Items on the agenda of the 3/21/23 Alliance City Council meeting are discussed.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=e7h9f-13c32f8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Items on the agenda of the 3/21/23 Alliance City Council meeting are discussed.

POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

An Alliance man who was the target of a WING Drug Task Force investigation has been arrested.

In 2020, a CI working for WING purchased 2 grams of meth during a controlled buy, and just last month a warrant for the suspect- 25-year-old Moses Dawn- was issued.

On Friday night, Scottsbluff Police saw Dawn driving on 5th Avenue and pulled him over. Following a K9 search of the vehicle, authorities also found drugs and a hatchet.

His charges include Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Deadly weapon by a Prohibited Person.

He was arraigned on the felony charges Monday afternoon in Scotts Bluff County Court.

By RYAN MURPHY KNEB Radio&nbsp;An Alliance man who was the target of a WING Drug Task Force investigation has been arrested.In 2020, a CI working for WING purchased 2 grams of meth during a controlled buy, and just last month a warrant for the suspect- 25-year-old Moses Dawn- was issued.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679495196184.png" alt="Moses Dawn" />
 <figcaption>Moses Dawn</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday night, Scottsbluff Police saw Dawn driving on 5th Avenue and pulled him over. Following a K9 search of the vehicle, authorities also found drugs and a hatchet.His charges include Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Deadly weapon by a Prohibited Person.He was arraigned on the felony charges Monday afternoon in Scotts Bluff County Court.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t9STpfrJF6Y" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Suspected Alliance drug dealer apprehended in Scottsbluff

Gabrielle Stoner of Lincoln East had the highest score of the day with a 289 at the Western Nebraska NASP Regional Tournament on Feb. 25 at the D&amp;N Event Center in North Platte.

More than 170 student-archers in grades 4 through 12 from 23 schools in Nebraska and South Dakota competed in the fourth annual event.

Female –&nbsp;1. Brooklyn DeVall, Tri-City Homeschool, 219; 2. Jacey Wagoner, Cornerstone Christian, 219; 3. Sarah Rhodes, Tri-City Homeschool, 193; 4. Elle Shefferd, Tri-City Homeschool, 169; 5. Natasha Thompson, North Platte Cody Elementary, 153.

Male –&nbsp;1. Asher Scott, Tri-City Homeschool, 261; 2. Jase Antle, Tri-City Homeschool, 234; 3. Sawyer Prier, Cornerstone Christian, 221; 4. Bennett White, Cornerstone Christian, 216; 5. Michael Morris, North Platte Cody Elementary, 213.

Female –&nbsp;1. Lorie Kolb, Spearfish MS (SD), 276; 2. Ayla Salistean, Milford, 275; 3. Maddie Hoyle, Lincoln Pound MS, 272; 4. Allie Gerdes, Milford, 265; 5. Aspyn Callaway, Lincoln Pound MS, 256.

Male –&nbsp;1. Camdon Roker, Lincoln Pound MS, 281; 2. Canon Hulsebus, Lincoln Pound MS, 257; 3. Zephyr Mowinkel, Milford, 256; 4. Sam Millan, Lincoln Park MS, 255; 5. Kolbe Brock, Tri-City Homeschool, 254.

Female –&nbsp;1. Gabrielle Stoner, Lincoln East, 289; 2. Natalie Nutzman, Milford, 275; 3. Celia Mueller, Burwell, 274; 4. Sydney Havlat, Milford, 266; 5. Isabel Wendt, Spearfish HS (SD), 264.

Male –&nbsp;1. Harrison Harvey, Lincoln Southwest, 284; 2. Aaron Wohleb, Lincoln Southwest, 283; 3. Will Muff, Lincoln Pius X, 282; 4. James Wissenburg, Milford, 276; 5. Kellen Johnson, Lincoln East, 269.

Female –&nbsp;Gabrielle Stoner, Lincoln East, 289

Male –&nbsp;Harrison Harvey, Lincoln Southwest, 284

Middle School –&nbsp;1. Lincoln Pound MS, 2,921; 2. Tri-City Homeschool, 2,876; 3. Spearfish MS (SD), 2,756.

High School –&nbsp;1. Milford, 3,144; 2. Lincoln East, 3,002; 3. Cornerstone Christian, 2,562.

Natalie Vander Velde, Tri-City Homeschool

By Nebraska Game and ParksGabrielle Stoner of Lincoln East had the highest score of the day with a 289 at the Western Nebraska NASP Regional Tournament on Feb. 25 at the D&amp;N Event Center in North Platte.More than 170 student-archers in grades 4 through 12 from 23 schools in Nebraska and South Dakota competed in the fourth annual event.The results:Individual ResultsElementaryFemale –&nbsp;1. Brooklyn DeVall, Tri-City Homeschool, 219; 2. Jacey Wagoner, Cornerstone Christian, 219; 3. Sarah Rhodes, Tri-City Homeschool, 193; 4. Elle Shefferd, Tri-City Homeschool, 169; 5. Natasha Thompson, North Platte Cody Elementary, 153.Male –&nbsp;1. Asher Scott, Tri-City Homeschool, 261; 2. Jase Antle, Tri-City Homeschool, 234; 3. Sawyer Prier, Cornerstone Christian, 221; 4. Bennett White, Cornerstone Christian, 216; 5. Michael Morris, North Platte Cody Elementary, 213.Middle SchoolFemale –&nbsp;1. Lorie Kolb, Spearfish MS (SD), 276; 2. Ayla Salistean, Milford, 275; 3. Maddie Hoyle, Lincoln Pound MS, 272; 4. Allie Gerdes, Milford, 265; 5. Aspyn Callaway, Lincoln Pound MS, 256.Male –&nbsp;1. Camdon Roker, Lincoln Pound MS, 281; 2. Canon Hulsebus, Lincoln Pound MS, 257; 3. Zephyr Mowinkel, Milford, 256; 4. Sam Millan, Lincoln Park MS, 255; 5. Kolbe Brock, Tri-City Homeschool, 254.High SchoolFemale –&nbsp;1. Gabrielle Stoner, Lincoln East, 289; 2. Natalie Nutzman, Milford, 275; 3. Celia Mueller, Burwell, 274; 4. Sydney Havlat, Milford, 266; 5. Isabel Wendt, Spearfish HS (SD), 264.Male –&nbsp;1. Harrison Harvey, Lincoln Southwest, 284; 2. Aaron Wohleb, Lincoln Southwest, 283; 3. Will Muff, Lincoln Pius X, 282; 4. James Wissenburg, Milford, 276; 5. Kellen Johnson, Lincoln East, 269.Overall High ScoreFemale –&nbsp;Gabrielle Stoner, Lincoln East, 289Male –&nbsp;Harrison Harvey, Lincoln Southwest, 284Team ResultsMiddle School –&nbsp;1. Lincoln Pound MS, 2,921; 2. Tri-City Homeschool, 2,876; 3. Spearfish MS (SD), 2,756.High School –&nbsp;1. Milford, 3,144; 2. Lincoln East, 3,002; 3. Cornerstone Christian, 2,562.Regional Nebraska Academic Archer TeamKolbe Brock, Tri-City HomeschoolAnna Diessner, Tri-City HomeschoolHunter Falkinburg, Lincoln EastAllie Gerdes, MilfordHarrison Harvey, Lincoln SouthwestSydney Havlat, MilfordMaddie Hoyle, Lincoln Pound MSCanon Hulsebus, Lincoln Pound MSHayes Jensen, BurwellKellen Johnson, Lincoln EastEthan Joy, BurwellBen Kendle, Lincoln EastAidan Mach, Lincoln SouthwestZephyr Mowinkel, MilfordCelia Mueller, BurwellNatalie Nutzman, MilfordCamdon Roker, Lincoln Pound MSAyla Salistean, MilfordAsher Scott, Tri-City HomeschoolGabrielle Stoner, Lincoln EastNatalie Vander Velde, Tri-City HomeschoolVinnie Vander Velde, Tri-City HomeschoolJames Wissenburg, MilfordAaron Wohleb, Lincoln Southwest

Stoner’s 289 is high score at Western Nebraska NASP

Alliance – Red Cross swim lessons will once again be conducted at Big Blue Bay this summer. The 2023 schedule was developed with the expectation that staffing levels will be adequate to offer all sessions.

