

Spartan baseball player registration and meeting for the 2024 season will be on Sunday, January 21st at 5:00pm at the AHS PAC commons area.

All new players must bring a copy of birth certificate. Players must have a birth year of 2011 or before to be eligible to play. 

If you are interested in playing and cannot attend the meeting, please contact Coach <a href="https://www.facebook.com/carlos.palomo.7921?__cft__[0]=AZUur-vwltT3FGQsTiBl1el3kp0NKpdNypq-p3jX_9BQJtFJ7-cKKXo3pGkBbzPLAIf-t-Jat8T2AEME7G-AS1uoiwobQR3BCxZ1zESjO6TlRKOteqz5_WI_o2zUePL0b3c7hrI9PGhr_MrmBG76ebxAMOj3YacYXZ0_RKUUrvFg9Q&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Carlos Palomo</a> or Erica Muhr.&nbsp;

More information can also be found on the Alliance Spartans Facebook page.

By Alliance Spartans baseball

Spartan baseball player registration and meeting for the 2024 season will be on Sunday, January 21st at 5:00pm at the AHS PAC commons area.All new players must bring a copy of birth certificate. Players must have a birth year of 2011 or before to be eligible to play. If you are interested in playing and cannot attend the meeting, please contact Coach <a href="https://www.facebook.com/carlos.palomo.7921?__cft__[0]=AZUur-vwltT3FGQsTiBl1el3kp0NKpdNypq-p3jX_9BQJtFJ7-cKKXo3pGkBbzPLAIf-t-Jat8T2AEME7G-AS1uoiwobQR3BCxZ1zESjO6TlRKOteqz5_WI_o2zUePL0b3c7hrI9PGhr_MrmBG76ebxAMOj3YacYXZ0_RKUUrvFg9Q&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Carlos Palomo</a> or Erica Muhr.&nbsp;More information can also be found on the Alliance Spartans Facebook page.

Alliance Spartans player registration and meeting is on Sunday 

By Patricia Jones &nbsp;Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer can pay an employee, and each state can set their own minimum wage. On January 1, Nebraska's minimum wage went up to $12.00 an hour. An employer with four or more employees must pay at least minimum wage.

However, after voters passed this initiative, the Legislature added a few exceptions, so not all employees will receive the minimum wage.

Tipped employees, like waitresses or waiters, still get $2.13 an hour. That rate was set decades ago when it was half of the minimum wage of $4.25. However, employers are responsible for making sure an employee's wages and tips (the law calls them gratuities) equal at least minimum wage, and they must make up any difference. This also applies to people who receive commissions or bonuses.

An employer may pay a new employee younger than 20 a training wage of at least 75% of the minimum wage for 90 days from the date the new employee was hired. This does not apply to seasonal or migrant workers. Seasonal workers are employed for twenty weeks or less. For example, a 19-year old lifeguard cannot be paid 75% of the minimum wage.

The 75% training wage allowance is a lot more complicated. The employer may have the training period extended an additional 90 days if the trainee is participating in on-the-job training, and the Department of Labor approves it because it requires special technical or personal skills. However, after the initial 90-day training period, no more than one-fourth of the employee's work hours may be paid at the reduced amount. AND Employers may not pay employees the training wage rate if other employees have their hours reduced or have been laid off if the new employee is doing similar work.

Nebraska minimum wage laws allow employers to pay student-learners a subminimum wage rate that is no less than 75% of the standard minimum wage if they work as part of a bona-fide vocational training program. This would apply to students in a cooperative education program, but not to other student workers.

Employees with physical or mental disabilities might not receive minimum wage if they receive federal, state, county, or local aid or welfare, whether directly or indirectly, and they work in a rehabilitation program. This includes veterans. Such employees may be paid a subminimum wage rate at a level appropriate to their health, efficiency, and general well-being.

The law gets even more complicated and grants more exceptions because not everyone who works for another is classified as an employee. The term Employee, under state law, shall not include any individual who is employed: in agriculture; as a baby-sitter in or about a private home; as an apprentice; in an executive, administrative, or professional capacity or as a superintendent or supervisor; people who volunteer for educational, charitable, religious, or

nonprofit organizations; an individual employed by the United States government; or a child in the employment of his or her parent or a parent in the employment of his or her child.

Employers who think they don't have to meet the minimum wage requirement really should get a legal opinion, as there is nothing simple about this law!

By Patricia Jones &nbsp;Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer can pay an employee, and each state can set their own minimum wage. On January 1, Nebraska's minimum wage went up to $12.00 an hour. An employer with four or more employees must pay at least minimum wage.However, after voters passed this initiative, the Legislature added a few exceptions, so not all employees will receive the minimum wage.Tipped employees, like waitresses or waiters, still get $2.13 an hour. That rate was set decades ago when it was half of the minimum wage of $4.25. However, employers are responsible for making sure an employee's wages and tips (the law calls them gratuities) equal at least minimum wage, and they must make up any difference. This also applies to people who receive commissions or bonuses.An employer may pay a new employee younger than 20 a training wage of at least 75% of the minimum wage for 90 days from the date the new employee was hired. This does not apply to seasonal or migrant workers. Seasonal workers are employed for twenty weeks or less. For example, a 19-year old lifeguard cannot be paid 75% of the minimum wage.The 75% training wage allowance is a lot more complicated. The employer may have the training period extended an additional 90 days if the trainee is participating in on-the-job training, and the Department of Labor approves it because it requires special technical or personal skills. However, after the initial 90-day training period, no more than one-fourth of the employee's work hours may be paid at the reduced amount. AND Employers may not pay employees the training wage rate if other employees have their hours reduced or have been laid off if the new employee is doing similar work.Nebraska minimum wage laws allow employers to pay student-learners a subminimum wage rate that is no less than 75% of the standard minimum wage if they work as part of a bona-fide vocational training program. This would apply to students in a cooperative education program, but not to other student workers.Employees with physical or mental disabilities might not receive minimum wage if they receive federal, state, county, or local aid or welfare, whether directly or indirectly, and they work in a rehabilitation program. This includes veterans. Such employees may be paid a subminimum wage rate at a level appropriate to their health, efficiency, and general well-being.The law gets even more complicated and grants more exceptions because not everyone who works for another is classified as an employee. The term Employee, under state law, shall not include any individual who is employed: in agriculture; as a baby-sitter in or about a private home; as an apprentice; in an executive, administrative, or professional capacity or as a superintendent or supervisor; people who volunteer for educational, charitable, religious, ornonprofit organizations; an individual employed by the United States government; or a child in the employment of his or her parent or a parent in the employment of his or her child.Employers who think they don't have to meet the minimum wage requirement really should get a legal opinion, as there is nothing simple about this law!

Creating opportunity: Minimum Wage Expectations in Nebraska

POST PODCAST: Upper Niobrara White NRD talks groundwater rules, regulations

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 1/18/24

By Chabella Guzman, PREEC communications

The New Year has brought a new face to the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff with Dr. Pin-Chu Lai, entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist.

