The 98th Annual Greek Festival, hosted by the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Bayard, will be held Saturday August 17th at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport.

Greek Festival Committee Member Nicole Dean tells Panhandle Post that the church in Bayard carries with it a rich history:&nbsp; "Our church has been around for 98 years...it started with a group of Greek immigrants, and as we're nearing our centennial we have certainly grown to include many people in the surrounding communities of the panhandle.  We are really glad to be able to offer this event as a fundraiser for our parish.

"It is open to anyone and everyone who is interested in coming.  We appreciate all the support from our communities, and you definitely do not have to be Greek or have any ties to the Greek community to attend."

As Dean explains, the event is made up of two different staging areas:&nbsp; "The event is split into two different portions.  The first is the outside festival, which is held right there at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport at 1:30.  People will come in to Greek music and a handful of different food options.  The bar will be open at that time.  We will have the Athenian dancers perform outside at 2:30pm.  We'll have two cooking demonstrations, the first one at 2:00pm and the second at 3:30pm.

"At 4pm, the inside festival, which is a little bit larger, will open up inside the gymnasium at the community center.  Homemade Greek pastries will open up at 4:00pm.  Our Athenian dancers will perform in full costume at 6:30pm inside the gym."

Genuine Greek cuisine is a large part of the day's events.&nbsp; Tasty treats for every appetite include baklava, pork souvlakia (pork kebobs), a variety of delectable pastries, Greek Nachos, and...to raise a glass for a toast...ouzo!

An event like this just doesn't happen without a lot of help from a lot of people.&nbsp; As Dean notes, "All the volunteers, for the most part, are members of our parish...the festival started so many years ago as a celebration of our church's nameday.  In Orthodox churches, your church is named after a particular saint, or a feast day which is a particular time celebrated each year to mark a special event in the life of the church.  And so our church is named The Assumption, which has to do with the Virgin Mary.  August 15th is our church's feast day every year.  

"It's a wonderful undertaking that we are happy to do for our church and we love including the Greek heritage and being able to share that with all our neighbors."

The 98th Annual Greek Festival, hosted by the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Bayard, will be held Saturday August 17th at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport.Greek Festival Committee Member Nicole Dean tells Panhandle Post that the church in Bayard carries with it a rich history:&nbsp; "Our church has been around for 98 years...it started with a group of Greek immigrants, and as we're nearing our centennial we have certainly grown to include many people in the surrounding communities of the panhandle. We are really glad to be able to offer this event as a fundraiser for our parish."It is open to anyone and everyone who is interested in coming. We appreciate all the support from our communities, and you definitely do not have to be Greek or have any ties to the Greek community to attend."As Dean explains, the event is made up of two different staging areas:&nbsp; "The event is split into two different portions. The first is the outside festival, which is held right there at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport at 1:30. People will come in to Greek music and a handful of different food options. The bar will be open at that time. We will have the Athenian dancers perform outside at 2:30pm. We'll have two cooking demonstrations, the first one at 2:00pm and the second at 3:30pm."At 4pm, the inside festival, which is a little bit larger, will open up inside the gymnasium at the community center. Homemade Greek pastries will open up at 4:00pm. Our Athenian dancers will perform in full costume at 6:30pm inside the gym."Genuine Greek cuisine is a large part of the day's events.&nbsp; Tasty treats for every appetite include baklava, pork souvlakia (pork kebobs), a variety of delectable pastries, Greek Nachos, and...to raise a glass for a toast...ouzo!An event like this just doesn't happen without a lot of help from a lot of people.&nbsp; As Dean notes, "All the volunteers, for the most part, are members of our parish...the festival started so many years ago as a celebration of our church's nameday. In Orthodox churches, your church is named after a particular saint, or a feast day which is a particular time celebrated each year to mark a special event in the life of the church. And so our church is named The Assumption, which has to do with the Virgin Mary. August 15th is our church's feast day every year. "It's a wonderful undertaking that we are happy to do for our church and we love including the Greek heritage and being able to share that with all our neighbors."

Sandhills Energy secures nearly $30 Million in funding for Nebraska Community Solar Projects

LINCOLN, NEB.– Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has reached Phase 2 of a feasibility study assessing preliminary siting options for advanced nuclear reactors in Nebraska.

In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature allocated $1 million to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) to fund the feasibility study. DED subsequently awarded the funds to NPPD, which operates Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville—the state’s only nuclear power generator.

The purpose of the study’s first phase was to review published data to help screen areas with geographic and infrastructure characteristics that would make them potential candidates for an emerging nuclear technology known as a Small Modular Reactor (SMR). SMRs offer unique attributes in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and safety. Phase 1 of the study considered areas across the entire state, including current generation sites.&nbsp;

Sixteen sites have been identified to proceed to the second phase of the feasibility study. These sites are located in proximity to the following cities: Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine, and Wauneta.

“We’re excited to help lay the groundwork for the potential future of this technology in Nebraska,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz, “Electrical generation is key to growing Nebraska’s economy and this study is the first step in creating a tremendous economic impact for any community where it’s located.”

In 2023, nuclear energy provided almost 19% of U.S. utility-scale energy generation and about 47% of carbon-free generation in the U.S. There are 94 reactors licensed to operate in the U.S., and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is one of 21 utilities licensed to operate a nuclear plant. NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent noted, “Nuclear energy has played a vital role in safely and reliably powering Nebraska for more than 50 years. NPPD and many other utilities are closely following the progress of these next generation nuclear technologies.”

The study’s second phase will perform a more in-depth technical evaluation and will involve detailed field environmental and constructability evaluations based on criteria used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Phase 2 will also include engagement with the communities listed as potentially feasible sites. At the conclusion of Phase 2, the list will be shortened to two to four sites. Local support will be an important factor for a community to move past the second phase.

For more information on the feasibility study, visit nextgennuclearne.com [nextgennuclearne.com].