Registration for lessons will be at the Alliance Library, in the Community Room, on Saturday, April 1st from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Payment of 30 dollars per child is required at the time of registration. To expedite the process, the registration form is on the City’s web page at www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-Lessons. Complete the form and bring it with you to the Alliance Library. No early or phone registrations will be accepted. The lesson schedule is also on the Alliance Nebraska Parks and Pool Face Book Page.

The following dates have been assigned for each level:

Level One – June 5 through June 9 July 10 through July 14

Level Two – June 12 through June 17 July 17 through July 22

Level Three – June 5 through June 9 July 24 through July 29

Level Four – June 19 through June 30 Level Five – July 3 through July 14

If you have questions or need additional information, please call the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center at 762-2384.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Red Cross swim lessons will once again be conducted at Big Blue Bay this summer. The 2023 schedule was developed with the expectation that staffing levels will be adequate to offer all sessions.Registration for lessons will be at the Alliance Library, in the Community Room, on Saturday, April 1st from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Payment of 30 dollars per child is required at the time of registration. To expedite the process, the registration form is on the City’s web page at www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-Lessons. Complete the form and bring it with you to the Alliance Library. No early or phone registrations will be accepted. The lesson schedule is also on the Alliance Nebraska Parks and Pool Face Book Page.The following dates have been assigned for each level:5 year olds – June 26 through June 30Level One – June 5 through June 9 July 10 through July 14Level Two – June 12 through June 17 July 17 through July 22Level Three – June 5 through June 9 July 24 through July 29Level Four – June 19 through June 30 Level Five – July 3 through July 14If you have questions or need additional information, please call the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center at 762-2384.

Swimming lessons to be conducted at Alliance Big Blue Bay

By Molly Langhorst, COLLEGE RELATIONS

CHADRON – Makayla Denbo of Ogallala, Nebraska, has been named the Project Strive Student of the Month for February. She is pursuing a major in General Business with a minor in Music.

Denbo, who describes herself as an avid animal lover, plans to use her business degree to open her own dog rehabilitation center one day.

“My main goal is to take aggressive, neglected, or homeless dogs and train them into support dogs for people,” Denbo said.

Originally a Music Education major, Denbo’s plan to own her own business developed during her time at college after changing her major and having to register her own dog as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA).

“I did a lot of research when I wanted to bring my dog to campus as an ESA and started thinking about ways I could help people in my future career,” Denbo said. “That’s when I realized I could put the two together and decided I wanted to open this type of rehabilitation center.”

According to Denbo, she has always wanted to help people. She views training service dogs as a way to indirectly help people for the rest of her life.

Between growing up around dogs and owning an ESA, Denbo feels comfortable training dogs for other people.

“I am very familiar with training animals to be ESAs, and training them yourself is definitely easier, but I understand that some people who really need an ESA may not have the time or emotional state to train one,” Denbo said.

After her time at CSC, Denbo plans to return home to expand her nursery while growing her dog training business, something she said she would be happy to fall back on if her rehabilitation center never comes to be. Denbo manages a small plant nursery from her childhood home in Ogallala that she started during the pandemic.

“I bought a bunch of plants during the pandemic and my mom told me I had to get rid of some,” Denbo said. “That’s kind of when it all started. Now, we sell them at farmers’ markets all over the place.”

Assistant Professor of Business Dr. Nicholas Fisher noticed Denbo’s leadership skills.

“Makayla takes the front and center seat in my class,” Fisher said. “She keeps producing excellent results. I see that in the way that she interacts with other students. She has tremendous leadership which has not been fully tapped. I think that she will go on to do great things as she continues to build her skill set and confidence."

When Denbo isn’t participating in school or school activities, she enjoys reading and writing short stories.

“Everyone should take advantage of every little possible thing we can because we never know when something we love might be gone,” she said.

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/projectstrive" target="_blank">https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/</a>.

By Molly Langhorst, COLLEGE RELATIONS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679416618300.jpeg" alt="Makayla Denbo is the Chadron State College Project Strive Student of the Month for February 2023. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Makayla Denbo is the Chadron State College Project Strive Student of the Month for February 2023. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHADRON – Makayla Denbo of Ogallala, Nebraska, has been named the Project Strive Student of the Month for February. She is pursuing a major in General Business with a minor in Music.Denbo, who describes herself as an avid animal lover, plans to use her business degree to open her own dog rehabilitation center one day.“My main goal is to take aggressive, neglected, or homeless dogs and train them into support dogs for people,” Denbo said.Originally a Music Education major, Denbo’s plan to own her own business developed during her time at college after changing her major and having to register her own dog as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA).“I did a lot of research when I wanted to bring my dog to campus as an ESA and started thinking about ways I could help people in my future career,” Denbo said. “That’s when I realized I could put the two together and decided I wanted to open this type of rehabilitation center.”According to Denbo, she has always wanted to help people. She views training service dogs as a way to indirectly help people for the rest of her life.Between growing up around dogs and owning an ESA, Denbo feels comfortable training dogs for other people.“I am very familiar with training animals to be ESAs, and training them yourself is definitely easier, but I understand that some people who really need an ESA may not have the time or emotional state to train one,” Denbo said.After her time at CSC, Denbo plans to return home to expand her nursery while growing her dog training business, something she said she would be happy to fall back on if her rehabilitation center never comes to be. Denbo manages a small plant nursery from her childhood home in Ogallala that she started during the pandemic.“I bought a bunch of plants during the pandemic and my mom told me I had to get rid of some,” Denbo said. “That’s kind of when it all started. Now, we sell them at farmers’ markets all over the place.”Assistant Professor of Business Dr. Nicholas Fisher noticed Denbo’s leadership skills.“Makayla takes the front and center seat in my class,” Fisher said. “She keeps producing excellent results. I see that in the way that she interacts with other students. She has tremendous leadership which has not been fully tapped. I think that she will go on to do great things as she continues to build her skill set and confidence."When Denbo isn’t participating in school or school activities, she enjoys reading and writing short stories.Denbo believes life is too short.“Everyone should take advantage of every little possible thing we can because we never know when something we love might be gone,” she said.Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/projectstrive" target="_blank">https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/</a>.

Denbo of Ogallala named CSC February Student of the Month

At the high school, they are celebrating Hope Squad this week. Hope Squad is a peer to peer program that empowers squads of students mentored by advisors to take action to improve the school's environment. Squad members are trained to watch for at-risk students, identify suicide warning signs, seek help from adults and provide friendship. Hope Squad seeks to reduce self-destructive behavior and youth suicide through training, building, and creating change in our school and community. This week students can participate in Hope Squad week by wearing each day's themed clothing or by donating to mason jars in the office. These mason jars have pictures of staff who are willing to be "pied in the face" for the benefit of Hope Squad. The pieing will occur this Friday, March 24 with the top earners getting pied. Our School Resource Officer (SRO), Officer Tyler Sherlock is putting his face on the line to be pied. If you would like to see his face splattered in whip cream "LIVE", bring your donation to the Alliance Police Department dispatch or the Alliance High School office. P.S. Officer Sherlock will broadcast live on our PD Facebook this Friday if he is one of the lucky few!&nbsp;

By Alliance Police DepartmentAt the high school, they are celebrating Hope Squad this week. Hope Squad is a peer to peer program that empowers squads of students mentored by advisors to take action to improve the school's environment. Squad members are trained to watch for at-risk students, identify suicide warning signs, seek help from adults and provide friendship. Hope Squad seeks to reduce self-destructive behavior and youth suicide through training, building, and creating change in our school and community. This week students can participate in Hope Squad week by wearing each day's themed clothing or by donating to mason jars in the office. These mason jars have pictures of staff who are willing to be "pied in the face" for the benefit of Hope Squad. The pieing will occur this Friday, March 24 with the top earners getting pied. Our School Resource Officer (SRO), Officer Tyler Sherlock is putting his face on the line to be pied. If you would like to see his face splattered in whip cream "LIVE", bring your donation to the Alliance Police Department dispatch or the Alliance High School office. P.S. Officer Sherlock will broadcast live on our PD Facebook this Friday if he is one of the lucky few!&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679415463398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Alliance High School, APD celebrate 'Hope Squad' week 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming has pushed to the front of state efforts to prohibit the most common type of abortion by instituting the nation’s first explicit ban on pills that terminate pregnancies.

