By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

OGALLALA, Neb.-Loud bangs and bright flashes are the highlights of the Independence Day celebration in America. But, the skies in Keith County will be dark and quiet this year.

The Keith County Board of Commissioners announced that fireworks will be prohibited in the entire county this year.

The commissioners said under the advice of area fire departments and the National Weather Service, the decision was made to immediately ban the sale and use of all fireworks.

Commissioners cited drought conditions that would create an "unmanageable atmosphere for fires."

The resolution did not describe penalties for those who violate the fireworks ban.

A couple of weeks ago, the city of Ogallala announced that fireworks would not be allowed in the city limits, causing many to express concerns that residents would discharge fireworks in the country where there is more open land and a greater risk for fires.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652959820297.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostOGALLALA, Neb.-Loud bangs and bright flashes are the highlights of the Independence Day celebration in America. But, the skies in Keith County will be dark and quiet this year.The Keith County Board of Commissioners announced that fireworks will be prohibited in the entire county this year.The commissioners said under the advice of area fire departments and the National Weather Service, the decision was made to immediately ban the sale and use of all fireworks.Commissioners cited drought conditions that would create an "unmanageable atmosphere for fires."The resolution did not describe penalties for those who violate the fireworks ban.A couple of weeks ago, the city of Ogallala announced that fireworks would not be allowed in the city limits, causing many to express concerns that residents would discharge fireworks in the country where there is more open land and a greater risk for fires.

Fireworks banned for 2022 in Keith County

On May 17 at approximately 7:50 p.m. the Scottsbluff Police Department was called to the area of South Street in Terrytown regarding the report of possible a gun shot. 

Scottsbluff police responded to the area and established a perimeter. 

"The reporting party said that they had seen three males running from the area north of South Street near the North Platte River," Scottsbluff Police Captain Lance Kite said. "Two of the males were described as wearing dark clothing and the third as wearing grey clothing."

The area was searched on foot by police for an hour. No suspects or evidence of a firearm being discharged was located. 

"Officers spoke to several citizens along the river that were in the area when the noise was reported," Kite said. "None of the citizens contacted reported hearing a loud noise. Officers then conducted a neighborhood canvas of South Street. No one along South Street reported hearing a loud noise."

The Scottsbluff Police Department was assisted by the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office and the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn May 17 at approximately 7:50 p.m. the Scottsbluff Police Department was called to the area of South Street in Terrytown regarding the report of possible a gun shot. Scottsbluff police responded to the area and established a perimeter. "The reporting party said that they had seen three males running from the area north of South Street near the North Platte River," Scottsbluff Police Captain Lance Kite said. "Two of the males were described as wearing dark clothing and the third as wearing grey clothing."The area was searched on foot by police for an hour. No suspects or evidence of a firearm being discharged was located. "Officers spoke to several citizens along the river that were in the area when the noise was reported," Kite said. "None of the citizens contacted reported hearing a loud noise. Officers then conducted a neighborhood canvas of South Street. No one along South Street reported hearing a loud noise."The Scottsbluff Police Department was assisted by the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office and the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers.

Scottsbluff police respond to complaint about gunshots

SCOTTSBLUFF - Western Nebraska Community College's summer operating hours will go into effect May 19. From May 19 to August 8, WNCC will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Summer 2022 semester begins May 31. Apply and register at <a href="http://go.wncc.edu/applytoday">go.wncc.edu/applytoday</a>.

About Western Nebraska Community College

For more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF - Western Nebraska Community College's summer operating hours will go into effect May 19. From May 19 to August 8, WNCC will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.The Summer 2022 semester begins May 31. Apply and register at <a href="http://go.wncc.edu/applytoday">go.wncc.edu/applytoday</a>.About Western Nebraska Community CollegeFor more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.

WNCC announces 2022 summer hours

Today marks Officer Aly Konopnicki’s last day being the School Resource Officer.  She has spent the last four years helping at the schools and has made such an impact on so many students.

Officer Konopnicki will be passing the torch to the new School Resource Officer Tyler Sherlock.

 Officer Sherlock looks forward to working with the staff, students, and their families.

 Thank you to Officer Konopnicki, best of luck to Officer Sherlock, and have a great summer to all of the students.&nbsp;

By Alliance Police DepartmentToday marks Officer Aly Konopnicki’s last day being the School Resource Officer. She has spent the last four years helping at the schools and has made such an impact on so many students.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652900408664.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officer Konopnicki will be passing the torch to the new School Resource Officer Tyler Sherlock. Officer Sherlock looks forward to working with the staff, students, and their families.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652900435869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Thank you to Officer Konopnicki, best of luck to Officer Sherlock, and have a great summer to all of the students.&nbsp;

APD officer Sherlock to take over as School Resource Officer

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

Last June, following the Bridges Out of Poverty program in Alliance, Educational Service Unit 13 offered a class for teachers to learn how to better deal with children who are experiencing poverty. Since I’m a retired teacher and on the Board of ESU 13, I signed up.

As part of the class, we were each given a copy of Emotional Poverty by Ruby K. Payne, published by the aha!Process, the parent company of Bridges Out of Poverty. The class and the book address the problems teachers face every day when their children cannot control their anger, outbursts, anxiety, even avoidance; in other words, children with emotional poverty. These children feel “less than” or “separate from” others. Schools are now challenged with adding Social and Emotional Learning to their lessons.

A quote from Dr. Payne’s book: “There is an emotional dance that goes on every day in the classroom between the educator and the students. It is a dance between safety and belonging, between relationships and structure, between discipline and learning.”

Dr. Payne’s book covers brain functions and development. She explains what happens when a child has a melt-down and techniques to calm and diffuse the situation. These techniques might include having the child drink a glass of water. Or holding a child’s hand. A teacher might ask a child to look up at the ceiling for several seconds. These simple acts shift the brain away from using the parts of the brain that control emotions and feelings. Of course, there are strategies for behaviors that are more serious. Understanding the reason for the inappropriate behavior is the first step in modifying the behavior.

A great deal of research has been done on child development, both physical and mental. Babies first learn to trust. They learn to process sensory information. They gradually develop autonomy, which includes such things as crawling, walking, toilet training, learning to dress themselves. Around age four they notice more about their environment and become curious. They begin to play with other children (not just beside them). They continue to learn new skills and develop mental, emotional, and social skills at every age. They gradually assert independence until they are finally ready to move into adulthood and take care of themselves.

But what happens when their development isn’t reinforced by their caregivers? They may not develop the emotional resources they need to become happy human beings with a strong inner self. Then they are experiencing emotional poverty.

Sometimes trauma happens to children. Children might be neglected or abused. Maybe a parent died. Or their family was torn apart by an illness, divorce, or a job loss. Then the child might become stuck; their level of mental and emotional development isn’t keeping up with their physical development.

COVID created isolation and barriers we still haven’t completely overcome. Our students lost several months of interaction with their classmates, time normally spent developing those social and emotional skills. Teachers, now more than ever, are dealing with their students’ emotional issues.

In the ESU class we talked about the language barriers that children from poverty households face. They’ve learned to communicate through gestures and reactions, which may not be appropriate in school. They haven’t developed the vocabulary they need for their school work or to communicate what they are thinking or feeling. All of this leads to frustration, and teachers work hard to prevent or contain their behavior problems.

Teachers have always had the responsibility of teaching formal language to their students. This includes reading, vocabulary, grammar, writing skills, and speaking skills. In recent years we added the requirement of financial skills. Our students learn to create budgets, calculate wages, get a loan, buy insurance, make rental agreements, get a mortgage, save money in a variety of investments – skills that will help them create a bridge to a secure financial future. Teachers work on physical, mental, emotional, and creative development. Of course, they also teach lessons in their core subjects.

Ruby Payne and her colleagues continue to research different types of poverty and the resources we need to be successful. Bridges Out of Poverty programs are designed to help professionals and communities develop strategies for dealing with the issues that separate social and economic classes.

Bridges: Community Lens will be held in the Alliance High School commons area on Thursday, June 9, 9:00-3:00. Register at panhandlepartnership.com/events. The $45 registration fee includes refreshments and lunch. If you are requesting a scholarship or paying for a group of people, please email connor.wilburn@panhandlepartnership.com and ask Connor to handle your registration.

