SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (Oct. 4, 2022) -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College's Homecoming week is scheduled for Oct. 15 - 22, with events planned on all three campuses. All events are open to the public.&nbsp;

"We are excited to host a full week of events on all three campuses this year," WNCC Alumni &amp; Stewardship Director Mary Sheffield said. "Homecoming 2022 has something for just about everyone. We hope the community will join us for an exciting week."

The&nbsp;Voc-Air Fly-in will kick off the week on the Sidney Campus at the Aviation Maintenance Facility. Breakfast will be served starting at 7 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children.&nbsp;

The Alliance Senior Center will host Community Bingo on Oct. 19 from 12:30 – 2 p.m.

WNCC's Business After Hours, sponsored by the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Oct. 20 from5 – 7 p.m.. in the Learning Commons on the Scottsbluff Campus.&nbsp;

The 9th Annual Alumni &amp; Friends Banquet is set for Friday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. in the John N. Harms Center.&nbsp;The awards banquet will recognize Outstanding Almnus, Outstanding Young Alumnus, Lifetime Achievement, Cara Perkins Merirotious Service, Friend of the College, and Family Pride award winners. To RSVP for the Alumni &amp; Friends Banquet, contact alumni@wncc.edu, call 308-630-6571, or visit go.wncc.edu/alumni.

The WNCC volleyball team will face Northeast Junior College at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21 at Cougar Palace. The theme is PAWZitively Pink night, and all fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.&nbsp;

Homecoming week will finish off with the WNCC Performing Arts program's presentation of the musical,&nbsp;The Pajama Game.&nbsp;The Performing Arts program will put on three shows over the weekend, with evening shows on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 20-21) starting at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday (Oct. 22) matinee starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors, and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at wncc.edu/community/performing-arts.&nbsp;

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (Oct. 4, 2022) -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College's Homecoming week is scheduled for Oct. 15 - 22, with events planned on all three campuses. All events are open to the public.&nbsp;"We are excited to host a full week of events on all three campuses this year," WNCC Alumni &amp; Stewardship Director Mary Sheffield said. "Homecoming 2022 has something for just about everyone. We hope the community will join us for an exciting week."The&nbsp;Voc-Air Fly-in will kick off the week on the Sidney Campus at the Aviation Maintenance Facility. Breakfast will be served starting at 7 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children.&nbsp;The Alliance Senior Center will host Community Bingo on Oct. 19 from 12:30 – 2 p.m.WNCC's Business After Hours, sponsored by the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Oct. 20 from5 – 7 p.m.. in the Learning Commons on the Scottsbluff Campus.&nbsp;The 9th Annual Alumni &amp; Friends Banquet is set for Friday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. in the John N. Harms Center.&nbsp;The awards banquet will recognize Outstanding Almnus, Outstanding Young Alumnus, Lifetime Achievement, Cara Perkins Merirotious Service, Friend of the College, and Family Pride award winners. To RSVP for the Alumni &amp; Friends Banquet, contact alumni@wncc.edu, call 308-630-6571, or visit go.wncc.edu/alumni.The WNCC volleyball team will face Northeast Junior College at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21 at Cougar Palace. The theme is PAWZitively Pink night, and all fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.&nbsp;Homecoming week will finish off with the WNCC Performing Arts program's presentation of the musical,&nbsp;The Pajama Game.&nbsp;The Performing Arts program will put on three shows over the weekend, with evening shows on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 20-21) starting at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday (Oct. 22) matinee starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors, and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at wncc.edu/community/performing-arts.&nbsp;

Busy week planned for WNCC Homecoming

Over the past three years, we’ve dealt with shortages of many goods, from lumber to cars to toilet paper.&nbsp; Supply chain shortages have shown that the United States is overreliant on foreign suppliers.&nbsp; Instead of depending on China for medicine, Taiwan for computer chips, or Russia for fertilizer, we need to return the manufacturing of our products to America.

In Nebraska, we’re doing our part to make “made in America” the norm.&nbsp; We’re developing our workforce, supporting research of cutting-edge technologies, and investing in affordable housing to strengthen manufacturing in the Good Life.&nbsp;

According to a study by The Manufacturing Group and Deloitte, U.S. manufacturing is on pace to have 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.&nbsp; This shortage of workers threatens to stunt the growth of American manufacturing.&nbsp; Since I took office, my team has been building a talent pipeline to connect our students with the great-paying manufacturing jobs being created in Nebraska.&nbsp;

To familiarize students with manufacturing, it’s important to give them experiences building and creating early on in their education.&nbsp; Our Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) brings together schools and local manufacturers to provide these hands-on learning opportunities to 7th&nbsp;and 8th&nbsp;grade students.&nbsp; Since launching in 2015, DYTI has reached 24,500 students across 66 Nebraska school districts.&nbsp;

This year, MetalQuest in Hebron received a grant of $125,000 to purchase equipment to introduce students to industrial robotics automation and coding.&nbsp; They’re also partnering with schools in Gage, Jefferson, and Thayer counties to create a classroom curriculum with the grant award.&nbsp; It’s the second time MetalQuest has received a DYTI grant.&nbsp; The company used its 2016 grant to work with Sandy Creek and Lawrence Nelson Public Schools on a manufacturing career pathway.&nbsp; Before creating the pathway, only 39% of students reported being interested in a career in manufacturing. &nbsp;After the DYTI program, around 75% expressed interest in a manufacturing career.

Students who develop an interest in manufacturing through DYTI can then take part in a high school career academy to gain industry-specific skills.&nbsp; For example, CNH Industrial partners with Grand Island High School through its Career Pathways Institute.&nbsp; In 2017, CNH donated new fabrication equipment to the school for students to use in learning labs.&nbsp; The equipment is very similar to what CNH uses in its actual manufacturing process.&nbsp; This allows students to get a head start learning the specialized skills needed for industrial careers even before they graduate.&nbsp; CNH also offers a Youth Registered Apprenticeship program for welders and industrial manufacturing technicians.&nbsp; Apprentices earn course credit while getting paid and gaining valuable experience at CNH on the manufacturing floor.

High school graduates can sign up for a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) to gain nationally recognized industry credentials.&nbsp; On average, apprentices in the U.S. have a starting salary of $77,000 after completing their program.&nbsp; They can also earn credits toward a college degree.

We grew RA programs by 15% in 2021, and they continue to increase. &nbsp;&nbsp;Central Community College started its RA program in August 2021 and has already brought on major manufacturing partners such as Chief Fabrication, CNH Industrial, Lindsay Corporation, and Standard Iron.&nbsp; This summer, community colleges in Nebraska won a $4 million federal grant to grow their RA programs.&nbsp; They’ll be able to offer more opportunities for students to earn while they learn trades in manufacturing as machinists, welders, or heavy equipment operators.&nbsp;

In 2020, we created the Career Scholarship program in our community colleges, state colleges, and University system.&nbsp; It’s helping to pay the way for students to receive specialized education in high-demand fields, like engineering, that are essential to manufacturing.&nbsp; Last year, we added private colleges to the program.&nbsp; With that expansion, there will now be at least 2,110 career scholarships by 2023.&nbsp;

We’re supplementing our workforce development with investments in automation that allow manufacturers to do more with less.&nbsp; For example, the State awarded Marble Technologies $155,000 of Business Innovation Act funding last fiscal year.&nbsp; The company is using the grants to design technologies that automate many of the labor-intensive, repetitive tasks in beef and pork processing facilities.&nbsp; These products are helping to address the labor shortages that sometimes serve as a bottleneck in meat processing.

Last month, Invest Nebraska and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development were part of a coalition that won a $25 million federal grant to create a Heartland Robotics Cluster.&nbsp; The goal of the initiative is to spur robotics innovation so that we can boost labor productivity in Nebraska.&nbsp; The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership will use $1.4 million from the award to build a manufacturing automation program and space to demonstrate breakthrough products. &nbsp;Northeast Community College will receive funds from the award to develop an automation fabrication lab designed to support the needs of area manufacturers.&nbsp; The grant will also go toward robotics research and development at The Combine—the program supporting agricultural entrepreneurship at Nebraska Innovation Campus.

We’re prioritizing affordable housing to support the manufacturing growth happening across Nebraska.&nbsp; Our manufacturing companies can best recruit talent when there are plenty of local housing options available. &nbsp;Housing funds have been a key part of our strategy to increase inventories of high-quality, reasonably priced homes. &nbsp;We awarded $7 million of Rural Workforce Housing Fund grants in 2018, and another $10 million in 2021.&nbsp; We also awarded $10 million of Middle Income Workforce Housing grants in 2021 for home construction in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties.&nbsp; This legislative session, we allocated an additional $128.5 million to address the need for affordable housing across the state.&nbsp;

Our efforts to grow manufacturing are paying off.&nbsp; This year, manufacturing employment in Nebraska has reached its highest point since 2003!&nbsp; I’m proclaiming October as Manufacturing Month in Nebraska to celebrate the great work of manufacturers in our state and to highlight the State’s commitment to manufacturing.

If you have any questions about the State’s work to support manufacturing, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244.

