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>

CSC Spring Graves Lecture Series starts soon

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have given initial approval to a grant program for small businesses that are hit by natural disasters, pandemics or other emergencies, but it won’t get any money this year. 

The bill advanced, 32-0, through the first of three required votes in the Legislature. Sen. Anna Wishart, of Lincoln, says she introduced the measure to help local businesses that face future hardships beyond their control. 

Wishart says it was inspired by assistance that went to businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Business groups support the measure, but some lawmakers questioned whether it was necessary. 

The original measure would have included $20 million in funding, but that portion was stripped out of the bill before lawmakers advanced it.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have given initial approval to a grant program for small businesses that are hit by natural disasters, pandemics or other emergencies, but it won’t get any money this year. The bill advanced, 32-0, through the first of three required votes in the Legislature. Sen. Anna Wishart, of Lincoln, says she introduced the measure to help local businesses that face future hardships beyond their control. Wishart says it was inspired by assistance that went to businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Business groups support the measure, but some lawmakers questioned whether it was necessary. The original measure would have included $20 million in funding, but that portion was stripped out of the bill before lawmakers advanced it.

Nebraska advances small business emergency grant program

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is taking another step toward building a canal that would divert water out of neighboring Colorado under a 99-year-old compact, a project based in fears about the Denver area’s growing use of the South Platte River that runs through both states. 

State lawmakers gave initial approval to a bill that would allow Nebraska’s Department of Natural Resources to lay the groundwork for the estimated $500 million canal. 

The measure advanced, 36-3, through the first of three required votes in the Legislature despite skepticism from some lawmakers about whether the canal is necessary. 

Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the plan in January to invoke Nebraska’s right to build the canal under a water-sharing agreement between the states.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is taking another step toward building a canal that would divert water out of neighboring Colorado under a 99-year-old compact, a project based in fears about the Denver area’s growing use of the South Platte River that runs through both states. State lawmakers gave initial approval to a bill that would allow Nebraska’s Department of Natural Resources to lay the groundwork for the estimated $500 million canal. The measure advanced, 36-3, through the first of three required votes in the Legislature despite skepticism from some lawmakers about whether the canal is necessary. Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the plan in January to invoke Nebraska’s right to build the canal under a water-sharing agreement between the states.

Nebraska canal project targeting Colorado clears key hurdle

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would let most people carry a concealed handgun in Nebraska without a permit is now set for debate in the Legislature. 

Lawmakers voted, 30-12, on Tuesday to pull the measure out of the left-leaning Judiciary Committee where it had stalled. 

Lawmakers are scheduled to debate it Thursday. 

Opponents argue that forcing the bill out of committee would undermine the process that relies on committees to vet proposals before they’re debated in the full Legislature. 

Supporters say the guns measure enjoys strong public support in Nebraska, and argue that the rule that allows lawmakers to pull bills out of committee exists for a reason.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would let most people carry a concealed handgun in Nebraska without a permit is now set for debate in the Legislature. Lawmakers voted, 30-12, on Tuesday to pull the measure out of the left-leaning Judiciary Committee where it had stalled. Lawmakers are scheduled to debate it Thursday. Opponents argue that forcing the bill out of committee would undermine the process that relies on committees to vet proposals before they’re debated in the full Legislature. Supporters say the guns measure enjoys strong public support in Nebraska, and argue that the rule that allows lawmakers to pull bills out of committee exists for a reason.

Nebraska lawmakers to debate permitless concealed carry bill

-Kody Lee Stricker and Erin Joy Wilson -Trevor Jay Heupel and Ashley Pearl Johnson -Seth Richard Steele and Kayla Marie Schilreff

-Dayton P Cullip and Emily S Cullip, Finalized, 2/21/22

Marriages:&nbsp;-Kody Lee Stricker and Erin Joy Wilson -Trevor Jay Heupel and Ashley Pearl Johnson -Seth Richard Steele and Kayla Marie SchilreffDivorces:-Dayton P Cullip and Emily S Cullip, Finalized, 2/21/22

Marriages, divorces Feb. 2022

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — People who report sexual assaults to authorities in Nebraska could get immunity from alcohol or drug possession charges under a bill advanced by lawmakers. 

