The City of Crawford has declared a Snow Emergency from Midnight Tuesday evening, February 21, until 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning February 23. 

A Snow Emergency means that motor vehicles, boats, trailers, etc. CANNOT be parked on the street during the indicated time period along the posted emergency snow routes. Vehicles, trailers or obstructions remaining on the routes may be ticketed. 

Efforts will be made to not tow vehicles during normal business hours, unless the predominate weather dictates such actions. 

More information about Crawford’s snow emergency routes and rules are available on the Crawford website found at <a href="http://crawfordnebraska.net">crawfordnebraska.net</a>.

By City of CrawfordThe City of Crawford has declared a Snow Emergency from Midnight Tuesday evening, February 21, until 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning February 23. A Snow Emergency means that motor vehicles, boats, trailers, etc. CANNOT be parked on the street during the indicated time period along the posted emergency snow routes. Vehicles, trailers or obstructions remaining on the routes may be ticketed. Efforts will be made to not tow vehicles during normal business hours, unless the predominate weather dictates such actions. More information about Crawford’s snow emergency routes and rules are available on the Crawford website found at <a href="http://crawfordnebraska.net">crawfordnebraska.net</a>. Thank you for your cooperation.

City of Crawford declares snow emergency 

Alliance – The Alliance Public Transit will only be offering essential rides on Wednesday, February 22nd due to weather conditions. Essential rides include medical, school routes, and work only. Hours of operation will be 6:30am – 4:00pm.

For more information, please contact, Paige Johnson at (308) 762-1907.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Public Transit will only be offering essential rides on Wednesday, February 22nd due to weather conditions. Essential rides include medical, school routes, and work only. Hours of operation will be 6:30am – 4:00pm.For more information, please contact, Paige Johnson at (308) 762-1907.

Alliance Public Transit offering essential rides only

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Brutal winter weather bringing snow, dangerous gusts of wind and bitter cold settled over much of the northern U.S. on Wednesday, shutting down roadways, closing schools and businesses and prompting dire warnings for people to stay home.

The massive storm with blizzard-like conditions to the north were part of a wild weather day across the U.S. Wind gusts, combined with snow and rain, forced closure of a long stretch of interstate highway in the Southwest. Meanwhile, many places in the mid-Atlantic down to Florida are expected to see record high temperatures — in some cases up to 40 degrees above normal.

Many schools throughout the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin were called off for Wednesday, ahead of the storm. Offices closed, and so did the Minnesota Legislature. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem shut down state executive branch offices in several parts of the state, and employees were working remotely.

In Wyoming, virtually every road was impacted, and many were closed. Officials warned they may stay that way for days.

“Please change travel plans if your are coming towards Wyoming, waiting to go west from Cheyenne or Laramie on I-80, or waiting to go east on I-80 from Rock Springs,” the Wyoming Department of Transportation posted on Facebook. “A major winter storm and multi-day closures are likely on Interstates and secondary roads throughout Wyoming!”

Michelle Wilson said business was slow at the Denny’s where she works in Fargo, North Dakota, where the morning temperatures was minus 11 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 24 degrees Celsius). Wilson wasn’t surprised — people know better than to venture out when the weather turns this dangerous.

“When the wind picks up and your in a flat land like North Dakota, it’s whiteout conditions immediately,” Wilson said.

The storm will make its way toward the East Coast later in the week. Places that don't get snow may get dangerous amounts of ice. Forecasters expect up to a half-inch of ice in some areas of southern Michigan, northern Illinois and some eastern states.

The snowfall could be historic, even in a region accustomed to heavy snow. As much as 25 inches may pile up, with the heaviest amounts falling across east-central Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin, the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph and wind chills are expected to hit minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46 degrees Celsius) in some parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area could see 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow or more for the first time in over 30 years.

Temperatures in the nation's northern tier could plunge as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 29 degrees Celsius) Thursday and to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 32 degrees Celsius) Friday in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wind chills may fall to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46 degrees Celsius), said Nathan Rick, a meteorologist in Grand Forks.

Wind gusts may reach 50 mph in western and central Minnesota, resulting in “significant blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions in open areas,” the weather service said.

According to the weather service, the biggest snow event on record in the Twin Cities was 28.4 inches from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3, 1991 — known as the Halloween Blizzard. The second-largest was 21.1 inches of snow from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, 1985. The Twin Cities got 20 inches of snow on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, 1982.

Hardware store owners said residents were generally taking the forecast in stride.

At C&amp;S Supply, an employee-owned hardware store in Mankato, Minnesota, manager Corey Kapaun said demand was high for salt and grit, but not for shovels, snow blowers or other equipment. He attributed that to the fact that winter is two-thirds over.

“I think people are either prepared or they’re not,” Kapaun said. “It’s usually the first snowfall of the year that gets a lot of attention. With a storm like this, I expected a little bit more, but we’ve already had a big year of snow already.”

Forecasters at AccuWeather said the same storm system could result in icing across a 1,300-mile (2,092 -kilometer) band from near Omaha, Nebraska, to New Hampshire on Wednesday and Thursday, creating potential travel hazards in or near cities such as Milwaukee, Detroit, Chicago and Boston.

As the northern U.S. deals with a winter blast, record warmth is expected in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast — 30 degrees to 40 degrees above normal in some places. Record highs are expected from Baltimore to New Orleans and in much of Florida, National Weather Service Meteorologist Frank Pereira said.

Washington, D.C., could hit 80 degrees on Thursday, which would top the record of 78 degrees set in 1874.

A more than 200-mile stretch of Interstate 40 from central Arizona to the New Mexico line closed Wednesday morning due to wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph, plus snow and rain. Thousands were without power in Arizona.

California was also preparing for the latest in a series of winter storms as winds that began blowing Tuesday brought the potential for rain, snow and hail for much of the state. A “major snow event” was possible in foothills and mountains near Los Angeles, with several inches predicted even for elevations as low as 1,000 feet, the weather service said.

“Nearly the entire population of CA will be able to see snow from some vantage point later this week if they look in the right direction (i.e., toward the highest hills in vicinity),” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote on Twitter.

Daytime temperatures in Southern California were unlikely to get out of the low to mid-50s and potentially damaging winds reaching 50 mph were predicted along the central coast, with gusts of 70 mph possible in mountains.

By Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Brutal winter weather bringing snow, dangerous gusts of wind and bitter cold settled over much of the northern U.S. on Wednesday, shutting down roadways, closing schools and businesses and prompting dire warnings for people to stay home.The massive storm with blizzard-like conditions to the north were part of a wild weather day across the U.S. Wind gusts, combined with snow and rain, forced closure of a long stretch of interstate highway in the Southwest. Meanwhile, many places in the mid-Atlantic down to Florida are expected to see record high temperatures — in some cases up to 40 degrees above normal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677079735829.jpeg" alt="David Smith shovels the sidewalk as the first snow falls ahead of a winter storm on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Sioux Falls, S.D. A wide swath of the Upper Midwest is bracing for a historic winter storm. The system is expected to bury parts of the region in 2 feet of snow, create dangerous blizzard conditions and bring along bitter cold temperatures. (Erin Woodiel/The Argus Leader via AP)" />
 <figcaption>David Smith shovels the sidewalk as the first snow falls ahead of a winter storm on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Sioux Falls, S.D. A wide swath of the Upper Midwest is bracing for a historic winter storm. The system is expected to bury parts of the region in 2 feet of snow, create dangerous blizzard conditions and bring along bitter cold temperatures. (Erin Woodiel/The Argus Leader via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Many schools throughout the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin were called off for Wednesday, ahead of the storm. Offices closed, and so did the Minnesota Legislature. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem shut down state executive branch offices in several parts of the state, and employees were working remotely.In Wyoming, virtually every road was impacted, and many were closed. Officials warned they may stay that way for days.“Please change travel plans if your are coming towards Wyoming, waiting to go west from Cheyenne or Laramie on I-80, or waiting to go east on I-80 from Rock Springs,” the Wyoming Department of Transportation posted on Facebook. “A major winter storm and multi-day closures are likely on Interstates and secondary roads throughout Wyoming!”Michelle Wilson said business was slow at the Denny’s where she works in Fargo, North Dakota, where the morning temperatures was minus 11 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 24 degrees Celsius). Wilson wasn’t surprised — people know better than to venture out when the weather turns this dangerous.“When the wind picks up and your in a flat land like North Dakota, it’s whiteout conditions immediately,” Wilson said.The storm will make its way toward the East Coast later in the week. Places that don't get snow may get dangerous amounts of ice. Forecasters expect up to a half-inch of ice in some areas of southern Michigan, northern Illinois and some eastern states.The snowfall could be historic, even in a region accustomed to heavy snow. As much as 25 inches may pile up, with the heaviest amounts falling across east-central Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin, the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph and wind chills are expected to hit minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46 degrees Celsius) in some parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota.The Minneapolis-St. Paul area could see 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow or more for the first time in over 30 years.Temperatures in the nation's northern tier could plunge as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 29 degrees Celsius) Thursday and to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 32 degrees Celsius) Friday in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wind chills may fall to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46 degrees Celsius), said Nathan Rick, a meteorologist in Grand Forks.Wind gusts may reach 50 mph in western and central Minnesota, resulting in “significant blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions in open areas,” the weather service said.According to the weather service, the biggest snow event on record in the Twin Cities was 28.4 inches from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3, 1991 — known as the Halloween Blizzard. The second-largest was 21.1 inches of snow from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, 1985. The Twin Cities got 20 inches of snow on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, 1982.Hardware store owners said residents were generally taking the forecast in stride.At C&amp;S Supply, an employee-owned hardware store in Mankato, Minnesota, manager Corey Kapaun said demand was high for salt and grit, but not for shovels, snow blowers or other equipment. He attributed that to the fact that winter is two-thirds over.“I think people are either prepared or they’re not,” Kapaun said. “It’s usually the first snowfall of the year that gets a lot of attention. With a storm like this, I expected a little bit more, but we’ve already had a big year of snow already.”Forecasters at AccuWeather said the same storm system could result in icing across a 1,300-mile (2,092 -kilometer) band from near Omaha, Nebraska, to New Hampshire on Wednesday and Thursday, creating potential travel hazards in or near cities such as Milwaukee, Detroit, Chicago and Boston.As the northern U.S. deals with a winter blast, record warmth is expected in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast — 30 degrees to 40 degrees above normal in some places. Record highs are expected from Baltimore to New Orleans and in much of Florida, National Weather Service Meteorologist Frank Pereira said.Washington, D.C., could hit 80 degrees on Thursday, which would top the record of 78 degrees set in 1874.A more than 200-mile stretch of Interstate 40 from central Arizona to the New Mexico line closed Wednesday morning due to wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph, plus snow and rain. Thousands were without power in Arizona.California was also preparing for the latest in a series of winter storms as winds that began blowing Tuesday brought the potential for rain, snow and hail for much of the state. A “major snow event” was possible in foothills and mountains near Los Angeles, with several inches predicted even for elevations as low as 1,000 feet, the weather service said.“Nearly the entire population of CA will be able to see snow from some vantage point later this week if they look in the right direction (i.e., toward the highest hills in vicinity),” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote on Twitter.Daytime temperatures in Southern California were unlikely to get out of the low to mid-50s and potentially damaging winds reaching 50 mph were predicted along the central coast, with gusts of 70 mph possible in mountains.

Massive winter storm brings snow, strong winds, frigid cold

LINCOLN, NE -We all agree that our kids are our future. In every community across our state, no matter the size, we all want the same thing – a better future for our kids than we had. Our highest priority is to protect our kids and their adolescent minds until they are old enough to discern and make their own decisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That is why I support Senator Kauth’s bill, LB 574, that will keep misinformed parents from allowing their kid to have irreversible, gender-altering surgery.&nbsp;There is a reason why kids in Nebraska must be 18 to get a tattoo or 21 to drink alcohol and buy tobacco products.&nbsp;We enact laws like this because we understand that kids lack the judgment necessary to make certain kinds of decisions.

Senator Kauth’s LB 575, which I also support, will provide protections for single-sex spaces particularly girl's sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms. We need to pass this commonsense bill to keep less protective policies out of our state.

As your governor, I will fight with every breath to help parents protect their kids. We all agree our future of Nebraska depends on it.&nbsp;

If you have any questions about our vision for Nebraska, please call my office at 402-471-2244 or email me at&nbsp;jim.pillen@nebraska.gov. Together we can!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

LINCOLN, NE -We all agree that our kids are our future. In every community across our state, no matter the size, we all want the same thing – a better future for our kids than we had. Our highest priority is to protect our kids and their adolescent minds until they are old enough to discern and make their own decisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;That is why I support Senator Kauth’s bill, LB 574, that will keep misinformed parents from allowing their kid to have irreversible, gender-altering surgery.&nbsp;There is a reason why kids in Nebraska must be 18 to get a tattoo or 21 to drink alcohol and buy tobacco products.&nbsp;We enact laws like this because we understand that kids lack the judgment necessary to make certain kinds of decisions.Senator Kauth’s LB 575, which I also support, will provide protections for single-sex spaces particularly girl's sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms. We need to pass this commonsense bill to keep less protective policies out of our state.As your governor, I will fight with every breath to help parents protect their kids. We all agree our future of Nebraska depends on it.&nbsp;If you have any questions about our vision for Nebraska, please call my office at 402-471-2244 or email me at&nbsp;jim.pillen@nebraska.gov. Together we can!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen: Protecting our kids is my top priority

CHADRON -- Chadron State College is closing its campus Wednesday, Feb. 22 because of winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. The events scheduled for this evening, including the Galaxy Series and the women’s and men’s basketball games, will occur as scheduled. If campus closes or has a late start Thursday, that will be communicated as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Chadron is currently in a Winter Storm Warning through Wednesday night and the forecast calls for widespread blowing snow, as well as sub-zero wind chill values. According to the National Weather Service, the wind chill could be as low as negative 30 degrees Wednesday night and snow accumulation could be up to 16 inches.

The National Weather Service recommends to limit outdoor exposure and wear warm layers with a hat. Keep your pets indoors and plan ahead for impacts to livestock, vehicles, and any time you spend outside.

CSC employees may refer to Human Resources or the Employee Handbook for information regarding leave practices during campus closures. Employees may refer to their supervisor to determine if they are essential personnel.

Finally, due to activities planned for this weekend, beginning Thursday students and employees are asked to not park in the following areas: the south parking lot behind Beebe Stadium, the south parking lot behind the Nelson Physical Activity Center, and the Chicoine Center parking lot. By not having vehicles in these areas, CSC maintenance crews will be able to clear out those parking lots for weekend activities.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON -- Chadron State College is closing its campus Wednesday, Feb. 22 because of winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. The events scheduled for this evening, including the Galaxy Series and the women’s and men’s basketball games, will occur as scheduled. If campus closes or has a late start Thursday, that will be communicated as soon as possible.&nbsp;Chadron is currently in a Winter Storm Warning through Wednesday night and the forecast calls for widespread blowing snow, as well as sub-zero wind chill values. According to the National Weather Service, the wind chill could be as low as negative 30 degrees Wednesday night and snow accumulation could be up to 16 inches.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677019542493.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College is closing its campus Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, because of forecasted winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. If campus closes or has a late start Thursday, that will be communicated as soon as possible. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College is closing its campus Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, because of forecasted winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. If campus closes or has a late start Thursday, that will be communicated as soon as possible. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service recommends to limit outdoor exposure and wear warm layers with a hat. Keep your pets indoors and plan ahead for impacts to livestock, vehicles, and any time you spend outside.CSC employees may refer to Human Resources or the Employee Handbook for information regarding leave practices during campus closures. Employees may refer to their supervisor to determine if they are essential personnel.Finally, due to activities planned for this weekend, beginning Thursday students and employees are asked to not park in the following areas: the south parking lot behind Beebe Stadium, the south parking lot behind the Nelson Physical Activity Center, and the Chicoine Center parking lot. By not having vehicles in these areas, CSC maintenance crews will be able to clear out those parking lots for weekend activities.

