TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska death row inmate who strangled his cellmate after complaining he talked too much died Monday at the state prison in Tecumseh.

Officials said they have not determined how Patrick Schroeder, 45, died.

Schroeder died about four years after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/113d4a083db342eda3ea9e14f8f8b446">sentenced to death</a>&nbsp;for the strangulation death of his prison cellmate, Terry Berry. Schroeder admitted to killing Berry in 2017, saying his cellmate was too talkative.

After Berry's death, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-nebraska-scottsbluff-b1152b1b25d8c4f6371fc7dae7f37731">paid his family</a>&nbsp;$479,000 to settle a lawsuit that alleged the state was responsible for Berry's death because they put in him a cell with Schroeder, who had been convicted of murder in the 2006 killing of a 75-year-old farmer from Pawnee City.

Berry, 22, of Scottsbluff, was nearing parole after being convicted of forgery.

As is the case whenever an inmate dies in state custody, a grand jury will conduct an investigation of the death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661823451849.png" alt="Schroeder" />
 <figcaption>Schroeder</figcaption>
 </figure>TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska death row inmate who strangled his cellmate after complaining he talked too much died Monday at the state prison in Tecumseh.Officials said they have not determined how Patrick Schroeder, 45, died.Schroeder died about four years after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/113d4a083db342eda3ea9e14f8f8b446">sentenced to death</a>&nbsp;for the strangulation death of his prison cellmate, Terry Berry. Schroeder admitted to killing Berry in 2017, saying his cellmate was too talkative.After Berry's death, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-nebraska-scottsbluff-b1152b1b25d8c4f6371fc7dae7f37731">paid his family</a>&nbsp;$479,000 to settle a lawsuit that alleged the state was responsible for Berry's death because they put in him a cell with Schroeder, who had been convicted of murder in the 2006 killing of a 75-year-old farmer from Pawnee City.Berry, 22, of Scottsbluff, was nearing parole after being convicted of forgery.As is the case whenever an inmate dies in state custody, a grand jury will conduct an investigation of the death.

Nebraska death row inmate who killed talkative cellmate dies

By: Tena Cook,&nbsp;&nbsp;Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Ten new faculty members will join Chadron State College this fall. They are Dr. Janet Anthony, Dr. Jami Clifford, Dr. Nathan Favaloro, Jeremiah Downes, Jeremy Quick, Dr. Haesong Kwon, Danielle Covolo, Dr. Gabriella M. Pruitt Santos, and Matthew Bower. Finally, Dr. Bryan Dorrel will be an Associate Professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department.

In addition to the new faculty, two current Business Academy faculty earned their doctorate degrees this summer. They are Dr. Caitlin Redden and Dr. Daphne Bishop.

Additional new employees and current employees with new titles are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/media/website/content-assets/images/news/news-2022/All-Campus_handout_081622-(1).pdf" target="_blank">online</a>.

Education,&nbsp;Counseling, Psychological Sciences, and Social Work

Anthony is an Associate Professor who will teach 400-level courses in Elementary, Secondary, and Middle School Classroom Management, Human Relations and Secondary/Middle School Assessment. She will also instruct two sections of Intro to Teaching (EDUC 131).

Anthony said she was attracted to Chadron State College by the opportunity to work her dream job as a professor to pre-service teachers.

“Upon visiting Chadron, the first thing I noticed was the size of the campus. It instantly reminded me of my first two years as an undergrad student. The population was small and I made memorable relationships and long-lasting friendships. After meeting and speaking with the Education faculty, I knew I would be working amongst a group of passionate, yet friendly and relatable individuals who love the profession as much as I do,” Anthony said.

She earned a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University, a master’s in Reading and Language Arts with an endorsement for Reading Specialist, and a specialist degree in Administration Leadership from Oakland University. Anthony has a bachelor’s in Community Health Education from Western Michigan University and has conducted special research on the Impact of the Switch from Traditional to Online Learning at Mott Community College.

Clifford is a Lecturer who will remotely teach Introduction to the Exceptional Learner (SPED 230), Microteaching in Early Childhood Education/Elementary/Middle School/Secondary Special Education (SPED 317), Behavior Modification and Management (SPED 331), and Research and Design and Data Analysis (EDCI 631).

She was an adjunct last year and enjoyed working with CSC students.

“Everyone was very helpful and willing to answer any questions I had. The opportunity to work as a remote lecturer was a perfect fit for me," Clifford said.

She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming, a master’s in Special Education from Northern Arizona University, and a bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education from Minot State University.

Favaloro is an&nbsp;Assistant Professor teaching Practicum-School Counseling (COUN 602), School Counseling (COUN 635), and Advanced Human Development (COUN 637).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“My biggest attractions to CSC include the work environment and the kindness of faculty members," Favaloro said.

Favaloro earned a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision and a master’s in School Counseling from the University of Holy Cross. He earned a bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of New Orleans.

Communication,&nbsp;Music,&nbsp;Art, and&nbsp;Theatre&nbsp;

Downes is an Instructor teaching Principles of Acting (TH 134), Acting for Musical Theatre (TH 355), Voice Lessons for Musical Theatre, Stage Direction, Beginning Directing (TH 237), Acting Methods (TH255), and Acting Periods and Styles (TH434).

He was struck by how robust the Theatre and Music programs are at CSC.

“It was clear to me that there exists a great passion for the arts both in the college infrastructure and the region at large. I also truly appreciate the community feel at CSC, the potential for cross-curricular collaboration, and the impact I'm able to have on our students, on stage and off," Downes said.

He earned his bachelor’s from the University of the Arts and his Master of Music from Oklahoma City University. He completed additional acting training at Circle in the Square, in New York City. He has more than 15 years of experience as a professional equity actor and musician in New York City and Philadelphia.

Quick is an Instructor who will teach Guitar Ensemble (MUS 111), Music Pathways (MUS 141), Guitar Class (MUS 216), Recording Techniques (MUS 335), (MUS 235) Music Appreciation, and private guitar and bass lessons.

Quick said he was drawn to CSC by the opportunity to teach guitar and bass, as well as the emphasis on student-focused academic practices.

He earned a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and a bachelor’s in Liberal Arts from Montana State University.

Justice Studies, Social Sciences, and English

Kwon is an Assistant Professor who will teach Rhetoric and Writing (ENG 135) and Advanced Topics in Creative Writing (ENG 498).

He said his English colleagues impressed him as dedicated teachers and researchers.

“I find Chadron to be small, but also beautiful. I imagine CSC students to be earnest learners,” Kwon said.

He earned a doctorate at Oklahoma State University, and master’s degrees from both the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Iliff School of Theology. His bachelor’s is from Clark University.

Covolo is an Instructor teaching Multicultural Issues in Criminal Justice (CJ 336) and two sections of The Academic Life (EDUC 121).

"As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to study abroad with the CSC Justice Studies Department. I spent three weeks abroad in the United Kingdom studying Comparative Criminal Justice. Dr. Nobiling and Dr. Wada were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and creative; they made the experience unforgettable. Their class inspired me to study abroad for two years in Russia and pursue a Ph.D.,” Covolo said. “Teaching at CSC was my academic career aspiration since the college serves rural students and first-generation students."

She is pursuing a doctorate in Administration Leadership and Service from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She was a 2020 Graduate Fellowship Recipient. She earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University, and a bachelor’s from the University of Wyoming.

She completed Russian Language courses at Privet Language School in Kaliningrad, Russia, in 2013-14.

Pruitt Santos is an&nbsp;Instructor teaching Introduction to Political Science (PS 101), US Politics and Civic Engagement (PS 110), Politics and Economics (PS 210), US Politics and Government (PS 321), Global Politics (PS 332), Political Inquiry (PS 410), and Democracy: US and the World (PS 439/PS 539).

Pruitt Santos said the welcoming community and small class sizes at CSC made Chadron a clear choice for her.

“I want to contribute to my students' academic and professional development,” she said.

She earned a doctorate in Global Studies from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, a master’s in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, and a bachelor’s in Political Science from California State University, San Marcos.

Business, Mathematics, and Science

Bower is an Instructor teaching Principles of Management (MGMT 230), Project Management (BIS 430),

Statistics for Business and Economics (BA 336), and System Analysis and Design (BIS 431).

Bower said he had some great, unique experiences in the Air Force and as a business owner, and is honored to become a member of the CSC community.

