At its March 3 meeting Alliance City Council accepted employee promotions of three Alliance police officers. Kirk Felker was promoted to Lieutenant, while Stefan Yocum and David LaDuke were promoted to Sergeant.

"First I want to say that these guys are the true essence of our values," Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens said. "Our values are ethic, excellence, professionalism, integrity and passion. These guys worked very hard in our department. They're very much so leaders. They've done a lot of different things over the course of time and they're dedicated to our community."

Lukens said officer Felker was Sergeant for a period of time and has been with the APD for a long time.&nbsp;

"He's doing our overseeing of our dispatch and intelligence," Lukens said. "So he's working on a lot of the admin side of stuff. He's the one gathering the bills, meeting with communications and the 911 folks. And all of the Lumen stuff that you've seen that I've talked about; the switchover that's been happening with our new Viper 7-911 answering system, the 911 AI that we're about to talk about...all of the grants. Bless his heart. I think a snowballed him with a lot of paper, but he's done a great job for department. He's taken the ball and run with it. So we've promoted Kirk to Lieutenant."

Lukens said officer Yocum has been a patrol officer for some time.

"He powered through and he's shown a lot of skill set," Lukens said. "People talk about the citizen survey and want to see more DUI arrests...top DUI arrest in our city, Stefan has done single handedly. We just submitted him to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) award. I don't know if he'll end up getting it or not, but we submitted him because of his endurance and the job that he's doing out on the street...and also all of the other things that he is showing our officers and working together."

Lukens said office LaDuke worked on the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING) for four years and has been with the APD.

"He's the undercover guy...to talk about all the drugs, the stuff that the citizens have talked about being a concern, Lukens said. "I will tell you second to none, that rests on his shoulders. He has made a lot of arrests. A lot of this is David's work or a part of all of that work, working all over the place."

Lukens called all of these officers "rock stars."

"They're showing our community that they're dedicated to it and they show everybody that they're dedicated to our department," Lukens said. "They work a lot of hours right now. We are a little short staffed and everybody's working a lot...and it's really great to see everybody doing well and working hard for the department. I wanted to make it so the whole world knew these folks were promoted because of the work they do. They say they don't thank a police officer enough until they die...right, that's the only time they think, oh wow, look at all the great things. And you know these guys are working every day, doing something for our community. I greatly appreciate you guys...you should be applauded for what you guys do. You do a great job in our community. And I never tell you thanks enough, but I appreciate all that you do. We've gone through a lot of changes in a year, but I think our community is starting to see the fruits of your efforts. So thank you very much."

Mayor Mike Dafney thanked the three officers on behave of the council. 

"We don't get a chance to tell you that often," Dafney said. "We want to know we appreciate you. Chief's right, there's been a lot of changes for the good. We couldn't be prouder of you, so thank you very much."

