By Cindy Randall, Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;

Remember last years fun performance by THE LOONEY LUTHERANS? Well, they have a new show and they’re bringing it to Alliance!

The gals will perform their encore show, “HOTDISH ON THE RANGE: All hat, no cattle” on Saturday, March 25th 7:00 p.m. at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center.

After 17 years of performing together, the Loonies are back in the saddle with this new country and cowboy themed show. Segments include “Cowboy Up” (practical tips for living off the land, the Lutheran way), Lutheran Cowboy-ish Wisdom, and hilarious parodies of classic country songs like “I’m Falling to Pieces. (Bifocals, sciatica and bunions will do that!) The Looney Lutherans invite you to join them for this hilarious round-up, and you don’t have to be Lutheran (or a cowboy) to love ‘em.

The Looney Lutherans are a team of professional actresses who have come together in a fun, interactive, family-friendly show. The idea for the “Looney Lutherans” was cooked up in 2006 when the founding members were appearing in the cast of the hit musical CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES at the Plymouth Playhouse in Plymouth, MN. The company has since expanded to include four additional “Loonies”, but all of these talented women have been performing for years as professional actresses, writers, singers and improvisers. As the Looney Lutherans they have appeared together around the country at County Fairs and Festivals, Red Hat Gatherings, Fundraisers and Women’s Expos. For more information visit their website at thelooneylutherans.com.

Tickets are available at Carnegie Arts Center and the Chamber of Commerce and will also be sold at the door. Prices are $10 for Adults, $9 for Seniors and $5 for Students.

The Looney performance is co-presented by KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, FNBO, FNIC, Western Nebraska Real Estate and Harris Sales.

By Cindy Randall, Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678976948869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Remember last years fun performance by THE LOONEY LUTHERANS? Well, they have a new show and they’re bringing it to Alliance!The gals will perform their encore show, “HOTDISH ON THE RANGE: All hat, no cattle” on Saturday, March 25th 7:00 p.m. at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center.After 17 years of performing together, the Loonies are back in the saddle with this new country and cowboy themed show. Segments include “Cowboy Up” (practical tips for living off the land, the Lutheran way), Lutheran Cowboy-ish Wisdom, and hilarious parodies of classic country songs like “I’m Falling to Pieces. (Bifocals, sciatica and bunions will do that!) The Looney Lutherans invite you to join them for this hilarious round-up, and you don’t have to be Lutheran (or a cowboy) to love ‘em.The Looney Lutherans are a team of professional actresses who have come together in a fun, interactive, family-friendly show. The idea for the “Looney Lutherans” was cooked up in 2006 when the founding members were appearing in the cast of the hit musical CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES at the Plymouth Playhouse in Plymouth, MN. The company has since expanded to include four additional “Loonies”, but all of these talented women have been performing for years as professional actresses, writers, singers and improvisers. As the Looney Lutherans they have appeared together around the country at County Fairs and Festivals, Red Hat Gatherings, Fundraisers and Women’s Expos. For more information visit their website at thelooneylutherans.com.Tickets are available at Carnegie Arts Center and the Chamber of Commerce and will also be sold at the door. Prices are $10 for Adults, $9 for Seniors and $5 for Students.The Looney performance is co-presented by KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, FNBO, FNIC, Western Nebraska Real Estate and Harris Sales.

Looney Lutherans return to Alliance

Nebraska Treasurer John Murante is encouraging Nebraskans to search&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskalostcash.gov/">www.NebraskaLostCash.gov</a>&nbsp;to see if they have cash or other valuables waiting for them.&nbsp;The search only takes a moment and is free.

Nearly 33 million people in the United States — 1 in every 7 — has some sort of unclaimed property, which could be financial accounts or items of value in which the owner has not initiated any activity for several years. When that happens, the money or properties are submitted to the state. Common examples include unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, and uncashed checks.

In 2022, the Nebraska Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division returned more than $18.2 million and paid out more than 13,000 claims.

“The staff of the Treasurer’s Office Division of Unclaimed Property are there to help you get what is yours. This is your money, and it should be returned to you,” Murante said. “It’s quick, it’s easy, and it is free.”

Last year, to increase awareness of unclaimed property, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators launched the first National Unclaimed Property Day on Feb. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667855687288.png" alt="Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante (Courtesy of the State Treasurer’s Office)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante (Courtesy of the State Treasurer’s Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the TreasurerNebraska Treasurer John Murante is encouraging Nebraskans to search&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskalostcash.gov/">www.NebraskaLostCash.gov</a>&nbsp;to see if they have cash or other valuables waiting for them.&nbsp;The search only takes a moment and is free.Nearly 33 million people in the United States — 1 in every 7 — has some sort of unclaimed property, which could be financial accounts or items of value in which the owner has not initiated any activity for several years. When that happens, the money or properties are submitted to the state. Common examples include unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, and uncashed checks.In 2022, the Nebraska Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division returned more than $18.2 million and paid out more than 13,000 claims.“The staff of the Treasurer’s Office Division of Unclaimed Property are there to help you get what is yours. This is your money, and it should be returned to you,” Murante said. “It’s quick, it’s easy, and it is free.”Last year, to increase awareness of unclaimed property, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators launched the first National Unclaimed Property Day on Feb. 1.

Treasurer urges Nebraskans to search for unclaimed property

Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the College of Natural, Behavioral and Health Sciences at Simmons University
 in Boston, has been named the next dean of the UNMC College of Nursing. 

She will join UNMC on July 3, pending approval of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

“I
 am pleased to welcome Dr. Sharp-McHenry to UNMC,” UNMC Chancellor 
Jeffrey P. Gold,
 MD, said in making the announcement. “She has led her profession at the
 local, state and national levels, and is a transformational leader who 
brings both the experience and the vision to further elevate an already 
outstanding College of Nursing.”

Dr. Gold also commended the work done by the search committee, chaired by UNMC’s College of Allied Health Professions
 Dean Kyle Meyer, PhD; the faculty and staff of the College of Nursing; and Spencer Stuart.

Dr.
 Sharp-McHenry was selected after an in-depth national search to replace
 retiring College of Nursing Dean Juliann Sebastian, PhD, who has served
 as dean for the past
 12 years, overseeing UNMC College of Nursing divisions in Scottsbluff, 
Kearney, Norfolk, Lincoln and Omaha. The college traces its history to 
the University of Nebraska School of Nursing, which enrolled 13 women in
 1917. Today, the college offers programs
 leading to baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees and has more than 900 students enrolled.

“Dr.
 Sharp-McHenry brings a wealth of experience as a proven leader,” Dr. 
Meyer said. “She will be a tremendous
 asset in addressing the nursing workforce shortage and expanding 
nursing research. We are pleased that she’ll be joining the UNMC 
community.”


Prior
 to joining Simmons University in 2019, Dr. Sharp-McHenry served as dean
 of the College of Nursing at Oklahoma
 Baptist University and assistant director of the Eleanor Mann School of
 Nursing at the University of Arkansas. Through her expertise in higher 
education, health care and regulation, Dr. Sharp-McHenry is recognized 
as a leader in her field and an enthusiastic
 advocate who actively supports initiatives to ensure the highest 
quality education and accessible health care.

A
 practicing nurse since 1981, her educational background includes an 
associate of science in nursing at Southern Arkansas University, a 
Bachelor of Science in Nursing at
 the University of Arkansas, a Master of Science in Nursing (clinical 
nurse specialist in psychiatric mental health) from the University of 
Oklahoma and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in executive leadership 
from Union University.


The
 Arkansas native has held leadership roles in such national 
organizations as the National Association of Directors of Nursing 
Administration in Long Term Care, National
 Council of State Boards of Nursing, American Association of Colleges of
 Nursing, Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and the 
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. She has published and 
co-authored articles and served as an expert panel
 member in the development of clinical practice guidelines in the 
long-term care field.

