🏀 Nebraska High School Girls Sub-District Playoff Brackets

#1 Chadron vs. #4 Gordon/Rushville - 5:00

#1 Sioux County vs. #4 Hay Springs - 5:00

<h2>🏀 Nebraska High School Girls Sub-District Playoff Brackets</h2><h2>B-8 at Sidney High School</h2>Monday, February 17#1 Sidney 59, #4 Alliance 23#2 Scottsbluff vs. #3 Gering - 7:00Tuesday, February 18Championship: Sidney vs TBA - 6:00<h2>C1-12 - at Bridgeport High School</h2>Tuesday, February 18#1 Chadron vs. #4 Gordon/Rushville - 5:00#2 Ogallala vs. #3 Mitchell - 6:30Thursday, February 20Championship - 6:30<h2>C2-12 - at Gering High School</h2>Tuesday, February 18#1 Bridgeport vs. #4 Hemingford - 5:30#2 Morrill vs. #3 Bayard - 7:00Thursday, February 20Championship - 7:00<h2>D1-12 - at Prairie View (Ogallala)</h2>Tuesday, February 18#1 South Platte vs. #4 Sutherland - 5:00#2 Kimball vs. #3 Perkins County - 6:30Thursday, February 20Championship - 6:30<h2>D2-11 - at Chadron State College</h2>Tuesday, February 18#1 Sioux County vs. #4 Hay Springs - 5:00#2 Cody-Kilgore vs. #3 Crawford - 6:30Thursday, February 20Championship - 6:00<h2>D2-12 - at Sidney Middle School</h2>Monday, February 17#5 Potter-Dix vs. #4 Leyton - 6:00Tuesday, February 18#1 Leyton vs. CV/PD Winner - 5:30#2 Garden County vs. #3 Minatare 7:00Thursday, February 20Championship - 6:00Source: NSAA

Update: 🏀 Nebraska High School Girls Sub-District Playoffs

Local business closing in downtown Alliance 

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Officials at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha say they have received 13 people from a cruise ship in Japan where coronavirus has spread as part of a larger group of American citizens brought back to the U.S. Chris Kratochvil, an executive director of the Global Center for Health Security at the medical center, says Monday that 12 of the people are in quarantine. 

They currently have no symptoms of the coronavirus. 

One man is in a bio-containment unit to receive a higher level of care. 

The new patients came as 57 US evacuees continued to be quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base&nbsp;

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Officials at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha say they have received 13 people from a cruise ship in Japan where coronavirus has spread as part of a larger group of American citizens brought back to the U.S. Chris Kratochvil, an executive director of the Global Center for Health Security at the medical center, says Monday that 12 of the people are in quarantine. They currently have no symptoms of the coronavirus. One man is in a bio-containment unit to receive a higher level of care. The new patients came as 57 US evacuees continued to be quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base&nbsp;

13 cruise passengers exposed to coronavirus flown to Omaha

BBGH employee of the month: Kaitlyn Stabnow

By Nicole&nbsp;Forney, City of Chadron

The City of Chadron has declared a snow emergency for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 18, 2020. 

Effective from 2:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and will remain in effect until further notice, or when all the snow in the streets has been removed. When a snow emergency has been declared all vehicles, trailers and obstructions must be removed from the designated snow emergency routes. 

Vehicles, trailers or obstructions remaining on the routes may be ticketed or towed at the owners' expense. 

More information about the snow emergency routes is available on the city website, <a href="http://www.chadron-nebraska.com">www.chadron-nebraska.com</a>

By Nicole&nbsp;Forney, City of ChadronThe City of Chadron has declared a snow emergency for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 18, 2020. Effective from 2:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and will remain in effect until further notice, or when all the snow in the streets has been removed. When a snow emergency has been declared all vehicles, trailers and obstructions must be removed from the designated snow emergency routes. Vehicles, trailers or obstructions remaining on the routes may be ticketed or towed at the owners' expense. More information about the snow emergency routes is available on the city website, <a href="http://www.chadron-nebraska.com">www.chadron-nebraska.com</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581970133852.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

City of Chadron declares snow emergency 

By Tena L. Cook, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – The Chadron State College Theatre department is presenting two shows in the spring semester that both deal with the supernatural. “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen opens Feb. 20 and runs through Feb. 23. “The Great Beyond” and “The Ghost of Splinter Cove,” a combined show, will be April 23-26. Tickets are free and the productions will be in the Black Box Theatre. All performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. except the Sunday 2 p.m. matinees. Tickets are required and can be reserved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/theatre/seatreservation/index.csc" target="_blank">online</a>.

Professor Scott Cavin invited Jennifer Poarch to be the Artist in Residence this semester after observing her work at the Post Playhouse, a summer theatre at Fort Robinson State Park west of Crawford, Nebraska. Cavin, Technical Director at the Post Playhouse, said he was impressed with Poarch’s directing, choreographing, managing, and acting over the past five

“Watching her work with actors, how they listened to her, and the patience she showed, I knew she would be a good fit for what we are doing at CSC. Her work there directly relates to our program,” Cavin said.

He said the students will benefit by learning from Poarch what it takes to succeed in theatre, both in the classroom and in outside conversations. Poarch echoed that sentiment offering her assistance to CSC students as a link in their networking efforts.

“I look forward to helping them build their confidence and enhance and improve their communication, not only on stage, but at any job and in their relationships,” Poarch said. “They’ve been friendly, giving great feedback, and they are eager to answer my questions about campus. They have a lot of talent, on and off the stage.”

Poarch managed auditions for the spring shows and will be directing and managing the rehearsals for both productions. In addition, she is teaching Stage Combat (TH 441) and Voice and Movement for the Actor (TH 327). She is certified in hand-to-hand, rapier, and quarterstaff combat for theatre. She earned what she describes as a well-rounded bachelor’s degree from Lees-McRae College including stage work, directing, and technical aspects such as lights, sound, costumes, sets, and props. Although she has taught master classes and two-week long camps, this residency will be the longest teaching engagement she has had in the last 15 years.

“It was a bonus and a blessing that it worked out this way,” Poarch said. “Chadron is a quaint little town that I will call home for four months,” Poarch said.

“She Kills Monsters” is set in 1995, in Athens, Ohio, and the imaginary land of New Landia. The lead character Agnes, 24, has lost her family becomes aware of new realizations about her family dynamics while playing a module in Dungeons and Dragons.

“It’s funny and tearful. Reality and fantasy are combined. You could call it a dramedy, a comedy with heartwarming moments. It address issues such as grief, loss, sexuality, and bullying. It’s exciting with a lot of combat,” Poarch said.

Not only did Poarch bring decades of experience with her, but Cavin took her suggestion to bring “The Ghost of Splinter Cove” and ”The Great Beyond” to campus in April. Written by Steven Dietz, who has ties to Nebraska, the plays have only been performed once, in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Poarch’s family lives. She watched the debut performance of “The Great Beyond” in the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and “The Ghost of Splinter Cove” in the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, where she will work in May after completing her commitment at CSC.

Poarch said the plot of “The Great Beyond” involves two adult sisters who are dealing with the loss of their father. The partner of one of the sisters conducts a séance to try to contact the spirt of their dead father. In “The Ghost of Splinter Cove,” the children of the adults upstairs in “The Great Beyond,” are playing in the basement, pretending they are on a camping trip, telling mysterious stories.

