OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Fire crews took advantage of a break in the weather in their battle to contain large fires in the West and Plains states but fear the return of stronger winds could spread flames further.

 Officials say a southwestern Nebraska wildfire that killed a former volunteer fire chief last week and destroyed several homes is about half contained. 

Officials say strong winds blew into southwest Nebraska on Tuesday but crews kept the fire within its perimeter and no new injuries or damage to buildings was reported. 

Crews in the West continue working to corral blazes in northern New Mexico that charred a combined 225 square miles over recent days.

 Several small villages are threatened and evacuations remain in place.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Fire crews took advantage of a break in the weather in their battle to contain large fires in the West and Plains states but fear the return of stronger winds could spread flames further. Officials say a southwestern Nebraska wildfire that killed a former volunteer fire chief last week and destroyed several homes is about half contained. Officials say strong winds blew into southwest Nebraska on Tuesday but crews kept the fire within its perimeter and no new injuries or damage to buildings was reported. Crews in the West continue working to corral blazes in northern New Mexico that charred a combined 225 square miles over recent days. Several small villages are threatened and evacuations remain in place.

Progress made on wildfires but high winds threaten efforts

Today we spoke with Kyren Armstrong from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their educational and information programs.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Upper Niobrara White NRD educational programs" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=bhrxe-120edbc-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Today we spoke with Kyren Armstrong from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their educational and information programs.&nbsp;

🔊POST PODCAST: Upper Niobrara White NRD educational programs

The Alliance Police Department honored our hard working men and women last night at our Awards Banquet.  Here are our award recipients:

Certificate of Recognition recipients:

Community Service Commendation recipients:

Leadership Commendation recipient:

Distinguished Service Commendation recipients:

Public Safety Dispatcher of the Year recipient:

Police Officer of the Year recipient:

Congratulations to all of our staff who received an honor last night, but thank you to all of our staff equally for all of your long hours, hard work and dedication to the community.

Also a special thank you to the Knight Museum staff who served us a delicious meal.

By Alliance Police Department<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991157629.jpeg" alt="Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens addressing the crowd.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens addressing the crowd.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance Police Department honored our hard working men and women last night at our Awards Banquet. Here are our award recipients:Certificate of Recognition recipients:Officer Dani CampbellSergeant James Grumbles<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991464382.jpeg" alt="Sergeant James Grumbles and Officer Dani Campbell receive Certificates of Recognition.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sergeant James Grumbles and Officer Dani Campbell receive Certificates of Recognition.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Officer Seth McLaughlinSergeant Stefan YocumAnimal Control Officer Toni RavertCommunity Service Commendation recipients:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991637089.jpeg" alt="Sergeant James Grumbles receives a Community Service Commendation." />
 <figcaption>Sergeant James Grumbles receives a Community Service Commendation.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sergeant James Grumbles<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991315185.jpeg" alt="Officer Seth McLaughlin receives a Community Service Commendation." />
 <figcaption>Officer Seth McLaughlin receives a Community Service Commendation.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officer Seth McLaughlinOfficer Tyler SherlockLeadership Commendation recipient:Sergeant Tim Peterson<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991691387.jpeg" alt="Sergeant Tim Peterson receives the 2021 Leadership Commendation.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sergeant Tim Peterson receives the 2021 Leadership Commendation.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Distinguished Service Commendation recipients:Dispatcher Codi LashleyOfficer Marco Vera ChavezOfficer Tyler Sherlock<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991560194.jpeg" alt="Officer Sherlock receives a Distinguished Service Commendation.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Officer Sherlock receives a Distinguished Service Commendation.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Lifesaving Medal recipients:Officer Aly KonopnickiLieutenant Cody Buskirk<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991747241.jpeg" alt="Officer Dani Campbell receives a Lifesaving Medal" />
 <figcaption>Officer Dani Campbell receives a Lifesaving Medal</figcaption>
 </figure>Officer Dani CampbellSergeant Stefan YocumOfficer Seth McLaughlin<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991875008.jpeg" alt="Officer Aly Konopnicki, Lieutenant Cody Buskirk and Officer Sherlock receive a Lifesaving Medal.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Officer Aly Konopnicki, Lieutenant Cody Buskirk and Officer Sherlock receive a Lifesaving Medal.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Officer Tyler SherlockDispatch Leigh Shakes-Yardley<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991958848.jpeg" alt="Officer Seth McLaughlin and Dispatch Leigh Shakes-Yardley receive Lifesaving Medals." />
 <figcaption>Officer Seth McLaughlin and Dispatch Leigh Shakes-Yardley receive Lifesaving Medals.</figcaption>
 </figure>Public Safety Dispatcher of the Year recipient:Dispatcher Leigh Shakes-Yardley<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650992019382.jpeg" alt="Public Safety Dispatcher Leigh Shakes-Yardley is awarded the 2021 Public Safety Dispatcher of the Year." />
 <figcaption>Public Safety Dispatcher Leigh Shakes-Yardley is awarded the 2021 Public Safety Dispatcher of the Year.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police Officer of the Year recipient:Sergeant David LaDuke<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991208187.jpeg" alt="Sergeant LaDuke receives the 2021 Officer of the Year Award.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sergeant LaDuke receives the 2021 Officer of the Year Award.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to all of our staff who received an honor last night, but thank you to all of our staff equally for all of your long hours, hard work and dedication to the community.Also a special thank you to the Knight Museum staff who served us a delicious meal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991363549.jpeg" alt="Officer Bryan Buskirk's badge pinning.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Officer Bryan Buskirk's badge pinning.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650991392651.jpeg" alt="Officer Michael Gomez' badge pinning.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Officer Michael Gomez' badge pinning.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650992129178.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Alliance Police Department hold awards banquet at Knight Museum 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 4/26/22

On April 26 at 12:12 a.m. emergency personnel responded to a one vehicle accident on 21st Avenue, south of 42nd Street near the Scottsbluff city limits.

"There were barricades at the intersection of 21st&nbsp;Avenue and E. 42nd&nbsp;Street at the time," Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman said.&nbsp; "The road was closed due to electrical infrastructure repairs caused by a severe windstorm over the weekend.&nbsp; There was construction equipment on the roadway."

Deputies located a Dodge Ram truck that struck a parked semi-trailer that was in the roadway.&nbsp; 

30-year-old Andres J. Gutierrez was driving southbound on Sugar Factory Road in the closed area and bypassed barricades.&nbsp;

Gutierrez was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"We are investigating excessive speed and alcohol as contributing factors," Overman said.&nbsp;

Seatbelts were not used is this accident.&nbsp;

Overman said next of kin has been notified.&nbsp;

The Nebraska State Patrol, Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department, City of Scottsbluff Fire Department and Valley Ambulance assisted with this accident.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn April 26 at 12:12 a.m. emergency personnel responded to a one vehicle accident on 21st Avenue, south of 42nd Street near the Scottsbluff city limits."There were barricades at the intersection of 21st&nbsp;Avenue and E. 42nd&nbsp;Street at the time," Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman said.&nbsp; "The road was closed due to electrical infrastructure repairs caused by a severe windstorm over the weekend.&nbsp; There was construction equipment on the roadway."Deputies located a Dodge Ram truck that struck a parked semi-trailer that was in the roadway.&nbsp; 30-year-old Andres J. Gutierrez was driving southbound on Sugar Factory Road in the closed area and bypassed barricades.&nbsp;Gutierrez was pronounced deceased at the scene."We are investigating excessive speed and alcohol as contributing factors," Overman said.&nbsp;Seatbelts were not used is this accident.&nbsp;Overman said next of kin has been notified.&nbsp;The Nebraska State Patrol, Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department, City of Scottsbluff Fire Department and Valley Ambulance assisted with this accident.&nbsp;

Scottsbluff man dies after crashing into parked semi-trailer

Karen Benzel discusses the upcoming Color Dash in Gering.