He earned two masters’ degrees, one in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and another in Religion from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He also has a bachelor’s in Applied Studies from the University of Minnesota. He earned an Associate of Science in Airway Science from the Community College of the Air Force.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661806889446.jpeg" alt="csc courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>csc courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Tena Cook,&nbsp;&nbsp;Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Ten new faculty members will join Chadron State College this fall. They are Dr. Janet Anthony, Dr. Jami Clifford, Dr. Nathan Favaloro, Jeremiah Downes, Jeremy Quick, Dr. Haesong Kwon, Danielle Covolo, Dr. Gabriella M. Pruitt Santos, and Matthew Bower. Finally, Dr. Bryan Dorrel will be an Associate Professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department.In addition to the new faculty, two current Business Academy faculty earned their doctorate degrees this summer. They are Dr. Caitlin Redden and Dr. Daphne Bishop.Additional new employees and current employees with new titles are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/media/website/content-assets/images/news/news-2022/All-Campus_handout_081622-(1).pdf" target="_blank">online</a>.Education,&nbsp;Counseling, Psychological Sciences, and Social WorkAnthony is an Associate Professor who will teach 400-level courses in Elementary, Secondary, and Middle School Classroom Management, Human Relations and Secondary/Middle School Assessment. She will also instruct two sections of Intro to Teaching (EDUC 131).Anthony said she was attracted to Chadron State College by the opportunity to work her dream job as a professor to pre-service teachers.“Upon visiting Chadron, the first thing I noticed was the size of the campus. It instantly reminded me of my first two years as an undergrad student. The population was small and I made memorable relationships and long-lasting friendships. After meeting and speaking with the Education faculty, I knew I would be working amongst a group of passionate, yet friendly and relatable individuals who love the profession as much as I do,” Anthony said.She earned a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University, a master’s in Reading and Language Arts with an endorsement for Reading Specialist, and a specialist degree in Administration Leadership from Oakland University. Anthony has a bachelor’s in Community Health Education from Western Michigan University and has conducted special research on the Impact of the Switch from Traditional to Online Learning at Mott Community College.Clifford is a Lecturer who will remotely teach Introduction to the Exceptional Learner (SPED 230), Microteaching in Early Childhood Education/Elementary/Middle School/Secondary Special Education (SPED 317), Behavior Modification and Management (SPED 331), and Research and Design and Data Analysis (EDCI 631).She was an adjunct last year and enjoyed working with CSC students.“Everyone was very helpful and willing to answer any questions I had. The opportunity to work as a remote lecturer was a perfect fit for me," Clifford said.She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming, a master’s in Special Education from Northern Arizona University, and a bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education from Minot State University.Favaloro is an&nbsp;Assistant Professor teaching Practicum-School Counseling (COUN 602), School Counseling (COUN 635), and Advanced Human Development (COUN 637).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“My biggest attractions to CSC include the work environment and the kindness of faculty members," Favaloro said.Favaloro earned a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision and a master’s in School Counseling from the University of Holy Cross. He earned a bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of New Orleans.Communication,&nbsp;Music,&nbsp;Art, and&nbsp;Theatre&nbsp;Downes is an Instructor teaching Principles of Acting (TH 134), Acting for Musical Theatre (TH 355), Voice Lessons for Musical Theatre, Stage Direction, Beginning Directing (TH 237), Acting Methods (TH255), and Acting Periods and Styles (TH434).He was struck by how robust the Theatre and Music programs are at CSC.“It was clear to me that there exists a great passion for the arts both in the college infrastructure and the region at large. I also truly appreciate the community feel at CSC, the potential for cross-curricular collaboration, and the impact I'm able to have on our students, on stage and off," Downes said.He earned his bachelor’s from the University of the Arts and his Master of Music from Oklahoma City University. He completed additional acting training at Circle in the Square, in New York City. He has more than 15 years of experience as a professional equity actor and musician in New York City and Philadelphia.Quick is an Instructor who will teach Guitar Ensemble (MUS 111), Music Pathways (MUS 141), Guitar Class (MUS 216), Recording Techniques (MUS 335), (MUS 235) Music Appreciation, and private guitar and bass lessons.Quick said he was drawn to CSC by the opportunity to teach guitar and bass, as well as the emphasis on student-focused academic practices.He earned a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and a bachelor’s in Liberal Arts from Montana State University.Justice Studies, Social Sciences, and EnglishKwon is an Assistant Professor who will teach Rhetoric and Writing (ENG 135) and Advanced Topics in Creative Writing (ENG 498).He said his English colleagues impressed him as dedicated teachers and researchers.“I find Chadron to be small, but also beautiful. I imagine CSC students to be earnest learners,” Kwon said.He earned a doctorate at Oklahoma State University, and master’s degrees from both the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Iliff School of Theology. His bachelor’s is from Clark University.Covolo is an Instructor teaching Multicultural Issues in Criminal Justice (CJ 336) and two sections of The Academic Life (EDUC 121)."As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to study abroad with the CSC Justice Studies Department. I spent three weeks abroad in the United Kingdom studying Comparative Criminal Justice. Dr. Nobiling and Dr. Wada were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and creative; they made the experience unforgettable. Their class inspired me to study abroad for two years in Russia and pursue a Ph.D.,” Covolo said. “Teaching at CSC was my academic career aspiration since the college serves rural students and first-generation students."She is pursuing a doctorate in Administration Leadership and Service from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She was a 2020 Graduate Fellowship Recipient. She earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University, and a bachelor’s from the University of Wyoming.She completed Russian Language courses at Privet Language School in Kaliningrad, Russia, in 2013-14.Pruitt Santos is an&nbsp;Instructor teaching Introduction to Political Science (PS 101), US Politics and Civic Engagement (PS 110), Politics and Economics (PS 210), US Politics and Government (PS 321), Global Politics (PS 332), Political Inquiry (PS 410), and Democracy: US and the World (PS 439/PS 539).Pruitt Santos said the welcoming community and small class sizes at CSC made Chadron a clear choice for her.“I want to contribute to my students' academic and professional development,” she said.She earned a doctorate in Global Studies from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, a master’s in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, and a bachelor’s in Political Science from California State University, San Marcos.Business, Mathematics, and ScienceBower is an Instructor teaching Principles of Management (MGMT 230), Project Management (BIS 430),Statistics for Business and Economics (BA 336), and System Analysis and Design (BIS 431).Bower said he had some great, unique experiences in the Air Force and as a business owner, and is honored to become a member of the CSC community.He earned two masters’ degrees, one in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and another in Religion from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He also has a bachelor’s in Applied Studies from the University of Minnesota. He earned an Associate of Science in Airway Science from the Community College of the Air Force.

Ten join the CSC Faculty

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 8/29/22

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-After word spread around social media over the weekend about a student threatening to bring a gun to school, police and school officials have taken action.

According to a message sent to parents of North Platte Public Schools students said police and school administration was aware of the threat.

The student reportedly threatened to bring a gun to school because he was being bullied.

The statement from the school said police made contact with the student's family, and he will not be attending school today.&nbsp;

Extra police presence is expected at Adams today. Officials said this is a precautionary measure to keep students and staff safe.

For information on bullying and bullying intervention and prevention, click <a href="https://www.stopbullying.gov/">HERE</a>.

Statement from NPPSD Communications Director Tina Smith

North Platte Public Schools has been made aware of a potential threat to Adams Middle School. NPPS takes Any and All threats made to the safety of any individual or group of individuals seriously and will not tolerate any act of bullying, harm, or self-harm to go unanswered.

At this time, the active investigation involves a potential threat made by a student. The student in question is not at school, and the police are working with the student and family to garner additional details. Due to the nature of this investigation, further details are not available at this time.

Families can expect an increased presence of law enforcement officers at Adams Middle&nbsp;School until the investigation has been resolved.

At North Platte Public Schools, we aim to educate students in a safe and caring environment. We will not tolerate&nbsp;any act of violence or threat against any student or staff member. If anyone has information that needs the attention of an administrator or law enforcement, please reach out to your building administration or call the anonymous tip line at 866-286-SAFE (7233).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661776590342.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-After word spread around social media over the weekend about a student threatening to bring a gun to school, police and school officials have taken action.According to a message sent to parents of North Platte Public Schools students said police and school administration was aware of the threat.The student reportedly threatened to bring a gun to school because he was being bullied.The statement from the school said police made contact with the student's family, and he will not be attending school today.&nbsp;Extra police presence is expected at Adams today. Officials said this is a precautionary measure to keep students and staff safe.For information on bullying and bullying intervention and prevention, click <a href="https://www.stopbullying.gov/">HERE</a>.Statement from NPPSD Communications Director Tina SmithNorth Platte Public Schools has been made aware of a potential threat to Adams Middle School. NPPS takes Any and All threats made to the safety of any individual or group of individuals seriously and will not tolerate any act of bullying, harm, or self-harm to go unanswered.At this time, the active investigation involves a potential threat made by a student. The student in question is not at school, and the police are working with the student and family to garner additional details. Due to the nature of this investigation, further details are not available at this time.Families can expect an increased presence of law enforcement officers at Adams Middle&nbsp;School until the investigation has been resolved.At North Platte Public Schools, we aim to educate students in a safe and caring environment. We will not tolerate&nbsp;any act of violence or threat against any student or staff member. If anyone has information that needs the attention of an administrator or law enforcement, please reach out to your building administration or call the anonymous tip line at 866-286-SAFE (7233).

North Platte police, school officials respond to gun threat by student

By ERIC GALATAS Nebraska News Service

With the age of Nebraska's farmers and beekeepers on the rise, bee enthusiasts are encouraging more young people to check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://gpmb.unl.edu/" target="_blank">Great Plains Master Beekeeping Program</a>. The program spans across the Midwest, with sites in Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha and Scott's Bluff. Sheldon Brummel, master beekeeping project coordinator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said anyone curious should consider a visit to one of the program's open apiaries, where beehives are kept, free of charge. "They'll get you suited up, they'll answer your questions. They'll open up a beehive, they'll show you what's going on inside of there," Brummel explained. "Because if you go, and you get suited up, and you pop your head into a beehive and start looking at them, I think the bees themselves are going to get you hooked, because they're just so fascinating." Bees and other pollinators contribute to the direct production of up to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/384726/icode/" target="_blank">$577 billion</a>&nbsp;worth of food every year. Three out of four food crops depend, at least in part, on pollinators. Bee population numbers have been in decline, due to a variety of factors including the loss of habitat to humans, the use of&nbsp;<a href="https://publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-16/rural-farming/bee-losses-raise-stakes-for-action-on-pesticides/a51918-1" target="_blank">neonicotinoid insecticides</a>, and climate change. The Master Beekeeping program provides free training and mentoring for beginning and advanced beekeepers to help improve colony survival, and help beekeepers get paid for their efforts. Kirstin Bailey, senior project associate at the Center for Rural Affairs, said many of Nebraska's specialty crop farmers prefer bees to pollinate their fields because they produce significantly higher quality harvests. "They're just so great at doing their job," Bailey pointed out. "If you've ever seen a wind-pollinated strawberry versus one that's been (bee) pollinated, the one that's (bee) pollinated is usually bigger, it's more filled out. And then the wind-pollinated, they're usually smaller, and sometimes they're kind of a little bit misshapen." Brummel added even if you do not want to get into the beekeeping business, everyone has a role to play to help pollinators produce almonds, fruits, vegetables, chocolate and more. He suggested retiring your lawn mower and planting native flowering plants instead can restore critical lost habitat. "If everybody replaced about 50% of their lawn, we'd have more square miles of habitat than all of the national parks in the lower 48 combined," Brummel asserted.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661775364776.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC GALATAS Nebraska News ServiceWith the age of Nebraska's farmers and beekeepers on the rise, bee enthusiasts are encouraging more young people to check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://gpmb.unl.edu/" target="_blank">Great Plains Master Beekeeping Program</a>. The program spans across the Midwest, with sites in Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha and Scott's Bluff. Sheldon Brummel, master beekeeping project coordinator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said anyone curious should consider a visit to one of the program's open apiaries, where beehives are kept, free of charge. "They'll get you suited up, they'll answer your questions. They'll open up a beehive, they'll show you what's going on inside of there," Brummel explained. "Because if you go, and you get suited up, and you pop your head into a beehive and start looking at them, I think the bees themselves are going to get you hooked, because they're just so fascinating." Bees and other pollinators contribute to the direct production of up to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/384726/icode/" target="_blank">$577 billion</a>&nbsp;worth of food every year. Three out of four food crops depend, at least in part, on pollinators. Bee population numbers have been in decline, due to a variety of factors including the loss of habitat to humans, the use of&nbsp;<a href="https://publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-16/rural-farming/bee-losses-raise-stakes-for-action-on-pesticides/a51918-1" target="_blank">neonicotinoid insecticides</a>, and climate change. The Master Beekeeping program provides free training and mentoring for beginning and advanced beekeepers to help improve colony survival, and help beekeepers get paid for their efforts. Kirstin Bailey, senior project associate at the Center for Rural Affairs, said many of Nebraska's specialty crop farmers prefer bees to pollinate their fields because they produce significantly higher quality harvests. "They're just so great at doing their job," Bailey pointed out. "If you've ever seen a wind-pollinated strawberry versus one that's been (bee) pollinated, the one that's (bee) pollinated is usually bigger, it's more filled out. And then the wind-pollinated, they're usually smaller, and sometimes they're kind of a little bit misshapen." Brummel added even if you do not want to get into the beekeeping business, everyone has a role to play to help pollinators produce almonds, fruits, vegetables, chocolate and more. He suggested retiring your lawn mower and planting native flowering plants instead can restore critical lost habitat. "If everybody replaced about 50% of their lawn, we'd have more square miles of habitat than all of the national parks in the lower 48 combined," Brummel asserted.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Xo1j8-FG8QNUOtiO-y7cs3qJ5wifJuPjHwKQyBeNktW5kL5nByZTvr9xRbtNr8GYsXmzabsKj9nlFFRdBqnIsfQsODzpRlI7U88valHmRIz3TRlseLbIAPgqt5B6rCCvLs22eDwsMgBTRc6UvIb4zA" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Wanted: Next-generation beekeepers for Nebraska farms

