Chadron —The Chadron Police Department is reminding drivers about the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt this spring, during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement effort. The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 23 to June 5, 2022.

“We want the act of buckling up to become automatic to all drivers and passengers,” said Sergeant Chet Swanson. “It’s not just a safe thing to do – it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. We see the loss of life. So often, it could have been prevented.”

For this year’s Click It or Ticket seat belt mobilization effort, NHTSA is asking all states to participate in the kickoff event, Border to Border (B2B), a one-day, 4-hour national seat belt awareness event on May 23 that is coordinated by participating state highway safety offices and their respective law enforcement liaisons. The B2B program aims to increase law enforcement participation by coordinating highly visible seat belt enforcement and providing seat belt fact sheets for drivers at heavily traveled, highly visible state border checkpoints.

According to NHTSA, in 2020, there were 10,893 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States. In that same year, 58% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night. In the state of Nebraska the maximum penalty for a seat belt violation is a $25 fine plus court costs.

“You may think you’re safe in a certain vehicle, or on a certain road, but the truth is, you’re safest when you buckle up, no matter what,” said Sergeant Chet Swanson, “Unfortunately, many families are suffering because their loved ones refused to follow this simple step. In&nbsp;

fact, in 2020, more than twice as many males were killed in crashes as compared to females, with lower belt use rates, too. Of the males killed in crashes in 2020, more than half (55%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 43% were not buckled up.

“If the enforcement effort wakes people up to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success,” said Sergeant Chet Swanson, “If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. In an observational survey we conducted in the City of Chadron only 60% of the motorists were restrained. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.” For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit <a href="http://NHTSA.gov/ciot">NHTSA.gov/ciot</a>.

If you have any questions feel free to contact the Chadron Police Department or Sergeant Chet Swanson at (308) 432-0510.

By Chadron Police DepartmentChadron —The Chadron Police Department is reminding drivers about the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt this spring, during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement effort. The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 23 to June 5, 2022.“We want the act of buckling up to become automatic to all drivers and passengers,” said Sergeant Chet Swanson. “It’s not just a safe thing to do – it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. We see the loss of life. So often, it could have been prevented.”For this year’s Click It or Ticket seat belt mobilization effort, NHTSA is asking all states to participate in the kickoff event, Border to Border (B2B), a one-day, 4-hour national seat belt awareness event on May 23 that is coordinated by participating state highway safety offices and their respective law enforcement liaisons. The B2B program aims to increase law enforcement participation by coordinating highly visible seat belt enforcement and providing seat belt fact sheets for drivers at heavily traveled, highly visible state border checkpoints.According to NHTSA, in 2020, there were 10,893 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States. In that same year, 58% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night. In the state of Nebraska the maximum penalty for a seat belt violation is a $25 fine plus court costs.“You may think you’re safe in a certain vehicle, or on a certain road, but the truth is, you’re safest when you buckle up, no matter what,” said Sergeant Chet Swanson, “Unfortunately, many families are suffering because their loved ones refused to follow this simple step. In&nbsp;fact, in 2020, more than twice as many males were killed in crashes as compared to females, with lower belt use rates, too. Of the males killed in crashes in 2020, more than half (55%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 43% were not buckled up.“If the enforcement effort wakes people up to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success,” said Sergeant Chet Swanson, “If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. In an observational survey we conducted in the City of Chadron only 60% of the motorists were restrained. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.” For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit <a href="http://NHTSA.gov/ciot">NHTSA.gov/ciot</a>.If you have any questions feel free to contact the Chadron Police Department or Sergeant Chet Swanson at (308) 432-0510.

Chadron police to start Click It or Ticket campaign

Alliance – Big Blue Bay is scheduled to open Saturday, May 28, 2022, weather and water conditions permitting. We are in the process of hiring staff, and expect training and pool prep to take place in the next two weeks.

Season passes for 2022 swimming season are available at the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Please bring an individual 1 or 2-inch photo of each individual who will need a pass. If you do not have the necessary photos, staff can take the photo for a $2.00 fee.

Noon – 1:00pm Lap Swim &amp; 8 and Under Swim

5:00pm – 6:00pm Lap Swim &amp; 8 and Under Swim

*Extended hours in the morning and evening will be added when temperatures allow.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Big Blue Bay is scheduled to open Saturday, May 28, 2022, weather and water conditions permitting. We are in the process of hiring staff, and expect training and pool prep to take place in the next two weeks.Season passes for 2022 swimming season are available at the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Please bring an individual 1 or 2-inch photo of each individual who will need a pass. If you do not have the necessary photos, staff can take the photo for a $2.00 fee.Prices for season passes are as follows:Household pass - $150.0017 and under - $65.0018 and older - $80.00Lap Swim Only - $50.00Pool Hours will be as follows:Noon – 1:00pm Lap Swim &amp; 8 and Under Swim1:00pm – 5:00pm Open Swim5:00pm – 6:00pm Lap Swim &amp; 8 and Under Swim*Extended hours in the morning and evening will be added when temperatures allow.

Big Blue Bay 2022 season in Alliance

Runza Restaurant opened in Alliance on May 12 located near Holiday Inn Express on Highway 385. 

This is the fourth Runza Restaurant in the Panhandle owned by franchisees Neal and Lora Blomenkamp. They also run restaurants in Chadron, Scottsbluff and Gering. 

Neal Blomenkamp told Panhandle Post that "opportunity presented itself" when he learned land was available next to Alliance's newest hotel.

"I've always thought Alliance would be a good community for Runza," Blomenkamp said. "I live in Scottsbluff/Gering and so when they said this is what we have for land, we decided to move forward at that time. My wife and I are franchisees. And then I have three children,  Spencer, Brooke and Tanner who were also involved in the Runza. And they felt like it would be a good move, so that's kind of how we ended up there. We receive lots of Alliance residents in Scottsbluff, Gering and Chadron."

Blomenkamp said the new Runza location will help grow the company and help travelers discover the restaurant. 

"Obviously, you're on the Ports-to-Plains Highway and it will help I guess educate the rest of the United States what Runza is...and what a high performing Nebraska based company is since 1949."

Blomenkamp said Runza also likes to give back to the communities they're in. 

"We're definitely a community partner," Blomenkamp said. "We live in western Nebraska, we understand the importance of promoting just all the different not-for-profit organizations. I personally and my family we like to help for beautification. And just a lot with kids programs, whether it be educational, the arts, sports, those types of things. So we can only first give what is first been given to us. We like to share that with whatever communities were involved in."

The Alliance Runza will employee 25-30 people. 

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostRunza Restaurant opened in Alliance on May 12 located near Holiday Inn Express on Highway 385. This is the fourth Runza Restaurant in the Panhandle owned by franchisees Neal and Lora Blomenkamp. They also run restaurants in Chadron, Scottsbluff and Gering. Neal Blomenkamp told Panhandle Post that "opportunity presented itself" when he learned land was available next to Alliance's newest hotel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652377824924.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>"I've always thought Alliance would be a good community for Runza," Blomenkamp said. "I live in Scottsbluff/Gering and so when they said this is what we have for land, we decided to move forward at that time. My wife and I are franchisees. And then I have three children, Spencer, Brooke and Tanner who were also involved in the Runza. And they felt like it would be a good move, so that's kind of how we ended up there. We receive lots of Alliance residents in Scottsbluff, Gering and Chadron."Blomenkamp said the new Runza location will help grow the company and help travelers discover the restaurant. "Obviously, you're on the Ports-to-Plains Highway and it will help I guess educate the rest of the United States what Runza is...and what a high performing Nebraska based company is since 1949."Blomenkamp said Runza also likes to give back to the communities they're in. "We're definitely a community partner," Blomenkamp said. "We live in western Nebraska, we understand the importance of promoting just all the different not-for-profit organizations. I personally and my family we like to help for beautification. And just a lot with kids programs, whether it be educational, the arts, sports, those types of things. So we can only first give what is first been given to us. We like to share that with whatever communities were involved in."The Alliance Runza will employee 25-30 people.

Runza opens in Alliance 

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed May as “Foster Care Month” during a morning ceremony at the State Capitol.&nbsp; He was joined by leaders from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Children and Family Services (CFS) and partner nonprofits supporting foster care in Nebraska.

“Foster parents step into the gap when a child’s biological parents are unable to offer care,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “Their selfless investment of time and energy makes a lasting impact on the youth in their care.&nbsp; I encourage Nebraskans to support foster parents in their communities, and I invite families to consider opening their home to a child in need of foster care.”

Governor Ricketts and DHHS encourage Nebraskans to consider becoming foster parents. &nbsp;Foster parents are crucial to a strong foster care system, and they have a unique opportunity to positively change the life of a child forever.

The Children’s Bureau set the theme for this year’s Foster Care Month as&nbsp;Relative and Kin Connections: Keeping Families Strong&nbsp;signifying the importance of relatives being involved in the lives of foster children. &nbsp;CFS Director Stephanie Beasley emphasized the importance of relative and kinship placement saying, “When children enter the foster care system, placing them with relatives provides invaluable support structures and lessens the impact of trauma. &nbsp;That is why CFS has a majority of our children in care placed with relatives. &nbsp;This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the great work our teammates do every day to aid children entering care.”

