By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

McCOOK, Neb.-A McCook woman has died after her vehicle collided with a truck.

McCook police said at around 8:59 a.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to an injury accident in the 800 block of W. Q St.&nbsp;

Officers arrived and learned that a 2004 Chevy Impala, driven by Ketra Vlasin, 26, had collided with a 2006 Freightliner truck owned by the Nebraska Public Power District.&nbsp;

Police said the truck was stopped on the east side of the roadway and unoccupied at the time of the collision. Police said the NPPD truck had its emergency equipment activated as they performed maintenance on the electrical infrastructure.

Vlasin and an infant passenger in her vehicle were transported to McCook Community Hospital, where Vlasin later died from her injuries. The infant was treated for minor injuries and released to family members.

Police said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654811166162.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostMcCOOK, Neb.-A McCook woman has died after her vehicle collided with a truck.McCook police said at around 8:59 a.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to an injury accident in the 800 block of W. Q St.&nbsp;Officers arrived and learned that a 2004 Chevy Impala, driven by Ketra Vlasin, 26, had collided with a 2006 Freightliner truck owned by the Nebraska Public Power District.&nbsp;Police said the truck was stopped on the east side of the roadway and unoccupied at the time of the collision. Police said the NPPD truck had its emergency equipment activated as they performed maintenance on the electrical infrastructure.Vlasin and an infant passenger in her vehicle were transported to McCook Community Hospital, where Vlasin later died from her injuries. The infant was treated for minor injuries and released to family members.Police said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.&nbsp;

McCook woman killed in crash with NPPD truck

SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a shooting in Rushville, which led to the arrest of a South Dakota man Wednesday afternoon.

Wednesday, at approximately 5:25 p.m. MT, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol in response to a shooting at the Rushville Sale Barn. The incident occurred following an argument between two people. After preliminary investigation, investigators believe that following the verbal altercation, the suspect, identified as Gilbert Grooms, 44, of Oglala, South Dakota, retrieved a shotgun from his vehicle. He then fired in the direction of the victim, identified as Charles Winters, 35, of Martin, South Dakota.

Winters then retreated to his vehicle. Grooms fired at the vehicle multiple times, leading to the victim fleeing around a trailer. Grooms then fired again, striking Winters in the midsection. Winters was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Grooms was arrested by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office and was lodged in Sheridan County Jail for attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and terroristic threats. The investigation remains ongoing.

By Nebraska State PatrolSCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a shooting in Rushville, which led to the arrest of a South Dakota man Wednesday afternoon.Wednesday, at approximately 5:25 p.m. MT, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol in response to a shooting at the Rushville Sale Barn. The incident occurred following an argument between two people. After preliminary investigation, investigators believe that following the verbal altercation, the suspect, identified as Gilbert Grooms, 44, of Oglala, South Dakota, retrieved a shotgun from his vehicle. He then fired in the direction of the victim, identified as Charles Winters, 35, of Martin, South Dakota.Winters then retreated to his vehicle. Grooms fired at the vehicle multiple times, leading to the victim fleeing around a trailer. Grooms then fired again, striking Winters in the midsection. Winters was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.Grooms was arrested by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office and was lodged in Sheridan County Jail for attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and terroristic threats. The investigation remains ongoing.

NSP releases more information following Rushville shooting 

By HEATHER JOHNSON North Platte Community College

It’s never too late to go back to school.

That’s according to Gigi Berol, of Ogallala, who returned to college after almost 30 years. In May, she earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business with an emphasis in nonprofit management from Mid-Plains Community College.

“The same timing isn’t right for everybody,” Berol said. “But, earning a degree at some point in your life is doable – especially if you have the support of your family, friends and employer like I did.”

Berol started out as a traditional student. After graduating from Columbus High School in 1986, she enrolled at Central Community College – Columbus. At that time, it was known as Platte Technical College.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life,” Berol said. “I took business classes thinking maybe I wanted to pursue something in business, but I also studied fashion and daycare.”

She quit school after a year and a half to take a position nannying in California, but the job didn’t pan out.

“I had the paperwork filled out then got scared and didn’t go,” Berol said of the California trip. “I also didn’t finish my last semester at Central. My parents weren’t very happy about that.”

Berol went into the workforce instead. She had a friend in Columbus whose parents owned the North Shore Lodge at Lemoyne, and they offered Berol a job there in the summer of 1992.

“I was only planning on spending that summer at the lake, but then I met my husband,” Berol said. “Steve had a similar situation. He moved from Colorado to work at North Shore for the season, and now here we are – still in Ogallala all these years later.”

The couple raised a son and a daughter during their time in the town. Gigi spent 15 years working at Ogallala Community Hospital, both in admissions and as the x-ray manager, prior to taking on her current role as outreach administrative assistant for the MPCC Ogallala Campus.

It wasn’t until 2017 that she began thinking about going back to finish what she started.

“I was at a point where my career required a college degree,” Gigi said. “Honestly, it was always one of those things that had been left undone. My mom and dad had both been educators and had wanted my siblings and I to keep going.”

She decided to take the classes online and via distance learning through MPCC because of the flexibility aspect.

“Doing so allowed me to schedule school around my job,” Gigi said. “I could study over my lunch hour or come into work early and finish assignments before the campus opened. The idea of going back to school was overwhelming at first, but the instructors and staff at MPCC were very helpful and reassuring.”

Their support proved to be a tremendous comfort to her. She soon found that everything she remembered from college – from the writing style to technology – had changed.

“I was a ‘C’ student in high school, so the thought of embarrassing myself in front of my coworkers was terrifying,” Gigi said. “Fortunately, my supervisor [Mary Pierce] was extremely supportive, as were my family and friends within the college.”

She took a couple of classes each semester, during the winterim session and in the summer. Some of her instructors also made accommodations for independent study.

“I just kept chipping away, one step at a time,” Gigi said. “I took a year off when my mom was sick and dying, but then I went back to it.”

Fortunately, she was able to transfer in 20 of her credits from Central.

“That’s the thing I think a lot of people don’t realize,” Gigi said. “Credits don’t expire.”

Once she got into the groove of taking classes again, Gigi found the college experience to be much more enriching the second time around.

“I appreciated education more than when I was 18,” Gigi said. “I felt more eager to learn and goal-oriented because in high school, I really didn’t care. At MPCC, I wanted to get better grades. I wanted that GPA to be good. The older you get, you realize that’s a big deal, so that was something I strived for. If I didn’t get the grade I wanted, I studied harder the next time.”

Her efforts paid off – earning her a spot on the college’s Dean’s List and induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gigi’s biggest sense of accomplishment, however, came May 13, the day she walked across the stage at commencement and accepted her long-awaited degree.