<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=rnhek-120e8ed-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 upcoming Color Dash in Gering.

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol has completed a week-long awareness and enforcement effort focusing on drunk and drug-impaired driving. Troopers and dispatchers worked overtime performing high visibility patrols as part of the effort.

During the initiative, which ran from April 18 through April 24, troopers arrested 15 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol and 1 motorist for driving under the influence of drugs. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (287), no seat belt (10), improper child restraint (4), open alcohol container (9), minor in possession (13), driving under suspension (42), and no proof of insurance (26). Troopers performed 290 motorist assists throughout the week.

The effort included a focus on both passenger vehicles and commercial motor vehicles. Nebraska State Patrol’s portion to this effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol has completed a week-long awareness and enforcement effort focusing on drunk and drug-impaired driving. Troopers and dispatchers worked overtime performing high visibility patrols as part of the effort.During the initiative, which ran from April 18 through April 24, troopers arrested 15 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol and 1 motorist for driving under the influence of drugs. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (287), no seat belt (10), improper child restraint (4), open alcohol container (9), minor in possession (13), driving under suspension (42), and no proof of insurance (26). Troopers performed 290 motorist assists throughout the week.The effort included a focus on both passenger vehicles and commercial motor vehicles. Nebraska State Patrol’s portion to this effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Troopers wrap-up drunk, drug-impaired driving grant

By&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team One

Special Safety and Weather Information:

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon until 8 pm today.&nbsp; Temperatures are predicted to be in the 70’s with winds from the south shifting south/southwest around 10 am.&nbsp; Winds are predicted to be 16-26 mph gusting to 28-40.&nbsp; Critical fire weather conditions will continue into Tuesday evening with winds gusting 20-25 mph through most of the night.&nbsp; Increased gusty winds may create low visibility in and around the fire area due to blowing dust and ash.&nbsp;

Additional resources have arrived from several surrounding states to assist with suppression efforts on the Road 702 Fire.&nbsp; The arrival of these resources has allowed firefighters from local volunteer departments to get some rest and reset with family after what has already been several weeks high fire activity.&nbsp; Incident Management would like to acknowledge the great work that was done by first responders.&nbsp; It is gearing up to be a very busy fire season, and we are honored to be able to assist the local departments.&nbsp;

Branch I (North and West side)-&nbsp; Branch I encompasses the area from Cambridge west along the fire edge and south to Lebanon, NE.&nbsp; The portion of the fire north of US-6, in Division A, has been contained.&nbsp; Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up in this area and continue to strengthen containment lines.&nbsp; Along the west side of the fire, from US-6 south to near Silver Creek, firefighters continue to work on containment lines and cooling down hot spots within the timbered draws.&nbsp; Heavy equipment is being used to remove trees that pose a hazard to firefighters in this area.&nbsp; From near Silver Creek south to the Branch I/III break at State Highway 89, the perimeter has been contained and firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up.

Branch III (East and South side)- Branch III encompasses east and south perimeters of the fire from Cambridge south to Wilsonville and into Kansas.&nbsp; From the Branch I/III break at State Highway 89 south to Road 702, the fire perimeter has been contained.&nbsp; Good progress is being made on the portion of the fire that is in Kansas and containment on this section of the fire is expected soon.&nbsp; On the east side, the fire previously pushed out in several places creating fingers of unsecured fire edge.&nbsp; Direct and indirect fireline is being constructed to contain the fingers to lessen the risk of fire escaping containment lines.&nbsp;&nbsp; Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up all portions of Branch III that have been contained.&nbsp;

Evacuations and Fire Restrictions:&nbsp;There are currently no evacuations on the Road 702 Fire.&nbsp; For information on fire restrictions in Nebraska, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fire-departments/burn-permits" target="_blank">https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fire-departments/burn-permits</a>.

Note on Fire Size: Please note the decrease in acres from last night’s report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last night we reported that the fire had increased by just over 1000 acres due to field verification of an area that had previously burned north of US-6.&nbsp; Fire acreage frequently fluctuates early in an incident as incoming GIS data is verified and cleaned up (i.e., smoothing out jagged and overlapping areas).&nbsp;

Other Fires in Nebraska:&nbsp;For information on other fires in Nebraska, please follow NEMA on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnema.page&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cnema-news%40listserv.nebraska.gov%7C779b64d1cce64d51691d08da279023c3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637865797490297033%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=po8t33gla0%2FmyWbXvjTrLPj%2BnHaDdy3O81gLlP5sGSA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/nema.page</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;Twitter at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FNEMAtweets&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cnema-news%40listserv.nebraska.gov%7C779b64d1cce64d51691d08da279023c3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637865797490297033%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=d0wxXPv5nzWbOJfA%2Fiy7zyqkyHzPiW2ODKBnyZw2AOM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/NEMAtweets</a>.&nbsp;

By&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team One<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650984943723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Special Safety and Weather Information:A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon until 8 pm today.&nbsp; Temperatures are predicted to be in the 70’s with winds from the south shifting south/southwest around 10 am.&nbsp; Winds are predicted to be 16-26 mph gusting to 28-40.&nbsp; Critical fire weather conditions will continue into Tuesday evening with winds gusting 20-25 mph through most of the night.&nbsp; Increased gusty winds may create low visibility in and around the fire area due to blowing dust and ash.&nbsp;Road 702 Current Situation:Additional resources have arrived from several surrounding states to assist with suppression efforts on the Road 702 Fire.&nbsp; The arrival of these resources has allowed firefighters from local volunteer departments to get some rest and reset with family after what has already been several weeks high fire activity.&nbsp; Incident Management would like to acknowledge the great work that was done by first responders.&nbsp; It is gearing up to be a very busy fire season, and we are honored to be able to assist the local departments.&nbsp;Branch I (North and West side)-&nbsp; Branch I encompasses the area from Cambridge west along the fire edge and south to Lebanon, NE.&nbsp; The portion of the fire north of US-6, in Division A, has been contained.&nbsp; Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up in this area and continue to strengthen containment lines.&nbsp; Along the west side of the fire, from US-6 south to near Silver Creek, firefighters continue to work on containment lines and cooling down hot spots within the timbered draws.&nbsp; Heavy equipment is being used to remove trees that pose a hazard to firefighters in this area.&nbsp; From near Silver Creek south to the Branch I/III break at State Highway 89, the perimeter has been contained and firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up.Branch III (East and South side)- Branch III encompasses east and south perimeters of the fire from Cambridge south to Wilsonville and into Kansas.&nbsp; From the Branch I/III break at State Highway 89 south to Road 702, the fire perimeter has been contained.&nbsp; Good progress is being made on the portion of the fire that is in Kansas and containment on this section of the fire is expected soon.&nbsp; On the east side, the fire previously pushed out in several places creating fingers of unsecured fire edge.&nbsp; Direct and indirect fireline is being constructed to contain the fingers to lessen the risk of fire escaping containment lines.&nbsp;&nbsp; Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up all portions of Branch III that have been contained.&nbsp;Evacuations and Fire Restrictions:&nbsp;There are currently no evacuations on the Road 702 Fire.&nbsp; For information on fire restrictions in Nebraska, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fire-departments/burn-permits" target="_blank">https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fire-departments/burn-permits</a>.Note on Fire Size: Please note the decrease in acres from last night’s report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last night we reported that the fire had increased by just over 1000 acres due to field verification of an area that had previously burned north of US-6.&nbsp; Fire acreage frequently fluctuates early in an incident as incoming GIS data is verified and cleaned up (i.e., smoothing out jagged and overlapping areas).&nbsp;Other Fires in Nebraska:&nbsp;For information on other fires in Nebraska, please follow NEMA on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnema.page&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cnema-news%40listserv.nebraska.gov%7C779b64d1cce64d51691d08da279023c3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637865797490297033%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=po8t33gla0%2FmyWbXvjTrLPj%2BnHaDdy3O81gLlP5sGSA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/nema.page</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;Twitter at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FNEMAtweets&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cnema-news%40listserv.nebraska.gov%7C779b64d1cce64d51691d08da279023c3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637865797490297033%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=d0wxXPv5nzWbOJfA%2Fiy7zyqkyHzPiW2ODKBnyZw2AOM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/NEMAtweets</a>.&nbsp;

Road 702 wildfire update

CHADRON – Twenty-three Chadron State College Rural Business Leadership Initiative (RBLI) students and five employees met with western Nebraska business owners and operators March 31 and April 1.

