SIDNEY — Weather permitting, work will begin March 23 on Interstate 80 near Sidney,
from reference post 54 to reference post 61, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.


Interstate Sealant &amp; Concrete, Inc. of Waukesha, Wisconsin is the contractor for this project. Work
includes joint sealing and new lane marking. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures, signs, arrow
boards, and cones. Anticipated completion is mid-May 2023.


NDOTSIDNEY — Weather permitting, work will begin March 23 on Interstate 80 near Sidney,
from reference post 54 to reference post 61, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Interstate Sealant &amp; Concrete, Inc. of Waukesha, Wisconsin is the contractor for this project. Work
includes joint sealing and new lane marking. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures, signs, arrow
boards, and cones. Anticipated completion is mid-May 2023.

Work begins this week on I-80 near Sidney

LINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed from the road 12 impaired drivers as part of a special enforcement effort around St. Patrick’s Day. The campaign, which ran from March 16 through March 18, included numerous law enforcement agencies across the state and entire country.

In total, troopers arrested 12 motorists for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (144), open alcohol container (9), minor in possession of alcohol (7), driving under suspension (8), no seat belt (3), and improper child restraint (2). Troopers also performed 98 motorist assists during the grant period.

NSP’s effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

As spring arrives and busier travel seasons approach, NSP reminds all motorists to help keep Nebraska roads safe. Always drive sober, follow posted speed limits and traffic safety laws, avoid distractions, and wear your seatbelt. Troopers will participate in many additional traffic safety initiatives throughout the spring and summer months.&nbsp;

NSPLINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed from the road 12 impaired drivers as part of a special enforcement effort around St. Patrick’s Day. The campaign, which ran from March 16 through March 18, included numerous law enforcement agencies across the state and entire country.In total, troopers arrested 12 motorists for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (144), open alcohol container (9), minor in possession of alcohol (7), driving under suspension (8), no seat belt (3), and improper child restraint (2). Troopers also performed 98 motorist assists during the grant period.NSP’s effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.As spring arrives and busier travel seasons approach, NSP reminds all motorists to help keep Nebraska roads safe. Always drive sober, follow posted speed limits and traffic safety laws, avoid distractions, and wear your seatbelt. Troopers will participate in many additional traffic safety initiatives throughout the spring and summer months.&nbsp;

Troopers arrest 12 impaired drivers in St. Patrick’s Day Campaign

KIOWA COUNTY, Kan.—Three people were injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Monday in Kiowa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol a 1997 Chrysler Cirrus driven by Cordell L.&nbsp;Jeffcoat, 28, Wood Lake, Nebraska was northbound on U.S. 183 one mile west of Greensburg.

The driver&nbsp; failed to yield at the stop sign at U.S. 54. A westbound&nbsp; 2020 Freightliner semi driven by David C. Cox, 71, Cedar City, Utah, struck the car.

EMS transported&nbsp;Jeffcoat and a passenger in the Chrysler Tacie&nbsp;Hawkins, 52, Wood Lake, Nebraska to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and Audrey R.&nbsp;Brawner, 21, Newport, Nebraska, to the hospital in Greensburg. Cox was not injured. Jeffcoat and Hawkins were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

KIOWA COUNTY, Kan.—Three people were injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Monday in Kiowa County.The Kansas Highway Patrol a 1997 Chrysler Cirrus driven by Cordell L.&nbsp;Jeffcoat, 28, Wood Lake, Nebraska was northbound on U.S. 183 one mile west of Greensburg.The driver&nbsp; failed to yield at the stop sign at U.S. 54. A westbound&nbsp; 2020 Freightliner semi driven by David C. Cox, 71, Cedar City, Utah, struck the car.EMS transported&nbsp;Jeffcoat and a passenger in the Chrysler Tacie&nbsp;Hawkins, 52, Wood Lake, Nebraska to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and Audrey R.&nbsp;Brawner, 21, Newport, Nebraska, to the hospital in Greensburg. Cox was not injured. Jeffcoat and Hawkins were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

3 from Nebraska hospitalized after Kansas crash

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers and the Gering Police Department responded to the occurrence of a mountain lion on a security video twice recently.

A mountain lion was recorded on a video in south Gering on March 9, then in a different part of town at 3 a.m. Sunday. It is not known if the animal seen on both videos is the same.

Gering police officers and Game and Parks officers searched the area of Sunday’s incident but could not locate the mountain lion.

According to Game and Parks’ Mountain Lion Response Plan, a mountain lion that is within the limits of a municipality will be killed if it can safely be done, to ensure public safety.

Anyone who observes a mountain lion in person or on video should contact the local police department or Game and Parks immediately.

Game and Parks reminds people that mountain lion attacks are rare. Find more information about Nebraska mountain lions, including the response plan, at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMjAuNzM2ODEzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lk91dGRvb3JOZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YifQ.-zLbox399ui1wMEL0GjolHwGsdtzwcr7_bLuwtzQ1jM/s/497221906/br/156448152617-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

By NGPCNebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers and the Gering Police Department responded to the occurrence of a mountain lion on a security video twice recently.A mountain lion was recorded on a video in south Gering on March 9, then in a different part of town at 3 a.m. Sunday. It is not known if the animal seen on both videos is the same.Gering police officers and Game and Parks officers searched the area of Sunday’s incident but could not locate the mountain lion.According to Game and Parks’ Mountain Lion Response Plan, a mountain lion that is within the limits of a municipality will be killed if it can safely be done, to ensure public safety.Anyone who observes a mountain lion in person or on video should contact the local police department or Game and Parks immediately.Game and Parks reminds people that mountain lion attacks are rare. Find more information about Nebraska mountain lions, including the response plan, at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMjAuNzM2ODEzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lk91dGRvb3JOZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YifQ.-zLbox399ui1wMEL0GjolHwGsdtzwcr7_bLuwtzQ1jM/s/497221906/br/156448152617-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Game and Parks, Gering PD, respond to mountain lion on video

Columbus, Neb.&nbsp;– Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has contracted with Alamon Utility Services and Osmose Utility Services to inspect wood poles on its distribution system and subtransmission and transmission facilities during the calendar year 2023.&nbsp;

Crews from the contractors are expected to begin inspections this week and aim to complete the work in June.

This process involves ground line excavation, inspection, and rehabilitation treatment. Crews will be dressed in high visibility vests and will be traveling from pole to pole in a UTV. Communities that will be inspected include, Chadron, Dakota City, Hartington, Homer, McCook, Pine Ridge, and Scottsbluff, plus various transmission and subtransmission lines across the state. The inspection program is a proactive approach to finding poles with decay before it’s too late and the poles fall.

Anyone who has questions relating to this activity, please call 1-877-ASK-NPPD (275-6773). A customer service representative will then contact the necessary NPPD personnel to address any issues.

By NPPDColumbus, Neb.&nbsp;– Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has contracted with Alamon Utility Services and Osmose Utility Services to inspect wood poles on its distribution system and subtransmission and transmission facilities during the calendar year 2023.&nbsp;Crews from the contractors are expected to begin inspections this week and aim to complete the work in June.This process involves ground line excavation, inspection, and rehabilitation treatment. Crews will be dressed in high visibility vests and will be traveling from pole to pole in a UTV. Communities that will be inspected include, Chadron, Dakota City, Hartington, Homer, McCook, Pine Ridge, and Scottsbluff, plus various transmission and subtransmission lines across the state. The inspection program is a proactive approach to finding poles with decay before it’s too late and the poles fall.Anyone who has questions relating to this activity, please call 1-877-ASK-NPPD (275-6773). A customer service representative will then contact the necessary NPPD personnel to address any issues.

NPPD beginning wood pole inspections across state

At approximately 12:00 p.m. on March 19 Nebraska State Patrol was called to a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 385 between Chadron and Hemingford. 

"Upon arrival, a trooper discovered several bystanders attempting to assist those involved in the crash," Nebraska State Patrol Spokesman Cody Thomas said. "Preliminary investigation shows that a northbound Pontiac Grand Prix lost control while passing another vehicle, overcorrected, and struck a southbound GMC Sierra. The driver of the GMC was ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the Pontiac was trapped inside the vehicle."

Both drivers were transported to Chadron Community Hospital. 

The driver of the Pontiac, Autumn Elsen, 19, of Gering, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver of the GMC, Ross Grant, 47, of Alliance, was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff for additional treatment. 

Seatbelts were not in use in either vehicle. 

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostAt approximately 12:00 p.m. on March 19 Nebraska State Patrol was called to a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 385 between Chadron and Hemingford. "Upon arrival, a trooper discovered several bystanders attempting to assist those involved in the crash," Nebraska State Patrol Spokesman Cody Thomas said. "Preliminary investigation shows that a northbound Pontiac Grand Prix lost control while passing another vehicle, overcorrected, and struck a southbound GMC Sierra. The driver of the GMC was ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the Pontiac was trapped inside the vehicle."Both drivers were transported to Chadron Community Hospital. The driver of the Pontiac, Autumn Elsen, 19, of Gering, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver of the GMC, Ross Grant, 47, of Alliance, was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff for additional treatment. Seatbelts were not in use in either vehicle. The crash investigation is ongoing.

1 dead in Highway 385 crash between Chadron, Hemingford 

A Morrill County man is facing nearly four dozen theft charges, accused of stealing from a Bridgeport eye care practitioner.

43-year-old Alejandro Soto made his initial appearance in Morrill County Court this week on two felony charges of theft by unlawful taking, as well as 43 misdemeanor counts of theft.

