OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The ongoing bird flu outbreak has cost the government roughly $661 million and added to consumers' pain at the grocery store after more than 58 million birds were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-bird-flu-flu-animals-189a7c08d848047f00b3f7b5bec39e67">slaughtered</a>&nbsp;to limit the spread of the virus.

In addition to the cost of the government response that the USDA tallied up and rising prices for eggs, chicken and turkey, farmers who raise those animals have easily lost more than $1 billion, said an agricultural economist, though no one has calculated the total cost to the industry yet.

The bad news is that with the outbreak entering its second year and the spring migratory season looming, there is no end in sight. And there is little&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-and-nature-iowa-agriculture-9245d97453568576bd0b564f9c52c343">farmers</a>&nbsp;can do beyond&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-iowa-agriculture-f5a5c6fbf1d6b551413fb249086fdbec">the steps they have already taken</a>&nbsp;to try to keep the virus out.

Unlike past years,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-flu-prices-animals-1ec0f5a8e5485300fe117f87f8470f06">the virus that causes</a>&nbsp;highly pathogenic avian influenza found a way to survive through the heat of last summer, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-minnesota-animals-flu-animal-2f02b2d35e82feb05273d9a72e898170">rise in cases</a>&nbsp;reported in the fall.

The outbreak is already more widespread than the last major bird flu outbreak in 2015, but it hasn't proven as costly yet partly because the government and industry applied lessons learned eight years ago.

“The past year has been devastating for the turkey industry as we experience, unequivocally, the worst HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) outbreak in the industry’s history,” National Turkey Federation spokeswoman Shelby Newman said.

In the current outbreak, 58.4 million birds have been slaughtered on more than 300 commercial farms in 47 states. That is because any time the virus is detected, the entire flock on that farm — which can number in the millions — must be killed to limit the spread of the disease. Only Hawaii, Louisiana and West Virginia have yet to report a case of bird flu. Iowa — the nation's biggest egg producer —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-iowa-bird-flu-4c49e56a8c84c425c308e97617e31066">leads the nation</a>&nbsp;with nearly 16 million birds slaughtered.

In 2015, about 50 million chickens and turkeys were slaughtered on more than 200 farms in 15 states.

That previous outbreak remains the most expensive animal health disaster in U.S. history. The federal government spent nearly $1 billion to deal with infected birds, clean up barns and compensate farmers. It cost the industry roughly $3 billion as farmers incurred additional costs and lost money when they didn’t have any birds on their farms.

This bills continue to pile up this year as cases spread, and that includes the cost to consumers.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-business-213d845ae92814bf3189eec9c1ccf902">Egg prices shot up</a>&nbsp;to $4.82 a dozen in January from $1.93 a year earlier, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas/resource-library/average-food-prices/">latest government figures</a>. That spike prompted calls for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-commodity-markets-jack-reed-business-1b32cb587f20a8d44eaf707f72635e70">price-gouging investigation</a>&nbsp;although the industry maintains that the combination of bird flu and significantly higher feed, fuel and labor costs is what’s driving prices so high.

The price for a pound of chicken breast was $4.32 in January. That’s down slightly from last fall when the price peaked at $4.75, but it is up significantly from the year before when chicken breasts were selling for $3.73 per pound.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track retail turkey prices the same way as part of its inflation data, but the Agriculture Department says the wholesale price of turkey went from $1.29 per pound last January just before the bird flu outbreak began to $1.72 per pound last month.

The number of birds slaughtered peaked last spring at almost 21 million in March, leaving farmers leery of what they must face in the months ahead. University of Georgia virus researcher David Stallknecht said there is some hope that this spring might not be quite as bad because turkeys and chickens may have developed some immunity to the virus.

The key problem with bird flu is that the highly contagious virus is spread easily by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-minnesota-environment-0ec6d3f11b09ddd023d7d5d50ab7f8c1">wild birds</a>&nbsp;through their droppings and nasal discharges. Despite the best efforts of farmers, it is hard to keep the virus out.

Farmers have gone to great lengths by requiring workers to shower and change clothes before entering barns, sanitizing trucks that enter a farm and investing in separate sets of tools for every barn. Some farms have even upgraded barn ventilation and installed laser systems to discourage wild birds from congregating.

“We recommend all producers redouble their efforts to protect their birds through good biosecurity practices,” said Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that's leading the government's response.

Farmers began following those steps after the 2015 outbreak, and this outbreak has only reinforced the need to tighten biosecurity.

“America’s egg farmers continue to double-down on biosecurity protocols to protect our flocks and maintain a stable egg supply. We are grateful that there has been little to no farm-to-farm spread in this current outbreak,” said Oscar Garrison, senior vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs at the United Egg Producers trade group.

Poultry and egg producers, partnering with the government, are parsing this outbreak for new lessons in keeping birds healthy.

“That’s really the key – early detection. It’s kind of like a forest fire - the earlier you detect it, the easier it is to contain and eradicate,” National Chicken Council spokesman Tom Super said.

Officials say bird flu doesn’t represent a significant threat to human health. Human cases are extremely rare and none of the infected birds are allowed into the nation’s food supply. And properly cooking poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill any viruses.

There has only been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">one human case</a>&nbsp;of bird flu confirmed during this outbreak and that was a man who had been helping slaughter and remove infected birds from a Colorado farm. He recovered from the illness after a few days.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The ongoing bird flu outbreak has cost the government roughly $661 million and added to consumers' pain at the grocery store after more than 58 million birds were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-bird-flu-flu-animals-189a7c08d848047f00b3f7b5bec39e67">slaughtered</a>&nbsp;to limit the spread of the virus.In addition to the cost of the government response that the USDA tallied up and rising prices for eggs, chicken and turkey, farmers who raise those animals have easily lost more than $1 billion, said an agricultural economist, though no one has calculated the total cost to the industry yet.The bad news is that with the outbreak entering its second year and the spring migratory season looming, there is no end in sight. And there is little&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-and-nature-iowa-agriculture-9245d97453568576bd0b564f9c52c343">farmers</a>&nbsp;can do beyond&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-iowa-agriculture-f5a5c6fbf1d6b551413fb249086fdbec">the steps they have already taken</a>&nbsp;to try to keep the virus out.Unlike past years,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-flu-prices-animals-1ec0f5a8e5485300fe117f87f8470f06">the virus that causes</a>&nbsp;highly pathogenic avian influenza found a way to survive through the heat of last summer, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-minnesota-animals-flu-animal-2f02b2d35e82feb05273d9a72e898170">rise in cases</a>&nbsp;reported in the fall.The outbreak is already more widespread than the last major bird flu outbreak in 2015, but it hasn't proven as costly yet partly because the government and industry applied lessons learned eight years ago.“The past year has been devastating for the turkey industry as we experience, unequivocally, the worst HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) outbreak in the industry’s history,” National Turkey Federation spokeswoman Shelby Newman said.In the current outbreak, 58.4 million birds have been slaughtered on more than 300 commercial farms in 47 states. That is because any time the virus is detected, the entire flock on that farm — which can number in the millions — must be killed to limit the spread of the disease. Only Hawaii, Louisiana and West Virginia have yet to report a case of bird flu. Iowa — the nation's biggest egg producer —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-iowa-bird-flu-4c49e56a8c84c425c308e97617e31066">leads the nation</a>&nbsp;with nearly 16 million birds slaughtered.In 2015, about 50 million chickens and turkeys were slaughtered on more than 200 farms in 15 states.That previous outbreak remains the most expensive animal health disaster in U.S. history. The federal government spent nearly $1 billion to deal with infected birds, clean up barns and compensate farmers. It cost the industry roughly $3 billion as farmers incurred additional costs and lost money when they didn’t have any birds on their farms.This bills continue to pile up this year as cases spread, and that includes the cost to consumers.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-business-213d845ae92814bf3189eec9c1ccf902">Egg prices shot up</a>&nbsp;to $4.82 a dozen in January from $1.93 a year earlier, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas/resource-library/average-food-prices/">latest government figures</a>. That spike prompted calls for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-commodity-markets-jack-reed-business-1b32cb587f20a8d44eaf707f72635e70">price-gouging investigation</a>&nbsp;although the industry maintains that the combination of bird flu and significantly higher feed, fuel and labor costs is what’s driving prices so high.The price for a pound of chicken breast was $4.32 in January. That’s down slightly from last fall when the price peaked at $4.75, but it is up significantly from the year before when chicken breasts were selling for $3.73 per pound.The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track retail turkey prices the same way as part of its inflation data, but the Agriculture Department says the wholesale price of turkey went from $1.29 per pound last January just before the bird flu outbreak began to $1.72 per pound last month.The number of birds slaughtered peaked last spring at almost 21 million in March, leaving farmers leery of what they must face in the months ahead. University of Georgia virus researcher David Stallknecht said there is some hope that this spring might not be quite as bad because turkeys and chickens may have developed some immunity to the virus.The key problem with bird flu is that the highly contagious virus is spread easily by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-minnesota-environment-0ec6d3f11b09ddd023d7d5d50ab7f8c1">wild birds</a>&nbsp;through their droppings and nasal discharges. Despite the best efforts of farmers, it is hard to keep the virus out.Farmers have gone to great lengths by requiring workers to shower and change clothes before entering barns, sanitizing trucks that enter a farm and investing in separate sets of tools for every barn. Some farms have even upgraded barn ventilation and installed laser systems to discourage wild birds from congregating.“We recommend all producers redouble their efforts to protect their birds through good biosecurity practices,” said Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that's leading the government's response.Farmers began following those steps after the 2015 outbreak, and this outbreak has only reinforced the need to tighten biosecurity.“America’s egg farmers continue to double-down on biosecurity protocols to protect our flocks and maintain a stable egg supply. We are grateful that there has been little to no farm-to-farm spread in this current outbreak,” said Oscar Garrison, senior vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs at the United Egg Producers trade group.Poultry and egg producers, partnering with the government, are parsing this outbreak for new lessons in keeping birds healthy.“That’s really the key – early detection. It’s kind of like a forest fire - the earlier you detect it, the easier it is to contain and eradicate,” National Chicken Council spokesman Tom Super said.Officials say bird flu doesn’t represent a significant threat to human health. Human cases are extremely rare and none of the infected birds are allowed into the nation’s food supply. And properly cooking poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill any viruses.There has only been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">one human case</a>&nbsp;of bird flu confirmed during this outbreak and that was a man who had been helping slaughter and remove infected birds from a Colorado farm. He recovered from the illness after a few days.

