LINCOLN, Neb.-Once the air has become cool and fresh and the leaves have transformed into vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, you know that fall has arrived. 

"We hope that travelers will be able to safely enjoy some of the great activities still taking place here in Nebraska this fall, and support tourism-related businesses in communities across the state," said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism executive director.

Tuesday, September 22, is the first day of fall, which means it's time to experience the great outdoors in Nebraska with these seasonal activities!

Is it really fall without a trip to your favorite pumpkin patch? Don your coziest blanket scarves and stocking caps and pay a visit to one of the many pumpkin patches scattered across the state. Enjoy hayrack rides and haunted houses along with other farm- and family-friendly activities at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna and The Pumpkin Patch at BE Farm in Bayard. And of course, no visit to the pumpkin patch is complete without the addition of a pumpkin or two.

For many, fall not only brings about the change of the season but also the time for harvest. Everyone knows that produce your pick yourself just tastes better, and Nebraska offers plenty of opportunities to harvest your own fruits and vegetables. Fall is for picking delicious apples, plump pumpkins and even the occasional ear of sweet corn. Scour the 180 acres of farmland at Roca Berry Farm for the perfect gourds, squash or pumpkins or sink your teeth into a juicy apple fresh from the tree at Kimmel Orchard &amp; Vineyard.

In the spirit of outdoor exploration, head to Nebraska’s eight state parks for hiking, biking and wildlife watching. Roam the rolling hills of Chadron State Park or climb the wooden boardwalk in Indian Cave State Park; with hundreds of miles of public trail to traverse, there’s an adventure for everyone. Pack your camping gear and bundle up under the wide open skies near Smith Falls State Park or spend the night in the historic lodge at Fort Robinson State Park. As an added bonus, the multicolored leaves painting the landscape will leave you in awe of the state's natural beauty. Wherever you go, you can expect stunning views, captivating wildlife and plenty of adventure.

Crisp, fresh air, a slight breeze and dew-covered greens on a quiet, autumn morning is a golfer’s paradise. As if golf in Nebraska wasn’t a dream come true before, brilliant colors decorate the state’s already-scenic courses during the fall months. Test your skills at award-winning courses like Quarry Oaks in Ashland, Heritage Hills in McCook or Arbor Links in Nebraska City, and if nothing else, at least you can appreciate the beautiful sights.

For more Nebraska activities, go to VisitNebraska.com. 

LINCOLN, Neb.-Once the air has become cool and fresh and the leaves have transformed into vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, you know that fall has arrived. "We hope that travelers will be able to safely enjoy some of the great activities still taking place here in Nebraska this fall, and support tourism-related businesses in communities across the state," said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism executive director.Tuesday, September 22, is the first day of fall, which means it's time to experience the great outdoors in Nebraska with these seasonal activities!Pumpkin PatchesIs it really fall without a trip to your favorite pumpkin patch? Don your coziest blanket scarves and stocking caps and pay a visit to one of the many pumpkin patches scattered across the state. Enjoy hayrack rides and haunted houses along with other farm- and family-friendly activities at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna and The Pumpkin Patch at BE Farm in Bayard. And of course, no visit to the pumpkin patch is complete without the addition of a pumpkin or two.Pick-Your-Own ProduceFor many, fall not only brings about the change of the season but also the time for harvest. Everyone knows that produce your pick yourself just tastes better, and Nebraska offers plenty of opportunities to harvest your own fruits and vegetables. Fall is for picking delicious apples, plump pumpkins and even the occasional ear of sweet corn. Scour the 180 acres of farmland at Roca Berry Farm for the perfect gourds, squash or pumpkins or sink your teeth into a juicy apple fresh from the tree at Kimmel Orchard &amp; Vineyard.State ParksIn the spirit of outdoor exploration, head to Nebraska’s eight state parks for hiking, biking and wildlife watching. Roam the rolling hills of Chadron State Park or climb the wooden boardwalk in Indian Cave State Park; with hundreds of miles of public trail to traverse, there’s an adventure for everyone. Pack your camping gear and bundle up under the wide open skies near Smith Falls State Park or spend the night in the historic lodge at Fort Robinson State Park. As an added bonus, the multicolored leaves painting the landscape will leave you in awe of the state's natural beauty. Wherever you go, you can expect stunning views, captivating wildlife and plenty of adventure.Golf CoursesCrisp, fresh air, a slight breeze and dew-covered greens on a quiet, autumn morning is a golfer’s paradise. As if golf in Nebraska wasn’t a dream come true before, brilliant colors decorate the state’s already-scenic courses during the fall months. Test your skills at award-winning courses like Quarry Oaks in Ashland, Heritage Hills in McCook or Arbor Links in Nebraska City, and if nothing else, at least you can appreciate the beautiful sights.For more Nebraska activities, go to VisitNebraska.com.

Welcome fall with these outdoor activities in Nebraska including Chadron State Park

Tom Todd, Career Navy Veteran, was recently awarded a Quilt of Valor to honor his dedicated service to the USA military on Sept, 19, 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;His quilt was awarded on his 73rd birthday, with many family members present, along with the QOV Panhandle Blocks organization coordinator Kathy Dye presiding and the Legion Riders forming the flag line.&nbsp; Tom's two sisters, Linda&nbsp; and Tammie, graced their brother by wrapping him with the quilt.

The quilt was quilted by Anita Allen and designed, pieced and bound by Cindy Zurn, his sister-in-law.

Thomas E Todd entered the Navy in April 1966 at San Diego and trained as an Instrument specialist.&nbsp; He serviced ships in several US ports (San Diego, Charleston, Mayport, FL) as well as abroad, including Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hawaii&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hong Kong.

 His tours encompassed the world, taking him to the West Pacific, through the Panama and Suez Canals, Italy, Yugoslavia, Greece and Spain.&nbsp; Tom's specialized training also included instrument calibration, office machine repair, Chief Master of Arms, submarine instrumentation&nbsp;and maintenance, and ship maintenance superintendent. 

Tom attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer in October 1975 while stationed in San&nbsp;Diego, CA.He retired from the Navy at the Mayport Naval Station, Jacksonville, FL in July 1988, a 22 year honorable service career.&nbsp; Tom went onto contract privately with the Navy for another 24 years.