CSC announces Wednesday campus closure

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen is joining with state agencies in urging caution as a winter storm moves across Nebraska, bringing the potential for significant snow, high winds, and bitterly cold conditions. Areas of greatest impact stretch from the panhandle through the central section of the state and across the northeast. The National Weather Service is predicting between 6 and 12 inches of snow in the uppermost regions, starting this afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) are urging motorists to keep an eye on the forecast and check weather conditions before hitting the road. During the storm, travel may become difficult or impossible as heavy snow couples with strong winds in the northern and western parts of the state. Drivers should check&nbsp;511, Nebraska.gov,&nbsp;or the Nebraska 511 app to get the latest information on roadway conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NDOT plow crews will be working throughout the state to clear the roadways during and after the storm. Troopers will also be on the road throughout the state to assist any motorists who become stranded. Motorist are reminded to have warm clothing, food, water, phone chargers, and other essentials in their vehicle in case they become stranded while traveling. If you become stranded or need help, call *55 or 1-800-525-5555 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This storm hits as winter calving season gets underway, resulting in an added concern for producers. Calves can be prone to hypothermia, and they require necessary nutrients from milk to ensure their health and growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s impossible to stop mother nature,” said&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Pillen. “But to the extent possible, producers are advised to prepare as much as possible to protect their herds. Snow and extreme cold can be a dangerous combination, especially to newborn calves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides a wealth of information on its website for livestock producers at&nbsp;<a href="https://beef.unl.edu/" target="_blank">beef.unl.edu.</a>&nbsp;

By Office of Gov. Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen is joining with state agencies in urging caution as a winter storm moves across Nebraska, bringing the potential for significant snow, high winds, and bitterly cold conditions. Areas of greatest impact stretch from the panhandle through the central section of the state and across the northeast. The National Weather Service is predicting between 6 and 12 inches of snow in the uppermost regions, starting this afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) are urging motorists to keep an eye on the forecast and check weather conditions before hitting the road. During the storm, travel may become difficult or impossible as heavy snow couples with strong winds in the northern and western parts of the state. Drivers should check&nbsp;511, Nebraska.gov,&nbsp;or the Nebraska 511 app to get the latest information on roadway conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;NDOT plow crews will be working throughout the state to clear the roadways during and after the storm. Troopers will also be on the road throughout the state to assist any motorists who become stranded. Motorist are reminded to have warm clothing, food, water, phone chargers, and other essentials in their vehicle in case they become stranded while traveling. If you become stranded or need help, call *55 or 1-800-525-5555 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.&nbsp;&nbsp;This storm hits as winter calving season gets underway, resulting in an added concern for producers. Calves can be prone to hypothermia, and they require necessary nutrients from milk to ensure their health and growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s impossible to stop mother nature,” said&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Pillen. “But to the extent possible, producers are advised to prepare as much as possible to protect their herds. Snow and extreme cold can be a dangerous combination, especially to newborn calves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides a wealth of information on its website for livestock producers at&nbsp;<a href="https://beef.unl.edu/" target="_blank">beef.unl.edu.</a>&nbsp;

State Officials urge caution over winter weather across Nebraska

Alliance– The City of Alliance has declared a snow emergency starting Wednesday, February 22nd at 12:00 a.m. until Thursday, February 23rd at 12:00 a.m.

 Residents who live on designated snow routes are asked to please have all vehicles removed from the street to ensure accessibility for the City crews and emergency personnel. Due to the predicted snow totals, crews will be plowing snow on these routes multiple times. Per the City of Alliance Municipal Code Ordinance No. 2883, Sec.24-27, please note that it is the duty of the owner of every lot or parcel adjacent to a permanent sidewalk to clean off and remove all snow within 24 hours after snow accumulation, however, snow shall not be moved from lots, driveways, or adjacent sidewalks into the city streets, alley or neighboring lots. Such an offense shall be considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a $100.00 fine. The Alliance Police Department will attempt to make contact with owners of any vehicles left parked on designated snow routes. Any vehicles not moved will be towed.

For more information, contact Ross Grant at 308-762-1907 or rgrant@cityofalliance.net.

By City of AllianceAlliance– The City of Alliance has declared a snow emergency starting Wednesday, February 22nd at 12:00 a.m. until Thursday, February 23rd at 12:00 a.m. Residents who live on designated snow routes are asked to please have all vehicles removed from the street to ensure accessibility for the City crews and emergency personnel. Due to the predicted snow totals, crews will be plowing snow on these routes multiple times. Per the City of Alliance Municipal Code Ordinance No. 2883, Sec.24-27, please note that it is the duty of the owner of every lot or parcel adjacent to a permanent sidewalk to clean off and remove all snow within 24 hours after snow accumulation, however, snow shall not be moved from lots, driveways, or adjacent sidewalks into the city streets, alley or neighboring lots. Such an offense shall be considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a $100.00 fine. The Alliance Police Department will attempt to make contact with owners of any vehicles left parked on designated snow routes. Any vehicles not moved will be towed.For more information, contact Ross Grant at 308-762-1907 or rgrant@cityofalliance.net.

City of Alliance declares snow emergency 

Dawes County is advising that residents prepare for the approaching storm. 

The county road system could be affected by large amounts of snow and strong winds producing white-out conditions. 

Please make sure you have a plan for emergencies that could affect your travel in and out of the county road system. 

The County Road Department will be out in full force when visibility is safe to travel. 

Please have patience and stay home if travel is not absolutely necessary.

By City of Chadron&nbsp;Dawes County is advising that residents prepare for the approaching storm. The county road system could be affected by large amounts of snow and strong winds producing white-out conditions. Please make sure you have a plan for emergencies that could affect your travel in and out of the county road system. The County Road Department will be out in full force when visibility is safe to travel. Please have patience and stay home if travel is not absolutely necessary.

Dawes County advising communities to prepare for storm 

P202300099 08:53 DEATH : UNATTENDED INDIVIDUAL PASSED AWAY DUE TO SUSPECTED NATURAL CAUSES Closed - Resolved

P202300100 19:02 THEFT : THEFT Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300100 19:02 THEFT : THEFT Closed - Unfounded

P202300101 22:41 AOA : ASSIST OTHER 1300 block of Buchfinck Ave // NSP requesting assistance in an active vehicle pursuit // APD units assisted in the pursuit // Suspect stopped and took off on foot // APD assisted in the apprehension of the fleeing adult male // Male arrested for several charges including DUI

P202300108 16:51 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYVEHICLE WAS LEFT IN GEAR AND UNOCCUPIED / THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND COLLIDED WITH A PARKED UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE / Closed - Resolved

P202300110 17:25 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYGOLD SUV DRIVING RECKLESSLY HIT A LIGHT POLE IN MARTHA'S PARKING LOT AND DROVE OFF Open - Under Investigation

P202300109 17:48 TRAFFIC STOP : Juvenile driving recklessly near 16th Street and Boise Ave. Citation issued Closed - Charges

By Alliance Police Department02/12/23P202300099 08:53 DEATH : UNATTENDED INDIVIDUAL PASSED AWAY DUE TO SUSPECTED NATURAL CAUSES Closed - ResolvedP202300100 19:02 THEFT : THEFT Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300100 19:02 THEFT : THEFT Closed - UnfoundedP202300101 22:41 AOA : ASSIST OTHER 1300 block of Buchfinck Ave // NSP requesting assistance in an active vehicle pursuit // APD units assisted in the pursuit // Suspect stopped and took off on foot // APD assisted in the apprehension of the fleeing adult male // Male arrested for several charges including DUIInformational02/12/23 Total: 402/17/23P202300108 16:51 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYVEHICLE WAS LEFT IN GEAR AND UNOCCUPIED / THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND COLLIDED WITH A PARKED UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE / Closed - ResolvedP202300110 17:25 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYGOLD SUV DRIVING RECKLESSLY HIT A LIGHT POLE IN MARTHA'S PARKING LOT AND DROVE OFF Open - Under InvestigationP202300109 17:48 TRAFFIC STOP : Juvenile driving recklessly near 16th Street and Boise Ave. Citation issued Closed - ChargesRecommended02/17/23 Total: 3Total Records: 7

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

DAWSON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a train derailment near Gothenburg.

At about 1:45 a.m. CST Tuesday, approximately 31 Union Pacific train cars carrying coal derailed in Gothenburg, according to Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tyvser. No one was injured and there are no hazmat issues.

