ALLIANCE – The Alliance Rec Center is pleased to announce a grant award of $5,000 from the United Way of Western Nebraska serving Box Butte County. The award is part of a funding initiative to maintain the Alliance Rec Center’s commitment to ensuring financial aid remains available for ARC AfterSchool and facility membership.

These funds will be awarded to area individuals, families, and children for the opportunity to build healthy habits through membership and programs at the ARC but who may not have the financial means to afford it. ARC AfterSchool, serving K-5th grade students, is one such program dedicated to closing the achievement gap and producing more positive outcomes for children living in poverty. “Those who qualify for free or reduced lunch qualify for an ARC AfterSchool scholarship which is provided, in part, by United Way of Western Nebraska serving Box Butte and Dawes Counties,” shares Mara Andersen, executive director of the Alliance Rec Center. “Our continued partnership with the United Way enables us to successfully meet our combined objectives to promote financial stability, help children achieve their potential, and improve individual and community health.” People may also apply for financial aid to reduce costs of facility membership and access to fitness classes and drop-in child care. Applications for financial assistance are available online at www.AllianceRecCenter.com/membership.

The Alliance Rec Center has been a United Way agency for several years. “United Way of Western Nebraska strives to support non-profit partners that align with our goals of health, education and financial stability. The Alliance Recreation Center aligns with those goals and has a strong focus of ensuring all community members have access to recreation opportunities and educational experiences. UWWN is a proud community partner in that mission,” says Karen Benzel, executive director of United Way of Western Nebraska.

The Alliance Rec Center continues to raise funds to support their financial aid program awarding over $30,000 annually to people in need. Giving opportunities can be found online at www.AllianceRecCenter.com/GetInvolved.

By Alliance Recreation CenterALLIANCE – The Alliance Rec Center is pleased to announce a grant award of $5,000 from the United Way of Western Nebraska serving Box Butte County. The award is part of a funding initiative to maintain the Alliance Rec Center’s commitment to ensuring financial aid remains available for ARC AfterSchool and facility membership.These funds will be awarded to area individuals, families, and children for the opportunity to build healthy habits through membership and programs at the ARC but who may not have the financial means to afford it. ARC AfterSchool, serving K-5th grade students, is one such program dedicated to closing the achievement gap and producing more positive outcomes for children living in poverty. “Those who qualify for free or reduced lunch qualify for an ARC AfterSchool scholarship which is provided, in part, by United Way of Western Nebraska serving Box Butte and Dawes Counties,” shares Mara Andersen, executive director of the Alliance Rec Center. “Our continued partnership with the United Way enables us to successfully meet our combined objectives to promote financial stability, help children achieve their potential, and improve individual and community health.” People may also apply for financial aid to reduce costs of facility membership and access to fitness classes and drop-in child care. Applications for financial assistance are available online at www.AllianceRecCenter.com/membership.The Alliance Rec Center has been a United Way agency for several years. “United Way of Western Nebraska strives to support non-profit partners that align with our goals of health, education and financial stability. The Alliance Recreation Center aligns with those goals and has a strong focus of ensuring all community members have access to recreation opportunities and educational experiences. UWWN is a proud community partner in that mission,” says Karen Benzel, executive director of United Way of Western Nebraska.The Alliance Rec Center continues to raise funds to support their financial aid program awarding over $30,000 annually to people in need. Giving opportunities can be found online at www.AllianceRecCenter.com/GetInvolved.

Alliance Rec Center awarded grant from United Way serving Box Butte, Dawes Counties

Box Butte County Fair sheep results:&nbsp; (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)

Berkley Davies	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	

Ruby Heckman	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	

Taylor Swanson	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	

Ainslee Woltman	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	

Emily Thompson	Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	

Ruby Heckman	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	

Lahramie Laursen	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	

Brenna Schumacher	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	

Raegan Schumacher	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	

Tegan Straub	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	

Taylor Swanson	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	

Ainslee Woltman	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	

Brenna Schumacher	Breeding Ewe Lamb	Blue	

Lilly Hasenauer	FFA Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	

Emily Thompson	FFA Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	

Lilly Hasenauer	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	

Emily Thompson	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	

Raegan Schumacher	Jr.  Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Junior Sheep Showman

Raelee Woltman	Jr.  Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Champion Junior Sheep Showman

Jett Childers	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Intermediate Sheep Showman

Lahramie Laursen	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	

Brenna Schumacher	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	

Braden Staudenmaier	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Intermediate Sheep Showman

Ashley Carr	Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	

Ashley Carr	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Jett Childers	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Berkley Davies	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Sara Knote	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Lahramie Laursen	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Raegan Schumacher	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Braden Staudenmaier	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Raelee Woltman	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Market Lamb Rate of Gain

Ruby Heckman	White Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Brenna Schumacher	Breeding Ewe Lamb	Purple	

Braden Staudenmaier	Breeding Ewe Lamb	Purple	

Rasine Bolek	FFA Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Champion Sheep Showman

Shelby Carr	FFA Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Sheep Showman

Rasine Bolek	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Champion Market Sheep

Shelby Carr	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Reserve Champion Market Sheep

Lilly Hasenauer	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Rasine Bolek	FFA White Face Market Lamb	Purple	