Awards received: Navy Achievement medal,&nbsp; National Defense service medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service&nbsp;Deployment Ribbon, "E" award, Meritorious&nbsp;Unit Commendation, Fifth Good Conduct Award, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal/1960's device.

Tom and his wife, Sandy, both Alliance natives, recently moved back to their hometown of Alliance, NE making a completed circle.  Welcome home Tom and thank you for your dedicated service!

By Cindy Zurn, Quilts of Valor&nbsp;Tom Todd, Career Navy Veteran, was recently awarded a Quilt of Valor to honor his dedicated service to the USA military on Sept, 19, 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;His quilt was awarded on his 73rd birthday, with many family members present, along with the QOV Panhandle Blocks organization coordinator Kathy Dye presiding and the Legion Riders forming the flag line.&nbsp; Tom's two sisters, Linda&nbsp; and Tammie, graced their brother by wrapping him with the quilt.The quilt was quilted by Anita Allen and designed, pieced and bound by Cindy Zurn, his sister-in-law.Thomas E Todd entered the Navy in April 1966 at San Diego and trained as an Instrument specialist.&nbsp; He serviced ships in several US ports (San Diego, Charleston, Mayport, FL) as well as abroad, including Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hawaii&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hong Kong. His tours encompassed the world, taking him to the West Pacific, through the Panama and Suez Canals, Italy, Yugoslavia, Greece and Spain.&nbsp; Tom's specialized training also included instrument calibration, office machine repair, Chief Master of Arms, submarine instrumentation&nbsp;and maintenance, and ship maintenance superintendent. Tom attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer in October 1975 while stationed in San&nbsp;Diego, CA.He retired from the Navy at the Mayport Naval Station, Jacksonville, FL in July 1988, a 22 year honorable service career.&nbsp; Tom went onto contract privately with the Navy for another 24 years.Awards received: Navy Achievement medal,&nbsp; National Defense service medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service&nbsp;Deployment Ribbon, "E" award, Meritorious&nbsp;Unit Commendation, Fifth Good Conduct Award, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal/1960's device.Tom and his wife, Sandy, both Alliance natives, recently moved back to their hometown of Alliance, NE making a completed circle. Welcome home Tom and thank you for your dedicated service!

Tom Todd receives Quilt of Valor 

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in south-central Nebraska have identified a man whose body was pulled from a sandpit pond near Lexington last week.

 The Dawson County Sheriff's Office tells television station NTV that the body is that of 24-year-old Eduardo Farias-Garcia, of Lexington. 

Sheriff's officials found his body Sept. 14 in the pond south of Lexington after someone called 911 to report seeing what appeared to be a body floating in the water. 

Authorities say he was wearing only shorts and tennis shoes when he was found.

 Officials said Farias-Garcia appeared to have been in the water for about a week. 

Results from an autopsy are expected in the coming weeks.

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in south-central Nebraska have identified a man whose body was pulled from a sandpit pond near Lexington last week. The Dawson County Sheriff's Office tells television station NTV that the body is that of 24-year-old Eduardo Farias-Garcia, of Lexington. Sheriff's officials found his body Sept. 14 in the pond south of Lexington after someone called 911 to report seeing what appeared to be a body floating in the water. Authorities say he was wearing only shorts and tennis shoes when he was found. Officials said Farias-Garcia appeared to have been in the water for about a week. Results from an autopsy are expected in the coming weeks.

Nebraska authorities ID body of man found in Lexington pond

&nbsp;Panhandle total: 810, Active: 85, Recovered: 716, Deaths: 9

A male in his 50s with underlying health conditions is the first COVID-related death in Box Butte County, this brings the total deaths in the Panhandle to nine.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of his death. We wish his family and friends peace and comfort during their time of loss,” expressed Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.

Please continue all of the important precautions to protect you, your loved ones, and your community from the spread of COVID. Wear a mask when possible, stay at least six feet away from others, monitor for any symptoms, and stay home if you are not feeling well. Please practice these safety tips out of an abundance of kindness and humility for others.

Unified Command confirms 16 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Thursday, September 17. The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.

Testing information and access for the Panhandle area: · You can sign up for the following free testing at Testnebraska.com or 402-207-9377:

o Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am

§ Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrows

o Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am

§ Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)

§ Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the hospital at 747-2466 with questions.

o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pm

o Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Mondays &amp; Fridays, Noon-4pm; Wednesdays, 2-6pm

o Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays &amp; Thursday, 7-9am

· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc

· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Daily

o Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results

· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.

Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.

By PPHD&nbsp;Panhandle total: 810, Active: 85, Recovered: 716, Deaths: 9A male in his 50s with underlying health conditions is the first COVID-related death in Box Butte County, this brings the total deaths in the Panhandle to nine.“We are deeply saddened to hear of his death. We wish his family and friends peace and comfort during their time of loss,” expressed Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.Please continue all of the important precautions to protect you, your loved ones, and your community from the spread of COVID. Wear a mask when possible, stay at least six feet away from others, monitor for any symptoms, and stay home if you are not feeling well. Please practice these safety tips out of an abundance of kindness and humility for others.Unified Command confirms 16 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Thursday, September 17. The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600738511746.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Testing information and access for the Panhandle area: · You can sign up for the following free testing at Testnebraska.com or 402-207-9377:o Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am§ Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrowso Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am§ Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)§ Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the hospital at 747-2466 with questions.o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pmo Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Mondays &amp; Fridays, Noon-4pm; Wednesdays, 2-6pmo Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays &amp; Thursday, 7-9am· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Dailyo Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.March 2-September 21, 2020· Total Tests Conducted: 13,588· Positive: 810· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.9%· Recovered: 716· Active Cases: 85· Deaths: 9· Active Hospitalizations: 6· Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 81Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.

PPHD: 1st virus related death reported in Box Butte Co., 16 more cases, 18 recoveries

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>

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><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579015966834.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: www.canstockphoto.com&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: www.canstockphoto.com&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Recent obituaries

A Dawes County man has been found deceased after family and friends had not seen him for several days.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Sept. 20 the Chadron Police Department (CPD) was contacted to perform a welfare check on 46 year-old Jason Cisneros.&nbsp;

After CPD entered the Cisneros residence, he was found dead.&nbsp;

"After investigation of the scene, witness interviews and consultation with medical professionals...it was determined that foul play is not suspected in Mr. Cisneros death at this time," said Dawes County Attorney/Coroner Vance Haug.&nbsp;

Haug said an autopsy has been ordered to establish the cause of death. 

