Lately my teenager has been fascinated by medical dramas. Although my “doctor self” is usually rolling my eyes throughout the program, it’s often a good conversation starter.

One recent show featured a pregnant woman who experienced one medical crisis after another. Her kidneys, liver, and lungs failed in succession as the team raced to identify the underlying obstetrical problem and find a treatment. At the climax of the episode, her heart stopped. Of course, being television, the correct diagnosis was made, the experimental treatment worked, and the episode ended with a perfectly healthy mother at home, holding her perfectly healthy baby.

For all the erroneous and outrageous details that transform bad fictional medicine into good TV, they did get something right. Pregnancy is a dangerous condition. In fact, in America, pregnancy complications account for approximately two percent of all deaths among women between the ages of 20 and 44.

To put the two percent into perspective, consider that pregnancy complications can only happen in the months during and immediately following pregnancy. On average a woman in the United States will birth between one and two children. This means that between the ages of 20 and 44, the risk of pregnancy-related death isn’t spread across those 25 years as are the risks of cancer or car accidents. It is concentrated into the relatively few months during which she is pregnant. And for women younger than 20 and older than 44 the risk of pregnancy complications is even greater but, statistically speaking, women in those age groups simply don’t have enough babies to categorize pregnancy complications as a major cause of death.

Consider also that death by violence is not counted as a pregnancy complication, even though pregnancy is a significant trigger for violence.

What’s more, consider that these risks are not distributed equally between women. Socioeconomic status, education, physical location, and race all impact the likelihood of pregnancy complications, and death from those complications.

Issues that affect pregnant people affect their whole family. In medical school, I was taught “nothing is worse for a fetus than a dead mother.” It’s hard to disagree.

So, what can we do to make pregnancy safer? The answer to that question is multi-faceted. Access to quality obstetric care is one factor. However, we must also ensure women are as healthy as possible before they conceive. They need good nutrition and safe places to live and work. They need education to know what is normal, and what is not. They and their families need access to psychiatric care to address mental illness and addiction.

It may not make for good TV, but in the real world, the starting place is as basic, and as difficult, as that.

Debra Johnston, M.D. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family 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 celebrating its twentieth season of truthful, tested, and timely medical information streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

By Debra Johnston, M.D.Lately my teenager has been fascinated by medical dramas. Although my “doctor self” is usually rolling my eyes throughout the program, it’s often a good conversation starter.One recent show featured a pregnant woman who experienced one medical crisis after another. Her kidneys, liver, and lungs failed in succession as the team raced to identify the underlying obstetrical problem and find a treatment. At the climax of the episode, her heart stopped. Of course, being television, the correct diagnosis was made, the experimental treatment worked, and the episode ended with a perfectly healthy mother at home, holding her perfectly healthy baby.For all the erroneous and outrageous details that transform bad fictional medicine into good TV, they did get something right. Pregnancy is a dangerous condition. In fact, in America, pregnancy complications account for approximately two percent of all deaths among women between the ages of 20 and 44.To put the two percent into perspective, consider that pregnancy complications can only happen in the months during and immediately following pregnancy. On average a woman in the United States will birth between one and two children. This means that between the ages of 20 and 44, the risk of pregnancy-related death isn’t spread across those 25 years as are the risks of cancer or car accidents. It is concentrated into the relatively few months during which she is pregnant. And for women younger than 20 and older than 44 the risk of pregnancy complications is even greater but, statistically speaking, women in those age groups simply don’t have enough babies to categorize pregnancy complications as a major cause of death.Consider also that death by violence is not counted as a pregnancy complication, even though pregnancy is a significant trigger for violence.What’s more, consider that these risks are not distributed equally between women. Socioeconomic status, education, physical location, and race all impact the likelihood of pregnancy complications, and death from those complications.Issues that affect pregnant people affect their whole family. In medical school, I was taught “nothing is worse for a fetus than a dead mother.” It’s hard to disagree.So, what can we do to make pregnancy safer? The answer to that question is multi-faceted. Access to quality obstetric care is one factor. However, we must also ensure women are as healthy as possible before they conceive. They need good nutrition and safe places to live and work. They need education to know what is normal, and what is not. They and their families need access to psychiatric care to address mental illness and addiction.It may not make for good TV, but in the real world, the starting place is as basic, and as difficult, as that.Debra Johnston, M.D. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family 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 celebrating its twentieth season of truthful, tested, and timely medical information streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Prairie Doc Perspectives: Caring for expectant Moms

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Two horses were euthanized after they became ill this week at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

 A barn where more than 100 horses are kept is on a 21-day quarantine because of the illness. 

Fonner Chief Executive Officer Chris Kotulak says the park is waiting for test results to determine the cause of the illness. 

He said the quarantine is a precautionary measure.

 One of the horses was euthanized on Wednesday and another on Thursday after they developed high temperatures and had mobility issues. 

Eight horses were scratched from Friday afternoon's racing at the park.

By Associated PressGRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Two horses were euthanized after they became ill this week at Fonner Park in Grand Island. A barn where more than 100 horses are kept is on a 21-day quarantine because of the illness. Fonner Chief Executive Officer Chris Kotulak says the park is waiting for test results to determine the cause of the illness. He said the quarantine is a precautionary measure. One of the horses was euthanized on Wednesday and another on Thursday after they developed high temperatures and had mobility issues. Eight horses were scratched from Friday afternoon's racing at the park.

2 race horses euthanized, others quarantined at Fonner Park

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Legislature has passed a proposal to give state lawmakers more control over how federal funds are spent, defying Gov. Kristi Noem and clearing the way for the House and Senate to find agreement on a $5.8 billion state budget. 

The bipartisan proposal passed on the penultimate day of the legislative session with over two-thirds support in each chamber. 

It passed despite the Republican governor’s ardent objections. 

During budget negotiations, a bipartisan proposal emerged to require a legislative budgeting committee to approve state government spending of federal funds if it requires a policy change.

By Associated PressPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Legislature has passed a proposal to give state lawmakers more control over how federal funds are spent, defying Gov. Kristi Noem and clearing the way for the House and Senate to find agreement on a $5.8 billion state budget. The bipartisan proposal passed on the penultimate day of the legislative session with over two-thirds support in each chamber. It passed despite the Republican governor’s ardent objections. During budget negotiations, a bipartisan proposal emerged to require a legislative budgeting committee to approve state government spending of federal funds if it requires a policy change.

SD lawmakers strike deal to defy Noem, pass $5.8B budget

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is inching closer to allowing gun owners to carry concealed firearms without a permit, background check or special training, as more than 20 other conservative states already have done. 

Lawmakers gave the measure initial approval Friday in a 35-9 vote after overcoming a filibuster from opponents who echoed law enforcement agencies' public safety concerns. 

Two more votes are required before it goes to Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts. 

The vote came one day after Alabama became the 22nd state to pass such a law. 

At least three other states have measures pending. 

