Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will be conducting a planned power outage Wednesday, May 21 from midnight to approximately 3 a.m.

Crews are conducting the planned outage to repair a damaged substation component to ensure reliable operation of the substation and electric service to customers. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during this planned outage. In an effort to minimize impact to customers, we will be conducting the outage during the nighttime hours when electric use is minimal. This is not always an option when conducting planned outage work, but this outage will allow us to make repairs while most people are sleeping,” added NPPD Distribution Supervisor T.J. Rutledge.

NPPD will be contacting impacted customers prior to May 20 to notify them of the planned outage. If a customer has a question about the outage, they can call 1-877-ASK-NPPD.

By NPPDColumbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will be conducting a planned power outage Wednesday, May 21 from midnight to approximately 3 a.m.Crews are conducting the planned outage to repair a damaged substation component to ensure reliable operation of the substation and electric service to customers. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during this planned outage. In an effort to minimize impact to customers, we will be conducting the outage during the nighttime hours when electric use is minimal. This is not always an option when conducting planned outage work, but this outage will allow us to make repairs while most people are sleeping,” added NPPD Distribution Supervisor T.J. Rutledge.NPPD will be contacting impacted customers prior to May 20 to notify them of the planned outage. If a customer has a question about the outage, they can call 1-877-ASK-NPPD.

NPPD plans power outage 'after midnight' in Chadron

Congrats to the Crawford High School Class of 2025!&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://xp.audience.io/gallery/1773645?ref=ulink&amp;app_type=gallery&amp;share_type=">HERE</a> to view senior photos.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683564574035.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to the Crawford High School Class of 2025!&nbsp;Click <a href="https://xp.audience.io/gallery/1773645?ref=ulink&amp;app_type=gallery&amp;share_type=">HERE</a> to view senior photos.&nbsp;

Crawford High School graduates of 2025

Congrats to the Chadron High School Class of 2025!

Click <a href="https://xp.audience.io/gallery/1767802?ref=ulink&amp;app_type=gallery&amp;share_type=">HERE</a> to view senior photos.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572272230052.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Congrats to the Chadron High School Class of 2025!Click <a href="https://xp.audience.io/gallery/1767802?ref=ulink&amp;app_type=gallery&amp;share_type=">HERE</a> to view senior photos.&nbsp;

Chadron High School graduates of 2025 

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance invites the public to participate in reviewing the Region 23 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this mitigation plan is to lessen the effects of disasters by increasing the disaster resistance. By identifying the hazards that affect our community and prioritizing mitigation strategies, this will reduce potential loss of life and property damage from those hazards. For more information about this plan, visit this Google Drive link:

<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nt8_nFUng2j8dG6k-RH-9tEsdNV8psuH">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nt8_nFUng2j8dG6k-RH-9tEsdNV8psuH</a>

This plan is available for public comment from now to Monday, May 19, 2025. At the end of the Public Review Period, the completed plan will be submitted to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for final approval. All comments by the public can be sent to akohel@jeo.com.

For any questions, contact Seth Sorensen, City Manager, at (308) 762-5400.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The City of Alliance invites the public to participate in reviewing the Region 23 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this mitigation plan is to lessen the effects of disasters by increasing the disaster resistance. By identifying the hazards that affect our community and prioritizing mitigation strategies, this will reduce potential loss of life and property damage from those hazards. For more information about this plan, visit this Google Drive link:<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nt8_nFUng2j8dG6k-RH-9tEsdNV8psuH">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nt8_nFUng2j8dG6k-RH-9tEsdNV8psuH</a>This plan is available for public comment from now to Monday, May 19, 2025. At the end of the Public Review Period, the completed plan will be submitted to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for final approval. All comments by the public can be sent to akohel@jeo.com.For any questions, contact Seth Sorensen, City Manager, at (308) 762-5400.

