COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — At Cleveland's Urban Kutz Barbershop, customers can flip through magazines as they wait, or help themselves to drug screening tests left out in a box on a table with a somber message: “Your drugs could contain fentanyl. Please take free test strips.”

Owner Waverly Willis has given out strips for years at his barbershop, hoping to protect others from unwittingly being exposed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-opioids-synthetic-government-and-politics-8f64b776b82d6e8bc2e324b732e4b6e2">highly potent synthetic opioid ravaging the U.S</a>. and often secretly laced into other illegal drugs.

“When I put them out, they just fly out the door,” said Willis, who proudly hands out about 30 strips a week as part of The Urban Barber Association, a Cleveland organization that provides health education to the community via local barbershops.

Nearly 18 years into his own sobriety from drugs, Willis isn't shy about making the strips available. He figures he’d be dead if fentanyl were so widely prevalent when he was using.

Fentanyl has driven overdose deaths in the U.S. since 2016, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-overdose-deaths-cdc-3c3848da5f8aa01d7b9f232ba5a34152">that isn't changing</a>&nbsp;as the cheaper and deadlier synthetic opioid continues to be cut into the drug supply. Approximately 75,000 of the nearly 110,000 overdose deaths of 2022 could be linked to fentanyl, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Legalizing test strips could bring those numbers down, advocates say, saving lives by helping more people understand just how deadly their drugs could be.

Until this spring, use of the strips was technically illegal in Ohio. It has joined at least 20 other states whose lawmakers formally decriminalized the strips since Rhode Island became the first in 2018. Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Kentucky and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fentanyl-test-strips-drug-overdose-mississippi-1a27c20c0947520373f26a89c8a3f66f">Mississippi</a>&nbsp;also followed suit this year.

The CDC recommends&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/fentanyl-test-strips.html">fentanyl test strips</a>&nbsp;as a low-cost means of helping prevent drug overdoses. They can detect fentanyl in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and many other drugs — whether in pills, powders or injectables.

Yet these small paper strips are still considered illegal in some states, outlawed under drug paraphernalia laws dating to the 1970s era war on drugs — long before fentanyl began seeping into the nation's drug supply. Every state but Alaska had an anti-paraphernalia law on the books by the mid-1980s, making materials used for testing and analyzing illicit substances illegal.

Increasingly, the strips are now being seen as potentially lifesaving.

Newark, Ohio, resident Rodney Olinger has used methamphetamines for eight years. The 45-year-old gets four to five fentanyl test strips weekly from the Newark Homeless Outreach, and calls them a “blessing.” He credits the strips with helping ensure he and his fiancée, who also uses, stay alive.

“It’s very scary,” Olinger said of fentanyl. “Just a little bit could kill you.”

While the strips may not prevent drug use overall, they allow testers to take a pause if a strip comes back positive, possibly encouraging them to reconsider drug use and seek help, said Sheila Vakharia with the national nonprofit Drug Policy Alliance, which seeks to shape U.S. drug policy.

“You never know if a fentanyl test strip can keep someone alive long enough so they can make that decision for themselves,” she said.

The CDC says any drug that dissolves in water can be tested. The strip is dipped in the solution for about 15 seconds, set out a few minutes, and is positive for fentanyl if a single pink line appears. Two pink lines is a negative result.

The strips can often be obtained from advocacy groups, local and state health departments, or purchased online.

Where strips are illegal, the push to change the law continues.

In Kansas, lawmakers debated until April whether to legalize the strips. But there was never any debate for Kansas mother Brandy Harris, who lost her 21-year-old son Sebastain Sheahan to a fentanyl overdose in April 2022. Addicted since age 13, he was first prescribed opioids after being hit by a truck.

Friends and family knew Sheahan as “big-hearted” and “goofy” with a soft spot for abused animals. He was open about his addiction issues and had been clean three years before he died after a relapse.

Harris believes her son would still be alive if he’d had test strips showing what he was ingesting. “I do believe that if these were available, that at least one person would be saved,” Harris said. “And that is the main goal -- at least one person.”

Kansas’ governor recently signed a bipartisan bill decriminalizing the strips starting July 1.

Montana and other states are considering similar legislation. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas recently dropped opposition to decriminalizing the strips, citing a “better understanding” of how they prevent opioid deaths.

And in Pennsylvania, Republican state Rep. Jim Struzzi lost his brother to a drug overdose in 2014 and lobbied colleagues for years to destigmatize the strips.

“Fentanyl isn’t going to ask you if you’re a Democrat or a Republican before it kills you,” said Struzzi, who sponsored state legislation making test strips legal in January.

The shift in how political leaders view the strips has advocacy groups, health departments and outreach programs optimistic. Increased legalization opens doors for more funding, including for strips themselves and for public education campaigns.

The SOAR Initiative, a Columbus, Ohio-based nonprofit fighting overdose deaths, distributes about 5,000 strips each month, according to executive director Jessica Warner.

SOAR sends out the strips via mail to anonymous recipients, both individuals and larger distributors. Handing them out never brought legal consequences in Ohio even before.

In fact, prosecution for possessing the strips doesn’t appear to be occurring anywhere in the U.S., according to Jonathan Woodruff of the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, which tracks drug laws nationwide. He said drug paraphernalia possession is a minor offense in most states and law enforcement may now be more attuned to the strips' lifesaving benefits.

Northeast of Boston, police Lt. Sarko Gergerian of the Winthrop Police Department has boxes of them stacked in his office.

Legalized in Massachusetts in 2018, the strips go into “survival kits” that his department, as part of the Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery Program, gives to those struggling with substance use — as well as to recovery coaches and social workers for distribution.

Gergerian calls it a “win” when a life is saved — not the arrest of someone struggling with addiction.

“Could you imagine if your kid was addicted to a substance and they weren’t ready to give it up?” Gergerian posed. “We need to keep them alive. Anything else is immoral.""