Agnes: Courtney Smith, Rock Springs, Wyo.

Tilly: Shanie Hollenbeck, Estelline, S.D.

Vera:&nbsp; Cynthia Clark, Scottsbluff, Neb.

Evil Gabby: Taylee Neefe, Hemingford, Neb.

Evil Tina: Alyssa Jensen, Spearfish, S.D.

Narrator/Farrah the Fairy: Jacob Jensen, Tekamah, Neb.

Steve: Caleb Twite, White River, S.D.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monsters: Konrad Behrens, Grand Junction, Colo. and Trajan Garcia, Alliance, Neb.

Stage Manager: Kyeisha Garza, Scottsbluff, Neb.

Assistant Stage Manager: Christopher Lidgett, Norfolk, Neb.

Costume Shop Manager: Brittney Peters, Rapid City, S.D.

Hair and Makeup: Casey Kukowski, Pine Bluffs, Wyo.

Dresser:&nbsp; Cheyenne Bacon, Ogallala, Neb.

Light Board, Sound Board, and Production Assistant: Jacqueline Dailey, Chadron

Monica: Shanie Hollenbeck, Estelline, S.D.

Rex: Konrad Behrens, Grand Junction, C.O.

Stage Management: Courtney Smith, Rock Springs, Wyo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581961826901.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Tena L. Cook, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – The Chadron State College Theatre department is presenting two shows in the spring semester that both deal with the supernatural. “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen opens Feb. 20 and runs through Feb. 23. “The Great Beyond” and “The Ghost of Splinter Cove,” a combined show, will be April 23-26. Tickets are free and the productions will be in the Black Box Theatre. All performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. except the Sunday 2 p.m. matinees. Tickets are required and can be reserved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/theatre/seatreservation/index.csc" target="_blank">online</a>.Professor Scott Cavin invited Jennifer Poarch to be the Artist in Residence this semester after observing her work at the Post Playhouse, a summer theatre at Fort Robinson State Park west of Crawford, Nebraska. Cavin, Technical Director at the Post Playhouse, said he was impressed with Poarch’s directing, choreographing, managing, and acting over the past five“Watching her work with actors, how they listened to her, and the patience she showed, I knew she would be a good fit for what we are doing at CSC. Her work there directly relates to our program,” Cavin said.He said the students will benefit by learning from Poarch what it takes to succeed in theatre, both in the classroom and in outside conversations. Poarch echoed that sentiment offering her assistance to CSC students as a link in their networking efforts.“I look forward to helping them build their confidence and enhance and improve their communication, not only on stage, but at any job and in their relationships,” Poarch said. “They’ve been friendly, giving great feedback, and they are eager to answer my questions about campus. They have a lot of talent, on and off the stage.”Poarch managed auditions for the spring shows and will be directing and managing the rehearsals for both productions. In addition, she is teaching Stage Combat (TH 441) and Voice and Movement for the Actor (TH 327). She is certified in hand-to-hand, rapier, and quarterstaff combat for theatre. She earned what she describes as a well-rounded bachelor’s degree from Lees-McRae College including stage work, directing, and technical aspects such as lights, sound, costumes, sets, and props. Although she has taught master classes and two-week long camps, this residency will be the longest teaching engagement she has had in the last 15 years.“It was a bonus and a blessing that it worked out this way,” Poarch said. “Chadron is a quaint little town that I will call home for four months,” Poarch said.“She Kills Monsters” is set in 1995, in Athens, Ohio, and the imaginary land of New Landia. The lead character Agnes, 24, has lost her family becomes aware of new realizations about her family dynamics while playing a module in Dungeons and Dragons.“It’s funny and tearful. Reality and fantasy are combined. You could call it a dramedy, a comedy with heartwarming moments. It address issues such as grief, loss, sexuality, and bullying. It’s exciting with a lot of combat,” Poarch said.Not only did Poarch bring decades of experience with her, but Cavin took her suggestion to bring “The Ghost of Splinter Cove” and ”The Great Beyond” to campus in April. Written by Steven Dietz, who has ties to Nebraska, the plays have only been performed once, in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Poarch’s family lives. She watched the debut performance of “The Great Beyond” in the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and “The Ghost of Splinter Cove” in the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, where she will work in May after completing her commitment at CSC.Poarch said the plot of “The Great Beyond” involves two adult sisters who are dealing with the loss of their father. The partner of one of the sisters conducts a séance to try to contact the spirt of their dead father. In “The Ghost of Splinter Cove,” the children of the adults upstairs in “The Great Beyond,” are playing in the basement, pretending they are on a camping trip, telling mysterious stories.She Kills MonstersCastAgnes: Courtney Smith, Rock Springs, Wyo.Tilly: Shanie Hollenbeck, Estelline, S.D.Chuck: Jarret Buchholz, Arnold, Neb.Miles: Zack Wellnitz, Rushville, Neb.Kaliope: Mikayla Ames, ChadronLilith: Brittney Palmer, ChadronOrcus: Levi O'Dell, Piedmont, Neb.Vera:&nbsp; Cynthia Clark, Scottsbluff, Neb.Evil Gabby: Taylee Neefe, Hemingford, Neb.Evil Tina: Alyssa Jensen, Spearfish, S.D.Narrator/Farrah the Fairy: Jacob Jensen, Tekamah, Neb.Steve: Caleb Twite, White River, S.D.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monsters: Konrad Behrens, Grand Junction, Colo. and Trajan Garcia, Alliance, Neb.CrewStage Manager: Kyeisha Garza, Scottsbluff, Neb.Assistant Stage Manager: Christopher Lidgett, Norfolk, Neb.Costume Shop Manager: Brittney Peters, Rapid City, S.D.Hair and Makeup: Casey Kukowski, Pine Bluffs, Wyo.Dresser:&nbsp; Cheyenne Bacon, Ogallala, Neb.Light Board, Sound Board, and Production Assistant: Jacqueline Dailey, ChadronSet and Light CrewEric Reitcheck, CSC StaffCourtney Smith, Rock Springs, Wyo.Shanie Hollenbeck, Estelline, S.D.Autumn Hartwig, Dalton, Neb.Trajan Garcia, Alliance Neb.Kyeisha Garza, Scottsbluff, Neb.Ryan Arab, Carrolton, TexasWilliam Jaeke, Arvada, C.O.Samuel LaRive, Hot Springs, S.D.Chris Lidgett, Norfolk, Neb.Jarret Buchholz, Arnold, Neb.Zack Wellnitz, Rushville, Neb.Levi O’Dell, Piedmont, S.D.Caleb Twite, White River, S.D.Madison Kinney, Gering, Neb.Mia MacDonald, Cheyenne, Wyo.Costume CrewShanie Hollenbeck, Estelline, S.D.Casey Kukowski, Pine Bluffs, Wyo.Ruhammah LaGarry, Chadron, Neb.Jodell Schulte, Scottsbluff, Neb.Alyssa Jensen, Spearfish, S.D.Cynthia Clark, Scottsbluff, Neb.Daria Dart, Hastings, Neb.Cheyenne Bacon, Ogallala, Neb.Ezra Hare, ChadronThe Great BeyondCastMonica: Shanie Hollenbeck, Estelline, S.D.Rex: Konrad Behrens, Grand Junction, C.O.Rene: Elizabeth Brown, Wilsonville, Neb.Emily: Cheyenne Bacon, Ogallala, Neb.The Ghost of Splinter CoveCastCora: Mikayla Ames, Chadron, Neb.Sydney: Kyeisha Garza, Scottsbluff, Neb.Nate: Coleton Bevins, Gering, Neb.J: Trajan Garcia, Alliance, Neb.Tobias: Ezra Hare, Chadron, Neb.CrewStage Management: Courtney Smith, Rock Springs, Wyo.