While court documents provide few details of the allegations, in the charging document, prosecutors accuse the Bridgeport man of taking more than $5,000 in cash from Webb Eye Care between March of 2022 and this past January.

The document also claims Soto took glasses, frames and contact lenses valued between $1,500 and $5,000, as well as taking the funds from payment checks submitted to the business by 43 patients within that same time frame.

Soto was initially given a citation in lieu of arrest, and during his court appearance Wednesday was released on a personal recognizance bond by County Judge Paul Wess.

An April 5 court date was set for his next appearance and a status update on a preliminary hearing.

By SCOTT MILLER KNEB Radio&nbsp;A Morrill County man is facing nearly four dozen theft charges, accused of stealing from a Bridgeport eye care practitioner.43-year-old Alejandro Soto made his initial appearance in Morrill County Court this week on two felony charges of theft by unlawful taking, as well as 43 misdemeanor counts of theft.While court documents provide few details of the allegations, in the charging document, prosecutors accuse the Bridgeport man of taking more than $5,000 in cash from Webb Eye Care between March of 2022 and this past January.The document also claims Soto took glasses, frames and contact lenses valued between $1,500 and $5,000, as well as taking the funds from payment checks submitted to the business by 43 patients within that same time frame.Soto was initially given a citation in lieu of arrest, and during his court appearance Wednesday was released on a personal recognizance bond by County Judge Paul Wess.An April 5 court date was set for his next appearance and a status update on a preliminary hearing.

Bridgeport man facing 45 counts of theft by unlawful taking

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR

CHADRON – A team of Rural Business Leadership Initiative students who won a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2022/four-student-teams-win-rbli-funds-to-improve-rural-communities.html" target="_blank">pitch contest</a>&nbsp;and a grant for a civic improvement project is working with Chadron High School students. The team members hope to transform their vision of better wayfinding on C-Hill into a reality.

Team members are Chadron State College students Logan Parde of Ceresco, Neb., Lilliana Foose of Burlington, Colo., Elizabeth Heger of Underwood, North Dakota, and recent graduate Siddhant Shelke of McKinney, Texas.

Their goals include providing information to increase trail awareness and usage by the college community, community members, and tourists.

Seven signs are being made from severe weather plywood and the signs will be covered with lacquer and water sealant. The funds for the project range from $2,297 to $2,497, according to Foose.

Foose said stakeholders and beneficiaries include the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, CSC students, community members, and Chadron High School.

The team members have consulted with Dr. Britt Helmbrecht, president of the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association, and coordinated the placement of the signs with the CSC maintenance department.

Business Associate Professor Dr. Cassandra Ritzen, co-coordinator of RBLI, said the students have taken the initiative to collaborate and connect with many different stakeholders in the community and throughout the CSC campus.

“It is an exciting time as this group of RBLI students begins to see their ideas, hard work, and collaboration move closer to actual community impact. This group has demonstrated the ability to craft and carry out a plan and move forward with action. The success of this group continues to expand the opportunities for current and future RBLI students,” Ritzen said.

Instructor and co-coordinator of RBLI, Dr. Caitlin Redden, said the students have worked hard on their project and it shows.

“We know the pitch contest for the grant money was difficult and winning was an accomplishment they should be proud of. Now, we get to watch the students bring their project to life. We are excited for all who will be able to reap the benefit of the time and work these students have put into the signage project,” Redden said.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATORCHADRON – A team of Rural Business Leadership Initiative students who won a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2022/four-student-teams-win-rbli-funds-to-improve-rural-communities.html" target="_blank">pitch contest</a>&nbsp;and a grant for a civic improvement project is working with Chadron High School students. The team members hope to transform their vision of better wayfinding on C-Hill into a reality.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679324061247.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Team members are Chadron State College students Logan Parde of Ceresco, Neb., Lilliana Foose of Burlington, Colo., Elizabeth Heger of Underwood, North Dakota, and recent graduate Siddhant Shelke of McKinney, Texas.Their goals include providing information to increase trail awareness and usage by the college community, community members, and tourists.Seven signs are being made from severe weather plywood and the signs will be covered with lacquer and water sealant. The funds for the project range from $2,297 to $2,497, according to Foose.Foose said stakeholders and beneficiaries include the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, CSC students, community members, and Chadron High School.The team members have consulted with Dr. Britt Helmbrecht, president of the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association, and coordinated the placement of the signs with the CSC maintenance department.Business Associate Professor Dr. Cassandra Ritzen, co-coordinator of RBLI, said the students have taken the initiative to collaborate and connect with many different stakeholders in the community and throughout the CSC campus.“It is an exciting time as this group of RBLI students begins to see their ideas, hard work, and collaboration move closer to actual community impact. This group has demonstrated the ability to craft and carry out a plan and move forward with action. The success of this group continues to expand the opportunities for current and future RBLI students,” Ritzen said.Instructor and co-coordinator of RBLI, Dr. Caitlin Redden, said the students have worked hard on their project and it shows.“We know the pitch contest for the grant money was difficult and winning was an accomplishment they should be proud of. Now, we get to watch the students bring their project to life. We are excited for all who will be able to reap the benefit of the time and work these students have put into the signage project,” Redden said.

RBLI signage project moves forward in Chadron

By TARA MCCARTHY <a href="https://usacycling.org/article/inaugural-usa-cycling-gravel-national-championship-heads-to-nebraska">USA&nbsp; Cycling</a>

The first 2023 USA Cycling Gravel 
National Championships will take place in Gering on Sept. 
9. The event will have a $60,000 prize purse and serve as an automatic 
qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships.

USA
 Cycling has announced that the inaugural Gravel National 
Championships will take place September 9, 2023 in Gering with a 
$60,000 prize purse. The event will remain in Gering for 2024.

“Over
 the last five years, the explosive growth of gravel has energized 
American cycling. Our involvement in the past 18 months has mainly 
focused on the support of gravel event organizers through sanctioning 
events such as the Grasshopper Adventure Series and the Rule of Three. 
We’re now proud to join the list of ever-growing gravel events in the 
United States,” said USA Cycling CEO, Brendan Quirk.

USA Cycling 
is offering a $60,000 prize purse for the Elite races, with an equal pay
 out for Men and Women. This marks the largest single-day cash prize in 
the history of American gravel.

"While this event is a benefit to 
our members and a long-awaited addition to the national championship 
calendar, we’re not using a cent of membership dues to fund the prize 
purse, nor are we diverting funds from grassroots racing programs. 100% 
of the prizes will be funded by entry fees and sponsorship,” said Quirk.

The best names in off-road racing will be gathering in Nebraska, including 2022 LifeTime Grand Prix Champion Keegan Swenson.

“I
 am really looking forward to the USA Cycling Gravel National 
Championships,” said Swenson. “I think gravel has quickly become some of
 the most competitive racing in the U.S., and I cannot wait to give it 
my all in Gering, Neb. in the fight for the first gravel stars and 
stripes jersey.”

With the new addition of the UCI Gravel World 
Championships, the Gravel National Championship will classify as a 
qualifier for the 2023 event held in Venetia, Italy, Oct. 7 and 8. The top
 three in the Elite Men’s and Women’s events will automatically qualify 
for the World Championships and will be supported by USA Cycling. The 
finalized World Championship Elite selection criteria will be published 
in coming weeks. Additionally, age group race winners will automatically
 qualify for their respective categories for the 2023 UCI Gravel World 
Championships.

Last year, Lauren De Crescenzo finished top 20 at 
the inaugural Gravel World Championship, and is now looking forward to 
competing for the National title. 

Gravel racers from around the country will be treated to countless 
miles of dirt roads in Nebraska’s Landmark Country, passing famous rock 
formations such as Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock that 
once served as landmarks for Native Americans and settlers traveling 
west on the Oregon Trail. Racers will experience the area’s beauty as 
they compete on courses with over 90% gravel and they will continue to 
add to local history by racing in the inaugural Gravel National 
Championship.

“On behalf of the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau 
and Scotts Bluff County, we welcome USA Cycling to Gering. This once in a
 lifetime opportunity to host an inaugural Gravel National Championship 
event is a dream come true for our vibrant Western Nebraska community. 
We look forward to building a memorable race that will create strong 
relations with athletes and stakeholders in our sports market. We are 
eager to team up with USA Cycling in 2023-2024,” stated Brenda Leisy, 
Director of the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau.

In addition to 
the support from Scotts Bluff County and Visitors Bureau, Aaron Raines, 
organizer of the Robidoux Rendezvous, will be assisting in yet again 
creating another incredible gravel race in Landmark Country.

“The 
Gering Visitors Bureau and the City of Gering enthusiastically welcome 
the 2023 Gravel National Championships to Gering and Western Nebraska in
 partnership with USA Cycling. Gravel riders and guests will experience a
 welcoming city with an energetic vibe and a rich-historic cycling 
culture. Natural scenic beauty and historic landmarks backdrop the 
challenging gravel courses that come together in a community dedicated 
to hospitality and service to ensure the USA Cycling inaugural event is 
an adventure and a memorable success," said Karla Niedan-Streeks from 
the Gering Visitors Bureau.

To learn more about eligibility and race details, visit <a href="http://gravelnats.usacycling.org/">http://gravelnats.usacycling.org/</a>.

