Alliance, NE – Due to rainfall causing unsafe conditions, the Alliance Landfill Construction and Demolition area and top of the hill are closed to the public. They are still accepting yard waste and household refuse.

For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Due to rainfall causing unsafe conditions, the Alliance Landfill Construction and Demolition area and top of the hill are closed to the public. They are still accepting yard waste and household refuse.For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Alliance Landfill issue partial closures

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/10/05/christian-broadcaster-stan-parker-announces-run-for-lincoln-mayor/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Officials confirmed Thursday that a four-wheel utility terrain vehicle (UTV) somehow sparked the wildfire that scorched more than 18,000 acres in and near the Nebraska National Forest.

The fire was declared 94% contained Thursday morning, but later in the day officials with the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team confirmed earlier reports that a UTV, on a designated trail in the hand-planted forest, had touched off the fire.

The Halsey forest is a popular destination for UTVs and smaller ATVs, with designated trails criss-crossing the 90,000-acre forest, billed as the nation’s largest hand-planted forest.

In an email, Brian Scott, a spokesman for the fire management team, said that precisely how the fire was started was still an open investigation “and as time progresses more information will be made available.”

During an informational meeting Thursday afternoon at Halsey, officials said the dry and windy conditions helped propel the fire just after it started about noon Sunday.

The fire jumped “fuel breaks” designed to stop or slow the advance of the blaze, they said. Foam sprayed on buildings at the forest headquarters helped save those structures,

An update on the Bovee Fire on Thursday morning stated that night crews had been dismissed and were being deployed elsewhere after battling the fire, which started in the forest southwest of Halsey.

Remaining areas of fire concern will be prioritized Thursday to “strengthen fire lines and cool any remaining hotspots,” said spokesman Dan Dallas.

A volunteer firefighter from Purdum died of a medical condition on Sunday while fighting the fire, which destroyed the popular Nebraska State 4-H Camp in the forest that had hosted thousands of children and adults since the 1960s.

The Scott Lookout Tower, which had been renovated in 2011, was also lost in the blaze.

Funeral services for Michael Moody, the 59-year-old firefighter from Purdum, are scheduled&nbsp;Friday at 2 p.m. at Sandhills High School in Dunning.

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/10/05/christian-broadcaster-stan-parker-announces-run-for-lincoln-mayor/">Nebraska Examiner</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665153731631.jpeg" alt="Firefighters work to mop up hot spots at the Bovee Fire, which blackened more than 18,000 acres in and near the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey. (Courtesy of the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands)" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters work to mop up hot spots at the Bovee Fire, which blackened more than 18,000 acres in and near the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey. (Courtesy of the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Officials confirmed Thursday that a four-wheel utility terrain vehicle (UTV) somehow sparked the wildfire that scorched more than 18,000 acres in and near the Nebraska National Forest.The fire was declared 94% contained Thursday morning, but later in the day officials with the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team confirmed earlier reports that a UTV, on a designated trail in the hand-planted forest, had touched off the fire.The Halsey forest is a popular destination for UTVs and smaller ATVs, with designated trails criss-crossing the 90,000-acre forest, billed as the nation’s largest hand-planted forest.In an email, Brian Scott, a spokesman for the fire management team, said that precisely how the fire was started was still an open investigation “and as time progresses more information will be made available.”During an informational meeting Thursday afternoon at Halsey, officials said the dry and windy conditions helped propel the fire just after it started about noon Sunday.The fire jumped “fuel breaks” designed to stop or slow the advance of the blaze, they said. Foam sprayed on buildings at the forest headquarters helped save those structures,An update on the Bovee Fire on Thursday morning stated that night crews had been dismissed and were being deployed elsewhere after battling the fire, which started in the forest southwest of Halsey.Remaining areas of fire concern will be prioritized Thursday to “strengthen fire lines and cool any remaining hotspots,” said spokesman Dan Dallas.A volunteer firefighter from Purdum died of a medical condition on Sunday while fighting the fire, which destroyed the popular Nebraska State 4-H Camp in the forest that had hosted thousands of children and adults since the 1960s.The Scott Lookout Tower, which had been renovated in 2011, was also lost in the blaze.Funeral services for Michael Moody, the 59-year-old firefighter from Purdum, are scheduled&nbsp;Friday at 2 p.m. at Sandhills High School in Dunning.

Four-wheel vehicle started fire in Nebraska National Forest near Halsey

Alliance – Special events for children and youth at the Alliance Public Library include LEGO Club for grades K-12 on Tuesdays, October 4 and 18 from 4-5 pm. Please remember to preregister for LEGO Club at the circulation desk.

Autumn Crafts for preschool through grade 12 on Tuesday, October 11 from 4-5:30 pm. Children ages 10 and under need to be accompanied by a responsible adult for great family crafting! All craft supplies will be provided.

STEAM Technology for grades K-5 on Thursday, October 20th from 4-5 pm.

All of these events will be 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 LEGO Club for grades K-12 on Tuesdays, October 4 and 18 from 4-5 pm. Please remember to preregister for LEGO Club at the circulation desk.Autumn Crafts for preschool through grade 12 on Tuesday, October 11 from 4-5:30 pm. Children ages 10 and under need to be accompanied by a responsible adult for great family crafting! All craft supplies will be provided.STEAM Technology for grades K-5 on Thursday, October 20th from 4-5 pm.All of these events will be in the Community Room. For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387.

Crafts, legos, STEAM to be held at the Alliance Public Library

Box Butte General Hospital began the implementation process for transitioning the Electronic Health Record (EHR) software to Meditech Expanse in March 2022.

This transition comes after years of working with Centriq. An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is an electronic version of a patient’s medical history, that is maintained by the provider over time, and includes all of the key clinical data relevant to that patient’s care under a particular provider. EHRs are the next step in the continued progress of healthcare that can strengthen the relationship between patients and providers. The data, and the timeliness and availability of it, will enable providers to make better decisions and provide better care for our community. To live by the mission to lead and innovate in healthcare delivery and community wellness, BBGH employed Meditech to support providing great care to patients.

From September 20 – 22, the Meditech and BBGH Meditech project team executed a mock live event. There were 13 Meditech specialists on campus working with the BBGH superusers. A superuser is someone identified within the organization who is trained to understand the new system and best practice workflows. A superuser is someone the BBGH team can look to for guidance and training. The project team selected several different patient scenarios from the current Centriq system and ran the scenarios through the Meditech Expanse system. Scenarios were pulled from old records. The mock live event is imperative to the transition to ensure the new system is interconnected the way it needs to be as well as charges and claims link correctly.

In the months leading up to the mock live event, the BBGH project team worked closely with the Meditech team to input BBGH’s information into the Meditech system. The information that is input into the system is referred to as dictionaries. The BBGH project team produced several dictionaries such as resources, locations, facilities, doctors, referrals, order, pharmaceuticals, supplies, procedures, exams, labs, etc. Once all of the dictionaries were produced, Meditech became involved. Together, the teams customized content based on workflows and the industry’s best practices. Now that BBGH is post-mock live, fine tuning will take place based on what the teams found. Testing of patient scenarios will continue during the coming months, and then end-user training will be completed before the new system goes live.

BBGH is taking detailed and cautious steps to test the system and verify it works with all the different scenarios seen throughout the organization. Also important to the go-live is ensuring staff is comfortable in the new system. It is imperative that the system is flowing and working properly, so that it is able to provide great care to patients.

The original go-live date of November 1 has been postponed and a new date is yet to be determined.

Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

By BBGHBox Butte General Hospital began the implementation process for transitioning the Electronic Health Record (EHR) software to Meditech Expanse in March 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665098799507.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This transition comes after years of working with Centriq. An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is an electronic version of a patient’s medical history, that is maintained by the provider over time, and includes all of the key clinical data relevant to that patient’s care under a particular provider. EHRs are the next step in the continued progress of healthcare that can strengthen the relationship between patients and providers. The data, and the timeliness and availability of it, will enable providers to make better decisions and provide better care for our community. To live by the mission to lead and innovate in healthcare delivery and community wellness, BBGH employed Meditech to support providing great care to patients.From September 20 – 22, the Meditech and BBGH Meditech project team executed a mock live event. There were 13 Meditech specialists on campus working with the BBGH superusers. A superuser is someone identified within the organization who is trained to understand the new system and best practice workflows. A superuser is someone the BBGH team can look to for guidance and training. The project team selected several different patient scenarios from the current Centriq system and ran the scenarios through the Meditech Expanse system. Scenarios were pulled from old records. The mock live event is imperative to the transition to ensure the new system is interconnected the way it needs to be as well as charges and claims link correctly.In the months leading up to the mock live event, the BBGH project team worked closely with the Meditech team to input BBGH’s information into the Meditech system. The information that is input into the system is referred to as dictionaries. The BBGH project team produced several dictionaries such as resources, locations, facilities, doctors, referrals, order, pharmaceuticals, supplies, procedures, exams, labs, etc. Once all of the dictionaries were produced, Meditech became involved. Together, the teams customized content based on workflows and the industry’s best practices. Now that BBGH is post-mock live, fine tuning will take place based on what the teams found. Testing of patient scenarios will continue during the coming months, and then end-user training will be completed before the new system goes live.BBGH is taking detailed and cautious steps to test the system and verify it works with all the different scenarios seen throughout the organization. Also important to the go-live is ensuring staff is comfortable in the new system. It is imperative that the system is flowing and working properly, so that it is able to provide great care to patients.The original go-live date of November 1 has been postponed and a new date is yet to be determined.Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Box Butte General Hospital completes Meditech mock live event 

Today we'll take you back to the Alliance City Council meeting from Oct. 4. The council approved a municipal code amendement for the dates and times fireworks can be legally sold and discharged within the city. The council amended the ordinance from 4 days to 5 days. Bob and Delinda Neville and Philip Hawkins spoke before the council about their views and concerns. The council also approved an airport hail damage repairs bid award.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, Oct. 4" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rqh8s-12e037d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Today we'll take you back to the Alliance City Council meeting from Oct. 4. The council approved a municipal code amendement for the dates and times fireworks can be legally sold and discharged within the city. The council amended the ordinance from 4 days to 5 days. Bob and Delinda Neville and Philip Hawkins spoke before the council about their views and concerns. The council also approved an airport hail damage repairs bid award.&nbsp;

Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, Oct. 4

By Renae Blum, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Some of the best views in the state can be found along a trail at Nebraska’s state parks. Whether you’re exploring a shady pine forest or trekking to a scenic overlook, these trails are worth seeking out for the adventure – and beauty – they hold.

Most popular for its scenic views is the Black Hills Overlook Trail; you can see for miles from the butte formations. The rocky path also shows where a 2012 wildfire came through. This trail is 1.5 miles one-way. To enjoy the sight of an undisturbed ponderosa pine forest, hike the Norwesca Trail, which is a relatively easy walk and is three-quarters of a mile one-way.

You can’t go wrong with any of the trails set in the buttes. Take the Red Cloud Butte Trail to see the fort complex from overhead; it’s a popular route and is often used by equestrians. Another option is the Mexican Canyon Trail, which also leads up into the buttes and pine trees. If you’re lucky, you might see bighorn sheep.

The 1.5-mile Turkey Run Trail will show you most of the park, including fascinating rock formations and pine woodlands. It’s a popular trail with visitors and is moderately difficult. Staff also recommend the Monument View Trail, which is half a mile long and offers a view of the North Platte River Valley.

Hike Trail 8 at the thickly forested Indian Cave State Park to reach a ridgetop overlooking the Missouri River. Stop to take in the scenery at one of the benches along the way or plan an overnight stay at the Adirondack shelter. Trail 10 also offers ridgetop views of the river, but be prepared for a steep climb at the start.

For outstanding river views, choose the Tri-state Overlook Trail loop, which starts near the east shelter and is a relatively easy hike. From the overlook, hikers can view Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. Eastern portions of the 2-mile Buffalo Run Trail also offers spectacular river vistas.

Check out the Bottom River Trail, which runs just under 3 miles and shows the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers. You may see some wildlife too, including deer, foxes and eagles. For a beautiful view of a cedar forest, hike the Deer Creek Trail, which runs for about 2 miles through the heart of the park.

Hike the quarter-mile Stone Creek Falls Trail to see a small waterfall that is popular with visitors. Continue another quarter of a mile and you’ll end up at some bluffs alongside the Platte River, about 80 feet above the water. The Stone Creek Falls Trail is well-groomed and maintained and is an easy walk.

For more information about these parks and to buy a park entry permit, visit Outdoornebraska.gov. If you’re planning to hike during a hunting season, we also recommend a few safety reminders at OutdoorNebraska.gov/huntseasonsafety.

By Renae Blum, Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionSome of the best views in the state can be found along a trail at Nebraska’s state parks. Whether you’re exploring a shady pine forest or trekking to a scenic overlook, these trails are worth seeking out for the adventure – and beauty – they hold.Chadron State ParkMost popular for its scenic views is the Black Hills Overlook Trail; you can see for miles from the butte formations. The rocky path also shows where a 2012 wildfire came through. This trail is 1.5 miles one-way. To enjoy the sight of an undisturbed ponderosa pine forest, hike the Norwesca Trail, which is a relatively easy walk and is three-quarters of a mile one-way.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665081963296.jpeg" alt="View of thunderstorm from the Black Hills Overlook, accessible from the hiking trail that begins in Chadron State Park in Dawes County. Justin Haag, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission." />
 <figcaption>View of thunderstorm from the Black Hills Overlook, accessible from the hiking trail that begins in Chadron State Park in Dawes County. Justin Haag, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Robinson State ParkYou can’t go wrong with any of the trails set in the buttes. Take the Red Cloud Butte Trail to see the fort complex from overhead; it’s a popular route and is often used by equestrians. Another option is the Mexican Canyon Trail, which also leads up into the buttes and pine trees. If you’re lucky, you might see bighorn sheep.Wildcat Hills State Recreation AreaThe 1.5-mile Turkey Run Trail will show you most of the park, including fascinating rock formations and pine woodlands. It’s a popular trail with visitors and is moderately difficult. Staff also recommend the Monument View Trail, which is half a mile long and offers a view of the North Platte River Valley.Indian Cave State ParkHike Trail 8 at the thickly forested Indian Cave State Park to reach a ridgetop overlooking the Missouri River. Stop to take in the scenery at one of the benches along the way or plan an overnight stay at the Adirondack shelter. Trail 10 also offers ridgetop views of the river, but be prepared for a steep climb at the start.Ponca State ParkFor outstanding river views, choose the Tri-state Overlook Trail loop, which starts near the east shelter and is a relatively easy hike. From the overlook, hikers can view Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. Eastern portions of the 2-mile Buffalo Run Trail also offers spectacular river vistas.Niobrara State ParkCheck out the Bottom River Trail, which runs just under 3 miles and shows the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers. You may see some wildlife too, including deer, foxes and eagles. For a beautiful view of a cedar forest, hike the Deer Creek Trail, which runs for about 2 miles through the heart of the park.Platte River State ParkHike the quarter-mile Stone Creek Falls Trail to see a small waterfall that is popular with visitors. Continue another quarter of a mile and you’ll end up at some bluffs alongside the Platte River, about 80 feet above the water. The Stone Creek Falls Trail is well-groomed and maintained and is an easy walk.For more information about these parks and to buy a park entry permit, visit Outdoornebraska.gov. If you’re planning to hike during a hunting season, we also recommend a few safety reminders at OutdoorNebraska.gov/huntseasonsafety.

Embrace the views at state park trails including Chadron, Fort Rob, Wildcat Hills

HALSEY, Neb. (AP) — Firefighters have nearly contained a large wildfire in the Nebraska Sandhills that has burned roughly 30 square miles and that led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-evacuations-8d7ef658d4a937369e3c09278ec663ac">death of a volunteer firefighter</a>, officials said.

The Bovee Fire began Sunday and spread quickly because of dry conditions in west-central Nebraska. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team said Thursday that their estimate of the size of the fire decreased slightly but remained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-climate-and-environment-1e62f7d8e81126d861be3f5c2dbd01b2">around 19,000 acres</a>&nbsp;(about 77 square kilometers).

The incident management team said the fire is 94% contained with only a few short sections of the fire line surrounding the blaze still unsecure. A night shift of firefighters will no longer be needed to contain the fire about 260 miles (420 kilometers) west of Omaha.

Cooler temperatures with highs near 60 degrees (16 degrees Celsius) are expected Thursday, but winds may gust up to 25 mph (40 kilometers per hour) as a cold front moves through the area. The high temperature on Friday is likely to be in the upper 40s.

Officials are still investigating the cause of the blaze, but have said it was likely “human caused.”