“I
 am both excited and humbled to be named the next dean of the UNMC 
College of Nursing,” Dr. Sharp-McHenry said in response to her 
selection. “The selection process revealed
 what phenomenal people and programs Dr. Gold and the leadership team 
have established here. I recognize the trust that it takes to afford me 
this opportunity, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to 
advance nursing education, research and health
 equity in Nebraska and beyond.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678919711138.png" alt="Screen Shot 2023-03-15 at 5.35.00 PM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2023-03-15 at 5.35.00 PM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCLepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the College of Natural, Behavioral and Health Sciences at Simmons University
 in Boston, has been named the next dean of the UNMC College of Nursing. She will join UNMC on July 3, pending approval of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.“I
 am pleased to welcome Dr. Sharp-McHenry to UNMC,” UNMC Chancellor 
Jeffrey P. Gold,
 MD, said in making the announcement. “She has led her profession at the
 local, state and national levels, and is a transformational leader who 
brings both the experience and the vision to further elevate an already 
outstanding College of Nursing.”Dr. Gold also commended the work done by the search committee, chaired by UNMC’s College of Allied Health Professions
 Dean Kyle Meyer, PhD; the faculty and staff of the College of Nursing; and Spencer Stuart.Dr.
 Sharp-McHenry was selected after an in-depth national search to replace
 retiring College of Nursing Dean Juliann Sebastian, PhD, who has served
 as dean for the past
 12 years, overseeing UNMC College of Nursing divisions in Scottsbluff, 
Kearney, Norfolk, Lincoln and Omaha. The college traces its history to 
the University of Nebraska School of Nursing, which enrolled 13 women in
 1917. Today, the college offers programs
 leading to baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees and has more than 900 students enrolled.“Dr.
 Sharp-McHenry brings a wealth of experience as a proven leader,” Dr. 
Meyer said. “She will be a tremendous
 asset in addressing the nursing workforce shortage and expanding 
nursing research. We are pleased that she’ll be joining the UNMC 
community.”
Prior
 to joining Simmons University in 2019, Dr. Sharp-McHenry served as dean
 of the College of Nursing at Oklahoma
 Baptist University and assistant director of the Eleanor Mann School of
 Nursing at the University of Arkansas. Through her expertise in higher 
education, health care and regulation, Dr. Sharp-McHenry is recognized 
as a leader in her field and an enthusiastic
 advocate who actively supports initiatives to ensure the highest 
quality education and accessible health care.A
 practicing nurse since 1981, her educational background includes an 
associate of science in nursing at Southern Arkansas University, a 
Bachelor of Science in Nursing at
 the University of Arkansas, a Master of Science in Nursing (clinical 
nurse specialist in psychiatric mental health) from the University of 
Oklahoma and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in executive leadership 
from Union University.
The
 Arkansas native has held leadership roles in such national 
organizations as the National Association of Directors of Nursing 
Administration in Long Term Care, National
 Council of State Boards of Nursing, American Association of Colleges of
 Nursing, Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and the 
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. She has published and 
co-authored articles and served as an expert panel
 member in the development of clinical practice guidelines in the 
long-term care field.“I
 am both excited and humbled to be named the next dean of the UNMC 
College of Nursing,” Dr. Sharp-McHenry said in response to her 
selection. “The selection process revealed
 what phenomenal people and programs Dr. Gold and the leadership team 
have established here. I recognize the trust that it takes to afford me 
this opportunity, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to 
advance nursing education, research and health
 equity in Nebraska and beyond.”

Boston doctor named to lead UNMC College of Nursing

LINCOLN —&nbsp;During the month of February, 15 people were killed in traffic crashes
on Nebraska roadways, according to data collected by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.


• These 15 fatalities occurred in 14 fatal crashes. • Nine of the 15 vehicle occupants killed were not using seatbelts, three were using seatbelts, and
three had seatbelt usage marked as unknown. • Ten of the fatalities were in rural locations. • There was one fatality on the interstate, eight on other highways and six on local roads. • Icy roads were a contributing factor in one of the fatality crashes.

• There were 15 fatalities in February of 2022. • Only three of the 23 vehicle occupants killed during 2023 were using seatbelts.

NDOTLINCOLN —&nbsp;During the month of February, 15 people were killed in traffic crashes
on Nebraska roadways, according to data collected by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
• These 15 fatalities occurred in 14 fatal crashes. • Nine of the 15 vehicle occupants killed were not using seatbelts, three were using seatbelts, and
three had seatbelt usage marked as unknown. • Ten of the fatalities were in rural locations. • There was one fatality on the interstate, eight on other highways and six on local roads. • Icy roads were a contributing factor in one of the fatality crashes.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678908522946.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>• There were 15 fatalities in February of 2022. • Only three of the 23 vehicle occupants killed during 2023 were using seatbelts.

Crashes claim 15 lives on Nebraska roadways in February

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful

A greenhouse built with discarded apartment windows. A Hemingford couple’s winter project proved to be an innovative example of the “reuse” approach, yet was only the latest reflection of their sustainable lifestyle.

Cheryl Kaman and Mike Vigh’s house did not look much different than other houses in the neighborhood – until they bid me enter the garage and, steps later, the backyard. Despite the sun, persistent wind still carried a bite blowing through what had obviously been a lush yard of gardens months ago. Mike and Cheryl described what grew where and plans for the fast-approaching spring as well as their greenhouses: the structure nearing completion and another, cozier space – both adjoining the garage.

Cheryl confirmed my impression that the yard has been a work in progress for years, since she moved in during 1996 in fact. She and Mike share a philosophy that values environmentally responsible practices. “If people think about not going out and buying it, but look at what they have around first,” he encouraged. “Grew out of hobbies and what we liked to do,” Cheryl added.

Recycling has been the norm for Cheryl her whole life. While living in The (North Platte) Valley she deposited everything in the bins. They do not recycle as much now because using less to begin with is a priority as they “don’t do much disposable stuff. We buy bigger containers and reuse,” Mike noted. He said that ever since he started a career in construction he has been repurposing things, such as lumber. Following an injury some time ago, Mike has been unable to work fulltime in that profession. However, he is always crafting a new creation while pursuing a degree from Chadron State College. He recently finished a compact writing desk made from a single pallet and showed me how a television console from Cheryl’s aunt will become a cat condo.

Passion for the outdoors and gardening also comes naturally. Cheryl alluded to the roots of these interests while pointing out dormant spaces, including: a complete herb garden at the kitchen window that had been harvested and dried in the fall, containers and traditional beds bordered by native sunflowers as well as an apple tree, strawberry patch, raspberry bushes and grape vines. Mike said, “I was the youngest of four. I hung out with my mom and got that green thumb.”

By our February interview, the couple had two months invested in the second greenhouse. The space had been a covered patio – Cheryl’s “Mexican garden.” The process has featured leftover paint. “She does the research,” Mike said. “We’ve come to the conclusion: I build it, she decorates it.”

Capturing sunlight and holding heat is a main function for any greenhouse design. Cheryl secured materials from one of her jobs. In addition to being a certified librarian downtown, Village billing clerk and home and yard service owner/operator, she has been director of Apollo Courts since 2014. Currently working maintenance as well for this Hemingford public housing area, she asked to reuse windows removed during a renovation while giving away others not needed for their design.

Transformation of the former patio incorporated a better way to capture water too. Mike added pitch to what had been a flat roof, showing how rain and melting snow will flow as we walked around inside. A gutted water heater, painted red, will hold up to 50 gallons on the east side where a slimmer green collector tank stood next to buckets filled with aggregate of varying size. Mike is using the contents for a filter to serve a water feature he expects will be deep enough for midsize koi to spend the winter.

The space still retains a relaxed patio feel from square pavers on the ground to a trimmed-down tree sprouting from a wire-spool table forming a column reaching to the beams. Below the clear roof, Mike explained the structure is not airtight by design. Strategic slight openings here and there allow ventilation. A small fan will help maintain the desired temperature with the possibility of a wood burning stove for colder months. He said they don’t have a whole lot of money tied up in anything, figuring $200 at most in the greenhouse.

While completing their project and planting for the upcoming season is the current priority, the couple would like to have plants growing there continuously. One goal is to plant with greens again before winter arrives – “basic salad stuff” growing the rest of the year, Mike said.

In addition to sharing their love of gardening, Cheryl and Mike agreed that Hemingford is a community where people like to upcycle, and “pass stuff onto people who can use it.” Mike told of an old porch repurposed at another house as a smaller one. He said they take leaves to a friend’s place who lives outside of town and often bring back lumber from the junkpile.

I cannot claim the ability to successfully raise much more than the moderately invasive mint that ends up in my teacup, and only upcycle the most rudimentary greenhouse from window/tire pairs. However, as green prepares to brighten our part of the world, I commend those who can grow anything anywhere and regenerate junk. Who? Hard to tell . . . until you meet new people who talk about what they like to do behind old fences.