VILLAGE OF TEWA, Ariz. (AP) — They skateboarded on basketball courts and in parking lots, through highway intersections and down roads that twist from the mesas that rise above the high desert.

They set up tricks with old railroad ties and lumber, sometimes using their own skateboards to move the materials in place. During a pandemic that led to lockdowns, curfews and mask mandates on the Hopi reservation, the solo nature of skateboarding was a comfort.

But the reservation that borders the northeast corner of Arizona lacked a designated skate spot. So a group of Hopi teenagers made it happen, seeing out a project they initially thought would take months and displaying the Hopi cultural value of sumi'nangwa — coming together for the greater good.

“I hope this will inspire other youth groups to try and do something like this to make the Hopi community a better place for the future generations of our people,” said Quintin “Q” Nahsonhoya, one of a handful of co-leads on the project.

The skateboarding destination opened late this spring in the Village of Tewa. It's called&nbsp;<a href="https://skate264.com/">Skate 264</a>&nbsp;for the highway that runs through the 2,500 square-mile (6,474-square-kilometer) Hopi reservation and connects the more than dozen villages. Kira Nevayaktewa came up with the logo that features a cat named “Skategod” that was part of the crew.

The youth group first wanted to ensure the community wanted a skate park, so they surveyed residents who overwhelmingly supported the idea. The group received a grant for branding, sold merchandise to raise money, secured a plot of land and got materials donated through partnerships.

Skate parks have popped up across Indian Country in recent years, many of them youth-led. Some host competitions like one on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota or the All Nations Skate Jam held during the Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to much smaller spots like those on Hopi. Native Americans also have created their own brands of skateboards that feature traditional designs with modern twists. The sport that has Indigenous roots tied to surfing has gained even more acceptance since it debuted at the 2020&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-japan-c6416e51165cc5e5e61aa5406dbef521">Olympics,</a>&nbsp;said Betsy Gordon, who curated an exhibit on skateboarding in Native communities at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

“That gives it legitimacy in a lot of adult eyes, people who are making the rules or who fund (skate parks)," she said. “This sense of skateboarding being outsider and niche and oppositional and dangerous, I think it's really disappearing.”

The creators of the Hopi skate spot — all teenagers when they started work in it in late 2020 — make it clear skateboarding is for everyone. Go at your own pace. Create your own style. No one is too good to fall, they say in an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Skate264-112641300609119/">Wipe Out Wednesday</a>&nbsp;feature.

In one of their videos, someone picks up a skateboard for the first time, learns new tricks and is celebrated even when he doesn't land them.

"For Hopi, a lot of things have to do from the heart and not willing to give up,” said Terrill Humeyestewa, one of the co-leads. “The skateboard is is kind of the same principle as that. Have a good mind, strong heart, think about what you’re doing it for and everything will work out OK.”

The co-leads, who also include Laela Nevayaktewa and Jacque Thorpe, have a mix of shy and outspoken characteristics. Each of them became comfortable talking with people outside their circle of family and friends. They got approval from the Village of Tewa for land to build the skate spot — no small feat on tribal land where development requires approval from clans, permit holders or the larger community.

The group raised money by selling beanies, stickers and shirts at roadside stands. Nahsonhoya's father, Brandon, and stepmother, Valaura, served as fiscal sponsors and created partnerships with a Phoenix-area skateboard company that donated the ramp and props, and others who donated concrete for the foundation. Other family members and the broader community helped with the manual labor, feeding the crew or providing guidance.

Some of the co-leads have graduated high school since starting the project, others are finishing up. While safety was a priority, they said they also wanted to bring joy to others through skateboarding, stay active and avoid bad influences.

“It keeps you from doing nothing with your time, and that's how I see Hopi and skateboarding coming together, filling your days and your time with something positive,” Thorpe said.

Adult mentors lent their skills for video production, photography, graphic design and organizing to keep the group on track and encourage them.

“I didn’t know about skateboarding, but what I do know is community organizing and local fundraising, and I have a lot of connections in the community, so I can figure it out with you guys," Samantha Honanie, a mentor, told the group.

“If they believed in themselves, we were going to walk them through this whole process,” said Paul Molina, another mentor.

The Village of Tewa now is overseeing the park and eventually will have security guards to patrol the area. Village leaders are hoping to add lights and a basketball court alongside the softball fields for the youth, said Deidra Honyumptewa, chair of the village's board of directors.

“It's a huge testament to us leaders, or older people, that these kids can get things done and they see a need for it,” she said.

By Associated PressVILLAGE OF TEWA, Ariz. (AP) — They skateboarded on basketball courts and in parking lots, through highway intersections and down roads that twist from the mesas that rise above the high desert.They set up tricks with old railroad ties and lumber, sometimes using their own skateboards to move the materials in place. During a pandemic that led to lockdowns, curfews and mask mandates on the Hopi reservation, the solo nature of skateboarding was a comfort.But the reservation that borders the northeast corner of Arizona lacked a designated skate spot. So a group of Hopi teenagers made it happen, seeing out a project they initially thought would take months and displaying the Hopi cultural value of sumi'nangwa — coming together for the greater good.“I hope this will inspire other youth groups to try and do something like this to make the Hopi community a better place for the future generations of our people,” said Quintin “Q” Nahsonhoya, one of a handful of co-leads on the project.The skateboarding destination opened late this spring in the Village of Tewa. It's called&nbsp;<a href="https://skate264.com/">Skate 264</a>&nbsp;for the highway that runs through the 2,500 square-mile (6,474-square-kilometer) Hopi reservation and connects the more than dozen villages. Kira Nevayaktewa came up with the logo that features a cat named “Skategod” that was part of the crew.The youth group first wanted to ensure the community wanted a skate park, so they surveyed residents who overwhelmingly supported the idea. The group received a grant for branding, sold merchandise to raise money, secured a plot of land and got materials donated through partnerships.Skate parks have popped up across Indian Country in recent years, many of them youth-led. Some host competitions like one on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota or the All Nations Skate Jam held during the Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to much smaller spots like those on Hopi. Native Americans also have created their own brands of skateboards that feature traditional designs with modern twists. The sport that has Indigenous roots tied to surfing has gained even more acceptance since it debuted at the 2020&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-japan-c6416e51165cc5e5e61aa5406dbef521">Olympics,</a>&nbsp;said Betsy Gordon, who curated an exhibit on skateboarding in Native communities at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.“That gives it legitimacy in a lot of adult eyes, people who are making the rules or who fund (skate parks)," she said. “This sense of skateboarding being outsider and niche and oppositional and dangerous, I think it's really disappearing.”The creators of the Hopi skate spot — all teenagers when they started work in it in late 2020 — make it clear skateboarding is for everyone. Go at your own pace. Create your own style. No one is too good to fall, they say in an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Skate264-112641300609119/">Wipe Out Wednesday</a>&nbsp;feature.In one of their videos, someone picks up a skateboard for the first time, learns new tricks and is celebrated even when he doesn't land them."For Hopi, a lot of things have to do from the heart and not willing to give up,” said Terrill Humeyestewa, one of the co-leads. “The skateboard is is kind of the same principle as that. Have a good mind, strong heart, think about what you’re doing it for and everything will work out OK.”The co-leads, who also include Laela Nevayaktewa and Jacque Thorpe, have a mix of shy and outspoken characteristics. Each of them became comfortable talking with people outside their circle of family and friends. They got approval from the Village of Tewa for land to build the skate spot — no small feat on tribal land where development requires approval from clans, permit holders or the larger community.The group raised money by selling beanies, stickers and shirts at roadside stands. Nahsonhoya's father, Brandon, and stepmother, Valaura, served as fiscal sponsors and created partnerships with a Phoenix-area skateboard company that donated the ramp and props, and others who donated concrete for the foundation. Other family members and the broader community helped with the manual labor, feeding the crew or providing guidance.Some of the co-leads have graduated high school since starting the project, others are finishing up. While safety was a priority, they said they also wanted to bring joy to others through skateboarding, stay active and avoid bad influences.“It keeps you from doing nothing with your time, and that's how I see Hopi and skateboarding coming together, filling your days and your time with something positive,” Thorpe said.Adult mentors lent their skills for video production, photography, graphic design and organizing to keep the group on track and encourage them.“I didn’t know about skateboarding, but what I do know is community organizing and local fundraising, and I have a lot of connections in the community, so I can figure it out with you guys," Samantha Honanie, a mentor, told the group.“If they believed in themselves, we were going to walk them through this whole process,” said Paul Molina, another mentor.The Village of Tewa now is overseeing the park and eventually will have security guards to patrol the area. Village leaders are hoping to add lights and a basketball court alongside the softball fields for the youth, said Deidra Honyumptewa, chair of the village's board of directors.“It's a huge testament to us leaders, or older people, that these kids can get things done and they see a need for it,” she said.

