By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

Box Butte and Scotts Bluff counties rank in the top 10 counties in Nebraska for teen driver and passenger-involved crash rate according to the most recent Nebraska Teen Motor Vehicle Safety Surveillance Report.&nbsp;

The Panhandle Public Health District and the Nebraska Department of Transportation have announced a partership where they will have a motivational speaker that will share a critical message of highway safety, positive choices and leadership at multiple Panhandle Schools. 

The upcoming assembly series is called Driven to Inspire, and features a world renown speaker in Cara Filler, who watched her identical sister pass away in a speed related car crash the day after their 18th birthday and the summer before their graduation. 

Her story has reached over two million world-wide and has been featured on Ted Talks among other conferences, assemblies and presentations.&nbsp;

The following schools offering this impactful &amp; informational assembly include: 

• Alliance High School: September 19 @ 8:15 am 

• Hemingford High School: September 19 @ 10 am 

• Pine Ridge Job Corp: September 19 @ 3 pm 

• Creek Valley High School: September 20 @ 8:15 am 

• Sidney High School: September 20 @ 10 am

• Kimball High School: September 20 @ 12:30 pm

For more information, contact: Nicole Berosek at nberosek@pphd.ne.gov or 308-279-3496.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post Box Butte and Scotts Bluff counties rank in the top 10 counties in Nebraska for teen driver and passenger-involved crash rate according to the most recent Nebraska Teen Motor Vehicle Safety Surveillance Report.&nbsp;The Panhandle Public Health District and the Nebraska Department of Transportation have announced a partership where they will have a motivational speaker that will share a critical message of highway safety, positive choices and leadership at multiple Panhandle Schools. The upcoming assembly series is called Driven to Inspire, and features a world renown speaker in Cara Filler, who watched her identical sister pass away in a speed related car crash the day after their 18th birthday and the summer before their graduation. Her story has reached over two million world-wide and has been featured on Ted Talks among other conferences, assemblies and presentations.&nbsp;The following schools offering this impactful &amp; informational assembly include: • Alliance High School: September 19 @ 8:15 am • Hemingford High School: September 19 @ 10 am • Pine Ridge Job Corp: September 19 @ 3 pm • Creek Valley High School: September 20 @ 8:15 am • Sidney High School: September 20 @ 10 am• Kimball High School: September 20 @ 12:30 pmFor more information, contact: Nicole Berosek at nberosek@pphd.ne.gov or 308-279-3496.

Motivational Speaker to talk to Panhandle Students about vehicle safety

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission announced Wednesday that firefighters from multiple agencies are getting ready for the Western Nebraska Engine Academy.&nbsp; That will include training exercises at Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area in the Wildcat Hills near Gering on Sept. 15-17.

Chris Becker, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife biologist, says hunters and others should be aware that burning will occur at various locations on the property and should take that into consideration if they plan to visit the wildlife area this weekend.

Becker said the annual event readies personnel for fighting fire while providing the benefits of prescribed burning. Land managers in western Nebraska often use prescribed burning to improve diversity of desirable plants and lessen the risk of catastrophic wildfire.

More information about the academy may be obtained by contacting the Gering Fire Department at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:firedept@gering.org">firedept@gering.org</a>&nbsp;or 308-436-2441.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Nebraska Game and Parks Commission announced Wednesday that firefighters from multiple agencies are getting ready for the Western Nebraska Engine Academy.&nbsp; That will include training exercises at Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area in the Wildcat Hills near Gering on Sept. 15-17.Chris Becker, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife biologist, says hunters and others should be aware that burning will occur at various locations on the property and should take that into consideration if they plan to visit the wildlife area this weekend.Becker said the annual event readies personnel for fighting fire while providing the benefits of prescribed burning. Land managers in western Nebraska often use prescribed burning to improve diversity of desirable plants and lessen the risk of catastrophic wildfire.More information about the academy may be obtained by contacting the Gering Fire Department at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:firedept@gering.org">firedept@gering.org</a>&nbsp;or 308-436-2441.

Wildfire exercises planned at Buffalo Creek WMA this week

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

The Alliance Bulldogs came into their road showdown with undefeated Bayard on Tuesday night looking for a win to jump start their season, but the Tigers were able to hold on in five sets 3-2, (12-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 13-15)

The Bulldogs had another slow start that put them in a difficult position down two sets against one of the better teams in Western Nebraska, if not the state in Bayard.

Looking at the match, every set besides the first was extremely close, with the 2nd set being decided by three points while the next three sets were all decided by two.

&nbsp;I n a look at how the season has gone so far, Alliance had won five in a row in a tournament in Wyoming after starting the season with a loss at Gering, but the loss for Alliance drops the Bulldogs to 5-6 on the year and is their 5th straight loss.&nbsp; Alliance will look to get on track in a match at Sidney on Thursday.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Alliance Bulldogs came into their road showdown with undefeated Bayard on Tuesday night looking for a win to jump start their season, but the Tigers were able to hold on in five sets 3-2, (12-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 13-15)The Bulldogs had another slow start that put them in a difficult position down two sets against one of the better teams in Western Nebraska, if not the state in Bayard.Looking at the match, every set besides the first was extremely close, with the 2nd set being decided by three points while the next three sets were all decided by two.&nbsp;I n a look at how the season has gone so far, Alliance had won five in a row in a tournament in Wyoming after starting the season with a loss at Gering, but the loss for Alliance drops the Bulldogs to 5-6 on the year and is their 5th straight loss.&nbsp; Alliance will look to get on track in a match at Sidney on Thursday.

Alliance drops five set thriller to unbeaten Bayard

Beginning Wednesday, September 13, Rangers at Wind Cave National Park are giving brief interpretive programs about elk before leading a caravan to a nearby pullout to listen for them. 

These one-hour programs are offered Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings through Saturday, October 7. Participants meet at the Wind Cave Visitor Center front lawn at 7 p.m. and are encouraged to bring a flashlight, a camp chair or blanket to sit on, and to dress warmly.  

 The park visitor center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until September 30, 4:30 p.m. after that. Cave tours are on hold pending repairs to the cave’s elevators. 

Tours are expected to resume in mid-October. The park store, run by the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, a non-profit partner supporting park education efforts, is open with a variety of products for sale.    

By Wind Cave National ParkBeginning Wednesday, September 13, Rangers at Wind Cave National Park are giving brief interpretive programs about elk before leading a caravan to a nearby pullout to listen for them. These one-hour programs are offered Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings through Saturday, October 7. Participants meet at the Wind Cave Visitor Center front lawn at 7 p.m. and are encouraged to bring a flashlight, a camp chair or blanket to sit on, and to dress warmly. The park visitor center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until September 30, 4:30 p.m. after that. Cave tours are on hold pending repairs to the cave’s elevators. Tours are expected to resume in mid-October. The park store, run by the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, a non-profit partner supporting park education efforts, is open with a variety of products for sale.

Elk bugling programs starting Wednesday Wind Cave National Park

On Tuesday September 19, Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason will be providing a poet workshop and reading at 5:30 p.m. at the Knight Museum  and Sandhills Center in Alliance.

The workshop will provide promts and excercises whil assisting attendees on their writing and poems.

There will be a poetry reading portion of the event at 7 p.m. that will include readings from Mason's writings and poems. Mason is a poet based out of Omaha and has published eight chapbooks; two full length poetry works and two anthologies.