Please join us as we work to apply this research in our area.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceLast June, following the Bridges Out of Poverty program in Alliance, Educational Service Unit 13 offered a class for teachers to learn how to better deal with children who are experiencing poverty. Since I’m a retired teacher and on the Board of ESU 13, I signed up.As part of the class, we were each given a copy of Emotional Poverty by Ruby K. Payne, published by the aha!Process, the parent company of Bridges Out of Poverty. The class and the book address the problems teachers face every day when their children cannot control their anger, outbursts, anxiety, even avoidance; in other words, children with emotional poverty. These children feel “less than” or “separate from” others. Schools are now challenged with adding Social and Emotional Learning to their lessons.A quote from Dr. Payne’s book: “There is an emotional dance that goes on every day in the classroom between the educator and the students. It is a dance between safety and belonging, between relationships and structure, between discipline and learning.”Dr. Payne’s book covers brain functions and development. She explains what happens when a child has a melt-down and techniques to calm and diffuse the situation. These techniques might include having the child drink a glass of water. Or holding a child’s hand. A teacher might ask a child to look up at the ceiling for several seconds. These simple acts shift the brain away from using the parts of the brain that control emotions and feelings. Of course, there are strategies for behaviors that are more serious. Understanding the reason for the inappropriate behavior is the first step in modifying the behavior.A great deal of research has been done on child development, both physical and mental. Babies first learn to trust. They learn to process sensory information. They gradually develop autonomy, which includes such things as crawling, walking, toilet training, learning to dress themselves. Around age four they notice more about their environment and become curious. They begin to play with other children (not just beside them). They continue to learn new skills and develop mental, emotional, and social skills at every age. They gradually assert independence until they are finally ready to move into adulthood and take care of themselves.But what happens when their development isn’t reinforced by their caregivers? They may not develop the emotional resources they need to become happy human beings with a strong inner self. Then they are experiencing emotional poverty.Sometimes trauma happens to children. Children might be neglected or abused. Maybe a parent died. Or their family was torn apart by an illness, divorce, or a job loss. Then the child might become stuck; their level of mental and emotional development isn’t keeping up with their physical development.COVID created isolation and barriers we still haven’t completely overcome. Our students lost several months of interaction with their classmates, time normally spent developing those social and emotional skills. Teachers, now more than ever, are dealing with their students’ emotional issues.In the ESU class we talked about the language barriers that children from poverty households face. They’ve learned to communicate through gestures and reactions, which may not be appropriate in school. They haven’t developed the vocabulary they need for their school work or to communicate what they are thinking or feeling. All of this leads to frustration, and teachers work hard to prevent or contain their behavior problems.Teachers have always had the responsibility of teaching formal language to their students. This includes reading, vocabulary, grammar, writing skills, and speaking skills. In recent years we added the requirement of financial skills. Our students learn to create budgets, calculate wages, get a loan, buy insurance, make rental agreements, get a mortgage, save money in a variety of investments – skills that will help them create a bridge to a secure financial future. Teachers work on physical, mental, emotional, and creative development. Of course, they also teach lessons in their core subjects.Ruby Payne and her colleagues continue to research different types of poverty and the resources we need to be successful. Bridges Out of Poverty programs are designed to help professionals and communities develop strategies for dealing with the issues that separate social and economic classes.Bridges: Community Lens will be held in the Alliance High School commons area on Thursday, June 9, 9:00-3:00. Register at panhandlepartnership.com/events. The $45 registration fee includes refreshments and lunch. If you are requesting a scholarship or paying for a group of people, please email connor.wilburn@panhandlepartnership.com and ask Connor to handle your registration.Please join us as we work to apply this research in our area.

Poverty In Our Area: Emotional poverty and schools 

GOODLAND, Kan. (AP) — The National Weather Service has confirmed a series of weak tornadoes across rural parts of northwestern Kansas and a county in southwestern Nebraska along the Kansas line. 

The tornadoes hit Tuesday afternoon as a line of storms moved across the Plains.

 National Weather Service meteorologist Ed Holicky out of Goodland, Kansas, says spotters and video confirmed separate tornadoes in Decatur, Norton and Gove counties in Kansas and an one in Red Willow County in Nebraska. 

Holicky says there were no reports of injuries or damage from the tornadoes. 

The system brought gusty winds, heavy rain and some hail, leading to downed tree limbs some roof damage across the region.

By Associated PressGOODLAND, Kan. (AP) — The National Weather Service has confirmed a series of weak tornadoes across rural parts of northwestern Kansas and a county in southwestern Nebraska along the Kansas line. The tornadoes hit Tuesday afternoon as a line of storms moved across the Plains. National Weather Service meteorologist Ed Holicky out of Goodland, Kansas, says spotters and video confirmed separate tornadoes in Decatur, Norton and Gove counties in Kansas and an one in Red Willow County in Nebraska. Holicky says there were no reports of injuries or damage from the tornadoes. The system brought gusty winds, heavy rain and some hail, leading to downed tree limbs some roof damage across the region.

NWS confirms weak tornadoes southwestern NE, KS

Alliance – Tuesday, May 24th at 6:30 pm, the Alliance Public Library will be hosting a program by author Jonis Agee titled, “The Bones of Paradise: A Novel Examined” in the Alliance Public Library Community Room.

Nebraska author Jones Agee’s novel, The Bones of Paradise, the 2022 One Book, One Nebraska selection, offers readers a multi-generational saga set in the Nebraska Sandhills. Agee discusses how she came to write this story in this setting, and shares her approaches to research, character development and more.

For more information on this program at the Alliance Public Library, please contact Adult Services Librarian Emily Nelson at 308-762-1387 or email enelson@cityofalliance.net.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Tuesday, May 24th at 6:30 pm, the Alliance Public Library will be hosting a program by author Jonis Agee titled, “The Bones of Paradise: A Novel Examined” in the Alliance Public Library Community Room.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652833412408.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska author Jones Agee’s novel, The Bones of Paradise, the 2022 One Book, One Nebraska selection, offers readers a multi-generational saga set in the Nebraska Sandhills. Agee discusses how she came to write this story in this setting, and shares her approaches to research, character development and more.For more information on this program at the Alliance Public Library, please contact Adult Services Librarian Emily Nelson at 308-762-1387 or email enelson@cityofalliance.net.

'The Bones of Paradise: A Novel Examined' to be held at Alliance library

After serving 40 years as a prosecutor in Nebraska, United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced today that he intends to retire at the end of May.&nbsp; Sharp, a native Nebraskan, attended the University of Nebraska College of Law graduating with distinction in 1982.&nbsp; That same year he began his career as a prosecutor serving as a Deputy Lancaster County Attorney in Lincoln. &nbsp;He spent six years in the office handling a variety of criminal cases ranging from white collar crimes to homicide.&nbsp; During his tenure he worked with the newly created Technical Investigations Unit of the Lincoln Police Department on white collar criminal investigations.&nbsp;

In 1988 Sharp joined the United States Attorney’s Office in Omaha where he handled a wide variety of criminal matters including terrorism, violent crime in Indian Country, white collar fraud, political corruption, drug trafficking and civil rights violations.&nbsp; In 2001 Sharp was named Criminal Chief for the United States Attorney’s Office, a position he held for 17 years.&nbsp; In 2018 he was appointed to the position of First Assistant United States Attorney under United States Attorney Joe Kelly.&nbsp; Following Kelly’s resignation in 2021, Sharp was appointed as Acting United States Attorney and later appointed by the United States District Court to serve as Interim United States Attorney, a position he has since held.&nbsp; The United States District Court will appoint Sharp’s successor to take over as Interim United States Attorney following the end of his service until such time as a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney is named.&nbsp;

Sharp said, “I have been blessed to have worked with so many talented and dedicated attorneys, support staff and law enforcement officers over my 40-year career.&nbsp; I was also fortunate to have practiced in front of Judges who were intelligent, collegial, and completely committed to the honorable performance of their duties.&nbsp; As I leave, I truly believe that during my tenure in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I held the best job in the legal profession.&nbsp; Working with people dedicated to making our communities safer is a privilege and I leave with the utmost admiration for the professionals who continue to carry out the mission.”

By&nbsp;United States Attorney's OfficeAfter serving 40 years as a prosecutor in Nebraska, United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced today that he intends to retire at the end of May.&nbsp; Sharp, a native Nebraskan, attended the University of Nebraska College of Law graduating with distinction in 1982.&nbsp; That same year he began his career as a prosecutor serving as a Deputy Lancaster County Attorney in Lincoln. &nbsp;He spent six years in the office handling a variety of criminal cases ranging from white collar crimes to homicide.&nbsp; During his tenure he worked with the newly created Technical Investigations Unit of the Lincoln Police Department on white collar criminal investigations.&nbsp;In 1988 Sharp joined the United States Attorney’s Office in Omaha where he handled a wide variety of criminal matters including terrorism, violent crime in Indian Country, white collar fraud, political corruption, drug trafficking and civil rights violations.&nbsp; In 2001 Sharp was named Criminal Chief for the United States Attorney’s Office, a position he held for 17 years.&nbsp; In 2018 he was appointed to the position of First Assistant United States Attorney under United States Attorney Joe Kelly.&nbsp; Following Kelly’s resignation in 2021, Sharp was appointed as Acting United States Attorney and later appointed by the United States District Court to serve as Interim United States Attorney, a position he has since held.&nbsp; The United States District Court will appoint Sharp’s successor to take over as Interim United States Attorney following the end of his service until such time as a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney is named.&nbsp;Sharp said, “I have been blessed to have worked with so many talented and dedicated attorneys, support staff and law enforcement officers over my 40-year career.&nbsp; I was also fortunate to have practiced in front of Judges who were intelligent, collegial, and completely committed to the honorable performance of their duties.&nbsp; As I leave, I truly believe that during my tenure in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I held the best job in the legal profession.&nbsp; Working with people dedicated to making our communities safer is a privilege and I leave with the utmost admiration for the professionals who continue to carry out the mission.”

U.S. Attorney Jan W. Sharp announces retirement

OVID, Colo. (AP) — The megadrought fueled by climate change that has long gripped the western U.S. is moving eastward. 

And that's behind a simmering dispute over how much water Colorado and Nebraska are entitled to take from the South Platte River, which supplies both metro Denver's booming population and expansive agriculture on both sides of the border. 

Nebraska stunned Colorado when it said it wants to invoke an old compact that allows it to seize Colorado land and build a canal to divert water from the river. 

Nebraska’s plan underscores an increasing appetite throughout the West to preemptively secure water as the drought persists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652875410099.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSOVID, Colo. (AP) — The megadrought fueled by climate change that has long gripped the western U.S. is moving eastward. And that's behind a simmering dispute over how much water Colorado and Nebraska are entitled to take from the South Platte River, which supplies both metro Denver's booming population and expansive agriculture on both sides of the border. Nebraska stunned Colorado when it said it wants to invoke an old compact that allows it to seize Colorado land and build a canal to divert water from the river. Nebraska’s plan underscores an increasing appetite throughout the West to preemptively secure water as the drought persists.