Chadron spring theatre season includes new Artist in Residence

The Panhandle Area Development District (PADD) is two years into receiving funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help communities in the 11 counties of the panhandle to redevelop potential brownfield sites.

Brownfields are properties with a real or perceived presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant which may hinder the redevelopment of reuse of the property. These properties may have previously been used as a factory, packing plant, or industrial site and may possibly be contaminated from leftover by-products from its original use.

These funds have assisted with the completion of Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) on seven properties so far. ESA’s can happen in two phases. A Phase I site assessment looks at the historical use of the property and gives the owner or prospective buyer a recommendation on whether further testing is needed.

If the recommendation for further testing is indicated from the Phase I, the owner or buyer can decide whether or not to have a Phase II assessment done. A Phase II site assessment conducts tests on the property to determine the presence of hazards, contaminants or pollutants.

The information gathered from a Phase I or Phase II site assessment will give owners or prospective buyers the knowledge of the true story of the property. This information can help sell or redevelop the building or property for reuse.

PADD is ready to assist more property owners and interested developers with Phase I and Phase II site assessments. Interested property owners should contact PADD to complete an access agreement and a brownfields funding application.

For more information on brownfields assessment funding, contact Megan Koppenhafer, Community Planner at PADD as 308-633-6829 or at megank@nepadd.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581954808165.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Panhandle Area Development District (PADD) is two years into receiving funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help communities in the 11 counties of the panhandle to redevelop potential brownfield sites.Brownfields are properties with a real or perceived presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant which may hinder the redevelopment of reuse of the property. These properties may have previously been used as a factory, packing plant, or industrial site and may possibly be contaminated from leftover by-products from its original use.These funds have assisted with the completion of Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) on seven properties so far. ESA’s can happen in two phases. A Phase I site assessment looks at the historical use of the property and gives the owner or prospective buyer a recommendation on whether further testing is needed.If the recommendation for further testing is indicated from the Phase I, the owner or buyer can decide whether or not to have a Phase II assessment done. A Phase II site assessment conducts tests on the property to determine the presence of hazards, contaminants or pollutants.The information gathered from a Phase I or Phase II site assessment will give owners or prospective buyers the knowledge of the true story of the property. This information can help sell or redevelop the building or property for reuse.PADD is ready to assist more property owners and interested developers with Phase I and Phase II site assessments. Interested property owners should contact PADD to complete an access agreement and a brownfields funding application.For more information on brownfields assessment funding, contact Megan Koppenhafer, Community Planner at PADD as 308-633-6829 or at megank@nepadd.com.

Panhandle Area Development District seeking applicants for assessment funds

By Chris O. Ford, Nebraska Department of Transportation&nbsp;

The portions of I-80 and Hwy 30 that were closed at the request of WYDOT are now open.  Be prepared for larger than normal volumes of west bound I-80 traffic until all the closure traffic clears.&nbsp;

WYDOT is saying the closure will last at least 8 to 10 more hours. 

 We will update this when we have more information. 

 Blizzard like conditions exist west of Cheyenne and the winds are forecast to be very strong all day.

At the request of Wyoming Department of Transportation we have closed I-80 and Hwy 30 to westbound traffic into Wyoming.&nbsp; 

The closure is due to severe weather west of Cheyenne and right now Cheyenne is at full capacity for trucks and travelers.&nbsp; 

The closure is now at Sidney but will be moving back to Big Springs at 9:00 mountain time. &nbsp;

East bound I-80 traffic will remain open at this time.&nbsp; 

WYDOT officials say this closure will need to remain in place until at least 9:00 am mountain tomorrow – with the possibility of the closure going longer.&nbsp;

By Chris O. Ford, Nebraska Department of Transportation&nbsp;1:05 p.m. UPDATE:The portions of I-80 and Hwy 30 that were closed at the request of WYDOT are now open. Be prepared for larger than normal volumes of west bound I-80 traffic until all the closure traffic clears.&nbsp;7:40 a.m. UPDATE:WYDOT is saying the closure will last at least 8 to 10 more hours. We will update this when we have more information. Blizzard like conditions exist west of Cheyenne and the winds are forecast to be very strong all day.Feb. 17 7:30 p.m. UPDATE:At the request of Wyoming Department of Transportation we have closed I-80 and Hwy 30 to westbound traffic into Wyoming.&nbsp; The closure is due to severe weather west of Cheyenne and right now Cheyenne is at full capacity for trucks and travelers.&nbsp; The closure is now at Sidney but will be moving back to Big Springs at 9:00 mountain time. &nbsp;East bound I-80 traffic will remain open at this time.&nbsp; WYDOT officials say this closure will need to remain in place until at least 9:00 am mountain tomorrow – with the possibility of the closure going longer.&nbsp;

UPDATE: I-80, Highway 30 closed westbound into WY

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A sudden and puzzling increase in violence and escapes at Nebraska's two state-run homes for high-risk juvenile offenders has prompted officials to move some of the teenagers to other facilities and to consider spending millions of dollars on upgrades intended to enhance safety.

The incidents at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers in central Nebraska, including an outburst that sent two employees to the hospital after a group of boys beat them with pieces of a metal bed frame, has shocked state officials, legislators and parents.

"It's dangerous," said state Sen. Sara Howard, who has taken a leading watchdog role over the facilities. "The people who are there, they want to work with kids. But if it's not safe to do it, why would you stay?"

The complaints about the youth facility call to mind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/40a6e31199c64f26ac77c6813bd7891c" target="_blank">problems Nebraska has had</a>&nbsp;at its adult prisons, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/10dec9b3b47d41d28a467584645660e1/Disturbance-leaves-2-inmates-dead-at-Nebraska-prison" target="_blank">four people have died</a>&nbsp;in the past five years amid riots and other altercations.

But whereas the prison problems have been largely blamed on staffing shortages and training issues, there has been more confusion about the problems at the juvenile centers.

The Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers were created to serve juveniles ages 14-18 who have broken the law and been rejected by other private treatment facilities.

There were two main campuses in central Nebraska - one in Kearney for boys and one in Geneva for girls - until last month, when state officials revamped the system in response to the recent outbursts. The new system uses Kearney as the main campus for processing boys and girls, while the Geneva campus will treat lower-risk girls in a less restrictive environment. A third campus in Lincoln will serve higher-risk boys and girls who don't respond to treatment at Kearney.

Officials who oversee the facilities said the uptick has been driven partly by youths with a history of violence and who often suffer from severe behavioral and mental health problems. But some parents with children at the lockups say they are chaotic and are plagued by poor communication, a lack of rehabilitative programs and constant power struggles between staff members and the youth.

"It's a mess," said Prudence Waters, whose 17-year-old daughter is being held at the Kearney facility. "How is she supposed to succeed and get on the right path when there's so much chaos every day?"

