In a press release this week, Chadron State College announced that their Strength and Conditioning degree program is one of nine undergraduate programs in the U.S. to earn accreditation from the Council on Accreditation in Strength and Conditioning or (CASCE).&nbsp;

Dr. Willie Hoffman is a professor and Program Director of the Strength and Conditioning program at CSC,&nbsp; &nbsp;he&nbsp; says the whole process started in 2018 when the NSCA announced plans for students to be required to graduate from an accredited program by the CASC, before taking the Certified Strength and Conditioning Association certification exam.

 The new program was created in 2020 and students began to enroll in the fall of 2021, and there were&nbsp; additional requirements for students that&nbsp; included more internship hour requirements.&nbsp;

To earn accreditation, Hoffman says that there was a thorough&nbsp; evaluation to make sure the program was up to CASCE standards. This included a self study&nbsp;and following that, a CASCE peer review team visited&nbsp;CSC&nbsp;in Feb. 2023. An evaluation was done in April and a notification of earning accreditation in June. In 2028, the accreditation will need to be renewed.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostIn a press release this week, Chadron State College announced that their Strength and Conditioning degree program is one of nine undergraduate programs in the U.S. to earn accreditation from the Council on Accreditation in Strength and Conditioning or (CASCE).&nbsp;Dr. Willie Hoffman is a professor and Program Director of the Strength and Conditioning program at CSC,&nbsp; &nbsp;he&nbsp; says the whole process started in 2018 when the NSCA announced plans for students to be required to graduate from an accredited program by the CASC, before taking the Certified Strength and Conditioning Association certification exam. The new program was created in 2020 and students began to enroll in the fall of 2021, and there were&nbsp; additional requirements for students that&nbsp; included more internship hour requirements.&nbsp;To earn accreditation, Hoffman says that there was a thorough&nbsp; evaluation to make sure the program was up to CASCE standards. This included a self study&nbsp;and following that, a CASCE peer review team visited&nbsp;CSC&nbsp;in Feb. 2023. An evaluation was done in April and a notification of earning accreditation in June. In 2028, the accreditation will need to be renewed.

Chadron State receives accreditation for Strength & Conditioning program 

The Dawes County 4-H Foundation Market Livestock Sale is on Friday August 4th at 6 pm. There will be a Buyer’s Social from 5-6  PM, and sponsors include D &amp; S Market, Craven Feed LLC, Safeway, Nebraska Farm Bureau and Farm Credit services. The order of sale will be Swine, Small, Animals, Sheep, Goats and  Beef. &nbsp;

If desired, animal will be brought to one of the following processor’s: Table Top Meats, CR Packing, Wyatt Family Meats or Jordan’s Pack.&nbsp;

Absentee bids can be arranged by contacting: Adam Sellman (308) 430-3742 Bruce Scheopner (308)432-4497 at Jim Lambert (308)430-3110&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Dawes County 4-H Foundation Market Livestock Sale is on Friday August 4th at 6 pm. There will be a Buyer’s Social from 5-6 PM, and sponsors include D &amp; S Market, Craven Feed LLC, Safeway, Nebraska Farm Bureau and Farm Credit services. The order of sale will be Swine, Small, Animals, Sheep, Goats and Beef. &nbsp;If desired, animal will be brought to one of the following processor’s: Table Top Meats, CR Packing, Wyatt Family Meats or Jordan’s Pack.&nbsp;Absentee bids can be arranged by contacting: Adam Sellman (308) 430-3742 Bruce Scheopner (308)432-4497 at Jim Lambert (308)430-3110&nbsp;

Dawes County 4-H Foundation Market Livestock Sale coming up

Temperatures  are high this week and the UNL Panhandle Research and Education Center updates their estimated crop water use weekly.  Nebraska extension&nbsp;Education Gary Stone explains what the crop water use in the panhandle looks this week. "The crop water usage this week is probably going to go up quite a bit," Stone said. 

"We're looking at temperatures over a 100 degrees on Tuesday and into the high 90's for the rest of the week, so the crops are going to be using a lot of water."

 Stone says Crop water use will vary across the Panhandle due to variations in temperature and precipitation events. Also, crop water use will assist growers with irrigation scheduling and efficient water use.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostTemperatures are high this week and the UNL Panhandle Research and Education Center updates their estimated crop water use weekly. Nebraska extension&nbsp;Education Gary Stone explains what the crop water use in the panhandle looks this week. "The crop water usage this week is probably going to go up quite a bit," Stone said. "We're looking at temperatures over a 100 degrees on Tuesday and into the high 90's for the rest of the week, so the crops are going to be using a lot of water." Stone says Crop water use will vary across the Panhandle due to variations in temperature and precipitation events. Also, crop water use will assist growers with irrigation scheduling and efficient water use.&nbsp;

Temperatures affecting crop water use in Panhandle this week

Dawes County 4-H is having their Cake &amp; Pie Live Auction coming up on Monday, July 31st at 5:30 PM. Information provided says that only champion and reserve champion cakes and pies will be auctioned.&nbsp;

Items are all homemade by 4-H members and all proceeds go back to the member who made the item to help fund future projects. 

The release says that Dawes County 4-H offers 4-H youth a showcase for their creative talents &amp; opportunity to develop culinary skills enhancing healthy lifestyle choices. For more information contact&nbsp;Dawes County 4-H at 308-432-3373.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostDawes County 4-H is having their Cake &amp; Pie Live Auction coming up on Monday, July 31st at 5:30 PM. Information provided says that only champion and reserve champion cakes and pies will be auctioned.&nbsp;Items are all homemade by 4-H members and all proceeds go back to the member who made the item to help fund future projects. The release says that Dawes County 4-H offers 4-H youth a showcase for their creative talents &amp; opportunity to develop culinary skills enhancing healthy lifestyle choices. For more information contact&nbsp;Dawes County 4-H at 308-432-3373.&nbsp;

Dawes County 4-H  Live Auction next Monday

The Nebraska Department of Labor on Friday released data for the month of June that indicates that the state’s unemployment rate remains among the lowest in the country. 

The data indicates that Nebraska’s unemployment rate was at 1.9% for the month of June, tied for third with Vermont for third lowest in the nation. Only New Hampshire and South Dakota were lower at 1.8%. 

For more information you can read the full press release on the Nebraska’s Department of Labor’s website at dol.nebraska.gov.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Nebraska Department of Labor on Friday released data for the month of June that indicates that the state’s unemployment rate remains among the lowest in the country. The data indicates that Nebraska’s unemployment rate was at 1.9% for the month of June, tied for third with Vermont for third lowest in the nation. Only New Hampshire and South Dakota were lower at 1.8%. For more information you can read the full press release on the Nebraska’s Department of Labor’s website at dol.nebraska.gov.&nbsp;

 Nebraska unemployment among lowest in country

Karen Benzel discusses this Friday's United Way Free Movie night at the Sandhills Drive-In, as well as the final week of the Stuff The Bus school supplies donation drive.