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostA Dawes County man has been found deceased after family and friends had not seen him for several days.&nbsp;On Sunday, Sept. 20 the Chadron Police Department (CPD) was contacted to perform a welfare check on 46 year-old Jason Cisneros.&nbsp;After CPD entered the Cisneros residence, he was found dead.&nbsp;"After investigation of the scene, witness interviews and consultation with medical professionals...it was determined that foul play is not suspected in Mr. Cisneros death at this time," said Dawes County Attorney/Coroner Vance Haug.&nbsp;Haug said an autopsy has been ordered to establish the cause of death. The investigation continues.&nbsp;

Dawes County man found deceased

LINCOLN — The Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;is proud to be joining forces with first responder agencies in the U.S. and Canada for “Operation Clear Track” — the single largest rail-safety initiative in North America.

Coordinated by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amtrak.com/home">Amtrak</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/">Operation Lifesaver Inc.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.operationlifesaver.ca/">Operation Lifesaver Canada</a>, Operation Clear Track aims to reduce the number of railway crossing and trespassing incidents in the U.S. and Canada — incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year. The event is held during the annual observance of&nbsp;<a href="https://oli.org/about-us/public-awareness-campaigns/rail-safety-week">Rail Safety Week, September 21-27.</a>

“Nebraska has a great history in the railroad industry, with thousands of miles of active tracks running across our state,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Operation Clear Track is great reminder for all to practice safety around railroad tracks and never try to beat a train.”

“The goal of Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week is to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior near tracks and trains, in support of OLI’s mission to save lives,” said Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, first responder agencies will be participating in a virtual Operation Clear Track event this year. Agencies across North America will be promoting rail safety through social media messages, by sharing Operation Lifesaver’s #STOPTrackTragedies public service announcements and other videos, and by posting other rail safety information to their department websites. Participants will also be emphasizing the importance of obeying rail crossing and trespassing laws throughout Rail Safety Week.

For more information about Rail Safety Week, Operation Clear Track, and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/">www.oli.org</a>. &nbsp;

LINCOLN — The Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;is proud to be joining forces with first responder agencies in the U.S. and Canada for “Operation Clear Track” — the single largest rail-safety initiative in North America.Coordinated by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amtrak.com/home">Amtrak</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/">Operation Lifesaver Inc.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.operationlifesaver.ca/">Operation Lifesaver Canada</a>, Operation Clear Track aims to reduce the number of railway crossing and trespassing incidents in the U.S. and Canada — incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year. The event is held during the annual observance of&nbsp;<a href="https://oli.org/about-us/public-awareness-campaigns/rail-safety-week">Rail Safety Week, September 21-27.</a>“Nebraska has a great history in the railroad industry, with thousands of miles of active tracks running across our state,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Operation Clear Track is great reminder for all to practice safety around railroad tracks and never try to beat a train.”“The goal of Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week is to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior near tracks and trains, in support of OLI’s mission to save lives,” said Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh.Because of the ongoing pandemic, first responder agencies will be participating in a virtual Operation Clear Track event this year. Agencies across North America will be promoting rail safety through social media messages, by sharing Operation Lifesaver’s #STOPTrackTragedies public service announcements and other videos, and by posting other rail safety information to their department websites. Participants will also be emphasizing the importance of obeying rail crossing and trespassing laws throughout Rail Safety Week.For more information about Rail Safety Week, Operation Clear Track, and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/">www.oli.org</a>. &nbsp;

NSP joins “Operation Clear Track” for Rail Safety Week

Post Podcast: Dr. Troy Unzicker updates on Covid-19 

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Dr. Tawny Tibbits, who joined the Chadron State College Geoscience faculty in 2019, has written a chapter in a peer-reviewed volume about Central American archaeology, “An Archaeological Reconstruction of Ancient Maya Life at Pacbitun, Belize,” by Terry G. Powis, Sheldon Skaggs, and George J. Micheletti. Tibbits’ research from 2014 in the chapter builds on her dissertation work. In the chapter, she discusses the methodology she developed to analyze the chemical makeup of tools at the only known granite ground stone tool workshop in the Maya world.

Tibbits’ research focused on using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to determine the chemical makeup of granites found on the edge of Pacbitun (pronounced Pack-bit-oon) and about a dozen other Maya archaeology sites in Belize.

Pacbitun, which means Stone Set on Earth, had a population of 5,000-10,000, with 41 masonry structures, and five plazas from about 1,000 B.C to 600 A.D.

She determined the minimum number of random data points to generate results statistically indistinguishable when compared to the traditional lab-based XRF. Once the stone’s signature is determined, it can be matched to outcrop sources within the Maya Mountains.

“The testing was long and involved but the take home is that with five random data points averaged together I get a bulk geochemical signature that is basically no different than if I had taken the rock, crushed it, and analyzed it,” Tibbits said.

Tibbits’ work focuses on items commonly called grinding stones. The study of such every day items is a less well-known part of archeology since current trends are more focused on landscape-scale questions, according to Tibbits. No one else has sampled the mountains as extensively as Tibbits did during the 2012-2015 field seasons.

A metate (meh-tah-tay) is a flat stone tool that often weighs 50 pounds or more. It was used to hold corn, beans, cacao beans, and more. The handheld tool, about the size of a rolling pin, used to grind food and other items such as shells and lime for plaster.

“These tools are everywhere. There are tons of different designs too. It's a really fascinating subject once you get into it,” Tibbits said.

In graduate school at the University of Texas – San Antonio, Tibbits pioneered the use of the pXRF to analyze coarse-grained stone. The process had traditionally been used on obsidian but she wanted to expand what the technology could do and make her own path by trying something different.

That different path has led her to exciting research opportunities.

Dr. Laura Levi helped Tibbits launch her research in Belize. When Tibbits went on to earn her doctorate at the University of Iowa, she returned to Belize and worked with some archaeologists she knew from her time at Texas.

“They connected me with other archaeologists and it grew from there. It's been a wild ride,” Tibbits said.

Dr. Terry Powis from Kennesaw State, the lead archaeologist of Pacbitun Regional Archaeological Project, heard about Tibbits’ work at other sites and invited her to come work with him.