By Associated PressCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — At Cleveland's Urban Kutz Barbershop, customers can flip through magazines as they wait, or help themselves to drug screening tests left out in a box on a table with a somber message: “Your drugs could contain fentanyl. Please take free test strips.”Owner Waverly Willis has given out strips for years at his barbershop, hoping to protect others from unwittingly being exposed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-opioids-synthetic-government-and-politics-8f64b776b82d6e8bc2e324b732e4b6e2">highly potent synthetic opioid ravaging the U.S</a>. and often secretly laced into other illegal drugs.“When I put them out, they just fly out the door,” said Willis, who proudly hands out about 30 strips a week as part of The Urban Barber Association, a Cleveland organization that provides health education to the community via local barbershops.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686932505875.jpeg" alt="Fentanyl test strips sit atop magazines in the waiting area of Urban Kutz Barbershop in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 11, 2023. Owner Waverly Willis sets them out in his businesses, hoping to protect people in his community from overdosing on drugs they're unaware contain the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl. A growing number of states are legalizing the test strips, which are often labeled as illegal drug paraphernalia, in an effort to prevent overdose deaths. (Waverly Willis via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Fentanyl test strips sit atop magazines in the waiting area of Urban Kutz Barbershop in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 11, 2023. Owner Waverly Willis sets them out in his businesses, hoping to protect people in his community from overdosing on drugs they're unaware contain the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl. A growing number of states are legalizing the test strips, which are often labeled as illegal drug paraphernalia, in an effort to prevent overdose deaths. (Waverly Willis via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nearly 18 years into his own sobriety from drugs, Willis isn't shy about making the strips available. He figures he’d be dead if fentanyl were so widely prevalent when he was using.Fentanyl has driven overdose deaths in the U.S. since 2016, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-overdose-deaths-cdc-3c3848da5f8aa01d7b9f232ba5a34152">that isn't changing</a>&nbsp;as the cheaper and deadlier synthetic opioid continues to be cut into the drug supply. Approximately 75,000 of the nearly 110,000 overdose deaths of 2022 could be linked to fentanyl, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Legalizing test strips could bring those numbers down, advocates say, saving lives by helping more people understand just how deadly their drugs could be.Until this spring, use of the strips was technically illegal in Ohio. It has joined at least 20 other states whose lawmakers formally decriminalized the strips since Rhode Island became the first in 2018. Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Kentucky and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fentanyl-test-strips-drug-overdose-mississippi-1a27c20c0947520373f26a89c8a3f66f">Mississippi</a>&nbsp;also followed suit this year.The CDC recommends&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/fentanyl-test-strips.html">fentanyl test strips</a>&nbsp;as a low-cost means of helping prevent drug overdoses. They can detect fentanyl in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and many other drugs — whether in pills, powders or injectables.Yet these small paper strips are still considered illegal in some states, outlawed under drug paraphernalia laws dating to the 1970s era war on drugs — long before fentanyl began seeping into the nation's drug supply. Every state but Alaska had an anti-paraphernalia law on the books by the mid-1980s, making materials used for testing and analyzing illicit substances illegal.Increasingly, the strips are now being seen as potentially lifesaving.Newark, Ohio, resident Rodney Olinger has used methamphetamines for eight years. The 45-year-old gets four to five fentanyl test strips weekly from the Newark Homeless Outreach, and calls them a “blessing.” He credits the strips with helping ensure he and his fiancée, who also uses, stay alive.“It’s very scary,” Olinger said of fentanyl. “Just a little bit could kill you.”While the strips may not prevent drug use overall, they allow testers to take a pause if a strip comes back positive, possibly encouraging them to reconsider drug use and seek help, said Sheila Vakharia with the national nonprofit Drug Policy Alliance, which seeks to shape U.S. drug policy.“You never know if a fentanyl test strip can keep someone alive long enough so they can make that decision for themselves,” she said.The CDC says any drug that dissolves in water can be tested. The strip is dipped in the solution for about 15 seconds, set out a few minutes, and is positive for fentanyl if a single pink line appears. Two pink lines is a negative result.The strips can often be obtained from advocacy groups, local and state health departments, or purchased online.Where strips are illegal, the push to change the law continues.In Kansas, lawmakers debated until April whether to legalize the strips. But there was never any debate for Kansas mother Brandy Harris, who lost her 21-year-old son Sebastain Sheahan to a fentanyl overdose in April 2022. Addicted since age 13, he was first prescribed opioids after being hit by a truck.Friends and family knew Sheahan as “big-hearted” and “goofy” with a soft spot for abused animals. He was open about his addiction issues and had been clean three years before he died after a relapse.Harris believes her son would still be alive if he’d had test strips showing what he was ingesting. “I do believe that if these were available, that at least one person would be saved,” Harris said. “And that is the main goal -- at least one person.”Kansas’ governor recently signed a bipartisan bill decriminalizing the strips starting July 1.Montana and other states are considering similar legislation. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas recently dropped opposition to decriminalizing the strips, citing a “better understanding” of how they prevent opioid deaths.And in Pennsylvania, Republican state Rep. Jim Struzzi lost his brother to a drug overdose in 2014 and lobbied colleagues for years to destigmatize the strips.“Fentanyl isn’t going to ask you if you’re a Democrat or a Republican before it kills you,” said Struzzi, who sponsored state legislation making test strips legal in January.The shift in how political leaders view the strips has advocacy groups, health departments and outreach programs optimistic. Increased legalization opens doors for more funding, including for strips themselves and for public education campaigns.The SOAR Initiative, a Columbus, Ohio-based nonprofit fighting overdose deaths, distributes about 5,000 strips each month, according to executive director Jessica Warner.SOAR sends out the strips via mail to anonymous recipients, both individuals and larger distributors. Handing them out never brought legal consequences in Ohio even before.In fact, prosecution for possessing the strips doesn’t appear to be occurring anywhere in the U.S., according to Jonathan Woodruff of the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, which tracks drug laws nationwide. He said drug paraphernalia possession is a minor offense in most states and law enforcement may now be more attuned to the strips' lifesaving benefits.Northeast of Boston, police Lt. Sarko Gergerian of the Winthrop Police Department has boxes of them stacked in his office.Legalized in Massachusetts in 2018, the strips go into “survival kits” that his department, as part of the Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery Program, gives to those struggling with substance use — as well as to recovery coaches and social workers for distribution.Gergerian calls it a “win” when a life is saved — not the arrest of someone struggling with addiction.“Could you imagine if your kid was addicted to a substance and they weren’t ready to give it up?” Gergerian posed. “We need to keep them alive. Anything else is immoral.""

Lifesaving fentanyl test strips still illegal in some states under '70s-era war on drugs law

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A jury on Wednesday ordered the electric utility PacifiCorp to pay punitive damages for causing devastating wildfires in Oregon in 2020 — on top of an earlier verdict already expected to amount to billions of dollars.

The decision came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-utility-company-berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-ff26bcf69a111e7343e7f806c6c7c937">two days after the jurors found PacifiCorp liable</a>&nbsp;for the fires and said it must pay for damage to property as well as emotional distress. The jury on Monday awarded more than $70 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in the case, with damages to be determined later for a broader class that could include the owners of about 2,500 properties, as estimated by plaintiffs' attorneys.

