SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem asked a state ethics board to dismiss a complaint against her without a public hearing and to seal off certain records, documents released Friday by the state’s Government Accountability Board show.

The Republican governor, who is widely seen as eyeing a 2024 White House bid, argued in an April motion that the state's attorney general, a fellow Republican who filed the complaint, was out for political retribution and should be removed from the complaint. Noem had pushed former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg to resign and later for his impeachment over his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-ravnsborg-south-dakota-impeachments-e5d62c76eedecf4c9290fecd821496aa">involvement in a fatal car crash</a>.

The attorney general's complaint was sparked by a report from The Associated Press last year that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-discrimination-kristi-noem-south-dakota-age-discrimination-7942a78d5545205dff41a696ef9fc251">Noem had taken a hands-on role in a state agency.</a>&nbsp;Shortly after the agency moved to deny her daughter, Kassidy Peters, a real estate appraiser license in July of 2020, Noem held a meeting with Peters and key decision-makers in her licensure. Days after the meeting, Peters signed an agreement that gave her another opportunity to meet the licensing requirements.

The South Dakota Legislature's audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-kristi-noem-south-dakota-cd98c18117ab97c598e3618d15e4aa8b">that found Noem's daughter got preferential treatment.</a>

The records released Friday provided some new insight into an inquiry that the Government Accountability Board has conducted mostly in secret for nearly a year. The three retired judges who evaluated the ethics complaint unanimously found last month that there was enough evidence for them to believe that Noem&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-1c5fb7828aba13ad4f6467b76554c022">“engaged in misconduct"</a>&nbsp;by committing malfeasance and a conflict of interest.

The board has said “appropriate action” would be taken against Noem, though it didn’t specify the action. It's also not clear whether Noem will request a contested case hearing before the board to publicly defend herself against the allegations.

Neither her office nor her campaign said Friday whether she will proceed to a public hearing. She has continued to publicly insist that she did nothing wrong.

The records show that Noem, in a 29-page motion to the board, launched a range of arguments for dismissing the complaint. Her attorney, Lisa Prostrollo, mocked Ravnsborg's allegations as “nonsensical," a “political attack” and based on “far-fetched conspiracy theories.”

The motion argues Noem's daughter joined the July 2020 meeting to provide her perspective as an applicant and attempts to defend how that was appropriate while she was facing a denial of her license. Government ethics experts have said the timing and circumstances of the meeting created a clear conflict of interest for the governor.

Noem's attorney argued that the Government Accountability Board did not have the constitutional power to act against the governor or evaluate the complaint against her. And the lawyer suggested that Ravnsborg, who had been forced from office, be removed from the complaint and replaced with the deputy attorney general who was overseeing the office at the time.

The board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cabinet-kristi-noem-south-dakota-government-and-politics-a310ea71e9685410c618a3a67068978b">in August denied</a>&nbsp;Noem's motion. However, it did appear to later pay some heed to Noem's requests. It dismissed two of Ravnsborg's allegations that she misused public funds, and sealed off certain records from being released.

Ravnbsorg suggested that the board launch a full investigation into the episode by hiring a Minneapolis law firm. However, the board appears ready to settle the matter. It closed the complaint and has so far kept it a secret what “action” it may take against the governor, though it has suggested the complaint could be reopened later.

The secrecy of the board's potential action against the governor has prompted some criticism from government ethics experts who say the board should be transparent.

“I would hope that they would make public their plan of action as soon as possible,” Karen Soli, a former Democratic state lawmaker who helped create the board, told the AP last month.

Noem also made a motion to strike certain documents from the record, but it is not clear what those records were because the board did not release that motion. The board's attorney, Mark Haigh, said the motion was not released because it contained the list of redacted records.

The board previously voted to redact records that “contain privileged information” related to a state fund for paying litigation. The agency's former director, Sherry Bren, received a $200,000 payment from the fund to settle an age discrimination complaint she filed after Labor Secretary Marcia Hultman pressured her to retire in December of 2020.

Meanwhile, the board has sent a separate complaint to Mark Vargo, the attorney general who Noem appointed to replace Ravnsborg, to investigate her use of state airplanes. Ravnsborg alleged that her use of the state-owned plane to fly to political events and escort family members around the state violated a state law that only allows the aircraft to be used for state business.

Vargo's office said Friday that, “to avoid even the appearance of impropriety,” he has requested Hughes County State's Attorney Jessica LaMie to oversee the Division of Criminal Investigation's work and make any charging decisions.

By Associated PressSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem asked a state ethics board to dismiss a complaint against her without a public hearing and to seal off certain records, documents released Friday by the state’s Government Accountability Board show.The Republican governor, who is widely seen as eyeing a 2024 White House bid, argued in an April motion that the state's attorney general, a fellow Republican who filed the complaint, was out for political retribution and should be removed from the complaint. Noem had pushed former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg to resign and later for his impeachment over his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-ravnsborg-south-dakota-impeachments-e5d62c76eedecf4c9290fecd821496aa">involvement in a fatal car crash</a>.The attorney general's complaint was sparked by a report from The Associated Press last year that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-discrimination-kristi-noem-south-dakota-age-discrimination-7942a78d5545205dff41a696ef9fc251">Noem had taken a hands-on role in a state agency.</a>&nbsp;Shortly after the agency moved to deny her daughter, Kassidy Peters, a real estate appraiser license in July of 2020, Noem held a meeting with Peters and key decision-makers in her licensure. Days after the meeting, Peters signed an agreement that gave her another opportunity to meet the licensing requirements.The South Dakota Legislature's audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-kristi-noem-south-dakota-cd98c18117ab97c598e3618d15e4aa8b">that found Noem's daughter got preferential treatment.</a>The records released Friday provided some new insight into an inquiry that the Government Accountability Board has conducted mostly in secret for nearly a year. The three retired judges who evaluated the ethics complaint unanimously found last month that there was enough evidence for them to believe that Noem&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-1c5fb7828aba13ad4f6467b76554c022">“engaged in misconduct"</a>&nbsp;by committing malfeasance and a conflict of interest.The board has said “appropriate action” would be taken against Noem, though it didn’t specify the action. It's also not clear whether Noem will request a contested case hearing before the board to publicly defend herself against the allegations.Neither her office nor her campaign said Friday whether she will proceed to a public hearing. She has continued to publicly insist that she did nothing wrong.The records show that Noem, in a 29-page motion to the board, launched a range of arguments for dismissing the complaint. Her attorney, Lisa Prostrollo, mocked Ravnsborg's allegations as “nonsensical," a “political attack” and based on “far-fetched conspiracy theories.”The motion argues Noem's daughter joined the July 2020 meeting to provide her perspective as an applicant and attempts to defend how that was appropriate while she was facing a denial of her license. Government ethics experts have said the timing and circumstances of the meeting created a clear conflict of interest for the governor.Noem's attorney argued that the Government Accountability Board did not have the constitutional power to act against the governor or evaluate the complaint against her. And the lawyer suggested that Ravnsborg, who had been forced from office, be removed from the complaint and replaced with the deputy attorney general who was overseeing the office at the time.The board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cabinet-kristi-noem-south-dakota-government-and-politics-a310ea71e9685410c618a3a67068978b">in August denied</a>&nbsp;Noem's motion. However, it did appear to later pay some heed to Noem's requests. It dismissed two of Ravnsborg's allegations that she misused public funds, and sealed off certain records from being released.Ravnbsorg suggested that the board launch a full investigation into the episode by hiring a Minneapolis law firm. However, the board appears ready to settle the matter. It closed the complaint and has so far kept it a secret what “action” it may take against the governor, though it has suggested the complaint could be reopened later.The secrecy of the board's potential action against the governor has prompted some criticism from government ethics experts who say the board should be transparent.“I would hope that they would make public their plan of action as soon as possible,” Karen Soli, a former Democratic state lawmaker who helped create the board, told the AP last month.Noem also made a motion to strike certain documents from the record, but it is not clear what those records were because the board did not release that motion. The board's attorney, Mark Haigh, said the motion was not released because it contained the list of redacted records.The board previously voted to redact records that “contain privileged information” related to a state fund for paying litigation. The agency's former director, Sherry Bren, received a $200,000 payment from the fund to settle an age discrimination complaint she filed after Labor Secretary Marcia Hultman pressured her to retire in December of 2020.Meanwhile, the board has sent a separate complaint to Mark Vargo, the attorney general who Noem appointed to replace Ravnsborg, to investigate her use of state airplanes. Ravnsborg alleged that her use of the state-owned plane to fly to political events and escort family members around the state violated a state law that only allows the aircraft to be used for state business.Vargo's office said Friday that, “to avoid even the appearance of impropriety,” he has requested Hughes County State's Attorney Jessica LaMie to oversee the Division of Criminal Investigation's work and make any charging decisions.