By JOHN E. WEARE, Keep Alliance Beautiful<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678907410310.png" alt="An arch crafted from branches frames the entrance to Mike Vigh and Cheryl Kaman's new greenhouse behind their home in Hemingford." />
 <figcaption>An arch crafted from branches frames the entrance to Mike Vigh and Cheryl Kaman's new greenhouse behind their home in Hemingford.</figcaption>
 </figure>A greenhouse built with discarded apartment windows. A Hemingford couple’s winter project proved to be an innovative example of the “reuse” approach, yet was only the latest reflection of their sustainable lifestyle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678907230183.jpeg" alt="Light pours through the greenhouse roof." />
 <figcaption>Light pours through the greenhouse roof.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cheryl Kaman and Mike Vigh’s house did not look much different than other houses in the neighborhood – until they bid me enter the garage and, steps later, the backyard. Despite the sun, persistent wind still carried a bite blowing through what had obviously been a lush yard of gardens months ago. Mike and Cheryl described what grew where and plans for the fast-approaching spring as well as their greenhouses: the structure nearing completion and another, cozier space – both adjoining the garage.Cheryl confirmed my impression that the yard has been a work in progress for years, since she moved in during 1996 in fact. She and Mike share a philosophy that values environmentally responsible practices. “If people think about not going out and buying it, but look at what they have around first,” he encouraged. “Grew out of hobbies and what we liked to do,” Cheryl added.Recycling has been the norm for Cheryl her whole life. While living in The (North Platte) Valley she deposited everything in the bins. They do not recycle as much now because using less to begin with is a priority as they “don’t do much disposable stuff. We buy bigger containers and reuse,” Mike noted. He said that ever since he started a career in construction he has been repurposing things, such as lumber. Following an injury some time ago, Mike has been unable to work fulltime in that profession. However, he is always crafting a new creation while pursuing a degree from Chadron State College. He recently finished a compact writing desk made from a single pallet and showed me how a television console from Cheryl’s aunt will become a cat condo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678907331069.png" alt="Mike Vigh stands next to a sunflower last summer." />
 <figcaption>Mike Vigh stands next to a sunflower last summer.</figcaption>
 </figure>Passion for the outdoors and gardening also comes naturally. Cheryl alluded to the roots of these interests while pointing out dormant spaces, including: a complete herb garden at the kitchen window that had been harvested and dried in the fall, containers and traditional beds bordered by native sunflowers as well as an apple tree, strawberry patch, raspberry bushes and grape vines. Mike said, “I was the youngest of four. I hung out with my mom and got that green thumb.”By our February interview, the couple had two months invested in the second greenhouse. The space had been a covered patio – Cheryl’s “Mexican garden.” The process has featured leftover paint. “She does the research,” Mike said. “We’ve come to the conclusion: I build it, she decorates it.”Capturing sunlight and holding heat is a main function for any greenhouse design. Cheryl secured materials from one of her jobs. In addition to being a certified librarian downtown, Village billing clerk and home and yard service owner/operator, she has been director of Apollo Courts since 2014. Currently working maintenance as well for this Hemingford public housing area, she asked to reuse windows removed during a renovation while giving away others not needed for their design.Transformation of the former patio incorporated a better way to capture water too. Mike added pitch to what had been a flat roof, showing how rain and melting snow will flow as we walked around inside. A gutted water heater, painted red, will hold up to 50 gallons on the east side where a slimmer green collector tank stood next to buckets filled with aggregate of varying size. Mike is using the contents for a filter to serve a water feature he expects will be deep enough for midsize koi to spend the winter.The space still retains a relaxed patio feel from square pavers on the ground to a trimmed-down tree sprouting from a wire-spool table forming a column reaching to the beams. Below the clear roof, Mike explained the structure is not airtight by design. Strategic slight openings here and there allow ventilation. A small fan will help maintain the desired temperature with the possibility of a wood burning stove for colder months. He said they don’t have a whole lot of money tied up in anything, figuring $200 at most in the greenhouse.While completing their project and planting for the upcoming season is the current priority, the couple would like to have plants growing there continuously. One goal is to plant with greens again before winter arrives – “basic salad stuff” growing the rest of the year, Mike said.In addition to sharing their love of gardening, Cheryl and Mike agreed that Hemingford is a community where people like to upcycle, and “pass stuff onto people who can use it.” Mike told of an old porch repurposed at another house as a smaller one. He said they take leaves to a friend’s place who lives outside of town and often bring back lumber from the junkpile.I cannot claim the ability to successfully raise much more than the moderately invasive mint that ends up in my teacup, and only upcycle the most rudimentary greenhouse from window/tire pairs. However, as green prepares to brighten our part of the world, I commend those who can grow anything anywhere and regenerate junk. Who? Hard to tell . . . until you meet new people who talk about what they like to do behind old fences.

KAB: Look at what you have first - Hemingford Garden 

By JENNA EBBERS <a href="https://nebraskanewsservice.net/state/morrill-cheerleader-makes-national-headlines-for-solo-state-performance/">Nebraska News Service</a>

Katrina Kohel traveled over 300 miles
 to represent the Morrill High School Lions at the Nebraska State High 
School Cheer and Dance competition in Grand Island last month – alone.&nbsp;

Kohel, a 17-year-old senior, was the 
lone cheerleader on the mats at the Heartland Event Center in Grand 
Island, representing the school she’s cheered for since she was a 
freshman, a town of just over 900 people in Nebraska’s panhandle.&nbsp;

However, as the tune of Nicki Minaj’s
 Starships set off the first four portions of her Game Day routine, she 
was no longer alone.

Teams from across the state gathered 
to cheer her on as she danced, completed both situational and sideline 
cheers and performed Morrill High’s fight song.

“Pretty much the whole stadium was 
involved in my performance, which was really awesome,” Kohel said. “It 
was exciting. There’s no other way to explain it.”

Kohel’s family in the stands was 
limited, too. Her parents, Scott and Della Kohel were even further east 
in Omaha, coaching and cheering on her twin brother at the state 
wrestling tournament, where they watched her performance on Facebook 
Live.&nbsp;

“I was excited for her to still get 
the opportunity as an individual competitor instead of as a team, but I 
was nervous because she’s not real outspoken a lot of times,” Scott 
Kohel said. “It’s hard to be separated from her accomplishments and not 
be there to celebrate with her.”

Since her performance, Kohel has made
 national headlines for her solo appearance at the state competition, 
being featured in the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/solo-cheerleader-katrina-kohel-nebraska-state-cheer-and-dance-championships-89b8a246">Wall Street Journal</a>, <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/02/28/hs-cheerleader-competes-solo-in-states-after-entire-squad-quits/">The New York Post</a>, <a href="https://people.com/sports/nebraska-cheerleader-competes-solo-after-teammates-quit/">People Magazine</a>, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/03/02/nebraska-cheerleader-solo-alone/">Washington Post</a> and more.

The cheer squad originally had three 
other girls on it until they all left the team for personal reasons 
around a week and a half before state, leaving only Kohel.&nbsp;

While Kohel said she isn’t normally 
an outgoing person, and despite early self-doubts, she chose to stick 
with it and finish her final cheer season.&nbsp;

“I knew that I had the support behind
 me,” she said. “And I knew that even though it was a long trip, I had 
it, and it was okay.”

Once the other three left, the game 
plan was forced to change. Kohel couldn’t perform the same routine by 
herself – stunts and certain moves had to be removed. With only over a 
week to work with, Kohel woke up at 6:45 a.m. every day leading up to 
the state competition to practice the modified routine with her coach. 
By performance time that Friday evening, she had it down and relied 
purely on muscle memory.&nbsp;

“Once I was actually on the floor 
getting ready to perform, my mind was just blank. It was just pure 
excitement and just knowing that I was ready,” Kohel said. “I could do 
it blindfolded, honestly.”

This was Kohel’s third time competing
 at the state cheer competition, and it was her favorite experience 
there, but not because she did it alone.

“I think it has more to do with the 
fact that I’ve been a cheerleader for so long, and being able to get out
 there one last time just made it that much more special to me,” Kohel 
said. “It wouldn’t have mattered if I was by myself or with my other 
three previous teammates.”

Kohel finished eighth out of 12 teams
 with a score of 77 out of 100 points and made her school proud, 
according to Jessica Stec, the principal at Morrill High.

“I think going out there really 
speaks volumes about the kind of person that she is. And just her 
courage to do something like that by herself,” Stec said. “It’s 
disappointing, for sure, that we didn’t have our squad there. But at the
 same time, that’s not what the focus is. Look what she was able to 
accomplish.”

However, this wasn’t even her first 
event in 24 hours; she competed against South Platte in the sub-district
 basketball game in Ogallala the night before.

Kohel traveled from Morrill to 
Ogallala that Thursday night, losing her last-ever basketball game. 
Shortly following the heartbreak loss, she and her grandparents trekked 
nearly 200 miles to Grand Island for the cheer competition.&nbsp;

“In small schools like this, kids do a
 lot of everything,” Stec said. “I think what Katrina has created here 
is just an opportunity for herself down the road because you don’t see 
many students put forth that much effort into everything the way she 
does.”

Kohel also participates in track and 
choir and played in the school band until the program was cut. After 
graduation this May, Kohel plans to attend the University of Nebraska at
 Kearney to study nursing and join the Air Force.

While her cheer career ended in an unexpected way, she’s happy to have the experience under her belt.

“I was just excited that I didn’t 
have my last opportunity to go to state taken away from me and that I 
was still going to be able to go,” Kohel said.

“Even if you don’t think you can’t do it, just give it a shot. You could surprise yourself,” she said.

