ALLIANCE – The DEA Educational Foundation youth programs partnered with the Alliance Police Department and Cheyenne Youth Lacrosse to offer a free lacrosse clinic to youth in Alliance as a positive and healthy after-school activity. The DEA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization established in 2001 whose goal is to educate the public on the many costs and consequences of illegal drugs in our society. Funding for this week-long event was provided by DEA’s community outreach initiatives allowing the DEA Educational Foundation to establish this community building and prevention focused endeavor.

&nbsp;“We are delighted to partner and foster our youth in our community," Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens said. "We appreciate the DEA Educational Foundation and Cheyenne Youth Lacrosse, and the participation of the youth from Native Futures. Our children are our future and this is yet another way to mentor making our world a better and safer place one day at a time.”


Students spent a week after school learning lacrosse skills with Coach Austin Rodemaker and his coaching team from Cheyenne Youth Lacrosse as a positive alternative to drugs and violence.

By City of AllianceALLIANCE – The DEA Educational Foundation youth programs partnered with the Alliance Police Department and Cheyenne Youth Lacrosse to offer a free lacrosse clinic to youth in Alliance as a positive and healthy after-school activity. The DEA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization established in 2001 whose goal is to educate the public on the many costs and consequences of illegal drugs in our society. Funding for this week-long event was provided by DEA’s community outreach initiatives allowing the DEA Educational Foundation to establish this community building and prevention focused endeavor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650236571397.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;“We are delighted to partner and foster our youth in our community," Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens said. "We appreciate the DEA Educational Foundation and Cheyenne Youth Lacrosse, and the participation of the youth from Native Futures. Our children are our future and this is yet another way to mentor making our world a better and safer place one day at a time.”
Students spent a week after school learning lacrosse skills with Coach Austin Rodemaker and his coaching team from Cheyenne Youth Lacrosse as a positive alternative to drugs and violence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650236510195.jpeg" alt="Photo from Alliance&nbsp;Lacrosse Facebook group" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Alliance&nbsp;Lacrosse Facebook group</figcaption>
 </figure>

DEA Educational Youth Program partners with APD to offer Lacrosse Clinic

KIMBALL, Neb. - 90th Missile Wing Airmen successfully returned a burned Humvee to base April 15. The vehicle caught fire while Airmen from the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron were transiting Highway 71 near Kimball, Nebraska, on April 11 closing the roadway for five days.

A team from the 90th Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight worked throughout the week detonating ammunition and grenades that were not able to be removed from the burning vehicle. The area has been determined clear and safe due to their efforts and partnership with the Kimball community.

“We are grateful for our community partners and support from Kimball officials,” said Col. Catherine Barrington, 90th Missile Wing commander. “From the first responders who reacted quickly to help put out the fire on scene and halt traffic along the road, to all those who provided support to our Airmen as they worked the incident. We appreciate the teamwork.”

Security forces Airmen egressed from the vehicle April 11 near mile marker 23 after noticing flames while transiting the highway. The base will conduct an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the fire and prevent future mishaps.

To make claims for damage to property or services related to this incident, please contact the 90th Public Affairs Office at (307)773-3381.

By F.E. Warren Air Force BaseKIMBALL, Neb. - 90th Missile Wing Airmen successfully returned a burned Humvee to base April 15. The vehicle caught fire while Airmen from the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron were transiting Highway 71 near Kimball, Nebraska, on April 11 closing the roadway for five days.A team from the 90th Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight worked throughout the week detonating ammunition and grenades that were not able to be removed from the burning vehicle. The area has been determined clear and safe due to their efforts and partnership with the Kimball community.“We are grateful for our community partners and support from Kimball officials,” said Col. Catherine Barrington, 90th Missile Wing commander. “From the first responders who reacted quickly to help put out the fire on scene and halt traffic along the road, to all those who provided support to our Airmen as they worked the incident. We appreciate the teamwork.”Security forces Airmen egressed from the vehicle April 11 near mile marker 23 after noticing flames while transiting the highway. The base will conduct an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the fire and prevent future mishaps.To make claims for damage to property or services related to this incident, please contact the 90th Public Affairs Office at (307)773-3381.

Burned Humvee returned to F.E. Warren Base after Panhandle fire

CHADRON – The annual Chadron State College Faculty and Staff Recognition Luncheon included special acknowledgment of seven employees who have or will retire during 2021-22. They are Pam Anderson, Timothy Anderson, Sherry Douglas, Bruce Hoem, Lucinda Mays, Joy Omelanuk, and Don Watt.

Pam Anderson, Administrative Assistant to the President, retired in November 2021. She began her career at Chadron State College in October of 1994 as an Office Assistant in the Internship Office. At that time the Internship Office had just been established with funding through a federal grant.

A short time later, Anderson moved to Student Services as an Office Assistant under the Vice President for Student Services.

In the summer of 2000, she became Administrative Assistant to the President. She has worked in the President’s Office with Dr. Tom Krepel, Dr. Janie Park, and Dr. Randy Rhine.

She said although each President had their own leadership style, each of the three was wonderful to work with and cared deeply about Chadron State College and its students.

While the Presidents all worked for student success, Anderson also noticed the State of Nebraska invested in student learning.

“Over my 27 years on campus, the physical facilities have changed dramatically. It is encouraging to see the State of Nebraska invest in the campus buildings with the recent renovations and new construction,” Anderson said.

In 1978, the Nebraska Legislature declared a statewide policy, called the 1% for Public Art, that a portion of all appropriations made after January 1, 1979, for capital expenditures be set aside for the acquisition of art to be used in public buildings.

Anderson said she considered it an honor and privilege to have served on the 1% for Public Art Committee for Old Admin and Sparks Hall, the Rangeland Complex, and the Chicoine Center and Beebe Stadium.

“I’ve met many great people during my time at Chadron State College, including students, staff, and faculty. Although I will miss the people of CSC, I look forward to joining my husband in retirement and spending more time with family, traveling, and pursuing hobbies” she said.

Dr. Timothy Anderson’s retirement as a Professor in the Business Academy in the fall of 2021 marked the end of a distinguished career at Chadron State College that began in 1977 when he was hired as a Business Instructor.

An alumnus of CSC, Anderson left a position as a medical clinic business manager to take a job at what was then known as Chadron State Teachers College. His initial assignment was instructing classes in computer programming and statistics, but in more than 40 years at the college, he taught a wide variety of business and business education courses.

He completed a master’s degree in Education at Chadron State and earned his doctorate from the University of Nebraska.

During his early years in Business Education, Anderson was elected President of the Nebraska State Business Education Association. As Business Administration programs began to expand, Anderson and the Business Department established the Management Information Systems program, which was eventually renamed Business Information Systems, to provide courses aimed at managing business information and applications. He also served on a number of campus and Faculty Senate committees.

Anderson was promoted to Professor in 1992 and served as the Business Academy Chair for 19 years. During his tenure, Anderson led an extensive self-study of CSC’s Business program that led in 2003 to the department receiving specialized accreditation through the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Accreditation assures employers that CSC graduates have been exposed to a comprehensive and relevant business curriculum and gives students

confidence that they have the concepts and skills necessary to compete in the job market, Anderson said.

A site evaluator for ACBSP, Anderson served as President of Region V, was elected to the ACBSP Bachelorette/Graduate Board of Commissioners and served as its Chair. His involvement with ACBSP also included a role in reorganizing the group’s structure, election to its Accreditation Governance Board, and participation in the establishment of its Unified Accreditation Standards.

In retirement Anderson and his wife, Pam, plan to enjoy the freedom of traveling and spending time at their sons’ families and grandchildren’s activities.