Hopi teens see need for skateboarding park, make it happen

Wetland water conditions across the state are poor, with most wetlands in the Rainwater Basin dry, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Hunters should be prepared to scout ahead of teal season.

Some pumping is planned ahead of the teal opener at select wetlands in Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Hamilton, Nuckolls, Thayer, York, Dixon and Platte counties.

The conditions recently were observed by biologists on the ground. View the Aug. 24 report on wetland conditions and pumping plans at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjQuNjI3MjQ5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi93YXRlcmZvd2xjaGVja2xpc3QvIn0.ebWJwuLLpjEoDVJmMrb77orOTMJZs3dz9x9vGlgMG7M/s/497221906/br/143023036228-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/waterfowlchecklist</a>. Updates will be posted there regularly throughout the duck seasons.

Waterfowl hunting in Nebraska begins with early teal season Sept. 3-11 in the High Plains Zone and Sept. 3-18 in the Low Plains Zone. See an interactive zone map at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjQuNjI3MjQ5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL21hcHMub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9XYXRlcmZvd2xab25lcy8ifQ.GUsYf0_bcRHAFvl9busytcRge-Aq-8PEsbAg2PUE9W4/s/497221906/br/143023036228-l" target="_blank">maps.outdoornebraska.gov/WaterfowlZones</a>.

In addition to providing places to hunt waterfowl, wetlands are pumped when needed to provide habitat for migrating waterfowl and other water birds, and to provide areas for people to observe wildlife.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjQuNjI3MjQ5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.ekAsWsRy3N8aGfh6zMoNG4gKz476Uyd405_zwMHmazw/s/497221906/br/143023036228-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;for more information on waterfowl hunting or to purchase permits and stamps and register for the Harvest Information Program.

By Nebraska Game and ParksWetland water conditions across the state are poor, with most wetlands in the Rainwater Basin dry, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Hunters should be prepared to scout ahead of teal season.Some pumping is planned ahead of the teal opener at select wetlands in Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Hamilton, Nuckolls, Thayer, York, Dixon and Platte counties.The conditions recently were observed by biologists on the ground. View the Aug. 24 report on wetland conditions and pumping plans at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjQuNjI3MjQ5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi93YXRlcmZvd2xjaGVja2xpc3QvIn0.ebWJwuLLpjEoDVJmMrb77orOTMJZs3dz9x9vGlgMG7M/s/497221906/br/143023036228-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/waterfowlchecklist</a>. Updates will be posted there regularly throughout the duck seasons.Waterfowl hunting in Nebraska begins with early teal season Sept. 3-11 in the High Plains Zone and Sept. 3-18 in the Low Plains Zone. See an interactive zone map at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjQuNjI3MjQ5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL21hcHMub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9XYXRlcmZvd2xab25lcy8ifQ.GUsYf0_bcRHAFvl9busytcRge-Aq-8PEsbAg2PUE9W4/s/497221906/br/143023036228-l" target="_blank">maps.outdoornebraska.gov/WaterfowlZones</a>.In addition to providing places to hunt waterfowl, wetlands are pumped when needed to provide habitat for migrating waterfowl and other water birds, and to provide areas for people to observe wildlife.Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjQuNjI3MjQ5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.ekAsWsRy3N8aGfh6zMoNG4gKz476Uyd405_zwMHmazw/s/497221906/br/143023036228-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;for more information on waterfowl hunting or to purchase permits and stamps and register for the Harvest Information Program.

Wetland water conditions poor across much of Nebraska

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-1c5fb7828aba13ad4f6467b76554c022">ethics board’s finding</a>&nbsp;that Gov. Kristi Noem may have engaged in misconduct by intervening in her daughter’s application for a real estate appraiser license isn’t likely the last word on the matter. But exactly how much more comes out on the episode may be up to the Republican governor herself.

The state's Government Accountability Board appears to be letting Noem decide whether to defend herself in a public hearing or simply accept an “appropriate action” that the board hasn’t detailed. It presents Noem with a choice: Stick to her defense that she has done nothing wrong and fight the allegations in a public hearing or let the matter quietly die while accepting the board's action.

How Noem handles the matter may not dent her prospects for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-south-dakota-primary-kristi-noem-e6cbba895550754694664ec550e2173f">reelection this year</a>&nbsp;in a race where she's heavily favored to win a second term. But it may be important down the road for a politician who has methodically positioned herself to move up in national politics, including for a potential 2024 presidential run.

So far, Noem has chosen to fight — at least in the public sphere. Her reelection campaign spokesman, Ian Fury, lashed out at the board after it moved against her Monday, calling the board's action “illegal” and portraying the complaints against her as the work of an embittered political enemy. They were filed last year by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-legislature-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-impeachments-ac0d5c18abbfbd38fed44def4ab6dc44">Jason Ravnsborg</a>, the former Republican attorney general, as he faced pressure from Noem to resign after he struck and killed a pedestrian with his car in 2020.

But neither her office nor her campaign has answered questions on whether she will fight the allegations through a contested case hearing before the board, which was created in 2017 and has never handled a case like Noem's. Such a proceeding would allow the board's three retired judges to publicly scrutinize how she took a hands-on role in a state agency while it was evaluating her daughter's application for an appraiser's license.

As first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-discrimination-kristi-noem-south-dakota-age-discrimination-7942a78d5545205dff41a696ef9fc251">reported by The Associated Press</a>, Noem held a meeting in July 2020 that included her daughter, Kassidy Peters, and key decision-makers in Peters' licensure just days after the agency had moved to deny a license. After the meeting, Peters got another opportunity to demonstrate she could meet federal standards and was ultimately awarded the license.

By accepting the board's action, Noem could avoid a public hearing over an episode that has drawn condemnation from government ethics experts, her political rivals and even some Republican lawmakers. Ravnsborg has said that it was concern from lawmakers that prompted him to send the complaint to the board.

“We'll have to wait until the governor’s office makes a decision,” said Gene Kean, a current member of the Government Accountability Board who was appointed after serving more than two decades as a state circuit court judge and chairing the state Judges Association. “That’s sort of a linchpin in this thing.”

But giving up the fight also could have political fallout for Noem, said Alex Conant, a GOP strategist who previously worked as the communications director for Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign.

“If she doesn’t have a good explanation or is unable to pivot, it could be something that follows her,” Conant said.

The board hasn't publicly said what action it may take against the governor. Its options in state law allow for a reprimand, a directive to do community service or coursework, as well as other “informal” resolutions that the governor would have to agree to. Statutes don't describe what the community service or “coursework” might be.

John Pelissero, a scholar at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said it's “unusual” for an ethics board not to publicly announce the action it takes against an accused official.

“It lacks transparency if they do not announce the level of accountability,” he said. “That has the potential to undermine the public’s confidence in the accountability board and in state government generally.”

Meanwhile, the ethics board took another action Monday that holds the potential of not just a finding of ethical misconduct, but illegality. The board asked the state's attorney general to investigate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-political-organizations-59b7a834cdcccd2491e29b767e95f54c">Noem's practice of flying on state airplanes</a>&nbsp;to gatherings hosted by political groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition and the National Rifle Association. State law bars the aircraft from being used for anything other than state business, though Noem has said she was acting as an ambassador for the state.

Noem's gubernatorial challenger,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-sioux-falls-4af20c88a1604d55513835a753cb70d7">Democratic state Rep. Jamie Smith</a>, pounced on the issue Tuesday and called for Attorney General Mark Vargo to recuse himself and appoint a special prosecutor.

Vargo played a prominent role in the conflict between Noem and Ravnsborg earlier this year by leading the impeachment prosecution against Ravnsborg in the Senate over his actions and accounting of the 2020 crash that killed a pedestrian. After senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-ravnsborg-south-dakota-impeachments-e5d62c76eedecf4c9290fecd821496aa">convicted Ravnsborg</a>&nbsp;on charges including one that alleged he misled investigators, and removed him from office, Noem — who had pressed for impeachment — named Vargo as interim attorney general.

Vargo said this week he hadn't made the decision on whether to recuse himself from the state airplanes probe, even as he issued a statement saying any investigation would remain confidential.

Pelissero, the ethics expert, agreed, saying that there was already a perception of a clear conflict of interest. And David Cleveland, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School who specializes in legal ethics, referred to rules of professional conduct that ban lawyers from cases where they have a conflict of interest or stand to gain personally.

Even some Republican lawmakers said Vargo should recuse himself.

“I personally think it’s only appropriate for him to immediately recuse himself and appoint a special counsel," said Republican Rep. Scott Odenback. “So that there’s a continued faith and trust in the process that you are held accountable no matter who you are.”

