Dec. 21, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;— The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is excited to announce winners of its third annual “Name A Snowplow” contest. This contest strives to bring awareness about winter weather preparedness and safety to Nebraska’s elementary school students. This year, NDOT received over 1,100 submissions from across the state, a new record for the contest.

NDOT’s district teammates visited the winning schools across the state to congratulate the winning students in person. All students were able to see the newly named snowplows and ask NDOT snowfighters questions about plows and snow removal.

“Getting the opportunity to engage with kids – Nebraska’s next generation of drivers – is a chance for us to bring safety directly to the schools. It was also a great learning moment to share information about

all the hard work that goes into keeping our roads safe in winter driving conditions,” stated NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. NDOT uses its fleet of more than 600 snowplows to keep drivers safe in winter weather, which are ready to go, complete with full liquid tanks and more than 200,000 tons of salt to clear Nebraska’s roads. As winter approaches, if you need to travel be sure to track the newly named snowplows and past winners in real time on&nbsp;<a href="http://511.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">511.nebraska.gov</a>. Video and photos from the events are available here:&nbsp;<a href="https://ndot.info/snowplow" target="_blank">ndot.info/snowplow</a>.

Here are the schools with winning snowplow names and the districts to which they will be assigned:

Dec. 21, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;— The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is excited to announce winners of its third annual “Name A Snowplow” contest. This contest strives to bring awareness about winter weather preparedness and safety to Nebraska’s elementary school students. This year, NDOT received over 1,100 submissions from across the state, a new record for the contest.NDOT’s district teammates visited the winning schools across the state to congratulate the winning students in person. All students were able to see the newly named snowplows and ask NDOT snowfighters questions about plows and snow removal.“Getting the opportunity to engage with kids – Nebraska’s next generation of drivers – is a chance for us to bring safety directly to the schools. It was also a great learning moment to share information aboutall the hard work that goes into keeping our roads safe in winter driving conditions,” stated NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. NDOT uses its fleet of more than 600 snowplows to keep drivers safe in winter weather, which are ready to go, complete with full liquid tanks and more than 200,000 tons of salt to clear Nebraska’s roads. As winter approaches, if you need to travel be sure to track the newly named snowplows and past winners in real time on&nbsp;<a href="http://511.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">511.nebraska.gov</a>. Video and photos from the events are available here:&nbsp;<a href="https://ndot.info/snowplow" target="_blank">ndot.info/snowplow</a>.Here are the schools with winning snowplow names and the districts to which they will be assigned:Snowplow NameDistrictSchoolThunder Plow1Johnson County Central SchoolA Little Pushy1South Elementary School (Falls City)Frostisaurus Rex2Blumfield Elementary (Omaha)Scoopy Doo2Blumfield Elementary (Omaha)Scoop There It Is!3Battle Creek ElementarySnow Warrior3Richland ElementaryThe Banana Scooper4Northeast ElementaryFast and the Flurryous4Ravenna ElementarySnow Slayer5Crawford Public SchoolsPrincess Plow5Gordon-Rushville ElementaryBaby Snoda6Hershey Public SchoolChips &amp; Salt-sa6Thedford ElementaryAbominable Snow Monster7Hitchcock County Elementary‘Snow’ More Math7Maywood Public SchoolsSlush Sleigher8Keya Paha County SchoolMeowcicles8Valentine Elementary School

NDOT Reveals Winners of Third Annual “Name A Snowplow” Contest

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

The 2023 Lakota Nation Invitational Business Competition was held recently, and three Alliance High School student excelled at the competition.

There were three students who placed at the competitive event, and they are as follows:

Tasena Brunette, 3rd place in the Junior Division

Payton Littlehoop, 2nd place in the Sophomore Division

Tre Red Bear, 3rd place in the Sophomore Division

This was the first time that Alliance participated in prestigious tournament, one that started 46 years ago.

Editor's Note: Information from this story is courtesy of Edison Red Nest

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe 2023 Lakota Nation Invitational Business Competition was held recently, and three Alliance High School student excelled at the competition.There were three students who placed at the competitive event, and they are as follows:Tasena Brunette, 3rd place in the Junior DivisionPayton Littlehoop, 2nd place in the Sophomore DivisionTre Red Bear, 3rd place in the Sophomore DivisionThis was the first time that Alliance participated in prestigious tournament, one that started 46 years ago.Editor's Note: Information from this story is courtesy of Edison Red Nest

Alliance students excel in recent Lakota Nation business competition

Alliance girls' and boys' basketball hits the road tonight (Thursday) to Burns Wyoming to take on Broncs with coverage on KCOW.

The girls game features two teams with similar records, as Alliance comes in with a 3-4 record after a competitive loss to 8-1 Bayard on Tuesday. Burns won their first four games of the season before dropping their last three games to fall to 4-3.

In the boy's game, Alliance is coming off of their most complete game of the season in their 77-38 win over Bayard and are looking to carry that into the game against Burns. Alliance is 2-5 on the season while Burns is 1-6.

Coverage is set to begin between 5:30 and 5:45 on KCOW 92.5 and 1400, and also online at panhandlepost.com or kcowradio.com.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostAlliance girls' and boys' basketball hits the road tonight (Thursday) to Burns Wyoming to take on Broncs with coverage on KCOW.The girls game features two teams with similar records, as Alliance comes in with a 3-4 record after a competitive loss to 8-1 Bayard on Tuesday. Burns won their first four games of the season before dropping their last three games to fall to 4-3.In the boy's game, Alliance is coming off of their most complete game of the season in their 77-38 win over Bayard and are looking to carry that into the game against Burns. Alliance is 2-5 on the season while Burns is 1-6.Coverage is set to begin between 5:30 and 5:45 on KCOW 92.5 and 1400, and also online at panhandlepost.com or kcowradio.com.

Alliance travels to Burns WY for basketball doubleheader

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/21/proponents-of-providing-medigap-coverage-for-those-under-65-with-disabilities-will-try-again/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN— Seven years ago, Shawna Thompson, a registered nurse, was a passenger in an ambulance that veered off an Interstate highway when the driver fell asleep.

&nbsp;Thompson, who lives in North Platte, suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash.

&nbsp;Since then, the 58-year-old has gone from taking four pills a day to 20 to deal with her foggy brain and inability, at times, to verbalize what she wants to say.

“I still cannot add two and two together without using my fingers,” Thompson said. “I look completely normal. But when I walk, I get really nervous. I have a real problem talking.”

But what has happened since infuriates Thompson.

Because she is younger than 65, she cannot obtain the “supplemental” insurance offered to Medicare patients, so-called medigap insurance that is commonly purchased by those of retirement age or older.

Because a workers compensation settlement fell far short of paying her expenses for doctors’ visits in Denver and the deluge of pills she must take, and because she cannot buy medigap coverage, Thompson and her husband are on the hook for $13,000 in additional medical expenses each year.

It’s forced her husband, Dennis, the fire chief in North Platte, to put off his retirement in order the pay the bills.

It’s also prompted Thompson to join another North Platte couple in asking the Nebraska Legislature to change state law, to allow those under 65 who have disabilities to buy medigap policies to cover expenses not covered by regular Medicare.

All but 14 states currently allow some form of medigap coverage to be purchased by those under 65 on disability.

&nbsp;“If we could get medigap coverage to cover my meds, we wouldn’t have had pay $13,000,” she said.

