By United States Attorney's Office

United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 14 unsealed Indictments charging 17 defendants.

 Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tyler Denby, age 36, of Alliance, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Denby with transport of child pornography on or about July 30, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $40,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;

Count II charges Denby with possession of child pornography on or about July 30, 2021.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $22,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; &nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Matthew Carlson, age 38, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Carlson with receipt of child pornography with priors between on or about March 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about November 23, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $35,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Carlson with possession of child pornography with priors between on or about November 23, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $17,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cynthia Diane Steele Gilchrist, age 47, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about April 14, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about April 14, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Darrian Grant, age 24, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender on or about December 19, 2021 and continuing to on or about February 11, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jean Ferrer Leyva-Pazos, age 19, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about February 23, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Juan Lorenzo-Felipe, age 25, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Denis Perez Koh, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 9, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Quincy Louis, a/k/a Quincy LaRue Louis, age 25,&nbsp;D’Juan Beverly, Jr.,&nbsp;age 23,&nbsp;Adrionna La’Sha Leeper,&nbsp;age 22, and&nbsp;Faye-Lynne Hardesty,&nbsp;age 19, are charged in a thirty-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Louis, Beverly, Leeper, and Hardesty with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery beginning on or about February 24, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts II, III, V, VII, IX, XI, XIII, XV, XVII, XVIX XXIII, XXV, XXVII, XXIX charge the defendants with specific robberies beginning on or about February 24, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts IV, VI, VIII, X, XII, XIV, XVI, XVIII, XX, XXII, XXIV, XXVIII charge the defendants with brandishing a firearm during specific robberies on or about February 25, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts XXVI and XXX charge the defendants with discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Each firearms count must run consecutive to other counts.

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wesly Preister, age 52, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about January 11, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, an eight-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rudy Ortega Raymundo, age 34, of Lexington, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 3, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Darell C. Richards, age 32, is charged with escape from custody on or about February 19, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Russell L. Rucks, Jr.,&nbsp;age 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp;Count I charges Rucks with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about April 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Rucks with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jose Ramiro Segovia-Garcia, age 30, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony on or about March 9, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Joshua Sund, age 41, is charged in a five-count Indictment.&nbsp; Counts I - V charge Sund with production of child pornography between on or about September 17, 2018 and continuing to on or about January 9, 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and not more than 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $55,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;

By United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 14 unsealed Indictments charging 17 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tyler Denby, age 36, of Alliance, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Denby with transport of child pornography on or about July 30, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $40,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Denby with possession of child pornography on or about July 30, 2021.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $22,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; &nbsp;The other indictments are below:*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Matthew Carlson, age 38, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Carlson with receipt of child pornography with priors between on or about March 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about November 23, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $35,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Carlson with possession of child pornography with priors between on or about November 23, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $17,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cynthia Diane Steele Gilchrist, age 47, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about April 14, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about April 14, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Darrian Grant, age 24, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender on or about December 19, 2021 and continuing to on or about February 11, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jean Ferrer Leyva-Pazos, age 19, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about February 23, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Juan Lorenzo-Felipe, age 25, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Denis Perez Koh, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 9, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Quincy Louis, a/k/a Quincy LaRue Louis, age 25,&nbsp;D’Juan Beverly, Jr.,&nbsp;age 23,&nbsp;Adrionna La’Sha Leeper,&nbsp;age 22, and&nbsp;Faye-Lynne Hardesty,&nbsp;age 19, are charged in a thirty-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Louis, Beverly, Leeper, and Hardesty with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery beginning on or about February 24, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts II, III, V, VII, IX, XI, XIII, XV, XVII, XVIX XXIII, XXV, XXVII, XXIX charge the defendants with specific robberies beginning on or about February 24, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts IV, VI, VIII, X, XII, XIV, XVI, XVIII, XX, XXII, XXIV, XXVIII charge the defendants with brandishing a firearm during specific robberies on or about February 25, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts XXVI and XXX charge the defendants with discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Each firearms count must run consecutive to other counts.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wesly Preister, age 52, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about January 11, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, an eight-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rudy Ortega Raymundo, age 34, of Lexington, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 3, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Darell C. Richards, age 32, is charged with escape from custody on or about February 19, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Russell L. Rucks, Jr.,&nbsp;age 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp;Count I charges Rucks with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about April 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Rucks with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jose Ramiro Segovia-Garcia, age 30, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony on or about March 9, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Joshua Sund, age 41, is charged in a five-count Indictment.&nbsp; Counts I - V charge Sund with production of child pornography between on or about September 17, 2018 and continuing to on or about January 9, 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and not more than 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $55,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;

Alliance man charged with possession of child pornography

Governor Pete Ricketts, in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff to honor former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Albright served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1993 to 1997 and as Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001.&nbsp; She passed away earlier today according to a statement issued by her family.

Flags will be lowered to half-staff immediately and return to full staff at sunset on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

The proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmcusercontent.com%2Ff620288bb41dd81f9c715ef4d%2Ffiles%2F6c5317fa-3f12-6a98-633c-f4d146adb908%2FDEATH_OF_MADELEINE_KORBEL_ALBRIGHT.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cbf4a9fa5d27f4d23f28f08da0d2a2cd3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637836772048613742%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=QY1NcXWavKpz7X8KPXsXkHUcVPoDhBU%2BpO0fZGe1rPI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648062507079.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Governor RickettsGovernor Pete Ricketts, in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff to honor former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.Albright served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1993 to 1997 and as Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001.&nbsp; She passed away earlier today according to a statement issued by her family.Flags will be lowered to half-staff immediately and return to full staff at sunset on Sunday, March 27, 2022.The proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmcusercontent.com%2Ff620288bb41dd81f9c715ef4d%2Ffiles%2F6c5317fa-3f12-6a98-633c-f4d146adb908%2FDEATH_OF_MADELEINE_KORBEL_ALBRIGHT.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cbf4a9fa5d27f4d23f28f08da0d2a2cd3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637836772048613742%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=QY1NcXWavKpz7X8KPXsXkHUcVPoDhBU%2BpO0fZGe1rPI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

Flags in Nebraska to be lowered in honor of former Sec. of State Albright

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would force Gov. Pete Ricketts to apply for $120 million in federal housing assistance for Nebraska won final approval from lawmakers, but still faces some big hurdles. 

Lawmakers passed the measure through a third and final vote, 26-15.

 Eight state senators abstained from voting. 

Ricketts has strongly objected to the measure, and overriding his veto would require votes from at least 30 lawmakers. 

The Republican governor has argued that Nebraska has the nation’s lowest unemployment rate, and the state only used about 40% of the rental assistance money that came in an earlier round of federal funding.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would force Gov. Pete Ricketts to apply for $120 million in federal housing assistance for Nebraska won final approval from lawmakers, but still faces some big hurdles. Lawmakers passed the measure through a third and final vote, 26-15. Eight state senators abstained from voting. Ricketts has strongly objected to the measure, and overriding his veto would require votes from at least 30 lawmakers. The Republican governor has argued that Nebraska has the nation’s lowest unemployment rate, and the state only used about 40% of the rental assistance money that came in an earlier round of federal funding.

