By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner

Five state senators took Pillen administration offer to tour state prison converted to federal migrant detention center Monday

LINCOLN — Five of Nebraska’s 49 state lawmakers Monday toured the controversial ICE migrant detention center in McCook, taking the Pillen administration up on a group invite to walk through the converted prison.&nbsp;

The lone Democrat participating, State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, estimated that between 100 and 150 migrants, all of them men, were being held at what state and federal officials call the “Cornhusker Clink.”&nbsp;

State prison officials have declined to provide a detainee population count or daily average, citing security concerns.

Except for new fencing, Juarez said much of the physical facility looked similar to what she had seen when she arrived unannounced in September, when the McCook prison still operated as the state’s Work Ethic Camp, aimed at stepping people toward lives outside of prison.&nbsp;

Several detainees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday were outside exercising, she said. A TV, a small library and a medical office were visible.&nbsp;

Some detainees inside played cards, according to observations by other senators on the tour, a group that included State Sens. Myron Dorn of Adams, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Rob Clements of Elmwood and Dan Lonowski of Hastings.

Some key differences this time,&nbsp; Juarez said, were the backgrounds, languages and cultures of those being held at the center, which previously held Nebraska inmates nearing release.&nbsp;

The lawmakers told the Examiner the current detainees represented multiple countries, including Russia, India, Somalia, Mexico and Guatemala.&nbsp;

“I still think that how this is being done is wrong, and I’m not happy the place exists,” Juarez said after the visit, which lasted more than an hour.&nbsp;

But she and the other participating senators said the facility appeared clean, orderly and that detainees had access to visitors and a list of pro bono lawyers.

Juarez said she remains frustrated with federal immigration laws and enforcement tactics and said that pressure for change should be placed on Congress and at the ballot box.

“That change is what is needed so we’re not wasting our federal tax dollars,” she said, citing studies that immigration arrests under the Trump administration continued to increase but that an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/repub/a-larger-share-of-ices-arrested-immigrants-have-no-criminal-record/">ever-lager share of arrests&nbsp;</a>were solely for immigration violations and not for crimes the administration said would be its focus.

The tour of the McCook facility was offered to all 49 senators in the officially nonpartisan Legislature&nbsp; two days after State Sen. Michaela Cavanaugh of Omaha publicly criticized Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration for twice denying her entry on Nov. 12 and 13 to the McCook facility.

Cavanaugh initially arrived unannounced to the McCook facility Nov. 12, citing a state law that says members of the Legislature can enter such a state facility “at any time.” She was rejected and tried again the next morning, on Nov. 13, after alerting the Department of Correctional Services the prior evening.

Pillen on Monday said in a statement that the McCook facility has been up and running in its new role since November and said Monday was “a good opportunity for senators to come and see first-hand the operational aspects of the detention facility.”

Legislators were required to fill out a form by the end of the work day Friday to attend, which was sent to federal officials prior to the visit.

A Pillen spokesperson said reporters were not allowed on the Monday tour, which was led by Rob Jeffreys, the state’s director of Correctional Services. The Examiner spoke to the five lawmakers afterward.

Jeffreys had told Cavanaugh that her alert in November was problematic, as it came with notice that was too short. Furthermore, he and a spokesperson for the Pillen administration said they interpret state law differently as it relates to entry to the McCook facility.&nbsp;

The state contracts with and is paid by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to house the federal detainees at the McCook center while the detainees await deportation to other countries.

Cavanaugh declined to participate in the tour, saying she had previous commitments and also that it was unclear last week whether lawmakers would be allowed to bring a pen and paper into the facility, “let alone a phone” to perhaps record observations. She said one of her main goals was to ask questions of detainees and gather information in the event they needed services.

Lawmakers on the tour said they did not bring phones on the tour, but had access to staff members to answer questions. Some questions, including the average number of detainees each day, were not answered.