RBLI Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Business Dr. Cassandra Ritzen said the purpose of the trip was to help expose students to the opportunities and resources in rural communities. Stops in Scottsbluff and Gering during the two days included Twin Cities Development, Paul Reed Construction, Papa Moon Winery, Ciderhouse, Hotel 21, and Flyover Brewery.

While at Paul Reed Construction, the group was addressed in-person by CSC President Dr. Randy Rhine and Gov. Pete Ricketts via video conference.

“Learning from rural leaders and building connections between people are core objectives of the RBLI experience,” Ritzen said.

Jewel McBroom of Henry, Nebraska, said the trip was an amazing networking opportunity.

“It gave us a chance to not only meet people uniquely placed in the business world of our community but also gain access to very valuable resources and support. Everyone assumes that being rural means being limited in the possibility of entrepreneurship. Turns out that couldn't be further from the truth," McBroom said. Lacey Hunter of Broadwater, Nebraska, said getting out and talking to people can open doors for opportunities.

“There are so many opportunities available in rural areas, especially for a business start-up if you know where to look and to get help. The chamber of commerce can be very helpful in getting you connected with the right people as they have a network that they use to help them if they are unable to assist,” Hunter said.

Vivian Pease of Potter, Nebraska, said hearing the origin stories of the businesses was the most useful part of the trip for her.

“Seeing real people and their business was very helpful. Understanding what it will take to be successful is understanding how to continuously learn and grow. This trip was a great opportunity for us to be given the tools and ideas, and we just&nbsp;<a>have to</a>&nbsp;commit and put it into practice,” Pease said.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Twenty-three Chadron State College Rural Business Leadership Initiative (RBLI) students and five employees met with western Nebraska business owners and operators March 31 and April 1.RBLI Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Business Dr. Cassandra Ritzen said the purpose of the trip was to help expose students to the opportunities and resources in rural communities. Stops in Scottsbluff and Gering during the two days included Twin Cities Development, Paul Reed Construction, Papa Moon Winery, Ciderhouse, Hotel 21, and Flyover Brewery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650926005216.jpeg" alt="President of Chadron State College Dr. Randy Rhine speaks to Rural Business Leadership Initiative students March 31, 2022, at Paul Reed Construction in Gering, Neb. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>President of Chadron State College Dr. Randy Rhine speaks to Rural Business Leadership Initiative students March 31, 2022, at Paul Reed Construction in Gering, Neb. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>While at Paul Reed Construction, the group was addressed in-person by CSC President Dr. Randy Rhine and Gov. Pete Ricketts via video conference.“Learning from rural leaders and building connections between people are core objectives of the RBLI experience,” Ritzen said.Jewel McBroom of Henry, Nebraska, said the trip was an amazing networking opportunity.“It gave us a chance to not only meet people uniquely placed in the business world of our community but also gain access to very valuable resources and support. Everyone assumes that being rural means being limited in the possibility of entrepreneurship. Turns out that couldn't be further from the truth," McBroom said. Lacey Hunter of Broadwater, Nebraska, said getting out and talking to people can open doors for opportunities.“There are so many opportunities available in rural areas, especially for a business start-up if you know where to look and to get help. The chamber of commerce can be very helpful in getting you connected with the right people as they have a network that they use to help them if they are unable to assist,” Hunter said.Vivian Pease of Potter, Nebraska, said hearing the origin stories of the businesses was the most useful part of the trip for her.“Seeing real people and their business was very helpful. Understanding what it will take to be successful is understanding how to continuously learn and grow. This trip was a great opportunity for us to be given the tools and ideas, and we just&nbsp;<a>have to</a>&nbsp;commit and put it into practice,” Pease said.

Chadron RBLI group meets with Scottsbluff, Gering business owners

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

May is Bird Month in Nebraska. What better place is there to celebrate than in a state park area? The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has several bird-related events in May for people to explore, as well as many other opportunities. Here are several:

Platte River Art Show set for April 29-May 1

View paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery and more from reputable Midwestern artists at the Platte River Art Show on April 29-May 1 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

The show begins with a wine and cheese tasting from 6-9 p.m. April 29 at Peter Kiewit Lodge. The show continues from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. April 30 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 1.

Come to Nebraska City April 29-May 1 and celebrate the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day where it all began – Arbor Lodge.

Take a self-guided tour of the home and learn about the history of Arbor Day. Experience the Women of Arbor Lodge display, get a peek into spring planting on the Morton Farm and view vintage postcards of Arbor Lodge. The park grounds are open for anyone wanting to explore. Check out the 52-room mansion for free Arbor Day, April 29.

Open hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 29, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. April 30 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 1. There is no cost for park entry.

From 10 a.m. to noon May 2, Nebraska Game and Parks will host the North Platte City Nature Challenge Mini BioBlitz at Cody Park, along the North Platte River.

Participants will learn how to identify aquatic species, plants, fungi and birds. Participants are welcome to stay at each station as long as they please.

This Mini BioBloitz is part of the statewide City Nature Challenge, a global effort to document nature in urban areas and learn about the animal and plant life discovered there. In addition to the statewide challenge, North Platte, Lincoln, Norfolk, Omaha and Scottsbluff are hosting the challenge in their backyards.

To learn more, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/citynaturechallenge.

Eugene T. Mahoney SP to host Sip Nebraska May 6-7

Sip Nebraska will bring together local wine, craft beer, spirits, and their fans to celebrate Nebraska’s beverage industry May 6-7 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

Enjoy a full weekend of unlimited tastings from Nebraska’s best-produced wines, hard ciders, craft beers and spirits from 4-10 p.m. May 6 and 1-10 p.m. May 7.

Other activities include lawn games, live music, dance lessons, park tours, and food and craft vendors.

Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to buy tickets.

Take part in birding hike May 14 at Fort Robinson SP

All ages are invited to participate in a birding hike May 14 at Fort Robinson State Park.

The hike will begin at 9 a.m. at the Post Playhouse, then continue down to the flat White River Trail, a chipped-rock trail that runs through the park.

Hikers should dress for the weather, and bring sturdy shoes, water and sunscreen. A limited number of binoculars and field guides will be available.

This program is free, but a park entry permit is required.

Sherman Reservoir SRA to host Fishing and Furs

Enjoy some fishing and learn fun facts about mammals during Fishing and Furs on May 14 at Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area.

It will be all about angling and education with the park naturalist from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Marina Bay. Fishing poles and worms will be provided.

Make birdhouses and feeders May 14 at Swanson Reservoir

Celebrate Nebraska Bird Month by making birdhouses and feeders from recycled materials May 14 at Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area near Trenton.

This event is great for all ages. Supplies will be available while they last, but participants may bring their own building materials, such as milk jugs, nesting materials and stickers.

Meet at the large shelter on Trail 4 directly across from the marina at 1 p.m. A valid park entry permit is required.

Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run to benefit Platte River SP trail

Registration is open for the Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health that also acts as a fundraiser for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails.

The run is May 14 at Cody Park in North Platte. Participants may choose between a 2-mile or 5-mile distance and run it virtually.

This year, funds raised will help support the construction and upgrade of the Platte River State Park trail that leads to Stone Creek Falls. Improvements are aimed at making the trail Americans with Disabilities Act accessible.

Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to register.