“It was incredible,” Gigi said. “Not just because I wanted it, but because a higher education was so important to my parents and because, as a parent, I wanted to set an example for my children. I wanted to show them it’s never too late. You’re never too old to keep learning. You just have to believe in yourself. You can do it. You’re worth it, and college will always be there when the timing is right.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654791848057.png" alt="Gigi Berol, of Ogallala, holds up the degree she earned from Mid-Plains Community College. Berol returned to school after an almost 30-year hiatus." />
 <figcaption>Gigi Berol, of Ogallala, holds up the degree she earned from Mid-Plains Community College. Berol returned to school after an almost 30-year hiatus.</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER JOHNSON North Platte Community CollegeIt’s never too late to go back to school.That’s according to Gigi Berol, of Ogallala, who returned to college after almost 30 years. In May, she earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business with an emphasis in nonprofit management from Mid-Plains Community College.“The same timing isn’t right for everybody,” Berol said. “But, earning a degree at some point in your life is doable – especially if you have the support of your family, friends and employer like I did.”The early daysBerol started out as a traditional student. After graduating from Columbus High School in 1986, she enrolled at Central Community College – Columbus. At that time, it was known as Platte Technical College.“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life,” Berol said. “I took business classes thinking maybe I wanted to pursue something in business, but I also studied fashion and daycare.”She quit school after a year and a half to take a position nannying in California, but the job didn’t pan out.“I had the paperwork filled out then got scared and didn’t go,” Berol said of the California trip. “I also didn’t finish my last semester at Central. My parents weren’t very happy about that.”Berol went into the workforce instead. She had a friend in Columbus whose parents owned the North Shore Lodge at Lemoyne, and they offered Berol a job there in the summer of 1992.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654791880695.png" alt="The Berols gather for a celebration following a commencement ceremony in North Platte in May. Gigi Berol earned an associate degree from Mid-Plains Community College. Pictured left to right are her son Craig, Gigi, daughter Courtney and Gigi’s husband Steve." />
 <figcaption>The Berols gather for a celebration following a commencement ceremony in North Platte in May. Gigi Berol earned an associate degree from Mid-Plains Community College. Pictured left to right are her son Craig, Gigi, daughter Courtney and Gigi’s husband Steve.</figcaption>
 </figure>“I was only planning on spending that summer at the lake, but then I met my husband,” Berol said. “Steve had a similar situation. He moved from Colorado to work at North Shore for the season, and now here we are – still in Ogallala all these years later.”The couple raised a son and a daughter during their time in the town. Gigi spent 15 years working at Ogallala Community Hospital, both in admissions and as the x-ray manager, prior to taking on her current role as outreach administrative assistant for the MPCC Ogallala Campus.Tying up loose endsIt wasn’t until 2017 that she began thinking about going back to finish what she started.“I was at a point where my career required a college degree,” Gigi said. “Honestly, it was always one of those things that had been left undone. My mom and dad had both been educators and had wanted my siblings and I to keep going.”She decided to take the classes online and via distance learning through MPCC because of the flexibility aspect.“Doing so allowed me to schedule school around my job,” Gigi said. “I could study over my lunch hour or come into work early and finish assignments before the campus opened. The idea of going back to school was overwhelming at first, but the instructors and staff at MPCC were very helpful and reassuring.”Their support proved to be a tremendous comfort to her. She soon found that everything she remembered from college – from the writing style to technology – had changed.“I was a ‘C’ student in high school, so the thought of embarrassing myself in front of my coworkers was terrifying,” Gigi said. “Fortunately, my supervisor [Mary Pierce] was extremely supportive, as were my family and friends within the college.”She took a couple of classes each semester, during the winterim session and in the summer. Some of her instructors also made accommodations for independent study.“I just kept chipping away, one step at a time,” Gigi said. “I took a year off when my mom was sick and dying, but then I went back to it.”Fortunately, she was able to transfer in 20 of her credits from Central.“That’s the thing I think a lot of people don’t realize,” Gigi said. “Credits don’t expire.”Once she got into the groove of taking classes again, Gigi found the college experience to be much more enriching the second time around.“I appreciated education more than when I was 18,” Gigi said. “I felt more eager to learn and goal-oriented because in high school, I really didn’t care. At MPCC, I wanted to get better grades. I wanted that GPA to be good. The older you get, you realize that’s a big deal, so that was something I strived for. If I didn’t get the grade I wanted, I studied harder the next time.”Her efforts paid off – earning her a spot on the college’s Dean’s List and induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gigi’s biggest sense of accomplishment, however, came May 13, the day she walked across the stage at commencement and accepted her long-awaited degree.“It was incredible,” Gigi said. “Not just because I wanted it, but because a higher education was so important to my parents and because, as a parent, I wanted to set an example for my children. I wanted to show them it’s never too late. You’re never too old to keep learning. You just have to believe in yourself. You can do it. You’re worth it, and college will always be there when the timing is right.”

Ogallala woman earns degree after three decades away from school

Below are findings from the Activate Alliance Committee walk audit at 10th Street and Box Butte Avenue.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post Below are findings from the Activate Alliance Committee walk audit at 10th Street and Box Butte Avenue.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654790910747.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654790937234.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Activate Alliance: 10th and Box Butte Avenue walk audit findings 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 6/9/22

Guests from the ARC discuss the success of the annual fundraising campaign and offer info on exercise classes and other services.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alliance Recreation 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=y9awa-1247877-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>Guests from the ARC discuss the success of the annual fundraising campaign and offer info on exercise classes and other services.

POST PODCAST: Alliance Recreation Center

Gering, NE –&nbsp;&nbsp;Deb Carpenter-Nolting and Lyn Messersmith will present their program&nbsp;Heart’s Compass: Women on the Trail&nbsp;on Tuesday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center Amphitheater located at 190276 Old Oregon Trail in Gering, NE.

This presentation is made possible by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Scotts Bluff National Monument and Black Hills Parks and Forests Association as part of the HN Speakers Bureau.

This program is an account of pioneer women crossing the Plains in the 19th century. Carpenter-Nolting and Messersmith present original poems, songs and stories, as well as actual diary entries of women who journeyed on the Oregon Trail.&nbsp;Heart’s Compass&nbsp;is one of approximately 300 programs offered through the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau. The more than 165 available speakers include acclaimed scholars, writers, musicians, storytellers and folklorists on topics ranging from pioneer heritage to ethics and law to international and multicultural issues, making it the largest humanities speakers bureau in the nation.

For information detailing the available speakers and guidelines for booking them, please access the Humanities Nebraska website at www.humanitiesnebraska.org (Speakers section) or contact Humanities Nebraska at 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330, Lincoln, NE 68508, phone (402) 474-2131, fax (402) 474-4852 or e-mail info@humanitiesnebraska.org.