Rasine Bolek	FFA Breeding Ewe Lamb	Purple	Champion Breeding Sheep

Shelby Carr	FFA Breeding Ewe Lamb	Purple	Reserve Champion Breeding Sheep

Rasine Bolek	FFA Breeding Ewe Yearling, never lambed	Purple	

Emily Thompson	FFA Breeding Buck Lamb	Purple	

Box Butte County Fair sheep results:&nbsp; (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)Berkley Davies	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	Ruby Heckman	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	Taylor Swanson	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	Ainslee Woltman	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	Sara Knote	Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	Tegan Straub	Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	Emily Thompson	Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	Ruby Heckman	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Sara Knote	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Lahramie Laursen	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Brenna Schumacher	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Raegan Schumacher	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Tegan Straub	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Tegan Straub	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Taylor Swanson	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Taylor Swanson	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Ainslee Woltman	Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Brenna Schumacher	Breeding Ewe Lamb	Blue	Lilly Hasenauer	FFA Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	Emily Thompson	FFA Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Blue	Lilly Hasenauer	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Emily Thompson	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Emily Thompson	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Blue	Raegan Schumacher	Jr. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Junior Sheep ShowmanRaelee Woltman	Jr. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Champion Junior Sheep ShowmanJett Childers	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Intermediate Sheep ShowmanLahramie Laursen	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Brenna Schumacher	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Braden Staudenmaier	Int. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Intermediate Sheep ShowmanAshley Carr	Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Ashley Carr	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Jett Childers	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Jett Childers	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Berkley Davies	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Sara Knote	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Lahramie Laursen	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Raegan Schumacher	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Braden Staudenmaier	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Braden Staudenmaier	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Braden Staudenmaier	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Raelee Woltman	Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Market Lamb Rate of GainRuby Heckman	White Face Market Lamb	Purple	Brenna Schumacher	Breeding Ewe Lamb	Purple	Braden Staudenmaier	Breeding Ewe Lamb	Purple	Braden Staudenmaier	Breeding Ewe Lamb	Purple	Rasine Bolek	FFA Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Champion Sheep ShowmanShelby Carr	FFA Sr. Sheep Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Sheep ShowmanRasine Bolek	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Champion Market SheepShelby Carr	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Reserve Champion Market SheepLilly Hasenauer	FFA Black Face Market Lamb	Purple	Rasine Bolek	FFA White Face Market Lamb	Purple	Rasine Bolek	FFA Breeding Ewe Lamb	Purple	Champion Breeding SheepShelby Carr	FFA Breeding Ewe Lamb	Purple	Reserve Champion Breeding SheepRasine Bolek	FFA Breeding Ewe Yearling, never lambed	Purple	Emily Thompson	FFA Breeding Buck Lamb	Purple

Box Butte Co. Fair sheep results 

Box Butte County Fair Beef results:&nbsp; (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)

Ainslee Woltman	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Blue	

Carly Harwood	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Blue	

Emily Johnston	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	

Gracia Votruba	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	

Paisley Intermill	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	

Quinn Robertson	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Blue	

Trey Carter	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	

Wyatt Walker	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	Reserve Breeding Beef

Lahramie Laursen	Bucket Calf	Purple	Champion Bucket Calf

Raelee Woltman	Cow &amp; Calf Pair	Purple	

Rasine Bolek	FFA Breeding Beef born on/before Jan 1	Purple	

Rasine Bolek	FFA Breeding Beef born on/before Jan 1	Purple	Champion Breeding Beef

Hayden McDonald	FFA Market Beef Heifer	Blue	

Kaylee Henthorn	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	

Logan Thompson	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	Overall Reserve Champion Market Beef

Logan Thompson	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	Overall Champion Market Beef

Rasine Bolek	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	

Tate Thompson	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	

Wade Sanders	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	

Hayden McDonald	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	

Josie Sanders	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Kaylee Henthorn	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	

Logan Thompson	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Rasine Bolek	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Tate Thompson	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Wade Sanders	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Overall Res. Champion Beef Showman

Ahris McClaren	Int. Beef Showmanship	Blue	

Ainslee Woltman	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Intermediate Beef Showman

Berkley Davies	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Brenna Schumacher	Int. Beef Showmanship	Blue	

Caysen Robertson	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Intermediate Beef Showman

Emily Johnston	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Trey Carter	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Carly Harwood	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Dallas Woltman	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Gracia Votruba	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Junior Beef Showman

Kaitlyn Robbins	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	

Paisley Intermill	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	

Quinn Robertson	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Junior Beef Showman

Raelee Woltman	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	

Ainslee Woltman	Jr. Breeding Animal born after January 1	Purple	

Railey Wills	Jr. Breeding Animal born after January 1	Blue	

Rozlyn Wills	Jr. Breeding Animal born after January 1	Purple	

Ainslee Woltman	Market Beef Carcass	Blue	

Carson Thomas	Market Beef Carcass	Purple	

Kaitlyn Robbins	Market Beef Carcass	Purple	

Sutten Parkison	Market Beef Carcass	Blue	

Sutten Parkison	Market Beef Carcass	Purple	

Talan Smith	Market Beef Heifer	Purple	Reserve Champion Market Heifer

Wyatt Walker	Market Beef Heifer	Purple	Champion Market Heifer

Ahris McClaren	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Market Beef Rate of Gain

Aiden Bolek	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Champion British Breed

Brenna Schumacher	Market Beef Steer	Purple	

Caysen Robertson	Market Beef Steer	Purple	

Talon Payne	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Reserve Champion British Breed