Medication abortions, which usually involve taking two prescription medications days apart at home or in a clinic, became the preferred method for ending pregnancy in the U.S. even before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade - and now account for more than half of all abortions according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

More than a dozen states now effectively ban abortion pills by prohibiting all forms of abortion, moves made after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling last year.

Fifteen states restrict access to the pills. Of those, six — Arizona, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota and South Carolina — require a doctor to administer them in person. Arizona also bans mailing abortion pills.

But before a law signed Friday by Wyoming Republican Gov. Mark Gordon, no state specifically banned abortion pills. The law passed alongside a new abortion ban that seeks to sidestep issues with an earlier state ban that’s been held up in court.

With two new abortion laws, the Wyoming Legislature was “kind of trying to cover all its bases” to prohibit abortions, said Elizabeth Nash with the Guttmacher Institute.

Gordon allowed the new broad abortion ban to take effect Sunday without his signature. Whether the abortion pill ban he signed takes effect July 1 as planned remains to be seen. It could be delayed in the courts if an abortion provider in the state sues over it. Meanwhile, a federal judge in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">Texas</a>&nbsp;is considering a case with implications for abortion pill access nationwide

Here’s a look at where abortion stands in Wyoming and elsewhere:

Yes. As of Sunday, abortions in all forms are illegal.

The state’s lone clinic providing abortions until the ban was in the tourist mountain town of Jackson. Another clinic in Casper was set to open last year before an arson delayed plans. The clinic, Wellspring Health Access, was hoping to open next month but those plans are now uncertain.

Even before the ban, many women in Wyoming drove to Colorado and elsewhere to get abortions because it was more convenient. There’s no prohibition on women in Wyoming continuing to go out of state to seek abortions.

WHY DID WYOMING TAKE SUCH AGGRESSIVE ACTION?

Wyoming has long been a deeply conservative state but one that often avoided weighing in on social matters — live and let live is a credo of rural life in the West.

That’s changing. With a state Legislature more dominated by Republicans than at any point in a century, leaders are able to delve into culture-war issues with hardly any opposition.

Last year, Gordon signed an abortion ban that took effect a month after the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Within hours, Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens suspended the ban, ruling that a lawsuit’s claim it would harm pregnant women and their doctors could have merit.

The two nonprofits and four women, including two obstetricians, who sued also argued that the ban violated a 2012 state constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to make one’s own healthcare decisions.

Attorneys for the state said that wasn’t the intent — the amendment passed in response to the Affordable Care Act seeking to expand healthcare coverage nationwide.

This year, Wyoming lawmakers did an end-run around the lawsuit with a new, blanket abortion ban that specifies abortion is not healthcare and therefore not protected by the state constitution.

WHAT ARE LAWMAKERS IN OTHER STATES DOING?

Most Republican-controlled states adopted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">abortion bans or tighter restrictions</a>&nbsp;in anticipation that Roe v. Wade would be overturned eventually.

And last year, several Democrat-controlled states adopted protections for abortion access.

But that didn’t end the legislative battles.

This month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-abortion-clinic-ban-roe-wade-access-99f3133f39d60b21a4badbefef302295">Utah</a>&nbsp;passed a law to ban abortion clinics, making it the first state to take that action. It came as the state’s ban on abortions at all stages of pregnancies is held up by a legal challenge.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-florida-desantis-six-weeks-b5ccc8e49d00ff3b17b44a2bd533d35b">Florida</a>, lawmakers are trying to figure out what bans to put into place. Florida previously put into place a ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which is much looser than what other GOP-controlled states have done; a new measure to ban them after six weeks has been advancing through the Legislature. Gov. Ron DeSantis, a possible 2024 presidential candidate, is expected to sign it if it gets to him.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-south-carolina-state-government-health-5d0e6e63c15173db4c82f15fbd9a0540">South Carolina</a>, also GOP-dominated, lawmakers are debating what kind of ban to try next after a ban on abortions after six weeks was rejected by the state’s top court.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-minnesota-state-government-timothy-walz-11c3b1d5269c929e442b979ff1bac73b">Minnesota</a>, a state where last year’s election gave Democrats full control of the government, the governor this year signed into law additional protections for abortion access.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679410182730.jpeg" alt="Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon gives the State of the State address to the Wyoming Legislature on March 2, 2021, inside the state Capitol in Cheyenne, Wy. Late Friday, March 17, 2023, Gordon signed a bill prohibiting abortion pills in the state and also allowed a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature. (Michael Cummo/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon gives the State of the State address to the Wyoming Legislature on March 2, 2021, inside the state Capitol in Cheyenne, Wy. Late Friday, March 17, 2023, Gordon signed a bill prohibiting abortion pills in the state and also allowed a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature. (Michael Cummo/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming has pushed to the front of state efforts to prohibit the most common type of abortion by instituting the nation’s first explicit ban on pills that terminate pregnancies.Medication abortions, which usually involve taking two prescription medications days apart at home or in a clinic, became the preferred method for ending pregnancy in the U.S. even before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade - and now account for more than half of all abortions according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.More than a dozen states now effectively ban abortion pills by prohibiting all forms of abortion, moves made after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling last year.Fifteen states restrict access to the pills. Of those, six — Arizona, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota and South Carolina — require a doctor to administer them in person. Arizona also bans mailing abortion pills.But before a law signed Friday by Wyoming Republican Gov. Mark Gordon, no state specifically banned abortion pills. The law passed alongside a new abortion ban that seeks to sidestep issues with an earlier state ban that’s been held up in court.With two new abortion laws, the Wyoming Legislature was “kind of trying to cover all its bases” to prohibit abortions, said Elizabeth Nash with the Guttmacher Institute.Gordon allowed the new broad abortion ban to take effect Sunday without his signature. Whether the abortion pill ban he signed takes effect July 1 as planned remains to be seen. It could be delayed in the courts if an abortion provider in the state sues over it. Meanwhile, a federal judge in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">Texas</a>&nbsp;is considering a case with implications for abortion pill access nationwideHere’s a look at where abortion stands in Wyoming and elsewhere:IS ABORTION NOW ILLEGAL IN WYOMING?Yes. As of Sunday, abortions in all forms are illegal.The state’s lone clinic providing abortions until the ban was in the tourist mountain town of Jackson. Another clinic in Casper was set to open last year before an arson delayed plans. The clinic, Wellspring Health Access, was hoping to open next month but those plans are now uncertain.Even before the ban, many women in Wyoming drove to Colorado and elsewhere to get abortions because it was more convenient. There’s no prohibition on women in Wyoming continuing to go out of state to seek abortions.____WHY DID WYOMING TAKE SUCH AGGRESSIVE ACTION?Wyoming has long been a deeply conservative state but one that often avoided weighing in on social matters — live and let live is a credo of rural life in the West.That’s changing. With a state Legislature more dominated by Republicans than at any point in a century, leaders are able to delve into culture-war issues with hardly any opposition.Last year, Gordon signed an abortion ban that took effect a month after the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Within hours, Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens suspended the ban, ruling that a lawsuit’s claim it would harm pregnant women and their doctors could have merit.The two nonprofits and four women, including two obstetricians, who sued also argued that the ban violated a 2012 state constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to make one’s own healthcare decisions.Attorneys for the state said that wasn’t the intent — the amendment passed in response to the Affordable Care Act seeking to expand healthcare coverage nationwide.This year, Wyoming lawmakers did an end-run around the lawsuit with a new, blanket abortion ban that specifies abortion is not healthcare and therefore not protected by the state constitution.____WHAT ARE LAWMAKERS IN OTHER STATES DOING?Most Republican-controlled states adopted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">abortion bans or tighter restrictions</a>&nbsp;in anticipation that Roe v. Wade would be overturned eventually.And last year, several Democrat-controlled states adopted protections for abortion access.But that didn’t end the legislative battles.This month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-abortion-clinic-ban-roe-wade-access-99f3133f39d60b21a4badbefef302295">Utah</a>&nbsp;passed a law to ban abortion clinics, making it the first state to take that action. It came as the state’s ban on abortions at all stages of pregnancies is held up by a legal challenge.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-florida-desantis-six-weeks-b5ccc8e49d00ff3b17b44a2bd533d35b">Florida</a>, lawmakers are trying to figure out what bans to put into place. Florida previously put into place a ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which is much looser than what other GOP-controlled states have done; a new measure to ban them after six weeks has been advancing through the Legislature. Gov. Ron DeSantis, a possible 2024 presidential candidate, is expected to sign it if it gets to him.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-south-carolina-state-government-health-5d0e6e63c15173db4c82f15fbd9a0540">South Carolina</a>, also GOP-dominated, lawmakers are debating what kind of ban to try next after a ban on abortions after six weeks was rejected by the state’s top court.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-minnesota-state-government-timothy-walz-11c3b1d5269c929e442b979ff1bac73b">Minnesota</a>, a state where last year’s election gave Democrats full control of the government, the governor this year signed into law additional protections for abortion access.