Wildcat Hills Nature Center to host total lunar eclipse viewing party

Come to the Wildcat Hills Nature Center from 9-11 p.m. May 15 and join a total lunar eclipse viewing party.

Dress comfortably and prepare to stay up late to view the Blood Moon, the first of two total lunar eclipses in 2022.

This program at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area is free, but a park entry permit is required.

Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area will be hosting a two-day BioBlitz on May 20-21 for people of all ages.

Participants will help set reptile, amphibian and mammal traps,  as well as bat nets on day one. On day two, they’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the animals captured and released during the bioblitz.

Professional biologists from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, will present on mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic species, and pollinators — and pollinator planting.

Find the complete schedule in the events listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

The event is free, but a Nebraska state park entry permit is required. Park permits can be purchased at the park the day of the event or online at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Enjoy Car Show, Migratory Bird Day at Indian Cave SP

Join a full day of activities at Indian Cave State Park on May 28 with the Show and Shine Car Show and the Eighth Annual Migratory Bird Day.

Registration for the car show, which includes automobiles, trucks, tractors and motorcycles, is from 2-3 p.m. Awards are at 6 p.m. Enjoy Hot Wheels races at 4 p.m.

Migratory Bird Day events include hands-on activities, bird crafts and games from 4-7:30 p.m., a fish fry from 6-7:30 p.m., and the Glow in the Dark Bird Egg Hunt at 9 p.m.

Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information. A park entry permit is required.

By Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionMay is Bird Month in Nebraska. What better place is there to celebrate than in a state park area? The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has several bird-related events in May for people to explore, as well as many other opportunities. Here are several:Platte River Art Show set for April 29-May 1View paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery and more from reputable Midwestern artists at the Platte River Art Show on April 29-May 1 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.The show begins with a wine and cheese tasting from 6-9 p.m. April 29 at Peter Kiewit Lodge. The show continues from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. April 30 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 1.Arbor Day celebrating 150th anniversaryCome to Nebraska City April 29-May 1 and celebrate the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day where it all began – Arbor Lodge.Take a self-guided tour of the home and learn about the history of Arbor Day. Experience the Women of Arbor Lodge display, get a peek into spring planting on the Morton Farm and view vintage postcards of Arbor Lodge. The park grounds are open for anyone wanting to explore. Check out the 52-room mansion for free Arbor Day, April 29.Open hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 29, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. April 30 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 1. There is no cost for park entry.North Platte plans Mini BioBlitzFrom 10 a.m. to noon May 2, Nebraska Game and Parks will host the North Platte City Nature Challenge Mini BioBlitz at Cody Park, along the North Platte River.Participants will learn how to identify aquatic species, plants, fungi and birds. Participants are welcome to stay at each station as long as they please.This Mini BioBloitz is part of the statewide City Nature Challenge, a global effort to document nature in urban areas and learn about the animal and plant life discovered there. In addition to the statewide challenge, North Platte, Lincoln, Norfolk, Omaha and Scottsbluff are hosting the challenge in their backyards.To learn more, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/citynaturechallenge.Eugene T. Mahoney SP to host Sip Nebraska May 6-7Sip Nebraska will bring together local wine, craft beer, spirits, and their fans to celebrate Nebraska’s beverage industry May 6-7 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.Enjoy a full weekend of unlimited tastings from Nebraska’s best-produced wines, hard ciders, craft beers and spirits from 4-10 p.m. May 6 and 1-10 p.m. May 7.Other activities include lawn games, live music, dance lessons, park tours, and food and craft vendors.Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to buy tickets.Take part in birding hike May 14 at Fort Robinson SPAll ages are invited to participate in a birding hike May 14 at Fort Robinson State Park.The hike will begin at 9 a.m. at the Post Playhouse, then continue down to the flat White River Trail, a chipped-rock trail that runs through the park.Hikers should dress for the weather, and bring sturdy shoes, water and sunscreen. A limited number of binoculars and field guides will be available.This program is free, but a park entry permit is required.Sherman Reservoir SRA to host Fishing and FursEnjoy some fishing and learn fun facts about mammals during Fishing and Furs on May 14 at Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area.It will be all about angling and education with the park naturalist from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Marina Bay. Fishing poles and worms will be provided.A park entry permit is required.Make birdhouses and feeders May 14 at Swanson ReservoirCelebrate Nebraska Bird Month by making birdhouses and feeders from recycled materials May 14 at Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area near Trenton.This event is great for all ages. Supplies will be available while they last, but participants may bring their own building materials, such as milk jugs, nesting materials and stickers.Meet at the large shelter on Trail 4 directly across from the marina at 1 p.m. A valid park entry permit is required.Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run to benefit Platte River SP trailRegistration is open for the Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health that also acts as a fundraiser for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails.The run is May 14 at Cody Park in North Platte. Participants may choose between a 2-mile or 5-mile distance and run it virtually.This year, funds raised will help support the construction and upgrade of the Platte River State Park trail that leads to Stone Creek Falls. Improvements are aimed at making the trail Americans with Disabilities Act accessible.Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to register.Wildcat Hills Nature Center to host total lunar eclipse viewing partyCome to the Wildcat Hills Nature Center from 9-11 p.m. May 15 and join a total lunar eclipse viewing party.Dress comfortably and prepare to stay up late to view the Blood Moon, the first of two total lunar eclipses in 2022.This program at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area is free, but a park entry permit is required.Enders Reservoir plans BioBlitzEnders Reservoir State Recreation Area will be hosting a two-day BioBlitz on May 20-21 for people of all ages.Participants will help set reptile, amphibian and mammal traps, as well as bat nets on day one. On day two, they’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the animals captured and released during the bioblitz.Professional biologists from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, will present on mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic species, and pollinators — and pollinator planting.Find the complete schedule in the events listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.The event is free, but a Nebraska state park entry permit is required. Park permits can be purchased at the park the day of the event or online at OutdoorNebraska.org.Enjoy Car Show, Migratory Bird Day at Indian Cave SPJoin a full day of activities at Indian Cave State Park on May 28 with the Show and Shine Car Show and the Eighth Annual Migratory Bird Day.Registration for the car show, which includes automobiles, trucks, tractors and motorcycles, is from 2-3 p.m. Awards are at 6 p.m. Enjoy Hot Wheels races at 4 p.m.Migratory Bird Day events include hands-on activities, bird crafts and games from 4-7:30 p.m., a fish fry from 6-7:30 p.m., and the Glow in the Dark Bird Egg Hunt at 9 p.m.Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information. A park entry permit is required.

Explore the parks with these Game and Parks events in May

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Firefighters across the country are battling growing wildfires as tinder-dry conditions and high winds whip up flames from Arizona to Florida — including a wildfire in rural southwestern Nebraska that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-emergency-management-5fbf79a71c25690f7f979e29f80e27a2">killed one person</a>, injured at least 15 firefighters and destroyed at least six homes, an official said.

Nearly a dozen new large fires were reported over the weekend across the nation — four in New Mexico, three in Colorado and one each in Florida, Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas. With more than 1,350 square miles (3,496 square kilometers) burned so far this year, officials at the National Interagency Fire Center said the amount of land singed so far is outpacing the 10-year average by about 30%.

Hotter, drier weather has combined with a persistent drought to worsen fire danger across many parts of the West, where decades of fire suppression have resulted in overgrown and unhealthy forests and increasing development have put more communities at risk.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-environment-new-mexico-droughts-b6a689c2d0561ae31715c7ab20a3463b">In northern New Mexico</a>, evacuations remained in place for several communities Monday and conditions were still too volatile for authorities to assess the damage caused Friday and Saturday. The blaze has has grown into the largest wildfire burning in the U.S., charring more than 88 square miles (228 square kilometers).

In Arizona, firefighters were taking advantage of lighter winds to boost containment of a more than 33-square-mile (85 square-kilometer) blaze that has been burning outside of Flagstaff for more than a week. Strong winds that had fueled the fire are expected to return later this week. Meanwhile, hundreds of evacuated residents were given the go-ahead on Sunday to return home.