Becoming a foster parent involves five steps, which those interested in becoming foster parents should review to see if they qualify.

1. Background checks -&nbsp;These are required for all members of their household ages 18&nbsp;years old and older, including a national criminal history check through fingerprinting for all household members ages 18 and older.

2. Home Study -&nbsp;A home study is required and is conducted by either the Department of Health and Human Services or a contracted foster care agency.&nbsp;

3. References -&nbsp;Three positive references are required&nbsp;for each adult household member who will provide care to children.

4. Application -&nbsp;A completed foster care licensing application and a health information report are required&nbsp;for each adult household member providing care, signed by a health practitioner. &nbsp;These forms are provided by DHHS.

5. Training -&nbsp;Adult household members providing care&nbsp;are required to&nbsp;attend foster parent pre-service training. &nbsp;This training is offered by DHHS.

Prospective foster parents seeking more information should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Foster-Care.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Foster-Care.aspx</a>&nbsp;or contact the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association hotline at 1-800-7PARENT. Additional information and support for individuals considering becoming foster parents can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnfapa.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C085a2a8525224e0bb73008da3433d506%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637879694467356210%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=x%2FTctKx%2F%2BocY4A3B8tVZdcqRTi79gDrGtQUxAi2B9uE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">nfapa.org</a>. &nbsp;Parents who are already fostering a child can visit the Nebraska Friends of Foster Children website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fne-friends.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C085a2a8525224e0bb73008da3433d506%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637879694467356210%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=NljU4GLEoYbLoNm0DSfCoZQI5xF2N%2BYAGG6EZA9f30k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">ne-friends.org</a>&nbsp;to apply for grants or access unique resources that assist with providing care for foster children.

Video from today’s news conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovernorPeteRicketts%2Fvideos%2F542787524137934&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C085a2a8525224e0bb73008da3433d506%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637879694467356210%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=wZupS%2BhFYZezC23ipVq6MTfJsJe6qhS%2F5i2GJeKkmBg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652376661775.png" alt="Felicia Nelsen, Executive Director of the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association; Gov. Ricketts (presenting proclamation); CFS Director Stephanie Beasley; foster mother Janelle Jackson (accepting proclamation); and Ashley Brown, President of KVC Nebraska." />
 <figcaption>Felicia Nelsen, Executive Director of the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association; Gov. Ricketts (presenting proclamation); CFS Director Stephanie Beasley; foster mother Janelle Jackson (accepting proclamation); and Ashley Brown, President of KVC Nebraska.</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Governor RickettsLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed May as “Foster Care Month” during a morning ceremony at the State Capitol.&nbsp; He was joined by leaders from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Children and Family Services (CFS) and partner nonprofits supporting foster care in Nebraska.“Foster parents step into the gap when a child’s biological parents are unable to offer care,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “Their selfless investment of time and energy makes a lasting impact on the youth in their care.&nbsp; I encourage Nebraskans to support foster parents in their communities, and I invite families to consider opening their home to a child in need of foster care.”Governor Ricketts and DHHS encourage Nebraskans to consider becoming foster parents. &nbsp;Foster parents are crucial to a strong foster care system, and they have a unique opportunity to positively change the life of a child forever.The Children’s Bureau set the theme for this year’s Foster Care Month as&nbsp;Relative and Kin Connections: Keeping Families Strong&nbsp;signifying the importance of relatives being involved in the lives of foster children. &nbsp;CFS Director Stephanie Beasley emphasized the importance of relative and kinship placement saying, “When children enter the foster care system, placing them with relatives provides invaluable support structures and lessens the impact of trauma. &nbsp;That is why CFS has a majority of our children in care placed with relatives. &nbsp;This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the great work our teammates do every day to aid children entering care.”Becoming a foster parent involves five steps, which those interested in becoming foster parents should review to see if they qualify.1. Background checks -&nbsp;These are required for all members of their household ages 18&nbsp;years old and older, including a national criminal history check through fingerprinting for all household members ages 18 and older.2. Home Study -&nbsp;A home study is required and is conducted by either the Department of Health and Human Services or a contracted foster care agency.&nbsp;3. References -&nbsp;Three positive references are required&nbsp;for each adult household member who will provide care to children.4. Application -&nbsp;A completed foster care licensing application and a health information report are required&nbsp;for each adult household member providing care, signed by a health practitioner. &nbsp;These forms are provided by DHHS.5. Training -&nbsp;Adult household members providing care&nbsp;are required to&nbsp;attend foster parent pre-service training. &nbsp;This training is offered by DHHS.Prospective foster parents seeking more information should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Foster-Care.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Foster-Care.aspx</a>&nbsp;or contact the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association hotline at 1-800-7PARENT. Additional information and support for individuals considering becoming foster parents can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnfapa.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C085a2a8525224e0bb73008da3433d506%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637879694467356210%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=x%2FTctKx%2F%2BocY4A3B8tVZdcqRTi79gDrGtQUxAi2B9uE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">nfapa.org</a>. &nbsp;Parents who are already fostering a child can visit the Nebraska Friends of Foster Children website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fne-friends.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C085a2a8525224e0bb73008da3433d506%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637879694467356210%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=NljU4GLEoYbLoNm0DSfCoZQI5xF2N%2BYAGG6EZA9f30k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">ne-friends.org</a>&nbsp;to apply for grants or access unique resources that assist with providing care for foster children.Video from today’s news conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovernorPeteRicketts%2Fvideos%2F542787524137934&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C085a2a8525224e0bb73008da3433d506%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637879694467356210%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=wZupS%2BhFYZezC23ipVq6MTfJsJe6qhS%2F5i2GJeKkmBg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tkOnrMJp-ic4BwLYbgahByYAzRR-O6Je6CAAS8aNNzyc8_OSb-_9qcYuLH85FqQ7lA4LfeNcmCto4VAWY1lxyVgNIcOiZaORp55AgCP8fp9u3FbCwvlJcohqfiFMPpPGzRuc4Dr2behvxDOEWQ" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Gov. Ricketts, DHHS proclaim May 'Foster Care Month' in Nebraska

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts,&nbsp;in accordance with a proclamation from the White House,&nbsp;announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff immediately in solemn remembrance of American lives lost due to the coronavirus. &nbsp;According to the proclamation, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of one million Americans.

Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning immediately and return to full staff at sunset on Monday, May 16, 2022.

The proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmcusercontent.com%2Ff620288bb41dd81f9c715ef4d%2Ffiles%2Ffb2389e4-2cdc-9f97-2048-0b27d081aa02%2FREMEMBERING_THE_1_000_000_AMERICANS_LOST_TO_COVID_19..pdf&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cefca5527fe6f4a69792a08da34362ee1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637879704611310083%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=UCd9FI1Des4WvcsdQ26J0Rh2VLakTN0lsFCZtfPuorA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

By Office of Gov. Pete RickettsLINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts,&nbsp;in accordance with a proclamation from the White House,&nbsp;announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff immediately in solemn remembrance of American lives lost due to the coronavirus. &nbsp;According to the proclamation, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of one million Americans.Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning immediately and return to full staff at sunset on Monday, May 16, 2022.The proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmcusercontent.com%2Ff620288bb41dd81f9c715ef4d%2Ffiles%2Ffb2389e4-2cdc-9f97-2048-0b27d081aa02%2FREMEMBERING_THE_1_000_000_AMERICANS_LOST_TO_COVID_19..pdf&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cefca5527fe6f4a69792a08da34362ee1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637879704611310083%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=UCd9FI1Des4WvcsdQ26J0Rh2VLakTN0lsFCZtfPuorA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

Flags to Fly at half-staff in remembrance of Americans lost to COVID

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 5/12/22

The City of Chadron and Chadron Public Transit will be holding an open house and ribbon cutting with the Chadron Chamber of Commerce on May 16from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Chamber will provide snacks and refreshments.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652371312066.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Chadron and Chadron Public Transit will be holding an open house and ribbon cutting with the Chadron Chamber of Commerce on May 16from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.The Chamber will provide snacks and refreshments.&nbsp;

City of Chadron, Public Transit to hold open house, ribbon cutting 

The Honey Bear Preschool in Alliance celebrated their last day of school “Monday-Funday" with a circus train obstacle course.&nbsp;

"Our students enjoyed bouncing, chasing and sliding through the circus train," teacher Sara Hicks said.&nbsp;

The Honey Bear Preschool Graduation ceremony was held on May 10 at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652368481199.png" alt="Photos by Sara Hicks" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Sara Hicks</figcaption>
 </figure>The Honey Bear Preschool in Alliance celebrated their last day of school “Monday-Funday" with a circus train obstacle course.&nbsp;"Our students enjoyed bouncing, chasing and sliding through the circus train," teacher Sara Hicks said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652368518599.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Honey Bear Preschool Graduation ceremony was held on May 10 at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center.&nbsp;<figure>
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Alliance Honey Bear Preschool celebrates end of school with obstacle course

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — At the height of the pandemic, the meat processing industry worked closely with political appointees in the Trump administration to stave off health restrictions and keep slaughterhouses open even as COVID-19 spread rapidly among workers, according to a Congressional report released Thursday.

