LINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a man for striking the NSP helicopter with a laser multiple times as it was in flight over the city of Lincoln. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense and any laser strike constitutes an in-flight emergency.

At approximately 10 p.m. Friday, NSP pilots launched from the Lincoln Airport to assist the Lincoln Police Department with an operation. Shortly after launching, while flying west of downtown Lincoln, the pilots reported a laser strike on the helicopter. The pilots immediately reported the laser strike to Lincoln Air Traffic Control.

While searching for the origin location of the laser, the pilots reported additional laser strikes on the helicopter. The pilots were then able to identify the source of the laser, which was a subject walking on a path near Salt Creek, south of West O Street. The pilots directed troopers and LPD officers to the subject’s location.

Troopers located the subject just south of West O Street on the Salt Creek Levee Trail. The subject was found to be in possession of a laser pointer and was taken into custody without incident. 

After consultation with the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, the subject, Lee Cimfel, 42, Lincoln, was lodged in Lancaster County Jail for second degree assault. NSP has reported the laser strike to the Federal Aviation Administration.

NSPLINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a man for striking the NSP helicopter with a laser multiple times as it was in flight over the city of Lincoln. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense and any laser strike constitutes an in-flight emergency.At approximately 10 p.m. Friday, NSP pilots launched from the Lincoln Airport to assist the Lincoln Police Department with an operation. Shortly after launching, while flying west of downtown Lincoln, the pilots reported a laser strike on the helicopter. The pilots immediately reported the laser strike to Lincoln Air Traffic Control.While searching for the origin location of the laser, the pilots reported additional laser strikes on the helicopter. The pilots were then able to identify the source of the laser, which was a subject walking on a path near Salt Creek, south of West O Street. The pilots directed troopers and LPD officers to the subject’s location.Troopers located the subject just south of West O Street on the Salt Creek Levee Trail. The subject was found to be in possession of a laser pointer and was taken into custody without incident. After consultation with the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, the subject, Lee Cimfel, 42, Lincoln, was lodged in Lancaster County Jail for second degree assault. NSP has reported the laser strike to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Troopers arrest Neb. man after laser strike on NSP helicopter

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed Cooper Reichman of 
Chadron State, Olivia McAsey of Peru State and Emma Wilkinson of Wayne 
State to serve as student trustees on the Board of Trustees of the 
Nebraska State College System. They will each serve a one-year term 
(2023-24 academic year) representing state college students.


“The trustees value the insight and 
student perspective these young leaders bring to the board, and it is my
 honor as chair of the board of trustees to welcome the new Student 
Trustees,” said John Chaney, chair of the board of trustees.

Cooper Reichman – Chadron State College Student Trustee Reichman,
 a senior at Chadron State College, is majoring in rangeland wildlife 
management and minoring in community and adventure recreation. He has 
served as a resident advisor, a student senator, Rotaract Club 
president, and CAB representative.&nbsp; When addressing his role as a 
Student Trustee in his application, Cooper stated, “I see no greater 
honor as a student than to serve in the role of student trustee and 
promote the advancement of the Chadron State College and its students.”

Cooper is the son of Jennifer Reichman of Chappell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678724733321.png" alt="Cooper Reichman" />
 <figcaption>Cooper Reichman</figcaption>
 </figure>CSC College RelationsLINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed Cooper Reichman of 
Chadron State, Olivia McAsey of Peru State and Emma Wilkinson of Wayne 
State to serve as student trustees on the Board of Trustees of the 
Nebraska State College System. They will each serve a one-year term 
(2023-24 academic year) representing state college students.
“The trustees value the insight and 
student perspective these young leaders bring to the board, and it is my
 honor as chair of the board of trustees to welcome the new Student 
Trustees,” said John Chaney, chair of the board of trustees.Cooper Reichman – Chadron State College Student Trustee Reichman,
 a senior at Chadron State College, is majoring in rangeland wildlife 
management and minoring in community and adventure recreation. He has 
served as a resident advisor, a student senator, Rotaract Club 
president, and CAB representative.&nbsp; When addressing his role as a 
Student Trustee in his application, Cooper stated, “I see no greater 
honor as a student than to serve in the role of student trustee and 
promote the advancement of the Chadron State College and its students.”Cooper is the son of Jennifer Reichman of Chappell.

Reichman named Chadron State Student Trustee

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/13/23

After a mild and windy start to the work week, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne is predicting a return of wintry weather by Thursday.

The high temperature Tuesday and Wednesday is expected to reach the low- to mid-60s. Winds are expected to be sustained at 10 to 25 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

In the early morning hours Thursday, a cold front will cause the mercury to dive and bring a 40 percent chance of rain changing to snow as the temperature drops. Snow is possible throughout the morning Thursday.

The high on a blustery Thursday is only expected to reach the freezing point, with an overnight low in the mid-teens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678720265933.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a mild and windy start to the work week, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne is predicting a return of wintry weather by Thursday.The high temperature Tuesday and Wednesday is expected to reach the low- to mid-60s. Winds are expected to be sustained at 10 to 25 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.In the early morning hours Thursday, a cold front will cause the mercury to dive and bring a 40 percent chance of rain changing to snow as the temperature drops. Snow is possible throughout the morning Thursday.The high on a blustery Thursday is only expected to reach the freezing point, with an overnight low in the mid-teens.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A great start to the week with warming, above average temps! Temps could make it into the 60s by mid-week! A cold front coming through Wed evening will bring a chance for snow and much colder temps. Below average temps in the 30s are expected for the end of the week. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WYwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WYwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/OZ57UqbatQ">pic.twitter.com/OZ57UqbatQ</a>&mdash; NWS Cheyenne (@NWSCheyenne) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSCheyenne/status/1634963104563097600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Warm start to the week before another cold front arrives

At approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a citizen who found a vehicle stuck on a minimum maintenance road north of 100th and Keystone Road. 

 Deputies were able to locate the vehicle, which was identified as the missing vehicle of the Aurora couple Robert and Loveda Proctor.  Two adults were located deceased in the area of the scene, and preliminary investigation has identified the persons as Robert and Loveda Proctor. 

 Foul play is not suspected.  Autopsies have been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office.   The investigation is ongoing, and includes the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Aurora Police Department and Kearney Police Department. 

 Additional information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Buffalo County Sheriff's OfficeAt approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a citizen who found a vehicle stuck on a minimum maintenance road north of 100th and Keystone Road. Deputies were able to locate the vehicle, which was identified as the missing vehicle of the Aurora couple Robert and Loveda Proctor. Two adults were located deceased in the area of the scene, and preliminary investigation has identified the persons as Robert and Loveda Proctor. Foul play is not suspected. Autopsies have been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, and includes the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Aurora Police Department and Kearney Police Department. Additional information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two Neb. adults found dead at the scene of disabled car

After 40 years as a doctor interacting with patients, in the last two and a half years the tables turned, and I’ve become the patient. Although most are good, I’ve found some doctors are detached, some are too quick, some would rather be somewhere else, some are even angry; but, when a physician who cares walks into the room, and I’m not exaggerating, the day becomes better, the pain becomes less, and hope fills my heart. Scientific knowledge is important, but the ability to convey honest concern, human thoughtfulness and compassion is equal in importance in this healing profession. So, how do we select pre-med students for that, or teach compassion in medical school?

There are studies that show those interested in humanities or taught disciplines that explore how people tick, do better in the compassion department. These disciplines include history, literature, religion, ethics, anthropology, psychology, cultural studies and the arts of theater, film, painting and poetry. Some explain that the humanities give us the very reason to learn science and mathematics.

Several studies support the value of humanities in medicine. Seven hundred medical students were surveyed about their lifetime exposure to the humanities and the results indicated that those who had more humanities knowledge had more empathy, tolerance to ambiguity, resourcefulness, emotional intelligence and less burnout. Another study found that a med student’s ability to recognize diagnostic clues increased by more than 35 percent after taking a visual arts class. Another study found practicing improv theater helped med students learn to prepare for unexpected questions and conversations. A fourth study showed how writing exercises helped med students have foresight into what a patient may be experiencing. Clearly, an exposure to the humanities makes a better doctor.

I believe that care providers who have had a well-rounded humanities education have a better chance of understanding about how it feels to face pain, nausea, loss of bodily functions or even a cancer diagnosis. Those steeped in good literature or art have a better opportunity to tap creative juices to problem solve and tolerate a life that can be ambiguous and unpredictable. Those who are knowledgeable of history, ethics, cultural ways will find it easier to know when it is time to stop aggressive care and move toward comfort.

This is a call for all students to become readers, to find time to enjoy the humanities, to exercise your caring and compassion muscles; so, when you come into the room of a person suffering, it makes their pain less and day better.

Richard P. Holm, MD, passed away in March of 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was founder of The Prairie Doc® and author of “Life’s Final Season, A Guide for Aging and Dying with Grace” available on Amazon. Dr. Holm’s legacy lives on through his Prairie Doc® organization. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit www.prairiedoc.org and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streaming on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. Central.

