By Box Butte General Hospital&nbsp;

Every year during the first two weeks of May, Box Butte General Hospital celebrates National Hospital Week. National Hospital Week is a week to recognize the important roles hospitals play in communities, and to celebrate the individuals who provide exceptional care for patients.

Please join BBGH in saying thank you to all the staff as we celebrate National Hospital Week 2023 from May 7-13. Compassionate, patient-centered nurses make up half the staff at hospitals, like BBGH, and others work to support, treat, and ensure we continue to provide exemplary patient care. The collaboration of a network of professionals make the whole healthcare process work smoothly. It takes the entire team of strong individuals to meet our mission to lead and innovate in healthcare delivery and community wellness.

“Box Butte General Hospital celebrates National Hospital Week by recognizing the amazing people who work in our hospital and healthcare system,” said Dede DeVeny, Experience Ambassador. “We will pay tribute to our employees this week by offering special meals, a brand-new employee lounge, fun activities, and a live-print event with Shelmadine Print Shop. BBGH is proud of our many employees and we are happy to celebrate them during National Hospital Week. #WeAreHealthcare.”

The staff is grateful for the communities we serve, and it is our hope that you celebrate National Hospital Week with us. Help us recognize the work it takes from each individual to make great things happen. Visit our Facebook page (Box Butte General Hospital) May 7-13 where there will be a gratitude wall for gratitude comments to be given.

Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

By Box Butte General Hospital&nbsp;Every year during the first two weeks of May, Box Butte General Hospital celebrates National Hospital Week. National Hospital Week is a week to recognize the important roles hospitals play in communities, and to celebrate the individuals who provide exceptional care for patients.Please join BBGH in saying thank you to all the staff as we celebrate National Hospital Week 2023 from May 7-13. Compassionate, patient-centered nurses make up half the staff at hospitals, like BBGH, and others work to support, treat, and ensure we continue to provide exemplary patient care. The collaboration of a network of professionals make the whole healthcare process work smoothly. It takes the entire team of strong individuals to meet our mission to lead and innovate in healthcare delivery and community wellness.“Box Butte General Hospital celebrates National Hospital Week by recognizing the amazing people who work in our hospital and healthcare system,” said Dede DeVeny, Experience Ambassador. “We will pay tribute to our employees this week by offering special meals, a brand-new employee lounge, fun activities, and a live-print event with Shelmadine Print Shop. BBGH is proud of our many employees and we are happy to celebrate them during National Hospital Week. #WeAreHealthcare.”The staff is grateful for the communities we serve, and it is our hope that you celebrate National Hospital Week with us. Help us recognize the work it takes from each individual to make great things happen. Visit our Facebook page (Box Butte General Hospital) May 7-13 where there will be a gratitude wall for gratitude comments to be given.Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Box Butte General Hospital to celebrate National Hospital Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE)&nbsp;welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) disaster declaration announcement allowing farm operators from certain counties to apply for&nbsp;Farm Service Agency (FSA<a href="http://www.farmers.gov/recover" target="_blank">) emergency loan assistance</a>.

“Food security is national security, and it is essential we support our farmers and ranchers during tough seasons to ensure the continued production of our food supply,” said Senator Ricketts. “Nebraska farm operators have been struggling in the face of record-breaking drought conditions, and I encourage all eligible for the emergency assistance to apply. If our office can help you navigate the process, please reach out to us.”

The USDA announced 13 Nebraska counties as primary natural disaster areas due to&nbsp;the ongoing&nbsp;drought.&nbsp;The announcement also classified 31 counties as contiguous counties.&nbsp;This designation&nbsp;allows&nbsp;farm operators in the primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for&nbsp;the FSA emergency loan assistance. Farmers eligible have 8 months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.

If you are a resident of one of these counties, have endured damages, or are unsure about your eligibility for emergency loan assistance, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmers.gov/recover" target="_blank">www.farmers.gov/recover</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/services%20or%20call%20202-224-4224" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/services or call 202-224-4224</a>.

By Office of Sen. Pete RickettsWASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE)&nbsp;welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) disaster declaration announcement allowing farm operators from certain counties to apply for&nbsp;Farm Service Agency (FSA<a href="http://www.farmers.gov/recover" target="_blank">) emergency loan assistance</a>.“Food security is national security, and it is essential we support our farmers and ranchers during tough seasons to ensure the continued production of our food supply,” said Senator Ricketts. “Nebraska farm operators have been struggling in the face of record-breaking drought conditions, and I encourage all eligible for the emergency assistance to apply. If our office can help you navigate the process, please reach out to us.”The USDA announced 13 Nebraska counties as primary natural disaster areas due to&nbsp;the ongoing&nbsp;drought.&nbsp;The announcement also classified 31 counties as contiguous counties.&nbsp;This designation&nbsp;allows&nbsp;farm operators in the primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for&nbsp;the FSA emergency loan assistance. Farmers eligible have 8 months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.If you are a resident of one of these counties, have endured damages, or are unsure about your eligibility for emergency loan assistance, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmers.gov/recover" target="_blank">www.farmers.gov/recover</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/services%20or%20call%20202-224-4224" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/services or call 202-224-4224</a>.The primary counties include:CusterKnoxSalineValleyDawsonLancasterSewardYorkGageLoganShermanGarfieldMcPheresonThe contiguous counties include:AntelopeCedarHoltLoupThayerArthurClayHookerOtoeThomasBlaineFillmoreHowardPawneeWheelerBoydFrontierJeffersonPhelpsBuffaloGosperJohnsonPierceButlerGreeleyKeithPolkCassHamiltonLincolnSaunders<figure>
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Ricketts welcomes USDA’s Disaster Declaration of 13 Nebraska Counties

By&nbsp;United States Attorney Steven Russell

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Taylor Brown, 34, formerly of McCook, Nebraska, and Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.&nbsp; Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Brown to 63 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

From February 2019, through May 2019, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Tina Smith and Taylor Brown for a total of 28 grams.&nbsp; In addition, cooperating witnesses indicated that they purchased four to five ounces from Brown.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smith was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the McCook Police Department.

By&nbsp;United States Attorney Steven RussellUnited States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Taylor Brown, 34, formerly of McCook, Nebraska, and Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.&nbsp; Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Brown to 63 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.From February 2019, through May 2019, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Tina Smith and Taylor Brown for a total of 28 grams.&nbsp; In addition, cooperating witnesses indicated that they purchased four to five ounces from Brown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Smith was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the McCook Police Department.

Former McCook man sentenced in meth conspiracy

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful&nbsp;

A comprehensive opportunity to recycle without leaving town will return to Chardon May 20. The first – in what is expected to be a recurring community collection event – will be hosted in the Chadron Eagle newspaper’s lot downtown (248 West 2nd St.) from 9 a.m. to noon that Saturday. Area residents are encouraged to bring bagged/sorted recyclables, which will be transported to the Keep Alliance Beautiful (KAB) Recycling Center.

Interest in resuming public recycling services has simmered the past three years as Chadron, Crawford and others along the Pine Ridge have instead driven as far as Alliance and Rapid City, S.D. SWANN (Solid Waste Agency of NW Nebraska) removed roll-off containers during the Covid 19 Pandemic. Currently, there remain programs in Chadron to collect corrugated cardboard and white/office paper.

A Chadron State College student’s concern proved to be the missing catalyst to seriously address hometown recycling. A few weeks ago, Joe Talley of Vermillion, S.D., met with Keep Chadron Beautiful (KCB) Director Susan Hucke and KAB Executive Director Kathy Worley in Alliance. Discussion led to setting what would be a packed public meeting in Chadron April 25. As Worley explained at the onset, KAB would process whatever material arrived though collection and transportation would be Chadron’s responsibility. Hucke opened by thanking everyone (nearly 50 people filled the space) for attending and Platte Valley Companies for the room. This is “all about bringing recycling back to Chadron,” she said. “Thank you, thank you Keep Alliance Beautiful because they can accept our recycling.”

Equivalent to 1 percent of the town’s population, residents in attendance ranged from a baby to seniors with about a third of the audience under 50 years old. People were quick to volunteer as Worley began listing priorities. Mark Dykes, managing editor of The Record, offered the open lot east of the newspaper building. Hucke noted KCB has a big trailer that could be parked there. A woman sitting near the front also pledged a trailer. The college could potentially help with logistics. Talley said CSC “has pickups going back and forth to Alliance all day.”

“I’m a recycler,” a man proclaimed, noting he has hauled to Denver for 16 years, before saying he would lend the use of a baler that makes 25-pound bricks from aluminum cans. KCB staff gathered offers of assistance on a clipboard.

Throughout the 70-minute meeting, attendees debated the merits of collection methods. The group dismissed leaving an unattended trailer in favor of an advertised, staffed event that would be open to the public. At least one person observed that CSC has (or at least has offered in the past) its own trailers on campus. Hucke countered, “Who collects it? Keep Chadron Beautiful doesn’t collect it because it’s full of trash . . . these are the (realities) of recycling. We are here because you all want recycling.”

Keep Alliance Beautiful wants to incorporate Chadron into northwest Nebraska’s “hub and spoke” system wherein recyclers feed collection points which feed recycling centers. Alliance sends much of its baled and sorted materials to Western Resources Group in Ogallala, which, in turn feeds major hubs, such as Omaha. Chadron’s potential flow will be handled by the KAB center’s regular staff and volunteers.

There was no overt opposition to resuming recycling, at the Chadron meeting. However, an audience member did help flesh out details, including questioning whether it would be wise to spend time and fuel to recycle in Alliance. A man who has been collecting the community’s cardboard lamented how 20 tons “of cardboard are sitting at the dump now. We have no place to take this stuff and it’s rotting.”

Like questions of a collection site and transport, people quickly brainstormed ways to secure funding, especially to pay for fuel costs initially. Though two Keep America Beautiful affiliates

facilitated the meeting, the vision to craft a recycling collection system that will fit the Chadron area is being owned early on by the people themselves.