New law puts Wyoming at forefront of abortion pill bans

By Nebraska Extension Office - Northern Panhandle&nbsp;

CRP Outreach Meeting Chadron American Legion Tuesday, March 21st&nbsp;from 1 PM to 4 PM

This meeting will cover all things CRP, including information on CRP Grassland. A working lands type of CRP that will pay landowners an annual payment on their grass AND allow grazing. The only caveat is they will need to agree upon a stocking rate they work out with the NRCS. Often, the prescribed grazing isn’t too different from how most folks currently graze their land, and they can often get up to as much as $15 an acre.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Mike Klosterman, Sr. Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist, Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever, at (308) 632-2195&nbsp; ext. 3 or Kelly Mildebrandt, Alliance Farm Bill Biologist, at 414-779-1619.

By Nebraska Extension Office - Northern Panhandle&nbsp;CRP Outreach Meeting Chadron American Legion Tuesday, March 21st&nbsp;from 1 PM to 4 PMThis meeting will cover all things CRP, including information on CRP Grassland. A working lands type of CRP that will pay landowners an annual payment on their grass AND allow grazing. The only caveat is they will need to agree upon a stocking rate they work out with the NRCS. Often, the prescribed grazing isn’t too different from how most folks currently graze their land, and they can often get up to as much as $15 an acre.If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Mike Klosterman, Sr. Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist, Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever, at (308) 632-2195&nbsp; ext. 3 or Kelly Mildebrandt, Alliance Farm Bill Biologist, at 414-779-1619.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679361136148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

CRP Outreach Meeting to be held in Chadron 

SIDNEY — Weather permitting, work will begin March 23 on Interstate 80 near Sidney,
from reference post 54 to reference post 61, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.


Interstate Sealant &amp; Concrete, Inc. of Waukesha, Wisconsin is the contractor for this project. Work
includes joint sealing and new lane marking. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures, signs, arrow
boards, and cones. Anticipated completion is mid-May 2023.


NDOTSIDNEY — Weather permitting, work will begin March 23 on Interstate 80 near Sidney,
from reference post 54 to reference post 61, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Interstate Sealant &amp; Concrete, Inc. of Waukesha, Wisconsin is the contractor for this project. Work
includes joint sealing and new lane marking. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures, signs, arrow
boards, and cones. Anticipated completion is mid-May 2023.

Work begins this week on I-80 near Sidney

LINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed from the road 12 impaired drivers as part of a special enforcement effort around St. Patrick’s Day. The campaign, which ran from March 16 through March 18, included numerous law enforcement agencies across the state and entire country.

In total, troopers arrested 12 motorists for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (144), open alcohol container (9), minor in possession of alcohol (7), driving under suspension (8), no seat belt (3), and improper child restraint (2). Troopers also performed 98 motorist assists during the grant period.

NSP’s effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

As spring arrives and busier travel seasons approach, NSP reminds all motorists to help keep Nebraska roads safe. Always drive sober, follow posted speed limits and traffic safety laws, avoid distractions, and wear your seatbelt. Troopers will participate in many additional traffic safety initiatives throughout the spring and summer months.&nbsp;

NSPLINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed from the road 12 impaired drivers as part of a special enforcement effort around St. Patrick’s Day. The campaign, which ran from March 16 through March 18, included numerous law enforcement agencies across the state and entire country.In total, troopers arrested 12 motorists for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (144), open alcohol container (9), minor in possession of alcohol (7), driving under suspension (8), no seat belt (3), and improper child restraint (2). Troopers also performed 98 motorist assists during the grant period.NSP’s effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.As spring arrives and busier travel seasons approach, NSP reminds all motorists to help keep Nebraska roads safe. Always drive sober, follow posted speed limits and traffic safety laws, avoid distractions, and wear your seatbelt. Troopers will participate in many additional traffic safety initiatives throughout the spring and summer months.&nbsp;

Troopers arrest 12 impaired drivers in St. Patrick’s Day Campaign

KIOWA COUNTY, Kan.—Three people were injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Monday in Kiowa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol a 1997 Chrysler Cirrus driven by Cordell L.&nbsp;Jeffcoat, 28, Wood Lake, Nebraska was northbound on U.S. 183 one mile west of Greensburg.

The driver&nbsp; failed to yield at the stop sign at U.S. 54. A westbound&nbsp; 2020 Freightliner semi driven by David C. Cox, 71, Cedar City, Utah, struck the car.

EMS transported&nbsp;Jeffcoat and a passenger in the Chrysler Tacie&nbsp;Hawkins, 52, Wood Lake, Nebraska to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and Audrey R.&nbsp;Brawner, 21, Newport, Nebraska, to the hospital in Greensburg. Cox was not injured. Jeffcoat and Hawkins were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

KIOWA COUNTY, Kan.—Three people were injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Monday in Kiowa County.The Kansas Highway Patrol a 1997 Chrysler Cirrus driven by Cordell L.&nbsp;Jeffcoat, 28, Wood Lake, Nebraska was northbound on U.S. 183 one mile west of Greensburg.The driver&nbsp; failed to yield at the stop sign at U.S. 54. A westbound&nbsp; 2020 Freightliner semi driven by David C. Cox, 71, Cedar City, Utah, struck the car.EMS transported&nbsp;Jeffcoat and a passenger in the Chrysler Tacie&nbsp;Hawkins, 52, Wood Lake, Nebraska to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and Audrey R.&nbsp;Brawner, 21, Newport, Nebraska, to the hospital in Greensburg. Cox was not injured. Jeffcoat and Hawkins were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

3 from Nebraska hospitalized after Kansas crash

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers and the Gering Police Department responded to the occurrence of a mountain lion on a security video twice recently.

A mountain lion was recorded on a video in south Gering on March 9, then in a different part of town at 3 a.m. Sunday. It is not known if the animal seen on both videos is the same.

Gering police officers and Game and Parks officers searched the area of Sunday’s incident but could not locate the mountain lion.

According to Game and Parks’ Mountain Lion Response Plan, a mountain lion that is within the limits of a municipality will be killed if it can safely be done, to ensure public safety.

Anyone who observes a mountain lion in person or on video should contact the local police department or Game and Parks immediately.