Lai has extensive research training in entomology and applied ecology. Her graduate studies thesis focused on thrips, an insect pest serving as vectors of a plant virus in peanuts at the University of Georgia.&nbsp;

“I’ve always been interested in insect vectors and their interactions with pathogens and plant hosts. As an undergraduate, I sought opportunities to work on insect vectors of plant diseases,” she said. The initiative eventually led her to integrated pest management research. Lai’s experience in integrated pest management included research and extension work in peanuts as a row crop in graduate school and in vegetable crops at Cornell University as a postdoctoral associate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lai replaced Dr. Jeff Bradshaw as the Center’s entomologist. He has been helping her get acclimated to the position, and they have had discussions on the wheat stem sawfly, a major pest for wheat growers in the Panhandle. Along with thrips in dry beans, a potential pest group that has limited information in the region. She has also been invited to join a student committee with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Entomology Department studying the wheat curl mite.&nbsp;

“Along with research, I’m also excited about the Extension part,” Lai said. “I’m passionate about translating my applied research to practical management strategies for growers and stakeholders and helping them grow better crops. I’ve already been out at extension meetings and look forward to attending other meetings and events to interact with growers. It is my ultimate goal to help growers manage insect pests efficiently while supporting sustainable agriculture.”&nbsp;

Lai is from Taiwan, and in 2013, she received her B.Sc. in Entomology at the National Taiwan University in Taipei City, Taiwan. In 2015, she was awarded her M.Sc. in Entomology at the University of Georgia, in Athens, Ga., and in 2021, Lai was awarded her Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.

By Chabella Guzman, PREEC communications<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705552391973.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;The Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff welcomed&nbsp;Dr. Pin-Chu Lai, entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist, on Jan. 2, 2024. Photo by Chabella Guzman&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff welcomed&nbsp;Dr. Pin-Chu Lai, entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist, on Jan. 2, 2024. Photo by Chabella Guzman&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The New Year has brought a new face to the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff with Dr. Pin-Chu Lai, entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist.Lai has extensive research training in entomology and applied ecology. Her graduate studies thesis focused on thrips, an insect pest serving as vectors of a plant virus in peanuts at the University of Georgia.&nbsp;“I’ve always been interested in insect vectors and their interactions with pathogens and plant hosts. As an undergraduate, I sought opportunities to work on insect vectors of plant diseases,” she said. The initiative eventually led her to integrated pest management research. Lai’s experience in integrated pest management included research and extension work in peanuts as a row crop in graduate school and in vegetable crops at Cornell University as a postdoctoral associate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lai replaced Dr. Jeff Bradshaw as the Center’s entomologist. He has been helping her get acclimated to the position, and they have had discussions on the wheat stem sawfly, a major pest for wheat growers in the Panhandle. Along with thrips in dry beans, a potential pest group that has limited information in the region. She has also been invited to join a student committee with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Entomology Department studying the wheat curl mite.&nbsp;“Along with research, I’m also excited about the Extension part,” Lai said. “I’m passionate about translating my applied research to practical management strategies for growers and stakeholders and helping them grow better crops. I’ve already been out at extension meetings and look forward to attending other meetings and events to interact with growers. It is my ultimate goal to help growers manage insect pests efficiently while supporting sustainable agriculture.”&nbsp;Lai is from Taiwan, and in 2013, she received her B.Sc. in Entomology at the National Taiwan University in Taipei City, Taiwan. In 2015, she was awarded her M.Sc. in Entomology at the University of Georgia, in Athens, Ga., and in 2021, Lai was awarded her Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.

Entomologist leaves humid climates behind for semi-arid plains in Panhandle

By TENA L. COOK, MARKETING COORDINATOR Chadron State College

&nbsp; CHADRON –Chadron State College student Whitley Reder, who graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism, completed an internship with the Cowboy Channel covering the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas.

“It was the best learning experience someone in college could’ve endured. Being an NFR intern you really get to see and learn the ropes of everyone’s job and what they entail. I did tasks that pertain to an associate producer's role,” Reder said. “Everything in between from generating content ideas, setting the stage for production, interview questions, pre and post-production management, managing and communicating with celebrity guests, and creating production timelines.”

Celebrity guests she met at the NFR included Mo Brings Plenty and Forrie Smith from the TV show Yellowstone, Larry the Cable Guy, Red Steagall, Steve Bono, Adrian Brannon, Chancey Williams, Corb Lund.

“I also met multiple NFR athletes, retired PRCA legends, and well-known nationwide business owners. I’m forever grateful for the connections I made during this internship. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know and for that I’m excited to see what my future holds,” Reder said.

Throughout four years of college rodeo, she competed in barrel racing, breakaway, and team roping with breakaway roping as her focus. After one semester of her freshman year at South Dakota State University she moved home during the pandemic and helped her dad with calving during the spring semester while taking courses from Black Hills State University. After two years at Casper College studying animal science, she decided to start pursue her long-time dream of working for the Cowboy Channel.

Reder transferred from Casper to CSC in part because it is in the same region she was familiar with. Plus, her best friend was transferring to CSC and Reder wanted to stay close to home and liked Chadron’s small-town hometown feel.

“When I showed up at Chadron and didn't know a single soul besides my roommate. I had my first class with my professor [Mike] Kennedy. When he caught wind that I used to be an ag major, his eyes just lit up and he said, ‘You're going to come write for me on the Eagle. We're going to put you in journalism.’ I said, ‘OK I'm going to trust that you know what's best for me’ and he did,” Reder said.

With help from a family friend, Reder secure an internship with ESPN to provide coverage of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper in 2022. The internship included running errands for the production crew, helping generate content ideas, keeping stats and notes during each short-go and performance, contacting contestants for interviews, typing word-for-word notes during interviews, working in a TV truck during the short-go and final championship rounds, and attending production meetings.

She wrote articles for the Eagle during the spring of 2023 and received a second summer internship with ESPN to cover the CNFR in Casper.

“Susan Kanode took me under her wing and wanted me to get more exposure and experience with the overall aspect of what everyone does at the CNFR,” Reder said.

Reder continued all the work she had done the year before, plus new tasks such as organizing contestants' bios, writing scholarship recipient scripts for the announcer to read during intermission, and helping organize the back number ceremony.

During the internship, Reder also wrote articles for The Breakaway Roping Journal.

“Taylor Vollin asked me if I could cover breakaway providing results. So as soon as each round ended, I wrote about the winner. It was very fast-paced work. We had a huge binder of over 700 contestants I went through to find contact information, then get comments from them and write the story by midnight. That was really cool because two of the contestants that won the round or split the round were girls I knew from college rodeo or high school rodeo in South Dakota,” Reder said.

During the summer of 2023, Reder worked as a waitress and heard from a fellow CSC student BreAnne Benson about her work with Rodeo News. Reder sent a sample of her work to the publication’s editor,&nbsp;Siri Stevens.