For information on the May 20 collection event, contact Hucke at 153 Bordeaux St., Chadron, NE 69337; 308-432-3805; www.keepchadronbeautiful.or

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682919713806.jpeg" alt="Keep Alliance Beautiful Executive Director Kathy Worley, right, and Susan Hucke, director of Keep Chadron Beautiful, standing second from left, talk with community members following an April 25 meeting in Chadron. Nearly 50 people attended the session to find a way to resume recycling, starting with a public collection event 9 a.m. to noon May 20 at The Chadron Record parking lot. Photo by John E. Weare&nbsp; " />
 <figcaption>Keep Alliance Beautiful Executive Director Kathy Worley, right, and Susan Hucke, director of Keep Chadron Beautiful, standing second from left, talk with community members following an April 25 meeting in Chadron. Nearly 50 people attended the session to find a way to resume recycling, starting with a public collection event 9 a.m. to noon May 20 at The Chadron Record parking lot. Photo by John E. Weare&nbsp; </figcaption>
 </figure>A comprehensive opportunity to recycle without leaving town will return to Chardon May 20. The first – in what is expected to be a recurring community collection event – will be hosted in the Chadron Eagle newspaper’s lot downtown (248 West 2nd St.) from 9 a.m. to noon that Saturday. Area residents are encouraged to bring bagged/sorted recyclables, which will be transported to the Keep Alliance Beautiful (KAB) Recycling Center.Interest in resuming public recycling services has simmered the past three years as Chadron, Crawford and others along the Pine Ridge have instead driven as far as Alliance and Rapid City, S.D. SWANN (Solid Waste Agency of NW Nebraska) removed roll-off containers during the Covid 19 Pandemic. Currently, there remain programs in Chadron to collect corrugated cardboard and white/office paper.A Chadron State College student’s concern proved to be the missing catalyst to seriously address hometown recycling. A few weeks ago, Joe Talley of Vermillion, S.D., met with Keep Chadron Beautiful (KCB) Director Susan Hucke and KAB Executive Director Kathy Worley in Alliance. Discussion led to setting what would be a packed public meeting in Chadron April 25. As Worley explained at the onset, KAB would process whatever material arrived though collection and transportation would be Chadron’s responsibility. Hucke opened by thanking everyone (nearly 50 people filled the space) for attending and Platte Valley Companies for the room. This is “all about bringing recycling back to Chadron,” she said. “Thank you, thank you Keep Alliance Beautiful because they can accept our recycling.”Equivalent to 1 percent of the town’s population, residents in attendance ranged from a baby to seniors with about a third of the audience under 50 years old. People were quick to volunteer as Worley began listing priorities. Mark Dykes, managing editor of The Record, offered the open lot east of the newspaper building. Hucke noted KCB has a big trailer that could be parked there. A woman sitting near the front also pledged a trailer. The college could potentially help with logistics. Talley said CSC “has pickups going back and forth to Alliance all day.”“I’m a recycler,” a man proclaimed, noting he has hauled to Denver for 16 years, before saying he would lend the use of a baler that makes 25-pound bricks from aluminum cans. KCB staff gathered offers of assistance on a clipboard.Throughout the 70-minute meeting, attendees debated the merits of collection methods. The group dismissed leaving an unattended trailer in favor of an advertised, staffed event that would be open to the public. At least one person observed that CSC has (or at least has offered in the past) its own trailers on campus. Hucke countered, “Who collects it? Keep Chadron Beautiful doesn’t collect it because it’s full of trash . . . these are the (realities) of recycling. We are here because you all want recycling.”Keep Alliance Beautiful wants to incorporate Chadron into northwest Nebraska’s “hub and spoke” system wherein recyclers feed collection points which feed recycling centers. Alliance sends much of its baled and sorted materials to Western Resources Group in Ogallala, which, in turn feeds major hubs, such as Omaha. Chadron’s potential flow will be handled by the KAB center’s regular staff and volunteers.There was no overt opposition to resuming recycling, at the Chadron meeting. However, an audience member did help flesh out details, including questioning whether it would be wise to spend time and fuel to recycle in Alliance. A man who has been collecting the community’s cardboard lamented how 20 tons “of cardboard are sitting at the dump now. We have no place to take this stuff and it’s rotting.”Like questions of a collection site and transport, people quickly brainstormed ways to secure funding, especially to pay for fuel costs initially. Though two Keep America Beautiful affiliatesfacilitated the meeting, the vision to craft a recycling collection system that will fit the Chadron area is being owned early on by the people themselves.For information on the May 20 collection event, contact Hucke at 153 Bordeaux St., Chadron, NE 69337; 308-432-3805; www.keepchadronbeautiful.or

Keep Alliance Beautiful: Chadron to reboot recycling May 20

Click <a href="https://graduation.eagleradio.net/schools/hyannis">HERE</a> to view the Hyannis High School Graduates of 2023!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683053835328.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Click <a href="https://graduation.eagleradio.net/schools/hyannis">HERE</a> to view the Hyannis High School Graduates of 2023!&nbsp;<figure>
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Hyannis Graduates of 2023 

Surveys by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission show many Sandhills lakes fared better than expected after a harsh winter led to fish kills.

Deep snow over thick ice this winter caused oxygen depletion in many of the region’s most shallow and vegetated lakes, causing fish and the plants they rely upon for survival to die.

As surveys are completed, Game and Parks is developing a stocking plan to replenish the fish populations where needed.

Anglers looking for the most recent information about winterkill surveys may follow the NGPC Fisheries Facebook page. They also can contact Game and Parks fisheries biologists at the Alliance, Valentine and Norfolk offices.

Brown County: Cozad Lake at South Pine Wildlife Management Area, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Tower Lake on Yellowthroat WMA.

Cherry County: Watts, Duck and West Long lakes on Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

Garden County: Smith Lake and Island lakes on Crescent Lake NWR

Cherry County: Pelican and Hackberry lakes on Valentine NWR

Surveyed lakes with minor or no winterkill:

Cherry County: Clear, Dewey and Rice lakes on Valentine NWR, Cottonwood-Steverson WMA

Garden County: Crane Lake on Crescent Lake NWR, Crescent Lake WMA

Lakes not surveyed with probable significant winterkill:

Garden County: Island Lake on Crescent Lake NWR

Sioux County: Agate and Boardgate reservoirs on the Oglala National Grassland

Lakes not surveyed with probable partial winterkill:

Sheridan County: Walgren Lake State Recreation Area

Lakes not surveyed with probable high survival:

By Nebraska Game and ParksSurveys by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission show many Sandhills lakes fared better than expected after a harsh winter led to fish kills.Deep snow over thick ice this winter caused oxygen depletion in many of the region’s most shallow and vegetated lakes, causing fish and the plants they rely upon for survival to die.As surveys are completed, Game and Parks is developing a stocking plan to replenish the fish populations where needed.Anglers looking for the most recent information about winterkill surveys may follow the NGPC Fisheries Facebook page. They also can contact Game and Parks fisheries biologists at the Alliance, Valentine and Norfolk offices.Surveyed lakes with severe winterkill:Brown County: Cozad Lake at South Pine Wildlife Management Area, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Tower Lake on Yellowthroat WMA.Cherry County: Watts, Duck and West Long lakes on Valentine National Wildlife RefugeGarden County: Smith Lake and Island lakes on Crescent Lake NWRRock County: Bassett City LakesSheridan County: Smith Lake WMASurveyed lakes with partial winterkill:Brown County: Willow Lake WMACherry County: Pelican and Hackberry lakes on Valentine NWRRock County: Twin Lakes WMASurveyed lakes with minor or no winterkill:Cherry County: Clear, Dewey and Rice lakes on Valentine NWR, Cottonwood-Steverson WMAGarden County: Crane Lake on Crescent Lake NWR, Crescent Lake WMAGrant County: Avocet Lake WMALakes not surveyed with probable significant winterkill:Garden County: Island Lake on Crescent Lake NWRRock County: Peterson Lake WMASioux County: Agate and Boardgate reservoirs on the Oglala National GrasslandLakes not surveyed with probable partial winterkill:Cherry County: Shell Lake WMASheridan County: Walgren Lake State Recreation AreaLakes not surveyed with probable high survival:Cherry County: Home Valley LakeGrant County: Frye Lake WMA

Surveys indicate mixed bag on fish winterkill in Sheridan, Sioux Counties 

Cohen Harre of Exeter-Milligan shot a 98, then won a shoot-off, to take the junior high championship at the 53rd&nbsp;Cornhusker Trap Shoot on Thursday in Doniphan, Nebraska.

Harre and Avery Davis of Norris were tied after shooting 100 16-yard targets at the Nebraska Trapshooting Association home grounds. Davis took second place with a 98 and Ian Wade of Moore Middle School third with a 97.

Sara Allard of Sidney 4-H shot a 94 to win the ladies’ competition by one over defending division champion Sara Thiellen of Ashland 4-H. Ashland 4-H repeated as the ladies’ team champion, shooting 379 of 500, SouthSide 4-H 1 shot a 465 to win the 4-H team championship, and C.J. Jones Middle School was the junior high team winner with a 460.

On Thursday, 947 junior high shooters competed, tying with 2015 for the highest single-season junior total in event history.

On Friday, approximately 1,546 senior high students were registered to shoot 75 rounds of 16-yard targets. They will shoot 75 handicap targets Saturday, and the combined scores of the two days will determine the overall champion, the Cornhusker Cup winner.

Top 20 Individuals –&nbsp;1. Cohen Harre, Exeter-Milligan, 98 of 100 (won shoot-off)

Top Six Ladies –&nbsp;1. Sara Allard, Sidney 4-H, 94 of 100

Top Three 4-H Teams –&nbsp;1. SouthSide 4-H 1, 465 of 500

Top Ladies Team –&nbsp;1. Ashland 4-H 1, 379 of 500

Top Six Junior High Teams –&nbsp;1. C.J. Jones MS, 460 of 500

By Nebraska Game and Parks<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683000375238.jpeg" alt="Jon Morgan of Gretna’s Aspen Creek Middle School broke 95 of 100 targets during the junior high competition in the Cornhusker Trap Shoot on Thursday in Doniphan, Nebraska. (Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)" />
 <figcaption>Jon Morgan of Gretna’s Aspen Creek Middle School broke 95 of 100 targets during the junior high competition in the Cornhusker Trap Shoot on Thursday in Doniphan, Nebraska. (Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cohen Harre of Exeter-Milligan shot a 98, then won a shoot-off, to take the junior high championship at the 53rd&nbsp;Cornhusker Trap Shoot on Thursday in Doniphan, Nebraska.Harre and Avery Davis of Norris were tied after shooting 100 16-yard targets at the Nebraska Trapshooting Association home grounds. Davis took second place with a 98 and Ian Wade of Moore Middle School third with a 97.Sara Allard of Sidney 4-H shot a 94 to win the ladies’ competition by one over defending division champion Sara Thiellen of Ashland 4-H. Ashland 4-H repeated as the ladies’ team champion, shooting 379 of 500, SouthSide 4-H 1 shot a 465 to win the 4-H team championship, and C.J. Jones Middle School was the junior high team winner with a 460.On Thursday, 947 junior high shooters competed, tying with 2015 for the highest single-season junior total in event history.On Friday, approximately 1,546 senior high students were registered to shoot 75 rounds of 16-yard targets. They will shoot 75 handicap targets Saturday, and the combined scores of the two days will determine the overall champion, the Cornhusker Cup winner.The junior high results are:Top 20 Individuals –&nbsp;1. Cohen Harre, Exeter-Milligan, 98 of 100 (won shoot-off)<ol>
 <li>Avery Davis, Norris, 98</li><li>Ian Wade, Moore MS, 97</li><li>Kamdyn Warren, Freeman, 97</li><li>Gauge Harcsa, Sidney 4-H, 97</li><li>Kasey Ramos, GI 1-R, 97</li><li>Nathan Minner, SouthSide 4-H, 96</li><li>Nathan Stott, Kearney Horizon, 96</li><li>Isaac Bruna, Beatrice, 96</li><li>Brayden Stonehocker, Arlington MS, 96</li><li>Barrett Smith, SouthSide 4-H, 96</li><li>Aaron Nielsen, C.J. Jones MS, 96</li><li>Jared Scherbarth, South Platte 4-H, 96</li><li>Hudson Bedlan, Ashland 4-H, 96</li><li>Nathan Frame, Hershey, 95</li><li>Quin Schutt, Wahoo Bishop Neumann, 95</li><li>Finn Brannen, SouthSide 4-H, 95</li><li>Jon Morgan, Gretna Aspen Creek MS, 95</li><li>Hudson Werkmeister, Republican River 4-H 1, 95</li><li>Kellan Conyers, C.J. Jones MS, 95</li>
 </ol>Top Six Ladies –&nbsp;1. Sara Allard, Sidney 4-H, 94 of 100<ol>
 <li>Sara Thiellen, Ashland 4-H, 93</li><li>Emma Whitefoot, Centura, 93</li><li>Morgan Hilton, Park MS, 92</li><li>Meriah McMurphy, Maxwell, 89</li><li>Emily Muntz, Louisville 4-H, 88</li>
 </ol>Top Three 4-H Teams –&nbsp;1. SouthSide 4-H 1, 465 of 500<ol>
 <li>Karp and Krow 4-H 1, 452</li><li>Sidney 4-H Black, 450</li>
 </ol>Top Ladies Team –&nbsp;1. Ashland 4-H 1, 379 of 500<ol>
 <li>Norris Ladies, 368</li><li>South Platte 4-H, 263</li>
 </ol>Top Six Junior High Teams –&nbsp;1. C.J. Jones MS, 460 of 500<ol>
 <li>Beatrice 1, 442</li><li>Norris 1, 438</li><li>Hershey Cow Pasture, 429</li><li>Pounds MS Green, 429</li><li>Norris 2, 428</li>
 </ol>

Western Neb. students win awards at Cornhusker Trap Shoot

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR

CHADRON – Laure Sinn, Sandoz Center Program Coordinator, received the Frontline Employee Award of the Year from the Northwest Nebraska Tourism at&nbsp;its&nbsp;annual banquet at the Dawes County Fairgrounds April 20.

