POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

P202200979 14:05 TRAFFIC STOP : Traffic stop initiated on the 2200 block of Emerson Ave/Citation Issued/ Vehicle was towed/charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200980 06:13 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYA vehicle struck a power pole on the 1200 block of W 3RD Street. The vehicle collided with the pole while looking back at some equipment on the truck causing it to over turn and collide with the power pole. Power was shortly disabled to parts of town due to the accident. The matter was resolved. Closed - Resolved

P202200981 08:57 10-45 : MVA INJURY Two vehicle crash at the intersection of 3rd Street (Highway 2) and Highway 385. The matter is open and under investigation. Preliminary evidence indicates a stop sign violation as the violation leading to the crash. Open - Under Investigation

P202200982 20:12 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Report of a domestic dispute between a boyfriend and girlfriend. Report has been forwarded to the County Attorney Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200982 20:12 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Report of a domestic dispute between a boyfriend and girlfriend. Report has been forwarded to the County Attorney Under Prosecutor Review

P202200983 00:13 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Officers responded to 500 block Homestead Ave. to a call of a door being broken into. Officers entered and cleared the building. This case is open for further investigation. Open - Under Investigation

P202200984 07:50 SRO : SRO SRO / HS / Vape pen located / Vape tested for THC / Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200985 13:57 DISTURBANCE : officers responded to 1210 E Highway 2 (Sunset Motel) in reference to a disturbance/ One female was arrested/Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200987 10:40 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYMINOR ACCIDENT 11TH STREET AND EMERSON / MOTOR VEHICLE IN TRANSPORT CONTACT WITH PARKED MOTOR VEHICLE / NO INJURIES / Closed - Resolved

P202200987 10:40 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYMINOR ACCIDENT 11TH STREET AND EMERSON / MOTOR VEHICLE IN TRANSPORT CONTACT WITH PARKED MOTOR VEHICLE / NO INJURIES / Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200988 13:07 FOUND : FOUND PROPERTY OWNER REPORTED A FOUND BIKE Inactive - Case Suspended

P202200989 14:09 FOUND : FOUND WEAPON TURNED OVER TO THE PD FOR DESTRUCTION / Informational

P202200990 23:30 DRUGS : DRUGS Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle in the 800 block of Toluca Ave. A black 2-door Ford vehicle sped away, driving erratically. Another officer made a traffic stop near 12th Street and Toluca Avenue. The two male occupants were issues citations. One for traffic violations and the other for possession of drug paraphernalia. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200992 13:42 PARKING : PARKING parking compliant on a grey 1997 Toyota Avalon parked on Buchfinck Avenue near Arthur Lane with no plates, missing the driver's and passenger side windows Inactive - Case Suspended

P202200991 13:47 FOUND : FOUND 1300 block of W 14th ST/ Found property/ Property was returned to owner Closed - Resolved

P202200993 14:49 PARKING : PARKING Started receiving parking complaints about a boat and trailer parked on the street in the 300 block off Big Horn Avenue on October 21, 2022. Made several attempts to contact an owner but was unsuccessful. Inactive - Case Suspended

P202200993 14:49 PARKING : PARKING Started receiving parking complaints about a boat and trailer parked on the street in the 300 block off Big Horn Avenue on October 21, 2022. Made several attempts to contact an owner but was unsuccessful. Closed - Resolved

P202200994 15:43 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Officers responded to the 500 block of Snyder Pl in reference to a domestic dispute between a male and a female/Officers made an investigation on scene/ Charges are recommended/ Report forwarded to the County Attorney Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200995 10:19 INTAKE : INTAKE DHHS APS Intake/ Serenity Lanes Housing/ Closed as Resolved

P202200996 17:17 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : officers responded to the 300 block of W 3rd ST in reference to a broken window of a residence/ Officers made contact with the resident/ Resident named a suspect/charges are recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

10/23/22P202200979 14:05 TRAFFIC STOP : Traffic stop initiated on the 2200 block of Emerson Ave/Citation Issued/ Vehicle was towed/charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended10/23/22 Total: 110/24/22P202200980 06:13 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYA vehicle struck a power pole on the 1200 block of W 3RD Street. The vehicle collided with the pole while looking back at some equipment on the truck causing it to over turn and collide with the power pole. Power was shortly disabled to parts of town due to the accident. The matter was resolved. Closed - ResolvedP202200981 08:57 10-45 : MVA INJURY Two vehicle crash at the intersection of 3rd Street (Highway 2) and Highway 385. The matter is open and under investigation. Preliminary evidence indicates a stop sign violation as the violation leading to the crash. Open - Under InvestigationP202200982 20:12 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Report of a domestic dispute between a boyfriend and girlfriend. Report has been forwarded to the County Attorney Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200982 20:12 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Report of a domestic dispute between a boyfriend and girlfriend. Report has been forwarded to the County Attorney Under Prosecutor Review10/24/22 Total: 410/25/22P202200983 00:13 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Officers responded to 500 block Homestead Ave. to a call of a door being broken into. Officers entered and cleared the building. This case is open for further investigation. Open - Under InvestigationP202200984 07:50 SRO : SRO SRO / HS / Vape pen located / Vape tested for THC / Charges recommended Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200985 13:57 DISTURBANCE : officers responded to 1210 E Highway 2 (Sunset Motel) in reference to a disturbance/ One female was arrested/Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended10/25/22 Total: 310/26/22P202200987 10:40 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYMINOR ACCIDENT 11TH STREET AND EMERSON / MOTOR VEHICLE IN TRANSPORT CONTACT WITH PARKED MOTOR VEHICLE / NO INJURIES / Closed - ResolvedP202200987 10:40 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYMINOR ACCIDENT 11TH STREET AND EMERSON / MOTOR VEHICLE IN TRANSPORT CONTACT WITH PARKED MOTOR VEHICLE / NO INJURIES / Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200988 13:07 FOUND : FOUND PROPERTY OWNER REPORTED A FOUND BIKE Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200989 14:09 FOUND : FOUND WEAPON TURNED OVER TO THE PD FOR DESTRUCTION / InformationalP202200990 23:30 DRUGS : DRUGS Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle in the 800 block of Toluca Ave. A black 2-door Ford vehicle sped away, driving erratically. Another officer made a traffic stop near 12th Street and Toluca Avenue. The two male occupants were issues citations. One for traffic violations and the other for possession of drug paraphernalia. Closed - Charges Recommended10/26/22 Total: 510/28/22P202200992 13:42 PARKING : PARKING parking compliant on a grey 1997 Toyota Avalon parked on Buchfinck Avenue near Arthur Lane with no plates, missing the driver's and passenger side windows Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200991 13:47 FOUND : FOUND 1300 block of W 14th ST/ Found property/ Property was returned to owner Closed - ResolvedP202200993 14:49 PARKING : PARKING Started receiving parking complaints about a boat and trailer parked on the street in the 300 block off Big Horn Avenue on October 21, 2022. Made several attempts to contact an owner but was unsuccessful. Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200993 14:49 PARKING : PARKING Started receiving parking complaints about a boat and trailer parked on the street in the 300 block off Big Horn Avenue on October 21, 2022. Made several attempts to contact an owner but was unsuccessful. Closed - ResolvedP202200994 15:43 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Officers responded to the 500 block of Snyder Pl in reference to a domestic dispute between a male and a female/Officers made an investigation on scene/ Charges are recommended/ Report forwarded to the County Attorney Closed - Charges Recommended10/28/22 Total: 510/29/22P202200995 10:19 INTAKE : INTAKE DHHS APS Intake/ Serenity Lanes Housing/ Closed as ResolvedP202200996 17:17 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : officers responded to the 300 block of W 3rd ST in reference to a broken window of a residence/ Officers made contact with the resident/ Resident named a suspect/charges are recommended Closed - Charges Recommended10/29/22 Total: 2Total Records: 20

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

Student loan debt has been in the news since several candidates in our last presidential race offered plans to provide assistance. Why is this even an issue?

Since the year 2000, student loan debt has doubled. Forty-eight million Americans owe for their college loans. That's about one in seven Americans. Those ages 25-to-34 are the most likely to hold student loan debt, but the greatest amount is owed by those 35 to 49 — more than $600 billion. The average total student debt continues to hover around $30,000. Though the benefits of a college education outweigh the costs in most cases, many graduates worry that their debt could impact their finances for years to come, redirecting money that could be invested in homes or retirement programs.