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostAt its March 3 meeting Alliance City Council accepted employee promotions of three Alliance police officers. Kirk Felker was promoted to Lieutenant, while Stefan Yocum and David LaDuke were promoted to Sergeant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646326829633.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"First I want to say that these guys are the true essence of our values," Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens said. "Our values are ethic, excellence, professionalism, integrity and passion. These guys worked very hard in our department. They're very much so leaders. They've done a lot of different things over the course of time and they're dedicated to our community."Lukens said officer Felker was Sergeant for a period of time and has been with the APD for a long time.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646326881856.jpeg" alt="Lieutenant Felker's wife pins police badge during the meeting.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lieutenant Felker's wife pins police badge during the meeting.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"He's doing our overseeing of our dispatch and intelligence," Lukens said. "So he's working on a lot of the admin side of stuff. He's the one gathering the bills, meeting with communications and the 911 folks. And all of the Lumen stuff that you've seen that I've talked about; the switchover that's been happening with our new Viper 7-911 answering system, the 911 AI that we're about to talk about...all of the grants. Bless his heart. I think a snowballed him with a lot of paper, but he's done a great job for department. He's taken the ball and run with it. So we've promoted Kirk to Lieutenant."Lukens said officer Yocum has been a patrol officer for some time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646327039465.jpeg" alt="A Nebraska State Patrol trooper pins police badge on&nbsp;Sergeant Yocum.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A Nebraska State Patrol trooper pins police badge on&nbsp;Sergeant Yocum.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"He powered through and he's shown a lot of skill set," Lukens said. "People talk about the citizen survey and want to see more DUI arrests...top DUI arrest in our city, Stefan has done single handedly. We just submitted him to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) award. I don't know if he'll end up getting it or not, but we submitted him because of his endurance and the job that he's doing out on the street...and also all of the other things that he is showing our officers and working together."Lukens said office LaDuke worked on the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING) for four years and has been with the APD.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646327131452.jpeg" alt="Lieutenant LaDuke's wife pins police badge during the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lieutenant LaDuke's wife pins police badge during the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"He's the undercover guy...to talk about all the drugs, the stuff that the citizens have talked about being a concern, Lukens said. "I will tell you second to none, that rests on his shoulders. He has made a lot of arrests. A lot of this is David's work or a part of all of that work, working all over the place."Lukens called all of these officers "rock stars.""They're showing our community that they're dedicated to it and they show everybody that they're dedicated to our department," Lukens said. "They work a lot of hours right now. We are a little short staffed and everybody's working a lot...and it's really great to see everybody doing well and working hard for the department. I wanted to make it so the whole world knew these folks were promoted because of the work they do. They say they don't thank a police officer enough until they die...right, that's the only time they think, oh wow, look at all the great things. And you know these guys are working every day, doing something for our community. I greatly appreciate you guys...you should be applauded for what you guys do. You do a great job in our community. And I never tell you thanks enough, but I appreciate all that you do. We've gone through a lot of changes in a year, but I think our community is starting to see the fruits of your efforts. So thank you very much."Mayor Mike Dafney thanked the three officers on behave of the council. "We don't get a chance to tell you that often," Dafney said. "We want to know we appreciate you. Chief's right, there's been a lot of changes for the good. We couldn't be prouder of you, so thank you very much."

3 Alliance police officers promoted during city council 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/3/22

By Western Nebraska Community College

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;The Western Nebraska Community College Foundation will celebrate its 50th year of service on March 24 at the Gering Civic Center.

In October 1971, the Nebraska Western College Board of Governors named the first Foundation Board of Directors, and on March 24, 1972, the Foundation received 501(c)(3) status, allowing them to accept tax deductible gifts on behalf of the College.&nbsp;

Since its inception the Foundation has served a critical role in a wide variety of projects and initiatives at WNCC, including the renovation of the current John N. Harms Center (2005), the Powerline Construction &amp; Maintenance facility in Alliance (2006), the Monument Marathon (2012), the Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship Center in Sidney (2018), the Platte Valley Companies Performing Arts Center (2019), renovations to the Scottsbluff Campus Main Building (2019), and the creation of the Diesel Truck &amp; Heavy Equipment Technology program (2021).&nbsp;

The WNCC Foundation prides itself on supporting the mission of WNCC while enhancing the lives of community members, the quality of the college, and the community it serves.

“The WNCC Foundation helps bolster the Panhandle’s workforce by giving communities an opportunity to come along side us to provide scholarships, create programs, and improve facilities," WNCC Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Reisig said. "We are grateful for the community support that has made the WNCC Foundation what it is today.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, more than 70 scholarships are administered through the WNCC Foundation each year. The Foundation has also established the Student Emergency Fund (SEF), which is available for any student with immediate financial need. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the SEF has expanded more than five times in order to respond to urgent student needs.&nbsp;

The 50th celebration at the Gering Civic Center will include entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, a cash bar, a silent auction, and keynote speaker Lukas Simianer. Simianer is a WNCC alumnus, U.S. military veteran, and creator of Clusiv, the first e-learning platform to train the visually impaired to build a career and excel in the modern workforce. Simianer has earned many honors and awards, including a Purple Heart, White House Civic Honors Medal, Bob Evans Heroes to CEOs, and was named in the top 5 of Austin, Texas, start-ups in 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Silent auction items include Husker volleyball tickets, Husker football tickets, local athletic and performing arts packages, fine art, golf package, condo stay in Frisco, Colorado, and more. Tickets to the fundraiser are $30 and can be purchased at wnccfoundation.org or through any WNCC Foundation Board member.

“I’m excited for this event, that will not only celebrate the great history of the WNCC Foundation but will also raise money for our General Scholarship Fund," Reisig said. "General scholarships bridge the gap for students who don’t quite qualify for a scholarship based on need or specific scholarship restrictions, but they still can’t afford to attend school without assistance.”

