SIDNEY, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a New York woman after locating more than 100 pounds of suspected marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Sunol.

At approximately 10:15 p.m. MT Thursday, a trooper observed an eastbound Mazda CX9 speeding on I-80 near mile marker 70. 

During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.

A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 103 pounds of suspected marijuana, concealed in luggage in the rear of the vehicle. 

The driver, Victoria Chin, 48, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound and possession with intent to distribute. She was lodged in Cheyenne County Jail.

By Nebraska State PatrolSIDNEY, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a New York woman after locating more than 100 pounds of suspected marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Sunol.At approximately 10:15 p.m. MT Thursday, a trooper observed an eastbound Mazda CX9 speeding on I-80 near mile marker 70. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 103 pounds of suspected marijuana, concealed in luggage in the rear of the vehicle. The driver, Victoria Chin, 48, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound and possession with intent to distribute. She was lodged in Cheyenne County Jail.

103 LBs of suspected marijuana found in Panhandle traffic stop

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — They had waited in the desert heat in a line that wrapped around the block and now the excitement was palpable when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;took the stage in a suburban Phoenix convention hall. “She's our governor!” someone yelled.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kari-lake-arizona-governor-election-karrin-taylor-robson-e8f6cb66e63bc63464d149112d77d2a4">Kari Lake</a>, the Republican nominee for governor in Arizona who hosted the event this past week, stood beside Noem and joined in the praise. She called Noem an “inspiration” who stood up for families against intrusive government mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The warm reception was familiar to Noem, who has made such appearances part of building her national profile as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-health-michael-pence-south-dakota-8f89d45581d32c5c2f2fc23fc2f439e8">potential 2024 White House contender</a>.

“I wish I could vote for a woman like that,” Lake said. “But I don’t live in South Dakota.”

If Noem has ambitions beyond her state, she must first take care of political business back home: winning a second term in November.

Many expected her to cruise to victory in a Republican-dominated state against a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-sioux-falls-4af20c88a1604d55513835a753cb70d7">Democratic opponent without statewide experience</a>. But her frequent out-of-state travels, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-872aa9adc02bdbe4c6147c671e91053e">recent ethics stumbles</a>, have given Democrats license to dream of an upset — or at least making the race close enough to raise questions about Noem's viability on a bigger stage.

Drey Samuelson, a longtime Democratic strategist in the state, said few people gave Democratic state Rep. Jamie Smith much of a chance when he announced his campaign for governor, given Smith's lack of name recognition and Noem's massive fundraising advantage. Republicans have almost doubled Democrats on voter rolls and Smith's highest political experience was leading House Democrats — a beleaguered band that has dwindled to eight members.

But Smith has run a shrewd race by seeking to turn Noem's ambition against her, Samuelson said.

"Everyone I talk to, both Republicans and Democrats, believes that he has closed the gap on her," he said.

Noem did not grant an interview request for this story. Her campaign spokesman, Ian Fury, said Noem “has never taken a single election for granted.”

“She works hard for her constituents, she works hard on the campaign trail and she is going to run through the finish line," he said.

Her recent stop in Arizona, which was also the site of a family wedding, was just one appearance in more than a dozen states this campaign cycle.

Noem's campaign has argued that lending a hand to fellow Republicans helps advance the conservative cause. But she has also paid to boost her campaign ads on Facebook in Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire — important early presidential primary states — and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-dakota-gov-kristi-noems-take-on-2024-trump-and-the-jan-6-hearings-the-takeout/">granted several interviews</a>&nbsp;where she warmed to the idea of running for the White House.

The governor sailed through spring and summer, releasing an autobiography, creating a nationwide fundraising network that amassed nearly $12 million and publicly reconnecting with Corey Lewandowski, Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign manager. Noem had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-campaigns-kristi-noem-south-dakota-corey-lewandowski-6edc03cb8e2139a1434db7c00d3f3e8b">severed ties last year</a>&nbsp;with Lewandowski after he was accused by a donor of making unwanted sexual advances at a fundraiser that Noem and Lewandowski both attended.

Smith, with $900,000 raised for his campaign, has gone around the state in his pickup, visiting every county in his long shot challenge. Panning Noem’s out-of-state trips has been a recurring theme of his campaign.

“We need a leader that’s focused on the state of South Dakota, that’s working for the people and that truly cares about what’s best for the state,” Smith told The Associated Press.

Smith, a real estate agent who has also worked as a teacher and coach, has cast himself as a moderate and so far has run a mostly upbeat campaign. During his lone debate with Noem, he only briefly mentioned ethics complaints that have dogged her in recent months, including her intervention with a state agency in the application by one of her daughters for a real estate appraiser's license. The state ethics board, on a matter first reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-discrimination-kristi-noem-south-dakota-age-discrimination-7942a78d5545205dff41a696ef9fc251">the AP</a>, found evidence of misconduct but has not revealed its action against her.

Michael Card, a former political strategist and professor at the University of South Dakota, said Noem has made herself vulnerable on those issues, while also irking many teachers and school administrators by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-donald-trump-michigan-south-dakota-sioux-falls-54712a652c5a0f1f74deebe280dcfc01">naming a conservative college in Michigan</a>&nbsp;to help remake the state's social studies standards. Noem also faces questions about whether she can win over women, especially after abortion emerged as a key election-year issue.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-inflation-kristi-noem-south-dakota-4486584822a85247954ec216b03ab3f6">Noem’s abortion stance</a>, without exceptions for rape and incest, may be out of step with South Dakotans, who voted in 2006 and 2008 against legislative attempts to completely ban the procedure.

“There are some lingering questions about whether she is ready for prime time,” Card said.

If nothing else, Smith seems to have Noem’s attention.

She recently came out with an ad that tied Smith to President Joe Biden, who won 36% of South Dakota’s vote in 2020. The governor grabbed hold of an issue Smith had pressed for years by promising to repeal a state tax on groceries. She also returned to campaigning quickly after announcing a back surgery she initially said could require several months for full recovery, with appearances in her traditional stronghold of Rapid City as well as the Arizona visit.

Alice Stewart, a Republican strategist who advised Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's 2016 presidential campaign, played down the idea that a narrow Noem victory would hurt her down the road. More important, Stewart said, is whether Noem is showing leadership on issues such as the economy, crime, parental rights and education that are important to broad groups of voters.

The grocery tax repeal was just such a move, along with a promise by Noem to expand parental leave opportunities.

But Casey Murschel, 71, said she plans to vote for Smith. A former GOP state representative in the Sioux Falls area, Murschel said the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, led her to leave the party and identify as an independent. She said she trusts Smith to focus on governing the state and to advocate for abortion rights.

“Kristi has gone Hollywood,” she said. “She has basically turned her back on South Dakotans. We’re like props for her."