Thompson said sarcastically that when she inquired with insurance agents about purchasing supplemental insurance to cover drug costs, “they just laughed at me.”

“You’re under 65. You’re on your own to pay for that,” she said she was told.

This is the second time there’s been an attempt to require insurance companies in Nebraska to provide medigap insurance to those under 65.

In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/28/couple-urges-closing-gap-in-medicare-coverage-for-the-disabled/">a bill introduced at the urging of another North Platte couple,</a>&nbsp;Steve and Jean Kay, failed to advance due to opposition by the insurance industry, which argues that adding such high-cost disabled people to the insurance rolls would increase costs for others.

“When you put more unhealthy or costly people into the Medicare population, the premiums have to go up,” said Robert Bell, executive director of the Nebraska Insurance Federation.

That, he said, adds to the cost of Medicare supplements, which are passed on as higher rates for seniors.&nbsp;

“We don’t feel they should have to subsidize the costs of the under 65 population,” Bell said.

He cited one disability as particularly expensive:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/10/new-bill-offers-hope-for-nebraskans-with-kidney-disease-struggling-to-afford-coverage/">end-stage renal disease, or ESRD</a>, when a person has permanent kidney failure, requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.

The costs for such patients is six times higher than other seniors, Bell said, citing a study by the MedPAC, a nonpartisan independent advisor to the government on the Medicare program.

Medigap plans allowed in other states for those under 65 vary widely, he said. Some exclude medigap coverage for ESRD, because it is so costly, while others allow coverage but at higher rates that are capped, providing some savings.

State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, who introduced a bill to allow medigap policies for people under 65, said he continues to meet with the insurance lobby to see if some middle ground can be found on his legislation.

“It’s a delicate balance,” Jacobson said.

The senator said he wants to get something passed during the 2024 session, “if we can get over that hurdle (of cost).”

Steve Kay, who had to take a job in North Dakota to provide health affordable care coverage for his wife, Jean, who has multiple sclerosis, has looked into how many people such a medigap bill might help.

Using Medicare enrollment figures for those under 65 and discounting those low-income persons who get Medicaid coverage, Kay projected that a medigap law would help 17,377 Nebraskans obtain insurance coverage, less that 5% of that population. Only 496 Nebraskans with ESRD are among that group.

Kay, a retired lawyer, said the medigap problem has gone away for his family because his wife has reached age 65 and can purchase supplemental insurance. But, he said, it’s time to “close the gap” for others.

&nbsp;“It’s bad enough to face the disability, but to also have the financial stress, it can be too much,” Steve Kay said.

For now, the insurance industry in Nebraska, Bell said, recommends that disabled persons under 65 who need insurance should look into a Medicare “Advantage” plan, a type of managed care offered through private insurance.

But Kay and Thompson said that in central Nebraska and rural areas, it’s hard to find providers who handle Advantage cases.

&nbsp;Thompson said she would never have had to go onto Social Security disability or be on Medicare “or worry about the gap” if medicap plans were permitted for those under 65 in Nebraska.

&nbsp;“I’m lucky my spouse still works,” she said. “Our plan was he would retire at 60 and we would travel. But he will have to work another 10 years.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703170964899.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/21/proponents-of-providing-medigap-coverage-for-those-under-65-with-disabilities-will-try-again/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN— Seven years ago, Shawna Thompson, a registered nurse, was a passenger in an ambulance that veered off an Interstate highway when the driver fell asleep.&nbsp;Thompson, who lives in North Platte, suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash.&nbsp;Since then, the 58-year-old has gone from taking four pills a day to 20 to deal with her foggy brain and inability, at times, to verbalize what she wants to say.<h2>Can’t add without using fingers</h2>“I still cannot add two and two together without using my fingers,” Thompson said. “I look completely normal. But when I walk, I get really nervous. I have a real problem talking.”But what has happened since infuriates Thompson.Because she is younger than 65, she cannot obtain the “supplemental” insurance offered to Medicare patients, so-called medigap insurance that is commonly purchased by those of retirement age or older.Because a workers compensation settlement fell far short of paying her expenses for doctors’ visits in Denver and the deluge of pills she must take, and because she cannot buy medigap coverage, Thompson and her husband are on the hook for $13,000 in additional medical expenses each year.It’s forced her husband, Dennis, the fire chief in North Platte, to put off his retirement in order the pay the bills.<h2>All but 14 states allow medigap coverage</h2>It’s also prompted Thompson to join another North Platte couple in asking the Nebraska Legislature to change state law, to allow those under 65 who have disabilities to buy medigap policies to cover expenses not covered by regular Medicare.All but 14 states currently allow some form of medigap coverage to be purchased by those under 65 on disability.&nbsp;“If we could get medigap coverage to cover my meds, we wouldn’t have had pay $13,000,” she said.Thompson said sarcastically that when she inquired with insurance agents about purchasing supplemental insurance to cover drug costs, “they just laughed at me.”<h2>‘You’re on your own’</h2>“You’re under 65. You’re on your own to pay for that,” she said she was told.This is the second time there’s been an attempt to require insurance companies in Nebraska to provide medigap insurance to those under 65.In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/28/couple-urges-closing-gap-in-medicare-coverage-for-the-disabled/">a bill introduced at the urging of another North Platte couple,</a>&nbsp;Steve and Jean Kay, failed to advance due to opposition by the insurance industry, which argues that adding such high-cost disabled people to the insurance rolls would increase costs for others.“When you put more unhealthy or costly people into the Medicare population, the premiums have to go up,” said Robert Bell, executive director of the Nebraska Insurance Federation.That, he said, adds to the cost of Medicare supplements, which are passed on as higher rates for seniors.&nbsp;“We don’t feel they should have to subsidize the costs of the under 65 population,” Bell said.<h2>Costs would be shifted to others</h2>He cited one disability as particularly expensive:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/10/new-bill-offers-hope-for-nebraskans-with-kidney-disease-struggling-to-afford-coverage/">end-stage renal disease, or ESRD</a>, when a person has permanent kidney failure, requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.The costs for such patients is six times higher than other seniors, Bell said, citing a study by the MedPAC, a nonpartisan independent advisor to the government on the Medicare program.Medigap plans allowed in other states for those under 65 vary widely, he said. Some exclude medigap coverage for ESRD, because it is so costly, while others allow coverage but at higher rates that are capped, providing some savings.State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, who introduced a bill to allow medigap policies for people under 65, said he continues to meet with the insurance lobby to see if some middle ground can be found on his legislation.“It’s a delicate balance,” Jacobson said.The senator said he wants to get something passed during the 2024 session, “if we can get over that hurdle (of cost).”Steve Kay, who had to take a job in North Dakota to provide health affordable care coverage for his wife, Jean, who has multiple sclerosis, has looked into how many people such a medigap bill might help.Using Medicare enrollment figures for those under 65 and discounting those low-income persons who get Medicaid coverage, Kay projected that a medigap law would help 17,377 Nebraskans obtain insurance coverage, less that 5% of that population. Only 496 Nebraskans with ESRD are among that group.<h2>Time to ‘close the gap’</h2>Kay, a retired lawyer, said the medigap problem has gone away for his family because his wife has reached age 65 and can purchase supplemental insurance. But, he said, it’s time to “close the gap” for others.&nbsp;“It’s bad enough to face the disability, but to also have the financial stress, it can be too much,” Steve Kay said.For now, the insurance industry in Nebraska, Bell said, recommends that disabled persons under 65 who need insurance should look into a Medicare “Advantage” plan, a type of managed care offered through private insurance.But Kay and Thompson said that in central Nebraska and rural areas, it’s hard to find providers who handle Advantage cases.&nbsp;Thompson said she would never have had to go onto Social Security disability or be on Medicare “or worry about the gap” if medicap plans were permitted for those under 65 in Nebraska.&nbsp;“I’m lucky my spouse still works,” she said. “Our plan was he would retire at 60 and we would travel. But he will have to work another 10 years.”