For more information about the Foundation and the 50th anniversary celebration, visit wnccfoundation.org or call 308.630.6550.

By Western Nebraska Community CollegeSCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;The Western Nebraska Community College Foundation will celebrate its 50th year of service on March 24 at the Gering Civic Center.In October 1971, the Nebraska Western College Board of Governors named the first Foundation Board of Directors, and on March 24, 1972, the Foundation received 501(c)(3) status, allowing them to accept tax deductible gifts on behalf of the College.&nbsp;Since its inception the Foundation has served a critical role in a wide variety of projects and initiatives at WNCC, including the renovation of the current John N. Harms Center (2005), the Powerline Construction &amp; Maintenance facility in Alliance (2006), the Monument Marathon (2012), the Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship Center in Sidney (2018), the Platte Valley Companies Performing Arts Center (2019), renovations to the Scottsbluff Campus Main Building (2019), and the creation of the Diesel Truck &amp; Heavy Equipment Technology program (2021).&nbsp;The WNCC Foundation prides itself on supporting the mission of WNCC while enhancing the lives of community members, the quality of the college, and the community it serves.“The WNCC Foundation helps bolster the Panhandle’s workforce by giving communities an opportunity to come along side us to provide scholarships, create programs, and improve facilities," WNCC Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Reisig said. "We are grateful for the community support that has made the WNCC Foundation what it is today.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, more than 70 scholarships are administered through the WNCC Foundation each year. The Foundation has also established the Student Emergency Fund (SEF), which is available for any student with immediate financial need. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the SEF has expanded more than five times in order to respond to urgent student needs.&nbsp;The 50th celebration at the Gering Civic Center will include entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, a cash bar, a silent auction, and keynote speaker Lukas Simianer. Simianer is a WNCC alumnus, U.S. military veteran, and creator of Clusiv, the first e-learning platform to train the visually impaired to build a career and excel in the modern workforce. Simianer has earned many honors and awards, including a Purple Heart, White House Civic Honors Medal, Bob Evans Heroes to CEOs, and was named in the top 5 of Austin, Texas, start-ups in 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Silent auction items include Husker volleyball tickets, Husker football tickets, local athletic and performing arts packages, fine art, golf package, condo stay in Frisco, Colorado, and more. Tickets to the fundraiser are $30 and can be purchased at wnccfoundation.org or through any WNCC Foundation Board member.“I’m excited for this event, that will not only celebrate the great history of the WNCC Foundation but will also raise money for our General Scholarship Fund," Reisig said. "General scholarships bridge the gap for students who don’t quite qualify for a scholarship based on need or specific scholarship restrictions, but they still can’t afford to attend school without assistance.”For more information about the Foundation and the 50th anniversary celebration, visit wnccfoundation.org or call 308.630.6550.

WNCC Foundation to celebrate 50 years of service

By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC College Relations

CHADRON - Chadron State College student Colton Brienza is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for February.

Brienza, a junior from Buffalo, South Dakota, who is pursuing a Criminal Justice degree with a minor in Psychology, said he has always been interested in Criminal Justice.

“I ultimately knew I wanted to help people,” Brienza said. “I know that I can accomplish that through working in Criminal Justice. I was interested in health care for a really long time and actually started out here as a human bio major, but can just picture myself in Criminal Justice a lot easier.”

Brienza is active with CSC’s Student Senate, serving as the current Vice President of Finance.

Brienza takes pride in being a first-generation student.

“I didn’t have people to help me out or tell me what to expect and I struggled a little bit my first couple of years, but I’m still here and I’m going to finish (earning my degree),” Brienza said.

After graduation, Brienza plans to join the military before pursuing a master’s degree.

Coming from a military family, his decision to join was natural.

“It seems like all of my family is in the military: My uncle was in the Navy, my grandpa was in the Navy, my great-grandpa was in the Navy, and both my mom and stepdad are in the Army,” Brienza said. “I just like the family dynamic of it.”

Ten years from now, Brienza says he pictures himself living on the East Coast, working as a profiler or analyst in one of the intelligence agencies: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, Transportation Safety Administration, or the Secret Service. Brienza feels that his psychology minor will help assist him in working in one of these agencies.