Sherry Douglas, the long-time Financial Aid Director for Chadron State College, retired in September 2021. Douglas said as she looked back over the many roles she had at the college, the best was helping students.

“This has been such an incredible experience and uplifting feeling. I’m so incredibly blessed to have had such a rewarding career,” Douglas said.

Douglas started working at CSC in 1988 in the Business Office in Old Admin as a graduate assistant. She was hired in 1990 by Del Hussey as a Financial Aid Counselor. She was promoted to Director of Financial Aid in 1994. Throughout the 1990s, Douglas had the opportunity to co-host with WNCC an annual day- long financial aid workshop for local high school guidance counselors that was well-attended.

In the early 2000s, she met with Nebraska State Sen. Bob Wickersham, Chair of the Revenue Committee, to talk about three state grant programs and the distribution model that favored private institutions. Following their work, the three grants were combined into one and the distribution was based on need,

which favored students attending public institutions. This change resulted in about $200,000 more state funding for CSC students annually.

During her tenure, Douglas participated in two student information system conversions, the most recent one from 2008 to 2010, requiring weekly trips to Lincoln.

“One of the greatest things that came out of it was the networking with our sister institutions, both in the state and university systems,” Douglas said.

In 2010, conversations started about developing a one-stop shop for student services. Douglas helped design the solution which came to be known as the START Office. She oversaw its establishment and training of START Advisers.

She became Senior Director of Student Services in 2012 which oversaw Admissions, Records, START, and Financial Aid.

In 2016, she was named Associate Vice President of Student Services, which included oversight of the START Offices in Scottsbluff and North Platte and the International Office.

She also established the Dine With Us program that allowed international students to share cultural experiences from their home countries with the campus and community.

The international mentorship program she designed was expanded to become the Eagle Mentor Program for all incoming freshmen.

Douglas, along with Dr. Jim Margetts, and several others on campus developed the college’s first Strategic Enrollment Management Plan.

As the third financial aid director in CSC’s history, she retired with 31 years of successful audits and successful Department of Education recertifications and Homeland Security (international students) recertifications.

Her retirement plans are to spend more time with family and friends, garden, golf, and travel.

Bruce Hoem, who joined the Chadron State College faculty to teach Social Work in 2006, retired in the summer of 2021.

Hoem, who lives in Crawford, was a bit surprised he was hired as the Field Director without a teaching background.

“[Former Dean] Margaret (Crouse) and [President] Randy (Rhine) didn’t stand in my way. I always received a ‘Go for it’ message from them. They had confidence in me, which was wonderful,” Hoem said.

Hoem and Program Director Rich Kenney worked together for eight years until Kenney moved to Texas. Hoem said he thoroughly enjoyed meeting contacts at agencies and setting up student internships.

Hoem was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor in 2011 and Professor several years later. In 2016, he received the Nebraska State College System’s Teaching Excellence Award and served as CSC’s Winter Commencement speaker.

In his nomination, Dr. James Powell said Hoem regularly used high-impact learning practices, and most of his activities were designed as service learning or experiential projects. Powell also noted Hoem mentored each class of seniors in Social Work 435 as they organized and hosted an annual conference he established in 2008.

Hoem said he and his students usually chose a somewhat controversial topic, something conference attendees hadn’t heard of before, or a topic the Social Work program could invite attendees to ponder more deeply. Topics included veteran awareness, bullying, teen suicide, sexual assault, and drug use.

“All of our conferences were, in some way, very impactful. They were all student-driven. If I saw they were going off the road, I would push them back on,” Hoem said.

Hoem also tried to create impactful experiences for his students and others. When Hoem decided to teach the Elderly and Differently-Abled (SW 332) course at Crest View Care Center in Chadron rather than on campus, it seemed like a logical thing to do.

“Go where there are elderly and differently-abled people,” he said. “Fortunately, the administrators at Crest View and CSC were fine with the idea. So, the class met at Crest View with residents always present.”

Hoem said retiring was a difficult decision and he will miss teaching.

A self-professed homebody, he is not planning on much travel, except a few camping trips to the Black Hills. He will have more time to pursue his hobby of making cigar box guitars and license plate guitars. Hoem’s wife, Wendy, retired as a paraprofessional from the Crawford School system two years ago. They plan to spend more time with their three English bulldogs.

Grounds Supervisor Lucinda Mays joined Chadron State College during the Spotted Tail Wildfire of 2006. In the ensuing years since the destructive fire, she and the CSC grounds crew have done much to improve the campus landscape.

Her work as Grounds Supervisor includes designing and working with staff and student workers to create and maintain ornamental plantings and

teaching collections. She also provided regional horticultural training for staff, college students, visiting school groups, and community members.

When she served as CSC’s commencement speaker in Dec. 2021, she said she was proud to see some of those hard-working students in the graduating class. She asked the graduates to celebrate moments like commencement and purposefully bring the good qualities they seek, such as laughter, to their workplaces.

Mays, who will retire in June, graduated from the University of Nebraska- Kearney in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in Education and from CSC in 2005 with a master’s in Humanities.

She entered public horticulture in 1984 as assistant director of Kalmia Gardens of Coker College in South Carolina, rejuvenating historic plantings, and creating native plant collections. She originated Kalmia’s children’s summer day program, A Week in the Wild, organized plant sales, and coordinated Coker College theatre department performances in the gardens.

From 1989 to 1998, Mays worked with the education and horticulture departments at Callaway Gardens, in Pine Mountain, Georgia, as curator of demonstration gardens and floral trials.

Mays created content for Southern segments of the PBS television program, The Victory Garden, and worked with Iowa Public Television to create television specials, and was a guest on Nebraska Public Television’s Backyard Farmer.

She co-authored Vegetable Gardening, and was featured in Laura Martin’s book, Georgia Gardeners. She lectured regionally and nationally on a range of garden topics, contributed articles to Southern Living magazine, and reviewed and recommended gardening books for the American Horticultural Society awards.

Mays worked to influence the campus landscape.

With a small group, Mays started the Campus Arboretum Volunteers in 2009, coordinating seasonal work projects on campus including an annual Swag Workshop where participants crafted greenery décor for the campus’ main entrances.

“My intention has been to develop a landscape that invites students and staff to enjoy their time on campus, provides quiet, shady spots to relax at between classes, and serves as an inspirational teaching collection,” Mays said.

In 2010, the Nebraska State Forest Service presented Mays with its Educator/School award. The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum honored Mays with the

Jim Kluck Award in 2016. In 2021, Mays was presented the Natural Resources Education Award by the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District.

A long and varied employment history that included work as a florist, public school teacher, screen printer, and youth organizer may have helped prepare Joy Omelanuk for the multiple positions she filled in a career at Chadron State College that ended with her retirement in 2021.

A native of Augusta, Georgia, Omelanuk’s educational background is diverse. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Art and German, received Art Education certification from Augusta University, completed a printing program at Augusta Area Technical School, and took graduate courses in communication/journalism and quality management at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.

The majority of Omelanuk’s work experience prior to coming to CSC was in corporate environments, where she had positions including technical writer/ illustrator, project manager, and media manager. Prior to starting work as a graduate assistant at Chadron State College in 2009, Omelanuk was Executive Director of the Chadron Chamber of Commerce.

Following completion of a CSC master’s degree in Business Administration in 2012, Omelanuk worked part-time for the Business Academy and as an adjunct instructor until receiving a full-time position later that year.

Since then Omelanuk has worked as Project Coordinator for Liberal Arts departments with campus-wide responsibilities for the Tk20 data

management system for assessment and accreditation, as Administrator and Direct Online Adjunct Support under former Vice President for Academic Affairs Charles Snare, as Interim Lead Consultant for the Nebraska Business Development Center, and as Coordinator for Assessment and Accreditation.