The report by the House’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis said meat companies pushed to keep their plants open even though they knew workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-colorado-mexico-greeley-football-da66aaeb93f57d98e62c67575b7f5dda">were at high risk of catching the virus</a>. The lobbying led to health and labor officials watering down their recommendations for the industry and culminated in an executive order President Donald Trump issued in the spring of 2020 designating meat plants as critical infrastructure that needed to remain open.

Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn, who leads the subcommittee, said USDA officials and the industry prioritized production and profits over the health of workers and communities as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-pandemics-congress-72e766be17083ad819ea3ac26cb7fb76">at least 59,000 workers caught the virus and 269 workers died</a>.

“The shameful conduct of corporate executives pursuing profit at any cost during a crisis and government officials eager to do their bidding regardless of resulting harm to the public must never be repeated,” Clyburn said.

Former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue, who now leads the University System of Georgia, didn’t immediately respond Thursday.

The report is based on communications between industry executives, lobbyists and USDA officials and other documents the committee received from government agencies, Tyson Foods, Smithfield Foods, JBS, Cargill, National Beef, Hormel and other companies. Those firms control 85% of the beef market and 70% of pork production nationwide.

The North American Meat Institute trade group said the report distorts the truth and ignores the steps companies took as they spent billions of dollars to retool plants and purchase protective gear for workers as the world learned more about the virus in 2020.

“The House Select Committee has done the nation a disservice,” the trade group’s President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said. “The Committee could have tried to learn what the industry did to stop the spread of COVID among meat and poultry workers, reducing positive cases associated with the industry while cases were surging across the country. Instead, the Committee uses 20/20 hindsight and cherry picks data to support a narrative that is completely unrepresentative of the early days of an unprecedented national emergency.”

One of the major unions that represents workers at the processing plants condemned the way the Trump administration helped the meat industry.

“We only wish that the Trump Administration cared as much about the lives of working people as it did about meat, pork and poultry products,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. “We understood that poultry plants needed to shut down for deep cleaning and to save worker’s lives. If the Trump Administration had developed meaningful safety requirements for workers early on as they should have, this would not have even become an issue.”

The report said meat companies were slow to take measures to protect workers from the virus and pushed to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-sd-state-wire-aa3cced1b5c5c40a4bc09db805393d80">government recommendations</a>&nbsp;to require masks to be worn, install dividers between work stations and encourage social distancing in their plants optional. The industry has defended its response to the pandemic in the past and major meat companies say they aggressively worked to meet those safety standards and took additional steps to protect workers.

But the report cited a message that a Koch Foods executive sent a lobbyist in the spring of 2020 that said the industry shouldn’t do more than screen employees’ temperatures at the door of plants. The lobbyist agreed and said “Now to get rid of those pesky health departments!”

To that end, the report said USDA officials — at the behest of meat companies — tried to use the executive order Trump issued to stop state and local health officials from ordering plants to shut down.

Even with those efforts, U.S. meat production still fell to about 60% of normal during the spring of 2020 because a number of major plants were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-ap-top-news-us-news-sioux-falls-south-dakota-83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855">forced to temporarily close</a>&nbsp;for deep cleaning and safety upgrades or operated at slower speeds because of worker shortages.

Documents uncovered by the committee showed that meat companies pushed hard for the executive order partly because they believed it will help shield them from liability if workers got sick or died — something a federal appeals court later rejected in a lawsuit against Tyson over worker deaths at an Iowa plant. Emails show that the companies themselves submitted a draft of the executive order to the administration days before it was issued.

Early on in the pandemic, meat companies knew the virus was spreading rapidly among their workers because infection rates were much higher in the plants and their surrounding communities. The report said that in April 2020, a doctor at a hospital near a JBS plant in Cactus, Texas, told the company and government officials in an email that there was clearly a major outbreak at the plant because every COVID-19 patient at the hospital either worked at the plant or was related to a worker. “Your employees will get sick and may die if this factory remains open,” the doctor warned.

The report also highlighted the way meat companies aggressively pushed back against government safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That led to the final guidance including language that effectively made the rules optional because it said the recommendations should be done “if feasible” or “where possible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861595194.png" alt="Photo: David Condos" />
 <figcaption>Photo: David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOSH FUNK Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — At the height of the pandemic, the meat processing industry worked closely with political appointees in the Trump administration to stave off health restrictions and keep slaughterhouses open even as COVID-19 spread rapidly among workers, according to a Congressional report released Thursday.The report by the House’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis said meat companies pushed to keep their plants open even though they knew workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-colorado-mexico-greeley-football-da66aaeb93f57d98e62c67575b7f5dda">were at high risk of catching the virus</a>. The lobbying led to health and labor officials watering down their recommendations for the industry and culminated in an executive order President Donald Trump issued in the spring of 2020 designating meat plants as critical infrastructure that needed to remain open.Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn, who leads the subcommittee, said USDA officials and the industry prioritized production and profits over the health of workers and communities as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-pandemics-congress-72e766be17083ad819ea3ac26cb7fb76">at least 59,000 workers caught the virus and 269 workers died</a>.“The shameful conduct of corporate executives pursuing profit at any cost during a crisis and government officials eager to do their bidding regardless of resulting harm to the public must never be repeated,” Clyburn said.Former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue, who now leads the University System of Georgia, didn’t immediately respond Thursday.The report is based on communications between industry executives, lobbyists and USDA officials and other documents the committee received from government agencies, Tyson Foods, Smithfield Foods, JBS, Cargill, National Beef, Hormel and other companies. Those firms control 85% of the beef market and 70% of pork production nationwide.The North American Meat Institute trade group said the report distorts the truth and ignores the steps companies took as they spent billions of dollars to retool plants and purchase protective gear for workers as the world learned more about the virus in 2020.“The House Select Committee has done the nation a disservice,” the trade group’s President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said. “The Committee could have tried to learn what the industry did to stop the spread of COVID among meat and poultry workers, reducing positive cases associated with the industry while cases were surging across the country. Instead, the Committee uses 20/20 hindsight and cherry picks data to support a narrative that is completely unrepresentative of the early days of an unprecedented national emergency.”One of the major unions that represents workers at the processing plants condemned the way the Trump administration helped the meat industry.“We only wish that the Trump Administration cared as much about the lives of working people as it did about meat, pork and poultry products,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. “We understood that poultry plants needed to shut down for deep cleaning and to save worker’s lives. If the Trump Administration had developed meaningful safety requirements for workers early on as they should have, this would not have even become an issue.”The report said meat companies were slow to take measures to protect workers from the virus and pushed to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-sd-state-wire-aa3cced1b5c5c40a4bc09db805393d80">government recommendations</a>&nbsp;to require masks to be worn, install dividers between work stations and encourage social distancing in their plants optional. The industry has defended its response to the pandemic in the past and major meat companies say they aggressively worked to meet those safety standards and took additional steps to protect workers.But the report cited a message that a Koch Foods executive sent a lobbyist in the spring of 2020 that said the industry shouldn’t do more than screen employees’ temperatures at the door of plants. The lobbyist agreed and said “Now to get rid of those pesky health departments!”To that end, the report said USDA officials — at the behest of meat companies — tried to use the executive order Trump issued to stop state and local health officials from ordering plants to shut down.Even with those efforts, U.S. meat production still fell to about 60% of normal during the spring of 2020 because a number of major plants were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-ap-top-news-us-news-sioux-falls-south-dakota-83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855">forced to temporarily close</a>&nbsp;for deep cleaning and safety upgrades or operated at slower speeds because of worker shortages.Documents uncovered by the committee showed that meat companies pushed hard for the executive order partly because they believed it will help shield them from liability if workers got sick or died — something a federal appeals court later rejected in a lawsuit against Tyson over worker deaths at an Iowa plant. Emails show that the companies themselves submitted a draft of the executive order to the administration days before it was issued.Early on in the pandemic, meat companies knew the virus was spreading rapidly among their workers because infection rates were much higher in the plants and their surrounding communities. The report said that in April 2020, a doctor at a hospital near a JBS plant in Cactus, Texas, told the company and government officials in an email that there was clearly a major outbreak at the plant because every COVID-19 patient at the hospital either worked at the plant or was related to a worker. “Your employees will get sick and may die if this factory remains open,” the doctor warned.The report also highlighted the way meat companies aggressively pushed back against government safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That led to the final guidance including language that effectively made the rules optional because it said the recommendations should be done “if feasible” or “where possible.”

