the RMAC with the win. 

Krise shot 6 of 9 from the field, 2 of 5 from deep and 11 of 14 from the free-throw line, spearheading an Eagles team effort that had 34 free throw attempts over the course of the game. She also led the team with seven rebounds. Her 25 points are two more than her previous season and career-high set in the RMAC opener against South Dakota Mines on December 5.

Megan Counts also had 15 points for the Eagles, more than doubling her previous season high of seven and three points off her career high of 18 and added four rebounds and two blocks. Liberty Line and Ashayla Powers scored seven points apiece and Kyra Tanabe had a team-high four assists.

The Eagles shot 40 percent from the field, 25 percent from three (5-20) and 74 percent from the line (25-34). UCCS finished the game 41 percent from the field, 34 percent from three (9-26) and 71 percent from the line (27-38), but the Eagles did a much better job in the second half as the Mountain Lions were over 50 percent from the field at halftime. 

UCCS hit six of their first eight field goal attempts, including three straight three-pointers, to build a 16-6 lead in the game's first four minutes. The Eagles went to Megan Counts for back-to-back layups, but another UCCS three made it 24-14 Mountain Lions after one quarter of play. 

The teams traded buckets for the first portion of the second quarter, but UCCS got to the line and continued to shoot well, making 54 percent of their field goal attempts and 6 of 8 free throw attempts. The Mountain Lions went on an 18-6 run before two CSC free throws made it 47-28 UCCS at the half. 

The third quarter saw the Eagles outscore UCCS 17-14, as CSC had seven different players score in the period. 

The fourth quarter began with a 10-3 run by the Eagles as Chadron State got to the line, making 5 of 6 free throws, outrebounded UCCS 6-1 and blocked two shots during that time frame, cutting the lead to single digits at 64-55. 

The Eagles took 14 free throws in the fourth quarter alone, hitting 12 to keep the game within 10 points. Kylie Krise forced a steal and hustled down the court for a fast-break layup to make it an eight-point lead, 74-66 with 45 seconds to play.

UCCS shot eight free throws in the final 39 seconds to put the game away at the line and push the lead back up to its final margin of 16 points. 

For UCCS, Maison White led the way with a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double. Three Mountain Lions finished in double figures. 

The Eagles are now off through Christmas break. They will take the court next against Colorado School of Mines on January 9 at 5 p.m. at home in the Chicoine Center.

Chadron State— Kylie Krise 25, Megan Counts 15, Ashayla Powers 7, Liberty Line 7, Kyra Tanabe 5, McKenzi Petersen 5, Camren Morris 2. Totals: 18-45 FG, 5-20 3PT, 25-34 FT. 66 points, 37 rebounds, 7 assists, 21 turnovers.

Krise explodes for career-high scoring night in CSC loss at UCCS

🏀 High School Basketball Scores - Saturday, 12/14

🏀 High School Basketball Scores - December 13

PUEBLO, Colo. – Chadron State men's basketball rode a dominant first half and withstood a furious second-half rally to earn a 66-62 road win over the 7-1 CSU Pueblo ThunderWolves in Pueblo Thursday night. 

The Eagles (5-5, 2-1 RMAC) built up a 16-point halftime lead and stayed ahead the entire second half, although the ThunderWolves cut the lead to a basket on two separate occasions and missed a potential game-tying jumper with 10 seconds left. 

Senior guard Zy Wright scored an NCAA career-high 24 points and eight rebounds, shooting 6 of 12 from the field and a perfect 10 of 10 from the line, including the final two free throws to ice the game with seven seconds to play. 

Julio Phipps scored 17 points while Jalen Thomas had 10 points plus four steals for the Eagles, who committed just six turnovers over the game's 40 minutes. The Eagles shot 36 percent from the field and 90 percent from the line (18-20). 

Wright scored 11 of the team's first 17 points, including going 6-for-6 at the free throw line and hitting a deep three on a broken play as the shot clock wound down. 

Moments later, Julio Phipps recorded back-to-back layups off of steals, one of his own and another steal by Zach Smith, leading Pueblo to call timeout with CSC up 21-16. 

That was only the start of a 16-2 run to make it 33-18, with four more points apiece coming from Wright and Thomas during that scoring run.

During the Eagles' first half, they forced 10 CSU Pueblo turnovers while committing just one, had seven steals while Pueblo had zero and shot 42 percent from the floor compared to the hosts 27.6 percent while leading the ThunderWolves 38-22 at halftime.

CSU Pueblo began the second half on a 7-0 run before Treyson Neff put the Eagles on the board with a jumper. Pueblo hit a three, but the Eagles responded immediately with a three of their own from Wright and a transition pull-up jumper from Jalen Thomas to go back up by 13 at 45-32. 