Omelanuk said supporting faculty and students, and the work and mentoring relationships developed with student workers in the assessment department, were among the highlights of her CSC career. She also takes pride in the contributions she made to Chadron State’s successful 10-year accreditation and four-year review accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.

The best part of working at CSC has been assisting students achieve academic success and supporting faculty members in their efforts toward that end, Omelanuk said.

Omelanuk’s retirement plans include enjoying family, friends and her cats, pursuit of some long-postponed interests, and developing new activities and interests.

Omelanuk’s sister, Dr. Katherine Bahr, retired in 2015 from a 21-year career as professor of English and Humanities at CSC and still lives in Chadron. Their mother, Myra, an accomplished watercolor artist, also lived in Chadron for several years before her death.

Don Watt, a familiar figure on the sidelines as well as the classroom, is retiring from Chadron State College in May. Watt, a Professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation program and the Eagles’ head athletic trainer, has worked at the college for 33 years, both as a full-time

Watt, a native of Upton, Wyoming, brought stability to the athletic training position when he returned to his alma mater in the fall of 1994. Prior to Watt’s appointment, CSC had five athletic trainers in 10 years. Since that fall, Watt has been a recognizable face to fans of the Eagles – both at home and away

competitions, as well as practices. During his career, Watt has provided athletic training to student-athletes and officials, established concussion protocols, supervised a team of student trainers, assisted with organizing student-athlete insurance, and traveled millions of miles to carry out his job duties or to drive student-athletes to medical appointments.

“It has been a rewarding career,” Watt said. “I have had the opportunity to meet so many great individuals. To see them go on and have success in their various careers is great to see. And, being able to help someone return from an injury and seeing them have some level of success was gratifying.”

In the classroom, Watt, a licensed Red Cross First Aid Instructor, taught CPR, the care and prevention of athletic injuries, and health and wellness. He received release hours to serve in his other capacity as the head athletic trainer.

Watt graduated from CSC in 1980 and earned his Master’s in Athletic Training from Central Missouri State. Prior to working at CSC, he was the head athletic trainer at Jenks High School in Oklahoma and Arkansas-Monticello.

Watt, who mentions the relationships he was able to make with student- athletes and colleagues as his biggest professional accomplishment, is well-respected by his peers. He was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Wayne Barger Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2019. The award is presented to the head athletic trainer who demonstrates commitment and acts ethically to assure proper health and safety for the student-athletes under their care.

In 2018, Watt was recognized by the National Athletic Trainers Association with one of the organization’s annual Athletic Trainer Service Awards. He was also named the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers Association George F. Sullivan Athletic Trainer of the Year for the 2016-17 academic year. Finally, he was named to the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame for meritorious service in 2015.

Watt was active on campus. He served on Faculty Senate for a decade and he said he was on the Promotion and Tenure committee for approximately 20 years.