By the late Richard P. Holm, MD<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678477655278.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After 40 years as a doctor interacting with patients, in the last two and a half years the tables turned, and I’ve become the patient. Although most are good, I’ve found some doctors are detached, some are too quick, some would rather be somewhere else, some are even angry; but, when a physician who cares walks into the room, and I’m not exaggerating, the day becomes better, the pain becomes less, and hope fills my heart. Scientific knowledge is important, but the ability to convey honest concern, human thoughtfulness and compassion is equal in importance in this healing profession. So, how do we select pre-med students for that, or teach compassion in medical school?There are studies that show those interested in humanities or taught disciplines that explore how people tick, do better in the compassion department. These disciplines include history, literature, religion, ethics, anthropology, psychology, cultural studies and the arts of theater, film, painting and poetry. Some explain that the humanities give us the very reason to learn science and mathematics.Several studies support the value of humanities in medicine. Seven hundred medical students were surveyed about their lifetime exposure to the humanities and the results indicated that those who had more humanities knowledge had more empathy, tolerance to ambiguity, resourcefulness, emotional intelligence and less burnout. Another study found that a med student’s ability to recognize diagnostic clues increased by more than 35 percent after taking a visual arts class. Another study found practicing improv theater helped med students learn to prepare for unexpected questions and conversations. A fourth study showed how writing exercises helped med students have foresight into what a patient may be experiencing. Clearly, an exposure to the humanities makes a better doctor.I believe that care providers who have had a well-rounded humanities education have a better chance of understanding about how it feels to face pain, nausea, loss of bodily functions or even a cancer diagnosis. Those steeped in good literature or art have a better opportunity to tap creative juices to problem solve and tolerate a life that can be ambiguous and unpredictable. Those who are knowledgeable of history, ethics, cultural ways will find it easier to know when it is time to stop aggressive care and move toward comfort.This is a call for all students to become readers, to find time to enjoy the humanities, to exercise your caring and compassion muscles; so, when you come into the room of a person suffering, it makes their pain less and day better.Richard P. Holm, MD, passed away in March of 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was founder of The Prairie Doc® and author of “Life’s Final Season, A Guide for Aging and Dying with Grace” available on Amazon. Dr. Holm’s legacy lives on through his Prairie Doc® organization. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit www.prairiedoc.org and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streaming on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. Central.

Prairie Doc Perspectives: Humanities and the Physician

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission&nbsp;

Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in a virtual discussion on fisheries management during meetings March 20-23.

These four regional public informational sessions – one for each Game and Parks district – will provide local updates on the fishing outlook and special projects in respective areas. The informal, interactive gatherings will provide a chance for questions, dialogue and feedback.

The virtual meetings will take place on Zoom, a free app that can be downloaded to a web browser or mobile device. Participants will be encouraged to submit questions using Zoom’s Q&amp;A feature.

The schedule: Southeast District, March 20; Southwest District, March 21; Northeast District, March 22; Northwest District, March 23. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. Central.

All sessions will be recorded and made available on Game and Parks’ YouTube channel for later viewing.

Registration is required and can be completed at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTAuNzMxMTU2NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nZXZlbnRzLyJ9.sK4OZq1v4BvGc6NPQYU0OBtrCbjtw0l2gj1XCGaYfcM/s/497221906/br/155963164893-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishingevents</a>.

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission&nbsp;Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in a virtual discussion on fisheries management during meetings March 20-23.These four regional public informational sessions – one for each Game and Parks district – will provide local updates on the fishing outlook and special projects in respective areas. The informal, interactive gatherings will provide a chance for questions, dialogue and feedback.The virtual meetings will take place on Zoom, a free app that can be downloaded to a web browser or mobile device. Participants will be encouraged to submit questions using Zoom’s Q&amp;A feature.The schedule: Southeast District, March 20; Southwest District, March 21; Northeast District, March 22; Northwest District, March 23. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. Central.All sessions will be recorded and made available on Game and Parks’ YouTube channel for later viewing.Registration is required and can be completed at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTAuNzMxMTU2NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nZXZlbnRzLyJ9.sK4OZq1v4BvGc6NPQYU0OBtrCbjtw0l2gj1XCGaYfcM/s/497221906/br/155963164893-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishingevents</a>.

Join Game and Parks in virtual discussion on fisheries in March

LINCOLN — Each year, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office invites fifth&nbsp;graders from across the state to participate in the&nbsp;Nebraska Missing Children’s Day&nbsp;poster contest. The posters are intended to raise awareness of missing children and remind parents, guardians, and caregivers to make the safety of their children a priority.

Molly Bracht&nbsp;from West Point is the 2023 first-place contest winner. The winning poster portrays a little girl in brightly colored clothes, sitting with her arms hugged around her legs with a dark cityscape contrasted behind her. 

Molly wrote, “She has her head down because she is stressed, sad, and anxious because she is not with her family.” In her essay, Molly said, “She is wearing bright clothes against a very dark city; because in the moment, she has to be bright and lift up her spirits so she can find her family.”

2nd: Emillea American Horse, Gordon 3rd (tie): Abby Hickenbottom, Ansley 3rd (tie): Coralee Schurr, Eustis

As the winner of the statewide contest, Molly’s poster will be submitted to a national competition with the U.S. Department of Justice. The national winner will be awarded at the annual ceremony in May recognizing&nbsp;National Missing Children’s&nbsp;Day.

To learn more about this year’s poster contest winner, click <a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/missing-children%E2%80%99s-day-poster-contest">HERE</a>.

—&nbsp;Office of the Attorney General

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678210012157.png" alt="Artwork by 2023 contest winner Molly Bracht" />
 <figcaption>Artwork by 2023 contest winner Molly Bracht</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Each year, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office invites fifth&nbsp;graders from across the state to participate in the&nbsp;Nebraska Missing Children’s Day&nbsp;poster contest. The posters are intended to raise awareness of missing children and remind parents, guardians, and caregivers to make the safety of their children a priority.Molly Bracht&nbsp;from West Point is the 2023 first-place contest winner. The winning poster portrays a little girl in brightly colored clothes, sitting with her arms hugged around her legs with a dark cityscape contrasted behind her. Molly wrote, “She has her head down because she is stressed, sad, and anxious because she is not with her family.” In her essay, Molly said, “She is wearing bright clothes against a very dark city; because in the moment, she has to be bright and lift up her spirits so she can find her family.”Thwe other winners were:2nd: Emillea American Horse, Gordon 3rd (tie): Abby Hickenbottom, Ansley 3rd (tie): Coralee Schurr, Eustis<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678211586700.png" alt="Artwork by 2nd place contest winner, Emillea American Horse" />
 <figcaption>Artwork by 2nd place contest winner, Emillea American Horse</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678211623720.png" alt="Artwork by 3rd place contest winner, Abby Hickenbottom" />
 <figcaption>Artwork by 3rd place contest winner, Abby Hickenbottom</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678211658529.png" alt="Artwork by 3rd place contest winner, Coralee Schurr" />
 <figcaption>Artwork by 3rd place contest winner, Coralee Schurr</figcaption>
 </figure>As the winner of the statewide contest, Molly’s poster will be submitted to a national competition with the U.S. Department of Justice. The national winner will be awarded at the annual ceremony in May recognizing&nbsp;National Missing Children’s&nbsp;Day.To learn more about this year’s poster contest winner, click <a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/missing-children%E2%80%99s-day-poster-contest">HERE</a>.—&nbsp;Office of the Attorney General

Western Neb. students win Missing Children's Day poster contest

The drought reduced hay production across much of 
Nebraska last year. This winter has maxed out hay supplies. Many 
cow-calf producers are short on hay and questioning if they have enough 
to make it to green grass. In addition, spring-calving
 cowherds are at the time of year when nutrient requirements are 
highest. Nebraska Extension is hosting a webinar, Thursday, March 16, to
 discuss options for getting lactating cows fed until pasture is 
available to graze.

The webinar will start at 6 PM MT/7 PM CT and will 
discuss management practices to help pastures recover from drought, 
feeding pairs in confinement when hay is in short supply, spring-planted
 small grain forages that may be able to enhance
 the current forage supply, and management strategies for cow-calf pairs
 on planted forages. To watch this webinar and ask questions, pre-register at
<a href="https://go.unl.edu/foragegap" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/foragegap</a>.

Speakers from Nebraska Extension include Jerry 
Volesky, Range &amp; Forage Specialist; Karla Wilke, Cow-Calf and 
Stocker Cattle Management Specialist; Daren Redfearn, Forage/Crop 
Residue Specialist; and Mary Drewnoski, Beef Systems Specialist.&nbsp;


For more information on this webinar, click <a href="https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch/2023/filling-spring-and-early-summer-forage-gaps-webinar-march-16">HERE</a>.