Gov. Kristi Noem tried to avoid ethics hearing, seal records

Alliance- The Monday Morning Sports Injury Clinic at Box Butte General Hospital will be up and running this Monday, September 19 from 8am- noon! This clinic is hosted by Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services’ Dr. Brian Shelmadine.

“This clinic is meant to be mainly for injured athletes or acute injuries of the arms or legs,” Dr. Shelmadine said. Potential patients can call 308-762-7244 (option 2) and leave a message over the weekend, or call Monday morning. Referrals are accepted if the athlete was seen in the Emergency Room, by a Physical Therapist, or their Primary Care Provider.

Some typical sports-related injuries treated at the Monday Morning Sports Injury Clinic: Foot and ankle injuries Knee injuries Back and spine injuries Concussions (sports-related only) Shoulder injuries Elbow, wrist and hand injuries

BBGH CEO Lori Mazanec added, “The commitment to our area student athletes continues with the addition of the Sports Injury Clinic. This is another opportunity to return to play sooner with the expertise and service from Dr. Shelmadine.”

Box Butte General Hospital is the successor of St. Joseph Hospital, serving the healthcare needs of Box Butte County and the surrounding area since 1976. BBGH is a non-profit facility, dedicated to serving the needs of residents and visitors alike. Box Butte General Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare since 1951.

BBGH is a Critical Access Hospital with 25-beds for all patient types- acute, observation, swing, intensive care, etc.- with a staff of over 275 employees providing a variety of services. Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

By BBGHAlliance- The Monday Morning Sports Injury Clinic at Box Butte General Hospital will be up and running this Monday, September 19 from 8am- noon! This clinic is hosted by Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services’ Dr. Brian Shelmadine.“This clinic is meant to be mainly for injured athletes or acute injuries of the arms or legs,” Dr. Shelmadine said. Potential patients can call 308-762-7244 (option 2) and leave a message over the weekend, or call Monday morning. Referrals are accepted if the athlete was seen in the Emergency Room, by a Physical Therapist, or their Primary Care Provider.Some typical sports-related injuries treated at the Monday Morning Sports Injury Clinic: Foot and ankle injuries Knee injuries Back and spine injuries Concussions (sports-related only) Shoulder injuries Elbow, wrist and hand injuriesBBGH CEO Lori Mazanec added, “The commitment to our area student athletes continues with the addition of the Sports Injury Clinic. This is another opportunity to return to play sooner with the expertise and service from Dr. Shelmadine.”Box Butte General Hospital is the successor of St. Joseph Hospital, serving the healthcare needs of Box Butte County and the surrounding area since 1976. BBGH is a non-profit facility, dedicated to serving the needs of residents and visitors alike. Box Butte General Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare since 1951.BBGH is a Critical Access Hospital with 25-beds for all patient types- acute, observation, swing, intensive care, etc.- with a staff of over 275 employees providing a variety of services. Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

'Monday Morning Sports Injury Clinic' to be held at BBGH in Alliance

By&nbsp;Jewel Cave National Monument

Custer, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument will be modifying its operations for late season visitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning the week of Sunday, September 25, the visitor center will be open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays and Mondays. The hours of visitor center operation will modify again the week of October 23rd, open Wednesdays-Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Sundays-Tuesdays.&nbsp;

Jewel Cave’s Wild Caving Tour and Historic Lantern Tour ended for the season last week, and the Historic Area will close for the season on Saturday, September 24. Scenic and Discovery Tours will continue to be offered throughout the off-season. These will be available to book in advance on recreation.gov, with limited walk-up tours being available if staffing allows. Hikers will also have access to the one-quarter-mile Roof Trail and 3.5-mile Canyons Trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors are also able to use the picnic areas near the visitor center throughout the week.&nbsp;

The monument partners with the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, which operates a Park Store inside the visitor center.&nbsp;&nbsp;The store will also remain open on the same schedule as the visitor center and provides visitors with multiple products and services to complement their visit.&nbsp;

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/jeca" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/jeca</a>, as well as on social media through Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/</a>&nbsp;and Instagram at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps</a>.&nbsp;

By&nbsp;Jewel Cave National MonumentCuster, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument will be modifying its operations for late season visitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning the week of Sunday, September 25, the visitor center will be open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays and Mondays. The hours of visitor center operation will modify again the week of October 23rd, open Wednesdays-Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Sundays-Tuesdays.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663347141783.jpeg" alt="Five cavers standing and sitting in a large rock cavern.&nbsp;NPS Photo" />
 <figcaption>Five cavers standing and sitting in a large rock cavern.&nbsp;NPS Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jewel Cave’s Wild Caving Tour and Historic Lantern Tour ended for the season last week, and the Historic Area will close for the season on Saturday, September 24. Scenic and Discovery Tours will continue to be offered throughout the off-season. These will be available to book in advance on recreation.gov, with limited walk-up tours being available if staffing allows. Hikers will also have access to the one-quarter-mile Roof Trail and 3.5-mile Canyons Trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors are also able to use the picnic areas near the visitor center throughout the week.&nbsp;The monument partners with the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, which operates a Park Store inside the visitor center.&nbsp;&nbsp;The store will also remain open on the same schedule as the visitor center and provides visitors with multiple products and services to complement their visit.&nbsp;Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/jeca" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/jeca</a>, as well as on social media through Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/</a>&nbsp;and Instagram at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps</a>.&nbsp;

Jewel Cave adjusts for late season visitation 

Hunters may begin donating deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program at seven processor locations around the state.

The participating meat processors are: Amherst – Belschner Custom Meats; Norfolk – R&amp;M Meats; North Platte – Kelley’s Custom Pack; Table Rock – Den’s Country Meats; Franklin – Franklin Locker; Ulysses – The Butchery; and Lindsay – Melcher’s Locker.

Due to staffing difficulties, many processors are not accepting deer this year, so hunters should call to check availability before hunting. This includes non-HHH processors.

Hunters pay no processing costs for deer accepted by processors for this donation-driven program.&nbsp;

The HHH program is funded solely by tax-deductible contributions. Ground venison is distributed by charitable organizations to Nebraskans in need. Hunters should first talk with processors but may keep antlers, head and cape and donate the rest of the deer. Processors accept only whole deer in good condition to ensure a good yield of pure ground venison.

Learn more about the program and how to support it at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDkuNjM0ODcxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lk91dGRvb3JOZWJyYXNrYS5vcmcvSEhIIn0.kKnC-Kgk9Kwj48GECcXeSLkJwPX5Vy-QzsKWxwU775E/s/497221906/br/143781451310-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/HHH</a>&nbsp;or contact program coordinator Jamalee Scaggs at 402 471-5430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Jamalee.Scaggs@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">jamalee.scaggs@nebraska.gov</a>.

By Nebraska Game and ParksHunters may begin donating deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program at seven processor locations around the state.The participating meat processors are: Amherst – Belschner Custom Meats; Norfolk – R&amp;M Meats; North Platte – Kelley’s Custom Pack; Table Rock – Den’s Country Meats; Franklin – Franklin Locker; Ulysses – The Butchery; and Lindsay – Melcher’s Locker.Due to staffing difficulties, many processors are not accepting deer this year, so hunters should call to check availability before hunting. This includes non-HHH processors.Hunters pay no processing costs for deer accepted by processors for this donation-driven program.&nbsp;The HHH program is funded solely by tax-deductible contributions. Ground venison is distributed by charitable organizations to Nebraskans in need. Hunters should first talk with processors but may keep antlers, head and cape and donate the rest of the deer. Processors accept only whole deer in good condition to ensure a good yield of pure ground venison.Learn more about the program and how to support it at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDkuNjM0ODcxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lk91dGRvb3JOZWJyYXNrYS5vcmcvSEhIIn0.kKnC-Kgk9Kwj48GECcXeSLkJwPX5Vy-QzsKWxwU775E/s/497221906/br/143781451310-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/HHH</a>&nbsp;or contact program coordinator Jamalee Scaggs at 402 471-5430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Jamalee.Scaggs@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">jamalee.scaggs@nebraska.gov</a>.