Further information about Scotts Bluff National Monument programs and schedules are available at the visitor center, by calling 308-436-9700 or by visiting our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm</a>&nbsp;or Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffnps" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffnps</a>.

By Scotts Bluff National Monument&nbsp;Gering, NE –&nbsp;&nbsp;Deb Carpenter-Nolting and Lyn Messersmith will present their program&nbsp;Heart’s Compass: Women on the Trail&nbsp;on Tuesday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center Amphitheater located at 190276 Old Oregon Trail in Gering, NE.This presentation is made possible by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Scotts Bluff National Monument and Black Hills Parks and Forests Association as part of the HN Speakers Bureau.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587140447752.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com</figcaption>
 </figure>This program is an account of pioneer women crossing the Plains in the 19th century. Carpenter-Nolting and Messersmith present original poems, songs and stories, as well as actual diary entries of women who journeyed on the Oregon Trail.&nbsp;Heart’s Compass&nbsp;is one of approximately 300 programs offered through the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau. The more than 165 available speakers include acclaimed scholars, writers, musicians, storytellers and folklorists on topics ranging from pioneer heritage to ethics and law to international and multicultural issues, making it the largest humanities speakers bureau in the nation.For information detailing the available speakers and guidelines for booking them, please access the Humanities Nebraska website at www.humanitiesnebraska.org (Speakers section) or contact Humanities Nebraska at 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330, Lincoln, NE 68508, phone (402) 474-2131, fax (402) 474-4852 or e-mail info@humanitiesnebraska.org.Further information about Scotts Bluff National Monument programs and schedules are available at the visitor center, by calling 308-436-9700 or by visiting our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm</a>&nbsp;or Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffnps" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffnps</a>.

Heart’s Compass: Women on the Trail to be presented at Scotts Bluff Monument

DUNDY COUNTY-Officials in Southwest Nebraska said they have confirmed the second positive case of rabies in the area this year.

The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department said a skunk in Dundy County tested positive for the virus.

Officials said in skunks and other warm-blooded animals, rabies is a deadly virus that causes inflammation of the brain.&nbsp;

People can be exposed to rabies from saliva or blood, which most commonly occurs through a bite or contact with an infected wild animal. Humans can also be exposed through pets or livestock that were infected after contact with a contagious animal.

"Practicing animal safety as an adult teaches children to be cautious around unfamiliar or wild animals. Any animal that has not been vaccinated against rabies is at risk of getting the disease," said Lori Rowley, RN, Public Health Nurse with SWNPHD. "If you suspect that you or a family member has been exposed to rabies, contact your medical provider right away."

-Difficulty with eating or drinking -Increased aggression -General sickness -Excessive drooling -Odd behavior changes, nervousness, irritability

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said rabies is a medical urgency and anyone with suspected exposure should wash wound with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654784858271.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostDUNDY COUNTY-Officials in Southwest Nebraska said they have confirmed the second positive case of rabies in the area this year.The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department said a skunk in Dundy County tested positive for the virus.Officials said in skunks and other warm-blooded animals, rabies is a deadly virus that causes inflammation of the brain.&nbsp;People can be exposed to rabies from saliva or blood, which most commonly occurs through a bite or contact with an infected wild animal. Humans can also be exposed through pets or livestock that were infected after contact with a contagious animal."Practicing animal safety as an adult teaches children to be cautious around unfamiliar or wild animals. Any animal that has not been vaccinated against rabies is at risk of getting the disease," said Lori Rowley, RN, Public Health Nurse with SWNPHD. "If you suspect that you or a family member has been exposed to rabies, contact your medical provider right away."Signs of rabies in animals include:-Difficulty with eating or drinking -Increased aggression -General sickness -Excessive drooling -Odd behavior changes, nervousness, irritabilityThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said rabies is a medical urgency and anyone with suspected exposure should wash wound with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

Officials confirm 2nd postive case of rabies in Southwest Nebraska

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

The mass shootings that are happening on a regular basis in America are a clear sign that there are mental health issues in our nation. Why would 18-year-olds use guns to shoot up school classrooms and grocery stores? Why do we have so much violence now?

I have been studying the book Emotional Poverty by Ruby Payne, whose company aha! Process created the Bridges Out of Poverty programs, and I have written about emotional poverty previously. Emotional poverty occurs when the brain is not regulated, the inner self is underdeveloped, there are no secure emotional attachments, and the environment reinforces the idea that a person is "less than" or "separate from" others.

Emotional poverty is not based on financial poverty. Certainly the tyranny of the moment, where a household cannot pay bills so must make difficult choices, creates a great deal of stress on adults and children. What else creates problems?

How about addiction - of anyone in the family? This might be a drug addiction or alcoholism. But it also might be a fixation on something else. How about addiction to porn? or video games? or other screen addictions? Screen addictions can happen to people of any age, and they affect everyone in the household.

Physical or mental illness in the family creates stress. The illness may be caused by an injury, bacteria or virus, or a biochemical imbalance, like diabetes. Biochemical issues may have more than physical components. They often affect thinking, emotions, and behaviors. Mental illness creates problems in a household. Someone in the family may have depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or any of several disorders. Or there may be a personality disorder.

In her book, Payne says, "People with borderline and/or narcissistic personality disorder often have these identifiers: very intelligent, very charming, but can change in a second to rage, anger, and alienation. Often there is an addiction involved. Individuals with borderline and/or narcissistic personality disorder are especially deficient in genuine feelings of sadness and mournful longing. The deficiency emerges as anger and resentment loaded with revengeful wishes rather than real sadness."

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) can have a tremendous impact on future violence, both as victim and perpetrator. We'll talk more about these in a future column.

Parenting issues can create dysfunctional families. Family function is the extent to which the following five needs are met for children under the age of 18: material necessities, learning, self-respect, peer relationships, and harmony and stability. Family function is heavily impacted by two things: low income and high violence. When the family is not functioning, then

emotional damage is greater. It is critical for parents to set boundaries, limit choices, and have consequences for a child to learn internal self-regulation, necessary for adulthood.

Children who are not connected to a strong adult often experience emotional abuse or neglect. The child might constantly be criticized, humiliated, or unfavorably compared to others. Sometimes parents divorce and work hard to alienate a child from the other parent. Sometimes children have to take on the role of the parent in the household; maybe the parent has to hold down two jobs, is incarcerated, has physical or mental illness, or has an addiction problem. Emotional development is then subverted.

