Scottsbluff police officers were called to the 1900 block of 6th Avenue at approximately 7:15 p.m. on March 22 for reports of shots being fired.

Officers identified a residence that had been shot several times in the alley between 6th &amp; 7th Avenue.

"One is of the suspects captured on a surveillance video in the area and the other is of a vehicle associated with the suspects that was observed fleeing the area following the shooting," Scottsbluff Police Captain Brain Wasson said. "The police department is requesting anyone near the area with video surveillance to notify them if the suspects or the vehicle are observed."

Additional information regarding the suspect’s identity is as follows:

Shorter Male Suspect - Mid to late 20’s white male with dark hair. Wearing Gray hooded sweatshirt and black shorts (Unk white logo on left leg of shorts). Dark colored baseball cap under hood on sweatshirt. Dark shoes

Taller Male Suspect - Mid to late 20’s white male unknown hair color. Wearing long black hooded coat with unknown logo on the back blue jeans. Dark shoes

Suspect Vehicle - Unknown year Black Dodge Journey. Green &amp; White (possibly CO) license plates

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (308) 632-STOP (7867) or the Scottsbluff Police Department at (308) 436-5088.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostScottsbluff police officers were called to the 1900 block of 6th Avenue at approximately 7:15 p.m. on March 22 for reports of shots being fired.Officers identified a residence that had been shot several times in the alley between 6th &amp; 7th Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648220291872.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"One is of the suspects captured on a surveillance video in the area and the other is of a vehicle associated with the suspects that was observed fleeing the area following the shooting," Scottsbluff Police Captain Brain Wasson said. "The police department is requesting anyone near the area with video surveillance to notify them if the suspects or the vehicle are observed."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648220278096.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Additional information regarding the suspect’s identity is as follows:Shorter Male Suspect - Mid to late 20’s white male with dark hair. Wearing Gray hooded sweatshirt and black shorts (Unk white logo on left leg of shorts). Dark colored baseball cap under hood on sweatshirt. Dark shoesTaller Male Suspect - Mid to late 20’s white male unknown hair color. Wearing long black hooded coat with unknown logo on the back blue jeans. Dark shoesSuspect Vehicle - Unknown year Black Dodge Journey. Green &amp; White (possibly CO) license platesAnyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (308) 632-STOP (7867) or the Scottsbluff Police Department at (308) 436-5088.

Scottsbluff police release photos of shooting suspects, ask residents for help

News Release Nebraska Game and Parks

A regulation change made by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission allows Nebraska hunters to buy deer and antelope permits in non-draw management units before nonresidents.

The commissioners, at their March 23 meeting in Nebraska City, amended wildlife regulations to create additional purchase periods for big game permits. The result gives residents preference over nonresidents.

Pending final approval by the state, the 2022 big game permit and preference point purchase periods are:

June 13-24 – Residents and nonresidents may apply for a preference point or one deer permit in the following draw units: Platte Mule Deer Conservation Area, Frenchman MDCA. Residents and eligible landowners may apply for a preference point or one antelope permit in the following draw units: Banner North, Banner South, Box Butte East, Box Butte West, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dismal, Eastern Sandhills Garden, North Sioux, Prairie Muzzleloader and North Sioux Muzzleloader.

Results of the draw will be available by July 1. Successful applicants will have until July 15 to complete the purchase of their awarded permits. Awarded but unpaid permits will result in the applicant losing preference points and forfeiting the permit. Forfeited permits may be made available to the next unsuccessful applicant, then go to periods 7 and 8.

July 11-Close of seasons – Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may buy any unlimited deer and antelope permits.

July 12-Close of seasons – Residents may buy any limited deer permits.

July 13-Close of seasons – Residents may buy any limited antelope permits.

July 25-Close of seasons – Nonresidents may buy any limited deer permits.

July 26-Close of seasons – Nonresidents may buy any limited antelope permits.

Aug. 1-Close of seasons – Residents and nonresidents may buy any remaining draw unit deer permits.

Aug. 2-Close of seasons – Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may buy any remaining draw unit antelope permits.

Elk permits have separate dates and remain unaffected by this change.

All applications begin on the first day of each period at 1 p.m. CDT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636575088845.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska Game and ParksA regulation change made by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission allows Nebraska hunters to buy deer and antelope permits in non-draw management units before nonresidents.The commissioners, at their March 23 meeting in Nebraska City, amended wildlife regulations to create additional purchase periods for big game permits. The result gives residents preference over nonresidents.Pending final approval by the state, the 2022 big game permit and preference point purchase periods are:Period 1:June 13-24 – Residents and nonresidents may apply for a preference point or one deer permit in the following draw units: Platte Mule Deer Conservation Area, Frenchman MDCA. Residents and eligible landowners may apply for a preference point or one antelope permit in the following draw units: Banner North, Banner South, Box Butte East, Box Butte West, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dismal, Eastern Sandhills Garden, North Sioux, Prairie Muzzleloader and North Sioux Muzzleloader.Results of the draw will be available by July 1. Successful applicants will have until July 15 to complete the purchase of their awarded permits. Awarded but unpaid permits will result in the applicant losing preference points and forfeiting the permit. Forfeited permits may be made available to the next unsuccessful applicant, then go to periods 7 and 8.Period 2:July 11-Close of seasons – Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may buy any unlimited deer and antelope permits.Period 3:July 12-Close of seasons – Residents may buy any limited deer permits.Period 4:July 13-Close of seasons – Residents may buy any limited antelope permits.Period 5:July 25-Close of seasons – Nonresidents may buy any limited deer permits.Period 6:July 26-Close of seasons – Nonresidents may buy any limited antelope permits.Period 7:Aug. 1-Close of seasons – Residents and nonresidents may buy any remaining draw unit deer permits.Period 8:Aug. 2-Close of seasons – Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may buy any remaining draw unit antelope permits.Elk permits have separate dates and remain unaffected by this change.All applications begin on the first day of each period at 1 p.m. CDT.

Change gives Neb. resident deer, antelope hunters preference over nonresidents

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is conducting a large-scale search effort for a missing woman as part of an ongoing investigation into her disappearance. Linda Dillard was last seen in the area near Table Rock on June 16, 2021.

The specific search area, near the Table Rock State Wildlife Management Area, has been identified as part of the investigation. NSP investigators believe Dillard may have been the victim of a crime, which led to her disappearance.

The search operation includes numerous partners from multiple states. Participating agencies include the Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, NecroSearch International, Brown County (KS) Mounted Search and Rescue, Saline County (KS) Mounted Patrol and Rescue, Sedgwick County (KS) Emergency Management, HRD Canine Search and Rescue Teams, University of Nebraska Department of Forensic Anthropology, and Midwest Archaeological Center.

