By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

 The Scottsbluff Police Department has issued an update on a rash of thefts from motor vehicles in the Westmoor area of town. The initial press release was on Sept. 6, and SPD announced on Tuesday that they have apprehended a pair of suspects in the case.

On Sunday, September 17th, members of the SWAT Team did a high-risk search warrant in the 1700 Block of 18th Street in Mitchell, NE. 

 As a result of the of the investigation, two men have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of Theft Unlaw Taking and/or Aiding and Abetting Theft Unlawful Taking. 

The individuals arrested are 20-year-old Hunter Chaon, of Mitchell; and 21-year-old Bradley Weller of Scottsbluff.&nbsp; The investigation is ongoing,

The Mitchell Police Department, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, and Valley Ambulance all assisted Scottsbluff Police with the investigation.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post The Scottsbluff Police Department has issued an update on a rash of thefts from motor vehicles in the Westmoor area of town. The initial press release was on Sept. 6, and SPD announced on Tuesday that they have apprehended a pair of suspects in the case.On Sunday, September 17th, members of the SWAT Team did a high-risk search warrant in the 1700 Block of 18th Street in Mitchell, NE. As a result of the of the investigation, two men have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of Theft Unlaw Taking and/or Aiding and Abetting Theft Unlawful Taking. The individuals arrested are 20-year-old Hunter Chaon, of Mitchell; and 21-year-old Bradley Weller of Scottsbluff.&nbsp; The investigation is ongoing,The Mitchell Police Department, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, and Valley Ambulance all assisted Scottsbluff Police with the investigation.

Two arrested on theft charges in Scottsbluff

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 9/20/23

POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

More than 5,000 children in the State of Nebraska are in foster care. These are children whose families cannot take care of them because of some kind of crisis. They may be neglected, abused, or abandoned; or something has happened with the parents, so they can no longer provide care.

Some of these children are being cared for by relatives or friends of the family. Some are in licensed foster care homes. Their lives have been disrupted.

Since 2012 an organization called Foster Care Closet has been working with Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), providing a haven service for children prior to their placement in a foster home. These children are fed and clothed, given five new outfits and socks, underwear, a coat, and a pair of shoes.

More than 40% of the youth in foster care in Nebraska struggle to reach Foster Care Closet stores in Beatrice, Kearney, Lincoln and North Platte. Therefore, Foster Care Closet has created a mobile closet program. They partner with foster care agencies across the state to set up pop up shops for youth in foster care.

On October 7 and 8 the Foster Care Mobile Closet of Nebraska will be coming to Scottsbluff/Gering and Sidney. They will be serving children in foster care in Western Nebraska. Appointments are not necessary. Foster families are asked to please bring their Master Case Number in order to shop.

In the Scottsbluff area the Foster Care Mobile Closet will be open Saturday, October 7th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. They will be located at American Legion Chapter #46, 1425 9th Street, Gering.

Sidney will host the Foster Care Mobile Closet on Sunday, October 8th, 12:00 - 3:00 pm at the Sidney Fine Art Center, 1000 11th Avenue, Sidney.

Guardian Light Family Services is partnering with the Foster Care Closet in Sidney and was instrumental in bringing the mobile event to the Panhandle. If someone is interested in learning more about foster care or being foster parents, they can call Melissa Misegadis of Guardian Light Family Services, 308-870-7260.

A big part of restoring dignity to kids in crisis is creating the opportunity for youth in foster care to choose clothes they WANT to wear. This opportunity to control something about their life helps in this time of crisis.

Foster Care Closet works with wholesale vendors to have modern, on trend clothing styles. Youth in foster care have a variety of options to choose from so they can look the way they want to look and feel good about what they are wearing.

Foster Care Closet is a donation-driven, volunteer-run nonprofit. Anyone is interested in donating or volunteering at either the Scottsbluff or Sidney Foster Care Mobile Closets should contact Brandon at 402-853-9989.

Foster Care Closet has become a source of love and support for many foster families throughout the state of Nebraska. They provide assistance throughout a youth's duration in the foster care system by providing new clothing and other needed items. Their goal is to help scared, insecure youth build confidence and self-esteem.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityMore than 5,000 children in the State of Nebraska are in foster care. These are children whose families cannot take care of them because of some kind of crisis. They may be neglected, abused, or abandoned; or something has happened with the parents, so they can no longer provide care.Some of these children are being cared for by relatives or friends of the family. Some are in licensed foster care homes. Their lives have been disrupted.Since 2012 an organization called Foster Care Closet has been working with Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), providing a haven service for children prior to their placement in a foster home. These children are fed and clothed, given five new outfits and socks, underwear, a coat, and a pair of shoes.More than 40% of the youth in foster care in Nebraska struggle to reach Foster Care Closet stores in Beatrice, Kearney, Lincoln and North Platte. Therefore, Foster Care Closet has created a mobile closet program. They partner with foster care agencies across the state to set up pop up shops for youth in foster care.On October 7 and 8 the Foster Care Mobile Closet of Nebraska will be coming to Scottsbluff/Gering and Sidney. They will be serving children in foster care in Western Nebraska. Appointments are not necessary. Foster families are asked to please bring their Master Case Number in order to shop.In the Scottsbluff area the Foster Care Mobile Closet will be open Saturday, October 7th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. They will be located at American Legion Chapter #46, 1425 9th Street, Gering.Sidney will host the Foster Care Mobile Closet on Sunday, October 8th, 12:00 - 3:00 pm at the Sidney Fine Art Center, 1000 11th Avenue, Sidney.Guardian Light Family Services is partnering with the Foster Care Closet in Sidney and was instrumental in bringing the mobile event to the Panhandle. If someone is interested in learning more about foster care or being foster parents, they can call Melissa Misegadis of Guardian Light Family Services, 308-870-7260.A big part of restoring dignity to kids in crisis is creating the opportunity for youth in foster care to choose clothes they WANT to wear. This opportunity to control something about their life helps in this time of crisis.Foster Care Closet works with wholesale vendors to have modern, on trend clothing styles. Youth in foster care have a variety of options to choose from so they can look the way they want to look and feel good about what they are wearing.Foster Care Closet is a donation-driven, volunteer-run nonprofit. Anyone is interested in donating or volunteering at either the Scottsbluff or Sidney Foster Care Mobile Closets should contact Brandon at 402-853-9989.Foster Care Closet has become a source of love and support for many foster families throughout the state of Nebraska. They provide assistance throughout a youth's duration in the foster care system by providing new clothing and other needed items. Their goal is to help scared, insecure youth build confidence and self-esteem.

Getting Ahead: Foster Care Mobile Closet 

By Office of Senator Pete Ricketts

OMAHA, NE&nbsp;–&nbsp;On Friday,&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) visited Richmont Senior Living in Bellevue and discussed his Social Security Check Tax Cut Act with seniors, State Senators, and other stakeholders.

"The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act will cut the federal tax on Social Security benefits by 20% over two years,”&nbsp;Ricketts said.&nbsp;“This would allow a typical senior to save $800 in 2025. That’s 187 gallons of milk or 208 gallons of gas at current prices – real relief in this time of rising costs and stubborn inflation. It would mean government stops taking money you earned, and are entitled to, out of your pocket. It brings the same policy we implemented in Nebraska when I was Governor to all Americans by eliminating the double tax on Social Security benefits.”

