OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal investigators are opening a wide-ranging investigation into one of the nation’s biggest railroads following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">fiery derailment on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border</a>&nbsp;last month and several other accidents involving Norfolk Southern, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43991ba5796122c07af42309ead5d250">death of a train conductor</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board said on Tuesday it will begin a broad look at the company's safety culture — the first such investigation within the rail industry since 2014. The board said it has sent investigation teams to look into five significant accidents involving Norfolk Southern since December 2021.

The agency also urged the company to take immediate action to review and assess its safety practices.

The Federal Railroad Administration also announced its own investigation of Norfolk Southern on Tuesday. The administration will issue a public report after conducting a 60-day safety assessment, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In the release, the railroad administration said Norfolk Southern must go beyond the steps it announced Monday and take actions “that match the severity of recent incidents.”

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw pledged to hold a series of companywide safety meetings Wednesday — one day ahead of when he is scheduled to testify in Congress at a hearing on the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment.

“Moving forward, we are going to rebuild our safety culture from the ground up,” he said in a statement. “We are going to invest more in safety. This is not who we are, it is not acceptable, and it will not continue.”

In response to the Ohio derailment, the railroad on Monday announced plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-norfolk-southern-railroad-171b7d3f8e0dbced1336efafb098badf">improve the use of detectors</a>&nbsp;placed along railroad tracks to spot overheating bearings and other problems.

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board said the crew operating the train that derailed Feb. 3 outside East Palestine, Ohio, got a warning from such a detector but couldn’t stop the train before more than three dozen cars came off the tracks and caught fire.

Half of the town of about 5,000 people had to evacuate for days when responders intentionally burned toxic chemicals in some of the derailed cars to prevent an uncontrolled explosion, leaving residents with lingering health concerns. Government officials say tests haven’t found dangerous levels of chemicals in the air or water in the area.

Within the industry, Norfolk Southern has had a strong reputation for being a safe railroad over the years, said Christopher Barkan, director of the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center at the University of Illinois.

Federal Railroad Administration statistics show accidents involving Norfolk Southern is down since 2019, but the rate of accidents is up over the past decade. The 119 derailments involving Norfolk Southern last year was the lowest number in the last decade. Industrywide, there were more than 1,000 derailments last year.

But pressure has been mounting on the railroad in the aftermath of the East Palestine disaster.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told the nation’s freight railroads in February to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ohio-pennsylvania-f1cd9d79cdd66b1f45d1dcdf1e53ff58">immediately act to improve safety</a>&nbsp;while regulators were focusing on strengthening safety rules. Buttigieg said the department will hold the railroad accountable for any safety violations that contributed to the Feb. 3 crash.

President Joe Biden said on Twitter after the derailment that the past pattern of railroads resisting safety regulations must change and that Congress should support the effort to improve safety.

Even though government data shows that derailments have declined in recent years, there were still 1,049 of them last year.

While most don’t cause any major problems, of the five accidents the National Transportation Safety Board pointed to involving Norfolk Southern since the end of 2021, three resulted in the deaths of three workers.

On Saturday, no one was hurt when a Norfolk Southern&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norfolk-southern-springfield-train-derailment-1b08c84e0788082dd24a4f4ca447f459">freight train derailed</a>&nbsp;near Springfield, Ohio.

In the latest incident Tuesday, a train and a dump truck collided at a steel plant in Cleveland, killing the train conductor who was standing on the outside of a car, authorities said. The company said the cause of that accident was not yet known.

Eddie Hall, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents the worker who was killed, said the death is a reminder of the need for safety improvements.

“All railroad accidents are avoidable,” Hall said. “This collision underscores the need for significant improvements in rail safety for both workers and the public.”

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678296582382.jpeg" alt="A view of the scene Feb. 24, 2023, as the cleanup continues at the site of of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday, March 6, 2023 that Norfolk Southern has pledged several million dollars to cover the cost of the response and recovery in Pennsylvania after last month's derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals just across the border in Ohio. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, file)" />
 <figcaption>A view of the scene Feb. 24, 2023, as the cleanup continues at the site of of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday, March 6, 2023 that Norfolk Southern has pledged several million dollars to cover the cost of the response and recovery in Pennsylvania after last month's derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals just across the border in Ohio. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, file)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal investigators are opening a wide-ranging investigation into one of the nation’s biggest railroads following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">fiery derailment on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border</a>&nbsp;last month and several other accidents involving Norfolk Southern, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43991ba5796122c07af42309ead5d250">death of a train conductor</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.The National Transportation Safety Board said on Tuesday it will begin a broad look at the company's safety culture — the first such investigation within the rail industry since 2014. The board said it has sent investigation teams to look into five significant accidents involving Norfolk Southern since December 2021.The agency also urged the company to take immediate action to review and assess its safety practices.The Federal Railroad Administration also announced its own investigation of Norfolk Southern on Tuesday. The administration will issue a public report after conducting a 60-day safety assessment, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Transportation.In the release, the railroad administration said Norfolk Southern must go beyond the steps it announced Monday and take actions “that match the severity of recent incidents.”Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw pledged to hold a series of companywide safety meetings Wednesday — one day ahead of when he is scheduled to testify in Congress at a hearing on the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment.“Moving forward, we are going to rebuild our safety culture from the ground up,” he said in a statement. “We are going to invest more in safety. This is not who we are, it is not acceptable, and it will not continue.”In response to the Ohio derailment, the railroad on Monday announced plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-norfolk-southern-railroad-171b7d3f8e0dbced1336efafb098badf">improve the use of detectors</a>&nbsp;placed along railroad tracks to spot overheating bearings and other problems.Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board said the crew operating the train that derailed Feb. 3 outside East Palestine, Ohio, got a warning from such a detector but couldn’t stop the train before more than three dozen cars came off the tracks and caught fire.Half of the town of about 5,000 people had to evacuate for days when responders intentionally burned toxic chemicals in some of the derailed cars to prevent an uncontrolled explosion, leaving residents with lingering health concerns. Government officials say tests haven’t found dangerous levels of chemicals in the air or water in the area.Within the industry, Norfolk Southern has had a strong reputation for being a safe railroad over the years, said Christopher Barkan, director of the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center at the University of Illinois.Federal Railroad Administration statistics show accidents involving Norfolk Southern is down since 2019, but the rate of accidents is up over the past decade. The 119 derailments involving Norfolk Southern last year was the lowest number in the last decade. Industrywide, there were more than 1,000 derailments last year.But pressure has been mounting on the railroad in the aftermath of the East Palestine disaster.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told the nation’s freight railroads in February to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-accidents-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ohio-pennsylvania-f1cd9d79cdd66b1f45d1dcdf1e53ff58">immediately act to improve safety</a>&nbsp;while regulators were focusing on strengthening safety rules. Buttigieg said the department will hold the railroad accountable for any safety violations that contributed to the Feb. 3 crash.President Joe Biden said on Twitter after the derailment that the past pattern of railroads resisting safety regulations must change and that Congress should support the effort to improve safety.Even though government data shows that derailments have declined in recent years, there were still 1,049 of them last year.While most don’t cause any major problems, of the five accidents the National Transportation Safety Board pointed to involving Norfolk Southern since the end of 2021, three resulted in the deaths of three workers.On Saturday, no one was hurt when a Norfolk Southern&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norfolk-southern-springfield-train-derailment-1b08c84e0788082dd24a4f4ca447f459">freight train derailed</a>&nbsp;near Springfield, Ohio.In the latest incident Tuesday, a train and a dump truck collided at a steel plant in Cleveland, killing the train conductor who was standing on the outside of a car, authorities said. The company said the cause of that accident was not yet known.Eddie Hall, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents the worker who was killed, said the death is a reminder of the need for safety improvements.“All railroad accidents are avoidable,” Hall said. “This collision underscores the need for significant improvements in rail safety for both workers and the public.”

Safety agency opens probe of Norfolk Southern rail accidents

Keep Alliance Beautiful, Alliance Chamber of Commerce and Brittan Insurance Agency will be holding a Saint Patrick's Day Celebration on March 17 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

This event is a fundraiser for Keep Alliance Beautiful and located at Brittan Insurance.&nbsp;

There will be food, Irish music and beverages.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678406060700.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Keep Alliance Beautiful, Alliance Chamber of Commerce and Brittan Insurance Agency will be holding a Saint Patrick's Day Celebration on March 17 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.This event is a fundraiser for Keep Alliance Beautiful and located at Brittan Insurance.&nbsp;There will be food, Irish music and beverages.&nbsp;

KAB, Alliance Chamber, Brittan Insurance team up to hold KAB fundraiser

The Box Butte County dispatch services have changed in Alliance.&nbsp;

"Effective March 8, 2023 the Box Butte County Dispatch Center has consolidated its services with the Gering/Scottsbluff communication center," Box Butte County Sheriff Tammy Mowry said. "The county was not able to negotiate a reasonable amount of cost with the City of Alliance to provide the same service. There will not be any disruption in services due to this change. The Box Butte County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;will continue to provide the services that it always has in the past."

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostThe Box Butte County dispatch services have changed in Alliance.&nbsp;"Effective March 8, 2023 the Box Butte County Dispatch Center has consolidated its services with the Gering/Scottsbluff communication center," Box Butte County Sheriff Tammy Mowry said. "The county was not able to negotiate a reasonable amount of cost with the City of Alliance to provide the same service. There will not be any disruption in services due to this change. The Box Butte County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;will continue to provide the services that it always has in the past."