Cleanup has begun, with heavy equipment on site. One of the three mainline tracks near the derailment site reopened to train traffic at about 8 a.m.&nbsp;

A Union Pacific Train derailed east of Gothenburg just after midnight. 

According to social media reports from witnesses in Gothenburg, around a dozen cars are off the track.&nbsp;

Union Pacific Railroad officials along with local law enforcement were at the derailment Tuesday morning preparing for cleanup. &nbsp;

North Platte Post has contacted Union Pacific and will update this story as additional details are available.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677001115109.png" alt="Crews working the train derailment near Gothenburg early Tuesday -photo courtesy KNOP TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews working the train derailment near Gothenburg early Tuesday -photo courtesy KNOP TV</figcaption>
 </figure>DAWSON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a train derailment near Gothenburg.At about 1:45 a.m. CST Tuesday, approximately 31 Union Pacific train cars carrying coal derailed in Gothenburg, according to Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tyvser. No one was injured and there are no hazmat issues.Cleanup has begun, with heavy equipment on site. One of the three mainline tracks near the derailment site reopened to train traffic at about 8 a.m.&nbsp;-------------------A Union Pacific Train derailed east of Gothenburg just after midnight. According to social media reports from witnesses in Gothenburg, around a dozen cars are off the track.&nbsp;Union Pacific Railroad officials along with local law enforcement were at the derailment Tuesday morning preparing for cleanup. &nbsp;North Platte Post has contacted Union Pacific and will update this story as additional details are available.&nbsp;

No injuries, hazmat issues after train derails near Gothenburg 

Lincoln, Neb. - Six Nebraska high school seniors have been selected to receive $500 Financial Aid Program Scholarships from EducationQuest Foundation. Recipients were selected from more than 650 students who registered for the scholarship after attending one of EducationQuest’s virtual or in-person Financial Aid Programs in fall 2022. EducationQuest hosted 53 statewide programs for more than 3,100 attendees to educate students and parents about the college financial aid application process. Scholarship recipients are listed below alphabetically by hometown. Bennington&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaidyn Klinkhammer, Bennington High School Chadron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Zander Rust, Chadron High School Clarkson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ella Kappel, Clarkson High School Grant&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mallory McClenahan, Perkins County Schools Louisville&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haley Sebranek, Louisville High School Nelson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kelia Mckaskle, Lawrence-Nelson Community School&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; EducationQuest Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, EducationQuest provides free college planning services, need-based scholarship programs, college access grants for high schools, and outreach services for community agencies. For more information, visit EducationQuest.org&lt;<a href="http://www.educationquest.org/" target="_blank">http://www.educationquest.org</a>

By EducationQuestLincoln, Neb. - Six Nebraska high school seniors have been selected to receive $500 Financial Aid Program Scholarships from EducationQuest Foundation. Recipients were selected from more than 650 students who registered for the scholarship after attending one of EducationQuest’s virtual or in-person Financial Aid Programs in fall 2022. EducationQuest hosted 53 statewide programs for more than 3,100 attendees to educate students and parents about the college financial aid application process. Scholarship recipients are listed below alphabetically by hometown. Bennington&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaidyn Klinkhammer, Bennington High School Chadron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Zander Rust, Chadron High School Clarkson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ella Kappel, Clarkson High School Grant&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mallory McClenahan, Perkins County Schools Louisville&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haley Sebranek, Louisville High School Nelson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kelia Mckaskle, Lawrence-Nelson Community School&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; EducationQuest Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, EducationQuest provides free college planning services, need-based scholarship programs, college access grants for high schools, and outreach services for community agencies. For more information, visit EducationQuest.org&lt;<a href="http://www.educationquest.org/" target="_blank">http://www.educationquest.org</a>

Chadron student selected to receive EducationQuest scholarship 

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in March. Here are some opportunities:

Little Saplings program presents&nbsp;Spring Migration

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The 2023 series continues March 1 with the theme Spring Migration at 9 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program and includes admission to the Education Center after the program.

See the calendar event entry at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.K4E1hrpAZ1IZ83LAGfOi4Przn0EiJXcoUi54y2YMYgo/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Join the Winter Family Nature Club, an effort to empower families to explore nature and practice outdoor skills even in wintertime.

The final event in the four-month series is from 1-2:30 p.m. March 11 at Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area near Stanton.

Registration is required through the listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.NUoI4-QxqAkIJKAyni1rh_qfE66LMhrYDugfFw91n-w/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. For questions, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov</a>.

Wildcat Tales preschool program is March 14

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program March 14.

The program Leaping Leprechaun will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. There will be a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.

The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required.&nbsp;For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Homeschool Hike set for March 15-16 at Schramm Park SRA

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike to learn about evergreens at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program March 15 at 9 a.m. and March 16 at 2 p.m.

Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.dh7MjDLYGFPn2zPY7kQs0f7WKOBQ_cKCWc64dfBcLuk/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. Cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program. This includes admission to the Schramm Education Center after the program. Schramm Family Pass members participate free.

This program is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Participants should dress in season-appropriate layers and wear closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Hats and water bottles are recommended.

Wildlife viewers’ survey topic of webinar

Join the free virtual webinar Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing Relevancy and Engaging a Broader Constituency at 12:30 p.m. Central time March 8.

Wildlife viewing is one of the fastest growing wildlife-related recreation activities in the nation, but wildlife viewers do not contribute much to funding for wildlife conservation. In 2022, a survey of motivations, interests and behaviors of wildlife viewers was conducted by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Workgroup. Learn the results of this survey.

This webinar is part of the Conservation Education Lunch and Learn Series, which dives into the science behind educational efforts and practices by learning from experts on a variety of science and educational topics. Direct questions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov</a>.

Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.RKyipm-_CxqjkEaVzeF72qOoYj14395FGckpro4kbI8/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to register and get more information.

Wildcat Hills to host&nbsp;Beautiful Butterflies&nbsp;homeschool program

Learn about butterflies, their adaptions and the places they call home during the Wildcat Hills Homeschool program Beautiful Butterflies on March 16.

This program meets at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.

The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Venture Parks offer education programs in March

A variety of fun, educational events are scheduled throughout March in Nebraska’s Venture Parks.

Venture Parks, Nebraska’s four state parks and recreation areas along the Platte River – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Louisville State Recreation Area – are where unique experiences and enhanced camping opportunities have been created in response to demand.

Spring Break Days –&nbsp;Fight boredom and spend a day off from school at Spring Break Days. This fun, educational event will be March 10 and 17 at Schramm Education Center.

The theme is Fabulous Foxes, as participants learn all about foxes. There are activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and ages 4-12, and ages 3 and under free.

Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.oKRSV2xr0E3InZvH3pP9Qcq1dDDYfI2QSG_0Oz6WUBQ/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to get more information.

Animal Feedings –&nbsp;Observe an animal feeding daily at 10:30 a.m. in March at Schramm Education Center and learn about the park’s animal care and the animals’ unique adaptations. This program is free with paid admission and will meet in the lobby.

Celebrate spring and World Frog Day –&nbsp;The official start of spring is March 20, which also is World Frog Day. Hop on out to Schramm Education Center to learn about frogs and take a spring stroll outside. We’ll gather at 11 a.m. in the lobby. No admission required for this free, outdoor program.

Geocaching in an app with Adventure Lab –&nbsp;The Venture Park Adventure is a virtual geocache program that will lead participants on a mission through the four Venture Parks. Download the Adventure Lab app, then use your phone’s native QR code scanner to open the NGPC Venture Adventure and start exploring park destinations. Each GPS location will give a clue to solve and enter in the app to complete the challenge.&nbsp;

Educator workshop includes opportunity to visit greater prairie-chicken lek

Join Nebraska Forest Service and Nebraska Game and Parks for a combined Project Learning Tree and Project WILD workshop focused on the biology and behaviors of greater prairie-chickens. This workshop March 17-18 in North Platte will equip educators with curriculum and the experience of seeing prairie chickens in-person before teaching about them in their classroomsDuring this workshop at the West Central Research and Extension Center, participants will have the opportunity to view a lek from a viewing blind to watch the birds’ unique mating rituals.

Lessons covered during this workshop will best suit educators of youth in K-8 settings, but all educators are welcome to attend.