Nebraska rental aid bill passes, still faces big hurdles

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/23/22

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

In our Bridges Out of Poverty classes, we have learned that each economic class has its own set of skills and knowledge. Most people believe they are in the middle class, even if they are on welfare or if they are wealthy.

What do we mean by skills and knowledge? The Bridges Out of Poverty book has checklists for each class. Read the following lists and think about which things you know.

Poverty: how to tell stories, how to trade and barter, where the thrift stores are, when they have “bag day”, when churches have rummage sales, how to physically fight, how to live without a checking account, how to live without electricity, how to use a knife as multiple tools, problems to look for in a used car, how to get by without a car, how to get a gun, how to bail someone out of jail, how to move in half a day, how to use EBT (food stamp) cards, where to get free medical care, what to do when there isn’t enough money to pay bills.

Middle Class: how to set up checking and savings accounts, how to use a credit or debit card, how to understand different kinds of insurance and which to buy, the difference between principal, interest and escrow in a house payment, how to order and eat in a nice restaurant, how to set a table properly and use table manners, which clothing brands to buy, how to use tools and when to hire someone for repairs, how to decorate for different holidays, how to help children with homework, how to get kids into sports, music lessons, or summer camps.

Wealth: how to read corporate financial statements, how to invest, why to regularly visit a financial advisor and attorney, how to connect with legislators and members of Congress, how to set up two or three screens to keep people away, how to ensure confidentiality from domestic staff, how to host parties that key people attend. Wealthy people have at least two homes that are staffed, fly in their own or the company plane, have favorite restaurants in different countries and can order in at least three languages, hire people to design and decorate for holidays, serve on corporate or charitable boards, and have their children attend elite private schools and colleges.

There is no difference in intelligence among members of the different economic classes. People have different approaches to life because of the hidden rules and attitudes they were raised with.

Most Americans are in the middle class and our schools and agencies function with middle class rules; we assume everyone knows the same things we do. One of the lessons of Bridges Out of Poverty is that we should not devalue the skills of those in poverty, but we should do a better job of teaching the middle-class skills they might need.

On June 9, the Alliance Poverty Task Force will host a Bridges Out of Poverty program, the Community Lens. We will look at how the economic insecurity of low-wage workers and the

middle class is causing damage, and how to make our community more sustainable. Our goal is to improve the lives of low-wage workers and those in poverty, to make Box Butte County an area where everyone can do well.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceIn our Bridges Out of Poverty classes, we have learned that each economic class has its own set of skills and knowledge. Most people believe they are in the middle class, even if they are on welfare or if they are wealthy.What do we mean by skills and knowledge? The Bridges Out of Poverty book has checklists for each class. Read the following lists and think about which things you know.Poverty: how to tell stories, how to trade and barter, where the thrift stores are, when they have “bag day”, when churches have rummage sales, how to physically fight, how to live without a checking account, how to live without electricity, how to use a knife as multiple tools, problems to look for in a used car, how to get by without a car, how to get a gun, how to bail someone out of jail, how to move in half a day, how to use EBT (food stamp) cards, where to get free medical care, what to do when there isn’t enough money to pay bills.Middle Class: how to set up checking and savings accounts, how to use a credit or debit card, how to understand different kinds of insurance and which to buy, the difference between principal, interest and escrow in a house payment, how to order and eat in a nice restaurant, how to set a table properly and use table manners, which clothing brands to buy, how to use tools and when to hire someone for repairs, how to decorate for different holidays, how to help children with homework, how to get kids into sports, music lessons, or summer camps.Wealth: how to read corporate financial statements, how to invest, why to regularly visit a financial advisor and attorney, how to connect with legislators and members of Congress, how to set up two or three screens to keep people away, how to ensure confidentiality from domestic staff, how to host parties that key people attend. Wealthy people have at least two homes that are staffed, fly in their own or the company plane, have favorite restaurants in different countries and can order in at least three languages, hire people to design and decorate for holidays, serve on corporate or charitable boards, and have their children attend elite private schools and colleges.There is no difference in intelligence among members of the different economic classes. People have different approaches to life because of the hidden rules and attitudes they were raised with.Most Americans are in the middle class and our schools and agencies function with middle class rules; we assume everyone knows the same things we do. One of the lessons of Bridges Out of Poverty is that we should not devalue the skills of those in poverty, but we should do a better job of teaching the middle-class skills they might need.On June 9, the Alliance Poverty Task Force will host a Bridges Out of Poverty program, the Community Lens. We will look at how the economic insecurity of low-wage workers and themiddle class is causing damage, and how to make our community more sustainable. Our goal is to improve the lives of low-wage workers and those in poverty, to make Box Butte County an area where everyone can do well.

Poverty In Our Area: Skill sets of economic classes

POST PODCAST: Alliance Public Schools Foundation

Scottsbluff police officers were called to the 1900 block of 6th Avenue at approximately 7:15 p.m. on March 22 for reports of shots being fired.

 Officers identified a residence that had been shot several times in the alley between 6th &amp; 7th Avenue. 

Police made contact with witnesses that indicated a disturbance occurred in the alley just prior to five or six shots being fired.

A vehicle was also described as having been seen in the area at the time of the disturbance. The driver called the police.

"This male had fled the area and called from a different location within the City of Scottsbluff," Scottsbluff Police Captain Brian E. Wasson said. "This adult male indicated he was in the area waiting for the resident of the home that had been shot into when two subjects approached him and started shooting. The vehicle had also been shot into several times."

The investigation has led investigators to seek information about two subjects seen in the area just prior to and immediately following the shooting. 

"The individuals were described as white males in their late teens to mid-twenties," Wasson said. "One male was tall, wearing a dark hoodie and the other was shorter with a gray hoodie. The males were wearing hoodies and were both possibly armed with handguns. Investigators are working to collect video evidence from the area that may be released to assist in their identification."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (308) 632-STOP (7867) or the Scottsbluff Police Department at (308) 436-5088.

The Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this investigation.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostScottsbluff police officers were called to the 1900 block of 6th Avenue at approximately 7:15 p.m. on March 22 for reports of shots being fired. Officers identified a residence that had been shot several times in the alley between 6th &amp; 7th Avenue. Police made contact with witnesses that indicated a disturbance occurred in the alley just prior to five or six shots being fired.A vehicle was also described as having been seen in the area at the time of the disturbance. The driver called the police."This male had fled the area and called from a different location within the City of Scottsbluff," Scottsbluff Police Captain Brian E. Wasson said. "This adult male indicated he was in the area waiting for the resident of the home that had been shot into when two subjects approached him and started shooting. The vehicle had also been shot into several times."The investigation has led investigators to seek information about two subjects seen in the area just prior to and immediately following the shooting. "The individuals were described as white males in their late teens to mid-twenties," Wasson said. "One male was tall, wearing a dark hoodie and the other was shorter with a gray hoodie. The males were wearing hoodies and were both possibly armed with handguns. Investigators are working to collect video evidence from the area that may be released to assist in their identification."Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (308) 632-STOP (7867) or the Scottsbluff Police Department at (308) 436-5088.The Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this investigation.