Altogether this student debt is $1.7 trillion, second only to home mortgage debt of $12 trillion. The federal government holds $1.6 trillion of that student loan debt. The U.S. government invests in higher education through need-based tuition grants, student loan programs, veterans’ benefits, and research grants; an educated and highly skilled workforce promotes national prosperity. Highly educated workers provide greater tax revenues, are generally more productive and civically engaged, and rely less on social programs. Most experts believe postsecondary education is fundamental to a dynamic, innovative economy.

Most nations subsidize higher education to a much larger degree than the United States. And the cost of college education here has skyrocketed, both at public and private colleges. States had been contributing a large amount of tax dollars to public colleges and universities, but after the Great Recession of 2008, most states severely cut this funding. Since that time, the loan balance per borrower rose by 25 percent.

Another thing to understand is that one-third of the total debt is held by the seven percent of borrowers who owe more than $100,000. How does this debt get so high? We'll talk about this next week and look at how interest is figured.

The United States Department of Education is currently offering Federal Student Loan Debt Relief for loans owed to the government. Go to studentaid.gov/debt-relief for more information. The program provides eligible borrowers with full or partial discharge of loans up to $20,000 to Federal Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 to non-Pell Grant recipients. Pell Grants are offered to low-income students based on their FAFSA. The program is not available for loans from private lenders.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityStudent loan debt has been in the news since several candidates in our last presidential race offered plans to provide assistance. Why is this even an issue?Since the year 2000, student loan debt has doubled. Forty-eight million Americans owe for their college loans. That's about one in seven Americans. Those ages 25-to-34 are the most likely to hold student loan debt, but the greatest amount is owed by those 35 to 49 — more than $600 billion. The average total student debt continues to hover around $30,000. Though the benefits of a college education outweigh the costs in most cases, many graduates worry that their debt could impact their finances for years to come, redirecting money that could be invested in homes or retirement programs.Altogether this student debt is $1.7 trillion, second only to home mortgage debt of $12 trillion. The federal government holds $1.6 trillion of that student loan debt. The U.S. government invests in higher education through need-based tuition grants, student loan programs, veterans’ benefits, and research grants; an educated and highly skilled workforce promotes national prosperity. Highly educated workers provide greater tax revenues, are generally more productive and civically engaged, and rely less on social programs. Most experts believe postsecondary education is fundamental to a dynamic, innovative economy.Most nations subsidize higher education to a much larger degree than the United States. And the cost of college education here has skyrocketed, both at public and private colleges. States had been contributing a large amount of tax dollars to public colleges and universities, but after the Great Recession of 2008, most states severely cut this funding. Since that time, the loan balance per borrower rose by 25 percent.Another thing to understand is that one-third of the total debt is held by the seven percent of borrowers who owe more than $100,000. How does this debt get so high? We'll talk about this next week and look at how interest is figured.The United States Department of Education is currently offering Federal Student Loan Debt Relief for loans owed to the government. Go to studentaid.gov/debt-relief for more information. The program provides eligible borrowers with full or partial discharge of loans up to $20,000 to Federal Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 to non-Pell Grant recipients. Pell Grants are offered to low-income students based on their FAFSA. The program is not available for loans from private lenders.

Getting Ahead: Why are student loans an issue?

CHADRON – Chadron State College Mathematics Associate Professor Dr. Jung Colen presented at the 2022 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Research Conference in Los Angeles Sept. 28-29. She presented a study she conducted with her husband, Dr. Yong S. Colen, a mathematics education professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

In their presentation, they focused on an innovative technique called Improv Teaching.

“We define&nbsp;Improv Teaching as responsive, flexible instruction that transforms an unexpected misconception into students doing authentic mathematics,” Colen said.

According to Colen, the novel concept is defined by three phases. First,&nbsp;the teacher discerns a relevant&nbsp;student misconception, second the&nbsp;teacher and students probe for the underlying reasons behind the&nbsp;misconception and reconstruct it into a meaningful learning moment,&nbsp;and finally, the teacher deviates from the lesson plan and incorporates the&nbsp;misconception, fostering the empowerment of low self-confident students through purposeful learning.

The couple has submitted their study to be reviewed in Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12,&nbsp;one of the NCTM’s journals&nbsp;aimed at educators of preschool to 12th grade.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Chadron State College Mathematics Associate Professor Dr. Jung Colen presented at the 2022 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Research Conference in Los Angeles Sept. 28-29. She presented a study she conducted with her husband, Dr. Yong S. Colen, a mathematics education professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667399602849.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College Mathematics Associate Professor Dr. Jung Colen presented at the 2022 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Research Conference in Los Angeles Sept. 28-29, 2022. She presented a study she conducted with her husband, Dr. Yong S. Colen, who is also a mathematics education professor. (Courtesy image, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College Mathematics Associate Professor Dr. Jung Colen presented at the 2022 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Research Conference in Los Angeles Sept. 28-29, 2022. She presented a study she conducted with her husband, Dr. Yong S. Colen, who is also a mathematics education professor. (Courtesy image, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>In their presentation, they focused on an innovative technique called Improv Teaching.“We define&nbsp;Improv Teaching as responsive, flexible instruction that transforms an unexpected misconception into students doing authentic mathematics,” Colen said.According to Colen, the novel concept is defined by three phases. First,&nbsp;the teacher discerns a relevant&nbsp;student misconception, second the&nbsp;teacher and students probe for the underlying reasons behind the&nbsp;misconception and reconstruct it into a meaningful learning moment,&nbsp;and finally, the teacher deviates from the lesson plan and incorporates the&nbsp;misconception, fostering the empowerment of low self-confident students through purposeful learning.The couple has submitted their study to be reviewed in Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12,&nbsp;one of the NCTM’s journals&nbsp;aimed at educators of preschool to 12th grade.

Chadron's Colen presents at national mathematics conference

There’s no reason why the U.S. should be reliant on authoritarian regimes like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela to supply the fuel we need.&nbsp; We have more than enough resources to restore our energy independence and bring fuel prices down.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we’re doing our part to grow biofuels production right here in America’s Heartland.&nbsp;

Embracing ethanol offers several benefits to consumers and communities.

For starters, it saves drivers money at the pump.&nbsp; At a time when American families are strapped for cash due to rising inflation, ethanol offers savings.&nbsp; A study released on October 13, 2022, by ABF Economics estimated that “expanding E15 use to the nation’s entire motor gasoline supply” would save an average American household $168 per year.&nbsp; Nationwide, it would reduce annual consumer spending on motor fuel by $20.6 billion.

Filling up with ethanol also leads to a cleaner environment.&nbsp; According to the USDA, ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent compared to gasoline.&nbsp; Additional studies have shown that, when compared to E10, E15 further reduces emissions of particulate matter by 18%, carbon monoxide by 17%, and NOx by 3%. &nbsp;This effect is even more pronounced when higher ethanol blends are considered. &nbsp;Converting just 10 percent of the U.S. on-road fleet to E30 would result in a reduction of&nbsp;at least&nbsp;34 megatons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

And ethanol strengthens Nebraska agriculture by providing opportunities for our farm families.&nbsp; Ethanol production generates demand for locally grown corn and increases the price farmers are paid for their harvest.&nbsp; Roughly 40% of corn grown in Nebraska is used to make ethanol.&nbsp; In July 2022, a joint study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the Nebraska Ethanol Board reported that farmers in the immediate vicinity of ethanol facilities receive about 21.3 cents more per bushel for their corn.&nbsp; It’s not just our farm families who benefit from ethanol.&nbsp; The commodity also creates great-paying jobs in our rural communities.&nbsp; The UNL/Nebraska Ethanol Board study estimated that the ethanol industry directly supports 1,460 jobs in Nebraska and indirectly supports over 3,000 more.&nbsp; These jobs have annual average earnings of $70,800.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We’re conducting cutting-edge research to demonstrate the benefits of higher ethanol blends.&nbsp; In June 2019, the State of Nebraska began a study on the use of locally sourced E30 biofuel in conventional vehicles.&nbsp; State teammates outfitted 50 State-owned vehicles with onboard tracking systems to capture data on vehicle performance.&nbsp; They monitored those vehicles for an entire year.&nbsp; Data was submitted to engineers at UNL for analysis.&nbsp; In February 2021, UNL’s Engineering Department released a&nbsp;<a href="https://ethanol.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/E30-Demonstration-FINAL-1.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;with its analysis of the data.&nbsp; It clearly showed that E30, a blend of gasoline and 30% ethanol, is safe and efficient to use in regular vehicles and created no maintenance issues. &nbsp;

This October, we received EPA approval for an expanded study of the benefits of E30.&nbsp; It will include up to 825 State vehicles.&nbsp; Scaling up our use of E30 in the State’s vehicle fleet will underscore what we’ve already proven—E30 can be used in regular vehicles without reducing performance.&nbsp; Under current EPA guidelines, only flex-fuel vehicles can use ethanol blends higher than E15.&nbsp; With our second phase study, we’ll be in an even stronger position to advocate regulatory change to make E30 accessible to everyone.

