The Chadron Volunteer Fire Department was called to a vehicle fire at approximately 10 a.m. today near 4th and Maple Street.&nbsp;

"Upon arrival we noticed the car was fully involved in the engine compartment," Chadron Assistant Fire Chief Pat O'brien said. "The owner said she had just got home a minute or so before and didn't notice anything unusual. We responded with two engines. And one applied some water to cool it off and the other applied foam to put it out. We were on scene only about a half-hour, which was pretty good."

O'brien said the cause of the fire was&nbsp;electrical.&nbsp;

The 2013 Toyota Camry is a total loss of $6,000.&nbsp;

"The engine is completely burned up inside," O'brien said. "And it had some plastic parts that were melted down too."

Chadron Volunteer Fire Department called to car fire 

ALLIANCE PUBLIC LIBRARY...SUMMER READING CONTINUES...THEATER WEST IN COMMUNITY ROOM AT 1 PM TODAY....ADULT READING PROGRAMS... CALL FOR INFO....762-1387

LF...SOMEONE WHO COULD FINSH REBUILDING THEIR DECK.....LF..6K WATT PORTABLE GENERATOR TO USE WITH A CAMPER....763-1954

AVE OF FLAGS IN HEMINGFORD WILL GO UP JULY 4TH...7 AM...HELP IS ALWAYS NEEDED...MEET AT HEMINGFORD AM LEGION...WEATHER PERMITTING

LF...OLD RAILROAD  LANTERNS...308-631-0408

FS..SCREEN TENT...LIFE VESTS...EX BIKE....VAC...MISC ITEMS...SEE AT F-11 TRAILERVILLE.....629-1266

FS...LOTS OF CASSETTE MUSIC TAPES....MUSIC CD'S....JVC HEAD UNIT FOR HOME STEREO.....15" WOOFER....2-LIGHTS....MAKE OFFERS....NEED TO SELL ASAP....760-9680

FS...750 WATT POWER INVERTER....NEW IN BOX...$65.....ANTIQUE TRI FOLD MIRROR...$300.......2-15" ALUM RIMS OFF DAKOTA...$30 FOR THE PAIR.......5K BTU WINDOW AC...$45.....1/2"...3/8"...1/4" IMPACT/DRIVERS  AND AND AIR RACHETS...$125 FOR ALL ......GA...FREEZER JELL PACKS....762-4411....760-4552

OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY JUNE 29, 2022

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>&nbsp;or call (308) 762-1400

Recent obituaries and service times

FS...CORNER OAK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER.....SWAY CONTROL FOR PULLING A CAMPER...760-1314

COLLECTION BASKET...OPEN TODAY....9-2...SUMMER CLOTHES...MISC FURNITURE...THINGS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE....CLOSED MON. JULY 4

GA...OLD WASHER AND DRYER....FOR SCRAP....IN THE ALLEY 507 YELLOWSTONE COME AND TAKE THEM

LOST...LARGE BLACK LAB MALE DOG...FROM 500 BLOCK OF MISSOURI...WITH BLUE COLLAR.....763-1795

STOLEN FROM 114 MISSOURI....BATTERY JUMP STARTER AND MOTORCYCLE....760-7695 OR CONTACT APD

FS...6-HEAVY DUTY TOMATO CAGES...$10 FOR ALL...762-5458

LF...MISC  3' X 5'  WOOD BOARDS TO COVER WINDOWS...760-3690 CAROL

LF...SOMEONE TO FINISH A DECK....LF...6K WATT PORTABLE GENERATOR FOR USE WITH A CAMPER.....763-1954

LF...MISC MAGAZINES FOR READING ....NAT GEO ETC.....FS...20" BOYS BIKE...$50......FS...2-VOCAL MICROPHONES...$20 EACH....FS...NEW HITCH AND RECEIVER...$50.....FS..LARGE AIR COMPRESSOR...$75.....308-629-9384

CHADRON FRIENDS OF PETS... HAVE LOTS OF MISC ITEMS FOR SALE...HOUSEHOLD ITEMS...CRAFT ITEMS...BABY ITEMS...KIDS ITEMS...FURNITURE....PET ITEMS....CALL 308-432-3883 LEAVE MSG

FS...WASHER AND DRYER.... MATCHING SET...LG BRAND ....GOOD CONDITION...760-5040

LF...BUNK BED OR SINGLE TWIN BED....LF...ODD JOBS OF ANY KIND....LF...HELP IN CLEANING THEIR BASEMENT...FS..DRYER, WOULD TRADE FOR A GAS STOVE.....760-4336

OPEN MIC TUESDAY JUNE 28, 2022

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

<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/download">CLICK HERE to download from the App Store and Google Play.&nbsp;</a>