The search operation is scheduled for today, March 24, through Saturday, March 26, if necessary.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is conducting a large-scale search effort for a missing woman as part of an ongoing investigation into her disappearance. Linda Dillard was last seen in the area near Table Rock on June 16, 2021.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647621696110.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The specific search area, near the Table Rock State Wildlife Management Area, has been identified as part of the investigation. NSP investigators believe Dillard may have been the victim of a crime, which led to her disappearance.The search operation includes numerous partners from multiple states. Participating agencies include the Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, NecroSearch International, Brown County (KS) Mounted Search and Rescue, Saline County (KS) Mounted Patrol and Rescue, Sedgwick County (KS) Emergency Management, HRD Canine Search and Rescue Teams, University of Nebraska Department of Forensic Anthropology, and Midwest Archaeological Center.The search operation is scheduled for today, March 24, through Saturday, March 26, if necessary.

Nebraska State Patrol conducts large-scale search for Linda Dillard

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal prosecutor says a Republican congressman from Nebraska who's charged with lying to the FBI over an illegal $30,000 campaign donation from a Nigerian-born billionaire put his self interest above his duty and the law. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Har told jurors in Los Angeles federal court Thursday that U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry hoped his privilege as a lawmaker would shield him from scrutiny and protect his squeaky clean reputation.

 Fortenberry's lawyer says federal agents set him up and cherry picked statements to make him look guilty. 

They also said he wouldn't have risked his reputation for a small sum when he had a big war chest.

By Associated PressLOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal prosecutor says a Republican congressman from Nebraska who's charged with lying to the FBI over an illegal $30,000 campaign donation from a Nigerian-born billionaire put his self interest above his duty and the law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Har told jurors in Los Angeles federal court Thursday that U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry hoped his privilege as a lawmaker would shield him from scrutiny and protect his squeaky clean reputation. Fortenberry's lawyer says federal agents set him up and cherry picked statements to make him look guilty. They also said he wouldn't have risked his reputation for a small sum when he had a big war chest.

Prosecutor: Congressman put himself above law and duty

The Ogallala Rotary Club is selling yard signs to show support as a community and send funds to the Rotary Disaster Relief fund for Ukraine.

Please contact any Rotarian from the club to get your sign.

As many of you know Ogallala Rotary hosted a student exchange from Ukraine back in 2019-20. She is safe for right now living in the western part of Ukraine, the alarm goes off all the time but no missiles or bombs there yet. Her dad was called to enlist in the military today, as you know any male of age 18-60 can’t leave the country.

Please buy a sign to show her our support, and keep Julia, her family and country in our prayers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648210515451.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseThe Ogallala Rotary Club is selling yard signs to show support as a community and send funds to the Rotary Disaster Relief fund for Ukraine.Please contact any Rotarian from the club to get your sign.As many of you know Ogallala Rotary hosted a student exchange from Ukraine back in 2019-20. She is safe for right now living in the western part of Ukraine, the alarm goes off all the time but no missiles or bombs there yet. Her dad was called to enlist in the military today, as you know any male of age 18-60 can’t leave the country.Please buy a sign to show her our support, and keep Julia, her family and country in our prayers.

Ogallala Rotary Club selling signs to show support for Ukraine

During the early morning hours of March 20 Chadron police officers were called to Chadron Community Hospital for a report of a sexual assault. 

Sgt. Stolley and Officer Swanson arrived on scene and began the investigation.&nbsp;

On March 22 Investigator Dusty Bryner got a search warrant for a residence in Chadron. Officers found clothing and photographic evidence was obtained. 

Investigator Bryner and other officers also completed more interviews.

"As a result of the investigation, 19-year-old Malik A. Ahmed-Hosie, a student at Chadron State College, was placed under arrest and taken to the Dawes County Jail," Chadron Police Chief Rick Hickstein said. "Chadron State College is cooperating with the Chadron Police Department in its investigation."

Ahmed-Hosie was booked into the jail on the charges of First-Degree Sexual Assault (Class II felony). 

Bond Ahmed-Hosie was set at 10% of $100,000.

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostDuring the early morning hours of March 20 Chadron police officers were called to Chadron Community Hospital for a report of a sexual assault. Sgt. Stolley and Officer Swanson arrived on scene and began the investigation.&nbsp;On March 22 Investigator Dusty Bryner got a search warrant for a residence in Chadron. Officers found clothing and photographic evidence was obtained. Investigator Bryner and other officers also completed more interviews."As a result of the investigation, 19-year-old Malik A. Ahmed-Hosie, a student at Chadron State College, was placed under arrest and taken to the Dawes County Jail," Chadron Police Chief Rick Hickstein said. "Chadron State College is cooperating with the Chadron Police Department in its investigation."Ahmed-Hosie was booked into the jail on the charges of First-Degree Sexual Assault (Class II felony). Bond Ahmed-Hosie was set at 10% of $100,000.

Chadron man arrested for sexual assault 

Managers of public lands in the Pine Ridge are planning to conduct prescribed burning as conditions allow in coming weeks.

Both the the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and U.S. Forest Service have developed burn plans for properties in Dawes and Sioux counties.

Land managers use prescribed burning to reduce hazardous fuels and invasion of undesirable plant species. It also enhances vegetation for wildlife nesting, loafing and brood rearing cover.

Game and Parks plans to start with Bordeaux Wildlife Management Area and Peterson WMA on Friday, March 25. If conditions allow, they also will burn at Chadron Creek Ranch, Bighorn, Ponderosa and Gilbert-Baker WMAs this spring.

The Forest Service is planning to burn at the Slicker Allotment about 5 miles south of Chadron next week.

By Nebraska Game and ParksManagers of public lands in the Pine Ridge are planning to conduct prescribed burning as conditions allow in coming weeks.Both the the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and U.S. Forest Service have developed burn plans for properties in Dawes and Sioux counties.Land managers use prescribed burning to reduce hazardous fuels and invasion of undesirable plant species. It also enhances vegetation for wildlife nesting, loafing and brood rearing cover.Game and Parks plans to start with Bordeaux Wildlife Management Area and Peterson WMA on Friday, March 25. If conditions allow, they also will burn at Chadron Creek Ranch, Bighorn, Ponderosa and Gilbert-Baker WMAs this spring.The Forest Service is planning to burn at the Slicker Allotment about 5 miles south of Chadron next week.

Prescribed burns planned in Dawes, Sioux Counties 

By Kyren Gibson, Carnegie Arts Center Director

Announcing the arrival of the CAC 29th&nbsp;Anniversary Show on display until May 14.

 The Anniversary show is a juried and judged exhibit. First, pieces are submitted by artists for juror selection. Carnegie had 87 pieces submitted. The three-member jury selected 69 pieces from 37 artists to be in the show. Nebraska and Colorado are represented among the artists. There are seven media categories including: oil and acrylic; watercolor and gouache; pastel, ink, pencil; mixed media; photography; three-dimensional; and youth. Once judged we will announce the winners in all categories.

Please join us in celebrating these wonderful artists for an artist reception on May 14 from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. and&nbsp;enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres along with amazing art &amp; conversation! All receptions are open to the public.&nbsp;

In addition, “Dimensions” will be on display in the Studio Gallery from March 29th&nbsp;until May 1st. Don’t miss seeing these amazingly talented students’ works from the Alliance and Hemingford high schools.

 Carnegie loves to promote young artists and encourage their creative talents through exhibitions like these in a real gallery space that fosters further creativity and confidence building for each individual.