Riders must be USA Cycling members with a domestic racing license to register. Registration will open on Friday, July 14th at 10am MT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679080725129.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TARA MCCARTHY <a href="https://usacycling.org/article/inaugural-usa-cycling-gravel-national-championship-heads-to-nebraska">USA&nbsp; Cycling</a>The first 2023 USA Cycling Gravel 
National Championships will take place in Gering on Sept. 
9. The event will have a $60,000 prize purse and serve as an automatic 
qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships.USA
 Cycling has announced that the inaugural Gravel National 
Championships will take place September 9, 2023 in Gering with a 
$60,000 prize purse. The event will remain in Gering for 2024.“Over
 the last five years, the explosive growth of gravel has energized 
American cycling. Our involvement in the past 18 months has mainly 
focused on the support of gravel event organizers through sanctioning 
events such as the Grasshopper Adventure Series and the Rule of Three. 
We’re now proud to join the list of ever-growing gravel events in the 
United States,” said USA Cycling CEO, Brendan Quirk.USA Cycling 
is offering a $60,000 prize purse for the Elite races, with an equal pay
 out for Men and Women. This marks the largest single-day cash prize in 
the history of American gravel."While this event is a benefit to 
our members and a long-awaited addition to the national championship 
calendar, we’re not using a cent of membership dues to fund the prize 
purse, nor are we diverting funds from grassroots racing programs. 100% 
of the prizes will be funded by entry fees and sponsorship,” said Quirk.The best names in off-road racing will be gathering in Nebraska, including 2022 LifeTime Grand Prix Champion Keegan Swenson.“I
 am really looking forward to the USA Cycling Gravel National 
Championships,” said Swenson. “I think gravel has quickly become some of
 the most competitive racing in the U.S., and I cannot wait to give it 
my all in Gering, Neb. in the fight for the first gravel stars and 
stripes jersey.”With the new addition of the UCI Gravel World 
Championships, the Gravel National Championship will classify as a 
qualifier for the 2023 event held in Venetia, Italy, Oct. 7 and 8. The top
 three in the Elite Men’s and Women’s events will automatically qualify 
for the World Championships and will be supported by USA Cycling. The 
finalized World Championship Elite selection criteria will be published 
in coming weeks. Additionally, age group race winners will automatically
 qualify for their respective categories for the 2023 UCI Gravel World 
Championships.Last year, Lauren De Crescenzo finished top 20 at 
the inaugural Gravel World Championship, and is now looking forward to 
competing for the National title. Gravel racers from around the country will be treated to countless 
miles of dirt roads in Nebraska’s Landmark Country, passing famous rock 
formations such as Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock that 
once served as landmarks for Native Americans and settlers traveling 
west on the Oregon Trail. Racers will experience the area’s beauty as 
they compete on courses with over 90% gravel and they will continue to 
add to local history by racing in the inaugural Gravel National 
Championship.“On behalf of the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau 
and Scotts Bluff County, we welcome USA Cycling to Gering. This once in a
 lifetime opportunity to host an inaugural Gravel National Championship 
event is a dream come true for our vibrant Western Nebraska community. 
We look forward to building a memorable race that will create strong 
relations with athletes and stakeholders in our sports market. We are 
eager to team up with USA Cycling in 2023-2024,” stated Brenda Leisy, 
Director of the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau.In addition to 
the support from Scotts Bluff County and Visitors Bureau, Aaron Raines, 
organizer of the Robidoux Rendezvous, will be assisting in yet again 
creating another incredible gravel race in Landmark Country.“The 
Gering Visitors Bureau and the City of Gering enthusiastically welcome 
the 2023 Gravel National Championships to Gering and Western Nebraska in
 partnership with USA Cycling. Gravel riders and guests will experience a
 welcoming city with an energetic vibe and a rich-historic cycling 
culture. Natural scenic beauty and historic landmarks backdrop the 
challenging gravel courses that come together in a community dedicated 
to hospitality and service to ensure the USA Cycling inaugural event is 
an adventure and a memorable success," said Karla Niedan-Streeks from 
the Gering Visitors Bureau.To learn more about eligibility and race details, visit <a href="http://gravelnats.usacycling.org/">http://gravelnats.usacycling.org/</a>.Riders must be USA Cycling members with a domestic racing license to register. Registration will open on Friday, July 14th at 10am MT.

Inaugural Gravel National Championship pedals to Gering

Weather permitting, work will resume Monday on N-97, from
reference post 56+87 to reference post 66+96, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.


Paulsen Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. Work includes constructing asphaltic
curb, concrete flumes, earth shoulder construction, erosion control, and seeding. 

In Mullen, the asphalt
surfacing will be removed and replaced from the junction of N-97 and N-2 to the south for approximately
1,200 feet. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures, a pilot car, and flaggers. A 10-foot width
restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is May 2023.


NDOTWeather permitting, work will resume Monday on N-97, from
reference post 56+87 to reference post 66+96, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Paulsen Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. Work includes constructing asphaltic
curb, concrete flumes, earth shoulder construction, erosion control, and seeding. In Mullen, the asphalt
surfacing will be removed and replaced from the junction of N-97 and N-2 to the south for approximately
1,200 feet. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures, a pilot car, and flaggers. A 10-foot width
restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is May 2023.

NDOT: N-97 work to resume south of Mullen this week

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon has signed into law the nation's first explicit ban on abortion pills since they became the predominant choice for abortion in the U.S. in recent years.

Gordon, a Republican, signed the bill Friday night while allowing a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature.

The pills are already banned in 13 states that have blanket bans on all forms of abortion, and 15 states already have limited access to abortion pills. Until now, however, no state had passed a law specifically prohibiting such pills, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

A group seeking to open an abortion and women's health clinic in Casper said it was evaluating legal options.

“We are dismayed and outraged that these laws would eradicate access to basic health care, including safe, effective medication abortion,” Wellspring Health Access President Julie Burkhart said in a statement Saturday.

The clinic, which a firebombing prevented from opening last year, is one of two nonprofits suing to block an earlier Wyoming abortion ban. No arrests have been made, and organizers say the clinic is tentatively scheduled to open in April, depending on abortion's legal status in Wyoming then.

The Republican governor’s decision on the two measures comes after the issue of access to abortion pills&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-texas-fda-roe-wade-5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">took center stage</a>&nbsp;this week in a Texas court. A federal judge there raised questions about a Christian group’s effort to overturn the decades-old U.S. approval of a leading abortion drug, mifepristone.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">Medication abortions</a>&nbsp;became the preferred method for ending pregnancy in the U.S. even before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade,</a>&nbsp;the ruling that protected the right to abortion for nearly five decades. A two-pill combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">mifepristone and another drug</a>&nbsp;is the most common form of abortion in the U.S.

Wyoming’s ban on abortion pills would take effect in July, pending any legal action that could potentially delay that. The implementation date of the sweeping legislation banning all abortions that Gordon allowed to go into law is not specified in the bill.

With the earlier ban tied up in court, abortion currently remains legal in the state up to viability, or when the fetus could survive outside the womb.

In a statement, Gordon expressed concern that the latter law, dubbed the Life is a Human Right Act would result in a lawsuit that will “delay any resolution to the constitutionality of the abortion ban in Wyoming.”

He noted that earlier in the day, plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit filed a challenge to the new law in the event he did not issue a veto.

“I believe this question needs to be decided as soon as possible so that the issue of abortion in Wyoming can be finally resolved, and that is best done with a vote of the people,” Gordon said in a statement.

In a statement, Wyoming ACLU advocacy director Antonio Serrano criticized Gordon’s decision to sign the ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-texas-fda-roe-wade-5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">abortion pills</a>.

“A person’s health, not politics, should guide important medical decisions — including the decision to have an abortion,” Serrano said.

Of the 15 states that have limited access to the pills, six require an in-person physician visit. Those laws could withstand court challenges; states have long had authority over how physicians, pharmacists and other providers practice medicine.

States also set the rules for telemedicine consultations used to prescribe medications. Generally, that means health providers in states with restrictions on abortion pills could face penalties, such as fines or license suspension, for trying to send pills through the mail.

Women have already been traveling across state lines to places where abortion pill access is easier. That trend is expected to increase.

Since the reversal of Roe in June, abortion restrictions have been up to states, and the landscape has shifted quickly. Thirteen states now enforce bans on abortion at any point in pregnancy, and another, Georgia, bans it once cardiac activity can be detected, or at about six weeks’ gestation.