Nebraska ExtensionThe drought reduced hay production across much of 
Nebraska last year. This winter has maxed out hay supplies. Many 
cow-calf producers are short on hay and questioning if they have enough 
to make it to green grass. In addition, spring-calving
 cowherds are at the time of year when nutrient requirements are 
highest. Nebraska Extension is hosting a webinar, Thursday, March 16, to
 discuss options for getting lactating cows fed until pasture is 
available to graze.The webinar will start at 6 PM MT/7 PM CT and will 
discuss management practices to help pastures recover from drought, 
feeding pairs in confinement when hay is in short supply, spring-planted
 small grain forages that may be able to enhance
 the current forage supply, and management strategies for cow-calf pairs
 on planted forages. To watch this webinar and ask questions, pre-register at
<a href="https://go.unl.edu/foragegap" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/foragegap</a>.Speakers from Nebraska Extension include Jerry 
Volesky, Range &amp; Forage Specialist; Karla Wilke, Cow-Calf and 
Stocker Cattle Management Specialist; Daren Redfearn, Forage/Crop 
Residue Specialist; and Mary Drewnoski, Beef Systems Specialist.&nbsp;
For more information on this webinar, click <a href="https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch/2023/filling-spring-and-early-summer-forage-gaps-webinar-march-16">HERE</a>.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Drought, hay shortages topic of March webinar

The KCOW gang welcome you to their new podcast, "Beverages Of The Damned."&nbsp; Wenty, Kalin and Mike will try a variety of unusual, perhaps even bizarre beverages and shar their thoughts....

<div><iframe title="BEVERAGES OF THE DAMNED: Our Radio Peeps Try A New Soda" 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=jgqp5-13b2773-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>The KCOW gang welcome you to their new podcast, "Beverages Of The Damned."&nbsp; Wenty, Kalin and Mike will try a variety of unusual, perhaps even bizarre beverages and shar their thoughts....

BEVERAGES OF THE DAMNED: Our Radio Peeps Try A New Soda

Chadron, Ne - The Chadron State College road show was Wednesday evening at the Ridge in downtown Chadron. Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins spoke with new CSC Sports Information Director John Murphy and others during the Security's First Bank Road Show from Double Q Country and Eagle Communications. Enjoy.

Chadron, Ne - The Chadron State College road show was Wednesday evening at the Ridge in downtown Chadron. Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins spoke with new CSC Sports Information Director John Murphy and others during the Security's First Bank Road Show from Double Q Country and Eagle Communications. Enjoy.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uLJH1KHC0Ak" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643913120948.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Chadron State College Road Show (March)

Marriages:&nbsp; -Jordan Evan Appel and Heather Goldie Anne Meer Wilcox Divorces:&nbsp; -Michelle Hickox and Andrew Hickox -Kerri L Benda and Randall L Benda -Brittany L Davis and Kenneth J Davis -Danell Douglas and Brian Douglas -Aleeanna DeCosta and Michael McCoy -Brandon J Brumett and Cassie D Brumett -John L Parkhurst and Sydney L Sayaloune -Stephanie Mozes-Sanchez and Nicholas Mozes-Sanchez -Jeremia Brungard and Michelle Brungard&nbsp;

Marriages:&nbsp; -Jordan Evan Appel and Heather Goldie Anne Meer Wilcox Divorces:&nbsp; -Michelle Hickox and Andrew Hickox -Kerri L Benda and Randall L Benda -Brittany L Davis and Kenneth J Davis -Danell Douglas and Brian Douglas -Aleeanna DeCosta and Michael McCoy -Brandon J Brumett and Cassie D Brumett -John L Parkhurst and Sydney L Sayaloune -Stephanie Mozes-Sanchez and Nicholas Mozes-Sanchez -Jeremia Brungard and Michelle Brungard&nbsp;

Marriages, divorces Feb. 2023

I'm really excited to share this weeks Road trip!&nbsp; We found our selves in Gering, at the Finish Line Cafe. It is located at 2923 Red Barn Drive East in Gering.&nbsp; 

If you know where the Red Barn meat market is, it is connected to that.&nbsp; It's not a very big place, at least it looks that way from the out side with its checkered flag looking building.&nbsp; But open the door, and its much bigger than you would think.&nbsp; All decorated in motor sports items. I'm pretty sure I saw Dale Ernhardt JR standing in the corner.&nbsp; This place is a car nut wonderland. I loved it.&nbsp;

Even better, is the food. They are only open until 2 p.m. and serve breakfast and lunch. I have heard about the breakfasts, and saw a few enjoying theirs. However, I was there for the chicken fried steaks. They are well known, so I had to try it. I usually would not order this, but I had to try it.&nbsp; So, with our wonderful waitress and cook, spoiling us silly. We both ordered the chicken fried steak meal.&nbsp; It would included chicken fry, mashed potato's, corn and a piece of cake.&nbsp;

Everything they serve here is home made, and fantastic.&nbsp; The chicken fried steak however was the best I ever ate. It's not deep fat fried. They tenderize it, bread it and cook it on the grill. It is so tender it melts in your mouth, with a gravy on top bringing out all the wonderful flavor of it. Home made mashed potato's; it doesn't&nbsp;get any better than this.

In addition to this fantastic meal, our waitress was so much fun. We visited about mutual friends, and a little of everything. It felt like coming home.&nbsp; While a couple of folks came in, explaining that their new grandbaby and their parents were coming.&nbsp; It's where family's go. It truly is a comfortable place for 1 or 20, and everyone leaves promises to return and bring friends.

They have a awesome menu and prices are beyond reasonable. It is my new favorite stop for sure. I cant hardly wait to get back.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Tami Cox Swearingen<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678465961425.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I'm really excited to share this weeks Road trip!&nbsp; We found our selves in Gering, at the Finish Line Cafe. It is located at 2923 Red Barn Drive East in Gering.&nbsp; If you know where the Red Barn meat market is, it is connected to that.&nbsp; It's not a very big place, at least it looks that way from the out side with its checkered flag looking building.&nbsp; But open the door, and its much bigger than you would think.&nbsp; All decorated in motor sports items. I'm pretty sure I saw Dale Ernhardt JR standing in the corner.&nbsp; This place is a car nut wonderland. I loved it.&nbsp; Even better, is the food. They are only open until 2 p.m. and serve breakfast and lunch. I have heard about the breakfasts, and saw a few enjoying theirs. However, I was there for the chicken fried steaks. They are well known, so I had to try it. I usually would not order this, but I had to try it.&nbsp; So, with our wonderful waitress and cook, spoiling us silly. We both ordered the chicken fried steak meal.&nbsp; It would included chicken fry, mashed potato's, corn and a piece of cake.&nbsp;Everything they serve here is home made, and fantastic.&nbsp; The chicken fried steak however was the best I ever ate. It's not deep fat fried. They tenderize it, bread it and cook it on the grill. It is so tender it melts in your mouth, with a gravy on top bringing out all the wonderful flavor of it. Home made mashed potato's; it doesn't&nbsp;get any better than this. In addition to this fantastic meal, our waitress was so much fun. We visited about mutual friends, and a little of everything. It felt like coming home.&nbsp; While a couple of folks came in, explaining that their new grandbaby and their parents were coming.&nbsp; It's where family's go. It truly is a comfortable place for 1 or 20, and everyone leaves promises to return and bring friends. They have a awesome menu and prices are beyond reasonable. It is my new favorite stop for sure. I cant hardly wait to get back.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678466317617.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Road Trip: Finish Line Cafe in Gering 

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mCgRqySF6Q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

🎤 Forward Ever: Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

For the last four years Senator Steve Erdman, representing LD 47 which includes Box Butte County, has introduced legislation to create a Consumption Tax. A consumption tax is another name for sales tax which, along with excise tax, is one of the most regressive taxes. The percentage of their income paid for regressive taxes is much higher for low-income people than for those with high incomes.

Legislative Bill (LB) 79 proposes the creation of the EPIC Option Consumption Tax. EPIC stands for the Elimination of Property, Income and Corporate taxes. The EPIC Option Consumption Tax would repeal all state taxes except consumption (sales) taxes and excise taxes.

The EPIC Option Consumption Tax imposes a tax on the sale of new goods and services. Used goods would not be taxed. There is no tax on business-to-business transactions or investments. No good or service may be taxed in more than one way, so if there is an excise tax, there will be no consumption tax.

For each revenue or spending bill, the State has a legislative fiscal analyst estimate, which was posted on March 1, 2023. Reading this analysis clarifies some things. LB79 terminates the following: Tax-Increment Financing, Property tax, Inheritance tax, State and Local Sales taxes, State Income tax, The Homestead Exemption, The Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA, which calculates state funding for public schools), and the Community College Aid Act.

While none of us are excited about the opportunity to pay taxes, are we sure we want to eliminate all of these and the incomes they produce for our state and local governments?

There are always things exempted from sales tax, and the new consumption tax includes some of those exemptions. These include the sale of land; goods or services where you have paid an excise tax; the purchase of taxable property or services for business purposes, investment purposes, or educational purposes; the purchase of used property; the purchase of groceries for off-premises consumption.

Let's look at that list more closely. You wouldn't have to pay sales/consumption tax on groceries, which is always exempted because poor people pay such a high percentage of their income on food. No tax on used goods, but used cars are the only used good currently taxed. No tax on the sale of land. No tax on investments (which would apply to no people in poverty). No taxes on things businesses buy. Some items like airfare or Internet access cannot be taxed under federal law.

