Alliance – Effective Monday, October 3rd the east parking lot and east entrance to the Alliance Public Library will be closed due to building maintenance. 

Patrons and WNCC students will need to use the west parking lot and entrance during this time, until further notice. 

The outside drop box will not be accessible and will be closed to the public. 

There will be a drop box available in the west entrance, but we encourage patrons to please return items inside the library during business hours.

Please call the Library at 308-762-1387 to arrange for curbside pickup of your items or for Bookmobile service.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Effective Monday, October 3rd the east parking lot and east entrance to the Alliance Public Library will be closed due to building maintenance. Patrons and WNCC students will need to use the west parking lot and entrance during this time, until further notice. The outside drop box will not be accessible and will be closed to the public. There will be a drop box available in the west entrance, but we encourage patrons to please return items inside the library during business hours. We are sorry for any inconvenience.Please call the Library at 308-762-1387 to arrange for curbside pickup of your items or for Bookmobile service.

Alliance Public Library building undergoing maintenance

State park areas are wonderful places to celebrate Halloween in Nebraska with many hosting family-friendly activities on weekends in October. Plan your opportunity for fun at these nine park locations.

Remember: A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. Get yours at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at the park entry booth.

Jack O Lantern World at Mahoney through October

Mahoney State Park near Ashland introduces its newest fall attraction: Jack O’ Lantern World. From Sept. 30-Oct. 30, thousands of jack o’ lanterns carved by 50 artisans will be on display along a three-fourths mile walk.

The walk, featuring intricately carved, lighted pumpkins, is designed to be an incredible experience to celebrate Halloween, art, nature and fall. Gather friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind whimsical experience.

Tickets are required; get yours at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3RoZWphY2tvbGFudGVybndvcmxkLmNvbS9vbWFoYSJ9.-jRLmNV4URoKTML_mSRyNkIMQ35GpyV17RX6m-B5Y_M/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">TheJackOLanternWorld.com/omaha</a>. Ticket-holders should arrive 15 minutes before their selected start time.

For more information, call the park at 402-944-2523 or Peter at Jack O’ Lantern World at 224-757-5425.

Indian Cave SP to host 27th&nbsp;Haunted Hollow

Bring the family to Indian Cave State Park for three weekends of Halloween-themed fun in October with the 27th&nbsp;Annual Haunted Hollow.

Haunted hayrack rides, trick-or-treating, outdoor movies, scavenger hunt, pumpkin rolling, craft market and campsite-decorating contest are all on tap to keep everyone entertained Oct. 7-8, Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22.

For more details, visit the calendar event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2xua3MuZ2QvbC9leUpoYkdjaU9pSklVekkxTmlKOS5leUppZFd4c1pYUnBibDlzYVc1clgybGtJam94TURJc0luVnlhU0k2SW1Kd01qcGpiR2xqYXlJc0ltSjFiR3hsZEdsdVgybGtJam9pTWpBeU1UQTJNVEV1TkRFNE1Ua3hOakVpTENKMWNtd2lPaUpvZEhSd2N6b3ZMMk5oYkdWdVpHRnlMbTkxZEdSdmIzSnVaV0p5WVhOcllTNW5iM1l2SW4wLjA1WVM1T3dOd3c0RHNZcEtHWlp3THBxWUF5M1ZpSGhZZzhRTnJqOEJ1VUEvcy81NTk2NzAxOTAvYnIvMTA3ODA4MzgwNDc5LWwifQ.XY6C_8elV8i6JRSjGJ0QZd5VtWeY9P4FB2rSI6_l-YU/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>.

Ponca SP will host Hallowfest Oct. 8, Oct. 15

Enjoy the season of Halloween at Ponca State Park by coming to the 24th annual Hallowfest on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15.

Activities include crafts, pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin-carving contest, haunted drive and campground-decorating contest.

Call the park at 402-755-2284 for more information.

Johnson Lake Halloween Haunt set for Oct. 8

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area will host pumpkin painting and a campsite-decorating contest Oct. 8 during the Johnson Lake Halloween Haunt.

The pumpkin painting will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Area C. Campsite decoration judging will begin at 6 p.m. at the main campground, with prizes going to the top three finishers. Trunk or treating will take place from 3-5 p.m. in the boat parking area.

Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event set for Oct. 15

It is all about pumpkins at Calamus State Recreation Area on Oct. 15.

The Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event, from 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m., will include pumpkin carving, games with prizes, downhill pumpkin rolling derby, food, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating and lighted pumpkin displays.

For more details, visit the event listing in the calendar at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2xua3MuZ2QvbC9leUpoYkdjaU9pSklVekkxTmlKOS5leUppZFd4c1pYUnBibDlzYVc1clgybGtJam94TURJc0luVnlhU0k2SW1Kd01qcGpiR2xqYXlJc0ltSjFiR3hsZEdsdVgybGtJam9pTWpBeU1UQTJNVEV1TkRFNE1Ua3hOakVpTENKMWNtd2lPaUpvZEhSd2N6b3ZMMk5oYkdWdVpHRnlMbTkxZEdSdmIzSnVaV0p5WVhOcllTNW5iM1l2SW4wLjA1WVM1T3dOd3c0RHNZcEtHWlp3THBxWUF5M1ZpSGhZZzhRTnJqOEJ1VUEvcy81NTk2NzAxOTAvYnIvMTA3ODA4MzgwNDc5LWwifQ.e63f9CtIyrscIqEepAP67nJ95IZt-zsu4EoI1CZ3ZA0/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>.

Branched Oak SRA to host Spooktacular on Oct. 15

Spend a day with the family Oct. 15 enjoying Spooktacular at Branched Oak State Recreation Area.

Middle Oak Creek Campground will host this event, which will include a pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin carving, costume contest, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating, haunted trail and haunted hayrack ride.

For more details, visit the calendar event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2xua3MuZ2QvbC9leUpoYkdjaU9pSklVekkxTmlKOS5leUppZFd4c1pYUnBibDlzYVc1clgybGtJam94TURJc0luVnlhU0k2SW1Kd01qcGpiR2xqYXlJc0ltSjFiR3hsZEdsdVgybGtJam9pTWpBeU1UQTJNVEV1TkRFNE1Ua3hOakVpTENKMWNtd2lPaUpvZEhSd2N6b3ZMMk5oYkdWdVpHRnlMbTkxZEdSdmIzSnVaV0p5WVhOcllTNW5iM1l2SW4wLjA1WVM1T3dOd3c0RHNZcEtHWlp3THBxWUF5M1ZpSGhZZzhRTnJqOEJ1VUEvcy81NTk2NzAxOTAvYnIvMTA3ODA4MzgwNDc5LWwifQ.rpoc2hViJRyts9BevT2ZCYtip90of-WDHQh4JiDSX7I/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>.

Enjoy Halloween campsite decorating, trick-or-treating at Fremont Lakes SRA

Get into the Halloween spirit at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area on Oct. 15 with family-friendly activities.

Campers may decorate their campsites in a Halloween theme. Then, from 5-7 p.m., children may trick-or-treat in the campground with the decoration judging takes place.

For more information, call the park at 402-727-2922.

Come out to Ash Hollow State Historical Park and celebrate Halloween in the Hollow on Oct. 22 from 2-6 p.m. Mountain time.

There will be kids’ games, s’mores, pumpkin picking and decorating, a scavenger hunt, hayrack rides and a costume contest, which begins at 4:30 p.m.

At 5 p.m., Trunk or Treat will be sponsored by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers, area emergency medical services and law enforcement, with their vehicles available to view.

Direct event questions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tamara.cooper@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">tamara.cooper@nebraska.gov</a>.

Wildcat Hills to host Howl in the Hills hike

Experience the Wildcat Hills like never before – at night! Discover all the creatures that make Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area their home during the Howl in the Hills hike Oct. 22.

