Alliance, NE – Join Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska for a Veterans Day Event on Saturday, November 11th at 11 am in the Community Room of Alliance Public Library. This event for ages K-5 will feature stories and creating cards to share with veterans.

Please contact Tyne Jackson, Panhandle Coordinator for Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska at 308-765-2571 or Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian for more information.

By City of Alliance <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699465398301.jpeg" alt="Veterans Day Event with Girl Scouts .jpg" />
 <figcaption>Veterans Day Event with Girl Scouts .jpg</figcaption>
 </figure> Alliance, NE – Join Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska for a Veterans Day Event on Saturday, November 11th at 11 am in the Community Room of Alliance Public Library. This event for ages K-5 will feature stories and creating cards to share with veterans.Please contact Tyne Jackson, Panhandle Coordinator for Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska at 308-765-2571 or Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian for more information.

Veterans Day Event with Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska at Alliance library

POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

Kyren Gibson discusses November exhibits and this weekend's Gala Night Of Giving.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center" 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=yfayi-14f289f-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>Kyren Gibson discusses November exhibits and this weekend's Gala Night Of Giving.

POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center

Lincoln, Neb. – The U.S. Department of Commerce announced last week, it was lowering duties placed on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco from 19.97% to 2.12%. The decision comes after the agency conducted an administrative review of the duties, which is performed annually by retroactively &nbsp;examining the price of shipments and other factors. 

Nebraska Corn Growers Association Chairman, Andy Jobman, testified to the International Trade Commission and spoke on a panel in Washington, D.C., relaying concerns about fertilizer tariffs and addressing the need for the reevaluation of the duties. 

As it stood, the negative implications for producers were determinantal to their operations. 

“Nebraska Corn appreciates the change in duties for phosphate fertilizers,” said Chris Grams, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. 

“The Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Corn Board have been at the forefront of this issue at the beginning, raising concerns about the petition from the Mosaic Company, calling on a review of the duties and standing up for producers who need the financial relief of lower duties. We appreciate the steps taken for producers across the nation, but especially in Nebraska.” 

By Nebraska Corn BoardLincoln, Neb. – The U.S. Department of Commerce announced last week, it was lowering duties placed on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco from 19.97% to 2.12%. The decision comes after the agency conducted an administrative review of the duties, which is performed annually by retroactively &nbsp;examining the price of shipments and other factors. Nebraska Corn Growers Association Chairman, Andy Jobman, testified to the International Trade Commission and spoke on a panel in Washington, D.C., relaying concerns about fertilizer tariffs and addressing the need for the reevaluation of the duties. As it stood, the negative implications for producers were determinantal to their operations. “Nebraska Corn appreciates the change in duties for phosphate fertilizers,” said Chris Grams, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “The Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Corn Board have been at the forefront of this issue at the beginning, raising concerns about the petition from the Mosaic Company, calling on a review of the duties and standing up for producers who need the financial relief of lower duties. We appreciate the steps taken for producers across the nation, but especially in Nebraska.”

Nebraska Corn Statement on Commerce Lowering Duties on Phosphate Fertilizer

By Nebraska Attorney General's Office

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/lcH_X8B3he4" target="_blank">alerting Consumers</a>&nbsp;to be aware of bank scams because they are on the rise. The Federal Trade Commission has reported a tenfold increase in bank scams in the last three years.&nbsp;

Scams usually begin as fake&nbsp;emails&nbsp;or&nbsp;text messages&nbsp;from a legitimate-sounding bank. The messages may give you a security warning or fraud alert that sounds like a time-sensitive emergency. If you respond by opening the email or clicking on the link, you may be connected to a fake website or fake bank representative. The scammers will ask you for personal information, account numbers, passwords, or&nbsp;PINs. Once a scammer has obtained this information, they would have access to steal your money from your account or impersonate you for other financial transactions.&nbsp;

When in doubt, you should contact your bank directly, and don’t use the contact information provided to you by the scammer. Make sure to inform your bank immediately if you have been scammed, and be certain to change your password and&nbsp;PIN.

For more information, visit our website,&nbsp;ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov, or to speak to a member of our Consumer Affairs Response Team, call 402-471-2682.

By Nebraska Attorney General's OfficeThe Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/lcH_X8B3he4" target="_blank">alerting Consumers</a>&nbsp;to be aware of bank scams because they are on the rise. The Federal Trade Commission has reported a tenfold increase in bank scams in the last three years.&nbsp;Scams usually begin as fake&nbsp;emails&nbsp;or&nbsp;text messages&nbsp;from a legitimate-sounding bank. The messages may give you a security warning or fraud alert that sounds like a time-sensitive emergency. If you respond by opening the email or clicking on the link, you may be connected to a fake website or fake bank representative. The scammers will ask you for personal information, account numbers, passwords, or&nbsp;PINs. Once a scammer has obtained this information, they would have access to steal your money from your account or impersonate you for other financial transactions.&nbsp;To protect yourself:<ul>
 <li>Know that your bank will never ask you to provide or confirm personal details or confidential information via text or email.</li><li>Look for red flags like strange formatting, typos, incorrect grammar or spelling.&nbsp;</li><li>Be wary of messages that provide links, email addresses, or phone numbers that ask you to click or respond.&nbsp;</li><li>Finally, do not respond to any message claiming to be from a bank that you don’t use.</li>
 </ul>When in doubt, you should contact your bank directly, and don’t use the contact information provided to you by the scammer. Make sure to inform your bank immediately if you have been scammed, and be certain to change your password and&nbsp;PIN.For more information, visit our website,&nbsp;ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov, or to speak to a member of our Consumer Affairs Response Team, call 402-471-2682.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers Warns of Bank Impersonation Scams

WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;on Tuesday, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood joined Congressman Max Miller (R-OH), along with Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) in&nbsp;introducing the bipartisan Farm to Fly Act to create new, robust markets for American agricultural products and to strengthen domestic energy&nbsp;

The bill would foster the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) within existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, allow for greater collaboration, and ensure USDA’s SAF definitions reflect eligibility for American agricultural crops.&nbsp;

“Expanding opportunities for biofuels will not only help family farmers across the country but will also help connect more American businesses with homegrown clean energy,”&nbsp;said Congressman Flood. “Making the eligibility criteria for Sustainable Aviation Fuels at the U.S. Department of Agriculture clearer is a great step forward on this journey. Thank you to Congressman Miller for your leadership on the Farm to Fly Act, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this commonsense legislation quickly.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;on Tuesday, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood joined Congressman Max Miller (R-OH), along with Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) in&nbsp;introducing the bipartisan Farm to Fly Act to create new, robust markets for American agricultural products and to strengthen domestic energy&nbsp;The bill would foster the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) within existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, allow for greater collaboration, and ensure USDA’s SAF definitions reflect eligibility for American agricultural crops.&nbsp;“Expanding opportunities for biofuels will not only help family farmers across the country but will also help connect more American businesses with homegrown clean energy,”&nbsp;said Congressman Flood. “Making the eligibility criteria for Sustainable Aviation Fuels at the U.S. Department of Agriculture clearer is a great step forward on this journey. Thank you to Congressman Miller for your leadership on the Farm to Fly Act, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this commonsense legislation quickly.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Congressman Flood Joins Bipartisan Coalition to Introduce the Bipartisan Farm to Fly Act

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

The woman who allegedly held her child hostage in Alliance on Thursday evening made her first court appearance in Box Butte County Court on Tuesday morning.

