Thanks to Chadron Chief of Police, Rick Hickstein

&nbsp;The Chadron Police Department raised awareness about seat belt safety to area residents during its annual Click It or Ticket high-visibility seat belt enforcement campaign, held May 23 through June 5.&nbsp; 

Law enforcement officers wrote a total of 4 citations for seat belt violations in the process.&nbsp; The campaign, which coincided with the Memorial Day holiday, was twofold:&nbsp; to combine increased enforcement and a zero-tolerance policy, with effective communication to road users on the importance of seat belt use. 

On May 23, the campaign commenced with Border to Border, a one-day, 4-hour national seat belt awareness event coordinated by participating state highway safety offices and their respective law enforcement liaisons. “This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign was a real success,” said Sergeant Chet Swanson.&nbsp; “Through our enforcement efforts, we believe we helped keep community members safe and reminded drivers of the importance of buckling up.&nbsp; Issuing tickets was not our goal, but it was a way to remind people of the importance of such a simple action.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than half of the passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2020 were unrestrained.&nbsp; During this year’s campaign, NHTSA urged law enforcement nationwide to issue seat belt citations to anyone caught in violation of the law — during the day, and especially at night, when 58% of those killed are unrestrained.&nbsp; By adding patrols at night, and training officers on specific techniques to catch nighttime violators, the campaign — and the nighttime focus — was a “major success,” according to Sergeant Chet Swanson.

The Chadron Police Department had 8 officers participate in the campaign.&nbsp; Each officer was assigned to work 4 hours towards the campaign from May 23 to June 5.&nbsp; Each officer worked their 4 hour block on different days and at different times of the day.&nbsp; During this time a total of 44 traffic stops were made resulting in 11 citations being issued, 4 of which were seatbelt violations.&nbsp; Another observational study was conducted in the City of Chadron after the campaign had concluded,&nbsp; and it was found 62% of the observed motorists were wearing restraints. A 2% increase from before the campaign.

The national seat belt use rate in 2020 was 90.3%.&nbsp; The Click It or Ticket campaign is focusing on the remaining 9.7% who still don’t buckle up. Thousands of lives could be saved each year if every person was properly restrained on the road.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit NHTSA.gov/ciot or contact the Chadron Police Department or Sergeant Chet Swanson at (308) 432-0510. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653040795573.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thanks to Chadron Chief of Police, Rick Hickstein&nbsp;The Chadron Police Department raised awareness about seat belt safety to area residents during its annual Click It or Ticket high-visibility seat belt enforcement campaign, held May 23 through June 5.&nbsp; Law enforcement officers wrote a total of 4 citations for seat belt violations in the process.&nbsp; The campaign, which coincided with the Memorial Day holiday, was twofold:&nbsp; to combine increased enforcement and a zero-tolerance policy, with effective communication to road users on the importance of seat belt use. On May 23, the campaign commenced with Border to Border, a one-day, 4-hour national seat belt awareness event coordinated by participating state highway safety offices and their respective law enforcement liaisons. “This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign was a real success,” said Sergeant Chet Swanson.&nbsp; “Through our enforcement efforts, we believe we helped keep community members safe and reminded drivers of the importance of buckling up.&nbsp; Issuing tickets was not our goal, but it was a way to remind people of the importance of such a simple action.”According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than half of the passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2020 were unrestrained.&nbsp; During this year’s campaign, NHTSA urged law enforcement nationwide to issue seat belt citations to anyone caught in violation of the law — during the day, and especially at night, when 58% of those killed are unrestrained.&nbsp; By adding patrols at night, and training officers on specific techniques to catch nighttime violators, the campaign — and the nighttime focus — was a “major success,” according to Sergeant Chet Swanson.The Chadron Police Department had 8 officers participate in the campaign.&nbsp; Each officer was assigned to work 4 hours towards the campaign from May 23 to June 5.&nbsp; Each officer worked their 4 hour block on different days and at different times of the day.&nbsp; During this time a total of 44 traffic stops were made resulting in 11 citations being issued, 4 of which were seatbelt violations.&nbsp; Another observational study was conducted in the City of Chadron after the campaign had concluded,&nbsp; and it was found 62% of the observed motorists were wearing restraints. A 2% increase from before the campaign.The national seat belt use rate in 2020 was 90.3%.&nbsp; The Click It or Ticket campaign is focusing on the remaining 9.7% who still don’t buckle up. Thousands of lives could be saved each year if every person was properly restrained on the road.For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit NHTSA.gov/ciot or contact the Chadron Police Department or Sergeant Chet Swanson at (308) 432-0510.

2022 Click it or Ticket Campaign

At their regular monthly meeting,&nbsp; Alliance American Legion Post 7, honored local Legionaire Tom Hoerler as the 2022 , American Legion Eagle award winner in recognition of his outstanding dedication and tireless service to military veterans and the American Legion.&nbsp;

Post Commander Steve Stanec, says&nbsp; "Tom has been a loyal, continuous member of the Alliance American Legion Post 7 for 16 years and currently serves as Sgt-at-Arms, insuring the honor guard rifles and color guard ceremonial rifles are ready for service at all scheduled events."&nbsp; &nbsp;"Tom also serves as the Posts Bugler on the honor guard team at veterans funerals and other occasions when the bugle is requested."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tom is a consistent participant in the Quilt of Valor Foundation presentations honoring our local veterans and is a recipient himself. He also volunteers to serve on multiple committees.

Tom is a past American Legion Post 7 Commander and Adjutant, as well as a past American Legion District 4 Adjutant/Financial Officer. He is also a past recipiant of the American Legion District 4 Work Horse Award and District 4 Citizenship Award.

Thanks to Steve Stanec, Alliance American Legion Post 7 Commander

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147686159.jpeg" alt="Alliance American Legion Post 7 Commander Steve&nbsp; Stanec (Left)&nbsp; presents the 2022 Eagle award to Tom Hoerler" />
 <figcaption>Alliance American Legion Post 7 Commander Steve&nbsp; Stanec (Left)&nbsp; presents the 2022 Eagle award to Tom Hoerler</figcaption>
 </figure>At their regular monthly meeting,&nbsp; Alliance American Legion Post 7, honored local Legionaire Tom Hoerler as the 2022 , American Legion Eagle award winner in recognition of his outstanding dedication and tireless service to military veterans and the American Legion.&nbsp;Post Commander Steve Stanec, says&nbsp; "Tom has been a loyal, continuous member of the Alliance American Legion Post 7 for 16 years and currently serves as Sgt-at-Arms, insuring the honor guard rifles and color guard ceremonial rifles are ready for service at all scheduled events."&nbsp; &nbsp;"Tom also serves as the Posts Bugler on the honor guard team at veterans funerals and other occasions when the bugle is requested."&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom is a consistent participant in the Quilt of Valor Foundation presentations honoring our local veterans and is a recipient himself. He also volunteers to serve on multiple committees.Tom is a past American Legion Post 7 Commander and Adjutant, as well as a past American Legion District 4 Adjutant/Financial Officer. He is also a past recipiant of the American Legion District 4 Work Horse Award and District 4 Citizenship Award.Thanks to Steve Stanec, Alliance American Legion Post 7 Commander

Local Legionaire Honored

June 12, 2012 is a date that is hard to forget for most Alliance residents.

