P202300203 05:05 DISTURBANCE : 1200 block of Sweetwater Ave // Report of an active residential break in involving weapons // Upon arrival, the suspect had been neutralized by the resident // Suspect was transported to BBGH with critical injuries // Firearms were NOT a factor // Suspect was left at BBGH to be treated for his injuries // Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300204 07:31 JUV : JUVENILE Officers were informed that a female juvenile had once again left the home and did not come back. The juvenile made contact with the family and refuses to go home. Attempting to locate. Juvenile was charged with being out of cotrol. Open - Under Investigation

P202300205 12:26 THEFT : THEFT ITEMS STOLEN FROM A VEHICLE AT CAMDEN COURTS / VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND LEFT UNLOCKED / Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300206 15:14 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYAccident in front of the police station. A pickup backed out and struck a northbound four door car. All drivers were uninjured and information was exchanged. Closed - Resolved

P202300208 14:06 JUV : JUVENILE 3rd Degree assault at the MS / Open investigation Open - Under Investigation 

P202300209 07:58 TRAFFIC STOP : 700 Block of Black Hills Avenue/ Individual with Suspended License located driving/ Traffic stop made/ Individual arrested/ Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300211 16:59 ERROR : INCIDENT CALLCase issued in error Issued In Error

P202300213 21:13 EMS : MEDICAL officers responded to the 400 block of Boyd Avenue in reference to a drug overdose/ One female individual was taken into Emergency Protective Custody Closed - Resolved

P202300214 21:49 THEFT : THEFT Group of juveniles stole a tool box out of an unlocked vehicle parked on the side of the road/Investigation is ongoing Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300214 21:49 THEFT : THEFT Group of juveniles stole a tool box out of an unlocked vehicle parked on the side of the road/Investigation is ongoing Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300215 06:25 BURGLARY : BREAK On the 1400 block of Big Horn Ave. an individual was reported to have broken into the residence and assaulted one of the household members. The individual was still located in the residence when law enforcement arrived. An investigation was conducted and an arrest was made. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300216 14:04 DISTURBANCE : 600 Yellowstone Avenue/ Responded to active disturbance/ Arrest made for domestic assault Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300217 01:25 BURGLARY : BREAK officers responded to 900 block of Big Horn Avenue in reference to an individual breaking into a residence/ An investigation was conducted and an arrest was made. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300218 05:21 DISTURBANCE : Juvenile spit into his mother's face and broke his bedroom door. Juvenile was charged. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300219 08:58 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYOfficers responded to 4th Street and Cheyenne Avenue to a two-motor vehicle accident. No injuries. Closed - Resolved

P202300220 17:16 DISTURBANCE-VERBAL Officers responded to Richard Circle in reference to a female stating her child was yelling at her and causing issues. Juvenile charged with being out of control. Closed - Charges Recommended

By Alliance Police Department&nbsp;03/27/23P202300203 05:05 DISTURBANCE : 1200 block of Sweetwater Ave // Report of an active residential break in involving weapons // Upon arrival, the suspect had been neutralized by the resident // Suspect was transported to BBGH with critical injuries // Firearms were NOT a factor // Suspect was left at BBGH to be treated for his injuries // Charges recommended Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300204 07:31 JUV : JUVENILE Officers were informed that a female juvenile had once again left the home and did not come back. The juvenile made contact with the family and refuses to go home. Attempting to locate. Juvenile was charged with being out of cotrol. Open - Under InvestigationP202300205 12:26 THEFT : THEFT ITEMS STOLEN FROM A VEHICLE AT CAMDEN COURTS / VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND LEFT UNLOCKED / Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300206 15:14 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYAccident in front of the police station. A pickup backed out and struck a northbound four door car. All drivers were uninjured and information was exchanged. Closed - Resolved03/27/23 Total: 403/28/23P202300208 14:06 JUV : JUVENILE 3rd Degree assault at the MS / Open investigation Open - Under Investigation 03/28/23 Total: 103/29/23P202300209 07:58 TRAFFIC STOP : 700 Block of Black Hills Avenue/ Individual with Suspended License located driving/ Traffic stop made/ Individual arrested/ Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300211 16:59 ERROR : INCIDENT CALLCase issued in error Issued In ErrorP202300213 21:13 EMS : MEDICAL officers responded to the 400 block of Boyd Avenue in reference to a drug overdose/ One female individual was taken into Emergency Protective Custody Closed - ResolvedP202300214 21:49 THEFT : THEFT Group of juveniles stole a tool box out of an unlocked vehicle parked on the side of the road/Investigation is ongoing Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300214 21:49 THEFT : THEFT Group of juveniles stole a tool box out of an unlocked vehicle parked on the side of the road/Investigation is ongoing Closed - Charges Recommended03/29/23 Total: 503/30/23P202300215 06:25 BURGLARY : BREAK On the 1400 block of Big Horn Ave. an individual was reported to have broken into the residence and assaulted one of the household members. The individual was still located in the residence when law enforcement arrived. An investigation was conducted and an arrest was made. Closed - Charges Recommended03/30/23 Total: 103/31/23P202300216 14:04 DISTURBANCE : 600 Yellowstone Avenue/ Responded to active disturbance/ Arrest made for domestic assault Closed - Charges Recommended03/31/23 Total: 104/01/23P202300217 01:25 BURGLARY : BREAK officers responded to 900 block of Big Horn Avenue in reference to an individual breaking into a residence/ An investigation was conducted and an arrest was made. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300218 05:21 DISTURBANCE : Juvenile spit into his mother's face and broke his bedroom door. Juvenile was charged. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300219 08:58 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYOfficers responded to 4th Street and Cheyenne Avenue to a two-motor vehicle accident. No injuries. Closed - ResolvedP202300220 17:16 DISTURBANCE-VERBAL Officers responded to Richard Circle in reference to a female stating her child was yelling at her and causing issues. Juvenile charged with being out of control. Closed - Charges Recommended04/01/23 Total: 4Total Records: 16

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a>

LINCOLN — Turnback taxes paid at hotels and retailers near arenas in Omaha, Lincoln and Ralston not only help finance those facilities, they also provide grants for rural projects.

This year, 18 communities have been awarded $4.2 million worth of planning and construction grants from the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund.

Funds are generated for the grants via &nbsp;turning back 30% of state sales tax generated by arenas and nearby retailers.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the venues reduced the amount available for awards for 2023, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development said in a news release.

The grants are used to develop civic, community and recreation centers in communities across the state.

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680534340410.png" alt="State sales taxes paid at hotels and retailers near Omaha’s CHI Center help finance grants awarded every year to projects in communities across the state. (Courtesy of Metropolitan Entertainment &amp; Convention Authority)" />
 <figcaption>State sales taxes paid at hotels and retailers near Omaha’s CHI Center help finance grants awarded every year to projects in communities across the state. (Courtesy of Metropolitan Entertainment &amp; Convention Authority)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Turnback taxes paid at hotels and retailers near arenas in Omaha, Lincoln and Ralston not only help finance those facilities, they also provide grants for rural projects.This year, 18 communities have been awarded $4.2 million worth of planning and construction grants from the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund.Funds are generated for the grants via &nbsp;turning back 30% of state sales tax generated by arenas and nearby retailers.The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the venues reduced the amount available for awards for 2023, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development said in a news release.The grants are used to develop civic, community and recreation centers in communities across the state.Planning grant recipients:<ul>
 <li>City of Alliance: $15,000, Alliance City Hall recreation center.</li><li>City of Arapahoe: $15,000, Crystal Theatre renovation project.</li><li>City of Curtis: $7,500, Curtis city pool.</li><li>City of Falls City: $15,000, recreation/fitness center.</li><li>City of Sargent: $7,500, swimming pool.</li><li>City of West Point: $15,000, recreation center.</li><li>Village of Pender: $15,000, Pender library.</li><li>Village of Shelton: $7,500, swimming pool.</li>
 </ul>Capital construction grant recipients:<ul>
 <li>City of Bassett: $562,000, Rock County Community Center.</li><li>City of Blair: $229,027, Generations Park.</li><li>City of Gibbon: $150,000, community center renovation.</li><li>City of Imperial: $562,000, city square improvement.</li><li>City of McCook: $562,000, park and recreational improvements.</li><li>City of Waverly: $562,000, New Waverly Aquatic Center.</li><li>City of Wayne: $562,000, Prairie Park.</li><li>City of Wood River: $562,000, Legacy Station.</li><li>Village of Bruning: $215,342, playground equipment and rRenovation.</li><li>Village of Pickrell: $165,000, community center.</li>
 </ul>

ARC, Alliance City Hall receive thousands in turnback tax grants

Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million

By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.