This .57-mile hike begins at 7 p.m. Mountain time. Hikers should bring a flashlight, hiking shoes and a sense of adventure.

Register by Oct. 6 by calling 308-436-3777.

Celebrate Halloween at Red Willow Oct. 28-30

Stay at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area on Oct. 28-30 and celebrate Camp and Treat.

This family Halloween event, which offers off-season camping rates of $5 off the rates for electrical and $10 tent sites, will include a campsite decorating contest, kids’ pumpkin carving contest and trick-or-treating. Campers who bring treats for kids will get reduced camping rates.

Visit the calendar event entry at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.JJVzBjRUsM-uWl8yQTptOT0FDNPV0iAl-rJKg2CrM1k/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

By Nebraska Game and ParksState park areas are wonderful places to celebrate Halloween in Nebraska with many hosting family-friendly activities on weekends in October. Plan your opportunity for fun at these nine park locations.Remember: A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. Get yours at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at the park entry booth.Jack O Lantern World at Mahoney through OctoberMahoney State Park near Ashland introduces its newest fall attraction: Jack O’ Lantern World. From Sept. 30-Oct. 30, thousands of jack o’ lanterns carved by 50 artisans will be on display along a three-fourths mile walk.The walk, featuring intricately carved, lighted pumpkins, is designed to be an incredible experience to celebrate Halloween, art, nature and fall. Gather friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind whimsical experience.Tickets are required; get yours at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3RoZWphY2tvbGFudGVybndvcmxkLmNvbS9vbWFoYSJ9.-jRLmNV4URoKTML_mSRyNkIMQ35GpyV17RX6m-B5Y_M/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">TheJackOLanternWorld.com/omaha</a>. Ticket-holders should arrive 15 minutes before their selected start time.For more information, call the park at 402-944-2523 or Peter at Jack O’ Lantern World at 224-757-5425.Indian Cave SP to host 27th&nbsp;Haunted HollowBring the family to Indian Cave State Park for three weekends of Halloween-themed fun in October with the 27th&nbsp;Annual Haunted Hollow.Haunted hayrack rides, trick-or-treating, outdoor movies, scavenger hunt, pumpkin rolling, craft market and campsite-decorating contest are all on tap to keep everyone entertained Oct. 7-8, Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22.For more details, visit the calendar event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2xua3MuZ2QvbC9leUpoYkdjaU9pSklVekkxTmlKOS5leUppZFd4c1pYUnBibDlzYVc1clgybGtJam94TURJc0luVnlhU0k2SW1Kd01qcGpiR2xqYXlJc0ltSjFiR3hsZEdsdVgybGtJam9pTWpBeU1UQTJNVEV1TkRFNE1Ua3hOakVpTENKMWNtd2lPaUpvZEhSd2N6b3ZMMk5oYkdWdVpHRnlMbTkxZEdSdmIzSnVaV0p5WVhOcllTNW5iM1l2SW4wLjA1WVM1T3dOd3c0RHNZcEtHWlp3THBxWUF5M1ZpSGhZZzhRTnJqOEJ1VUEvcy81NTk2NzAxOTAvYnIvMTA3ODA4MzgwNDc5LWwifQ.XY6C_8elV8i6JRSjGJ0QZd5VtWeY9P4FB2rSI6_l-YU/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>.Ponca SP will host Hallowfest Oct. 8, Oct. 15Enjoy the season of Halloween at Ponca State Park by coming to the 24th annual Hallowfest on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15.Activities include crafts, pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin-carving contest, haunted drive and campground-decorating contest.Call the park at 402-755-2284 for more information.Johnson Lake Halloween Haunt set for Oct. 8Johnson Lake State Recreation Area will host pumpkin painting and a campsite-decorating contest Oct. 8 during the Johnson Lake Halloween Haunt.The pumpkin painting will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Area C. Campsite decoration judging will begin at 6 p.m. at the main campground, with prizes going to the top three finishers. Trunk or treating will take place from 3-5 p.m. in the boat parking area.Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event set for Oct. 15It is all about pumpkins at Calamus State Recreation Area on Oct. 15.The Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event, from 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m., will include pumpkin carving, games with prizes, downhill pumpkin rolling derby, food, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating and lighted pumpkin displays.For more details, visit the event listing in the calendar at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2xua3MuZ2QvbC9leUpoYkdjaU9pSklVekkxTmlKOS5leUppZFd4c1pYUnBibDlzYVc1clgybGtJam94TURJc0luVnlhU0k2SW1Kd01qcGpiR2xqYXlJc0ltSjFiR3hsZEdsdVgybGtJam9pTWpBeU1UQTJNVEV1TkRFNE1Ua3hOakVpTENKMWNtd2lPaUpvZEhSd2N6b3ZMMk5oYkdWdVpHRnlMbTkxZEdSdmIzSnVaV0p5WVhOcllTNW5iM1l2SW4wLjA1WVM1T3dOd3c0RHNZcEtHWlp3THBxWUF5M1ZpSGhZZzhRTnJqOEJ1VUEvcy81NTk2NzAxOTAvYnIvMTA3ODA4MzgwNDc5LWwifQ.e63f9CtIyrscIqEepAP67nJ95IZt-zsu4EoI1CZ3ZA0/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>.Branched Oak SRA to host Spooktacular on Oct. 15Spend a day with the family Oct. 15 enjoying Spooktacular at Branched Oak State Recreation Area.Middle Oak Creek Campground will host this event, which will include a pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin carving, costume contest, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating, haunted trail and haunted hayrack ride.For more details, visit the calendar event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2xua3MuZ2QvbC9leUpoYkdjaU9pSklVekkxTmlKOS5leUppZFd4c1pYUnBibDlzYVc1clgybGtJam94TURJc0luVnlhU0k2SW1Kd01qcGpiR2xqYXlJc0ltSjFiR3hsZEdsdVgybGtJam9pTWpBeU1UQTJNVEV1TkRFNE1Ua3hOakVpTENKMWNtd2lPaUpvZEhSd2N6b3ZMMk5oYkdWdVpHRnlMbTkxZEdSdmIzSnVaV0p5WVhOcllTNW5iM1l2SW4wLjA1WVM1T3dOd3c0RHNZcEtHWlp3THBxWUF5M1ZpSGhZZzhRTnJqOEJ1VUEvcy81NTk2NzAxOTAvYnIvMTA3ODA4MzgwNDc5LWwifQ.rpoc2hViJRyts9BevT2ZCYtip90of-WDHQh4JiDSX7I/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>.Enjoy Halloween campsite decorating, trick-or-treating at Fremont Lakes SRAGet into the Halloween spirit at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area on Oct. 15 with family-friendly activities.Campers may decorate their campsites in a Halloween theme. Then, from 5-7 p.m., children may trick-or-treat in the campground with the decoration judging takes place.For more information, call the park at 402-727-2922.Halloween in the Hollow is Oct. 22Come out to Ash Hollow State Historical Park and celebrate Halloween in the Hollow on Oct. 22 from 2-6 p.m. Mountain time.There will be kids’ games, s’mores, pumpkin picking and decorating, a scavenger hunt, hayrack rides and a costume contest, which begins at 4:30 p.m.At 5 p.m., Trunk or Treat will be sponsored by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers, area emergency medical services and law enforcement, with their vehicles available to view.Direct event questions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tamara.cooper@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">tamara.cooper@nebraska.gov</a>.Wildcat Hills to host Howl in the Hills hikeExperience the Wildcat Hills like never before – at night! Discover all the creatures that make Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area their home during the Howl in the Hills hike Oct. 22.This .57-mile hike begins at 7 p.m. Mountain time. Hikers should bring a flashlight, hiking shoes and a sense of adventure.Register by Oct. 6 by calling 308-436-3777.Celebrate Halloween at Red Willow Oct. 28-30Stay at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area on Oct. 28-30 and celebrate Camp and Treat.This family Halloween event, which offers off-season camping rates of $5 off the rates for electrical and $10 tent sites, will include a campsite decorating contest, kids’ pumpkin carving contest and trick-or-treating. Campers who bring treats for kids will get reduced camping rates.Visit the calendar event entry at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjAuNjM5ODMyMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vY2FsZW5kYXIub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdiJ9.JJVzBjRUsM-uWl8yQTptOT0FDNPV0iAl-rJKg2CrM1k/s/497221906/br/144412879692-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Enjoy Halloween fun in Nebraska state parks in October

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was returning from an official appearance in Rapid City in 2019 when she faced a decision: Overnight in the capital of Pierre, where another trip would start the next day, or head home and see her son attend his high school prom?