The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act, announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/press-releases/ricketts-introduces-social-security-check-tax-cut-act/" target="_blank">Thursday</a>, begins a total phase out on federal taxes on Social Security benefits. The bill was modeled after a successful effort to eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits initiated when Ricketts was Governor of Nebraska. The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act is the third piece of legislation in Ricketts’ “Proven Nebraska Solutions, Ready for America” package. &nbsp;

By Office of Senator Pete RickettsOMAHA, NE&nbsp;–&nbsp;On Friday,&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) visited Richmont Senior Living in Bellevue and discussed his Social Security Check Tax Cut Act with seniors, State Senators, and other stakeholders."The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act will cut the federal tax on Social Security benefits by 20% over two years,”&nbsp;Ricketts said.&nbsp;“This would allow a typical senior to save $800 in 2025. That’s 187 gallons of milk or 208 gallons of gas at current prices – real relief in this time of rising costs and stubborn inflation. It would mean government stops taking money you earned, and are entitled to, out of your pocket. It brings the same policy we implemented in Nebraska when I was Governor to all Americans by eliminating the double tax on Social Security benefits.”The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act, announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/press-releases/ricketts-introduces-social-security-check-tax-cut-act/" target="_blank">Thursday</a>, begins a total phase out on federal taxes on Social Security benefits. The bill was modeled after a successful effort to eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits initiated when Ricketts was Governor of Nebraska. The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act is the third piece of legislation in Ricketts’ “Proven Nebraska Solutions, Ready for America” package. &nbsp;

Ricketts comments on Social Security Check Tax Cut Act

The Alliance Bulldogs softball team is gearing up for a post-season run next month, but first they are looking for a big road win at Scottsbluff tonight at 6 p.m.

"We had a shoot-0ut with Scottsbluff recently, with Scottsbluff we have to hit with them, Bulldogs Head Coach Carlos Palomo said. "Over the years, they have been dominant in the circle, this year I think they're developing some pitchers.&nbsp; If we hit well and play good defense, I like our chances."

Alliance has won two straight games, both against their rival Chadron to get their record to 9-10. Scottsbluff is 12-9 and won two in a row in a tournament on Saturday.

Coverage from Scottsbluff begins at approximately 5:50 today on KCOW 1400 AM and 92.5. Listen online worldwide at panhandlepost.com and&nbsp;

&nbsp;<a href="https://kcowradio.com/">KCOW – THE HOME OF JASON WENTWORTH IN THE MORNING (kcowradio.com)</a>

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Alliance Bulldogs softball team is gearing up for a post-season run next month, but first they are looking for a big road win at Scottsbluff tonight at 6 p.m. "We had a shoot-0ut with Scottsbluff recently, with Scottsbluff we have to hit with them, Bulldogs Head Coach Carlos Palomo said. "Over the years, they have been dominant in the circle, this year I think they're developing some pitchers.&nbsp; If we hit well and play good defense, I like our chances."Alliance has won two straight games, both against their rival Chadron to get their record to 9-10. Scottsbluff is 12-9 and won two in a row in a tournament on Saturday.Coverage from Scottsbluff begins at approximately 5:50 today on KCOW 1400 AM and 92.5. Listen online worldwide at panhandlepost.com and&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kcowradio.com/">KCOW – THE HOME OF JASON WENTWORTH IN THE MORNING (kcowradio.com)</a>

PREVIEW: Alliance travels to Scottsbluff (Broadcast on KCOW)

Recycling has become part of the daily household routine for millions of Americans. Paper-based products, along with plastic, glass or metal containers find their way into bins separate from trash while waiting to be set out on the curb or take a ride in the family car to be recycled.

Outside of the home there are expectations for receptacles to deposit some, if not all, the same materials. Cities and towns often locate bins in public spaces while more and more businesses recycle. I like to discover options everywhere I go, from hotels and airports to zoos and national parks. Just having a choice even appeals to people who are not in the habit of extending the life of what could be recyclable.

On Mondays, while attending Cub Scout meetings with my son, I have noticed two blue recycling racks in the fellowship hall at the Evangelical Free Church. Though I seldom have anything from the evening’s activities to deposit, I was curious about the church’s “green” alternative for their congregation. I talked to Randy Waggener, who coordinates the recycling.

“Dick Ellis was instrumental in getting stuff set up in his retirement,” Randy said of how it started years ago. He and his wife Coleen coordinated everything and she continued after he died. “They were big on recycling.”

Currently, the church has two kitchen-style trashcans with flip top lids for bulletins and other paper – one just inside the doorway and the other in the hallway. The two racks collect aluminum cans and plastic, respectively. Randy explained the plastic that ends up in the bag has expanded from just pop and water bottles. People toss in a range of containers too – anything the symbol. The church also saves plastic grocery bags for reuse as trash can liners.

Recycling at E-Free is appreciated as an option, yet “Some people aren’t in the mode and put (everything) in the trash,” Randy said. “If you’re not in that mode you don’t think about it.”

The church does not produce a large volume though everything adds up. Randy empties the paper every 4-6 weeks (about a large grocery bag’s worth) and the other containers every 4-6 months.

Randy explained that the congregation has made other environmentally-based decisions. They recently moved from Styrofoam plates and cups to the paper equivalent that will decompose if not recycled. E-Free has been collecting batteries to recycle after rechargeable batteries no longer fit the bill.

As long as there is somebody to care for it, Randy wants recycling to be an option at church. “I think it goes back to if you’re there in that mode of recycling. Gives those people an option and they can practice the same thing they do at home.”

Randy said, “I’m a big recycler. We’ve done it quite a while. I don’t know when we started. Was when they (Keep Alliance Beautiful) did Nos. 1 and 2 plastic. We get rid of about everything.”

Recycling can be subtle. An in your face “How can you throw that all in the trash?!” approach turns people off. Take the initiative at church, work or wherever you spend time to make recycling available. People will appreciate the effort and likely help if asked. A few repurposed trash cans and an occasional trip to the recycling center make a difference.

By JOHN E. WEARE KABRecycling has become part of the daily household routine for millions of Americans. Paper-based products, along with plastic, glass or metal containers find their way into bins separate from trash while waiting to be set out on the curb or take a ride in the family car to be recycled.Outside of the home there are expectations for receptacles to deposit some, if not all, the same materials. Cities and towns often locate bins in public spaces while more and more businesses recycle. I like to discover options everywhere I go, from hotels and airports to zoos and national parks. Just having a choice even appeals to people who are not in the habit of extending the life of what could be recyclable.On Mondays, while attending Cub Scout meetings with my son, I have noticed two blue recycling racks in the fellowship hall at the Evangelical Free Church. Though I seldom have anything from the evening’s activities to deposit, I was curious about the church’s “green” alternative for their congregation. I talked to Randy Waggener, who coordinates the recycling.“Dick Ellis was instrumental in getting stuff set up in his retirement,” Randy said of how it started years ago. He and his wife Coleen coordinated everything and she continued after he died. “They were big on recycling.”Currently, the church has two kitchen-style trashcans with flip top lids for bulletins and other paper – one just inside the doorway and the other in the hallway. The two racks collect aluminum cans and plastic, respectively. Randy explained the plastic that ends up in the bag has expanded from just pop and water bottles. People toss in a range of containers too – anything the symbol. The church also saves plastic grocery bags for reuse as trash can liners.Recycling at E-Free is appreciated as an option, yet “Some people aren’t in the mode and put (everything) in the trash,” Randy said. “If you’re not in that mode you don’t think about it.”The church does not produce a large volume though everything adds up. Randy empties the paper every 4-6 weeks (about a large grocery bag’s worth) and the other containers every 4-6 months.Randy explained that the congregation has made other environmentally-based decisions. They recently moved from Styrofoam plates and cups to the paper equivalent that will decompose if not recycled. E-Free has been collecting batteries to recycle after rechargeable batteries no longer fit the bill.As long as there is somebody to care for it, Randy wants recycling to be an option at church. “I think it goes back to if you’re there in that mode of recycling. Gives those people an option and they can practice the same thing they do at home.”Randy said, “I’m a big recycler. We’ve done it quite a while. I don’t know when we started. Was when they (Keep Alliance Beautiful) did Nos. 1 and 2 plastic. We get rid of about everything.”Recycling can be subtle. An in your face “How can you throw that all in the trash?!” approach turns people off. Take the initiative at church, work or wherever you spend time to make recycling available. People will appreciate the effort and likely help if asked. A few repurposed trash cans and an occasional trip to the recycling center make a difference.

