The City of Chadron experienced several water-main breaks in the area of N. Mears and W. Niobrara Avenue this morning. 

Water was shut off for a large area in Kenwood at about 8:00 a.m.

"Our staff discovered a number of non-working shut-off valves in the area as they tried to isolate the breaks," Chadron City Manager John Sutherland said. "And consequently we had to shut off water to a larger area than we would have liked. Water service was restored to the area about an hour ago[2 p.m.], and repairs seem to be holding."

By KALIN KROHEPanhandle Post&nbsp;The City of Chadron experienced several water-main breaks in the area of N. Mears and W. Niobrara Avenue this morning. Water was shut off for a large area in Kenwood at about 8:00 a.m."Our staff discovered a number of non-working shut-off valves in the area as they tried to isolate the breaks," Chadron City Manager John Sutherland said. "And consequently we had to shut off water to a larger area than we would have liked. Water service was restored to the area about an hour ago[2 p.m.], and repairs seem to be holding."

City of Chadron restores service following water-main breaks 

SCOTTSBLUFF - Western Nebraska Community College math instructor Amy Winters was selected by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society to serve on the Honors Program Council.&nbsp;

"I am honored and excited to be a part of this team," Winters said. "&nbsp;I am looking forward to getting to know the other members of the council and getting to share information and ideas."&nbsp;

The Honors Program Council is responsible for making recommendations about the biennial honors study topic, assisting with the Honors Program Guide, and serving on the Editorial Board for&nbsp;Civic Scholar: The Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Undergraduate Research.&nbsp;Council members are selected based on their broad knowledge of the Honors Study Topic, balance in their academic disciplines, and their understanding of and commitment to PTK.&nbsp;

Winters will serve as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) representative for a four-year term, ending in 2026.

Winters has been a full-time math instructor at WNCC since 2011 and serves as a faculty advisor for the Scottsbluff Campus' PTK chapter, Lambda Pi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF - Western Nebraska Community College math instructor Amy Winters was selected by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society to serve on the Honors Program Council.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658947954260.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I am honored and excited to be a part of this team," Winters said. "&nbsp;I am looking forward to getting to know the other members of the council and getting to share information and ideas."&nbsp;The Honors Program Council is responsible for making recommendations about the biennial honors study topic, assisting with the Honors Program Guide, and serving on the Editorial Board for&nbsp;Civic Scholar: The Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Undergraduate Research.&nbsp;Council members are selected based on their broad knowledge of the Honors Study Topic, balance in their academic disciplines, and their understanding of and commitment to PTK.&nbsp;Winters will serve as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) representative for a four-year term, ending in 2026.Winters has been a full-time math instructor at WNCC since 2011 and serves as a faculty advisor for the Scottsbluff Campus' PTK chapter, Lambda Pi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WNCC's Winters selected to serve on PTK Honors Program Council

News Release Federal Emergency Management Agency

WASHINGTON-FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Nebraska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on May 12, 2022.

Federal funding also is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in Antelope, Boone, Burt, Cedar, Cuming, Custer, Dixon, Garfield, Greeley, Holt, Knox, Logan, Pierce, Polk, Sherman, Thurston, Valley, Wayne, Wheeler, and York counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Andrew P. Meyer has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654428622297.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Federal Emergency Management AgencyWASHINGTON-FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Nebraska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on May 12, 2022.Federal funding also is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in Antelope, Boone, Burt, Cedar, Cuming, Custer, Dixon, Garfield, Greeley, Holt, Knox, Logan, Pierce, Polk, Sherman, Thurston, Valley, Wayne, Wheeler, and York counties.Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.Andrew P. Meyer has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

President Biden approves Major Disaster Declaration for areas of Neb. affect by May storms

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

Poverty is defined as a lack of resources. We tend to think of this as not having enough financial resources, not enough money to cover basic needs. But many people lack the social resources required to get ahead. They have bonding capital, but not bridging capital.

Capital is an asset or resource, and the people we know count as our social resources, our social capital. Last week we talked about bonding capital, the people we are closely connected to. They are our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers. They tend to be like us and understand where we are coming from; they are the people we rely on. They give us emotional and material support.

Bonding capital helps people get by in their current situations, providing support in day-to-day lives. To get ahead, to create bridges out of poverty, we also need to have bridging capital. Bridging capital creates the leverage needed to move upward.

Bridging capital is the people we interact who are different from us and not in our immediate social circle. They might be people we know but don't really have in-depth conversations with. They might be people we talk to in certain circumstances: teachers, doctors, grocery store clerks, neighbors we don't really know well. They might be the people who staff the offices we must interact with.

More importantly, bridging social capital is closely linked to success in life. When we build a network of diverse people and develop respectful relationships with those people, then we can much more easily get ahead.

Bridging capital is such an important resource that it is part of every Bridges Out of Poverty program. In order for someone to move out of poverty, they need to address class issues directly. They need to learn about hidden rules and language registers so they can communicate with those outside their bonding capital circle. They need to learn to network with people who can help them and advise them as they navigate what is, for them, a new world. They need a mentor.

Where do these mentors come from? Churches and community organizations are a great source of bridging capital for their membership. Employers often see employees who have a great deal of underutilized talent and take them under their wing, training them to move up to positions with more responsibility.

How else can people in poverty build this social capital resource? Education is generally where people get their first opportunity for a hand up. People might get involved in activities in school, both when they are students and when they are parents. Activity sponsors and coaches often develop strong relationships with the kids they work with, and they mentor those kids long beyond the activity. Classroom teachers might develop relationships with students and

parents they see over the course of years. Sometimes the school offers programs like Teammates, pairing kids with adults who will help mentor them.

Our Department of Labor office long provided job applicants with bridging capital. They offered assessments to find strengths, they provided assistance in building resumes that stressed those strengths and focused on past activities that provided valuable experience. Then they worked to connect applicants with jobs that were a good match for those strengths and skills.

Western Nebraska Community College offers basic college-level classes as well as career training in a variety of fields. These classes create a strong network of bridging capital, both through instructors and potential employers. Friends who move into good jobs contact others when they see opportunities.

In the future we will look at more ways to bridge the gap between poverty and middle class. I will be taking the month of August off for some relaxation and renewal, so this column won't be appearing. We'll talk again in September.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForcePoverty is defined as a lack of resources. We tend to think of this as not having enough financial resources, not enough money to cover basic needs. But many people lack the social resources required to get ahead. They have bonding capital, but not bridging capital.Capital is an asset or resource, and the people we know count as our social resources, our social capital. Last week we talked about bonding capital, the people we are closely connected to. They are our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers. They tend to be like us and understand where we are coming from; they are the people we rely on. They give us emotional and material support.Bonding capital helps people get by in their current situations, providing support in day-to-day lives. To get ahead, to create bridges out of poverty, we also need to have bridging capital. Bridging capital creates the leverage needed to move upward.Bridging capital is the people we interact who are different from us and not in our immediate social circle. They might be people we know but don't really have in-depth conversations with. They might be people we talk to in certain circumstances: teachers, doctors, grocery store clerks, neighbors we don't really know well. They might be the people who staff the offices we must interact with.More importantly, bridging social capital is closely linked to success in life. When we build a network of diverse people and develop respectful relationships with those people, then we can much more easily get ahead.Bridging capital is such an important resource that it is part of every Bridges Out of Poverty program. In order for someone to move out of poverty, they need to address class issues directly. They need to learn about hidden rules and language registers so they can communicate with those outside their bonding capital circle. They need to learn to network with people who can help them and advise them as they navigate what is, for them, a new world. They need a mentor.Where do these mentors come from? Churches and community organizations are a great source of bridging capital for their membership. Employers often see employees who have a great deal of underutilized talent and take them under their wing, training them to move up to positions with more responsibility.How else can people in poverty build this social capital resource? Education is generally where people get their first opportunity for a hand up. People might get involved in activities in school, both when they are students and when they are parents. Activity sponsors and coaches often develop strong relationships with the kids they work with, and they mentor those kids long beyond the activity. Classroom teachers might develop relationships with students andparents they see over the course of years. Sometimes the school offers programs like Teammates, pairing kids with adults who will help mentor them.Our Department of Labor office long provided job applicants with bridging capital. They offered assessments to find strengths, they provided assistance in building resumes that stressed those strengths and focused on past activities that provided valuable experience. Then they worked to connect applicants with jobs that were a good match for those strengths and skills.Western Nebraska Community College offers basic college-level classes as well as career training in a variety of fields. These classes create a strong network of bridging capital, both through instructors and potential employers. Friends who move into good jobs contact others when they see opportunities.In the future we will look at more ways to bridge the gap between poverty and middle class. I will be taking the month of August off for some relaxation and renewal, so this column won't be appearing. We'll talk again in September.