Jenna Ebbers is a senior journalism major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678903162124.png" alt="Katrina Kohel, a Morrill High School senior, competed in the Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Competition alone after her fellow teammates quit the team a week and a half prior. COURTESY PHOTO: Donna Wiedeburg" />
 <figcaption>Katrina Kohel, a Morrill High School senior, competed in the Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Competition alone after her fellow teammates quit the team a week and a half prior. COURTESY PHOTO: Donna Wiedeburg</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNA EBBERS <a href="https://nebraskanewsservice.net/state/morrill-cheerleader-makes-national-headlines-for-solo-state-performance/">Nebraska News Service</a>Katrina Kohel traveled over 300 miles
 to represent the Morrill High School Lions at the Nebraska State High 
School Cheer and Dance competition in Grand Island last month – alone.&nbsp;Kohel, a 17-year-old senior, was the 
lone cheerleader on the mats at the Heartland Event Center in Grand 
Island, representing the school she’s cheered for since she was a 
freshman, a town of just over 900 people in Nebraska’s panhandle.&nbsp;However, as the tune of Nicki Minaj’s
 Starships set off the first four portions of her Game Day routine, she 
was no longer alone.Teams from across the state gathered 
to cheer her on as she danced, completed both situational and sideline 
cheers and performed Morrill High’s fight song.“Pretty much the whole stadium was 
involved in my performance, which was really awesome,” Kohel said. “It 
was exciting. There’s no other way to explain it.”Kohel’s family in the stands was 
limited, too. Her parents, Scott and Della Kohel were even further east 
in Omaha, coaching and cheering on her twin brother at the state 
wrestling tournament, where they watched her performance on Facebook 
Live.&nbsp;“I was excited for her to still get 
the opportunity as an individual competitor instead of as a team, but I 
was nervous because she’s not real outspoken a lot of times,” Scott 
Kohel said. “It’s hard to be separated from her accomplishments and not 
be there to celebrate with her.”Since her performance, Kohel has made
 national headlines for her solo appearance at the state competition, 
being featured in the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/solo-cheerleader-katrina-kohel-nebraska-state-cheer-and-dance-championships-89b8a246">Wall Street Journal</a>, <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/02/28/hs-cheerleader-competes-solo-in-states-after-entire-squad-quits/">The New York Post</a>, <a href="https://people.com/sports/nebraska-cheerleader-competes-solo-after-teammates-quit/">People Magazine</a>, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/03/02/nebraska-cheerleader-solo-alone/">Washington Post</a> and more.The cheer squad originally had three 
other girls on it until they all left the team for personal reasons 
around a week and a half before state, leaving only Kohel.&nbsp;While Kohel said she isn’t normally 
an outgoing person, and despite early self-doubts, she chose to stick 
with it and finish her final cheer season.&nbsp;“I knew that I had the support behind
 me,” she said. “And I knew that even though it was a long trip, I had 
it, and it was okay.”Once the other three left, the game 
plan was forced to change. Kohel couldn’t perform the same routine by 
herself – stunts and certain moves had to be removed. With only over a 
week to work with, Kohel woke up at 6:45 a.m. every day leading up to 
the state competition to practice the modified routine with her coach. 
By performance time that Friday evening, she had it down and relied 
purely on muscle memory.&nbsp;“Once I was actually on the floor 
getting ready to perform, my mind was just blank. It was just pure 
excitement and just knowing that I was ready,” Kohel said. “I could do 
it blindfolded, honestly.”This was Kohel’s third time competing
 at the state cheer competition, and it was her favorite experience 
there, but not because she did it alone.“I think it has more to do with the 
fact that I’ve been a cheerleader for so long, and being able to get out
 there one last time just made it that much more special to me,” Kohel 
said. “It wouldn’t have mattered if I was by myself or with my other 
three previous teammates.”Kohel finished eighth out of 12 teams
 with a score of 77 out of 100 points and made her school proud, 
according to Jessica Stec, the principal at Morrill High.“I think going out there really 
speaks volumes about the kind of person that she is. And just her 
courage to do something like that by herself,” Stec said. “It’s 
disappointing, for sure, that we didn’t have our squad there. But at the
 same time, that’s not what the focus is. Look what she was able to 
accomplish.”However, this wasn’t even her first 
event in 24 hours; she competed against South Platte in the sub-district
 basketball game in Ogallala the night before.Kohel traveled from Morrill to 
Ogallala that Thursday night, losing her last-ever basketball game. 
Shortly following the heartbreak loss, she and her grandparents trekked 
nearly 200 miles to Grand Island for the cheer competition.&nbsp;“In small schools like this, kids do a
 lot of everything,” Stec said. “I think what Katrina has created here 
is just an opportunity for herself down the road because you don’t see 
many students put forth that much effort into everything the way she 
does.”Kohel also participates in track and 
choir and played in the school band until the program was cut. After 
graduation this May, Kohel plans to attend the University of Nebraska at
 Kearney to study nursing and join the Air Force.While her cheer career ended in an unexpected way, she’s happy to have the experience under her belt.“I was just excited that I didn’t 
have my last opportunity to go to state taken away from me and that I 
was still going to be able to go,” Kohel said.“Even if you don’t think you can’t do it, just give it a shot. You could surprise yourself,” she said.Jenna Ebbers is a senior journalism major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Morrill cheerleader makes national headlines for solo performance

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/15/23

KEARNEY — On Saturday, the Kearney Police Department received a report from Kearney
Public Schools of a possible sexual relationship occurring between a student teacher for
Kearney Public Schools and a teen student enrolled in Kearney High School. 

Further
investigation resulted in an arrest warrant for one count of first-degree sexual assault, a class
II felony, being obtained for KeyShaun VanDyke, a 23-year-old Kearney man. VanDyke was
arrested without incident and is currently at the Buffalo County jail.


The incident did not happen on school property or during school hours. The Kearney Police
Department worked closely with Kearney Public Schools officials during the investigation.
Kearney Police Department and Kearney Public Schools are committed to working together to
ensure the safety of all students.


Anyone with any information related to the safety of students is encouraged to contact Kearney
Police Department at 308-237-2104, Buffalo County Crime Stoppers 308-237-3424, or through
the See It Say It Send It App as well as Kearney Public Schools at 308-698-8002.


Kearney Police DepartmentKEARNEY — On Saturday, the Kearney Police Department received a report from Kearney
Public Schools of a possible sexual relationship occurring between a student teacher for
Kearney Public Schools and a teen student enrolled in Kearney High School. Further
investigation resulted in an arrest warrant for one count of first-degree sexual assault, a class
II felony, being obtained for KeyShaun VanDyke, a 23-year-old Kearney man. VanDyke was
arrested without incident and is currently at the Buffalo County jail.
The incident did not happen on school property or during school hours. The Kearney Police
Department worked closely with Kearney Public Schools officials during the investigation.
Kearney Police Department and Kearney Public Schools are committed to working together to
ensure the safety of all students.
Anyone with any information related to the safety of students is encouraged to contact Kearney
Police Department at 308-237-2104, Buffalo County Crime Stoppers 308-237-3424, or through
the See It Say It Send It App as well as Kearney Public Schools at 308-698-8002.

Kearney man arrested after sex assault investigation

By Alliance Police Department&nbsp;

P202300147 13:02 FOUND : FOUND FOUND JUVENILE BOYS BIKE IN THE 500 BLOCK OF SWEETWATER AVE / BIKE WAS BROUGHT TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT / Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300148 16:03 JUV : JUVENILE Toddler located in the 900 block of Emerson Avenue unattended. The guardians were located and a female charged for child neglect. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300149 10:15 LOST : LOST Female reported a prescribed medication went missing this past week. Female is not sure if it was misplaced or stolen. Female wanted this documented. Informational

P202300150 17:49 WARRANT : ARREST WHILE ATTENDING ANOTHER CALL FOR SERVICE OFFICERS OBSERVED A FEMALE WHO WAS KNOWN TO HAVE AN ACTIVE WARRANT / THE FEMALE WAS TAKEN INTO\ CUSTODY AND TRANSPORTED TO THE BBC JAIL / Closed - Resolved

P202300151 20:40 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Report of an assault on a child in the 1600 block of Countryside Ln // Investigation was conducted // Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300152 22:52 ASSAULT : ASSAULT dispatched to residence at 920 Box Butte Avenue reference a possible child abuse. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300157 13:53 DISTURBANCE-VERBAL Officers responded to a disturbance at Tower Apartments. Management advised that a male had disturbed Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300158 07:20 THEFT : THEFT Alliance Community Bike was reported to have potentially stolen. The matter was investigated and the bike located out in the county on Highway 385. The bike was returned into the city limits and will be put back into circulation with the remainder of the community bikes. Closed - Resolved

P202300159 08:21 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Alliance Knight Museum/ Graffiti vandalism on main building/ Case suspended and inactivated Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300160 09:00 FOUND : FOUND Alliance Police Station/ Lost cell phone turned into station/ Stored for safekeeping/ Case inactivated and suspended/ Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300161 20:49 THEFT : THEFT officers responded to the 500 block of E 3rd ST in reference to a theft/ investigation was conducted/ charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300161 20:49 THEFT : THEFT officers responded to the 500 block of E 3rd ST in reference to a theft/ investigation was conducted/ charges recommended Open - Under Investigation

P202300163 18:24 THEFT : THEFT Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300164 10:48 THEFT : THEFT Open - Under Investigation

P202300165 10:49 AOA : ASSIST OTHER Internet Crime/ DHHS Investigation and Alliance Police Department joint investigation regarding crimes against children/ Open and under investigation Open - Under Investigation

P202300166 14:26 HARASS : Harassment by Female reported that a male had been harassing her for years through an electronic device. Female stated that the male has been making some threats and using obscene language and suggested obscene acts. Male was charged. Closed - Charges&nbsp;&nbsp;Recommended