The day began like any other, but just before 9:00am Andres Gonzalez walked into Thiele Pharmacy and Gifts.  Police were soon called to the store in response to reports of a robbery.  Upon their arrival Gonzalez shot and wounded Alliance Police Department officer Kirk Felker.  At 10:30am, Gonzalez again traded gunfire with officers, wounding Nebraska state trooper Tim Flick and APD officer Matt Shannon.

At approxmately 4:30pm, after hours of being held hostage by Gonzalez, Thiele Pharmacy owner Charles Lierk, then 62, made his escape from the pharmacy.  Lierk was shot in the back and arm as he ran to safety.  Gonzalez died later that day following a gun battle inside the pharmacy with Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team members.  On that same day officers discovered the body of Gonzalez' father, 62-year-old Larry Gonzalez, in the family's home.

Then KCOW Radio News Director Kevin Horn spent the morning of the 12th downtown, phoning in live reports for broadcast on KCOW.  Also downtown behind locked doors were local business owners stunned at the scene unfolding.  Kelly Crawford of Just Shoot Me Photographics captured the sights of the day in the photographs used in this article.

In the ten years since June 12, 2012 the face of downtown Alliance has changed in some big ways.  Workforce Development, with offices adjacent to Thieles, eventually re-opened their doors.  Years later, Workforce Development would relocate to the lower level of the Alliance Learning Center, and eventually merge with Workforce Development's Scottsbluff operation.

Following the events of June 12, 2012, the Lierks briefly relocated their pharmacy business to a storefront near Box Butte General Hospital.  Later that year, the Lierks executed their plans to sell the pharmacy business to Safeway--plans that were in the early stages before the standoff.  The downtown location reopened as "Thiele Gifts and More".  In 2016, the Lierks announced their retirement and with it, the closure of their business.  It brought to an end over a century of a Thiele storefront in downtown Alliance.

The events of April 12, 2012 are unforgettable to any Alliance resident who was here when it happened.  Perhaps that's because an incident like this is so exceedingly rare in small towns like Alliance, Nebraska.  The day was won by the bravery and skill of both Alliance Police Department officers and those from the Nebraska State Patrol.  They went forward into an incredibly dangerous situation and preserved the peace of our town and its people.

Original reporting from Panhandle Post and KCOWRadio.com; additional reporting from wire source.

June 12, 2012 is a date that is hard to forget for most Alliance residents.The day began like any other, but just before 9:00am Andres Gonzalez walked into Thiele Pharmacy and Gifts. Police were soon called to the store in response to reports of a robbery. Upon their arrival Gonzalez shot and wounded Alliance Police Department officer Kirk Felker. At 10:30am, Gonzalez again traded gunfire with officers, wounding Nebraska state trooper Tim Flick and APD officer Matt Shannon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655138400590.jpeg" alt="Officers from Alliance Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol on scene." />
 <figcaption>Officers from Alliance Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol on scene.</figcaption>
 </figure>At approxmately 4:30pm, after hours of being held hostage by Gonzalez, Thiele Pharmacy owner Charles Lierk, then 62, made his escape from the pharmacy. Lierk was shot in the back and arm as he ran to safety. Gonzalez died later that day following a gun battle inside the pharmacy with Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team members. On that same day officers discovered the body of Gonzalez' father, 62-year-old Larry Gonzalez, in the family's home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655138466645.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655138485710.jpeg" alt="Former Workforce Development offices." />
 <figcaption>Former Workforce Development offices.</figcaption>
 </figure>Then KCOW Radio News Director Kevin Horn spent the morning of the 12th downtown, phoning in live reports for broadcast on KCOW. Also downtown behind locked doors were local business owners stunned at the scene unfolding. Kelly Crawford of Just Shoot Me Photographics captured the sights of the day in the photographs used in this article.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655138625390.jpeg" alt="The historic Thiele storefront.&nbsp; The "Thiele" sign has joined other historic Alliance treasures at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center." />
 <figcaption>The historic Thiele storefront.&nbsp; The "Thiele" sign has joined other historic Alliance treasures at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center.</figcaption>
 </figure>In the ten years since June 12, 2012 the face of downtown Alliance has changed in some big ways. Workforce Development, with offices adjacent to Thieles, eventually re-opened their doors. Years later, Workforce Development would relocate to the lower level of the Alliance Learning Center, and eventually merge with Workforce Development's Scottsbluff operation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655138768822.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following the events of June 12, 2012, the Lierks briefly relocated their pharmacy business to a storefront near Box Butte General Hospital. Later that year, the Lierks executed their plans to sell the pharmacy business to Safeway--plans that were in the early stages before the standoff. The downtown location reopened as "Thiele Gifts and More". In 2016, the Lierks announced their retirement and with it, the closure of their business. It brought to an end over a century of a Thiele storefront in downtown Alliance.The events of April 12, 2012 are unforgettable to any Alliance resident who was here when it happened. Perhaps that's because an incident like this is so exceedingly rare in small towns like Alliance, Nebraska. The day was won by the bravery and skill of both Alliance Police Department officers and those from the Nebraska State Patrol. They went forward into an incredibly dangerous situation and preserved the peace of our town and its people.Photographs by Kelly Crawford.Original reporting from Panhandle Post and KCOWRadio.com; additional reporting from wire source.

The Thiele Pharmacy Standoff: Ten Years Later

By:&nbsp; &nbsp;Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Educator, Water &amp; Integrated Cropping Systems &nbsp; Xin Qiao, Nebraska Extension Irrigation &amp; Water Management Specialist, Water &amp; Integrated Cropping Systems

The estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the previous week and the upcoming week is shown in this table. It is based on data gathered by and calculations made by Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension educator, and Dr. Xin Qiao, Extension Irrigation and Water Management Specialist, both based at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff.

Crop water use will vary across the Panhandle due to variation in temperature and precipitation events.

Crop water use will assist growers with irrigation scheduling and efficient water use.