Brienza’s interest in becoming a profiler was sharpened after taking Criminal Profiling with Dr. Jamie Wada, which he said is his favorite class because it was interesting and will directly correlate to his future career path.

Wada observes qualities in Brienza that he feels will contribute to his success in life.

“Colton is an absolute pleasure to have in class,” Wada said. “He is engaged, hard-working, and a good friend to his peers: Qualities that not only make a good student, but moreover qualities that create success in life.”

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/projectstrive" target="_blank">www.csc.edu/projectstrive</a>.

By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC College RelationsCHADRON - Chadron State College student Colton Brienza is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for February.Brienza, a junior from Buffalo, South Dakota, who is pursuing a Criminal Justice degree with a minor in Psychology, said he has always been interested in Criminal Justice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646324679592.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I ultimately knew I wanted to help people,” Brienza said. “I know that I can accomplish that through working in Criminal Justice. I was interested in health care for a really long time and actually started out here as a human bio major, but can just picture myself in Criminal Justice a lot easier.”Brienza is active with CSC’s Student Senate, serving as the current Vice President of Finance.Brienza takes pride in being a first-generation student.“I didn’t have people to help me out or tell me what to expect and I struggled a little bit my first couple of years, but I’m still here and I’m going to finish (earning my degree),” Brienza said.After graduation, Brienza plans to join the military before pursuing a master’s degree.Coming from a military family, his decision to join was natural.“It seems like all of my family is in the military: My uncle was in the Navy, my grandpa was in the Navy, my great-grandpa was in the Navy, and both my mom and stepdad are in the Army,” Brienza said. “I just like the family dynamic of it.”Ten years from now, Brienza says he pictures himself living on the East Coast, working as a profiler or analyst in one of the intelligence agencies: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, Transportation Safety Administration, or the Secret Service. Brienza feels that his psychology minor will help assist him in working in one of these agencies.Brienza’s interest in becoming a profiler was sharpened after taking Criminal Profiling with Dr. Jamie Wada, which he said is his favorite class because it was interesting and will directly correlate to his future career path.Wada observes qualities in Brienza that he feels will contribute to his success in life.“Colton is an absolute pleasure to have in class,” Wada said. “He is engaged, hard-working, and a good friend to his peers: Qualities that not only make a good student, but moreover qualities that create success in life.”Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/projectstrive" target="_blank">www.csc.edu/projectstrive</a>.

Brienza named February CSC Student of the Month

By Panhandle Public Health District

Free COVID test kits are available at community locations throughout the Panhandle.&nbsp;

Residents can have as many as their family needs with a limit of six at one time at no charge. 

These are important to have on-hand so if you or a family member feels a minor COVID-like symptom, you can quickly test to make a decision about how to keep yourself and others that may be around you healthy and safe.

Once picked up, individuals can perform the test on their own or be helped through a video call. If done through the video call, you will receive a certified lab report that can be used for travel, medical procedures, and other documentation needs.

-Alliance Municipal Building,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8am-5pm -Banner County Public Schools in Harrisburg -Bayard Public Library,&nbsp;Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -Bridgeport Public Library,&nbsp;Tuesday &amp; Thursday 9am-7pm, Wednesday &amp; Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-2pm -Chadron Public Library,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 9am-6:45pm, Friday &amp; Saturday 12pm-5pm -Chappell Memorial Library &amp; Art Gallery,&nbsp;Tuesday &amp; Thursday 12pm-5:30pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -City of Big Springs,&nbsp;Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30am-1pm, Tuesday &amp; Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm -Crawford Public Library,&nbsp;Tuesday-Thursday 1pm-6pm, Friday &amp; Saturday 10am-3pm -Dalton Points West Bank,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8:30am-4pm -Farm to Family Cooperative in Hay Springs,&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-2pm -Gering Public Library,&nbsp;Monday &amp; Thursday 9am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm -Gordon City Library,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 11am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-3pm -Grant County Library in Hyannis,&nbsp;Wednesday 1pm-5pm, Friday 8am-12pm &amp; 1pm-5pm -Hemingford Public Library,&nbsp;Tuesday &amp; Wednesday 12pm-6pm, Thursday 9am-12pm, Friday 12pm-5pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -Kimball Public Library,&nbsp;Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-5:30pm, Tuesday, Thursday 12pm-6pm -Lyman Library,&nbsp;Monday 3pm-11pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am-12pm, Friday 10am-12pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -Mitchell Public Library,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 11am-5:30pm, Friday &amp; Saturday 11am-5pm -Morrill Public Library,&nbsp;Monday &amp; Thursday 1pm-7pm, Tuesday &amp; Wednesday 1pm-5:30pm, Friday 9am-5:30pm -Nancy Fawcett Memorial Library in Lodgepole,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 2pm-6pm -Oshkosh Public Library,&nbsp;Monday 10am-6pm, Tuesday-Friday 12:30pm-5:30pm -Rushville Public Library,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 10am-6pm -Sidney Public Library,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm -Sioux County Public Library,&nbsp;Monday 9am-12pm &amp; 1pm-5pm, Tuesday &amp; Wednesday 1pm-5pm, Thursday 3:30pm-6:30pm, Friday 9am-1pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -Village of Dix,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8a-12p -Volunteers of America in Lewellen,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8am-5pm -Western Community Health Resources in Alliance,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm -Western Community Health Resources in Chadron,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

