Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in October. Here are some opportunities:

Little Saplings early childhood program presents Nature Sounds

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The series, which continues Oct. 5 with the theme Nature Sounds, is at 9 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month, through December. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver.

See the calendar event entry at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.7zWuayqm0Atix5LpD8SsvgyDzpWJfKEkaYMxDAWnSNM/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Homeschool Hike set for Oct. 19 at Schramm Park SRA

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program Oct. 19.

This nature exploration program geared for homeschool families takes place at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, through December. While an educator leads the hike, participants ask questions, draw, observe and make discoveries in nature.

Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.I0vHUhV3ihZQMTzVkmHzTglW6cLa73hyG_a7ZIV2t7A/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information and to register.

Five Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights scheduled for Oct. 19

Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts five Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights across the state Oct. 19.

Get your teams of no more than five players and be ready to compete for prizes. These events are for adults only and are free to attend with a purchase from the host brewery.

The trivia nights, which begin at 7 p.m. local time, are at:

For more information and or questions, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov</a>.

Nature Nerd Night to feature Nebraska Turtles on Oct. 18

In the Nebraska Nature Nerd Night virtual webinar Turtles of Nebraska, outdoor educators will discuss the nine species of turtles found in the state. The free event starts at 7 p.m. Central time Oct. 18.

Registration is required through the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.n6gYgaJAM4TR9MwMwzCnwLgUiBQ9fzH_e1mIavdxnmQ/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. Participants also may submit questions to be answered during the webinar while registering.

For more information, contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or follow the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or Nebraska Wildlife Education on Facebook.

‘The Science of …’ virtual webinar series returns Oct. 6

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s virtual webinar series “The Science of …” returns in October. Every Thursday at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators will discuss the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.

The webinar schedule of topics: Oct. 6 – Lizards; Oct. 13 – Nocturnal Animals; Oct. 20 – Waterbirds; Oct. 27 – Seeds and Leaves.

The webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each webinar. See the calendar event entries at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.7l316HIqKbvs0XpXRIF_8XlzV5TcQQIuH8-ILSYv4EA/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for registration links.

Contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Wildcat Hills to host&nbsp;Beautiful Bats&nbsp;homeschool program

Discover the secrets of bats during the Wildcat Hills Homeschool Program Beautiful Bats on Oct. 13 at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. Learn all about their adaptations, diversity and common misconceptions.

This program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.

The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sensory Safari is Oct. 5 at Lincoln Children’s Zoo

In Sensory Safari on Oct. 5, visually and sensory impaired guests will have the opportunity to touch, feel, hear and smell at interpretative stations throughout the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

From 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., nature experts from organizations across Nebraska will engage visitors at each station. Sensory Safari is a partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Mary F. Tous Charitable Foundation and Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Registration is required. Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.TGH1LtGBx04R17OKwZ4tk-aEymqAJoYOBuBn1iePJd0/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information and to register.

Wildcat Tales preschool program is Oct. 18

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Oct. 18.

Each program will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years. The program Goin’ Batty will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. Each month will have a different program topic.

The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required.&nbsp;For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777.&nbsp;Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Nature Nights scheduled Oct. 4, 18

Bring the family and enjoy some unstructured outdoor exploration Oct. 4 and 18 at the Outdoor Classroom, located at the northeast district office of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in Norfolk.

This free program is for all ages. It will be from 6-8 p.m. both nights at the Outdoor Classroom, 2201 N. 13th St. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Visit the event listings at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.DfiH_roD8ZQHjjUBNtxlQHYj-1UUDyPQoYZKWceUrmc/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information and to register.

What Community Science Taught Me webinar is Oct. 19

Tune in to the free virtual webinar “What Community Science Taught Me,” at 12:30 p.m. Central time Oct. 19.

This hourlong panel discussion, hosted by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Community Science Specialist Alie Mayes, is part of the Conservation Education Lunch and Learn Series.

Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.U9zSxshabLSz4GgTEf9RVA1xvX6VE8UOwYWWojRGJyA/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information and to register.

Holmes Lake to host Big Sit birding event

Join other birders at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake on Oct. 9 for the Big Sit, a friendly challenge to see how many birds can be counted from one location.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska’s Birdability Captain are hosts for this free, fun and accessible birding opportunity from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the south boat ramp.

Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.PWLvHLugtAJvq0VZUjLKZH6ikWj12Vkc8mVbLHTh2Is/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

By Nebraska Game and ParksNebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in October. Here are some opportunities:Little Saplings early childhood program presents Nature SoundsAdults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.The series, which continues Oct. 5 with the theme Nature Sounds, is at 9 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month, through December. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver.See the calendar event entry at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.7zWuayqm0Atix5LpD8SsvgyDzpWJfKEkaYMxDAWnSNM/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.Homeschool Hike set for Oct. 19 at Schramm Park SRAHomeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program Oct. 19.This nature exploration program geared for homeschool families takes place at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, through December. While an educator leads the hike, participants ask questions, draw, observe and make discoveries in nature.Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.I0vHUhV3ihZQMTzVkmHzTglW6cLa73hyG_a7ZIV2t7A/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information and to register.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587140447752.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com</figcaption>
 </figure>Five Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights scheduled for Oct. 19Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts five Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights across the state Oct. 19.Get your teams of no more than five players and be ready to compete for prizes. These events are for adults only and are free to attend with a purchase from the host brewery.The trivia nights, which begin at 7 p.m. local time, are at:<ul>
 <li>Scottsbluff – Flyover Brewing Company, 1824 Broadway</li><li>Lincoln – The Happy Raven, 122 N. 11th</li><li>Omaha – Zipline Beer Lounge, 3808 S. 203rd&nbsp;Plaza</li><li>Wayne – Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company, 121 N. Pearl St.</li><li>North Platte – Pals Brewing Company, 4520 S. Buffalo Bill Ave.</li>
 </ul>For more information and or questions, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov</a>.Nature Nerd Night to feature Nebraska Turtles on Oct. 18In the Nebraska Nature Nerd Night virtual webinar Turtles of Nebraska, outdoor educators will discuss the nine species of turtles found in the state. The free event starts at 7 p.m. Central time Oct. 18.Registration is required through the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.n6gYgaJAM4TR9MwMwzCnwLgUiBQ9fzH_e1mIavdxnmQ/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. Participants also may submit questions to be answered during the webinar while registering.For more information, contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or follow the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or Nebraska Wildlife Education on Facebook.‘The Science of …’ virtual webinar series returns Oct. 6The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s virtual webinar series “The Science of …” returns in October. Every Thursday at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators will discuss the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.The webinar schedule of topics: Oct. 6 – Lizards; Oct. 13 – Nocturnal Animals; Oct. 20 – Waterbirds; Oct. 27 – Seeds and Leaves.The webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each webinar. See the calendar event entries at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.7l316HIqKbvs0XpXRIF_8XlzV5TcQQIuH8-ILSYv4EA/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for registration links.Contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.Wildcat Hills to host&nbsp;Beautiful Bats&nbsp;homeschool programDiscover the secrets of bats during the Wildcat Hills Homeschool Program Beautiful Bats on Oct. 13 at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. Learn all about their adaptations, diversity and common misconceptions.This program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Sensory Safari is Oct. 5 at Lincoln Children’s ZooIn Sensory Safari on Oct. 5, visually and sensory impaired guests will have the opportunity to touch, feel, hear and smell at interpretative stations throughout the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.From 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., nature experts from organizations across Nebraska will engage visitors at each station. Sensory Safari is a partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Mary F. Tous Charitable Foundation and Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired.Registration is required. Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.TGH1LtGBx04R17OKwZ4tk-aEymqAJoYOBuBn1iePJd0/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information and to register.Wildcat Tales preschool program is Oct. 18Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Oct. 18.Each program will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years. The program Goin’ Batty will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. Each month will have a different program topic.The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required.&nbsp;For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777.&nbsp;Children must be accompanied by an adult.Family Nature Nights scheduled Oct. 4, 18Bring the family and enjoy some unstructured outdoor exploration Oct. 4 and 18 at the Outdoor Classroom, located at the northeast district office of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in Norfolk.This free program is for all ages. It will be from 6-8 p.m. both nights at the Outdoor Classroom, 2201 N. 13th St. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Visit the event listings at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.DfiH_roD8ZQHjjUBNtxlQHYj-1UUDyPQoYZKWceUrmc/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information and to register.What Community Science Taught Me webinar is Oct. 19Tune in to the free virtual webinar “What Community Science Taught Me,” at 12:30 p.m. Central time Oct. 19.This hourlong panel discussion, hosted by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Community Science Specialist Alie Mayes, is part of the Conservation Education Lunch and Learn Series.Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.U9zSxshabLSz4GgTEf9RVA1xvX6VE8UOwYWWojRGJyA/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information and to register.Holmes Lake to host Big Sit birding eventJoin other birders at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake on Oct. 9 for the Big Sit, a friendly challenge to see how many birds can be counted from one location.Spring Creek Prairie Audubon, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska’s Birdability Captain are hosts for this free, fun and accessible birding opportunity from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the south boat ramp.Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTkuNjM5MTc4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.PWLvHLugtAJvq0VZUjLKZH6ikWj12Vkc8mVbLHTh2Is/s/497221906/br/144259256100-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Catch these Game and Parks education events in October

