NORTH PLATTE — On Tuesday, administrative staff at the North Platte High School reported receiving information that a staff member was acting inappropriately around a student. The information was turned over to the School Resource Officer who investigated the concerning activity&nbsp;between the staff member and student,&nbsp;in conjunction with the North Platte Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Investigators interviewed&nbsp;a&nbsp;17-year-old&nbsp;student on&nbsp;Wednesday morning and&nbsp;several items of evidence&nbsp;were collected. Probable cause was developed, that included evidence of sexual contact between the student and staff member. &nbsp;The suspect was taken into custody later that afternoon by the School Resource Officer at North Platte High School.

The&nbsp;suspect,&nbsp;46-year-old&nbsp;David D. Cooper,&nbsp;was&nbsp;arrested for Sexual Abuse by a School Employee, a class IIA felony. &nbsp;He was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Cooper is a math teacher at North Platte High School, according to the district's website.

North Platte Public Schools issued the following statement:

"Yesterday, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, an employee was taken into custody by the North Platte Police Department. While we cannot share the specific details of this personnel matter, we can assure you that North Platte Public Schools remains committed to educating our students in a safe learning environment. Additionally, we will continue to work with law enforcement throughout this investigation. The North Platte Police Department is handling this ongoing criminal investigation; we cannot elaborate further."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677164484209.png" alt="Cooper" />
 <figcaption>Cooper</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Police DepartmentNORTH PLATTE — On Tuesday, administrative staff at the North Platte High School reported receiving information that a staff member was acting inappropriately around a student. The information was turned over to the School Resource Officer who investigated the concerning activity&nbsp;between the staff member and student,&nbsp;in conjunction with the North Platte Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division.Investigators interviewed&nbsp;a&nbsp;17-year-old&nbsp;student on&nbsp;Wednesday morning and&nbsp;several items of evidence&nbsp;were collected. Probable cause was developed, that included evidence of sexual contact between the student and staff member. &nbsp;The suspect was taken into custody later that afternoon by the School Resource Officer at North Platte High School.The&nbsp;suspect,&nbsp;46-year-old&nbsp;David D. Cooper,&nbsp;was&nbsp;arrested for Sexual Abuse by a School Employee, a class IIA felony. &nbsp;He was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center.Cooper is a math teacher at North Platte High School, according to the district's website.North Platte Public Schools issued the following statement:"Yesterday, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, an employee was taken into custody by the North Platte Police Department. While we cannot share the specific details of this personnel matter, we can assure you that North Platte Public Schools remains committed to educating our students in a safe learning environment. Additionally, we will continue to work with law enforcement throughout this investigation. The North Platte Police Department is handling this ongoing criminal investigation; we cannot elaborate further."

North Platte High teacher arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/22/bonding-bill-would-finish-nebraska-expressways-faster-supporters-say/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A highway funding bill with Gov. Jim Pillen’s backing could help Nebraska finish a four-lane expressway system that the state has spent four decades building.

But the proposal to borrow money by 
issuing bonds to fund highway and major road construction would end 
Nebraska’s decades-old, pay-as-you-go approach to major road 
construction.&nbsp;

Legislative Bill 706 would speed up 
construction projects by letting the Nebraska Department of 
Transportation issue up to $450 million in bonds over 19 years. It 
proposes to pay them off using a portion of sales taxes already being 
collected.

The bill’s sponsor, State Sen. Mike 
Moser of Columbus, said the measure aims to help manufacturers, 
agricultural producers and communities situated farther from Interstate 
80.

During Wednesday’s public hearing for
 LB 706, Moser described the expressway system as a “critical” link 
between western, central and eastern Nebraska.

The expressway system, codified into 
law in 1988, has struggled for funding and is now slated to be completed
 by 2035. Bonding could cut years off the wait, Moser said.

“It’s an economic development thing 
for us, being able to get more quickly to Lincoln or to Omaha or to the 
Interstate system,” he told the Revenue Committee.

‘Fiscally responsible’ approach&nbsp;

Pillen, who testified that Nebraska 
needs to be able to issue bonds for highways to compete, said the state 
“dropped the ball” by opposing proposals to issue bonds for highway 
construction.

Projects that could have been done in
 five years took 50, he said. And the work cost Nebraska taxpayers 
millions of dollars more than they would have because of inflation.

Pillen argued that bonding is a 
“fiscally responsible” approach when construction inflation runs 10% a 
year in a good year and is running 20% today.

“Just think of the economic activity 
that’s been lost waiting for our state to grow,” the governor said. “Our
 timelines just haven’t cut it.”&nbsp;

Moser’s bill is built off a 2021 bill by Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont.&nbsp;

The largest expressway sections yet 
to be built would connect Fremont, Norfolk and Columbus — the governor’s
 hometown — to the Interstate and Omaha, expressway advocates said.

About a third of the expressway 
system still needs to be finished, including a section of U.S. 75 
between Nebraska City and Omaha that is being widened.&nbsp;

Walz said she was “excited to see the
 bonding proposal.” She said it would be a “great tool” to finish the 
expressways and build future projects.&nbsp;

“We should always err on the side of 
caution,” she said of bonding. “It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all 
solution, but it’s a great step.”

The Walz bill stalled two years ago, in part, because then-Gov. Pete Ricketts opposed bonding for roads.&nbsp;

None of Nebraska’s last five 
governors — four Republicans and one Democrat — supported the state 
using bonding for building highways while in office.&nbsp;

Ricketts and former Gov. Kay Orr, two
 of Pillen’s top Republican supporters in the 2022 governor’s race, had 
no immediate comment Wednesday on LB 706.

Both have argued before that they 
preferred the state not to go into debt to build highways, as did former
 Govs. Dave Heineman, Mike Johanns and Ben Nelson.&nbsp;

Nelson on Wednesday said he still 
would rather see Nebraska pay as it goes, unless there is a compelling 
argument for new economic development tied to a road.

“Borrowing is for growth, for new 
streets and roads for growth,” Nelson said, drawing a distinction with 
maintenance. “You have to be careful. Once you start down that slope, 
it’s steep.”

Heineman, reached Wednesday, said 
that while he has opposed bonding for roads in the past, he understands 
why Pillen was taking another look at doing so.

“I think it’s worth a look,” he said,
 citing the importance rural Nebraskans place on four-lane access. 
“Nebraskans will want them to take it slow.”&nbsp;

Expressway advocates from Gering to 
Nebraska City have complained that previous governors did not prioritize
 spending on the expressway system.

Several pointed to now-U.S. Sen. Deb 
Fischer, R-Neb., who faced opposition as a state lawmaker when she tried
 to earmark part of the state sales tax revenue for the expressways.&nbsp;

They say investors are clamoring for 
safe places to put money and said passage of a federal infrastructure 
bill means more money to build roads and bridges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning, who 
helped cities and counties to advocate for completion of the four-lane 
expressway system for years, applauded LB 706.

He called the state’s previous 
approach “penny wise and pound foolish.” In 1988, he said, completion of
 the system was expected to cost $200 million.

Today, the same project would cost more than $2 billion, he said. The longer you wait, he said, the more expensive it gets.

“I’ve seen through business 
recruitment that good infrastructure access is (vital),” he said. “If 
you don’t have it, you’re going to get passed by.”

Road builders have said the 
expressways took so long because the state dedicated little funding 
beyond the gas tax, which is politically difficult to increase.