In Nebraska, more than 80 firefighters, emergency management personnel and others were helping fight the fire, known as the Road 702 Fire, according to Jonathan Ashford, spokesman for the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team. By early Monday, it had burned nearly 65 square miles (168 square kilometers) of mostly rolling rangeland in Red Willow, Furnas and Frontier counties. That’s less than the 78 square miles (202 square kilometers) initially reported by fire officials over the weekend.

By late Sunday, the fire had destroyed at least six homes and threatened 660 others, along with 50 commercial or farm buildings, Ashford said.

A retired Cambridge, Nebraska, fire chief who was helping as a fire spotter in Red Willow County died Friday night after his truck went off the road in a blinding haze of smoke and dust. The body of John Trumble, 66, of Arapahoe, was recovered around early Saturday.

Raging winds have kept fire crews from containing any of the perimeter of the Nebraska fire. Somewhat higher humidity and lesser winds Monday had firefighters scrambling to dig trenches and create other breaks along the blaze’s outer edge, Ashford said.

“Tomorrow, we expect higher winds to return, so time is of the essence,” he said.

Trumble was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-accidents-evacuations-4dfcdda44fa895a7079cae8d9f61fcce">second person in a month to die while fighting a wildfire in southwest Nebraska</a>. Elwood Volunteer Fire Chief Darren Krull, 54, was killed in a collision with a water tanker on April 7 in Furnas County as smoke cut visibility to zero.

Nebraska remains critically dry, said Ashford, who urged residents to use caution when doing anything that could spark a fire.

“The last thing we need is to have another fire started that we have to then fight,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650919026436.jpeg" alt="Road 702 Fire near Cambridge. (Photo: Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>Road 702 Fire near Cambridge. (Photo: Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Firefighters across the country are battling growing wildfires as tinder-dry conditions and high winds whip up flames from Arizona to Florida — including a wildfire in rural southwestern Nebraska that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-emergency-management-5fbf79a71c25690f7f979e29f80e27a2">killed one person</a>, injured at least 15 firefighters and destroyed at least six homes, an official said.Nearly a dozen new large fires were reported over the weekend across the nation — four in New Mexico, three in Colorado and one each in Florida, Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas. With more than 1,350 square miles (3,496 square kilometers) burned so far this year, officials at the National Interagency Fire Center said the amount of land singed so far is outpacing the 10-year average by about 30%.Hotter, drier weather has combined with a persistent drought to worsen fire danger across many parts of the West, where decades of fire suppression have resulted in overgrown and unhealthy forests and increasing development have put more communities at risk.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-environment-new-mexico-droughts-b6a689c2d0561ae31715c7ab20a3463b">In northern New Mexico</a>, evacuations remained in place for several communities Monday and conditions were still too volatile for authorities to assess the damage caused Friday and Saturday. The blaze has has grown into the largest wildfire burning in the U.S., charring more than 88 square miles (228 square kilometers).In Arizona, firefighters were taking advantage of lighter winds to boost containment of a more than 33-square-mile (85 square-kilometer) blaze that has been burning outside of Flagstaff for more than a week. Strong winds that had fueled the fire are expected to return later this week. Meanwhile, hundreds of evacuated residents were given the go-ahead on Sunday to return home.In Nebraska, more than 80 firefighters, emergency management personnel and others were helping fight the fire, known as the Road 702 Fire, according to Jonathan Ashford, spokesman for the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team. By early Monday, it had burned nearly 65 square miles (168 square kilometers) of mostly rolling rangeland in Red Willow, Furnas and Frontier counties. That’s less than the 78 square miles (202 square kilometers) initially reported by fire officials over the weekend.By late Sunday, the fire had destroyed at least six homes and threatened 660 others, along with 50 commercial or farm buildings, Ashford said.A retired Cambridge, Nebraska, fire chief who was helping as a fire spotter in Red Willow County died Friday night after his truck went off the road in a blinding haze of smoke and dust. The body of John Trumble, 66, of Arapahoe, was recovered around early Saturday.Raging winds have kept fire crews from containing any of the perimeter of the Nebraska fire. Somewhat higher humidity and lesser winds Monday had firefighters scrambling to dig trenches and create other breaks along the blaze’s outer edge, Ashford said.“Tomorrow, we expect higher winds to return, so time is of the essence,” he said.Trumble was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-accidents-evacuations-4dfcdda44fa895a7079cae8d9f61fcce">second person in a month to die while fighting a wildfire in southwest Nebraska</a>. Elwood Volunteer Fire Chief Darren Krull, 54, was killed in a collision with a water tanker on April 7 in Furnas County as smoke cut visibility to zero.Nebraska remains critically dry, said Ashford, who urged residents to use caution when doing anything that could spark a fire.“The last thing we need is to have another fire started that we have to then fight,” he said.

Wildfires tear across several states, driven by high winds

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Dr. Margaret Crouse described a 2018 pilgrimage to Israel during her&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/nTLhwo-NNYg" target="_blank">Graves Lecture</a>&nbsp;April 12. Crouse, an Emeritus Dean at CSC, traveled with a group from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chadron.

She described three major faiths found in Israel: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

“It was a wonderful adventure. It's a real mix of people and faiths in one place,” she said.

During the nine-day tour, the group toured the ruins of Masada, and stopped at biblically significant sites such as Caesarea, the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and Cana. They also visited cities such as Tiberius, Haifa, Nazareth, and Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Crouse said although the Mount Carmel monastery, Stella Maris, did not have an elaborate exterior, the interior was impressive.

“Inside it was just absolutely gorgeous. In Rome several years ago, our tour guide told us when we went to the Vatican that most people back then did not write or read so they learned the stories from the pictures and statuary,” Crouse said.

She shared photos and described stone cases bodies were stored in after being treated with oil and spices.

“Once the body is decomposed, they put the bones in boxes made of stone. The size of the box depends on your longest bone,” Crouse said.

An additional discovery Crouse made during the trip was that &nbsp;Jesus was likely born in a cave.

“Most of their buildings are made of stone of some kind because they don’t have wood there,” she said. “We went to many holy places. They generally would build a church on top of whatever the holy place was, whether it was where Jesus’ family lived or whatever.&nbsp;They're very elaborate.”

Crouse described the Last Walk in Jerusalem, also called the Stations of the Cross or The Way.

“We went early in the morning because there are lots of people and that way we could stand at each of the spaces and read the passages about that particular station.&nbsp;I was really impressed by this.&nbsp;We had a little booklet we followed along as we went through the stations,” she said.

Crouse said she felt safe walking through the various sites.

“When we went into Bethlehem, we went through a gate where there were soldiers and so forth.&nbsp;They didn't check us, but tourism is a big part of their economy all over Israel, so they welcome us as tourists,” Crouse said.

Crouse recounted the story of one of her former students from Israel, a basketball player, who had completed her required military service before she could attend college.

Since she grew up on a farm, Crouse was interested in agriculture practices on the tour. The main crops she saw were bananas, figs, and olives. She said the banana plants were much smaller than she had imagined and they were covered with netting to protect them from the sun.

She shared photos and described people selling vegetables and other fresh produce on the narrow streets of Jerusalem as well as foods such as falafels, fish, and pocket bread. She shared her favorite salad recipe from the trip which included grated carrots, olive oil, Kosher salt, horseradish, sugar, and mustard.