By ABIGAIL SWANSON, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS

CHADRON – Dr. Nisha Durand, Principal Research Technologist at the Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, will receive the Distinguished Young Alumni Award (DYA) during Chadron State College’s Homecoming Oct. 1. Other DYA honorees include Ryan Hieb and Dr. T.J Thomson (in absentia). The Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) recipients are Mark Brohman and Dora Olivares.

The DYA is presented to CSC alumni who distinguished themselves in their chosen career or community or shown exceptional service to the college and are 40 years of age or younger.

Durand graduated with a bachelor’s in Human Biology and received the Platinum Eagle award in 2012. During her CSC studies, she worked as an undergraduate research assistant in Physical and Life sciences.

In 2017, she earned her doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Durand also worked in the department of Cancer Biology as a graduate research assistant.

After graduating, Durand worked full-time for the Mayo clinic as a research fellow and senior research fellow before her current role as Principal Research Technologist.

Durand guest-edited a special issue of Cells, a journal published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, has published many peer-reviewed manuscripts, and presented research at national and international conferences.

She is responsible for developing and evaluating novel biotherapeutics and works closely with clinician investigators to manufacture and deliver novel cell therapies to various patient populations. Her current research interests include Mesenchymal Stromal Cell signaling and mechanisms of potentiation.

Durand, who lives in Jacksonville, Florida, serves on the International Society of Cell and Gene Therapy’s Early-Stage Professional Committee and the Process Development and Manufacturing Committee.

Outside of regenerative medicine, Durand is passionate about increasing diversity in Science Technology Engineering and Math. She serves as a Department Diversity Leader and is a member of Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

By ABIGAIL SWANSON, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Dr. Nisha Durand, Principal Research Technologist at the Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, will receive the Distinguished Young Alumni Award (DYA) during Chadron State College’s Homecoming Oct. 1. Other DYA honorees include Ryan Hieb and Dr. T.J Thomson (in absentia). The Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) recipients are Mark Brohman and Dora Olivares.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663949901439.jpeg" alt="Dr. Nisha Durand, Principal Research Technologist at the Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, will receive the Distinguished Young Alumni Award during Chadron State College’s Homecoming Oct. 1, 2022. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Nisha Durand, Principal Research Technologist at the Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, will receive the Distinguished Young Alumni Award during Chadron State College’s Homecoming Oct. 1, 2022. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>The DYA is presented to CSC alumni who distinguished themselves in their chosen career or community or shown exceptional service to the college and are 40 years of age or younger.Durand graduated with a bachelor’s in Human Biology and received the Platinum Eagle award in 2012. During her CSC studies, she worked as an undergraduate research assistant in Physical and Life sciences.In 2017, she earned her doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Durand also worked in the department of Cancer Biology as a graduate research assistant.After graduating, Durand worked full-time for the Mayo clinic as a research fellow and senior research fellow before her current role as Principal Research Technologist.Durand guest-edited a special issue of Cells, a journal published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, has published many peer-reviewed manuscripts, and presented research at national and international conferences.She is responsible for developing and evaluating novel biotherapeutics and works closely with clinician investigators to manufacture and deliver novel cell therapies to various patient populations. Her current research interests include Mesenchymal Stromal Cell signaling and mechanisms of potentiation.Durand, who lives in Jacksonville, Florida, serves on the International Society of Cell and Gene Therapy’s Early-Stage Professional Committee and the Process Development and Manufacturing Committee.Outside of regenerative medicine, Durand is passionate about increasing diversity in Science Technology Engineering and Math. She serves as a Department Diversity Leader and is a member of Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Durand receives Distinguished Young Alumni Award at Chadron State College

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 9/23/22

Today with spoke Eli Goff from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their No Till Drill Rental Program.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD No Till Drill Program" 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=37ag9-12cec55-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 with spoke Eli Goff from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their No Till Drill Rental Program.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663947904266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD No Till Drill Program 

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">CINDY GONZALEZ</a>

A teen from Grant, Nebraska, has been recognized as one of the country’s most promising STEM middle schoolers — named this week as a contest finalist headed to Washington D.C., to compete for roughly $100,000 in awards.

Cooper Kroeker, now 15, is among 30 youths (and the only Nebraskan) selected from 1,807 applicants in the annual Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars).

Already, the product of Perkins County Schools in western Nebraska has won $500, and his teachers get a one-year subscription to Science News magazine and $1,000 for science, technology, engineering and math STEM activities.

The Society for Science Broadcom sponsors seek to inspire young people to work toward solving the grand challenges of the future.

“These extraordinary students are looking for solutions to some of the world’s most intractable problems,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science. “I commend these young people for their hard work to make the world a better place.”

In Cooper’s case, he said his work was inspired by his parents, the family farm and airplane and his hobby of flying.

“We get to see the impacts of climate change firsthand,” he told judges.

The teen&nbsp;used data from test flights and research on representative airplanes to see how climate change will affect aviation.

He found that longer takeoff distances will be needed, so airports and planes will need to make adjustments, such as longer runways or less weight on aircraft.

One of the aspiring scientists he’ll compete against explored the physics behind throwing a curveball. A sampling of others looked at: inventing an inexpensive robotic hand; mitigating harmful emissions from rockets; Alzheimer’s biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid; training a neural network to warn people of deadly earthquakes.

And don’t forget the kid from Hershey, Pennsylvania, who examined: The effect upon closure dynamics of the application of weak acids to the pulvinus of the venus fly trap.

