&nbsp; North Platte, Neb.&nbsp; —&nbsp;The Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) Open House will celebrate its 25th anniversary on August 21 in the heart of the Sandhills near Whitman, Nebraska. The open house encourages all to attend at no cost for the latest updates in the beef industry and current research.

The open house will begin at 8 a.m. MDT and offer some hybrid sessions throughout the day for those unable to attend in person. A complimentary lunch will be provided to those in attendance.

The event will give ranchers the latest cattle market updates, interactive sessions, panel discussions, research updates, and more. Researchers and experts will cover various points including range management, heat stress, fly control, and yearling systems among other topics.

The 25th anniversary of the GSL Open House celebrates many years of dedicated research at the ranch that has strengthened and innovated the practices used by ranchers today. To recognize this anniversary, a panel will reflect on how GSL got to where it is today and honor alumni of the ranch.

The Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory is in the Nebraska Sandhills and lies in Grant, Hooker, and Cherry counties. The former Rafter C Ranch was leased by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from the University of Nebraska Foundation in 1981 to serve as a hub for research in the Sandhills.

With the use of ranch economics in different areas of research, GSL plays a key role in developing plant and animal production systems for the Sandhills of Nebraska that are environmentally and economically sustainable. The open house allows GSL to share this research with locals in the area and across the state.

To register for the open house and view the itinerary, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0.hx1o2pjdc~kuVAXHjHIFS" target="_blank">go.unl.edu/gslopenhouse</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721317306353.jpeg" alt="GSL Aerial (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>GSL Aerial (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Karlie Gerlach&nbsp; North Platte, Neb.&nbsp; —&nbsp;The Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) Open House will celebrate its 25th anniversary on August 21 in the heart of the Sandhills near Whitman, Nebraska. The open house encourages all to attend at no cost for the latest updates in the beef industry and current research.The open house will begin at 8 a.m. MDT and offer some hybrid sessions throughout the day for those unable to attend in person. A complimentary lunch will be provided to those in attendance.The event will give ranchers the latest cattle market updates, interactive sessions, panel discussions, research updates, and more. Researchers and experts will cover various points including range management, heat stress, fly control, and yearling systems among other topics.The 25th anniversary of the GSL Open House celebrates many years of dedicated research at the ranch that has strengthened and innovated the practices used by ranchers today. To recognize this anniversary, a panel will reflect on how GSL got to where it is today and honor alumni of the ranch.The Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory is in the Nebraska Sandhills and lies in Grant, Hooker, and Cherry counties. The former Rafter C Ranch was leased by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from the University of Nebraska Foundation in 1981 to serve as a hub for research in the Sandhills.With the use of ranch economics in different areas of research, GSL plays a key role in developing plant and animal production systems for the Sandhills of Nebraska that are environmentally and economically sustainable. The open house allows GSL to share this research with locals in the area and across the state.To register for the open house and view the itinerary, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0.hx1o2pjdc~kuVAXHjHIFS" target="_blank">go.unl.edu/gslopenhouse</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721317365462.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory celebrating 25th anniversary of open house

The item you search for sent Marty to 1955. 

The mistake Doc made was letting him drive.

Reminder: The item is not on private property. The item is on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The item you search for sent Marty to 1955. The mistake Doc made was letting him drive.Reminder: The item is not on private property. The item is on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Heritage Days 'Hunt for the Symbol' Clue #3

The Carnegie Arts Center welcomes an amazing new exhibit to its upper and lower galleries.  In the Skala and Garwood galleries is the gorgeous photographic work of artist Audrey Powles. Her exhibit titled “Cows in Hats and Other Photographic Works” will be on display until August 17th.

I have always been fascinated by the portrait styles of the old masters. The way the light and the dark are united to create depth and atmosphere. I wanted to take that style and apply it to my ranch life photography, adding a painterly touch to create a unique and ethereal experience. I expanded on that idea and began photographing my favorite ranch cows wearing hats from my vintage hat collection, creating my first fine art series called Cows in Hats. My works have since expanded to include fine art painterly pieces featuring calves in chairs, horses and scenes from our western way of life. I love creating photographic artwork that people can identify with; artwork that offers classic beauty in a unique way.

Audrey (Koehler) Powles was raised on a farm in south central Nebraska, USA.  Growing up around livestock and having a love of the outdoors, she has always found beauty in the everyday rustic.  Audrey is a self-taught photographer; she was introduced to photography by her best friend, and the ability to express her creativity through the lens would quickly become a passion.  Audrey now lives and works alongside her husband Bryon on a cattle ranch in the Sandhills region of western Nebraska; the ranch has been in her husband’s family for over 100 years.

 Along with ranch life, Audrey captures weddings and portraits. She uses her graphic design talents to create logos and advertising for local businesses. In her spare time, she enjoys painting with acrylic and watercolor.

Audrey gives all the glory to God for her abilities and creativity and is so thankful for the endless support and healthy nudges from her husband, family, and closest friends.

We would like to thank our July Exhibit Presenters Alliance Tractor and Implement and Platte Valley Bank for providing their community with arts opportunities. Thank you to our operational grantors the Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment who help make programming and services possible. Thank you also to our program grantors the DF Dillon Foundation, Snow Redfern Foundation, Newblom Foundation, Mission Store, CA Story Foundation, and St. John's Lutheran Church.

By Carnegie Arts CenterThe Carnegie Arts Center welcomes an amazing new exhibit to its upper and lower galleries. In the Skala and Garwood galleries is the gorgeous photographic work of artist Audrey Powles. Her exhibit titled “Cows in Hats and Other Photographic Works” will be on display until August 17th.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721312223284.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARTIST STATEMENT:I have always been fascinated by the portrait styles of the old masters. The way the light and the dark are united to create depth and atmosphere. I wanted to take that style and apply it to my ranch life photography, adding a painterly touch to create a unique and ethereal experience. I expanded on that idea and began photographing my favorite ranch cows wearing hats from my vintage hat collection, creating my first fine art series called Cows in Hats. My works have since expanded to include fine art painterly pieces featuring calves in chairs, horses and scenes from our western way of life. I love creating photographic artwork that people can identify with; artwork that offers classic beauty in a unique way.ABOUT THE ARTIST:Audrey (Koehler) Powles was raised on a farm in south central Nebraska, USA. Growing up around livestock and having a love of the outdoors, she has always found beauty in the everyday rustic. Audrey is a self-taught photographer; she was introduced to photography by her best friend, and the ability to express her creativity through the lens would quickly become a passion. Audrey now lives and works alongside her husband Bryon on a cattle ranch in the Sandhills region of western Nebraska; the ranch has been in her husband’s family for over 100 years. Along with ranch life, Audrey captures weddings and portraits. She uses her graphic design talents to create logos and advertising for local businesses. In her spare time, she enjoys painting with acrylic and watercolor.Audrey gives all the glory to God for her abilities and creativity and is so thankful for the endless support and healthy nudges from her husband, family, and closest friends.We would like to thank our July Exhibit Presenters Alliance Tractor and Implement and Platte Valley Bank for providing their community with arts opportunities. Thank you to our operational grantors the Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment who help make programming and services possible. Thank you also to our program grantors the DF Dillon Foundation, Snow Redfern Foundation, Newblom Foundation, Mission Store, CA Story Foundation, and St. John's Lutheran Church.