In retirement, Watt said he plans to go on a few fishing trips. He also said that he and his wife, Jana, plan to travel and visit their children and seven grandchildren often.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – The annual Chadron State College Faculty and Staff Recognition Luncheon included special acknowledgment of seven employees who have or will retire during 2021-22. They are Pam Anderson, Timothy Anderson, Sherry Douglas, Bruce Hoem, Lucinda Mays, Joy Omelanuk, and Don Watt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650055266431.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College Faculty and Staff Recognition April 14, 2022, in the Student Center. Retirees, from left, Sherry Douglas, Don Watt, and Lucinda Mays. Not pictured, Pam Anderson, Dr. Tim Anderson, Bruce Hoem, and Joy Omelanuk. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College Faculty and Staff Recognition April 14, 2022, in the Student Center. Retirees, from left, Sherry Douglas, Don Watt, and Lucinda Mays. Not pictured, Pam Anderson, Dr. Tim Anderson, Bruce Hoem, and Joy Omelanuk. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>Pam AndersonPam Anderson, Administrative Assistant to the President, retired in November 2021. She began her career at Chadron State College in October of 1994 as an Office Assistant in the Internship Office. At that time the Internship Office had just been established with funding through a federal grant.A short time later, Anderson moved to Student Services as an Office Assistant under the Vice President for Student Services.In the summer of 2000, she became Administrative Assistant to the President. She has worked in the President’s Office with Dr. Tom Krepel, Dr. Janie Park, and Dr. Randy Rhine.She said although each President had their own leadership style, each of the three was wonderful to work with and cared deeply about Chadron State College and its students.While the Presidents all worked for student success, Anderson also noticed the State of Nebraska invested in student learning.“Over my 27 years on campus, the physical facilities have changed dramatically. It is encouraging to see the State of Nebraska invest in the campus buildings with the recent renovations and new construction,” Anderson said.In 1978, the Nebraska Legislature declared a statewide policy, called the 1% for Public Art, that a portion of all appropriations made after January 1, 1979, for capital expenditures be set aside for the acquisition of art to be used in public buildings.Anderson said she considered it an honor and privilege to have served on the 1% for Public Art Committee for Old Admin and Sparks Hall, the Rangeland Complex, and the Chicoine Center and Beebe Stadium.“I’ve met many great people during my time at Chadron State College, including students, staff, and faculty. Although I will miss the people of CSC, I look forward to joining my husband in retirement and spending more time with family, traveling, and pursuing hobbies” she said.Dr. Timothy E. AndersonDr. Timothy Anderson’s retirement as a Professor in the Business Academy in the fall of 2021 marked the end of a distinguished career at Chadron State College that began in 1977 when he was hired as a Business Instructor.An alumnus of CSC, Anderson left a position as a medical clinic business manager to take a job at what was then known as Chadron State Teachers College. His initial assignment was instructing classes in computer programming and statistics, but in more than 40 years at the college, he taught a wide variety of business and business education courses.He completed a master’s degree in Education at Chadron State and earned his doctorate from the University of Nebraska.During his early years in Business Education, Anderson was elected President of the Nebraska State Business Education Association. As Business Administration programs began to expand, Anderson and the Business Department established the Management Information Systems program, which was eventually renamed Business Information Systems, to provide courses aimed at managing business information and applications. He also served on a number of campus and Faculty Senate committees.Anderson was promoted to Professor in 1992 and served as the Business Academy Chair for 19 years. During his tenure, Anderson led an extensive self-study of CSC’s Business program that led in 2003 to the department receiving specialized accreditation through the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).Accreditation assures employers that CSC graduates have been exposed to a comprehensive and relevant business curriculum and gives studentsconfidence that they have the concepts and skills necessary to compete in the job market, Anderson said.A site evaluator for ACBSP, Anderson served as President of Region V, was elected to the ACBSP Bachelorette/Graduate Board of Commissioners and served as its Chair. His involvement with ACBSP also included a role in reorganizing the group’s structure, election to its Accreditation Governance Board, and participation in the establishment of its Unified Accreditation Standards.In retirement Anderson and his wife, Pam, plan to enjoy the freedom of traveling and spending time at their sons’ families and grandchildren’s activities.Sherry DouglasSherry Douglas, the long-time Financial Aid Director for Chadron State College, retired in September 2021. Douglas said as she looked back over the many roles she had at the college, the best was helping students.“This has been such an incredible experience and uplifting feeling. I’m so incredibly blessed to have had such a rewarding career,” Douglas said.Douglas started working at CSC in 1988 in the Business Office in Old Admin as a graduate assistant. She was hired in 1990 by Del Hussey as a Financial Aid Counselor. She was promoted to Director of Financial Aid in 1994. Throughout the 1990s, Douglas had the opportunity to co-host with WNCC an annual day- long financial aid workshop for local high school guidance counselors that was well-attended.In the early 2000s, she met with Nebraska State Sen. Bob Wickersham, Chair of the Revenue Committee, to talk about three state grant programs and the distribution model that favored private institutions. Following their work, the three grants were combined into one and the distribution was based on need,which favored students attending public institutions. This change resulted in about $200,000 more state funding for CSC students annually.During her tenure, Douglas participated in two student information system conversions, the most recent one from 2008 to 2010, requiring weekly trips to Lincoln.“One of the greatest things that came out of it was the networking with our sister institutions, both in the state and university systems,” Douglas said.In 2010, conversations started about developing a one-stop shop for student services. Douglas helped design the solution which came to be known as the START Office. She oversaw its establishment and training of START Advisers.She became Senior Director of Student Services in 2012 which oversaw Admissions, Records, START, and Financial Aid.In 2016, she was named Associate Vice President of Student Services, which included oversight of the START Offices in Scottsbluff and North Platte and the International Office.She also established the Dine With Us program that allowed international students to share cultural experiences from their home countries with the campus and community.The international mentorship program she designed was expanded to become the Eagle Mentor Program for all incoming freshmen.Douglas, along with Dr. Jim Margetts, and several others on campus developed the college’s first Strategic Enrollment Management Plan.As the third financial aid director in CSC’s history, she retired with 31 years of successful audits and successful Department of Education recertifications and Homeland Security (international students) recertifications.Her retirement plans are to spend more time with family and friends, garden, golf, and travel.Bruce HoemBruce Hoem, who joined the Chadron State College faculty to teach Social Work in 2006, retired in the summer of 2021.Hoem, who lives in Crawford, was a bit surprised he was hired as the Field Director without a teaching background.“[Former Dean] Margaret (Crouse) and [President] Randy (Rhine) didn’t stand in my way. I always received a ‘Go for it’ message from them. They had confidence in me, which was wonderful,” Hoem said.Hoem and Program Director Rich Kenney worked together for eight years until Kenney moved to Texas. Hoem said he thoroughly enjoyed meeting contacts at agencies and setting up student internships.Hoem was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor in 2011 and Professor several years later. In 2016, he received the Nebraska State College System’s Teaching Excellence Award and served as CSC’s Winter Commencement speaker.In his nomination, Dr. James Powell said Hoem regularly used high-impact learning practices, and most of his activities were designed as service learning or experiential projects. Powell also noted Hoem mentored each class of seniors in Social Work 435 as they organized and hosted an annual conference he established in 2008.Hoem said he and his students usually chose a somewhat controversial topic, something conference attendees hadn’t heard of before, or a topic the Social Work program could invite attendees to ponder more deeply. Topics included veteran awareness, bullying, teen suicide, sexual assault, and drug use.“All of our conferences were, in some way, very impactful. They were all student-driven. If I saw they were going off the road, I would push them back on,” Hoem said.Hoem also tried to create impactful experiences for his students and others. When Hoem decided to teach the Elderly and Differently-Abled (SW 332) course at Crest View Care Center in Chadron rather than on campus, it seemed like a logical thing to do.“Go where there are elderly and differently-abled people,” he said. “Fortunately, the administrators at Crest View and CSC were fine with the idea. So, the class met at Crest View with residents always present.”Hoem said retiring was a difficult decision and he will miss teaching.A self-professed homebody, he is not planning on much travel, except a few camping trips to the Black Hills. He will have more time to pursue his hobby of making cigar box guitars and license plate guitars. Hoem’s wife, Wendy, retired as a paraprofessional from the Crawford School system two years ago. They plan to spend more time with their three English bulldogs.Lucinda MaysGrounds Supervisor Lucinda Mays joined Chadron State College during the Spotted Tail Wildfire of 2006. In the ensuing years since the destructive fire, she and the CSC grounds crew have done much to improve the campus landscape.Her work as Grounds Supervisor includes designing and working with staff and student workers to create and maintain ornamental plantings andteaching collections. She also provided regional horticultural training for staff, college students, visiting school groups, and community members.When she served as CSC’s commencement speaker in Dec. 2021, she said she was proud to see some of those hard-working students in the graduating class. She asked the graduates to celebrate moments like commencement and purposefully bring the good qualities they seek, such as laughter, to their workplaces.Mays, who will retire in June, graduated from the University of Nebraska- Kearney in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in Education and from CSC in 2005 with a master’s in Humanities.She entered public horticulture in 1984 as assistant director of Kalmia Gardens of Coker College in South Carolina, rejuvenating historic plantings, and creating native plant collections. She originated Kalmia’s children’s summer day program, A Week in the Wild, organized plant sales, and coordinated Coker College theatre department performances in the gardens.From 1989 to 1998, Mays worked with the education and horticulture departments at Callaway Gardens, in Pine Mountain, Georgia, as curator of demonstration gardens and floral trials.Mays created content for Southern segments of the PBS television program, The Victory Garden, and worked with Iowa Public Television to create television specials, and was a guest on Nebraska Public Television’s Backyard Farmer.She co-authored Vegetable Gardening, and was featured in Laura Martin’s book, Georgia Gardeners. She lectured regionally and nationally on a range of garden topics, contributed articles to Southern Living magazine, and reviewed and recommended gardening books for the American Horticultural Society awards.Mays worked to influence the campus landscape.With a small group, Mays started the Campus Arboretum Volunteers in 2009, coordinating seasonal work projects on campus including an annual Swag Workshop where participants crafted greenery décor for the campus’ main entrances.“My intention has been to develop a landscape that invites students and staff to enjoy their time on campus, provides quiet, shady spots to relax at between classes, and serves as an inspirational teaching collection,” Mays said.In 2010, the Nebraska State Forest Service presented Mays with its Educator/School award. The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum honored Mays with theJim Kluck Award in 2016. In 2021, Mays was presented the Natural Resources Education Award by the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District.Joy OmelanukA long and varied employment history that included work as a florist, public school teacher, screen printer, and youth organizer may have helped prepare Joy Omelanuk for the multiple positions she filled in a career at Chadron State College that ended with her retirement in 2021.A native of Augusta, Georgia, Omelanuk’s educational background is diverse. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Art and German, received Art Education certification from Augusta University, completed a printing program at Augusta Area Technical School, and took graduate courses in communication/journalism and quality management at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.The majority of Omelanuk’s work experience prior to coming to CSC was in corporate environments, where she had positions including technical writer/ illustrator, project manager, and media manager. Prior to starting work as a graduate assistant at Chadron State College in 2009, Omelanuk was Executive Director of the Chadron Chamber of Commerce.Following completion of a CSC master’s degree in Business Administration in 2012, Omelanuk worked part-time for the Business Academy and as an adjunct instructor until receiving a full-time position later that year.Since then Omelanuk has worked as Project Coordinator for Liberal Arts departments with campus-wide responsibilities for the Tk20 datamanagement system for assessment and accreditation, as Administrator and Direct Online Adjunct Support under former Vice President for Academic Affairs Charles Snare, as Interim Lead Consultant for the Nebraska Business Development Center, and as Coordinator for Assessment and Accreditation.Omelanuk said supporting faculty and students, and the work and mentoring relationships developed with student workers in the assessment department, were among the highlights of her CSC career. She also takes pride in the contributions she made to Chadron State’s successful 10-year accreditation and four-year review accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.The best part of working at CSC has been assisting students achieve academic success and supporting faculty members in their efforts toward that end, Omelanuk said.Omelanuk’s retirement plans include enjoying family, friends and her cats, pursuit of some long-postponed interests, and developing new activities and interests.Omelanuk’s sister, Dr. Katherine Bahr, retired in 2015 from a 21-year career as professor of English and Humanities at CSC and still lives in Chadron. Their mother, Myra, an accomplished watercolor artist, also lived in Chadron for several years before her death.Don WattDon Watt, a familiar figure on the sidelines as well as the classroom, is retiring from Chadron State College in May. Watt, a Professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation program and the Eagles’ head athletic trainer, has worked at the college for 33 years, both as a full-timeemployee and student worker.Watt, a native of Upton, Wyoming, brought stability to the athletic training position when he returned to his alma mater in the fall of 1994. Prior to Watt’s appointment, CSC had five athletic trainers in 10 years. Since that fall, Watt has been a recognizable face to fans of the Eagles – both at home and awaycompetitions, as well as practices. During his career, Watt has provided athletic training to student-athletes and officials, established concussion protocols, supervised a team of student trainers, assisted with organizing student-athlete insurance, and traveled millions of miles to carry out his job duties or to drive student-athletes to medical appointments.“It has been a rewarding career,” Watt said. “I have had the opportunity to meet so many great individuals. To see them go on and have success in their various careers is great to see. And, being able to help someone return from an injury and seeing them have some level of success was gratifying.”In the classroom, Watt, a licensed Red Cross First Aid Instructor, taught CPR, the care and prevention of athletic injuries, and health and wellness. He received release hours to serve in his other capacity as the head athletic trainer.Watt graduated from CSC in 1980 and earned his Master’s in Athletic Training from Central Missouri State. Prior to working at CSC, he was the head athletic trainer at Jenks High School in Oklahoma and Arkansas-Monticello.Watt, who mentions the relationships he was able to make with student- athletes and colleagues as his biggest professional accomplishment, is well-respected by his peers. He was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Wayne Barger Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2019. The award is presented to the head athletic trainer who demonstrates commitment and acts ethically to assure proper health and safety for the student-athletes under their care.In 2018, Watt was recognized by the National Athletic Trainers Association with one of the organization’s annual Athletic Trainer Service Awards. He was also named the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers Association George F. Sullivan Athletic Trainer of the Year for the 2016-17 academic year. Finally, he was named to the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame for meritorious service in 2015.Watt was active on campus. He served on Faculty Senate for a decade and he said he was on the Promotion and Tenure committee for approximately 20 years.In retirement, Watt said he plans to go on a few fishing trips. He also said that he and his wife, Jana, plan to travel and visit their children and seven grandchildren often.