Bird flu costs pile up as outbreak enters second year

WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted the economic benefits of ethanol-blended fuels and expressed his concerns with a clean fuel standard that could prioritize electric vehicles.

In his exchange with Geoff Cooper, President &amp; CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, Ricketts touted the positive impact ethanol-blended fuels have on the Nebraska economy and outlined the threat regulations that favor electric vehicles would have on consumer budgets as well as the American supply chain and energy independence – given the Chinese Communist Party’s dominant role in global production.

Watch the exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/H3kVI2EVrc0" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and read a transcript below.

By Office of Sen. Pete Ricketts<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676853861715.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted the economic benefits of ethanol-blended fuels and expressed his concerns with a clean fuel standard that could prioritize electric vehicles.In his exchange with Geoff Cooper, President &amp; CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, Ricketts touted the positive impact ethanol-blended fuels have on the Nebraska economy and outlined the threat regulations that favor electric vehicles would have on consumer budgets as well as the American supply chain and energy independence – given the Chinese Communist Party’s dominant role in global production.Watch the exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/H3kVI2EVrc0" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and read a transcript below.

Ricketts highlights benefit of ethanol-blended fuels

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance Facilities will be closed Monday, February 20 in observance of President’s Day. This closure includes the Utility Office, Public Works, Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center, Sallows Military Museum, Alliance Public Library, and the Municipal Building.

Public Transit will be running for medical services only, from 8:30 am - 3:30pm.

The Senior Center will be open until 1:00pm on Monday, February 20th to serve lunch.

The Alliance Municipal Landfill and refuse collection will be closed&nbsp; Monday, February 20th.

Please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The City of Alliance Facilities will be closed Monday, February 20 in observance of President’s Day. This closure includes the Utility Office, Public Works, Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center, Sallows Military Museum, Alliance Public Library, and the Municipal Building.Public Transit will be running for medical services only, from 8:30 am - 3:30pm.The Senior Center will be open until 1:00pm on Monday, February 20th to serve lunch.The Alliance Municipal Landfill and refuse collection will be closed&nbsp; Monday, February 20th.Please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information.

President’s Day closures for City of Alliance facilities

Motorists urged to continue responsible behavior

Nebraska Department of Transportation

LINCOLN — Nebraska started 2023 with significantly fewer fatalities on
state roads than the past three years, according to Bill Kovarik, Nebraska Highway Safety Administrator.


“We had eight fatalities in 2023 — compared to 26 fatalities in 2022, 24 fatalities in 2021 and 17 fatalities
in January 2020,” Kovarik said. “After 254 fatalities for the entire year of 2022, it is great to see fewer
fatalities at the beginning of 2023.”

Motorists are urged to continue to take responsibility for their driving behaviors by wearing seat belts,
driving sober, keeping eyes and attention on the road, – never driving distracted or drowsy - and driving
at proper speeds. This is a friendly reminder to continue to be safer road users, and drive at safer speeds
that are contributing to safer roads in Nebraska. Buckle Up, Phone Down!

<h2>Motorists urged to continue responsible behavior</h2>Nebraska Department of TransportationLINCOLN — Nebraska started 2023 with significantly fewer fatalities on
state roads than the past three years, according to Bill Kovarik, Nebraska Highway Safety Administrator.
“We had eight fatalities in 2023 — compared to 26 fatalities in 2022, 24 fatalities in 2021 and 17 fatalities
in January 2020,” Kovarik said. “After 254 fatalities for the entire year of 2022, it is great to see fewer
fatalities at the beginning of 2023.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676658203368.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Motorists are urged to continue to take responsibility for their driving behaviors by wearing seat belts,
driving sober, keeping eyes and attention on the road, – never driving distracted or drowsy - and driving
at proper speeds. This is a friendly reminder to continue to be safer road users, and drive at safer speeds
that are contributing to safer roads in Nebraska. Buckle Up, Phone Down!

Nebraska January traffic fatalities lowest in four years

On Feb. 17 Chadron police officer Sam Cafferty and Lt. Gabe Walz responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station. The reporting party said the vehicle had been parked in front of the gas pumps for a very long time and was worried. 

Officer Cafferty and Lt. Walz arrived and contacted the driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Amanda L. Koger. While contacting Koger, Lt. Walz observed drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Based on the observation, a search was conducted and 8 tablets of suspected Fentanyl were located. 

Koger disclosed she and her boyfriend were staying in a local hotel room in Chadron.

Based on Lt. Walz’s and Officer Cafferty’s investigation, they applied for and obtained search warrants for the vehicle Koger had been driving and for the hotel room she was staying in. Both warrants were served. 

"The warrant for the vehicle resulted in seizure of several items of drug paraphernalia," Chadron Police Chief Rick Hickstein said. "The warrant for the hotel room resulted in the seizure of 28 tablets of suspected Fentanyl, residue amounts of suspected methamphetamine, less than an ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The investigation revealed Koger had been staying in the room with her boyfriend, identified as 25-year-old Damion Glenn. Glenn was contacted by law enforcement and had an active warrant for his arrest out of Colorado for motor vehicle theft and failure to appear."

Koger was arrested for possession of Fentanyl and Possession of Methamphetamine, both Class IV felonies. 

Glenn was placed was arrested for Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana less than an ounce and for the warrants out of Colorado for motor vehicle theft and failure to appear. 

Both were taken to the Dawes County Jail and booked into custody. Bond is not known for either at this time.

The Chadron Police Department was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Western Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING) Task Force.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn Feb. 17 Chadron police officer Sam Cafferty and Lt. Gabe Walz responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station. The reporting party said the vehicle had been parked in front of the gas pumps for a very long time and was worried. Officer Cafferty and Lt. Walz arrived and contacted the driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Amanda L. Koger. While contacting Koger, Lt. Walz observed drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Based on the observation, a search was conducted and 8 tablets of suspected Fentanyl were located. Koger disclosed she and her boyfriend were staying in a local hotel room in Chadron.Based on Lt. Walz’s and Officer Cafferty’s investigation, they applied for and obtained search warrants for the vehicle Koger had been driving and for the hotel room she was staying in. Both warrants were served. "The warrant for the vehicle resulted in seizure of several items of drug paraphernalia," Chadron Police Chief Rick Hickstein said. "The warrant for the hotel room resulted in the seizure of 28 tablets of suspected Fentanyl, residue amounts of suspected methamphetamine, less than an ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The investigation revealed Koger had been staying in the room with her boyfriend, identified as 25-year-old Damion Glenn. Glenn was contacted by law enforcement and had an active warrant for his arrest out of Colorado for motor vehicle theft and failure to appear."Koger was arrested for possession of Fentanyl and Possession of Methamphetamine, both Class IV felonies. Glenn was placed was arrested for Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana less than an ounce and for the warrants out of Colorado for motor vehicle theft and failure to appear. Both were taken to the Dawes County Jail and booked into custody. Bond is not known for either at this time.The Chadron Police Department was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Western Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING) Task Force.