Keep Alliance Beautiful: Recycling An Option At E-Free

Two Colorado men were arrested in Scottsbluff on multiple drug charges. On Monday, Scottsbluff police obtained and executed a search warrant at the Capri Motel and arrested 31-year-old Oscar Aguero and 34-year-old Stefine Ramos Juarez, both of Fort Collins, CO. 

During the search officers located stolen property, over 800 suspected fentanyl pills, 11.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine, $3,300.00, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. both men were charged with the following:

Possession with intent to distribute (methamphetamine), possession with intent to distribute (fentanyl), possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp. Both were transported to the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center. The Scottsbluff Police Department was assisted by the Gering Police Department and WING drug taskforce.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostTwo Colorado men were arrested in Scottsbluff on multiple drug charges. On Monday, Scottsbluff police obtained and executed a search warrant at the Capri Motel and arrested 31-year-old Oscar Aguero and 34-year-old Stefine Ramos Juarez, both of Fort Collins, CO. During the search officers located stolen property, over 800 suspected fentanyl pills, 11.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine, $3,300.00, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. both men were charged with the following:Possession with intent to distribute (methamphetamine), possession with intent to distribute (fentanyl), possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp. Both were transported to the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center. The Scottsbluff Police Department was assisted by the Gering Police Department and WING drug taskforce.

Colorado men charged with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl 

By Alex Benzegala&nbsp; Panhandle Post

It's homecoming week at Alliance High School, as Homecoming Coronation was held on Monday night at Bulldog Stadium to accommodate the various sports and activities at AHS going on later in the week. 

&nbsp;Mario Rodriguez and Ciara Hudson were named Homecoming King and queen. Rodriguez says he was surprised to hear he is homecoming king.

"I was really nervous, I definitely was not expecting it," Rodriguez said. "I'm very glad that people like who I am as a person."&nbsp;

Hudson says being honored as homecoming queen is special. "I'm super excited and I'm just glad that I get to be homecoming queen for my last year of high school.

 Senior attendants were Landen Crowe and Haylie Winter who were named 1st attendants, with Felix Figueroa Celestino and Jordan Yearling named 2nd attendants.

Junior attendants are Ryan Swanson and Amy Acosta. Sophomore attendants are Lexton Salcido and Kaiya Hudson.

Freshman attendants are Trini Trejo and Lexi Lopez.

By Alex Benzegala&nbsp; Panhandle PostIt's homecoming week at Alliance High School, as Homecoming Coronation was held on Monday night at Bulldog Stadium to accommodate the various sports and activities at AHS going on later in the week. &nbsp;Mario Rodriguez and Ciara Hudson were named Homecoming King and queen. Rodriguez says he was surprised to hear he is homecoming king. "I was really nervous, I definitely was not expecting it," Rodriguez said. "I'm very glad that people like who I am as a person."&nbsp;Hudson says being honored as homecoming queen is special. "I'm super excited and I'm just glad that I get to be homecoming queen for my last year of high school. Senior attendants were Landen Crowe and Haylie Winter who were named 1st attendants, with Felix Figueroa Celestino and Jordan Yearling named 2nd attendants.Junior attendants are Ryan Swanson and Amy Acosta. Sophomore attendants are Lexton Salcido and Kaiya Hudson.Freshman attendants are Trini Trejo and Lexi Lopez.

Alliance High School crowns Homecoming King & Queen

By Panhandle Post Alex Benzegala

Irrigation season is closing soon in the Panhandle, Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Educator with the Panhandle Research and Extension Center provides an overview of the water use in the region this season.

"The most water we used was the week prior to July 4, a little over two inches," Stone said. "The least amount of water was somewhere around mid-May and the average each week was one and a half inches."&nbsp;

Stone says the season went well and that there are resources to help growers in the future, and that includes receiving text messages when the crop water use figures are released.&nbsp;

To visit the site to register, go to the Peer Learning Agricultural Network website phrec-irrigation.com. The estimated crop water use is based on data gathered and calculations made by Nebraska Extension personnel.

By Panhandle Post Alex BenzegalaIrrigation season is closing soon in the Panhandle, Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Educator with the Panhandle Research and Extension Center provides an overview of the water use in the region this season. "The most water we used was the week prior to July 4, a little over two inches," Stone said. "The least amount of water was somewhere around mid-May and the average each week was one and a half inches."&nbsp;Stone says the season went well and that there are resources to help growers in the future, and that includes receiving text messages when the crop water use figures are released.&nbsp;To visit the site to register, go to the Peer Learning Agricultural Network website phrec-irrigation.com. The estimated crop water use is based on data gathered and calculations made by Nebraska Extension personnel.

Nebraska Extention provides overview of crop water use in Panhandle

The city of Alliance is holding a City Council meeting today, Tuesday, Sept 19, and the main item on the agenda is a public hearing for 2023-2024 proposed budget. 

The proposed budget contains estimated and anticipated revenues and expenses for the next fiscal year. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the Alliance Learning Center at 1750 Sweetwater Ave.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe city of Alliance is holding a City Council meeting today, Tuesday, Sept 19, and the main item on the agenda is a public hearing for 2023-2024 proposed budget. The proposed budget contains estimated and anticipated revenues and expenses for the next fiscal year. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the Alliance Learning Center at 1750 Sweetwater Ave.

Budget on the agenda for Alliance City Council meeting today

A man from Scottsbluff has lost his appeal with the Nebraska Supreme Court for two murders in the 1980's.

Jeff Boppre was sentenced to consecutive life sentences  after being found guilty in 1989 of the killings of Richard Valdez and Sharon Condon.

 Boppre has continued to proclaim his innocence  and  in 2021, Boppre was seeking a new trial under the notion that there was newly found evidence.&nbsp; 

However, Scotts Bluff County District Court Judge Andrea Miller dismissed the notion on Friday, saying there was no merit to his claims.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostA man from Scottsbluff has lost his appeal with the Nebraska Supreme Court for two murders in the 1980's.Jeff Boppre was sentenced to consecutive life sentences after being found guilty in 1989 of the killings of Richard Valdez and Sharon Condon. Boppre has continued to proclaim his innocence and in 2021, Boppre was seeking a new trial under the notion that there was newly found evidence.&nbsp; However, Scotts Bluff County District Court Judge Andrea Miller dismissed the notion on Friday, saying there was no merit to his claims.

Boppre has appeal denied in Nebraska Supreme Court for pair of murder sentences

35 lucky winners earned prizes at Saturday's annual United Way of Western Nebraska's Duck Draw at the 18th Street Plaza.&nbsp;

Scott Phillips of Scottsbluff took home the top prize of a 2024 Chevrolet Trax, Connie Hubbard of Bayard had the ticket for the 2023 Honda Pioneer side-by-side donated partly by Sandberg Honda.

Saturday marked the end of the annual United Way of Western Nebraska’s Duck Draw. Over 8,500 ducks were sold for the United Way’s major fundraiser, with proceeds going to help provide funds for their partner agencies.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post35 lucky winners earned prizes at Saturday's annual United Way of Western Nebraska's Duck Draw at the 18th Street Plaza.&nbsp;Scott Phillips of Scottsbluff took home the top prize of a 2024 Chevrolet Trax, Connie Hubbard of Bayard had the ticket for the 2023 Honda Pioneer side-by-side donated partly by Sandberg Honda.Saturday marked the end of the annual United Way of Western Nebraska’s Duck Draw. Over 8,500 ducks were sold for the United Way’s major fundraiser, with proceeds going to help provide funds for their partner agencies.

