WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration is making $450 million available for solar farms and other clean energy projects across the country at the site of current or former coal mines, part of his ongoing efforts to combat climate change.

As many as five projects nationwide will be funded through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">the 2021 infrastructure law</a>, with at least two projects set aside for solar farms, the White House said Tuesday.

The White House also said it will allow developers of clean energy projects to take advantage of billions of dollars in new bonuses being offered in addition to investment and production tax credits available through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-congress-climate-and-environment-f084d23d61ebb068068d4aa92c82fdbb">the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act</a>. The bonuses will "incentivize more clean energy investment in energy communities, particularly coal communities,'' that have been hurt by a decade-plus decline in U.S. coal production, the White House said.

The actions are among steps the Biden administration is taking as the Democratic president moves to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-business-climate-and-environment-f145b24414ff245f491fd68257b3db60">convert the U.S. economy to renewable energy</a>&nbsp;such as wind and solar power, while turning away from coal and other fossil fuels that produce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.

The projects are modeled on a site Biden visited last summer, where a former coal-fired power plant in Massachusetts is shifting to offshore wind power. Biden highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-middle-east-emergency-management-climate-and-environment-febdf09a5251f6b4fea9c4e7d9cdf006">the former Brayton Point power plant</a>&nbsp;in Somerset, Massachusetts, calling it the embodiment of the transition to clean energy that he is seeking but has struggled to realize in the first two years of his presidency.

“It's very clear that ... the workers who powered the last century of industry and innovation can power the next one,'' said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, whose agency will oversee the new grant program.

Former mining areas in Appalachia and other parts of the country have long had the infrastructure, workforce, expertise and “can-do attitude” to produce energy, Granholm told reporters on Monday. “And now, thanks to President Biden’s investments in America, we have the resources that can help them bring this new energy economy to life.''

Up to five clean energy projects will be funded at current and former mines, Granholm said. The demonstration projects are expected to be examples for future development, "providing knowledge and experience that catalyze the next generation of clean energy on mine land projects,'' the Energy Department said.

Applications are due by the end of August, with grant decisions expected by early next year.

In a related development, the Energy Department said it is awarding $16 million from the infrastructure law to West Virginia University and the University of North Dakota to study ways to extract critical minerals such as lithium, copper and nickel from coal mine waste streams.

Rare earth elements and other minerals are key parts of batteries for electric vehicles, cellphones and other technology. Biden has made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-technology-business-trending-news-environment-04e20d148dc50c09831d2530d1fd2f8e">boosting domestic mining</a>&nbsp;a priority as the U.S. seeks to decrease its reliance on China, which has long dominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-nevada-environment-and-nature-630a11b14d738335d9d336bc9b51be8e">the battery supply chain</a>.

One of the two universities that will receive funding is in the home state of one of Biden's loudest critics, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a fellow Democrat who has decried what he calls Biden's anti-coal agenda. Manchin complained on Friday about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/electric-vehicles-tax-credit-7500-c562cb2d3509e93dc81d3b7d395725af">new Treasury Department guidelines for EV tax credits</a>&nbsp;that he said ignore the intent of last year’s climate and health care law.

The new rules are aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on China and other countries for EV battery supply chains, but Manchin said they don't move fast enough to “bring manufacturing back to America and ensure we have reliable and secure supply chains.″

Manchin, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, also slammed Biden last year after the president vowed to shutter coal-fired power plants and rely more heavily on wind and solar energy.

The powerful coal state lawmaker called Biden’s comments last November&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-west-virginia-joe-manchin-joliet-congress-06dc975e7f7efd58465d32326d44acfe">“divorced from reality,”</a>&nbsp;adding that they “ignore the severe economic pain” caused by higher energy prices as a result of declining domestic production of coal and other fossil fuels. The White House said Biden’s words in a Nov. 4 speech in California had been “twisted to suggest a meaning that was not intended” and that the president regretted any offense caused.

“No one is building new coal plants because they can’t rely on it, even if they have all the coal guaranteed for the rest of their existence of the plant. So it’s going to become a wind generation,” Biden said in the speech in Carlsbad, California. “We’re going to be shutting these plants down all across America and having wind and solar.''

Biden has set a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi said Monday that Biden believes U.S. leaders “need to be bold” in combating climate change "and that includes helping revitalize the economies of coal, oil and gas and power-plant communities.''

By Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration is making $450 million available for solar farms and other clean energy projects across the country at the site of current or former coal mines, part of his ongoing efforts to combat climate change.As many as five projects nationwide will be funded through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">the 2021 infrastructure law</a>, with at least two projects set aside for solar farms, the White House said Tuesday.The White House also said it will allow developers of clean energy projects to take advantage of billions of dollars in new bonuses being offered in addition to investment and production tax credits available through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-congress-climate-and-environment-f084d23d61ebb068068d4aa92c82fdbb">the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act</a>. The bonuses will "incentivize more clean energy investment in energy communities, particularly coal communities,'' that have been hurt by a decade-plus decline in U.S. coal production, the White House said.The actions are among steps the Biden administration is taking as the Democratic president moves to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-business-climate-and-environment-f145b24414ff245f491fd68257b3db60">convert the U.S. economy to renewable energy</a>&nbsp;such as wind and solar power, while turning away from coal and other fossil fuels that produce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.The projects are modeled on a site Biden visited last summer, where a former coal-fired power plant in Massachusetts is shifting to offshore wind power. Biden highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-middle-east-emergency-management-climate-and-environment-febdf09a5251f6b4fea9c4e7d9cdf006">the former Brayton Point power plant</a>&nbsp;in Somerset, Massachusetts, calling it the embodiment of the transition to clean energy that he is seeking but has struggled to realize in the first two years of his presidency.“It's very clear that ... the workers who powered the last century of industry and innovation can power the next one,'' said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, whose agency will oversee the new grant program.Former mining areas in Appalachia and other parts of the country have long had the infrastructure, workforce, expertise and “can-do attitude” to produce energy, Granholm told reporters on Monday. “And now, thanks to President Biden’s investments in America, we have the resources that can help them bring this new energy economy to life.''Up to five clean energy projects will be funded at current and former mines, Granholm said. The demonstration projects are expected to be examples for future development, "providing knowledge and experience that catalyze the next generation of clean energy on mine land projects,'' the Energy Department said.Applications are due by the end of August, with grant decisions expected by early next year.In a related development, the Energy Department said it is awarding $16 million from the infrastructure law to West Virginia University and the University of North Dakota to study ways to extract critical minerals such as lithium, copper and nickel from coal mine waste streams.Rare earth elements and other minerals are key parts of batteries for electric vehicles, cellphones and other technology. Biden has made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-technology-business-trending-news-environment-04e20d148dc50c09831d2530d1fd2f8e">boosting domestic mining</a>&nbsp;a priority as the U.S. seeks to decrease its reliance on China, which has long dominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-nevada-environment-and-nature-630a11b14d738335d9d336bc9b51be8e">the battery supply chain</a>.One of the two universities that will receive funding is in the home state of one of Biden's loudest critics, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a fellow Democrat who has decried what he calls Biden's anti-coal agenda. Manchin complained on Friday about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/electric-vehicles-tax-credit-7500-c562cb2d3509e93dc81d3b7d395725af">new Treasury Department guidelines for EV tax credits</a>&nbsp;that he said ignore the intent of last year’s climate and health care law.The new rules are aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on China and other countries for EV battery supply chains, but Manchin said they don't move fast enough to “bring manufacturing back to America and ensure we have reliable and secure supply chains.″Manchin, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, also slammed Biden last year after the president vowed to shutter coal-fired power plants and rely more heavily on wind and solar energy.The powerful coal state lawmaker called Biden’s comments last November&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-west-virginia-joe-manchin-joliet-congress-06dc975e7f7efd58465d32326d44acfe">“divorced from reality,”</a>&nbsp;adding that they “ignore the severe economic pain” caused by higher energy prices as a result of declining domestic production of coal and other fossil fuels. The White House said Biden’s words in a Nov. 4 speech in California had been “twisted to suggest a meaning that was not intended” and that the president regretted any offense caused.“No one is building new coal plants because they can’t rely on it, even if they have all the coal guaranteed for the rest of their existence of the plant. So it’s going to become a wind generation,” Biden said in the speech in Carlsbad, California. “We’re going to be shutting these plants down all across America and having wind and solar.''Biden has set a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi said Monday that Biden believes U.S. leaders “need to be bold” in combating climate change "and that includes helping revitalize the economies of coal, oil and gas and power-plant communities.''

Biden offers $450M for clean energy projects at coal mines

By&nbsp;Mara Andersen, Alliance Rec Center

ALLIANCE – This April marks the beginning of the Alliance Rec Center’s Make More Possible annual giving campaign. This month, the ARC is raising funds to expand the existing weight room and continue funding financial aid efforts for Summer Camp and youth program scholarships as well as membership. To date, the 2023 Make More Possible campaign has raised $24,000 of their $75,000 goal.

“Box Butte County is among the least healthy communities in our state,” explains Mara Andersen, executive director of the Alliance Rec Center. According to The Nebraska County Health Rankings, Box Butte County ranks 66th out of 93 counties. “This data suggests residents in our community experience higher frequencies of mental and physical health distress which means a lower quality – and lower length – of life. We have to change that.” Andersen says. Importantly, addressing capacity and funding scholarships are the elements the ARC has identified as avenues of change.

Last year, the 2022 Make More Possible annual giving campaign funded a construction project to expand classroom space, upgraded weight room equipment, and funded scholarships for people who needed it. “Because of last years’ campaign success, we expanded our weight room offerings,” shares Andersen. Plans for future facility expansion are also underway in partnership with Chelsie Herian of Box Butte Development Corp. and a team of people from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

As a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving the community for 40 years, the Alliance Rec Center strives to keep membership and programs affordable. Offering financial aid for Summer Camp tuition and facility membership ensures all members of the community have a safe place to build healthier lives. “Our foundational mission is ‘putting the unity in community,’ and that starts with ensuring every citizen has access to recreation and programs that build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits,” says Andersen.

Every dollar donated helps accomplish the 2023 Make More Possible Annual Giving Campaign goals. “There’s power in every giving level. What started with $5 turned into ARC Park, new weight room equipment, expanded classrooms, and so much more,” says Andersen, “Your donation this year will help the ARC continue to build, a stronger, healthier community now and into the future.”

Donations of any amount can be made via Venmo, PayPal, in person at the ARC, with an ARC board member, or mailed to: Alliance Rec Center at PO Box 602 Alliance, NE 69301. Online giving opportunities can also be found at www.AllianceRecCenter.com and on Facebook @alliancereccenter. The Alliance Rec Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization making all donations tax-deductible.