There would be no consumption tax on school tuition or items needed for school. But how do you define items needed for school? Textbooks? Computers? Notebooks? Uniforms?

What would be added to taxation? Purchases by federal, state, and local governments. Purchases by churches or other non-profits. New homes or home improvements. Services like haircuts, car repairs, electrical, plumbing, financial services, etc.

Insurance companies would not pay tax on medical procedures they cover. But if something is not insured, it will be taxed. This includes everything for people who do not have insurance, or who aren't insured for dental work, vision, prescription drugs, or hospital care. Also taxable, payments to assisted living and nursing home facilities, which run thousands of dollars every month.

LB 79 establishes a starting consumption tax rate of 7.5% beginning January 1, 2026. The Legislature retains sole authority to change the rate. Businesses collecting the tax would keep .25% to cover their costs. Local governments can vote to have an additional sales tax. Open Sky Policy Institute has calculated that the tax rate would actually need to be 22.1% to replace the funds lost from all the taxes being eliminated.

Who would benefit from the passage of LB79? Wealthy people, who spend only a fraction of their total earnings and invest the rest. Businesses, including agriculture, who have no obligation to pay the tax and will have their other taxes eliminated. Government agencies currently responsible for managing the different taxes currently paid. People who can travel are supposed to submit a form and pay the tax money owed for every out-of-state purchase, but I doubt there will be much compliance, especially if they paid sales tax in the state where they made the purchase.

Who is hurt? Local government, including counties, cities, and schools; their purchases are currently exempt, but wouldn't be any longer. Middle-income people, who will end up making the largest payments for this tax. And especially low-income people, those who live in poverty, who have to spend virtually everything they earn to survive.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityFor the last four years Senator Steve Erdman, representing LD 47 which includes Box Butte County, has introduced legislation to create a Consumption Tax. A consumption tax is another name for sales tax which, along with excise tax, is one of the most regressive taxes. The percentage of their income paid for regressive taxes is much higher for low-income people than for those with high incomes.Legislative Bill (LB) 79 proposes the creation of the EPIC Option Consumption Tax. EPIC stands for the Elimination of Property, Income and Corporate taxes. The EPIC Option Consumption Tax would repeal all state taxes except consumption (sales) taxes and excise taxes.The EPIC Option Consumption Tax imposes a tax on the sale of new goods and services. Used goods would not be taxed. There is no tax on business-to-business transactions or investments. No good or service may be taxed in more than one way, so if there is an excise tax, there will be no consumption tax.For each revenue or spending bill, the State has a legislative fiscal analyst estimate, which was posted on March 1, 2023. Reading this analysis clarifies some things. LB79 terminates the following: Tax-Increment Financing, Property tax, Inheritance tax, State and Local Sales taxes, State Income tax, The Homestead Exemption, The Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA, which calculates state funding for public schools), and the Community College Aid Act.While none of us are excited about the opportunity to pay taxes, are we sure we want to eliminate all of these and the incomes they produce for our state and local governments?There are always things exempted from sales tax, and the new consumption tax includes some of those exemptions. These include the sale of land; goods or services where you have paid an excise tax; the purchase of taxable property or services for business purposes, investment purposes, or educational purposes; the purchase of used property; the purchase of groceries for off-premises consumption.Let's look at that list more closely. You wouldn't have to pay sales/consumption tax on groceries, which is always exempted because poor people pay such a high percentage of their income on food. No tax on used goods, but used cars are the only used good currently taxed. No tax on the sale of land. No tax on investments (which would apply to no people in poverty). No taxes on things businesses buy. Some items like airfare or Internet access cannot be taxed under federal law.There would be no consumption tax on school tuition or items needed for school. But how do you define items needed for school? Textbooks? Computers? Notebooks? Uniforms?What would be added to taxation? Purchases by federal, state, and local governments. Purchases by churches or other non-profits. New homes or home improvements. Services like haircuts, car repairs, electrical, plumbing, financial services, etc.Insurance companies would not pay tax on medical procedures they cover. But if something is not insured, it will be taxed. This includes everything for people who do not have insurance, or who aren't insured for dental work, vision, prescription drugs, or hospital care. Also taxable, payments to assisted living and nursing home facilities, which run thousands of dollars every month.LB 79 establishes a starting consumption tax rate of 7.5% beginning January 1, 2026. The Legislature retains sole authority to change the rate. Businesses collecting the tax would keep .25% to cover their costs. Local governments can vote to have an additional sales tax. Open Sky Policy Institute has calculated that the tax rate would actually need to be 22.1% to replace the funds lost from all the taxes being eliminated.Who would benefit from the passage of LB79? Wealthy people, who spend only a fraction of their total earnings and invest the rest. Businesses, including agriculture, who have no obligation to pay the tax and will have their other taxes eliminated. Government agencies currently responsible for managing the different taxes currently paid. People who can travel are supposed to submit a form and pay the tax money owed for every out-of-state purchase, but I doubt there will be much compliance, especially if they paid sales tax in the state where they made the purchase.Who is hurt? Local government, including counties, cities, and schools; their purchases are currently exempt, but wouldn't be any longer. Middle-income people, who will end up making the largest payments for this tax. And especially low-income people, those who live in poverty, who have to spend virtually everything they earn to survive.

Getting Ahead: The consumption tax

CHADRON – Chadron State College hosted the annual Western District 
History Day March 3. Project Coordinator Kate Pope said participants 
were from Chadron Middle School, Chadron High School, Crawford 
Elementary School, and Crawford High School.

The theme was <a href="https://www.nhd.org/frontiers-history">Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas</a>. The top three winners in each category will advance to the state competition in Lincoln April 1, according to Pope.

The categories of the competition were website, exhibit, research paper, documentary, and performance.

Judges for the event included CSC faculty and staff Eric Rapp, 
Gabriella Pruitt Santos, Joby Collins, Mark Hunt, Dave Perkins, and Kurt
 Kinbacher. Additionally, community residents Rosella Tesch, Laurie 
Schmidt, Susan Rolfsmeier, Jackie Rudloff, Bubba Page, and Jim Moore 
served as judges.

1, Sr. Individual: Thomas Kaus, Chadron High School, The Battle of 
Vienna: The Frontier that Ended the Ottoman Empire Expansion into Europe

1, Jr. Group: Samuel Kahl and Matthew Sorenson, Chadron Middle 
School, Frontiers in Organized Crime: How Prohibition Shaped the Mafia

2, Jr. Group: Teague Edelman and Joe Lambert, Crawford High School, Agriculture, A New Frontier

3, Jr. Group: Jason Hy and Nathaniel Stehle, Chadron Middle School, The Smallpox Vaccine: A Frontier in Medicine

1, Jr. Individual: Tatiana Abdelgarbar, Chadron Middle School, How W.C. Roentgen Made the X-Ray

1, Jr. Group: Miranda Betson and Garret Tollman, Crawford High 
School, Solomon Butcher: Capturing a new Frontier one Glass Plate at a 
Time

2, Jr. Group: Leah Holmgren and Ada Norman, Crawford High School, Crazy Horse and the Battle to Save the Frontier

3, Jr. Group: Amelia Betson, Skyler Edelman, and Jenna Holmgren, Crawford High School, Horses on the Great Plains

1, Jr. Individual: Vivian Golembiewski, Chadron Middle School, Stonewall Riots of 1969

2, Jr. Individual: Lillian Johndreau, Chadron Middle School, The Essex Tragedy

3, Jr. Individual: Kaydon Wilhite Beall, Chadron Middle School, The Colorful History of Crayola

1, Sr. Individual: Ty Brady, Crawford High School, The Hubble Telescope

1, Sr. Individual: Alexa Tollman, Crawford High School, The REA: An Innovative Frontier that Conquered Darkness

2, Sr. Individual: Justus Frahm, Crawford High School, Harry Houdini

1, Jr. Individual: Josephine Werner, Chadron Middle School, The Industrialization of Spinning&nbsp;

Mari Sandoz Jr. Award: Teague Edelman and Joe Lambert, Crawford High School, Agriculture, A New Frontier

Mari Sandoz Sr. Award: Alexa Tollman, Crawford High School, The REA: An Innovative Frontier that Conquered Darkness

Military Award: Thomas Kaus, Chadron High School, The Battle of 
Vienna: The Frontier that Ended the Ottoman Empire Expansion into Europe