Panhandle Post app now available 

LF.....GOOD USED ADULT WALKER.....762-8555

INSIDE GARAGE SALE...1019 WEST 2ND...JUST COME INSIDE..WATCH FOR THE SIGNS....762-4948

FS...PAINT SPRAYER...PRO 230 WITH ALL ACCESSORIES...$600....CALL FOR INFO....308-760-7856

OPEN MIC MONDAY JUNE 27, 2022

FS: SAMPSONITE LARGE SIZE LUGGAGE WITH HANDLES, SHOULDER STRAP/25/KITCHEN AID BREAD MACHINE WITH SLICING ATTACHMENTS/50/487-5210--WILL BRING ITEMS TO ALLIANCE

GARAGE SALE THIS WEEKEND--1019 WEST 2ND GUN CASE, LADDER, BENCH, LAWN AND GARDEN TOOLS, SHOP TOOLS/4948

ESTATE SALE TODAY 1-8PM TOMORROW 8A-2P @ MARIAN CENTER, 11TH &amp; TOLUCA/505-263-0887/ 308 763-1593

FREE: LAWN MOWER--NEEDS MECHANIC 2730 CHEYENNE LANE

FS: ASSORTED EXOTIC CHICKENS/$10 A CHICKEN/760-4093

FS: GENIE GARAGE DOOR OPENER--COMES WITH 2 REMOTE CONTROLS/25/760-7195

GARAGE SALE--1840 NIOBRARA TOMORROW 8A-2P/BOOKS, JEWELERY, SHOES, ETC/

GARAGE SALE TOMORROW 1423 GROVE AVE. 10AM-1PM/KITCHEN GADGETS/LAWNMOWER/760-2194

GARAGE SALE 714 LARAMIE--WII GAMES, ROLLTOP DESK, BOOKSHELF/TOMORROW 8A-1P

FREE: HOT POINT RANGE/ KENMORE DISHWASHER/760-5153

FS: 10 SHEETS OF CORRUGATED WHITE SHEET METAL/40/760-1933

Open Mic 6/24/22

Do you know of a good story of a person, business or organization working to make the Panhandle area better or a little brighter? Maybe an unsung hero?

Share your stories to the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/tellusthegoodwesternnebraska">Tell Us The Good! Western Nebraska</a>" Facebook page.&nbsp;

You can also email your ideas to <a href="http://panhandlepostnews@gmail.com">panhandlepostnews@gmail.com</a>

Share the positivity with Eagle Communications!

Eagle Communications reserves all rights on selection of stories submitted.

Tell Us The Good! Western Nebraska 

The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) held the third annual Amateur Photo Contest, in search of natural resources related photos from residents within the District encompassing Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and Sioux counties. The UNWNRD received over 60 photos this year of all aspects of natural resources including agriculture, recreation, wildlife, nature and much more.

The UNWNRD Board of Directors chose winners for first, second and third places with cash prizes awarded to the winners. The first-place photo will be made into a canvas print and displayed in the UNWNRD office for the next year, after that time the print will be returned to the winner when a new winner is selected.

The 2021 winner was Ruthe Meter of Alliance with her winning photo of a mother goose and her goslings titled “Peek-a-Boo” taken in Alliance. This adorable photo is currently displayed in the UNWNRD Office until the 2022 winning photo arrives, after that it will be Ms. Meter’s print to keep.

1st Place: Lynn Kreitman of Gordon with her photo titled “Bailing in the USA”

2nd Place: Brittany King of Hemingford with her photo titled “Legacy”

3rd Place: Ruthe Meter of Alliance with her photo titled “Cam-Owl-Flage Baby”

“Each year has brought more and more wonderful photos of the beauty in Northwest Nebraska,” commented Al Rasmussen, UNWNRD Director, “it is refreshing to see so many District residents getting outside to enjoy the beauty so close to home.”

The UNWNRD will continue to host the photo contest in years to come and will hope to receive even more breathtaking photos as this contest continues. Please look for more information on the NRD website www.unwnrd.org or stop by the office at 430 East 2nd Street to see the 2022 winning photo.

Upper Niobrara White NRD announces Amateur Photo Contest winners

FS...MENS 26" BIKE....DUAL SHOCKS...$60...READY TO RIDE..762-6690

FS...TABLE AND 5 CHAIRS.....MISC HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.....LF...ODD JOBS OF ANY KIND......760-4336

FS...30" WHITE RANGE HOOD...NEW IN BOX...$50...FS...SUNMARK HOME BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR......760-8044