LB 706 would cap how much the state 
could pay for the bonds in a given year, as well, limiting annual debt 
service on such bonds to no more than $30 million a year.

The bill also would extend the 
Nebraska law dedicating 1/4 of 1% of state sales tax revenue to the 
expressway system, priority projects and maintenance.

That sales tax earmark, currently 
scheduled to sunset in 2033, would be extended to 2042, which advocates 
said would provide the state with enough revenue to pay off the new 
bonds.

No new bonds would be issued after June 2029.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677161749380.png" alt="Drivers head into a construction zone on U.S. 75 near Bellevue, Neb. Improving the highway between Nebraska City and Omaha is part of the state’s expressway system still under construction. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Drivers head into a construction zone on U.S. 75 near Bellevue, Neb. Improving the highway between Nebraska City and Omaha is part of the state’s expressway system still under construction. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/22/bonding-bill-would-finish-nebraska-expressways-faster-supporters-say/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A highway funding bill with Gov. Jim Pillen’s backing could help Nebraska finish a four-lane expressway system that the state has spent four decades building.But the proposal to borrow money by 
issuing bonds to fund highway and major road construction would end 
Nebraska’s decades-old, pay-as-you-go approach to major road 
construction.&nbsp;Legislative Bill 706 would speed up 
construction projects by letting the Nebraska Department of 
Transportation issue up to $450 million in bonds over 19 years. It 
proposes to pay them off using a portion of sales taxes already being 
collected.The bill’s sponsor, State Sen. Mike 
Moser of Columbus, said the measure aims to help manufacturers, 
agricultural producers and communities situated farther from Interstate 
80.During Wednesday’s public hearing for
 LB 706, Moser described the expressway system as a “critical” link 
between western, central and eastern Nebraska.The expressway system, codified into 
law in 1988, has struggled for funding and is now slated to be completed
 by 2035. Bonding could cut years off the wait, Moser said.“It’s an economic development thing 
for us, being able to get more quickly to Lincoln or to Omaha or to the 
Interstate system,” he told the Revenue Committee.<h2>‘Fiscally responsible’ approach&nbsp;</h2>Pillen, who testified that Nebraska 
needs to be able to issue bonds for highways to compete, said the state 
“dropped the ball” by opposing proposals to issue bonds for highway 
construction.Projects that could have been done in
 five years took 50, he said. And the work cost Nebraska taxpayers 
millions of dollars more than they would have because of inflation.Pillen argued that bonding is a 
“fiscally responsible” approach when construction inflation runs 10% a 
year in a good year and is running 20% today.“Just think of the economic activity 
that’s been lost waiting for our state to grow,” the governor said. “Our
 timelines just haven’t cut it.”&nbsp;Moser’s bill is built off a 2021 bill by Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont.&nbsp;The largest expressway sections yet 
to be built would connect Fremont, Norfolk and Columbus — the governor’s
 hometown — to the Interstate and Omaha, expressway advocates said.About a third of the expressway 
system still needs to be finished, including a section of U.S. 75 
between Nebraska City and Omaha that is being widened.&nbsp;Walz said she was “excited to see the
 bonding proposal.” She said it would be a “great tool” to finish the 
expressways and build future projects.&nbsp;“We should always err on the side of 
caution,” she said of bonding. “It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all 
solution, but it’s a great step.”The Walz bill stalled two years ago, in part, because then-Gov. Pete Ricketts opposed bonding for roads.&nbsp;<h2>Former governors resisted bonding</h2>None of Nebraska’s last five 
governors — four Republicans and one Democrat — supported the state 
using bonding for building highways while in office.&nbsp;Ricketts and former Gov. Kay Orr, two
 of Pillen’s top Republican supporters in the 2022 governor’s race, had 
no immediate comment Wednesday on LB 706.Both have argued before that they 
preferred the state not to go into debt to build highways, as did former
 Govs. Dave Heineman, Mike Johanns and Ben Nelson.&nbsp;Nelson on Wednesday said he still 
would rather see Nebraska pay as it goes, unless there is a compelling 
argument for new economic development tied to a road.“Borrowing is for growth, for new 
streets and roads for growth,” Nelson said, drawing a distinction with 
maintenance. “You have to be careful. Once you start down that slope, 
it’s steep.”Heineman, reached Wednesday, said 
that while he has opposed bonding for roads in the past, he understands 
why Pillen was taking another look at doing so.“I think it’s worth a look,” he said,
 citing the importance rural Nebraskans place on four-lane access. 
“Nebraskans will want them to take it slow.”&nbsp;Expressway advocates from Gering to 
Nebraska City have complained that previous governors did not prioritize
 spending on the expressway system.Several pointed to now-U.S. Sen. Deb 
Fischer, R-Neb., who faced opposition as a state lawmaker when she tried
 to earmark part of the state sales tax revenue for the expressways.&nbsp;They say investors are clamoring for 
safe places to put money and said passage of a federal infrastructure 
bill means more money to build roads and bridges.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Good infrastructure called vital</h2>Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning, who 
helped cities and counties to advocate for completion of the four-lane 
expressway system for years, applauded LB 706.He called the state’s previous 
approach “penny wise and pound foolish.” In 1988, he said, completion of
 the system was expected to cost $200 million.Today, the same project would cost more than $2 billion, he said. The longer you wait, he said, the more expensive it gets.“I’ve seen through business 
recruitment that good infrastructure access is (vital),” he said. “If 
you don’t have it, you’re going to get passed by.”Road builders have said the 
expressways took so long because the state dedicated little funding 
beyond the gas tax, which is politically difficult to increase.LB 706 would cap how much the state 
could pay for the bonds in a given year, as well, limiting annual debt 
service on such bonds to no more than $30 million a year.The bill also would extend the 
Nebraska law dedicating 1/4 of 1% of state sales tax revenue to the 
expressway system, priority projects and maintenance.That sales tax earmark, currently 
scheduled to sunset in 2033, would be extended to 2042, which advocates 
said would provide the state with enough revenue to pay off the new 
bonds.No new bonds would be issued after June 2029.

Supporters: Bonding bill would finish Neb. expressways faster

United
 States Attorney Steven Russell announced Wednesday that Garry Hunter Little
 Walker, 34, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Omaha by
 Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr., to a 
three-year term of probation for Assault on an Officer with Bodily 
Contact.

On June 3, Victim 1, an officer with the Omaha Nation Law 
Enforcement Services was called to a residence near Lyndon Ave. in 
Rosalie, Nebraska, which is within the territorial confines of the Omaha
 Indian Reservation. Upon arrival, Victim 1 found Little Walker seated 
in the vehicle having an argument with his grandmother and the mother of
 his children. Victim 1 attempted to place Little Walker in handcuffs 
and Little Walker pushed Victim 1 and began running away. Victim 1 
unsuccessfully attempted to deploy his taser twice. Little Walker ran 
into a house and shut and locked the door. 

Upon Victim 1 entering the 
house, he found Little Walker standing in the kitchen with his fists 
clenched and standing in a fighting posture. Little Walker stated he was
 not going to go to jail. When told he had very little options, Little 
Walker asked Victim 1, “How do you want it then? I’m going to rack real 
hard.” 