Chadron State College honors 7 retirees

From the National Weather Service-North Platte

Critical fire weather conditions are expected this afternoon across much of western and north-central Nebraska. A Red Flag Warning is now in effect.

From the National Weather Service-North PlatteCritical fire weather conditions are expected this afternoon across much of western and north-central Nebraska. A Red Flag Warning is now in effect.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650194514294.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650194534268.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650194551758.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Red Flag Warning: Critical fire weather expected for western, north-central Neb. Sunday

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a Box Elder man to 15 years in prison for stabbing a man to death. 

The Rapid City Journal reports that Pennington County Judge Matt Brown handed down 31-year-old Barry Allman's sentence on Thursday.

 Prosecutors accused Allman of stabbing 33-year-old Lance Baumgarten at a Rapid City house on Aug. 6, 2020. 

They initially charged Allman with second-degree murder but he ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in a plea deal after his trial was declared a mistrial just two days in.

 Brown ordered the mistrial after prosecutors failed to inform defense attorneys that some witnesses had been granted immunity. 

Allman told the judge Thursday that Baumgarten was a “good dude” and he was sorry.

By Associated PressRAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a Box Elder man to 15 years in prison for stabbing a man to death. The Rapid City Journal reports that Pennington County Judge Matt Brown handed down 31-year-old Barry Allman's sentence on Thursday. Prosecutors accused Allman of stabbing 33-year-old Lance Baumgarten at a Rapid City house on Aug. 6, 2020. They initially charged Allman with second-degree murder but he ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in a plea deal after his trial was declared a mistrial just two days in. Brown ordered the mistrial after prosecutors failed to inform defense attorneys that some witnesses had been granted immunity. Allman told the judge Thursday that Baumgarten was a “good dude” and he was sorry.

Judge sentences Box Elder man to 15 years in fatal stabbing

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) has honored the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Carrier Enforcement Division with a national award. Friday, TAT Deputy Director Kylla Lanier presented NSP with the 2022 Truckers Against Trafficking Champion Award, in the state agency category.

“We wanted to honor a law enforcement partner who took on the TAT mission, made it their own, and innovated in ways we had not seen done before,” said Lanier, “When NSP first decided to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking, you guys did not dip your toe in the water. You went all-in from the very beginning.”

“This partnership, with the trucking industry and specifically Truckers Against Trafficking, is there to build awareness, to provide intervention, and to rescue victims of human trafficking,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We are extremely proud of our Carrier Enforcement Division troopers, investigators, and support staff for their relentless work and the valuable partnerships they’ve developed in this important mission.”

Truckers Against Trafficking is an international organization that has brought numerous industries together in the fight against human trafficking, including law enforcement, transportation, and energy partners. The Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division has partnered with TAT for several years on initiatives including educational programs, public awareness efforts, and investigational operations.

Any business or organization wishing to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking can reach them via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tat.truckers@gmail.com" target="_blank">tat.truckers@gmail.com</a>, by calling 612-888-4828, or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/" target="_blank">TruckersAgainstTrafficking.org</a>.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) has honored the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Carrier Enforcement Division with a national award. Friday, TAT Deputy Director Kylla Lanier presented NSP with the 2022 Truckers Against Trafficking Champion Award, in the state agency category.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650051420182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We wanted to honor a law enforcement partner who took on the TAT mission, made it their own, and innovated in ways we had not seen done before,” said Lanier, “When NSP first decided to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking, you guys did not dip your toe in the water. You went all-in from the very beginning.”“This partnership, with the trucking industry and specifically Truckers Against Trafficking, is there to build awareness, to provide intervention, and to rescue victims of human trafficking,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We are extremely proud of our Carrier Enforcement Division troopers, investigators, and support staff for their relentless work and the valuable partnerships they’ve developed in this important mission.”Truckers Against Trafficking is an international organization that has brought numerous industries together in the fight against human trafficking, including law enforcement, transportation, and energy partners. The Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division has partnered with TAT for several years on initiatives including educational programs, public awareness efforts, and investigational operations.Any business or organization wishing to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking can reach them via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tat.truckers@gmail.com" target="_blank">tat.truckers@gmail.com</a>, by calling 612-888-4828, or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/" target="_blank">TruckersAgainstTrafficking.org</a>.

NSP Carrier Enforcement honored by Truckers Against Trafficking

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Nebraskans of all ages are invited to participate in the City Nature Challenge, a global event to find and document urban wildlife.

The challenge, which is April 29 to May 8, is a chance to look for nature in urban areas and learn about the animal and plant life discovered there.

Using the free iNaturalist app, participants will photograph wildlife and upload their observations to the app between April 29-May 2. They’ll then help identify observations between May 3-8.

Wildlife can be any wild plant, animal, fungi or other evidence of life, such as scat, fur or tracks. Participants can even document species through their windows.

Though anyone may participate in the CNC global project, Nebraska partners are hosting the challenge from five urban locations across the state. Search iNaturalist for the following project near you:

Three participants from the state level and three each from the city projects will be randomly selected to receive a token of appreciation for supporting the challenge.