Nebraska already allows legal gun owners to carry their weapons in the open in most public places.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is inching closer to allowing gun owners to carry concealed firearms without a permit, background check or special training, as more than 20 other conservative states already have done. Lawmakers gave the measure initial approval Friday in a 35-9 vote after overcoming a filibuster from opponents who echoed law enforcement agencies' public safety concerns. Two more votes are required before it goes to Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts. The vote came one day after Alabama became the 22nd state to pass such a law. At least three other states have measures pending. Nebraska already allows legal gun owners to carry their weapons in the open in most public places.

Nebraska advances permitless concealed carry measure

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota lawmakers have passed a proposal to limit the number of cannabis plants that medical marijuana patients can grow in their homes. 

The Republican-controlled House and Senate have debated for weeks what limits to place on the number of cannabis plants that may be grown in homes after a voter-passed law placed no limit on homegrown plants.

 The Senate proposed a limit of three flowering and three non-flowering plants, while the House wanted to do away with homegrown cannabis entirely.

 Both chambers agreed to limit the number of plants to two flowering and two nonflowering.

By Associated PressPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota lawmakers have passed a proposal to limit the number of cannabis plants that medical marijuana patients can grow in their homes. The Republican-controlled House and Senate have debated for weeks what limits to place on the number of cannabis plants that may be grown in homes after a voter-passed law placed no limit on homegrown plants. The Senate proposed a limit of three flowering and three non-flowering plants, while the House wanted to do away with homegrown cannabis entirely. Both chambers agreed to limit the number of plants to two flowering and two nonflowering.

South Dakota lawmakers pass limit on homegrown medical pot

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College officially reopened the Professional Testing Center in the John N. Harms Center on the Scottsbluff Campus.

The Professional Testing Center administers a variety of professional certification exams for community members looking to further their careers or maintain their current certifications. Some of the options at the Testing Center include Prometric testing for auto mechanics, Nebraska insurance, education, and healthcare; PearsonVUE testing for paramedics, EMTs, other healthcare workers, and GED testing; and PSI exams for real estate, water treatment, and pesticide application professionals. Various exams are also offered through Kryterion.

"We are so excited to be fully functional again after two years," Tammie Kleich, academic testing &amp; tutoring services director said.&nbsp;"We have had numerous calls from community members who have needed this testing because of the time, extra cost, and scheduling conflicts involved in going to another center. This service is incredibly important for the entire Panhandle, and we are proud to be able to offer professional testing to our community once again."

Prometrics testing is available from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; and PearsonVUE/Criterion testing is available from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays. The Testing Center at WNCC is the only location in the Panhandle. Other testing centers are located in North Platte; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

For more information about the Professional Testing Center, visit wncc.edu or contact Kleich, academic testing &amp; tutoring services director, at kleicht@wncc.edu or 308.635.6072.

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College officially reopened the Professional Testing Center in the John N. Harms Center on the Scottsbluff Campus.The Professional Testing Center administers a variety of professional certification exams for community members looking to further their careers or maintain their current certifications. Some of the options at the Testing Center include Prometric testing for auto mechanics, Nebraska insurance, education, and healthcare; PearsonVUE testing for paramedics, EMTs, other healthcare workers, and GED testing; and PSI exams for real estate, water treatment, and pesticide application professionals. Various exams are also offered through Kryterion."We are so excited to be fully functional again after two years," Tammie Kleich, academic testing &amp; tutoring services director said.&nbsp;"We have had numerous calls from community members who have needed this testing because of the time, extra cost, and scheduling conflicts involved in going to another center. This service is incredibly important for the entire Panhandle, and we are proud to be able to offer professional testing to our community once again."Prometrics testing is available from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; and PearsonVUE/Criterion testing is available from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays. The Testing Center at WNCC is the only location in the Panhandle. Other testing centers are located in North Platte; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.For more information about the Professional Testing Center, visit wncc.edu or contact Kleich, academic testing &amp; tutoring services director, at kleicht@wncc.edu or 308.635.6072.

WNCC reopens testing center for professional development, certification exams

SIDNEY, Neb. (AP) — An Iowa man has died in a crash on Interstate 80 in western Nebraska. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the crash happened Wednesday afternoon near Sidney.

 The Nebraska State Patrol says 69-year-old John Jessen, of Des Moines, Iowa, was a passenger in a car hit by a semitrailer in snowy and icy conditions, the Omaha World-Herald reported. 

Jassen was a passenger in a car driven by Martha Mae Jessen, also of Des Moines.

 Nebraska State Patrol investigators said the crash happened when the Jessens’ westbound car came to a stop in the right lane of the interstate, then backed into the left lane — and into the path of the semi — in an apparent attempt to get onto an exit ramp.

By Associated PressSIDNEY, Neb. (AP) — An Iowa man has died in a crash on Interstate 80 in western Nebraska. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the crash happened Wednesday afternoon near Sidney. The Nebraska State Patrol says 69-year-old John Jessen, of Des Moines, Iowa, was a passenger in a car hit by a semitrailer in snowy and icy conditions, the Omaha World-Herald reported. Jassen was a passenger in a car driven by Martha Mae Jessen, also of Des Moines. Nebraska State Patrol investigators said the crash happened when the Jessens’ westbound car came to a stop in the right lane of the interstate, then backed into the left lane — and into the path of the semi — in an apparent attempt to get onto an exit ramp.

Iowa man killed in crash on I-80 in western Nebraska

Kathy Worley discusses a change in KAB funding and how the organization has responded to it.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Keep Alliance Beautiful" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=du8sx-11cc1bb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Kathy Worley discusses a change in KAB funding and how the organization has responded to it.

POST PODCAST: Keep Alliance Beautiful

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/11/22

Chadron — The Chadron Rotary Club is holding a fundraiser to benefit Chadron residents. Volunteers from the local Rotary high school Interact Club will be helping to paint numbers on the curb in front of residences.

It is important to have your home easily identified for deliveries or by first responders. Curb numbers help to ensure you receive your deliveries on time and possibly provide more rapid response from emergency agencies.

The Chadron Interact club brings together young people ages 14-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self.


The funds earned will be shared between the Chadron Rotary Club and Interact. Our Rotary Club supports local efforts to fund scholarships, meals in time of need, Fur Trade Day activities, your leadership activities, and other community needs or requests for support.

Paining will take place April – May. For $20.00, any Chadron homeowner can order these house numbers painted on their curb April – May, by contracting a Chadron Rotarian, calling 308-432-3393 or by visiting: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/CurbNumbering">https://tinyurl.com/CurbNumbering</a>

By Chadron Rotary ClubChadron — The Chadron Rotary Club is holding a fundraiser to benefit Chadron residents. Volunteers from the local Rotary high school Interact Club will be helping to paint numbers on the curb in front of residences.It is important to have your home easily identified for deliveries or by first responders. Curb numbers help to ensure you receive your deliveries on time and possibly provide more rapid response from emergency agencies.The Chadron Interact club brings together young people ages 14-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self.
The funds earned will be shared between the Chadron Rotary Club and Interact. Our Rotary Club supports local efforts to fund scholarships, meals in time of need, Fur Trade Day activities, your leadership activities, and other community needs or requests for support.Paining will take place April – May. For $20.00, any Chadron homeowner can order these house numbers painted on their curb April – May, by contracting a Chadron Rotarian, calling 308-432-3393 or by visiting: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/CurbNumbering">https://tinyurl.com/CurbNumbering</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647017023777.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Chadron Rotary Club holding house number curb painting fundraiser

Alliance, NE – Based on instructor availability, Red Cross swim lessons will once again be conducted at Big Blue Bay this summer. The 2022 Swim Lesson schedule was developed with the expectation that staffing levels will be adequate to offer all sessions, and can be found on the City’s Webpage <a href="http://www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-lessons">www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-lessons</a>, and also on the Alliance Nebraska Parks and Pool Facebook Page.