Poverty In Our Area: Bridging capital 

The Sheridan County Fair continues through July 30 in Gordon.&nbsp;

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 6:00 am-Farmer’s Coop Breakfast 9:30 am-11:00 am Beef Shows 2:00 pm-Cake Judging 4-5:00pm-Buyer Bonanza 5-7:00pm-Livestock, Cake, Cookie Jar Auction

THURSDAY, JULY 28 6:30 am- Security First Bank&nbsp;Doughnuts 7:00 am-Beef Check-In 9:00 am- PRCA Rodeo Slack 9:00am- Breeding Beef, Stockers, Dairy, Showmanship 1:00 pm- Cat Show 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM- INFLATABLES 2:00 pm- Dog Show 4:00 pm- Livestock Judging 7:00 pm- PRCA Rodeo 8:00 pm-11:30 pm- Teen Dance

FRIDAY, JULY 29 9:00 am-Rodeo Slack 9:00 am- Clover Bud Parade 10:00 am-Small Animal Round Robin 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM- INFLATABLES 1:00 pm-Large Animal Round Robin 3:30 pm - Packer Load Out 7:00 pm-PRCA Rodeo at McGinley Arena 9:00 pm-Rodeo Concert with Brad Morgan Band at McGinley Arena

SATURDAY, JULY 30 7:00 am-Cowboy Breakfast- Gordon Park 9am-4pm-Quilt Show-Next to Daylight Donuts 10:00 am– Parade on Main St "What A Ride" 10:30 am-Family Project Pick Up &amp; Open Class Pick Up 1:00 pm- Rubber Check Race at Arena 7:00 pm-PRCA Rodeo at McGinley Arena 9:00 pm-Rodeo Concert with Brad Morgan Band at McGinley Arena&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Panhandle PostThe Sheridan County Fair continues through July 30 in Gordon.&nbsp;This year's theme is "What a Ride".Below is a list of events.&nbsp;WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 6:00 am-Farmer’s Coop Breakfast 9:30 am-11:00 am Beef Shows 2:00 pm-Cake Judging 4-5:00pm-Buyer Bonanza 5-7:00pm-Livestock, Cake, Cookie Jar Auction THURSDAY, JULY 28 6:30 am- Security First Bank&nbsp;Doughnuts 7:00 am-Beef Check-In 9:00 am- PRCA Rodeo Slack 9:00am- Breeding Beef, Stockers, Dairy, Showmanship 1:00 pm- Cat Show 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM- INFLATABLES 2:00 pm- Dog Show 4:00 pm- Livestock Judging 7:00 pm- PRCA Rodeo 8:00 pm-11:30 pm- Teen Dance FRIDAY, JULY 29 9:00 am-Rodeo Slack 9:00 am- Clover Bud Parade 10:00 am-Small Animal Round Robin 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM- INFLATABLES 1:00 pm-Large Animal Round Robin 3:30 pm - Packer Load Out 7:00 pm-PRCA Rodeo at McGinley Arena 9:00 pm-Rodeo Concert with Brad Morgan Band at McGinley Arena SATURDAY, JULY 30 7:00 am-Cowboy Breakfast- Gordon Park 9am-4pm-Quilt Show-Next to Daylight Donuts 10:00 am– Parade on Main St "What A Ride" 10:30 am-Family Project Pick Up &amp; Open Class Pick Up 1:00 pm- Rubber Check Race at Arena 7:00 pm-PRCA Rodeo at McGinley Arena 9:00 pm-Rodeo Concert with Brad Morgan Band at McGinley Arena&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658936494182.jpeg" alt="" />
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Sheridan County Fair continues in Gordon 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Rapid City officers have fatally shot a man with a gun outside a casino, police officials said.

According to Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick, the shooting happened shortly after 10:30 p.m. MDT Tuesday after officers responded to reports of someone firing a gun in the casino's parking lot.

Hedrick says the man fired at officers when they arrived,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/officer-involved-shooting-in-rapid-city-leaves-one-man-dead/">KELO-TV</a>&nbsp;reported.

“Our officers returned fire on the subject, and he is deceased. This appears to be an attack on police officers at this time,” Hedrick said.

Officials say a patrol car was struck by gunfire, but no officers were hurt.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation with assistance from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

By Associated PressRAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Rapid City officers have fatally shot a man with a gun outside a casino, police officials said.According to Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick, the shooting happened shortly after 10:30 p.m. MDT Tuesday after officers responded to reports of someone firing a gun in the casino's parking lot.Hedrick says the man fired at officers when they arrived,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/officer-involved-shooting-in-rapid-city-leaves-one-man-dead/">KELO-TV</a>&nbsp;reported.“Our officers returned fire on the subject, and he is deceased. This appears to be an attack on police officers at this time,” Hedrick said.Officials say a patrol car was struck by gunfire, but no officers were hurt.The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation with assistance from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

Rapid City police fatally shoot man outside casino

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Railroads will be required to maintain two-person crews under a new rule announced Wednesday that will thwart industry efforts to cut crews down to one person.

The Federal Railroad Administration said in a rule published in the Federal Register that railroads will be required to continue using two-person crews in most circumstances as they haul all kinds of cargo, including hazardous materials, across the country. But there will be an exception to allow short-line railroads that have already been using one-man crews to continue using them if they can prove it is safe.

The railroads have argued that they should have the discretion to operate trains with only one person and move conductors out of locomotives to ground-based jobs in places where automatic braking systems have been installed. The proposal has been a key issue in the deadlocked contract talks between freight railroads and their 12 unions that are currently being reviewed by a special board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed earlier this month.

Railroad labor groups have adamantly opposed one-person crews for years due to both safety concerns and preserving jobs. Labor agreements requiring two-person crews have been in place for roughly 30 years at the major railroads, although many short-line railroads operate with one-man crews already.

The arbitrators reviewing the contract talks that began more than two years ago have held hearings this week to hear proposals from both sides. Federal law prohibits rail unions from going on strike until mid September while that board develops a set of recommendations and both sides have a chance to negotiate a deal based on those recommendations.

Previously, the FRA issued a similar rule requiring two-person crews in 2016, but that rule was later abandoned during the Trump administration because the agency said at the time that there wasn't enough evidence to show that two-person crews are safer.

In the proposed rule announced Wednesday, regulators said the second crew member in the cab of locomotives can play a key role in helping monitor train operations and help make sure that safety rules are being followed.

Freight railroads had argued that the installation of a system that can stop trains automatically in certain circumstances, called Positive Train Control, made it unnecessary to have a second person in the locomotive

The railroad industry has emphasized that crash data doesn’t show that two-man crews are safer than one-person crews. But labor groups argued that the data can't show how safe one-person crews are because most railroads use two-person crews now.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Railroads will be required to maintain two-person crews under a new rule announced Wednesday that will thwart industry efforts to cut crews down to one person.The Federal Railroad Administration said in a rule published in the Federal Register that railroads will be required to continue using two-person crews in most circumstances as they haul all kinds of cargo, including hazardous materials, across the country. But there will be an exception to allow short-line railroads that have already been using one-man crews to continue using them if they can prove it is safe.The railroads have argued that they should have the discretion to operate trains with only one person and move conductors out of locomotives to ground-based jobs in places where automatic braking systems have been installed. The proposal has been a key issue in the deadlocked contract talks between freight railroads and their 12 unions that are currently being reviewed by a special board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed earlier this month.Railroad labor groups have adamantly opposed one-person crews for years due to both safety concerns and preserving jobs. Labor agreements requiring two-person crews have been in place for roughly 30 years at the major railroads, although many short-line railroads operate with one-man crews already.The arbitrators reviewing the contract talks that began more than two years ago have held hearings this week to hear proposals from both sides. Federal law prohibits rail unions from going on strike until mid September while that board develops a set of recommendations and both sides have a chance to negotiate a deal based on those recommendations.Previously, the FRA issued a similar rule requiring two-person crews in 2016, but that rule was later abandoned during the Trump administration because the agency said at the time that there wasn't enough evidence to show that two-person crews are safer.In the proposed rule announced Wednesday, regulators said the second crew member in the cab of locomotives can play a key role in helping monitor train operations and help make sure that safety rules are being followed.Freight railroads had argued that the installation of a system that can stop trains automatically in certain circumstances, called Positive Train Control, made it unnecessary to have a second person in the locomotiveThe railroad industry has emphasized that crash data doesn’t show that two-man crews are safer than one-person crews. But labor groups argued that the data can't show how safe one-person crews are because most railroads use two-person crews now.

