On Jan. 14 at approximately 4:20 p.m. the Nebraska State Patrol was called to a vehicle accident on Highway 71, approximately 15 miles west of Hemingford.

A Honda Pilot driven by 53-year-old Hattie Hanks of Crawford was traveling eastbound when she crossed the center line and collided with a westbound Ford F-150. 

Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said Hattie and passenger, 27-year-old Rylee Hanks of Chadron died at the scene. 

An infant passenger in the Honda was transported to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff with non-life threatening injuries. 

The driver of the Ford was also transported to Regional West with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. 

Thomas said the crash remains under investigation.

2 killed, 2 transported to hospital after crash near Hemingford

The new Panhandle Post Post app for iOS and Android devices is now available FREE for your mobile device.

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Panhandle Post app now available 

FS...4-GOODYEAR..235-65-R16 TIRES...$100 FOR THE SET....4-UNIROYAL TIRES....225-50-R18...$100......4-HANCOOK...245-55-R19...$100 FOR THE SET....760-5153...760-9267

FS...2-CARD TABLES....2-METAL FOLDING CHAIRS...3-BARSTOOLS--PADDED......FS...BROWN TWEED RECLINER..MEDIUM SIZE.....FS..SET OF TWIN SHEETS...GOOD CLEAN CONDITION.....FS....SMALL FLAT SCREEN TV....FS...6-8 UHAUL MOVING BOXES...NEW..NEVER USED....CALL FOR INFO...760-1259

FS...MICHAEL JORDAN JERSEY...#23...CHICAGO BULLS...BLACK,  RED AND WHITE...1997-98....$75.....308-765-0481

FS...14' EXTENSION LADDER...EXTENDS TO 28'...WERNER BRAND...300 LB RATING...VERY GOOD CONDITION....CALL FOR INFO....760-0317

KAB...WILL RECYCLE ELECTRONICS...$1 PER ITEM...762-1729

FS....SMALL GUITAR AMP...HAS 2 INPUTS...$40.......FS...LARGE AIR COMPRESSOR...$200.......LF...MAGAZINES FOR READING...760-0076

FS...750 WATT POWER INVERTER...NEW N BOX...$70....FS...ANTIQUE,  TRI FOLD MIRROR...$300......GA...MISC. FREEZER JELL PACKS....762-4411...760-4552

OPEN MIC FRIDAY JAN. 14, 2022

The Chadron Police Department has conducted an "after-action review" of the incident on Nov. 30, 2021 when Chadron Public Schools were advised to conduct a “Lockout/Secure” after two possibly armed suspects entered the community due to a pursuit from South Dakota.

"Based on that review and citizen input, the department is working with the Code Red Alert System to enhance our ability to quickly and efficiently notify the community of emergency situations when needed," Chadron Police Chief Rick Hickstein said. "The Code Red Alert System is the best way we can reach the most people and businesses in our community in a quick and efficient manner. But the only way this system can be successful is if our citizens sign-up to participate in it."

Hickstein urges the Chadron community to sign-up for the Code Red Alert System so proper notifications can be made in the future.

Citizens and business owners can sign-up for the Code Red Alert System by going to the City of Chadron Website: <a href="https://www.chadron-nebraska.com/437/Code-Red-Alerts">https://www.chadron-nebraska.com/437/Code-Red-Alerts</a> or by going directly to <a href="https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/20DA2FD5CE20">https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/20DA2FD5CE20</a> .

CPD encourage community to sign up for Code Red Alert System

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;

Panhandle Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.panhandlepost.com/recent-obituaries/kcowradio@gmail.com">kcowradio@gmail.com</a>

Recent obituaries

FS...HEALTH RIDER EXERCISE BIKE...$75.......ELECTRIC ROASTER...$25...6 ROLLING DINNING CHAIRS..BLUE COLOR....$50 FOR ALL.....2-UPPER CABINETS...WITH GLASS FRONTS AND SHELVES...$15 FOR BOTH.....760-1279

FS...NICE CONDITION, VHS PLAYER....OLDER BUT USED VERY LITTLE...$25.....425-442-2166.....487-1553--IN HEMINGFORD

LF...SOMEONE TO WORK ON A CB RADIO....OR LOOKING FOR A 40 CHAN COBRA OR JOHNSON CB RADIO.....763-1539

FS...750 WATT POWER INVERTER...NEW IN BOX...$65.....ANTIQUE TRI FOLD MIRROR...$300......20 - GAL FISH AQUARIUM WITH STAND AND PUMP..WITHOUT LID...$10........GA...LOTS OF FREEZER JELL PACKS....762-4411....760-4552

PLEASE SEND BIRTHDAY CARDS TO JASON BEFORE JAN. 25....PO. BOX 600....ALLIANCE NE 69301

FS...AIR POWERED, CUTTING TOOL...INCLUDES EVERYTHING NEEDED...$35.....FS...LARGE AIR COMPRESSOR...$200....LF...MISC. MAGAZINES FOR READING...NAT GEORAPHIC...PRO RODEO...ETC....760-0076

LF...GOOD USED SOFA.....LF...ODD JOBS OF ANY KIND...760-4336

LF...RIDING LAWN MOWER...ANY CONDITION....LF...ODD JOBS OF ANY KIND......FS...28" MOUNTAIN BIKE...READY TO RIDE.....760-5608

OPEN MIC THURSDAY JAN. 13, 2022

FS...LARGE AIR COMPRESSOR...110 VOLT...$200...LF...MISC MAGAZINES FOR READING...NAT GEO...PRO RODEO...ETC.....760-0076

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LF...RIDING LAWN MOWER...ANY CONDITION.....LF..ODD JOBS OF ANY KIND....GUTTTER CLEANING...CLEAN UP...HELP MOVING.....FS..28" MOUNTAIN BIKE...GOOD CONDITION....760-5608