Assistant Chief of the Purdum Volunteer Fire Department Mike Moody died Sunday after suffering an apparent heart attack while fighting the fire. The cabins and main lodge at the Nebraska State 4-H Camp, and an observation tower in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest were all destroyed by the fire.

The fire forced the residents of the village of Halsey to briefly evacuate their homes Sunday, and a stretch of Nebraska Highway 2 was shut down because of the fire.

By Associated PressHALSEY, Neb. (AP) — Firefighters have nearly contained a large wildfire in the Nebraska Sandhills that has burned roughly 30 square miles and that led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-evacuations-8d7ef658d4a937369e3c09278ec663ac">death of a volunteer firefighter</a>, officials said.The Bovee Fire began Sunday and spread quickly because of dry conditions in west-central Nebraska. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team said Thursday that their estimate of the size of the fire decreased slightly but remained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-climate-and-environment-1e62f7d8e81126d861be3f5c2dbd01b2">around 19,000 acres</a>&nbsp;(about 77 square kilometers).The incident management team said the fire is 94% contained with only a few short sections of the fire line surrounding the blaze still unsecure. A night shift of firefighters will no longer be needed to contain the fire about 260 miles (420 kilometers) west of Omaha.Cooler temperatures with highs near 60 degrees (16 degrees Celsius) are expected Thursday, but winds may gust up to 25 mph (40 kilometers per hour) as a cold front moves through the area. The high temperature on Friday is likely to be in the upper 40s.Officials are still investigating the cause of the blaze, but have said it was likely “human caused.”Assistant Chief of the Purdum Volunteer Fire Department Mike Moody died Sunday after suffering an apparent heart attack while fighting the fire. The cabins and main lodge at the Nebraska State 4-H Camp, and an observation tower in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest were all destroyed by the fire.The fire forced the residents of the village of Halsey to briefly evacuate their homes Sunday, and a stretch of Nebraska Highway 2 was shut down because of the fire.

Officials: Wildfire in Nebraska Sandhills nearly contained

POST PODCAST: The DOVES Program

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

What causes poverty? We like to convince ourselves that people who are poor deserve to be poor. Their situation is caused by their poor decisions. Spending more than a person earns. Dropping out of school. Not working at a decent job. Becoming addicted - to alcohol or drugs, gambling. Their poverty is their choice, their fault. This is hardly ever true.

We should not forget the role exploitation has in creating, and continuing poverty. Many who live in poverty are there because of their race, gender, age, disability, immigration status, or gender identity. People in these categories are often at the mercy of those with more power and influence who see them as property rather than as humans.

Let's look at employment opportunities. How often do we hear of businesses that exploit minorities, especially undocumented residents? They pay far lower wages than the type of work merits. They might not provide benefits, or work people 34 hours a week so benefits don't have to be offered. They might overcharge for things like uniforms or food. Businesses often require workers to clock out but return to finish tasks so overtime will not be paid. Working conditions are unsafe, but reporting problems would lead to dismissal.

Another problem with employment is calling people "independent contractors." This means the employer does not have to pay any benefits like insurance or retirement, or even their share of social security. There is no overtime, no worker's compensation, no unemployment compensation, and no guarantee of hours. In large cities, lumberyards have "day laborers" lined up to help with construction projects, all as independent contractors. Ride share companies like Uber and Lyft employ independent contractors as drivers, even if they work full time at that job.

Many people think there is a benefit to being salaried, and they jump at the chance when offered this option by their employers. Only later do they realize they are now expected to work over 40 hours per week, not only without overtime pay, but without any pay at all for those extra hours.

What happens when we have economic downturns? Who gets laid off? Five employees at the bottom of the wage scale who actually do the work for the company or institution, or one person in management who earns the same as they did - combined?

Why are so many exploited? Remember tyranny of the moment? Many people in poverty live paycheck to paycheck. When people have no extra cash and no extra time, they don't have good choices available to them and have to accept whatever someone offers. When they cannot afford a car, they have to live near their job or on a bus line. When they have children, they have to work around school schedules or whether they can find child care.

So many people in poverty are marginalized by employers who take advantage of their situation. They rationalize it by thinking it's a person's own fault; that s/he deserves to be poor.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityWhat causes poverty? We like to convince ourselves that people who are poor deserve to be poor. Their situation is caused by their poor decisions. Spending more than a person earns. Dropping out of school. Not working at a decent job. Becoming addicted - to alcohol or drugs, gambling. Their poverty is their choice, their fault. This is hardly ever true.We should not forget the role exploitation has in creating, and continuing poverty. Many who live in poverty are there because of their race, gender, age, disability, immigration status, or gender identity. People in these categories are often at the mercy of those with more power and influence who see them as property rather than as humans.Let's look at employment opportunities. How often do we hear of businesses that exploit minorities, especially undocumented residents? They pay far lower wages than the type of work merits. They might not provide benefits, or work people 34 hours a week so benefits don't have to be offered. They might overcharge for things like uniforms or food. Businesses often require workers to clock out but return to finish tasks so overtime will not be paid. Working conditions are unsafe, but reporting problems would lead to dismissal.Another problem with employment is calling people "independent contractors." This means the employer does not have to pay any benefits like insurance or retirement, or even their share of social security. There is no overtime, no worker's compensation, no unemployment compensation, and no guarantee of hours. In large cities, lumberyards have "day laborers" lined up to help with construction projects, all as independent contractors. Ride share companies like Uber and Lyft employ independent contractors as drivers, even if they work full time at that job.Many people think there is a benefit to being salaried, and they jump at the chance when offered this option by their employers. Only later do they realize they are now expected to work over 40 hours per week, not only without overtime pay, but without any pay at all for those extra hours.What happens when we have economic downturns? Who gets laid off? Five employees at the bottom of the wage scale who actually do the work for the company or institution, or one person in management who earns the same as they did - combined?Why are so many exploited? Remember tyranny of the moment? Many people in poverty live paycheck to paycheck. When people have no extra cash and no extra time, they don't have good choices available to them and have to accept whatever someone offers. When they cannot afford a car, they have to live near their job or on a bus line. When they have children, they have to work around school schedules or whether they can find child care.So many people in poverty are marginalized by employers who take advantage of their situation. They rationalize it by thinking it's a person's own fault; that s/he deserves to be poor.

Getting Ahead: Exploiting employees in poverty

By: Mike Glesinger,&nbsp; &nbsp;Panhandle Post

Homecoming week activities at Alliance High School were highlighted Wednesday night with the Coronation of Royalty and the Burning of the A, on a beautiful fall night at Bulldog stadium.

Alliance fans were treated to performances by the AHS Cheerleaders, the Bulldog Band and the "Mr. Cheerleader" contestants.&nbsp; Following their "specktacular" routine, the winners of the competition were announced. Named as&nbsp; &nbsp;Mr. Drama Queen, Carver Hauptman.&nbsp; Mr.Sunshine, Lucas Smith.&nbsp; &nbsp;Mr. Dance Queen, Tyzen Brown.&nbsp; Mr. Jump Queen, Jonah Amill and named as Mr. Cheerleader, John Kollars.

Named as this years Homecoming Royalty...

Freshman Attendants...Kaiah Adams and Espen Lanik

Sophomore Attendants...Emma Machado and Jackson Bailey

Junior Attendants...Sonya Behrends and Jackson Norris

Senior 2nd Attendants...Victoria Washington and Carver Hauptman

Senior 1st Attendants...Sharyce Dubray and Lucas Smith

Homecoming Queen...Peyton Kindred and&nbsp; King..Tyzen Brown

Homecoming week activities will continue with student Mini-Olympics on Thursday.&nbsp; The parade is set for 2:30 pm on Friday, and the Homecoming Football game with McCook at 7 pm Friday night.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665062428592.jpeg" alt="2022 AHS Homecoming Royalty" />
 <figcaption>2022 AHS Homecoming Royalty</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike Glesinger,&nbsp; &nbsp;Panhandle PostHomecoming week activities at Alliance High School were highlighted Wednesday night with the Coronation of Royalty and the Burning of the A, on a beautiful fall night at Bulldog stadium.Alliance fans were treated to performances by the AHS Cheerleaders, the Bulldog Band and the "Mr. Cheerleader" contestants.&nbsp; Following their "specktacular" routine, the winners of the competition were announced. Named as&nbsp; &nbsp;Mr. Drama Queen, Carver Hauptman.&nbsp; Mr.Sunshine, Lucas Smith.&nbsp; &nbsp;Mr. Dance Queen, Tyzen Brown.&nbsp; Mr. Jump Queen, Jonah Amill and named as Mr. Cheerleader, John Kollars.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665063732358.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Named as this years Homecoming Royalty...Freshman Attendants...Kaiah Adams and Espen LanikSophomore Attendants...Emma Machado and Jackson BaileyJunior Attendants...Sonya Behrends and Jackson NorrisSenior 2nd Attendants...Victoria Washington and Carver HauptmanSenior 1st Attendants...Sharyce Dubray and Lucas SmithHomecoming Queen...Peyton Kindred and&nbsp; King..Tyzen Brown<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665064004909.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Homecoming week activities will continue with student Mini-Olympics on Thursday.&nbsp; The parade is set for 2:30 pm on Friday, and the Homecoming Football game with McCook at 7 pm Friday night.&nbsp;

AHS Celebrates Homecoming Week

Alliance– United Way of Western Nebraska is Fighting Hunger in the Community kicking off the efforts with the first of seven planned food distributions that began on Tuesday, October 4 in Alliance. This distribution is part of United Way’s efforts in Western Nebraska to fight hunger in Western Nebraska by distributing necessary food to food insecure families including seniors, low-income families and those experiencing food insecurity.