Lawmakers gave the measure initial approval on a 29-6 vote. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Adam Morfeld, of Lincoln, says it’s designed to encourage sexual assault survivors and witnesses to come forward without fear of criminal charges if they had consumed alcohol or drugs. 

The bill would only apply to simple possession cases and wouldn’t protect people who distribute drugs or drive while intoxicated. 

To gain immunity, witnesses or survivors would need to cooperate with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646846086366.png" alt="Sen. Morfeld" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Morfeld</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — People who report sexual assaults to authorities in Nebraska could get immunity from alcohol or drug possession charges under a bill advanced by lawmakers. Lawmakers gave the measure initial approval on a 29-6 vote. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Adam Morfeld, of Lincoln, says it’s designed to encourage sexual assault survivors and witnesses to come forward without fear of criminal charges if they had consumed alcohol or drugs. The bill would only apply to simple possession cases and wouldn’t protect people who distribute drugs or drive while intoxicated. To gain immunity, witnesses or survivors would need to cooperate with law enforcement.

Nebraska advances drug immunity for sex assault survivors

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/9/22

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill designed to prevent a surge of new casinos throughout Nebraska has cleared a key hurdle in the Legislature.

 The Legislature’s General Affairs Committee advanced a measure that would allow casinos in the six Nebraska counties that already have licensed horseracing tracks. 

Anyone who wants to build a casino in another part of the state would have to wait for the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to conduct a study looking at the potential impact on the state. 

The study would be due by Jan. 1, 2025. Sen. Tom Briese, the committee’s chairman, says the measure strikes a balance between developers and communities who want to build casinos and gambling opponents who worry about casinos saturating the state.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill designed to prevent a surge of new casinos throughout Nebraska has cleared a key hurdle in the Legislature. The Legislature’s General Affairs Committee advanced a measure that would allow casinos in the six Nebraska counties that already have licensed horseracing tracks. Anyone who wants to build a casino in another part of the state would have to wait for the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to conduct a study looking at the potential impact on the state. The study would be due by Jan. 1, 2025. Sen. Tom Briese, the committee’s chairman, says the measure strikes a balance between developers and communities who want to build casinos and gambling opponents who worry about casinos saturating the state.

Panel advances bill to try to prevent surge of new casinos

By Nebraska Department of Transportation

Lincoln, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) crews are prepared&nbsp;for a spring weather event, which looks to impact most of the State in different ways Wednesday through&nbsp;Thursday.&nbsp; Forecasts call for a severe weather with impacts along the Interstate 80 corridor. Workers and&nbsp;equipment will be out to clear the highways and monitor changing conditions throughout the storm, which look&nbsp;to&nbsp;impact&nbsp;travel&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;and&nbsp;Thursday.

“Our crews will be out working to clear roadways as conditions allow in a winter weather event.&nbsp;With the forecasted snow fall totals coupled with high winds, we urge against all unnecessary travel in the affected&nbsp;areas. If&nbsp;you&nbsp;must&nbsp;travel&nbsp;during&nbsp;this&nbsp;time,&nbsp;know&nbsp;before&nbsp;you&nbsp;go&nbsp;by&nbsp;checking&nbsp; <a href="http://511.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">511.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for road conditions and closures and always travel well established routes,” said John Selmer, Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

“Our troopers will be prepared to help any motorists who need assistance,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp; Nebraska&nbsp;State&nbsp;Patrol. “We&nbsp;urge&nbsp;all&nbsp;drivers&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;vigilant&nbsp;and&nbsp;avoid&nbsp;travel&nbsp; if conditions&nbsp;aren’t&nbsp;favorable.

Travelers are advised to be alert, be aware and check the most up-to-date travel conditions available through 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System.&nbsp;The system is available at all times via phone by dialing 511,&nbsp;online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.511.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.511.nebraska.gov,&nbsp;</a>or through the Nebraska 511’s smartphone app. Travelers are also&nbsp;encourage to utilize NDOT’s Plow Tracker at&nbsp;<a href="https://plows.nebraska.gov/index.html" target="_blank">plows.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;where the public will be&nbsp;able to observe road conditions in real time from the cabs of NDOT snowplows.&nbsp;Please note that weather&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;are&nbsp;often&nbsp;worse&nbsp;than they appear on&nbsp;camera.