Full scholarships are available to cover the cost of registration thanks to the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jack.hilgert@unl.edu" target="_blank">jack.hilgert@unl.edu</a>.

Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.yaDeUl443F_rQrTigIFm6HTjC1kNl1ExzZXUzwuuFjA/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to get more information.

By Nebraska Game and Parks<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587140447752.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in March. Here are some opportunities:Little Saplings program presents&nbsp;Spring MigrationAdults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.The 2023 series continues March 1 with the theme Spring Migration at 9 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program and includes admission to the Education Center after the program.See the calendar event entry at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.K4E1hrpAZ1IZ83LAGfOi4Przn0EiJXcoUi54y2YMYgo/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.Join the Winter Family Nature ClubJoin the Winter Family Nature Club, an effort to empower families to explore nature and practice outdoor skills even in wintertime.The final event in the four-month series is from 1-2:30 p.m. March 11 at Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area near Stanton.Registration is required through the listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.NUoI4-QxqAkIJKAyni1rh_qfE66LMhrYDugfFw91n-w/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. For questions, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov</a>.Wildcat Tales preschool program is March 14Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program March 14.The program Leaping Leprechaun will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. There will be a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required.&nbsp;For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Homeschool Hike set for March 15-16 at Schramm Park SRAHomeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike to learn about evergreens at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program March 15 at 9 a.m. and March 16 at 2 p.m.Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families.Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.dh7MjDLYGFPn2zPY7kQs0f7WKOBQ_cKCWc64dfBcLuk/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. Cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program. This includes admission to the Schramm Education Center after the program. Schramm Family Pass members participate free.This program is recommended for ages 5 and up.Participants should dress in season-appropriate layers and wear closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Hats and water bottles are recommended.Wildlife viewers’ survey topic of webinarJoin the free virtual webinar Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing Relevancy and Engaging a Broader Constituency at 12:30 p.m. Central time March 8.Wildlife viewing is one of the fastest growing wildlife-related recreation activities in the nation, but wildlife viewers do not contribute much to funding for wildlife conservation. In 2022, a survey of motivations, interests and behaviors of wildlife viewers was conducted by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Workgroup. Learn the results of this survey.This webinar is part of the Conservation Education Lunch and Learn Series, which dives into the science behind educational efforts and practices by learning from experts on a variety of science and educational topics. Direct questions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov</a>.Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.RKyipm-_CxqjkEaVzeF72qOoYj14395FGckpro4kbI8/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to register and get more information.Wildcat Hills to host&nbsp;Beautiful Butterflies&nbsp;homeschool programLearn about butterflies, their adaptions and the places they call home during the Wildcat Hills Homeschool program Beautiful Butterflies on March 16.This program meets at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Venture Parks offer education programs in MarchA variety of fun, educational events are scheduled throughout March in Nebraska’s Venture Parks.Venture Parks, Nebraska’s four state parks and recreation areas along the Platte River – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Louisville State Recreation Area – are where unique experiences and enhanced camping opportunities have been created in response to demand.Events include:Spring Break Days –&nbsp;Fight boredom and spend a day off from school at Spring Break Days. This fun, educational event will be March 10 and 17 at Schramm Education Center.The theme is Fabulous Foxes, as participants learn all about foxes. There are activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and ages 4-12, and ages 3 and under free.Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.oKRSV2xr0E3InZvH3pP9Qcq1dDDYfI2QSG_0Oz6WUBQ/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to get more information.Animal Feedings –&nbsp;Observe an animal feeding daily at 10:30 a.m. in March at Schramm Education Center and learn about the park’s animal care and the animals’ unique adaptations. This program is free with paid admission and will meet in the lobby.Celebrate spring and World Frog Day –&nbsp;The official start of spring is March 20, which also is World Frog Day. Hop on out to Schramm Education Center to learn about frogs and take a spring stroll outside. We’ll gather at 11 a.m. in the lobby. No admission required for this free, outdoor program.Geocaching in an app with Adventure Lab –&nbsp;The Venture Park Adventure is a virtual geocache program that will lead participants on a mission through the four Venture Parks. Download the Adventure Lab app, then use your phone’s native QR code scanner to open the NGPC Venture Adventure and start exploring park destinations. Each GPS location will give a clue to solve and enter in the app to complete the challenge.&nbsp;Educator workshop includes opportunity to visit greater prairie-chicken lekJoin Nebraska Forest Service and Nebraska Game and Parks for a combined Project Learning Tree and Project WILD workshop focused on the biology and behaviors of greater prairie-chickens. This workshop March 17-18 in North Platte will equip educators with curriculum and the experience of seeing prairie chickens in-person before teaching about them in their classroomsDuring this workshop at the West Central Research and Extension Center, participants will have the opportunity to view a lek from a viewing blind to watch the birds’ unique mating rituals.Lessons covered during this workshop will best suit educators of youth in K-8 settings, but all educators are welcome to attend.Full scholarships are available to cover the cost of registration thanks to the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jack.hilgert@unl.edu" target="_blank">jack.hilgert@unl.edu</a>.Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.yaDeUl443F_rQrTigIFm6HTjC1kNl1ExzZXUzwuuFjA/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to get more information.

Catch these Game and Parks education events in March

Through mid-April, approximately one million sandhill cranes will spend about six weeks in the Platte River Valley on their way north to Canada and Siberia — and 400,000 will spend that time in the North Platte area. 

While these incredible creatures visit, they feed in the cornfields and wet meadows by day in preparation for their long journey ahead, and roost in the shallow flowing waters of the Platte River at night. This migration event draws people from all over the globe, and it can be experienced right here in North Platte.

Find out more at <a href="http://VisitNorthPlatte.com/?fbclid=IwAR00LTe255fnFdHmsKlI-YOhsQVosgf_kqA2DPhQrYnjSjmJw123FM8D1I4" target="_blank">VisitNorthPlatte.com</a>.

<a href="http://www.dustytrails.biz/sandhill-crane-tours">Tickets for guided 2023 Sandhill Crane &amp; Prairie Chicken tours are now available. Tours will be in March &amp; April. Click here to book yours now.</a>

Visit North PlatteThrough mid-April, approximately one million sandhill cranes will spend about six weeks in the Platte River Valley on their way north to Canada and Siberia — and 400,000 will spend that time in the North Platte area. While these incredible creatures visit, they feed in the cornfields and wet meadows by day in preparation for their long journey ahead, and roost in the shallow flowing waters of the Platte River at night. This migration event draws people from all over the globe, and it can be experienced right here in North Platte.Find out more at <a href="http://VisitNorthPlatte.com/?fbclid=IwAR00LTe255fnFdHmsKlI-YOhsQVosgf_kqA2DPhQrYnjSjmJw123FM8D1I4" target="_blank">VisitNorthPlatte.com</a>.<a href="http://www.dustytrails.biz/sandhill-crane-tours">Tickets for guided 2023 Sandhill Crane &amp; Prairie Chicken tours are now available. Tours will be in March &amp; April. Click here to book yours now.</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FVisitNorthPlatte%2Fvideos%2F521405470125842%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Sandhill crane tours offered through mid-April

On Sunday, the Shrine Bowl of Nebraska Board of Directors released the rosters for the 65th Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game and introduced the teams at their annual Player Press Conference at the Scottish Rite Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Head Coaches together with their Associate Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches, each chose from nominated seniors in their designated regions to represent their respective high schools, as well as North or South, in the 2023 Nebraska Shrine Bowl.

Caleb Kinkaid and Kolten Tilford of North Platte were named to the team.

The Shrine Bowl of Nebraska is the state’s premier high school all-star sports event.&nbsp; It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that produces annual events and related activities to raise funds and awareness to benefit Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1958, the Nebraska Shrine Bowl has annually donated more than $2M to Shriners Children’s. Last year, the Nebraska Shrine Bowl raised more than $100,000 for Shriners Children’s.