“As a Family and Consumer Science person, I had to get a cookbook. I may not ever use it, but I had to have it. The food was fabulous,” Crouse said.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Dr. Margaret Crouse described a 2018 pilgrimage to Israel during her&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/nTLhwo-NNYg" target="_blank">Graves Lecture</a>&nbsp;April 12. Crouse, an Emeritus Dean at CSC, traveled with a group from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chadron.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650913358095.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>She described three major faiths found in Israel: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.“It was a wonderful adventure. It's a real mix of people and faiths in one place,” she said.During the nine-day tour, the group toured the ruins of Masada, and stopped at biblically significant sites such as Caesarea, the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and Cana. They also visited cities such as Tiberius, Haifa, Nazareth, and Jerusalem.&nbsp;Crouse said although the Mount Carmel monastery, Stella Maris, did not have an elaborate exterior, the interior was impressive.“Inside it was just absolutely gorgeous. In Rome several years ago, our tour guide told us when we went to the Vatican that most people back then did not write or read so they learned the stories from the pictures and statuary,” Crouse said.She shared photos and described stone cases bodies were stored in after being treated with oil and spices.“Once the body is decomposed, they put the bones in boxes made of stone. The size of the box depends on your longest bone,” Crouse said.An additional discovery Crouse made during the trip was that &nbsp;Jesus was likely born in a cave.“Most of their buildings are made of stone of some kind because they don’t have wood there,” she said. “We went to many holy places. They generally would build a church on top of whatever the holy place was, whether it was where Jesus’ family lived or whatever.&nbsp;They're very elaborate.”Crouse described the Last Walk in Jerusalem, also called the Stations of the Cross or The Way.“We went early in the morning because there are lots of people and that way we could stand at each of the spaces and read the passages about that particular station.&nbsp;I was really impressed by this.&nbsp;We had a little booklet we followed along as we went through the stations,” she said.Crouse said she felt safe walking through the various sites.“When we went into Bethlehem, we went through a gate where there were soldiers and so forth.&nbsp;They didn't check us, but tourism is a big part of their economy all over Israel, so they welcome us as tourists,” Crouse said.Crouse recounted the story of one of her former students from Israel, a basketball player, who had completed her required military service before she could attend college.Since she grew up on a farm, Crouse was interested in agriculture practices on the tour. The main crops she saw were bananas, figs, and olives. She said the banana plants were much smaller than she had imagined and they were covered with netting to protect them from the sun.She shared photos and described people selling vegetables and other fresh produce on the narrow streets of Jerusalem as well as foods such as falafels, fish, and pocket bread. She shared her favorite salad recipe from the trip which included grated carrots, olive oil, Kosher salt, horseradish, sugar, and mustard.“As a Family and Consumer Science person, I had to get a cookbook. I may not ever use it, but I had to have it. The food was fabulous,” Crouse said.

CSC's Crouse recounts pilgrimage to Israel

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — All the major railroads now plan to offer their employees up to $600 a month in advance of raises they expect to pay once the current two-year-old national contract talks are eventually settled.

But a coalition of unions that represents more than 105,000 railroad workers said Monday they’ll refuse the payments partly because workers would be on the hook to repay some of the money if the eventual raises aren’t big enough to cover the payments. The unions want the National Carriers’ Conference Committee that represents more than 30 railroads to negotiate a contract instead.

“This latest proposal, somewhere between a loan and a payday advance, is just further evidence that the NCCC has no intentions of reaching a voluntary settlement any time soon,” the unions said in a statement. “You don’t offer temporary proposals if you plan to offer a complete contract settlement.”

The group that represents the railroads didn’t immediately respond to the unions Monday.

The railroads all announced their payment proposal Friday a few days after CSX announced it had offered these payments to its unions. Executives at CSX and Union Pacific said when they announced their earnings last week that an overall contract with the unions is likely still some time away.

Both Union Pacific and CSX reported a 22% jump in their earnings as the railroads were able to increase rates and collect more fuel surcharges even as they struggled to clear up congestion on their rail networks that has delayed deliveries to customers.

The contract talks remain mired in mediation while the railroads pursue unpopular proposals to cut rail crews from two people down to one in certain circumstances. The unions also don’t want to make major concessions in workplace rules after seeing nearly one-third of all railroad jobs eliminated over the past six years as the major freight railroads have overhauled their operations.

The unions have also complained that BNSF and Union Pacific have imposed tough new attendance rules in the past two years without negotiating them that make it difficult for workers to take any days off.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650907614206.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — All the major railroads now plan to offer their employees up to $600 a month in advance of raises they expect to pay once the current two-year-old national contract talks are eventually settled.But a coalition of unions that represents more than 105,000 railroad workers said Monday they’ll refuse the payments partly because workers would be on the hook to repay some of the money if the eventual raises aren’t big enough to cover the payments. The unions want the National Carriers’ Conference Committee that represents more than 30 railroads to negotiate a contract instead.“This latest proposal, somewhere between a loan and a payday advance, is just further evidence that the NCCC has no intentions of reaching a voluntary settlement any time soon,” the unions said in a statement. “You don’t offer temporary proposals if you plan to offer a complete contract settlement.”The group that represents the railroads didn’t immediately respond to the unions Monday.The railroads all announced their payment proposal Friday a few days after CSX announced it had offered these payments to its unions. Executives at CSX and Union Pacific said when they announced their earnings last week that an overall contract with the unions is likely still some time away.Both Union Pacific and CSX reported a 22% jump in their earnings as the railroads were able to increase rates and collect more fuel surcharges even as they struggled to clear up congestion on their rail networks that has delayed deliveries to customers.The contract talks remain mired in mediation while the railroads pursue unpopular proposals to cut rail crews from two people down to one in certain circumstances. The unions also don’t want to make major concessions in workplace rules after seeing nearly one-third of all railroad jobs eliminated over the past six years as the major freight railroads have overhauled their operations.The unions have also complained that BNSF and Union Pacific have imposed tough new attendance rules in the past two years without negotiating them that make it difficult for workers to take any days off.

Rail unions refusing advance payments in favor of a new deal

The videos and photos below were all captured of the Road 702 Fire near Cambridge by Nebraska State Patrol troopers and drone pilots. The fire has burned over 40,000 acres, claimed one life, and led to the injuries of numerous firefighters and first-responders. The fire is still considered active and considered zero percent contained by National Wildfire Containment Standards.

FROM THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

There are many interior pockets of unburned vegetation within the Road 702 Fire perimeter.&nbsp; As winds shift or increase, these areas within the fire may burn.&nbsp; Residents in and around the fire area should expect to see flare-ups and smoke both due to these unburned islands burning as well as the intense heat that remains in the timbered draws. The threat of additional fire growth remains as firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots in brushy draws and near structures.

The public is asked to continue to avoid the Road 702 Fire area and to use caution when driving in areas with reduced visibility due to smoke and dust.&nbsp; As residents return to homes, please be cautious of surroundings as hazards may be present that did not exist prior to the fire.

NOTE:&nbsp; An Inciweb site has been created for this incident:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Finciweb.nwcg.gov%2Fincident%2F8081%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CCody.Thomas%40nebraska.gov%7Ce6d14d814fb741160f4208da26cc4007%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637864955939116831%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=5WBwXr8AXccutoSjzBLpQo5DD%2Fz%2B%2BC%2BUN2cyhx6Aj%2FY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8081/</a>.

Yesterday afternoon, the Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) from Colorado mapped the fire area and current acreage is 41,155.&nbsp; Firefighters working the night shift patrolled the fire area watching for increased fire behavior and wind shifts that could threaten the current control lines.&nbsp;

Branch I (West side)-&nbsp; Branch I encompasses the area from Cambridge west along the fire edge and south to Lebanon, NE.&nbsp; The fire was active primarily in the timbered draws where the fuels are heaviest.&nbsp; Dozers have been ordered to help mitigate hazards by knocking over fire-weakened trees so firefighters can safely work in these areas.&nbsp; Today firefighters, supported by aerial resources, will continue to secure the fireline by mopping up hotspots that threaten control lines and working to cool down areas of heat in the timbered draws where it is safe to do so.