MOVING SALE/GARAGE SALE......FRIDAY...8-5...SAT..8-NOON...1524 TOLUCA

FS...MICROFIBER RECLINER...$50.......GA...ADJUSTIBLE METAL BED FRAME...... TV STAND.....760-4654

FS...TABLETOP ELECTRIC SMOKER...1 YR OLD...$125....308-629-7713

LF...SET OF 15" TIRES....TRAILER OR PASSENGER....WITH RIMS IS FINE.....308- 225-3303

LF...KITTENS FOR BARN CATS....WILL GIVE THEM A GOOD HOME...720-469-3771

GARAGE SALE...MULTI FAMILYS...1840 NIOBRARA...SAT..8-2...LOTS OF ITEMS....SHOES...TOYS...MISC

LF...6K WATT PORTABLE GENERATOR.....LF...SOMONE TO DO SOME HANDYMAN WORK ON A DECK....763-1954

MARIAN RESIDENCE LEFT OVER SALE ALONG WITH BLANCHE ESSAY ESTATE ITEMS....LOTS OF FURNITURE...MISC....FRI..1-8...SAT. 8-2..AT MARIAN RESIDENCE

FS...GLASS TOP COFFEE TABLE WITH BRASS FRAME.....FS...CORRELL DISH SET......2-BAR STOOLS.......308-562-0093

FS...20 SHEETS OF 4 X 8 X 1/2" ...MOLD TOUGH SHEET ROCK..$10 PER SHEET......FS...CARD TABLE WITH 4 PADDED CHAIRS...$50....FS..VERTICAL BRAND,  21 SPD MOUNTAIN BIKE...NEEDS WORK...$45.....760-6968

FOUND....SMALL AUST SHEP FEMALE DOG....AT RAINBOW ACRES...NO TAGS,  WEARING A PURPLE COLLAR....760-6968

OPEN MIC THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2022

Box Butte County Sheriff Tammy Mowry is advising&nbsp; local residents of another telephone scam.&nbsp; 

Shereiff Mowry says the scammers are posing as Representitives of Publishers Clearing House.&nbsp; &nbsp;When residents answer their phone, the&nbsp; callers tell them they have won a major prize from Publishers Clearing House, but before they can claim the prize, they must first pay the taxes. This amounts to several thousand dollars.&nbsp; This is a scam.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sheriff Mowry says don't ever give out personal or financial information to callers on the phone.&nbsp; If you receive one of these calls, just hang up.&nbsp; 

You may contact the Sheriff's Office at 308-762-6464 to report these calls or if you believe you have been scammed.&nbsp;

Scam Alert! Be Aware of a Telephone Scam regarding Publishers Clearing House

The Dawes County Sheriff's Department was called to single-vehicle accident on Beaver Valley Road between McHenry Road and Slim Buttes Road today.

At 11:08 a.m. 18-year-old Jace Wyatt was traveling eastbound, lost control of the vehicle, went into the south ditch and rolled.&nbsp;

"The subject sustained minor injuries, but was not medically transported to the hospital," Dawes County Deputy Aron Chrisman said.&nbsp;

Chadron Fire Department and Rescue assisted with this accident.&nbsp;

Dawes Co. Sheriff's Office respond to rollover accident 

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

Employees sometimes won't accept more hours, or a raise in pay, or a promotion. For most of us, this is confusing. But it is a rational economic decision for those in poverty, based on something called the benefits cliff, or the cliff effect.

People face the benefits cliff when they receive public benefits from the government, but a raise might put them over the income limit to receive the benefits. However, that increased pay doesn't begin to cover the value of the benefits they must now pay out of pocket.

An article by Robert Farrington in Forbes Magazine in April, 2021, gives this example: "A family of four in Indiana who earns less than $33,480 could qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) of up to $646 per month. If two members of the household work 30 hours per week and earn $10 per hour, they would earn well below that threshold ($31,200 per year) and retain their SNAP benefits. In the meantime, this family could be receiving a subsidized housing benefit that could easily be worth $500 or more per month.

However, if their income is boosted to $15 per hour, they suddenly earn $46,800 per year. At this threshold, they lose access to SNAP benefits as well as any other housing assistance they might receive. If this family was receiving the full $646 per month in SNAP benefits, $7,752 of their increase in pay would disappear. When you add in any housing assistance received as well as a higher income tax bill, it's easy to see how boosting hourly wages can have little effect, no effect, or a negative effect on the person originally meant to be helped."

Most major assistance programs are only available to people whose income is below a certain level. This includes SNAP, subsidized housing, Medicaid or ACA-subsidized health insurance, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), the Earned Income Tax Credit, free or reduced school lunch, utility assistance programs, and others.

These programs all have application processes that evaluate a number of factors, so no one really knows when they will be hit by the cliff effect. Even the programs offering the benefits don't know when the income lines might be crossed. Since people are afraid of losing benefits and being worse off, they are forced to decline those income increases, especially if they think the increased income might be temporary.

The benefits cliff isn't a big problem for those in situational poverty, people who have had a temporary setback like a job loss or major medical bill. They have received the education and developed the skills needed for success in the labor force. They recognize the opportunities for increased income and movement on the career ladder, and look forward to leaving the benefits behind.

Those in generational poverty, however, do not see how they can earn enough to pay for all the new expenses they will be facing. The cliff effect anchors them into poverty, and may do the same for their children.