Tibbits hopes to share with CSC students her technique using a pXRF. To make that a reality she is applying for grants to purchase the $40,000 equipment. She said the price is reasonable for the level of accuracy it provides. In addition, the unit is portable and doesn’t require costly sample preparation before analysis like traditional methods.

“It's a really versatile piece of equipment that can be used for soil science, geology, anthropology, museum studies, and more. With a 10-second analysis, you get an output of many of the elements within the object. You just point and shoot. It's also used extensively in geology and environmental careers so it will be great for students to learn how to operate it and how to interpret the data,” Tibbits said.

Tibbits hopes to return to Belize to analyze and determine the source locations of materials uncovered in recent seasons by the Belize River East Archaeology group and the Pacbitun Regional Archaeology Project.

An Australian researcher has asked her to collaborate on a project to analyze hematite as a red dye and track potential hematite outcrops in Belize.

Tibbits is working with archaeologists on a project related to the theory that heavy items like metates were moved via a river network. They hope to publish a paper about their work in the next few months.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Dr. Tawny Tibbits, who joined the Chadron State College Geoscience faculty in 2019, has written a chapter in a peer-reviewed volume about Central American archaeology, “An Archaeological Reconstruction of Ancient Maya Life at Pacbitun, Belize,” by Terry G. Powis, Sheldon Skaggs, and George J. Micheletti. Tibbits’ research from 2014 in the chapter builds on her dissertation work. In the chapter, she discusses the methodology she developed to analyze the chemical makeup of tools at the only known granite ground stone tool workshop in the Maya world.Tibbits’ research focused on using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to determine the chemical makeup of granites found on the edge of Pacbitun (pronounced Pack-bit-oon) and about a dozen other Maya archaeology sites in Belize.Pacbitun, which means Stone Set on Earth, had a population of 5,000-10,000, with 41 masonry structures, and five plazas from about 1,000 B.C to 600 A.D.She determined the minimum number of random data points to generate results statistically indistinguishable when compared to the traditional lab-based XRF. Once the stone’s signature is determined, it can be matched to outcrop sources within the Maya Mountains.“The testing was long and involved but the take home is that with five random data points averaged together I get a bulk geochemical signature that is basically no different than if I had taken the rock, crushed it, and analyzed it,” Tibbits said.Tibbits’ work focuses on items commonly called grinding stones. The study of such every day items is a less well-known part of archeology since current trends are more focused on landscape-scale questions, according to Tibbits. No one else has sampled the mountains as extensively as Tibbits did during the 2012-2015 field seasons.A metate (meh-tah-tay) is a flat stone tool that often weighs 50 pounds or more. It was used to hold corn, beans, cacao beans, and more. The handheld tool, about the size of a rolling pin, used to grind food and other items such as shells and lime for plaster.“These tools are everywhere. There are tons of different designs too. It's a really fascinating subject once you get into it,” Tibbits said.In graduate school at the University of Texas – San Antonio, Tibbits pioneered the use of the pXRF to analyze coarse-grained stone. The process had traditionally been used on obsidian but she wanted to expand what the technology could do and make her own path by trying something different.That different path has led her to exciting research opportunities.Dr. Laura Levi helped Tibbits launch her research in Belize. When Tibbits went on to earn her doctorate at the University of Iowa, she returned to Belize and worked with some archaeologists she knew from her time at Texas.“They connected me with other archaeologists and it grew from there. It's been a wild ride,” Tibbits said.Dr. Terry Powis from Kennesaw State, the lead archaeologist of Pacbitun Regional Archaeological Project, heard about Tibbits’ work at other sites and invited her to come work with him.Tibbits hopes to share with CSC students her technique using a pXRF. To make that a reality she is applying for grants to purchase the $40,000 equipment. She said the price is reasonable for the level of accuracy it provides. In addition, the unit is portable and doesn’t require costly sample preparation before analysis like traditional methods.“It's a really versatile piece of equipment that can be used for soil science, geology, anthropology, museum studies, and more. With a 10-second analysis, you get an output of many of the elements within the object. You just point and shoot. It's also used extensively in geology and environmental careers so it will be great for students to learn how to operate it and how to interpret the data,” Tibbits said.Tibbits hopes to return to Belize to analyze and determine the source locations of materials uncovered in recent seasons by the Belize River East Archaeology group and the Pacbitun Regional Archaeology Project.An Australian researcher has asked her to collaborate on a project to analyze hematite as a red dye and track potential hematite outcrops in Belize.Tibbits is working with archaeologists on a project related to the theory that heavy items like metates were moved via a river network. They hope to publish a paper about their work in the next few months.

Tibbits’ Belize granite geochemistry research published

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

-Bryan L Red Bear, Class 4 Felony, Assault 3rd degree/hate crime, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree

-Ricardo R Cazares, Infraction, Possess marijuana 1 oz or less, Possess or use drug paraphernalia, Fail to use turn signal

-Angela K Payne, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree

-Morgan C Robertson, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Criminal trespass 1st degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace

-Carol Manchester, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Issue bad check $0-500

-Ian Schlax, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Issue bad check $0-500

-Tiffany D Munger, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Unauth use fin tran device/under $500

-Evelyn Picket Pin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under suspension before being reinstated by state, Unlawful/fictional display of plate/renew tab, Infraction, No brake lights/turn signals

-Bradley D Benzel, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Reckless driving&nbsp;

-Michael J Vernon, Class 2 Misdemeanor, No proof of insurance, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under suspension before being reinstated by state, No valid registration

-Cathy M Crowell, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degree

-Kayla Rupp, DUI, Possession of marijuana

-Quincy Randall, Theft by unlawful taking, Criminal mischief

-Tiffany Y Wills, Infraction, Possession of marijuana 1 oz or less, Possess or use drug paraphernalia

-Duane A Blindman, Class 3A Felony, Sex offender Reg. Act viol.