For more information, contact the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center at (308) 762-2384.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostOn Tuesday September 19, Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason will be providing a poet workshop and reading at 5:30 p.m. at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center in Alliance.The workshop will provide promts and excercises whil assisting attendees on their writing and poems.There will be a poetry reading portion of the event at 7 p.m. that will include readings from Mason's writings and poems. Mason is a poet based out of Omaha and has published eight chapbooks; two full length poetry works and two anthologies.For more information, contact the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center at (308) 762-2384.&nbsp;·&nbsp; &nbsp;

Nebraska State Poet coming to workshop in Alliance

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash that involved a school bus on Tuesday morning on Highway 2 east of Palmyra. Several students were injured in the crash. 

At approximately 7:35 a.m. Tuesday, NSP received a report of a crash involving a school bus approximately one mile east of Palmyra. Troopers, Otoe County Sheriff’s Deputies, and rescue crews from Palmyra, Douglas, Syracuse, and Nebraska City all responded. 

Upon arrival, several students were found with mostly minor injuries. All nine students aboard the bus were transported to Bryan Health Center West Campus with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. The students were all between ages 5 and 14. Parents were reunited with their kids at the hospital. Both drivers involved were also transported with non-life-threatening injuries.

Preliminary investigation shows that the bus was westbound on Highway 2 when it was slowing to turn onto a driveway. A westbound Ford F-150 then failed to slow down and rear-ended the bus causing it to roll onto its side. NSP is investigating the crash. That investigation is ongoing. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694549876083.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH TV</figcaption>
 </figure>By Nebraska State PatrolThe Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash that involved a school bus on Tuesday morning on Highway 2 east of Palmyra. Several students were injured in the crash. At approximately 7:35 a.m. Tuesday, NSP received a report of a crash involving a school bus approximately one mile east of Palmyra. Troopers, Otoe County Sheriff’s Deputies, and rescue crews from Palmyra, Douglas, Syracuse, and Nebraska City all responded. Upon arrival, several students were found with mostly minor injuries. All nine students aboard the bus were transported to Bryan Health Center West Campus with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. The students were all between ages 5 and 14. Parents were reunited with their kids at the hospital. Both drivers involved were also transported with non-life-threatening injuries.Preliminary investigation shows that the bus was westbound on Highway 2 when it was slowing to turn onto a driveway. A westbound Ford F-150 then failed to slow down and rear-ended the bus causing it to roll onto its side. NSP is investigating the crash. That investigation is ongoing.

NSP investigating crash involving school bus

&nbsp;the "Autumn in Alliance" event is coming up later this month, as the City of Alliance welcomes the public to the fall celebration on Sept. 29th and Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Central Park. 

The event will have activities like yard games, Bounce house, a Scavenger Hunt and Scarecrow Contest, food vendors, Chili &amp; Cinnamon Roll Cook-off and live music. 

For more information, contact Kaytlin Norris at (308) 762-5400 or via at email knorris@cityofalliance.net.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post&nbsp;the "Autumn in Alliance" event is coming up later this month, as the City of Alliance welcomes the public to the fall celebration on Sept. 29th and Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Central Park. The event will have activities like yard games, Bounce house, a Scavenger Hunt and Scarecrow Contest, food vendors, Chili &amp; Cinnamon Roll Cook-off and live music. For more information, contact Kaytlin Norris at (308) 762-5400 or via at email knorris@cityofalliance.net.

Autumn of Alliance Event coming to Central Park

By Cody Creech, UNL Department of Agronomy/Horticulture in Scottsbluff; Amanda Easterly, Department of Agronomy/Horticulture in Sidney; and Brian Maust, Department of Agronomy/Horticulture in Lincoln

The 2023 Nebraska Extension Fall Seed Guide is now available at cropwatch.unl/varietytest. The online guide has details on yield, protein, test weight, ratings for disease characteristics, location summaries, and weather information.

A dry fall contributed to poor fall growth and initial stand, confounded by an incredibly cold winter across the state. Significant freezing temperatures and blizzards occurred in December, led to several regions being affected by winterkill and blowouts, and the variety trials at Lancaster, Jefferson, and Clay counties were lost. Despite a delayed start to spring, timely rains in the western part of the state rescued the crop, and some fields saw extremely good yields.&nbsp;

The data in the Fall Seed Guide provides information on individual, regional, and multi-year performance of varieties available to growers as well as sneak peeks into experimental varieties being developed by Dr. Katherine Frels and the UNL Small Grains Breeding Program and other seed industry partners. Preparations and planting are already underway for the 2024 Winter Wheat Variety Trials. Updates to the testing include the addition of an irrigated trial in Scotts Bluff County. More than 70 varieties will be tested at locations across the state in 2023-2024.

Members of the Crops Testing Team can be reached via email with questions regarding the results and interpretation at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ccreech2@unl.edu">ccreech2@unl.edu</a>,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmaust2@unl.edu">bmaust2@unl.edu</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aeasterly2@unl.edu">aeasterly2@unl.edu</a>.

Testing would not be possible without the support of our cooperators across the state, who graciously share land to conduct the trials, host field tours, and manage the sites for high-quality data. We would also like to thank the Agricultural Research Division, Nebraska Wheat Board, UNL Extension, and the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture.

By Cody Creech, UNL Department of Agronomy/Horticulture in Scottsbluff; Amanda Easterly, Department of Agronomy/Horticulture in Sidney; and Brian Maust, Department of Agronomy/Horticulture in LincolnThe 2023 Nebraska Extension Fall Seed Guide is now available at cropwatch.unl/varietytest. The online guide has details on yield, protein, test weight, ratings for disease characteristics, location summaries, and weather information.A dry fall contributed to poor fall growth and initial stand, confounded by an incredibly cold winter across the state. Significant freezing temperatures and blizzards occurred in December, led to several regions being affected by winterkill and blowouts, and the variety trials at Lancaster, Jefferson, and Clay counties were lost. Despite a delayed start to spring, timely rains in the western part of the state rescued the crop, and some fields saw extremely good yields.&nbsp;The data in the Fall Seed Guide provides information on individual, regional, and multi-year performance of varieties available to growers as well as sneak peeks into experimental varieties being developed by Dr. Katherine Frels and the UNL Small Grains Breeding Program and other seed industry partners. Preparations and planting are already underway for the 2024 Winter Wheat Variety Trials. Updates to the testing include the addition of an irrigated trial in Scotts Bluff County. More than 70 varieties will be tested at locations across the state in 2023-2024.Members of the Crops Testing Team can be reached via email with questions regarding the results and interpretation at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ccreech2@unl.edu">ccreech2@unl.edu</a>,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmaust2@unl.edu">bmaust2@unl.edu</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aeasterly2@unl.edu">aeasterly2@unl.edu</a>.Testing would not be possible without the support of our cooperators across the state, who graciously share land to conduct the trials, host field tours, and manage the sites for high-quality data. We would also like to thank the Agricultural Research Division, Nebraska Wheat Board, UNL Extension, and the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture.

Nebraska Extension 2023 Fall Seed Guide available online

&nbsp;By Nebraska Attorney General’s Office

Lincoln— Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced today a settlement with Tempoe, LLC, resolving a multistate investigation into Tempoe’s advertising and leasing to consumers through retailers across the nation. The multistate investigation—which included 41 states and the District of Columbia—revealed that Tempoe’s marketing and sales practices often misled consumers to believe they were signing up for an installment plan or credit sale when, in reality, they were entering into a lease agreement. The complicated structure and the lack of required disclosures of the lease agreements caused more confusion, often resulting in consumers paying 2-3 times the purchase price of the product or service.