Fighting Hunger in Our Community provides each household with several complete meals including non-perishable items, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy products for local families. The first event held in Alliance on October 4 served 100 families. Volunteers from United Way, Healthy Blue Nebraska, Farm Credit Services of America, FNBO and Bank of the West packed the food items in reusable bags for each household.

The next event is scheduled in Scottsbluff and Gering on Thursday, October 13 with plans for additional events in Chadron, Sidney (Oct. 18), Crawford, Kimball and other areas throughout Western Nebraska. This event is made possible by Healthy Blue Nebraska, Farm Credit Services of America, Platte Valley Bank, Arby’s Foundation, Medica, Alliance Community Pharmacy, Sandhills State Bank, TEAM Auto Center, Walmart, ALLO and generous donations earmarked to fight food insecurity.

United Way works in the local community to Give, Advocate and Volunteer and through the Fighting Hunger in Our Community is alleviating hunger. To learn more about United Way, please call the United Way office at 308-763-8031 or email kbenzel@uwwn.org

By United Way of Western NebraskaAlliance– United Way of Western Nebraska is Fighting Hunger in the Community kicking off the efforts with the first of seven planned food distributions that began on Tuesday, October 4 in Alliance. This distribution is part of United Way’s efforts in Western Nebraska to fight hunger in Western Nebraska by distributing necessary food to food insecure families including seniors, low-income families and those experiencing food insecurity.Fighting Hunger in Our Community provides each household with several complete meals including non-perishable items, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy products for local families. The first event held in Alliance on October 4 served 100 families. Volunteers from United Way, Healthy Blue Nebraska, Farm Credit Services of America, FNBO and Bank of the West packed the food items in reusable bags for each household.The next event is scheduled in Scottsbluff and Gering on Thursday, October 13 with plans for additional events in Chadron, Sidney (Oct. 18), Crawford, Kimball and other areas throughout Western Nebraska. This event is made possible by Healthy Blue Nebraska, Farm Credit Services of America, Platte Valley Bank, Arby’s Foundation, Medica, Alliance Community Pharmacy, Sandhills State Bank, TEAM Auto Center, Walmart, ALLO and generous donations earmarked to fight food insecurity.United Way works in the local community to Give, Advocate and Volunteer and through the Fighting Hunger in Our Community is alleviating hunger. To learn more about United Way, please call the United Way office at 308-763-8031 or email kbenzel@uwwn.org

United Way: Fighting hunger in our communities 

CHADRON – The Chadron State Foundation is hosting Inspire: One Day for CSC on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The&nbsp;<a href="http://inspire.csc.edu/" target="_blank">24-hour virtual day</a>&nbsp;of giving invites Chadron State College supporters to inspire greatness by supporting an initiative or program that aligns with their passions, according to CEO Ben Watson.

Brandon Davenport, Development Officer at the Chadron State Foundation, said he anticipates that CSC supporters from across the nation will come together to make a positive impact on the future by funding scholarships, programs, student organizations, athletics, and other initiatives that give students the tools to succeed in their field and a better the future for all.

Davenport said CSC graduates shape the world in business, conservation, healthcare, education, arts, and other fields.

“Your donation during Inspire: One Day for CSC will foster the next generation of conservationists, nurses and doctors, elementary educators, farmers and ranchers, rural business leaders, and more. Visit inspire.csc.edu to support the CSC initiative or program that matches what you’re passionate about and inspire greatness at Chadron State. This is your opportunity to inspire current and future CSC students,” Davenport said.

To learn more, email the Chadron State Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@csc.edu" target="_blank">foundation@csc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 308-432-6366.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS CHADRON – The Chadron State Foundation is hosting Inspire: One Day for CSC on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The&nbsp;<a href="http://inspire.csc.edu/" target="_blank">24-hour virtual day</a>&nbsp;of giving invites Chadron State College supporters to inspire greatness by supporting an initiative or program that aligns with their passions, according to CEO Ben Watson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665015993049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brandon Davenport, Development Officer at the Chadron State Foundation, said he anticipates that CSC supporters from across the nation will come together to make a positive impact on the future by funding scholarships, programs, student organizations, athletics, and other initiatives that give students the tools to succeed in their field and a better the future for all.Davenport said CSC graduates shape the world in business, conservation, healthcare, education, arts, and other fields.“Your donation during Inspire: One Day for CSC will foster the next generation of conservationists, nurses and doctors, elementary educators, farmers and ranchers, rural business leaders, and more. Visit inspire.csc.edu to support the CSC initiative or program that matches what you’re passionate about and inspire greatness at Chadron State. This is your opportunity to inspire current and future CSC students,” Davenport said.To learn more, email the Chadron State Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@csc.edu" target="_blank">foundation@csc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 308-432-6366.

Inspire: A day of giving at Chadron State College

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff&nbsp;this weekend in observance of the&nbsp;National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday.

Flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise&nbsp;on Friday, October 7th&nbsp;until sunset on Sunday, October&nbsp;9, 2022.

As Americans gather for the National Fallen&nbsp;Firefighters Memorial Service in&nbsp;Emmitsburg,&nbsp;Maryland,&nbsp;Nebraskans honor and remember the brave men who&nbsp;made the ultimate sacrifice in the state this year.

In Nebraska, there are 478 fire departments with over 17,000 firefighters who courageously serve to protect their communities.&nbsp; More than 15,000 of these firefighters provide unpaid, volunteer service.

During this year’s national memorial service, two Nebraska firefighters will be honored: Dennis M. Bender (Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire Department) and Bob J. Kneifl (Ponca Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department). &nbsp;More information on the memorial service can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.firehero.org%2Fevents%2Fmemorial-weekend%2Fabout%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cb7ac478236ae4a9a297808daa704eddf%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638005937000405254%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=DrGM%2F6VhGOGxQwnUfKxZZVocYOcidTsihoHkCDlitdM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here.</a>

By Office of Gov. Pete RickettsLINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff&nbsp;this weekend in observance of the&nbsp;National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday.Flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise&nbsp;on Friday, October 7th&nbsp;until sunset on Sunday, October&nbsp;9, 2022.As Americans gather for the National Fallen&nbsp;Firefighters Memorial Service in&nbsp;Emmitsburg,&nbsp;Maryland,&nbsp;Nebraskans honor and remember the brave men who&nbsp;made the ultimate sacrifice in the state this year.<ul>
 <li>Lincoln Fire Inspector Donald Gross – January 4, 2022</li><li>Elwood Volunteer Fire Chief Darren Krull – April 7, 2022</li><li>Retired Cambridge Fire Chief John “JP” Trumble – April 22, 2022</li><li>Purdum Volunteer Fire Assistant Chief Mike Moody – October 2, 2022</li>
 </ul>In Nebraska, there are 478 fire departments with over 17,000 firefighters who courageously serve to protect their communities.&nbsp; More than 15,000 of these firefighters provide unpaid, volunteer service.During this year’s national memorial service, two Nebraska firefighters will be honored: Dennis M. Bender (Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire Department) and Bob J. Kneifl (Ponca Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department). &nbsp;More information on the memorial service can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.firehero.org%2Fevents%2Fmemorial-weekend%2Fabout%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cb7ac478236ae4a9a297808daa704eddf%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638005937000405254%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=DrGM%2F6VhGOGxQwnUfKxZZVocYOcidTsihoHkCDlitdM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here.</a>

Flags to fly at half-staff for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

HALSEY, Neb. (AP) — A destructive Nebraska Sandhills wildfire that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-evacuations-8d7ef658d4a937369e3c09278ec663ac">saw one firefighter die</a>&nbsp;while fighting the flames was more than half contained by Wednesday, officials said.