“Siri wanted me to do a story on Piper Cordes, who won the South Dakota State High School Finals in the barrel racing. While I was writing the story about her, she ended up going to nationals and becoming the National High School Rodeo Association world champion barrel racer. It was cool because she grew up near the same area I did and they're a fantastic family,” Reder said.

Reder’s work was noticed and she received a job offer from Sports Illustrated in September.

“I had to do some reflection and realize that I started these baby steps and I wanted to accomplish my dream of TV production with the Cowboy Channel. Even though that was a great opportunity with Sports Illustrated, I declined it so I could stick with my goal and continue,” Reder said.

By TENA L. COOK, MARKETING COORDINATOR Chadron State College<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705515243998.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College student Whitley Reder poses next to an ESPN banner during the College Rodeo Finals in Casper, Wyo., when she was completing an ESPN internship in June 2022. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College student Whitley Reder poses next to an ESPN banner during the College Rodeo Finals in Casper, Wyo., when she was completing an ESPN internship in June 2022. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; CHADRON –Chadron State College student Whitley Reder, who graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism, completed an internship with the Cowboy Channel covering the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas.“It was the best learning experience someone in college could’ve endured. Being an NFR intern you really get to see and learn the ropes of everyone’s job and what they entail. I did tasks that pertain to an associate producer's role,” Reder said. “Everything in between from generating content ideas, setting the stage for production, interview questions, pre and post-production management, managing and communicating with celebrity guests, and creating production timelines.”Celebrity guests she met at the NFR included Mo Brings Plenty and Forrie Smith from the TV show Yellowstone, Larry the Cable Guy, Red Steagall, Steve Bono, Adrian Brannon, Chancey Williams, Corb Lund.“I also met multiple NFR athletes, retired PRCA legends, and well-known nationwide business owners. I’m forever grateful for the connections I made during this internship. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know and for that I’m excited to see what my future holds,” Reder said.Throughout four years of college rodeo, she competed in barrel racing, breakaway, and team roping with breakaway roping as her focus. After one semester of her freshman year at South Dakota State University she moved home during the pandemic and helped her dad with calving during the spring semester while taking courses from Black Hills State University. After two years at Casper College studying animal science, she decided to start pursue her long-time dream of working for the Cowboy Channel.Reder transferred from Casper to CSC in part because it is in the same region she was familiar with. Plus, her best friend was transferring to CSC and Reder wanted to stay close to home and liked Chadron’s small-town hometown feel.“When I showed up at Chadron and didn't know a single soul besides my roommate. I had my first class with my professor [Mike] Kennedy. When he caught wind that I used to be an ag major, his eyes just lit up and he said, ‘You're going to come write for me on the Eagle. We're going to put you in journalism.’ I said, ‘OK I'm going to trust that you know what's best for me’ and he did,” Reder said.With help from a family friend, Reder secure an internship with ESPN to provide coverage of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper in 2022. The internship included running errands for the production crew, helping generate content ideas, keeping stats and notes during each short-go and performance, contacting contestants for interviews, typing word-for-word notes during interviews, working in a TV truck during the short-go and final championship rounds, and attending production meetings.She wrote articles for the Eagle during the spring of 2023 and received a second summer internship with ESPN to cover the CNFR in Casper.“Susan Kanode took me under her wing and wanted me to get more exposure and experience with the overall aspect of what everyone does at the CNFR,” Reder said.Reder continued all the work she had done the year before, plus new tasks such as organizing contestants' bios, writing scholarship recipient scripts for the announcer to read during intermission, and helping organize the back number ceremony.During the internship, Reder also wrote articles for The Breakaway Roping Journal.“Taylor Vollin asked me if I could cover breakaway providing results. So as soon as each round ended, I wrote about the winner. It was very fast-paced work. We had a huge binder of over 700 contestants I went through to find contact information, then get comments from them and write the story by midnight. That was really cool because two of the contestants that won the round or split the round were girls I knew from college rodeo or high school rodeo in South Dakota,” Reder said.During the summer of 2023, Reder worked as a waitress and heard from a fellow CSC student BreAnne Benson about her work with Rodeo News. Reder sent a sample of her work to the publication’s editor,&nbsp;Siri Stevens.“Siri wanted me to do a story on Piper Cordes, who won the South Dakota State High School Finals in the barrel racing. While I was writing the story about her, she ended up going to nationals and becoming the National High School Rodeo Association world champion barrel racer. It was cool because she grew up near the same area I did and they're a fantastic family,” Reder said.Reder’s work was noticed and she received a job offer from Sports Illustrated in September.“I had to do some reflection and realize that I started these baby steps and I wanted to accomplish my dream of TV production with the Cowboy Channel. Even though that was a great opportunity with Sports Illustrated, I declined it so I could stick with my goal and continue,” Reder said.

 CSC student Reder interns at National Finals Rodeo

By Cody Thomas, Nebraska State Patrol

JANUARY 17, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have responded to more than 2,000 weather-related incidents over the last 9 days. In addition, the 

Nebraska Department of Transportation plow operators from across the state worked from January 13 to January 16 to reopen 1700 miles of highways that were closed due to the storm. 

These teams continue to work to widen lanes of traffic through the areas of greatest impact and assist drivers who become stranded on roadways across the state. 

Both agencies are advising caution as the next round of snow arrives Thursday, and frigid wind chills return for the next several days. A Wind Chill Advisory takes effect for most of Nebraska starting Thursday. The National Weather Service also predicts that much of the state will experience new snowfall, though expected to be lighter than the two previous storms. 

“The work that has been accomplished over the last 9 days is nothing short of amazing,” said Director Vicki Kramer. “The NDOT team has coordinated to shift resources to the areas hardest hit on our state system while also assisting with county requests. The work is not done as crews continue to tackle larger drifts, work on widening areas, and preparing for the next round of snow. Please continue to travel with caution and know before you go by using available resources from your favorite weather provider to road conditions at 511.Nebraska.Gov.” 

Since January 8, while Nebraska experienced two major winter storms and extreme cold, NDOT and NSP continued working around the clock. NDOT plow crews have been able to open all roadways to travel, after many areas in eastern Nebraska received over a foot of snow between the two storms. State Troopers were also busy, helping 1,828 stranded motorists, responding to 93 crashes, and assisting other agencies with 133 additional incidents. “While our teams have been busy during over the last week, our troopers and NDOT plow crews remain ready to help,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. 

“If you have to travel, please be safe and stay aware of the conditions before hitting the road. If you do become stranded, call the NSP Highway Helpline immediately and connect with our dedicated dispatchers who can send help.” 