Victim 1 took a step toward Little Walker and Little Walker 
lifted his right hand and swung over his grandmother and struck Victim 1
 in the left side of the head. Little Walker then grabbed Victim 1 by 
the head. Victim 1 lifted Little Walker and then took him to the ground.
 Little Walker would not let go of Victim 1’s head after repeated orders
 to let go. Little Walker then began reaching for Victim 1’s gun. Victim
 1 pepper sprayed Little Walker and, in the process, incapacitated 
himself as well. 

Victim 1 while still suffering the effects of the 
pepper spray tried to take Little Walker out of the house. While doing 
so, Little Walker lunged at Victim 1 and elbowed him in the face before 
falling onto the ground. Victim 1 received his law enforcement training 
from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy and the Omaha Nation 
Law Enforcement Services operates under a 638 contract.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited
 States Attorney Steven Russell announced Wednesday that Garry Hunter Little
 Walker, 34, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Omaha by
 Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr., to a 
three-year term of probation for Assault on an Officer with Bodily 
Contact.On June 3, Victim 1, an officer with the Omaha Nation Law 
Enforcement Services was called to a residence near Lyndon Ave. in 
Rosalie, Nebraska, which is within the territorial confines of the Omaha
 Indian Reservation. Upon arrival, Victim 1 found Little Walker seated 
in the vehicle having an argument with his grandmother and the mother of
 his children. Victim 1 attempted to place Little Walker in handcuffs 
and Little Walker pushed Victim 1 and began running away. Victim 1 
unsuccessfully attempted to deploy his taser twice. Little Walker ran 
into a house and shut and locked the door. Upon Victim 1 entering the 
house, he found Little Walker standing in the kitchen with his fists 
clenched and standing in a fighting posture. Little Walker stated he was
 not going to go to jail. When told he had very little options, Little 
Walker asked Victim 1, “How do you want it then? I’m going to rack real 
hard.” Victim 1 took a step toward Little Walker and Little Walker 
lifted his right hand and swung over his grandmother and struck Victim 1
 in the left side of the head. Little Walker then grabbed Victim 1 by 
the head. Victim 1 lifted Little Walker and then took him to the ground.
 Little Walker would not let go of Victim 1’s head after repeated orders
 to let go. Little Walker then began reaching for Victim 1’s gun. Victim
 1 pepper sprayed Little Walker and, in the process, incapacitated 
himself as well. Victim 1 while still suffering the effects of the 
pepper spray tried to take Little Walker out of the house. While doing 
so, Little Walker lunged at Victim 1 and elbowed him in the face before 
falling onto the ground. Victim 1 received his law enforcement training 
from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy and the Omaha Nation 
Law Enforcement Services operates under a 638 contract.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services.

Neb. man receives probation for physical assault on an officer

United States Attorney Steven 
Russell announced that Catherine Gibson, 45, of North Platte was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her role in
 a methamphetamine conspiracy.&nbsp; United States District Judge Brian
 C. Buescher sentenced Gibson to 46 months of imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no
 parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After her release from prison, she will 
begin a three-year term of supervised release.


In February and March of 2021, 
Gibson was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in western
 Nebraska.&nbsp; As part of the conspiracy, on both February 22, 2021, and 
February 23, 2021, Gibson sold approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine
 to an informant.&nbsp; On March 3, 2021, law enforcement searched Gibson’s 
rental car and located approximately 110 grams of methamphetamine 
(actual) and ten fentanyl pills.&nbsp; 

On the same day, officers searched 
Gibson’s Alliance residence and located
 an additional approximately 92 grams of methamphetamine.&nbsp; Gibson told 
officers that she picked up methamphetamine and was bringing it to 
Alliance to sell.

This case was investigated by 
the Nebraska State Patrol, the Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office and 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


U.S. Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Steven 
Russell announced that Catherine Gibson, 45, of North Platte was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her role in
 a methamphetamine conspiracy.&nbsp; United States District Judge Brian
 C. Buescher sentenced Gibson to 46 months of imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no
 parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After her release from prison, she will 
begin a three-year term of supervised release.
In February and March of 2021, 
Gibson was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in western
 Nebraska.&nbsp; As part of the conspiracy, on both February 22, 2021, and 
February 23, 2021, Gibson sold approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine
 to an informant.&nbsp; On March 3, 2021, law enforcement searched Gibson’s 
rental car and located approximately 110 grams of methamphetamine 
(actual) and ten fentanyl pills.&nbsp; On the same day, officers searched 
Gibson’s Alliance residence and located
 an additional approximately 92 grams of methamphetamine.&nbsp; Gibson told 
officers that she picked up methamphetamine and was bringing it to 
Alliance to sell.This case was investigated by 
the Nebraska State Patrol, the Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office and 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

North Platte woman sentenced for role in meth conspiracy

A wind chill warning will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Thursday in the Alliance area, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne reported.

With the overnight low expected to reach to nearly 20 below zero and winds gusting to 35 mph, the NWS is warning of wind chill values as low as 35 below zero.

At those levels, frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes.

Snow is expected to continue until&nbsp; approximately 10 p.m. before tapering off.

The high temperature Thursday is ionly forecast to reach 6 degrees, dropping to an overnight low of 8 below zero.&nbsp;

By Saturday, a warmup will arrive, with highs in the low- to mid-40s through Tuesday.

Check Panhandle Post for the latest on cancellations and delays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677103560854.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A wind chill warning will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Thursday in the Alliance area, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne reported.With the overnight low expected to reach to nearly 20 below zero and winds gusting to 35 mph, the NWS is warning of wind chill values as low as 35 below zero.At those levels, frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes.Snow is expected to continue until&nbsp; approximately 10 p.m. before tapering off.The high temperature Thursday is ionly forecast to reach 6 degrees, dropping to an overnight low of 8 below zero.&nbsp;By Saturday, a warmup will arrive, with highs in the low- to mid-40s through Tuesday.Check Panhandle Post for the latest on cancellations and delays.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">600 AM 2/22 - Wind Chill Warnings are in effect for very cold winds chills expected tonight through Thursday morning. Temperatures slowly increase going into the weekend. Stay warm and remember to take the necessary precautions if going outdoors! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wywx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wywx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newx</a> <a href="https://t.co/KJDw0KZohR">pic.twitter.com/KJDw0KZohR</a>&mdash; NWS Cheyenne (@NWSCheyenne) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSCheyenne/status/1628380147127836673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Bundle up: Wind chills will drop as low as -35 overnight

By Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office

Law enforcement is seeking public assistance to locate Joseph Sloan, age 37, of rural Gering.&nbsp;

Family members reported him missing late in the afternoon of Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

He was possibly in the La Grange, Wyoming area yesterday afternoon.

Joseph Sloan, age 37, is a white male, 6’, 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

He is believed to be driving a silver 2012 Toyota Tundra Crewmax pickup bearing Nebraska license plate 21-67BE

Please report any information to the Scotts Bluff County Communications Center at 308-436-6666, or other local law enforcement.

By Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's OfficeLaw enforcement is seeking public assistance to locate Joseph Sloan, age 37, of rural Gering.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677095174992.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Family members reported him missing late in the afternoon of Tuesday, February 21, 2023.He was possibly in the La Grange, Wyoming area yesterday afternoon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677095192169.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Missing personJoseph Sloan, age 37, is a white male, 6’, 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.VehicleHe is believed to be driving a silver 2012 Toyota Tundra Crewmax pickup bearing Nebraska license plate 21-67BEPlease report any information to the Scotts Bluff County Communications Center at 308-436-6666, or other local law enforcement.