Chadron police arrest 2 for fentanyl, methamphetamine 

Many people find themselves being told, “your blood pressure is pretty high today!” You might be at the dentist’s office for a filling, in the emergency room getting stitches after an avocado mishap, or maybe you’re at your annual physical appointment. If you’ve never had high blood pressure you might be surprised at this news! Sometimes my own patients will call my office after such an event, “Doc, should I be on blood pressure medication?”

When we get these calls our typical answer is: maybe, but maybe not. Blood pressure is a dynamic measurement, affected by many things including adrenaline and other stress hormones. If you measure the blood pressure of healthy people who are in stressful circumstances, you will often find it to be high. This can certainly be true in healthcare settings – have you ever felt stressed or anxious when you are hurt in the ER or sitting in a dental chair? I will advise these patients to come into our office and check their blood pressure under less duress; oftentimes it will be normal and reassuring.

Sometimes, though, the stressful circumstance is our primary care office, the very place we try to screen for high blood pressure. Some patients have elevated blood pressure in their primary care provider’s office but not at home or elsewhere; this is often referred to as “white coat hypertension.” The only way to know for sure, though, is to check blood pressure at home or outside the clinic visit.

If a hypothetical adult patient, who is feeling well and has never before had hypertension, comes to their annual physical and has a blood pressure of 155/90, the first step is to repeat it after a period of 5-10 minutes of quiet rest. If it is still elevated we will arrange to check resting blood pressures at home or in a series of lower stakes visits to the clinic with a nurse.

The diagnosis of hypertension and decisions about treatment should be made if the average of those resting blood pressures are above the threshold for recommended treatment. Of course, if a patient truly does have hypertension we want to initiate lifestyle interventions and possibly medication to reduce the long-term risk of poor health outcomes. But when it comes to high blood pressure, it is rarely an emergency, and often collecting more data is better.

Kelly Evans-Hullinger, M.D. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices internal medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show providing health information based on science, built on trust, streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

By Kelly Evans-Hullinger, MD<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676664289180.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Many people find themselves being told, “your blood pressure is pretty high today!” You might be at the dentist’s office for a filling, in the emergency room getting stitches after an avocado mishap, or maybe you’re at your annual physical appointment. If you’ve never had high blood pressure you might be surprised at this news! Sometimes my own patients will call my office after such an event, “Doc, should I be on blood pressure medication?”When we get these calls our typical answer is: maybe, but maybe not. Blood pressure is a dynamic measurement, affected by many things including adrenaline and other stress hormones. If you measure the blood pressure of healthy people who are in stressful circumstances, you will often find it to be high. This can certainly be true in healthcare settings – have you ever felt stressed or anxious when you are hurt in the ER or sitting in a dental chair? I will advise these patients to come into our office and check their blood pressure under less duress; oftentimes it will be normal and reassuring.Sometimes, though, the stressful circumstance is our primary care office, the very place we try to screen for high blood pressure. Some patients have elevated blood pressure in their primary care provider’s office but not at home or elsewhere; this is often referred to as “white coat hypertension.” The only way to know for sure, though, is to check blood pressure at home or outside the clinic visit.If a hypothetical adult patient, who is feeling well and has never before had hypertension, comes to their annual physical and has a blood pressure of 155/90, the first step is to repeat it after a period of 5-10 minutes of quiet rest. If it is still elevated we will arrange to check resting blood pressures at home or in a series of lower stakes visits to the clinic with a nurse.The diagnosis of hypertension and decisions about treatment should be made if the average of those resting blood pressures are above the threshold for recommended treatment. Of course, if a patient truly does have hypertension we want to initiate lifestyle interventions and possibly medication to reduce the long-term risk of poor health outcomes. But when it comes to high blood pressure, it is rarely an emergency, and often collecting more data is better.Kelly Evans-Hullinger, M.D. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices internal medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show providing health information based on science, built on trust, streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Prairie Doc Perspectives: 'Is All High Blood Pressure Hypertension?'

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;– Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Tammi Arender of RFD-TV to discuss his priorities for agriculture policy and the upcoming Farm Bill debate in the United States Senate.&nbsp;

“Agriculture is our number one industry in Nebraska,”&nbsp;said Senator Ricketts.&nbsp;“It’s the heart and soul of what we do… If we’re going to grow Nebraska, we have to grow agriculture.”

&nbsp; Watch the interview&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRicketts/status/1626611950011514882" target="_blank">here</a>.

News releaseWASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;– Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Tammi Arender of RFD-TV to discuss his priorities for agriculture policy and the upcoming Farm Bill debate in the United States Senate.&nbsp;“Agriculture is our number one industry in Nebraska,”&nbsp;said Senator Ricketts.&nbsp;“It’s the heart and soul of what we do… If we’re going to grow Nebraska, we have to grow agriculture.”&nbsp; Watch the interview&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRicketts/status/1626611950011514882" target="_blank">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676664169409.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ricketts: Grow Agriculture, Grow Nebraska (VIDEO)

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) — The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency got a first-hand look Thursday at the toll left by a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">freight train derailment in Ohio,</a>&nbsp;where toxic chemicals spilled or were burned off, leaving the stench of fresh paint nearly two weeks later.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan, who walked along a creek that still reeks of chemicals, sought to reassure skeptical residents that the water is fit for drinking and the air safe to breathe around East Palestine, where just under 5,000 people live near the Pennsylvania state line.

“I'm asking they trust the government. I know that's hard. We know there's a lack of trust,” Regan said. “We’re testing for everything that was on that train.”

Since the derailment, residents have complained about headaches and irritated eyes and finding their cars and lawns covered in soot. The hazardous chemicals that spilled from the train killed thousands of fish, and residents have talked about finding dying or sick pets and wildlife.

Residents are frustrated by what they say is incomplete and vague information about the lasting effects from the disaster, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-quality-evacuations-fires-pennsylvania-ohio-50644fb91216cf775e4a356e4f21cb9b">prompted evacuations.</a>

“I have three grandbabies,” said Kathy Dyke, who came with hundreds of her neighbors to a public meeting Wednesday where representatives of railroad operator Norfolk Southern were conspicuously absent. “Are they going to grow up here in five years and have cancer?”

Regan said Thursday that anyone who is fearful of being in their home should seek testing from the government.

“People have been unnerved. They’ve been asked to leave their homes,” he said, adding that if he lived there, he would be willing to move his family back into the area as long as the testing shows it's safe.

Those attending the previous night's informational session had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-bcc6198dfbde42feefdeca8f24ccaea8">questions about health hazards</a>&nbsp;and demanded more transparency from Norfolk Southern, which did not attend, citing concerns about its staff safety. Many who had waited in a long line snaking outside the high school gymnasium came away upset that they didn’t hear anything new. Some booed or laughed each time they heard the village mayor or state health director assure them that lingering odors aren’t dangerous.

“They just danced around the questions a lot," said Danielle Deal, who lives a few miles from the derailment site. “Norfolk needed to be here.”

At least five lawsuits have been filed against the railroad, which announced this week that it is creating a $1 million fund to help the community while continuing to remove spilled contaminants from the ground and streams and monitoring air quality.

“We are here and will stay here for as long as it takes to ensure your safety and to help East Palestine recover and thrive,” Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw said in a letter to the community.

Families who evacuated said they want assistance figuring out how to get the promised financial help. Beyond that, they want to know whether the railroad will be held responsible.

State and federal officials have promised to make sure Norfolk Southern not only pays for the cleanup but also reimburses residents.

The White House said teams from the federal health and emergency response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will go to East Palestine.

“We understand the residents are concerned — as they should be —- and they have questions. That’s all understandable,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “And we’re going to get to the bottom of this.”

No one was injured when about 50 cars derailed in a fiery, mangled mess on the outskirts of East Palestine on Feb. 3. Officials seeking to avoid an uncontrolled blast evacuated the area and opted to release and burn toxic vinyl chloride from five rail cars, sending flames and black smoke billowing into the sky again.