34-year-old Yadira L. Garza of Alliance was charged Tuesday with Use of a Firearm to Commit a Felony, a Class 1C Felony, Terroristic threats, a Class 1C felony, and Obstruction of Government Operations, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Garza elected to hire her own counsel to represent her, she is scheduled to make her appearance in Box Butte County Court on Nov. 28 at the Box Butte County Courthouse in Alliance at 9:30 a.m.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699402080987.jpeg" alt="Yadira L Garza" />
 <figcaption>Yadira L Garza</figcaption>
 </figure>The woman who allegedly held her child hostage in Alliance on Thursday evening made her first court appearance in Box Butte County Court on Tuesday morning.34-year-old Yadira L. Garza of Alliance was charged Tuesday with Use of a Firearm to Commit a Felony, a Class 1C Felony, Terroristic threats, a Class 1C felony, and Obstruction of Government Operations, a Class 1 misdemeanor.Garza elected to hire her own counsel to represent her, she is scheduled to make her appearance in Box Butte County Court on Nov. 28 at the Box Butte County Courthouse in Alliance at 9:30 a.m.

Alliance woman faces charges, has court date scheduled after Thursday hostage situation 

By Nebraska&nbsp;Game &amp; Parks Commission

Hunters across Nebraska will hit the field in droves this firearm deer season, which begins Nov. 11. When they do, safety should be top of mind.

“There’s a good reason hunter orange is required during the November firearm deer season,” said Hunter Nikolai, hunter education coordinator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Hunter orange significantly increases your visibility to other hunters, helping you and other hunters follow one of the four primary rules of firearm safety: be sure of your target, what is in front of it and what is beyond it.”

Anyone hunting under the authority of a firearm deer permit must display on their head, chest and back at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material. This includes deer hunters in an enclosed blind and those hunting with archery equipment during the November firearm deer season, which runs through Nov. 19. Camouflage hunter orange patterns are legal as long if they meet the 400 square inch requirement.

Communicate and follow the four primary rules of firearm safety with your friends and family:

If you see someone breaking one of these safety rules, speak up. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure safety in the field. Hunters also should be sure to keep these safety tips in mind:

Hunting continues to be a safe recreational activity for family and friends to participate in across Nebraska. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMTA3Ljg1MjkwMTExIn0.e4RCmtm8Mca51nlXsnKGTEaY5rGTyi93ImRTcEnN14M/s/497221906/br/230222758250-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to learn more about hunter education and to read the 2023 Big Game Guide for the regulations hunters are responsible for knowing and following.

If you witness a game violation, call Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers toll-free at 800-742-7627 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9jb25zZXJ2YXRpb24vd2lsZGxpZmUtbWFuYWdlbWVudC93aWxkbGlmZS1jcmltZS1zdG9wcGVycy8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMTA3Ljg1MjkwMTExIn0.PtSKH3EuHgFDWNImJlQqznhQ7gJn9Z6dZ0y_HATNgww/s/497221906/br/230222758250-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/wildlife-crime-stoppers</a>.

By Nebraska&nbsp;Game &amp; Parks CommissionHunters across Nebraska will hit the field in droves this firearm deer season, which begins Nov. 11. When they do, safety should be top of mind.“There’s a good reason hunter orange is required during the November firearm deer season,” said Hunter Nikolai, hunter education coordinator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Hunter orange significantly increases your visibility to other hunters, helping you and other hunters follow one of the four primary rules of firearm safety: be sure of your target, what is in front of it and what is beyond it.”Anyone hunting under the authority of a firearm deer permit must display on their head, chest and back at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material. This includes deer hunters in an enclosed blind and those hunting with archery equipment during the November firearm deer season, which runs through Nov. 19. Camouflage hunter orange patterns are legal as long if they meet the 400 square inch requirement.Communicate and follow the four primary rules of firearm safety with your friends and family:<ul>
 <li>Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.</li><li>Always point the muzzle of your firearm in a safe direction.</li><li>Be sure of your target, what is in front of it, and what is beyond it.</li><li>Keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.</li>
 </ul>If you see someone breaking one of these safety rules, speak up. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure safety in the field. Hunters also should be sure to keep these safety tips in mind:<ul>
 <li>Never shoot at sound, movement, through thick brush, toward a roadway, at water or ice, or at a sky-lined deer.</li><li>Never use a rifle scope to identify deer; always identify your target with binoculars or a spotting scope.</li><li>Never cross a fence, waterway, steep embankment or other obstacle with a loaded firearm.</li><li>Always wear a full-body harness while hunting from an elevated stand or blind and remain connected from the time you leave the ground to the time you return to the ground.</li>
 </ul>Hunting continues to be a safe recreational activity for family and friends to participate in across Nebraska. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMTA3Ljg1MjkwMTExIn0.e4RCmtm8Mca51nlXsnKGTEaY5rGTyi93ImRTcEnN14M/s/497221906/br/230222758250-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to learn more about hunter education and to read the 2023 Big Game Guide for the regulations hunters are responsible for knowing and following.If you witness a game violation, call Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers toll-free at 800-742-7627 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9jb25zZXJ2YXRpb24vd2lsZGxpZmUtbWFuYWdlbWVudC93aWxkbGlmZS1jcmltZS1zdG9wcGVycy8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMTA3Ljg1MjkwMTExIn0.PtSKH3EuHgFDWNImJlQqznhQ7gJn9Z6dZ0y_HATNgww/s/497221906/br/230222758250-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/wildlife-crime-stoppers</a>.

 Nebraska Game & Parks encourages safety when deer hunting

Alliance, NE- On November 3, 2023, Scott and Sandy Dietrich presented the Box Butte Health Foundation (BBHF) with a check donation of $800 for Jane’s Closet. The proceeds were raised from a silent auction that took place at Sweet Pickin’s in downtown Alliance. Capital City Sports Cards of Lincoln, NE donated an autographed Turner Gill jersey, three warm-up tee shirts from Husker Volleyball player, Madi Kubik with an autographed photo for the silent auction. Steph’s Studio donated the wrap for the Turner Gill jersey to preserve its condition. The silent auction took place from October 18 – 30 and was promoted on KCOW by radio announcer Mike Glesinger and Facebook live events by Sweet Pickin’s owner Troy Unzicker. Chris Dietrich, Owner of Capital City Sports Cards gathered the items for the silent auction and donated them for the good of the cause, Jane’s Closet. Pictures of the items donated to the silent auction can be found on Sweet Pickin’s’ Facebook page.