Senators said they were told that the range of time behind bars at the McCook facility ranged from a day for some, while others have been there since it pivoted to federal use.&nbsp;

Pillen said earlier that detainees started to arrive in early November and that he had expected 200 by Thanksgiving and up to 300 when other facility modifications were completed. The Republican state senators on the tour agreed with Juarez’s estimate that between 100 and 150 detainees were being held at the center on Monday.

A spokesperson for the Corrections Department said the number of detainees housed at the McCook facility “fluctuates regularly,” and that federal officials asked the state not to disclose numbers.

Brandt said the group was told many of the detainees are transported to McCook from the Omaha and North Platte airports, but that senators were not told the cities or states where the ICE detainees were originally arrested.&nbsp;

The five senators said they didn’t personally talk to detainees but said they were not prohibited from doing so.&nbsp;

They said at least some detainees had access to electronic tablets.

“It was very clean, well kept, very well run,” Dorn said of the former Work Ethic Camp facility.&nbsp;

“It seemed very peaceful, the dining room where they eat was nice,” said Clements. He said phone numbers for various foreign consulates were posted on a wall, and he could see a bank of phones available for detainee use.

The senators saw technology that allows detainees to attend immigration court hearings remotely.&nbsp;

Lonowski said he was impressed with the professionalism of staff, who appeared to be from the local area.

Dorn said he would have liked to see more lawmakers, but he said some had other commitments.&nbsp;

“I definitely expected a few more,” he said, saying he thought up to 15. “I’m glad five showed.”

Prior to the state senator visits, McCook Mayor Linda Taylor and McCook Police Chief Kevin Hodgson had their own tour of the facility.&nbsp;

Pillen’s statement said construction begins this week to expand the facility’s capacity from 200 to 300 detainees.&nbsp;

He said that as a federal detention center, compensation to Correctional Services,&nbsp; based on the expected use of the facility and costs associated with providing services to ICE, will be $2.45 million per month.&nbsp;

The arrangement with ICE should clear the state about $14.25 million annually, Pillen said. The current contact expires Sept. 29, 2027.

Nebraska lawmakers tour McCook ICE jail, call it orderly, clean and say it detains 100-150 migrants

Start the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1.

These annual guided hikes give you the chance to explore trails, snap photos, watch wildlife and participate in any planned activities. Or choose any state park and create your own hiking adventure.

Activities include a potluck soup luncheon at Ash Hollow State Historical Park, a guided tour at Fort Hartsuff SHP, winter art activities at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, and tours of the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Bring your dog but be sure to keep him or her on a leash.

Branched Oak SRA will host a 5- to 6-mile First Day Trail Ride for equestrian riders, rather than a hike.

Parks will have different activities. Check the details at each park, including start times for all First Day Hikes, at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fabout%2Fpress-events%2Fevents%2Ffirst-day-hikes%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b289803ad-f9c7a734-173c-4f54-8948-6e5c6e3b55a0-000000/DR2P-ZjHmerVaVLY1u6_g_qHf-dzFOBzLM5GlbLUmc0=436" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search “First Day Hike.”

Prepare for your winter hike by dressing in layers, wearing a hat, bringing a water bottle and checking the forecast. Start a new tradition by inviting some friends along to the parks.

A Nebraska state park permit is required for all vehicles entering park areas; 2026 permits are available at park offices or at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b289803ad-f9c7a734-173c-4f54-8948-6e5c6e3b55a0-000000/nJ6csY__NXEgT-yO4ESChQKQnsYpP5Zb7lqrEDWPlBg=436" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Those participating in the hikes are encouraged to tag @NEGameandParks in their Facebook, X or Instagram posts for a chance to be featured in the agency’s social streams.

Celebrate 2026 with First Day Hikes

By Nebraska Department of Correctional Services

McCOOK, Neb. – Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Director Rob Jeffreys led a tour of the WEC Detention Facility, open to all 49 Nebraska state senators. Five state senators attended, including Tom Brandt, Rob Clements, Myron Dorn, Margo Juarez and Dan Lonowski.

“The ICE detention facility in McCook is absolutely critical to keeping Nebraskans safe,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “Now that it has been up and running successfully for some time, it is a good opportunity for senators to come and see first-hand the operational aspects of the detention facility.”