The Republican governor chose the latter, a decision that eventually cost taxpayers some $3,700 when the state airplane dropped her off near her home and then returned the next day to pick her up.

It’s one of several trips that year where Noem, a potential 2024 White House contender, blurred the lines between official travel and attending either family or political events. The trips sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-political-organizations-59b7a834cdcccd2491e29b767e95f54c">complaint to the state ethics</a>&nbsp;board, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-1c5fb7828aba13ad4f6467b76554c022">referred the matter to the state's Division of Criminal Investigation</a>. A county prosecutor overseeing the investigation will decide whether the governor broke an untested law enacted by voters in 2006 to rein in questionable use of the state airplane.

The governor has also faced action by the same ethics board for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-872aa9adc02bdbe4c6147c671e91053e">intervening in a state agency shortly after it moved to deny her daughter a real estate appraiser's license</a>.

As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-election-2020-sd-state-wire-politics-cbcc0233d22afd899d8a07c67ad859bd">Noem’s political star rose in 2020</a>, she began using private jets to fly to fundraisers, campaign events and conservative gatherings.

But before that, in the first year of her term in 2019, Noem used the state plane six times to fly to out-of-state events hosted by political organizations including the Republican Governors Association, Republican Jewish Coalition, Turning Point USA and the National Rifle Association.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rawstory.com/kristi-noem-2650536372/">Raw Story</a>, an online news site, first reported the trips, which the governor’s office defended as part of her work as the state’s “ambassador” to bolster the state’s economy and intergovernmental relationships.

State plane logs also show that Noem had family members join her on in-state flights in 2019.

The 2006 ballot measure was a response to scrutiny of plane travel by then-Gov. Mike Rounds, who attended events such as his son’s away basketball games while on trips for other official business. At the time, Rounds, now a U.S. senator, used political funds to reimburse the state for those trips, as well as travel to political events.

State Sen. Reynold Nesiba, a Democrat who proposed the ballot measure before he became a lawmaker, said voters were clear in their intent.

"When it’s been used for family members, this seems like a clear violation of not only the letter but the spirit of the law that was passed overwhelmingly," he said.

Noem campaign spokesman Ian Fury said it was “fully within precedent” for family members to join governors on flights, adding that the “level of nitpickiness is ridiculous because she is doing this sort of thing less than Dennis Daugaard,” referring to Noem’s Republican predecessor.

State plane logs from Daugaard's last term show wife, Linda, often joined trips. Daugaard's sister and daughter also joined one trip each in 2017 and 2016 respectively. Noem's children — not counting daughter Kennedy Noem, on the governor's staff as a policy analyst — joined nine plane trips during her first term.

On another trip, Noem's itinerary allowed her to return home for her son's prom. On April 5, 2019, she rode the state plane from Watertown, near her home in Castlewood, to Rapid City for an announcement on Ellsworth Air Force Base. On the return flight, the plane stopped in the capital city of Pierre to drop off Rounds, who had joined her for the trip, and several aides. But even though she had another trip from Pierre to Las Vegas for a Republican Jewish Coalition event planned the next day, Noem didn’t stay in the governor’s mansion there.

She flew to Watertown, near her home, in time to watch her son take the stage at his prom, according to Noem’s social media posts. The state plane, meanwhile, returned to Pierre, only to make the trip back to Watertown for the governor the next day.

Fury defended the trips because her travel started in Watertown, near where she had spoken at an event for her son's school district the day before.

“Part of official travel is returning from official travel," Fury said.

He used a similar defense for a May 30, 2019 trip that started in Custer, where she was staying to help her daughter prepare for her wedding, and traveled around the state to speak at two youth leadership events. Noem’s son, nephew and one of their friends who were attending one of those events, in Aberdeen, rode back on the state plane to join the wedding preparations.

Fury said adding her son and his friends to the flight didn’t cost the state any extra money and was part of her official travel.

Richard Briffault, a professor at Columbia Law School who specializes in government ethics, said Noem's travel to political events seemed to fall into a legal gray area. While a trip to fundraise or campaign would clearly break the law, he said, traveling to meet with political groups was “pushing the limit.”

Across the country, Democratic and Republican governors alike have come under scrutiny for their use of state aircraft. New York, Kentucky, Minnesota and Montana allow governors to do some politicking with state-owned aircraft but place some restrictions and require reimbursements for political use. New York also allows immediate family members to travel with the governor.

Hughes County State’s Attorney Jessica LaMie, who was appointed to examine whether Noem broke the law, promised a “thorough” investigation.

“If you take the title and all of that out of it, it’s no different than any other investigation,” she said.

Neil Fulton, the dean of the University of South Dakota Law School who also served as Rounds’ chief of staff after the 2006 law was enacted, said it's not perfectly clear what exactly the law means by “state business." He said other jurisdictions usually define state business as “actions to advance programs or initiatives of the state.”

The law imposes steep fines: $1,000 plus 10 times the cost of the travel. Violators also face a Class 2 misdemeanor, which carries a maximum of a 30-day jail sentence, but that is usually only reserved for repeat or violent offenders.

“We weren’t hoping to convict anyone of anything,” Nesiba, the state lawmaker, said. “We were hoping to make a deterrent.”