Should&nbsp;travel&nbsp;be&nbsp;absolutely&nbsp;necessary,&nbsp;NDOT&nbsp;reminds&nbsp;motorists&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp; prepared&nbsp;with&nbsp;warm&nbsp;clothing water&nbsp;and&nbsp;food.&nbsp;Be sure to travel on well-established routes and notify someone when you are leaving for your&nbsp;destination.&nbsp;If&nbsp;traveling&nbsp;a&nbsp;distance,&nbsp;a&nbsp;winter&nbsp;weather&nbsp;survival&nbsp;kit&nbsp;is&nbsp;advised&nbsp;with additional&nbsp;basic&nbsp;items.

Travelers are advised not to drive faster than conditions allow. Surfaces will be slick under the snow and&nbsp;visibility&nbsp;may&nbsp;be poor.&nbsp;Allow plenty&nbsp;of&nbsp;time&nbsp;to arrive&nbsp;at&nbsp;your&nbsp;destination.

With snowplows out on the roads, travelers are urged to be cautious and courteous to those operating them,&nbsp;making sure to:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Slow&nbsp;down&nbsp;as&nbsp;you&nbsp;approach&nbsp;plows.&nbsp;They&nbsp;travel&nbsp;slowly,&nbsp;usually&nbsp;25 to 30&nbsp;miles&nbsp;per&nbsp;hour&nbsp;or&nbsp;less.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay well behind plows to give you and them plenty of room. When traveling outside of a business or&nbsp;residential district, it is unlawful to follow a highway maintenance vehicle (snowplow, truck or grader)&nbsp;more closely than 100 feet when it is plowing snow, spreading salt or sand, or displaying a flashing&nbsp;amber&nbsp;or&nbsp;blue&nbsp;light.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never pass a plow on the right – snowplows are equipped with “wing plows” which extend beyond the&nbsp;truck&nbsp;itself.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Know&nbsp;where&nbsp;plows&nbsp;are&nbsp;and&nbsp;actions&nbsp;they&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;taking&nbsp;while&nbsp;they&nbsp;plow&nbsp;snow.

Motorists&nbsp;are&nbsp;reminded&nbsp;to&nbsp;make&nbsp;sure&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;in&nbsp;their&nbsp;vehicle&nbsp;wears&nbsp; a&nbsp;seat&nbsp;belt&nbsp;and&nbsp;children&nbsp;are in&nbsp;a&nbsp;car&nbsp;safety&nbsp;seat.&nbsp;Do&nbsp;not use&nbsp;cruise control&nbsp;in&nbsp;wet&nbsp;or&nbsp;snowy&nbsp;weather&nbsp;and&nbsp;keep&nbsp;a&nbsp;full&nbsp;gas&nbsp;tank.

For safe-driving tips and winter weather information, visit NDOT’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/winter/" target="_blank">http://dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/winter/</a>

As&nbsp;a&nbsp;reminder,&nbsp;the&nbsp;NSP&nbsp;Highway&nbsp;Helpline&nbsp;is&nbsp;available&nbsp;24&nbsp;hours&nbsp;per&nbsp;day&nbsp; for&nbsp;motorists&nbsp;in&nbsp;need&nbsp;of assistance&nbsp;Drivers&nbsp;can&nbsp;reach&nbsp;NSP&nbsp;by&nbsp; dialing&nbsp;*55&nbsp;from&nbsp;any&nbsp;cell phone.&nbsp;Call&nbsp;911&nbsp;for&nbsp;any&nbsp;emergency.