<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=vy43x-1462947-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 this Friday's United Way Free Movie night at the Sandhills Drive-In, as well as the final week of the Stuff The Bus school supplies donation drive.

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

A local company that serves Nebraska and the panhandle recently celebrated their 20 yea anniversary across the state and had a local celebration in Alliance on Friday. &nbsp;

 Clint Schleicher&nbsp; has worked at Allo Communications for 13 years and is the General Manager of the Allo Branch in Alliance which has been open for 17 years. A part of the celebration was Allo partnering with United Way to do a barbeque to help with their  fundraiser and duck sales. &nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostA local company that serves Nebraska and the panhandle recently celebrated their 20 yea anniversary across the state and had a local celebration in Alliance on Friday. &nbsp; Clint Schleicher&nbsp; has worked at Allo Communications for 13 years and is the General Manager of the Allo Branch in Alliance which has been open for 17 years. A part of the celebration was Allo partnering with United Way to do a barbeque to help with their fundraiser and duck sales. &nbsp;

Allo celebrates 20 year anniversary in Alliance on Friday 

Parade begins at 10am, Watch LIVE here on the POST

Parade begins at 10am, Watch LIVE here on the POST<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6CcMNNrRIFw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Heritage Days Parade LIVE video stream

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance experienced a power outage Thursday morning at approximately 12:46 a.m. Where two breakers at the 10th street substation were open. These breakers operating caused the power to the Emerson and the Broadwater substations to be shut off. 

Crews arrived on scene, and after riding the lines and close&nbsp; examination of the substations the breakers were closed, restoring power to all meters by roughly 2:10 a.m. For more information, please contact Kirby Bridge at (308) 762-1907.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The City of Alliance experienced a power outage Thursday morning at approximately 12:46 a.m. Where two breakers at the 10th street substation were open. These breakers operating caused the power to the Emerson and the Broadwater substations to be shut off. Crews arrived on scene, and after riding the lines and close&nbsp; examination of the substations the breakers were closed, restoring power to all meters by roughly 2:10 a.m. For more information, please contact Kirby Bridge at (308) 762-1907.

City of Alliance releases details about Thursday power outages

Thanks to the Department of Economic Development’s Shovel Ready Grant program, community members in Alliance, Nebraska are currently enjoying ARC Park, a community accessible playground for&nbsp; 2–12-year-olds, new weight room equipment, better facility temperature control, and most recently, an expanded classroom space for ARC After School – all located at the Alliance Recreation Center. 

The Alliance Rec Center’s project was selected by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to receive a Shovel Ready grant to support capital projects that were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We began raising funds in 2019 for ARC Park and had plans to continue addressing capacity and facility projects when the pandemic shutdown delayed our progress,” shared Mara Andersen, executive director of the Alliance Recreation Center. “When the work resumed on the remaining projects, costs were approximately 30% more than originally anticipated.”

 The shovel ready program funds were made available through a combination of America Rescue Plan Act funds and state general funds and were intended to help nonprofit organizations complete projects that&nbsp; would aid economic development. 

In June of 2022, the Alliance Rec Center received award notification in the amount of $113,000 for the completion of their capital projects. “The award we received resurrected our capacity projects and matched the funds we had worked tirelessly to raise. This grant – which really celebrates our community’s support by matching it dollar-for-dollar – was the saving grace we needed to ensure our projects were completed,” said Andersen. All shovel ready projects are now complete and currently in use at the Alliance Rec Center. 

A community open house and ribbon cutting ceremony is tentatively planned for August 2023. Andersen says the application of this award has already made an future positive impact at the facility with weight room expansion currently under construction.

By the Alliance Recreation CenterThanks to the Department of Economic Development’s Shovel Ready Grant program, community members in Alliance, Nebraska are currently enjoying ARC Park, a community accessible playground for&nbsp; 2–12-year-olds, new weight room equipment, better facility temperature control, and most recently, an expanded classroom space for ARC After School – all located at the Alliance Recreation Center. The Alliance Rec Center’s project was selected by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to receive a Shovel Ready grant to support capital projects that were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We began raising funds in 2019 for ARC Park and had plans to continue addressing capacity and facility projects when the pandemic shutdown delayed our progress,” shared Mara Andersen, executive director of the Alliance Recreation Center. “When the work resumed on the remaining projects, costs were approximately 30% more than originally anticipated.” The shovel ready program funds were made available through a combination of America Rescue Plan Act funds and state general funds and were intended to help nonprofit organizations complete projects that&nbsp; would aid economic development. In June of 2022, the Alliance Rec Center received award notification in the amount of $113,000 for the completion of their capital projects. “The award we received resurrected our capacity projects and matched the funds we had worked tirelessly to raise. This grant – which really celebrates our community’s support by matching it dollar-for-dollar – was the saving grace we needed to ensure our projects were completed,” said Andersen. All shovel ready projects are now complete and currently in use at the Alliance Rec Center. A community open house and ribbon cutting ceremony is tentatively planned for August 2023. Andersen says the application of this award has already made an future positive impact at the facility with weight room expansion currently under construction.

"Shovel Ready" Projects complete at ARC thanks to Department of Economic Development

The Alliance Police Department has focused their efforts in the last couple of years on lowering the crime rate in town and Police Chief Phil Lukens says that the evidence and numbers point to that happening.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Lukens says that when he was hired in December of 2020, in March of 2021 there was an article that Alliance was in the Top 10 Worst Cities to live in State of Nebraska, and Lukens explains what the Alliance Police Department has done and what the results have shown.&nbsp; "In our Strategic Plan, we have worked very hard at implementing a lot of programs, working with the community and really having a dialog together," Lukens said. "At the end of the day, this last march 2023 Alliance&nbsp; was rated in the top ten safest&nbsp; cities to live in Nebraska."