'Cows in Hats and Other Photographic Works' exhibit at Carnegie Arts Center 

The Greendales and New Wave Time Machine will be performing on Thursday, July 18 from 6pm - 9pm in Scottsbluff at Bands on Broadway and also on Friday, July 19 in Alliance at Bands on the Bricks.&nbsp;

The Rathco will perform following Bands on the Bricks from 9pm - 1am hosted by The Gathering Spot.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721248593712.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Greendales and New Wave Time Machine will be performing on Thursday, July 18 from 6pm - 9pm in Scottsbluff at Bands on Broadway and also on Friday, July 19 in Alliance at Bands on the Bricks.&nbsp;The Rathco will perform following Bands on the Bricks from 9pm - 1am hosted by The Gathering Spot.&nbsp;

Greendales, New Wave Time Machine to play Bands on Bricks & Broadway 

The Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service has a simple message to all youth, "We challenge you to cut fifty lawns free for the elderly, disabled, single parents, veterans and anyone in need of help in your town."&nbsp;

Jonas and Silas Daugherty accepted the lawn mowing challenge in Alliance, conquered it and strive to mow another 50 lawns.&nbsp;

Jonas said it makes him feel good to have completed the challenge. "It makes me feel happy. It helps other people who need it like veterans and disabled people and elderly. And it also makes the people like the single parents and the veterans feel good because there is someone that is willing to help."&nbsp;

Jonas' brother Silas was also pleased after finishing the challenge.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I'm speechless," Silas said. "I didn't think I would be able to finish this challenge in two summers, but I couldn't have done it without my brother."&nbsp;

Silas said he thinks it's very important for the youth to get involved in things like this.&nbsp;

"It improves their life overall because they will feel the need to help people more often then they would sitting in a house playing Fortnite all day," Silas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jonas and Silas' father, Shaun Daugherty is very proud of them.&nbsp;

"I'm proud because there is a lot of need in this world and a lot of opportunity to serve others, and some people don't do that," Shaun said. " Just to be able to see my sons willing to and taking ownership of serving our community and serving others, it does make me really proud of them."&nbsp;

The founder of The Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service organization visited Alliance recently and congratulated the boys and presented them with a new lawnmower, weedeater, and leaf blower. &nbsp;"They aren't finished yet," a representative of the organization said. "Jonas and Silas, who I visited yesterday for completing our 50-yard challenge, expressed their determination to continue. They are eager to take on one of our special edition challenges designed for kids who have completed the original 50-yard challenge. They have chosen the Military Edition: 50 free lawns for veterans and active duty service members."&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721235575134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service has a simple message to all youth, "We challenge you to cut fifty lawns free for the elderly, disabled, single parents, veterans and anyone in need of help in your town."&nbsp;Jonas and Silas Daugherty accepted the lawn mowing challenge in Alliance, conquered it and strive to mow another 50 lawns.&nbsp;Jonas said it makes him feel good to have completed the challenge. "It makes me feel happy. It helps other people who need it like veterans and disabled people and elderly. And it also makes the people like the single parents and the veterans feel good because there is someone that is willing to help."&nbsp;Jonas' brother Silas was also pleased after finishing the challenge.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm speechless," Silas said. "I didn't think I would be able to finish this challenge in two summers, but I couldn't have done it without my brother."&nbsp;Silas said he thinks it's very important for the youth to get involved in things like this.&nbsp;"It improves their life overall because they will feel the need to help people more often then they would sitting in a house playing Fortnite all day," Silas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jonas and Silas' father, Shaun Daugherty is very proud of them.&nbsp;"I'm proud because there is a lot of need in this world and a lot of opportunity to serve others, and some people don't do that," Shaun said. " Just to be able to see my sons willing to and taking ownership of serving our community and serving others, it does make me really proud of them."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721235611335.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The founder of The Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service organization visited Alliance recently and congratulated the boys and presented them with a new lawnmower, weedeater, and leaf blower. &nbsp;"They aren't finished yet," a representative of the organization said. "Jonas and Silas, who I visited yesterday for completing our 50-yard challenge, expressed their determination to continue. They are eager to take on one of our special edition challenges designed for kids who have completed the original 50-yard challenge. They have chosen the Military Edition: 50 free lawns for veterans and active duty service members."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721235660884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frjr.smith%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02eNZFtZrzU9D8hVpPfvPthJWW4Mg6PWA4JVqQuP2awDkCJFrkQ2qD5eNLC5URVEr2l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="685" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Alliance kids mow 50 yards for elderly, veterans, single parents

North Platte Post/Sandhills Post/Panhandle Post

The Dundy County Sheriff's Office have identified the driver of the semi-truck as Matthew Drinkwalter, 46 of Midwest Wyoming and the passenger has been identified as Steven Drinkwalter, 61 from Casper Wyoming.

Dundy County - One person is dead and one person injured after a semi-truck was struck by a BNSF train in Dundy County Tuesday afternoon according to officials.

According to the Dundy County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), On Tuesday, July 16th, around 2:45pm (MT), dispatch received a call of a train striking a semi-truck near Highway 34, mile marker 2. The semi was occupied by two males, both from Wyoming. The occupants were ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;

DCSO states both occupants were transported to Wray Colorado Hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck was flown to a different hospital for further care. The passenger of the semi-truck was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Assisting the DCSO on scene was the Haigler Fire Department, Benkelman Fire Department, Red Willow Western Fire Department, Benkelman EMS, Wray EMS, The Dundy County Roads Superintendent and The Dundy County Clark.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721226708842.jpeg" alt="On Tuesday, A BNSF freight train collided with a semi-truck on Highway 34 near mile marker 2. (Photo Courtesy of Dundy County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>On Tuesday, A BNSF freight train collided with a semi-truck on Highway 34 near mile marker 2. (Photo Courtesy of Dundy County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post/Sandhills Post/Panhandle PostUPDATE 2:39pm (CT), 1:39pm (MT)The Dundy County Sheriff's Office have identified the driver of the semi-truck as Matthew Drinkwalter, 46 of Midwest Wyoming and the passenger has been identified as Steven Drinkwalter, 61 from Casper Wyoming.-----Dundy County - One person is dead and one person injured after a semi-truck was struck by a BNSF train in Dundy County Tuesday afternoon according to officials.According to the Dundy County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), On Tuesday, July 16th, around 2:45pm (MT), dispatch received a call of a train striking a semi-truck near Highway 34, mile marker 2. The semi was occupied by two males, both from Wyoming. The occupants were ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;DCSO states both occupants were transported to Wray Colorado Hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck was flown to a different hospital for further care. The passenger of the semi-truck was pronounced deceased at the hospital.Assisting the DCSO on scene was the Haigler Fire Department, Benkelman Fire Department, Red Willow Western Fire Department, Benkelman EMS, Wray EMS, The Dundy County Roads Superintendent and The Dundy County Clark.

One dead, one injured following a semi vs train collision in Dundy County

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

People often ask me where they can volunteer. Usually it is a newly retired person. It might be a high school student who needs some hours for a student group like National Honor Society or who wants the hours and reference letters for scholarships. Some people who receive&nbsp;SNAP are required to work or volunteer to continue to receive their benefits.

SNAP recipients who are age 18-52 (54 after October 1), able to work, and don't have any dependents fit under the ABAWD (able-bodied adult without dependents) work requirements. Under ABAWD, a person has to work or participate in a work program (like SNAP Next Step) at least 80 hours a month. Work can be for pay. It can be for something other than money, such as goods, services, or housing. Or it can be as an unpaid volunteer.&nbsp;A form must be signed to verify hours and work done.

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Box Butte County for people who have some extra time and want to help out wherever they can, or who fit under ABAWD.

Some volunteer activities require applications and background checks, especially if they involve working with children. The Volunteer Fire Departments and Scouts require an application and background check.