Proponents of providing medigap coverage for those under 65 with disabilities will try again

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/20/gov-pillen-decides-ne-wont-opt-into-new-18-million-child-nutrition-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration has decided that Nebraska won’t be participating in a new national child nutrition program that could have delivered an estimated $18 million in grocery-buying benefits next summer to kids and their families.

The decision comes despite a monthslong effort by food banks and other advocates to persuade the governor to opt into the Summer EBT program.

States across the nation face a Jan. 1 deadline to let the federal government know if they intend to be part of the summer electronic benefits transfer program.

Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple, responding to a query from the Nebraska Examiner, said free meals continue to be available to youths during the summer through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and summer camp programs, schools and community centers.&nbsp;

“In addition to in-person meals, those locations offer recreational, educational and other enrichment opportunities, as well as resources, that are of added benefit to kids and important for their development,” Strimple said.

Nebraska Appleseed and area food banks were among groups urging Pillen to opt into the program. Eric Savaiano, Appleseed’s food and nutrition access manager, said the nonprofit was “deeply disappointed” and found the governor’s decision “difficult to understand.”

“Come summer, we know that more families will struggle with food insecurity because of this decision,” Savaiano said.&nbsp;

Appleseed estimated that 150,000 Nebraska kids would have benefited next summer if the state had opted into the new program. Modeled after pilot projects and a nationwide pandemic-era initiative that’s now ended, Congress authorized the more permanent summer program through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

The program offers an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to children whose household income makes them eligible for free and reduced school lunches during the school year. Each of those Nebraska youths would have received a card loaded with $120 to help buy food during months that school is out.

Based on Nebraska’s participation in the pandemic program, Appleseed’s review showed that Nebraska would have to pay up to $300,000 annually to administer the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/implementation-toolkit">Summer EBT program,</a>&nbsp;which was a change from the pandemic-era program, where the federal government paid all administrative costs. States would be tasked with outreach efforts and would facilitate collaboration among involved agencies.

Said Savaiano: “If it’s a money issue, how can spending a mere $300,000 in state funds for administrative costs and receiving $18 million — a 60-fold return on investment — not make financial sense?”

He added, “If it’s an ideological issue, how can deciding that economically disadvantaged children are better off going hungry make moral sense?”

A group of 15 state senators, upon learning of the decision, sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services asking the administration to rethink the situation. The letter said that while the governor has the final say, DHHS and the Department of Education “also have decision-making power on this matter.”

“So many Nebraskans are struggling with the cost of living right now and, as a result, people are growing hungry,” said Sen. Jen Day of Gretna, who led the letter-writing effort. “Opting into this program is imperative and not doing so is a huge moral and economic failure.”

In addition to Day, those signing the letter: Sens. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, Jana Huges of Seward, Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, John Cavanaugh of Omaha, Megan Hunt of Omaha, Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, Tony Vargas of Omaha, Terrell McKinney of Omaha, George Dungan of Lincoln, Jane Raybould of Lincoln, John Fredrickson of Omaha, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Lynne Walz of Fremont, Carol Blood of Bellevue.

The funding for the program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture is intended to supplement, not replace, existing programs that help families, including summer meal sites and the year-round SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

According to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees such nutrition programs, more than 29 million children across America could benefit from the 2024 Summer EBT program.

Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/20/gov-pillen-decides-ne-wont-opt-into-new-18-million-child-nutrition-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration has decided that Nebraska won’t be participating in a new national child nutrition program that could have delivered an estimated $18 million in grocery-buying benefits next summer to kids and their families.The decision comes despite a monthslong effort by food banks and other advocates to persuade the governor to opt into the Summer EBT program.States across the nation face a Jan. 1 deadline to let the federal government know if they intend to be part of the summer electronic benefits transfer program.Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple, responding to a query from the Nebraska Examiner, said free meals continue to be available to youths during the summer through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and summer camp programs, schools and community centers.&nbsp;“In addition to in-person meals, those locations offer recreational, educational and other enrichment opportunities, as well as resources, that are of added benefit to kids and important for their development,” Strimple said.She offered no additional explanation.Nebraska Appleseed and area food banks were among groups urging Pillen to opt into the program. Eric Savaiano, Appleseed’s food and nutrition access manager, said the nonprofit was “deeply disappointed” and found the governor’s decision “difficult to understand.”“Come summer, we know that more families will struggle with food insecurity because of this decision,” Savaiano said.&nbsp;Appleseed estimated that 150,000 Nebraska kids would have benefited next summer if the state had opted into the new program. Modeled after pilot projects and a nationwide pandemic-era initiative that’s now ended, Congress authorized the more permanent summer program through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.The program offers an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to children whose household income makes them eligible for free and reduced school lunches during the school year. Each of those Nebraska youths would have received a card loaded with $120 to help buy food during months that school is out.Based on Nebraska’s participation in the pandemic program, Appleseed’s review showed that Nebraska would have to pay up to $300,000 annually to administer the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/implementation-toolkit">Summer EBT program,</a>&nbsp;which was a change from the pandemic-era program, where the federal government paid all administrative costs. States would be tasked with outreach efforts and would facilitate collaboration among involved agencies.Said Savaiano: “If it’s a money issue, how can spending a mere $300,000 in state funds for administrative costs and receiving $18 million — a 60-fold return on investment — not make financial sense?”He added, “If it’s an ideological issue, how can deciding that economically disadvantaged children are better off going hungry make moral sense?”A group of 15 state senators, upon learning of the decision, sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services asking the administration to rethink the situation. The letter said that while the governor has the final say, DHHS and the Department of Education “also have decision-making power on this matter.”“So many Nebraskans are struggling with the cost of living right now and, as a result, people are growing hungry,” said Sen. Jen Day of Gretna, who led the letter-writing effort. “Opting into this program is imperative and not doing so is a huge moral and economic failure.”In addition to Day, those signing the letter: Sens. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, Jana Huges of Seward, Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, John Cavanaugh of Omaha, Megan Hunt of Omaha, Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, Tony Vargas of Omaha, Terrell McKinney of Omaha, George Dungan of Lincoln, Jane Raybould of Lincoln, John Fredrickson of Omaha, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Lynne Walz of Fremont, Carol Blood of Bellevue.The funding for the program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture is intended to supplement, not replace, existing programs that help families, including summer meal sites and the year-round SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).According to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees such nutrition programs, more than 29 million children across America could benefit from the 2024 Summer EBT program.

Gov. Pillen decides NE won’t opt into new $18 million child nutrition program

&nbsp;By Deborah Van Fleet Nebraska News Connection

&nbsp; With holiday shopping and year-end giving in full swing, some scammers are ramping up their efforts as well. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/work-finances-retirement/fraud-consumer-protection/fraud-awareness-older-adults/" target="_blank">recent survey</a>&nbsp;from AARP, nearly 40% of those who had purchased from an online ad had experienced fraud, and more than 50% reported receiving a false package notification. Todd Stubbendieck, state director of AARP Nebraska, said during the season of giving, many scammers attempt to take advantage of people's generosity.