But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.

The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;

The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;

“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.

Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.

“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.

A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.

Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.

“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.

He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.

As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.

He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;

Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”

Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.

Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.

Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;

Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.

Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”

She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;

“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.

Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.

The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.

Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”

“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554659570.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million</h2>By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554762652.jpeg" alt="Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554815794.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”Hence, the Dumbbell name.Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554852926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554880289.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)</figcaption>
 </figure>Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554917938.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>

‘Dumbbell’ in Nebraska Sandhills gains spotlight with sheer size, storied past

CHADRON – The Chadron State College Child Development Center has earned national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children.

According to a press release from NAEYC, the organization’s accreditation is a rigorous and transformative quality-improvement system that uses a set of 10 research-based standards to collaborate with early education programs to recognize and drive quality-improvement in high-quality early learning environments.

“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Lona Downs, Center Director. “The center believes in play-based learning where children's work is their play, and their play is their work. All children can learn if given the opportunity to become actively involved in their world, supported by loving, caring adults who understand child growth and development.”

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the CDC went through an extensive self-study and quality-improvement process, followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC assessors to verify and ensure that the program met each of the 10 program standards, and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. The NAEYC accreditation term lasts five years.

In the 30 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 6,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC. Less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools, and kindergartens nationally achieve this recognition.&nbsp;

“NAEYC-Accredited programs have committed to a process that takes time, energy and dedication to complete,” said Alissa Mwenelupembe, senior director of Early Learning Program Accreditation. “The Chadron State College Child Development Center has demonstrated their commitment to young children and their families.”

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – The Chadron State College Child Development Center has earned national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680482500476.jpeg" alt="Children meet community leaders during Chadron State College's Child Development Center Parade of Helpers March 27, 2023. (Photo by Molly Langhorst/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Children meet community leaders during Chadron State College's Child Development Center Parade of Helpers March 27, 2023. (Photo by Molly Langhorst/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>According to a press release from NAEYC, the organization’s accreditation is a rigorous and transformative quality-improvement system that uses a set of 10 research-based standards to collaborate with early education programs to recognize and drive quality-improvement in high-quality early learning environments.“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Lona Downs, Center Director. “The center believes in play-based learning where children's work is their play, and their play is their work. All children can learn if given the opportunity to become actively involved in their world, supported by loving, caring adults who understand child growth and development.”To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the CDC went through an extensive self-study and quality-improvement process, followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC assessors to verify and ensure that the program met each of the 10 program standards, and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. The NAEYC accreditation term lasts five years.In the 30 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 6,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC. Less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools, and kindergartens nationally achieve this recognition.&nbsp;“NAEYC-Accredited programs have committed to a process that takes time, energy and dedication to complete,” said Alissa Mwenelupembe, senior director of Early Learning Program Accreditation. “The Chadron State College Child Development Center has demonstrated their commitment to young children and their families.”

Child Development Center earns accreditation in Chadron

By Kyren Gibson, Carnegie Arts Center

It’s Carnegie’s birthday! What marks this occasion is the Carnegie’s 30th Anniversary Show.

 The exhibit is a juried and judged exhibit. This year 97 pieces were entered by artists from Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado.  Out of those entered, 72 pieces were accepted with a total of 41 featured artists. 

There are seven different media categories that artists can enter their work into. 

The seven media categories include: Oil and Acrylic Painting; Watercolor Painting; Mixed Media; Three-Dimensional; Pastel, Pencil, and Ink; Photography; and Youth.

The pieces were judged by artist and Studio 7 owner, Yelena Khanevskya. Mrs. Khanevskya teaches a wide range of media subjects at WNCC in their art department. Khanevskya was asked to select First Place, Second Place, and Honorable Mentions in all 7 media categories. She was also asked to select Best of Show. In the Three-Dimensional category, First Place went to Ned Day for his piece “Hope.” Second Place in 3D was awarded to Ned Day for “Ascending Figure.” Honorable Mentions in 3D went to Jean Ann Curry-Hess for “Born Free” and Ned Day for “Reclining Figure.”  In the Mixed Media Category First Place went to Becci Thomas for “All the World’s a Stage.” Second Place Mixed Media went to Mary Sue Suit for “Untitled.” Honorable Mentions in Mixed Media were awarded to Sue Oliver Dowse for “Crane” and Traci Wilkes’ “Life is an Open Book.” In the Oil and Acrylic category First Place went to Ben Darling for “Dry Winter Town Draw.” Second Place in Oil and Acrylic went to Rick Yusten’s “The Old Home Place.” Honorable Mentions in Oil and Acrylic went to Robert Peltz for “Oasis” and Rick Yusten’s “Prairie Sunset.” In the Pastel, Pencil, and Ink category, First Place went to Rachel Brownlee for “Velvet Hills.” Second Place in Pastel, Pencil, and Ink went to Gretchen Peters for “Hydrangea Come Fall.” Honorable Mentions in Pastel, Pencil, and Ink went to Mary Ellen Neff’s “Arboretum” and Gretchen Peter’s “Tack and Old Saddle.” In the Photography category, First Place went to Audrey Powles’ “Cows in Hats Series-Velma.” Second Place in Photography went to Joe Lucas for “Sprague Lake- Blue Sunrise.” Honorable Mentions in Photography went to Audrey Powles’ “Cows in Hats Series- What to Wear” and Selah Strand’s “Watch the Skies.”  In the Watercolor Category First Place went to Clarice Hynes for “California Super Bloom.” Second Place in Watercolor went to Clarice Hynes for “Winter Flicker.” Honorable Mention went to Sue Oliver Dowse for “You Rained on My Parade.”  First Place in Youth Category went to Olive Radice’s “The Curious Burning of Ms. Dorothy.” Second Place went to Carver Hauptman’s “Summertime Hues.” Honorable Mentions went to Carver Hauptman’s “It’s Not All Black and White” and Olive Radice’s “Mona Garfielda.” Last but certainly not least, Best of Show was awarded to David Dorsey for “Girl with Red Umbrella.” 

Please stop by to check out the amazing collection of artist works on display until May 13th. We also invite the public to join us for our special 30th Anniversary Show artist reception May 13th from 5-7pm.

As always, we want to thank the incredible local businesses that support arts opportunities for our community. Thank you to our&nbsp;April Business Sponsors Girard’s Well Service and FNIC Trusted Insurance Providers.&nbsp;We also want to thank our generous grantors who provide operational funding, the Nebraska Arts Council, and Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Last but certainly not least, we want to thank our grantors that make free and reduced cost art classes available through educational grant support. Thank you DF Dillon Foundation, Snow Redfern Foundation, Mission Store, CA Story Foundation, Kimmel Foundation, and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