Work might be done for an elderly neighbor who needs help with mowing, home repairs, cleaning, or shopping. Yes, that person can sign a verification form.

Your church probably has a great deal of work done by volunteers. This might include cleaning, setting up for events, helping with worship, visiting shut-in members.

In Hemingford, volunteers might contact the Village of Hemingford, 487-3465; for example, to help in the parks. The Hemingford Community Care Center, 487-3301, or Apollo Courts, 487-5322, would welcome volunteers. People can also ask at any number of businesses or organizations to see if they need assistance.

The Box Butte County Fair is held in Hemingford in early August every year. Volunteers can call&nbsp;308-487-5223 to ask about helping with a variety of events for this year's fair, August 6-11.

Dobby's Frontier Town needs help with maintenance projects. With many of the 27 buildings being around 100 years old, there are always repairs and painting projects. Dobby's has large lawns and flower gardens throughout the town, and people who enjoy doing yard work are appreciated. The Town hosts several events every summer, which require set-up and clean-up. Contact Lori White at 308-762-7157 or 308-760-3574 for more information.

Keep Alliance Beautiful volunteers help collect and sort recyclables and work to clean up areas. For more information, call 308-762-1729.

People can help cook and serve meals at Community Table, located in the Masonic Center in Alliance. Whitney Baldwin coordinates volunteers, 308-455-9175.

Carnegie Arts Center uses volunteers in their gardens and galleries. Kyren Gibson and Amity Palmer can be reached at 308-762-4571.

Volunteers at the Alliance Recreation Center (ARC) lead classes, coach, and help with equipment. The ARC's number is 308-762-2201.

People who enjoy working with plants should consider helping in the greenhouse at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2090 Emerson. A crew works from 10-12 every day, including weekends. Call Kindred at 308-760-2157 or Michele at 308-760-4200.

Habitat for Humanity builds or remodels homes for low-income families after a selection process. Contact Harold Roller, 308-760-2817 if you have construction skills and would like to help with this great project.

The City of Alliance regularly hosts activities like Bands on the Bricks and Autumn in Alliance that require volunteers. Ask for Kaytlin Norris at 308-762-5475.

The Chamber of Commerce coordinates many of the events involved in Heritage Days and other seasonal activities. Chamber Director Cassielien VanKerrebrook can be reached at 308-762-1520.

Volunteers in Policing assist the Alliance Police Department with a number of activities. Contact Officer Tyler Sherlock at 308-762-4955 to find out more.

Activate Alliance operates the green Bike Share Program. Contact Larry Bolinger if you would be interested in painting or repairing donated bikes. 308-760-7346 or email LB@LarryBolinger.com.

The City of Alliance manages a number of parks and recreation areas and the museums and library in our community. Cultural and Leisure Services Director Shana Brown can be reached at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, 308-762-2384.

During late November and throughout December, the Salvation Army looks for bell ringers for the Red Kettle Campaign. Contact Jessica Manion at FNBO, 308-762-2300.

Angela Flesner, RSVP coordinator at the Alliance Senior Center, 308-762-1293, and Karen Benzel, United Way of Western Nebraska Executive Director,&nbsp;308-763-8031, help coordinate volunteers for a number of agencies and local activities. These might include things like mobile food pantries or Meals on Wheels. They are both excellent resources and can help direct volunteers to a number of agencies needing help.

People may have special skills or interests like sewing, performing, or working with animals. They should contact any specific organizations (many are not listed here) that could use those skills.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityPeople often ask me where they can volunteer. Usually it is a newly retired person. It might be a high school student who needs some hours for a student group like National Honor Society or who wants the hours and reference letters for scholarships. Some people who receive&nbsp;SNAP are required to work or volunteer to continue to receive their benefits.SNAP recipients who are age 18-52 (54 after October 1), able to work, and don't have any dependents fit under the ABAWD (able-bodied adult without dependents) work requirements. Under ABAWD, a person has to work or participate in a work program (like SNAP Next Step) at least 80 hours a month. Work can be for pay. It can be for something other than money, such as goods, services, or housing. Or it can be as an unpaid volunteer.&nbsp;A form must be signed to verify hours and work done.There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Box Butte County for people who have some extra time and want to help out wherever they can, or who fit under ABAWD.Some volunteer activities require applications and background checks, especially if they involve working with children. The Volunteer Fire Departments and Scouts require an application and background check.Work might be done for an elderly neighbor who needs help with mowing, home repairs, cleaning, or shopping. Yes, that person can sign a verification form.Your church probably has a great deal of work done by volunteers. This might include cleaning, setting up for events, helping with worship, visiting shut-in members.In Hemingford, volunteers might contact the Village of Hemingford, 487-3465; for example, to help in the parks. The Hemingford Community Care Center, 487-3301, or Apollo Courts, 487-5322, would welcome volunteers. People can also ask at any number of businesses or organizations to see if they need assistance.The Box Butte County Fair is held in Hemingford in early August every year. Volunteers can call&nbsp;308-487-5223 to ask about helping with a variety of events for this year's fair, August 6-11.Dobby's Frontier Town needs help with maintenance projects. With many of the 27 buildings being around 100 years old, there are always repairs and painting projects. Dobby's has large lawns and flower gardens throughout the town, and people who enjoy doing yard work are appreciated. The Town hosts several events every summer, which require set-up and clean-up. Contact Lori White at 308-762-7157 or 308-760-3574 for more information.Keep Alliance Beautiful volunteers help collect and sort recyclables and work to clean up areas. For more information, call 308-762-1729.People can help cook and serve meals at Community Table, located in the Masonic Center in Alliance. Whitney Baldwin coordinates volunteers, 308-455-9175.Carnegie Arts Center uses volunteers in their gardens and galleries. Kyren Gibson and Amity Palmer can be reached at 308-762-4571.Volunteers at the Alliance Recreation Center (ARC) lead classes, coach, and help with equipment. The ARC's number is 308-762-2201.People who enjoy working with plants should consider helping in the greenhouse at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2090 Emerson. A crew works from 10-12 every day, including weekends. Call Kindred at 308-760-2157 or Michele at 308-760-4200.Habitat for Humanity builds or remodels homes for low-income families after a selection process. Contact Harold Roller, 308-760-2817 if you have construction skills and would like to help with this great project.The City of Alliance regularly hosts activities like Bands on the Bricks and Autumn in Alliance that require volunteers. Ask for Kaytlin Norris at 308-762-5475.The Chamber of Commerce coordinates many of the events involved in Heritage Days and other seasonal activities. Chamber Director Cassielien VanKerrebrook can be reached at 308-762-1520.Volunteers in Policing assist the Alliance Police Department with a number of activities. Contact Officer Tyler Sherlock at 308-762-4955 to find out more.Activate Alliance operates the green Bike Share Program. Contact Larry Bolinger if you would be interested in painting or repairing donated bikes. 308-760-7346 or email LB@LarryBolinger.com.The City of Alliance manages a number of parks and recreation areas and the museums and library in our community. Cultural and Leisure Services Director Shana Brown can be reached at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, 308-762-2384.During late November and throughout December, the Salvation Army looks for bell ringers for the Red Kettle Campaign. Contact Jessica Manion at FNBO, 308-762-2300.Angela Flesner, RSVP coordinator at the Alliance Senior Center, 308-762-1293, and Karen Benzel, United Way of Western Nebraska Executive Director,&nbsp;308-763-8031, help coordinate volunteers for a number of agencies and local activities. These might include things like mobile food pantries or Meals on Wheels. They are both excellent resources and can help direct volunteers to a number of agencies needing help.People may have special skills or interests like sewing, performing, or working with animals. They should contact any specific organizations (many are not listed here) that could use those skills.