Box Butte Co. dispatch services change in Alliance

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR

CHADRON – Chadron State College has received a $100,000 wellness grant from the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN). Associate Professor of Health Physical Education and Recreation Dr. Britt Helmbrecht, author of the grant application, said she plans to use the funds to support educational events, guest speakers, contracted services, part-time student employment, and promotional materials. Funding from American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) came to the Nebraska state legislature which awarded funds to BHECN.

“<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2023/-csc-receives-substantial-grant-for-clinical-mental-health-counseling-graduate-student-stipends.html" target="_blank">Tara Wilson</a>&nbsp;told me about this opportunity after I shared with her my ideas for initiating more campus wellness events and resources,“&nbsp; Helmbrecht said. “In the past, we have collaborated on events to support student wellness through her position as co-director of BHECN-Panhandle and my other roles on campus.”

On Jan. 19, Helmbrecht and Wilson presented a poster discussion at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators' Well-being and Health Promotion Leadership Conference in Kansas City. The title of their poster is Collaborative Initiatives Focused on Addressing Student-Athlete's Mental Well-being. It details an event hosted by Wilson and future strategies aimed at addressing the mental well-being needs of student-athletes.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATORCHADRON – Chadron State College has received a $100,000 wellness grant from the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN). Associate Professor of Health Physical Education and Recreation Dr. Britt Helmbrecht, author of the grant application, said she plans to use the funds to support educational events, guest speakers, contracted services, part-time student employment, and promotional materials. Funding from American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) came to the Nebraska state legislature which awarded funds to BHECN.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678289278533.jpeg" alt="Dr. Britt Helmbrecht, Associate Professor of Health Physical Education and Recreation, right, and Dr. Tara Wilson, Associate Professor of Counseling Education, left, at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators' Well-being and Health Promotion Leadership Conference in Kansas City Jan. 19, 2023. The title of their poster is Collaborative Initiatives Focused on Addressing Student-Athlete's Mental Well-being. It detailed an event hosted by Wilson, who is also co-director of Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska Panhandle and Helmbrecht, who is also CSC's Faculty Athletic Representative, and future strategies aimed at addressing the mental well-being needs of student-athletes. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Britt Helmbrecht, Associate Professor of Health Physical Education and Recreation, right, and Dr. Tara Wilson, Associate Professor of Counseling Education, left, at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators' Well-being and Health Promotion Leadership Conference in Kansas City Jan. 19, 2023. The title of their poster is Collaborative Initiatives Focused on Addressing Student-Athlete's Mental Well-being. It detailed an event hosted by Wilson, who is also co-director of Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska Panhandle and Helmbrecht, who is also CSC's Faculty Athletic Representative, and future strategies aimed at addressing the mental well-being needs of student-athletes. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>“<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2023/-csc-receives-substantial-grant-for-clinical-mental-health-counseling-graduate-student-stipends.html" target="_blank">Tara Wilson</a>&nbsp;told me about this opportunity after I shared with her my ideas for initiating more campus wellness events and resources,“&nbsp; Helmbrecht said. “In the past, we have collaborated on events to support student wellness through her position as co-director of BHECN-Panhandle and my other roles on campus.”On Jan. 19, Helmbrecht and Wilson presented a poster discussion at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators' Well-being and Health Promotion Leadership Conference in Kansas City. The title of their poster is Collaborative Initiatives Focused on Addressing Student-Athlete's Mental Well-being. It details an event hosted by Wilson and future strategies aimed at addressing the mental well-being needs of student-athletes.

Helmbrecht writes $100,000 wellness grant for Chadron State College

By JOHN E. WEARE,&nbsp;Keep Alliance Beautiful&nbsp;

“Will you be here at 8:30 Friday?,” was the question in regard to a check presentation. Sure, I replied. Adjusting my time frame from midmorning (and my bent for arriving several minutes late) I opened the Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Center door at the appointed time and found FBLA members Simmi Kaur and Carver Hauptman mingling with the KAB crew. The Alliance High School seniors handed Executive Director Kathy Worley a $100 check to support our recycling efforts.

Overall, I have referred to the environmentally conscious practices (especially recycling) throughout the Alliance Public Schools as “Bulldog Green.” Alliance High’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter, represented by these two fourth-year members, exemplifies that moniker with their Go Green project. Carver, chapter vice president, and Simmi, parliamentarian, explained it is among those they enter on the State level, and have since joining FBLA. This year the goal was, simply, to “donate to a local recycling center.”

Both students also serve on the AHS student council. “Student council is trying to get more recycling going,” Carver said. We want to recycle cans at the school and sort at the school so it’s all ready to go, Simmi added. That process is appreciated by both student leaders, who recycle at home.

There is a significance to the donation beyond simply deciding how to spend a C-note. Not only do our local schools support recycling, but the students themselves grasp its importance.

Kathy continues to draw a parallel between community support and the effectiveness of KAB – in particular our role in operating an area recycling center. People who support our work may make donations to KAB at any time. And, if they are looking for a deserving not-for-profit, leave money when they pass away. As happened in 2022, we did not receive a major grant applied for through Nebraska Environmental Trust worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Consequently, a rather large egg is again missing from our basket. Things have changed. The extra-large chicken capable of laying million-dollar eggs is not the same fowl who delivered for KAB like the Golden Goose year after year not so long ago. The people who judged our application may have no clue where Alliance is or a first-hand perspective of how we contribute as a Keep America Beautiful affiliate. I would rather see a hundred or more smaller donations from our local patrons the same size as what we had hoped for from NET.

Yet, there is a complicated process in replacing a formally dependable revenue source, especially in pinpointing benefactors that want to fund recycling and environmental education in Northwest Nebraska. Forming coalitions with others in our boat may be an option. Local grants and fundraisers have been viable before. Even before working at the recycling center, I grasped KAB’s relationship as a rural recycler and through covering the organization as a journalist. Our residents are amazing, period. There is a deep well of in-kind donations and volunteerism we draw upon.

Keep Alliance Beautiful (and Alliance Clean Community before) have been here for decades. We are in it for the long haul. From the lady who walks across town to bring a bag or two at a time to the packed SUV from Chadron and the half-full horse trailers coming into town from

Sandhills ranches our reach embraces anyone willing to stop at the door. It is our intention to keep the welcome mat out.

By JOHN E. WEARE,&nbsp;Keep Alliance Beautiful&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678240433878.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Alliance High School FBLA Vice President Carver Hauptman presents KAB Executive Director Kathy Worley with a $100 donation on behalf of the chapter's Go Green project. Also on hand at the recycling center, from left, FBLA Parliamentarian Simmi Kaur, and KAB staff Virgil Hardin, Paula Durham, Center Supervisor G.O. Thompson and Mary Meier." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Alliance High School FBLA Vice President Carver Hauptman presents KAB Executive Director Kathy Worley with a $100 donation on behalf of the chapter's Go Green project. Also on hand at the recycling center, from left, FBLA Parliamentarian Simmi Kaur, and KAB staff Virgil Hardin, Paula Durham, Center Supervisor G.O. Thompson and Mary Meier.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Will you be here at 8:30 Friday?,” was the question in regard to a check presentation. Sure, I replied. Adjusting my time frame from midmorning (and my bent for arriving several minutes late) I opened the Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Center door at the appointed time and found FBLA members Simmi Kaur and Carver Hauptman mingling with the KAB crew. The Alliance High School seniors handed Executive Director Kathy Worley a $100 check to support our recycling efforts.Overall, I have referred to the environmentally conscious practices (especially recycling) throughout the Alliance Public Schools as “Bulldog Green.” Alliance High’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter, represented by these two fourth-year members, exemplifies that moniker with their Go Green project. Carver, chapter vice president, and Simmi, parliamentarian, explained it is among those they enter on the State level, and have since joining FBLA. This year the goal was, simply, to “donate to a local recycling center.”Both students also serve on the AHS student council. “Student council is trying to get more recycling going,” Carver said. We want to recycle cans at the school and sort at the school so it’s all ready to go, Simmi added. That process is appreciated by both student leaders, who recycle at home.There is a significance to the donation beyond simply deciding how to spend a C-note. Not only do our local schools support recycling, but the students themselves grasp its importance.Kathy continues to draw a parallel between community support and the effectiveness of KAB – in particular our role in operating an area recycling center. People who support our work may make donations to KAB at any time. And, if they are looking for a deserving not-for-profit, leave money when they pass away. As happened in 2022, we did not receive a major grant applied for through Nebraska Environmental Trust worth tens of thousands of dollars.Consequently, a rather large egg is again missing from our basket. Things have changed. The extra-large chicken capable of laying million-dollar eggs is not the same fowl who delivered for KAB like the Golden Goose year after year not so long ago. The people who judged our application may have no clue where Alliance is or a first-hand perspective of how we contribute as a Keep America Beautiful affiliate. I would rather see a hundred or more smaller donations from our local patrons the same size as what we had hoped for from NET.Yet, there is a complicated process in replacing a formally dependable revenue source, especially in pinpointing benefactors that want to fund recycling and environmental education in Northwest Nebraska. Forming coalitions with others in our boat may be an option. Local grants and fundraisers have been viable before. Even before working at the recycling center, I grasped KAB’s relationship as a rural recycler and through covering the organization as a journalist. Our residents are amazing, period. There is a deep well of in-kind donations and volunteerism we draw upon.Keep Alliance Beautiful (and Alliance Clean Community before) have been here for decades. We are in it for the long haul. From the lady who walks across town to bring a bag or two at a time to the packed SUV from Chadron and the half-full horse trailers coming into town fromSandhills ranches our reach embraces anyone willing to stop at the door. It is our intention to keep the welcome mat out.