-Tyrell Sitting Holy, Class 3A Felony, False imprisonment 1st degree, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault

-Brandi May, Class 1 Misdemeanor, False reporting

-Anessha I Little Moon, Misdemeanor, Driving under suspension

-Katrina L Velazquez, Felony, Fugitive from justice

-Cherish L Janis, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI

-Andrew Russell, Class 4 Felony, Operate motor vehicle/avoid arrest, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Willful reckless driving, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Obstruct a peace officer

*All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.Box Butte Co:-Bryan L Red Bear, Class 4 Felony, Assault 3rd degree/hate crime, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree-Ricardo R Cazares, Infraction, Possess marijuana 1 oz or less, Possess or use drug paraphernalia, Fail to use turn signal-Angela K Payne, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree-Morgan C Robertson, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Criminal trespass 1st degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Carol Manchester, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Issue bad check $0-500-Ian Schlax, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Issue bad check $0-500-Tiffany D Munger, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Unauth use fin tran device/under $500-Evelyn Picket Pin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under suspension before being reinstated by state, Unlawful/fictional display of plate/renew tab, Infraction, No brake lights/turn signals-Bradley D Benzel, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Reckless driving&nbsp;-Michael J Vernon, Class 2 Misdemeanor, No proof of insurance, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under suspension before being reinstated by state, No valid registration-Cathy M Crowell, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degreeScotts Bluff Co:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600704098761.png" alt="-Vincente Razo, Possession of controlled substance x2" />
 <figcaption>-Vincente Razo, Possession of controlled substance x2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600704139947.png" alt="-Mackenzie Schreiber, Possession of controlled substance x2" />
 <figcaption>-Mackenzie Schreiber, Possession of controlled substance x2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600704177271.png" alt="-Elizabeth Ashbury, Possession of controlled substance" />
 <figcaption>-Elizabeth Ashbury, Possession of controlled substance</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600704216902.png" alt="-David Zitterkopf, Possession of controlled substance" />
 <figcaption>-David Zitterkopf, Possession of controlled substance</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600704259520.png" alt="-Kyrstin Quickie-Wyrick, Possession of controlled substance, Resisting" />
 <figcaption>-Kyrstin Quickie-Wyrick, Possession of controlled substance, Resisting</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600704332556.png" alt="-Christian Perez, Assault domestic, Cruelty toward child" />
 <figcaption>-Christian Perez, Assault domestic, Cruelty toward child</figcaption>
 </figure>-Juan Duque, DUI-Gerfory Bonine, DUI-Chad Hacker, Domestic assault-Kayla Rupp, DUI, Possession of marijuana-Leana Reed-Sinclair, Assault on officer-Brian Medina, Assault domestic-Quincy Randall, Theft by unlawful taking, Criminal mischiefDawes Co:-Tiffany Y Wills, Infraction, Possession of marijuana 1 oz or less, Possess or use drug paraphernalia-Duane A Blindman, Class 3A Felony, Sex offender Reg. Act viol.-Tyrell Sitting Holy, Class 3A Felony, False imprisonment 1st degree, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault-Brandi May, Class 1 Misdemeanor, False reporting-Anessha I Little Moon, Misdemeanor, Driving under suspension-Katrina L Velazquez, Felony, Fugitive from justice-Cherish L Janis, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI-Andrew Russell, Class 4 Felony, Operate motor vehicle/avoid arrest, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Willful reckless driving, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Obstruct a peace officer

Panhandle police activity, Sept. 10 - Sept. 17

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An attorney for a business owner who was charged in the fatal shooting of a&nbsp; man during civil unrest in Nebraska says the man has died by suicide. 

Police say Jacob Gardner's body was found Sunday outside a medical clinic in Hillsboro, Oregon. 

Attorney Stu Dornan said it was a suicide. Gardner was charged Tuesday in the death of James Scurlock. 

Police say 38-year-old Gardner shot Scurlock during a protest outside Gardner’s bar in downtown Omaha on May 30. 

Gardner had said the shooting was done in self-defense.

 Dornan says Gardner was scheduled to return to Omaha on Sunday to face the charges against him.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An attorney for a business owner who was charged in the fatal shooting of a&nbsp; man during civil unrest in Nebraska says the man has died by suicide. Police say Jacob Gardner's body was found Sunday outside a medical clinic in Hillsboro, Oregon. Attorney Stu Dornan said it was a suicide. Gardner was charged Tuesday in the death of James Scurlock. Police say 38-year-old Gardner shot Scurlock during a protest outside Gardner’s bar in downtown Omaha on May 30. Gardner had said the shooting was done in self-defense. Dornan says Gardner was scheduled to return to Omaha on Sunday to face the charges against him.

Nebraska man charged in protester’s death dies by suicide

🏐| High School Volleyball - Tuesday, September 22

◼ Leyton Triangular: Bayard, Garden County

◼ Morrill Triangular: Bridgeport, Hemingford

🥎| High School Softball - Tuesday, September 22

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600698009546.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports Director🏐| High School Volleyball - Tuesday, September 22◼ Ogallala Triangular: Alliance, Cozad◼ Leyton Triangular: Bayard, Garden County◼ Crawford at Edgemont, SD◼ Morrill Triangular: Bridgeport, Hemingford◼ Gering at Scottsbluff◼ Chase County at Sidney<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600698324444.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>🥎| High School Softball - Tuesday, September 22◼ Scottsbluff at Alliance◼ Gering at Chadron<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594305682636.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏐🥎 | Tuesday's Western Nebraska High School Sports Action

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Denver Broncos may have to dig themselves out of an 0-2 hole without quarterback Drew Lock. Lock exited a 26-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with a right shoulder injury. The second-year starter was running to his right when he was hit hard by Pittsburgh linebacker Bud Dupree. Dupree drove Lock's throwing shoulder into the ground. He fumbled on the play then went to the medical tent to get evaluated and did not return. Jeff Driskel threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns in place of Lock despite absorbing six sacks. The Broncos host Tampa Bay next week.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Denver Broncos may have to dig themselves out of an 0-2 hole without quarterback Drew Lock. Lock exited a 26-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with a right shoulder injury. The second-year starter was running to his right when he was hit hard by Pittsburgh linebacker Bud Dupree. Dupree drove Lock's throwing shoulder into the ground. He fumbled on the play then went to the medical tent to get evaluated and did not return. Jeff Driskel threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns in place of Lock despite absorbing six sacks. The Broncos host Tampa Bay next week.