By&nbsp;Mara Andersen, Alliance Rec CenterALLIANCE – This April marks the beginning of the Alliance Rec Center’s Make More Possible annual giving campaign. This month, the ARC is raising funds to expand the existing weight room and continue funding financial aid efforts for Summer Camp and youth program scholarships as well as membership. To date, the 2023 Make More Possible campaign has raised $24,000 of their $75,000 goal.“Box Butte County is among the least healthy communities in our state,” explains Mara Andersen, executive director of the Alliance Rec Center. According to The Nebraska County Health Rankings, Box Butte County ranks 66th out of 93 counties. “This data suggests residents in our community experience higher frequencies of mental and physical health distress which means a lower quality – and lower length – of life. We have to change that.” Andersen says. Importantly, addressing capacity and funding scholarships are the elements the ARC has identified as avenues of change.Last year, the 2022 Make More Possible annual giving campaign funded a construction project to expand classroom space, upgraded weight room equipment, and funded scholarships for people who needed it. “Because of last years’ campaign success, we expanded our weight room offerings,” shares Andersen. Plans for future facility expansion are also underway in partnership with Chelsie Herian of Box Butte Development Corp. and a team of people from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.As a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving the community for 40 years, the Alliance Rec Center strives to keep membership and programs affordable. Offering financial aid for Summer Camp tuition and facility membership ensures all members of the community have a safe place to build healthier lives. “Our foundational mission is ‘putting the unity in community,’ and that starts with ensuring every citizen has access to recreation and programs that build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits,” says Andersen.Every dollar donated helps accomplish the 2023 Make More Possible Annual Giving Campaign goals. “There’s power in every giving level. What started with $5 turned into ARC Park, new weight room equipment, expanded classrooms, and so much more,” says Andersen, “Your donation this year will help the ARC continue to build, a stronger, healthier community now and into the future.”Donations of any amount can be made via Venmo, PayPal, in person at the ARC, with an ARC board member, or mailed to: Alliance Rec Center at PO Box 602 Alliance, NE 69301. Online giving opportunities can also be found at www.AllianceRecCenter.com and on Facebook @alliancereccenter. The Alliance Rec Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization making all donations tax-deductible.

Alliance Rec Center holds April 'Make More Possible' annual giving campaign

Alliance – The Alliance Public Transit will only be offering essential rides on Tuesday, April 4th due to weather conditions. Essential rides include medical, school routes, and employment transports only.

On Friday, April 7th Transit will be running for medical and employment transports only due to staffing complications.

For more information, please contact, Paige Pohlman at (308) 762-1907.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Public Transit will only be offering essential rides on Tuesday, April 4th due to weather conditions. Essential rides include medical, school routes, and employment transports only.On Friday, April 7th Transit will be running for medical and employment transports only due to staffing complications.For more information, please contact, Paige Pohlman at (308) 762-1907.

Alliance Public Transit offering essential rides only 

On Monday in Scotts Bluff County Court, former Nebraska state trooper Brandon Dolezal was sentenced by Judge Travis P. O’Gorman on two counts of attempted enticement and four counts of child pornography. 

He was sentenced to 10-12 years on each count of enticement and 5-8 years on each count of child pornography. His total sentence of 40-56 years incarceration will be served consecutively to the sentence of 20-40 years incarceration he received in Sarpy County for similar conduct. 

The Gering Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Office. The Scotts Bluff County case was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Office of the Attorney GeneralOn Monday in Scotts Bluff County Court, former Nebraska state trooper Brandon Dolezal was sentenced by Judge Travis P. O’Gorman on two counts of attempted enticement and four counts of child pornography. He was sentenced to 10-12 years on each count of enticement and 5-8 years on each count of child pornography. His total sentence of 40-56 years incarceration will be served consecutively to the sentence of 20-40 years incarceration he received in Sarpy County for similar conduct. The Gering Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Office. The Scotts Bluff County case was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Former Neb. trooper sentenced on child porn charges

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for one 2023 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 17.

A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents 12 years and older are eligible for the lottery. It is unlawful to submit more than one application in a calendar year. Residents may receive only one permit in a lifetime. The permit is not transferable.

The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central time April 17 and ends Aug. 4. Applications will be received at Game and Parks offices until 5 p.m. or, if applying at<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLm9yZyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1OTIzMTEifQ.MlLRr-8v_iVjY-IkjqhWp9cArXBTAseO7n512JDkKCg/s/2971285407/br/157378767582-l">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>, through 11:59 p.m. CT Aug. 4.

The permit will be drawn Aug. 31, and the successful applicant will be notified.

The 2023 bighorn sheep season is Nov. 28 ot Dec. 22.

NGPCThe Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for one 2023 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 17.A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents 12 years and older are eligible for the lottery. It is unlawful to submit more than one application in a calendar year. Residents may receive only one permit in a lifetime. The permit is not transferable.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680627407198.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
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 </figure>The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central time April 17 and ends Aug. 4. Applications will be received at Game and Parks offices until 5 p.m. or, if applying at<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLm9yZyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1OTIzMTEifQ.MlLRr-8v_iVjY-IkjqhWp9cArXBTAseO7n512JDkKCg/s/2971285407/br/157378767582-l">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>, through 11:59 p.m. CT Aug. 4.The permit will be drawn Aug. 31, and the successful applicant will be notified.The 2023 bighorn sheep season is Nov. 28 ot Dec. 22.

Bighorn sheep lottery applications begin this month in Nebraska

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 4/4/23

&nbsp; The Village of Hemingford is declaring a Snow Emergency based on potential winter weather conditions from 6am Tuesday April 4th 2023 through 5pm Wednesday April 5th 2023.

&nbsp;A reminder in accordance with Chapter 8, Article 5, Section 01 of the Municipal Code there is to be no parking of vehicles on Emergency Snow Routes between the hours of 2:00AM and 6:00Am on the day of initial snow fall and the day following the end of snow fall.&nbsp;

To help aid in snow removal residents are encouraged to park vehicles and trailers that are on side streets in their driveways on days that snow removal will take place.&nbsp; Side street with an abundance of vehicles parked on the street will only have a pathway cleared tor through traffic.&nbsp; Village employees will not weave around parked vehicles to clear snow. When a snow emergency is declared all vehicles on all streets should be removed to allow snow removal.&nbsp;

Hemingford Snow Emergency Routes are Niobrara Ave. Box Butte Ave. and Donald Ave. snow removal and sanding on these streets will take precedence over removal on all other streets and alleys. As conditions allow all other side streets and alleys will be cleared.