Branch III (East side)- Branch III encompasses east and south perimeters of the fire from Cambridge south to Wilsonville and into Kansas.&nbsp; The fire was very active on this branch yesterday in both the lighter fuels and the timbered draws.&nbsp; Today firefighters, supported by aerial resources, will continue to secure the fireline by mopping up the fire edge and will work on containing any unburned islands within the fire perimeter.&nbsp; Dozers will be used to help remove hazard trees so firefighters can work safely to contain these areas.

Weather:&nbsp;Elevated weather conditions are forecast for Monday through mid-week, with near critical fire weather conditions expected on Tuesday.&nbsp; While winds will be lower today, gusts out of the northwest to 25 mph coupled with low relative humidity will result in elevated fire weather through the afternoon.&nbsp; Winds will be light and turn southerly Monday night.

Evacuations and Fire Restrictions:&nbsp;There are currently no evacuations on the Road 702 Fire.&nbsp; For information on fire restrictions in Nebraska, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fire-departments/burn-permits" target="_blank">https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fire-departments/burn-permits</a>.

Other Fires in Nebraska:&nbsp;For information on other fires in Nebraska, please follow NEMA on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnema.page&amp;data=05%7C01%7CCody.Thomas%40nebraska.gov%7Ce6d14d814fb741160f4208da26cc4007%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637864955939116831%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=UCD3XENje5lgob7TwtX%2FWsbOWPyJ%2BqRboRw%2B%2FdcOfWo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/nema.page</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;Twitter at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FNEMAtweets&amp;data=05%7C01%7CCody.Thomas%40nebraska.gov%7Ce6d14d814fb741160f4208da26cc4007%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637864955939272993%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3UpT7X%2BIgnc4lePw4Kf0pvPbDaVJwEWapcY85IAmdTg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/NEMAtweets</a>.&nbsp;

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostThe videos and photos below were all captured of the Road 702 Fire near Cambridge by Nebraska State Patrol troopers and drone pilots. The fire has burned over 40,000 acres, claimed one life, and led to the injuries of numerous firefighters and first-responders. The fire is still considered active and considered zero percent contained by National Wildfire Containment Standards.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MIMpCPXN8fE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
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 </figure>FROM THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCYSpecial Safety Information:There are many interior pockets of unburned vegetation within the Road 702 Fire perimeter.&nbsp; As winds shift or increase, these areas within the fire may burn.&nbsp; Residents in and around the fire area should expect to see flare-ups and smoke both due to these unburned islands burning as well as the intense heat that remains in the timbered draws. The threat of additional fire growth remains as firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots in brushy draws and near structures.The public is asked to continue to avoid the Road 702 Fire area and to use caution when driving in areas with reduced visibility due to smoke and dust.&nbsp; As residents return to homes, please be cautious of surroundings as hazards may be present that did not exist prior to the fire.NOTE:&nbsp; An Inciweb site has been created for this incident:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Finciweb.nwcg.gov%2Fincident%2F8081%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CCody.Thomas%40nebraska.gov%7Ce6d14d814fb741160f4208da26cc4007%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637864955939116831%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=5WBwXr8AXccutoSjzBLpQo5DD%2Fz%2B%2BC%2BUN2cyhx6Aj%2FY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8081/</a>.Road 702 Current Situation:Yesterday afternoon, the Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) from Colorado mapped the fire area and current acreage is 41,155.&nbsp; Firefighters working the night shift patrolled the fire area watching for increased fire behavior and wind shifts that could threaten the current control lines.&nbsp;Branch I (West side)-&nbsp; Branch I encompasses the area from Cambridge west along the fire edge and south to Lebanon, NE.&nbsp; The fire was active primarily in the timbered draws where the fuels are heaviest.&nbsp; Dozers have been ordered to help mitigate hazards by knocking over fire-weakened trees so firefighters can safely work in these areas.&nbsp; Today firefighters, supported by aerial resources, will continue to secure the fireline by mopping up hotspots that threaten control lines and working to cool down areas of heat in the timbered draws where it is safe to do so.Branch III (East side)- Branch III encompasses east and south perimeters of the fire from Cambridge south to Wilsonville and into Kansas.&nbsp; The fire was very active on this branch yesterday in both the lighter fuels and the timbered draws.&nbsp; Today firefighters, supported by aerial resources, will continue to secure the fireline by mopping up the fire edge and will work on containing any unburned islands within the fire perimeter.&nbsp; Dozers will be used to help remove hazard trees so firefighters can work safely to contain these areas.Weather:&nbsp;Elevated weather conditions are forecast for Monday through mid-week, with near critical fire weather conditions expected on Tuesday.&nbsp; While winds will be lower today, gusts out of the northwest to 25 mph coupled with low relative humidity will result in elevated fire weather through the afternoon.&nbsp; Winds will be light and turn southerly Monday night.Evacuations and Fire Restrictions:&nbsp;There are currently no evacuations on the Road 702 Fire.&nbsp; For information on fire restrictions in Nebraska, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fire-departments/burn-permits" target="_blank">https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fire-departments/burn-permits</a>.Other Fires in Nebraska:&nbsp;For information on other fires in Nebraska, please follow NEMA on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnema.page&amp;data=05%7C01%7CCody.Thomas%40nebraska.gov%7Ce6d14d814fb741160f4208da26cc4007%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637864955939116831%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=UCD3XENje5lgob7TwtX%2FWsbOWPyJ%2BqRboRw%2B%2FdcOfWo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/nema.page</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;Twitter at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FNEMAtweets&amp;data=05%7C01%7CCody.Thomas%40nebraska.gov%7Ce6d14d814fb741160f4208da26cc4007%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637864955939272993%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3UpT7X%2BIgnc4lePw4Kf0pvPbDaVJwEWapcY85IAmdTg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/NEMAtweets</a>.&nbsp;

Videos, photos show devastation of Rd. 702 Fire near Cambridge

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/25/there-was-no-way-to-stop-wildfire-in-50-mph-winds-says-survivor/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LYONS, Nebraska — Robert Byrnes and his family were driving down U.S. 77 right after lunch Saturday when they noticed a wall of flames off to the east, roaring northward.

They quickly reversed course to their farm, a unique place where Byrnes has erected a wind turbine that generates all the power needed for the family of four.

From the top of a hill along Nebraska Highway 51, the family watched as the fire raced across farm fields and grassy waterways, propelled by wind gusts of up to 50 mph and 60 mph.

“It looked like we were going to miss it,” Byrnes, 57, said. “Farmers were discing and saved some other farmsteads.&nbsp;

“But it came in on the west side. I was out there with a garden hose trying to keep it off, but there was no way. It was on me so fast.”

Their home — which Byrnes said was once the house in Bancroft where poet and author John G. Neihardt lived before it would be moved out into the country — was a total loss.

Several outbuildings were lost, including the “power shack” that regulated the wind power and batteries for the “off-the-grid” farmstead. Two cars, family possessions and photographs, years of computers files all went up in smoke.

Eight dogs perished in the blaze, including some purebred German shepherds raised by Byrnes’ wife, Serena Byrnes, but a herd of goats survived, as did other livestock.

Sunday night, Byrnes said he erected an American flag on the scorched remnants of the farm, a recognition of the outpouring of help from friends and neighbors. It could have been worse, he said. His family, including children Jason, 12, and Rosemary, 5, were all safe.

“It’s my own Mount Suribachi,” he said, a reference to the famous planting of a flag by U.S. Marines in World War II during the Battle of Iwo Jima.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There’s so much hate and garbage going on, it’s good to see Nebraskans still care for their neighbors,” he said. “The outpouring of help has just been incredible.”

The Byrneses were among the victims in an outbreak of wildfires across Nebraska over the weekend that killed one firefighter, injured at least 10 others and scorched more than 50,000 acres.

Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and 60 mph propelled the flames in areas that are drier than normal due to a lack of winter snows and rain.

John P. Trumble of Arapahoe, a 66-year-old former fire chief, was found Saturday morning after becoming overcome by smoke and fire as he was working as a spotter on a wildfire in southwest Nebraska, according to the Associated Press.