We have been thrilled to see how many brand new local artists have entered the Anniversary show this year. The Carnegie is hopeful that by fostering the creative endeavors of community, our youth will continue to generate confidence as they become adults to pursue their artistic passions, just as we see our adult artists doing now. We are incredibly proud to display the works of our region annually here at Carnegie Arts Center!

Please remember to check out Carnegie’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.carnegieartscenter.com/" target="_blank">www.carnegieartscenter.com</a>&nbsp;for information on our artists as well as information on upcoming events and classes. You can also visit our Facebook page and Instagram for updates on exhibit pieces and events.

As always, we want to thank the incredible local businesses that support arts opportunities for their community. Thank you to our March sponsors Bruce Furniture, RK &amp; Associates, and Bernie's hardware.&nbsp;Thank you as well to our April sponsors, FNIC Trusted Insurance Advisors, Alliance Grocery Kart, and Accent Chiropractic. Then finally, thank you May sponsors, Bates-Gould Funeral Home, FNBO, and Western Potato!&nbsp;We also want to thank our generous grantors who provide operational funding, the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment and Peter Kiewit Foundation. Last but certainly not least, we want to thank our grantors that make free and reduced cost art classes available through educational grant support. Thank you, DF Dillon Foundation, Snow Redfern Foundation, Mission Store, CA Story Foundation, Kimmel Foundation, and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

By Kyren Gibson, Carnegie Arts Center DirectorAnnouncing the arrival of the CAC 29th&nbsp;Anniversary Show on display until May 14. The Anniversary show is a juried and judged exhibit. First, pieces are submitted by artists for juror selection. Carnegie had 87 pieces submitted. The three-member jury selected 69 pieces from 37 artists to be in the show. Nebraska and Colorado are represented among the artists. There are seven media categories including: oil and acrylic; watercolor and gouache; pastel, ink, pencil; mixed media; photography; three-dimensional; and youth. Once judged we will announce the winners in all categories.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648140159134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Please join us in celebrating these wonderful artists for an artist reception on May 14 from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. and&nbsp;enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres along with amazing art &amp; conversation! All receptions are open to the public.&nbsp;In addition, “Dimensions” will be on display in the Studio Gallery from March 29th&nbsp;until May 1st. Don’t miss seeing these amazingly talented students’ works from the Alliance and Hemingford high schools. Carnegie loves to promote young artists and encourage their creative talents through exhibitions like these in a real gallery space that fosters further creativity and confidence building for each individual.We have been thrilled to see how many brand new local artists have entered the Anniversary show this year. The Carnegie is hopeful that by fostering the creative endeavors of community, our youth will continue to generate confidence as they become adults to pursue their artistic passions, just as we see our adult artists doing now. We are incredibly proud to display the works of our region annually here at Carnegie Arts Center!Please remember to check out Carnegie’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.carnegieartscenter.com/" target="_blank">www.carnegieartscenter.com</a>&nbsp;for information on our artists as well as information on upcoming events and classes. You can also visit our Facebook page and Instagram for updates on exhibit pieces and events.As always, we want to thank the incredible local businesses that support arts opportunities for their community. Thank you to our March sponsors Bruce Furniture, RK &amp; Associates, and Bernie's hardware.&nbsp;Thank you as well to our April sponsors, FNIC Trusted Insurance Advisors, Alliance Grocery Kart, and Accent Chiropractic. Then finally, thank you May sponsors, Bates-Gould Funeral Home, FNBO, and Western Potato!&nbsp;We also want to thank our generous grantors who provide operational funding, the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment and Peter Kiewit Foundation. Last but certainly not least, we want to thank our grantors that make free and reduced cost art classes available through educational grant support. Thank you, DF Dillon Foundation, Snow Redfern Foundation, Mission Store, CA Story Foundation, Kimmel Foundation, and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Carnegie Arts Center showcasing 29th anniversary show in Alliance

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Planned Parenthood North Central States has received an unexpected donation of $20 million from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. 

It’s the largest donation in the organization’s history. 

Scott is the former wife of Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. 

North Central States operates 28 facilities in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. Sarah Stoesz, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, says the donation brings tremendous relief because costs of providing care are going up. 

Scott revealed Wednesday that she has donated nearly $4 billion to 465 nonprofits, including $275 million to Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

By Associated PressPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Planned Parenthood North Central States has received an unexpected donation of $20 million from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. It’s the largest donation in the organization’s history. Scott is the former wife of Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. North Central States operates 28 facilities in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. Sarah Stoesz, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, says the donation brings tremendous relief because costs of providing care are going up. Scott revealed Wednesday that she has donated nearly $4 billion to 465 nonprofits, including $275 million to Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Planned Parenthood North Central receives $20 million gift

With migration underway and spring on our doorstep, now is a great time to get outside, bring some binoculars and walk a trail to see wildlife.

Nebraska has many opportunities thanks to our diverse habitats – everything from prairie to ponderosa pine, wetlands and more than 23,000 miles of rivers and streams. Nebraska’s state parks are an ideal place to see the wildlife they hold, with a vast number of trails located in natural settings.

Here are some of the best parks for wildlife watching this spring:

Fort Robinson State Park: This stunning park comprises more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery and supports a variety of species, including bighorn sheep, bison, pronghorn and elk. Laced with 130 miles of hiking trails, this park also offers birding opportunities, including chances of seeing species found in the western United States. Search rocky escarpments for nesting rock wrens, golden eagles and prairie falcons. Other species found in the park area include Bullock’s orioles, lazuli buntings, dark-eyed juncos and spotted towhees.

Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area: Located on the east side of Kingsley Dam and massive Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala is a well-known fishing destination – and very attractive to a variety of birds. Visitors can view migrant ducks, ospreys, Caspian terns, cliff swallows, gulls, American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants and other summering species, as well as Canada geese and numerous bald eagles in winter. Camping spots are available along the western and north shorelines of the lake, where the deciduous wooded habitats shelter a rich array of nesting passerines.

Wildcat Hills: Situated high on a rocky escarpment in the Wildcat Hills, this park offers an escape to the region’s signature rugged topography. An array of wildlife roams here, including wild turkeys, deer, bobcat and coyote. The rugged terrain and ponderosa pines also provide habitat for western bird species. Stop by the visitor center’s bird feeders to see red crossbill, red-breasted and pygmy nuthatches, Cassin’s Finch and lesser goldfinch. Elsewhere in the park, spotted towhees, blue-gray gnatcatchers and common poorwills can be spotted; several raptors, such as golden eagles and prairie falcons, are good possibilities as well. Traverse the park’s 3 miles of trails and keep your eyes out.

Ponca State Park: One of Nebraska’s most visited state parks, Ponca State Park is popular for its forested hills, scenic vistas – and great wildlife watching. Observers have tallied a bird list of nearly 300 species for the park and surrounding area, and during peak migration in late April and early May, the park is a hotspot for both amateur and experienced birders. Turkeys also are a common sight at the park, and if you’re lucky, you may spot white-tailed deer along the park’s 22 miles of trails.