Courts have put on hold enforcement of abortion bans or deep restrictions in Arizona, Indiana, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah and Wyoming. Idaho courts have forced the state to allow abortions during medical emergencies.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679271740950.jpeg" alt="Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon gives the State of the State address to the Wyoming Legislature on March 2, 2021, inside the state Capitol in Cheyenne, Wy. Late Friday, March 17, 2023, Gordon signed a bill prohibiting abortion pills in the state and also allowed a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature. (Michael Cummo/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon gives the State of the State address to the Wyoming Legislature on March 2, 2021, inside the state Capitol in Cheyenne, Wy. Late Friday, March 17, 2023, Gordon signed a bill prohibiting abortion pills in the state and also allowed a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature. (Michael Cummo/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon has signed into law the nation's first explicit ban on abortion pills since they became the predominant choice for abortion in the U.S. in recent years.Gordon, a Republican, signed the bill Friday night while allowing a separate measure restricting abortion to become law without his signature.The pills are already banned in 13 states that have blanket bans on all forms of abortion, and 15 states already have limited access to abortion pills. Until now, however, no state had passed a law specifically prohibiting such pills, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.A group seeking to open an abortion and women's health clinic in Casper said it was evaluating legal options.“We are dismayed and outraged that these laws would eradicate access to basic health care, including safe, effective medication abortion,” Wellspring Health Access President Julie Burkhart said in a statement Saturday.The clinic, which a firebombing prevented from opening last year, is one of two nonprofits suing to block an earlier Wyoming abortion ban. No arrests have been made, and organizers say the clinic is tentatively scheduled to open in April, depending on abortion's legal status in Wyoming then.The Republican governor’s decision on the two measures comes after the issue of access to abortion pills&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-texas-fda-roe-wade-5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">took center stage</a>&nbsp;this week in a Texas court. A federal judge there raised questions about a Christian group’s effort to overturn the decades-old U.S. approval of a leading abortion drug, mifepristone.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">Medication abortions</a>&nbsp;became the preferred method for ending pregnancy in the U.S. even before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade,</a>&nbsp;the ruling that protected the right to abortion for nearly five decades. A two-pill combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">mifepristone and another drug</a>&nbsp;is the most common form of abortion in the U.S.Wyoming’s ban on abortion pills would take effect in July, pending any legal action that could potentially delay that. The implementation date of the sweeping legislation banning all abortions that Gordon allowed to go into law is not specified in the bill.With the earlier ban tied up in court, abortion currently remains legal in the state up to viability, or when the fetus could survive outside the womb.In a statement, Gordon expressed concern that the latter law, dubbed the Life is a Human Right Act would result in a lawsuit that will “delay any resolution to the constitutionality of the abortion ban in Wyoming.”He noted that earlier in the day, plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit filed a challenge to the new law in the event he did not issue a veto.“I believe this question needs to be decided as soon as possible so that the issue of abortion in Wyoming can be finally resolved, and that is best done with a vote of the people,” Gordon said in a statement.In a statement, Wyoming ACLU advocacy director Antonio Serrano criticized Gordon’s decision to sign the ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-texas-fda-roe-wade-5306714113f3be4233a9e11a84a992aa">abortion pills</a>.“A person’s health, not politics, should guide important medical decisions — including the decision to have an abortion,” Serrano said.Of the 15 states that have limited access to the pills, six require an in-person physician visit. Those laws could withstand court challenges; states have long had authority over how physicians, pharmacists and other providers practice medicine.States also set the rules for telemedicine consultations used to prescribe medications. Generally, that means health providers in states with restrictions on abortion pills could face penalties, such as fines or license suspension, for trying to send pills through the mail.Women have already been traveling across state lines to places where abortion pill access is easier. That trend is expected to increase.Since the reversal of Roe in June, abortion restrictions have been up to states, and the landscape has shifted quickly. Thirteen states now enforce bans on abortion at any point in pregnancy, and another, Georgia, bans it once cardiac activity can be detected, or at about six weeks’ gestation.Courts have put on hold enforcement of abortion bans or deep restrictions in Arizona, Indiana, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah and Wyoming. Idaho courts have forced the state to allow abortions during medical emergencies.

Wyoming governor signs measure prohibiting abortion pills

GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) — Dozens of bison from a mountain park outside Denver were transferred Wednesday to several tribes from across the Great Plains, in the latest example of Native Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-travel-health-canada-5a7f69c50b4df6a70cf6dbdc40a932b2">reclaiming stewardship</a>&nbsp;over animals their ancestors lived alongside for millennia.

Following ceremonial drumming and singing and an acknowledgement of the tribes that once occupied the surrounding landscape, the bison were loaded onto trucks for relocation to tribal lands.

About a half-dozen of the animals from Colorado will form the nucleus of a new herd for the Yuchi people south of Tulsa, Oklahoma, said Richard Grounds with the Yuchi Language Project.

The herd will be expanded over time, to reestablish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-religion-oklahoma-bison-108ca2d24547ab478b1e5ca891b1a9fa">spiritual and physical bond</a>&nbsp;broken two centuries ago when bison were nearly wiped out and the Yuchi were forced from their homeland, Grounds said.

He compared the burly animals' return to reviving the Yuchi's language — and said both language and bison were inseparable from the land. Bison were “the original caretakers” of that land, he said.

“We've lost that connection to the buffalo, that physical connection, as part of the colonial assault,” Grounds said. “So we're saying, we Yuchi people are still here and the buffalo are still here and it's important to reconnect and restore those relationships with the land, with the animals and the plants.”

The transfers also included 17 bison to the Northern Arapaho Tribe and 12 to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe — both of Wyoming — and one animal to the Tall Bull Memorial Council, which has members from various tribes, city officials said.

Wednesday’s transfer came two weeks after U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued a bison conservation order meant to further&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bison-restoration-tribes-haaland-6f5ad9227c70377a94a2a4efc809f3d8">expand the number of large herds</a>&nbsp;on Native American lands. Haaland also announced $25 million to build new herds, transfer more bison from federal to tribal lands and forge new bison management agreements with tribes, officials said.

American bison, also known as buffalo, have bounced back from near-extinction in the 1880s but remain absent from most of the grasslands they once occupied.

Across the U.S., 82 tribes now have more than 20,000 bison, and the number of herds on tribal lands have grown in recent years. The animals have been transferred to reservations from other tribes, from federal, state and local governments and from private ranches.

Tens of millions of bison once roamed North America until they were killed off almost entirely by white settlers, commercial hunters and U.S. troops. Their demise devastated Native American tribes across the continent that relied on bison and their parts for food, clothing and shelter.

The animals transferred to the tribes Wednesday descend from the last remnants of the great herds. They were under care of the Denver Zoo and kept in a city park before being moved to foothills west of Denver in 1914.

Surplus animals from the city's herd were for many years auctioned off, but in recent years city officials began transferring them to tribes instead, said Scott Gilmore, deputy executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation.

Gilmore said the land acknowledgement statement read out loud during Wednesday's ceremony underscored the historical importance of the area to the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and dozens of other tribes that once lived in the area. But he added those were just “words on a piece of paper.”

“What we're doing is putting action to those words for Indigenous people. Buffalo are part of the land, they are part of their family," Gilmore said. "They are taking their family members back to their ancestral home.”

To date, 85 bison from Denver have been transferred to tribes and tribal organizations. City officials said the shipments will continue through 2030.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679079425948.jpeg" alt="One of the 35 Denver Mountain Park bison stands in a corral as it waits to be transferred to representatives of four Native American tribes and one memorial council so they can reintroduce the animals to tribal lands Wednesday, March 15, 2023, near Golden, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>One of the 35 Denver Mountain Park bison stands in a corral as it waits to be transferred to representatives of four Native American tribes and one memorial council so they can reintroduce the animals to tribal lands Wednesday, March 15, 2023, near Golden, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) — Dozens of bison from a mountain park outside Denver were transferred Wednesday to several tribes from across the Great Plains, in the latest example of Native Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-travel-health-canada-5a7f69c50b4df6a70cf6dbdc40a932b2">reclaiming stewardship</a>&nbsp;over animals their ancestors lived alongside for millennia.Following ceremonial drumming and singing and an acknowledgement of the tribes that once occupied the surrounding landscape, the bison were loaded onto trucks for relocation to tribal lands.About a half-dozen of the animals from Colorado will form the nucleus of a new herd for the Yuchi people south of Tulsa, Oklahoma, said Richard Grounds with the Yuchi Language Project.The herd will be expanded over time, to reestablish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-religion-oklahoma-bison-108ca2d24547ab478b1e5ca891b1a9fa">spiritual and physical bond</a>&nbsp;broken two centuries ago when bison were nearly wiped out and the Yuchi were forced from their homeland, Grounds said.He compared the burly animals' return to reviving the Yuchi's language — and said both language and bison were inseparable from the land. Bison were “the original caretakers” of that land, he said.“We've lost that connection to the buffalo, that physical connection, as part of the colonial assault,” Grounds said. “So we're saying, we Yuchi people are still here and the buffalo are still here and it's important to reconnect and restore those relationships with the land, with the animals and the plants.”The transfers also included 17 bison to the Northern Arapaho Tribe and 12 to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe — both of Wyoming — and one animal to the Tall Bull Memorial Council, which has members from various tribes, city officials said.Wednesday’s transfer came two weeks after U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued a bison conservation order meant to further&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bison-restoration-tribes-haaland-6f5ad9227c70377a94a2a4efc809f3d8">expand the number of large herds</a>&nbsp;on Native American lands. Haaland also announced $25 million to build new herds, transfer more bison from federal to tribal lands and forge new bison management agreements with tribes, officials said.American bison, also known as buffalo, have bounced back from near-extinction in the 1880s but remain absent from most of the grasslands they once occupied.Across the U.S., 82 tribes now have more than 20,000 bison, and the number of herds on tribal lands have grown in recent years. The animals have been transferred to reservations from other tribes, from federal, state and local governments and from private ranches.Tens of millions of bison once roamed North America until they were killed off almost entirely by white settlers, commercial hunters and U.S. troops. Their demise devastated Native American tribes across the continent that relied on bison and their parts for food, clothing and shelter.The animals transferred to the tribes Wednesday descend from the last remnants of the great herds. They were under care of the Denver Zoo and kept in a city park before being moved to foothills west of Denver in 1914.Surplus animals from the city's herd were for many years auctioned off, but in recent years city officials began transferring them to tribes instead, said Scott Gilmore, deputy executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation.Gilmore said the land acknowledgement statement read out loud during Wednesday's ceremony underscored the historical importance of the area to the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and dozens of other tribes that once lived in the area. But he added those were just “words on a piece of paper.”“What we're doing is putting action to those words for Indigenous people. Buffalo are part of the land, they are part of their family," Gilmore said. "They are taking their family members back to their ancestral home.”To date, 85 bison from Denver have been transferred to tribes and tribal organizations. City officials said the shipments will continue through 2030.