LF...GOOD RUNNING CAR, SUV OR 4 WHEEL ATV....308-225-0032

GA...BATHROOM VANITY TOP...22" X  54" WITH SINK BUILT IN....762-7301

OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY JAN. 12,  2022

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LF...DAMAGED GRAIN...A TRUCK LOAD...308-430-1322...308-430-3602

COLLECTION BASKET...OPEN...9-2...MONDAY AND TUESDAY...HAVE LOTS OF CLOTHES ON SALE...HATS...BLANKETS...SCARVES...1/2 PRICE....HAVE FREE ITEMS OUT FRONT...COME AND TAKE A LOOK....HAVE LOTS OF PLASTIC HANGERS TO GIVE AWAY....9TH AND BIGHORN..PLEASE RING THE BELL AND WEAR MASKS

LF...RIDING MOWER...ANY CONDITION....FS...28" SCHWIN MOUNTAIN BIKE...GOOD CONDITION...$90.....LF...ODD JOBS OF ANY KIND.....760-5608

LF...SMALL DRESSER....3' TALL  X  3' WIDE X  2' DEEP.....760-0941

KAB..IS LOOKING FOR A 3-4 SHELF BOOKCASE...308-762-3333

FS...750 WATT POWER INVERTER...NEW IN BOX..$70....FS...ANTIQUE TRI FOLD MIRROR...$300.....FS..1/2"..18 VOLT... IMPACT WRENCH..NEW IN BOX... WITH CHARGER...$80.......FS...20 GAL AQUARIUM....WITH PUMP AND STAND..NO LID....$10....GA...MISC. FREEZER JELL PACKS....762-4411...760-4552

OPEN MIC...TUESDAY JAN. 11,  2022

The Friends of the Chadron Public Library are holding their monthly book sale at the Annex next to the library on Friday, Jan. 14 and Saturday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.&nbsp;

$5 for a grocery bag or equivalent of books, with items like CD's, DVD's and video games only $1. VHS are tapes free.

The library said if you want a book or two, they are asking for a voluntary contribution. 

Friends of Chadron Public Library to hold book sale

COLLECTION BASKET BACK  OPEN TODAY AND TUESDAY...OPEN 9 AM -2 PM ...LARGE SALE GOING ON NOW LOTS OF THINGS 1/2 PRICE....HAVE SOME FREE ITEMS OUT FRONT....PLEASE RING THE BELL AND WEAR MASKS...9TH AND BIGHORN

FS...SHOWER CHAIR...LIKE NEW...$20.....760-0612

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CHADRON FRIENDS OF PETS.....HAVE LOTS OF ITEMS FOR SALE....ALL PROCEEDS TO FRIENDS OF PETS......HAVE A NICE SNOW SUIT....SIZE L-XL TALL...MENS OR LADIES......NICE LEATHER JACKET.....MAKE OFFERS....HAVE PET CAGES....PET TOYS...HOUSEHOLD ITEMS...CRAFT ITEMS...KITCHEN ITEMS....308-432-3883

FS....28" MOUNTAIN BIKE..SCHWIN MODEL...WORKS GOOD...READY TO RIDE.......LF...RIDING LAWN MOWER......760-5608

FS...RADIAL ARM SAW...$50...GOOD CONDITION...760-5040

OPEN MIC MONDAY JAN. 10, 2022

Grief with Dr. Russ Seger&nbsp;will be held on Jan. 13 at 6pm.

You can register at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/bdehyxk8?fbclid=IwAR11gyVX5qji879kKAwNOTVlfFe7YgLAtJaIjFMMKr3w0o7C8wmmdEmxmPg" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/bdehyxk8</a>.

We are living in really stressful times. Grief is a part of our lives but sometimes it can feel unbearable. Understanding the process is helpful. This session can help.

A free 45-minute virtual group presentation on grief with the opportunity to ask questions, find resources, and visit one-to-one privately with a crisis counselor if needed. Anyone is welcome to join.

Seger is a Chadron minister, serves as the Hospice Chaplain at Chadron Community Hospital, and is adjunct faculty at Chadron State College with disciplines in death and dying. He has a private counseling practice and is a FEMA trained crisis responder.

PPHD to hold 'Grief' presentation with Dr. Russ Seger 

One of my favorite parables describes the difference between heaven and hell. In both places, hungry people sit at tables laden with delicious food. In hell, people suffer and starve because they cannot eat with the long utensils provided. In heaven, people are happy and thrive because they use the utensils to feed each other.

Many cultures and religions have some variation of this story. It illustrates a universal truth: we depend on each other. The current pandemic has starkly illustrated this interdependency, and it does not sit comfortably with our American culture of self-reliance and rugged individualism.

As a physician, I depend on nurses, techs, therapists, and pharmacists. I depend on hospitalists to care for patients too sick to stay home. Hospitalists depend on intensivists to care for the sickest. Doctors depend on nurses providing hands-on care at the bedside, respiratory therapists adjusting ventilators, technicians operating machines which substitute for failing organs. And we all rely on those who sterilize equipment, launder sheets, clean rooms, repair machines, and prepare food.

Two years into the Covid 19 pandemic, those of us who remain in healthcare are tired. We have enough beds, and ventilators, and protective equipment, but the human infrastructure is struggling to keep up.

Unfortunately, we cannot simply hire more people. Becoming a physician requires 11-plus years of higher education. Most care team members have at least two years of specialized schooling which is only the beginning; learning is an ongoing process. Health systems may accelerate some of the administrative hurdles to get more people to the bedside, but we cannot accelerate the time it takes to know what to do there.

The upcoming tsunami of Omicron Covid patients threatens to swamp our health care systems. Not only are more people in need, but their needs are far more intense. In addition to Covid patients, people with other illnesses and victims of accidents still need health care services. As my colleagues and I anticipate the coming surge, we wonder how we will meet it. Who will die that with more support, might have lived?