By Alliance Police Department&nbsp;03/05/23P202300147 13:02 FOUND : FOUND FOUND JUVENILE BOYS BIKE IN THE 500 BLOCK OF SWEETWATER AVE / BIKE WAS BROUGHT TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT / Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300148 16:03 JUV : JUVENILE Toddler located in the 900 block of Emerson Avenue unattended. The guardians were located and a female charged for child neglect. Closed - Charges Recommended03/05/23 Total: 203/06/23P202300149 10:15 LOST : LOST Female reported a prescribed medication went missing this past week. Female is not sure if it was misplaced or stolen. Female wanted this documented. InformationalP202300150 17:49 WARRANT : ARREST WHILE ATTENDING ANOTHER CALL FOR SERVICE OFFICERS OBSERVED A FEMALE WHO WAS KNOWN TO HAVE AN ACTIVE WARRANT / THE FEMALE WAS TAKEN INTO\ CUSTODY AND TRANSPORTED TO THE BBC JAIL / Closed - ResolvedP202300151 20:40 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Report of an assault on a child in the 1600 block of Countryside Ln // Investigation was conducted // Charges recommended Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300152 22:52 ASSAULT : ASSAULT dispatched to residence at 920 Box Butte Avenue reference a possible child abuse. Closed - Charges Recommended03/06/23 Total: 403/07/23P202300157 13:53 DISTURBANCE-VERBAL Officers responded to a disturbance at Tower Apartments. Management advised that a male had disturbed Closed - Charges Recommended03/07/23 Total: 103/08/23P202300158 07:20 THEFT : THEFT Alliance Community Bike was reported to have potentially stolen. The matter was investigated and the bike located out in the county on Highway 385. The bike was returned into the city limits and will be put back into circulation with the remainder of the community bikes. Closed - ResolvedP202300159 08:21 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Alliance Knight Museum/ Graffiti vandalism on main building/ Case suspended and inactivated Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300160 09:00 FOUND : FOUND Alliance Police Station/ Lost cell phone turned into station/ Stored for safekeeping/ Case inactivated and suspended/ Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300161 20:49 THEFT : THEFT officers responded to the 500 block of E 3rd ST in reference to a theft/ investigation was conducted/ charges recommended Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300161 20:49 THEFT : THEFT officers responded to the 500 block of E 3rd ST in reference to a theft/ investigation was conducted/ charges recommended Open - Under Investigation03/08/23 Total: 503/09/23P202300163 18:24 THEFT : THEFT Closed - Charges Recommended03/09/23 Total: 103/10/23P202300164 10:48 THEFT : THEFT Open - Under InvestigationP202300165 10:49 AOA : ASSIST OTHER Internet Crime/ DHHS Investigation and Alliance Police Department joint investigation regarding crimes against children/ Open and under investigation Open - Under Investigation03/10/23 Total: 203/11/23P202300166 14:26 HARASS : Harassment by Female reported that a male had been harassing her for years through an electronic device. Female stated that the male has been making some threats and using obscene language and suggested obscene acts. Male was charged. Closed - Charges&nbsp;&nbsp;Recommended03/11/23 Total: 1Total Records: 16

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

Did you know that when you fill your gas tank, you're paying taxes that aren't sales taxes? How about when you buy a pack of smokes? Or a six-pack of beer? An airline ticket? A motel room? Your cell phone plan?

An excise tax is a tax directly levied on certain goods by our state or federal governments. Nebraska collects an average of $350 in yearly excise taxes per capita, per Tax-Rates.org. The excise tax is a regressive tax, meaning low-income people pay a much higher rate of their total income to support government through this tax. The major items being taxed, gasoline, alcohol, and cigarettes, also tend to be purchased more by low-income people, so most would pay even more.

The excise tax is considered an indirect tax, meaning that the producer or seller who pays the levy to the government is expected to raise the price paid by the buyer of the goods. Since the tax has already been added to the price, most of us are not aware that we've even paid it.

Many excise taxes go into trust funds for projects related to the taxed product or service. Gas tax, for example, is used for highway construction. We pay 25.6¢ per gallon for gas tax. There are several more excise taxes related to petroleum products.

Some of the others are called "sin taxes," because legislators hope that raising the price will lower the amount sold. The Nebraska cigarette tax raises the price of a pack of 20 by 64¢. Our excise tax on beer is 32¢ per gallon; wine is 95¢ per gallon, and liquor is $3.75 per gallon. Some states also charge excise taxes on marijuana and gambling.

Nebraska charges a cell phone tax in the plan you pay to your service provider. Tax-rates.org says that our excise tax on cell phone plans is the highest in the nation, averaging $18.64 per plan per month.

Our motels collect lodging or occupation taxes, and the money is designed to be used for tourism. We pay taxes on our insurance premiums. There is a tax called the Corporation Occupation tax, which businesses must pay to operate in Nebraska or in certain communities.

The fees we pay for government services are generally counted as excise taxes. This includes motor vehicle registration fees, campsite rental fees, marriage license fees, court filing fees, and any other fees charged by government entities.

The IRS says that federal excise taxes are paid on imported goods, fuel, airline tickets, heavy trucks and highway tractors, indoor tanning, tires, tobacco and other goods and services.

The first taxes charged in America were excise taxes. And excise taxes caused the first violent protest against our new government. In 1791 President George Washington enacted a tax on "spirits distilled within the United States." Farmers in western Pennsylvania raised corn, rye, and other grains. Shipping this harvest east created problems because of poor roads and lack of storage facilities. Most grain was converted into alcohol, which was much easier to transport. By 1794, the Whiskey Rebellion threatened the stability of the United States. President Washington personally led the United States militia westward to stop the rebels, and several were charged with treason.

Excise taxes on a variety of products and imported goods continued to be the primary way used to fund the federal government until an income tax was passed during the Civil War and made permanent by the 16th Amendment to the Constitution in 1913.

Next time you wonder why the price of something is so high, remember that you may be paying not only for the good, but also for the tax.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityDid you know that when you fill your gas tank, you're paying taxes that aren't sales taxes? How about when you buy a pack of smokes? Or a six-pack of beer? An airline ticket? A motel room? Your cell phone plan?An excise tax is a tax directly levied on certain goods by our state or federal governments. Nebraska collects an average of $350 in yearly excise taxes per capita, per Tax-Rates.org. The excise tax is a regressive tax, meaning low-income people pay a much higher rate of their total income to support government through this tax. The major items being taxed, gasoline, alcohol, and cigarettes, also tend to be purchased more by low-income people, so most would pay even more.The excise tax is considered an indirect tax, meaning that the producer or seller who pays the levy to the government is expected to raise the price paid by the buyer of the goods. Since the tax has already been added to the price, most of us are not aware that we've even paid it.Many excise taxes go into trust funds for projects related to the taxed product or service. Gas tax, for example, is used for highway construction. We pay 25.6¢ per gallon for gas tax. There are several more excise taxes related to petroleum products.Some of the others are called "sin taxes," because legislators hope that raising the price will lower the amount sold. The Nebraska cigarette tax raises the price of a pack of 20 by 64¢. Our excise tax on beer is 32¢ per gallon; wine is 95¢ per gallon, and liquor is $3.75 per gallon. Some states also charge excise taxes on marijuana and gambling.Nebraska charges a cell phone tax in the plan you pay to your service provider. Tax-rates.org says that our excise tax on cell phone plans is the highest in the nation, averaging $18.64 per plan per month.Our motels collect lodging or occupation taxes, and the money is designed to be used for tourism. We pay taxes on our insurance premiums. There is a tax called the Corporation Occupation tax, which businesses must pay to operate in Nebraska or in certain communities.The fees we pay for government services are generally counted as excise taxes. This includes motor vehicle registration fees, campsite rental fees, marriage license fees, court filing fees, and any other fees charged by government entities.The IRS says that federal excise taxes are paid on imported goods, fuel, airline tickets, heavy trucks and highway tractors, indoor tanning, tires, tobacco and other goods and services.The first taxes charged in America were excise taxes. And excise taxes caused the first violent protest against our new government. In 1791 President George Washington enacted a tax on "spirits distilled within the United States." Farmers in western Pennsylvania raised corn, rye, and other grains. Shipping this harvest east created problems because of poor roads and lack of storage facilities. Most grain was converted into alcohol, which was much easier to transport. By 1794, the Whiskey Rebellion threatened the stability of the United States. President Washington personally led the United States militia westward to stop the rebels, and several were charged with treason.Excise taxes on a variety of products and imported goods continued to be the primary way used to fund the federal government until an income tax was passed during the Civil War and made permanent by the 16th Amendment to the Constitution in 1913.Next time you wonder why the price of something is so high, remember that you may be paying not only for the good, but also for the tax.

Getting Ahead: Excise taxes

Alliance – The City of Alliance is excited to announce our acceptance of the NDEE (Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy) Tire Amnesty Grant again this year! This grant funding allows us to partner with Keep Alliance Beautiful and Nebraska Department of Roads to provide Box Butte County residents the ability to recycle tires free of charge.

This year’s event will be held at the City of Alliance Landfill, located at 1441 Kansas Street from Friday, March 31st - Friday, April 21st. Hours of operation will be Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Saturday, 8:00am - 3:00pm, Closed Sunday.

Since we met our limit so quickly last year, we will be allowing drop-offs according to the schedule below.

· 2-axle vehicles only - March 31st - April 7th

· 4-axle vehicles only - April 7th - April 14th

This year’s event is limited to Box Butte County residents only. There will be no charge for tires for the public during this time. No tires will be accepted from participants who have accepted fees to accumulate tires. Tires must be removed from their rims before being accepted. Amnesty will be discontinued after our qualified limit has been reached.

We were fortunate to receive an increased amount of funding this year, allowing us to collect an estimated 800 tons’ vs the 500 tons were able to collect last year.