By Gov. Pete RickettsOver the past three years, we’ve dealt with shortages of many goods, from lumber to cars to toilet paper.&nbsp; Supply chain shortages have shown that the United States is overreliant on foreign suppliers.&nbsp; Instead of depending on China for medicine, Taiwan for computer chips, or Russia for fertilizer, we need to return the manufacturing of our products to America.In Nebraska, we’re doing our part to make “made in America” the norm.&nbsp; We’re developing our workforce, supporting research of cutting-edge technologies, and investing in affordable housing to strengthen manufacturing in the Good Life.&nbsp;Workforce DevelopmentAccording to a study by The Manufacturing Group and Deloitte, U.S. manufacturing is on pace to have 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.&nbsp; This shortage of workers threatens to stunt the growth of American manufacturing.&nbsp; Since I took office, my team has been building a talent pipeline to connect our students with the great-paying manufacturing jobs being created in Nebraska.&nbsp;To familiarize students with manufacturing, it’s important to give them experiences building and creating early on in their education.&nbsp; Our Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) brings together schools and local manufacturers to provide these hands-on learning opportunities to 7th&nbsp;and 8th&nbsp;grade students.&nbsp; Since launching in 2015, DYTI has reached 24,500 students across 66 Nebraska school districts.&nbsp;This year, MetalQuest in Hebron received a grant of $125,000 to purchase equipment to introduce students to industrial robotics automation and coding.&nbsp; They’re also partnering with schools in Gage, Jefferson, and Thayer counties to create a classroom curriculum with the grant award.&nbsp; It’s the second time MetalQuest has received a DYTI grant.&nbsp; The company used its 2016 grant to work with Sandy Creek and Lawrence Nelson Public Schools on a manufacturing career pathway.&nbsp; Before creating the pathway, only 39% of students reported being interested in a career in manufacturing. &nbsp;After the DYTI program, around 75% expressed interest in a manufacturing career.Students who develop an interest in manufacturing through DYTI can then take part in a high school career academy to gain industry-specific skills.&nbsp; For example, CNH Industrial partners with Grand Island High School through its Career Pathways Institute.&nbsp; In 2017, CNH donated new fabrication equipment to the school for students to use in learning labs.&nbsp; The equipment is very similar to what CNH uses in its actual manufacturing process.&nbsp; This allows students to get a head start learning the specialized skills needed for industrial careers even before they graduate.&nbsp; CNH also offers a Youth Registered Apprenticeship program for welders and industrial manufacturing technicians.&nbsp; Apprentices earn course credit while getting paid and gaining valuable experience at CNH on the manufacturing floor.High school graduates can sign up for a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) to gain nationally recognized industry credentials.&nbsp; On average, apprentices in the U.S. have a starting salary of $77,000 after completing their program.&nbsp; They can also earn credits toward a college degree.We grew RA programs by 15% in 2021, and they continue to increase. &nbsp;&nbsp;Central Community College started its RA program in August 2021 and has already brought on major manufacturing partners such as Chief Fabrication, CNH Industrial, Lindsay Corporation, and Standard Iron.&nbsp; This summer, community colleges in Nebraska won a $4 million federal grant to grow their RA programs.&nbsp; They’ll be able to offer more opportunities for students to earn while they learn trades in manufacturing as machinists, welders, or heavy equipment operators.&nbsp;In 2020, we created the Career Scholarship program in our community colleges, state colleges, and University system.&nbsp; It’s helping to pay the way for students to receive specialized education in high-demand fields, like engineering, that are essential to manufacturing.&nbsp; Last year, we added private colleges to the program.&nbsp; With that expansion, there will now be at least 2,110 career scholarships by 2023.&nbsp;Cutting-Edge TechnologyWe’re supplementing our workforce development with investments in automation that allow manufacturers to do more with less.&nbsp; For example, the State awarded Marble Technologies $155,000 of Business Innovation Act funding last fiscal year.&nbsp; The company is using the grants to design technologies that automate many of the labor-intensive, repetitive tasks in beef and pork processing facilities.&nbsp; These products are helping to address the labor shortages that sometimes serve as a bottleneck in meat processing.Last month, Invest Nebraska and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development were part of a coalition that won a $25 million federal grant to create a Heartland Robotics Cluster.&nbsp; The goal of the initiative is to spur robotics innovation so that we can boost labor productivity in Nebraska.&nbsp; The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership will use $1.4 million from the award to build a manufacturing automation program and space to demonstrate breakthrough products. &nbsp;Northeast Community College will receive funds from the award to develop an automation fabrication lab designed to support the needs of area manufacturers.&nbsp; The grant will also go toward robotics research and development at The Combine—the program supporting agricultural entrepreneurship at Nebraska Innovation Campus.Affordable HousingWe’re prioritizing affordable housing to support the manufacturing growth happening across Nebraska.&nbsp; Our manufacturing companies can best recruit talent when there are plenty of local housing options available. &nbsp;Housing funds have been a key part of our strategy to increase inventories of high-quality, reasonably priced homes. &nbsp;We awarded $7 million of Rural Workforce Housing Fund grants in 2018, and another $10 million in 2021.&nbsp; We also awarded $10 million of Middle Income Workforce Housing grants in 2021 for home construction in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties.&nbsp; This legislative session, we allocated an additional $128.5 million to address the need for affordable housing across the state.&nbsp;Our efforts to grow manufacturing are paying off.&nbsp; This year, manufacturing employment in Nebraska has reached its highest point since 2003!&nbsp; I’m proclaiming October as Manufacturing Month in Nebraska to celebrate the great work of manufacturers in our state and to highlight the State’s commitment to manufacturing.If you have any questions about the State’s work to support manufacturing, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244.

Gov. Pete Ricketts: Bringing manufacturing back home

News Release North Platte Community College

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The finest high school musicians from throughout the area will unite at North Platte Community College to showcase their talent and skills.&nbsp;

NPCC’s music department will host the 2022 Best of the West Music Festival Oct. 17. Students must be nominated by their teachers to participate.

“We are thrilled to host over 100 high school musicians from 12 schools for our annual Best of the West music festival,” said Kristin Simpson, NPCC music instructor. “The students will come together to rehearse high-caliber music in a unique environment that has them working alongside, not just their peers, but college level musicians and instructors as well.”

All-day rehearsals will culminate in an open to the public performance. The high school musicians will join members of the college’s concert choir and jazz band on stage for the NPCC Fall Concert. More than 50 students are expected to perform in each ensemble.

The concert is free to attend. It will&nbsp;begin at 6 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Theater on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd., in North Platte.

Simpson will lead the choir while&nbsp;Jennifer Winder directs the band and Pam Koch serves as the collaborative accompanist.

The participating schools are: Anselmo-Merna, Arapahoe, Arthur County, Chase County, Creek Valley, Gothenburg, Hershey, Maxwell, Stapleton, St. Pat’s, Wallace and Wauneta-Palisade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664980769830.jpeg" alt="Area high school students participate in the 2021 Best of the West Music Festival at North Platte Community College. This year’s festival is Oct. 17." />
 <figcaption>Area high school students participate in the 2021 Best of the West Music Festival at North Platte Community College. This year’s festival is Oct. 17.</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release North Platte Community CollegeNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The finest high school musicians from throughout the area will unite at North Platte Community College to showcase their talent and skills.&nbsp;NPCC’s music department will host the 2022 Best of the West Music Festival Oct. 17. Students must be nominated by their teachers to participate.“We are thrilled to host over 100 high school musicians from 12 schools for our annual Best of the West music festival,” said Kristin Simpson, NPCC music instructor. “The students will come together to rehearse high-caliber music in a unique environment that has them working alongside, not just their peers, but college level musicians and instructors as well.”All-day rehearsals will culminate in an open to the public performance. The high school musicians will join members of the college’s concert choir and jazz band on stage for the NPCC Fall Concert. More than 50 students are expected to perform in each ensemble.The concert is free to attend. It will&nbsp;begin at 6 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Theater on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd., in North Platte.Simpson will lead the choir while&nbsp;Jennifer Winder directs the band and Pam Koch serves as the collaborative accompanist.The participating schools are: Anselmo-Merna, Arapahoe, Arthur County, Chase County, Creek Valley, Gothenburg, Hershey, Maxwell, Stapleton, St. Pat’s, Wallace and Wauneta-Palisade.

North Platte Community College hosts Best of the West Music Festival

Nebraska wildlife officials say conditions throughout much of the state are suitable for the spread of deadly viral diseases among big game populations. They are asking the public to report unexplained death or illnesses of deer, pronghorn, elk and bighorn sheep.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, often causes high fever, internal bleeding, swelling, lesions, lethargy, increased heart rate, dehydration, salivation, incoordination and loss of fear of humans. The symptoms and spread are similar to bluetongue disease, another disorder that can kill certain wildlife and domestic livestock.

Both are labeled hemorrhagic diseases and are indistinguishable without laboratory analysis. While the diseases do not affect humans, they can be destructive to big game populations.

The diseases are most prevalent in late summer until the first frost. For both EHD and bluetongue, certain tiny midges or gnats bite a host and move the virus to nearby animals. When animals congregate at water during drought, the insects have potential to spread the virus to more animals. Additionally, infected animals often seek water for relief and die in or near it.

The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor dated Sept. 29 shows conditions throughout the entire state range from abnormally dry to exceptional drought. Drought conditions are most severe in the state’s southwestern and northeastern regions.

Observations of unhealthy big game animals or unexplained deaths should be reported to the nearest Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office. Locations include Alliance, Bassett, Kearney, Gretna, North Platte, Lincoln, Omaha and Norfolk. Contact information may be found at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Locations.