By Village of Hemingford&nbsp; The Village of Hemingford is declaring a Snow Emergency based on potential winter weather conditions from 6am Tuesday April 4th 2023 through 5pm Wednesday April 5th 2023. &nbsp;A reminder in accordance with Chapter 8, Article 5, Section 01 of the Municipal Code there is to be no parking of vehicles on Emergency Snow Routes between the hours of 2:00AM and 6:00Am on the day of initial snow fall and the day following the end of snow fall.&nbsp; To help aid in snow removal residents are encouraged to park vehicles and trailers that are on side streets in their driveways on days that snow removal will take place.&nbsp; Side street with an abundance of vehicles parked on the street will only have a pathway cleared tor through traffic.&nbsp; Village employees will not weave around parked vehicles to clear snow. When a snow emergency is declared all vehicles on all streets should be removed to allow snow removal.&nbsp; Hemingford Snow Emergency Routes are Niobrara Ave. Box Butte Ave. and Donald Ave. snow removal and sanding on these streets will take precedence over removal on all other streets and alleys. As conditions allow all other side streets and alleys will be cleared.

Village of Hemingford declares snow emergency 

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

We're close to 6 inches here at the weather office in Cheyenne at 6.1 inches. What have you seen at your location? 

We'd love to hear what you got. Just respond to this [Facebook] post with your location (11N Cheyenne), time and how much snow you measured. Doesn't have to be precise, just give us your guess if you have questions.

You can find the NWS Facebook page by clicking <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSCheyenne">HERE</a>

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WYWe're close to 6 inches here at the weather office in Cheyenne at 6.1 inches. What have you seen at your location? We'd love to hear what you got. Just respond to this [Facebook] post with your location (11N Cheyenne), time and how much snow you measured. Doesn't have to be precise, just give us your guess if you have questions.You can find the NWS Facebook page by clicking <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSCheyenne">HERE</a><figure>
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NWS announces expected snow fall for Panhandle, Wyoming 

Snow Emergency in effect from 5 a.m. 4/4/23 through midnight 4/5/23.

By City of CrawfordCity of Crawford office closed today.Snow Emergency in effect from 5 a.m. 4/4/23 through midnight 4/5/23.

City of Crawford declares snow emergency 

By Fall River Health Services&nbsp;

Due to the weather, FRHS will be cancelling the Community Awareness Event that was scheduled for this Wednesday. We hope everyone stays safe and doesn’t travel.

Thank you for helping us keep our community at heart.

By Fall River Health Services&nbsp;Due to the weather, FRHS will be cancelling the Community Awareness Event that was scheduled for this Wednesday. We hope everyone stays safe and doesn’t travel.Thank you for helping us keep our community at heart.<figure>
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Fall River Health Services cancels Community Awareness event 

The Alliance Police Department is excited to announce the introduction of a new project intended to strengthen the relationship between the department and our Native American community; from here on out, officers will have available to them a small supply of sage, cedar, and sweetgrass to offer members of the Native American community, particularly where spiritual wounds emerge. 

The department is aware of the spiritual and cultural significance these ceremonial plants provide in the healing, purifying, and cleansing process. The department hopes this gesture will be accepted by the community we serve, and that it strengthens the connection between the Alliance Police Department and our Native American community. We never know when or how these wounds will emerge, but we are here to help individuals begin the long journey of healing, even in the form of a simple offering of sage, cedar, and/or sweetgrass.

We are working with a Native American trading post out of Rapid City, South Dakota to keep our supplies stocked; they have offered us enthusiastic guidance in selecting South Dakota sage, three-mix wands (cedar, sage, and sweetgrass), and sweetgrass braids.

We look forward to seeing how this helps build astrong relationship and connection between the Alliance Police Department and the community we serve.

“We raise our right hand to uphold the constitution for all people. This is just another example of our department engaging with our community and meeting people right where they are at. I’m grateful for my staff and their sensitivity to our community’s needs.” – Chief Lukens

By Alliance Police Department<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680611617224.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance Police Department is excited to announce the introduction of a new project intended to strengthen the relationship between the department and our Native American community; from here on out, officers will have available to them a small supply of sage, cedar, and sweetgrass to offer members of the Native American community, particularly where spiritual wounds emerge. The department is aware of the spiritual and cultural significance these ceremonial plants provide in the healing, purifying, and cleansing process. The department hopes this gesture will be accepted by the community we serve, and that it strengthens the connection between the Alliance Police Department and our Native American community. We never know when or how these wounds will emerge, but we are here to help individuals begin the long journey of healing, even in the form of a simple offering of sage, cedar, and/or sweetgrass.We are working with a Native American trading post out of Rapid City, South Dakota to keep our supplies stocked; they have offered us enthusiastic guidance in selecting South Dakota sage, three-mix wands (cedar, sage, and sweetgrass), and sweetgrass braids.We look forward to seeing how this helps build astrong relationship and connection between the Alliance Police Department and the community we serve.“We raise our right hand to uphold the constitution for all people. This is just another example of our department engaging with our community and meeting people right where they are at. I’m grateful for my staff and their sensitivity to our community’s needs.” – Chief Lukens

APD starts Native American 'sage, cedar, sweetgrass' program

By&nbsp;Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division

<a>OMAHA, NE&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its partners will host the 24th&nbsp;National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at more than 4,000 sites nationwide on Saturday, April 22, in an effort to safely collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Take Back sites will be open for collection between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at more than 150 locations across the DEA Omaha Division.