Box Butte County Fair Beef results:&nbsp; (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)Ainslee Woltman	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Blue	Carly Harwood	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Blue	Emily Johnston	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	Gracia Votruba	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	Paisley Intermill	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	Quinn Robertson	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Blue	Trey Carter	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	Wyatt Walker	Breeding Beef born on/before January 1	Purple	Reserve Breeding BeefAinslee Woltman	Breeding Herd	Purple	Harley Payne	Bucket Calf	Purple	Lahramie Laursen	Bucket Calf	Purple	Champion Bucket CalfRaelee Woltman	Cow &amp; Calf Pair	Purple	Rasine Bolek	FFA Breeding Beef born on/before Jan 1	Purple	Rasine Bolek	FFA Breeding Beef born on/before Jan 1	Purple	Champion Breeding BeefTate Thompson	FFA Carcass	Purple	Hayden McDonald	FFA Market Beef Heifer	Blue	Kaylee Henthorn	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	Logan Thompson	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	Overall Reserve Champion Market BeefLogan Thompson	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	Overall Champion Market BeefRasine Bolek	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	Tate Thompson	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	Wade Sanders	FFA Market Beef Steer	Purple	Hayden McDonald	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Josie Sanders	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Kaylee Henthorn	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Logan Thompson	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Rasine Bolek	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Tate Thompson	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Wade Sanders	FFA Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Overall Res. Champion Beef ShowmanAhris McClaren	Int. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Ainslee Woltman	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Intermediate Beef ShowmanBerkley Davies	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Brenna Schumacher	Int. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Caysen Robertson	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Intermediate Beef ShowmanEmily Johnston	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Evan Smith	Int. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Railey Wills	Int. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Sofia Gomez	Int. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Tate Smith	Int. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Trey Carter	Int. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Carly Harwood	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Dak Smith	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Dallas Woltman	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Daxton Davies	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Gracia Votruba	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Junior Beef ShowmanHarley Payne	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Kaitlyn Robbins	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Milo Smith	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Paisley Intermill	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Quinn Robertson	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Junior Beef ShowmanRaelee Woltman	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Sierra Jordan	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Zayne Wylie	Jr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Ainslee Woltman	Jr. Breeding Animal born after January 1	Purple	Railey Wills	Jr. Breeding Animal born after January 1	Blue	Rozlyn Wills	Jr. Breeding Animal born after January 1	Purple	Ainslee Woltman	Market Beef Carcass	Blue	Carson Thomas	Market Beef Carcass	Purple	Kaitlyn Robbins	Market Beef Carcass	Purple	Kaitlyn Robbins	Market Beef Carcass	Purple	Sutten Parkison	Market Beef Carcass	Blue	Sutten Parkison	Market Beef Carcass	Purple	Emily Johnston	Market Beef Heifer	Blue	Talan Smith	Market Beef Heifer	Purple	Reserve Champion Market HeiferWyatt Walker	Market Beef Heifer	Purple	Champion Market HeiferAhris McClaren	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Market Beef Rate of GainAiden Bolek	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Champion British BreedAvery Davies	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Berkley Davies	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Brenna Schumacher	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Carly Harwood	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Caysen Robertson	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Dallas Woltman	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Daxton Davies	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Evan Smith	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Gavin Bell	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Harley Payne	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Hayden McDonald	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Isabell Gomez	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Isabell Gomez	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Kaitlyn Robbins	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Milo Smith	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Railey Wills	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Rozlyn Wills	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Sierra Jordan	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Sofia Gomez	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Talan Smith	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Talon Payne	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Talon Payne	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Reserve Champion British BreedTate Smith	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Wyatt Walker	Market Beef Steer	Purple	Zayne Wylie	Market Beef Steer	Blue	Aiden Bolek	Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Avery Davies	Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Gavin Bell	Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Isabell Gomez	Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Rozlyn Wills	Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Talan Smith	Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Talon Payne	Sr. Beef Showmanship	Blue	Wyatt Walker	Sr. Beef Showmanship	Purple	Overall Beef ShowmanDallas Woltman	Stocker Feeder Heifer	Purple	Tate Smith	Stocker Feeder Heifer	Purple	Reserve Stocker FeederAiden Bolek	Stocker Feeder Steer	Purple	Champion Stocker FeederAinslee Woltman	Stocker Feeder Steer	Blue	Dak Smith	Stocker Feeder Steer	Purple	Kaitlyn Robbins	Stocker Feeder Steer	Purple	Railey Wills	Stocker Feeder Steer	Purple	Rozlyn Wills	Stocker Feeder Steer	Purple	Zayne Wylie	Summer Yearling	Purple

Box Butte Co. Fair beef results 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — After Terrence Hersey had a stroke on the way home from his railroad job in 2015, he underwent months of therapy to learn how to put words together in sentences and learn to walk again. He had to relearn how to get in and out of a car and how to dress himself before his doctors eventually cleared him to return to work with no restrictions.

That recommendation wasn't good enough for Union Pacific. The railroad decided after reviewing Hersey's records — but without a doctor's examination — that he was unfit for his job overseeing inspections of stationary railcars in Chicago because of the risk he would become incapacitated.

“I had a doctor that cleared me, and then Union Pacific did not give me any kind of physical or anything. I felt tossed to the side,” said Hersey.

Without his job, his car was repossessed. He lost his house. He had worked on the railroad for more than 20 years, and finding a job that paid as well as Union Pacific was hard for the 50-year-old Hersey, who now drives a school bus. For his current job, he's had no problem passing an annual medical test to retain his commercial driver's license.

"I was a 20-year man and had worked my way up to being a supervisor and had some management opportunities that I could have reached out for. Now I’m making half the money I could make. It’s just like my whole world went upside down," he said.

Hersey is among hundreds of Union Pacific employees who are fighting back with federal lawsuits after losing their jobs because of health issues. Although they make up only a small percentage of the railroad's more than 30,000 employees, their cases could prove costly to Union Pacific and could hinder the companies' efforts to fill scores of open jobs at a time when all of the nation's railroads are dealing with worker shortages.

Former Union Pacific workers have filed at least 15 other federal lawsuits, and more than 200 other complaints are pending with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that are likely to turn into lawsuits. Seven other cases have been settled.

The lawsuits were originally going to be part of a class-action case filed by former employees, but a federal appeals court decided in 2020 that the complaints had to be pursued individually. The first few cases have now been tried and verdicts over $1 million have been issued in all three.

A spokeswoman for the EEOC said it can’t comment on whether it is investigating allegations against Union Pacific. However, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, Jim Kaster, said the EEOC has ongoing investigations of the railroad’s practices.