Nebraska Shrine Bowl<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676902283384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Sunday, the Shrine Bowl of Nebraska Board of Directors released the rosters for the 65th Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game and introduced the teams at their annual Player Press Conference at the Scottish Rite Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.Head Coaches together with their Associate Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches, each chose from nominated seniors in their designated regions to represent their respective high schools, as well as North or South, in the 2023 Nebraska Shrine Bowl.Caleb Kinkaid and Kolten Tilford of North Platte were named to the team.Complete rosters are here:&nbsp;<h2>North Team Roster</h2><ol>
 <li>Grant Arens Hartington Cedar Catholic</li><li>Jonathan Barfield Omaha Benson</li><li>Will Benson Mt. Michael Benedictine</li><li>Aidan Betz Elkhorn</li><li>Trey Bird Bennington</li><li>Liam Blaser Columbus</li><li>Sam Boettcher Ord</li><li>Braxton Borer Columbus Lakeview</li><li>Jackson Bos Norfolk</li><li>Lance Brester Howells</li><li>CharMar Brown Creighton Prep</li><li>Tre’Vionne Brown Omaha North</li><li>Jdyn Bullion Bellevue West</li><li>Isaac Conner Bennington</li><li>Nolan Eloe Amherst</li><li>Zach Fox Wahoo</li><li>Chris Frazier Millard North</li><li>Maxwell Fremarek Columbus Lakeview</li><li>Elijah Hintz Battle Creek</li><li>Max Hogan Millard North</li><li>Victor Isele GI Northwest</li><li>Carter Jorth Elkhorn South</li><li>Kyle Kasik Leigh</li><li>Karter Kerkman Norfolk Catholic</li><li>Caleb Kinkaid North Platte</li><li>Zach Krajicek Yutan</li><li>Dane Larsen Blair</li><li>Colton Marsh Grand Island</li><li>Josiah Mobley Scottsbluff</li><li>Blayke Moore Gretna</li><li>Elliott Nottlemann Bancroft-Rosalie</li><li>Seagan Packet Blair</li><li>Za’Kye Parrott Omaha Burke</li><li>Alex Phelps Wayne</li><li>Te’shaun Porter Omaha North</li><li>Dawson Raabe Pierce</li><li>Bridger Rice Ord</li><li>Jackson Roberts Boone Central</li><li>Abram Scholting Pierce</li><li>Jay Steffen Hartington Cedar Catholic</li><li>Ethan Stuhr Gretna</li><li>Kolten Tilford North Platte</li><li>Ezra Vedral Creighton Prep</li><li>Cooper Weitzel Fremont Bergan</li><li>Jace Wheeler Papillion LaVIsta</li>
 </ol>COACHES<ol>
 <li>Michael Huffman, HC Bellevue West</li><li>Kurt Frenzen, AHC Lakeview</li><li>Larry Martin, AHC Omaha North</li><li>Mike Pokorski, AC Bellevue West</li><li>Wade McVey, AC Bellevue West</li><li>Trae Bradburn, AC Bennington</li><li>Jeff Bargen, AC Lakeview</li><li>Aaron Rudloff, AC Lakeview</li><li>Jimmy Biggs, AC Omaha North&nbsp;</li><li>Alonzo Tapp, AC Lakeview</li><li>Ricky Thurston, AC Omaha North</li><li>Jarod Meysenburg, AC Omaha Westview</li>
 </ol><h2>South Team Roster</h2><ol>
 <li>Jack Allen Aurora</li><li>Carson Almgren Omaha Gross</li><li>Dylan Bahe Arapahoe</li><li>Jack Baptista Lincoln Southwest</li><li>Ayden Barnby Papillion South</li><li>Treyven Beckman Kearney High</li><li>Antown Carter Boys Town</li><li>Tyler Castle Lincoln Pius X</li><li>Carlos Collazo Aurora</li><li>Jack Dahlgren Kearney High</li><li>Cael Dembinski DC West</li><li>Adam Dugger McCook</li><li>TJ Fitzpatrick Plattsmouth</li><li>Hayden Frank Malcolm</li><li>Ashton Gragg Central City</li><li>Micah Hackbart Seward</li><li>Jackson&nbsp; Hinrichs Holdrege</li><li>Garret Hoefs Lincoln Lutheran</li><li>Hudson Holloway Ralston</li><li>Adonis Hutchinson Lincoln High</li><li>Charlie Johnson Waverly</li><li>Eli Kehler McCook</li><li>Carson Kudlacek Hastings St. Cecilia</li><li>Jared Kuhl Platteview</li><li>Luke Lambert Ashland-Greenwood</li><li>Nate McCashland Lincoln Southeast</li><li>Payton McDonald Westside</li><li>Kegan Mountain Millard West</li><li>Sal Nacarelli Gross Catholic</li><li>Caleb Newell Lincoln Southwest</li><li>Aiden Planer Lincoln East</li><li>Will Potratz Lincoln East</li><li>Cole Reilly Lincoln Lutheran</li><li>Ethan Roberts Bellevue East</li><li>Lance Rucker Millard South</li><li>Kade Seip Lincoln North Star</li><li>Keegan Shuler Hitchcock County</li><li>Cooper Skrobecki Waverly</li><li>Dalton Snodgrass York</li><li>Erza Stewart Platteview</li><li>Henri Supenski Papillion South</li><li>Barrett Van Deun Millard West</li><li>Kadence Velde York</li><li>Easton Weber Bruning-Davenport</li><li>Leighton Weber Adams Central</li>
 </ol>COACHES<ol>
 <li>Mark McLaughlin, HC Platteview</li><li>Kyle Peterson, AHC Aurora</li><li>Brandon Cool, AHC&nbsp;Kearney</li><li>Adam Kuhl, AC Platteview</li><li>Nick Smith, AC Platteview</li><li>Ryan Stieren, AC Papillion South</li><li>Cole Ashby, AC Aurora</li><li>Wade Halversen, AC Westside</li><li>James McCartney, AC Grand Island</li><li>Darren Van Winkle, AC Kearney</li><li>Kyle Peters, AC Kearney</li><li>Matt Brackham, AC York</li>
 </ol><h2>About the Nebraska Shrine Bowl</h2>The Shrine Bowl of Nebraska is the state’s premier high school all-star sports event.&nbsp; It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that produces annual events and related activities to raise funds and awareness to benefit Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1958, the Nebraska Shrine Bowl has annually donated more than $2M to Shriners Children’s. Last year, the Nebraska Shrine Bowl raised more than $100,000 for Shriners Children’s.

1 from Scottsbluff on 2023 Shrine Bowl roster

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

Winter Storm Watches have been upgraded to either a Winter Storm Warning or Blizzard Warning for most of southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night. Please read all of the information below to provide more insights to planning your week!

Warning areas west of the Laramie Range are likely to see over 8 inches of snow (localized 12+ possible), and warning areas along and east of the Laramie Range are likely to see over 6 inches of snow. 

Areas in the Laramie Valley and Cheyenne County have the lowest confidence of reaching 6 or more inches of snowfall at this time of inspection, hence why those areas are not in a headline. Accumulating snowfall and impacts are still likely in these areas. Stay tuned for weather updates to these locations in the coming 24-36 hours.

Areas of blowing snow are likely, which could significantly reduce visibility. The Sierra Madre and Snowy ranges are under a Winter Storm Warning starting early Monday morning and continuing through early Thursday morning. 

The mountains could see between 1 and 3 feet of snow with localized higher amounts possible over 9500 feet. Blowing snow is also likely with whiteout conditions possible. Be sure to check back for updates to this forecast!

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WYWinter Storm Watches have been upgraded to either a Winter Storm Warning or Blizzard Warning for most of southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night. Please read all of the information below to provide more insights to planning your week!Warning areas west of the Laramie Range are likely to see over 8 inches of snow (localized 12+ possible), and warning areas along and east of the Laramie Range are likely to see over 6 inches of snow. Areas in the Laramie Valley and Cheyenne County have the lowest confidence of reaching 6 or more inches of snowfall at this time of inspection, hence why those areas are not in a headline. Accumulating snowfall and impacts are still likely in these areas. Stay tuned for weather updates to these locations in the coming 24-36 hours.Areas of blowing snow are likely, which could significantly reduce visibility. The Sierra Madre and Snowy ranges are under a Winter Storm Warning starting early Monday morning and continuing through early Thursday morning. The mountains could see between 1 and 3 feet of snow with localized higher amounts possible over 9500 feet. Blowing snow is also likely with whiteout conditions possible. Be sure to check back for updates to this forecast!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676909249296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Winter Storm Warning issued for areas of Panhandle 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The ongoing bird flu outbreak has cost the government roughly $661 million and added to consumers' pain at the grocery store after more than 58 million birds were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-bird-flu-flu-animals-189a7c08d848047f00b3f7b5bec39e67">slaughtered</a>&nbsp;to limit the spread of the virus.