By Kyren Gibson, Carnegie Arts Center<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680482262144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It’s Carnegie’s birthday! What marks this occasion is the Carnegie’s 30th Anniversary Show. The exhibit is a juried and judged exhibit. This year 97 pieces were entered by artists from Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado. Out of those entered, 72 pieces were accepted with a total of 41 featured artists. There are seven different media categories that artists can enter their work into. The seven media categories include: Oil and Acrylic Painting; Watercolor Painting; Mixed Media; Three-Dimensional; Pastel, Pencil, and Ink; Photography; and Youth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680482301599.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The pieces were judged by artist and Studio 7 owner, Yelena Khanevskya. Mrs. Khanevskya teaches a wide range of media subjects at WNCC in their art department. Khanevskya was asked to select First Place, Second Place, and Honorable Mentions in all 7 media categories. She was also asked to select Best of Show. In the Three-Dimensional category, First Place went to Ned Day for his piece “Hope.” Second Place in 3D was awarded to Ned Day for “Ascending Figure.” Honorable Mentions in 3D went to Jean Ann Curry-Hess for “Born Free” and Ned Day for “Reclining Figure.” In the Mixed Media Category First Place went to Becci Thomas for “All the World’s a Stage.” Second Place Mixed Media went to Mary Sue Suit for “Untitled.” Honorable Mentions in Mixed Media were awarded to Sue Oliver Dowse for “Crane” and Traci Wilkes’ “Life is an Open Book.” In the Oil and Acrylic category First Place went to Ben Darling for “Dry Winter Town Draw.” Second Place in Oil and Acrylic went to Rick Yusten’s “The Old Home Place.” Honorable Mentions in Oil and Acrylic went to Robert Peltz for “Oasis” and Rick Yusten’s “Prairie Sunset.” In the Pastel, Pencil, and Ink category, First Place went to Rachel Brownlee for “Velvet Hills.” Second Place in Pastel, Pencil, and Ink went to Gretchen Peters for “Hydrangea Come Fall.” Honorable Mentions in Pastel, Pencil, and Ink went to Mary Ellen Neff’s “Arboretum” and Gretchen Peter’s “Tack and Old Saddle.” In the Photography category, First Place went to Audrey Powles’ “Cows in Hats Series-Velma.” Second Place in Photography went to Joe Lucas for “Sprague Lake- Blue Sunrise.” Honorable Mentions in Photography went to Audrey Powles’ “Cows in Hats Series- What to Wear” and Selah Strand’s “Watch the Skies.” In the Watercolor Category First Place went to Clarice Hynes for “California Super Bloom.” Second Place in Watercolor went to Clarice Hynes for “Winter Flicker.” Honorable Mention went to Sue Oliver Dowse for “You Rained on My Parade.” First Place in Youth Category went to Olive Radice’s “The Curious Burning of Ms. Dorothy.” Second Place went to Carver Hauptman’s “Summertime Hues.” Honorable Mentions went to Carver Hauptman’s “It’s Not All Black and White” and Olive Radice’s “Mona Garfielda.” Last but certainly not least, Best of Show was awarded to David Dorsey for “Girl with Red Umbrella.” Please stop by to check out the amazing collection of artist works on display until May 13th. We also invite the public to join us for our special 30th Anniversary Show artist reception May 13th from 5-7pm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680482316643.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As always, we want to thank the incredible local businesses that support arts opportunities for our community. Thank you to our&nbsp;April Business Sponsors Girard’s Well Service and FNIC Trusted Insurance Providers.&nbsp;We also want to thank our generous grantors who provide operational funding, the Nebraska Arts Council, and Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Last but certainly not least, we want to thank our grantors that make free and reduced cost art classes available through educational grant support. Thank you DF Dillon Foundation, Snow Redfern Foundation, Mission Store, CA Story Foundation, Kimmel Foundation, and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Carnegie Arts Center celebrates its birthday, anniversary show 

LINCOLN Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Milford woman following a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 80 overnight.

Just before midnight Saturday, NSP was notified of a hit-and-run crash that had occurred on Interstate 80 near mile marker 391. The incident reportedly involved a sedan driving eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing a collision between a Ford Eco Sport and a semi. Minutes later, a trooper located two additional vehicles that appeared to have been involved in a crash near mile marker 397.&nbsp;

The trooper identified one those vehicles, a Kia Spectra, as the vehicle reportedly involved in the previous crash. The trooper also observed the driver to be impaired. The driver was placed in custody as troopers investigated both crashes, with assistance from Seward and Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputies.

The driver of the Kia and the driver of the Ford involved in the first crash were both transported to Bryan Health Center West Campus with minor injuries. While at the hospital, the driver of the Kia, identified as Heather Teschendorf, 34, of Milford, spit on a trooper’s face and was physically combative.

Following medical clearance, Teschendorf, was lodged in Lancaster County Jail for driving under the influence, willful reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, assault on a public safety officer with bodily fluid, failure to submit to a pretest, and resisting arrest.

NSPLINCOLN Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Milford woman following a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 80 overnight.Just before midnight Saturday, NSP was notified of a hit-and-run crash that had occurred on Interstate 80 near mile marker 391. The incident reportedly involved a sedan driving eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing a collision between a Ford Eco Sport and a semi. Minutes later, a trooper located two additional vehicles that appeared to have been involved in a crash near mile marker 397.&nbsp;The trooper identified one those vehicles, a Kia Spectra, as the vehicle reportedly involved in the previous crash. The trooper also observed the driver to be impaired. The driver was placed in custody as troopers investigated both crashes, with assistance from Seward and Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputies.The driver of the Kia and the driver of the Ford involved in the first crash were both transported to Bryan Health Center West Campus with minor injuries. While at the hospital, the driver of the Kia, identified as Heather Teschendorf, 34, of Milford, spit on a trooper’s face and was physically combative.Following medical clearance, Teschendorf, was lodged in Lancaster County Jail for driving under the influence, willful reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, assault on a public safety officer with bodily fluid, failure to submit to a pretest, and resisting arrest.

Milford woman arrested after alleged hit-and-run, spitting on trooper

This week, I gave my U.S. Senate Maiden Speech –&nbsp;a long-held tradition for freshman senators to highlight their priorities in an inaugural speech on the Senate floor. The first time I entered the U.S. Senate chamber, I got chills. The chamber and the&nbsp;Capitol building represent the values we’ve held for nearly two and a half centuries.&nbsp;They&nbsp;represent how exceptional our Republic is.

We must not lose sight of what makes America so exceptional. Our founders threw off the tyranny of a king with an idea;&nbsp;that our rights come to us directly from God – not from a king. Governments are instituted to protect those rights.

Even today, after 246 years, our founding principles are every bit as true. These values – like rule of law, checks and balances, and federalism – are critical to our republic. They've created the greatest nation the world has ever seen. We’re strongest when we follow them. We’re never weaker than when we stray from them.

Our American system unleashes the power of individuals to achieve their full potential. In our country, it doesn't matter where you start. With enough grit and hard work, you can go anywhere. That's why the world wants to come here. That’s why nearly every major innovation and breakthrough comes from America.

The framers of the Constitution also believed that government closest to the people is best able to serve them. It's common sense. What works in New York may not work in Nebraska.&nbsp;Our state has shown America what's possible when the federal government gets out of the way and allows states to lead.

During my time as Governor, we kept the size and scope of government small. We empowered people. We ran government more like a business. We dramatically improved the level of service provided to Nebraska families. We got help to people in need faster than ever before. We made it easier for citizens and businesses to work with the state. We provided billions of dollars in tax relief – including for veterans and seniors by phasing out taxes on their retirement income and Social Security. We attracted new investments and jobs for communities big and small. We employed a record-number of Nebraskans while our state’s unemployment rate reached a historic low.

We made government work better. We proved that we can do a better job of providing services while still controlling our costs. We also proved that we can respect people’s liberty and freedoms while protecting their safety. During the pandemic, we kept kids in school, people at work, and government open.&nbsp;As a result, we were rated the number one best pandemic response state.

All of this reflects Nebraska’s conservative values. In Nebraska, we respect people’s freedom. We value strong communities, faith, and family. We honor our law enforcement and military. We expect a limited, accountable government. We believe in personal responsibility and the boundless potential of the individual.

Nebraska is what America is supposed to be.

But nationally, we’ve strayed from those values.&nbsp;Too many now take our freedoms for granted. Too often we hear resentment rather than reverence for the very principles that make this country great. Too many have forgotten the old adage that a government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.

As your Senator, I will strive to make the federal government work better for the people. I will reject every effort to restrict our liberties and undermine our values. I will work to restore transparency and faith in the federal government. I will work to control spending, curb unnecessary regulation, and limit the size and scope of government. I will work to secure our borders and provide the resources to defend against our enemies. I will work to assure that we have a well-trained, well-led, and&nbsp;well-equipped military to defend us. I will hold this and future administrations accountable to the American people.&nbsp;More importantly,&nbsp;I will always fight for the best interests and freedoms of&nbsp;you,&nbsp;the Nebraskans I serve.

Throughout our history, we have risen to meet every challenge. With our founding values as our guide, we will again rise to meet the challenge of this moment.

&nbsp; Along with my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my team and I are here to serve you.&nbsp;Contact my team and I anytime&nbsp;by phone at 202-224-4224, on my website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov</a>, or via email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:contactricke@ricketts.senate.gov" target="_blank">contactricke@ricketts.senate.gov</a>.&nbsp;I am honored to serve our great state and will continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach.