Lukens says that with the current rate of improvement, he envisions Alliance being the safest city in Nebraska at some point in the near future. Looking at the numbers, overall crime in Alliance was down 31% in 2022 compared to 2021, and 2023 could be a record low year if trends stay the same. Currently there have been 100 crimes against people this year in Alliance compared to 226 in 2022. To look at the full statistics, go to cityofalliance.net and click on departments and Police.&nbsp;

Looking at the numbers, overall crime in Alliance was down 31% in 2022 compared to 2021, and 2023 could be a record low year if trends stay the same. Currently there have been 100 crimes against people this year in Alliance compared to 226 in 2022. To look at the full statistics, go to cityofalliance.net and click on departments and Police.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Alliance Police Department has focused their efforts in the last couple of years on lowering the crime rate in town and Police Chief Phil Lukens says that the evidence and numbers point to that happening.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lukens says that when he was hired in December of 2020, in March of 2021 there was an article that Alliance was in the Top 10 Worst Cities to live in State of Nebraska, and Lukens explains what the Alliance Police Department has done and what the results have shown.&nbsp; "In our Strategic Plan, we have worked very hard at implementing a lot of programs, working with the community and really having a dialog together," Lukens said. "At the end of the day, this last march 2023 Alliance&nbsp; was rated in the top ten safest&nbsp; cities to live in Nebraska."Lukens says that with the current rate of improvement, he envisions Alliance being the safest city in Nebraska at some point in the near future. Looking at the numbers, overall crime in Alliance was down 31% in 2022 compared to 2021, and 2023 could be a record low year if trends stay the same. Currently there have been 100 crimes against people this year in Alliance compared to 226 in 2022. To look at the full statistics, go to cityofalliance.net and click on departments and Police.&nbsp;'Looking at the numbers, overall crime in Alliance was down 31% in 2022 compared to 2021, and 2023 could be a record low year if trends stay the same. Currently there have been 100 crimes against people this year in Alliance compared to 226 in 2022. To look at the full statistics, go to cityofalliance.net and click on departments and Police.&nbsp;

Alliance crime down, named top 10 safest cities in Nebraska for 2023

*All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.

-Justina Dominguez, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before reinstated by state

-Robert E Bush, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Refuse to submit to test, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Resist arrest, Obstruct a peace officer

-Dylan R Osborn, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Reckless driving, Disturbing the peace

-Daniel R War Bonnett Jr., Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before being reinstated

-Zane Picket Pin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace

-Thodore Adolph, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI

-William J Salles, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Obstruct a peace officer, Infraction, Possess/consume open alcohol&nbsp; container, Possess marijuana 1 oz or less, Possess or use drug paraphernalia&nbsp;

-Jami No Leaf, Class 1A Felony, Kidnapping, Class 4 Felony, Violate custody order

-Diego Santoyo-Noriega,&nbsp;DUI, DUI-Causing serious bodily injury to&nbsp;another

-Cory Croyle,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Criminal impersonation,&nbsp;No drug tax stamp, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;marijuana &lt; 1oz.

-Jasmine Espinoza,&nbsp;DUI, Procuring alcohol for minor

-Kaylonie Goff,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Criminal impersonation,&nbsp;No drug tax stamp, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;marijuana &lt; 1oz.,&nbsp;Poss w/ intent deliver cont sub.

-Schuyler Lammers,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Criminal impersonation,&nbsp;No drug tax stamp, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;marijuana &lt; 1oz.,&nbsp;Poss w/ intent deliver cont sub.

-Matthew Stewart,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss marijuan &lt; 1oz,&nbsp;vehicle theft, Poss stolen property, Poss&nbsp;drug para

-Leonard Nava,&nbsp;Trespassing, Poss marijuana 1 oz.

-Ralph Mandan,&nbsp;Poss stolen propery- Vehicle

-Krystal Ramos,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Poss drug para

-Kaylonie Goff,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Poss w/intent, No drug&nbsp;tax stamp, Criminal Impersonation, Poss&nbsp;drug para, Poss marijuana &lt; 1oz.

-Antonio Maldonado,&nbsp;Strangulation, Assault Domestic w/&nbsp;pregnant woman, Poss marijuana &lt; 1oz., Poss drug para

-Juan Contreras,&nbsp;Disturbing the peace, False reporting,&nbsp;Theft

-Christopher Torres,&nbsp;1st degree trespassing

-Tiffany Sprey,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2m No drug tax stamp,&nbsp;Conspiracy to distribute an exceptionally dangerous drug

-Samantha Zitterkopf,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;marijuana &lt; 1oz

-Tashina Draper, Possession of controlled substance&nbsp;

-Joplin Marker,&nbsp;False information, MIP, Obstructing

-Natalee Quintana,&nbsp;MIP, Resisting arrest

-Antonio Saucedo,&nbsp;Poss cont sub &gt;28g., Poss cont sub WITH Conspiracy to distribute an exceptionally dangerous drug,&nbsp;

-Louis Rodriguez,&nbsp;Criminal Impersonation, DUS, Ficticious plates

-Henry Rosalez,&nbsp;DUI, Open container,Hit and run,  No&nbsp;operator's  license, Violate ignition&nbsp;Interlock

-Donovyn Marshal,&nbsp;Sexual Assault 1st degree

-Lindsay High Hawk, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Fail to appear or comply with citation

-Duane Blindman, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Fail to appear or comply with citation

-Diana Briscoe, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Unlawful entry without park permit

-Dianne Raymond, Class 5, Unlawful entry without park permit

-Shane Skott, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Number not legible/fail to produce cert.

-Conrad Randall, Class 3A Felony, Domestic assault 2nd degree, Assault by strangulation or suffocation, Class 1C Felony, Use firearm to commit a felony, Class 2 Felony, Use deadly weapon to commit a felony&nbsp;