Like the people in the parable, we need each other. Those who are eligible, please get your Covid shots and boosters. Vaccinated people are less likely to need a hospital bed, and less likely to carry the virus to someone more vulnerable. Get your flu shot. Influenza infections are skyrocketing, too. Wear a high-quality mask in public, to protect yourself and others and avoid spending long periods of time in crowds.

We all depend on each other to stay safe. Like those diners in heaven, please use the available tools and do your part for the person across the table.

Debra Johnson, M.D. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show celebrating its twentieth season of truthful, tested, and timely medical information, streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Prairie Doc Perspectives: The people at your table

Alliance - RSVP is having a Martin Luther King Jr. Day food drive, starting on Monday, January 17 through Friday, January 21. 

Food donations will be accepted at the Alliance Senior Center located at 212 Yellowstone Avenue from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

All donated items will be taken to local food pantries.

 If you are not able to bring your donations to the Senior Center, please call the RSVP office at (308) 762-1293 to schedule pickup.

For more information about the food drive, please contact Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293.

RSVP to hold food drive in Alliance

-Aaron Stuart Rasmussen and Leah Renea Cornish

-Blake Isaac Gilkerson and Lilyanne Frances Carlson

-Ryan Dean Stuhlmiller and Sarah Allison Calhoun&nbsp;

-Cinecio Campos Galeana and M.R. Rodriquez, Finalized, 12/20/21

-Shari Walton and Daniel Walton, Finalized, 12/6/21

Marriages, divorces Dec. 2021

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota legislative committee has approved a bill championed by Gov. Kristi Noem to ban transgender women and girls from participating in school sports leagues that match their gender identity. 

The Republican governor has aggressively pushed the bill this year. 

It received approval in the Republican-dominated Senate State Affairs committee on Friday, clearing a legislative hurdle that has been a key roadblock to similar South Dakota bills in the past.

 Every Republican on the committee approved the bill, despite warnings from opponents that it alienates and bullies transgender students.

 Opponents say it exposes schools to legal action for a political cause that has not been an issue in South Dakota.

Transgender athlete ban, backed by Noem, clears committee

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg tells state lawmakers that he has been unable to find funds to hire someone to coordinate tribal, state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate missing Indigenous people.

 The Legislature last year established a one-person office under the attorney general’s office to specialize in coordinating law enforcement efforts across agencies. 

But the office did not receive a budget allocation. Lawmakers said they hoped it could be funded with federal or tribal funds. 

But Ravnsborg says that has not happened. His office has requested funding for the position in this year's state budget.

South Dakota AG unable to fund office for missing Indigenous people

News Release Keith County Area Development

Keith County Area Development (KCAD) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mary Wilson and Lisa Kraus will serve as co-directors following the recent resignation of Executive Director Regina Carlini. 

"We are thrilled to have both Mary and Lisa on board to direct our organization," said KCAD Board President Laci Mueller.  "They have each developed expertise and experience in economic development, and they have shown a passion for working strategically to better our community.

"While we were sad to see the resignation of former director Carlini, we wish her the best and we are excited about the new opportunities that this co-directorship brings." continued Mueller.

Wilson previously served as KCAD Executive Director from 2016 until spring 2021.  She subsequently continued to support KCAD's housing efforts on a contractual basis.  KCAD provides administrative and technical support to the Keith County Housing Development Corporation.   Wilson had announced her previous resignation to allow more time to support her family and their U-Save Pharmacy businesses.  Wilson holds a bachelor's degree in vocational business education from the University of Nebraska, Kearny, and has previously working in economic development at Dawson Area Development in Lexington  She and her husband Brian have two daughters, ages six and two. 

Kraus has worked at KCAD since March 2020, most recently as the Office and Program Specialist and she oversaw all programs during the executive director vacancy.   Kraus holds a bachelor's degree from Doane College (now Doane University) and a master's degree from The George Washington University.   Prior to returning to her hometown of Ogallala, Kraus worked in international education at the U.S. Department of State.   Kraus and her husband, Richard Gibson, are owners of Second Chapter Brewery, which is slated to open in 2022 in Ogallala's former Goodall City Library.  They have a son and a daughter, ages 5 and 2 respectively.  

"Our community is well poised to take advantage of a number of growth and development opportunities that are on the horizon," Mueller added.  "We are confident that Mary and Lisa will continue to foster strong and progressive partnerships for growth." 

With Wilson and Kraus jointly serving as director of the organization , KCAD has announced that is recruiting for both a program specialist and office assistant.   Both positions are currently open for application.  More information can be found at www.kcad.org.

Keith County Area Development names co-directors

United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Richard L. Moore, 67, formerly of Wallace, Nebraska, was sentenced on Jan. 13, in Lincoln, by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for production of child pornography.&nbsp; Moore was sentenced to 360 months in prison and will also spend the remainder of his life on supervised release after that period of incarceration.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After serving his prison sentence, Moore will also be required to register as a sex offender.&nbsp; Additionally, Moore was ordered to pay restitution of more than $100,000.&nbsp; The federal sentence was ordered to run concurrent with the 25- to 35-year sentence previously imposed by the Lincoln County District Court for his state conviction.

In October, 2019, a report was received by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office that Moore had engaged in and produced images of sexually explicit conduct involving two minor children. The children had reported the abuse to their parents.&nbsp; Subsequent interviews with the minor children confirmed the sexual conduct had occurred and Moore was identified as the perpetrator.

On October 18, 2019, the Perkins County Sheriff and members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at Moore’s residence.&nbsp; During the search warrant, law enforcement found multiple devices used to reproduce both video and digital images; 5 monitors connected to a single system; at least 5 external hard drives with a total capacity of 36 terabytes; and a substantial collection of VHS and digitally stored pornography. Forensic examination determined a minimum of 48,000 images and 84 videos of child pornography found on the computers and storage media located at the defendant’s residence.&nbsp; The sheer volume of the data located at Moore’s residence renders a more accurate count virtually impossible.&nbsp;

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justice.gov/psc" target="_blank">www.justice.gov/psc</a>.&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Perkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Wallace man sentenced to 30 years for producing child pornography

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts has announced a public health order barring the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha from performing pre-scheduled, non-emergency surgeries, one day after the hospital announced that it had activated its crisis plan because of the pandemic.

