By&nbsp;U.S. Senator &nbsp;Deb Fischer

Everyone hears about the controversial fights in Washington, but they don’t always know the untold stories of true legislating. Practical answers to real problems don’t make headlines, but those solutions make a difference in Americans’ lives. Last week, we made strides toward passing such a bill that would right a wrong done to thousands of Americans and Nebraskans: our railroaders. On Wednesday, the Senate Budget Committee held a markup to consider my bipartisan Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act, and I was invited to introduce my bill to the committee. The Budget Committee rarely considers any bill other than the budget — so it was a unique and important opportunity to advocate for railroaders. The committee unanimously approved the REEF Act, another rare victory, and the bill is now ready for a full Senate vote. 

Once passed, the REEF Act will end cuts to railroad workers’ unemployment and sickness benefits. A law passed years ago mandates that the Railroad Retirement Board cut its Unemployment Insurance Account each year and use that money to offset the federal budget deficit. These cuts, 5.7 percent annually, are set to continue through 2031. That means the government will cut railroad employees’ benefits repeatedly over the next seven years. There’s a glaring problem with these cuts. The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, which funds unemployment and sickness benefits for railroaders, is the only federal benefits program entirely funded by one industry: the railroad industry. There’s not one general taxpayer dollar in the fund. 

The government is essentially stealing money from railroad workers to offset federal debt. It’s a classic case of Washington meddling that punishes working people. I’ve heard from many railroad workers over the years. They all agree that these cuts are demoralizing, are unfair, and make them want to leave the industry. That’s a major problem. Railroaders keep our trains moving, whether to transport passengers or freight. In 2021, Nebraska freight rail alone employed 8,436 railroad workers. The same year, freight rail transported 34.5 million tons of products from Nebraska to other parts of the country. That included 19.1 million tons of farm products and 7.2 billion tons of food products. 

Nationally, corn is the highest-volume grain carried by railroads — and as one of Nebraska’s top exports, transporting corn is vital to our agriculture industry and our economy. If railroad workers suffer, railroads suffer. If workers and railroads suffer, Nebraska suffers. Railroad employees deserve the benefits they’ve earned by committing their careers to the railroad, in many cases for years or decades. They’ve paid into the Unemployment Insurance Account throughout their careers to contribute to their retirement and other benefits. 

It’s a question of fairness: that money should be used for its intended purpose rather than by the federal government. The REEF Act will right the wrong of unfair cuts, ensuring that the people who keep our trains moving receive the benefits they’ve earned. This is a common-sense bipartisan legislative change, and I applaud my colleagues on the Budget Committee for unanimously approving my bill. I look forward to passing it in the full Senate soon. Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

By&nbsp;U.S. Senator &nbsp;Deb FischerEveryone hears about the controversial fights in Washington, but they don’t always know the untold stories of true legislating. Practical answers to real problems don’t make headlines, but those solutions make a difference in Americans’ lives. Last week, we made strides toward passing such a bill that would right a wrong done to thousands of Americans and Nebraskans: our railroaders. On Wednesday, the Senate Budget Committee held a markup to consider my bipartisan Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act, and I was invited to introduce my bill to the committee. The Budget Committee rarely considers any bill other than the budget — so it was a unique and important opportunity to advocate for railroaders. The committee unanimously approved the REEF Act, another rare victory, and the bill is now ready for a full Senate vote. Once passed, the REEF Act will end cuts to railroad workers’ unemployment and sickness benefits. A law passed years ago mandates that the Railroad Retirement Board cut its Unemployment Insurance Account each year and use that money to offset the federal budget deficit. These cuts, 5.7 percent annually, are set to continue through 2031. That means the government will cut railroad employees’ benefits repeatedly over the next seven years. There’s a glaring problem with these cuts. The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, which funds unemployment and sickness benefits for railroaders, is the only federal benefits program entirely funded by one industry: the railroad industry. There’s not one general taxpayer dollar in the fund. The government is essentially stealing money from railroad workers to offset federal debt. It’s a classic case of Washington meddling that punishes working people. I’ve heard from many railroad workers over the years. They all agree that these cuts are demoralizing, are unfair, and make them want to leave the industry. That’s a major problem. Railroaders keep our trains moving, whether to transport passengers or freight. In 2021, Nebraska freight rail alone employed 8,436 railroad workers. The same year, freight rail transported 34.5 million tons of products from Nebraska to other parts of the country. That included 19.1 million tons of farm products and 7.2 billion tons of food products. Nationally, corn is the highest-volume grain carried by railroads — and as one of Nebraska’s top exports, transporting corn is vital to our agriculture industry and our economy. If railroad workers suffer, railroads suffer. If workers and railroads suffer, Nebraska suffers. Railroad employees deserve the benefits they’ve earned by committing their careers to the railroad, in many cases for years or decades. They’ve paid into the Unemployment Insurance Account throughout their careers to contribute to their retirement and other benefits. It’s a question of fairness: that money should be used for its intended purpose rather than by the federal government. The REEF Act will right the wrong of unfair cuts, ensuring that the people who keep our trains moving receive the benefits they’ve earned. This is a common-sense bipartisan legislative change, and I applaud my colleagues on the Budget Committee for unanimously approving my bill. I look forward to passing it in the full Senate soon. Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

Sen. Fischer: Fairness for our Railroaders and the REEF Act

Manda Clarke has resigned as head volleyball coach.&nbsp; Coach Clarke led the Lady Bulldogs for two seasons, compiling 31 wins and one district final appearance.&nbsp;

Coach Clarke would like to express her sincere gratitude for the support, guidance, and appreciation provided to her during her time as a coach at AHS. It has been her pleasure working with a team dedicated to fostering growth and development in our student athletes.&nbsp;

Manda plans to continue at Alliance Public Schools as a school nurse.&nbsp; She recently accepted a Nurse Practitioner position that will bring about a change in her schedule that will not allow her the time nor the schedule flexibility to fulfill head coach responsibilities.&nbsp;

We thank Coach Manda Clarke for all she has done for our volleyball&nbsp; program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710197128189.jpeg" alt="Coach Clarke Coaching in a game last season. Photo by Teresa Sanders" />
 <figcaption>Coach Clarke Coaching in a game last season. Photo by Teresa Sanders</figcaption>
 </figure>By Alliance Public SchoolsManda Clarke has resigned as head volleyball coach.&nbsp; Coach Clarke led the Lady Bulldogs for two seasons, compiling 31 wins and one district final appearance.&nbsp;Coach Clarke would like to express her sincere gratitude for the support, guidance, and appreciation provided to her during her time as a coach at AHS. It has been her pleasure working with a team dedicated to fostering growth and development in our student athletes.&nbsp;Manda plans to continue at Alliance Public Schools as a school nurse.&nbsp; She recently accepted a Nurse Practitioner position that will bring about a change in her schedule that will not allow her the time nor the schedule flexibility to fulfill head coach responsibilities.&nbsp;We thank Coach Manda Clarke for all she has done for our volleyball&nbsp; program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manda Clarke Resigns as Head Coach of Bulldogs Volleyball

By Daniella Akwanamnye CSC College Relations

CHADRON – The Chadron State College International Club will host its 39th&nbsp;Food Tasting Party March 23 at 6 p.m. in the CSC Student Center Ballroom. The dress code is formal attire, and the evening will include performances, a fashion show, and cuisine from different countries.

Members of the club will prepare dishes including Japanese Tsukune, Arepas, Nigerian jollof Rice, Ethiopian Tibs, and Discada. Vegetarian options will also be available.

The International Club has arranged for entertainment throughout the night including Chinese opera singer Yan Liu and the Los Guadaluponos dance group of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. CSC musicians will also provide live music. Club members and friends will present a fashion show with outfits from their respective countries reflecting the formal theme of the event.

“This year we’re going big. We’re going to be regal, classy, and fancy,” said International Club President, Emmanuella Tchona.

The dinner is sponsored by the International Club, Conferencing, Dining Services, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the Maintenance Department, College Relations, and The Big Event.