Finalists represent 12 states In October they will compete further for scholarships and prizes in the nation’s capital. Sixteen in the group attended public schools when they produced their projects, 10 were in private schools, three were in charter schools and one attended a magnet school.

While in Washington, they’ll be judged on their research projects as well as collaboration and critical thinking skills during team challenges. Awards collectively amounting to about $100,000 are in play.

Cooper’s work is titled: Effects of Global Temperature Increase on Aviation. Here’s a glimpse at the project, as provided by contest sponsors:

Background:&nbsp;His science teacher encouraged students to do something unique and personally enjoyable for the science fair. Cooper, who plans to get his pilot’s license, started wondering about how climate change would affect aviation. “I decided that density altitude would be a good place to start.”

As temperature and distance above the ground increase, the density of the air decreases.

“How does the temperature impact the density altitude?” Cooper asked. “And how does that impact takeoff distances?”

The takeoff distance is how far a plane needs to run on the ground before it lifts off, plus the distance between that point and a certain altitude, such as 50 feet or 15 meters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tactics and Results:&nbsp;Cooper went to a nearby airport with his dad, and they took off on a variety of days with different temperatures. Each time, Cooper collected data, including the temperature, dew point, density altitude and more. Then he analyzed the data.

“The results proved that temperature increase causes takeoff distances to increase,” he said.

He also did research on representative airplanes at large cargo and passenger airports. He compared the takeoff distances to existing runways on a standard day. He also looked at the takeoff distances for the average daily high temperature for the hottest month. Using this data, he figured out what the distances would be for a day that was 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer (roughly 2.8 degrees Celsius).

“Airplanes will have to compensate for the higher temperatures,” he says. For example, the planes might need to take off at a higher speed. Or, they might need to limit their fuel or payload. Also, he adds, “Airports will have to compensate by building longer runways or limiting certain aircraft.”

Other interests:&nbsp;“I am very interested in plants and gardening,” Cooper says. A career as a botanist could let him learn more about plants and perhaps help develop new hybrids, he thinks.

He plays football and basketball, runs track and lifts weights in the summer. He plays the bassoon, saxophone and clarinet. He likes public speaking.

&nbsp;“I also enjoy just building stuff,” he adds. Most times he makes something he needs. “But every once in a while, I’ll invent something new,” he says.&nbsp;

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">CINDY GONZALEZ</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663942594476.png" alt="Cooper Kroeker of Grant, Nebraska, shown bottom row in gray-red baseball cap, is among young finalists in a national STEM competition by Broadcom MASTERS. (Courtesy of Broadcom MASTERS)" />
 <figcaption>Cooper Kroeker of Grant, Nebraska, shown bottom row in gray-red baseball cap, is among young finalists in a national STEM competition by Broadcom MASTERS. (Courtesy of Broadcom MASTERS)</figcaption>
 </figure>A teen from Grant, Nebraska, has been recognized as one of the country’s most promising STEM middle schoolers — named this week as a contest finalist headed to Washington D.C., to compete for roughly $100,000 in awards.Cooper Kroeker, now 15, is among 30 youths (and the only Nebraskan) selected from 1,807 applicants in the annual Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars).Already, the product of Perkins County Schools in western Nebraska has won $500, and his teachers get a one-year subscription to Science News magazine and $1,000 for science, technology, engineering and math STEM activities.The Society for Science Broadcom sponsors seek to inspire young people to work toward solving the grand challenges of the future.“These extraordinary students are looking for solutions to some of the world’s most intractable problems,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science. “I commend these young people for their hard work to make the world a better place.”In Cooper’s case, he said his work was inspired by his parents, the family farm and airplane and his hobby of flying.“We get to see the impacts of climate change firsthand,” he told judges.The teen&nbsp;used data from test flights and research on representative airplanes to see how climate change will affect aviation.He found that longer takeoff distances will be needed, so airports and planes will need to make adjustments, such as longer runways or less weight on aircraft.One of the aspiring scientists he’ll compete against explored the physics behind throwing a curveball. A sampling of others looked at: inventing an inexpensive robotic hand; mitigating harmful emissions from rockets; Alzheimer’s biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid; training a neural network to warn people of deadly earthquakes.And don’t forget the kid from Hershey, Pennsylvania, who examined: The effect upon closure dynamics of the application of weak acids to the pulvinus of the venus fly trap.Finalists represent 12 states In October they will compete further for scholarships and prizes in the nation’s capital. Sixteen in the group attended public schools when they produced their projects, 10 were in private schools, three were in charter schools and one attended a magnet school.While in Washington, they’ll be judged on their research projects as well as collaboration and critical thinking skills during team challenges. Awards collectively amounting to about $100,000 are in play.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663942661975.jpeg" alt="Cooper Kroeker (Courtesy of Broadcom MASTERS)" />
 <figcaption>Cooper Kroeker (Courtesy of Broadcom MASTERS)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Cooper’s project</h2>Cooper’s work is titled: Effects of Global Temperature Increase on Aviation. Here’s a glimpse at the project, as provided by contest sponsors:Background:&nbsp;His science teacher encouraged students to do something unique and personally enjoyable for the science fair. Cooper, who plans to get his pilot’s license, started wondering about how climate change would affect aviation. “I decided that density altitude would be a good place to start.”As temperature and distance above the ground increase, the density of the air decreases.“How does the temperature impact the density altitude?” Cooper asked. “And how does that impact takeoff distances?”The takeoff distance is how far a plane needs to run on the ground before it lifts off, plus the distance between that point and a certain altitude, such as 50 feet or 15 meters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tactics and Results:&nbsp;Cooper went to a nearby airport with his dad, and they took off on a variety of days with different temperatures. Each time, Cooper collected data, including the temperature, dew point, density altitude and more. Then he analyzed the data.“The results proved that temperature increase causes takeoff distances to increase,” he said.He also did research on representative airplanes at large cargo and passenger airports. He compared the takeoff distances to existing runways on a standard day. He also looked at the takeoff distances for the average daily high temperature for the hottest month. Using this data, he figured out what the distances would be for a day that was 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer (roughly 2.8 degrees Celsius).“Airplanes will have to compensate for the higher temperatures,” he says. For example, the planes might need to take off at a higher speed. Or, they might need to limit their fuel or payload. Also, he adds, “Airports will have to compensate by building longer runways or limiting certain aircraft.”Other interests:&nbsp;“I am very interested in plants and gardening,” Cooper says. A career as a botanist could let him learn more about plants and perhaps help develop new hybrids, he thinks.He plays football and basketball, runs track and lifts weights in the summer. He plays the bassoon, saxophone and clarinet. He likes public speaking.&nbsp;“I also enjoy just building stuff,” he adds. Most times he makes something he needs. “But every once in a while, I’ll invent something new,” he says.&nbsp;

Young STEM prodigy from western Nebraska moves up in national contest

CHADRON – Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Jung Colen completed the second portion of a Service, Teaching, and Research (STaR) Fellowship in Mathematics Education this summer with the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators’ (AMTE).

“I’m grateful to the Deans and the Deans Council for their generous support to actualize this professional development,” she said.

She was part of a cohort of 17 faculty members from institutions across the U.S. Due to the pandemic, the cohort participated virtually for three days in June 2021 and then convened in Park City, Utah, in conjunction with the AMTE’s Annual Meeting in June 2022.