Scotts Bluff Sheriff's Office seek help to find missing person 

-US Hwy 20 from Harrison, RP 9, to the Wyoming Stateline is closed due to Blizzard conditions and low visibility.

By NDOT-US Hwy 20 from Harrison, RP 9, to the Wyoming Stateline is closed due to Blizzard conditions and low visibility.

Panhandle road closures

Alliance – Due to weather conditions, the Senior Center and Nutrition Site will be closed on Wednesday, February 22nd. 

Nutrition Site meals will be delivered today. If you would like to be added to the delivery schedule, please call 308-762-1293 or 308-762-8774 and leave a message with your contact information and delivery address.

For more information, please call Angie Flesner (308) 762-1293.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Due to weather conditions, the Senior Center and Nutrition Site will be closed on Wednesday, February 22nd. Nutrition Site meals will be delivered today. If you would like to be added to the delivery schedule, please call 308-762-1293 or 308-762-8774 and leave a message with your contact information and delivery address.For more information, please call Angie Flesner (308) 762-1293.

Alliance Senior Center, Nutrition Site closed 

Alliance – The Alliance Public Landfill, top of the hill and construction and demo is closed to the public due to muddy conditions. The transfer station remains open.

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

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Public Landfill, top of the hill and construction and demo is closed to the public due to muddy conditions. The transfer station remains open.For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Partial closure at Alliance landfill 

...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 AM MST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...For the Wind Chill Warning, dangerously cold wind chills&nbsp;  expected. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero. For the Winter&nbsp;  Weather Advisory, snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4&nbsp;  inches. Areas of blowing and drifting snow may make travel difficult.

* WHERE...Portions of panhandle Nebraska and southeast Wyoming.

* WHEN...For the Wind Chill Warning, from 5 PM this afternoon to

  9 AM MST Thursday. For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 5 AM&nbsp;  MST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing&nbsp;  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous&nbsp;  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The&nbsp;  dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed&nbsp;  skin in as little as 10 minutes.

Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

By National Weather Service...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 AM MST THURSDAY...* WHAT...For the Wind Chill Warning, dangerously cold wind chills&nbsp; expected. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero. For the Winter&nbsp; Weather Advisory, snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4&nbsp; inches. Areas of blowing and drifting snow may make travel difficult.* WHERE...Portions of panhandle Nebraska and southeast Wyoming.* WHEN...For the Wind Chill Warning, from 5 PM this afternoon to 9 AM MST Thursday. For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 5 AM&nbsp; MST Thursday.* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing&nbsp; snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous&nbsp; conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The&nbsp; dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed&nbsp; skin in as little as 10 minutes.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.Slow down and use caution while traveling.The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Wind Chill Warning issued for portions of Panhandle 

The City of Crawford has declared a Snow Emergency from Midnight Tuesday evening, February 21, until 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning February 23. 

A Snow Emergency means that motor vehicles, boats, trailers, etc. CANNOT be parked on the street during the indicated time period along the posted emergency snow routes. Vehicles, trailers or obstructions remaining on the routes may be ticketed. 

Efforts will be made to not tow vehicles during normal business hours, unless the predominate weather dictates such actions. 

More information about Crawford’s snow emergency routes and rules are available on the Crawford website found at <a href="http://crawfordnebraska.net">crawfordnebraska.net</a>.

By City of CrawfordThe City of Crawford has declared a Snow Emergency from Midnight Tuesday evening, February 21, until 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning February 23. A Snow Emergency means that motor vehicles, boats, trailers, etc. CANNOT be parked on the street during the indicated time period along the posted emergency snow routes. Vehicles, trailers or obstructions remaining on the routes may be ticketed. Efforts will be made to not tow vehicles during normal business hours, unless the predominate weather dictates such actions. More information about Crawford’s snow emergency routes and rules are available on the Crawford website found at <a href="http://crawfordnebraska.net">crawfordnebraska.net</a>. Thank you for your cooperation.

City of Crawford declares snow emergency 

Alliance – The Alliance Public Transit will only be offering essential rides on Wednesday, February 22nd due to weather conditions. Essential rides include medical, school routes, and work only. Hours of operation will be 6:30am – 4:00pm.

For more information, please contact, Paige Johnson at (308) 762-1907.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Public Transit will only be offering essential rides on Wednesday, February 22nd due to weather conditions. Essential rides include medical, school routes, and work only. Hours of operation will be 6:30am – 4:00pm.For more information, please contact, Paige Johnson at (308) 762-1907.

Alliance Public Transit offering essential rides only

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Brutal winter weather bringing snow, dangerous gusts of wind and bitter cold settled over much of the northern U.S. on Wednesday, shutting down roadways, closing schools and businesses and prompting dire warnings for people to stay home.

The massive storm with blizzard-like conditions to the north were part of a wild weather day across the U.S. Wind gusts, combined with snow and rain, forced closure of a long stretch of interstate highway in the Southwest. Meanwhile, many places in the mid-Atlantic down to Florida are expected to see record high temperatures — in some cases up to 40 degrees above normal.

Many schools throughout the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin were called off for Wednesday, ahead of the storm. Offices closed, and so did the Minnesota Legislature. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem shut down state executive branch offices in several parts of the state, and employees were working remotely.

In Wyoming, virtually every road was impacted, and many were closed. Officials warned they may stay that way for days.

“Please change travel plans if your are coming towards Wyoming, waiting to go west from Cheyenne or Laramie on I-80, or waiting to go east on I-80 from Rock Springs,” the Wyoming Department of Transportation posted on Facebook. “A major winter storm and multi-day closures are likely on Interstates and secondary roads throughout Wyoming!”

Michelle Wilson said business was slow at the Denny’s where she works in Fargo, North Dakota, where the morning temperatures was minus 11 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 24 degrees Celsius). Wilson wasn’t surprised — people know better than to venture out when the weather turns this dangerous.

“When the wind picks up and your in a flat land like North Dakota, it’s whiteout conditions immediately,” Wilson said.

The storm will make its way toward the East Coast later in the week. Places that don't get snow may get dangerous amounts of ice. Forecasters expect up to a half-inch of ice in some areas of southern Michigan, northern Illinois and some eastern states.

The snowfall could be historic, even in a region accustomed to heavy snow. As much as 25 inches may pile up, with the heaviest amounts falling across east-central Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin, the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph and wind chills are expected to hit minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46 degrees Celsius) in some parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area could see 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow or more for the first time in over 30 years.

Temperatures in the nation's northern tier could plunge as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 29 degrees Celsius) Thursday and to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 32 degrees Celsius) Friday in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wind chills may fall to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46 degrees Celsius), said Nathan Rick, a meteorologist in Grand Forks.

Wind gusts may reach 50 mph in western and central Minnesota, resulting in “significant blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions in open areas,” the weather service said.

According to the weather service, the biggest snow event on record in the Twin Cities was 28.4 inches from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3, 1991 — known as the Halloween Blizzard. The second-largest was 21.1 inches of snow from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, 1985. The Twin Cities got 20 inches of snow on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, 1982.

Hardware store owners said residents were generally taking the forecast in stride.

At C&amp;S Supply, an employee-owned hardware store in Mankato, Minnesota, manager Corey Kapaun said demand was high for salt and grit, but not for shovels, snow blowers or other equipment. He attributed that to the fact that winter is two-thirds over.