New rule to thwart railroad efforts to cut train crews to 1

Above is a list of the Dawes County Fair events in Chadron at the fair grounds.&nbsp;

The 136th annual fair will run from July 30 - Aug. 6

This year's fair theme is "Tough Enough To Wear Pink".&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/594080b0bebafbdca4b259e9/t/62956efda520674872a863fa/1653960484935/2022+DC+Fair+Book.pdf">HERE</a> to view the fair book.&nbsp;

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658873507864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above is a list of the Dawes County Fair events in Chadron at the fair grounds.&nbsp;The 136th annual fair will run from July 30 - Aug. 6This year's fair theme is "Tough Enough To Wear Pink".&nbsp;Click <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/594080b0bebafbdca4b259e9/t/62956efda520674872a863fa/1653960484935/2022+DC+Fair+Book.pdf">HERE</a> to view the fair book.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658873624526.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658873875790.png" alt="Designed by&nbsp;Mylee Kvistad.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Designed by&nbsp;Mylee Kvistad.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Dawes County Fair schedule of events 

This month, I issued a proclamation declaring July 2022 as “Victims of Communism Month” in Nebraska. &nbsp;This is the second year in a row that I’ve issued this proclamation as a way to highlight the atrocities committed by Communist governments. &nbsp;There’s no clearer example than the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), whose regime is a human rights abuser to its own people. &nbsp;In recent years, the CCP has ruthlessly crushed dissent in Hong Kong.&nbsp; It has committed genocide against ethnic Uighurs.&nbsp; And it is one of the world’s worst abusers of religious freedom.&nbsp;

This proclamation also serves to remind Nebraskans of the CCP’s corrosive reach abroad. &nbsp;As the leader of the free world, America is one of the CCP’s biggest targets, and we know they are conducting large-scale operations to steal trade secrets, spy on Americans, and disrupt our way of life.&nbsp;

Intellectual property theft is draining away American wealth, and the CCP is by far the biggest culprit.&nbsp; The U.S. government estimates that intellectual property theft costs Americans between $225 billion and $600 billion annually.&nbsp; That’s 2 to 5 times the amount of&nbsp;all&nbsp;goods and services produced in Nebraska each year.

I’m especially alarmed by the CCP’s theft of agricultural trade secrets.&nbsp; To feed its population, China must import more agricultural goods than any other country.&nbsp; President Xi Jinping has made it a priority to ramp up agricultural production in China.&nbsp; But to achieve this goal, the CCP has targeted the theft of U.S. ag technologies—especially genetically modified (GM) seeds.&nbsp;

The CCP is trying to cheat to better compete with U.S. farmers. &nbsp;But it may have more sinister designs.&nbsp; The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has expressed concern about the CCP using American ag secrets to damage the U.S. food supply.&nbsp; In May 2022, the Commission warned that, “Similar to hacking a computer code, Beijing could easily hack the code or DNA of U.S. GM seeds and conduct biowarfare by creating some type of blight that could destroy U.S. crops.”

In addition to sending covert agents to infiltrate U.S. companies, the CCP engages in organized cybercrime.&nbsp; FBI Director Christopher Wray has reported that the CCP’s state-sponsored hacking operations are bigger than those of all other nations combined.&nbsp;

Using sophisticated malware, a Chinese state hacking group known as APT 41 was able to hack into the systems of 30 multinational manufacturers and tech companies.&nbsp; Starting in 2019, the group stole trillions of dollars’ worth of blueprints, formulas, and other trade secrets.&nbsp; This included fighter jet and missile designs, information on pharmaceutical drugs, and solar panel technologies.&nbsp;

China thinks in terms of decades and centuries.&nbsp; Their communist government is playing the long game, gradually gaining leverage in the hopes of achieving strategic superiority.&nbsp; And social media has given them another foothold.&nbsp; The CCP is actively mining data from China-based tech companies like TikTok.&nbsp; The CCP’s national intelligence law requires TikTok to turn over any data it collects to the Chinese government—including data on the roughly 100 million Americans who use TikTok each month.

With data from TikTok, the CCP can access users’ fingerprints and facial images.&nbsp; In turn, this biometric data can be sold on China’s black market to criminals engaged in identity theft.&nbsp; The CCP can make use of this information to bypass security protocols to access classified files.&nbsp; And they can study the browsing habits of TikTok users to more effectively spread propaganda.&nbsp; It’s why Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr has called TikTok an “unacceptable national security risk” and urged Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores.

To maintain the security of data owned by the State of Nebraska, and to safeguard against the intrusive cyber activities of China’s communist government, we blocked TikTok from being loaded onto State devices in August 2020.&nbsp; I strongly advise companies across Nebraska to do the same.&nbsp; If you’re using TikTok, the Chinese Communist Party can access your personal data.

As Governor, I’ll continue to watch for ways we can better protect Nebraska’s innovators, producers, and leaders to guard against China’s aggression. &nbsp;You can view the full text of the Victims of Communism Month proclamation&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Faosv0f9m8mogroo%2F2022%2520Victims%2520of%2520Communism%2520Remembrance%2520Month.jpg%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cc3dc45b9e9c54f58315208da6f3382af%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637944564276122503%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=4BowTHiDhffQW4nFa4QjE7j5oR1FHUBKj8DWjNJ%2FH3s%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp; If you’d like to learn more about the State of Nebraska’s work to counter China’s communist government, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