By Office of Gov. Pete RickettsThis week, I gave my U.S. Senate Maiden Speech –&nbsp;a long-held tradition for freshman senators to highlight their priorities in an inaugural speech on the Senate floor. The first time I entered the U.S. Senate chamber, I got chills. The chamber and the&nbsp;Capitol building represent the values we’ve held for nearly two and a half centuries.&nbsp;They&nbsp;represent how exceptional our Republic is.We must not lose sight of what makes America so exceptional. Our founders threw off the tyranny of a king with an idea;&nbsp;that our rights come to us directly from God – not from a king. Governments are instituted to protect those rights.Even today, after 246 years, our founding principles are every bit as true. These values – like rule of law, checks and balances, and federalism – are critical to our republic. They've created the greatest nation the world has ever seen. We’re strongest when we follow them. We’re never weaker than when we stray from them.Our American system unleashes the power of individuals to achieve their full potential. In our country, it doesn't matter where you start. With enough grit and hard work, you can go anywhere. That's why the world wants to come here. That’s why nearly every major innovation and breakthrough comes from America.The framers of the Constitution also believed that government closest to the people is best able to serve them. It's common sense. What works in New York may not work in Nebraska.&nbsp;Our state has shown America what's possible when the federal government gets out of the way and allows states to lead.During my time as Governor, we kept the size and scope of government small. We empowered people. We ran government more like a business. We dramatically improved the level of service provided to Nebraska families. We got help to people in need faster than ever before. We made it easier for citizens and businesses to work with the state. We provided billions of dollars in tax relief – including for veterans and seniors by phasing out taxes on their retirement income and Social Security. We attracted new investments and jobs for communities big and small. We employed a record-number of Nebraskans while our state’s unemployment rate reached a historic low.We made government work better. We proved that we can do a better job of providing services while still controlling our costs. We also proved that we can respect people’s liberty and freedoms while protecting their safety. During the pandemic, we kept kids in school, people at work, and government open.&nbsp;As a result, we were rated the number one best pandemic response state.All of this reflects Nebraska’s conservative values. In Nebraska, we respect people’s freedom. We value strong communities, faith, and family. We honor our law enforcement and military. We expect a limited, accountable government. We believe in personal responsibility and the boundless potential of the individual.Nebraska is what America is supposed to be.But nationally, we’ve strayed from those values.&nbsp;Too many now take our freedoms for granted. Too often we hear resentment rather than reverence for the very principles that make this country great. Too many have forgotten the old adage that a government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.As your Senator, I will strive to make the federal government work better for the people. I will reject every effort to restrict our liberties and undermine our values. I will work to restore transparency and faith in the federal government. I will work to control spending, curb unnecessary regulation, and limit the size and scope of government. I will work to secure our borders and provide the resources to defend against our enemies. I will work to assure that we have a well-trained, well-led, and&nbsp;well-equipped military to defend us. I will hold this and future administrations accountable to the American people.&nbsp;More importantly,&nbsp;I will always fight for the best interests and freedoms of&nbsp;you,&nbsp;the Nebraskans I serve.Throughout our history, we have risen to meet every challenge. With our founding values as our guide, we will again rise to meet the challenge of this moment.&nbsp; Along with my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my team and I are here to serve you.&nbsp;Contact my team and I anytime&nbsp;by phone at 202-224-4224, on my website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov</a>, or via email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:contactricke@ricketts.senate.gov" target="_blank">contactricke@ricketts.senate.gov</a>.&nbsp;I am honored to serve our great state and will continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach.

Sen. Ricketts: Nebraska is what America is supposed to be

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A former high school journalist and the Nebraska High School Press Association sued Friday over a school district's shutdown of the school newspaper after it published an LGBTQ-focused edition.

The federal lawsuit claims Grand Island Northwest Public Schools and its superintendent violated the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment in May when it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gender-identity-nebraska-gay-rights-newspapers-censorship-229d12b873a51cfe5f6eb3a4b9b715f5">closed</a>&nbsp;the Viking Saga newspaper at Grand Island Northwest High School, which has about 700 students. The district later agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-nebraska-gay-rights-newspapers-grand-island-c40f420ba8bf9a6a93a7f5fb1f2499ae">bring the newspaper back</a>&nbsp;in digital form.

“It is hard to find words for what it felt like watching people who were supposed to be supporting our education instead silence us for covering issues impacting our lives,” Marcus Pennell, the former student suing the district, said in a statement. “I was crushed."

An email message left with the school district's superintendent, Jeffrey Edwards, was not immediately returned. Edwards last year called the shutdown “an administrative decision."

Saga newspaper staff were informed of the newspaper’s elimination three days after printing of the June edition, which included an article titled, “Pride and prejudice: LGBTQIA+,” on the origins of Pride Month and the history of homophobia. It also included an editorial opposing a Florida law, dubbed by critics as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-lifestyle-education-florida-ron-desantis-322e0a40da909f48954b8b1bd9190750">“Don’t Say Gay,"</a>&nbsp;that bans some lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity and

A May 22 email from a school employee canceling the paper’s printing services said it was “because the school board and superintendent are unhappy with the last issue’s editorial content.” Some school board members publicly stated their objection to the Saga’s LGBTQ content.

The lawsuit also states that Pennell, who is transgender, was told in March 2022 that he and others could use only names assigned to them at birth in their bylines and that they could not list their pronouns.

The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the district violated the law as well as unspecified damages. Grand Island is a city of about 52,300 residents about 150 miles (241 kilometers) west of Omaha.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278465498.jpeg" alt="Former Viking Saga student newspaper staff members Marcus Pennell, left, and Emma Smith display a pride flag outside of Northwest High School in Grand Island, Neb., July 20, 2022. A former high school journalist is suing the Nebraska school district that last year shut down the school newspaper after it published an LGBTQ-focused edition. The federal lawsuit filed Friday, March 31, 2023, names Grand Island Northwest Public Schools and its superintendent. It claims the shutdown of the student paper at Northwest High School was unconstitutional. (McKenna Lamoree/The Independent via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>Former Viking Saga student newspaper staff members Marcus Pennell, left, and Emma Smith display a pride flag outside of Northwest High School in Grand Island, Neb., July 20, 2022. A former high school journalist is suing the Nebraska school district that last year shut down the school newspaper after it published an LGBTQ-focused edition. The federal lawsuit filed Friday, March 31, 2023, names Grand Island Northwest Public Schools and its superintendent. It claims the shutdown of the student paper at Northwest High School was unconstitutional. (McKenna Lamoree/The Independent via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A former high school journalist and the Nebraska High School Press Association sued Friday over a school district's shutdown of the school newspaper after it published an LGBTQ-focused edition.The federal lawsuit claims Grand Island Northwest Public Schools and its superintendent violated the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment in May when it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gender-identity-nebraska-gay-rights-newspapers-censorship-229d12b873a51cfe5f6eb3a4b9b715f5">closed</a>&nbsp;the Viking Saga newspaper at Grand Island Northwest High School, which has about 700 students. The district later agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-nebraska-gay-rights-newspapers-grand-island-c40f420ba8bf9a6a93a7f5fb1f2499ae">bring the newspaper back</a>&nbsp;in digital form.“It is hard to find words for what it felt like watching people who were supposed to be supporting our education instead silence us for covering issues impacting our lives,” Marcus Pennell, the former student suing the district, said in a statement. “I was crushed."An email message left with the school district's superintendent, Jeffrey Edwards, was not immediately returned. Edwards last year called the shutdown “an administrative decision."Saga newspaper staff were informed of the newspaper’s elimination three days after printing of the June edition, which included an article titled, “Pride and prejudice: LGBTQIA+,” on the origins of Pride Month and the history of homophobia. It also included an editorial opposing a Florida law, dubbed by critics as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-lifestyle-education-florida-ron-desantis-322e0a40da909f48954b8b1bd9190750">“Don’t Say Gay,"</a>&nbsp;that bans some lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity andA May 22 email from a school employee canceling the paper’s printing services said it was “because the school board and superintendent are unhappy with the last issue’s editorial content.” Some school board members publicly stated their objection to the Saga’s LGBTQ content.The lawsuit also states that Pennell, who is transgender, was told in March 2022 that he and others could use only names assigned to them at birth in their bylines and that they could not list their pronouns.The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the district violated the law as well as unspecified damages. Grand Island is a city of about 52,300 residents about 150 miles (241 kilometers) west of Omaha.

District sued over axing of student paper after LGBTQ issue

Road Trip for St Patrick's Day, was a short trip  across town. I read online that Pigaro's was having corn beef and cabbage. So, I put on my green socks,  picked up my faithful sidekick and off we went. 