City of Alliance invites the public in reviewing the Region 23 Hazard Mitigation Plan

Congrats to the Hay Springs High School Class of 2025! Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/18N2DP">https://ul.ink/18N2DP</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746635327484.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to the Hay Springs High School Class of 2025! Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/18N2DP">https://ul.ink/18N2DP</a>

Hay Springs High School graduates of 2025 

Congrats to the Hemingford High School Class of 2025!&nbsp; Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/RYFQ2">http</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/RYFQ2">s://ul.ink/RYFQ2</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620677413959.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to the Hemingford High School Class of 2025!&nbsp; Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/RYFQ2">http</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/RYFQ2">s://ul.ink/RYFQ2</a>

Hemingford High School graduates of 2025 

Congrats to the Alliance High School Class of 2025! Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/1MYG38">https://ul.ink/1MYG38</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665497483044.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to the Alliance High School Class of 2025! Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/1MYG38">https://ul.ink/1MYG38</a>

Alliance High School graduates of 2025 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are postponing tonight and tomorrow's musical performance of "The Little Shop of Horrors" until next week. The last two performances will be:

By Alliance Public SchoolsDue to unforeseen circumstances, we are postponing tonight and tomorrow's musical performance of "The Little Shop of Horrors" until next week. The last two performances will be:Friday, May 9th, at 7:00 PMSaturday, May 10th, at 1:00 PM

AHS 'Little Shop of Horrors' postponed 

Brandon and The Elevens will be performing at a ticketed Cattle Capital Cattlemen event in Alliance on Saturday, May 3 at the Westside Event Center at 7pm. You must have a paid for ticket to attend the concert.&nbsp;

All ages are welcome. Concert tickets at the door are $10 per person. &nbsp; Steak dinner at 6 p.m. and dance combination is $50 per person. Reservations required.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746120430815.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Brandon and The Elevens will be performing at a ticketed Cattle Capital Cattlemen event in Alliance on Saturday, May 3 at the Westside Event Center at 7pm. You must have a paid for ticket to attend the concert.&nbsp;All ages are welcome. Concert tickets at the door are $10 per person. &nbsp; Steak dinner at 6 p.m. and dance combination is $50 per person. Reservations required.&nbsp;<figure>
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Brandon and The Elevens to perform in Alliance at ticketed Cattle Capital event 

Alli and I will be performing in Alliance on Saturday, May 3 starting at 7pm at Tipsy Dixie's.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746119570436.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Alli and I will be performing in Alliance on Saturday, May 3 starting at 7pm at Tipsy Dixie's.&nbsp;

Alli and I to perform in Alliance 

Avid Dischord will be playing at Flyover Brewing in Scottsbluff on Satruday, May 3 from 6pm - 9pm.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746119895442.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Avid Dischord will be playing at Flyover Brewing in Scottsbluff on Satruday, May 3 from 6pm - 9pm.&nbsp;

Avid to play in Scottsbluff 

CHADRON, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Labor, in partnership with Nebraska VR, Dawes County Veterans Service Office, and the Hot Springs, S.D., VA, will host a Hiring Event and Veterans Stand Down on Thursday, May 29.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dawes County Fairgrounds, 300 E. Norfolk Ave., in Chadron. The hiring portion will run from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Stand Down will offer essential supplies for veterans, including blankets, coats, duffle bags and more, provided by the Hot Springs VA. A variety of support resources will also be available, such as caregiver support, homeless services, suicide prevention, intimate partner violence assistance, and veterans justice outreach.

<figure>
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746029265365.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>CHADRON, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Labor, in partnership with Nebraska VR, Dawes County Veterans Service Office, and the Hot Springs, S.D., VA, will host a Hiring Event and Veterans Stand Down on Thursday, May 29.The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dawes County Fairgrounds, 300 E. Norfolk Ave., in Chadron. The hiring portion will run from 1 to 3 p.m.The Stand Down will offer essential supplies for veterans, including blankets, coats, duffle bags and more, provided by the Hot Springs VA. A variety of support resources will also be available, such as caregiver support, homeless services, suicide prevention, intimate partner violence assistance, and veterans justice outreach.

Chadron to host Job Fair and Stand Down Event for Veterans

A spaghetti feed benefit will be held at the Hemingford American Legion on Sunday, April 27 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. for the Roger and Dixie Bussey family.&nbsp;

The family recently lost belongings in a house fire.&nbsp;

The legion is asking the public to bring a dessert or salad if you wish to help.&nbsp;

There will be a silent auction to help the family at the event as well.&nbsp;

By Panhandle PostA spaghetti feed benefit will be held at the Hemingford American Legion on Sunday, April 27 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. for the Roger and Dixie Bussey family.&nbsp;The family recently lost belongings in a house fire.&nbsp;The legion is asking the public to bring a dessert or salad if you wish to help.&nbsp;There will be a silent auction to help the family at the event as well.&nbsp;