Colorado, Nebraska jostle over water rights amid drought

DETROIT (AP) — Nearly 43,000 people were killed on U.S. roads last year. That's the highest number in 16 years as Americans returned to the highways after the pandemic forced many to stay at home. 

Traffic deaths rose 10.5% over 2020, the largest percentage increase since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began its fatality data collection in 1975. 

Preliminary figures from the agency show that 42,915 people died in traffic crashes last year, up from 38,824 in 2020. 

Final figures will be released in the fall. 

Americans drove about 325 billion more miles last year than they did in 2020. 

That's an 11.2% jump that contributed to the rise in deaths.

By Associated PressDETROIT (AP) — Nearly 43,000 people were killed on U.S. roads last year. That's the highest number in 16 years as Americans returned to the highways after the pandemic forced many to stay at home. Traffic deaths rose 10.5% over 2020, the largest percentage increase since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began its fatality data collection in 1975. Preliminary figures from the agency show that 42,915 people died in traffic crashes last year, up from 38,824 in 2020. Final figures will be released in the fall. Americans drove about 325 billion more miles last year than they did in 2020. That's an 11.2% jump that contributed to the rise in deaths.

Nearly 43,000 people died on US roads last year, agency says

By Gov. Pete Ricketts Governor's Weekly Column

The Good Life we all enjoy is made possible by the courageous men and women in blue.&nbsp; After traveling the state for the past 7 ½ years as Governor, I know Nebraskans appreciate all that law enforcement does to keep them safe.&nbsp; While other states cut funding for the police, Nebraska is boosting our support for our law enforcement.

As we wrap up National Police Week, I want to recognize all that Nebraska’s law enforcement agencies do for us, 24/7/365.&nbsp;

Everyone knows law enforcement intervenes to stop crime, sometimes in heroic fashion.&nbsp; In March, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in the middle of the night from a woman being held captive inside a moving vehicle.&nbsp; A county deputy located the vehicle, which fled an attempted traffic stop.&nbsp; A State Trooper aided the response, took lead on the pursuit, and performed a tactical intervention to stop the escaping vehicle.&nbsp; The female passenger was safely removed, and the driver was arrested on charges of false imprisonment and flight to avoid arrest.

Our law enforcement agencies also keep deadly drugs off our streets.&nbsp; This work has become especially important as drugs flow into America across our broken southern border.&nbsp; In 2021, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) seized triple the amount of cocaine than it did in 2020 and more fentanyl than in 2019 and 2020 combined.&nbsp; While fentanyl is a rapidly growing concern in our state, methamphetamine remains the #1 drug threat in Nebraska.&nbsp; In 2021, 768 pounds of methamphetamines were removed from our streets thanks to law enforcement.&nbsp; They’ve also formed a statewide coalition to help inform citizens about the dangers of meth consumption (<a href="http://www.ago.nebraska.gov/life-or-meth" target="_blank">www.ago.nebraska.gov/life-or-meth</a>).

Additionally, our law enforcement agencies root out human trafficking.&nbsp; In 2021, York County Deputy Taylor Samek made a traffic stop at Petro travel center.&nbsp; The vehicle he pulled over had a missing girl from New Mexico inside.&nbsp; Thanks to his alert policing, this young teen was rescued from being trafficked and safely returned to her family.&nbsp; Just one year prior, in 2020, a sheriff’s deputy in Furnas County interviewed a girl and recognized she was a victim of sex trafficking.&nbsp; He immediately put together a team of state and local law enforcement and prosecutors.&nbsp; After months of investigative work, that team secured a conviction and a 176.5-year sentence for the man selling the 15-year-old victim to local men.&nbsp; Over a dozen of these men are also facing felony charges.&nbsp;

Law enforcement also keeps our children safe at school.&nbsp; On March 14th, Hastings School Resource Officer Emily Ostdiek was monitoring the high school cafeteria when she noticed an unresponsive student experiencing cardiac arrest.&nbsp; She took immediate action, using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to apply a shock as medical responders rushed to the scene.&nbsp; The AED shock given by Officer Ostdiek saved his life.

And law enforcement officers patrol our roadways to keep motorists safe.&nbsp; That’s no small task in a state where there can be tornadoes, dust storms, and blizzards all in a single month.&nbsp; On May 2nd&nbsp;alone, NSP performed 61 motorist assists and made 28 crash responses when a late spring snowstorm hit western Nebraska.

Our men and women in uniform are in a job that demands the highest level of integrity and adherence to the rule of law.&nbsp; They’ve willingly put themselves between danger and their fellow citizens, accepting risks to their lives.&nbsp; These risks have grown in recent years, due to reckless calls to “defund the police.”

This irresponsible rhetoric emboldens criminals to attack law enforcement.&nbsp; The number of assaults on law enforcement officers increased by more than 4,000 from 2019 to 2020.&nbsp; In 2021, 73 of the nation’s law enforcement officers were intentionally killed in the line of duty.&nbsp; That’s a 58% increase from 2020 and the highest number since 1995.&nbsp; While none of these murders took place in Nebraska, we mourn the loss of law enforcement officers across the country.

As we see attacks on police around the country, I want law enforcement in our state to know that Nebraska backs them 100%.&nbsp; This year’s legislative session made this support crystal clear.&nbsp; I signed into law several bills that make critical investments in law enforcement:&nbsp; LB 1014e allocated $47.7 million to expand the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island so that agencies in our state can provide new recruits with training that’s second to none; LB 1241e devoted funds to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and retain new officers by offering incentives for years of service; and LB 1273 provides tuition waivers for law enforcement officers and a health insurance tax break to qualifying retired officers.&nbsp; Additionally, we’ve invested $16.9 million to upgrade our State Patrol Crime Laboratory to better process evidence to solve crimes.&nbsp; And we provided pay raises to recruit, retain, and support our Department of Corrections officers, who are important members of our law enforcement community.

Our law enforcement officers sacrifice time away from friends and family to protect the public.&nbsp; They’re working when their fellow citizens are enjoying a holiday.&nbsp; They’re on the job in the middle of the night when most Nebraskans are fast asleep.&nbsp; They miss out on baseball games, dance recitals, or birthday parties while answering the call to serve their communities.&nbsp; These men and women give up a lot to keep us safe, and they deserve our respect and gratitude, long after Police Week has ended.

If you’d like to learn more about the ways Nebraska supports law enforcement, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

By Gov. Pete Ricketts Governor's Weekly ColumnThe Good Life we all enjoy is made possible by the courageous men and women in blue.&nbsp; After traveling the state for the past 7 ½ years as Governor, I know Nebraskans appreciate all that law enforcement does to keep them safe.&nbsp; While other states cut funding for the police, Nebraska is boosting our support for our law enforcement.As we wrap up National Police Week, I want to recognize all that Nebraska’s law enforcement agencies do for us, 24/7/365.&nbsp;Everyone knows law enforcement intervenes to stop crime, sometimes in heroic fashion.&nbsp; In March, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in the middle of the night from a woman being held captive inside a moving vehicle.&nbsp; A county deputy located the vehicle, which fled an attempted traffic stop.&nbsp; A State Trooper aided the response, took lead on the pursuit, and performed a tactical intervention to stop the escaping vehicle.&nbsp; The female passenger was safely removed, and the driver was arrested on charges of false imprisonment and flight to avoid arrest.Our law enforcement agencies also keep deadly drugs off our streets.&nbsp; This work has become especially important as drugs flow into America across our broken southern border.&nbsp; In 2021, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) seized triple the amount of cocaine than it did in 2020 and more fentanyl than in 2019 and 2020 combined.&nbsp; While fentanyl is a rapidly growing concern in our state, methamphetamine remains the #1 drug threat in Nebraska.&nbsp; In 2021, 768 pounds of methamphetamines were removed from our streets thanks to law enforcement.&nbsp; They’ve also formed a statewide coalition to help inform citizens about the dangers of meth consumption (<a href="http://www.ago.nebraska.gov/life-or-meth" target="_blank">www.ago.nebraska.gov/life-or-meth</a>).Additionally, our law enforcement agencies root out human trafficking.&nbsp; In 2021, York County Deputy Taylor Samek made a traffic stop at Petro travel center.&nbsp; The vehicle he pulled over had a missing girl from New Mexico inside.&nbsp; Thanks to his alert policing, this young teen was rescued from being trafficked and safely returned to her family.&nbsp; Just one year prior, in 2020, a sheriff’s deputy in Furnas County interviewed a girl and recognized she was a victim of sex trafficking.&nbsp; He immediately put together a team of state and local law enforcement and prosecutors.&nbsp; After months of investigative work, that team secured a conviction and a 176.5-year sentence for the man selling the 15-year-old victim to local men.&nbsp; Over a dozen of these men are also facing felony charges.&nbsp;Law enforcement also keeps our children safe at school.&nbsp; On March 14th, Hastings School Resource Officer Emily Ostdiek was monitoring the high school cafeteria when she noticed an unresponsive student experiencing cardiac arrest.&nbsp; She took immediate action, using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to apply a shock as medical responders rushed to the scene.&nbsp; The AED shock given by Officer Ostdiek saved his life.And law enforcement officers patrol our roadways to keep motorists safe.&nbsp; That’s no small task in a state where there can be tornadoes, dust storms, and blizzards all in a single month.&nbsp; On May 2nd&nbsp;alone, NSP performed 61 motorist assists and made 28 crash responses when a late spring snowstorm hit western Nebraska.Our men and women in uniform are in a job that demands the highest level of integrity and adherence to the rule of law.&nbsp; They’ve willingly put themselves between danger and their fellow citizens, accepting risks to their lives.&nbsp; These risks have grown in recent years, due to reckless calls to “defund the police.”This irresponsible rhetoric emboldens criminals to attack law enforcement.&nbsp; The number of assaults on law enforcement officers increased by more than 4,000 from 2019 to 2020.&nbsp; In 2021, 73 of the nation’s law enforcement officers were intentionally killed in the line of duty.&nbsp; That’s a 58% increase from 2020 and the highest number since 1995.&nbsp; While none of these murders took place in Nebraska, we mourn the loss of law enforcement officers across the country.As we see attacks on police around the country, I want law enforcement in our state to know that Nebraska backs them 100%.&nbsp; This year’s legislative session made this support crystal clear.&nbsp; I signed into law several bills that make critical investments in law enforcement:&nbsp; LB 1014e allocated $47.7 million to expand the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island so that agencies in our state can provide new recruits with training that’s second to none; LB 1241e devoted funds to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and retain new officers by offering incentives for years of service; and LB 1273 provides tuition waivers for law enforcement officers and a health insurance tax break to qualifying retired officers.&nbsp; Additionally, we’ve invested $16.9 million to upgrade our State Patrol Crime Laboratory to better process evidence to solve crimes.&nbsp; And we provided pay raises to recruit, retain, and support our Department of Corrections officers, who are important members of our law enforcement community.Our law enforcement officers sacrifice time away from friends and family to protect the public.&nbsp; They’re working when their fellow citizens are enjoying a holiday.&nbsp; They’re on the job in the middle of the night when most Nebraskans are fast asleep.&nbsp; They miss out on baseball games, dance recitals, or birthday parties while answering the call to serve their communities.&nbsp; These men and women give up a lot to keep us safe, and they deserve our respect and gratitude, long after Police Week has ended.If you’d like to learn more about the ways Nebraska supports law enforcement, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Nebraska backs the blue 100%