For more information about this event, please contact the Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The City of Alliance is excited to announce our acceptance of the NDEE (Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy) Tire Amnesty Grant again this year! This grant funding allows us to partner with Keep Alliance Beautiful and Nebraska Department of Roads to provide Box Butte County residents the ability to recycle tires free of charge.This year’s event will be held at the City of Alliance Landfill, located at 1441 Kansas Street from Friday, March 31st - Friday, April 21st. Hours of operation will be Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Saturday, 8:00am - 3:00pm, Closed Sunday.Since we met our limit so quickly last year, we will be allowing drop-offs according to the schedule below.· 2-axle vehicles only - March 31st - April 7th· 4-axle vehicles only - April 7th - April 14th· Open to all - April 14th - April 21stThis year’s event is limited to Box Butte County residents only. There will be no charge for tires for the public during this time. No tires will be accepted from participants who have accepted fees to accumulate tires. Tires must be removed from their rims before being accepted. Amnesty will be discontinued after our qualified limit has been reached.We were fortunate to receive an increased amount of funding this year, allowing us to collect an estimated 800 tons’ vs the 500 tons were able to collect last year.For more information about this event, please contact the Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

KAB, City of Alliance partner together for tire amnesty event 

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Chadron State College’s 11th&nbsp;annual The Big Event (TBE) will take place April 15, according to TBE Graduate Assistant Kinsey Smith of Windsor, Colorado. The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon, originating on campus and then fanning out in the community.

Jobsite Assistant Kamilla Montenegro of Las Vegas said The Big Event is a student-led day of community service when CSC students, faculty, and staff volunteer at job sites in Chadron.

“It's a whole day dedicated to connecting the college with the community to demonstrate our gratitude for the people and the community of Chadron,” Montenegro said.

<a href="http://www.csc.edu/thebigevent" target="_blank">Online registration</a>&nbsp;for job site applications opened March 1 and will close March 31. Volunteer registration also opened March 1&nbsp;and will close April 7.

The Big Event typically has 400 volunteers that serve at about 50 job sites.

“We respond to jobsite applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. It's a fairly simple application process. We just ask for a description of the help and number of volunteers needed,” Smith said. “We're really excited for another big event this year and making it bigger every year. If you just want a little bit of help that day, it's our way to say, ‘thank you’ to the community.”

The teams can help at public parks or clean, sort, paint, or organize inside public businesses, museums, or buildings that house non-profit organizations.

“TBE volunteers are not allowed to enter private residences, use power tools or climb on ladders, for safety reasons. Anybody who wants us to paint fences, rake leaves, pick up branches or trash, we're looking for jobs like that,” Smith said.

“In 1982, at Texas A&amp;M University, a couple of students decided they wanted to give back to the community and they made it an annual thing. Then it spread across the country and even internationally. Today, more than 125 colleges and universities around the world host The Big Event,” Montenegro said.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Chadron State College’s 11th&nbsp;annual The Big Event (TBE) will take place April 15, according to TBE Graduate Assistant Kinsey Smith of Windsor, Colorado. The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon, originating on campus and then fanning out in the community.Jobsite Assistant Kamilla Montenegro of Las Vegas said The Big Event is a student-led day of community service when CSC students, faculty, and staff volunteer at job sites in Chadron.“It's a whole day dedicated to connecting the college with the community to demonstrate our gratitude for the people and the community of Chadron,” Montenegro said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678842335854.jpeg" alt="Volunteers from the Chadron State College men's and women's wrestling teams pose at Camp Norwesca where they helped clean, organize materials, and haul trash during 10th annual The Big Event April 9, 2022. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers from the Chadron State College men's and women's wrestling teams pose at Camp Norwesca where they helped clean, organize materials, and haul trash during 10th annual The Big Event April 9, 2022. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://www.csc.edu/thebigevent" target="_blank">Online registration</a>&nbsp;for job site applications opened March 1 and will close March 31. Volunteer registration also opened March 1&nbsp;and will close April 7.The Big Event typically has 400 volunteers that serve at about 50 job sites.“We respond to jobsite applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. It's a fairly simple application process. We just ask for a description of the help and number of volunteers needed,” Smith said. “We're really excited for another big event this year and making it bigger every year. If you just want a little bit of help that day, it's our way to say, ‘thank you’ to the community.”The teams can help at public parks or clean, sort, paint, or organize inside public businesses, museums, or buildings that house non-profit organizations.“TBE volunteers are not allowed to enter private residences, use power tools or climb on ladders, for safety reasons. Anybody who wants us to paint fences, rake leaves, pick up branches or trash, we're looking for jobs like that,” Smith said.The event originated in Texas.“In 1982, at Texas A&amp;M University, a couple of students decided they wanted to give back to the community and they made it an annual thing. Then it spread across the country and even internationally. Today, more than 125 colleges and universities around the world host The Big Event,” Montenegro said.

The Big Event enters its second decade in Chadron 

Classes offered in seven locations throughout state for teens

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Teens
 14 or 15 years of age who work on farms, or others who are interested 
in learning about tractor and farm equipment safety practices, can 
register for a safety training
 course offered at seven locations across Nebraska from May 22 through 
June 8.

The
 course is sponsored by the University of Nebraska Extension and the 
Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the 
University of Nebraska Medical Center
 College of Public Health.

Students
 will complete the first day of the course by attending a hands-on event
 at one of two locations or online through the eXtension Foundation 
Campus website. The hands-on
 events will occur on May 22 in North Platte and May 30 in Grand Island.
 After completing the hands-on event or the online course and testing, 
the required driving test will be offered at seven locations across 
Nebraska from May 23 through June 8.

Federal
 law prohibits children under 16 from using specific equipment on a farm
 unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, 
certification received through
 the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds
 to drive a tractor and to do field work with specific mechanized 
equipment.

Aaron
 Yoder, PhD, associate professor at the UNMC College of Public Health, 
reports that a common cause of agricultural-related injuries and deaths 
in Nebraska is overturned
 tractors and ATVs and equipment entanglements. He emphasized that this 
course trains students to avoid these incidents and many other hazards 
on the farm and ranch.

The
 hands-on event and the online course will cover the required elements 
of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program, including 
quizzes that students must
 pass to attend the driving portion of the training. Once a student is 
registered, the coordinators will send instructions, materials, course 
paperwork and a link to the online course if they do not attend one of 
the two hands-on events.

The
 onsite driving training and exam will include a driving test, equipment
 operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence 
in hitching and unhitching
 equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized 
course. Instructors also will offer education on emergency preparedness,
 personal protective equipment, and safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, 
utility-task vehicles (UTVs) and other off-road
 vehicles (ORVs).

Instructors
 for the course are members of the Central States Center for 
Agricultural Safety and Health: Aaron Yoder, PhD, Ellen Duysen, MPH, 
Risto Rautiainen, PhD, and graduate
 student Sarah Tucker; and Nebraska Extension educators Randy Saner, Ron
 Seymour and John Thomas.

The
 course costs $35 and includes educational materials and supplies. 
Participants can pay at the time of registration or before the driving 
exam. Only checks and cash are
 accepted.

Hands-on training, driving dates, site locations and site coordinator contact information are below.

Hands-On Safety&nbsp;Days
 (If not attending a Hands-On Safety Day, online course must be completed).

Contacts: Randy Saner&nbsp;(<a href="mailto:randy.saner@unl.edu" target="_blank">randy.saner@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;and
 Vicki Neidhardt (<a href="mailto:vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu" target="_blank">vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;308.532.2683

Contacts: Randy Saner (<a href="mailto:randy.saner@unl.edu" target="_blank">randy.saner@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;and
 Vicki Neidhardt (<a href="mailto:vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu" target="_blank">vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;308.532.2683

Contacts: John Thomas (<a href="mailto:jthomas2@unl.edu" target="_blank">jthomas2@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;or
 Stacy Brown (<a href="mailto:sbrown7@unl.edu" target="_blank">sbrown7@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;308.632.1480

Contact: Debra Walnofer (<a href="mailto:dwalnofer2@unl.edu" target="_blank">dwalnofer2@unl.edu</a>)
 at&nbsp;402.336.2760

Contact: Ron Seymour (<a href="mailto:ron.seymour@unl.edu" target="_blank">ron.seymour@unl.edu</a>)
 at&nbsp;402.461.7209

Contact: Mary Jo Lueckenhoff (<a href="mailto:mlueckenhoff1@unl.edu" target="_blank">mlueckenhoff1@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;or
 Melissa Hagemeister (<a href="mailto:mhagemeister5@unl.edu" target="_blank">mhagemeister5@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;402.372.6006

Contact: Sandy Prall (<a href="mailto:sprall2@unl.edu" target="_blank">sprall2@unl.edu</a>)
 at&nbsp;402.267.2205

<a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/lincolnmcpherson/Tractor%20Safety%20Flier%202023.pdf" target="_blank">Link to Registration Form</a>