The Ohio EPA said the latest tests show five wells supplying the village’s drinking water are free from contaminants.

At least, 3,500 fish, mostly small ones such as minnows and darters, have been found dead along more than 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) of streams, according to the estimates from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Precautions are being taken to ensure contaminants that reached the Ohio River don’t make it into drinking water, officials said.

There have been anecdotal reports that pets or livestock have been sickened. No related animal deaths have been confirmed and the risk to livestock is low, Ohio officials said, but the state Agriculture Department is testing samples from a beef calf that died a week after the derailment.

The suspected cause of the derailment is a mechanical issue with a rail car axle. The National Transportation Safety Board said it has video appearing to show a wheel bearing overheating just beforehand. The NTSB expects to issue its preliminary report in about two weeks.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676651934883.jpeg" alt="Cleanup continues in a stream in East Palestine Park in East Palestine, Ohio, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. Residents of the Ohio village upended by a freight train derailment are demanding to know if they're safe from the toxic chemicals that spilled or were burned off to avoid an even bigger disaster. (Lucy Schaly/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Cleanup continues in a stream in East Palestine Park in East Palestine, Ohio, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. Residents of the Ohio village upended by a freight train derailment are demanding to know if they're safe from the toxic chemicals that spilled or were burned off to avoid an even bigger disaster. (Lucy Schaly/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) — The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency got a first-hand look Thursday at the toll left by a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591">freight train derailment in Ohio,</a>&nbsp;where toxic chemicals spilled or were burned off, leaving the stench of fresh paint nearly two weeks later.EPA Administrator Michael Regan, who walked along a creek that still reeks of chemicals, sought to reassure skeptical residents that the water is fit for drinking and the air safe to breathe around East Palestine, where just under 5,000 people live near the Pennsylvania state line.“I'm asking they trust the government. I know that's hard. We know there's a lack of trust,” Regan said. “We’re testing for everything that was on that train.”Since the derailment, residents have complained about headaches and irritated eyes and finding their cars and lawns covered in soot. The hazardous chemicals that spilled from the train killed thousands of fish, and residents have talked about finding dying or sick pets and wildlife.Residents are frustrated by what they say is incomplete and vague information about the lasting effects from the disaster, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-quality-evacuations-fires-pennsylvania-ohio-50644fb91216cf775e4a356e4f21cb9b">prompted evacuations.</a>“I have three grandbabies,” said Kathy Dyke, who came with hundreds of her neighbors to a public meeting Wednesday where representatives of railroad operator Norfolk Southern were conspicuously absent. “Are they going to grow up here in five years and have cancer?”Regan said Thursday that anyone who is fearful of being in their home should seek testing from the government.“People have been unnerved. They’ve been asked to leave their homes,” he said, adding that if he lived there, he would be willing to move his family back into the area as long as the testing shows it's safe.Those attending the previous night's informational session had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-bcc6198dfbde42feefdeca8f24ccaea8">questions about health hazards</a>&nbsp;and demanded more transparency from Norfolk Southern, which did not attend, citing concerns about its staff safety. Many who had waited in a long line snaking outside the high school gymnasium came away upset that they didn’t hear anything new. Some booed or laughed each time they heard the village mayor or state health director assure them that lingering odors aren’t dangerous.“They just danced around the questions a lot," said Danielle Deal, who lives a few miles from the derailment site. “Norfolk needed to be here.”At least five lawsuits have been filed against the railroad, which announced this week that it is creating a $1 million fund to help the community while continuing to remove spilled contaminants from the ground and streams and monitoring air quality.“We are here and will stay here for as long as it takes to ensure your safety and to help East Palestine recover and thrive,” Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw said in a letter to the community.Families who evacuated said they want assistance figuring out how to get the promised financial help. Beyond that, they want to know whether the railroad will be held responsible.State and federal officials have promised to make sure Norfolk Southern not only pays for the cleanup but also reimburses residents.The White House said teams from the federal health and emergency response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will go to East Palestine.“We understand the residents are concerned — as they should be —- and they have questions. That’s all understandable,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “And we’re going to get to the bottom of this.”No one was injured when about 50 cars derailed in a fiery, mangled mess on the outskirts of East Palestine on Feb. 3. Officials seeking to avoid an uncontrolled blast evacuated the area and opted to release and burn toxic vinyl chloride from five rail cars, sending flames and black smoke billowing into the sky again.The Ohio EPA said the latest tests show five wells supplying the village’s drinking water are free from contaminants.At least, 3,500 fish, mostly small ones such as minnows and darters, have been found dead along more than 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) of streams, according to the estimates from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.Precautions are being taken to ensure contaminants that reached the Ohio River don’t make it into drinking water, officials said.There have been anecdotal reports that pets or livestock have been sickened. No related animal deaths have been confirmed and the risk to livestock is low, Ohio officials said, but the state Agriculture Department is testing samples from a beef calf that died a week after the derailment.The suspected cause of the derailment is a mechanical issue with a rail car axle. The National Transportation Safety Board said it has video appearing to show a wheel bearing overheating just beforehand. The NTSB expects to issue its preliminary report in about two weeks.

EPA chief at train derailment site: 'Trust the government'

Online ranker Only In You State recently highlighted three "legendary" Mexican restaurants — all in the town the Ogallala.

Margaritas, Mi Ranchito Restaurant and Villa Burritos all were featured.

Click <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nebraska/mexican-restaurants-ogallala-ne/">HERE</a> to read the entire article.

Online ranker Only In You State recently highlighted three "legendary" Mexican restaurants — all in the town the Ogallala.Margaritas, Mi Ranchito Restaurant and Villa Burritos all were featured.Click <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nebraska/mexican-restaurants-ogallala-ne/">HERE</a> to read the entire article.

Online ranker celebrates Ogallala restaurants

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/casinos-not-hurting-other-forms-of-gambling-in-nebraska-at-least-so-far/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The first results are 
in, and spending on charitable gambling does not appear to have been 
impacted by the advent of casinos in Nebraska — at least not yet.

In the last quarter of 2022, Nebraskans wagered $97.2 million on 
keno, pickle cards, bingo and the state lottery, a nearly 5% increase 
over the months of July, August and September, according to a report 
issued Thursday.

The state’s first, legal gambling casino, the <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/21/nebraskas-first-casino-expected-to-open-saturday-pending-likely-ok-of-license/">WarHorse Casino, opened in late September</a> at Lincoln’s Thoroughbred racetrack, providing new competition for charitable games.

But Brian Rockey, the state lottery and charitable gaming director, 
said Thursday that despite the figures, it’s probably too soon to say 
whether competition from casinos will hurt other forms of gaming.

“When the full blown casinos are open, it might be different,” he said.

WarHorse Casino is operating in a converted simulcast facility until a
 $200 million casino and hotel complex is built around it, in southwest 
Lincoln. A casino that opened at Grand Island’s Fonner Park racetrack is
 also operating in temporary quarters.

A temporary casino at Omaha’s Horseman’s Park racetrack isn’t expected to be ready until this spring.

Nebraska voters legalized casino gambling in 2020, which permitted 
such gambling only at licensed racetracks. Part of the proceeds were <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/14/nebraskas-first-casino-has-already-sent-nearly-800000-to-property-tax-relief/">earmarked for property tax relief</a>.

Rockey said state lotteries in other states have seen a 10% drop in 
wagering once casinos arrived. But, he said, that’s probably a 
worst-case scenario.

The only form of charitable gaming that saw a decrease during 
October, November and December was bingo, with wagering dropping from 
$1.2 million during the third quarter to $1.1 million during the last 
quarter.

So-called “racinos” are planned at racetracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus, Grand Island, South Sioux City and Hastings.