We see these problems, and many more, when we look at homes where there is emotional poverty. And there are many other causes of emotional poverty. We have been ignoring these problems for far too long, and now we are paying terrible consequences.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceThe mass shootings that are happening on a regular basis in America are a clear sign that there are mental health issues in our nation. Why would 18-year-olds use guns to shoot up school classrooms and grocery stores? Why do we have so much violence now?I have been studying the book Emotional Poverty by Ruby Payne, whose company aha! Process created the Bridges Out of Poverty programs, and I have written about emotional poverty previously. Emotional poverty occurs when the brain is not regulated, the inner self is underdeveloped, there are no secure emotional attachments, and the environment reinforces the idea that a person is "less than" or "separate from" others.Emotional poverty is not based on financial poverty. Certainly the tyranny of the moment, where a household cannot pay bills so must make difficult choices, creates a great deal of stress on adults and children. What else creates problems?How about addiction - of anyone in the family? This might be a drug addiction or alcoholism. But it also might be a fixation on something else. How about addiction to porn? or video games? or other screen addictions? Screen addictions can happen to people of any age, and they affect everyone in the household.Physical or mental illness in the family creates stress. The illness may be caused by an injury, bacteria or virus, or a biochemical imbalance, like diabetes. Biochemical issues may have more than physical components. They often affect thinking, emotions, and behaviors. Mental illness creates problems in a household. Someone in the family may have depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or any of several disorders. Or there may be a personality disorder.In her book, Payne says, "People with borderline and/or narcissistic personality disorder often have these identifiers: very intelligent, very charming, but can change in a second to rage, anger, and alienation. Often there is an addiction involved. Individuals with borderline and/or narcissistic personality disorder are especially deficient in genuine feelings of sadness and mournful longing. The deficiency emerges as anger and resentment loaded with revengeful wishes rather than real sadness."Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) can have a tremendous impact on future violence, both as victim and perpetrator. We'll talk more about these in a future column.Parenting issues can create dysfunctional families. Family function is the extent to which the following five needs are met for children under the age of 18: material necessities, learning, self-respect, peer relationships, and harmony and stability. Family function is heavily impacted by two things: low income and high violence. When the family is not functioning, thenemotional damage is greater. It is critical for parents to set boundaries, limit choices, and have consequences for a child to learn internal self-regulation, necessary for adulthood.Children who are not connected to a strong adult often experience emotional abuse or neglect. The child might constantly be criticized, humiliated, or unfavorably compared to others. Sometimes parents divorce and work hard to alienate a child from the other parent. Sometimes children have to take on the role of the parent in the household; maybe the parent has to hold down two jobs, is incarcerated, has physical or mental illness, or has an addiction problem. Emotional development is then subverted.We see these problems, and many more, when we look at homes where there is emotional poverty. And there are many other causes of emotional poverty. We have been ignoring these problems for far too long, and now we are paying terrible consequences.

Poverty In Our Area: More on emotional poverty

On June 7 a dangerous storm hit Alliance with wind gusts causing a semi-tractor to be pushed over.&nbsp;

"Wind gusts and heavy rain made visibility zero percent," Alliance Police Sergeant David LaDuke said. "A semi-tractor pulling an unloaded trailer was driving northbound on Highway 385 and had just passed the Maverick gas station when the storm hit.&nbsp;The driver of the semi immediately pulled over and put the semi into park.&nbsp;The high winds pushed the semi onto its right side, causing the driver to be suspended from his seatbelt."

Three Alliance police officers, two Nebraska State Patrol troopers and the Alliance Fire Department immediately responded, shutting down the northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 385.

"The driver, with the assistance of a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol, was able to free himself out of the cab and crawl out of the semi," LaDuke said. "The driver of the semi was not hurt due to him wearing a seatbelt and was not transported to the hospital."

The semi was able to be pulled upright by Red Beard Garage and Towing, and was towed off the highway.

"The Alliance Police Department would like to thank the Nebraska State Patrol, the Alliance Fire Department and Red Beard Garage for their timely response and assistance with this incident," LaDuke added.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654737672818.jpeg" alt="Photos by Alliance Police Department&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Alliance Police Department&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 7 a dangerous storm hit Alliance with wind gusts causing a semi-tractor to be pushed over.&nbsp;"Wind gusts and heavy rain made visibility zero percent," Alliance Police Sergeant David LaDuke said. "A semi-tractor pulling an unloaded trailer was driving northbound on Highway 385 and had just passed the Maverick gas station when the storm hit.&nbsp;The driver of the semi immediately pulled over and put the semi into park.&nbsp;The high winds pushed the semi onto its right side, causing the driver to be suspended from his seatbelt."Three Alliance police officers, two Nebraska State Patrol troopers and the Alliance Fire Department immediately responded, shutting down the northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 385."The driver, with the assistance of a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol, was able to free himself out of the cab and crawl out of the semi," LaDuke said. "The driver of the semi was not hurt due to him wearing a seatbelt and was not transported to the hospital."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654737721089.jpeg" alt="The driver of the semi smiles following assistance from local authorities.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The driver of the semi smiles following assistance from local authorities.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The semi was able to be pulled upright by Red Beard Garage and Towing, and was towed off the highway."The Alliance Police Department would like to thank the Nebraska State Patrol, the Alliance Fire Department and Red Beard Garage for their timely response and assistance with this incident," LaDuke added.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654737738681.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

APD, AVFD, NSP respond to semi-tractor accident 

A man was shot at Sheridan County Livestock this afternoon in Rushville.

"An adult male was shot and the victim has been transported to the hospital," said Sheridan County Sheriff's Office.

His condition is not known at this time.&nbsp;

The suspect was taken into custody.&nbsp;

No names or further information has been released at this time.&nbsp;

"We wanted to let everyone know...and assure you, there is no threat to the community," Sheridan County Sheriff's Office said.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostA man was shot at Sheridan County Livestock this afternoon in Rushville."An adult male was shot and the victim has been transported to the hospital," said Sheridan County Sheriff's Office.His condition is not known at this time.&nbsp;The suspect was taken into custody.&nbsp;No names or further information has been released at this time.&nbsp;"We wanted to let everyone know...and assure you, there is no threat to the community," Sheridan County Sheriff's Office said.&nbsp;

Man shot at Sheridan County Livestock in Rushville

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Police have arrested a Rapid City man after he allegedly fired shots at construction workers along a highway. 

The Rapid City Journal reports the Pennington County Sheriff's Department responded Monday afternoon to reports of a man shooting at construction workers along State Highway 79 south of Rapid City. 

A sheriff's spokeswoman says it appears the man has no connection to the workers.

 State troopers converged on the area and arrested the 53-year-old man. No one was hurt.

By Associated PressRAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Police have arrested a Rapid City man after he allegedly fired shots at construction workers along a highway. The Rapid City Journal reports the Pennington County Sheriff's Department responded Monday afternoon to reports of a man shooting at construction workers along State Highway 79 south of Rapid City. A sheriff's spokeswoman says it appears the man has no connection to the workers. State troopers converged on the area and arrested the 53-year-old man. No one was hurt.