Scottsbluff police investigate after shots fired 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have taken an initial step toward repealing a state law that bars people with certain drug convictions from getting federal food assistance.

 Lawmakers gave the measure first-round approval on a 25-17 vote. 

Two additional votes are required before it goes to Gov. Pete Ricketts. Sen. Megan Hunt, of Omaha, says the lifetime ban makes no sense for people who committed their crimes decades ago, and she notes that it doesn’t apply to other serious crimes.

 Nebraska currently denies federal food benefits to low-income residents who have been convicted of at least three drug-possession felonies and those who have been found guilty of selling or distributing illegal drugs.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have taken an initial step toward repealing a state law that bars people with certain drug convictions from getting federal food assistance. Lawmakers gave the measure first-round approval on a 25-17 vote. Two additional votes are required before it goes to Gov. Pete Ricketts. Sen. Megan Hunt, of Omaha, says the lifetime ban makes no sense for people who committed their crimes decades ago, and she notes that it doesn’t apply to other serious crimes. Nebraska currently denies federal food benefits to low-income residents who have been convicted of at least three drug-possession felonies and those who have been found guilty of selling or distributing illegal drugs.

Nebraska advances bill to lift SNAP ban for drug offenders

For decades, the abortion industry has pushed the mantra that abortion is a human right.&nbsp; They’ve tried their best to normalize a culture of death, where the most vulnerable among us have fallen victim to the lie that one person’s so-called right to privacy trumps the right of another to live. &nbsp;The infamous Supreme Court decision on&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;gave false credibility to their movement.&nbsp; But in less than four months, the Supreme Court could finally overturn&nbsp;Roe v. Wade.&nbsp;

There’s never been a more exciting time to be pro-life.

The Supreme Court’s ruling could return the ability to regulate abortion to the states.&nbsp; If they do, Nebraska must be ready to protect the unborn.&nbsp; This week, our Legislature is considering pro-life legislation that will take effect the moment&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;is undone.&nbsp;

Senator Joni Albrecht has introduced LB 933, the Human Life Protection Act, which would ban abortion in Nebraska immediately after&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;is overturned.&nbsp; Many in our Legislature have recognized its importance.&nbsp; Speaker Mike Hilgers has made it his priority bill, and over 20 additional senators have added their names to LB 933 to show their full support of it.&nbsp; Even so, liberals on the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee (Senators Lathrop, DeBoer, McKinney, Morfeld, and Pansing Brooks) are blocking this bill from being debated on the floor.&nbsp; Liberal state senators unsuccessfully tried the same tactic two years ago, in an attempt to stop Senator Suzanne Geist’s bill to ban the brutal practice of dismemberment abortion (LB 814).&nbsp;

Thankfully, the Nebraska Unicameral has a procedure senators can use to bring a bill to the floor, even when a committee is being uncooperative.&nbsp; It’s called a “pull motion.” &nbsp;The move serves as a check to ensure the will of the people doesn’t fall victim to a minority of legislators.&nbsp; A simple majority vote of the Legislature bypasses the committee vote that’s traditionally needed to move a bill to the floor.&nbsp; There’s past precedent for using a pull motion to pass strong pro-life legislation.&nbsp; In 2020, Senator Geist successfully used a pull motion to bring LB 814 out of committee for debate.&nbsp; That bill eventually passed by a wide margin, and I signed it into law.

This Friday, on the International Day of the Unborn Child, Senator Albrecht will seek to use the pull motion to overcome the Judiciary Committee’s obstruction.&nbsp; Senators will have the historic opportunity to extend protections to every preborn girl and boy in Nebraska.&nbsp; I encourage the Legislature to get LB 933 to my desk this session so that Nebraska can uphold the right to life.&nbsp;

Nebraska is a pro-life state.&nbsp; Our citizens have repeatedly elected representatives who have enacted pro-life laws.&nbsp; Nebraskans support expectant mothers and young parents.&nbsp; They give generously to families in need. &nbsp;They volunteer at crisis pregnancy centers.&nbsp; Despite freezing cold, thousands of Nebraskans take part in the annual Walk for Life every January.&nbsp; They form Life Chains and hold prayer vigils.&nbsp; They display their pro-life convictions on license plates, billboards, and yard signs.&nbsp; In word and deed, Nebraskans are champions for life.&nbsp;

Senators can carry on this tradition in 2022.&nbsp; In addition to LB 933, there are two other pro-life bills in the Legislature this year.&nbsp;

In the coming days and weeks, senators will decide the fate of these bills.&nbsp; The stakes couldn’t possibly be higher.&nbsp; I encourage you to contact your state senator to urge them to protect the unborn.&nbsp; You can find their contact information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C53221be6a0c0406a63f408da0c2311ab%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637835642054542131%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=RN61HKfva6nu%2B0JLJ4x7%2BqhWvlU%2FhTf%2FNHD860GUwD4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>.&nbsp;

If you have questions about my support of pro-life legislation, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; As Nebraskans, we must do our part to protect every preborn girl and boy.