Rock Creek Station State Historical Park:&nbsp;History buffs will love exploring this former Pony Express station where James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok began his bloody gunfighting career. But it’s also a great place for birdwatching: More than 6 miles of trails offer outstanding birding opportunities. The prairies host a variety of grassland species, such as grasshopper sparrows, dickcissels and lark sparrows, with barred owls in the woods and bell’s vireo in the shrubs. Watch for Louisiana waterthrush and northern rough-winged swallows along the creek.

Branched Oak State Recreation Area: This park features the largest lake in eastern Nebraska and has long been a popular spot for fishing, boating and camping. It also offers 7 miles of hiking trails, with a multi-use trail along the south side of the lake that provides great wildlife viewing. The lake attracts many birds during early spring, such as gulls, waterfowl and loons. Many species of ducks, as well as double-crested cormorants and American white pelicans, are common during migration. Upland game birds and deer also can be spotted at the park.

Pawnee Prairie Wildlife Management Area: Only 2 miles from the Kansas border, this wildlife management area features native prairie, woodlands, ponds and creeks, which support northern mockingbirds, Carolina wrens, upland sandpipers and loggerhead shrikes. A flock of about 20 greater-prairie chickens gather on a lek near the center of the prairie, about three-quarters of a mile from the perimeter parking lots. No permanent blinds are available, but temporary blinds are allowed; bring one to view the birds in early mornings or late evenings from mid-March to mid-April.

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area: Looking for a place to view sandhill cranes? Fort Kearny is a great spot. From the hike/bike trail 1 mile east of the fort, visitors can see cranes arriving and leaving the river in early morning and late evening, from late February through early April. The trail is well-maintained and handicap accessible. Throughout the year, you can see many bird species from this spot, including bald eagles, geese and ducks in the winter. Stop by the visitor center at the historical park just 1.5 miles west to learn about sandhill crane migration during the peak season.

Niobrara State Park: Situated at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers on Nebraska’s northeastern border, Niobrara State Park offers visitors an array of outdoor experiences, including wildlife viewing. Both white-tailed deer and wild turkeys roam freely throughout the park, and beaver, muskrat and mink prowl the riverbanks. The park also is home to a wide range of birds, including whip-poor-wills, woodpeckers, warblers, shorebirds, and bald eagles and ospreys in season.

As you’re observing wildlife, remember to keep your distance so animals remain comfortable. Choose a good vantage spot, sit for a while, and take in the sights and sounds that these beautiful places have to offer.

Learn more about these parks or start planning a trip at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMjIuNTUzMDYyMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.P9tFNhCBtYqRm2wo9MsOSAn_ADcKzoaVvI4iUhm1uvY/s/497221906/br/128503428678-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>.

By Nebraska Game and ParksWith migration underway and spring on our doorstep, now is a great time to get outside, bring some binoculars and walk a trail to see wildlife.Nebraska has many opportunities thanks to our diverse habitats – everything from prairie to ponderosa pine, wetlands and more than 23,000 miles of rivers and streams. Nebraska’s state parks are an ideal place to see the wildlife they hold, with a vast number of trails located in natural settings.Here are some of the best parks for wildlife watching this spring:Fort Robinson State Park: This stunning park comprises more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery and supports a variety of species, including bighorn sheep, bison, pronghorn and elk. Laced with 130 miles of hiking trails, this park also offers birding opportunities, including chances of seeing species found in the western United States. Search rocky escarpments for nesting rock wrens, golden eagles and prairie falcons. Other species found in the park area include Bullock’s orioles, lazuli buntings, dark-eyed juncos and spotted towhees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584110706402.jpeg" alt="Photo by Nebraska Game and Parks" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Nebraska Game and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area: Located on the east side of Kingsley Dam and massive Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala is a well-known fishing destination – and very attractive to a variety of birds. Visitors can view migrant ducks, ospreys, Caspian terns, cliff swallows, gulls, American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants and other summering species, as well as Canada geese and numerous bald eagles in winter. Camping spots are available along the western and north shorelines of the lake, where the deciduous wooded habitats shelter a rich array of nesting passerines.Wildcat Hills: Situated high on a rocky escarpment in the Wildcat Hills, this park offers an escape to the region’s signature rugged topography. An array of wildlife roams here, including wild turkeys, deer, bobcat and coyote. The rugged terrain and ponderosa pines also provide habitat for western bird species. Stop by the visitor center’s bird feeders to see red crossbill, red-breasted and pygmy nuthatches, Cassin’s Finch and lesser goldfinch. Elsewhere in the park, spotted towhees, blue-gray gnatcatchers and common poorwills can be spotted; several raptors, such as golden eagles and prairie falcons, are good possibilities as well. Traverse the park’s 3 miles of trails and keep your eyes out.Ponca State Park: One of Nebraska’s most visited state parks, Ponca State Park is popular for its forested hills, scenic vistas – and great wildlife watching. Observers have tallied a bird list of nearly 300 species for the park and surrounding area, and during peak migration in late April and early May, the park is a hotspot for both amateur and experienced birders. Turkeys also are a common sight at the park, and if you’re lucky, you may spot white-tailed deer along the park’s 22 miles of trails.Rock Creek Station State Historical Park:&nbsp;History buffs will love exploring this former Pony Express station where James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok began his bloody gunfighting career. But it’s also a great place for birdwatching: More than 6 miles of trails offer outstanding birding opportunities. The prairies host a variety of grassland species, such as grasshopper sparrows, dickcissels and lark sparrows, with barred owls in the woods and bell’s vireo in the shrubs. Watch for Louisiana waterthrush and northern rough-winged swallows along the creek.Branched Oak State Recreation Area: This park features the largest lake in eastern Nebraska and has long been a popular spot for fishing, boating and camping. It also offers 7 miles of hiking trails, with a multi-use trail along the south side of the lake that provides great wildlife viewing. The lake attracts many birds during early spring, such as gulls, waterfowl and loons. Many species of ducks, as well as double-crested cormorants and American white pelicans, are common during migration. Upland game birds and deer also can be spotted at the park.Pawnee Prairie Wildlife Management Area: Only 2 miles from the Kansas border, this wildlife management area features native prairie, woodlands, ponds and creeks, which support northern mockingbirds, Carolina wrens, upland sandpipers and loggerhead shrikes. A flock of about 20 greater-prairie chickens gather on a lek near the center of the prairie, about three-quarters of a mile from the perimeter parking lots. No permanent blinds are available, but temporary blinds are allowed; bring one to view the birds in early mornings or late evenings from mid-March to mid-April.Fort Kearny State Recreation Area: Looking for a place to view sandhill cranes? Fort Kearny is a great spot. From the hike/bike trail 1 mile east of the fort, visitors can see cranes arriving and leaving the river in early morning and late evening, from late February through early April. The trail is well-maintained and handicap accessible. Throughout the year, you can see many bird species from this spot, including bald eagles, geese and ducks in the winter. Stop by the visitor center at the historical park just 1.5 miles west to learn about sandhill crane migration during the peak season.Niobrara State Park: Situated at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers on Nebraska’s northeastern border, Niobrara State Park offers visitors an array of outdoor experiences, including wildlife viewing. Both white-tailed deer and wild turkeys roam freely throughout the park, and beaver, muskrat and mink prowl the riverbanks. The park also is home to a wide range of birds, including whip-poor-wills, woodpeckers, warblers, shorebirds, and bald eagles and ospreys in season.As you’re observing wildlife, remember to keep your distance so animals remain comfortable. Choose a good vantage spot, sit for a while, and take in the sights and sounds that these beautiful places have to offer.Learn more about these parks or start planning a trip at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMjIuNTUzMDYyMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.P9tFNhCBtYqRm2wo9MsOSAn_ADcKzoaVvI4iUhm1uvY/s/497221906/br/128503428678-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>.