He encouraged people to confirm the authenticity of groups appealing for money. "We just caution people to take a minute to do a little research," Stubbendieck explained. "There are some great websites out there:&nbsp;<a href="https://give.org/" target="_blank">Give.org</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank">CharityNavigator.org</a>, where you can make sure that charity is legitimate."AARP Nebraska recommended families talk about fraud and steps to guard against it, including using strong, unique passwords and establishing a security question, story, or phrase which only family members know.

The organization also pointed out criminals can now use artificial intelligence to make extremely convincing pleas for money. Stubbendieck cautioned against underestimating the sophistication of scammers. He noted they can pose as a family member in trouble."We've heard instances of going on people's Facebook pages and seeing that a grandchild happens to be out of the country and using that information to try to scam money out of people," Stubbendieck observed. Stubbendieck added acknowledging how convincing some scammers are can reduce the shame victims of fraud tend to feel."On any given day, any of us could fall victim to one of these very sophisticated criminals," Stubbendieck warned. 

"By us shaming people, it actually makes it harder to fight it because people are less likely to report it and let people know what's going on."AARP's searchable&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam tracking map</a>&nbsp;currently has more than 46,000 active scam reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;By Deborah Van Fleet Nebraska News Connection&nbsp; With holiday shopping and year-end giving in full swing, some scammers are ramping up their efforts as well. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/work-finances-retirement/fraud-consumer-protection/fraud-awareness-older-adults/" target="_blank">recent survey</a>&nbsp;from AARP, nearly 40% of those who had purchased from an online ad had experienced fraud, and more than 50% reported receiving a false package notification. Todd Stubbendieck, state director of AARP Nebraska, said during the season of giving, many scammers attempt to take advantage of people's generosity. He encouraged people to confirm the authenticity of groups appealing for money. "We just caution people to take a minute to do a little research," Stubbendieck explained. "There are some great websites out there:&nbsp;<a href="https://give.org/" target="_blank">Give.org</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank">CharityNavigator.org</a>, where you can make sure that charity is legitimate."AARP Nebraska recommended families talk about fraud and steps to guard against it, including using strong, unique passwords and establishing a security question, story, or phrase which only family members know. The organization also pointed out criminals can now use artificial intelligence to make extremely convincing pleas for money. Stubbendieck cautioned against underestimating the sophistication of scammers. He noted they can pose as a family member in trouble."We've heard instances of going on people's Facebook pages and seeing that a grandchild happens to be out of the country and using that information to try to scam money out of people," Stubbendieck observed. Stubbendieck added acknowledging how convincing some scammers are can reduce the shame victims of fraud tend to feel."On any given day, any of us could fall victim to one of these very sophisticated criminals," Stubbendieck warned. "By us shaming people, it actually makes it harder to fight it because people are less likely to report it and let people know what's going on."AARP's searchable&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam tracking map</a>&nbsp;currently has more than 46,000 active scam reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AARP to Nebraska families: Let's talk about fraud

&nbsp;By Chabella Guzman, communications specialist Panhandle Extension &amp; Outreach Center

The 2024 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics will kick off on Wednesday, Jan. 3, in Gering and head east across the state. Session topics will include crop production, insect management, pesticide safety, disease management, soil fertility, water management, weed management, and pesticide applicator recertification training will be available.

The day-long event will present research updates and information tailored to regional crop issues and grower interests. In the Panhandle and other areas, weed management of Palmer Amaranth is a major issue.&nbsp;

“I’ll be presenting data on comparing corn programs, which allows rotation to dry beans and sugar beets. Some of the crops sometimes limit what we can apply in our corn the previous year,” said Nevin Lawrence, Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist. “So, we’ll be comparing products, which have great flexibility in rotation for palmer amaranth management.”&nbsp;

The clinic will also offer Pesticide Applicator Recertification, where applicators can renew their license.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Crop Production Clinic will be held on Jan. 3 at the Gering Civic Center. A lunch will be served. To learn more about all the clinics held this month or to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc" target="_blank">https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

8 to 8:50 a.m. - Registration and check-in

8:50 - 9 a.m. - Welcome and introduction&nbsp;

Room One - Pest Management and Pesticide Safety

9 - 9:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Insect Management

Status, Needs, Opportunities for Managing with the Wheat Stem Sawfly – Jeff Bradshaw

Ladybugs, worms, and Other Ways to Help Manage Challenging Pests of Corn – Julie Peterson

10 - 10:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Disease Management&nbsp;

Specialty Crops and Panhandle Corn and Wheat Diseases Update – Bob Harveson

Corn Disease Update - Tamra Jackson – Ziems

11 - 11:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Weed Management

Managing Palmer amaranth in the Panhandle – Nevin Lawrence

12:30 - 1:40 p.m. -&nbsp;Pesticide and Environmental Safety

Pesticides: Human Health, the Environment, and the Law – Jennifer Weisbrod, Frank Bright, and Greg Puckett

1:50 - 3:30 p.m. -&nbsp;&nbsp;What’s New in Plant Protection&nbsp;

What’s New and Critical Issues in Plant Pathology: Consequences of Inaccurate Diagnoses – Kyle Broderick

What’s New in Entomology? – Julie Peterson and Pin-Chu Lai

50 Years of Ecofallow, Weed and Crop Residue Management are the Keys to this Cropping System – Bob Klein

3:30 p.m. - Survey and Pesticide License Recertification

Room Two - Crop, Economics Soil and Water Management&nbsp;

9 - 9:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Cropping Systems

Impacts of 40 Years of Continuous Tillage on Soil Parameters and Yield – Cody Creech

Long-Term Impacts of Fallow Replacement in Winter Wheat Yield in Western Nebraska – Amanda Easterly

10 - 10:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Soil Health

Cover Crops for Healthy Soils: Lessons from Spring-Planted Cover Crops in Western Nebraska (2022-2023) – Vesh Thapa

Are You Ready to Fly Your Drone Legally? – Dirk Charlson

12:30 - 1:40 p.m. -&nbsp;Agribusiness Management&nbsp;

Farm Bill Outlook: Prospects and Future Decisions – Jessica Groskopf&nbsp;

Cost of Production, Trends &amp; Outlook for 2023 – Jessica Groskopf

1:50 - 3:30 p.m. -&nbsp;Water Management and Nutrient Management&nbsp;

A Year-round Approach to Water and Nitrogen Management (From Harvest to Harvest) – Chuck Burr, Xin Qiao, Gary Stone