&nbsp;The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency reported that at least 10 firefighters had been injured, some in vehicle collisions in the blinding smoke.

One hundred calves perished when a calving shed caught fire near Rising City.&nbsp;Other fires were reported near Elsie, in Scotts Bluff County, near Purdum and between Sunol and Lodgepole.&nbsp;

At one point Saturday, the towns of Cambridge, Bartley, Indianola and Wilsonville in southwest Nebraska and Macy in the northeast part of the state, were temporarily evacuated because of approaching flames.&nbsp;

All evacuation orders have since been lifted, according to&nbsp;Stephanie Schively, a spokeswoman with the&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team One.

That federal team took over coordination of the fight against the fire Sunday morning in southwest Nebraska. The so-called Road 702 fire has consumed&nbsp;41,155 acres, Shiveley said. Wooded draws, filled with dry cottonwood trees, continue to burn, she said.

A multi-mission aircraft from Colorado flew over the fire Sunday, providing a more accurate accounting of the acreage burned and helping to direct crews from Nebraska and Kansas to hot spots, she said. About 100 personnel were working the fire Sunday, NEMA said.

The Nebraska National Guard carried out at least &nbsp;300 water drops on Saturday and Sunday in support of firefighters on the ground and the incident command, Staff Sgt. Tony Brolini, a flight medic, tweeted out.

The fire in northeast Nebraska began north of Lyons, about 70 miles north of Omaha, and quickly spread across farm fields and through grassy draws.

Firefighters from 30 area volunteer departments responded to the fire, according to the Burt County Sheriff’s Office. Four firefighters were injured, two by smoke inhalation and two in vehicle accidents in the dense smoke.

On Sunday morning, the Byrnes farmstead, which is about 3 miles east of U.S. 77 on Nebraska 51, was still smoldering. Just down the road, a barn stood gutted by flames, but the home was saved. Nearby, another farmstead survived, surrounded by freshly disced fields.

“There were some miracles out there,” Byrnes said Sunday. “It could have been a lot worse.”

He moved to Nebraska 25 years ago and established a business in Lyons to crush beans and vegetables into oil to make renewable fuel. He now also consults on solar projects.

For now, the family is living in a tiny house next to the crushing facility in Lyons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650903826936.jpeg" alt="A wildfire Saturday destroyed a house that the owner says was once a home where famed poet and author John G. Neihardt lived until it was moved out of Bancroft. The house sat along Nebraska Highway 51, east of U.S. Highway 77. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>A wildfire Saturday destroyed a house that the owner says was once a home where famed poet and author John G. Neihardt lived until it was moved out of Bancroft. The house sat along Nebraska Highway 51, east of U.S. Highway 77. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/25/there-was-no-way-to-stop-wildfire-in-50-mph-winds-says-survivor/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LYONS, Nebraska — Robert Byrnes and his family were driving down U.S. 77 right after lunch Saturday when they noticed a wall of flames off to the east, roaring northward.They quickly reversed course to their farm, a unique place where Byrnes has erected a wind turbine that generates all the power needed for the family of four.From the top of a hill along Nebraska Highway 51, the family watched as the fire raced across farm fields and grassy waterways, propelled by wind gusts of up to 50 mph and 60 mph.<h2>‘It was on me so fast’</h2>“It looked like we were going to miss it,” Byrnes, 57, said. “Farmers were discing and saved some other farmsteads.&nbsp;“But it came in on the west side. I was out there with a garden hose trying to keep it off, but there was no way. It was on me so fast.”Their home — which Byrnes said was once the house in Bancroft where poet and author John G. Neihardt lived before it would be moved out into the country — was a total loss.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5923-300x225.jpg" alt="A field fire in Burt County raced up waterways and highway ditches as it spread Saturday. (Paul Hammel)" />
 <figcaption>A field fire in Burt County raced up waterways and highway ditches as it spread Saturday. (Paul Hammel)</figcaption>
 </figure>Several outbuildings were lost, including the “power shack” that regulated the wind power and batteries for the “off-the-grid” farmstead. Two cars, family possessions and photographs, years of computers files all went up in smoke.<h2>Dogs perished</h2>Eight dogs perished in the blaze, including some purebred German shepherds raised by Byrnes’ wife, Serena Byrnes, but a herd of goats survived, as did other livestock.Sunday night, Byrnes said he erected an American flag on the scorched remnants of the farm, a recognition of the outpouring of help from friends and neighbors. It could have been worse, he said. His family, including children Jason, 12, and Rosemary, 5, were all safe.“It’s my own Mount Suribachi,” he said, a reference to the famous planting of a flag by U.S. Marines in World War II during the Battle of Iwo Jima.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Outpouring of help ‘incredible’</h2>“There’s so much hate and garbage going on, it’s good to see Nebraskans still care for their neighbors,” he said. “The outpouring of help has just been incredible.”The Byrneses were among the victims in an outbreak of wildfires across Nebraska over the weekend that killed one firefighter, injured at least 10 others and scorched more than 50,000 acres.Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and 60 mph propelled the flames in areas that are drier than normal due to a lack of winter snows and rain.<h2>Arapahoe firefighter killed</h2>John P. Trumble of Arapahoe, a 66-year-old former fire chief, was found Saturday morning after becoming overcome by smoke and fire as he was working as a spotter on a wildfire in southwest Nebraska, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency reported that at least 10 firefighters had been injured, some in vehicle collisions in the blinding smoke.One hundred calves perished when a calving shed caught fire near Rising City.&nbsp;Other fires were reported near Elsie, in Scotts Bluff County, near Purdum and between Sunol and Lodgepole.&nbsp;<h2>Town evacuated</h2>At one point Saturday, the towns of Cambridge, Bartley, Indianola and Wilsonville in southwest Nebraska and Macy in the northeast part of the state, were temporarily evacuated because of approaching flames.&nbsp;All evacuation orders have since been lifted, according to&nbsp;Stephanie Schively, a spokeswoman with the&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team One.That federal team took over coordination of the fight against the fire Sunday morning in southwest Nebraska. The so-called Road 702 fire has consumed&nbsp;41,155 acres, Shiveley said. Wooded draws, filled with dry cottonwood trees, continue to burn, she said.A multi-mission aircraft from Colorado flew over the fire Sunday, providing a more accurate accounting of the acreage burned and helping to direct crews from Nebraska and Kansas to hot spots, she said. About 100 personnel were working the fire Sunday, NEMA said.The Nebraska National Guard carried out at least &nbsp;300 water drops on Saturday and Sunday in support of firefighters on the ground and the incident command, Staff Sgt. Tony Brolini, a flight medic, tweeted out.<h2>Flames spread quickly</h2>The fire in northeast Nebraska began north of Lyons, about 70 miles north of Omaha, and quickly spread across farm fields and through grassy draws.Firefighters from 30 area volunteer departments responded to the fire, according to the Burt County Sheriff’s Office. Four firefighters were injured, two by smoke inhalation and two in vehicle accidents in the dense smoke.On Sunday morning, the Byrnes farmstead, which is about 3 miles east of U.S. 77 on Nebraska 51, was still smoldering. Just down the road, a barn stood gutted by flames, but the home was saved. Nearby, another farmstead survived, surrounded by freshly disced fields.“There were some miracles out there,” Byrnes said Sunday. “It could have been a lot worse.”<h2>Plans to rebuild</h2>He moved to Nebraska 25 years ago and established a business in Lyons to crush beans and vegetables into oil to make renewable fuel. He now also consults on solar projects.For now, the family is living in a tiny house next to the crushing facility in Lyons.Byrnes said he had “some close calls” while trying to battle the oncoming flames and had wetted down his shirt so embers wouldn’t catch it on fire. He was evacuated by firefighters when they arrived.He said the family plans to rebuild.“We’re going to make lemonade from lemons,” Byrnes said.

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