By Nebraska Department of TransportationLincoln, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) crews are prepared&nbsp;for a spring weather event, which looks to impact most of the State in different ways Wednesday through&nbsp;Thursday.&nbsp; Forecasts call for a severe weather with impacts along the Interstate 80 corridor. Workers and&nbsp;equipment will be out to clear the highways and monitor changing conditions throughout the storm, which look&nbsp;to&nbsp;impact&nbsp;travel&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;and&nbsp;Thursday.“Our crews will be out working to clear roadways as conditions allow in a winter weather event.&nbsp;With the forecasted snow fall totals coupled with high winds, we urge against all unnecessary travel in the affected&nbsp;areas. If&nbsp;you&nbsp;must&nbsp;travel&nbsp;during&nbsp;this&nbsp;time,&nbsp;know&nbsp;before&nbsp;you&nbsp;go&nbsp;by&nbsp;checking&nbsp; <a href="http://511.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">511.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for road conditions and closures and always travel well established routes,” said John Selmer, Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation.“Our troopers will be prepared to help any motorists who need assistance,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp; Nebraska&nbsp;State&nbsp;Patrol. “We&nbsp;urge&nbsp;all&nbsp;drivers&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;vigilant&nbsp;and&nbsp;avoid&nbsp;travel&nbsp; if conditions&nbsp;aren’t&nbsp;favorable.Travelers are advised to be alert, be aware and check the most up-to-date travel conditions available through 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System.&nbsp;The system is available at all times via phone by dialing 511,&nbsp;online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.511.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.511.nebraska.gov,&nbsp;</a>or through the Nebraska 511’s smartphone app. Travelers are also&nbsp;encourage to utilize NDOT’s Plow Tracker at&nbsp;<a href="https://plows.nebraska.gov/index.html" target="_blank">plows.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;where the public will be&nbsp;able to observe road conditions in real time from the cabs of NDOT snowplows.&nbsp;Please note that weather&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;are&nbsp;often&nbsp;worse&nbsp;than they appear on&nbsp;camera.Should&nbsp;travel&nbsp;be&nbsp;absolutely&nbsp;necessary,&nbsp;NDOT&nbsp;reminds&nbsp;motorists&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp; prepared&nbsp;with&nbsp;warm&nbsp;clothing water&nbsp;and&nbsp;food.&nbsp;Be sure to travel on well-established routes and notify someone when you are leaving for your&nbsp;destination.&nbsp;If&nbsp;traveling&nbsp;a&nbsp;distance,&nbsp;a&nbsp;winter&nbsp;weather&nbsp;survival&nbsp;kit&nbsp;is&nbsp;advised&nbsp;with additional&nbsp;basic&nbsp;items.Travelers are advised not to drive faster than conditions allow. Surfaces will be slick under the snow and&nbsp;visibility&nbsp;may&nbsp;be poor.&nbsp;Allow plenty&nbsp;of&nbsp;time&nbsp;to arrive&nbsp;at&nbsp;your&nbsp;destination.With snowplows out on the roads, travelers are urged to be cautious and courteous to those operating them,&nbsp;making sure to:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Slow&nbsp;down&nbsp;as&nbsp;you&nbsp;approach&nbsp;plows.&nbsp;They&nbsp;travel&nbsp;slowly,&nbsp;usually&nbsp;25 to 30&nbsp;miles&nbsp;per&nbsp;hour&nbsp;or&nbsp;less.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay well behind plows to give you and them plenty of room. When traveling outside of a business or&nbsp;residential district, it is unlawful to follow a highway maintenance vehicle (snowplow, truck or grader)&nbsp;more closely than 100 feet when it is plowing snow, spreading salt or sand, or displaying a flashing&nbsp;amber&nbsp;or&nbsp;blue&nbsp;light.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never pass a plow on the right – snowplows are equipped with “wing plows” which extend beyond the&nbsp;truck&nbsp;itself.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Know&nbsp;where&nbsp;plows&nbsp;are&nbsp;and&nbsp;actions&nbsp;they&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;taking&nbsp;while&nbsp;they&nbsp;plow&nbsp;snow.Motorists&nbsp;are&nbsp;reminded&nbsp;to&nbsp;make&nbsp;sure&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;in&nbsp;their&nbsp;vehicle&nbsp;wears&nbsp; a&nbsp;seat&nbsp;belt&nbsp;and&nbsp;children&nbsp;are in&nbsp;a&nbsp;car&nbsp;safety&nbsp;seat.&nbsp;Do&nbsp;not use&nbsp;cruise control&nbsp;in&nbsp;wet&nbsp;or&nbsp;snowy&nbsp;weather&nbsp;and&nbsp;keep&nbsp;a&nbsp;full&nbsp;gas&nbsp;tank.For safe-driving tips and winter weather information, visit NDOT’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/winter/" target="_blank">http://dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/winter/</a>As&nbsp;a&nbsp;reminder,&nbsp;the&nbsp;NSP&nbsp;Highway&nbsp;Helpline&nbsp;is&nbsp;available&nbsp;24&nbsp;hours&nbsp;per&nbsp;day&nbsp; for&nbsp;motorists&nbsp;in&nbsp;need&nbsp;of assistance&nbsp;Drivers&nbsp;can&nbsp;reach&nbsp;NSP&nbsp;by&nbsp; dialing&nbsp;*55&nbsp;from&nbsp;any&nbsp;cell phone.&nbsp;Call&nbsp;911&nbsp;for&nbsp;any&nbsp;emergency.