KAB Community Support: FBLA shares some bulldog green

Weather permitting, work will begin March 13 on Interstate 80 at three locations, reference post 146.78, reference post 155.67, and reference post 173.90, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Van Kirk Sand &amp; Gravel, Inc. of Sutton, Nebraska is the contractor for this project. Work includes grading, culverts, and seeding. Traffic will be maintained with intermittent lane closures. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is May 2023.

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

NDOTWeather permitting, work will begin March 13 on Interstate 80 at three locations, reference post 146.78, reference post 155.67, and reference post 173.90, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Van Kirk Sand &amp; Gravel, Inc. of Sutton, Nebraska is the contractor for this project. Work includes grading, culverts, and seeding. Traffic will be maintained with intermittent lane closures. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is May 2023.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

I-80 work set to begin west of North Platte

By DANIELLA AKWAYANME, COLLEGE RELATIONS

CHADRON—Chadron State College student Allison Acosta of Tucson, Arizona, and Cole Martinez of David City, Nebraska, both won two awards from the Black Hills chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) on Feb. 17 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Martinez won two silver awards for his Museum of Geology identity system and his typography design for a self-identity logo. Acosta won a silver and a Judges’ Choice award for her “Song of Achilles Alternate Cover” book cover design.

Acosta said she was motivated to make an alternate cover for the book “Song of Achilles” because of the art history survey courses she took, where she learned more about the Greek arts. The book cover design was inspired by Greek red-figure pottery and vases that told stories of heroes. Acosta is majoring in Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design.

Martinez’s award for typography design was a personal logo he created for his creative brand. His second entry was a Museum of Geology identity system which he said was designed to be used on campus. He said he feels honored to have received the awards especially since he is not a graphic design major. Martinez is a senior majoring in Education but has taken a Graphic Design course and plans to use his design skills in the future to freelance.

Art Professor Mary Donahue said the Black Hills chapter of AAF, which is the closest one to Chadron, has reached out over the past several years inviting CSC students to its events. She said attending the Black Hills AAF Awards Gala is a great opportunity for CSC students to see other student work from Black Hills State University and from Black Hills area professionals.

“The best thing is that events like this help our CSC students see their own potential and imagine a future as a professional,” Donahue said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678225048508.jpeg" alt="American Advertising Federation Awards Gala Feb. 17, 2023, in Rapid City, S.D. From left, Chadron State College student Allison Acosta of Tucson, Ariz., Art Professor Mary Donahue, and CSC student Cole Martinez of David City, Neb. (Courtesy photo, used with permission) " />
 <figcaption>American Advertising Federation Awards Gala Feb. 17, 2023, in Rapid City, S.D. From left, Chadron State College student Allison Acosta of Tucson, Ariz., Art Professor Mary Donahue, and CSC student Cole Martinez of David City, Neb. (Courtesy photo, used with permission) </figcaption>
 </figure>By DANIELLA AKWAYANME, COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON—Chadron State College student Allison Acosta of Tucson, Arizona, and Cole Martinez of David City, Nebraska, both won two awards from the Black Hills chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) on Feb. 17 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Martinez won two silver awards for his Museum of Geology identity system and his typography design for a self-identity logo. Acosta won a silver and a Judges’ Choice award for her “Song of Achilles Alternate Cover” book cover design.Acosta said she was motivated to make an alternate cover for the book “Song of Achilles” because of the art history survey courses she took, where she learned more about the Greek arts. The book cover design was inspired by Greek red-figure pottery and vases that told stories of heroes. Acosta is majoring in Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design.Martinez’s award for typography design was a personal logo he created for his creative brand. His second entry was a Museum of Geology identity system which he said was designed to be used on campus. He said he feels honored to have received the awards especially since he is not a graphic design major. Martinez is a senior majoring in Education but has taken a Graphic Design course and plans to use his design skills in the future to freelance.Art Professor Mary Donahue said the Black Hills chapter of AAF, which is the closest one to Chadron, has reached out over the past several years inviting CSC students to its events. She said attending the Black Hills AAF Awards Gala is a great opportunity for CSC students to see other student work from Black Hills State University and from Black Hills area professionals.“The best thing is that events like this help our CSC students see their own potential and imagine a future as a professional,” Donahue said.

Chadron students win advertising awards

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.&nbsp; — During the evening hours of Saturday, March 4, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted alcohol compliance checks in Keith and Chase Counties.

This project was supported in whole or part by grant #93.959 under the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Region II Human Services, and the Nebraska DHHS Division of Behavioral Health.

In total, 11 businesses were inspected. One business sold alcohol to a minor for a non-compliance rate of 9%. All the businesses checked the minor’s ID. The business that failed the inspection was:

Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor. The businesses included convenience stores, restaurants, liquor stores, and bars.

By NSPNORTH PLATTE, NEB.&nbsp; — During the evening hours of Saturday, March 4, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted alcohol compliance checks in Keith and Chase Counties.This project was supported in whole or part by grant #93.959 under the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Region II Human Services, and the Nebraska DHHS Division of Behavioral Health.In total, 11 businesses were inspected. One business sold alcohol to a minor for a non-compliance rate of 9%. All the businesses checked the minor’s ID. The business that failed the inspection was:Lured In - OgallalaBusinesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor. The businesses included convenience stores, restaurants, liquor stores, and bars.

Alcohol compliance checks held in Keith, Chase Counties

AP -&nbsp;An employee of Catholic Charities of Omaha alleges in a lawsuit that she suffered emotional and physical injuries after an active shooting drill was staged at the organization's headquarters last year.

Sandra Lopez said in the lawsuit that administrators did not warn her or other employees about the drill on May 19, 2022. One administrator who knew it was staged told her, “It is a shooting” as they ran out of the building together, according to the lawsuit.

Lopez said she first heard three loud bangs on the door of the office suite where she works and an administrator in the hallway shouted for people to get out of the building.

Lopez heard what she thought were gunshots and saw an employee on the ground outside the building, apparently severely wounded or dead, causing her to “fear for her life,” according to the lawsuit.

“The conduct of Catholic Charities caused Sandra Lopez emotional distress so severe that no reasonable person should be expected to endure it,” the lawsuit said.

Lopez’s attorney, Thomas White, said Monday that Catholic Charities intentionally injured Lopez and other employees by not informing them the drill was fake.

Denise Bartels, the executive director of Catholic Charities of Omaha, and the organization's attorney, Heather Veik, did not immediately return phone messages and emails seeking comment on Monday.

Veik has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was filed in January. A hearing is scheduled for March 14.

Ken Trump, president of the Cleveland-based National School Safety and Security Services, said in the past organizers of active shooter drills would not notify employees ahead of time because active shooters don't give any warning.

But, he said, because of the “intense focus” on preparing for active shooters after several shootings, the thinking has changed to include such steps as training, tabletop exercises and other planning before having a live drill.

“It’s a balancing act," Trump said. “Are we going to create more trauma, chaos, confusion and harm than we are doing good? Yes, we need to do training but what is the appropriate context? What steps have we taken leading up to a drill?”

Lopez has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is being treated for back pain she suffered when she jumped from a wall while she fled, according to the lawsuit.

Lopez, who still works at Catholic Charities, eventually ran to a nearby Scooter's Coffee shop, where she called her son, Stephen Lopez, who picked her up.

When Stephen Lopez called John Hurter, chief of operations for the organization, to tell him his mother was safe, Hurter told him the “shooting” was just a drill.

When Stephen Lopez asked Hurter why employees were not warned, he replied, "We wanted to see how people reacted,” according to the lawsuit.

The man who was hired by Catholic Charities to stage the drill, John Channels,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-arrests-nebraska-omaha-93d8d2c1c0ed73887cbd24ab32dbef85">of Omaha, was charged in August</a>&nbsp;with five counts of making terroristic threats and one weapons count. Channels is not named in the lawsuit.

When charges were filed, Bartels said Channels misrepresented himself and his qualifications, did not follow agreed upon procedures and didn't communicate with law enforcement officers, the Omaha World-Herald previously reported.

According to a police arrest affidavit, Channels told Catholic Charities administrators that law enforcement officers would be present during the drill. But no officers were present for the drill and Omaha police have said they were not told about it beforehand.

Channels' attorney, Erin Wetzel, did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. She previously said that Channels, who owns a security business, provided written notice about the drill to Omaha police, the Nebraska State Patrol and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and was assured officers would be present.

Veik's motion contends the matter should be decided in worker's compensation court, not in Douglas County District Court.

White said that what happened to Lopez is different from most cases that go through worker's compensation, which involves someone being hurt through negligence, rather than intentionally.

“That is the question in this case, would a jury believe that they intentionally harmed her,” White said. “We believe that’s what they intended and we'll see what the results are.”