The size of the Bovee Fire in west-central Nebraska was mapped Tuesday at nearly 19,000 acres, or about 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), up from the 15,000 acres, or about 23 square miles (60 square kilometers), reported Sunday night, according to a report from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team.

Officials said the fire was 56% contained going into Wednesday. Continued favorable weather conditions are helping fire crews contain the grasslands blaze that was sparked Sunday afternoon and ballooned over a matter of hours in the tinder-dry region.

The fire destroyed the main lodge and cabins of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp, as well as an observation tower in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest. Purdum Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Moody died Sunday after suffering an apparent heart attack while battling the fire, officials said.

The flames also forced the brief evacuation of the nearby village of Halsey and shut down a stretch of Nebraska Highway 2 on Sunday as smoke from the fire cut visibility. Officials have said the fire was "human-caused,” but have not released details on how the fire started.

By Associated PressHALSEY, Neb. (AP) — A destructive Nebraska Sandhills wildfire that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-evacuations-8d7ef658d4a937369e3c09278ec663ac">saw one firefighter die</a>&nbsp;while fighting the flames was more than half contained by Wednesday, officials said.The size of the Bovee Fire in west-central Nebraska was mapped Tuesday at nearly 19,000 acres, or about 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), up from the 15,000 acres, or about 23 square miles (60 square kilometers), reported Sunday night, according to a report from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team.Officials said the fire was 56% contained going into Wednesday. Continued favorable weather conditions are helping fire crews contain the grasslands blaze that was sparked Sunday afternoon and ballooned over a matter of hours in the tinder-dry region.The fire destroyed the main lodge and cabins of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp, as well as an observation tower in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest. Purdum Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Moody died Sunday after suffering an apparent heart attack while battling the fire, officials said.The flames also forced the brief evacuation of the nearby village of Halsey and shut down a stretch of Nebraska Highway 2 on Sunday as smoke from the fire cut visibility. Officials have said the fire was "human-caused,” but have not released details on how the fire started.

Nebraska Sandhills wildfire more than half contained

Alliance – Beginning Monday, October 3, all offices within the City will be operating under their regular hours of Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

This includes the City Manager and City Clerk’s Offices, Electric, Water &amp; Sewer, RSVP, Utilities, Departments.

Also beginning Monday, October 3rd the Streets Department goes back to their regular hours of Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

The Public Transit hours remain Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 4:30 pm with rides available by appointment only on Sundays.

The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center hours remain Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Closed Sunday.

The Sallows Military Museum has switched to their Winter Hours of Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Closed Sunday. Afternoon hours are available by appointment only.

The Landfill hours remain Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:15 pm, Saturday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, Closed Sunday.

The Alliance Public Library hours are Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Closed Sunday.

For more information, please call the City Administration Office at (308) 762-5400.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Beginning Monday, October 3, all offices within the City will be operating under their regular hours of Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.This includes the City Manager and City Clerk’s Offices, Electric, Water &amp; Sewer, RSVP, Utilities, Departments.Also beginning Monday, October 3rd the Streets Department goes back to their regular hours of Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm.The Public Transit hours remain Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 4:30 pm with rides available by appointment only on Sundays.The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center hours remain Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Closed Sunday.The Sallows Military Museum has switched to their Winter Hours of Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Closed Sunday. Afternoon hours are available by appointment only.The Landfill hours remain Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:15 pm, Saturday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, Closed Sunday.The Alliance Public Library hours are Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Closed Sunday.For more information, please call the City Administration Office at (308) 762-5400.

City of Alliance facilities change to updated hours

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 10/5/22

The Box Butte General Hospital open house, tonight (Weds. 10/5) at 4:00pm is discussed.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: BBGH (Recorded 10/5/22)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4kqbi-12de356-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>The Box Butte General Hospital open house, tonight (Weds. 10/5) at 4:00pm is discussed.

POST PODCAST: BBGH (Recorded 10/5/22)

Items on the 10/4/22 agenda of the Alliance City Council meeting are discussed.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=f9gn3-12de343-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Items on the 10/4/22 agenda of the Alliance City Council meeting are discussed.

POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (Oct. 4, 2022) -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College's Homecoming week is scheduled for Oct. 15 - 22, with events planned on all three campuses. All events are open to the public.&nbsp;

"We are excited to host a full week of events on all three campuses this year," WNCC Alumni &amp; Stewardship Director Mary Sheffield said. "Homecoming 2022 has something for just about everyone. We hope the community will join us for an exciting week."

The&nbsp;Voc-Air Fly-in will kick off the week on the Sidney Campus at the Aviation Maintenance Facility. Breakfast will be served starting at 7 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children.&nbsp;

The Alliance Senior Center will host Community Bingo on Oct. 19 from 12:30 – 2 p.m.

WNCC's Business After Hours, sponsored by the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Oct. 20 from5 – 7 p.m.. in the Learning Commons on the Scottsbluff Campus.&nbsp;

The 9th Annual Alumni &amp; Friends Banquet is set for Friday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. in the John N. Harms Center.&nbsp;The awards banquet will recognize Outstanding Almnus, Outstanding Young Alumnus, Lifetime Achievement, Cara Perkins Merirotious Service, Friend of the College, and Family Pride award winners. To RSVP for the Alumni &amp; Friends Banquet, contact alumni@wncc.edu, call 308-630-6571, or visit go.wncc.edu/alumni.

The WNCC volleyball team will face Northeast Junior College at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21 at Cougar Palace. The theme is PAWZitively Pink night, and all fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.&nbsp;

Homecoming week will finish off with the WNCC Performing Arts program's presentation of the musical,&nbsp;The Pajama Game.&nbsp;The Performing Arts program will put on three shows over the weekend, with evening shows on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 20-21) starting at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday (Oct. 22) matinee starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors, and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at wncc.edu/community/performing-arts.&nbsp;

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (Oct. 4, 2022) -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College's Homecoming week is scheduled for Oct. 15 - 22, with events planned on all three campuses. All events are open to the public.&nbsp;"We are excited to host a full week of events on all three campuses this year," WNCC Alumni &amp; Stewardship Director Mary Sheffield said. "Homecoming 2022 has something for just about everyone. We hope the community will join us for an exciting week."The&nbsp;Voc-Air Fly-in will kick off the week on the Sidney Campus at the Aviation Maintenance Facility. Breakfast will be served starting at 7 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children.&nbsp;The Alliance Senior Center will host Community Bingo on Oct. 19 from 12:30 – 2 p.m.WNCC's Business After Hours, sponsored by the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Oct. 20 from5 – 7 p.m.. in the Learning Commons on the Scottsbluff Campus.&nbsp;The 9th Annual Alumni &amp; Friends Banquet is set for Friday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. in the John N. Harms Center.&nbsp;The awards banquet will recognize Outstanding Almnus, Outstanding Young Alumnus, Lifetime Achievement, Cara Perkins Merirotious Service, Friend of the College, and Family Pride award winners. To RSVP for the Alumni &amp; Friends Banquet, contact alumni@wncc.edu, call 308-630-6571, or visit go.wncc.edu/alumni.The WNCC volleyball team will face Northeast Junior College at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21 at Cougar Palace. The theme is PAWZitively Pink night, and all fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.&nbsp;Homecoming week will finish off with the WNCC Performing Arts program's presentation of the musical,&nbsp;The Pajama Game.&nbsp;The Performing Arts program will put on three shows over the weekend, with evening shows on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 20-21) starting at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday (Oct. 22) matinee starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors, and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at wncc.edu/community/performing-arts.&nbsp;

Busy week planned for WNCC Homecoming

Over the past three years, we’ve dealt with shortages of many goods, from lumber to cars to toilet paper.&nbsp; Supply chain shortages have shown that the United States is overreliant on foreign suppliers.&nbsp; Instead of depending on China for medicine, Taiwan for computer chips, or Russia for fertilizer, we need to return the manufacturing of our products to America.