A bill introduced in the Nebraska Legislature seeks to allow casinos west of Cozad.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663853746273.png" alt="A $200 million casino is planned at the Lincoln Race Course by WarHorse, a subsidiary of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. (Courtesy of WarHorse) " />
 <figcaption>A $200 million casino is planned at the Lincoln Race Course by WarHorse, a subsidiary of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. (Courtesy of WarHorse) </figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/casinos-not-hurting-other-forms-of-gambling-in-nebraska-at-least-so-far/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The first results are 
in, and spending on charitable gambling does not appear to have been 
impacted by the advent of casinos in Nebraska — at least not yet.In the last quarter of 2022, Nebraskans wagered $97.2 million on 
keno, pickle cards, bingo and the state lottery, a nearly 5% increase 
over the months of July, August and September, according to a report 
issued Thursday.The state’s first, legal gambling casino, the <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/21/nebraskas-first-casino-expected-to-open-saturday-pending-likely-ok-of-license/">WarHorse Casino, opened in late September</a> at Lincoln’s Thoroughbred racetrack, providing new competition for charitable games.But Brian Rockey, the state lottery and charitable gaming director, 
said Thursday that despite the figures, it’s probably too soon to say 
whether competition from casinos will hurt other forms of gaming.“When the full blown casinos are open, it might be different,” he said.WarHorse Casino is operating in a converted simulcast facility until a
 $200 million casino and hotel complex is built around it, in southwest 
Lincoln. A casino that opened at Grand Island’s Fonner Park racetrack is
 also operating in temporary quarters.A temporary casino at Omaha’s Horseman’s Park racetrack isn’t expected to be ready until this spring.Nebraska voters legalized casino gambling in 2020, which permitted 
such gambling only at licensed racetracks. Part of the proceeds were <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/14/nebraskas-first-casino-has-already-sent-nearly-800000-to-property-tax-relief/">earmarked for property tax relief</a>.Rockey said state lotteries in other states have seen a 10% drop in 
wagering once casinos arrived. But, he said, that’s probably a 
worst-case scenario.The only form of charitable gaming that saw a decrease during 
October, November and December was bingo, with wagering dropping from 
$1.2 million during the third quarter to $1.1 million during the last 
quarter.So-called “racinos” are planned at racetracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus, Grand Island, South Sioux City and Hastings.A bill introduced in the Nebraska Legislature seeks to allow casinos west of Cozad.

Neb. casinos not hurting other forms of gambling ... so far

Winter Storm Diaz, the massive blizzard that moved across Nebraska in December 2022, now has claimed less visible victims — countless fish in at least 20 Sandhills and Panhandle lakes.

Low oxygen levels have been recorded in many of the regions’ shallow, highly vegetated lakes, said Al Hanson, fisheries supervisor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s northwestern district. As anglers are reporting dead plants and fish on their underwater cameras, people making long trips to Sandhills lakes for fishing in the near future likely will be disappointed.

Winterkills can occur when snow is deep, ice is thick and ice is covered by snow for a long time, Hanson said. These variables combined prevent light from reaching the plants below.

“When the photosynthesis stops, imagine that as a big hay meadow down there and all that hay has died,” he said. “As it decays, it creates hydrogen sulfide, reduces oxygen levels, and creates toxic conditions for fish and other aquatic species. Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about it.”

Low water levels from drought have worsened the problem.

Oxygen tests administered by Hanson and his coworkers have found numerous lakes below the level at which fish begin to die, about 1½ parts per million. The list of sites suspected to have significant winterkill include most of the lakes on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge; Walgren and Cottonwood state recreation areas; Smith Lake, Shell Lake, Avocet, Frye and Defair wildlife management areas; and Smith Lake, Island Lake and Crane Lake on the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Others, such as Box Butte and Lake Minatare state recreation areas, Whitney Lake wildlife management area, Winters Creek Lake on the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, were found to have sufficient oxygen levels.

After the ice melts, fisheries staff will conduct surveys to assess winterkill severity. Hanson is hopeful some fish have survived to serve as breeding stock for coming years. Based on survey results, Game and Parks will prioritize lakes that need initial restocking with largemouth bass, bluegills and yellow perch, and hatcheries will do their best to meet demand.

He is optimistic the lakes will recover and offer outstanding fisheries as they have in the past.

“In three growing seasons, we can have perch up to 10½ inches in these lakes. Bluegill get about 7 inches and bass about 12 to 14. We’ll rebound, but it’s not going to be a one-year thing.”

Hanson said this winter is similar to those of 1996-’97, 1984-’85 and 1978-’79, when prior large winterkills occurred.

By Nebraska Game and Parks<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676560704429.jpeg" alt="Tall snowdrifts from December's Winter Storm Diaz still greet visitors at Walgren Lake State Recreation Area's north entrance. Workers have cleared a path to the boat ramp area but much of the park's road remains covered by deep snow, which also is causing low oxygen levels in the lake. The bird's eye view was captured Feb. 10. (NGPC/Justin Haag)" />
 <figcaption>Tall snowdrifts from December's Winter Storm Diaz still greet visitors at Walgren Lake State Recreation Area's north entrance. Workers have cleared a path to the boat ramp area but much of the park's road remains covered by deep snow, which also is causing low oxygen levels in the lake. The bird's eye view was captured Feb. 10. (NGPC/Justin Haag)</figcaption>
 </figure>Winter Storm Diaz, the massive blizzard that moved across Nebraska in December 2022, now has claimed less visible victims — countless fish in at least 20 Sandhills and Panhandle lakes.Low oxygen levels have been recorded in many of the regions’ shallow, highly vegetated lakes, said Al Hanson, fisheries supervisor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s northwestern district. As anglers are reporting dead plants and fish on their underwater cameras, people making long trips to Sandhills lakes for fishing in the near future likely will be disappointed.Winterkills can occur when snow is deep, ice is thick and ice is covered by snow for a long time, Hanson said. These variables combined prevent light from reaching the plants below.“When the photosynthesis stops, imagine that as a big hay meadow down there and all that hay has died,” he said. “As it decays, it creates hydrogen sulfide, reduces oxygen levels, and creates toxic conditions for fish and other aquatic species. Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about it.”Low water levels from drought have worsened the problem.Oxygen tests administered by Hanson and his coworkers have found numerous lakes below the level at which fish begin to die, about 1½ parts per million. The list of sites suspected to have significant winterkill include most of the lakes on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge; Walgren and Cottonwood state recreation areas; Smith Lake, Shell Lake, Avocet, Frye and Defair wildlife management areas; and Smith Lake, Island Lake and Crane Lake on the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge.Others, such as Box Butte and Lake Minatare state recreation areas, Whitney Lake wildlife management area, Winters Creek Lake on the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, were found to have sufficient oxygen levels.After the ice melts, fisheries staff will conduct surveys to assess winterkill severity. Hanson is hopeful some fish have survived to serve as breeding stock for coming years. Based on survey results, Game and Parks will prioritize lakes that need initial restocking with largemouth bass, bluegills and yellow perch, and hatcheries will do their best to meet demand.He is optimistic the lakes will recover and offer outstanding fisheries as they have in the past.“In three growing seasons, we can have perch up to 10½ inches in these lakes. Bluegill get about 7 inches and bass about 12 to 14. We’ll rebound, but it’s not going to be a one-year thing.”Hanson said this winter is similar to those of 1996-’97, 1984-’85 and 1978-’79, when prior large winterkills occurred.

Low oxygen causing problems for Sandhills lakes in Panhandle 

The Alliance Arts Council is bringing three powerhouse female singers, Divas Through the Decades, to Alliance on Saturday February 25th. The concert will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center. Co-presenters for the event are Western Nebraska Real Estate, Harris Sales, KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, FNIC and FNBO.

Divas Through the Decades is a musical tribute to some of the most influential female vocalists in American pop music, featuring songs from the 40's, through today's current hits! The show features music made famous by various Divas including Tina Turner, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan, Madonna, Beyonce, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and many more! The Diva's stage show is filled with electrifying vocals, cutting edge choreography, great costume changes, and a high energy performance that is second to none! Their musicianship offers unequalled authenticity as well as tons of fun! Not only will you experience iconic music and incredible singing and dancing, you will find comedy and sentiment throughout the performance as you witness the girls getting the audience involved and participating in the show! There is truly something for everyone in this timeless production!

The three divas have performed all over the country including state fairs, festivals, corporate and private events, as well as performing on NBS’s “America’s Got Talent” in Hollywood, CA!

Tickets to their Alliance performance are $10 for Adults, $9 for Seniors and $5 for Students. Advance tickets are available at Carnegie Arts Center and tickets will also be sold at the door.

By Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676665627919.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance Arts Council is bringing three powerhouse female singers, Divas Through the Decades, to Alliance on Saturday February 25th. The concert will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center. Co-presenters for the event are Western Nebraska Real Estate, Harris Sales, KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, FNIC and FNBO.Divas Through the Decades is a musical tribute to some of the most influential female vocalists in American pop music, featuring songs from the 40's, through today's current hits! The show features music made famous by various Divas including Tina Turner, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan, Madonna, Beyonce, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and many more! The Diva's stage show is filled with electrifying vocals, cutting edge choreography, great costume changes, and a high energy performance that is second to none! Their musicianship offers unequalled authenticity as well as tons of fun! Not only will you experience iconic music and incredible singing and dancing, you will find comedy and sentiment throughout the performance as you witness the girls getting the audience involved and participating in the show! There is truly something for everyone in this timeless production!The three divas have performed all over the country including state fairs, festivals, corporate and private events, as well as performing on NBS’s “America’s Got Talent” in Hollywood, CA!Tickets to their Alliance performance are $10 for Adults, $9 for Seniors and $5 for Students. Advance tickets are available at Carnegie Arts Center and tickets will also be sold at the door.