Tensions at a girls' facility rose to a boil in August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3c703d94d5c446889f6ed77c962c692d" target="_blank">after girls broke sprinkler heads in a sleeping area</a>. Other girls complained that the water-damaged rooms where they were supposed to sleep smelled of mold and mildew, leading to a confrontation with staff members. Lawmakers who investigated days later found fire hazards, holes in the wall and water damage in campus buildings. They also were told that many of the girls weren't getting rehabilitative programming to deal with their anger or the trauma they had experienced.

The boys' facility in Kearney has faced problems of its own, with at least 39 confirmed escapes this year, up from four in 2018. The number surged despite a 10-foot-high chain-link fence that officials installed in July to deter escapes. Some child advocacy groups criticized the fence, saying it would create a prison-like atmosphere instead of focusing on rehabilitation. Other critics argued that boys at the facility would see the fence as a challenge to overcome.

Earlier this month, boys who were trying to escape from their barracks-style living units attacked employees who confronted them and sent at least two to the hospital.

"The kids we're seeing are kids who are far more troubled," said Dannette Smith, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. "We're not talking about children who shoplift. We're talking about children who have had trauma and have had a significant criminal history."

Smith said the more violent youths will be moved to a different state facility in Lincoln because they require more treatment than what the Kearney facility can provide. She also noted several steps the agency is taking to try to fix the problems, such as placing managers at the facility 24 hours a day and hiring more staff.

State Sen. John Lowe, whose district includes the Kearney facility, said he believes gang violence may play a role. Although most of the youths in custody don't cause problems, Lowe said staffers have told him that the most violent ones are "tougher and more hardened" than juveniles in the past.

Robin Smith, a longtime employee at the Kearney facility, said the violence began escalating several years ago with new administrators who hindered the ability of staff to discipline or restrain youths when they misbehave.

"They want staff to be nice to the kids, to be their buddies, and the kids take advantage of it," he said.

Key lawmakers said they were worried about the recent incidents and argued that a lack of support services and staffing was largely to blame.

Howard, the chairwoman of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, has proposed an additional $3 million in spending to build protective dormitories at the Youth Rehabilitation Center in Kearney.

The union that represents facility employees said its biggest concern is the number of staffers available to deal with the juveniles.

"Our folks are frustrated with the management because there doesn't seem to be any will to deal with this," said Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees.

Hubly said the problem is exacerbated by low pay and excessive overtime for workers, who then quit their jobs because they don't want to deal with the hassle.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A sudden and puzzling increase in violence and escapes at Nebraska's two state-run homes for high-risk juvenile offenders has prompted officials to move some of the teenagers to other facilities and to consider spending millions of dollars on upgrades intended to enhance safety.The incidents at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers in central Nebraska, including an outburst that sent two employees to the hospital after a group of boys beat them with pieces of a metal bed frame, has shocked state officials, legislators and parents."It's dangerous," said state Sen. Sara Howard, who has taken a leading watchdog role over the facilities. "The people who are there, they want to work with kids. But if it's not safe to do it, why would you stay?"The complaints about the youth facility call to mind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/40a6e31199c64f26ac77c6813bd7891c" target="_blank">problems Nebraska has had</a>&nbsp;at its adult prisons, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/10dec9b3b47d41d28a467584645660e1/Disturbance-leaves-2-inmates-dead-at-Nebraska-prison" target="_blank">four people have died</a>&nbsp;in the past five years amid riots and other altercations.But whereas the prison problems have been largely blamed on staffing shortages and training issues, there has been more confusion about the problems at the juvenile centers.The Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers were created to serve juveniles ages 14-18 who have broken the law and been rejected by other private treatment facilities.There were two main campuses in central Nebraska - one in Kearney for boys and one in Geneva for girls - until last month, when state officials revamped the system in response to the recent outbursts. The new system uses Kearney as the main campus for processing boys and girls, while the Geneva campus will treat lower-risk girls in a less restrictive environment. A third campus in Lincoln will serve higher-risk boys and girls who don't respond to treatment at Kearney.Officials who oversee the facilities said the uptick has been driven partly by youths with a history of violence and who often suffer from severe behavioral and mental health problems. But some parents with children at the lockups say they are chaotic and are plagued by poor communication, a lack of rehabilitative programs and constant power struggles between staff members and the youth."It's a mess," said Prudence Waters, whose 17-year-old daughter is being held at the Kearney facility. "How is she supposed to succeed and get on the right path when there's so much chaos every day?"Tensions at a girls' facility rose to a boil in August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3c703d94d5c446889f6ed77c962c692d" target="_blank">after girls broke sprinkler heads in a sleeping area</a>. Other girls complained that the water-damaged rooms where they were supposed to sleep smelled of mold and mildew, leading to a confrontation with staff members. Lawmakers who investigated days later found fire hazards, holes in the wall and water damage in campus buildings. They also were told that many of the girls weren't getting rehabilitative programming to deal with their anger or the trauma they had experienced.The boys' facility in Kearney has faced problems of its own, with at least 39 confirmed escapes this year, up from four in 2018. The number surged despite a 10-foot-high chain-link fence that officials installed in July to deter escapes. Some child advocacy groups criticized the fence, saying it would create a prison-like atmosphere instead of focusing on rehabilitation. Other critics argued that boys at the facility would see the fence as a challenge to overcome.Earlier this month, boys who were trying to escape from their barracks-style living units attacked employees who confronted them and sent at least two to the hospital."The kids we're seeing are kids who are far more troubled," said Dannette Smith, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. "We're not talking about children who shoplift. We're talking about children who have had trauma and have had a significant criminal history."Smith said the more violent youths will be moved to a different state facility in Lincoln because they require more treatment than what the Kearney facility can provide. She also noted several steps the agency is taking to try to fix the problems, such as placing managers at the facility 24 hours a day and hiring more staff.State Sen. John Lowe, whose district includes the Kearney facility, said he believes gang violence may play a role. Although most of the youths in custody don't cause problems, Lowe said staffers have told him that the most violent ones are "tougher and more hardened" than juveniles in the past.Robin Smith, a longtime employee at the Kearney facility, said the violence began escalating several years ago with new administrators who hindered the ability of staff to discipline or restrain youths when they misbehave."They want staff to be nice to the kids, to be their buddies, and the kids take advantage of it," he said.Key lawmakers said they were worried about the recent incidents and argued that a lack of support services and staffing was largely to blame.Howard, the chairwoman of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, has proposed an additional $3 million in spending to build protective dormitories at the Youth Rehabilitation Center in Kearney.The union that represents facility employees said its biggest concern is the number of staffers available to deal with the juveniles."Our folks are frustrated with the management because there doesn't seem to be any will to deal with this," said Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees.Hubly said the problem is exacerbated by low pay and excessive overtime for workers, who then quit their jobs because they don't want to deal with the hassle.

Juvenile facilities in NE rocked by violence, escapes

CSC freshman tosses shutout of #7 Central Oklahoma

By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director

EDMOND, Okla. -- February 15, 2020 -- Freshman pitcher DeAnna Barrera carried a no-hitter through four innings on Saturday afternoon, allowing only three in seven, as she stranded seven baserunners to shut out NFCA preseason No. 7 Central Oklahoma 3-0 on its home field at Broncho Stadium on day two of the Edmond Regional Festival. In the earlier contest, the Fort Hays State Tigers avenged a loss to the Eagles one week earlier, by holding on for a 3-2 win.