Fort Rob, Wildcat Hills, part of Nebraska’s top parks with trails for wildlife watching

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Democratic congresswoman from California has testified that a Republican colleague from Nebraska who is charged with lying to the FBI over a foreign campaign donation is “honest” and honorable. 

U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo told jurors in Los Angeles federal court that she got to know U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry when they worked together on issues pertaining to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. 

Eshoo was the first defense witness called after the prosecution rested its case against Fortenberry on charges he lied to investigators about a $30,000 contribution he received through straw donors from a Nigerian-born billionaire.

By Associated PressLOS ANGELES (AP) — A Democratic congresswoman from California has testified that a Republican colleague from Nebraska who is charged with lying to the FBI over a foreign campaign donation is “honest” and honorable. U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo told jurors in Los Angeles federal court that she got to know U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry when they worked together on issues pertaining to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. Eshoo was the first defense witness called after the prosecution rested its case against Fortenberry on charges he lied to investigators about a $30,000 contribution he received through straw donors from a Nigerian-born billionaire.

Congresswoman: US rep charged with lying to feds is 'honest'

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A plan to spend roughly $1 billion in federal pandemic cash has won initial approval from state lawmakers despite squabbles over specific projects. 

The package would pour millions of dollars into job-training programs, housing grants, food pantries, meat processors, a new law enforcement training center and dozens of other projects throughout the state. 

The federal money was designed to help states and local governments counter the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

 Members of the budget-focused Appropriations Committee crafted the $1.04 billion spending plan out of roughly $4 billion in requests for money.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A plan to spend roughly $1 billion in federal pandemic cash has won initial approval from state lawmakers despite squabbles over specific projects. The package would pour millions of dollars into job-training programs, housing grants, food pantries, meat processors, a new law enforcement training center and dozens of other projects throughout the state. The federal money was designed to help states and local governments counter the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Members of the budget-focused Appropriations Committee crafted the $1.04 billion spending plan out of roughly $4 billion in requests for money.

Nebraska gives initial OK to $1B pandemic spending plan

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A proposal to lower Nebraska’s top income tax rates has gotten a substantial makeover to try to build support among state lawmakers after it hit a procedural roadblock in the Legislature.

 Members of the tax-focused Revenue Committee voted to slow the phase-in of the income tax cuts, from three years to five. 

They also agreed to an amendment that would create an income tax credit to offset the taxes that property owners pay to community colleges. 

Combining the proposals is likely to win support from some rural lawmakers who consider property taxes their top concern. 

However, some senators say they’re still opposed to income tax cuts that would largely benefit the wealthy and out-of-state corporations.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A proposal to lower Nebraska’s top income tax rates has gotten a substantial makeover to try to build support among state lawmakers after it hit a procedural roadblock in the Legislature. Members of the tax-focused Revenue Committee voted to slow the phase-in of the income tax cuts, from three years to five. They also agreed to an amendment that would create an income tax credit to offset the taxes that property owners pay to community colleges. Combining the proposals is likely to win support from some rural lawmakers who consider property taxes their top concern. However, some senators say they’re still opposed to income tax cuts that would largely benefit the wealthy and out-of-state corporations.

Nebraska tax-cut package revised after hitting roadbump

By JAMES BELL <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>

HAYS — During the first months of 2022, economic news has painted a bleak future, fraught with ever-rising costs, rapidly growing inflation and a shaky supply chain.

But while it is easy to see the negative benchmarks as a sign of an economy quickly turning sour, one prominent Kansas economist recently said he sees many indications that economic strife in the U.S. is likely temporary and sees many positives in the area economy and beyond.

Jeremy Hill, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research, recently presented his economic outlook during the annual Eagle Radio sales conference in Hays earlier this month, which focused on areas of&nbsp;<a href="https://eagleradio.net/services/radio">Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri that Eagle serves.</a>

“In January, I released my forecasts when we had all that negative news,” Hill said. “All this negative news and I said, ‘No, I think we're going to be positive.’ ”

At the time, he was forecasting robust growth but is now more cautious while the Russian war against Ukraine continues to unfold.

But while the uncertainty surrounding the war creates unforeseeable situations on the global stage, many economic benchmarks in the area show reasons to remain optimistic.

One snapshot Hill presented is what he calls his Household Misery index, which is a way to measure how consumers feel about always present economic measures. He has tracked that number since returning to Kansas in 2009 and, while COVID created a large spike, it has since returned to nearly pre-pandemic levels.

A driver of the perceived satisfaction is in part due to higher home values.

“Home prices, also assets and wealth,” Hill said. “Wealth increased for households creating more wealth. Employment opportunities are better than it's ever been. You have all opportunity you want. The only thing slowing down household right now is inflation.”

But inflation is likely not as signifcant a negative factor for households as many perceive.

“This concept of inflation, it's just really hard to get when we've had a couple of decades of almost 2 percent growth very consistently, that we never went up,” Hill said, noting inflation has been fairly stable since the '80s.

To gauge inflation, energy costs and food must be removed, along with vehicle purchasing, in order to get a clear picture of inflationary factors outside of supply and demand issues.

“Remove both of those, inflation is actually closer to 3.2 to 3.5 percent,” Hill said. “So that's actually not high (or) higher inflation than it was before [COVID.]”

Prior to COVID, inflation in Kansas was higher than 3.5 percent, he said.

And the Federal Reserve had warned for months that this was expected and is now reacting to slow that rate.

“So, when you look at this, this is not that high of a market,” Hill said. “It’s higher than we were used to and the Federal Reserve is getting control, but it's not in a position where we get this headline number and it looks very scary. And yes, it's eating in people's pockets, right, and it's eating into businesses too, but I think this is temporary and something be managed.”

Prior to sanctions, Hill said about 8 percent of the U.S. oil supply was being imported from Russia.

“The issue here is this the markets trying to correct itself as a commodity,” Hill said. “We said our prices need to go up because we already know there's going to be limited supply and it's allocating that resource out. So, although people saw that jump in prices today as it will continue to go up probably, the market already corrected for its supply decrease. It's the market corrected.”

In more rural areas, food prices, along with the prices of many consumer goods, are rising due to increased energy costs.

“The market is going to correct on some of those,” Hill said.

Prior to the situation in Ukraine, he saw Nebraska and Kansas oil production already ramping up and will offset the loss of the imported oil, but it will take time to balance out supply and demand.