ESTIMATED CROP WATER USE FOR NEBRASKA PANHANDLE CROPS

By:&nbsp; &nbsp;Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Educator, Water &amp; Integrated Cropping Systems &nbsp; Xin Qiao, Nebraska Extension Irrigation &amp; Water Management Specialist, Water &amp; Integrated Cropping SystemsThe estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the previous week and the upcoming week is shown in this table. It is based on data gathered by and calculations made by Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension educator, and Dr. Xin Qiao, Extension Irrigation and Water Management Specialist, both based at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff.Crop water use will vary across the Panhandle due to variation in temperature and precipitation events.Crop water use will assist growers with irrigation scheduling and efficient water use.ESTIMATED CROP WATER USE FOR NEBRASKA PANHANDLE CROPS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655131360508.png" alt="" />
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Crop Water Use Report-June 13

By: MIKE GLESINGER&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Panhandle Post

Another round of severe weather hit Western Nebraska Sunday afternoon.&nbsp; Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Scottsbluff and Sioux counties along with Goshen county,&nbsp; Wyoming around 3:45 pm MT.&nbsp; The storms moved east/northeast around 30- 40 mph.&nbsp; &nbsp;A tornado warning was issued for Scottsbluff and Sioux county&nbsp; around 5:20 pm MT with radar indicated rotation.&nbsp; No reports of any funnel clouds.

 Thunderstorm warnings were also issued for Morrill, Kimball, Cheyenne, Garden and Sheridan counties.&nbsp; Very little rainfall has been reported, but strong gusty winds toppled center pivots and some power outages were reported in Box Butte County.&nbsp;

Wind gusts near 50 mph were reported at the Chadron Airport.&nbsp; The Alliance Airport reported a trace of rain and wind gusts up to 40 mph. The severe weather had moved out of the Panhandle by 8 pm MT.&nbsp; The forcast for the rest of the week calls for hot conditions Monday with possible record high&nbsp; temps in the upper 90's.&nbsp; The next chance of rain in the region is Tuesday night.&nbsp;

By: MIKE GLESINGER&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Panhandle PostAnother round of severe weather hit Western Nebraska Sunday afternoon.&nbsp; Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Scottsbluff and Sioux counties along with Goshen county,&nbsp; Wyoming around 3:45 pm MT.&nbsp; The storms moved east/northeast around 30- 40 mph.&nbsp; &nbsp;A tornado warning was issued for Scottsbluff and Sioux county&nbsp; around 5:20 pm MT with radar indicated rotation.&nbsp; No reports of any funnel clouds. Thunderstorm warnings were also issued for Morrill, Kimball, Cheyenne, Garden and Sheridan counties.&nbsp; Very little rainfall has been reported, but strong gusty winds toppled center pivots and some power outages were reported in Box Butte County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655129281075.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655129418212.jpeg" alt="Photo taken by Josh Payne near Hemingford" />
 <figcaption>Photo taken by Josh Payne near Hemingford</figcaption>
 </figure>Wind gusts near 50 mph were reported at the Chadron Airport.&nbsp; The Alliance Airport reported a trace of rain and wind gusts up to 40 mph. The severe weather had moved out of the Panhandle by 8 pm MT.&nbsp; The forcast for the rest of the week calls for hot conditions Monday with possible record high&nbsp; temps in the upper 90's.&nbsp; The next chance of rain in the region is Tuesday night.&nbsp;

Severe Weather hits the Panhandle Sunday

From the National Weather Service-North Platte

Record Heat and Fire Weather concerns today. A heat advisory is in effect this afternoon and early evening  across much of the area. Critical fire weather concerns across southwest Nebraska this afternoon and early evening.

From the National Weather Service-North PlatteRecord Heat and Fire Weather concerns today. A heat advisory is in effect this afternoon and early evening across much of the area. Critical fire weather concerns across southwest Nebraska this afternoon and early evening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655123972231.png" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655124038526.png" alt="" />
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Record heat, dangerous fire conditions for southwest, eastern Neb. Monday

By:&nbsp; MIKE GLESINGER&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Panhandle Post

Morrill County law enforcement and the Nebraska State Patrol are continuing to investigate a 2 car crash that claimed the life of a Sidney man Saturday.&nbsp; 

According to Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas,&nbsp; the accident ocurred at approximately 4:20 pm MT Saturday&nbsp; just west of Bridgeport .&nbsp; A Dodge Caravan, driven by&nbsp; 65 year old Dusty Trembly of Sidney,&nbsp; was attempting to turn east on Highway 26 from a historical marker pull off near Bridgeport,&nbsp; when the van collided with a westbound Dodge Dakota pickup.&nbsp; Trembly was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the pickup as transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; A passenger in the van was also transported with minor injuries.&nbsp; The crash remains under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559737258290.png" alt="fatal crash" />
 <figcaption>fatal crash</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp; MIKE GLESINGER&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Panhandle PostMorrill County law enforcement and the Nebraska State Patrol are continuing to investigate a 2 car crash that claimed the life of a Sidney man Saturday.&nbsp; According to Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas,&nbsp; the accident ocurred at approximately 4:20 pm MT Saturday&nbsp; just west of Bridgeport .&nbsp; A Dodge Caravan, driven by&nbsp; 65 year old Dusty Trembly of Sidney,&nbsp; was attempting to turn east on Highway 26 from a historical marker pull off near Bridgeport,&nbsp; when the van collided with a westbound Dodge Dakota pickup.&nbsp; Trembly was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the pickup as transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; A passenger in the van was also transported with minor injuries.&nbsp; The crash remains under investigation.&nbsp;

Sidney Man dies in Morrill County Crash Saturday

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte teen was crowned as Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen on Friday night.

The Teen competition was held in conjunction with the second night of preliminary competition for the Miss Nebraska contestants at the North Platte High School Performing Arts Center.

Thompson, 14, graced the stage with a vocal rendition of "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston for her talent portion of the competition.

Thompson received a $2,000 scholarship and numerous gifts and perks. She also received funding for wardrobe and traveling expenses when she competes in Miss America's Outstanding Teen, which will be held in Dallas on August 10-12.

Thompson will be a Freshman at North Platte High School next year.

1st Runner-Up: Miss Douglas County's Outstanding Teen Clara Johnson

2nd Runner-Up: Miss Chadron's Outstanding Teen Olivia Terwey

3rd Runner-Up: Miss Scotts Bluff County Outstanding Teen Brooke Margheim

Teen People’s Choice: Miss Douglas County OT Clara Johnson

Non-finalist Talent: Miss Lincoln County OT Ally Pierce

Non-Finalist Interview: Miss Lincoln County OT Ally Pierce

Miss Congeniality: Miss Douglas County OT Clara Johnson 

Community service: Miss Omaha OT Addilyn Wilson

Finals Night for the Miss Nebraska Competition is tonight beginning at 6:30 at the North Platte High School Performing Arts Center.