Tickets are free for CSC students and children under the age of five. Adult tickets are $20 and tickets for Senior Citizens ages 55 and older and children ages 6-17 are $15. Tickets can be purchased at the Student Center or by contacting Jen Schaer at 308-432-6069 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jschaer@csc.edu">jschaer@csc.edu</a>.

By Daniella Akwanamnye CSC College RelationsCHADRON – The Chadron State College International Club will host its 39th&nbsp;Food Tasting Party March 23 at 6 p.m. in the CSC Student Center Ballroom. The dress code is formal attire, and the evening will include performances, a fashion show, and cuisine from different countries.Members of the club will prepare dishes including Japanese Tsukune, Arepas, Nigerian jollof Rice, Ethiopian Tibs, and Discada. Vegetarian options will also be available.The International Club has arranged for entertainment throughout the night including Chinese opera singer Yan Liu and the Los Guadaluponos dance group of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. CSC musicians will also provide live music. Club members and friends will present a fashion show with outfits from their respective countries reflecting the formal theme of the event.“This year we’re going big. We’re going to be regal, classy, and fancy,” said International Club President, Emmanuella Tchona.The dinner is sponsored by the International Club, Conferencing, Dining Services, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the Maintenance Department, College Relations, and The Big Event.Tickets are free for CSC students and children under the age of five. Adult tickets are $20 and tickets for Senior Citizens ages 55 and older and children ages 6-17 are $15. Tickets can be purchased at the Student Center or by contacting Jen Schaer at 308-432-6069 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jschaer@csc.edu">jschaer@csc.edu</a>.

CSC International Club presents the 39th annual Food Tasting Party

Before an inspiring charge to restore the former roar of Monarch butterfly wings brought my time at the Keep America Beautiful 2024 National Conference in San Diego to an end, I gained a new appreciation for moths’ role in the ecosystem. Entomologist and ecologist Doug Tallamy assured everyone in the packed ballroom that we were “nature’s best hope” in the effort to keep American ecology functional.

Keynote speaker on the second day of the conference, Doug focused on what people can change locally – commit to transform half their lawn to native vegetation. We must shrink the lawn, he emphasized, noting there is 40 million acres of lawn nationwide. “What if we cut it in half and put plants back? We could have a 20 million acre homegrown national park – get to experience the natural world alone. It’s important for kids (who often) experience nature deficit disorder.”

In addition to reducing the area of lawn, to achieve a homegrown national park, Doug said they are asking everyone to: plant more natives, remove invasives and protect natural areas of the property.

Doug, who lives in southeast Pennsylvania, showed how he and his wife transformed 10 acres of what had been farmland back to a natural setting within a few years. They planted oak trees that began attracting wildlife in the first few seasons of growth – no need to wait decades. However, he described what role acorns will play as ants, weevils, jays and a madrid of species depend on this tree. “Nature is a series of specialized relationships,” he said.

“We need to move beyond conservation to restoration – need to make functional ecosystems again,” Doug said. He said it cannot be done without flowering plants which attract invertebrates that many animals eat. Moths, specifically their caterpillars, are a barometer of a food chain’s health. “Even in winter chickadees eat 50 percent insects and spiders,” he said. “Think of caterpillars as soft little sausages worth 200 aphids. For most birds, caterpillars are essential for their diets. It takes six to nine thousand caterpillars for one clutch of chickadees. They only forage 50 meters from their nest.”

If everyone with control over a lawn was to till half of it under and start fresh with a native setting in mind, specific plant selection is vital to establish a food web. “It is not the presence of non-native plants that destroys food webs. It is the absence of native plants,” he said. To landscape for caterpillars, Doug said you have to be fussy about the plants you pick because so are caterpillars. “Plants don’t want to be eaten,” he said. “Ninety percent of insects that eat plants can only eat specific ones they’re adapted for.”

Doug listed three missteps that have contributed to an overall bent toward non-native and introduced plants:

&gt;We have assumed that humans and nature cannot co-exist.

&gt;Our third mis-step was to leave earth stewardship to a few specialists, not seeing it as an inherent responsibility of every human being.

It would be incredible to have 20 million more acres of native landscape. However, anyone who wants to claim an acre or a fraction thereof to the cause must be dedicated in doing the research (perhaps start with the local University of Nebraska Extension office) on how to best check off the four points mentioned above as well as devote the time and labor to make it happen. Anyone who is in the process of transforming their yard or has already had success, please spread the word so others can learn firsthand.

By JOHN E. WEARE KABBefore an inspiring charge to restore the former roar of Monarch butterfly wings brought my time at the Keep America Beautiful 2024 National Conference in San Diego to an end, I gained a new appreciation for moths’ role in the ecosystem. Entomologist and ecologist Doug Tallamy assured everyone in the packed ballroom that we were “nature’s best hope” in the effort to keep American ecology functional.Keynote speaker on the second day of the conference, Doug focused on what people can change locally – commit to transform half their lawn to native vegetation. We must shrink the lawn, he emphasized, noting there is 40 million acres of lawn nationwide. “What if we cut it in half and put plants back? We could have a 20 million acre homegrown national park – get to experience the natural world alone. It’s important for kids (who often) experience nature deficit disorder.”In addition to reducing the area of lawn, to achieve a homegrown national park, Doug said they are asking everyone to: plant more natives, remove invasives and protect natural areas of the property.Doug, who lives in southeast Pennsylvania, showed how he and his wife transformed 10 acres of what had been farmland back to a natural setting within a few years. They planted oak trees that began attracting wildlife in the first few seasons of growth – no need to wait decades. However, he described what role acorns will play as ants, weevils, jays and a madrid of species depend on this tree. “Nature is a series of specialized relationships,” he said.“We need to move beyond conservation to restoration – need to make functional ecosystems again,” Doug said. He said it cannot be done without flowering plants which attract invertebrates that many animals eat. Moths, specifically their caterpillars, are a barometer of a food chain’s health. “Even in winter chickadees eat 50 percent insects and spiders,” he said. “Think of caterpillars as soft little sausages worth 200 aphids. For most birds, caterpillars are essential for their diets. It takes six to nine thousand caterpillars for one clutch of chickadees. They only forage 50 meters from their nest.”If everyone with control over a lawn was to till half of it under and start fresh with a native setting in mind, specific plant selection is vital to establish a food web. “It is not the presence of non-native plants that destroys food webs. It is the absence of native plants,” he said. To landscape for caterpillars, Doug said you have to be fussy about the plants you pick because so are caterpillars. “Plants don’t want to be eaten,” he said. “Ninety percent of insects that eat plants can only eat specific ones they’re adapted for.”Doug listed three missteps that have contributed to an overall bent toward non-native and introduced plants:&gt;We think of nature as optional.&gt;We have assumed that humans and nature cannot co-exist.&gt;Our third mis-step was to leave earth stewardship to a few specialists, not seeing it as an inherent responsibility of every human being.It would be incredible to have 20 million more acres of native landscape. However, anyone who wants to claim an acre or a fraction thereof to the cause must be dedicated in doing the research (perhaps start with the local University of Nebraska Extension office) on how to best check off the four points mentioned above as well as devote the time and labor to make it happen. Anyone who is in the process of transforming their yard or has already had success, please spread the word so others can learn firsthand.

Keep America Beautiful Conference: ‘Homegrown National Park’

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Spring Forward!

By Chadron State College College Relations

CHADRON – Chadron State College has received official confirmation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) that the CSC master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling meets the rigorous standards set by the counseling profession.

This accreditation is a mark of excellence that affirms the CSC program teaches the necessary knowledge and skills, and that it is both stable and well-supported financially and professionally, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cacrep.org/" target="_blank">CACREP</a>&nbsp;website.

By attaining CACREP accreditation, CSC President Ron K. Patterson wrote in a message to campus that the Counseling program has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the educational effectiveness of its Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The accreditation also benefits CSC graduates by simplifying state licensure processes and opening additional career opportunities. For example, it enables alumni to work at Veteran’s Administrations, bill Tricare, and become Fully Functioning Army Substance Abuse Program Practitioners.