Colen said she continues to collaborate and network with the other faculty members in her cohort.

The STaR Fellows Program addresses the common challenges relating to teaching mathematics content and methods courses for prospective and practicing K-12 teachers, establishing a research agenda, contributing to meaningful service, and developing leadership skills.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Jung Colen completed the second portion of a Service, Teaching, and Research (STaR) Fellowship in Mathematics Education this summer with the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators’ (AMTE).“I’m grateful to the Deans and the Deans Council for their generous support to actualize this professional development,” she said.She was part of a cohort of 17 faculty members from institutions across the U.S. Due to the pandemic, the cohort participated virtually for three days in June 2021 and then convened in Park City, Utah, in conjunction with the AMTE’s Annual Meeting in June 2022.Colen said she continues to collaborate and network with the other faculty members in her cohort.The STaR Fellows Program addresses the common challenges relating to teaching mathematics content and methods courses for prospective and practicing K-12 teachers, establishing a research agenda, contributing to meaningful service, and developing leadership skills.

Colen of Chadron completes fellowship

Chadron — From August 19 through September 5, the Chadron Police Department participated in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, officers worked to take drunk drivers off the roads.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2020, and one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020. This is why the Chadron Police Department worked together with NHTSA during this enforcement period to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. The Chadron Police Department would like you to remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“We work daily to ensure that our streets remain safe for our community members as well as those just passing through our town.” said Sergeant Cloyd. “This awareness effort was designed to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and to help prevent loss of life. We look forward to continued partnerships between law enforcement and drivers helping us protect our community and putting an end to this senseless behavior.” he said.

The Chadron Police Department made a total of eighteen contacts during the enforcement period, resulting in two citations, and multiple warning for violations including: Head/Tail lights, Stop Signs, Speeding, Vehicle Registrations, and Open Containers.

The Chadron Police Department and NHTSA are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior, especially when there are so many safe alternatives to get you home safely.

The Chadron Police Department recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

· Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

· If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Chadron Police Department, or dial 911.

· Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

For more information on impaired driving,

· Stop by the Chadron Police Department located at:

o 125 Main Street, Chadron, Nebraska or call (308) 432-0510. · Follow your Police Department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chadronpolice · Or visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

We wish everyone a safe and happy driving experience.

By Chadron Police DepartmentChadron — From August 19 through September 5, the Chadron Police Department participated in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, officers worked to take drunk drivers off the roads.According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2020, and one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020. This is why the Chadron Police Department worked together with NHTSA during this enforcement period to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. The Chadron Police Department would like you to remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.“We work daily to ensure that our streets remain safe for our community members as well as those just passing through our town.” said Sergeant Cloyd. “This awareness effort was designed to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and to help prevent loss of life. We look forward to continued partnerships between law enforcement and drivers helping us protect our community and putting an end to this senseless behavior.” he said.The Chadron Police Department made a total of eighteen contacts during the enforcement period, resulting in two citations, and multiple warning for violations including: Head/Tail lights, Stop Signs, Speeding, Vehicle Registrations, and Open Containers.The Chadron Police Department and NHTSA are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior, especially when there are so many safe alternatives to get you home safely.The Chadron Police Department recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:· Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.· If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Chadron Police Department, or dial 911.· Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.For more information on impaired driving,· Stop by the Chadron Police Department located at:o 125 Main Street, Chadron, Nebraska or call (308) 432-0510. · Follow your Police Department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chadronpolice · Or visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-drivingWe wish everyone a safe and happy driving experience.

Chadron police release 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' results

A dead body was recently found near the old Kmart building in Alliance.

"On behalf of Chief Lukens in response to numerous rumors, there was a deceased party located in the field near Kmart," Alliance Police Department said. "This was not a student, but an adult female who sadly took her own life in an apparent suicide."

APD said, "We want to remind the community that you are safe."

No further information was released at this time.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostA dead body was recently found near the old Kmart building in Alliance."On behalf of Chief Lukens in response to numerous rumors, there was a deceased party located in the field near Kmart," Alliance Police Department said. "This was not a student, but an adult female who sadly took her own life in an apparent suicide."APD said, "We want to remind the community that you are safe."No further information was released at this time.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663881129509.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Body found near old Alliance Kmart 

Author Alan Wilkinson will be at the Chadron Public Library on Monday, Sept. 26 at 6 pm.&nbsp;

Alan Wilkinson is a British writer with a lifelong interest in the American West. He is interested in hiking, gardening, food, and some travel, notably to western USA. He has written 25 books, 200 TV scripts and numerous articles and stories. His first novel : Cody The Medicine Man and Me was published in 2017.

His new novel: Lost and Found in Nebraska tells the story of a man returning home to North-West Nebraska after forty-five years.

This event is open and free to everyone. For Information call 308-432-0531.

By Chadron Public LibraryAuthor Alan Wilkinson will be at the Chadron Public Library on Monday, Sept. 26 at 6 pm.&nbsp;Alan Wilkinson is a British writer with a lifelong interest in the American West. He is interested in hiking, gardening, food, and some travel, notably to western USA. He has written 25 books, 200 TV scripts and numerous articles and stories. His first novel : Cody The Medicine Man and Me was published in 2017.His new novel: Lost and Found in Nebraska tells the story of a man returning home to North-West Nebraska after forty-five years.This event is open and free to everyone. For Information call 308-432-0531.

Author Alan Wilkinson to speak about new novel at Chadron library 

Today we'll return you to the Alliance City Council meeting from Sept. 20. The council approved on second reading an amendment for dates and times fireworks can be sold and discharged. Kevin and Roxane Foster spoke before the council about their thoughts and concerns. The council also approved the 2022-2023 budget adoption, city manager purchasing limits and more.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, Sept. 20" 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=en4tq-12cdb42-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 return you to the Alliance City Council meeting from Sept. 20. The council approved on second reading an amendment for dates and times fireworks can be sold and discharged. Kevin and Roxane Foster spoke before the council about their thoughts and concerns. The council also approved the 2022-2023 budget adoption, city manager purchasing limits and more.&nbsp;

Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, Sept. 20 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-economy-strikes-congress-94089be6a4f469444da99fec9dde1b3e">A last-minute deal</a>&nbsp;prevented a railroad strike for now, but many rail workers remain unhappy with working conditions, including some who protested outside their workplaces Wednesday ahead of votes to approve the new contracts.

Handfuls of workers gathered outside railyards across the country in pickets organized by a newly formed workers group separate from the 12 unions that negotiated the deals last week with the major U.S. freight railroads. The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the deals, just as the unions are trying to explain the potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-worker-strike-negotiations-updates-83c0f51db4a87bf632dafe589b328f4a">benefits they negotiated</a>&nbsp;to their roughly 115,000 members ahead of contract votes.

Fears about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">dire economic consequences</a>&nbsp;of a rail strike that could cripple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">all kinds of businesses</a>&nbsp;that rely on railroads to deliver raw materials and finished goods prompted the Biden administration to jump into the middle of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norfolk-kansas-city-southern-government-and-politics-8773238e61d632b59ddbba22175d0df2">contract talks last week</a>&nbsp;and urge both sides to reach an agreement. The contract talks included Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF, CSX, Kansas City Southern and a number of other railroads, so the entire country would have been affected by a strike.