Game and Parks reminds people that mountain lion attacks are rare. Find more information about Nebraska mountain lions, including the response plan, at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMjAuNzM2ODEzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lk91dGRvb3JOZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YifQ.-zLbox399ui1wMEL0GjolHwGsdtzwcr7_bLuwtzQ1jM/s/497221906/br/156448152617-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

By NGPCNebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers and the Gering Police Department responded to the occurrence of a mountain lion on a security video twice recently.A mountain lion was recorded on a video in south Gering on March 9, then in a different part of town at 3 a.m. Sunday. It is not known if the animal seen on both videos is the same.Gering police officers and Game and Parks officers searched the area of Sunday’s incident but could not locate the mountain lion.According to Game and Parks’ Mountain Lion Response Plan, a mountain lion that is within the limits of a municipality will be killed if it can safely be done, to ensure public safety.Anyone who observes a mountain lion in person or on video should contact the local police department or Game and Parks immediately.Game and Parks reminds people that mountain lion attacks are rare. Find more information about Nebraska mountain lions, including the response plan, at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMjAuNzM2ODEzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lk91dGRvb3JOZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YifQ.-zLbox399ui1wMEL0GjolHwGsdtzwcr7_bLuwtzQ1jM/s/497221906/br/156448152617-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Game and Parks, Gering PD, respond to mountain lion on video

Columbus, Neb.&nbsp;– Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has contracted with Alamon Utility Services and Osmose Utility Services to inspect wood poles on its distribution system and subtransmission and transmission facilities during the calendar year 2023.&nbsp;

Crews from the contractors are expected to begin inspections this week and aim to complete the work in June.

This process involves ground line excavation, inspection, and rehabilitation treatment. Crews will be dressed in high visibility vests and will be traveling from pole to pole in a UTV. Communities that will be inspected include, Chadron, Dakota City, Hartington, Homer, McCook, Pine Ridge, and Scottsbluff, plus various transmission and subtransmission lines across the state. The inspection program is a proactive approach to finding poles with decay before it’s too late and the poles fall.

Anyone who has questions relating to this activity, please call 1-877-ASK-NPPD (275-6773). A customer service representative will then contact the necessary NPPD personnel to address any issues.

By NPPDColumbus, Neb.&nbsp;– Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has contracted with Alamon Utility Services and Osmose Utility Services to inspect wood poles on its distribution system and subtransmission and transmission facilities during the calendar year 2023.&nbsp;Crews from the contractors are expected to begin inspections this week and aim to complete the work in June.This process involves ground line excavation, inspection, and rehabilitation treatment. Crews will be dressed in high visibility vests and will be traveling from pole to pole in a UTV. Communities that will be inspected include, Chadron, Dakota City, Hartington, Homer, McCook, Pine Ridge, and Scottsbluff, plus various transmission and subtransmission lines across the state. The inspection program is a proactive approach to finding poles with decay before it’s too late and the poles fall.Anyone who has questions relating to this activity, please call 1-877-ASK-NPPD (275-6773). A customer service representative will then contact the necessary NPPD personnel to address any issues.

NPPD beginning wood pole inspections across state

At approximately 12:00 p.m. on March 19 Nebraska State Patrol was called to a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 385 between Chadron and Hemingford. 

"Upon arrival, a trooper discovered several bystanders attempting to assist those involved in the crash," Nebraska State Patrol Spokesman Cody Thomas said. "Preliminary investigation shows that a northbound Pontiac Grand Prix lost control while passing another vehicle, overcorrected, and struck a southbound GMC Sierra. The driver of the GMC was ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the Pontiac was trapped inside the vehicle."

Both drivers were transported to Chadron Community Hospital. 

The driver of the Pontiac, Autumn Elsen, 19, of Gering, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver of the GMC, Ross Grant, 47, of Alliance, was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff for additional treatment. 

Seatbelts were not in use in either vehicle. 

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostAt approximately 12:00 p.m. on March 19 Nebraska State Patrol was called to a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 385 between Chadron and Hemingford. "Upon arrival, a trooper discovered several bystanders attempting to assist those involved in the crash," Nebraska State Patrol Spokesman Cody Thomas said. "Preliminary investigation shows that a northbound Pontiac Grand Prix lost control while passing another vehicle, overcorrected, and struck a southbound GMC Sierra. The driver of the GMC was ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the Pontiac was trapped inside the vehicle."Both drivers were transported to Chadron Community Hospital. The driver of the Pontiac, Autumn Elsen, 19, of Gering, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver of the GMC, Ross Grant, 47, of Alliance, was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff for additional treatment. Seatbelts were not in use in either vehicle. The crash investigation is ongoing.

1 dead in Highway 385 crash between Chadron, Hemingford 

A Morrill County man is facing nearly four dozen theft charges, accused of stealing from a Bridgeport eye care practitioner.

43-year-old Alejandro Soto made his initial appearance in Morrill County Court this week on two felony charges of theft by unlawful taking, as well as 43 misdemeanor counts of theft.

While court documents provide few details of the allegations, in the charging document, prosecutors accuse the Bridgeport man of taking more than $5,000 in cash from Webb Eye Care between March of 2022 and this past January.

The document also claims Soto took glasses, frames and contact lenses valued between $1,500 and $5,000, as well as taking the funds from payment checks submitted to the business by 43 patients within that same time frame.

Soto was initially given a citation in lieu of arrest, and during his court appearance Wednesday was released on a personal recognizance bond by County Judge Paul Wess.

An April 5 court date was set for his next appearance and a status update on a preliminary hearing.

By SCOTT MILLER KNEB Radio&nbsp;A Morrill County man is facing nearly four dozen theft charges, accused of stealing from a Bridgeport eye care practitioner.43-year-old Alejandro Soto made his initial appearance in Morrill County Court this week on two felony charges of theft by unlawful taking, as well as 43 misdemeanor counts of theft.While court documents provide few details of the allegations, in the charging document, prosecutors accuse the Bridgeport man of taking more than $5,000 in cash from Webb Eye Care between March of 2022 and this past January.The document also claims Soto took glasses, frames and contact lenses valued between $1,500 and $5,000, as well as taking the funds from payment checks submitted to the business by 43 patients within that same time frame.Soto was initially given a citation in lieu of arrest, and during his court appearance Wednesday was released on a personal recognizance bond by County Judge Paul Wess.An April 5 court date was set for his next appearance and a status update on a preliminary hearing.

Bridgeport man facing 45 counts of theft by unlawful taking

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR

CHADRON – A team of Rural Business Leadership Initiative students who won a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2022/four-student-teams-win-rbli-funds-to-improve-rural-communities.html" target="_blank">pitch contest</a>&nbsp;and a grant for a civic improvement project is working with Chadron High School students. The team members hope to transform their vision of better wayfinding on C-Hill into a reality.

Team members are Chadron State College students Logan Parde of Ceresco, Neb., Lilliana Foose of Burlington, Colo., Elizabeth Heger of Underwood, North Dakota, and recent graduate Siddhant Shelke of McKinney, Texas.

Their goals include providing information to increase trail awareness and usage by the college community, community members, and tourists.

Seven signs are being made from severe weather plywood and the signs will be covered with lacquer and water sealant. The funds for the project range from $2,297 to $2,497, according to Foose.

Foose said stakeholders and beneficiaries include the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, CSC students, community members, and Chadron High School.

The team members have consulted with Dr. Britt Helmbrecht, president of the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association, and coordinated the placement of the signs with the CSC maintenance department.

Business Associate Professor Dr. Cassandra Ritzen, co-coordinator of RBLI, said the students have taken the initiative to collaborate and connect with many different stakeholders in the community and throughout the CSC campus.

“It is an exciting time as this group of RBLI students begins to see their ideas, hard work, and collaboration move closer to actual community impact. This group has demonstrated the ability to craft and carry out a plan and move forward with action. The success of this group continues to expand the opportunities for current and future RBLI students,” Ritzen said.

Instructor and co-coordinator of RBLI, Dr. Caitlin Redden, said the students have worked hard on their project and it shows.