By NPPDLINCOLN, NEB.– Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has reached Phase 2 of a feasibility study assessing preliminary siting options for advanced nuclear reactors in Nebraska.In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature allocated $1 million to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) to fund the feasibility study. DED subsequently awarded the funds to NPPD, which operates Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville—the state’s only nuclear power generator.The purpose of the study’s first phase was to review published data to help screen areas with geographic and infrastructure characteristics that would make them potential candidates for an emerging nuclear technology known as a Small Modular Reactor (SMR). SMRs offer unique attributes in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and safety. Phase 1 of the study considered areas across the entire state, including current generation sites.&nbsp;Sixteen sites have been identified to proceed to the second phase of the feasibility study. These sites are located in proximity to the following cities: Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine, and Wauneta.“We’re excited to help lay the groundwork for the potential future of this technology in Nebraska,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz, “Electrical generation is key to growing Nebraska’s economy and this study is the first step in creating a tremendous economic impact for any community where it’s located.”In 2023, nuclear energy provided almost 19% of U.S. utility-scale energy generation and about 47% of carbon-free generation in the U.S. There are 94 reactors licensed to operate in the U.S., and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is one of 21 utilities licensed to operate a nuclear plant. NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent noted, “Nuclear energy has played a vital role in safely and reliably powering Nebraska for more than 50 years. NPPD and many other utilities are closely following the progress of these next generation nuclear technologies.”The study’s second phase will perform a more in-depth technical evaluation and will involve detailed field environmental and constructability evaluations based on criteria used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Phase 2 will also include engagement with the communities listed as potentially feasible sites. At the conclusion of Phase 2, the list will be shortened to two to four sites. Local support will be an important factor for a community to move past the second phase.For more information on the feasibility study, visit nextgennuclearne.com [nextgennuclearne.com].

NPPD enters Phase 2 of study for Advanced Nuclear Reactors including Rushville

The Box Butte County Fair video livestream will begin around 10 a.m. MT in Hemingford.&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/acqxTFXzu74?si=_eps8WN45C8acAod" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Box Butte County Fair video livestream will begin around 10 a.m. MT in Hemingford.&nbsp;

Box Butte Co. Fair Parade LIVESTREAM

The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) held the 5th Annual Amateur Photo Contest, in search of natural resources related photos from residents of the District encompassing Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and Sioux counties. After a slow start, the photos started rolling in when the contest deadline was extended from June 1st to July 19th. The UNWNRD received over 250 photos this year, submitted in 5 different categories: Agriculture, Wildlife, Nature, Recreation, and Other.

After UNWNRD staff spent weeks narrowing down photos to find the best candidates in each category, the UNWNRD Board of Directors selected the best of the best during their Thursday Board Meeting. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner in each category and of those 5 top photos one winning photo will be made into a canvas print and displayed in the UNWNRD Office until the 2025 winners are selected.

Agriculture: Jeri Anderson, Dawes County – “Roxy the Storm Chaser” (Overall Winner)

Nature: Vicky Yant, Sioux County – “Northern Lights from Yant Hill”

Wildlife: April Casey, Box Butte County – “Greeting the Day”

Recreation: Mike Wellnitz, Sheridan County – “Under the Lights”

Other: Kirk Budd, Sheridan County – “Bridge on the Niobrara”

Audra Johnston was the 2023 winner with her photo “A Spring Storm” Taken in Sheridan County. Her photo is displayed in the UNWNRD Office until the 2024 winning photo arrives, then it will be hers to keep!

“We look forward to seeing all of the beautiful photos each year,” commented Mike Strasburger, UNWNRD Director, “and while separating the photos into categories definitely helped to award a greater variety of photos, it did not make the decisions any easier.” The Board of Directors has discussed putting together a calendar to help showcase some of the other amazing photos we haven’t been able to award over the last 5 years.

Thank you to all who submitted photos this year! The UNWNRD is eager to see many more amazing photos of Northwest Nebraska in years to come. Please look for more information on the NRD website www.unwnrd.org or stop by the office at 430 East 2nd Street to see the 2024 winning photo.

By Upper Niobrara White NRDThe Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) held the 5th Annual Amateur Photo Contest, in search of natural resources related photos from residents of the District encompassing Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and Sioux counties. After a slow start, the photos started rolling in when the contest deadline was extended from June 1st to July 19th. The UNWNRD received over 250 photos this year, submitted in 5 different categories: Agriculture, Wildlife, Nature, Recreation, and Other.After UNWNRD staff spent weeks narrowing down photos to find the best candidates in each category, the UNWNRD Board of Directors selected the best of the best during their Thursday Board Meeting. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner in each category and of those 5 top photos one winning photo will be made into a canvas print and displayed in the UNWNRD Office until the 2025 winners are selected.The 2024 Winners are:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723232024795.jpeg" alt="Jeri Anderson - Roxy the Storm Chaser" />
 <figcaption>Jeri Anderson - Roxy the Storm Chaser</figcaption>
 </figure>Agriculture: Jeri Anderson, Dawes County – “Roxy the Storm Chaser” (Overall Winner)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723232053124.jpeg" alt="Vicky Yant - Northern Lights&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Vicky Yant - Northern Lights&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Nature: Vicky Yant, Sioux County – “Northern Lights from Yant Hill”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723232081950.jpeg" alt="April Casey - Greeting the Day" />
 <figcaption>April Casey - Greeting the Day</figcaption>
 </figure>Wildlife: April Casey, Box Butte County – “Greeting the Day”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723232121541.jpeg" alt="Mike Wellnitz - Under the Lights" />
 <figcaption>Mike Wellnitz - Under the Lights</figcaption>
 </figure>Recreation: Mike Wellnitz, Sheridan County – “Under the Lights”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723232148374.jpeg" alt="Kirk Budd - Bridge on the Niobrara" />
 <figcaption>Kirk Budd - Bridge on the Niobrara</figcaption>
 </figure>Other: Kirk Budd, Sheridan County – “Bridge on the Niobrara”Audra Johnston was the 2023 winner with her photo “A Spring Storm” Taken in Sheridan County. Her photo is displayed in the UNWNRD Office until the 2024 winning photo arrives, then it will be hers to keep!“We look forward to seeing all of the beautiful photos each year,” commented Mike Strasburger, UNWNRD Director, “and while separating the photos into categories definitely helped to award a greater variety of photos, it did not make the decisions any easier.” The Board of Directors has discussed putting together a calendar to help showcase some of the other amazing photos we haven’t been able to award over the last 5 years.Thank you to all who submitted photos this year! The UNWNRD is eager to see many more amazing photos of Northwest Nebraska in years to come. Please look for more information on the NRD website www.unwnrd.org or stop by the office at 430 East 2nd Street to see the 2024 winning photo.

NRD announces 2024 Amateur Photo Contest winners

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

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

Panhandle Post is your destination for local news, sports, obituaries, announcements, Open Mic online, and more in Great Bend, KS.

&nbsp;Panhandle Post is your trusted news source for local &amp; regional news in the western Nebraska area. Stay up to date with everything happening around you, delivered right to your phone.

The new Panhandle Post app for iOS and Android devices is now available FREE for your mobile device.<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/download">CLICK HERE to download from the App Store and Google Play.&nbsp;</a>Panhandle Post is your destination for local news, sports, obituaries, announcements, Open Mic online, and more in Great Bend, KS.&nbsp;Panhandle Post is your trusted news source for local &amp; regional news in the western Nebraska area. Stay up to date with everything happening around you, delivered right to your phone.