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678390771825.png" alt="First place, Jr. Exhibit Individual: Vivian Golembiewski, Chadron Middle School, Stonewall Riots of 1969. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>First place, Jr. Exhibit Individual: Vivian Golembiewski, Chadron Middle School, Stonewall Riots of 1969. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>CSC College RelationsCHADRON – Chadron State College hosted the annual Western District 
History Day March 3. Project Coordinator Kate Pope said participants 
were from Chadron Middle School, Chadron High School, Crawford 
Elementary School, and Crawford High School.The theme was <a href="https://www.nhd.org/frontiers-history">Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas</a>. The top three winners in each category will advance to the state competition in Lincoln April 1, according to Pope.The categories of the competition were website, exhibit, research paper, documentary, and performance.Judges for the event included CSC faculty and staff Eric Rapp, 
Gabriella Pruitt Santos, Joby Collins, Mark Hunt, Dave Perkins, and Kurt
 Kinbacher. Additionally, community residents Rosella Tesch, Laurie 
Schmidt, Susan Rolfsmeier, Jackie Rudloff, Bubba Page, and Jim Moore 
served as judges.Website 1, Sr. Individual: Thomas Kaus, Chadron High School, The Battle of 
Vienna: The Frontier that Ended the Ottoman Empire Expansion into Europe1, Jr. Group: Samuel Kahl and Matthew Sorenson, Chadron Middle 
School, Frontiers in Organized Crime: How Prohibition Shaped the Mafia2, Jr. Group: Teague Edelman and Joe Lambert, Crawford High School, Agriculture, A New Frontier3, Jr. Group: Jason Hy and Nathaniel Stehle, Chadron Middle School, The Smallpox Vaccine: A Frontier in Medicine1, Jr. Individual: Tatiana Abdelgarbar, Chadron Middle School, How W.C. Roentgen Made the X-Ray<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678390868724.png" alt="Third place, Jr. Exhibit Group: Amelia Betson, Jenna Holmgren, and Skyler Edelman, Crawford High School, Horses on the Great Plains. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Third place, Jr. Exhibit Group: Amelia Betson, Jenna Holmgren, and Skyler Edelman, Crawford High School, Horses on the Great Plains. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>Exhibit1, Jr. Group: Miranda Betson and Garret Tollman, Crawford High 
School, Solomon Butcher: Capturing a new Frontier one Glass Plate at a 
Time2, Jr. Group: Leah Holmgren and Ada Norman, Crawford High School, Crazy Horse and the Battle to Save the Frontier3, Jr. Group: Amelia Betson, Skyler Edelman, and Jenna Holmgren, Crawford High School, Horses on the Great Plains1, Jr. Individual: Vivian Golembiewski, Chadron Middle School, Stonewall Riots of 19692, Jr. Individual: Lillian Johndreau, Chadron Middle School, The Essex Tragedy3, Jr. Individual: Kaydon Wilhite Beall, Chadron Middle School, The Colorful History of CrayolaResearch Paper1, Sr. Individual: Ty Brady, Crawford High School, The Hubble TelescopeDocumentary1, Sr. Individual: Alexa Tollman, Crawford High School, The REA: An Innovative Frontier that Conquered Darkness2, Sr. Individual: Justus Frahm, Crawford High School, Harry HoudiniPerformance1, Jr. Individual: Josephine Werner, Chadron Middle School, The Industrialization of Spinning&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678390914456.png" alt="Mari Sandoz Jr. Award: from left, Joe Lambert and Teague Edelman, Crawford High School, Agriculture, A New Frontier, and Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, CSC History Professor. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Mari Sandoz Jr. Award: from left, Joe Lambert and Teague Edelman, Crawford High School, Agriculture, A New Frontier, and Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, CSC History Professor. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>Special AwardsMari Sandoz Jr. Award: Teague Edelman and Joe Lambert, Crawford High School, Agriculture, A New FrontierMari Sandoz Sr. Award: Alexa Tollman, Crawford High School, The REA: An Innovative Frontier that Conquered DarknessMilitary Award: Thomas Kaus, Chadron High School, The Battle of 
Vienna: The Frontier that Ended the Ottoman Empire Expansion into Europe<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678390956776.png" alt="Mari Sandoz Sr. Award: Alexa Tollman, left, Crawford High School, The REA: An Innovative Frontier that Conquered Darkness. Right, CSC History Professor Dr. Kurt Kinbacher.(Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Mari Sandoz Sr. Award: Alexa Tollman, left, Crawford High School, The REA: An Innovative Frontier that Conquered Darkness. Right, CSC History Professor Dr. Kurt Kinbacher.(Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Local students qualify for state at Western History Day

Western Nebraska Community College

SCOTTSBLUFF — Western Nebraska Community College has announced that the following Nebraska students
                              were honored on the Fall 2022&nbsp;President's List (4.0 GPA) and Dean's List (3.40-3.99
                              GPA).

Thirty finished the semester with a 4.0 grade point average to make the President's
                              List, and 149 were honored on the Dean's List.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alliance –&nbsp;Lizbeth A. Carrillo, Kasandra N. Niemeier;&nbsp;Benkelman –&nbsp;Michael Allan Aldridge;&nbsp;Gering –&nbsp;Megan J. Bewley, Kathryn J. Blankenship, Brenda D. Borjas, Isabella Cruz Longoria,
                              Andrea M. Meyers, Braxton L. Rider, Chelsea M. Smith, Hannah Vath;&nbsp;Harrisburg –&nbsp;Breana K. McGowan;&nbsp;Henry –&nbsp;Allison P. Cotant;&nbsp;Lakeside –&nbsp;Levi Berndt;&nbsp;Scottsbluff –&nbsp;Sandra J. Arlt, Adam Bell, Albino F. Canales, Paul Gerardo Cerros-Rosales, Stacey
                              M. Charron, Elizabeth Espino, Yonatan Getachew, Jonathan B. Lane;&nbsp;Sidney –&nbsp;Damin Kang.