Sandy Dietrich is a 17-year breast cancer survivor and avid supporter of Jane’s Closet. Although Dietrich wasn’t a recipient of a Jane’s Closet donation, her and husband Scott have been beacons in the community for fundraising for BBHF. If you are interested in giving a gift to Jane’s Closet, gifts are accepted at any time. To give a gift, there are a few ways to go about it. A gift can be made through the Foundation’s secure online donation page at www.bbgh.org/donate. Gifts can also be mailed by check to the Foundation at the address listed below. Lastly, gifts can be made in person to the Foundation Director by check, cash, or card. Gifts can be made in honor of someone specific, anonymous, or just because.

Jane’s Closet is an organization for men, women, or children living in Box Butte County battling cancer of any kind. It provides monetary support, comfort bags, and more to assist individuals through their challenging time. For more information or to request help call 308-761-3423 or visit https://www.bbgh.org/services/other-services/janes-closet.html.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699388664990.jpeg" alt="Scott and Sandy Dietrich present Box Butte Health Foundation with a check." />
 <figcaption>Scott and Sandy Dietrich present Box Butte Health Foundation with a check.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Box Butte General HospitalAlliance, NE- On November 3, 2023, Scott and Sandy Dietrich presented the Box Butte Health Foundation (BBHF) with a check donation of $800 for Jane’s Closet. The proceeds were raised from a silent auction that took place at Sweet Pickin’s in downtown Alliance. Capital City Sports Cards of Lincoln, NE donated an autographed Turner Gill jersey, three warm-up tee shirts from Husker Volleyball player, Madi Kubik with an autographed photo for the silent auction. Steph’s Studio donated the wrap for the Turner Gill jersey to preserve its condition. The silent auction took place from October 18 – 30 and was promoted on KCOW by radio announcer Mike Glesinger and Facebook live events by Sweet Pickin’s owner Troy Unzicker. Chris Dietrich, Owner of Capital City Sports Cards gathered the items for the silent auction and donated them for the good of the cause, Jane’s Closet. Pictures of the items donated to the silent auction can be found on Sweet Pickin’s’ Facebook page.Sandy Dietrich is a 17-year breast cancer survivor and avid supporter of Jane’s Closet. Although Dietrich wasn’t a recipient of a Jane’s Closet donation, her and husband Scott have been beacons in the community for fundraising for BBHF. If you are interested in giving a gift to Jane’s Closet, gifts are accepted at any time. To give a gift, there are a few ways to go about it. A gift can be made through the Foundation’s secure online donation page at www.bbgh.org/donate. Gifts can also be mailed by check to the Foundation at the address listed below. Lastly, gifts can be made in person to the Foundation Director by check, cash, or card. Gifts can be made in honor of someone specific, anonymous, or just because.Jane’s Closet is an organization for men, women, or children living in Box Butte County battling cancer of any kind. It provides monetary support, comfort bags, and more to assist individuals through their challenging time. For more information or to request help call 308-761-3423 or visit https://www.bbgh.org/services/other-services/janes-closet.html.

 BBHF accepts donation from citizens for Jane's Closet

By Chabella Guzman Panhandle Research &amp; Extension Center

Lincoln, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension in Sioux County will host a transition and estate planning workshop for farmers and ranchers in Harrison from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Nov 21, at the Harrison Fire Hall, 382 Grace St., in Harrison.&nbsp;

Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf will offer tools and strategies to effectively plan, start and complete estate plans, offer background on common mistakes during the process and highlight essential considerations for creating and carrying out estate and succession plans.

Following her presentation, Groskopf will moderate a panel of estate planning professionals who will discuss tools for transfer.

“The common mistake is that most know that they need an estate plan, but never get around to putting a plan into a legal document,” Groskopf said. “Over several years, at the end of the workshop, the most common comment is that the participants wished that they had started learning the steps to start and complete a plan sooner.”

The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required by contacting the office of Nebraska Extension in Sioux County at 308-668-2428 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sioux-county@unl.edu">sioux-county@unl.edu</a>.

By Chabella Guzman Panhandle Research &amp; Extension CenterLincoln, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension in Sioux County will host a transition and estate planning workshop for farmers and ranchers in Harrison from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Nov 21, at the Harrison Fire Hall, 382 Grace St., in Harrison.&nbsp;Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf will offer tools and strategies to effectively plan, start and complete estate plans, offer background on common mistakes during the process and highlight essential considerations for creating and carrying out estate and succession plans.Following her presentation, Groskopf will moderate a panel of estate planning professionals who will discuss tools for transfer.“The common mistake is that most know that they need an estate plan, but never get around to putting a plan into a legal document,” Groskopf said. “Over several years, at the end of the workshop, the most common comment is that the participants wished that they had started learning the steps to start and complete a plan sooner.”The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required by contacting the office of Nebraska Extension in Sioux County at 308-668-2428 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sioux-county@unl.edu">sioux-county@unl.edu</a>.

 Extension ag estate, transition planning workshop scheduled in Harrison

The Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department said in a press release that they are hosting a Blood Drive on Wed, Nov. 8th at the Fire Hall from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Staff from Regional West Medical Center will be screening and completing the blood draws. All blood draws are welcome.

The blood from this drive will be used in hospitals in the panhandle including Alliance, Chadron, Bridgeport and Scottsbluff.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department said in a press release that they are hosting a Blood Drive on Wed, Nov. 8th at the Fire Hall from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Staff from Regional West Medical Center will be screening and completing the blood draws. All blood draws are welcome.The blood from this drive will be used in hospitals in the panhandle including Alliance, Chadron, Bridgeport and Scottsbluff.

Blood Drive being held at Hemingford VFD on Wed

Keep Alliance Beautiful is part of a process that flows in a circular motion (clockwise, maybe counter-clockwise if you like) as consumers purchase products made from the same materials they recycle. In the past, KAB has promoted another process that can also follow the same pattern – composting. The practice is not currently active among our programs though a speaker at the Keep Nebraska Beautiful Conference this fall piqued my interest in its potential in our area.

Brent Crampton of Hillside Solutions, which also offers trash and recycling services in the Omaha area, delved into the residential/commercial/industrial aspects of composting. “Gretna Sanitation started as a traditional hauler,” Brent explained. “Instead of opening a landfill they opened a composting facility. We put in new feedstocks the city of Omaha isn’t doing (in their compost) so they could sell it for a more market price.”

Inputs for Hillside’s compost flows from all over the metro area with partners as diverse as the Omaha zoo, hotels and hospitals.