By Associated PressSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — They had waited in the desert heat in a line that wrapped around the block and now the excitement was palpable when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;took the stage in a suburban Phoenix convention hall. “She's our governor!” someone yelled.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kari-lake-arizona-governor-election-karrin-taylor-robson-e8f6cb66e63bc63464d149112d77d2a4">Kari Lake</a>, the Republican nominee for governor in Arizona who hosted the event this past week, stood beside Noem and joined in the praise. She called Noem an “inspiration” who stood up for families against intrusive government mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.The warm reception was familiar to Noem, who has made such appearances part of building her national profile as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-health-michael-pence-south-dakota-8f89d45581d32c5c2f2fc23fc2f439e8">potential 2024 White House contender</a>.“I wish I could vote for a woman like that,” Lake said. “But I don’t live in South Dakota.”If Noem has ambitions beyond her state, she must first take care of political business back home: winning a second term in November.Many expected her to cruise to victory in a Republican-dominated state against a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-sioux-falls-4af20c88a1604d55513835a753cb70d7">Democratic opponent without statewide experience</a>. But her frequent out-of-state travels, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-872aa9adc02bdbe4c6147c671e91053e">recent ethics stumbles</a>, have given Democrats license to dream of an upset — or at least making the race close enough to raise questions about Noem's viability on a bigger stage.Drey Samuelson, a longtime Democratic strategist in the state, said few people gave Democratic state Rep. Jamie Smith much of a chance when he announced his campaign for governor, given Smith's lack of name recognition and Noem's massive fundraising advantage. Republicans have almost doubled Democrats on voter rolls and Smith's highest political experience was leading House Democrats — a beleaguered band that has dwindled to eight members.But Smith has run a shrewd race by seeking to turn Noem's ambition against her, Samuelson said."Everyone I talk to, both Republicans and Democrats, believes that he has closed the gap on her," he said.Noem did not grant an interview request for this story. Her campaign spokesman, Ian Fury, said Noem “has never taken a single election for granted.”“She works hard for her constituents, she works hard on the campaign trail and she is going to run through the finish line," he said.Her recent stop in Arizona, which was also the site of a family wedding, was just one appearance in more than a dozen states this campaign cycle.Noem's campaign has argued that lending a hand to fellow Republicans helps advance the conservative cause. But she has also paid to boost her campaign ads on Facebook in Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire — important early presidential primary states — and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-dakota-gov-kristi-noems-take-on-2024-trump-and-the-jan-6-hearings-the-takeout/">granted several interviews</a>&nbsp;where she warmed to the idea of running for the White House.The governor sailed through spring and summer, releasing an autobiography, creating a nationwide fundraising network that amassed nearly $12 million and publicly reconnecting with Corey Lewandowski, Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign manager. Noem had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-campaigns-kristi-noem-south-dakota-corey-lewandowski-6edc03cb8e2139a1434db7c00d3f3e8b">severed ties last year</a>&nbsp;with Lewandowski after he was accused by a donor of making unwanted sexual advances at a fundraiser that Noem and Lewandowski both attended.Smith, with $900,000 raised for his campaign, has gone around the state in his pickup, visiting every county in his long shot challenge. Panning Noem’s out-of-state trips has been a recurring theme of his campaign.“We need a leader that’s focused on the state of South Dakota, that’s working for the people and that truly cares about what’s best for the state,” Smith told The Associated Press.Smith, a real estate agent who has also worked as a teacher and coach, has cast himself as a moderate and so far has run a mostly upbeat campaign. During his lone debate with Noem, he only briefly mentioned ethics complaints that have dogged her in recent months, including her intervention with a state agency in the application by one of her daughters for a real estate appraiser's license. The state ethics board, on a matter first reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-discrimination-kristi-noem-south-dakota-age-discrimination-7942a78d5545205dff41a696ef9fc251">the AP</a>, found evidence of misconduct but has not revealed its action against her.Michael Card, a former political strategist and professor at the University of South Dakota, said Noem has made herself vulnerable on those issues, while also irking many teachers and school administrators by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-donald-trump-michigan-south-dakota-sioux-falls-54712a652c5a0f1f74deebe280dcfc01">naming a conservative college in Michigan</a>&nbsp;to help remake the state's social studies standards. Noem also faces questions about whether she can win over women, especially after abortion emerged as a key election-year issue.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-inflation-kristi-noem-south-dakota-4486584822a85247954ec216b03ab3f6">Noem’s abortion stance</a>, without exceptions for rape and incest, may be out of step with South Dakotans, who voted in 2006 and 2008 against legislative attempts to completely ban the procedure.“There are some lingering questions about whether she is ready for prime time,” Card said.If nothing else, Smith seems to have Noem’s attention.She recently came out with an ad that tied Smith to President Joe Biden, who won 36% of South Dakota’s vote in 2020. The governor grabbed hold of an issue Smith had pressed for years by promising to repeal a state tax on groceries. She also returned to campaigning quickly after announcing a back surgery she initially said could require several months for full recovery, with appearances in her traditional stronghold of Rapid City as well as the Arizona visit.Alice Stewart, a Republican strategist who advised Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's 2016 presidential campaign, played down the idea that a narrow Noem victory would hurt her down the road. More important, Stewart said, is whether Noem is showing leadership on issues such as the economy, crime, parental rights and education that are important to broad groups of voters.The grocery tax repeal was just such a move, along with a promise by Noem to expand parental leave opportunities.But Casey Murschel, 71, said she plans to vote for Smith. A former GOP state representative in the Sioux Falls area, Murschel said the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, led her to leave the party and identify as an independent. She said she trusts Smith to focus on governing the state and to advocate for abortion rights.“Kristi has gone Hollywood,” she said. “She has basically turned her back on South Dakotans. We’re like props for her."

Noem's balancing act: Big ambitions, South Dakota reelection

On Oct. 12 at approximately 11 p.m. a vehicle was struck by a BNSF train in Box Butte County south of Berea.&nbsp;

"A Mitsubishi Outlander was traveling northbound on Highway 385, at the intersection of Highway 385 and Highway 2, north of Alliance," Nebraska State Patrol spokesperson Cody Thomas said. "The vehicle left the roadway, traveled through a field, crossed Highway 2, and came to a stop on the train tracks parallel to Highway 2. The driver was able to exit the vehicle before the vehicle was struck by a train."

The driver was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff with serious injuries.

No names have been released at this time.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn Oct. 12 at approximately 11 p.m. a vehicle was struck by a BNSF train in Box Butte County south of Berea.&nbsp;"A Mitsubishi Outlander was traveling northbound on Highway 385, at the intersection of Highway 385 and Highway 2, north of Alliance," Nebraska State Patrol spokesperson Cody Thomas said. "The vehicle left the roadway, traveled through a field, crossed Highway 2, and came to a stop on the train tracks parallel to Highway 2. The driver was able to exit the vehicle before the vehicle was struck by a train."The driver was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff with serious injuries.No names have been released at this time.&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing.

Car struck by BNSF train in Box Butte County

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Nearly 200 students from eight high schools in Nebraska and South Dakota attended Chadron State College’s annual Theatre Day Oct. 6. More than 20 CSC students taught sessions on 16 topics ranging from costuming, lighting, set painting, improvisation, and publicity photography. Theatre faculty and staff also taught workshops.

Madison Kinney of Gering, Nebraska, said although it was her first year teaching the set painting workshop, it was rewarding because&nbsp;a student and his teacher decided they were going to paint wood panels for their theatre production instead of buying them because of the skills they learned.

Olivia Freeze of Bridgeport, Nebraska, taught the workshop about adopting a persona. She said it was interesting to see students take from each other's ideas and alter some aspects to make the character their own.&nbsp;

“I love Theatre Day because it allows the high school students to learn things about theatre that I wish I would've known in high school. I like seeing students from the previous year and seeing how much they've improved. Theatre Day reminds me why I am going into education,” Freeze said.

Halle Smith of Wheatland, Wyoming, said her first time teaching a session for Theatre Day was exciting because it gave her a chance to share what makes her passionate about theatre. She creates content and curates the Theatre program’s Instagram account.

“This was the first time we had a workshop focused on publicity, which I combined with an existing workshop about stage pictures. The biggest ‘aha moment’ the students had was that it is possible to take what they are learning in the workshops and apply it at their own school. Many of the students talked about trying to grow the publicity side of theatre at their schools and they were excited to be actively involved in it,” Smith said.

Jeremiah Downes, instructor of Theatre at CSC, said Theatre Day is special because the high school students have the opportunity to be on campus, meet faculty and current students, and work with them in a learning setting.

“Coming here and actually getting to be here with feet on the ground on campus is invaluable. We are really excited to have all the students and their teachers here and make those connections and impress upon them the unique Theatre program we have here and how special Chadron State is,” Downes said.