The group visited housing units where detainees were currently living and toured admissions, dining, and medical areas inside the facility. They also walked around the outdoor recreation area, which is surrounded by a security fence.

Prior to senators visiting this afternoon, Mayor Linda Tayor and McCook Police Chief Kevin Hodgson had their own tour of the facility. While managed by the state and operated by state public servants, the population is made up of federal detainees, who are transported to WEC to await their scheduled hearings for deportation. The facility has been modified to securely house low to medium-low offenders. At this time, the facility is housing only men.

“The NDCS team has embraced this mission with excellence,” said NDCS Director Jeffreys. “They demonstrate a clear commitment to public safety and continue to uphold high standards, which we are proud to share with our state senators.”

The facility began accepting detainees in early November. Construction begins this week to expand the facility’s capacity from 200 to 300 detainees. As a federal detention center, compensation to NDCS, based on the expected use of the facility and costs associated with providing services to ICE, will be $2,456,138.64 per month. The arrangement with ICE will net the state around $14.25 million annually, taking into consideration costs associated with an increased population and staff.&nbsp; The current contract period will expire Sept. 29, 2027.

NDCS Hosts State Senators for Tour of WEC Detention Facility

LINCOLN, NE – On Dec. 15, 2025, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Patrick P. Carney of Norfolk as county court judge in the Seventh Judicial District. That district consists of Antelope, Cuming, Madison, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Stanton and Wayne counties.

Carney founded Carney Law PC LLO in Norfolk where he handles a variety of legal issues including criminal matters, estate planning, real estate, business formation and family law. On a contractual basis, he also acts as a public defender in Antelope County.&nbsp; Carney practiced at Balsiger &amp; Carney from 1997 to 2006.

Carney continues to serve on the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy to which he was appointed in 2022, which provides legal services free of charge. He has served in a variety of leadership positions for the Madison County Bar Association, including as its president. Carney also previously served on the board of Behavioral Health Specialties, Inc., a non-profit that provides mental health care, counseling and addiction services in Northeast Nebraska.

Carney, a native Nebraskan, received his bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

The judicial vacancy is due to the appointment of Michael L Long to the district court.

Gov. Pillen Appoints Carney as County Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District

By&nbsp;Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON, Neb. – One hundred and seventy Chadron State College undergraduate and graduate candidates for graduation were honored Friday during Winter Commencement in the Chicoine Center.

CSC alumna, Distinguished Young Alumni Award recipient, and mathematics educator Dr. Hortensia Soto urged graduates to be their own hope during the ceremony, weaving personal reflection, humor and heartfelt advice into an address centered on emotional intelligence.

Soto, a professor of mathematics at Colorado State University, said returning to campus and speaking at a ceremony that included her niece, graduate Jayden Kanno, stirred deep memories.

“Chadron State is where I realized I had wings,” Soto said. “This is the place where my eyes were opened to the realms of possibility.”

She encouraged graduates to embrace the excitement, hope and uncertainty of the moment and framed her message around the idea that hope spreads like wildfire.

To illustrate that theme, she shared a story about an 1877 geometry book given to her decades ago. Inside the fragile volume, the author had inscribed a message to a student: “Each one is his own hope.”

“That phrase startled me,” Soto said. “It sounded like something I would say.”

Soto explored three types of intelligence, physical, rational, and emotional, and proposed that emotional intelligence offers the greatest potential to create change by fostering empathy, compassion and curiosity.

“People with strong emotional intelligence communicate difficult decisions in more humane ways,” she said. “They create an environment where different is valued rather than viewed as friction.”

She encouraged graduates to resist dualistic thinking, which pits one viewpoint against another, and instead develop a non-dualistic outlook capable of considering opposing viewpoints. That mindset, she said, leads to wonder, creativity and connection.

“A non-dualistic approach has the potential to bring hope, seeing that while we are different, we have much more in common,” Soto said.