“What makes this case so egregious is the planning from the top down,” said Kaster, who helped handle the class-action case. “It is one thing for a rogue manager in a company to discriminate on the basis of disability. This case is different because this company targeted people with disabilities and disqualified them from working without even examining them and many times without even talking to them.”

By the railroad's own count, UP said in arguments in the original class-action lawsuit that some 7,700 employees had to undergo what is called a “fitness-for-duty” review between 2014 and 2018. It's not clear how many of those people were forced out by unworkable restrictions, but lawyers for the plaintiffs estimate nearly 2,000 people faced restrictions that kept them off the job for at least two years if not indefinitely.

Union Pacific policies say that anyone with more than a slight chance of “sudden incapacitation” shouldn't work for the railroad because it's dangerous. The railroad has vigorously defended its policy, arguing its strict rules are designed to protect its workers and the public from injury risks or environmental damage if someone suffers a health emergency that causes a derailment or other accident.

Union Pacific spokeswoman Robynn Tysver said the railroad strives to maintain an inclusive workplace, but “the Americans with Disabilities Act does not diminish Union Pacific’s commitment and obligation to maintain a safe work environment.”

“Union Pacific medical personnel who have a thorough understanding of a railroad’s unique operational requirements assess employees’ medical condition to determine if it prevents them from safely performing their essential job duties in accordance with our medical standards and obligations under the ADA,” Tysver said. “In addition, Union Pacific often engages third-party medical consultants to assist with medical reviews.”

Yet former workers claim Union Pacific is ignored their doctors' advice and making their own determinations, often when doctors have said an employee is cleared to work.

The cases leave Union Pacific potentially facing more than $350 million in damages plus sizeable legal fees, and government regulators could impose additional penalties if they fault the railroad. That may not do much to dent the bottom line for a company that reported a $1.84 billion profit in its most-recent quarter, but the lawsuits could add to unrest among its current workers. UP workers are already upset that they haven’t had a raise since 2019 and that the railroad tightened its attendance policy, making it harder to take time off.

Federal law caps most damages in these disability cases besides lost wages at $300,000, but lawyers for the plaintiffs say the giant judgments, including a $44 million decision they won last year in Wisconsin, send a strong message that Union Pacific's policy is flawed even if the penalty is reduced. In the Wisconsin case, a conductor with impaired hearing was forced out despite years of successful employment because he couldn't pass a hearing test while wearing the company's newly required hearing protection. The railroad wouldn't consider alternative protective gear.

The cases all argue that Union Pacific discriminates against people with disabilities because of the way it disqualifies employees after they report certain health conditions, even if they have little bearing on whether an employee can safely do their job. Since 2014, the Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad has required workers to report anytime they develop a heart condition, have a seizure or develop diabetes that needs to be treated with insulin. Union Pacific also routinely imposes restrictions on employees who fail a color vision test it designed and refuses to employ someone with a prosthetic limb regardless of how capable they might be.

When an employee or their supervisor reports a health condition, Union Pacific puts them on leave and demands they submit medical records that railroad doctors review to determine their suitability for work. The plaintiffs say the railroad usually makes its decision without doctors examining employees, and Union Pacific ignores the recommendations of doctors who are treating individuals and have cleared them to return to work.

An occupational medicine doctor who works with the plaintiffs, Kevin Trangle, said he doesn't think UP's policy is sound because it's “more restrictive than necessary, and would tend to cause workers to be unnecessarily prevented from working.”

Rolando Vasquez said in one of the lawsuits he lost his job after he had a motorcycle accident because doctors put him on anti-seizure medication as a precaution. In response, the railroad imposed a series of restrictions that made it impossible for him to work as an electronic technician inspector in Del Rio, Texas, even though he’d never actually had a seizure.

In another case, a diesel electrician said he was treated as if he had a condition that causes seizures after he fainted once because he was dehydrated while battling an illness. The railroad ruled that Joseph Carrillo shouldn’t be allowed to operate any company vehicles, work around moving trains or hold any job that involved “critical decision making,” so his managers in El Paso agreed he could no longer repair locomotives.

J.J. Stover lost his job as a track inspector in Kearney, Nebraska, after having a dizzy spell at work because his doctors labeled the 2016 incident a mini stroke, or transient ischemic attack, even though he said all the tests they performed on him while he was hospitalized for more than three days came back negative and he hasn’t experienced any more dizziness.

Stover’s doctors said he could return to work just a couple weeks later. Shortly after that, the Army Reserves took his doctors’ word and sent him to Poland for several weeks of training, but Union Pacific spent nine months reviewing his records before deciding he shouldn’t be allowed to drive a railroad truck or work around the tracks.

“It’s just hard to understand,” Stover said.

Another one of the workers’ attorneys, Nick Thompson, said Union Pacific doesn’t seem to consider any mitigating details, and it applies the same restrictions to every worker that has a condition regardless of whether that person drives a train or digs a ditch to install a signal for the railroad.