For more information on EHD and bluetonge, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1ODk2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9laGQvIn0.RbqdhU9wFiax_fAnFl8S5JVvw-ysBAF_iHj8D8qxsKo/s/497221906/br/145126206663-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/EHD</a>. For more information on wildlife diseases, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1ODk2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3Yvd2lsZGxpZmVkaXNlYXNlcy8ifQ.qhqKqKUzXfsMirFPqZQdm_kWxZXYQOJ9y_a0XZ3s5VI/s/497221906/br/145126206663-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/WildlifeDiseases.</a>

By Nebraska Game and ParksNebraska wildlife officials say conditions throughout much of the state are suitable for the spread of deadly viral diseases among big game populations. They are asking the public to report unexplained death or illnesses of deer, pronghorn, elk and bighorn sheep.Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, often causes high fever, internal bleeding, swelling, lesions, lethargy, increased heart rate, dehydration, salivation, incoordination and loss of fear of humans. The symptoms and spread are similar to bluetongue disease, another disorder that can kill certain wildlife and domestic livestock.Both are labeled hemorrhagic diseases and are indistinguishable without laboratory analysis. While the diseases do not affect humans, they can be destructive to big game populations.The diseases are most prevalent in late summer until the first frost. For both EHD and bluetongue, certain tiny midges or gnats bite a host and move the virus to nearby animals. When animals congregate at water during drought, the insects have potential to spread the virus to more animals. Additionally, infected animals often seek water for relief and die in or near it.The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor dated Sept. 29 shows conditions throughout the entire state range from abnormally dry to exceptional drought. Drought conditions are most severe in the state’s southwestern and northeastern regions.Observations of unhealthy big game animals or unexplained deaths should be reported to the nearest Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office. Locations include Alliance, Bassett, Kearney, Gretna, North Platte, Lincoln, Omaha and Norfolk. Contact information may be found at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Locations.For more information on EHD and bluetonge, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1ODk2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9laGQvIn0.RbqdhU9wFiax_fAnFl8S5JVvw-ysBAF_iHj8D8qxsKo/s/497221906/br/145126206663-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/EHD</a>. For more information on wildlife diseases, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1ODk2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3Yvd2lsZGxpZmVkaXNlYXNlcy8ifQ.qhqKqKUzXfsMirFPqZQdm_kWxZXYQOJ9y_a0XZ3s5VI/s/497221906/br/145126206663-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/WildlifeDiseases.</a>

Public asked to report dead, sick big game

CHADRON – The Chadron State Alumni and Foundation Office, in conjunction with Chadron State College, has launched ConnectCSC, a resource for students to network with CSC alumni.

<a href="https://www.csc.edu/alumni/connectcsc/" target="_blank">ConnectCSC</a>&nbsp;is an online platform connecting alumni and students so they can build meaningful relationships and purposeful engagement through career and professional development, as well as job opportunities.

Chadron State Foundation CEO Ben Watson said generations of alumni, from all corners of the world, often share that the relationships within the CSC community make the college special.

“Alumni speak of faculty and staff going the extra mile to help them succeed and share memories of old friends and times past. ConnectCSC aims to extend the opportunity to build and sustain relationships within the CSC community,” Watson aid. “Geography will always be a challenge at CSC. Many students are unable to cross 10th Street and see people working in career fields that match their aspirations. It’s difficult for underrepresented students to find others who look like them in Chadron. Through ConnectCSC, our students can connect with diverse alumni in diverse careers across the globe.”

Watson said students can leverage the wisdom and experience of alumni by connecting with those who can help them with internships, career path exploration, professional development, and structured mentoring. ConnectCSC’s integrated job search functions include Handshake and WayUp, designed to benefit students and alumni looking to take the next step in their careers.

Creating and fostering relationships is facilitated through integrated video meetings, messaging tools, and a curated networking experience that connects users based on academic discipline, interests, and experience.

Signing up is simple and users can synchronize their ConnectCSC and LinkedIn profiles. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loom.com/share/d1cd5993a0d64d2ab791cfff052139d3" target="_blank">tutorial</a>&nbsp;is available online. To learn more, contact the CSC Alumni office at 308-432-6366.

By CHADRON STATE FOUNDATIONCHADRON – The Chadron State Alumni and Foundation Office, in conjunction with Chadron State College, has launched ConnectCSC, a resource for students to network with CSC alumni.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/alumni/connectcsc/" target="_blank">ConnectCSC</a>&nbsp;is an online platform connecting alumni and students so they can build meaningful relationships and purposeful engagement through career and professional development, as well as job opportunities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664923268033.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State Foundation CEO Ben Watson said generations of alumni, from all corners of the world, often share that the relationships within the CSC community make the college special.“Alumni speak of faculty and staff going the extra mile to help them succeed and share memories of old friends and times past. ConnectCSC aims to extend the opportunity to build and sustain relationships within the CSC community,” Watson aid. “Geography will always be a challenge at CSC. Many students are unable to cross 10th Street and see people working in career fields that match their aspirations. It’s difficult for underrepresented students to find others who look like them in Chadron. Through ConnectCSC, our students can connect with diverse alumni in diverse careers across the globe.”Watson said students can leverage the wisdom and experience of alumni by connecting with those who can help them with internships, career path exploration, professional development, and structured mentoring. ConnectCSC’s integrated job search functions include Handshake and WayUp, designed to benefit students and alumni looking to take the next step in their careers.Creating and fostering relationships is facilitated through integrated video meetings, messaging tools, and a curated networking experience that connects users based on academic discipline, interests, and experience.Signing up is simple and users can synchronize their ConnectCSC and LinkedIn profiles. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loom.com/share/d1cd5993a0d64d2ab791cfff052139d3" target="_blank">tutorial</a>&nbsp;is available online. To learn more, contact the CSC Alumni office at 308-432-6366.

CSC alumni can connect with current students

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a>

LINCOLN — The state’s first commercial carbon capture and storage project will be associated with an ethanol plant in Bridgeport.

On Tuesday, Carbon America announced an agreement with Bridgeport Ethanol LLC to capture carbon from the ethanol process and store it underground near the plant in Nebraska’s Panhandle.

The project is expected to capture approximately 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, or about 95% of the total emissions from the ethanol facility’s fermentation process.

The carbon captured from the Bridgeport plant is equivalent to taking more than 38,000 vehicles off the road, according to Brent Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Carbon America, which is based in Arvada, Colo.

New federal funding for carbon capture and sequestration projects, through President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, has accelerated development of carbon storage projects.

At least two companies are bidding to build pipelines across Nebraska linking ethanol plants and other manufacturing operations with deep, underground geologic formations in Illinois and North Dakota.

Advocates for corn-based ethanol maintain that to remain competitive, ethanol needs to reduce its carbon footprint, which will make the fuel more attractive to more states. Nebraska is the nation’s second-largest producer of ethanol, and its plants serve to increase the price of corn and provide a valuable livestock feed as a byproduct.

Environmentalists, meanwhile, question whether such carbon storage is a proven technology and raise concerns about high-pressure pipelines crossing the state without proper regulation.

Carbon America has reached agreements with two other ethanol plants this year to finance, build, own and operate carbon storage systems.

A spokeswoman for the company said the exact cost of the Bridgeport project is not being released. She added that the project, because it began prior to the new federal incentives, is not expected to receive federal funds.

In Bridgeport, Carbon America will install carbon capture equipment that will extract CO₂ and transfer the gas via a pipeline to an underground geologic sequestration site within 20 miles of the plant.

Dave Kramer, president and founding member of Bridgeport Ethanol, said that carbon capture and storage is vital because it will increase the value of Bridgeport ethanol in the marketplace.

Nebraska ethanol facilities produce over 2.2 billion gallons of ethanol annually.

According to a recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln study, ethanol has an overall economic impact to the state of $4.5 billion.

“The economic development created by ethanol production creates jobs in rural Nebraska and is a primary driver to growing Nebraska,” said Tony Goins, the director of the State Department of Economic Development.

Carbon America expects the first injection to begin in 2024.

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/paulhammel/">PAUL HAMMEL</a>LINCOLN — The state’s first commercial carbon capture and storage project will be associated with an ethanol plant in Bridgeport.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664912326365.jpeg" alt="This ethanol plant in Bridgeport will become the state’s first commercial carbon capture and storage facility. (Courtesy of Carbon America)" />
 <figcaption>This ethanol plant in Bridgeport will become the state’s first commercial carbon capture and storage facility. (Courtesy of Carbon America)</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, Carbon America announced an agreement with Bridgeport Ethanol LLC to capture carbon from the ethanol process and store it underground near the plant in Nebraska’s Panhandle.The project is expected to capture approximately 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, or about 95% of the total emissions from the ethanol facility’s fermentation process.<h2>Equal to removing 38,000 vehicles</h2>The carbon captured from the Bridgeport plant is equivalent to taking more than 38,000 vehicles off the road, according to Brent Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Carbon America, which is based in Arvada, Colo.New federal funding for carbon capture and sequestration projects, through President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, has accelerated development of carbon storage projects.At least two companies are bidding to build pipelines across Nebraska linking ethanol plants and other manufacturing operations with deep, underground geologic formations in Illinois and North Dakota.Advocates for corn-based ethanol maintain that to remain competitive, ethanol needs to reduce its carbon footprint, which will make the fuel more attractive to more states. Nebraska is the nation’s second-largest producer of ethanol, and its plants serve to increase the price of corn and provide a valuable livestock feed as a byproduct.<h2>Environmentalists question technology</h2>Environmentalists, meanwhile, question whether such carbon storage is a proven technology and raise concerns about high-pressure pipelines crossing the state without proper regulation.Carbon America has reached agreements with two other ethanol plants this year to finance, build, own and operate carbon storage systems.A spokeswoman for the company said the exact cost of the Bridgeport project is not being released. She added that the project, because it began prior to the new federal incentives, is not expected to receive federal funds.In Bridgeport, Carbon America will install carbon capture equipment that will extract CO₂ and transfer the gas via a pipeline to an underground geologic sequestration site within 20 miles of the plant.Dave Kramer, president and founding member of Bridgeport Ethanol, said that carbon capture and storage is vital because it will increase the value of Bridgeport ethanol in the marketplace.<h2>Ethanol an economic driver</h2>Nebraska ethanol facilities produce over 2.2 billion gallons of ethanol annually.According to a recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln study, ethanol has an overall economic impact to the state of $4.5 billion.“The economic development created by ethanol production creates jobs in rural Nebraska and is a primary driver to growing Nebraska,” said Tony Goins, the director of the State Department of Economic Development.Carbon America expects the first injection to begin in 2024.