Drawing from her experiences as a student living in the basement apartment of an elderly Chadron woman, Soto told graduates that engaging with people who think and live differently can strengthen emotional intelligence. She concluded with several quotes offering guidance on purpose, resilience, joy and love.

Soto said naming and noticing love in everyday life is a sure way to nurture hope.

“I invite all of us, especially the graduates, to make a commitment to be your own hope,” she said. “For those you love, for those who are different from you, for those you have yet to meet, and especially for those with whom it is difficult to see eye-to-eye. Show up a little more as the person you want to be. Tomorrow, do it again.”

Soto Encourages Graduates to Embrace Compassion, Curiosity and Hope

ALLIANCE, Neb. – The City of Alliance Landfill continues to provide essential waste management services for our community, ensuring convenience, safety, and environmental responsibility.

What We Do: So far in 2025, the Landfill has processed 10,160 loads, totaling 25,438,420 pounds of material. We accept:

Natural Items like rocks, tree branches, and grass are free for residents (non-commercial only). Residents can also cut firewood for free – just check in at the scale house. Our team of seven dedicated employees operates with heavy equipment including a dozer, loader, excavator, skid steer, compactor, baler and burn boxes to keep operations efficient and safe.

Why are Rates Increasing?: A recent rate study by SCS Engineers showed that current rates do not cover rising costs such as:

-Construction of a new Landfill cell in 3 years

-Groundwater monitoring and methane emission testing

-Compliance with State and Federal regulations

To maintain safe, compliant, and sustainable operations, the study recommended a 35 percent increase, which the City Council will phase over two years.

Updated Rates (Effective January 1, 2026)

-Household trash: $79.47 → $90.83 per ton

-A Landfill just 10 minutes from town – otherwise, residents would need to travel to Scottsbluff or Chadron

-Free firewood cutting (check in at scale house)

-Weekly trash service: dumpsters twice a week and rollouts every Wednesday

-Seasonal yard waste pickup during summer months

-Free weight tickets for vehicles and trailers

These services, along with environmental compliance and future infrastructure planning, are funded by Landfill rates.

Thank you for supporting services that keep Alliance clean, convenient, and sustainable for future generations. If you would like to set up refuse services from the City for either your home or business, please contact the billing office at (308) 762-5400.

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

City of Alliance Landfill Services Update and Rate Adjustment.

Lincoln, Neb.&nbsp;— During the month of November 2025, thirty people were killed in traffic crashes on Nebraska roadways, according to data collected by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

This report includes information available through Dec. 14, 2025 from the Highway Safety Section, Traffic Engineering Division, Nebraska Department of Transportation. For additional information, contact NDOT Communications and Public Policy Division at (402)&nbsp;479‑4316.

NDOT Releases November Traffic Fatality Toll

All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.

-Eric Rupp, Assault ofcr/hlth care prof-3rd degree (Class 3A Felony)

-Perry W Kintzley, Assault by Strangulation or suffocation (Class 3A Felony)

-Courtney Hill,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para,&nbsp; Trespassing, Disorderly Conduct

-Leon Hightower, Unauthorized use of a financial device

-Eloy Rogel Reza,&nbsp;Terroristic Threats/ DV Assault

-Amon Napier,&nbsp;1st Degree Sexual Aslt/Strangulation

-Lawrence Callahan,&nbsp;Sexual Asslt X2/ Poss Marijuana

-Vince Jesse,&nbsp;Trespass/Obstruct Peace Officer

-Adrian Jimenez,&nbsp;PCS/Paraphernalia/Open Cont.

-David Iron Bear,&nbsp;PCS/Paraphernalia/Open Cont.

-Josephine Kills Plenty, Criminal Mischief-$5k+ (Class 4 Felony)

Panhandle police activity, Dec. 9 - Dec. 15

By Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has collected more than $200,000 from gambling winnings to go toward child support arrears just three months after implementing the program. The Gambling Winnings Setoff for Outstanding Debt Act was approved through the passage of Legislative Bill 1317 and signed by Governor Jim Pillen in 2024. &nbsp;

“This program ensures funds are being used to help support kids across Nebraska,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “Parents have an obligation to their children, and we’re guaranteeing their well-being by collecting these winnings.”