<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/2022/6/1654950992357.png" alt="Alexandra Thompson of North Platte was crowned Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen on Friday night." />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Thompson of North Platte was crowned Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen on Friday night.</figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte teen was crowned as Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen on Friday night.The title went to Alexandra Thompson.The Teen competition was held in conjunction with the second night of preliminary competition for the Miss Nebraska contestants at the North Platte High School Performing Arts Center.Thompson, 14, graced the stage with a vocal rendition of "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston for her talent portion of the competition.Thompson received a $2,000 scholarship and numerous gifts and perks. She also received funding for wardrobe and traveling expenses when she competes in Miss America's Outstanding Teen, which will be held in Dallas on August 10-12.Thompson will be a Freshman at North Platte High School next year.Other results:1st Runner-Up: Miss Douglas County's Outstanding Teen Clara Johnson2nd Runner-Up: Miss Chadron's Outstanding Teen Olivia Terwey3rd Runner-Up: Miss Scotts Bluff County Outstanding Teen Brooke MargheimTeen People’s Choice: Miss Douglas County OT Clara JohnsonNon-finalist Talent: Miss Lincoln County OT Ally PierceNon-Finalist Interview: Miss Lincoln County OT Ally PierceMiss Congeniality: Miss Douglas County OT Clara Johnson Community service: Miss Omaha OT Addilyn WilsonFinals Night for the Miss Nebraska Competition is tonight beginning at 6:30 at the North Platte High School Performing Arts Center.<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/Rl_HrHnoJPHQVu2KpseEVBXAeYRCSmiOIYF0ibSex_Qy6OksRKdSSenal5arIkygJ9PaAwsoBdpb6i_QtLfgQ4r26xzfYVX5JZ1yMT8sli77LfcongmQsgbQgivZpi6f6GcHg81tf9Tom462aA" alt="" />
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North Platte teen crowned Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen

News Release Mid-Plains Community College

The Mid-Plains Community College Ogallala Campus will host a free informational meeting for anyone interested in starting an in-home child care business. The meeting will be 6-8 p.m. June 21 at the Perkins County Senior Center, 420 Central Ave., in Grant.

According to the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, Nebraska loses $745 million annually because parents drop out of the workforce, miss work, turn down a promotion or move because of a lack of child care.

More than 75 percent of children under age 6 live in homes where all adults work. Yet, 91 percent of counties in Nebraska with child care facilities do not have enough available slots to meet current demand.

The MPCC Ogallala Campus is trying to address the need with its meeting.

Cheryl Roche, coordinator for the High Plains Early Learning Connection, will explain what family home child care is, why quality child care matters and the ideal qualities of a provider. She will also address steps to start a business and licensing requirements as well as contracts and communication tips.

The meeting is worth three clock hours of continuing education credit.

Those interested in registering can contact the MPCC Ogallala Campus at (308) 284-9830 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Ogallala@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">Ogallala@mpcc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654950154575.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Mid-Plains Community CollegeThe Mid-Plains Community College Ogallala Campus will host a free informational meeting for anyone interested in starting an in-home child care business. The meeting will be 6-8 p.m. June 21 at the Perkins County Senior Center, 420 Central Ave., in Grant.According to the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, Nebraska loses $745 million annually because parents drop out of the workforce, miss work, turn down a promotion or move because of a lack of child care.More than 75 percent of children under age 6 live in homes where all adults work. Yet, 91 percent of counties in Nebraska with child care facilities do not have enough available slots to meet current demand.The MPCC Ogallala Campus is trying to address the need with its meeting.Cheryl Roche, coordinator for the High Plains Early Learning Connection, will explain what family home child care is, why quality child care matters and the ideal qualities of a provider. She will also address steps to start a business and licensing requirements as well as contracts and communication tips.The meeting is worth three clock hours of continuing education credit.Those interested in registering can contact the MPCC Ogallala Campus at (308) 284-9830 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Ogallala@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">Ogallala@mpcc.edu</a>.<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/Rl_HrHnoJPHQVu2KpseEVBXAeYRCSmiOIYF0ibSex_Qy6OksRKdSSenal5arIkygJ9PaAwsoBdpb6i_QtLfgQ4r26xzfYVX5JZ1yMT8sli77LfcongmQsgbQgivZpi6f6GcHg81tf9Tom462aA" alt="" />
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MPCC Ogallala to host free meeting on starting in-home child care business

LINCOLN, Neb.-Roger Houser of Elwood is the fourth winner of a 2022 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 Crew Cab Flex Fuel truck in the 27th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game.

Houser purchased his winning Truck$ &amp; Buck$ ticket at The Red Barn at 107 N Smith Ave. in Elwood.

He bought his winning ticket after the Nebraska Lottery’s Lincoln offices had closed for the weekend, so he had to wait to see if he was reading it right.

“When I scratched it off I really didn’t do anything until Monday when I called and verified,” Houser said. “Wanted to make sure before I got too excited.”

Winning a new truck is great, Houser said, but the win could have come a little sooner. About a month ago he purchased a new SUV, so now he’s got two vehicles with that new car smell.

“It’s wild,” he said. “I’ve entered a gun raffle for 17, 18 years and I never won. Here, I just bought five tickets and won. It’s wild.”

The 27th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s popular $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game features the 2022 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew Flex Fuel truck as its top prize. Players have the opportunity to win one of eight Ford F-150 trucks as well as cash and Ethanol-enriched fuel prizes. The truck prize is valued at $58,900, which includes $1,162 for costs associated with ownership and state and federal withholding paid by the Nebraska Lottery of $2,945 and $14,136, respectively. The odds of winning the top prize in Truck$ &amp; Buck$ are 1 in 336,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.69.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $868 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/2022/6/1654949394411.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>News Release Nebraska LotteryLINCOLN, Neb.-Roger Houser of Elwood is the fourth winner of a 2022 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 Crew Cab Flex Fuel truck in the 27th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game.Houser purchased his winning Truck$ &amp; Buck$ ticket at The Red Barn at 107 N Smith Ave. in Elwood.He bought his winning ticket after the Nebraska Lottery’s Lincoln offices had closed for the weekend, so he had to wait to see if he was reading it right.“When I scratched it off I really didn’t do anything until Monday when I called and verified,” Houser said. “Wanted to make sure before I got too excited.”Winning a new truck is great, Houser said, but the win could have come a little sooner. About a month ago he purchased a new SUV, so now he’s got two vehicles with that new car smell.“It’s wild,” he said. “I’ve entered a gun raffle for 17, 18 years and I never won. Here, I just bought five tickets and won. It’s wild.”The 27th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s popular $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game features the 2022 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew Flex Fuel truck as its top prize. Players have the opportunity to win one of eight Ford F-150 trucks as well as cash and Ethanol-enriched fuel prizes. The truck prize is valued at $58,900, which includes $1,162 for costs associated with ownership and state and federal withholding paid by the Nebraska Lottery of $2,945 and $14,136, respectively. The odds of winning the top prize in Truck$ &amp; Buck$ are 1 in 336,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.69.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $868 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Rl_HrHnoJPHQVu2KpseEVBXAeYRCSmiOIYF0ibSex_Qy6OksRKdSSenal5arIkygJ9PaAwsoBdpb6i_QtLfgQ4r26xzfYVX5JZ1yMT8sli77LfcongmQsgbQgivZpi6f6GcHg81tf9Tom462aA" alt="" />
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Elwood man claims 4th Neb. Lottery Truck$ & Buck$ truck

Alliance – Enjoy a whale of a time at the Alliance Public Library and registration continues for "Oceans of Possibilities” including weekly reading goals with prizes from local restaurants! Upcoming events include Riverside Discovery Center on Wednesday, June 15th at 10 am or 1 pm for grades K-12 and Aquatic Jar Craft for all ages on Thursday, June 16th from 3-5 pm. Aquatic Code Clubs continue to meet weekly for pre-registered participants. Please join us in the Community Room for all events.