 Ricketts says the state’s directed health measure would go into effect at 5 p.m. Friday and remain in place through Feb. 13. 

The measure applies to what are known as Class C, D and E inpatient and outpatient surgeries, which aren’t as pressing as emergency procedures.

 The Nebraska Medical Center is one of two hospitals within Nebraska Medicine, a nonprofit business which announced Thursday that it was shifting to a “crisis standard of care” because of the coronavirus’ omicron variant.

State halts some surgeries at Nebraska Medical Center

Today we spoke with Chadron City manager John Sutherland about the Chadron City Council meeting from Jan. 10. 

Council approved an agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation for maintenance of Highway 20, plans for the North Pine Street water main connection loop project and more.&nbsp;

🔊Post Podcast: Chadron City Manager John Sutherland

🏀| High School Basketball Scoreboard - Friday, January 14

11 members of the Chadron Sharks Swim Team have just returned from 3 days of competing in Deadwood, SD against 174 swimmers representing 10 teams from South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska.&nbsp; The swimmers all continue to improve, new events were entered (NT) and multiple personal records (PR) were achieved at this meet.&nbsp;

25 Yard butterfly – 26.44 (PR), 3rd&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Backstroke – 50.00, 3rd&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Freestyle – 1:35.79 (NT), 3rd&nbsp;place; 50 yard Breaststroke – 55.24, 1st&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Individual Medley – 1:50.69 (NT), 2nd&nbsp;place; 25 Yard Backstroke – 23.04 (PR), 4th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Freestyle – 44.60 (PR), 3rd&nbsp;place; 25 Yard Breaststroke – 26.12; 1st&nbsp;place

50 yard Backstroke – DQ; 25 Yard Freestyle – 34.30 (PR), 8th&nbsp;place

50 Yard Backstroke – 1:14.66 (NT), 9th&nbsp;place; 25 Yard Freestyle – 32.37 (PR), 6th&nbsp;place; 25 Yard Backstroke – 30.07 (NT), 6th&nbsp;place; 25 Yard Breaststroke – 37.11 (NT), 3rd&nbsp;place

50 Yard Backstroke – 43.63, 12th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Freestyle – 1:23.26, 11th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Breaststroke – 48.55 (PR), 7th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Butterfly – 48.64 (PR), 12th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Backstroke – 1:34.59 (PR), 6th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Freestyle – 35.53, 10th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Breaststroke – 1:54.34, 12th&nbsp;place

200 Yard Individual Medley – 3:11.21 (PR), 3rd&nbsp;place; 200 Yard Freestyle – 2:58.59 (NT), 5th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Backstroke – 42.01 (PR), 7th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Freestyle – DQ; 50 Yard Breaststroke – 47.60, 5th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Individual Medley – 1:29.07, 7th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Butterfly – 42.64, 6th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Backstroke – DQ; 50 Yard Freestyle – 33.52, 6th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Breaststroke – 1:44.96, 6th&nbsp;place

50 Yard Backstroke – 1:24.84 (PR), 20th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Freestyle – 2:34.61 (NT); 50 Yard Breaststroke – DQ

100 Yard Freestyle – 1:27.70 (PR), 8th&nbsp;place; 200 Yard Breaststroke – 3:51.55 (PR), 6th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Backstroke – 2:02.28 (PR), 8th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Freestyle – 37.80 (PR), 8th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Breaststroke – 1:50.45 (PR), 6th&nbsp;place

200 Yard Backstroke – 3:12.67, 7th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Freestyle – 1:10.89 (PR), 8th&nbsp;place; 200 Yard Breaststroke – 3:42.63, 5th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Backstroke – 1:26.25, 7th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Freestyle – 32.38, 7th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Breaststroke – 1:41.77, 5th&nbsp;place

200 Yard Individual Medley – 2:55.90 (PR), 4th&nbsp;place; 200 Yard Freestyle – 2:47.36, 4th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Butterfly – 1:16.56 (PR), 6th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Freestyle – 1:05.62 (PR), 7th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Freestyle – 27.97 (PR), 3rd&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Breaststroke – 1:34.10, 5th&nbsp;place

100 Yard Butterfly – 1:34.04, 4th&nbsp;place; 200 Yard Backstroke – 3:13.11, 7th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Freestyle – 1:18.71, 8th&nbsp;place, 200 Yard Breaststroke – 3:50.19, 3rd&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Backstroke – 1:25.51, 7th&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Freestyle – 34.61, 8th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Breaststroke – 1:50.99, 5th&nbsp;place; 500 Yard Freestyle – 7:55.55, 3rd&nbsp;place

200 Yard Individual Medley – 3:30.59 (PR), 3rd&nbsp;place; 200 Yard Freestyle – 3:06.24 (PR), 3rd&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Freestyle – 1:17.84, 5th&nbsp;place; 200 Y ard Breaststroke – 3:55.42 (PR), 3rd&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Backstroke – 1:41.64 (PR), 3rd&nbsp;place; 50 Yard Freestyle – 34.16, 5th&nbsp;place; 100 Yard Breaststroke – 1:48.75, 3rd&nbsp;place

GREAT Swimming (Rapid City/Ellsworth AFB, SD): 1239 points, 1st&nbsp;place, 20 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; Black Hills Gold Swimming (Spearfish, SD): 1068 points, 2nd&nbsp;place, 10 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; Deadwood/Lead 76ers (Deadwood, SD): 896 points, 3rd&nbsp;place, 10 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; Chadron Sharks Swim Team (Chadron, NE): 502 points, 4th&nbsp;place, 8 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sturgis Stingrays (Sturgis, SD): 495 points, 5th&nbsp;place, 4 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Rapid City Racers Swim Club (Rapid City, SD): 434 points, 6th&nbsp;place, 12 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; Pierre Swim Team (Pierre, SD): 315 points, 7th&nbsp;place, 2 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; Fall River Swim Team (Hot Springs, SD): 185 points, 8th&nbsp;place, 7 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Newcastle Stingrays (Newcastle, WY): 183 points, 9th&nbsp;place 4 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp;Converse County Waves (Douglas, WY): 84 points, 10th&nbsp;place, 2 swimmers.