State's first commercial carbon capture, storage project to be in Bridgeport

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – The Brown Family received the Family Tree Award during Chadron State College’s Homecoming Saturday. Presented annually, the Family Tree Award honors families with a tradition of attending CSC. The recipient family must include a minimum of three generations of graduates. At least two of the family members must have a record of outstanding service to the college, the alumni association, their community, or their profession.

The late Neil Brown attended CSC after serving in the Army through the spring of 1949. He played on CSC’s championship football team with his brother, Robert.

Their parents, Lee and Blanche Brown, lived on campus and his father milked cows at the college dairy farm on the south side of campus.

Neil and his wife, Arlene, had three children: Bob, Don, and Richard. Arlene, a graduate of Alliance High School, was a CSC cheerleader during her time as a student. Her parents were Dan O’Connell and Helen McMasters.

Robert earned his bachelor’s in 1972 and his master’s in 1976 from Chadron State College. He went on to earn his Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 1983.

He was a guidance counselor from 1976-83 and spent nearly three decades in the roles of principal and superintendent in five different communities throughout Nebraska before he retired in 2010.

He and his wife, Cheri live in Omaha and have three children: Kerri Mason, Kristi, and Mark, and five grandchildren.

Cheri (Reed) Brown, the daughter of Keith and Margie Reed, earned her bachelor’s in 1974 and taught school in Alliance, Albion, Genoa, and Broken Bow before retiring in 2008.

While at CSC, Kerri was a resident advisor and a member of the Homecoming royalty. She earned her bachelor’s in pre-medicine in 1996 as an RHOP student and went on to earn her MD at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1999.

She lives in Denver where she has been an Emergency Medicine Physician at Denver Health for 15 years. Kerri was recently recognized for exceptional service to the American Board of Emergency Medicine. She also serves as an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She has three children: Jack, Maddie, and Rhys.

Don, who died in July 2022, attended CSC from 1972-74. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1979, he taught Physical Education and coached in Millard and Alliance. He served as the director of the Alliance YMCA and was on the staff of the Nebraska Boys’ Ranch.

Don and his wife, Karen, had four children: Trisha, Jason, Spencer, and Tyler. Karen, daughter of Terry and Berniece Shannon, attended CSC from 1972-75. She owned and operated Alliance Physical Therapy from 1994, until she retired in 2017. She served on the Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. She received the Site of Clinical Excellence award from Creighton University and the Clinician of the Year Award from the Nebraska Physical Therapists Association in 2017.

Spencer’s wife, Jessica, attended in 2013-14 and studied pre-nursing. She is a surgical nurse at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance.

Trisha’s daughter, MaKayla Davidson, is the fourth generation of the Brown family to attend CSC.

She was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society and graduated from CSC in 2020. She is continuing her education at Florida Gulf Coast University majoring in Integrated Studies.

Dr. Richard Brown and his wife, Gwenlyn, met in English class. The couple lives in Grand Island and have been married 47 years.

He was on the Student Council, now Student Senate, for four years.

Richard earned his bachelor’s degree in 1977 with a double major in chemistry and biology. He earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Indiana School of Optometry in 1984. He was the president of the Student Optometric Association in 1983.

In 1988, he received CSC’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award. He practiced optometry in Grand Island for 29 years before retiring due to health concerns in 2013.

Gwenlyn, daughter of Orvis and Onda West, competed on the speech team, participated in summer stock plays at Fort Robinson and won CSC’s 1976 Best Actress award. In 1978, she earned two degrees, one in speech and one in drama. In 1989, she earned a master’s in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She taught high school English and speech for 10 years. She also taught personal development courses at Central Community College. She concluded her career at Grand Island Senior High as Director of Guidance and Counseling from 1993 to 2012.

Richard and Gwenlyn have two children: Neil and Rebecca, and five grandchildren.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – The Brown Family received the Family Tree Award during Chadron State College’s Homecoming Saturday. Presented annually, the Family Tree Award honors families with a tradition of attending CSC. The recipient family must include a minimum of three generations of graduates. At least two of the family members must have a record of outstanding service to the college, the alumni association, their community, or their profession.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664910203612.jpeg" alt="The Brown Family poses Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in the Chadron State College Student Center. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>The Brown Family poses Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in the Chadron State College Student Center. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>The late Neil Brown attended CSC after serving in the Army through the spring of 1949. He played on CSC’s championship football team with his brother, Robert.Their parents, Lee and Blanche Brown, lived on campus and his father milked cows at the college dairy farm on the south side of campus.Neil and his wife, Arlene, had three children: Bob, Don, and Richard. Arlene, a graduate of Alliance High School, was a CSC cheerleader during her time as a student. Her parents were Dan O’Connell and Helen McMasters.Robert earned his bachelor’s in 1972 and his master’s in 1976 from Chadron State College. He went on to earn his Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 1983.He was a guidance counselor from 1976-83 and spent nearly three decades in the roles of principal and superintendent in five different communities throughout Nebraska before he retired in 2010.He and his wife, Cheri live in Omaha and have three children: Kerri Mason, Kristi, and Mark, and five grandchildren.Cheri (Reed) Brown, the daughter of Keith and Margie Reed, earned her bachelor’s in 1974 and taught school in Alliance, Albion, Genoa, and Broken Bow before retiring in 2008.While at CSC, Kerri was a resident advisor and a member of the Homecoming royalty. She earned her bachelor’s in pre-medicine in 1996 as an RHOP student and went on to earn her MD at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1999.She lives in Denver where she has been an Emergency Medicine Physician at Denver Health for 15 years. Kerri was recently recognized for exceptional service to the American Board of Emergency Medicine. She also serves as an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She has three children: Jack, Maddie, and Rhys.Don, who died in July 2022, attended CSC from 1972-74. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1979, he taught Physical Education and coached in Millard and Alliance. He served as the director of the Alliance YMCA and was on the staff of the Nebraska Boys’ Ranch.Don and his wife, Karen, had four children: Trisha, Jason, Spencer, and Tyler. Karen, daughter of Terry and Berniece Shannon, attended CSC from 1972-75. She owned and operated Alliance Physical Therapy from 1994, until she retired in 2017. She served on the Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. She received the Site of Clinical Excellence award from Creighton University and the Clinician of the Year Award from the Nebraska Physical Therapists Association in 2017.Spencer’s wife, Jessica, attended in 2013-14 and studied pre-nursing. She is a surgical nurse at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance.Trisha’s daughter, MaKayla Davidson, is the fourth generation of the Brown family to attend CSC.She was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society and graduated from CSC in 2020. She is continuing her education at Florida Gulf Coast University majoring in Integrated Studies.Dr. Richard Brown and his wife, Gwenlyn, met in English class. The couple lives in Grand Island and have been married 47 years.He was on the Student Council, now Student Senate, for four years.Richard earned his bachelor’s degree in 1977 with a double major in chemistry and biology. He earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Indiana School of Optometry in 1984. He was the president of the Student Optometric Association in 1983.In 1988, he received CSC’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award. He practiced optometry in Grand Island for 29 years before retiring due to health concerns in 2013.Gwenlyn, daughter of Orvis and Onda West, competed on the speech team, participated in summer stock plays at Fort Robinson and won CSC’s 1976 Best Actress award. In 1978, she earned two degrees, one in speech and one in drama. In 1989, she earned a master’s in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She taught high school English and speech for 10 years. She also taught personal development courses at Central Community College. She concluded her career at Grand Island Senior High as Director of Guidance and Counseling from 1993 to 2012.Richard and Gwenlyn have two children: Neil and Rebecca, and five grandchildren.

Brown family receives Family Tree Award in Chadron 

HALSEY, Neb. (AP) — Progress has been made in containing a large Nebraska Sandhills wildfire where one firefighter died while fighting the flames, which also destroyed much of a popular youth campsite and threatened a small village, officials said Tuesday.

The Bovee Fire in west-central Nebraska's remote Thomas County was 30% contained Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team, which has taken over management of the scene.

Favorable weather conditions, including high humidity, temperatures in the 60s and some rainfall, are helping fire crews contain the grasslands blaze that was sparked Sunday afternoon and ballooned to 15,000 acres, or around 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), within six hours.

The fire destroyed the main lodge and cabins of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp, as well as an observation tower in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest. Purdum Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Moody died Sunday after suffering an apparent heart attack while battling the fire, officials said.

Officials ordered the evacuation of the nearby village of Halsey and shut down a stretch of Nebraska Highway 2 as smoke from the fire cut visibility. The highway was reopened by Monday. The Rocky Mountain Complex release Tuesday said the evacuation order had been lifted.

Officials have said the fire was "human-caused,” but have not released details on how the fire started.

By Associated PressHALSEY, Neb. (AP) — Progress has been made in containing a large Nebraska Sandhills wildfire where one firefighter died while fighting the flames, which also destroyed much of a popular youth campsite and threatened a small village, officials said Tuesday.The Bovee Fire in west-central Nebraska's remote Thomas County was 30% contained Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team, which has taken over management of the scene.Favorable weather conditions, including high humidity, temperatures in the 60s and some rainfall, are helping fire crews contain the grasslands blaze that was sparked Sunday afternoon and ballooned to 15,000 acres, or around 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), within six hours.The fire destroyed the main lodge and cabins of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp, as well as an observation tower in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest. Purdum Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Moody died Sunday after suffering an apparent heart attack while battling the fire, officials said.Officials ordered the evacuation of the nearby village of Halsey and shut down a stretch of Nebraska Highway 2 as smoke from the fire cut visibility. The highway was reopened by Monday. The Rocky Mountain Complex release Tuesday said the evacuation order had been lifted.Officials have said the fire was "human-caused,” but have not released details on how the fire started.