Hunters Helping the Hungry meat processors accepting deer donations

Anglers at both ends of the state will benefit from improved fisheries after the recent completion of two Aquatic Habitat Projects at Nebraska state parks.

Fort Robinson State Park and Summit Reservoir State Recreation Area both saw work to improve water quality and access.

In the west, the North Grable Pond at Fort Robinson was deepened, an outlet structure replaced, and a kayak launch installed.&nbsp;

A covered fishing pier and in-lake fish habitat structures also were built within casting distance of the pier; anglers will benefit from this enhanced shoreline access.

This project complements previous lake renovations at the park, including at the South Grable, Middle Grable, Ice House and Cherry Creek ponds.

In the northeast, sediment was removed from the water quality basins at both inlets into Summit Lake. These basins were added during a previous Aquatic Habitat Project 20 years ago at the lake but require maintenance and upkeep to protect the main lake.

Gravel fish-habitat structures also were placed along the shoreline, a kayak launch installed, and maintenance completed on the boat ramp and fishing jetties.&nbsp;

Summit Lake is a 190-acre lake with bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie and walleye. Current drought conditions combined with the recent renovation means the lake level is currently low. Boaters are encouraged to cautious when launching boats.

Anglers at Fort Robinson will find good fishing at the renovated ponds that include cold- and warm-water fish, including smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegills, channel catfish, crappie, yellow perch, and three of the four Trout Slam species. Those hoping to complete the Trout Slam can fish for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout at ponds there, and brown trout reside in streams nearby. Discover how to participate at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTYuNjM4MzM5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvYXF1YXRpY2hhYml0YXRwcm9ncmFtLyJ9.Z6GGnuhUS1xgYnpUFEuCtItFX8iGt6IwmaxRYU3cljw/s/1372948182/br/144170562674-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/troutslam.</a>

For more information about individual water bodies, read the Nebraska Fishing Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTYuNjM4MzM5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvZ3VpZGVzIn0.qWrOb3VX8gh4_phsfA39MMF75lXFd4-Vh-wrJ58_Zkk/s/1372948182/br/144170562674-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/Guides</a>.

Funding for both of these projects was provided by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Aquatic Habitat and Angler Access Fund and Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration.

The Aquatic Habitat Program turned 25 in 2022. Funded by anglers, it was the first of its kind in the nation when implemented. The program works to enhance aquatic ecosystems by implementing restoration techniques in-lake and in the watersheds that feed them. In addition to improving aquatic habitat and water quality, the program also works vigorously to improve boat and bank angler access at Nebraska waterbodies.

Learn more about the Aquatic Habitat Program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTYuNjM4MzM5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvYXF1YXRpY2hhYml0YXRwcm9ncmFtLyJ9.fvlyEm2Xr-3n4zjQ10f_Cmpi7NuggKDXbWIlSpr-iNE/s/1372948182/br/144170562674-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/AquaticHabitatProgram</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663416872133.jpeg" alt="The newly renovated North Grabel Pond at Fort Robinson State Park slowly takes in water from the other two ponds in the system. The photo was captured Sept. 16, shortly after the project's completion. | Justin Haag, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission" />
 <figcaption>The newly renovated North Grabel Pond at Fort Robinson State Park slowly takes in water from the other two ponds in the system. The photo was captured Sept. 16, shortly after the project's completion. | Justin Haag, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>Anglers at both ends of the state will benefit from improved fisheries after the recent completion of two Aquatic Habitat Projects at Nebraska state parks.Fort Robinson State Park and Summit Reservoir State Recreation Area both saw work to improve water quality and access.In the west, the North Grable Pond at Fort Robinson was deepened, an outlet structure replaced, and a kayak launch installed.&nbsp;A covered fishing pier and in-lake fish habitat structures also were built within casting distance of the pier; anglers will benefit from this enhanced shoreline access.This project complements previous lake renovations at the park, including at the South Grable, Middle Grable, Ice House and Cherry Creek ponds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663416926264.jpeg" alt="An aerial photo shows Summit Lake State Recreation Area and a sediment dam in the upper end of the west arm of the lake. The lake's sediment basins recently were cleared to improve water quality in the lake. | Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission" />
 <figcaption>An aerial photo shows Summit Lake State Recreation Area and a sediment dam in the upper end of the west arm of the lake. The lake's sediment basins recently were cleared to improve water quality in the lake. | Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>In the northeast, sediment was removed from the water quality basins at both inlets into Summit Lake. These basins were added during a previous Aquatic Habitat Project 20 years ago at the lake but require maintenance and upkeep to protect the main lake.Gravel fish-habitat structures also were placed along the shoreline, a kayak launch installed, and maintenance completed on the boat ramp and fishing jetties.&nbsp;Summit Lake is a 190-acre lake with bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie and walleye. Current drought conditions combined with the recent renovation means the lake level is currently low. Boaters are encouraged to cautious when launching boats.Anglers at Fort Robinson will find good fishing at the renovated ponds that include cold- and warm-water fish, including smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegills, channel catfish, crappie, yellow perch, and three of the four Trout Slam species. Those hoping to complete the Trout Slam can fish for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout at ponds there, and brown trout reside in streams nearby. Discover how to participate at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTYuNjM4MzM5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvYXF1YXRpY2hhYml0YXRwcm9ncmFtLyJ9.Z6GGnuhUS1xgYnpUFEuCtItFX8iGt6IwmaxRYU3cljw/s/1372948182/br/144170562674-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/troutslam.</a>For more information about individual water bodies, read the Nebraska Fishing Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTYuNjM4MzM5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvZ3VpZGVzIn0.qWrOb3VX8gh4_phsfA39MMF75lXFd4-Vh-wrJ58_Zkk/s/1372948182/br/144170562674-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/Guides</a>.Funding for both of these projects was provided by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Aquatic Habitat and Angler Access Fund and Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration.The Aquatic Habitat Program turned 25 in 2022. Funded by anglers, it was the first of its kind in the nation when implemented. The program works to enhance aquatic ecosystems by implementing restoration techniques in-lake and in the watersheds that feed them. In addition to improving aquatic habitat and water quality, the program also works vigorously to improve boat and bank angler access at Nebraska waterbodies.Learn more about the Aquatic Habitat Program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MTYuNjM4MzM5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvYXF1YXRpY2hhYml0YXRwcm9ncmFtLyJ9.fvlyEm2Xr-3n4zjQ10f_Cmpi7NuggKDXbWIlSpr-iNE/s/1372948182/br/144170562674-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/AquaticHabitatProgram</a>.

Anglers will benefit from completed aquatic projects at Fort Rob, Summit

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Friday that he has selected an interim director to run Nebraska’s prison system when current director Scott Frakes steps down next month.

Ricketts said in a news release that Diane Sabatka-Rine will serve as interim director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

Sabatka-Rine has been with the department nearly 40 years and has served as warden of the Nebraska State Penitentiary, Lincoln Correctional Center and the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center. She is currently chief of operations, overseeing deputy directors for the divisions of prisons, programs, administrative services and industries.

Sabatka-Rine will take over the top prisons post starting Oct. 8 — the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prisons-nebraska-pete-ricketts-0c2628d29b5aaf19f8b24a8f70004563">day after Frakes leaves</a>.