By Associated PressSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-1c5fb7828aba13ad4f6467b76554c022">ethics board’s finding</a>&nbsp;that Gov. Kristi Noem may have engaged in misconduct by intervening in her daughter’s application for a real estate appraiser license isn’t likely the last word on the matter. But exactly how much more comes out on the episode may be up to the Republican governor herself.The state's Government Accountability Board appears to be letting Noem decide whether to defend herself in a public hearing or simply accept an “appropriate action” that the board hasn’t detailed. It presents Noem with a choice: Stick to her defense that she has done nothing wrong and fight the allegations in a public hearing or let the matter quietly die while accepting the board's action.How Noem handles the matter may not dent her prospects for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-south-dakota-primary-kristi-noem-e6cbba895550754694664ec550e2173f">reelection this year</a>&nbsp;in a race where she's heavily favored to win a second term. But it may be important down the road for a politician who has methodically positioned herself to move up in national politics, including for a potential 2024 presidential run.So far, Noem has chosen to fight — at least in the public sphere. Her reelection campaign spokesman, Ian Fury, lashed out at the board after it moved against her Monday, calling the board's action “illegal” and portraying the complaints against her as the work of an embittered political enemy. They were filed last year by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-legislature-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-impeachments-ac0d5c18abbfbd38fed44def4ab6dc44">Jason Ravnsborg</a>, the former Republican attorney general, as he faced pressure from Noem to resign after he struck and killed a pedestrian with his car in 2020.But neither her office nor her campaign has answered questions on whether she will fight the allegations through a contested case hearing before the board, which was created in 2017 and has never handled a case like Noem's. Such a proceeding would allow the board's three retired judges to publicly scrutinize how she took a hands-on role in a state agency while it was evaluating her daughter's application for an appraiser's license.As first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-discrimination-kristi-noem-south-dakota-age-discrimination-7942a78d5545205dff41a696ef9fc251">reported by The Associated Press</a>, Noem held a meeting in July 2020 that included her daughter, Kassidy Peters, and key decision-makers in Peters' licensure just days after the agency had moved to deny a license. After the meeting, Peters got another opportunity to demonstrate she could meet federal standards and was ultimately awarded the license.By accepting the board's action, Noem could avoid a public hearing over an episode that has drawn condemnation from government ethics experts, her political rivals and even some Republican lawmakers. Ravnsborg has said that it was concern from lawmakers that prompted him to send the complaint to the board.“We'll have to wait until the governor’s office makes a decision,” said Gene Kean, a current member of the Government Accountability Board who was appointed after serving more than two decades as a state circuit court judge and chairing the state Judges Association. “That’s sort of a linchpin in this thing.”But giving up the fight also could have political fallout for Noem, said Alex Conant, a GOP strategist who previously worked as the communications director for Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign.“If she doesn’t have a good explanation or is unable to pivot, it could be something that follows her,” Conant said.The board hasn't publicly said what action it may take against the governor. Its options in state law allow for a reprimand, a directive to do community service or coursework, as well as other “informal” resolutions that the governor would have to agree to. Statutes don't describe what the community service or “coursework” might be.John Pelissero, a scholar at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said it's “unusual” for an ethics board not to publicly announce the action it takes against an accused official.“It lacks transparency if they do not announce the level of accountability,” he said. “That has the potential to undermine the public’s confidence in the accountability board and in state government generally.”Meanwhile, the ethics board took another action Monday that holds the potential of not just a finding of ethical misconduct, but illegality. The board asked the state's attorney general to investigate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-political-organizations-59b7a834cdcccd2491e29b767e95f54c">Noem's practice of flying on state airplanes</a>&nbsp;to gatherings hosted by political groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition and the National Rifle Association. State law bars the aircraft from being used for anything other than state business, though Noem has said she was acting as an ambassador for the state.Noem's gubernatorial challenger,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-sioux-falls-4af20c88a1604d55513835a753cb70d7">Democratic state Rep. Jamie Smith</a>, pounced on the issue Tuesday and called for Attorney General Mark Vargo to recuse himself and appoint a special prosecutor.Vargo played a prominent role in the conflict between Noem and Ravnsborg earlier this year by leading the impeachment prosecution against Ravnsborg in the Senate over his actions and accounting of the 2020 crash that killed a pedestrian. After senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-ravnsborg-south-dakota-impeachments-e5d62c76eedecf4c9290fecd821496aa">convicted Ravnsborg</a>&nbsp;on charges including one that alleged he misled investigators, and removed him from office, Noem — who had pressed for impeachment — named Vargo as interim attorney general.Vargo said this week he hadn't made the decision on whether to recuse himself from the state airplanes probe, even as he issued a statement saying any investigation would remain confidential.Pelissero, the ethics expert, agreed, saying that there was already a perception of a clear conflict of interest. And David Cleveland, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School who specializes in legal ethics, referred to rules of professional conduct that ban lawyers from cases where they have a conflict of interest or stand to gain personally.Even some Republican lawmakers said Vargo should recuse himself.“I personally think it’s only appropriate for him to immediately recuse himself and appoint a special counsel," said Republican Rep. Scott Odenback. “So that there’s a continued faith and trust in the process that you are held accountable no matter who you are.”

SD Gov. Kristi Noem weighs response to ethics complaints

The 45th anniversary of "Business After Hours" will be held in Chadron on Aug. 31 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Morford Decorating .&nbsp;

For more information contact the Chadron Chamber of Commerce at 308-432-4401

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661530167289.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 45th anniversary of "Business After Hours" will be held in Chadron on Aug. 31 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Morford Decorating .&nbsp;For more information contact the Chadron Chamber of Commerce at 308-432-4401

'Business After Hours' to be held in Chadron 

GRAND ISLAND, NEB.— Nebraska State Troopers will be busy providing safety and recruiting messages at this year’s Nebraska State Fair. The fair begins today and runs through Labor Day.

“The State Fair is an exciting time for our troopers to connect with families from across Nebraska,” said Captain Jeff Roby, Commander of Troop C, based in Grand Island. “This year’s fair is setting up to be another amazing experience and our troopers will be working hard throughout the fair to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time.”

Fair visitors can stop by the NSP booth inside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Building to see the classic 1993 Ford Mustang NSP patrol vehicle and learn more about the agency. This year’s NSP booth will again feature the opportunity for kids to receive their own plastic trooper hat, while supplies last. An addition to the booth this year is the NSP “Bank on Your Future” basketball hoop, where visitors can take a shot while wearing goggles to simulate alcohol impairment.

In addition to the NSP booth, troopers and investigators will also patrol the fairgrounds to keep patrons safe. Troopers work in a variety of ways throughout the fair, using bicycles and all-terrain vehicles. Any fair-goer in need of law enforcement assistance can contact any of the troopers patrolling throughout the fair, visit the NSP booth in the Expo Building, or go directly to the NSP Security Office, located at the Fonner Park Racing Office.

By Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;GRAND ISLAND, NEB.— Nebraska State Troopers will be busy providing safety and recruiting messages at this year’s Nebraska State Fair. The fair begins today and runs through Labor Day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661544626186.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The State Fair is an exciting time for our troopers to connect with families from across Nebraska,” said Captain Jeff Roby, Commander of Troop C, based in Grand Island. “This year’s fair is setting up to be another amazing experience and our troopers will be working hard throughout the fair to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time.”Fair visitors can stop by the NSP booth inside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Building to see the classic 1993 Ford Mustang NSP patrol vehicle and learn more about the agency. This year’s NSP booth will again feature the opportunity for kids to receive their own plastic trooper hat, while supplies last. An addition to the booth this year is the NSP “Bank on Your Future” basketball hoop, where visitors can take a shot while wearing goggles to simulate alcohol impairment.In addition to the NSP booth, troopers and investigators will also patrol the fairgrounds to keep patrons safe. Troopers work in a variety of ways throughout the fair, using bicycles and all-terrain vehicles. Any fair-goer in need of law enforcement assistance can contact any of the troopers patrolling throughout the fair, visit the NSP booth in the Expo Building, or go directly to the NSP Security Office, located at the Fonner Park Racing Office.

Troopers wear many hats at the Nebraska State Fair

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Fair is opening Friday for its annual 11-day run in Grand Island.

The fair, which last year drew 266,245 people, will continue through Labor Day at Fonner Park.

On Thursday, officials announced that the Horse Nations Indian Relay that had been set for Saturday and Sunday had been cancelled due to illnesses among competing team members. The fair promised refunds to those who purchased tickets to the events.

It will be the 153rd year the fair has been held.

By Associated PressGRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Fair is opening Friday for its annual 11-day run in Grand Island.The fair, which last year drew 266,245 people, will continue through Labor Day at Fonner Park.On Thursday, officials announced that the Horse Nations Indian Relay that had been set for Saturday and Sunday had been cancelled due to illnesses among competing team members. The fair promised refunds to those who purchased tickets to the events.It will be the 153rd year the fair has been held.

Nebraska State Fair opens in Grand Island for 11-day run

Nebraska is a land of pioneers.&nbsp; Our state was settled by hardy homesteaders who ventured across windswept prairies in search of opportunity.&nbsp; While we often celebrate the grit and determination of these early Nebraskans, they deserve equal credit for their ingenuity.&nbsp; Their inventiveness helped transform the Great Plains into some of the most productive agricultural land in the world.

This spirit of innovation remains a driving force behind our state’s global leadership in agriculture.&nbsp; Nebraskans are continuously coming up with new and improved ways of caring for their land and animals.&nbsp; They’re designing machines, creating software, and applying technology to optimize the use of natural resources.&nbsp; They’re pioneering new techniques to address labor shortages and safety issues.

State agencies are working to encourage this innovation in agriculture.&nbsp; The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), in partnership with Invest Nebraska, launched the Combine incubator at Innovation Campus in October 2019.&nbsp; The Combine supports high-growth entrepreneurs in food and agriculture. &nbsp;The Combine received a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce in September 2020 to help businesses test out and commercialize their ideas.&nbsp; In May 2021, the Combine won a competitive $50,000 award from the U.S. Department of Energy for its demonstrated impact as an innovation center.

Startups at the Combine incubator have earned national recognition.&nbsp; In January, the American Farm Bureau Federation announced the winners of its Ag Innovation Challenge, a competition open to entrepreneurs across the country.&nbsp; Nebraska startups in the Combine incubator program took home three of the top four spots.

Investors are looking to support more entrepreneurs in agriculture.&nbsp; Last year, Nebraska attracted an all-time high of $317.6 million in venture capital.&nbsp; That more than doubled the previous high of $153 million in 2018.&nbsp; For example, Burlington Capital and Invest Nebraska announced a partnership in September 2021 to raise $11 million in seed funds for ag tech innovators.&nbsp; This July, they helped Sentinel Fertigation raise $1.2 in seed funds for software development.&nbsp; The company, founded by UNL graduate student Jackson Stansell, uses satellite imagery to assess the nitrogen needs of crops.&nbsp; It then uses innovative software to analyze the imagery and provide farmers with data-driven recommendations on when to apply fertilizer and how much to use.&nbsp; Given record-high nitrogen fertilizer costs, Sentinel Fertigation is saving growers money by helping them to avoid over-applying fertilizer, while still making sure crops get the nitrogen they need to grow.