Denise Jensen with Gering High School&nbsp;said it was her&nbsp;first year bringing students, based on a recommendation from the previous coach who attended the event for years.

“The students learn how to be on stage, character development, and stage development,” Jensen said.

Wendy Rhoads&nbsp;with&nbsp;Chadron High School said her students especially enjoy learning the techniques of stage combat.

“Nothing is better than stage combat.&nbsp;I think CSC could offer six classes in stage combat and each one would be full. If the students can fight and have it be fun, that's a bonus,” Rhoads said. “The kids love Theatre Day because most of them have not seen a musical. It shows them all the different aspects of theatre they might not see otherwise.”

Suzanne Hollenbeck, drama director at Edgemont, South Dakota, is starting her 34th&nbsp;year in the position. She said she has been bringing students to the event for decades and they always come away with increased excitement for theatre.&nbsp;

“We have a really small stage, and limited things we can do, so it's fun to come here and watch the lighting and the musical theatre. The kids let loose when they do the improv workshop.&nbsp;Last year our kids did makeup. They had fake bruises and cuts all over them that looked real.&nbsp;They bring that technical information back home,” Hollenbeck said.

Cassie Wiegel&nbsp;with Mitchell High School&nbsp;said the diversity of the workshops&nbsp;from behind the stage to on stage is a benefit. Sue Marsh, also from Mitchell, said the chance to meet and work with other actors and actresses&nbsp;is a great experience for students.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Nearly 200 students from eight high schools in Nebraska and South Dakota attended Chadron State College’s annual Theatre Day Oct. 6. More than 20 CSC students taught sessions on 16 topics ranging from costuming, lighting, set painting, improvisation, and publicity photography. Theatre faculty and staff also taught workshops.Madison Kinney of Gering, Nebraska, said although it was her first year teaching the set painting workshop, it was rewarding because&nbsp;a student and his teacher decided they were going to paint wood panels for their theatre production instead of buying them because of the skills they learned.Olivia Freeze of Bridgeport, Nebraska, taught the workshop about adopting a persona. She said it was interesting to see students take from each other's ideas and alter some aspects to make the character their own.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665775076158.jpeg" alt="High school students participate in a games workshop in Memorial Hall's Black Box Theatre during Chadron State College's Theatre Day Oct. 6, 2022. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>High school students participate in a games workshop in Memorial Hall's Black Box Theatre during Chadron State College's Theatre Day Oct. 6, 2022. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>“I love Theatre Day because it allows the high school students to learn things about theatre that I wish I would've known in high school. I like seeing students from the previous year and seeing how much they've improved. Theatre Day reminds me why I am going into education,” Freeze said.Halle Smith of Wheatland, Wyoming, said her first time teaching a session for Theatre Day was exciting because it gave her a chance to share what makes her passionate about theatre. She creates content and curates the Theatre program’s Instagram account.“This was the first time we had a workshop focused on publicity, which I combined with an existing workshop about stage pictures. The biggest ‘aha moment’ the students had was that it is possible to take what they are learning in the workshops and apply it at their own school. Many of the students talked about trying to grow the publicity side of theatre at their schools and they were excited to be actively involved in it,” Smith said.Jeremiah Downes, instructor of Theatre at CSC, said Theatre Day is special because the high school students have the opportunity to be on campus, meet faculty and current students, and work with them in a learning setting.“Coming here and actually getting to be here with feet on the ground on campus is invaluable. We are really excited to have all the students and their teachers here and make those connections and impress upon them the unique Theatre program we have here and how special Chadron State is,” Downes said.Denise Jensen with Gering High School&nbsp;said it was her&nbsp;first year bringing students, based on a recommendation from the previous coach who attended the event for years.“The students learn how to be on stage, character development, and stage development,” Jensen said.Wendy Rhoads&nbsp;with&nbsp;Chadron High School said her students especially enjoy learning the techniques of stage combat.“Nothing is better than stage combat.&nbsp;I think CSC could offer six classes in stage combat and each one would be full. If the students can fight and have it be fun, that's a bonus,” Rhoads said. “The kids love Theatre Day because most of them have not seen a musical. It shows them all the different aspects of theatre they might not see otherwise.”Suzanne Hollenbeck, drama director at Edgemont, South Dakota, is starting her 34th&nbsp;year in the position. She said she has been bringing students to the event for decades and they always come away with increased excitement for theatre.&nbsp;“We have a really small stage, and limited things we can do, so it's fun to come here and watch the lighting and the musical theatre. The kids let loose when they do the improv workshop.&nbsp;Last year our kids did makeup. They had fake bruises and cuts all over them that looked real.&nbsp;They bring that technical information back home,” Hollenbeck said.Cassie Wiegel&nbsp;with Mitchell High School&nbsp;said the diversity of the workshops&nbsp;from behind the stage to on stage is a benefit. Sue Marsh, also from Mitchell, said the chance to meet and work with other actors and actresses&nbsp;is a great experience for students.

Theatre Day draws nearly 200 high school students to Chadron 

POST BOBCAST: Bob S. Bestos, Peddler on the Prairie

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Hurricane Ian Red Cross volunteer Pete Peterson.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Hurricane Ian Red Cross volunteer Pete Peterson.<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Hurricane Ian Red Cross volunteer Pete Peterson" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=btzdr-12eab70-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎤Forward Ever: Hurricane Ian Red Cross volunteer Pete Peterson

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing two confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This brings the total number of cases of HPAI in Nebraska to 11.

The 10th farm, a commercial flock, is in York County. The 11th farm, a backyard flock, is in Box Butte County.

According to NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley, both flocks will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner.

NDA will establish a 6.2-mile control zone, as is USDA policy, around the affected premises. Poultry producers in these zones should know the signs and symptoms of HPAI and notify NDA immediately of sick or dying birds.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick.

Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include: a decrease in water consumption; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.

NDA is encouraging bird owners to prevent contact between their birds and wildlife and to practice strict biosecurity measures. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flock, they should report it to NDA immediately at (402) 471-2351.

More information for producers can be found at <a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html">https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html</a> or

<a href="http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov">http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov</a>.

Enhanced biosecurity helps prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and diseases including HPAI. NDA and USDA have resources available to help poultry owners step up their biosecurity efforts.

• Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases like HPAI. Be on the lookout for unusual signs of behavior, severe illness and/or sudden deaths.

• Restrict access to your property and poultry.

• Keep it clean. Wear clean clothes, scrub boots/shoes with disinfectant and wash hands thoroughly before and after contact with your flock.

• If you, your employees, or family have been on other farms, or other places where there is livestock and/or poultry, clean and disinfect your vehicle tires and equipment before returning home.

• Don’t share equipment, tools, or other supplies with other livestock or poultry owners.

• In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, making sure wild birds cannot access domestic poultry’s feed and water sources.

• Report sick birds immediately to: NDA at 402-471-2351; the USDA at 866-536-7593; or your veterinarian.

Early detection is important to prevent the spread of disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to people getting HPAI infections from birds is low. No human cases of avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.

All poultry entering Nebraska must be accompanied by a VS form 9-3 or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI, or health certificate). If you are considering moving an animal into Nebraska from an affected state, please call 402- 471-2351 to learn more. Nebraska poultry owners wanting to ship poultry out of state should consult the state veterinarians of the destination states for import requirements.


By NDALINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing two confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This brings the total number of cases of HPAI in Nebraska to 11.The 10th farm, a commercial flock, is in York County. The 11th farm, a backyard flock, is in Box Butte County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665760967706.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley, both flocks will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner.NDA will establish a 6.2-mile control zone, as is USDA policy, around the affected premises. Poultry producers in these zones should know the signs and symptoms of HPAI and notify NDA immediately of sick or dying birds.HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick.Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include: a decrease in water consumption; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.NDA is encouraging bird owners to prevent contact between their birds and wildlife and to practice strict biosecurity measures. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flock, they should report it to NDA immediately at (402) 471-2351.More information for producers can be found at <a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html">https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html</a> or<a href="http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov">http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov</a>.Enhanced biosecurity helps prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and diseases including HPAI. NDA and USDA have resources available to help poultry owners step up their biosecurity efforts.• Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases like HPAI. Be on the lookout for unusual signs of behavior, severe illness and/or sudden deaths.• Restrict access to your property and poultry.• Keep it clean. Wear clean clothes, scrub boots/shoes with disinfectant and wash hands thoroughly before and after contact with your flock.• If you, your employees, or family have been on other farms, or other places where there is livestock and/or poultry, clean and disinfect your vehicle tires and equipment before returning home.• Don’t share equipment, tools, or other supplies with other livestock or poultry owners.• In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, making sure wild birds cannot access domestic poultry’s feed and water sources.• Report sick birds immediately to: NDA at 402-471-2351; the USDA at 866-536-7593; or your veterinarian.Early detection is important to prevent the spread of disease.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to people getting HPAI infections from birds is low. No human cases of avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.All poultry entering Nebraska must be accompanied by a VS form 9-3 or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI, or health certificate). If you are considering moving an animal into Nebraska from an affected state, please call 402- 471-2351 to learn more. Nebraska poultry owners wanting to ship poultry out of state should consult the state veterinarians of the destination states for import requirements.
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665760906191.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

NDA reports 2 additional cases of bird flu in Box Butte, York Co. 

The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) along with the Nebraska Chapter of the Society of Range Management and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) partnered to host the 2022 State Range Judging Contest held on September 28th and 29th near Chadron, Nebraska. The Range Judging Contest allows participants to test their knowledge of range plants and specific major land resource areas (MLRA) within a topographic region. Within each area’s contest, participants are asked to identify a total of 24 plants as well as answer questions regarding the chosen MLRA sites. A total of six area contests are held each fall across the state of Nebraska. Participants do not need to qualify at an area contest to compete at the State Contest. The day prior to the contest, participants had the chance to practice at a site located near Chadron State College Rangeland Complex. This allowed those participants not necessarily familiar to the Northwest Nebraska area, gain an idea of what they could be tested on at the contest the next day.

The contest is divided into three divisions: Senior division is categorized as those participants that are a high school junior or senior; Junior division is categorized as those participants that are either a sophomore or below in class standing; and the adult division are those contestants who have graduated from high school. The State Range Judging contest hosted a total of 401 participants (168 seniors, 208 juniors and 25 in the adult division) from around the state the farthest traveling upwards of six hours to attend.

• Ord High School was the Reserve team,

Contestants’ scores were then calculated into individual scores;

5. Isaac Hagen, St. Paul High School- 5th,

1. There was a tie for 1st: Jack Thede, St. Paul and Cale Buss, Burwell FFA

In the Adult Division, West Holt FFA advisor, David Gibbens was 1st; St. Paul’s Boyd Bowder was 2nd; Burwell’s FFA advisor Phil Simpson was 3rd; Boyd County’s Roger Lechtenberg was 4th; Colin Kubik of Norris High School place 5th; Ord’s Dave Ference was 6th; and Caleb tenBensel of Broken Bow FFA was 7th. The Champion and Reserve Champion teams have a chance to attend the National Range Judging Contest held the Spring of 2023.

Tricia Goes, Conservation Programs Specialist of UNWNRD, stated “Being selected to host the 2022 State Range Judging Contest was an honor for our District. There is so much to offer in the beautiful Northwest corner of Nebraska. The contest was a challenge for some, not only allowing travel time, but the vastly different topography and plant types offered. It was an excitement filled couple days!”

By Upper Niobrara White NRDThe Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) along with the Nebraska Chapter of the Society of Range Management and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) partnered to host the 2022 State Range Judging Contest held on September 28th and 29th near Chadron, Nebraska. The Range Judging Contest allows participants to test their knowledge of range plants and specific major land resource areas (MLRA) within a topographic region. Within each area’s contest, participants are asked to identify a total of 24 plants as well as answer questions regarding the chosen MLRA sites. A total of six area contests are held each fall across the state of Nebraska. Participants do not need to qualify at an area contest to compete at the State Contest. The day prior to the contest, participants had the chance to practice at a site located near Chadron State College Rangeland Complex. This allowed those participants not necessarily familiar to the Northwest Nebraska area, gain an idea of what they could be tested on at the contest the next day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665758842632.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The contest is divided into three divisions: Senior division is categorized as those participants that are a high school junior or senior; Junior division is categorized as those participants that are either a sophomore or below in class standing; and the adult division are those contestants who have graduated from high school. The State Range Judging contest hosted a total of 401 participants (168 seniors, 208 juniors and 25 in the adult division) from around the state the farthest traveling upwards of six hours to attend.In the Senior Division,• West Holt FFA was the Champion team,• Ord High School was the Reserve team,• St. Paul came in third and• Burwell FFA was fourth.Contestants’ scores were then calculated into individual scores;1. Sidney Burkinshaw, West Holt FFA-1st,2. Addie Karo, West Holt FFA- 2nd,3. Ryder Reineke, Ord High School-3rd,4. Adam Knapp, Ord High School-4th,5. Isaac Hagen, St. Paul High School- 5th,6. Isaac Pistulka, West Holt FFA- 6th,7. Hayes Jensen, Burwell FFA- 7th.In the Junior Division,• West Holt FFA was the Champion team• Burwell FFA was Reserve, and• St. Paul came in third and• Sargent FFA was fourth.Contestants’ scores were then calculated into individual scores;1. There was a tie for 1st: Jack Thede, St. Paul and Cale Buss, Burwell FFA2. Nick Hansen, West Holt FFA-2 nd ,3. Owen Wess, Chadron FFA- 3 rd ,4. Makenna Schaaf, West Holt FFA- 4 th ,5. Cody Burson, Burwell FFA-5 th ,6. Drake Nemetz, West Holt FFA-6 th ,7. Lily Vogel, West Holt FFA-7 th . In the Adult Division, West Holt FFA advisor, David Gibbens was 1st; St. Paul’s Boyd Bowder was 2nd; Burwell’s FFA advisor Phil Simpson was 3rd; Boyd County’s Roger Lechtenberg was 4th; Colin Kubik of Norris High School place 5th; Ord’s Dave Ference was 6th; and Caleb tenBensel of Broken Bow FFA was 7th. The Champion and Reserve Champion teams have a chance to attend the National Range Judging Contest held the Spring of 2023.Tricia Goes, Conservation Programs Specialist of UNWNRD, stated “Being selected to host the 2022 State Range Judging Contest was an honor for our District. There is so much to offer in the beautiful Northwest corner of Nebraska. The contest was a challenge for some, not only allowing travel time, but the vastly different topography and plant types offered. It was an excitement filled couple days!”

Upper Niobrara White NRD, NRCS hosts State Range Judging Contest

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/10/14/legion-members-protest-pardon-for-fellow-veteran-for-heinous-sex-assault/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A group of American Legion members are 
protesting the September pardon of a fellow Legion member, saying that 
John Arias didn’t deserve a pardon for a violent, 1993 sex assault and 
that Arias used other Legion members to win the pardon.

On Sept. 19, the Nebraska Board of Pardons voted 2-1 to 
grant Arias a pardon, a formal act of forgiveness that allows his name 
to be removed from the state’s Sex Offender Registry and restores his 
voting and gun rights.

The members of the Pardons Board, before they voted, noted
 the support shown by about 20 American Legion members who sat together 
at the meeting. They wore their signature Legion caps, to show their 
support of Arias, who sits on a state veteran affairs and rehabilitation
 committee.