Sinn has been with CSC for 29 years in various roles, including Student Activities Coordinator and Rangeland Center Program Coordinator. She has worked at the Sandoz Center for approximately four years.

“I believe once you're on campus, you're part of everything,” Sinn said. “Anytime somebody walks in, I welcome them, ask where they're from, and what they'd like to see. Then I get something going for them. I can tell them about other places downtown or in the region. I ask what connection they have to the campus. They will tell you if they are an alum or made a donation. Sometimes they notice an exhibit and tell me it was part of their family then call their family to tell them. We hope their relatives will stop at the Center as part of their vacation, too.”

While some Sandoz Center guests come specifically to see a certain exhibit, some are just passing through.

“Either way, they feel comfortable and that is one of the reasons they come back. It's neat we see all these folks, whether they're here for vacation, just cruising around, or here for homecoming. They'll stop by because I like to make this place super welcoming,” Sinn said. “We have people get super excited about the history that happened here.”

Earlier this spring, the Sandoz Center hosted a large group of Saint Agnes Academy fourth, fifth-grade students, teachers, and parents from Alliance during a campus visit that also included a planetarium show, a talk about fossils, and a hike.

“They loved it, and I got some really cool thank you notes from some of the kids. It was super cool because they said they were never interested in coming to a museum, but since they had such a good time here, they're going to come back and bring their families,” Sinn said. “That's what I like to do,”

Sinn said her goal is to have all kinds of information available in the Center for visitors.

“If a guest asks me a question and I don't know the answer, it'll take me probably 30 seconds to find out. I like to know exactly what's going on so I read a lot, ask a lot of questions, and do a lot of research,” she said.

Sinn has hosted interns from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2022/upward-bound-grant-renewed-for-five-years-summer-program-begins.html" target="_blank">Upward Bound program</a>, and helped organize&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2021/sandoz-center-showcases-after-hours-artists.html" target="_blank">exhibits</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2019/heavenly-horses-opens-saturday-in-the-sandoz-center.html" target="_blank">artist demonstrations</a>&nbsp;at the Center.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682999974919.jpeg" alt="Laure Sinn, Sandoz Center Program Coordinator, poses with the Frontline Employee Award of the Year Award she won from Northwest Nebraska Tourism April 20, 2023. Sinn has been with CSC for 29 years in various roles including Student Activities Coordinator and Rangeland Center Program Coordinator. She has worked at the Sandoz Center for approximately four years. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Laure Sinn, Sandoz Center Program Coordinator, poses with the Frontline Employee Award of the Year Award she won from Northwest Nebraska Tourism April 20, 2023. Sinn has been with CSC for 29 years in various roles including Student Activities Coordinator and Rangeland Center Program Coordinator. She has worked at the Sandoz Center for approximately four years. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHADRON – Laure Sinn, Sandoz Center Program Coordinator, received the Frontline Employee Award of the Year from the Northwest Nebraska Tourism at&nbsp;its&nbsp;annual banquet at the Dawes County Fairgrounds April 20.Sinn has been with CSC for 29 years in various roles, including Student Activities Coordinator and Rangeland Center Program Coordinator. She has worked at the Sandoz Center for approximately four years.“I believe once you're on campus, you're part of everything,” Sinn said. “Anytime somebody walks in, I welcome them, ask where they're from, and what they'd like to see. Then I get something going for them. I can tell them about other places downtown or in the region. I ask what connection they have to the campus. They will tell you if they are an alum or made a donation. Sometimes they notice an exhibit and tell me it was part of their family then call their family to tell them. We hope their relatives will stop at the Center as part of their vacation, too.”While some Sandoz Center guests come specifically to see a certain exhibit, some are just passing through.“Either way, they feel comfortable and that is one of the reasons they come back. It's neat we see all these folks, whether they're here for vacation, just cruising around, or here for homecoming. They'll stop by because I like to make this place super welcoming,” Sinn said. “We have people get super excited about the history that happened here.”Earlier this spring, the Sandoz Center hosted a large group of Saint Agnes Academy fourth, fifth-grade students, teachers, and parents from Alliance during a campus visit that also included a planetarium show, a talk about fossils, and a hike.“They loved it, and I got some really cool thank you notes from some of the kids. It was super cool because they said they were never interested in coming to a museum, but since they had such a good time here, they're going to come back and bring their families,” Sinn said. “That's what I like to do,”Sinn said her goal is to have all kinds of information available in the Center for visitors.“If a guest asks me a question and I don't know the answer, it'll take me probably 30 seconds to find out. I like to know exactly what's going on so I read a lot, ask a lot of questions, and do a lot of research,” she said.Sinn has hosted interns from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2022/upward-bound-grant-renewed-for-five-years-summer-program-begins.html" target="_blank">Upward Bound program</a>, and helped organize&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2021/sandoz-center-showcases-after-hours-artists.html" target="_blank">exhibits</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2019/heavenly-horses-opens-saturday-in-the-sandoz-center.html" target="_blank">artist demonstrations</a>&nbsp;at the Center.

Sinn receives local tourism award in Chadron 

CHADRON – Two hundred and seventeen Chadron State College candidates for undergraduate degrees and 58 candidates for graduate degrees will be honored in the Chicoine Center Saturday at 10 a.m. The commencement ceremony will be streamed online and on the video board in Beebe Stadium.

Winter 2022 graduates will also be participating in the ceremony since the December event was canceled due to a severe snow storm.

Moments of reflection will be offered by Jace Demeranville of Gering, Nebraska, who completed a cross-country bike ride for a CSC course with Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, and Jaqueline Buhr, a master’s degree recipient, who is a staff member with Project Strive TRiO. ROTC cadet Chase Mestas of Colorado Springs, Colorado, will be commissioned into the Army during the ceremony.

The Commencement Speaker is Chadron State College alum and Chadron High School History and Civics teacher Michael Sandstrom. Sandstrom, a Chadron native, has earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from CSC. He also has a master’s degree in American History from Pace University.

Sandstrom, who has taught American History, Advanced Placement U.S. History, World History, and Civic for 10 years, is part of a legacy at CSC. His wife, Sheyenne, his mother, JoAnn Sandstrom, and his mother-in-law, Lorie Hunn, are alumnae. Hunn is a member of the CSC Family and Consumer Sciences faculty. His sister, Madison, attends CSC, and his brother, Zach graduated in 2015.

Sandstrom has accumulated a number of honors in his career, beginning with earning the 2015 James Madison Fellow for Colorado when he was a teacher in that state. Through that fellowship, designed to improve the teaching of the Constitution in American schools, Sandstorm earned six graduate hours in constitutional study from Georgetown University.

“I was ecstatic. The fellowship presents valuable opportunities to learn about the constitution and our founding era that many teachers only dream about,” he said.

In 2019, Sandstrom received the Nebraska History Teacher of the Year Award sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

When receiving the award, Sandstrom said he believes civic competence and historical knowledge should have a prominent role in education.

“Students believe that they possess all the required information at their fingertips, but the power unleashed by the study of history does not come from the memorization of dates and random facts,” Sandstrom says. “My goal, every day, is to make history both relevant and challenging in the hope that they are better prepared for the 21st Century.”

Along with the state award, Sandstrom became a finalist for the National History Teacher of the Year Award, and participated in the Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminar, a week-long program of discussions between teachers and eminent historians, visits to historic sites, and hands-on work with primary sources.

Sandstrom was also named the 2022 Outstanding Teacher for the Third District by the Nebraska State Council for Social Studies.

Teachers have played a pivotal role in Sandstrom’s life.

“History and social studies have interested me from middle school through high school and into my collegiate years. I believe the strength of my instructors at every level drove my interest, along with my own inquisitive nature,” he said.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Two hundred and seventeen Chadron State College candidates for undergraduate degrees and 58 candidates for graduate degrees will be honored in the Chicoine Center Saturday at 10 a.m. The commencement ceremony will be streamed online and on the video board in Beebe Stadium.Winter 2022 graduates will also be participating in the ceremony since the December event was canceled due to a severe snow storm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682958209441.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College alum Michael Sandstrom will be the CSC May 2023 Commencement speaker. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College alum Michael Sandstrom will be the CSC May 2023 Commencement speaker. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>Moments of reflection will be offered by Jace Demeranville of Gering, Nebraska, who completed a cross-country bike ride for a CSC course with Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, and Jaqueline Buhr, a master’s degree recipient, who is a staff member with Project Strive TRiO. ROTC cadet Chase Mestas of Colorado Springs, Colorado, will be commissioned into the Army during the ceremony.The Commencement Speaker is Chadron State College alum and Chadron High School History and Civics teacher Michael Sandstrom. Sandstrom, a Chadron native, has earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from CSC. He also has a master’s degree in American History from Pace University.Sandstrom, who has taught American History, Advanced Placement U.S. History, World History, and Civic for 10 years, is part of a legacy at CSC. His wife, Sheyenne, his mother, JoAnn Sandstrom, and his mother-in-law, Lorie Hunn, are alumnae. Hunn is a member of the CSC Family and Consumer Sciences faculty. His sister, Madison, attends CSC, and his brother, Zach graduated in 2015.Sandstrom has accumulated a number of honors in his career, beginning with earning the 2015 James Madison Fellow for Colorado when he was a teacher in that state. Through that fellowship, designed to improve the teaching of the Constitution in American schools, Sandstorm earned six graduate hours in constitutional study from Georgetown University.“I was ecstatic. The fellowship presents valuable opportunities to learn about the constitution and our founding era that many teachers only dream about,” he said.In 2019, Sandstrom received the Nebraska History Teacher of the Year Award sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.When receiving the award, Sandstrom said he believes civic competence and historical knowledge should have a prominent role in education.“Students believe that they possess all the required information at their fingertips, but the power unleashed by the study of history does not come from the memorization of dates and random facts,” Sandstrom says. “My goal, every day, is to make history both relevant and challenging in the hope that they are better prepared for the 21st Century.”Along with the state award, Sandstrom became a finalist for the National History Teacher of the Year Award, and participated in the Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminar, a week-long program of discussions between teachers and eminent historians, visits to historic sites, and hands-on work with primary sources.Sandstrom was also named the 2022 Outstanding Teacher for the Third District by the Nebraska State Council for Social Studies.Teachers have played a pivotal role in Sandstrom’s life.“History and social studies have interested me from middle school through high school and into my collegiate years. I believe the strength of my instructors at every level drove my interest, along with my own inquisitive nature,” he said.