Getting Ahead: Volunteer opportunities

POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

Heritage Days 'Hunt for the Symbol' Clue #2

This year’s search is inspired by a movie,And finding the spike would be just groovy.

Reminder: The item is not on private property and is on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Heritage Days 'Hunt for the Symbol' Clue #2This year’s search is inspired by a movie,And finding the spike would be just groovy.Reminder: The item is not on private property and is on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a>JULY 16, 2024 (SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed three impaired drivers and three drivers under suspension from the roads in Scotts Bluff County during Oregon Trail Days.

Oregon Trail Days ran from Thursday through Sunday of last week. Troopers performed high visibility patrols throughout the event, in addition to providing safe-driving education messages at the event itself.

“Oregon Trail Days is always a great time for our communities in Scotts Bluff County,” said Major Jeff Roby, NSP Western Operations Major. “We’re thankful that this weekend was safe on the roads for everyone in attendance. As this summer’s activities continue this weekend, remember to always have a sober driver lined-up to get home safely.”

Oregon Trail Days marked its 103rd&nbsp;consecutive year in 2024. The events occurred at several locations around Gering. NSP’s effort was made possible thanks in part to a grant for $2,160 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. NDOT-HSO has designated Scotts Bluff County as a priority county for 2024.

Mikayla HallNSP<a>JULY 16, 2024 (SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed three impaired drivers and three drivers under suspension from the roads in Scotts Bluff County during Oregon Trail Days.Oregon Trail Days ran from Thursday through Sunday of last week. Troopers performed high visibility patrols throughout the event, in addition to providing safe-driving education messages at the event itself.“Oregon Trail Days is always a great time for our communities in Scotts Bluff County,” said Major Jeff Roby, NSP Western Operations Major. “We’re thankful that this weekend was safe on the roads for everyone in attendance. As this summer’s activities continue this weekend, remember to always have a sober driver lined-up to get home safely.”Oregon Trail Days marked its 103rd&nbsp;consecutive year in 2024. The events occurred at several locations around Gering. NSP’s effort was made possible thanks in part to a grant for $2,160 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. NDOT-HSO has designated Scotts Bluff County as a priority county for 2024.

Troopers Help Keep Roads Safe During Oregon Trail Days

By Hemingford Community Foundation

The Hemingford Community Foundation proudly granted the Avenue of Flags $500 to help keep the flags wrapped safe and secure when in storage along with additional needed supplies!

In 1985, Jim Olson was Commander of James Barry American Legion Post #9. A guest speaker proposed that all communities have an Avenue of Flags from the Pacific Coast to the East Coast honoring deceased veterans and their flags. Olson took on the challenge. Margaret Hansen was behind the fundraising efforts and many more made the Avenue of Flags a reality.

The first year, seven flags were hung, one being Olson’s father. To-date, there are over 330 flags! Volunteers work hard to present and take the flags down on Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th&nbsp;of July, and Veteran’s Day as weather permits. This is a monumental task. Donations are always appreciated to help with the cost of the display.

The donations for the Hemingford Playground Equipment Fund continue rolling in, especially with a generous match challenge from Mobius/Hemingford Telephone Company! During the month of July, all donations for the playground fund that are dropped off or mailed to Mobius will be matched up to $5,000.

Jessica Davies was the first to drop off her $500 donation at Mobius in addition to Avery, Berkley, &amp; Daxton Davies each giving $100 and challenging other 4Hers to do the same! They shared how incredibly generous our communities are in supporting 4H and the Davies’ kids see this as a way to pay-it-forward to the community.

In late May, the Hemingford Community Foundation announced they are giving $25,000 to the Hemingford Playground Equipment Fund and challenged the community to match it. Through a partnership with the Village of Hemingford, the Foundation and village plan to submit a grant to the Nebraska Game and Parks in early September to support this vital community project. If funds allow, we would like to see another location in Hemingford to have playground equipment at the ballfield!

If you have been to the park recently, you know that the equipment (last updated in 1997) has had its fair share of fun and is in dire need of an upgrade. Let's come together to enhance our community's recreational spaces!&nbsp;We know how much we all love the kids of our community, you can submit your tax-deductible donation here:&nbsp;<a href="https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/" target="_blank">https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/</a>&nbsp;or by mailing a check to: Hemingford Community Foundation, P O Box 444, Hemingford, NE 69348.

The Foundation board has prioritized the following areas for the next three years:

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

By Hemingford Community FoundationThe Hemingford Community Foundation proudly granted the Avenue of Flags $500 to help keep the flags wrapped safe and secure when in storage along with additional needed supplies!In 1985, Jim Olson was Commander of James Barry American Legion Post #9. A guest speaker proposed that all communities have an Avenue of Flags from the Pacific Coast to the East Coast honoring deceased veterans and their flags. Olson took on the challenge. Margaret Hansen was behind the fundraising efforts and many more made the Avenue of Flags a reality.The first year, seven flags were hung, one being Olson’s father. To-date, there are over 330 flags! Volunteers work hard to present and take the flags down on Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th&nbsp;of July, and Veteran’s Day as weather permits. This is a monumental task. Donations are always appreciated to help with the cost of the display.The donations for the Hemingford Playground Equipment Fund continue rolling in, especially with a generous match challenge from Mobius/Hemingford Telephone Company! During the month of July, all donations for the playground fund that are dropped off or mailed to Mobius will be matched up to $5,000.Jessica Davies was the first to drop off her $500 donation at Mobius in addition to Avery, Berkley, &amp; Daxton Davies each giving $100 and challenging other 4Hers to do the same! They shared how incredibly generous our communities are in supporting 4H and the Davies’ kids see this as a way to pay-it-forward to the community.In late May, the Hemingford Community Foundation announced they are giving $25,000 to the Hemingford Playground Equipment Fund and challenged the community to match it. Through a partnership with the Village of Hemingford, the Foundation and village plan to submit a grant to the Nebraska Game and Parks in early September to support this vital community project. If funds allow, we would like to see another location in Hemingford to have playground equipment at the ballfield!If you have been to the park recently, you know that the equipment (last updated in 1997) has had its fair share of fun and is in dire need of an upgrade. Let's come together to enhance our community's recreational spaces!&nbsp;We know how much we all love the kids of our community, you can submit your tax-deductible donation here:&nbsp;<a href="https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/" target="_blank">https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/</a>&nbsp;or by mailing a check to: Hemingford Community Foundation, P O Box 444, Hemingford, NE 69348.The Foundation board has prioritized the following areas for the next three years:<ul>
 <li>Strategic Giving</li><li>Maximizing 501(c)3 Access</li><li>Community Presence</li><li>Strategic Partnerships</li>
 </ul>The board is comprised of Jessica Davies, April Delsing, Joni Jespersen, Tonya Mayer, and Tabi Prochazka. They have been meeting regularly to serve the residents of Hemingford and the surrounding area by identifying and supporting the people, organizations, and projects that make Hemingford a great place to live, learn, work, and play.&nbsp; The Foundation is an affiliate fund of the Oregon Trail Community Foundation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721155620691.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721155634790.jpeg" alt="" />
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Hemingford Community Foundation provides Avenue of Flags mini grant 

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKET COORDINATOR

CHADRON – The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center is hosting a photography exhibit by Sheryl Cozad of Crawford through Aug. 9.

Cozad moved to Crawford from Fort Collins four years ago after visiting her nephew and his wife who ranch in the area.