*All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.Box Butte County:&nbsp;-Justina Dominguez, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before reinstated by state-Robert E Bush, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Refuse to submit to test, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Resist arrest, Obstruct a peace officer-Dylan R Osborn, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Reckless driving, Disturbing the peace-Daniel R War Bonnett Jr., Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before being reinstated-Zane Picket Pin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Thodore Adolph, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI-William J Salles, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Obstruct a peace officer, Infraction, Possess/consume open alcohol&nbsp; container, Possess marijuana 1 oz or less, Possess or use drug paraphernalia&nbsp;-Jami No Leaf, Class 1A Felony, Kidnapping, Class 4 Felony, Violate custody orderScotts Bluff Co:-Diego Santoyo-Noriega,&nbsp;DUI, DUI-Causing serious bodily injury to&nbsp;another-Cory Croyle,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Criminal impersonation,&nbsp;No drug tax stamp, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;marijuana &lt; 1oz.-Christopher Torres,&nbsp;Open Container-Azia Saldana,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2.-Karissa Brown,&nbsp;Child Abuse-Jasmine Espinoza,&nbsp;DUI, Procuring alcohol for minor-Kaylonie Goff,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Criminal impersonation,&nbsp;No drug tax stamp, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;marijuana &lt; 1oz.,&nbsp;Poss w/ intent deliver cont sub.-Schuyler Lammers,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Criminal impersonation,&nbsp;No drug tax stamp, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;marijuana &lt; 1oz.,&nbsp;Poss w/ intent deliver cont sub.-Matthew Stewart,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss marijuan &lt; 1oz,&nbsp;vehicle theft, Poss stolen property, Poss&nbsp;drug para-Leonard Nava,&nbsp;Trespassing, Poss marijuana 1 oz.-Ralph Mandan,&nbsp;Poss stolen propery- Vehicle-Lucero Little Bear, Child abuse-Krystal Ramos,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Poss drug para-Kaylonie Goff,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Poss w/intent, No drug&nbsp;tax stamp, Criminal Impersonation, Poss&nbsp;drug para, Poss marijuana &lt; 1oz.-Antonio Maldonado,&nbsp;Strangulation, Assault Domestic w/&nbsp;pregnant woman, Poss marijuana &lt; 1oz., Poss drug para-Juan Contreras,&nbsp;Disturbing the peace, False reporting,&nbsp;Theft-Christopher Torres,&nbsp;1st degree trespassing-Tonya Janis,&nbsp;Domestic Assault-Tiffany Sprey,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2m No drug tax stamp,&nbsp;Conspiracy to distribute an exceptionally dangerous drug-Samantha Zitterkopf,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;marijuana &lt; 1oz-Randi Marshal, Simple assault-Tashina Draper, Possession of controlled substance&nbsp;-Joplin Marker,&nbsp;False information, MIP, Obstructing-Natalee Quintana,&nbsp;MIP, Resisting arrest-Bianca Peterson,&nbsp;MIP, Obstructing-Antonio Saucedo,&nbsp;Poss cont sub &gt;28g., Poss cont sub WITH Conspiracy to distribute an exceptionally dangerous drug,&nbsp;-Louis Rodriguez,&nbsp;Criminal Impersonation, DUS, Ficticious plates-Darius Medina,&nbsp;Criminal Trespass-Henry Rosalez,&nbsp;DUI, Open container,Hit and run, No&nbsp;operator's license, Violate ignition&nbsp;Interlock-Donovyn Marshal,&nbsp;Sexual Assault 1st degreeDawes Co:&nbsp;-Lindsay High Hawk, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Fail to appear or comply with citation-Duane Blindman, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Fail to appear or comply with citation-Diana Briscoe, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Unlawful entry without park permit-Dianne Raymond, Class 5, Unlawful entry without park permit-Shane Skott, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Number not legible/fail to produce cert.-Conrad Randall, Class 3A Felony, Domestic assault 2nd degree, Assault by strangulation or suffocation, Class 1C Felony, Use firearm to commit a felony, Class 2 Felony, Use deadly weapon to commit a felony&nbsp;

Panhandle police activity, June 30 - July 7

By Western&nbsp; Nebraska Community College

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;The Western Community College Area Board of Governors has declared a vacancy in Districts 1 and 3 due to the resignations of Kimberly A. Marcy and Richard G. Stickney, effective August 1. The Board is seeking individuals who are interested in filling the vacant positions.

Persons residing in Western Community College Area Electoral District 1 who are interested in being considered for an appointment to fill the remainder of Ms. Marcy’s term on the Board (through December 2024) should send a letter and a resume by July 31, 2023 to the WCCA Board of Governors, c/o Susan Verbeck, Board Secretary,&nbsp;1601 East 27th Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.

District 1 contains the following precincts: Cherry County: Merriman, Russell, King, Mother Lake, Cody, Barley, Gillaspie, Lackey, portion of Wells; Dawes County: all precincts; Grant County: all precincts; Sheridan County: all precincts; Sioux County: all precincts.

Persons residing in Western Community College Area Electoral District 3 who are interested in being considered for an appointment to fill the remainder of Mr. Stickney’s term on the Board (through December 2024) should also send a letter and a resume by July 31, 2023 to the WCCA Board of Governors, c/o Susan Verbeck, Board Secretary,&nbsp;1601 East 27th Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.

District 3 contains the following precincts: Box Butte County: all precincts; Morrill County: East Bayard, East Camp Clark, Gilchrist, Haynes, North Camp Clark, Redington, West Bayard, West Camp Clark precincts; Scotts Bluff County: Dewey Tabor, Minatare I &amp; II, Highland precincts.

By Western&nbsp; Nebraska Community CollegeSCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;The Western Community College Area Board of Governors has declared a vacancy in Districts 1 and 3 due to the resignations of Kimberly A. Marcy and Richard G. Stickney, effective August 1. The Board is seeking individuals who are interested in filling the vacant positions.Persons residing in Western Community College Area Electoral District 1 who are interested in being considered for an appointment to fill the remainder of Ms. Marcy’s term on the Board (through December 2024) should send a letter and a resume by July 31, 2023 to the WCCA Board of Governors, c/o Susan Verbeck, Board Secretary,&nbsp;1601 East 27th Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.District 1 contains the following precincts: Cherry County: Merriman, Russell, King, Mother Lake, Cody, Barley, Gillaspie, Lackey, portion of Wells; Dawes County: all precincts; Grant County: all precincts; Sheridan County: all precincts; Sioux County: all precincts.Persons residing in Western Community College Area Electoral District 3 who are interested in being considered for an appointment to fill the remainder of Mr. Stickney’s term on the Board (through December 2024) should also send a letter and a resume by July 31, 2023 to the WCCA Board of Governors, c/o Susan Verbeck, Board Secretary,&nbsp;1601 East 27th Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.District 3 contains the following precincts: Box Butte County: all precincts; Morrill County: East Bayard, East Camp Clark, Gilchrist, Haynes, North Camp Clark, Redington, West Bayard, West Camp Clark precincts; Scotts Bluff County: Dewey Tabor, Minatare I &amp; II, Highland precincts.

WCCA Board of Governors to fill 2 vacancies

-There are two notices for today. Thursday July 20:

There will be no open swim&nbsp; on Thursday, due to forecasted cool weather conditions.

Today Is the last day to register online for the AHS Band Fun RUN to the Peach Bowl, in person registration will occur 6am Sat. morning with the race starting at 7am.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post-There are two notices for today. Thursday July 20:There will be no open swim&nbsp; on Thursday, due to forecasted cool weather conditions.Today Is the last day to register online for the AHS Band Fun RUN to the Peach Bowl, in person registration will occur 6am Sat. morning with the race starting at 7am.