Patterson thanked Dr. Katy Woods, Counselor Education department chair, and Dr. Tara Wilson, CACREP liaison, along with past and current faculty and staff who helped achieve the goal.

“Overall, achieving CACREP accreditation is a crucial milestone in our efforts to attract and retain students, while also broadening the horizons for our graduates. Chadron State College would like to thank the Counselor Education department for their strong efforts in securing the CACREP accreditation for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program,” Patterson said.

The CACREP accreditation team visited campus to conduct its formal review Oct. 23-25, 2023. The accreditation is effective until March 31, 2032.

CSC’s other specialized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/about/mission-vision-and-accreditation/" target="_blank">accreditations</a>&nbsp;include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the&nbsp;National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE), and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

By Chadron State College College RelationsCHADRON – Chadron State College has received official confirmation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) that the CSC master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling meets the rigorous standards set by the counseling profession.This accreditation is a mark of excellence that affirms the CSC program teaches the necessary knowledge and skills, and that it is both stable and well-supported financially and professionally, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cacrep.org/" target="_blank">CACREP</a>&nbsp;website.By attaining CACREP accreditation, CSC President Ron K. Patterson wrote in a message to campus that the Counseling program has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the educational effectiveness of its Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The accreditation also benefits CSC graduates by simplifying state licensure processes and opening additional career opportunities. For example, it enables alumni to work at Veteran’s Administrations, bill Tricare, and become Fully Functioning Army Substance Abuse Program Practitioners.Patterson thanked Dr. Katy Woods, Counselor Education department chair, and Dr. Tara Wilson, CACREP liaison, along with past and current faculty and staff who helped achieve the goal.“Overall, achieving CACREP accreditation is a crucial milestone in our efforts to attract and retain students, while also broadening the horizons for our graduates. Chadron State College would like to thank the Counselor Education department for their strong efforts in securing the CACREP accreditation for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program,” Patterson said.The CACREP accreditation team visited campus to conduct its formal review Oct. 23-25, 2023. The accreditation is effective until March 31, 2032.CSC’s other specialized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/about/mission-vision-and-accreditation/" target="_blank">accreditations</a>&nbsp;include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the&nbsp;National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE), and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

 CSC Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s degree program earns accreditation

Agenda for Monday's Alliance Public Schools Board Meeting

1. Call to Order, Call Attention to Open Meetings Law

1. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve staff resignations.

2. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve the administrative hiring recommendations.

3. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve switchgear replacement bids.

4. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve St. Agnes bus usage request.

5. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve revision to Board Policy 5008 appendix Attendance Improvement Plan waiving first reading and approving on final reading.

1. Discuss bowling, soccer, lacrosse and rodeo

COPY OF OPEN MEETINGS ACT: The Board of Education makes available at least one current copy of the Open Meetings Act posted in the meeting room at a location accessible to members of the public. The Act is posted on the north wall of the meeting room.

NOTICE OF MEETING: Notice of the meeting was published according to Board Policy.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SPEAK DURING PUBLIC FORUM:

Getting Started: When it is your turn to speak during the public forum portion of the agenda, please come forward to the table situated immediately in front of the Board, sign your name and address on the sign-in sheet and state your name to the Board of Education.

Time Limit: You may speak only one time and must limit comments to 5 minutes or less. Public forum will not exceed 30 minutes.

Personnel or Student Topic: If you are planning to speak about a personnel or student matter involving an individual, please understand that our policies require that such concerns initially be directed to the administration for consideration. Board members will generally not respond to any questions you ask or comments you may make about individual staff members or students. You are cautioned that slanderous comments are not protected just because they are made at Board meeting.

General Rules: Please remember that this is a public meeting for the conduct of the business of the Board of Education. Offensive language, personal attacks and hostile conduct will not be tolerated.

CLOSED SESSIONS: Alliance Public Schools Board of Education reserves the right to go into closed session in accordance with 84-1410. BY: ALLIANCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Agenda for Monday's Alliance Public Schools Board MeetingAlliance Public SchoolsBoard of EducationRegular Meeting7:00 P.M March 11, 2024Alliance Board of Education RoomI. Opening1. Call to Order, Call Attention to Open Meetings Law2. Pledge of Allegiance3. Roll Call4. Excuse Absent Board Members5. Approval of AgendaII. Information and Reports1. Student Council Report2. Pride in Excellence3. Board Committee Reports4. Director’s Reports5. Principal’s Reports6. Superintendent’s ReportIII. Public Comments on Agenda ItemsIV. Consent Agenda1. Minutes2. Bills3. Financial ReportsV. Action Items1. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve staff resignations.2. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve the administrative hiring recommendations.3. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve switchgear replacement bids.4. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve St. Agnes bus usage request.5. Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action to approve revision to Board Policy 5008 appendix Attendance Improvement Plan waiving first reading and approving on final reading.VI. Discussion Items1. Discuss bowling, soccer, lacrosse and rodeo2. Discuss Alternative SchoolVII. Next Meeting April 8, 2024VIII. AdjournNOTICES:COPY OF OPEN MEETINGS ACT: The Board of Education makes available at least one current copy of the Open Meetings Act posted in the meeting room at a location accessible to members of the public. The Act is posted on the north wall of the meeting room.NOTICE OF MEETING: Notice of the meeting was published according to Board Policy.INSTRUCTIONS FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SPEAK DURING PUBLIC FORUM:Getting Started: When it is your turn to speak during the public forum portion of the agenda, please come forward to the table situated immediately in front of the Board, sign your name and address on the sign-in sheet and state your name to the Board of Education.Time Limit: You may speak only one time and must limit comments to 5 minutes or less. Public forum will not exceed 30 minutes.Personnel or Student Topic: If you are planning to speak about a personnel or student matter involving an individual, please understand that our policies require that such concerns initially be directed to the administration for consideration. Board members will generally not respond to any questions you ask or comments you may make about individual staff members or students. You are cautioned that slanderous comments are not protected just because they are made at Board meeting.General Rules: Please remember that this is a public meeting for the conduct of the business of the Board of Education. Offensive language, personal attacks and hostile conduct will not be tolerated.CLOSED SESSIONS: Alliance Public Schools Board of Education reserves the right to go into closed session in accordance with 84-1410. BY: ALLIANCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Alliance Public Schools to discuss adding bowling, soccer, lacrosse and rodeo

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved 2024-2025 waterfowl hunting season recommendations at its March 8 meeting in Hastings.

Commissioners approved a staff recommendation to create a Veteran and Active-Duty Military waterfowl hunting season that will run concurrently with the Youth Hunting season. Participants will include veterans as defined in Section 101 of Title 38, United States Code, and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training).

The approved 2024-2025 Nebraska waterfowl season dates are:

Daily bag limit – six; Possession limit – 18

Daily bag – Tier 1: six ducks, with restrictions; Tier II: three ducks, any species, any sex; Possession limit – three times the daily bag limit

Zone 2 – Oct. 5-Dec. 17 and Jan. 8-29 (High Plains)

Zone 3 – Oct. 26-Jan. 7 and Jan. 8-29 (High Plains)

Daily bag limit – five; Possession limit – 15

Statewide – Oct. 12-Dec. 22 and Jan. 25-Feb. 9

Daily bag limit – two; Possession limit – six

Statewide – Oct. 12-Jan. 8 and Jan. 25-Feb. 9

Daily bag limit – 50; Possession limit – none

Statewide – Oct. 12-Dec. 12 and Jan. 11-March 13

Concurrent with teal, youth and regular duck season dates, plus,

Zone 2 – Low Plains: Feb. 25-March 10; High Plains: Concurrent with all duck season dates in High Plains Zone

Zone 3 – High Plains: Concurrent with all duck season dates in High Plains Zone

The commissioners also approved wildlife regulation changes regarding threatened and endangered species, to reflect the changes in federal listing status of the following:

Also, commissioners approved a Board Resolution to sign the project agreement for the Transportation Alternatives Program. This grant program through the Nebraska Department of Transportation will fund the surfacing of 24.6 miles of Cowboy Trail from Rushville in Sheridan County to mile marker 400 near Chadron.