By Associated PressAP -&nbsp;An employee of Catholic Charities of Omaha alleges in a lawsuit that she suffered emotional and physical injuries after an active shooting drill was staged at the organization's headquarters last year.Sandra Lopez said in the lawsuit that administrators did not warn her or other employees about the drill on May 19, 2022. One administrator who knew it was staged told her, “It is a shooting” as they ran out of the building together, according to the lawsuit.Lopez said she first heard three loud bangs on the door of the office suite where she works and an administrator in the hallway shouted for people to get out of the building.Lopez heard what she thought were gunshots and saw an employee on the ground outside the building, apparently severely wounded or dead, causing her to “fear for her life,” according to the lawsuit.“The conduct of Catholic Charities caused Sandra Lopez emotional distress so severe that no reasonable person should be expected to endure it,” the lawsuit said.Lopez’s attorney, Thomas White, said Monday that Catholic Charities intentionally injured Lopez and other employees by not informing them the drill was fake.Denise Bartels, the executive director of Catholic Charities of Omaha, and the organization's attorney, Heather Veik, did not immediately return phone messages and emails seeking comment on Monday.Veik has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was filed in January. A hearing is scheduled for March 14.Ken Trump, president of the Cleveland-based National School Safety and Security Services, said in the past organizers of active shooter drills would not notify employees ahead of time because active shooters don't give any warning.But, he said, because of the “intense focus” on preparing for active shooters after several shootings, the thinking has changed to include such steps as training, tabletop exercises and other planning before having a live drill.“It’s a balancing act," Trump said. “Are we going to create more trauma, chaos, confusion and harm than we are doing good? Yes, we need to do training but what is the appropriate context? What steps have we taken leading up to a drill?”Lopez has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is being treated for back pain she suffered when she jumped from a wall while she fled, according to the lawsuit.Lopez, who still works at Catholic Charities, eventually ran to a nearby Scooter's Coffee shop, where she called her son, Stephen Lopez, who picked her up.When Stephen Lopez called John Hurter, chief of operations for the organization, to tell him his mother was safe, Hurter told him the “shooting” was just a drill.When Stephen Lopez asked Hurter why employees were not warned, he replied, "We wanted to see how people reacted,” according to the lawsuit.The man who was hired by Catholic Charities to stage the drill, John Channels,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-arrests-nebraska-omaha-93d8d2c1c0ed73887cbd24ab32dbef85">of Omaha, was charged in August</a>&nbsp;with five counts of making terroristic threats and one weapons count. Channels is not named in the lawsuit.When charges were filed, Bartels said Channels misrepresented himself and his qualifications, did not follow agreed upon procedures and didn't communicate with law enforcement officers, the Omaha World-Herald previously reported.According to a police arrest affidavit, Channels told Catholic Charities administrators that law enforcement officers would be present during the drill. But no officers were present for the drill and Omaha police have said they were not told about it beforehand.Channels' attorney, Erin Wetzel, did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. She previously said that Channels, who owns a security business, provided written notice about the drill to Omaha police, the Nebraska State Patrol and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and was assured officers would be present.Veik's motion contends the matter should be decided in worker's compensation court, not in Douglas County District Court.White said that what happened to Lopez is different from most cases that go through worker's compensation, which involves someone being hurt through negligence, rather than intentionally.“That is the question in this case, would a jury believe that they intentionally harmed her,” White said. “We believe that’s what they intended and we'll see what the results are.”

Woman sues Catholic charity for active shooter drill in Nebraska

The Alliance High School Band will be holding a fundraiser on March 18 at the Eagles Club from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. hosted by Band Parent Music Board.&nbsp;

Each student will have to raise $1,500 for the trip.&nbsp;

The fundraiser will help the band travel to perform at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia scheduled for Dec. 29.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678204249324.jpeg" alt="IMG-2575.JPG" />
 <figcaption>IMG-2575.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance High School Band will be holding a fundraiser on March 18 at the Eagles Club from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. hosted by Band Parent Music Board.&nbsp;Each student will have to raise $1,500 for the trip.&nbsp;The fundraiser will help the band travel to perform at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia scheduled for Dec. 29.&nbsp;

Alliance High School Band to hold Peach Bowl performance fundraiser 

Thirty Nebraska leaders were recognized with certificates and 
commemorative awards for completing Class XIV of Leadership Nebraska at a
 commencement ceremony held Thursday, February 9, in Lincoln. Graduates
 are current and emerging leaders from communities throughout Nebraska. 
The program enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge
 of the challenges and opportunities facing our state. Leadership 
Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders who 
understand issues, define problems, develop solutions and achieve 
positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska. “Strong leaders 
make strong communities,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “We 
are pleased to add the talents and drive of Class XIV to those of the 
larger network of Leadership Nebraska alumni across the state. These 355
 individuals are in the field every day making decisions and 
accelerating growth in their organizations, communities and state. We 
are proud of their passion for the Good Life.” The program 
includes six, two-day sessions held in various locations across 
Nebraska. Topic areas include economic development, healthcare, 
agriculture, education, and government and policy. Leadership Nebraska Class XIV members who graduated Thursday include: AURORA: Brett Mitchell, Fontel, Inc. BLAIR: Jordan Rishel, Washington County Community Foundation CRETE: Dr. Jennifer Bossard, Doane University COLUMBUS: Dawson Brunswick, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce FALLS CITY: Lucas Froeschl, Falls City Economic Development Growth Enterprise GERING: Jennifer Sibal, Gering Public Schools GRAND ISLAND: Lisa Albers, Anesthesia Group of Grand Island Lori Schuppan, Chief Industries, Inc. Lynne Werner, First National Bank (FNBO) IMPERIAL: Eric Exum, Pinnacle Bank KEARNEY: Michael Christen, University of Nebraska at Kearney Trevor Lee, Economic Development Council of Buffalo County John Lowe, State of Nebraska LINCOLN: Matthew Kasik, Region V Services Brandon Malleck, Black Hills Energy John McNally, Nebraska Public Power District Holley Salmi, NE Chamber Abbi Swatsworth, OutNebraska NORFOLK: Candace Schmidt, Norfolk Public Schools NORTH PLATTE: Jacob Rissler, Mid-Plains Community College OMAHA: Sydnie Carraher, The Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative Brenda Christensen, SHARE Omaha Veronica Doga, UNO-Nebraska Business Development Center Ryan Gerdts, Omaha Public Power District Cynthia Gubbels, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Patrick Hoefener, Medica Kara O’Connor, Edward Jones Patricia Thraen, Peter Kiewit Foundation PAPILLION: Mark Stursma, City of Papillion WAYNE: Brittany Webber, State Nebraska Bank &amp; Trust

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678038087642.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Leadership NebraskaThirty Nebraska leaders were recognized with certificates and 
commemorative awards for completing Class XIV of Leadership Nebraska at a
 commencement ceremony held Thursday, February 9, in Lincoln. Graduates
 are current and emerging leaders from communities throughout Nebraska. 
The program enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge
 of the challenges and opportunities facing our state. Leadership 
Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders who 
understand issues, define problems, develop solutions and achieve 
positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska. “Strong leaders 
make strong communities,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “We 
are pleased to add the talents and drive of Class XIV to those of the 
larger network of Leadership Nebraska alumni across the state. These 355
 individuals are in the field every day making decisions and 
accelerating growth in their organizations, communities and state. We 
are proud of their passion for the Good Life.” The program 
includes six, two-day sessions held in various locations across 
Nebraska. Topic areas include economic development, healthcare, 
agriculture, education, and government and policy. Leadership Nebraska Class XIV members who graduated Thursday include: AURORA: Brett Mitchell, Fontel, Inc. BLAIR: Jordan Rishel, Washington County Community Foundation CRETE: Dr. Jennifer Bossard, Doane University COLUMBUS: Dawson Brunswick, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce FALLS CITY: Lucas Froeschl, Falls City Economic Development Growth Enterprise GERING: Jennifer Sibal, Gering Public Schools GRAND ISLAND: Lisa Albers, Anesthesia Group of Grand Island Lori Schuppan, Chief Industries, Inc. Lynne Werner, First National Bank (FNBO) IMPERIAL: Eric Exum, Pinnacle Bank KEARNEY: Michael Christen, University of Nebraska at Kearney Trevor Lee, Economic Development Council of Buffalo County John Lowe, State of Nebraska LINCOLN: Matthew Kasik, Region V Services Brandon Malleck, Black Hills Energy John McNally, Nebraska Public Power District Holley Salmi, NE Chamber Abbi Swatsworth, OutNebraska NORFOLK: Candace Schmidt, Norfolk Public Schools NORTH PLATTE: Jacob Rissler, Mid-Plains Community College OMAHA: Sydnie Carraher, The Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative Brenda Christensen, SHARE Omaha Veronica Doga, UNO-Nebraska Business Development Center Ryan Gerdts, Omaha Public Power District Cynthia Gubbels, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Patrick Hoefener, Medica Kara O’Connor, Edward Jones Patricia Thraen, Peter Kiewit Foundation PAPILLION: Mark Stursma, City of Papillion WAYNE: Brittany Webber, State Nebraska Bank &amp; Trust

Leadership Nebraska honors 30 graduates

By JOHN E. WEARE Keep Alliance Beautiful

“Crafted in small batches.” Whenever I take time for a bit of label reading on a box of cookies, candy or whatever that marketing ploy is rather prominent. This production model may or may not make much difference to the consumer. It is, however, a dandy way to ensure a few more tires stay out of Box Butte County refuse containers.

Tire amnesty returns to the Alliance Landfill this spring. Clint Fankhauser, landfill foreman, said they will accept 800 tons worth of tires over three weeks, starting at the end of March. Anyone in the county can bring in a load to recycle free of charge. A notable change has been to control the flow by vehicle size, specifically number of axles.