While a number of sectors of the U.S. economy continue to struggle with finding a sufficient workforce to keep up with current demand, Hill said, it’s not fewer people in the workforce causing the shortage. Instead, it's the result of a workforce that shifted during the pandemic with many choosing to move out of part-time jobs and&nbsp;shift toward better pay and more traditional 9-to-5 positions.

That movement has taken many of the workers who used to fill two or three part-time jobs out of that market, creating the perception of two people no longer being in the workforce, Hill said.

“From the business perspective, there's a ‘Where did everyone go?’ ” he said. “They just got that upward mobility. This is a great story. What's happened before COVID, this has accelerated it really fast, particularly when you put federal money into it.”

So as businesses went to hire quickly to fulfill their demand, workers benefited.

“This is actually good for the economy,” Hill said. “This new growth is increasing middle-income class, that's going to drive the economy going forward and all this upward mobility.”

And while the struggle to find labor, especially for those looking to fill entry-level positions in the service sector, has created headaches for business owners, Hill said this new balance is also likely to provide the next generation of Americans an experience missed by the millennial generation, as they participated in the labor market in a less significant way than others who came before.

“There's so much demand, you're going to see people going to high schools begging high school students to work at fast-food restaurants,” Hill said. “They just got an experience which is great labor markets, a great experience for them. They're learning how to deal with people, deal with conflict, deal with money, and management and time, they're really great lessons.”

Eventually, he said that underlying benefits to the economy will occur while the industry goes through a natural correction, but in the meantime, Kansas has already returned to pre-COVID employment levels.

While sourcing labor continues to drive operational costs, Hill said, labor shortages will continue, but increased productivity and finding new ways to retain employees, thereby shaving overall costs, should become more normal.

He said, however, employers have been reluctant to adjust to the current situation.

“If you want to be competitive, it's not necessarily always cash,” Hill said “They're moving to the employer who's actually going to build up their benefits. And, guess what? When you look at your labor, it's not just someone outside your door, your labor is actually the person that's in the entry-level position that has more opportunity than you thought about before.

“You have got to look at your labor market differently,” he continued. "Say this person came in, they did six months and they're pretty talented. Although they actually put training dollars to them, instead of waiting five years to move up to this next level, I've got training knowledge to them, they move up to the next level within a year and their productivity goes up.”

He said increasing productivity is the solution to inflation.

“If you get somebody who can produce more value per hour, you can pay them more per hour,” he said. "That increases company productivity and ultimately growth and profits."

Much of those productivity increases can be attributed to the necessity of finding technological solutions to employment problems as people worked from home during the pandemic.

“During COVID — we have all this technology, we have project management systems, client management systems and all this stuff — we were forced to finally use all that software,” Hill said.

By using that tech, businesses can offset rising wages.

And those rising wages and rebalancing can have positive effects on the overall area economy, as higher prices and higher wages balance out naturally in the free market.

Another major factor of economic strife in the area is supply chain issues.

Semiconductor shortages, especially, he pointed out have pushed products to not be available, or to be sold at a significantly higher price.

But he said those issues are also likely to alleviate themselves naturally over the next 12 months as economies worldwide balance.

Hill said as the world opened back up, consumer demand rose sharply, creating demand that wiped out available supplies. As increased shopping has continued, manufacturing has not caught up.

But manufacturers are also working to find ways around current product shortages.

Agriculture economies especially could benefit from increased demand as fuel, fertilizer and other associated prices rise.

“There are some losses there,” Hill said. “But the fuel costs as a mix is that much. The fertilizers and pesticides as a mix is a cost, but they're going to pass that all in food. So I'm not too concerned about biomaterials. The prices are going to stay high for a long time and then the weak, the weak commodities,&nbsp; are going to stay pretty high. So, it should be able to get a pretty good profit margin.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647981260550.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Hill, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (Photo by Jarrod Brantley / Eagle Radio)" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Hill, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (Photo by Jarrod Brantley / Eagle Radio)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>HAYS — During the first months of 2022, economic news has painted a bleak future, fraught with ever-rising costs, rapidly growing inflation and a shaky supply chain.But while it is easy to see the negative benchmarks as a sign of an economy quickly turning sour, one prominent Kansas economist recently said he sees many indications that economic strife in the U.S. is likely temporary and sees many positives in the area economy and beyond.Jeremy Hill, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research, recently presented his economic outlook during the annual Eagle Radio sales conference in Hays earlier this month, which focused on areas of&nbsp;<a href="https://eagleradio.net/services/radio">Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri that Eagle serves.</a>“In January, I released my forecasts when we had all that negative news,” Hill said. “All this negative news and I said, ‘No, I think we're going to be positive.’ ”At the time, he was forecasting robust growth but is now more cautious while the Russian war against Ukraine continues to unfold.But while the uncertainty surrounding the war creates unforeseeable situations on the global stage, many economic benchmarks in the area show reasons to remain optimistic.One snapshot Hill presented is what he calls his Household Misery index, which is a way to measure how consumers feel about always present economic measures. He has tracked that number since returning to Kansas in 2009 and, while COVID created a large spike, it has since returned to nearly pre-pandemic levels.A driver of the perceived satisfaction is in part due to higher home values.“Home prices, also assets and wealth,” Hill said. “Wealth increased for households creating more wealth. Employment opportunities are better than it's ever been. You have all opportunity you want. The only thing slowing down household right now is inflation.”But inflation is likely not as signifcant a negative factor for households as many perceive.“This concept of inflation, it's just really hard to get when we've had a couple of decades of almost 2 percent growth very consistently, that we never went up,” Hill said, noting inflation has been fairly stable since the '80s.To gauge inflation, energy costs and food must be removed, along with vehicle purchasing, in order to get a clear picture of inflationary factors outside of supply and demand issues.“Remove both of those, inflation is actually closer to 3.2 to 3.5 percent,” Hill said. “So that's actually not high (or) higher inflation than it was before [COVID.]”Prior to COVID, inflation in Kansas was higher than 3.5 percent, he said.And the Federal Reserve had warned for months that this was expected and is now reacting to slow that rate.“So, when you look at this, this is not that high of a market,” Hill said. “It’s higher than we were used to and the Federal Reserve is getting control, but it's not in a position where we get this headline number and it looks very scary. And yes, it's eating in people's pockets, right, and it's eating into businesses too, but I think this is temporary and something be managed.”<h2>Energy</h2>Prior to sanctions, Hill said about 8 percent of the U.S. oil supply was being imported from Russia.“The issue here is this the markets trying to correct itself as a commodity,” Hill said. “We said our prices need to go up because we already know there's going to be limited supply and it's allocating that resource out. So, although people saw that jump in prices today as it will continue to go up probably, the market already corrected for its supply decrease. It's the market corrected.”In more rural areas, food prices, along with the prices of many consumer goods, are rising due to increased energy costs.“The market is going to correct on some of those,” Hill said.Prior to the situation in Ukraine, he saw Nebraska and Kansas oil production already ramping up and will offset the loss of the imported oil, but it will take time to balance out supply and demand.<h2>Employment</h2>While a number of sectors of the U.S. economy continue to struggle with finding a sufficient workforce to keep up with current demand, Hill said, it’s not fewer people in the workforce causing the shortage. Instead, it's the result of a workforce that shifted during the pandemic with many choosing to move out of part-time jobs and&nbsp;shift toward better pay and more traditional 9-to-5 positions.That movement has taken many of the workers who used to fill two or three part-time jobs out of that market, creating the perception of two people no longer being in the workforce, Hill said.“From the business perspective, there's a ‘Where did everyone go?’ ” he said. “They just got that upward mobility. This is a great story. What's happened before COVID, this has accelerated it really fast, particularly when you put federal money into it.”So as businesses went to hire quickly to fulfill their demand, workers benefited.“This is actually good for the economy,” Hill said. “This new growth is increasing middle-income class, that's going to drive the economy going forward and all this upward mobility.”And while the struggle to find labor, especially for those looking to fill entry-level positions in the service sector, has created headaches for business owners, Hill said this new balance is also likely to provide the next generation of Americans an experience missed by the millennial generation, as they participated in the labor market in a less significant way than others who came before.“There's so much demand, you're going to see people going to high schools begging high school students to work at fast-food restaurants,” Hill said. “They just got an experience which is great labor markets, a great experience for them. They're learning how to deal with people, deal with conflict, deal with money, and management and time, they're really great lessons.”Eventually, he said that underlying benefits to the economy will occur while the industry goes through a natural correction, but in the meantime, Kansas has already returned to pre-COVID employment levels.<h2>Costs</h2>While sourcing labor continues to drive operational costs, Hill said, labor shortages will continue, but increased productivity and finding new ways to retain employees, thereby shaving overall costs, should become more normal.He said, however, employers have been reluctant to adjust to the current situation.“If you want to be competitive, it's not necessarily always cash,” Hill said “They're moving to the employer who's actually going to build up their benefits. And, guess what? When you look at your labor, it's not just someone outside your door, your labor is actually the person that's in the entry-level position that has more opportunity than you thought about before.“You have got to look at your labor market differently,” he continued. "Say this person came in, they did six months and they're pretty talented. Although they actually put training dollars to them, instead of waiting five years to move up to this next level, I've got training knowledge to them, they move up to the next level within a year and their productivity goes up.”He said increasing productivity is the solution to inflation.“If you get somebody who can produce more value per hour, you can pay them more per hour,” he said. "That increases company productivity and ultimately growth and profits."Much of those productivity increases can be attributed to the necessity of finding technological solutions to employment problems as people worked from home during the pandemic.“During COVID — we have all this technology, we have project management systems, client management systems and all this stuff — we were forced to finally use all that software,” Hill said.By using that tech, businesses can offset rising wages.And those rising wages and rebalancing can have positive effects on the overall area economy, as higher prices and higher wages balance out naturally in the free market.<h2>Supply chain</h2>Another major factor of economic strife in the area is supply chain issues.Semiconductor shortages, especially, he pointed out have pushed products to not be available, or to be sold at a significantly higher price.But he said those issues are also likely to alleviate themselves naturally over the next 12 months as economies worldwide balance.Hill said as the world opened back up, consumer demand rose sharply, creating demand that wiped out available supplies. As increased shopping has continued, manufacturing has not caught up.But manufacturers are also working to find ways around current product shortages.Agriculture economies especially could benefit from increased demand as fuel, fertilizer and other associated prices rise.“There are some losses there,” Hill said. “But the fuel costs as a mix is that much. The fertilizers and pesticides as a mix is a cost, but they're going to pass that all in food. So I'm not too concerned about biomaterials. The prices are going to stay high for a long time and then the weak, the weak commodities,&nbsp; are going to stay pretty high. So, it should be able to get a pretty good profit margin.”