 Alliance is fortunate to have this business here, its amazing. It Is located at 615 W 3rd St., next door to Git N' Split, you cant miss it. The smell will bring you there from a block away.&nbsp;

I am not a huge BBQ fan, so I had not been in yet to try it. That, was my first mistake!  Corn Beef, yes, it was time to broaden my Horizons. We stepped in to a paradise of smell,  taste and beautiful decor  that will knock your socks off!!  So we claimed a table and went up to order.

We were met by the owners.  Who were very kind and awesome people. I had to ask him how to correctly pronounce Pigaro's as I was murdering it. He laughed and helped me out.

We ordered our corn beef and cabbage meal. Got it right then and there, and there was so much i seriously ate on it for three meals. It was fantastic. Never had i eaten corn beef that way. I was so surprised. Also surprised at given so much, not to mention only $10!  I put a little BBQ sauce on it . Wow that taste just was so good. Each meal came with Bread and i made a sandwich. The cabbage, well those folks know how to do it right. I cant hardly wait to go back. 

By the time we were stuffed and ready to leave, the tables were filling up, and a line at the counter.  These folks knew where to come for great&nbsp;food. See ya there!

By Tami Cox Swearingen<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278184552.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Road Trip for St Patrick's Day, was a short trip across town. I read online that Pigaro's was having corn beef and cabbage. So, I put on my green socks, picked up my faithful sidekick and off we went. Alliance is fortunate to have this business here, its amazing. It Is located at 615 W 3rd St., next door to Git N' Split, you cant miss it. The smell will bring you there from a block away.&nbsp;I am not a huge BBQ fan, so I had not been in yet to try it. That, was my first mistake! Corn Beef, yes, it was time to broaden my Horizons. We stepped in to a paradise of smell, taste and beautiful decor that will knock your socks off!! So we claimed a table and went up to order.We were met by the owners. Who were very kind and awesome people. I had to ask him how to correctly pronounce Pigaro's as I was murdering it. He laughed and helped me out.We ordered our corn beef and cabbage meal. Got it right then and there, and there was so much i seriously ate on it for three meals. It was fantastic. Never had i eaten corn beef that way. I was so surprised. Also surprised at given so much, not to mention only $10! I put a little BBQ sauce on it . Wow that taste just was so good. Each meal came with Bread and i made a sandwich. The cabbage, well those folks know how to do it right. I cant hardly wait to go back. By the time we were stuffed and ready to leave, the tables were filling up, and a line at the counter. These folks knew where to come for great&nbsp;food. See ya there!

Road Trip: Pigaro's BBQ in Alliance 

On this episode of Beverages of the Damned, Wenty, Kman and Gles get into their St. Patrick's Day vibe.&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ckD1UqAIIVY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Beverages of the Damned, Wenty, Kman and Gles get into their St. Patrick's Day vibe.&nbsp;

🎥 Beverages of the Damned: Hibiscus, sour watermelon Peeps 

By JOSH FUNK Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. — Americans are renewing their focus on railroad 
safety after a string of recent derailments, especially two fiery ones 
involving hazardous chemicals in <a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">Ohio</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-train-derailment-evacuation-ethanol-fire-73cc3e80f616070806f8f8b35191a616">Minnesota</a> that prompted evacuations.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ohio-pennsylvania-f1cd9d79cdd66b1f45d1dcdf1e53ff58">Federal regulators</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">members of Congress</a> are urging railroads to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-senate-legislation-brown-vance-82c55dc95aca9524d6ae8e6d01336dbe">do more</a>
 to prevent derailments. They want standards for the trackside detectors
 used to help identify equipment problems, more notice to states about 
hazardous chemicals they are hauling, and at least two people at the 
helm of freight trains.

A Senate bill would toughen the penalty 
for safety violations to up to 1% of a railroad's annual operating 
income and set standards for the maximum length and weight of freight 
trains, which have grown significantly in recent years. Trains now 
routinely stretch beyond two miles (3 kilometers) long.

The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-ohio-derailment-hazardous-materials-74d7aec638500c52d1eb9fda0acf9f26">railroads themselves</a>
 say they will take steps that include installing roughly 1,000 more 
trackside detectors. But the industry has a long history of resisting 
new regulations. The Association of American Railroads trade group has 
already spoken out against the crew size rule and requiring 
electronically-controlled brakes.

Railroads are generally regarded as the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-territories-ohio-canada-business-accidents-d57651e17b2f9e0163c50298106950a3">safest way</a>
 to transport hazardous chemicals across land, and statistics show that 
99.9% of those shipments arrive safely. Most derailments don't cause 
major problems, but there are still nearly three a day somewhere in the 
country. Just one derailment involving hazardous chemicals can be 
disastrous.

Regulators established a 
set of safety rules for trains hauling large amounts of crude oil, 
ethanol or other flammable liquids in 2015 after several fiery 
derailments, including one of the worst disasters in railroad history.

In
 2013, the brakes failed on a parked crude oil train in the hills above 
the Canadian town of Lac Megantic. The unmanned train rolled downhill 
and derailed, killing 47 people and causing millions of dollars in 
damage.

Other crude oil crashes, like one that created a massive 
fireball outside the town of Casselton, North Dakota, in 2013, alarmed 
regulators because the number of crude oil shipments had skyrocketed as 
more oil was being produced in areas without many pipelines, like North 
Dakota.

The 2015 rules require railroads to notify states about 
how many flammable liquid trains they expect to transport each week and 
to find the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wv-state-wire-us-news-ap-top-news-montana-international-news-17ff7868111b4ecd9455e42e48ba101a">safest route possible</a> for them. They also establish a maximum speed limit of 50 mph (80 kph).

Neither
 the Ohio or Minnesota trains that derailed were covered by these rules.
 To be considered a high-hazardous flammable train, a train must have 
either a block of 20 or more flammable liquid cars or at least 35 
flammable liquid cars in all.

Lawmakers and regulators have discussed expanding the definition, so more trains would be covered.

Federal
 regulators originally proposed that any high-hazardous flammable train 
would need upgraded electronically-controlled brakes that can stop 
trains more quickly by applying all cars' brakes simultaneously. 
Conventional systems apply air brakes sequentially. But they dropped 
that proposal in 2018 after Congress required them to conduct a detailed
 cost-benefit analysis.

Mike Rush, a senior vice president of 
safety and operations with the AAR trade group, told Federal Railroad 
Administration officials this week that considering electronic brakes 
now would be “a complete waste of time.”

He said the major freight
 railroads spent a decade testing electronic brakes and found only 
limited benefits. Electronic brakes also were prone to breaking down, he
 said.

Since 2015, it has become much more common for railroads to
 use multiple locomotives spread throughout a train. That helps stop 
trains more quickly because the locomotives can send a braking signal at
 once — though likely not as quickly as electronic brakes would.

One
 thing in the 2015 rules was a requirement to upgrade DOT-111 tank cars 
used to haul crude oil and ethanol to make them less likely to leak in a
 derailment. The tank cars involved in Thursday's BNSF derailment in 
Minnesota were upgraded triple-hulled DOT-117 cars, but they still 
ruptured and caught fire.

Since 2015, nearly 48,000 of the newer 
tank cars have been built, and some 41,000 older tank cars have been 
upgraded to meet a 2029 deadline set by Congress. Another 35,000 older 
tank cars need to be upgraded or replaced.

Transportation 
Secretary Pete Buttigieg suggested speeding up those upgrades to 
complete them by 2025 after the Ohio derailment. But the Railway Supply 
Institute, which represents big tank car manufacturers that own most of 
the nation’s tank cars, says that’s not possible because of current 
labor and supply chain shortages.

The ethanol that spilled and caught fire in the Minnesota derailment is less of a concern than the vinyl chloride that was <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">released after the Ohio derailment</a>
 or other toxic chemicals railroads routinely carry, like chlorine gas 
that was released during a 2005 derailment in Graniteville, South 
Carolina, killing nine people and injuring more than 250.

Ethanol is relatively clean burning, but contaminated soil in the area will have to be removed.

The vinyl chloride released from tank cars in Ohio out of fear it might explode is associated with <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-dioxins-environment-0e1b8e6632fe7e0a310eeee965cfd6d1">increased risk of certain cancers</a>. Officials warned when they burned it that <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-evacuations-ohio-health-climate-and-environment-3f84663f0b97837cc74a8ce9a50ef6c7">two concerning gases</a> — hydrogen chloride and phosgene, which was used as a weapon in World War I — might be released in the process.