“We know the pitch contest for the grant money was difficult and winning was an accomplishment they should be proud of. Now, we get to watch the students bring their project to life. We are excited for all who will be able to reap the benefit of the time and work these students have put into the signage project,” Redden said.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATORCHADRON – A team of Rural Business Leadership Initiative students who won a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2022/four-student-teams-win-rbli-funds-to-improve-rural-communities.html" target="_blank">pitch contest</a>&nbsp;and a grant for a civic improvement project is working with Chadron High School students. The team members hope to transform their vision of better wayfinding on C-Hill into a reality.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679324061247.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Team members are Chadron State College students Logan Parde of Ceresco, Neb., Lilliana Foose of Burlington, Colo., Elizabeth Heger of Underwood, North Dakota, and recent graduate Siddhant Shelke of McKinney, Texas.Their goals include providing information to increase trail awareness and usage by the college community, community members, and tourists.Seven signs are being made from severe weather plywood and the signs will be covered with lacquer and water sealant. The funds for the project range from $2,297 to $2,497, according to Foose.Foose said stakeholders and beneficiaries include the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, CSC students, community members, and Chadron High School.The team members have consulted with Dr. Britt Helmbrecht, president of the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association, and coordinated the placement of the signs with the CSC maintenance department.Business Associate Professor Dr. Cassandra Ritzen, co-coordinator of RBLI, said the students have taken the initiative to collaborate and connect with many different stakeholders in the community and throughout the CSC campus.“It is an exciting time as this group of RBLI students begins to see their ideas, hard work, and collaboration move closer to actual community impact. This group has demonstrated the ability to craft and carry out a plan and move forward with action. The success of this group continues to expand the opportunities for current and future RBLI students,” Ritzen said.Instructor and co-coordinator of RBLI, Dr. Caitlin Redden, said the students have worked hard on their project and it shows.“We know the pitch contest for the grant money was difficult and winning was an accomplishment they should be proud of. Now, we get to watch the students bring their project to life. We are excited for all who will be able to reap the benefit of the time and work these students have put into the signage project,” Redden said.

RBLI signage project moves forward in Chadron

By TARA MCCARTHY <a href="https://usacycling.org/article/inaugural-usa-cycling-gravel-national-championship-heads-to-nebraska">USA&nbsp; Cycling</a>

The first 2023 USA Cycling Gravel 
National Championships will take place in Gering on Sept. 
9. The event will have a $60,000 prize purse and serve as an automatic 
qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships.

USA
 Cycling has announced that the inaugural Gravel National 
Championships will take place September 9, 2023 in Gering with a 
$60,000 prize purse. The event will remain in Gering for 2024.

“Over
 the last five years, the explosive growth of gravel has energized 
American cycling. Our involvement in the past 18 months has mainly 
focused on the support of gravel event organizers through sanctioning 
events such as the Grasshopper Adventure Series and the Rule of Three. 
We’re now proud to join the list of ever-growing gravel events in the 
United States,” said USA Cycling CEO, Brendan Quirk.

USA Cycling 
is offering a $60,000 prize purse for the Elite races, with an equal pay
 out for Men and Women. This marks the largest single-day cash prize in 
the history of American gravel.

"While this event is a benefit to 
our members and a long-awaited addition to the national championship 
calendar, we’re not using a cent of membership dues to fund the prize 
purse, nor are we diverting funds from grassroots racing programs. 100% 
of the prizes will be funded by entry fees and sponsorship,” said Quirk.

The best names in off-road racing will be gathering in Nebraska, including 2022 LifeTime Grand Prix Champion Keegan Swenson.

“I
 am really looking forward to the USA Cycling Gravel National 
Championships,” said Swenson. “I think gravel has quickly become some of
 the most competitive racing in the U.S., and I cannot wait to give it 
my all in Gering, Neb. in the fight for the first gravel stars and 
stripes jersey.”

With the new addition of the UCI Gravel World 
Championships, the Gravel National Championship will classify as a 
qualifier for the 2023 event held in Venetia, Italy, Oct. 7 and 8. The top
 three in the Elite Men’s and Women’s events will automatically qualify 
for the World Championships and will be supported by USA Cycling. The 
finalized World Championship Elite selection criteria will be published 
in coming weeks. Additionally, age group race winners will automatically
 qualify for their respective categories for the 2023 UCI Gravel World 
Championships.

Last year, Lauren De Crescenzo finished top 20 at 
the inaugural Gravel World Championship, and is now looking forward to 
competing for the National title. 

Gravel racers from around the country will be treated to countless 
miles of dirt roads in Nebraska’s Landmark Country, passing famous rock 
formations such as Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock that 
once served as landmarks for Native Americans and settlers traveling 
west on the Oregon Trail. Racers will experience the area’s beauty as 
they compete on courses with over 90% gravel and they will continue to 
add to local history by racing in the inaugural Gravel National 
Championship.

“On behalf of the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau 
and Scotts Bluff County, we welcome USA Cycling to Gering. This once in a
 lifetime opportunity to host an inaugural Gravel National Championship 
event is a dream come true for our vibrant Western Nebraska community. 
We look forward to building a memorable race that will create strong 
relations with athletes and stakeholders in our sports market. We are 
eager to team up with USA Cycling in 2023-2024,” stated Brenda Leisy, 
Director of the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau.

In addition to 
the support from Scotts Bluff County and Visitors Bureau, Aaron Raines, 
organizer of the Robidoux Rendezvous, will be assisting in yet again 
creating another incredible gravel race in Landmark Country.

“The 
Gering Visitors Bureau and the City of Gering enthusiastically welcome 
the 2023 Gravel National Championships to Gering and Western Nebraska in
 partnership with USA Cycling. Gravel riders and guests will experience a
 welcoming city with an energetic vibe and a rich-historic cycling 
culture. Natural scenic beauty and historic landmarks backdrop the 
challenging gravel courses that come together in a community dedicated 
to hospitality and service to ensure the USA Cycling inaugural event is 
an adventure and a memorable success," said Karla Niedan-Streeks from 
the Gering Visitors Bureau.

To learn more about eligibility and race details, visit <a href="http://gravelnats.usacycling.org/">http://gravelnats.usacycling.org/</a>.