Nebraska to experience major spring storm: NDOT, NSP advise caution

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

American society is often sorted into three economic classes: poverty, middle class, and wealth. Each of these groups has different values, skill sets, and ways to respond to different situations. A major focus of Bridges Out of Poverty is to understand the behaviors of each group, and how we can better work with those who live in poverty today. For the next two columns we will look at the history of these classes and how they developed in America, beginning with wealth. Then we will compare behaviors, hidden rules, and language of each class to better understand the barriers unintentionally created for people who live in poverty.

America is a capitalist nation where some have great wealth. Europeans discovered the Americas in the late 1400’s and began to establish colonies in what is now the United States in the early 1600’s. Most indigenous people died of diseases new to the continent, and the Europeans forced the remaining native populations westward. Colonists were in awe of the vast open lands and natural resources of this land they had just discovered. Claiming these resources allowed early settlers to amass great wealth and hold large tracts of property.

Early in the 1800s wealth was gained through the fur trade, fulfilling demand throughout Europe and Asia. Discoveries of gold in the 1840s, 1870s, and 1890s brought riches to lucky miners. Replacing whale oil with kerosene, a petroleum product, also meant prosperity.

Most early Americans were involved in agriculture. Inventions like the plow and the reaper, and slavery in the South, allowed Americans to farm larger tracts of land and earn even more. Inventions lead to the rise of manufacturing. Steamships and railroads were developed in the 1800s, allowing goods to be transported. After the Civil War, we had our industrial revolution and developed factories.

Think of the robber barons of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The term was typically applied to businessmen who exploited others to amass their wealth. Their practices included controlling natural resources, influencing high levels of government, paying low wages, squashing competition by acquiring their competitors to create monopolies and raise prices, and selling stock at inflated prices to unsuspecting investors.

Their wealth was achieved primarily through the industrial revolution. They took America from a nation of farmers and small-scale craftspeople to one of factories and transportation. The names included men like John D. Rockefeller, John Jacob Astor, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, William Randolph Hearst, and Cornelius Vanderbilt. Their heirs continue to control a great deal of wealth.

According to Forbes Magazine, in 2021 there are 724 billionaires in the United States today. Many started technology companies, many have inherited wealth, and many are entertainment or sports figures. Eight of the top ten wealthiest people in the world are Americans: Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Elon Musk (Tesla and SpaceX), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook),

Warren Buffet (Berkshire Hathaway), Larry Ellison (Oracle), Larry Page (Google), Sergei Brin (Google). Wal-Mart heirs Jim, Rob, and Alice Walton are each worth about $68 billion. Bezos, now retired, is worth $177 billion, and his ex-wife’s wealth is $60 billion.