Broncos lose game at Steelers, QB Lock to injury

Updated: 9:18 a.m. Saturday, September 19

🏈| High School Football - Friday, September 18

❌ Hastings at Alliance - Canceled (Covid 19) - 📻 KCOW&nbsp;

F|&nbsp;Scottsbluff 35,&nbsp;Custer, SD 0

◼ Gordon/Rushville at Bennett County, SD - 7:00

F|&nbsp;Mitchell 56, Chase County 8

F|&nbsp;Garden County 44, Mullen 34

F|&nbsp;Perkins County 43, Bayard 8

F|&nbsp;Hemingford 54, Morrill 30 -&nbsp;📻 KAAQ 105.9 FM - 7:00

F|&nbsp;Creek Valley 63, Minatare 22

F|&nbsp;South Platte 58, Hay Springs 42

F|&nbsp;Wauneta-Palisade 75, Banner County 0

❌ Kearney Catholic at Ogallala -(Canceled Covid-19)

❌ Guernsey-Sunrise, WY at Sioux County (Canceled Covid-19)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600528709223.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports DirectorUpdated: 9:18 a.m. Saturday, September 19🏈| High School Football - Friday, September 18❌ Hastings at Alliance - Canceled (Covid 19) - 📻 KCOW&nbsp;F| Chadron 16, Gering 14F|&nbsp;Scottsbluff 35,&nbsp;Custer, SD 0F|&nbsp;Holdrege 34, Sidney 10F|&nbsp;Bridgeport 27, Gibbon 0◼ Gordon/Rushville at Bennett County, SD - 7:00F|&nbsp;Mitchell 56, Chase County 8F|&nbsp;Garden County 44, Mullen 34F|&nbsp;Perkins County 43, Bayard 8F|&nbsp;Hemingford 54, Morrill 30 -&nbsp;📻 KAAQ 105.9 FM - 7:00<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600090232888.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>◼ Leyton at Hyannis - 7:00F|&nbsp;Potter-Dix 46, Crawford 8F|&nbsp;Sutherland 56, Kimball 20F|&nbsp;Creek Valley 63, Minatare 22F|&nbsp;South Platte 58, Hay Springs 42F|&nbsp;Wauneta-Palisade 75, Banner County 0❌ Kearney Catholic at Ogallala -(Canceled Covid-19)❌ Guernsey-Sunrise, WY at Sioux County (Canceled Covid-19)

🏈| High School Football Scoreboard - Friday, September 18

Tonights Alliance vs Hastings football game at Bulldog Stadium has been cancelled.&nbsp; AHS Activities Director Anita James says several AHS players have been exposed to Covid-19 and will need to be&nbsp;quarantined.&nbsp; Alliance (0-3)&nbsp; was scheduled to play the Hastings Tigers (4-0) at 7 pm MT tonight...Friday, Sept. 18 in Alliance.&nbsp; The game has been cancelled and Hastings will return home. There is no word, at this time if this will effect future games.&nbsp; Several panhandle schools have had games cancelled already this season due to Covid exposure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By: Mike GlesingerTonights Alliance vs Hastings football game at Bulldog Stadium has been cancelled.&nbsp; AHS Activities Director Anita James says several AHS players have been exposed to Covid-19 and will need to be&nbsp;quarantined.&nbsp; Alliance (0-3)&nbsp; was scheduled to play the Hastings Tigers (4-0) at 7 pm MT tonight...Friday, Sept. 18 in Alliance.&nbsp; The game has been cancelled and Hastings will return home. There is no word, at this time if this will effect future games.&nbsp; Several panhandle schools have had games cancelled already this season due to Covid exposure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AHS Football vs Hastings Cancelled

Updated: 7:13 a.m. Friday, September 18

🏐| High School Volleyball- Thursday, September 17

F| Sidney def. Alliance, 13-25, 25-23, 24-26, 26-24, 15-11 (3-2)

F|&nbsp;Mitchell def. Southeast, WY, 25-22, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16 (3-1)

F|&nbsp;Potter-Dix def. Creek Valley, 3-1

F|&nbsp;South Platte def. Paxton, 25-20, 25-22 (2-0)

F|&nbsp;Sioux County def. Lusk (Niobrara County) WY, 25-20, 25-14, 25-11 (3-0)

F|&nbsp;Sutherland def. Kimball, 25-19, 25-5, 25-11

F|&nbsp;Gordon-Rushville def. Cody-Kilgore, 25-20, 26-24 (2-0)

F|&nbsp;Mullen def. Arthur County, 25-18, 25-8 (2-0)

🥎| High School Softball - Thursday, September 17

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594305682636.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports DirectorUpdated: 7:13 a.m. Friday, September 18🏐| High School Volleyball- Thursday, September 17F| Sidney def. Alliance, 13-25, 25-23, 24-26, 26-24, 15-11 (3-2)F|&nbsp;Mitchell def. Southeast, WY, 25-22, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16 (3-1)F|&nbsp;Potter-Dix def. Creek Valley, 3-1F|&nbsp;South Platte def. Paxton, 25-20, 25-22 (2-0)F|&nbsp;Sioux County def. Lusk (Niobrara County) WY, 25-20, 25-14, 25-11 (3-0)F|&nbsp;Sutherland def. Kimball, 25-19, 25-5, 25-11F|&nbsp;Gordon-Rushville def. Cody-Kilgore, 25-20, 26-24 (2-0)F|&nbsp;Mullen def. Arthur County, 25-18, 25-8 (2-0)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600089279473.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>🥎| High School Softball - Thursday, September 17F|&nbsp;Scottsbluff 15, Gering 7

🏐🥎| High School Schedule & Scoreboard - Thursday, September 17

(AP) Big Ten is going to give fall football a shot after all. Less than five weeks after the conference announced it would push football and other fall sports to spring because of the pandemic, the conference changed course. The Big Ten plans to begin its season the weekend of Oct. 24 with an eight-game schedule for each team. The Big Ten says its Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously to restart sports. Back in August, the conference voted to postpone fall sports.&nbsp;

(AP) Big Ten is going to give fall football a shot after all. Less than five weeks after the conference announced it would push football and other fall sports to spring because of the pandemic, the conference changed course. The Big Ten plans to begin its season the weekend of Oct. 24 with an eight-game schedule for each team. The Big Ten says its Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously to restart sports. Back in August, the conference voted to postpone fall sports.&nbsp;

Breaking: Big Ten will kickoff football season October 24

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Just about everyone had L.A. vs. L.A. written in for the Western Conference finals. Then along came the upstart Denver Nuggets, who crashed the party. Behind Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets advanced to the conference finals for the first time since 2009. They will face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers starting Friday in Game 1. But this was no ordinary road. The Nuggets fell behind 3-1 in their first-round series against Utah before bouncing back with three straight victories. Then they went down 3-1 to the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round before winning in Game 7 again.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Just about everyone had L.A. vs. L.A. written in for the Western Conference finals. Then along came the upstart Denver Nuggets, who crashed the party. Behind Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets advanced to the conference finals for the first time since 2009. They will face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers starting Friday in Game 1. But this was no ordinary road. The Nuggets fell behind 3-1 in their first-round series against Utah before bouncing back with three straight victories. Then they went down 3-1 to the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round before winning in Game 7 again.