If you have questions, please contact the administrator listed above at your driving site or contact Ellen Duysen
 at <a href="mailto:ellen.duysen@unmc.edu" target="_blank">ellen.duysen@unmc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678802917281.png" alt="Instructors for the course are members of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Instructors for the course are members of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Classes offered in seven locations throughout state for teens</h2>University of Nebraska Medical CenterTeens
 14 or 15 years of age who work on farms, or others who are interested 
in learning about tractor and farm equipment safety practices, can 
register for a safety training
 course offered at seven locations across Nebraska from May 22 through 
June 8.The
 course is sponsored by the University of Nebraska Extension and the 
Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the 
University of Nebraska Medical Center
 College of Public Health.Students
 will complete the first day of the course by attending a hands-on event
 at one of two locations or online through the eXtension Foundation 
Campus website. The hands-on
 events will occur on May 22 in North Platte and May 30 in Grand Island.
 After completing the hands-on event or the online course and testing, 
the required driving test will be offered at seven locations across 
Nebraska from May 23 through June 8.Federal
 law prohibits children under 16 from using specific equipment on a farm
 unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, 
certification received through
 the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds
 to drive a tractor and to do field work with specific mechanized 
equipment.Aaron
 Yoder, PhD, associate professor at the UNMC College of Public Health, 
reports that a common cause of agricultural-related injuries and deaths 
in Nebraska is overturned
 tractors and ATVs and equipment entanglements. He emphasized that this 
course trains students to avoid these incidents and many other hazards 
on the farm and ranch.The
 hands-on event and the online course will cover the required elements 
of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program, including 
quizzes that students must
 pass to attend the driving portion of the training. Once a student is 
registered, the coordinators will send instructions, materials, course 
paperwork and a link to the online course if they do not attend one of 
the two hands-on events.The
 onsite driving training and exam will include a driving test, equipment
 operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence 
in hitching and unhitching
 equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized 
course. Instructors also will offer education on emergency preparedness,
 personal protective equipment, and safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, 
utility-task vehicles (UTVs) and other off-road
 vehicles (ORVs).Instructors
 for the course are members of the Central States Center for 
Agricultural Safety and Health: Aaron Yoder, PhD, Ellen Duysen, MPH, 
Risto Rautiainen, PhD, and graduate
 student Sarah Tucker; and Nebraska Extension educators Randy Saner, Ron
 Seymour and John Thomas.The
 course costs $35 and includes educational materials and supplies. 
Participants can pay at the time of registration or before the driving 
exam. Only checks and cash are
 accepted.Hands-on training, driving dates, site locations and site coordinator contact information are below.Hands-On Safety&nbsp;Days
 (If not attending a Hands-On Safety Day, online course must be completed).<ul>
 <li>
May 22 – Lincoln County Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Rd., North Platte, Nebraska</li>
 </ul>
Contacts: Randy Saner&nbsp;(<a href="mailto:randy.saner@unl.edu" target="_blank">randy.saner@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;and
 Vicki Neidhardt (<a href="mailto:vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu" target="_blank">vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;308.532.2683<ul>
 <li>
May 30 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Rd., Grand Island</li>
 </ul>
Contacts: Randy Saner (<a href="mailto:randy.saner@unl.edu" target="_blank">randy.saner@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;and
 Vicki Neidhardt (<a href="mailto:vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu" target="_blank">vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;308.532.2683Tractor Driving Days<ul>
 <li>
May 23 – Lincoln County Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Rd., North Platte</li>
 </ul>
Contacts: Randy Saner (<a href="mailto:randy.saner@unl.edu" target="_blank">randy.saner@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;and
 Vicki Neidhardt (<a href="mailto:vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu" target="_blank">vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;308.532.2683<ul>
 <li>
May 31 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Rd., Grand Island</li>
 </ul>
Contacts: Randy Saner (<a href="mailto:randy.saner@unl.edu" target="_blank">randy.saner@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;and
 Vicki Neidhardt (<a href="mailto:vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu" target="_blank">vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;308.532.2683<ul>
 <li>
June 1 – Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering</li>
 </ul>
Contacts: John Thomas (<a href="mailto:jthomas2@unl.edu" target="_blank">jthomas2@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;or
 Stacy Brown (<a href="mailto:sbrown7@unl.edu" target="_blank">sbrown7@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;308.632.1480<ul>
 <li>
June 2 – AKRS Equipment, 49110 US Hwy 20 in O’Neill</li>
 </ul>
Contact: Debra Walnofer (<a href="mailto:dwalnofer2@unl.edu" target="_blank">dwalnofer2@unl.edu</a>)
 at&nbsp;402.336.2760<ul>
 <li>
June 6 - Adams County Extension, 2975 South Baltimore Ave., Hastings</li>
 </ul>
Contact: Ron Seymour (<a href="mailto:ron.seymour@unl.edu" target="_blank">ron.seymour@unl.edu</a>)
 at&nbsp;402.461.7209<ul>
 <li>
June 7 - Cuming County Fairgrounds, W. Washington St., West Point</li>
 </ul>
Contact: Mary Jo Lueckenhoff (<a href="mailto:mlueckenhoff1@unl.edu" target="_blank">mlueckenhoff1@unl.edu</a>)&nbsp;or
 Melissa Hagemeister (<a href="mailto:mhagemeister5@unl.edu" target="_blank">mhagemeister5@unl.edu</a>) at&nbsp;402.372.6006<ul>
 <li>
June 8 – Cass County Fairgrounds, 8400 144th St, Weeping Water</li>
 </ul>
Contact: Sandy Prall (<a href="mailto:sprall2@unl.edu" target="_blank">sprall2@unl.edu</a>)
 at&nbsp;402.267.2205<a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/lincolnmcpherson/Tractor%20Safety%20Flier%202023.pdf" target="_blank">Link to Registration Form</a>If you have questions, please contact the administrator listed above at your driving site or contact Ellen Duysen
 at <a href="mailto:ellen.duysen@unmc.edu" target="_blank">ellen.duysen@unmc.edu</a>.

Tractor, farm equipment safety course open for registration

A public informational meeting about the walleye fishery at Lake McConaughy will be March 27. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Mountain time at the Lake McConaughy Visitors and Water Interpretive Center.

The topics Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff will discuss include fisheries management, ongoing research, angler survey results, and plans for 2023.

This session will provide a chance for questions, dialogue and feedback.

The visitor center is located one-quarter mile south of Kingsley Dam on Highway 61.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579031084319.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Game and ParksA public informational meeting about the walleye fishery at Lake McConaughy will be March 27. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Mountain time at the Lake McConaughy Visitors and Water Interpretive Center.The topics Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff will discuss include fisheries management, ongoing research, angler survey results, and plans for 2023.This session will provide a chance for questions, dialogue and feedback.The visitor center is located one-quarter mile south of Kingsley Dam on Highway 61.&nbsp;

Lake McConaughy walleye the focus of March public meeting

LINCOLN —
 Nebraska State Troopers removed from the road 23 impaired drivers 
during this year’s NSAA state basketball tournaments, thanks in part to a
 special enforcement effort including troopers
 across the state. 

During the two weekends of state basketball in Lincoln, troopers across the state arrested 23 people for driving under the
 influence. Troopers also stopped 36 drivers for speeding at 100 miles per hour or more.


“Congratulations
 to all the teams who claimed state titles, and to all the teams that 
made it to state this year,” said Colonel
 John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’d like to
 thank all the teams and their fans for helping to keep Nebraska roads 
safe during the busy travel weekends.”


In
 addition to the 23 people arrested for driving under the influence, 
troopers issued citations for speeding (710), open
 alcohol container (22), driving under suspension (53), no seat belt 
(13), improper child restraint (13), and minor in possession (11). 
Troopers also assisted 311 motorists in need of help on the road during 
the two weekends.

The two campaigns ran from March 1 through March 4 and March 8 through March 11. This effort was made possible thanks in
 part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.


NSPLINCOLN —
 Nebraska State Troopers removed from the road 23 impaired drivers 
during this year’s NSAA state basketball tournaments, thanks in part to a
 special enforcement effort including troopers
 across the state. During the two weekends of state basketball in Lincoln, troopers across the state arrested 23 people for driving under the
 influence. Troopers also stopped 36 drivers for speeding at 100 miles per hour or more.
“Congratulations
 to all the teams who claimed state titles, and to all the teams that 
made it to state this year,” said Colonel
 John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’d like to
 thank all the teams and their fans for helping to keep Nebraska roads 
safe during the busy travel weekends.”
In
 addition to the 23 people arrested for driving under the influence, 
troopers issued citations for speeding (710), open
 alcohol container (22), driving under suspension (53), no seat belt 
(13), improper child restraint (13), and minor in possession (11). 
Troopers also assisted 311 motorists in need of help on the road during 
the two weekends.The two campaigns ran from March 1 through March 4 and March 8 through March 11. This effort was made possible thanks in
 part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Troopers arrest 23 impaired drivers during state basketball

LINCOLN — Nebraska State Troopers removed from the road 23 impaired drivers during this year’s NSAA State Basketball tournaments, thanks in part to a special enforcement effort including troopers across the state.

During the two weekends of state basketball in Lincoln, troopers across the state arrested 23 people for driving under the influence. Troopers also stopped 36 drivers for speeding at 100 miles per hour or more.

“Congratulations&nbsp;to all the teams who claimed state titles, and to all the teams that made it to state this year,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’d like to thank all the teams and their fans for helping to keep Nebraska roads safe during the busy travel weekends.”

In addition to the 23 people arrested for driving under the influence, troopers issued citations for speeding (710), open alcohol container (22), driving under suspension (53), no seat belt (13), improper child restraint (13), and minor in possession (11). Troopers also assisted 311 motorists in need of help on the road during the two weekends.