Officials say Nebraska Sandhills wildfire 30% contained

Alliance – Due to the heavy rain last evening and lots of mud today, The Alliance Landfill will ONLY be accepting branches and household trash. All other parts of the landfill will be closed for the day. They will resume regular hours tomorrow.

For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Due to the heavy rain last evening and lots of mud today, The Alliance Landfill will ONLY be accepting branches and household trash. All other parts of the landfill will be closed for the day. They will resume regular hours tomorrow.For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Partial closures at the Alliance Landfill

HALSEY, Neb. (AP) — A longtime volunteer firefighter died while battling a large wildfire in drought-stricken central Nebraska that destroyed much of a youth campsite and led officials to evacuate a nearby village.

Mike Moody, 59, the assistant chief of the Purdum Volunteer Fire Department, died Sunday after suffering a medical emergency early in the efforts to battle the Bovee Fire, according to a statement from the Region 26 Emergency Management Council. Moody had been with the department for over 40 years and had previously served as chief of the department, officials said. No other injuries have been reported.

The fire was initially reported as having burned around 100 acres Sunday afternoon in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest, officials said. By Sunday night, the grassland fire in the state’s Sandhills region had grown to about 15,000 acres, or around 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), according to the Nebraska National Forests &amp; Grasslands.

None of the fire was contained by midday Monday, according to Travis Mason-Bushman, a spokesperson for the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team. However, a bulldozer was brought in to dig a containment line.

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp confirmed in a tweet that most of the camp’s buildings, including its main lodge and all of its youth cabins, were destroyed in the fire, as was a popular observation tower in the Bessey Ranger District.

Officials also evacuated the tiny nearby village of Halsey, which is home to about 65 people, and shut down a section of state Highway 2 as smoke from the fire cut visibility. The highway had reopened by Monday.

More than 100 firefighters were on the scene Monday, Mason-Bushman said, after air tankers were used Sunday to drop retardant and slow the fire’s spread, which was fueled by tinder-dry conditions and high winds. Conditions improved Monday, with cooler weather and lighter winds, he said.

The fire was “likely human-caused," the Nebraska National Forest said. Officials had not reported any injuries from the flames by midday Monday.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows Thomas County remains in a severe drought.

By Associated PressHALSEY, Neb. (AP) — A longtime volunteer firefighter died while battling a large wildfire in drought-stricken central Nebraska that destroyed much of a youth campsite and led officials to evacuate a nearby village.Mike Moody, 59, the assistant chief of the Purdum Volunteer Fire Department, died Sunday after suffering a medical emergency early in the efforts to battle the Bovee Fire, according to a statement from the Region 26 Emergency Management Council. Moody had been with the department for over 40 years and had previously served as chief of the department, officials said. No other injuries have been reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664897769163.jpeg" alt="This photo provided by the Nebraska National Forest &amp; Grasslands Service shows distant flames Sunday, Oct. 3, 2022 from the Bovee Fire near the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest. By Sunday night, the grassland fire in the state's Sandhills region had grown to about 15,000 acres, or around 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), according to the Nebraska National Forests &amp; Grasslands. (Julie Bain/Nebraska National Forest &amp; Grasslands Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This photo provided by the Nebraska National Forest &amp; Grasslands Service shows distant flames Sunday, Oct. 3, 2022 from the Bovee Fire near the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest. By Sunday night, the grassland fire in the state's Sandhills region had grown to about 15,000 acres, or around 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), according to the Nebraska National Forests &amp; Grasslands. (Julie Bain/Nebraska National Forest &amp; Grasslands Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire was initially reported as having burned around 100 acres Sunday afternoon in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest, officials said. By Sunday night, the grassland fire in the state’s Sandhills region had grown to about 15,000 acres, or around 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), according to the Nebraska National Forests &amp; Grasslands.None of the fire was contained by midday Monday, according to Travis Mason-Bushman, a spokesperson for the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team. However, a bulldozer was brought in to dig a containment line.The Nebraska State 4-H Camp confirmed in a tweet that most of the camp’s buildings, including its main lodge and all of its youth cabins, were destroyed in the fire, as was a popular observation tower in the Bessey Ranger District.Officials also evacuated the tiny nearby village of Halsey, which is home to about 65 people, and shut down a section of state Highway 2 as smoke from the fire cut visibility. The highway had reopened by Monday.More than 100 firefighters were on the scene Monday, Mason-Bushman said, after air tankers were used Sunday to drop retardant and slow the fire’s spread, which was fueled by tinder-dry conditions and high winds. Conditions improved Monday, with cooler weather and lighter winds, he said.The fire was “likely human-caused," the Nebraska National Forest said. Officials had not reported any injuries from the flames by midday Monday.The U.S. Drought Monitor shows Thomas County remains in a severe drought.

Firefighter dies while battling fire in Halsey National Forest

SOUTHWEST BORDER –&nbsp;On Friday, September 30th, Governor Pete Ricketts visited members of the Nebraska National Guard to thank them for their work to help secure the U.S. border with Mexico.&nbsp; Gov. Ricketts also met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) leaders to discuss their mission and the challenges they face patrolling the border.

“Thank you to the brave men and women of the Nebraska National Guard for stepping in to help secure the Southern border,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “Your work has provided much-needed assistance to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deal with the historic surge of illegal crossings. &nbsp;By strengthening border enforcement, you’re helping to keep dangerous drugs like meth and fentanyl off of our streets.&nbsp; You’re also helping give critical humanitarian aid to those who’ve been enticed to cross the border by our failed federal policies.&nbsp; Thank you, also, to the men and women of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. &nbsp;I saw firsthand that you are undermanned and under-resourced. &nbsp;America urgently needs to change course at the national level to fix this ongoing emergency.”

The 376th&nbsp;Aviation Battalion from the Nebraska National Guard are currently supporting the CBP mission along the Southwest border. &nbsp;Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, Nebraska’s 376th&nbsp;Aviation Battalion mission is to assist CBP by providing aviation support. &nbsp;Approximately 250 service members are providing mission-enhancing support to CBP’s border security operations to enable CBP agents to conduct their law enforcement mission more efficiently.

National Guardsmen from Nebraska’s 376th&nbsp;Aviation Battalion in a Title 10 duty status provide detection and monitoring via aviation support to enable CBP to conduct their law enforcement mission more efficiently and to support Department of Homeland Security efforts to manage border security.

Photos from the Governor’s border visit are available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fsh%2F2ggdjvjkk7g41ym%2FAAAuBIQQX_kJbUTc6Cuo1_Kba%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Ca342a52c720246d573b908daa57bdc78%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638004248714718127%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=PvAoyw8yZQnOQCXQuguyrFldqhwT24HGard5jC6ufGc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

By Office of Gov. Pete RickettsSOUTHWEST BORDER –&nbsp;On Friday, September 30th, Governor Pete Ricketts visited members of the Nebraska National Guard to thank them for their work to help secure the U.S. border with Mexico.&nbsp; Gov. Ricketts also met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) leaders to discuss their mission and the challenges they face patrolling the border.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664897607749.jpeg" alt="Gov. Pete Ricketts visits with service members of the Nebraska National Guard's 1-376th&nbsp;Aviation Battalion currently deployed to Texas, Sept. 30, 2022. &nbsp;These National Guard service members, deployed in an active-duty status under USNORTHCOM, were recognized by Gov. Ricketts for their accomplishments during their deployment in support of the Southwest border mission. &nbsp;U.S. Northern Command is providing aviation support operations to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the Southern border of the United States. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Edward D. Bosland)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Pete Ricketts visits with service members of the Nebraska National Guard's 1-376th&nbsp;Aviation Battalion currently deployed to Texas, Sept. 30, 2022. &nbsp;These National Guard service members, deployed in an active-duty status under USNORTHCOM, were recognized by Gov. Ricketts for their accomplishments during their deployment in support of the Southwest border mission. &nbsp;U.S. Northern Command is providing aviation support operations to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the Southern border of the United States. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Edward D. Bosland)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Thank you to the brave men and women of the Nebraska National Guard for stepping in to help secure the Southern border,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “Your work has provided much-needed assistance to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deal with the historic surge of illegal crossings. &nbsp;By strengthening border enforcement, you’re helping to keep dangerous drugs like meth and fentanyl off of our streets.&nbsp; You’re also helping give critical humanitarian aid to those who’ve been enticed to cross the border by our failed federal policies.&nbsp; Thank you, also, to the men and women of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. &nbsp;I saw firsthand that you are undermanned and under-resourced. &nbsp;America urgently needs to change course at the national level to fix this ongoing emergency.”The 376th&nbsp;Aviation Battalion from the Nebraska National Guard are currently supporting the CBP mission along the Southwest border. &nbsp;Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, Nebraska’s 376th&nbsp;Aviation Battalion mission is to assist CBP by providing aviation support. &nbsp;Approximately 250 service members are providing mission-enhancing support to CBP’s border security operations to enable CBP agents to conduct their law enforcement mission more efficiently.National Guardsmen from Nebraska’s 376th&nbsp;Aviation Battalion in a Title 10 duty status provide detection and monitoring via aviation support to enable CBP to conduct their law enforcement mission more efficiently and to support Department of Homeland Security efforts to manage border security.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664897636084.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Photos from the Governor’s border visit are available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fsh%2F2ggdjvjkk7g41ym%2FAAAuBIQQX_kJbUTc6Cuo1_Kba%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Ca342a52c720246d573b908daa57bdc78%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638004248714718127%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=PvAoyw8yZQnOQCXQuguyrFldqhwT24HGard5jC6ufGc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts visits border to thank Neb. Guard, take swipe at federal policies

CHADRON – Chadron State College crowned Homecoming royalty Thursday night during a pep rally. The Queen is Creighton Harrington of Loup City, Neb., nominated by Tri Beta and the King is Spencer Knuth of Holdrege, Neb., nominated by the Campus Activity Board.