Brush up on the animals, plants and fungi you might discover by participating in City Nature Challenge Speaker Series online chats from 7 to 8 p.m. Central time April 19 and 26. Register to attend through the event listings at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA0MTUuNTY1MDMzMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NhbGVuZGFyLm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.YzLiM9gMfnPiDS0D40Fes0r0GndLA6Lo4KZCSIYI_OM/s/497221906/br/129904499758-l" target="_blank">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Or get help identifying your observations or learning about how to identify local wildlife by joining virtual informal ID parties daily May 4-6 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Central time. Register to attend through the event listings at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA0MTUuNTY1MDMzMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NhbGVuZGFyLm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.dpolXyHslT_p6BAXDQVQPsHn3Zes1Zl9anNLzDvY0iM/s/497221906/br/129904499758-l" target="_blank">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.xF6Vp6d-F7-AcD2U0CEir3JjRVHgKBzxaS3_dmJJd5M/s/497221906/br/129904499758-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/CityNatureChallenge</a>&nbsp;for more information about the City Nature Challenge, including a video about how to use iNaturalist and partners on the projects.

The City Nature Challenge, launched in 2016 as a competition between two U.S. cities, is now an international competition to document nature and better understand urban biodiversity. In 2021, more than 400 cities in 44 countries participated, contributing more than 1 million observations to iNaturalist.

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587140447752.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraskans of all ages are invited to participate in the City Nature Challenge, a global event to find and document urban wildlife.The challenge, which is April 29 to May 8, is a chance to look for nature in urban areas and learn about the animal and plant life discovered there.Using the free iNaturalist app, participants will photograph wildlife and upload their observations to the app between April 29-May 2. They’ll then help identify observations between May 3-8.Wildlife can be any wild plant, animal, fungi or other evidence of life, such as scat, fur or tracks. Participants can even document species through their windows.Though anyone may participate in the CNC global project, Nebraska partners are hosting the challenge from five urban locations across the state. Search iNaturalist for the following project near you:<ul>
 <li>Lincoln-Lancaster County</li><li>Norfolk-Madison County</li><li>North Platte-Lincoln County</li><li>Omaha Metro</li><li>Scotts Bluff County</li><li>Global Project</li>
 </ul>Three participants from the state level and three each from the city projects will be randomly selected to receive a token of appreciation for supporting the challenge.Brush up on the animals, plants and fungi you might discover by participating in City Nature Challenge Speaker Series online chats from 7 to 8 p.m. Central time April 19 and 26. Register to attend through the event listings at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA0MTUuNTY1MDMzMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NhbGVuZGFyLm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.YzLiM9gMfnPiDS0D40Fes0r0GndLA6Lo4KZCSIYI_OM/s/497221906/br/129904499758-l" target="_blank">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.Or get help identifying your observations or learning about how to identify local wildlife by joining virtual informal ID parties daily May 4-6 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Central time. Register to attend through the event listings at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA0MTUuNTY1MDMzMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NhbGVuZGFyLm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.dpolXyHslT_p6BAXDQVQPsHn3Zes1Zl9anNLzDvY0iM/s/497221906/br/129904499758-l" target="_blank">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.xF6Vp6d-F7-AcD2U0CEir3JjRVHgKBzxaS3_dmJJd5M/s/497221906/br/129904499758-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/CityNatureChallenge</a>&nbsp;for more information about the City Nature Challenge, including a video about how to use iNaturalist and partners on the projects.The City Nature Challenge, launched in 2016 as a competition between two U.S. cities, is now an international competition to document nature and better understand urban biodiversity. In 2021, more than 400 cities in 44 countries participated, contributing more than 1 million observations to iNaturalist.

Help document urban wildlife by participating in City Nature Challenge

LINCOLN&nbsp;– Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement in observance of Easter, which is celebrated on Sunday, April 17, 2022.

“Easter is a joyful time to reflect on God’s amazing love for us.&nbsp; As we contemplate Christ’s death and resurrection, we are filled with gratitude for the salvation of our sins.&nbsp; The Easter holiday reminds us of the power of forgiveness, and it inspires us with renewed hope as we work to better our world.”

“Susanne, the kids, and I wish all Nebraskans a happy Easter.&nbsp; For those traveling over the holiday weekend, be sure to buckle up and drive safely.”

LINCOLN&nbsp;– Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement in observance of Easter, which is celebrated on Sunday, April 17, 2022.“Easter is a joyful time to reflect on God’s amazing love for us.&nbsp; As we contemplate Christ’s death and resurrection, we are filled with gratitude for the salvation of our sins.&nbsp; The Easter holiday reminds us of the power of forgiveness, and it inspires us with renewed hope as we work to better our world.”“Susanne, the kids, and I wish all Nebraskans a happy Easter.&nbsp; For those traveling over the holiday weekend, be sure to buckle up and drive safely.”

Gov. Ricketts’ Easter Statement

The Chadron Chamber of Commerce will hold the community Easter Egg Hunt on April 16 at 11am at the Chadron baseball fields.&nbsp;

By City of Alliance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650053873812.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Chadron Chamber of Commerce will hold the community Easter Egg Hunt on April 16 at 11am at the Chadron baseball fields.&nbsp;

Chadron Chamber of Commerce to hold Easter Egg Hunt

Alliance – Weather permitting, The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) plans to start the 3rd Street milling process during the week of April 18.

Traffic will be maintained with partial lane closures, restrictions, flaggers and a pilot car. No detours are expected at this time, keeping disruption to a minimum.

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

For more information, please contact Ross Grant, Public Works Director at (308) 762-1907.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Weather permitting, The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) plans to start the 3rd Street milling process during the week of April 18.Traffic will be maintained with partial lane closures, restrictions, flaggers and a pilot car. No detours are expected at this time, keeping disruption to a minimum.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put their phones down.For more information, please contact Ross Grant, Public Works Director at (308) 762-1907.

3rd Street milling anticipated to begin soon in Alliance

The temporary ban on campfires remains in effect at central and western Nebraska state parks as drought conditions have triggered extreme fire danger. Additional parks may be added if drought conditions persist.

Because of regularly changing conditions, guests should call park areas prior to arrival to determine whether a fire ban is in effect. Parks will make determinations by working with local emergency managers and fire departments.

Those recreating in areas where campfires are allowed should use extreme caution and take precautions, including keeping fires small, contained in provided fire rings, attended at all times, and having a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of spread. Campfires should be properly extinguished with water until all coals have completely cooled.

For more information about the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, visit OutdoorNebraska.org.

By Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionThe temporary ban on campfires remains in effect at central and western Nebraska state parks as drought conditions have triggered extreme fire danger. Additional parks may be added if drought conditions persist.Because of regularly changing conditions, guests should call park areas prior to arrival to determine whether a fire ban is in effect. Parks will make determinations by working with local emergency managers and fire departments.Those recreating in areas where campfires are allowed should use extreme caution and take precautions, including keeping fires small, contained in provided fire rings, attended at all times, and having a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of spread. Campfires should be properly extinguished with water until all coals have completely cooled.For more information about the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, visit OutdoorNebraska.org.

Temporary campfire ban continues in western, central Nebraska state parks    

Alliance – Beginning Monday, May 16, 2022, all offices within the City Municipal Building located at 324 Laramie Avenue, with the exception of the Utility Billing Office; will be operating under their summer hours of Monday-Thursday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am – 1:00 pm. Hours are subject to change.