The first week starts at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. March 31, for vehicles with two axles – with no trailer, Clint said. “So everybody can get their garage, their yards cleaned out,” so everybody with one or two tires can make it, he continued.

Residents waited along Kansas Street for hours during the previous 500-ton event this past spring. Though cars and pickups could be seen, trucks and trailers carrying dozens of tires apiece were the norm in the first-come, first-served format. When planning for a followup just a year later, organizers sought to address a number of requests for equitable access.

Mid-size haulers look forward to April 7-13 when tires may enter on anything with up to four axles. “(We) don’t care (about) the makeup,” Clint said, noting that they would even take “four guys on unicycles,” if they wanted to recycle those tires or could carry a tire, of course.

Then, April 14-21 is open to everybody. People carrying a cracked wheelbarrow tire in early April or ten tons of retreads the final day must all be from the “local area,” which Clint explained means Box Butte County. Keep Alliance Beautiful volunteers will help verify this requirement at the gate. A driver’s license or other government-issued ID or vehicle license plate will be acceptable.

Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is again putting up a big chunk of the funding and the City matches part of it, Clint said. He receives at least a call a week or talks to somebody coming down to the landfill about tire disposal. “Based on last year’s numbers we should be able to hit 800-ton pretty easily by the end of that third week,” he said, emphasizing they tallied 500 tons in about 27 hours. More tires processed properly at no cost to the public should cut down on the incidence of the black rubber and steel rings littering ditches and slipped into Dumpsters. Like tires brought in any other time – rims must be removed for the amnesty event.

The landfill will benefit from a significant influx of Public Works employees as well as people from other City departments who want to help. “Takes an army to run this thing . . . Most people this year will have been through at least one . . . (we) have tightened up procedures,” Clint said.

When scheduling time to bring a load, he recommends the middle of the week as Friday will probably be the busiest day.

Resource Management, based in Kansas, will haul the tires to their facility at Julesburg, Colo., for reuse/recycling, such as “alternate daily cover” at landfills. Deana, a dispatcher for the company, said the expected amount translates to an average of 50 loads, usually 16 tons each,

depending on the size of the tires.Resources Management will also be serving two other events, 250 and 500 tons respectively, at about the same time so the Alliance tire pile may take more than the 45-day average to disappear.

Do not be too tired to take part in this excellent instance for yet another free recycling option in Alliance.

By JOHN E. WEARE Keep Alliance Beautiful“Crafted in small batches.” Whenever I take time for a bit of label reading on a box of cookies, candy or whatever that marketing ploy is rather prominent. This production model may or may not make much difference to the consumer. It is, however, a dandy way to ensure a few more tires stay out of Box Butte County refuse containers.Tire amnesty returns to the Alliance Landfill this spring. Clint Fankhauser, landfill foreman, said they will accept 800 tons worth of tires over three weeks, starting at the end of March. Anyone in the county can bring in a load to recycle free of charge. A notable change has been to control the flow by vehicle size, specifically number of axles.The first week starts at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. March 31, for vehicles with two axles – with no trailer, Clint said. “So everybody can get their garage, their yards cleaned out,” so everybody with one or two tires can make it, he continued.Residents waited along Kansas Street for hours during the previous 500-ton event this past spring. Though cars and pickups could be seen, trucks and trailers carrying dozens of tires apiece were the norm in the first-come, first-served format. When planning for a followup just a year later, organizers sought to address a number of requests for equitable access.Mid-size haulers look forward to April 7-13 when tires may enter on anything with up to four axles. “(We) don’t care (about) the makeup,” Clint said, noting that they would even take “four guys on unicycles,” if they wanted to recycle those tires or could carry a tire, of course.Then, April 14-21 is open to everybody. People carrying a cracked wheelbarrow tire in early April or ten tons of retreads the final day must all be from the “local area,” which Clint explained means Box Butte County. Keep Alliance Beautiful volunteers will help verify this requirement at the gate. A driver’s license or other government-issued ID or vehicle license plate will be acceptable.Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is again putting up a big chunk of the funding and the City matches part of it, Clint said. He receives at least a call a week or talks to somebody coming down to the landfill about tire disposal. “Based on last year’s numbers we should be able to hit 800-ton pretty easily by the end of that third week,” he said, emphasizing they tallied 500 tons in about 27 hours. More tires processed properly at no cost to the public should cut down on the incidence of the black rubber and steel rings littering ditches and slipped into Dumpsters. Like tires brought in any other time – rims must be removed for the amnesty event.The landfill will benefit from a significant influx of Public Works employees as well as people from other City departments who want to help. “Takes an army to run this thing . . . Most people this year will have been through at least one . . . (we) have tightened up procedures,” Clint said.When scheduling time to bring a load, he recommends the middle of the week as Friday will probably be the busiest day.Resource Management, based in Kansas, will haul the tires to their facility at Julesburg, Colo., for reuse/recycling, such as “alternate daily cover” at landfills. Deana, a dispatcher for the company, said the expected amount translates to an average of 50 loads, usually 16 tons each,depending on the size of the tires.Resources Management will also be serving two other events, 250 and 500 tons respectively, at about the same time so the Alliance tire pile may take more than the 45-day average to disappear.Do not be too tired to take part in this excellent instance for yet another free recycling option in Alliance.

KAB: Tire amnesty to roll with small batches

The Box Butte County Selection Committee met on March 2 to conduct interviews for individuals that applied to fill the Box Butte County Commissioner vacancy created by the resignation of Mike McGinnis. 

"While several qualified individuals applied for the position, the committee has appointed Michael Sautter to complete the remainder of the four-year term," Box Butte County Clerk Martie Burke said.

Panhandle Post asked Sautter what projects he's looking forward to taking a leadership role in for Box Butte County.

"I'm honored the selection committee choose me for this appointment," Sautter said. "While there are no particular projects initially that I'm looking forward to, Mr. McGinnis left some rather large shoes to fill, so I'm excited to try fill those as best I can."

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostThe Box Butte County Selection Committee met on March 2 to conduct interviews for individuals that applied to fill the Box Butte County Commissioner vacancy created by the resignation of Mike McGinnis. "While several qualified individuals applied for the position, the committee has appointed Michael Sautter to complete the remainder of the four-year term," Box Butte County Clerk Martie Burke said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678117581041.jpeg" alt="Michael Sautter" />
 <figcaption>Michael Sautter</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle Post asked Sautter what projects he's looking forward to taking a leadership role in for Box Butte County."I'm honored the selection committee choose me for this appointment," Sautter said. "While there are no particular projects initially that I'm looking forward to, Mr. McGinnis left some rather large shoes to fill, so I'm excited to try fill those as best I can."

Sautter takes over McGinnis' Box Butte Co. Commissioner seat

By National Weather Service in North Platte, NE and Cheyenne, WY

Accumulating snow is possible Wednesday evening through Thursday evening across the region. Please note, details are still being finalized with this system and this forecast may change over the next day or two.

Light snow looks to remain in the forecast through the rest of the week across southeast Wyoming and Nebraska Panhandle. Best chances for snow looks to be Wednesday afternoon into the evening hours. Travel impacts possible during this time with slick roads and poor visibility. Strong winds make a return Thursday, mainly confined to the I-80 corridor from Cheyenne to Laramie. A more widespread strong wind event Friday when most of southeast Wyoming could see strong winds. Snow continues across areas west of the Laramie Range Saturday, with warmer and drier weather east. Stay tuned as there will likely be some headlines needed for wind and maybe snow Wednesday through Friday

By National Weather Service in North Platte, NE and Cheyenne, WYAccumulating snow is possible Wednesday evening through Thursday evening across the region. Please note, details are still being finalized with this system and this forecast may change over the next day or two.Light snow looks to remain in the forecast through the rest of the week across southeast Wyoming and Nebraska Panhandle. Best chances for snow looks to be Wednesday afternoon into the evening hours. Travel impacts possible during this time with slick roads and poor visibility. Strong winds make a return Thursday, mainly confined to the I-80 corridor from Cheyenne to Laramie. A more widespread strong wind event Friday when most of southeast Wyoming could see strong winds. Snow continues across areas west of the Laramie Range Saturday, with warmer and drier weather east. Stay tuned as there will likely be some headlines needed for wind and maybe snow Wednesday through Friday<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678190842980.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678190867288.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Snow to move into Neb. Panhandle

LINCOLN —
 Nebraska State Troopers removed from the road 12 impaired drivers 
during the first weekend of a special enforcement operation focused on 
traffic safety during the NSAA State Basketball tournaments.

From
 Wednesday through Sunday, troopers arrested 12 people for driving under
 the influence. Troopers also stopped 19 drivers
 for speeding at 100 miles per hour or more. There were no fatality 
crashes reported to the Nebraska Department of Transportation this 
weekend.


In
 addition to the 12 people arrested for driving under the influence, 
troopers issued citations for speeding (370), open
 alcohol container (12), driving under suspension (34), no seat belt 
(8), improper child restraint (7), and minor in possession (5). Troopers
 also assisted 142 motorists in need of help on the road.

Troopers
 will continue the special enforcement operation during the NSAA Boys 
State Basketball tournament this week, which
 starts on Wednesday and runs through Saturday. This effort is made 
possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of
 Transportation – Highway Safety Office.