The ThunderWolves continued to chip away at the lead, however, as Chadron State went without a field goal for over five minutes of game time. CSUP guard Brevin Walter went on a personal 5-0 run with two free throws and a transition three to cut Chadron State's lead to two points at 62-60, but the Eagles found Julio Phipps for a dunk at the other end. 

Rebounds loomed large down the stretch. When CSC missed a jumper with 44 seconds left, an offensive board by Phipps extended the play and allowed the Eagles to run more clock. Pueblo had a chance to tie with under 10 seconds left, but Walter's jump shot rattled off the rim and Zy Wright out-leaped post players to pull in the rebound and calmly hit two free throws to give the Eagles a four-point lead and see out the game. 

After defeating CSU Pueblo, who entered ranked No. 5 in the D2CSC regional rankings, the Eagles will move on to facing UCCS (5-4, 1-2 RMAC), who are ranked No. 10 in the same rankings. The Mountain Lions lost 95-89 in overtime to Black Hills State Thursday.

Chadron State— Zy Wright 24, Julio Phipps 17, Jalen Thomas 10, Treyson Neff 6, Dalton Peterson 5, Darrius Miles 3, John Jenkins 1. Totals: 22-60 FG, 4-15 3PT, 18-20 FT. 66 points, 35 rebounds, 10 assists, 6 turnovers.

Wright leads Eagles to road win over regionally-ranked CSU-Pueblo

🏀 Thursday Prep Hoops Scoreboard - Dec. 12

🏀 Thursday Prep Hoops Scoreboard - Dec. 12

PUEBLO, Colo. – Led by 23 points from All-American Alisha Little, CSU Pueblo led for the final 33 minutes of game time and defeated Chadron State women's basketball 72-61 at Massari Arena in Thursday night RMAC hoops. 

Kylie Krise finished with 11 points and seven rebounds to lead Chadron State in both categories. Kyra Tanabe finished with nine points as she and Krise each hit three three-pointers apiece for the Eagles. 

The Eagles shot 29.9 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from three. They continued to shoot well at the free-throw line, making 11 of 12 attempts for a percentage of 91.7. 

CSU Pueblo, which had two other scorers in double figures with Landri Hudson's 13 and Tomia Johnson's 11, shot 36.8 percent from the floor, 26.9 percent from three and 74 percent from the line. 

Chadron State competed on the boards, outrebounding CSU Pueblo 52-36 and grabbing 21 offensive rebounds as a team. Behind Krise's seven, the Eagles got six rebounds apiece from Camren Morris and Ashayla Powers, who played just 14 minutes and scored four points before fouling out. 

The Eagles also enjoyed a return to the court from Liberty Line, who made 23 starts for Chadron State last season but had been out all year due to injury prior to Thursday's game. Line played 11 minutes and finished with five points on 2-for-6 shooting and five rebounds.

Chadron struck first on a three by Camren Morris, who scored seven of CSC's first nine points as the visitors built an early 9-8 lead in the first four minutes of game time. The two teams continued to battle throughout the period as the scoring margin was never more than three points in either direction during the opening quarter. 

In the second period, Pueblo began to take control by feeding Little and forcing turnovers. The Eagles committed 22 turnovers in the game, 14 of which came in the first half. CSU Pueblo outscored Chadron State 19-10 in the second period on its way to a 39-27 lead at halftime.

The Eagles came out with urgency in the second half, beginning on an 8-2 run featuring back-to-back three-pointers by Krise. The ThunderWolves responded immediately, however, reeling off a 12-1 run over five minutes of game time before CSC snapped the streak with a backdoor cut feed from McKenzi Petersen to Liberty Line for a layup.

CSU Pueblo closed the third period with another 10-3 run, including three made three-pointers in four attempts, to lead 63-43 after three quarters. The Eagles did outscore CSU Pueblo 18-9 over the final period, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

The Eagles are 2-7 overall and 1-2 in RMAC play. They will take the court next against UCCS (4-4, 2-1 RMAC) on Saturday at 1 p.m. UCCS fell to Black Hills State 72-44 on Thursday.

Chadron State— Kylie Krise 11, Kyra Tanabe 9, Camren Morris 8, Jordyn Stokes 6, Tyra Eriksson 6, Liberty Line 5, Ashayla Powers 4, Malorie Byrne 4, McKenzi Petersen 4, Megan Counts 2, Bati Assefa 2. Totals: 20-67 FG, 10-34 3PT, 11-12 FT. 61 points, 52 rebounds, 11 assists, 22 turnovers.

Pueblo takes down cold-shooting Eagles to open RMAC women's basketball weekend

DAMASCUS —On Thursday,&nbsp;U.S. Forces conducted a precision  airstrike targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif aka Mahmud in the Dayr az Zawr  Province, Syria resulting in two ISIS operatives killed, including Abu  Yusif, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

"This  airstrike is part of CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment, along with partners  in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan,  organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel  from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and  beyond."