The property owners alleged that PacifiCorp negligently failed to shut off power to its 600,000 customers during a windstorm over Labor Day weekend, despite warnings from then-Gov. Kate Brown’s chief of staff and top fire officials, and that its power lines were responsible for multiple blazes.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs said that after the fires, PacifiCorp started an internal investigation — without communicating that to workers in the field. As a result, the workers repaired or replaced some damaged equipment without documenting or preserving evidence of how broken poles or power lines contributed to the fires.

The fires&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-brown-fires-us-news-wa-state-wire-ca-state-wire-8e4e0818146a72c713de625e902f9962">were among the worst natural disasters</a>&nbsp;in Oregon’s history. They killed nine people, burned more than 1,875 square miles (4,856 square kilometers) and destroyed upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.

PacifiCorp, owned by billionaire Warren Buffett’s Omaha, Nebraska-based investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, said it plans to appeal.

“We are disappointed in and disagree with the jury’s decision in this case,” PacifiCorp said in an emailed statement.

The Multnomah County Circuit Court jury in Portland found Wednesday that the additional damages were warranted to punish the utility’s alleged indifference to the safety of others and to deter such conduct in the future.

The jury determined the amount should be one-quarter of whatever is eventually awarded for property damage and emotional distress — meaning the punitive damages could reach hundreds of millions of dollars or more.

One of the plaintiffs, Rachelle McMaster, said she was overwhelmed by feelings of happiness and relief when she heard Wednesday’s verdict. McMaster, 45, lost her home in the central coast community of Otis to the Echo Mountain Complex Fire.

“I got so emotional knowing that we won everything,” McMaster said. “We did it. We convinced the jury that we deserved to be compensated for everything that we lost.”

Cody Berne, an attorney for the plaintiffs, also welcomed the verdict.

"The jury’s verdict is extremely gratifying after PacifiCorp refused to accept responsibility for any of the damages caused by its incompetence and utter disregard for people and property on Labor Day 2020,” Berne said in a news release Wednesday.

Doug Dixon, an attorney for the power company, told the jury Tuesday that punitive damages were unwarranted, saying that PacifiCorp “was not indifferent to the threat of wildfire risk, let alone outrageously or consciously so.”

The company has invested hundreds of millions of dollars since the fires to upgrade equipment and expand its weather stations and weather modeling, he said.

Further, Dixon said, the utility could face bankruptcy if punitive damages exceed its net worth of $10.7 billion.

The plaintiffs' attorney told the jury such damages would be the only way to hold the company accountable.

“This should’ve never happened,” Berne said. “The way to make sure it never happens again is to speak to them in the language that they know. And it’s the language of money.”

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686932271710.jpeg" alt="A statue of a bear still stands by a home burned by the Beachie Creek Fire on Sept. 12, 2020, in Detroit, Ore. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)" />
 <figcaption>A statue of a bear still stands by a home burned by the Beachie Creek Fire on Sept. 12, 2020, in Detroit, Ore. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A jury on Wednesday ordered the electric utility PacifiCorp to pay punitive damages for causing devastating wildfires in Oregon in 2020 — on top of an earlier verdict already expected to amount to billions of dollars.The decision came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-utility-company-berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-ff26bcf69a111e7343e7f806c6c7c937">two days after the jurors found PacifiCorp liable</a>&nbsp;for the fires and said it must pay for damage to property as well as emotional distress. The jury on Monday awarded more than $70 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in the case, with damages to be determined later for a broader class that could include the owners of about 2,500 properties, as estimated by plaintiffs' attorneys.The property owners alleged that PacifiCorp negligently failed to shut off power to its 600,000 customers during a windstorm over Labor Day weekend, despite warnings from then-Gov. Kate Brown’s chief of staff and top fire officials, and that its power lines were responsible for multiple blazes.Attorneys for the plaintiffs said that after the fires, PacifiCorp started an internal investigation — without communicating that to workers in the field. As a result, the workers repaired or replaced some damaged equipment without documenting or preserving evidence of how broken poles or power lines contributed to the fires.The fires&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-brown-fires-us-news-wa-state-wire-ca-state-wire-8e4e0818146a72c713de625e902f9962">were among the worst natural disasters</a>&nbsp;in Oregon’s history. They killed nine people, burned more than 1,875 square miles (4,856 square kilometers) and destroyed upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.PacifiCorp, owned by billionaire Warren Buffett’s Omaha, Nebraska-based investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, said it plans to appeal.“We are disappointed in and disagree with the jury’s decision in this case,” PacifiCorp said in an emailed statement.The Multnomah County Circuit Court jury in Portland found Wednesday that the additional damages were warranted to punish the utility’s alleged indifference to the safety of others and to deter such conduct in the future.The jury determined the amount should be one-quarter of whatever is eventually awarded for property damage and emotional distress — meaning the punitive damages could reach hundreds of millions of dollars or more.One of the plaintiffs, Rachelle McMaster, said she was overwhelmed by feelings of happiness and relief when she heard Wednesday’s verdict. McMaster, 45, lost her home in the central coast community of Otis to the Echo Mountain Complex Fire.“I got so emotional knowing that we won everything,” McMaster said. “We did it. We convinced the jury that we deserved to be compensated for everything that we lost.”Cody Berne, an attorney for the plaintiffs, also welcomed the verdict."The jury’s verdict is extremely gratifying after PacifiCorp refused to accept responsibility for any of the damages caused by its incompetence and utter disregard for people and property on Labor Day 2020,” Berne said in a news release Wednesday.Doug Dixon, an attorney for the power company, told the jury Tuesday that punitive damages were unwarranted, saying that PacifiCorp “was not indifferent to the threat of wildfire risk, let alone outrageously or consciously so.”The company has invested hundreds of millions of dollars since the fires to upgrade equipment and expand its weather stations and weather modeling, he said.Further, Dixon said, the utility could face bankruptcy if punitive damages exceed its net worth of $10.7 billion.The plaintiffs' attorney told the jury such damages would be the only way to hold the company accountable.“This should’ve never happened,” Berne said. “The way to make sure it never happens again is to speak to them in the language that they know. And it’s the language of money.”