In addition to the cost of the government response that the USDA tallied up and rising prices for eggs, chicken and turkey, farmers who raise those animals have easily lost more than $1 billion, said an agricultural economist, though no one has calculated the total cost to the industry yet.

The bad news is that with the outbreak entering its second year and the spring migratory season looming, there is no end in sight. And there is little&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-and-nature-iowa-agriculture-9245d97453568576bd0b564f9c52c343">farmers</a>&nbsp;can do beyond&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-iowa-agriculture-f5a5c6fbf1d6b551413fb249086fdbec">the steps they have already taken</a>&nbsp;to try to keep the virus out.

Unlike past years,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-flu-prices-animals-1ec0f5a8e5485300fe117f87f8470f06">the virus that causes</a>&nbsp;highly pathogenic avian influenza found a way to survive through the heat of last summer, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-minnesota-animals-flu-animal-2f02b2d35e82feb05273d9a72e898170">rise in cases</a>&nbsp;reported in the fall.

The outbreak is already more widespread than the last major bird flu outbreak in 2015, but it hasn't proven as costly yet partly because the government and industry applied lessons learned eight years ago.

“The past year has been devastating for the turkey industry as we experience, unequivocally, the worst HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) outbreak in the industry’s history,” National Turkey Federation spokeswoman Shelby Newman said.

In the current outbreak, 58.4 million birds have been slaughtered on more than 300 commercial farms in 47 states. That is because any time the virus is detected, the entire flock on that farm — which can number in the millions — must be killed to limit the spread of the disease. Only Hawaii, Louisiana and West Virginia have yet to report a case of bird flu. Iowa — the nation's biggest egg producer —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-iowa-bird-flu-4c49e56a8c84c425c308e97617e31066">leads the nation</a>&nbsp;with nearly 16 million birds slaughtered.

In 2015, about 50 million chickens and turkeys were slaughtered on more than 200 farms in 15 states.

That previous outbreak remains the most expensive animal health disaster in U.S. history. The federal government spent nearly $1 billion to deal with infected birds, clean up barns and compensate farmers. It cost the industry roughly $3 billion as farmers incurred additional costs and lost money when they didn’t have any birds on their farms.

This bills continue to pile up this year as cases spread, and that includes the cost to consumers.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-business-213d845ae92814bf3189eec9c1ccf902">Egg prices shot up</a>&nbsp;to $4.82 a dozen in January from $1.93 a year earlier, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas/resource-library/average-food-prices/">latest government figures</a>. That spike prompted calls for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-commodity-markets-jack-reed-business-1b32cb587f20a8d44eaf707f72635e70">price-gouging investigation</a>&nbsp;although the industry maintains that the combination of bird flu and significantly higher feed, fuel and labor costs is what’s driving prices so high.

The price for a pound of chicken breast was $4.32 in January. That’s down slightly from last fall when the price peaked at $4.75, but it is up significantly from the year before when chicken breasts were selling for $3.73 per pound.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track retail turkey prices the same way as part of its inflation data, but the Agriculture Department says the wholesale price of turkey went from $1.29 per pound last January just before the bird flu outbreak began to $1.72 per pound last month.

The number of birds slaughtered peaked last spring at almost 21 million in March, leaving farmers leery of what they must face in the months ahead. University of Georgia virus researcher David Stallknecht said there is some hope that this spring might not be quite as bad because turkeys and chickens may have developed some immunity to the virus.

The key problem with bird flu is that the highly contagious virus is spread easily by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-minnesota-environment-0ec6d3f11b09ddd023d7d5d50ab7f8c1">wild birds</a>&nbsp;through their droppings and nasal discharges. Despite the best efforts of farmers, it is hard to keep the virus out.

Farmers have gone to great lengths by requiring workers to shower and change clothes before entering barns, sanitizing trucks that enter a farm and investing in separate sets of tools for every barn. Some farms have even upgraded barn ventilation and installed laser systems to discourage wild birds from congregating.

“We recommend all producers redouble their efforts to protect their birds through good biosecurity practices,” said Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that's leading the government's response.

Farmers began following those steps after the 2015 outbreak, and this outbreak has only reinforced the need to tighten biosecurity.

“America’s egg farmers continue to double-down on biosecurity protocols to protect our flocks and maintain a stable egg supply. We are grateful that there has been little to no farm-to-farm spread in this current outbreak,” said Oscar Garrison, senior vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs at the United Egg Producers trade group.

Poultry and egg producers, partnering with the government, are parsing this outbreak for new lessons in keeping birds healthy.

“That’s really the key – early detection. It’s kind of like a forest fire - the earlier you detect it, the easier it is to contain and eradicate,” National Chicken Council spokesman Tom Super said.

Officials say bird flu doesn’t represent a significant threat to human health. Human cases are extremely rare and none of the infected birds are allowed into the nation’s food supply. And properly cooking poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill any viruses.

There has only been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">one human case</a>&nbsp;of bird flu confirmed during this outbreak and that was a man who had been helping slaughter and remove infected birds from a Colorado farm. He recovered from the illness after a few days.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The ongoing bird flu outbreak has cost the government roughly $661 million and added to consumers' pain at the grocery store after more than 58 million birds were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-bird-flu-flu-animals-189a7c08d848047f00b3f7b5bec39e67">slaughtered</a>&nbsp;to limit the spread of the virus.In addition to the cost of the government response that the USDA tallied up and rising prices for eggs, chicken and turkey, farmers who raise those animals have easily lost more than $1 billion, said an agricultural economist, though no one has calculated the total cost to the industry yet.The bad news is that with the outbreak entering its second year and the spring migratory season looming, there is no end in sight. And there is little&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-and-nature-iowa-agriculture-9245d97453568576bd0b564f9c52c343">farmers</a>&nbsp;can do beyond&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-iowa-agriculture-f5a5c6fbf1d6b551413fb249086fdbec">the steps they have already taken</a>&nbsp;to try to keep the virus out.Unlike past years,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-flu-prices-animals-1ec0f5a8e5485300fe117f87f8470f06">the virus that causes</a>&nbsp;highly pathogenic avian influenza found a way to survive through the heat of last summer, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-minnesota-animals-flu-animal-2f02b2d35e82feb05273d9a72e898170">rise in cases</a>&nbsp;reported in the fall.The outbreak is already more widespread than the last major bird flu outbreak in 2015, but it hasn't proven as costly yet partly because the government and industry applied lessons learned eight years ago.“The past year has been devastating for the turkey industry as we experience, unequivocally, the worst HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) outbreak in the industry’s history,” National Turkey Federation spokeswoman Shelby Newman said.In the current outbreak, 58.4 million birds have been slaughtered on more than 300 commercial farms in 47 states. That is because any time the virus is detected, the entire flock on that farm — which can number in the millions — must be killed to limit the spread of the disease. Only Hawaii, Louisiana and West Virginia have yet to report a case of bird flu. Iowa — the nation's biggest egg producer —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-iowa-bird-flu-4c49e56a8c84c425c308e97617e31066">leads the nation</a>&nbsp;with nearly 16 million birds slaughtered.In 2015, about 50 million chickens and turkeys were slaughtered on more than 200 farms in 15 states.That previous outbreak remains the most expensive animal health disaster in U.S. history. The federal government spent nearly $1 billion to deal with infected birds, clean up barns and compensate farmers. It cost the industry roughly $3 billion as farmers incurred additional costs and lost money when they didn’t have any birds on their farms.This bills continue to pile up this year as cases spread, and that includes the cost to consumers.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-business-213d845ae92814bf3189eec9c1ccf902">Egg prices shot up</a>&nbsp;to $4.82 a dozen in January from $1.93 a year earlier, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas/resource-library/average-food-prices/">latest government figures</a>. That spike prompted calls for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-commodity-markets-jack-reed-business-1b32cb587f20a8d44eaf707f72635e70">price-gouging investigation</a>&nbsp;although the industry maintains that the combination of bird flu and significantly higher feed, fuel and labor costs is what’s driving prices so high.The price for a pound of chicken breast was $4.32 in January. That’s down slightly from last fall when the price peaked at $4.75, but it is up significantly from the year before when chicken breasts were selling for $3.73 per pound.The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track retail turkey prices the same way as part of its inflation data, but the Agriculture Department says the wholesale price of turkey went from $1.29 per pound last January just before the bird flu outbreak began to $1.72 per pound last month.The number of birds slaughtered peaked last spring at almost 21 million in March, leaving farmers leery of what they must face in the months ahead. University of Georgia virus researcher David Stallknecht said there is some hope that this spring might not be quite as bad because turkeys and chickens may have developed some immunity to the virus.The key problem with bird flu is that the highly contagious virus is spread easily by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-minnesota-environment-0ec6d3f11b09ddd023d7d5d50ab7f8c1">wild birds</a>&nbsp;through their droppings and nasal discharges. Despite the best efforts of farmers, it is hard to keep the virus out.Farmers have gone to great lengths by requiring workers to shower and change clothes before entering barns, sanitizing trucks that enter a farm and investing in separate sets of tools for every barn. Some farms have even upgraded barn ventilation and installed laser systems to discourage wild birds from congregating.“We recommend all producers redouble their efforts to protect their birds through good biosecurity practices,” said Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that's leading the government's response.Farmers began following those steps after the 2015 outbreak, and this outbreak has only reinforced the need to tighten biosecurity.“America’s egg farmers continue to double-down on biosecurity protocols to protect our flocks and maintain a stable egg supply. We are grateful that there has been little to no farm-to-farm spread in this current outbreak,” said Oscar Garrison, senior vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs at the United Egg Producers trade group.Poultry and egg producers, partnering with the government, are parsing this outbreak for new lessons in keeping birds healthy.“That’s really the key – early detection. It’s kind of like a forest fire - the earlier you detect it, the easier it is to contain and eradicate,” National Chicken Council spokesman Tom Super said.Officials say bird flu doesn’t represent a significant threat to human health. Human cases are extremely rare and none of the infected birds are allowed into the nation’s food supply. And properly cooking poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill any viruses.There has only been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">one human case</a>&nbsp;of bird flu confirmed during this outbreak and that was a man who had been helping slaughter and remove infected birds from a Colorado farm. He recovered from the illness after a few days.