United Way of Western Nebraska Duck Draw a success

There is a need for Foster Care parents in the Panhandle, and Melissa Misegadis is the Foster Care Director at Guardian Light Family Services and talks about that need.

"We're in dire need of foster homes in Alliance and the surrounding Panhandle areas," Misegadis said. "What's happening is that kids are being sent to Omaha and Lincoln, which makes reunification with their parents very difficult. We're in what is being called a foster care crisis at this point."

Misgadis says that there may be some questions or concerns that people may have about being a foster parent and welcomes anyone interested in being a foster parent or learn more, call Misegadis at on her cell at (402) 917-2052 or reach her by email Melissa.misegadis@guardian-light.com.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThere is a need for Foster Care parents in the Panhandle, and Melissa Misegadis is the Foster Care Director at Guardian Light Family Services and talks about that need. "We're in dire need of foster homes in Alliance and the surrounding Panhandle areas," Misegadis said. "What's happening is that kids are being sent to Omaha and Lincoln, which makes reunification with their parents very difficult. We're in what is being called a foster care crisis at this point."Misgadis says that there may be some questions or concerns that people may have about being a foster parent and welcomes anyone interested in being a foster parent or learn more, call Misegadis at on her cell at (402) 917-2052 or reach her by email Melissa.misegadis@guardian-light.com.

Lack of Foster Care homes a crisis in Panhandle, says organization

The Alliance Bulldogs boys' cross-country team won their home meet at Laing Lake on Saturday in Alliance. Here are the full Alliance results.

Middle school boys placed 4th as a team

Kimber Freiberger 1st place medal 12:33 PR

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Alliance Bulldogs boys' cross-country team won their home meet at Laing Lake on Saturday in Alliance. Here are the full Alliance results.Boys VarsityTrevor Zurn third place medal 17:22 PRDevin Graham 4th place medal 18:06 PRAsher Saka 5th place medal18:11 PRBen Cassatt-Reina 10th place medal 18:51Mario Rodriguez 12th plce 18:59Evan Merrihew 17th place 19:34 PROut of 52 runners JV boys (3rd as team)Filipo Bandera 5th place medal 20:50 PRGraydon Zahn 8th place medal 21:20Gavin Mann 15th place 22:25 PRGabe Busch 16th place 23:09 PROut of 37 runners Middle school boys placed 4th as a teamWill Zurn 1st place medal 10:49 PRLevi Merrihew 7th place medal 12.04 PRPaxton Richey 13 place 12:24 PRLandon O’Leary 35th place 13:48 PRXavier Rodriguez 43rd place 13:49 PRJJ Hager 69th place 16:28 PROut of 82 runners Middle school girlsKimber Freiberger 1st place medal 12:33 PRLluvia Acosta 32nd place 15:32 PRArya Greiser 39th place 16:09

Alliance boy's XC team wins Saturday home meet

Weekly Column by U.S Senator Pete Ricketts

Since its creation in 1935, Social Security has been the backbone of most Americans’ retirement plans. For&nbsp;decades, workers paid into Social Security via the payroll tax each pay period. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly nine out of ten people aged 65 and older received a Social Security benefit as of June 30 of this year.

From the beginning, Social Security benefits were untaxed, and rightly so. Think&nbsp;about it: why would the government send you 12 checks a year and then ask for money back the following year? For nearly five decades, Social Security benefits remained tax-free, respecting the fact that seniors had been paying into the program via the payroll tax each pay period. In 1983, 50% of Social Security benefits became taxable. In 1993, President Clinton signed a bill into law to make 85% of benefits taxable. This double taxation remains the law today. It must change.

When I became Governor, Nebraska taxed Social Security benefits at the state level as well. Working with the Legislature, I proudly signed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47318" target="_blank">LB873</a>&nbsp;into law to eliminate this tax and provide needed relief to Nebraska seniors. We did it in a fiscally responsible way. We gradually phased in the tax cuts over a period of years while controlling our state government spending.

This was not a Republican priority or a Democrat priority. It was a Nebraska priority. Every Nebraska State Senator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=8094" target="_blank">voted</a>&nbsp;to pass the tax cut in a strong bipartisan endorsement of this common-sense idea. 100% support, and 0% opposition.

This policy is working for Nebraska, enabling more people to keep their hard-earned dollars in retirement. Now, it is ready for America. That’s why I’m introducing the Social Security Check Tax Cut Act.&nbsp;My bill would bring the same policy we implemented in Nebraska to all Americans and eliminate the double tax on Social Security benefits. It starts with a fiscally responsible phase-out of taxes, beginning with a 10% cut in year one and increasing to 20% in year two. Like any tax cut, there must be a plan to make up the difference. There are numerous examples of wasteful federal spending that can be reigned to pay for this.

I believe all Social Security benefits should be completely tax-free, but big changes usually don’t happen overnight. My bill, the Social Security Check Tax Cut Act, is the first step toward completely eliminating the double tax on Social Security benefits.

Passing my bill would allow a typical senior to save $800 in 2025. That would mean $800 more to pay for visits to grandkids, groceries, medication, utilities, and more. That’s 187 gallons of milk or 208 gallons of gas at current prices - real relief in this time of rising costs and stubborn inflation. It would mean government stops taking money you earned, and are entitled to, out of your pocket.

My bill is the first step in boosting the retirement income of millions of seniors in Nebraska and across the country. I will continue working with my colleagues until we see the same kind of bipartisan support we saw in Nebraska.

Along with Senator Fischer and the rest of my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my team and I are here to serve you. Contact my team and I anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact</a>. I am honored to serve our great state and will continue to work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach.

Weekly Column by U.S Senator Pete RickettsSince its creation in 1935, Social Security has been the backbone of most Americans’ retirement plans. For&nbsp;decades, workers paid into Social Security via the payroll tax each pay period. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly nine out of ten people aged 65 and older received a Social Security benefit as of June 30 of this year.From the beginning, Social Security benefits were untaxed, and rightly so. Think&nbsp;about it: why would the government send you 12 checks a year and then ask for money back the following year? For nearly five decades, Social Security benefits remained tax-free, respecting the fact that seniors had been paying into the program via the payroll tax each pay period. In 1983, 50% of Social Security benefits became taxable. In 1993, President Clinton signed a bill into law to make 85% of benefits taxable. This double taxation remains the law today. It must change.When I became Governor, Nebraska taxed Social Security benefits at the state level as well. Working with the Legislature, I proudly signed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47318" target="_blank">LB873</a>&nbsp;into law to eliminate this tax and provide needed relief to Nebraska seniors. We did it in a fiscally responsible way. We gradually phased in the tax cuts over a period of years while controlling our state government spending.This was not a Republican priority or a Democrat priority. It was a Nebraska priority. Every Nebraska State Senator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=8094" target="_blank">voted</a>&nbsp;to pass the tax cut in a strong bipartisan endorsement of this common-sense idea. 100% support, and 0% opposition.This policy is working for Nebraska, enabling more people to keep their hard-earned dollars in retirement. Now, it is ready for America. That’s why I’m introducing the Social Security Check Tax Cut Act.&nbsp;My bill would bring the same policy we implemented in Nebraska to all Americans and eliminate the double tax on Social Security benefits. It starts with a fiscally responsible phase-out of taxes, beginning with a 10% cut in year one and increasing to 20% in year two. Like any tax cut, there must be a plan to make up the difference. There are numerous examples of wasteful federal spending that can be reigned to pay for this.I believe all Social Security benefits should be completely tax-free, but big changes usually don’t happen overnight. My bill, the Social Security Check Tax Cut Act, is the first step toward completely eliminating the double tax on Social Security benefits.Passing my bill would allow a typical senior to save $800 in 2025. That would mean $800 more to pay for visits to grandkids, groceries, medication, utilities, and more. That’s 187 gallons of milk or 208 gallons of gas at current prices - real relief in this time of rising costs and stubborn inflation. It would mean government stops taking money you earned, and are entitled to, out of your pocket.My bill is the first step in boosting the retirement income of millions of seniors in Nebraska and across the country. I will continue working with my colleagues until we see the same kind of bipartisan support we saw in Nebraska.Along with Senator Fischer and the rest of my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my team and I are here to serve you. Contact my team and I anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact</a>. I am honored to serve our great state and will continue to work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach.