By Cody Thomas, Nebraska State PatrolJANUARY 17, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have responded to more than 2,000 weather-related incidents over the last 9 days. In addition, the Nebraska Department of Transportation plow operators from across the state worked from January 13 to January 16 to reopen 1700 miles of highways that were closed due to the storm. These teams continue to work to widen lanes of traffic through the areas of greatest impact and assist drivers who become stranded on roadways across the state. Both agencies are advising caution as the next round of snow arrives Thursday, and frigid wind chills return for the next several days. A Wind Chill Advisory takes effect for most of Nebraska starting Thursday. The National Weather Service also predicts that much of the state will experience new snowfall, though expected to be lighter than the two previous storms. “The work that has been accomplished over the last 9 days is nothing short of amazing,” said Director Vicki Kramer. “The NDOT team has coordinated to shift resources to the areas hardest hit on our state system while also assisting with county requests. The work is not done as crews continue to tackle larger drifts, work on widening areas, and preparing for the next round of snow. Please continue to travel with caution and know before you go by using available resources from your favorite weather provider to road conditions at 511.Nebraska.Gov.” Since January 8, while Nebraska experienced two major winter storms and extreme cold, NDOT and NSP continued working around the clock. NDOT plow crews have been able to open all roadways to travel, after many areas in eastern Nebraska received over a foot of snow between the two storms. State Troopers were also busy, helping 1,828 stranded motorists, responding to 93 crashes, and assisting other agencies with 133 additional incidents. “While our teams have been busy during over the last week, our troopers and NDOT plow crews remain ready to help,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If you have to travel, please be safe and stay aware of the conditions before hitting the road. If you do become stranded, call the NSP Highway Helpline immediately and connect with our dedicated dispatchers who can send help.” -

NSP, NDOT Maintain Readiness as Winter Weather Continues

The Community Recycling Collection in Chadron scheduled for January 20th will be cancelled due to winter weather. 

Weather permitting Keep Chadron Beautiful will resume Recycling Collection on the third Saturday of each month. The next recycling collection is scheduled for February 17.

Please call Keep Chadron Beautiful at 432-5959 if you have questions or concerns.

By Keep Chadron BeautifulThe Community Recycling Collection in Chadron scheduled for January 20th will be cancelled due to winter weather. Weather permitting Keep Chadron Beautiful will resume Recycling Collection on the third Saturday of each month. The next recycling collection is scheduled for February 17.Please call Keep Chadron Beautiful at 432-5959 if you have questions or concerns.

Chadron Community recycling Collection for Saturday cancelled

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen will hold town halls in Scottsbluff, North Platte and Kearney following the delivery of his annual State of the State Address on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. The fly around will happen on Friday, Jan. 19.

Events are open to the public and&nbsp;open to credentialed media.

The stops, times and locations are below:

7:30 a.m. (MT)&nbsp;SCOTTSBLUFF:&nbsp; Platte Valley Community Room, 1106 Platte Valley Drive

11:30 a.m. (CT)&nbsp;NORTH PLATTE: Lee Bird Regional Airport Conference Room, 5400 East Lee Bird Drive

2:30 p.m. (CT)&nbsp;KEARNEY: Younes Conference Center (South), 416 Talmadge Road

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen will hold town halls in Scottsbluff, North Platte and Kearney following the delivery of his annual State of the State Address on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. The fly around will happen on Friday, Jan. 19.Events are open to the public and&nbsp;open to credentialed media.The stops, times and locations are below:Friday, January 197:30 a.m. (MT)&nbsp;SCOTTSBLUFF:&nbsp; Platte Valley Community Room, 1106 Platte Valley Drive11:30 a.m. (CT)&nbsp;NORTH PLATTE: Lee Bird Regional Airport Conference Room, 5400 East Lee Bird Drive2:30 p.m. (CT)&nbsp;KEARNEY: Younes Conference Center (South), 416 Talmadge Road

Governor Pillen to speak in Scottsbluff on Friday

By Office of Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;On Wednesday,&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen partnered with state senator Ben Hansen to introduce legislation aimed at making Nebraska more competitive in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) space.

“I am committed to making sure Nebraska has the tools it needs to win,” said Governor Pillen. “We need to encourage young athletes to move here. I appreciate the collaboration with Trev Alberts, his team at the University of Nebraska Athletic Department, and Senator Hansen to guarantee we are the most competitive and attractive state in this space.”

This legislation empowers our postsecondary institutions to utilize all the tools in their toolbox to attract the best talent. NIL is a billion-dollar industry, changing the landscape of college athletics. It will give postsecondary institutions the ability to work more closely with student-athletes allowing our universities and colleges to protect these young athletes and ensure they are not being misled. This legislation will make sure all participants in NIL are protected, especially the student-athletes.

“I applaud the Governor and University of Nebraska’s Athletic Department on seeing the competitive advantage to update these statues,” said Senator Hansen. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to ensure we have all the tools to recruit talent to Nebraska.”&nbsp;

“I appreciate the work by Senator Hansen and the Governor’s office to propose an update to the Name, Image, and Likeness bill for the State of Nebraska. We applaud any measures that streamline the NIL process and give greater flexibility to student-athletes and athletic departments in our state to efficiently navigate the space. Nebraska Athletics has a long history of supporting enhancements to student-athlete experience and this legislation would be another positive step in that direction.” Trev Alberts, University of Nebraska Athletic Director.

By Office of Nebraska Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;On Wednesday,&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen partnered with state senator Ben Hansen to introduce legislation aimed at making Nebraska more competitive in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) space.“I am committed to making sure Nebraska has the tools it needs to win,” said Governor Pillen. “We need to encourage young athletes to move here. I appreciate the collaboration with Trev Alberts, his team at the University of Nebraska Athletic Department, and Senator Hansen to guarantee we are the most competitive and attractive state in this space.”This legislation empowers our postsecondary institutions to utilize all the tools in their toolbox to attract the best talent. NIL is a billion-dollar industry, changing the landscape of college athletics. It will give postsecondary institutions the ability to work more closely with student-athletes allowing our universities and colleges to protect these young athletes and ensure they are not being misled. This legislation will make sure all participants in NIL are protected, especially the student-athletes.“I applaud the Governor and University of Nebraska’s Athletic Department on seeing the competitive advantage to update these statues,” said Senator Hansen. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to ensure we have all the tools to recruit talent to Nebraska.”&nbsp;“I appreciate the work by Senator Hansen and the Governor’s office to propose an update to the Name, Image, and Likeness bill for the State of Nebraska. We applaud any measures that streamline the NIL process and give greater flexibility to student-athletes and athletic departments in our state to efficiently navigate the space. Nebraska Athletics has a long history of supporting enhancements to student-athlete experience and this legislation would be another positive step in that direction.” Trev Alberts, University of Nebraska Athletic Director.

Governor Pillen & Senator Hansen Partner to Make Nebraska More Competitive on NIL

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 1/17/24

Author’s note: This is the first in a series.

“Do you have a lot?” “Yes,” I say 7 times out of 10 when carrying the first crate of donated food through the kitchen for Community Table. Whitney, the not-for-profit’s coordinator, and her daughter helped unload the Keep Alliance Beautiful pickup a week or so ago. We paused for a moment as Whitney showed me a green salad she had assembled for that day’s lunch. Yeah, it looked tasty, but the real significance came from the source of the lettuce – the initial harvest at St. John’s greenhouse.