Bird flu costs pile up as outbreak enters second year

WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted the economic benefits of ethanol-blended fuels and expressed his concerns with a clean fuel standard that could prioritize electric vehicles.

In his exchange with Geoff Cooper, President &amp; CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, Ricketts touted the positive impact ethanol-blended fuels have on the Nebraska economy and outlined the threat regulations that favor electric vehicles would have on consumer budgets as well as the American supply chain and energy independence – given the Chinese Communist Party’s dominant role in global production.

Watch the exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/H3kVI2EVrc0" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and read a transcript below.

By Office of Sen. Pete Ricketts<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676853861715.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted the economic benefits of ethanol-blended fuels and expressed his concerns with a clean fuel standard that could prioritize electric vehicles.In his exchange with Geoff Cooper, President &amp; CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, Ricketts touted the positive impact ethanol-blended fuels have on the Nebraska economy and outlined the threat regulations that favor electric vehicles would have on consumer budgets as well as the American supply chain and energy independence – given the Chinese Communist Party’s dominant role in global production.Watch the exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/H3kVI2EVrc0" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and read a transcript below.

Ricketts highlights benefit of ethanol-blended fuels

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance Facilities will be closed Monday, February 20 in observance of President’s Day. This closure includes the Utility Office, Public Works, Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center, Sallows Military Museum, Alliance Public Library, and the Municipal Building.

Public Transit will be running for medical services only, from 8:30 am - 3:30pm.

The Senior Center will be open until 1:00pm on Monday, February 20th to serve lunch.

The Alliance Municipal Landfill and refuse collection will be closed&nbsp; Monday, February 20th.

Please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The City of Alliance Facilities will be closed Monday, February 20 in observance of President’s Day. This closure includes the Utility Office, Public Works, Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center, Sallows Military Museum, Alliance Public Library, and the Municipal Building.Public Transit will be running for medical services only, from 8:30 am - 3:30pm.The Senior Center will be open until 1:00pm on Monday, February 20th to serve lunch.The Alliance Municipal Landfill and refuse collection will be closed&nbsp; Monday, February 20th.Please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information.

President’s Day closures for City of Alliance facilities

Motorists urged to continue responsible behavior

Nebraska Department of Transportation

LINCOLN — Nebraska started 2023 with significantly fewer fatalities on
state roads than the past three years, according to Bill Kovarik, Nebraska Highway Safety Administrator.


“We had eight fatalities in 2023 — compared to 26 fatalities in 2022, 24 fatalities in 2021 and 17 fatalities
in January 2020,” Kovarik said. “After 254 fatalities for the entire year of 2022, it is great to see fewer
fatalities at the beginning of 2023.”

Motorists are urged to continue to take responsibility for their driving behaviors by wearing seat belts,
driving sober, keeping eyes and attention on the road, – never driving distracted or drowsy - and driving
at proper speeds. This is a friendly reminder to continue to be safer road users, and drive at safer speeds
that are contributing to safer roads in Nebraska. Buckle Up, Phone Down!

<h2>Motorists urged to continue responsible behavior</h2>Nebraska Department of TransportationLINCOLN — Nebraska started 2023 with significantly fewer fatalities on
state roads than the past three years, according to Bill Kovarik, Nebraska Highway Safety Administrator.
“We had eight fatalities in 2023 — compared to 26 fatalities in 2022, 24 fatalities in 2021 and 17 fatalities
in January 2020,” Kovarik said. “After 254 fatalities for the entire year of 2022, it is great to see fewer
fatalities at the beginning of 2023.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676658203368.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Motorists are urged to continue to take responsibility for their driving behaviors by wearing seat belts,
driving sober, keeping eyes and attention on the road, – never driving distracted or drowsy - and driving
at proper speeds. This is a friendly reminder to continue to be safer road users, and drive at safer speeds
that are contributing to safer roads in Nebraska. Buckle Up, Phone Down!

Nebraska January traffic fatalities lowest in four years

On Feb. 17 Chadron police officer Sam Cafferty and Lt. Gabe Walz responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station. The reporting party said the vehicle had been parked in front of the gas pumps for a very long time and was worried. 

Officer Cafferty and Lt. Walz arrived and contacted the driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Amanda L. Koger. While contacting Koger, Lt. Walz observed drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Based on the observation, a search was conducted and 8 tablets of suspected Fentanyl were located. 

Koger disclosed she and her boyfriend were staying in a local hotel room in Chadron.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn Feb. 17 Chadron police officer Sam Cafferty and Lt. Gabe Walz responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station. The reporting party said the vehicle had been parked in front of the gas pumps for a very long time and was worried. Officer Cafferty and Lt. Walz arrived and contacted the driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Amanda L. Koger. While contacting Koger, Lt. Walz observed drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Based on the observation, a search was conducted and 8 tablets of suspected Fentanyl were located. Koger disclosed she and her boyfriend were staying in a local hotel room in Chadron.Based on Lt. Walz’s and Officer Cafferty’s investigation, they applied for and obtained search warrants for the vehicle Koger had been driving and for the hotel room she was staying in. Both warrants were served. "The warrant for the vehicle resulted in seizure of several items of drug paraphernalia," Chadron Police Chief Rick Hickstein said. "The warrant for the hotel room resulted in the seizure of 28 tablets of suspected Fentanyl, residue amounts of suspected methamphetamine, less than an ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The investigation revealed Koger had been staying in the room with her boyfriend, identified as 25-year-old Damion Glenn. Glenn was contacted by law enforcement and had an active warrant for his arrest out of Colorado for motor vehicle theft and failure to appear."Koger was arrested for possession of Fentanyl and Possession of Methamphetamine, both Class IV felonies. Glenn was placed was arrested for Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana less than an ounce and for the warrants out of Colorado for motor vehicle theft and failure to appear. Both were taken to the Dawes County Jail and booked into custody. Bond is not known for either at this time.The Chadron Police Department was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Western Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING) Task Force.

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