By&nbsp;McDonald's owner-operators of Nebraska and the Ronald McDonald House Charities

Local McDonald’s across Nebraska join the Huskers to host Big Red Friday - a one day fundraiser across the state in support of Nebraska's only Ronald McDonald House.&nbsp;

Big Red Friday is an annual event that occurs on the Friday before the first Huskers’ football game of the season. 

Today, Friday, August 26 Big Red Friday flags are being sold for $5 at more than 70 McDonald's restaurants across Husker nation.&nbsp;Proceeds from Big Red Friday have raised more than $130,000 for RMHC in Omaha since the fundraiser started in 2017.

This year's flag design celebrates the Blackshirts, bringing back tradition and Husker pride. Limited-edition Husker flags are available at all McDonald's restaurants in Nebraska while supplies last.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By&nbsp;McDonald's owner-operators of Nebraska and the Ronald McDonald House CharitiesLocal McDonald’s across Nebraska join the Huskers to host Big Red Friday - a one day fundraiser across the state in support of Nebraska's only Ronald McDonald House.&nbsp;Big Red Friday is an annual event that occurs on the Friday before the first Huskers’ football game of the season. Today, Friday, August 26 Big Red Friday flags are being sold for $5 at more than 70 McDonald's restaurants across Husker nation.&nbsp;Proceeds from Big Red Friday have raised more than $130,000 for RMHC in Omaha since the fundraiser started in 2017.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661527936703.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This year's flag design celebrates the Blackshirts, bringing back tradition and Husker pride. Limited-edition Husker flags are available at all McDonald's restaurants in Nebraska while supplies last.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NE McDonald’s, RMHC in Omaha join to raise funds with Husker flags

By Kerri Rempp, Discover Northwest Nebraska

Nestled below Pants Butte and Castle Rock in Sioux County lies Sowbelly Canyon, offering a secluded, enchanting experience whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, birdwatching or first-class trout fishing.

Often referred to as a “Pine Ridge paradise,” the 11-mile Sowbelly Canyon, surrounded by buttes, pine trees, abundant wildlife and bisected by Sowbelly Creek, cuts through mostly private property. While a drive through the canyon provides a unique experience on its own, a stop at Coffee Park halfway through the canyon gives visitors more time to enjoy nature. Owned by the Village of Harrison, the 160-acre Coffee Park affords access to Sowbelly Creek.

The creek is one of the few cold-water streams for trout fishing in the state, and this summer has been rehabilitated by the Nebraska Game and Parks. Game and Parks District Fisheries Manager Al Hanson said the habitat work included rehab of pools and riffles for better trout feeding and erosion prevention. The efforts also include an angler-friendly fence crossing and improvements to aid the Village of Harrison in maintenance of the park.

Sowbelly Creek is home to both brown and brook trout.

“The improvements will allow the creek to carry more and larger fish,” Hanson said.

The creek and canyon were impacted by a flood in 2015 when four to six inches of rain carried fire-downed trees down the hillsides. A logjam estimated between 2,000-4,000 cubic yards of wood resulted and had to be removed in the months following the flood. A Game and Parks press release at the time noted that the flood, even with its negative impacts, also had positive results. Game and Parks District Wildlife Manager Matt Steffl said in the release that the flood aided the stream’s health as it washed silt and soot away and deepened pools.

“We don’t have a lot of miles of public cold-water trout streams in Nebraska, so we like to do what we can to take care of what we have,” Steffl said at the time. “When the work is done here, we expect it to be even more of an attraction. When that flood went through, it washed out a lot of ash from the ’06 wildfires and also cut some holes here and there. In most places, it made a lot better cold-water stream than what we had before.”

The work completed this summer is a continuation of the rehabilitation from the flood’s aftermath and also included the addition of a culvert, the removal of dead trees from the park and the enhancement of overhead cover, Hanson said.

According to a 2015 Game and Parks blog by Daryl Bauer, less than 5% of the 12,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state can support trout.

While trout fishing in Sowbelly Creek is a popular reason to explore the canyon, it’s far from the only motivation. The drive through the canyon is scenic and easily allows visitors to imagine an earlier era.

According to legend, the canyon was named Sowbelly after a confrontation between a band of Cheyenne led by Chief Running Deer and soldiers from nearby Fort Robinson. The story goes that Running Deer and his group were wintering in the canyon when soldiers learned of their presence and rode out to bring them to the Fort and eventually the reservation. The Cheyenne allegedly heard the soldiers coming and spread out through the canyon to ambush them. The surviving troops found themselves boxed in and trapped for several days with only pork belly to eat.

Harrison resident Jane Lewis’ poem, available at the Sioux County Historical Museum, imagines the scenario.

G.H. Coffee Park was dedicated by the Village of Harrison in 1976 as a Bicentennial project to honor the county’s pioneers. According to “Sioux County: Memoirs of Its Pioneers,” the 160 acres of land was homestead in 1887 by George Walker, a pioneer Sioux County attorney. It changed hands several times between then and 1931, when it was purchased by Howard Thompson. Shortly after, it appears a group of men, including T.M. Powell, A.M. Brown, Max Federle, John T. Coffee, Harvey Bixler, John Mann, Rex Coffee and G.H. Coffee, purchased the land but left the title in Thompson’s name. The group attempted to donate the land to the Village of Harrison for use as a recreation area, but the village refused it.

G.H. Coffee eventually purchased the land outright in 1948, and it was successfully donated to the village in 1972. An anonymous gift and other matching funds were used to secure a grant from the Game and Park’s Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1975 to develop a portion of the land for day use, according to the Sioux County history book. The late Virginia Coffee headed the Sioux County Bicentennial Celebration Committee and helped Harrison and Sioux County develop both Coffee Park and the Sioux County Historical Museum. Her obituary noted that the village and county were the first in the state to meet the guidelines to establish Bicentennial projects.

Between February 1975 and June 1976, picnic tables, fire grates, a water well, restrooms, parking, fencing, shelters and a gate were added to Coffee Park. The Harrison VFW donated and installed a flag pole. More than 400 people attended the dedication ceremony June 27, 1976, including Congresswoman Virginia Smith, who delivered a speech and presented a flag flown over the Capitol Building.

Since its inception, Coffee Park has offered day travelers a quiet respite to picnic, fish and watch for wildlife. It’s also a popular spot for weddings, family reunions, church services and other gatherings.

Sowbelly Canyon and Coffee Park are also popular spots for birdwatching as it is along the eastern edge of the range for species associated with the Rocky Mountains.

Western species often seen in the area include the Common Poorwill, White-throated Swift, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Pinyon Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western tanager and more. Some eastern deciduous forest species, such as the Rose-breasted grosbeak, can also be sighted in Sowbelly Canyon, according to the Nebraska Birding Guide.

Roadside birding in the canyon or on-foot viewing in Coffee Park is possible.

The canyon is listed as a birding hot spot on Audubon.org and eBird.org, with the latter listing 169 species submitted to its online tracking system (https://ebird.org/barchart?byr=1900&amp;eyr=2022&amp;bmo=1&amp;emo=12&amp;r=L281255). The site also offers a printable field checklist for Sowbelly Canyon birdwatchers at https://ebird.org/printableList?regionCode=L281255&amp;yr=all&amp;m=.

Sowbelly Canyon can be accessed from either end.

· Travel north of Harrison on Monroe Canyon Road just under one mile, turn right on to Sowbelly Road.

· Travel 3.8 miles east of Harrison on Highway 20, turn left on to Pants Butte Road and travel for 10 miles. Turn left on Sowbelly Road.

Sowbelly Road is minimum maintenance and receives no snow removal. Road closed signs go up in the fall and stay well into the spring until the last snowdrifts melt, which tends to be far later than on the surrounding plains. Plan accordingly.