By Gov. Pete RickettsFor decades, the abortion industry has pushed the mantra that abortion is a human right.&nbsp; They’ve tried their best to normalize a culture of death, where the most vulnerable among us have fallen victim to the lie that one person’s so-called right to privacy trumps the right of another to live. &nbsp;The infamous Supreme Court decision on&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;gave false credibility to their movement.&nbsp; But in less than four months, the Supreme Court could finally overturn&nbsp;Roe v. Wade.&nbsp;There’s never been a more exciting time to be pro-life.The Supreme Court’s ruling could return the ability to regulate abortion to the states.&nbsp; If they do, Nebraska must be ready to protect the unborn.&nbsp; This week, our Legislature is considering pro-life legislation that will take effect the moment&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;is undone.&nbsp;Senator Joni Albrecht has introduced LB 933, the Human Life Protection Act, which would ban abortion in Nebraska immediately after&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;is overturned.&nbsp; Many in our Legislature have recognized its importance.&nbsp; Speaker Mike Hilgers has made it his priority bill, and over 20 additional senators have added their names to LB 933 to show their full support of it.&nbsp; Even so, liberals on the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee (Senators Lathrop, DeBoer, McKinney, Morfeld, and Pansing Brooks) are blocking this bill from being debated on the floor.&nbsp; Liberal state senators unsuccessfully tried the same tactic two years ago, in an attempt to stop Senator Suzanne Geist’s bill to ban the brutal practice of dismemberment abortion (LB 814).&nbsp;Thankfully, the Nebraska Unicameral has a procedure senators can use to bring a bill to the floor, even when a committee is being uncooperative.&nbsp; It’s called a “pull motion.” &nbsp;The move serves as a check to ensure the will of the people doesn’t fall victim to a minority of legislators.&nbsp; A simple majority vote of the Legislature bypasses the committee vote that’s traditionally needed to move a bill to the floor.&nbsp; There’s past precedent for using a pull motion to pass strong pro-life legislation.&nbsp; In 2020, Senator Geist successfully used a pull motion to bring LB 814 out of committee for debate.&nbsp; That bill eventually passed by a wide margin, and I signed it into law.This Friday, on the International Day of the Unborn Child, Senator Albrecht will seek to use the pull motion to overcome the Judiciary Committee’s obstruction.&nbsp; Senators will have the historic opportunity to extend protections to every preborn girl and boy in Nebraska.&nbsp; I encourage the Legislature to get LB 933 to my desk this session so that Nebraska can uphold the right to life.&nbsp;Nebraska is a pro-life state.&nbsp; Our citizens have repeatedly elected representatives who have enacted pro-life laws.&nbsp; Nebraskans support expectant mothers and young parents.&nbsp; They give generously to families in need. &nbsp;They volunteer at crisis pregnancy centers.&nbsp; Despite freezing cold, thousands of Nebraskans take part in the annual Walk for Life every January.&nbsp; They form Life Chains and hold prayer vigils.&nbsp; They display their pro-life convictions on license plates, billboards, and yard signs.&nbsp; In word and deed, Nebraskans are champions for life.&nbsp;Senators can carry on this tradition in 2022.&nbsp; In addition to LB 933, there are two other pro-life bills in the Legislature this year.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>LB 781: Senator Julie Slama is sponsoring the Heartbeat Act. &nbsp;It requires a physician to perform an ultrasound prior to performing an abortion.&nbsp; If a heartbeat is detected, the bill would make it unlawful for a physician to perform an abortion.</li><li>LB 1086: Senator Suzanne Geist introduced the Chemical Abortion Safety Protocol Act. &nbsp;Senator John Lowe has prioritized the bill, which prohibits physicians from providing any abortion-inducing drug to a woman whose pregnancy is more than forty-nine days of gestational age. &nbsp;And it requires abortion-inducing drugs to be provided by a physician.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>In the coming days and weeks, senators will decide the fate of these bills.&nbsp; The stakes couldn’t possibly be higher.&nbsp; I encourage you to contact your state senator to urge them to protect the unborn.&nbsp; You can find their contact information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C53221be6a0c0406a63f408da0c2311ab%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637835642054542131%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=RN61HKfva6nu%2B0JLJ4x7%2BqhWvlU%2FhTf%2FNHD860GUwD4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>.&nbsp;If you have questions about my support of pro-life legislation, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; As Nebraskans, we must do our part to protect every preborn girl and boy.

Gov. Ricketts: Upholding the right to life

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – A Chadron State College faculty art show, Persist, is open in Memorial Hall’s Main Gallery now until April 8. The gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to a closing reception April 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Faculty in the show include Laura Bentz, Mary Donahue, Trudy Denham, and Dewayne Gimeson. The exhibit features photography, prints, ceramics, and multimedia pieces.

In her artist’s statement, Bentz said&nbsp;her photographs and prints reflect the external and the internal worlds that all inhabit and the juncture between the two that exists without words.

“The photographs and relief prints may seem incongruent, not a cohesive body of work, but they are. They are distillations—the photographs capture moments in time, just before change; the relief prints suggest the shifting layers between what is tangible and intangible in the fluidity of change,” Bentz said.

Donahue’s statement said she makes art to make sense of the world.

“The more years that go by, the less the world makes sense to me. I found myself experimenting in the new medium of Earth art using natural materials outside. Art that is not meant to be permanent and will fade with time. It became about the process—of gathering pine cones, looking for large dead tree branches, picking up rocks, putting down rocks,” Donahue said.

She said Earth art became a way to collaborate with others and to be in the natural environment.

“For so many, the last few years have been fraught with difficulty and turmoil. I sought refuge in the faith, hope, and love of those things close to me: faith and the spirit and mystery of the universe, the hope and wonder that I find in the natural world, and the young people I work with, and the love of family and friends,” Donahue said.

Denham, in her artist’s statement, said her experimental work explores traditionally utilitarian ceramics, sculptural ceramics, and fiber art.

“The sculptural ceramics and fiber art sculpture examine the concepts of comfort, abnormal cellular development, inflammation of the human body, and mending. In the ceramic forms, the clay form represents the human body or the cellular structure within the body,” Denham said.

Each structure in Denham’s sculpture, One by One They Fell, is bound with yarn.

“Binding can be a form of protection and restriction. It is repeated over and over, compulsively attempting to keep the forms together,” Denham said.

Denham said she is trying a new technique of breaking ceramic pieces and then sewing them back together.

“Focusing on how the body mends itself, the act of surgery, and then the reconstruction. In a sense, this is a form of visible mending. I am using the clay vessel as a metaphor for the body. It is broken and sutured in an attempt to regain the previous form,” Denham said.

Gimeson said he hopes the viewer will reflect on his work and take inspiration to create their own visual images.

“If I could describe this work in words there would be no need to draw, paint, or photograph. Sometimes I paint to reveal the world as I see it in my mind; I draw to make statements; I photograph to capture a moment that is fleeting. In these moments of creating images, I am still and at rest,” Gimeson said.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – A Chadron State College faculty art show, Persist, is open in Memorial Hall’s Main Gallery now until April 8. The gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to a closing reception April 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Faculty in the show include Laura Bentz, Mary Donahue, Trudy Denham, and Dewayne Gimeson. The exhibit features photography, prints, ceramics, and multimedia pieces.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647989015355.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College Faculty Art Show "Persist" in the Memorial Hall Main Gallery March 14 to April 8, 2022. The public is invited to a closing reception April 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. (Photo by Abigail Swanson/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College Faculty Art Show "Persist" in the Memorial Hall Main Gallery March 14 to April 8, 2022. The public is invited to a closing reception April 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. (Photo by Abigail Swanson/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>In her artist’s statement, Bentz said&nbsp;her photographs and prints reflect the external and the internal worlds that all inhabit and the juncture between the two that exists without words.“The photographs and relief prints may seem incongruent, not a cohesive body of work, but they are. They are distillations—the photographs capture moments in time, just before change; the relief prints suggest the shifting layers between what is tangible and intangible in the fluidity of change,” Bentz said.Donahue’s statement said she makes art to make sense of the world.“The more years that go by, the less the world makes sense to me. I found myself experimenting in the new medium of Earth art using natural materials outside. Art that is not meant to be permanent and will fade with time. It became about the process—of gathering pine cones, looking for large dead tree branches, picking up rocks, putting down rocks,” Donahue said.She said Earth art became a way to collaborate with others and to be in the natural environment.“For so many, the last few years have been fraught with difficulty and turmoil. I sought refuge in the faith, hope, and love of those things close to me: faith and the spirit and mystery of the universe, the hope and wonder that I find in the natural world, and the young people I work with, and the love of family and friends,” Donahue said.Denham, in her artist’s statement, said her experimental work explores traditionally utilitarian ceramics, sculptural ceramics, and fiber art.“The sculptural ceramics and fiber art sculpture examine the concepts of comfort, abnormal cellular development, inflammation of the human body, and mending. In the ceramic forms, the clay form represents the human body or the cellular structure within the body,” Denham said.Each structure in Denham’s sculpture, One by One They Fell, is bound with yarn.“Binding can be a form of protection and restriction. It is repeated over and over, compulsively attempting to keep the forms together,” Denham said.Denham said she is trying a new technique of breaking ceramic pieces and then sewing them back together.“Focusing on how the body mends itself, the act of surgery, and then the reconstruction. In a sense, this is a form of visible mending. I am using the clay vessel as a metaphor for the body. It is broken and sutured in an attempt to regain the previous form,” Denham said.Gimeson said he hopes the viewer will reflect on his work and take inspiration to create their own visual images.“If I could describe this work in words there would be no need to draw, paint, or photograph. Sometimes I paint to reveal the world as I see it in my mind; I draw to make statements; I photograph to capture a moment that is fleeting. In these moments of creating images, I am still and at rest,” Gimeson said.