“We came here for vacations and fell in love with the place,” said Cozad, who works as a para-professional at Crawford Public Schools. “Photography found me. I just started taking pictures I thought were pretty and before I knew it, I thought they might be worth selling so I started a collection. Now I have about 18,000 pictures on my cell phone.”

The exhibit includes sunrises, sunsets, trains, animals, and scenes.

Cozad also drives to Gering several days a week to cook at a restaurant, cares for an elderly person, and is helping with summer school this year.

One of her entries in the exhibit won a People’s Choice award and first place in the adult category during the Crawford Cattle Call in November 2023.

Hours for Sandoz Center are:&nbsp;Hours for the show are Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. 

Cozad and her husband have two adult sons and seven grandchildren who live in Colorado.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKET COORDINATORCHADRON – The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center is hosting a photography exhibit by Sheryl Cozad of Crawford through Aug. 9.Cozad moved to Crawford from Fort Collins four years ago after visiting her nephew and his wife who ranch in the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721149411784.jpeg" alt="Local photographer Sheryl Cozad, right, poses with her mother during gallery set up in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, July 10, 2024. (Photo by Sydney Brown/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Local photographer Sheryl Cozad, right, poses with her mother during gallery set up in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, July 10, 2024. (Photo by Sydney Brown/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We came here for vacations and fell in love with the place,” said Cozad, who works as a para-professional at Crawford Public Schools. “Photography found me. I just started taking pictures I thought were pretty and before I knew it, I thought they might be worth selling so I started a collection. Now I have about 18,000 pictures on my cell phone.”The exhibit includes sunrises, sunsets, trains, animals, and scenes.Cozad also drives to Gering several days a week to cook at a restaurant, cares for an elderly person, and is helping with summer school this year.One of her entries in the exhibit won a People’s Choice award and first place in the adult category during the Crawford Cattle Call in November 2023.Hours for Sandoz Center are:&nbsp;Hours for the show are Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Cozad and her husband have two adult sons and seven grandchildren who live in Colorado.

Local photographer’s work on exhibit through Aug. 9 in Chadron 

POST PODCAST: Fair Queen Contest Seeking Contestants

Doug, and whoever is riding shotgun that day, retrieve a trailer full of cardboard once a week (unless something comes up) from behind Family Dollar Dollar Tree. I remember when a tall black stack smoked on occasion from that side of the strip mall as Alco burned cardboard and whatever else. Various grocery stores on the east end used what looked like an identical incinerator. Both sites bear scars since the owner(s) removed both polluting devices. While I have no data as to the amount of greenhouse gases and particulates the duo released over their lifetime, I know Alliance no longer allows incinerators within city limits according to City code: Sec. 28-487. Outside incinerators prohibited. It shall be unlawful to erect, maintain, use or set fire in any outside incinerator. Code 1986, . . . 4-919)

Being environmentally friendly can be a gesture of good will, yet legislation at some level is more likely to set the minimum shade of green. Financial considerations can also move actions to deeper shade. Then there are situations where a lack of oversight and free enterprise make the battle for a clean community a bit trickier.

Keep Nebraska Beautiful affiliates enjoyed a few sessions to compare notes during the organization’s June conference at Omaha. I was prepared to share a few ideas and accomplishments we consider winners at Keep Alliance Beautiful. Rather, as is my tendency if not called upon, I sat back, listened and took notes. Mona Anderson, executive director of Keep North Platte Beautiful (KNPB), brought up an evolving issue with incinerators, explaining that their city ordinances aren’t on board. Mona reported that a company has sold a lot of the devices – even the Nebraska State Patrol bought one to burn prescription take backs though the troop offices are outside city limits.

“Look at your city ordinances and see what’s there now,” Mona cautioned. At the state level, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) regulates incinerators for certain particulate levels, she noted, “but nobody to measure it – North Platte is relying on manufacturer specifications.” KNPB Financial Director Samantha Wheeler keyed in on how mobile the particular model can be. “They’re small enough to load in your pickup.” Sarah Mason, coordinator at Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (the KNB affiliate), shared that one of the grants they did not receive was for precise air quality tracking. So concerns over personal-size incinerators or maybe whether you live next to a neighbor who fires up the burn pit every summer night, by the passing locomotives in the rail yards or somebody miles out in the country anyone can buy a detector. Sarah suggested PurpleAir, which she said for $200-$300 you “get pretty good data” measured in parts per million. Mona estimated 15 of the incinerator systems have been sold, a lot of them went into the county and “at least five in the city (North Platte).” She is unsure what they feature as far as scrubbers or filters. Anyone with a monitor will be able to compare how fresh the air stays. Travel east down Interstate 80 and Kearney’s ordinance is good, Mona said.

Box Butte County and other Northwest Nebraska residents who have questions about how environmental concerns and local laws intersect should contact their village, city or county administrators and elected officials.

By JOHN E. WEAREKABDoug, and whoever is riding shotgun that day, retrieve a trailer full of cardboard once a week (unless something comes up) from behind Family Dollar Dollar Tree. I remember when a tall black stack smoked on occasion from that side of the strip mall as Alco burned cardboard and whatever else. Various grocery stores on the east end used what looked like an identical incinerator. Both sites bear scars since the owner(s) removed both polluting devices. While I have no data as to the amount of greenhouse gases and particulates the duo released over their lifetime, I know Alliance no longer allows incinerators within city limits according to City code: Sec. 28-487. Outside incinerators prohibited. It shall be unlawful to erect, maintain, use or set fire in any outside incinerator. Code 1986, . . . 4-919)Being environmentally friendly can be a gesture of good will, yet legislation at some level is more likely to set the minimum shade of green. Financial considerations can also move actions to deeper shade. Then there are situations where a lack of oversight and free enterprise make the battle for a clean community a bit trickier.Keep Nebraska Beautiful affiliates enjoyed a few sessions to compare notes during the organization’s June conference at Omaha. I was prepared to share a few ideas and accomplishments we consider winners at Keep Alliance Beautiful. Rather, as is my tendency if not called upon, I sat back, listened and took notes. Mona Anderson, executive director of Keep North Platte Beautiful (KNPB), brought up an evolving issue with incinerators, explaining that their city ordinances aren’t on board. Mona reported that a company has sold a lot of the devices – even the Nebraska State Patrol bought one to burn prescription take backs though the troop offices are outside city limits.“Look at your city ordinances and see what’s there now,” Mona cautioned. At the state level, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) regulates incinerators for certain particulate levels, she noted, “but nobody to measure it – North Platte is relying on manufacturer specifications.” KNPB Financial Director Samantha Wheeler keyed in on how mobile the particular model can be. “They’re small enough to load in your pickup.” Sarah Mason, coordinator at Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (the KNB affiliate), shared that one of the grants they did not receive was for precise air quality tracking. So concerns over personal-size incinerators or maybe whether you live next to a neighbor who fires up the burn pit every summer night, by the passing locomotives in the rail yards or somebody miles out in the country anyone can buy a detector. Sarah suggested PurpleAir, which she said for $200-$300 you “get pretty good data” measured in parts per million. Mona estimated 15 of the incinerator systems have been sold, a lot of them went into the county and “at least five in the city (North Platte).” She is unsure what they feature as far as scrubbers or filters. Anyone with a monitor will be able to compare how fresh the air stays. Travel east down Interstate 80 and Kearney’s ordinance is good, Mona said.Box Butte County and other Northwest Nebraska residents who have questions about how environmental concerns and local laws intersect should contact their village, city or county administrators and elected officials.