Through this settlement, Tempoe is permanently banned from engaging in future consumer leasing activities. All existing leases will be canceled, and consumers may retain the leased merchandise in their possession without any further financial obligation to Tempoe – resulting in approximately $33 million of “in-kind” financial relief to consumers nationwide. Additionally, Tempoe shall not provide negative information regarding lessees to any consumer reporting agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Consumers with existing leases do not need to take any action as Tempoe has automatically canceled their account(s) as a result of this settlement.

Finally, as part of this settlement, Tempoe will pay $2 million: $1 million to the states and jurisdictions participating in this settlement and $1 million to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has agreed to a parallel settlement resolving the same alleged misconduct.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Forty-one (41) states and the District of Columbia are participating in the settlement. The multistate Executive Committee was comprised of Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Illinois, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Texas, which led the multistate group consisting of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;By Nebraska Attorney General’s OfficeLincoln— Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced today a settlement with Tempoe, LLC, resolving a multistate investigation into Tempoe’s advertising and leasing to consumers through retailers across the nation. The multistate investigation—which included 41 states and the District of Columbia—revealed that Tempoe’s marketing and sales practices often misled consumers to believe they were signing up for an installment plan or credit sale when, in reality, they were entering into a lease agreement. The complicated structure and the lack of required disclosures of the lease agreements caused more confusion, often resulting in consumers paying 2-3 times the purchase price of the product or service.Through this settlement, Tempoe is permanently banned from engaging in future consumer leasing activities. All existing leases will be canceled, and consumers may retain the leased merchandise in their possession without any further financial obligation to Tempoe – resulting in approximately $33 million of “in-kind” financial relief to consumers nationwide. Additionally, Tempoe shall not provide negative information regarding lessees to any consumer reporting agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;Consumers with existing leases do not need to take any action as Tempoe has automatically canceled their account(s) as a result of this settlement.Finally, as part of this settlement, Tempoe will pay $2 million: $1 million to the states and jurisdictions participating in this settlement and $1 million to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has agreed to a parallel settlement resolving the same alleged misconduct.&nbsp;&nbsp;Forty-one (41) states and the District of Columbia are participating in the settlement. The multistate Executive Committee was comprised of Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Illinois, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Texas, which led the multistate group consisting of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AG announces $35 Million settlement with Tempoe, LLC

Chadron Public Library has announced their series of programs of fall programs recently.

Rock painting, September 16th&nbsp;at 1:30 pm.

The Art of Essential Oils, September 23rd&nbsp;at 2:30 pm.

Fall Makerspace Crafts, September 30th&nbsp;at 1:30 pm.

Learn to Weave on a Little Loom, October 7th, at 1:30 pm.

Colorful Leaf Art, October 14th&nbsp;at 1:30 &nbsp;pm.

Everyone is welcome to come and participate. The activities are free of charge and are at the Chadron Library.

By Panhandle PostChadron Public Library has announced their series of programs of fall programs recently.The programs are:Rock painting, September 16th&nbsp;at 1:30 pm.The Art of Essential Oils, September 23rd&nbsp;at 2:30 pm.Fall Makerspace Crafts, September 30th&nbsp;at 1:30 pm.Learn to Weave on a Little Loom, October 7th, at 1:30 pm.Colorful Leaf Art, October 14th&nbsp;at 1:30 &nbsp;pm.Everyone is welcome to come and participate. The activities are free of charge and are at the Chadron Library.

Chadron Public Library celebrating Fall

 Western Nebraska Community College will be hosting an open house for their new President Greg Dart at the Alliance Campus on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This event is the second of three open houses in the Panhandle for Dart, as he was in Sidney on Sept. 7 and will be holding a welcome reception on the Scottsbluff campus at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 4.&nbsp;

Dart officially started in July after being named President of WNCC in April. Dart was previously the Chief Campus Administrator at Utah State University-Eastern for 10 years.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post Western Nebraska Community College will be hosting an open house for their new President Greg Dart at the Alliance Campus on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.This event is the second of three open houses in the Panhandle for Dart, as he was in Sidney on Sept. 7 and will be holding a welcome reception on the Scottsbluff campus at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 4.&nbsp;Dart officially started in July after being named President of WNCC in April. Dart was previously the Chief Campus Administrator at Utah State University-Eastern for 10 years.

Open house for new WNCC President in Alliance on Thursday

Kyren Gibson discusses exhibits and events for the month of September.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gs8bm-14a2115-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Kyren Gibson discusses exhibits and events for the month of September.

POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center

Karen Benzel discusses the final countdown to the Duck Drawing this Saturday.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x99sx-14a20f0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Karen Benzel discusses the final countdown to the Duck Drawing this Saturday.

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

Alliance Boys Tennis Results, North Platte Invite, Saturday

#1 Doubles Landyn Branstiter and Kade Richie went 0 and 4

#2 Doubles Bryce Wade and Kash Shrewsbury went 0 and 4

By Panhandle PostAlliance Boys Tennis Results, North Platte Invite, Saturday#1 Singles Tony Escamilla went 2 and 2#2 Singles Tre Red Bear went 1 and 3#1 Doubles Landyn Branstiter and Kade Richie went 0 and 4#2 Doubles Bryce Wade and Kash Shrewsbury went 0 and 4

Alliance boys Tennis places 5th at North Platte Invite

Connecting Young Nebraskans (CYN) is now inviting nominations of exemplary young professionals deserving of a 2023 Young Nebraskans Award. Young Nebraskans Awards celebrate talented, influential young Nebraskans who are making a positive impact in their workplaces and communities. Awards will be presented for the following categories: CYN Network Weaver, Young Professional of the Year, Community Involvement &amp; Impact, Entrepreneurship &amp; Innovation, Leadership &amp; Professional Development, and Diversity &amp; Inclusion.

"We are thrilled to announce the opening of nominations for CYN’s Young Nebraskans Awards. These awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional talents and contributions of our state's rising stars. We invite everyone to participate in recognizing and honoring our area young professionals who are driving progress, fostering inclusivity and leaving an indelible mark on our local landscape," said Allison Hatch, CYN fund advisory committee member.

The deadline to submit nominations and self-nominations is Sept. 18. Awardees and individuals receiving an honorable mention will be notified by Sept. 25. Awardees will be recognized at the 2023 CYN Summit on Oct. 19 at the Younes Hospitality Campus in Kearney. To learn more and fill out a nomination form, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://connectingyoungnebraskans.weebly.com/young-nebraskans-awards.html" target="_blank">https://connectingyoungnebraskans.weebly.com/young-nebraskans-awards.html</a>.

For more information on the 2023 Connecting Young Nebraskans Summit, which will be held in Kearney on Oct. 18-19 at the Younes Hospitality Campus, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://connectingyoungnebraskans.weebly.com/cyn-summit.html" target="_blank">https://connectingyoungnebraskans.weebly.com/cyn-summit.html</a>.

Connecting Young Nebraskans (CYN connects young Nebraskans and empowers them to lead and shape the future of their communities and state. CYN’s statewide network is a dynamic and diverse group of more than 900 peers with a&nbsp;passion for making a difference, a willingness to learn and the desire to build important relationships to help shape the future of Nebraska. Connecting Young Nebraskans is an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.