US tribes get bison as they seek to restore bond with animal

Mid-Plains Community College is offering free resume workshops in McCook and North
                              Platte to help members of the public as well as students create and build resumes
                              and gain traction in the job-hunting process.

These workshops are set for Thursday, March 30 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at both McCook
                              and North Platte. In McCook, it will be at the Learning Commons in von Riesen Library
                              and in North Platte at the Learning Commons.

MPCC staff will help give tips on how to create resume and cover letters as well
                              as edit any current ones. The workshop will also offer help with job interview skills.

Students and community members can make an appointment either by contacting Learning
                              Commons staff, or logging onto Handshake and making the appointment through that application.

To make an appointment in McCook, contact Area Career Coach Jacob Brandl at 308-345-8128
                              or email at brandlj@mpcc.edu

In North Platte, contact Career Placement Coordinator Amy Sabatka at 308-535-3619 or
 email <a href="mailto:sabatkaa@mpcc.edu">sabatkaa@mpcc.edu</a>

MPCCMid-Plains Community College is offering free resume workshops in McCook and North
 Platte to help members of the public as well as students create and build resumes
 and gain traction in the job-hunting process.These workshops are set for Thursday, March 30 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at both McCook
 and North Platte. In McCook, it will be at the Learning Commons in von Riesen Library
 and in North Platte at the Learning Commons.MPCC staff will help give tips on how to create resume and cover letters as well
 as edit any current ones. The workshop will also offer help with job interview skills.Students and community members can make an appointment either by contacting Learning
 Commons staff, or logging onto Handshake and making the appointment through that application.To make an appointment in McCook, contact Area Career Coach Jacob Brandl at 308-345-8128
 or email at brandlj@mpcc.eduIn North Platte, contact Career Placement Coordinator Amy Sabatka at 308-535-3619 or
 email <a href="mailto:sabatkaa@mpcc.edu">sabatkaa@mpcc.edu</a>

Public resume workshops scheduled in North Platte, McCook

March 2023 Survey Results at a Glance


· For a
After
 hovering around growth neutral for three straight months, the region’s 
overall economic reading slumped below the threshold to its lowest 
reading since October of last year.


· Farmland prices have now advanced for 30 straight months.


· After advancing by over 9% for 2022, bank CEOs expect farmland prices to expand by only 1% over the next 12 months.


· Only 13.6% of bankers tightened credit standards for farm loans this year.&nbsp;



· Approximately
 87% of bankers recommend a Federal Reserve rate hike at its next 
meetings, March 21-22, with almost one-third supporting a 0.50% 
increase.



· Bank savings deposits rose to a record level.


OMAHA —&nbsp;After
 three straight months of readings slightly above growth neutral, the 
Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index fell below the growth 
neutral threshold, 50.0, according to the latest monthly survey of bank 
CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent
 on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall:
The region’s overall reading in March sank below the growth neutral threshold.
The March index slumped to 45.6 from 50.1 in February. The index 
ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth 
neutral.&nbsp;

“The Rural Mainstreet economy continues to experience slow, to no, to negative economic growth.
Less than 1% of bankers 
reported improving economic conditions for the month with 92% indicating
 no change in economic conditions from February’s slow growth,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics
 at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.


Farming and ranching:
<a></a><a>The region’s farmland price index decreased to 63.0 from February’s 63.5.
</a><a>This was the 30th straight month</a>
 that the index has advanced above 50.0.&nbsp;

Across the region, farmland prices advanced by approximately
 9% over the past 12 months.&nbsp; However, bankers, on average, expect only 1% growth over the next 12 months.


Farm equipment sales: As a result
 of solid farm financial conditions, the farm equipment-sales index climbed to 59.5 from 52.1 in February.
The index has risen above growth neutral for 26 of the last 28 months.

Banking:
The March loan volume index rose to a strong 63.0 from 48.1 in February and was up from 61.9 in March 2022.
The checking-deposit index increased to 40.9 from February’s 38.5, 
while the index for certificates of deposit and other savings 
instruments expanded to a record high of 75.0&nbsp; from February’s solid 
57.7.

Bank
 CEOs were asked what interest rate action the Federal Reserve should 
undertake at their March 21-22 meetings. Approximately 56.5% recommended
 a 0.25% rate increase; 30.5%
 supported a 0.50% boost; and 13% advocated no rate change. However, 
most survey responses were completed prior to recent bank failures.&nbsp;&nbsp;


According
 to Jeffrey Gerhart, former Chair of the Independent Community Bankers 
of America, “It’s too bad that the Fed waited so long to raise interest 
rates. They could have
 begun raising interest rates sooner than they did and would not have 
had to raise them as fast as they’ve done.”&nbsp; Gerhart applauds the Fed 
for raising interest rates and its willingness to stay the course to get
 a handle on inflation.


Hiring: The new hiring index for March sank to 45.5 from 48.1 in March. Labor shortages continue to
 be a significant issue constraining growth for Rural Mainstreet businesses.

Confidence:
The slowing economy, higher
 borrowing costs and labor shortages continued to constrain the business
 confidence index to a weak 39.1 from 44.4 in February. “Over the past 12 months, the regional confidence index has fallen to levels
 indicating a very negative outlook,” said Goss.

Home and retail sales:
 The home-sales index sank to a very weak 36.4 from February’s 37.0. 
“This is
 the tenth straight month that the home-sales index has fallen below 
growth neutral. An almost doubling of the 30-year mortgage rate over the
 past year and low inventory levels slowed home sales in the region over
 that time period,” said Goss.

The retail-sales index for March dropped to 41.3 from February’s 50.0. “Bankers were pessimistic regarding the economic outlook with downward pressure
 on retail sales for the first quarter of 2023,” said Goss.

The
 survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural 
agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural 
Mainstreet Index is a unique index covering
 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities 
with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current
 real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, 
former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks
 of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in 
January 2006.

Below are reports from Nebraska and surrounding states:

Colorado: Colorado’s Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) for March fell to 50.3 from 60.6 in February. The
 farmland- and ranchland-price index advanced to 64.3 from 62.6 in February. The state’s new hiring index was 47.8 for March.
USDA
 data for the top five exported agriculture products for Colorado 
indicate that for the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the state exported 
$496.3 million. This represented
 $1.01 per $1,000 of state GDP.

Kansas: The Kansas RMI for March dropped to 43.6 from February’s 53.5. The state’s farmland-price
 index declined to 61.4 from February’s 70.1. The new-hiring index for Kansas plummeted to 44.3 from 50.2 in February.
USDA data for the top five 
exported agriculture products for Kansas indicate that for the first 
quarter of fiscal 2023, the state exported $942 million. This 
represented $4.43 per $1,000 of state GDP.

Missouri:
 The state’s March RMI dropped to 44.5 from 49.8 in February. The 
farmland-price index fell
 to 61.8 from February’s 63.2. The state’s new hiring gauge shrank to 
44.8 from 48.2 in February. USDA data for the top five exported 
agriculture products for Missouri indicate that for the first quarter of
 fiscal 2023, the state exported $477.6 million. This
 represented $1.22 per $1,000 of state GDP.

Nebraska:
 The Nebraska RMI sank below growth neutral to 48.3 from 53.1 in 
February. The state’s farmland-price
 index for March decreased to 63.4 from February’s 64.6.&nbsp; Nebraska’s 
March new-hiring index slumped to 46.8 from 49.9 in February.
USDA data for the top five
 exported agriculture products for Nebraska indicate that for the first 
quarter of fiscal 2023, the state exported $868.8 million. This 
represented $5.30 per $1,000 of state GDP.

South Dakota:
 The March RMI for South Dakota increased to 47.2 from 44.8 in February.
 The state’s
 farmland-price index decreased to 58.8 from February’s 59.6. South 
Dakota’s March new hiring index fell to 41.0 from 43.7 in February. USDA
 data for the top five exported agriculture products for South Dakota 
indicate that for the first quarter of fiscal 2023,
 the state exported $355.4 million. This represented $5.20 per $1,000 of
 state GDP.

Wyoming:
 The March RMI for Wyoming slumped to 41.7 from 42.8 in February. The 
March farmland- and
 ranchland-price index increased to 60.6 from 60.2 in February. 
Wyoming’s new-hiring index sank to 43.3 from February’s 44.5. USDA data 
for the top five exported agriculture products for Wyoming indicate that
 for the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the state
 exported $700 thousand. This represented $0.01 per $1,000 of state GDP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622642233344.jpeg" alt="Creighton Professor Ernie Goss" />
 <figcaption>Creighton Professor Ernie Goss</figcaption>
 </figure>Creighton UniversityMarch 2023 Survey Results at a Glance
· For a
After
 hovering around growth neutral for three straight months, the region’s 
overall economic reading slumped below the threshold to its lowest 
reading since October of last year.
· Farmland prices have now advanced for 30 straight months.
· After advancing by over 9% for 2022, bank CEOs expect farmland prices to expand by only 1% over the next 12 months.
· Only 13.6% of bankers tightened credit standards for farm loans this year.&nbsp;

· Approximately
 87% of bankers recommend a Federal Reserve rate hike at its next 
meetings, March 21-22, with almost one-third supporting a 0.50% 
increase.