We’ve also passed legislation to help our ethanol facilities make the most of new technologies.&nbsp; Last year, I signed LB 650 into law to establish&nbsp;a&nbsp;legal and regulatory framework to store carbon dioxide underground in Nebraska. &nbsp;

Companies like Carbon America, Navigator CO2, Summit Carbon Solutions,&nbsp;and Tallgrass Energy have embarked on major projects that will allow Nebraska ethanol facilities to securely capture, transfer, and store carbon emissions.&nbsp; Last month, for example, Carbon America announced a partnership with Bridgeport Ethanol to capture and store 95% of the plant’s annual emissions—roughly 175,000 tons of CO2&nbsp;per year.&nbsp; As Nebraska produces cleaner-burning fuels using carbon sequestration, we’re helping conventional vehicles achieve a carbon footprint similar to, if not cleaner than, the footprint from manufacturing and charging electric vehicles.

As we invest in research and use technologies to grow ethanol in Nebraska, we’re actively promoting the benefits of biofuels around the world.&nbsp; In 2021, Nebraska exported over $375 million of ethanol.&nbsp; That’s up more than 50% from 2014.&nbsp; We’re looking to build on this growth.

In August, we highlighted the benefits of ethanol during our trade mission to the United Kingdom.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last year, the UK upped its ethanol blending requirement for all gasoline from 5% to 10%, generating demand for biofuels.&nbsp; Ethanol offers a great solution for consumers in the UK concerned about rising fuel costs and looking to reduce their carbon footprint.&nbsp; We will continue to highlight the advantages of ethanol to Nebraska’s key international trade partners.

As the United States looks for cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy, renewable diesel also offers a great opportunity to use Nebraska products to create clean fuels.&nbsp; Over the past few years, communities in Nebraska have successfully attracted processors producing or treating the feedstocks used to make renewable diesel.&nbsp; In March 2021, Marathon started operations at a facility in Beatrice to pretreat 3,000 barrels per day of feedstock for its renewable diesel plant in North Dakota.&nbsp; In September 2021, JST Global, a joint venture between Tyson Foods and Jacob Stern &amp; Sons, began construction on a facility in Dakota City to pretreat animal fats for renewable diesel production.&nbsp; Earlier this year, AGP (David City) and Norfolk Crush announced major investments to build soy crush facilities.&nbsp; These plants use soybeans to produce the oils that renewable diesel plants use as feedstock.&nbsp;

This week, Heartwell Renewables (a partnership between Love’s and Cargill) is breaking ground on a renewable diesel production facility in Hastings.&nbsp; The facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2024 and will use rendered beef fat to produce 80 million gallons of renewable diesel each year.&nbsp; It’s bringing 50 jobs to Hastings.

If you’d like to learn more about the steps we’re taking to promote biofuels in Nebraska and beyond, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244. &nbsp;

By Gov. Pete RickettsThere’s no reason why the U.S. should be reliant on authoritarian regimes like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela to supply the fuel we need.&nbsp; We have more than enough resources to restore our energy independence and bring fuel prices down.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we’re doing our part to grow biofuels production right here in America’s Heartland.&nbsp;Embracing ethanol offers several benefits to consumers and communities.For starters, it saves drivers money at the pump.&nbsp; At a time when American families are strapped for cash due to rising inflation, ethanol offers savings.&nbsp; A study released on October 13, 2022, by ABF Economics estimated that “expanding E15 use to the nation’s entire motor gasoline supply” would save an average American household $168 per year.&nbsp; Nationwide, it would reduce annual consumer spending on motor fuel by $20.6 billion.Filling up with ethanol also leads to a cleaner environment.&nbsp; According to the USDA, ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent compared to gasoline.&nbsp; Additional studies have shown that, when compared to E10, E15 further reduces emissions of particulate matter by 18%, carbon monoxide by 17%, and NOx by 3%. &nbsp;This effect is even more pronounced when higher ethanol blends are considered. &nbsp;Converting just 10 percent of the U.S. on-road fleet to E30 would result in a reduction of&nbsp;at least&nbsp;34 megatons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.And ethanol strengthens Nebraska agriculture by providing opportunities for our farm families.&nbsp; Ethanol production generates demand for locally grown corn and increases the price farmers are paid for their harvest.&nbsp; Roughly 40% of corn grown in Nebraska is used to make ethanol.&nbsp; In July 2022, a joint study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the Nebraska Ethanol Board reported that farmers in the immediate vicinity of ethanol facilities receive about 21.3 cents more per bushel for their corn.&nbsp; It’s not just our farm families who benefit from ethanol.&nbsp; The commodity also creates great-paying jobs in our rural communities.&nbsp; The UNL/Nebraska Ethanol Board study estimated that the ethanol industry directly supports 1,460 jobs in Nebraska and indirectly supports over 3,000 more.&nbsp; These jobs have annual average earnings of $70,800.&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re conducting cutting-edge research to demonstrate the benefits of higher ethanol blends.&nbsp; In June 2019, the State of Nebraska began a study on the use of locally sourced E30 biofuel in conventional vehicles.&nbsp; State teammates outfitted 50 State-owned vehicles with onboard tracking systems to capture data on vehicle performance.&nbsp; They monitored those vehicles for an entire year.&nbsp; Data was submitted to engineers at UNL for analysis.&nbsp; In February 2021, UNL’s Engineering Department released a&nbsp;<a href="https://ethanol.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/E30-Demonstration-FINAL-1.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;with its analysis of the data.&nbsp; It clearly showed that E30, a blend of gasoline and 30% ethanol, is safe and efficient to use in regular vehicles and created no maintenance issues. &nbsp;This October, we received EPA approval for an expanded study of the benefits of E30.&nbsp; It will include up to 825 State vehicles.&nbsp; Scaling up our use of E30 in the State’s vehicle fleet will underscore what we’ve already proven—E30 can be used in regular vehicles without reducing performance.&nbsp; Under current EPA guidelines, only flex-fuel vehicles can use ethanol blends higher than E15.&nbsp; With our second phase study, we’ll be in an even stronger position to advocate regulatory change to make E30 accessible to everyone.We’ve also passed legislation to help our ethanol facilities make the most of new technologies.&nbsp; Last year, I signed LB 650 into law to establish&nbsp;a&nbsp;legal and regulatory framework to store carbon dioxide underground in Nebraska. &nbsp;Companies like Carbon America, Navigator CO2, Summit Carbon Solutions,&nbsp;and Tallgrass Energy have embarked on major projects that will allow Nebraska ethanol facilities to securely capture, transfer, and store carbon emissions.&nbsp; Last month, for example, Carbon America announced a partnership with Bridgeport Ethanol to capture and store 95% of the plant’s annual emissions—roughly 175,000 tons of CO2&nbsp;per year.&nbsp; As Nebraska produces cleaner-burning fuels using carbon sequestration, we’re helping conventional vehicles achieve a carbon footprint similar to, if not cleaner than, the footprint from manufacturing and charging electric vehicles.As we invest in research and use technologies to grow ethanol in Nebraska, we’re actively promoting the benefits of biofuels around the world.&nbsp; In 2021, Nebraska exported over $375 million of ethanol.&nbsp; That’s up more than 50% from 2014.&nbsp; We’re looking to build on this growth.In August, we highlighted the benefits of ethanol during our trade mission to the United Kingdom.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last year, the UK upped its ethanol blending requirement for all gasoline from 5% to 10%, generating demand for biofuels.&nbsp; Ethanol offers a great solution for consumers in the UK concerned about rising fuel costs and looking to reduce their carbon footprint.&nbsp; We will continue to highlight the advantages of ethanol to Nebraska’s key international trade partners.As the United States looks for cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy, renewable diesel also offers a great opportunity to use Nebraska products to create clean fuels.&nbsp; Over the past few years, communities in Nebraska have successfully attracted processors producing or treating the feedstocks used to make renewable diesel.&nbsp; In March 2021, Marathon started operations at a facility in Beatrice to pretreat 3,000 barrels per day of feedstock for its renewable diesel plant in North Dakota.&nbsp; In September 2021, JST Global, a joint venture between Tyson Foods and Jacob Stern &amp; Sons, began construction on a facility in Dakota City to pretreat animal fats for renewable diesel production.&nbsp; Earlier this year, AGP (David City) and Norfolk Crush announced major investments to build soy crush facilities.&nbsp; These plants use soybeans to produce the oils that renewable diesel plants use as feedstock.&nbsp;This week, Heartwell Renewables (a partnership between Love’s and Cargill) is breaking ground on a renewable diesel production facility in Hastings.&nbsp; The facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2024 and will use rendered beef fat to produce 80 million gallons of renewable diesel each year.&nbsp; It’s bringing 50 jobs to Hastings.If you’d like to learn more about the steps we’re taking to promote biofuels in Nebraska and beyond, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244. &nbsp;