For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children's and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387 and visit the Alliance Public Library website and Facebook page.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Enjoy a whale of a time at the Alliance Public Library and registration continues for "Oceans of Possibilities” including weekly reading goals with prizes from local restaurants! Upcoming events include Riverside Discovery Center on Wednesday, June 15th at 10 am or 1 pm for grades K-12 and Aquatic Jar Craft for all ages on Thursday, June 16th from 3-5 pm. Aquatic Code Clubs continue to meet weekly for pre-registered participants. Please join us in the Community Room for all events.For more information, please contact Cynthia Horn, Children's and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387 and visit the Alliance Public Library website and Facebook page.

'Oceans of Possibilities' Reading at Alliance library continues

Today we'll return you to the June 7 Alliance City Council meeting. The council heard from Activate Alliance on the 10th Street and Box Butte Avenue walk audit, approved the Interim Airport Project financing, approved the purchase of four used police patrol vehicles and more.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, June 7" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=95h2x-1249a02-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Today we'll return you to the June 7 Alliance City Council meeting. The council heard from Activate Alliance on the 10th Street and Box Butte Avenue walk audit, approved the Interim Airport Project financing, approved the purchase of four used police patrol vehicles and more.&nbsp;

Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, June 7 

SIDNEY, Neb. -&nbsp;Eight Western Nebraska Community College Sidney Campus students received scholarships recently from a $5,000 grant from the Thomas D. Buckley Trust.

The students who were awarded scholarships studied business, basic nursing assistant, and licensed practical nursing at WNCC during the 2021-2022 academic year. The scholarships were used to aid WNCC students with tuition and fees.

“We are extremely grateful for the continued support and generosity of the Thomas D. Buckley Trust,” WNCC Foundation Gifts &amp; Grants Director Alena Haun said. "The Buckley Trust scholarships play a significant role in the retention and success of our students, allowing them to focus on schoolwork and their goals over the cost of attendance. We sincerely thank The Thomas D. Buckley Trust for investing in our students.”

The Thomas D. Buckley Trust is a private foundation created in memory of Thomas

D. Buckley, who spent most of his life as a farmer in Chappell until his death in 1979. According to the official website, the trust "provides resources for the needs of eligible, tax-exempt organizations in the communities in the Panhandle of Western Nebraska and in Northeastern Colorado."

The trust awards $20,000 annually to students who have graduated from high schools in western Nebraska and northern Colorado, and are currently enrolled in college seeking an associate or bachelor's degree. To learn more about the Thomas D. Buckley Trust, please visit thomasbuckleytrust.com.

For more information about WNCC scholarships and financial assistance, contact the WNCC Financial Aid office at 308-635-6011 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:financialaid@wncc.edu" target="_blank">financialaid@wncc.edu.</a>

SIDNEY, Neb. -&nbsp;Eight Western Nebraska Community College Sidney Campus students received scholarships recently from a $5,000 grant from the Thomas D. Buckley Trust.The students who were awarded scholarships studied business, basic nursing assistant, and licensed practical nursing at WNCC during the 2021-2022 academic year. The scholarships were used to aid WNCC students with tuition and fees.“We are extremely grateful for the continued support and generosity of the Thomas D. Buckley Trust,” WNCC Foundation Gifts &amp; Grants Director Alena Haun said. "The Buckley Trust scholarships play a significant role in the retention and success of our students, allowing them to focus on schoolwork and their goals over the cost of attendance. We sincerely thank The Thomas D. Buckley Trust for investing in our students.”The Thomas D. Buckley Trust is a private foundation created in memory of ThomasD. Buckley, who spent most of his life as a farmer in Chappell until his death in 1979. According to the official website, the trust "provides resources for the needs of eligible, tax-exempt organizations in the communities in the Panhandle of Western Nebraska and in Northeastern Colorado."The trust awards $20,000 annually to students who have graduated from high schools in western Nebraska and northern Colorado, and are currently enrolled in college seeking an associate or bachelor's degree. To learn more about the Thomas D. Buckley Trust, please visit thomasbuckleytrust.com.For more information about WNCC scholarships and financial assistance, contact the WNCC Financial Aid office at 308-635-6011 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:financialaid@wncc.edu" target="_blank">financialaid@wncc.edu.</a>

8 WNCC students receive scholarships from Buckley Trust Grant

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 6/10/22

Scottsbluff Police are pleased to announce that seat belt usage increased in Scottsbluff. 

The Scottsbluff Police Dept participated in the Click it or Ticket seat belt enforcement wave from Monday May 23 to Sunday June 5 using money for overtime with a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. A seat belt usage survey was conducted before the enforcement wave started and Scottsbluff had a seat belt usage rate of 51.5%. A seat belt usage survey was conducted after the grant and the rate had increased to 59.25%. 

Sergeant Philip Eckerberg said “This improvement in traffic safety is a result of the hard work done by Scottsbluff Police Officers.”

Results of Click it or Ticket enforcement wave:

120 citations: No Seat Belt 24, No Valid Registration 32, No Insurance 5, Traffic Light Violation 1, No Operator’s License 10, Speeding 18, Driving Under Suspension 7, Minor in Possession of Alcohol 4, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol 1, No Lights After Dark 2, Failure to Yield Right of Way 2, Impeding Traffic 1, Open Container of Alcohol 1, Provisional Operator’s Permit Violation 1, Negligent/Careless Driving 2, Too Fast for Conditions 1, Improper U-Turn 1, Leaving Scene of Accident 1, Stop Sign Violation 2, Possession of Less Than One Ounce of Marijuana 1, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 3, Arrest Warrants served 8, Felony Arrests 5, Written Warnings 118.

The Scottsbluff Police Department has been awarded a speed enforcement grant funded by the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. 

Sergeant Philip Eckerberg said “This grant is for speed enforcement on Broadway and 27TH Street every Friday and Saturday starting on June 10TH, 2022 and ending August 13. This grant will allow for two extra officers to patrol Broadway and 27TH Street for speed violations every day of the grant.”