If you are interested in helping with Red Cross Swim lessons, please contact Joan at the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center at (308) 762-2384.

Registration for lessons will be at the Knight Museum on April 9th from 8am to 12pm. Payment of $30 per child is required at the time of registration. No early registrations, nor phone registrations will be accepted.

To expedite the process, the registration form is on the City’s web page <a href="http://www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-Lessons">www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-Lessons</a>. Complete the form and bring it with you to the Knight Museum.

If you have questions or need additional information, please call the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center at (308) 762-2384

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Based on instructor availability, Red Cross swim lessons will once again be conducted at Big Blue Bay this summer. The 2022 Swim Lesson schedule was developed with the expectation that staffing levels will be adequate to offer all sessions, and can be found on the City’s Webpage <a href="http://www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-lessons">www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-lessons</a>, and also on the Alliance Nebraska Parks and Pool Facebook Page.If you are interested in helping with Red Cross Swim lessons, please contact Joan at the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center at (308) 762-2384.Registration for lessons will be at the Knight Museum on April 9th from 8am to 12pm. Payment of $30 per child is required at the time of registration. No early registrations, nor phone registrations will be accepted.To expedite the process, the registration form is on the City’s web page <a href="http://www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-Lessons">www.cityofalliance.net/311/Swimming-Lessons</a>. Complete the form and bring it with you to the Knight Museum.If you have questions or need additional information, please call the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center at (308) 762-2384

City of Alliance reminds residents of swim lessons registration

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are struggling with a measure that would allow people to carry concealed handguns without a permit, an idea supported by gun-rights advocates despite concerns from some law enforcement officials. 

State senators spent Thursday debating the proposal but failed to reach a vote, which is now expected on Friday. 

If it passes, Nebraska would join 21 other rural, conservative-leaning states that have lifted the permit requirement. 

Another five states have measures pending. 

Supporters of the Nebraska bill need at least 33 votes in the 49-member Legislature to overcome a filibuster led by opponents. 

Three votes are required before it would go to Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, who supports the bill. 

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are struggling with a measure that would allow people to carry concealed handguns without a permit, an idea supported by gun-rights advocates despite concerns from some law enforcement officials. State senators spent Thursday debating the proposal but failed to reach a vote, which is now expected on Friday. If it passes, Nebraska would join 21 other rural, conservative-leaning states that have lifted the permit requirement. Another five states have measures pending. Supporters of the Nebraska bill need at least 33 votes in the 49-member Legislature to overcome a filibuster led by opponents. Three votes are required before it would go to Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, who supports the bill. The vote is expected to be close.

Nebraska lawmakers spar over permitless concealed carry bill

By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC College Relations

CHADRON – Chadron State College’s Rangeland Management program is hosting Practitioner in Residence Dr. Pat L. Shaver to teach a one-hour course for students and rangeland management professionals.

The course, funded by&nbsp;the Bill and Virginia Coffee Family Foundation Grant, will cover the development and use of a rangeland assessment tool co-developed by Shaver. Special emphasis will be placed on interpreting indicators of rangeland health and attributes such as soil and site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity. Indicators and attributes will be interpreted in a management context intended especially for grazing management decisions.

The course will feature seven in-class sessions on Thursdays, beginning March 17. Other dates are March 24 and 31, and April 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Rangeland building, Room 110. The class is open to the public and can be completed for one college credit hour, however, attendees are not required to take the course for credit.

Shaver earned a bachelor’s in Range Science at New Mexico State University before earning a doctorate in Rangeland Ecology and Management from Oregon State University. He worked as a student range technician with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service at the Jornada Experiment Range in New Mexico before he was hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. He has been a state Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) range conservationist in New Mexico, Utah, and Texas, and a National Applied Fire Ecologist before retiring in 2013 and returning to Oregon State University to teach.

Agriculture and Rangeland Management Professor Dr. Ronald Bolze says Shaver has a lot of experience to share with CSC students and the local ranching community.

“Dr. Shaver comes to CSC with a world of practical experience,” Bolze said. “He is also a co-author of the Rangeland Health Assessment Criteria used by NRCS nationwide today.”

Shaver owns Rangeland Management Services, LLC, and is a former President of the International Society for Range Management.

For more information, contact Bolze at 308-432-6237 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rbolze@csc.edu" target="_blank">rbolze@csc.edu</a>.

By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC College RelationsCHADRON – Chadron State College’s Rangeland Management program is hosting Practitioner in Residence Dr. Pat L. Shaver to teach a one-hour course for students and rangeland management professionals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646955948749.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The course, funded by&nbsp;the Bill and Virginia Coffee Family Foundation Grant, will cover the development and use of a rangeland assessment tool co-developed by Shaver. Special emphasis will be placed on interpreting indicators of rangeland health and attributes such as soil and site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity. Indicators and attributes will be interpreted in a management context intended especially for grazing management decisions.The course will feature seven in-class sessions on Thursdays, beginning March 17. Other dates are March 24 and 31, and April 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Rangeland building, Room 110. The class is open to the public and can be completed for one college credit hour, however, attendees are not required to take the course for credit.Shaver earned a bachelor’s in Range Science at New Mexico State University before earning a doctorate in Rangeland Ecology and Management from Oregon State University. He worked as a student range technician with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service at the Jornada Experiment Range in New Mexico before he was hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. He has been a state Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) range conservationist in New Mexico, Utah, and Texas, and a National Applied Fire Ecologist before retiring in 2013 and returning to Oregon State University to teach.Agriculture and Rangeland Management Professor Dr. Ronald Bolze says Shaver has a lot of experience to share with CSC students and the local ranching community.“Dr. Shaver comes to CSC with a world of practical experience,” Bolze said. “He is also a co-author of the Rangeland Health Assessment Criteria used by NRCS nationwide today.”Shaver owns Rangeland Management Services, LLC, and is a former President of the International Society for Range Management.For more information, contact Bolze at 308-432-6237 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rbolze@csc.edu" target="_blank">rbolze@csc.edu</a>.

Range program brings conservationist to Chadron State College

Alliance – The Alliance Public Library will be honoring Women’s History Month by hosting a program by Deb Carpenter-Nolting and Lyn Messersmith titled, “Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History”. The program is scheduled for Friday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Alliance Public Library Community Room.

This free program will focus on stories, songs, and poems about women who left footprints on history by stepping out of place. The "not-so-well-behaved" women Deb and Lyn will be featuring are Annie Oakley, Tad Lucas, Ann Eliza Young, and Mari Sandoz.

This presentation is made possible by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Alliance Public Library as part of the HN Speakers Bureau.

“Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History” is one of approximately 300 programs offered through the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau. The more than 165 available speakers include acclaimed scholars, writers, musicians, storytellers and folklorists on topics ranging from pioneer heritage to ethics and law to international and multicultural issues, making it the largest humanities speakers bureau in the nation.

For more information on this program at the Alliance Public Library, please contact Adult Services Librarian Emily Nelson at 308-762-1387 or email enelson@cityofalliance.net.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Public Library will be honoring Women’s History Month by hosting a program by Deb Carpenter-Nolting and Lyn Messersmith titled, “Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History”. The program is scheduled for Friday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Alliance Public Library Community Room.This free program will focus on stories, songs, and poems about women who left footprints on history by stepping out of place. The "not-so-well-behaved" women Deb and Lyn will be featuring are Annie Oakley, Tad Lucas, Ann Eliza Young, and Mari Sandoz.This presentation is made possible by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Alliance Public Library as part of the HN Speakers Bureau.“Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History” is one of approximately 300 programs offered through the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau. The more than 165 available speakers include acclaimed scholars, writers, musicians, storytellers and folklorists on topics ranging from pioneer heritage to ethics and law to international and multicultural issues, making it the largest humanities speakers bureau in the nation.For more information on this program at the Alliance Public Library, please contact Adult Services Librarian Emily Nelson at 308-762-1387 or email enelson@cityofalliance.net.

'Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History' to be held at Alliance library

Back in December, one of our troopers' units was hit while he responded to another crash during a snowstorm.

It took a while because the vehicle was destroyed, but we've been able to retrieve the video.

Incredible job by Trooper Roberts to stay alert, recognize the oncoming danger, and get himself and others out of the way.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646997132930.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Nebraska State PatrolBack in December, one of our troopers' units was hit while he responded to another crash during a snowstorm.It took a while because the vehicle was destroyed, but we've been able to retrieve the video.Incredible job by Trooper Roberts to stay alert, recognize the oncoming danger, and get himself and others out of the way.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W93wdCILoac" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Video shows Nebraska trooper's cruiser get crushed by semi

By MICHAEL MERSCHEL American Heart Association

If you struggle with the switch to daylight saving time, you might feel enlightened to learn it's not just in your head. It involves an interplay between the clock, sunshine and your body at a cellular level.

Planning ahead to shift clocks forward one hour, which happens this year on March 13, could ease the transition, say sleep experts, who see the time change as a serious health threat.

"We all lose an hour of sleep from time to time," said Dr. Beth Malow, director of the sleep division at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. But daylight saving time is more than that.

For starters, "it's not just that one hour," Malow said. It can lead to more.

High school students, for example, lost an average of 32 minutes of sleep on weeknights following the shift, for a net loss of 2 hours, 42 minutes that week, according to a small 2015 study in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513265/">Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine</a>.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.8780">American Academy of Sleep Medicine</a>, effects of the time change might last for months. Some of those effects appear serious.

"People are more prone to having some types of cardiovascular events because of the change in time," said Girardin Jean-Louis, director of the Center on Translational Sleep and Circadian Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida. Research shows the risks of having a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/3/404/htm">heart attack</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945716302222">stroke</a>&nbsp;and episodes of an irregular heartbeat called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945720300496">atrial fibrillation</a>&nbsp;can increase after the time change.

The shift to daylight saving time differs from the jet lag that accompanies travel because of our biology, Malow said.

Many of our organs have internal clocks, she said. A key signal for those body clocks, or circadian rhythms, is light. If you travel from Chicago to New York, you lose an hour, but a shift in the light cycle accompanies the change. When it's time to spring forward, you don't get that cue.

Younger, healthier people may adjust more quickly, Jean-Louis said. But for older people, or those with medical conditions that affect their sleep, "it's a much, much harder task to try to get back to schedule."

Although some defend daylight saving time for economic and other reasons, Jean-Louis and Malow, like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, said a fixed year-round time would be the healthiest approach. But, as Jean-Louis said, "that's not going to happen anytime soon."

– Take sleep seriously. Most adults need at least seven hours a night, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;says. Older and younger people may need more. Yet a third of U.S. adults are sleep-deprived,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0215-enough-sleep.html">CDC data show</a>. The shift to daylight saving time can exacerbate that, Malow said.

– Make a gradual shift. Most people don't adjust until the day of the change, Jean-Louis said. But if you start a few days ahead, shifting bedtime by 20 minutes a day, "it's easier for you to get accustomed to the new clock."

– Don't sleep in on Sunday. It's tempting, Malow acknowledged. "But really try to get up at your usual time and get exposed to light, because that bright light in the morning will help you wake up, and it will also help you fall asleep easier at night."

– See the light. Jean-Louis also emphasizes light exposure in the morning. "You could wake up one hour early and take a walk facing east so that you have exposure to the sun as it rises." Again, starting a few days ahead of time is important, he said.

– Coffee? OK, but be careful. Malow and Jean-Louis are coffee drinkers. And both say it's great for keeping you alert in the morning. But only drink it early in the day. "If you're having coffee at about 3, 4 or 5 p.m., that's just not good," Jean-Louis said, "because it can trigger a cascade of dysregulated sleep cycles, which influence your ability to get a good night's sleep."

– Don't use alcohol to help you fall asleep earlier. "That can actually interrupt your sleep in the middle of the night," Malow said.

– Limit screens. The blue light from screens is "kind of like being exposed to sunlight late at night," Malow said. So limit time looking at them, especially at bedtime. "Try reading a book or do something that doesn't involve that light. If you absolutely have to be on your computer or phone, use settings that help cut down on the light."

– Help the kids. Parents of small children know that time changes can be rough. But most of the advice for adults also works for kids, Malow said. "Try to get them to bed a little earlier the few days leading up to it," she said. And "pay attention to getting them out in the bright light as much as you can once we make the change so they can acclimate."