By Gov. Pete RickettsThis month, I issued a proclamation declaring July 2022 as “Victims of Communism Month” in Nebraska. &nbsp;This is the second year in a row that I’ve issued this proclamation as a way to highlight the atrocities committed by Communist governments. &nbsp;There’s no clearer example than the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), whose regime is a human rights abuser to its own people. &nbsp;In recent years, the CCP has ruthlessly crushed dissent in Hong Kong.&nbsp; It has committed genocide against ethnic Uighurs.&nbsp; And it is one of the world’s worst abusers of religious freedom.&nbsp;This proclamation also serves to remind Nebraskans of the CCP’s corrosive reach abroad. &nbsp;As the leader of the free world, America is one of the CCP’s biggest targets, and we know they are conducting large-scale operations to steal trade secrets, spy on Americans, and disrupt our way of life.&nbsp;Intellectual property theft is draining away American wealth, and the CCP is by far the biggest culprit.&nbsp; The U.S. government estimates that intellectual property theft costs Americans between $225 billion and $600 billion annually.&nbsp; That’s 2 to 5 times the amount of&nbsp;all&nbsp;goods and services produced in Nebraska each year.I’m especially alarmed by the CCP’s theft of agricultural trade secrets.&nbsp; To feed its population, China must import more agricultural goods than any other country.&nbsp; President Xi Jinping has made it a priority to ramp up agricultural production in China.&nbsp; But to achieve this goal, the CCP has targeted the theft of U.S. ag technologies—especially genetically modified (GM) seeds.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>In April 2022, a Chinese national was sentenced to prison for conspiracy to commit economic espionage.&nbsp; He worked at Monsanto in Missouri for nearly a decade before he was caught trying to board a one-way flight to China.&nbsp; Federal authorities discovered a miniature SD card in his possession containing technology stolen from Monsanto.</li><li>In 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection found stolen rice seeds in the luggage of two Chinese nationals at the Honolulu airport.&nbsp; At the time, both individuals were working as crop researchers in China.&nbsp; They had taken the seeds while visiting a research center in Arkansas and a rice production facility in Kansas.</li><li>And in 2016, a Chinese scientist was convicted of stealing GM seeds from cornfields in Iowa. &nbsp;He had collected thousands of seed samples from Monsanto and Pioneer test fields, shipping them to China where they could be used to develop similar hybrids.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The CCP is trying to cheat to better compete with U.S. farmers. &nbsp;But it may have more sinister designs.&nbsp; The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has expressed concern about the CCP using American ag secrets to damage the U.S. food supply.&nbsp; In May 2022, the Commission warned that, “Similar to hacking a computer code, Beijing could easily hack the code or DNA of U.S. GM seeds and conduct biowarfare by creating some type of blight that could destroy U.S. crops.”In addition to sending covert agents to infiltrate U.S. companies, the CCP engages in organized cybercrime.&nbsp; FBI Director Christopher Wray has reported that the CCP’s state-sponsored hacking operations are bigger than those of all other nations combined.&nbsp;Using sophisticated malware, a Chinese state hacking group known as APT 41 was able to hack into the systems of 30 multinational manufacturers and tech companies.&nbsp; Starting in 2019, the group stole trillions of dollars’ worth of blueprints, formulas, and other trade secrets.&nbsp; This included fighter jet and missile designs, information on pharmaceutical drugs, and solar panel technologies.&nbsp;China thinks in terms of decades and centuries.&nbsp; Their communist government is playing the long game, gradually gaining leverage in the hopes of achieving strategic superiority.&nbsp; And social media has given them another foothold.&nbsp; The CCP is actively mining data from China-based tech companies like TikTok.&nbsp; The CCP’s national intelligence law requires TikTok to turn over any data it collects to the Chinese government—including data on the roughly 100 million Americans who use TikTok each month.With data from TikTok, the CCP can access users’ fingerprints and facial images.&nbsp; In turn, this biometric data can be sold on China’s black market to criminals engaged in identity theft.&nbsp; The CCP can make use of this information to bypass security protocols to access classified files.&nbsp; And they can study the browsing habits of TikTok users to more effectively spread propaganda.&nbsp; It’s why Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr has called TikTok an “unacceptable national security risk” and urged Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores.To maintain the security of data owned by the State of Nebraska, and to safeguard against the intrusive cyber activities of China’s communist government, we blocked TikTok from being loaded onto State devices in August 2020.&nbsp; I strongly advise companies across Nebraska to do the same.&nbsp; If you’re using TikTok, the Chinese Communist Party can access your personal data.As Governor, I’ll continue to watch for ways we can better protect Nebraska’s innovators, producers, and leaders to guard against China’s aggression. &nbsp;You can view the full text of the Victims of Communism Month proclamation&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Faosv0f9m8mogroo%2F2022%2520Victims%2520of%2520Communism%2520Remembrance%2520Month.jpg%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cc3dc45b9e9c54f58315208da6f3382af%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637944564276122503%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=4BowTHiDhffQW4nFa4QjE7j5oR1FHUBKj8DWjNJ%2FH3s%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp; If you’d like to learn more about the State of Nebraska’s work to counter China’s communist government, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Countering Communist China

OMAHA, Neb.-The Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Merrill Johnston, 38, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.&nbsp; 

Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Johnston to 14 years imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

On September 13, 2019, North Platte Police Department officers were called to Johnston’s apartment for a domestic disturbance.&nbsp; Officers secured the residence for a search warrant. The search revealed 400 grams of actual methamphetamine in the apartment and a firearm was located under the couch.&nbsp; In addition, $7,100.00 in U.S. currency was seized and forfeited to the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the North Platte Police Department.

<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/2022/7/1658871069949.jpeg" alt="Johnston (LCSO File Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Johnston (LCSO File Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By UNITED STATES ATTORNEY-OMAHAOMAHA, Neb.-The Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Merrill Johnston, 38, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.&nbsp; Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Johnston to 14 years imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.On September 13, 2019, North Platte Police Department officers were called to Johnston’s apartment for a domestic disturbance.&nbsp; Officers secured the residence for a search warrant. The search revealed 400 grams of actual methamphetamine in the apartment and a firearm was located under the couch.&nbsp; In addition, $7,100.00 in U.S. currency was seized and forfeited to the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This case was investigated by the North Platte Police Department.<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://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mOfCt74XiABF6NHi5mz_6Tu_1KfzDtwkhu58qOR9R_Ry6b_ftTSyYgvFbBSFodQMFctqKC0G8DYAbSKgSMC9Zg_HeLBSE0l-bnTwxGy166DcrOGJLBT9D-_b5BVznSdNrzHLuHF0Iw7Odi0ng8JEkw" alt="" />
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North Platte man receives 14 year prison sentence on meth charges

A South Dakota man will have an arraignment today in Box Butte County Court for drug and weapon charges. 

30-year-old Dakota Young of Pine Ridge, South Dakota was pulled over on Highway 385 by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper last week in Box Butte County due to a faulty tail light. 

The Nebraska State Patrol found over 13 grams of cocaine, a pound of marijuana, THC wax and a defaced weapon when Young's vehicle was searched.

Young was planning on selling the drugs on the Pine Ridge Reservation according to the Nebraska State Patrol and court documents.&nbsp;

Young will be charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm during a drug violation and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostA South Dakota man will have an arraignment today in Box Butte County Court for drug and weapon charges. 30-year-old Dakota Young of Pine Ridge, South Dakota was pulled over on Highway 385 by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper last week in Box Butte County due to a faulty tail light. The Nebraska State Patrol found over 13 grams of cocaine, a pound of marijuana, THC wax and a defaced weapon when Young's vehicle was searched.Young was planning on selling the drugs on the Pine Ridge Reservation according to the Nebraska State Patrol and court documents.&nbsp;Young will be charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm during a drug violation and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

South Dakota man arrested for cocaine, firearm in Box Butte County

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The sister of a St. Louis man who died while hiking in the Badlands of South Dakota said Friday that he was camping as part of a trip to celebrate graduating from college and got lost trying to find his way back to his car.

The Pennington County Sheriff's Office tweeted that 22-year-old Maxwell Right collapsed on an unmarked trail in Badlands National Park on Wednesday. He and a friend who was traveling with him had run out of water, according to the tweet. Temperatures in the Badlands had been approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) during the first half of the week.

Right's sister, Lucille, said that the National Park Service told the family that her brother died surrounded by rangers. Authorities have not identified his friend, who the sheriff’s office said was flown to a Rapid City hospital and placed under observation for exposure and dehydration.

The sheriff's office initially said in its tweet that the unmarked trail has been featured in a social media challenge,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PennCoSheriff/status/1550630601186738176?s=20&amp;t=uoblwk6Yjqn8U7x8unJRYQ">but later said</a>&nbsp;the men were simply following a trail on a hiking app. Lucille Right said her brother and his friend weren't taking part in any social media challenge, saying they were on a larger trip to celebrate Maxwell graduating from Missouri S&amp;T and had planned to visit Mt. Rushmore on Wednesday evening.

Pennington County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Helene Duhamel referred questions Friday to the National Park Service. Messages left at the park’s Badlands offices weren’t immediately returned.

By Associated PressRAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The sister of a St. Louis man who died while hiking in the Badlands of South Dakota said Friday that he was camping as part of a trip to celebrate graduating from college and got lost trying to find his way back to his car.The Pennington County Sheriff's Office tweeted that 22-year-old Maxwell Right collapsed on an unmarked trail in Badlands National Park on Wednesday. He and a friend who was traveling with him had run out of water, according to the tweet. Temperatures in the Badlands had been approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) during the first half of the week.Right's sister, Lucille, said that the National Park Service told the family that her brother died surrounded by rangers. Authorities have not identified his friend, who the sheriff’s office said was flown to a Rapid City hospital and placed under observation for exposure and dehydration.The sheriff's office initially said in its tweet that the unmarked trail has been featured in a social media challenge,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PennCoSheriff/status/1550630601186738176?s=20&amp;t=uoblwk6Yjqn8U7x8unJRYQ">but later said</a>&nbsp;the men were simply following a trail on a hiking app. Lucille Right said her brother and his friend weren't taking part in any social media challenge, saying they were on a larger trip to celebrate Maxwell graduating from Missouri S&amp;T and had planned to visit Mt. Rushmore on Wednesday evening.Pennington County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Helene Duhamel referred questions Friday to the National Park Service. Messages left at the park’s Badlands offices weren’t immediately returned.