Riders must be USA Cycling members with a domestic racing license to register. Registration will open on Friday, July 14th at 10am MT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679080725129.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TARA MCCARTHY <a href="https://usacycling.org/article/inaugural-usa-cycling-gravel-national-championship-heads-to-nebraska">USA&nbsp; Cycling</a>The first 2023 USA Cycling Gravel 
National Championships will take place in Gering on Sept. 
9. The event will have a $60,000 prize purse and serve as an automatic 
qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships.USA
 Cycling has announced that the inaugural Gravel National 
Championships will take place September 9, 2023 in Gering with a 
$60,000 prize purse. The event will remain in Gering for 2024.“Over
 the last five years, the explosive growth of gravel has energized 
American cycling. Our involvement in the past 18 months has mainly 
focused on the support of gravel event organizers through sanctioning 
events such as the Grasshopper Adventure Series and the Rule of Three. 
We’re now proud to join the list of ever-growing gravel events in the 
United States,” said USA Cycling CEO, Brendan Quirk.USA Cycling 
is offering a $60,000 prize purse for the Elite races, with an equal pay
 out for Men and Women. This marks the largest single-day cash prize in 
the history of American gravel."While this event is a benefit to 
our members and a long-awaited addition to the national championship 
calendar, we’re not using a cent of membership dues to fund the prize 
purse, nor are we diverting funds from grassroots racing programs. 100% 
of the prizes will be funded by entry fees and sponsorship,” said Quirk.The best names in off-road racing will be gathering in Nebraska, including 2022 LifeTime Grand Prix Champion Keegan Swenson.“I
 am really looking forward to the USA Cycling Gravel National 
Championships,” said Swenson. “I think gravel has quickly become some of
 the most competitive racing in the U.S., and I cannot wait to give it 
my all in Gering, Neb. in the fight for the first gravel stars and 
stripes jersey.”With the new addition of the UCI Gravel World 
Championships, the Gravel National Championship will classify as a 
qualifier for the 2023 event held in Venetia, Italy, Oct. 7 and 8. The top
 three in the Elite Men’s and Women’s events will automatically qualify 
for the World Championships and will be supported by USA Cycling. The 
finalized World Championship Elite selection criteria will be published 
in coming weeks. Additionally, age group race winners will automatically
 qualify for their respective categories for the 2023 UCI Gravel World 
Championships.Last year, Lauren De Crescenzo finished top 20 at 
the inaugural Gravel World Championship, and is now looking forward to 
competing for the National title. Gravel racers from around the country will be treated to countless 
miles of dirt roads in Nebraska’s Landmark Country, passing famous rock 
formations such as Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock that 
once served as landmarks for Native Americans and settlers traveling 
west on the Oregon Trail. Racers will experience the area’s beauty as 
they compete on courses with over 90% gravel and they will continue to 
add to local history by racing in the inaugural Gravel National 
Championship.“On behalf of the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau 
and Scotts Bluff County, we welcome USA Cycling to Gering. This once in a
 lifetime opportunity to host an inaugural Gravel National Championship 
event is a dream come true for our vibrant Western Nebraska community. 
We look forward to building a memorable race that will create strong 
relations with athletes and stakeholders in our sports market. We are 
eager to team up with USA Cycling in 2023-2024,” stated Brenda Leisy, 
Director of the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau.In addition to 
the support from Scotts Bluff County and Visitors Bureau, Aaron Raines, 
organizer of the Robidoux Rendezvous, will be assisting in yet again 
creating another incredible gravel race in Landmark Country.“The 
Gering Visitors Bureau and the City of Gering enthusiastically welcome 
the 2023 Gravel National Championships to Gering and Western Nebraska in
 partnership with USA Cycling. Gravel riders and guests will experience a
 welcoming city with an energetic vibe and a rich-historic cycling 
culture. Natural scenic beauty and historic landmarks backdrop the 
challenging gravel courses that come together in a community dedicated 
to hospitality and service to ensure the USA Cycling inaugural event is 
an adventure and a memorable success," said Karla Niedan-Streeks from 
the Gering Visitors Bureau.To learn more about eligibility and race details, visit <a href="http://gravelnats.usacycling.org/">http://gravelnats.usacycling.org/</a>.Riders must be USA Cycling members with a domestic racing license to register. Registration will open on Friday, July 14th at 10am MT.

Inaugural Gravel National Championship pedals to Gering

Weather permitting, work will resume Monday on N-97, from
reference post 56+87 to reference post 66+96, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.


Paulsen Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. Work includes constructing asphaltic
curb, concrete flumes, earth shoulder construction, erosion control, and seeding. 

In Mullen, the asphalt
surfacing will be removed and replaced from the junction of N-97 and N-2 to the south for approximately
1,200 feet. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures, a pilot car, and flaggers. A 10-foot width
restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is May 2023.


NDOTWeather permitting, work will resume Monday on N-97, from
reference post 56+87 to reference post 66+96, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Paulsen Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. Work includes constructing asphaltic
curb, concrete flumes, earth shoulder construction, erosion control, and seeding. In Mullen, the asphalt
surfacing will be removed and replaced from the junction of N-97 and N-2 to the south for approximately
1,200 feet. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures, a pilot car, and flaggers. A 10-foot width
restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is May 2023.

NDOT: N-97 work to resume south of Mullen this week

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon has signed into law the nation's first explicit ban on abortion pills since they became the predominant choice for abortion in the U.S. in recent years.

Gordon, a Republican, signed the bill Friday night while allowing a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature.

The pills are already banned in 13 states that have blanket bans on all forms of abortion, and 15 states already have limited access to abortion pills. Until now, however, no state had passed a law specifically prohibiting such pills, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

A group seeking to open an abortion and women's health clinic in Casper said it was evaluating legal options.

“We are dismayed and outraged that these laws would eradicate access to basic health care, including safe, effective medication abortion,” Wellspring Health Access President Julie Burkhart said in a statement Saturday.

The clinic, which a firebombing prevented from opening last year, is one of two nonprofits suing to block an earlier Wyoming abortion ban. No arrests have been made, and organizers say the clinic is tentatively scheduled to open in April, depending on abortion's legal status in Wyoming then.

The Republican governor’s decision on the two measures comes after the issue of access to abortion pills&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-texas-fda-roe-wade-5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">took center stage</a>&nbsp;this week in a Texas court. A federal judge there raised questions about a Christian group’s effort to overturn the decades-old U.S. approval of a leading abortion drug, mifepristone.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">Medication abortions</a>&nbsp;became the preferred method for ending pregnancy in the U.S. even before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade,</a>&nbsp;the ruling that protected the right to abortion for nearly five decades. A two-pill combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">mifepristone and another drug</a>&nbsp;is the most common form of abortion in the U.S.

Wyoming’s ban on abortion pills would take effect in July, pending any legal action that could potentially delay that. The implementation date of the sweeping legislation banning all abortions that Gordon allowed to go into law is not specified in the bill.

With the earlier ban tied up in court, abortion currently remains legal in the state up to viability, or when the fetus could survive outside the womb.

In a statement, Gordon expressed concern that the latter law, dubbed the Life is a Human Right Act would result in a lawsuit that will “delay any resolution to the constitutionality of the abortion ban in Wyoming.”

He noted that earlier in the day, plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit filed a challenge to the new law in the event he did not issue a veto.

“I believe this question needs to be decided as soon as possible so that the issue of abortion in Wyoming can be finally resolved, and that is best done with a vote of the people,” Gordon said in a statement.

In a statement, Wyoming ACLU advocacy director Antonio Serrano criticized Gordon’s decision to sign the ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-texas-fda-roe-wade-5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">abortion pills</a>.

“A person’s health, not politics, should guide important medical decisions — including the decision to have an abortion,” Serrano said.

Of the 15 states that have limited access to the pills, six require an in-person physician visit. Those laws could withstand court challenges; states have long had authority over how physicians, pharmacists and other providers practice medicine.

States also set the rules for telemedicine consultations used to prescribe medications. Generally, that means health providers in states with restrictions on abortion pills could face penalties, such as fines or license suspension, for trying to send pills through the mail.

Women have already been traveling across state lines to places where abortion pill access is easier. That trend is expected to increase.

Since the reversal of Roe in June, abortion restrictions have been up to states, and the landscape has shifted quickly. Thirteen states now enforce bans on abortion at any point in pregnancy, and another, Georgia, bans it once cardiac activity can be detected, or at about six weeks’ gestation.