“I think people are either prepared or they’re not,” Kapaun said. “It’s usually the first snowfall of the year that gets a lot of attention. With a storm like this, I expected a little bit more, but we’ve already had a big year of snow already.”

Forecasters at AccuWeather said the same storm system could result in icing across a 1,300-mile (2,092 -kilometer) band from near Omaha, Nebraska, to New Hampshire on Wednesday and Thursday, creating potential travel hazards in or near cities such as Milwaukee, Detroit, Chicago and Boston.

As the northern U.S. deals with a winter blast, record warmth is expected in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast — 30 degrees to 40 degrees above normal in some places. Record highs are expected from Baltimore to New Orleans and in much of Florida, National Weather Service Meteorologist Frank Pereira said.

Washington, D.C., could hit 80 degrees on Thursday, which would top the record of 78 degrees set in 1874.

A more than 200-mile stretch of Interstate 40 from central Arizona to the New Mexico line closed Wednesday morning due to wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph, plus snow and rain. Thousands were without power in Arizona.

California was also preparing for the latest in a series of winter storms as winds that began blowing Tuesday brought the potential for rain, snow and hail for much of the state. A “major snow event” was possible in foothills and mountains near Los Angeles, with several inches predicted even for elevations as low as 1,000 feet, the weather service said.

“Nearly the entire population of CA will be able to see snow from some vantage point later this week if they look in the right direction (i.e., toward the highest hills in vicinity),” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote on Twitter.

Daytime temperatures in Southern California were unlikely to get out of the low to mid-50s and potentially damaging winds reaching 50 mph were predicted along the central coast, with gusts of 70 mph possible in mountains.

By Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Brutal winter weather bringing snow, dangerous gusts of wind and bitter cold settled over much of the northern U.S. on Wednesday, shutting down roadways, closing schools and businesses and prompting dire warnings for people to stay home.The massive storm with blizzard-like conditions to the north were part of a wild weather day across the U.S. Wind gusts, combined with snow and rain, forced closure of a long stretch of interstate highway in the Southwest. Meanwhile, many places in the mid-Atlantic down to Florida are expected to see record high temperatures — in some cases up to 40 degrees above normal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677079735829.jpeg" alt="David Smith shovels the sidewalk as the first snow falls ahead of a winter storm on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Sioux Falls, S.D. A wide swath of the Upper Midwest is bracing for a historic winter storm. The system is expected to bury parts of the region in 2 feet of snow, create dangerous blizzard conditions and bring along bitter cold temperatures. (Erin Woodiel/The Argus Leader via AP)" />
 <figcaption>David Smith shovels the sidewalk as the first snow falls ahead of a winter storm on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Sioux Falls, S.D. A wide swath of the Upper Midwest is bracing for a historic winter storm. The system is expected to bury parts of the region in 2 feet of snow, create dangerous blizzard conditions and bring along bitter cold temperatures. (Erin Woodiel/The Argus Leader via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Many schools throughout the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin were called off for Wednesday, ahead of the storm. Offices closed, and so did the Minnesota Legislature. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem shut down state executive branch offices in several parts of the state, and employees were working remotely.In Wyoming, virtually every road was impacted, and many were closed. Officials warned they may stay that way for days.“Please change travel plans if your are coming towards Wyoming, waiting to go west from Cheyenne or Laramie on I-80, or waiting to go east on I-80 from Rock Springs,” the Wyoming Department of Transportation posted on Facebook. “A major winter storm and multi-day closures are likely on Interstates and secondary roads throughout Wyoming!”Michelle Wilson said business was slow at the Denny’s where she works in Fargo, North Dakota, where the morning temperatures was minus 11 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 24 degrees Celsius). Wilson wasn’t surprised — people know better than to venture out when the weather turns this dangerous.“When the wind picks up and your in a flat land like North Dakota, it’s whiteout conditions immediately,” Wilson said.The storm will make its way toward the East Coast later in the week. Places that don't get snow may get dangerous amounts of ice. Forecasters expect up to a half-inch of ice in some areas of southern Michigan, northern Illinois and some eastern states.The snowfall could be historic, even in a region accustomed to heavy snow. As much as 25 inches may pile up, with the heaviest amounts falling across east-central Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin, the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph and wind chills are expected to hit minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46 degrees Celsius) in some parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota.The Minneapolis-St. Paul area could see 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow or more for the first time in over 30 years.Temperatures in the nation's northern tier could plunge as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 29 degrees Celsius) Thursday and to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 32 degrees Celsius) Friday in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wind chills may fall to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46 degrees Celsius), said Nathan Rick, a meteorologist in Grand Forks.Wind gusts may reach 50 mph in western and central Minnesota, resulting in “significant blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions in open areas,” the weather service said.According to the weather service, the biggest snow event on record in the Twin Cities was 28.4 inches from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3, 1991 — known as the Halloween Blizzard. The second-largest was 21.1 inches of snow from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, 1985. The Twin Cities got 20 inches of snow on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, 1982.Hardware store owners said residents were generally taking the forecast in stride.At C&amp;S Supply, an employee-owned hardware store in Mankato, Minnesota, manager Corey Kapaun said demand was high for salt and grit, but not for shovels, snow blowers or other equipment. He attributed that to the fact that winter is two-thirds over.“I think people are either prepared or they’re not,” Kapaun said. “It’s usually the first snowfall of the year that gets a lot of attention. With a storm like this, I expected a little bit more, but we’ve already had a big year of snow already.”Forecasters at AccuWeather said the same storm system could result in icing across a 1,300-mile (2,092 -kilometer) band from near Omaha, Nebraska, to New Hampshire on Wednesday and Thursday, creating potential travel hazards in or near cities such as Milwaukee, Detroit, Chicago and Boston.As the northern U.S. deals with a winter blast, record warmth is expected in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast — 30 degrees to 40 degrees above normal in some places. Record highs are expected from Baltimore to New Orleans and in much of Florida, National Weather Service Meteorologist Frank Pereira said.Washington, D.C., could hit 80 degrees on Thursday, which would top the record of 78 degrees set in 1874.A more than 200-mile stretch of Interstate 40 from central Arizona to the New Mexico line closed Wednesday morning due to wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph, plus snow and rain. Thousands were without power in Arizona.California was also preparing for the latest in a series of winter storms as winds that began blowing Tuesday brought the potential for rain, snow and hail for much of the state. A “major snow event” was possible in foothills and mountains near Los Angeles, with several inches predicted even for elevations as low as 1,000 feet, the weather service said.“Nearly the entire population of CA will be able to see snow from some vantage point later this week if they look in the right direction (i.e., toward the highest hills in vicinity),” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote on Twitter.Daytime temperatures in Southern California were unlikely to get out of the low to mid-50s and potentially damaging winds reaching 50 mph were predicted along the central coast, with gusts of 70 mph possible in mountains.

Massive winter storm brings snow, strong winds, frigid cold

LINCOLN, NE -We all agree that our kids are our future. In every community across our state, no matter the size, we all want the same thing – a better future for our kids than we had. Our highest priority is to protect our kids and their adolescent minds until they are old enough to discern and make their own decisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That is why I support Senator Kauth’s bill, LB 574, that will keep misinformed parents from allowing their kid to have irreversible, gender-altering surgery.&nbsp;There is a reason why kids in Nebraska must be 18 to get a tattoo or 21 to drink alcohol and buy tobacco products.&nbsp;We enact laws like this because we understand that kids lack the judgment necessary to make certain kinds of decisions.