Ricketts: Leading the way to cleaner, more affordable, American-made fuel

By&nbsp;Northwest Nebraska Trails Association

Trick-or-treaters took an opportunity Sunday to get a head start on Halloween while doing something healthy during Trick-or-Trails, the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association’s (NNTA) annual Halloween hiking event.

About 250 trick-or-treaters participated, an increase of approximately 100 participants from 2021.

"This event was a big hit for a second year in a row,” Britt Helmbrecht, NNTA president said. “It was encouraging to see so many families together on the trail enjoying the beautiful scenery. Any time we can promote trails and get families on them, we’re honoring our mission. And, as a bonus, we had beautiful weather on Sunday.”

Trick-or-Trails occurred just southwest of the Chadron State College Campus on trails near Briggs Pond on the Harold and Laverne Thompson Natural History Preserve. Along the .4-mile hike, participants were greeted by NNTA members as well as Chadron State athletic teams and Chadron Rotary, who volunteered to pass out candy.

“We had five Chadron State athletics teams and two other groups volunteer to dress up and pass out treats to the children and families,” Helmbrecht said. “There was cheering, music, dancing, and it seemed like everyone had a great time. Homeowners from Canyon Drive decorated part of the route for added spookiness.”

Event sponsors included Chadron Walmart, Chadron Rotary, Kerri Rempp, Thrivent, and CSC athletic teams including, women’s wrestling, golf, men’s wrestling, women’s basketball, and volleyball.

The annual event is one of many ways the NNTA interacts with the community. On Saturday, the NNTA will sponsor a maintenance day at the labyrinth at the Thompson Natural History Preserve. If interested in volunteering, participants will gather at 9 a.m. at the Nelson Physical Activity Center south parking lot. The NNTA also sponsors several group hikes and other events throughout the year.

The NNTA was formed in 2017 when a group of outdoor recreationists saw the need for a local organization to support the development, promotion and maintenance of the region’s outstanding trails resources for non-motorized exploration.

One of the group’s major objectives is completing the section of the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail from Chadron to Hay Springs, allowing for an uninterrupted route to Gordon on the smooth grade since abandoned by an historic railroad.

Those interested in joining NNTA or donating can visit the group’s website at <a href="http://www.nwnebraskatrails.com">www.nwnebraskatrails.com</a>.

By&nbsp;Northwest Nebraska Trails Association<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667343284943.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trick-or-treaters took an opportunity Sunday to get a head start on Halloween while doing something healthy during Trick-or-Trails, the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association’s (NNTA) annual Halloween hiking event.About 250 trick-or-treaters participated, an increase of approximately 100 participants from 2021."This event was a big hit for a second year in a row,” Britt Helmbrecht, NNTA president said. “It was encouraging to see so many families together on the trail enjoying the beautiful scenery. Any time we can promote trails and get families on them, we’re honoring our mission. And, as a bonus, we had beautiful weather on Sunday.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667343319662.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trick-or-Trails occurred just southwest of the Chadron State College Campus on trails near Briggs Pond on the Harold and Laverne Thompson Natural History Preserve. Along the .4-mile hike, participants were greeted by NNTA members as well as Chadron State athletic teams and Chadron Rotary, who volunteered to pass out candy.“We had five Chadron State athletics teams and two other groups volunteer to dress up and pass out treats to the children and families,” Helmbrecht said. “There was cheering, music, dancing, and it seemed like everyone had a great time. Homeowners from Canyon Drive decorated part of the route for added spookiness.”Event sponsors included Chadron Walmart, Chadron Rotary, Kerri Rempp, Thrivent, and CSC athletic teams including, women’s wrestling, golf, men’s wrestling, women’s basketball, and volleyball.The annual event is one of many ways the NNTA interacts with the community. On Saturday, the NNTA will sponsor a maintenance day at the labyrinth at the Thompson Natural History Preserve. If interested in volunteering, participants will gather at 9 a.m. at the Nelson Physical Activity Center south parking lot. The NNTA also sponsors several group hikes and other events throughout the year.The NNTA was formed in 2017 when a group of outdoor recreationists saw the need for a local organization to support the development, promotion and maintenance of the region’s outstanding trails resources for non-motorized exploration.One of the group’s major objectives is completing the section of the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail from Chadron to Hay Springs, allowing for an uninterrupted route to Gordon on the smooth grade since abandoned by an historic railroad.Those interested in joining NNTA or donating can visit the group’s website at <a href="http://www.nwnebraskatrails.com">www.nwnebraskatrails.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667343398794.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

250 take part in Dawes County Trick-or-Trails event

At approximately 9:56 a.m. today Scottsbluff police officers were called to the intersection of Highway 26 and Avenue I to an accident.

A 92-year-old woman from Scottsbluff was westbound in a Chevrolet Equinox. The woman failed to yield to an eastbound semi-truck that was hauling sugar beets.&nbsp;

The woman was transported to Regional West Medical Center with minor injuries. 

 Eastbound traffic on Highway 26 was diverted for approximately 45 minutes.

  No citations have been issued at this time.

No names of those involved in the accident have been released.&nbsp;

 Scottsbluff Fire Department and Valley Ambulance assisted with the investigation.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostAt approximately 9:56 a.m. today Scottsbluff police officers were called to the intersection of Highway 26 and Avenue I to an accident.A 92-year-old woman from Scottsbluff was westbound in a Chevrolet Equinox. The woman failed to yield to an eastbound semi-truck that was hauling sugar beets.&nbsp;The woman was transported to Regional West Medical Center with minor injuries. Eastbound traffic on Highway 26 was diverted for approximately 45 minutes. No citations have been issued at this time.No names of those involved in the accident have been released.&nbsp; Scottsbluff Fire Department and Valley Ambulance assisted with the investigation.

1 person transported to hospital following Scottsbluff accident

Alliance – Due to the forecasted temperatures, the Alliance Dog Park will close at 1:00pm on Wednesday, November 2nd to allow for a fall application of herbicide. 

The park will re-open for use the morning on Thursday, November 3rd.

For more information, please contact the Culture &amp; Leisure Services Department at the Knight Museum by calling (308) 762-2384.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Due to the forecasted temperatures, the Alliance Dog Park will close at 1:00pm on Wednesday, November 2nd to allow for a fall application of herbicide. The park will re-open for use the morning on Thursday, November 3rd.For more information, please contact the Culture &amp; Leisure Services Department at the Knight Museum by calling (308) 762-2384.

Alliance dog park temporarily closed

CHADRON – The Chadron State College Distinguished Writer Series will feature Jonis Agee, recipient of the 2022 One Book One Nebraska, in two video conference presentations Nov. 3. She is unable to present in person due to an injury. Agee will read from her novel, The Bones of Paradise, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via video conference in the Student Center. The free, public book discussion will cover the issues the novel raises about living in western Nebraska, according to organizers of the event Dr. Matt Evertson and Markus Jones. Agee will also give a public reading via&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chadronstate.tv/" target="_blank">chadronstate.tv</a>&nbsp;at 6 p.m. Attendees in Old Admin Room 320 will be able to ask Agee questions.

An Omaha native, Agee teaches creative writing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She earned a bachelor’s at The University of Iowa and her master’s and doctorate at The State University of New York at Binghamton. She is the author of more than a dozen books, including novels, collections of poetry, and collections of short stories. Three of her books, Strange Angels, Bend This Heart, and Sweet Eyes were named Notable Books of the Year by The New York Times.