By Scottsbluff Police Department&nbsp;Scottsbluff Police are pleased to announce that seat belt usage increased in Scottsbluff. The Scottsbluff Police Dept participated in the Click it or Ticket seat belt enforcement wave from Monday May 23 to Sunday June 5 using money for overtime with a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. A seat belt usage survey was conducted before the enforcement wave started and Scottsbluff had a seat belt usage rate of 51.5%. A seat belt usage survey was conducted after the grant and the rate had increased to 59.25%. Sergeant Philip Eckerberg said “This improvement in traffic safety is a result of the hard work done by Scottsbluff Police Officers.”Results of Click it or Ticket enforcement wave:120 citations: No Seat Belt 24, No Valid Registration 32, No Insurance 5, Traffic Light Violation 1, No Operator’s License 10, Speeding 18, Driving Under Suspension 7, Minor in Possession of Alcohol 4, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol 1, No Lights After Dark 2, Failure to Yield Right of Way 2, Impeding Traffic 1, Open Container of Alcohol 1, Provisional Operator’s Permit Violation 1, Negligent/Careless Driving 2, Too Fast for Conditions 1, Improper U-Turn 1, Leaving Scene of Accident 1, Stop Sign Violation 2, Possession of Less Than One Ounce of Marijuana 1, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 3, Arrest Warrants served 8, Felony Arrests 5, Written Warnings 118.The Scottsbluff Police Department has been awarded a speed enforcement grant funded by the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. Sergeant Philip Eckerberg said “This grant is for speed enforcement on Broadway and 27TH Street every Friday and Saturday starting on June 10TH, 2022 and ending August 13. This grant will allow for two extra officers to patrol Broadway and 27TH Street for speed violations every day of the grant.”

Scottsbluff police release Click It or Ticket results, awarded speed enforcement grant

By Panhandle Post A march protesting gun violence will be held on June 11 to coincide with the National Marches by the March For Our Lives organization in Chadron.&nbsp; The march will start at 2 p.m. outside of the Chadron Middle School and end on the Dawes Courthouse lawn.

"We are asking everyone to wear blue or orange and bring signs," Chadron March Organizer&nbsp;Cassie Nesheim said.&nbsp;

For more information, you can go to the March For Our Lives website, and/or you can RSVP at&nbsp;<a href="https://secure.everyaction.com/i4_FCfh7VUujoTmCX81YbQ2" target="_blank">https://secure.everyaction.com/i4_FCfh7VUujoTmCX81YbQ2</a>.

For more information contact Nesheim at (308) 760-2187.&nbsp; &nbsp;

By Panhandle Post A march protesting gun violence will be held on June 11 to coincide with the National Marches by the March For Our Lives organization in Chadron.&nbsp; The march will start at 2 p.m. outside of the Chadron Middle School and end on the Dawes Courthouse lawn. "We are asking everyone to wear blue or orange and bring signs," Chadron March Organizer&nbsp;Cassie Nesheim said.&nbsp;For more information, you can go to the March For Our Lives website, and/or you can RSVP at&nbsp;<a href="https://secure.everyaction.com/i4_FCfh7VUujoTmCX81YbQ2" target="_blank">https://secure.everyaction.com/i4_FCfh7VUujoTmCX81YbQ2</a>. For more information contact Nesheim at (308) 760-2187.&nbsp; &nbsp;

March protesting gun violence to be held in Chadron 

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation is at its highest point in over 40 years.&nbsp; Consumer prices have gone up 8.6% over the past year.

“Inflation in America has hit a new 40-year high. &nbsp;There is nothing more corrosive to the American family’s pocketbooks. &nbsp;President Biden’s failed policies are forcing families to struggle with high prices.”

“Mr. President, it’s time to put the American people first.&nbsp; Stop the rampant spending, stop the war on American energy, and reverse course on your big-government agenda that is hurting all Americans.”

By Gov. Pete RickettsLINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation is at its highest point in over 40 years.&nbsp; Consumer prices have gone up 8.6% over the past year.“Inflation in America has hit a new 40-year high. &nbsp;There is nothing more corrosive to the American family’s pocketbooks. &nbsp;President Biden’s failed policies are forcing families to struggle with high prices.”“Mr. President, it’s time to put the American people first.&nbsp; Stop the rampant spending, stop the war on American energy, and reverse course on your big-government agenda that is hurting all Americans.”

Gov. Ricketts’ statement on highest inflation in 40+ years

By Friends of Chadron Public Library&nbsp;

The Friends of the Chadron Public Library are holding our monthly book sale at the Annex next to the Public Library on Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM both days. 

 Our self-help and parenting books will be free this month, so a good time for people to stop by if they haven't previously.

By Friends of Chadron Public Library&nbsp;The Friends of the Chadron Public Library are holding our monthly book sale at the Annex next to the Public Library on Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM both days. Our self-help and parenting books will be free this month, so a good time for people to stop by if they haven't previously.<figure>
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Friends of Chadron Public Library holding book sale 

Chadron– In April, The Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Community Action Partnership, Karen Eisenbarth, announced her intent to retire effective June 30, 2022. Karen has been employed at the agency for nearly 14 years, first as the HR Director and then as CEO in 2013.

“Karen has provided exceptional leadership to NCAP during her tenure, expanding programs, and implementing technological advances that have improved agency capacity to provide exceptional service to our clients. The agency has seen growth in programs and partnerships in the communities”, says Jake Stewart, NCAP’s Board of Directors President. “Karen and the entire team at NCAP responded to the pandemic by immediately implementing remote services to clients to ensure the agency continued to meet the needs in each community NCAP serves”.

“It is with mixed emotion, joy, pride, and sadness that I step back from my role at NCAP,” said Eisenbarth. “Serving as the leader of this incredible agency has been the greatest honor of my life. This decision was made easier knowing the extraordinary capabilities and commitment of our Board of Directors, the leadership team, and our entire staff to continue to serve our communities.”

Northwest Community Action Partnership is a non-profit serving low-income residents in the Nebraska panhandle with a variety of programs to improve their lives. All of NCAP’s programs aim to serve those in poverty and to help people achieve economic stability. The agency’s primary service counties are Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, Sheridan, and Cherry, but the agency also serves the entire panhandle with several programs. NCAP was established in 1965 and has over 75 employees. NCAP was honored as Business of the Year in 2019 by the Chadron Chamber of Commerce.

NCAP’s Board of Directors is conducting a search for Eisenbarth’s successor. To view the job advertisement, CLICK HERE.