America, especially Nebraska, is facing a serious labor shortage. We have seen several businesses in our area close because they simply could not find employees. Many people are aging out of the work force, and the population of Box Butte County is decreasing. Businesses are perpetually recruiting, hiring, and training for the same entry-level positions. Obviously, the best outcome would be to fill the workforce shortage with those who are receiving benefits through the government support programs.

How can we deal with this disincentive to work? Government agencies are beginning to phase out benefits gradually, creating a slope rather than a cliff. Community colleges and other institutions are providing education and training to develop skills required for jobs in the area. Bridges Out of Poverty has developed a program called Getting Ahead, designed to move people out of generational poverty.

The goal for all of us is to achieve economic growth by getting more people into the labor force, decreasing the need for government benefit programs, and ending the cycle of poverty

Poverty In Our Area: The benefits cliff

ALLIANCE – The Alliance Police Department is teaming up with Trusted Driver to deliver rewards and positive feedback to good drivers via Trusted Driver’s innovative web-based platform. The program is free for drivers living in the 69301 zip code and kicks off during Heritage Days in July.

“Our desire is to reduce accidents across the city. We don’t want to be looked upon as enforcers but more mentors. We believe positive reinforcement provides greater results in a community instead of negative reinforcement,” said Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens.

Trusted Driver, which was designed and developed by a team of retired law enforcement officers, offers contactless interactions between officers and drivers. In Alliance, officers will use the new technology to provide positive feedback and distribute rewards to drivers without having to conduct a traditional traffic stop. To learn more about how the program will work in Alliance, click <a href="https://www.mytrusteddriver.com/assets/Trusted-Driver-Program-Alliance-Flyer.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.

“As we developed Trusted Driver, we felt it was important to include an option for officers to provide positive feedback to drivers,” said Val Garcia, president and CEO of Trusted Driver. “Not only does this help drivers self-advocate for better insurance rates, it reaffirms the Alliance Police Department’s commitment to support the community.”

“I am excited to bring this one of a kind program to Alliance and am even more excited to see drivers get rewards instead of tickets. It will make a difference and it will reduce accidents,” added Chief Lukens.

Chief Lukens encourages residents to take advantage of the free Trusted Driver registration and be instantly eligible for free prizes and rewards.&nbsp;

“We are grateful to local businesses and the chamber for their assistance in rewards and helping get this program going. Ultimately in partnership with our community we will reduce accidents. This always contributes to a safer Alliance,” said Chief Lukens.

Registration for Alliance residents begins July 12 during Heritage Days. Interested residents will need a valid driver’s license and a vehicle VIN to create a Trusted Driver account. To learn more, click <a href="https://www.mytrusteddriver.com/assets/Trusted-Driver-Program-Alliance-Flyer.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> and to visit the Trusted Driver website, click <a href="https://www.mytrusteddriver.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.

About Chief Philip Lukens and the Alliance Police Department

Chief Philip Lukens was named chief of the Alliance Police Department in December 2020 and has prioritized community engagement and purposeful policing to strengthen ties with the community. Chief Lukens increased department staffing levels, integrated artificial intelligence in evidence based practices, expanded access to new and impactful training opportunities and made community feedback a tenet of his department’s strategic plan. Lukens has earned several certifications, including FBI LEEDA, International Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations, Police Executive Research Forums Senior Management Institute for Police, Northwestern School of Police Staff &amp; Command, CAP, CERT, and Crisis Intervention Teams.&nbsp;

Valente Garcia serves as president of Trusted Driver Inc., leading a team of current and retired officers, as well as tech experts to develop and engineer the country’s first-ever high performance contactless traffic enforcement tool. Val was born and raised in the heart of San Antonio’s west side. He served for 28 years as an officer in the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), most notably as a sergeant in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Unit (HIDTA) where he led high-level, multi-agency investigations focused on uncovering drug trafficking and money laundering operations. He also supervised gang and property crimes units at SAPD, and handled traffic enforcement duties. Val retired from SAPD in 2020 but he remains committed to ensuring the public’s safety and it is the reason why he’s now leading the charge to transform traffic stops across the country.

Trusted Driver uses innovative technology to conduct contactless interactions between law enforcement agencies and drivers when minor violations occur. Registered drivers may receive paperless citations, warnings, positive feedback, vouchers and public safety alerts. Members are provided the convenience to pay or challenge citations online. There is no cost to join.

APD partners with Trusted Driver to reward good drivers

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 6/29/22

On June 28 at approximately 9:28 a.m. Scottsbluff police officers were called to an accident near Avenue I and West 31st&nbsp;Street.&nbsp;

 A southbound Chevrolet Malibu rear ended a Ford Escape.&nbsp; 

"Seatbelts were not in use," Corporal Royce Massie said. "A juvenile passenger of the Malibu suffered minor injuries. Charges are pending at this time for negligent driving. A citation has yet to be issued."