Senator Kauth’s LB 575, which I also support, will provide protections for single-sex spaces particularly girl's sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms. We need to pass this commonsense bill to keep less protective policies out of our state.

As your governor, I will fight with every breath to help parents protect their kids. We all agree our future of Nebraska depends on it.&nbsp;

If you have any questions about our vision for Nebraska, please call my office at 402-471-2244 or email me at&nbsp;jim.pillen@nebraska.gov. Together we can!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

LINCOLN, NE -We all agree that our kids are our future. In every community across our state, no matter the size, we all want the same thing – a better future for our kids than we had. Our highest priority is to protect our kids and their adolescent minds until they are old enough to discern and make their own decisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;That is why I support Senator Kauth’s bill, LB 574, that will keep misinformed parents from allowing their kid to have irreversible, gender-altering surgery.&nbsp;There is a reason why kids in Nebraska must be 18 to get a tattoo or 21 to drink alcohol and buy tobacco products.&nbsp;We enact laws like this because we understand that kids lack the judgment necessary to make certain kinds of decisions.Senator Kauth’s LB 575, which I also support, will provide protections for single-sex spaces particularly girl's sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms. We need to pass this commonsense bill to keep less protective policies out of our state.As your governor, I will fight with every breath to help parents protect their kids. We all agree our future of Nebraska depends on it.&nbsp;If you have any questions about our vision for Nebraska, please call my office at 402-471-2244 or email me at&nbsp;jim.pillen@nebraska.gov. Together we can!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen: Protecting our kids is my top priority

CHADRON -- Chadron State College is closing its campus Wednesday, Feb. 22 because of winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. The events scheduled for this evening, including the Galaxy Series and the women’s and men’s basketball games, will occur as scheduled. If campus closes or has a late start Thursday, that will be communicated as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Chadron is currently in a Winter Storm Warning through Wednesday night and the forecast calls for widespread blowing snow, as well as sub-zero wind chill values. According to the National Weather Service, the wind chill could be as low as negative 30 degrees Wednesday night and snow accumulation could be up to 16 inches.

The National Weather Service recommends to limit outdoor exposure and wear warm layers with a hat. Keep your pets indoors and plan ahead for impacts to livestock, vehicles, and any time you spend outside.

CSC employees may refer to Human Resources or the Employee Handbook for information regarding leave practices during campus closures. Employees may refer to their supervisor to determine if they are essential personnel.

Finally, due to activities planned for this weekend, beginning Thursday students and employees are asked to not park in the following areas: the south parking lot behind Beebe Stadium, the south parking lot behind the Nelson Physical Activity Center, and the Chicoine Center parking lot. By not having vehicles in these areas, CSC maintenance crews will be able to clear out those parking lots for weekend activities.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON -- Chadron State College is closing its campus Wednesday, Feb. 22 because of winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. The events scheduled for this evening, including the Galaxy Series and the women’s and men’s basketball games, will occur as scheduled. If campus closes or has a late start Thursday, that will be communicated as soon as possible.&nbsp;Chadron is currently in a Winter Storm Warning through Wednesday night and the forecast calls for widespread blowing snow, as well as sub-zero wind chill values. According to the National Weather Service, the wind chill could be as low as negative 30 degrees Wednesday night and snow accumulation could be up to 16 inches.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677019542493.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College is closing its campus Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, because of forecasted winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. If campus closes or has a late start Thursday, that will be communicated as soon as possible. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College is closing its campus Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, because of forecasted winter weather conditions. The residence halls and dining services will remain open. If campus closes or has a late start Thursday, that will be communicated as soon as possible. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service recommends to limit outdoor exposure and wear warm layers with a hat. Keep your pets indoors and plan ahead for impacts to livestock, vehicles, and any time you spend outside.CSC employees may refer to Human Resources or the Employee Handbook for information regarding leave practices during campus closures. Employees may refer to their supervisor to determine if they are essential personnel.Finally, due to activities planned for this weekend, beginning Thursday students and employees are asked to not park in the following areas: the south parking lot behind Beebe Stadium, the south parking lot behind the Nelson Physical Activity Center, and the Chicoine Center parking lot. By not having vehicles in these areas, CSC maintenance crews will be able to clear out those parking lots for weekend activities.

CSC announces Wednesday campus closure

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen is joining with state agencies in urging caution as a winter storm moves across Nebraska, bringing the potential for significant snow, high winds, and bitterly cold conditions. Areas of greatest impact stretch from the panhandle through the central section of the state and across the northeast. The National Weather Service is predicting between 6 and 12 inches of snow in the uppermost regions, starting this afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) are urging motorists to keep an eye on the forecast and check weather conditions before hitting the road. During the storm, travel may become difficult or impossible as heavy snow couples with strong winds in the northern and western parts of the state. Drivers should check&nbsp;511, Nebraska.gov,&nbsp;or the Nebraska 511 app to get the latest information on roadway conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NDOT plow crews will be working throughout the state to clear the roadways during and after the storm. Troopers will also be on the road throughout the state to assist any motorists who become stranded. Motorist are reminded to have warm clothing, food, water, phone chargers, and other essentials in their vehicle in case they become stranded while traveling. If you become stranded or need help, call *55 or 1-800-525-5555 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This storm hits as winter calving season gets underway, resulting in an added concern for producers. Calves can be prone to hypothermia, and they require necessary nutrients from milk to ensure their health and growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s impossible to stop mother nature,” said&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Pillen. “But to the extent possible, producers are advised to prepare as much as possible to protect their herds. Snow and extreme cold can be a dangerous combination, especially to newborn calves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides a wealth of information on its website for livestock producers at&nbsp;<a href="https://beef.unl.edu/" target="_blank">beef.unl.edu.</a>&nbsp;

By Office of Gov. Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen is joining with state agencies in urging caution as a winter storm moves across Nebraska, bringing the potential for significant snow, high winds, and bitterly cold conditions. Areas of greatest impact stretch from the panhandle through the central section of the state and across the northeast. The National Weather Service is predicting between 6 and 12 inches of snow in the uppermost regions, starting this afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) are urging motorists to keep an eye on the forecast and check weather conditions before hitting the road. During the storm, travel may become difficult or impossible as heavy snow couples with strong winds in the northern and western parts of the state. Drivers should check&nbsp;511, Nebraska.gov,&nbsp;or the Nebraska 511 app to get the latest information on roadway conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;NDOT plow crews will be working throughout the state to clear the roadways during and after the storm. Troopers will also be on the road throughout the state to assist any motorists who become stranded. Motorist are reminded to have warm clothing, food, water, phone chargers, and other essentials in their vehicle in case they become stranded while traveling. If you become stranded or need help, call *55 or 1-800-525-5555 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.&nbsp;&nbsp;This storm hits as winter calving season gets underway, resulting in an added concern for producers. Calves can be prone to hypothermia, and they require necessary nutrients from milk to ensure their health and growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s impossible to stop mother nature,” said&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Pillen. “But to the extent possible, producers are advised to prepare as much as possible to protect their herds. Snow and extreme cold can be a dangerous combination, especially to newborn calves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides a wealth of information on its website for livestock producers at&nbsp;<a href="https://beef.unl.edu/" target="_blank">beef.unl.edu.</a>&nbsp;

State Officials urge caution over winter weather across Nebraska

Alliance– The City of Alliance has declared a snow emergency starting Wednesday, February 22nd at 12:00 a.m. until Thursday, February 23rd at 12:00 a.m.