&nbsp;By Chabella Guzman, communications specialist Panhandle Extension &amp; Outreach Center<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703104778518.jpeg" alt="During the 2023 Weed Tour at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center, a man walks a weedy sugar beet crop where research is being done. Photo by Chabella Guzman" />
 <figcaption>During the 2023 Weed Tour at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center, a man walks a weedy sugar beet crop where research is being done. Photo by Chabella Guzman</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2024 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics will kick off on Wednesday, Jan. 3, in Gering and head east across the state. Session topics will include crop production, insect management, pesticide safety, disease management, soil fertility, water management, weed management, and pesticide applicator recertification training will be available.The day-long event will present research updates and information tailored to regional crop issues and grower interests. In the Panhandle and other areas, weed management of Palmer Amaranth is a major issue.&nbsp;“I’ll be presenting data on comparing corn programs, which allows rotation to dry beans and sugar beets. Some of the crops sometimes limit what we can apply in our corn the previous year,” said Nevin Lawrence, Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist. “So, we’ll be comparing products, which have great flexibility in rotation for palmer amaranth management.”&nbsp;The clinic will also offer Pesticide Applicator Recertification, where applicators can renew their license.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Crop Production Clinic will be held on Jan. 3 at the Gering Civic Center. A lunch will be served. To learn more about all the clinics held this month or to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc" target="_blank">https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Crop Clinic Agenda8 to 8:50 a.m. - Registration and check-in8:50 - 9 a.m. - Welcome and introduction&nbsp;Room One - Pest Management and Pesticide Safety9 - 9:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Insect ManagementStatus, Needs, Opportunities for Managing with the Wheat Stem Sawfly – Jeff BradshawLadybugs, worms, and Other Ways to Help Manage Challenging Pests of Corn – Julie Peterson10 - 10:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Disease Management&nbsp;Specialty Crops and Panhandle Corn and Wheat Diseases Update – Bob HarvesonCorn Disease Update - Tamra Jackson – ZiemsWheat Disease Update – Stephen Wegulo11 - 11:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Weed ManagementManaging Palmer amaranth in the Panhandle – Nevin Lawrence12:30 - 1:40 p.m. -&nbsp;Pesticide and Environmental SafetyPesticides: Human Health, the Environment, and the Law – Jennifer Weisbrod, Frank Bright, and Greg Puckett1:50 - 3:30 p.m. -&nbsp;&nbsp;What’s New in Plant Protection&nbsp;What’s New and Critical Issues in Plant Pathology: Consequences of Inaccurate Diagnoses – Kyle BroderickWhat’s New in Entomology? – Julie Peterson and Pin-Chu Lai50 Years of Ecofallow, Weed and Crop Residue Management are the Keys to this Cropping System – Bob Klein3:30 p.m. - Survey and Pesticide License RecertificationRoom Two - Crop, Economics Soil and Water Management&nbsp;9 - 9:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Cropping SystemsImpacts of 40 Years of Continuous Tillage on Soil Parameters and Yield – Cody CreechLong-Term Impacts of Fallow Replacement in Winter Wheat Yield in Western Nebraska – Amanda Easterly10 - 10:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Soil HealthCover Crops for Healthy Soils: Lessons from Spring-Planted Cover Crops in Western Nebraska (2022-2023) – Vesh Thapa11 - 11:50 a.m. -&nbsp;Digital AgAre You Ready to Fly Your Drone Legally? – Dirk Charlson12:30 - 1:40 p.m. -&nbsp;Agribusiness Management&nbsp;Farm Bill Outlook: Prospects and Future Decisions – Jessica Groskopf&nbsp;Cost of Production, Trends &amp; Outlook for 2023 – Jessica Groskopf1:50 - 3:30 p.m. -&nbsp;Water Management and Nutrient Management&nbsp;A Year-round Approach to Water and Nitrogen Management (From Harvest to Harvest) – Chuck Burr, Xin Qiao, Gary Stone3:30 p.m. - Survey and CCA credit

Nebraska Crop Production Clinics scheduled in January 

POST PODCAST: UNWNRD

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 12/20/23

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

The Alliance girls' and boys' basketball teams went to Bayard on Tuesday night and Bayard won the girls game 39-29 while Alliance won 77-38 in the boy contest.

The Lady Bulldogs started the game strong against Bayard using their defense to take an early 10-8 lead, then 17-15 at halftime. Bayard tied the game going into the 3rd quarter at 27-7 before outscoring Alliance 10-2 in the final quarter.&nbsp;

Macey Seebohm had a team high 14 points for the Bulldogs, Cierra "Cici" Hudson had seven while Jaelynne Clarke had five and Addi Weber had three.

Alliance fell to 3-4 on the season while Bayard improved to 8-1.

On the boy's side Alliance used defense to score in transition at will on the Tigers in their 77-38 win and had four players score in double-figures in Espen Lanik with 19, Seth Meyring with 15 and Landen Crowe with 10.

The win for the Bulldogs was their first at an away gym this season to improve to 2-5 on the season. Bayard falls to 2-7.

Alliance girls and boys' basketball travels to Burns WY with coverage on KCOW starting at around 5:45.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post The Alliance girls' and boys' basketball teams went to Bayard on Tuesday night and Bayard won the girls game 39-29 while Alliance won 77-38 in the boy contest.The Lady Bulldogs started the game strong against Bayard using their defense to take an early 10-8 lead, then 17-15 at halftime. Bayard tied the game going into the 3rd quarter at 27-7 before outscoring Alliance 10-2 in the final quarter.&nbsp;Macey Seebohm had a team high 14 points for the Bulldogs, Cierra "Cici" Hudson had seven while Jaelynne Clarke had five and Addi Weber had three.Alliance fell to 3-4 on the season while Bayard improved to 8-1.On the boy's side Alliance used defense to score in transition at will on the Tigers in their 77-38 win and had four players score in double-figures in Espen Lanik with 19, Seth Meyring with 15 and Landen Crowe with 10.The win for the Bulldogs was their first at an away gym this season to improve to 2-5 on the season. Bayard falls to 2-7.Alliance girls and boys' basketball travels to Burns WY with coverage on KCOW starting at around 5:45.

Alliance basketball splits doubleheader with Bayard

Happy Holidays from Dean Larry Gossen,&nbsp; Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Starting in November, through the Thanksgiving season, and all the way through the end of the calendar year, I just love the atmosphere, the attitudes, and the opportunities to show our gratitude.

Regardless of which holiday you observe during the season, one thing they all have in common is a focus on gifts, family, friends, and celebrations. I, for one, celebrate Christmas, but I have friends who celebrate other holidays during this time.

I love to listen to Christmas music. We used to wait until Thanksgiving before we pulled out the box of CDs (yes, I’m still pretty much old school) and started listening to our favorite songs. Now, it seems we start listening earlier and earlier each year. I believe it might have been November 1 when the first “I heard the bells” came wafting from the CD player.

What I find interesting is how everyone’s taste in music differs, even with Christmas music. I recently did an internet search for “100 best Christmas Songs”. I must say I wasn’t too surprised and actually knew a few of the top 10 to 15, but I really hadn’t even heard of most of the songs on that top 100 list. My typical playlist sounds a lot different than that.

Then I searched for “classic Christmas Songs,” and the list became a little more familiar. I guess those are the ones I grew up listening to, and there are fond memories of family gatherings in the living room as we decorated the tree up until we opened the presents.

My next search was for “traditional religious Christmas songs.” This search generated the song list that we would sing in church every Sunday during the Advent season, that time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. These songs were very familiar to me.

This is when I decided that no search would generate a “Larry’s favorites” playlist. As I look through our (several) boxes of Christmas CDs, I see albums from a very eclectic group of artists. From George Strait, Vince Gill, and Alabama, to Bing Crosby and Andy Williams, or Sandi Patty, Pentatonix, Chris Tomlin, or The Martins, my favorites are as varied as ever.

My point is this. I may have my favorites, and you might have a totally different taste in Christmas music, but that’s okay. We can still be friends. We don’t have to see eye-to-eye on our music options. We probably even like different foods, different vehicles, or different types of TV shows or movies.