Success of the Lutheran church’s indoor garden along Emerson Avenue, “St. John’s Greenhouse Coming Together After Delays”, published/posted in August, stirred memories of that project and other topics I wrote about for KAB throughout 2023. I decided to comb through those columns after Kathy Worley, our executive director, related another update concerning “AMS Student Creates Bags to Benefit KAB”, April. The student, Bayje Neal, had made another donation from sales of her upcycled accessories. Her latest contribution tallied $42 for the ongoing fundraiser.

People interviewed in both of the stories above shared expectations for how their efforts would make a difference.

Bayje, daughter of Jason and Destiny Neal, described support from her family as she honed sewing and entrepreneurship skills. What could have been a short-term effort has proved a lasting commitment, “. . . I thought it’d be good to give back to the community,” Bayje said this past spring.

Greenhouse committee members and volunteers looked ahead from the vantage point of late summer to envision a budding oasis as the chill would settle in. Potential produce would benefit the church and larger community while the 17 x 102-foot building promised involvement and education.

The south-facing structure, donated by Russ Finch of Greenhouse in the Snow, lived up to that moniker as I walked in today (Jan. 11) under a gray sky and flurries. Though not tropical, the temperature inside was a balmy 52 degrees compared to 5 above outside. Michele and Warner Schulze and Harold Roller were discussing the most efficient ways to employ supplemental heat sources that afternoon and evening. A built-in natural gas heater had yet to be connected by a local utility company.

Yet, prior to this season’s first deep freeze, dozens of plant varieties have taken hold in the past month or two with trees (including banana, orange and lime) planted during October. Pineapples are next on the list. Cacti and other exotic plants salvaged from when Russ’s greenhouse collapsed are found throughout the space. Every level holds carefully selected plants identified by species. Flowers were planted for pollinators. A tiger salamander or two have made themselves at home, eating some of the bugs. There is a compost pile started on the east end.

Radishes have been harvested in addition to lettuce. We will start by putting out vegetables on our table at church to take home, Michele said, and “Seeing what will grow and how well it will grow.”

Author’s note: This is the first in a series.By JOHN E. WEARE“Do you have a lot?” “Yes,” I say 7 times out of 10 when carrying the first crate of donated food through the kitchen for Community Table. Whitney, the not-for-profit’s coordinator, and her daughter helped unload the Keep Alliance Beautiful pickup a week or so ago. We paused for a moment as Whitney showed me a green salad she had assembled for that day’s lunch. Yeah, it looked tasty, but the real significance came from the source of the lettuce – the initial harvest at St. John’s greenhouse.Success of the Lutheran church’s indoor garden along Emerson Avenue, “St. John’s Greenhouse Coming Together After Delays”, published/posted in August, stirred memories of that project and other topics I wrote about for KAB throughout 2023. I decided to comb through those columns after Kathy Worley, our executive director, related another update concerning “AMS Student Creates Bags to Benefit KAB”, April. The student, Bayje Neal, had made another donation from sales of her upcycled accessories. Her latest contribution tallied $42 for the ongoing fundraiser.People interviewed in both of the stories above shared expectations for how their efforts would make a difference.Bayje, daughter of Jason and Destiny Neal, described support from her family as she honed sewing and entrepreneurship skills. What could have been a short-term effort has proved a lasting commitment, “. . . I thought it’d be good to give back to the community,” Bayje said this past spring.Greenhouse committee members and volunteers looked ahead from the vantage point of late summer to envision a budding oasis as the chill would settle in. Potential produce would benefit the church and larger community while the 17 x 102-foot building promised involvement and education.The south-facing structure, donated by Russ Finch of Greenhouse in the Snow, lived up to that moniker as I walked in today (Jan. 11) under a gray sky and flurries. Though not tropical, the temperature inside was a balmy 52 degrees compared to 5 above outside. Michele and Warner Schulze and Harold Roller were discussing the most efficient ways to employ supplemental heat sources that afternoon and evening. A built-in natural gas heater had yet to be connected by a local utility company.Yet, prior to this season’s first deep freeze, dozens of plant varieties have taken hold in the past month or two with trees (including banana, orange and lime) planted during October. Pineapples are next on the list. Cacti and other exotic plants salvaged from when Russ’s greenhouse collapsed are found throughout the space. Every level holds carefully selected plants identified by species. Flowers were planted for pollinators. A tiger salamander or two have made themselves at home, eating some of the bugs. There is a compost pile started on the east end.Radishes have been harvested in addition to lettuce. We will start by putting out vegetables on our table at church to take home, Michele said, and “Seeing what will grow and how well it will grow.”

Keep Alliance Beautiful: 2023 Post Script series

Nebraska Extension will host grain marketing workshops for farmers in Oshkosh and Crawford.

Do you ever wonder what analysts are really saying about the grain markets? Nebraska Extension Educator, Jessica Groskopf, will use real audio and video examples. This workshop will help you get the “market talk” decoded. She will discuss basis, bears, bulls, long, short, and more!

“With grain prices falling, it is time for farmers to sharpen their marketing skills,” Groskopf said. “This workshop is an opportunity to look at the coming year and the forces driving the current grain market conditions.”

The program is free to attend. Pre-registration is requested one week prior to each workshop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705432978542.jpeg" alt="Cornfield in Western Nebraska. Photo by Chabella Guzman" />
 <figcaption>Cornfield in Western Nebraska. Photo by Chabella Guzman</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Extension will host grain marketing workshops for farmers in Oshkosh and Crawford.Do you ever wonder what analysts are really saying about the grain markets? Nebraska Extension Educator, Jessica Groskopf, will use real audio and video examples. This workshop will help you get the “market talk” decoded. She will discuss basis, bears, bulls, long, short, and more!“With grain prices falling, it is time for farmers to sharpen their marketing skills,” Groskopf said. “This workshop is an opportunity to look at the coming year and the forces driving the current grain market conditions.”The program is free to attend. Pre-registration is requested one week prior to each workshop.<ul>
 <li>Crawford – Jan. 31 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Crawford Fire Hall (3450 Hwy 20). To register, call Dawes County Extension Office at 308-432-3373</li><li>Oshkosh – Feb. 7 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Oshkosh Methodist Church (497 W 3rd St). To register, call the Garden County Extension Office at 308-772-3311.</li>
 </ul>

Nebraska Extension to host grain marketing workshops in Crawford and Oshkosh

Alliance City Council to proclaim Jordan Hooper Day, among other items

Alliance native Jordan Hopp talks transfer to Penn State volleyball after her career at Iowa State. Listen to the full conversation with KCOW Sports Director Alex Benzegala above.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Jordan Hopp talks transfering to Penn State Volleyball" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8axhg-15503b1-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705422078041.jpeg" alt="Jordan Hopp Photo by dignittanyvolleyball.com (Co-publishers Ethan Kasales and Daniel Chun)" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Hopp Photo by dignittanyvolleyball.com (Co-publishers Ethan Kasales and Daniel Chun)</figcaption>
 </figure>Alliance native Jordan Hopp talks transfer to Penn State volleyball after her career at Iowa State. Listen to the full conversation with KCOW Sports Director Alex Benzegala above.&nbsp;

POST PODCAST: Alliance's Jordan Hopp talks transfer to Penn State Volleyball

Alliance, NE – Due to weather conditions and technical difficulties with their heater, the Alliance Public Library will be closed today, Tuesday, January 16th.