This includes the City Manager’s office, City Clerk’s office, Community Development and Human Resources. The City of Alliance Utilities Department will remain open Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

For more information, please call the City Administration Office at (308) 762-5400.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Beginning Monday, May 16, 2022, all offices within the City Municipal Building located at 324 Laramie Avenue, with the exception of the Utility Billing Office; will be operating under their summer hours of Monday-Thursday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am – 1:00 pm. Hours are subject to change.This includes the City Manager’s office, City Clerk’s office, Community Development and Human Resources. The City of Alliance Utilities Department will remain open Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.For more information, please call the City Administration Office at (308) 762-5400.

Alliance Municipal Building to begin summer hours soon

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 4/15/22

DES MOINES, Iowa — Month by month, more of the roughly 40 million Americans who get help buying groceries through the federal food stamp program are seeing their benefits plunge even as the nation struggles with the biggest increase in food costs in decades.

The payments to low-income individuals and families are dropping as governors end COVID-19 disaster declarations and opt out of an ongoing federal program that made their states eligible for dramatic increases in SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps. The U.S. Department of Agriculture began offering the increased benefit in April 2020 in response to surging unemployment after the COVID-19 pandemic swept over the country.

The result is that depending on the politics of a state, individuals and families in need find themselves eligible for significantly different levels of help buying food.

Nebraska took the most aggressive action anywhere in the country, ending the emergency benefits four months into the pandemic in July 2020 in a move Republican Gov. Pete Rickett said was necessary to “show the rest of the country how to get back to normal.”

Since then, nearly a dozen states with Republican leadership have taken similar action, with Iowa this month being the most recent place to slash the benefits. Benefits also will be cut in Wyoming and Kentucky in the next month. Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Tennessee have also scaled back the benefits.

Republican leaders argue that the extra benefits were intended to only temporarily help people forced out of work by the pandemic. Now that the virus has eased, they maintain, there is no longer a need to offer the higher payments at a time when businesses in most states are struggling to find enough workers.

But the extra benefits also help out families in need at a time of skyrocketing prices for food. Recipients receive at least $95 per month under the program, but some individuals and families typically eligible for only small benefits can get hundreds of dollars in extra payments each month.

The entire program would come to a halt if the federal government decides to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-coronavirus-vaccine-medicaid-fbb66b72937f3517a5d3d1ba8840f339">its public health emergency</a>, though the Biden administration so far hasn’t signaled an intention to do so.

For Tara Kramer, 45, of Des Moines, the decision by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to end the emergency payments starting April 1 meant her monthly SNAP benefit plunged from $250 in March to $20 in April. Kramer, who has a genetic disorder that can cause intense pain, said the extra money enabled her to buy healthier food that made her feel better and help her to live a more active life.

“My heart sank,” Kramer said. “All the memories from before the emergency allotment came rushing back.”

Alex Murphy, a spokesman for Reynolds, noted the extra benefits were always intended to help people who lost jobs because of the pandemic and said, “we have to return to pre-pandemic life.” Murphy pointed out that Iowa has over 86,000 job openings listed on a state unemployment website.

But Kramer said she’s not able to work and that even getting out of her apartment can be a struggle at times.

Vince Hall, who oversees public policy for the nationwide food bank network Feeding America, said ending the extra benefits ignores the reality that even as the pandemic wanes there&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-banks-hunger-inflation-a3d8f4ed0c4842fc3927710f11207c9e">hasn’t been a decline in demand at food banks.</a>

Wages have been increasing in the United States and the national unemployment rate in March dropped to 3.6%, but those gains have been offset by an 8.5% increase in inflation compared to a year ago. Food is among items rising the fastest, leaving many families unable to buy enough groceries.

“The COVID pandemic is giving way to a hunger pandemic,” Hall said. “We’re in a real, real struggle.”

Feeding America, which represents 200 food banks, reports that demand for food has increased just as these organizations are seeing individual donations dwindle and food costs rise. The organization estimates the nation’s food banks will spend 40% more to buy food in the fiscal year ending June 2022 as in the previous year.

For people like Annie Ballan, 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, the decision by Ricketts to stop participating in the program reduced the SNAP payments she and her son receive from nearly $500 a month to $41. Both have health problems and can’t work.

“From the middle of the month to the end of the month, people have no food,” Ballan said, her voice rising in anger. “This is all the governor’s fault. He says he loves Nebraskans, that Nebraskans are wonderful, but he’s cut off our food.”

The demand on food banks will only grow as more states reduce their SNAP payments, which typically provide nine meals for every one meal offered by food banks, Hall said.

Valerie Andrews, 59, of St. Charles, Missouri, said the SNAP benefits that she and her husband rely on fell from $430 a month to $219 when Missouri ended the extra payments in August 2021. Andrews, who is disabled, said she tries to budget carefully and gets food regularly from a food pantry but it’s difficult.

“We’re barely making it from paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “It gets pretty rough most of the time.”

Officials at food banks and pantries said they will do their best to meet increased demand but there is no way they can fully offset the drop in SNAP benefits.

Matt Unger, director of the Des Moines Area Religious Council network of food pantries in Iowa’s capital city, noted the pantry’s cost for a 5-ounce can of chicken as jumped from 54 cents in March 2019 to a current price of $1.05.

“Costs are just going through the roof,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571410354379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Associated PressDES MOINES, Iowa — Month by month, more of the roughly 40 million Americans who get help buying groceries through the federal food stamp program are seeing their benefits plunge even as the nation struggles with the biggest increase in food costs in decades.The payments to low-income individuals and families are dropping as governors end COVID-19 disaster declarations and opt out of an ongoing federal program that made their states eligible for dramatic increases in SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps. The U.S. Department of Agriculture began offering the increased benefit in April 2020 in response to surging unemployment after the COVID-19 pandemic swept over the country.The result is that depending on the politics of a state, individuals and families in need find themselves eligible for significantly different levels of help buying food.Nebraska took the most aggressive action anywhere in the country, ending the emergency benefits four months into the pandemic in July 2020 in a move Republican Gov. Pete Rickett said was necessary to “show the rest of the country how to get back to normal.”Since then, nearly a dozen states with Republican leadership have taken similar action, with Iowa this month being the most recent place to slash the benefits. Benefits also will be cut in Wyoming and Kentucky in the next month. Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Tennessee have also scaled back the benefits.Republican leaders argue that the extra benefits were intended to only temporarily help people forced out of work by the pandemic. Now that the virus has eased, they maintain, there is no longer a need to offer the higher payments at a time when businesses in most states are struggling to find enough workers.But the extra benefits also help out families in need at a time of skyrocketing prices for food. Recipients receive at least $95 per month under the program, but some individuals and families typically eligible for only small benefits can get hundreds of dollars in extra payments each month.The entire program would come to a halt if the federal government decides to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-coronavirus-vaccine-medicaid-fbb66b72937f3517a5d3d1ba8840f339">its public health emergency</a>, though the Biden administration so far hasn’t signaled an intention to do so.For Tara Kramer, 45, of Des Moines, the decision by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to end the emergency payments starting April 1 meant her monthly SNAP benefit plunged from $250 in March to $20 in April. Kramer, who has a genetic disorder that can cause intense pain, said the extra money enabled her to buy healthier food that made her feel better and help her to live a more active life.“My heart sank,” Kramer said. “All the memories from before the emergency allotment came rushing back.”Alex Murphy, a spokesman for Reynolds, noted the extra benefits were always intended to help people who lost jobs because of the pandemic and said, “we have to return to pre-pandemic life.” Murphy pointed out that Iowa has over 86,000 job openings listed on a state unemployment website.But Kramer said she’s not able to work and that even getting out of her apartment can be a struggle at times.Vince Hall, who oversees public policy for the nationwide food bank network Feeding America, said ending the extra benefits ignores the reality that even as the pandemic wanes there&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-banks-hunger-inflation-a3d8f4ed0c4842fc3927710f11207c9e">hasn’t been a decline in demand at food banks.</a>Wages have been increasing in the United States and the national unemployment rate in March dropped to 3.6%, but those gains have been offset by an 8.5% increase in inflation compared to a year ago. Food is among items rising the fastest, leaving many families unable to buy enough groceries.“The COVID pandemic is giving way to a hunger pandemic,” Hall said. “We’re in a real, real struggle.”Feeding America, which represents 200 food banks, reports that demand for food has increased just as these organizations are seeing individual donations dwindle and food costs rise. The organization estimates the nation’s food banks will spend 40% more to buy food in the fiscal year ending June 2022 as in the previous year.For people like Annie Ballan, 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, the decision by Ricketts to stop participating in the program reduced the SNAP payments she and her son receive from nearly $500 a month to $41. Both have health problems and can’t work.“From the middle of the month to the end of the month, people have no food,” Ballan said, her voice rising in anger. “This is all the governor’s fault. He says he loves Nebraskans, that Nebraskans are wonderful, but he’s cut off our food.”The demand on food banks will only grow as more states reduce their SNAP payments, which typically provide nine meals for every one meal offered by food banks, Hall said.Valerie Andrews, 59, of St. Charles, Missouri, said the SNAP benefits that she and her husband rely on fell from $430 a month to $219 when Missouri ended the extra payments in August 2021. Andrews, who is disabled, said she tries to budget carefully and gets food regularly from a food pantry but it’s difficult.“We’re barely making it from paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “It gets pretty rough most of the time.”Officials at food banks and pantries said they will do their best to meet increased demand but there is no way they can fully offset the drop in SNAP benefits.Matt Unger, director of the Des Moines Area Religious Council network of food pantries in Iowa’s capital city, noted the pantry’s cost for a 5-ounce can of chicken as jumped from 54 cents in March 2019 to a current price of $1.05.“Costs are just going through the roof,” he said.