By Connecting Young NebraskansConnecting Young Nebraskans (CYN) is now inviting nominations of exemplary young professionals deserving of a 2023 Young Nebraskans Award. Young Nebraskans Awards celebrate talented, influential young Nebraskans who are making a positive impact in their workplaces and communities. Awards will be presented for the following categories: CYN Network Weaver, Young Professional of the Year, Community Involvement &amp; Impact, Entrepreneurship &amp; Innovation, Leadership &amp; Professional Development, and Diversity &amp; Inclusion."We are thrilled to announce the opening of nominations for CYN’s Young Nebraskans Awards. These awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional talents and contributions of our state's rising stars. We invite everyone to participate in recognizing and honoring our area young professionals who are driving progress, fostering inclusivity and leaving an indelible mark on our local landscape," said Allison Hatch, CYN fund advisory committee member.The deadline to submit nominations and self-nominations is Sept. 18. Awardees and individuals receiving an honorable mention will be notified by Sept. 25. Awardees will be recognized at the 2023 CYN Summit on Oct. 19 at the Younes Hospitality Campus in Kearney. To learn more and fill out a nomination form, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://connectingyoungnebraskans.weebly.com/young-nebraskans-awards.html" target="_blank">https://connectingyoungnebraskans.weebly.com/young-nebraskans-awards.html</a>.For more information on the 2023 Connecting Young Nebraskans Summit, which will be held in Kearney on Oct. 18-19 at the Younes Hospitality Campus, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://connectingyoungnebraskans.weebly.com/cyn-summit.html" target="_blank">https://connectingyoungnebraskans.weebly.com/cyn-summit.html</a>.About Connecting Young NebraskansConnecting Young Nebraskans (CYN connects young Nebraskans and empowers them to lead and shape the future of their communities and state. CYN’s statewide network is a dynamic and diverse group of more than 900 peers with a&nbsp;passion for making a difference, a willingness to learn and the desire to build important relationships to help shape the future of Nebraska. Connecting Young Nebraskans is an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.

CYN opens nomination process for 2023 Young Nebraskans Awards

Keeping Alliance beautiful takes into account what you see – well-kept streets, parks and yards, and what you do not see – litter, graffiti and vandalism. Other parts of the environment are invisible yet influence our daily lives.

The air we breathe comes to mind whenever the wind blows dirt, pollen or, more often than we like, smoke from far off wildfires. Western Nebraska skies are not exempt from global changes in the atmosphere either. Even when we strive to cut down on our individual carbon footprint, greenhouse gasses continue to rise. A dramatic commitment to switching from fossil fuels to renewables worldwide coupled with removing existing carbon dioxide from the air could turn the tide.

News stories over recent weeks and months have described a technology that promises to be a viable method for pulling out carbon dioxide. This gas (from what I found) only accounts for .3 to .4 percent of Earth’s atmosphere, yet holds the heat of the sun’s rays longer than nitrogen (78 percent) and oxygen (20.9 percent). The method is called direct air capture, which employs chemical reactions to remove the gas for storage underground or for use in products including fuel, plastic and concrete.

It is too early to tell what magnitude direct air capture would need to attain for a shift in global warming, however private, corporate and government support is promising. The Department of Energy, as part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda, announced last month as much as $1.2 billion to develop two commercial-scale direct air capture facilities in Texas and Louisiana. Combined, the sites expect to remove 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. This is part of the president’s goal for a net-zero global economy by 2050. The DOE estimates achieving the goal would mean removing somewhere between 400 million and 1.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually from the atmosphere and emissions sources by 2050, according to a news release.

There was a nagging “too good to be true” feeling reading about the government’s support. Both facilities mentioned will store the gas securely underground. On the other hand, the oil industry is interested in using the carbon dioxide to aid in producing more crude. While this cuts down on energy it still produces fossil fuels that will be burnt and release greenhouse gasses.

As technology advances, units are expected to be portable – able to fit into a shipping container for transport and glean one ton a day of carbon dioxide a day. The process, though, requires significant energy. I think these units should be powered by renewable sources to ensure the process is as green as possible. Every sizeable town, including Alliance, could operate a unit as part of the municipal infrastructure. A whole industry would accompany the building and operating of direct air capture units with a need to also transport and store the gas.

One article I came across compared this technology to how trees take in carbon dioxide. We always should be open minded when it comes to the environment. New developments may be what it takes to tip the balance or reach net-zero by 2050, but always keep in mind what you can do. We can all reduce, reuse and recycle. Plant a tree, walk instead of drive. Take an idea for a healthier planet and spread it around.

By JOHN E. WEARE KABKeeping Alliance beautiful takes into account what you see – well-kept streets, parks and yards, and what you do not see – litter, graffiti and vandalism. Other parts of the environment are invisible yet influence our daily lives.The air we breathe comes to mind whenever the wind blows dirt, pollen or, more often than we like, smoke from far off wildfires. Western Nebraska skies are not exempt from global changes in the atmosphere either. Even when we strive to cut down on our individual carbon footprint, greenhouse gasses continue to rise. A dramatic commitment to switching from fossil fuels to renewables worldwide coupled with removing existing carbon dioxide from the air could turn the tide.News stories over recent weeks and months have described a technology that promises to be a viable method for pulling out carbon dioxide. This gas (from what I found) only accounts for .3 to .4 percent of Earth’s atmosphere, yet holds the heat of the sun’s rays longer than nitrogen (78 percent) and oxygen (20.9 percent). The method is called direct air capture, which employs chemical reactions to remove the gas for storage underground or for use in products including fuel, plastic and concrete.It is too early to tell what magnitude direct air capture would need to attain for a shift in global warming, however private, corporate and government support is promising. The Department of Energy, as part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda, announced last month as much as $1.2 billion to develop two commercial-scale direct air capture facilities in Texas and Louisiana. Combined, the sites expect to remove 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. This is part of the president’s goal for a net-zero global economy by 2050. The DOE estimates achieving the goal would mean removing somewhere between 400 million and 1.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually from the atmosphere and emissions sources by 2050, according to a news release.There was a nagging “too good to be true” feeling reading about the government’s support. Both facilities mentioned will store the gas securely underground. On the other hand, the oil industry is interested in using the carbon dioxide to aid in producing more crude. While this cuts down on energy it still produces fossil fuels that will be burnt and release greenhouse gasses.As technology advances, units are expected to be portable – able to fit into a shipping container for transport and glean one ton a day of carbon dioxide a day. The process, though, requires significant energy. I think these units should be powered by renewable sources to ensure the process is as green as possible. Every sizeable town, including Alliance, could operate a unit as part of the municipal infrastructure. A whole industry would accompany the building and operating of direct air capture units with a need to also transport and store the gas.One article I came across compared this technology to how trees take in carbon dioxide. We always should be open minded when it comes to the environment. New developments may be what it takes to tip the balance or reach net-zero by 2050, but always keep in mind what you can do. We can all reduce, reuse and recycle. Plant a tree, walk instead of drive. Take an idea for a healthier planet and spread it around.

Keep Alliance Beautiful: In The Air

By Panhandle Public Health District

Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) once again has partnered with area students to spread the word on the dangers of tobacco use of any kind. The campaign features high school athletes in the Panhandle Prep magazine from around the region who commit to saying no to the harmful effects of tobacco and how it can affect their performances in their activities.