Americans Should Keep Their Full Social Security Check

CHADRON – Chadron State College student Ethan Tussing&nbsp;of New Underwood, South Dakota, has completed two summer&nbsp;internships at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota. A Social Science Education major, he said the summer job sounded like an interesting change of pace from his past work and more closely related to his future career.

“An internship gives you a great way to increase your confidence. It gives you a taste of teaching.&nbsp;If anyone's planning on going into education, I would highly recommend it,” he said. “It's good to get experience while you're still a student, especially doing something you're interested in.”

He&nbsp;chose CSC&nbsp;for several reasons, including its proximity to his home, the outstanding reputation of the Education program,&nbsp;more financial aid than&nbsp;at other institutions,&nbsp;and three generations of his family had attended in the past.&nbsp;He is a member of the Education Club and Vice President of the Blue Key Honor Society.&nbsp;In the community, he has been a TeamMates volunteer and mentored the same student since 2021.

Tussing visited the Mammoth Site often as a youngster.

“I was one of the dinosaur kids. I grew up in a very science-centered household, so it really interested me,” he said.

He and the other education staff members at the Mammoth Site took turns roving through the main building with carts full of items intended to spark conversations with guests. One memorable moment in the summer of 2023 came when he was teaching from a cart of fossilized animal scat.

“I was roving with the dung cart. A boy about eight or nine was with his grandparents and they were really interested. He was pretty quiet, so I was trying to get him engaged. Partway through our conversation he stopped me and told me I was doing a good job. It surprised me because he had been just sitting and listening. It really made me feel more confident. To have that spontaneously happen was super cool and reaffirmed I was doing a good job,” Tussing said.

Science Educator Seth Vandenberg said Tussing was such an exemplary employee that he won the Intern of the Year award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship.

“Ethan has a combination of knowledge and attitude that make him excellent at working with guests of all ages and backgrounds. Using skills he learned both here at the Mammoth Site and at Chadron State, Ethan was able to take topics that might be unfamiliar to guests, such as coprolites, and teach them not only the importance and utility of studying fossil droppings, but also keep their interest and spur them to ask further questions,” Vandenberg said.

Another of Tussing’s&nbsp;favorite memories came during the summer of 2022 while he was teaching a paleontology class for children ages four to 12.

“A boy about seven or eight was digging in the pit when his parents asked me to be in a picture with him. They showed me a picture of the boy’s older brother&nbsp;eight or nine years before. He had taken the same class in the same building with a different instructor. So, they wanted to set up a similar photo of the younger son and I was honored to be part of recreating that memory,” Tussing said.

The internship has provided Tussing insights into teaching techniques&nbsp;he wants to implement in his future classroom.

“We make sure the people on the tour remain interested and willing to listen, as well as developing skills like being able to read the room,” Tussing said. “We like to talk about context or the story around the fossils. An example we used was the exhibit at the Trailside Museum at Fort Robinson of two mammoths locked together. If they had dug around one and immediately taken it out of the ground, they could have ruined the story about how the animals died.”

Tussing highly recommends meeting new people and forging connections during an internship. This opportunity was readily available to him in the on-site housing provided for the 13 to 18 summer interns.

“This year we had a student from Canada and last year we had people from California, Maryland, and everywhere in between. It's been absolutely fantastic,” Tussing said.

Tussing’s family has long-term ties to CSC, science, and the Mammoth Site.

His maternal grandparents, Gary and Nancy Fisher of Crawford, Nebraska, knew the late Dr. Larry Agenbroad,&nbsp;chief scientist and director of the Mammoth Site.&nbsp;Gary Fisher was a geoscience major while Agenbroad was on the CSC faculty.

“My grandpa took about every class taught by Dr. Agenbroad. He loved his classes and knew him pretty well,” Tussing said.

After the Fishers graduated from CSC, they remained friends with Agenbroad and occasionally received behind-the-scenes tours of the Mammoth Site from him.

“They got to see almost every facet of what was going on at the time,” Tussing said.

Tussing’s mother, Maria Tibbets, is a CSC alum who works with the University of Nebraska Lincoln translating beef research data into interesting formats for the public.

His&nbsp;father, Chad Tussing, oversaw the construction of the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks’ Outdoor Campus West and was the first manager of the facility.

“I took it all in. I have pictures of me wearing a hard hat, watching the construction,” he said. “I definitely have deep ties to that place.”

By TENA L. COOK, MARKETING COORDINATORCHADRON – Chadron State College student Ethan Tussing&nbsp;of New Underwood, South Dakota, has completed two summer&nbsp;internships at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota. A Social Science Education major, he said the summer job sounded like an interesting change of pace from his past work and more closely related to his future career.“An internship gives you a great way to increase your confidence. It gives you a taste of teaching.&nbsp;If anyone's planning on going into education, I would highly recommend it,” he said. “It's good to get experience while you're still a student, especially doing something you're interested in.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694725328233.png" alt="Chadron State College student Ethan Tussing, left, teaches children about fossils and the scientists who recover them July 26, 2023, in the education building at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, S.D. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College student Ethan Tussing, left, teaches children about fossils and the scientists who recover them July 26, 2023, in the education building at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, S.D. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>He&nbsp;chose CSC&nbsp;for several reasons, including its proximity to his home, the outstanding reputation of the Education program,&nbsp;more financial aid than&nbsp;at other institutions,&nbsp;and three generations of his family had attended in the past.&nbsp;He is a member of the Education Club and Vice President of the Blue Key Honor Society.&nbsp;In the community, he has been a TeamMates volunteer and mentored the same student since 2021.Tussing visited the Mammoth Site often as a youngster.“I was one of the dinosaur kids. I grew up in a very science-centered household, so it really interested me,” he said.He and the other education staff members at the Mammoth Site took turns roving through the main building with carts full of items intended to spark conversations with guests. One memorable moment in the summer of 2023 came when he was teaching from a cart of fossilized animal scat.“I was roving with the dung cart. A boy about eight or nine was with his grandparents and they were really interested. He was pretty quiet, so I was trying to get him engaged. Partway through our conversation he stopped me and told me I was doing a good job. It surprised me because he had been just sitting and listening. It really made me feel more confident. To have that spontaneously happen was super cool and reaffirmed I was doing a good job,” Tussing said.Science Educator Seth Vandenberg said Tussing was such an exemplary employee that he won the Intern of the Year award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship.“Ethan has a combination of knowledge and attitude that make him excellent at working with guests of all ages and backgrounds. Using skills he learned both here at the Mammoth Site and at Chadron State, Ethan was able to take topics that might be unfamiliar to guests, such as coprolites, and teach them not only the importance and utility of studying fossil droppings, but also keep their interest and spur them to ask further questions,” Vandenberg said.Another of Tussing’s&nbsp;favorite memories came during the summer of 2022 while he was teaching a paleontology class for children ages four to 12.“A boy about seven or eight was digging in the pit when his parents asked me to be in a picture with him. They showed me a picture of the boy’s older brother&nbsp;eight or nine years before. He had taken the same class in the same building with a different instructor. So, they wanted to set up a similar photo of the younger son and I was honored to be part of recreating that memory,” Tussing said.The internship has provided Tussing insights into teaching techniques&nbsp;he wants to implement in his future classroom.“We make sure the people on the tour remain interested and willing to listen, as well as developing skills like being able to read the room,” Tussing said. “We like to talk about context or the story around the fossils. An example we used was the exhibit at the Trailside Museum at Fort Robinson of two mammoths locked together. If they had dug around one and immediately taken it out of the ground, they could have ruined the story about how the animals died.”Tussing highly recommends meeting new people and forging connections during an internship. This opportunity was readily available to him in the on-site housing provided for the 13 to 18 summer interns.“This year we had a student from Canada and last year we had people from California, Maryland, and everywhere in between. It's been absolutely fantastic,” Tussing said.Tussing’s family has long-term ties to CSC, science, and the Mammoth Site.His maternal grandparents, Gary and Nancy Fisher of Crawford, Nebraska, knew the late Dr. Larry Agenbroad,&nbsp;chief scientist and director of the Mammoth Site.&nbsp;Gary Fisher was a geoscience major while Agenbroad was on the CSC faculty.“My grandpa took about every class taught by Dr. Agenbroad. He loved his classes and knew him pretty well,” Tussing said.After the Fishers graduated from CSC, they remained friends with Agenbroad and occasionally received behind-the-scenes tours of the Mammoth Site from him.“They got to see almost every facet of what was going on at the time,” Tussing said.Tussing’s mother, Maria Tibbets, is a CSC alum who works with the University of Nebraska Lincoln translating beef research data into interesting formats for the public.His&nbsp;father, Chad Tussing, oversaw the construction of the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks’ Outdoor Campus West and was the first manager of the facility.“I took it all in. I have pictures of me wearing a hard hat, watching the construction,” he said. “I definitely have deep ties to that place.”