Along with this rise of the super-rich, we are seeing an increase in income inequality. More people every year are dropping from the middle class into poverty. Next week we will look at how America created a strong middle class.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceAmerican society is often sorted into three economic classes: poverty, middle class, and wealth. Each of these groups has different values, skill sets, and ways to respond to different situations. A major focus of Bridges Out of Poverty is to understand the behaviors of each group, and how we can better work with those who live in poverty today. For the next two columns we will look at the history of these classes and how they developed in America, beginning with wealth. Then we will compare behaviors, hidden rules, and language of each class to better understand the barriers unintentionally created for people who live in poverty.America is a capitalist nation where some have great wealth. Europeans discovered the Americas in the late 1400’s and began to establish colonies in what is now the United States in the early 1600’s. Most indigenous people died of diseases new to the continent, and the Europeans forced the remaining native populations westward. Colonists were in awe of the vast open lands and natural resources of this land they had just discovered. Claiming these resources allowed early settlers to amass great wealth and hold large tracts of property.Early in the 1800s wealth was gained through the fur trade, fulfilling demand throughout Europe and Asia. Discoveries of gold in the 1840s, 1870s, and 1890s brought riches to lucky miners. Replacing whale oil with kerosene, a petroleum product, also meant prosperity.Most early Americans were involved in agriculture. Inventions like the plow and the reaper, and slavery in the South, allowed Americans to farm larger tracts of land and earn even more. Inventions lead to the rise of manufacturing. Steamships and railroads were developed in the 1800s, allowing goods to be transported. After the Civil War, we had our industrial revolution and developed factories.Think of the robber barons of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The term was typically applied to businessmen who exploited others to amass their wealth. Their practices included controlling natural resources, influencing high levels of government, paying low wages, squashing competition by acquiring their competitors to create monopolies and raise prices, and selling stock at inflated prices to unsuspecting investors.Their wealth was achieved primarily through the industrial revolution. They took America from a nation of farmers and small-scale craftspeople to one of factories and transportation. The names included men like John D. Rockefeller, John Jacob Astor, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, William Randolph Hearst, and Cornelius Vanderbilt. Their heirs continue to control a great deal of wealth.According to Forbes Magazine, in 2021 there are 724 billionaires in the United States today. Many started technology companies, many have inherited wealth, and many are entertainment or sports figures. Eight of the top ten wealthiest people in the world are Americans: Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Elon Musk (Tesla and SpaceX), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook),Warren Buffet (Berkshire Hathaway), Larry Ellison (Oracle), Larry Page (Google), Sergei Brin (Google). Wal-Mart heirs Jim, Rob, and Alice Walton are each worth about $68 billion. Bezos, now retired, is worth $177 billion, and his ex-wife’s wealth is $60 billion.Along with this rise of the super-rich, we are seeing an increase in income inequality. More people every year are dropping from the middle class into poverty. Next week we will look at how America created a strong middle class.

Poverty In Our Area: Economic class - wealth

Lawmakers are scheduled to debate it Thursday.

 Opponents argue that forcing the bill out of committee would undermine the process that relies on committees to vet proposals before they’re debated in the full Legislature.

 Supporters say the guns measure enjoys strong public support in Nebraska, and argue that the rule that allows lawmakers to pull bills out of committee exists for a reason.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would let most people carry a concealed handgun in Nebraska without a permit is now set for debate in the Legislature. Lawmakers voted, 30-12, on Tuesday to pull the measure out of the left-leaning Judiciary Committee where it had stalled. Lawmakers are scheduled to debate it Thursday. Opponents argue that forcing the bill out of committee would undermine the process that relies on committees to vet proposals before they’re debated in the full Legislature. Supporters say the guns measure enjoys strong public support in Nebraska, and argue that the rule that allows lawmakers to pull bills out of committee exists for a reason.

Alliance – Youth Book Club for grades 3-6 will share discussion of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld on Tuesday, March 22nd from 4:30 to 5:30 pm in the Community Room. Books are available through a book kit, so you can check out a book from the circulation desk with no charge.

Grades K-5 are invited to March Magnets on Thursday, March 24th from 4 to 5 pm in the Community Room. This event includes STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) activities for youngsters to explore the power of magnets.

For more information, please call Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Librarian at 762-1387.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Youth Book Club for grades 3-6 will share discussion of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld on Tuesday, March 22nd from 4:30 to 5:30 pm in the Community Room. Books are available through a book kit, so you can check out a book from the circulation desk with no charge.Grades K-5 are invited to March Magnets on Thursday, March 24th from 4 to 5 pm in the Community Room. This event includes STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) activities for youngsters to explore the power of magnets.For more information, please call Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Librarian at 762-1387.