Nearly a dozen BNSF workers gathered near Minot, North Dakota, Wednesday with homemade signs declaring “We demand more!!” and “We will not back down.” Another group of a half dozen workers stood outside their worksite in Olathe, Kansas, with signs saying “Railroad greed driving inflation" and “Greedy railroads harming nations supply chain.”

Workers' concerns about time off and demanding attendance policies at the railroads took center stage in the negotiations. In the end, the unions that represent engineers and conductors secured a promise of three extra unpaid days off for workers to attend doctors' appointments without being penalized and improved scheduling of days off to go with the 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses that a special board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-transportation-strikes-ba718974eb14fcd615d606bfcdffb3d2">appointed</a>&nbsp;by President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommended</a>&nbsp;this summer for the five-year deals.

It remains to be seen whether those concessions are enough to get workers to vote for these deals. A branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-government-and-politics-87bc3c3e0120b8258557767576262d89">rejected a deal</a>&nbsp;last week that didn't include those extra days off, so they are back at the table now working on a new pact. Two smaller unions did approve their deals, but the nine other unions will be counting their votes at various times over the next two months.

The two biggest unions that held out the longest — the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents engineers, and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union that represents conductors — aren't expected to report the results of their votes until mid November. Members of those unions are still waiting to see all the details of the deals that Biden announced last Thursday because lawyers are still finalizing everything before the full agreements get released.

That puts any potential for a strike out beyond the midterm elections, which mitigates the potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-inflation-congress-cbc8eb5b29b817033d42204480b282da">political impact</a>&nbsp;of the talks for Biden and the Democrats. If any of the unions do reject their contracts, Congress could still be forced to step in.

Recently retired engineer Marilee Taylor, who left the railroad in Chicago after more than 30 years earlier this year when BNSF imposed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strictest attendance policy</a>&nbsp;in the industry, said she doesn't think the tentative agreements do enough to address the schedule and workload concerns after the major railroads eliminated nearly one-third of their workforces over the past six years. Unions say the railroads' strict policies make it hard to take any time off without a penalty.

“The issue remains we're working fatigued," said Taylor, who is active with the Railroad Workers United coalition that urged workers to go on strike. "The safety of ourselves, our coworkers and the people that we serve — whose communities we run through — are at risk .... These conditions are losing many, many workers who cannot maintain 90% of their every breathing moment in service or at the behest of the railroad.”

Norfolk Southern engineer Hugh Sawyer said it's hard to tell how many workers will ultimately vote for these deals because they might decide these agreements are the best they can get, although he said he's not hearing many people happy with them. Even if they remain frustrated, workers may not be willing to go on strike and risk having Congress intervene and impose a contract on them that could be worse than what the unions agreed to.

“We’re sick and tired of the way we’re treated out there,” said Sawyer, a 34-year veteran of the railroad who serves as treasurer of the Railroad Workers United group that includes workers from all the unions. “There's a lot of anger out there.”

One example of the schedule challenges rail workers face is that Sawyer just had outpatient surgery done earlier this week on one of his days off, but he has no idea when he'll be able to schedule an appointment to have the stitches removed from his head next week because he'll be on call then and doesn't know when he'll be working.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-economy-strikes-congress-94089be6a4f469444da99fec9dde1b3e">A last-minute deal</a>&nbsp;prevented a railroad strike for now, but many rail workers remain unhappy with working conditions, including some who protested outside their workplaces Wednesday ahead of votes to approve the new contracts.Handfuls of workers gathered outside railyards across the country in pickets organized by a newly formed workers group separate from the 12 unions that negotiated the deals last week with the major U.S. freight railroads. The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the deals, just as the unions are trying to explain the potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-worker-strike-negotiations-updates-83c0f51db4a87bf632dafe589b328f4a">benefits they negotiated</a>&nbsp;to their roughly 115,000 members ahead of contract votes.Fears about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">dire economic consequences</a>&nbsp;of a rail strike that could cripple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">all kinds of businesses</a>&nbsp;that rely on railroads to deliver raw materials and finished goods prompted the Biden administration to jump into the middle of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norfolk-kansas-city-southern-government-and-politics-8773238e61d632b59ddbba22175d0df2">contract talks last week</a>&nbsp;and urge both sides to reach an agreement. The contract talks included Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF, CSX, Kansas City Southern and a number of other railroads, so the entire country would have been affected by a strike.Nearly a dozen BNSF workers gathered near Minot, North Dakota, Wednesday with homemade signs declaring “We demand more!!” and “We will not back down.” Another group of a half dozen workers stood outside their worksite in Olathe, Kansas, with signs saying “Railroad greed driving inflation" and “Greedy railroads harming nations supply chain.”Workers' concerns about time off and demanding attendance policies at the railroads took center stage in the negotiations. In the end, the unions that represent engineers and conductors secured a promise of three extra unpaid days off for workers to attend doctors' appointments without being penalized and improved scheduling of days off to go with the 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses that a special board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-transportation-strikes-ba718974eb14fcd615d606bfcdffb3d2">appointed</a>&nbsp;by President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommended</a>&nbsp;this summer for the five-year deals.It remains to be seen whether those concessions are enough to get workers to vote for these deals. A branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-government-and-politics-87bc3c3e0120b8258557767576262d89">rejected a deal</a>&nbsp;last week that didn't include those extra days off, so they are back at the table now working on a new pact. Two smaller unions did approve their deals, but the nine other unions will be counting their votes at various times over the next two months.The two biggest unions that held out the longest — the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents engineers, and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union that represents conductors — aren't expected to report the results of their votes until mid November. Members of those unions are still waiting to see all the details of the deals that Biden announced last Thursday because lawyers are still finalizing everything before the full agreements get released.That puts any potential for a strike out beyond the midterm elections, which mitigates the potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-inflation-congress-cbc8eb5b29b817033d42204480b282da">political impact</a>&nbsp;of the talks for Biden and the Democrats. If any of the unions do reject their contracts, Congress could still be forced to step in.Recently retired engineer Marilee Taylor, who left the railroad in Chicago after more than 30 years earlier this year when BNSF imposed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strictest attendance policy</a>&nbsp;in the industry, said she doesn't think the tentative agreements do enough to address the schedule and workload concerns after the major railroads eliminated nearly one-third of their workforces over the past six years. Unions say the railroads' strict policies make it hard to take any time off without a penalty.“The issue remains we're working fatigued," said Taylor, who is active with the Railroad Workers United coalition that urged workers to go on strike. "The safety of ourselves, our coworkers and the people that we serve — whose communities we run through — are at risk .... These conditions are losing many, many workers who cannot maintain 90% of their every breathing moment in service or at the behest of the railroad.”Norfolk Southern engineer Hugh Sawyer said it's hard to tell how many workers will ultimately vote for these deals because they might decide these agreements are the best they can get, although he said he's not hearing many people happy with them. Even if they remain frustrated, workers may not be willing to go on strike and risk having Congress intervene and impose a contract on them that could be worse than what the unions agreed to.“We’re sick and tired of the way we’re treated out there,” said Sawyer, a 34-year veteran of the railroad who serves as treasurer of the Railroad Workers United group that includes workers from all the unions. “There's a lot of anger out there.”One example of the schedule challenges rail workers face is that Sawyer just had outpatient surgery done earlier this week on one of his days off, but he has no idea when he'll be able to schedule an appointment to have the stitches removed from his head next week because he'll be on call then and doesn't know when he'll be working.“It's just ridiculous,” he said.