A former state Legion commander said that not all Legion 
members supported the pardon of a sex offender and that the Legion cap 
is only supposed to be worn at official or Legion-sponsored functions.&nbsp;

 Beth Linn of Scottsbluff, who served as state Legion commander from 2016-17, also said that while Arias has claimed the sexual assault was a “misunderstanding,” it was far from it.

“Raping your wife in front of her kids while she’s tied to a bed is not a misunderstanding,” Linn said.

A group of Legion members, including Linn, have planned a “peaceful protest” of the pardon on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Nebraska State Capitol.

Gov. Pete Ricketts, who chairs the Pardons Board and voted to pardon Arias, said in a statement that Arias has accepted responsibility for a crime committed nearly 30 years ago and “has shown to be remorseful.”

“He has not had any offenses since 
serving his sentence and has since become an active member of the 
veteran community, helping others who suffer from PTSD,” Ricketts said 
in a statement, noting the support by veterans at the Pardons Board 
hearing.

Attorney General Doug Peterson, who also 
voted for the Arias pardon, deferred comment to the governor. Secretary 
of State Bob Evnen voted “no.”

When contacted by the Examiner, Don 
Suchy, the current state commander of the American Legion and one of 
those who attended the Pardons Board hearing in support of Arias, said 
that the Legion does not condone violence but that Arias, since serving 
out his prison sentence, had been a “model citizen” and a mentor to 
other veterans to reform their lives.

“We support him in leading a productive and law-abiding life,” Suchy 
said in an email. “Since his release, he has sought only to better 
himself to society.”

While he said he wasn’t fully aware of Arias’ crime, Suchy questioned
 whether Arias was a victim of “overzealous prosecution” and whether it 
made a difference that he suffered from PTSD.

Concerning Legion caps, he said that they are typically worn only at 
official meetings but that “the wearing of a Legion cap only indicates 
the individual wearing the cap is in uniform.”

“Nebraska Legionnaires showed up to support the individual’s 
transformation,” Suchy said, adding that they didn’t have a “vote or 
voice” in the Pardon Board’s decision.

Messages left seeking comment from Arias, 57, of Grand Island, were not returned.

He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault in 1994.&nbsp;

Court records indicate that he broke into the Ogallala home of his estranged wife, then terrorized her with a knife. He tied her to a bed and sexually assaulted
 while their children, ages 5 and 7, were in the home. Arias then took 
the children and fled to Texas, leaving his wife bound and gagged.

&nbsp;He was sentenced to 15-30 years in prison, a sentence he completed in 2008.

At the Pardons Board hearing, Arias, a former Marine who 
served in the Gulf War, noted that he has been active in supporting 
fellow veterans. He was quoted in a recent Grand Island Independent 
story about the launching of veterans treatment court in Adams County as
 an alternative to prison for veterans who commit crimes.

A check of state court records indicate that Arias has not
 been charged with any criminal offenses since 1993. But he was very 
active in filing civil lawsuits while in prison and shortly afterwards. 
At least 15 times, he sued state prison officials and members of the 
Nebraska Parole Board.

&nbsp;In 2009,&nbsp;Arias,
 also legally contested the determination that he was a “dangerous” sex 
offender who warranted lifetime listing on the sex offender registry 
maintained by the Nebraska State Patrol.

Arias argued that prison psychologists deemed that he was 
not a threat to reoffend. Arias did acknowledge that he suffered from 
post-traumatic stress disorder, but he said that didn’t represent a 
threat to society, either.&nbsp;

Linn, and a press release from a group of Legion members 
called “What About Us?” stated that they opposed pardons for sex 
offenders because it is against their “morals and ethical standards.” 
Arias’ crime, they added, was “very heinous.”

The group, in its press release, asked, “What if it was your loved one?”

The group said that Legion caps should not have been worn
 at the Pardons Board hearing and that all Legion members should have 
been informed before such a demonstration of support was made.

&nbsp;‘This was kept pretty quiet. It was not made public to the body of Legion members of Nebraska,” Linn said.

She added that the pardon set a very bad precedent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665755813882.png" alt="Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts presided over the Nebraska Board of Pardons hearing in September. (Jazari Kual/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts presided over the Nebraska Board of Pardons hearing in September. (Jazari Kual/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/10/14/legion-members-protest-pardon-for-fellow-veteran-for-heinous-sex-assault/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A group of American Legion members are 
protesting the September pardon of a fellow Legion member, saying that 
John Arias didn’t deserve a pardon for a violent, 1993 sex assault and 
that Arias used other Legion members to win the pardon.On Sept. 19, the Nebraska Board of Pardons voted 2-1 to 
grant Arias a pardon, a formal act of forgiveness that allows his name 
to be removed from the state’s Sex Offender Registry and restores his 
voting and gun rights.The members of the Pardons Board, before they voted, noted
 the support shown by about 20 American Legion members who sat together 
at the meeting. They wore their signature Legion caps, to show their 
support of Arias, who sits on a state veteran affairs and rehabilitation
 committee.<h2>Not a ‘misunderstanding’</h2>A former state Legion commander said that not all Legion 
members supported the pardon of a sex offender and that the Legion cap 
is only supposed to be worn at official or Legion-sponsored functions.&nbsp; Beth Linn of Scottsbluff, who served as state Legion commander from 2016-17, also said that while Arias has claimed the sexual assault was a “misunderstanding,” it was far from it.“Raping your wife in front of her kids while she’s tied to a bed is not a misunderstanding,” Linn said.A group of Legion members, including Linn, have planned a “peaceful protest” of the pardon on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Nebraska State Capitol.<h2>Showed remorse, Ricketts said</h2>Gov. Pete Ricketts, who chairs the Pardons Board and voted to pardon Arias, said in a statement that Arias has accepted responsibility for a crime committed nearly 30 years ago and “has shown to be remorseful.”“He has not had any offenses since 
serving his sentence and has since become an active member of the 
veteran community, helping others who suffer from PTSD,” Ricketts said 
in a statement, noting the support by veterans at the Pardons Board 
hearing.Attorney General Doug Peterson, who also 
voted for the Arias pardon, deferred comment to the governor. Secretary 
of State Bob Evnen voted “no.”When contacted by the Examiner, Don 
Suchy, the current state commander of the American Legion and one of 
those who attended the Pardons Board hearing in support of Arias, said 
that the Legion does not condone violence but that Arias, since serving 
out his prison sentence, had been a “model citizen” and a mentor to 
other veterans to reform their lives.<h2>Now leading a ‘law-abiding life’</h2>“We support him in leading a productive and law-abiding life,” Suchy 
said in an email. “Since his release, he has sought only to better 
himself to society.”While he said he wasn’t fully aware of Arias’ crime, Suchy questioned
 whether Arias was a victim of “overzealous prosecution” and whether it 
made a difference that he suffered from PTSD.Concerning Legion caps, he said that they are typically worn only at 
official meetings but that “the wearing of a Legion cap only indicates 
the individual wearing the cap is in uniform.”“Nebraska Legionnaires showed up to support the individual’s 
transformation,” Suchy said, adding that they didn’t have a “vote or 
voice” in the Pardon Board’s decision.<h2>Broke into home</h2>Messages left seeking comment from Arias, 57, of Grand Island, were not returned.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665755875952.png" alt="John Arias (Courtesy of the Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>John Arias (Courtesy of the Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault in 1994.&nbsp;Court records indicate that he broke into the Ogallala home of his estranged wife, then terrorized her with a knife. He tied her to a bed and sexually assaulted
 while their children, ages 5 and 7, were in the home. Arias then took 
the children and fled to Texas, leaving his wife bound and gagged.&nbsp;He was sentenced to 15-30 years in prison, a sentence he completed in 2008.At the Pardons Board hearing, Arias, a former Marine who 
served in the Gulf War, noted that he has been active in supporting 
fellow veterans. He was quoted in a recent Grand Island Independent 
story about the launching of veterans treatment court in Adams County as
 an alternative to prison for veterans who commit crimes.<h2>Contested his listing</h2>A check of state court records indicate that Arias has not
 been charged with any criminal offenses since 1993. But he was very 
active in filing civil lawsuits while in prison and shortly afterwards. 
At least 15 times, he sued state prison officials and members of the 
Nebraska Parole Board.&nbsp;In 2009,&nbsp;Arias,
 also legally contested the determination that he was a “dangerous” sex 
offender who warranted lifetime listing on the sex offender registry 
maintained by the Nebraska State Patrol.Arias argued that prison psychologists deemed that he was 
not a threat to reoffend. Arias did acknowledge that he suffered from 
post-traumatic stress disorder, but he said that didn’t represent a 
threat to society, either.&nbsp;<h2>Assault was ‘very heinous’</h2>Linn, and a press release from a group of Legion members 
called “What About Us?” stated that they opposed pardons for sex 
offenders because it is against their “morals and ethical standards.” 
Arias’ crime, they added, was “very heinous.”The group, in its press release, asked, “What if it was your loved one?”The group said that Legion caps should not have been worn
 at the Pardons Board hearing and that all Legion members should have 
been informed before such a demonstration of support was made.&nbsp;‘This was kept pretty quiet. It was not made public to the body of Legion members of Nebraska,” Linn said.She added that the pardon set a very bad precedent.