By Associated PressSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was returning from an official appearance in Rapid City in 2019 when she faced a decision: Overnight in the capital of Pierre, where another trip would start the next day, or head home and see her son attend his high school prom?The Republican governor chose the latter, a decision that eventually cost taxpayers some $3,700 when the state airplane dropped her off near her home and then returned the next day to pick her up.It’s one of several trips that year where Noem, a potential 2024 White House contender, blurred the lines between official travel and attending either family or political events. The trips sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-political-organizations-59b7a834cdcccd2491e29b767e95f54c">complaint to the state ethics</a>&nbsp;board, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-1c5fb7828aba13ad4f6467b76554c022">referred the matter to the state's Division of Criminal Investigation</a>. A county prosecutor overseeing the investigation will decide whether the governor broke an untested law enacted by voters in 2006 to rein in questionable use of the state airplane.The governor has also faced action by the same ethics board for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-872aa9adc02bdbe4c6147c671e91053e">intervening in a state agency shortly after it moved to deny her daughter a real estate appraiser's license</a>.As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-election-2020-sd-state-wire-politics-cbcc0233d22afd899d8a07c67ad859bd">Noem’s political star rose in 2020</a>, she began using private jets to fly to fundraisers, campaign events and conservative gatherings.But before that, in the first year of her term in 2019, Noem used the state plane six times to fly to out-of-state events hosted by political organizations including the Republican Governors Association, Republican Jewish Coalition, Turning Point USA and the National Rifle Association.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rawstory.com/kristi-noem-2650536372/">Raw Story</a>, an online news site, first reported the trips, which the governor’s office defended as part of her work as the state’s “ambassador” to bolster the state’s economy and intergovernmental relationships.State plane logs also show that Noem had family members join her on in-state flights in 2019.The 2006 ballot measure was a response to scrutiny of plane travel by then-Gov. Mike Rounds, who attended events such as his son’s away basketball games while on trips for other official business. At the time, Rounds, now a U.S. senator, used political funds to reimburse the state for those trips, as well as travel to political events.State Sen. Reynold Nesiba, a Democrat who proposed the ballot measure before he became a lawmaker, said voters were clear in their intent."When it’s been used for family members, this seems like a clear violation of not only the letter but the spirit of the law that was passed overwhelmingly," he said.Noem campaign spokesman Ian Fury said it was “fully within precedent” for family members to join governors on flights, adding that the “level of nitpickiness is ridiculous because she is doing this sort of thing less than Dennis Daugaard,” referring to Noem’s Republican predecessor.State plane logs from Daugaard's last term show wife, Linda, often joined trips. Daugaard's sister and daughter also joined one trip each in 2017 and 2016 respectively. Noem's children — not counting daughter Kennedy Noem, on the governor's staff as a policy analyst — joined nine plane trips during her first term.On another trip, Noem's itinerary allowed her to return home for her son's prom. On April 5, 2019, she rode the state plane from Watertown, near her home in Castlewood, to Rapid City for an announcement on Ellsworth Air Force Base. On the return flight, the plane stopped in the capital city of Pierre to drop off Rounds, who had joined her for the trip, and several aides. But even though she had another trip from Pierre to Las Vegas for a Republican Jewish Coalition event planned the next day, Noem didn’t stay in the governor’s mansion there.She flew to Watertown, near her home, in time to watch her son take the stage at his prom, according to Noem’s social media posts. The state plane, meanwhile, returned to Pierre, only to make the trip back to Watertown for the governor the next day.Fury defended the trips because her travel started in Watertown, near where she had spoken at an event for her son's school district the day before.“Part of official travel is returning from official travel," Fury said.He used a similar defense for a May 30, 2019 trip that started in Custer, where she was staying to help her daughter prepare for her wedding, and traveled around the state to speak at two youth leadership events. Noem’s son, nephew and one of their friends who were attending one of those events, in Aberdeen, rode back on the state plane to join the wedding preparations.Fury said adding her son and his friends to the flight didn’t cost the state any extra money and was part of her official travel.Richard Briffault, a professor at Columbia Law School who specializes in government ethics, said Noem's travel to political events seemed to fall into a legal gray area. While a trip to fundraise or campaign would clearly break the law, he said, traveling to meet with political groups was “pushing the limit.”Across the country, Democratic and Republican governors alike have come under scrutiny for their use of state aircraft. New York, Kentucky, Minnesota and Montana allow governors to do some politicking with state-owned aircraft but place some restrictions and require reimbursements for political use. New York also allows immediate family members to travel with the governor.Hughes County State’s Attorney Jessica LaMie, who was appointed to examine whether Noem broke the law, promised a “thorough” investigation.“If you take the title and all of that out of it, it’s no different than any other investigation,” she said.Neil Fulton, the dean of the University of South Dakota Law School who also served as Rounds’ chief of staff after the 2006 law was enacted, said it's not perfectly clear what exactly the law means by “state business." He said other jurisdictions usually define state business as “actions to advance programs or initiatives of the state.”The law imposes steep fines: $1,000 plus 10 times the cost of the travel. Violators also face a Class 2 misdemeanor, which carries a maximum of a 30-day jail sentence, but that is usually only reserved for repeat or violent offenders.“We weren’t hoping to convict anyone of anything,” Nesiba, the state lawmaker, said. “We were hoping to make a deterrent.”

South Dakota investigation weighs Noem's use of state plane

At its Sept. 20 meeting, the Alliance City Council approved municipal code amendments for fireworks on second reading. On Aug. 2, the council tabled the second reading.

This ordinance would amend the dates and times fireworks can be legally discharged in the city.

Kevin and Roxane Foster spoke before the council with their thoughts and concerns. They operate the Foster Fireworks Stand every year in Alliance.

"We have several points that we'd like to be made to continue the ten-day sales and lighting of fireworks in Alliance," Roxane Foster said. "First of all in Nebraska, the Nebraska State regulations allow ten days of sales and lighting  the fireworks. The City of Alliance currently grants that same right, which allows its citizens to celebrate and enjoy fireworks with family and friends for only those ten days of the year. The fireworks stands in Alliance provide a service to the community of Alliance so that they may purchase fireworks locally. If the firework season for Alliance is shortened, the people in Alliance will shop out of town for their fireworks, which will most definitely affect the local sales. The fireworks enthusiasts will continue to light off fireworks during the usual period of ten days as they have done for years, which will become a nightmare for local law enforcement. This community loves their fireworks. We're all aware, however, that some people don't enjoy fireworks for various reasons, but tolerance of others differences, their likes and dislikes is a virtue that should be practiced by all. Some people might not like the smell of the fire pits at night when they would like to have their windows open, or the sound of the loud trucks late at night or early morning...or having to clean someone else's dog business out of their yard. But, they don't ask the city council to replace regulations on these issues. They just tolerate it."

&nbsp; Foster then spoke to the council about the business side of their&nbsp;fireworks stand.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"So, prior to the fireworks season, the company that provides the tents will give notification and when they will be delivering tents along their routes," Foster said. "They deliver all of the tents at least four days prior to the opening day of June 25. That means we would pay rent for the tent as well as the lot rent that the tent sets on for an entire season...regardless of how many days the city would allow for sales. They won't make a separate delivery just for Alliance's at a later date."

Foster also said having a shorter fireworks season will affect families.

"If the firework season is shortened, they will not always include a weekend and many Alliance families won't be able to have their large family and friends celebrations during their work week", Foster said. "But the 10-day season, at least one weekend is always included in that stretch of time, which allows those gatherings to take place...and of course it's always a boost in sales as well. Weather is always a factor during fireworks season for both the fireworks enthusiast and the firework stands. Stormy weather can and has closed down the fireworks stands for part of a day or an entire evening...at least three to four times each season. This of course causes a drop in sales and shortens the time for lighting them off as well. We are in favor of maintaining a ten-day firework season in Alliance and hope that you can see the benefits to the community and the local firework stands in agreeing to do so. Please show your support to the local families, youth groups and school that brings the service to Alliance. Independence Day celebrates freedom. Let's continue to allow our community the freedom to celebrate and enjoy their fireworks during a ten-day fireworks season."

Councilman John McGhehy thinks having the fireworks ordinance three or four days is too short.&nbsp;

"And then one of the things they [Fosters] pointed out is that some years that wouldn't include a weekend at all," McGhehy said. "And I just don't think that's fair to the families that don't have adjustable schedules. So last time we talked about this, I suggested a compromise of seven days. I think that takes into consideration the people that it bothers to have a long period of time, but gives a little bit more time for people to enjoy the fireworks. So, I still am in favor of no less than seven days for the period."

"For me,  the reason why we discussed tabling at the last meeting was to give the community a chance to contact council members and staff with their viewpoints be heard," Councilwoman Annora Bentley said. " I did not hear from one person in favor of leaving it for ten days. I have heard from countless number of people to curtail it down to four days and that they thought that was enough. And so, considering the fact that I felt like we did our due diligence and asking people to come forward...and no one did to me anyway."

Residents in the Alliance community can still voice their concerns to council members and the City of Alliance. The next city council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 4 where the council will decide how many days the fireworks ordinance will be changed to.

"I never heard from anyone that wanted to leave it," Alliance Mayor Mike Dafney said. "And everybody I've heard for wanting to cut it down...and four was the majority of that choice."

Councilman Earl Jones said he had no one from the community talk to him about the fireworks ordinance, but a person asked if the City of Alliance could add to "streets" to the ordinance so people would not be able to light fireworks off in the streets.

Currently, you can not light fireworks off on recreational properties within the city.

"They said people are just militant on the streets," Jones said. "Kids are running out [in the streets]. And they feel like they have the right to close the street to set fireworks off. And some of them are major streets. They said when they were coming back from the fireworks display at the park [Laing Lake] that literally people stopped traffic to set fireworks."

Councilwoman Bentley said, "I can attest to that, 12th Street was closed for fireworks."