Panhandle Post app now available 

The 2024 Nebraska Broadcasters Association Convention proved to be a rewarding one for Eagle radio stations in Alliance, Chadron and North Platte.&nbsp; During the event's Pinnacle Awards banquet, three awards were received by Eagle employees.

Double Q Country Sports Director and "voice of the CSC Eagles" Dave Collins received the Gold Award in the "Best Sports Play-By-Play" category.&nbsp; Collins, who has won several NBA awards for his sports broadcasting efforts, travels with Chadron State Eagle teams throughout the year to bring games to radio listeners all over Nebraska.&nbsp; Collins met his wife Shaunda in Chadron where she is a Full Professor in the Communications Department at CSC. They enjoy spending time with their infant son Braylon, traveling all over the country, running half-marathon races and attending games together in new stadiums.

Also receiving a gold award Wednesday night (his 10th NBA award overall) was Eagle Radio Alliance/Chadron Director Of Creative Services Jason Wentworth.&nbsp; "Wenty " took home the Gold for "Best Promotional Announcement."&nbsp; Joining Wentworth in the production of the winning "Jingle Cash promo" was Kalin Krohe; the two have been creative partners for years.&nbsp; "Kalin brings his sense of humor, vocal variety and improvisational skill to all of our commercial projects.&nbsp; I couldn't do it without him!"&nbsp; Wentworth, who has been at KCOW for 26 years, celebrates 2024 as the 25th anniversary of his KCOW morning show.

Last, but not least, North Platte Marketing Consultant Carla Beck received a Bronze award in the highly competitive "Best Commercial" category.&nbsp; Her commercial for Axes and Aces was titled "The Big Game."

It should be noted that unlike some state broadcasting associations, where awards are split up among "small market", "medium market" and "large market" stations--assuring a greater likelihood of an entry winning--the Nebraska Broadcasters Association votes for all entries equally.&nbsp; This means the the three winning entries above managed to defeat some of the largest, most powerful radio stations in Omaha, Lincoln, and other large city stations.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The 2024 Nebraska Broadcasters Association Convention proved to be a rewarding one for Eagle radio stations in Alliance, Chadron and North Platte.&nbsp; During the event's Pinnacle Awards banquet, three awards were received by Eagle employees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723209256580.jpeg" alt="L to R: Dave Collins' Jason Wentworth; Kalin Krohe" />
 <figcaption>L to R: Dave Collins' Jason Wentworth; Kalin Krohe</figcaption>
 </figure>Double Q Country Sports Director and "voice of the CSC Eagles" Dave Collins received the Gold Award in the "Best Sports Play-By-Play" category.&nbsp; Collins, who has won several NBA awards for his sports broadcasting efforts, travels with Chadron State Eagle teams throughout the year to bring games to radio listeners all over Nebraska.&nbsp; Collins met his wife Shaunda in Chadron where she is a Full Professor in the Communications Department at CSC. They enjoy spending time with their infant son Braylon, traveling all over the country, running half-marathon races and attending games together in new stadiums.Also receiving a gold award Wednesday night (his 10th NBA award overall) was Eagle Radio Alliance/Chadron Director Of Creative Services Jason Wentworth.&nbsp; "Wenty " took home the Gold for "Best Promotional Announcement."&nbsp; Joining Wentworth in the production of the winning "Jingle Cash promo" was Kalin Krohe; the two have been creative partners for years.&nbsp; "Kalin brings his sense of humor, vocal variety and improvisational skill to all of our commercial projects.&nbsp; I couldn't do it without him!"&nbsp; Wentworth, who has been at KCOW for 26 years, celebrates 2024 as the 25th anniversary of his KCOW morning show.Last, but not least, North Platte Marketing Consultant Carla Beck received a Bronze award in the highly competitive "Best Commercial" category.&nbsp; Her commercial for Axes and Aces was titled "The Big Game."It should be noted that unlike some state broadcasting associations, where awards are split up among "small market", "medium market" and "large market" stations--assuring a greater likelihood of an entry winning--the Nebraska Broadcasters Association votes for all entries equally.&nbsp; This means the the three winning entries above managed to defeat some of the largest, most powerful radio stations in Omaha, Lincoln, and other large city stations.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Eagle Nebraska Wins Awards At NBA Convention

Miss Congeniality MaKenna Quick.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723154285627.jpeg" alt="Back Row L-R: Arielle Lawrence, MaKenna Quick. Front Row L-R: Shyla Salcido, Breana Specht" />
 <figcaption>Back Row L-R: Arielle Lawrence, MaKenna Quick. Front Row L-R: Shyla Salcido, Breana Specht</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; 2024 Box Butte Co. Fair Royalty:&nbsp;Queen Shyla Salcido1st Attendant Breana Specht2nd Attendant Arielle LawrenceMiss Congeniality MaKenna Quick.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2024 Box Butte County Fair Queen Contest Results

Alliance, NE – Thursday, August 8th and Friday, August 9th Big Blue Bay will be closed due to forecasted low temperatures.

Big Blue Bay ClosureAlliance, NE – Thursday, August 8th and Friday, August 9th Big Blue Bay will be closed due to forecasted low temperatures.

Big Blue Bay Closure

HEMINGFORD, Neb. (Aug. 8, 2024) — The Hemingford Street Project is set to begin on Monday, August 12, 2024. The project, undertaken by Eric Reichart Construction, will involve extensive street demolition and paving along Cheyenne Avenue.&nbsp;

Work will commence at the intersection of Cheyenne Avenue and Miles Street, progressing northward to Kearney Street. In addition to the roadwork, crews will also be working on water valve replacements at the intersection of Ord Street and Cheyenne Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Construction will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. Residents and businesses are advised to plan their parking arrangements accordingly, as street access may be limited during these hours.&nbsp;

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the community’s patience as we work to improve Hemingford’s infrastructure.&nbsp;

Hemingford Public WorksHEMINGFORD, Neb. (Aug. 8, 2024) — The Hemingford Street Project is set to begin on Monday, August 12, 2024. The project, undertaken by Eric Reichart Construction, will involve extensive street demolition and paving along Cheyenne Avenue.&nbsp;Work will commence at the intersection of Cheyenne Avenue and Miles Street, progressing northward to Kearney Street. In addition to the roadwork, crews will also be working on water valve replacements at the intersection of Ord Street and Cheyenne Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;Construction will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. Residents and businesses are advised to plan their parking arrangements accordingly, as street access may be limited during these hours.&nbsp;We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the community’s patience as we work to improve Hemingford’s infrastructure.&nbsp;

Hemingford Street Project Begins August 12 

From Michelle Robinson, Box Butte County Assessor

The Box Butte County Assessor's Office will be CLOSED August 20th &amp; 21 as they are attending a workshop. Mark your calendars.&nbsp;

From Michelle Robinson, Box Butte County AssessorThe Box Butte County Assessor's Office will be CLOSED August 20th &amp; 21 as they are attending a workshop. Mark your calendars.&nbsp;

Box Butte County Assessor's Office Closed

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured&nbsp;over $4 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;critical Nebraska safety priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Commerce, Justice, and Science&nbsp;Appropriations&nbsp;(CJS) Act. All of Senator Fischer’s Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) project proposals to support Nebraska law enforcement and first responders received funding in the Senate’s FY25 CJS bill.