For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their home of unneeded medications – those that are old, unwanted or expired – that too often become a gateway to addiction.

“We’re encouraging families to look through their medicine cabinets and remove the temptation for experimentation that can come when others know you’re holding onto a medication,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said. “If you’re no longer using a prescription medication, we’re encouraging you to take this opportunity to stop by one of our Take Back sites where you can drop them off both safely and anonymously.”

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception in 2010.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs.&nbsp;Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.deatakeback.com/" target="_blank">www.DEATakeBack.com</a>

By&nbsp;Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division<a>OMAHA, NE&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its partners will host the 24th&nbsp;National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at more than 4,000 sites nationwide on Saturday, April 22, in an effort to safely collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Take Back sites will be open for collection between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at more than 150 locations across the DEA Omaha Division.For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their home of unneeded medications – those that are old, unwanted or expired – that too often become a gateway to addiction.“We’re encouraging families to look through their medicine cabinets and remove the temptation for experimentation that can come when others know you’re holding onto a medication,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said. “If you’re no longer using a prescription medication, we’re encouraging you to take this opportunity to stop by one of our Take Back sites where you can drop them off both safely and anonymously.”In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception in 2010.Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs.&nbsp;Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.deatakeback.com/" target="_blank">www.DEATakeBack.com</a>

Drug Enforcement Administration announces Spring Take Back Day

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance has declared a snow emergency starting Tuesday, April 4th at 12:00 a.m. until Wednesday, April 5th at 5:00 p.m. from the street to ensure accessibility for the City crews and emergency personnel. 

Due to the predicted snow totals, crews will be plowing snow on these routes multiple times. Per the City of Alliance Municipal Code Ordinance No. 2883, Sec.24-27, please note that it is the duty of the owner of every lot or parcel adjacent to a permanent sidewalk to clean off and remove all snow within 24 hours after snow accumulation, however, snow shall not be moved from lots, driveways, or adjacent sidewalks into the city streets, alley or neighboring lots. Such an offense shall be considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a $100.00 fine. The Alliance Police Department will attempt to make contact with owners of any vehicles left parked on designated snow routes. Any vehicles not moved will be towed.

For more information, please contact Street Foreman, Sam Mullins at 308-762-1907.

The following streets or highways are designated as emergency snow streets: 

(1) U.S. Highway Nos. 385, 87 and 2 within the corporate limits

(2)Cody Avenue from Third Street to Kansas Street

(3) Emerson Avenue from the northern corporate limits to Third Street

(4) Box Butte Avenue from 25th Street to First Street

(5) Mississippi Avenue from Tenth Street to Third Street

(6) Potash Avenue from Third Street to Kansas Street

(7) Third Street from Flack Avenue east to the corporate limits

(8) All of Tenth Street included within the corporate limits

(9) Sixteenth Street from Buchfinck Avenue to Box Butte Avenue

(10) Twenty-fifth Street from Emerson Avenue to Sweetwater Avenue

(11) Kansas Street from Highway 2 to Highway 385

(12) Buchfinck Avenue from Tenth Street to Sixteenth Street

(13) Black Hills Avenue from Third Street to Tenth Street

(14) Sixth Street from Mississippi Avenue to Grand Avenue

(15) Grand Avenue from Sixth Street to Seventh Street

(16) Seventh Street from Grand Avenue to Mississippi Avenue

(17) Eighth Street from Dakota Avenue to Mississippi Avenue

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The City of Alliance has declared a snow emergency starting Tuesday, April 4th at 12:00 a.m. until Wednesday, April 5th at 5:00 p.m. from the street to ensure accessibility for the City crews and emergency personnel. Due to the predicted snow totals, crews will be plowing snow on these routes multiple times. Per the City of Alliance Municipal Code Ordinance No. 2883, Sec.24-27, please note that it is the duty of the owner of every lot or parcel adjacent to a permanent sidewalk to clean off and remove all snow within 24 hours after snow accumulation, however, snow shall not be moved from lots, driveways, or adjacent sidewalks into the city streets, alley or neighboring lots. Such an offense shall be considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a $100.00 fine. The Alliance Police Department will attempt to make contact with owners of any vehicles left parked on designated snow routes. Any vehicles not moved will be towed.For more information, please contact Street Foreman, Sam Mullins at 308-762-1907.Emergency Snow RoutesThe following streets or highways are designated as emergency snow streets: (1) U.S. Highway Nos. 385, 87 and 2 within the corporate limits(2)Cody Avenue from Third Street to Kansas Street(3) Emerson Avenue from the northern corporate limits to Third Street(4) Box Butte Avenue from 25th Street to First Street(5) Mississippi Avenue from Tenth Street to Third Street(6) Potash Avenue from Third Street to Kansas Street(7) Third Street from Flack Avenue east to the corporate limits(8) All of Tenth Street included within the corporate limits(9) Sixteenth Street from Buchfinck Avenue to Box Butte Avenue(10) Twenty-fifth Street from Emerson Avenue to Sweetwater Avenue(11) Kansas Street from Highway 2 to Highway 385(12) Buchfinck Avenue from Tenth Street to Sixteenth Street(13) Black Hills Avenue from Third Street to Tenth Street(14) Sixth Street from Mississippi Avenue to Grand Avenue(15) Grand Avenue from Sixth Street to Seventh Street(16) Seventh Street from Grand Avenue to Mississippi Avenue(17) Eighth Street from Dakota Avenue to Mississippi Avenue

City of Alliance declares snow emergency 

SCOTTSBLUFF — The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an
incident that occurred this morning in Banner County.


At approximately 6:25 a.m. MT, the Nebraska State Patrol was notified by the Banner County
Sheriff’s Office of an incident in which a subject had died from a self-inflicted shooting.
Investigators responded to the scene.