Deal that prevented rail strike still needs worker support

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 9/22/22

Alliance – The Alliance Landfill Construction and Demolition area, top of the hill, and the grass pile are closed to the public due to unsafe conditions.

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

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Landfill Construction and Demolition area, top of the hill, and the grass pile are closed to the public due to unsafe conditions.For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Multiple Alliance Landfill areas partially closed 

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College has graduated their first Class B CDL driver. Steven Stands with the City of Scottsbluff completed the Class B theory training online and then took his one and a half week behind-the-wheel driving skills training at the Scottsbluff Campus.

Stands said he appreciated the training he received and said his Class B license permits him to drive the city’s dump trucks and plow trucks. Stands also acquired the tanker endorsement so he can operate a water truck. Instructor Steve Sinks said Stands was a skilled operator to begin with, scored very highly, and was the ideal student for kicking off WNCC’s Class B program.

A Class B CDL permits the drivers to operate a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more without a trailer. It also allows them to operate any vehicle towing a trailer that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.&nbsp;

Tuition for Class B driver training is $2,400. WNCC offers financial aid to those who qualify. The classroom portion of the training is delivered online followed by one to two weeks of hands-on driving instruction at the Scottsbluff Campus. More information about WNCC's CDL programs can be found at go.wncc.edu/cdl.

WNCC's Class A and now Class B CDL training programs have been successful in placing qualified drivers into the surrounding communities. To help drivers find a job, and&nbsp;employers fill open positions, WNCC is hosting a CDL job fair on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the John N. Harms Center on the Scottsbluff Campus. Anyone seeking employment or learning more about the industry and how to obtain a CDL is invited. For more information call 308.635.6335.

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College has graduated their first Class B CDL driver. Steven Stands with the City of Scottsbluff completed the Class B theory training online and then took his one and a half week behind-the-wheel driving skills training at the Scottsbluff Campus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663857703075.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Stands said he appreciated the training he received and said his Class B license permits him to drive the city’s dump trucks and plow trucks. Stands also acquired the tanker endorsement so he can operate a water truck. Instructor Steve Sinks said Stands was a skilled operator to begin with, scored very highly, and was the ideal student for kicking off WNCC’s Class B program.A Class B CDL permits the drivers to operate a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more without a trailer. It also allows them to operate any vehicle towing a trailer that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.&nbsp;Tuition for Class B driver training is $2,400. WNCC offers financial aid to those who qualify. The classroom portion of the training is delivered online followed by one to two weeks of hands-on driving instruction at the Scottsbluff Campus. More information about WNCC's CDL programs can be found at go.wncc.edu/cdl.WNCC's Class A and now Class B CDL training programs have been successful in placing qualified drivers into the surrounding communities. To help drivers find a job, and&nbsp;employers fill open positions, WNCC is hosting a CDL job fair on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the John N. Harms Center on the Scottsbluff Campus. Anyone seeking employment or learning more about the industry and how to obtain a CDL is invited. For more information call 308.635.6335.

WNCC graduates first Class B CDL student, hosting CDL job fair soon

LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is helping spread the message of safety around railroad crossings as part of Rail Safety Week. The campaign includes law enforcement, public safety, and railroad partners across the country.

Wednesday and Thursday mark the annual “Operation Clear Track” – the single largest rail safety initiative in the United States. Troopers will have an additional presence around railroad crossings in several areas about the state.

“There are thousands of miles of active railroad tracks running across our state,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Rail Safety Week and Operation Clear Track are important efforts to raise awareness about the critical importance of attentive driving near railroad tracks.”

Coordinated by&nbsp;<a href="https://police.amtrak.com/" target="_blank">Amtrak Police</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/" target="_blank">Operation Lifesaver Inc (OLI)</a>,&nbsp;Operation Clear Track aims to reduce the approximately 2,000 serious injuries and deaths each year in the U.S. around railroad tracks and trains. The event is held during the annual observance of&nbsp;<a href="https://oli.org/about-us/public-awareness-campaigns/rail-safety-week" target="_blank">Rail Safety Week</a>, which this year is September 19-25 in North America.

During the event, law enforcement officers across the country patrol areas around high-incident railroad crossings. In Nebraska, State Troopers will conduct several operations at railroad crossings throughout the week.

For more information about Rail Safety Week, Operation Clear Track, and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/" target="_blank">www.oli.org</a>.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is helping spread the message of safety around railroad crossings as part of Rail Safety Week. The campaign includes law enforcement, public safety, and railroad partners across the country.Wednesday and Thursday mark the annual “Operation Clear Track” – the single largest rail safety initiative in the United States. Troopers will have an additional presence around railroad crossings in several areas about the state.“There are thousands of miles of active railroad tracks running across our state,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Rail Safety Week and Operation Clear Track are important efforts to raise awareness about the critical importance of attentive driving near railroad tracks.”Coordinated by&nbsp;<a href="https://police.amtrak.com/" target="_blank">Amtrak Police</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/" target="_blank">Operation Lifesaver Inc (OLI)</a>,&nbsp;Operation Clear Track aims to reduce the approximately 2,000 serious injuries and deaths each year in the U.S. around railroad tracks and trains. The event is held during the annual observance of&nbsp;<a href="https://oli.org/about-us/public-awareness-campaigns/rail-safety-week" target="_blank">Rail Safety Week</a>, which this year is September 19-25 in North America.During the event, law enforcement officers across the country patrol areas around high-incident railroad crossings. In Nebraska, State Troopers will conduct several operations at railroad crossings throughout the week.For more information about Rail Safety Week, Operation Clear Track, and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/" target="_blank">www.oli.org</a>.

Troopers join rail safety week with 'Operation Clear Track'

Rainbow trout will be stocked by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter.

“This program emphasizes the urban and community waters statewide,” said Greg Anderson, Game and Parks’ fish production supervisor. “Ten-inch trout are stocked to provide angling opportunities for all ages to catch and harvest.”

The stocking of trout will begin the week of Sept. 26 and continue weekly through October.

“Hatchery crews work tirelessly throughout the year and drive thousands of miles ensuring trout arrive safe and healthy to their destinations,” Anderson said. “Although we have a schedule, Nebraska’s weather may have its own mind that alters our plans. Be assured we’ll accommodate the schedule, however, unforeseen issues besides weather, like unfavorable water body conditions, vehicle and mechanical failures, can occur.”

Stocking also will take place in November and December as time and weather permit. Crystal Spring Middle Pond near Fairbury will be stocked following the cormorant migration to ensure trout are available to the anglers there. A project will take place at Lake Ogallala this fall, necessitating a drawdown. It will be stocked once work there is complete and favorable water conditions exist.

Fishing for trout is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a couple of feet above the hook and a bobber a couple of feet above the split shot. Spinners, salmon eggs, dough baits and artificial flies also can catch trout.