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

SPC has issued a&nbsp;Marginal Risk for isolated severe thunderstorms in portions of southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle.

The main threats today are strong to severe storms producing lightning, damaging winds, and large hail.

The first round of storms will likely be between 3 PM and 9 PM, with the potential for another round of storms later between 10 PM and midnight.

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

SPC has issued a&nbsp;Marginal Risk for isolated severe thunderstorms in portions of southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle. The main threats today are strong to severe storms producing lightning, damaging winds, and large hail. The first round of storms will likely be between 3 PM and 9 PM, with the potential for another round of storms later between 10 PM and midnight.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652806666878.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Severe weather possible for Panhandle today 

Scottsbluff — During this year’s national Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign, which will take place May 23 through June 5, 2022, Scottsbluff Police Department will be teaming up with law enforcement nationwide for a Border to Border (B2B) kickoff event. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking all states to participate

in B2B, a one-day, 4-hour national seat belt awareness event on May 23 to increase law enforcement participation by coordinating highly visible seat belt enforcement for drivers at

state border checkpoints. Scottsbluff Police will participate by having officers conduct saturation patrols within the City of Scottsbluff.

According to NHTSA, in 2019, there were 9,466 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States. In that same year, 55% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign and the B2B kickoff event is nighttime enforcement. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations both day and night. In Nebraska, the penalty for a seat belt violation is $25.00 and you increases your chance of a fatal injury by 45%!

“The Click It or Ticket campaign is important because it raises awareness about seat belt safety during a time when seat belt use is decreased,” said Sgt Philip Eckerberg #121. “With an increased number of cars flooding the roads due to the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, it’s imperative we get the word out about the importance of seat belt safety.”

“In 2021, Nebraska lost 135 community members because they did not buckle their seat belts,” said Bill Kovarik, NDOT Highway Safety Administrator. Over twice as many males were killed in crashes as compared to females, with lower belt use rates, too.

“We aren’t handing out tickets for the thrill of it. If enforcement wakes people up to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success,” said Sgt Eckerberg. “If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please let them know you are counting on them to buckle up. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult— needs to remember to buckle up!”

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2f%2f%2fNHTSA.gov%2fcio&amp;c=E,1,2luNSUF-WuX9hcDxSRSyeZB8SbcJp6S5oCnWgLqt95v1G1bQro93uIBS1m9lDogDgT_m0qORI7AwZFJXLoDyk9I2VDv88Zr5zhf1caxW-FcMEsULvESHs5c8CytIDA,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">//NHTSA.gov/cio</a>

By Scottsbluff Police DepartmentScottsbluff — During this year’s national Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign, which will take place May 23 through June 5, 2022, Scottsbluff Police Department will be teaming up with law enforcement nationwide for a Border to Border (B2B) kickoff event. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking all states to participatein B2B, a one-day, 4-hour national seat belt awareness event on May 23 to increase law enforcement participation by coordinating highly visible seat belt enforcement for drivers atstate border checkpoints. Scottsbluff Police will participate by having officers conduct saturation patrols within the City of Scottsbluff.According to NHTSA, in 2019, there were 9,466 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States. In that same year, 55% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign and the B2B kickoff event is nighttime enforcement. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations both day and night. In Nebraska, the penalty for a seat belt violation is $25.00 and you increases your chance of a fatal injury by 45%!“The Click It or Ticket campaign is important because it raises awareness about seat belt safety during a time when seat belt use is decreased,” said Sgt Philip Eckerberg #121. “With an increased number of cars flooding the roads due to the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, it’s imperative we get the word out about the importance of seat belt safety.”“In 2021, Nebraska lost 135 community members because they did not buckle their seat belts,” said Bill Kovarik, NDOT Highway Safety Administrator. Over twice as many males were killed in crashes as compared to females, with lower belt use rates, too.“We aren’t handing out tickets for the thrill of it. If enforcement wakes people up to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success,” said Sgt Eckerberg. “If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please let them know you are counting on them to buckle up. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult— needs to remember to buckle up!”For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2f%2f%2fNHTSA.gov%2fcio&amp;c=E,1,2luNSUF-WuX9hcDxSRSyeZB8SbcJp6S5oCnWgLqt95v1G1bQro93uIBS1m9lDogDgT_m0qORI7AwZFJXLoDyk9I2VDv88Zr5zhf1caxW-FcMEsULvESHs5c8CytIDA,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">//NHTSA.gov/cio</a>

'Click It Or Ticket Campaign' starts soon with a Border to Border kickoff event

CHADRON – Chadron State College has announced the students on the Spring 2022 President’s and Dean’s Lists. The President's List consists of 344 students with a 4.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Another 299 students met the requirements for the Dean’s List by earning at least a 3.5 grade point average.

To qualify for either list, students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours of coursework, be seeking their first bachelor’s degree, and have no incomplete grades during the semester. Cities and states listed are the home address provided by the students.

Alliance: Drew Applegarth, Kayla Campos, Katelynn Gomez, Aubrie Lawrence, Isabella Middleton, Eric Pollack, Cade Stephenson, Jace Stumpff, Dylan Sward, Katelyn Varner

Arnold: Jarret Buchholz, Lydia Connell, Haley Reed

Bayard: Shania Bozzetto, Sarah Reish, Haily Robbins

Chadron: Michael Anderson, Trysha Brierly, Kayah Bynes, Emma Cogdill, Katelyn Diehl, Ezra Hare, Kaitlyn Jensen, Drew Jersild, Aarikah Johnson, David Johnson, Ciara McCance, Maria Negreira, Josie Nelson, Aubree Noble, Ella O'Brien, Levi O'Dell, Clark Riesen, Katarina Rischling, Madison Sandstrom, Savanna Sayaloune, Moriah Schliep, Serenity Sterkel, Kayliegh Sughroue

Gering: Coleton Bevins, Kaylee Bohnsack, Jace Demeranville, Taylor Koros, Porter Robbins, Morgan Van Anne, Sarah Wagoner

Grand Island: Logan Hamik, Rebekah Pobanz, Emilie Ziller

Hemingford: Emma Pendleton, Ethan Skinner

McCook: Madelyn Bird, Megan Hodgson, Alec Langan, Brolin Morgan

Mitchell: Rylan Aguallo, Francisco Barrios, Shani Bewley, Jake Chasek, Ashtyn Martin, Jori Peters

Norfolk: Trevor Eisenbraun, Morgan Timmerman

North Platte: Emilee Gibson, Zachary Kring, Jenny Lim, Tacie Lucas

Ogallala: Makayla Denbo, Gladys Einspahr, McKenna Headley

Omaha: Dakota Caldarelli, Faith Hanson, Gavin Peitzmeier, Cole Westfall

Oshkosh: Osiel Cano, Osvaldo Cano, Dahnna Miller, Amanda Nussbaum, Morgan Smith

Rushville: Amanda Hotz, Micah Stouffer, Zackary Wellnitz

Scottsbluff: Trevor Brunner, Kyeisha Garza, Erin Hayhurst, Kaitlyn Hayhurst, Yazmin Marquez, Ian Papenfus, Jovana Ramirez, Sarah Salomon, Phillip Soto, Ethan Strey