Ainsworth –&nbsp;Jared W. Ellis;&nbsp;Alliance –&nbsp;Carson Cottrell, Jacob Jurgens, Kulwinder Kaur, Ty M. Redecker;&nbsp;Angora –&nbsp;Haylea Carnine;&nbsp;Ashby –&nbsp;Lisa L. Jamison;&nbsp;Broadwater –&nbsp;Dawson C. Wiggins;&nbsp;Chadron –&nbsp;Abie H. Hyatt, Hollie R. Morsett;&nbsp;Chappell –&nbsp;Patrick M. Hansen;&nbsp;Crawford –&nbsp;Kolby J. Welling;&nbsp;Dalton –&nbsp;Peter J. Flamig;&nbsp;Gering –&nbsp;Makenna R. Culek, Jason R. Fritzler, Andrew L. Hanson, Candace Wolfe;&nbsp;Hay Springs –&nbsp;Kelsey L. Kudrna;&nbsp;Hemingford –&nbsp;Nicoli A. Boerkircher;&nbsp;Kimball –&nbsp;Jesus Arturo Fernandez;&nbsp;Lincoln –&nbsp;Ashlyn M. Bamrick, Alex Krause;&nbsp;Minatare –&nbsp;Oziel G. Camargo, Micheline R. Garcia;&nbsp;Mitchell –&nbsp;Holly M. Anderson, Noah Ciesielski, Creighton B. Dike, Garrett E. Hessler, Benjamin
                              D. Leach, John T. Plasencio;&nbsp;Morrill –&nbsp;Anna C. McDaniel, Ty Paetow;&nbsp;Mullen –&nbsp;Justin W. Wiens;&nbsp;Ogallala –&nbsp;Mariah A. Covel;&nbsp;Potter –&nbsp;Halsey H. Clark;&nbsp;Ravenna –&nbsp;Kale R. Eilenstine;&nbsp;Scottsbluff –&nbsp;Joaquin A. Ayala, Natalya Yazmin Baird-Watson, Mireya J. Barraza, Nikee Blue; Laura
                              C. Burgess, Paulo Henrique Da Silva Marques, Mariah G. Eichner, Erica Fava, Yolanda
                              Fernandez, Galla Font I Valls, Avery Nicole Fox, Lincoln J. Frank, Emily Ann Franklin,
                              Elizabeth E. Fulk, Yvette J. Garcia, Allyson N. Gion, Ethan J. Gion, Victoria Granda
                              Benavides, Sabrina Gurrola, Jennifer M. Gutierrez, Kodie L. Harimon, Gregg Hartman,
                              Jace M. Heimerman, Briana Henson, Sapphire R. Hill, Jacob Matthew Hohnstein, Maya
                              Jolie Huirong Wilson, Rennan Ishara Sousa, Shiho Isono, Anna Amelia Amber Jasinsky,
                              Madison Mae Johnston, Alexandra T. Jones, Dahee Kang, Kaia E. Larson, Chukwuka Morah,
                              Abigail B. Nichols, Nabil Njie, Janeva Gumaro O'Bannon, Jayla Owen-Lafontaine, Laisha
                              Ruby Pacheco, Kaden J. Pringle, Christina D. Red Feather, Taliesin D. Reese, Drew
                              J. Wills, Blake W. Wilson, Jenna N. Wolverton;&nbsp;Sidney –&nbsp;Nathan Dankers, Allison Jane Deal, Josie M. Dowse, Cora Joann Kendall, Robin Phu;&nbsp;Sutherland –&nbsp;Hunter S. Cooper, Samuel E. Foster.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678391339182.png" alt="WNCC" />
 <figcaption>WNCC</figcaption>
 </figure>Western Nebraska Community CollegeSCOTTSBLUFF — Western Nebraska Community College has announced that the following Nebraska students
 were honored on the Fall 2022&nbsp;President's List (4.0 GPA) and Dean's List (3.40-3.99
 GPA).Thirty finished the semester with a 4.0 grade point average to make the President's
 List, and 149 were honored on the Dean's List.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>PRESIDENT'S LIST (4.00 GPA)</h2>NebraskaAlliance –&nbsp;Lizbeth A. Carrillo, Kasandra N. Niemeier;&nbsp;Benkelman –&nbsp;Michael Allan Aldridge;&nbsp;Gering –&nbsp;Megan J. Bewley, Kathryn J. Blankenship, Brenda D. Borjas, Isabella Cruz Longoria,
 Andrea M. Meyers, Braxton L. Rider, Chelsea M. Smith, Hannah Vath;&nbsp;Harrisburg –&nbsp;Breana K. McGowan;&nbsp;Henry –&nbsp;Allison P. Cotant;&nbsp;Lakeside –&nbsp;Levi Berndt;&nbsp;Scottsbluff –&nbsp;Sandra J. Arlt, Adam Bell, Albino F. Canales, Paul Gerardo Cerros-Rosales, Stacey
 M. Charron, Elizabeth Espino, Yonatan Getachew, Jonathan B. Lane;&nbsp;Sidney –&nbsp;Damin Kang.<h2>DEAN'S LIST (3.40 - 3.99 GPA)</h2>NebraskaAinsworth –&nbsp;Jared W. Ellis;&nbsp;Alliance –&nbsp;Carson Cottrell, Jacob Jurgens, Kulwinder Kaur, Ty M. Redecker;&nbsp;Angora –&nbsp;Haylea Carnine;&nbsp;Ashby –&nbsp;Lisa L. Jamison;&nbsp;Broadwater –&nbsp;Dawson C. Wiggins;&nbsp;Chadron –&nbsp;Abie H. Hyatt, Hollie R. Morsett;&nbsp;Chappell –&nbsp;Patrick M. Hansen;&nbsp;Crawford –&nbsp;Kolby J. Welling;&nbsp;Dalton –&nbsp;Peter J. Flamig;&nbsp;Gering –&nbsp;Makenna R. Culek, Jason R. Fritzler, Andrew L. Hanson, Candace Wolfe;&nbsp;Hay Springs –&nbsp;Kelsey L. Kudrna;&nbsp;Hemingford –&nbsp;Nicoli A. Boerkircher;&nbsp;Kimball –&nbsp;Jesus Arturo Fernandez;&nbsp;Lincoln –&nbsp;Ashlyn M. Bamrick, Alex Krause;&nbsp;Minatare –&nbsp;Oziel G. Camargo, Micheline R. Garcia;&nbsp;Mitchell –&nbsp;Holly M. Anderson, Noah Ciesielski, Creighton B. Dike, Garrett E. Hessler, Benjamin
 D. Leach, John T. Plasencio;&nbsp;Morrill –&nbsp;Anna C. McDaniel, Ty Paetow;&nbsp;Mullen –&nbsp;Justin W. Wiens;&nbsp;Ogallala –&nbsp;Mariah A. Covel;&nbsp;Potter –&nbsp;Halsey H. Clark;&nbsp;Ravenna –&nbsp;Kale R. Eilenstine;&nbsp;Scottsbluff –&nbsp;Joaquin A. Ayala, Natalya Yazmin Baird-Watson, Mireya J. Barraza, Nikee Blue; Laura
 C. Burgess, Paulo Henrique Da Silva Marques, Mariah G. Eichner, Erica Fava, Yolanda
 Fernandez, Galla Font I Valls, Avery Nicole Fox, Lincoln J. Frank, Emily Ann Franklin,
 Elizabeth E. Fulk, Yvette J. Garcia, Allyson N. Gion, Ethan J. Gion, Victoria Granda
 Benavides, Sabrina Gurrola, Jennifer M. Gutierrez, Kodie L. Harimon, Gregg Hartman,
 Jace M. Heimerman, Briana Henson, Sapphire R. Hill, Jacob Matthew Hohnstein, Maya
 Jolie Huirong Wilson, Rennan Ishara Sousa, Shiho Isono, Anna Amelia Amber Jasinsky,
 Madison Mae Johnston, Alexandra T. Jones, Dahee Kang, Kaia E. Larson, Chukwuka Morah,
 Abigail B. Nichols, Nabil Njie, Janeva Gumaro O'Bannon, Jayla Owen-Lafontaine, Laisha
 Ruby Pacheco, Kaden J. Pringle, Christina D. Red Feather, Taliesin D. Reese, Drew
 J. Wills, Blake W. Wilson, Jenna N. Wolverton;&nbsp;Sidney –&nbsp;Nathan Dankers, Allison Jane Deal, Josie M. Dowse, Cora Joann Kendall, Robin Phu;&nbsp;Sutherland –&nbsp;Hunter S. Cooper, Samuel E. Foster.&nbsp;

WNCC announces fall 2022 President's and Dean's List


LINCOLN —
Nebraska State Patrol K9s Jerry, Amos, Chase, Ezra, Fahn, Gable, Havik, Lee, Malloy and Tilt
 have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable 
donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc.
&nbsp;


K9 Jerry’s vest was sponsored by an Anonymous Donor and was embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring
 those who served and sacrificed”.&nbsp; K9 Amos’s vest was sponsored by
Bridget
 McGowan of Tehachapi, CA and has been embroidered with the sentiment 
“In honor of all working, retired and departed K9s”.&nbsp; K9 Chase and K9 
Lee’s vests
 were sponsored by the Bomonti Family of Renton, WA and have been 
embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Janice Bomonti”.&nbsp; K9’s 
Ezra, Fahn, Gable, Havik, Malloy and Tilt’s vests were sponsored using 
general funds and have been embroidered with the sentiment
 “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.&nbsp;

Vested
 Interest in K9s Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)3 charity 
whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other
 assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout 
the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for 
four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. 
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has
 provided over 4,970 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 
million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.&nbsp;


The
 program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and 
actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related 
agencies.
 K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.&nbsp; There are an 
estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.


Vested
 Interest in K9s Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any 
amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest.&nbsp; Each
 vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and 
comes with a five-year warranty.&nbsp; 

For more information, or to learn 
about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest
 in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events,
 and accepts donations at <a href="http://www.vik9s.org" target="_blank">www.vik9s.org</a>, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678403364134.png" alt="K9 Malloy" />
 <figcaption>K9 Malloy</figcaption>
 </figure>NSP
LINCOLN —
Nebraska State Patrol K9s Jerry, Amos, Chase, Ezra, Fahn, Gable, Havik, Lee, Malloy and Tilt
 have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable 
donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc.
&nbsp;
K9 Jerry’s vest was sponsored by an Anonymous Donor and was embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring
 those who served and sacrificed”.&nbsp; K9 Amos’s vest was sponsored by
Bridget
 McGowan of Tehachapi, CA and has been embroidered with the sentiment 
“In honor of all working, retired and departed K9s”.&nbsp; K9 Chase and K9 
Lee’s vests
 were sponsored by the Bomonti Family of Renton, WA and have been 
embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Janice Bomonti”.&nbsp; K9’s 
Ezra, Fahn, Gable, Havik, Malloy and Tilt’s vests were sponsored using 
general funds and have been embroidered with the sentiment
 “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678403441352.png" alt="K9 Gable" />
 <figcaption>K9 Gable</figcaption>
 </figure>Vested
 Interest in K9s Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)3 charity 
whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other
 assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout 
the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for 
four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. 
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has
 provided over 4,970 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 
million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.&nbsp;
The
 program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and 
actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related 
agencies.
 K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.&nbsp; There are an 
estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested
 Interest in K9s Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any 
amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest.&nbsp; Each
 vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and 
comes with a five-year warranty.&nbsp; For more information, or to learn 
about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest
 in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events,
 and accepts donations at <a href="http://www.vik9s.org" target="_blank">www.vik9s.org</a>, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.&nbsp;

Nebraska State Patrol K9s receive body armor donation

By DANIELLA AKWANAMNYE, COLLEGE RELATIONS

&nbsp;Chadron State College’s Rangeland Management program is hosting Practitioner in Residence Jim Gerrish to teach a grazing management short course. Dr. Ron Bolze with the Rangeland Management and Range Livestock Production programs, said Gerrish is an independent grazing lands consultant providing service to ranchers on private and public lands across the U.S. and internationally.

Gerrish’s course, All Things Grazing – The Practical Application of the Science and Art of Grazing Management, is based on grazing planning and implementation, grazing cell design, and creating excellent pasture from the soil up. He will address the topics of stocking rate, carrying capacity, stock density, and factors that determine profitability in ranching.

The course will take place at the Rangeland Building Room 110 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 16, 23, and 30, and April 6, 13, 20, and 27. In-person attendance, after the first date, is optional since the class will be presented via video conference. The class is open to students, rangeland management professionals, and the public. It is optional for participants to earn one college credit hour.

“Jim worked for the nationally recognized University of Missouri Forage Systems Research Center. His 22 years of research leadership provided the foundation for many of the basic principles of Management Intensive Grazing,” Bolze said.

Gerrish lives in Idaho and works with ranchers in the Intermountain West who have irrigated pastures and native rangeland. He earned a bachelor’s in Agronomy from the University of Illinois and a master’s in Crop Ecology from the University of Kentucky.