A campaign on PPHD’s Facebook page featured four athletes from around the Panhandle who are leading the charge in their schools and communities on vowing to not use tobacco or vape products. The athletes highlighted included:

· Matthias Benzel of Alliance, “I choose not to vape or use tobacco to stay clear minded and on top of my game.”

· Sadie Davis of Gering, “I have too much going on to worry about the negative effects of smoking and vaping. I am far too busy to follow along with the addictive nature of vaping and smoking.”

· Olivia Loomis-Goltl of Bridgeport, “I choose to be tobacco free so that my teammates can depend on me to be my best in every game and so that I can continue to improve each competition.”

· Landon Amundsen of Scottsbluff, “Athletics is an important part of my life. In order to compete at a high level, I want to be at peak physical condition, which means spending time in the gym/weight room and avoiding tobacco, vaping, drugs, and alcohol.”

Each of these athletes had a post on the PPHD Facebook page and the athlete that got most “likes” on the original post on Facebook would get a $250 scholarship courtesy of PPHD. The athlete with the most “likes” for the fall season was Landon Amundsen of Scottsbluff.

As of 2020, 4.2% of Nebraska high school students smoke and 17.1% use e-cigarettes. In the last 2 years alone, vaping increased by 218% among middle schoolers and 135% among high schoolers. Teens who vape are now 3x more likely than non-vapors to become daily cigarette smokers.

Nicotine increases your heart rate, tenses your muscles, and decreases the oxygen to your brain, despite a reputation for 'relieving stress.' In young people, 5 mg of nicotine a day is enough to establish a nicotine addiction.

Young people also face increased instances of anxiety and depression and while it has always been thought that nicotine is a stress reducer, this is a common myth. In a study published by the Journal of American Medical Association, current e-cigarette users have double the odds of having a diagnosis of depression compared to those who have never vaped. Nicotine use in general can increase stress levels.

Students are the target of the tobacco industry and their harmful marketing tactics are creating new generations of tobacco users. By standing up to these tactics, area student athletes have the potential to be great leaders in their communities to help stop other students from becoming lifelong tobacco users.

Visit PPHD’s Facebook page to vote for the student athletes today: https://www.facebook.com/panhandlepublichealth.

For help quitting, the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), and for Spanish services at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569). We encourage parents and teens to talk to their healthcare provider about resources and support. For additional resources visit www.QuitNow.ne.gov or www.pphd.ne.gov.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community.

Funding for this project is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

By Panhandle Public Health DistrictPanhandle Public Health District (PPHD) once again has partnered with area students to spread the word on the dangers of tobacco use of any kind. The campaign features high school athletes in the Panhandle Prep magazine from around the region who commit to saying no to the harmful effects of tobacco and how it can affect their performances in their activities.A campaign on PPHD’s Facebook page featured four athletes from around the Panhandle who are leading the charge in their schools and communities on vowing to not use tobacco or vape products. The athletes highlighted included:· Matthias Benzel of Alliance, “I choose not to vape or use tobacco to stay clear minded and on top of my game.”· Sadie Davis of Gering, “I have too much going on to worry about the negative effects of smoking and vaping. I am far too busy to follow along with the addictive nature of vaping and smoking.”· Olivia Loomis-Goltl of Bridgeport, “I choose to be tobacco free so that my teammates can depend on me to be my best in every game and so that I can continue to improve each competition.”· Landon Amundsen of Scottsbluff, “Athletics is an important part of my life. In order to compete at a high level, I want to be at peak physical condition, which means spending time in the gym/weight room and avoiding tobacco, vaping, drugs, and alcohol.”Each of these athletes had a post on the PPHD Facebook page and the athlete that got most “likes” on the original post on Facebook would get a $250 scholarship courtesy of PPHD. The athlete with the most “likes” for the fall season was Landon Amundsen of Scottsbluff.As of 2020, 4.2% of Nebraska high school students smoke and 17.1% use e-cigarettes. In the last 2 years alone, vaping increased by 218% among middle schoolers and 135% among high schoolers. Teens who vape are now 3x more likely than non-vapors to become daily cigarette smokers.Nicotine increases your heart rate, tenses your muscles, and decreases the oxygen to your brain, despite a reputation for 'relieving stress.' In young people, 5 mg of nicotine a day is enough to establish a nicotine addiction.Young people also face increased instances of anxiety and depression and while it has always been thought that nicotine is a stress reducer, this is a common myth. In a study published by the Journal of American Medical Association, current e-cigarette users have double the odds of having a diagnosis of depression compared to those who have never vaped. Nicotine use in general can increase stress levels.Students are the target of the tobacco industry and their harmful marketing tactics are creating new generations of tobacco users. By standing up to these tactics, area student athletes have the potential to be great leaders in their communities to help stop other students from becoming lifelong tobacco users.Visit PPHD’s Facebook page to vote for the student athletes today: https://www.facebook.com/panhandlepublichealth.For help quitting, the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), and for Spanish services at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569). We encourage parents and teens to talk to their healthcare provider about resources and support. For additional resources visit www.QuitNow.ne.gov or www.pphd.ne.gov.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community.Funding for this project is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

PPHD highlights area athletes who steer clear of tobacco

By TENA L. COOK, MARKETING COORDINATOR Chadron State College

CHADRON – During its first year of operation, the Dr. Lois Veath Planetarium in the Math Science Center of Innovative Learning (COIL) served 2,404 people, according to Kinsley Mason, an Instructor in Physical Sciences who will be managing the planetarium for Chadron State College this academic year. The attendance was more than double the final year the planetarium operated in Math Science before its renovation and expansion.

The highest month of attendance between Sept. 2022 and July 2023 was April 2023 with 612 people.&nbsp;Attendance for Friday sessions was 486. These Friday programs were designed to attract K-12 students on afternoons when Chadron Public Schools dismissed students early. Additionally, the planetarium hosted 43 school visits from Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and one student group from Alaska.

Mason said the Earth, Moon, and Sun show was the most popular with younger crowds, while Oasis In Space,&nbsp;a tour of the solar system with a focus on sources of water throughout our solar system,&nbsp;was popular with the general public.

“I had so many people tell me they either worked in the old planetarium or had visited it and how beautiful our new facilities are. A lot of them had never been in a 360-degree theater before and it really blew them away. I also received compliments on the public speaking abilities of our student workers.&nbsp;They were such a great help and now have the experience to make this year even better,” Mason said.

Carrie Drake of Omaha and Gunnar Wainscott of Newcastle, Wyoming, ran the majority of the shows. Alec Langan of McCook, Nebraska, a member of the Familia club, presented the two shows available in Spanish.

The first-year success of the planetarium is fostering conversations with various potential partners for more collaborative events like the guitar ensemble performance April 28.

“That was such a pleasure and the turnout exceeded expectations. We loved it so much that we have already booked the guitar ensemble for the spring 2024 semester. I am also bringing back wellness events for students where we have guided meditations and allow them to sit and unwind while listening&nbsp;to music and watching visuals on the dome,” Mason said.

Other planned events include the second Creepy COIL Crawl on Halloween.&nbsp;During the inaugural event last year, faculty, staff, and students dressed up, provided treats, and hosted games for children.

Mason said the&nbsp;handicapped accessibility&nbsp;features of the new planetarium have been appreciated by visitors.