Sidney: Meaghan Adams, Marissa Borchard, Rebekah Carlson, Seth Studnicka

Buena Vista: Hayden McGinnis, Sage McGinnis

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Chadron State College has announced the students on the Spring 2022 President’s and Dean’s Lists. The President's List consists of 344 students with a 4.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Another 299 students met the requirements for the Dean’s List by earning at least a 3.5 grade point average.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652798991780.jpeg" alt="An Eastern redbud blooms near Edna Work Hall on the Chadron State College campus April 30, 2022. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>An Eastern redbud blooms near Edna Work Hall on the Chadron State College campus April 30, 2022. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>To qualify for either list, students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours of coursework, be seeking their first bachelor’s degree, and have no incomplete grades during the semester. Cities and states listed are the home address provided by the students.PRESIDENT’S LISTNEBRASKAAlliance: Drew Applegarth, Kayla Campos, Katelynn Gomez, Aubrie Lawrence, Isabella Middleton, Eric Pollack, Cade Stephenson, Jace Stumpff, Dylan Sward, Katelyn VarnerAnselmo: Olivia BryantArnold: Jarret Buchholz, Lydia Connell, Haley ReedAshby: Ashley AndersonBayard: Shania Bozzetto, Sarah Reish, Haily RobbinsBeaver City: Beth FisherBlair: Brandt HovanecBloomfield: Kaci MillikanBrady: Kyler HornBridgeport: Rachael Blue, Chance CooperBroken Bow: Caleb SmithBurwell: Ashlyn Jensen, Faith SimonCeresco: Logan PardeChadron: Michael Anderson, Trysha Brierly, Kayah Bynes, Emma Cogdill, Katelyn Diehl, Ezra Hare, Kaitlyn Jensen, Drew Jersild, Aarikah Johnson, David Johnson, Ciara McCance, Maria Negreira, Josie Nelson, Aubree Noble, Ella O'Brien, Levi O'Dell, Clark Riesen, Katarina Rischling, Madison Sandstrom, Savanna Sayaloune, Moriah Schliep, Serenity Sterkel, Kayliegh SughroueChambers: Samuel JesseChappell: Mackenzie BackusClarks: Roxana Davila, Aubree QuastColumbus: Kelli Schoch, Aubrey StrombergCrete: Minh Duc LeCrookston: Sadie Vander WeyDalton: Janessa Carley, Jeremy CarleyDunning: Carlie CollierEwing: Jamie KoenigFairbury: Trent GrizzleFullerton: Christian PickrelGering: Coleton Bevins, Kaylee Bohnsack, Jace Demeranville, Taylor Koros, Porter Robbins, Morgan Van Anne, Sarah WagonerGordon: Alyssa Charging ThunderGothenburg: Samuel Aden, Rylee NaprstekGrand Island: Logan Hamik, Rebekah Pobanz, Emilie ZillerGrant: Andrea LeeHastings: Daria DartHay Springs: Ashley BurrowsHemingford: Emma Pendleton, Ethan SkinnerHenry: Andrew Avila, Katlyn MedelHoldrege: Dashton Edgren, Spencer KnuthImperial: Carissa HillIndianola: Alyssa SpringerJuniata: Abigail Klammer, Haylee SitzmanKearney: Colton Holoubeck, Logan O'BrienLewellen: Reid SpadyLoup City: Creighton HarringtonMarquette: Ashley Gonzalez RodriguezMcCook: Madelyn Bird, Megan Hodgson, Alec Langan, Brolin MorganMitchell: Rylan Aguallo, Francisco Barrios, Shani Bewley, Jake Chasek, Ashtyn Martin, Jori PetersMullen: Brooke McCullyNaper: Mattie GarwoodNenzel: Elle RavenscroftNickerson: Rhianna HagerbaumerNorfolk: Trevor Eisenbraun, Morgan TimmermanNorth Platte: Emilee Gibson, Zachary Kring, Jenny Lim, Tacie LucasOakdale: Trevin HansonOgallala: Makayla Denbo, Gladys Einspahr, McKenna HeadleyOmaha: Dakota Caldarelli, Faith Hanson, Gavin Peitzmeier, Cole WestfallO’Neill: Christopher JenningsOrd: Sage Konicek, Lakita ThomsenOshkosh: Osiel Cano, Osvaldo Cano, Dahnna Miller, Amanda Nussbaum, Morgan SmithPapillion: Sullivan JonesPaxton: Eben RosentraterPierce: Carter RohrichPilger: Levi OttenPotter: Vivian PeaseRandolph: Kyle LindquistRockville: Kimberly BarentRushville: Amanda Hotz, Micah Stouffer, Zackary WellnitzSaint Paul: Alexis KramerSargent: Bailey SchneiderScottsbluff: Trevor Brunner, Kyeisha Garza, Erin Hayhurst, Kaitlyn Hayhurst, Yazmin Marquez, Ian Papenfus, Jovana Ramirez, Sarah Salomon, Phillip Soto, Ethan StreySeward: Makennen HavlatSidney: Meaghan Adams, Marissa Borchard, Rebekah Carlson, Seth StudnickaSpringview: Katie LewisStanton: Sutton PohlmanStratton: Natalie BoydSutherland: Katelyn HechtSyracuse: Kaylea GeiserTaylor: Dean SchroderThedford: Mackenzie DahlbergTrenton: Rozelynn LattaUlysses: Cole MartinezUtica: Peyton JohansenValentine: Mercy MaunuVerdigre: Kaci WickershamWest Point: Nicole MitzelWisner: Alexis HellerWood Lake: Treyvin SchlueterYork: Harrison GockeCOLORADOAurora: Brooke KramerBrighton: Emma BolyardBroomfield: Madison WattBrush: Erica DardanesBuena Vista: Hayden McGinnis, Sage McGinnisCanon City: Christina SlatteryCraig: Ebawnee SmercinaEaton: Makenna CormackElizabeth: Lena AslanGlenwood Springs: Tatum PetersonGranby: Daniel Reynolds Jr.Greeley: Abbygail SchaeferHighlands Ranch: Camryn KleinLa Junta: Jaedyn GronemeyerLamar: Isabel GainesLittleton: Alexis PeepgrassLoveland: Kendall PettyMilliken: Dylan KoretkoMontrose: Alexandra WaxlerMonument: Saxon WrightOtis: Makenna MetzlerPeyton: Corey Haberkorn, Samiyah WorrellSimla: Molly BraunSterling: Allison KeiselWalden: Alyssa MyersWindsor: Parker Gonser, Rylee Greiman, Kinsey SmithSOUTH DAKOTABlack Hawk: Skyler EisenbraunBox Elder: Andrew Corbine, Cassie Hamer, Alissa WiemanBuffalo Gap: Abrianne BacaChamberlain: Tiana GahmCorsica: Hannah ReimnitzCuster: Julianne ThomsenEdgemont: Elizabeth TidballFort Pierre: Nathan CroninHermosa: Kristin SeidlerHolabird: Zane ZilverbergHot Springs: T'Aunah Benson, Calyn Degnan, Jacob HaertelKadoka: Marcus Herber, Savannah SolonMartin: Lily AlexanderNew Underwood: Ethan TussingPrairie City: Shane CollinsRapid City: Stone Durham, Katherine Hoeke, Elijah Huntington, Emma Johnson, George Johnson, Isabelle Johnson, Shayna Kintigh, Hannah Martian, Kalli Quicke, Nicholas Quinn, Andrew Smith, Alyssa Wingler, Dillon WoodsSmithwick: Aerial BochmannSpearfish: Jadyn Hamann, Morgan JohnsonVivian: Brianna SmithWYOMINGCasper: Emory YoosookCheyenne: Kelsey Crock, Rebecca Monahan, Rhiannon ThomallaDouglas: Harley RhoadesGillette: Livia Castellanos, Jaden Earle, Chloe RankinGreybull: Heidi AraizaGuernsey: Katrina Christensen, Jason CowanLaramie: Shasta RosalesLovell: Trysa FloodLusk: Alec PenfieldMoorcroft: Tia CranstonNewcastle: Melody NorrisPowell: Heather AllredRawlins: Olyvia PachecoSaratoga: Teegan LoveSheridan: Ashlyn Duncan, Destiny ParkTorrington: Teresa BloodgoodWheatland: Macie Murphy, Elisa Smith, Halle SmithYoder: Kadra ClarkOTHER STATES AND COUNTRIESDorian Collier, Ashford, Ala.Isna Patel, Huntsville, Ala.Taylor Bowen, Barrow, AlaskaKyle Shirley, Queen Creek, Ariz.Katelyn Peterson, Fort Bragg, Calif.Matthew Bradley, San Jose, Calif.Laura Otter, Lincoln, Ill.Casey Black, Council Bluffs, IowaMargaret Jordan, Holden, MaineMilleanne Mullinix, Union Bridge, Md.John Cumper, Atlanta, Mich.Micheala Dammann, Osakis, Minn.Adeline Beason, Byram, Miss.Andrea Swenson, Broadus, Mont.Tessa Coyle, Kalispell, Mont.Rachel Bell, Miles City, Mont.Rachel Daniel, Lillington, N.C.Sara DelBrocco, Oswego, N.Y.Emily Galindo, Edmond, Okla.Marissa Hassinger, Jersey Shore, Pa.Jared Hurt, Conroe, TexasBeau Bragg, Hamilton, TexasDean Neff, Lake Mills, Wis.Myles Jensen, Marshfield, Wis.Emily Achter, Melbourne, AustraliaJessica Strandlund, Victoria, AustraliaMeron Ameha, Ruhama Molla, Elham Hussien Zeinuddin ,Addis Ababa, EthiopiaSiddhant Shelke, Dapodi, IndiaIsioma Akwanamnye, Lagos, NigeriaDEAN’S LISTNEBRASKAAdams: Aubrie PardeAinsworth: Mackenzie KovarAlliance: Olivia Behrends, Mackenzie Broderick, Kaitlin Failor, Aubrey Garrett, Crystal Garza, Regan Lambert, Lauren Lehl, Ashley Miller, Madison Stark, Hannah WeareArthur: Piper deBeauclair, Tara HannaBassett: Megan EricksonBayard: Megan Cawley, Wyatt FiscusBeatrice: Cody Harlan, Sarah RiekenbergBertrand: Karley PattersonBig Springs: Caprice BrownBrady: Tad Grasz, Rebecca StearnsBrainard: Micaiah VrbkaBridgeport: Curtis Freeze, Olivia Freeze, Regina Gonzalez, Jacie Lussetto, Kassandra Marx, Delenn RodriguezBroadwater: Mariah MulveyBurwell: Allison HughesChadron: Shayne Bayles, Cobie Bila, Sydney Brown, Zachary Carattini, Kaylie Elliott, Hend Elnady, Allie Ferguson, Brady Fullmer, Sawyer Haag, Ricki Hickstein, Kennedy Howard, Beau Jersild, Audra Johns, Jetta Johnson, Tobias Kounovsky, Cole Madsen, Denise Marcoe, Elizabeth Myers, Nicole Scarrow, Bailey Steinke, Emmanuella Tchona, Robert Tiensvold, Jonathan VahrenkampChappell: Kayla Collins, Dane McConnellColumbus: Hannah MontgomeryCrawford: McKenna Juhlin, Kristin Van Beek, Rebecca Watson, Thomas WatsonDalton: Brittney JacksonDickens: Natalie MarquardtFullerton: Amarha BridgerGenoa: Garrett SwantekGering: Dena Chalupa, Kyla Knight, Abigail Madden, Emily Merritt, Tukker Romey, Hayley Stein, Brandon WallaceGordon: Sierra Garrett, Paige PaulGothenburg: Johanna Foster, Jamie Graff, Shannondoah SchramGrand Island: Trystan Davies, Ruth Mencia, Madyson Schliep, Riley SchliepGrant: Adriana GonzalezGurley: Joshua KruseHastings: Brooklyn AndersonHay Springs: Robert Deaver, Samuel Reed, Thomas Scherbarth, Jocelyn VarvelHebron: Brendan Fangmeier, Justin GressHemingford: Hadley Elder, Danea HansonHershey: Carlee Brownawell, Austin GeorgeHooper: Constance RoeberHyannis: Alyssa HamptonImperial: Parker Dillan, Amber StumpffKearney: Patrick Blake, MaryJo Suckstorf, Thomas WalshKimball: Sydney BieseckerLewellen: Kara BarnhartLincoln: Karly Codr, Allison Schneider, Sydney SettlesLisco: Megan DormannLoup City: Mariah Markus, Samantha WrickMadrid: Quinn KoopMaxwell: Tallyn SimpsonMcCook: Steven HinzeMerna: Cameron GibsonMerriman: Abigayle DonnerMinatare: Madison MillerMinden: Rylie ColeMitchell: Ashley Jackson, Kadin Perez, Blake Thyne, Olivia TrimbleMorrill: Kenzey KannoMullen: Haley JonesNebraska City: Aubrey BandoNorfolk: Christopher Lidgett, Katherine Meuret, Sheila Renteria SalgadoNorth Platte: Jadelyn Beyer, Mariah Brown, Kelsey Dailey, Emily Evans, Juwan Ortiz, Bailey Shurigar, Seth Simants, Claire Tegtmeier, Ashley TolstedtOdell: Paige VitoshOgallala: Emma Coffman, Jaelynn HemphillOhiowa: Hector NunezOmaha: Carolyn Drake, Cody Madrigal, Harrison PerchalO’Neill: Alexa ShaldOshkosh: Maddison Christiansen, Celestina Dean, Adrienne OlsonOsmond: Catherine WilliamsOxford: Todd BrownPalmer: Concey BaderPapillion: Haylee PaytonPlattsmouth: Melissa Haswell, Josslyn LinsePolk: Dylan SouleRandolph: McKinna FaulkenberryRushville: Echo Ecoffey, Riley SnyderSaint Paul: Megan LuchtSargent: Karina KittSchuyler: Garrett RagoneseScottsbluff: Ashley Bair, Harrison Bice, Heather Brannan, James Bruner, Rebecca DeWitt, Alexis Funk, Alicia Hastings, Conner McCracken, Logan Moravec, Blake Nikont, Donovan Reese, Mason Smith, Kaylee WachSeneca: Mollie FinneySidney: Trey Douglas, Morgan Jaggers, Jersie Misegadis, Caitlyn Mueller, Carissa Radtke, Jaylee ShawSpringview: Adyson Linse, Hunter WiebelhausSumner: Ashley RohdeSuperior: Morgan TheisSutherland: Gavin Harold, Colten StorerTaylor: Jaron MeeksTecumseh: Emily RetchlessTryon: Aubrey SchultisValentine: Brennann Jackson, Chad McPeak, KayLynn Miller, Grace Robison,Trinity ShipleyWallace: Jerad PhillipsWausa: Thea RosbergWest Point: Audrey DaberkowWilcox: Paige TwohigYork: Aleyah HunzekerCOLORADOAurora: Nicolle BaquetBroomfield: Kenzi Garner, Mason WattCastle Rock: Gianna PrincipatoCedaredge: Reganne McIntireColorado Springs: Laura Clay, Chase MestasDenver: Tyreek Bryant, Juan Estrada, Kendal JohnsonEaton: Michaela HillErie: Sloane QuijasFort Collins: Peter KrohnFort Morgan: Kendra Bell, Audrey GreenwoodFowler: Richard LeoneGreeley: Devyn ThorntonHolyoke: Makenzie MartinHotchkiss: Rebeka ScheidererJohnstown: Brock VothJulesburg: Brennan EhmkeKersey: Peyton JohnsonKit Carson: Cordell FarmerLa Salle: Cale SchaferLakewood: Abigail Garcia, Peyton ProppLittleton: Chase AndersonLongmont: Creighton TremblyLoveland: Isabel Manchego-PenaMorrison: Isabella KeenanParker: Devyn VolzPeetz: Gwendolyn BussPueblo: Makayla KeckRangely: Crimsen BlankenshipThornton: Tyler Carpenter, Samantha Conradie, Nikki Waddle, Olivia WaufleWellington: Jordyn Brann, Brody LambWestminster: Joseph DeCamillis, Michael DeCamillisSOUTH DAKOTABlack Hawk: Brodie EisenbraunBox Elder: Jeslyn JindraBuffalo: Colton Brienza, Brooklyn WilliamsCamp Crook: Samantha ComesCuster: Quintin GilgEdgemont: Abigail TidballFaith: Jacey SmithHarrold: Velvet JessenHermosa: Seth ShorbHill City: Kadyn ComerHot Springs: Lynnsey Evans, Alex Merchen, Caden ShanklinLudlow: Sydney PedersenMartin: Kenna ThomsenMitchell: Allison MillerNewell: Austin Alexander, Sarah WallaceOwanka: Nicole VolmerRapid City: Cate Berkheimer, Josephine Fritz, Julie Geiman, William Gore, Julie Kesner, Jacob Larson, Nicholas Lembke, Timothy May, Cheraden WillardSpearfish: Stran HolbenSturgis: Joel CarpenterWall: Cooper McLaughlinWYOMINGAlpine: Johannah ChristieAuburn: Dean ShawBar Nunn: D'Anthony SmithBurns: Katelyn BachCasper: Rebecca Goeken, Breshawna Kelly, Lindsay Martin, Erin WnukCheyenne: Colton Bell, Carrie Rakestraw-AxtellDayton: Garett AveryDouglas: Jaylon Martinez, Treyton Pearson, Dallas WikGillette: Mason Hamilton, Breckyn HamlinGreen River: Ashlyn JensenGreybull: Riley HillKaycee: Kamryn KozisekLander: Ursula Anderson, Annabeth BabcockLovell: Ezra HarlowLusk: Miranda Gilkey, Riley ShawMidwest: Hannah ChapmanNewcastle: Arianna Anderson, Asia Graham, Rachel HenklePine Bluffs: Jourdaine CerenilPinedale: Tayler WalkerRawlins: Maddison WrightSaratoga: Savannah WellsSheridan: Reata CookSundance: Gabrielle VelderTorrington: Kristen Boalch, Morgan Ekwall, Samantha HillWheatland: Adam SukoWright: Joslyn StrohscheinOTHER STATES AND COUNTRIESKathryn Clark, Munford, Ala.Byron Kynard II, Trussville, Ala.Cara Self, Gilbert, Ariz.Kael Juelfs, Kingman, Ariz.Karstin Hollen, Mesa, Ariz.Olgierd Dmochewicz, Peoria, Ariz.Ryleigh Dye, Queen Creek, Ariz.Mercedes Sloan, Tonopah, Ariz.Miranda Vasquez, Bakersfield, Calif.Sierra Mercer, Chino Hills, Calif.Estabon Bozeman, Inglewood, Calif.Tejaun Hale, Oakland, Calif.Gabrielle Russell, Oceanside, Calif.Antonio Johnson, Tampa, Fla.Kymani Dunham, Brunswick, Ga.Kyra Tanabe, Honolulu, HawaiiClaudia Dolliger, Bourbonnais, Ill.Amanda Wells, Mulvane, Kan.Janae Peoples, Topeka, Kan.Tia Kohl, Wichita, Kan.Kincaid Strain, Elk River, Minn.Briton Hyer, Kansas City, Mo.Camden Osen, Billings, Mont.Kayla Brown, Glendive, Mont.Quest Savery, Miles City, Mont.Hailey Jensen, Jacksonville, N.C.Kali Lucier, Burlington, N.D.Sierra Lee, Rhame, N.D.Lauren Zimmerman, Reno, Nev.Tyjean Green, The Dalles, Ore.Kassidee Lind, Bow, Wash.Aksel Turk, Bjornemyr, Norway

Chadron State College students qualify for President’s, Dean’s Lists

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A group that wants to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska sued the state on Monday to try to overturn a requirement that makes it harder to qualify for the ballot by forcing petitioners to get signatures from a large number rural counties.