That's why so many East Palestine residents <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">remain concerned</a>
 about potential long-term health impacts even though state and federal 
officials insist they haven't found alarming levels of chemicals in the 
air or water. Norfolk Southern has also been ordered to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-dioxins-environment-0e1b8e6632fe7e0a310eeee965cfd6d1">test for dioxins</a>, which may have been released during the February incineration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678459913884.jpeg" alt="A view of the scene Feb. 24 f of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened n East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, file)" />
 <figcaption>A view of the scene Feb. 24 f of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened n East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, file)</figcaption>
 </figure> By JOSH FUNK Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. — Americans are renewing their focus on railroad 
safety after a string of recent derailments, especially two fiery ones 
involving hazardous chemicals in <a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">Ohio</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-train-derailment-evacuation-ethanol-fire-73cc3e80f616070806f8f8b35191a616">Minnesota</a> that prompted evacuations.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ohio-pennsylvania-f1cd9d79cdd66b1f45d1dcdf1e53ff58">Federal regulators</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">members of Congress</a> are urging railroads to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-senate-legislation-brown-vance-82c55dc95aca9524d6ae8e6d01336dbe">do more</a>
 to prevent derailments. They want standards for the trackside detectors
 used to help identify equipment problems, more notice to states about 
hazardous chemicals they are hauling, and at least two people at the 
helm of freight trains.A Senate bill would toughen the penalty 
for safety violations to up to 1% of a railroad's annual operating 
income and set standards for the maximum length and weight of freight 
trains, which have grown significantly in recent years. Trains now 
routinely stretch beyond two miles (3 kilometers) long.The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-ohio-derailment-hazardous-materials-74d7aec638500c52d1eb9fda0acf9f26">railroads themselves</a>
 say they will take steps that include installing roughly 1,000 more 
trackside detectors. But the industry has a long history of resisting 
new regulations. The Association of American Railroads trade group has 
already spoken out against the crew size rule and requiring 
electronically-controlled brakes.Railroads are generally regarded as the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-territories-ohio-canada-business-accidents-d57651e17b2f9e0163c50298106950a3">safest way</a>
 to transport hazardous chemicals across land, and statistics show that 
99.9% of those shipments arrive safely. Most derailments don't cause 
major problems, but there are still nearly three a day somewhere in the 
country. Just one derailment involving hazardous chemicals can be 
disastrous.FLAMMABLE TRAIN RULESRegulators established a 
set of safety rules for trains hauling large amounts of crude oil, 
ethanol or other flammable liquids in 2015 after several fiery 
derailments, including one of the worst disasters in railroad history.In
 2013, the brakes failed on a parked crude oil train in the hills above 
the Canadian town of Lac Megantic. The unmanned train rolled downhill 
and derailed, killing 47 people and causing millions of dollars in 
damage.Other crude oil crashes, like one that created a massive 
fireball outside the town of Casselton, North Dakota, in 2013, alarmed 
regulators because the number of crude oil shipments had skyrocketed as 
more oil was being produced in areas without many pipelines, like North 
Dakota.The 2015 rules require railroads to notify states about 
how many flammable liquid trains they expect to transport each week and 
to find the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wv-state-wire-us-news-ap-top-news-montana-international-news-17ff7868111b4ecd9455e42e48ba101a">safest route possible</a> for them. They also establish a maximum speed limit of 50 mph (80 kph).Neither
 the Ohio or Minnesota trains that derailed were covered by these rules.
 To be considered a high-hazardous flammable train, a train must have 
either a block of 20 or more flammable liquid cars or at least 35 
flammable liquid cars in all.Lawmakers and regulators have discussed expanding the definition, so more trains would be covered.ELECTRONIC BRAKESFederal
 regulators originally proposed that any high-hazardous flammable train 
would need upgraded electronically-controlled brakes that can stop 
trains more quickly by applying all cars' brakes simultaneously. 
Conventional systems apply air brakes sequentially. But they dropped 
that proposal in 2018 after Congress required them to conduct a detailed
 cost-benefit analysis.Mike Rush, a senior vice president of 
safety and operations with the AAR trade group, told Federal Railroad 
Administration officials this week that considering electronic brakes 
now would be “a complete waste of time.”He said the major freight
 railroads spent a decade testing electronic brakes and found only 
limited benefits. Electronic brakes also were prone to breaking down, he
 said.Since 2015, it has become much more common for railroads to
 use multiple locomotives spread throughout a train. That helps stop 
trains more quickly because the locomotives can send a braking signal at
 once — though likely not as quickly as electronic brakes would.TANK CAR UPGRADESOne
 thing in the 2015 rules was a requirement to upgrade DOT-111 tank cars 
used to haul crude oil and ethanol to make them less likely to leak in a
 derailment. The tank cars involved in Thursday's BNSF derailment in 
Minnesota were upgraded triple-hulled DOT-117 cars, but they still 
ruptured and caught fire.Since 2015, nearly 48,000 of the newer 
tank cars have been built, and some 41,000 older tank cars have been 
upgraded to meet a 2029 deadline set by Congress. Another 35,000 older 
tank cars need to be upgraded or replaced.Transportation 
Secretary Pete Buttigieg suggested speeding up those upgrades to 
complete them by 2025 after the Ohio derailment. But the Railway Supply 
Institute, which represents big tank car manufacturers that own most of 
the nation’s tank cars, says that’s not possible because of current 
labor and supply chain shortages.CHEMICAL CONCERNSThe ethanol that spilled and caught fire in the Minnesota derailment is less of a concern than the vinyl chloride that was <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">released after the Ohio derailment</a>
 or other toxic chemicals railroads routinely carry, like chlorine gas 
that was released during a 2005 derailment in Graniteville, South 
Carolina, killing nine people and injuring more than 250.Ethanol is relatively clean burning, but contaminated soil in the area will have to be removed.The vinyl chloride released from tank cars in Ohio out of fear it might explode is associated with <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-dioxins-environment-0e1b8e6632fe7e0a310eeee965cfd6d1">increased risk of certain cancers</a>. Officials warned when they burned it that <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-evacuations-ohio-health-climate-and-environment-3f84663f0b97837cc74a8ce9a50ef6c7">two concerning gases</a> — hydrogen chloride and phosgene, which was used as a weapon in World War I — might be released in the process.That's why so many East Palestine residents <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">remain concerned</a>
 about potential long-term health impacts even though state and federal 
officials insist they haven't found alarming levels of chemicals in the 
air or water. Norfolk Southern has also been ordered to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-dioxins-environment-0e1b8e6632fe7e0a310eeee965cfd6d1">test for dioxins</a>, which may have been released during the February incineration.

Fiery derailments renew Americans' focus on railroad safety

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4fEi-BuxTE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho.

🎤 Forward Ever: USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho

Alliance – The Alliance Public Landfill, construction and demo area and top of the hill are closed to the public due to muddy conditions.

For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Public Landfill, construction and demo area and top of the hill are closed to the public due to muddy conditions.For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Alliance landfill announces partial closure

PRINSBURG, Minn. (AP) — Hundreds of people had to evacuate their Minnesota town after a train hauling ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire early Thursday, but authorities were hopeful that the quick response and cold weather would help limit the impact of this latest crash.

Still, those pushing to improve rail safety said the derailment only added urgency to the debate over reforms that Congress and regulators are considering, even as officials seemed to apply some of the lessons learned after last month's fiery derailment near East Palestine, Ohio.

Minnesota officials said the BNSF train derailed around 1 a.m. in Raymond, roughly 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of Minneapolis. That prompted the evacuation of essentially all of the town's 250 homes because they were within 1/2 mile (0.8 kilometers) of the derailment. The evacuation order was lifted around noon.

The nation has been increasingly focused on railroad safety since the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern derailment that prompted several thousand evacuations in and around East Palestine near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Residents in that town of about 5,000 remain concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">lingering health impacts</a>&nbsp;after officials decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">release and burn toxic chemicals</a>&nbsp;to prevent a tank car explosion. State and federal officials maintain that no harmful levels of toxic chemicals have been found in the air or water, but residents remain uneasy.