In addition to the local test kits available, Panhandle residents can also order four, free at-home COVID tests at&nbsp;COVIDtests.gov&nbsp;or by calling&nbsp;<a href="tel:1-800-232-0233" target="_blank">1-800-232-0233</a>. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Current COVID testing access can also be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html" target="_blank">http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html</a>.

Unified Command confirms 41 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle.

COVID vaccine is widely available across the Panhandle for individuals age 5 and over, there are no out-of-pocket expenses. COVID vaccine for children six months to four years of age will be available in the coming weeks.

Everyone age 12 and older is recommended to get a COVID booster shot at least two months after a 1-dose vaccine, Johnson &amp; Johnson, or at least five months after a 2-dose vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna.

If you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard for you to access a COVID vaccine, Call Vianey Zitterkopf, RN at 308-430-8390 or Janet Felix, LPN at 308-672-4653. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

The Panhandle COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. The state COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf</a>. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.

By Panhandle Public Health DistrictFree COVID test kits are available at community locations throughout the Panhandle.&nbsp;Residents can have as many as their family needs with a limit of six at one time at no charge. These are important to have on-hand so if you or a family member feels a minor COVID-like symptom, you can quickly test to make a decision about how to keep yourself and others that may be around you healthy and safe.Once picked up, individuals can perform the test on their own or be helped through a video call. If done through the video call, you will receive a certified lab report that can be used for travel, medical procedures, and other documentation needs.Here are locations:&nbsp;-Alliance Municipal Building,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8am-5pm -Banner County Public Schools in Harrisburg -Bayard Public Library,&nbsp;Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -Bridgeport Public Library,&nbsp;Tuesday &amp; Thursday 9am-7pm, Wednesday &amp; Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-2pm -Chadron Public Library,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 9am-6:45pm, Friday &amp; Saturday 12pm-5pm -Chappell Memorial Library &amp; Art Gallery,&nbsp;Tuesday &amp; Thursday 12pm-5:30pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -City of Big Springs,&nbsp;Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30am-1pm, Tuesday &amp; Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm -Crawford Public Library,&nbsp;Tuesday-Thursday 1pm-6pm, Friday &amp; Saturday 10am-3pm -Dalton Points West Bank,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8:30am-4pm -Farm to Family Cooperative in Hay Springs,&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-2pm -Gering Public Library,&nbsp;Monday &amp; Thursday 9am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm -Gordon City Library,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 11am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-3pm -Grant County Library in Hyannis,&nbsp;Wednesday 1pm-5pm, Friday 8am-12pm &amp; 1pm-5pm -Hemingford Public Library,&nbsp;Tuesday &amp; Wednesday 12pm-6pm, Thursday 9am-12pm, Friday 12pm-5pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -Kimball Public Library,&nbsp;Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-5:30pm, Tuesday, Thursday 12pm-6pm -Lyman Library,&nbsp;Monday 3pm-11pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am-12pm, Friday 10am-12pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -Mitchell Public Library,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 11am-5:30pm, Friday &amp; Saturday 11am-5pm -Morrill Public Library,&nbsp;Monday &amp; Thursday 1pm-7pm, Tuesday &amp; Wednesday 1pm-5:30pm, Friday 9am-5:30pm -Nancy Fawcett Memorial Library in Lodgepole,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 2pm-6pm -Oshkosh Public Library,&nbsp;Monday 10am-6pm, Tuesday-Friday 12:30pm-5:30pm -Rushville Public Library,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 10am-6pm -Sidney Public Library,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm -Sioux County Public Library,&nbsp;Monday 9am-12pm &amp; 1pm-5pm, Tuesday &amp; Wednesday 1pm-5pm, Thursday 3:30pm-6:30pm, Friday 9am-1pm, Saturday 9am-12pm -Village of Dix,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8a-12p -Volunteers of America in Lewellen,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8am-5pm -Western Community Health Resources in Alliance,&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm -Western Community Health Resources in Chadron,&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8am-5pm In addition to the local test kits available, Panhandle residents can also order four, free at-home COVID tests at&nbsp;COVIDtests.gov&nbsp;or by calling&nbsp;<a href="tel:1-800-232-0233" target="_blank">1-800-232-0233</a>. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Current COVID testing access can also be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html" target="_blank">http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html</a>.Unified Command confirms 41 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646323052302.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-March 2, 2022<ul>