“Parents of younger kiddos can wheel them and their siblings right up to the door. It has also helped folks in wheelchairs or with mobility issues like crutches feel comfortable coming to our shows,” Mason said.

Mason said with the help of the One Sky Project and the Fiske Planetarium at CU-Boulder, the planetarium is adding the following shows that will premier during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/academics/sci/planetarium/" target="_blank">Free Fridays</a>: MUSCLES, One Sky Project, Forward! To the Moon, Worlds of Curiosity, Drifting North - The Arctic Pulse, 5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI, and Cosmic Mashups.

By TENA L. COOK, MARKETING COORDINATOR Chadron State CollegeCHADRON – During its first year of operation, the Dr. Lois Veath Planetarium in the Math Science Center of Innovative Learning (COIL) served 2,404 people, according to Kinsley Mason, an Instructor in Physical Sciences who will be managing the planetarium for Chadron State College this academic year. The attendance was more than double the final year the planetarium operated in Math Science before its renovation and expansion.The highest month of attendance between Sept. 2022 and July 2023 was April 2023 with 612 people.&nbsp;Attendance for Friday sessions was 486. These Friday programs were designed to attract K-12 students on afternoons when Chadron Public Schools dismissed students early. Additionally, the planetarium hosted 43 school visits from Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and one student group from Alaska.Mason said the Earth, Moon, and Sun show was the most popular with younger crowds, while Oasis In Space,&nbsp;a tour of the solar system with a focus on sources of water throughout our solar system,&nbsp;was popular with the general public.“I had so many people tell me they either worked in the old planetarium or had visited it and how beautiful our new facilities are. A lot of them had never been in a 360-degree theater before and it really blew them away. I also received compliments on the public speaking abilities of our student workers.&nbsp;They were such a great help and now have the experience to make this year even better,” Mason said.Carrie Drake of Omaha and Gunnar Wainscott of Newcastle, Wyoming, ran the majority of the shows. Alec Langan of McCook, Nebraska, a member of the Familia club, presented the two shows available in Spanish.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694186885165.jpeg" alt="Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>The first-year success of the planetarium is fostering conversations with various potential partners for more collaborative events like the guitar ensemble performance April 28.“That was such a pleasure and the turnout exceeded expectations. We loved it so much that we have already booked the guitar ensemble for the spring 2024 semester. I am also bringing back wellness events for students where we have guided meditations and allow them to sit and unwind while listening&nbsp;to music and watching visuals on the dome,” Mason said.Other planned events include the second Creepy COIL Crawl on Halloween.&nbsp;During the inaugural event last year, faculty, staff, and students dressed up, provided treats, and hosted games for children.Mason said the&nbsp;handicapped accessibility&nbsp;features of the new planetarium have been appreciated by visitors.“Parents of younger kiddos can wheel them and their siblings right up to the door. It has also helped folks in wheelchairs or with mobility issues like crutches feel comfortable coming to our shows,” Mason said.Mason said with the help of the One Sky Project and the Fiske Planetarium at CU-Boulder, the planetarium is adding the following shows that will premier during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/academics/sci/planetarium/" target="_blank">Free Fridays</a>: MUSCLES, One Sky Project, Forward! To the Moon, Worlds of Curiosity, Drifting North - The Arctic Pulse, 5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI, and Cosmic Mashups.

New planetarium at CSC reports stellar first year

Hereford Crossroads #9 will take place Saturday, October 7th&nbsp;in the Chicoine Atrium at the historic Sandoz Center on the Chadron State College campus in Chadron.

This annual event will focus on the Hereford cattle history of Northwest Nebraska by induction into the HC Hall of Fame, a herd bull from Sioux County and an event held many years ago in Chadron.

Nebraskans for Hereford Heritage, Inc. was founded in 2015 by a group of both former and current Hereford breeders.&nbsp; Every year a reception is held in October at a location selected somewhere in western or cental Nebraska.&nbsp; &nbsp;Since 2017 the Hereford Crossroads exhibit has been housed in The Sandhills Heritage Museum at Dunning.

October 7th&nbsp;will also be Homecoming at Chadron State College with a morning parade and afternoon football game as well as many other activities throughout&nbsp;the day.&nbsp; The popular Harvest Moon vendor fair is also planned at the Dawes County Fairgrounds.

Hereford attendees are invited to tour the Sandoz Center along with the Coffee Gallery, featuring the 150-year-old Coffee Ranch, prior to the reception/dinner.

Doors open at 3 p.m. with social at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.&nbsp; Sitting is limited.&nbsp; Reservation must be made to Dixie Hoffman at&nbsp;406-425-0477 by October 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple.&nbsp; 

No&nbsp;tickets will be sold at the door.&nbsp; &nbsp;For lodging call the Chadron West Hills Inn at 308-225-6094 and ask for Hereford Crossroads rates. This event is sponsored in part by the Dawes County Travel Board.

By Linda Teahon<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694110598118.jpeg" alt="Hereford Crossroads" />
 <figcaption>Hereford Crossroads</figcaption>
 </figure>Hereford Crossroads #9 will take place Saturday, October 7th&nbsp;in the Chicoine Atrium at the historic Sandoz Center on the Chadron State College campus in Chadron.This annual event will focus on the Hereford cattle history of Northwest Nebraska by induction into the HC Hall of Fame, a herd bull from Sioux County and an event held many years ago in Chadron.Nebraskans for Hereford Heritage, Inc. was founded in 2015 by a group of both former and current Hereford breeders.&nbsp; Every year a reception is held in October at a location selected somewhere in western or cental Nebraska.&nbsp; &nbsp;Since 2017 the Hereford Crossroads exhibit has been housed in The Sandhills Heritage Museum at Dunning.October 7th&nbsp;will also be Homecoming at Chadron State College with a morning parade and afternoon football game as well as many other activities throughout&nbsp;the day.&nbsp; The popular Harvest Moon vendor fair is also planned at the Dawes County Fairgrounds.Hereford attendees are invited to tour the Sandoz Center along with the Coffee Gallery, featuring the 150-year-old Coffee Ranch, prior to the reception/dinner.Doors open at 3 p.m. with social at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.&nbsp; Sitting is limited.&nbsp; Reservation must be made to Dixie Hoffman at&nbsp;406-425-0477 by October 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple.&nbsp; No&nbsp;tickets will be sold at the door.&nbsp; &nbsp;For lodging call the Chadron West Hills Inn at 308-225-6094 and ask for Hereford Crossroads rates. This event is sponsored in part by the Dawes County Travel Board.

Hereford Crossroads #9 Roundup in Chadron on Oct 7

BEVERAGES OF THE DAMNED: Hot and Corny

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance has started routine maintenance on Elkhorn Tower requiring that it be drained for cleaning and painting in accordance with State Law. 

The storage capacity of this facility is 750,000 gallons and represents a substantial portion of the city's water storage capacity. We ask that during the month of September users conserve water to assist with uninterrupted water supply until work is complete.

For more information, please contact the Public Works offices at (308) 762-1907.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The City of Alliance has started routine maintenance on Elkhorn Tower requiring that it be drained for cleaning and painting in accordance with State Law. The storage capacity of this facility is 750,000 gallons and represents a substantial portion of the city's water storage capacity. We ask that during the month of September users conserve water to assist with uninterrupted water supply until work is complete.For more information, please contact the Public Works offices at (308) 762-1907.