Courts have put on hold enforcement of abortion bans or deep restrictions in Arizona, Indiana, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah and Wyoming. Idaho courts have forced the state to allow abortions during medical emergencies.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679271740950.jpeg" alt="Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon gives the State of the State address to the Wyoming Legislature on March 2, 2021, inside the state Capitol in Cheyenne, Wy. Late Friday, March 17, 2023, Gordon signed a bill prohibiting abortion pills in the state and also allowed a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature. (Michael Cummo/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon gives the State of the State address to the Wyoming Legislature on March 2, 2021, inside the state Capitol in Cheyenne, Wy. Late Friday, March 17, 2023, Gordon signed a bill prohibiting abortion pills in the state and also allowed a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature. (Michael Cummo/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon has signed into law the nation's first explicit ban on abortion pills since they became the predominant choice for abortion in the U.S. in recent years.Gordon, a Republican, signed the bill Friday night while allowing a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature.The pills are already banned in 13 states that have blanket bans on all forms of abortion, and 15 states already have limited access to abortion pills. Until now, however, no state had passed a law specifically prohibiting such pills, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.A group seeking to open an abortion and women's health clinic in Casper said it was evaluating legal options.“We are dismayed and outraged that these laws would eradicate access to basic health care, including safe, effective medication abortion,” Wellspring Health Access President Julie Burkhart said in a statement Saturday.The clinic, which a firebombing prevented from opening last year, is one of two nonprofits suing to block an earlier Wyoming abortion ban. No arrests have been made, and organizers say the clinic is tentatively scheduled to open in April, depending on abortion's legal status in Wyoming then.The Republican governor’s decision on the two measures comes after the issue of access to abortion pills&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-texas-fda-roe-wade-5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">took center stage</a>&nbsp;this week in a Texas court. A federal judge there raised questions about a Christian group’s effort to overturn the decades-old U.S. approval of a leading abortion drug, mifepristone.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">Medication abortions</a>&nbsp;became the preferred method for ending pregnancy in the U.S. even before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade,</a>&nbsp;the ruling that protected the right to abortion for nearly five decades. A two-pill combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">mifepristone and another drug</a>&nbsp;is the most common form of abortion in the U.S.Wyoming’s ban on abortion pills would take effect in July, pending any legal action that could potentially delay that. The implementation date of the sweeping legislation banning all abortions that Gordon allowed to go into law is not specified in the bill.With the earlier ban tied up in court, abortion currently remains legal in the state up to viability, or when the fetus could survive outside the womb.In a statement, Gordon expressed concern that the latter law, dubbed the Life is a Human Right Act would result in a lawsuit that will “delay any resolution to the constitutionality of the abortion ban in Wyoming.”He noted that earlier in the day, plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit filed a challenge to the new law in the event he did not issue a veto.“I believe this question needs to be decided as soon as possible so that the issue of abortion in Wyoming can be finally resolved, and that is best done with a vote of the people,” Gordon said in a statement.In a statement, Wyoming ACLU advocacy director Antonio Serrano criticized Gordon’s decision to sign the ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-texas-fda-roe-wade-5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">abortion pills</a>.“A person’s health, not politics, should guide important medical decisions — including the decision to have an abortion,” Serrano said.Of the 15 states that have limited access to the pills, six require an in-person physician visit. Those laws could withstand court challenges; states have long had authority over how physicians, pharmacists and other providers practice medicine.States also set the rules for telemedicine consultations used to prescribe medications. Generally, that means health providers in states with restrictions on abortion pills could face penalties, such as fines or license suspension, for trying to send pills through the mail.Women have already been traveling across state lines to places where abortion pill access is easier. That trend is expected to increase.Since the reversal of Roe in June, abortion restrictions have been up to states, and the landscape has shifted quickly. Thirteen states now enforce bans on abortion at any point in pregnancy, and another, Georgia, bans it once cardiac activity can be detected, or at about six weeks’ gestation.Courts have put on hold enforcement of abortion bans or deep restrictions in Arizona, Indiana, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah and Wyoming. Idaho courts have forced the state to allow abortions during medical emergencies.

Wyoming governor signs measure prohibiting abortion pills

GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) — Dozens of bison from a mountain park outside Denver were transferred Wednesday to several tribes from across the Great Plains, in the latest example of Native Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-travel-health-canada-5a7f69c50b4df6a70cf6dbdc40a932b2">reclaiming stewardship</a>&nbsp;over animals their ancestors lived alongside for millennia.

Following ceremonial drumming and singing and an acknowledgement of the tribes that once occupied the surrounding landscape, the bison were loaded onto trucks for relocation to tribal lands.

About a half-dozen of the animals from Colorado will form the nucleus of a new herd for the Yuchi people south of Tulsa, Oklahoma, said Richard Grounds with the Yuchi Language Project.

The herd will be expanded over time, to reestablish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-religion-oklahoma-bison-108ca2d24547ab478b1e5ca891b1a9fa">spiritual and physical bond</a>&nbsp;broken two centuries ago when bison were nearly wiped out and the Yuchi were forced from their homeland, Grounds said.

He compared the burly animals' return to reviving the Yuchi's language — and said both language and bison were inseparable from the land. Bison were “the original caretakers” of that land, he said.

“We've lost that connection to the buffalo, that physical connection, as part of the colonial assault,” Grounds said. “So we're saying, we Yuchi people are still here and the buffalo are still here and it's important to reconnect and restore those relationships with the land, with the animals and the plants.”

The transfers also included 17 bison to the Northern Arapaho Tribe and 12 to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe — both of Wyoming — and one animal to the Tall Bull Memorial Council, which has members from various tribes, city officials said.

Wednesday’s transfer came two weeks after U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued a bison conservation order meant to further&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bison-restoration-tribes-haaland-6f5ad9227c70377a94a2a4efc809f3d8">expand the number of large herds</a>&nbsp;on Native American lands. Haaland also announced $25 million to build new herds, transfer more bison from federal to tribal lands and forge new bison management agreements with tribes, officials said.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679079425948.jpeg" alt="One of the 35 Denver Mountain Park bison stands in a corral as it waits to be transferred to representatives of four Native American tribes and one memorial council so they can reintroduce the animals to tribal lands Wednesday, March 15, 2023, near Golden, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>One of the 35 Denver Mountain Park bison stands in a corral as it waits to be transferred to representatives of four Native American tribes and one memorial council so they can reintroduce the animals to tribal lands Wednesday, March 15, 2023, near Golden, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) — Dozens of bison from a mountain park outside Denver were transferred Wednesday to several tribes from across the Great Plains, in the latest example of Native Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-travel-health-canada-5a7f69c50b4df6a70cf6dbdc40a932b2">reclaiming stewardship</a>&nbsp;over animals their ancestors lived alongside for millennia.Following ceremonial drumming and singing and an acknowledgement of the tribes that once occupied the surrounding landscape, the bison were loaded onto trucks for relocation to tribal lands.About a half-dozen of the animals from Colorado will form the nucleus of a new herd for the Yuchi people south of Tulsa, Oklahoma, said Richard Grounds with the Yuchi Language Project.The herd will be expanded over time, to reestablish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-religion-oklahoma-bison-108ca2d24547ab478b1e5ca891b1a9fa">spiritual and physical bond</a>&nbsp;broken two centuries ago when bison were nearly wiped out and the Yuchi were forced from their homeland, Grounds said.He compared the burly animals' return to reviving the Yuchi's language — and said both language and bison were inseparable from the land. Bison were “the original caretakers” of that land, he said.“We've lost that connection to the buffalo, that physical connection, as part of the colonial assault,” Grounds said. “So we're saying, we Yuchi people are still here and the buffalo are still here and it's important to reconnect and restore those relationships with the land, with the animals and the plants.”The transfers also included 17 bison to the Northern Arapaho Tribe and 12 to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe — both of Wyoming — and one animal to the Tall Bull Memorial Council, which has members from various tribes, city officials said.Wednesday’s transfer came two weeks after U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued a bison conservation order meant to further&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bison-restoration-tribes-haaland-6f5ad9227c70377a94a2a4efc809f3d8">expand the number of large herds</a>&nbsp;on Native American lands. Haaland also announced $25 million to build new herds, transfer more bison from federal to tribal lands and forge new bison management agreements with tribes, officials said.American bison, also known as buffalo, have bounced back from near-extinction in the 1880s but remain absent from most of the grasslands they once occupied.Across the U.S., 82 tribes now have more than 20,000 bison, and the number of herds on tribal lands have grown in recent years. The animals have been transferred to reservations from other tribes, from federal, state and local governments and from private ranches.Tens of millions of bison once roamed North America until they were killed off almost entirely by white settlers, commercial hunters and U.S. troops. Their demise devastated Native American tribes across the continent that relied on bison and their parts for food, clothing and shelter.The animals transferred to the tribes Wednesday descend from the last remnants of the great herds. They were under care of the Denver Zoo and kept in a city park before being moved to foothills west of Denver in 1914.Surplus animals from the city's herd were for many years auctioned off, but in recent years city officials began transferring them to tribes instead, said Scott Gilmore, deputy executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation.Gilmore said the land acknowledgement statement read out loud during Wednesday's ceremony underscored the historical importance of the area to the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and dozens of other tribes that once lived in the area. But he added those were just “words on a piece of paper.”“What we're doing is putting action to those words for Indigenous people. Buffalo are part of the land, they are part of their family," Gilmore said. "They are taking their family members back to their ancestral home.”To date, 85 bison from Denver have been transferred to tribes and tribal organizations. City officials said the shipments will continue through 2030.

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