 <li>Positive: 19,611</li><li>Last week’s cases (cases/100,000): 47.53</li><li>Last 7-day cases: 41</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 4.7%</li><li>Deaths: 288</li><li>Deaths Pending Verification: 22</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 6</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 887</li>
 </ul>COVID vaccine is widely available across the Panhandle for individuals age 5 and over, there are no out-of-pocket expenses. COVID vaccine for children six months to four years of age will be available in the coming weeks.Everyone age 12 and older is recommended to get a COVID booster shot at least two months after a 1-dose vaccine, Johnson &amp; Johnson, or at least five months after a 2-dose vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna.<ul>
 <li><a>Box Butte/Grant:</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Dave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM</li><li>Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM</li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome Western Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Call 308-432-8979 to schedule an appointment outside these hours.</li><li>Garden:&nbsp;To schedule an appointment, call&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=garden+county+clinic&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS924US924&amp;oq=garden+county+clinic&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j46i175i199i512j0i22i30.2984j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">(308) 772-3283</a>.</li><li>Regional West Garden County Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome Kimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;Call to schedule an appointment</li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Morrill County Hospital Clinic (Bridgeport), Thursdays, 8 AM - 4:30 PM call 308-262-1755</li><li>Chimney Rock Medical Center (Bayard), Tuesdays, 8 AM - 4:30 PM call 308-586-1717</li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1 PM - 4 PM</li><li>Scotts Bluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule" target="_blank">walgreens.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PM</li><li>Scotts Bluff County Immunization Clinic, 313 W 38th St, Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-5:30 PM</li><li>Guadalupe Center 2nd Saturday of each month 8 AM-10 AM</li>
 </ul>If you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard for you to access a COVID vaccine, Call Vianey Zitterkopf, RN at 308-430-8390 or Janet Felix, LPN at 308-672-4653. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.The Panhandle COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. The state COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf</a>. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.

PPHD: Free COVID tests widely available around Panhandle, more cases reported

From the Nebraska Unicameral Update

Senators advanced a bill from general file March 2 that would keep the identity of an individual alleging sexual assault or sex trafficking confidential in the period immediately following a reported crime.

<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB1246&amp;Legislature=107th" target="_blank">LB1246</a>, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, would require attorneys and criminal justice agencies to withhold any personal identifying information of an alleged victim from the public record until charges are filed. Under the bill, relevant information could be shared between criminal justice agencies, attorneys and victim advocacy agencies under certain circumstances.

Pansing Brooks said trafficking investigations often are intense and time-consuming and frequently an incident report is made before a trafficker is arrested. The result, she said, is that a victim’s name is public before a trafficker is in custody, adding that fear of retaliation is the most common reason for not reporting violent sex crimes.

“When identifying information of victims in these cases is available to the public, it can leave them vulnerable to intimidation, threats or harm,” Pansing Brooks said. “There have been instances in Nebraska where victims of trafficking have been physically harmed or received death threats from their traffickers after reporting to law enforcement.”