Alliance Arts Council presents Divas Through the  Decades at PAC

Senator says intent is for ‘borrowed’ help, not more state employees

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/16/bill-would-create-two-state-teams-to-help-fight-nebraska-wildfires-but-at-whose-cost/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A legislative bill would 
create two state wildfire response teams to help the hundreds of local 
volunteer and paid firefighters who fight Nebraska’s rising number of 
grassland, ag land and forest fires.

But the bill’s hearing Thursday was 
dogged by questions over whether the state should hire its own wildfire 
response teams or whether the teams should seek local volunteers.

Legislative Bill 655 by State Sen. 
Mike McDonnell of Omaha would spend $1.125 million a year in state funds
 to unlock about $3 million a year in federal grant funds.

The state money would be funneled 
through the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Nebraska Forest Service. The
 federal share would be sought through a Community Wildfire Defense 
grant.

McDonnell told the Government and 
Military Affairs Committee that LB 655’s fiscal note missed his intent 
when it indicated 23 full-time state employees would be hired to fight 
wildfires. The bill does not specify the size of the state teams.

“That fiscal note is not accurate,” he said.

His goal, he said, is to model the 
response teams after the volunteer Urban Search and Rescue Teams hosted 
by Lincoln Fire &amp; Rescue that respond to national disasters.

The local USAR team has sent members 
of fire departments from Nebraska to New York and Washington, D.C., 
after the Sept. 11 attacks, and to Oklahoma City after the 1995 bombing.

McDonnell’s aim with the bill, he 
said, is for the state teams to include, for example, a paid firefighter
 from Omaha and a volunteer firefighter from Scottsbluff. Members of the
 state wildfire team would be loaned out by their local departments as 
needed. Paid departments would use other firefighters to cover the 
shifts of team members while they were deployed.&nbsp;

“Our thought was how do we do this 
and how do we look at USAR possibly … where we can backfill, where we 
don’t hire people, but we have those people ready to go,” McDonnell 
said. “It would be paid and volunteer firefighters working together to 
be able to respond.”

The bill drew clear support from the 
Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association, with Jerry Stilmock 
testifying that local departments could use the specialized help.

Many of the state’s agricultural 
interests backed the bill, especially the language saying the new teams 
would help local fire departments manage controlled burns of invasive 
red cedar trees, which fuel wildfires.

The state already spends about $20 
million a year to mechanically remove red cedar trees, he said. The 
controlled burns would help and give the state teams a chance to train 
together.

Last year was the second-worst year 
for Nebraska wildfires on record, with 200,000 acres burned. It is 
second only to 2012, when 500,000 acres burned. The fires cause tens of 
millions of dollars in property damage each year.&nbsp;

State Sen. Tom Brewer, the committee 
chairman, said having a state team to coordinate the multi-agency and 
multi-state responses to massive fires like what happened at Nebraska 
National Forest in Halsey last fall could make a difference.&nbsp;

Communication while fighting that 
fire was difficult, Brewer said. During the fight, a volunteer 
firefighter from Purdum died from a medical condition. The new teams 
could help those efforts get organized more quickly, he said.

Under the proposal, the state could 
use the funds to obtain specialized firefighting equipment. A separate 
bill would address first-responder radios.

In response to a question from State 
Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, McDonnell confirmed that fire departments 
already have help from mutual aid agreements. But, he said, the state 
under his bill would be sending in “some real ass-kickers.”

Only one person testified against the
 bill Thursday. But it was Interim State Fire Marshal Doug Hohbein, who 
said his agency’s duties do not include actively fighting fires.

He argued that LB 655, as written, 
would require 23 hires that would change the role and scope of the State
 Fire Marshal’s Office, which is known for investigating suspicious 
fires. He said Gov. Jim Pillen opposes the bill.&nbsp;

However, he said, if McDonnell is 
interested, as he said Thursday, in designing the state wildland 
firefighting teams as volunteers from around the state, there might be a
 way forward.

Pillen’s office had no immediate comment.

State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln 
asked McDonnell how she was supposed to read a bill that seemed to be 
advocating 23 hires, when McDonnell said that wasn’t his intention.

He agreed to double check whether or not the federal grant program would require the state wildfire teams to be state employees.

McDonnell stressed that he had worked
 on the bill with Shane Hunter, Pillen’s first appointee as fire 
marshal, before Hunter got sick and resigned.

McDonnell said he would work with 
Hunter’s replacement, newly appointed Fire Marshall Scott Cordes, and 
clarify that the state funding is meant to help the state create two 
wildland firefighting teams using local firefighters and plan for the 
most effective ways to rapidly respond to local and regional calls for 
assistance.

“Knowing that you have that kind of 
backup, that (local) fire chief could let people know early enough that 
they can get moving,” McDonnell said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676642148481.png" alt="The Smokey Fire burns in Banner County, Neb., in October 2022. (Courtesy of Slim Reece/Harrison Volunteer Fire Department)" />
 <figcaption>The Smokey Fire burns in Banner County, Neb., in October 2022. (Courtesy of Slim Reece/Harrison Volunteer Fire Department)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Senator says intent is for ‘borrowed’ help, not more state employees</h2>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/16/bill-would-create-two-state-teams-to-help-fight-nebraska-wildfires-but-at-whose-cost/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A legislative bill would 
create two state wildfire response teams to help the hundreds of local 
volunteer and paid firefighters who fight Nebraska’s rising number of 
grassland, ag land and forest fires.But the bill’s hearing Thursday was 
dogged by questions over whether the state should hire its own wildfire 
response teams or whether the teams should seek local volunteers.Legislative Bill 655 by State Sen. 
Mike McDonnell of Omaha would spend $1.125 million a year in state funds
 to unlock about $3 million a year in federal grant funds.The state money would be funneled 
through the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Nebraska Forest Service. The
 federal share would be sought through a Community Wildfire Defense 
grant.McDonnell told the Government and 
Military Affairs Committee that LB 655’s fiscal note missed his intent 
when it indicated 23 full-time state employees would be hired to fight 
wildfires. The bill does not specify the size of the state teams.“That fiscal note is not accurate,” he said.His goal, he said, is to model the 
response teams after the volunteer Urban Search and Rescue Teams hosted 
by Lincoln Fire &amp; Rescue that respond to national disasters.The local USAR team has sent members 
of fire departments from Nebraska to New York and Washington, D.C., 
after the Sept. 11 attacks, and to Oklahoma City after the 1995 bombing.McDonnell’s aim with the bill, he 
said, is for the state teams to include, for example, a paid firefighter
 from Omaha and a volunteer firefighter from Scottsbluff. Members of the
 state wildfire team would be loaned out by their local departments as 
needed. Paid departments would use other firefighters to cover the 
shifts of team members while they were deployed.&nbsp;“Our thought was how do we do this 
and how do we look at USAR possibly … where we can backfill, where we 
don’t hire people, but we have those people ready to go,” McDonnell 
said. “It would be paid and volunteer firefighters working together to 
be able to respond.”The bill drew clear support from the 
Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association, with Jerry Stilmock 
testifying that local departments could use the specialized help.Many of the state’s agricultural 
interests backed the bill, especially the language saying the new teams 
would help local fire departments manage controlled burns of invasive 
red cedar trees, which fuel wildfires.The state already spends about $20 
million a year to mechanically remove red cedar trees, he said. The 
controlled burns would help and give the state teams a chance to train 
together.Last year was the second-worst year 
for Nebraska wildfires on record, with 200,000 acres burned. It is 
second only to 2012, when 500,000 acres burned. The fires cause tens of 
millions of dollars in property damage each year.&nbsp;State Sen. Tom Brewer, the committee 
chairman, said having a state team to coordinate the multi-agency and 
multi-state responses to massive fires like what happened at Nebraska 
National Forest in Halsey last fall could make a difference.&nbsp;Communication while fighting that 
fire was difficult, Brewer said. During the fight, a volunteer 
firefighter from Purdum died from a medical condition. The new teams 
could help those efforts get organized more quickly, he said.Under the proposal, the state could 
use the funds to obtain specialized firefighting equipment. A separate 
bill would address first-responder radios.In response to a question from State 
Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, McDonnell confirmed that fire departments 
already have help from mutual aid agreements. But, he said, the state 
under his bill would be sending in “some real ass-kickers.”Only one person testified against the
 bill Thursday. But it was Interim State Fire Marshal Doug Hohbein, who 
said his agency’s duties do not include actively fighting fires.He argued that LB 655, as written, 
would require 23 hires that would change the role and scope of the State
 Fire Marshal’s Office, which is known for investigating suspicious 
fires. He said Gov. Jim Pillen opposes the bill.&nbsp;However, he said, if McDonnell is 
interested, as he said Thursday, in designing the state wildland 
firefighting teams as volunteers from around the state, there might be a
 way forward.Pillen’s office had no immediate comment.State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln 
asked McDonnell how she was supposed to read a bill that seemed to be 
advocating 23 hires, when McDonnell said that wasn’t his intention.He agreed to double check whether or not the federal grant program would require the state wildfire teams to be state employees.McDonnell stressed that he had worked
 on the bill with Shane Hunter, Pillen’s first appointee as fire 
marshal, before Hunter got sick and resigned.McDonnell said he would work with 
Hunter’s replacement, newly appointed Fire Marshall Scott Cordes, and 
clarify that the state funding is meant to help the state create two 
wildland firefighting teams using local firefighters and plan for the 
most effective ways to rapidly respond to local and regional calls for 
assistance.“Knowing that you have that kind of 
backup, that (local) fire chief could let people know early enough that 
they can get moving,” McDonnell said.&nbsp;