In Nebraska, we’re doing our part to make “made in America” the norm.&nbsp; We’re developing our workforce, supporting research of cutting-edge technologies, and investing in affordable housing to strengthen manufacturing in the Good Life.&nbsp;

According to a study by The Manufacturing Group and Deloitte, U.S. manufacturing is on pace to have 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.&nbsp; This shortage of workers threatens to stunt the growth of American manufacturing.&nbsp; Since I took office, my team has been building a talent pipeline to connect our students with the great-paying manufacturing jobs being created in Nebraska.&nbsp;

To familiarize students with manufacturing, it’s important to give them experiences building and creating early on in their education.&nbsp; Our Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) brings together schools and local manufacturers to provide these hands-on learning opportunities to 7th&nbsp;and 8th&nbsp;grade students.&nbsp; Since launching in 2015, DYTI has reached 24,500 students across 66 Nebraska school districts.&nbsp;

This year, MetalQuest in Hebron received a grant of $125,000 to purchase equipment to introduce students to industrial robotics automation and coding.&nbsp; They’re also partnering with schools in Gage, Jefferson, and Thayer counties to create a classroom curriculum with the grant award.&nbsp; It’s the second time MetalQuest has received a DYTI grant.&nbsp; The company used its 2016 grant to work with Sandy Creek and Lawrence Nelson Public Schools on a manufacturing career pathway.&nbsp; Before creating the pathway, only 39% of students reported being interested in a career in manufacturing. &nbsp;After the DYTI program, around 75% expressed interest in a manufacturing career.

Students who develop an interest in manufacturing through DYTI can then take part in a high school career academy to gain industry-specific skills.&nbsp; For example, CNH Industrial partners with Grand Island High School through its Career Pathways Institute.&nbsp; In 2017, CNH donated new fabrication equipment to the school for students to use in learning labs.&nbsp; The equipment is very similar to what CNH uses in its actual manufacturing process.&nbsp; This allows students to get a head start learning the specialized skills needed for industrial careers even before they graduate.&nbsp; CNH also offers a Youth Registered Apprenticeship program for welders and industrial manufacturing technicians.&nbsp; Apprentices earn course credit while getting paid and gaining valuable experience at CNH on the manufacturing floor.

High school graduates can sign up for a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) to gain nationally recognized industry credentials.&nbsp; On average, apprentices in the U.S. have a starting salary of $77,000 after completing their program.&nbsp; They can also earn credits toward a college degree.

We grew RA programs by 15% in 2021, and they continue to increase. &nbsp;&nbsp;Central Community College started its RA program in August 2021 and has already brought on major manufacturing partners such as Chief Fabrication, CNH Industrial, Lindsay Corporation, and Standard Iron.&nbsp; This summer, community colleges in Nebraska won a $4 million federal grant to grow their RA programs.&nbsp; They’ll be able to offer more opportunities for students to earn while they learn trades in manufacturing as machinists, welders, or heavy equipment operators.&nbsp;

In 2020, we created the Career Scholarship program in our community colleges, state colleges, and University system.&nbsp; It’s helping to pay the way for students to receive specialized education in high-demand fields, like engineering, that are essential to manufacturing.&nbsp; Last year, we added private colleges to the program.&nbsp; With that expansion, there will now be at least 2,110 career scholarships by 2023.&nbsp;

We’re supplementing our workforce development with investments in automation that allow manufacturers to do more with less.&nbsp; For example, the State awarded Marble Technologies $155,000 of Business Innovation Act funding last fiscal year.&nbsp; The company is using the grants to design technologies that automate many of the labor-intensive, repetitive tasks in beef and pork processing facilities.&nbsp; These products are helping to address the labor shortages that sometimes serve as a bottleneck in meat processing.

Last month, Invest Nebraska and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development were part of a coalition that won a $25 million federal grant to create a Heartland Robotics Cluster.&nbsp; The goal of the initiative is to spur robotics innovation so that we can boost labor productivity in Nebraska.&nbsp; The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership will use $1.4 million from the award to build a manufacturing automation program and space to demonstrate breakthrough products. &nbsp;Northeast Community College will receive funds from the award to develop an automation fabrication lab designed to support the needs of area manufacturers.&nbsp; The grant will also go toward robotics research and development at The Combine—the program supporting agricultural entrepreneurship at Nebraska Innovation Campus.

We’re prioritizing affordable housing to support the manufacturing growth happening across Nebraska.&nbsp; Our manufacturing companies can best recruit talent when there are plenty of local housing options available. &nbsp;Housing funds have been a key part of our strategy to increase inventories of high-quality, reasonably priced homes. &nbsp;We awarded $7 million of Rural Workforce Housing Fund grants in 2018, and another $10 million in 2021.&nbsp; We also awarded $10 million of Middle Income Workforce Housing grants in 2021 for home construction in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties.&nbsp; This legislative session, we allocated an additional $128.5 million to address the need for affordable housing across the state.&nbsp;

Our efforts to grow manufacturing are paying off.&nbsp; This year, manufacturing employment in Nebraska has reached its highest point since 2003!&nbsp; I’m proclaiming October as Manufacturing Month in Nebraska to celebrate the great work of manufacturers in our state and to highlight the State’s commitment to manufacturing.

If you have any questions about the State’s work to support manufacturing, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244.

By Gov. Pete RickettsOver the past three years, we’ve dealt with shortages of many goods, from lumber to cars to toilet paper.&nbsp; Supply chain shortages have shown that the United States is overreliant on foreign suppliers.&nbsp; Instead of depending on China for medicine, Taiwan for computer chips, or Russia for fertilizer, we need to return the manufacturing of our products to America.In Nebraska, we’re doing our part to make “made in America” the norm.&nbsp; We’re developing our workforce, supporting research of cutting-edge technologies, and investing in affordable housing to strengthen manufacturing in the Good Life.&nbsp;Workforce DevelopmentAccording to a study by The Manufacturing Group and Deloitte, U.S. manufacturing is on pace to have 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.&nbsp; This shortage of workers threatens to stunt the growth of American manufacturing.&nbsp; Since I took office, my team has been building a talent pipeline to connect our students with the great-paying manufacturing jobs being created in Nebraska.&nbsp;To familiarize students with manufacturing, it’s important to give them experiences building and creating early on in their education.&nbsp; Our Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) brings together schools and local manufacturers to provide these hands-on learning opportunities to 7th&nbsp;and 8th&nbsp;grade students.&nbsp; Since launching in 2015, DYTI has reached 24,500 students across 66 Nebraska school districts.&nbsp;This year, MetalQuest in Hebron received a grant of $125,000 to purchase equipment to introduce students to industrial robotics automation and coding.&nbsp; They’re also partnering with schools in Gage, Jefferson, and Thayer counties to create a classroom curriculum with the grant award.&nbsp; It’s the second time MetalQuest has received a DYTI grant.&nbsp; The company used its 2016 grant to work with Sandy Creek and Lawrence Nelson Public Schools on a manufacturing career pathway.&nbsp; Before creating the pathway, only 39% of students reported being interested in a career in manufacturing. &nbsp;After the DYTI program, around 75% expressed interest in a manufacturing career.Students who develop an interest in manufacturing through DYTI can then take part in a high school career academy to gain industry-specific skills.&nbsp; For example, CNH Industrial partners with Grand Island High School through its Career Pathways Institute.&nbsp; In 2017, CNH donated new fabrication equipment to the school for students to use in learning labs.&nbsp; The equipment is very similar to what CNH uses in its actual manufacturing process.&nbsp; This allows students to get a head start learning the specialized skills needed for industrial careers even before they graduate.&nbsp; CNH also offers a Youth Registered Apprenticeship program for welders and industrial manufacturing technicians.&nbsp; Apprentices earn course credit while getting paid and gaining valuable experience at CNH on the manufacturing floor.High school graduates can sign up for a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) to gain nationally recognized industry credentials.&nbsp; On average, apprentices in the U.S. have a starting salary of $77,000 after completing their program.&nbsp; They can also earn credits toward a college degree.We grew RA programs by 15% in 2021, and they continue to increase. &nbsp;&nbsp;Central Community College started its RA program in August 2021 and has already brought on major manufacturing partners such as Chief Fabrication, CNH Industrial, Lindsay Corporation, and Standard Iron.&nbsp; This summer, community colleges in Nebraska won a $4 million federal grant to grow their RA programs.&nbsp; They’ll be able to offer more opportunities for students to earn while they learn trades in manufacturing as machinists, welders, or heavy equipment operators.&nbsp;In 2020, we created the Career Scholarship program in our community colleges, state colleges, and University system.&nbsp; It’s helping to pay the way for students to receive specialized education in high-demand fields, like engineering, that are essential to manufacturing.&nbsp; Last year, we added private colleges to the program.&nbsp; With that expansion, there will now be at least 2,110 career scholarships by 2023.&nbsp;Cutting-Edge TechnologyWe’re supplementing our workforce development with investments in automation that allow manufacturers to do more with less.&nbsp; For example, the State awarded Marble Technologies $155,000 of Business Innovation Act funding last fiscal year.&nbsp; The company is using the grants to design technologies that automate many of the labor-intensive, repetitive tasks in beef and pork processing facilities.&nbsp; These products are helping to address the labor shortages that sometimes serve as a bottleneck in meat processing.Last month, Invest Nebraska and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development were part of a coalition that won a $25 million federal grant to create a Heartland Robotics Cluster.&nbsp; The goal of the initiative is to spur robotics innovation so that we can boost labor productivity in Nebraska.&nbsp; The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership will use $1.4 million from the award to build a manufacturing automation program and space to demonstrate breakthrough products. &nbsp;Northeast Community College will receive funds from the award to develop an automation fabrication lab designed to support the needs of area manufacturers.&nbsp; The grant will also go toward robotics research and development at The Combine—the program supporting agricultural entrepreneurship at Nebraska Innovation Campus.Affordable HousingWe’re prioritizing affordable housing to support the manufacturing growth happening across Nebraska.&nbsp; Our manufacturing companies can best recruit talent when there are plenty of local housing options available. &nbsp;Housing funds have been a key part of our strategy to increase inventories of high-quality, reasonably priced homes. &nbsp;We awarded $7 million of Rural Workforce Housing Fund grants in 2018, and another $10 million in 2021.&nbsp; We also awarded $10 million of Middle Income Workforce Housing grants in 2021 for home construction in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties.&nbsp; This legislative session, we allocated an additional $128.5 million to address the need for affordable housing across the state.&nbsp;Our efforts to grow manufacturing are paying off.&nbsp; This year, manufacturing employment in Nebraska has reached its highest point since 2003!&nbsp; I’m proclaiming October as Manufacturing Month in Nebraska to celebrate the great work of manufacturers in our state and to highlight the State’s commitment to manufacturing.If you have any questions about the State’s work to support manufacturing, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244.