– Address persistent problems. If someone has a regular problem falling or staying asleep, or if they have signs of sleep apnea such as snoring or excessive sleepiness, "they really should get it checked out" by a doctor, Malow said. Sleep is important not only for feeling good, "but it can make a tremendous difference on our health, including our heart health."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646927248170.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL MERSCHEL American Heart AssociationIf you struggle with the switch to daylight saving time, you might feel enlightened to learn it's not just in your head. It involves an interplay between the clock, sunshine and your body at a cellular level.Planning ahead to shift clocks forward one hour, which happens this year on March 13, could ease the transition, say sleep experts, who see the time change as a serious health threat."We all lose an hour of sleep from time to time," said Dr. Beth Malow, director of the sleep division at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. But daylight saving time is more than that.For starters, "it's not just that one hour," Malow said. It can lead to more.High school students, for example, lost an average of 32 minutes of sleep on weeknights following the shift, for a net loss of 2 hours, 42 minutes that week, according to a small 2015 study in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513265/">Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine</a>.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.8780">American Academy of Sleep Medicine</a>, effects of the time change might last for months. Some of those effects appear serious."People are more prone to having some types of cardiovascular events because of the change in time," said Girardin Jean-Louis, director of the Center on Translational Sleep and Circadian Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida. Research shows the risks of having a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/3/404/htm">heart attack</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945716302222">stroke</a>&nbsp;and episodes of an irregular heartbeat called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945720300496">atrial fibrillation</a>&nbsp;can increase after the time change.The shift to daylight saving time differs from the jet lag that accompanies travel because of our biology, Malow said.Many of our organs have internal clocks, she said. A key signal for those body clocks, or circadian rhythms, is light. If you travel from Chicago to New York, you lose an hour, but a shift in the light cycle accompanies the change. When it's time to spring forward, you don't get that cue.Younger, healthier people may adjust more quickly, Jean-Louis said. But for older people, or those with medical conditions that affect their sleep, "it's a much, much harder task to try to get back to schedule."Although some defend daylight saving time for economic and other reasons, Jean-Louis and Malow, like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, said a fixed year-round time would be the healthiest approach. But, as Jean-Louis said, "that's not going to happen anytime soon."So, they offered this advice:– Take sleep seriously. Most adults need at least seven hours a night, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;says. Older and younger people may need more. Yet a third of U.S. adults are sleep-deprived,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0215-enough-sleep.html">CDC data show</a>. The shift to daylight saving time can exacerbate that, Malow said.– Make a gradual shift. Most people don't adjust until the day of the change, Jean-Louis said. But if you start a few days ahead, shifting bedtime by 20 minutes a day, "it's easier for you to get accustomed to the new clock."– Don't sleep in on Sunday. It's tempting, Malow acknowledged. "But really try to get up at your usual time and get exposed to light, because that bright light in the morning will help you wake up, and it will also help you fall asleep easier at night."– See the light. Jean-Louis also emphasizes light exposure in the morning. "You could wake up one hour early and take a walk facing east so that you have exposure to the sun as it rises." Again, starting a few days ahead of time is important, he said.– Coffee? OK, but be careful. Malow and Jean-Louis are coffee drinkers. And both say it's great for keeping you alert in the morning. But only drink it early in the day. "If you're having coffee at about 3, 4 or 5 p.m., that's just not good," Jean-Louis said, "because it can trigger a cascade of dysregulated sleep cycles, which influence your ability to get a good night's sleep."– Don't use alcohol to help you fall asleep earlier. "That can actually interrupt your sleep in the middle of the night," Malow said.– Limit screens. The blue light from screens is "kind of like being exposed to sunlight late at night," Malow said. So limit time looking at them, especially at bedtime. "Try reading a book or do something that doesn't involve that light. If you absolutely have to be on your computer or phone, use settings that help cut down on the light."– Help the kids. Parents of small children know that time changes can be rough. But most of the advice for adults also works for kids, Malow said. "Try to get them to bed a little earlier the few days leading up to it," she said. And "pay attention to getting them out in the bright light as much as you can once we make the change so they can acclimate."– Address persistent problems. If someone has a regular problem falling or staying asleep, or if they have signs of sleep apnea such as snoring or excessive sleepiness, "they really should get it checked out" by a doctor, Malow said. Sleep is important not only for feeling good, "but it can make a tremendous difference on our health, including our heart health."

Ready to 'spring forward'? Ease into time change with these health tips

An Alliance man has been sentenced to serve six to eight years in a Nebraska Department of Corrections Facility for a Class 2 Felony of 1st Degree Sexual Assault.

27-year-old Brandon Stites sentencing began on Feb. 23.

According to court documents, on March 1, 2018 and June 30, 2018 Stites sexually assaulted an under-age woman. 

Stities will be eligible for parole in three years.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostAn Alliance man has been sentenced to serve six to eight years in a Nebraska Department of Corrections Facility for a Class 2 Felony of 1st Degree Sexual Assault.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646955019411.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>27-year-old Brandon Stites sentencing began on Feb. 23.According to court documents, on March 1, 2018 and June 30, 2018 Stites sexually assaulted an under-age woman. Stities will be eligible for parole in three years.

Alliance man sentenced for sexual assault

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jury selection is set to begin Wednesday in the trial of U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska, who is accused of lying to federal authorities who were investigating an illegal donation to his campaign from a foreign national. 

U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld set the date in online court records posted earlier this week. 

Fortenberry’s trial had been set to begin Tuesday.

 The nine-term Republican has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that he intentionally misled investigators about his knowledge of the campaign donation. 

Attorneys are still scheduled to meet with the judge on Tuesday to discuss the case. 

The trial is predicted to last around four days. 

Fortenberry’s trial comes two months before Nebraska’s May 10 primary.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jury selection is set to begin Wednesday in the trial of U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska, who is accused of lying to federal authorities who were investigating an illegal donation to his campaign from a foreign national. U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld set the date in online court records posted earlier this week. Fortenberry’s trial had been set to begin Tuesday. The nine-term Republican has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that he intentionally misled investigators about his knowledge of the campaign donation. Attorneys are still scheduled to meet with the judge on Tuesday to discuss the case. The trial is predicted to last around four days. Fortenberry’s trial comes two months before Nebraska’s May 10 primary.

Jury selection in Rep. Fortenberry trial set for Wednesday

Alliance – Panhandle Tree Service will begin trimming trees for the City of Alliance along streets and alleys on Monday, March 14, weather permitting.

Trees will be trimmed for electric line, streetlight and refuse truck clearance. The project will begin on Box Butte Avenue going east to Flack, from 10th- 18th Street. This will be an ongoing project lasting well into the summer months.

For questions or concerns please contact Kirby Bridge at (308) 762-1907 or kbridge@cityofalliance.net.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Panhandle Tree Service will begin trimming trees for the City of Alliance along streets and alleys on Monday, March 14, weather permitting.Trees will be trimmed for electric line, streetlight and refuse truck clearance. The project will begin on Box Butte Avenue going east to Flack, from 10th- 18th Street. This will be an ongoing project lasting well into the summer months.For questions or concerns please contact Kirby Bridge at (308) 762-1907 or kbridge@cityofalliance.net.

City of Alliance to begin street, alley tree trimming

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/10/22

By Kerri Rempp, Discover Northwest Nebraska

Turn your expectations about Nebraska upside down. When you set your compass for Northwest Nebraska, you’ll do exactly that.

Here are five ways Northwest Nebraska will exceed your expectations.

1. Landscape: Northwest Nebraska isn’t the flat, cornfield-ridden landscape you envision. It’s towering buttes that provided an escape route for Cheyenne Indians breaking out of Fort Robinson in 1879. It’s the lunar-like surface of Toadstool Geologic Park, where you can turn back the clock 30 million years and view in-situ fossils of miniature horses, humpless camels, gigantic tortoises and more among toadstool-shaped rocks. It’s Sowbelly Canyon, cut through the buttes and hiding the perfect picnic, fishing and birdwatching spot at Coffee Park. It’s the soaring Ponderosa pine tree stands of the Nebraska National Forest and the sweeping expanse of the Oglala National Grasslands, all under a vast night sky filled with stars. Learn more about our Parks and Wildlands at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/parks-and-wildlands/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/parks-and-wildlands/</a>

2. Prehistoric Stops: Along what Northwest Nebraska dubs the Fossil Freeway (Highways 29, 20, 71), you’ll view fossils unlike any you’ve ever seen. At Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, the Devil’s Corkscrew fossils are rare spiral burrows that the Smithsonian Magazine has called “one of the most unusual fossils ever found.” Further along the Fossil Freeway, Trailside Museum is home to the premier Clash of the Mammoths exhibit, a display featuring bull mammoths that died with their tusks interlocked in combat. Hudson-Meng Bison Bone Bed and Toadstool Geologic Park are located in the far reaches of Northwest Nebraska. Hudson-Meng houses a mystery yet to be solved at one of the most important paleo-archeological discoveries in North America. Nearby is Toadstool Geologic Park with its 30 million years of fossil and geological history and unusual rock formations. Learn more about these and other attractions at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/attractions/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/attractions/</a>.