First attendants are Mattie Garwood of Naper, Neb., nominated by Revive and Phillip Soto of Scottsbluff, Neb., nominated by the Student Center Pit. Second attendants are Sage Konicek of Ord, Neb., nominated by Blue Key and Abigail Tidball of Edgemont, S.D., nominated by Eagles For Life.

About 50 students and employees climbed C-Hill after coronation for a traditional lighting ceremony.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Chadron State College crowned Homecoming royalty Thursday night during a pep rally. The Queen is Creighton Harrington of Loup City, Neb., nominated by Tri Beta and the King is Spencer Knuth of Holdrege, Neb., nominated by the Campus Activity Board.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664895983563.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College Homecoming Court members, from left, Abigail Tidball of Edgemont, S.D., Sage Konicek of Ord, Neb., Queen Creighton Harrington of Loup City, Neb., King Spencer Knuth of Holdrege, Neb., Mattie Garwood of Naper, Neb., and Phillip Soto of Scottsbluff, Neb., pose after Coronation Sept. 29, 2022. (Photo by Abigail Swanson/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College Homecoming Court members, from left, Abigail Tidball of Edgemont, S.D., Sage Konicek of Ord, Neb., Queen Creighton Harrington of Loup City, Neb., King Spencer Knuth of Holdrege, Neb., Mattie Garwood of Naper, Neb., and Phillip Soto of Scottsbluff, Neb., pose after Coronation Sept. 29, 2022. (Photo by Abigail Swanson/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>First attendants are Mattie Garwood of Naper, Neb., nominated by Revive and Phillip Soto of Scottsbluff, Neb., nominated by the Student Center Pit. Second attendants are Sage Konicek of Ord, Neb., nominated by Blue Key and Abigail Tidball of Edgemont, S.D., nominated by Eagles For Life.About 50 students and employees climbed C-Hill after coronation for a traditional lighting ceremony.

Chadron State College homecoming royalty crowned 

LEXINGTON, NEB. — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Elwood woman following the discovery of an attempted murder plot.

The investigation began last week when the Gosper County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a concerned citizen regarding suspicious comments made by an Elwood woman. The Gosper County Sheriff’s Office notified the Nebraska State Patrol.

A Nebraska State Patrol investigator, working undercover, then contacted the woman, identified as Valerie Miller, 39, of Elwood. Following an online conversation, Miller agreed to meet the investigator in person.

Late Monday afternoon, the undercover investigator met with Miller at an agreed-upon location in Lexington. During the meeting, the investigator learned that Miller was seeking to have five specific people killed. Miller then attempted to hire the investigator to carry out the murders.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, Miller drove for approximately two miles, where troopers performed a felony traffic stop. Miller was taken into custody without incident. She has been lodged in Dawson County Jail for conspiracy to commit murder, five counts of attempted first degree murder, and making terroristic threats.

The Nebraska State Patrol, FBI, CODE Task Force, and the Gosper County Sheriff’s Office cooperated during this investigation and arrest operation.

By Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;LEXINGTON, NEB. — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Elwood woman following the discovery of an attempted murder plot.The investigation began last week when the Gosper County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a concerned citizen regarding suspicious comments made by an Elwood woman. The Gosper County Sheriff’s Office notified the Nebraska State Patrol.A Nebraska State Patrol investigator, working undercover, then contacted the woman, identified as Valerie Miller, 39, of Elwood. Following an online conversation, Miller agreed to meet the investigator in person.Late Monday afternoon, the undercover investigator met with Miller at an agreed-upon location in Lexington. During the meeting, the investigator learned that Miller was seeking to have five specific people killed. Miller then attempted to hire the investigator to carry out the murders.Following the conclusion of the meeting, Miller drove for approximately two miles, where troopers performed a felony traffic stop. Miller was taken into custody without incident. She has been lodged in Dawson County Jail for conspiracy to commit murder, five counts of attempted first degree murder, and making terroristic threats.The Nebraska State Patrol, FBI, CODE Task Force, and the Gosper County Sheriff’s Office cooperated during this investigation and arrest operation.

NSP arrests woman for attempted murder plot

The members of the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department would like to invite the public to the annual open house being held on Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire station located on 3rd and Morehead Street.

 Enjoy a plate of spaghetti, look over all of the apparatus and visit with the CVFD members. 

Joining in on the activities will be the Nebraska State Patrol, Dawes County Sheriff and Chadron Police Department. 

For more information feel free to call the Department at 308-432-0521

By Panhandle PostThe members of the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department would like to invite the public to the annual open house being held on Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire station located on 3rd and Morehead Street. Enjoy a plate of spaghetti, look over all of the apparatus and visit with the CVFD members. Joining in on the activities will be the Nebraska State Patrol, Dawes County Sheriff and Chadron Police Department. For more information feel free to call the Department at 308-432-0521

Chadron Volunteer Fire Department to hold open house

CHADRON – The Guzman Family received the Family Tree Award during Chadron State College’s Homecoming Saturday. The Family Tree Award is presented annually to families with a tradition of attending CSC. The recipient family must include a minimum of three generations of graduates. At least two of the family members must have a record of outstanding service to the college, the alumni association, their community, or their profession.

Eddie Guzman, the patriarch of the Guzman Family, earned his bachelor’s degree in 1957. His parents were Ascension&nbsp;and&nbsp;Maxamina&nbsp;Guzman.

During his career, Guzman taught science, Spanish, physics, and chemistry for 21 years. He coached for 19 years including wrestling, track, football, basketball, boxing, and volleyball. He served as a principal for seven years, the Welfare Director for the Nebraska Health and Human Services for seven years, and the Scotts Bluff County Director of General Assistance for 20 years. He retired at age 82 in 2012.

His children are Nabor Guzman,&nbsp;Dominic Guzman, the late Lily Gonzalez, Chabella Guzman, and Manrique Guzman.

Nabor, a native of Scottsbluff, attended CSC 1982-84. He was active on the CSC wrestling and rodeo teams. He is a veteran of the Navy and was a member of the military rodeo team as a bull rider.

He coached youth wrestling for six years and junior high wrestling for four years. He was the Scottsbluff High School assistant wrestling coach for two years and head wrestling coach for two years.

During his career, he was the manager of the University of Nebraska Panhandle Station Feedlot for 37 years.

Nabor and his wife, Sally, have been married 35 years and have two children, Hagen Guzman and Hattie Burford.

Hagen Guzman attended CSC 2007-10 and participated on the wrestling team. After attending Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) trade school and earning a certificate, he worked as an HVAC tech for Independent Plumbing &amp; Heating in Rapid City from 2011-15. Currently, he is a service technician for Black Hills Energy.

Hattie Burford and her husband, James Burford, live in Scottsbluff and have two children: Kinsley and Kamryn Burford. Hattie was on the CSC Women’s Basketball team for four years and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s Mathematics Education. In 2018, she earned a master’s in Mathematics and in 2019, she earned a master’s in Education Administration. She is currently pursuing a teaching endorsement in Physical Education from University of Nebraska Kearney.

She has been the Scottsbluff High School Girls’ Jr. Varsity Basketball Coach since 2016 and the SHS Boys and Girls Assistant Cross Country Coach since 2017. She taught Mathematics from 2016 until spring 2022 and this fall began as a Physical Education teacher.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – The Guzman Family received the Family Tree Award during Chadron State College’s Homecoming Saturday. The Family Tree Award is presented annually to families with a tradition of attending CSC. The recipient family must include a minimum of three generations of graduates. At least two of the family members must have a record of outstanding service to the college, the alumni association, their community, or their profession.Eddie Guzman, the patriarch of the Guzman Family, earned his bachelor’s degree in 1957. His parents were Ascension&nbsp;and&nbsp;Maxamina&nbsp;Guzman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664839036134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>During his career, Guzman taught science, Spanish, physics, and chemistry for 21 years. He coached for 19 years including wrestling, track, football, basketball, boxing, and volleyball. He served as a principal for seven years, the Welfare Director for the Nebraska Health and Human Services for seven years, and the Scotts Bluff County Director of General Assistance for 20 years. He retired at age 82 in 2012.His children are Nabor Guzman,&nbsp;Dominic Guzman, the late Lily Gonzalez, Chabella Guzman, and Manrique Guzman.Nabor, a native of Scottsbluff, attended CSC 1982-84. He was active on the CSC wrestling and rodeo teams. He is a veteran of the Navy and was a member of the military rodeo team as a bull rider.He coached youth wrestling for six years and junior high wrestling for four years. He was the Scottsbluff High School assistant wrestling coach for two years and head wrestling coach for two years.During his career, he was the manager of the University of Nebraska Panhandle Station Feedlot for 37 years.Nabor and his wife, Sally, have been married 35 years and have two children, Hagen Guzman and Hattie Burford.Hagen Guzman attended CSC 2007-10 and participated on the wrestling team. After attending Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) trade school and earning a certificate, he worked as an HVAC tech for Independent Plumbing &amp; Heating in Rapid City from 2011-15. Currently, he is a service technician for Black Hills Energy.Hattie Burford and her husband, James Burford, live in Scottsbluff and have two children: Kinsley and Kamryn Burford. Hattie was on the CSC Women’s Basketball team for four years and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s Mathematics Education. In 2018, she earned a master’s in Mathematics and in 2019, she earned a master’s in Education Administration. She is currently pursuing a teaching endorsement in Physical Education from University of Nebraska Kearney.She has been the Scottsbluff High School Girls’ Jr. Varsity Basketball Coach since 2016 and the SHS Boys and Girls Assistant Cross Country Coach since 2017. She taught Mathematics from 2016 until spring 2022 and this fall began as a Physical Education teacher.