If you are just getting into fishing, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjEuNjQwMzkwNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZsbmtzLmdkJTJGbCUyRmV5SmhiR2NpT2lKSVV6STFOaUo5LmV5SmlkV3hzWlhScGJsOXNhVzVyWDJsa0lqb3hNREVzSW5WeWFTSTZJbUp3TWpwamJHbGpheUlzSW1KMWJHeGxkR2x1WDJsa0lqb2lNakF5TURBM01qRXVNalEyT0RFNE9URWlMQ0oxY213aU9pSm9kSFJ3T2k4dmIzVjBaRzl2Y201bFluSmhjMnRoTG1kdmRpOW9iM2QwYjJacGMyZ3ZJbjAuWEotODhNVGM4M3ZTVl92TkQ3YnBMMHNwekdRaWhtMXBDdXh4Y3cxMl9oOCUyRnMlMkYzODg2MzE1NDMlMkZiciUyRjgxMzExMzAxODI5LWwmZGF0YT0wMiU3QzAxJTdDbGFycnkucGFwZSU0MG5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiU3QzcyNGZmNmQxZjIxMTRkODdiMjBhMDhkODJmMGZhMDYyJTdDMDQzMjA3ZGZlNjg5NGJmNjkwMjAwMTAzOGYxMWYwYjElN0MwJTdDMCU3QzYzNzMxMTA5MTQ0NDg2MjIxNCZzZGF0YT04T280SVR5Z3pieDNxd0ZLNGZ0YzQ1JTJGQ2xCUzB1TXJpa3pVdXN3WEdUYTglM0QmcmVzZXJ2ZWQ9MCJ9.LCVJ--9obbh0-aXcSdic-KGWcXiynge30hGzQWeaM_E/s/497221906/br/144476467302-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/howtofish</a>.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjEuNjQwMzkwNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nLyJ9.w86WOnuTiBbsHFl0hjw7HE6ymm4_bIalK6AgjDwaoaw/s/497221906/br/144476467302-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishing</a>&nbsp;for more information on fishing in Nebraska.

The following is the tentative rainbow trout stocking schedule, including quantities:

By Nebraska Game and ParksRainbow trout will be stocked by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter.“This program emphasizes the urban and community waters statewide,” said Greg Anderson, Game and Parks’ fish production supervisor. “Ten-inch trout are stocked to provide angling opportunities for all ages to catch and harvest.”The stocking of trout will begin the week of Sept. 26 and continue weekly through October.“Hatchery crews work tirelessly throughout the year and drive thousands of miles ensuring trout arrive safe and healthy to their destinations,” Anderson said. “Although we have a schedule, Nebraska’s weather may have its own mind that alters our plans. Be assured we’ll accommodate the schedule, however, unforeseen issues besides weather, like unfavorable water body conditions, vehicle and mechanical failures, can occur.”Stocking also will take place in November and December as time and weather permit. Crystal Spring Middle Pond near Fairbury will be stocked following the cormorant migration to ensure trout are available to the anglers there. A project will take place at Lake Ogallala this fall, necessitating a drawdown. It will be stocked once work there is complete and favorable water conditions exist.Fishing for trout is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a couple of feet above the hook and a bobber a couple of feet above the split shot. Spinners, salmon eggs, dough baits and artificial flies also can catch trout.If you are just getting into fishing, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.LCVJ--9obbh0-aXcSdic-KGWcXiynge30hGzQWeaM_E/s/497221906/br/144476467302-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/howtofish</a>.Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjEuNjQwMzkwNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nLyJ9.w86WOnuTiBbsHFl0hjw7HE6ymm4_bIalK6AgjDwaoaw/s/497221906/br/144476467302-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishing</a>&nbsp;for more information on fishing in Nebraska.The following is the tentative rainbow trout stocking schedule, including quantities:Week of Sept. 26<ul>
 <li>Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area pond, Harrison, 600</li><li>White River, Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, 1,000</li><li>Bridgeport State Recreation Area middle lake, 2,000</li><li>South Grable Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 1,170</li><li>Middle Grable Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 340</li>
 </ul>Week of Oct. 3<ul>
 <li>Holdrege City Lake, 130</li><li>Lake Helen, Gothenburg, 100</li><li>Birdwood WMA, North Platte, 200</li><li>Bridgeport SRA northwest lake, 1,400</li><li>Laing Lake, Alliance, 1,500</li><li>Lake Carter P. Johnson, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 2,500</li><li>Cherry Creek Diversion Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 250</li><li>Sidney Legion Park Pond, 300</li><li>East Branch of Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200</li>
 </ul>Week of Oct. 10<ul>
 <li>Elm Creek, Elm Creek WMA, Red Cloud, 1,000</li><li>North Morrill pond, 2,250</li><li>Middle Morrill pond, 450</li><li>South Morrill pond, 400</li><li>Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900</li><li>Holdrege City Lake, 1,870</li><li>Fort Kearny SRA No. 6, 1,200</li><li>Rock Creek Lake, Parks, 3,000</li><li>Curtis golf course pond, 200</li><li>Oxford City Lake, 300</li><li>Crystal Cove Lake, South Sioux City, 3,600</li><li>Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, 3,600</li><li>East Branch of Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200</li>
 </ul>Week of Oct. 17<ul>
 <li>Such’s Lake, Grand Island, 650</li><li>Heartwell Park Lake, Hastings, 900</li><li>Geneva Pond, 300</li><li>Pawnee City Park Lake, 300</li><li>Optimist Lake, Auburn, 800</li><li>Stanton Lake, Falls City, 200</li><li>Humboldt City Park Lake, 600</li><li>Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 3,000</li><li>Bowling Lake south pond, Lincoln, 400</li><li>CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 1,500</li><li>Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home pond, Kearney, 200</li><li>Ansley City Lake, 1,000</li><li>Melham Park Lake, Broken Bow, 875</li><li>Auble Pond, Ord, 1,500</li><li>Bessey Pond, Halsey, 600</li><li>Gracie Creek Pond, Burwell, 1,000</li><li>Lake Helen, Gothenburg, 1,900</li><li>Windmill SRA No. 2, Gibbon, 600</li><li>Plum Creek Park Lake, Lexington, 750</li><li>Birdwood WMA, North Platte, 3,800</li><li>Middle Ice House Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 200</li><li>Lower Ice House Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 500</li><li>Humphrey Pond, Ogallala, 600</li><li>Steinhart Park Pond, Nebraska City, 800</li><li>Weeping Water Park Pond 1, 1,500</li><li>Lake Halleck, Papillion, 1,200</li><li>Fontenelle Park Pond, Omaha, 1,200</li><li>Benson Park Pond, Omaha, 1,050</li><li>Louisville SRA Pond 1A, 600</li><li>David City Park Pond, 600</li><li>Hanscom Park Pond, Omaha, 450</li><li>Towl Park Pond, Omaha, 300</li><li>Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, 900</li><li>Crystal Cove Lake, South Sioux City, 1,400</li><li>East Branch of Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200</li>
 </ul>Oct. 22<ul>
 <li>Ta-Ha-Zouka Park Lake, Norfolk, 1,500</li><li>Pawnee Park west pond, Columbus, 1,500</li>
 </ul>Week of Oct. 24<ul>
 <li>Grove Lake WMA, Royal, 1,500</li><li>Grove Lake sandpit, Royal, 75</li>
 </ul>November<ul>
 <li>Crystal Springs Middle Pond, Fairbury, 1,200</li><li>Lake Ogallala SRA, Ogallala, 10,000</li>
 </ul>December<ul>
 <li>Birdwood WMA, North Platte, 4,000</li><li>CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 3,500</li><li>Bowling Lake south pond, Lincoln, 3,500</li><li>Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 3,000</li><li>Lake Ogallala SRA, Ogallala, 10,000</li>
 </ul>

Game and Parks announces rainbow trout stocking schedule in Panhandle 

Today we spoke with Chadron City Manager John Sutherland about the Sept. 19 city council meeting. The council approved a resolution for an application by the Chadron Downtown Plaza Committee for LB 840 funds to pay for a restroom facility, authorized a Dawes County Travel Board Improvement Grant for construction of the Cowboy Trail Connection in Phase 1 and more.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Chadron City Manager John Sutherland" 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=tj9wd-12cc41b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Today we spoke with Chadron City Manager John Sutherland about the Sept. 19 city council meeting. The council approved a resolution for an application by the Chadron Downtown Plaza Committee for LB 840 funds to pay for a restroom facility, authorized a Dawes County Travel Board Improvement Grant for construction of the Cowboy Trail Connection in Phase 1 and more.&nbsp;

Post Podcast: Chadron City Manager John Sutherland 

On Sept. 20 at approximately 1:58 p.m. Scottsbluff police officers were dispatched to Highway 26 just east of Avenue B to an accident.