· Bank savings deposits rose to a record level.
OMAHA —&nbsp;After
 three straight months of readings slightly above growth neutral, the 
Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index fell below the growth 
neutral threshold, 50.0, according to the latest monthly survey of bank 
CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent
 on agriculture and/or energy.Overall:
The region’s overall reading in March sank below the growth neutral threshold.
The March index slumped to 45.6 from 50.1 in February. The index 
ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth 
neutral.&nbsp;
“The Rural Mainstreet economy continues to experience slow, to no, to negative economic growth.
Less than 1% of bankers 
reported improving economic conditions for the month with 92% indicating
 no change in economic conditions from February’s slow growth,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics
 at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.
Farming and ranching:
<a></a><a>The region’s farmland price index decreased to 63.0 from February’s 63.5.
</a><a>This was the 30th straight month</a>
 that the index has advanced above 50.0.&nbsp; Across the region, farmland prices advanced by approximately
 9% over the past 12 months.&nbsp; However, bankers, on average, expect only 1% growth over the next 12 months.
Farm equipment sales: As a result
 of solid farm financial conditions, the farm equipment-sales index climbed to 59.5 from 52.1 in February.
The index has risen above growth neutral for 26 of the last 28 months.
Banking:
The March loan volume index rose to a strong 63.0 from 48.1 in February and was up from 61.9 in March 2022.
The checking-deposit index increased to 40.9 from February’s 38.5, 
while the index for certificates of deposit and other savings 
instruments expanded to a record high of 75.0&nbsp; from February’s solid 
57.7.Bank
 CEOs were asked what interest rate action the Federal Reserve should 
undertake at their March 21-22 meetings. Approximately 56.5% recommended
 a 0.25% rate increase; 30.5%
 supported a 0.50% boost; and 13% advocated no rate change. However, 
most survey responses were completed prior to recent bank failures.&nbsp;&nbsp;
According
 to Jeffrey Gerhart, former Chair of the Independent Community Bankers 
of America, “It’s too bad that the Fed waited so long to raise interest 
rates. They could have
 begun raising interest rates sooner than they did and would not have 
had to raise them as fast as they’ve done.”&nbsp; Gerhart applauds the Fed 
for raising interest rates and its willingness to stay the course to get
 a handle on inflation.
Hiring: The new hiring index for March sank to 45.5 from 48.1 in March. Labor shortages continue to
 be a significant issue constraining growth for Rural Mainstreet businesses. 
Confidence:
The slowing economy, higher
 borrowing costs and labor shortages continued to constrain the business
 confidence index to a weak 39.1 from 44.4 in February. “Over the past 12 months, the regional confidence index has fallen to levels
 indicating a very negative outlook,” said Goss.Home and retail sales:
 The home-sales index sank to a very weak 36.4 from February’s 37.0. 
“This is
 the tenth straight month that the home-sales index has fallen below 
growth neutral. An almost doubling of the 30-year mortgage rate over the
 past year and low inventory levels slowed home sales in the region over
 that time period,” said Goss.The retail-sales index for March dropped to 41.3 from February’s 50.0. “Bankers were pessimistic regarding the economic outlook with downward pressure
 on retail sales for the first quarter of 2023,” said Goss.The
 survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural 
agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural 
Mainstreet Index is a unique index covering
 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities 
with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current
 real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, 
former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks
 of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in 
January 2006.Below are reports from Nebraska and surrounding states:Colorado: Colorado’s Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) for March fell to 50.3 from 60.6 in February. The
 farmland- and ranchland-price index advanced to 64.3 from 62.6 in February. The state’s new hiring index was 47.8 for March.
USDA
 data for the top five exported agriculture products for Colorado 
indicate that for the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the state exported 
$496.3 million. This represented
 $1.01 per $1,000 of state GDP. Kansas: The Kansas RMI for March dropped to 43.6 from February’s 53.5. The state’s farmland-price
 index declined to 61.4 from February’s 70.1. The new-hiring index for Kansas plummeted to 44.3 from 50.2 in February.
USDA data for the top five 
exported agriculture products for Kansas indicate that for the first 
quarter of fiscal 2023, the state exported $942 million. This 
represented $4.43 per $1,000 of state GDP.Missouri:
 The state’s March RMI dropped to 44.5 from 49.8 in February. The 
farmland-price index fell
 to 61.8 from February’s 63.2. The state’s new hiring gauge shrank to 
44.8 from 48.2 in February. USDA data for the top five exported 
agriculture products for Missouri indicate that for the first quarter of
 fiscal 2023, the state exported $477.6 million. This
 represented $1.22 per $1,000 of state GDP.Nebraska:
 The Nebraska RMI sank below growth neutral to 48.3 from 53.1 in 
February. The state’s farmland-price
 index for March decreased to 63.4 from February’s 64.6.&nbsp; Nebraska’s 
March new-hiring index slumped to 46.8 from 49.9 in February.
USDA data for the top five
 exported agriculture products for Nebraska indicate that for the first 
quarter of fiscal 2023, the state exported $868.8 million. This 
represented $5.30 per $1,000 of state GDP.South Dakota:
 The March RMI for South Dakota increased to 47.2 from 44.8 in February.
 The state’s
 farmland-price index decreased to 58.8 from February’s 59.6. South 
Dakota’s March new hiring index fell to 41.0 from 43.7 in February. USDA
 data for the top five exported agriculture products for South Dakota 
indicate that for the first quarter of fiscal 2023,
 the state exported $355.4 million. This represented $5.20 per $1,000 of
 state GDP.Wyoming:
 The March RMI for Wyoming slumped to 41.7 from 42.8 in February. The 
March farmland- and
 ranchland-price index increased to 60.6 from 60.2 in February. 
Wyoming’s new-hiring index sank to 43.3 from February’s 44.5. USDA data 
for the top five exported agriculture products for Wyoming indicate that
 for the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the state
 exported $700 thousand. This represented $0.01 per $1,000 of state GDP.

GOSS: Rural Mainstreet economy goes negative for March

Alliance —Speaker Yvonne Hollenbeck will present a program “Patchwork of the Prairie” on March 23, 2023 at 6pm in the community room at the Alliance Public Library. This presentation is made possible by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Alliance Public Library Foundation as part of the HN Speakers Bureau.

Yvonne Hollenbeck is an award-winning quilter and the nation’s top award-winning cowgirl poet as well as one of the most published. Yvonne presents an entertaining trunk-show of approximately 30 family quilts made on the prairies of Nebraska, spanning 5 generations, providing a glimpse of life during the past 135 years through patchwork. The stories behind both the quilters and the quilts themselves are shared and accompanied with some of Hollenbeck’s own cowboy/cowgirl poetry.

For more information about this presentation, contact Adult Services Librarian, Nalani Stewart, at nstewart@cityofalliance.net or call 308.762.1387.

By City of AllianceAlliance —Speaker Yvonne Hollenbeck will present a program “Patchwork of the Prairie” on March 23, 2023 at 6pm in the community room at the Alliance Public Library. This presentation is made possible by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Alliance Public Library Foundation as part of the HN Speakers Bureau.Yvonne Hollenbeck is an award-winning quilter and the nation’s top award-winning cowgirl poet as well as one of the most published. Yvonne presents an entertaining trunk-show of approximately 30 family quilts made on the prairies of Nebraska, spanning 5 generations, providing a glimpse of life during the past 135 years through patchwork. The stories behind both the quilters and the quilts themselves are shared and accompanied with some of Hollenbeck’s own cowboy/cowgirl poetry.For more information about this presentation, contact Adult Services Librarian, Nalani Stewart, at nstewart@cityofalliance.net or call 308.762.1387.

Patchwork of the Prairie to be held at Alliance Public Library

SCOTTSBLUFF — The Western Community College Area Board of Governors has approved the recommendation
                              of three finalists for the position of president by the Presidential Search Advisory
                              Committee at Western Nebraska Community College.

The three finalists, in alphabetical order are Dr. Samuel (Todd) Brand, chief academic
                              officer at Ashland Community &amp; Technical College; Mr. Greg Dart, chief campus administrator
                              at Utah State University Eastern; and Dr. George McNulty, president at Gogebic Community
                              College. 

The WCCA Board of Governors voted to approve the finalists at the March Board of Governors
                              meeting. 

Dr. Brand is the current chief academic officer at Ashland Community &amp; Technical College
                              in Ashland, Kentucky. Prior to his position at Ashland, he was the arts/communications
                              division chair from 2006-2019 at Meridian Community College in Mississippi, where
                              he also served as the arts &amp; letters series director from 2014-2019. 

Brand holds a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University, a Master of Science in Communications,
                              and a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi College. 

Mr. Dart has been the chief campus administrator at Utah State University Eastern
                              in Price, Utah since 2018. Prior to that, he served as the vice chancellor of student
                              affairs &amp; enrollment management from 2014-2018, and the director of enrollment services
                              from 2012-2013. Dart has also held roles as the vice president for student services
                              at Zane State college in Ohio; the director of admissions, scholarships, and communications,
                              and associate professor of communications, both at Snow College in Utah. 

Dart is finalizing his doctorate of education at Northeastern University, with all
                              but his dissertation complete. He also has a Master of Education in Instructional
                              Technology from Utah State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public
                              Communications from the University of Alaska-Anchorage, and an Associate of Science
                              from Snow College. 

Dr. McNulty has been the president of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Michigan
                              since 2019. He previously served as the vice president of student affairs at Colby
                              Community College in Kansas for six years, as well as the college's acting Title IX
                              coordinator during the same time. He has held a variety of roles at higher education
                              institutions including positions as an interim director of financial assistance, coordinator
                              of retentions, student-athlete advisor, Phi Theta Kappa co-advisor, and academic advisor,
                              among others. He also served in the U.S. Army, active duty from 1988-1991 and inactive
                              duty from 1991-1996. 

McNulty holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Counseling
                              and Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, a Bachelor of Arts
                              in Physical Education from California State University, Chico, and two associate's
                              degrees from Feather River College. 