“They treat every condition like it’s the worst version of that. If you pass out — regardless of the cause — they treat it for determining risk of future events as though it is an unmedicated seizure condition. That just doesn’t make any sense,” Thompson said.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — After Terrence Hersey had a stroke on the way home from his railroad job in 2015, he underwent months of therapy to learn how to put words together in sentences and learn to walk again. He had to relearn how to get in and out of a car and how to dress himself before his doctors eventually cleared him to return to work with no restrictions.That recommendation wasn't good enough for Union Pacific. The railroad decided after reviewing Hersey's records — but without a doctor's examination — that he was unfit for his job overseeing inspections of stationary railcars in Chicago because of the risk he would become incapacitated.“I had a doctor that cleared me, and then Union Pacific did not give me any kind of physical or anything. I felt tossed to the side,” said Hersey.Without his job, his car was repossessed. He lost his house. He had worked on the railroad for more than 20 years, and finding a job that paid as well as Union Pacific was hard for the 50-year-old Hersey, who now drives a school bus. For his current job, he's had no problem passing an annual medical test to retain his commercial driver's license."I was a 20-year man and had worked my way up to being a supervisor and had some management opportunities that I could have reached out for. Now I’m making half the money I could make. It’s just like my whole world went upside down," he said.Hersey is among hundreds of Union Pacific employees who are fighting back with federal lawsuits after losing their jobs because of health issues. Although they make up only a small percentage of the railroad's more than 30,000 employees, their cases could prove costly to Union Pacific and could hinder the companies' efforts to fill scores of open jobs at a time when all of the nation's railroads are dealing with worker shortages.Former Union Pacific workers have filed at least 15 other federal lawsuits, and more than 200 other complaints are pending with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that are likely to turn into lawsuits. Seven other cases have been settled.The lawsuits were originally going to be part of a class-action case filed by former employees, but a federal appeals court decided in 2020 that the complaints had to be pursued individually. The first few cases have now been tried and verdicts over $1 million have been issued in all three.A spokeswoman for the EEOC said it can’t comment on whether it is investigating allegations against Union Pacific. However, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, Jim Kaster, said the EEOC has ongoing investigations of the railroad’s practices.“What makes this case so egregious is the planning from the top down,” said Kaster, who helped handle the class-action case. “It is one thing for a rogue manager in a company to discriminate on the basis of disability. This case is different because this company targeted people with disabilities and disqualified them from working without even examining them and many times without even talking to them.”By the railroad's own count, UP said in arguments in the original class-action lawsuit that some 7,700 employees had to undergo what is called a “fitness-for-duty” review between 2014 and 2018. It's not clear how many of those people were forced out by unworkable restrictions, but lawyers for the plaintiffs estimate nearly 2,000 people faced restrictions that kept them off the job for at least two years if not indefinitely.Union Pacific policies say that anyone with more than a slight chance of “sudden incapacitation” shouldn't work for the railroad because it's dangerous. The railroad has vigorously defended its policy, arguing its strict rules are designed to protect its workers and the public from injury risks or environmental damage if someone suffers a health emergency that causes a derailment or other accident.Union Pacific spokeswoman Robynn Tysver said the railroad strives to maintain an inclusive workplace, but “the Americans with Disabilities Act does not diminish Union Pacific’s commitment and obligation to maintain a safe work environment.”“Union Pacific medical personnel who have a thorough understanding of a railroad’s unique operational requirements assess employees’ medical condition to determine if it prevents them from safely performing their essential job duties in accordance with our medical standards and obligations under the ADA,” Tysver said. “In addition, Union Pacific often engages third-party medical consultants to assist with medical reviews.”Yet former workers claim Union Pacific is ignored their doctors' advice and making their own determinations, often when doctors have said an employee is cleared to work.The cases leave Union Pacific potentially facing more than $350 million in damages plus sizeable legal fees, and government regulators could impose additional penalties if they fault the railroad. That may not do much to dent the bottom line for a company that reported a $1.84 billion profit in its most-recent quarter, but the lawsuits could add to unrest among its current workers. UP workers are already upset that they haven’t had a raise since 2019 and that the railroad tightened its attendance policy, making it harder to take time off.Federal law caps most damages in these disability cases besides lost wages at $300,000, but lawyers for the plaintiffs say the giant judgments, including a $44 million decision they won last year in Wisconsin, send a strong message that Union Pacific's policy is flawed even if the penalty is reduced. In the Wisconsin case, a conductor with impaired hearing was forced out despite years of successful employment because he couldn't pass a hearing test while wearing the company's newly required hearing protection. The railroad wouldn't consider alternative protective gear.The cases all argue that Union Pacific discriminates against people with disabilities because of the way it disqualifies employees after they report certain health conditions, even if they have little bearing on whether an employee can safely do their job. Since 2014, the Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad has required workers to report anytime they develop a heart condition, have a seizure or develop diabetes that needs to be treated with insulin. Union Pacific also routinely imposes restrictions on employees who fail a color vision test it designed and refuses to employ someone with a prosthetic limb regardless of how capable they might be.When an employee or their supervisor reports a health condition, Union Pacific puts them on leave and demands they submit medical records that railroad doctors review to determine their suitability for work. The plaintiffs say the railroad usually makes its decision without doctors examining employees, and Union Pacific ignores the recommendations of doctors who are treating individuals and have cleared them to return to work.An occupational medicine doctor who works with the plaintiffs, Kevin Trangle, said he doesn't think UP's policy is sound because it's “more restrictive than necessary, and would tend to cause workers to be unnecessarily prevented from working.”Rolando Vasquez said in one of the lawsuits he lost his job after he had a motorcycle accident because doctors put him on anti-seizure medication as a precaution. In response, the railroad imposed a series of restrictions that made it impossible for him to work as an electronic technician inspector in Del Rio, Texas, even though he’d never actually had a seizure.In another case, a diesel electrician said he was treated as if he had a condition that causes seizures after he fainted once because he was dehydrated while battling an illness. The railroad ruled that Joseph Carrillo shouldn’t be allowed to operate any company vehicles, work around moving trains or hold any job that involved “critical decision making,” so his managers in El Paso agreed he could no longer repair locomotives.J.J. Stover lost his job as a track inspector in Kearney, Nebraska, after having a dizzy spell at work because his doctors labeled the 2016 incident a mini stroke, or transient ischemic attack, even though he said all the tests they performed on him while he was hospitalized for more than three days came back negative and he hasn’t experienced any more dizziness.Stover’s doctors said he could return to work just a couple weeks later. Shortly after that, the Army Reserves took his doctors’ word and sent him to Poland for several weeks of training, but Union Pacific spent nine months reviewing his records before deciding he shouldn’t be allowed to drive a railroad truck or work around the tracks.“It’s just hard to understand,” Stover said.Another one of the workers’ attorneys, Nick Thompson, said Union Pacific doesn’t seem to consider any mitigating details, and it applies the same restrictions to every worker that has a condition regardless of whether that person drives a train or digs a ditch to install a signal for the railroad.“They treat every condition like it’s the worst version of that. If you pass out — regardless of the cause — they treat it for determining risk of future events as though it is an unmedicated seizure condition. That just doesn’t make any sense,” Thompson said.