Chadron State College commencement set for Saturday

By Natalie Jones | IANR Communications&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; - Although Landon Tadich&nbsp;wasn’t&nbsp;raised on a farm or ranch,&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;worked alongside the best and brightest in the livestock industry and is wrapping up his master’s in beef reproductive physiology this spring at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s&nbsp;<a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/westcentral/" target="_blank">West Central Research, Extension and Education Center</a>&nbsp;in North Platte.&nbsp;

A native of rural Perry, Ga., Tadich was first introduced to agriculture in 6th&nbsp;grade and&nbsp;there’s&nbsp;no denying that introduction set the stage for his future. The Perry High School FFA program revealed the many intricacies of agriculture and livestock production&nbsp;to him.&nbsp;From that point on, Tadich was hooked and says he completed&nbsp;nearly every&nbsp;career development experience&nbsp;available to him,&nbsp;whether that be livestock judging, wildlife or&nbsp;poultry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From there, his FFA experience and love of livestock showing and judging only grew. His constant contact with livestock prompted him to set his eyes on one day becoming a veterinarian, a way of solidifying a future working with livestock.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tadich dove&nbsp;deeper&nbsp;into the livestock realm after a stint on the livestock judging team at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Ill.&nbsp;As a senior at the University of Georgia, Tadich was involved in undergraduate research in the beef reproductive realm, and&nbsp;ultimately influenced&nbsp;by graduate students in the animal science department working towards various careers in agriculture.&nbsp;

Tadich realized there were multiple opportunities for him within the livestock industry&nbsp;and pursued a graduate degree in&nbsp;<a href="https://animalscience.unl.edu/" target="_blank">Nebraska’s&nbsp;Animal Science</a>&nbsp;Department&nbsp;to capitalize on all that the beef state had to offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Nebraska Extension is well known, especially from a beef cattle standpoint,&nbsp;because Nebraska has a lot of cows,&nbsp;and my goal was to go somewhere where I would have the opportunity to learn from the best, have a&nbsp;hands-on&nbsp;experience, and play a role in applied research that producers appreciate.”&nbsp;

Nebraska has made all the difference for&nbsp;Tadich and&nbsp;allowed him&nbsp;to&nbsp;study heifer&nbsp;development&nbsp;and&nbsp;prenatal programming&nbsp;both at West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte, as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/westcentral/gudmundsen-sandhills-laboratory/" target="_blank">Gudmundsen&nbsp;Sandhills Laboratory</a>&nbsp;north of Whitman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So&nbsp;far,&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;published one study&nbsp;tackling heifer development,&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://beef.unl.edu/2023-nebraska-beef-cattle-report" target="_blank">2023 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report</a>, with&nbsp;another&nbsp;to come.&nbsp;Staying true to his mission to set beef producers up for success, Tadich&nbsp;research&nbsp;tackles one of the greatest economic costs for cow/calf producers — heifer development.&nbsp;

The goal of this study was to investigate production systems that allow for lower inputs and cost&nbsp;for producers&nbsp;without compromising lifelong reproductive success.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“One enticing thing for me about Nebraska is the state is centered around the cattle industry, where people are doing this for their livelihood so they’re always wanting to do the most they can to raise the best cattle,” said Tadich.&nbsp;

Tadich currently serves as&nbsp;the University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s&nbsp;<a href="https://animalscience.unl.edu/asgsa" target="_blank">animal science graduate student association</a>&nbsp;vice president. In 2022 he received theDeutscher Fellowship in Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiology from the Agricultural Research Division Advisory Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His&nbsp;three semesters&nbsp;prior&nbsp;to&nbsp;working at West Central were spent on Nebraska’s East Campus where he judged and officiated campus contests, served as a TA for Nebraska’s artificial insemination class and several undergraduate classes and labs, as well as gaining experience with extension&nbsp;— checking&nbsp;all of&nbsp;the boxes he had hoped for when deciding that Nebraska was his top choice.&nbsp;

With a network of relationships spanning from the southeastern&nbsp;United States to the Midwest and beyond, Tadich’s knack for building relationships in the agriculture community has been key in finding his place at Nebraska.&nbsp;

“People think of the livestock industry as being an animal driven industry,&nbsp;but&nbsp;people are&nbsp;the&nbsp;ones driving it, Tadich says.&nbsp;

“I have realized the value that&nbsp;different people bring to the table, and those connections are important.”&nbsp;

Tadich is&nbsp;advised by&nbsp;Dr. Rick Funston and co-advised by&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Andrea&nbsp;Cupp. He&nbsp;is set&nbsp;to defend his thesis&nbsp;this summer&nbsp;at the Nebraska’s Animal Science Department in Lincoln.&nbsp;Upon graduation, Tadich&nbsp;has plans to work in the livestock industry in a role centered around beef reproductive technologies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I want to be in a position where I truly believe in what I’m doing, and in what I’m sharing with others so it’s going to make a difference for somebody.”&nbsp;

By Natalie Jones | IANR Communications&nbsp;NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; - Although Landon Tadich&nbsp;wasn’t&nbsp;raised on a farm or ranch,&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;worked alongside the best and brightest in the livestock industry and is wrapping up his master’s in beef reproductive physiology this spring at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s&nbsp;<a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/westcentral/" target="_blank">West Central Research, Extension and Education Center</a>&nbsp;in North Platte.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682957729744.jpeg" alt="Landon Tadich is wrapping up his master’s in beef reproductive physiology this spring at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte" />
 <figcaption>Landon Tadich is wrapping up his master’s in beef reproductive physiology this spring at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte</figcaption>
 </figure>A native of rural Perry, Ga., Tadich was first introduced to agriculture in 6th&nbsp;grade and&nbsp;there’s&nbsp;no denying that introduction set the stage for his future. The Perry High School FFA program revealed the many intricacies of agriculture and livestock production&nbsp;to him.&nbsp;From that point on, Tadich was hooked and says he completed&nbsp;nearly every&nbsp;career development experience&nbsp;available to him,&nbsp;whether that be livestock judging, wildlife or&nbsp;poultry.&nbsp;&nbsp;From there, his FFA experience and love of livestock showing and judging only grew. His constant contact with livestock prompted him to set his eyes on one day becoming a veterinarian, a way of solidifying a future working with livestock.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tadich dove&nbsp;deeper&nbsp;into the livestock realm after a stint on the livestock judging team at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Ill.&nbsp;As a senior at the University of Georgia, Tadich was involved in undergraduate research in the beef reproductive realm, and&nbsp;ultimately influenced&nbsp;by graduate students in the animal science department working towards various careers in agriculture.&nbsp;Tadich realized there were multiple opportunities for him within the livestock industry&nbsp;and pursued a graduate degree in&nbsp;<a href="https://animalscience.unl.edu/" target="_blank">Nebraska’s&nbsp;Animal Science</a>&nbsp;Department&nbsp;to capitalize on all that the beef state had to offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Nebraska Extension is well known, especially from a beef cattle standpoint,&nbsp;because Nebraska has a lot of cows,&nbsp;and my goal was to go somewhere where I would have the opportunity to learn from the best, have a&nbsp;hands-on&nbsp;experience, and play a role in applied research that producers appreciate.”&nbsp;Nebraska has made all the difference for&nbsp;Tadich and&nbsp;allowed him&nbsp;to&nbsp;study heifer&nbsp;development&nbsp;and&nbsp;prenatal programming&nbsp;both at West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte, as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/westcentral/gudmundsen-sandhills-laboratory/" target="_blank">Gudmundsen&nbsp;Sandhills Laboratory</a>&nbsp;north of Whitman.&nbsp;&nbsp;So&nbsp;far,&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;published one study&nbsp;tackling heifer development,&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://beef.unl.edu/2023-nebraska-beef-cattle-report" target="_blank">2023 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report</a>, with&nbsp;another&nbsp;to come.&nbsp;Staying true to his mission to set beef producers up for success, Tadich&nbsp;research&nbsp;tackles one of the greatest economic costs for cow/calf producers — heifer development.&nbsp;The goal of this study was to investigate production systems that allow for lower inputs and cost&nbsp;for producers&nbsp;without compromising lifelong reproductive success.&nbsp;&nbsp;“One enticing thing for me about Nebraska is the state is centered around the cattle industry, where people are doing this for their livelihood so they’re always wanting to do the most they can to raise the best cattle,” said Tadich.&nbsp;Tadich currently serves as&nbsp;the University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s&nbsp;<a href="https://animalscience.unl.edu/asgsa" target="_blank">animal science graduate student association</a>&nbsp;vice president. In 2022 he received theDeutscher Fellowship in Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiology from the Agricultural Research Division Advisory Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;His&nbsp;three semesters&nbsp;prior&nbsp;to&nbsp;working at West Central were spent on Nebraska’s East Campus where he judged and officiated campus contests, served as a TA for Nebraska’s artificial insemination class and several undergraduate classes and labs, as well as gaining experience with extension&nbsp;— checking&nbsp;all of&nbsp;the boxes he had hoped for when deciding that Nebraska was his top choice.&nbsp;With a network of relationships spanning from the southeastern&nbsp;United States to the Midwest and beyond, Tadich’s knack for building relationships in the agriculture community has been key in finding his place at Nebraska.&nbsp;“People think of the livestock industry as being an animal driven industry,&nbsp;but&nbsp;people are&nbsp;the&nbsp;ones driving it, Tadich says.&nbsp;“I have realized the value that&nbsp;different people bring to the table, and those connections are important.”&nbsp;Tadich is&nbsp;advised by&nbsp;Dr. Rick Funston and co-advised by&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Andrea&nbsp;Cupp. He&nbsp;is set&nbsp;to defend his thesis&nbsp;this summer&nbsp;at the Nebraska’s Animal Science Department in Lincoln.&nbsp;Upon graduation, Tadich&nbsp;has plans to work in the livestock industry in a role centered around beef reproductive technologies.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to be in a position where I truly believe in what I’m doing, and in what I’m sharing with others so it’s going to make a difference for somebody.”&nbsp;

From the peach state to the beef state, Georgia native finds his niche at Nebraska 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 5/1/23

Kyren Gibson discusses May events and exhibits at the Carnegie Arts Center.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center" 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=8ncw7-13f7ac0-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>Kyren Gibson discusses May events and exhibits at the Carnegie Arts Center.

POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center

Karen Benzel discusses Bridges Out Of Poverty trainer certification&nbsp; classes.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska" 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=sc32r-13f7ab2-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>Karen Benzel discusses Bridges Out Of Poverty trainer certification&nbsp; classes.

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

Alliance, NE – Snow-Redfern Foundation is honored to announce that eight (8) High School Seniors have been selected as scholarship recipients for the Snow-Redfern Foundation managed scholarship funds.

Three young people were selected by the Snow-Redfern Foundation to receive the Hempel Family Scholarship in the fall of 2023. Carver Hauptman, of Alliance, will be attending Cornell University to study Environmental Sciences. Tegan Rice, of Bridgeport, will be attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for Political Science. Arielle Lawrence, of Marsland, will be attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney for Political Science.

Five students were selected for the K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship, to be awarded for the fall of 2023. Tyler Cotton, of Alliance, will be attending Western Dakota Technical Institute to pursue a degree in Diesel Technology. Avery Davies, of Hemingford, will be pursuing a nursing degree at Western Nebraska Community College and then University of Nebraska Medical Center. Kason Loomis, of Alliance, will pursue a Fire Science degree from Casper College. Delaney Childers, of Alliance, will attend Laramie Community College to pursue an Animal Science degree. Cambree Schmaltz, of Bayard, will attend Kansas State College for a degree in Agri-Business.