Her awards include a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, two Loft-McKnight Fellowships for fiction, two Minnesota State Arts Board grants in fiction, and the Nebraska Book Award. Her most recent novels include The Weight of Dreams and The River Wife.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://onebook.nebraska.gov/2022/index.aspx" target="_blank">One Book One Nebraska</a>&nbsp;website, The Bones of Paradise features a multigenerational family saga set in the Nebraska Sand Hills in the years following the massacre at Wounded Knee. It’s a tale of history, vengeance, race, guilt, betrayal, family, and belonging, filled with a vivid cast of characters shaped by violence, love, and a desperate loyalty to the land.

The One Book One Nebraska reading program encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss one book each year, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting.

Libraries across Nebraska have joined other literary and cultural organizations in book discussions, activities, and events to encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss the book. Support materials to assist with discussion activities are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://onebook.nebraska.gov/2021/get-involved.aspx" target="_blank">Get Involved</a>. Updates and activity listings are posted on the One Book One Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneBookOneNebraska/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>.

CHADRON – The Chadron State College Distinguished Writer Series will feature Jonis Agee, recipient of the 2022 One Book One Nebraska, in two video conference presentations Nov. 3. She is unable to present in person due to an injury. Agee will read from her novel, The Bones of Paradise, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via video conference in the Student Center. The free, public book discussion will cover the issues the novel raises about living in western Nebraska, according to organizers of the event Dr. Matt Evertson and Markus Jones. Agee will also give a public reading via&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chadronstate.tv/" target="_blank">chadronstate.tv</a>&nbsp;at 6 p.m. Attendees in Old Admin Room 320 will be able to ask Agee questions.An Omaha native, Agee teaches creative writing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She earned a bachelor’s at The University of Iowa and her master’s and doctorate at The State University of New York at Binghamton. She is the author of more than a dozen books, including novels, collections of poetry, and collections of short stories. Three of her books, Strange Angels, Bend This Heart, and Sweet Eyes were named Notable Books of the Year by The New York Times.Her awards include a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, two Loft-McKnight Fellowships for fiction, two Minnesota State Arts Board grants in fiction, and the Nebraska Book Award. Her most recent novels include The Weight of Dreams and The River Wife.According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://onebook.nebraska.gov/2022/index.aspx" target="_blank">One Book One Nebraska</a>&nbsp;website, The Bones of Paradise features a multigenerational family saga set in the Nebraska Sand Hills in the years following the massacre at Wounded Knee. It’s a tale of history, vengeance, race, guilt, betrayal, family, and belonging, filled with a vivid cast of characters shaped by violence, love, and a desperate loyalty to the land.The One Book One Nebraska reading program encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss one book each year, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting.Libraries across Nebraska have joined other literary and cultural organizations in book discussions, activities, and events to encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss the book. Support materials to assist with discussion activities are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://onebook.nebraska.gov/2021/get-involved.aspx" target="_blank">Get Involved</a>. Updates and activity listings are posted on the One Book One Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneBookOneNebraska/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>.

Author Jonis Agee to present 'The Bones of Paradise' virtually in Chadron 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 11/1/22

Nebraska Extension has scheduled workshops in Chadron and Rushville on estate and transition planning for farmers and ranchers.

It will be presented by Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator for farm and ranch transition and succession. He 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“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,” Vyhnalek 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.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required by calling Nebraska Extension in Sheridan County at 308-327-2312 or Nebraska Extension in Dawes County at 308-432-3373.&nbsp;

More information about Nebraska Extension’s resources related to estate planning and succession planning for farmers and ranchers is available on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/succession" target="_blank">https://cap.unl.edu/succession</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Nebraska Extension&nbsp;Nebraska Extension has scheduled workshops in Chadron and Rushville on estate and transition planning for farmers and ranchers.<ul>
 <li>Chadron - 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 7 at the office of Nebraska Extension in Dawes County, 250 Main St., Suite 8</li><li>Rushville - 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the office of Nebraska Extension in Sheridan County, 800 Loofborrow St.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>It will be presented by Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator for farm and ranch transition and succession. He 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;“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,” Vyhnalek 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.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required by calling Nebraska Extension in Sheridan County at 308-327-2312 or Nebraska Extension in Dawes County at 308-432-3373.&nbsp;More information about Nebraska Extension’s resources related to estate planning and succession planning for farmers and ranchers is available on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/succession" target="_blank">https://cap.unl.edu/succession</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ag estate planning workshops to be held in Chadron, Rushville

Fort Robinson State Park’s historical Christmas dinner is roaring back with a theme from the Roaring ’20s. The dinner is set to return Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. after a two-year hiatus because of COVID concerns.

The event’s theme is that of 100 years prior: 1922, not long after the fort transformed from its original role as a cavalry post for military training to that of a remount depot. In the latter role, which lasted from 1919 into the mid-1940s, the fort prepared horses and mules for the U.S. Army, with upwards to 12,000 of the animals at the base at any given time.

The dinner’s program, annually enhanced by many attendees who dress in period attire to match the theme, includes live music and historical commentary. This will be the 26th year of the event.

Tickets, which usually sell out in short time, become available for in-person purchases at 8 a.m. Nov. 7. They will be sold for $30 each at the park’s headquarters, D&amp;S Market at 195 Main St. in Harrison, and the Visitors Center-Chamber of Commerce at 706 West Third St. in Chadron. There is a limit of four tickets per household.

The meal includes turkey, pork roast, dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and much more.

The event’s festive atmosphere will be complemented once again by Christmas lights installed on park buildings with help from businesses and community members. The lights will turn on at 5 p.m. the night of the dinner and will shine each evening through December.

Groups interested in decorating a building at the park may contact the office at 308-665-2900 or ngpc.fort.robinson@nebraska.gov.

By Nebraska Game and ParksFort Robinson State Park’s historical Christmas dinner is roaring back with a theme from the Roaring ’20s. The dinner is set to return Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. after a two-year hiatus because of COVID concerns.The event’s theme is that of 100 years prior: 1922, not long after the fort transformed from its original role as a cavalry post for military training to that of a remount depot. In the latter role, which lasted from 1919 into the mid-1940s, the fort prepared horses and mules for the U.S. Army, with upwards to 12,000 of the animals at the base at any given time.The dinner’s program, annually enhanced by many attendees who dress in period attire to match the theme, includes live music and historical commentary. This will be the 26th year of the event.Tickets, which usually sell out in short time, become available for in-person purchases at 8 a.m. Nov. 7. They will be sold for $30 each at the park’s headquarters, D&amp;S Market at 195 Main St. in Harrison, and the Visitors Center-Chamber of Commerce at 706 West Third St. in Chadron. There is a limit of four tickets per household.The meal includes turkey, pork roast, dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and much more.The event’s festive atmosphere will be complemented once again by Christmas lights installed on park buildings with help from businesses and community members. The lights will turn on at 5 p.m. the night of the dinner and will shine each evening through December.Groups interested in decorating a building at the park may contact the office at 308-665-2900 or ngpc.fort.robinson@nebraska.gov.

Christmas dinner returning to Fort Robinson

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. – National Park Service (NPS) Route 5, a gravel road in Wind Cave National Park’s backcountry, will be closed for several months this winter for the laying and grading of new gravel base material. &nbsp;

NPS Route 5 is a scenic route along the park’s eastern edge that provides visitors an opportunity to view wildlife and access trailheads. The project will provide approximately 8,000 cubic yards of road base material that will be graded and compacted in place, adding 4 inches of new base. Road base gravel is used to smooth out “washboards”, holes, and erosion that occurs due to use and weather.&nbsp;

The project will also replace three culverts and repair broken timbers on a small wooden bridge over Highland Creek. &nbsp;

Currently, work is expected to begin at the junction of NPS Routes 5 and 6. The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of February.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Wind Cave National ParkWIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. – National Park Service (NPS) Route 5, a gravel road in Wind Cave National Park’s backcountry, will be closed for several months this winter for the laying and grading of new gravel base material. &nbsp;NPS Route 5 is a scenic route along the park’s eastern edge that provides visitors an opportunity to view wildlife and access trailheads. The project will provide approximately 8,000 cubic yards of road base material that will be graded and compacted in place, adding 4 inches of new base. Road base gravel is used to smooth out “washboards”, holes, and erosion that occurs due to use and weather.&nbsp;The project will also replace three culverts and repair broken timbers on a small wooden bridge over Highland Creek. &nbsp;Currently, work is expected to begin at the junction of NPS Routes 5 and 6. The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of February.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wind Cave National Park to close Route 5 for maintenance

GRAND ISLAND, NEB. — Tuesday, the recruits of Nebraska State Patrol Camp 66 will take part in crash response scenarios featuring staged crashes, actors, and working paramedics and EMTs. Media are invited to attend and cover the training.