 CSC student gets taste of his future career in teaching

&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Pillen on Thursday announced his appointment of Senator Tom Briese as state treasurer. Briese will assume the duties of the office on Nov. 1. He will complete the remaining term of John Murante, who will become director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS).

“Sen. Briese has the respect of his peers and has been a great representative for District 41 in the Legislature,” said Gov.&nbsp;Pillen. “He’s a proven leader on tax policy reform, which will serve him well in his new role as treasurer.”&nbsp;

Briese was raised in Albion, NE and is a fourth-generation family farmer. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. Briese has a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

“I am honored to be selected by Gov.&nbsp;Pillen&nbsp;to serve Nebraskans as treasurer,” said Sen. Briese. “I have truly enjoyed my time in the Legislature and am proud of the accomplishments achieved during my tenure, as well as the relationships that were forged. I look forward to this new opportunity and continuing to serve the people of our great state.”&nbsp;

Murante will complete his tenure as treasurer on Sept. 18.&nbsp;Pursuant to statute, the powers of the State Treasurer’s Office will transfer to Gov.&nbsp;Pillen&nbsp;until Nov. 1, when Briese takes office. During the transition, Assistant State Treasurer Rachel Biar will manage the day-to-day operations of the office.

Information concerning the selection process to fill the impending vacancy for District 41 will be provided at a later date.

Governor&nbsp;Pillen om Thursday announced his appointment of Senator Tom Briese as state treasurer. Briese will begin in office on Nov. 1. He will complete the remaining term of John Murante, who is set to become director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS).

“Sen. Briese has the respect of his peers and has been a great representative for District 41 in the Legislature,” Gov.&nbsp;Pillen said. “He’s a proven leader on tax policy reform, which will serve him well in his new role as treasurer.”&nbsp;

Murante will complete his tenure as treasurer on Sept. 18. The powers of the State Treasurer’s Office will transfer to Gov.&nbsp;Pillen&nbsp;until Nov. 1, when Briese takes office. During the transition, Assistant State Treasurer Rachel Biar will manage the day-to-day operations of the office.

Information about the selection process to fill the impending vacancy for District 41 will be provided at a later date.

&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Pillen on Thursday announced his appointment of Senator Tom Briese as state treasurer. Briese will assume the duties of the office on Nov. 1. He will complete the remaining term of John Murante, who will become director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS).“Sen. Briese has the respect of his peers and has been a great representative for District 41 in the Legislature,” said Gov.&nbsp;Pillen. “He’s a proven leader on tax policy reform, which will serve him well in his new role as treasurer.”&nbsp;Briese was raised in Albion, NE and is a fourth-generation family farmer. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. Briese has a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.“I am honored to be selected by Gov.&nbsp;Pillen&nbsp;to serve Nebraskans as treasurer,” said Sen. Briese. “I have truly enjoyed my time in the Legislature and am proud of the accomplishments achieved during my tenure, as well as the relationships that were forged. I look forward to this new opportunity and continuing to serve the people of our great state.”&nbsp;Murante will complete his tenure as treasurer on Sept. 18.&nbsp;Pursuant to statute, the powers of the State Treasurer’s Office will transfer to Gov.&nbsp;Pillen&nbsp;until Nov. 1, when Briese takes office. During the transition, Assistant State Treasurer Rachel Biar will manage the day-to-day operations of the office.Information concerning the selection process to fill the impending vacancy for District 41 will be provided at a later date.Governor&nbsp;Pillen om Thursday announced his appointment of Senator Tom Briese as state treasurer. Briese will begin in office on Nov. 1. He will complete the remaining term of John Murante, who is set to become director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS).“Sen. Briese has the respect of his peers and has been a great representative for District 41 in the Legislature,” Gov.&nbsp;Pillen said. “He’s a proven leader on tax policy reform, which will serve him well in his new role as treasurer.”&nbsp;Briese was raised in Albion, NE and is a fourth-generation family farmer. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. Briese has a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.“I am honored to be selected by Gov.&nbsp;Pillen&nbsp;to serve Nebraskans as treasurer,” said Sen. Briese. “I have truly enjoyed my time in the Legislature and am proud of the accomplishments achieved during my tenure, as well as the relationships that were forged. I look forward to this new opportunity and continuing to serve the people of our great state.”&nbsp;Murante will complete his tenure as treasurer on Sept. 18. The powers of the State Treasurer’s Office will transfer to Gov.&nbsp;Pillen&nbsp;until Nov. 1, when Briese takes office. During the transition, Assistant State Treasurer Rachel Biar will manage the day-to-day operations of the office.Information about the selection process to fill the impending vacancy for District 41 will be provided at a later date.

 Governor Pillen Appoints Briese as State Treasurer 

By Kevin Horn, Special to Panhandle Post

All great radio sports announcers become legends. Lyell Bremser announced Cornhusker football for 45 years. Kent Pavelka has announced over one-thousand NU men’s basketball games.

Vin Scully created radio theatre of the mind announcing Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers baseball from 1950 to 2016. Harry Carey wasn’t far behind, describing St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Cubs baseball for a combined 53 years. And then there is KCOW’s Mike Glesinger.

The 65-year-old Spaulding, NE native has announced Alliance Bulldogs sports on KCOW Radio for 37 years in legendary fashion. Mike recalls that he had missed only one Alliance High football game since 1988. Season number 38 will be his last. Retirement begins on January 1, 2024.

The first two broadcasts of the 2023 Bulldog season have found Glesinger switching positions in the broadcast booth. Mike is the color announcer for his successor, Alex Benzegala, who is now KCOW’s chief play-by-play announcer.

Alex has already announced Bulldog football, softball and volleyball games and Spartan baseball games.

Glesinger's catchphrase is "Oh My!" Alex’s catchphrase following exciting plays is, “Dear, Mama!” The catchphrase comes from his favorite song, "Dear Mama" by the late rapper Tupac Shakur, in honor of his mom.