Councilman McGhehey asked Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens, "How difficult would it be if we added a restriction on setting off fireworks in the street?"

"The entire fireworks in general is going to be incredibly difficult to enforce," Chief Lukens said. "We had about 20 something calls for service on fireworks that were outside of normal hours over the entire Fourth of July timeframe between June 1 and and July 31. That was when people were lighting outside of the time. During time, there are so many people lighting fireworks in the community. And remember we have two officers on. So just imagine, if we take the time to do the report on one call, which is going to be a report and confiscating property. That's an average of 60 minutes. So, if we do that, in an evening, we can handle three per officer, if you go from nine o'clock to midnight, we would be only able to handle the fireworks during those hours. If there are any other high priority calls that come in, those calls cannot be handled. And so in essence, this is a voluntary compliance ordinance because we would not have the ability to get all of the community to get that under control. So whether they're in the street or in their driveways or whatever, the sheer volume of calls that increased during the fourth of July season anyway with animals and just routine family events and disturbances it is not...it is not easily policed."

Mayor Dafney, Councilwoman Bentley, Councilman Jones voted yes on the second reading of this fireworks ordinance. Councilman McGhehy and Mischnick voted no.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostAt its Sept. 20 meeting, the Alliance City Council approved municipal code amendments for fireworks on second reading. On Aug. 2, the council tabled the second reading.This ordinance would amend the dates and times fireworks can be legally discharged in the city.Kevin and Roxane Foster spoke before the council with their thoughts and concerns. They operate the Foster Fireworks Stand every year in Alliance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664555790123.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We have several points that we'd like to be made to continue the ten-day sales and lighting of fireworks in Alliance," Roxane Foster said. "First of all in Nebraska, the Nebraska State regulations allow ten days of sales and lighting the fireworks. The City of Alliance currently grants that same right, which allows its citizens to celebrate and enjoy fireworks with family and friends for only those ten days of the year. The fireworks stands in Alliance provide a service to the community of Alliance so that they may purchase fireworks locally. If the firework season for Alliance is shortened, the people in Alliance will shop out of town for their fireworks, which will most definitely affect the local sales. The fireworks enthusiasts will continue to light off fireworks during the usual period of ten days as they have done for years, which will become a nightmare for local law enforcement. This community loves their fireworks. We're all aware, however, that some people don't enjoy fireworks for various reasons, but tolerance of others differences, their likes and dislikes is a virtue that should be practiced by all. Some people might not like the smell of the fire pits at night when they would like to have their windows open, or the sound of the loud trucks late at night or early morning...or having to clean someone else's dog business out of their yard. But, they don't ask the city council to replace regulations on these issues. They just tolerate it."&nbsp; Foster then spoke to the council about the business side of their&nbsp;fireworks stand.&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, prior to the fireworks season, the company that provides the tents will give notification and when they will be delivering tents along their routes," Foster said. "They deliver all of the tents at least four days prior to the opening day of June 25. That means we would pay rent for the tent as well as the lot rent that the tent sets on for an entire season...regardless of how many days the city would allow for sales. They won't make a separate delivery just for Alliance's at a later date."Foster also said having a shorter fireworks season will affect families."If the firework season is shortened, they will not always include a weekend and many Alliance families won't be able to have their large family and friends celebrations during their work week", Foster said. "But the 10-day season, at least one weekend is always included in that stretch of time, which allows those gatherings to take place...and of course it's always a boost in sales as well. Weather is always a factor during fireworks season for both the fireworks enthusiast and the firework stands. Stormy weather can and has closed down the fireworks stands for part of a day or an entire evening...at least three to four times each season. This of course causes a drop in sales and shortens the time for lighting them off as well. We are in favor of maintaining a ten-day firework season in Alliance and hope that you can see the benefits to the community and the local firework stands in agreeing to do so. Please show your support to the local families, youth groups and school that brings the service to Alliance. Independence Day celebrates freedom. Let's continue to allow our community the freedom to celebrate and enjoy their fireworks during a ten-day fireworks season."Councilman John McGhehy thinks having the fireworks ordinance three or four days is too short.&nbsp;"And then one of the things they [Fosters] pointed out is that some years that wouldn't include a weekend at all," McGhehy said. "And I just don't think that's fair to the families that don't have adjustable schedules. So last time we talked about this, I suggested a compromise of seven days. I think that takes into consideration the people that it bothers to have a long period of time, but gives a little bit more time for people to enjoy the fireworks. So, I still am in favor of no less than seven days for the period.""For me, the reason why we discussed tabling at the last meeting was to give the community a chance to contact council members and staff with their viewpoints be heard," Councilwoman Annora Bentley said. " I did not hear from one person in favor of leaving it for ten days. I have heard from countless number of people to curtail it down to four days and that they thought that was enough. And so, considering the fact that I felt like we did our due diligence and asking people to come forward...and no one did to me anyway."Residents in the Alliance community can still voice their concerns to council members and the City of Alliance. The next city council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 4 where the council will decide how many days the fireworks ordinance will be changed to."I never heard from anyone that wanted to leave it," Alliance Mayor Mike Dafney said. "And everybody I've heard for wanting to cut it down...and four was the majority of that choice.""I never heard from anyone that wanted to leave it," Alliance Mayor Mike Dafney said. "And everybody I've heard for wanting to cut it down...and four was the majority of that choice."Councilman Earl Jones said he had no one from the community talk to him about the fireworks ordinance, but a person asked if the City of Alliance could add to "streets" to the ordinance so people would not be able to light fireworks off in the streets.Currently, you can not light fireworks off on recreational properties within the city."They said people are just militant on the streets," Jones said. "Kids are running out [in the streets]. And they feel like they have the right to close the street to set fireworks off. And some of them are major streets. They said when they were coming back from the fireworks display at the park [Laing Lake] that literally people stopped traffic to set fireworks."Councilwoman Bentley said, "I can attest to that, 12th Street was closed for fireworks."Councilman McGhehey asked Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens, "How difficult would it be if we added a restriction on setting off fireworks in the street?""The entire fireworks in general is going to be incredibly difficult to enforce," Chief Lukens said. "We had about 20 something calls for service on fireworks that were outside of normal hours over the entire Fourth of July timeframe between June 1 and and July 31. That was when people were lighting outside of the time. During time, there are so many people lighting fireworks in the community. And remember we have two officers on. So just imagine, if we take the time to do the report on one call, which is going to be a report and confiscating property. That's an average of 60 minutes. So, if we do that, in an evening, we can handle three per officer, if you go from nine o'clock to midnight, we would be only able to handle the fireworks during those hours. If there are any other high priority calls that come in, those calls cannot be handled. And so in essence, this is a voluntary compliance ordinance because we would not have the ability to get all of the community to get that under control. So whether they're in the street or in their driveways or whatever, the sheer volume of calls that increased during the fourth of July season anyway with animals and just routine family events and disturbances it is not...it is not easily policed."Mayor Dafney, Councilwoman Bentley, Councilman Jones voted yes on the second reading of this fireworks ordinance. Councilman McGhehy and Mischnick voted no.

Alliance firework vendors voice concerns on shortening firework season to council

LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— There’s still time to be a part of the upcoming Nebraska State Patrol recruit camp that starts in January! Applications are open until Monday, October 3, at 11:59 p.m., to be considered for Camp 67.

“You can still apply, go through our hiring process, and get your job offer in time to start your training this January to be a Nebraska State Trooper,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “You get to define your career as a trooper, with unlimited career opportunities in communities large and small across our state.”

Recruits of Camp 67 will begin training on January 3, 2023 and will receive their badge on June 16, 2023. Recruits earn $22.49 per hour during the academy process and will receive a raise immediately upon earning the title of Trooper. Troopers also receive medical and life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and excellent retirement benefits.