 City of Alliance begins Elkhorn Tower Maintenance

Alliance, NE- The Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) Board of Trustees (Board) meeting was called to order at noon Monday, Aug. 28, in the BBGH Alliance Room. This month’s agenda included a report on HIPAA violations, Patient Connect, and the Joint Commission Survey. The consent calendar, July financial report, and credentialing requests were all approved as presented.

Chief Quality Officer Mary Mockerman gave a brief report on the type of HIPAA violations, which involve misidentifying patients or their records, that have been occurring. During the meeting, she said that BBGH has been receiving calls from patients that have received other patient’s information in their files or have had another patient’s information uploaded to their patient portal.

“We’re taking a deep dive with this,” she said. “We’re talking to staff and employees, Jordan (Colwell) and his team have put in a strategy to double-check some patient identifiers. We’re hot on the trail of this.”

Mockerman said that, historically, employees have received a lot of coaching on these errors, however, there are discussions about adding additional education in the future for when these errors occur.

Chief Operations Officer Jim Bargen gave a brief update on Patient Connect, which went live in rehab department on Monday, Aug. 21. Patient Connect allows patients to receive appointment-related text messages from BBGH. It also allows patients to communicate with BBGH in their preferred method of contact and promotes Patient Portal adoption. Bargen said that Patient Connect is expected to launch in the imaging and specialty clinics next.

Finally, Accreditation Specialist Gail Burke spoke to the Board about the Joint Commission’s survey finding. She said that her team is about halfway through correcting the Joint Commission’s findings. She also reported that this year there were a lower number of findings than average for accredited organizations.

New BBGH employees include: Lead Teacher Lauren Moller, Teacher Assistants Jordan Vaughn, Lana Blumanthal, and Amanda Bensen, and Rehab Tech Kaylynn Bauer. The Board also recognized August Employee of the Month Derek Flood, Rehab Tech, and the first BBGH graduates from the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, Tosha Greene, Trevor Ridenour, Courtney Schnell, and Sarah Davis.

By Box Butte General HospitalAlliance, NE- The Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) Board of Trustees (Board) meeting was called to order at noon Monday, Aug. 28, in the BBGH Alliance Room. This month’s agenda included a report on HIPAA violations, Patient Connect, and the Joint Commission Survey. The consent calendar, July financial report, and credentialing requests were all approved as presented.Chief Quality Officer Mary Mockerman gave a brief report on the type of HIPAA violations, which involve misidentifying patients or their records, that have been occurring. During the meeting, she said that BBGH has been receiving calls from patients that have received other patient’s information in their files or have had another patient’s information uploaded to their patient portal.“We’re taking a deep dive with this,” she said. “We’re talking to staff and employees, Jordan (Colwell) and his team have put in a strategy to double-check some patient identifiers. We’re hot on the trail of this.”Mockerman said that, historically, employees have received a lot of coaching on these errors, however, there are discussions about adding additional education in the future for when these errors occur.Chief Operations Officer Jim Bargen gave a brief update on Patient Connect, which went live in rehab department on Monday, Aug. 21. Patient Connect allows patients to receive appointment-related text messages from BBGH. It also allows patients to communicate with BBGH in their preferred method of contact and promotes Patient Portal adoption. Bargen said that Patient Connect is expected to launch in the imaging and specialty clinics next.Finally, Accreditation Specialist Gail Burke spoke to the Board about the Joint Commission’s survey finding. She said that her team is about halfway through correcting the Joint Commission’s findings. She also reported that this year there were a lower number of findings than average for accredited organizations.New BBGH employees include: Lead Teacher Lauren Moller, Teacher Assistants Jordan Vaughn, Lana Blumanthal, and Amanda Bensen, and Rehab Tech Kaylynn Bauer. The Board also recognized August Employee of the Month Derek Flood, Rehab Tech, and the first BBGH graduates from the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, Tosha Greene, Trevor Ridenour, Courtney Schnell, and Sarah Davis.

BBGH August Board Meeting discusses important topics

By Chabella Guzman, communications specialist, Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center

Feeding Nebraska communities and feeding the world with climate challenges facing agriculture producers was the underlying topic at this year’s annual Water and Crops Field Day at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), West Central Research Extension and Education Center (WCREEC) in North Platte.&nbsp;

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been working with ag producers for decades on farming practices and, in 2022, began Climate-Smart Agriculture. USDA set three main goals: sustainably increasing productivity and income, increasing adaptation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Many of our producers hear about it (Climate-Smart practices) but don’t know how quickly it’s growing,” said Kelly Bruns, director of the UNL West Central Research and Extension Center.&nbsp;

The field day featured a panel on Climate Smart Practices, and one of the speakers was Grant Keenan, director of cattle management at Walmart.&nbsp;

“Walmart has a huge commitment to not only the United States but to the world to help promote sustainable practices. To ensure nature is here for our kids and our grandkids, right, and we’re able to continue producing that food fiber and shelter that takes care of the world population,” Keenan said.&nbsp;

Walmart has invested in Sustainable Beef LLC, a $325 million beef processing facility in North Platte. It will be served by five feed yards in Nebraska, another four in Kansas, and one in Oklahoma in a 100-mile radius. The facility and feed yards are only a part of the company's Prime Pursuit Supply Chain. Walmart will be able to trace the beef back to its ranches of origin and aid them in regenerative practices, navigating funding and technical assistance.

In order for cattle to be part of the Prime Pursuit Supply chain, they need to be identified and tracked throughout their life. While the cattle are finished in the feed yards, most are grazed on ranges, cornstalks, and cover crops before being moved into area feedlots.&nbsp;

“At first, we really wanted to make sure that we controlled erosion. We didn’t want to have that wind blowing our high-dollar Nebraska dirt around. In a short period of time, we figured out, hey, these cattle can graze this, and there’s a way to pay for this (cover crops) in some years,” said John Schroeder, manager at Darr Feedlot in Cozad.

Schroeder has developed different cover crop cocktails with oats, wheat, turnips, radishes, and canola. They also used manure to put back some phosphorus and potassium. He said the traditional corn, soybean, and alfalfa rotations are working well but stressed every area is different.&nbsp;

Cover crops are not just for cattle to graze. In some areas, they can also be a short-season cash crop. Sara Carlson, with Practical Farmers of Iowa, said regenerative agriculture has a lot of definitions.

“Our vision (of regenerative farming) is to build resilience back into farms and then communities. What we really need is more people in our communities, and resilient farms can do this,” she said.&nbsp;

Like others on the Climate Smart panel, Practical Farmers of Iowa also work with the farmers and livestock producers to get funding from USDA programs.&nbsp;

For more information on cover crops, visit cropwatch.unl.edu/cover-crops.