The same is true in our everyday thoughts, beliefs, or politics. We do not all see things in this world the very same way from the very same perspective. And that’s okay! That’s the great thing about this country – we all have the freedom to be ourselves. And we can still be friends.

During this holiday season, my prayer is that people will just get along, that friends will take care of each other, that neighbors will watch out for their neighbors, that families will hold civil conversations around the dinner table, that drivers will show a little grace when the roads are crowded, and that we can all be thankful for whatever blessings we have.

On behalf of the Gossen family and the entire NCTA community, I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season, Merry Christmas, and a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Happy Holidays from Dean Larry Gossen,&nbsp; Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Starting in November, through the Thanksgiving season, and all the way through the end of the calendar year, I just love the atmosphere, the attitudes, and the opportunities to show our gratitude.Regardless of which holiday you observe during the season, one thing they all have in common is a focus on gifts, family, friends, and celebrations. I, for one, celebrate Christmas, but I have friends who celebrate other holidays during this time.I love to listen to Christmas music. We used to wait until Thanksgiving before we pulled out the box of CDs (yes, I’m still pretty much old school) and started listening to our favorite songs. Now, it seems we start listening earlier and earlier each year. I believe it might have been November 1 when the first “I heard the bells” came wafting from the CD player.What I find interesting is how everyone’s taste in music differs, even with Christmas music. I recently did an internet search for “100 best Christmas Songs”. I must say I wasn’t too surprised and actually knew a few of the top 10 to 15, but I really hadn’t even heard of most of the songs on that top 100 list. My typical playlist sounds a lot different than that.Then I searched for “classic Christmas Songs,” and the list became a little more familiar. I guess those are the ones I grew up listening to, and there are fond memories of family gatherings in the living room as we decorated the tree up until we opened the presents.My next search was for “traditional religious Christmas songs.” This search generated the song list that we would sing in church every Sunday during the Advent season, that time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. These songs were very familiar to me.This is when I decided that no search would generate a “Larry’s favorites” playlist. As I look through our (several) boxes of Christmas CDs, I see albums from a very eclectic group of artists. From George Strait, Vince Gill, and Alabama, to Bing Crosby and Andy Williams, or Sandi Patty, Pentatonix, Chris Tomlin, or The Martins, my favorites are as varied as ever.My point is this. I may have my favorites, and you might have a totally different taste in Christmas music, but that’s okay. We can still be friends. We don’t have to see eye-to-eye on our music options. We probably even like different foods, different vehicles, or different types of TV shows or movies.The same is true in our everyday thoughts, beliefs, or politics. We do not all see things in this world the very same way from the very same perspective. And that’s okay! That’s the great thing about this country – we all have the freedom to be ourselves. And we can still be friends.During this holiday season, my prayer is that people will just get along, that friends will take care of each other, that neighbors will watch out for their neighbors, that families will hold civil conversations around the dinner table, that drivers will show a little grace when the roads are crowded, and that we can all be thankful for whatever blessings we have.On behalf of the Gossen family and the entire NCTA community, I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season, Merry Christmas, and a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture's Holiday Deans message

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

We all know that Christmas honors the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. This religious holiday has been a part of many cultures, and the way we celebrate the holiday in America today is related to those religious roots. But what about all the other parts of our Christmas celebrations?

Where did Santa Claus come from? Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop in Myra, a city in what is now Turkey, during the Roman Empire, around 300 AD. He is the patron saint of children, and legend says he secretly gave gifts and could work miracles.

Stories of Saint Nicholas spread throughout Europe. The variation that had the biggest influence on America was the Dutch Sinterklaas. He is an older man with white hair and a long beard. Sinterklaas wears a long red cape over a white bishop's alb, along with a red mitre hat. Sinterklaas rides a white horse and carries a big, red book which lists all the children and whether they have been naughty or nice in the past year.

A Visit from St. Nicholas, or 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, was written in 1823 by Clement Clark Moore in an area of New York heavily settled by the Dutch. This poem is where we get so much of our Santa Claus story! Two years earlier the poem Old Santeclaus with Much Delight depicted Santa in a sleigh being pulled by a reindeer, and Moore developed that idea. Santa is a jolly old elf who comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve to leave gifts for children. Moore gave him eight reindeer and named them all. And he gave our children the expectation that Santa would bring them a gift!

Thomas Nast, political cartoonist, invented the image of Santa Claus that we use today. Nast first drew Santa Claus for the 1862 Christmas season Harper's Weekly magazine cover to memorialize the family sacrifices of the Union during the Civil War. A few years Nast's cartoons depicted Santa making toys, and watching for naughty and nice children and making a note in his record book. He created images of children sending letters to Santa, talking to him on the telephone, and affectionately embracing ecstatic children. Nast's illustrations are also the first time that Santa’s home is depicted as the North Pole.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created by Robert L. May in 1939. His employer, Montgomery Ward, had been giving away coloring books to customers' children every year. That year they decided to create their own storybook. May's daughter adored reindeer, so he started with the idea of one who was being bullied. Looking out his office window in Chicago, he saw heavy fog settle over Lake Michigan. The idea of a bright red beacon - no, a nose - could shine through the fog and guide Santa. 2.4 million copies of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer were given away the first year! May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, adapted the story of Rudolph into a song.

My childhood years brought many of the Christmas specials we still see on TV. Not only did Rudolph get made into a show where he visited the Island of the Misfit Toys, we also enjoyed Frosty the Snowman, the Little Drummer Boy, and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. The best would be a toss-up between How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas. These are shows we still watch every December.

How many ways have we adapted Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol? or The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry? I can come up with multiple versions from Disney and the Muppets - and so many more. How many music specials have we enjoyed over the decades? There are new, wonderful stories and programs every year. At some point between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we can watch most of these programs on our televisions.

Look at all the ways Christmas stories have developed over the decades, even over the centuries. They all follow the basic theme of good over evil and the ways we can help each other, especially those who have little and feel left out. How much fun these stories have brought us as we celebrate the Christmas season!