By NCAPChadron– In April, The Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Community Action Partnership, Karen Eisenbarth, announced her intent to retire effective June 30, 2022. Karen has been employed at the agency for nearly 14 years, first as the HR Director and then as CEO in 2013.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654815412981.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>“Karen has provided exceptional leadership to NCAP during her tenure, expanding programs, and implementing technological advances that have improved agency capacity to provide exceptional service to our clients. The agency has seen growth in programs and partnerships in the communities”, says Jake Stewart, NCAP’s Board of Directors President. “Karen and the entire team at NCAP responded to the pandemic by immediately implementing remote services to clients to ensure the agency continued to meet the needs in each community NCAP serves”.“It is with mixed emotion, joy, pride, and sadness that I step back from my role at NCAP,” said Eisenbarth. “Serving as the leader of this incredible agency has been the greatest honor of my life. This decision was made easier knowing the extraordinary capabilities and commitment of our Board of Directors, the leadership team, and our entire staff to continue to serve our communities.”Northwest Community Action Partnership is a non-profit serving low-income residents in the Nebraska panhandle with a variety of programs to improve their lives. All of NCAP’s programs aim to serve those in poverty and to help people achieve economic stability. The agency’s primary service counties are Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, Sheridan, and Cherry, but the agency also serves the entire panhandle with several programs. NCAP was established in 1965 and has over 75 employees. NCAP was honored as Business of the Year in 2019 by the Chadron Chamber of Commerce.NCAP’s Board of Directors is conducting a search for Eisenbarth’s successor. To view the job advertisement, CLICK HERE.

Eisenbarth announces retirement from NCAP

McCOOK, Neb.-A McCook woman has died after her vehicle collided with a truck.

McCook police said at around 8:59 a.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to an injury accident in the 800 block of W. Q St.&nbsp;

Officers arrived and learned that a 2004 Chevy Impala, driven by Ketra Vlasin, 26, had collided with a 2006 Freightliner truck owned by the Nebraska Public Power District.&nbsp;

Police said the truck was stopped on the east side of the roadway and unoccupied at the time of the collision. Police said the NPPD truck had its emergency equipment activated as they performed maintenance on the electrical infrastructure.

Vlasin and an infant passenger in her vehicle were transported to McCook Community Hospital, where Vlasin later died from her injuries. The infant was treated for minor injuries and released to family members.

Police said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostMcCOOK, Neb.-A McCook woman has died after her vehicle collided with a truck.McCook police said at around 8:59 a.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to an injury accident in the 800 block of W. Q St.&nbsp;Officers arrived and learned that a 2004 Chevy Impala, driven by Ketra Vlasin, 26, had collided with a 2006 Freightliner truck owned by the Nebraska Public Power District.&nbsp;Police said the truck was stopped on the east side of the roadway and unoccupied at the time of the collision. Police said the NPPD truck had its emergency equipment activated as they performed maintenance on the electrical infrastructure.Vlasin and an infant passenger in her vehicle were transported to McCook Community Hospital, where Vlasin later died from her injuries. The infant was treated for minor injuries and released to family members.Police said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.&nbsp;

McCook woman killed in crash with NPPD truck

SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a shooting in Rushville, which led to the arrest of a South Dakota man Wednesday afternoon.

Wednesday, at approximately 5:25 p.m. MT, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol in response to a shooting at the Rushville Sale Barn. The incident occurred following an argument between two people. After preliminary investigation, investigators believe that following the verbal altercation, the suspect, identified as Gilbert Grooms, 44, of Oglala, South Dakota, retrieved a shotgun from his vehicle. He then fired in the direction of the victim, identified as Charles Winters, 35, of Martin, South Dakota.

Winters then retreated to his vehicle. Grooms fired at the vehicle multiple times, leading to the victim fleeing around a trailer. Grooms then fired again, striking Winters in the midsection. Winters was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Grooms was arrested by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office and was lodged in Sheridan County Jail for attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and terroristic threats. The investigation remains ongoing.

By Nebraska State PatrolSCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a shooting in Rushville, which led to the arrest of a South Dakota man Wednesday afternoon.Wednesday, at approximately 5:25 p.m. MT, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol in response to a shooting at the Rushville Sale Barn. The incident occurred following an argument between two people. After preliminary investigation, investigators believe that following the verbal altercation, the suspect, identified as Gilbert Grooms, 44, of Oglala, South Dakota, retrieved a shotgun from his vehicle. He then fired in the direction of the victim, identified as Charles Winters, 35, of Martin, South Dakota.Winters then retreated to his vehicle. Grooms fired at the vehicle multiple times, leading to the victim fleeing around a trailer. Grooms then fired again, striking Winters in the midsection. Winters was flown to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.Grooms was arrested by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office and was lodged in Sheridan County Jail for attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and terroristic threats. The investigation remains ongoing.

NSP releases more information following Rushville shooting 

By HEATHER JOHNSON North Platte Community College

It’s never too late to go back to school.

That’s according to Gigi Berol, of Ogallala, who returned to college after almost 30 years. In May, she earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business with an emphasis in nonprofit management from Mid-Plains Community College.

“The same timing isn’t right for everybody,” Berol said. “But, earning a degree at some point in your life is doable – especially if you have the support of your family, friends and employer like I did.”

Berol started out as a traditional student. After graduating from Columbus High School in 1986, she enrolled at Central Community College – Columbus. At that time, it was known as Platte Technical College.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life,” Berol said. “I took business classes thinking maybe I wanted to pursue something in business, but I also studied fashion and daycare.”

She quit school after a year and a half to take a position nannying in California, but the job didn’t pan out.

“I had the paperwork filled out then got scared and didn’t go,” Berol said of the California trip. “I also didn’t finish my last semester at Central. My parents weren’t very happy about that.”

Berol went into the workforce instead. She had a friend in Columbus whose parents owned the North Shore Lodge at Lemoyne, and they offered Berol a job there in the summer of 1992.

“I was only planning on spending that summer at the lake, but then I met my husband,” Berol said. “Steve had a similar situation. He moved from Colorado to work at North Shore for the season, and now here we are – still in Ogallala all these years later.”

The couple raised a son and a daughter during their time in the town. Gigi spent 15 years working at Ogallala Community Hospital, both in admissions and as the x-ray manager, prior to taking on her current role as outreach administrative assistant for the MPCC Ogallala Campus.

It wasn’t until 2017 that she began thinking about going back to finish what she started.

“I was at a point where my career required a college degree,” Gigi said. “Honestly, it was always one of those things that had been left undone. My mom and dad had both been educators and had wanted my siblings and I to keep going.”

She decided to take the classes online and via distance learning through MPCC because of the flexibility aspect.

“Doing so allowed me to schedule school around my job,” Gigi said. “I could study over my lunch hour or come into work early and finish assignments before the campus opened. The idea of going back to school was overwhelming at first, but the instructors and staff at MPCC were very helpful and reassuring.”

Their support proved to be a tremendous comfort to her. She soon found that everything she remembered from college – from the writing style to technology – had changed.