For more information, please call Culture &amp; Leisure Services Director, Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Due to weather conditions and technical difficulties with their heater, the Alliance Public Library will be closed today, Tuesday, January 16th.For more information, please call Culture &amp; Leisure Services Director, Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

Alliance Public Library Closed Today

Keep Chadron Beautiful will be collecting recycling, Saturday, January 20, from 9:00 – 12:00. Due to potential winter weather, the collection location will be moved from Nebraska Bank to the DAWES COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. Monthly recycling collection will continue to be held on the third Saturday of each month.

Acceptable recyclables include Cardboard, Paperboard, Newspapers, Magazines, Tin &amp; Steel cans, Aluminum cans, Milk Jugs, #1 - #7 Plastics, Glass jars and bottles.

Please call Keep Chadron Beautiful at 432-5959 if you have questions or to volunteer.

By Keep Chadron BeautifulKeep Chadron Beautiful will be collecting recycling, Saturday, January 20, from 9:00 – 12:00. Due to potential winter weather, the collection location will be moved from Nebraska Bank to the DAWES COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. Monthly recycling collection will continue to be held on the third Saturday of each month.Acceptable recyclables include Cardboard, Paperboard, Newspapers, Magazines, Tin &amp; Steel cans, Aluminum cans, Milk Jugs, #1 - #7 Plastics, Glass jars and bottles.Please call Keep Chadron Beautiful at 432-5959 if you have questions or to volunteer.

Recycling in Chadron on Saturday

&nbsp;Joint press release by Farmers Cooperative Elevator Co. &amp; Panhandle Coop Association

On January 11, 2024, during Special Membership Meetings of Farmers Cooperative Elevator Co. and Panhandle Coop, ballots were certified in favor of the merger between the two agriculture retail companies into Legacy Cooperative.

The unification votes of both cooperatives resulted in a member ballot return which exceeded the quorum requirement, and overall approval votes exceeded the majority threshold for the cooperative unification to pass. Both boards of directors are pleased with the results, indicating mutual support of members for future growth and opportunities.

“We are excited to bring these two great cooperatives together for the benefit of our patrons, employees, customers, and communities. Legacy will be a cooperative leader in our region as we continue to provide exceptional goods and services that all our patrons and customers need and want. Legacy Cooperative will build on the history of these two cooperatives to develop and grow a legacy for future generations of stockholders, employees, customers, and patrons,” states Douglas Olsen Panhandle Cooperative Board Chair

“The boards of both companies recognized the culture similarities of boards and management and the opportunities that a combined company could offer its members,” says John Haas, Chairman of the Farmers Coop board. “This merger strengthens the positions of both cooperatives into the future while continuing the support of our communities.”

Charlie Wright, current CEO of Panhandle Coop will serve as Legacy Cooperative’s CEO. Bart Moseman, current Farmers Coop CEO, will continue in a leadership role as Legacy Cooperative’s COO.

“I would like to thank the forward thinking members of both cooperatives that brought together two regional powerhouses known for their commitment to excellence and solutions. Legacy Cooperative will leverage the collective expertise, resources, and cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize service to our combined trade areas while offering solutions to feed the world,” says Wright.

Legacy Cooperative will begin conducting unified business effective March 1, 2024. Grain, Agronomy, Feed, Energy, and Grocery are the services offered throughout the panhandle of Nebraska as well as into southwest South Dakota, eastern Wyoming, and northeastern Colorado.

&nbsp;Joint press release by Farmers Cooperative Elevator Co. &amp; Panhandle Coop AssociationOn January 11, 2024, during Special Membership Meetings of Farmers Cooperative Elevator Co. and Panhandle Coop, ballots were certified in favor of the merger between the two agriculture retail companies into Legacy Cooperative.The unification votes of both cooperatives resulted in a member ballot return which exceeded the quorum requirement, and overall approval votes exceeded the majority threshold for the cooperative unification to pass. Both boards of directors are pleased with the results, indicating mutual support of members for future growth and opportunities.“We are excited to bring these two great cooperatives together for the benefit of our patrons, employees, customers, and communities. Legacy will be a cooperative leader in our region as we continue to provide exceptional goods and services that all our patrons and customers need and want. Legacy Cooperative will build on the history of these two cooperatives to develop and grow a legacy for future generations of stockholders, employees, customers, and patrons,” states Douglas Olsen Panhandle Cooperative Board Chair“The boards of both companies recognized the culture similarities of boards and management and the opportunities that a combined company could offer its members,” says John Haas, Chairman of the Farmers Coop board. “This merger strengthens the positions of both cooperatives into the future while continuing the support of our communities.”Charlie Wright, current CEO of Panhandle Coop will serve as Legacy Cooperative’s CEO. Bart Moseman, current Farmers Coop CEO, will continue in a leadership role as Legacy Cooperative’s COO.“I would like to thank the forward thinking members of both cooperatives that brought together two regional powerhouses known for their commitment to excellence and solutions. Legacy Cooperative will leverage the collective expertise, resources, and cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize service to our combined trade areas while offering solutions to feed the world,” says Wright.Legacy Cooperative will begin conducting unified business effective March 1, 2024. Grain, Agronomy, Feed, Energy, and Grocery are the services offered throughout the panhandle of Nebraska as well as into southwest South Dakota, eastern Wyoming, and northeastern Colorado.

Farmers Cooperative Elevator Co. and Panhandle Coop Approve Merge

&nbsp; By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

An Alliance woman who allegedly stabbed an intimate partner in July will be going to trial for attempted murder, according to Box Butte County District documents.&nbsp;

29-year-old Rebecca Ashing is accused of using a knife to stab her then partner Cody Dauel on the evening of July 13, 2023 on Potash Ave in Alliance. Dauel was transported to Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, where he was deemed to be in stable condition.

Ashing faces one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, a Class II Felony. Other charges include Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony, a Class IIA Felony, and Domestic Assault in the 2nd degree, a Class IIA Felony.

Her trial is slated for April 15th – 17th with her pretrial conference scheduled for March 13th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705340431058.jpeg" alt="Rebecca Ashing" />
 <figcaption>Rebecca Ashing</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostAn Alliance woman who allegedly stabbed an intimate partner in July will be going to trial for attempted murder, according to Box Butte County District documents.&nbsp;29-year-old Rebecca Ashing is accused of using a knife to stab her then partner Cody Dauel on the evening of July 13, 2023 on Potash Ave in Alliance. Dauel was transported to Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, where he was deemed to be in stable condition.Ashing faces one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, a Class II Felony. Other charges include Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony, a Class IIA Felony, and Domestic Assault in the 2nd degree, a Class IIA Felony.Her trial is slated for April 15th – 17th with her pretrial conference scheduled for March 13th.