In other business, the board approved the acquisition of 11 acres in Holt County as an addition to the O. Johnson Emerson Wildlife Management Area.

Commissioners also heard reports on a Lake McConaughy creel survey and Game and Parks permits system for 2023.

By Nebraska Game &amp; ParksThe Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved 2024-2025 waterfowl hunting season recommendations at its March 8 meeting in Hastings.Commissioners approved a staff recommendation to create a Veteran and Active-Duty Military waterfowl hunting season that will run concurrently with the Youth Hunting season. Participants will include veterans as defined in Section 101 of Title 38, United States Code, and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training).The approved 2024-2025 Nebraska waterfowl season dates are:Early Teal:Low Plains – Sept. 1-16High Plains – Sept. 1-9Daily bag limit – six; Possession limit – 18Youth Hunt:Zone 1 – Oct. 5-6Zone 2 – Sept. 28-29Zone 3 – Oct. 19-20Zone 4 – Oct. 19-20Daily bag – Tier 1: six ducks, with restrictions; Tier II: three ducks, any species, any sex; Possession limit – three times the daily bag limitVeteran and Active-Duty Military:Zone 1 – Oct. 5-6Zone 2 – Sept. 28-29Zone 3 – Oct. 19-20Zone 4 – Oct. 19-20Daily bag – Tier 1: six ducks, with restrictions; Tier II: three ducks, any species, any sex; Possession limit – three times the daily bag limitDuck and Coot:Zone 1 – Oct. 12-Dec. 24Zone 2 – Oct. 5-Dec. 17 and Jan. 8-29 (High Plains)Zone 3 – Oct. 26-Jan. 7 and Jan. 8-29 (High Plains)Zone 4 – Oct. 26-Jan. 7Daily bag – Tier 1: six ducks, with restrictions; Tier II: three ducks, any species, any sex; Possession limit – three times the daily bag limitDark Goose:Platte River Unit – Oct. 28-Feb. 9Niobrara Unit – Oct. 28-Feb. 9North Central Unit – Oct. 5-Jan. 17Daily bag limit – five; Possession limit – 15White-fronted Goose:Statewide – Oct. 12-Dec. 22 and Jan. 25-Feb. 9Daily bag limit – two; Possession limit – sixLight Goose Regular Season:Statewide – Oct. 12-Jan. 8 and Jan. 25-Feb. 9Daily bag limit – 50; Possession limit – noneLight Goose Conservation Order:East Zone – Feb. 10-April 15West Zone – Feb. 10-April 5Rainwater Basin Zone – Feb. 10-April 5Daily bag and possession limits – noneCrow:Statewide – Oct. 12-Dec. 12 and Jan. 11-March 13Daily bag and possession limits – noneFalconry:Concurrent with teal, youth and regular duck season dates, plus,Zone 1 – Feb. 25-March 10Zone 2 – Low Plains: Feb. 25-March 10; High Plains: Concurrent with all duck season dates in High Plains ZoneZone 3 – High Plains: Concurrent with all duck season dates in High Plains ZoneZone 4 – Feb. 25-March 10The commissioners also approved wildlife regulation changes regarding threatened and endangered species, to reflect the changes in federal listing status of the following:<ul>
 <li>The interior least tern was removed from the federal list but remains state-listed as endangered in Nebraska.</li><li>The northern long-eared bat was elevated from threatened to endangered.</li><li>The Colorado butterfly plant was removed from the federal list but remains state-listed as endangered in Nebraska.</li><li>The eastern black rail was federally listed as threatened, including in Nebraska.</li><li>The American burying beetle’s federal listing status was downgraded from endangered to threatened</li>
 </ul>Also, commissioners approved a Board Resolution to sign the project agreement for the Transportation Alternatives Program. This grant program through the Nebraska Department of Transportation will fund the surfacing of 24.6 miles of Cowboy Trail from Rushville in Sheridan County to mile marker 400 near Chadron.In other business, the board approved the acquisition of 11 acres in Holt County as an addition to the O. Johnson Emerson Wildlife Management Area.Commissioners also heard reports on a Lake McConaughy creel survey and Game and Parks permits system for 2023.

Nebraska Game & Parks approve 2024-2025 waterfowl recommendations

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – Wind Cave will be closed to tours beginning May 1 while the elevator system is replaced and modernized. The elevator system provides access to the cave for approximately 130,000 visitors annually. Many repairs to the elevators have taken place over the years and the existing system includes parts dating back to the 1930s. This is the first time a complete rebuild has happened and the work is expected to continue into the fall. 

“We’re excited to finally be able to completely rebuild the old elevators, including replacement of the cabs, motors, cables, and electrical equipment,” said Park Superintendent Leigh Welling. “We appreciate everyone’s patience while we improve access to the cave and remind you that there are still many things to do at the park. In addition to ranger led talks and hikes, we have new exhibits being installed in the visitor center this spring that include several interactive stations, a walk-through cave, and a prairie diorama. These exhibits are truly beautiful and tell a more current and accurate story of this land.”

Rangers will also be offering virtual tours of the cave in the visitor center auditorium. The program uses LIDAR technology to give a tour of the Natural Entrance Tour route. The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. Surface activities include talks about nature, culture, and history at the Natural Entrance and at the visitor center and hikes across the prairie. For more information, contact the park at 605-745-4600.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710116487384.jpeg" alt="Rangers at Wind Cave will be offering virtual tours of the cave this summer while the cave is closed for elevator modernization. (NPS Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Rangers at Wind Cave will be offering virtual tours of the cave this summer while the cave is closed for elevator modernization. (NPS Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Wind Cave National ParkHOT SPRINGS, S.D. – Wind Cave will be closed to tours beginning May 1 while the elevator system is replaced and modernized. The elevator system provides access to the cave for approximately 130,000 visitors annually. Many repairs to the elevators have taken place over the years and the existing system includes parts dating back to the 1930s. This is the first time a complete rebuild has happened and the work is expected to continue into the fall. “We’re excited to finally be able to completely rebuild the old elevators, including replacement of the cabs, motors, cables, and electrical equipment,” said Park Superintendent Leigh Welling. “We appreciate everyone’s patience while we improve access to the cave and remind you that there are still many things to do at the park. In addition to ranger led talks and hikes, we have new exhibits being installed in the visitor center this spring that include several interactive stations, a walk-through cave, and a prairie diorama. These exhibits are truly beautiful and tell a more current and accurate story of this land.”Rangers will also be offering virtual tours of the cave in the visitor center auditorium. The program uses LIDAR technology to give a tour of the Natural Entrance Tour route. The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. Surface activities include talks about nature, culture, and history at the Natural Entrance and at the visitor center and hikes across the prairie. For more information, contact the park at 605-745-4600.

Wind Cave focus on surface programs during elevator modernization

P202400118 08:15 THEFT : THEFT Report of a stolen De Mar Inc utility trailer from 1st and Niobrara Avenue, last seen on the 28th of February 2024. Trailer was located in Alliance on 03/04/2024.

P202400118 08:15 THEFT : THEFT Report of a stolen De Mar Inc utility trailer from 1st and Niobrara Avenue, last seen on the 28th of February 2024. Trailer was located in Allaince on 03/04/2024.

P202400119 14:17 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Criminal mischief / 1000 block of Platte Ave /Destruction of fence panels

P202400121 09:09 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY Closed - Resolved

P202400123 23:28 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYVehicle was struck at 10th and Box Butte Avenue.&nbsp; The second vehicle left the scene without furnishing information. 