FHSU pitcher Hailey Chapman served up a remarkable game herself. After CSC pelted her with seven hits and three earned runs in the previous meeting, where she threw just three and one-third innings, she came back with a complete-game, four-hit effort on Saturday, in which she struck out 10 CSC batters.

The Tigers won the game, which was scoreless through four innings, in the fifth with all three runs coming off a double, three singles, and two steals.

It remained 3-0 until the bottom of the seventh, with two out, when Addison Spears hit a two-RBI single to keep the Eagles alive. However, CSC was unable to complete the rally.

Chapman improved to 3-2, while CSC starter Tia Kohl pitched a complete game to record a decision and fall to 2-3.

Likewise, in the second game of the day for CSC, Central Oklahoma was stymied for four innings. In the fifth the Bronchos were able to get two in scoring position with two out, but they put a liner into shallow left field, which Eagles outfielder Angelica Maples snagged in a diving attempt.

Otherwise, the offense belonged nearly all to the Eagles. Maples singled in the second, and she was brought home by first baseman Allie Mson. In the third, Maples was once again in on a big play, slapping up the middle to put Bailey Marvel and Sloane Quijas across the plate.

Mason ended the game with an unassisted double play at first, preserving the shutout after the Tigers' third base hit of the game.

Chadron State split its fifth day of softball in five days of competition so far in 2020, compiling a non-conference record of 5-5. The Tigers were 5-3 at the end of the day, with a 3-2 loss to St. Edward's University, while the Bronchos closed out Saturday at 8-7.

Northeastern State University of Oklahoma is the Eagles' lone remaining opponent at the Edmond tourney. The two teams are scheduled to face off back at Oklahoma Christian University's field, somewhere around 11 a.m. MT on Sunday, which is noon local time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581870884558.jpeg" alt="Freshman DeAnna Barerra dominated the #7 team in the polls Saturday." />
 <figcaption>Freshman DeAnna Barerra dominated the #7 team in the polls Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>CSC freshman tosses shutout of #7 Central Oklahoma</h2>By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information DirectorEDMOND, Okla. -- February 15, 2020 -- Freshman pitcher DeAnna Barrera carried a no-hitter through four innings on Saturday afternoon, allowing only three in seven, as she stranded seven baserunners to shut out NFCA preseason No. 7 Central Oklahoma 3-0 on its home field at Broncho Stadium on day two of the Edmond Regional Festival. In the earlier contest, the Fort Hays State Tigers avenged a loss to the Eagles one week earlier, by holding on for a 3-2 win.FHSU pitcher Hailey Chapman served up a remarkable game herself. After CSC pelted her with seven hits and three earned runs in the previous meeting, where she threw just three and one-third innings, she came back with a complete-game, four-hit effort on Saturday, in which she struck out 10 CSC batters.The Tigers won the game, which was scoreless through four innings, in the fifth with all three runs coming off a double, three singles, and two steals.It remained 3-0 until the bottom of the seventh, with two out, when Addison Spears hit a two-RBI single to keep the Eagles alive. However, CSC was unable to complete the rally.Chapman improved to 3-2, while CSC starter Tia Kohl pitched a complete game to record a decision and fall to 2-3.Likewise, in the second game of the day for CSC, Central Oklahoma was stymied for four innings. In the fifth the Bronchos were able to get two in scoring position with two out, but they put a liner into shallow left field, which Eagles outfielder Angelica Maples snagged in a diving attempt.Otherwise, the offense belonged nearly all to the Eagles. Maples singled in the second, and she was brought home by first baseman Allie Mson. In the third, Maples was once again in on a big play, slapping up the middle to put Bailey Marvel and Sloane Quijas across the plate.Mason ended the game with an unassisted double play at first, preserving the shutout after the Tigers' third base hit of the game.Chadron State split its fifth day of softball in five days of competition so far in 2020, compiling a non-conference record of 5-5. The Tigers were 5-3 at the end of the day, with a 3-2 loss to St. Edward's University, while the Bronchos closed out Saturday at 8-7.Northeastern State University of Oklahoma is the Eagles' lone remaining opponent at the Edmond tourney. The two teams are scheduled to face off back at Oklahoma Christian University's field, somewhere around 11 a.m. MT on Sunday, which is noon local time.

🥎 CSC freshman tosses shutout of #7 Central Oklahoma

Eagles push RMAC's top team to the limit in Spearfish

By: Con Marshall, CSC Sports Information

SPEARFISH, S..D. -- February 15, 2020 -- The Chadron State College men's basketball team proved it can still compete Saturday night, when it put up a good fight before Black Hills State hung on for a 93-87 win in Spearfish.

The Yellow Jackets, now 19-6 overall and 16-3 and tied for first in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, outscored the Eagles by just three points in each half.  The hosts never led by more than eight.

As he closed his broadcast, the voice of the Eagles, Dave Collins, declared "Chadron State "has given a great effort against one of the best teams in the conference."

As has been the case in several other close games that the Eagles lost this season, they outscored the opponent from the field, but free throws decided the difference.

Chadron State shot 50.7 percent, making 34 of 67 field goal shots, including 11 of 26 from 3-point range, for 79 points. The Yellow Jackets sank 54.1 percent from the field, hitting 33 of 61 shots, including six of 19 from behind the arc, for 72 points.

But Black Hills was 21 of 28 at the free throw line and the Eagles just eight of 10.

The Eagles led most of the first 10 minutes, including 23-18 with 10:04 showing on the clock to match their biggest lead of the night.  Black Hills was ahead 41-38 at halftime, but five points by center Jacob Jefferson to open the second half put the Eagles ahead 43-42.

That was the last time CSC was ahead.  But the Eagles never went away.  They tied the score at 54-54, 61-61 and 64-64 before Black Hills took the lead for keeps.

Making nine of 10 free throws in the last 8:31 helped hold off the visitors.

Trey Whitley, a 6-foot-1 junior, led the Yellow Jackets with 28 points, coming on 10 of 15 from the field and eight of nine at the line.  He also had a team-high eight rebounds and three steals.  Two weeks ago in Chadron, Whitley tallied 37 points and stole the ball six times during Black Hills' 97-74 victory

Black Hills also got 23 points from 6-7 freshman Joel Scott on nine of 12 from the field, including three treys, and a pair of charity shots.  Sava Dudic added 14 points, but senior Tyler Oliver, who poured in 22 points against the Eagles in the earlier meeting, was scoreless Saturday night during 18 minutes of action.

Chadron State got a terrific performance from senior Michael Sparks.  He was 8 of 13 from the field, including five of seven from behind the arc, and three of four from the line for 24 points.

Forward Brian Rodriguez added 17 points and a game-high nine rebounds.  Jefferson chipped in 14 points and point guard Colby Jackson 12.  Both were six of eight from the field.

CSC Coach Houston Reed said that although the loss was disappointing, he was proud of his team's performance. 

"They stepped up tonight," Reed said. "It was still a loss, but we confronted a really good team and showed we're a good team."

Chadron State--Michael Sparks 24, Brian Rodriguez 17, Jacob Jefferson 14, Colby Jackson 12, Brady Delimont 7, Kayden Sund 6, Andre Sepeda 6, Kenan Gray 1. Totals: 34-67 (11-26) 8-10, 87 points, 31 rebounds, 11 turnovers.

Black Hills State--Trey Whitley 28, Joel Scott 23, Sava Dudic 14, Stefan Desnica 9, Snjolfur Steffansson 8, Tommy Donovan 8, Antonio Capley 3. Totals: 33-61 (6-19) 21-28, 93 points, 35 rebounds, 8 turnovers.