The incident occurred when the Banner County Sheriff was attempting to serve a protection
order and an arrest warrant on a Harrisburg resident. After preliminary investigation, NSP
investigators believe that as the sheriff was attempting to make contact with the subject at the
residence, the subject exited the rear of the residence. The sheriff then heard two gunshots. The
sheriff then located the subject, identified as Kevin Wynne, 62, deceased near a corral.


The Banner County Attorney has requested the Nebraska State Patrol to conduct the
investigation into the incident. 

NSPSCOTTSBLUFF — The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an
incident that occurred this morning in Banner County.
At approximately 6:25 a.m. MT, the Nebraska State Patrol was notified by the Banner County
Sheriff’s Office of an incident in which a subject had died from a self-inflicted shooting.
Investigators responded to the scene.
The incident occurred when the Banner County Sheriff was attempting to serve a protection
order and an arrest warrant on a Harrisburg resident. After preliminary investigation, NSP
investigators believe that as the sheriff was attempting to make contact with the subject at the
residence, the subject exited the rear of the residence. The sheriff then heard two gunshots. The
sheriff then located the subject, identified as Kevin Wynne, 62, deceased near a corral.
The Banner County Attorney has requested the Nebraska State Patrol to conduct the
investigation into the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Nebraska State Patrol investigating death in Banner County

By&nbsp;Alex Helmbrecht,&nbsp;Director of CSC College Relations

Chadron State College is closing its campus all day Tuesday, April 4 because of winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. If a late start or closure becomes necessary for Wednesday, that information will be shared in a separate communication.

Chadron is currently in a Winter Storm Warning through Wednesday at 6 p.m. and the current forecast calls for heavy snow with near-blizzard conditions expected. The total snow accumulation may be as high as 22 inches.

Finally, the presidential candidates’ schedules have been altered due to the closure. The presidential candidates, who were originally scheduled to be on campus Tuesday and Wednesday, will now be on campus Wednesday and Thursday. When itineraries are finalized, they will be shared.

By&nbsp;Alex Helmbrecht,&nbsp;Director of CSC College RelationsChadron State College is closing its campus all day Tuesday, April 4 because of winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. If a late start or closure becomes necessary for Wednesday, that information will be shared in a separate communication.Chadron is currently in a Winter Storm Warning through Wednesday at 6 p.m. and the current forecast calls for heavy snow with near-blizzard conditions expected. The total snow accumulation may be as high as 22 inches.Finally, the presidential candidates’ schedules have been altered due to the closure. The presidential candidates, who were originally scheduled to be on campus Tuesday and Wednesday, will now be on campus Wednesday and Thursday. When itineraries are finalized, they will be shared.

Chadron State College to close due to winter storm 

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/pages/closings-and-cancellations">HERE</a> to view the latest cancellations and delays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/pages/closings-and-cancellations">HERE</a> to view the latest cancellations and delays

Latest cancellations and delays

Kyren Gibson discusses the Carnegie's 30th anniversary art show.

<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=gmqs6-13d2c75-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 the Carnegie's 30th anniversary art show.

POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center

A high-impact winter storm will move through southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska on Monday through Tuesday night. Extreme impacts are expected, especially in east central Wyoming through northwest Nebraska! Some uncertainty remains in snow totals over far southeast WY and southwest NE, where a sharp cutoff in snow totals may occur from north to south

Dawes County-Box Butte County-Northern Sioux County- Southern Sioux County-Niobrara County-Goshen County- Including the cities of Chadron, Chadron St Park, Alliance, Hemingford, Harrison, Agate, Lusk, Redbird, and Torrington 338 PM MDT Sun Apr 2 2023 ...

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO 6 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... 

* WHAT...Heavy snow and near-blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches. Higher snow totals expected along and near the Pine Ridge. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. 

* WHERE...In Nebraska, Dawes, Box Butte, and Sioux County. In Wyoming, Goshen and Niobrara County. This includes Chadron, Lusk, Harrison, Alliance, and Torrington. 

* WHEN...From 6 AM Monday to 6 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Conditions may warrant an upgrade to Blizzard Warning with future updates. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Prepare for possible blizzard conditions. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WYA high-impact winter storm will move through southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska on Monday through Tuesday night. Extreme impacts are expected, especially in east central Wyoming through northwest Nebraska! Some uncertainty remains in snow totals over far southeast WY and southwest NE, where a sharp cutoff in snow totals may occur from north to south<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680536748401.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680482623611.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680482712088.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680482660659.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dawes County-Box Butte County-Northern Sioux County- Southern Sioux County-Niobrara County-Goshen County- Including the cities of Chadron, Chadron St Park, Alliance, Hemingford, Harrison, Agate, Lusk, Redbird, and Torrington 338 PM MDT Sun Apr 2 2023 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO 6 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow and near-blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches. Higher snow totals expected along and near the Pine Ridge. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...In Nebraska, Dawes, Box Butte, and Sioux County. In Wyoming, Goshen and Niobrara County. This includes Chadron, Lusk, Harrison, Alliance, and Torrington. * WHEN...From 6 AM Monday to 6 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Conditions may warrant an upgrade to Blizzard Warning with future updates. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Prepare for possible blizzard conditions. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

UPDATE: Major Winter Storm to move into Panhandle 

Veronica Golden from BBGH discusses the hospital's new health records system.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: BBGH" 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=ghszs-13d2c34-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>Veronica Golden from BBGH discusses the hospital's new health records system.