Legion members protest pardon for veteran for ‘heinous’ sex assault

Alliance – The City of Alliance will be hosting a public meeting to gather community input regarding future projects and improvements to recreation areas. 

All residents are encouraged to attend to provide ideas and suggestions to guide the development of long range project planning for our community. The meeting will be held on November 7 at 5:30pm at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center.

Please call Joan or Shana at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center at 308-762-2384 with any questions you may have.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The City of Alliance will be hosting a public meeting to gather community input regarding future projects and improvements to recreation areas. All residents are encouraged to attend to provide ideas and suggestions to guide the development of long range project planning for our community. The meeting will be held on November 7 at 5:30pm at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center.Please call Joan or Shana at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center at 308-762-2384 with any questions you may have.

Public meeting to be held to discuss future Alliance recreation area projects

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The lack of some benefits most American workers can readily count on, like paid sick leave and regularly scheduled weekends, is driving some railroad workers to veto contracts that include hefty raises and $5,000 bonuses.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">This week’s vote</a>&nbsp;by the third-largest railroad union against their contract raised the possibility that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">crippling nationwide strike</a>&nbsp;could still happen even though the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union pledged to negotiate more before considering walking off the job.

All 12 railroad unions must approve the contract to avoid a strike. Six smaller railroad unions have now approved their agreements with the major freight railroads after the National Conference of Firemen &amp; Oilers ratified their deal Thursday.

But the workers with the most concerns about demanding schedules that have them on call 24-7 — engineers and conductors, nearly one-third of rail workers — won’t vote until next month.

Ultimately Congress may step in to block a strike and impose a contract if the two sides can’t reach agreements.

The five-year deals include 24% raises, which are the biggest in more than four decades, and closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations of a special board of arbitrators</a>&nbsp;appointed by President Joe Biden this summer. However, those recommendations generally don’t resolve workers’ scheduling and workload concerns, especially as the major railroads have eliminated nearly one-third of their workers over the past six years. Railroads have been reluctant to offer much more than that board recommended, although they did agree to give engineers and conductors three unpaid days off a year to tend to medical appointments as long as they give 30 days notice.

Conductors and engineers clearly have the worst schedules that can lack weekends because railroads cannot predict exactly when trains will be ready to leave, and because trains run around the clock. The electricians, mechanics, and other employees based in a set location have more regular schedules, but they say their work has also become more demanding.

Currently, rail employees can take days off for any reason, but those days are generally unpaid and workers might be docked under the railroad's attendance rules. And it’s hard to get paid leave or vacation days approved unless workers plan far ahead and have the seniority to secure them, so that makes those kind of leave days nearly impossible to use for a sick day. That’s why some workers question the value of the one additional paid leave day these contracts offer even though it would be the first improvement to that leave time since 1981.

“When I go to take them (personal leave days), every time without fail: ‘Oh, the crew supply doesn’t meet demand. We’re denying it.’ You’ve got to try to plan them in advance — ahead. So you can’t use those for your sick days,” said Paul Lindsey, a longtime Union Pacific engineer based in Pocatello, Idaho, who is active with the Railroad Workers United group that’s campaigning against the proposed contracts.

Electrician Shelly Nunemaker wants to see BNSF ease the tight attendance rules engineers and conductors work under before those could get imposed on her job, and she says the railroad should provide paid sick leave.

“They’re going to have to get a handle on this kind of thing before it gets worse and before it trickles down to us because eventually there won’t be anybody to fix those choo-choos that people need to drive around,” said Nunemaker, who wanted to vote “no” on the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers contract but said she never received a ballot. That has her questioning the validity of that vote because several coworkers also allegedly didn't get ballots.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;that some railroads use that dock certain employees points for missing work for almost any reason have been a key concern for the unions this year because workers can be disciplined after losing all their points. The railroads maintain those systems are needed to ensure they have enough crews available, and they say the systems give workers flexibility to take some days off as long as they manage their points.

The Association of American Railroads trade group notes that rail workers do have some sickness benefits that kick in after a waiting period of four or seven days, and unions actually traded away some paid sick days in the 1970s to get better short-term disability benefits. But the unions say the pandemic — when railroads temporarily offered paid leave for COVID absences — highlighted the need for paid sick time.

Track maintenance worker Matt Mortensen said that when his three boys were younger, he had to use nearly all his vacation time to take care of sick kids. Then if he did take vacation, it had to be unpaid time off.

“To me it’s weird working for a company that is so profitable and not have sick days,” said Mortensen, who has worked for BNSF for 17 years in the Kansas City area and voted no on the BMWED contract.

All the major railroads have been reporting sizeable profits and BNSF said it made just over $3 billion in the first half of this year.

Issues with scheduling and time off have increasingly become top negotiating concerns coming out of the pandemic, but rarely are the issues as glaring as they are on the railroads. Virginia Commonwealth University professor Victor Chen said the railroads’ intense focus on a lean operating model that relies on fewer, longer trains with fewer locomotives and employees has “made formerly good jobs atrociously bad.”

“Over the years, they’ve laid off workers in droves while expecting those who remain to do much more,” said Chen, a sociologist who studies labor issues. “They’ve imposed schedules that are wildly unpredictable because it means they can squeeze more out of each worker. They’ve put in place insane attendance policies that would never fly in white-collar workplaces.”

The working conditions on railroads have even attracted the attention of top policymakers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned all the job cuts when she spoke at the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen convention this week in Las Vegas.

“Railroad corporations are making obscene profits on the backs of its workers,” Pelosi said. “You shouldn’t get fired for staying home when you get sick.”

Lindsey, the Union Pacific engineer, said he doesn’t think the unions are asking for too much.

“We just want our pay to keep up with inflation and have the ability to take days off when we need them,” he said. “I think that’s totally reasonable.”