P202400125 14:51 THEFT : THEFT Officer was dispatched to 131 Missouri Avenue for a reported theft. Made contact with the victim who reported his aftermarket stereo was stolen out of a vehicle of his. The reporting party stated he did not know how long the stereo had been missing from the vehicle as he doesn't drive it due to mechanical issues. 

P202400126 16:46 ASSAULT : ASSAULT officers responded to the 700 block of Missouri Avenue in reference to an assault/ 

By Alliance Police Department03/03/24P202400118 08:15 THEFT : THEFT Report of a stolen De Mar Inc utility trailer from 1st and Niobrara Avenue, last seen on the 28th of February 2024. Trailer was located in Alliance on 03/04/2024.Closed - UnfoundedP202400118 08:15 THEFT : THEFT Report of a stolen De Mar Inc utility trailer from 1st and Niobrara Avenue, last seen on the 28th of February 2024. Trailer was located in Allaince on 03/04/2024.Inactive - Case Suspended03/03/24 Total: 203/06/24P202400119 14:17 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Criminal mischief / 1000 block of Platte Ave /Destruction of fence panelsInactive - Case Suspended03/06/24 Total: 103/08/24P202400121 09:09 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY Closed - ResolvedP202400123 23:28 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYVehicle was struck at 10th and Box Butte Avenue.&nbsp; The second vehicle left the scene without furnishing information. Inactive - CaseSuspended03/08/24 Total: 203/09/24P202400125 14:51 THEFT : THEFT Officer was dispatched to 131 Missouri Avenue for a reported theft. Made contact with the victim who reported his aftermarket stereo was stolen out of a vehicle of his. The reporting party stated he did not know how long the stereo had been missing from the vehicle as he doesn't drive it due to mechanical issues. Inactive - CaseSuspendedP202400126 16:46 ASSAULT : ASSAULT officers responded to the 700 block of Missouri Avenue in reference to an assault/ Open - UnderInvestigation03/09/24 Total: 2

Alliance Police Activity Log: 3/3- 3/9

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rRzLORiSwvM?si=gjhytMNkK585hsnD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

At the Alliance City Council meeting on Tuesday night, the city presented a certificate of appreciate to former Alliance City Council Member and Executive Director Mara Anderson. Alliance Mayor Earl Jones lauded her for her and her service to the youth and community during her time in town as Executive Director of the ARC and Council Member.

Also, Jones talked about the process of moving forward of filling her now vacant seat, and City Manager Seth Sorensen explained on an interview with KCOW about the open seat.

"There is a two-year spot for the City Council, and people can register with the Box Butte County Clerk with that up until August 1," Sorensen said.

Sorensen continued to say that anyone who is interested in that process and making a difference to apply, and that there are other City boards that citizen can get involved in like the Community Redevelopment Board including others.

While the City Council seat will not be on the ballot for the primary election, Mayor Jones stressed that it will be on the ballot in November.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostAt the Alliance City Council meeting on Tuesday night, the city presented a certificate of appreciate to former Alliance City Council Member and Executive Director Mara Anderson. Alliance Mayor Earl Jones lauded her for her and her service to the youth and community during her time in town as Executive Director of the ARC and Council Member.Also, Jones talked about the process of moving forward of filling her now vacant seat, and City Manager Seth Sorensen explained on an interview with KCOW about the open seat."There is a two-year spot for the City Council, and people can register with the Box Butte County Clerk with that up until August 1," Sorensen said.Sorensen continued to say that anyone who is interested in that process and making a difference to apply, and that there are other City boards that citizen can get involved in like the Community Redevelopment Board including others.While the City Council seat will not be on the ballot for the primary election, Mayor Jones stressed that it will be on the ballot in November.

Alliance City Council Seat open to public after Anderson's departure

By Con Marshall, Chadron State College&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

A retired Chadron State College professor who was a world leader in range management, Dr. Jim O’Rourke, died early Tuesday, March 5 at the Chadron Community Hospital of a heart attack.  He was 81. A celebration of life will be in June at the family’s ranch south of Chadron.&nbsp;

 O’Rourke taught range management at Chadron State 14 years before retiring in 2002, but was deeply involved in range activities long after that and still had an office at the college.&nbsp; He had served as a range consultant in at least 25 nations and had worked with landowners to conduct rangeland health assessments and grazing management plans on more than 100 ranches in Nebraska.

He was a member of the Society of Range Management for nearly 60 years and was president of both the Nebraska and the international organizations. He received many SRM honors, such as the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award and the Frederick G. Renner Award, its highest honor. When his term as the SRM president ended, he was one of three representatives from North America on the Continuing Committee for the International Rangeland Congress, a world-wide organization.

&nbsp;At that convention in Durbin, South Africa, in 2003 he anticipated he would be leaving the governing board because his eight-year term was expiring. &nbsp;But the Congress leaders voted to suspend the rules and elected him president. That put him in charge of the next convention, which was in Inner Mongolia in 2008.&nbsp;

He made trips to Mongolia annually prior to the convention to help with the arrangements. He also helped lead the 2011 convention in Argentina. O’Rourke also was instrumental in getting the United Nations to declare 2026 as the International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists to stress that grasslands must be protected since they cover more than half of the earth’s surface.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;O’Rourke’s roots were deep into western Nebraska soil. While he was born in California and grew up at Buffalo, Wyo., both sets of grandparents, Frank and Jerene O’Rourke and Jack and Alice Moeller, lived most of their adult lives in Chadron. Both of his parents, Joe and Jean, attended Chadron State College.

In choosing range management as a career, O’Rourke was following the footsteps of his grandfather and father. His grandfather O’Rourke was a cowboy on the famed Spade Ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills dating back to 1908 and later wrote magazine columns and a book called “Retracing Old Trails” about those experiences. Jim’s father was a range specialist for the U.S. Forest Service for nearly 40 years, mostly in Wyoming.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;O’Rourke received his bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Arizona.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prior to joining the Chadron State faculty in 1988, he had spent eight years as a range management specialist in several African countries.&nbsp; After arriving at CSC, he led the way making range management the primary focus of the college’s agricultural curriculum.&nbsp; For more than a decade, CSC’s number of rangeland management majors has been among the nation’s top five.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;O’Rourke also was a member of the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education in the early 2000s.&nbsp; He received CSC’s Teaching Excellence Award in 1996. O’Rourke’s wife, Lora, also was a rangeland management specialist and worked out of the Nebraska National Forest Service office in Chadron for 23 years.&nbsp; She was president of the Nebraska Section of the Society of Range Management in 2001. The couple had lived in Nigeria two years before coming to Chadron.&nbsp; The couple’s twins, Shannon and Seth, are among his survivors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709917931843.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Con Marshall, Chadron State College&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;A retired Chadron State College professor who was a world leader in range management, Dr. Jim O’Rourke, died early Tuesday, March 5 at the Chadron Community Hospital of a heart attack. He was 81. A celebration of life will be in June at the family’s ranch south of Chadron.&nbsp; O’Rourke taught range management at Chadron State 14 years before retiring in 2002, but was deeply involved in range activities long after that and still had an office at the college.&nbsp; He had served as a range consultant in at least 25 nations and had worked with landowners to conduct rangeland health assessments and grazing management plans on more than 100 ranches in Nebraska.He was a member of the Society of Range Management for nearly 60 years and was president of both the Nebraska and the international organizations. He received many SRM honors, such as the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award and the Frederick G. Renner Award, its highest honor. When his term as the SRM president ended, he was one of three representatives from North America on the Continuing Committee for the International Rangeland Congress, a world-wide organization.&nbsp;At that convention in Durbin, South Africa, in 2003 he anticipated he would be leaving the governing board because his eight-year term was expiring. &nbsp;But the Congress leaders voted to suspend the rules and elected him president. That put him in charge of the next convention, which was in Inner Mongolia in 2008.&nbsp;He made trips to Mongolia annually prior to the convention to help with the arrangements. He also helped lead the 2011 convention in Argentina. O’Rourke also was instrumental in getting the United Nations to declare 2026 as the International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists to stress that grasslands must be protected since they cover more than half of the earth’s surface.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;O’Rourke’s roots were deep into western Nebraska soil. While he was born in California and grew up at Buffalo, Wyo., both sets of grandparents, Frank and Jerene O’Rourke and Jack and Alice Moeller, lived most of their adult lives in Chadron. Both of his parents, Joe and Jean, attended Chadron State College.In choosing range management as a career, O’Rourke was following the footsteps of his grandfather and father. His grandfather O’Rourke was a cowboy on the famed Spade Ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills dating back to 1908 and later wrote magazine columns and a book called “Retracing Old Trails” about those experiences. Jim’s father was a range specialist for the U.S. Forest Service for nearly 40 years, mostly in Wyoming.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;O’Rourke received his bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Arizona.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prior to joining the Chadron State faculty in 1988, he had spent eight years as a range management specialist in several African countries.&nbsp; After arriving at CSC, he led the way making range management the primary focus of the college’s agricultural curriculum.&nbsp; For more than a decade, CSC’s number of rangeland management majors has been among the nation’s top five.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O’Rourke also was a member of the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education in the early 2000s.&nbsp; He received CSC’s Teaching Excellence Award in 1996. O’Rourke’s wife, Lora, also was a rangeland management specialist and worked out of the Nebraska National Forest Service office in Chadron for 23 years.&nbsp; She was president of the Nebraska Section of the Society of Range Management in 2001. The couple had lived in Nigeria two years before coming to Chadron.&nbsp; The couple’s twins, Shannon and Seth, are among his survivors.