By Kerri Rempp, Discover Northwest NebraskaNestled below Pants Butte and Castle Rock in Sioux County lies Sowbelly Canyon, offering a secluded, enchanting experience whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, birdwatching or first-class trout fishing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661524446525.jpeg" alt="Sowbelly Creek provides trout fishing for both brown and brook trout. The Nebraska Game and Parks has undertaken in-stream habitat rehabilitation this summer on the creek. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska" />
 <figcaption>Sowbelly Creek provides trout fishing for both brown and brook trout. The Nebraska Game and Parks has undertaken in-stream habitat rehabilitation this summer on the creek. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska</figcaption>
 </figure>Often referred to as a “Pine Ridge paradise,” the 11-mile Sowbelly Canyon, surrounded by buttes, pine trees, abundant wildlife and bisected by Sowbelly Creek, cuts through mostly private property. While a drive through the canyon provides a unique experience on its own, a stop at Coffee Park halfway through the canyon gives visitors more time to enjoy nature. Owned by the Village of Harrison, the 160-acre Coffee Park affords access to Sowbelly Creek.Cast a LineThe creek is one of the few cold-water streams for trout fishing in the state, and this summer has been rehabilitated by the Nebraska Game and Parks. Game and Parks District Fisheries Manager Al Hanson said the habitat work included rehab of pools and riffles for better trout feeding and erosion prevention. The efforts also include an angler-friendly fence crossing and improvements to aid the Village of Harrison in maintenance of the park.Sowbelly Creek is home to both brown and brook trout.“The improvements will allow the creek to carry more and larger fish,” Hanson said.The creek and canyon were impacted by a flood in 2015 when four to six inches of rain carried fire-downed trees down the hillsides. A logjam estimated between 2,000-4,000 cubic yards of wood resulted and had to be removed in the months following the flood. A Game and Parks press release at the time noted that the flood, even with its negative impacts, also had positive results. Game and Parks District Wildlife Manager Matt Steffl said in the release that the flood aided the stream’s health as it washed silt and soot away and deepened pools.“We don’t have a lot of miles of public cold-water trout streams in Nebraska, so we like to do what we can to take care of what we have,” Steffl said at the time. “When the work is done here, we expect it to be even more of an attraction. When that flood went through, it washed out a lot of ash from the ’06 wildfires and also cut some holes here and there. In most places, it made a lot better cold-water stream than what we had before.”The work completed this summer is a continuation of the rehabilitation from the flood’s aftermath and also included the addition of a culvert, the removal of dead trees from the park and the enhancement of overhead cover, Hanson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661524517162.jpeg" alt="Coffee Park was dedicated in 1976 as a Bicentennial project. It provides day use for fishing, picnicking and birdwatching. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska" />
 <figcaption>Coffee Park was dedicated in 1976 as a Bicentennial project. It provides day use for fishing, picnicking and birdwatching. Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska</figcaption>
 </figure>According to a 2015 Game and Parks blog by Daryl Bauer, less than 5% of the 12,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state can support trout.Remember HistoryWhile trout fishing in Sowbelly Creek is a popular reason to explore the canyon, it’s far from the only motivation. The drive through the canyon is scenic and easily allows visitors to imagine an earlier era.According to legend, the canyon was named Sowbelly after a confrontation between a band of Cheyenne led by Chief Running Deer and soldiers from nearby Fort Robinson. The story goes that Running Deer and his group were wintering in the canyon when soldiers learned of their presence and rode out to bring them to the Fort and eventually the reservation. The Cheyenne allegedly heard the soldiers coming and spread out through the canyon to ambush them. The surviving troops found themselves boxed in and trapped for several days with only pork belly to eat.Harrison resident Jane Lewis’ poem, available at the Sioux County Historical Museum, imagines the scenario.G.H. Coffee Park was dedicated by the Village of Harrison in 1976 as a Bicentennial project to honor the county’s pioneers. According to “Sioux County: Memoirs of Its Pioneers,” the 160 acres of land was homestead in 1887 by George Walker, a pioneer Sioux County attorney. It changed hands several times between then and 1931, when it was purchased by Howard Thompson. Shortly after, it appears a group of men, including T.M. Powell, A.M. Brown, Max Federle, John T. Coffee, Harvey Bixler, John Mann, Rex Coffee and G.H. Coffee, purchased the land but left the title in Thompson’s name. The group attempted to donate the land to the Village of Harrison for use as a recreation area, but the village refused it.G.H. Coffee eventually purchased the land outright in 1948, and it was successfully donated to the village in 1972. An anonymous gift and other matching funds were used to secure a grant from the Game and Park’s Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1975 to develop a portion of the land for day use, according to the Sioux County history book. The late Virginia Coffee headed the Sioux County Bicentennial Celebration Committee and helped Harrison and Sioux County develop both Coffee Park and the Sioux County Historical Museum. Her obituary noted that the village and county were the first in the state to meet the guidelines to establish Bicentennial projects.Between February 1975 and June 1976, picnic tables, fire grates, a water well, restrooms, parking, fencing, shelters and a gate were added to Coffee Park. The Harrison VFW donated and installed a flag pole. More than 400 people attended the dedication ceremony June 27, 1976, including Congresswoman Virginia Smith, who delivered a speech and presented a flag flown over the Capitol Building.Since its inception, Coffee Park has offered day travelers a quiet respite to picnic, fish and watch for wildlife. It’s also a popular spot for weddings, family reunions, church services and other gatherings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661524675618.png" alt="Kodie Rempp enjoys the scenery of Sowbelly Canyon and Coffee Park north of Harrison. Courtesy photo Kerri Rempp" />
 <figcaption>Kodie Rempp enjoys the scenery of Sowbelly Canyon and Coffee Park north of Harrison. Courtesy photo Kerri Rempp</figcaption>
 </figure>Enjoy BirdwatchingSowbelly Canyon and Coffee Park are also popular spots for birdwatching as it is along the eastern edge of the range for species associated with the Rocky Mountains.Western species often seen in the area include the Common Poorwill, White-throated Swift, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Pinyon Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western tanager and more. Some eastern deciduous forest species, such as the Rose-breasted grosbeak, can also be sighted in Sowbelly Canyon, according to the Nebraska Birding Guide.Roadside birding in the canyon or on-foot viewing in Coffee Park is possible.The canyon is listed as a birding hot spot on Audubon.org and eBird.org, with the latter listing 169 species submitted to its online tracking system (https://ebird.org/barchart?byr=1900&amp;eyr=2022&amp;bmo=1&amp;emo=12&amp;r=L281255). The site also offers a printable field checklist for Sowbelly Canyon birdwatchers at https://ebird.org/printableList?regionCode=L281255&amp;yr=all&amp;m=.How to Get ThereSowbelly Canyon can be accessed from either end.· Travel north of Harrison on Monroe Canyon Road just under one mile, turn right on to Sowbelly Road.· Travel 3.8 miles east of Harrison on Highway 20, turn left on to Pants Butte Road and travel for 10 miles. Turn left on Sowbelly Road.Sowbelly Road is minimum maintenance and receives no snow removal. Road closed signs go up in the fall and stay well into the spring until the last snowdrifts melt, which tends to be far later than on the surrounding plains. Plan accordingly.

Explore hidden gems Sowbelly Canyon, Coffee Park near Harrison 

By Renae Blum/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Nebraska’s state parks hold a wealth of history that can be discovered by walking a few of the trails tied to the past.

Here are our top suggestions for parks to visit when you’re ready for a good stroll that allows you to explore — and experience — Nebraska history.

A major stopover on the Oregon and California pioneer trails, Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen has several trails allowing visitors to explore its history. A steep half-mile trail leads to the crest of Windlass Hill, where deep ruts carved by thousands of covered wagons are still visible. The easy half-mile Cliff Line Trail takes visitors past the 1903 rock schoolhouse, and the Ridgeline Trail by the visitor center has an amazing view of the North Platte River valley, showing where the California, Oregon trail and Mormon Pioneer trails converge. Once at the top, pause to remember those lost during the Battle of Blue Water, then stop in the visitor’s center to learn more.

Known as the site where James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok began his gunfighting career, Rock Creek Station features 6 miles of multi-use hiking trails that wind through beautiful native grasses and wooded areas. From the trail, you can view wagon ruts from westward travelers and reconstructed buildings at this former stagecoach and Pony Express station. Those curious to learn more can stop in the visitor center to see what Rock Creek Station was like during its heyday. The parks’ trails are mostly easy walking, and those who bring their horses can use an equestrian campground at the nearby Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area.

One of the earliest U.S. military posts west of the Missouri River, Fort Atkinson can claim several firsts: the first school, farm, hospital and library in what would become the state of Nebraska. The fort was active from 1820 to 1827, and several buildings have been reconstructed. Two trails are available: a half-mile path winding through native grasslands and a 1.5-mile trail leading through timber below the bluff.

Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park

Nearly 12 million years ago, volcanic ash engulfed this ancient watering hole, entombing innumerable animals. National Geographic has called it the Pompeii of the Plains. Visit the Rhino Barn to see the fossils as they are unearthed, then walk the 1-mile nature trail and imagine what the land would have looked like when prehistoric rhinos, horses, camels and birds roamed the earth. Visitors can also take the Verdigre Overlook Trail about 150 yards out to a scenic overlook of Verdigre Valley.

Named for the large sandstone cave within the park, Indian Cave State Park encompasses 3,052 rugged acres bordering the Missouri River. The cave bears petroglyphs likely carved some 1,500 to 1,800 years ago by nomadic people who used the area for temporary shelter. Though marred by modern carvings, some petroglyphs are still visible; bring binoculars to view them from the new boardwalk. Then go for a hike on Trail 11 that starts just 120 yards from the cave. The first quarter is a steep hike, so be prepared with good shoes!

Home of famed showman and scout William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park at North Platte recaptures the life and career of the famed frontiersman, Army scout and buffalo hunter-turned-showman. Tour Cody’s mansion home and barn, and then go for a walk on the 5 miles of hiking trails at the adjacent Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area. These trails are located at Buffalo Bill’s ranch, offering the chance to walk the grounds where this famous man once lived.