The two campaigns ran from March 1 through March 4 and March 8 through March 11. This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

By NSPLINCOLN — Nebraska State Troopers removed from the road 23 impaired drivers during this year’s NSAA State Basketball tournaments, thanks in part to a special enforcement effort including troopers across the state.During the two weekends of state basketball in Lincoln, troopers across the state arrested 23 people for driving under the influence. Troopers also stopped 36 drivers for speeding at 100 miles per hour or more.“Congratulations&nbsp;to all the teams who claimed state titles, and to all the teams that made it to state this year,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’d like to thank all the teams and their fans for helping to keep Nebraska roads safe during the busy travel weekends.”In addition to the 23 people arrested for driving under the influence, troopers issued citations for speeding (710), open alcohol container (22), driving under suspension (53), no seat belt (13), improper child restraint (13), and minor in possession (11). Troopers also assisted 311 motorists in need of help on the road during the two weekends.The two campaigns ran from March 1 through March 4 and March 8 through March 11. This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Karen Benzel discusses the successful annual United Way fundraising campaign.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=n6td2-13b7f6b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Karen Benzel discusses the successful annual United Way fundraising campaign.

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;Today,&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after the consumer price index showed “<a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/inflation-rose-february-prices-remain-stubbornly-high" target="_blank">stubbornly high</a>” inflation:&nbsp;

“Rising costs of living continue to hurt Nebraskans. Despite this, President Biden is tripling down on his failed policies. Just last week, he proposed raising taxes and even more needless spending. The trillions of dollars he’s blown through these past two years caused this never-ending inflation. Hard-working Americans are struggling. Necessities are costing hundreds of extra dollars a month. We cannot keep adding fuel to this already raging fire.”

By Office of Sen. Pete RickettsWASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;Today,&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after the consumer price index showed “<a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/inflation-rose-february-prices-remain-stubbornly-high" target="_blank">stubbornly high</a>” inflation:&nbsp;“Rising costs of living continue to hurt Nebraskans. Despite this, President Biden is tripling down on his failed policies. Just last week, he proposed raising taxes and even more needless spending. The trillions of dollars he’s blown through these past two years caused this never-ending inflation. Hard-working Americans are struggling. Necessities are costing hundreds of extra dollars a month. We cannot keep adding fuel to this already raging fire.”

Ricketts comments on latest inflation report

The Alliance Police Department is asking the public for feedback.

An online community survey, developed by the U.S. Department of Justice, <a href="https://alliance-ne.civilspace.io/en/projects/community-survey/engagements/community-survey-2023/sections/1?fbclid=IwAR14aziTkLcYVn-yjEDdM1EX2JMwFVntRx1DwWImgVi47CBg2eyCuLImcMg">can be found here</a>.

"Thank you for being such a valuable part of our community and for being you. We need to know how we are doing and how you feel about what we are doing to provide the best service possible," said Police Chief Philip Lukens. "Please take the time to give your honest opinion and tell others to do so as well. We will compile these results and provide them in the upcoming 2023 Strategic Plan. You will also help us set our priorities for 2023. Thanks for being part of the best hometown in America."

Panhandle PostThe Alliance Police Department is asking the public for feedback.An online community survey, developed by the U.S. Department of Justice, <a href="https://alliance-ne.civilspace.io/en/projects/community-survey/engagements/community-survey-2023/sections/1?fbclid=IwAR14aziTkLcYVn-yjEDdM1EX2JMwFVntRx1DwWImgVi47CBg2eyCuLImcMg">can be found here</a>."Thank you for being such a valuable part of our community and for being you. We need to know how we are doing and how you feel about what we are doing to provide the best service possible," said Police Chief Philip Lukens. "Please take the time to give your honest opinion and tell others to do so as well. We will compile these results and provide them in the upcoming 2023 Strategic Plan. You will also help us set our priorities for 2023. Thanks for being part of the best hometown in America."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAlliancePoliceDept%2Fposts%2Fpfbid021iWHebj7K4RSoGYcxGhXjkGavea6oohN4YNef9q9PzDWKt1N6YucwRg6sqdCRCqnl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="502" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Alliance Police Department seeks input from the community

One of government’s primary responsibilities is to keep people safe. Elected officials make laws that keep the peace and protect us from violent criminals. It’s an idea that seems like common sense to an overwhelming majority of us. Yet in recent years, loud voices on the far-left crying “Defund the Police” have pushed policies threatening that most basic role of government.

We saw it firsthand in our nation’s capital. The D.C. Council recently passed a law that would have reduced the punishments for crimes like murder, burglary, and carjacking. They did so just as those very crimes were on the rise. Carjackings rose for the fifth year in a row. For the first time in nearly two decades, D.C. had over 200 murders a year for two years in a row. Common sense tells us that cutting the penalties for these crimes while they’re being committed more often would cause more harm than good.

Now, why does D.C. crime&nbsp;matter&nbsp;or why&nbsp;does&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;have&nbsp;a say in it? The truth is Washington, D.C. belongs to all Americans, including Nebraskans. The Constitution calls for the District to be the “Seat of the Government of the United States.” It’s every American&nbsp;citizen’s&nbsp;right to visit our nation’s capital and engage directly with their representatives. They should be able to do that without fearing their lives because of D.C.’s soft-on-crime policies.

In the short time I’ve served our state in the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Senate, I’ve already met with dozens of Nebraskans in Washington. Students, young families, business owners, firefighters, and Nebraskans from all walks of life come to my office to make their voices heard. As their Senator, I refuse to stand by and let the city they have a constitutional claim to fall to criminals.&nbsp;

Last week, I joined Senators from both parties to stop the D.C. Council’s dangerous new law. President Biden&nbsp;and House Democrats were&nbsp;initially against our efforts. Every American deserves to feel safe not just in their hometown, but&nbsp;all across America. We&nbsp;deserve better leadership than what we have received from President Biden and his far-left allies in Congress.

&nbsp; If liberal cities want to learn how to lower crime, they should look no further than Omaha. Law enforcement’s community engagement efforts have helped reduce the violent crime and homicide rates in my home city of Omaha three years in a row.&nbsp;Nebraska is one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family – in large part because we do not take public safety for granted. In Nebraska, we support men and women in law enforcement, and we vigorously prosecute violent crime.&nbsp;While other states fight over law enforcement funding, we are expanding our Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island so agencies can get officers trained quickly. Our highly trained law enforcement officers do incredible work keeping our neighborhoods safe and we need to make sure that they have all the tools they need to do their jobs with excellence and integrity. &nbsp; Along with Senator Deb Fischer and the rest of my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my staff and I are here to serve you.&nbsp;Contact my team and I anytime&nbsp;by phone at 202-224-4224, on my website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov</a>, or via email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:contactricke@ricketts.senate.gov" target="_blank">contactricke@ricketts.senate.gov</a>.&nbsp;I am humbled and honored to serve our great state and will continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach.

By Office of Sen. Pete RickettsOne of government’s primary responsibilities is to keep people safe. Elected officials make laws that keep the peace and protect us from violent criminals. It’s an idea that seems like common sense to an overwhelming majority of us. Yet in recent years, loud voices on the far-left crying “Defund the Police” have pushed policies threatening that most basic role of government.We saw it firsthand in our nation’s capital. The D.C. Council recently passed a law that would have reduced the punishments for crimes like murder, burglary, and carjacking. They did so just as those very crimes were on the rise. Carjackings rose for the fifth year in a row. For the first time in nearly two decades, D.C. had over 200 murders a year for two years in a row. Common sense tells us that cutting the penalties for these crimes while they’re being committed more often would cause more harm than good.Now, why does D.C. crime&nbsp;matter&nbsp;or why&nbsp;does&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;have&nbsp;a say in it? The truth is Washington, D.C. belongs to all Americans, including Nebraskans. The Constitution calls for the District to be the “Seat of the Government of the United States.” It’s every American&nbsp;citizen’s&nbsp;right to visit our nation’s capital and engage directly with their representatives. They should be able to do that without fearing their lives because of D.C.’s soft-on-crime policies.In the short time I’ve served our state in the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Senate, I’ve already met with dozens of Nebraskans in Washington. Students, young families, business owners, firefighters, and Nebraskans from all walks of life come to my office to make their voices heard. As their Senator, I refuse to stand by and let the city they have a constitutional claim to fall to criminals.&nbsp;Last week, I joined Senators from both parties to stop the D.C. Council’s dangerous new law. President Biden&nbsp;and House Democrats were&nbsp;initially against our efforts. Every American deserves to feel safe not just in their hometown, but&nbsp;all across America. We&nbsp;deserve better leadership than what we have received from President Biden and his far-left allies in Congress.&nbsp; If liberal cities want to learn how to lower crime, they should look no further than Omaha. Law enforcement’s community engagement efforts have helped reduce the violent crime and homicide rates in my home city of Omaha three years in a row.&nbsp;Nebraska is one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family – in large part because we do not take public safety for granted. In Nebraska, we support men and women in law enforcement, and we vigorously prosecute violent crime.&nbsp;While other states fight over law enforcement funding, we are expanding our Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island so agencies can get officers trained quickly. Our highly trained law enforcement officers do incredible work keeping our neighborhoods safe and we need to make sure that they have all the tools they need to do their jobs with excellence and integrity. &nbsp; Along with Senator Deb Fischer and the rest of my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my staff and I are here to serve you.&nbsp;Contact my team and I anytime&nbsp;by phone at 202-224-4224, on my website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov</a>, or via email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:contactricke@ricketts.senate.gov" target="_blank">contactricke@ricketts.senate.gov</a>.&nbsp;I am humbled and honored to serve our great state and will continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach.

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