Benefit to be held for Hemingford family 

Super Dope will perform at The Gathering Spot in Alliance on Saturday, April 26 starting at 9pm.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745507815779.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Super Dope will perform at The Gathering Spot in Alliance on Saturday, April 26 starting at 9pm.&nbsp;

Super Dope returns to Alliance 

Loaded Dice, Avid Dischord, Donny O &amp; the Trouble Makers will perform at the Midwest Theater's "Live and Local" in Scottsbluff on Thursday, April 24 starting at 6pm.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745507588791.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Loaded Dice, Avid Dischord, Donny O &amp; the Trouble Makers will perform at the Midwest Theater's "Live and Local" in Scottsbluff on Thursday, April 24 starting at 6pm.&nbsp;

Loaded Dice, Avid, Donny O & the Trouble Makers to play in Scottsbluff

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SWANN Board of Directors meeting to be held in Chadron 

Easter Celebration to be performed twice by Alliance Community Choir 

Alliance High School will be hosting the annual Alliance track meet on Thursday, April 17, 2025.&nbsp; At this meet we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1975 class B state championship team.&nbsp; Athletes, coaches and family members of the 1975 championship team will be honored with a ceremonial lap around the track during the intermission of the track events.&nbsp; We hope many interested community members and family will be able to attend and celebrate this fine group of athletes and coaches.

By Alliance Public SchoolsAlliance High School will be hosting the annual Alliance track meet on Thursday, April 17, 2025.&nbsp; At this meet we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1975 class B state championship team.&nbsp; Athletes, coaches and family members of the 1975 championship team will be honored with a ceremonial lap around the track during the intermission of the track events.&nbsp; We hope many interested community members and family will be able to attend and celebrate this fine group of athletes and coaches.

Alliance High celebrates 50th anniversary - 1975 Class B State Championship Team

On Thursday, April 17 th , the Alliance Police Department will host its next Community Forum at the Knight Museum. 

The forum will begin at 6pm and last for approximately one hour.

 Members of the Alliance community are encouraged to attend, On the agenda will be updates from the police department as well as an opportunity for citizens to share their concerns. Light refreshments will be provided.

By Alliance Police DepartmentOn Thursday, April 17 th , the Alliance Police Department will host its next Community Forum at the Knight Museum. The forum will begin at 6pm and last for approximately one hour. Members of the Alliance community are encouraged to attend, On the agenda will be updates from the police department as well as an opportunity for citizens to share their concerns. Light refreshments will be provided.

Alliance police to hold community forum 

Brandon Ulmer and The Elevens to play in Torrington, WY

Josh Hoyer to perform in Scottsbluff 

Alliance, NE – Red Cross swim lessons will once again be conducted at Big Blue Bay this summer. The 2025 schedule was developed with the expectation that staffing levels will be adequate to offer all sessions.

Registration for lessons will begin on Saturday, April 12 th at the Knight Museum, located at 908 Yellowstone Ave. in the Theatre Room, from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Sign-ups will continue to be available through May 23 rd as class space allows. Payment of $30 per child is required at the time of registration. To expedite the process, the registration form is on the City’s website at www.cityofalliance.net. Go to departments, click on Parks and Recreation, then Big Blue Bay Outdoor Pool. You will find the form under swim lessons. Complete the form and bring it with you to the Knight Museum. THERE WILL BE NO EARLY REGISTRATIONS AND NO PHONE REGISTRATIONS.

May 23 rd is the last day we will accept registrations. Please feel free to contact the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center with questions at 308-762-2384.

The following dates have been assigned for each level:

Level One – June 9 through June 13 July 14 through July 18

Level Two – June 16 through June 21 July 21 through July 26

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Red Cross swim lessons will once again be conducted at Big Blue Bay this summer. The 2025 schedule was developed with the expectation that staffing levels will be adequate to offer all sessions.Registration for lessons will begin on Saturday, April 12 th at the Knight Museum, located at 908 Yellowstone Ave. in the Theatre Room, from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Sign-ups will continue to be available through May 23 rd as class space allows. Payment of $30 per child is required at the time of registration. To expedite the process, the registration form is on the City’s website at www.cityofalliance.net. Go to departments, click on Parks and Recreation, then Big Blue Bay Outdoor Pool. You will find the form under swim lessons. Complete the form and bring it with you to the Knight Museum. THERE WILL BE NO EARLY REGISTRATIONS AND NO PHONE REGISTRATIONS.May 23 rd is the last day we will accept registrations. Please feel free to contact the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center with questions at 308-762-2384.The following dates have been assigned for each level:5 year olds – July 7 through July 11Level One – June 9 through June 13 July 14 through July 18Level Two – June 16 through June 21 July 21 through July 26

Big Blue Bay swim lessons schedule in Alliance

Construction has begun on new amenities at Frye Lake and Avocet Lake near Hyannis. If all goes according to schedule, anglers will have an easier time launching boats at both locations by the end of the summer.