The bill, which must still be voted&nbsp;on&nbsp;by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved by the Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;

“Law enforcement and first responders are critical for our safety and wellbeing, especially during life-threatening emergencies. Securing this funding for five key projects to upgrade equipment and support front line personnel will enable these communities across the state to improve communications technologies, coordinate efforts to confront crime and drug trafficking, and continue to protect Nebraskans,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

The Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act funds critical law enforcement and emergency needs to keep our communities, law enforcement officers, and other first responders safe.

Funding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:

Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Groups

Project Description:&nbsp;Supports a drug and violent crime multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force.

Project Location:&nbsp;Scotts Bluff County

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$150,000&nbsp;&nbsp;

Omaha Police Department Public Safety Equipment

Project Description:&nbsp;Upgrades public safety radio communications equipment.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,750,000Lancaster County Sherriff’s Office Body Cameras

Project Description:&nbsp;Acquires&nbsp;body-worn cameras

.Project Location:&nbsp;Lancaster County

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,091,000

Southeast Communications 911 Center Equipment Upgrades

Project Description:&nbsp;Upgrades emergency communications equipment.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$782,000

Minden Police Department Communications and Radio Update

Project Description:&nbsp;Upgrades radio communications equipment.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$292,000

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured&nbsp;over $4 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;critical Nebraska safety priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Commerce, Justice, and Science&nbsp;Appropriations&nbsp;(CJS) Act. All of Senator Fischer’s Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) project proposals to support Nebraska law enforcement and first responders received funding in the Senate’s FY25 CJS bill.The bill, which must still be voted&nbsp;on&nbsp;by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved by the Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;“Law enforcement and first responders are critical for our safety and wellbeing, especially during life-threatening emergencies. Securing this funding for five key projects to upgrade equipment and support front line personnel will enable these communities across the state to improve communications technologies, coordinate efforts to confront crime and drug trafficking, and continue to protect Nebraskans,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.The Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act funds critical law enforcement and emergency needs to keep our communities, law enforcement officers, and other first responders safe.Funding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics GroupsProject Description:&nbsp;Supports a drug and violent crime multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force.Project Location:&nbsp;Scotts Bluff CountyAppropriated Amount:&nbsp;$150,000&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha Police Department Public Safety EquipmentProject Description:&nbsp;Upgrades public safety radio communications equipment.Project Location:&nbsp;OmahaAppropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,750,000Lancaster County Sherriff’s Office Body CamerasProject Description:&nbsp;Acquires&nbsp;body-worn cameras.Project Location:&nbsp;Lancaster CountyAppropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,091,000Southeast Communications 911 Center Equipment UpgradesProject Description:&nbsp;Upgrades emergency communications equipment.Project Location:&nbsp;BeatriceAppropriated Amount:&nbsp;$782,000Minden Police Department Communications and Radio UpdateProject Description:&nbsp;Upgrades radio communications equipment.Project Location:&nbsp;MindenAppropriated Amount:&nbsp;$292,000

Fischer Advances Over $4 Million for Nebraska Law Enforcement Projects

Kimball, Neb. - Below is the list of arrests made and booked into the Kimball County, Nebraska Jail during the month of July.&nbsp;

Travis McDonald - Interfering with a firearm

Brooks Farrel - Possession of a controlled substance

Ryan Burback - DUI, child endangerment, willful reckless driving

Alberto Sanchez - Warrants from Washington for an assault on an officer, escape from custody

Kenneth Childs - Use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, disturbing the peace, criminal mischief

Luke Ahlm - Terroristic threats and disturbing the peace

***Disclaimer: This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to&nbsp;canon.rath@eagleradio.net.

Panhandle PostKimball, Neb. - Below is the list of arrests made and booked into the Kimball County, Nebraska Jail during the month of July.&nbsp;July 4th<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723044928735.jpeg" alt="Travis McDonald (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>Travis McDonald (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure>Travis McDonald - Interfering with a firearmJuly 6th<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723045010982.jpeg" alt="Brooks Farrel (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>Brooks Farrel (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure>Brooks Farrel - Possession of a controlled substanceJuly 8th<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723045048002.jpeg" alt="Ryan Burback (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Burback (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ryan Burback - DUI, child endangerment, willful reckless drivingJuly 11th<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723045102603.jpeg" alt="Alberto Sanchez (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>Alberto Sanchez (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure>Alberto Sanchez - Warrants from Washington for an assault on an officer, escape from custodyJuly 17th<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723045187913.jpeg" alt="Kenneth Childs (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Childs (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kenneth Childs - Use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, disturbing the peace, criminal mischiefJuly 19th<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723045275224.jpeg" alt="Shawn Allen-Vanpelt (Courtesy of Kimball Police Department Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>Shawn Allen-Vanpelt (Courtesy of Kimball Police Department Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure>Shawn Allen-Vanpelt -&nbsp; DUIJuly 31st<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723045376308.jpeg" alt="Luke Ahlm (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>Luke Ahlm (Courtesy of Kimball County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure>Luke Ahlm - Terroristic threats and disturbing the peace***Disclaimer: This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to&nbsp;canon.rath@eagleradio.net.

Kimball County Jail Report - July 2024

Hemingford, Neb. - The 2024 Box Butte County Fair kicked off Tuesday with family fun events running until Sunday. Tonight is the 2024 Box Butte County Fair Queen Contest. The event is taking place at the Box Butte County Fairgrounds in Hemingford. &nbsp;

&nbsp; The gates will open at 6:30pm with the contest scheduled to start at 7:00pm.&nbsp;<a href="https://bbcofair.com/tickets" target="_blank">Purchase your Ticket Booklet here</a>. Ticket Booklets get you access to the Queen Contest,&nbsp;Truck &amp; Tractor Pull, and Demolition Derby.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

2024 Box Butte County Fair Queen Contestants:

Breana	Specht is 18 years old, and her sponsor is&nbsp;Mobius Communications. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Brian &amp; Hope Specht

Sierra Banks is 18 years old, and her sponsor is&nbsp;Dirty Pop. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Steve &amp; Susan Banks.