KAB: Spell out environmental protections

The City of Alliance is looking for volunteers to work with the Nebraska Forrest Service to complete a tree inventory. 

The tree inventory is scheduled for August 1 and will include training for all available volunteers. With enough help, we hope to get training completed first thing in the morning, and the entire tree inventory completed on that day.  

If you have questions or are interested in helping with this community forestry project, please contact the Knight Museum at 762-2384.

By City of AllianceThe City of Alliance is looking for volunteers to work with the Nebraska Forrest Service to complete a tree inventory. The tree inventory is scheduled for August 1 and will include training for all available volunteers. With enough help, we hope to get training completed first thing in the morning, and the entire tree inventory completed on that day. If you have questions or are interested in helping with this community forestry project, please contact the Knight Museum at 762-2384.

Tree survey volunteers needed in Alliance 

To find the item would never be hidden on PRIVATE PROPERTY.

Please do not trespass or endanger yourself to look for the item.&nbsp;

To find the item would never be hidden on PRIVATE PROPERTY.The item is also on the ground.Please do not trespass or endanger yourself to look for the item.&nbsp;

Heritage Days 'Hunt for the Symbol' Clue #1

&nbsp; By&nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/author/hbeguin/">Heidi Beguin</a>

“And after that, one of the commissioners who said in the past that this will never get done, actually came up to us and he said, ‘if we don’t get the Cowboy Trail done, I think we’re really going to regret it.’ And the other commissioners next to him reached over and checked his temperature, because he was the same one who had said, ‘no, this is a waste of money,’” Helmbrecht said.

Game and Parks secured a grant to develop the 26-mile stretch from Chadron to Rushville, but it ended up only covering bridge development, Duryea said. They applied for and got a&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/press-events/news/commissioners-approve-2024-2025-waterfowl-recommendations/" target="_blank">grant through the Nebraska Department of Transportation</a>&nbsp;to surface the trail segment. Game and Parks just hired consultants, Duryea said.

The Chadron-based group also is working on a new connector rail-trail that will bring the Cowboy Trail – which will actually end 5 miles east of Chadron – into town. Game and Parks&nbsp;<a href="https://magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/2022/01/commissioners-approve-lwcf-rtp-grant-awards/" target="_blank">awarded the city of Chadron a&nbsp; $178,540 grant</a>&nbsp;in 2022 for the first phase of the connector project.&nbsp;

“It doesn’t do any good for the trail to end out in the middle of the field there,” said George Ledbetter, Northwest Nebraska Trails Association’s treasurer.

Even once the work near Chadron is complete, roughly 88 miles of trail will remain undeveloped between Valentine and Gordon.&nbsp;

Finishing it will undoubtedly be a heavy lift. It took about eight years to marshal support for and then complete the 17 miles between Gordon and Rushville. And even though Game and Parks has secured grant funding for the Rushville-to-Chadron segment, it will still take some time to finish the work on those 26 miles, especially since some of the funding is from the federal government.

“We’ve been told, don’t hold your breath on the surfacing happening anytime soon,” Helmbrecht said.

Game and Parks doesn’t appear to have any plans for finishing the missing link, which essentially exists as a natural area for wildlife.

It takes a lot of planning, effort and money to transform abandoned stretches of railroad into a safe and inviting trail, said Duryea. The real difference maker is the local community partners – groups like Cowboy Trail West and the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association.

“I mean, it’s possible,” Duryea said of the chances of completing the Cowboy Trail. “When you have a local group that supports the effort and the cities on board that are along there and all, that’s the spark that needs to happen for development to occur, in my experience anyways.”

In 2022, four Nebraska nonprofits, including Cowboy Trail West and the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2024/may/07/american-icon-the-great-american-rail-trail-is-on-its-way-to-fulfilling-a-cross-country-vision/" target="_blank">announced they were forming the Cowboy Trail Coalition</a>&nbsp;to advocate completing the trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Once the Chadron-to-Rushville chunk is done, the groups plan to turn to the stretch between Valentine to Merriman, said Elwood with Cowboy Trail West. Then they will be down to one final unfinished segment between Merriman and Gordon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Helmbrecht with the Chadron group remains hopeful.&nbsp;

“I think, you know, we see all these trails on the east side of the state, and how successful they are. And then post COVID, we saw how much bicycle usage went up. I think now it’s kind of just a matter of time.”&nbsp;

Now 30 years down the road, Elwood and others want to make sure this end of the trail continues to inch forward, at hopefully an increasing rate of speed.&nbsp;

“We’ve got a lot invested in our trail … and we don’t want to see it go south on us.”

<a href="https://www.flatwaterfreepress.org/">The Flatwater Free Press</a>&nbsp; (<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/nebraskas-cowboy-trail-still-incomplete-nearly-30-years-later/">https://flatwaterfreepress.org/nebraskas-cowboy-trail-still-incomplete-nearly-30-years-later/</a>) is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; By&nbsp;<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/author/hbeguin/">Heidi Beguin</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721071725448.png" alt="The Cowboy Trail project involves transforming an old rail line into a hiking and biking trail. The finished segments of trail, which add up to more than 200 miles, include bridges like this one west of Gordon. Photo by Heidi Beguin for the Flatwater Free Press" />
 <figcaption>The Cowboy Trail project involves transforming an old rail line into a hiking and biking trail. The finished segments of trail, which add up to more than 200 miles, include bridges like this one west of Gordon. Photo by Heidi Beguin for the Flatwater Free Press</figcaption>
 </figure>“And after that, one of the commissioners who said in the past that this will never get done, actually came up to us and he said, ‘if we don’t get the Cowboy Trail done, I think we’re really going to regret it.’ And the other commissioners next to him reached over and checked his temperature, because he was the same one who had said, ‘no, this is a waste of money,’” Helmbrecht said.Game and Parks secured a grant to develop the 26-mile stretch from Chadron to Rushville, but it ended up only covering bridge development, Duryea said. They applied for and got a&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/press-events/news/commissioners-approve-2024-2025-waterfowl-recommendations/" target="_blank">grant through the Nebraska Department of Transportation</a>&nbsp;to surface the trail segment. Game and Parks just hired consultants, Duryea said.The Chadron-based group also is working on a new connector rail-trail that will bring the Cowboy Trail – which will actually end 5 miles east of Chadron – into town. Game and Parks&nbsp;<a href="https://magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/2022/01/commissioners-approve-lwcf-rtp-grant-awards/" target="_blank">awarded the city of Chadron a&nbsp; $178,540 grant</a>&nbsp;in 2022 for the first phase of the connector project.&nbsp;“It doesn’t do any good for the trail to end out in the middle of the field there,” said George Ledbetter, Northwest Nebraska Trails Association’s treasurer.<h2>‘Don’t hold your breath’</h2>Even once the work near Chadron is complete, roughly 88 miles of trail will remain undeveloped between Valentine and Gordon.&nbsp;Finishing it will undoubtedly be a heavy lift. It took about eight years to marshal support for and then complete the 17 miles between Gordon and Rushville. And even though Game and Parks has secured grant funding for the Rushville-to-Chadron segment, it will still take some time to finish the work on those 26 miles, especially since some of the funding is from the federal government.“We’ve been told, don’t hold your breath on the surfacing happening anytime soon,” Helmbrecht said.Game and Parks doesn’t appear to have any plans for finishing the missing link, which essentially exists as a natural area for wildlife.It takes a lot of planning, effort and money to transform abandoned stretches of railroad into a safe and inviting trail, said Duryea. The real difference maker is the local community partners – groups like Cowboy Trail West and the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association.“I mean, it’s possible,” Duryea said of the chances of completing the Cowboy Trail. “When you have a local group that supports the effort and the cities on board that are along there and all, that’s the spark that needs to happen for development to occur, in my experience anyways.”In 2022, four Nebraska nonprofits, including Cowboy Trail West and the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2024/may/07/american-icon-the-great-american-rail-trail-is-on-its-way-to-fulfilling-a-cross-country-vision/" target="_blank">announced they were forming the Cowboy Trail Coalition</a>&nbsp;to advocate completing the trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once the Chadron-to-Rushville chunk is done, the groups plan to turn to the stretch between Valentine to Merriman, said Elwood with Cowboy Trail West. Then they will be down to one final unfinished segment between Merriman and Gordon.&nbsp;&nbsp;Helmbrecht with the Chadron group remains hopeful.&nbsp;“I think, you know, we see all these trails on the east side of the state, and how successful they are. And then post COVID, we saw how much bicycle usage went up. I think now it’s kind of just a matter of time.”&nbsp;Now 30 years down the road, Elwood and others want to make sure this end of the trail continues to inch forward, at hopefully an increasing rate of speed.&nbsp;“We’ve got a lot invested in our trail … and we don’t want to see it go south on us.”<a href="https://www.flatwaterfreepress.org/">The Flatwater Free Press</a>&nbsp; (<a href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/nebraskas-cowboy-trail-still-incomplete-nearly-30-years-later/">https://flatwaterfreepress.org/nebraskas-cowboy-trail-still-incomplete-nearly-30-years-later/</a>) is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska’s Cowboy Trail still incomplete nearly 30 years later