The collections began Sept. 2, 2025. The act requires gaming operators to withhold a portion of winnings from individuals who have an unpaid debt with the state and remit the funds to the Department of Revenue (DOR).

From there, the collected funds are distributed to various agencies, including DOR, Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and DHHS. Within the first 13 weeks, $529,091.47 was dispersed to these agencies, with DHHS receiving $215,852.98 for the Child Support Enforcement Program.

“By administering these dollars directly to families, the Child Support Enforcement Program is setting our state’s children up for success,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the Office of Economic Assistance. “It’s making an immediate impact on their livelihoods and making sure they have what they need to grow and thrive.”

For more information on Nebraska’s Child Support Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.GfuENRT80eFcHB0yCoTjpqnMDRrLWblbZqMJUxfWAj2wbnfeh0BHNYxcq4nos7ruvk9aan6kOZpbw9Y0-2FDzLIw-3D-3Dg2-f_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyDFUXts0PPRvJVwOzrZydJLyKHOwrfm-2FVnUnD7DxPTfciEORkT5FIOfxBj-2FE5p80oCONJLk75nPWVvpIGUw5UFoZEsmuLPjom1fKbw7zAvMZ5amSYlXLTHV0iDy5AETXEdVbpXEW-2FOC3e6NN4a-2F693gq0YlrPpMXiWD5wF1tytAcUHVKk138ZHjoKe2c8mINfuLDjBSt3P7dfUdQFrCr25WJBRnfmPNf1p-2FPg1MDdnnu1wlIMp4euQ-2BsJjFwIQTksWqT-2BoNZG8d7j4dsOevy8fKCSnfqLVarI-2FW4Gn3higUVnRNw1Dt6undYoKon6W7-2FQcfXcskLsf1FpfQ0UsEaJgw-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Support.aspx</a>.

Nebraska Collects $200k in Child Support from Gambling Winnings

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;The 14th annual Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon set records for money raised and total runners.

The marathon raised $81,390 in 2025, thanks in part to a record-high 669 runners across the event's four races. In total, 41 states were represented and there were runners from as far as Kenya and Peru.

The money raised supports student scholarships, academic programs and facilities at WNCC. WNCC Foundation Board Chair Judy Chaloupka praised the volunteers and all the donors for making the event bigger and better each year.

"You can't imagine how much effort it takes to manage 300-plus volunteers and to get them to come back year after year," Chaloupka said. "The other people that help so much are the in-kind donations for the marathon, whether it's providing food or cleaning the canal road, (support from) the fire department, and all those things that are taken care of so we can have this beautiful event. We couldn't do it without the village that we have in the valley. We're so grateful that it continues to increase every year."

Last year, the Foundation was able to award nearly $400,000 to 388 students.

"Without the scholarships that are provided, in large part because of the Marathon, students wouldn't have the opportunity to pursue their dreams," WNCC President Greg Dart said. "I want to thank you for helping our students accomplish what they are trying to accomplish and for making their dreams a reality."

Along with the mission to raise money for WNCC students, the marathon seeks to promote tourism to the area and highlight the beauty of Western Nebraska. Seventy-seven percent of runners came from outside Scotts Bluff County, 66 percent being first-time participants in the Monument Marathon. Nearly half brought others with them and stayed at least one night in the area.

Platte Valley Companies has been the title sponsor of the event all 14 years.

"We're very proud once again to be the title sponsor," President and CEO of PVC, Hod Kosman said. "It takes more than a village to get this done. Thank you for honoring us by being a part of it and making our community shine the way it does."

The winner of the Corporate Challenge was Riverstone Bank, earning $1,000 that will be donated to the Panhandle Humane Society. The Corporate Challenge is sponsored by Carr-Trumbull Lumber.

Monument Marathon raises record $81K for WNCC

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp; —&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol launched an enforcement campaign during the holiday travel season. The campaign began on December 10&nbsp;and will run until January 1.