                Chadron State              38                 49           ----87

                Black Hills State            41                 52          ----93

                3-pointers:  CSC--Sparks 5, Rodriguez 2, Sund 2, Jefferson 1, Delimont 1. BHSU--Scott 3, Dukic 3.

Season high 32 turnovers doom CSC at Black Hills

By: John Murphy, CSC Sports Information Assistant

SPEARFISH, S.D. -- Black Hills State scored 29 points off 32 CSC turnovers Saturday night in Spearfish S.D., helping the Yellow Jackets defeat the Eagles 72-49.

The loss drops the Eagles to 5-23 on the season and 3-16 in the RMAC. Black Hills State improves to 15-9 overall and 12-7 in conference play.

Chadron State opened the game with a 4-0 lead, but the Yellow Jackets scored 11 of the next 12 points and led the rest the game. CSC was outscored by 15 point in the first quarter, won the second by two points, and lost the third by three points and the fourth by seven.

The Eagles shot 41.9 percent (18-43) in the loss. They made three of nine attempts from behind the arc and were 10 of 14 from the charity stripe.

Black Hills State finished 26-60 (43.3 percent) from the field. The Yellow Jackets were 12 of 30 from three and eight of 13 from the free throw line.

CSC scored 16 points off 18 Black Hills turnovers and outrebounded their opponent 33 to 29.

14 of CSC's 32 turnovers occurred in the first quarter.

Jessica Lovitt scored a game high 14 points for the Eagles. Lovitt and Jordan Morris each grabbed five rebounds and Jori Peters led with three assists.

Four different players scored in double-digits for the Yellow Jackets. Racquel Wientjes had 13 points, Danica Kocer had 12, and Abby Switzer and Ashlee Beacom had 11 and 10, respectively.

Ten different players scored for Black Hills State in the victory.  

CSC concluded their road contests for the season on Saturday. The Eagles return home to face CSU-Pueblo on Friday, Feb. 21, at 5:30 p.m.

<h2>Eagles push RMAC's top team to the limit in Spearfish</h2>By: Con Marshall, CSC Sports Information<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581870512715.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SPEARFISH, S..D. -- February 15, 2020 -- The Chadron State College men's basketball team proved it can still compete Saturday night, when it put up a good fight before Black Hills State hung on for a 93-87 win in Spearfish.The Yellow Jackets, now 19-6 overall and 16-3 and tied for first in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, outscored the Eagles by just three points in each half. The hosts never led by more than eight.As he closed his broadcast, the voice of the Eagles, Dave Collins, declared "Chadron State "has given a great effort against one of the best teams in the conference."As has been the case in several other close games that the Eagles lost this season, they outscored the opponent from the field, but free throws decided the difference.Chadron State shot 50.7 percent, making 34 of 67 field goal shots, including 11 of 26 from 3-point range, for 79 points. The Yellow Jackets sank 54.1 percent from the field, hitting 33 of 61 shots, including six of 19 from behind the arc, for 72 points.But Black Hills was 21 of 28 at the free throw line and the Eagles just eight of 10.The Eagles led most of the first 10 minutes, including 23-18 with 10:04 showing on the clock to match their biggest lead of the night. Black Hills was ahead 41-38 at halftime, but five points by center Jacob Jefferson to open the second half put the Eagles ahead 43-42.That was the last time CSC was ahead. But the Eagles never went away. They tied the score at 54-54, 61-61 and 64-64 before Black Hills took the lead for keeps.Making nine of 10 free throws in the last 8:31 helped hold off the visitors.Trey Whitley, a 6-foot-1 junior, led the Yellow Jackets with 28 points, coming on 10 of 15 from the field and eight of nine at the line. He also had a team-high eight rebounds and three steals. Two weeks ago in Chadron, Whitley tallied 37 points and stole the ball six times during Black Hills' 97-74 victoryBlack Hills also got 23 points from 6-7 freshman Joel Scott on nine of 12 from the field, including three treys, and a pair of charity shots. Sava Dudic added 14 points, but senior Tyler Oliver, who poured in 22 points against the Eagles in the earlier meeting, was scoreless Saturday night during 18 minutes of action.Chadron State got a terrific performance from senior Michael Sparks. He was 8 of 13 from the field, including five of seven from behind the arc, and three of four from the line for 24 points.Forward Brian Rodriguez added 17 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Jefferson chipped in 14 points and point guard Colby Jackson 12. Both were six of eight from the field.CSC Coach Houston Reed said that although the loss was disappointing, he was proud of his team's performance. "They stepped up tonight," Reed said. "It was still a loss, but we confronted a really good team and showed we're a good team."Chadron State--Michael Sparks 24, Brian Rodriguez 17, Jacob Jefferson 14, Colby Jackson 12, Brady Delimont 7, Kayden Sund 6, Andre Sepeda 6, Kenan Gray 1. Totals: 34-67 (11-26) 8-10, 87 points, 31 rebounds, 11 turnovers.Black Hills State--Trey Whitley 28, Joel Scott 23, Sava Dudic 14, Stefan Desnica 9, Snjolfur Steffansson 8, Tommy Donovan 8, Antonio Capley 3. Totals: 33-61 (6-19) 21-28, 93 points, 35 rebounds, 8 turnovers. Chadron State 38 49 ----87 Black Hills State 41 52 ----93 3-pointers: CSC--Sparks 5, Rodriguez 2, Sund 2, Jefferson 1, Delimont 1. BHSU--Scott 3, Dukic 3.<h2>Season high 32 turnovers doom CSC at Black Hills</h2>By: John Murphy, CSC Sports Information Assistant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581870384652.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SPEARFISH, S.D. -- Black Hills State scored 29 points off 32 CSC turnovers Saturday night in Spearfish S.D., helping the Yellow Jackets defeat the Eagles 72-49.The loss drops the Eagles to 5-23 on the season and 3-16 in the RMAC. Black Hills State improves to 15-9 overall and 12-7 in conference play.Chadron State opened the game with a 4-0 lead, but the Yellow Jackets scored 11 of the next 12 points and led the rest the game. CSC was outscored by 15 point in the first quarter, won the second by two points, and lost the third by three points and the fourth by seven.The Eagles shot 41.9 percent (18-43) in the loss. They made three of nine attempts from behind the arc and were 10 of 14 from the charity stripe.Black Hills State finished 26-60 (43.3 percent) from the field. The Yellow Jackets were 12 of 30 from three and eight of 13 from the free throw line.CSC scored 16 points off 18 Black Hills turnovers and outrebounded their opponent 33 to 29.14 of CSC's 32 turnovers occurred in the first quarter.Jessica Lovitt scored a game high 14 points for the Eagles. Lovitt and Jordan Morris each grabbed five rebounds and Jori Peters led with three assists.Four different players scored in double-digits for the Yellow Jackets. Racquel Wientjes had 13 points, Danica Kocer had 12, and Abby Switzer and Ashlee Beacom had 11 and 10, respectively.Ten different players scored for Black Hills State in the victory. CSC concluded their road contests for the season on Saturday. The Eagles return home to face CSU-Pueblo on Friday, Feb. 21, at 5:30 p.m.

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

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An evacuee from the virus zone in China being held in quarantine in Nebraska who had developed a mild cough has tested negative for a new virus that has infected more than 67,000 people globally, hospital officials in Omaha said Saturday.