 A 2017 Ford Focus driven by a 90-year-old Scottsbluff man, had been eastbound in the westbound lanes when it collided with a 2007 Toyota Sienna driven by 39-year-old Adam Chavez of Scottsbluff.

"Based on the preliminary investigation it is believed the driver of the Ford Focus suffered a medical emergency, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle and continued into oncoming traffic," Scottsbluff Patrol Sergeant&nbsp;Krisa Brass said.

Both drivers were transported to Regional West Medical Center for various injuries. The vehicles were totaled.

Scottsbluff Fire Department, Valley Ambulance and the Nebraska State Patrol assisted with this accident.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn Sept. 20 at approximately 1:58 p.m. Scottsbluff police officers were dispatched to Highway 26 just east of Avenue B to an accident. A 2017 Ford Focus driven by a 90-year-old Scottsbluff man, had been eastbound in the westbound lanes when it collided with a 2007 Toyota Sienna driven by 39-year-old Adam Chavez of Scottsbluff."Based on the preliminary investigation it is believed the driver of the Ford Focus suffered a medical emergency, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle and continued into oncoming traffic," Scottsbluff Patrol Sergeant&nbsp;Krisa Brass said.Both drivers were transported to Regional West Medical Center for various injuries. The vehicles were totaled.Scottsbluff Fire Department, Valley Ambulance and the Nebraska State Patrol assisted with this accident.&nbsp;

2 transported to hospital following Scottsbluff accident

Items on the 9/20/22 Alliance City Council meeting agenda 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=6phfr-12cbd40-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 9/20/22 Alliance City Council meeting agenda are discussed.

POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

On Wednesday, October 5, we will be holding our fourth and final Bridges Out of Poverty workshop.

Why have we committed so strongly to the Bridges Out of Poverty programs? Quite simply, because they work. Bridges gives us tools and strategies to reduce and alleviate individual and community instability. They open us up to alternative ideas and attitudes by sharing narratives of people with different kinds of problems. We have learned to see people in poverty as resourceful and resilient, people who want a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Ruby Payne started the Bridges programs over two decades ago. She was a classroom teacher, then principal, whose initial work was with schools, sharing her experience about how to deal with children from poverty families. She studied how people were under-resourced and the hidden rules that kept them that way.

Payne formed the company aha!Process, which has published several books relating to poverty in different situations like schools and various types of jobs. She and her staff conduct workshops all over the world. Now Payne's work empowers educators and community leaders to address issues of poverty in classrooms, communities, businesses, hospitals, churches, and social service agencies.

The point of the Bridges work is to give people the tools and knowledge bases necessary to move from survival to stability to wealth creation—at the individual, institutional, community, and policy levels.

When we held our first Bridges workshop in Alliance in June, 2021, most of us realized we had no idea what it was like to live in generational poverty. Most of the 200 people who attended had what are called "aha! moments" because of the new information they were learning, and the new way of seeing things that was being presented. Our next two workshops dealt with institutions and communities, and how they could better understand the problems created by poverty. Most didn't realize the barriers that had been placed in the way of moving ahead.

The final program in the Bridges series explores how to work with all sectors and economic classes, with the goal of creating a steering committee to become a Bridges community. Attention is given to the types of leaders needed to advocate for policy change at the local, state, and federal levels. Rather than having speeches and power points, we will spend most of our time working in community teams, determining how we can best achieve our goals.

Bridges: Part 4 will be held at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff in the Harms Center. Jim Ott, our facilitator for the last two workshops, will again join us. The program will

start at 9:00 am, conclude at 3:00, and lunch will be included. The registration fee is $45.00, and scholarships are available. People can register through Eventbrite at Panhandle Partnership. Bridges Out of Poverty- Part 4: Policy Lens Registration, Wed, Oct 5, 2022 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityOn Wednesday, October 5, we will be holding our fourth and final Bridges Out of Poverty workshop.Why have we committed so strongly to the Bridges Out of Poverty programs? Quite simply, because they work. Bridges gives us tools and strategies to reduce and alleviate individual and community instability. They open us up to alternative ideas and attitudes by sharing narratives of people with different kinds of problems. We have learned to see people in poverty as resourceful and resilient, people who want a brighter future for themselves and their families.Ruby Payne started the Bridges programs over two decades ago. She was a classroom teacher, then principal, whose initial work was with schools, sharing her experience about how to deal with children from poverty families. She studied how people were under-resourced and the hidden rules that kept them that way.Payne formed the company aha!Process, which has published several books relating to poverty in different situations like schools and various types of jobs. She and her staff conduct workshops all over the world. Now Payne's work empowers educators and community leaders to address issues of poverty in classrooms, communities, businesses, hospitals, churches, and social service agencies.The point of the Bridges work is to give people the tools and knowledge bases necessary to move from survival to stability to wealth creation—at the individual, institutional, community, and policy levels.When we held our first Bridges workshop in Alliance in June, 2021, most of us realized we had no idea what it was like to live in generational poverty. Most of the 200 people who attended had what are called "aha! moments" because of the new information they were learning, and the new way of seeing things that was being presented. Our next two workshops dealt with institutions and communities, and how they could better understand the problems created by poverty. Most didn't realize the barriers that had been placed in the way of moving ahead.The final program in the Bridges series explores how to work with all sectors and economic classes, with the goal of creating a steering committee to become a Bridges community. Attention is given to the types of leaders needed to advocate for policy change at the local, state, and federal levels. Rather than having speeches and power points, we will spend most of our time working in community teams, determining how we can best achieve our goals.Bridges: Part 4 will be held at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff in the Harms Center. Jim Ott, our facilitator for the last two workshops, will again join us. The program willstart at 9:00 am, conclude at 3:00, and lunch will be included. The registration fee is $45.00, and scholarships are available. People can register through Eventbrite at Panhandle Partnership. Bridges Out of Poverty- Part 4: Policy Lens Registration, Wed, Oct 5, 2022 at 9:00 AM | EventbriteThe previous Bridges sessions are not required, but we encourage participants to take the first one online if they have not attended a Bridges training previously. (https://www.ahaprocess.com/courses/bridges-out-of-poverty-on-demand-workshop/).The work done by the Bridges Out of Poverty team has made a tremendous impact on the lives of so many people, institutions, and communities. We welcome anyone to join us!

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