This beautiful estate in Nebraska City was home to J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. The highlight of this 72-acre park is the historic mansion, with its 52 rooms and countless historic artifacts belonging to the Morton family. The park also includes an arboretum, Italian terraced garden, more than 200 varieties of lilacs and a tree-themed playground. Make sure to visit the walking trails and see trees planted by Morton himself. The trails include a lilac walk, tree trail, and trails through the whispering pines.

To learn more about these parks, visit OutdoorNebraska.org. A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering a park.

By Nebraska Game and Parks&nbsp;By Renae Blum/Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionNebraska’s state parks hold a wealth of history that can be discovered by walking a few of the trails tied to the past.Here are our top suggestions for parks to visit when you’re ready for a good stroll that allows you to explore — and experience — Nebraska history.Ash Hollow State Historical ParkA major stopover on the Oregon and California pioneer trails, Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen has several trails allowing visitors to explore its history. A steep half-mile trail leads to the crest of Windlass Hill, where deep ruts carved by thousands of covered wagons are still visible. The easy half-mile Cliff Line Trail takes visitors past the 1903 rock schoolhouse, and the Ridgeline Trail by the visitor center has an amazing view of the North Platte River valley, showing where the California, Oregon trail and Mormon Pioneer trails converge. Once at the top, pause to remember those lost during the Battle of Blue Water, then stop in the visitor’s center to learn more.Rock Creek Station State Historical ParkKnown as the site where James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok began his gunfighting career, Rock Creek Station features 6 miles of multi-use hiking trails that wind through beautiful native grasses and wooded areas. From the trail, you can view wagon ruts from westward travelers and reconstructed buildings at this former stagecoach and Pony Express station. Those curious to learn more can stop in the visitor center to see what Rock Creek Station was like during its heyday. The parks’ trails are mostly easy walking, and those who bring their horses can use an equestrian campground at the nearby Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area.Fort Atkinson State Historical ParkOne of the earliest U.S. military posts west of the Missouri River, Fort Atkinson can claim several firsts: the first school, farm, hospital and library in what would become the state of Nebraska. The fort was active from 1820 to 1827, and several buildings have been reconstructed. Two trails are available: a half-mile path winding through native grasslands and a 1.5-mile trail leading through timber below the bluff.Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical ParkNearly 12 million years ago, volcanic ash engulfed this ancient watering hole, entombing innumerable animals. National Geographic has called it the Pompeii of the Plains. Visit the Rhino Barn to see the fossils as they are unearthed, then walk the 1-mile nature trail and imagine what the land would have looked like when prehistoric rhinos, horses, camels and birds roamed the earth. Visitors can also take the Verdigre Overlook Trail about 150 yards out to a scenic overlook of Verdigre Valley.Indian Cave State ParkNamed for the large sandstone cave within the park, Indian Cave State Park encompasses 3,052 rugged acres bordering the Missouri River. The cave bears petroglyphs likely carved some 1,500 to 1,800 years ago by nomadic people who used the area for temporary shelter. Though marred by modern carvings, some petroglyphs are still visible; bring binoculars to view them from the new boardwalk. Then go for a hike on Trail 11 that starts just 120 yards from the cave. The first quarter is a steep hike, so be prepared with good shoes!Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical ParkHome of famed showman and scout William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park at North Platte recaptures the life and career of the famed frontiersman, Army scout and buffalo hunter-turned-showman. Tour Cody’s mansion home and barn, and then go for a walk on the 5 miles of hiking trails at the adjacent Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area. These trails are located at Buffalo Bill’s ranch, offering the chance to walk the grounds where this famous man once lived.Arbor Lodge State Historical ParkThis beautiful estate in Nebraska City was home to J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. The highlight of this 72-acre park is the historic mansion, with its 52 rooms and countless historic artifacts belonging to the Morton family. The park also includes an arboretum, Italian terraced garden, more than 200 varieties of lilacs and a tree-themed playground. Make sure to visit the walking trails and see trees planted by Morton himself. The trails include a lilac walk, tree trail, and trails through the whispering pines.To learn more about these parks, visit OutdoorNebraska.org. A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering a park.

Explore NE history with park trails including Ash Hollow near Lewellen

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. – Wind Cave National Park is soliciting applications to sell firewood at the park’s Elk Mountain Campground. Applications will be accepted during the month of October to sell firewood beginning November 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023. &nbsp;

One permit will be issued to an applicant based on their relevant experiences and operating history. Their ability to provide for visitor safety while protecting park resources will also be evaluated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information, call the park at 605-745-4600. To apply, fill out and submit a Commercial Use Authorization Application found on the park’s website at: nps.gov/wica/getinvolved/dobusinesswithus.htm&nbsp;

By Wind Cave National ParkWIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. – Wind Cave National Park is soliciting applications to sell firewood at the park’s Elk Mountain Campground. Applications will be accepted during the month of October to sell firewood beginning November 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023. &nbsp;One permit will be issued to an applicant based on their relevant experiences and operating history. Their ability to provide for visitor safety while protecting park resources will also be evaluated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, call the park at 605-745-4600. To apply, fill out and submit a Commercial Use Authorization Application found on the park’s website at: nps.gov/wica/getinvolved/dobusinesswithus.htm&nbsp;

Wind Cave Nat. Park accepting applications for firewood sales at Elk Mountain

Today we talked to Tricia Goes from Upper Niobrara White NRD about education competitions coming up for high school students.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD education competitions" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qjbqm-12a9f2c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Today we talked to Tricia Goes from Upper Niobrara White NRD about education competitions coming up for high school students.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565801151254.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD education competitions 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 8/25/22

On Aug. 24 at approximately 1 p.m. an assault took place at the Alliance Middle School involving two juvenile females. 

 The School Resource Officer responded and conducted the investigation.

"During the investigation, one of the female juveniles involved became combative toward the officer," Alliance Police Department said. "The Alliance Middle School staff initiated a 'hold' in conjunction with the standard response protocol.  This is a standard to ensure the safety of school staff and students.  The hold remained in place until the juvenile female was able to be restrained and removed from the school."

The hold was lifted and the school was able to resume.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn Aug. 24 at approximately 1 p.m. an assault took place at the Alliance Middle School involving two juvenile females. The School Resource Officer responded and conducted the investigation."During the investigation, one of the female juveniles involved became combative toward the officer," Alliance Police Department said. "The Alliance Middle School staff initiated a 'hold' in conjunction with the standard response protocol. This is a standard to ensure the safety of school staff and students. The hold remained in place until the juvenile female was able to be restrained and removed from the school."The hold was lifted and the school was able to resume.&nbsp;&nbsp;

APD School Resource Officer helps with assault at Alliance Middle School 

By TENA L. COOK, Chadron State College

CHADRON – Many new and improved study and recreation spaces were added to the King Library during the summer, according to Chantel Merchen, director of the Office of Academic Success.

An open house to celebrate the additions Tuesday brought 267 patrons into the building.

“We were able to give multiple library tours, help new freshmen learn about how to search the Library’s databases, and help students with textbook reserves. If anyone on campus would like a tour, we are able to offer those any time we are open, if requested,” Merchen said.

To make room on the main floor for 10 collaborative workstations, the fiction book collection has been moved to the third floor. Each workstation includes a whiteboard table, screen and streaming casting capabilities, and power outlets.

The library’s Oculus Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, monitors, and bicycle have been moved from the main floor to the basement in Room 107.5, adjacent to the Richard's Media Lab in Room 107.

“All of our fun media is now in the basement of the library, if you want to do some fun VR,” Merchen said.

Additional options in Room 105 include several gaming systems with three TVs and an arcade game with more than 100 titles. The gaming space can be reserved by students. In between reservations, those who have a library card can use the equipment in the room.

“We have all the older games that millennials enjoyed playing as kids, and the updated systems, as well.&nbsp;We&nbsp;also have a full game library where patrons can use and check out games,” Merchen said. Elsewhere in the lower level, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) space is open and furnished.

“It's going to be available whenever the library is open for anybody to go in and work with others. It is a great space for idea-making, collaborating, or just having discussions or relaxing,” Merchen said.

By TENA L. COOK, Chadron State CollegeCHADRON – Many new and improved study and recreation spaces were added to the King Library during the summer, according to Chantel Merchen, director of the Office of Academic Success.An open house to celebrate the additions Tuesday brought 267 patrons into the building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661438943305.jpeg" alt="CSC students explore the fiction section in the King Library in August 2022. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>CSC students explore the fiction section in the King Library in August 2022. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We were able to give multiple library tours, help new freshmen learn about how to search the Library’s databases, and help students with textbook reserves. If anyone on campus would like a tour, we are able to offer those any time we are open, if requested,” Merchen said.To make room on the main floor for 10 collaborative workstations, the fiction book collection has been moved to the third floor. Each workstation includes a whiteboard table, screen and streaming casting capabilities, and power outlets.The library’s Oculus Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, monitors, and bicycle have been moved from the main floor to the basement in Room 107.5, adjacent to the Richard's Media Lab in Room 107.“All of our fun media is now in the basement of the library, if you want to do some fun VR,” Merchen said.Additional options in Room 105 include several gaming systems with three TVs and an arcade game with more than 100 titles. The gaming space can be reserved by students. In between reservations, those who have a library card can use the equipment in the room.“We have all the older games that millennials enjoyed playing as kids, and the updated systems, as well.&nbsp;We&nbsp;also have a full game library where patrons can use and check out games,” Merchen said. Elsewhere in the lower level, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) space is open and furnished.“It's going to be available whenever the library is open for anybody to go in and work with others. It is a great space for idea-making, collaborating, or just having discussions or relaxing,” Merchen said.