Two announcements of Alliance Pool and Saturday Fun Run

Alliance Fire Department recently received a donation of canned emergency drinking water from&nbsp;leading brewer Anheuser-Busch to help keep its responders hydrated as they battle wildfires this&nbsp;season. On July 19, 2023 one pallet of water was dropped off by local Anheuser-Busch wholesaler&nbsp;partner, High Plains Beverages of Scottsbluff Nebraska. The water will help maintain firefighters’&nbsp;hydration during long incidents or disasters such as wildfires, which is a major safety concern for&nbsp;many departments.&nbsp;

“Firefighters lose a tremendous amount of fluid during high-intensity response such as battling&nbsp;wildfires. Proper hydration is critical to ensure the safety of our firefighters and keep them&nbsp;performing at their best,” said Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker. “Thanks to this water donation from&nbsp; Anheuser-Busch and the National Volunteer Fire Council, we now have the resources to keep our&nbsp;firefighters hydrated and ready to respond.”&nbsp;

The water was donated by Anheuser-Busch through a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire&nbsp;Council (NVFC). Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding tradition of pausing beer production each year&nbsp;

to provide emergency drinking water and supplies for disaster relief efforts. The production pause&nbsp;enables the company to apply its production and logistics expertise to can clean, safe drinking&nbsp;water that is ready to distribute when disaster strikes. Since 1988, the brewer has donated more&nbsp;than 90 million cans of emergency drinking water to communities impacted by natural disasters&nbsp;and other crises.&nbsp;

Building on this commitment, the brewer teamed up with the NVFC – the leading nonprofit&nbsp;membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and&nbsp;rescue services – in 2019 to provide emergency drinking water to help firefighters stay hydrated&nbsp;and healthy when responding to wildfires and large incidents. To date, the program has donated&nbsp;nearly 6.5 million cans of water to more than 1,400 volunteer fire departments across nearly all 50&nbsp;states.&nbsp;

By Alliance Fire DepartmentAlliance Fire Department recently received a donation of canned emergency drinking water from&nbsp;leading brewer Anheuser-Busch to help keep its responders hydrated as they battle wildfires this&nbsp;season. On July 19, 2023 one pallet of water was dropped off by local Anheuser-Busch wholesaler&nbsp;partner, High Plains Beverages of Scottsbluff Nebraska. The water will help maintain firefighters’&nbsp;hydration during long incidents or disasters such as wildfires, which is a major safety concern for&nbsp;many departments.&nbsp;“Firefighters lose a tremendous amount of fluid during high-intensity response such as battling&nbsp;wildfires. Proper hydration is critical to ensure the safety of our firefighters and keep them&nbsp;performing at their best,” said Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker. “Thanks to this water donation from&nbsp; Anheuser-Busch and the National Volunteer Fire Council, we now have the resources to keep our&nbsp;firefighters hydrated and ready to respond.”&nbsp;The water was donated by Anheuser-Busch through a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire&nbsp;Council (NVFC). Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding tradition of pausing beer production each year&nbsp;to provide emergency drinking water and supplies for disaster relief efforts. The production pause&nbsp;enables the company to apply its production and logistics expertise to can clean, safe drinking&nbsp;water that is ready to distribute when disaster strikes. Since 1988, the brewer has donated more&nbsp;than 90 million cans of emergency drinking water to communities impacted by natural disasters&nbsp;and other crises.&nbsp;Building on this commitment, the brewer teamed up with the NVFC – the leading nonprofit&nbsp;membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and&nbsp;rescue services – in 2019 to provide emergency drinking water to help firefighters stay hydrated&nbsp;and healthy when responding to wildfires and large incidents. To date, the program has donated&nbsp;nearly 6.5 million cans of water to more than 1,400 volunteer fire departments across nearly all 50&nbsp;states.&nbsp;

Alliance Fire Department Receives Drinking Water from Anheuser-Busch 

The Grand Marshall’s were crowned and recognized on the first day of Heritage Days in Alliance on Wednesday evening. Edison  and Courtney Rednest were named the Grand Marshall’s for the 2023 Heritage days. Here is Courtney’s reaction after receiving the honor. "It's very exciting and unexpected and we're extremely grateful," Courtney said.

Edison says he is humbled by the recognition and says Heritage Days is a  great event for the community. "This event&nbsp; brings a lot of different people from a lot of different places on one platform and everyone gets to see each other," Edison said.

Cassandra Barth works at the FNBO branch in Aliiance and explains why the Rednests are deserving of the honor. "They're extremely worthy, they're extremely involved in the community and bringing back the drive-in theatre and getting that going again in Alliance," Barth said.

The Rednest’s involvement in the community ranges to other school and youth sports activities that range from Lacrosse, baseball and more while also promoting local businesses in town and much more.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Grand Marshall’s were crowned and recognized on the first day of Heritage Days in Alliance on Wednesday evening. Edison and Courtney Rednest were named the Grand Marshall’s for the 2023 Heritage days. Here is Courtney’s reaction after receiving the honor. "It's very exciting and unexpected and we're extremely grateful," Courtney said.Edison says he is humbled by the recognition and says Heritage Days is a great event for the community. "This event&nbsp; brings a lot of different people from a lot of different places on one platform and everyone gets to see each other," Edison said.Cassandra Barth works at the FNBO branch in Aliiance and explains why the Rednests are deserving of the honor. "They're extremely worthy, they're extremely involved in the community and bringing back the drive-in theatre and getting that going again in Alliance," Barth said.The Rednest’s involvement in the community ranges to other school and youth sports activities that range from Lacrosse, baseball and more while also promoting local businesses in town and much more.&nbsp;

Edison and Courtney Rednest named Heritage Days Grand Marshall's

Heritage Days in Alliance (Wed. July 19 – Sunday July 23)&nbsp;

Wed. July 19 – Crowning of Grand Marshal will be held at the Box Butte County Courthouse sidewalk at 6pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

-7th&nbsp;Street Dancers will perform at 6:30pm following Crowning of Grand Marshal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

-Food Vendors open in 300 Block of Box Butte Avenue 11am – 9pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

*Heritage Days Buttons can be bought at Alliance Chamber office. Buy one to win daily prizes. Prizes drawn during KCOW AM 1400 and 92.5FM Open Mic Show at 10am throughout the week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday July 20 – Food Vendors in 300 Block of Box Butte Avenue 11am – 10pm&nbsp; -Cattle Capital Rodeo Youth Play Day at 6:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp; -Frazier Shows Carnival&nbsp;

*Hunt for the Item. Clues will be announced July 17 – July 21st. Find the item and win $300 in Chamber Bucks with a button purchased or $50 without a button.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday July 21- Prairie Dog Open Disc Golf Tournament at Laing Lake in Alliance&nbsp; -Kids Games at Alliance High School Practice Field at 9am at 14th&nbsp;and Box Butte Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Food Vendors in 300 Block of Box Butte Ave. 11am – 10pm&nbsp; -Bands on the Bricks in 200 Block of Box Butte Avenue from 6pm – 1am with Kalin Krohe Reference, Shon Townsend Band, The Victory Underground,&nbsp;Aint&nbsp;From Here&nbsp;