The Board will conduct in-person interviews and campus visits with the finalists in
                              the first two weeks of April. Each candidate will have an open forum on the Scottsbluff
                              Campus and meet and greets on the Alliance and Sidney campuses where they will have
                              the opportunity to meet with WNCC students, employees, and community members. The
                              public is encouraged to attend the forums and the meet and greets. Livestream options
                              are also available for the Scottsbluff Campus open forums. 

The open forum with Dr. McNulty will be held Monday, April 3, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m
 in the John N. Harms Center. The open forum is also available via livestream at <a href="https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april3" target="_blank">https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april3</a>. Dr. McNulty's meet and greet on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will be on Tuesday,
 April 4, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m, respectively.

The open forum with Mr. Dart will be held Wednesday, April 5, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m
 in the John N. Harms Center. The open forum is also available via livestream at <a href="https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april5" target="_blank">https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april5</a>. Mr. Dart's meet and greet on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will be on Thursday,
 April 6, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m, respectively.

The final open forum with Dr. Brand will be held Thursday, April 13, from 4:30 – 5:30
 p.m in the John N. Harms Center. The open forum is also available via livestream at
 <a href="https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april13" target="_blank">https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april13</a>. Dr. Brand's meet and greet on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will be on Friday,
 April 14, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m, respectively.

After all three finalists have interviewed with the Board and visited WNCC campuses,
                              the board will announce their selection at a special board meeting on April 19. 

For more information about the search, visit wncc.edu/about-wncc/presidentialsearch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678984824487.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WCCSCOTTSBLUFF — The Western Community College Area Board of Governors has approved the recommendation
 of three finalists for the position of president by the Presidential Search Advisory
 Committee at Western Nebraska Community College.The three finalists, in alphabetical order are Dr. Samuel (Todd) Brand, chief academic
 officer at Ashland Community &amp; Technical College; Mr. Greg Dart, chief campus administrator
 at Utah State University Eastern; and Dr. George McNulty, president at Gogebic Community
 College. The WCCA Board of Governors voted to approve the finalists at the March Board of Governors
 meeting. Dr. Brand is the current chief academic officer at Ashland Community &amp; Technical College
 in Ashland, Kentucky. Prior to his position at Ashland, he was the arts/communications
 division chair from 2006-2019 at Meridian Community College in Mississippi, where
 he also served as the arts &amp; letters series director from 2014-2019. Brand holds a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University, a Master of Science in Communications,
 and a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi College. Mr. Dart has been the chief campus administrator at Utah State University Eastern
 in Price, Utah since 2018. Prior to that, he served as the vice chancellor of student
 affairs &amp; enrollment management from 2014-2018, and the director of enrollment services
 from 2012-2013. Dart has also held roles as the vice president for student services
 at Zane State college in Ohio; the director of admissions, scholarships, and communications,
 and associate professor of communications, both at Snow College in Utah. Dart is finalizing his doctorate of education at Northeastern University, with all
 but his dissertation complete. He also has a Master of Education in Instructional
 Technology from Utah State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public
 Communications from the University of Alaska-Anchorage, and an Associate of Science
 from Snow College. Dr. McNulty has been the president of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Michigan
 since 2019. He previously served as the vice president of student affairs at Colby
 Community College in Kansas for six years, as well as the college's acting Title IX
 coordinator during the same time. He has held a variety of roles at higher education
 institutions including positions as an interim director of financial assistance, coordinator
 of retentions, student-athlete advisor, Phi Theta Kappa co-advisor, and academic advisor,
 among others. He also served in the U.S. Army, active duty from 1988-1991 and inactive
 duty from 1991-1996. McNulty holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Counseling
 and Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, a Bachelor of Arts
 in Physical Education from California State University, Chico, and two associate's
 degrees from Feather River College. The Board will conduct in-person interviews and campus visits with the finalists in
 the first two weeks of April. Each candidate will have an open forum on the Scottsbluff
 Campus and meet and greets on the Alliance and Sidney campuses where they will have
 the opportunity to meet with WNCC students, employees, and community members. The
 public is encouraged to attend the forums and the meet and greets. Livestream options
 are also available for the Scottsbluff Campus open forums. The open forum with Dr. McNulty will be held Monday, April 3, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m
 in the John N. Harms Center. The open forum is also available via livestream at <a href="https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april3" target="_blank">https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april3</a>. Dr. McNulty's meet and greet on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will be on Tuesday,
 April 4, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m, respectively.The open forum with Mr. Dart will be held Wednesday, April 5, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m
 in the John N. Harms Center. The open forum is also available via livestream at <a href="https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april5" target="_blank">https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april5</a>. Mr. Dart's meet and greet on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will be on Thursday,
 April 6, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m, respectively.The final open forum with Dr. Brand will be held Thursday, April 13, from 4:30 – 5:30
 p.m in the John N. Harms Center. The open forum is also available via livestream at
 <a href="https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april13" target="_blank">https://livestream.com/wncc/forum-april13</a>. Dr. Brand's meet and greet on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will be on Friday,
 April 14, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m, respectively.After all three finalists have interviewed with the Board and visited WNCC campuses,
 the board will announce their selection at a special board meeting on April 19. For more information about the search, visit wncc.edu/about-wncc/presidentialsearch.

Finalists named for Western Nebraska CC president

United States Attorney 
Steven Russell announced that George Lesley Weaver Jr., 37, of Lincoln entered a guilty plea today to one count of conspiracy to 
distribute and possess with intent to distribute
 five kilograms, (11 pounds), or more of a mixture or substance 
containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams, (approximately 14 
ounces), or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and 50 
kilograms, (110 pounds), or more of marijuana in Lincoln
 and southeast Nebraska between June and September of 2021.&nbsp; 
Co-defendant, Anna Idigima, 37, of Lincoln, pleaded guilty to the same 
charge on February 14, 2023.&nbsp;


Beginning in about June
 of 2021, Idigima, at that time employed as a Nebraska State Patrol 
stored evidence room employee in Lincoln, began stealing drugs held as 
evidence in completed cases which were awaiting
 destruction orders.&nbsp; She provided these drugs to her boyfriend, Weaver,
 who then sold them in Lincoln.&nbsp; An audit of the State Patrol storage 
areas where Idigima had access showed the following approximate totals 
of drugs were missing:&nbsp; marijuana - 154 pounds;
 cocaine - 9 pounds; fentanyl - 6 pounds; heroin - 10 pounds; 
methamphetamine - 3 pounds; THC - 32 pounds; along with numerous THC 
vape cartridges and assorted prescription drugs.&nbsp; In August of 2021, 
investigators found drug-related conversations and a photo
 of several large bags of marijuana in Weaver’s SnapChat Account.&nbsp; One 
of the bags had a piece of red evidence tape on it which matched 
evidence tape used by the State Patrol.&nbsp; A Lincoln apartment rented by 
Weaver was also searched, resulting in the finding
 of residue containing cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana.

Investigators were able
 to link overdoses suffered by three persons to cocaine and fentanyl 
stolen from the State Patrol by Idigima and sold to others by Weaver.&nbsp; 
All three victims required the administration
 of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan.&nbsp; Two required CPR, and all three
 were hospitalized. A physician specializing in emergency room medicine 
and toxicology found all three would have been at substantial risk of 
dying from the use of cocaine laced with fentanyl
 if they had not received the Narcan.&nbsp; The victims told investigators 
they bought what they believed to be cocaine just prior to their 
respective overdoses and provided the names of the persons they bought 
the drugs from.&nbsp; Those persons were arrested and told
 investigators they bought the drugs from Weaver.&nbsp; Information provided 
to law enforcement indicated Weaver sold large quantities of cocaine, 
marijuana, and other drugs in the summer of 2021, and Idigima was 
directly involved in the sale of pills.

Idigima is scheduled to
 be sentenced on May 25, 2023, and Weaver is scheduled for sentencing on
 June 16, 2023.&nbsp; Both face mandatory minimum prison sentences of 20 
years in prison with a maximum of life.&nbsp; There
 is no parole in the federal system.

This matter was 
investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, the 
Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska City Police Department, the Saline 
County Sheriff’s Department, and the Phelps County
 Sheriff’s Department.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney 
Steven Russell announced that George Lesley Weaver Jr., 37, of Lincoln entered a guilty plea today to one count of conspiracy to 
distribute and possess with intent to distribute
 five kilograms, (11 pounds), or more of a mixture or substance 
containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams, (approximately 14 
ounces), or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and 50 
kilograms, (110 pounds), or more of marijuana in Lincoln
 and southeast Nebraska between June and September of 2021.&nbsp; 
Co-defendant, Anna Idigima, 37, of Lincoln, pleaded guilty to the same 
charge on February 14, 2023.&nbsp;
Beginning in about June
 of 2021, Idigima, at that time employed as a Nebraska State Patrol 
stored evidence room employee in Lincoln, began stealing drugs held as 
evidence in completed cases which were awaiting
 destruction orders.&nbsp; She provided these drugs to her boyfriend, Weaver,
 who then sold them in Lincoln.&nbsp; An audit of the State Patrol storage 
areas where Idigima had access showed the following approximate totals 
of drugs were missing:&nbsp; marijuana - 154 pounds;
 cocaine - 9 pounds; fentanyl - 6 pounds; heroin - 10 pounds; 
methamphetamine - 3 pounds; THC - 32 pounds; along with numerous THC 
vape cartridges and assorted prescription drugs.&nbsp; In August of 2021, 
investigators found drug-related conversations and a photo
 of several large bags of marijuana in Weaver’s SnapChat Account.&nbsp; One 
of the bags had a piece of red evidence tape on it which matched 
evidence tape used by the State Patrol.&nbsp; A Lincoln apartment rented by 
Weaver was also searched, resulting in the finding
 of residue containing cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana.Investigators were able
 to link overdoses suffered by three persons to cocaine and fentanyl 
stolen from the State Patrol by Idigima and sold to others by Weaver.&nbsp; 
All three victims required the administration
 of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan.&nbsp; Two required CPR, and all three
 were hospitalized. A physician specializing in emergency room medicine 
and toxicology found all three would have been at substantial risk of 
dying from the use of cocaine laced with fentanyl
 if they had not received the Narcan.&nbsp; The victims told investigators 
they bought what they believed to be cocaine just prior to their 
respective overdoses and provided the names of the persons they bought 
the drugs from.&nbsp; Those persons were arrested and told
 investigators they bought the drugs from Weaver.&nbsp; Information provided 
to law enforcement indicated Weaver sold large quantities of cocaine, 
marijuana, and other drugs in the summer of 2021, and Idigima was 
directly involved in the sale of pills.Idigima is scheduled to
 be sentenced on May 25, 2023, and Weaver is scheduled for sentencing on
 June 16, 2023.&nbsp; Both face mandatory minimum prison sentences of 20 
years in prison with a maximum of life.&nbsp; There
 is no parole in the federal system.This matter was 
investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, the 
Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska City Police Department, the Saline 
County Sheriff’s Department, and the Phelps County
 Sheriff’s Department.