Ricketts also named Doug Hohbein as interim State Fire Marshal.. He’ll take over Oct. 15 for the Chris Cantrell, who also announced his resignation earlier this month.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663362250573.png" alt="Sabatka-Rine" />
 <figcaption>Sabatka-Rine</figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Friday that he has selected an interim director to run Nebraska’s prison system when current director Scott Frakes steps down next month.Ricketts said in a news release that Diane Sabatka-Rine will serve as interim director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.Sabatka-Rine has been with the department nearly 40 years and has served as warden of the Nebraska State Penitentiary, Lincoln Correctional Center and the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center. She is currently chief of operations, overseeing deputy directors for the divisions of prisons, programs, administrative services and industries.Sabatka-Rine will take over the top prisons post starting Oct. 8 — the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prisons-nebraska-pete-ricketts-0c2628d29b5aaf19f8b24a8f70004563">day after Frakes leaves</a>.Ricketts also named Doug Hohbein as interim State Fire Marshal.. He’ll take over Oct. 15 for the Chris Cantrell, who also announced his resignation earlier this month.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q_4g-KLmtTrHZpbSTiPG5vhh3dpc3I0J77sjVupgvEFZVnasEASBhY32l_LbK2D6vceTj-k3V7DY39pgEqezJ0WgnUZ4EffuVjq-Ff8aV78E-ehMNP2sRZm6E4xGuU79ij1bE1fO-khT1p2AaYFa9BjXqJEHXzkIDSGoXpf1CwG2RgO4WXvhlxP" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ricketts selects interim Nebraska prisons director

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rail companies and their workers reached a tentative agreement Thursday to avert a nationwide strike that could have shut down the nation's freight trains and devastated the economy less than two months before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections.</a>

President Joe Biden announced the deal, which emerged from a marathon 20-hour negotiating session at the Labor Department and came just one day before the threatened walkout.

“This agreement is validation of what I’ve always believed — unions and management can work together ... for the benefit of everyone,” Biden said at the White House.

The deal,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-worker-strike-negotiations-updates-83c0f51db4a87bf632dafe589b328f4a?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_2">which includes a 24% pay raise</a>, will go to union members for a vote after a cooling-off period of several weeks.

The threat of a shutdown carried&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-inflation-congress-cbc8eb5b29b817033d42204480b282da">political risks for Biden</a>, a Democrat who believes unions built the middle class. But he also knew a rail strike could pose grave economic risks ahead of the midterms, when majorities in both chambers of Congress, key governorships and scores of important state offices will be up for grabs.

Biden made a key phone call Wednesday evening to Labor Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-marty-walsh-boston-coronavirus-pandemic-b3bb089eb2253b7f78057893d215835f">Marty Walsh</a>&nbsp;as negotiators were talking and being offered Italian food for dinner, according to White House officials who insisted on anonymity to discuss the conversations.

On speakerphone, the president urged both sides to get a deal done and to consider the harm that a shutdown would inflict on families, farmers and businesses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-strikes-b92e7c6dd6d3b117eda351f9674f6479">,</a>&nbsp;the officials said.

One union had to wake up its board to move forward on the agreement, which involved 50 calls from White House officials to organized labor officials.

Joined in the Oval Office by business and union leaders, a beaming Biden joked that he was surprised everyone was “still standing” after the late night and that they should be “home in bed.”

A strike would also have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-strikes-b92e7c6dd6d3b117eda351f9674f6479">disrupted passenger traffic</a>&nbsp;as well as freight, because Amtrak and many commuter railroads operate on tracks owned by the freight railroads. Amtrak canceled all of its long-distance trains ahead of the strike deadline and was working to restore full service.

The five-year deal, retroactive to 2020, also includes $5,000 in bonuses. The railroads agreed to ease their strict attendance policies to address union concerns about working conditions.

Railroad workers will now be able to take unpaid days off for doctor’s appointments without being penalized, and they won't be penalized if they are hospitalized. Previously, workers would lose points under the attendance systems at BNSF and Union Pacific railways, and they could be disciplined if they lost all their points.

The talks also included Norfolk Southern, CSX, Kansas City Southern and the U.S. operations of Canadian National.

The unions that represent conductors and engineers who drive the trains pressed hard for changes in the attendance rules, and they said the deal sets a precedent that ensures they will be able to negotiate such rules in the future.

Kelly Pettus, who is married to an engineer in Atlanta, said she wanted more details about the attendance policy.

Earlier this year, her husband had to leave work when their 2-year-old daughter ended up in the emergency room with the flu. He spent the entire time worrying about the penalty involved in taking a single day off.

“You can’t just call and say your baby is in hospital,” Pettus said.

Hugh Sawyer, an engineer in the Atlanta area, said the pay raise was long overdue and did not completely make up for the regular cost-of-living increases that he lost several years ago.

“It’s something to build on,” Sawyer said of the deal.

The president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Dennis Pierce, predicted that workers will ultimately support the deal if they look logically at all the gains, including the fact that the unions again fought off proposals to cut locomotive crews down from two people to one.

But if workers vote angry, the outcome is harder to predict.

“I think it is going to dramatically change the way these jobs look,” he said.

Victor Chen, a sociologist at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies labor, said concerns about working conditions have increasingly become a priority for unions and their workers.

“At a certain point, good wages just aren’t enough to make up for the toll these sorts of working conditions impose on workers,” Chen said. “The companies need to treat workers like human beings, rather than just inputs in a business process.”

The railroad unions pointed to workload and attendance rules after the major railroads cut nearly one-third of their workforce — some 45,000 jobs — over the past six years.

The rail industry has aggressively cut costs everywhere and shifted its operations to rely more on fewer, longer trains that use fewer locomotives and fewer employees. The unions said the remaining workers, particularly engineers and conductors, were on call 24-7 because of jobs cuts and could hardly take any time off under strict attendance rules.

Unions had an advantage at the bargaining table because of the tight labor market and ongoing service problems on the railroads, Chen said.

Shippers have complained loudly this year about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">delays and poor service</a>&nbsp;as railroads struggled to hire quickly enough to handle a surge in demand as the economy emerged from the pandemic. The shipping problems gave rail workers extra leverage.

Newly hired CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs said he hopes the new deal helps the railroad hire and retain more employees to address the service problems.

"Now we can move our conversation into how do we work together to grow the business and better serve our customers,” he said.

Union activism has surged under Biden, as seen in a 56% increase in petitions for union representation with the National Labor Relations Board so far this fiscal year, including prominent organizing efforts at Starbucks, Amazon and other companies.

Before the deal was reached, business groups including the Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce predicted that a rail strike would be an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">“economic disaster.”</a>

The Association of American Railroads trade group estimated that a strike would cost the economy more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">$2 billion a day</a>&nbsp;and force many businesses to scale back or cease production and consider layoffs.

With the economy still recovering from the pandemic's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-prices-inflation-542f50c1fc779ae75d9574b9703fb4fa">supply chain disruptions</a>, the president’s goal was to keep all parties talking so a deal could be reached.

Biden also knew a stoppage could worsen the dynamics that fueled soaring inflation and created a political headache for the party in power.

He confronted the same kind of predicament faced by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 with coal and Harry Truman in 1952 with steel — how does a president balance the needs of labor and business in doing what’s best for the nation?

Railways were so important during World War I that Woodrow Wilson temporarily nationalized the industry to keep goods flowing and prevent strikes.

So the administration jumped into the middle of the talks. Biden and cabinet officials called both sides, and the labor secretary participated directly in negotiations.

It was clear the effort had paid off when Biden announced the deal, calling it “an important win for our economy and the American people.”

By Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Rail companies and their workers reached a tentative agreement Thursday to avert a nationwide strike that could have shut down the nation's freight trains and devastated the economy less than two months before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections.</a>President Joe Biden announced the deal, which emerged from a marathon 20-hour negotiating session at the Labor Department and came just one day before the threatened walkout.“This agreement is validation of what I’ve always believed — unions and management can work together ... for the benefit of everyone,” Biden said at the White House.The deal,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-worker-strike-negotiations-updates-83c0f51db4a87bf632dafe589b328f4a?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_2">which includes a 24% pay raise</a>, will go to union members for a vote after a cooling-off period of several weeks.The threat of a shutdown carried&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-inflation-congress-cbc8eb5b29b817033d42204480b282da">political risks for Biden</a>, a Democrat who believes unions built the middle class. But he also knew a rail strike could pose grave economic risks ahead of the midterms, when majorities in both chambers of Congress, key governorships and scores of important state offices will be up for grabs.Biden made a key phone call Wednesday evening to Labor Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-marty-walsh-boston-coronavirus-pandemic-b3bb089eb2253b7f78057893d215835f">Marty Walsh</a>&nbsp;as negotiators were talking and being offered Italian food for dinner, according to White House officials who insisted on anonymity to discuss the conversations.On speakerphone, the president urged both sides to get a deal done and to consider the harm that a shutdown would inflict on families, farmers and businesses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-strikes-b92e7c6dd6d3b117eda351f9674f6479">,</a>&nbsp;the officials said.One union had to wake up its board to move forward on the agreement, which involved 50 calls from White House officials to organized labor officials.Joined in the Oval Office by business and union leaders, a beaming Biden joked that he was surprised everyone was “still standing” after the late night and that they should be “home in bed.”A strike would also have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-strikes-b92e7c6dd6d3b117eda351f9674f6479">disrupted passenger traffic</a>&nbsp;as well as freight, because Amtrak and many commuter railroads operate on tracks owned by the freight railroads. Amtrak canceled all of its long-distance trains ahead of the strike deadline and was working to restore full service.The five-year deal, retroactive to 2020, also includes $5,000 in bonuses. The railroads agreed to ease their strict attendance policies to address union concerns about working conditions.Railroad workers will now be able to take unpaid days off for doctor’s appointments without being penalized, and they won't be penalized if they are hospitalized. Previously, workers would lose points under the attendance systems at BNSF and Union Pacific railways, and they could be disciplined if they lost all their points.The talks also included Norfolk Southern, CSX, Kansas City Southern and the U.S. operations of Canadian National.The unions that represent conductors and engineers who drive the trains pressed hard for changes in the attendance rules, and they said the deal sets a precedent that ensures they will be able to negotiate such rules in the future.Kelly Pettus, who is married to an engineer in Atlanta, said she wanted more details about the attendance policy.Earlier this year, her husband had to leave work when their 2-year-old daughter ended up in the emergency room with the flu. He spent the entire time worrying about the penalty involved in taking a single day off.“You can’t just call and say your baby is in hospital,” Pettus said.Hugh Sawyer, an engineer in the Atlanta area, said the pay raise was long overdue and did not completely make up for the regular cost-of-living increases that he lost several years ago.“It’s something to build on,” Sawyer said of the deal.The president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Dennis Pierce, predicted that workers will ultimately support the deal if they look logically at all the gains, including the fact that the unions again fought off proposals to cut locomotive crews down from two people to one.But if workers vote angry, the outcome is harder to predict.“I think it is going to dramatically change the way these jobs look,” he said.Victor Chen, a sociologist at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies labor, said concerns about working conditions have increasingly become a priority for unions and their workers.“At a certain point, good wages just aren’t enough to make up for the toll these sorts of working conditions impose on workers,” Chen said. “The companies need to treat workers like human beings, rather than just inputs in a business process.”The railroad unions pointed to workload and attendance rules after the major railroads cut nearly one-third of their workforce — some 45,000 jobs — over the past six years.The rail industry has aggressively cut costs everywhere and shifted its operations to rely more on fewer, longer trains that use fewer locomotives and fewer employees. The unions said the remaining workers, particularly engineers and conductors, were on call 24-7 because of jobs cuts and could hardly take any time off under strict attendance rules.Unions had an advantage at the bargaining table because of the tight labor market and ongoing service problems on the railroads, Chen said.Shippers have complained loudly this year about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">delays and poor service</a>&nbsp;as railroads struggled to hire quickly enough to handle a surge in demand as the economy emerged from the pandemic. The shipping problems gave rail workers extra leverage.Newly hired CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs said he hopes the new deal helps the railroad hire and retain more employees to address the service problems."Now we can move our conversation into how do we work together to grow the business and better serve our customers,” he said.Union activism has surged under Biden, as seen in a 56% increase in petitions for union representation with the National Labor Relations Board so far this fiscal year, including prominent organizing efforts at Starbucks, Amazon and other companies.Before the deal was reached, business groups including the Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce predicted that a rail strike would be an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">“economic disaster.”</a>The Association of American Railroads trade group estimated that a strike would cost the economy more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">$2 billion a day</a>&nbsp;and force many businesses to scale back or cease production and consider layoffs.With the economy still recovering from the pandemic's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-prices-inflation-542f50c1fc779ae75d9574b9703fb4fa">supply chain disruptions</a>, the president’s goal was to keep all parties talking so a deal could be reached.Biden also knew a stoppage could worsen the dynamics that fueled soaring inflation and created a political headache for the party in power.He confronted the same kind of predicament faced by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 with coal and Harry Truman in 1952 with steel — how does a president balance the needs of labor and business in doing what’s best for the nation?Railways were so important during World War I that Woodrow Wilson temporarily nationalized the industry to keep goods flowing and prevent strikes.So the administration jumped into the middle of the talks. Biden and cabinet officials called both sides, and the labor secretary participated directly in negotiations.It was clear the effort had paid off when Biden announced the deal, calling it “an important win for our economy and the American people.”

Tentative labor deal averts threat of nationwide rail strike

Autumn in Alliance festival will be held Sept. 23 - 25.

There will be lots of live music everyday, bounce houses, games, food, a chili-cinnamon roll cook-off on Saturday, free hot dogs on Sunday and more.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663346141439.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663346152984.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663346164344.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Autumn in Alliance festival will be held Sept. 23 - 25.There will be lots of live music everyday, bounce houses, games, food, a chili-cinnamon roll cook-off on Saturday, free hot dogs on Sunday and more.&nbsp;

'Autumn in Alliance' festival to be held in Alliance

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 9/16/22

News Release Nebraska Library Commission

Since mid-May, more than 100 Nebraska libraries have been carrying out summer reading programs that have allowed patrons of all ages to log their reading progress.

As of August 3, 2022, readers have logged: 1,381,624 minutes read 12,153 books completed

The Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Regional Library Systems have worked to engage more than 100 libraries in summer reading programs through an innovative reading app called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readerzone.com/" target="_blank">Reader Zone</a>. These programs consist of participants of all ages with the majority being kindergarten through 6th&nbsp;grade.

Success in 2022 follows similar reading success for Nebraska readers in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp; Each of those years also saw more than one million minutes of reading logged by Nebraskans in summer reading programs.

“We are excited to have another successful summer reading season in Nebraska libraries and we thank all our hard-working librarians and our wonderful patrons for their dedication to literacy and reading,” said Denise Harders, Director of the Central Plains Library System. “Our libraries will continue to offer Nebraskans quality programs that can build positive reading habits for readers of all ages”.

Nebraska libraries offer ongoing reading programs like “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” for young children and many compelling programs for teens and adults. These programs are free to Nebraskans in every corner of the state.

“Seeing Nebraska readers reach a third summer in a row of more than 1 million minutes demonstrates that there are many dedicated public librarians and engaged families throughout the state.&nbsp;Students will return to school in the fall with their hard-earned reading skills sharpened and ready to learn,” Jake Ball, creator of Reader Zone.

Reader Zone is a web-based reading program and app that helps organizations build and deploy meaningful reading programs.&nbsp;Reader Zone offers a mobile app that makes participation in reading programs simple and rewarding for readers of all ages.