One slide showed separate bins Hillside supplies with corresponding colors for landfill, recycling and compost. Brent helped set up a system for people and businesses to separate and achieve zero waste systems. Hillside is in more than 20 schools with lunch composting for 12,000-plus students. He showed a video telling how Omaha Central High School is composting at a 57-percent rate and has moved from 76 to 15 bags of trash a day, on average.

I do not have a “zero waste station,” as such, though we recycle and compost at my house. Concerning the latter, a former (covered) waste basket below the kitchen sink is dumped two to three times most weeks in the garden pile. Our year-round routine yields a healthy bit of dark organic material to work into the beds as we leave the probability of frost behind.

“We are processing 50,000 tons of material in our composting process,” Brent said. “We have industrial partners. We do windrow composting – 140-160 degrees inside, kills pathogens and bacteria . . . After a year of it sitting we screen it. We bag some, but people pull up and get it. . . . We have drop off sites around town for industrial compost. About 70 we dump once a week. Some commercial farms buy compost and they sell to restaurants who compost with Hillside.”

Hillside has also emphasized education so residents and businesses who take part know the rules. The cost for residential service in the “compost club” is $8.99 a month. More than 1,500 subscribers have access to drop off points in their area 24/7.

Years ago, the Alliance landfill produced many cubic yards of their own compost from the garden waste alley containers and rolloffs. Part of the difficulty in maintaining the program, from what I witnessed, came from people disregarding what was allowable in those containers. Machinery that turned the compost windrows became tangled in plastic bags, which do not break down. Unless Alliance residents see value in producing a useful product while reducing what goes into our landfill, the local compost scene will remain behind backyard fences.

Have a compost bucket, barrel or pile? Spread the word. This green option is something anyone can do. I hope in the near future our city government or a private entity will find it feasible to attempt commercial composting again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699293320555.jpeg" alt="Apples core and banana peels begin to break down in a backyard compost pile." />
 <figcaption>Apples core and banana peels begin to break down in a backyard compost pile.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN E. WEARE KABKeep Alliance Beautiful is part of a process that flows in a circular motion (clockwise, maybe counter-clockwise if you like) as consumers purchase products made from the same materials they recycle. In the past, KAB has promoted another process that can also follow the same pattern – composting. The practice is not currently active among our programs though a speaker at the Keep Nebraska Beautiful Conference this fall piqued my interest in its potential in our area.Brent Crampton of Hillside Solutions, which also offers trash and recycling services in the Omaha area, delved into the residential/commercial/industrial aspects of composting. “Gretna Sanitation started as a traditional hauler,” Brent explained. “Instead of opening a landfill they opened a composting facility. We put in new feedstocks the city of Omaha isn’t doing (in their compost) so they could sell it for a more market price.”Inputs for Hillside’s compost flows from all over the metro area with partners as diverse as the Omaha zoo, hotels and hospitals.One slide showed separate bins Hillside supplies with corresponding colors for landfill, recycling and compost. Brent helped set up a system for people and businesses to separate and achieve zero waste systems. Hillside is in more than 20 schools with lunch composting for 12,000-plus students. He showed a video telling how Omaha Central High School is composting at a 57-percent rate and has moved from 76 to 15 bags of trash a day, on average.I do not have a “zero waste station,” as such, though we recycle and compost at my house. Concerning the latter, a former (covered) waste basket below the kitchen sink is dumped two to three times most weeks in the garden pile. Our year-round routine yields a healthy bit of dark organic material to work into the beds as we leave the probability of frost behind.“We are processing 50,000 tons of material in our composting process,” Brent said. “We have industrial partners. We do windrow composting – 140-160 degrees inside, kills pathogens and bacteria . . . After a year of it sitting we screen it. We bag some, but people pull up and get it. . . . We have drop off sites around town for industrial compost. About 70 we dump once a week. Some commercial farms buy compost and they sell to restaurants who compost with Hillside.”Hillside has also emphasized education so residents and businesses who take part know the rules. The cost for residential service in the “compost club” is $8.99 a month. More than 1,500 subscribers have access to drop off points in their area 24/7.Years ago, the Alliance landfill produced many cubic yards of their own compost from the garden waste alley containers and rolloffs. Part of the difficulty in maintaining the program, from what I witnessed, came from people disregarding what was allowable in those containers. Machinery that turned the compost windrows became tangled in plastic bags, which do not break down. Unless Alliance residents see value in producing a useful product while reducing what goes into our landfill, the local compost scene will remain behind backyard fences.Have a compost bucket, barrel or pile? Spread the word. This green option is something anyone can do. I hope in the near future our city government or a private entity will find it feasible to attempt commercial composting again.

Keep Alliance Beautiful: Save it for the Soil

An Alliance High School graduate recently received a scholarship to help as she is set to enter her student teaching semester.&nbsp;

Roxane Foster is the president of Alpha Zeta, a local chapter in Box Butte County of Alpha Delta Kappa an international organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence, altruism and more. &nbsp;

Here is Foster with more information about the Alliance High School graduate who earned the scholarship recently.&nbsp; "Laykin Sperl was awarded our scholarship for this year," Foster said. The qualifications are to be a graduate of a Box Butte County School, and to be in good standing with her college and have requirements as needed to do their student teaching."

Sperl attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish SD, will be student teaching at Grandview Elementary in Alliance next semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699303155173.jpeg" alt="Laykin Sperl (left) with Roxane Foster" />
 <figcaption>Laykin Sperl (left) with Roxane Foster</figcaption>
 </figure>An Alliance High School graduate recently received a scholarship to help as she is set to enter her student teaching semester.&nbsp;Roxane Foster is the president of Alpha Zeta, a local chapter in Box Butte County of Alpha Delta Kappa an international organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence, altruism and more. &nbsp; Here is Foster with more information about the Alliance High School graduate who earned the scholarship recently.&nbsp; "Laykin Sperl was awarded our scholarship for this year," Foster said. The qualifications are to be a graduate of a Box Butte County School, and to be in good standing with her college and have requirements as needed to do their student teaching."Sperl attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish SD, will be student teaching at Grandview Elementary in Alliance next semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alliance's Laykin Sperl earns scholarship from Alpha Zeta

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699299820103.png" alt="Communities for Kids Box Butte County" />
 <figcaption>Communities for Kids Box Butte County</figcaption>
 </figure>

Open House in Box Butte County on Tuesday to discuss Early Childhood survey 

After recent events in the City of Alliance, the city and the Police Department continues to encourage the public to sign up for emergency alerts in the city called CodeRED, APD Police Officer Tyler Sherlock explains why it is important.

"I think the CODERED is something that every citizen should have downloaded on their cellphone and have access to at work or wherever," Sherlock said.&nbsp; "It's something we have tried to push more and more every year to get more people involved; a few years ago, when a juvenile went missing and we were able to locate the juvenile in a much swifter time."