Neb. man pleads guilty to federal drug distribution conspiracy

United States Attorney 
Steven Russell announced that Erin Leigh Gehrig, 41, of Alma, Nebraska, 
was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M.
 Gerrard to 30 months’ imprisonment following
 her conviction for possession of stolen firearms. After she completes 
her prison sentence, Gehrig will also serve three years on supervised 
release. There is no parole in the federal system. Gehrig pleaded guilty
 to the offense on October 13, 2022.

A home in Bertrand, 
Nebraska, was burglarized on April 13, 2021. The victim of the burglary 
is related to Gehrig. Fourteen firearms were taken in the burglary. 
Gehrig later told police that another person approached
 her and said he wanted to steal firearms. Gehrig told that person about
 the residence in Bertrand, and allowed that person to use her minivan. 
That person later returned, and the 14 stolen firearms were in the back 
of the minivan. Gehrig arranged for the sale
 of the stolen firearms for $1,500 to two other persons. Law enforcement
 executed a search warrant at the home of the purchasers. Thirteen of 
the 14 stolen firearms were recovered when that home was searched.

The investigation was 
conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of 
Homeland Security, the Kearney Police Department, and the Phelps County 
Sheriff’s Office. This case is part of Project
 Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law
 enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 
gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 
26, 2021, the Department launched a violent
 crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core 
principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, 
supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from
 occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic
 enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney 
Steven Russell announced that Erin Leigh Gehrig, 41, of Alma, Nebraska, 
was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M.
 Gerrard to 30 months’ imprisonment following
 her conviction for possession of stolen firearms. After she completes 
her prison sentence, Gehrig will also serve three years on supervised 
release. There is no parole in the federal system. Gehrig pleaded guilty
 to the offense on October 13, 2022.A home in Bertrand, 
Nebraska, was burglarized on April 13, 2021. The victim of the burglary 
is related to Gehrig. Fourteen firearms were taken in the burglary. 
Gehrig later told police that another person approached
 her and said he wanted to steal firearms. Gehrig told that person about
 the residence in Bertrand, and allowed that person to use her minivan. 
That person later returned, and the 14 stolen firearms were in the back 
of the minivan. Gehrig arranged for the sale
 of the stolen firearms for $1,500 to two other persons. Law enforcement
 executed a search warrant at the home of the purchasers. Thirteen of 
the 14 stolen firearms were recovered when that home was searched.The investigation was 
conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of 
Homeland Security, the Kearney Police Department, and the Phelps County 
Sheriff’s Office. This case is part of Project
 Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law
 enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 
gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 
26, 2021, the Department launched a violent
 crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core 
principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, 
supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from
 occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic
 enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Southern Neb. woman sentenced for stolen firearm possession

Alliance – The Knight Museum is hosting a photo contest. Please submit your photo of a sunset or sunrise from Western Nebraska. Entries are due Monday May 1, 2023 and will be put on display for the Month of May. Photographer must give permission for the Museum to use their photo in an any endeavor associated with the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center. There are two age groups and three prizes will be awarded in each group.

For more information, please contact Delaney Mayer at (308) 762-2384.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Knight Museum is hosting a photo contest. Please submit your photo of a sunset or sunrise from Western Nebraska. Entries are due Monday May 1, 2023 and will be put on display for the Month of May. Photographer must give permission for the Museum to use their photo in an any endeavor associated with the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center. There are two age groups and three prizes will be awarded in each group.For more information, please contact Delaney Mayer at (308) 762-2384.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679081389524.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Knight Museum & Sandhills Center holding photo contest

BROOKINGS, SD –&nbsp;Millborn Seeds, a seed company dedicated to enriching land and lives for over 36 years, is continuing their focus on being visionaries by expanding their retail, distribution and processing footprint into Nebraska through the acquisition of Prairie Sky Seed in Hemingford, NE. Millborn Seeds delivers customized seed solutions to farmers, ranchers, and landowners in all 50 U.S. states and abroad, and will continue to focus on procuring and delivering the highest quality seed products as they expand their production capacity into Nebraska. Prairie Sky Seed is a state-of-the-art seed conditioning facility, which makes it the ideal fit for the Millborn Seeds family, as Millborn continues to invest in the industry’s most sophisticated tools to bring the best products to their customers’ operations. “Our focus at Millborn is to enrich land and lives by providing the highest quality products for our customers. The addition of Prairie Sky Seed to the Millborn family is a great fit for us, as Prairie Sky Seed has top-of-the-line facilities that can serve the local area and enables us to expand production and cleaning operations to support our broader network of dealers and customers. We look forward to being a part of the Hemingford community and plan to expand existing plant operations,” Matt Fenske, CEO of Millborn Seeds. “We plan to bring on new Millborn team members in the Hemingford area and increase production for the 2023 crop season and into the future.” Prairie Sky Seed&nbsp;will officially become a Millborn Seeds location on April 1, 2023. For more information on Millborn Seeds, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://millbornseeds.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6ccb8c4fcac9779e3fc9af129&amp;id=5f2bbbad63&amp;e=3446039693" target="_blank">www.millbornseeds.com</a>. ## About Millborn Seeds:&nbsp;With over 36 years in the seed industry, the Millborn Seeds team is focused on being trailblazers in resilient land use. Millborn Seeds offers specialized products that fit growers’ needs with over 1200 species of seed and are a global grower partner, serving customers in all 50 U.S. states and abroad in several countries. In 2022, Millborn Seeds expanded their headquarters in Brookings, SD and added a state-of-the-art blending and packaging line. Investments in facilities, technologies, and processes are imperative, as Millborn Seeds leads the way as visionaries in the seed industry.

News ReleaseBROOKINGS, SD –&nbsp;Millborn Seeds, a seed company dedicated to enriching land and lives for over 36 years, is continuing their focus on being visionaries by expanding their retail, distribution and processing footprint into Nebraska through the acquisition of Prairie Sky Seed in Hemingford, NE. Millborn Seeds delivers customized seed solutions to farmers, ranchers, and landowners in all 50 U.S. states and abroad, and will continue to focus on procuring and delivering the highest quality seed products as they expand their production capacity into Nebraska. Prairie Sky Seed is a state-of-the-art seed conditioning facility, which makes it the ideal fit for the Millborn Seeds family, as Millborn continues to invest in the industry’s most sophisticated tools to bring the best products to their customers’ operations. “Our focus at Millborn is to enrich land and lives by providing the highest quality products for our customers. The addition of Prairie Sky Seed to the Millborn family is a great fit for us, as Prairie Sky Seed has top-of-the-line facilities that can serve the local area and enables us to expand production and cleaning operations to support our broader network of dealers and customers. We look forward to being a part of the Hemingford community and plan to expand existing plant operations,” Matt Fenske, CEO of Millborn Seeds. “We plan to bring on new Millborn team members in the Hemingford area and increase production for the 2023 crop season and into the future.” Prairie Sky Seed&nbsp;will officially become a Millborn Seeds location on April 1, 2023. For more information on Millborn Seeds, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://millbornseeds.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6ccb8c4fcac9779e3fc9af129&amp;id=5f2bbbad63&amp;e=3446039693" target="_blank">www.millbornseeds.com</a>. ## About Millborn Seeds:&nbsp;With over 36 years in the seed industry, the Millborn Seeds team is focused on being trailblazers in resilient land use. Millborn Seeds offers specialized products that fit growers’ needs with over 1200 species of seed and are a global grower partner, serving customers in all 50 U.S. states and abroad in several countries. In 2022, Millborn Seeds expanded their headquarters in Brookings, SD and added a state-of-the-art blending and packaging line. Investments in facilities, technologies, and processes are imperative, as Millborn Seeds leads the way as visionaries in the seed industry.

Millborn Seeds expands vision through acquisition of Prairie Sky Seed in Nebraska

Tim Garwood and Mark Placek discuss Garwood's forthcoming retirement and the plans secured to maintain the same customer experience.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alliance Tractor & Implement Co." allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5vrbe-13bcab2-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Tim Garwood and Mark Placek discuss Garwood's forthcoming retirement and the plans secured to maintain the same customer experience.

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