Longtime CSC professor and Rangeland leader dies

American ways of life and values are under attack.

President Biden has sent swarms of bureaucrats to harass Americans at every turn. His Department of Justice labelled parents potential domestic terrorists for speaking up for their children. His Environmental Protection Agency tried to expand its power by regulating roadside ditches and farm ponds as “navigable waters.” His Department of Energy attacked gas stoves. He’s pushed unworkable and expensive electric vehicle mandates. His reckless spending created historic inflation. It’s costing a typical family $11,400 more a year to maintain their quality of life. His foreign policy of appeasement has emboldened our adversaries and made Americans less safe.

We’re also seeing attacks on American values and ideals that make our country great. They’re not just coming from the Biden administration, but the media as well. Last week,&nbsp;Politico’s National Investigative Correspondent was a guest on MSNBC. She attacked Christians who are close to Donald Trump, calling them “Christian Nationalists.” Her supposed proof was their belief in the founding idea of America.

Here’s what she said: “The thing that unites them as Christian nationalists—not Christians by the way, because Christian nationalist is very different—is that they believe that our rights as Americans, as all human beings, don't come from any earthly authority, they don't come from Congress, they don't come from the Supreme Court; they come from God.”

According to this&nbsp;reporter,&nbsp;those who&nbsp;recognize that our rights come from God instead of government&nbsp;are&nbsp;radical “Christian Nationalists.”&nbsp;That is a truly stunning smear of the majority of our country, past and present. It’s ignorant. It’s bigoted. It’s simply un-American.&nbsp;It’s also wrong.

The idea that our rights come from God is an American idea. It doesn’t belong to a specific religion or Party. It’s in our Declaration of Independence!&nbsp;“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.”

Our rights come to us from God, not a king&nbsp;or President. They’re endowments from God, not concessions from government.&nbsp;Government exists to secure those rights, not provide them.&nbsp;Abraham Lincoln called this idea the “philosophical cause” of our country. It informed George Washington and Thomas Jefferson’s support for religious freedom. It inspired Frederick Douglass and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s powerful appeals for racial equality.

We all have a responsibility to fight back against rhetoric that tries to erase history and attack the core of what America is. Attacks on our ways of life and our values cannot go unchallenged. I’m committed to fighting these attacks every day as your Senator.

My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact</a>.

By U.S Senator Pete Ricketts, NEAmerican ways of life and values are under attack.President Biden has sent swarms of bureaucrats to harass Americans at every turn. His Department of Justice labelled parents potential domestic terrorists for speaking up for their children. His Environmental Protection Agency tried to expand its power by regulating roadside ditches and farm ponds as “navigable waters.” His Department of Energy attacked gas stoves. He’s pushed unworkable and expensive electric vehicle mandates. His reckless spending created historic inflation. It’s costing a typical family $11,400 more a year to maintain their quality of life. His foreign policy of appeasement has emboldened our adversaries and made Americans less safe.We’re also seeing attacks on American values and ideals that make our country great. They’re not just coming from the Biden administration, but the media as well. Last week,&nbsp;Politico’s National Investigative Correspondent was a guest on MSNBC. She attacked Christians who are close to Donald Trump, calling them “Christian Nationalists.” Her supposed proof was their belief in the founding idea of America.Here’s what she said: “The thing that unites them as Christian nationalists—not Christians by the way, because Christian nationalist is very different—is that they believe that our rights as Americans, as all human beings, don't come from any earthly authority, they don't come from Congress, they don't come from the Supreme Court; they come from God.”According to this&nbsp;reporter,&nbsp;those who&nbsp;recognize that our rights come from God instead of government&nbsp;are&nbsp;radical “Christian Nationalists.”&nbsp;That is a truly stunning smear of the majority of our country, past and present. It’s ignorant. It’s bigoted. It’s simply un-American.&nbsp;It’s also wrong.The idea that our rights come from God is an American idea. It doesn’t belong to a specific religion or Party. It’s in our Declaration of Independence!&nbsp;“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.”Our rights come to us from God, not a king&nbsp;or President. They’re endowments from God, not concessions from government.&nbsp;Government exists to secure those rights, not provide them.&nbsp;Abraham Lincoln called this idea the “philosophical cause” of our country. It informed George Washington and Thomas Jefferson’s support for religious freedom. It inspired Frederick Douglass and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s powerful appeals for racial equality.We all have a responsibility to fight back against rhetoric that tries to erase history and attack the core of what America is. Attacks on our ways of life and our values cannot go unchallenged. I’m committed to fighting these attacks every day as your Senator.My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact</a>.

Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Shutting Down The Far-Left’s Hate

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

You might get a letter in the mail that tells you that you have been turned over to a debt collector. What does this mean? A debt collector might be a person, collection agency, or even a lawyer who is trying to collect a debt owed to someone else. They are trying to contact you because a creditor believes you are past due on the payments you owe.

Collection agencies are companies that buy past-due debts from creditors or other businesses and then try to collect them.

Medical bills are the most common collections items and show up on 43 million credit reports as unpaid, past due debts. One in five households in America have unpaid medical bills, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In 2022, this amounted to $88 billion. And these bills commonly have errors.

Not all collections are for large amounts. A few weeks ago, Flatwater Free Press ran a story about schools in Nebraska that turned unpaid lunch bills over to collection agencies. Four Class A schools, Lincoln, Kearney, Columbus, and Scottsbluff, use debt collectors.

Lincoln Public Schools indicated the average of the 1700 debts they sent to collections was $67. Only one bill was over $200. The district got back less than a quarter of what was owed. The collection agency received 40% of the amounts they collected. Since the article, Lincoln Public Schools has stopped the practice of using agencies to collect school lunch debt.

According to Flatwater Free Press, Scottsbluff Public Schools sent about 50 debts to collections last school year and all were over $100. The district recouped 9% of the roughly $12,500 it was owed. Kearney Public Schools referred nearly 60 debts averaging $500 in the last year. The collector has gotten back less than 2% of the $29,500 owed.

What should you do if you are contacted by a debt collector?

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, there is certain information they must give you, either in the initial communication or within five days.