Bill would create two state teams to help fight Neb. wildfires

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to more than 250 weather-related incidents during the strong winter storm that affected many areas of Nebraska on Thursday.

Troopers performed 249 motorist assists and responded to 20 crashes on Thursday, the vast majority of which occurred in the eastern Nebraska. There were no life-threatening injuries reported in crashes investigated by NSP on Thursday.

“This storm brought some higher-than-expected snowfall totals in areas that usually get heavy traffic,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “While our troopers did respond to a high number of motorist assists, the number of property damage or injury crashes was kept low thanks to many people making the decision to stay off the roads.”

Troopers report that some slick spots remain in snow-affected areas this morning. NSP advises travelers to stay up to date on the forecast and check&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/Cody.Thomas/Desktop/511.Nebraska.gov" target="_blank">511.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or the 511 app for information on road conditions before traveling.

Any motorist who needs assistance on the road can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 and speak directly with an NSP Dispatcher.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to more than 250 weather-related incidents during the strong winter storm that affected many areas of Nebraska on Thursday.Troopers performed 249 motorist assists and responded to 20 crashes on Thursday, the vast majority of which occurred in the eastern Nebraska. There were no life-threatening injuries reported in crashes investigated by NSP on Thursday.“This storm brought some higher-than-expected snowfall totals in areas that usually get heavy traffic,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “While our troopers did respond to a high number of motorist assists, the number of property damage or injury crashes was kept low thanks to many people making the decision to stay off the roads.”Troopers report that some slick spots remain in snow-affected areas this morning. NSP advises travelers to stay up to date on the forecast and check&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/Cody.Thomas/Desktop/511.Nebraska.gov" target="_blank">511.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or the 511 app for information on road conditions before traveling.Any motorist who needs assistance on the road can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 and speak directly with an NSP Dispatcher.

Troopers respond to over 250 weather-related incident Thursday

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

Nebraska is looking at passing legislative bills that would benefit the wealthy, corporations, and out of state residents.

Last year the Legislature passed income tax reductions, both for corporations and individuals. The income earned that falls into the highest tax bracket in each case would be reduced to 5.84%. Because of the influx of federal COVID funds, the state has excess money in its treasury right now. Therefore, several senators believe these tax reductions should be implemented this year, as proposed in LB 804 and LB 806.

LB 754 further restructures the income tax system, lowering the rates for highest earners even more.

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy’s analysis of LB 754’s corporate and personal income tax cuts shows:

• Nearly 80% of the tax cuts would go to the wealthiest 20%;

• The wealthiest 1% of taxpayers would get an average annual tax cut of $1,382 while the lowest-earning 20% would receive no tax cut; and

• About 83% of the corporate tax cut would flow to out of state taxpayers because of the way Nebraska taxes corporate income.

Under LB 754, the first three individual income tax brackets would remain unchanged. The top tax bracket of 6.84% on income over $33,180 single, $66,360 for joint filers, would gradually drop to 3.99% by 2027. Nebraskans earning $20,590-$33,180 single or $41,190 - $66,360 joint filers would continue to pay 5.10% for their bracket.

For corporate income tax there are currently two rates paid: 5.58% on taxable income less than $100,000 and 7.81% on taxable income over $100,000. LB 754 would not change the rate of 5.58% on the first $100,000 of corporate income. LB 754 would reduce corporate income tax rates for corporate income greater than $100,000. By 2027 they will have dropped to 3.99%.

Under LB 754, small businesses in Nebraska would be taxed at the higher rate, as the reduced rate in this bill only applies to corporate income over $100,000.

Remember that income tax was passed to be progressive, with the wealthy paying a higher percentage of their total income to support government. Why? Because virtually all the other taxes we pay are regressive - lower income people pay a higher percentage of their earnings. Passage of these bills in Nebraska will make even the income tax regressive.

The Open Sky Policy Institute is a non-partisan organization that advocates for a strong Nebraska through clear fiscal research and analysis. According to Open Sky, “The on-going nature of the tax cuts is concerning given the temporary nature of our current fiscal condition –

which was largely the result of $24 billion of federal funds that have come into the state since the onset of the pandemic. While Nebraska can shoulder the immediate cost of the tax cuts proposed in the bills, the revenue impact of the measures will grow over time, even after the federal dollars have all been used up. With federal funds slowing, the threat of recession, a tightening of federal monetary policy and now a potential federal government default, these tax cuts could create major fiscal problems in the future.”

What happens if LB 754 is passed? By Fiscal Year 2028-29, income tax revenues (individual and corporate) will have decreased by $734,879,000 according to the Legislative Fiscal Analyst estimate.

Another concern is that our state tax structure was designed to be a “three-legged stool,” with equal amounts coming from income, sales, and property taxes. The Nebraska Constitution requires a balanced budget. When we face economic downturns, revenues from Nebraska’s income and sales tax drop. Then the state shifts some of their fiscal responsibility to fund things to local governments, who rely primarily on property tax. Those transfers from income to property tax never seem to shift back, and our stool is out of balance.

As we debate changes in our tax system, be aware that those most hurt by the changes proposed are those low-income people who sit just above the poverty line. They aren't eligible for many of the "safety net" benefits offered by government. In the end they'll pay a far larger percent of their income to the state.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityNebraska is looking at passing legislative bills that would benefit the wealthy, corporations, and out of state residents.Last year the Legislature passed income tax reductions, both for corporations and individuals. The income earned that falls into the highest tax bracket in each case would be reduced to 5.84%. Because of the influx of federal COVID funds, the state has excess money in its treasury right now. Therefore, several senators believe these tax reductions should be implemented this year, as proposed in LB 804 and LB 806.LB 754 further restructures the income tax system, lowering the rates for highest earners even more.The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy’s analysis of LB 754’s corporate and personal income tax cuts shows:• Nearly 80% of the tax cuts would go to the wealthiest 20%;• The wealthiest 1% of taxpayers would get an average annual tax cut of $1,382 while the lowest-earning 20% would receive no tax cut; and• About 83% of the corporate tax cut would flow to out of state taxpayers because of the way Nebraska taxes corporate income.Under LB 754, the first three individual income tax brackets would remain unchanged. The top tax bracket of 6.84% on income over $33,180 single, $66,360 for joint filers, would gradually drop to 3.99% by 2027. Nebraskans earning $20,590-$33,180 single or $41,190 - $66,360 joint filers would continue to pay 5.10% for their bracket.For corporate income tax there are currently two rates paid: 5.58% on taxable income less than $100,000 and 7.81% on taxable income over $100,000. LB 754 would not change the rate of 5.58% on the first $100,000 of corporate income. LB 754 would reduce corporate income tax rates for corporate income greater than $100,000. By 2027 they will have dropped to 3.99%.Under LB 754, small businesses in Nebraska would be taxed at the higher rate, as the reduced rate in this bill only applies to corporate income over $100,000.Remember that income tax was passed to be progressive, with the wealthy paying a higher percentage of their total income to support government. Why? Because virtually all the other taxes we pay are regressive - lower income people pay a higher percentage of their earnings. Passage of these bills in Nebraska will make even the income tax regressive.The Open Sky Policy Institute is a non-partisan organization that advocates for a strong Nebraska through clear fiscal research and analysis. According to Open Sky, “The on-going nature of the tax cuts is concerning given the temporary nature of our current fiscal condition –which was largely the result of $24 billion of federal funds that have come into the state since the onset of the pandemic. While Nebraska can shoulder the immediate cost of the tax cuts proposed in the bills, the revenue impact of the measures will grow over time, even after the federal dollars have all been used up. With federal funds slowing, the threat of recession, a tightening of federal monetary policy and now a potential federal government default, these tax cuts could create major fiscal problems in the future.”What happens if LB 754 is passed? By Fiscal Year 2028-29, income tax revenues (individual and corporate) will have decreased by $734,879,000 according to the Legislative Fiscal Analyst estimate.Another concern is that our state tax structure was designed to be a “three-legged stool,” with equal amounts coming from income, sales, and property taxes. The Nebraska Constitution requires a balanced budget. When we face economic downturns, revenues from Nebraska’s income and sales tax drop. Then the state shifts some of their fiscal responsibility to fund things to local governments, who rely primarily on property tax. Those transfers from income to property tax never seem to shift back, and our stool is out of balance.As we debate changes in our tax system, be aware that those most hurt by the changes proposed are those low-income people who sit just above the poverty line. They aren't eligible for many of the "safety net" benefits offered by government. In the end they'll pay a far larger percent of their income to the state.