Scottsbluff police respond to two-vehicle accident 

By&nbsp;Tricia Goes, Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District

This is the Crop Water Use Report for the week of June 27.

Over the past week, wheat used 1.98 inches.

Expected use by wheat for this week is 2.09 inches.

Over the past week, corn used 0.32 inches.

Expected use by corn for this week is 0.34 inches.

Over the past week, beets used 0.18 inches.

Expected use by beets for this week is 0.19 inches.

Over the past week, potatoes used 0.18 inches.

Expected use by potatoes for this week is 0.19 inches.

Over the past week, dry beans used 0.11 inches.

Expected use by dry beans for this week is 0.11 inches.

Over the past week, soybeans used 0.36 inches.

Expected use by soybeans for this week is 0.38 inches.

Over the past week, sunflowers used 0.18 inches.

Expected use by sunflowers for this week is 0.19 inches.

Over the past week, alfalfa used 1.80 inches.

Expected use by alfalfa for this week is 1.90 inches.

Over the past week, actively growing lawns used 1.60 inches.

Expected use by actively growing lawns for this week 1.70 inches.

Average ET gauge readings were 1.86 inches.

The average rainfall for the district was 0.16 inches.

The weather forecast for the next week shows highs in the low 80s and high-90s, and lows in the 50s and 60s. It will be hot and dry throughout the week with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms towards the end of the week.

In the last week, soil moisture monitoring station 1 showed 67% water available at 12”, 72% water available at 24”, and 74% water available at 36”. The producer did irrigate. Remember this is in a Sandy Loam soil type with Corn planted and will vary depending on site, weather, irrigation management, topography, crop, and soil type.

In the last week, soil moisture monitoring station 2 showed 20.6% water available at 8”, 38.6% water available at 18”, and 20.5% water available at 36”. The producer did irrigate.

Remember this is in a Loam soil type with Wheat planted and will vary depending on site, weather, irrigation management, topography, crop, and soil type.

The crop water use report is completed using the average growth stage for each crop and ET gauge reading from across the district. To find the conversion for your specific crop growth stage, visit <a href="https://nawmn.unl.edu/GrowthStageData">https://nawmn.unl.edu/GrowthStageData</a>.

For more information or to inquire about ET gauges or soil moisture monitoring equipment, please contact Erin Lee at the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District at 308.432.6190 or visit our website at <a href="http://www.unwnrd.org">www.unwnrd.org</a>. We are committed to helping Nebraskans conserve and protect groundwater.

Upper Niobrara White NRD Crop Water Use Report, week of June 27

The Chadron Police Department has received several complaints about drivers completing U-turns in the middle of city blocks within Chadron. 

"Most of the complaints are for violations in the downtown area," Chadron Police Chief Rick Hickstein said. "As such, we want everyone in the city to know what the city ordinance allows and does not allow."

§ 16-417 TURN ONLY AT STREET INTERSECTIONS. No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction or cross from one side of the street to the other, except at a street intersection.

"We ask all motorists to be conscious of this ordinance for the safety of pedestrians and other motorists alike," Hickstein said. "The Chadron Police Department will be enforcing this ordinance by issuing citations for violations."

Chadron police remind community about U-turn ordinance

Religious freedom is the first freedom listed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.&nbsp; That’s no accident.&nbsp; Religious freedom is the cornerstone of a free society.

The Founders of the United States recognized the importance of religion to the health of our Republic.&nbsp; They also knew that religion flourishes best when practiced without coercion.&nbsp;

The authors of our Nebraska Constitution knew this as well.&nbsp; Article I-4 of the Nebraska Constitution recognizes that “All persons have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.”

The First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion.&nbsp; The notion that the Constitution creates a firewall between government and the belief in God is historically inaccurate and deeply mistaken.&nbsp; In America, we open legislative session with prayer, inscribe “In God We Trust” on coins, have religious chaplains in the armed forces and government agencies, and acknowledge we are “One nation, under God,” in the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp;

The First Amendment was not intended to scrub religion from public life.&nbsp; Instead, it was meant to protect against the government interfering with religion and promoting one state religion.&nbsp; In fact, the Constitution specifically forbids issuing a religious test to those entering government service. &nbsp;

Today, that intent has been flipped on its head to push for the absence of religion in public life.&nbsp; This was on display in 2018 during Congressional confirmation hearings of Judge Brian Buescher from Nebraska.&nbsp; Senator Mazie Hirono and then-Senator Kamala Harris suggested that Buescher’s Catholicism and involvement with the Knights of Columbus, a&nbsp;charitable Catholic organization, disqualified him from being an impartial judge.&nbsp; To her credit, fellow Democrat Tulsi Gabbard called them out for their “religious bigotry,” and Judge Buescher won confirmation.&nbsp; Even so, it was alarming to watch prominent U.S. Senators try to block Judge Buescher’s nomination because of his religion.

Religious discrimination isn’t limited to Washington, DC. &nbsp;Nebraskans have united to push back against threats to religious liberty right here in our state.