 The federal lawsuit comes after the group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana lost one of its biggest donors, forcing the campaign to rely primarily on volunteers as it scrambles to place the issue on the November general election ballot. 

Organizers have until July 7 to gather roughly 87,000 signatures from registered voters. 

The Nebraska Constitution also requires those signatures to come from at least 5% of registered voters in 38 of the state’s 93 counties.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A group that wants to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska sued the state on Monday to try to overturn a requirement that makes it harder to qualify for the ballot by forcing petitioners to get signatures from a large number rural counties. The federal lawsuit comes after the group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana lost one of its biggest donors, forcing the campaign to rely primarily on volunteers as it scrambles to place the issue on the November general election ballot. Organizers have until July 7 to gather roughly 87,000 signatures from registered voters. The Nebraska Constitution also requires those signatures to come from at least 5% of registered voters in 38 of the state’s 93 counties.

Medical marijuana petition drive sues to ease ballot rules

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/05/16/still-among-the-lucky-ones-even-after-catching-covid/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — For months on end, I have been among the lucky ones.

I followed the advice of the health experts and the governor and kept my distance, sang “Happy Birthday” twice while washing my hands, limited my travel and wore a mask when out to shop or reporting at the Capitol.&nbsp;

When the vaccine came out, I was among the throngs who swept through Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena for two incredibly well-choreographed vaccination clinics.

And when the booster was recommended for us “seasoned” Nebraskans, I rolled up my sleeve for another shot last fall.

My main goal was always “don’t give it to someone else.”

So when I got even a slightly sore throat or congestion, I went and got tested. More than a dozen times I drove through the free, Test Nebraska testing sites. When they went away, it meant a trip to a local drug store for a test. More recently, it was using a home test.

I did not want to be the guy who gave it to someone else, someone who really got sick, or had to go to the hospital, or heaven forbid, ended up on a ventilator or worse.

Since the pandemic arrived in Nebraska in March 2020, I’ve had a front-row seat to the pandemic, covering dozens of governor’s press conferences while masked and distanced, writing about Nebraska’s first COVID-19 patient and about small towns struggling through lockdowns and the uncertainty.

More recently, I’ve covered stories about doctors and nurses, desperately trying to save lives of those gasping for breath while dealing with the divisions in our world over using masks, taking precautions and trusting medical professionals.

After all that, I can honestly say that being cautious and taking precautions has worked for me. Neighbors got it, friends got it, relatives got it. Not me.&nbsp;

My lucky streak ended April 26 when a home test showed positive.&nbsp;

Like a lot of people, I’ve let my guard down, put away the N-95 masks and tried to live a little in the past couple of months. Case counts were down, masking requirements were going away.

My wife and I went to an Elton John concert recently. It was sold out, and few people wore masks. There was a certain novelty, and feeling of freedom, for not masking up. And I was fine after the concert.

The week before I tested positive I covered the final days of the Legislature’s session, went to a bill signing at the Capitol Rotunda, attended a funeral visitation and drove to central Nebraska’s Calamus Lake to visit an old buddy — all without masking.

A friend had come up to our family farm nine days before I tested positive, and he told me later that he’d turned up positive just after our visit. But we were mostly outside, seemingly far enough apart.&nbsp;

I write this to make a couple of points. The first is that COVID-19 is still out there.&nbsp;

As one widely known public health expert said recently, “We may be done with it, but it isn’t done with us.”

This is a disease that has killed more than 4,200 Nebraskans. Nineteen more Nebraskans died last week. And cases, nationwide, are on the rise again, according to the New York Times. That’s also according to the health director in Lincoln, where I live.

Think of it – 4,200 dead. That’s about the population of cities like Aurora, Wahoo, Ogallala and Falls City. Pick one of those towns. Gone.

In Lincoln and Lancaster County, cases have increased in each of the past five weeks. A surge seen nationwide is showing up here, said Pat Lopez, the city-county health director, who said she’s seeing an increase in older residents who haven’t gotten their second booster shot yet.

About 1 million Americans have died since March 2020. And for the first time since World War I, the life expectancy for Americans has dropped, from 78.9 years in 2019 to 76.6 years in 2021.

(And we need to consider that the number of people infected with COVID-19 is probably a major undercount. That’s because we’re all using home tests now. And I have stopped counting the people who told me they probably got COVID but never got tested. Wonder if they spread it.)

Here’s my second takeaway: I do believe that getting the shots made my symptoms manageable, and mostly mild.&nbsp;

Sure, the shots didn’t prevent COVID — I got it — but getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, etc., might have kept it at bay for me through months of continuing to work, continuing to shop at the grocery store and elsewhere, and doing things like ushering at church.

(One note: I did test “positive” in December 2020, but I never had any symptoms other than a scratchy nose. And a month later, two tests showed I didn’t have any antibodies. So it was a “false positive.”)

Meanwhile, I’ve heard story after story of friends, relatives and neighbors — some vaxed, but several not — getting COVID and dealing with high fevers, the loss of taste and smell, and the lingering after-effects, like a foggy brain or lack of energy.

But my symptoms were no worse than a typical flu. I was run down for a day or two, had a slight sore throat and was a bit achy. But, except for one morning sleeping in, I continued to work from my isolation at home.

My ability to taste and smell was impacted, but for only a couple of days, and only for the blandest food.&nbsp;

The best news is this: besides my wife, who luckily also had mild symptoms, I didn’t spread it to the wider world.&nbsp;

As soon as I tested positive, I called everyone I came in contact with to let them know. I still haven’t heard from anyone beyond my wife who got it, and I am hoping that I didn’t spread it to anyone else.

From friends, relatives and neighbors, I’ve heard of much more serious fights with COVID, of real sickness, trips to the ER, the awful funerals and regrets.

I’ve tried to do my part by trying to avoid getting it and spreading it. I’ve urged others to get the shots, but in our world today, some people don’t trust what the experts are telling reporters, or what we are reporting. I get it. I don’t understand it, but I get it.&nbsp;

Still, when an unvaccinated buddy got a bad case, I tried to help him track down a monoclonal antibody treatment. I even made a mad dash through a blizzard to Beatrice to pick up a home test because they were all sold out in his town. He needed a test.&nbsp;

So now I’m among the majority of Americans who have had COVID-19. It knocked me down for a day or two, but I got over it, and hopefully I didn’t become a super spreader.