Libby Sorensen is 16 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Clicks by Kim. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Brett &amp; Erin Sorensen.

Shyla Salcido is 17 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Sweet Grass Cattle Company. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Jose &amp; LaShelle Salcido.

Makenna Quick is 16 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Pat's Creative of Hemingford. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Bryant &amp; Jamie Quick.

Liliana Cuevas is 20 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Dairy Queen of Alliance. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Maria Alvarado.

Alexis Libsack is 16 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;FNBO. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Michael &amp; Daylin Libsack.

Ryleigh Mashburn is 16 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;A-Town Zesto. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Matthew &amp; Tearza Mashburn.

Isabell Gomez is 19 years old and is sponsored by&nbsp;American Legion Post #9 &amp; GEM Investment Club. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Peter &amp; Krista Gomez.

Taylee Thompson is 18 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Derby's Food Truck Court. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Gene &amp; Izzy Thompson.

Brenna Schumacher is 16 years old and is sponsored by&nbsp;Archer Oil. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Jeff &amp; Natasha Schumacher.

Arielle Lawrence is 19 years old and is sponsored by&nbsp;Sweet Pickins. She is the granddaughter of&nbsp;Jeff &amp; Julie Lawrence

Panhandle PostHemingford, Neb. - The 2024 Box Butte County Fair kicked off Tuesday with family fun events running until Sunday. Tonight is the 2024 Box Butte County Fair Queen Contest. The event is taking place at the Box Butte County Fairgrounds in Hemingford. &nbsp;&nbsp; The gates will open at 6:30pm with the contest scheduled to start at 7:00pm.&nbsp;<a href="https://bbcofair.com/tickets" target="_blank">Purchase your Ticket Booklet here</a>. Ticket Booklets get you access to the Queen Contest,&nbsp;Truck &amp; Tractor Pull, and Demolition Derby.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2024 Box Butte County Fair Queen Contestants:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040135597.jpeg" alt="Breana Specht (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Breana Specht (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Breana	Specht is 18 years old, and her sponsor is&nbsp;Mobius Communications. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Brian &amp; Hope Specht<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040243731.jpeg" alt="Sierra Banks (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Sierra Banks (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sierra Banks is 18 years old, and her sponsor is&nbsp;Dirty Pop. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Steve &amp; Susan Banks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040342172.jpeg" alt="Libby Sorensen (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Libby Sorensen (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Libby Sorensen is 16 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Clicks by Kim. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Brett &amp; Erin Sorensen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040438460.jpeg" alt="Shyla Salcido (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Shyla Salcido (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Shyla Salcido is 17 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Sweet Grass Cattle Company. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Jose &amp; LaShelle Salcido.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040530536.jpeg" alt="Makenna Quick (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Makenna Quick (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Makenna Quick is 16 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Pat's Creative of Hemingford. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Bryant &amp; Jamie Quick.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040612714.jpeg" alt="Liliana Cuevas (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Liliana Cuevas (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Liliana Cuevas is 20 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Dairy Queen of Alliance. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Maria Alvarado.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040816617.jpeg" alt="Alexis Libsack (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Alexis Libsack (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Alexis Libsack is 16 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;FNBO. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Michael &amp; Daylin Libsack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040705543.jpeg" alt="Ryleigh Mashburn (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Ryleigh Mashburn (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ryleigh Mashburn is 16 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;A-Town Zesto. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Matthew &amp; Tearza Mashburn.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040906646.jpeg" alt="Isabell Gomez (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Isabell Gomez (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Isabell Gomez is 19 years old and is sponsored by&nbsp;American Legion Post #9 &amp; GEM Investment Club. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Peter &amp; Krista Gomez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723040964567.jpeg" alt="Taylee Thompson (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Taylee Thompson (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Taylee Thompson is 18 years old, and she is sponsored by&nbsp;Derby's Food Truck Court. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Gene &amp; Izzy Thompson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723041039807.jpeg" alt="Brenna Schumacher (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Brenna Schumacher (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Brenna Schumacher is 16 years old and is sponsored by&nbsp;Archer Oil. She is the daughter of&nbsp;Jeff &amp; Natasha Schumacher.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723041100812.jpeg" alt="Arielle Lawrence (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Arielle Lawrence (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Arielle Lawrence is 19 years old and is sponsored by&nbsp;Sweet Pickins. She is the granddaughter of&nbsp;Jeff &amp; Julie Lawrence

2024 Box Butte County Fair Queen Contest taking place tonight

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-has-rural-nebraska-roots/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — No matter which state claims him now, Kamala Harris’ choice for a running mate has rural Midwestern roots that stretch into the Nebraska Sandhills and up into the Pine Ridge.

Vice President Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, tapped Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday as her vice presidential running mate.

Walz, 60, is from cattle country in northeast Nebraska. He was born in West Point, grew up in Valentine, graduated from high school in Butte and earned his bachelor’s degree at Chadron State College.

Much of his political bio was built on his time teaching and coaching football, track and basketball. His career has roots in Alliance, Nebraska, where he and his wife, Gwen, taught. Her Minnesota roots led to them moving to Mankato in 1996.

Walz enlisted as an infantryman in the Nebraska National Guard after high school, and he kept serving when he moved to Minnesota. He retired from the National Guard after 24 years in 2005 with the rank of command sergeant major. He was the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to serve in Congress, the Military Times reported.

Walz coached linebackers and signaled the defense at Alliance High School under coach Jeff Tomlin, who recently retired and took a job as an assistant at Hastings College.

Tomlin said he remembers Walz as an amazing coach and social studies teacher. He called Walz “an ordinary guy with the extraordinary ability to have a vision for who he is and who he wants to be.”&nbsp;

Walz had an innate skill of connecting with people who were different from him, Tomlin said.

“He was an exceptional teacher, one of the best I’ve been around,” said Tomlin, who like Walz taught social studies. “A lot of that was the positive energy that he brought.”

Tomlin said he and others they coached with are not surprised that Walz was chosen.&nbsp;

“If you’re ever around Tim, you’re not really that shocked,” he said. “He’s got that it factor that very few people have.”&nbsp;

Former Nebraska U.S. Sen. and Gov. Ben Nelson said he remembers a young Walz as an educator who pressed him during Nelson’s first campaign for governor.

Walz has said he got the bug to teach when he spent a year in China in the early 1990s, teaching English and American history to high school students.