Saturday July 22 – Alliance High School Band Road Run 5K/10K and 2 mile walk. 6:45am is&nbsp;Registeration&nbsp;with 7:30am start time.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Heritage Days Parade at 10am from Black Hills Avenue, East of 3rd&nbsp;Street to Safeway. Watch the Parade LIVE stream on panhandlepost.com the morning of parade.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Dave Kimmel Memorial Disc Golf Tournament at 10am at Laing Lake at Rolling Prairie Disc Golf Course. PDGA membership is required to play. 80 disc golfers are entered to play from Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, California, Utah,&nbsp;Colordo&nbsp;and more. Visit discgolfscene.com for more info.&nbsp; -Food Vendors in 300 Block of Box Butte Avenue 11am – 10pm.&nbsp; -BBQ lunch at Masonic Lodge #183 after the Parade until 1pm.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Alliance High School Activities Golf Scramble at 1pm.&nbsp; -Bands on the Bricks in 200 Block of Box Butte Ave from 6pm – 1am with Corey Pearman, Loop Story, Float Like A Buffalo and Tanner Johns Band.&nbsp;&nbsp;

-Free swim day at Big Blue Bay from 1pm-5pm&nbsp;&nbsp; -Frazier Shows Carnival&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunday July 23- Double L Arena Team Roping at 1pm located 1 mile north of world famous&nbsp;Carhenge.&nbsp;&nbsp;

-12th&nbsp;Annual John&nbsp;Whitecrane&nbsp;3 on 3 Basketball Tournament 1pm.&nbsp;&nbsp; -3 person golf scramble 9 holes at 3pm.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Panhandle&nbsp;Sundubs&nbsp;Disc Golf league at Laing Lake Rolling Prairie Disc Golf course. Late morning or early afternoon start time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689617709082.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Heritage Days in Alliance (Wed. July 19 – Sunday July 23)&nbsp;Wed. July 19 – Crowning of Grand Marshal will be held at the Box Butte County Courthouse sidewalk at 6pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;-7th&nbsp;Street Dancers will perform at 6:30pm following Crowning of Grand Marshal.&nbsp;&nbsp;-Food Vendors open in 300 Block of Box Butte Avenue 11am – 9pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;-Frazier Shows Carnival&nbsp;&nbsp;*Heritage Days Buttons can be bought at Alliance Chamber office. Buy one to win daily prizes. Prizes drawn during KCOW AM 1400 and 92.5FM Open Mic Show at 10am throughout the week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thursday July 20 – Food Vendors in 300 Block of Box Butte Avenue 11am – 10pm&nbsp; -Cattle Capital Rodeo Youth Play Day at 6:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp; -Frazier Shows Carnival&nbsp;*Hunt for the Item. Clues will be announced July 17 – July 21st. Find the item and win $300 in Chamber Bucks with a button purchased or $50 without a button.&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday July 21- Prairie Dog Open Disc Golf Tournament at Laing Lake in Alliance&nbsp; -Kids Games at Alliance High School Practice Field at 9am at 14th&nbsp;and Box Butte Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Food Vendors in 300 Block of Box Butte Ave. 11am – 10pm&nbsp; -Bands on the Bricks in 200 Block of Box Butte Avenue from 6pm – 1am with Kalin Krohe Reference, Shon Townsend Band, The Victory Underground,&nbsp;Aint&nbsp;From Here&nbsp;Saturday July 22 – Alliance High School Band Road Run 5K/10K and 2 mile walk. 6:45am is&nbsp;Registeration&nbsp;with 7:30am start time.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Heritage Days Parade at 10am from Black Hills Avenue, East of 3rd&nbsp;Street to Safeway. Watch the Parade LIVE stream on panhandlepost.com the morning of parade.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Dave Kimmel Memorial Disc Golf Tournament at 10am at Laing Lake at Rolling Prairie Disc Golf Course. PDGA membership is required to play. 80 disc golfers are entered to play from Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, California, Utah,&nbsp;Colordo&nbsp;and more. Visit discgolfscene.com for more info.&nbsp; -Food Vendors in 300 Block of Box Butte Avenue 11am – 10pm.&nbsp; -BBQ lunch at Masonic Lodge #183 after the Parade until 1pm.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Alliance High School Activities Golf Scramble at 1pm.&nbsp; -Bands on the Bricks in 200 Block of Box Butte Ave from 6pm – 1am with Corey Pearman, Loop Story, Float Like A Buffalo and Tanner Johns Band.&nbsp;&nbsp;-Free swim day at Big Blue Bay from 1pm-5pm&nbsp;&nbsp; -Frazier Shows Carnival&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunday July 23- Double L Arena Team Roping at 1pm located 1 mile north of world famous&nbsp;Carhenge.&nbsp;&nbsp;-12th&nbsp;Annual John&nbsp;Whitecrane&nbsp;3 on 3 Basketball Tournament 1pm.&nbsp;&nbsp; -3 person golf scramble 9 holes at 3pm.&nbsp;&nbsp; -Panhandle&nbsp;Sundubs&nbsp;Disc Golf league at Laing Lake Rolling Prairie Disc Golf course. Late morning or early afternoon start time.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
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Alliance 'Heritage Days' events, schedules 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A former Nebraska State Patrol evidence technician who stole $1.2 million worth of drugs from evidence storage areas — drugs later tied to a series of overdoses — was sentenced Wednesday to nearly 22 years in prison.

Anna Idigima, 38, pleaded guilty to one drug conspiracy count in federal court in February. Idigima and her boyfriend, George Weaver Jr., conspired to steal cocaine, some of it laced with fentanyl, and sell it, the&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-regional/crime-courts/ex-nebraska-state-patrol-employee-gets-prison-time/article_ee83c430-2641-11ee-953c-bb1ab706894b.html">Lincoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reported. Weaver is awaiting sentencing in October.

Idigima apologized during her sentencing hearing. Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard said the ramifications were huge: The drugs were connected to a series of overdoses, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-nebraska-lincoln-70a78a65c3e2ba26ef431f7fde78ad92">nearly 100 criminal cases</a>&nbsp;had to be dismissed because of the lost evidence.

“And for what? A guy? A little bit of cash on the side?" Gerrard asked. “There just isn’t any reason that can explain this.”