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The lack of some benefits most American workers can readily count on, like paid sick leave and regularly scheduled weekends, is driving some railroad workers to veto contracts that include hefty raises and $5,000 bonuses.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">This week’s vote</a>&nbsp;by the third-largest railroad union against their contract raised the possibility that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">crippling nationwide strike</a>&nbsp;could still happen even though the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union pledged to negotiate more before considering walking off the job.All 12 railroad unions must approve the contract to avoid a strike. Six smaller railroad unions have now approved their agreements with the major freight railroads after the National Conference of Firemen &amp; Oilers ratified their deal Thursday.But the workers with the most concerns about demanding schedules that have them on call 24-7 — engineers and conductors, nearly one-third of rail workers — won’t vote until next month.Ultimately Congress may step in to block a strike and impose a contract if the two sides can’t reach agreements.The five-year deals include 24% raises, which are the biggest in more than four decades, and closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations of a special board of arbitrators</a>&nbsp;appointed by President Joe Biden this summer. However, those recommendations generally don’t resolve workers’ scheduling and workload concerns, especially as the major railroads have eliminated nearly one-third of their workers over the past six years. Railroads have been reluctant to offer much more than that board recommended, although they did agree to give engineers and conductors three unpaid days off a year to tend to medical appointments as long as they give 30 days notice.Conductors and engineers clearly have the worst schedules that can lack weekends because railroads cannot predict exactly when trains will be ready to leave, and because trains run around the clock. The electricians, mechanics, and other employees based in a set location have more regular schedules, but they say their work has also become more demanding.Currently, rail employees can take days off for any reason, but those days are generally unpaid and workers might be docked under the railroad's attendance rules. And it’s hard to get paid leave or vacation days approved unless workers plan far ahead and have the seniority to secure them, so that makes those kind of leave days nearly impossible to use for a sick day. That’s why some workers question the value of the one additional paid leave day these contracts offer even though it would be the first improvement to that leave time since 1981.“When I go to take them (personal leave days), every time without fail: ‘Oh, the crew supply doesn’t meet demand. We’re denying it.’ You’ve got to try to plan them in advance — ahead. So you can’t use those for your sick days,” said Paul Lindsey, a longtime Union Pacific engineer based in Pocatello, Idaho, who is active with the Railroad Workers United group that’s campaigning against the proposed contracts.Electrician Shelly Nunemaker wants to see BNSF ease the tight attendance rules engineers and conductors work under before those could get imposed on her job, and she says the railroad should provide paid sick leave.“They’re going to have to get a handle on this kind of thing before it gets worse and before it trickles down to us because eventually there won’t be anybody to fix those choo-choos that people need to drive around,” said Nunemaker, who wanted to vote “no” on the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers contract but said she never received a ballot. That has her questioning the validity of that vote because several coworkers also allegedly didn't get ballots.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;that some railroads use that dock certain employees points for missing work for almost any reason have been a key concern for the unions this year because workers can be disciplined after losing all their points. The railroads maintain those systems are needed to ensure they have enough crews available, and they say the systems give workers flexibility to take some days off as long as they manage their points.The Association of American Railroads trade group notes that rail workers do have some sickness benefits that kick in after a waiting period of four or seven days, and unions actually traded away some paid sick days in the 1970s to get better short-term disability benefits. But the unions say the pandemic — when railroads temporarily offered paid leave for COVID absences — highlighted the need for paid sick time.Track maintenance worker Matt Mortensen said that when his three boys were younger, he had to use nearly all his vacation time to take care of sick kids. Then if he did take vacation, it had to be unpaid time off.“To me it’s weird working for a company that is so profitable and not have sick days,” said Mortensen, who has worked for BNSF for 17 years in the Kansas City area and voted no on the BMWED contract.All the major railroads have been reporting sizeable profits and BNSF said it made just over $3 billion in the first half of this year.Issues with scheduling and time off have increasingly become top negotiating concerns coming out of the pandemic, but rarely are the issues as glaring as they are on the railroads. Virginia Commonwealth University professor Victor Chen said the railroads’ intense focus on a lean operating model that relies on fewer, longer trains with fewer locomotives and employees has “made formerly good jobs atrociously bad.”“Over the years, they’ve laid off workers in droves while expecting those who remain to do much more,” said Chen, a sociologist who studies labor issues. “They’ve imposed schedules that are wildly unpredictable because it means they can squeeze more out of each worker. They’ve put in place insane attendance policies that would never fly in white-collar workplaces.”The working conditions on railroads have even attracted the attention of top policymakers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned all the job cuts when she spoke at the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen convention this week in Las Vegas.“Railroad corporations are making obscene profits on the backs of its workers,” Pelosi said. “You shouldn’t get fired for staying home when you get sick.”Lindsey, the Union Pacific engineer, said he doesn’t think the unions are asking for too much.“We just want our pay to keep up with inflation and have the ability to take days off when we need them,” he said. “I think that’s totally reasonable.”

Quality of life concerns weigh heavily on rail contract vote

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Rogelio Salas, Jr., 26, of Weslaco, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 33 months’ imprisonment for threatening to shoot employees and a specific victim who worked at the McCook, Nebraska Wal-Mart.&nbsp; After Salas, Jr.’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

On January 8, 2022, Salas, Jr. indicated he was outside the Wal-Mart with firearms and explosives and stated that he was going to enter the store with the weapons to kill the victim.&nbsp; Salas, Jr. made multiple threatening calls to the store, and the store evacuated all employees and customers as a result of the threats.&nbsp; Investigation revealed that Salas, Jr. was, in fact, in the State of Texas at the time that the threatening calls were made to the Nebraska retailer.

Salas, Jr. began a campaign of threatening and harassing the victim that started when the victim refused to play online video games anymore with Salas, Jr. because Salas, Jr. was using homosexual slurs during the video game sessions that offended the victim.&nbsp; Once the victim stopped playing online games with Salas, Jr., Salas Jr. began to contact the victim on social media and determined the victim’s specific workplace at the McCook area Wal-Mart.&nbsp; Salas, Jr. pled guilty to transmitting threats in interstate commerce on July 21, 2022.

For this conduct, Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Salas, Jr. to a term of 33 months in federal prison, the longest sentence authorized by Salas, Jr.’s plea of guilty.&nbsp; Judge Gerrard noted the disturbing frequency of threat cases coming before him recently and issued the sentence in part because of the fear that the defendant caused in all of the individuals at the Wal-Mart store that day and because it was all unnecessarily done over a video game dispute.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian" target="_blank">https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian</a>.

This case was investigated by North Platte FBI and the McCook Police Department.

By United States Attorney OfficeUnited States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Rogelio Salas, Jr., 26, of Weslaco, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 33 months’ imprisonment for threatening to shoot employees and a specific victim who worked at the McCook, Nebraska Wal-Mart.&nbsp; After Salas, Jr.’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.On January 8, 2022, Salas, Jr. indicated he was outside the Wal-Mart with firearms and explosives and stated that he was going to enter the store with the weapons to kill the victim.&nbsp; Salas, Jr. made multiple threatening calls to the store, and the store evacuated all employees and customers as a result of the threats.&nbsp; Investigation revealed that Salas, Jr. was, in fact, in the State of Texas at the time that the threatening calls were made to the Nebraska retailer.Salas, Jr. began a campaign of threatening and harassing the victim that started when the victim refused to play online video games anymore with Salas, Jr. because Salas, Jr. was using homosexual slurs during the video game sessions that offended the victim.&nbsp; Once the victim stopped playing online games with Salas, Jr., Salas Jr. began to contact the victim on social media and determined the victim’s specific workplace at the McCook area Wal-Mart.&nbsp; Salas, Jr. pled guilty to transmitting threats in interstate commerce on July 21, 2022.For this conduct, Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Salas, Jr. to a term of 33 months in federal prison, the longest sentence authorized by Salas, Jr.’s plea of guilty.&nbsp; Judge Gerrard noted the disturbing frequency of threat cases coming before him recently and issued the sentence in part because of the fear that the defendant caused in all of the individuals at the Wal-Mart store that day and because it was all unnecessarily done over a video game dispute.This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian" target="_blank">https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian</a>.This case was investigated by North Platte FBI and the McCook Police Department.

Texas man sentenced for threatening to shoot people at McCook Wal-Mart   

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A fifth union has now ratified its deal with the major freight railroads just days after one of the largest rail unions rejected their tentative agreement.