“I was a ‘C’ student in high school, so the thought of embarrassing myself in front of my coworkers was terrifying,” Gigi said. “Fortunately, my supervisor [Mary Pierce] was extremely supportive, as were my family and friends within the college.”

She took a couple of classes each semester, during the winterim session and in the summer. Some of her instructors also made accommodations for independent study.

“I just kept chipping away, one step at a time,” Gigi said. “I took a year off when my mom was sick and dying, but then I went back to it.”

Fortunately, she was able to transfer in 20 of her credits from Central.

“That’s the thing I think a lot of people don’t realize,” Gigi said. “Credits don’t expire.”

Once she got into the groove of taking classes again, Gigi found the college experience to be much more enriching the second time around.

“I appreciated education more than when I was 18,” Gigi said. “I felt more eager to learn and goal-oriented because in high school, I really didn’t care. At MPCC, I wanted to get better grades. I wanted that GPA to be good. The older you get, you realize that’s a big deal, so that was something I strived for. If I didn’t get the grade I wanted, I studied harder the next time.”

Her efforts paid off – earning her a spot on the college’s Dean’s List and induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gigi’s biggest sense of accomplishment, however, came May 13, the day she walked across the stage at commencement and accepted her long-awaited degree.

“It was incredible,” Gigi said. “Not just because I wanted it, but because a higher education was so important to my parents and because, as a parent, I wanted to set an example for my children. I wanted to show them it’s never too late. You’re never too old to keep learning. You just have to believe in yourself. You can do it. You’re worth it, and college will always be there when the timing is right.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654791848057.png" alt="Gigi Berol, of Ogallala, holds up the degree she earned from Mid-Plains Community College. Berol returned to school after an almost 30-year hiatus." />
 <figcaption>Gigi Berol, of Ogallala, holds up the degree she earned from Mid-Plains Community College. Berol returned to school after an almost 30-year hiatus.</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER JOHNSON North Platte Community CollegeIt’s never too late to go back to school.That’s according to Gigi Berol, of Ogallala, who returned to college after almost 30 years. In May, she earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business with an emphasis in nonprofit management from Mid-Plains Community College.“The same timing isn’t right for everybody,” Berol said. “But, earning a degree at some point in your life is doable – especially if you have the support of your family, friends and employer like I did.”The early daysBerol started out as a traditional student. After graduating from Columbus High School in 1986, she enrolled at Central Community College – Columbus. At that time, it was known as Platte Technical College.“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life,” Berol said. “I took business classes thinking maybe I wanted to pursue something in business, but I also studied fashion and daycare.”She quit school after a year and a half to take a position nannying in California, but the job didn’t pan out.“I had the paperwork filled out then got scared and didn’t go,” Berol said of the California trip. “I also didn’t finish my last semester at Central. My parents weren’t very happy about that.”Berol went into the workforce instead. She had a friend in Columbus whose parents owned the North Shore Lodge at Lemoyne, and they offered Berol a job there in the summer of 1992.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654791880695.png" alt="The Berols gather for a celebration following a commencement ceremony in North Platte in May. Gigi Berol earned an associate degree from Mid-Plains Community College. Pictured left to right are her son Craig, Gigi, daughter Courtney and Gigi’s husband Steve." />
 <figcaption>The Berols gather for a celebration following a commencement ceremony in North Platte in May. Gigi Berol earned an associate degree from Mid-Plains Community College. Pictured left to right are her son Craig, Gigi, daughter Courtney and Gigi’s husband Steve.</figcaption>
 </figure>“I was only planning on spending that summer at the lake, but then I met my husband,” Berol said. “Steve had a similar situation. He moved from Colorado to work at North Shore for the season, and now here we are – still in Ogallala all these years later.”The couple raised a son and a daughter during their time in the town. Gigi spent 15 years working at Ogallala Community Hospital, both in admissions and as the x-ray manager, prior to taking on her current role as outreach administrative assistant for the MPCC Ogallala Campus.Tying up loose endsIt wasn’t until 2017 that she began thinking about going back to finish what she started.“I was at a point where my career required a college degree,” Gigi said. “Honestly, it was always one of those things that had been left undone. My mom and dad had both been educators and had wanted my siblings and I to keep going.”She decided to take the classes online and via distance learning through MPCC because of the flexibility aspect.“Doing so allowed me to schedule school around my job,” Gigi said. “I could study over my lunch hour or come into work early and finish assignments before the campus opened. The idea of going back to school was overwhelming at first, but the instructors and staff at MPCC were very helpful and reassuring.”Their support proved to be a tremendous comfort to her. She soon found that everything she remembered from college – from the writing style to technology – had changed.“I was a ‘C’ student in high school, so the thought of embarrassing myself in front of my coworkers was terrifying,” Gigi said. “Fortunately, my supervisor [Mary Pierce] was extremely supportive, as were my family and friends within the college.”She took a couple of classes each semester, during the winterim session and in the summer. Some of her instructors also made accommodations for independent study.“I just kept chipping away, one step at a time,” Gigi said. “I took a year off when my mom was sick and dying, but then I went back to it.”Fortunately, she was able to transfer in 20 of her credits from Central.“That’s the thing I think a lot of people don’t realize,” Gigi said. “Credits don’t expire.”Once she got into the groove of taking classes again, Gigi found the college experience to be much more enriching the second time around.“I appreciated education more than when I was 18,” Gigi said. “I felt more eager to learn and goal-oriented because in high school, I really didn’t care. At MPCC, I wanted to get better grades. I wanted that GPA to be good. The older you get, you realize that’s a big deal, so that was something I strived for. If I didn’t get the grade I wanted, I studied harder the next time.”Her efforts paid off – earning her a spot on the college’s Dean’s List and induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gigi’s biggest sense of accomplishment, however, came May 13, the day she walked across the stage at commencement and accepted her long-awaited degree.“It was incredible,” Gigi said. “Not just because I wanted it, but because a higher education was so important to my parents and because, as a parent, I wanted to set an example for my children. I wanted to show them it’s never too late. You’re never too old to keep learning. You just have to believe in yourself. You can do it. You’re worth it, and college will always be there when the timing is right.”

Ogallala woman earns degree after three decades away from school

Below are findings from the Activate Alliance Committee walk audit at 10th Street and Box Butte Avenue.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post Below are findings from the Activate Alliance Committee walk audit at 10th Street and Box Butte Avenue.&nbsp;<figure>
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Activate Alliance: 10th and Box Butte Avenue walk audit findings 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 6/9/22

Guests from the ARC discuss the success of the annual fundraising campaign and offer info on exercise classes and other services.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alliance Recreation Center" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=y9awa-1247877-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Guests from the ARC discuss the success of the annual fundraising campaign and offer info on exercise classes and other services.