To sign-up for CODERED alerts, visit this link at

<a href="https://cityofalliance.net/217/Emergency-Management">Emergency Management | Alliance, NE - Official Website (cityofalliance.net)</a>

After recent events in the City of Alliance, the city and the Police Department continues to encourage the public to sign up for emergency alerts in the city called CodeRED, APD Police Officer Tyler Sherlock explains why it is important. "I think the CODERED is something that every citizen should have downloaded on their cellphone and have access to at work or wherever," Sherlock said.&nbsp; "It's something we have tried to push more and more every year to get more people involved; a few years ago, when a juvenile went missing and we were able to locate the juvenile in a much swifter time."To sign-up for CODERED alerts, visit this link at<a href="https://cityofalliance.net/217/Emergency-Management">Emergency Management | Alliance, NE - Official Website (cityofalliance.net)</a>

City of Alliance and APD encourages public to sign up for emergency alerts

By DANIELLA AKWANAMNYE, COLLEGE RELATIONS, CHADRON STATE COLLEGE

CHADRON – The Chadron State College Art department is preparing to host about 80 high school students for Art Day Tuesday. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. in the Memorial Hall lobby and include three workshop sessions starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.

Workshops taught by CSC Art faculty students and alumni will cover the topics of graphic design, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, photography, architecture, sculpture, painting, and graphic novel illustration.

The high schools planning to attend include Bayard, Bridgeport, Chadron, Gordon-Rushville, Hemingford, Mitchell, and Oelrichs and Phillips South Dakota.

In a special session for high school art teachers, Chadron Chamber of Commerce Director Gabby Michna will give a presentation about Chadron’s Art Alley from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Sandoz Center. Art Alley is a collaborative effort that CSC students and alumni have participated in creating. It is in downtown Chadron west of Main Street between Second and Third Streets.

By DANIELLA AKWANAMNYE, COLLEGE RELATIONS, CHADRON STATE COLLEGE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699290169221.jpeg" alt="Teagan Burney, left, and Keagan Hitchcock, both of Hemingford High School, paint with watercolors Nov. 8, 2022, in the Sandoz Center as part of CSC Art Day. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Teagan Burney, left, and Keagan Hitchcock, both of Hemingford High School, paint with watercolors Nov. 8, 2022, in the Sandoz Center as part of CSC Art Day. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHADRON – The Chadron State College Art department is preparing to host about 80 high school students for Art Day Tuesday. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. in the Memorial Hall lobby and include three workshop sessions starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.Workshops taught by CSC Art faculty students and alumni will cover the topics of graphic design, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, photography, architecture, sculpture, painting, and graphic novel illustration.The high schools planning to attend include Bayard, Bridgeport, Chadron, Gordon-Rushville, Hemingford, Mitchell, and Oelrichs and Phillips South Dakota.In a special session for high school art teachers, Chadron Chamber of Commerce Director Gabby Michna will give a presentation about Chadron’s Art Alley from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Sandoz Center. Art Alley is a collaborative effort that CSC students and alumni have participated in creating. It is in downtown Chadron west of Main Street between Second and Third Streets.

CSC Art Deparments hosting Students for Art Day Tuesday

Karen Benzel discusses the Christmas food baskets program.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska" 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=krupa-14ef65c-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>Karen Benzel discusses the Christmas food baskets program.

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

The Scottsbluff Fire Department continues to investigate a structural fire on Saturday night in Scottsbluff that was fully engulfed at E 28th Ave on Saturday night. &nbsp;

Scottsbluff Fire Department Captain Justin Houstoun  tells Panhandle Post that the SFD was called at around 6:30 on Saturday and when they arrived, they found extensive fire coming through the roof of the home.  &nbsp;

 Houstoun said they did an extensive search of&nbsp;the home and there were no occupants inside, but the roof of the structure did collapse. There were no injuries, as they did find a cat that survived and they returned to their owners.&nbsp;

A cause to the fire has been named at this time as the fire remains under investigation.&nbsp;

Scottsbluff Police, Gering Fire and Valley Ambulance all assisted on scene.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Scottsbluff Fire Department continues to investigate a structural fire on Saturday night in Scottsbluff that was fully engulfed at E 28th Ave on Saturday night. &nbsp;Scottsbluff Fire Department Captain Justin Houstoun tells Panhandle Post that the SFD was called at around 6:30 on Saturday and when they arrived, they found extensive fire coming through the roof of the home. &nbsp; Houstoun said they did an extensive search of&nbsp;the home and there were no occupants inside, but the roof of the structure did collapse. There were no injuries, as they did find a cat that survived and they returned to their owners.&nbsp;A cause to the fire has been named at this time as the fire remains under investigation.&nbsp;Scottsbluff Police, Gering Fire and Valley Ambulance all assisted on scene.&nbsp;

Fire leads to roof collapse of house in Scottsbluff, no injuries

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post&nbsp;

Veterans Day is this Saturday and this morning the Box Butte County Commissioners are proclaiming this week Operation Green Light, to encourage the public to display green lights at their place of residence or business to show support for veterans.&nbsp;

The commissioners will meet at 9:15 Monday morning at the Veteran’s Service Office at 524 Box Butte Ave Suite D at the Slagle building.&nbsp;

The Commissioner’s will also be presenting a plaque to veteran Dennis Laughlin.&nbsp; He was the Box Butte County VSO for 7 years.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post&nbsp;Veterans Day is this Saturday and this morning the Box Butte County Commissioners are proclaiming this week Operation Green Light, to encourage the public to display green lights at their place of residence or business to show support for veterans.&nbsp;The commissioners will meet at 9:15 Monday morning at the Veteran’s Service Office at 524 Box Butte Ave Suite D at the Slagle building.&nbsp;The Commissioner’s will also be presenting a plaque to veteran Dennis Laughlin.&nbsp; He was the Box Butte County VSO for 7 years.&nbsp;

Box Butte County Commissioners green lights proclamation Monday

The Alliance Arts Council is having mind reader Eric Dittelman perform tonight (Friday) at 7 p.m. the Alliance Performing Arts Center.

Dittelman was the first ever mind reader on the hit show "America's Got Talent" and has also appeared on "Ellen," Live with Kelly and Ryan and more. The AAC said in a social media post that he will bring a unique blend of mind reading with stand-up and improve comedy.