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityWe all know that Christmas honors the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. This religious holiday has been a part of many cultures, and the way we celebrate the holiday in America today is related to those religious roots. But what about all the other parts of our Christmas celebrations?Where did Santa Claus come from? Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop in Myra, a city in what is now Turkey, during the Roman Empire, around 300 AD. He is the patron saint of children, and legend says he secretly gave gifts and could work miracles.Stories of Saint Nicholas spread throughout Europe. The variation that had the biggest influence on America was the Dutch Sinterklaas. He is an older man with white hair and a long beard. Sinterklaas wears a long red cape over a white bishop's alb, along with a red mitre hat. Sinterklaas rides a white horse and carries a big, red book which lists all the children and whether they have been naughty or nice in the past year.A Visit from St. Nicholas, or 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, was written in 1823 by Clement Clark Moore in an area of New York heavily settled by the Dutch. This poem is where we get so much of our Santa Claus story! Two years earlier the poem Old Santeclaus with Much Delight depicted Santa in a sleigh being pulled by a reindeer, and Moore developed that idea. Santa is a jolly old elf who comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve to leave gifts for children. Moore gave him eight reindeer and named them all. And he gave our children the expectation that Santa would bring them a gift!Thomas Nast, political cartoonist, invented the image of Santa Claus that we use today. Nast first drew Santa Claus for the 1862 Christmas season Harper's Weekly magazine cover to memorialize the family sacrifices of the Union during the Civil War. A few years Nast's cartoons depicted Santa making toys, and watching for naughty and nice children and making a note in his record book. He created images of children sending letters to Santa, talking to him on the telephone, and affectionately embracing ecstatic children. Nast's illustrations are also the first time that Santa’s home is depicted as the North Pole.Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created by Robert L. May in 1939. His employer, Montgomery Ward, had been giving away coloring books to customers' children every year. That year they decided to create their own storybook. May's daughter adored reindeer, so he started with the idea of one who was being bullied. Looking out his office window in Chicago, he saw heavy fog settle over Lake Michigan. The idea of a bright red beacon - no, a nose - could shine through the fog and guide Santa. 2.4 million copies of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer were given away the first year! May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, adapted the story of Rudolph into a song.My childhood years brought many of the Christmas specials we still see on TV. Not only did Rudolph get made into a show where he visited the Island of the Misfit Toys, we also enjoyed Frosty the Snowman, the Little Drummer Boy, and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. The best would be a toss-up between How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas. These are shows we still watch every December.How many ways have we adapted Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol? or The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry? I can come up with multiple versions from Disney and the Muppets - and so many more. How many music specials have we enjoyed over the decades? There are new, wonderful stories and programs every year. At some point between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we can watch most of these programs on our televisions.Look at all the ways Christmas stories have developed over the decades, even over the centuries. They all follow the basic theme of good over evil and the ways we can help each other, especially those who have little and feel left out. How much fun these stories have brought us as we celebrate the Christmas season!

Getting Ahead: Christmas Stories

<a>Women Investing in Nebraska (WIN) is now accepting funding ideas for its 2024 grant awards from University of Nebraska programs and Nebraska nonprofit organizations.</a>

Grants are awarded based on the critical needs being addressed, the people the project serves and the impact made on Nebraskans. Grant seekers must submit an online letter of inquiry by Feb. 13, 2024, at&nbsp;<a href="https://womeninvestinginnebraska.org/grants/letter-of-inquiry/" target="_blank">womeninvestinginnebraska.org</a>.

Based on submissions, WIN will invite 12 to 16 grant seekers to provide formal grant proposals. Grant seekers must be a part of the University of Nebraska System or be a Nebraska nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity.

“WIN is proud to partner each year with organizations that are tackling important issues that matter to Nebraskans, and we’re pleased to again request ideas for funding as we enter our 13th year of philanthropic service to the state,” WIN Chair Meg Lauerman said.

<a>The amount granted will be based on the total amount of gifts received in 2024 from WIN members. WIN will announce its grant awards in fall 2024.</a>

For more information, grant seekers may contact WIN at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:win@nufoundation.org">win@nufoundation.org</a>.

WIN awarded a total of $220,684 to&nbsp;<a href="https://nufoundation.org/women-investing-in-nebraska-grants-will-support-nebraska-law-students-who-advocate-for-children-and-help-grow-pipeline-for-rural-healthcare/" target="_blank">two programs</a>&nbsp;for its 2023 grants season. Grants were awarded to the University of Nebraska College of Law Children’s Justice Clinic, which provides legal representation to vulnerable Nebraska children; and to the Nebraska Panhandle Area Health Education Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, which seeks to grow the rural healthcare workforce pipeline.

A total of 259 WIN members contributed personally to make the grants possible, and committee members reviewed proposals in a four-step process culminating in a membership vote for the two recipients. WIN’s membership is comprised of women in and outside Nebraska who, through their collective giving, address issues that matter to Nebraskans.

By Women Investing in Nebraska<a>Women Investing in Nebraska (WIN) is now accepting funding ideas for its 2024 grant awards from University of Nebraska programs and Nebraska nonprofit organizations.</a>Grants are awarded based on the critical needs being addressed, the people the project serves and the impact made on Nebraskans. Grant seekers must submit an online letter of inquiry by Feb. 13, 2024, at&nbsp;<a href="https://womeninvestinginnebraska.org/grants/letter-of-inquiry/" target="_blank">womeninvestinginnebraska.org</a>.Based on submissions, WIN will invite 12 to 16 grant seekers to provide formal grant proposals. Grant seekers must be a part of the University of Nebraska System or be a Nebraska nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity.“WIN is proud to partner each year with organizations that are tackling important issues that matter to Nebraskans, and we’re pleased to again request ideas for funding as we enter our 13th year of philanthropic service to the state,” WIN Chair Meg Lauerman said.<a>The amount granted will be based on the total amount of gifts received in 2024 from WIN members. WIN will announce its grant awards in fall 2024.</a>For more information, grant seekers may contact WIN at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:win@nufoundation.org">win@nufoundation.org</a>.WIN awarded a total of $220,684 to&nbsp;<a href="https://nufoundation.org/women-investing-in-nebraska-grants-will-support-nebraska-law-students-who-advocate-for-children-and-help-grow-pipeline-for-rural-healthcare/" target="_blank">two programs</a>&nbsp;for its 2023 grants season. Grants were awarded to the University of Nebraska College of Law Children’s Justice Clinic, which provides legal representation to vulnerable Nebraska children; and to the Nebraska Panhandle Area Health Education Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, which seeks to grow the rural healthcare workforce pipeline.A total of 259 WIN members contributed personally to make the grants possible, and committee members reviewed proposals in a four-step process culminating in a membership vote for the two recipients. WIN’s membership is comprised of women in and outside Nebraska who, through their collective giving, address issues that matter to Nebraskans.

University of Nebraska programs and Nebraska nonprofits eligible for WIN funds

KEARNEY – Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh is credited with saying, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”

Amanda Francescato feels the same way about art.

“Art is all around us,” she says. “You get to look at it every day, and I think it’s something important that kids need in school. It allows students to express themselves and problem solve without even realizing it. They get to be creative, and that’s the best part of it all.”

For Francescato, art has always been both fun and therapeutic. When she’s drawing or painting, she forgets about everything else. It’s a way to relax while also feeling a sense of accomplishment.

“When I get bored, I paint. When I feel stressed, I paint. It just keeps my mind off other things,” she said.

Although art had long been a hobby, the benefits became more clear to her during high school. With support and encouragement from Hershey Public Schools art teacher Brittney Stenger, she started viewing it as a potential career.

“I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to go to college at first, but she really inspired me,” Francescato said. “I thought teaching was the coolest job ever. You get to hang out with kids and you get to teach them and watch them grow.”

After high school, Francescato enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she continued to pursue this professional goal.

As an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/art/index.php">art education major and photography minor</a>, Francescato benefited from the smaller class sizes, personalized instruction and one-on-one interactions with faculty members.

“That’s something I enjoy a lot, being in a smaller classroom, because I feel like I learn better that way,” she said. “The professors were always really helpful. If you have a question, they’re on top of it. They help you overcome any obstacles that you may face.”

Along with the UNK faculty, Francescato was able to learn from teachers and school administrators currently working in the field. These professionals came to campus to meet with UNK students, and Lopers went to their classrooms for field experiences.

Francescato had the opportunity to observe teachers and lead lessons at Kenwood Elementary School in Kearney and Holdrege Middle School, giving her valuable knowledge and skills. This helped prepare her for a semester of student teaching at Wallace Public School.

Working alongside cooperating teacher Melissa Nelms, Francescato got to do a little bit of everything at the small district located about 30 miles south of her hometown.