Heritage Days is back in Alliance, July 17 – July 21.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hunt for the Symbol contest clues will begin July 15 and will be announced on KCOW and posted on Alliance Heritage Days and Alliance Times-Herald Facebook pages. Clues will continue for 5 days or until the Spike is found.&nbsp;The person who finds the spike will receive $300 in Chamber&nbsp;Bucks.&nbsp;

Heritage Days is back in Alliance, July 17 – July 21.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wednesday, July 17&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>GRAND MARSHAL courtesy of FNBO | 200 Block of Box Butte @ 6 PM&nbsp;</li><li>7th Street Dancers | 200 Block of Box Butte @ 7 PM&nbsp;</li><li>Food Vendors | 300 Block Box Butte @ 11 AM – 9 PM&nbsp;</li><li>The Newberry’s Vendor Market | 402 Box Butte @ 4 – 9 PM&nbsp;</li><li>Frazier Shows Carnival&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Thursday, July 18&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Food Vendors | 300 Block Box Butte&nbsp;&nbsp; 11 AM—10 PM&nbsp;</li><li>Cattle Capital Rodeo Youth Play Day @ 6:30 pm&nbsp;</li><li>The Newberry’s Vendor Market | 402 Box Butte @ 4 – 9 PM&nbsp;</li><li>Frazier Shows Carnival&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Friday, July 19&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Prairie Dog Open Disc Golf @ Laing Lake&nbsp;</li><li>Food Vendors 300 Block Box Butte 11 a.m.—10 p.m.&nbsp;</li><li>Bands on the Bricks | 6 PM – 1 AM with The&nbsp;Greendales&nbsp;and New Wave Time Machine&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Golden Hour BBQ Live Music and Beer&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Saturday, July 20&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Band Road Run 5K/10K &amp; 2 mi Walk | 6:45 a.m. Registration/ 7:30 a.m. Start&nbsp;</li><li>Heritage Days Parade 10 a.m. Black Hills Ave, East on 3rd St to Safeway. Sponsored by: Platte Valley Bank&nbsp;</li><li>Dave Kimmel Memorial Disc Golf Tournament @ 10 AM. PDGA required to play.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Golden Hour BBQ Live music and Beer&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Food Vendors | 300 Block Box Butte 11 AM – 10 PM&nbsp;</li><li>BBQ Lunch | Masonic Lodge #183 after the Parade until 1 PM&nbsp;</li><li>AHS Activities Golf Scramble @ 1 PM&nbsp;</li><li>Street Dance in the 200 Block of Box Butte with Loaded Dice 9 PM to 1&nbsp; AM&nbsp;</li><li>Frazier Shows Carnival&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Sunday, July 21&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Double L Arena Team Roping | One mile N of&nbsp;Carhenge&nbsp;@ 1 PM&nbsp;</li><li>12th Annual John&nbsp;Whitecrane&nbsp;3 on 3 Basketball Tournament | @ 1PM&nbsp;</li><li>Masonic Lodge #183 Cornhole tournament | 200 Block @ 1PM&nbsp;</li><li>3 Person Scramble 9 holes | @ 3 p.m.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Hunt for the Symbol Contest&nbsp;The Hunt for the Symbol contest clues will begin July 15 and will be announced on KCOW and posted on Alliance Heritage Days and Alliance Times-Herald Facebook pages. Clues will continue for 5 days or until the Spike is found.&nbsp;The person who finds the spike will receive $300 in Chamber&nbsp;Bucks.&nbsp;

Heritage Days schedule of events 

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

&nbsp; SCOTTSBLUFF – The City of Scottsbluff would like to advise the public that as part of the 20th Street Overlay project, Simon Contractors will be closing down 20th Street from Avenue I to Avenue F on Wednesday July 17th and Thursday July 18th. 

The city respectfully requests that drivers and pedestrians use caution in this area and to plan ahead for this closure and use alternate routes. Detours will be in place and we appreciate your patience during this closure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scottsbluff PD&nbsp; SCOTTSBLUFF – The City of Scottsbluff would like to advise the public that as part of the 20th Street Overlay project, Simon Contractors will be closing down 20th Street from Avenue I to Avenue F on Wednesday July 17th and Thursday July 18th. The city respectfully requests that drivers and pedestrians use caution in this area and to plan ahead for this closure and use alternate routes. Detours will be in place and we appreciate your patience during this closure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

20th Street Closure - Mill & Overlay Project Update in Scottsbluff

POST PODCAST: Afternoon Tea Flight Party

P202400378 19:24 10-45 : MVA INJURY Officers dispatched to two vehicle MVA. Investigation conducted on scene. Charges recommended. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400380 07:01 CIVIL : CIVIL MATTER Officers responded to the 1200 block of Missouri for a reported civil standby, during which bag containing a pipe and marijuana was handed over to officers. Informational

P202400380 07:01 CIVIL : CIVIL MATTER Officers responded to the 1200 block of Missouri for a reported civil standby, during which bag containing a pipe and marijuana was handed over to officers. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400381 13:14 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Report of a male who assaulted his domestic partner and held her captive after the assault. Male was placed under arrest. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400383 19:09 FOUND : FOUND Inactive - Case Suspended

P202400382 21:26 10-45 : MVA INJURY Officers dispatched to two vehicle MVA, 200 block of East 3rd. Investigation conducted on scene. No patient transports. Closed - Resolved

P202400384 09:52 WELFARE : WELFARE Closed - Resolved

P202400385 20:48 WARRANT : ARREST Informational

P202400386 19:25 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400387 09:56 DISTURBANCE : 1400 Grand Ave / Female shooting airsoft gun at cats / Female cited for disorderly conduct Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400389 06:45 THEFT : THEFT Officers responded to the 1800 block of Emerson in reference to a reported theft. Closed - Unfounded