&nbsp; Tickets will be sold at the door. $10 Adult, $9 Senior, $5 Student

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699041088175.jpeg" alt="Eric Dittelman (Photo provided by Alliance Art Council Facebook page)" />
 <figcaption>Eric Dittelman (Photo provided by Alliance Art Council Facebook page)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance Arts Council is having mind reader Eric Dittelman perform tonight (Friday) at 7 p.m. the Alliance Performing Arts Center.Dittelman was the first ever mind reader on the hit show "America's Got Talent" and has also appeared on "Ellen," Live with Kelly and Ryan and more. The AAC said in a social media post that he will bring a unique blend of mind reading with stand-up and improve comedy.&nbsp; Tickets will be sold at the door. $10 Adult, $9 Senior, $5 Student

 Critically acclaimed Mind Reader Eric Dittelman performs tonight in Alliance

By: Mike Glesinger&nbsp; and Alex Benzegala&nbsp; Panhandle Post

Update: 11:15 a.m: Press release from Alliance Police Department

Alliance Police Department Responds to Welfare Check, Resolves Incident Peacefully with Multiple Agencies' Assistance Alliance, NE – On November 2nd, 2023, at approximately 1722 hours, Alliance Police Officers responded to a welfare check at Grand Lake Village South. During the welfare check, officers encountered a situation that required a swift and coordinated response. 

Upon knocking on the door, an adult female answered the door and brandished a firearm at APD Officers. In response, the officers immediately retreated and took cover. The female in question made threats towards the officers, indicating that she would open fire if they approached any closer. 

Located in the residence was the female and a juvenile. The female was identified as Yadira Garza of Alliance. Given the dynamics of the situation and the potential threat to public safety, a shelter-in-place order was issued, and additional law enforcement assistance was requested. At approximately 1745 hours, the Alliance Police Department Tactical Response Team Vehicle (TRTV) was deployed to the scene. 

At 1816 hours, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) SWAT team was activated, along with an NSP Hostage Negotiator. By 2145 hours, the NSP SWAT team had arrived on the scene to assist in the ongoing situation. The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska Game and Parks, Alliance Fire Department, Alliance Streets Department, Alliance Police Department, Scottsbluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, and the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING), were instrumental in managing the incident.

 At 2348 hours, the situation was resolved peacefully when Yadira voluntarily came out the front door and surrendered. Following her surrender, a search of the residence was conducted, leading to the discovery of the firearm. The juvenile was checked out by Emergency Medical Staff on scene and was unharmed. Yadira was arrested and transported to the Box Butte County Jail. 

This incident highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and the dedication of law enforcement professionals to ensuring the safety of our community. The Alliance Police Department wishes to express its gratitude to all the agencies involved and emphasizes its commitment to protecting the well-being of Alliance residents. 

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information email comments@bbcpublicsafety.us

The Alliance Police Department is reporting the Hostage situation at the trailer park in south Alliance has resolved with no shots fired and no injuries.&nbsp; APD released the following statement around 12:30 am MT Friday.&nbsp; 

"The situation south of town has been resolved and the shelter in place has been lifted. Thank you for keeping clear of the area to allow for a safe resolution. A special thanks to Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Scottsbluff County Sheriff's Office, Garden County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Game &amp; Parks, Alliance Fire Department, and all of the dispatchers that assisted.&nbsp;

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Alliance Police are still on the scene of an active situation in the trailer park just off Kansas Street in south Alliance. The area remains blocked off and residents need to stay away from this area.&nbsp;

Eagle Radio News Director Alex Benzegala reports some additional details have been released.&nbsp; According to a statement from the Alliance Police Department, the incident began with a Welfare Check to a residence at the trailer park.&nbsp; When Alliance Police arrived, a women at the home, reportedly pulled a gun on the Officers.&nbsp; The Alliance Police also report there is a hostage in the residence as of 9 pm MT .&nbsp; The Nebraska State Patrol and other Law Enforcement Officers are also on the scene.&nbsp; 

The Alliance Police Department has issued an update regarding the Shelter in Place order....The city-wide shelter in place has been reduced to everyone south of Kansas St. between Cody Ave and S. Mississippi. Please stay away from the area to ensure your safety and the safety of all officers and responders working this incident. We will send further updates as they come available.&nbsp; If you did not receive the initial alert, please sign up for CodeRed!&nbsp; Updates will follow when available.



This situation has been ongoing since before 6 pm MT, Thursday evening.&nbsp; We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.&nbsp;

8 pm Mt...Thursday,&nbsp; November 2, 2023

The Alliance Police Department is on the scene of what is described as an "active situation" in the trailer park just off Kansas Street in South Alliance.&nbsp; 

Eagle Radio News Director Alex Benzegala reports that residents of the trailer park have been evacuated and the area is blocked off by Police.&nbsp; &nbsp;Alliance Police have stressed "THIS IS NOT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION".&nbsp; &nbsp;The APD issued a CodeRed message around 6 pm Thursday evening advising residents to shelter in place until the situation has been resolved.&nbsp;

No further details are available at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698978004721.jpeg" alt="alex benzegala photo" />
 <figcaption>alex benzegala photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike Glesinger&nbsp; and Alex Benzegala&nbsp; Panhandle PostUpdate: 11:15 a.m: Press release from Alliance Police DepartmentAlliance Police Department Responds to Welfare Check, Resolves Incident Peacefully with Multiple Agencies' Assistance Alliance, NE – On November 2nd, 2023, at approximately 1722 hours, Alliance Police Officers responded to a welfare check at Grand Lake Village South. During the welfare check, officers encountered a situation that required a swift and coordinated response. Upon knocking on the door, an adult female answered the door and brandished a firearm at APD Officers. In response, the officers immediately retreated and took cover. The female in question made threats towards the officers, indicating that she would open fire if they approached any closer. Located in the residence was the female and a juvenile. The female was identified as Yadira Garza of Alliance. Given the dynamics of the situation and the potential threat to public safety, a shelter-in-place order was issued, and additional law enforcement assistance was requested. At approximately 1745 hours, the Alliance Police Department Tactical Response Team Vehicle (TRTV) was deployed to the scene. At 1816 hours, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) SWAT team was activated, along with an NSP Hostage Negotiator. By 2145 hours, the NSP SWAT team had arrived on the scene to assist in the ongoing situation. The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska Game and Parks, Alliance Fire Department, Alliance Streets Department, Alliance Police Department, Scottsbluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, and the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING), were instrumental in managing the incident. At 2348 hours, the situation was resolved peacefully when Yadira voluntarily came out the front door and surrendered. Following her surrender, a search of the residence was conducted, leading to the discovery of the firearm. The juvenile was checked out by Emergency Medical Staff on scene and was unharmed. Yadira was arrested and transported to the Box Butte County Jail. This incident highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and the dedication of law enforcement professionals to ensuring the safety of our community. The Alliance Police Department wishes to express its gratitude to all the agencies involved and emphasizes its commitment to protecting the well-being of Alliance residents. For media inquiries or additional information, please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information email comments@bbcpublicsafety.usFriday Nov. 3..6:30 amThe Alliance Police Department is reporting the Hostage situation at the trailer park in south Alliance has resolved with no shots fired and no injuries.&nbsp; APD released the following statement around 12:30 am MT Friday.&nbsp; "The situation south of town has been resolved and the shelter in place has been lifted. Thank you for keeping clear of the area to allow for a safe resolution. A special thanks to Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Scottsbluff County Sheriff's Office, Garden County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Game &amp; Parks, Alliance Fire Department, and all of the dispatchers that assisted.&nbsp;Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.9 pm Mt..update. Thursday Nov. 2, 2023Alliance Police are still on the scene of an active situation in the trailer park just off Kansas Street in south Alliance. The area remains blocked off and residents need to stay away from this area.&nbsp;Eagle Radio News Director Alex Benzegala reports some additional details have been released.&nbsp; According to a statement from the Alliance Police Department, the incident began with a Welfare Check to a residence at the trailer park.&nbsp; When Alliance Police arrived, a women at the home, reportedly pulled a gun on the Officers.&nbsp; The Alliance Police also report there is a hostage in the residence as of 9 pm MT .&nbsp; The Nebraska State Patrol and other Law Enforcement Officers are also on the scene.&nbsp; The Alliance Police Department has issued an update regarding the Shelter in Place order....The city-wide shelter in place has been reduced to everyone south of Kansas St. between Cody Ave and S. Mississippi. Please stay away from the area to ensure your safety and the safety of all officers and responders working this incident. We will send further updates as they come available.&nbsp; If you did not receive the initial alert, please sign up for CodeRed!&nbsp; Updates will follow when available.