At the NSP Training Academy, recruits will undergo 22 weeks of in-depth training to develop all the skills necessary to serve as a Nebraska State Trooper. Recruits will also get the opportunity to interact with troopers and investigators who are experts in numerous specialty positions open to troopers throughout their career. Career paths include Patrol, Investigative Services, Carrier Enforcement, Drone Pilot, SWAT, K9, Community Service, Aviation, and many more.

“You bring the attitude of service, and we’ll provide the training,” said Colonel Bolduc. “Join our team at NSP and help us continue our mission to keep Nebraska safe.”

To apply, you must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by June 16, 2023, when you would take the oath of office. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. To apply, or to get more information about the application and selection process, including physical requirements, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— There’s still time to be a part of the upcoming Nebraska State Patrol recruit camp that starts in January! Applications are open until Monday, October 3, at 11:59 p.m., to be considered for Camp 67.“You can still apply, go through our hiring process, and get your job offer in time to start your training this January to be a Nebraska State Trooper,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “You get to define your career as a trooper, with unlimited career opportunities in communities large and small across our state.”Recruits of Camp 67 will begin training on January 3, 2023 and will receive their badge on June 16, 2023. Recruits earn $22.49 per hour during the academy process and will receive a raise immediately upon earning the title of Trooper. Troopers also receive medical and life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and excellent retirement benefits.At the NSP Training Academy, recruits will undergo 22 weeks of in-depth training to develop all the skills necessary to serve as a Nebraska State Trooper. Recruits will also get the opportunity to interact with troopers and investigators who are experts in numerous specialty positions open to troopers throughout their career. Career paths include Patrol, Investigative Services, Carrier Enforcement, Drone Pilot, SWAT, K9, Community Service, Aviation, and many more.“You bring the attitude of service, and we’ll provide the training,” said Colonel Bolduc. “Join our team at NSP and help us continue our mission to keep Nebraska safe.”To apply, you must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by June 16, 2023, when you would take the oath of office. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. To apply, or to get more information about the application and selection process, including physical requirements, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

Applications close Monday to join NSP’s next recruit class

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The collision that killed two Union Pacific employees earlier this month in Southern California happened when the train slammed into 92 empty railcars that had been stored on a side track for nine months, investigators said Thursday.

The National Transportation Safety Board said in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/RRD22LR014.aspx">preliminary report</a>&nbsp;that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-1595c8d38e4b57624d5fbdb42f565053">Sept. 8 derailment</a>&nbsp;caused roughly $1.2 million damage, but investigators haven't determined what caused the crash in the desert near the Salton Sea.

Both members of the Union Pacific crew were ejected when their train hit the parked cars around 2:40 a.m. that morning, and the two men died at the scene. The NTSB said the two locomotives that were pulling the train derailed along with one of the cars they were pulling and two of the parked railcars that had been there since December. But the other 121 railcars loaded with shipping containers remained on the tracks, as did two locomotives at the back of the train.

It wasn’t immediately clear why the train wasn’t stopped by the automatic braking system Union Pacific uses. That Positive Train Control system is aimed at reducing human error by automatically stopping trains in certain situations, such as when they’re in danger of colliding with another train, derailing because of excessive speed, entering a track under maintenance or traveling the wrong direction because of switching mistakes.

Congress required railroads to create and install that braking system after a commuter train collided head-on with a freight train near Los Angeles in 2008, killing 25 and injuring more than 100.

Investigators said the eastbound train was going 28 mph (45 kph) before a dispatcher directed it to pull onto the siding, which is typically used for trains to pull off the main track and allow oncoming traffic to pass by.

A spokesperson for the Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad declined to comment on this derailment Thursday because the NTSB is investigating it.

The NTSB said its investigation will focus on the railroad's dispatching procedures, its rules for long-term storage of rail cars and its signal and train control system. But the agency said its review will take between one and two years to complete.

Union Pacific is one of the nation’s largest freight railroads with a network of 32,400 miles (52,000 kilometers) of track in 23 Western states.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The collision that killed two Union Pacific employees earlier this month in Southern California happened when the train slammed into 92 empty railcars that had been stored on a side track for nine months, investigators said Thursday.The National Transportation Safety Board said in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/RRD22LR014.aspx">preliminary report</a>&nbsp;that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-1595c8d38e4b57624d5fbdb42f565053">Sept. 8 derailment</a>&nbsp;caused roughly $1.2 million damage, but investigators haven't determined what caused the crash in the desert near the Salton Sea.Both members of the Union Pacific crew were ejected when their train hit the parked cars around 2:40 a.m. that morning, and the two men died at the scene. The NTSB said the two locomotives that were pulling the train derailed along with one of the cars they were pulling and two of the parked railcars that had been there since December. But the other 121 railcars loaded with shipping containers remained on the tracks, as did two locomotives at the back of the train.It wasn’t immediately clear why the train wasn’t stopped by the automatic braking system Union Pacific uses. That Positive Train Control system is aimed at reducing human error by automatically stopping trains in certain situations, such as when they’re in danger of colliding with another train, derailing because of excessive speed, entering a track under maintenance or traveling the wrong direction because of switching mistakes.Congress required railroads to create and install that braking system after a commuter train collided head-on with a freight train near Los Angeles in 2008, killing 25 and injuring more than 100.Investigators said the eastbound train was going 28 mph (45 kph) before a dispatcher directed it to pull onto the siding, which is typically used for trains to pull off the main track and allow oncoming traffic to pass by.A spokesperson for the Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad declined to comment on this derailment Thursday because the NTSB is investigating it.The NTSB said its investigation will focus on the railroad's dispatching procedures, its rules for long-term storage of rail cars and its signal and train control system. But the agency said its review will take between one and two years to complete.Union Pacific is one of the nation’s largest freight railroads with a network of 32,400 miles (52,000 kilometers) of track in 23 Western states.

California train slammed into empty railcars but unclear why

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

IMPERIAL, Neb.-The Chase County Schools bus driver involved in a crash earlier this week has been cited by law enforcement.

The Chase County Sheriff's Office said the preliminary investigation into the Sept. 27 crash has been completed.

Authorities said the crash happened when the driver of the bus, Keith Cranwell, 39, of Champion, attempted to make a turn off of State Highway 15A onto a county road, failing to yield to a semi-truck, driven by Chance Lotspeich, 20, of Venango.&nbsp;The semi struck the rear of the bus causing it to roll onto its driver's side.

The bus was in the process of dropping off children after school and was carrying 12 students. Authorities said all students and drivers were transported to Chase County Hospital, with three being flown to trauma centers by helicopter. All children are recovering from their injuries, according to the Sheriff's office. Eight students have been treated and released.

Following the preliminary investigation, Cranwell was cited for failure to yield the right of way and careless driving. He is due to appear in Chase County court on Oct. 26.

The Sheriff's Office thanked the hospital, Nebraska State Patrol, and good samaritans for their assistance.

The investigation is ongoing and more information may be released later.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664555748108.jpeg" alt="Photo: Chase County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Chase County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostIMPERIAL, Neb.-The Chase County Schools bus driver involved in a crash earlier this week has been cited by law enforcement.The Chase County Sheriff's Office said the preliminary investigation into the Sept. 27 crash has been completed.Authorities said the crash happened when the driver of the bus, Keith Cranwell, 39, of Champion, attempted to make a turn off of State Highway 15A onto a county road, failing to yield to a semi-truck, driven by Chance Lotspeich, 20, of Venango.&nbsp;The semi struck the rear of the bus causing it to roll onto its driver's side.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664556220472.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The bus was in the process of dropping off children after school and was carrying 12 students. Authorities said all students and drivers were transported to Chase County Hospital, with three being flown to trauma centers by helicopter. All children are recovering from their injuries, according to the Sheriff's office. Eight students have been treated and released.Following the preliminary investigation, Cranwell was cited for failure to yield the right of way and careless driving. He is due to appear in Chase County court on Oct. 26.The Sheriff's Office thanked the hospital, Nebraska State Patrol, and good samaritans for their assistance.The investigation is ongoing and more information may be released later.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664556258752.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Chase County school bus driver cited in crash that injured students

Laney Bohl of Mitchell hit 35 of 40 targets to win the Nebraska Youth Smallbore Silhouette Invitational on Sept. 24 at Pressey Wildlife Management Area south of Broken Bow.