Preference for these two scholarship programs is given to seniors that attend high school in Box Butte or Morrill Counties and plan to pursue careers in trades or careers related to agriculture, as well as students that will attend college in Nebraska, or return to Nebraska upon obtaining their degree.

“We are honored to offer this opportunity to students, such as Carver, Tegan, Arielle, Tyler, Avery, Kason, Delaney, and Cambree. The scholarship programs pay tribute to the memory of Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel and K.M. Dahlstedt and create opportunity for the recipients- all whom possess impressive qualities, including leadership, service, and dedication to academic studies,” commented Sara Nicholson, Executive Director of Snow-Redfern Foundation. “This year’s recipients demonstrated incredible commitment to their future’s, their families, and their communities.”

Though the scholarship awards are intended to pay homage to our roots as Nebraska Boys Ranch and the ranching values articulated through the 70 plus years of providing kids with the skills they need to be successful in their lives, the scholarship emphasis is on the simple concept of providing opportunity to kids that want to return to their rural communities to share their trade. “We want to invest in the future of our communities through kids that value them,” said Denise Harris, Snow-Redfern Foundation Board President. “We invite anyone sharing this desire to reach out to us and talk about the many ways in which they can create opportunities in their community and for kids.”

The Hempel Family Scholarship award has been an ongoing and generous gift honoring Mr. and Ms. Hempel, who were consistently generous contributors to Snow-Redfern Foundation, formerly the Nebraska Boys Ranch. Mr. Hempel was a long-time board member and he and his family supported the youth at Nebraska Boys Ranch through service and contributions intended to impact the lives of the youth placed at the Ranch. A new scholarship fund, the K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship, was developed last year with the Dahlstedt family who desired to honor their father and husband through awards focusing on the future success of students pursuing trades in our community.

Snow-Redfern Foundation believes in the power of opportunity and invites those interested in creating impact for youth to Join them in investing in the good life for kids.

Join us by investing in the good life for kids - <a href="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/snow-redfern-memorial-foundation/donor-campaign">https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/snow-redfern-memorial-foundation/donor-campaign</a>

Snow-Redfern Foundation provides financial support to nonprofit partners that offer programs and services that make a life-changing impact for kids in need. As the former Nebraska Boys Ranch, Snow-Redfern Foundation has a rich history in advocating for, protecting, and encouraging youth in need of hope and healing. Though we no longer provide direct care, our commitment to equipping young people with the skills they need to be successful and live a good life remains.

Alliance, NE – Snow-Redfern Foundation is honored to announce that eight (8) High School Seniors have been selected as scholarship recipients for the Snow-Redfern Foundation managed scholarship funds.Three young people were selected by the Snow-Redfern Foundation to receive the Hempel Family Scholarship in the fall of 2023. Carver Hauptman, of Alliance, will be attending Cornell University to study Environmental Sciences. Tegan Rice, of Bridgeport, will be attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for Political Science. Arielle Lawrence, of Marsland, will be attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney for Political Science.Five students were selected for the K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship, to be awarded for the fall of 2023. Tyler Cotton, of Alliance, will be attending Western Dakota Technical Institute to pursue a degree in Diesel Technology. Avery Davies, of Hemingford, will be pursuing a nursing degree at Western Nebraska Community College and then University of Nebraska Medical Center. Kason Loomis, of Alliance, will pursue a Fire Science degree from Casper College. Delaney Childers, of Alliance, will attend Laramie Community College to pursue an Animal Science degree. Cambree Schmaltz, of Bayard, will attend Kansas State College for a degree in Agri-Business.Preference for these two scholarship programs is given to seniors that attend high school in Box Butte or Morrill Counties and plan to pursue careers in trades or careers related to agriculture, as well as students that will attend college in Nebraska, or return to Nebraska upon obtaining their degree.“We are honored to offer this opportunity to students, such as Carver, Tegan, Arielle, Tyler, Avery, Kason, Delaney, and Cambree. The scholarship programs pay tribute to the memory of Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel and K.M. Dahlstedt and create opportunity for the recipients- all whom possess impressive qualities, including leadership, service, and dedication to academic studies,” commented Sara Nicholson, Executive Director of Snow-Redfern Foundation. “This year’s recipients demonstrated incredible commitment to their future’s, their families, and their communities.”Though the scholarship awards are intended to pay homage to our roots as Nebraska Boys Ranch and the ranching values articulated through the 70 plus years of providing kids with the skills they need to be successful in their lives, the scholarship emphasis is on the simple concept of providing opportunity to kids that want to return to their rural communities to share their trade. “We want to invest in the future of our communities through kids that value them,” said Denise Harris, Snow-Redfern Foundation Board President. “We invite anyone sharing this desire to reach out to us and talk about the many ways in which they can create opportunities in their community and for kids.”The Hempel Family Scholarship award has been an ongoing and generous gift honoring Mr. and Ms. Hempel, who were consistently generous contributors to Snow-Redfern Foundation, formerly the Nebraska Boys Ranch. Mr. Hempel was a long-time board member and he and his family supported the youth at Nebraska Boys Ranch through service and contributions intended to impact the lives of the youth placed at the Ranch. A new scholarship fund, the K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship, was developed last year with the Dahlstedt family who desired to honor their father and husband through awards focusing on the future success of students pursuing trades in our community.Snow-Redfern Foundation believes in the power of opportunity and invites those interested in creating impact for youth to Join them in investing in the good life for kids.Join us by investing in the good life for kids - <a href="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/snow-redfern-memorial-foundation/donor-campaign">https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/snow-redfern-memorial-foundation/donor-campaign</a>Snow-Redfern Foundation provides financial support to nonprofit partners that offer programs and services that make a life-changing impact for kids in need. As the former Nebraska Boys Ranch, Snow-Redfern Foundation has a rich history in advocating for, protecting, and encouraging youth in need of hope and healing. Though we no longer provide direct care, our commitment to equipping young people with the skills they need to be successful and live a good life remains.

Snow Redfern Foundation announces Panhandle scholarship recipients 

Diplomas will be conferred on nearly 1,000 University of Nebraska Medical Center students total during ceremonies on May 4 in Lincoln, Norfolk and Kearney and May 6 in Omaha and Lincoln.

In addition, two honorary degrees will be awarded. Bob Bartee, a longtime employee with decades of service to his fellow Nebraskans, and Iftikher Mahmood, MD, a physician who works to better the lives of refugees and underserved women and children of Bangladesh, will be honored by UNMC during its 9 a.m. May 6 Omaha commencement ceremony at Baxter Arena.&nbsp;

Bartee, who retired from UNMC in January 2023 after more than four decades serving at the right hand of six chancellors, will be honored with the J.G. Elliott Award. Dr. Mahmood, founder and president of the Hope Foundation for Women and Children of Bangladesh and adjunct professor in UNMC’s Department of Health Services Research and Administration at the UNMC College of Public Health, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

Though not a clinician or scientist, Bartee used his skills to impact Nebraska in the areas of health care, medical science research, educational opportunity, outreach to the underserved and community health. In his role as vice chancellor of external relations, his counsel and leadership were invaluable in directing UNMC’s governmental, alumni, public and community relations efforts. He worked closely with state legislators, governors, U.S. senators and congressmen, and with everyday Nebraskans who have boots on the ground in their communities, to improve lives and get things done.&nbsp;

Dr. Mahmood, who lives and practices in Florida, is a native of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where it has become his life’s mission to serve the impoverished women and children of this region. UNMC has partnered with Dr. Mahmood and his Hope Foundation on multiple initiatives, including mental health, malnutrition among pregnant women and its effect on newborns, ante-natal care and its effect on APGAR score for newborns, gender-based violence, impact of a midwifery program on maternal and child health status, and prevalence of renal disease and cancer.&nbsp;

UNMC’s statewide commencement ceremonies will be held:

Photo captions:&nbsp;Bob Bartee and Iftikher Mahmood, MD

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ###

About UNMC and Nebraska Medicine

We are&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Fwww.nebraskamed.com*2F&amp;data=05*7C01*7CCaryn.vincent*40nebraska.gov*7Ca7efdf66a096445aa3b108dafefd3577*7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1*7C0*7C0*7C638102660745615127*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000*7C*7C*7C&amp;sdata=TC20us4bGqdja8C7jA02zvx69nMKvEC1*2FioVIoB9UQw*3D&amp;reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl!!JkUDQA!KJfNok_rk75xCJy_eWZ-s4k5Rg-luQ5HOeak3t80miGIYvDcf00_xDBA9q7Z-t0RBJ2xWU-izPp-HO1KhqthYAFJKshiZdc$" target="_blank">Nebraska Medicine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Fwww.unmc.edu*2F&amp;data=05*7C01*7CCaryn.vincent*40nebraska.gov*7Ca7efdf66a096445aa3b108dafefd3577*7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1*7C0*7C0*7C638102660745615127*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000*7C*7C*7C&amp;sdata=HhJ91BcxmYSTL1keaPYlmpYsDwfHwfEi3RvvPaAFysE*3D&amp;reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSU!!JkUDQA!KJfNok_rk75xCJy_eWZ-s4k5Rg-luQ5HOeak3t80miGIYvDcf00_xDBA9q7Z-t0RBJ2xWU-izPp-HO1KhqthYAFJ-wYVAVU$" target="_blank">UNMC</a>.&nbsp;Our mission is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.