Guzman Family receives CSC’s Family Tree Award

Today we spoke with Susan Unzicer from the Alliance Chamber of Commerce about what's happening with the chamber, the upcoming political forum, business spotlights and more.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Alliance Chamber connection" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=d7ytc-12dba1a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Today we spoke with Susan Unzicer from the Alliance Chamber of Commerce about what's happening with the chamber, the upcoming political forum, business spotlights and more.&nbsp;

Post Podcast: Alliance Chamber connection 

HALSEY, Neb. (AP) — A wildfire that exploded in size in drought-stricken central Nebraska has destroyed much of a youth campsite and led officials to evacuate a nearby village.

The Bovee Fire was initially reported as having burned around 100 acres early Sunday in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest, officials said. By Sunday night, the grassland fire in the state's Sandhills region had grown to about 15,000 acres, or around 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), according to the Nebraska National Forests &amp; Grasslands.

None of the fire was contained by midday Monday, according to Travis Mason-Bushman, a spokesperson for the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team. However, a bulldozer was brought in to dig a containment line, and officials expected to have an update on containment later in the day Monday.

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp confirmed in a tweet that most of the camp’s buildings, including its main lodge and all of its youth cabins, were destroyed in the fire. Officials also evacuated the tiny nearby village of Halsey, which is home to about 65 people, and shut down a section of state Highway 2 as smoke from the fire cut visibility. The highway had reopened by Monday.

More than 100 firefighters were on the scene Monday, Mason-Bushman said, after air tankers were used Sunday to drop retardant and slow the fire’s spread, which was fueled by tinder-dry conditions and high winds. Conditions had improved Monday, with cooler weather and lighter winds, he said.

By Associated Press<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664791544562.png" alt="Photos by Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>HALSEY, Neb. (AP) — A wildfire that exploded in size in drought-stricken central Nebraska has destroyed much of a youth campsite and led officials to evacuate a nearby village.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664817401941.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Bovee Fire was initially reported as having burned around 100 acres early Sunday in the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest, officials said. By Sunday night, the grassland fire in the state's Sandhills region had grown to about 15,000 acres, or around 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), according to the Nebraska National Forests &amp; Grasslands.None of the fire was contained by midday Monday, according to Travis Mason-Bushman, a spokesperson for the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team. However, a bulldozer was brought in to dig a containment line, and officials expected to have an update on containment later in the day Monday.The Nebraska State 4-H Camp confirmed in a tweet that most of the camp’s buildings, including its main lodge and all of its youth cabins, were destroyed in the fire. Officials also evacuated the tiny nearby village of Halsey, which is home to about 65 people, and shut down a section of state Highway 2 as smoke from the fire cut visibility. The highway had reopened by Monday.More than 100 firefighters were on the scene Monday, Mason-Bushman said, after air tankers were used Sunday to drop retardant and slow the fire’s spread, which was fueled by tinder-dry conditions and high winds. Conditions had improved Monday, with cooler weather and lighter winds, he said.The fire was “likely human-caused," the Nebraska National Forest said. Officials had not reported any injuries from the flames by midday Monday.The U.S. Drought Monitor shows Thomas County remains in a severe drought.

Nebraska Sandhills wildfire razes camp, prompts Halsey evacuation

The City of Chadron and Chadron Public Transit fee's started today, Oct. 3. Chadron City Council passed Ordinance 1429 fee's for 2022-2023 on Sept. 19.&nbsp;

Fees for city transit were approved along with the extended services to Crawford, Hay Springs, State Park, Airport, City Dam, Special Events and Rapid City.&nbsp; These services will be by appointment only.&nbsp; A trip to Rapid City will be twice a week allowing individuals to schedule appointments on the day(s) and times during the schedule route.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Chadron City Transit will be reaching out to various agencies for ridership/sponsorship to help those individuals needing assistance. The Chadron City Transit office is located at 127 W 2nd St. #101. The will be a pick up and drop off location for scheduled rides.&nbsp; Fares and passes can be paid when entering bus or located at the City Transit Office.&nbsp; All Fares must be paid in full prior to/entering the bus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rider purchases aPASS for $20 = 22 rides.&nbsp; PASS does not expire.&nbsp; PASS only valid for trips in around town. PASS&nbsp;is valid to use&nbsp;ONCE a DAY&nbsp;to travel to all the places needed once being picked up from home.&nbsp; Once the rider returns&nbsp; home and calls for a second ride, the charge will be $1 each time you "step on bus". Scenario: Rider is picked up at home.&nbsp; Travels to Clinic * Walmart * Cheemahs * Bank * Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;PASS VALID Rider calls for second ride:&nbsp; Travels to Library $1&nbsp; &nbsp;Pickup at Library to home $1 =&nbsp;$2&nbsp; AIRPORT&nbsp;$10 (Pass not valid) See details below for services offered&nbsp;&nbsp;

MUST&nbsp;pay before riding PAYMENT ON BUS -OR- TRANSIT OFFICE ONE – WAY&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (each time they step on bus) PASS&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $20&nbsp;(22 rides)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (Valid once a day;&nbsp; Pick up – errands (no limit) – back home) Second Ride&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $1&nbsp;one-way&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(call for 2nd ride same day/after using pass for the day) AIRPORT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(by appointment) ​One-way/Roundtrip&nbsp; FUR TRADE DAYS &nbsp;&nbsp;$5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday event only CRAWFORD&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(by appointment) &nbsp;&nbsp; 4th PARADE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(by appointment) HAY SPRINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(by appointment) CITY DAM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (by appointment – seasonal) STATE PARK&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (by appointment – seasonal) RAPID CITY&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (by appointment; $$ based on # riders; minimum $40)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadron City Transit is looking to improve and expand services for the Chadron community. In order to do so, we need your input. Please take a few minutes of your time to take a brief survey (click <a href="https://www.chadroncitytransit.com/">HERE</a> to find the survey).

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostThe City of Chadron and Chadron Public Transit fee's started today, Oct. 3. Chadron City Council passed Ordinance 1429 fee's for 2022-2023 on Sept. 19.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664810650010.jpeg" alt="The CSC Bus stop located at 319 E 10th Street is officially operational. Lines have been removed * signs posted * Enforecmenbt has begun. Please DO NOT park in this location or you will get a ticker.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The CSC Bus stop located at 319 E 10th Street is officially operational. Lines have been removed * signs posted * Enforecmenbt has begun. Please DO NOT park in this location or you will get a ticker.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Fees for city transit were approved along with the extended services to Crawford, Hay Springs, State Park, Airport, City Dam, Special Events and Rapid City.&nbsp; These services will be by appointment only.&nbsp; A trip to Rapid City will be twice a week allowing individuals to schedule appointments on the day(s) and times during the schedule route.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Chadron City Transit will be reaching out to various agencies for ridership/sponsorship to help those individuals needing assistance. The Chadron City Transit office is located at 127 W 2nd St. #101. The will be a pick up and drop off location for scheduled rides.&nbsp; Fares and passes can be paid when entering bus or located at the City Transit Office.&nbsp; All Fares must be paid in full prior to/entering the bus.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>HOW DOES THE CITY TRANSIT PASS WORK? </h2>Rider purchases aPASS for $20 = 22 rides.&nbsp; PASS does not expire.&nbsp; PASS only valid for trips in around town. PASS&nbsp;is valid to use&nbsp;ONCE a DAY&nbsp;to travel to all the places needed once being picked up from home.&nbsp; Once the rider returns&nbsp; home and calls for a second ride, the charge will be $1 each time you "step on bus". Scenario: Rider is picked up at home.&nbsp; Travels to Clinic * Walmart * Cheemahs * Bank * Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;PASS VALID Rider calls for second ride:&nbsp; Travels to Library $1&nbsp; &nbsp;Pickup at Library to home $1 =&nbsp;$2&nbsp; AIRPORT&nbsp;$10 (Pass not valid) See details below for services offered&nbsp;&nbsp;FARES:MUST&nbsp;pay before riding PAYMENT ON BUS -OR- TRANSIT OFFICE ONE – WAY&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (each time they step on bus) PASS&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $20&nbsp;(22 rides)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (Valid once a day;&nbsp; Pick up – errands (no limit) – back home) Second Ride&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $1&nbsp;one-way&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(call for 2nd ride same day/after using pass for the day) AIRPORT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(by appointment) ​One-way/Roundtrip&nbsp; FUR TRADE DAYS &nbsp;&nbsp;$5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday event only CRAWFORD&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(by appointment) &nbsp;&nbsp; 4th PARADE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(by appointment) HAY SPRINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(by appointment) CITY DAM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (by appointment – seasonal) STATE PARK&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5/$10 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (by appointment – seasonal) RAPID CITY&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (by appointment; $$ based on # riders; minimum $40)&nbsp;&nbsp;Chadron City Transit is looking to improve and expand services for the Chadron community. In order to do so, we need your input. Please take a few minutes of your time to take a brief survey (click <a href="https://www.chadroncitytransit.com/">HERE</a> to find the survey).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664810593481.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

City of Chadron Public Transit fee's have begun 

POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol is proud to announce a redesigned pink patch for this year’s Pink Patch Project. October marks the return of the Pink Patch Project for many law enforcement agencies across the state. The effort coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Pink Patch Project is a national effort in which many law enforcement officers wear a pink version of their agency’s shoulder patch. This is the fifth year that NSP has participated.