The major freight railroads&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-ohio-derailment-hazardous-materials-74d7aec638500c52d1eb9fda0acf9f26">have said</a>&nbsp;they plan to add about 1,000 more trackside detectors nationwide to help spot equipment problems, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ohio-pennsylvania-f1cd9d79cdd66b1f45d1dcdf1e53ff58">federal regulators</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">members of Congress</a>&nbsp;have proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-senate-legislation-brown-vance-82c55dc95aca9524d6ae8e6d01336dbe">additional reforms</a>&nbsp;they want the railroads to make. A group of Ohio Representatives said at a news conference Thursday about their rail safety legislation that the Minnesota derailment reinforces the need for reform.

While state and federal agencies were quick to respond to the Ohio derailment, Norfolk Southern's CEO and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were slow to visit the town, and President Joe Biden has yet to survey the damage himself. The railroad even skipped one of the first community meetings because of fears about the safety of its employees. Contrast that with Thursday's response when BNSF CEO Katie Farmer showed up on day one to apologize and promise a thorough cleanup, and Buttigieg jumped on CNN within hours.

“We will have our team here until this is cleaned up,” Farmer said at a news conference with Gov. Tim Walz and other Minnesota officials.

Walz said the response from Burlington Northern was "unprecedented, in my opinion” with the railroad getting in touch with state and local officials before 6 a.m.

BNSF officials said 22 cars derailed, including about 10 carrying ethanol, and the track remained blocked, but no injuries were reported. The cause hasn't been determined, but EPA officials&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/EPAGreatLakes/status/1641450465392197633">said on Twitter</a>&nbsp;that four ethanol cars ruptured and the flammable fuel additive caught fire.

ADM confirmed that the ethanol came from its corn processing facility in Marshall, Minnesota.

Evacuees went to nearby Prinsburg — first to a school and a church where volunteers prepared food and distributed donated bottled water. Emergency responders retrieved three dogs from homes in Raymond in the morning and brought them to the church shelter.

Darwin and Sharon Heida, both 81, said they received an evacuation alert on Darwin’s cell phone around 2:30 a.m. at their home about three blocks away from the train tracks.

Darwin, who is a former volunteer firefighter for over 20 years, said the evacuation was “very orderly” and emergency personnel went door-to-door to relay the message. But it was unnerving to see flames above the tree line as they left home.

“It happens in other places but not in our backyard,” Sharon said.

Lawmakers pushing for railroad safety improvements say statistics show too many communities are dealing with these issues.

“Three derailments per day on average. That’s way too many," Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio said. "When is the next one going to occur, and what is the next village or township or community in American that is going to have to be evacuated?”

Walz and railroad officials said they aren't especially concerned about groundwater contamination from the latest derailment because much of the ethanol will burn off and the ground remains frozen. Plus, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says pure ethanol is biodegradable and breaks down into harmless substances if spilled.

Environmental Protection Agency officials from the same regional office that responded to the Ohio derailment arrived on site and started monitoring the air for toxic chemicals by 6:30 a.m. Thursday.

The Federal Railroad Administration, the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board also responded to the derailment, and the NTSB said a team would conduct a safety investigation.

It doesn't appear likely that this BNSF train would have been covered by the additional safety regulations for high-hazardous flammable trains, because those rules only apply when a train has either a block of 20 flammable liquid cars or more than 35 total. Those rules, which also require notice to states, were developed after a string of fiery oil and ethanol derailments a decade ago.

Officials said the tank cars in Thursday's derailment were the upgraded triple-hulled DOT-117 cars required by those 2015 rules, designed to better contain the chemicals in an accident. The railroad said ethanol was the only hazardous material aboard.

Since 2015 nearly 48,000 such cars have been built and some 41,000 older ones have been upgraded to meet the new standards ahead of a 2029 deadline set by Congress. But another 35,000 older tank cars still need to be replaced or upgraded.

Buttigieg suggested speeding up those upgrades to complete them by 2025 after the Ohio derailment, but the Railway Supply Institute, which represents all the big tank car manufacturers that actually own most of the nation's tank cars, says that's not technically possible because of current labor and supply chain limits.

Earlier this month another BNSF train derailed in Washington and spilled 3,100 gallons (about 11,700 liters) of diesel near the Swinomish Channel on that tribe’s reservation after a safety device meant to keep a train from crossing onto an open swinging bridge malfunctioned.

The Association of American Railroads trade group likes to tout that 99.9% of all hazardous materials shipments that railroads haul reach their destinations safely and only 11 train accidents the Federal Railroad Administration recorded last year involved hazardous chemicals being released.

The government data shows that derailments have declined in recent years and most don't cause significant damage, but there were still 1,049 last year. This Minnesota and Ohio derailments demonstrate how even a single crash involving hazardous materials can be disastrous.

Hazardous materials, including about two-thirds of all the ethanol produced nationwide, account for about 7% to 8% of the 30 million shipments that railroads deliver across the country every year.

Railroad unions believe the industry is getting riskier after the major railroads eliminated nearly one-third of jobs in recent years, because employees are spread thin, inspections are rushed and preventative maintenance may be neglected.

BNSF, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas, is owned by Warren Buffett's Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate.

Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska. Steve Karnowski contributed from Minneapolis, and Heather Hollingsworth contributed from Mission, Kansas.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278641747.jpeg" alt="Firefighters work near piled up train cars, near Raymond, Minn., Thursday, March 30, 2023, the morning after a BNSF freight train derailed. Authorities say a train hauling ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire and residents within 1/2 mile of the crash were ordered to evacuate from their homes. (Kerem Yücel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters work near piled up train cars, near Raymond, Minn., Thursday, March 30, 2023, the morning after a BNSF freight train derailed. Authorities say a train hauling ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire and residents within 1/2 mile of the crash were ordered to evacuate from their homes. (Kerem Yücel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>PRINSBURG, Minn. (AP) — Hundreds of people had to evacuate their Minnesota town after a train hauling ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire early Thursday, but authorities were hopeful that the quick response and cold weather would help limit the impact of this latest crash.Still, those pushing to improve rail safety said the derailment only added urgency to the debate over reforms that Congress and regulators are considering, even as officials seemed to apply some of the lessons learned after last month's fiery derailment near East Palestine, Ohio.Minnesota officials said the BNSF train derailed around 1 a.m. in Raymond, roughly 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of Minneapolis. That prompted the evacuation of essentially all of the town's 250 homes because they were within 1/2 mile (0.8 kilometers) of the derailment. The evacuation order was lifted around noon.The nation has been increasingly focused on railroad safety since the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern derailment that prompted several thousand evacuations in and around East Palestine near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Residents in that town of about 5,000 remain concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">lingering health impacts</a>&nbsp;after officials decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">release and burn toxic chemicals</a>&nbsp;to prevent a tank car explosion. State and federal officials maintain that no harmful levels of toxic chemicals have been found in the air or water, but residents remain uneasy.The major freight railroads&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-ohio-derailment-hazardous-materials-74d7aec638500c52d1eb9fda0acf9f26">have said</a>&nbsp;they plan to add about 1,000 more trackside detectors nationwide to help spot equipment problems, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ohio-pennsylvania-f1cd9d79cdd66b1f45d1dcdf1e53ff58">federal regulators</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">members of Congress</a>&nbsp;have proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-senate-legislation-brown-vance-82c55dc95aca9524d6ae8e6d01336dbe">additional reforms</a>&nbsp;they want the railroads to make. A group of Ohio Representatives said at a news conference Thursday about their rail safety legislation that the Minnesota derailment reinforces the need for reform.While state and federal agencies were quick to respond to the Ohio derailment, Norfolk Southern's CEO and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were slow to visit the town, and President Joe Biden has yet to survey the damage himself. The railroad even skipped one of the first community meetings because of fears about the safety of its employees. Contrast that with Thursday's response when BNSF CEO Katie Farmer showed up on day one to apologize and promise a thorough cleanup, and Buttigieg jumped on CNN within hours.“We will have our team here until this is cleaned up,” Farmer said at a news conference with Gov. Tim Walz and other Minnesota officials.Walz said the response from Burlington Northern was "unprecedented, in my opinion” with the railroad getting in touch with state and local officials before 6 a.m.BNSF officials said 22 cars derailed, including about 10 carrying ethanol, and the track remained blocked, but no injuries were reported. The cause hasn't been determined, but EPA officials&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/EPAGreatLakes/status/1641450465392197633">said on Twitter</a>&nbsp;that four ethanol cars ruptured and the flammable fuel additive caught fire.ADM confirmed that the ethanol came from its corn processing facility in Marshall, Minnesota.Evacuees went to nearby Prinsburg — first to a school and a church where volunteers prepared food and distributed donated bottled water. Emergency responders retrieved three dogs from homes in Raymond in the morning and brought them to the church shelter.Darwin and Sharon Heida, both 81, said they received an evacuation alert on Darwin’s cell phone around 2:30 a.m. at their home about three blocks away from the train tracks.Darwin, who is a former volunteer firefighter for over 20 years, said the evacuation was “very orderly” and emergency personnel went door-to-door to relay the message. But it was unnerving to see flames above the tree line as they left home.“It happens in other places but not in our backyard,” Sharon said.Lawmakers pushing for railroad safety improvements say statistics show too many communities are dealing with these issues.“Three derailments per day on average. That’s way too many," Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio said. "When is the next one going to occur, and what is the next village or township or community in American that is going to have to be evacuated?”Walz and railroad officials said they aren't especially concerned about groundwater contamination from the latest derailment because much of the ethanol will burn off and the ground remains frozen. Plus, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says pure ethanol is biodegradable and breaks down into harmless substances if spilled.Environmental Protection Agency officials from the same regional office that responded to the Ohio derailment arrived on site and started monitoring the air for toxic chemicals by 6:30 a.m. Thursday.The Federal Railroad Administration, the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board also responded to the derailment, and the NTSB said a team would conduct a safety investigation.It doesn't appear likely that this BNSF train would have been covered by the additional safety regulations for high-hazardous flammable trains, because those rules only apply when a train has either a block of 20 flammable liquid cars or more than 35 total. Those rules, which also require notice to states, were developed after a string of fiery oil and ethanol derailments a decade ago.Officials said the tank cars in Thursday's derailment were the upgraded triple-hulled DOT-117 cars required by those 2015 rules, designed to better contain the chemicals in an accident. The railroad said ethanol was the only hazardous material aboard.Since 2015 nearly 48,000 such cars have been built and some 41,000 older ones have been upgraded to meet the new standards ahead of a 2029 deadline set by Congress. But another 35,000 older tank cars still need to be replaced or upgraded.Buttigieg suggested speeding up those upgrades to complete them by 2025 after the Ohio derailment, but the Railway Supply Institute, which represents all the big tank car manufacturers that actually own most of the nation's tank cars, says that's not technically possible because of current labor and supply chain limits.Earlier this month another BNSF train derailed in Washington and spilled 3,100 gallons (about 11,700 liters) of diesel near the Swinomish Channel on that tribe’s reservation after a safety device meant to keep a train from crossing onto an open swinging bridge malfunctioned.The Association of American Railroads trade group likes to tout that 99.9% of all hazardous materials shipments that railroads haul reach their destinations safely and only 11 train accidents the Federal Railroad Administration recorded last year involved hazardous chemicals being released.The government data shows that derailments have declined in recent years and most don't cause significant damage, but there were still 1,049 last year. This Minnesota and Ohio derailments demonstrate how even a single crash involving hazardous materials can be disastrous.Hazardous materials, including about two-thirds of all the ethanol produced nationwide, account for about 7% to 8% of the 30 million shipments that railroads deliver across the country every year.Railroad unions believe the industry is getting riskier after the major railroads eliminated nearly one-third of jobs in recent years, because employees are spread thin, inspections are rushed and preventative maintenance may be neglected.BNSF, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas, is owned by Warren Buffett's Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate.___Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska. Steve Karnowski contributed from Minneapolis, and Heather Hollingsworth contributed from Mission, Kansas.

Minnesota BNSF train derailment, ethanol fire renew safety fears

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $14,679,553, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.

A total of $923,596,712 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of March 31, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:

• Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $6,532,401; • Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $6,532,401; • Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,467,955; and • Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $146,796.

Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).

The funds' respective totals to date are:

• Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $139,154,478; • Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $395,845,800; • Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $69,412,149; and • Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $20,570,971.

Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.

Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.

Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

The Nebraska Lottery marked $3.5 billion in total sales (since 1993) in December 2021.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $923 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Nebraska Lottery&nbsp;LINCOLN — The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $14,679,553, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.A total of $923,596,712 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of March 31, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:• Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $6,532,401; • Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $6,532,401; • Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,467,955; and • Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $146,796.Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).The funds' respective totals to date are:• Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $139,154,478; • Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $395,845,800; • Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $69,412,149; and • Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $20,570,971.Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.The Nebraska Lottery marked $3.5 billion in total sales (since 1993) in December 2021.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $923 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$14.6M in proceeds raised for Nebraska Lottery beneficiaries

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

&nbsp; &nbsp;Multiple headlines are in effect for portions of the forecast area. Winter Storm Warning/Winter Weather Advisory in effect for the Snowy and Sierra Madre Ranges through Friday night. Looking at a final storm snowfall total of 10-18 inches of snow for the Sierra Madres and up to a foot for the Snowy Range. Winter Storm Warning/Winter Weather Advisory for portions of the northern NE Panhandle. 4-8 inches anticipated for Dawes County, and 1-4 inches for northern Sioux and Box Butte County. Strong winds across the I-80 corridor that will continue all the way through Saturday afternoon. High Wind Warnings and Watches in effect for areas across southeast WY today into tomorrow. Stay tuned to later updates in the forecast as a more widespread high wind event likely taking shape for Saturday and Sunday.&nbsp; &nbsp;

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY&nbsp; &nbsp;Multiple headlines are in effect for portions of the forecast area. Winter Storm Warning/Winter Weather Advisory in effect for the Snowy and Sierra Madre Ranges through Friday night. Looking at a final storm snowfall total of 10-18 inches of snow for the Sierra Madres and up to a foot for the Snowy Range. Winter Storm Warning/Winter Weather Advisory for portions of the northern NE Panhandle. 4-8 inches anticipated for Dawes County, and 1-4 inches for northern Sioux and Box Butte County. Strong winds across the I-80 corridor that will continue all the way through Saturday afternoon. High Wind Warnings and Watches in effect for areas across southeast WY today into tomorrow. Stay tuned to later updates in the forecast as a more widespread high wind event likely taking shape for Saturday and Sunday.&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
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Winter Storm Warning, Advisory in effect for areas of Panhandle 

Columbus, Neb. –&nbsp;As severe weather season approaches, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) reminds customers to be aware of the dangers of downed powerlines.

Tornadoes can bring down transmission lines typically located in rural areas, but trees damaged by tornadoes or high wind conditions can come down on local distribution lines, creating a power outage to residents in the area. In addition to any power outages these storms may cause, it’s important that customers are aware of the dangers downed powerlines can pose.

"A powerline lying on the ground or over a roadway can charge the ground around it with electricity, potentially causing a fatal situation for anyone getting too close to that line," said NPPD T&amp;D Construction &amp; Maintenance Manager Scott Walz. "It's important to stress that if you see or hear of a downed powerline, to avoid the area and call the local power utility or 911."&nbsp;

By NPPDColumbus, Neb. –&nbsp;As severe weather season approaches, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) reminds customers to be aware of the dangers of downed powerlines.Tornadoes can bring down transmission lines typically located in rural areas, but trees damaged by tornadoes or high wind conditions can come down on local distribution lines, creating a power outage to residents in the area. In addition to any power outages these storms may cause, it’s important that customers are aware of the dangers downed powerlines can pose."A powerline lying on the ground or over a roadway can charge the ground around it with electricity, potentially causing a fatal situation for anyone getting too close to that line," said NPPD T&amp;D Construction &amp; Maintenance Manager Scott Walz. "It's important to stress that if you see or hear of a downed powerline, to avoid the area and call the local power utility or 911."&nbsp;If you are in a car and a powerline or power pole has fallen on it,&nbsp;stay in the car&nbsp;until public power utility personnel arrive on the scene. If remaining in the car is not an option due to a fire or other unsafe conditions,&nbsp;jump&nbsp;clear of the vehicle so that you land upright with your feet touching the ground together, and then&nbsp;shuffle away from the area.Tips on safety precautions during a power outage are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nppd.com/outages-safety/electrical-safety" target="_blank">https://www.nppd.com/outages-safety/electrical-safety</a>.

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