POST PODCAST: BBGH

P202300203 05:05 DISTURBANCE : 1200 block of Sweetwater Ave // Report of an active residential break in involving weapons // Upon arrival, the suspect had been neutralized by the resident // Suspect was transported to BBGH with critical injuries // Firearms were NOT a factor // Suspect was left at BBGH to be treated for his injuries // Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300204 07:31 JUV : JUVENILE Officers were informed that a female juvenile had once again left the home and did not come back. The juvenile made contact with the family and refuses to go home. Attempting to locate. Juvenile was charged with being out of cotrol. Open - Under Investigation

P202300205 12:26 THEFT : THEFT ITEMS STOLEN FROM A VEHICLE AT CAMDEN COURTS / VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND LEFT UNLOCKED / Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300206 15:14 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYAccident in front of the police station. A pickup backed out and struck a northbound four door car. All drivers were uninjured and information was exchanged. Closed - Resolved

P202300208 14:06 JUV : JUVENILE 3rd Degree assault at the MS / Open investigation Open - Under Investigation 

P202300209 07:58 TRAFFIC STOP : 700 Block of Black Hills Avenue/ Individual with Suspended License located driving/ Traffic stop made/ Individual arrested/ Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300211 16:59 ERROR : INCIDENT CALLCase issued in error Issued In Error

P202300213 21:13 EMS : MEDICAL officers responded to the 400 block of Boyd Avenue in reference to a drug overdose/ One female individual was taken into Emergency Protective Custody Closed - Resolved

P202300214 21:49 THEFT : THEFT Group of juveniles stole a tool box out of an unlocked vehicle parked on the side of the road/Investigation is ongoing Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300214 21:49 THEFT : THEFT Group of juveniles stole a tool box out of an unlocked vehicle parked on the side of the road/Investigation is ongoing Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300215 06:25 BURGLARY : BREAK On the 1400 block of Big Horn Ave. an individual was reported to have broken into the residence and assaulted one of the household members. The individual was still located in the residence when law enforcement arrived. An investigation was conducted and an arrest was made. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300216 14:04 DISTURBANCE : 600 Yellowstone Avenue/ Responded to active disturbance/ Arrest made for domestic assault Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300217 01:25 BURGLARY : BREAK officers responded to 900 block of Big Horn Avenue in reference to an individual breaking into a residence/ An investigation was conducted and an arrest was made. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300218 05:21 DISTURBANCE : Juvenile spit into his mother's face and broke his bedroom door. Juvenile was charged. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300219 08:58 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYOfficers responded to 4th Street and Cheyenne Avenue to a two-motor vehicle accident. No injuries. Closed - Resolved

P202300220 17:16 DISTURBANCE-VERBAL Officers responded to Richard Circle in reference to a female stating her child was yelling at her and causing issues. Juvenile charged with being out of control. Closed - Charges Recommended

By Alliance Police Department&nbsp;03/27/23P202300203 05:05 DISTURBANCE : 1200 block of Sweetwater Ave // Report of an active residential break in involving weapons // Upon arrival, the suspect had been neutralized by the resident // Suspect was transported to BBGH with critical injuries // Firearms were NOT a factor // Suspect was left at BBGH to be treated for his injuries // Charges recommended Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300204 07:31 JUV : JUVENILE Officers were informed that a female juvenile had once again left the home and did not come back. The juvenile made contact with the family and refuses to go home. Attempting to locate. Juvenile was charged with being out of cotrol. Open - Under InvestigationP202300205 12:26 THEFT : THEFT ITEMS STOLEN FROM A VEHICLE AT CAMDEN COURTS / VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND LEFT UNLOCKED / Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300206 15:14 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYAccident in front of the police station. A pickup backed out and struck a northbound four door car. All drivers were uninjured and information was exchanged. Closed - Resolved03/27/23 Total: 403/28/23P202300208 14:06 JUV : JUVENILE 3rd Degree assault at the MS / Open investigation Open - Under Investigation 03/28/23 Total: 103/29/23P202300209 07:58 TRAFFIC STOP : 700 Block of Black Hills Avenue/ Individual with Suspended License located driving/ Traffic stop made/ Individual arrested/ Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300211 16:59 ERROR : INCIDENT CALLCase issued in error Issued In ErrorP202300213 21:13 EMS : MEDICAL officers responded to the 400 block of Boyd Avenue in reference to a drug overdose/ One female individual was taken into Emergency Protective Custody Closed - ResolvedP202300214 21:49 THEFT : THEFT Group of juveniles stole a tool box out of an unlocked vehicle parked on the side of the road/Investigation is ongoing Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300214 21:49 THEFT : THEFT Group of juveniles stole a tool box out of an unlocked vehicle parked on the side of the road/Investigation is ongoing Closed - Charges Recommended03/29/23 Total: 503/30/23P202300215 06:25 BURGLARY : BREAK On the 1400 block of Big Horn Ave. an individual was reported to have broken into the residence and assaulted one of the household members. The individual was still located in the residence when law enforcement arrived. An investigation was conducted and an arrest was made. Closed - Charges Recommended03/30/23 Total: 103/31/23P202300216 14:04 DISTURBANCE : 600 Yellowstone Avenue/ Responded to active disturbance/ Arrest made for domestic assault Closed - Charges Recommended03/31/23 Total: 104/01/23P202300217 01:25 BURGLARY : BREAK officers responded to 900 block of Big Horn Avenue in reference to an individual breaking into a residence/ An investigation was conducted and an arrest was made. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300218 05:21 DISTURBANCE : Juvenile spit into his mother's face and broke his bedroom door. Juvenile was charged. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300219 08:58 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYOfficers responded to 4th Street and Cheyenne Avenue to a two-motor vehicle accident. No injuries. Closed - ResolvedP202300220 17:16 DISTURBANCE-VERBAL Officers responded to Richard Circle in reference to a female stating her child was yelling at her and causing issues. Juvenile charged with being out of control. Closed - Charges Recommended04/01/23 Total: 4Total Records: 16

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a>

LINCOLN — Turnback taxes paid at hotels and retailers near arenas in Omaha, Lincoln and Ralston not only help finance those facilities, they also provide grants for rural projects.