Gov. Pete Ricketts: Bringing manufacturing back home

News Release North Platte Community College

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The finest high school musicians from throughout the area will unite at North Platte Community College to showcase their talent and skills.&nbsp;

NPCC’s music department will host the 2022 Best of the West Music Festival Oct. 17. Students must be nominated by their teachers to participate.

“We are thrilled to host over 100 high school musicians from 12 schools for our annual Best of the West music festival,” said Kristin Simpson, NPCC music instructor. “The students will come together to rehearse high-caliber music in a unique environment that has them working alongside, not just their peers, but college level musicians and instructors as well.”

All-day rehearsals will culminate in an open to the public performance. The high school musicians will join members of the college’s concert choir and jazz band on stage for the NPCC Fall Concert. More than 50 students are expected to perform in each ensemble.

The concert is free to attend. It will&nbsp;begin at 6 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Theater on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd., in North Platte.

Simpson will lead the choir while&nbsp;Jennifer Winder directs the band and Pam Koch serves as the collaborative accompanist.

The participating schools are: Anselmo-Merna, Arapahoe, Arthur County, Chase County, Creek Valley, Gothenburg, Hershey, Maxwell, Stapleton, St. Pat’s, Wallace and Wauneta-Palisade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664980769830.jpeg" alt="Area high school students participate in the 2021 Best of the West Music Festival at North Platte Community College. This year’s festival is Oct. 17." />
 <figcaption>Area high school students participate in the 2021 Best of the West Music Festival at North Platte Community College. This year’s festival is Oct. 17.</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release North Platte Community CollegeNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The finest high school musicians from throughout the area will unite at North Platte Community College to showcase their talent and skills.&nbsp;NPCC’s music department will host the 2022 Best of the West Music Festival Oct. 17. Students must be nominated by their teachers to participate.“We are thrilled to host over 100 high school musicians from 12 schools for our annual Best of the West music festival,” said Kristin Simpson, NPCC music instructor. “The students will come together to rehearse high-caliber music in a unique environment that has them working alongside, not just their peers, but college level musicians and instructors as well.”All-day rehearsals will culminate in an open to the public performance. The high school musicians will join members of the college’s concert choir and jazz band on stage for the NPCC Fall Concert. More than 50 students are expected to perform in each ensemble.The concert is free to attend. It will&nbsp;begin at 6 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Theater on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd., in North Platte.Simpson will lead the choir while&nbsp;Jennifer Winder directs the band and Pam Koch serves as the collaborative accompanist.The participating schools are: Anselmo-Merna, Arapahoe, Arthur County, Chase County, Creek Valley, Gothenburg, Hershey, Maxwell, Stapleton, St. Pat’s, Wallace and Wauneta-Palisade.

North Platte Community College hosts Best of the West Music Festival

Nebraska wildlife officials say conditions throughout much of the state are suitable for the spread of deadly viral diseases among big game populations. They are asking the public to report unexplained death or illnesses of deer, pronghorn, elk and bighorn sheep.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, often causes high fever, internal bleeding, swelling, lesions, lethargy, increased heart rate, dehydration, salivation, incoordination and loss of fear of humans. The symptoms and spread are similar to bluetongue disease, another disorder that can kill certain wildlife and domestic livestock.

Both are labeled hemorrhagic diseases and are indistinguishable without laboratory analysis. While the diseases do not affect humans, they can be destructive to big game populations.

The diseases are most prevalent in late summer until the first frost. For both EHD and bluetongue, certain tiny midges or gnats bite a host and move the virus to nearby animals. When animals congregate at water during drought, the insects have potential to spread the virus to more animals. Additionally, infected animals often seek water for relief and die in or near it.

The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor dated Sept. 29 shows conditions throughout the entire state range from abnormally dry to exceptional drought. Drought conditions are most severe in the state’s southwestern and northeastern regions.

Observations of unhealthy big game animals or unexplained deaths should be reported to the nearest Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office. Locations include Alliance, Bassett, Kearney, Gretna, North Platte, Lincoln, Omaha and Norfolk. Contact information may be found at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Locations.

For more information on EHD and bluetonge, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1ODk2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9laGQvIn0.RbqdhU9wFiax_fAnFl8S5JVvw-ysBAF_iHj8D8qxsKo/s/497221906/br/145126206663-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/EHD</a>. For more information on wildlife diseases, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1ODk2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3Yvd2lsZGxpZmVkaXNlYXNlcy8ifQ.qhqKqKUzXfsMirFPqZQdm_kWxZXYQOJ9y_a0XZ3s5VI/s/497221906/br/145126206663-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/WildlifeDiseases.</a>

By Nebraska Game and ParksNebraska wildlife officials say conditions throughout much of the state are suitable for the spread of deadly viral diseases among big game populations. They are asking the public to report unexplained death or illnesses of deer, pronghorn, elk and bighorn sheep.Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, often causes high fever, internal bleeding, swelling, lesions, lethargy, increased heart rate, dehydration, salivation, incoordination and loss of fear of humans. The symptoms and spread are similar to bluetongue disease, another disorder that can kill certain wildlife and domestic livestock.Both are labeled hemorrhagic diseases and are indistinguishable without laboratory analysis. While the diseases do not affect humans, they can be destructive to big game populations.The diseases are most prevalent in late summer until the first frost. For both EHD and bluetongue, certain tiny midges or gnats bite a host and move the virus to nearby animals. When animals congregate at water during drought, the insects have potential to spread the virus to more animals. Additionally, infected animals often seek water for relief and die in or near it.The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor dated Sept. 29 shows conditions throughout the entire state range from abnormally dry to exceptional drought. Drought conditions are most severe in the state’s southwestern and northeastern regions.Observations of unhealthy big game animals or unexplained deaths should be reported to the nearest Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office. Locations include Alliance, Bassett, Kearney, Gretna, North Platte, Lincoln, Omaha and Norfolk. Contact information may be found at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Locations.For more information on EHD and bluetonge, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1ODk2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9laGQvIn0.RbqdhU9wFiax_fAnFl8S5JVvw-ysBAF_iHj8D8qxsKo/s/497221906/br/145126206663-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/EHD</a>. For more information on wildlife diseases, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1ODk2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3Yvd2lsZGxpZmVkaXNlYXNlcy8ifQ.qhqKqKUzXfsMirFPqZQdm_kWxZXYQOJ9y_a0XZ3s5VI/s/497221906/br/145126206663-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/WildlifeDiseases.</a>

Public asked to report dead, sick big game

CHADRON – The Chadron State Alumni and Foundation Office, in conjunction with Chadron State College, has launched ConnectCSC, a resource for students to network with CSC alumni.