By UNMCDiplomas will be conferred on nearly 1,000 University of Nebraska Medical Center students total during ceremonies on May 4 in Lincoln, Norfolk and Kearney and May 6 in Omaha and Lincoln.In addition, two honorary degrees will be awarded. Bob Bartee, a longtime employee with decades of service to his fellow Nebraskans, and Iftikher Mahmood, MD, a physician who works to better the lives of refugees and underserved women and children of Bangladesh, will be honored by UNMC during its 9 a.m. May 6 Omaha commencement ceremony at Baxter Arena.&nbsp;Bartee, who retired from UNMC in January 2023 after more than four decades serving at the right hand of six chancellors, will be honored with the J.G. Elliott Award. Dr. Mahmood, founder and president of the Hope Foundation for Women and Children of Bangladesh and adjunct professor in UNMC’s Department of Health Services Research and Administration at the UNMC College of Public Health, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree.Though not a clinician or scientist, Bartee used his skills to impact Nebraska in the areas of health care, medical science research, educational opportunity, outreach to the underserved and community health. In his role as vice chancellor of external relations, his counsel and leadership were invaluable in directing UNMC’s governmental, alumni, public and community relations efforts. He worked closely with state legislators, governors, U.S. senators and congressmen, and with everyday Nebraskans who have boots on the ground in their communities, to improve lives and get things done.&nbsp;Dr. Mahmood, who lives and practices in Florida, is a native of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where it has become his life’s mission to serve the impoverished women and children of this region. UNMC has partnered with Dr. Mahmood and his Hope Foundation on multiple initiatives, including mental health, malnutrition among pregnant women and its effect on newborns, ante-natal care and its effect on APGAR score for newborns, gender-based violence, impact of a midwifery program on maternal and child health status, and prevalence of renal disease and cancer.&nbsp;UNMC’s statewide commencement ceremonies will be held:<ul>
 <li>May 4 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln at 9:30 a.m.;</li><li>May 4 at the Cox Activity Center on the Northeast Community College campus in Norfolk at 2 p.m.;</li><li>May 4 at the Health &amp; Sports Center on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus at 7 p.m.;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>May 6 at Baxter Arena in&nbsp;Omaha at 9 a.m.; and</li><li>May 6 at Scottsbluff High School Auditorium in Scottsbluff at 3 p.m. MDT</li>
 </ul>Photo captions:&nbsp;Bob Bartee and Iftikher Mahmood, MD&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ###About UNMC and Nebraska MedicineWe are&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Fwww.nebraskamed.com*2F&amp;data=05*7C01*7CCaryn.vincent*40nebraska.gov*7Ca7efdf66a096445aa3b108dafefd3577*7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1*7C0*7C0*7C638102660745615127*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000*7C*7C*7C&amp;sdata=TC20us4bGqdja8C7jA02zvx69nMKvEC1*2FioVIoB9UQw*3D&amp;reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl!!JkUDQA!KJfNok_rk75xCJy_eWZ-s4k5Rg-luQ5HOeak3t80miGIYvDcf00_xDBA9q7Z-t0RBJ2xWU-izPp-HO1KhqthYAFJKshiZdc$" target="_blank">Nebraska Medicine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Fwww.unmc.edu*2F&amp;data=05*7C01*7CCaryn.vincent*40nebraska.gov*7Ca7efdf66a096445aa3b108dafefd3577*7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1*7C0*7C0*7C638102660745615127*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000*7C*7C*7C&amp;sdata=HhJ91BcxmYSTL1keaPYlmpYsDwfHwfEi3RvvPaAFysE*3D&amp;reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSU!!JkUDQA!KJfNok_rk75xCJy_eWZ-s4k5Rg-luQ5HOeak3t80miGIYvDcf00_xDBA9q7Z-t0RBJ2xWU-izPp-HO1KhqthYAFJ-wYVAVU$" target="_blank">UNMC</a>.&nbsp;Our mission is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.

UNMC to confer nearly 1,000 degrees during May commencement ceremonies

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal regulators are warning railroads that the long trains they favor can cause all kinds of problems and contribute to derailments, so they want the railroads to ensure their training and operating procedures account for that.

The Federal Railroad Administration stopped short of recommending in its latest safety advisory issued Thursday that railroads limit the size of their trains, which can routinely stretch more than 2 miles long. However, they did suggest a number of precautions including making sure engineers know how to handle them and that locomotives don't lose communication with devices at the end of trains that can help trigger the brakes in an emergency.

Currently, there aren't any restrictions on train length but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-senate-legislation-brown-vance-82c55dc95aca9524d6ae8e6d01336dbe">members of Congress</a>&nbsp;and state lawmakers in at least six states have proposed establishing limits particularly in the wake of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/hospitality-and-leisure-industry-children-parkinsons-disease-architecture-associated-press-a151cadb732e470091d9c186e189d3d4">fiery Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern derailment</a>&nbsp;in Ohio. The major freight railroads have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">pushed back</a>&nbsp;against that idea because they have increasingly come to rely on longer trains to help them move cargo with fewer crews and mechanics as they overhauled their operations over the past six years. Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-first-quarter-earnings-economy-bf63a5eeadb902e901b8aed4d8975ff9">said recently</a>&nbsp;that he doesn't think accident data shows that long trains are riskier.

But the Federal Railroad Administration cited three derailments involving trains longer than 12,250 feet (3,734 meters) where train length was a factor in its advisory. That agency and the National Academies of Sciences are both in the middle of studying the impact of long trains, and they expect to issue reports next year on whether they are a problem.

"FRA believes these incidents demonstrate the need for railroads and railroad employees to be particularly mindful of the complexities of operating longer trains," the agency said.

The derailments mentioned as examples of the problems that can accompany long trains were in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norfolk-southern-springfield-train-derailment-1b08c84e0788082dd24a4f4ca447f459">Springfield, Ohio</a>, in March; in Ravenna, Ohio, last November; and in Rockwell, Iowa, in March 2022. In each of those cases, the way cars in different parts of the train pulled and pushed against each other contributed to the derailments.

The fiery February derailment that prompted evacuations in East Palestine, Ohio, and sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-derailments-tank-car-ohio-minnesota-c60f33b64e9c7dc05768a78ae20f3ce5">nationwide focus</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-territories-ohio-canada-business-accidents-d57651e17b2f9e0163c50298106950a3">rail safety</a>&nbsp;wasn't mentioned as an example. The National Transportation Safety Board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-pete-buttigieg-evacuations-ohio-explosions-64908a6416662b5866809387f210aee5">has said</a>&nbsp;that an overheated bearing that caused an axle to fail on one of the railcars likely caused that derailment.

This latest advisory follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-railroad-administration-freight-safety-derailments-53145452535c089190565ee43eceaafc">one earlier this month</a>&nbsp;that directed railroads to re-examine the way they assemble their trains to minimize those kind of forces that often come into play as a train goes over hills and around corners. Parts of a train can be pulling forward going up a hill while the middle or back of the train pushes against the rest of the cars while going down a hill.

Those forces make it challenging for engineers to control a train, so regulators said railroads need to adjust their training to make sure their engineers are prepared to handle the monster trains they are operating. The common practice of putting locomotives in the middle of long trains as well as in the front can help manage a long train, but having to control those additional locomotives also complicates the engineer's job.

“A locomotive engineer cannot be expected to safely operate in a more demanding service without proper additional training that covers the unique challenges and complexities those trains present,” regulators said in the advisory.

A spokeswoman for the Association of American Railroads trade group said railroads are already working to manage the challenges associated with long trains and looking for ways to improve safety.

“All stakeholders – the FRA, railroads, and elected officials – share the same goal of continuously enhancing rail safety, minimizing adverse impacts to surrounding communities and keeping the goods that power our economy flowing," AAR spokeswoman Jessica Kahanek said. "The recommendations within this advisory align closely with the prudent steps railroads already take to do just that.”

The Federal Railroad Administration said that in addition to the concerns about derailments, long trains can block crossings for extended periods of time. When crossings are blocked, firefighters, police and ambulance drivers may be delayed in getting someone the help that they need, and pedestrians may risk their lives by crawling under or across stopped trains that could start moving without warning.

The states proposing limits on train size this year include Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada and Washington.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682704044203.jpeg" alt="Multiple cars of a Norfolk Southern train lie toppled on one another after derailing at a train crossing near Springfield, Ohio, on March 4, 2023. Federal regulators are warning railroads Thursday, April 27, that the long trains they favor can cause all kinds of problems and contribute to derailments, so they want the railroads to ensure their training and operating procedures account for that. (Bill Lackey/Springfield-News Sun via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>Multiple cars of a Norfolk Southern train lie toppled on one another after derailing at a train crossing near Springfield, Ohio, on March 4, 2023. Federal regulators are warning railroads Thursday, April 27, that the long trains they favor can cause all kinds of problems and contribute to derailments, so they want the railroads to ensure their training and operating procedures account for that. (Bill Lackey/Springfield-News Sun via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal regulators are warning railroads that the long trains they favor can cause all kinds of problems and contribute to derailments, so they want the railroads to ensure their training and operating procedures account for that.The Federal Railroad Administration stopped short of recommending in its latest safety advisory issued Thursday that railroads limit the size of their trains, which can routinely stretch more than 2 miles long. However, they did suggest a number of precautions including making sure engineers know how to handle them and that locomotives don't lose communication with devices at the end of trains that can help trigger the brakes in an emergency.Currently, there aren't any restrictions on train length but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-senate-legislation-brown-vance-82c55dc95aca9524d6ae8e6d01336dbe">members of Congress</a>&nbsp;and state lawmakers in at least six states have proposed establishing limits particularly in the wake of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/hospitality-and-leisure-industry-children-parkinsons-disease-architecture-associated-press-a151cadb732e470091d9c186e189d3d4">fiery Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern derailment</a>&nbsp;in Ohio. The major freight railroads have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">pushed back</a>&nbsp;against that idea because they have increasingly come to rely on longer trains to help them move cargo with fewer crews and mechanics as they overhauled their operations over the past six years. Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-first-quarter-earnings-economy-bf63a5eeadb902e901b8aed4d8975ff9">said recently</a>&nbsp;that he doesn't think accident data shows that long trains are riskier.But the Federal Railroad Administration cited three derailments involving trains longer than 12,250 feet (3,734 meters) where train length was a factor in its advisory. That agency and the National Academies of Sciences are both in the middle of studying the impact of long trains, and they expect to issue reports next year on whether they are a problem."FRA believes these incidents demonstrate the need for railroads and railroad employees to be particularly mindful of the complexities of operating longer trains," the agency said.The derailments mentioned as examples of the problems that can accompany long trains were in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norfolk-southern-springfield-train-derailment-1b08c84e0788082dd24a4f4ca447f459">Springfield, Ohio</a>, in March; in Ravenna, Ohio, last November; and in Rockwell, Iowa, in March 2022. In each of those cases, the way cars in different parts of the train pulled and pushed against each other contributed to the derailments.The fiery February derailment that prompted evacuations in East Palestine, Ohio, and sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroad-safety-derailments-tank-car-ohio-minnesota-c60f33b64e9c7dc05768a78ae20f3ce5">nationwide focus</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-territories-ohio-canada-business-accidents-d57651e17b2f9e0163c50298106950a3">rail safety</a>&nbsp;wasn't mentioned as an example. The National Transportation Safety Board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-pete-buttigieg-evacuations-ohio-explosions-64908a6416662b5866809387f210aee5">has said</a>&nbsp;that an overheated bearing that caused an axle to fail on one of the railcars likely caused that derailment.This latest advisory follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-railroad-administration-freight-safety-derailments-53145452535c089190565ee43eceaafc">one earlier this month</a>&nbsp;that directed railroads to re-examine the way they assemble their trains to minimize those kind of forces that often come into play as a train goes over hills and around corners. Parts of a train can be pulling forward going up a hill while the middle or back of the train pushes against the rest of the cars while going down a hill.Those forces make it challenging for engineers to control a train, so regulators said railroads need to adjust their training to make sure their engineers are prepared to handle the monster trains they are operating. The common practice of putting locomotives in the middle of long trains as well as in the front can help manage a long train, but having to control those additional locomotives also complicates the engineer's job.“A locomotive engineer cannot be expected to safely operate in a more demanding service without proper additional training that covers the unique challenges and complexities those trains present,” regulators said in the advisory.A spokeswoman for the Association of American Railroads trade group said railroads are already working to manage the challenges associated with long trains and looking for ways to improve safety.“All stakeholders – the FRA, railroads, and elected officials – share the same goal of continuously enhancing rail safety, minimizing adverse impacts to surrounding communities and keeping the goods that power our economy flowing," AAR spokeswoman Jessica Kahanek said. "The recommendations within this advisory align closely with the prudent steps railroads already take to do just that.”The Federal Railroad Administration said that in addition to the concerns about derailments, long trains can block crossings for extended periods of time. When crossings are blocked, firefighters, police and ambulance drivers may be delayed in getting someone the help that they need, and pedestrians may risk their lives by crawling under or across stopped trains that could start moving without warning.The states proposing limits on train size this year include Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada and Washington.

Railroads warned about the problems long trains can cause

Two federal grant programs administered by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are accepting applications starting May 1 from communities across Nebraska for recreation improvements.