Report criticizes meat industry, USDA response to pandemic

By Alliance Public Schools Foundation&nbsp;

The Alliance Public Schools Foundation is proud to announce that the recipient of the 2022 Wall of Fame designation is bestowed upon Colonel Joshua McConkey, MD.

Josh grew up in Alliance, the son of Mike &amp; Jane McConkey of Alliance and Brian &amp; Lori Tegen of Renton, WA. Josh graduated from High School in 1996 and attended the RHOP program through Chadron State College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center graduating in 2003. While attending Medical School Josh enlisted in the Nebraska Army Reserves. Josh served as a Flight Surgeon and was the leader of the Critical Care Air Transport Team. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007 caring for both soldiers and civilians. Josh completed additional training at the War College after which he transferred to the Air Force Reserves and in 2019 was promoted to Colonel while serving at the Portland, OR base. During this time Josh attended to Vets at the Durham, SC and Hot Springs, SD VA Centers. He is currently based in Texas for his Air Force Reserves Military service.

Josh is certified and practices ER medicine throughout the US, New Zealand and Australia. He currently practices medicine for the Department of Defense in Lincoln, NE as a contractor doing virtual ER practice. He also serves the Alliance community as an ER Provider.

Josh has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He recently received a Quilt of Valor

Josh and his wife, Elsa have three children and since returning from life in Australia, make their home in Apex, North Carolina.

Please join with me in congratulating this accomplished alumni of Alliance High School, Colonel Joshua McConkey, MD as the recipient of the 2022 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Wall of Fame designation.

By Alliance Public Schools Foundation&nbsp;The Alliance Public Schools Foundation is proud to announce that the recipient of the 2022 Wall of Fame designation is bestowed upon Colonel Joshua McConkey, MD.Josh grew up in Alliance, the son of Mike &amp; Jane McConkey of Alliance and Brian &amp; Lori Tegen of Renton, WA. Josh graduated from High School in 1996 and attended the RHOP program through Chadron State College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center graduating in 2003. While attending Medical School Josh enlisted in the Nebraska Army Reserves. Josh served as a Flight Surgeon and was the leader of the Critical Care Air Transport Team. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007 caring for both soldiers and civilians. Josh completed additional training at the War College after which he transferred to the Air Force Reserves and in 2019 was promoted to Colonel while serving at the Portland, OR base. During this time Josh attended to Vets at the Durham, SC and Hot Springs, SD VA Centers. He is currently based in Texas for his Air Force Reserves Military service.Josh is certified and practices ER medicine throughout the US, New Zealand and Australia. He currently practices medicine for the Department of Defense in Lincoln, NE as a contractor doing virtual ER practice. He also serves the Alliance community as an ER Provider.Josh has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He recently received a Quilt of ValorJosh and his wife, Elsa have three children and since returning from life in Australia, make their home in Apex, North Carolina.Please join with me in congratulating this accomplished alumni of Alliance High School, Colonel Joshua McConkey, MD as the recipient of the 2022 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Wall of Fame designation.

McConkey selected as Alliance High School 'Wall of Fame' recipient 

By&nbsp;Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs

SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.&nbsp; — The Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home will host a CNA training class at the facility, located at 1102 West 42nd&nbsp;Street, Scottsbluff. The course runs from June 6th&nbsp;to 17th, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Participants in the class will be paid $18.60/hour (includes $3 differential for hours worked) and have their supplies and certification test paid for. Upon successful completion of the class and certification, participants can transition to part- or full-time employment at the facility starting at $21.80/hour (includes $3 differential for hours worked).

Interested participants can apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nebraska/jobs/3522475/c-n-a-training-class" target="_blank">https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nebraska/jobs/3522475/c-n-a-training-class</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/Holden.Armstrong/Desktop/veterans.nebraska.gov/employment" target="_blank">veterans.nebraska.gov/employment</a>&nbsp;and click “View available CNA Training Classes.” For more details or help applying to a class, please contact Kerry Muñoz at 308-765-0093 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kerry.munoz@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">kerry.munoz@nebraska.gov</a>.

By&nbsp;Nebraska Department of Veterans’ AffairsSCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.&nbsp; — The Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home will host a CNA training class at the facility, located at 1102 West 42nd&nbsp;Street, Scottsbluff. The course runs from June 6th&nbsp;to 17th, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Participants in the class will be paid $18.60/hour (includes $3 differential for hours worked) and have their supplies and certification test paid for. Upon successful completion of the class and certification, participants can transition to part- or full-time employment at the facility starting at $21.80/hour (includes $3 differential for hours worked).Interested participants can apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nebraska/jobs/3522475/c-n-a-training-class" target="_blank">https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nebraska/jobs/3522475/c-n-a-training-class</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/Holden.Armstrong/Desktop/veterans.nebraska.gov/employment" target="_blank">veterans.nebraska.gov/employment</a>&nbsp;and click “View available CNA Training Classes.” For more details or help applying to a class, please contact Kerry Muñoz at 308-765-0093 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kerry.munoz@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">kerry.munoz@nebraska.gov</a>.

Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home to host paid CNA training class

By ALEX HELMBRECHT, Director of CSC College Relations

CHADRON – Dr. Tara Hart has been appointed as Chadron State College’s next Dean of Student Affairs, President Randy Rhine announced Monday. Hart replaces current Dean of Student Affairs Jon Hansen, who will retire June 17.

“I’m really pleased we had a proven leader and accomplished advocate for students such as Dr. Hart on our campus,” Rhine said. “I’m confident in her abilities. Her leadership and knowledge of student affairs prepares her well for this position.”

Hart, a Nebraska native, was hired at CSC in April 2021 as the Interim Director of START. In November, she was named the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.

“I am excited to serve the students and campus community at Chadron State College as the next Dean of Student Affairs,” she said. “I am elated to join Student Affairs. I look forward to continued collaboration with students, campus departments, and the community of Chadron to support our students in their pursuit of success in and outside of the classroom.”

Hart has extensive experience working with students, academic programs, and operational units. During her more than two-decade career in higher education, she has worked at eight institutions in varying roles and responsibilities. Before joining CSC, she was the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Development at Union College. Prior to Union, Hart worked as the Director of Admissions at Truman State University, taught graduate courses at Arkansas Tech University, served as the Associate Director of Admissions and the Director of the Student Affairs Enrollment Management Student Support Center at Angelo State University, and the Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life and Director for Student Involvement at Midland University. Hart also worked at Wayne State College and the College of Saint Mary.

Hart said she’ll take a student-centered approach to her new position and is dedicated to helping them achieve their goals.

“I love meeting our students and learning about them – where they are from, what their CSC experience has been, and who has made a positive impact on their lives,” she said. “I believe we all are here to support students and ensure their learning outside the classroom complements what they are learning inside the classroom.”

Hart’s first day as the Dean of Student Affairs will be June 18. A search for the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management position will open soon.

By ALEX HELMBRECHT, Director of CSC College RelationsCHADRON – Dr. Tara Hart has been appointed as Chadron State College’s next Dean of Student Affairs, President Randy Rhine announced Monday. Hart replaces current Dean of Student Affairs Jon Hansen, who will retire June 17.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652314556705.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I’m really pleased we had a proven leader and accomplished advocate for students such as Dr. Hart on our campus,” Rhine said. “I’m confident in her abilities. Her leadership and knowledge of student affairs prepares her well for this position.”Hart, a Nebraska native, was hired at CSC in April 2021 as the Interim Director of START. In November, she was named the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.“I am excited to serve the students and campus community at Chadron State College as the next Dean of Student Affairs,” she said. “I am elated to join Student Affairs. I look forward to continued collaboration with students, campus departments, and the community of Chadron to support our students in their pursuit of success in and outside of the classroom.”Hart has extensive experience working with students, academic programs, and operational units. During her more than two-decade career in higher education, she has worked at eight institutions in varying roles and responsibilities. Before joining CSC, she was the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Development at Union College. Prior to Union, Hart worked as the Director of Admissions at Truman State University, taught graduate courses at Arkansas Tech University, served as the Associate Director of Admissions and the Director of the Student Affairs Enrollment Management Student Support Center at Angelo State University, and the Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life and Director for Student Involvement at Midland University. Hart also worked at Wayne State College and the College of Saint Mary.Hart said she’ll take a student-centered approach to her new position and is dedicated to helping them achieve their goals.“I love meeting our students and learning about them – where they are from, what their CSC experience has been, and who has made a positive impact on their lives,” she said. “I believe we all are here to support students and ensure their learning outside the classroom complements what they are learning inside the classroom.”Hart’s first day as the Dean of Student Affairs will be June 18. A search for the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management position will open soon.

Hart named Dean of Student Affairs in Chadron

Below are the 2022 Dawes County Primary Election results.&nbsp;

By Dawes County Clerk&nbsp;Below are the 2022 Dawes County Primary Election results.&nbsp;<figure>
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2022 Dawes Co. Primary Election results

At approximately 3:04 a.m. on May 11, the Sandhills Fire Protection District and Grant County Sheriff's Office were called to Highway 61, near Hyannis for a car fire.&nbsp;

"Investigation disclosed a 33-year-old Rapid City, South Dakota man was traveling south on Hwy 61," Grant County Sheriff Mike Rath said. "He became distracted and left the roadway getting stuck in the sand.  While attempting to get out, the over-heated exhaust system started the grass on fire."