This year, 18 communities have been awarded $4.2 million worth of planning and construction grants from the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund.

Funds are generated for the grants via &nbsp;turning back 30% of state sales tax generated by arenas and nearby retailers.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the venues reduced the amount available for awards for 2023, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development said in a news release.

The grants are used to develop civic, community and recreation centers in communities across the state.

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680534340410.png" alt="State sales taxes paid at hotels and retailers near Omaha’s CHI Center help finance grants awarded every year to projects in communities across the state. (Courtesy of Metropolitan Entertainment &amp; Convention Authority)" />
 <figcaption>State sales taxes paid at hotels and retailers near Omaha’s CHI Center help finance grants awarded every year to projects in communities across the state. (Courtesy of Metropolitan Entertainment &amp; Convention Authority)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Turnback taxes paid at hotels and retailers near arenas in Omaha, Lincoln and Ralston not only help finance those facilities, they also provide grants for rural projects.This year, 18 communities have been awarded $4.2 million worth of planning and construction grants from the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund.Funds are generated for the grants via &nbsp;turning back 30% of state sales tax generated by arenas and nearby retailers.The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the venues reduced the amount available for awards for 2023, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development said in a news release.The grants are used to develop civic, community and recreation centers in communities across the state.Planning grant recipients:<ul>
 <li>City of Alliance: $15,000, Alliance City Hall recreation center.</li><li>City of Arapahoe: $15,000, Crystal Theatre renovation project.</li><li>City of Curtis: $7,500, Curtis city pool.</li><li>City of Falls City: $15,000, recreation/fitness center.</li><li>City of Sargent: $7,500, swimming pool.</li><li>City of West Point: $15,000, recreation center.</li><li>Village of Pender: $15,000, Pender library.</li><li>Village of Shelton: $7,500, swimming pool.</li>
 </ul>Capital construction grant recipients:<ul>
 <li>City of Bassett: $562,000, Rock County Community Center.</li><li>City of Blair: $229,027, Generations Park.</li><li>City of Gibbon: $150,000, community center renovation.</li><li>City of Imperial: $562,000, city square improvement.</li><li>City of McCook: $562,000, park and recreational improvements.</li><li>City of Waverly: $562,000, New Waverly Aquatic Center.</li><li>City of Wayne: $562,000, Prairie Park.</li><li>City of Wood River: $562,000, Legacy Station.</li><li>Village of Bruning: $215,342, playground equipment and rRenovation.</li><li>Village of Pickrell: $165,000, community center.</li>
 </ul>

ARC, Alliance City Hall receive thousands in turnback tax grants

Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million

By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.

But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.

The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;

The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;

“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.

Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.

“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.

A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.

Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.

“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.

He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.

As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.

He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;

Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”

Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.

Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.

Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;

Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.

Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”

She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;

“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.

Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.

The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.

Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”

“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554659570.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million</h2>By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554762652.jpeg" alt="Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554815794.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”Hence, the Dumbbell name.Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554852926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554880289.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)</figcaption>
 </figure>Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554917938.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>

‘Dumbbell’ in Nebraska Sandhills gains spotlight with sheer size, storied past

CHADRON – The Chadron State College Child Development Center has earned national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children.

According to a press release from NAEYC, the organization’s accreditation is a rigorous and transformative quality-improvement system that uses a set of 10 research-based standards to collaborate with early education programs to recognize and drive quality-improvement in high-quality early learning environments.

“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Lona Downs, Center Director. “The center believes in play-based learning where children's work is their play, and their play is their work. All children can learn if given the opportunity to become actively involved in their world, supported by loving, caring adults who understand child growth and development.”

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the CDC went through an extensive self-study and quality-improvement process, followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC assessors to verify and ensure that the program met each of the 10 program standards, and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. The NAEYC accreditation term lasts five years.

In the 30 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 6,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC. Less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools, and kindergartens nationally achieve this recognition.&nbsp;

“NAEYC-Accredited programs have committed to a process that takes time, energy and dedication to complete,” said Alissa Mwenelupembe, senior director of Early Learning Program Accreditation. “The Chadron State College Child Development Center has demonstrated their commitment to young children and their families.”

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – The Chadron State College Child Development Center has earned national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680482500476.jpeg" alt="Children meet community leaders during Chadron State College's Child Development Center Parade of Helpers March 27, 2023. (Photo by Molly Langhorst/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Children meet community leaders during Chadron State College's Child Development Center Parade of Helpers March 27, 2023. (Photo by Molly Langhorst/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>According to a press release from NAEYC, the organization’s accreditation is a rigorous and transformative quality-improvement system that uses a set of 10 research-based standards to collaborate with early education programs to recognize and drive quality-improvement in high-quality early learning environments.“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Lona Downs, Center Director. “The center believes in play-based learning where children's work is their play, and their play is their work. All children can learn if given the opportunity to become actively involved in their world, supported by loving, caring adults who understand child growth and development.”To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the CDC went through an extensive self-study and quality-improvement process, followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC assessors to verify and ensure that the program met each of the 10 program standards, and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. The NAEYC accreditation term lasts five years.In the 30 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 6,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC. Less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools, and kindergartens nationally achieve this recognition.&nbsp;“NAEYC-Accredited programs have committed to a process that takes time, energy and dedication to complete,” said Alissa Mwenelupembe, senior director of Early Learning Program Accreditation. “The Chadron State College Child Development Center has demonstrated their commitment to young children and their families.”

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