A statement that the communication is from a debt collector

&nbsp;Your name and mailing information, along with the name and mailing information of the debt collector

The name of the creditor or creditors you owe the debt to

&nbsp;The account number associated with the debt (if any)

&nbsp;An itemization of the current amount of the debt that reflects interest, fees, payments, and credits since a particular date

&nbsp;The current amount of the debt when the notice is provided

&nbsp;Information you can use to reply to the debt collector, such as if you believe the debt is not yours or if the amount is wrong

&nbsp;An end date for a 30-day period when you can dispute the debt

If you don’t believe you owe the debt or believe the amount is wrong, you can ask for more information. You can dispute the bill. This must be in writing and within 30 days. If you don't send a written letter to the debt collector, you may lose your rights.

After receiving your letter, the debt collector must pause trying to collect the debt until they've investigated your concern and verified that you owe the money.

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, there are certain things a debt collection agency may not do. They cannot contact you before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm. They cannot contact you at work unless your business allows personal contacts. They may not post your debt publicly on social media. If they've contacted you via email, text, or private message on social media, they must explain that you can opt out of that communication method. They may not harass you. If you have an attorney, they must go through the attorney.

If you need more information, go online to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, consumerfinance.gov.

Getting Ahead:By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityYou might get a letter in the mail that tells you that you have been turned over to a debt collector. What does this mean? A debt collector might be a person, collection agency, or even a lawyer who is trying to collect a debt owed to someone else. They are trying to contact you because a creditor believes you are past due on the payments you owe.Collection agencies are companies that buy past-due debts from creditors or other businesses and then try to collect them.Medical bills are the most common collections items and show up on 43 million credit reports as unpaid, past due debts. One in five households in America have unpaid medical bills, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In 2022, this amounted to $88 billion. And these bills commonly have errors.Not all collections are for large amounts. A few weeks ago, Flatwater Free Press ran a story about schools in Nebraska that turned unpaid lunch bills over to collection agencies. Four Class A schools, Lincoln, Kearney, Columbus, and Scottsbluff, use debt collectors.Lincoln Public Schools indicated the average of the 1700 debts they sent to collections was $67. Only one bill was over $200. The district got back less than a quarter of what was owed. The collection agency received 40% of the amounts they collected. Since the article, Lincoln Public Schools has stopped the practice of using agencies to collect school lunch debt.According to Flatwater Free Press, Scottsbluff Public Schools sent about 50 debts to collections last school year and all were over $100. The district recouped 9% of the roughly $12,500 it was owed. Kearney Public Schools referred nearly 60 debts averaging $500 in the last year. The collector has gotten back less than 2% of the $29,500 owed.What should you do if you are contacted by a debt collector?According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, there is certain information they must give you, either in the initial communication or within five days.A statement that the communication is from a debt collector&nbsp;Your name and mailing information, along with the name and mailing information of the debt collectorThe name of the creditor or creditors you owe the debt to&nbsp;The account number associated with the debt (if any)&nbsp;An itemization of the current amount of the debt that reflects interest, fees, payments, and credits since a particular date&nbsp;The current amount of the debt when the notice is provided&nbsp;Information you can use to reply to the debt collector, such as if you believe the debt is not yours or if the amount is wrong&nbsp;An end date for a 30-day period when you can dispute the debtIf you don’t believe you owe the debt or believe the amount is wrong, you can ask for more information. You can dispute the bill. This must be in writing and within 30 days. If you don't send a written letter to the debt collector, you may lose your rights.After receiving your letter, the debt collector must pause trying to collect the debt until they've investigated your concern and verified that you owe the money.Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, there are certain things a debt collection agency may not do. They cannot contact you before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm. They cannot contact you at work unless your business allows personal contacts. They may not post your debt publicly on social media. If they've contacted you via email, text, or private message on social media, they must explain that you can opt out of that communication method. They may not harass you. If you have an attorney, they must go through the attorney.If you need more information, go online to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, consumerfinance.gov.

Alliance Community Task Force: Debt Collection

By Scotts Bluff County Detention Center

  ARRAIGNMENTS:	 	Judge: 1100		At Cout House			

Detainee Name	DOB	Case #		Arresting 	Bond	Location	By

Christopher Torres	11/14/94	Criminal Trespass 2nd degree		SBPD	1,000	M19	65S

Jessica Perez	02/12/87	CR24-303				J128	37

Nichole Chavez	08/02/87	DUI		SBPD	5,000	J120	44

Sara Taylor	07/14/88	Poss cont sub.		SBCSO	10,000	J137	

Kimberly Martin	10/13/83	Poss cont sub, Poss marijuana		SBPD	12,500	I04			Poss drug para					

Katrina Carrera	05/06/86	PWITD, Poss cont sub, Poss Drug		GERPD	52,500				para, DUS					

Nichole Chavez	08/02/87	DUI0Drugs		SBPD	5,000	J120	

Elias Poor Bear	03/18/04	CR24-105		SBPD	10,000	D27	11T

Matthew Hall	07/30/84	Poss cont sub X2, Poss drug para		SBCSO	17,500	I03	

By Scotts Bluff County Detention Center ARRAIGNMENTS:	 	Judge: 1100		At Cout House			Detainee Name	DOB	Case #		Arresting 	Bond	Location	ByChristopher Torres	11/14/94	Criminal Trespass 2nd degree		SBPD	1,000	M19	65SJessica Perez	02/12/87	CR24-303				J128	37Nichole Chavez	08/02/87	DUI		SBPD	5,000	J120	44Sara Taylor	07/14/88	Poss cont sub.		SBCSO	10,000	J137	Kimberly Martin	10/13/83	Poss cont sub, Poss marijuana		SBPD	12,500	I04			Poss drug para					Katrina Carrera	05/06/86	PWITD, Poss cont sub, Poss Drug		GERPD	52,500				para, DUS					Nichole Chavez	08/02/87	DUI0Drugs		SBPD	5,000	J120	Elias Poor Bear	03/18/04	CR24-105		SBPD	10,000	D27	11TMatthew Hall	07/30/84	Poss cont sub X2, Poss drug para		SBCSO	17,500	I03

Scotts Bluff County Arraignments for 3/8 

By Hemingford Community Foundation

Members of the Hemingford Community Foundation presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to the Hemingford Foundation Scholarship committee. The Ray’s daughter, Jodeen Worth, shares why this donation was so important to their family as she was a previous recipient and challenges others to give back:

“For me, the scholarship I received was very important to my college journey.&nbsp;I received the Hemingford Foundation Scholarship&nbsp;during my third year of college, at a time when my other scholarships had expired.&nbsp;After college graduation I vowed to give back to the Hemingford Foundation Scholarship.&nbsp;Giving to the fund helps it grow and allows more scholarships to be given to deserving students.&nbsp;As an alumni of Hemingford High School, I am proud of the success of the students that graduate from Hemingford. I challenge former graduates and former scholarship recipients to ‘give back’ to the scholarship fund.”

Since the Hemingford Community Foundation established in 2017, it has served as a platform for community giving. The board is committed to ensuring that donations are strategically invested throughout the community, making a visible and impactful difference. Upcoming mini-grants will be available in April that align with the Foundation’s mission of supporting the people, organizations, and projects that make Hemingford a great place to live, learn, work, and play.

The Foundation committee has also announced their exciting annual event! A Masquerade Murder Mystery will be held on April 6, starting at 8pm at The Body Shop, 703 Box Butte Avenue in Hemingford. Everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to vote on what they want to see the Hemingford Community Foundation invest some of their important funds in for a community project! Tickets can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://fb.me/e/4qTJZPNwU" target="_blank">https://fb.me/e/4qTJZPNwU</a>&nbsp;or at Mobius.

If you are interested in contributing to the Foundation, this can be accessed at:

<a href="https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/" target="_blank">https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/</a>. The Foundation board has prioritized the following areas for the next three years:

The board is comprised of Jessica Davies, April Delsing, Joni Jespersen, Tonya Mayer, and Tabi Prochazka. They have been meeting regularly to serve the residents of Hemingford and the surrounding area by identifying and supporting the people, organizations, and projects that make Hemingford a great place to live, learn, work, and play.&nbsp; The Foundation is an affiliate fund of the Oregon Trail Community Foundation.