Rath said the vehicle is a total loss.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652285272679.jpeg" alt="Photo by Grant County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Grant County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 3:04 a.m. on May 11, the Sandhills Fire Protection District and Grant County Sheriff's Office were called to Highway 61, near Hyannis for a car fire.&nbsp;"Investigation disclosed a 33-year-old Rapid City, South Dakota man was traveling south on Hwy 61," Grant County Sheriff Mike Rath said. "He became distracted and left the roadway getting stuck in the sand. While attempting to get out, the over-heated exhaust system started the grass on fire." The vehicle then caught fire.&nbsp;Rath said the vehicle is a total loss.&nbsp;

Grant Co. Sheriff investigates vehicle fire near Hyannis

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

SUTHERLAND, Neb.-The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has made numerous arrests as part of an investigation into theft from a Sutherland convenience store.

Authorities said on May 9, deputies received a report of a possible employee theft from Ozzie's I-80 Convenience Store, located at Interstate 80 and Highway 25.

The owner of the property told deputies the business had closed early on May 7 without his knowledge. He was told the employee, Cassandra Simmons, 34, of Sutherland, was sick.

Authorities said an internal investigation by the owner revealed that the bank deposit was several thousand dollars short for the week.

The Sheriff's Office said deputies continued to investigate and determined that several subjects had been in the store after it was closed on May 7. They were identified as Michael Stroble, 29, and Elisha Horn, 41, also of North Platte.

On May 11, deputies located Simmons, Stroble, and Horn and placed them under arrest on suspicion of felony theft by taking. Horn was also charged with possession of methamphetamine.

An additional subject Megan Hubbard, 31, of Wallace was also arrested on suspicion of felony theft by taking.

All were jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Authorities said more arrests and additional charges are likely as the investigation continues.&nbsp;

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostSUTHERLAND, Neb.-The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has made numerous arrests as part of an investigation into theft from a Sutherland convenience store.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652302350539.png" alt="Simmons" />
 <figcaption>Simmons</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities said on May 9, deputies received a report of a possible employee theft from Ozzie's I-80 Convenience Store, located at Interstate 80 and Highway 25.The owner of the property told deputies the business had closed early on May 7 without his knowledge. He was told the employee, Cassandra Simmons, 34, of Sutherland, was sick.Authorities said an internal investigation by the owner revealed that the bank deposit was several thousand dollars short for the week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652302372983.png" alt="Stroble" />
 <figcaption>Stroble</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sheriff's Office said deputies continued to investigate and determined that several subjects had been in the store after it was closed on May 7. They were identified as Michael Stroble, 29, and Elisha Horn, 41, also of North Platte.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652302432257.png" alt="Horn" />
 <figcaption>Horn</figcaption>
 </figure>On May 11, deputies located Simmons, Stroble, and Horn and placed them under arrest on suspicion of felony theft by taking. Horn was also charged with possession of methamphetamine.An additional subject Megan Hubbard, 31, of Wallace was also arrested on suspicion of felony theft by taking.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652302481180.png" alt="Hubbard" />
 <figcaption>Hubbard</figcaption>
 </figure>All were jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.Authorities said more arrests and additional charges are likely as the investigation continues.&nbsp;<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
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Multiple people accused of stealing from Ozzie's I-80 in Sutherland

WASHINGTON (AP) — David Else wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District.

WASHINGTON (AP) — David Else wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District.

David Else wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District

Volunteer Clean-up Day at the Crawford Tourist Information Booth will be held on May 14.&nbsp;

"We’ll work on raking, painting and general repairs," City of Crawford Clerk Jane Dailey said. "Come with a pair of work gloves and we’ll get the area spruced up for the season."

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostVolunteer Clean-up Day at the Crawford Tourist Information Booth will be held on May 14.&nbsp;The clean-up will start at 8 a.m."We’ll work on raking, painting and general repairs," City of Crawford Clerk Jane Dailey said. "Come with a pair of work gloves and we’ll get the area spruced up for the season."

City of Crawford to hold clean-up day at information booth

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 5/11/22

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

The term poverty is most often associated with a lack of financial resources, but it can be the lack of any of the resources we need to build a better life.

Another type of poverty a person might experience is emotional poverty, or lacking emotional resources. This type of poverty often manifests itself through loneliness, mental challenges, relationship issues, or difficulty with life or coping skills. It can lead to responses such as anger, anxiety, isolation, physical abuse, drug or alcohol abuse, and a host of additional negative behaviors. Even more than financial poverty, lacking emotional resources makes it difficult to build that bridge to a better future.

Having emotional resources means having the stamina to withstand difficult and uncomfortable emotions. A person should be able to choose and control emotional responses, particularly to negative situations, without engaging in self-destructive behavior. Emotional resources are shown through choices and reactions.

A lack of these emotional resources is not limited to any particular demographic group. It may be a result of financial poverty, but it is just as likely to exist in wealth or middle-class households. It could result from a loss of a job or a tough home environment, strained relationships, drug or alcohol abuse, or mental health issues.

Emotional poverty occurs, according to Bridges Out of Poverty, when

· bonding and attachment to other people is not secure

· the external environment repeatedly reinforces “less than” or “separate from” status.

Right now in America, emotional poverty is a major concern. COVID created isolation and barriers we still haven’t completely overcome. Whether to wear masks became a divisive topic. Our students lost several months of interaction with their classmates, time normally spent developing social and emotional skills.

Self-injury or self-harm like cutting or burning, promiscuity, drug or alcohol abuse, or any high-risk behavior often begins around the ages of 12 to 14, and it is most commonly the result of feelings of sadness, distress, anxiety, or confusion. Teenagers often use self-injury as a way to cope with these negative emotions. Recent studies have found that around one-third of adolescents in the US have engaged in some type of non-suicidal self-injury. Suicide is another problem, the second-leading cause of death among 10-24 year-olds. Acting out against others is common in America. The U.S. has had 1,316 school shootings since 1970 and these numbers are increasing. More than 300,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine.

Emotional poverty isn’t just a problem of schools. We aren’t respecting differences, including differences of opinion. Political division is unlike anything since the Civil War. People, including our politicians, are wearing their extreme right or left views as badges of honor and refuse to hear other sides of arguments. We’ve been given permission to be thoughtless and rude; we saw signs in the last election that included expletives. Compromise has become nonexistent, and civility seems to be following.

Counseling professionals have identified several crucial emotional needs for human beings. A few of these include:

· a sense of control over one’s environment

· a sense of belonging and connection with a wider community

· a sense of possibility, a better future

· a sense of emotional connection, friendship, and intimacy with others

We typically think of poverty in terms of financial resources. However, the ability to leave poverty depends more on a person’s other resources. We’ve learned through Bridges Out of Poverty that there are eleven types of resources we need: financial, emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, support systems, relationships, knowledge of hidden rules, and coping strategies. (See the March 2, 2022 article.) We’ve had several columns about financial resources, knowledge of hidden or unspoken rules, and language resources.

This research has been done by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. and her colleagues at the aha!Process, the parent company of Bridges Out of Poverty. Bridges Out of Poverty programs are designed to help professionals and communities develop strategies for dealing with the issues that separate social and economic classes.

Bridges: Community Lens will be held in the Alliance High School commons area on Thursday, June 9, 9:00-3:00. Register at panhandlepartnership.com/events. The $45 registration fee includes refreshments and lunch. If you are requesting a scholarship or paying for a group of people, please email connor.wilburn@panhandlepartnership.com and ask Connor to handle your registration.