The course is funded by the Bill and Virginia Coffee Family Foundation. For more information, contact Bolze at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rbolze@csc.edu" target="_blank">rbolze@csc.edu</a>, 308-432-6237 or 402-321-0067.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678396217158.jpeg" alt="CSC Photo" />
 <figcaption>CSC Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DANIELLA AKWANAMNYE, COLLEGE RELATIONS&nbsp;Chadron State College’s Rangeland Management program is hosting Practitioner in Residence Jim Gerrish to teach a grazing management short course. Dr. Ron Bolze with the Rangeland Management and Range Livestock Production programs, said Gerrish is an independent grazing lands consultant providing service to ranchers on private and public lands across the U.S. and internationally.Gerrish’s course, All Things Grazing – The Practical Application of the Science and Art of Grazing Management, is based on grazing planning and implementation, grazing cell design, and creating excellent pasture from the soil up. He will address the topics of stocking rate, carrying capacity, stock density, and factors that determine profitability in ranching.The course will take place at the Rangeland Building Room 110 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 16, 23, and 30, and April 6, 13, 20, and 27. In-person attendance, after the first date, is optional since the class will be presented via video conference. The class is open to students, rangeland management professionals, and the public. It is optional for participants to earn one college credit hour.“Jim worked for the nationally recognized University of Missouri Forage Systems Research Center. His 22 years of research leadership provided the foundation for many of the basic principles of Management Intensive Grazing,” Bolze said.Gerrish lives in Idaho and works with ranchers in the Intermountain West who have irrigated pastures and native rangeland. He earned a bachelor’s in Agronomy from the University of Illinois and a master’s in Crop Ecology from the University of Kentucky.The course is funded by the Bill and Virginia Coffee Family Foundation. For more information, contact Bolze at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rbolze@csc.edu" target="_blank">rbolze@csc.edu</a>, 308-432-6237 or 402-321-0067.

Rangeland program brings grazing expert to CSC

The Chadron Police Department is continuing an investigation into the unattended death of a 38-year-old Chadron man.&nbsp;On Wednesday morning,   Chadron Police Officers were dispatched to the home of Zachary Turbiville. Turbiville was found to be unresponsve by family members who became concerned when they could not reach him by phone.

The Dawes County Attorney/Coroner was called to the scene to assist in the investigation. After a review of the scene, medical records and witness statements, an autopsy and toxicological screening was ordered.

Preliminary results do not indicate foul play,  the investigation into the specific cause of death is ongoing. Anyone having any information is asked to contact the Chadron Police Department at (308)-432-0510.

Dawes County Attorney's OfficeThe Chadron Police Department is continuing an investigation into the unattended death of a 38-year-old Chadron man.&nbsp;On Wednesday morning, Chadron Police Officers were dispatched to the home of Zachary Turbiville. Turbiville was found to be unresponsve by family members who became concerned when they could not reach him by phone.The Dawes County Attorney/Coroner was called to the scene to assist in the investigation. After a review of the scene, medical records and witness statements, an autopsy and toxicological screening was ordered.Preliminary results do not indicate foul play, the investigation into the specific cause of death is ongoing. Anyone having any information is asked to contact the Chadron Police Department at (308)-432-0510.

Chadron PD investigates death of a Chadron man

CHADRON – The 2023 Spring Graves Lecture Series will begin March 14. 
All presentations are at the Sandoz Center Chicoine Atrium and free and 
open to the public. Each lecture begins at 7 p.m. For additional details
 or to volunteer as a speaker, contact Shawn Hartman at 308-432-6271 
ext. 7059 or email at shartman@csc.edu.

Katelyn Lambert’s March 14 presentation, 
“Women in the Marvel Cinematic Universe:&nbsp; From Iron Man to Black Widow,”
 will discuss the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 
construction and representation of women, where they existed primarily 
as hypersexualized sidekicks of male heroes, to more current projects 
where women are protagonists separate from their male counterparts. 
Lambert is a lecturer in the Communication Arts Program. She earned a 
bachelor’s in Communication Arts with a concentration in Public 
Relations from CSC, and recently graduated from the University of 
Nebraska-Omaha with a Master of Arts degree in Communication. She was 
the winner of the 2022-23 Top Thesis Award and Outstanding Graduate 
Teaching Assistant in the UNO School of Communication.

The Graves Lecture Series continues March 28 when Assistant Professor
 of Psychological Sciences Dr. Elizabeth Kraatz presents “Child Behavior
 as Communication: How to Use Psychology to Parent through Tantrums and 
Trauma.” Kraatz, a foster parent and educational psychologist, will 
present psychological perspectives on child behavior as a lens for 
making parenting decisions. This includes understanding tantrums, 
meeting psychological needs, and interpersonal interactions between 
parent and child. Parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone else with close
 relationships with a child will be able to gain practical strategies 
for engaging effectively with the children, according to Kraatz. Before 
earning a doctorate in Educational Psychology, she taught adult 
education classes and middle school science as well as educational 
psychology and college success courses.

The series concludes April 12 with DeMoine Adams, a motivational 
speaker and artist, who will present “All-American: From Social Capital 
to Cultural Capital.” His presentation will be a combination of his life
 journey, the state of society, and the value of diversity and 
inclusion. Adams is the Chief Executive Officer of the TeamMates 
Mentoring Program, headquartered in Lincoln. He was a three-year 
starting defensive end for the Cornhuskers and led the team in 
quarterback sacks during his time on the team and helped win a Big 12 
conference championship in 1999. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political
 Science, minors in History, Communications, Ethnic Studies, and African
 Studies, a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, and is pursuing a
 doctorate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in leadership, 
motivation, and sociology.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678390215878.png" alt="Katelyn Lambert" />
 <figcaption>Katelyn Lambert</figcaption>
 </figure>CSC College RelationsCHADRON – The 2023 Spring Graves Lecture Series will begin March 14. 
All presentations are at the Sandoz Center Chicoine Atrium and free and 
open to the public. Each lecture begins at 7 p.m. For additional details
 or to volunteer as a speaker, contact Shawn Hartman at 308-432-6271 
ext. 7059 or email at shartman@csc.edu.Katelyn Lambert’s March 14 presentation, 
“Women in the Marvel Cinematic Universe:&nbsp; From Iron Man to Black Widow,”
 will discuss the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 
construction and representation of women, where they existed primarily 
as hypersexualized sidekicks of male heroes, to more current projects 
where women are protagonists separate from their male counterparts. 
Lambert is a lecturer in the Communication Arts Program. She earned a 
bachelor’s in Communication Arts with a concentration in Public 
Relations from CSC, and recently graduated from the University of 
Nebraska-Omaha with a Master of Arts degree in Communication. She was 
the winner of the 2022-23 Top Thesis Award and Outstanding Graduate 
Teaching Assistant in the UNO School of Communication.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678390286879.png" alt="Elizabeth Kraatz" />
 <figcaption>Elizabeth Kraatz</figcaption>
 </figure>The Graves Lecture Series continues March 28 when Assistant Professor
 of Psychological Sciences Dr. Elizabeth Kraatz presents “Child Behavior
 as Communication: How to Use Psychology to Parent through Tantrums and 
Trauma.” Kraatz, a foster parent and educational psychologist, will 
present psychological perspectives on child behavior as a lens for 
making parenting decisions. This includes understanding tantrums, 
meeting psychological needs, and interpersonal interactions between 
parent and child. Parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone else with close
 relationships with a child will be able to gain practical strategies 
for engaging effectively with the children, according to Kraatz. Before 
earning a doctorate in Educational Psychology, she taught adult 
education classes and middle school science as well as educational 
psychology and college success courses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678390315680.png" alt="Demoine Adams" />
 <figcaption>Demoine Adams</figcaption>
 </figure>The series concludes April 12 with DeMoine Adams, a motivational 
speaker and artist, who will present “All-American: From Social Capital 
to Cultural Capital.” His presentation will be a combination of his life
 journey, the state of society, and the value of diversity and 
inclusion. Adams is the Chief Executive Officer of the TeamMates 
Mentoring Program, headquartered in Lincoln. He was a three-year 
starting defensive end for the Cornhuskers and led the team in 
quarterback sacks during his time on the team and helped win a Big 12 
conference championship in 1999. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political
 Science, minors in History, Communications, Ethnic Studies, and African
 Studies, a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, and is pursuing a
 doctorate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in leadership, 
motivation, and sociology.

Graves Lecture Series begins March 14 at Chadron State

Scottsbluff – United Way of Western Nebraska surpassed their 2022-2023 campaign goal of $400,000 by raising $401,020. Campaign Co-Chairs Ally Berggren (Regional West Health Systems), Shane Wilson (Scottsbluff Screen Print) and Dr. Derek Shafer (Box Butte General Hospital) were key to exceeding the goal this year. Loaned Executives also assisted in campaign presentations and actively assisted in raising funds for United Way. Funds are raised annually through individual donations, corporate donations and United Way special events. $219,951 was raised by United Way’s 37 Pacesetter Partner Business and over $80,500 through special events.