Man arrested after shooting at construction workers near Rapid City

Chief Troy Shoemaker and Lt. Jeff Jurado discuss the upcoming golf tournament fundraiser for the AVFD.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alliance Volunteer Fire Department" 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=89ajh-1246320-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>Chief Troy Shoemaker and Lt. Jeff Jurado discuss the upcoming golf tournament fundraiser for the AVFD.

POST PODCAST: Alliance Volunteer Fire Dept.

Alliance – The City of Alliance Utility Office has been made aware of a scam email occurring in our area.

 The scam email requests for you to verify your contact information is accurate with a link to check energy savings status. This is a scam.

Please do not click the link in the email or reply providing personal identifiable information. 

The City of Alliance Utility department is not sending emails to offer savings or verify your contact information.

 If you are ever unsure about the validity of a phone call or email asking for Personal Identifiable Information, please call the direct number to the Alliance Utility Department (308) 762-5075.

If you have fallen victim to this scam, please contact the Non-Emergency Police Department line at (308) 762-4955 to file a report.

If you have any questions, please call the Utility Department at (308) 762-5075.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The City of Alliance Utility Office has been made aware of a scam email occurring in our area. The scam email requests for you to verify your contact information is accurate with a link to check energy savings status. This is a scam.Please do not click the link in the email or reply providing personal identifiable information. The City of Alliance Utility department is not sending emails to offer savings or verify your contact information. If you are ever unsure about the validity of a phone call or email asking for Personal Identifiable Information, please call the direct number to the Alliance Utility Department (308) 762-5075.If you have fallen victim to this scam, please contact the Non-Emergency Police Department line at (308) 762-4955 to file a report.If you have any questions, please call the Utility Department at (308) 762-5075.

City of Alliance reminds community about utility email scam 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 6/8/22

Bands on Broadway will kick off on June 9 in downtown Scottsbluff with live music through July 28.&nbsp;

June 9 - The Vellichors, Donny O and the Troublemakers, All We Seem

June 23 - The Greendales, Victory Underground

July 7 - Gabriel the Brute, 43rd Army Band

July 14 - New Wave Time Machine, Loaded Dice

July 21 - Cory Pearman, Loop Story, Float Like A Buffalo

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654706360575.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bands on Broadway will kick off on June 9 in downtown Scottsbluff with live music through July 28.&nbsp;Below is the schedule of bands:&nbsp;June 9 - The Vellichors, Donny O and the Troublemakers, All We SeemJune 16 - Kid Shelleen, Cottonwood BoysJune 23 - The Greendales, Victory UndergroundJune 30 - Kaspen Haley, Nate BotsfordJuly 7 - Gabriel the Brute, 43rd Army BandJuly 14 - New Wave Time Machine, Loaded DiceJuly 21 - Cory Pearman, Loop Story, Float Like A BuffaloJuly 28 - Avid Discord, Kris Lager

Bands on Broadway to kick off in Scottsbluff 

Nurses throughout the Panhandle give back to the communities they serve in more ways than imaginable in Box Butte, Dawes and Scotts Bluff Counties.&nbsp;

Nurses continue to be frontline workers keeping people safe and healthy.&nbsp;

Below are nurses Eagle Radio honored during National Nurses Week in May, along with nomination messages:

Bridgett Leisy, Regional West Family Medicine

"Bridgett started out as an LPN and has worked with nursing homes in the Alliance area as well as Regional West in Scottsbluff. She has continued her education and will be graduating this month with her RN. She shows care and compassion for her patients and their families while raising her own family. She is a positive leader to co-workers and always supports the needs of all."

Lanie Johnson, Chadron Community Hospital

"She is one of the most compassionate and friendly nurses. She always has a smile for staff and patients. She is a new up and coming nurse that shines in our field."

"Jenny is an amazing nurse. She has been the glue here for eight years, but an LPN for 19 years. She is very dedicated to taking care of our sisters. With the closing of our facility, what better way to say thank you than to nominate her as our favorite nurse."

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostNurses throughout the Panhandle give back to the communities they serve in more ways than imaginable in Box Butte, Dawes and Scotts Bluff Counties.&nbsp;Nurses continue to be frontline workers keeping people safe and healthy.&nbsp;Below are nurses Eagle Radio honored during National Nurses Week in May, along with nomination messages:<h2>Bridgett Leisy, Regional West Family Medicine</h2>"Bridgett started out as an LPN and has worked with nursing homes in the Alliance area as well as Regional West in Scottsbluff. She has continued her education and will be graduating this month with her RN. She shows care and compassion for her patients and their families while raising her own family. She is a positive leader to co-workers and always supports the needs of all."<h2>Lanie Johnson, Chadron Community Hospital</h2>"She is one of the most compassionate and friendly nurses. She always has a smile for staff and patients. She is a new up and coming nurse that shines in our field." <h2>Jenny Setter, Marion Residence</h2>"Jenny is an amazing nurse. She has been the glue here for eight years, but an LPN for 19 years. She is very dedicated to taking care of our sisters. With the closing of our facility, what better way to say thank you than to nominate her as our favorite nurse."

Eagle Radio honors nurses during 'National Nurses Week' in May 

Items on the agenda of the 6/7/22 Alliance City Council meeting are discussed.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson" 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=86qkj-12460ee-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframI</div>Items on the agenda of the 6/7/22 Alliance City Council meeting are discussed.

POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

Scottsbluff – United Way of Western Nebraska is pleased to announce the 2022-2023 grant award recipients. Representatives from United Way Pacesetter Businesses and community volunteers reviewed each application and interviewed representatives from each agency to determine funding levels for each non-profit agency that applied. The funds distribution committees met in three different areas of United Way’s service area (Scottsbluff, Alliance and Chadron) to recommend funding levels for those non-profits requesting funding in their community. Twenty-seven agencies were chosen to receive United Way funding based on the areas of Health, Education and Financial Stability and are selected to be 2022-23 United Way Partner Agencies.

Fourteen agencies were selected to receive funding in the area of health including, Alliance Aftershock Softball, Alliance Oldtimers Baseball &amp; Softball, Alliance Recreation Center, Alliance Spartans, Buckboard Therapeutic Riding Academy, CAPstone, CASA of Scotts Bluff County, East Point Horspice, Lifespan Respite, Plains West CASA, PPHD Dental Health Program, Scotts Bluff County Volunteer Center. Summer Program for Handicapped Children (Camp Scott) and The DOVES Program.

Agencies receiving funding based on their education programs include Alliance MOPS, Banisters Leadership Academy, Boy Scouts of America Adventure West Council, Carnegie Arts Center and the Guadalupe Center.