Please join us as we work to apply this research in our area.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceThe term poverty is most often associated with a lack of financial resources, but it can be the lack of any of the resources we need to build a better life.Another type of poverty a person might experience is emotional poverty, or lacking emotional resources. This type of poverty often manifests itself through loneliness, mental challenges, relationship issues, or difficulty with life or coping skills. It can lead to responses such as anger, anxiety, isolation, physical abuse, drug or alcohol abuse, and a host of additional negative behaviors. Even more than financial poverty, lacking emotional resources makes it difficult to build that bridge to a better future.Having emotional resources means having the stamina to withstand difficult and uncomfortable emotions. A person should be able to choose and control emotional responses, particularly to negative situations, without engaging in self-destructive behavior. Emotional resources are shown through choices and reactions.A lack of these emotional resources is not limited to any particular demographic group. It may be a result of financial poverty, but it is just as likely to exist in wealth or middle-class households. It could result from a loss of a job or a tough home environment, strained relationships, drug or alcohol abuse, or mental health issues.Emotional poverty occurs, according to Bridges Out of Poverty, when· the brain is not regulated· the inner self is underdeveloped· bonding and attachment to other people is not secure· the external environment repeatedly reinforces “less than” or “separate from” status.Right now in America, emotional poverty is a major concern. COVID created isolation and barriers we still haven’t completely overcome. Whether to wear masks became a divisive topic. Our students lost several months of interaction with their classmates, time normally spent developing social and emotional skills.Self-injury or self-harm like cutting or burning, promiscuity, drug or alcohol abuse, or any high-risk behavior often begins around the ages of 12 to 14, and it is most commonly the result of feelings of sadness, distress, anxiety, or confusion. Teenagers often use self-injury as a way to cope with these negative emotions. Recent studies have found that around one-third of adolescents in the US have engaged in some type of non-suicidal self-injury. Suicide is another problem, the second-leading cause of death among 10-24 year-olds. Acting out against others is common in America. The U.S. has had 1,316 school shootings since 1970 and these numbers are increasing. More than 300,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine.Emotional poverty isn’t just a problem of schools. We aren’t respecting differences, including differences of opinion. Political division is unlike anything since the Civil War. People, including our politicians, are wearing their extreme right or left views as badges of honor and refuse to hear other sides of arguments. We’ve been given permission to be thoughtless and rude; we saw signs in the last election that included expletives. Compromise has become nonexistent, and civility seems to be following.Counseling professionals have identified several crucial emotional needs for human beings. A few of these include:· the security of a stable home life· giving and receiving attention· a sense of control over one’s environment· a sense of belonging and connection with a wider community· a sense of possibility, a better future· meaning and purpose· a sense of achievement· a sense of emotional connection, friendship, and intimacy with othersWe typically think of poverty in terms of financial resources. However, the ability to leave poverty depends more on a person’s other resources. We’ve learned through Bridges Out of Poverty that there are eleven types of resources we need: financial, emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, support systems, relationships, knowledge of hidden rules, and coping strategies. (See the March 2, 2022 article.) We’ve had several columns about financial resources, knowledge of hidden or unspoken rules, and language resources.This research has been done by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. and her colleagues at the aha!Process, the parent company of Bridges Out of Poverty. Bridges Out of Poverty programs are designed to help professionals and communities develop strategies for dealing with the issues that separate social and economic classes.Bridges: Community Lens will be held in the Alliance High School commons area on Thursday, June 9, 9:00-3:00. Register at panhandlepartnership.com/events. The $45 registration fee includes refreshments and lunch. If you are requesting a scholarship or paying for a group of people, please email connor.wilburn@panhandlepartnership.com and ask Connor to handle your registration.Please join us as we work to apply this research in our area.

Poverty In Our Area: Emotional poverty 

By&nbsp;Kerri Rempp,&nbsp;Discover Northwest Nebraska Director

CRAWFORD – Thirty-one years and 30 rides later, the Outriders will ride into the sunset June 18 with one final Ride the Ridge trail ride at historic Fort Robinson State Park.

Started in 1991 to promote awareness of Northwest Nebraska’s trails, Ride the Ridge spent the first several years traversing Nebraska National Forest trails but has called Fort Robinson State Park home for many years now. The trail ride was substituted with a Longhorn cattle drive through Chadron for its 125-year anniversary celebration in 2010 and was cancelled due to COVID in 2020. The group that organizes the event, the Outriders, have decided 2022 will be the final Ride the Ridge event unless another organization steps forward to take it over.

Don Huls and Marvin Liewer will serve as trail bosses for the final ride. Huls, a former Dawes County Extension Agent, and Liewer, a former Nebraska National Forest District Ranger, started Ride the Ridge to highlight the Forest Service’s work on trail development taking place at the time.

“We felt that since they started the ride, they should end the ride,” said Outrider Jan Storjohnn. All past trail bosses of the Ride the Ridge are invited to attend the 2022 event to be recognized prior to the ride. Commemorative Trails End: Ride the Ridge t-shirts can also be ordered through the event’s Facebook page, and a limited number will be available for sale on the day of the ride.

While a state park permit is required, the trail ride itself is free.

“Ride the Ridge has always been a great way for horse lovers to enjoy Northwest Nebraska, and we’re saddened to see it end. It attracts horse enthusiasts from across the country, and it is our hope that another group steps forward to take it on so it can continue,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp.

Registration for Ride the Ridge will be June 18, beginning at 8 a.m., with the morning trail ride scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Signs will be posted at the park to direct riders to the registration point. Riders will break for lunch on their own and can choose to take another trail ride in the afternoon at 1 p.m. or enjoy watching the Cowboy Mounted Shooters at the Fort Robinson arena. Pre-registration for riders overnighting at the park will be offered June 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the Mare Barns. For more information, follow Ride the Ridge on Facebook or contact Don at 308-432-3841 or Tom at 308-430-5333

By&nbsp;Kerri Rempp,&nbsp;Discover Northwest Nebraska Director CRAWFORD – Thirty-one years and 30 rides later, the Outriders will ride into the sunset June 18 with one final Ride the Ridge trail ride at historic Fort Robinson State Park.Started in 1991 to promote awareness of Northwest Nebraska’s trails, Ride the Ridge spent the first several years traversing Nebraska National Forest trails but has called Fort Robinson State Park home for many years now. The trail ride was substituted with a Longhorn cattle drive through Chadron for its 125-year anniversary celebration in 2010 and was cancelled due to COVID in 2020. The group that organizes the event, the Outriders, have decided 2022 will be the final Ride the Ridge event unless another organization steps forward to take it over.Don Huls and Marvin Liewer will serve as trail bosses for the final ride. Huls, a former Dawes County Extension Agent, and Liewer, a former Nebraska National Forest District Ranger, started Ride the Ridge to highlight the Forest Service’s work on trail development taking place at the time.“We felt that since they started the ride, they should end the ride,” said Outrider Jan Storjohnn. All past trail bosses of the Ride the Ridge are invited to attend the 2022 event to be recognized prior to the ride. Commemorative Trails End: Ride the Ridge t-shirts can also be ordered through the event’s Facebook page, and a limited number will be available for sale on the day of the ride.While a state park permit is required, the trail ride itself is free.“Ride the Ridge has always been a great way for horse lovers to enjoy Northwest Nebraska, and we’re saddened to see it end. It attracts horse enthusiasts from across the country, and it is our hope that another group steps forward to take it on so it can continue,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp.Registration for Ride the Ridge will be June 18, beginning at 8 a.m., with the morning trail ride scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Signs will be posted at the park to direct riders to the registration point. Riders will break for lunch on their own and can choose to take another trail ride in the afternoon at 1 p.m. or enjoy watching the Cowboy Mounted Shooters at the Fort Robinson arena. Pre-registration for riders overnighting at the park will be offered June 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the Mare Barns. For more information, follow Ride the Ridge on Facebook or contact Don at 308-432-3841 or Tom at 308-430-5333

Trails End: Outriders hosting final Ride the Ridge at Fort Robinson

Grit and determination.  Readiness to help at a moment’s notice.  Willingness to work long and hard.  Steadfastness in the face of difficulty.  These are the qualities that define us as Nebraskans.  And we saw them on full display last month as our state battled the worst fires in a decade.

On the evening of April 22nd, 16 fires broke out throughout Nebraska.&nbsp; They were brought on by a combination of drought, low humidity, and gusty winds.&nbsp; These dangerous conditions caused the wildfires to spread quickly and unpredictably.&nbsp; This came on the heels of a massive fire in Arapahoe just two weeks prior.

Efforts to contain these fires have been nothing short of heroic.&nbsp; It’s been an all-hands-on-deck effort throughout the state to extinguish them and protect life and property.&nbsp; We owe a number of groups our sincerest thanks.

First and foremost, Nebraska’s fire departments, most of which are all-volunteer, deserve our utmost gratitude.&nbsp; Over 140 fire departments activated to fight the various wildfires that broke out on April 22nd.&nbsp; Some departments responded to wildfires in Burt and Blaine counties. &nbsp;Local fire departments were also called to fires in Rising City, Elsie, and Bellevue, as well as in Cheyenne, Deuel, and Scotts Bluff counties.&nbsp; And nearly 60 fire departments responded to the massive Road 702 Fire.&nbsp; Altogether, these men and women worked day and night to contain these fires and protect our state from further loss.

At the State level, our Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) swiftly coordinated a response to the wildfires. &nbsp;Just hours after the fires broke out, NEMA activated its State Emergency Operations Center.&nbsp; At my direction, Major General Daryl Bohac also deployed National Guard helicopters to make bucket drops on the fires and a ground crew to put out hot spots.&nbsp; He and NEMA Assistant Director Erv Portis deserve top accolades for their leadership.

The Nebraska National Guard gave crucial aid to local first responders battling the Road 702 Fire. &nbsp;This mission was one of the most complex Wildland Fire Operations the Nebraska National Guard has executed within the past 10 years.&nbsp; Ultimately, they completed 525 bucket drops of more than 293,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire.