CSC King Library renovations include new game rooms, collaborative spaces

News Release Office of Governor Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts provided an update to media on the State of Nebraska’s trade mission to the United Kingdom and Ireland.&nbsp; The Nebraska trade delegation departed for the mission on August 21st&nbsp;and will return home on August 28th.&nbsp; It includes State agency directors, agricultural producers, insurance industry leaders, and economic development leaders.

On Monday, the trade delegation met with the Association of British Insurers to highlight Nebraska’s strength in insurance.&nbsp; Since the United Kingdom exited the European Union in 2020 (Brexit), UK insurers have been looking to develop stronger relationships in the United States.&nbsp; Nebraska&nbsp;Department of Insurance&nbsp;Director Eric Dunning and other key leaders from the state’s insurance industry are developing relationships with regulators and insurers in the UK during the trade mission to position Nebraska as a key partner with their insurance sector.&nbsp;

On today’s conference call, Malcolm Smith, VP of State Government Relations for AFLAC, shared his company’s great experience in Nebraska after having domiciled in the state about 20 years ago.&nbsp; As part of the trade delegation, he&nbsp;is&nbsp;helping to advocate Nebraska’s responsive and fair regulatory environment to UK insurers looking to do business in the United States.&nbsp; During his comments on today’s call, Gov. Ricketts reiterated the value of being able to promote Nebraska as an ideal place for UK companies to locate as they seek to expand product and service offerings across America.

While in the United Kingdom, the Nebraska trade delegation is working to reduce trade barriers.&nbsp; On Tuesday, Gov. Ricketts met with Penny Mordaunt, the UK’s Minister of State for Trade Policy.&nbsp; With bilateral trade talks stalled between the British and American federal governments, the UK has begun reaching out to individual&nbsp;US&nbsp;states.&nbsp; In their meeting, Gov. Ricketts and Minister Mordaunt discussed ways to open up trade between Nebraska and the UK.

Growing Nebraska agriculture is another key priority of the trade mission.&nbsp; During today’s conference call, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue talked about opportunities for beef and ethanol exports to the UK.&nbsp; He said that Nebraska ranchers have been able to share their success reducing energy inputs, while increasing beef production. &nbsp;The trade delegation met with the UK’s Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to tell the story of Nebraska agriculture.&nbsp; They also dined at Goodman’s restaurant in London, which sells premium beef from Nebraska.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts added that the Nebraska delegation has been able to highlight advancements in ethanol—like carbon sequestration and the adoption of higher ethanol blends—to leaders in the UK.&nbsp; Last year, the UK upped its ethanol blending requirement for all gasoline from 5% to 10%, generating demand for biofuels.&nbsp; The Governor said Nebraska ethanol offers a great solution for consumers in the UK concerned about rising fuel costs and looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Tomorrow, the trade delegation will meet with leaders of Haleon to thank them for doing business in Nebraska.&nbsp; The company (recently spun off from GSK), is headquartered in central London, and it manufactures consumer healthcare products at a facility just east of Nebraska’s capital.&nbsp;

The Nebraska trade mission will continue Thursday afternoon in Ireland.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Audio of today’s conference call is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fnisnvh2znloh8v5%2FUK_Ireland%2520Trade%2520Mission%2520Media%2520Conference%2520Call.mp3%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cb2e5b117524c4cf121ed08da86250df8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637969790990759643%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=KPPzX02V2BCfXxCtpdUk4y62%2FRp93FXpuDWMe9pTH8E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&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://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661431217906.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (front and center in blue tie) and members of the Nebraska trade delegation&nbsp;at a meeting with The British-American Business Association earlier today in London." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (front and center in blue tie) and members of the Nebraska trade delegation&nbsp;at a meeting with The British-American Business Association earlier today in London.</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Office of Governor RickettsGovernor Pete Ricketts provided an update to media on the State of Nebraska’s trade mission to the United Kingdom and Ireland.&nbsp; The Nebraska trade delegation departed for the mission on August 21st&nbsp;and will return home on August 28th.&nbsp; It includes State agency directors, agricultural producers, insurance industry leaders, and economic development leaders.On Monday, the trade delegation met with the Association of British Insurers to highlight Nebraska’s strength in insurance.&nbsp; Since the United Kingdom exited the European Union in 2020 (Brexit), UK insurers have been looking to develop stronger relationships in the United States.&nbsp; Nebraska&nbsp;Department of Insurance&nbsp;Director Eric Dunning and other key leaders from the state’s insurance industry are developing relationships with regulators and insurers in the UK during the trade mission to position Nebraska as a key partner with their insurance sector.&nbsp;On today’s conference call, Malcolm Smith, VP of State Government Relations for AFLAC, shared his company’s great experience in Nebraska after having domiciled in the state about 20 years ago.&nbsp; As part of the trade delegation, he&nbsp;is&nbsp;helping to advocate Nebraska’s responsive and fair regulatory environment to UK insurers looking to do business in the United States.&nbsp; During his comments on today’s call, Gov. Ricketts reiterated the value of being able to promote Nebraska as an ideal place for UK companies to locate as they seek to expand product and service offerings across America.While in the United Kingdom, the Nebraska trade delegation is working to reduce trade barriers.&nbsp; On Tuesday, Gov. Ricketts met with Penny Mordaunt, the UK’s Minister of State for Trade Policy.&nbsp; With bilateral trade talks stalled between the British and American federal governments, the UK has begun reaching out to individual&nbsp;US&nbsp;states.&nbsp; In their meeting, Gov. Ricketts and Minister Mordaunt discussed ways to open up trade between Nebraska and the UK.Growing Nebraska agriculture is another key priority of the trade mission.&nbsp; During today’s conference call, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue talked about opportunities for beef and ethanol exports to the UK.&nbsp; He said that Nebraska ranchers have been able to share their success reducing energy inputs, while increasing beef production. &nbsp;The trade delegation met with the UK’s Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to tell the story of Nebraska agriculture.&nbsp; They also dined at Goodman’s restaurant in London, which sells premium beef from Nebraska.&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts added that the Nebraska delegation has been able to highlight advancements in ethanol—like carbon sequestration and the adoption of higher ethanol blends—to leaders in the UK.&nbsp; Last year, the UK upped its ethanol blending requirement for all gasoline from 5% to 10%, generating demand for biofuels.&nbsp; The Governor said Nebraska ethanol offers a great solution for consumers in the UK concerned about rising fuel costs and looking to reduce their carbon footprint.Tomorrow, the trade delegation will meet with leaders of Haleon to thank them for doing business in Nebraska.&nbsp; The company (recently spun off from GSK), is headquartered in central London, and it manufactures consumer healthcare products at a facility just east of Nebraska’s capital.&nbsp;The Nebraska trade mission will continue Thursday afternoon in Ireland.&nbsp;&nbsp;Audio of today’s conference call is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fnisnvh2znloh8v5%2FUK_Ireland%2520Trade%2520Mission%2520Media%2520Conference%2520Call.mp3%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=05%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cb2e5b117524c4cf121ed08da86250df8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637969790990759643%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=KPPzX02V2BCfXxCtpdUk4y62%2FRp93FXpuDWMe9pTH8E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&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/m9IGG7ZEkIVRNFdruYfIZhKcJdzLR3QAAnlmEEM7yc0p596nIhoybwNjGtgefR6DYtGziZOxfbxy9c9ct0VsZA1QAS9ka4ZkRWvw-fgov13UxC3Txp2HBOIa63kTMp6HtaIUlbmuJk2nJlFmID2PhOZB_TpYGO29afzHemkmKaRi3eWr7Y2AUP2V" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Gov. Ricketts provides update on UK, Ireland trade mission

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for 2023 wild turkey hunting seasons at its Aug. 31 meeting at Fort Robinson State Park.

The meeting begins at 8 a.m. Mountain time at the park’s Buffalo Barracks, 3200 U.S. 20, Crawford.

The proposed changes to orders for the 2023 turkey season are:

The commissioners also will consider recommendations for a 2023 bighorn sheep hunting season. The orders recommend authorizing one lottery and one auction permit. The season would be Nov. 28-Dec. 22.

In addition, commissioners will draw the winner for the 2022 bighorn sheep lottery permit.