Nuggets do it again! Rally from 3-1 deficit to win series; Lakers in West Finals next

DENVER (AP) — A day after Tom Brady’s dud of a debut for Tampa Bay, Stephen Gostkowski failed to put all that Patriots pedigree to work in his first game with the Tennessee Titans.

Unlike Brady, who lost his first game in a uniform other than New England's, Gostkowski prevailed Monday night when he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1305738816494301186?s=20">nailed a 25-yard field goal</a>&nbsp;with 17 seconds left, sending the Titans past the Denver Broncos 16-14 after he missed four kicks for the first time in his career.

“I really wanted to come out and make a strong first impression,” Gostkowski said. “I did the exact opposite.”

Gostkowski missed a kick in each quarter, including a blocked field goal and an errant extra point.

“We’re happy to get a win,” Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. “Any win in the NFL is a good win. I’ll take it. They don’t put any asterisks on it in the win column.”

Titans coach and ex-teammate Mike Vrabel said he had no qualms about sending Gostkowski out for another try,

“Nope, and they did, obviously, because they weren’t using their timeouts and they were banking on him missing,” Vrabel said. “We've all got to do our job. And again, it’s not on just one player. We’ll get this stuff fixed. We've got a lot of faith in our players. Excited to get out of here with a win. This is a tough place to play.”

Gostkowski missed every way you can think of: wide left, wide right, a block and a shanked extra point that loomed large until he atoned for his awful night in the final seconds.

“You can’t expect him to miss them all,” said Broncos defensive lineman Jurrell Casey, who was traded from Tennessee in the offseason.

Gostkowski never missed three field goals in a game during his 14 seasons in New England, where he won three Super Bowl rings, made four Pro Bowls and left this offseason as the Patriots’ all-time leading scorer.

On Thursday he joined the Titans, who had the worst field goal unit in the NFL last year when their first four kickers combined to connect on only 44.4% of field goals (8 for 18).

The last Titans/Oilers kicker to miss three field goals and an extra point in a game was Skip Butler against the Jets in the 1977 season opener.

“I just got here and come out here and play like that? For the guys to still support me and still have my back was pretty good,” Gostkowski said. “That’s the cool thing about team sports — you win and lose as a team. A position like mine, everybody sees when you screw up.

“That’s why I was grateful for the opportunity at the end, because the guys deserved the win. We’re all pros here. We’ve all had our days. But the kicking position, you miss a couple of kicks, the camera follows you around, they talk about you the whole time, they watch you. It can get to a lonely spot. But you have to keep your head high and keep on going.”

Gostkowski, who had made 87.4% of his kicks coming into the game, a percentage that ranked fifth-best in NFL history, missed a 47-yarder in the first quarter and Shelby Harris blocked his 43-yarder just before halftime. Gostkowski's 42-yarder in the third quarter was wide left and he missed the PAT following Tennessee’s go-ahead touchdown on Jonnu Smith’s catch from Ryan Tannehill on fourth-and-1 with 13:49 remaining.

Denver replied with a 75-yard drive, with Melvin Gordon taking it in from a yard out, and Brandon McManus’ extra point put the Broncos up 14-13 with 9 minutes left.

The Broncos punted on their next two possessions and the Titans made them pay with a 12-play, 83-yard, game-winning scoring drive.

The teams scuffled to a 7-all tie after an eventful first half that included an ejection, a goal-line stand and Gostkowski’s dismal debut four days after signing with the Titans. The 36-year-old kicker left New England with 1,775 points over 204 games.

Drew Lock threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Noah Fant after Gostkowski’s first miss, and the Titans tied it on Tannehill’s 1-yard strike to MyCole Pruitt after a Denver turnover.

Gordon, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal in free agency, coughed up the ball at the Denver 23 on a hard hit by safety Kevin Byard, who leads the league with 17 interceptions since 2017 but had never forced a fumble. Jeffrey Simmons recovered for Tennessee.

The Broncos failed to punch it in on three tries from the Titans 1 in the second quarter. Lock overthrew a wide-open Nick Vannett, Gordon was stuffed for no gain and Lock’s shovel pass to Jake Butt came up a yard short of the goal line.

Butt was on the receiving end of Rashaan Evans’ punch that got the Titans linebacker ejected.

There were no paying spectators but about 500 guests of players and coaches were in the stands as a sort of trial run for the Broncos’ next home game, against Brady and Tampa Bay in two weeks, when 5,700 fans will be allowed into the 70,000-seat Empower Field at Mile High.

Lock missed having the home crowd’s energy in the fourth quarter.

“Yeah, that would have been sweet,” he said. “It was definitely weird out there tonight. No noise. The timeouts, it was just quiet. I wanted to call the plays quiet in the huddle because I didn’t know if they could hear us.”