The woman is one of 57 US evacuees being quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base just southwest of Omaha. She was taken Friday to a special isolated unit on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus in Omaha to undergo testing after developing a mild cough. Officials with Nebraska Medicine said Saturday that tests came back negative for COVID-19.

The woman has returned to Camp Ashland to complete the remainder of the quarantine, a news release from Nebraska Medicine said. The release said all of the evacuees remain symptom-free and are scheduled to be released from quarantine on Feb. 20.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An evacuee from the virus zone in China being held in quarantine in Nebraska who had developed a mild cough has tested negative for a new virus that has infected more than 67,000 people globally, hospital officials in Omaha said Saturday.The woman is one of 57 US evacuees being quarantined at a Nebraska National Guard training base just southwest of Omaha. She was taken Friday to a special isolated unit on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus in Omaha to undergo testing after developing a mild cough. Officials with Nebraska Medicine said Saturday that tests came back negative for COVID-19.The woman has returned to Camp Ashland to complete the remainder of the quarantine, a news release from Nebraska Medicine said. The release said all of the evacuees remain symptom-free and are scheduled to be released from quarantine on Feb. 20.

Woman quarantined in Nebraska tests negative for COVID-19

CHADRON — Bighorn sheep in the Panhandle are sporting some new hardware this week thanks to the work of a helicopter capture crew, wildlife professionals and volunteers.

South Dakota State University joined the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in capturing and processing a total of 44 sheep Thursday, Friday and Saturday — 28 in the Wildcat Hills near McGrew and 16 at three locations in the Pine Ridge near Chadron and Crawford.

Wildlife professionals have ramped up monitoring efforts in recent years to combat disease issues with Nebraska’s bighorn sheep, the most notable malady being Mycoplasma pneumonia. All captured sheep were released on site.

The sheep that were released received new tracking collars and ear tags, in addition to undergoing a series of tissue samples and vaccinations. The ewes in, both the Pine Ridge and Wildcat Hills were not only fitted with new collars and tags, but also with&nbsp;vaginal implant transmitters. The latter devices, which employed the past two years in each region, signal exactly when ewes give birth so researchers can put temporary tracking collars on lambs. The capability to closely monitor the lambs helps identify the&nbsp;cause of death for any that perish in their first months of life.

A team of about 50 people were involved with the project and its preparations. The team consisted of personnel from Game and Parks, South Dakota State University, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, the Lincoln Zoo, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health&nbsp;Inspection Service, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and the Alliance Animal Clinic. Chadron State College students also joined the effort in the Pine Ridge. Funding and support for the project has come through Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid grants, the&nbsp;Nebraska Big Game Society and chapters of the Wild Sheep Foundation.

CHADRON — Bighorn sheep in the Panhandle are sporting some new hardware this week thanks to the work of a helicopter capture crew, wildlife professionals and volunteers.South Dakota State University joined the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in capturing and processing a total of 44 sheep Thursday, Friday and Saturday — 28 in the Wildcat Hills near McGrew and 16 at three locations in the Pine Ridge near Chadron and Crawford.Wildlife professionals have ramped up monitoring efforts in recent years to combat disease issues with Nebraska’s bighorn sheep, the most notable malady being Mycoplasma pneumonia. All captured sheep were released on site.The sheep that were released received new tracking collars and ear tags, in addition to undergoing a series of tissue samples and vaccinations. The ewes in, both the Pine Ridge and Wildcat Hills were not only fitted with new collars and tags, but also with&nbsp;vaginal implant transmitters. The latter devices, which employed the past two years in each region, signal exactly when ewes give birth so researchers can put temporary tracking collars on lambs. The capability to closely monitor the lambs helps identify the&nbsp;cause of death for any that perish in their first months of life.A team of about 50 people were involved with the project and its preparations. The team consisted of personnel from Game and Parks, South Dakota State University, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, the Lincoln Zoo, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health&nbsp;Inspection Service, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and the Alliance Animal Clinic. Chadron State College students also joined the effort in the Pine Ridge. Funding and support for the project has come through Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid grants, the&nbsp;Nebraska Big Game Society and chapters of the Wild Sheep Foundation.

Chadron, Crawford bighorn sheep captures aid research

By George Ledbetter, Chadron State College

CHADRON – Learning opportunities at Chadron State College don’t take a break during the summer months and the wide range of summer course offerings give students an opportunity to speed the completion of their graduation requirements and obtain real-life experiences through internships that complement their chosen fields of study.

Chadron State’s summer courses, available to both undergraduate and graduate students, are primarily provided online, in four or eight-week sessions. Students can start the eight week-sessions in early May or early June. Four-week courses begin in May, June, and July. Adult enrichment and early entry courses for high school juniors or seniors are also offered at CSC during the summer.

“I am a proponent of summer classes and whole-heartedly recommend them to my students,” said Rich Kenney Jr., Associate Professor of Social Work. “It can help lighten loads during the academic year as well as help a student graduate earlier, if that is her or his goal. It can also be helpful for a student to take a difficult class during the summer.”

Kenney has been teaching two classes each summer for the past six years, and said he enjoys teaching online and having more time to work with students.

“With fewer distractions from the hectic schedule of fall and spring semesters, I can spend more time commenting on assignments and papers,” he said. “Students in my summer courses quickly realize the importance of time management. I constantly remind them of the daily assignments, and let them know I am here to help.”

The accelerated timeframe of summer courses means things happen faster for both students and teachers, but that isn’t necessarily a negative aspect, said Professor of Psychological Sciences Mary Jo Carnot, who has taught summer classes for more than a decade.

“It can lead to some valuable experiences for me and the students, as we immerse ourselves in the content of the class and potential applications,” she said.

The amount of homework involved in summer courses can be challenging, said CSC senior Rieley Maier, who recently completed summer classes in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and statistics. She took the courses in order to complete the requirements for graduation in May, with plans to enter graduate school this fall.

Finishing courses required for graduation is a common motivation for taking summer classes, and can pay off for students, said Carnot.

“If they work with their advisers to make sure classes they are taking will meet their academic goals, this has the potential to move graduation up a year and save money for students,” she said.&nbsp;

Maier acknowledged the need to focus on class work when taking summer school courses.

“I do not think the work was really much harder, but the amount of homework I had to do was a lot,” she said. “I found it was easiest to just make the time to do a bunch of it at once, because then it was done and I had time for other things.”

Carnot notices time management is key for summer school students.

“Students who have good time management skills and motivation do very well (in summer classes),” Carnot said. “I have found recently that most of my summer students have been very successful.”

Though much of her summer was filled with class work, Maier said the effort was worthwhile.

“I got it all done and accomplished in a short amount of time and it will help me get to my goals in a more timely fashion,” she said. “Honestly, I think it was the best thing that I did.”

CSC summer course offerings include classes in Art, Biology, Business, Communication, Education, English, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health, Physical Education and Recreation, History, Mathematics, Music, Natural Sciences, Psychological Sciences, and Essential Studies. Students working towards a master’s degree can take classes in Business Administration, Organizational Management, Education Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Counseling, Community Mental Health Counseling, Mathematics, and History.

In addition to the flexibility they offer students, summer courses are affordable. The current undergraduate online rate for summer classes is $296.50 per credit hour. The graduate online rate is $370.75 per credit hour.