Commissioners also will consider recommendations to:

A complete meeting agenda can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjMuNjI2NzE0MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvcHVibGljbm90aWNlcy8ifQ.WtM_3joH923N9X7nL3z7SR7wEHljDSH5itBO2BwHN7Y/s/497221906/br/142972026623-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/publicnotices</a>. The proposed changes to Commission regulations and orders can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjMuNjI2NzE0MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvcmVndWxhdGlvbnMifQ.Uud-hMY-LMA3SB08EdUoVJeLhcqczboNScVOxbpoNj8/s/497221906/br/142972026623-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/regulations</a>.

By Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionThe Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for 2023 wild turkey hunting seasons at its Aug. 31 meeting at Fort Robinson State Park.The meeting begins at 8 a.m. Mountain time at the park’s Buffalo Barracks, 3200 U.S. 20, Crawford.The proposed changes to orders for the 2023 turkey season are:<ul>
 <li>Limit Nebraska resident hunters to two spring permits and nonresidents to one;</li><li>Limit the number of spring permits available to nonresidents to 10,000;</li><li>Amend the daily bag limit to allow a hunter to harvest no more than one turkey per calendar day during the spring season;</li><li>Shorten the fall season to Oct. 1-Nov. 30;</li><li>Limit all hunters to one permit in the fall season;</li><li>Lower the bag limit to one for all hunters in the fall season;</li>
 </ul>The commissioners also will consider recommendations for a 2023 bighorn sheep hunting season. The orders recommend authorizing one lottery and one auction permit. The season would be Nov. 28-Dec. 22.In addition, commissioners will draw the winner for the 2022 bighorn sheep lottery permit.Commissioners also will consider recommendations to:<ul>
 <li>approve permitting of hunting in some state parks and state historical parks for 2022 seasons;</li><li>approve budget requests for fiscal years 2024 and 2025; and</li><li>approve the gift of the Fort Kearny Shooting Sports property, consisting of land and equipment in Buffalo County, by the Fort Kearny Shooting Sports Association.</li>
 </ul>A complete meeting agenda can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjMuNjI2NzE0MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvcHVibGljbm90aWNlcy8ifQ.WtM_3joH923N9X7nL3z7SR7wEHljDSH5itBO2BwHN7Y/s/497221906/br/142972026623-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/publicnotices</a>. The proposed changes to Commission regulations and orders can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MjMuNjI2NzE0MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvcmVndWxhdGlvbnMifQ.Uud-hMY-LMA3SB08EdUoVJeLhcqczboNScVOxbpoNj8/s/497221906/br/142972026623-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/regulations</a>.

Commissioners to consider changes to wild turkey seasons for 2023

A Fly-In breakfast will be held at the Hay Springs Municipal Airport on Aug. 27 from 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. hosted by the FFA and airport.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661367108088.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Fly-In breakfast will be held at the Hay Springs Municipal Airport on Aug. 27 from 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. hosted by the FFA and airport.&nbsp;

Fly-In to be held at Hay Springs Municipal Airport 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire Warren Buffett is auctioning off a high-tech signed portrait of himself to raise money for one of his favorite charities, and the bidding has already topped $30,000.

The portrait of Buffett created by Motiva Art features a grid of letters over the picture that light up to spell out several of the legendary investor’s famous quotes. The eBay auction of this artwork probably won't rival the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-new-york-city-omaha-5805bbcd0bacb5c7930d6d71dfaa2247">$19 million</a>&nbsp;someone paid earlier this year for a private lunch with Buffett, but it's still likely to attract big bidders among the Berkshire Hathaway CEO's devoted followers.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/225089627952?hash=item3468632730:g:12oAAOSw7zJi~Rgl&amp;amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoH%2FYKdg8kqhWc%2BKPEalGgJCsaYfzVHRICMwgMYlBSGxMXjdhQ3a4TUE0iH1XIjxeM4d1sbC7mpmF8uLPc8RSn8QMRWGuMcFphdOOtFX6ls1jOG54RJ3YlCtP4aEsXno5cabyuEw2bybn3NjC5RnatsHZEmi4L1PoSrRaYrQ7l09qlBxE5OcG4MoKt3KQCf5kT5uwaxx4cAvNS22yfl6OJps%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7ztqbvZYA">auction</a>&nbsp;that began earlier this week is set to wrap up on Buffett's 92nd birthday on Aug. 30.

The proceeds from the art auction will go to Girls Inc. of Omaha, which provides educational, cultural and recreational programs for young women in Buffett's hometown. The nonprofit has benefitted from a number of other things the investor has auctioned off over the years.

Buffett once sold off an old wallet of his that contained a stock tip, raising $210,000 for the organization. And in 2015, someone paid more than $122,000 for Buffett's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5c2075fede0c442d96801ddf48e7f907">2006 Cadillac</a>&nbsp;with his signature on the dashboard.

The biggest Buffett payout for Girls Inc. came in 2018 when Buffett won a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bbb686c330c643629f906ecc20437d5b">10-year bet</a>&nbsp;that an S&amp;P 500 stock index fund would outperform a collection of hedge funds. That netted more than $2 million that Girls Inc. used to support a new residential program for young women leaving foster care.

The June lunch auction that raised $19 million for the California-based Glide Foundation that helps the homeless in San Francisco attracted such an astronomical winning bid because Buffett said this year's auction would be the final one. Before the pandemic, he had auctioned off private lunches every year for 20 years and regularly raised millions for Glide.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire Warren Buffett is auctioning off a high-tech signed portrait of himself to raise money for one of his favorite charities, and the bidding has already topped $30,000.The portrait of Buffett created by Motiva Art features a grid of letters over the picture that light up to spell out several of the legendary investor’s famous quotes. The eBay auction of this artwork probably won't rival the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-new-york-city-omaha-5805bbcd0bacb5c7930d6d71dfaa2247">$19 million</a>&nbsp;someone paid earlier this year for a private lunch with Buffett, but it's still likely to attract big bidders among the Berkshire Hathaway CEO's devoted followers.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/225089627952?hash=item3468632730:g:12oAAOSw7zJi~Rgl&amp;amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoH%2FYKdg8kqhWc%2BKPEalGgJCsaYfzVHRICMwgMYlBSGxMXjdhQ3a4TUE0iH1XIjxeM4d1sbC7mpmF8uLPc8RSn8QMRWGuMcFphdOOtFX6ls1jOG54RJ3YlCtP4aEsXno5cabyuEw2bybn3NjC5RnatsHZEmi4L1PoSrRaYrQ7l09qlBxE5OcG4MoKt3KQCf5kT5uwaxx4cAvNS22yfl6OJps%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7ztqbvZYA">auction</a>&nbsp;that began earlier this week is set to wrap up on Buffett's 92nd birthday on Aug. 30.The proceeds from the art auction will go to Girls Inc. of Omaha, which provides educational, cultural and recreational programs for young women in Buffett's hometown. The nonprofit has benefitted from a number of other things the investor has auctioned off over the years.Buffett once sold off an old wallet of his that contained a stock tip, raising $210,000 for the organization. And in 2015, someone paid more than $122,000 for Buffett's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5c2075fede0c442d96801ddf48e7f907">2006 Cadillac</a>&nbsp;with his signature on the dashboard.The biggest Buffett payout for Girls Inc. came in 2018 when Buffett won a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bbb686c330c643629f906ecc20437d5b">10-year bet</a>&nbsp;that an S&amp;P 500 stock index fund would outperform a collection of hedge funds. That netted more than $2 million that Girls Inc. used to support a new residential program for young women leaving foster care.The June lunch auction that raised $19 million for the California-based Glide Foundation that helps the homeless in San Francisco attracted such an astronomical winning bid because Buffett said this year's auction would be the final one. Before the pandemic, he had auctioned off private lunches every year for 20 years and regularly raised millions for Glide.

Bids for signed Warren Buffett portrait already top $30,000

Uptown On Campus will be held at Chadron State College on Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.&nbsp;

The event will be held at the Chadron State Student Center.&nbsp;

This is an opportunity for you to come to campus, connect with Chadron State College students and showcase what you offer in Chadron.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661354269425.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Uptown On Campus will be held at Chadron State College on Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.&nbsp;The event will be held at the Chadron State Student Center.&nbsp;This is an opportunity for you to come to campus, connect with Chadron State College students and showcase what you offer in Chadron.&nbsp;

'Uptown On Campus' to be held at Chadron State College

At its Aug. 16 meeting, Alliance City Council approved the redevelopment plan for the Alliance Heartland Flats Mall and Apartments Project. 

The new building will be located on the west side of Alliance along Highway 385 near the new Runza restaurant.

This new four-story development would bring 51 one and two-bedroom apartments, 11 extended stay hotel rooms and two retail bays into the city.