The Mechanical and Engineering Department of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation workers union voted Wednesday to approve its five-year contract that includes 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. Now five of the 12 rail unions have approved their agreements with the railroads and a sixth one is set to vote Thursday, but all 12 have to endorse their deals to prevent a strike that would devastate the economy.

Fears of a strike were renewed earlier this week when the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union voted down its contract, but there is no immediate threat of a walkout because that union agreed to delay any action until at least mid November to allow time to renegotiate a new deal.

The agreements the unions are voting on include the largest raises workers have seen in more than four decades, but the tentative deals don't resolve most of the members' quality of life concerns about strict schedules, the lack of paid time off and demanding workloads after the railroads eliminated some 45,000 jobs over the past six years.

The negotiations included roughly 115,000 workers at Norfolk Southern, CSX, BNSF, Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern and other railroads.

The general president of the SMART-MD union, Joseph Sellers Jr., promised to keep fighting to get workers the “wages, benefits and working conditions that they deserve for keeping the American economy running.”

The railroads play such an important role delivering raw materials and finished products that most businesses rely on that President Joe Biden intervened in the contract talks last month and put pressure on both sides to reach agreements before a mid-September strike deadline.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A fifth union has now ratified its deal with the major freight railroads just days after one of the largest rail unions rejected their tentative agreement.The Mechanical and Engineering Department of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation workers union voted Wednesday to approve its five-year contract that includes 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. Now five of the 12 rail unions have approved their agreements with the railroads and a sixth one is set to vote Thursday, but all 12 have to endorse their deals to prevent a strike that would devastate the economy.Fears of a strike were renewed earlier this week when the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union voted down its contract, but there is no immediate threat of a walkout because that union agreed to delay any action until at least mid November to allow time to renegotiate a new deal.The agreements the unions are voting on include the largest raises workers have seen in more than four decades, but the tentative deals don't resolve most of the members' quality of life concerns about strict schedules, the lack of paid time off and demanding workloads after the railroads eliminated some 45,000 jobs over the past six years.The negotiations included roughly 115,000 workers at Norfolk Southern, CSX, BNSF, Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern and other railroads.The general president of the SMART-MD union, Joseph Sellers Jr., promised to keep fighting to get workers the “wages, benefits and working conditions that they deserve for keeping the American economy running.”The railroads play such an important role delivering raw materials and finished products that most businesses rely on that President Joe Biden intervened in the contract talks last month and put pressure on both sides to reach agreements before a mid-September strike deadline.

5 of 12 unions have approved deals with freight railroads

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and the Nebraska State Patrol are pleased to announce a new, local hotline designed for the public to report suspected sex trafficking or labor trafficking. The Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached 24 hours per day at 833-PLS-LOOK (833-757-5665).

The Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline is designed to receive tips on possible human trafficking and quickly direct the information to local investigators. Tips can be made anonymously and go directly to the Nebraska Information Analysis Center, a division of the Nebraska State Patrol.

“This new hotline is the result of a continuous partnership between NSP, the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Attorney General’s Office, seeking to disrupt the evil that is human trafficking,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Public reports can be the key to saving victims, interrupting trafficking operations, and prosecuting offenders. We urge anyone who spots the signs of human trafficking to report it immediately.”

Those seeking victim services are still urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

Visit the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office website for more information about the&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/nebraska-human-trafficking-task-force" target="_blank">Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force</a>, including information on how to identify the signs of trafficking, how to get involved, and how to get help.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and the Nebraska State Patrol are pleased to announce a new, local hotline designed for the public to report suspected sex trafficking or labor trafficking. The Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached 24 hours per day at 833-PLS-LOOK (833-757-5665).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665681196668.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline is designed to receive tips on possible human trafficking and quickly direct the information to local investigators. Tips can be made anonymously and go directly to the Nebraska Information Analysis Center, a division of the Nebraska State Patrol.“This new hotline is the result of a continuous partnership between NSP, the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Attorney General’s Office, seeking to disrupt the evil that is human trafficking,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Public reports can be the key to saving victims, interrupting trafficking operations, and prosecuting offenders. We urge anyone who spots the signs of human trafficking to report it immediately.”Those seeking victim services are still urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.Visit the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office website for more information about the&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/nebraska-human-trafficking-task-force" target="_blank">Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force</a>, including information on how to identify the signs of trafficking, how to get involved, and how to get help.

Nebraska launches new human trafficking hotline

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 10/13/22

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College will host a five-day training course in November for certified fiber optic technicians with specialties in testing and splicing. WNCC has partnered with BDI DataLynk, a standards-based company to provide the FOA (Fiber Optic Association) sanctioned training.

The Certified Fiber Optic Technician class runs Monday, November 28 through Friday, December 2. Class time is 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Each class consists of hands-on skills labs paired with lecture and book learning to fully prepare students for their FOA Certification Exams and begin their careers.&nbsp;

“Feedback from the telecom and cable industry throughout the Panhandle indicates that fiber optic technicians are in short supply” WNCC's Executive Director of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning Doug Mader said. “Five days of training for a job that pays anywhere from $35,000 to $60,000 is a big win for local employers and workforce. We also have GAP Community College funds that can help pay tuition for those who qualify so we encourage anyone interested to call us and apply.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, fiber optic technicians are H3 (high wage, high skill, high demand) occupations in the state and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of fiber optic technicians is projected to grow eight percent through 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. The US telecommunications industry employs a total of 672,000 workers, with average annual wages of $77,500.

It’s forecasted that 5G rollout and other technologies could create 850,000 more new direct broadband and 5G jobs through 2025.

The tuition for the Certified Fiber Optic Technicians course is $2,200.00. GAP funding is available to those who qualify. Pre-registration for the course is required. Call 308-635-6700 for more information and to register.&nbsp;

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College will host a five-day training course in November for certified fiber optic technicians with specialties in testing and splicing. WNCC has partnered with BDI DataLynk, a standards-based company to provide the FOA (Fiber Optic Association) sanctioned training.The Certified Fiber Optic Technician class runs Monday, November 28 through Friday, December 2. Class time is 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Each class consists of hands-on skills labs paired with lecture and book learning to fully prepare students for their FOA Certification Exams and begin their careers.&nbsp;“Feedback from the telecom and cable industry throughout the Panhandle indicates that fiber optic technicians are in short supply” WNCC's Executive Director of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning Doug Mader said. “Five days of training for a job that pays anywhere from $35,000 to $60,000 is a big win for local employers and workforce. We also have GAP Community College funds that can help pay tuition for those who qualify so we encourage anyone interested to call us and apply.”&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, fiber optic technicians are H3 (high wage, high skill, high demand) occupations in the state and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of fiber optic technicians is projected to grow eight percent through 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. The US telecommunications industry employs a total of 672,000 workers, with average annual wages of $77,500.It’s forecasted that 5G rollout and other technologies could create 850,000 more new direct broadband and 5G jobs through 2025.The tuition for the Certified Fiber Optic Technicians course is $2,200.00. GAP funding is available to those who qualify. Pre-registration for the course is required. Call 308-635-6700 for more information and to register.&nbsp;

WNCC to offer 5-day certified fiber optic technician course

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.

The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.

The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies.

"Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery.

"The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809523581.png" alt="Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive." />
 <figcaption>Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">
<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664837188306.png"/>
</a></div>To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies."Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery."The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809714527.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Schmidt Foundation gift will aid Ian recovery efforts

Alliance American Legion District 4 will hold the annual Veteran's Day parade on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m.

Registration is now open to all veterans. The preferred registration deadline is Nov. 1. They will be accepting entries until 9 a.m. the day of the parade.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665674048647.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alliance American Legion District 4 will hold the annual Veteran's Day parade on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m.Registration is now open to all veterans. The preferred registration deadline is Nov. 1. They will be accepting entries until 9 a.m. the day of the parade.&nbsp;

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