“The holiday season contains some of the busiest travel days of the year,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As families travel in and out of the state, it’s crucial to always plan for a sober driver.”

The Nebraska State Patrol has teamed up with police agencies across the country in the&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;campaign. The effort runs from December 10 through January 1.

During the first weekend of the enforcement, troopers made 18 arrests for driving under the influence. In addition to these arrests, troopers issued citations for no seat belt (10), improper child restraint (4), minor in possession (9), driving under suspension (17) and no proof of insurance (21). Troopers also assisted 180 motorists in need of assistance on the road.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all those on the road this holiday season,” said Colonel Waugh. “To do this, we need those on the road to always drive sober. We want the holidays to filled with memories of family and friends – not tragedy.”

The&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;initiative is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $72,496 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Troopers Start Drive Sober Get Pulled Over Campaign Off Strong

Randy Burghardt to perform in Bridgeport 

Jessi Laine to play in Scottsbluff

ALLIANCE, Neb. – The City of Alliance Landfill’s loose fill pit and construction/demolition area will be closed Dec. 9 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.

Specific Landfill Operations Closed Due to Wind Speed in Alliance

Chris Brenning will play at Scott Free Brewing Company in Gering on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5pm - 7pm.&nbsp;

Gabriel the Brute will perform on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4pm - 6pm.&nbsp;

Chris Brenning, Gabriel the Brute to play in Gering 

Avid to perform in Scottsbluff

UPDATED 12/3/25:&nbsp;Northwest Rural Public Power District, along with Nebraska Public Power District, have rescheduled their power outage in Hay Springs for next week, Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10pm - 12 midnight MT.

************************************************************

COLUMBUS, Neb. – A planned outage is scheduled for electric customers in Hay Springs Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. MT, to allow for work at a substation in the area.

The outage is being conducted so crews can conduct needed maintenance at the substation. “We know outages are not convenient, and we appreciate the patience of the impacted customers while the work is completed,” said NPPD Account Manager Jennifer Branson. “The work will help ensure reliable service to area customers, and crews will be working hard to complete the work in a safe and efficient manner.” 

NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages. NPPD will notify impacted customers prior to the planned outage, and customers can call 1-877-ASK-NPPD if they have any questions. 

UPDATE: Planned Outage for Customers in Hay Springs Dec. 10

Box Butte County Commissioner's Meeting Agenda, Dec. 3

Roger Dodger to perform in Kimball

The Brothers Duo to play in Scottsbluff

CHADRON, Neb. - The Friends of the Library and Chadron Public Library will hold a Holidays Party on Friday, Dec. 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There will be live music, Santa available for photos, cookies and hot cocoa.

Upcoming Christmas Party at Chadron Public Library

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department says it has upgraded its investigation into Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over a video where he and other members of Congress told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;

“The Office of the Secretary of War, in conjunction with the Department of War’s Office of the General Counsel, is escalating the preliminary review of Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.), to an official Command Investigation,” a spokesperson for the department wrote in an email Monday night.&nbsp;

“Retired Captain Kelly is currently under investigation for serious allegations of misconduct,” the spokesperson continued. “Further official comments will be limited to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.”

Paul J. Fishman, an attorney at the Arnold &amp; Porter law firm who is representing Kelly, wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26379142-ltr-to-secretary-phelan-dec-15-2025/#document/p1" target="_blank">a Monday letter</a>&nbsp;to the secretary of the Navy that “there is no legitimate basis for any type of proceeding against Senator Kelly, and any such effort would be unconstitutional and an extraordinary abuse of power.”

“If the Executive Branch were to move forward in any forum—criminal, disciplinary, or administrative—we will take all appropriate legal action on Senator Kelly’s behalf to halt the Administration’s unprecedented and dangerous overreach,” Fishman wrote.&nbsp;

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had set Dec. 10 as the deadline for the secretary of the Navy to recommend what to do about Kelly’s appearance in the video, but that came and went without any public announcements.