This situation has been ongoing since before 6 pm MT, Thursday evening.&nbsp; We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.&nbsp;8 pm Mt...Thursday,&nbsp; November 2, 2023The Alliance Police Department is on the scene of what is described as an "active situation" in the trailer park just off Kansas Street in South Alliance.&nbsp; Eagle Radio News Director Alex Benzegala reports that residents of the trailer park have been evacuated and the area is blocked off by Police.&nbsp; &nbsp;Alliance Police have stressed "THIS IS NOT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION".&nbsp; &nbsp;The APD issued a CodeRed message around 6 pm Thursday evening advising residents to shelter in place until the situation has been resolved.&nbsp;No further details are available at this time.

Update: Yadira Garza named by APD as woman in Alliance stand-off

The Alliance Police Department issued a press release on Friday about details stemming from the hostage situation in Alliance on Thursday evening. Here is APD Police Officer Tyler Sherlock with details.&nbsp;

The female was identified as Yadira Garza of Alliance, and she was arrested shortly before midnight after walking out of the door and voluntarily surrendering.&nbsp;She was transported to the Box Butte County jail, and the investigation onto what caused this situation is ongoing.&nbsp;

The Alliance Police Department NSP SWAT team had arrived on the scene to assist in the ongoing situation. &nbsp;

The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska Game and Parks, Alliance Fire Department, Alliance Streets Department, Alliance Police Department, Scottsbluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, and the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING), were instrumental in managing the incident.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Officer Sherlock of APD talks Hostage situation in Alliance" 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=mvaid-14ebeb7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Alliance Police Department issued a press release on Friday about details stemming from the hostage situation in Alliance on Thursday evening. Here is APD Police Officer Tyler Sherlock with details.&nbsp;The female was identified as Yadira Garza of Alliance, and she was arrested shortly before midnight after walking out of the door and voluntarily surrendering.&nbsp;She was transported to the Box Butte County jail, and the investigation onto what caused this situation is ongoing.&nbsp;The Alliance Police Department NSP SWAT team had arrived on the scene to assist in the ongoing situation. &nbsp;The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska Game and Parks, Alliance Fire Department, Alliance Streets Department, Alliance Police Department, Scottsbluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, and the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING), were instrumental in managing the incident.&nbsp;

POST PODCAST:  Officer Sherlock of APD talks Hostage situation in Alliance

The DOVES Program is holding an art exhibit later this month in Chadron.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jody Motz, the Client Advocate and Community Educator for the Doves Program and she explains the backstory behind the Exhibit.&nbsp;

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one of our advocates in Alliance had a great idea to partner with the Carnegie Arts Center in Alliance, so they came up with the 'Tell me Your Story' Art Exhibit. The artwork is created by survivors of sexual or domestic abuse.

Motz says the exhibit started in Alliance and was recently displayed in Scottsbluff.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 'Tell me Your Story' art Exhibit is being held from November 17- December 15th at the Chadron State College Student Center.&nbsp;

The Doves Program has free canvases available at their office for any survivor who wishes to participate.&nbsp;The deadline to turn in artwork is Nov. 14 and can be brought to 803 E 3rd St Suite 5 in Chadron from 8 a.m. to 4 pm Mon-Fri.&nbsp;

The option of anonymity is available to survivors who wish to remain unidentified.&nbsp;For more information. Call the Doves Program at 308-436-2787.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe DOVES Program is holding an art exhibit later this month in Chadron.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jody Motz, the Client Advocate and Community Educator for the Doves Program and she explains the backstory behind the Exhibit.&nbsp;October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one of our advocates in Alliance had a great idea to partner with the Carnegie Arts Center in Alliance, so they came up with the 'Tell me Your Story' Art Exhibit. The artwork is created by survivors of sexual or domestic abuse.Motz says the exhibit started in Alliance and was recently displayed in Scottsbluff.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 'Tell me Your Story' art Exhibit is being held from November 17- December 15th at the Chadron State College Student Center.&nbsp;The Doves Program has free canvases available at their office for any survivor who wishes to participate.&nbsp;The deadline to turn in artwork is Nov. 14 and can be brought to 803 E 3rd St Suite 5 in Chadron from 8 a.m. to 4 pm Mon-Fri.&nbsp;The option of anonymity is available to survivors who wish to remain unidentified.&nbsp;For more information. Call the Doves Program at 308-436-2787.&nbsp;

Dove Program holding art exhibit in Chadron: 'Tell me your Story' 

By Canon Rath, North Platte Post

On October 30th, a single engine plane crashed in the yard of a residence in the 1400 Block of East C Street in McCook, Nebraska. There were two occupants aboard the plane. The occupants were identified as pilot, Clifton Coffman age 79, who passed away from his injuries, and his passenger, Henry Ritcher age 65, who is being treated for his injuries. NTSB and FAA are investigating the crash. Both occupants were from Shreveport, Louisiana.

RED WILLOW COUNTY, Neb. —One person died in a small plane crash just before noon Monday in southwest Nebraska.

The small plane crashed 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp;

There were two occupants in the airplane. First responders found one deceased, and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook for treatment.

City of McCook personnel were on the scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies.&nbsp;

Officials secured the crash site and it will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate federal agencies arrive.&nbsp; Officials have not released names of the pilot or passenger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McCook NEB. - First responders were dispatched to a small plane crash in McCook around 12:00pm. No further information is available at this time. We will provide updates once more information is released.