NSPLINCOLN —
 Nebraska State Troopers removed from the road 12 impaired drivers 
during the first weekend of a special enforcement operation focused on 
traffic safety during the NSAA State Basketball tournaments.From
 Wednesday through Sunday, troopers arrested 12 people for driving under
 the influence. Troopers also stopped 19 drivers
 for speeding at 100 miles per hour or more. There were no fatality 
crashes reported to the Nebraska Department of Transportation this 
weekend.
In
 addition to the 12 people arrested for driving under the influence, 
troopers issued citations for speeding (370), open
 alcohol container (12), driving under suspension (34), no seat belt 
(8), improper child restraint (7), and minor in possession (5). Troopers
 also assisted 142 motorists in need of help on the road.Troopers
 will continue the special enforcement operation during the NSAA Boys 
State Basketball tournament this week, which
 starts on Wednesday and runs through Saturday. This effort is made 
possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of
 Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Troopers arrest 12 impaired drivers first weekend of state basketball

By DAVE LOTT University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension

Warmer weather and longer days are starting to show up, giving so many of us hope and excitement for the new growing season. Even though it is very tempting to start yard and garden work to clean up from the winter, we need to beware of "False Spring", where the warm days can be followed by cold snaps and potential spring blizzards that will visit the region at some point in March and April.&nbsp;

Cleaning up flower beds, gardens, and early lawn mowing will remove protective dead plant materials that help serve as an insulating buffer from the continued cold snaps that will probably show up in the next month or so. Tender plant material that is exposed to the cold weather can cause damage that can weaken or even kill plant material. Here are some tips to consider now, and through mid-April on gardening related jobs in our very uncertain weather.&nbsp;

If anyone has any questions about "False Spring" and gardening jobs that can be carried out in March and early April, please send an email to dlott2@unl.edu, call the Extension Office in North Platte at (308) 532-2683. I will be happy to help with any questions that gardeners may have.

David Lott is the Horticulture Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in North Platte, Nebraska.

By DAVE LOTT University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Warmer weather and longer days are starting to show up, giving so many of us hope and excitement for the new growing season. Even though it is very tempting to start yard and garden work to clean up from the winter, we need to beware of "False Spring", where the warm days can be followed by cold snaps and potential spring blizzards that will visit the region at some point in March and April.&nbsp;Cleaning up flower beds, gardens, and early lawn mowing will remove protective dead plant materials that help serve as an insulating buffer from the continued cold snaps that will probably show up in the next month or so. Tender plant material that is exposed to the cold weather can cause damage that can weaken or even kill plant material. Here are some tips to consider now, and through mid-April on gardening related jobs in our very uncertain weather.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Now is a great time to sharpen lawn mower blades and service mower engines so they are good working order for when the mowing begins for the growing season.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not mow bluegrass or tall fescue lawns until they have broken dormancy and are greening up for the season, usually around mid-April. Remember to keep the mower height at 3 inches tall for the mowing season and remove no more than 1/3 of the grass in one mowing, leaving 2/3 of the grass intact to grow back.&nbsp;</li><li>Clean up garden tools that have been in winter storage. Now is a great time to remove rust from tools and lubricate them as needed so they are ready for the gardening season.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not clean dead plant material and mulch out of flower beds and gardens spots. This dead material may look unsightly to some, but they serve as a protective buffer for tender, emerging perennial plants that are starting to peak out from under the layers. This protective layer also serves as a home for many beneficial landscape insects for the winter. Leave this layer intact until mid-April in Western Nebraska.</li><li>Wait to prune rose canes and dead landscape plant stems until mid-April. Early pruning can initiate early, tender plant growth that can be severely damaged or killed during future cold snaps.&nbsp;</li><li>When pruning landscape plant stems back in mid-April, leave eight inches of dead stem behind for pollinating insects to use as a habitat for the next generation of native bee species as a natural "bee hotel" to improve pollinator insects in landscapes and gardens. New growth from plants will "hide" these stems from view.</li><li>Rose canes can be pruned back in mid-April at a 45-degree angle on the cane. Prune dead cane material back to where new growth is present.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not start lawn sprinkler systems at this time to avoid damage to back flow devices, irrigation lines, sprinkler heads, and breaking dormancy in the lawns.</li>
 </ul>If anyone has any questions about "False Spring" and gardening jobs that can be carried out in March and early April, please send an email to dlott2@unl.edu, call the Extension Office in North Platte at (308) 532-2683. I will be happy to help with any questions that gardeners may have.David Lott is the Horticulture Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in North Platte, Nebraska.

LOTT: Beware of 'false spring'!

NORFOLK — The Nebraska State Patrol is now able to publicly identify the victim of last week’s fatal shooting that occurred near Hartington.

The victim has been identified as Israel Matos-Colon, 31, of Fowlerville, Mich. Next of kin has been notified.&nbsp;

The investigation began after the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a shooting shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday. They responded to the scene, which was a tower work site near the intersection of Highway 57 and 885 Road, approximately two miles north of Hartington. Several crew members working on the tower were present at the time of the shooting. Other crew members attempted life-saving measures on the victim.

Matos-Colon was transported to the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton where he passed away. The Cedar County Sheriff’s Office requested the Nebraska State Patrol to conduct the homicide investigation.

Preliminarily, investigators believe that the shooting occurred during a workplace argument between the suspect and the victim. <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/597c2c61-e546-4c19-8db4-2d55498cd950">The suspect, identified as David Phillips, 20, of Kenner, La.,</a> has been lodged in the Cedar County jail for second-degree murder, possession of a stolen firearm and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.

NPSNORFOLK — The Nebraska State Patrol is now able to publicly identify the victim of last week’s fatal shooting that occurred near Hartington.The victim has been identified as Israel Matos-Colon, 31, of Fowlerville, Mich. Next of kin has been notified.&nbsp;The investigation began after the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a shooting shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday. They responded to the scene, which was a tower work site near the intersection of Highway 57 and 885 Road, approximately two miles north of Hartington. Several crew members working on the tower were present at the time of the shooting. Other crew members attempted life-saving measures on the victim.Matos-Colon was transported to the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton where he passed away. The Cedar County Sheriff’s Office requested the Nebraska State Patrol to conduct the homicide investigation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677797845856.jpeg" alt="David Phillips" />
 <figcaption>David Phillips</figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminarily, investigators believe that the shooting occurred during a workplace argument between the suspect and the victim. <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/597c2c61-e546-4c19-8db4-2d55498cd950">The suspect, identified as David Phillips, 20, of Kenner, La.,</a> has been lodged in the Cedar County jail for second-degree murder, possession of a stolen firearm and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.The investigation remains ongoing.

NSP updates murder investigation, IDs shooting victim

By Renae Blum, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Every spring Nebraska’s central Platte River valley hosts one the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in North America: sandhill crane migration. More than 500,000 cranes will descend there to rest and refuel before continuing their journey north.

One popular place to view these birds is Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, located southeast of Kearney. At dawn and dusk, visitors can walk the park’s hike-bike trail to a bridge over the Platte, where birds gather to roost in the river. And during the day, the cranes take to the surrounding fields to find food. The visitor center at Fort Kearny State Historical Park – adjacent to the SRA – acts as an information center for crane viewers, offering tips on where to find the birds.

Park superintendent Joe Blazek says this is perhaps the greatest advantage to viewing cranes at Fort Kearny: all the information that’s available. “We know where the cranes are,” Blazek said. “We’ll guide you and tell you where you can have the best chance of seeing the cranes. It’s better than being on your own.”

The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee is $4 for adults, $1 for children ages 3 to 12, and free admission for children ages 2 and under. Guests also can watch a 15-minute video presentation on the cranes and learn more about their migration journey.

Another advantage to viewing cranes at Fort Kearny, Blazek said, is the range of viewing experiences available. Besides watching the cranes feeding during the day, visitors can see as many as 20,000 birds roosting in the river at night from the Hike-Bike Trail bridge. The bridge is one-third mile from the parking lot, and the best viewing times are a half hour before sunrise and sunset. The trail is flat and paved, Blazek said, and it isn’t a strenuous walk.

Blazek offered a few tips for those planning to view the cranes from the bridge:

For more information about Fort Kearny SRA, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI4MTk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.XYQmNymvxIRw5R9IhHwXymz6WJ9Og7DHQazRL9T1GN8/s/497221906/br/155662583389-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;or call 308-865-5305.