3. Arts and Culture: Northwest Nebraska’s newest attraction is nestled inside an old cistern south of Chadron State College. The Earth art Labyrinth was completed by area residents and college students in the midst of the pandemic and provides a quiet place for reflection. Chadron State College also offers a variety of musical and theater performances, as well as guest lectures throughout the academic year. And don’t forget a stop at Art Alley nestled in the heart of Chadron’s downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At Fort Robinson State Park, Post Playhouse is the region’s favorite live theater venue, showcasing five shows a season with actors from across the nation. Two art galleries in Crawford and Harrison give you the chance to take a piece of Northwest Nebraska home with you. Learn more about these and other attractions at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/attractions/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/attractions/</a>.

4. Wildlife: This might be where the buffalo roam and the deer and antelope play, but Northwest Nebraska is also home to elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, turkey and hundreds of species of birds, from bald eagles to Swainson’s thrushes and Cordilleran flycatchers. The region’s lakes and streams offer a plethora of fish, including five types of trout, northern pike, walleye, largemouth and rock bass, channel catfish and more. Learn more about the region’s parks, wildlands and wildlife management areas at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/parks-and-wildlands/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/parks-and-wildlands/</a>.

5. Unique Businesses: Northwest Nebraska also has several unique shopping opportunities to take advantage of during your stop. Take home authentic western wear, antiques, and locally-sourced honey. Enjoy coffee and atmosphere in our local coffee shops and stop for a nightcap at the local tap room or one of our bars. Explore our business partners at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/shop-nw-nebraska/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/shop-nw-nebraska/</a>

Start planning your trip to Northwest Nebraska today. Learn about our museums, monuments and historical markers at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/museums-and-markers/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/museums-and-markers/</a>. Discover unique events to attend at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/events/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/events/</a>, and follow our calendar of events at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/calendar-of-events-2/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/calendar-of-events-2/</a>. View our lodging, dining and transportation options at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/plan-your-trip/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/plan-your-trip/</a>. Explore our 2022 travel guide online or request a copy at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/plan-your-trip/nw-nebraska-travel-guide/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/plan-your-trip/nw-nebraska-travel-guide/</a>. You can also download the Discover Northwest Nebraska app at <a href="https://northwest-ne.yo.city/app/download">https://northwest-ne.yo.city/app/download</a> and have all the information at your fingertips.

This is Northwest Nebraska, and there’s No Better Direction.

By Kerri Rempp, Discover Northwest NebraskaTurn your expectations about Nebraska upside down. When you set your compass for Northwest Nebraska, you’ll do exactly that.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646931760272.jpeg" alt="High Plains Homestead features an 1880's village as well as lodging options in Northwest Nebraska.&nbsp;Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska" />
 <figcaption>High Plains Homestead features an 1880's village as well as lodging options in Northwest Nebraska.&nbsp;Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska</figcaption>
 </figure>Here are five ways Northwest Nebraska will exceed your expectations.1. Landscape: Northwest Nebraska isn’t the flat, cornfield-ridden landscape you envision. It’s towering buttes that provided an escape route for Cheyenne Indians breaking out of Fort Robinson in 1879. It’s the lunar-like surface of Toadstool Geologic Park, where you can turn back the clock 30 million years and view in-situ fossils of miniature horses, humpless camels, gigantic tortoises and more among toadstool-shaped rocks. It’s Sowbelly Canyon, cut through the buttes and hiding the perfect picnic, fishing and birdwatching spot at Coffee Park. It’s the soaring Ponderosa pine tree stands of the Nebraska National Forest and the sweeping expanse of the Oglala National Grasslands, all under a vast night sky filled with stars. Learn more about our Parks and Wildlands at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/parks-and-wildlands/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/parks-and-wildlands/</a>2. Prehistoric Stops: Along what Northwest Nebraska dubs the Fossil Freeway (Highways 29, 20, 71), you’ll view fossils unlike any you’ve ever seen. At Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, the Devil’s Corkscrew fossils are rare spiral burrows that the Smithsonian Magazine has called “one of the most unusual fossils ever found.” Further along the Fossil Freeway, Trailside Museum is home to the premier Clash of the Mammoths exhibit, a display featuring bull mammoths that died with their tusks interlocked in combat. Hudson-Meng Bison Bone Bed and Toadstool Geologic Park are located in the far reaches of Northwest Nebraska. Hudson-Meng houses a mystery yet to be solved at one of the most important paleo-archeological discoveries in North America. Nearby is Toadstool Geologic Park with its 30 million years of fossil and geological history and unusual rock formations. Learn more about these and other attractions at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/attractions/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/attractions/</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646931921076.jpeg" alt="Chadron's Art Alley features several murals in the alley directly west of Main Street, and this mural on the corner of Second and Morehead at The Chadron Record.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Kerri Rempp/Discover Northwest Nebraska" />
 <figcaption>Chadron's Art Alley features several murals in the alley directly west of Main Street, and this mural on the corner of Second and Morehead at The Chadron Record.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Kerri Rempp/Discover Northwest Nebraska</figcaption>
 </figure>3. Arts and Culture: Northwest Nebraska’s newest attraction is nestled inside an old cistern south of Chadron State College. The Earth art Labyrinth was completed by area residents and college students in the midst of the pandemic and provides a quiet place for reflection. Chadron State College also offers a variety of musical and theater performances, as well as guest lectures throughout the academic year. And don’t forget a stop at Art Alley nestled in the heart of Chadron’s downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At Fort Robinson State Park, Post Playhouse is the region’s favorite live theater venue, showcasing five shows a season with actors from across the nation. Two art galleries in Crawford and Harrison give you the chance to take a piece of Northwest Nebraska home with you. Learn more about these and other attractions at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/attractions/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/attractions/</a>.4. Wildlife: This might be where the buffalo roam and the deer and antelope play, but Northwest Nebraska is also home to elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, turkey and hundreds of species of birds, from bald eagles to Swainson’s thrushes and Cordilleran flycatchers. The region’s lakes and streams offer a plethora of fish, including five types of trout, northern pike, walleye, largemouth and rock bass, channel catfish and more. Learn more about the region’s parks, wildlands and wildlife management areas at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/parks-and-wildlands/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/parks-and-wildlands/</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646931845808.jpeg" alt="Northwest Nebraska is a unique part of the state, featuring towering buttes, sweeping grasslands and remote badlands. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Nebraska is a unique part of the state, featuring towering buttes, sweeping grasslands and remote badlands. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska</figcaption>
 </figure>5. Unique Businesses: Northwest Nebraska also has several unique shopping opportunities to take advantage of during your stop. Take home authentic western wear, antiques, and locally-sourced honey. Enjoy coffee and atmosphere in our local coffee shops and stop for a nightcap at the local tap room or one of our bars. Explore our business partners at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/shop-nw-nebraska/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/shop-nw-nebraska/</a>Start planning your trip to Northwest Nebraska today. Learn about our museums, monuments and historical markers at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/museums-and-markers/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/museums-and-markers/</a>. Discover unique events to attend at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/events/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/events/</a>, and follow our calendar of events at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/calendar-of-events-2/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/calendar-of-events-2/</a>. View our lodging, dining and transportation options at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/plan-your-trip/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/plan-your-trip/</a>. Explore our 2022 travel guide online or request a copy at <a href="http://discovernwnebraska.com/plan-your-trip/nw-nebraska-travel-guide/">http://discovernwnebraska.com/plan-your-trip/nw-nebraska-travel-guide/</a>. You can also download the Discover Northwest Nebraska app at <a href="https://northwest-ne.yo.city/app/download">https://northwest-ne.yo.city/app/download</a> and have all the information at your fingertips.This is Northwest Nebraska, and there’s No Better Direction.