"Obviously, we've had the hotel [Holiday Inn Express]...took a little while to ramp up, but it's doing very well now," 385 Apartments LLC owner Mike Works said. "I'm super happy that the Runza is out there with us now. The owner of the Runza is also in favor of this project. I know there's been some concern, is there enough demand in town for 51 new apartments? I will tell you that we're doing this in a whole bunch of other small towns. And the answer is absolutely. The nice thing that we can do is we can use those as extended stay hotel rooms that we do need. And so we can use it either way. And for some reason that we don't rent them all out, we've got an extra dozen of them, on top of 11 on the first floor, we would turn them into extended stay hotel rooms and be very happy with that. We do have that demand and that need often from the hospital from people that are looking for something more that needs a kitchenette or people that are going to be there for over 30 days. But either way, we're recruiting sales tax from creating benefits to the city. I think it's something that the city has needed."

Works said they would like to start this new project in the next 30 to 45 days.

"My office gets a lot of calls for rentals, and I don't have near enough to offer anyone," Box Butte Development Corporation Executive Director Chelsie Herian said. "And part of that goes to the quality of the rentals as well. So, any new construction, I think will be a huge benefit to the community."

Works said the quality of these new apartments will be top notch.

"Speaking of the quality, we are building the exact same apartments that we're building in Lincoln, and other communities," Works said. "We're talking about stainless steel equipment. We're having an elevator in this building. So, people of all ages will be able to use this. We are seeing a lot of folks that are in their late 60s and 70s are using it as an in-between-stage, where they don't want to live in the house anymore, but then they don't want to go to a retirement home yet. You know we've got coarse countertops, bathrooms, LVT flooring...they are very, very nice. So, we're not going to skimping on anything here that we wouldn't do anywhere else."

The Alliance Housing Authority is also in favor of this new development coming to Alliance.

"We have a big waiting list of low-income people that want a single bedroom and the housing authority does not have any single bedroom units," Alliance Housing Authority Executive Director Patricia Klemke said. "So, when we have a single person and vacant units, we have to put them in a two-bedroom unit if we have them available with little waitlist. This would be a perfect opportunity for our Section 8 program because like [Herian] said there are not that many units available. Hopefully they would cooperate with us on a Section 8 program. The Section 8 is a guaranteed check from us, every month, there's no question. And I know Section 8 sometimes gets a bad rap for the quality of tenant. But if the landlord would do proper, you know, previous landlord checks, they could get a good tenant. They can always deny someone, I understand that. But if they would do their landlord check, you can get the quality tenants. We are authorized to lease up to 187 Section 8 vouchers. Currently, we only have 124 leased. So, the way our funding works is, the more we lease, the more we get in our budget the following year. So, it's based on your historic leasing level, we have got a huge reserve, we can support that. I fully support this. We have so many people that can't find a quality, you know, even a place...it doesn't matter if it's quality, or even if it's subpar, they just can't find anything. So, I fully support this."

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostAt its Aug. 16 meeting, Alliance City Council approved the redevelopment plan for the Alliance Heartland Flats Mall and Apartments Project. The new building will be located on the west side of Alliance along Highway 385 near the new Runza restaurant.This new four-story development would bring 51 one and two-bedroom apartments, 11 extended stay hotel rooms and two retail bays into the city."Obviously, we've had the hotel [Holiday Inn Express]...took a little while to ramp up, but it's doing very well now," 385 Apartments LLC owner Mike Works said. "I'm super happy that the Runza is out there with us now. The owner of the Runza is also in favor of this project. I know there's been some concern, is there enough demand in town for 51 new apartments? I will tell you that we're doing this in a whole bunch of other small towns. And the answer is absolutely. The nice thing that we can do is we can use those as extended stay hotel rooms that we do need. And so we can use it either way. And for some reason that we don't rent them all out, we've got an extra dozen of them, on top of 11 on the first floor, we would turn them into extended stay hotel rooms and be very happy with that. We do have that demand and that need often from the hospital from people that are looking for something more that needs a kitchenette or people that are going to be there for over 30 days. But either way, we're recruiting sales tax from creating benefits to the city. I think it's something that the city has needed."Works said they would like to start this new project in the next 30 to 45 days."My office gets a lot of calls for rentals, and I don't have near enough to offer anyone," Box Butte Development Corporation Executive Director Chelsie Herian said. "And part of that goes to the quality of the rentals as well. So, any new construction, I think will be a huge benefit to the community."Works said the quality of these new apartments will be top notch."Speaking of the quality, we are building the exact same apartments that we're building in Lincoln, and other communities," Works said. "We're talking about stainless steel equipment. We're having an elevator in this building. So, people of all ages will be able to use this. We are seeing a lot of folks that are in their late 60s and 70s are using it as an in-between-stage, where they don't want to live in the house anymore, but then they don't want to go to a retirement home yet. You know we've got coarse countertops, bathrooms, LVT flooring...they are very, very nice. So, we're not going to skimping on anything here that we wouldn't do anywhere else."The Alliance Housing Authority is also in favor of this new development coming to Alliance."We have a big waiting list of low-income people that want a single bedroom and the housing authority does not have any single bedroom units," Alliance Housing Authority Executive Director Patricia Klemke said. "So, when we have a single person and vacant units, we have to put them in a two-bedroom unit if we have them available with little waitlist. This would be a perfect opportunity for our Section 8 program because like [Herian] said there are not that many units available. Hopefully they would cooperate with us on a Section 8 program. The Section 8 is a guaranteed check from us, every month, there's no question. And I know Section 8 sometimes gets a bad rap for the quality of tenant. But if the landlord would do proper, you know, previous landlord checks, they could get a good tenant. They can always deny someone, I understand that. But if they would do their landlord check, you can get the quality tenants. We are authorized to lease up to 187 Section 8 vouchers. Currently, we only have 124 leased. So, the way our funding works is, the more we lease, the more we get in our budget the following year. So, it's based on your historic leasing level, we have got a huge reserve, we can support that. I fully support this. We have so many people that can't find a quality, you know, even a place...it doesn't matter if it's quality, or even if it's subpar, they just can't find anything. So, I fully support this."

Alliance council approves development for Heartland Flats Apartments, Mall

For students with allergies and asthma, back to school means more than getting their backpacks filled with paper, pencils, and any needed odds and ends. Keeping your child safe and healthy involves creating a proactive plan to be implemented both at home and at school. Allergy doctors refer to these plans as “control programs” because the goal is prevention and control.

Food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, the total body allergic reaction with shortness of breath,

hives, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially death. Avoidance is the

treatment. If an accident happens and the student starts to react, it is imperative that

epinephrine is given and the student is taken to the emergency room for ongoing care.

A local, itchy reaction can occur if the allergic student touches the food and the more serious reaction, anaphylaxis can occur if the food is eaten.

Children diagnosed as asthmatics tend to have more frequent issues than food allergic children. Like food allergies, prevention is key. Therefore, the student should take any daily prevention medications at home prior to going to school. Students with allergy eyes and noses should also take their medications before they leave for school to minimize symptoms. If they continue to have symptoms, it is time to see the doctor.

Asthmatics need ready access to a rescue medication such as albuterol to use when they develop their cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath. While at school, students can use their inhaler before strenuous exercise to prevent an attack. A control program should spell out what to do if the inhaler does not work. Most often this will trigger a call to the parents. If the attack is severe, it could mean getting the student to an emergency room. Most asthma flares are triggered by viral infections. Getting the flu shot can reduce the odds of a flareup and staying home during a flareup may be best.

Parents and guardians, be sure to prepare your child’s control program before school starts and share it with the school team. Make sure the student’s medications are present and ready to go. Have the school forms completed by the student’s doctor and remember to get that doctor appointment scheduled early. Talk with your child so they know what to do.

Students with allergy and asthma can expect to fully participate in virtually all school activities including gym class and sporting events. If they are having symptoms, it means the control program needs to be improved and participation continued.

Having the entire team ready is the best way to feel good about sending your children back to school. Working together results in happy, confident, successful students and proud parents!