Puzzled by an unprecedented spate of overdoses in 2021, narcotics investigators in the Lincoln area uncovered the plot. They audited storage areas where Idigima had access and found 154 pounds (70 kilograms) of marijuana, 19 pounds (9 kilograms) of cocaine and 6 pounds (3 kilograms) of fentanyl missing.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A former Nebraska State Patrol evidence technician who stole $1.2 million worth of drugs from evidence storage areas — drugs later tied to a series of overdoses — was sentenced Wednesday to nearly 22 years in prison.Anna Idigima, 38, pleaded guilty to one drug conspiracy count in federal court in February. Idigima and her boyfriend, George Weaver Jr., conspired to steal cocaine, some of it laced with fentanyl, and sell it, the&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-regional/crime-courts/ex-nebraska-state-patrol-employee-gets-prison-time/article_ee83c430-2641-11ee-953c-bb1ab706894b.html">Lincoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reported. Weaver is awaiting sentencing in October.Idigima apologized during her sentencing hearing. Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard said the ramifications were huge: The drugs were connected to a series of overdoses, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-nebraska-lincoln-70a78a65c3e2ba26ef431f7fde78ad92">nearly 100 criminal cases</a>&nbsp;had to be dismissed because of the lost evidence.“And for what? A guy? A little bit of cash on the side?" Gerrard asked. “There just isn’t any reason that can explain this.”Puzzled by an unprecedented spate of overdoses in 2021, narcotics investigators in the Lincoln area uncovered the plot. They audited storage areas where Idigima had access and found 154 pounds (70 kilograms) of marijuana, 19 pounds (9 kilograms) of cocaine and 6 pounds (3 kilograms) of fentanyl missing.

Former NSP worker who stole drugs from evidence gets nearly 22 years

All power should have been restored. Thank you for your patience during this time.

The City of Alliance is experiencing a power outage that is affecting most of the city and parts of the county. 

The Electric Department is currently working on a solution.

 An alert will be sent out when power is restored.&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle Post&nbsp;Update 2:36am&nbsp;All power should have been restored. Thank you for your patience during this time.------------The City of Alliance is experiencing a power outage that is affecting most of the city and parts of the county. The Electric Department is currently working on a solution. An alert will be sent out when power is restored.&nbsp;

UPDATE: Alliance, Box Butte Co. experiencing power outage 

This is the Post Podcast, I'm Alex Benzegala. Today we spoke with Tournament Director Robbie Cerv about the annual Dave Kimmel Memorial Disc Golf Tournament in Alliance.&nbsp;

To register for the tournament click <a href="https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/The_Dave_Kimmel_Memorial_Disc_Golf_Tournament_2023">HERE</a>.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Cerv talks Dave Kimmel Memorial Disc Golf Tourney" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yyubb-14561fb-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" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>This is the Post Podcast, I'm Alex Benzegala. Today we spoke with Tournament Director Robbie Cerv about the annual Dave Kimmel Memorial Disc Golf Tournament in Alliance.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689274045370.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To register for the tournament click <a href="https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/The_Dave_Kimmel_Memorial_Disc_Golf_Tournament_2023">HERE</a>.

Post Podcast: Cerv talks Dave Kimmel Memorial Disc Golf Tournament

The City of Alliance held a City Council meeting on Tuesday evening July 18th. Alliance City Manager Seth Sorensen talked to&nbsp; the Panhandle Post about the 3rd readings that were on the agenda on Tuesday and explained what the Comprehensive Plan  is.&nbsp;

The Comprehensive Plan is meant to be forecast or blueprint for the next 20 years," Sorensen said. He said that means that the City has to updated their ordinances and codes and that the ordinances on the agenda on Tuesday night passed on the third readings.

Sorensen also explains the ETJ amendment or extra territorial Jurisdiction, and&nbsp; what it what that is. "The ETJ is the area outside of the city limits that we have enforcement over building codes." Sorensen said. 

He says that the City brought in the codes towards the Alliance since the the town is not growing fast at the moment.

The Alliance City Council meets every other Tuesday at Alliance Learning Center at 7 PM.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe City of Alliance held a City Council meeting on Tuesday evening July 18th. Alliance City Manager Seth Sorensen talked to&nbsp; the Panhandle Post about the 3rd readings that were on the agenda on Tuesday and explained what the Comprehensive Plan is.&nbsp;The Comprehensive Plan is meant to be forecast or blueprint for the next 20 years," Sorensen said. He said that means that the City has to updated their ordinances and codes and that the ordinances on the agenda on Tuesday night passed on the third readings.Sorensen also explains the ETJ amendment or extra territorial Jurisdiction, and&nbsp; what it what that is. "The ETJ is the area outside of the city limits that we have enforcement over building codes." Sorensen said. He says that the City brought in the codes towards the Alliance since the the town is not growing fast at the moment.The Alliance City Council meets every other Tuesday at Alliance Learning Center at 7 PM.

 Alliance City Council approves final readings of ordinances

By Patricia Jones Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

One of the realities of living in poverty is that you rarely get things that are new. You rent an old house or apartment and drive a used car. You pick up smaller items at yard sales. And all your clothing comes from thrift stores.

On Wednesday evening, July 12, United Way of Western Nebraska distributed new clothing to 57 families, 145 individuals, at the Masonic Center in Alliance. Each person was able to choose&nbsp; shoes, socks, two bras, and four other clothing items - like shirts or shorts. All were brand new items donated by Wal-Mart.

This spring Karen Benzel, director of United Way of Western Nebraska, received a phone call from the manager of the Scottsbluff Wal-Mart store saying that they had received an extra shipment of summer clothing. Rather than haul everything directly to the landfill, he wondered whether United Way would be able to distribute these to people who otherwise would not be able to afford to buy new clothes. The clothes are not damaged seconds, not leftovers from the previous year. The additional shipment was a fluke caused by numbers being skewed from the COVID epidemic. 

United Way volunteers inventoried and stored the clothes and worked out plans to distribute them in the Panhandle. The Alliance event was the first, and will be followed by similar distributions in Sidney and Scottsbluff.&nbsp; Community Table hosted a food distribution at the same time and location as the clothing distribution. Community Table volunteers serve a free hot meal from 11:30-12:30 Monday&nbsp; through Thursday at the Masonic Center.&nbsp; Occasionally they have an excess of food donations, and they will hold an evening food pantry for those whose schedules will not let them utilize the NCAP Extra Helpings food pantry at 3rd and Flack.

Why would Community Table have extra food to distribute? Safeway has been donating food that it near its expiration date, so every day there are things like bread and produce to give away. Safeway sometimes receives items on their trucks that they don't normally stock so there is no room on their shelves. And sometimes orders get mixed up and the store receives double shipments of some things. 

Keep Alliance Beautiful picks these items up and delivers them to&nbsp; Community Table and the Alliance Senior Center so they don't end up in the landfill. Items that are not immediately perishable, like meal kits, chips, cookies, or canned goods, are saved for the evening food pantry. 