Black Hills Gold Swimming (Spearfish, SD): 1435 points, 1st&nbsp;place, 22 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; GREAT Swimming (Rapid City, Ellsworth AFB, SD): 947 points, 14 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; Rapid City Racers Swim Club (Rapid City, SD): 898 points, 3rd&nbsp;place, 17 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; Deadwood/Lead 76ers (Deadwood, SD): 804 points, 4th&nbsp;place, 10 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Converse County Waves (Douglas, WY): 450 points, 5th&nbsp;place, 5 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Newcastle Stingrays (Newcastle, WY): 416 points, 6th&nbsp;place, 9 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fall River Swim Team (Hot Springs, SD): 366 points, 7th&nbsp;place, 8 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; Pierre Swim Team (Pierre, SD): 348 points, 8th&nbsp;place, 3 swimmers;&nbsp; &nbsp; Chadron Sharks Swim Team (Chadron, NE): 290 points, 9th&nbsp;place, 3 swimmers; Sturgis Stingrays (Sturgis, SD): 236 points, 10th&nbsp;place, 4 swimmers.

The Sharks will be competing in the “Freeze Your Fins” swim meet in Newcastle, WY, January 22-23, 2022. &nbsp;

Chadron Sharks compete in Deadwood

Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications

&nbsp;Nebraska Football Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=7076">Scott Frost</a>&nbsp;announced Thursday the addition of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1559">Bryan Applewhite</a>&nbsp;as the Huskers' running backs coach. Applewhite's hiring is pending the completion of a University background check, and will complete Frost's full-time coaching staff for the 2022 season. Applewhite brings more than two decades of collegiate experience to the Nebraska staff and has spent the past two seasons coaching the running backs at TCU. He also has experience at Colorado State, Louisiana-Monroe, Montana State, Wyoming and Northern Colorado. "<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1559">Bryan Applewhite</a>&nbsp;has proven himself as an outstanding running backs coach during his two decades in college football," Frost said. "I know that our running back room will benefit from his knowledge and experience. Bryan is a great addition to our staff, and I am excited for him to join our other new offensive coaches. I couldn't be more pleased with the additions to our coaching staff and look forward to working closely with all of them." In two seasons with the Horned Frogs, Applewhite helped TCU rank in the top 30 nationally in rushing both seasons. TCU averaged 214.7 rushing yards per game in 2020 to rank 20th&nbsp;nationally and finished 30th&nbsp;in the country in 2021 at 196.3 yards per game. In 2020, TCU had three running backs top 100 yards in a single game, with true freshmen Zach Evans (7.7 ypc) and Kendre Miller (7.2 ypc), posting the second- and fifth-best yards per carry averages in Horned Frogs history. "It is an honor to join the coaching staff at Nebraska, one of the most storied and tradition-rich football programs in the country," Applewhite said. "I am appreciative of the opportunity Coach Frost has given to me and my family, and I look forward to working alongside him and the rest of the coaching staff.&nbsp; I can't wait to get to Lincoln to meet the young men in our program and get to work." Before coaching at TCU, Applewhite spent five seasons as running backs coach at Colorado State from 2015 to 2019. He also took on the added responsibility as the Rams' recruiting coordinator in 2018 and 2019. In his time at CSU, the Rams had two of their top five season marks in total offense and points per game.&nbsp; Colorado State reached three bowl games in five seasons while Applewhite was on staff. Applewhite's Colorado State running backs posted 24 individual 100-yard rushing games. Ram running backs Izzy Matthews and Dalyn Dawkins each finished in the top 10 on the CSU career rushing list under Applewhite's guidance. Applewhite coached for five years at Louisiana-Monroe from 2010 to 2014, working with the running backs and coordinating the Warhawks' recruiting efforts. He coached two all-conference running backs while at ULM. In 2012, his running backs combined for 19 total touchdowns as the Warhawks finished with eight wins and played in the Independence Bowl, the school's first bowl games since joining the FBS in 1994. Applewhite spent one season at Montana State (2009) and six at Wyoming (2003-08) as running backs coach. In his one season at Montana State, Applewhite coached a running back tandem that tallied over 1,110 rushing yards and scored 10 touchdowns. While at Wyoming, Applewhite tutored two of Wyoming's three all-time leading rushers in Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon. Applewhite spent four seasons from 1999 to 2002 coaching at his alma mater, Northern Colorado. He first served as a graduate assistant in 1999, and was elevated to a full-time assistant coach in 2000. The Bears played in the Division II playoffs in both 1999 and 2002 while Applewhite was on the coaching staff. Applewhite was a standout fullback at Northern Colorado from 1994 to 1998. He played on teams that won two NCAA Division II National Championships (1996 and 1997), competed in the Division II Playoffs four straight seasons (1995-98) and won North Central Conference crowns during his junior and senior seasons. Applewhite has served as a member of the American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA) Minority Issues Committee since 2006 and was recently reappointed to the Committee. In 2007, he was named to the AFCA Assistant Coaches' Committee and participated in the 2004 AFCA Coaches' Academy.