PacifiCorp must pay punitive damages for fires, plus award that could reach billions

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

-Zachary L Dubray, Class 2 Felony, Robbery, Class 3A Felony, Terroristic threats, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace

-Rubi E Guerrero, Class 4 Felony, Operate motor vehicle/avoid arrest-flny, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Resist arrest, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before reinstated-state, Willful reckless driving, Disturbing the peace

-A J Stanec, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession under 19&nbsp;

-Evelyn Picket Pin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Compulsory education attendance required

-Vanessa A Uhley, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Unauth use propelled vehicle

-Franklin Jealous of Him, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace&nbsp;

-Andrew B Flye III, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Trespass 2nd degree/defy order to leave, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace, Infraction, Possess or use drug paraphernalia

-Damon R Dubray, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20, Infraction, Zero tolerance violation

-Jason A Fisher, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace

-Kaitlyn Dubray, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20

-Bertha M Conquering Bear, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession under 19

-Troy W Meyer, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Leave accident-fail to furnish info

-Winston X Woerner, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Trespass 2nd degree/defy order to leave

-Beverly C Pierce, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Criminal mischief $0-500, Disturbing the peace

-Bianca I Moreno, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20, Infraction, Possess or use drug paraphernalia

-Teresa Good Road,&nbsp;Poss cont sub&gt;140g. Poss w. intent to&nbsp;distribute X2. Poss cont sub, Poss drug&nbsp;para

-Richard Glover,&nbsp;Poss cont sub&gt;140g. Poss w. intent to&nbsp;distribute X2. Poss cont sub, Poss drug&nbsp;para

-Xavier Vallejo,&nbsp;Child abuse, Use of deadly weapon to&nbsp;commit a (F), Domestic Assault,&nbsp;Obstructing, Terroristic Threats

-Summer Lone Dog,&nbsp;Theft - Shoplifting

-Anne Mousseaux,&nbsp;False imprisonment, Poss cont sub

-Marcelino Alvarez,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para, Poss open&nbsp;container; tamper with phyisical evidence

-Angel Bush,&nbsp;Fugitive from Justice&nbsp;South Dakota- Pennington County,&nbsp;DUI 4th, DUI 3rd

-Zachary J Verdin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations

-Jacob Smith,&nbsp;Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations

-Brian F Smith, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Over bag limit - fish/small game/turkey

-Steven Rozmiarek,&nbsp;Class 3 Misdemeanor, Over bag limit - fish/small game/turkey

-Raymond Cook, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree

-Devin Trueblood, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI

-Lliana Reyes-Soriano, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Theft-shoplifting $501-`1,499

-Amanda Renz, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Theft-unlawful taking $501-1,499, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive-under sups/before reinstated by state

-Sylvanus W Lame Jr., Class 2 Misdemeanor, Trespass 2nd degree/defy order to leave

-Tex Wells, Class 4 Felony, Drive while revoked from DUI/refusal, Infraction, Fail to use child passenger restraint

-Kaycee Kittell, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor misrepresent age to obtain liquor, Minor in possession ages 19/20

-Johanna Black Eyes, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20

-Jadyn Cady, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Misrepresent age to obtain tobacco/elec nic&nbsp;

-Dennis Latka, Class 4 Felony, Fail to appear when on bail-felony

-Ming An Liu, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations

-Danielle Kaiser, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Acts declared unlawful-license/driving

-Rose Little Thunder, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Fail to appear or comply with citation

-Augustine Taylor, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace

-Rubi E Guerrero, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Theft-shoplifting $501-1,499

-Ruddy Flores Perez, Class 3 Misdemeanor, No operator's license/waiverable, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Unlawful entry without park permit

-Samuel Glick, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Operate vessel without required equipment

-Desirae N McLaughlin, Misdemeanor, No operator's license

-Sylvanus J Lame, Felony, Fugitive from justice

-Sylis Little Moon, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3A Felony, Terroristic threats, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20

*All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.Box Butte Co:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686942309770.jpeg" alt="-Natasha White Butterfly, Class 3A Felony, Domestic assault 2nd degree, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degree, Obstruct a peace officer, Resist arrest, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace, Class 2 Felony, Use deadly weapon to commit a felony" />
 <figcaption>-Natasha White Butterfly, Class 3A Felony, Domestic assault 2nd degree, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degree, Obstruct a peace officer, Resist arrest, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace, Class 2 Felony, Use deadly weapon to commit a felony</figcaption>
 </figure>-Zachary L Dubray, Class 2 Felony, Robbery, Class 3A Felony, Terroristic threats, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Rubi E Guerrero, Class 4 Felony, Operate motor vehicle/avoid arrest-flny, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Resist arrest, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before reinstated-state, Willful reckless driving, Disturbing the peace-A J Stanec, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession under 19&nbsp;-Evelyn Picket Pin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Compulsory education attendance required-Vanessa A Uhley, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Unauth use propelled vehicle-Franklin Jealous of Him, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Domestic assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace&nbsp;-Andrew B Flye III, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Trespass 2nd degree/defy order to leave, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace, Infraction, Possess or use drug paraphernalia-Damon R Dubray, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20, Infraction, Zero tolerance violation-Jason A Fisher, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Kaitlyn Dubray, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20-Bertha M Conquering Bear, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession under 19-Troy W Meyer, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Leave accident-fail to furnish info-Winston X Woerner, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Trespass 2nd degree/defy order to leave-Beverly C Pierce, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Criminal mischief $0-500, Disturbing the peace-Bianca I Moreno, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20, Infraction, Possess or use drug paraphernaliaScotts Bluff Co:&nbsp;-Ashley Lara,&nbsp;Trespassing-Teresa Good Road,&nbsp;Poss cont sub&gt;140g. Poss w. intent to&nbsp;distribute X2. Poss cont sub, Poss drug&nbsp;para-Richard Glover,&nbsp;Poss cont sub&gt;140g. Poss w. intent to&nbsp;distribute X2. Poss cont sub, Poss drug&nbsp;para-Xavier Vallejo,&nbsp;Child abuse, Use of deadly weapon to&nbsp;commit a (F), Domestic Assault,&nbsp;Obstructing, Terroristic Threats-Summer Lone Dog,&nbsp;Theft - Shoplifting-Nicole Lackey,&nbsp;Assault 3rd degree-Anne Mousseaux,&nbsp;False imprisonment, Poss cont sub-Katia Olomos,&nbsp;Assault 2nd degree-Marcelino Alvarez,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para, Poss open&nbsp;container; tamper with phyisical evidence-Angel Bush,&nbsp;Fugitive from Justice&nbsp;South Dakota- Pennington County,&nbsp;DUI 4th, DUI 3rdDawes Co:&nbsp;-Zachary J Verdin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations-Jacob Smith,&nbsp;Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations-Brian F Smith, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Over bag limit - fish/small game/turkey-Steven Rozmiarek,&nbsp;Class 3 Misdemeanor, Over bag limit - fish/small game/turkey-Raymond Cook, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree-Devin Trueblood, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI-Lliana Reyes-Soriano, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Theft-shoplifting $501-`1,499-Amanda Renz, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Theft-unlawful taking $501-1,499, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive-under sups/before reinstated by state-Sylvanus W Lame Jr., Class 2 Misdemeanor, Trespass 2nd degree/defy order to leave-Tex Wells, Class 4 Felony, Drive while revoked from DUI/refusal, Infraction, Fail to use child passenger restraint-Kaycee Kittell, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor misrepresent age to obtain liquor, Minor in possession ages 19/20-Johanna Black Eyes, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20-Jadyn Cady, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Misrepresent age to obtain tobacco/elec nic&nbsp;-Dennis Latka, Class 4 Felony, Fail to appear when on bail-felony-Ming An Liu, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations-Danielle Kaiser, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Acts declared unlawful-license/driving-Rose Little Thunder, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Fail to appear or comply with citation-Augustine Taylor, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Rubi E Guerrero, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Theft-shoplifting $501-1,499-Ruddy Flores Perez, Class 3 Misdemeanor, No operator's license/waiverable, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Unlawful entry without park permit-Samuel Glick, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Violate hunting/fishing regulations, Class 5 Misdemeanor, Operate vessel without required equipment-Desirae N McLaughlin, Misdemeanor, No operator's license-Sylvanus J Lame, Felony, Fugitive from justice-Sylis Little Moon, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree, Class 3A Felony, Terroristic threats, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Obstruct a peace officer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20