The Road 702 fire was so expansive that the federal government aided in the response. &nbsp;Our Nebraska Incident Management Team (IMT) worked in close partnership with federal, regional, and local leaders to manage a coordinated effort.&nbsp; The Nebraska IMT includes leaders from NEMA, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Gering Fire Department.&nbsp; They skillfully supported the emergency response and took command of the Road 702 Fire on April 29th&nbsp;as its management transitioned from national to state control.

More than 40 Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) troopers also assisted the response in important ways, including through NSP’s Drone Program. &nbsp;Troopers trained as drone pilots were able to monitor hot spots and provide live video feeds to Incident Command, who would then dispatch fire teams to areas of concern. &nbsp;

State teammates with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) assisted through road closures and traffic control.&nbsp; They drove pilot cars, provided dump trucks with tanks to operate as water trucks, and deployed personnel to help with firebreaks.&nbsp; The wildfires also required NDOT to develop detour routes quickly to aid responders and motorists in the area.&nbsp;

Private citizens also generously volunteered their time and resources to the fire response. &nbsp;Farmers turned on their pivots to help douse the flames of the wildfires and used their equipment to disc fields to create firebreaks.&nbsp; The Red Cross provided shelter for families that had to evacuate.&nbsp; Neighbors donated food and supplies to those displaced by the fire.&nbsp; And communities held benefits for firefighters injured in the line of duty.&nbsp; Nebraskans once again showed our trademark toughness and togetherness during a time of disaster.&nbsp;

We owe all of these Nebraskans tremendous thanks for coming together to fight the wildfires.&nbsp; We also mourn the two heroic Nebraskans whose lives were lost responding to the fires.&nbsp; Elwood Volunteer Fire Chief Darren Krull and retired Cambridge Fire Chief John Trumble both made the ultimate sacrifice while working to protect their communities.&nbsp; As we grieve their loss, we’re inspired by their courageous service.&nbsp; We pray God’s comfort for their families and friends during this time.

In the wake of the fires, there are ways we can continue to help affected communities. &nbsp;KRVN has a webpage listing wildfire relief efforts across the state:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fruralradio.com%2Fkrvn%2Fwildfire-relief%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Ceaa96a581f904eb035b708da31f8b289%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637877241534869545%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=TZpUCw52AAUtYyGsYY71o02kMJzZal7KzukUZ%2BDcdDA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">ruralradio.com/krvn/wildfire-relief</a>.&nbsp; Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has a resource page for producers in need of hay, fencing, or other supplies:&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources/index.html" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources/index.html</a>.

There are other ways we can help prevent wildfires.&nbsp; The majority of the state is still in moderate-to-severe drought conditions. &nbsp;This increases the risk of wildfires. &nbsp;It’s important to practice responsible fire prevention efforts. &nbsp;In fact, May 13th&nbsp;is Fire Prevention Day. &nbsp;I encourage you to contact your local fire department to learn how to best help prevent wildfires in your community.&nbsp;

If you have questions about the fires, or any other topic, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Gov. Pete RickettsGrit and determination. Readiness to help at a moment’s notice. Willingness to work long and hard. Steadfastness in the face of difficulty. These are the qualities that define us as Nebraskans. And we saw them on full display last month as our state battled the worst fires in a decade.On the evening of April 22nd, 16 fires broke out throughout Nebraska.&nbsp; They were brought on by a combination of drought, low humidity, and gusty winds.&nbsp; These dangerous conditions caused the wildfires to spread quickly and unpredictably.&nbsp; This came on the heels of a massive fire in Arapahoe just two weeks prior.Efforts to contain these fires have been nothing short of heroic.&nbsp; It’s been an all-hands-on-deck effort throughout the state to extinguish them and protect life and property.&nbsp; We owe a number of groups our sincerest thanks.First and foremost, Nebraska’s fire departments, most of which are all-volunteer, deserve our utmost gratitude.&nbsp; Over 140 fire departments activated to fight the various wildfires that broke out on April 22nd.&nbsp; Some departments responded to wildfires in Burt and Blaine counties. &nbsp;Local fire departments were also called to fires in Rising City, Elsie, and Bellevue, as well as in Cheyenne, Deuel, and Scotts Bluff counties.&nbsp; And nearly 60 fire departments responded to the massive Road 702 Fire.&nbsp; Altogether, these men and women worked day and night to contain these fires and protect our state from further loss.At the State level, our Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) swiftly coordinated a response to the wildfires. &nbsp;Just hours after the fires broke out, NEMA activated its State Emergency Operations Center.&nbsp; At my direction, Major General Daryl Bohac also deployed National Guard helicopters to make bucket drops on the fires and a ground crew to put out hot spots.&nbsp; He and NEMA Assistant Director Erv Portis deserve top accolades for their leadership.The Nebraska National Guard gave crucial aid to local first responders battling the Road 702 Fire. &nbsp;This mission was one of the most complex Wildland Fire Operations the Nebraska National Guard has executed within the past 10 years.&nbsp; Ultimately, they completed 525 bucket drops of more than 293,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire.The Road 702 fire was so expansive that the federal government aided in the response. &nbsp;Our Nebraska Incident Management Team (IMT) worked in close partnership with federal, regional, and local leaders to manage a coordinated effort.&nbsp; The Nebraska IMT includes leaders from NEMA, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Gering Fire Department.&nbsp; They skillfully supported the emergency response and took command of the Road 702 Fire on April 29th&nbsp;as its management transitioned from national to state control.More than 40 Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) troopers also assisted the response in important ways, including through NSP’s Drone Program. &nbsp;Troopers trained as drone pilots were able to monitor hot spots and provide live video feeds to Incident Command, who would then dispatch fire teams to areas of concern. &nbsp;State teammates with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) assisted through road closures and traffic control.&nbsp; They drove pilot cars, provided dump trucks with tanks to operate as water trucks, and deployed personnel to help with firebreaks.&nbsp; The wildfires also required NDOT to develop detour routes quickly to aid responders and motorists in the area.&nbsp;Private citizens also generously volunteered their time and resources to the fire response. &nbsp;Farmers turned on their pivots to help douse the flames of the wildfires and used their equipment to disc fields to create firebreaks.&nbsp; The Red Cross provided shelter for families that had to evacuate.&nbsp; Neighbors donated food and supplies to those displaced by the fire.&nbsp; And communities held benefits for firefighters injured in the line of duty.&nbsp; Nebraskans once again showed our trademark toughness and togetherness during a time of disaster.&nbsp;We owe all of these Nebraskans tremendous thanks for coming together to fight the wildfires.&nbsp; We also mourn the two heroic Nebraskans whose lives were lost responding to the fires.&nbsp; Elwood Volunteer Fire Chief Darren Krull and retired Cambridge Fire Chief John Trumble both made the ultimate sacrifice while working to protect their communities.&nbsp; As we grieve their loss, we’re inspired by their courageous service.&nbsp; We pray God’s comfort for their families and friends during this time.In the wake of the fires, there are ways we can continue to help affected communities. &nbsp;KRVN has a webpage listing wildfire relief efforts across the state:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fruralradio.com%2Fkrvn%2Fwildfire-relief%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Ceaa96a581f904eb035b708da31f8b289%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637877241534869545%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=TZpUCw52AAUtYyGsYY71o02kMJzZal7KzukUZ%2BDcdDA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">ruralradio.com/krvn/wildfire-relief</a>.&nbsp; Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has a resource page for producers in need of hay, fencing, or other supplies:&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources/index.html" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources/index.html</a>.There are other ways we can help prevent wildfires.&nbsp; The majority of the state is still in moderate-to-severe drought conditions. &nbsp;This increases the risk of wildfires. &nbsp;It’s important to practice responsible fire prevention efforts. &nbsp;In fact, May 13th&nbsp;is Fire Prevention Day. &nbsp;I encourage you to contact your local fire department to learn how to best help prevent wildfires in your community.&nbsp;If you have questions about the fires, or any other topic, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: When disaster strikes, Nebraskans show up

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – In his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12677" target="_blank">Commencement</a>&nbsp;address to Chadron State College’s spring 2022 graduating classes, Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System, shared three life lessons: resist allowing others’ perceptions of you to limit your potential, you can always go back home, and find your talent and then share it with the world.

His first point was encouragement for the graduates to overcome others’ less-than-positive opinions about them.

Although Turman did not rank in the top half of his graduating class of 38, he decided to go on to college and continued on to earn a doctorate.

“For a good portion of my life, I let the perceptions of what others thought of me determine and limit my options of what my future may hold. Don’t let people’s perceptions of you today define you or influence which opportunities you chose to take,” he said.

Regarding his second point, that students can always return home, Turman said even though he had originally envisioned returning to his hometown in Ft. Pierre, South Dakota, that mindset slowly changed. Eventually, he did return home.

“I often think we may be short-sighted in what opportunities might be available back home or even in rural areas of our state. We may tend to approach a career path with a narrow lens that limits opportunities. However, from a community and family perspective, returning home presents one with a comprehensive array of opportunities,” Turman said.