11.13 Ministries, Carpenter Center, Cirrus House- Youth Services, Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CAPWN), Community Table, Family Stabilization (CAPWN), Scottsbluff-Gering Soup Kitchen and Western Community Health Resources all received United Way grants in the area of financial stability.

A total of eighteen nonprofit agencies were in funded in the greater Scotts Bluff Area, twelve were funded in Box Butte County and four in Dawes County. Several nonprofit agencies received funding in more than one United Way of Western Nebraska service area culminating with a total of twenty-seven nonprofits representing eleven counties in the Nebraska Panhandle and Goshen County, WY. United Way funding availability is based on the amount of funds raised in each of United Way of Western Nebraska’s service areas.

All grants were made possible by funds raised during the 2021-2022 United Way of Western Nebraska annual campaign. United Way continues the strong tradition of ensuring that donor dollars stay local and the monies raised in each county stay in the county where they were raised. For more information about United Way, please visit uwwn.org.

United Way of Western Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community. They support 27 local nonprofit agencies in the areas of education, health and financial stability. They have been reinvesting in Western Nebraska since their inception in 1945. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.uwwn.org">www.uwwn.org</a>.

By United Way of Western Nebraska&nbsp;Scottsbluff – United Way of Western Nebraska is pleased to announce the 2022-2023 grant award recipients. Representatives from United Way Pacesetter Businesses and community volunteers reviewed each application and interviewed representatives from each agency to determine funding levels for each non-profit agency that applied. The funds distribution committees met in three different areas of United Way’s service area (Scottsbluff, Alliance and Chadron) to recommend funding levels for those non-profits requesting funding in their community. Twenty-seven agencies were chosen to receive United Way funding based on the areas of Health, Education and Financial Stability and are selected to be 2022-23 United Way Partner Agencies.Fourteen agencies were selected to receive funding in the area of health including, Alliance Aftershock Softball, Alliance Oldtimers Baseball &amp; Softball, Alliance Recreation Center, Alliance Spartans, Buckboard Therapeutic Riding Academy, CAPstone, CASA of Scotts Bluff County, East Point Horspice, Lifespan Respite, Plains West CASA, PPHD Dental Health Program, Scotts Bluff County Volunteer Center. Summer Program for Handicapped Children (Camp Scott) and The DOVES Program.Agencies receiving funding based on their education programs include Alliance MOPS, Banisters Leadership Academy, Boy Scouts of America Adventure West Council, Carnegie Arts Center and the Guadalupe Center.11.13 Ministries, Carpenter Center, Cirrus House- Youth Services, Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CAPWN), Community Table, Family Stabilization (CAPWN), Scottsbluff-Gering Soup Kitchen and Western Community Health Resources all received United Way grants in the area of financial stability.A total of eighteen nonprofit agencies were in funded in the greater Scotts Bluff Area, twelve were funded in Box Butte County and four in Dawes County. Several nonprofit agencies received funding in more than one United Way of Western Nebraska service area culminating with a total of twenty-seven nonprofits representing eleven counties in the Nebraska Panhandle and Goshen County, WY. United Way funding availability is based on the amount of funds raised in each of United Way of Western Nebraska’s service areas.All grants were made possible by funds raised during the 2021-2022 United Way of Western Nebraska annual campaign. United Way continues the strong tradition of ensuring that donor dollars stay local and the monies raised in each county stay in the county where they were raised. For more information about United Way, please visit uwwn.org.United Way of Western Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community. They support 27 local nonprofit agencies in the areas of education, health and financial stability. They have been reinvesting in Western Nebraska since their inception in 1945. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.uwwn.org">www.uwwn.org</a>.

United Way of Western Nebraska announces grant recipients 

A previous Hemingford resident has created a challenge grant to the Hemingford community. The generous donor will provide a $10,000 grant to the Hemingford Community Foundation (HCF) if they can raise $10,000. The committee is so excited they are already over halfway to the goal.&nbsp;

“We were approached last Thursday with a challenge grant to the Foundation, and we are so excited that we’ve already raised $5,600 towards the $10,000 match! Generous organizations, businesses, and individuals are pitching in to help us reach, and ideally surpass this challenge,” said Will Mahony, HCF Board Member.

-Farmers Coop,&nbsp;$2,500 -Hemingford Telephone Company,&nbsp;$1,000 -Nebraska Bank, $500 -Raben’s Market, $500 -Mahony Commodities LLC, $500 -Will Mahony, $500 -Donnie &amp; Joni Jespersen, $250 -Lois Pfeiffer, $100 -Gina Jespersen, $50 -Taylor Jespersen, $50 -Avery Davies, $50 -Berkley Davies, $50 -Daxton Davies, $50

If you or your business is interested in donating to this exciting challenge grant to benefit Hemingford projects, complete the online form here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/OTCF/Hemingford-Community-Foundation" target="_blank">https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/OTCF/Hemingford-Community-Foundation</a>&nbsp;or call 308-487-5500 or stop in and visit with Joni Jespersen at Mobius/Hemingford Telephone Company.

The committee has been working hard to achieve the goals they set for 2022 after being on a hiatus for the past couple of years. They held their annual fundraiser, raising enough funds to give out three mini-grants. They are thrilled to see the completion of the “Hemingford is Home” sign with donors from the brick campaign. This recent challenge grant will seed many exciting Hemingford-specific projects in the coming months.

The board is comprised of Jessica Davies, April Delsing, Joni Jespersen, Will Mahony, Tonya Mayer, and Tabi Prochazka. They have been meeting monthly to serve the residents of Hemingford and the surrounding area by identifying and supporting the people, organizations, and projects that make Hemingford a great place to live, learn, work, and play.&nbsp;Strategic planning will occur soon, and we invite the community to reach out to any board members to discuss how the Foundation can be of service.