Panhandle police activity, June 1 - June 15

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful

May 20th brought me to downtown Chadron though several minutes later than I had hoped to arrive. My family, headed to Panhandle Gymnastics’ 5th Annual Spring Fest, watched at the stop sign as the Keep Alliance Beautiful pickup and green trailer turned south onto Highway 385 at 12:03. I would have to find out about the community’s initial recycling event on Monday.

As the followup collection nears, I reached out to Keep Chadron Beautiful (KCB) Director Susan Hucke.

“The initial collection proved that the Chadron Community is ready to reestablish recycling. Over 40 people brought 1,460 pounds of recyclables,” she said. “Community members volunteered to help advertise and organize the event and process the materials.”

Future events are planned for the third Saturday of each month, Susan explained, with the possible exception of July as the third Saturday coincides with Fur Trade Days. The next event is scheduled for June 17.

Area residents who were there in May are looking forward to returning this month. As I walked into The Chadron Record last week bundles of newspapers at the Chadron Record seemed to speak for themselves. Former Times-Herald colleague Mark Dykes, the publication’s editor, was there prepping to cover an upcoming school board meeting. He said that people do stop by asking for papers to aid in packing, gardening, art projects and other endeavors yet without a recycling outlet until now he has run out of storage room, filling his alley trash bin on occasion with the overflow. Trailer or bed of the KAB truck, I’m sure we’ll see plenty of newsprint.

Mark described his town’s response on the 20th as a smaller group initially then a bigger second wave later in the morning. He said an aluminum car crusher/baler proved to be a big hit. A local man who has recycled for years offered the use of the equipment. Donations to pay for transport flowed along with the recycling.

“Comments received from the Chadron community were nothing but positive,” Susan commented. “Keep Chadron Beautiful and the recycling committee have received an abundance of ‘Thank you for bringing Recycling back to Chadron’ comments,” as well as an extension of “appreciation to Keep Alliance Beautiful!”

Executive Director Kathy Worley and Recycling Supervisor G.O. Thompson were on hand from Keep Alliance Beautiful. “The Nebraska Bank parking lot was the perfect place to hold the event,” Kathy said, “visible to passersby, with plenty of room for the participants, and lots of shade for volunteers. Thank you Chadron for bringing your recycling.”

In the days since, KCB Recycling Coordinator Bill Simones has hauled a weekly load of corrugated and fiberboard cardboard (all broken down flat) from Chadron businesses. He and KAB staff bale everything filling the trailer and pickup bed, representing about 30 cubic yards (pre-compaction).

During the week of May 21, for example, KAB began receiving loads from a Chadron business. Ace Hardware, who bales its own cardboard, made two round trips – a bit over 200 miles – to contribute more than a ton to the center’s inventory. The driver mentioned that he planned to follow up with a furniture store on what happens to their cardboard.

I welcome Chadron as a major spoke to KAB’s hub within our coverage area this spring. Perhaps Chadron State College will step up to the plate by the fall semester. Walking around Chadron, the only place I found any public recycling bins (as opposed to the cardboard cages adjacent to businesses) was at the Nebraska National Forest Ranger Station. The woman manning the desk over the noon hour was unsure where their recycling ends up.

Before lining up this weekend in Chadron – for a second or maybe first time – please help our Keep America Beautiful affiliates be effective and efficient. Sorting materials (clean and dry) into smaller bags

within larger ones cuts down our processing time immensely. Also, to find out what the KAB recycling center accepts, call us at 308-763-1410 during office hours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance BeautifulMay 20th brought me to downtown Chadron though several minutes later than I had hoped to arrive. My family, headed to Panhandle Gymnastics’ 5th Annual Spring Fest, watched at the stop sign as the Keep Alliance Beautiful pickup and green trailer turned south onto Highway 385 at 12:03. I would have to find out about the community’s initial recycling event on Monday.As the followup collection nears, I reached out to Keep Chadron Beautiful (KCB) Director Susan Hucke.“The initial collection proved that the Chadron Community is ready to reestablish recycling. Over 40 people brought 1,460 pounds of recyclables,” she said. “Community members volunteered to help advertise and organize the event and process the materials.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686935178172.jpeg" alt="Bundles of newspapers stacking up at the Chadron Record now have a recycling destination as the community partners with the Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Center. The next community collection event will be Saturday, June 17. " />
 <figcaption>Bundles of newspapers stacking up at the Chadron Record now have a recycling destination as the community partners with the Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Center. The next community collection event will be Saturday, June 17. </figcaption>
 </figure>Future events are planned for the third Saturday of each month, Susan explained, with the possible exception of July as the third Saturday coincides with Fur Trade Days. The next event is scheduled for June 17.Area residents who were there in May are looking forward to returning this month. As I walked into The Chadron Record last week bundles of newspapers at the Chadron Record seemed to speak for themselves. Former Times-Herald colleague Mark Dykes, the publication’s editor, was there prepping to cover an upcoming school board meeting. He said that people do stop by asking for papers to aid in packing, gardening, art projects and other endeavors yet without a recycling outlet until now he has run out of storage room, filling his alley trash bin on occasion with the overflow. Trailer or bed of the KAB truck, I’m sure we’ll see plenty of newsprint.Mark described his town’s response on the 20th as a smaller group initially then a bigger second wave later in the morning. He said an aluminum car crusher/baler proved to be a big hit. A local man who has recycled for years offered the use of the equipment. Donations to pay for transport flowed along with the recycling.“Comments received from the Chadron community were nothing but positive,” Susan commented. “Keep Chadron Beautiful and the recycling committee have received an abundance of ‘Thank you for bringing Recycling back to Chadron’ comments,” as well as an extension of “appreciation to Keep Alliance Beautiful!”Executive Director Kathy Worley and Recycling Supervisor G.O. Thompson were on hand from Keep Alliance Beautiful. “The Nebraska Bank parking lot was the perfect place to hold the event,” Kathy said, “visible to passersby, with plenty of room for the participants, and lots of shade for volunteers. Thank you Chadron for bringing your recycling.”In the days since, KCB Recycling Coordinator Bill Simones has hauled a weekly load of corrugated and fiberboard cardboard (all broken down flat) from Chadron businesses. He and KAB staff bale everything filling the trailer and pickup bed, representing about 30 cubic yards (pre-compaction).During the week of May 21, for example, KAB began receiving loads from a Chadron business. Ace Hardware, who bales its own cardboard, made two round trips – a bit over 200 miles – to contribute more than a ton to the center’s inventory. The driver mentioned that he planned to follow up with a furniture store on what happens to their cardboard.I welcome Chadron as a major spoke to KAB’s hub within our coverage area this spring. Perhaps Chadron State College will step up to the plate by the fall semester. Walking around Chadron, the only place I found any public recycling bins (as opposed to the cardboard cages adjacent to businesses) was at the Nebraska National Forest Ranger Station. The woman manning the desk over the noon hour was unsure where their recycling ends up.Before lining up this weekend in Chadron – for a second or maybe first time – please help our Keep America Beautiful affiliates be effective and efficient. Sorting materials (clean and dry) into smaller bagswithin larger ones cuts down our processing time immensely. Also, to find out what the KAB recycling center accepts, call us at 308-763-1410 during office hours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Keep Alliance Beautiful: Chadron’s recycling rendezvous