Huskers name Bryan Applewhite RB Coach

&nbsp;The Big Ten Conference Administrators Council, which includes the Directors of Athletics and Senior Women Administrators from all 14 member institutions, has approved the 2022 Big Ten football schedule. The nine conference opponents on Nebraska's 2022 schedule were unchanged, however the dates of several 2022 league contests have changed. In addition, the Big Ten has switched the sites of Nebraska's games with Wisconsin and Purdue, with the Badgers visiting Lincoln and Nebraska traveling to West Lafayette, Ind. Nebraska opens the 2022 season against Northwestern in Dublin, Ireland, with the Week Zero matchup set for Saturday, Aug. 27. The Huskers' non-conference schedule is unchanged with September home games against North Dakota (Sept. 3), Georgia Southern (Sept. 10) and Oklahoma (Sept. 17). The Huskers will now have a bye on Sept. 24, before resuming Big Ten play on Oct. 1 with its Homecoming contest against Indiana. Nebraska embarks on a two-game October road trip with matchups at Rutgers (Oct. 8) and at Purdue (Oct. 15), before a second off week on Oct. 22. Nebraska closes the season with five straight weeks of Big Ten play, beginning with home games against Illinois (Oct. 29) and Minnesota (Nov. 5), followed by a visit to defending Big Ten champion Michigan on Nov. 12. For the second straight year, Nebraska finishes with Big Ten West foes Wisconsin and Iowa. The Badgers will visit Memorial Stadium on Nov. 19, before the Huskers close the regular season with their traditional Black Friday matchup at Iowa. &nbsp; Fans interested in becoming Nebraska season ticket holders should visit Huskers.com/tickets and join the 2022 Season Ticket Request List. 2022 Nebraska Football Schedule Aug. 27—vs. Northwestern (Dublin, Ireland) Sept. 3—North Dakota Sept. 10—Georgia Southern Sept. 17—Oklahoma Sept. 24—BYE Oct. 1—Indiana (HC) Oct. 8—at Rutgers Oct. 15—at Purdue Oct. 22—BYE Oct. 29—Illinois Nov. 5—Minnesota Nov. 12—at Michigan Nov. 19—Wisconsin Nov. 25 (Fri.)—at Iowa

Cornhusker 2022 football schedule now set

🔊 CSC Sports Journal Podcast: Eagle eSports Club Vice President Drew Kurtenbach

🏀| High School Basketball Scoreboard - Tuesday, January 11

Courtesy: NU Athletic Communicatiions&nbsp; 

Nebraska stood toe-to-toe with No. 25 Illinois, but the Fighting Illini used a 12-2 run in the final four minutes to stave off the Huskers, 81-71 at&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena on Tuesday night. In a tightly contested battle, neither team led by more than five until the final stretch after Nebraska pulled even at 65-all&nbsp; on a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42989">Bryce McGowens'</a>&nbsp;free throws with 3:57 left. Coleman Hawkins' offensive putback started a decisive 7-0 run, as the Illini took a 72-65 lead on a 3-pointer from Da'Monte Williams with 2:20 left. NU pulled to within five at 72-67 on a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;free throws, but Illinois ran off five straight, including a 3-pointer from Trent Frazier, who led all scorers with 29 points. Frazier's 29 led three Illini (12-5, 5-0) in double figures, while Kofi Cockburn (16) and Jacob Grandison (12) also finished in double figures as Illinois won for the 10th time in the last 11 contests.&nbsp; McGowens paced three Huskers (6-11, 0-6) with 19 points and six rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42983">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;each added 14 points. Walker added seven rebounds while Verge tallied nine assists. &nbsp;The Huskers shot 45.8 percent from the field (25-59) and was 6-for-12 from the three-point range (50 percent) to fall to 6-11 on the season.&nbsp; Nebraska started the first half off strong going on a 13-2 run in the first four minutes. Four threes, including a pair from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42990">Keisei Tominaga</a>&nbsp;and one each from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42977">Lat Mayen</a>&nbsp;and McGowens, put the Huskers up 16-4. Illinois cut the lead to 19-17 after a 7-0 run, and continued to stay hot throughout the middle of the first half. The Illini took a 23-21 lead with 8:53 to go in the first. A three-pointer by Plummer put Illinois up 28-21, their largest lead of the half.&nbsp; Trailing 31-23, the Huskers closed the half on an 11-0 spurt, holding the Illini without a field goal for nearly five minutes and took a 34-31 lead on a pair of free throws from Verge with 0.2 seconds left. Nebraska stretched the lead to 36-31 on a Walker putback, but Illinois answered pulling to within 40-38 after a Frazier basket before taking a 43-42 lead on a Granderson basket with 14:49 left. Neither team could seize momentum as the largest lead until the under four TO was four points. Nebraska trailed 65-61 with 4:27 left, but a basket from Walker and two McGowens free throws tied it up with 3:57 left. The Huskers will continue conference play on Friday, Jan. 14 as they travel to No. 7 Purdue. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; MT&nbsp; and the game will be aired on FS1 and the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;

Husker Men fall to #25 Illinois

(AP) The early list of interview requests include both of the Dallas Cowboys' coordinators, Dan Quinn, 51, and Kellen Moore, 33, along with Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, 42, and Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, 35.

Also in line for interviews with Paton are Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, 52, who surprisingly didn't get any calls last year, and Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. 39.

Mayo is the only one of that list who hasn't had coordinator experience, but he is seen as an up-and-comer like Moore, a third-year offensive coordinator whose Cowboys led the NFL in scoring in 2021.

With five consecutive losing seasons and a six-year playoff drought, the Broncos head into an offseason of big changes, and not just at coach and quarterback.

The $3.5 billion franchise is expected to be sold this year, and both team president and CEO Joe Ellis and president of football operations John Elway will be stepping down this year.

Although Paton's first draft class featuring Patrick Surtain II, Javonte Williams, Quinn Meinerz, Baron Browning, Caden Sterns and Jonathon Cooper paid immediate dividends, Paton said that was just the start of a major makeover.

“We need to bring in more players. There is a foundation in place that I feel really, really good about," he said.

Led by safety Justin Simmons and Surtain, Denver's defense was the team's best unit once again. But it didn't produce takeaways at a good enough clip.

The offense was stuck in neutral with receivers Jerry Jeudy (zero touchdowns), Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick struggling to get to the top of their routes before the pressure caved in on Bridgewater or Lock.