“She basically handed the classroom over to me,” said Francescato, who taught pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

“I definitely gained a lot of confidence,” she added. “There’s always this thought in the back of your mind, ‘Can I actually teach this many kids in one room? Can I control it?’ But it gave me the confidence that, yeah, I can do this. I know my stuff. And they want to learn from me. They loved having me there, and I think that helped me grow as an educator.”

Francescato enjoyed watching her students make the same progress. For instance, she challenged a high school class to create watercolor landscapes, a project they were slow to embrace.

“They kind of hated me for it,” she said with a laugh.

However, Francescato walked them through the process and used some of her own artwork as examples. In the end, one of the student-created pieces was selected as the main design for the school’s new Art Club sweatshirts.

“I thought that was kind of neat,” Francescato said. “I taught a lesson that they put on a sweatshirt for everyone to see.”

In addition to her classroom duties, Francescato helped the Art Club repaint a mural at the local veterans memorial, assisted at a Family Art Night and volunteered at fundraisers for the art department, junior class and Quiz Bowl team.

Nelms called her a “very dedicated” teacher who’s not afraid to go above and beyond to support students.

“Amanda brought a very positive attitude and new, enriching lessons to the classroom,” Nelms said. “She created a great rapport with students and was able to communicate with them at an effective level. She did great as a student teacher and her future in the teaching profession is promising. Any school district would be very lucky to have her be part of their team.”

Francescato received a Bachelor of Arts in Education during Friday’s winter commencement ceremony, making her the first member of her family to earn a four-year degree. Fittingly, she wore a dress covered in drawings from young Wallace Public School art students and a cap that read, “Time to Gogh Teach.”

“It’s been fun,” Francescato said of her time at UNK. “It was definitely a learning experience. It got me out of my comfort zone, and I really enjoy being in environments that allow me to grow and learn.”

Francescato plans to substitute teach this spring before starting a full-time position.

“I hope I can show students that art is fun and prove that they can do whatever they put their mind to,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703000136202.jpeg" alt="Amanda Francescato graduated from UNK on Friday with a bachelor’s degree in art education and a minor in photography. (Photo by Erika Pritchard, UNK Communications)" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Francescato graduated from UNK on Friday with a bachelor’s degree in art education and a minor in photography. (Photo by Erika Pritchard, UNK Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER ELLYSONUNK CommunicationsKEARNEY – Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh is credited with saying, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”Amanda Francescato feels the same way about art.“Art is all around us,” she says. “You get to look at it every day, and I think it’s something important that kids need in school. It allows students to express themselves and problem solve without even realizing it. They get to be creative, and that’s the best part of it all.”For Francescato, art has always been both fun and therapeutic. When she’s drawing or painting, she forgets about everything else. It’s a way to relax while also feeling a sense of accomplishment.“When I get bored, I paint. When I feel stressed, I paint. It just keeps my mind off other things,” she said.Although art had long been a hobby, the benefits became more clear to her during high school. With support and encouragement from Hershey Public Schools art teacher Brittney Stenger, she started viewing it as a potential career.“I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to go to college at first, but she really inspired me,” Francescato said. “I thought teaching was the coolest job ever. You get to hang out with kids and you get to teach them and watch them grow.”After high school, Francescato enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she continued to pursue this professional goal.As an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/art/index.php">art education major and photography minor</a>, Francescato benefited from the smaller class sizes, personalized instruction and one-on-one interactions with faculty members.“That’s something I enjoy a lot, being in a smaller classroom, because I feel like I learn better that way,” she said. “The professors were always really helpful. If you have a question, they’re on top of it. They help you overcome any obstacles that you may face.”Along with the UNK faculty, Francescato was able to learn from teachers and school administrators currently working in the field. These professionals came to campus to meet with UNK students, and Lopers went to their classrooms for field experiences.Francescato had the opportunity to observe teachers and lead lessons at Kenwood Elementary School in Kearney and Holdrege Middle School, giving her valuable knowledge and skills. This helped prepare her for a semester of student teaching at Wallace Public School.Working alongside cooperating teacher Melissa Nelms, Francescato got to do a little bit of everything at the small district located about 30 miles south of her hometown.“She basically handed the classroom over to me,” said Francescato, who taught pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.“I definitely gained a lot of confidence,” she added. “There’s always this thought in the back of your mind, ‘Can I actually teach this many kids in one room? Can I control it?’ But it gave me the confidence that, yeah, I can do this. I know my stuff. And they want to learn from me. They loved having me there, and I think that helped me grow as an educator.”Francescato enjoyed watching her students make the same progress. For instance, she challenged a high school class to create watercolor landscapes, a project they were slow to embrace.“They kind of hated me for it,” she said with a laugh.However, Francescato walked them through the process and used some of her own artwork as examples. In the end, one of the student-created pieces was selected as the main design for the school’s new Art Club sweatshirts.“I thought that was kind of neat,” Francescato said. “I taught a lesson that they put on a sweatshirt for everyone to see.”In addition to her classroom duties, Francescato helped the Art Club repaint a mural at the local veterans memorial, assisted at a Family Art Night and volunteered at fundraisers for the art department, junior class and Quiz Bowl team.Nelms called her a “very dedicated” teacher who’s not afraid to go above and beyond to support students.“Amanda brought a very positive attitude and new, enriching lessons to the classroom,” Nelms said. “She created a great rapport with students and was able to communicate with them at an effective level. She did great as a student teacher and her future in the teaching profession is promising. Any school district would be very lucky to have her be part of their team.”Francescato received a Bachelor of Arts in Education during Friday’s winter commencement ceremony, making her the first member of her family to earn a four-year degree. Fittingly, she wore a dress covered in drawings from young Wallace Public School art students and a cap that read, “Time to Gogh Teach.”“It’s been fun,” Francescato said of her time at UNK. “It was definitely a learning experience. It got me out of my comfort zone, and I really enjoy being in environments that allow me to grow and learn.”Francescato plans to substitute teach this spring before starting a full-time position.“I hope I can show students that art is fun and prove that they can do whatever they put their mind to,” she said.

‘Time to Gogh Teach’: UNK graduate Amanda Francescato embraces art education

KCOW will have two intriguing matchups tonight (Tuesday) in high school basketball as Alliance travels to Bayard in a girls and boys doubleheader.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostKCOW will have two intriguing matchups tonight (Tuesday) in high school basketball as Alliance travels to Bayard in a girls and boys doubleheader.First with the girl's game, the Bulldogs (3-3) have their 2nd straight tough matchup coming off of a loss to Sidney on Saturday, and now face Bayard who is 7-1 after beating Mitchell 54-8 on Monday night. Alliance will try to use their experience and excellent defense to get the win, while Bayard also is strong both offensively and defensively holding 6 teams under 40 points.On the boy's side, Alliance's record at 1-5 is deceiving considering they have been competitive in almost all of their losses, but they feel this week is a great opportunity to get on track starting with a game at 2-6 Bayard.Both of these teams lose talent from last year, but Bayard plays mostly freshmen and sophomores and are coming of a 68-34 loss to Mitchell on Monday night.Coverage begins tonight at approximately 5:30 with the girl's game and boys to follow at 7. Listen live locally in Box Butte County on KCOW and 92.5 FM and 1400 AM, or online at Panhandlepost.com and kcowradio.com.

Local