Alliance, NE – Teamwork Around the World with Jordan Hooper will be featured at the Alliance Public Library on Monday, June 19th at 5:30 pm in the Community Room. Jordan is an Alliance High School alumni and a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she also starred on the Women’s Basketball Team. Following her UNL graduation, she has travelled the world playing professional basketball with teams from several countries. All ages are welcome to attend this “All Together Now” Summer Reading event.

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

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Teamwork Around the World with Jordan Hooper will be featured at the Alliance Public Library on Monday, June 19th at 5:30 pm in the Community Room. Jordan is an Alliance High School alumni and a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she also starred on the Women’s Basketball Team. Following her UNL graduation, she has travelled the world playing professional basketball with teams from several countries. All ages are welcome to attend this “All Together Now” Summer Reading event.For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686162801988.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

'Teamwork Around the World with Jordan Hooper' to be held in Alliance 

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be&nbsp;  possible.

* WHERE...Portions of Nebraska Panhandle and Wyoming, including the&nbsp;  following areas, in Nebraska Panhandle, Banner County, Box Butte&nbsp;  County, Cheyenne County, Dawes County, Kimball County, Morrill&nbsp;  County, Northern Sioux County, Scotts Bluff County and Southern&nbsp;  Sioux County. In Wyoming, East Laramie County, Goshen County and&nbsp;  Niobrara County.

* WHEN...From this evening through Friday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,&nbsp;&nbsp;  creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

  - Heavy rainfall from training and/or slow moving thunderstorms&nbsp;    falling on saturated soils.

- <a href="http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood">http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood</a>

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WYFLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON...* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be&nbsp; possible.* WHERE...Portions of Nebraska Panhandle and Wyoming, including the&nbsp; following areas, in Nebraska Panhandle, Banner County, Box Butte&nbsp; County, Cheyenne County, Dawes County, Kimball County, Morrill&nbsp; County, Northern Sioux County, Scotts Bluff County and Southern&nbsp; Sioux County. In Wyoming, East Laramie County, Goshen County and&nbsp; Niobrara County.* WHEN...From this evening through Friday afternoon.* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,&nbsp;&nbsp; creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Heavy rainfall from training and/or slow moving thunderstorms&nbsp; falling on saturated soils. - <a href="http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood">http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood</a>PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Flood Watch issued for Panhandle 

Alliance – The Alliance Public Landfill, construction and demo area and the top of the hill are closed to the public due to muddy conditions until conditions clear up.

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

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Public Landfill, construction and demo area and the top of the hill are closed to the public due to muddy conditions until conditions clear up.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686927955563.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Partial closure at the Alliance Public Landfill

By&nbsp;Professional Ringmen’s Institute

Clay Bixby of Ellsworth, Nebraska has just completed training at the Professional Ringmen’s Institute in Branson, Missouri. This prestigious institute is the only one in the U.S. and their objective is clear….“Teaching Skills to Make Every Auction a Better One.”

The institute trains those individuals wishing to serve as Professional Ringmen while assisting bidders and Auctioneers at live auctions. During the intensive course, students receive hands on training for serving as a Professional Ringman at Real Estate Auctions, Personal Property Auctions, Auto Auctions, Purebred Livestock and Benefit Auctions. Students learn what’s required to serve as an effective professional and PRI founder Brian Rigby states that “many Professional Ringmen, also referred to as bid assistants, are making a very good living serving as a Professional Ringman.” Rigby also says that there’s a considerable difference between a Professional Ringman and a ‘bidspotter’ and at the

Professional Ringmen’s Institute, students become aware of the difference very quickly. At PRI, students learn from World Champion Ringmen and Auctioneers with combined experience in the auction industry of over 100 years. Upon graduation, students are prepared to professionally assist auctioneers with any kind of auction, and they will be a tremendous asset to any auction team. Rigby states that “a good Ringman will always make a better Auctioneer” and several PRI graduates have made that transition very successfully.

Clay Bixby is a graduate of the Western College of Auctioneering and member of the National Auctioneers Association. Mr. Bixby is also a member of the Nebraska Auctioneers Association, Wyoming Auctioneers Association, South Dakota Auctioneers Association and Colorado Auctioneers Associations.

More information about the Professional Ringmen’s Institute can be found at www.ProRingmen.com. 