Applications for the Recreation Trails Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund are due Sept. 4, 2023. Grants recommended for approval will be announced at the January 2024 Commission meeting.

The Recreational Trails Program is a grant program through the Federal Highway Administration that reimburses political subdivisions — such as communities, counties and natural resources districts — up to $250,000 or 80% of project costs for trail acquisition, development, renovation and support facilities.

This funding source is for motorized and nonmotorized trail projects. It is divided by category: 30% for motorized projects, 30% for nonmotorized projects and 40% for diversified or shared-use trail projects.

Applicants must have the financial means to undertake and maintain the project and all funding should be on hand as this is a reimbursable grant program.

Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbmdwY2dyYW50cy5vdXRkb29ybmVicmFza2EuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjcuNzU4OTY2MTEifQ.D7XgXrp4Q22-vFocsU2d1jGSVpVGGhuRG4AWjrah-NE/s/497221906/br/166743907874-l" target="_blank">ngpcgrants.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. For more information on the Recreational Trails Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODk2NjExIn0.kEWcRfvCHZ-CWqkKqQCDF5bKsglPfSd0Pn4M6FvFplg/s/497221906/br/166743907874-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>; search for “Recreational Trails Program.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program administered by the National Park Service, provides matching funds for outdoor recreation projects.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, swimming pools, picnicking facilities, sports fields, playgrounds, pool renovations, splash pads, park acquisitions and development, wildlife viewing facilities, fishing access, adventure spots (such as ziplines and rock-climbing) and park-related support facilities.

All projects must encourage outdoor recreation. Project sponsors must be a political subdivision, such as cities, county governments or natural resource districts. The LWCF provides reimbursable matching grants for up to 50% of total project costs.

Grant applicants should have all funding on hand with documentation at the time of submission. The LWCF grant can reimburse between $75,000 and $600,000, equating to a $150,000 or $1.2 million total project cost.&nbsp;

To apply and get more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODk2NjExIn0.fOV0lcpILKkAQeoQhTg7yO8Qm-4aLxhQTFlp5AHgVzg/s/497221906/br/166743907874-l" target="_blank">ngpcgrants.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODk2NjExIn0.z2CjIcYkrj7XNAtB2jVRaULA2YUQHP9piw6L5ztAgLI/s/497221906/br/166743907874-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for “Land and Water Conservation.”

The LWCF was established by Congress in 1964 to ensure access to outdoor recreation resources for present and future generations and to provide money to governments to purchase land, water and wetlands to benefit all. The primary source of revenue for the LWCF is from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf.

By Nebraska Game and ParksTwo federal grant programs administered by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are accepting applications starting May 1 from communities across Nebraska for recreation improvements.Applications for the Recreation Trails Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund are due Sept. 4, 2023. Grants recommended for approval will be announced at the January 2024 Commission meeting.Recreational Trails ProgramThe Recreational Trails Program is a grant program through the Federal Highway Administration that reimburses political subdivisions — such as communities, counties and natural resources districts — up to $250,000 or 80% of project costs for trail acquisition, development, renovation and support facilities.This funding source is for motorized and nonmotorized trail projects. It is divided by category: 30% for motorized projects, 30% for nonmotorized projects and 40% for diversified or shared-use trail projects.Applicants must have the financial means to undertake and maintain the project and all funding should be on hand as this is a reimbursable grant program.Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbmdwY2dyYW50cy5vdXRkb29ybmVicmFza2EuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjcuNzU4OTY2MTEifQ.D7XgXrp4Q22-vFocsU2d1jGSVpVGGhuRG4AWjrah-NE/s/497221906/br/166743907874-l" target="_blank">ngpcgrants.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. For more information on the Recreational Trails Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODk2NjExIn0.kEWcRfvCHZ-CWqkKqQCDF5bKsglPfSd0Pn4M6FvFplg/s/497221906/br/166743907874-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>; search for “Recreational Trails Program.”Land and Water Conservation FundThe Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program administered by the National Park Service, provides matching funds for outdoor recreation projects.Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, swimming pools, picnicking facilities, sports fields, playgrounds, pool renovations, splash pads, park acquisitions and development, wildlife viewing facilities, fishing access, adventure spots (such as ziplines and rock-climbing) and park-related support facilities.All projects must encourage outdoor recreation. Project sponsors must be a political subdivision, such as cities, county governments or natural resource districts. The LWCF provides reimbursable matching grants for up to 50% of total project costs.Grant applicants should have all funding on hand with documentation at the time of submission. The LWCF grant can reimburse between $75,000 and $600,000, equating to a $150,000 or $1.2 million total project cost.&nbsp;To apply and get more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODk2NjExIn0.fOV0lcpILKkAQeoQhTg7yO8Qm-4aLxhQTFlp5AHgVzg/s/497221906/br/166743907874-l" target="_blank">ngpcgrants.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODk2NjExIn0.z2CjIcYkrj7XNAtB2jVRaULA2YUQHP9piw6L5ztAgLI/s/497221906/br/166743907874-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for “Land and Water Conservation.”The LWCF was established by Congress in 1964 to ensure access to outdoor recreation resources for present and future generations and to provide money to governments to purchase land, water and wetlands to benefit all. The primary source of revenue for the LWCF is from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Outdoor recreation grants accepting applications

WASHINGTON DC - 2023’s first quarter economic report showed a decline in the U.S. GDP growth rate to 1.1 percent, making clear the lasting impact severe inflation has had on our economy. The damage done by reckless and wasteful spending emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and pro-growth policies. This is especially true as our nation’s debt crisis remains unresolved and we barrel toward reaching our debt ceiling.

This week, the Limit, Save, Grow Act – a bill to bring some fiscal sanity back to Washington – passed the House with my support. While no one bill will solve our fiscal challenges, the Limit, Save, Grow Act is a starting point. I am hopeful the bill will lead to good faith negotiations between Congress and the president. In 2011, then Vice President Biden criticized those with a “my way or the highway approach” to these sorts of negotiations saying, “you have to compromise.” Unfortunately, President Biden has said he will not negotiate with Congress on the debt ceiling, an irresponsible approach that – if not abandoned – will lead to lasting damage to the full faith and credit of our country. Even Democrats are encouraging the president to come to the table to find a path forward.

The Limit, Save, Grow Act responsibly addresses the debt ceiling and includes significant savings—an estimated $3.6 trillion over 10 years – and puts our country on a better trajectory. We do this by cutting wasteful spending, reclaiming the IRS funding intended to increase audits on families and small businesses, stopping the Green New Deal, getting Americans back in the workforce, and ensuring we pay our debts without compromising our ability to compete and advance American energy dominance.

The American Enterprise Institute has estimated more than 40 percent of COVID relief payments ended up in fraudulent hands, and it concerns me greatly that more attention hasn’t been paid to these fraudulent payments. The Limit, Save, Grow Act would also reclaim unspent COVID relief funds, delivering on House Republicans’ commitment to a government that’s accountable.

With the support of many of my Midwestern colleagues, we were able to ensure the bill was amended to preserve important biofuels tax credits. Biofuels are an important part of our all-of-the-above energy portfolio and help lower costs for consumers and increase U.S. energy independence. Furthermore, the industry creates and supports good-paying jobs across the country, especially here in Nebraska.

The debt ceiling exists for a reason – as a lever to address spending – and addressing it requires good faith, bipartisan cooperation.

Washington must confront America’s debt crisis, and I’m grateful House Republicans were able to construct a plan to do so without compromising our ability to meet our financial obligations. The House is doing its part – now it’s time for President Biden to come to the negotiating table.

Sincerely, Adrian Smith (Member of Congress)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682859105310.jpeg" alt="Right: Rep Adian Smith - I enjoyed meeting with former National Rural Education Association President Jon Habben and State Director Jack Moles this week to discuss how federal policy can best support rural schools. It's never been more important to reinforce Nebraska's strong tradition of excellence in education" />
 <figcaption>Right: Rep Adian Smith - I enjoyed meeting with former National Rural Education Association President Jon Habben and State Director Jack Moles this week to discuss how federal policy can best support rural schools. It's never been more important to reinforce Nebraska's strong tradition of excellence in education</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON DC - 2023’s first quarter economic report showed a decline in the U.S. GDP growth rate to 1.1 percent, making clear the lasting impact severe inflation has had on our economy. The damage done by reckless and wasteful spending emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and pro-growth policies. This is especially true as our nation’s debt crisis remains unresolved and we barrel toward reaching our debt ceiling.This week, the Limit, Save, Grow Act – a bill to bring some fiscal sanity back to Washington – passed the House with my support. While no one bill will solve our fiscal challenges, the Limit, Save, Grow Act is a starting point. I am hopeful the bill will lead to good faith negotiations between Congress and the president. In 2011, then Vice President Biden criticized those with a “my way or the highway approach” to these sorts of negotiations saying, “you have to compromise.” Unfortunately, President Biden has said he will not negotiate with Congress on the debt ceiling, an irresponsible approach that – if not abandoned – will lead to lasting damage to the full faith and credit of our country. Even Democrats are encouraging the president to come to the table to find a path forward.The Limit, Save, Grow Act responsibly addresses the debt ceiling and includes significant savings—an estimated $3.6 trillion over 10 years – and puts our country on a better trajectory. We do this by cutting wasteful spending, reclaiming the IRS funding intended to increase audits on families and small businesses, stopping the Green New Deal, getting Americans back in the workforce, and ensuring we pay our debts without compromising our ability to compete and advance American energy dominance.The American Enterprise Institute has estimated more than 40 percent of COVID relief payments ended up in fraudulent hands, and it concerns me greatly that more attention hasn’t been paid to these fraudulent payments. The Limit, Save, Grow Act would also reclaim unspent COVID relief funds, delivering on House Republicans’ commitment to a government that’s accountable.With the support of many of my Midwestern colleagues, we were able to ensure the bill was amended to preserve important biofuels tax credits. Biofuels are an important part of our all-of-the-above energy portfolio and help lower costs for consumers and increase U.S. energy independence. Furthermore, the industry creates and supports good-paying jobs across the country, especially here in Nebraska.The debt ceiling exists for a reason – as a lever to address spending – and addressing it requires good faith, bipartisan cooperation.Washington must confront America’s debt crisis, and I’m grateful House Republicans were able to construct a plan to do so without compromising our ability to meet our financial obligations. The House is doing its part – now it’s time for President Biden to come to the negotiating table.Sincerely, Adrian Smith (Member of Congress)

Letter to the 3rd District - Rep Adrian Smith (Limit, Save, Grow)

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS CHADRON – Chadron State College recognized employees for years of service, Teaching Excellence and retirement at an annual luncheon in the Student Center Ballroom.