The Nebraska Regional Library Systems consist of four non-profit corporations governed by boards representative of libraries and citizens in the region. Systems provide access to improved library services by facilitating cooperation among all types of libraries and media centers within the counties included in each System area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663344197906.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska Library CommissionSince mid-May, more than 100 Nebraska libraries have been carrying out summer reading programs that have allowed patrons of all ages to log their reading progress. As of August 3, 2022, readers have logged: 1,381,624 minutes read 12,153 books completed131,179 pages readThe Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Regional Library Systems have worked to engage more than 100 libraries in summer reading programs through an innovative reading app called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readerzone.com/" target="_blank">Reader Zone</a>. These programs consist of participants of all ages with the majority being kindergarten through 6th&nbsp;grade.Success in 2022 follows similar reading success for Nebraska readers in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp; Each of those years also saw more than one million minutes of reading logged by Nebraskans in summer reading programs.“We are excited to have another successful summer reading season in Nebraska libraries and we thank all our hard-working librarians and our wonderful patrons for their dedication to literacy and reading,” said Denise Harders, Director of the Central Plains Library System. “Our libraries will continue to offer Nebraskans quality programs that can build positive reading habits for readers of all ages”.Nebraska libraries offer ongoing reading programs like “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” for young children and many compelling programs for teens and adults. These programs are free to Nebraskans in every corner of the state.“Seeing Nebraska readers reach a third summer in a row of more than 1 million minutes demonstrates that there are many dedicated public librarians and engaged families throughout the state.&nbsp;Students will return to school in the fall with their hard-earned reading skills sharpened and ready to learn,” Jake Ball, creator of Reader Zone.Reader Zone is a web-based reading program and app that helps organizations build and deploy meaningful reading programs.&nbsp;Reader Zone offers a mobile app that makes participation in reading programs simple and rewarding for readers of all ages.The Nebraska Regional Library Systems consist of four non-profit corporations governed by boards representative of libraries and citizens in the region. Systems provide access to improved library services by facilitating cooperation among all types of libraries and media centers within the counties included in each System area.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q_4g-KLmtTrHZpbSTiPG5vhh3dpc3I0J77sjVupgvEFZVnasEASBhY32l_LbK2D6vceTj-k3V7DY39pgEqezJ0WgnUZ4EffuVjq-Ff8aV78E-ehMNP2sRZm6E4xGuU79ij1bE1fO-khT1p2AaYFa9BjXqJEHXzkIDSGoXpf1CwG2RgO4WXvhlxP" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Nebraska libraries report 1,381,624 minutes of reading in Summer 2022

Today Kalin Krohe spoke with Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts about his upcoming town hall meetings in Alliance and Ogallala, expansion of high-speed broadband access, protection of Nebraska’s water resources, his thoughts on the Panhandle wildfire and more.&nbsp;

To learn more about the town hall meetings click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/b7965d22-edcb-4339-bea4-0077902636ce">HERE</a>

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Gov. Ricketts talks about town halls in Alliance, Ogallala" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=495i8-12c604d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Today Kalin Krohe spoke with Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts about his upcoming town hall meetings in Alliance and Ogallala, expansion of high-speed broadband access, protection of Nebraska’s water resources, his thoughts on the Panhandle wildfire and more.&nbsp;To learn more about the town hall meetings click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/b7965d22-edcb-4339-bea4-0077902636ce">HERE</a>

Post Podcast: Gov. Ricketts talks about town halls in Alliance, Ogallala

SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.&nbsp; — Nebraska State Patrol investigators have arrested a Big Springs man in an investigation into reported sexual assault of a child.

The investigation began this week, when NSP received information that an employee at South Platte Public Schools in Big Springs had had inappropriate contact with a student. On Thursday, an arrest warrant was issued for Joel Foster, 37, of Big Springs, as part of the investigation.

Foster was arrested Thursday afternoon without incident. He was lodged in jail for two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child, two counts of child abuse, and first-degree sexual assault by a school employee. Foster has been lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail.

The investigation remains ongoing. NSP has been assisted by the Deuel County Sheriff’s Office.

By Nebraska State PatrolSCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.&nbsp; — Nebraska State Patrol investigators have arrested a Big Springs man in an investigation into reported sexual assault of a child.The investigation began this week, when NSP received information that an employee at South Platte Public Schools in Big Springs had had inappropriate contact with a student. On Thursday, an arrest warrant was issued for Joel Foster, 37, of Big Springs, as part of the investigation.Foster was arrested Thursday afternoon without incident. He was lodged in jail for two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child, two counts of child abuse, and first-degree sexual assault by a school employee. Foster has been lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail.The investigation remains ongoing. NSP has been assisted by the Deuel County Sheriff’s Office.

Big Springs man arrested for sexual assault of child

CHADRON – Members of the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees attended the dedication of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2022/csc-dedicates-state-of-the-art-math-science-facility-.html" target="_blank">Math Science</a>&nbsp;Center of Innovative Learning Sept. 7 before their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/board-materials/2022/2022-09-08_BOT-Mtg" target="_blank">regular meeting</a>&nbsp;on Chadron State College’s campus Sept. 8. Prior to attending the dedication, the Board of Trustees toured Chadron State College’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, and Access (IDEA) Space.

During their regular business meeting, the Board approved CSC to offer a Distinguished Service Award, as well as approving revisions to policies, including board&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/_resources/e30d:rhdut6-20n/files/76920051z43ecbfd5/_fn/3.3%20Approve%20Revisions%20to%20Board%20Policies%203020%20and%205011.pdf" target="_blank">policies 3020 and 5011</a>&nbsp;regarding Sexual Harassment and Discrimination of students and employees. Additionally, the Board approved a deficit budget request and LB 309 budget request.

The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10 at Wayne State College.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Members of the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees attended the dedication of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2022/csc-dedicates-state-of-the-art-math-science-facility-.html" target="_blank">Math Science</a>&nbsp;Center of Innovative Learning Sept. 7 before their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/board-materials/2022/2022-09-08_BOT-Mtg" target="_blank">regular meeting</a>&nbsp;on Chadron State College’s campus Sept. 8. Prior to attending the dedication, the Board of Trustees toured Chadron State College’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, and Access (IDEA) Space.During their regular business meeting, the Board approved CSC to offer a Distinguished Service Award, as well as approving revisions to policies, including board&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/_resources/e30d:rhdut6-20n/files/76920051z43ecbfd5/_fn/3.3%20Approve%20Revisions%20to%20Board%20Policies%203020%20and%205011.pdf" target="_blank">policies 3020 and 5011</a>&nbsp;regarding Sexual Harassment and Discrimination of students and employees. Additionally, the Board approved a deficit budget request and LB 309 budget request.The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10 at Wayne State College.

NSCS Trustees' meeting takes place in Chadron

Columbus, Neb.&nbsp;– Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is coordinating with Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (CNPPID) to begin draining Lake Ogallala in late September, to complete maintenance on the Keystone Diversion Dam as well as other canal maintenance projects.&nbsp;

CNPPID will gradually step-down releases from Kingsley Hydro into Lake Ogallala in late September, with a current start date targeted for September 23. Once the lake is drained, flows into Lake Ogallala from the Kingsley Hydro will cease until the work is completed and the lake is refilled. The Kingsley Hydro is owned and operated by CNPPID.

While the lake is drained, crews will be reapplying a protective coating to the five gates on the south side of the Keystone Diversion Dam, which helps regulate the amount of water released from Lake Ogallala into the North Platte River and NPPD’s Sutherland Canal. “The work being done is a part of the overall general maintenance of the dam, and we are working closely with CNPPID and the Nebraska Game and Parks throughout this process,” notes NPPD Canaday, Water, and Renewable Energy Manager Kirk Evert.

The Sutherland Canal provides water for irrigation, hydropower, and cooling for Gerald Gentleman Station (GGS), NPPD’s 1300-megawatt coal plant located near Sutherland. This work will not impact the operation of GGS, and water stored in the Sutherland Reservoir will be used for cooling at the plant until work on the gates is completed and flows from Lake Ogallala can be returned to the Sutherland Canal. Flow in the Sutherland Canal is currently scheduled to resume in mid to late November.

The south end of the Keystone Diversion Dam and the NPPD canal roads near the project area will be closed to the public throughout the duration of the project.