“He’s a very principled person with deep beliefs about education and about families,” Nelson said. “He is … the kind of person who never meets a stranger. He develops friendships quickly.”

He called Walz “a good friend” and “a warm person” who takes no time to make people comfortable. Nelson lauded Harris’ vice presidential pick as a way to connect better with the Midwest.

Nelson compared Harris’ task of picking a running mate with choosing a lieutenant governor. He said you want someone who shares your values and reflects well on your campaign’s vision.

Political observers said they expect Walz to help the Harris campaign in the “Blue Wall” states of Minnesota, Michigan and Pennsylvania, as well as in Nebraska’s 2nd District, the Omaha area.

“He doesn’t have to introduce himself to those states,” Nelson said. “I don’t think he has to go and convince them that he’s interested in the same areas that they’re interested in.”

Walz, during&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/29/minnesota-governor-says-democrats-need-to-focus-on-what-improves-peoples-lives/">a September 2023 trip to Omaha</a>&nbsp;for the Nebraska Democratic Party’s “Ben Nelson Gala,” explained his political approach as going out and talking to people like neighbors. He spoke at the event&nbsp;<a href="https://siouxcityjournal.com/u-s-sen-durbin-to-be-featured-at-neb-democratic-party-dinner/article_071a9076-51fa-11df-aec4-001cc4c03286.html" target="_blank">in 2010 as well</a>, when it was called the Morrison-Exon dinner.&nbsp;

Walz touted his work to expand school lunch and breakfast programs for all school kids. He has backed abortion rights, paid family leave, expanded health care and recreational marijuana.&nbsp;

But he told the Nebraska group that for people to embrace progressive policies, including climate change, Democrats needed to focus more on people’s bottom line, family budgets.

“You can go out and try to message this, but it’s kind of hard to vote against kids’ meals at the end of the day,” he said. “We should stay focused on the things that improve people’s lives.”

He has laughed when asked about whether he considers himself a Nebraskan or a Minnesotan, saying last fall that his mom still lives in Butte and his brother-in-law still lives in Alliance.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Walz “brings real and deep experiences in rural towns, veteran communities and of course with teachers.”

“Rural America is having our moment being represented on the national stage,” she said.

Walz served in Congress from 2007-2019. He was elected Minnesota’s governor in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022.

Kerrey says pick could bridge gap between rural and urban

Bob Kerrey, also a former Nebraska governor and U.S. senator, said it’s vital for Democrats nationally to show interest in issues faced by Americans outside of cities and suburbs.

Walz, he said, would shine in his ability to “bridge the gap between rural and urban America.” Kerrey, who moved to New York after serving in the Senate, said people in both types of places just want to be heard.

“If all he can do is bridge that gap a little bit … you’re gonna get good policies,” Kerrey said.

It’s also important, Kerrey said, for people involved in national politics to learn that someone who didn’t attend Harvard, Stanford or Yale can contribute in key ways to our politics.

“He looks like a guy you could run into in a coffee shop in Valentine,” Kerrey said. “He’s an enlisted man. He went to one of our state colleges. There’s nothing about him not to like.”

Local and national Republicans have criticized the Walz pick for a variety of reasons, describing him and Harris as the most progressive ticket to run for president in decades.

Eric Underwood of the Nebraska Republican Party had no immediate comment about Walz. Several commenting online have criticized Walz for questioning the effectiveness of a border wall.

Delanie Bomar of the National Republican Congressional Committee criticized Walz’s handling of the aftermath of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/walzs-handling-blm-riots-strict-covid-rules-under-microscope-after-harris-vp-pick" target="_blank">George Floyd protests in Minneapolis</a>&nbsp;and said he is wrong on crime.

But Nelson said Nebraskans won’t be fooled by sound-bite critiques of one of their own. He said most people understand “how difficult those decisions are” for governors.

Nelson said he respected Walz for helping a city police itself in the wake of what a court later determined was Floyd’s murder at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.

“Watching the challenges that have arisen … I think you have a better appreciation for how challenging it is for anybody to deal with them. He didn’t walk away,” Nelson said.

“And I don’t think the justice system has walked away from the incidents in Minnesota, either.”

Harris, in a statement Tuesday, said she picked Walz as her running mate because “his convictions on fighting for middle class families run deep.”