 Residents who live on designated snow routes are asked to please have all vehicles removed from the street to ensure accessibility for the City crews and emergency personnel. Due to the predicted snow totals, crews will be plowing snow on these routes multiple times. Per the City of Alliance Municipal Code Ordinance No. 2883, Sec.24-27, please note that it is the duty of the owner of every lot or parcel adjacent to a permanent sidewalk to clean off and remove all snow within 24 hours after snow accumulation, however, snow shall not be moved from lots, driveways, or adjacent sidewalks into the city streets, alley or neighboring lots. Such an offense shall be considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a $100.00 fine. The Alliance Police Department will attempt to make contact with owners of any vehicles left parked on designated snow routes. Any vehicles not moved will be towed.

For more information, contact Ross Grant at 308-762-1907 or rgrant@cityofalliance.net.

By City of AllianceAlliance– The City of Alliance has declared a snow emergency starting Wednesday, February 22nd at 12:00 a.m. until Thursday, February 23rd at 12:00 a.m. Residents who live on designated snow routes are asked to please have all vehicles removed from the street to ensure accessibility for the City crews and emergency personnel. Due to the predicted snow totals, crews will be plowing snow on these routes multiple times. Per the City of Alliance Municipal Code Ordinance No. 2883, Sec.24-27, please note that it is the duty of the owner of every lot or parcel adjacent to a permanent sidewalk to clean off and remove all snow within 24 hours after snow accumulation, however, snow shall not be moved from lots, driveways, or adjacent sidewalks into the city streets, alley or neighboring lots. Such an offense shall be considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a $100.00 fine. The Alliance Police Department will attempt to make contact with owners of any vehicles left parked on designated snow routes. Any vehicles not moved will be towed.For more information, contact Ross Grant at 308-762-1907 or rgrant@cityofalliance.net.

City of Alliance declares snow emergency 

Dawes County is advising that residents prepare for the approaching storm. 

The county road system could be affected by large amounts of snow and strong winds producing white-out conditions. 

Please make sure you have a plan for emergencies that could affect your travel in and out of the county road system. 

The County Road Department will be out in full force when visibility is safe to travel. 

Please have patience and stay home if travel is not absolutely necessary.

By City of Chadron&nbsp;Dawes County is advising that residents prepare for the approaching storm. The county road system could be affected by large amounts of snow and strong winds producing white-out conditions. Please make sure you have a plan for emergencies that could affect your travel in and out of the county road system. The County Road Department will be out in full force when visibility is safe to travel. Please have patience and stay home if travel is not absolutely necessary.

Dawes County advising communities to prepare for storm 

P202300099 08:53 DEATH : UNATTENDED INDIVIDUAL PASSED AWAY DUE TO SUSPECTED NATURAL CAUSES Closed - Resolved

P202300100 19:02 THEFT : THEFT Inactive - Case Suspended

P202300100 19:02 THEFT : THEFT Closed - Unfounded

P202300101 22:41 AOA : ASSIST OTHER 1300 block of Buchfinck Ave // NSP requesting assistance in an active vehicle pursuit // APD units assisted in the pursuit // Suspect stopped and took off on foot // APD assisted in the apprehension of the fleeing adult male // Male arrested for several charges including DUI

P202300108 16:51 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYVEHICLE WAS LEFT IN GEAR AND UNOCCUPIED / THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND COLLIDED WITH A PARKED UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE / Closed - Resolved

P202300110 17:25 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYGOLD SUV DRIVING RECKLESSLY HIT A LIGHT POLE IN MARTHA'S PARKING LOT AND DROVE OFF Open - Under Investigation

P202300109 17:48 TRAFFIC STOP : Juvenile driving recklessly near 16th Street and Boise Ave. Citation issued Closed - Charges

By Alliance Police Department02/12/23P202300099 08:53 DEATH : UNATTENDED INDIVIDUAL PASSED AWAY DUE TO SUSPECTED NATURAL CAUSES Closed - ResolvedP202300100 19:02 THEFT : THEFT Inactive - Case SuspendedP202300100 19:02 THEFT : THEFT Closed - UnfoundedP202300101 22:41 AOA : ASSIST OTHER 1300 block of Buchfinck Ave // NSP requesting assistance in an active vehicle pursuit // APD units assisted in the pursuit // Suspect stopped and took off on foot // APD assisted in the apprehension of the fleeing adult male // Male arrested for several charges including DUIInformational02/12/23 Total: 402/17/23P202300108 16:51 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYVEHICLE WAS LEFT IN GEAR AND UNOCCUPIED / THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND COLLIDED WITH A PARKED UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE / Closed - ResolvedP202300110 17:25 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYGOLD SUV DRIVING RECKLESSLY HIT A LIGHT POLE IN MARTHA'S PARKING LOT AND DROVE OFF Open - Under InvestigationP202300109 17:48 TRAFFIC STOP : Juvenile driving recklessly near 16th Street and Boise Ave. Citation issued Closed - ChargesRecommended02/17/23 Total: 3Total Records: 7

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

DAWSON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a train derailment near Gothenburg.

At about 1:45 a.m. CST Tuesday, approximately 31 Union Pacific train cars carrying coal derailed in Gothenburg, according to Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tyvser. No one was injured and there are no hazmat issues.

Cleanup has begun, with heavy equipment on site. One of the three mainline tracks near the derailment site reopened to train traffic at about 8 a.m.&nbsp;

A Union Pacific Train derailed east of Gothenburg just after midnight. 

According to social media reports from witnesses in Gothenburg, around a dozen cars are off the track.&nbsp;

Union Pacific Railroad officials along with local law enforcement were at the derailment Tuesday morning preparing for cleanup. &nbsp;

North Platte Post has contacted Union Pacific and will update this story as additional details are available.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677001115109.png" alt="Crews working the train derailment near Gothenburg early Tuesday -photo courtesy KNOP TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews working the train derailment near Gothenburg early Tuesday -photo courtesy KNOP TV</figcaption>
 </figure>DAWSON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a train derailment near Gothenburg.At about 1:45 a.m. CST Tuesday, approximately 31 Union Pacific train cars carrying coal derailed in Gothenburg, according to Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tyvser. No one was injured and there are no hazmat issues.Cleanup has begun, with heavy equipment on site. One of the three mainline tracks near the derailment site reopened to train traffic at about 8 a.m.&nbsp;-------------------A Union Pacific Train derailed east of Gothenburg just after midnight. According to social media reports from witnesses in Gothenburg, around a dozen cars are off the track.&nbsp;Union Pacific Railroad officials along with local law enforcement were at the derailment Tuesday morning preparing for cleanup. &nbsp;North Platte Post has contacted Union Pacific and will update this story as additional details are available.&nbsp;