For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/summer" target="_blank">www.csc.edu/summer</a>

By George Ledbetter, Chadron State CollegeCHADRON – Learning opportunities at Chadron State College don’t take a break during the summer months and the wide range of summer course offerings give students an opportunity to speed the completion of their graduation requirements and obtain real-life experiences through internships that complement their chosen fields of study.Chadron State’s summer courses, available to both undergraduate and graduate students, are primarily provided online, in four or eight-week sessions. Students can start the eight week-sessions in early May or early June. Four-week courses begin in May, June, and July. Adult enrichment and early entry courses for high school juniors or seniors are also offered at CSC during the summer.“I am a proponent of summer classes and whole-heartedly recommend them to my students,” said Rich Kenney Jr., Associate Professor of Social Work. “It can help lighten loads during the academic year as well as help a student graduate earlier, if that is her or his goal. It can also be helpful for a student to take a difficult class during the summer.”Kenney has been teaching two classes each summer for the past six years, and said he enjoys teaching online and having more time to work with students.“With fewer distractions from the hectic schedule of fall and spring semesters, I can spend more time commenting on assignments and papers,” he said. “Students in my summer courses quickly realize the importance of time management. I constantly remind them of the daily assignments, and let them know I am here to help.”The accelerated timeframe of summer courses means things happen faster for both students and teachers, but that isn’t necessarily a negative aspect, said Professor of Psychological Sciences Mary Jo Carnot, who has taught summer classes for more than a decade.“It can lead to some valuable experiences for me and the students, as we immerse ourselves in the content of the class and potential applications,” she said.The amount of homework involved in summer courses can be challenging, said CSC senior Rieley Maier, who recently completed summer classes in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and statistics. She took the courses in order to complete the requirements for graduation in May, with plans to enter graduate school this fall.Finishing courses required for graduation is a common motivation for taking summer classes, and can pay off for students, said Carnot.“If they work with their advisers to make sure classes they are taking will meet their academic goals, this has the potential to move graduation up a year and save money for students,” she said.&nbsp;Maier acknowledged the need to focus on class work when taking summer school courses.“I do not think the work was really much harder, but the amount of homework I had to do was a lot,” she said. “I found it was easiest to just make the time to do a bunch of it at once, because then it was done and I had time for other things.”Carnot notices time management is key for summer school students.“Students who have good time management skills and motivation do very well (in summer classes),” Carnot said. “I have found recently that most of my summer students have been very successful.”Though much of her summer was filled with class work, Maier said the effort was worthwhile.“I got it all done and accomplished in a short amount of time and it will help me get to my goals in a more timely fashion,” she said. “Honestly, I think it was the best thing that I did.”CSC summer course offerings include classes in Art, Biology, Business, Communication, Education, English, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health, Physical Education and Recreation, History, Mathematics, Music, Natural Sciences, Psychological Sciences, and Essential Studies. Students working towards a master’s degree can take classes in Business Administration, Organizational Management, Education Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Counseling, Community Mental Health Counseling, Mathematics, and History.In addition to the flexibility they offer students, summer courses are affordable. The current undergraduate online rate for summer classes is $296.50 per credit hour. The graduate online rate is $370.75 per credit hour.For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/summer" target="_blank">www.csc.edu/summer</a>

Summer courses help CSC students meet goals

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — One of 57 evacuees from the virus zone in China who is being held in quarantine in Nebraska is being transported to a special unit of an Omaha medical center to undergo testing after developing upper respiratory symptoms. 

A news release Friday from Nebraska Medicine says the person's symptoms are “extremely mild” and that the testing is being done out of an abundance of caution. 

The patient will be taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus' federally funded National Quarantine Unit to be tested for COVID-19. 

The unit is separate from any of the buildings on campus where patients receive care.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — One of 57 evacuees from the virus zone in China who is being held in quarantine in Nebraska is being transported to a special unit of an Omaha medical center to undergo testing after developing upper respiratory symptoms. A news release Friday from Nebraska Medicine says the person's symptoms are “extremely mild” and that the testing is being done out of an abundance of caution. The patient will be taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus' federally funded National Quarantine Unit to be tested for COVID-19. The unit is separate from any of the buildings on campus where patients receive care.&nbsp;

Evacuee quarantined in Nebraska undergoing evaluation

There has been many new filings for the upcoming election in Alliance and Hemingford for City Council and School Board. 

Below is a list of&nbsp;candidates provided by Box Butte County Clerk Judy Messersmith.&nbsp;

&nbsp;-Brian Mischnick refiled for Council.

By KALIN KROHE, Panhandle PostThere has been many new filings for the upcoming election in Alliance and Hemingford for City Council and School Board. Below is a list of&nbsp;candidates provided by Box Butte County Clerk Judy Messersmith.&nbsp;Alliance City Council: -Travis Turman-Mara Anderson-Gary A. Goodell&nbsp;-Brian Mischnick refiled for Council.-Ryan J. Reynolds refiled for CouncilHemingford School Board:-Tricia Schumacher, Ward A-Rick Horstman, Ward B&nbsp;-Brett T. Cullan, Ward CAlliance School Board:-Jake Sylvester-Timothy A. RicheyBox Butte Co. Commissioners:-Douglas R Hashman

Community minded citizens file for Alliance City Council, Hemingford School Board 

<h2>Western Nebraska High School Basketball</h2><h2>Thursday Scores</h2><h2>Girls</h2>Bridgeport 65, Morrill 43Crawford 67, Hay Springs 45Gering 59, McCook 48Leyton 55, Garden County 32North Platte 69, Scottsbluff 58Ogallala 59, Mitchell 38Sedgwick County, CO 49, Potter-Dix 13<h2>Boys</h2>Alliance 78, Rapid City Christian, SD 38Bridgeport 57, Morrill 32Crawford 44, Hay Springs 41McCook 74, Gering 64Mitchell 88, Ogallala 85North Platte 67, Scottsbluff 53

🏀 Western Nebraska High School Basketball - Thursday Scoreboard

By Olivia Bryant, Chadron State College Relations

CHADRON – Chadron State College will host the Western Nebraska Mental Health Conference, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Student Center. More information and registration materials are available at the&nbsp;<a href="https://panhandlepartnership.com/event/western-nebraska-school-mental-health-conference/" target="_blank">conference’s website.</a>&nbsp;Registration is open until March 1. Tickets are $25 and include lunch.

By Olivia Bryant, Chadron State College RelationsCHADRON – Chadron State College will host the Western Nebraska Mental Health Conference, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Student Center. More information and registration materials are available at the&nbsp;<a href="https://panhandlepartnership.com/event/western-nebraska-school-mental-health-conference/" target="_blank">conference’s website.</a>&nbsp;Registration is open until March 1. Tickets are $25 and include lunch.Dr. Mark Sander, Director of School Mental Health in Hennepin County, Minnesota, is the keynote speaker. He will present Developing Comprehensive School Mental Health Programs using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework, from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.From 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., a variety of breakout sessions will take place including topics such as foundations in school mental health, student mental health risk and protective factors in western Nebraska, 504 Plans, promoting positive school climate through podcasting and social media, and social emotional development through school counseling.Beginning at noon, a roundtable session will feature topics such as social media and youth, grief, brain Injury, student mental health risk and protective factors, building school mental health, 504 Plans, mental health in schools, and Hope Squads.A panel discussion will follow the roundtable discussion at 1:45 p.m.