CSC art faculty exhibit opens

SCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Gering man following an investigation into firearms stolen from the Minatare Police Department.

Tuesday afternoon, investigators arrested Bryan Martinez, 32, at his residence in Gering. Martinez is employed as an officer for the Minatare Police Department, as well as the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began in January when a local retailer informed the Nebraska State Patrol that Martinez had written a bad check. During that investigation, NSP learned that multiple firearms were missing from the Minatare Police Department.

Investigators were able to determine that Martinez had sold three firearms to a local pawn shop. Those three firearms belonged to the Minatare Police Department.

Martinez has been lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail for theft by unlawful taking and issuing or passing a bad check. The investigation remains ongoing.

By Nebraska State PatrolSCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Gering man following an investigation into firearms stolen from the Minatare Police Department.Tuesday afternoon, investigators arrested Bryan Martinez, 32, at his residence in Gering. Martinez is employed as an officer for the Minatare Police Department, as well as the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.The investigation began in January when a local retailer informed the Nebraska State Patrol that Martinez had written a bad check. During that investigation, NSP learned that multiple firearms were missing from the Minatare Police Department.Investigators were able to determine that Martinez had sold three firearms to a local pawn shop. Those three firearms belonged to the Minatare Police Department.Martinez has been lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail for theft by unlawful taking and issuing or passing a bad check. The investigation remains ongoing.

Gering man arrested in stolen firearm investigation   

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska agriculture officials say 570,000 broiler chickens will be slaughtered after bird flu was confirmed in the flock. 

The Nebraska Agriculture Department said Tuesday avian influenza had been confirmed at a commercial operation in Butler County.

 After this latest announcement, more than 13 million chickens and turkeys in at least eight states have been killed or will be destroyed soon. The first infection this year was reported in Indiana on Feb. 9. 

Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman said it is unfortunate that another case of bird flu has been confirmed in the state but it’s not completely unexpected with the highly contagious disease. 

Health officials say the outbreak in birds doesn't present an immediate public health concern to humans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634641919165.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska agriculture officials say 570,000 broiler chickens will be slaughtered after bird flu was confirmed in the flock. The Nebraska Agriculture Department said Tuesday avian influenza had been confirmed at a commercial operation in Butler County. After this latest announcement, more than 13 million chickens and turkeys in at least eight states have been killed or will be destroyed soon. The first infection this year was reported in Indiana on Feb. 9. Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman said it is unfortunate that another case of bird flu has been confirmed in the state but it’s not completely unexpected with the highly contagious disease. Health officials say the outbreak in birds doesn't present an immediate public health concern to humans.

Bird flu found in Nebraska, 570,000 chickens to be killed

News Release Nebraska Department of Transportation

During the month of February 2022, fifteen
people were killed in traffic crashes on Nebraska roadways, according to data
collected by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

These 15
fatalities occurred in 13 fatal crashes.

Six of the
fourteen vehicle occupants killed were not using seatbelts, four were using
seatbelts, and four had seatbelt usage marked as unknown.

Eleven of
the fatalities were in rural locations*.

There
were two fatalities on the interstate, nine on other highways, and four on
local roads. One of the fatalities was a pedestrian.

There were 10 fatalities in
February of 2021.

Only 11 of the 35 vehicle occupants killed
during 2022 were using seatbelts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647984218752.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska Department of TransportationDuring the month of February 2022, fifteen
people were killed in traffic crashes on Nebraska roadways, according to data
collected by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.These 15
fatalities occurred in 13 fatal crashes.Six of the
fourteen vehicle occupants killed were not using seatbelts, four were using
seatbelts, and four had seatbelt usage marked as unknown.Eleven of
the fatalities were in rural locations*.There
were two fatalities on the interstate, nine on other highways, and four on
local roads. One of the fatalities was a pedestrian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647984147875.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There were 10 fatalities in
February of 2021.Only 11 of the 35 vehicle occupants killed
during 2022 were using seatbelts.

NDOT: 15 died on Nebraska roadways in February

By Frank Bassett, Village of Hyannis&nbsp;

The main water well for the Village of Hyannis will be going down tomorrow, March 23, for repairs. The well will be back up sometime Friday, March 25.

The pump shaft for the well has bearings in it that are starting to get worn. The more wear they accumulate, the more out of tolerance the pump shaft is. This puts extra strain on the pump motor and shortens the life of our well.

Sargent Drilling will arrive tomorrow. They will remove the pump motor, gear box, pump shaft and bowl. They will take the shaft &amp; bowl back to Broken Bow for final fitment. On Thursday, they will return to reassemble, disinfect and flush the well. At that time, I will be taking a coliform sample to Scottsbluff for testing. The test results will be available Friday, and the well can be put back in service.

Then I must chlorinate our water system. Chlorination will be at a rate of 2-4 parts per million (ppm) throughout the whole water system. This process will go on for 3-4 days, then flush the system to remove the chlorine, and retest.

Normally with well repairs like this, the State requires two negative coliform samples, taken 24 hours apart, before a well is put back in service. However, since we will be relying solely on the well by the school for our water &amp; it operates at 1/3 the capacity of our main well, we received permission to follow these steps instead. That’s why I can’t just chlorinate right away. Also, chlorine might be a problem to people who are very sensitive to it.

Limit your water use whenever possible. Do dishes &amp; laundry today. Take showers instead of baths. Maybe set some water aside to flush toilets with. If you have faucets that leak, turn the water off to them unless using them. If you plan on using water for cooking over the next few days, draw the water now &amp; store it.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 308-458-8171.