The ongoing creation of new technologies in agriculture has helped our state wisely manage its natural resources. &nbsp;For example, Nebraska has responsibly maintained its portion of the Ogallala Aquifer. &nbsp;Water levels today remain within a foot of 1950s levels (in contrast, neighboring states like Colorado have depleted theirs).&nbsp; The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute estimates that crop water productivity for corn and soybeans in Nebraska increased 75% from 1990 to 2014.&nbsp; In other words, our farmers are continuously growing more crops with less water.&nbsp; Since the 1960s, our ranchers have contributed to a 66% increase in national beef production, while helping the U.S. beef industry reduce its carbon footprint by 40%.&nbsp;

Advancements in agriculture have also made it possible for farmers and ranchers to increase productivity.&nbsp; Nebraska set records for both corn and soybean production in Nebraska for 2021 with 1.85 billion bushels of corn and 351 million bushels of soybeans.&nbsp; Each crop had record-high yields in 2021 as well, with corn at 194 bushels/acre and soybeans at 63 bushels/acre.&nbsp; Our ranchers, feeders, and processers have likewise harnessed new technologies to boost productivity. &nbsp;Even with nearly 30% fewer cattle now than in 1975, the United States is producing more beef.

We’re committed to keeping Nebraska at the forefront of ag tech innovation.&nbsp; In April, I signed legislation to invest $25 million into a $50 million public-private partnership to build an ag innovation facility at Nebraska Innovation Campus.&nbsp; It will be located alongside a $140 million research center the United States Department of Agriculture is planning to construct.&nbsp; The facilities will bring together researchers, engineers, and ag entrepreneurs to turn scientific discoveries into products our farmers and ranchers can use to enhance their operations.&nbsp;

While there are exciting technologies on the horizon, many recent innovations have already made their way into fields and pastures.&nbsp; Next month,&nbsp;leaders in agriculture from around the world will gather in&nbsp;Wood River&nbsp;to see the latest technological advances in agriculture at Husker Harvest Days. &nbsp;Visitors will be able to watch live field demonstrations, see autonomous farm machines in action, and take part in educational sessions to expand their knowledge. &nbsp;To see what’s in store at our state’s biggest farm show, visit the Husker Harvest Days website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huskerharvestdays.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cd312cb19dbb74b94ec5f08da87627749%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637971154301441311%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=pOLYk%2BQXXoNSwMDzxzBh3Thh5Kc4Xg7PnUA0ySF2jIk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.huskerharvestdays.com</a>.&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;explore the creative&nbsp;ag entrepreneurship happening at the Combine incubator on Nebraska Innovation Campus by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskacombine.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cd312cb19dbb74b94ec5f08da87627749%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637971154301597538%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=KprZT%2Bg1PVLfHUItnfzz2jAu6PfXOqRccylNZeYc35k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.nebraskacombine.com</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more about how the State of Nebraska is supporting innovation in agriculture, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

By Office of Gov. Pete RickettsNebraska is a land of pioneers.&nbsp; Our state was settled by hardy homesteaders who ventured across windswept prairies in search of opportunity.&nbsp; While we often celebrate the grit and determination of these early Nebraskans, they deserve equal credit for their ingenuity.&nbsp; Their inventiveness helped transform the Great Plains into some of the most productive agricultural land in the world.This spirit of innovation remains a driving force behind our state’s global leadership in agriculture.&nbsp; Nebraskans are continuously coming up with new and improved ways of caring for their land and animals.&nbsp; They’re designing machines, creating software, and applying technology to optimize the use of natural resources.&nbsp; They’re pioneering new techniques to address labor shortages and safety issues.State agencies are working to encourage this innovation in agriculture.&nbsp; The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), in partnership with Invest Nebraska, launched the Combine incubator at Innovation Campus in October 2019.&nbsp; The Combine supports high-growth entrepreneurs in food and agriculture. &nbsp;The Combine received a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce in September 2020 to help businesses test out and commercialize their ideas.&nbsp; In May 2021, the Combine won a competitive $50,000 award from the U.S. Department of Energy for its demonstrated impact as an innovation center.Startups at the Combine incubator have earned national recognition.&nbsp; In January, the American Farm Bureau Federation announced the winners of its Ag Innovation Challenge, a competition open to entrepreneurs across the country.&nbsp; Nebraska startups in the Combine incubator program took home three of the top four spots.<ul>
 <li>Grain Weevil won the top prize.&nbsp; The Aurora-based company is tackling the problem of grain bin safety.&nbsp; It has developed an agile robot—resembling a weevil—that can walk across the surface of a grain bin to perform tasks that would otherwise require a farmer to physically crawl inside the bin.&nbsp; This makes grain bin management more efficient and keeps farmers out of harm’s way.</li><li>Birds Eye Robotics in Waterloo was named the runner-up.&nbsp; The company has engineered a robotics system to provide upkeep and maintenance in chicken barns, performing time-consuming tasks that would otherwise require a farmer to walk through a broiler house.</li><li>Marble Technologies also received recognition as a finalist of the Ag Innovation Challenge. &nbsp;It has designed technologies to automate many of the labor-intensive, repetitive tasks in beef and pork processing facilities.&nbsp; Its products are helping to address the labor shortages that sometimes serve as a bottleneck in meat processing.</li>
 </ul>Investors are looking to support more entrepreneurs in agriculture.&nbsp; Last year, Nebraska attracted an all-time high of $317.6 million in venture capital.&nbsp; That more than doubled the previous high of $153 million in 2018.&nbsp; For example, Burlington Capital and Invest Nebraska announced a partnership in September 2021 to raise $11 million in seed funds for ag tech innovators.&nbsp; This July, they helped Sentinel Fertigation raise $1.2 in seed funds for software development.&nbsp; The company, founded by UNL graduate student Jackson Stansell, uses satellite imagery to assess the nitrogen needs of crops.&nbsp; It then uses innovative software to analyze the imagery and provide farmers with data-driven recommendations on when to apply fertilizer and how much to use.&nbsp; Given record-high nitrogen fertilizer costs, Sentinel Fertigation is saving growers money by helping them to avoid over-applying fertilizer, while still making sure crops get the nitrogen they need to grow.The ongoing creation of new technologies in agriculture has helped our state wisely manage its natural resources. &nbsp;For example, Nebraska has responsibly maintained its portion of the Ogallala Aquifer. &nbsp;Water levels today remain within a foot of 1950s levels (in contrast, neighboring states like Colorado have depleted theirs).&nbsp; The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute estimates that crop water productivity for corn and soybeans in Nebraska increased 75% from 1990 to 2014.&nbsp; In other words, our farmers are continuously growing more crops with less water.&nbsp; Since the 1960s, our ranchers have contributed to a 66% increase in national beef production, while helping the U.S. beef industry reduce its carbon footprint by 40%.&nbsp;Advancements in agriculture have also made it possible for farmers and ranchers to increase productivity.&nbsp; Nebraska set records for both corn and soybean production in Nebraska for 2021 with 1.85 billion bushels of corn and 351 million bushels of soybeans.&nbsp; Each crop had record-high yields in 2021 as well, with corn at 194 bushels/acre and soybeans at 63 bushels/acre.&nbsp; Our ranchers, feeders, and processers have likewise harnessed new technologies to boost productivity. &nbsp;Even with nearly 30% fewer cattle now than in 1975, the United States is producing more beef.We’re committed to keeping Nebraska at the forefront of ag tech innovation.&nbsp; In April, I signed legislation to invest $25 million into a $50 million public-private partnership to build an ag innovation facility at Nebraska Innovation Campus.&nbsp; It will be located alongside a $140 million research center the United States Department of Agriculture is planning to construct.&nbsp; The facilities will bring together researchers, engineers, and ag entrepreneurs to turn scientific discoveries into products our farmers and ranchers can use to enhance their operations.&nbsp;While there are exciting technologies on the horizon, many recent innovations have already made their way into fields and pastures.&nbsp; Next month,&nbsp;leaders in agriculture from around the world will gather in&nbsp;Wood River&nbsp;to see the latest technological advances in agriculture at Husker Harvest Days. &nbsp;Visitors will be able to watch live field demonstrations, see autonomous farm machines in action, and take part in educational sessions to expand their knowledge. &nbsp;To see what’s in store at our state’s biggest farm show, visit the Husker Harvest Days website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huskerharvestdays.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cd312cb19dbb74b94ec5f08da87627749%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637971154301441311%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=pOLYk%2BQXXoNSwMDzxzBh3Thh5Kc4Xg7PnUA0ySF2jIk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.huskerharvestdays.com</a>.&nbsp;You can&nbsp;explore the creative&nbsp;ag entrepreneurship happening at the Combine incubator on Nebraska Innovation Campus by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskacombine.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cd312cb19dbb74b94ec5f08da87627749%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637971154301597538%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=KprZT%2Bg1PVLfHUItnfzz2jAu6PfXOqRccylNZeYc35k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.nebraskacombine.com</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;To learn more about how the State of Nebraska is supporting innovation in agriculture, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Nebraska’s agricultural innovation

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 8/26/22

Alliance – Beginning in September, the Alliance Public Library invites ages 3-6 for Story Time Explorers on Tuesdays at 10am and Thursdays at 1pm in the Children’s Room. 

Please register your child(ren) at the circulation desk. Themes include “A Grandparent’s Love” on September 6th and 8th, “School Adventures” on September 13th and 15th, “Around the World” on September 20th and 22nd, then “Bee Kind” on September 27th and 29th. Story Time includes several stories, birthdays, puppets, music, crafts and more.

For more information, please contact Children’s and Youth Services Librarian, Cynthia Horn at 308-762-1387.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Beginning in September, the Alliance Public Library invites ages 3-6 for Story Time Explorers on Tuesdays at 10am and Thursdays at 1pm in the Children’s Room. Please register your child(ren) at the circulation desk. Themes include “A Grandparent’s Love” on September 6th and 8th, “School Adventures” on September 13th and 15th, “Around the World” on September 20th and 22nd, then “Bee Kind” on September 27th and 29th. Story Time includes several stories, birthdays, puppets, music, crafts and more.For more information, please contact Children’s and Youth Services Librarian, Cynthia Horn at 308-762-1387.