“These scenarios are designed to give our recruits a life-like experience of responding to a serious injury crash,” said Captain Greg Miller, NSP Director of Training. “Creating these high-stress situations during camp helps the recruits once they are out on the road across the state serving Nebraskans.”

The crash scenarios will include actors performing various types of injuries. Recruits will also be assisted on scene by EMTs and paramedics from multiple local fire departments.

Media wishing to cover this training should report to the south side of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday. For media unable to attend, NSP will collect video and photos to share following the training scenarios. 

By Nebraska State PatrolGRAND ISLAND, NEB. — Tuesday, the recruits of Nebraska State Patrol Camp 66 will take part in crash response scenarios featuring staged crashes, actors, and working paramedics and EMTs. Media are invited to attend and cover the training.“These scenarios are designed to give our recruits a life-like experience of responding to a serious injury crash,” said Captain Greg Miller, NSP Director of Training. “Creating these high-stress situations during camp helps the recruits once they are out on the road across the state serving Nebraskans.”The crash scenarios will include actors performing various types of injuries. Recruits will also be assisted on scene by EMTs and paramedics from multiple local fire departments.Media wishing to cover this training should report to the south side of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday. For media unable to attend, NSP will collect video and photos to share following the training scenarios.

NSP recruits to complete crash scenarios Tuesday

Box Butte County Sheriff Tammy Mowry is warning local residents of another telephone scam.&nbsp;

Sheriff Mowry says that scammers are calling residents as Representatives of Publishers Clearing House.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"They're asking folks for money to process their winnings," Mowry said.&nbsp;

This is a scam. Mowry said don't ever give out personal or financial information to callers on the phone.&nbsp; If you receive one of these calls, just hang up.&nbsp;

"If they're asking for money for a win, it is absolutely a scam," Mowry said.&nbsp;

You can contact the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office at (308) 762-6464 to report these calls or if you believe you have been scammed.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostBox Butte County Sheriff Tammy Mowry is warning local residents of another telephone scam.&nbsp;Sheriff Mowry says that scammers are calling residents as Representatives of Publishers Clearing House.&nbsp; &nbsp;"They're asking folks for money to process their winnings," Mowry said.&nbsp;This is a scam. Mowry said don't ever give out personal or financial information to callers on the phone.&nbsp; If you receive one of these calls, just hang up.&nbsp;"If they're asking for money for a win, it is absolutely a scam," Mowry said.&nbsp;You can contact the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office at (308) 762-6464 to report these calls or if you believe you have been scammed.&nbsp;

Box Butte Co. Sheriff's Office warning residents of scam

LINCOLN, NEB. — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be working overtime on Halloween night, monitoring for impaired driving across the state.

“Halloween means extra foot traffic in communities across our state as kids set out to trick-or-treat,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “It is imperative that drivers stay alert for kids in residential areas and keep their focus on the road. If your Halloween celebration involved alcohol, plan to have a sober driver for the trip home.”

Troopers across Nebraska will be performing high-visibility patrols in an effort to reduce the likelihood of severe injury or fatal crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2020, 56 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night, including 11 pedestrians. NSP’s efforts this Halloween are made possible thanks in part to a grant for $7,375 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Be alert for trick-or-treaters by scanning the road, especially where sight distance is limited.

Put your phone down and keep your attention on the road.

If you see an impaired driver, call *55 to make a report to the NSP Highway Helpline.

Be visible. Even if your costume is dark, it’s a good idea to have a light with you.

Walk on the sidewalk and use crosswalks or intersections to cross the street.

Double check for cars before crossing the street. Just because you see the car, doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

Use the buddy system to help keep each other safe.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB. — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be working overtime on Halloween night, monitoring for impaired driving across the state.“Halloween means extra foot traffic in communities across our state as kids set out to trick-or-treat,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “It is imperative that drivers stay alert for kids in residential areas and keep their focus on the road. If your Halloween celebration involved alcohol, plan to have a sober driver for the trip home.”Troopers across Nebraska will be performing high-visibility patrols in an effort to reduce the likelihood of severe injury or fatal crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2020, 56 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night, including 11 pedestrians. NSP’s efforts this Halloween are made possible thanks in part to a grant for $7,375 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.Safety Tips for DriversBe alert for trick-or-treaters by scanning the road, especially where sight distance is limited.Slower speeds save lives.Put your phone down and keep your attention on the road.If you see an impaired driver, call *55 to make a report to the NSP Highway Helpline.Safety Tips for PedestriansBe visible. Even if your costume is dark, it’s a good idea to have a light with you.Walk on the sidewalk and use crosswalks or intersections to cross the street.Double check for cars before crossing the street. Just because you see the car, doesn’t mean the driver can see you.Use the buddy system to help keep each other safe.

NSP urges safety for drivers, trick-or-treaters for Halloween

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 10/31/22

By Cindy Randall, Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;

ALLIANCE ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES 2022-2023 LINE-UP

The Alliance Arts Council will begin their 2022-2023 season on Friday, November 18. 

The season opening act will be CHRIS FUNK – The Wonderist. Funk has traveled the world sharing his style of magic that can only be described as refreshingly different. It’s a magic show with live music!

2023 will bring a school residency and public program by Nebraska’s State Poet Matt Mason and a performance by the female vocal trio Divas Through the Decades. The AAC will sponsor a visual art exhibit at Carnegie Arts Center entitled “Holographic” by artist Michaela Bradley and the season will conclude with a return performance by the Looney Lutherans.

Season tickets for admission to all of these events are $40 for Adults, $35 for Seniors and $20 for Students. That is Big City Entertainment at a Small Town Price!! Watch your mailbox for our large postcard. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to purchase a season ticket please contact us by email at allianceartscouncil@hotmail.com. 

Season tickets will be sold at the first event and tickets are always sold at the door for each program.

Co-presenters for these events are FNIC, FNBO, Harris Sales, Western Nebraska Real Estate and KCOW/Double Q Country Radio. The Alliance Arts Council also receives support from the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. 

More information is on our website <a href="http://www.allianceartscouncil.com">www.allianceartscouncil.com</a> and on our facebook page.

By Cindy Randall, Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;ALLIANCE ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES 2022-2023 LINE-UPThe Alliance Arts Council will begin their 2022-2023 season on Friday, November 18. The season opening act will be CHRIS FUNK – The Wonderist. Funk has traveled the world sharing his style of magic that can only be described as refreshingly different. It’s a magic show with live music!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667230900837.jpeg" alt="Photo from allianceartscouncil.com&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo from allianceartscouncil.com&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>2023 will bring a school residency and public program by Nebraska’s State Poet Matt Mason and a performance by the female vocal trio Divas Through the Decades. The AAC will sponsor a visual art exhibit at Carnegie Arts Center entitled “Holographic” by artist Michaela Bradley and the season will conclude with a return performance by the Looney Lutherans.Season tickets for admission to all of these events are $40 for Adults, $35 for Seniors and $20 for Students. That is Big City Entertainment at a Small Town Price!! Watch your mailbox for our large postcard. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to purchase a season ticket please contact us by email at allianceartscouncil@hotmail.com. Season tickets will be sold at the first event and tickets are always sold at the door for each program.Co-presenters for these events are FNIC, FNBO, Harris Sales, Western Nebraska Real Estate and KCOW/Double Q Country Radio. The Alliance Arts Council also receives support from the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. More information is on our website <a href="http://www.allianceartscouncil.com">www.allianceartscouncil.com</a> and on our facebook page.

Alliance Arts Council announce 2022-2023 line-up

By ABIGAIL SWANSON, COLLEGE RELATIONS

CHADRON – Chadron State College Digital Graphic Designer Daniel Binkard opened the 2022 Graves Lecture Series with 10 Years of CSC Live, a presentation detailing the origin, growth, technology, and continued presence of the college’s live event broadcasting team.