In February, Lincoln’s City Council passed an ordinance that it referred to as a “Fairness Ordinance”.&nbsp; It was extremely&nbsp;unfair&nbsp;to the many religious residents of Lincoln who have a traditional understanding of gender/sexuality.&nbsp; It prevented parents from seeking counseling that helped kids question their gender dysphoria.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It empowered unelected bureaucrats to fine anyone who went against the ordinance up to $50,000.&nbsp; And concerningly, it applied to Lincoln’s private schools – 70% of which are religiously affiliated – but not to public schools.

Residents of Lincoln pushed back against the oppressive ordinance and defeated it.&nbsp; In just 15 days, they collected over 18,000 signatures in a petition drive, which caused the city council to rescind the ordinance.&nbsp; In doing so, these courageous and committed citizens of a variety of religions showed that assaults on religious freedom can be successfully repelled.&nbsp;

Recently, we’ve seen more victories for religious freedom nationwide.&nbsp; Last week, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of families who challenged the religious bias of Maine’s school funding system.&nbsp; And yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Joseph Kennedy, a high school football coach who had been punished by his public school for praying at the 50-yard line after games.&nbsp; The Court’s ruling upheld an individual’s right to personally exercise religion in the context of public employment.

These victories are encouraging.&nbsp; But they’re also sobering reminders of the prejudice that exists in America against people of faith and the need to combat it.&nbsp; This bias is evident in&nbsp;recent attempts to silence anyone who disagrees with radical transgender ideology.&nbsp; The Biden Administration is weaponizing federal agencies to impose this ideology at schools across America,&nbsp;even religiously affiliated schools. &nbsp;Last month, the USDA announced it will withhold food aid from any school that refuses to adopt its divisive, non-scientific transgender policies.&nbsp; Last week, the Department of Education proposed new Title IX regulations that would force transgender ideology on schools that receive federal funding.&nbsp; For our private religious schools, the threat is profound: violate your deeply held religious beliefs on gender/sexuality, or else.

The Constitution makes it clear that Americans enjoy the right to religious freedom.&nbsp; It’s also clear that the Biden Administration is willing to overstep the bounds of its constitutional authority to impose its values on Americans.&nbsp; As Governor, I will continue to defend Nebraskans’ right to religious freedom from federal overreach. &nbsp;

I invite you to let me know if you’ve faced religious discrimination by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or calling 402-471-2244. &nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Defending America’s first freedom

LINCOLN, Neb.-Visitors to five state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on July 4. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges them to be careful when lighting fireworks.

The areas that will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight on July 4 are Branched Oak (Liebers Point only), Fort Kearny, Memphis, Pawnee and Wagon Train.

Signs at recreation areas will point the way to designated fireworks sites, and boundaries will be clearly marked. Use of fireworks elsewhere in state areas or at other times is prohibited.

Only fireworks approved for sale in Nebraska by the state fire marshal are permitted, and visitors must pick up expended fireworks and deposit them in appropriate containers. Minor children must be supervised when discharging fireworks. Use, possession and the discharging of fireworks is at the sole risk of the users.

A park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering state recreation areas.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a>