“It’s personal,” she said. “As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his own. We are going to build a great partnership.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722968760804.jpeg" alt=" Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat who grew up in Nebraska, was a keynote speaker in September 2023 at the annual Nelson Dinner of the Nebraska Democratic Party. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat who grew up in Nebraska, was a keynote speaker in September 2023 at the annual Nelson Dinner of the Nebraska Democratic Party. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-has-rural-nebraska-roots/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — No matter which state claims him now, Kamala Harris’ choice for a running mate has rural Midwestern roots that stretch into the Nebraska Sandhills and up into the Pine Ridge.Vice President Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, tapped Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday as her vice presidential running mate.Walz, 60, is from cattle country in northeast Nebraska. He was born in West Point, grew up in Valentine, graduated from high school in Butte and earned his bachelor’s degree at Chadron State College.Much of his political bio was built on his time teaching and coaching football, track and basketball. His career has roots in Alliance, Nebraska, where he and his wife, Gwen, taught. Her Minnesota roots led to them moving to Mankato in 1996.Walz enlisted as an infantryman in the Nebraska National Guard after high school, and he kept serving when he moved to Minnesota. He retired from the National Guard after 24 years in 2005 with the rank of command sergeant major. He was the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to serve in Congress, the Military Times reported.<h2>Coach remembers Walz as teacher</h2>Walz coached linebackers and signaled the defense at Alliance High School under coach Jeff Tomlin, who recently retired and took a job as an assistant at Hastings College.Tomlin said he remembers Walz as an amazing coach and social studies teacher. He called Walz “an ordinary guy with the extraordinary ability to have a vision for who he is and who he wants to be.”&nbsp;Walz had an innate skill of connecting with people who were different from him, Tomlin said.“He was an exceptional teacher, one of the best I’ve been around,” said Tomlin, who like Walz taught social studies. “A lot of that was the positive energy that he brought.”Tomlin said he and others they coached with are not surprised that Walz was chosen.&nbsp;“If you’re ever around Tim, you’re not really that shocked,” he said. “He’s got that it factor that very few people have.”&nbsp;<h2>Nelson says Walz is great with people</h2>Former Nebraska U.S. Sen. and Gov. Ben Nelson said he remembers a young Walz as an educator who pressed him during Nelson’s first campaign for governor.Walz has said he got the bug to teach when he spent a year in China in the early 1990s, teaching English and American history to high school students.“He’s a very principled person with deep beliefs about education and about families,” Nelson said. “He is … the kind of person who never meets a stranger. He develops friendships quickly.”He called Walz “a good friend” and “a warm person” who takes no time to make people comfortable. Nelson lauded Harris’ vice presidential pick as a way to connect better with the Midwest.Nelson compared Harris’ task of picking a running mate with choosing a lieutenant governor. He said you want someone who shares your values and reflects well on your campaign’s vision.Political observers said they expect Walz to help the Harris campaign in the “Blue Wall” states of Minnesota, Michigan and Pennsylvania, as well as in Nebraska’s 2nd District, the Omaha area.“He doesn’t have to introduce himself to those states,” Nelson said. “I don’t think he has to go and convince them that he’s interested in the same areas that they’re interested in.”<h2>Walz visits Nebraska often</h2>Walz, during&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/29/minnesota-governor-says-democrats-need-to-focus-on-what-improves-peoples-lives/">a September 2023 trip to Omaha</a>&nbsp;for the Nebraska Democratic Party’s “Ben Nelson Gala,” explained his political approach as going out and talking to people like neighbors. He spoke at the event&nbsp;<a href="https://siouxcityjournal.com/u-s-sen-durbin-to-be-featured-at-neb-democratic-party-dinner/article_071a9076-51fa-11df-aec4-001cc4c03286.html" target="_blank">in 2010 as well</a>, when it was called the Morrison-Exon dinner.&nbsp;Walz touted his work to expand school lunch and breakfast programs for all school kids. He has backed abortion rights, paid family leave, expanded health care and recreational marijuana.&nbsp;But he told the Nebraska group that for people to embrace progressive policies, including climate change, Democrats needed to focus more on people’s bottom line, family budgets.“You can go out and try to message this, but it’s kind of hard to vote against kids’ meals at the end of the day,” he said. “We should stay focused on the things that improve people’s lives.”He has laughed when asked about whether he considers himself a Nebraskan or a Minnesotan, saying last fall that his mom still lives in Butte and his brother-in-law still lives in Alliance.Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Walz “brings real and deep experiences in rural towns, veteran communities and of course with teachers.”“Rural America is having our moment being represented on the national stage,” she said.Walz served in Congress from 2007-2019. He was elected Minnesota’s governor in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022.<h2>Kerrey says pick could bridge gap between rural and urban</h2>Bob Kerrey, also a former Nebraska governor and U.S. senator, said it’s vital for Democrats nationally to show interest in issues faced by Americans outside of cities and suburbs.Walz, he said, would shine in his ability to “bridge the gap between rural and urban America.” Kerrey, who moved to New York after serving in the Senate, said people in both types of places just want to be heard.“If all he can do is bridge that gap a little bit … you’re gonna get good policies,” Kerrey said.It’s also important, Kerrey said, for people involved in national politics to learn that someone who didn’t attend Harvard, Stanford or Yale can contribute in key ways to our politics.“He looks like a guy you could run into in a coffee shop in Valentine,” Kerrey said. “He’s an enlisted man. He went to one of our state colleges. There’s nothing about him not to like.”<h2>Republicans criticize selection</h2>Local and national Republicans have criticized the Walz pick for a variety of reasons, describing him and Harris as the most progressive ticket to run for president in decades.Eric Underwood of the Nebraska Republican Party had no immediate comment about Walz. Several commenting online have criticized Walz for questioning the effectiveness of a border wall.Delanie Bomar of the National Republican Congressional Committee criticized Walz’s handling of the aftermath of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/walzs-handling-blm-riots-strict-covid-rules-under-microscope-after-harris-vp-pick" target="_blank">George Floyd protests in Minneapolis</a>&nbsp;and said he is wrong on crime.But Nelson said Nebraskans won’t be fooled by sound-bite critiques of one of their own. He said most people understand “how difficult those decisions are” for governors.Nelson said he respected Walz for helping a city police itself in the wake of what a court later determined was Floyd’s murder at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.“Watching the challenges that have arisen … I think you have a better appreciation for how challenging it is for anybody to deal with them. He didn’t walk away,” Nelson said.“And I don’t think the justice system has walked away from the incidents in Minnesota, either.”Harris, in a statement Tuesday, said she picked Walz as her running mate because “his convictions on fighting for middle class families run deep.”“It’s personal,” she said. “As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his own. We are going to build a great partnership.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has rural Nebraska roots

Over the past week, corn used 2.09 inches.

Expected use by corn for this week is 1.87 inches.

In the past week, beets used 1.58 inches.

Expected use by beets for this week is 1.41 inches.

Over the past week, potatoes used 1.73 inches.

Expected use by potatoes for this week is 1.64 inches.

Over the past week, dry beans used 1.54 inches.

Expected use by dry beans for this week is 1.38 inches.

Over the past week, soybeans used 2.09 inches.

Expected use by soybeans for this week is 2.87 inches.

Over the past week, sunflowers used 1.9 inches.

Expected use by sunflowers for this week is 1.7 inches.

Over the past week, alfalfa used 2.09 inches.

Expected use by alfalfa for this week is 1.87 inches.

In past week, actively growing lawns used 1.8 inches.

Expected use by actively growing lawns for this week is 1.7 inches.

In the past week average ET gage readings were 1.9 inches.

The average rainfall for the district was 0.008 inches.

The weather forecast for the next week shows highs in the 70’s 80’s and 90’s and lows in the 50’s and 60’s. There are chances of scattered thunderstorms later this week.

The crop water use report is completed using the average growth stage for each crop and ET gage reading from across the district. To find the conversion for your specific crop growth stage visit https://nawmn.unl.edu/GrowthStageData

For more information or to inquire about ET gages or soil moisture monitoring equipment, please contact Robbin Randall at the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District at 308.432.6190 or visit our website at www.unwnrd.org. We are committed to helping Nebraskans conserve and protect groundwater.

Over the past week, corn used 2.09 inches.Expected use by corn for this week is 1.87 inches.In the past week, beets used 1.58 inches.Expected use by beets for this week is 1.41 inches.Over the past week, potatoes used 1.73 inches.Expected use by potatoes for this week is 1.64 inches.Over the past week, dry beans used 1.54 inches.Expected use by dry beans for this week is 1.38 inches.Over the past week, soybeans used 2.09 inches.Expected use by soybeans for this week is 2.87 inches.Over the past week, sunflowers used 1.9 inches.Expected use by sunflowers for this week is 1.7 inches.Over the past week, alfalfa used 2.09 inches.Expected use by alfalfa for this week is 1.87 inches.In past week, actively growing lawns used 1.8 inches.Expected use by actively growing lawns for this week is 1.7 inches.In the past week average ET gage readings were 1.9 inches.The average rainfall for the district was 0.008 inches.The weather forecast for the next week shows highs in the 70’s 80’s and 90’s and lows in the 50’s and 60’s. There are chances of scattered thunderstorms later this week.The crop water use report is completed using the average growth stage for each crop and ET gage reading from across the district. To find the conversion for your specific crop growth stage visit https://nawmn.unl.edu/GrowthStageDataFor more information or to inquire about ET gages or soil moisture monitoring equipment, please contact Robbin Randall at the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District at 308.432.6190 or visit our website at www.unwnrd.org. We are committed to helping Nebraskans conserve and protect groundwater.