March events at Alliance Public Library

As Nebraskans, we value resourcefulness and self-reliance.&nbsp; We also care for our neighbors.&nbsp; We recognize that extraordinary times—like a natural disaster or a global pandemic—warrant extra assistance.&nbsp; During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Nebraskans stepped up to help those in need.&nbsp; At the federal and state level, we did the same.&nbsp; The State has received and distributed an unprecedented amount of federal funding to help Nebraskans weather the storm over these past two years.

But at a certain point, we must acknowledge that the storm has passed and get back to the Nebraska Way.&nbsp; We must guard against becoming a welfare state where people are incentivized not to work and encouraged to rely on government handouts well after an emergency is over.&nbsp; That is why Nebraska is not seeking the second round of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). &nbsp;We cannot justify asking for federal relief when we don’t have an emergency.

The Biden Administration launched ERAP in January 2021.&nbsp; Its intent was to help renters whose livelihoods had been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; But ERAP’s design was shoddy, and its distribution has been poorly executed.&nbsp; For example, the federal government misallocated the money it gave to states. &nbsp;Nebraska initially received $158 million for our non-urban areas, while only $42 million went to Lancaster County/Lincoln and Douglas County/Omaha.&nbsp; We knew early on this didn’t match the reality that more than half of our renters live in our urban areas.&nbsp; To better aid Nebraskans in need, we worked to reallocate over half of the State’s ERAP funds to our urban counties and cities—$85 million was voluntarily transferred to Omaha and Lincoln and their respective counties.&nbsp; Even after this adjustment, the State still has nearly $30 million of unused ERAP funds. &nbsp;This means that after more than a year, we have only expended about 40 percent of the program’s dollars.&nbsp; The remainder is more than enough to meet the legitimate needs for assistance through the end of the year.

In total, the federal government spent $25 billion on the first round of ERAP.&nbsp; Now, they’ve printed up an additional $21 billion for a second round of funding.&nbsp; The State of Nebraska is eligible to receive $120 million.&nbsp; If we didn’t need $158 million during the height of the pandemic, why would we need $120 million now that the emergency has passed?

Almost exactly two years after Nebraska’s first confirmed case of coronavirus, we appear to have turned a corner on the pandemic.&nbsp; Case numbers and hospitalizations are down. &nbsp;Schools and businesses are open. &nbsp;Masks are off.&nbsp; Nebraska has largely returned to normal.&nbsp; I ended the State’s emergency declaration for coronavirus nearly nine months ago.&nbsp; We have the lowest unemployment rate in the country.&nbsp; Our economy is growing.&nbsp; Our pandemic emergency is over.&nbsp; Applying for emergency rental assistance now is like applying for emergency disaster aid without a flood or tornado.&nbsp; That is not what we do.&nbsp;

It’s wrong on principle, too.&nbsp; The Biden Administration has changed the rules and no longer requires proof—or even a claim—that need is tied to the coronavirus.&nbsp; That means this “emergency” aid isn’t tied to any emergency at all, not even in theory. &nbsp;And, unlike the first round of funding that expires at the end of 2022, the second round can be used through 2025. &nbsp;That’s&nbsp;three years&nbsp;of rent subsidies.&nbsp; ERAP is now no longer about addressing the impacts of coronavirus.&nbsp; Instead, it appears the Biden Administration wants to subsidize people’s rent and make them reliant on the government for years to come.