By Renae Blum, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678135006434.jpeg" alt="People watch and photograph sandhill cranes from the Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail bridge over the Platte River at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area in Buffalo County. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>People watch and photograph sandhill cranes from the Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail bridge over the Platte River at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area in Buffalo County. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Every spring Nebraska’s central Platte River valley hosts one the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in North America: sandhill crane migration. More than 500,000 cranes will descend there to rest and refuel before continuing their journey north.One popular place to view these birds is Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, located southeast of Kearney. At dawn and dusk, visitors can walk the park’s hike-bike trail to a bridge over the Platte, where birds gather to roost in the river. And during the day, the cranes take to the surrounding fields to find food. The visitor center at Fort Kearny State Historical Park – adjacent to the SRA – acts as an information center for crane viewers, offering tips on where to find the birds.Park superintendent Joe Blazek says this is perhaps the greatest advantage to viewing cranes at Fort Kearny: all the information that’s available. “We know where the cranes are,” Blazek said. “We’ll guide you and tell you where you can have the best chance of seeing the cranes. It’s better than being on your own.”The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee is $4 for adults, $1 for children ages 3 to 12, and free admission for children ages 2 and under. Guests also can watch a 15-minute video presentation on the cranes and learn more about their migration journey.Another advantage to viewing cranes at Fort Kearny, Blazek said, is the range of viewing experiences available. Besides watching the cranes feeding during the day, visitors can see as many as 20,000 birds roosting in the river at night from the Hike-Bike Trail bridge. The bridge is one-third mile from the parking lot, and the best viewing times are a half hour before sunrise and sunset. The trail is flat and paved, Blazek said, and it isn’t a strenuous walk.Blazek offered a few tips for those planning to view the cranes from the bridge:<ul>
 <li>Dress appropriately. “This time of year, we get all kinds of weather. One day it’ll be 70 degrees and the next day it’ll be a blizzard,” Blazek said. “I would pay attention to the weather and make sure you’re ready for the elements.”</li><li>Bring binoculars.</li><li>Observe crane viewing etiquette: Keep your voice low and avoid sudden movements; wear darker colors; no flash photography.</li><li>Crane numbers typically reach their peak in the third week of March, though cranes can be viewed from early March to early April.</li><li>Crane viewers have available to them 120 campsites at Fort Kearny SRA.</li><li>A Nebraska state park entry permit is required at Fort Kearny SRA and SHP. Daily permits are good until noon the next day, and cost $6 for residents and $12 for nonresidents. You also can purchase an annual permit, which is $31 for residents and $61 for nonresidents.</li>
 </ul>For more information about Fort Kearny SRA, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDYuNzI4MTk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.XYQmNymvxIRw5R9IhHwXymz6WJ9Og7DHQazRL9T1GN8/s/497221906/br/155662583389-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;or call 308-865-5305.

Fort Kearny offers excellent crane viewing, resources for visitors

P202300129 12:07 BITE : ANIMAL BITE Officer responded to BBGH in reference to an animal bite. Officer made contact with the male victim and female dog owner. The male victim had a laceration to the upper left eyelid. The male victim said he was plying rough with the 9 week-old puppy.

The female was informed of the quarantine notice/policy. Closed - Resolved

P202300132 02:19 TRESPASS : TRESPASS H row of Trailerville // Report of an active break in // 1 adult male and 2 adult females located on scene // Male and 1 female were placed under arrest for trespassing Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300133 12:18 WARRANT : ARREST On the 100 block of E 5th Street officers recognized an individual walking who they believed to have an arrest warrant. The individuals identity and warrant were confirmed. Individual was placed under arrest. Closed - Resolved

P202300134 13:43 WELFARE : WELFARE 800 Flack Avenue/ Report of individual requiring Emergency Protective Custody/ Need for EPC confirmed and individual placed under protective custody/ Case closed as resolved. Closed - Resolved

P202300143 13:07 FOUND : FOUND A 20 inch BMX style bike was located near 8th Street and Sweetwater Avenue. No records of the bike being stolen. Inactive - Case

P202300136 13:36 THEFT : THEFT Alliance Community Bike was reported to have been taken outside of the city limits. Officer's were able to locate the bike out in the community, recover it, and return to city limits for public use. Closed - Resolved

P202300138 13:37 THEFT : THEFT City bike was stolen from city limits and was tracked to jurisdiction outside of the state, Colorado. The case is currently open and under investigations as officers work with other agencies to recover the stolen property. Open - Under Investigation

P202300135 13:52 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYVehicle crash in the parking lot of Runza. The driver of one of the vehicles left the scene with out reporting the collision or providing an exchange of information. Fleeing vehicle was located and a citation was issued. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300137 16:15 WARRANT : ARREST Female turned herself in for a Scotts Bluff County warrant. The warrant was confirmed and the female was turned over to Box Butte County Jail staff. Closed - Resolved

P202300139 20:34 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300141 20:23 DISTURBANCE : officers responded to 800 block of E 3rd ST in reference to a female individual causing a disturbance/ One female was arrested and transported to the Box Butte County Jail/ Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202300142 15:32 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY3rd Street and Laramie Avenue/ Non injury motor vehicle accident/ Accident report taken/ Case closed as resolved Closed - Resolved

P202300146 11:57 FOUND : FOUND FOUND WALLET TURNED INTO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Closed - Resolved

P202300146 11:57 FOUND : FOUND FOUND WALLET TURNED INTO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300144 14:37 THEFT : THEFT PLUMBER'S PERSONAL TOOLS STOLEN OUT OF WORK TRUCK IN FRONT OF 720 W. 10TH STREET Open - Under Investigation

P202300145 16:55 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYMINOR HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT IN GROCERY KART PARKING LOT Open - Under Investigation

By Alliance Police Department02/26/23P202300129 12:07 BITE : ANIMAL BITE Officer responded to BBGH in reference to an animal bite. Officer made contact with the male victim and female dog owner. The male victim had a laceration to the upper left eyelid. The male victim said he was plying rough with the 9 week-old puppy.The female was informed of the quarantine notice/policy. Closed - Resolved02/26/23 Total: 102/28/23P202300132 02:19 TRESPASS : TRESPASS H row of Trailerville // Report of an active break in // 1 adult male and 2 adult females located on scene // Male and 1 female were placed under arrest for trespassing Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300133 12:18 WARRANT : ARREST On the 100 block of E 5th Street officers recognized an individual walking who they believed to have an arrest warrant. The individuals identity and warrant were confirmed. Individual was placed under arrest. Closed - ResolvedP202300134 13:43 WELFARE : WELFARE 800 Flack Avenue/ Report of individual requiring Emergency Protective Custody/ Need for EPC confirmed and individual placed under protective custody/ Case closed as resolved. Closed - Resolved02/28/23 Total: 303/01/23P202300143 13:07 FOUND : FOUND A 20 inch BMX style bike was located near 8th Street and Sweetwater Avenue. No records of the bike being stolen. Inactive - CaseP202300136 13:36 THEFT : THEFT Alliance Community Bike was reported to have been taken outside of the city limits. Officer's were able to locate the bike out in the community, recover it, and return to city limits for public use. Closed - ResolvedP202300138 13:37 THEFT : THEFT City bike was stolen from city limits and was tracked to jurisdiction outside of the state, Colorado. The case is currently open and under investigations as officers work with other agencies to recover the stolen property. Open - Under InvestigationP202300135 13:52 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYVehicle crash in the parking lot of Runza. The driver of one of the vehicles left the scene with out reporting the collision or providing an exchange of information. Fleeing vehicle was located and a citation was issued. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202300137 16:15 WARRANT : ARREST Female turned herself in for a Scotts Bluff County warrant. The warrant was confirmed and the female was turned over to Box Butte County Jail staff. Closed - ResolvedP202300139 20:34 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Closed - Charges Recommended03/01/23 Total: 603/02/23P202300141 20:23 DISTURBANCE : officers responded to 800 block of E 3rd ST in reference to a female individual causing a disturbance/ One female was arrested and transported to the Box Butte County Jail/ Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended03/02/23 Total: 103/03/23P202300142 15:32 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY3rd Street and Laramie Avenue/ Non injury motor vehicle accident/ Accident report taken/ Case closed as resolved Closed - Resolved03/03/23 Total: 103/04/23P202300146 11:57 FOUND : FOUND FOUND WALLET TURNED INTO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Closed - ResolvedP202300146 11:57 FOUND : FOUND FOUND WALLET TURNED INTO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300144 14:37 THEFT : THEFT PLUMBER'S PERSONAL TOOLS STOLEN OUT OF WORK TRUCK IN FRONT OF 720 W. 10TH STREET Open - Under InvestigationP202300145 16:55 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYMINOR HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT IN GROCERY KART PARKING LOT Open - Under Investigation03/04/23 Total: 4Total Records: 16

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — TJ King had candidates and causes to support, but couldn’t vote in Nebraska’s last election.

An outreach specialist with the Nebraska AIDS Project, King came off probation in August after serving time for drug and theft convictions. In many states, he could have voted in the November general election, but Nebraska requires a two-year wait after the completion of a felony sentence before someone can register.

King’s first chance to vote will be in the 2024 presidential election season -- unless a legislative proposal introduced in January that would remove the two-year requirement passes and becomes law. That likely would change the timeline for the restoration of voting rights for King and thousands of other Nebraskans.

Voting, King said in an interview, gives “a little bit of your strength back and a little bit of your voice back. Being able to vote, being able to have a say in what happens in your society, in your state, is extremely important.”

Restoring the voting rights of former felons drew national attention after Florida lawmakers weakened a voter-approved constitutional amendment and after a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-rights-florida-presidential-bfbf3d7d4f5dea4fa2a11589e4235c71">election police unit</a>&nbsp;championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis arrested 20 former felons. Several of them said they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-voting-rights-florida-crime-arrests-31f2ed111f69f11950f745da9183f0cf">confused by the arrests</a>&nbsp;because they had been allowed to register to vote.

Attempts like those to discourage ex-felons from voting appear to be an outlier among the states, even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-texas-state-government-ohio-michigan-minnesota-180191725cee33b33f25ee838d60b840">some Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;continue to restrict voting access in other ways.

At least 14 states have introduced proposals this year focused on restoration of voting rights, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. An Oregon proposal would allow felons to vote while incarcerated. A Tennessee bill would automatically restore voting rights once a sentence is completed, except for a small group of crimes. Texas legislation would restore voting rights to those on probation or parole.

In Minnesota, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz on Friday signed a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-minnesota-state-government-prisons-crime-1adbcf8cc6dd6f0d50246972b934783d">restoring voting rights</a>&nbsp;to convicted felons as soon as they get out of prison. A bill moving through the New Mexico Legislature would do the same.