5 Nebraska SRAs will allow fireworks July 4

&nbsp; CHADRON, Neb. --&nbsp;More than 2,200 aspiring football and basketball players and wrestlers from the four-state area participated in camps in June at Chadron State College designed to help the youths improve their skills at Chadron State College. That's about twice the number who participated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and also many more than a year ago when Colorado teams were still forbidden to leave the state.&nbsp; This year the ban was lifted and numerous teams and athletes from that state attended the Chadron State camps. CSC Head Football Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/staff.aspx?staff=23">Jay Long</a>&nbsp;said this year's participation at the three camps he and his staff conducted was the largest since he became the Eagles' mentor 11 years ago. The first of the three football camps was made up of "smaller" 11-man teams.&nbsp; Chadron, Alliance, Gering and Gordon-Rushville were involved.&nbsp; Chadron native and former Chadron State Academic All-American Zach Sandstrom brought his Highlands High team from Eaton, Colo. Other Colorado teams participating in the opening session included Holyoke and Poudre High at Fort Collins.&nbsp; Poudre is a large school with than 1,800 students, but came to the first camp because it fit the school's schedule better. Also in the first group were teams from Burns, Newcastle, Thermopolis and Tongue River in Wyoming and St. Thomas More of Rapid City. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The second session was comprised of teams from eight large schools. Scottsbluff was the lone Nebraska school involved while Campbell County High at Gillette, Casper Natrona, Cheyenne East and Sheridan participated from Wyoming along with Rapid City Stevens and Severance High, which is located near Windsor in Colorado's Front Range.&nbsp;&nbsp; The final session that took place June 12-15 drew players from 32 schools which have 9-, 8- or 6-man teams. About half of the teams were from Nebraska.&nbsp; They included Arthur County, Axtell, Bridgeport, Crawford, Dundy County at Benkelman, Garden County at Oshkosh, Minatare, Mullen, Potter-Dix, Sandhills-Thedford, Sandhills Valley at Stapleton and Tryon, Sioux County at Harrison, South Platte at Big Springs and Brule, Southwest High at Bartley, Sutherland and Twin Loup at Sargent and Taylor. The Colorado teams involved were Arickaree/Woodlin, Caliche, Crowley County at Ordway, Fleming, Haxtun, LaVeta, Otis and Sedgwick. The Wyoming participants included Encampment, Farson-Eden, Kaycee, Pine Bluffs and Rocky Mountain at Cowley.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Little Wound Mustangs were the lone South Dakota participants. "We got a lot of good feedback from the coaches," Long said. "They said they felt their teams got better. It helps them get ready for this fall.&nbsp; They can move their players around and try different things during the camp.&nbsp; They get two full days and two half days of instruction on different phases of the game from our coaches and players, and also get to scrimmage against other teams. The teams' own coaches are in charge during the scrimmages. Long said about 15 CSC players who are planning to become coaches returned to assist with the camps. He added that by having so many teams, the match-ups for the scrimmages worked out well. "Teams that are young and are rebuilding can be paired with similar teams," the coach noted. "Some of the larger schools also had junior varsity teams. A team that thinks it may be a contender for a state championship this fall can be matched against another team that has similar aspirations. "We had a lot of really good players in the camps," Long said.&nbsp; "We hope we can get some of them to come play for us. We let quite a few know that we're interested in them.&nbsp; Another good thing is the camps gave more than 1,500 young men a chance to get acquainted with the college. Most of them won't play college football, but they found out a lot about Chadron State. They slept in the dorms, ate in the cafeteria and got see and use our athletic facilities." Long commended the college staff members in housing and the food service, as well as Shellie Johns, the college's conferencing coordinator, and her assistants for their assistance during the camps.&nbsp; <a href="https://chadroneagles.com/staff.aspx?staff=113">Janet Raymer</a>, the CSC women's basketball coach, and her staff hosted five hoops camps during an eight-day period the forepart of June. She said more than 300 campers participated. They were accompanied by at least 20 coaches from the various schools. "They were a great success once again," Raymer said. "We love bringing young athletes here. Our players do a great job of mentoring and coaching, helping the players improve their game. We also had a team camp that lasted two days and included teams from Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota and Colorado." A wrestling camp comprised of 38 teams and 385 grapplers began on Monday, June 20 and concluded Thursday at noon.&nbsp; A highlight took place Wednesday evening when 17 duals between the wrestlers who had emerged as the best in their weight classes took place.&nbsp; It was open to the public. The first girls' wrestling camp took place at the same time at the college, directed by CSC Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/staff.aspx?staff=265">Alijah Jeffery</a>. &nbsp;Two of the duals Wednesday night were between girls. Still to come at Chadron State are four volleyball camps that Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/staff.aspx?staff=217">Jennifer Stadler</a>&nbsp;and her assistants and players will host in July.&nbsp;&nbsp; A youth skills camp is slated for July 11-13 for 1-4 graders, the middle school camp for grades 5-8 follows the 14th&nbsp;and 15th, a team camp is set for the 23rd&nbsp;and 24th&nbsp;and a high school skills camp will be July 25-26.&nbsp; A softball camp is scheduled for July 26.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Big numbers returning to youth sports camps at Chadron State this summer

BOSTON (AP) — A former assistant soccer coach at the University of Southern California who created fake athletic profiles for the children of wealthy parents in the sprawling college admissions bribery scheme has avoided prison time after helping convict others in the case. Laura Janke was sentenced Tuesday in Boston federal court to time served and 50 hours of community service. 

Also on Tuesday, a California couple who admitted to paying $600,000 to get their daughters into USC and the University of California, Los Angeles, were sentenced to one year of probation. Bruce Isackson says he and his wife “profoundly regret” their part in the scheme and “look forward to making amends" by serving their community.

Former college coach avoids prison time in admissions scandal

DENVER (AP) — Randal Grichuk and Elias Diaz homered and the Colorado Rockies continued to rough up Clayton Kershaw at Coors Field, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-4. The Rockies tagged Kershaw for six runs and nine hits in four innings, his shortest outing in Colorado since he gave up five runs in three innings in his first career start at the park in 2008. Charlie Blackmon had four hits as the Rockies clinched their second series victory over the Dodgers this season. It’s the first time they have won consecutive home series against the Dodgers since 2016. Kershaw walked four after issuing only seven walks in his previous eight starts this season. He is 11-7 with a 4.81 ERA in 25 career starts at Coors Field, his highest ERA at any venue.