Alliance library to hold 'Story Time' in September

By&nbsp;McDonald's owner-operators of Nebraska and the Ronald McDonald House Charities

Local McDonald’s across Nebraska join the Huskers to host Big Red Friday - a one day fundraiser across the state in support of Nebraska's only Ronald McDonald House.&nbsp;

Big Red Friday is an annual event that occurs on the Friday before the first Huskers’ football game of the season. 

Today, Friday, August 26 Big Red Friday flags are being sold for $5 at more than 70 McDonald's restaurants across Husker nation.&nbsp;Proceeds from Big Red Friday have raised more than $130,000 for RMHC in Omaha since the fundraiser started in 2017.

This year's flag design celebrates the Blackshirts, bringing back tradition and Husker pride. Limited-edition Husker flags are available at all McDonald's restaurants in Nebraska while supplies last.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By&nbsp;McDonald's owner-operators of Nebraska and the Ronald McDonald House CharitiesLocal McDonald’s across Nebraska join the Huskers to host Big Red Friday - a one day fundraiser across the state in support of Nebraska's only Ronald McDonald House.&nbsp;Big Red Friday is an annual event that occurs on the Friday before the first Huskers’ football game of the season. Today, Friday, August 26 Big Red Friday flags are being sold for $5 at more than 70 McDonald's restaurants across Husker nation.&nbsp;Proceeds from Big Red Friday have raised more than $130,000 for RMHC in Omaha since the fundraiser started in 2017.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661527936703.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This year's flag design celebrates the Blackshirts, bringing back tradition and Husker pride. Limited-edition Husker flags are available at all McDonald's restaurants in Nebraska while supplies last.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NE McDonald’s, RMHC in Omaha join to raise funds with Husker flags

By Kerri Rempp, Discover Northwest Nebraska

Nestled below Pants Butte and Castle Rock in Sioux County lies Sowbelly Canyon, offering a secluded, enchanting experience whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, birdwatching or first-class trout fishing.

Often referred to as a “Pine Ridge paradise,” the 11-mile Sowbelly Canyon, surrounded by buttes, pine trees, abundant wildlife and bisected by Sowbelly Creek, cuts through mostly private property. While a drive through the canyon provides a unique experience on its own, a stop at Coffee Park halfway through the canyon gives visitors more time to enjoy nature. Owned by the Village of Harrison, the 160-acre Coffee Park affords access to Sowbelly Creek.

The creek is one of the few cold-water streams for trout fishing in the state, and this summer has been rehabilitated by the Nebraska Game and Parks. Game and Parks District Fisheries Manager Al Hanson said the habitat work included rehab of pools and riffles for better trout feeding and erosion prevention. The efforts also include an angler-friendly fence crossing and improvements to aid the Village of Harrison in maintenance of the park.

Sowbelly Creek is home to both brown and brook trout.

“The improvements will allow the creek to carry more and larger fish,” Hanson said.

The creek and canyon were impacted by a flood in 2015 when four to six inches of rain carried fire-downed trees down the hillsides. A logjam estimated between 2,000-4,000 cubic yards of wood resulted and had to be removed in the months following the flood. A Game and Parks press release at the time noted that the flood, even with its negative impacts, also had positive results. Game and Parks District Wildlife Manager Matt Steffl said in the release that the flood aided the stream’s health as it washed silt and soot away and deepened pools.

“We don’t have a lot of miles of public cold-water trout streams in Nebraska, so we like to do what we can to take care of what we have,” Steffl said at the time. “When the work is done here, we expect it to be even more of an attraction. When that flood went through, it washed out a lot of ash from the ’06 wildfires and also cut some holes here and there. In most places, it made a lot better cold-water stream than what we had before.”

The work completed this summer is a continuation of the rehabilitation from the flood’s aftermath and also included the addition of a culvert, the removal of dead trees from the park and the enhancement of overhead cover, Hanson said.

According to a 2015 Game and Parks blog by Daryl Bauer, less than 5% of the 12,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state can support trout.

While trout fishing in Sowbelly Creek is a popular reason to explore the canyon, it’s far from the only motivation. The drive through the canyon is scenic and easily allows visitors to imagine an earlier era.

According to legend, the canyon was named Sowbelly after a confrontation between a band of Cheyenne led by Chief Running Deer and soldiers from nearby Fort Robinson. The story goes that Running Deer and his group were wintering in the canyon when soldiers learned of their presence and rode out to bring them to the Fort and eventually the reservation. The Cheyenne allegedly heard the soldiers coming and spread out through the canyon to ambush them. The surviving troops found themselves boxed in and trapped for several days with only pork belly to eat.

Harrison resident Jane Lewis’ poem, available at the Sioux County Historical Museum, imagines the scenario.

G.H. Coffee Park was dedicated by the Village of Harrison in 1976 as a Bicentennial project to honor the county’s pioneers. According to “Sioux County: Memoirs of Its Pioneers,” the 160 acres of land was homestead in 1887 by George Walker, a pioneer Sioux County attorney. It changed hands several times between then and 1931, when it was purchased by Howard Thompson. Shortly after, it appears a group of men, including T.M. Powell, A.M. Brown, Max Federle, John T. Coffee, Harvey Bixler, John Mann, Rex Coffee and G.H. Coffee, purchased the land but left the title in Thompson’s name. The group attempted to donate the land to the Village of Harrison for use as a recreation area, but the village refused it.

G.H. Coffee eventually purchased the land outright in 1948, and it was successfully donated to the village in 1972. An anonymous gift and other matching funds were used to secure a grant from the Game and Park’s Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1975 to develop a portion of the land for day use, according to the Sioux County history book. The late Virginia Coffee headed the Sioux County Bicentennial Celebration Committee and helped Harrison and Sioux County develop both Coffee Park and the Sioux County Historical Museum. Her obituary noted that the village and county were the first in the state to meet the guidelines to establish Bicentennial projects.

Between February 1975 and June 1976, picnic tables, fire grates, a water well, restrooms, parking, fencing, shelters and a gate were added to Coffee Park. The Harrison VFW donated and installed a flag pole. More than 400 people attended the dedication ceremony June 27, 1976, including Congresswoman Virginia Smith, who delivered a speech and presented a flag flown over the Capitol Building.

Since its inception, Coffee Park has offered day travelers a quiet respite to picnic, fish and watch for wildlife. It’s also a popular spot for weddings, family reunions, church services and other gatherings.

Sowbelly Canyon and Coffee Park are also popular spots for birdwatching as it is along the eastern edge of the range for species associated with the Rocky Mountains.

Western species often seen in the area include the Common Poorwill, White-throated Swift, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Pinyon Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western tanager and more. Some eastern deciduous forest species, such as the Rose-breasted grosbeak, can also be sighted in Sowbelly Canyon, according to the Nebraska Birding Guide.

Roadside birding in the canyon or on-foot viewing in Coffee Park is possible.

The canyon is listed as a birding hot spot on Audubon.org and eBird.org, with the latter listing 169 species submitted to its online tracking system (https://ebird.org/barchart?byr=1900&amp;eyr=2022&amp;bmo=1&amp;emo=12&amp;r=L281255). The site also offers a printable field checklist for Sowbelly Canyon birdwatchers at https://ebird.org/printableList?regionCode=L281255&amp;yr=all&amp;m=.

Sowbelly Canyon can be accessed from either end.

· Travel north of Harrison on Monroe Canyon Road just under one mile, turn right on to Sowbelly Road.

· Travel 3.8 miles east of Harrison on Highway 20, turn left on to Pants Butte Road and travel for 10 miles. Turn left on Sowbelly Road.

Sowbelly Road is minimum maintenance and receives no snow removal. Road closed signs go up in the fall and stay well into the spring until the last snowdrifts melt, which tends to be far later than on the surrounding plains. Plan accordingly.