By Frank Bassett, Village of Hyannis&nbsp;The main water well for the Village of Hyannis will be going down tomorrow, March 23, for repairs. The well will be back up sometime Friday, March 25.<h2>What’s being repaired? </h2>The pump shaft for the well has bearings in it that are starting to get worn. The more wear they accumulate, the more out of tolerance the pump shaft is. This puts extra strain on the pump motor and shortens the life of our well.<h2>What will happen? </h2>Sargent Drilling will arrive tomorrow. They will remove the pump motor, gear box, pump shaft and bowl. They will take the shaft &amp; bowl back to Broken Bow for final fitment. On Thursday, they will return to reassemble, disinfect and flush the well. At that time, I will be taking a coliform sample to Scottsbluff for testing. The test results will be available Friday, and the well can be put back in service.<h2>What if the test results are positive? </h2>Then I must chlorinate our water system. Chlorination will be at a rate of 2-4 parts per million (ppm) throughout the whole water system. This process will go on for 3-4 days, then flush the system to remove the chlorine, and retest.<h2>Why not just chlorinate? </h2>Normally with well repairs like this, the State requires two negative coliform samples, taken 24 hours apart, before a well is put back in service. However, since we will be relying solely on the well by the school for our water &amp; it operates at 1/3 the capacity of our main well, we received permission to follow these steps instead. That’s why I can’t just chlorinate right away. Also, chlorine might be a problem to people who are very sensitive to it.<h2>What do I do? </h2>Limit your water use whenever possible. Do dishes &amp; laundry today. Take showers instead of baths. Maybe set some water aside to flush toilets with. If you have faucets that leak, turn the water off to them unless using them. If you plan on using water for cooking over the next few days, draw the water now &amp; store it.If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 308-458-8171.

Village of Hyannis schedules water well repair

Highland Park Care Center in Alliance is raising funds to bring a parachute jumping team to the community for Nursing Home Week this May.

Nursing Home Week is May 8 - May 13. This year the theme is "Creating and Nurturing Connections".

"As most people know, we did the flyover, that was a kickoff to our Nursing Home Week the one year," Memory Support Household Nurse Coordinator DeeDee Behm said on KCOW radio. "COVID has kind of taken things down and things are settling down, they're not over. We still have our restrictions in the nursing home. But we thought, what a better way to kick off National Nursing Home Week and maybe kick off summer...and hopefully have a little bit more freedom this summer with having a parachute jump. So I did some research. And I found a group called The Patriot Parachute Team and contacted them. They are willing to come and help us do a performance for our residents. We thought what a better way to go with the theme of nurturing and creating connections than to include the community."

Behm said Highland Park Care Center asked the parachute team to give them a quote for two parachute jumpers.

"They will jump with a flag and smoke and just give us a performance," Behm said. "And when they're done jumping, they'll hang around so that everybody can visit with them and take pictures...and answer any questions. We thought we would do that on Sunday, May 8 for Mother's Day for anybody traveling in. So that's kind of our plan. We're still in the finality of getting the details. We need to raise the money so that we can make this happen for our residents and the community."

Behm said their original goal was to raise $8,500, but Highland Park is anticipating it will be $6,300.

Behm said people can donate by Paypal and Venmo[@Deedee-Behm], call Highland park at (308) 762-2525 or (308) 760-2686.

"We've already gotten some donations," Behm said. "I have a couple of businesses that have already committed. I'm just waiting to hear for sure how much. I also contacted the chamber and the chamber is helping us as well as Chelsie Herian. She is reaching out and she's going to help us promote and see if we can't make this a great community event."

The Alliance Chamber of Commerce is also accepting donations for Highland Park. "If we can get all of our donations by March 31; that way we can secure the date, that would be fantastic," Behm said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostHighland Park Care Center in Alliance is raising funds to bring a parachute jumping team to the community for Nursing Home Week this May.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647966596490.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nursing Home Week is May 8 - May 13. This year the theme is "Creating and Nurturing Connections"."As most people know, we did the flyover, that was a kickoff to our Nursing Home Week the one year," Memory Support Household Nurse Coordinator DeeDee Behm said on KCOW radio. "COVID has kind of taken things down and things are settling down, they're not over. We still have our restrictions in the nursing home. But we thought, what a better way to kick off National Nursing Home Week and maybe kick off summer...and hopefully have a little bit more freedom this summer with having a parachute jump. So I did some research. And I found a group called The Patriot Parachute Team and contacted them. They are willing to come and help us do a performance for our residents. We thought what a better way to go with the theme of nurturing and creating connections than to include the community."Behm said Highland Park Care Center asked the parachute team to give them a quote for two parachute jumpers."They will jump with a flag and smoke and just give us a performance," Behm said. "And when they're done jumping, they'll hang around so that everybody can visit with them and take pictures...and answer any questions. We thought we would do that on Sunday, May 8 for Mother's Day for anybody traveling in. So that's kind of our plan. We're still in the finality of getting the details. We need to raise the money so that we can make this happen for our residents and the community."Behm said their original goal was to raise $8,500, but Highland Park is anticipating it will be $6,300.Behm said people can donate by Paypal and Venmo[@Deedee-Behm], call Highland park at (308) 762-2525 or (308) 760-2686."We've already gotten some donations," Behm said. "I have a couple of businesses that have already committed. I'm just waiting to hear for sure how much. I also contacted the chamber and the chamber is helping us as well as Chelsie Herian. She is reaching out and she's going to help us promote and see if we can't make this a great community event."The Alliance Chamber of Commerce is also accepting donations for Highland Park. "If we can get all of our donations by March 31; that way we can secure the date, that would be fantastic," Behm said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Highland Park raising funds to bring parachute jumping team to Alliance

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/22/22

Approximately 3,000 Canadian Pacific Railway conductors, engineers, train and yard workers represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference will be returning to work after an agreement was reached between the railroad operator and union. 

A work stoppage that began Sunday brought trains to a halt across Canada and interrupted fertilizer and other shipments to and from the U.S. Canadian Pacific Railway said that it reached a deal with the Teamsters to enter into binding arbitration and end a work stoppage. 

Rail operations are expected to restart Tuesday.

By Associated PressApproximately 3,000 Canadian Pacific Railway conductors, engineers, train and yard workers represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference will be returning to work after an agreement was reached between the railroad operator and union. A work stoppage that began Sunday brought trains to a halt across Canada and interrupted fertilizer and other shipments to and from the U.S. Canadian Pacific Railway said that it reached a deal with the Teamsters to enter into binding arbitration and end a work stoppage. Rail operations are expected to restart Tuesday.

Canadian Pacific to resume operations after work stoppage

By ABIGAIL SWANSON, CSC College Relations

CHADRON – Dr. Tawny Tibbits, assistant professor of Physical and Life Sciences, presented the first Graves Lecture of the spring semester in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center’s Chicoine Atrium March 15.

Tibbits’ lecture, Ray Guns and the Ancient Maya: Geoarchaeology in Belize, discussed the stone tools Maya people used to grind grain and specialized geologic measuring systems she used to trace the origins of the tools.

Tibbits described matatas&nbsp;(meh-tah-tays)&nbsp;and monos as grinding stones used to process grain by the ancient Maya.

“A matata (is) the grinding stone and the mono is dragged across the surface to grind up food or pigments or different materials,” she said.

Matatas and monos could be made of many materials including basalt and sandstone, but Tibbits focused her research on tracing those made of granite with the hope of understanding more about Maya civilization.

“One of the things I wanted to look at was how the stone grinding tools informed us about these changes in power,” Tibbits said. “Who controls the monos and matatas, controls the household economy.”

Tibbits detailed the political and cultural structure of the Maya civilization and how archeological artifacts contribute to that understanding.