The Foundation is an affiliate fund of the Oregon Trail Community Foundation. Visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/" target="_blank">https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/</a>. &nbsp;

By PPHDA previous Hemingford resident has created a challenge grant to the Hemingford community. The generous donor will provide a $10,000 grant to the Hemingford Community Foundation (HCF) if they can raise $10,000. The committee is so excited they are already over halfway to the goal.&nbsp;“We were approached last Thursday with a challenge grant to the Foundation, and we are so excited that we’ve already raised $5,600 towards the $10,000 match! Generous organizations, businesses, and individuals are pitching in to help us reach, and ideally surpass this challenge,” said Will Mahony, HCF Board Member.Donors so far include:-Farmers Coop,&nbsp;$2,500 -Hemingford Telephone Company,&nbsp;$1,000 -Nebraska Bank, $500 -Raben’s Market, $500 -Mahony Commodities LLC, $500 -Will Mahony, $500 -Donnie &amp; Joni Jespersen, $250 -Lois Pfeiffer, $100 -Gina Jespersen, $50 -Taylor Jespersen, $50 -Avery Davies, $50 -Berkley Davies, $50 -Daxton Davies, $50If you or your business is interested in donating to this exciting challenge grant to benefit Hemingford projects, complete the online form here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/OTCF/Hemingford-Community-Foundation" target="_blank">https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/OTCF/Hemingford-Community-Foundation</a>&nbsp;or call 308-487-5500 or stop in and visit with Joni Jespersen at Mobius/Hemingford Telephone Company.The committee has been working hard to achieve the goals they set for 2022 after being on a hiatus for the past couple of years. They held their annual fundraiser, raising enough funds to give out three mini-grants. They are thrilled to see the completion of the “Hemingford is Home” sign with donors from the brick campaign. This recent challenge grant will seed many exciting Hemingford-specific projects in the coming months.The board is comprised of Jessica Davies, April Delsing, Joni Jespersen, Will Mahony, Tonya Mayer, and Tabi Prochazka. They have been meeting monthly to serve the residents of Hemingford and the surrounding area by identifying and supporting the people, organizations, and projects that make Hemingford a great place to live, learn, work, and play.&nbsp;Strategic planning will occur soon, and we invite the community to reach out to any board members to discuss how the Foundation can be of service.The Foundation is an affiliate fund of the Oregon Trail Community Foundation. Visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/" target="_blank">https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/</a>. &nbsp;

Anonymous donor challenges Hemingford community to match donation

Mental illness is a national public health issue that affects Nebraska as well.&nbsp; During my time as Governor, we’ve made mental health a priority and have rolled out several programs to identify mental illness and get Nebraska’s students, veterans, and others the care they need. &nbsp;

As a result of these efforts,&nbsp;U.S. News and World Report&nbsp;now ranks Nebraska as having the fourth-best mental health in the nation.&nbsp; However, we still have plenty of room for improvement.&nbsp; As we work to prevent mental illness across the state, we’re giving special attention to the mental health of our military members, our veterans, and our youth.&nbsp;

Prioritizing Mental Health: Service Members, Veterans, and their Families

The call to defend our country comes with a cost.&nbsp; Many of our veterans bear the physical or psychological scars of service.&nbsp;

I know from personal experience that our service members often see it as a sign of weakness to ask for help with mental health problems.&nbsp; But asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not of weakness. &nbsp;If you broke your arm, you’d go to the doctor.&nbsp; You wouldn’t try to dress the wound and put on a splint yourself.&nbsp; The same is true for mental health.&nbsp; When we have an issue, it’s important to seek immediate help from a medical professional. &nbsp;

In Nebraska, we do a fantastic job of taking care of our veterans.&nbsp; SmartAsset just ranked us as the fourth-best state in America for veterans.&nbsp; The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) provides excellent service to the men and women who’ve put on the cloth to defend our nation, and the agency is constantly looking for ways to do even more to serve our heroes.&nbsp;

On June 6th, we took another step forward by launching the&nbsp;Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.&nbsp; It’s part of a national effort to make mental health services more readily available.&nbsp; In Nebraska, the initiative will be led by NDVA and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Behavioral Health Division.&nbsp; It’s being spearheaded by 29 teammates and will span two years.&nbsp; This cooperative effort will involve strategic planning, setting action steps to chart the way forward, and measuring progress to hold ourselves accountable for making improvement to the care we provide our service members.

Half of all lifetime mental health illness starts by age 14, and the effects can be devastating. &nbsp;Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Americans ages 10-14 and the third-leading cause of death for those 15-24 years old.

The pandemic has intensified the mental health challenges of our youth. &nbsp;School closures caused kids to be isolated from peers, teachers, and coaches.&nbsp; This had a profoundly negative impact not only on their education but also on their mental well-being.&nbsp; Children’s hospitals in America report that the number of self-harm and suicide cases increased 45% from 2019 to 2021 among 5-17 year-olds. &nbsp;

To address this challenge, we took major strides this legislative session to expand access to pediatric mental healthcare in Nebraska.&nbsp; The State allocated $10 million of ARPA funds toward the construction of a behavioral health center for children ages 5-18 at CHI Immanuel;&nbsp;$10 million to expand a youth mental health development day school at Boys Town; and $10 million to&nbsp;Children’s Hospital as it develops urgent care centers to address pediatric mental health.&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS is also providing an additional $1.8 million to Children’s Hospital for telehealth technology to support pediatric mental health services.&nbsp;

Additionally, the State continues to partner with nonprofits, behavioral healthcare providers, and schools to help prevent suicides.&nbsp; Here are some of our primary efforts:

We’re fully invested in preventing and treating mental illness in Nebraska. &nbsp;But the State cannot do this alone. &nbsp;It takes involvement from everyone – nonprofits, educators, medical professionals, family members, and peers – to identify signs of mental illness and to encourage those dealing with it to get the help they need. &nbsp;In the coming months, we will continue to evaluate our mental health training and services to make sure Nebraska is taking care of our own.

If you want to learn more about the State’s work to support mental health, email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.