By Chabella Guzman, communications specialist, Panhandle Research Extension and Education CenterFeeding Nebraska communities and feeding the world with climate challenges facing agriculture producers was the underlying topic at this year’s annual Water and Crops Field Day at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), West Central Research Extension and Education Center (WCREEC) in North Platte.&nbsp;The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been working with ag producers for decades on farming practices and, in 2022, began Climate-Smart Agriculture. USDA set three main goals: sustainably increasing productivity and income, increasing adaptation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Many of our producers hear about it (Climate-Smart practices) but don’t know how quickly it’s growing,” said Kelly Bruns, director of the UNL West Central Research and Extension Center.&nbsp;The field day featured a panel on Climate Smart Practices, and one of the speakers was Grant Keenan, director of cattle management at Walmart.&nbsp;“Walmart has a huge commitment to not only the United States but to the world to help promote sustainable practices. To ensure nature is here for our kids and our grandkids, right, and we’re able to continue producing that food fiber and shelter that takes care of the world population,” Keenan said.&nbsp;Walmart has invested in Sustainable Beef LLC, a $325 million beef processing facility in North Platte. It will be served by five feed yards in Nebraska, another four in Kansas, and one in Oklahoma in a 100-mile radius. The facility and feed yards are only a part of the company's Prime Pursuit Supply Chain. Walmart will be able to trace the beef back to its ranches of origin and aid them in regenerative practices, navigating funding and technical assistance.In order for cattle to be part of the Prime Pursuit Supply chain, they need to be identified and tracked throughout their life. While the cattle are finished in the feed yards, most are grazed on ranges, cornstalks, and cover crops before being moved into area feedlots.&nbsp;“At first, we really wanted to make sure that we controlled erosion. We didn’t want to have that wind blowing our high-dollar Nebraska dirt around. In a short period of time, we figured out, hey, these cattle can graze this, and there’s a way to pay for this (cover crops) in some years,” said John Schroeder, manager at Darr Feedlot in Cozad.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694187902870.jpeg" alt=" A session on drones was held at the annual Water and Crops Field Day at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, West Central Research Extension and Education Center in North Platte. Photo by Chabella Guzman" />
 <figcaption> A session on drones was held at the annual Water and Crops Field Day at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, West Central Research Extension and Education Center in North Platte. Photo by Chabella Guzman</figcaption>
 </figure>Schroeder has developed different cover crop cocktails with oats, wheat, turnips, radishes, and canola. They also used manure to put back some phosphorus and potassium. He said the traditional corn, soybean, and alfalfa rotations are working well but stressed every area is different.&nbsp;Cover crops are not just for cattle to graze. In some areas, they can also be a short-season cash crop. Sara Carlson, with Practical Farmers of Iowa, said regenerative agriculture has a lot of definitions.“Our vision (of regenerative farming) is to build resilience back into farms and then communities. What we really need is more people in our communities, and resilient farms can do this,” she said.&nbsp;Like others on the Climate Smart panel, Practical Farmers of Iowa also work with the farmers and livestock producers to get funding from USDA programs.&nbsp;For more information on cover crops, visit cropwatch.unl.edu/cover-crops.

Nebraska Extension Center preps ag producers for climate-smart practices

Alliance, NE – Thanks to the Ten Free Trees program, an effort of the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, the City of Alliance will be receiving trees for the Alliance Public Schools tennis courts and Skyview Golf Course.

Despite providing a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits, most Nebraska community forests have been in steady and sometimes dramatic decline. Many challenges contribute, including extreme weather, insects, disease and lack of diversity. The Emerald Ash borer is the latest major challenge added to the list.

In an effort to stop this decline and increase community forest resilience, the Free Trees program grants up to 10 high quality trees for tree-related educational events and community celebrations promoting trees and fall planting.

In addition to simply planting more trees, the program goals include increasing appreciation and awareness of the value of community forests in Nebraska. Special emphasis is placed on species diversity and higher impact projects, especially street tree planting and projects in neighborhoods of highest need.

Ten Free Trees is supported by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum’s Trees for Nebraska Towns Initiative funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, and a U.S. Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration grant received by the Nebraska Forest Service.

For more information, please follow our social media pages or contact the Administration offices at (308) 762-5400.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Thanks to the Ten Free Trees program, an effort of the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, the City of Alliance will be receiving trees for the Alliance Public Schools tennis courts and Skyview Golf Course.Despite providing a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits, most Nebraska community forests have been in steady and sometimes dramatic decline. Many challenges contribute, including extreme weather, insects, disease and lack of diversity. The Emerald Ash borer is the latest major challenge added to the list.In an effort to stop this decline and increase community forest resilience, the Free Trees program grants up to 10 high quality trees for tree-related educational events and community celebrations promoting trees and fall planting.In addition to simply planting more trees, the program goals include increasing appreciation and awareness of the value of community forests in Nebraska. Special emphasis is placed on species diversity and higher impact projects, especially street tree planting and projects in neighborhoods of highest need.Ten Free Trees is supported by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum’s Trees for Nebraska Towns Initiative funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, and a U.S. Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration grant received by the Nebraska Forest Service.For more information, please follow our social media pages or contact the Administration offices at (308) 762-5400.

Free Trees for Fall Planting Program in Alliance

School and activities and athletics have been going strong at local schools and that includes Chadron State College. CSC has a new President in Dr. Ron K. Patterson. He is the 12th president of CSC and comes to the University of North Alabama where he most recently was the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Patterson was recently a guest on the CSC Sports Journal with Dave Collins, and he talked about some upgrades to CSC athletic facilities.

"We recently repainted and refinished our women's volleyball and men's and women's basketball courts, that's a project that was recently completed and it looks really great," Patterson said.

Patterson was asked if there are any projects that CSC has on deck at the moment, and he says the goal right now is to maintain the facilities and programs that they have at Chadron State. He also has the following listening tour visits around Western Nebraska and region:

Sept. 20            Rushville                  2-4 p.m.                                          Security First Bank Center

Sept. 21            Crawford                 2-4 p.m.                                            Fort Robinson State Park

Sept. 27            Sidney                      3:30-5:30 p.m.                                            Beans and Steams

Oct. 18              Alliance                    4:30-6 p.m.                                                Brewery 719 (tent.)

Oct. 25              Broken Bow            4-6 p.m.                                                         Kinkaider Brewing

Oct. 26              McCook                   11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.                                                         Citta Deli

Nov. 1               Douglas, Wyo.       11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.                Blend Coffee and Co. (tent.)

Nov. 2               Casper, Wyo.         5-6:30 p.m.                                                                 Table Rock

Nov. 8               Scottsbluff              4-5:30 p.m.                                        Flyover Brewery (tent.)

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostSchool and activities and athletics have been going strong at local schools and that includes Chadron State College. CSC has a new President in Dr. Ron K. Patterson. He is the 12th president of CSC and comes to the University of North Alabama where he most recently was the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Patterson was recently a guest on the CSC Sports Journal with Dave Collins, and he talked about some upgrades to CSC athletic facilities. "We recently repainted and refinished our women's volleyball and men's and women's basketball courts, that's a project that was recently completed and it looks really great," Patterson said.Patterson was asked if there are any projects that CSC has on deck at the moment, and he says the goal right now is to maintain the facilities and programs that they have at Chadron State. He also has the following listening tour visits around Western Nebraska and region:Sept. 20 Rushville 2-4 p.m. Security First Bank CenterSept. 21 Crawford 2-4 p.m. Fort Robinson State ParkSept. 27 Sidney 3:30-5:30 p.m. Beans and SteamsOct. 18 Alliance 4:30-6 p.m. Brewery 719 (tent.)Oct. 25 Broken Bow 4-6 p.m. Kinkaider BrewingOct. 26 McCook 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Citta DeliNov. 1 Douglas, Wyo. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Blend Coffee and Co. (tent.)Nov. 2 Casper, Wyo. 5-6:30 p.m. Table RockNov. 8 Scottsbluff 4-5:30 p.m. Flyover Brewery (tent.)

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