“CSC Live, as we see it today, started in 2012,” Binkard said. “Randy Rhine had started as the college president, and he wanted to expand what we were doing with live streaming coverage. So, Dewayne Gimeson (Publications Specialist) and I prepared a list of equipment to purchase and that would enable us to add multiple angles to athletic broadcasts and just generally improve the product.”

Binkard configured the equipment for the first home football game of the semester in September 2012. The opening broadcast featured three cameras, a fixed wide angle shot, a microphone for ambient audio, and a student commentator.

“The game was a little choppy here and there, but we got it out to the public successfully. Over the next few years, I spent time working out what our camera coverage options needed to be for a given game, and where could I make improvements, whether they're in large or small ways,” Binkard said.

He described the different technologies involved in a broadcast, including audio sources like ambient sound and commentators, video from cameras, computer-generated graphics, and replay which are combined, encoded, and sent to the livestream.

“Running the full broadcast doesn't happen with just me. My role as the overall director is to make sure each broadcast goes out in some way. That's where the student workers come in. Without student workers, it's down to just me running a single camera,” Binkard said.

Binkard explained how the number of student workers available for an event impacts the coverage and how the positions of cameras change based on the sport.

“The ideal crew is seven student workers,” Binkard said. “I get one person on commentary and, as more workers are available, fill in the camera, replay, and switching operations.”

He concluded his presentation by answering audience questions about how student workers learn, the technology used in the broadcasts, notable stories, and his greatest triumphs over the years.

“A general triumph is when I've got enough student workers and we're covering a football game and firing on all cylinders. I really like seeing that action. You get the play live and then the replay. Boom, you're showing that on closeup camera. The camera operators are following the action cleanly. It just looks good,” Binkard said.

By ABIGAIL SWANSON, COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Chadron State College Digital Graphic Designer Daniel Binkard opened the 2022 Graves Lecture Series with 10 Years of CSC Live, a presentation detailing the origin, growth, technology, and continued presence of the college’s live event broadcasting team.“CSC Live, as we see it today, started in 2012,” Binkard said. “Randy Rhine had started as the college president, and he wanted to expand what we were doing with live streaming coverage. So, Dewayne Gimeson (Publications Specialist) and I prepared a list of equipment to purchase and that would enable us to add multiple angles to athletic broadcasts and just generally improve the product.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667228109399.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College Digital Graphic Designer Daniel Binkard presents for the Graves Lecture series Oct. 18, 2022. Binkard described how CSC Live began and how he uses technology and student workers to provide quality coverage of campus events both for viewers during live events and as a record for years to come. (Photo by Abigail Swanson/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College Digital Graphic Designer Daniel Binkard presents for the Graves Lecture series Oct. 18, 2022. Binkard described how CSC Live began and how he uses technology and student workers to provide quality coverage of campus events both for viewers during live events and as a record for years to come. (Photo by Abigail Swanson/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>Binkard configured the equipment for the first home football game of the semester in September 2012. The opening broadcast featured three cameras, a fixed wide angle shot, a microphone for ambient audio, and a student commentator.“The game was a little choppy here and there, but we got it out to the public successfully. Over the next few years, I spent time working out what our camera coverage options needed to be for a given game, and where could I make improvements, whether they're in large or small ways,” Binkard said.He described the different technologies involved in a broadcast, including audio sources like ambient sound and commentators, video from cameras, computer-generated graphics, and replay which are combined, encoded, and sent to the livestream.“Running the full broadcast doesn't happen with just me. My role as the overall director is to make sure each broadcast goes out in some way. That's where the student workers come in. Without student workers, it's down to just me running a single camera,” Binkard said.Binkard explained how the number of student workers available for an event impacts the coverage and how the positions of cameras change based on the sport.“The ideal crew is seven student workers,” Binkard said. “I get one person on commentary and, as more workers are available, fill in the camera, replay, and switching operations.”He concluded his presentation by answering audience questions about how student workers learn, the technology used in the broadcasts, notable stories, and his greatest triumphs over the years.“A general triumph is when I've got enough student workers and we're covering a football game and firing on all cylinders. I really like seeing that action. You get the play live and then the replay. Boom, you're showing that on closeup camera. The camera operators are following the action cleanly. It just looks good,” Binkard said.

Binkard shares history of CSC Live

News Release University of Nebraska Medical Center

UNMC’s Omaha campus will be one of more than 60 sites nationally for STOMP, which will test the safety and efficacy of the drug tecovirimat.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center will be among more than 60 institutions nationwide participating in STOMP (Study of Tecovirimat for Human Monkeypox Virus), a phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the drug tecovirimat for the treatment of human monkeypox.

“As we learned in the COVID-19 pandemic, oftentimes the best way to proceed in times of clinical ambiguity is to as quickly as possible conduct a well-designed randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of promising therapeutics,” said Mark Rupp, MD, chief of the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases. “I am very pleased and proud of the work being done by the ID faculty and staff at the Nebraska Medicine Specialty Care Center to get this clinical trial up and running. It is but another example of how UNMC ID is on the forefront of treating new and emerging infections.”

STOMP, which is being led by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), has been designed to learn as much as possible in a broad population of people with monkeypox.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stomptpoxx.org/main" target="_blank">See information about enrollment in the study</a>.

“UNMC has been caring for patients with monkeypox, and we are thrilled to have been selected as a site for this trial,” said Sara Bares, MD, associate professor in the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases. “Our expertise in treating highly infectious diseases and in conducting clinical trials will help ensure the success of this trial.”

Tecovirimat is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat smallpox, but it is not yet known if it can effectively or safely treat monkeypox.

This multi-center trial will enroll more than 500 adults with monkeypox virus infection. Importantly, this trial will include people with severe disease and those at high risk of severe disease, including pregnant and breastfeeding people, children and individuals with underlying immune deficiency and active inflammatory skin conditions who will receive open-label tecovirimat.

<a>“The ACTG has designed this study to give us the greatest possible insights into whether and how tecovirimat works against monkeypox, including whether the virus develops resistance to the treatment,” said ACTG chair Judith Currier, MD, University of California, Los Angeles. “An important part of that design is the inclusion of children and pregnant people. The study will also evaluate markers that may tell us that the drug is working so we can identify future promising drugs. Beyond addressing the current outbreak, this study has the potential to profoundly&nbsp;inform the treatment of individuals who acquire monkeypox virus in endemic countries.”</a>

STOMP is sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which also funds the ACTG. A list of participating sites in the United States can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://actgnetwork.org/studies/a5418-study-of-tecovirimat-for-human-monkeypox-virus-stomp/" target="_blank">here</a>.

STOMP is led by Timothy Wilkin, MD, Weill Cornell Medicine, William Fischer, MD, University of North Carolina (UNC) and Jason Zucker, MD, Columbia University (vice-chairs), and is supported by Dr. Currier and Joseph J. Eron, MD, UNC (ACTG co-chair).

For more information about STOMP, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://actgnetwork.org/studies/a5418-study-of-tecovirimat-for-human-monkeypox-virus-stomp/" target="_blank">ACTG website</a>.