Alliance woman who allegedly stabbed partner faces April trial

&nbsp; The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a semi-trailer fire. Department responded with One Engine, One Heavy Rescue, and Two Command. The fire was under control within 5 minutes of arrival. The lone operator of the vehicle was asleep in the tractor at the time of the fire and was alerted by someone pulling in for fuel. 

Together the two were able to disconnect the trailer as well as alert operators of nearby vehicles to get moved before the fire could spread. Temperature at the time of the fire was -7°. Crews returned to the station at 04:29.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705337731639.jpeg" alt="Sindey FF&nbsp; working on putting out the semi-trailer fire. Photo from SVFD" />
 <figcaption>Sindey FF&nbsp; working on putting out the semi-trailer fire. Photo from SVFD</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a semi-trailer fire. Department responded with One Engine, One Heavy Rescue, and Two Command. The fire was under control within 5 minutes of arrival. The lone operator of the vehicle was asleep in the tractor at the time of the fire and was alerted by someone pulling in for fuel. Together the two were able to disconnect the trailer as well as alert operators of nearby vehicles to get moved before the fire could spread. Temperature at the time of the fire was -7°. Crews returned to the station at 04:29.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0WvCeMdW9sqSLUdFzGAADctbb4n2hSwuPzc5JN8vGDt2b8PNHfSohdtZ4fv467F5Al%26id%3D100064878333132&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="799" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Sidney Fire Fighters battled semi-trailer fire early Sunday morning

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

&nbsp; The City of Chadron issued statement that there was a water main break on Cedar St on Monday morning, close to the Middle School.

This created issues on Cedar for several blocks, and crews have spent the morning fixing the leak, though weather conditions have made it difficult.

The public is advised to avoid the area until the water main break is fixed.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post&nbsp; The City of Chadron issued statement that there was a water main break on Cedar St on Monday morning, close to the Middle School.This created issues on Cedar for several blocks, and crews have spent the morning fixing the leak, though weather conditions have made it difficult.The public is advised to avoid the area until the water main break is fixed.

Water main break in Chadron causes issues 

With Alliance Public Schools canceling school on Monday, Alliance's basketball double-header against Rapid City Christian on Monday has also been postponed.&nbsp;

As of this release, the Alliance vs. Gordon-Rushville basketball double header in Alliance on Tuesday night will go on as scheduled starting at 6 p.m.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostWith Alliance Public Schools canceling school on Monday, Alliance's basketball double-header against Rapid City Christian on Monday has also been postponed.&nbsp;As of this release, the Alliance vs. Gordon-Rushville basketball double header in Alliance on Tuesday night will go on as scheduled starting at 6 p.m.

APS cancels school Monday, basketball doubleheader vs. Rapid City Christian postponed.

Alliance, NE – Due to weather conditions, the Senior Center and Nutrition Site will be closed today, Monday, January 15th. Nutrition Site meals will not be delivered today.

All previously scheduled RSVP volunteering services have been cancelled for today, Monday, January 15th.

For more information, please call Angie Flesner (308) 762-1293.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Due to weather conditions, the Senior Center and Nutrition Site will be closed today, Monday, January 15th. Nutrition Site meals will not be delivered today.All previously scheduled RSVP volunteering services have been cancelled for today, Monday, January 15th.For more information, please call Angie Flesner (308) 762-1293.

Alliance Senior Center Closed

By&nbsp;<a href="https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/author/ethank/">Ethan Kasales</a> DigNittanyVolleyball.com

Story originally published by DigNittanyVolleyball.com. All credit in this story goes to them.

Jordan Hopp, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Alliance, Nebraska, announced her transfer from Iowa State to Penn State women’s volleyball Saturday evening on her Instagram account and will join the program after her graduation this spring.

Hopp, a member of the 2020 recruiting class, is technically a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining due to her bonus season granted by the NCAA in the wake of COVID-19. She had 199 kills and led the Cyclones with a .325 hitting percentage in 2023, which&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/stats.aspx?path=vb&amp;year=2023" target="_blank">ranked ninth</a>&nbsp;among Big 12 players, and added a team-high 104 total blocks.

“I am excited to announce my commitment to Penn State,” Hopp wrote on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2DgRZBOHjM/?igsh=cWdoZ3VxNnU0OHk2" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. “Thank you Cyclone nation for the opportunities, love, and support. See you soon, Happy Valley.”

Hopp visited Penn State’s campus last Wednesday and Thursday, touring the facilities with the coaching staff and attending the men’s volleyball team’s sweep of Lees-McRae at Rec Hall. Hopp will join Penn State middle blockers Taylor Trammell, Maggie Mendelson, and Catherine Burke on the program’s 2024 roster. Hopp wore No. 5 in her photoshoot donning a couple different Penn State uniforms.

Hopp is the third player to join the Nittany Lions via the transfer portal this offseason, as they also landed&nbsp;<a href="https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/maggie-mendelson-transfers-to-penn-state-volleyball/" target="_blank">Mendelson</a>&nbsp;and pin hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/caroline-jurevicius-transfers-to-penn-state-volleyball/" target="_blank">Caroline Jurevicius</a>&nbsp;from Nebraska, both of whom are enrolled in classes at Penn State for the spring semester. After finishing up her undergraduate degree at Iowa State, Hopp will likely arrive in University Park sometime in May.

Hopp was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, also lettering all four years in basketball and track and field, but given her hometown’s lack of proximity to a club program (the closest being four hours away in Denver, Colorado, or six hours away in Lincoln, Nebraska), she did not play club volleyball growing up. Hopp had 623 kills and 407 total blocks for the Bulldogs, per&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ne/alliance/alliance-bulldogs/athletes/jordan-hopp/volleyball/stats/?careerid=mc3tciv070f44" target="_blank">MaxPreps</a>, recording 100-plus blocks each of her final three varsity seasons.

“Because of where I lived, there was no national club around, so I decided to continue to play three sports in high school,” Hopp said in a November 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://cyclones.com/news/2023/11/6/volleyball-breakout-season-jordan-hopps-iowa-state-journey.aspx" target="_blank">article</a>. “During the summertime, I would sign up for the elite camps at Division I colleges and play with top recruits around the country. In between each camp, I participated in high school team camps for volleyball and basketball. It was always my goal to play Division I sports, but not until the high school level is when I truly found the passion for volleyball.”

Hopp took two swings in her collegiate debut as a true freshman in 2020 against Wayne State, then didn’t see any action the following season, but made solid strides as a junior in 2022, with her best performance coming against Penn State in LSU’s Tiger Challenge on September 2 in Baton Rouge. Hopp had a season-high 12 kills, hit .409, and added two total blocks and an ace in Penn State’s&nbsp;<a href="https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/penn-state-volleyball-beats-iowa-state-troy-in-doubleheader/" target="_blank">3-1 win</a>&nbsp;over the Cyclones, finishing the year with 35 kills and 22 total blocks.

“When you haven’t played club, it can be hard to catch up on all those reps, and that’s what Jordan was facing her first couple of years,” Iowa State head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said in the same in-house article in which Hopp was quoted. “She was trying to catch up compared to other middles who came in who had so many more repetitions over the years.”