“(In the Maya civilization) we have large centers that dominate, and they fought each other all the time. They were constantly vying for who was in charge of what, and again, a lot of times we see this through elite goods, things that the elite would have had control over that were imported from elsewhere,” Tibbits said.

According to Tibbits, in that region of the Maya world there were three main sources of granite: the Cockscomb Basin, the Hummingbird Ridge, and the Mountain Pine Ridge. Tibbits’ research traced where existing monos and matatas were sourced from to try to understand how the Maya acquired their grinding tools.

To determine the source of the granite tools, Tibbits used a portable X-ray Florescent gun (pXRF), a new archeological technology.

“Within 30 seconds you can have a complete chemical output from magnesium to uranium on the periodic table,” Tibbits said.

According to Tibbits, the pXRF is nondestructive and about the size and shape of a power drill.

“You can use it on soil, rocks, ceramics, glass, obsidian, chert, anything that’s solid,” she said.

Tibbits worked to find ways to use the pXRF to identify granite samples in the field.

“With my statistical tests, if you use five randomly selected data points and average them, you can statistically create the same data point as grinding it up, powdering it, and shipping it off,” Tibbits said.

She used three elements present in the granite samples, strontium, rubidium, and vitreum, to identify their points of origin. By identifying where the granite came from and noting where it was unearthed at a dig site, Tibbits was able to trace the journeys of the matatas and the Maya who carried them.

“I started to put together where the tools are coming from and where they’re ending up,” Tibbits said.

She hopes to return to Central America and continue her research on the Maya and the potential of pXRF technology. In the meantime, the science department will be bringing pXRF technology to CSC this fall.

The next Graves Lecture will be Tuesday, March 29, with Joanne Hayes sharing How I Got Here. On April 12, Dr. Margaret Crouse will conclude the series with I Walked Where Jesus Walked.

By ABIGAIL SWANSON, CSC College RelationsCHADRON – Dr. Tawny Tibbits, assistant professor of Physical and Life Sciences, presented the first Graves Lecture of the spring semester in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center’s Chicoine Atrium March 15.Tibbits’ lecture, Ray Guns and the Ancient Maya: Geoarchaeology in Belize, discussed the stone tools Maya people used to grind grain and specialized geologic measuring systems she used to trace the origins of the tools.Tibbits described matatas&nbsp;(meh-tah-tays)&nbsp;and monos as grinding stones used to process grain by the ancient Maya.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647962852447.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“A matata (is) the grinding stone and the mono is dragged across the surface to grind up food or pigments or different materials,” she said.Matatas and monos could be made of many materials including basalt and sandstone, but Tibbits focused her research on tracing those made of granite with the hope of understanding more about Maya civilization.“One of the things I wanted to look at was how the stone grinding tools informed us about these changes in power,” Tibbits said. “Who controls the monos and matatas, controls the household economy.”Tibbits detailed the political and cultural structure of the Maya civilization and how archeological artifacts contribute to that understanding.“(In the Maya civilization) we have large centers that dominate, and they fought each other all the time. They were constantly vying for who was in charge of what, and again, a lot of times we see this through elite goods, things that the elite would have had control over that were imported from elsewhere,” Tibbits said.According to Tibbits, in that region of the Maya world there were three main sources of granite: the Cockscomb Basin, the Hummingbird Ridge, and the Mountain Pine Ridge. Tibbits’ research traced where existing monos and matatas were sourced from to try to understand how the Maya acquired their grinding tools.To determine the source of the granite tools, Tibbits used a portable X-ray Florescent gun (pXRF), a new archeological technology.“Within 30 seconds you can have a complete chemical output from magnesium to uranium on the periodic table,” Tibbits said.According to Tibbits, the pXRF is nondestructive and about the size and shape of a power drill.“You can use it on soil, rocks, ceramics, glass, obsidian, chert, anything that’s solid,” she said.Tibbits worked to find ways to use the pXRF to identify granite samples in the field.“With my statistical tests, if you use five randomly selected data points and average them, you can statistically create the same data point as grinding it up, powdering it, and shipping it off,” Tibbits said.She used three elements present in the granite samples, strontium, rubidium, and vitreum, to identify their points of origin. By identifying where the granite came from and noting where it was unearthed at a dig site, Tibbits was able to trace the journeys of the matatas and the Maya who carried them.“I started to put together where the tools are coming from and where they’re ending up,” Tibbits said.She hopes to return to Central America and continue her research on the Maya and the potential of pXRF technology. In the meantime, the science department will be bringing pXRF technology to CSC this fall.The next Graves Lecture will be Tuesday, March 29, with Joanne Hayes sharing How I Got Here. On April 12, Dr. Margaret Crouse will conclude the series with I Walked Where Jesus Walked.

Tibbits opens 2022 Graves Lecture Series in Chadron

Kathy Worley discusses KAB's annual sale of rubber mulch made from recycled tires.

<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=8qzgp-11db820-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Kathy Worley discusses KAB's annual sale of rubber mulch made from recycled tires.

POST PODCAST: Keep Alliance Beautiful

COLUMBUS, Neb.-Nebraska Public Power District, in observance of Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week March 21-25, is urging customers to be aware of the dangers of downed powerlines.

One result of severe spring storms are downed powerlines. Tornadoes can bring down transmission lines typically located in rural areas, but trees damaged by tornadoes or high wind conditions can come down on local distribution lines, creating a power outage to residents in the area.

“We urge the public to stay away from downed powerlines and poles, consider them to be live, and do not attempt to move them,” says Vice-President of Energy Delivery Art Wiese. “It is important to allow trained lineman to respond to the area to make sure the lines are deenergized and removed or repaired in a safe manner.”

“It’s also important to refrain from driving over powerlines if you come across one on a roadway,” adds Wiese. “If a powerline has fallen on a vehicle or is lying on the ground, it can charge the area around it with electricity.”

If you are in a car and a power line has fallen on it,&nbsp;stay in the car until public power utility personnel arrive on the scene. If remaining in the car is not an option due to a fire or other unsafe conditions,&nbsp;jump clear of the vehicle so that you land upright with your feet touching the ground together, and then shuffle away from the area.

Tips on safety precautions during a power outage are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nppd.com/outages-safety/electrical-safety">https://www.nppd.com/outages-safety/electrical-safety</a>.

By Nebraska Public Power DistrictCOLUMBUS, Neb.-Nebraska Public Power District, in observance of Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week March 21-25, is urging customers to be aware of the dangers of downed powerlines.One result of severe spring storms are downed powerlines. Tornadoes can bring down transmission lines typically located in rural areas, but trees damaged by tornadoes or high wind conditions can come down on local distribution lines, creating a power outage to residents in the area.“We urge the public to stay away from downed powerlines and poles, consider them to be live, and do not attempt to move them,” says Vice-President of Energy Delivery Art Wiese. “It is important to allow trained lineman to respond to the area to make sure the lines are deenergized and removed or repaired in a safe manner.”“It’s also important to refrain from driving over powerlines if you come across one on a roadway,” adds Wiese. “If a powerline has fallen on a vehicle or is lying on the ground, it can charge the area around it with electricity.”If you are in a car and a power line has fallen on it,&nbsp;stay in the car until public power utility personnel arrive on the scene. If remaining in the car is not an option due to a fire or other unsafe conditions,&nbsp;jump clear of the vehicle so that you land upright with your feet touching the ground together, and then shuffle away from the area.Tips on safety precautions during a power outage are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nppd.com/outages-safety/electrical-safety">https://www.nppd.com/outages-safety/electrical-safety</a>.