Sister: Hiker who died in Badlands was on graduation trip

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the Governor’s Ag and Economic Development Summit on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.

Registration for the event is now open at&nbsp;<a href="https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">govsummit.nebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, will be the keynote speaker.&nbsp;

“Nebraska is successfully creating jobs and attracting investment,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “This year’s Summit will convene leaders from across the state to discuss how to build on this positive momentum.&nbsp; Attending the Summit is a great way to make connections with fellow Nebraskans who play key roles in our state’s growth.&nbsp; We look forward to hosting Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink and hearing his insights on opportunities to grow Nebraska through international trade.”

As the state’s premier economic development forum, the Summit includes an agricultural focus, with co-sponsor NDA hosting a number of industry-related sessions. &nbsp;Discussion tracks will include overcoming supply chain challenges, growing ag-related exports, supporting small businesses, workforce development, and much more.

“Through the years, Nebraskans working in agriculture have built a reputation for producing world-class crops, livestock, feed, fuel, equipment, and ag technology,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman.&nbsp; “The Governor’s Ag and Economic Development Summit gives producers and agri-business leaders in Nebraska an opportunity to facilitate new partnerships and discuss how to drive economic growth in our state’s number one industry.”

Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink is scheduled to provide remarks during lunch. &nbsp;Kritenbrink grew up on a farm near Ashland and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.&nbsp; He served as U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam from 2017 to 2021 after being appointed by President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

“We are excited to have Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink join us this year to share his insights on opportunities to grow Nebraska’s brand internationally,” said DED Director Anthony L. Goins. &nbsp;“We hope everyone who shares our mutual vision to grow Nebraska will join Governor Ricketts and us in Kearney for this year’s Summit.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Summit will officially kick off on the evening of Tuesday, August 9th, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats and NetChoice. &nbsp;During that event, numerous Diplomats and Nebraska businesses will be recognized for their contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year.

Registration for the Diplomat Banquet and Summit can be accessed at&nbsp;<a href="https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">govsummit.nebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;A full Summit agenda is also available through the website. &nbsp;For questions, contact Lori Shaal at&nbsp;[lori.shaal@nebraska.gov]lori.shaal@nebraska.gov&nbsp;or 402-471-3780.

By Office of Gov. Pete RickettsLINCOLN –&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the Governor’s Ag and Economic Development Summit on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.Registration for the event is now open at&nbsp;<a href="https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">govsummit.nebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, will be the keynote speaker.&nbsp;“Nebraska is successfully creating jobs and attracting investment,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “This year’s Summit will convene leaders from across the state to discuss how to build on this positive momentum.&nbsp; Attending the Summit is a great way to make connections with fellow Nebraskans who play key roles in our state’s growth.&nbsp; We look forward to hosting Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink and hearing his insights on opportunities to grow Nebraska through international trade.”As the state’s premier economic development forum, the Summit includes an agricultural focus, with co-sponsor NDA hosting a number of industry-related sessions. &nbsp;Discussion tracks will include overcoming supply chain challenges, growing ag-related exports, supporting small businesses, workforce development, and much more.“Through the years, Nebraskans working in agriculture have built a reputation for producing world-class crops, livestock, feed, fuel, equipment, and ag technology,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman.&nbsp; “The Governor’s Ag and Economic Development Summit gives producers and agri-business leaders in Nebraska an opportunity to facilitate new partnerships and discuss how to drive economic growth in our state’s number one industry.”Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink is scheduled to provide remarks during lunch. &nbsp;Kritenbrink grew up on a farm near Ashland and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.&nbsp; He served as U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam from 2017 to 2021 after being appointed by President Donald Trump.&nbsp;“We are excited to have Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink join us this year to share his insights on opportunities to grow Nebraska’s brand internationally,” said DED Director Anthony L. Goins. &nbsp;“We hope everyone who shares our mutual vision to grow Nebraska will join Governor Ricketts and us in Kearney for this year’s Summit.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Summit will officially kick off on the evening of Tuesday, August 9th, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats and NetChoice. &nbsp;During that event, numerous Diplomats and Nebraska businesses will be recognized for their contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year.Registration for the Diplomat Banquet and Summit can be accessed at&nbsp;<a href="https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">govsummit.nebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;A full Summit agenda is also available through the website. &nbsp;For questions, contact Lori Shaal at&nbsp;[lori.shaal@nebraska.gov]lori.shaal@nebraska.gov&nbsp;or 402-471-3780.

Ricketts invites Nebraskans to register for Ag & Economic Development Summit

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 7/26/22

POST PODCAST: United Way of Western Nebraska

Alliance, NE – The final day for open swim at Big Blue Bay will be Sunday, August 7, 2022. The pool will remain open for morning and evening lap swim August 8th to the 12th. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the final few days of pool season. The schedule for the final two weeks at the pool is as follows:

Noon to 1:00 p.m. Adult Lap Swim &amp; 8 and under Family Swim

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Adult Lap Swim &amp; 8 and under Family Swim

If you have questions, please contact Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The final day for open swim at Big Blue Bay will be Sunday, August 7, 2022. The pool will remain open for morning and evening lap swim August 8th to the 12th. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the final few days of pool season. The schedule for the final two weeks at the pool is as follows:August 1st – 5th6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Adult Lap SwimNoon to 1:00 p.m. Adult Lap Swim &amp; 8 and under Family Swim1:00 p.m. to 5: 00 p.m. Open Swim5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Adult Lap Swim &amp; 8 and under Family SwimAugust 6th &amp; 7thNoon to 1:00 p.m. Adult Lap Swim &amp; 8 and under Family Swim1:00 p.m. to 5: 00 p.m. Open Swim5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Adult Lap Swim &amp; 8 and under Family SwimAugust 8th to 12th6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Adult Lap Swim5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Adult Lap SwimIf you have questions, please contact Shana Brown at (308) 762-2384.

City of Alliance announce final Big Blue Bay swim dates

CHADRON – A first for Chadron State College occurred July 19 as Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, Social Sciences Professor, and Jace Demeranville, a senior majoring in History from Gering, Nebraska, concluded a cross-country bike ride that started 70 days earlier.

Demeranville, who plans to graduate this winter, will earn six capstone credits for Biking USA, an Essential Studies requirement based on his report about the culminating college experience of his cross-country biking trip.

“At first, finishing felt like any other ride. I was more than ready to brush it off as no big deal. That changed when I saw my mom and sister and realized what I had accomplished. The trip reinforced my never-ending search for adventure and showed me how grand adventures can be,” Demeranville said.

Dr. Mary Clai Jones, associate professor of English, and Markus Jones, assistant professor of English, also joined Kinbacher and Demeranville for portions of the route.

They biked from Chadron to Washington, D.C., then took a train to Seattle, where they began the second leg of their journey. The group averaged 60-80 miles a day, recording 103 miles on their best day.

According to Demeranville, the rolling hills of Iowa combined with rough roads made for some long days.

“We rode a lot of gravel roads. They were resurfacing the paved roads, which meant golf ball-sized gravel and made for slow going,” Demeranville said.

During the ride, he decided to buy a new bike with better components and shipped his other bike home.

Repairing or replacing tires was the most frequent mechanical issue.

“We got lucky finding bike shops each and every time we needed one,” Kinbacher said.

This was the first time Kinbacher has traveled with a group for a long distance since he usually rides solo.

Although bike riding across the country may sound lonely, they found time to socialize along the journey.

“On (the train), the four of us splurged and had sleepers. It was a nice respite from cycling. We really caught our breaths. When I was young and used (the train) a lot, I slept on the observation decks when they were empty. But in my later years, I've taken to staying in sleeper cars,” Kinbacher said.

People on the train were interested in the CSC endeavor and there was plenty of time for conversation. Demeranville agreed the train ride was a good experience.

“Hopefully, it's not too long before I'm back on one,” Demeranville said.

After they arrived in Seattle, they unpacked their bikes and rode east to Chadron.

“We met other bicyclists, Summer and Remy, over and over again at the same campsites. They were from Bellingham, Washington, and were headed to Boulder, Colorado,” Kinbacher said.