<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2023/keithly-selected-as-2023-nscs-teaching-excellence-award-recipient.html" target="_blank">Dr. Mary Keithly, Award Recipient</a>

Ainslie&nbsp;became a Chadron State College employee in 1993. He was on the custodial staff caring for the then-new Student Center in the mornings and the Burkhiser Technology Complex in the afternoons. Eventually, he worked solely in the Student Center.&nbsp;

“I like working in the Student Center. All the kids come through here,” he said.&nbsp;

Ainslie assists with room set-up and tear-down and trouble-shooting with the microphone system, in addition to cleaning the building and shoveling snow from the north entrance which cannot be accessed by plows.&nbsp;

He met his wife of 18 years, Linn, in the Student Center Pit. Linn earned her teaching degree from CSC. Her daughter, Catherine, a canine law officer in Powell, Wyoming, graduated from CSC with a criminal justice degree. The couple has five adult grandchildren.&nbsp;

The couple has been involved with international students for at least 15 years.&nbsp;

“We got started with the host parent program for incoming freshmen. When it ended, we switched over to hosting international students. We've learned a lot about their countries and hopefully, they’ve learned a little bit about ours from us,” Ainslie said.&nbsp;

Several years ago, the couple arranged to meet six of their former CSC international host students for a reunion in Paris.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“They came in from Germany, Jordan, and other countries. A lot of them have gone on and got their doctorates. Some of them keep in touch as they get married and have children. One of our host kids went back to Libya and we still hear from him every now and then. He's married with two kids. It's really amazing how much some of them have touched our lives and we have touched their lives,” Ainslie said.&nbsp;

Bolze&nbsp;taught for 10 years in the Rangeland Management department and calls the experience among the most fulfilling aspects of his career. He came to CSC on a one-year contract before becoming a full-time faculty member. His teaching assignments have included a variety of courses related to beef production, animal genetics, physiology and nutrition, and farm and ranch management.&nbsp;

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS CHADRON – Chadron State College recognized employees for years of service, Teaching Excellence and retirement at an annual luncheon in the Student Center Ballroom.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682699609062.jpeg" alt="2023 Chadron State College retirees recognized at the annual luncheon April 13, 2023, in the Student Center Ballroom." />
 <figcaption>2023 Chadron State College retirees recognized at the annual luncheon April 13, 2023, in the Student Center Ballroom.</figcaption>
 </figure>Awards are as follows:NSCS Teaching Excellence<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2023/keithly-selected-as-2023-nscs-teaching-excellence-award-recipient.html" target="_blank">Dr. Mary Keithly, Award Recipient</a>Dr. Tara Wilson, Award NomineeRetireesMel AinslieDr. Michael BognerDr. Ron BolzeMike KennedyDr. Lisette LeeschKaren PopeDr. Randy RhineDr. Wendy Waugh40 YearsDr. Kim Madsen30 YearsMelvin AinslieDr. Don KingDr. Donna Ritzen<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682699700984.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College's recognition luncheon in the Student Center Ballroom April 13, 2023. Honorees recognized for 10 years of service. From left, Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, Ted Tewahade, Jason Blanford, Lona Downs, Heather barry, Becky Bolze, Dr. Ron Bolze, Dr. Jamie Hamaker, Dr. Anthony Perlinski, and Joel Smith. Not pictured: Barb Bohnenkamp. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College's recognition luncheon in the Student Center Ballroom April 13, 2023. Honorees recognized for 10 years of service. From left, Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, Ted Tewahade, Jason Blanford, Lona Downs, Heather barry, Becky Bolze, Dr. Ron Bolze, Dr. Jamie Hamaker, Dr. Anthony Perlinski, and Joel Smith. Not pictured: Barb Bohnenkamp. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>20 YearsDr. Mary Jo CarnotDr. Lorie HunnDeena KennellDr. Kathleen KirschDr. Joel Schreuder15 YearsDaniel BinkardDr. Mathew BrustDr. Teresa J. FrinkDr. William HoffmanCasey RobertsKarma Schefcik10 YearsHeather BarryJason BlanfordBarb BohnenkampRebecca BolzeDr. Ronald BolzeLona DownsDr. Jamie HamakerDr. Kurt KinbacherDr. Anthony PerlinskiJoel SmithTed TewahadeRetireesAinslie&nbsp;became a Chadron State College employee in 1993. He was on the custodial staff caring for the then-new Student Center in the mornings and the Burkhiser Technology Complex in the afternoons. Eventually, he worked solely in the Student Center.&nbsp;“I like working in the Student Center. All the kids come through here,” he said.&nbsp;Ainslie assists with room set-up and tear-down and trouble-shooting with the microphone system, in addition to cleaning the building and shoveling snow from the north entrance which cannot be accessed by plows.&nbsp;He met his wife of 18 years, Linn, in the Student Center Pit. Linn earned her teaching degree from CSC. Her daughter, Catherine, a canine law officer in Powell, Wyoming, graduated from CSC with a criminal justice degree. The couple has five adult grandchildren.&nbsp;The couple has been involved with international students for at least 15 years.&nbsp;“We got started with the host parent program for incoming freshmen. When it ended, we switched over to hosting international students. We've learned a lot about their countries and hopefully, they’ve learned a little bit about ours from us,” Ainslie said.&nbsp;Several years ago, the couple arranged to meet six of their former CSC international host students for a reunion in Paris.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They came in from Germany, Jordan, and other countries. A lot of them have gone on and got their doctorates. Some of them keep in touch as they get married and have children. One of our host kids went back to Libya and we still hear from him every now and then. He's married with two kids. It's really amazing how much some of them have touched our lives and we have touched their lives,” Ainslie said.&nbsp;Bolze&nbsp;taught for 10 years in the Rangeland Management department and calls the experience among the most fulfilling aspects of his career. He came to CSC on a one-year contract before becoming a full-time faculty member. His teaching assignments have included a variety of courses related to beef production, animal genetics, physiology and nutrition, and farm and ranch management.&nbsp;Bolze grew up on a family-oriented dairy farm in Pennsylvania, and completed undergraduate studies in animal science at Pennsylvania State University. After graduation, he farmed with family before earning a doctorate in beef cattle reproductive physiology at Kansas State University.&nbsp;He then spent more than a decade as a beef extension specialist and faculty member, first at Ohio State University and later at Kansas State University.&nbsp;Leaving academic work in beef production for a time, he moved to the commercial aspects of the industry, serving as a development director for the Certified Angus Beef Program, executive secretary of the American Shorthorn Association, marketing director for the Red Angus Association of America, and marketing director for the largest Red Angus seedstock breeder in the United States.&nbsp;Bolze said one of the best parts of working at CSC has been the ability to align students with internships and job opportunities. Other highlights include interaction with the Bill and Virginia Coffee Family Foundation, involvement with the Practitioner in Residence program, the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition road show, and the ruminant production travel study tour.&nbsp;Kennedy&nbsp;was a Journalism Instructor at Chadron State College for 17 years. He is most proud of the achievements, awards, and recognition garnered by The Eagle, CSC’s student newspaper, and its staff members while he was the adviser for the student-led publication. During Kennedy’s tenure, The Eagle earned the Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association’s (NPCMA) Best Overall Newspaper award every year since 2010.&nbsp;&nbsp;He started at CSC as an adjunct instructor in Communication Arts in 2006 and moved to Journalism and Adviser upon the retirement of Lavida Dickinson in 2008. In addition to journalism and publication design courses, he has taught essential studies classes in oral communications. He also served as executive director of the Nebraska Collegiate Media Association (now the NPCMA) for seven years.&nbsp;&nbsp;He lived in France for four years as a child and graduated from high school in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Kennedy continued working for newspapers and wire services in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and completed a master’s degree in journalism at Marshall University in 1991.Kennedy taught in Oklahoma, worked for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association in Colorado Springs, and taught photojournalism at Pittsburg State University in Kansas.&nbsp;A job teaching journalism and publications took him to Zayed University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2000. During his six years there he made several trips to Pakistan and Afghanistan as a photojournalist and developed friendships with local reporters and photographers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pope&nbsp;had nearly a 30-year professional career with the Chadron State Foundation. She retired as the Director of Alumni and Development for the Chadron State Foundation in January,Pope, who grew up in Bridgeport, Nebraska, graduated from CSC with a degree in social sciences in 1980. Once her children were old enough for school, Pope went back to work and became an Office Assistant in the Alumni and Foundation Office in 1995. Her title was changed to the Director of Alumni and Development in the early 2000s.When she was hired, one of Pope’s responsibilities was to put together an alumni newsletter. Without much of a background in publications and graphic design, Pope reached out to Dewayne Gimeson, a CSC publications specialist to learn more.The two continued to work together for more than 20 years on numerous projects, including all of the major Alumni and Foundation publications.Another longtime colleague of Pope’s was former Alumni and Foundation CEO Connie Rasmussen.“She is one of the most creative people I ever worked with,” Rasmussen said. “There isn’t anything she can’t do. She really brought the Foundation to the next level with the professional look of our publications. Her relationships with alums was genuine. She took an interest and loved working with them. They felt that and they loved working with her.”In addition to organizing alumni events and handling publications, Pope assisted with the Fall Fund Drive and helped with the annual phonathon. Pope said she always understood her job was centered around people, something she enjoyed.Rhine, who has served as President at Chadron State College since 2013, has worked at a college or university his entire professional career.“I got involved with higher education at a young age and never wanted to get out of it,” he said. “I have had a rewarding career and to have the chance to lead CSC the past decade has been an honor. Chadron State is truly a unique institution and a special place. Our alums care deeply about it and our community does, too. The college makes a significant impact in our region and city and it's been a privilege and honor to have a role in that. It wasn’t a role I set out for in life, but it has been very rewarding on a lot of levels.”Rhine first came to Chadron in 2005 at the behest of former President Janie Park. He was hired as the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services and helped the college reverse its enrollment decline. Rhine remained as the VP for Enrollment Management and Student Services until he was named Interim President in May 2012. Following a national search for the Presidency, he was officially named the college’s President in January 2013.In a letter announcing his retirement, Rhine wrote: “Together we have achieved a great deal for Chadron State, and I am incredibly proud to see the positive changes that have occurred. I am leaving Chadron State at a time when the institution is poised to move into the future with new energy and opportunity. I cannot thank the faculty and staff of this wonderful institution enough for your efforts that make us a leader in higher education and service to our region and beyond.”During Rhine’s time as president, CSC benefited from more than $70 million in capital improvements, including the Coffee Agriculture Pavilion, the Rangeland Complex, the Chicoine Center, the Eagle Ridge Housing Units, the renovated Elliott Field at Beebe Stadium, an outdoor track and field facility, and the Math Science Center of Innovative Learning addition and renovation.Rhine was also an advocate for CSC supporting rural components of its mission and during his tenure both the Rural Business Leadership Initiative and the Rural Law Opportunities Program were created. Despite being based in different academic disciplines, both programs encourage their students to assume leadership roles and work in rural communities.&nbsp;Waugh&nbsp;was employed at Chadron State College for 30 years before retiring in 2022. Waugh began as a Resident Hall Director in 1992. A year later, she began teaching in the Business Academy. She served as the Business Department Chair from 2017 to 2019 when she became Dean of the School of Business, Math and Science, and Graduate Program. Honors she received include the Teaching Excellence Award in 2009 and being selected as the 2016 Graduate Commencement speaker.She has bachelor’s degrees in Management and Electronic Data Processing and Secondary Business Education from Wayne State College, a master’s in Education: Business Specialization from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, an MBA from CSC, and a doctorate from Capella University in Organization and Management.Her articles were published in national journals and she made national presentations including one in 2022 about cultivating and maintaining positive working relationships between faculty and administration at the National Academic Chairpersons Conference with colleagues Dr. Shaunda French-Collins and Dr. James Koehn.“All of my greatest accomplishments have been attributed to the support and contribution of others at Chadron State. This included people with whom I worked, looked up to, and who actively mentored me,” Waugh said.Under Waugh’s leadership, the Rural Business Leadership Initiative was established to support business majors desiring to become professionals in rural areas. Additionally, CSC partnered with Nebraska Methodist College to allow students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from CSC while simultaneously earning an Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Care from Nebraska Methodist College, without leaving CSC. Also, Accounting, Digital Marketing, and Healthcare Management focus areas were added to the MBA program.

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