P202400390 18:06 BURGLARY : BREAK Open - Under Investigation

P202400391 18:21 10-45 : MVA INJURY Closed - Resolved

By Alliance Police Department07/07/24P202400378 19:24 10-45 : MVA INJURY Officers dispatched to two vehicle MVA. Investigation conducted on scene. Charges recommended. Closed - Charges Recommended07/07/24 Total: 107/08/24P202400380 07:01 CIVIL : CIVIL MATTER Officers responded to the 1200 block of Missouri for a reported civil standby, during which bag containing a pipe and marijuana was handed over to officers. InformationalP202400380 07:01 CIVIL : CIVIL MATTER Officers responded to the 1200 block of Missouri for a reported civil standby, during which bag containing a pipe and marijuana was handed over to officers. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400381 13:14 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Report of a male who assaulted his domestic partner and held her captive after the assault. Male was placed under arrest. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400383 19:09 FOUND : FOUND Inactive - Case SuspendedP202400382 21:26 10-45 : MVA INJURY Officers dispatched to two vehicle MVA, 200 block of East 3rd. Investigation conducted on scene. No patient transports. Closed - Resolved07/08/24 Total: 507/09/24P202400384 09:52 WELFARE : WELFARE Closed - ResolvedP202400385 20:48 WARRANT : ARREST Informational07/09/24 Total: 207/10/24P202400386 19:25 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Closed - Charges Recommended07/10/24 Total: 107/11/24P202400387 09:56 DISTURBANCE : 1400 Grand Ave / Female shooting airsoft gun at cats / Female cited for disorderly conduct Closed - Charges Recommended07/11/24 Total: 107/13/24P202400389 06:45 THEFT : THEFT Officers responded to the 1800 block of Emerson in reference to a reported theft. Closed - UnfoundedP202400390 18:06 BURGLARY : BREAK Open - Under InvestigationP202400391 18:21 10-45 : MVA INJURY Closed - Resolved07/13/24 Total: 3Total Records: 13

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

Beginning around 10am, you'll be able to watch the 48th Annual Chadron Lions Club Fur Trade Days Parade here from the Panhandle POST, brought to you by Skeeters NAPA, Morford's Decorating Center, Home Haven Furniture and Appliance, Eagle Chevrolet, H&amp;R Block of Chadron and Chadron Community Hospital.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2P-_xHCF1pc?si=ki8JiaDI6fbqfdYq" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Beginning around 10am, you'll be able to watch the 48th Annual Chadron Lions Club Fur Trade Days Parade here from the Panhandle POST, brought to you by Skeeters NAPA, Morford's Decorating Center, Home Haven Furniture and Appliance, Eagle Chevrolet, H&amp;R Block of Chadron and Chadron Community Hospital.<figure>
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(WATCH) Fur Trade Days Lions Club Parade

The Alliance Volunteer Fire Department along with the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department battled a business fire on Thursday in Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; "We received an initial dispatch for a fully involved structure at B &amp; S Auto," Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "Upon arrival we had smoke showing from the roof and eaves with no fire showing. A vertical ventilation hole was cut in the roof to assist with removing the smoke from the structure and assist the crew of firefighters that entered the building. This also assisted us with locating the active fire."

 The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Investigator will conduct the cause of the fire.&nbsp;

"We also requested mutual aid from the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department," Chief Shoemaker said. "The Alliance Nebraska Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and Box Butte Sheriff's Office assisted with closing down streets so that we could operate safely. The City of Alliance, Nebraska Water and Electric Departments responded and assisted with disconnecting utility services."

"Thank you to those folks and the folks that dropped off water and food for us. We appreciate everyone assisting us, it means a lot to the members of your fire department," Shoemaker added.&nbsp;

By Panhandle PostThe Alliance Volunteer Fire Department along with the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department battled a business fire on Thursday in Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720790858596.jpeg" alt="Photos by AVFD.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photos by AVFD.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; "We received an initial dispatch for a fully involved structure at B &amp; S Auto," Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "Upon arrival we had smoke showing from the roof and eaves with no fire showing. A vertical ventilation hole was cut in the roof to assist with removing the smoke from the structure and assist the crew of firefighters that entered the building. This also assisted us with locating the active fire." The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Investigator will conduct the cause of the fire.&nbsp;"We also requested mutual aid from the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department," Chief Shoemaker said. "The Alliance Nebraska Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and Box Butte Sheriff's Office assisted with closing down streets so that we could operate safely. The City of Alliance, Nebraska Water and Electric Departments responded and assisted with disconnecting utility services."Black Hills Energy was also on scene. "Thank you to those folks and the folks that dropped off water and food for us. We appreciate everyone assisting us, it means a lot to the members of your fire department," Shoemaker added.&nbsp;<figure>
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Alliance, Hemingford Fire Departments battle business fire 

(POST News Director Canon Rath chatted with Kenny Roberg, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, North Platte Office about the upcoming heat wave impacting the listening area.)

An excessive heat watch will go into effect for the listening area Friday afternoon and will be in effect until Monday morning. According to the National Weather Service, North Platte Office (NWS), the area in effect is most of Western Nebraska and North Central Nebraska.&nbsp;

For the listening area, high 90's and low 100's will be impacting the area Friday-Monday with the weekend seeing the hottest temperatures. For North Platte, Saturday's temperature will be 99 degrees and Sunday's will be 103 degrees. Curtis, Ogallala, Imperial, Alliance, Oshkosh, Sidney, Scottsbluff and more communities will be in the 100's both Saturday and Sunday according to officials.

The possibility of severe thunderstorms is predicted for Thursday night west of Highway 38. Storms may impact the area late in the afternoon through the evening according to the NWS. &nbsp;

Hot temperatures mixed with humidity can cause potentially dangerous heat illnesses to occur. Stay hydrated during this time and stay in a cool area. Also wear sunscreen when outside in the heat. Never leave pets or people in a vehicle during this time of extreme heat.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719926279357.jpg" alt="" />
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 </figure><div><iframe title="(Audio) Excessive Heat Watch (July 12th - July 15th)" 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=2qgpb-166692d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>(POST News Director Canon Rath chatted with Kenny Roberg, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, North Platte Office about the upcoming heat wave impacting the listening area.)North Platte Post/Sandhills Post/Panhandle PostAn excessive heat watch will go into effect for the listening area Friday afternoon and will be in effect until Monday morning. According to the National Weather Service, North Platte Office (NWS), the area in effect is most of Western Nebraska and North Central Nebraska.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720712132409.jpeg" alt="NWS North Platte&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>NWS North Platte&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>For the listening area, high 90's and low 100's will be impacting the area Friday-Monday with the weekend seeing the hottest temperatures. For North Platte, Saturday's temperature will be 99 degrees and Sunday's will be 103 degrees. Curtis, Ogallala, Imperial, Alliance, Oshkosh, Sidney, Scottsbluff and more communities will be in the 100's both Saturday and Sunday according to officials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720712200563.jpeg" alt="NWS North Platte&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>NWS North Platte&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The possibility of severe thunderstorms is predicted for Thursday night west of Highway 38. Storms may impact the area late in the afternoon through the evening according to the NWS. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720712663307.jpeg" alt="NWS North Platte&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>NWS North Platte&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNWSNorthPlatte%2Fposts%2Fpfbid035WBShhC8hgoGwWmHGeLGhSmzABrD3nrSBgSfze23u1Vn9iTkR8p98WMsW8jSdaM2l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="806" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Hot temperatures mixed with humidity can cause potentially dangerous heat illnesses to occur. Stay hydrated during this time and stay in a cool area. Also wear sunscreen when outside in the heat. Never leave pets or people in a vehicle during this time of extreme heat.&nbsp; &nbsp;