Getting Ahead: Nebraska income tax 

The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) coordinated the 2023 Western Regional Envirothon Contest earlier this month. The contest was held at the Gordon City Hall with six schools from around the Western Panhandle participating; Alliance, Creek Valley, Hay Springs, Garden County, Gordon-Rushville, and Morrill-Mitchell.

The Envirothon Contest is comprised of seven written exams designed to tests the students’ knowledge in different areas of natural resources. The seven topics are: Aquatics, Forestry, Policy, Range, Soils, Wildlife and a Special Topic (which will change from year to year); this year’s topic was Adapting to a Changing Climate. These tests are taken as a team of 5 students with 15 minutes to complete each one. Alliance High School FFA took first place and Gordon-Rushville FFA finished in 2nd place.

Alliance has automatically qualified for the State Envirothon Competition on April 26th, 2023 at the Cedar Point Biological Station at Lake McConaughy in Ogallala, Nebraska. Winners from each of the six regions across Nebraska are invited to the State Envirothon Competition as well as eight wildcard teams that will be selected after each region has completed their local competition on March 7th.

Dezyrae Hausmann, Kaigan McBride, Carver Hauptman, Jackson Bailey, &amp; Teresa Steadmann

Braxton Hathorn, Traiton Starr, Ethan Bourne, Ben Meyer, &amp; Michael Perez

By UNWNRD<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676593487243.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) coordinated the 2023 Western Regional Envirothon Contest earlier this month. The contest was held at the Gordon City Hall with six schools from around the Western Panhandle participating; Alliance, Creek Valley, Hay Springs, Garden County, Gordon-Rushville, and Morrill-Mitchell.The Envirothon Contest is comprised of seven written exams designed to tests the students’ knowledge in different areas of natural resources. The seven topics are: Aquatics, Forestry, Policy, Range, Soils, Wildlife and a Special Topic (which will change from year to year); this year’s topic was Adapting to a Changing Climate. These tests are taken as a team of 5 students with 15 minutes to complete each one. Alliance High School FFA took first place and Gordon-Rushville FFA finished in 2nd place.Alliance has automatically qualified for the State Envirothon Competition on April 26th, 2023 at the Cedar Point Biological Station at Lake McConaughy in Ogallala, Nebraska. Winners from each of the six regions across Nebraska are invited to the State Envirothon Competition as well as eight wildcard teams that will be selected after each region has completed their local competition on March 7th.Alliance Envirothon Team:Dezyrae Hausmann, Kaigan McBride, Carver Hauptman, Jackson Bailey, &amp; Teresa SteadmannGordon-Rushville Envirothon Team:Braxton Hathorn, Traiton Starr, Ethan Bourne, Ben Meyer, &amp; Michael Perez

Local Panhandle students compete at Regional Envirothon

LINCOLN — A man who had been missing since early February has been located deceased. Jamie Balluch, 43, was last seen on Feb. 2 at his place of employment, Bruning Grain and Feed Co.

After preliminary searches of the property were unable to locate Balluch, the Thayer County Sheriff’s Office requested NSP assistance in the case. On Wednesday, Balluch was located deceased inside one of the grain bins on the property. Next of kin has been notified.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday. The investigation remains ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676584178848.png" alt="Balluch" />
 <figcaption>Balluch</figcaption>
 </figure>NSPLINCOLN — A man who had been missing since early February has been located deceased. Jamie Balluch, 43, was last seen on Feb. 2 at his place of employment, Bruning Grain and Feed Co.After preliminary searches of the property were unable to locate Balluch, the Thayer County Sheriff’s Office requested NSP assistance in the case. On Wednesday, Balluch was located deceased inside one of the grain bins on the property. Next of kin has been notified.An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday. The investigation remains ongoing.

NSP: Missing Nebraska man located deceased in grain bin

After much wait and anticipation from both fans and athletes alike, Mixed Martial Arts fighting will return to the Panhandle with a full fight card LCS 31: The Comeback. The card will feature many local area fighters from Scottsbluff, Mitchell, Torrington, Alliance, as well as fighters around the states of Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, and North Dakota. Noteworthy match-ups include Scottsbluff’s Tyler Hampton fighting Torrington native Francisco Beltran for the 145 lb Featherweight Title. Two other fighters with ties to the Panhandle will meet in the cage for the Main Event: Kameron Jordan vs. Jose Hernandez. The co-main event will showcase Scottsbluff’s Brandon Trout and Kearney’s Delfino Benitez, with other fighters to include Hunter Ziegler, Cortez Arellano, Alex Dubray Jr, Nathaniel Murillo, and many other talented martial artists. This event is open to all ages and is sure to be a night full of skill and entertainment. Fans are also encouraged to join the fighters at weigh-ins the night before the fights, held at 6:00pm at Brother’s 27th St Wings and Burgers, or at the official afterparty, also at Brother’s, following the fights on the 18th. Doors will open at the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds at 6:00pm with fights starting at 7:00. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to the event by visiting local businesses Aaron’s or Brothers 27th St Wings and Burgers. Tickets are also available online at www.nitrotickets.com/legion with a variety of seating options including General Admission, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row reserved seating, and table seating. Tickets will also be available at the door for purchase.

By Legion Combat SportsAfter much wait and anticipation from both fans and athletes alike, Mixed Martial Arts fighting will return to the Panhandle with a full fight card LCS 31: The Comeback. The card will feature many local area fighters from Scottsbluff, Mitchell, Torrington, Alliance, as well as fighters around the states of Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, and North Dakota. Noteworthy match-ups include Scottsbluff’s Tyler Hampton fighting Torrington native Francisco Beltran for the 145 lb Featherweight Title. Two other fighters with ties to the Panhandle will meet in the cage for the Main Event: Kameron Jordan vs. Jose Hernandez. The co-main event will showcase Scottsbluff’s Brandon Trout and Kearney’s Delfino Benitez, with other fighters to include Hunter Ziegler, Cortez Arellano, Alex Dubray Jr, Nathaniel Murillo, and many other talented martial artists. This event is open to all ages and is sure to be a night full of skill and entertainment. Fans are also encouraged to join the fighters at weigh-ins the night before the fights, held at 6:00pm at Brother’s 27th St Wings and Burgers, or at the official afterparty, also at Brother’s, following the fights on the 18th. Doors will open at the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds at 6:00pm with fights starting at 7:00. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to the event by visiting local businesses Aaron’s or Brothers 27th St Wings and Burgers. Tickets are also available online at www.nitrotickets.com/legion with a variety of seating options including General Admission, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row reserved seating, and table seating. Tickets will also be available at the door for purchase.General Admission is $25 with reserved seating starting at $40 and tables starting at $400.For event details or more information on the card, visit www.legioncombat.com or find Legion Combat Sports on Facebook.