Disqualified for disabilities, railroad workers fight back

Box Butte County Rabbit Hopping Results:&nbsp; (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon)

Box Butte County Rabbit Hopping Results:&nbsp; (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon)Ayla Foster	Rabbit Hopping	PurpleAyla Foster	Rabbit Hopping	BlueCallin Foster	Rabbit Hopping	BlueCallin Foster	Rabbit Hopping	RedEden Foster	Rabbit Hopping	BlueEden Foster	Rabbit Hopping	PurpleRuby Heckman	Rabbit Hopping	Blue

Box Butte Co. Fair rabbit hopping results

OMAHA, Neb.-Nebraska has a new millionaire. One lucky player who bought a Mega Millions® ticket for the Tuesday, August 16 drawing is holding a ticket worth $1 million.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Tuesday’s $82 million Mega Millions® draw matched the first five numbers, but not the Mega Ball number itself. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #11, 1000 S 178th St., in Omaha. The winning numbers from Tuesday’s Mega Millions® draw were 33, 35, 41, 45, 51, Mega Ball 01, and Megaplier 02. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.

The odds of winning $1 million playing Mega Millions® are 1 in 12,607,306. The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions® prize are 1 in 24..

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $880 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660830527287.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska LotteryOMAHA, Neb.-Nebraska has a new millionaire. One lucky player who bought a Mega Millions® ticket for the Tuesday, August 16 drawing is holding a ticket worth $1 million.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Tuesday’s $82 million Mega Millions® draw matched the first five numbers, but not the Mega Ball number itself. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #11, 1000 S 178th St., in Omaha. The winning numbers from Tuesday’s Mega Millions® draw were 33, 35, 41, 45, 51, Mega Ball 01, and Megaplier 02. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.The odds of winning $1 million playing Mega Millions® are 1 in 12,607,306. The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions® prize are 1 in 24..The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $880 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Winning $1 million Mega Millions ticket sold in Omaha

By ALEX HELMBRECHT, Director of CSC College Relations

CHADRON – Dr. Shaunda French-Collins has been named Chadron State College’s Interim Dean of Graduate Studies and the School of Business, Math, and Science, Vice President Jim Powell announced Tuesday. French-Collins replaces Dr. Wendy Waugh, who will be the Dean of Graduate Studies at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

<a>“Dr French-Collins has distinguished herself in the classroom and possesses strong leadership qualities. She is currently participating in the Emerging Leaders Program sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and she’ll be able to translate that experience into her role as the Interim Dean,” Powell said.</a>

French-Collins is a familiar face at Chadron State College. Since beginning her teaching career in 2011 at CSC, she has sponsored several successful events that brought the campus and community together, including The Big Event. Most recently, French-Collins was a Professor of Communication Arts and Department Chair, as well as Chadron State College’s Teaching Excellence Award winner in 2021.

“I am excited to serve as the Interim Dean this academic year,” French-Collins said. “I look forward to continuing to support students, faculty and staff across campus.”

French-Collins received her bachelor’s in public relations from Northwest Missouri State University in 2006. In 2009 she earned her master’s in speech communication from the University of Central Missouri and attained her Doctorate of Philosophy in communication studies from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2015.

Powell said a national search for the Dean position will begin later this fall.

By ALEX HELMBRECHT, Director of CSC College Relations<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660779319022.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CHADRON – Dr. Shaunda French-Collins has been named Chadron State College’s Interim Dean of Graduate Studies and the School of Business, Math, and Science, Vice President Jim Powell announced Tuesday. French-Collins replaces Dr. Wendy Waugh, who will be the Dean of Graduate Studies at Nebraska Wesleyan University.<a>“Dr French-Collins has distinguished herself in the classroom and possesses strong leadership qualities. She is currently participating in the Emerging Leaders Program sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and she’ll be able to translate that experience into her role as the Interim Dean,” Powell said.</a>French-Collins is a familiar face at Chadron State College. Since beginning her teaching career in 2011 at CSC, she has sponsored several successful events that brought the campus and community together, including The Big Event. Most recently, French-Collins was a Professor of Communication Arts and Department Chair, as well as Chadron State College’s Teaching Excellence Award winner in 2021.“I am excited to serve as the Interim Dean this academic year,” French-Collins said. “I look forward to continuing to support students, faculty and staff across campus.”French-Collins received her bachelor’s in public relations from Northwest Missouri State University in 2006. In 2009 she earned her master’s in speech communication from the University of Central Missouri and attained her Doctorate of Philosophy in communication studies from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2015.Powell said a national search for the Dean position will begin later this fall.

French-Collins named CSC Interim Dean of Business, Math, Science

By Gordon Memorial Health Services

Gordon, Neb. ― The Board of Directors of Gordon Memorial Health Services has appointed Megan Heath as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mrs. Heath assumed administrative responsibilities for the hospital and rural outreach clinics on August 15th.&nbsp;&nbsp; Megan is a native of Alliance, Nebraska and graduated from Chadron State College in 2010, where she earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one being Business Administration with an emphasis in Management, and the other in Psychology. After receiving her first two bachelor’s degrees, Megan went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing before beginning her career as a night shift Registered Nurse for Gordon Memorial Hospital in March of 2011. Megan stated that, “I found the Gordon community to be my home away from home.” Since 2016, Megan has maintained a role as Chief Nursing Officer for the hospital. In her spare time, she enjoys a good joke, traveling and spending time with her husband and three kids.