Reflecting back on the 12 years he spent in his home community, Turman said he was able to make several significant contributions to his family, community, and the region. He and his wife had the opportunity to raise their three sons in a safe, small community and he was able to work alongside his mother, who also worked for the South Dakota Board of Regents.

For his third point, Turman shared a quote from Dr. Sara Crook, a Peru State College faculty member regarding the purpose of life: each person should find his or her talent and then spend the rest of life sharing that talent with the world.

“If I had to specify what I’m really good at, it would be the ability to organize or bring organization to situations that lack focus or clarity of direction. Directly for Chadron State College, I believe I arrived at the right time to help culminate efforts to support the Math Science project's funding and generate support in Lincoln to extend the original funding proposal and avoid doing the project in phases,” Turman said.

He also shared the story of a South Dakota wrestling program that went from not having a single wrestler place at state to where, with his leadership, the majority of team members placed and the team set winning records.

Turman quoted a former colleague saying people seldom look back and experience regret when taking a new path. Instead, they regret the choices they avoided because of fear of change.

“The common theme across the three lessons I’ve shared is that taking a different path, going in an alternative direction, or giving your time and energy to others will be uncertainty-provoking,” Turman said. “I encourage you to confront uncertainty head-on knowing it might force people's perceptions of you to change, you could find out going home again is an option worth pursuing, and you could discover sharing your talent with the world will produce significant rewards for you and those around you.”&nbsp;

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – In his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12677" target="_blank">Commencement</a>&nbsp;address to Chadron State College’s spring 2022 graduating classes, Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System, shared three life lessons: resist allowing others’ perceptions of you to limit your potential, you can always go back home, and find your talent and then share it with the world.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652222488915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>His first point was encouragement for the graduates to overcome others’ less-than-positive opinions about them.Although Turman did not rank in the top half of his graduating class of 38, he decided to go on to college and continued on to earn a doctorate.“For a good portion of my life, I let the perceptions of what others thought of me determine and limit my options of what my future may hold. Don’t let people’s perceptions of you today define you or influence which opportunities you chose to take,” he said.Regarding his second point, that students can always return home, Turman said even though he had originally envisioned returning to his hometown in Ft. Pierre, South Dakota, that mindset slowly changed. Eventually, he did return home.“I often think we may be short-sighted in what opportunities might be available back home or even in rural areas of our state. We may tend to approach a career path with a narrow lens that limits opportunities. However, from a community and family perspective, returning home presents one with a comprehensive array of opportunities,” Turman said.Reflecting back on the 12 years he spent in his home community, Turman said he was able to make several significant contributions to his family, community, and the region. He and his wife had the opportunity to raise their three sons in a safe, small community and he was able to work alongside his mother, who also worked for the South Dakota Board of Regents.For his third point, Turman shared a quote from Dr. Sara Crook, a Peru State College faculty member regarding the purpose of life: each person should find his or her talent and then spend the rest of life sharing that talent with the world.“If I had to specify what I’m really good at, it would be the ability to organize or bring organization to situations that lack focus or clarity of direction. Directly for Chadron State College, I believe I arrived at the right time to help culminate efforts to support the Math Science project's funding and generate support in Lincoln to extend the original funding proposal and avoid doing the project in phases,” Turman said.He also shared the story of a South Dakota wrestling program that went from not having a single wrestler place at state to where, with his leadership, the majority of team members placed and the team set winning records.Turman quoted a former colleague saying people seldom look back and experience regret when taking a new path. Instead, they regret the choices they avoided because of fear of change.“The common theme across the three lessons I’ve shared is that taking a different path, going in an alternative direction, or giving your time and energy to others will be uncertainty-provoking,” Turman said. “I encourage you to confront uncertainty head-on knowing it might force people's perceptions of you to change, you could find out going home again is an option worth pursuing, and you could discover sharing your talent with the world will produce significant rewards for you and those around you.”&nbsp;

Turman advises Chadron graduates to embrace uncertainty, find and share their talents

Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement in response to President Joe Biden’s plan to combat inflation:

“The President’s irresponsible policies have caused runaway inflation.&nbsp; They’re dragging down our economy and forcing Americans to live on less.”

“President Biden has failed to grasp the threat posed by inflation. &nbsp;In July 2021, he downplayed concerns about rising prices, claiming that he expected them to be ‘temporary.’&nbsp; In the ten months since then, inflation has accelerated, soaring to its highest point in over 40 years.&nbsp; The annual inflation rate is up 8.5% over the past 12 months.&nbsp; This rampant inflation is corrosive and taking a toll on everyone, from hardworking families to seniors on fixed incomes.”&nbsp;

“It’s time the Biden-Harris Administration took responsibility for inflation. &nbsp;However, the approach the President announced today will only make things worse.&nbsp; To stop runaway inflation, he needs to lift regulations to unleash the full potential of American energy production and cut red tape to make it easier for businesses to operate.”

“To start, the Biden-Harris Administration should stop handcuffing drilling.&nbsp; Instead, they’ve put even more restrictions in place.&nbsp; Just last month, they prohibited drilling on seven million acres of federal land in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.”

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 </figure>News Release Governor RickettsGovernor Pete Ricketts issued a statement in response to President Joe Biden’s plan to combat inflation:“The President’s irresponsible policies have caused runaway inflation.&nbsp; They’re dragging down our economy and forcing Americans to live on less.”“President Biden has failed to grasp the threat posed by inflation. &nbsp;In July 2021, he downplayed concerns about rising prices, claiming that he expected them to be ‘temporary.’&nbsp; In the ten months since then, inflation has accelerated, soaring to its highest point in over 40 years.&nbsp; The annual inflation rate is up 8.5% over the past 12 months.&nbsp; This rampant inflation is corrosive and taking a toll on everyone, from hardworking families to seniors on fixed incomes.”&nbsp;“It’s time the Biden-Harris Administration took responsibility for inflation. &nbsp;However, the approach the President announced today will only make things worse.&nbsp; To stop runaway inflation, he needs to lift regulations to unleash the full potential of American energy production and cut red tape to make it easier for businesses to operate.”Unleashing U.S. Energy Production“To start, the Biden-Harris Administration should stop handcuffing drilling.&nbsp; Instead, they’ve put even more restrictions in place.&nbsp; Just last month, they prohibited drilling on seven million acres of federal land in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.”“The President needs to quit obstructing oil and gas leases.&nbsp; His first month in office, President Biden tried to suspend all oil and gas leases on federal lands as part of his radical climate policy.&nbsp; Nebraska was among a coalition of states that successfully sued the Administration so that the leases could move forward.&nbsp; After nearly 1½ years in office, the Biden Administration has failed to hold a successful public auction for oil and gas leases on public lands.&nbsp; This is inexcusable at a time of record gas prices.”“Instead of begging authoritarian governments in Venezuela and Iran to sell more oil, the President should prioritize biofuels produced right here in America’s Heartland.&nbsp; Ethanol saves drivers money at the pump so that they can keep more money in their wallet.&nbsp; The price of wholesale ethanol has recently been as much as $1.20 per gallon less expensive than gasoline.&nbsp; This discount is passed on to motorists who fuel their vehicles with ethanol blends.&nbsp; Filling up with ethanol helps clean up the environment by reducing toxic emissions.&nbsp; Ethanol made from Nebraska corn cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 43% compared to gasoline.&nbsp; Ethanol also creates opportunities for Nebraska’s farm families and strengthens our number one industry: agriculture.&nbsp; Roughly 35-40% of the corn grown in our state goes to our ethanol industry.&nbsp; Authorizing E15 this summer is a start, but the President needs to do more.&nbsp; There’s no good reason why the year-round sale of E15 shouldn’t be permanent.&nbsp; Additionally, Nebraska has demonstrated that E30 fuel can be used in regular vehicles without reducing performance or requiring extra maintenance.&nbsp; The federal government should move full speed to increase volumes of E30 in our nation’s fuel supply.”Cutting Red Tape“The Biden Administration seems to relish regulation. &nbsp;Their regulatory agenda for 2022 has 35% more regulatory actions than the first fall regulatory agenda issued under the Trump Administration.&nbsp; Additionally, the Biden Administration is growing the number of government bureaucrats.&nbsp; The number of civilian employees in the executive branch of federal government is at an all-time high of 2.2 million.”“As an example of the way President Biden is growing the size of government, his federal budget recommendation would expand the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual budget by 29%, or about $2.6 billion, while adding 1,900 full-time employees to the agency.&nbsp; He’s also proposed a 24% budget increase (roughly $3 billion) for the Department of the Interior.&nbsp; This includes adding over 1,000 full-time employees to the Fish and Wildlife Service.&nbsp; In the face of soaring inflation, President Biden is prioritizing massive spending increases to support the goals of environmental extremists.&nbsp; This is just one example of how out of touch this administration has been.”“The President wants to blame inflation on the pandemic, on the Russians, and on his political opponents.&nbsp; This blame game pollutes public discourse.&nbsp; President Biden needs to put the American people above politics to get our economy back on track.”