No injuries, hazmat issues after train derails near Gothenburg 

Lincoln, Neb. - Six Nebraska high school seniors have been selected to receive $500 Financial Aid Program Scholarships from EducationQuest Foundation. Recipients were selected from more than 650 students who registered for the scholarship after attending one of EducationQuest’s virtual or in-person Financial Aid Programs in fall 2022. EducationQuest hosted 53 statewide programs for more than 3,100 attendees to educate students and parents about the college financial aid application process. Scholarship recipients are listed below alphabetically by hometown. Bennington&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaidyn Klinkhammer, Bennington High School Chadron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Zander Rust, Chadron High School Clarkson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ella Kappel, Clarkson High School Grant&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mallory McClenahan, Perkins County Schools Louisville&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haley Sebranek, Louisville High School Nelson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kelia Mckaskle, Lawrence-Nelson Community School&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; EducationQuest Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, EducationQuest provides free college planning services, need-based scholarship programs, college access grants for high schools, and outreach services for community agencies. For more information, visit EducationQuest.org&lt;<a href="http://www.educationquest.org/" target="_blank">http://www.educationquest.org</a>

By EducationQuestLincoln, Neb. - Six Nebraska high school seniors have been selected to receive $500 Financial Aid Program Scholarships from EducationQuest Foundation. Recipients were selected from more than 650 students who registered for the scholarship after attending one of EducationQuest’s virtual or in-person Financial Aid Programs in fall 2022. EducationQuest hosted 53 statewide programs for more than 3,100 attendees to educate students and parents about the college financial aid application process. Scholarship recipients are listed below alphabetically by hometown. Bennington&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaidyn Klinkhammer, Bennington High School Chadron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Zander Rust, Chadron High School Clarkson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ella Kappel, Clarkson High School Grant&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mallory McClenahan, Perkins County Schools Louisville&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haley Sebranek, Louisville High School Nelson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kelia Mckaskle, Lawrence-Nelson Community School&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; EducationQuest Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, EducationQuest provides free college planning services, need-based scholarship programs, college access grants for high schools, and outreach services for community agencies. For more information, visit EducationQuest.org&lt;<a href="http://www.educationquest.org/" target="_blank">http://www.educationquest.org</a>

Chadron student selected to receive EducationQuest scholarship 

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in March. Here are some opportunities:

Little Saplings program presents&nbsp;Spring Migration

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The 2023 series continues March 1 with the theme Spring Migration at 9 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program and includes admission to the Education Center after the program.

See the calendar event entry at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.K4E1hrpAZ1IZ83LAGfOi4Przn0EiJXcoUi54y2YMYgo/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Join the Winter Family Nature Club, an effort to empower families to explore nature and practice outdoor skills even in wintertime.

The final event in the four-month series is from 1-2:30 p.m. March 11 at Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area near Stanton.

By Nebraska Game and Parks<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587140447752.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in March. Here are some opportunities:Little Saplings program presents&nbsp;Spring MigrationAdults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.The 2023 series continues March 1 with the theme Spring Migration at 9 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program and includes admission to the Education Center after the program.See the calendar event entry at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.K4E1hrpAZ1IZ83LAGfOi4Przn0EiJXcoUi54y2YMYgo/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.Join the Winter Family Nature ClubJoin the Winter Family Nature Club, an effort to empower families to explore nature and practice outdoor skills even in wintertime.The final event in the four-month series is from 1-2:30 p.m. March 11 at Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area near Stanton.Registration is required through the listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.NUoI4-QxqAkIJKAyni1rh_qfE66LMhrYDugfFw91n-w/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. For questions, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov</a>.Wildcat Tales preschool program is March 14Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program March 14.The program Leaping Leprechaun will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. There will be a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required.&nbsp;For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Homeschool Hike set for March 15-16 at Schramm Park SRAHomeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike to learn about evergreens at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program March 15 at 9 a.m. and March 16 at 2 p.m.Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families.Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.dh7MjDLYGFPn2zPY7kQs0f7WKOBQ_cKCWc64dfBcLuk/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>. Cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program. This includes admission to the Schramm Education Center after the program. Schramm Family Pass members participate free.This program is recommended for ages 5 and up.Participants should dress in season-appropriate layers and wear closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Hats and water bottles are recommended.Wildlife viewers’ survey topic of webinarJoin the free virtual webinar Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing Relevancy and Engaging a Broader Constituency at 12:30 p.m. Central time March 8.Wildlife viewing is one of the fastest growing wildlife-related recreation activities in the nation, but wildlife viewers do not contribute much to funding for wildlife conservation. In 2022, a survey of motivations, interests and behaviors of wildlife viewers was conducted by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Workgroup. Learn the results of this survey.This webinar is part of the Conservation Education Lunch and Learn Series, which dives into the science behind educational efforts and practices by learning from experts on a variety of science and educational topics. Direct questions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov</a>.Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.RKyipm-_CxqjkEaVzeF72qOoYj14395FGckpro4kbI8/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to register and get more information.Wildcat Hills to host&nbsp;Beautiful Butterflies&nbsp;homeschool programLearn about butterflies, their adaptions and the places they call home during the Wildcat Hills Homeschool program Beautiful Butterflies on March 16.This program meets at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Venture Parks offer education programs in MarchA variety of fun, educational events are scheduled throughout March in Nebraska’s Venture Parks.Venture Parks, Nebraska’s four state parks and recreation areas along the Platte River – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Louisville State Recreation Area – are where unique experiences and enhanced camping opportunities have been created in response to demand.Events include:Spring Break Days –&nbsp;Fight boredom and spend a day off from school at Spring Break Days. This fun, educational event will be March 10 and 17 at Schramm Education Center.The theme is Fabulous Foxes, as participants learn all about foxes. There are activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and ages 4-12, and ages 3 and under free.Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.oKRSV2xr0E3InZvH3pP9Qcq1dDDYfI2QSG_0Oz6WUBQ/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to get more information.Animal Feedings –&nbsp;Observe an animal feeding daily at 10:30 a.m. in March at Schramm Education Center and learn about the park’s animal care and the animals’ unique adaptations. This program is free with paid admission and will meet in the lobby.Celebrate spring and World Frog Day –&nbsp;The official start of spring is March 20, which also is World Frog Day. Hop on out to Schramm Education Center to learn about frogs and take a spring stroll outside. We’ll gather at 11 a.m. in the lobby. No admission required for this free, outdoor program.Geocaching in an app with Adventure Lab –&nbsp;The Venture Park Adventure is a virtual geocache program that will lead participants on a mission through the four Venture Parks. Download the Adventure Lab app, then use your phone’s native QR code scanner to open the NGPC Venture Adventure and start exploring park destinations. Each GPS location will give a clue to solve and enter in the app to complete the challenge.&nbsp;Educator workshop includes opportunity to visit greater prairie-chicken lekJoin Nebraska Forest Service and Nebraska Game and Parks for a combined Project Learning Tree and Project WILD workshop focused on the biology and behaviors of greater prairie-chickens. This workshop March 17-18 in North Platte will equip educators with curriculum and the experience of seeing prairie chickens in-person before teaching about them in their classroomsDuring this workshop at the West Central Research and Extension Center, participants will have the opportunity to view a lek from a viewing blind to watch the birds’ unique mating rituals.Lessons covered during this workshop will best suit educators of youth in K-8 settings, but all educators are welcome to attend.Full scholarships are available to cover the cost of registration thanks to the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jack.hilgert@unl.edu" target="_blank">jack.hilgert@unl.edu</a>.Visit the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTcuNzE3NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.yaDeUl443F_rQrTigIFm6HTjC1kNl1ExzZXUzwuuFjA/s/497221906/br/154680399136-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;to get more information.

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