States scale back food stamp benefits even as prices soar

Highway 71 from Harrisburg to Kimball and Highway 88 westbound from Bridgeport to Highway 71 is now open and safe for drivers.&nbsp;

Highway 71 from Harrisburg to Kimball and Highway 88 westbound from Bridgeport to Highway 71 will remain closed due to a military vehicle fire cleanup, according to NDOT D5 Operations Maintence Manager John Lutz.

A team from the 90th Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, conducted a series of controlled detonations on April 12 to render the scene of a totaled Humvee safe following a fire while the vehicle was transiting Highway 71 near the city of Kimball on April 11. Residents may heard had several detonations throughout the day.

Nebraska State Patrol has closed the highway in the interest of public safety. Security forces Airmen from the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron at F.E. Warren AFB remain on scene to secure the vehicle.

Security forces Airmen assigned to the 790 MSFS safely egressed the vehicle near mile marker 23 after noticing flames while transiting the highway. However, they were unable to remove ammunition, to include 40 mm grenades, from the burning vehicle due to the intensity of the flames. 

The Airmen quickly contacted local emergency responders and established a safety cordon. 

The Kimball Sheriff and fire departments as well as Nebraska State Patrol and Department of Transportation all responded to the scene. 

Kimball County emergency officials extinguished the flames from the vehicle, and nearby grass and field areas following the fire. 

No injuries were reported in the incident.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and the incident is under investigation.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostUPDATE: 4/15/22 1:12 p.m.Highway 71 from Harrisburg to Kimball and Highway 88 westbound from Bridgeport to Highway 71 is now open and safe for drivers.&nbsp;--------Highway 71 from Harrisburg to Kimball and Highway 88 westbound from Bridgeport to Highway 71 will remain closed due to a military vehicle fire cleanup, according to NDOT D5 Operations Maintence Manager John Lutz.A team from the 90th Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, conducted a series of controlled detonations on April 12 to render the scene of a totaled Humvee safe following a fire while the vehicle was transiting Highway 71 near the city of Kimball on April 11. Residents may heard had several detonations throughout the day.Nebraska State Patrol has closed the highway in the interest of public safety. Security forces Airmen from the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron at F.E. Warren AFB remain on scene to secure the vehicle.Security forces Airmen assigned to the 790 MSFS safely egressed the vehicle near mile marker 23 after noticing flames while transiting the highway. However, they were unable to remove ammunition, to include 40 mm grenades, from the burning vehicle due to the intensity of the flames. The Airmen quickly contacted local emergency responders and established a safety cordon. The Kimball Sheriff and fire departments as well as Nebraska State Patrol and Department of Transportation all responded to the scene. Kimball County emergency officials extinguished the flames from the vehicle, and nearby grass and field areas following the fire. No injuries were reported in the incident.The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and the incident is under investigation.

UPDATE: Highway 71 from Harrisburg to Kimball now open

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A major fertilizer company says the limits Union Pacific is putting on rail traffic to clear up congestion will delay shipments that farmers rely on during the spring planting season. 

CF Industries said Thursday that the railroad had ordered it to cut its shipments nearly 20%.

 Union Pacific has said it is limiting rail traffic and hiring aggressively as part of a plan to improve service after grain and ethanol shippers complained about shortcomings. 

CF Industries CEO Tony Will said the shipment limits couldn't come at a worse time for farmers. 

Federal regulators have announced plans to hold a hearing later this month about the service problems along U.S. railroads.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A major fertilizer company says the limits Union Pacific is putting on rail traffic to clear up congestion will delay shipments that farmers rely on during the spring planting season. CF Industries said Thursday that the railroad had ordered it to cut its shipments nearly 20%. Union Pacific has said it is limiting rail traffic and hiring aggressively as part of a plan to improve service after grain and ethanol shippers complained about shortcomings. CF Industries CEO Tony Will said the shipment limits couldn't come at a worse time for farmers. Federal regulators have announced plans to hold a hearing later this month about the service problems along U.S. railroads.

Fertilizer company complains about railroad shipment limits

The City of Chadron is seeing upgrades to Chadron Public Transportation with Julie Lawrence stepping into the supervisor position.

"That is a spot that we needed to have filled for some time," Chadron City Manager John Sutherland said. "The program has just been kind of self managing with oversight from the police department, interestingly enough, for a number of years. And over the course of the last few years, it's become apparent that there's a greater demand for the service than the system that we were using could handle. And so with the support of the state funding agencies and federal funding agencies, we've got more funding to do some expanded services. We needed to have a leadership person in that group that could take it forward and pursue those improvements to their success. We've added a staff person [Lawrence] who will be the supervisor for that group."

"This is a great group of people to work with at the city," Lawrence said. "Let the fun and challenges begin."

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostThe City of Chadron is seeing upgrades to Chadron Public Transportation with Julie Lawrence stepping into the supervisor position."That is a spot that we needed to have filled for some time," Chadron City Manager John Sutherland said. "The program has just been kind of self managing with oversight from the police department, interestingly enough, for a number of years. And over the course of the last few years, it's become apparent that there's a greater demand for the service than the system that we were using could handle. And so with the support of the state funding agencies and federal funding agencies, we've got more funding to do some expanded services. We needed to have a leadership person in that group that could take it forward and pursue those improvements to their success. We've added a staff person [Lawrence] who will be the supervisor for that group.""This is a great group of people to work with at the city," Lawrence said. "Let the fun and challenges begin.""We'll be able to move the operation out of the police department, free the 911 dispatchers up to do their critical emergency response services and take some of the distraction of the bus service out from under them," Sutherland said. "It will give us a chance to focus more attention on the transit system. And I can tell you, there's excitement amongst some users in the community for better and more expanded services. They like the service. They want to see it thrive. And so this is our opportunity to do that."

Local