&nbsp;Benzegala, 31, is a native of Gig Harbor, Washington. "Alliance is a great sports town, and it actually reminds me of my hometown," Alex said. “Alliance really supports their athletes and teams, win or lose.”

Benzegala, who also serves as KCOW’s news director, is very aware he is sharing a microphone with a broadcast legend.

“I was also excited to work with Mike before he retires. His knowledge of past players, coaches and teams is incredible. His stories are wonderful to listen to and very educational.”

Here’s predicting that Glesinger’s memories of serving as the eyes for thousands of listeners since 1986 will linger – to infinity and beyond.

“I truly never thought I would do this for 38 years,” Glesinger admits. “But I got in that comfort zone that I never wanted to leave.”

Glesinger replaced Mike Gastineau, who left Alliance for an announcing job in Virginia. The first game the second Mike G. would announce on KCOW was an eight-man contest in Mullen when the Broncos hosted the Alliance St. Agnes Academy Crusaders in early September 1986.

“To be honest with you, I honestly don’t remember the very first Alliance High football broadcast, he said. “I think it was Alliance at Kimball the week after that St. Agnes-Mullen game.”

His first two years were spent splitting time between Alliance High and St. Agnes. When the Academy closed its high school in May 1988, all his focus turned to the Bulldogs. He has witnessed blazes of glory along the trail.

“Alliance St. Agnes winning the State Volleyball Championship in 1987 was certainly a thrill,” he said. “As were the 1988 and 1989 Alliance High Boys basketball teams that competed at state. They only lost two games in two years. The Bulldog girls’ basketball team also competed at state six of seven years between 1996 and 2002, which was a lot of fun.”

Through 37+ seasons, Glesinger, an avid reader, has been aboard the roller-coaster that includes state champion seasons to those with zero victories.

While the team’s final records have been inconsistent through the years, the coaches and athletic administrators have not.

“No matter whom they were or what they coached, they always have been accessible and very easy to get along with,” Glesinger said. “That isn’t the case with every radio station that covers high school sports in this state. Some athletic directors don’t want to see radio stations around because they have this silly notion that we drive away crowds. That’s not the case in Alliance. Our coaches know the radio station only promotes their programs and helps create interest. That has been the case in Alliance since the day I met Skip Olds." What was the most thrilling moment?

“The 1992 Alliance-Scottsbluff football game was the most exciting high school football game I’ve ever witnessed,” he reminisced. “Late in the game Alliance’s Chris Nelson ran the old guard-around play for something like 40 yards. Alliance then scored a touchdown a few plays later and won the game by four or five points."

Another football thriller took place ten years later. Alliance traveled across the state and beat Beatrice in three overtimes, 35-34.

“Not only was it a thrilling game, but it also gave Alliance its first football playoff victory in the school’s history,” he stressed.

But his top thrill was the Alliance Boys beating Beatrice in the finals of the 2001 Boys State Basketball Tournament and the Alliance Girls State Championship run in March 2007. The most crushing Alliance defeat he ever announced was a four-point overtime loss to Lincoln Pius X in the semifinals of the 2000 Boys State Basketball Tournament. “Alliance should never have lost that game,” he opined. “Heck, we had a lead of at least ten points late in the third quarter. That really stung. But the pain went away the next year when we won state.”

Just like a million other Nebraskans, his favorite team is the Cornhuskers.

“The most exciting athletic event I attended but didn’t announce was the 1978 Nebraska/Oklahoma game in Lincoln. I was a student at the U at the

time. My whole dorm floor sat in the east stands and watched the game together.”

The Cornhuskers upset the No. 1 ranked Sooners and Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims that cold, gray November day, 17-14.

Glesinger moved from the east stands to the press box of Memorial Stadium a few years later to announce NU football games on KRNU, the campus radio station. Each radio station originating a football broadcast had its own private booth.

Now, decades years later, Glesinger enjoys his own private booth at Bulldog Stadium.

The Alliance Booster Club donated $45,000 to build the new facility, which opened in September 2005.

For Glesinger, whose honors include receiving the Alliance Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Service Award in 2016, the press box was well worth the exercise in patience.

“It wasn't the first time I’ve had to wait to get something I really wanted,” he said. “After all, it took me six years to graduate from college. But I tell people that’s because I was red-shirted for two years."

Enjoy the 2023 Alliance Bulldogs football games on KCOW Radio.

Here’s hoping that 38 years of “Oh, My,” will be followed by decades of “Dear, Mama!”

By Kevin Horn, Special to Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694722354767.jpeg" alt="Long-time KCOW Sports Director MIke Glesinger with new News/Sports Director Alex Benzegala" />
 <figcaption>Long-time KCOW Sports Director MIke Glesinger with new News/Sports Director Alex Benzegala</figcaption>
 </figure>All great radio sports announcers become legends. Lyell Bremser announced Cornhusker football for 45 years. Kent Pavelka has announced over one-thousand NU men’s basketball games.Vin Scully created radio theatre of the mind announcing Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers baseball from 1950 to 2016. Harry Carey wasn’t far behind, describing St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Cubs baseball for a combined 53 years. And then there is KCOW’s Mike Glesinger.The 65-year-old Spaulding, NE native has announced Alliance Bulldogs sports on KCOW Radio for 37 years in legendary fashion. Mike recalls that he had missed only one Alliance High football game since 1988. Season number 38 will be his last. Retirement begins on January 1, 2024.The first two broadcasts of the 2023 Bulldog season have found Glesinger switching positions in the broadcast booth. Mike is the color announcer for his successor, Alex Benzegala, who is now KCOW’s chief play-by-play announcer.Alex has already announced Bulldog football, softball and volleyball games and Spartan baseball games.Glesinger's catchphrase is "Oh My!" Alex’s catchphrase following exciting plays is, “Dear, Mama!” The catchphrase comes from his favorite song, "Dear Mama" by the late rapper Tupac Shakur, in honor of his mom.&nbsp;Benzegala, 31, is a native of Gig Harbor, Washington. "Alliance is a great sports town, and it actually reminds me of my hometown," Alex said. “Alliance really supports their athletes and teams, win or lose.”Benzegala, who also serves as KCOW’s news director, is very aware he is sharing a microphone with a broadcast legend.“I was also excited to work with Mike before he retires. His knowledge of past players, coaches and teams is incredible. His stories are wonderful to listen to and very educational.”Here’s predicting that Glesinger’s memories of serving as the eyes for thousands of listeners since 1986 will linger – to infinity and beyond.“I truly never thought I would do this for 38 years,” Glesinger admits. “But I got in that comfort zone that I never wanted to leave.”Glesinger replaced Mike Gastineau, who left Alliance for an announcing job in Virginia. The first game the second Mike G. would announce on KCOW was an eight-man contest in Mullen when the Broncos hosted the Alliance St. Agnes Academy Crusaders in early September 1986.“To be honest with you, I honestly don’t remember the very first Alliance High football broadcast, he said. “I think it was Alliance at Kimball the week after that St. Agnes-Mullen game.”His first two years were spent splitting time between Alliance High and St. Agnes. When the Academy closed its high school in May 1988, all his focus turned to the Bulldogs. He has witnessed blazes of glory along the trail.“Alliance St. Agnes winning the State Volleyball Championship in 1987 was certainly a thrill,” he said. “As were the 1988 and 1989 Alliance High Boys basketball teams that competed at state. They only lost two games in two years. The Bulldog girls’ basketball team also competed at state six of seven years between 1996 and 2002, which was a lot of fun.”Through 37+ seasons, Glesinger, an avid reader, has been aboard the roller-coaster that includes state champion seasons to those with zero victories.While the team’s final records have been inconsistent through the years, the coaches and athletic administrators have not.“No matter whom they were or what they coached, they always have been accessible and very easy to get along with,” Glesinger said. “That isn’t the case with every radio station that covers high school sports in this state. Some athletic directors don’t want to see radio stations around because they have this silly notion that we drive away crowds. That’s not the case in Alliance. Our coaches know the radio station only promotes their programs and helps create interest. That has been the case in Alliance since the day I met Skip Olds." What was the most thrilling moment?“The 1992 Alliance-Scottsbluff football game was the most exciting high school football game I’ve ever witnessed,” he reminisced. “Late in the game Alliance’s Chris Nelson ran the old guard-around play for something like 40 yards. Alliance then scored a touchdown a few plays later and won the game by four or five points."Another football thriller took place ten years later. Alliance traveled across the state and beat Beatrice in three overtimes, 35-34.“Not only was it a thrilling game, but it also gave Alliance its first football playoff victory in the school’s history,” he stressed.But his top thrill was the Alliance Boys beating Beatrice in the finals of the 2001 Boys State Basketball Tournament and the Alliance Girls State Championship run in March 2007. The most crushing Alliance defeat he ever announced was a four-point overtime loss to Lincoln Pius X in the semifinals of the 2000 Boys State Basketball Tournament. “Alliance should never have lost that game,” he opined. “Heck, we had a lead of at least ten points late in the third quarter. That really stung. But the pain went away the next year when we won state.”Just like a million other Nebraskans, his favorite team is the Cornhuskers.“The most exciting athletic event I attended but didn’t announce was the 1978 Nebraska/Oklahoma game in Lincoln. I was a student at the U at thetime. My whole dorm floor sat in the east stands and watched the game together.”The Cornhuskers upset the No. 1 ranked Sooners and Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims that cold, gray November day, 17-14.Glesinger moved from the east stands to the press box of Memorial Stadium a few years later to announce NU football games on KRNU, the campus radio station. Each radio station originating a football broadcast had its own private booth.Now, decades years later, Glesinger enjoys his own private booth at Bulldog Stadium.The Alliance Booster Club donated $45,000 to build the new facility, which opened in September 2005.For Glesinger, whose honors include receiving the Alliance Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Service Award in 2016, the press box was well worth the exercise in patience.“It wasn't the first time I’ve had to wait to get something I really wanted,” he said. “After all, it took me six years to graduate from college. But I tell people that’s because I was red-shirted for two years."Enjoy the 2023 Alliance Bulldogs football games on KCOW Radio.Here’s hoping that 38 years of “Oh, My,” will be followed by decades of “Dear, Mama!”Both catchphrases are legendary.