Mark E. Bubak, M.D. is a contributing Prairie Doc® columnist. He is a board-certified allergist with a practice based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc®…based on science, built on trust, at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

By Mark E. Bubak, M.D.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661301704179.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For students with allergies and asthma, back to school means more than getting their backpacks filled with paper, pencils, and any needed odds and ends. Keeping your child safe and healthy involves creating a proactive plan to be implemented both at home and at school. Allergy doctors refer to these plans as “control programs” because the goal is prevention and control.Food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, the total body allergic reaction with shortness of breath,hives, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially death. Avoidance is thetreatment. If an accident happens and the student starts to react, it is imperative thatepinephrine is given and the student is taken to the emergency room for ongoing care.A local, itchy reaction can occur if the allergic student touches the food and the more serious reaction, anaphylaxis can occur if the food is eaten.Children diagnosed as asthmatics tend to have more frequent issues than food allergic children. Like food allergies, prevention is key. Therefore, the student should take any daily prevention medications at home prior to going to school. Students with allergy eyes and noses should also take their medications before they leave for school to minimize symptoms. If they continue to have symptoms, it is time to see the doctor.Asthmatics need ready access to a rescue medication such as albuterol to use when they develop their cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath. While at school, students can use their inhaler before strenuous exercise to prevent an attack. A control program should spell out what to do if the inhaler does not work. Most often this will trigger a call to the parents. If the attack is severe, it could mean getting the student to an emergency room. Most asthma flares are triggered by viral infections. Getting the flu shot can reduce the odds of a flareup and staying home during a flareup may be best.Parents and guardians, be sure to prepare your child’s control program before school starts and share it with the school team. Make sure the student’s medications are present and ready to go. Have the school forms completed by the student’s doctor and remember to get that doctor appointment scheduled early. Talk with your child so they know what to do.Students with allergy and asthma can expect to fully participate in virtually all school activities including gym class and sporting events. If they are having symptoms, it means the control program needs to be improved and participation continued.Having the entire team ready is the best way to feel good about sending your children back to school. Working together results in happy, confident, successful students and proud parents!Mark E. Bubak, M.D. is a contributing Prairie Doc® columnist. He is a board-certified allergist with a practice based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc®…based on science, built on trust, at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Prairie Doc. Perspectives: Back to school with allergy, asthma

HARRISON, NE — In celebration of the National Park Service’s “Founders Day,” Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is proud to welcome Darrell Red Cloud, great-great-grandson of the legendary Chief Red Cloud of the Lakota, and Dr. Jeff Bradshaw Professor of Entomology at University of Nebraska’s Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff.

Darrell Red Cloud is a direct fifth blood descendant of the “Great Chief Red Cloud”, Leader of the Oglala Lakota Band of the seven council fires of the great Lakota, Dakota, and Nekota nation. He is a fluent speaker of the Lakota language, and a graduate of the Oglala Lakota College with a bachelor’s degree in Lakota Culture. His presentations will be offered at our visitor center picnic pavilion, Saturday at 9am &amp; 1pm.

Dr. Jeff Bradshaw is Professor and Entomology Extension Specialist at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln stationed at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, NE. Dr. Bradshaw has active research on the cropping-system impacts of pests and their biological control.

Dr. Bradshaw will be presenting “Managing the good and the bad: a developing story of insect management in sunflower”.

While there are some very detrimental insect pests of sunflower such as the red seed weevil and sunflower moth, some insects (such as bees) contribute to a productive harvest. How do we reduce a pest while conserving a beneficial insect in a way that results in a profit for the producer? This presentation will present some research that has been conducted and is ongoing throughout the Nebraska panhandle through students and faculty at the University of Nebraska.

This presentation will be presented at the park visitor center picnic pavilion Saturday at 11am.

Admission is free and no reservations are required. Masks are required inside Agate Fossil Beds visitor center and museum.

Agate Fossil Beds is located 23 miles south of Harrison, Neb. and 34 miles north of Mitchell, Neb. along Highway 29 at 301 River Road.

By Agate Bed National MonumentHARRISON, NE — In celebration of the National Park Service’s “Founders Day,” Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is proud to welcome Darrell Red Cloud, great-great-grandson of the legendary Chief Red Cloud of the Lakota, and Dr. Jeff Bradshaw Professor of Entomology at University of Nebraska’s Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661301516548.jpeg" alt="Darrell Red Cloud" />
 <figcaption>Darrell Red Cloud</figcaption>
 </figure>Darrell Red Cloud is a direct fifth blood descendant of the “Great Chief Red Cloud”, Leader of the Oglala Lakota Band of the seven council fires of the great Lakota, Dakota, and Nekota nation. He is a fluent speaker of the Lakota language, and a graduate of the Oglala Lakota College with a bachelor’s degree in Lakota Culture. His presentations will be offered at our visitor center picnic pavilion, Saturday at 9am &amp; 1pm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661301542741.png" alt="Jeff Bradshaw" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Bradshaw</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Jeff Bradshaw is Professor and Entomology Extension Specialist at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln stationed at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, NE. Dr. Bradshaw has active research on the cropping-system impacts of pests and their biological control.Dr. Bradshaw will be presenting “Managing the good and the bad: a developing story of insect management in sunflower”.While there are some very detrimental insect pests of sunflower such as the red seed weevil and sunflower moth, some insects (such as bees) contribute to a productive harvest. How do we reduce a pest while conserving a beneficial insect in a way that results in a profit for the producer? This presentation will present some research that has been conducted and is ongoing throughout the Nebraska panhandle through students and faculty at the University of Nebraska.This presentation will be presented at the park visitor center picnic pavilion Saturday at 11am.Admission is free and no reservations are required. Masks are required inside Agate Fossil Beds visitor center and museum.Agate Fossil Beds is located 23 miles south of Harrison, Neb. and 34 miles north of Mitchell, Neb. along Highway 29 at 301 River Road.

Red Cloud, Bradshaw to speak at Agate Fossil Beds Nat. Mon.

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested two people after finding 59 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 9 pounds of suspected fentanyl during an encounter last week at an Interstate 80 rest area.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18, when a trooper contacted the occupants of a Volkswagen Passat at the westbound I-80 rest area at Cozad, near mile marker 227. During the encounter, an NSP K-9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed two foam statues in the backseat. Troopers discovered that both statues were hollow and contained several packages of controlled substances. In total, troopers located 59 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 9 pounds of suspected fentanyl concealed inside the statues.

The two occupants, Adriana Gonzalez, 31, and Ildefonso Rivera-Leon, 51, both of San Ysidro, California, were arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, and possession with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in Dawson County Jail.

By Nebraska State PatrolNORTH PLATTE, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested two people after finding 59 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 9 pounds of suspected fentanyl during an encounter last week at an Interstate 80 rest area.The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18, when a trooper contacted the occupants of a Volkswagen Passat at the westbound I-80 rest area at Cozad, near mile marker 227. During the encounter, an NSP K-9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.A search of the vehicle revealed two foam statues in the backseat. Troopers discovered that both statues were hollow and contained several packages of controlled substances. In total, troopers located 59 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 9 pounds of suspected fentanyl concealed inside the statues.The two occupants, Adriana Gonzalez, 31, and Ildefonso Rivera-Leon, 51, both of San Ysidro, California, were arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, and possession with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in Dawson County Jail.

Troopers find meth, fentanyl hidden inside foam statues

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 8/23/22

Combat Vets Motorcycle Association will be holding a "Dice-Run" on Sept. 10.&nbsp;

The ride starts in Chadron, goes through Alliance and Hemingford, and ends at the Rodeo Grounds in Crawford.&nbsp;

They will have an after party featuring Loaded Dice band.&nbsp;

All proceeds support the CVMA mission of "Vets Helping Vets in Nebraska."

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661268406307.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Combat Vets Motorcycle Association will be holding a "Dice-Run" on Sept. 10.&nbsp;The ride starts in Chadron, goes through Alliance and Hemingford, and ends at the Rodeo Grounds in Crawford.&nbsp;They will have an after party featuring Loaded Dice band.&nbsp;All proceeds support the CVMA mission of "Vets Helping Vets in Nebraska."

Combat Vets Motorcycle Association to hold 'Dice-Run' 

Karen Benzel discusses the duck drawing fundraiser, and previews the upcoming annual campaign.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska" 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=jhuwf-12a6cd8-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>Karen Benzel discusses the duck drawing fundraiser, and previews the upcoming annual campaign.

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Labor along with Box Butte Development Corporation (BBDC), Alliance Chamber of Commerce, NCAPWN, Western Nebraska Community College and other partners are holding a Drive-Through Job and Resource Fair on Aug. 31 at BBDC.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661266103646.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Nebraska Department of Labor along with Box Butte Development Corporation (BBDC), Alliance Chamber of Commerce, NCAPWN, Western Nebraska Community College and other partners are holding a Drive-Through Job and Resource Fair on Aug. 31 at BBDC.&nbsp;

'Drive-Through Job & Resource Fair' to be held at BBDC in Alliance

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed from the road 15 impaired drivers during the first weekend of the annual&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;campaign. The national campaign marks the end of the summer driving season.

Troopers and dispatchers will be working overtime during the next two weeks as part of the effort, which runs through Labor Day, September 5.&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;includes law enforcement and public safety partners throughout the country.

So far in 2022, troopers have made nearly 600 arrests for driving under the influence. Fifteen of those arrests occurred this weekend, with the start of&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“Impaired driving is dangerous for everyone on the road,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As the summer driving season winds down, we urge all motorists to drive safely and always drive sober.”

The campaign is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $26,550 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

By Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed from the road 15 impaired drivers during the first weekend of the annual&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;campaign. The national campaign marks the end of the summer driving season.Troopers and dispatchers will be working overtime during the next two weeks as part of the effort, which runs through Labor Day, September 5.&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over&nbsp;includes law enforcement and public safety partners throughout the country.So far in 2022, troopers have made nearly 600 arrests for driving under the influence. Fifteen of those arrests occurred this weekend, with the start of&nbsp;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.“Impaired driving is dangerous for everyone on the road,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As the summer driving season winds down, we urge all motorists to drive safely and always drive sober.”The campaign is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $26,550 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over closes summer driving season

The public is invited to explore the natural diversity of the Pine Ridge and help catalog the species found there during the Chadron State Park Bioblitz on Sept. 9-10.