By Gov. Pete RickettsMental illness is a national public health issue that affects Nebraska as well.&nbsp; During my time as Governor, we’ve made mental health a priority and have rolled out several programs to identify mental illness and get Nebraska’s students, veterans, and others the care they need. &nbsp;As a result of these efforts,&nbsp;U.S. News and World Report&nbsp;now ranks Nebraska as having the fourth-best mental health in the nation.&nbsp; However, we still have plenty of room for improvement.&nbsp; As we work to prevent mental illness across the state, we’re giving special attention to the mental health of our military members, our veterans, and our youth.&nbsp;Prioritizing Mental Health: Service Members, Veterans, and their FamiliesThe call to defend our country comes with a cost.&nbsp; Many of our veterans bear the physical or psychological scars of service.&nbsp;I know from personal experience that our service members often see it as a sign of weakness to ask for help with mental health problems.&nbsp; But asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not of weakness. &nbsp;If you broke your arm, you’d go to the doctor.&nbsp; You wouldn’t try to dress the wound and put on a splint yourself.&nbsp; The same is true for mental health.&nbsp; When we have an issue, it’s important to seek immediate help from a medical professional. &nbsp;In Nebraska, we do a fantastic job of taking care of our veterans.&nbsp; SmartAsset just ranked us as the fourth-best state in America for veterans.&nbsp; The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) provides excellent service to the men and women who’ve put on the cloth to defend our nation, and the agency is constantly looking for ways to do even more to serve our heroes.&nbsp;On June 6th, we took another step forward by launching the&nbsp;Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.&nbsp; It’s part of a national effort to make mental health services more readily available.&nbsp; In Nebraska, the initiative will be led by NDVA and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Behavioral Health Division.&nbsp; It’s being spearheaded by 29 teammates and will span two years.&nbsp; This cooperative effort will involve strategic planning, setting action steps to chart the way forward, and measuring progress to hold ourselves accountable for making improvement to the care we provide our service members.Prioritizing Mental Health: YouthHalf of all lifetime mental health illness starts by age 14, and the effects can be devastating. &nbsp;Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Americans ages 10-14 and the third-leading cause of death for those 15-24 years old.The pandemic has intensified the mental health challenges of our youth. &nbsp;School closures caused kids to be isolated from peers, teachers, and coaches.&nbsp; This had a profoundly negative impact not only on their education but also on their mental well-being.&nbsp; Children’s hospitals in America report that the number of self-harm and suicide cases increased 45% from 2019 to 2021 among 5-17 year-olds. &nbsp;To address this challenge, we took major strides this legislative session to expand access to pediatric mental healthcare in Nebraska.&nbsp; The State allocated $10 million of ARPA funds toward the construction of a behavioral health center for children ages 5-18 at CHI Immanuel;&nbsp;$10 million to expand a youth mental health development day school at Boys Town; and $10 million to&nbsp;Children’s Hospital as it develops urgent care centers to address pediatric mental health.&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS is also providing an additional $1.8 million to Children’s Hospital for telehealth technology to support pediatric mental health services.&nbsp;Additionally, the State continues to partner with nonprofits, behavioral healthcare providers, and schools to help prevent suicides.&nbsp; Here are some of our primary efforts:<ul>
 <li>DHHS was awarded a five-year federal grant in 2018 to build a behavioral health “system of care” to support those battling mental illness in a less restrictive setting.&nbsp; Since its launch, there have been over 1,800 youth crisis response encounters.&nbsp; Of those encounters, 75% successfully resolved the immediate crisis and supported youth and their families in the community without the need to refer them to inpatient care.&nbsp; As a result of the system of care response, the percentage of youth needing inpatient care or residential treatment dropped from 6.7% in FY2017 to 3.3% in FY2019.</li><li>DHHS has collaborated with the Nebraska Department of Education, schools, educational service units, and localized systems of care to create the Behavioral Health Resources for Schools guide. &nbsp;It serves as a mental health toolkit that identifies local protocols for accessing behavioral health services.</li><li>Nearly 30,000 Nebraskans have been trained on Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), a suicide prevention program. &nbsp;</li><li>67,000+ educators and school personnel have received Kognito suicide prevention training and over 22,000 have been trained in Suicide Safe Schools.&nbsp;</li><li>The State provided Mental Health First Aid training to 943 people last fiscal year.&nbsp; Trainees are equipped with skills to respond to the signs of mental illness and substance use. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>We’re fully invested in preventing and treating mental illness in Nebraska. &nbsp;But the State cannot do this alone. &nbsp;It takes involvement from everyone – nonprofits, educators, medical professionals, family members, and peers – to identify signs of mental illness and to encourage those dealing with it to get the help they need. &nbsp;In the coming months, we will continue to evaluate our mental health training and services to make sure Nebraska is taking care of our own.If you want to learn more about the State’s work to support mental health, email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.

Gov. Ricketts: Keeping mental health a priority

Alliance – June 9, 2022 the milling of City streets will start beginning with Missouri Avenue and work towards Potash Avenue, Grand Avenue, 24th Street and end with 10th Street.

 The milling process should be complete by Saturday, June 11, 2022.

The final overlay process of these same streets, in the same order, will begin next week, June 13th and should be complete by June 17th. Crews will not be working over the Father’s Day Weekend.

Our contractors have placed “no parking” signs on many streets in preparation for this work and will be working between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to get the project done. Please be aware that parking on these streets will be prohibited during both phases of the project.

For questions or concerns, please call the City of Alliance at (308)-762-5400 or Ross Grant, Public Works Director at (308) 762-1907.

By City of AllianceAlliance – June 9, 2022 the milling of City streets will start beginning with Missouri Avenue and work towards Potash Avenue, Grand Avenue, 24th Street and end with 10th Street. The milling process should be complete by Saturday, June 11, 2022.The final overlay process of these same streets, in the same order, will begin next week, June 13th and should be complete by June 17th. Crews will not be working over the Father’s Day Weekend.Our contractors have placed “no parking” signs on many streets in preparation for this work and will be working between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to get the project done. Please be aware that parking on these streets will be prohibited during both phases of the project.For questions or concerns, please call the City of Alliance at (308)-762-5400 or Ross Grant, Public Works Director at (308) 762-1907.

City of Alliance continues with milling, overlay projects 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted three people for allegedly kidnapping an FBI victim specialist last week on the Pine Ridge Reservation.&nbsp;

Online court records indicate Juan Francisco Alvarez-Soto, Deyvin Morales and Lourdes Alondra Bonilla were indicted on May 19 on charges of kidnapping, carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. 

According to the indictment, the trio kidnapped FBI Victim Specialist Curt Lauinger while he was engaged in his official duties in Red Shirt, South Dakota on May 6. 

The indictment offers no other details on the circumstances except to say a rifle was brandished during the incident. 

U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell said through a spokeswoman that no more information on the case was available to the public.

By Associated PressSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted three people for allegedly kidnapping an FBI victim specialist last week on the Pine Ridge Reservation.&nbsp;Online court records indicate Juan Francisco Alvarez-Soto, Deyvin Morales and Lourdes Alondra Bonilla were indicted on May 19 on charges of kidnapping, carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. According to the indictment, the trio kidnapped FBI Victim Specialist Curt Lauinger while he was engaged in his official duties in Red Shirt, South Dakota on May 6. The indictment offers no other details on the circumstances except to say a rifle was brandished during the incident. U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell said through a spokeswoman that no more information on the case was available to the public.

3 indicted for allegedly kidnapping FBI specialist on Pine Ridge Reservation 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 6/7/22

By&nbsp;Michelle Robinson, Box Butte County Assessor

Homestead exemption applications are due in the assessor’s office by June 30. 

The following link provides information regarding homestead exemption:&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/pad/info/96-299.pdf" target="_blank">https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/pad/info/96-299.pdf</a>

Any questions can be answered by calling 762-6100 or stopping in the office at 515 Box Butte Ave Suite 102 in Alliance.&nbsp;

By&nbsp;Michelle Robinson, Box Butte County AssessorHomestead exemption applications are due in the assessor’s office by June 30. The following link provides information regarding homestead exemption:&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/pad/info/96-299.pdf" target="_blank">https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/pad/info/96-299.pdf</a>Any questions can be answered by calling 762-6100 or stopping in the office at 515 Box Butte Ave Suite 102 in Alliance.&nbsp;

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