In 2020, Megan attained an executive healthcare Master of Business Administration degree from Creighton University.&nbsp; An independent study opportunity within the MBA program allowed Megan to meet, interview, shadow, and develop relationships with selected hospital CEO’s and healthcare executives. From that experience, Megan solidified her passion for rural healthcare. Megan holds certifications in Healthcare Quality and is a certified Rural Health Chief Nursing Officer.

“We are glad Mrs. Heath has stepped up to the challenges of being Interim CEO for Gordon Memorial Health Services and our community. Mrs. Heath will be retaining her role as CNO for the immediate future,” said Doug Woodbeck, board chair. “Her experience working for GMHS for the past 10+ years, and her knowledge of healthcare operations will be a great asset to our organization in taking over these very important reins.”

Mrs. Heath replaces Doris Brown, who submitted her resignation on August 15, 2022.

Gordon Memorial Health Services operates the Gordon Memorial Hospital, a 25 bed, full service Critical Access Hospital; Gordon Countryside Care, a 40 bed Long Term Care facility and two Rural Health Clinics, including Specialty Clinics.  GMHS employs 141 employees and serves patients from Sheridan and Cherry Counties, as well as parts of the surrounding counties in the Nebraska panhandle and Southwestern portions of South Dakota.&nbsp;

By Gordon Memorial Health Services<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660779096941.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gordon, Neb. ― The Board of Directors of Gordon Memorial Health Services has appointed Megan Heath as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mrs. Heath assumed administrative responsibilities for the hospital and rural outreach clinics on August 15th.&nbsp;&nbsp; Megan is a native of Alliance, Nebraska and graduated from Chadron State College in 2010, where she earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one being Business Administration with an emphasis in Management, and the other in Psychology. After receiving her first two bachelor’s degrees, Megan went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing before beginning her career as a night shift Registered Nurse for Gordon Memorial Hospital in March of 2011. Megan stated that, “I found the Gordon community to be my home away from home.” Since 2016, Megan has maintained a role as Chief Nursing Officer for the hospital. In her spare time, she enjoys a good joke, traveling and spending time with her husband and three kids.In 2020, Megan attained an executive healthcare Master of Business Administration degree from Creighton University.&nbsp; An independent study opportunity within the MBA program allowed Megan to meet, interview, shadow, and develop relationships with selected hospital CEO’s and healthcare executives. From that experience, Megan solidified her passion for rural healthcare. Megan holds certifications in Healthcare Quality and is a certified Rural Health Chief Nursing Officer.“We are glad Mrs. Heath has stepped up to the challenges of being Interim CEO for Gordon Memorial Health Services and our community. Mrs. Heath will be retaining her role as CNO for the immediate future,” said Doug Woodbeck, board chair. “Her experience working for GMHS for the past 10+ years, and her knowledge of healthcare operations will be a great asset to our organization in taking over these very important reins.”Mrs. Heath replaces Doris Brown, who submitted her resignation on August 15, 2022.Gordon Memorial Health Services operates the Gordon Memorial Hospital, a 25 bed, full service Critical Access Hospital; Gordon Countryside Care, a 40 bed Long Term Care facility and two Rural Health Clinics, including Specialty Clinics. GMHS employs 141 employees and serves patients from Sheridan and Cherry Counties, as well as parts of the surrounding counties in the Nebraska panhandle and Southwestern portions of South Dakota.&nbsp;

Gordon Memorial Health Services names Alliance native new CEO

Box Butte County Fair Dairy Goat results:&nbsp; (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)

Kade Johnston	Jr. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Junior Dairy Goat Showman

Nathaniel Bell	Int. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Intermediate Dairy Goat Showman

Emily Johnston	Int. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Intermediate Dairy Goat Showman

Christopher Bell	Sr. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Blue	

Catherine Bryner	Sr. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Champion Dairy Goat Showman

Ashley Carr	Sr. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Champion Dairy Goat Showman

Emily Johnston	Age Under 5 Months	Purple	

Christopher Bell	1-2 Year Old Not in Milk	Purple	

Catherine Bryner	1-2 Year Old Not in Milk	Purple	

Emily Johnston	Over 2 Years, Under 5 Years	Purple	

Ashley Carr	Over 5 Years - Milking Doe	Purple	

Emily Johnston	Over 5 Years - Milking Doe	Purple	

Kade Johnston	Over 5 Years - Milking Doe	Purple	Champion Dairy Goat

Ashley Carr	Mother - Daughter	Purple	Reserve Dairy Goat

Box Butte County Fair Dairy Goat results:&nbsp; (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)Kade Johnston	Jr. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Junior Dairy Goat ShowmanNathaniel Bell	Int. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Intermediate Dairy Goat ShowmanEmily Johnston	Int. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Intermediate Dairy Goat ShowmanChristopher Bell	Sr. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Blue	Catherine Bryner	Sr. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Champion Dairy Goat ShowmanAshley Carr	Sr. Dairy Goat Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Champion Dairy Goat ShowmanNathaniel Bell	Age Under 5 Months	Blue	Ashley Carr	Age Under 5 Months	Purple	Ashley Carr	Age Under 5 Months	Purple	Emily Johnston	Age Under 5 Months	Purple	Emily Johnston	Age Under 5 Months	Blue	Emily Johnston	Age Under 5 Months	Blue	Christopher Bell	1-2 Year Old Not in Milk	Purple	Catherine Bryner	1-2 Year Old Not in Milk	Purple	Catherine Bryner	1-2 Year Old Not in Milk	Purple	Emily Johnston	Over 2 Years, Under 5 Years	Purple	Ashley Carr	Over 5 Years - Milking Doe	Purple	Emily Johnston	Over 5 Years - Milking Doe	Purple	Kade Johnston	Over 5 Years - Milking Doe	Purple	Champion Dairy GoatAshley Carr	Mother - Daughter	Purple	Reserve Dairy GoatEmily Johnston	Mother - Daughter	Purple	Emily Johnston	Mother - Daughter	Purple	Emily Johnston	Best Dressed Goat	Purple	Kade Johnston	Best Dressed Goat	Purple