Severe Weather Awareness Week brings reminder of downed powerlines

CHADRON – Six Chadron State College students attended the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Meet the Pros event in Omaha with Art Professor Mary Donahue in early March. They are Kayah Bynes, Nicolle Baquet, and Elizabeth Myers of Chadron, Cole Martinez of Ulysses, Neb., Rylie Cole of Minden, Neb., and Mia MacDonald of Cheyenne, Wyo.

MacDonald, a senior majoring in graphic design, said she was impressed with the importance of networking at the event.

“The power of knowing and getting to know people and being able to express your passions to them, because they may just have the right person to connect you with. They confirmed that I'm in the right lane and taking the right steps to get where I want to go,” MacDonald said.

Bynes, a junior majoring in graphic design, said CSC helped prepare her for the conference.

“My best take-away from the course was to be motivated by what I love and not by money. A lot of the pros talked about how they started from just the passion and love for what they do and were able to make it become a career. I feel like I needed to hear that more than anything,” Bynes said.

She said the variety of speakers was impressive.

“There were people who directed films, created logos, came up with ideas for advertising, etc. it was very interesting to see how many different people with different backgrounds ended up in the same room on the same stage,” Bynes said.

Baquet, whose main interest is in advertising and marketing, said all of the professionals who spoke offered useful insights, but she especially enjoyed Clint Runge, CEO of Archrival, a youth culture agency that does a lot of untraditional marketing.

“He talked about one of the projects they had done for Red Bull, which was super interesting and a very unique way of marketing. We heard from many different professionals including professionals who do freelance work to those who are employed by one employer,” Baquet said.

She added that the portfolio review process was helpful.

“The first professional I got the chance to sit down with was from Swanson Russell. He was able to look over my resume and other advertising work that I have done in the past and give me good feedback and where I can improve on both, what was working already, and what he thought looked good,” Baquet said.

Cole said she was a bit surprised by how eager the professionals were to help students.

“The professionals at the conference were amazing connecting with students and leading us through a way to find jobs and how to navigate getting those connections, and what to say to the people you connect with,” Cole said.

Cole said one important realization for her was that connections are vital in the creative industry.

“The professionals shared a lot of information on how to reach out to other companies and professionals and gave some insight on how to land a job in the design/marketing world. Some companies offer great internships and others don’t have them listed but if you show interest then they might be willing to work with you even if they don’t have positions available,” Cole said.

Cole felt prepared for the portfolio review.

“Mary (Donahue) has helped the class a lot with the resume building process and making sure students are prepared and ready to go when we sit down and meet with professionals. She has also given me great pointers for how to improve my resume and make it fit the style of my personal brand,” Cole said.

Martinez said he was surprised and pleased to talk with the CEO of Bailey Lauerman.

Martinez said his CSC courses helped him prepare for the conference by building his database of work and developing his portfolio.

“It was really an eye-opener into the design, advertising field and a great way to connect with so many amazing people,” Martinez said.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Six Chadron State College students attended the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Meet the Pros event in Omaha with Art Professor Mary Donahue in early March. They are Kayah Bynes, Nicolle Baquet, and Elizabeth Myers of Chadron, Cole Martinez of Ulysses, Neb., Rylie Cole of Minden, Neb., and Mia MacDonald of Cheyenne, Wyo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647902550366.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College students Beth Myers, Cole Martinez, Mia MacDonald, Nicolle Baquet, Rylie Cole, and Kayah Bynes pose at the American Advertising Federation Meet the Pros in Omaha March 4, 2022. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College students Beth Myers, Cole Martinez, Mia MacDonald, Nicolle Baquet, Rylie Cole, and Kayah Bynes pose at the American Advertising Federation Meet the Pros in Omaha March 4, 2022. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>MacDonald, a senior majoring in graphic design, said she was impressed with the importance of networking at the event.“The power of knowing and getting to know people and being able to express your passions to them, because they may just have the right person to connect you with. They confirmed that I'm in the right lane and taking the right steps to get where I want to go,” MacDonald said.Bynes, a junior majoring in graphic design, said CSC helped prepare her for the conference.“My best take-away from the course was to be motivated by what I love and not by money. A lot of the pros talked about how they started from just the passion and love for what they do and were able to make it become a career. I feel like I needed to hear that more than anything,” Bynes said.She said the variety of speakers was impressive.“There were people who directed films, created logos, came up with ideas for advertising, etc. it was very interesting to see how many different people with different backgrounds ended up in the same room on the same stage,” Bynes said.Baquet, whose main interest is in advertising and marketing, said all of the professionals who spoke offered useful insights, but she especially enjoyed Clint Runge, CEO of Archrival, a youth culture agency that does a lot of untraditional marketing.“He talked about one of the projects they had done for Red Bull, which was super interesting and a very unique way of marketing. We heard from many different professionals including professionals who do freelance work to those who are employed by one employer,” Baquet said.She added that the portfolio review process was helpful.“The first professional I got the chance to sit down with was from Swanson Russell. He was able to look over my resume and other advertising work that I have done in the past and give me good feedback and where I can improve on both, what was working already, and what he thought looked good,” Baquet said.Cole said she was a bit surprised by how eager the professionals were to help students.“The professionals at the conference were amazing connecting with students and leading us through a way to find jobs and how to navigate getting those connections, and what to say to the people you connect with,” Cole said.Cole said one important realization for her was that connections are vital in the creative industry.“The professionals shared a lot of information on how to reach out to other companies and professionals and gave some insight on how to land a job in the design/marketing world. Some companies offer great internships and others don’t have them listed but if you show interest then they might be willing to work with you even if they don’t have positions available,” Cole said.Cole felt prepared for the portfolio review.“Mary (Donahue) has helped the class a lot with the resume building process and making sure students are prepared and ready to go when we sit down and meet with professionals. She has also given me great pointers for how to improve my resume and make it fit the style of my personal brand,” Cole said.Martinez said he was surprised and pleased to talk with the CEO of Bailey Lauerman.Martinez said his CSC courses helped him prepare for the conference by building his database of work and developing his portfolio.“It was really an eye-opener into the design, advertising field and a great way to connect with so many amazing people,” Martinez said.Myers said as an Elementary Education major and a studio artist, she wasn’t expecting to gain much from the conference, but she was pleasantly surprised.“I made some exciting connections that could lead me to a career path that includes my passions. I was able to promote my art business and receive some helpful insight to improve my website and marketing tactics. Always say yes to opportunities to connect with new people. I was considering not going, and I am so happy I did,” Myers said.

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