By Hemingford Community FoundationMembers of the Hemingford Community Foundation presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to the Hemingford Foundation Scholarship committee. The Ray’s daughter, Jodeen Worth, shares why this donation was so important to their family as she was a previous recipient and challenges others to give back:“For me, the scholarship I received was very important to my college journey.&nbsp;I received the Hemingford Foundation Scholarship&nbsp;during my third year of college, at a time when my other scholarships had expired.&nbsp;After college graduation I vowed to give back to the Hemingford Foundation Scholarship.&nbsp;Giving to the fund helps it grow and allows more scholarships to be given to deserving students.&nbsp;As an alumni of Hemingford High School, I am proud of the success of the students that graduate from Hemingford. I challenge former graduates and former scholarship recipients to ‘give back’ to the scholarship fund.”Since the Hemingford Community Foundation established in 2017, it has served as a platform for community giving. The board is committed to ensuring that donations are strategically invested throughout the community, making a visible and impactful difference. Upcoming mini-grants will be available in April that align with the Foundation’s mission of supporting the people, organizations, and projects that make Hemingford a great place to live, learn, work, and play.The Foundation committee has also announced their exciting annual event! A Masquerade Murder Mystery will be held on April 6, starting at 8pm at The Body Shop, 703 Box Butte Avenue in Hemingford. Everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to vote on what they want to see the Hemingford Community Foundation invest some of their important funds in for a community project! Tickets can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://fb.me/e/4qTJZPNwU" target="_blank">https://fb.me/e/4qTJZPNwU</a>&nbsp;or at Mobius.If you are interested in contributing to the Foundation, this can be accessed at:<a href="https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/" target="_blank">https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/</a>. The Foundation board has prioritized the following areas for the next three years:<ul>
 <li>Strategic Giving</li><li>Maximizing 501(c)3 Access</li><li>Community Presence</li><li>Strategic Partnerships</li>
 </ul>The board is comprised of Jessica Davies, April Delsing, Joni Jespersen, Tonya Mayer, and Tabi Prochazka. They have been meeting regularly to serve the residents of Hemingford and the surrounding area by identifying and supporting the people, organizations, and projects that make Hemingford a great place to live, learn, work, and play.&nbsp; The Foundation is an affiliate fund of the Oregon Trail Community Foundation.

Hemingford Foundation Scholarship awarded $10,000 in memory of Charles & Dorothy Ray

The Alliance Community Choir will present the Easter Cantata, “Come Touch the Robe” on Sunday, March 17 at 2pm at the United Methodist Church on Box Butte Avenue in Alliance and also on Wednesday, March 20 at 7pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Emerson Avenue.

The choir is directed by Becky Mitchell and accompanied by Cynthia Horn.Wally Seidler will be the narrator.

Those singing solos or duets are Renee Kollars, Vicki Mentele, Sheena Curtiss, Linda Huckfeldt, Christine Baum and Ann Henderson Weare.

Percussion will be provided by Cheryl Lubash.

There will be a free will offering with music provided by Robbie Cerv.

The Alliance Community Choir will present the Easter Cantata, “Come Touch the Robe” on Sunday, March 17 at 2pm at the United Methodist Church on Box Butte Avenue in Alliance and also on Wednesday, March 20 at 7pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Emerson Avenue.The choir is directed by Becky Mitchell and accompanied by Cynthia Horn.Wally Seidler will be the narrator.Those singing solos or duets are Renee Kollars, Vicki Mentele, Sheena Curtiss, Linda Huckfeldt, Christine Baum and Ann Henderson Weare.Percussion will be provided by Cheryl Lubash.There will be a free will offering with music provided by Robbie Cerv.

Alliance Community Choir to present Cantata on Mar. 17

Agricultural producers and private landowners can sign up for the general Conservation Reserve Program through March 29, 2024.

This conservation opportunity gives producers tools to conserve wildlife habitat while achieving other conservation benefits, including sequestering carbon and improving water quality and soil health.

The competitive program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.

As one of the largest private lands conservation programs in the United States, CRP offers a range of conservation options to farmers, ranchers, and landowners. It has been an especially strong opportunity for farmers with less productive or marginal cropland, helping them re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and support wildlife habitat.

General CRP helps producers and landowners establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Additionally, General CRP includes a Climate-Smart Practice Incentive to help increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping producers and landowners establish trees and permanent grasses, enhance wildlife habitat, and restore wetlands.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recognizes the importance of CRP for wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. When managed appropriately, CRP provides cover for pheasants, quail, and other grassland species. Additional incentives through the Berggren Pheasant Plan or Open Fields and Waters Program may be available to CRP participants who are interested in going above and beyond minimum CRP requirements or providing public hunting access.

Read more about the Berggren Pheasant Plan or Open Fields and Waters Program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMwNi45MTM5ODg3MSJ9.lr30pXfI1upanMcy01Pp65Gg5kILYtYQU3LCZT8Iyvg/s/497221906/br/238340316188-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

To learn more about CRP, interested landowners and producers should contact their local USDA Service Center, where they can apply for the program before applicable deadlines.

By Nebraska Game &amp; ParksAgricultural producers and private landowners can sign up for the general Conservation Reserve Program through March 29, 2024.This conservation opportunity gives producers tools to conserve wildlife habitat while achieving other conservation benefits, including sequestering carbon and improving water quality and soil health.The competitive program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.As one of the largest private lands conservation programs in the United States, CRP offers a range of conservation options to farmers, ranchers, and landowners. It has been an especially strong opportunity for farmers with less productive or marginal cropland, helping them re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and support wildlife habitat.General CRP helps producers and landowners establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Additionally, General CRP includes a Climate-Smart Practice Incentive to help increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping producers and landowners establish trees and permanent grasses, enhance wildlife habitat, and restore wetlands.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recognizes the importance of CRP for wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. When managed appropriately, CRP provides cover for pheasants, quail, and other grassland species. Additional incentives through the Berggren Pheasant Plan or Open Fields and Waters Program may be available to CRP participants who are interested in going above and beyond minimum CRP requirements or providing public hunting access.Read more about the Berggren Pheasant Plan or Open Fields and Waters Program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMwNi45MTM5ODg3MSJ9.lr30pXfI1upanMcy01Pp65Gg5kILYtYQU3LCZT8Iyvg/s/497221906/br/238340316188-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.To learn more about CRP, interested landowners and producers should contact their local USDA Service Center, where they can apply for the program before applicable deadlines.

CRP Sign-up for Ag Producers and landowners runs through March

Dustin Clapp is North Platte Community College’s Business Student of the Month for March.

Clapp is a nontraditional student. He graduated from Arthur County High School in 2007 and is currently studying business administration at NPCC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709812829529.jpeg" alt="Dustin Clapp (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dustin Clapp (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Heather JohnsonNPCCDustin Clapp is North Platte Community College’s Business Student of the Month for March.Clapp is a nontraditional student. He graduated from Arthur County High School in 2007 and is currently studying business administration at NPCC.He selected NPCC because of the flexibility it allows. Clapp can take classes online or in-person, whichever he prefers.“The faculty at NPCC has been wonderful,” Clapp said. “I feel like all of my instructors are just as invested in my success as I am.”Business Instructor Angie Chittick nominated Clapp for the Student of the Month recognition. She has taught him in several classes.“I still remember Dustin’s first class,” Chittick said. “You could visibly see his nervousness. As Dustin settled into his first semester, he not only excelled academically but also gained self-confidence. Over the past year, Dustin’s character and strong work ethic have been exemplary. The compassion and assistance that he shows to students who are struggling is remarkable. Dustin goes out of his way to help others. There is no doubt that he will have a very successful and rewarding future.”Clapp’s most memorable moment at NPCC thus far has been qualifying for the Dean’s List.He’s a member of the college’s National Society of Leadership and Success organization, and when not focusing on academics, Clapp can be found building and repairing computers.He’s currently on track to graduate in the spring of 2025, after which, he’s considering opening a diesel repair shop.

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