Joe Rydell, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission northwest district fisheries manager, said the two Sandhills lakes on state wildlife management areas are easily accessible from paved highways, but getting on them for fishing and hunting is often challenging because of fluctuating water levels, thick shoreline vegetation and a gentle slope not conducive for launching boats.

For both locations, Game and Parks has hired contractors to improve the parking areas and install concrete boat ramps and docks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A new vault toilet also will be installed at Frye.

The new ramps will be built on elevated peninsulas that extend into the lake, which will be functional for varying water levels.

The construction is beginning at 120-acre Avocet Lake just east of Hyannis. The east access point, the location of the new ramp, will be closed during construction, but anglers will be able to use the middle and west access sites.&nbsp;

The 243-acre Frye Lake just north of town will remain accessible while the Avocet boat ramp is being constructed, but parking may be limited. Trucks will be coming in and out as they remove soil from Frye to be used at the Avocet project.

When Avocet is complete, Frye Lake access will be closed to the public until its improvements are finished.

Funding is provided through the Recreational Boating Safety grant program managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, with matching funds from the Game and Parks game cash fund. The total construction cost for both locations is $690,000.

Last year, Game and Parks employees also made improvements at DeFair Wildlife Management Area, the site of the 70-acre lake 2 miles south of Hyannis. They added rock to the boat launch and parking area and constructed two new cattle guards at the fence crossings.

By Nebraska Game and ParksConstruction has begun on new amenities at Frye Lake and Avocet Lake near Hyannis. If all goes according to schedule, anglers will have an easier time launching boats at both locations by the end of the summer.Joe Rydell, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission northwest district fisheries manager, said the two Sandhills lakes on state wildlife management areas are easily accessible from paved highways, but getting on them for fishing and hunting is often challenging because of fluctuating water levels, thick shoreline vegetation and a gentle slope not conducive for launching boats.For both locations, Game and Parks has hired contractors to improve the parking areas and install concrete boat ramps and docks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A new vault toilet also will be installed at Frye.The new ramps will be built on elevated peninsulas that extend into the lake, which will be functional for varying water levels.The construction is beginning at 120-acre Avocet Lake just east of Hyannis. The east access point, the location of the new ramp, will be closed during construction, but anglers will be able to use the middle and west access sites.&nbsp;The 243-acre Frye Lake just north of town will remain accessible while the Avocet boat ramp is being constructed, but parking may be limited. Trucks will be coming in and out as they remove soil from Frye to be used at the Avocet project.When Avocet is complete, Frye Lake access will be closed to the public until its improvements are finished.Funding is provided through the Recreational Boating Safety grant program managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, with matching funds from the Game and Parks game cash fund. The total construction cost for both locations is $690,000.Last year, Game and Parks employees also made improvements at DeFair Wildlife Management Area, the site of the 70-acre lake 2 miles south of Hyannis. They added rock to the boat launch and parking area and constructed two new cattle guards at the fence crossings.

Construction begins at Hyannis area lakes

SWANN special board meeting to be held 

CHADRON, Neb. — The community is invited to celebrate Easter at a Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Camp Norwesca, located at 79 Camp Norwesca Rd., Chadron, NE.

The Chadron United Methodist Church (UMC) will hold the service beginning at 6:30 a.m., providing an opportunity for reflection and worship as the sun rises.

Following the service, attendees can enjoy a free-will donation breakfast prepared by the Chadron United Methodist Men.

A large Easter egg hunt and opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny will take place after the service, offering fun for families and children.

CHADRON, Neb. — The community is invited to celebrate Easter at a Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Camp Norwesca, located at 79 Camp Norwesca Rd., Chadron, NE.The Chadron United Methodist Church (UMC) will hold the service beginning at 6:30 a.m., providing an opportunity for reflection and worship as the sun rises.Following the service, attendees can enjoy a free-will donation breakfast prepared by the Chadron United Methodist Men.A large Easter egg hunt and opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny will take place after the service, offering fun for families and children.<figure>
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