By Canon Rath, North Platte PostOn October 30th, a single engine plane crashed in the yard of a residence in the 1400 Block of East C Street in McCook, Nebraska. There were two occupants aboard the plane. The occupants were identified as pilot, Clifton Coffman age 79, who passed away from his injuries, and his passenger, Henry Ritcher age 65, who is being treated for his injuries. NTSB and FAA are investigating the crash. Both occupants were from Shreveport, Louisiana.-------------RED WILLOW COUNTY, Neb. —One person died in a small plane crash just before noon Monday in southwest Nebraska.The small plane crashed 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp;There were two occupants in the airplane. First responders found one deceased, and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook for treatment.City of McCook personnel were on the scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies.&nbsp;Officials secured the crash site and it will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate federal agencies arrive.&nbsp; Officials have not released names of the pilot or passenger.&nbsp;&nbsp;-------------McCook NEB. - First responders were dispatched to a small plane crash in McCook around 12:00pm. No further information is available at this time. We will provide updates once more information is released.

Pilot, passenger aboard the small plane crash in McCook have been identified

By United States Attorney's Office

Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that George Liakos, 64, of Gering, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 27, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for Bank Fraud. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Liakos to 36 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Liakos’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. As part of his sentence, Liakos was ordered to pay $5,059,035.43 in restitution to First State Bank.

Great Western Bank, which was subsequently acquired by First State Bank, was a banking corporation with locations in Iowa, Colorado, South&nbsp;Dakota,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nebraska,&nbsp;including&nbsp;a&nbsp;banking&nbsp;office&nbsp;in&nbsp;Scottsbluff,&nbsp;Nebraska.&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Western Bank’s deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Liakos conducted a farming operation in Bayard, Nebraska, primarily growing beans, corn and sugar beets as well as raising cattle for sale.

Beginning in April 2017 and continuing through May 2019,&nbsp;Liakos misrepresented the amount of commodities he had in storage, cattle inventory, and acreage of crops and concealed his debt from Great Western Bank in order to secure approximately $11 million in loans.

As a part of his scheme to obtain money from Great Western Bank, on June 2, 2017, Liakos executed Loans and a Security Agreement with Great Western Bank. The loans and security agreement consisted of a revolving line of credit, machinery and equipment loan and a livestock loan. In approving the Loans and Security Agreement, Great Western Bank relied upon information provided by Liakos&nbsp;reflecting&nbsp;current&nbsp;commodity&nbsp;and&nbsp;livestock&nbsp;inventory,&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;receivable,&nbsp;loans,&nbsp;and accounts payable which he knew materially overstated his commodity inventory and materially understated and failed to report loans and accounts payable. As&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;this&nbsp;agreement,&nbsp;Liakos&nbsp;granted&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Western&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;a&nbsp;security&nbsp;interest&nbsp;in&nbsp;assets and farm products as collateral for the loan. As a result of the Liakos’s scheme and artifice to defraud, Great Western Bank sustained a financial loss of $3,940,007.80.

After the sentencing, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “George Liakos’ crime may not have been violent, but there were real victims.&nbsp; His years of lies and falsifying documents led to a local bank’s loss of more than seven million dollars.&nbsp; Today’s sentence illustrates the FBI’s mission to investigate complex fraud cases and bring to justice those who enrich themselves at the expense of others by breaking the law.”

Matthew T. Wilkins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General said “I want to thank the US Attorney’s Office, OIG special agents, and our investigative partners for their hard work on this investigation.&nbsp; When the integrity of the United States Department of Agriculture’s farm loan programs is violated by criminal conduct, the Office of Inspector General will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law.”

Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr stated, “Today’s sentencing is the product of nearly four years of investigating and prosecuting Liakos for making material misrepresentations to the Commodity Credit Corporation and Great Western Bank to obtain significant lines of credit. His misrepresentations and actions resulted in millions of dollars in loss being sustained by Great Western Bank. Today’s result reflects our office’s commitment to work with our federal partners such as the FBI and USDA-OIG to bring white collar criminals to justice.”

By United States Attorney's OfficeActing United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that George Liakos, 64, of Gering, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 27, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for Bank Fraud. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Liakos to 36 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Liakos’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. As part of his sentence, Liakos was ordered to pay $5,059,035.43 in restitution to First State Bank.Great Western Bank, which was subsequently acquired by First State Bank, was a banking corporation with locations in Iowa, Colorado, South&nbsp;Dakota,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nebraska,&nbsp;including&nbsp;a&nbsp;banking&nbsp;office&nbsp;in&nbsp;Scottsbluff,&nbsp;Nebraska.&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Western Bank’s deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Liakos conducted a farming operation in Bayard, Nebraska, primarily growing beans, corn and sugar beets as well as raising cattle for sale.Beginning in April 2017 and continuing through May 2019,&nbsp;Liakos misrepresented the amount of commodities he had in storage, cattle inventory, and acreage of crops and concealed his debt from Great Western Bank in order to secure approximately $11 million in loans.As a part of his scheme to obtain money from Great Western Bank, on June 2, 2017, Liakos executed Loans and a Security Agreement with Great Western Bank. The loans and security agreement consisted of a revolving line of credit, machinery and equipment loan and a livestock loan. In approving the Loans and Security Agreement, Great Western Bank relied upon information provided by Liakos&nbsp;reflecting&nbsp;current&nbsp;commodity&nbsp;and&nbsp;livestock&nbsp;inventory,&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;receivable,&nbsp;loans,&nbsp;and accounts payable which he knew materially overstated his commodity inventory and materially understated and failed to report loans and accounts payable. As&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;this&nbsp;agreement,&nbsp;Liakos&nbsp;granted&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Western&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;a&nbsp;security&nbsp;interest&nbsp;in&nbsp;assets and farm products as collateral for the loan. As a result of the Liakos’s scheme and artifice to defraud, Great Western Bank sustained a financial loss of $3,940,007.80.After the sentencing, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “George Liakos’ crime may not have been violent, but there were real victims.&nbsp; His years of lies and falsifying documents led to a local bank’s loss of more than seven million dollars.&nbsp; Today’s sentence illustrates the FBI’s mission to investigate complex fraud cases and bring to justice those who enrich themselves at the expense of others by breaking the law.”Matthew T. Wilkins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General said “I want to thank the US Attorney’s Office, OIG special agents, and our investigative partners for their hard work on this investigation.&nbsp; When the integrity of the United States Department of Agriculture’s farm loan programs is violated by criminal conduct, the Office of Inspector General will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law.”Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr stated, “Today’s sentencing is the product of nearly four years of investigating and prosecuting Liakos for making material misrepresentations to the Commodity Credit Corporation and Great Western Bank to obtain significant lines of credit. His misrepresentations and actions resulted in millions of dollars in loss being sustained by Great Western Bank. Today’s result reflects our office’s commitment to work with our federal partners such as the FBI and USDA-OIG to bring white collar criminals to justice.”

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