Hegseth also remained silent on the matter after rebuking Kelly weeks ago for posting the video where he and five other Democrats warned against illegal orders.

Kelly said on Dec. 9, one day before the deadline, he hadn’t received any information from the Navy or other administration officials.&nbsp;

“Forget about an update. I haven’t heard anything from the guy,” Kelly told reporters. “That’s a good question for you guys to ask the Navy.”

The secretary of the Navy’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;

The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;

It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;

Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”

Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The lawmakers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">video</a>, who have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies, told members of those communities they “can” and “must refuse illegal orders.”

“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant,” they said. “But whether you’re serving in the CIA, in the Army, or Navy, or the Air Force, your vigilance is critical.”

The other Democrats in the video — Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander — are not subject to the military justice system.&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">railed against the video</a>&nbsp;a couple days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

Pentagon ‘escalating’ investigation into Sen. Kelly for illegal-orders video

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

Terence “Bud” Crawford, the undefeated boxing champion from Omaha, Nebraska, has announced his retirement from professional boxing at age 38, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in the sport’s modern era.

Crawford’s decision comes amid recent controversy involving a world title and a dispute over sanctioning fees, but his retirement announcement focused less on belts and business and more on legacy, family, and walking away on his own terms.

Earlier this month, the World Boxing Council (WBC) stripped Omaha native Terence “Bud” Crawford of its super-middleweight world title, citing unpaid sanctioning fees tied to his recent fights. The organization said it made multiple attempts to contact Crawford and his representatives before taking action.

Crawford responded forcefully in a video posted to Instagram, using strong language to criticize the WBC and its leadership. In the video, Crawford rejected the fee demand outright, saying, “I ain’t paying your ass s**t.”

He questioned why the WBC’s fees differed from those of other sanctioning bodies, saying, “What makes you so [better] than any of the other sanctioning bodies? … everybody accepted what I was giving them — but you.”

Crawford also downplayed the importance of the title itself, stating, “You can take the f**king belt. It’s a trophy anyway.”

In the same video, Crawford challenged the broader financial structure of boxing’s sanctioning system, saying, “I'm paying you every time I step foot in the [ring]? I’m [putting] my life on the line — not you.”

He additionally took aim at WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, suggesting favoritism and frustration with the organization’s response following his most recent fight. “Mauricio, everybody in the world know you was going for Canelo… Say congratulations instead of having that little smirk on your face,” Crawford said.

While the comments fueled widespread debate within the boxing world, the dispute did not affect the outcome of Crawford’s fights or his undefeated professional record. The controversy marked a rare public rift between one of boxing’s most accomplished champions and a major sanctioning body — and became a notable moment in the closing chapter of Crawford’s career.

In a video announcement shared publicly, Crawford confirmed he is stepping away from the sport, saying, “Every fighter know this moment will come. We just never know when.”

Crawford reflected on his journey, emphasizing that his motivation was never about titles or money. “I spent my whole life chasing something — not belts, not money, not headlines — but that feeling… when the world doubts you but you keep showing up,” he said.

Throughout the message, Crawford repeatedly tied his career to his roots. “This sport gave me everything. I fought for my family. I fought for my city. I fought for the kid I used to be — the one who had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves,” he said.

Crawford said he is leaving with peace, stating, “I’ve made peace with what’s next. And now it’s time.”

He made clear that his retirement was not due to decline, saying, “I’m stepping away from competition not because I’m done fighting, but because I’ve won a different kind of battle — the one where you walk away on your own terms.”

Crawford added, “This isn’t goodbye. It’s just the end of one fight and the beginning of another.”

For Omaha and the state of Nebraska, Crawford’s retirement marks the end of a career that brought international attention to the city he proudly represented throughout his rise.

From local gyms to championship bouts on the world stage, Crawford consistently credited Omaha as part of his identity. His journey from a kid with “nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves” to an undefeated, multi-division champion has made him one of the most accomplished athletes Nebraska has ever produced.

While the recent title dispute adds a complicated final chapter, Crawford’s legacy — in boxing and in Omaha — remains firmly intact.

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