Tight end Noah Fant was the team's leading receiver with just 68 catches. Patrick led the team with five TD catches, and Sutton had just two touchdown receptions.

List of targets for Broncos head coaching job emerges

&nbsp;Nebraska Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=7076">Scott Frost</a>&nbsp;announced Monday the hiring of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1451">Bill Busch</a>&nbsp;as the Huskers' special teams coordinator. Busch moves into the role as a full-time assistant at Nebraska after spending the 2021 season as a defensive analyst in the program. Frost also announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=7507">Mike Dawson</a>&nbsp;will continue to coach Nebraska's edge rushers, while adding the duties of tutoring in the interior defensive linemen. Dawson previously coached the NU defensive line in 2018. Busch brings three decades of college coaching experience to the Nebraska staff and is in his third stint with the Cornhuskers. During Busch's career he has worked for three national championship coaches including Tom Osborne, Urban Meyer and Ed Orgeron. "<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1451">Bill Busch</a>&nbsp;is a strong addition to our full-time coaching staff," Frost said. "Bill has brought a veteran presence to our staff over the past year in his role as an analyst. I look forward to him coordinating all aspects of our special teams moving forward. Bill's experience and track record as both an outstanding coach and recruiter speaks for itself." Busch has previously worked at Nebraska as a full-time assistant from 2004 to 2007, and as a graduate assistant coach from 1990 to 1993. "I worked my entire professional career to get the opportunity to coach football at the University of Nebraska," Busch said. "Now, I have been blessed to do that twice—how cool is that?" Before joining Frost's Nebraska staff in February of 2021, Busch spent the previous three seasons as the safeties coach at LSU and helped the Tigers to a national championship in 2019. Under Busch's guidance, LSU led the SEC in interceptions in both 2018 and 2019 and safety Grant Delpit was a back-to-back first-team All-American in 2018 and 2019, while capturing the Thorpe Award in 2019. Off the field, Busch was one of LSU's top recruiters and played a key role in the Tigers landing Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow as a graduate transfer quarterback. Before his time at LSU, Busch spent the previous five seasons in the Big Ten Conference, with stops at Rutgers (2016-17), Ohio State (2015) and Wisconsin (2013-14). Busch worked with the defense at each stop and assisted with special teams with the Badgers. Busch was at Utah State for four seasons from 2009 to 2012, serving as the defensive coordinator for two seasons and working as the special teams coordinator and safeties coach in 2011-12. Busch worked as an assistant coach at Nebraska from 2004 to 2007. He was the special teams coordinator all four seasons, while also working with the safeties and outside linebackers. In those four seasons, the Huskers blocked 16 kicks, including seven in 2005. Nebraska ranked in the top 25 nationally in net punting (24th in 2006) and punt returns (17th in 2005) under Busch, and NU's kickoff coverage unit was ranked in the top 25 in both 2005 and 2006. Busch also worked as an assistant coach at Utah under Meyer from 2001 to 2003 and had full-time positions at New Mexico State and Northern Arizona. He was a graduate assistant coach at Nebraska from 1990 to 1993, helping the Huskers to three Big Eight championships. He spent one season as a graduate assistant at Wisconsin.

Huskers name Busch special teams coordinator

&nbsp;Nebraska All-American and Outland Trophy winner Zach Wiegert is one of 21 individuals who will make up the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class.&nbsp; The 18 players and three coaches were announced on Monday by the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame. The 2022 Hall of Fame class includes nine winners of major college awards, 10 unanimous first-team All-Americans and four members of national championship teams. Wiegert is the only member of the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame class who was a member of four conference championship teams. A Fremont, Neb., native, Wiegert is among the group of players selected from the national ballot that included 78 All-Americans. Wiegert becomes the 20th Nebraska player to earn induction into the College Hall of Fame. Nebraska is one of 12 programs nationally with 20 or more players in the College Football Hall of Fame. Wiegert is the seventh Nebraska offensive linemen to join the College Football Hall of Fame, including four coached by Tom Osborne and offensive line coach Milt Tenopir. Overall, Nebraska has 26 members of the Hall, including six coaches. Wiegert is the eighth Husker inducted in the past 16 classes, most recently Eric Crouch, who was part of the 2020 class. Other recent inductees include Aaron Taylor (2018),&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>&nbsp;(2015), Tommie Frazier (2013), Will Shields (2011), Grant Wistrom (2009) and Mike Rozier (2006). The 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted at the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 6, 2022. The inductees will also be recognized at their respective collegiate institutions with NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the fall. Their accomplishments will be forever immortalized at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Wiegert was a 1994 unanimous first-team All-American and is one of eight Huskers to win the Outland Trophy. Wiegert helped lead the Huskers to 1994 National Championship after NU played in the 1993 title game. The Huskers averaged 340 rushing yards per game in 1994, and Wiegert led Nebraska with 113 pancake blocks. The leader of the famed 'Nebraska Pipeline' Wiegert earned one first-place vote for the Heisman, finishing tied for ninth with 27 points. In addition to winning the Outland, he was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, a consensus All-American, the UPI Lineman of the Year and the Touchdown Club of Columbus Offensive Lineman of the Year. His No. 72 jersey was retired before the 1995 season. Following his college career, Wiegert was a second-round NFL draft pick by the St. Louis Rams. He went on to play for 12 seasons with the Rams, Jaguars and Texans and made 137 starts in 145 career games played. Wiegert currently resides in Omaha and works in the commercial real estate business. Comments on Zach Wiegert's College Football Hall of Fame Selection Tom Osborne, Nebraska Head Coach, 1973-1997, 1998 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee "Zach Wiegert was a great player at Nebraska during the 1990s.&nbsp; Zach was very intelligent and was also very aggressive and athletic.&nbsp; He stood out as an exceptional offensive lineman among many who played on our offensive lines during that period.&nbsp; I am pleased that he has received Hall of Fame recognition as he is certainly most deserving of this honor." <a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>, Director of Athletics, NU Teammate of Wiegert and 2015 College FB HOF Inductee "It is a fitting honor for Zach Wiegert to be selected to the College Football Hall of Fame. He was a key part of some great football teams at Nebraska and one of the driving forces behind Coach Osborne's first national championship. Zach was one of the most talented teammates I had during my time at Nebraska or in the National Football League. I know that going against him in practice at Nebraska made me a better player, and that type of daily competition is what made our teams successful. It is great to see Zach receive his well-deserved recognition, and to be the 20th&nbsp;Cornhusker football player enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame." Tommie Frazier, Nebraska Teammate of Wiegert, 2013 College FB HOF Inductee "Zach was one of the most competitive and toughest linemen I have seen. He would never back down from any challenge. I am pleased to see him join the fraternity of Nebraska players in the College Football Hall of Fame."