By NPPDColumbus, Neb.&nbsp;– Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is coordinating with Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (CNPPID) to begin draining Lake Ogallala in late September, to complete maintenance on the Keystone Diversion Dam as well as other canal maintenance projects.&nbsp;CNPPID will gradually step-down releases from Kingsley Hydro into Lake Ogallala in late September, with a current start date targeted for September 23. Once the lake is drained, flows into Lake Ogallala from the Kingsley Hydro will cease until the work is completed and the lake is refilled. The Kingsley Hydro is owned and operated by CNPPID.While the lake is drained, crews will be reapplying a protective coating to the five gates on the south side of the Keystone Diversion Dam, which helps regulate the amount of water released from Lake Ogallala into the North Platte River and NPPD’s Sutherland Canal. “The work being done is a part of the overall general maintenance of the dam, and we are working closely with CNPPID and the Nebraska Game and Parks throughout this process,” notes NPPD Canaday, Water, and Renewable Energy Manager Kirk Evert.The Sutherland Canal provides water for irrigation, hydropower, and cooling for Gerald Gentleman Station (GGS), NPPD’s 1300-megawatt coal plant located near Sutherland. This work will not impact the operation of GGS, and water stored in the Sutherland Reservoir will be used for cooling at the plant until work on the gates is completed and flows from Lake Ogallala can be returned to the Sutherland Canal. Flow in the Sutherland Canal is currently scheduled to resume in mid to late November.The south end of the Keystone Diversion Dam and the NPPD canal roads near the project area will be closed to the public throughout the duration of the project.

Lake Ogallala to be drained for maintenance, repairs

By Nebraska Emergency Management Agency

Banner County, Neb.&nbsp; —&nbsp; Incident Commander&nbsp;Tim Grubbs,&nbsp;fire chief for the Banner County Volunteer Fire Department, said crews are making progress on&nbsp;monitoring, maintaining and containing the fire within its current footprint.

“We are estimating containment of the fire at 28% and will work to increase that line of black around the perimeter today,” Grubbs said. “We are hopeful we will be able to release some of the air assets this afternoon if all goes well.”

Grubbs was especially grateful there have been no reported injuries, accidents or homes destroyed by the fire. He reported the fire laid down overnight,&nbsp;with crews patrolling and monitoring conditions around the perimeter. Today, thanks to those efforts, daytime crews are beginning mop-up efforts in select areas where fire lines are strongest.&nbsp;

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director Erv Portis said “The Nebraska Incident Management Assistance Team arrived on scene Wednesday to work in coordination with local volunteer fire departments. The efforts of the firefighters and air crews has definitely helped to gain containment of this fire. These partnerships between local and state responders help protect and keep Nebraskans safe.”

Air support:&nbsp;The four single engine air tankers and three UH-60 Blackhawks (two from Nebraska National Guard and one from Spearfish, S.D.) continue to provide fire suppression.

Requested support:&nbsp;No additional support was requested today.

State deployments: The Wildland Incident Response Assistance Team (WIRAT), which is made up of Nebraska State Fire Marshal and Nebraska Forest Service staff, deployed on Tuesday, and Nebraska Type 3 Incident Management Assistance Team was in route on Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighter Support: Firefighter ministries and 11.13 Ministries are providing food and drinks for firefighters and other responders.

Weather:&nbsp;The spot forecast for the area reports a chance of showers/thunderstorms for the early part of the evening. Wind gusts are possible.

Monday’s firefighting operations were hindered by a weather inversion. Inversion is when a layer of cold air gets in between hot air and the cap prevents hot air from rising away from the fire. While the inversion does hold the fire down and slow its movement, the cold air layer also traps smoke and makes for poor visibility. Due to the inversion, air assets were not able to operate until about 2 p.m. There is a concern another inversion could develop tonight into tomorrow.

Objectives: The five divisions used during the day were condensed to three divisions overnight with a primary objective of patrolling/monitoring, maintaining and containing the fire within its current footprint as best as possible. The divisions have the following objectives.

By Nebraska Emergency Management AgencyBanner County, Neb.&nbsp; —&nbsp; Incident Commander&nbsp;Tim Grubbs,&nbsp;fire chief for the Banner County Volunteer Fire Department, said crews are making progress on&nbsp;monitoring, maintaining and containing the fire within its current footprint.“We are estimating containment of the fire at 28% and will work to increase that line of black around the perimeter today,” Grubbs said. “We are hopeful we will be able to release some of the air assets this afternoon if all goes well.”Grubbs was especially grateful there have been no reported injuries, accidents or homes destroyed by the fire. He reported the fire laid down overnight,&nbsp;with crews patrolling and monitoring conditions around the perimeter. Today, thanks to those efforts, daytime crews are beginning mop-up efforts in select areas where fire lines are strongest.&nbsp;Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director Erv Portis said “The Nebraska Incident Management Assistance Team arrived on scene Wednesday to work in coordination with local volunteer fire departments. The efforts of the firefighters and air crews has definitely helped to gain containment of this fire. These partnerships between local and state responders help protect and keep Nebraskans safe.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663268470187.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Air support:&nbsp;The four single engine air tankers and three UH-60 Blackhawks (two from Nebraska National Guard and one from Spearfish, S.D.) continue to provide fire suppression.Requested support:&nbsp;No additional support was requested today.State deployments: The Wildland Incident Response Assistance Team (WIRAT), which is made up of Nebraska State Fire Marshal and Nebraska Forest Service staff, deployed on Tuesday, and Nebraska Type 3 Incident Management Assistance Team was in route on Wednesday afternoon.Firefighter Support: Firefighter ministries and 11.13 Ministries are providing food and drinks for firefighters and other responders.Weather:&nbsp;The spot forecast for the area reports a chance of showers/thunderstorms for the early part of the evening. Wind gusts are possible.Monday’s firefighting operations were hindered by a weather inversion. Inversion is when a layer of cold air gets in between hot air and the cap prevents hot air from rising away from the fire. While the inversion does hold the fire down and slow its movement, the cold air layer also traps smoke and makes for poor visibility. Due to the inversion, air assets were not able to operate until about 2 p.m. There is a concern another inversion could develop tonight into tomorrow.Objectives: The five divisions used during the day were condensed to three divisions overnight with a primary objective of patrolling/monitoring, maintaining and containing the fire within its current footprint as best as possible. The divisions have the following objectives.<ul>
 <li>Keep fire South of County Line</li><li>Keep fire East of Wrights Gap</li><li>Keep fire West of Road 63</li><li>Keep fire North of Road 61</li>
 </ul>

Containment begins on Panhandle wildfire

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/another-wildfire-breaks-out-in-nebraskas-parched-panhandle/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nearly 30 volunteer fire departments battled erratic winds 
and a temperature inversion trapping smoke near the ground at a wildfire
 south of Gering in Nebraska’s Panhandle.

The 3,700-acre Smokey Fire broke out Tuesday afternoon, and its cause had not been determined by Wednesday.

Four single-engine air tankers (SEATs) from Nebraska and Wyoming were
 working the fire, along with a large air tanker from Colorado. Two 
Nebraska National Guard UH60 Blackhawk helicopters were also activated, 
according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

“The many air assets fighting this fire along with those firefighters
 on the ground are working tirelessly to get this fire under control,” 
said Tim Grubbs, fire chief for the Banner County Volunteer Fire 
Department.

Firefighters are working to establish fire containment lines around 
the fire’s perimeter but did not yet have a percentage of containment as
 of Wednesday.

The fire has temporarily closed Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area
 in Banner County. Several hundred of the 1,800 acres had burned as of 
Wednesday.

Drought conditions and high winds have served to provide <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Image-scaled.jpeg">prime conditions for wildfires</a> across Nebraska this year.

This week’s wildfire is the second to impact the Williams Gap area. 
In 2020, the Hubbard’s Gap Fire burned about 4,000 acres in the 
vicinity, including about 60% of the wildlife area, according to the 
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663263228019.png" alt="Smoke rises from a wildfire sparked a month ago by lightning south of Gering, in Nebraska’s Panhandle. (Courtesy Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>Smoke rises from a wildfire sparked a month ago by lightning south of Gering, in Nebraska’s Panhandle. (Courtesy Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/another-wildfire-breaks-out-in-nebraskas-parched-panhandle/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nearly 30 volunteer fire departments battled erratic winds 
and a temperature inversion trapping smoke near the ground at a wildfire
 south of Gering in Nebraska’s Panhandle.The 3,700-acre Smokey Fire broke out Tuesday afternoon, and its cause had not been determined by Wednesday.Four single-engine air tankers (SEATs) from Nebraska and Wyoming were
 working the fire, along with a large air tanker from Colorado. Two 
Nebraska National Guard UH60 Blackhawk helicopters were also activated, 
according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.“The many air assets fighting this fire along with those firefighters
 on the ground are working tirelessly to get this fire under control,” 
said Tim Grubbs, fire chief for the Banner County Volunteer Fire 
Department.Firefighters are working to establish fire containment lines around 
the fire’s perimeter but did not yet have a percentage of containment as
 of Wednesday.The fire has temporarily closed Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area
 in Banner County. Several hundred of the 1,800 acres had burned as of 
Wednesday.Drought conditions and high winds have served to provide <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Image-scaled.jpeg">prime conditions for wildfires</a> across Nebraska this year.This week’s wildfire is the second to impact the Williams Gap area. 
In 2020, the Hubbard’s Gap Fire burned about 4,000 acres in the 
vicinity, including about 60% of the wildlife area, according to the 
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Another wildfire breaks out in Nebraska’s parched Panhandle

Dobby's Frontier Town will hold their annual fall festival Sept. 17 -18.&nbsp;

The fall festival is one of Dobby's biggest fundraisers of the year in Alliance.