“Restoring voting rights really is an issue where we’ve seen bipartisan momentum,” said Patrick Berry, counsel for the Democracy program at the Brennan Center.

More than 4.6 million people are disenfranchised in the United States because of felony convictions, according to the Sentencing Project, which studies the issue and advocates for restoration of voting rights for former felons.

Laws vary by state, based on pardon requirements, payment of fines, fees and child support, and when a sentence (including probation and parole) is considered complete. The impacts fall disproportionately on people of color, especially Black citizens, who account for one-third of the total disenfranchised population while making up about 12% of the overall population.

In Nebraska, nearly 18,000 people are unable to vote because of felony convictions, said the Sentencing Project's director of advocacy, Nicole Porter. That includes 7,072 who fall under the two-year wait requirement and are currently unable to cast a ballot. The rest have not completed their full sentences.

Steve Smith of Civic Nebraska, part of a large coalition of groups supporting the measure, said the wait creates a group of taxpayers who can't choose their representatives.

“You're civically dead and you can't vote for the people who are levying those taxes,” he said.

The bill that would eliminate the wait would alter a 2005 law. Before then, felonies in Nebraska brought a lifetime voting ban in most cases.

At the time Nebraska was in step with other states. Now, while a few states require wait times for specific offenses or define completion of a sentence as including things such as fines and restitution, Nebraska is alone in requiring a general waiting period beyond imprisonment and release from parole or probation, said Margaret Love, co-founder and director of the Collateral Consequences Resource Center, which keeps a&nbsp;<a href="https://ccresourcecenter.org/restoration-2/">50-state database</a>&nbsp;on restoration of rights.

The bill's author, Democratic state Sen. Justin Wayne, said he was going door to door in his first election in 2016 and was told by would-be constituents that they could not vote. Much of the reason was confusion over the law's waiting period, he said.

He has introduced bills multiple times to do away with the wait period, coming close to success in 2017 when a bill passed the Legislature but was vetoed by then-Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts. Wayne, who represents parts of Omaha with strong minority populations, said reconnecting people to the voting process is integral to successful reentry. His bill advanced this past week from a committee to the full Legislature.

"When people get out of our system, they’ve got to feel engaged in their community, and the number one way for a person to feel engaged in their community is to be able to vote for the leadership of that community,” he said.

Kathy Wilcot, a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, was the lone dissenter from among the nearly 20 witnesses who spoke on Wayne’s bill. Wilcot stressed she was speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the university.

"I do think that hopefully the waiting period reinforces the fact that voting is something very special, and hopefully that will be part of the things that an individual would consider if they’re tempted to break the law again,” she said.

Three of the witnesses with criminal records who spoke in favor of the legislation said in later interviews the waiting period is not a deterrent to future crime, but rather a barrier for those who have served their sentences.

King, 51, fought addiction for years and spent five years in prison after being convicted of possessing the party drug Ecstasy and theft by deception, ending probation last August.

King works in the HIV/AIDS field and volunteers at various organizations, but said voting is still the most direct way to be involved and became tearful when talking about being unable to vote.

“I felt so hopeless and helpless not being able to have my voice heard in this last election," King said. "There are a lot of things that were on the ballot here in Nebraska that hit home with a lot of things that I advocate for.”

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — TJ King had candidates and causes to support, but couldn’t vote in Nebraska’s last election.An outreach specialist with the Nebraska AIDS Project, King came off probation in August after serving time for drug and theft convictions. In many states, he could have voted in the November general election, but Nebraska requires a two-year wait after the completion of a felony sentence before someone can register.King’s first chance to vote will be in the 2024 presidential election season -- unless a legislative proposal introduced in January that would remove the two-year requirement passes and becomes law. That likely would change the timeline for the restoration of voting rights for King and thousands of other Nebraskans.Voting, King said in an interview, gives “a little bit of your strength back and a little bit of your voice back. Being able to vote, being able to have a say in what happens in your society, in your state, is extremely important.”Restoring the voting rights of former felons drew national attention after Florida lawmakers weakened a voter-approved constitutional amendment and after a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-rights-florida-presidential-bfbf3d7d4f5dea4fa2a11589e4235c71">election police unit</a>&nbsp;championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis arrested 20 former felons. Several of them said they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-voting-rights-florida-crime-arrests-31f2ed111f69f11950f745da9183f0cf">confused by the arrests</a>&nbsp;because they had been allowed to register to vote.Attempts like those to discourage ex-felons from voting appear to be an outlier among the states, even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-texas-state-government-ohio-michigan-minnesota-180191725cee33b33f25ee838d60b840">some Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;continue to restrict voting access in other ways.At least 14 states have introduced proposals this year focused on restoration of voting rights, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. An Oregon proposal would allow felons to vote while incarcerated. A Tennessee bill would automatically restore voting rights once a sentence is completed, except for a small group of crimes. Texas legislation would restore voting rights to those on probation or parole.In Minnesota, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz on Friday signed a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-minnesota-state-government-prisons-crime-1adbcf8cc6dd6f0d50246972b934783d">restoring voting rights</a>&nbsp;to convicted felons as soon as they get out of prison. A bill moving through the New Mexico Legislature would do the same.“Restoring voting rights really is an issue where we’ve seen bipartisan momentum,” said Patrick Berry, counsel for the Democracy program at the Brennan Center.More than 4.6 million people are disenfranchised in the United States because of felony convictions, according to the Sentencing Project, which studies the issue and advocates for restoration of voting rights for former felons.Laws vary by state, based on pardon requirements, payment of fines, fees and child support, and when a sentence (including probation and parole) is considered complete. The impacts fall disproportionately on people of color, especially Black citizens, who account for one-third of the total disenfranchised population while making up about 12% of the overall population.In Nebraska, nearly 18,000 people are unable to vote because of felony convictions, said the Sentencing Project's director of advocacy, Nicole Porter. That includes 7,072 who fall under the two-year wait requirement and are currently unable to cast a ballot. The rest have not completed their full sentences.Steve Smith of Civic Nebraska, part of a large coalition of groups supporting the measure, said the wait creates a group of taxpayers who can't choose their representatives.“You're civically dead and you can't vote for the people who are levying those taxes,” he said.The bill that would eliminate the wait would alter a 2005 law. Before then, felonies in Nebraska brought a lifetime voting ban in most cases.At the time Nebraska was in step with other states. Now, while a few states require wait times for specific offenses or define completion of a sentence as including things such as fines and restitution, Nebraska is alone in requiring a general waiting period beyond imprisonment and release from parole or probation, said Margaret Love, co-founder and director of the Collateral Consequences Resource Center, which keeps a&nbsp;<a href="https://ccresourcecenter.org/restoration-2/">50-state database</a>&nbsp;on restoration of rights.The bill's author, Democratic state Sen. Justin Wayne, said he was going door to door in his first election in 2016 and was told by would-be constituents that they could not vote. Much of the reason was confusion over the law's waiting period, he said.He has introduced bills multiple times to do away with the wait period, coming close to success in 2017 when a bill passed the Legislature but was vetoed by then-Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts. Wayne, who represents parts of Omaha with strong minority populations, said reconnecting people to the voting process is integral to successful reentry. His bill advanced this past week from a committee to the full Legislature."When people get out of our system, they’ve got to feel engaged in their community, and the number one way for a person to feel engaged in their community is to be able to vote for the leadership of that community,” he said.Kathy Wilcot, a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, was the lone dissenter from among the nearly 20 witnesses who spoke on Wayne’s bill. Wilcot stressed she was speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the university."I do think that hopefully the waiting period reinforces the fact that voting is something very special, and hopefully that will be part of the things that an individual would consider if they’re tempted to break the law again,” she said.Three of the witnesses with criminal records who spoke in favor of the legislation said in later interviews the waiting period is not a deterrent to future crime, but rather a barrier for those who have served their sentences.King, 51, fought addiction for years and spent five years in prison after being convicted of possessing the party drug Ecstasy and theft by deception, ending probation last August.King works in the HIV/AIDS field and volunteers at various organizations, but said voting is still the most direct way to be involved and became tearful when talking about being unable to vote.“I felt so hopeless and helpless not being able to have my voice heard in this last election," King said. "There are a lot of things that were on the ballot here in Nebraska that hit home with a lot of things that I advocate for.”Demetrius Gatson is among the more than 10,000 people in Nebraska who has no right to vote because they haven’t completed their sentences. Because of her probation, she will have to wait until 2030 to vote.Since her 2018 release, she has obtained graduate degrees and served in a variety of volunteer roles. Now 48, Gatson has set up her own nonprofit and is executive director of Q.U.E.E.N.S Butterfly House, a safe house for women trying to reenter society.For the people she works with, being able to register to vote provides a sense of acceptance, especially when there are so many barriers on where they can live, jobs they can work and who they can associate with, she said.Gatson said there are critical issues she cares about, including education and criminal justice, but said, “I don’t have a say in anything that goes on in my country because I’m a felon."Steven Scott, 33, was paroled in 2015 after serving more than four years on assault and other charges. After his release, he was rejected repeatedly for apartments, got a job only because his boss knew him and had his pursuit of an advanced degree derailed after his record came to light.He is now married with two small children and owns his own business, a physical rehabilitation and athletic coaching center. He also has regained voting rights and cast ballots for Republican candidates in his first elections, including 2020. He sees the two-year wait period as one link in a long chain of barriers for those trying to reenter society.“You can’t harm society by voting,” he said. "You can only help it.”