Former Husker "Pipeline" Member Zach Wiegert named to Hall of Fame

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 68-year-old man died at an Omaha hospital Friday just over a week after he pled guilty to starting the fire that led to his wife’s death. 

Douglas County jail officials said Carl Bohm of Omaha had been hospitalized since Jan. 6 — one day after he was found guilty of first-degree arson and first-degree assault in connection with the February 2019 fire. 

Authorities said the fire critically injured Janet Franks-Bohm who needed to have at least 30 surgeries to repair third-degree burns that covered more than 60% of her body. She died in October. 

The fire also injured the couple’s daughter.

Man who pled guilty to setting fatal fire dies at hospital

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming has asked the federal government to remove protections from grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone National Park. 

If approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the request could allow the animals to be hunted. 

Wyoming officials say in their petition Monday the bears have recovered from as few as 136 animals in the 1970s to more than 1,000 today. 

The federal government removed protections for Yellowstone's grizzlies in 2017. 

Wyoming and Idaho were set to allow grizzly hunting when a judge restored those protections under the Endangered Species Act. 

The Center for Biological Diversity says grizzly delisting still isn't supported by science.

Wyoming tries again to remove Yellowstone grizzly protection

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials have updated their mask guidance, encouraging more Americans to wear N95 or KN95 masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Those kinds of masks are considered better at filtering the air. But they were in short supply previously, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials had said they should be prioritized for health care workers.

 President Joe Biden continues to urge Americans to get vaccinated and to wear a mask. "I think it's part of your patriotic duty to wear a mask," he said ahead of a meeting with his COVID response team.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html" target="_blank">updated guidance</a>&nbsp;posted late Friday,&nbsp; CDC officials removed concerns related to supply shortages and more clearly said that properly fitted N95 and KN95 masks offer the most protection.

However, agency officials noted some masks are harder to tolerate than others, and urged people to choose good-fitting masks that they will wear consistently.

“Our main message continues to be that any mask is better than no mask,” Kristen Nordlund, a CDC spokeswoman, said in a statement.

The CDC has evolved its mask guidance throughout the pandemic.

In its last update, in September, CDC officials became more encouraging of disposable N95 masks, saying they could be used in certain situations if supplies were available. Examples included being near a lot of people for extended periods of time on a train, bus or airplane; taking care of someone in poor health; or being more susceptible to severe illness.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-6eb679fb606d9ec2e98db7ab2767d1c0">announced</a>&nbsp;that his administration was planning to make “high-quality masks,” including N95s, available for free. He said more details were coming next week. The federal government has a stockpile of more than 750 million N95 masks, the White House said.

The latest CDC guidance notes that there is a special category of “surgical N95” masks, that are specially designed for protection against blood splashes and other operating room hazards. Those are not generally available for sale to the public, and should continue to be reserved for health care workers, the agency said.

 🎥 Biden: It's part of your patriotic duty to wear a mask

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court said Friday it will hear the case of a former Seattle-area football coach who was removed from his job because he refused to stop praying on the field.

Former Bremerton High School coach Joe Kennedy’s lawyers say the religious beliefs of their client, who is Christian, “compelled him to give thanks through prayer at the conclusion of each game for what the players accomplished and for the opportunity to be part of their lives through football.” After games had ended and after both teams’ players and coaches met at midfield to shake hands, Kennedy would kneel and offer a silent or quiet prayer.

His practice evolved, however. Students came to join him, and he eventually began to give motivational speeches that often included religious content and a short prayer.

The school district says that when it learned what Kennedy was doing it tried to accommodate him, asking that he pray separately from students. But the district says Kennedy ultimately declined to change his practice, was put on paid leave and sued. Lower courts sided with the school district.

In 2019, at an earlier stage of the case, the high court rejected getting involved. At that time, however, four conservative justices said while it was too early to get involved, they were interested in the case and the legal issues it raises.

In a statement issued Friday after the court agreed to hear the case, Kelly Shackelford, the head of First Liberty Institute, which is representing Kennedy, said, “No teacher or coach should lose their job for simply expressing their faith while in public.”

“By taking this important case, the Supreme Court can protect the right of every American to engage in private religious expression, including praying in public, without fear of punishment,” Shackelford said.

But the head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which represents the school district, said it had followed the law, calling Kennedy's actions “coercive prayers.”

"This case is not about a school employee praying silently during a private religious devotion. Rather, this case is about protecting impressionable students who felt pressured by their coach to participate repeatedly in public prayer, and a public school district that did right by its students and families,” Rachel Laser said in a statement.

The case is expected to be argued in the spring.

Supreme Court to hear case of praying football coach forced from his job

PALMYRA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead and two others are in critical condition following a head-on crash between a semi-truck and an SUV. 

Deputies from the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the Nebraska State Patrol responded to the crash between a westbound semi and an eastbound SUV in the westbound lanes of Nebraska 2 just before 1 a.m. Saturday. 

The Lincoln Journal World reports that 45-year-old Michael McClintock of Pawnee City, Nebraska, was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. 

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