Some pleasant surprises along the way included the CSC riders’ discovery in Montana that many communities provide a no-frills shelter for hikers and bikers. They stayed in one in Wisdom. In Darby, Montana, they discovered a tent hostel.

“We thought were going to pitch our tents, but they had big canvas tents set up, and real beds, so we stayed there instead,” Kinbacher said.

For Demeranville, seeing the Tetons was a highlight.

“It's somewhere I've never been, and always wanted to go. It was everything I wanted it to be, definitely a reward,” Demeranville said.

As they neared Chadron, the forecast for July 18 was listed at 109 degrees. Kinbacher was cautiously optimistic about their projected progress.

“I thought since we left at five in the morning, maybe we could do it, but we had three or four mechanical issues that day. We still made good time. When we got to Harrison, we stayed at the Harrison House, just a lovely place,” Kinbacher said.

Kinbacher said he had a nightmare when he was in Harrison, Nebraska, that he was back in Jeffrey City, Wyoming, and still had three more days to go.

“But I woke up, looked out the window and was relieved to see I wasn't in Jeffrey City,” Kinbacher said.

By Tena L. Cook, CSCCHADRON – A first for Chadron State College occurred July 19 as Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, Social Sciences Professor, and Jace Demeranville, a senior majoring in History from Gering, Nebraska, concluded a cross-country bike ride that started 70 days earlier.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658797921172.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College History Professor Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, left, and History major Jace Demeranville of Gering, Neb., pose in front of Old Admin July 19, 2022, as they arrived back in Chadron after a 70-day bike ride across the U.S. Dr. Mary Clai Jones and Markus Jones also joined for portions of the ride. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College History Professor Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, left, and History major Jace Demeranville of Gering, Neb., pose in front of Old Admin July 19, 2022, as they arrived back in Chadron after a 70-day bike ride across the U.S. Dr. Mary Clai Jones and Markus Jones also joined for portions of the ride. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>Demeranville, who plans to graduate this winter, will earn six capstone credits for Biking USA, an Essential Studies requirement based on his report about the culminating college experience of his cross-country biking trip.“At first, finishing felt like any other ride. I was more than ready to brush it off as no big deal. That changed when I saw my mom and sister and realized what I had accomplished. The trip reinforced my never-ending search for adventure and showed me how grand adventures can be,” Demeranville said.Dr. Mary Clai Jones, associate professor of English, and Markus Jones, assistant professor of English, also joined Kinbacher and Demeranville for portions of the route.They biked from Chadron to Washington, D.C., then took a train to Seattle, where they began the second leg of their journey. The group averaged 60-80 miles a day, recording 103 miles on their best day.According to Demeranville, the rolling hills of Iowa combined with rough roads made for some long days.“We rode a lot of gravel roads. They were resurfacing the paved roads, which meant golf ball-sized gravel and made for slow going,” Demeranville said.During the ride, he decided to buy a new bike with better components and shipped his other bike home.Repairing or replacing tires was the most frequent mechanical issue.“We got lucky finding bike shops each and every time we needed one,” Kinbacher said.This was the first time Kinbacher has traveled with a group for a long distance since he usually rides solo.Although bike riding across the country may sound lonely, they found time to socialize along the journey.“On (the train), the four of us splurged and had sleepers. It was a nice respite from cycling. We really caught our breaths. When I was young and used (the train) a lot, I slept on the observation decks when they were empty. But in my later years, I've taken to staying in sleeper cars,” Kinbacher said.People on the train were interested in the CSC endeavor and there was plenty of time for conversation. Demeranville agreed the train ride was a good experience.“Hopefully, it's not too long before I'm back on one,” Demeranville said.After they arrived in Seattle, they unpacked their bikes and rode east to Chadron.“We met other bicyclists, Summer and Remy, over and over again at the same campsites. They were from Bellingham, Washington, and were headed to Boulder, Colorado,” Kinbacher said.Some pleasant surprises along the way included the CSC riders’ discovery in Montana that many communities provide a no-frills shelter for hikers and bikers. They stayed in one in Wisdom. In Darby, Montana, they discovered a tent hostel.“We thought were going to pitch our tents, but they had big canvas tents set up, and real beds, so we stayed there instead,” Kinbacher said.For Demeranville, seeing the Tetons was a highlight.“It's somewhere I've never been, and always wanted to go. It was everything I wanted it to be, definitely a reward,” Demeranville said.As they neared Chadron, the forecast for July 18 was listed at 109 degrees. Kinbacher was cautiously optimistic about their projected progress.“I thought since we left at five in the morning, maybe we could do it, but we had three or four mechanical issues that day. We still made good time. When we got to Harrison, we stayed at the Harrison House, just a lovely place,” Kinbacher said.Kinbacher said he had a nightmare when he was in Harrison, Nebraska, that he was back in Jeffrey City, Wyoming, and still had three more days to go.“But I woke up, looked out the window and was relieved to see I wasn't in Jeffrey City,” Kinbacher said.

Chadron State faculty, student complete cross country bike ride

Q's Dairy Sweet remains a prominent  business in Crawford. 

The business is located at 3554 Highway 20 next to Westco. 

"It started in 1967, "owner Irene Hughes said. "They brought the main part in on a truck back then and had a little filling station too. That was the original dairy sweet. It was a franchise at that time. Its had six owners since then. I bought it nine years ago in September. And the previous owners, are the ones who started the barbecue. I just continued with it, and I've expanded a whole bunch."

Hughes said the Crawford Dairy Sweet location remains one of three or four in the country. 

Panhandle Post asked Hughes what her best hamburger is. 

"Well, you'd either have the mushroom and Swiss with grilled onions, that's real popular," Hughes said. "Or just our good old cheeseburger with whatever you want on it. You can have ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, jalapenos, Swiss cheese, American cheese, cheddar cheese, whatever. Our meat is never frozen and that's fresh cut."

Hughes said she enjoys the Crawford community. 

"They're all good," Hughes added. "Everybody's nice to each other, for the most part. We all kind of watch each other's backs."

&nbsp; You can vote for the "Best Burger in the Panhandle" by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/22597580-e70b-4c20-ac62-720aa4ac8722#/questions">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658764613950.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Q's Dairy Sweet remains a prominent business in Crawford. The business is located at 3554 Highway 20 next to Westco. "It started in 1967, "owner Irene Hughes said. "They brought the main part in on a truck back then and had a little filling station too. That was the original dairy sweet. It was a franchise at that time. Its had six owners since then. I bought it nine years ago in September. And the previous owners, are the ones who started the barbecue. I just continued with it, and I've expanded a whole bunch."Hughes said the Crawford Dairy Sweet location remains one of three or four in the country. Panhandle Post asked Hughes what her best hamburger is. "Well, you'd either have the mushroom and Swiss with grilled onions, that's real popular," Hughes said. "Or just our good old cheeseburger with whatever you want on it. You can have ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, jalapenos, Swiss cheese, American cheese, cheddar cheese, whatever. Our meat is never frozen and that's fresh cut."Hughes said she enjoys the Crawford community. "They're all good," Hughes added. "Everybody's nice to each other, for the most part. We all kind of watch each other's backs."&nbsp; You can vote for the "Best Burger in the Panhandle" by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/22597580-e70b-4c20-ac62-720aa4ac8722#/questions">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Q's Dairy Sweet continues serving Crawford customers along Highway 20

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

RINGGOLD, Neb.-Two people are dead after a small plane crashed in the Nebraska Sandhills.

Authorities said the crash occurred about 15 miles north of Ringgold at around 8:40 a.m., on Monday morning.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane, a single-engine RV9A, had two passengers on board and was flying from Greeley, Colorado, to Cherokee, Iowa. Both were killed in the crash.

The Nebraska State Patrol, McPherson County Sheriff's Office, Logan County Sheriff's Office, and Federal Aviation Administration are assisting the National Transporation Safety Board with the investigation into the crash.

The names of those killed were not released pending the notification of family members.