From Oh, My to Dear, Mama! 

 A farewell  reception for Dr. Tom Perkins is scheduled for September 20 as he resigned from his at-large seat on the Western Nebraska Community College Board of Governors  on September 1.

The reception for Dr. Perkins will be held immediately after the board meeting on September 20. 

If you or anyone you know is interested in stepping in and completing the remainder of Dr. Perkins’ term, that runs through the end of December 2024, send a letter of interest and resume by Sept. 29 to the WCCA Board of Governors, and the board secretary.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post A farewell reception for Dr. Tom Perkins is scheduled for September 20 as he resigned from his at-large seat on the Western Nebraska Community College Board of Governors on September 1.The reception for Dr. Perkins will be held immediately after the board meeting on September 20. If you or anyone you know is interested in stepping in and completing the remainder of Dr. Perkins’ term, that runs through the end of December 2024, send a letter of interest and resume by Sept. 29 to the WCCA Board of Governors, and the board secretary.

WNCC searches for replacement of member of board

Alliance, NE – Youth Book Club for grades 3-6 at the Alliance Public Library will share discussion of “The Birchbark House” by Louise Erdrich on Tuesday, September 26th at 6 pm in the Community Room. 

This book is featured as the 2023 One Book One Nebraska for Kids and copies are available for check out at the circulation desk with a $2 ILL fee.

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

Youth Book ClubAlliance, NE – Youth Book Club for grades 3-6 at the Alliance Public Library will share discussion of “The Birchbark House” by Louise Erdrich on Tuesday, September 26th at 6 pm in the Community Room. This book is featured as the 2023 One Book One Nebraska for Kids and copies are available for check out at the circulation desk with a $2 ILL fee.For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387.

APL Youth Book Club to discuss "The Birchbark House"

MILLS, Wyo.&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Bureau of Reclamation has reopened the access road to the Anchor Reservoir Campground.&nbsp;&nbsp;The road was badly damaged by flood waters at the Owl Creek Middle Fork crossing on June 12.&nbsp;The crossing was temporarily impassable to vehicular traffic, and repairs were recently completed.&nbsp;

Anchor Dam and Reservoir are features of the Owl Creek Unit in Hot Springs County, approximately 35 miles west of Thermopolis&nbsp;via highways 120 and 170. The site is very remote and has a vault toilet and primitive camping.&nbsp;

Reclamation has four&nbsp;main managing partners between 19 recreation areas in Wyoming, with more than 100,000 visitors just at our state park areas every year.&nbsp;

By the Bureau of ReclamationMILLS, Wyo.&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Bureau of Reclamation has reopened the access road to the Anchor Reservoir Campground.&nbsp;&nbsp;The road was badly damaged by flood waters at the Owl Creek Middle Fork crossing on June 12.&nbsp;The crossing was temporarily impassable to vehicular traffic, and repairs were recently completed.&nbsp;Anchor Dam and Reservoir are features of the Owl Creek Unit in Hot Springs County, approximately 35 miles west of Thermopolis&nbsp;via highways 120 and 170. The site is very remote and has a vault toilet and primitive camping.&nbsp;Reclamation has four&nbsp;main managing partners between 19 recreation areas in Wyoming, with more than 100,000 visitors just at our state park areas every year.&nbsp;

Reclamation announces road reopening at Anchor Reservoir  

The Humanities Nebraska (HN) board of directors is meeting in Chadron this week. HN is a private, statewide nonprofit with a mission to help people explore what connects us and makes us human. “Humanities Nebraska serves our entire state, so it is important for our board and staff to visit communities.

By Humanities NebraskaThe Humanities Nebraska (HN) board of directors is meeting in Chadron this week. HN is a private, statewide nonprofit with a mission to help people explore what connects us and makes us human. “Humanities Nebraska serves our entire state, so it is important for our board and staff to visit communities.and experience the humanities at work in every region,” said Chris Sommerich, HN executive director. “Board members from Omaha and Lincoln, for example, love having opportunities to learn about great projects and meet wonderful community members in western Nebraska.”The organization is served by dedicated volunteers on two boards: the Nebraska Humanities Council and the Nebraska Foundation for the Humanities. Board members are selected statewide from nominees. who show a strong interest in the humanities and the cultural life of Nebraska, with special emphasis on community leaders from the state’s diverse geographic, occupational and ethnic constituencies. Humanities Nebraska seeks a balance between scholarly involvement in the humanities and other professional, business or community endeavors. The boards meet three times annually, in January, April and September.While in the Chadron area, board members will have a business meeting and major grant review in the Mari Sandoz Heritage Center at Chadron State College on Friday, September 15. Board members and HN staff will also pay visits to the Dawes County History Museum, the Museum of the Fur Trade, and Fort Robinson State Park and the park’s History Center.Anyone interested in learning more or in nominating someone to serve on the board should visit the HN website at humanitiesnebraska.org/about-us/ and select “Board of Directors.” Board nominations for 2024 are due October 20, 2023.Humanities Nebraska is celebrating 50 years of what connects us and makes us human. Let your curiosity get the best of you and discover events throughout 2023 and during Humanities Week October 7-15, 2023. HN is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, an appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, private donations, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a public-private partnership with state dollars matching private dollars to benefit the arts and humanities in Nebraska.

Local