By Gov. Pete RickettsAs Nebraskans, we value resourcefulness and self-reliance.&nbsp; We also care for our neighbors.&nbsp; We recognize that extraordinary times—like a natural disaster or a global pandemic—warrant extra assistance.&nbsp; During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Nebraskans stepped up to help those in need.&nbsp; At the federal and state level, we did the same.&nbsp; The State has received and distributed an unprecedented amount of federal funding to help Nebraskans weather the storm over these past two years.But at a certain point, we must acknowledge that the storm has passed and get back to the Nebraska Way.&nbsp; We must guard against becoming a welfare state where people are incentivized not to work and encouraged to rely on government handouts well after an emergency is over.&nbsp; That is why Nebraska is not seeking the second round of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). &nbsp;We cannot justify asking for federal relief when we don’t have an emergency.The Biden Administration launched ERAP in January 2021.&nbsp; Its intent was to help renters whose livelihoods had been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; But ERAP’s design was shoddy, and its distribution has been poorly executed.&nbsp; For example, the federal government misallocated the money it gave to states. &nbsp;Nebraska initially received $158 million for our non-urban areas, while only $42 million went to Lancaster County/Lincoln and Douglas County/Omaha.&nbsp; We knew early on this didn’t match the reality that more than half of our renters live in our urban areas.&nbsp; To better aid Nebraskans in need, we worked to reallocate over half of the State’s ERAP funds to our urban counties and cities—$85 million was voluntarily transferred to Omaha and Lincoln and their respective counties.&nbsp; Even after this adjustment, the State still has nearly $30 million of unused ERAP funds. &nbsp;This means that after more than a year, we have only expended about 40 percent of the program’s dollars.&nbsp; The remainder is more than enough to meet the legitimate needs for assistance through the end of the year.In total, the federal government spent $25 billion on the first round of ERAP.&nbsp; Now, they’ve printed up an additional $21 billion for a second round of funding.&nbsp; The State of Nebraska is eligible to receive $120 million.&nbsp; If we didn’t need $158 million during the height of the pandemic, why would we need $120 million now that the emergency has passed?Almost exactly two years after Nebraska’s first confirmed case of coronavirus, we appear to have turned a corner on the pandemic.&nbsp; Case numbers and hospitalizations are down. &nbsp;Schools and businesses are open. &nbsp;Masks are off.&nbsp; Nebraska has largely returned to normal.&nbsp; I ended the State’s emergency declaration for coronavirus nearly nine months ago.&nbsp; We have the lowest unemployment rate in the country.&nbsp; Our economy is growing.&nbsp; Our pandemic emergency is over.&nbsp; Applying for emergency rental assistance now is like applying for emergency disaster aid without a flood or tornado.&nbsp; That is not what we do.&nbsp;It’s wrong on principle, too.&nbsp; The Biden Administration has changed the rules and no longer requires proof—or even a claim—that need is tied to the coronavirus.&nbsp; That means this “emergency” aid isn’t tied to any emergency at all, not even in theory. &nbsp;And, unlike the first round of funding that expires at the end of 2022, the second round can be used through 2025. &nbsp;That’s&nbsp;three years&nbsp;of rent subsidies.&nbsp; ERAP is now no longer about addressing the impacts of coronavirus.&nbsp; Instead, it appears the Biden Administration wants to subsidize people’s rent and make them reliant on the government for years to come.Nebraska is not a welfare state.&nbsp; It’s not who we are.&nbsp; But if we take these funds, it will be.Some believe we should take the money simply because it’s available. &nbsp;However, there’s no such thing as “free money.”&nbsp; Somebody has to pay taxes to finance government spending—if not now, then in the future.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we’ve responsibly used taxpayer dollars.&nbsp; We’ve grown the Good Life while remaining the least indebted state in the country.&nbsp; We have a duty to future generations to hold the federal government accountable for its spending as well.&nbsp; Our State isn’t an island; our fate is connected to the financial health and well-being of our nation.&nbsp; The second round of ERAP is a perfect example of the kind of blind spending from the federal government that has ushered in record inflation.&nbsp; And if we continue to pile onto our national debt, our kids and grandkids will be the ones footing the bill.&nbsp; In Nebraska, that’s not who we are.&nbsp;On Wednesday, March 9, the Legislature is voting to try and force Nebraska to expand the welfare state and apply for more ERAP dollars.&nbsp; I encourage you to contact your state senator to share your thoughts about this vote. &nbsp;You can find their contact information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C56d45bb8e8514fad94fd08da01377e50%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637823635093096053%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=h0Wg3KkBZRHrGSNwx3B7uY9z7VN%2B0FIT%2FOWX2aROnsg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">nebraskalegislature.gov</a>.

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