Saturday's time is 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday is from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

There will be food, music performers, and lots more.&nbsp;

To learn more about Dobby's click <a href="https://dobbysfrontiertown.com/">HERE</a>

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661441132247.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dobby's Frontier Town will hold their annual fall festival Sept. 17 -18.&nbsp;The fall festival is one of Dobby's biggest fundraisers of the year in Alliance.Saturday's time is 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday is from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.There will be food, music performers, and lots more.&nbsp;To learn more about Dobby's click <a href="https://dobbysfrontiertown.com/">HERE</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663260591344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Dobby's Frontier Town to hold fall festival 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 9/15/22

Rail workers win key concessions in deal to prevent strike

Lori White discusses the upcoming Fall Festival at Dobby's Frontier Town, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Dobby’s Fall Festival" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bc4hk-12c4bb5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Lori White discusses the upcoming Fall Festival at Dobby's Frontier Town, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

POST PODCAST: Dobby's Fall Festival

Members of the Punishers Midwest Deadheads chapter discuss the upcoming poker run, an annual fundraiser for Jane's Closet.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Punishers Midwest Poker Run" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7s4hh-12c4b75-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Members of the Punishers Midwest Deadheads chapter discuss the upcoming poker run, an annual fundraiser for Jane's Closet.

POST PODCAST: Punishers Midwest Poker Run

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD – Rangers at Wind Cave National Park will be leading programs through early October listening for the bugle of the Rocky Mountain elk. The elk’s high-pitched whistle heralds the arrival of fall and the elk’s mating season.&nbsp;

Beginning Wednesday, September 14, rangers are giving brief interpretive programs about elk before leading a caravan to a nearby pullout to listen for them. These one-hour programs are offered Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings through Saturday, October 8. Participants meet at the Wind Cave Visitor Center front lawn at 7 p.m. and are encouraged to bring a flashlight, a camp chair or blanket to sit on, and to dress warmly. &nbsp;

To listen to an elk’s bugling call, visit the park’s website at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/elk-bugling-wica.htm">https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/elk-bugling-wica.htm</a>.&nbsp;

Fall ranger programs also include Natural Entrance and Garden of Eden Tours of Wind Cave throughout the day. Participants are encouraged to bring a light coat or sweater and good walking shoes. The Natural Entrance Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and involves 300 stairs. The Garden of Eden Tour lasts one hour and involves 150 stairs. Depending on current transmission rates, visitors may be required to wear a mask in federal facilities, including on cave tours, regardless of vaccination status.&nbsp;

Reservations for cave tours can be made up until 3 days before the tour at https://www.recreation.gov/.&nbsp;

The park visitor center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Tours will be offered every thirty minutes throughout the day between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through September 24. For a schedule of fall cave tours, or for information about current mask requirements and other COVID-19 precautions, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm&nbsp;

For more information, call the park at (605) 745-4600.&nbsp;

By&nbsp;Wind Cave National ParkWIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD – Rangers at Wind Cave National Park will be leading programs through early October listening for the bugle of the Rocky Mountain elk. The elk’s high-pitched whistle heralds the arrival of fall and the elk’s mating season.&nbsp;Beginning Wednesday, September 14, rangers are giving brief interpretive programs about elk before leading a caravan to a nearby pullout to listen for them. These one-hour programs are offered Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings through Saturday, October 8. Participants meet at the Wind Cave Visitor Center front lawn at 7 p.m. and are encouraged to bring a flashlight, a camp chair or blanket to sit on, and to dress warmly. &nbsp;To listen to an elk’s bugling call, visit the park’s website at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/elk-bugling-wica.htm">https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/elk-bugling-wica.htm</a>.&nbsp;Fall ranger programs also include Natural Entrance and Garden of Eden Tours of Wind Cave throughout the day. Participants are encouraged to bring a light coat or sweater and good walking shoes. The Natural Entrance Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and involves 300 stairs. The Garden of Eden Tour lasts one hour and involves 150 stairs. Depending on current transmission rates, visitors may be required to wear a mask in federal facilities, including on cave tours, regardless of vaccination status.&nbsp;Reservations for cave tours can be made up until 3 days before the tour at https://www.recreation.gov/.&nbsp;The park visitor center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Tours will be offered every thirty minutes throughout the day between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through September 24. For a schedule of fall cave tours, or for information about current mask requirements and other COVID-19 precautions, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm&nbsp;For more information, call the park at (605) 745-4600.&nbsp;

Elk bugling programs, cave tours offered this fall at Wind Cave NP

From August 19 to September 5 Scottsbluff Police Officers worked overtime and participated in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled over Labor Day DUI enforcement wave. Overtime funding for this activity was provided by the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. Scottsbluff Police Officers made six driving under the influence arrests along 163 other citations and arrests. There were 181 warnings issued. Sgt Philip Eckerberg said “This activity is a result of Scottsbluff Police Officers working long hours and being ever vigilant while on patrol.”

6 DUI arrests, 43 No Valid Registration, 16 Speeding, 16 No Insurance, 14 Driving Under Suspension, 9 warrant arrests, 6 Seat Belt violations, 6 Possession of Marijuana, 6 Drug Paraphernalia, 6 No Operator’s License, 5 felony drug arrests, 5 Failure to Yield, 5 No Lights, 4 felony drug possession, 4 Stop Sign violations, 3 Traffic Light Violations, 3 Reckless Driving, 3 Learners Permit Violation, 2 Minor In Possession of alcohol, 2 Refusal of Test, 2 No Motor Cycle Helmet, 2 Leaving Scene of Accident, 1 Open Container of Alcohol, 1 brake light out, 1 Fictitious Plates, 1 Improper Turn, 1 ID Theft, 1 Left of Center, 1 Flight to Avoid, 1 Littering, 1 Obstruction, 1 Assault on Officer, 1 Tampering with Evidence, 1 Child Abuse, 1 Domestic Violence.

By Scottsbluff Police DepartmentFrom August 19 to September 5 Scottsbluff Police Officers worked overtime and participated in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled over Labor Day DUI enforcement wave. Overtime funding for this activity was provided by the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. Scottsbluff Police Officers made six driving under the influence arrests along 163 other citations and arrests. There were 181 warnings issued. Sgt Philip Eckerberg said “This activity is a result of Scottsbluff Police Officers working long hours and being ever vigilant while on patrol.”Citations and arrests:6 DUI arrests, 43 No Valid Registration, 16 Speeding, 16 No Insurance, 14 Driving Under Suspension, 9 warrant arrests, 6 Seat Belt violations, 6 Possession of Marijuana, 6 Drug Paraphernalia, 6 No Operator’s License, 5 felony drug arrests, 5 Failure to Yield, 5 No Lights, 4 felony drug possession, 4 Stop Sign violations, 3 Traffic Light Violations, 3 Reckless Driving, 3 Learners Permit Violation, 2 Minor In Possession of alcohol, 2 Refusal of Test, 2 No Motor Cycle Helmet, 2 Leaving Scene of Accident, 1 Open Container of Alcohol, 1 brake light out, 1 Fictitious Plates, 1 Improper Turn, 1 ID Theft, 1 Left of Center, 1 Flight to Avoid, 1 Littering, 1 Obstruction, 1 Assault on Officer, 1 Tampering with Evidence, 1 Child Abuse, 1 Domestic Violence.

Local