This strike was conducted in an area formerly controlled by the Syrian regime and Russians.

“As  stated before, the United States — working with allies and partners in  the region — will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current  situation in Syria and reconstitute. ISIS has the intent to break out of  detention the over 8,000 ISIS operatives currently being held in  facilities in Syria. We will aggressively target these leaders and  operatives, including those trying to conduct operations external to  Syria," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

U.S. airstrike kills ISIS terror leader

As the year ends, families and friends will reunite across our state to celebrate the holiday season. One of my favorite things about Christmas is that each person, family, and community has its own special traditions. No matter where you find yourself in Nebraska this season, I encourage you to share in one of our many unique celebrations.

Under the bright stars over North Platte rests a grand white house, trimmed in green and dressed in shining Christmas lights. While carolers sing, guests are free to tour the grounds in horse-drawn wagons.

The mansion, once home to the famed “Buffalo Bill” Cody—renowned for his legendary Wild West shows—and his wife Louisa, has long been the setting for “Christmas at the Cody’s.” The annual celebration carries on the festivities hosted by the Cody family every Christmas season.

Each year, nonprofits, local businesses, and Nebraska Game and Parks staff decorate the property, drawing families from across the state to enjoy the holidays and reflect on Christmases past.

These festive displays serve as a reminder of what Christmas in Nebraska truly represents—a time for unity among families, friends, and communities.

Further east, in Minden, residents proudly celebrate another local Christmas tradition.

Minden boasts over 12,000 lights, which decorate the courthouse dome and town square. These dazzling displays are visible for miles, giving Minden its well-earned title as Nebraska’s Christmas City.

This tradition began in 1915, when City Light Commissioner J.C. Haws strung lights from the railroad depot to the town square. Although bad weather disrupted his plan, Haws repurposed the lights to adorn the courthouse dome, a tradition that continues today.

But Minden’s Christmas charm goes beyond its lights. Each year, the community performs The Light of the World Christmas pageant, a labor of love involving months of preparation.

North of Nebraska’s Christmas City sits another classic Christmas destination, the village of Comstock.

While Comstock’s population is less than 100 people, they’re famous for one of our state’s most spectacular Christmas celebrations.

Eight years ago, Henry Nuxoll strung lights on his roof in memory of his twin brother. Soon after, he began receiving anonymous Christmas decorations in the mail from Nebraskans eager to help.

Over the years, that Christmas spirit spread across the whole town, and today, Comstock is completely transformed every holiday season. It features 20 blocks of displays with over 400 inflatables, including special neighborhoods like Grinchville and Snowman’s Land.

Comstock’s story reminds us how a single act of love can inspire an entire community.

During this Christmas season, I hope we reflect on how much we have to be grateful for in Nebraska and cherish these very special traditions. And no matter how you celebrate the Christmas season, I hope you spend it surrounded by loved ones.

To all my fellow Nebraskans: Merry Christmas. May this December be joyful and filled with blessings.Thank you for participating in the democratic process, and I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

Fischer Column: Nebraska Christmas Traditions

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House failed to pass a Republican stopgap spending package Thursday, sharply increasing the odds a partial government shutdown will begin after the current funding bill expires Friday at midnight.&nbsp;

<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024516" target="_blank">The 174-235 House vote</a>&nbsp;came less than three hours after GOP leaders released a second stopgap spending bill this week. The first version, released just two days ago, was widely rejected by President-elect Donald Trump as well as his allies on and off Capitol Hill.

A total of 38 GOP lawmakers and 197 Democrats voted against passage. Only two Democrats voted in support of the measure. One Democrat voted “present.”

House Republicans tried to approve the new measure under a process called suspension of the rules, which required at least two-thirds of lawmakers to support the legislation for passage, including Democrats. Trump endorsed this new version, which included a two-year suspension of the debt limit.

GOP leaders could next try to put the failed bill up for a vote under a rule, which requires a simple majority vote to approve, but that path takes a few more steps and isn’t a guarantee this legislation could pass.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., said during floor debate the bill was necessary to avoid a shutdown and provide disaster aid to states throughout the country.

“We need to provide the necessary disaster recovery aid for states and communities as our fellow citizens rebuild and restore. The relief efforts are ongoing — it will be months, if not years, before life returns to normal,” Cole said.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, rebuked GOP lawmakers for walking away from the deal both parties reached on the first stopgap package.

“There were things in it that Democrats liked and Republicans did not, and there were things in it that Republicans liked and Democrats would have preferred to leave out. But that is the nature of government funding bills,” DeLauro said. “They require compromise and the support of Democrats and Republicans.”

The legislation House lawmakers were about to vote on had no input from Democrats, she said.

While Republicans have a narrow majority in the House, Democrats control the Senate and the White House, making bipartisan agreement on legislation essential to it becoming law.

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