The free, family-friendly event will join members of the public with natural resources experts to explore and learn about the biodiversity and habitat at the park. Then, participants will work to identify as many plants and animals as possible during the event.

“This is a great way for folks of all ages and backgrounds to become engaged in nature and learn about the many species in this region,” said Amanda Filipi, an outdoor education specialist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and event organizer.

Educational sessions over the two-day event will include moth backlighting, as well as how to conduct surveys for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, plants and insects.

One Friday afternoon set-up session is planned, but the event officially gets underway with a free pizza dinner, orientation and team trivia game at the park’s community building that evening. Registration is required to attend the dinner; RSVP through the event listing at calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov, the “Chadron State Park Bioblitz” event page on Facebook, or by contacting Filipi at 308-436-3777 or amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov.

Participants should sign in at the Group Event Facility, which will serve as the bioblitz headquarters.

People may attend as much of the event as they want. Those wishing to spend the night may rent a cabin or campsite via OutdoorNebraska.gov. Participants also can get their Nebraska Park Entry vehicle permit at the same web address.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is presenting the bioblitz in collaboration with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Chadron State College and the Community Scientists of Nebraska Network. The Nebraska Environmental Trust is providing financial support.

Friday, Sept. 9 — 4:30 p.m. Small mammal survey set-up (Shelley Steffl, Game and Parks, and Teresa Frink, Chadron State College); 6 p.m. Dinner; 6:30 p.m. Orientation (Alie Mayes, Game and Parks); 7 p.m. Nature trivia with teams of five or less; 8:30 p.m. Moth backlighting (Olivia DaRugna, Game and Parks)

Saturday, Sept. 10 – 7 a.m. Bird banding (Bird Conservancy of the Rockies); 8 a.m. Small mammals (Steffl and Frink); 9 a.m. Plants (Jonathan Spiess, Chadron State College); 10 a.m. Insects (Mathew Brust, Chadron State College); 11 a.m. Reptiles and amphibians (Colleen Rothe-Groleau, Game and Parks)

By Nebraska Game and ParksThe public is invited to explore the natural diversity of the Pine Ridge and help catalog the species found there during the Chadron State Park Bioblitz on Sept. 9-10.The free, family-friendly event will join members of the public with natural resources experts to explore and learn about the biodiversity and habitat at the park. Then, participants will work to identify as many plants and animals as possible during the event.“This is a great way for folks of all ages and backgrounds to become engaged in nature and learn about the many species in this region,” said Amanda Filipi, an outdoor education specialist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and event organizer.Educational sessions over the two-day event will include moth backlighting, as well as how to conduct surveys for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, plants and insects.One Friday afternoon set-up session is planned, but the event officially gets underway with a free pizza dinner, orientation and team trivia game at the park’s community building that evening. Registration is required to attend the dinner; RSVP through the event listing at calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov, the “Chadron State Park Bioblitz” event page on Facebook, or by contacting Filipi at 308-436-3777 or amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov.Participants should sign in at the Group Event Facility, which will serve as the bioblitz headquarters.People may attend as much of the event as they want. Those wishing to spend the night may rent a cabin or campsite via OutdoorNebraska.gov. Participants also can get their Nebraska Park Entry vehicle permit at the same web address.The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is presenting the bioblitz in collaboration with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Chadron State College and the Community Scientists of Nebraska Network. The Nebraska Environmental Trust is providing financial support.The schedule:Friday, Sept. 9 — 4:30 p.m. Small mammal survey set-up (Shelley Steffl, Game and Parks, and Teresa Frink, Chadron State College); 6 p.m. Dinner; 6:30 p.m. Orientation (Alie Mayes, Game and Parks); 7 p.m. Nature trivia with teams of five or less; 8:30 p.m. Moth backlighting (Olivia DaRugna, Game and Parks)Saturday, Sept. 10 – 7 a.m. Bird banding (Bird Conservancy of the Rockies); 8 a.m. Small mammals (Steffl and Frink); 9 a.m. Plants (Jonathan Spiess, Chadron State College); 10 a.m. Insects (Mathew Brust, Chadron State College); 11 a.m. Reptiles and amphibians (Colleen Rothe-Groleau, Game and Parks)

Help count species at Chadron State Park Bioblitz

On Aug. 18 Chadron Police Officer Klemp took a report from a female, under the age of 18 years of age, who reported being given methamphetamine in exchange of acts of a sexual nature. 

"Interviews were conducted and as a result, Officer Klemp and Inv. Bryner applied for and received a search warrant for an apartment in Chadron where the incident was reported to have occurred," Chadron Police Chief Rick Hickstein said.&nbsp;

Investigators with the Western Intelligence Narcotics Group (WING) along with officers of the Chadron Police Department served the search warrant on the apartment at approximately 1 p.m. on Aug. 19

During the service of the search warrant, residue amounts of methamphetamine were seized, along with 12 grams of marijuana, numerous plastic baggies, a scale, money and drug paraphernalia. &nbsp;58-year-old David G. King was arrested for the possession of methamphetamine (Class IV Felony), Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class III Felony), Child Abuse (Class IIIA Felony), Solicitation of Prostitution under 18 years of age (Class IV Felony), and Sexual Assault First Degree (Class II Felony).

King was booked into the Dawes County Jail. Bond was set at 10% of $100,000.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn Aug. 18 Chadron Police Officer Klemp took a report from a female, under the age of 18 years of age, who reported being given methamphetamine in exchange of acts of a sexual nature. "Interviews were conducted and as a result, Officer Klemp and Inv. Bryner applied for and received a search warrant for an apartment in Chadron where the incident was reported to have occurred," Chadron Police Chief Rick Hickstein said.&nbsp;Investigators with the Western Intelligence Narcotics Group (WING) along with officers of the Chadron Police Department served the search warrant on the apartment at approximately 1 p.m. on Aug. 19 During the service of the search warrant, residue amounts of methamphetamine were seized, along with 12 grams of marijuana, numerous plastic baggies, a scale, money and drug paraphernalia. &nbsp;58-year-old David G. King was arrested for the possession of methamphetamine (Class IV Felony), Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class III Felony), Child Abuse (Class IIIA Felony), Solicitation of Prostitution under 18 years of age (Class IV Felony), and Sexual Assault First Degree (Class II Felony).King was booked into the Dawes County Jail. Bond was set at 10% of $100,000.

Chadron man arrested for meth, sexual assault, child solicitation

By Tricia Goes, Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District

This is the Crop Water Use Report for the week of August 22.

Over the past week, corn used 0.96 inches.

By Tricia Goes, Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources DistrictThis is the Crop Water Use Report for the week of August 22.Over the past week, corn used 0.96 inches.Expected use by corn for this week is 1.02 inches.Over the past week, beets used 1.46 inches.Expected use by beets for this week is 1.55 inches.Over the past week, potatoes used 0.16 inches.Expected use by potatoes for this week is 0.17 inches.Over the past week, dry beans used 1.33 inches.Expected use by dry beans for this week is 1.41 inches.Over the past week, soybeans used 1.76 inches.Expected use by soybeans for this week is 1.87 inches.Over the past week, sunflowers used 1.84 inches.Expected use by sunflowers for this week is 1.96 inches.Over the past week, alfalfa used 1.6 inches.Expected use by alfalfa for this week is 1.7 inches.Over the past week, actively growing lawns used 2.1 inches.Expected use by actively growing lawns for this week 2.2 inches.Average ET gauge readings was 1.6 inches.The average rainfall for the district was 0.22 inches.The weather forecast for the next week shows highs in the high 80’s and 90’s, and lows in the 60’s with a high chance of rain throughout the week.In the last week, soil moisture monitoring station 1 showed 22% water available at 12”, 22% water available at 24”, and 32% water available at 36”. The producer did irrigate. Remember this is in a Sandy Loam soil type with Corn planted and will vary depending on site, weather, irrigation management, topography, crop, and soil type.In the last week, soil moisture monitoring station 2 showed 40.3% water available at 8”, 36.6% water available at 18”, and 34.7% water available at 36”. The producer did irrigate.Remember this is in a Loam soil type with Sugarbeets planted and will vary depending on site, weather, irrigation management, topography, crop, and soil type.The crop water use report is completed using the average growth stage for each crop and ET gauge reading from across the district. To find the conversion for your specific crop growth stage, visit <a href="https://nawmn.unl.edu/GrowthStageData">https://nawmn.unl.edu/GrowthStageData</a>.For more information or to inquire about ET gauges or soil moisture monitoring equipment, please contact Erin Lee at the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District at 308.432.6190 or visit our website at <a href="http://www.unwnrd.org">www.unwnrd.org</a>. We are committed to helping Nebraskans conserve and protect groundwater.