Discover the unexpected, discover northwest Nebraska 

By Cindy Randall, Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;

The final event of the Alliance Arts Council’s 2021-2022 season will be on Saturday, March 12. The Gulizia Brothers were originally scheduled to perform on this date but have had to cancel due to ill health.

Paul Siebert is a singer/songwriter from Lincoln, NE and excels in various instruments including the Hammer Dulcimer, guitar, banjo, and button accordion. For over 30 years Paul’s quality blend of live family entertainment has delighted thousands with his unique style and vast repertoire of popular American music. His wide range of material includes any American popular tune covering all genres of folk, classical, rock and roll, folk rock, and country. Some of the songs Paul sings are 50’s and 60’s country favorites of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Roger Miller, Country Gospel, 40’s and 50’s Western Cowboy tunes from Roy Rogers, The Sons of the Pioneers and Gene Autry, 60’s and 70’s favorites from John Denver, James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel, 80’s and 90’s rock and roll to classical greats like Bach, Beethoven and Pachabelle.

The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this arts event through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.artscouncilnebraska.gov for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization.

Siebert’s concert will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for Adult, $9 for Senior and $5 for Students. Advance tickets can be purchased at Redman’s Shoes and The Carnegie Arts Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Thank you to the business co-presenters that are helping with this event, FNBO, FNIC, KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, Harris Sales and Western Nebraska Real Estate.

By Cindy Randall, Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;The final event of the Alliance Arts Council’s 2021-2022 season will be on Saturday, March 12. The Gulizia Brothers were originally scheduled to perform on this date but have had to cancel due to ill health.Paul Siebert is a singer/songwriter from Lincoln, NE and excels in various instruments including the Hammer Dulcimer, guitar, banjo, and button accordion. For over 30 years Paul’s quality blend of live family entertainment has delighted thousands with his unique style and vast repertoire of popular American music. His wide range of material includes any American popular tune covering all genres of folk, classical, rock and roll, folk rock, and country. Some of the songs Paul sings are 50’s and 60’s country favorites of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Roger Miller, Country Gospel, 40’s and 50’s Western Cowboy tunes from Roy Rogers, The Sons of the Pioneers and Gene Autry, 60’s and 70’s favorites from John Denver, James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel, 80’s and 90’s rock and roll to classical greats like Bach, Beethoven and Pachabelle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646927786457.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this arts event through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.artscouncilnebraska.gov for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization.Siebert’s concert will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for Adult, $9 for Senior and $5 for Students. Advance tickets can be purchased at Redman’s Shoes and The Carnegie Arts Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door.Thank you to the business co-presenters that are helping with this event, FNBO, FNIC, KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, Harris Sales and Western Nebraska Real Estate.

Alliance Arts Council to host musician Paul Siebert

By ASIA GRAHAM and TENA L. COOK, CSC&nbsp;

CHADRON – Chadron State College will host its 10th annual The Big Event Saturday, April 9. Both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/thebigevent/jobsite/index.csc" target="_blank">worksite applications</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/thebigevent/volunteerapp/index.csc" target="_blank">volunteer applications</a>&nbsp;opened March 1 and will close April 1. To receive lunch and T-shirts, volunteers must sign up by March 21.

Dr. Shaunda French-Collins, faculty adviser for The Big Event, said The Big Event alumni are being invited to a recognition dinner April 8 at 6 p.m. in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Chicoine Atrium. She asks that any CSC alumni who served on The Big Event staff in the past and did not receive an invitation email her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sfrench@csc.edu" target="_blank">sfrench@csc.edu</a>.

Sam Parker, associate director of Housing and Residence Life, was a student when The Big Event started in the fall of 2012. He said French-Collins intended to transform the class project he participated in into reality.

“It is encouraging to see the event grow from obscurity to a CSC tradition. The campus seems to have embraced The Big Event,” Parker said.

Parker acknowledges the enormity of the one-day event.

“Our team would breathe a sigh of relief at around 5 p.m. each Saturday afternoon, having coordinated registration, feeding, distribution, and care for 300-400 volunteers over dozens of locations. I must say in that role, visiting sites and seeing the smiles on both the faces of the volunteers and those receiving help was incredibly encouraging to see,” said Parker, who has served as a group leader and volunteer in recent years.

French-Collins said The Big Event wouldn’t be where it is today without Parker’s leadership.

“A lot of students used to say, ‘Sam Parker is The Big Event.’ He presented in Texas and at the American Advertising Federation in Rapid City about The Big Event. He really pitched in and got buy-in from Athletics,” she said.

Alyssa Sanders, coordinator with the Nebraska State Emergency Response Commission said The Big Event set her on the path of pursuing a career in public service.

“After graduation from CSC, I went on to become a deputy state fire marshal and then transferred into my current role as a state emergency manager. To me, The Big Event was more than a single afternoon of volunteer work. It was insight into what a lifestyle of working for the greater good can be like,” Sanders said.

Janessa Carley, third-year The Big Event staff member, said she’s learned a lot as a volunteer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The best part of working on the TBE staff is getting to work with a variety of people to achieve the same goal: Saying thank you to the community of Chadron. One of my favorite moments is seeing the gratitude on the community members’ faces when the students arrive at their business or home. Seeing those smiles reminds me why it is so important to me to give back,” Carley said.