By&nbsp;Professional Ringmen’s Institute<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686926515210.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clay Bixby of Ellsworth, Nebraska has just completed training at the Professional Ringmen’s Institute in Branson, Missouri. This prestigious institute is the only one in the U.S. and their objective is clear….“Teaching Skills to Make Every Auction a Better One.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686927829137.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The institute trains those individuals wishing to serve as Professional Ringmen while assisting bidders and Auctioneers at live auctions. During the intensive course, students receive hands on training for serving as a Professional Ringman at Real Estate Auctions, Personal Property Auctions, Auto Auctions, Purebred Livestock and Benefit Auctions. Students learn what’s required to serve as an effective professional and PRI founder Brian Rigby states that “many Professional Ringmen, also referred to as bid assistants, are making a very good living serving as a Professional Ringman.” Rigby also says that there’s a considerable difference between a Professional Ringman and a ‘bidspotter’ and at theProfessional Ringmen’s Institute, students become aware of the difference very quickly. At PRI, students learn from World Champion Ringmen and Auctioneers with combined experience in the auction industry of over 100 years. Upon graduation, students are prepared to professionally assist auctioneers with any kind of auction, and they will be a tremendous asset to any auction team. Rigby states that “a good Ringman will always make a better Auctioneer” and several PRI graduates have made that transition very successfully.Clay Bixby is a graduate of the Western College of Auctioneering and member of the National Auctioneers Association. Mr. Bixby is also a member of the Nebraska Auctioneers Association, Wyoming Auctioneers Association, South Dakota Auctioneers Association and Colorado Auctioneers Associations.More information about the Professional Ringmen’s Institute can be found at www.ProRingmen.com.

Bixby of Ellsworth graduates from Professional Ringmen's Institute

BEVERAGES OF THE DAMNED: Not Everything Is Better With Bacon

Alliance – The City of Alliance will begin monthly outdoor warning siren tests at noon next Wednesday, June 21. 

The City will test the sirens every third Wednesday at noon through October. 

Testing will NOT occur when thunderstorms are predicted in the area or are actually in the area or during freezing weather conditions. 

If testing of the sirens does not happen because of the mentioned situations. Siren testing will be at the next regularly scheduled date and time.

You can find helpful information on the City of Alliance website under the Emergency Management link.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The City of Alliance will begin monthly outdoor warning siren tests at noon next Wednesday, June 21. The City will test the sirens every third Wednesday at noon through October. Testing will NOT occur when thunderstorms are predicted in the area or are actually in the area or during freezing weather conditions. If testing of the sirens does not happen because of the mentioned situations. Siren testing will be at the next regularly scheduled date and time. There will be no “make-up test.” You can find helpful information on the City of Alliance website under the Emergency Management link.

Alliance to begin outdoor warning siren testing

Alliance – Friday, June 16th Big Blue Bay will be open for the 6:00 a.m. lap swim, but will be closed for the remainder of the day due to forecasted temperatures. This closure includes swim lessons.

For more information, please contact Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Friday, June 16th Big Blue Bay will be open for the 6:00 a.m. lap swim, but will be closed for the remainder of the day due to forecasted temperatures. This closure includes swim lessons.For more information, please contact Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

Big Blue Bay in Alliance changes hours for Friday 

The Hemingford Chamber of Commerce will host the Jason Mayer band today, June 16 starting at 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.&nbsp;

There will be coloring, painting and jump roping for kids.&nbsp;

A free will donation will be collected at the gate.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686874393665.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686874580299.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hemingford Chamber of Commerce will host the Jason Mayer band today, June 16 starting at 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.&nbsp;There will be coloring, painting and jump roping for kids.&nbsp;A free will donation will be collected at the gate.&nbsp;

'Bands on the Butte' kicks off in downtown Hemingford with Jason Mayer 

By&nbsp;Owen Ian Burnett, Executive Director at Alliance Chamber of Commerce

I am very excited to soon be working for the Alliance Chamber of Commerce and am extremely appreciative of Ms. Susan Unzicker, the retiring Executive Director and Board of Directors.&nbsp; As well as all of the staff&nbsp;and volunteers for their help in getting me off to a great start.

&nbsp;I truly believe Alliance is one of the best small towns in America!&nbsp; A real "Oasis in the Sandhills."

My wife and high school sweetheart, Jamie, and I both graduated&nbsp;from Alliance High School in the early 2000's.When we found out we were pregnant in 2020, we said goodbye&nbsp;to Denver and knew this is where we wanted to raise our family.

One of the Chamber's major goals is to support local business and promote all of the various services, activities and major upcoming events. 

Please communicate with me about your ideas, complaints and suggestions.&nbsp; What are we doing well?&nbsp; Where can we improve?

If you have a business, join the Chamber of Commerce and let us help support your work.&nbsp; If you haven't been a member in the past, the door is always open. There are many volunteer roles available to help serve our local businesses.

Let us find ways to increase&nbsp;tourism and hospitality in Alliance and Box Butte Co.&nbsp; Highway 2 and 385 (the Heartland Express) bring thousands of drivers through our community each year. Let's utilize this unique opportunity for people to stop, shop and enjoy our amazing town.

I am very grateful to Alliance Tractor and my managers/colleagues for providing a solid, well-paid position and they will be hiring. My first day at the Chamber will begin June 19.&nbsp; 

Stop by 305 Box Butte, send me an email at&nbsp;chamber@alliancechamber.com or call 762-1520 and let's talk!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

By&nbsp;Owen Ian Burnett, Executive Director at Alliance Chamber of Commerce<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686848545425.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I am very excited to soon be working for the Alliance Chamber of Commerce and am extremely appreciative of Ms. Susan Unzicker, the retiring Executive Director and Board of Directors.&nbsp; As well as all of the staff&nbsp;and volunteers for their help in getting me off to a great start.&nbsp;I truly believe Alliance is one of the best small towns in America!&nbsp; A real "Oasis in the Sandhills."My wife and high school sweetheart, Jamie, and I both graduated&nbsp;from Alliance High School in the early 2000's.When we found out we were pregnant in 2020, we said goodbye&nbsp;to Denver and knew this is where we wanted to raise our family.One of the Chamber's major goals is to support local business and promote all of the various services, activities and major upcoming events. Please communicate with me about your ideas, complaints and suggestions.&nbsp; What are we doing well?&nbsp; Where can we improve?If you have a business, join the Chamber of Commerce and let us help support your work.&nbsp; If you haven't been a member in the past, the door is always open. There are many volunteer roles available to help serve our local businesses.Let us find ways to increase&nbsp;tourism and hospitality in Alliance and Box Butte Co.&nbsp; Highway 2 and 385 (the Heartland Express) bring thousands of drivers through our community each year. Let's utilize this unique opportunity for people to stop, shop and enjoy our amazing town.I am very grateful to Alliance Tractor and my managers/colleagues for providing a solid, well-paid position and they will be hiring. My first day at the Chamber will begin June 19.&nbsp; Stop by 305 Box Butte, send me an email at&nbsp;chamber@alliancechamber.com or call 762-1520 and let's talk!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Burnett named new Alliance Chamber of Commerce Executive Director 