United Way Executive Director Karen Benzel highlighted how important the community is in raising funds for United Way. Benzel noted, “Every dollar donated to United Way makes an impact in the community and we are thankful for all our donors. Whether they participated in a workplace campaign, mailed a check to our office, donated online or bought a duck, every dollar counts. We are currently supporting 27 nonprofit organizations in Western Nebraska and through our successful fundraising campaign we are able to continue to invest in the community and our partner nonprofit agencies.”

Funds raised are used to support United Way community impact initiatives and local non-profits partner agencies in the eleven Western Nebraska Panhandle counties plus Goshen and Platte County in Wyoming that are actively focused on health, education or financial stability. United Way tracks the dollars raised in each county to ensure that donor dollars remain local and impactful in the communities where they are given. United Way funding is open to non-profits that focus on financial stability, education and better health in United Way of Western Nebraska’s service area. Local non-profit agencies like CAPstone Child Advocacy Center, East Point Horspice, Buck Therapeutic Riding Academy, Camp Scott, The Doves Program, Community Table and the Scottsbluff/Gering Soup Kitchen rely on United Way for support. Current community impact initiatives include Fighting Hunger in Our Communities, AmeriCorps Seniors, Community Cares Food Box Program, Stuff the Bus, and Imagination Library.

United Way of Western Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community. They support 25 local nonprofit agencies in the areas of education, health and financial stability. They have been reinvesting in Western Nebraska since their inception in 1945. For more information, visit www.uwwn.org.

By United Way of Western Nebraska<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678323178127.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scottsbluff – United Way of Western Nebraska surpassed their 2022-2023 campaign goal of $400,000 by raising $401,020. Campaign Co-Chairs Ally Berggren (Regional West Health Systems), Shane Wilson (Scottsbluff Screen Print) and Dr. Derek Shafer (Box Butte General Hospital) were key to exceeding the goal this year. Loaned Executives also assisted in campaign presentations and actively assisted in raising funds for United Way. Funds are raised annually through individual donations, corporate donations and United Way special events. $219,951 was raised by United Way’s 37 Pacesetter Partner Business and over $80,500 through special events.United Way Executive Director Karen Benzel highlighted how important the community is in raising funds for United Way. Benzel noted, “Every dollar donated to United Way makes an impact in the community and we are thankful for all our donors. Whether they participated in a workplace campaign, mailed a check to our office, donated online or bought a duck, every dollar counts. We are currently supporting 27 nonprofit organizations in Western Nebraska and through our successful fundraising campaign we are able to continue to invest in the community and our partner nonprofit agencies.”Funds raised are used to support United Way community impact initiatives and local non-profits partner agencies in the eleven Western Nebraska Panhandle counties plus Goshen and Platte County in Wyoming that are actively focused on health, education or financial stability. United Way tracks the dollars raised in each county to ensure that donor dollars remain local and impactful in the communities where they are given. United Way funding is open to non-profits that focus on financial stability, education and better health in United Way of Western Nebraska’s service area. Local non-profit agencies like CAPstone Child Advocacy Center, East Point Horspice, Buck Therapeutic Riding Academy, Camp Scott, The Doves Program, Community Table and the Scottsbluff/Gering Soup Kitchen rely on United Way for support. Current community impact initiatives include Fighting Hunger in Our Communities, AmeriCorps Seniors, Community Cares Food Box Program, Stuff the Bus, and Imagination Library.United Way of Western Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community. They support 25 local nonprofit agencies in the areas of education, health and financial stability. They have been reinvesting in Western Nebraska since their inception in 1945. For more information, visit www.uwwn.org.

United Way of Western Nebraska raises over $400,000

<a href="https://ianrnews.unl.edu/registration-open-2023-nebraska-ranch-practicum">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a>

LINCOLN — Ranchers
 interested in learning about the latest cutting-edge research in range 
livestock production from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are 
encouraged to register for the 2023 Nebraska Ranch Practicum offered by 
Nebraska Extension.&nbsp;

The practicum will be held during eight 
sessions over the course of three seasons in order to cover the 
production cycle of livestock and forage resources. Participants will 
have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics, including the 
effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and 
marketing alternatives, plant identification, range condition and 
grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body 
condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.&nbsp;

The practicum will be held June 6 and 7, 
July 6, Sept. 6-7, and Nov. 2, 2023; and January 9 and 10, 
2024.&nbsp;Classroom activities will open and close the practicum in North 
Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at the University of 
Nebraska's Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with 
education and research facilities, near Whitman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The registration fee is 
$675. The fee for a spouse is an additional $350. Registration covers 
educational materials, noon meals and breaks. Participants are 
responsible for travel and lodging expenses. The practicum can count for
 college or continuing education credit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To register, submit a completed application 
and registration fee by May 3rd.&nbsp; Applications will not be accepted after 
that date. Enrollment is limited to 35 participants. Applicants will be 
notified of their status no later than May 19. Refunds will be issued if
 space is not available.&nbsp;

To learn more or register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/" target="_blank">https://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/</a>&nbsp;or contact Troy Walz at 308-872-6831 or&nbsp;troy.walz@unl.edu.&nbsp;

<a href="https://ianrnews.unl.edu/registration-open-2023-nebraska-ranch-practicum">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a>LINCOLN — Ranchers
 interested in learning about the latest cutting-edge research in range 
livestock production from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are 
encouraged to register for the 2023 Nebraska Ranch Practicum offered by 
Nebraska Extension.&nbsp;The practicum will be held during eight 
sessions over the course of three seasons in order to cover the 
production cycle of livestock and forage resources. Participants will 
have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics, including the 
effective use of decision support tools to evaluate management and 
marketing alternatives, plant identification, range condition and 
grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body 
condition scores, and beef cattle production systems.&nbsp;The practicum will be held June 6 and 7, 
July 6, Sept. 6-7, and Nov. 2, 2023; and January 9 and 10, 
2024.&nbsp;Classroom activities will open and close the practicum in North 
Platte with the remainder of the classes conducted at the University of 
Nebraska's Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with 
education and research facilities, near Whitman.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678119570985.jpg" alt="Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The registration fee is 
$675. The fee for a spouse is an additional $350. Registration covers 
educational materials, noon meals and breaks. Participants are 
responsible for travel and lodging expenses. The practicum can count for
 college or continuing education credit.&nbsp;&nbsp;To register, submit a completed application 
and registration fee by May 3rd.&nbsp; Applications will not be accepted after 
that date. Enrollment is limited to 35 participants. Applicants will be 
notified of their status no later than May 19. Refunds will be issued if
 space is not available.&nbsp;To learn more or register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/" target="_blank">https://nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/</a>&nbsp;or contact Troy Walz at 308-872-6831 or&nbsp;troy.walz@unl.edu.&nbsp;

Registration open for 2023 Nebraska Ranch Practicum

Weather permitting, a detour will be in effect on U. S. 30 from
Ogallala to Roscoe beginning March 12, from reference post 127.54 to reference post 133.69,
according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.


Local area property owners and their guests are allowed within the work zone but must pay close
attention to the workers and their equipment for the safety of all involved. Unauthorized vehicles in the
construction zone will be subject to a fine. Interstate 80 is the detour route from Ogallala to Roscoe. The detour
will be in effect March 12 and end mid-June.&nbsp;

Paulsen Inc. of Cozad, Nebraska is the contractor for this project. Work includes grading, milling,
concrete overlay, asphalt surfacing, and seeding.


Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones
down.


NDOTWeather permitting, a detour will be in effect on U. S. 30 from
Ogallala to Roscoe beginning March 12, from reference post 127.54 to reference post 133.69,
according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Local area property owners and their guests are allowed within the work zone but must pay close
attention to the workers and their equipment for the safety of all involved. Unauthorized vehicles in the
construction zone will be subject to a fine. Interstate 80 is the detour route from Ogallala to Roscoe. The detour
will be in effect March 12 and end mid-June.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678122334637.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Paulsen Inc. of Cozad, Nebraska is the contractor for this project. Work includes grading, milling,
concrete overlay, asphalt surfacing, and seeding.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones
down.

Detour scheduled on U.S. 30, Ogallala to Roscoe

On March 7 Scottsbluff police officers responded to several reports of a male pointing a handgun at motorists. 

A description of the male as well as a vehicle description were given.

"Officers located the male and the described vehicle in the Walmart parking lot," Scottsbluff Police&nbsp;Patrol Sergeant&nbsp;Krisa Brass. "The male ran from officers, but was apprehended and taken into custody."

34-year-old Eric Spencer Thomas Jones of Colorado was charged with terroristic threats, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, three additional counts of possession of a controlled substance (Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Dilaudid), and open container.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn March 7 Scottsbluff police officers responded to several reports of a male pointing a handgun at motorists. A description of the male as well as a vehicle description were given."Officers located the male and the described vehicle in the Walmart parking lot," Scottsbluff Police&nbsp;Patrol Sergeant&nbsp;Krisa Brass. "The male ran from officers, but was apprehended and taken into custody."34-year-old Eric Spencer Thomas Jones of Colorado was charged with terroristic threats, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, three additional counts of possession of a controlled substance (Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Dilaudid), and open container.