<figure>
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 <figcaption>Google Maps</figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostRINGGOLD, Neb.-Two people are dead after a small plane crashed in the Nebraska Sandhills.Authorities said the crash occurred about 15 miles north of Ringgold at around 8:40 a.m., on Monday morning.According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane, a single-engine RV9A, had two passengers on board and was flying from Greeley, Colorado, to Cherokee, Iowa. Both were killed in the crash.The Nebraska State Patrol, McPherson County Sheriff's Office, Logan County Sheriff's Office, and Federal Aviation Administration are assisting the National Transporation Safety Board with the investigation into the crash.The names of those killed were not released pending the notification of family members.<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://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mOfCt74XiABF6NHi5mz_6Tu_1KfzDtwkhu58qOR9R_Ry6b_ftTSyYgvFbBSFodQMFctqKC0G8DYAbSKgSMC9Zg_HeLBSE0l-bnTwxGy166DcrOGJLBT9D-_b5BVznSdNrzHLuHF0Iw7Odi0ng8JEkw" alt="" />
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Plane crash in Nebraska Sandhills claims 2 lives

By&nbsp;Scotts Bluff County Health Department

Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (CAPWN) and Scotts Bluff County Health Department sponsor a free night at the movies. &nbsp;Bring the family out for a free fun movie night at the Midwest Sky View Drive-in Theater on Thursday, July 28th. Gates open at 7 PM and the movie will start at 8:45 PM.

Minions the Rise of Gru Rated: PG Running time: 1h 27min

In the 1970s, young Gru tries to join a group of supervillains called the Vicious 6 after they oust their leader -- the legendary fighter Wild Knuckles. When the interview turns disastrous, Gru and his Minions go on the run with the Vicious 6 hot on their tails. Luckily, he finds an unlikely source for guidance -- Wild Knuckles himself -- and soon discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.

Come enjoy dinner &amp; a movie at the Midwest Sky View Drive-In. The concession offerings have been expanded for the 2022 season to include Burgers, Hot dogs &amp; King Kong Nachos and many of your favorite drive-in foods. The Midwest Sky View Drive-In offers numbered parking for up to 165 cars with additional room for overflow as needed, with built-in social distancing measures in place that will allow families to sit outside in their own space. NO Outside Food or Drink is allowed at the Midwest Sky View Drive-In including Alcohol.

This event is being sponsored by the Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (CAPWN) and Scotts Bluff County Health Department to promote Covid vaccination awareness. For more information about this event, contact the Scotts Bluff County Health Department at 308-436-6636.

By&nbsp;Scotts Bluff County Health DepartmentCommunity Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (CAPWN) and Scotts Bluff County Health Department sponsor a free night at the movies. &nbsp;Bring the family out for a free fun movie night at the Midwest Sky View Drive-in Theater on Thursday, July 28th. Gates open at 7 PM and the movie will start at 8:45 PM.Minions the Rise of Gru Rated: PG Running time: 1h 27minIn the 1970s, young Gru tries to join a group of supervillains called the Vicious 6 after they oust their leader -- the legendary fighter Wild Knuckles. When the interview turns disastrous, Gru and his Minions go on the run with the Vicious 6 hot on their tails. Luckily, he finds an unlikely source for guidance -- Wild Knuckles himself -- and soon discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.Come enjoy dinner &amp; a movie at the Midwest Sky View Drive-In. The concession offerings have been expanded for the 2022 season to include Burgers, Hot dogs &amp; King Kong Nachos and many of your favorite drive-in foods. The Midwest Sky View Drive-In offers numbered parking for up to 165 cars with additional room for overflow as needed, with built-in social distancing measures in place that will allow families to sit outside in their own space. NO Outside Food or Drink is allowed at the Midwest Sky View Drive-In including Alcohol.This event is being sponsored by the Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (CAPWN) and Scotts Bluff County Health Department to promote Covid vaccination awareness. For more information about this event, contact the Scotts Bluff County Health Department at 308-436-6636.

Scotts Bluff Co. Health Department, CAPWN to hold free movie night

Lincoln– Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions® Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Tuesday, July 26 drawing to $810 million or $470.1 million with the cash option selected.

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 28 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since April 19 without a jackpot winner.

The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one ticket was sold in South Carolina for a $1.537 billion jackpot.

Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=vO6EBHxkBWuJBNyAXsok8lanxZTLSIUtoqiCqDUXCtE5cxf-2BQZLCrDZWRG-2BD-2BdnZdVbX_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8DO-2FmuPGpvdqq0muHUzsKx-2BgAHRMAYmN4V2IyHhNlDp63xy3jiZjyzcZ939hgSBZ6mX7BfPYh-2Fr11hjRyKrhu9ZpIzElCykfp84BfR0NynUttuWx7lyLjru8UBI-2BFyQditnMerT58A0BKhClScTa8LunmhcQAYmOYG-2BsfbkiTeQ6EFEqMC6fGnsiDj89pWdIQWid4pAycOOSrI1g65I6ahna4-2Fr-2FD6yAj4Q4K-2FI78RWJAhHNrpWqG8fX6KL0BzXw33KNqQLRrtr5IJbyBN1AKBKiZomEQepK0pH7P4zNLkH8cTJXuPxN-2FZ3ZtzQ13XNZ5inqIXPlkC0BcwCdDjqbUQQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.

Because of the high Mega Millions jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the jackpot is, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at problemgambling.nebraska.gov.

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.

By Nebraska Lottery&nbsp;Lincoln– Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions® Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Tuesday, July 26 drawing to $810 million or $470.1 million with the cash option selected.The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 28 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since April 19 without a jackpot winner.The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one ticket was sold in South Carolina for a $1.537 billion jackpot.Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=vO6EBHxkBWuJBNyAXsok8lanxZTLSIUtoqiCqDUXCtE5cxf-2BQZLCrDZWRG-2BD-2BdnZdVbX_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8DO-2FmuPGpvdqq0muHUzsKx-2BgAHRMAYmN4V2IyHhNlDp63xy3jiZjyzcZ939hgSBZ6mX7BfPYh-2Fr11hjRyKrhu9ZpIzElCykfp84BfR0NynUttuWx7lyLjru8UBI-2BFyQditnMerT58A0BKhClScTa8LunmhcQAYmOYG-2BsfbkiTeQ6EFEqMC6fGnsiDj89pWdIQWid4pAycOOSrI1g65I6ahna4-2Fr-2FD6yAj4Q4K-2FI78RWJAhHNrpWqG8fX6KL0BzXw33KNqQLRrtr5IJbyBN1AKBKiZomEQepK0pH7P4zNLkH8cTJXuPxN-2FZ3ZtzQ13XNZ5inqIXPlkC0BcwCdDjqbUQQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.Play ResponsiblyBecause of the high Mega Millions jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the jackpot is, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at problemgambling.nebraska.gov.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.

Mega Millions Jackpot increased for Tuesday drawing

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Is $810 million worth $2?

That’s a good question, given it costs $2 to buy a Mega Millions lottery ticket that could pay off with an estimated $810 million prize —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-d074aec16d0f17eba2cc51c814faa99e">the nation's fourth-largest jackpot</a>&nbsp;— after the game’s next drawing Tuesday night.

To start with, your&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">chance of winning the grand prize</a>&nbsp;is minuscule, at one in 302.5 million. You have better odds of a smaller payoff, such as winning $1 million for matching five regular numbers but missing the Mega Ball. But even that is one in 12.6 million. To put that in perspective, your chance of dying in a car crash — something to consider as you drive to the mini-mart for a lottery ticket — is around one in 101 over a lifetime, according to the nonprofit National Safety Council.

As lottery officials note, players should think of their $2 bet as a chance to dream while accepting the reality they likely won’t be entering a new income tax bracket Tuesday night.

STILL, A SHOT AT $810 MILLION SEEMS WORTH $2

Ah, but even if you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-dc-wire-228917811fda4f4ebf273cb871474e1b">somehow beat the odds</a>&nbsp;you are not going to get $810 million.

First, that’s the amount for winners who take the annuity option, paid over 30 annual payments. But winners nearly always opt for cash, which for this drawing would pay out an estimated $470.1 million.

And then there are federal taxes, which will slice 37% off that cash prize, so that would leave less than $300 million, though state taxes could cut into that amount as well, depending on where the winner lives. Still a fortune, but a smaller fortune. That also doesn’t account for the possibility that someone else will match the winning numbers, meaning they would need to divide even those smaller winnings in half or more, depending on the number of lucky players.