By Kerri Rempp, Discover Northwest NebraskaNestled below Pants Butte and Castle Rock in Sioux County lies Sowbelly Canyon, offering a secluded, enchanting experience whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, birdwatching or first-class trout fishing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661524446525.jpeg" alt="Sowbelly Creek provides trout fishing for both brown and brook trout. The Nebraska Game and Parks has undertaken in-stream habitat rehabilitation this summer on the creek. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska" />
 <figcaption>Sowbelly Creek provides trout fishing for both brown and brook trout. The Nebraska Game and Parks has undertaken in-stream habitat rehabilitation this summer on the creek. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska</figcaption>
 </figure>Often referred to as a “Pine Ridge paradise,” the 11-mile Sowbelly Canyon, surrounded by buttes, pine trees, abundant wildlife and bisected by Sowbelly Creek, cuts through mostly private property. While a drive through the canyon provides a unique experience on its own, a stop at Coffee Park halfway through the canyon gives visitors more time to enjoy nature. Owned by the Village of Harrison, the 160-acre Coffee Park affords access to Sowbelly Creek.Cast a LineThe creek is one of the few cold-water streams for trout fishing in the state, and this summer has been rehabilitated by the Nebraska Game and Parks. Game and Parks District Fisheries Manager Al Hanson said the habitat work included rehab of pools and riffles for better trout feeding and erosion prevention. The efforts also include an angler-friendly fence crossing and improvements to aid the Village of Harrison in maintenance of the park.Sowbelly Creek is home to both brown and brook trout.“The improvements will allow the creek to carry more and larger fish,” Hanson said.The creek and canyon were impacted by a flood in 2015 when four to six inches of rain carried fire-downed trees down the hillsides. A logjam estimated between 2,000-4,000 cubic yards of wood resulted and had to be removed in the months following the flood. A Game and Parks press release at the time noted that the flood, even with its negative impacts, also had positive results. Game and Parks District Wildlife Manager Matt Steffl said in the release that the flood aided the stream’s health as it washed silt and soot away and deepened pools.“We don’t have a lot of miles of public cold-water trout streams in Nebraska, so we like to do what we can to take care of what we have,” Steffl said at the time. “When the work is done here, we expect it to be even more of an attraction. When that flood went through, it washed out a lot of ash from the ’06 wildfires and also cut some holes here and there. In most places, it made a lot better cold-water stream than what we had before.”The work completed this summer is a continuation of the rehabilitation from the flood’s aftermath and also included the addition of a culvert, the removal of dead trees from the park and the enhancement of overhead cover, Hanson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661524517162.jpeg" alt="Coffee Park was dedicated in 1976 as a Bicentennial project. It provides day use for fishing, picnicking and birdwatching. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska" />
 <figcaption>Coffee Park was dedicated in 1976 as a Bicentennial project. It provides day use for fishing, picnicking and birdwatching. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska</figcaption>
 </figure>According to a 2015 Game and Parks blog by Daryl Bauer, less than 5% of the 12,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state can support trout.Remember HistoryWhile trout fishing in Sowbelly Creek is a popular reason to explore the canyon, it’s far from the only motivation. The drive through the canyon is scenic and easily allows visitors to imagine an earlier era.According to legend, the canyon was named Sowbelly after a confrontation between a band of Cheyenne led by Chief Running Deer and soldiers from nearby Fort Robinson. The story goes that Running Deer and his group were wintering in the canyon when soldiers learned of their presence and rode out to bring them to the Fort and eventually the reservation. The Cheyenne allegedly heard the soldiers coming and spread out through the canyon to ambush them. The surviving troops found themselves boxed in and trapped for several days with only pork belly to eat.Harrison resident Jane Lewis’ poem, available at the Sioux County Historical Museum, imagines the scenario.G.H. Coffee Park was dedicated by the Village of Harrison in 1976 as a Bicentennial project to honor the county’s pioneers. According to “Sioux County: Memoirs of Its Pioneers,” the 160 acres of land was homestead in 1887 by George Walker, a pioneer Sioux County attorney. It changed hands several times between then and 1931, when it was purchased by Howard Thompson. Shortly after, it appears a group of men, including T.M. Powell, A.M. Brown, Max Federle, John T. Coffee, Harvey Bixler, John Mann, Rex Coffee and G.H. Coffee, purchased the land but left the title in Thompson’s name. The group attempted to donate the land to the Village of Harrison for use as a recreation area, but the village refused it.G.H. Coffee eventually purchased the land outright in 1948, and it was successfully donated to the village in 1972. An anonymous gift and other matching funds were used to secure a grant from the Game and Park’s Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1975 to develop a portion of the land for day use, according to the Sioux County history book. The late Virginia Coffee headed the Sioux County Bicentennial Celebration Committee and helped Harrison and Sioux County develop both Coffee Park and the Sioux County Historical Museum. Her obituary noted that the village and county were the first in the state to meet the guidelines to establish Bicentennial projects.Between February 1975 and June 1976, picnic tables, fire grates, a water well, restrooms, parking, fencing, shelters and a gate were added to Coffee Park. The Harrison VFW donated and installed a flag pole. More than 400 people attended the dedication ceremony June 27, 1976, including Congresswoman Virginia Smith, who delivered a speech and presented a flag flown over the Capitol Building.Since its inception, Coffee Park has offered day travelers a quiet respite to picnic, fish and watch for wildlife. It’s also a popular spot for weddings, family reunions, church services and other gatherings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661524675618.png" alt="Kodie Rempp enjoys the scenery of Sowbelly Canyon and Coffee Park north of Harrison. Courtesy photo Kerri Rempp" />
 <figcaption>Kodie Rempp enjoys the scenery of Sowbelly Canyon and Coffee Park north of Harrison. Courtesy photo Kerri Rempp</figcaption>
 </figure>Enjoy BirdwatchingSowbelly Canyon and Coffee Park are also popular spots for birdwatching as it is along the eastern edge of the range for species associated with the Rocky Mountains.Western species often seen in the area include the Common Poorwill, White-throated Swift, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Pinyon Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western tanager and more. Some eastern deciduous forest species, such as the Rose-breasted grosbeak, can also be sighted in Sowbelly Canyon, according to the Nebraska Birding Guide.Roadside birding in the canyon or on-foot viewing in Coffee Park is possible.The canyon is listed as a birding hot spot on Audubon.org and eBird.org, with the latter listing 169 species submitted to its online tracking system (https://ebird.org/barchart?byr=1900&amp;eyr=2022&amp;bmo=1&amp;emo=12&amp;r=L281255). The site also offers a printable field checklist for Sowbelly Canyon birdwatchers at https://ebird.org/printableList?regionCode=L281255&amp;yr=all&amp;m=.How to Get ThereSowbelly Canyon can be accessed from either end.· Travel north of Harrison on Monroe Canyon Road just under one mile, turn right on to Sowbelly Road.· Travel 3.8 miles east of Harrison on Highway 20, turn left on to Pants Butte Road and travel for 10 miles. Turn left on Sowbelly Road.Sowbelly Road is minimum maintenance and receives no snow removal. Road closed signs go up in the fall and stay well into the spring until the last snowdrifts melt, which tends to be far later than on the surrounding plains. Plan accordingly.

Explore hidden gems Sowbelly Canyon, Coffee Park near Harrison 

By Renae Blum/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Nebraska’s state parks hold a wealth of history that can be discovered by walking a few of the trails tied to the past.

Here are our top suggestions for parks to visit when you’re ready for a good stroll that allows you to explore — and experience — Nebraska history.

A major stopover on the Oregon and California pioneer trails, Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen has several trails allowing visitors to explore its history. A steep half-mile trail leads to the crest of Windlass Hill, where deep ruts carved by thousands of covered wagons are still visible. The easy half-mile Cliff Line Trail takes visitors past the 1903 rock schoolhouse, and the Ridgeline Trail by the visitor center has an amazing view of the North Platte River valley, showing where the California, Oregon trail and Mormon Pioneer trails converge. Once at the top, pause to remember those lost during the Battle of Blue Water, then stop in the visitor’s center to learn more.

Known as the site where James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok began his gunfighting career, Rock Creek Station features 6 miles of multi-use hiking trails that wind through beautiful native grasses and wooded areas. From the trail, you can view wagon ruts from westward travelers and reconstructed buildings at this former stagecoach and Pony Express station. Those curious to learn more can stop in the visitor center to see what Rock Creek Station was like during its heyday. The parks’ trails are mostly easy walking, and those who bring their horses can use an equestrian campground at the nearby Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area.

One of the earliest U.S. military posts west of the Missouri River, Fort Atkinson can claim several firsts: the first school, farm, hospital and library in what would become the state of Nebraska. The fort was active from 1820 to 1827, and several buildings have been reconstructed. Two trails are available: a half-mile path winding through native grasslands and a 1.5-mile trail leading through timber below the bluff.

By Nebraska Game and Parks&nbsp;By Renae Blum/Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionNebraska’s state parks hold a wealth of history that can be discovered by walking a few of the trails tied to the past.Here are our top suggestions for parks to visit when you’re ready for a good stroll that allows you to explore — and experience — Nebraska history.Ash Hollow State Historical ParkA major stopover on the Oregon and California pioneer trails, Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen has several trails allowing visitors to explore its history. A steep half-mile trail leads to the crest of Windlass Hill, where deep ruts carved by thousands of covered wagons are still visible. The easy half-mile Cliff Line Trail takes visitors past the 1903 rock schoolhouse, and the Ridgeline Trail by the visitor center has an amazing view of the North Platte River valley, showing where the California, Oregon trail and Mormon Pioneer trails converge. Once at the top, pause to remember those lost during the Battle of Blue Water, then stop in the visitor’s center to learn more.Rock Creek Station State Historical ParkKnown as the site where James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok began his gunfighting career, Rock Creek Station features 6 miles of multi-use hiking trails that wind through beautiful native grasses and wooded areas. From the trail, you can view wagon ruts from westward travelers and reconstructed buildings at this former stagecoach and Pony Express station. Those curious to learn more can stop in the visitor center to see what Rock Creek Station was like during its heyday. The parks’ trails are mostly easy walking, and those who bring their horses can use an equestrian campground at the nearby Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area.Fort Atkinson State Historical ParkOne of the earliest U.S. military posts west of the Missouri River, Fort Atkinson can claim several firsts: the first school, farm, hospital and library in what would become the state of Nebraska. The fort was active from 1820 to 1827, and several buildings have been reconstructed. Two trails are available: a half-mile path winding through native grasslands and a 1.5-mile trail leading through timber below the bluff.Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical ParkNearly 12 million years ago, volcanic ash engulfed this ancient watering hole, entombing innumerable animals. National Geographic has called it the Pompeii of the Plains. Visit the Rhino Barn to see the fossils as they are unearthed, then walk the 1-mile nature trail and imagine what the land would have looked like when prehistoric rhinos, horses, camels and birds roamed the earth. Visitors can also take the Verdigre Overlook Trail about 150 yards out to a scenic overlook of Verdigre Valley.Indian Cave State ParkNamed for the large sandstone cave within the park, Indian Cave State Park encompasses 3,052 rugged acres bordering the Missouri River. The cave bears petroglyphs likely carved some 1,500 to 1,800 years ago by nomadic people who used the area for temporary shelter. Though marred by modern carvings, some petroglyphs are still visible; bring binoculars to view them from the new boardwalk. Then go for a hike on Trail 11 that starts just 120 yards from the cave. The first quarter is a steep hike, so be prepared with good shoes!Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical ParkHome of famed showman and scout William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park at North Platte recaptures the life and career of the famed frontiersman, Army scout and buffalo hunter-turned-showman. Tour Cody’s mansion home and barn, and then go for a walk on the 5 miles of hiking trails at the adjacent Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area. These trails are located at Buffalo Bill’s ranch, offering the chance to walk the grounds where this famous man once lived.Arbor Lodge State Historical ParkThis beautiful estate in Nebraska City was home to J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. The highlight of this 72-acre park is the historic mansion, with its 52 rooms and countless historic artifacts belonging to the Morton family. The park also includes an arboretum, Italian terraced garden, more than 200 varieties of lilacs and a tree-themed playground. Make sure to visit the walking trails and see trees planted by Morton himself. The trails include a lilac walk, tree trail, and trails through the whispering pines.To learn more about these parks, visit OutdoorNebraska.org. A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering a park.