Box Butte Co. Fair dairy goat results 

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission&nbsp;

Up for a challenge? How about harvesting a ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken and northern bobwhite quail in Nebraska this season.

That’s the challenge of the Nebraska Upland Slam, a partnership among the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever. This year marks the fifth year of the challenge.

Hunters who take all four of Nebraska’s primary upland gamebird species upload a photo of each harvested bird online and share information about their hunting experience. Those who complete the Slam will receive an official certificate, a pin and be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize: a Weatherby Orion 12-gauge shotgun.

Second- and third-place prizes are a Traeger Town and Travel Ranger Series Wood Pellet Grill and a $200 SCHEELS gift card, respectively.

Nebraska is renowned as a mixed-bag hunting destination and is a great place to pursue a variety of bird species across diverse habitats.

“Taking part in Nebraska's&nbsp;Upland&nbsp;Slam&nbsp;is a great way to spend time with family and friends afield on a weekend, which is what our state’s hunting heritage is all about,” said John Laux, Game and Parks’ upland game program manager.

All participants who submit at least one harvest picture to the Slam automatically are entered into monthly drawings for prizes sponsored by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Monthly prizes include a blaze orange backpack, tumbler, Pheasants Forever caps, and water bowl.

Resident hunters 15 or younger are encouraged to participate and be entered into a separate drawing for a resident youth lifetime hunt permit. Additionally, upon the fourth and final bird submission, hunters can acknowledge their hunting dog’s achievement by uploading a photo of their dog afield to receive an official Top Dog tag and certificate.

Hunters can begin working on their 2022-2023 Slam on Sept. 1, when the seasons for sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie-chicken open. The seasons for pheasant and bobwhite begin Oct. 29. The seasons for all four species close Jan. 31, 2023.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MTYuNjIzMjYwODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLm9yZy9VcGxhbmRTbGFtIn0.C77GunUna6n4u8FqlISVIs_kKEFSFlGRYDjGYYmg90A/s/497221906/br/142639790676-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/UplandSlam</a>&nbsp;for more information, official rules and entry details.

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission&nbsp;Up for a challenge? How about harvesting a ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken and northern bobwhite quail in Nebraska this season.That’s the challenge of the Nebraska Upland Slam, a partnership among the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever. This year marks the fifth year of the challenge.Hunters who take all four of Nebraska’s primary upland gamebird species upload a photo of each harvested bird online and share information about their hunting experience. Those who complete the Slam will receive an official certificate, a pin and be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize: a Weatherby Orion 12-gauge shotgun.Second- and third-place prizes are a Traeger Town and Travel Ranger Series Wood Pellet Grill and a $200 SCHEELS gift card, respectively.Nebraska is renowned as a mixed-bag hunting destination and is a great place to pursue a variety of bird species across diverse habitats.“Taking part in Nebraska's&nbsp;Upland&nbsp;Slam&nbsp;is a great way to spend time with family and friends afield on a weekend, which is what our state’s hunting heritage is all about,” said John Laux, Game and Parks’ upland game program manager.All participants who submit at least one harvest picture to the Slam automatically are entered into monthly drawings for prizes sponsored by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Monthly prizes include a blaze orange backpack, tumbler, Pheasants Forever caps, and water bowl.Resident hunters 15 or younger are encouraged to participate and be entered into a separate drawing for a resident youth lifetime hunt permit. Additionally, upon the fourth and final bird submission, hunters can acknowledge their hunting dog’s achievement by uploading a photo of their dog afield to receive an official Top Dog tag and certificate.Hunters can begin working on their 2022-2023 Slam on Sept. 1, when the seasons for sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie-chicken open. The seasons for pheasant and bobwhite begin Oct. 29. The seasons for all four species close Jan. 31, 2023.Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MTYuNjIzMjYwODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLm9yZy9VcGxhbmRTbGFtIn0.C77GunUna6n4u8FqlISVIs_kKEFSFlGRYDjGYYmg90A/s/497221906/br/142639790676-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/UplandSlam</a>&nbsp;for more information, official rules and entry details.

Accept the challenge; give Nebraska Upland Slam a try

Box Butte County Fair Dairy Cattle results: (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)

Brooke Hartman	Jr. Dairy Showmanship	Purple	Champion Junior Dairy Showman

Rasine Bolek	Sr. Dairy Showmanship	Purple	

Box Butte County Fair Dairy Cattle results: (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)Brooke Hartman	Jr. Dairy Showmanship	Purple	Champion Junior Dairy ShowmanRasine Bolek	Sr. Dairy Showmanship	Purple	Shelby Carr	Sr. Dairy Showmanship	Purple	Champion Dairy ShowmanRasine Bolek	Brown Swiss	Purple	Reserve Dairy CowBrooke Hartman	Holstein	Purple	Shelby Carr	Jersey	Purple	Champion Dairy CowDelaney Childers	FFA Sr. Dairy Showmanship	Purple	Reserve Dairy ShowmanDelaney Childers	FFA Jersey	Purple

Local