<a href="https://www.csc.edu/alumni/connectcsc/" target="_blank">ConnectCSC</a>&nbsp;is an online platform connecting alumni and students so they can build meaningful relationships and purposeful engagement through career and professional development, as well as job opportunities.

Chadron State Foundation CEO Ben Watson said generations of alumni, from all corners of the world, often share that the relationships within the CSC community make the college special.

“Alumni speak of faculty and staff going the extra mile to help them succeed and share memories of old friends and times past. ConnectCSC aims to extend the opportunity to build and sustain relationships within the CSC community,” Watson aid. “Geography will always be a challenge at CSC. Many students are unable to cross 10th Street and see people working in career fields that match their aspirations. It’s difficult for underrepresented students to find others who look like them in Chadron. Through ConnectCSC, our students can connect with diverse alumni in diverse careers across the globe.”

Watson said students can leverage the wisdom and experience of alumni by connecting with those who can help them with internships, career path exploration, professional development, and structured mentoring. ConnectCSC’s integrated job search functions include Handshake and WayUp, designed to benefit students and alumni looking to take the next step in their careers.

Creating and fostering relationships is facilitated through integrated video meetings, messaging tools, and a curated networking experience that connects users based on academic discipline, interests, and experience.

Signing up is simple and users can synchronize their ConnectCSC and LinkedIn profiles. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loom.com/share/d1cd5993a0d64d2ab791cfff052139d3" target="_blank">tutorial</a>&nbsp;is available online. To learn more, contact the CSC Alumni office at 308-432-6366.

By CHADRON STATE FOUNDATIONCHADRON – The Chadron State Alumni and Foundation Office, in conjunction with Chadron State College, has launched ConnectCSC, a resource for students to network with CSC alumni.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/alumni/connectcsc/" target="_blank">ConnectCSC</a>&nbsp;is an online platform connecting alumni and students so they can build meaningful relationships and purposeful engagement through career and professional development, as well as job opportunities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664923268033.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State Foundation CEO Ben Watson said generations of alumni, from all corners of the world, often share that the relationships within the CSC community make the college special.“Alumni speak of faculty and staff going the extra mile to help them succeed and share memories of old friends and times past. ConnectCSC aims to extend the opportunity to build and sustain relationships within the CSC community,” Watson aid. “Geography will always be a challenge at CSC. Many students are unable to cross 10th Street and see people working in career fields that match their aspirations. It’s difficult for underrepresented students to find others who look like them in Chadron. Through ConnectCSC, our students can connect with diverse alumni in diverse careers across the globe.”Watson said students can leverage the wisdom and experience of alumni by connecting with those who can help them with internships, career path exploration, professional development, and structured mentoring. ConnectCSC’s integrated job search functions include Handshake and WayUp, designed to benefit students and alumni looking to take the next step in their careers.Creating and fostering relationships is facilitated through integrated video meetings, messaging tools, and a curated networking experience that connects users based on academic discipline, interests, and experience.Signing up is simple and users can synchronize their ConnectCSC and LinkedIn profiles. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loom.com/share/d1cd5993a0d64d2ab791cfff052139d3" target="_blank">tutorial</a>&nbsp;is available online. To learn more, contact the CSC Alumni office at 308-432-6366.

CSC alumni can connect with current students

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a>

LINCOLN — The state’s first commercial carbon capture and storage project will be associated with an ethanol plant in Bridgeport.

On Tuesday, Carbon America announced an agreement with Bridgeport Ethanol LLC to capture carbon from the ethanol process and store it underground near the plant in Nebraska’s Panhandle.

The project is expected to capture approximately 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, or about 95% of the total emissions from the ethanol facility’s fermentation process.

The carbon captured from the Bridgeport plant is equivalent to taking more than 38,000 vehicles off the road, according to Brent Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Carbon America, which is based in Arvada, Colo.

New federal funding for carbon capture and sequestration projects, through President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, has accelerated development of carbon storage projects.

At least two companies are bidding to build pipelines across Nebraska linking ethanol plants and other manufacturing operations with deep, underground geologic formations in Illinois and North Dakota.

Advocates for corn-based ethanol maintain that to remain competitive, ethanol needs to reduce its carbon footprint, which will make the fuel more attractive to more states. Nebraska is the nation’s second-largest producer of ethanol, and its plants serve to increase the price of corn and provide a valuable livestock feed as a byproduct.

Environmentalists, meanwhile, question whether such carbon storage is a proven technology and raise concerns about high-pressure pipelines crossing the state without proper regulation.

Carbon America has reached agreements with two other ethanol plants this year to finance, build, own and operate carbon storage systems.

A spokeswoman for the company said the exact cost of the Bridgeport project is not being released. She added that the project, because it began prior to the new federal incentives, is not expected to receive federal funds.

In Bridgeport, Carbon America will install carbon capture equipment that will extract CO₂ and transfer the gas via a pipeline to an underground geologic sequestration site within 20 miles of the plant.

Dave Kramer, president and founding member of Bridgeport Ethanol, said that carbon capture and storage is vital because it will increase the value of Bridgeport ethanol in the marketplace.

Nebraska ethanol facilities produce over 2.2 billion gallons of ethanol annually.

According to a recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln study, ethanol has an overall economic impact to the state of $4.5 billion.

“The economic development created by ethanol production creates jobs in rural Nebraska and is a primary driver to growing Nebraska,” said Tony Goins, the director of the State Department of Economic Development.

Carbon America expects the first injection to begin in 2024.

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a>LINCOLN — The state’s first commercial carbon capture and storage project will be associated with an ethanol plant in Bridgeport.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664912326365.jpeg" alt="This ethanol plant in Bridgeport will become the state’s first commercial carbon capture and storage facility. (Courtesy of Carbon America)" />
 <figcaption>This ethanol plant in Bridgeport will become the state’s first commercial carbon capture and storage facility. (Courtesy of Carbon America)</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, Carbon America announced an agreement with Bridgeport Ethanol LLC to capture carbon from the ethanol process and store it underground near the plant in Nebraska’s Panhandle.The project is expected to capture approximately 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, or about 95% of the total emissions from the ethanol facility’s fermentation process.<h2>Equal to removing 38,000 vehicles</h2>The carbon captured from the Bridgeport plant is equivalent to taking more than 38,000 vehicles off the road, according to Brent Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Carbon America, which is based in Arvada, Colo.New federal funding for carbon capture and sequestration projects, through President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, has accelerated development of carbon storage projects.At least two companies are bidding to build pipelines across Nebraska linking ethanol plants and other manufacturing operations with deep, underground geologic formations in Illinois and North Dakota.Advocates for corn-based ethanol maintain that to remain competitive, ethanol needs to reduce its carbon footprint, which will make the fuel more attractive to more states. Nebraska is the nation’s second-largest producer of ethanol, and its plants serve to increase the price of corn and provide a valuable livestock feed as a byproduct.<h2>Environmentalists question technology</h2>Environmentalists, meanwhile, question whether such carbon storage is a proven technology and raise concerns about high-pressure pipelines crossing the state without proper regulation.Carbon America has reached agreements with two other ethanol plants this year to finance, build, own and operate carbon storage systems.A spokeswoman for the company said the exact cost of the Bridgeport project is not being released. She added that the project, because it began prior to the new federal incentives, is not expected to receive federal funds.In Bridgeport, Carbon America will install carbon capture equipment that will extract CO₂ and transfer the gas via a pipeline to an underground geologic sequestration site within 20 miles of the plant.Dave Kramer, president and founding member of Bridgeport Ethanol, said that carbon capture and storage is vital because it will increase the value of Bridgeport ethanol in the marketplace.<h2>Ethanol an economic driver</h2>Nebraska ethanol facilities produce over 2.2 billion gallons of ethanol annually.According to a recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln study, ethanol has an overall economic impact to the state of $4.5 billion.“The economic development created by ethanol production creates jobs in rural Nebraska and is a primary driver to growing Nebraska,” said Tony Goins, the director of the State Department of Economic Development.Carbon America expects the first injection to begin in 2024.

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