Kan. economist: Despite negative perceptions, reasons to be optimistic

By United States Attorney's Office

United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 14 unsealed Indictments charging 17 defendants.

 Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tyler Denby, age 36, of Alliance, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Denby with transport of child pornography on or about July 30, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $40,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;

Count II charges Denby with possession of child pornography on or about July 30, 2021.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $22,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; &nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Matthew Carlson, age 38, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Carlson with receipt of child pornography with priors between on or about March 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about November 23, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $35,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Carlson with possession of child pornography with priors between on or about November 23, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $17,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cynthia Diane Steele Gilchrist, age 47, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about April 14, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about April 14, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Darrian Grant, age 24, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender on or about December 19, 2021 and continuing to on or about February 11, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jean Ferrer Leyva-Pazos, age 19, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about February 23, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Juan Lorenzo-Felipe, age 25, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Denis Perez Koh, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 9, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Quincy Louis, a/k/a Quincy LaRue Louis, age 25,&nbsp;D’Juan Beverly, Jr.,&nbsp;age 23,&nbsp;Adrionna La’Sha Leeper,&nbsp;age 22, and&nbsp;Faye-Lynne Hardesty,&nbsp;age 19, are charged in a thirty-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Louis, Beverly, Leeper, and Hardesty with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery beginning on or about February 24, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts II, III, V, VII, IX, XI, XIII, XV, XVII, XVIX XXIII, XXV, XXVII, XXIX charge the defendants with specific robberies beginning on or about February 24, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts IV, VI, VIII, X, XII, XIV, XVI, XVIII, XX, XXII, XXIV, XXVIII charge the defendants with brandishing a firearm during specific robberies on or about February 25, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts XXVI and XXX charge the defendants with discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Each firearms count must run consecutive to other counts.

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wesly Preister, age 52, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about January 11, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, an eight-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rudy Ortega Raymundo, age 34, of Lexington, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 3, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Darell C. Richards, age 32, is charged with escape from custody on or about February 19, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Russell L. Rucks, Jr.,&nbsp;age 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp;Count I charges Rucks with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about April 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Rucks with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jose Ramiro Segovia-Garcia, age 30, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony on or about March 9, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Joshua Sund, age 41, is charged in a five-count Indictment.&nbsp; Counts I - V charge Sund with production of child pornography between on or about September 17, 2018 and continuing to on or about January 9, 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and not more than 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $55,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;