Rockies get ready to sweep Dodgers with another win over LA

Marlin Briscoe, the first Black starting quarterback in the American Football League, has died at the age of 76. Briscoe's daughter, Angela Marriott, told The Associated Press that he died of pneumonia at a hospital in Norwalk, California on Monday. Briscoe was a star quarterback at Omaha University before the Denver Broncos drafted him as a cornerback in the 14th round in 1968. He told the team he wanted a tryout at quarterback. Denver agreed to an audition, and the 5-foot-10 dynamo nicknamed “The Magician” ended up starting five games that year.

Briscoe was the runner-up for AFL Rookie of the Year after passing for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns and rusing for 308 yards and 3 TD's.&nbsp; The Broncos released him the next season and he went on to become an All Pro Receiver for the Buffalo Bills and also played on two Super Bowl winning teams with the Miami Dolphins.&nbsp; Briscoe was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

Omaha Native Marlin Briscoe dies at 76

An exciting finish to the Annual Clair Conley Memorial Baseball Tournament.&nbsp; The Alliance First National Spartan Seniors bring home the Championship with a come from behind 11-10 win over Ogallala.&nbsp; Alliance scores 5 runs in the top of the 7th.. behind a grand slam home run by Caeson Clarke,&nbsp; to take a one run lead.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the bottom of the 7th ,Ogallala loads the bases before the Spartans get the final out on a deep fly ball to left field.&nbsp; Jacob Callen started on the mound for Alliance and Ashton Ross finished the game. Caeson Clarke also homered earlier and&nbsp; Mario Garza had a couple of hits.&nbsp; Alliance got some sparkling defensive plays from cather Eli Blanco and outfielders Tyzen Brown and Espen Lanik.&nbsp;

Alliance goes 5-0 in the tournament to take the title and improves their record to 17-15 on the year.&nbsp;

Broken Bow 11&nbsp; &nbsp;Westco 3....2 seed game

Sturgis 9&nbsp; &nbsp;Torrington 8....3 seed game

Chadron 13&nbsp; &nbsp;Sidney 5....5 seed game.

The Sr Spartans are scheduled to host The Rapid City Post 22 Expos on Tuesday with games at 5-7 pm and Gering in a doubleheader on Wednesday... Jrs at 5 pm and Srs at 7 pm.&nbsp; &nbsp;The senior game Wednesday night will be broadcast on KCOW AM-1400 and FM 92.5.

Alliance FNBO Spartan Seniors-Clair Conley Tournament Champs

Kellen Muhr is no different than any boy growing up in America.&nbsp; He wanted to play any sport, any time, any day!&nbsp; Backyard football, driveway basketball and baseball in any open&nbsp; space he and his friends could find. Then moving on to Jr high and High School sports. Summers were spent playing Alliance Old Timers and then Alliance Spartans Baseball. So when the chance to continue playing at the College level came along, it was an easy decision to make.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saturday night, during the Annual Clair Conley Memorial Tournament,&nbsp; Kellen  signed to play baseball at York University .&nbsp; Kellen has played with the Alliance Spartan Seniors for the past 4 seasons.&nbsp; He has been a versatile player...he has pitched,  caught and played both infield and outfield for the Spartans.&nbsp; &nbsp;At Alliance High School Kellen was a 2 year starter on the Bulldog football and basketball teams and a member of the AHS Boys Golf Team.&nbsp; The Alliance Senior Spartans have played in the Nebraska American Legion, Class B,&nbsp; State Tournament Championship game the last 2 seasons and are the 2-time defending Area 6 Champions. Alliance currently stands at 17-15.&nbsp;

York University is located in York, Nebraska and&nbsp; is a 4 year  (NAIA) college  and a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. 

 Kellen is the son of Erica and Brett Muhr of Alliance.

Muhr signs with York University

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup after dethroning the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning. The Avalanche beat the Lightning 2-1 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final behind a goal and an assist from Nathan MacKinnon. Tampa Bay fell two victories short of becoming the NHL's first three-peat champion since the early 1980s New York Islanders dynasty. Colorado's core led by MacKinnon, captain Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen and longest-tenured player Erik Johnson finally got the job done after years of playoff disappointments. It's the franchise's third championship and first since 2001.

AVALANCHE WIN STANLEY CUP!

The Alliance FNBO Spartan Juniors and Seniors will host the annual Clair Conley Memorial Baseball Tournament June 22-26 at Bower/Shankland Field in Alliance. The Tournament is named in honor of the late Clair Conley, who was the longtime Manager of the Alliance Spartan program. 

This years field will feature 11 teams in a round robin, pool play format. Pool A will feature the Alliance FNBO Spartan Seniors along with Torrington WY,&nbsp; Sidney,&nbsp;&nbsp;York and Broken Bow.&nbsp; Pool B will include the Alliance FNBO Spartan Juniors along with Chadron,&nbsp; Ogallala,&nbsp; Westco, Buckley and Sturgis SD.

The Tourament Schedule will run as follows...All games at Bower/Shankland Field

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