High Boy Austin Rahmig of Gering hit 34 targets, as did Braden Hiser of Seward, before winning a shoot-off. Lilian DeWitt of Minatare was High Girl with a 33.

Bohl, Rahmig, DeWitt and Danika Bohl – the 2021 overall champion and Laney’s older sister – shot a combined 134 of 160 for Western Nebraska Shooting Sports to win the overall high team score. Western Nebraska Shooting Sports has won four straight overall team titles.

The annual event, which was established in 1977, is open to all Hunter Education graduates who are at least 11 years old and have not graduated high school.

“As organizers, we appreciate the attention to detail and safe firearm handling,” Match Director Matthew Haumont said. “This is a testament to the education and skills learned through Nebraska Hunter Education courses administered by the Nebraska&nbsp;Game and Parks Commission and taught by volunteer&nbsp;instructors all throughout our great state.”

Haumont said there were several instances of sportsmanship, integrity and mentorship on display. “Those are attributes that should be celebrated,” he said.

The 64 competitors fired 40 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition with a rifle unsupported and offhand at steel silhouette targets that were 43, 66, 84 and 109 yards in distance.

The 47th&nbsp;annual Smallbore Invitational is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2023.

State Champion – Laney Bohl, Mitchell, 35 of 40

High Boy – 1. Austin Rahmig, Gering, 34; 2. Braden Hiser, Seward, 34; 3. Bereket Glendy, Broken Bow, 31

High Girl – 1. Lilian DeWitt, Minatare, 33; 2. Danika Bohl, Mitchell, 32; 3. Laura Borgelt, Wisner, 31

Class B – 1. Andrew Enns, Holmesville, 30; 2. Dylan Frye, Hyannis, 29; 3. Sara Thomsen, Pierce, 28

Senior Division – 1. Kyle Rote, Lisco, 28; 2. Nathen Kaup, West Point, 28; 3. Seth Jacobs, Gering, 27

Unclassified – 1. Jaxson Orozco, Scottsbluff, 28; 2. Konnar Jones, Pierce, 24; 3. Ethan Engelmeyer, West Point, 22

Heavy Scope – 1. Ryan Rempel, Beatrice, 27; 2. Isaac Enns, Holmesville, 26; 3. Michael Roschewski, Beatrice, 23

Junior Division – 1. Brandon Thomsen, Pierce, 27; Kaden Grams, Superior, 19; 3. Makenzie Carmin, Doniphan, 18

Light Scope – 1. Seth Oltmans, Beatrice, 23; 2. Evan Kinnison, Kearney, 20; 3. Tripp Meier, West Point, 19

Novice Light Scope – 1. Caleb Mohrmann, Genoa, 15

Best First-Time Shooter – Nathan Stokes, Lawrence, 19

Light Iron – 1. Emma Loxterkamp, Beatrice, 12; 2. Wyatt Anderson, Amherst, 11; 3. Khalon Newtson, North Platte, 10

Heavy Iron – 1. Taylor Kinnison, Kearney, 11

High Overall – Western Nebraska Shooting Sports No. 1 (Austin Rahmig, Danika Bohl, Laney Bohl, Lilian DeWitt), 134 of 160

4-H Teams – 1. Homestead 4-H No. 1 (Andrew Enns, Isaac Enns, Michael Rochewski, Seth Oltmans), 102; 2. Cuming County Sharpshooters No. 1 (Isaac Wooldrik, Laura Borgelt, Nathen Kaup, Tripp Meier), 98; 3. Western Nebraska Shooting Sports No. 2, (Justin Missel, Seth Jacobs, Jaxson Orozco, Austin Wiedman), 87

Open Teams – 1. East Side Misfits (Braden Hiser, Brandon Thomsen, Sara Thomsen, Konnar Jones), 113; 2. Open No. 1 (Bereket Glendy, Ryker Staab, Trey Berghorst, Thad Hall), 72: 3. Open No. 4 (Ben Loxterkamp, Kaden Grams, Theron Erickson, Dylan Frye), 66

School Teams – 1. Lawrence-Nelson (Nathan Stokes, Owen Smiley, Grayhm Beck), 25

By Nebraska Game and ParksLaney Bohl of Mitchell hit 35 of 40 targets to win the Nebraska Youth Smallbore Silhouette Invitational on Sept. 24 at Pressey Wildlife Management Area south of Broken Bow.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664553332034.jpeg" alt="Champion Laney Bohl of Mitchell poses with her trophy with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officer Bryce Streger. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>Champion Laney Bohl of Mitchell poses with her trophy with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officer Bryce Streger. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>High Boy Austin Rahmig of Gering hit 34 targets, as did Braden Hiser of Seward, before winning a shoot-off. Lilian DeWitt of Minatare was High Girl with a 33.Bohl, Rahmig, DeWitt and Danika Bohl – the 2021 overall champion and Laney’s older sister – shot a combined 134 of 160 for Western Nebraska Shooting Sports to win the overall high team score. Western Nebraska Shooting Sports has won four straight overall team titles.The annual event, which was established in 1977, is open to all Hunter Education graduates who are at least 11 years old and have not graduated high school.“As organizers, we appreciate the attention to detail and safe firearm handling,” Match Director Matthew Haumont said. “This is a testament to the education and skills learned through Nebraska Hunter Education courses administered by the Nebraska&nbsp;Game and Parks Commission and taught by volunteer&nbsp;instructors all throughout our great state.”Haumont said there were several instances of sportsmanship, integrity and mentorship on display. “Those are attributes that should be celebrated,” he said.The 64 competitors fired 40 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition with a rifle unsupported and offhand at steel silhouette targets that were 43, 66, 84 and 109 yards in distance.The 47th&nbsp;annual Smallbore Invitational is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2023.The results are:Individual AwardsState Champion – Laney Bohl, Mitchell, 35 of 40High Boy – 1. Austin Rahmig, Gering, 34; 2. Braden Hiser, Seward, 34; 3. Bereket Glendy, Broken Bow, 31High Girl – 1. Lilian DeWitt, Minatare, 33; 2. Danika Bohl, Mitchell, 32; 3. Laura Borgelt, Wisner, 31Class B – 1. Andrew Enns, Holmesville, 30; 2. Dylan Frye, Hyannis, 29; 3. Sara Thomsen, Pierce, 28Senior Division – 1. Kyle Rote, Lisco, 28; 2. Nathen Kaup, West Point, 28; 3. Seth Jacobs, Gering, 27Unclassified – 1. Jaxson Orozco, Scottsbluff, 28; 2. Konnar Jones, Pierce, 24; 3. Ethan Engelmeyer, West Point, 22Heavy Scope – 1. Ryan Rempel, Beatrice, 27; 2. Isaac Enns, Holmesville, 26; 3. Michael Roschewski, Beatrice, 23Junior Division – 1. Brandon Thomsen, Pierce, 27; Kaden Grams, Superior, 19; 3. Makenzie Carmin, Doniphan, 18Light Scope – 1. Seth Oltmans, Beatrice, 23; 2. Evan Kinnison, Kearney, 20; 3. Tripp Meier, West Point, 19Novice Light Scope – 1. Caleb Mohrmann, Genoa, 15Best First-Time Shooter – Nathan Stokes, Lawrence, 19Light Iron – 1. Emma Loxterkamp, Beatrice, 12; 2. Wyatt Anderson, Amherst, 11; 3. Khalon Newtson, North Platte, 10Heavy Iron – 1. Taylor Kinnison, Kearney, 11Team AwardsHigh Overall – Western Nebraska Shooting Sports No. 1 (Austin Rahmig, Danika Bohl, Laney Bohl, Lilian DeWitt), 134 of 1604-H Teams – 1. Homestead 4-H No. 1 (Andrew Enns, Isaac Enns, Michael Rochewski, Seth Oltmans), 102; 2. Cuming County Sharpshooters No. 1 (Isaac Wooldrik, Laura Borgelt, Nathen Kaup, Tripp Meier), 98; 3. Western Nebraska Shooting Sports No. 2, (Justin Missel, Seth Jacobs, Jaxson Orozco, Austin Wiedman), 87Open Teams – 1. East Side Misfits (Braden Hiser, Brandon Thomsen, Sara Thomsen, Konnar Jones), 113; 2. Open No. 1 (Bereket Glendy, Ryker Staab, Trey Berghorst, Thad Hall), 72: 3. Open No. 4 (Ben Loxterkamp, Kaden Grams, Theron Erickson, Dylan Frye), 66School Teams – 1. Lawrence-Nelson (Nathan Stokes, Owen Smiley, Grayhm Beck), 25

Bohl of Mitchell wins 2022 Smallbore Silhouette Invitational, results released

Lincoln, NE – September 30, 2022 – The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $12,600,007, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.