By United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 14 unsealed Indictments charging 17 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tyler Denby, age 36, of Alliance, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Denby with transport of child pornography on or about July 30, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $40,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Denby with possession of child pornography on or about July 30, 2021.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $22,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; &nbsp;The other indictments are below:*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Matthew Carlson, age 38, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Carlson with receipt of child pornography with priors between on or about March 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about November 23, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $35,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Carlson with possession of child pornography with priors between on or about November 23, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $17,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cynthia Diane Steele Gilchrist, age 47, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about April 14, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about April 14, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Darrian Grant, age 24, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender on or about December 19, 2021 and continuing to on or about February 11, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jean Ferrer Leyva-Pazos, age 19, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about February 23, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Juan Lorenzo-Felipe, age 25, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Denis Perez Koh, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 9, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Quincy Louis, a/k/a Quincy LaRue Louis, age 25,&nbsp;D’Juan Beverly, Jr.,&nbsp;age 23,&nbsp;Adrionna La’Sha Leeper,&nbsp;age 22, and&nbsp;Faye-Lynne Hardesty,&nbsp;age 19, are charged in a thirty-count Indictment.&nbsp; Count I charges Louis, Beverly, Leeper, and Hardesty with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery beginning on or about February 24, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts II, III, V, VII, IX, XI, XIII, XV, XVII, XVIX XXIII, XXV, XXVII, XXIX charge the defendants with specific robberies beginning on or about February 24, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts IV, VI, VIII, X, XII, XIV, XVI, XVIII, XX, XXII, XXIV, XXVIII charge the defendants with brandishing a firearm during specific robberies on or about February 25, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Counts XXVI and XXX charge the defendants with discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about March 1, 2022.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Each firearms count must run consecutive to other counts.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wesly Preister, age 52, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about January 11, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, an eight-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rudy Ortega Raymundo, age 34, of Lexington, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 3, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Darell C. Richards, age 32, is charged with escape from custody on or about February 19, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Russell L. Rucks, Jr.,&nbsp;age 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska is charged in a two-count Indictment.&nbsp;Count I charges Rucks with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about April 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; Count II charges Rucks with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp; The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp; There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about August 12, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jose Ramiro Segovia-Garcia, age 30, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony on or about March 9, 2022.&nbsp; The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Joshua Sund, age 41, is charged in a five-count Indictment.&nbsp; Counts I - V charge Sund with production of child pornography between on or about September 17, 2018 and continuing to on or about January 9, 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;The penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and not more than 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $55,000 additional special assessment.&nbsp;

Alliance man charged with possession of child pornography

Governor Pete Ricketts, in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff to honor former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Albright served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1993 to 1997 and as Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001.&nbsp; She passed away earlier today according to a statement issued by her family.

Flags will be lowered to half-staff immediately and return to full staff at sunset on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

The proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmcusercontent.com%2Ff620288bb41dd81f9c715ef4d%2Ffiles%2F6c5317fa-3f12-6a98-633c-f4d146adb908%2FDEATH_OF_MADELEINE_KORBEL_ALBRIGHT.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cbf4a9fa5d27f4d23f28f08da0d2a2cd3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637836772048613742%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=QY1NcXWavKpz7X8KPXsXkHUcVPoDhBU%2BpO0fZGe1rPI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648062507079.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Governor RickettsGovernor Pete Ricketts, in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff to honor former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.Albright served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1993 to 1997 and as Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001.&nbsp; She passed away earlier today according to a statement issued by her family.Flags will be lowered to half-staff immediately and return to full staff at sunset on Sunday, March 27, 2022.The proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmcusercontent.com%2Ff620288bb41dd81f9c715ef4d%2Ffiles%2F6c5317fa-3f12-6a98-633c-f4d146adb908%2FDEATH_OF_MADELEINE_KORBEL_ALBRIGHT.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cbf4a9fa5d27f4d23f28f08da0d2a2cd3%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637836772048613742%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=QY1NcXWavKpz7X8KPXsXkHUcVPoDhBU%2BpO0fZGe1rPI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

Flags in Nebraska to be lowered in honor of former Sec. of State Albright

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would force Gov. Pete Ricketts to apply for $120 million in federal housing assistance for Nebraska won final approval from lawmakers, but still faces some big hurdles. 

Lawmakers passed the measure through a third and final vote, 26-15.

 Eight state senators abstained from voting. 

Ricketts has strongly objected to the measure, and overriding his veto would require votes from at least 30 lawmakers. 

The Republican governor has argued that Nebraska has the nation’s lowest unemployment rate, and the state only used about 40% of the rental assistance money that came in an earlier round of federal funding.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would force Gov. Pete Ricketts to apply for $120 million in federal housing assistance for Nebraska won final approval from lawmakers, but still faces some big hurdles. Lawmakers passed the measure through a third and final vote, 26-15. Eight state senators abstained from voting. Ricketts has strongly objected to the measure, and overriding his veto would require votes from at least 30 lawmakers. The Republican governor has argued that Nebraska has the nation’s lowest unemployment rate, and the state only used about 40% of the rental assistance money that came in an earlier round of federal funding.

Nebraska rental aid bill passes, still faces big hurdles

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/23/22

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

In our Bridges Out of Poverty classes, we have learned that each economic class has its own set of skills and knowledge. Most people believe they are in the middle class, even if they are on welfare or if they are wealthy.

What do we mean by skills and knowledge? The Bridges Out of Poverty book has checklists for each class. Read the following lists and think about which things you know.

Poverty: how to tell stories, how to trade and barter, where the thrift stores are, when they have “bag day”, when churches have rummage sales, how to physically fight, how to live without a checking account, how to live without electricity, how to use a knife as multiple tools, problems to look for in a used car, how to get by without a car, how to get a gun, how to bail someone out of jail, how to move in half a day, how to use EBT (food stamp) cards, where to get free medical care, what to do when there isn’t enough money to pay bills.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceIn our Bridges Out of Poverty classes, we have learned that each economic class has its own set of skills and knowledge. Most people believe they are in the middle class, even if they are on welfare or if they are wealthy.What do we mean by skills and knowledge? The Bridges Out of Poverty book has checklists for each class. Read the following lists and think about which things you know.Poverty: how to tell stories, how to trade and barter, where the thrift stores are, when they have “bag day”, when churches have rummage sales, how to physically fight, how to live without a checking account, how to live without electricity, how to use a knife as multiple tools, problems to look for in a used car, how to get by without a car, how to get a gun, how to bail someone out of jail, how to move in half a day, how to use EBT (food stamp) cards, where to get free medical care, what to do when there isn’t enough money to pay bills.Middle Class: how to set up checking and savings accounts, how to use a credit or debit card, how to understand different kinds of insurance and which to buy, the difference between principal, interest and escrow in a house payment, how to order and eat in a nice restaurant, how to set a table properly and use table manners, which clothing brands to buy, how to use tools and when to hire someone for repairs, how to decorate for different holidays, how to help children with homework, how to get kids into sports, music lessons, or summer camps.Wealth: how to read corporate financial statements, how to invest, why to regularly visit a financial advisor and attorney, how to connect with legislators and members of Congress, how to set up two or three screens to keep people away, how to ensure confidentiality from domestic staff, how to host parties that key people attend. Wealthy people have at least two homes that are staffed, fly in their own or the company plane, have favorite restaurants in different countries and can order in at least three languages, hire people to design and decorate for holidays, serve on corporate or charitable boards, and have their children attend elite private schools and colleges.There is no difference in intelligence among members of the different economic classes. People have different approaches to life because of the hidden rules and attitudes they were raised with.Most Americans are in the middle class and our schools and agencies function with middle class rules; we assume everyone knows the same things we do. One of the lessons of Bridges Out of Poverty is that we should not devalue the skills of those in poverty, but we should do a better job of teaching the middle-class skills they might need.On June 9, the Alliance Poverty Task Force will host a Bridges Out of Poverty program, the Community Lens. We will look at how the economic insecurity of low-wage workers and themiddle class is causing damage, and how to make our community more sustainable. Our goal is to improve the lives of low-wage workers and those in poverty, to make Box Butte County an area where everyone can do well.

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