To put that in perspective, consider that the median U.S. household income in 2020 was $67,500, meaning a lifetime of work at that rate would be less than 1% of even the smaller jackpot after taxes.

But sadly, if you had won that same prize a year ago, before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">the nation endured a year with an inflation rate of about 9%</a>, your buying power would have been significantly higher.

Eventually, though the reason the grand prize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-c750b32664d0b02d318ae8030f671952">has grown so large</a>&nbsp;is because no one has matched all six numbers since April. That's 28 consecutive drawings without someone hitting the jackpot.

With so many people playing now that the potential top prize is so large, it becomes increasingly likely that someone or multiple players will finally end that streak. Still, past prizes have grown larger, as the biggest payday was a $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot won in 2016.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is overseen by state lottery officials.

If you have fun dreaming of a massive windfall that most likely won’t actually blow your way, buy a ticket. But if you need to watch your money, consider keeping the $2 in your wallet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658775707576.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Is $810 million worth $2?That’s a good question, given it costs $2 to buy a Mega Millions lottery ticket that could pay off with an estimated $810 million prize —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-d074aec16d0f17eba2cc51c814faa99e">the nation's fourth-largest jackpot</a>&nbsp;— after the game’s next drawing Tuesday night.ISN'T IT AN OBVIOUS QUESTION?Not really.To start with, your&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">chance of winning the grand prize</a>&nbsp;is minuscule, at one in 302.5 million. You have better odds of a smaller payoff, such as winning $1 million for matching five regular numbers but missing the Mega Ball. But even that is one in 12.6 million. To put that in perspective, your chance of dying in a car crash — something to consider as you drive to the mini-mart for a lottery ticket — is around one in 101 over a lifetime, according to the nonprofit National Safety Council.As lottery officials note, players should think of their $2 bet as a chance to dream while accepting the reality they likely won’t be entering a new income tax bracket Tuesday night.STILL, A SHOT AT $810 MILLION SEEMS WORTH $2Ah, but even if you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-dc-wire-228917811fda4f4ebf273cb871474e1b">somehow beat the odds</a>&nbsp;you are not going to get $810 million.First, that’s the amount for winners who take the annuity option, paid over 30 annual payments. But winners nearly always opt for cash, which for this drawing would pay out an estimated $470.1 million.And then there are federal taxes, which will slice 37% off that cash prize, so that would leave less than $300 million, though state taxes could cut into that amount as well, depending on where the winner lives. Still a fortune, but a smaller fortune. That also doesn’t account for the possibility that someone else will match the winning numbers, meaning they would need to divide even those smaller winnings in half or more, depending on the number of lucky players.NEARLY $300 MILLION ISN’T CHUMP CHANGEIt is definitely a big paycheck.To put that in perspective, consider that the median U.S. household income in 2020 was $67,500, meaning a lifetime of work at that rate would be less than 1% of even the smaller jackpot after taxes.But sadly, if you had won that same prize a year ago, before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">the nation endured a year with an inflation rate of about 9%</a>, your buying power would have been significantly higher.BUT SOMEONE WILL WINEventually, though the reason the grand prize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-c750b32664d0b02d318ae8030f671952">has grown so large</a>&nbsp;is because no one has matched all six numbers since April. That's 28 consecutive drawings without someone hitting the jackpot.With so many people playing now that the potential top prize is so large, it becomes increasingly likely that someone or multiple players will finally end that streak. Still, past prizes have grown larger, as the biggest payday was a $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot won in 2016.Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is overseen by state lottery officials.SO, IS IT WORTH GAMBLING $2If you have fun dreaming of a massive windfall that most likely won’t actually blow your way, buy a ticket. But if you need to watch your money, consider keeping the $2 in your wallet.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
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Is $810 million worth a $2 Mega Millions ticket? It depends

P202200587, 10:14, DISTURBANCE : 600 E. 3rd Street/ Reported Trespassing/ Offender arrested Closed - Charges Recommended

P202200588, 13:42, 10-45 : MVA INJURY OFFICERS RESPONDED TO A TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON 7TH AND YELLOWSTONE / TWO MALES WERE TRANSPORTED TO BBGH, Closed - Resolved

By Alliance Police Department07/17/22P202200587, 10:14, DISTURBANCE : 600 E. 3rd Street/ Reported Trespassing/ Offender arrested Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200588, 13:42, 10-45 : MVA INJURY OFFICERS RESPONDED TO A TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON 7TH AND YELLOWSTONE / TWO MALES WERE TRANSPORTED TO BBGH, Closed - ResolvedP202200590, 17:04, INV : Criminal ALLIANCE POLICE STATION / VOLUNTARY CONTACT / MALE DISCOVERED TO BE IN VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER / CHARGES RECOMMENDED, Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200591, 19:11, THEFT : THEFT Stolen bike out of a front yard in Big Horn Ave. Case is under investigation, Closed - ResolvedP202200591, 19:11, THEFT : THEFT Stolen bike out of a front yard in Big Horn Ave. Case is under investigation, Open - Under InvestigationP202200591, 19:11, THEFT : THEFT Stolen bike out of a front yard in Big Horn Ave. Case is under investigation, Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200592, 21:54, DISTURBANCE : 20 year old male physically assaulted his mother inside their residence/Son was arrested and transported to jail, Closed - Charges Recommended07/18/22P202200593, 12:40, THEFT : THEFT Officers responded to the 800 block of Dakota Ave. reference a theft. This case is open for investigation. Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200593, 12:40, THEFT : THEFT Officers responded to the 800 block of Dakota Ave. reference a theft. This case is open for investigation. Open - Under InvestigationP202200594, 14:57, THEFT : THEFT Officers responded to the 900 block of Platte Ave referencing a theft. Spoke with male. Case is inactive pending further leads. Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200595, 18:35, THEFT : THEFT REPORT OF STOLEN BIKE / BIKE RECOVERED / Closed - Resolved07/19/22P202200597, 07:09, JUV : JUVENILE Officers made contact with a female in Richard Circle regarding an out of control juvenile. Charges have been recommended for one female juvenile. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200596, 08:24, THEFT : THEFT Officers responded the the 400 block of Missouri Ave. referencing a theft. Case open for investigation. Open - Under InvestigationP202200598, 13:09, JUV : JUVENILE 2600 Block of Big Horn Drive/ Reported Sexual Assault of Minor/ Investigation Underway, Open - Under InvestigationP202200599, 23:26, STOLEN VEHICLE : Male stole a pick up truck in Box Butte County and hid it in Alliance NE. Pick up truck was recovered. Suspect was arrested. Illegal narcotics were seized07/20/22P202200600, 04:59, JUV : JUVENILE Juvenile female ran away from home/Search for juvenile continues Open - Under InvestigationP202200601, 08:55, DISTURBANCE : 500 block of Cheyenne Ave // Officers respond to a report of a nude individual standing on their front porch // Individual was arrested for disturbing the peace and public indecency, Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200602, 12:09, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : 600 block of east 10th St // Report of criminal mischief that occurred between Sunday night and the present // Investigation continues, Inactive - Case SuspendedP202200603, 17:55, DISTURBANCE : Dispatched to the 600 block of East 9th ST for a disturbance/ One male arrested for protection order violation and Colorado arrest warrant, Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200603, 17:55, DISTURBANCE : Dispatched to the 600 block of East 9th ST for a disturbance/ One male arrested for protection order violation and Colorado arrest warrant07/21/22P202200604, 01:57, WARRANT : ARREST Officer initiated a traffic stop on a red vehicle for safety glass violation near 10th Street and Ramblin Rd. The female driver had an active arrest warrant. Female taken into custody.
07/22/22P202200605, 11:33, BURGLARY : BREAK Burglary, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass by four juveniles or young adults at Dobby's Frontier Town, Open - Under InvestigationP202200609, 19:57, SHOPLIFT : convenience store/shoplifting/two suspects/ case is open and under investigation Closed - Charges RecommendedP202200608, 20:12, DISTURBANCE : TRAILERVILLE CT/ Disturbance/protection order violation/ One male arrested and transported to Box Butte County Jail Closed - Charges Recommended07/23/22P202200610, 01:31, TRESPASS : TRESPASS Located a vehicle parked at Dobby's Frontier Town / Two suspects were arrested for Trespassing, Burglary, and Minor in Possession of Alcohol

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