I still think I’m still among the lucky ones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608071469793.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/05/16/still-among-the-lucky-ones-even-after-catching-covid/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — For months on end, I have been among the lucky ones.Never got COVID.&nbsp;I followed the advice of the health experts and the governor and kept my distance, sang “Happy Birthday” twice while washing my hands, limited my travel and wore a mask when out to shop or reporting at the Capitol.&nbsp;When the vaccine came out, I was among the throngs who swept through Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena for two incredibly well-choreographed vaccination clinics.And when the booster was recommended for us “seasoned” Nebraskans, I rolled up my sleeve for another shot last fall.<h2>“Don’t give it to others’</h2>My main goal was always “don’t give it to someone else.”So when I got even a slightly sore throat or congestion, I went and got tested. More than a dozen times I drove through the free, Test Nebraska testing sites. When they went away, it meant a trip to a local drug store for a test. More recently, it was using a home test.I did not want to be the guy who gave it to someone else, someone who really got sick, or had to go to the hospital, or heaven forbid, ended up on a ventilator or worse.Since the pandemic arrived in Nebraska in March 2020, I’ve had a front-row seat to the pandemic, covering dozens of governor’s press conferences while masked and distanced, writing about Nebraska’s first COVID-19 patient and about small towns struggling through lockdowns and the uncertainty.More recently, I’ve covered stories about doctors and nurses, desperately trying to save lives of those gasping for breath while dealing with the divisions in our world over using masks, taking precautions and trusting medical professionals.After all that, I can honestly say that being cautious and taking precautions has worked for me. Neighbors got it, friends got it, relatives got it. Not me.&nbsp;Until two weeks ago.&nbsp;My lucky streak ended April 26 when a home test showed positive.&nbsp;Where I got it is anyone’s guess.Like a lot of people, I’ve let my guard down, put away the N-95 masks and tried to live a little in the past couple of months. Case counts were down, masking requirements were going away.<h2>A concert and few masks</h2>My wife and I went to an Elton John concert recently. It was sold out, and few people wore masks. There was a certain novelty, and feeling of freedom, for not masking up. And I was fine after the concert.The week before I tested positive I covered the final days of the Legislature’s session, went to a bill signing at the Capitol Rotunda, attended a funeral visitation and drove to central Nebraska’s Calamus Lake to visit an old buddy — all without masking.A friend had come up to our family farm nine days before I tested positive, and he told me later that he’d turned up positive just after our visit. But we were mostly outside, seemingly far enough apart.&nbsp;I write this to make a couple of points. The first is that COVID-19 is still out there.&nbsp;As one widely known public health expert said recently, “We may be done with it, but it isn’t done with us.”This is a disease that has killed more than 4,200 Nebraskans. Nineteen more Nebraskans died last week. And cases, nationwide, are on the rise again, according to the New York Times. That’s also according to the health director in Lincoln, where I live.Think of it – 4,200 dead. That’s about the population of cities like Aurora, Wahoo, Ogallala and Falls City. Pick one of those towns. Gone.In Lincoln and Lancaster County, cases have increased in each of the past five weeks. A surge seen nationwide is showing up here, said Pat Lopez, the city-county health director, who said she’s seeing an increase in older residents who haven’t gotten their second booster shot yet.About 1 million Americans have died since March 2020. And for the first time since World War I, the life expectancy for Americans has dropped, from 78.9 years in 2019 to 76.6 years in 2021.<h2>Depressing facts</h2>Those are cold, hard, depressing facts.(And we need to consider that the number of people infected with COVID-19 is probably a major undercount. That’s because we’re all using home tests now. And I have stopped counting the people who told me they probably got COVID but never got tested. Wonder if they spread it.)Here’s my second takeaway: I do believe that getting the shots made my symptoms manageable, and mostly mild.&nbsp;Sure, the shots didn’t prevent COVID — I got it — but getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, etc., might have kept it at bay for me through months of continuing to work, continuing to shop at the grocery store and elsewhere, and doing things like ushering at church.(One note: I did test “positive” in December 2020, but I never had any symptoms other than a scratchy nose. And a month later, two tests showed I didn’t have any antibodies. So it was a “false positive.”)<h2>Others got it</h2>Meanwhile, I’ve heard story after story of friends, relatives and neighbors — some vaxed, but several not — getting COVID and dealing with high fevers, the loss of taste and smell, and the lingering after-effects, like a foggy brain or lack of energy.But my symptoms were no worse than a typical flu. I was run down for a day or two, had a slight sore throat and was a bit achy. But, except for one morning sleeping in, I continued to work from my isolation at home.My ability to taste and smell was impacted, but for only a couple of days, and only for the blandest food.&nbsp;The best news is this: besides my wife, who luckily also had mild symptoms, I didn’t spread it to the wider world.&nbsp;As soon as I tested positive, I called everyone I came in contact with to let them know. I still haven’t heard from anyone beyond my wife who got it, and I am hoping that I didn’t spread it to anyone else.<h2>Tried to do my part</h2>From friends, relatives and neighbors, I’ve heard of much more serious fights with COVID, of real sickness, trips to the ER, the awful funerals and regrets.I’ve tried to do my part by trying to avoid getting it and spreading it. I’ve urged others to get the shots, but in our world today, some people don’t trust what the experts are telling reporters, or what we are reporting. I get it. I don’t understand it, but I get it.&nbsp;Still, when an unvaccinated buddy got a bad case, I tried to help him track down a monoclonal antibody treatment. I even made a mad dash through a blizzard to Beatrice to pick up a home test because they were all sold out in his town. He needed a test.&nbsp;So now I’m among the majority of Americans who have had COVID-19. It knocked me down for a day or two, but I got over it, and hopefully I didn’t become a super spreader.I still think I’m still among the lucky ones.

Still among the lucky ones, even after catching COVID

Spring looks to be upon us and with the recent needed moisture, the grass is turning green and flowers are starting to bloom. We would like to offer a friendly reminder to mow, trim or spray your property or properties, and to trim branches encroaching on sidewalks, alleys and roadways early and on a regularly basis. City of Chadron Ordinances §11-304, §11-305, §11-307, §13-114 and §13-119 are all available for review at the City of Chadron website, <a href="https://www.chadron-nebraska.com">https://www.chadron-nebraska.com</a>/

The City of Chadron realizes that at times it is difficult to trim around some corners or obstacles in yards or on other property on a regular basis, whether that be from lack of trimming equipment, weather conditions, or time and other factors. To that end, we primarily focus on the majority of the yard for enforcement of City Ordinance §11-304. While any growth in excess of twelve inches is enforceable by City Ordinance, we trust that pride in our community and cooperation with current City Ordinances will prevent necessary enforcement of excessive growth left for extended periods of time.

Low hanging branches or excessive growth of bushes or trees, in alleyways and around sidewalks pose safety issues for pedestrians and our waste management personnel. We ask all residents to check these areas on their properties. City ordinances requires branches to be trimmed to a height of at least 8 feet above the surface of any sidewalk and 10 feet above the surface of any street or alley.

As the vegetation grows, your friendly staff at the Chadron Police Department will be contacting owners of properties whose vegetation is in violation of the city ordinances. In most cases, a warning will be issued, but repeat or habitual violations can lead to citations issued.

For questions or comments, please contact us at the Chadron Police Department at (308) 432-0510.

By City of ChadronSpring looks to be upon us and with the recent needed moisture, the grass is turning green and flowers are starting to bloom. We would like to offer a friendly reminder to mow, trim or spray your property or properties, and to trim branches encroaching on sidewalks, alleys and roadways early and on a regularly basis. City of Chadron Ordinances §11-304, §11-305, §11-307, §13-114 and §13-119 are all available for review at the City of Chadron website, <a href="https://www.chadron-nebraska.com">https://www.chadron-nebraska.com</a>/The City of Chadron realizes that at times it is difficult to trim around some corners or obstacles in yards or on other property on a regular basis, whether that be from lack of trimming equipment, weather conditions, or time and other factors. To that end, we primarily focus on the majority of the yard for enforcement of City Ordinance §11-304. While any growth in excess of twelve inches is enforceable by City Ordinance, we trust that pride in our community and cooperation with current City Ordinances will prevent necessary enforcement of excessive growth left for extended periods of time.Low hanging branches or excessive growth of bushes or trees, in alleyways and around sidewalks pose safety issues for pedestrians and our waste management personnel. We ask all residents to check these areas on their properties. City ordinances requires branches to be trimmed to a height of at least 8 feet above the surface of any sidewalk and 10 feet above the surface of any street or alley.As the vegetation grows, your friendly staff at the Chadron Police Department will be contacting owners of properties whose vegetation is in violation of the city ordinances. In most cases, a warning will be issued, but repeat or habitual violations can lead to citations issued.For questions or comments, please contact us at the Chadron Police Department at (308) 432-0510.

Chadron police reminds community to mow, trim property 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — BNSF railroad is tweaking its strict new attendance policy. But unions that have challenged the rules that took effect in February say the changes don’t go far enough. 

The railroad told employees that starting next month it will make several small changes in the formula it uses to determine whether workers are missing too many shifts. 

The unions say the rules still do too much to encourage workers to show up when they are sick or fatigued. 

They say the rules have contributed to more than 700 employees leaving the railroad at a time when BNSF is struggling to hire.

Story written by Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — BNSF railroad is tweaking its strict new attendance policy. But unions that have challenged the rules that took effect in February say the changes don’t go far enough. The railroad told employees that starting next month it will make several small changes in the formula it uses to determine whether workers are missing too many shifts. The unions say the rules still do too much to encourage workers to show up when they are sick or fatigued. They say the rules have contributed to more than 700 employees leaving the railroad at a time when BNSF is struggling to hire.

BNSF tweaks attendance rules 

Alliance – A water main break has occurred leaving residents without water from the Howard Avenue to Williamette Avenue.&nbsp;

At this time, we are unsure of the length of time it will take to repair the water main.

We will update our Facebook page @CityofAlliance with additional information as it comes in. 

Please contact Public Works at (308) 762-1907 for any questions or for more information. 

By City of Alliance&nbsp;Alliance – A water main break has occurred leaving residents without water from the Howard Avenue to Williamette Avenue.&nbsp;At this time, we are unsure of the length of time it will take to repair the water main.We will update our Facebook page @CityofAlliance with additional information as it comes in. Please contact Public Works at (308) 762-1907 for any questions or for more information.

City of Alliance crews working on water main break

Alliance – Thursday, May 19th at 6:30 pm The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center is hosting a presentation covering more than three centuries of Nebraska’s history during the Plains Indian Wars as well as commemorating Nebraska’s history though monuments and markers.

The presentation will host historian Jeff Barnes, author of “Contact and Conflict: The Monumental Story of Nebraska and the Indian Wars”, a chronological telling of the meetings of Native American and European Americans in Nebraska, from peace through war, as commemorated in historical monuments and markers.

For more information, please contact the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center at (308) 762-2384.

By City of AllianceAlliance – Thursday, May 19th at 6:30 pm The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center is hosting a presentation covering more than three centuries of Nebraska’s history during the Plains Indian Wars as well as commemorating Nebraska’s history though monuments and markers.The presentation will host historian Jeff Barnes, author of “Contact and Conflict: The Monumental Story of Nebraska and the Indian Wars”, a chronological telling of the meetings of Native American and European Americans in Nebraska, from peace through war, as commemorated in historical monuments and markers.For more information, please contact the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center at (308) 762-2384.

Nebraska’s Indian Wars History presentation to be held at Knight Museum

By Northwest Community Action Partnership&nbsp;

Northwest Community Action Partnership is requesting competitive proposals for construction to remodel existing space into a classroom to be used by pre-schoolers. 

Desired project completion date December 31,2022.

 Interested parties may obtain a bid packet by contacting Jim Brodrick at NCAP, 270 Pine St., Chadron, NE 69337. 308-432-3393. 

By Northwest Community Action Partnership&nbsp;Northwest Community Action Partnership is requesting competitive proposals for construction to remodel existing space into a classroom to be used by pre-schoolers. Desired project completion date December 31,2022. Interested parties may obtain a bid packet by contacting Jim Brodrick at NCAP, 270 Pine St., Chadron, NE 69337. 308-432-3393. Closing date for proposal submission is June 14, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.

Local