Community Table also serves as the distribution point for Community Cares food boxes. These boxes, coordinated by United Way, contain fresh produce and are handed out the first Tuesday of each month. The first Tuesday was the Fourth of July, so the shipment was delayed a week. That meant that, in addition to the bread, dairy, and salad items, people were able to choose other kinds of produce: potatoes, apples, cucumbers, onions. A local farmer donated dozens of eggs. How did people find out about the event? Flyers were put up, United Way's social media posted the information, and Benzel talked about the distributions on area radio stations.

If you know of someone who is struggling financially, please encourage them to visit Community Table for a noon meal. And have them call United Way or Northwest Community Action Partnership to apply for additional assistance.

By Patricia Jones Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity One of the realities of living in poverty is that you rarely get things that are new. You rent an old house or apartment and drive a used car. You pick up smaller items at yard sales. And all your clothing comes from thrift stores.On Wednesday evening, July 12, United Way of Western Nebraska distributed new clothing to 57 families, 145 individuals, at the Masonic Center in Alliance. Each person was able to choose&nbsp; shoes, socks, two bras, and four other clothing items - like shirts or shorts. All were brand new items donated by Wal-Mart.This spring Karen Benzel, director of United Way of Western Nebraska, received a phone call from the manager of the Scottsbluff Wal-Mart store saying that they had received an extra shipment of summer clothing. Rather than haul everything directly to the landfill, he wondered whether United Way would be able to distribute these to people who otherwise would not be able to afford to buy new clothes. The clothes are not damaged seconds, not leftovers from the previous year. The additional shipment was a fluke caused by numbers being skewed from the COVID epidemic. United Way volunteers inventoried and stored the clothes and worked out plans to distribute them in the Panhandle. The Alliance event was the first, and will be followed by similar distributions in Sidney and Scottsbluff.&nbsp; Community Table hosted a food distribution at the same time and location as the clothing distribution. Community Table volunteers serve a free hot meal from 11:30-12:30 Monday&nbsp; through Thursday at the Masonic Center.&nbsp; Occasionally they have an excess of food donations, and they will hold an evening food pantry for those whose schedules will not let them utilize the NCAP Extra Helpings food pantry at 3rd and Flack.Why would Community Table have extra food to distribute? Safeway has been donating food that it near its expiration date, so every day there are things like bread and produce to give away. Safeway sometimes receives items on their trucks that they don't normally stock so there is no room on their shelves. And sometimes orders get mixed up and the store receives double shipments of some things. Keep Alliance Beautiful picks these items up and delivers them to&nbsp; Community Table and the Alliance Senior Center so they don't end up in the landfill. Items that are not immediately perishable, like meal kits, chips, cookies, or canned goods, are saved for the evening food pantry. Community Table also serves as the distribution point for Community Cares food boxes. These boxes, coordinated by United Way, contain fresh produce and are handed out the first Tuesday of each month. The first Tuesday was the Fourth of July, so the shipment was delayed a week. That meant that, in addition to the bread, dairy, and salad items, people were able to choose other kinds of produce: potatoes, apples, cucumbers, onions. A local farmer donated dozens of eggs. How did people find out about the event? Flyers were put up, United Way's social media posted the information, and Benzel talked about the distributions on area radio stations.If you know of someone who is struggling financially, please encourage them to visit Community Table for a noon meal. And have them call United Way or Northwest Community Action Partnership to apply for additional assistance.

Getting Ahead: United Way Clothing Distribution 

Alliance, NE – Due to Heritage Days, The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center will be closing at 5pm on Wednesday, July 19th , Thursday, July 20th and Friday, July 21st . 

They will also be closed on Saturday, July 22nd For more information, please contact Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

Alliance, NE – Due to Heritage Days, The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center will be closing at 5pm on Wednesday, July 19th , Thursday, July 20th and Friday, July 21st . They will also be closed on Saturday, July 22nd For more information, please contact Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

Closures to The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center

A longtime business and building in downtown Alliance is up for sale. Newberry’s Common Ground Café is currently in the historic Newberry Building that was constructed in 1914. Melanie Mann has been an owner of the building for the last 13 years and says there is a lot of history there.

"They made the Newberry Saddles and the hardware store here in town, and there is actually a long line of relatives that have owned this building," Mann said. " We are grateful for the support from the community but now it's time to transition to other endeavors."&nbsp;

Mann says that with the history there have been a lot of great events at the building as well like weddings and hosting people for the solar eclipse. Those interested in purchasing the building, can reach Heartland Real Estate in Alliance and request a showing.&nbsp;

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostA longtime business and building in downtown Alliance is up for sale. Newberry’s Common Ground Café is currently in the historic Newberry Building that was constructed in 1914. Melanie Mann has been an owner of the building for the last 13 years and says there is a lot of history there."They made the Newberry Saddles and the hardware store here in town, and there is actually a long line of relatives that have owned this building," Mann said. " We are grateful for the support from the community but now it's time to transition to other endeavors."&nbsp;Mann says that with the history there have been a lot of great events at the building as well like weddings and hosting people for the solar eclipse. Those interested in purchasing the building, can reach Heartland Real Estate in Alliance and request a showing.&nbsp;

Newberry building up for sale in Alliance 

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

Mental Health is an issue not only in the United States but in the Nebraska Panhandle and Alliance.&nbsp; Sunday was the one year anniversary of  the introduction of 988, the new Suicide Prevention Hotline.&nbsp; Alliance Police Chief Phil Lukens explains that tackling mental health in the community is a major priority and that 988 is beneficial.

"The value that it has is that we're able to provide assistance to people where they need it," Lukens said.&nbsp;

Lukens says that as a police department, they took what is called the "One Mind Pledge," through the International Association of Chief's of Police to get the whole department trained on crisis intervention.

He also says that it is vital to provide resources to community members not only who might be in crisis but as he explains, might just need someone to talk to.&nbsp; If you or someone is in distress or going through a crisis, call or text 988.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostMental Health is an issue not only in the United States but in the Nebraska Panhandle and Alliance.&nbsp; Sunday was the one year anniversary of the introduction of 988, the new Suicide Prevention Hotline.&nbsp; Alliance Police Chief Phil Lukens explains that tackling mental health in the community is a major priority and that 988 is beneficial."The value that it has is that we're able to provide assistance to people where they need it," Lukens said.&nbsp;Lukens says that as a police department, they took what is called the "One Mind Pledge," through the International Association of Chief's of Police to get the whole department trained on crisis intervention.He also says that it is vital to provide resources to community members not only who might be in crisis but as he explains, might just need someone to talk to.&nbsp; If you or someone is in distress or going through a crisis, call or text 988.

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