By ASIA GRAHAM and TENA L. COOK, CSC&nbsp;CHADRON – Chadron State College will host its 10th annual The Big Event Saturday, April 9. Both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/thebigevent/jobsite/index.csc" target="_blank">worksite applications</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/thebigevent/volunteerapp/index.csc" target="_blank">volunteer applications</a>&nbsp;opened March 1 and will close April 1. To receive lunch and T-shirts, volunteers must sign up by March 21.Dr. Shaunda French-Collins, faculty adviser for The Big Event, said The Big Event alumni are being invited to a recognition dinner April 8 at 6 p.m. in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Chicoine Atrium. She asks that any CSC alumni who served on The Big Event staff in the past and did not receive an invitation email her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sfrench@csc.edu" target="_blank">sfrench@csc.edu</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646926978492.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sam Parker, associate director of Housing and Residence Life, was a student when The Big Event started in the fall of 2012. He said French-Collins intended to transform the class project he participated in into reality.“It is encouraging to see the event grow from obscurity to a CSC tradition. The campus seems to have embraced The Big Event,” Parker said.Parker acknowledges the enormity of the one-day event.“Our team would breathe a sigh of relief at around 5 p.m. each Saturday afternoon, having coordinated registration, feeding, distribution, and care for 300-400 volunteers over dozens of locations. I must say in that role, visiting sites and seeing the smiles on both the faces of the volunteers and those receiving help was incredibly encouraging to see,” said Parker, who has served as a group leader and volunteer in recent years.French-Collins said The Big Event wouldn’t be where it is today without Parker’s leadership.“A lot of students used to say, ‘Sam Parker is The Big Event.’ He presented in Texas and at the American Advertising Federation in Rapid City about The Big Event. He really pitched in and got buy-in from Athletics,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646927052668.jpeg" alt="The Big Event staff poses for a photo before registration, Saturday, April 13, 2019, in the Chicoine Center. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>The Big Event staff poses for a photo before registration, Saturday, April 13, 2019, in the Chicoine Center. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Alyssa Sanders, coordinator with the Nebraska State Emergency Response Commission said The Big Event set her on the path of pursuing a career in public service.“After graduation from CSC, I went on to become a deputy state fire marshal and then transferred into my current role as a state emergency manager. To me, The Big Event was more than a single afternoon of volunteer work. It was insight into what a lifestyle of working for the greater good can be like,” Sanders said.Janessa Carley, third-year The Big Event staff member, said she’s learned a lot as a volunteer.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The best part of working on the TBE staff is getting to work with a variety of people to achieve the same goal: Saying thank you to the community of Chadron. One of my favorite moments is seeing the gratitude on the community members’ faces when the students arrive at their business or home. Seeing those smiles reminds me why it is so important to me to give back,” Carley said.

The Big Event celebrates its 10th anniversary in Chadron

Alliance – The Alliance Senior Center will be serving Corn Beef &amp; Cabbage on St. Patty’s Day, Thursday, March 17. 

If you would like to attend the St. Patty’s Day lunch, please RSVP by Monday, March 14 at 12:00 p.m. by calling Angie at (308) 762-1293.

For more information, call the Senior Center at (308) 762-1293.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Senior Center will be serving Corn Beef &amp; Cabbage on St. Patty’s Day, Thursday, March 17. If you would like to attend the St. Patty’s Day lunch, please RSVP by Monday, March 14 at 12:00 p.m. by calling Angie at (308) 762-1293.For more information, call the Senior Center at (308) 762-1293.

St. Patty’s Day lunch to be held at Alliance Senior Center

CHADRON – The first segment of the Spring Graves Lecture Series will be Tuesday featuring Dr. Tawny Tibbits, assistant professor in Mathematical and Natural Sciences.

All Graves Lecture presentations are in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Chicoine Atrium at 7 p.m. Attendance is free.

Tibbits will discuss her research of Maya archeology in Belize. She will explain how granite played a role in the average Maya household and how the technology of a handheld x-ray florescence unit is changing understanding of production and exchange of stone tools.

Tibbits earned her doctorate in Geoscience from the University of Iowa and joined the CSC faculty in Fall 2019. In addition to her responsibilities at CSC, Tibbits is working with other scientists in Belize and Bolivia as a geo-archeologist.

Two other Graves Lectures will occur in March and April.

On March 29, Joanne Hayes will discuss How I Got Here. Hayes is an assistant professor of Education. Hayes was raised in a small town in California, but moved frequently because her father was in the military. She has lived in numerous states, as well as in England and Ireland. Throughout many moves, Hayes continued to further her education and along the way discovered her passion for teaching.

Hayes earned a bachelor’s from Northeastern University, a master’s from Cambridge College, a master’s from the University of Texas, and is pursuing a doctorate in Education.

Dr. Margaret Crouse will wrap up the series April 12. Crouse will relate her pilgrimage to Israel with a group from Chadron’s St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She will share sites she visited, including Tiberius, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, the River of Jordan, and Masada.

Crouse is a retired CSC faculty member and Emeritus Dean. During her tenure at CSC, she served as a professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences program, a dean in two academic schools, and was an active participant in the Higher Learning Commission Accreditation process. She has published extensively and has received numerous teaching and leadership awards. Crouse earned a doctorate from Oklahoma State University, a master’s from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s from Kansas State University.

For more information about the Graves Lecture Series, contact Shawn Hartman at 308-432-6271 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shartman@cs.edu" target="_blank">shartman@cs.edu</a>

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – The first segment of the Spring Graves Lecture Series will be Tuesday featuring Dr. Tawny Tibbits, assistant professor in Mathematical and Natural Sciences.All Graves Lecture presentations are in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Chicoine Atrium at 7 p.m. Attendance is free.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646870170589.jpeg" alt="Tawny Tibbits" />
 <figcaption>Tawny Tibbits</figcaption>
 </figure>Tibbits will discuss her research of Maya archeology in Belize. She will explain how granite played a role in the average Maya household and how the technology of a handheld x-ray florescence unit is changing understanding of production and exchange of stone tools.Tibbits earned her doctorate in Geoscience from the University of Iowa and joined the CSC faculty in Fall 2019. In addition to her responsibilities at CSC, Tibbits is working with other scientists in Belize and Bolivia as a geo-archeologist.Two other Graves Lectures will occur in March and April.On March 29, Joanne Hayes will discuss How I Got Here. Hayes is an assistant professor of Education. Hayes was raised in a small town in California, but moved frequently because her father was in the military. She has lived in numerous states, as well as in England and Ireland. Throughout many moves, Hayes continued to further her education and along the way discovered her passion for teaching.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646870205566.jpeg" alt="Joanne Hayes" />
 <figcaption>Joanne Hayes</figcaption>
 </figure>Hayes earned a bachelor’s from Northeastern University, a master’s from Cambridge College, a master’s from the University of Texas, and is pursuing a doctorate in Education.Dr. Margaret Crouse will wrap up the series April 12. Crouse will relate her pilgrimage to Israel with a group from Chadron’s St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She will share sites she visited, including Tiberius, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, the River of Jordan, and Masada.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646870081272.jpeg" alt="Margaret&nbsp;Crouse " />
 <figcaption>Margaret&nbsp;Crouse </figcaption>
 </figure>Crouse is a retired CSC faculty member and Emeritus Dean. During her tenure at CSC, she served as a professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences program, a dean in two academic schools, and was an active participant in the Higher Learning Commission Accreditation process. She has published extensively and has received numerous teaching and leadership awards. Crouse earned a doctorate from Oklahoma State University, a master’s from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s from Kansas State University.For more information about the Graves Lecture Series, contact Shawn Hartman at 308-432-6271 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shartman@cs.edu" target="_blank">shartman@cs.edu</a>

Local