“This year’s NSP pink patch offers a new design and something new for collectors,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’re proud to partner with other agencies across the state in this project to show our support for the millions affected by breast cancer.”

Throughout October, troopers have the option to replace the standard NSP patch with a pink patch. NSP’s pink patch features the NSP emblem in pink and black.

Pink NSP patches are available for purchase by NSP civilian employees and members of the public at local NSP offices. All proceeds from sales of the pink NSP patches will benefit local organizations helping cancer fighters. Follow NSP on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NEStatePatrol/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nestatepatrol/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NEStatePatrol" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for more details on how to purchase the pink patches or how to order Pink Patch Project merchandise online.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol is proud to announce a redesigned pink patch for this year’s Pink Patch Project. October marks the return of the Pink Patch Project for many law enforcement agencies across the state. The effort coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809698706.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Pink Patch Project is a national effort in which many law enforcement officers wear a pink version of their agency’s shoulder patch. This is the fifth year that NSP has participated.“This year’s NSP pink patch offers a new design and something new for collectors,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’re proud to partner with other agencies across the state in this project to show our support for the millions affected by breast cancer.”Throughout October, troopers have the option to replace the standard NSP patch with a pink patch. NSP’s pink patch features the NSP emblem in pink and black.Pink NSP patches are available for purchase by NSP civilian employees and members of the public at local NSP offices. All proceeds from sales of the pink NSP patches will benefit local organizations helping cancer fighters. Follow NSP on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NEStatePatrol/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nestatepatrol/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NEStatePatrol" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for more details on how to purchase the pink patches or how to order Pink Patch Project merchandise online.

NSP participates in 'Pink Patch Project' for fifth year

P202200871 01:22 TRAFFIC STOP : 10Th Street and Grand Avenue/ Traffic Stop/ Driver investigated and arrested for DUI/ Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200873 03:07 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : On the 2400 block of Peterson Ct / Vandalized property reported / charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200872 03:41 FI : FIELD INTERVIEW 900 Block of Big Horn Avenue/ Field Interview conducted on two individuals/ Statements made by one individual lead to drug investigation/ Consent search conducted, locating drug paraphernalia/ Charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200876 07:41 FOUND : FOUND 500 block of Cheyenne/ found Samsung phone/ Phone was deemed found property/ case is inactive pending locating the owner of the phone Inactive - Case Suspended

P202200874 09:17 ASSAULT : ASSAULT officers responded to 1800 block of Alliance ST in reference to an assault/charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200875 10:59 SUICIDAL : SUICIDAL Reported Criminal Mischief on the 2400 Block of Peterson Court. While investigation ensued, an individual in need of mental health care was located. Case was resolved. Closed - Resolved

P202200877 19:49 SHOPLIFT : Officer was dispatched to Safeway referencing shoplifting. This case is under investigation. Open - Under Investigation

P202200878 20:18 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Box Butte General Hospital/ Reported Sexual Assault/ Under Investigation Open - Under Investigation

P202200879 21:32 SUSP : SUSPICIOUS Officer's responded to a call of a suspicious person and vehicle in the alley of the 500 block of Niobrara Ave. Officer's found an abandoned vehicle parked illegally in the alley and it was towed. Closed - Resolved

P202200880 21:44 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : 200 W. 18TH Street/ City of Scottsbluff School Bus vandalized/ Under Investigation Open - Under Investigation

P202200881 10:48 JUV : JUVENILE Conducted a search of a student at the schools request / confiscated some cold medications which were intended to be used for intoxicating purposes. Closed - Resolved

P202200882 12:02 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : officers responded to the 1200 block of Laramie Ave in reference to a criminal michief/ investigation is ongoing Inactive - Case Suspended

P202200886 12:18 INTAKE : INTAKE officers received an DDHS intake in reference to a welfare check on the 600 block of Sweetwater/ DHHS workers contacted/ Investigation is ongoing

P202200883 12:34 INTAKE : INTAKE Officers received a DDHS intake reference housing conditions/ DDHS was contacted/DDHS advised they conducted a welfare check/case is closed and resolved Closed - Resolved

P202200885 15:51 WELFARE : WELFARE case issued in error Issued In Error

P202200887 07:52 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : 1500 block of Big Horn Ave/ a vehicle was vandalized/investigation is ongoing Inactive - Case Suspended

By Alliance Police Department09/25/22P202200871 01:22 TRAFFIC STOP : 10Th Street and Grand Avenue/ Traffic Stop/ Driver investigated and arrested for DUI/ Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200873 03:07 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : On the 2400 block of Peterson Ct / Vandalized property reported / charges recommended Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200872 03:41 FI : FIELD INTERVIEW 900 Block of Big Horn Avenue/ Field Interview conducted on two individuals/ Statements made by one individual lead to drug investigation/ Consent search conducted, locating drug paraphernalia/ Charges recommended Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200876 07:41 FOUND : FOUND 500 block of Cheyenne/ found Samsung phone/ Phone was deemed found property/ case is inactive pending locating the owner of the phone Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200874 09:17 ASSAULT : ASSAULT officers responded to 1800 block of Alliance ST in reference to an assault/charges recommended Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200875 10:59 SUICIDAL : SUICIDAL Reported Criminal Mischief on the 2400 Block of Peterson Court. While investigation ensued, an individual in need of mental health care was located. Case was resolved. Closed - ResolvedP202200877 19:49 SHOPLIFT : Officer was dispatched to Safeway referencing shoplifting. This case is under investigation. Open - Under InvestigationP202200878 20:18 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Box Butte General Hospital/ Reported Sexual Assault/ Under Investigation Open - Under InvestigationP202200879 21:32 SUSP : SUSPICIOUS Officer's responded to a call of a suspicious person and vehicle in the alley of the 500 block of Niobrara Ave. Officer's found an abandoned vehicle parked illegally in the alley and it was towed. Closed - ResolvedP202200880 21:44 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : 200 W. 18TH Street/ City of Scottsbluff School Bus vandalized/ Under Investigation Open - Under Investigation09/25/22 Total: 1009/26/22P202200881 10:48 JUV : JUVENILE Conducted a search of a student at the schools request / confiscated some cold medications which were intended to be used for intoxicating purposes. Closed - ResolvedP202200882 12:02 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : officers responded to the 1200 block of Laramie Ave in reference to a criminal michief/ investigation is ongoing Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200886 12:18 INTAKE : INTAKE officers received an DDHS intake in reference to a welfare check on the 600 block of Sweetwater/ DHHS workers contacted/ Investigation is ongoingP202200883 12:34 INTAKE : INTAKE Officers received a DDHS intake reference housing conditions/ DDHS was contacted/DDHS advised they conducted a welfare check/case is closed and resolved Closed - ResolvedP202200885 15:51 WELFARE : WELFARE case issued in error Issued In Error09/26/22 Total: 509/27/22P202200887 07:52 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : 1500 block of Big Horn Ave/ a vehicle was vandalized/investigation is ongoing Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200889 10:36 INTAKE : INTAKE Recieved a DHHS intake // Officer followed up with DHHS // It was discovered that the alleged victims and perpetrator live in Scottsbluff currently // Closed - ResolvedP202200888 16:05 FOUND : FOUND 700 block Niobrara Avenue/ Found property/ property was stored into the evidence vault pending locating the owner Inactive - Case Suspended09/27/22 Total: 309/28/22P202200890 02:57 JUV : JUVENILE 2700 Block of Big Horn Avenue/ Reported disturbance/ Citations issued for MIP/ Arrest made Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200891 13:03 ERROR : INCIDENT CALL Issued In ErrorP202200892 22:21 DISTURBANCE : Called to Maveriks about a male charging at citizens and causing a disturbance. The male was described as a wearing a jacket, shorts, and sitting out front with his dog. The male was contacted and a larg hunting knife was found on his waist-line. The male was a convicted felon and taken into custody for weapons charges. Closed - Charges Recommended09/28/22 Total: 309/29/22P202200893 12:40 INTAKE : INTAKE Follow up intake on a prior incident with a juvenile Closed - ResolvedP202200894 20:23 SHOPLIFT : officers responded to Safeway reference shoplifting/ suspects identified and located/ charges recommended Closed - Charges Recommended09/29/22 Total: 209/30/22P202200895 07:22 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYAt the intersection of Cody Ave and Kansas St there was a report of an non-injury accident // Both drivers refused medical attention and did not have any apparent injuries // Report was taken for the collisionClosed - ResolvedP202200896 17:24 SHOPLIFT : 500 block of west 3rd St // Report of a shoplifting // 2 Juveniles identified as suspects // The investigation is on going Open - Under InvestigationP202200897 22:13 THEFT : THEFT Report of a gas can haven been taken from B row of Meadows trailer park. No leads, investigation is on-going. Inactive - Case Suspended09/30/22 Total: 310/01/22P202200900 12:30 GRAFFITI : Criminal officers responded to Laing Lake park in reference to it being vandalized with graffiti/ investigation is ongoing Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200901 14:03 THEFT : THEFT female came to police station to report stolen property/female declined to press charges/ case is closed and resolved Closed - ResolvedP202200901 14:03 THEFT : THEFT female came to police station to report stolen property/female declined to press charges/ case is closed and resolved Open - Under InvestigationP202200903 17:28 FOUND : FOUND 700 block of E 7th ST/Found property/ Property was stored in the evidence vault/ Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200904 17:58 DISTURBANCE : officers responded to 100 block of Potash Avenue in reference to a disturbance/ One female was arrested/ Female was transferred to the Box Butte County Jail/ Charges recommended Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200905 19:02 THEFT : THEFT Report of a vehicle used without permission. Investigation is ongoing Closed - Victim Refusto Cooperate10/01/22 Total: 6Total Records: 32

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