Hopp started all 30 matches for Iowa State in 2023, putting together by far her best collegiate season so far. Hopp had a career-high 14 kills in a pair of 3-2 road wins over Iowa and Houston, which eventually took No. 1 seed Stanford to five sets in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Hopp had seven total blocks against the Cougars and a career-high nine in a 3-2 road win over Grand Canyon on September 2, 2023.

Hopp will now have the chance to continue improving her game under the tutelage of Katie Schumacher-Cawley and her staff in the highly competitive environment of practice in South Gym at Rec Hall. She will compete with Trammell, Mendelson, and Burke for playing time.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/author/ethank/">Ethan Kasales</a> DigNittanyVolleyball.com Story originally published by DigNittanyVolleyball.com. All credit in this story goes to them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705288114881.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Photo by dignittanyvolleyball.com&nbsp; (Co-publishers Ethan Kasales and Daniel Chun)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo by dignittanyvolleyball.com&nbsp; (Co-publishers Ethan Kasales and Daniel Chun)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jordan Hopp, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Alliance, Nebraska, announced her transfer from Iowa State to Penn State women’s volleyball Saturday evening on her Instagram account and will join the program after her graduation this spring.Hopp, a member of the 2020 recruiting class, is technically a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining due to her bonus season granted by the NCAA in the wake of COVID-19. She had 199 kills and led the Cyclones with a .325 hitting percentage in 2023, which&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/stats.aspx?path=vb&amp;year=2023" target="_blank">ranked ninth</a>&nbsp;among Big 12 players, and added a team-high 104 total blocks.“I am excited to announce my commitment to Penn State,” Hopp wrote on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2DgRZBOHjM/?igsh=cWdoZ3VxNnU0OHk2" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. “Thank you Cyclone nation for the opportunities, love, and support. See you soon, Happy Valley.”Hopp visited Penn State’s campus last Wednesday and Thursday, touring the facilities with the coaching staff and attending the men’s volleyball team’s sweep of Lees-McRae at Rec Hall. Hopp will join Penn State middle blockers Taylor Trammell, Maggie Mendelson, and Catherine Burke on the program’s 2024 roster. Hopp wore No. 5 in her photoshoot donning a couple different Penn State uniforms.Hopp is the third player to join the Nittany Lions via the transfer portal this offseason, as they also landed&nbsp;<a href="https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/maggie-mendelson-transfers-to-penn-state-volleyball/" target="_blank">Mendelson</a>&nbsp;and pin hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/caroline-jurevicius-transfers-to-penn-state-volleyball/" target="_blank">Caroline Jurevicius</a>&nbsp;from Nebraska, both of whom are enrolled in classes at Penn State for the spring semester. After finishing up her undergraduate degree at Iowa State, Hopp will likely arrive in University Park sometime in May.Hopp was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, also lettering all four years in basketball and track and field, but given her hometown’s lack of proximity to a club program (the closest being four hours away in Denver, Colorado, or six hours away in Lincoln, Nebraska), she did not play club volleyball growing up. Hopp had 623 kills and 407 total blocks for the Bulldogs, per&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ne/alliance/alliance-bulldogs/athletes/jordan-hopp/volleyball/stats/?careerid=mc3tciv070f44" target="_blank">MaxPreps</a>, recording 100-plus blocks each of her final three varsity seasons.“Because of where I lived, there was no national club around, so I decided to continue to play three sports in high school,” Hopp said in a November 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://cyclones.com/news/2023/11/6/volleyball-breakout-season-jordan-hopps-iowa-state-journey.aspx" target="_blank">article</a>. “During the summertime, I would sign up for the elite camps at Division I colleges and play with top recruits around the country. In between each camp, I participated in high school team camps for volleyball and basketball. It was always my goal to play Division I sports, but not until the high school level is when I truly found the passion for volleyball.”Hopp took two swings in her collegiate debut as a true freshman in 2020 against Wayne State, then didn’t see any action the following season, but made solid strides as a junior in 2022, with her best performance coming against Penn State in LSU’s Tiger Challenge on September 2 in Baton Rouge. Hopp had a season-high 12 kills, hit .409, and added two total blocks and an ace in Penn State’s&nbsp;<a href="https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/penn-state-volleyball-beats-iowa-state-troy-in-doubleheader/" target="_blank">3-1 win</a>&nbsp;over the Cyclones, finishing the year with 35 kills and 22 total blocks.“When you haven’t played club, it can be hard to catch up on all those reps, and that’s what Jordan was facing her first couple of years,” Iowa State head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said in the same in-house article in which Hopp was quoted. “She was trying to catch up compared to other middles who came in who had so many more repetitions over the years.”Hopp started all 30 matches for Iowa State in 2023, putting together by far her best collegiate season so far. Hopp had a career-high 14 kills in a pair of 3-2 road wins over Iowa and Houston, which eventually took No. 1 seed Stanford to five sets in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Hopp had seven total blocks against the Cougars and a career-high nine in a 3-2 road win over Grand Canyon on September 2, 2023.Hopp will now have the chance to continue improving her game under the tutelage of Katie Schumacher-Cawley and her staff in the highly competitive environment of practice in South Gym at Rec Hall. She will compete with Trammell, Mendelson, and Burke for playing time.

 Alliance's Jordan Hopp Transfers To Penn State Volleyball

CHADRON – Chadron State College is closing its campus Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, because of winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open.

Extremely cold temperatures are forecast for Chadron and the surrounding area. Due to these frigid temperatures, the National Weather Service is issuing a wind chill warning for Chadron that remains in effect until Monday at 11 a.m. The National Weather Service is predicting dangerously cold wind chills that could be as low as 45 to 55 degrees below zero.&nbsp;

Extremely cold temperatures are forecast for Chadron and the surrounding area. Due to these frigid temperatures, the National Weather Service is issuing a wind chill warning for Chadron that remains in effect until Monday at 11 a.m. The National Weather Service is predicting dangerously cold wind chills that could be as low as 45 to 55 degrees below zero. &nbsp;

The college’s events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday have been postponed. College officials continue to monitor the winter storm, and if conditions persist, information about a late start or closure will be communicated in the future.

By Chadron State CollegeCHADRON – Chadron State College is closing its campus Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, because of winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open.Extremely cold temperatures are forecast for Chadron and the surrounding area. Due to these frigid temperatures, the National Weather Service is issuing a wind chill warning for Chadron that remains in effect until Monday at 11 a.m. The National Weather Service is predicting dangerously cold wind chills that could be as low as 45 to 55 degrees below zero.&nbsp;Extremely cold temperatures are forecast for Chadron and the surrounding area. Due to these frigid temperatures, the National Weather Service is issuing a wind chill warning for Chadron that remains in effect until Monday at 11 a.m. The National Weather Service is predicting dangerously cold wind chills that could be as low as 45 to 55 degrees below zero. &nbsp;The college’s events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday have been postponed. College officials continue to monitor the winter storm, and if conditions persist, information about a late start or closure will be communicated in the future.

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