For information about participating at UNMC, please contact: Maureen Kubat,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mo.kubat@unmc.edu" target="_blank">mo.kubat@unmc.edu</a>, 402-559-4408; or Jennifer O’Neill,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jloneill@unmc.edu" target="_blank">jloneill@unmc.edu</a>, 402-559-4312.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667223407738.jpeg" alt="Sara Bares, MD" />
 <figcaption>Sara Bares, MD</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release University of Nebraska Medical CenterUNMC’s Omaha campus will be one of more than 60 sites nationally for STOMP, which will test the safety and efficacy of the drug tecovirimat.The University of Nebraska Medical Center will be among more than 60 institutions nationwide participating in STOMP (Study of Tecovirimat for Human Monkeypox Virus), a phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the drug tecovirimat for the treatment of human monkeypox.“As we learned in the COVID-19 pandemic, oftentimes the best way to proceed in times of clinical ambiguity is to as quickly as possible conduct a well-designed randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of promising therapeutics,” said Mark Rupp, MD, chief of the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases. “I am very pleased and proud of the work being done by the ID faculty and staff at the Nebraska Medicine Specialty Care Center to get this clinical trial up and running. It is but another example of how UNMC ID is on the forefront of treating new and emerging infections.”STOMP, which is being led by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), has been designed to learn as much as possible in a broad population of people with monkeypox.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stomptpoxx.org/main" target="_blank">See information about enrollment in the study</a>.“UNMC has been caring for patients with monkeypox, and we are thrilled to have been selected as a site for this trial,” said Sara Bares, MD, associate professor in the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases. “Our expertise in treating highly infectious diseases and in conducting clinical trials will help ensure the success of this trial.”Tecovirimat is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat smallpox, but it is not yet known if it can effectively or safely treat monkeypox.This multi-center trial will enroll more than 500 adults with monkeypox virus infection. Importantly, this trial will include people with severe disease and those at high risk of severe disease, including pregnant and breastfeeding people, children and individuals with underlying immune deficiency and active inflammatory skin conditions who will receive open-label tecovirimat.<a>“The ACTG has designed this study to give us the greatest possible insights into whether and how tecovirimat works against monkeypox, including whether the virus develops resistance to the treatment,” said ACTG chair Judith Currier, MD, University of California, Los Angeles. “An important part of that design is the inclusion of children and pregnant people. The study will also evaluate markers that may tell us that the drug is working so we can identify future promising drugs. Beyond addressing the current outbreak, this study has the potential to profoundly&nbsp;inform the treatment of individuals who acquire monkeypox virus in endemic countries.”</a>STOMP is sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which also funds the ACTG. A list of participating sites in the United States can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://actgnetwork.org/studies/a5418-study-of-tecovirimat-for-human-monkeypox-virus-stomp/" target="_blank">here</a>.STOMP is led by Timothy Wilkin, MD, Weill Cornell Medicine, William Fischer, MD, University of North Carolina (UNC) and Jason Zucker, MD, Columbia University (vice-chairs), and is supported by Dr. Currier and Joseph J. Eron, MD, UNC (ACTG co-chair).For more information about STOMP, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://actgnetwork.org/studies/a5418-study-of-tecovirimat-for-human-monkeypox-virus-stomp/" target="_blank">ACTG website</a>.For information about participating at UNMC, please contact: Maureen Kubat,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mo.kubat@unmc.edu" target="_blank">mo.kubat@unmc.edu</a>, 402-559-4408; or Jennifer O’Neill,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jloneill@unmc.edu" target="_blank">jloneill@unmc.edu</a>, 402-559-4312.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/awgg2UVTnX9xgRV5-FDHX-RN0It1jgPHKc3zqiEzlK0JPsOq2Qyi25MK1xM5faNx_HCyaBBwXWbmek5Si4PMzG0TSa5k3O4fO_j7zmTqXQpGEHqildQ5js6PQUSweErpFH57hfoIVqjetl34ajM7PLln2KQ0Gvfi2IQuxcYdSABreDAe82t1z7qppYqc" alt="" />
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UNMC to participate in trial of possible monkeypox treatment

Alliance – Special events for children and youth at the Alliance Public Library include Story Time for ages 3-6 with music, puppets, crafts and more offered on Tuesdays at 10:00 am and Thursdays at 1:00 pm Themes consist of “Amazing Authors &amp; Illustrators” November 1 and 3, “tribute to Veterans” November 7 and 9, and “Thankful Hearts” November 15 and 17. There will be no Story Time during Thanksgiving week but will resume on November 29.

Preschool through second grade are invited to search for “Butterball the Turkey” during library hours from November 1 through November 23 and receive a prize once found. Butterball will hide once per day during this time frame.

For those who preregistered for LEGO Club K-12, the club will meet on November 1 and 15 from 4-5 pm in the Community Room.

For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Special events for children and youth at the Alliance Public Library include Story Time for ages 3-6 with music, puppets, crafts and more offered on Tuesdays at 10:00 am and Thursdays at 1:00 pm Themes consist of “Amazing Authors &amp; Illustrators” November 1 and 3, “tribute to Veterans” November 7 and 9, and “Thankful Hearts” November 15 and 17. There will be no Story Time during Thanksgiving week but will resume on November 29.Preschool through second grade are invited to search for “Butterball the Turkey” during library hours from November 1 through November 23 and receive a prize once found. Butterball will hide once per day during this time frame.For those who preregistered for LEGO Club K-12, the club will meet on November 1 and 15 from 4-5 pm in the Community Room.For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387.

Alliance library to hold special children, youth events 

LINCOLN, NEB. — As the NSAA high school football playoffs get underway for all classes, Nebraska State Troopers are closing out another season of sharing safety messages under the Friday night lights.

“Friday Night Lights” is part of NSP’s community service effort, which includes troopers throughout the entire state. Troopers give public safety presentations in many venues throughout the year, including school programs and community events. Those efforts are made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Troopers utilize demonstration tools such as the NSP Persuader, Seat Belt Convincer, and Rollover Simulator in safety programs. Troopers also discuss the dangers of distracted driving, impaired driving, and other general safety topics.

To request a public safety demonstration, contact your local Nebraska State Patrol Troop Area Headquarters. Contact information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/divisions/field-services/community-policing-safety-programs" target="_blank">NSP website.</a>

By Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;LINCOLN, NEB. — As the NSAA high school football playoffs get underway for all classes, Nebraska State Troopers are closing out another season of sharing safety messages under the Friday night lights.“Friday Night Lights” is part of NSP’s community service effort, which includes troopers throughout the entire state. Troopers give public safety presentations in many venues throughout the year, including school programs and community events. Those efforts are made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.Troopers utilize demonstration tools such as the NSP Persuader, Seat Belt Convincer, and Rollover Simulator in safety programs. Troopers also discuss the dangers of distracted driving, impaired driving, and other general safety topics.To request a public safety demonstration, contact your local Nebraska State Patrol Troop Area Headquarters. Contact information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/divisions/field-services/community-policing-safety-programs" target="_blank">NSP website.</a>

Troopers wrap-up season of Friday Night Lights   

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot keeps getting larger because players keep losing.

It happened again Saturday night as no one matched all six numbers and won the estimated $825 million grand prize. That means the next drawing Monday night will be for a massive $1 billion, according to a statement by Powerball.

The winning numbers Saturday night were: white balls 19, 31, 40, 46, 57 and the red power ball 23.

The increased jackpot will be the second-largest in U.S. history. The biggest prize was a $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot won by three ticketholders in 2016.

Although the advertised top prize will be an estimated $1 billion, that is for winners who receive their winnings through an annuity paid over 29 years. Winners almost always opt for cash, which for Monday’s drawing will be an estimated $497.3 million.

The $825 million jackpot for Saturday's draw increased from $800 million on Friday as a result of strong ticket sales, Powerball said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667129832405.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot keeps getting larger because players keep losing.It happened again Saturday night as no one matched all six numbers and won the estimated $825 million grand prize. That means the next drawing Monday night will be for a massive $1 billion, according to a statement by Powerball.The winning numbers Saturday night were: white balls 19, 31, 40, 46, 57 and the red power ball 23.The increased jackpot will be the second-largest in U.S. history. The biggest prize was a $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot won by three ticketholders in 2016.Although the advertised top prize will be an estimated $1 billion, that is for winners who receive their winnings through an annuity paid over 29 years. Winners almost always opt for cash, which for Monday’s drawing will be an estimated $497.3 million.The $825 million jackpot for Saturday's draw increased from $800 million on Friday as a result of strong ticket sales, Powerball said.Players who missed out on the latest grand prize in the 30-year-old lottery shouldn't immediately toss away their receipts.A Florida ticket holder matched all five white balls in Saturday's drawing and increased the prize to $2 million by including the game’s “Power Play” feature. Six tickets won a $1 million prize by matching five white balls, including two in California, two in Michigan, one in Maryland and one in Texas.Another 17 tickets won a $150,000 prize while there were 80 winners of $50,000 each. More than 3.8 million tickets won cash prizes totaling above $38 million, Powerball said.It has been nearly three months since anyone hit all six numbers and took the lottery’s top prize, with a $206.9 million jackpot win in Pennsylvania on Aug. 3. Thanks to Powerball’s long odds of one in 292.2 million, there have now been 37 consecutive draws without a jackpot winner.Powerball is played in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/z6aRo_gO39CbdB2RFxQYHxfeeHn1xiW6gtv1uB1lhJHX1A4pxqyu638dX5jrMeDwyY9LroGuYbry6FX9uE1S53bKTtL8ShFFvZtR6SOqRqaRNyeuoxqfTwKsLeQGQJWuT3aGqCGSFEtO0ImOudXfRV5ERu7ZC5V2AwlCxSkxKJnpKm0iVnbt1YkAFqAl" alt="" />
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