DENVER (AP) — A day after Tom Brady’s dud of a debut for Tampa Bay, Stephen Gostkowski failed to put all that Patriots pedigree to work in his first game with the Tennessee Titans.Until the very end.Unlike Brady, who lost his first game in a uniform other than New England's, Gostkowski prevailed Monday night when he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1305738816494301186?s=20">nailed a 25-yard field goal</a>&nbsp;with 17 seconds left, sending the Titans past the Denver Broncos 16-14 after he missed four kicks for the first time in his career.“I really wanted to come out and make a strong first impression,” Gostkowski said. “I did the exact opposite.”Gostkowski missed a kick in each quarter, including a blocked field goal and an errant extra point.It didn’t matter in the end.“We’re happy to get a win,” Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. “Any win in the NFL is a good win. I’ll take it. They don’t put any asterisks on it in the win column.”Titans coach and ex-teammate Mike Vrabel said he had no qualms about sending Gostkowski out for another try,“Nope, and they did, obviously, because they weren’t using their timeouts and they were banking on him missing,” Vrabel said. “We've all got to do our job. And again, it’s not on just one player. We’ll get this stuff fixed. We've got a lot of faith in our players. Excited to get out of here with a win. This is a tough place to play.”Gostkowski missed every way you can think of: wide left, wide right, a block and a shanked extra point that loomed large until he atoned for his awful night in the final seconds.“You can’t expect him to miss them all,” said Broncos defensive lineman Jurrell Casey, who was traded from Tennessee in the offseason.Gostkowski never missed three field goals in a game during his 14 seasons in New England, where he won three Super Bowl rings, made four Pro Bowls and left this offseason as the Patriots’ all-time leading scorer.On Thursday he joined the Titans, who had the worst field goal unit in the NFL last year when their first four kickers combined to connect on only 44.4% of field goals (8 for 18).The last Titans/Oilers kicker to miss three field goals and an extra point in a game was Skip Butler against the Jets in the 1977 season opener.Gostkowski appreciated the support.“I just got here and come out here and play like that? For the guys to still support me and still have my back was pretty good,” Gostkowski said. “That’s the cool thing about team sports — you win and lose as a team. A position like mine, everybody sees when you screw up.“That’s why I was grateful for the opportunity at the end, because the guys deserved the win. We’re all pros here. We’ve all had our days. But the kicking position, you miss a couple of kicks, the camera follows you around, they talk about you the whole time, they watch you. It can get to a lonely spot. But you have to keep your head high and keep on going.”Gostkowski, who had made 87.4% of his kicks coming into the game, a percentage that ranked fifth-best in NFL history, missed a 47-yarder in the first quarter and Shelby Harris blocked his 43-yarder just before halftime. Gostkowski's 42-yarder in the third quarter was wide left and he missed the PAT following Tennessee’s go-ahead touchdown on Jonnu Smith’s catch from Ryan Tannehill on fourth-and-1 with 13:49 remaining.Denver replied with a 75-yard drive, with Melvin Gordon taking it in from a yard out, and Brandon McManus’ extra point put the Broncos up 14-13 with 9 minutes left.The Broncos punted on their next two possessions and the Titans made them pay with a 12-play, 83-yard, game-winning scoring drive.The teams scuffled to a 7-all tie after an eventful first half that included an ejection, a goal-line stand and Gostkowski’s dismal debut four days after signing with the Titans. The 36-year-old kicker left New England with 1,775 points over 204 games.Drew Lock threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Noah Fant after Gostkowski’s first miss, and the Titans tied it on Tannehill’s 1-yard strike to MyCole Pruitt after a Denver turnover.Gordon, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal in free agency, coughed up the ball at the Denver 23 on a hard hit by safety Kevin Byard, who leads the league with 17 interceptions since 2017 but had never forced a fumble. Jeffrey Simmons recovered for Tennessee.The Broncos failed to punch it in on three tries from the Titans 1 in the second quarter. Lock overthrew a wide-open Nick Vannett, Gordon was stuffed for no gain and Lock’s shovel pass to Jake Butt came up a yard short of the goal line.Butt was on the receiving end of Rashaan Evans’ punch that got the Titans linebacker ejected.There were no paying spectators but about 500 guests of players and coaches were in the stands as a sort of trial run for the Broncos’ next home game, against Brady and Tampa Bay in two weeks, when 5,700 fans will be allowed into the 70,000-seat Empower Field at Mile High.Lock missed having the home crowd’s energy in the fourth quarter.“Yeah, that would have been sweet,” he said. “It was definitely weird out there tonight. No noise. The timeouts, it was just quiet. I wanted to call the plays quiet in the huddle because I didn’t know if they could hear us.”

Poor clock management costs Broncos in opening night loss

Updated: 7:17 a.m. - Wednesday, September 16

🏐| High School Volleyball Scoreboard - Tuesday, September 15

F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mitchell def. Bayard, 25-21, 25-20, 14-25, 25-10 (3-1)

F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Edgemont, SD def. Hemingford, 25-14, 16-25, 25-20, 25-23 (3-1)

F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gordon-Rushville def. Crawford, 25-16, 25-15, 25-16 (3-0)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598923669137.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports DirectorUpdated: 7:17 a.m. - Wednesday, September 16🏐| High School Volleyball Scoreboard - Tuesday, September 15F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mitchell def. Bayard, 25-21, 25-20, 14-25, 25-10 (3-1)F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Edgemont, SD def. Hemingford, 25-14, 16-25, 25-20, 25-23 (3-1)F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gordon-Rushville def. Crawford, 25-16, 25-15, 25-16 (3-0)F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hay Springs def. Cody-Kilgore, 16-25, 25-10, 25-16 (2-1)F|&nbsp; Hay Springs def. Hyannis, 21-25, 25-20, 25-7 (2-1)❌ Gering at Scottsbluff - PPD to 9/22 (Covid-19)F| Chadron def. Bridgeport, 25-7, 25-7 (2-0)F|&nbsp; Sidney def. Bridgeport, 25-18, 22-25, 25-18 (2-1)F|&nbsp; Sidney def. Chadron, 24-26, 25-19, 25-19 (2-1)F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mullen def. Sutherland, 25-12, 28-17 (2-0)F|&nbsp; Mullen def. Wallace, 25-19, 25-23 (2-0)F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;North Platte def. Ogallala, 20-25, 25-14, 25-20 (2-1)F|&nbsp; Northwest def. Ogallala, 25-23, 25-20 (2-0)F|&nbsp; Sioux County def. Minatare, 25-17, 25-18 (2-0)F|&nbsp; Sioux County def. Morrill, 25-13, 25-9 (2-0)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600089279473.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>🥎| High School Softball Scoreboard - Tuesday, September 15F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chadron 6, Alliance 5F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gering 12, Chase County 0F|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;North Platte 11, Scottsbluff 5

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