Upper Niobrara White NRD crop water use report, week of Aug. 5 

The Nebraska Area Health Education Center Scholars Program, based at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, recently graduated 58 students.

The two-year program, part of a national initiative, prepares health professions students to serve in rural and urban underserved areas of the state.

The 2024 class of AHEC Scholars includes health professions students in such fields as community health, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing and radiological technician programs.&nbsp;The graduates represent&nbsp;health profession programs at Bryan College of Health Sciences, Clarkson College, Northeast Community College, Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology, Union Adventist University, UNMC and Western Nebraska Community College.

During the program, students engage with a variety of health professionals, community leaders and potential employers. They gain insight into health care issues, cultural and environmental factors, as well as community resources in Nebraska to better understand future patients and communities they will serve.

The AHEC Scholars Program is a part of the Nebraska AHEC Program, which is based in the UNMC Department of Family Medicine. Scholars are supported by five regional AHECs across the state: Omaha, Northern in Norfolk, Central in Kearney, Panhandle in Scottsbluff and Southeast in Lincoln.

Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology

University of Nebraska Medical Center

College of Nursing – Northern Division

Western Nebraska Community College

UNMCThe Nebraska Area Health Education Center Scholars Program, based at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, recently graduated 58 students.The two-year program, part of a national initiative, prepares health professions students to serve in rural and urban underserved areas of the state.The 2024 class of AHEC Scholars includes health professions students in such fields as community health, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing and radiological technician programs.&nbsp;The graduates represent&nbsp;health profession programs at Bryan College of Health Sciences, Clarkson College, Northeast Community College, Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology, Union Adventist University, UNMC and Western Nebraska Community College.During the program, students engage with a variety of health professionals, community leaders and potential employers. They gain insight into health care issues, cultural and environmental factors, as well as community resources in Nebraska to better understand future patients and communities they will serve.The AHEC Scholars Program is a part of the Nebraska AHEC Program, which is based in the UNMC Department of Family Medicine. Scholars are supported by five regional AHECs across the state: Omaha, Northern in Norfolk, Central in Kearney, Panhandle in Scottsbluff and Southeast in Lincoln.The 2024 graduates included:Bryan College of Health SciencesNursing Program<ul>
 <li>Rushville – Kelanna Lovell</li>
 </ul>Clarkson CollegeCommunity Health Worker Program<ul>
 <li>Springfield – Elisha Muhleka</li><li>Waveland, Indiana – Aubrie Lindner</li>
 </ul>Radiologic Technician Program<ul>
 <li>Alliance – Billi Alvarado</li><li>Blencoe, Iowa – Emma Pitt</li>
 </ul>Northeast Community CollegeNursing Program<ul>
 <li>Dorchester – Elizabeth Schlamann</li>
 </ul>Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic TechnologyRadiologic Technician Program<ul>
 <li>Gering – Evelyn Anderson-Saenz</li><li>Morrill – Kilee Stauffer</li>
 </ul>Union Adventist UniversityPhysician Assistant Program<ul>
 <li>Omaha – Emily Andersen</li><li>St. Paul – Joslyn Hansen</li><li>Wilbur – Molly Zajicek-Stokebrand</li>
 </ul>University of Nebraska Medical CenterCollege of Allied HealthPhysical Therapy Program<ul>
 <li>Howells – Jordyn Brester</li><li>Omaha – Lauren Thompson</li><li>Valentine – Rebecca Higgins</li><li>Wisner – Alexis Juelfs</li><li>Kingman, Arizona – Kael Juelfs</li>
 </ul>Physician Assistant Program<ul>
 <li>Blair – Jacob Sorensen</li><li>Eustis – Leigh Anne Lehmann</li><li>Grand Island – Kerrigan Shelton</li><li>Hickman – Makayla Rice</li><li>Newcastle – Alison Tremayne</li><li>North Platte – McKenna Flint</li><li>Shickley – Nicole Swartzendruber</li><li>Waverly – Alexis Heaton</li><li>Callao, Missouri – Mariah Gann</li><li>Spring Lake, North Carolina – Christopher Griffis</li><li>Valley City, North Dakota – Leah Haak Beck</li>
 </ul>Radiologic Technician Program<ul>
 <li>Utica – Aurora Junge</li><li>Omaha – Josseline Vasquez</li><li>Orchard – Brandi Ruzicka</li><li>Overton – Melissa White</li>
 </ul>College of DentistryDentistry Program<ul>
 <li>Columbus – Trent Roth</li><li>Elkhorn – Anna Edet</li><li>Grand Island – Alec Redwine</li><li>Lincoln – Lauren Larson</li><li>Norfolk – Nicholas Stolze</li><li>O’Neill – Lydia Sigler</li><li>St. Paul – Kylie Sestak</li><li>South Sioux City – Gisselle Perez</li><li>Newport Beach, California – Tia DiGiovanni</li><li>Bemidji, Minnesota – Nicholas Peterson</li><li>Hoople, North Dakota – Emily Swanson</li><li>Rapid City, South Dakota – Delaney Glazier</li>
 </ul>College of MedicineMedicine Program<ul>
 <li>Cody – Cade Cody</li><li>Kearney – Mark Carter</li><li>LaVista – Dustin Quinata</li><li>Norfolk – Jaden Hattery</li><li>Omaha – Savana Nawojski</li><li>Omaha – Andrew White</li><li>Scottsbluff – Llicel Rodriguez</li><li>Council Bluffs, Iowa – Miranda Jangula</li><li>Saint Michael, Minnesota – Taylor Nelson</li>
 </ul>College of Nursing – Northern DivisionNursing Program<ul>
 <li>Pierce – Rose Graham</li>
 </ul>College of PharmacyPharmacy Program<ul>
 <li>Chester – Katelyn Richardson</li><li>Columbus – Ashley Newman</li><li>Hildreth – Abby Quadhamer</li><li>Sutton – Tomasa Trejo</li>
 </ul>Western Nebraska Community CollegeNursing Program<ul>
 <li>Cheyenne, Wyoming – Michaela Moreno</li>
 </ul>