A total of $893,099,896 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of September 30, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:

Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $5,384,503; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $5,384,503; Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,210,001; and Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $621,000.

Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).

The funds' respective totals to date are:

Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $125,583,395; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $382,274,717; Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $66,362,468; and Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $20,266,002.

Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.

Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.

Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

The Nebraska Lottery marked $3.5 billion in total sales (since 1993) in December 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664549272379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska LotteryLincoln, NE – September 30, 2022 – The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $12,600,007, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.A total of $893,099,896 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of September 30, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $5,384,503; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $5,384,503; Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,210,001; and Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $621,000.Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).The funds' respective totals to date are:Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $125,583,395; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $382,274,717; Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $66,362,468; and Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $20,266,002.Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.The Nebraska Lottery marked $3.5 billion in total sales (since 1993) in December 2021.

Nebraska Lottery raises $12 million for beneficiaries

Emergency 911 services in Chadron have been restored for Dawes and Sioux County.&nbsp;

Phone lines are once again operational at the Alliance Police Department as well.&nbsp;

911 communications went down in the evening on Sept. 29.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostEmergency 911 services in Chadron have been restored for Dawes and Sioux County.&nbsp;Phone lines are once again operational at the Alliance Police Department as well.&nbsp;911 communications went down in the evening on Sept. 29.&nbsp;

Alliance, Dawes and Sioux Co. 911 communications restored 

Alliance – The Alliance Public Library is hosting several new events for fall! We will begin Bring Your Own Book Club (B.Y.O.B.) on Thursday, September 29th at 6pm in the community room. Unlike most book clubs where everyone reads the same thing, at Bring Your Own Book Club, you choose what you’d like to read. Every month, we will meet in person or online and discuss the books that you are obsessed with, liked, or didn’t much care for. There’s a little something for everyone at B.Y.O.B. club.

On Thursday, October 6th at 6pm, local artist and high school art teacher, Kathy Brock will be teaching a Polymer Clay Earring Workshop in the community room. Patrons 18 and older are welcome to attend. The registration and materials fee is $15. Seats are limited so please pre-register at the circulation desk or by calling 762-1387.

Starting October 12th, Fiber Arts Club will meet in the new community room every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 2pm. You can bring you own fiber arts projects (knitting, crochet, embroidery, etc.) and join us for a casual meet-up and to have some fun with your fellow crafters. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but a gathering spot to give crafters a place to socialize and turn strings into things. Crafters will supply their own materials and projects for club meetings.

On Thursday, October 20th at 6pm, we will also be hosting a Sweater Pumpkin Craft Class in the community room. Patrons 18 and older are welcome to attend. The registration fee is $8 if you bring your own sweater, and $10 if would like to use the sweaters provided.

For more information, visit our Alliance Public Library Facebook page and website, or contact Nalani Stewart, Adult Services Librarian at 762-1387.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The Alliance Public Library is hosting several new events for fall! We will begin Bring Your Own Book Club (B.Y.O.B.) on Thursday, September 29th at 6pm in the community room. Unlike most book clubs where everyone reads the same thing, at Bring Your Own Book Club, you choose what you’d like to read. Every month, we will meet in person or online and discuss the books that you are obsessed with, liked, or didn’t much care for. There’s a little something for everyone at B.Y.O.B. club.On Thursday, October 6th at 6pm, local artist and high school art teacher, Kathy Brock will be teaching a Polymer Clay Earring Workshop in the community room. Patrons 18 and older are welcome to attend. The registration and materials fee is $15. Seats are limited so please pre-register at the circulation desk or by calling 762-1387.Starting October 12th, Fiber Arts Club will meet in the new community room every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 2pm. You can bring you own fiber arts projects (knitting, crochet, embroidery, etc.) and join us for a casual meet-up and to have some fun with your fellow crafters. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but a gathering spot to give crafters a place to socialize and turn strings into things. Crafters will supply their own materials and projects for club meetings.On Thursday, October 20th at 6pm, we will also be hosting a Sweater Pumpkin Craft Class in the community room. Patrons 18 and older are welcome to attend. The registration fee is $8 if you bring your own sweater, and $10 if would like to use the sweaters provided.For more information, visit our Alliance Public Library Facebook page and website, or contact Nalani Stewart, Adult Services Librarian at 762-1387.

Adult fall events to be held at Alliance Public Library

By Box Butte County Road Department

Box Butte County Road Department has been notified by BNSF of a crossing closure at CR58 near Parker Hannifan at about 7:30 a.m. on Monday, October 3.&nbsp; This closure is expected to last 3 hours.

On Tuesday, October 4 they will be working their way East to CR57 and Wednesday at CR55.&nbsp;

 There was no time given for these closures, only a date.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Box Butte County Road DepartmentBox Butte County Road Department has been notified by BNSF of a crossing closure at CR58 near Parker Hannifan at about 7:30 a.m. on Monday, October 3.&nbsp; This closure is expected to last 3 hours. On Tuesday, October 4 they will be working their way East to CR57 and Wednesday at CR55.&nbsp; There was no time given for these closures, only a date.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Box Butte Co. Road Depart. reminds citizens of crossing closures by BNSF

The Alliance Police Department is experiencing technical issues with their phone service as this time.&nbsp;

All phone lines are currently down to the 911 center including administration lines.&nbsp;

If you have an emergency call the Alliance Police Department cellphone at 308-430-0129 or 308-430-0641.

This is a regional problem of the phone system.&nbsp;

Your land line phone may not work, but cellular phones appear to work.&nbsp;

"We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," Alliance authorities said.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostThe Alliance Police Department is experiencing technical issues with their phone service as this time.&nbsp;All phone lines are currently down to the 911 center including administration lines.&nbsp;If you have an emergency call the Alliance Police Department cellphone at 308-430-0129 or 308-430-0641.This is a regional problem of the phone system.&nbsp;Your land line phone may not work, but cellular phones appear to work.&nbsp;"We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," Alliance authorities said.&nbsp;

UPDATE: Alliance Police Department experiencing phone problems 

The Dawes County 911 Communications Center in Chadron that serves 911 calls for Dawes and Sioux County is down at this time.&nbsp;

The Communications Center is not receiving 911 calls.&nbsp;

Texting 911 from your mobile phone is still operating.&nbsp;

"We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," Dawes County Authorities said.&nbsp;

308-430-0129 is the alternate phone number to use for dispatch if service is needed.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostThe Dawes County 911 Communications Center in Chadron that serves 911 calls for Dawes and Sioux County is down at this time.&nbsp;The Communications Center is not receiving 911 calls.&nbsp;Texting 911 from your mobile phone is still operating.&nbsp;"We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," Dawes County Authorities said.&nbsp;308-430-0129 is the alternate phone number to use for dispatch if service is needed.&nbsp;

Local