What a season it has been for the NBA's Denver Nuggets!&nbsp; The Nuggets wrapped up their first ever NBA title Monday night with a 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat.&nbsp; Denver wins the NBA Championship Series 4 games to one.&nbsp;

Alliance native Jason Kosmicki has been the Radio Play by Play voice of the Nuggets for the last 14 years....and was behind the mic for their Championship run this season.&nbsp; Jason has been involved in Denver Sports for the past 29 years.&nbsp; He is a 1986 graduate of Alliance St. Agnes Academy and a former,&nbsp; part time, "weekend warrior" at KCOW.&nbsp;

Jason visited with Mike Glesinger about his radio career and his time with the Nuggets.&nbsp; Click on the arrow above to hear the interview.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Denver Nuggets Radio Voice Jason Kosmicki" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mwh78-14335f6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773043586.jpeg" alt="Jason Kosmicki" />
 <figcaption>Jason Kosmicki</figcaption>
 </figure>What a season it has been for the NBA's Denver Nuggets!&nbsp; The Nuggets wrapped up their first ever NBA title Monday night with a 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat.&nbsp; Denver wins the NBA Championship Series 4 games to one.&nbsp;Alliance native Jason Kosmicki has been the Radio Play by Play voice of the Nuggets for the last 14 years....and was behind the mic for their Championship run this season.&nbsp; Jason has been involved in Denver Sports for the past 29 years.&nbsp; He is a 1986 graduate of Alliance St. Agnes Academy and a former,&nbsp; part time, "weekend warrior" at KCOW.&nbsp;Jason visited with Mike Glesinger about his radio career and his time with the Nuggets.&nbsp; Click on the arrow above to hear the interview.

Post Podcast: Catching Up with Denver Nuggets Radio Voice, Alliance Native Jason Kosmicki

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Box Butte County in the panhandle of Nebraska...
  Northwestern Morrill County in the panhandle of Nebraska...
  Northeastern Scotts Bluff County in the panhandle of Nebraska...
  Southeastern Sioux County in the panhandle of Nebraska...

* Until 500 PM MDT.

* 

At 158 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.75 and 2.5 inches of
  rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 0.75 to 1.5 inches
  in 3 hours. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.75 to 1.5 inches are
  possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected
  to begin shortly.



  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar.



  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
           areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
           other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* 

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Alliance, Hemingford, Kilpatrick Lake, Flahertys Corner and Berea.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National
Weather Service when you can do so safely.&nbsp;

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WYThe National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
 Box Butte County in the panhandle of Nebraska...
 Northwestern Morrill County in the panhandle of Nebraska...
 Northeastern Scotts Bluff County in the panhandle of Nebraska...
 Southeastern Sioux County in the panhandle of Nebraska...

* Until 500 PM MDT.

* At 158 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
 heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.75 and 2.5 inches of
 rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 0.75 to 1.5 inches
 in 3 hours. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.75 to 1.5 inches are
 possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected
 to begin shortly.

 HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

 SOURCE...Radar.

 IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
 areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
 other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
 Alliance, Hemingford, Kilpatrick Lake, Flahertys Corner and Berea.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National
Weather Service when you can do so safely.&nbsp;

Flash Flood Warning issued for Box Butte, Morrill, Sioux, Scotts Bluff Counties 

**UPDATE** Isabelle has been located and is safe. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word

NORTH PLATTE, NEB - The North Platte Police Department is currently looking for 17 year old Isabelle Wright, who is a missing/runaway juvenile.  Isabelle is approximately 5'06, 190 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.  Isabelle was last seen in the 2300 Block of East D St, on June 12th around 11:00 am.  Isabelle is possibly wearing a red t-shirt with black shorts.  If you have any information on Isabelle's whereabouts, please contact the North Platte Police Department.

**UPDATE** Isabelle has been located and is safe. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the wordNORTH PLATTE, NEB - The North Platte Police Department is currently looking for 17 year old Isabelle Wright, who is a missing/runaway juvenile. Isabelle is approximately 5'06, 190 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Isabelle was last seen in the 2300 Block of East D St, on June 12th around 11:00 am. Isabelle is possibly wearing a red t-shirt with black shorts. If you have any information on Isabelle's whereabouts, please contact the North Platte Police Department.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepolice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02RcyoSA8HPiFpnoLrRQAXHaBdE2jn1ZDUshKrxM9b2RBon9VgETaiHNRiEkjxXSKZl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="598" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

UPDATE: North Platte Police Department looking for missing/runaway juvenile

By&nbsp;Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever

&nbsp; Pheasants Forever is putting on a Habitat Tour June 20 called “Where the HECK are the Pheasants?” 

We will start at 9am at the Alliance Knight Museum, have a Subway lunch around noon, and head to the field to look at some good habitat and end around 1pm. Registration is free but we do request folks sign up on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskapf.com/" target="_blank">www.NebraskaPF.com</a>&nbsp;for an accurate meal count.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By&nbsp;Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686846953941.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Pheasants Forever is putting on a Habitat Tour June 20 called “Where the HECK are the Pheasants?” We will start at 9am at the Alliance Knight Museum, have a Subway lunch around noon, and head to the field to look at some good habitat and end around 1pm. Registration is free but we do request folks sign up on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskapf.com/" target="_blank">www.NebraskaPF.com</a>&nbsp;for an accurate meal count.&nbsp;&nbsp;

'Where the heck are the pheasants?' to be held in Alliance 

On May 12, the Chadron Federal Credit Union was robbed by a male suspect. 

The male suspect fled the bank on foot, but during the course of the investigation, investigators with the Chadron Police Department were able to identify a suspected vehicle used in the robbery. Additionally, investigators have developed a suspect in the case. The suspect is believed to be out of our region and possibly in a state located in the southern United States. 

The Chadron Police Department is working with federal law enforcement agencies in order to locate the suspect and the suspected vehicle used in the robbery. 

At this time, the suspect’s name will not be provided due to investigatory purposes, as the investigation is ongoing.

By Chadron Police DepartmentOn May 12, the Chadron Federal Credit Union was robbed by a male suspect. The male suspect fled the bank on foot, but during the course of the investigation, investigators with the Chadron Police Department were able to identify a suspected vehicle used in the robbery. Additionally, investigators have developed a suspect in the case. The suspect is believed to be out of our region and possibly in a state located in the southern United States. The Chadron Police Department is working with federal law enforcement agencies in order to locate the suspect and the suspected vehicle used in the robbery. At this time, the suspect’s name will not be provided due to investigatory purposes, as the investigation is ongoing.

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