An amendment offered by the&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/jud" target="_blank">Judiciary Committee</a>, adopted 40-0, would provide an additional exception to the confidentiality requirement to allow criminal justice agencies to share identifying information about an alleged victim with an educational entity, such as a Title IX coordinator.

Committee chairperson, Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha, said the change is necessary to empower those entities to provide support services to students who are victims of such crimes.&nbsp;

Sterling Sen. Julie Slama also brought an amendment that would add provisions of her LB204 to require convicted sex traffickers to register as sex offenders beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Sex trafficking is a sex crime, Slama said, and the amendment would harmonize the state’s sex offender registry law to treat it as such.&nbsp;

Following the 41-0 adoption of the Slama amendment, lawmakers voted to advance LB1246 to select file 41-0.

From the Nebraska Unicameral UpdateSenators advanced a bill from general file March 2 that would keep the identity of an individual alleging sexual assault or sex trafficking confidential in the period immediately following a reported crime.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646316468836.png" alt="Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks (Nebraska Unicameral)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks (Nebraska Unicameral)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB1246&amp;Legislature=107th" target="_blank">LB1246</a>, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, would require attorneys and criminal justice agencies to withhold any personal identifying information of an alleged victim from the public record until charges are filed. Under the bill, relevant information could be shared between criminal justice agencies, attorneys and victim advocacy agencies under certain circumstances.Pansing Brooks said trafficking investigations often are intense and time-consuming and frequently an incident report is made before a trafficker is arrested. The result, she said, is that a victim’s name is public before a trafficker is in custody, adding that fear of retaliation is the most common reason for not reporting violent sex crimes.“When identifying information of victims in these cases is available to the public, it can leave them vulnerable to intimidation, threats or harm,” Pansing Brooks said. “There have been instances in Nebraska where victims of trafficking have been physically harmed or received death threats from their traffickers after reporting to law enforcement.”An amendment offered by the&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/jud" target="_blank">Judiciary Committee</a>, adopted 40-0, would provide an additional exception to the confidentiality requirement to allow criminal justice agencies to share identifying information about an alleged victim with an educational entity, such as a Title IX coordinator.Committee chairperson, Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha, said the change is necessary to empower those entities to provide support services to students who are victims of such crimes.&nbsp;Sterling Sen. Julie Slama also brought an amendment that would add provisions of her LB204 to require convicted sex traffickers to register as sex offenders beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Sex trafficking is a sex crime, Slama said, and the amendment would harmonize the state’s sex offender registry law to treat it as such.&nbsp;Following the 41-0 adoption of the Slama amendment, lawmakers voted to advance LB1246 to select file 41-0.

Nebraska lawmakers advance bill to protect victims of sexual assault, sex trafficking

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is ramping up his push for income tax cuts, a new state prison and a $500 million canal to claim water from Colorado. 

He's arguing that Nebraska is expected to collect more than enough revenue to pay for it all. 

The Republican governor’s remarks came just days after a state board predicted that Nebraska will receive $775 million more than expected.

 Ricketts has endorsed a measure that would lower Nebraska’s top individual and corporate income tax rate. 

He also has backed a new state prison proposal to replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary and a canal project between Nebraska and Colorado to preserve the state's water supply from the South Platte River.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is ramping up his push for income tax cuts, a new state prison and a $500 million canal to claim water from Colorado. He's arguing that Nebraska is expected to collect more than enough revenue to pay for it all. The Republican governor’s remarks came just days after a state board predicted that Nebraska will receive $775 million more than expected. Ricketts has endorsed a measure that would lower Nebraska’s top individual and corporate income tax rate. He also has backed a new state prison proposal to replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary and a canal project between Nebraska and Colorado to preserve the state's water supply from the South Platte River.

Ricketts ramps up push for Nebraska tax cuts, canal, prison

LINCOLN, NEB.  — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad, assisted by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing, have safely destroyed three old military ordnances located in personal property recently.

On Monday, February 28, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office notified the NSP Bomb Squad that they had located what was believed to be a cannon round at a residence in Rushville. Upon inspection, troopers identified the device as an artillery projectile fuze and believed that this was a live explosive device. NSP Bomb Squad troopers and National Guard EOD unit members traveled to Rushville to handle the device. The artillery fuze was transported to a safe location and destroyed with a counter charge.

On Sunday, February 27, the Antelope County Sheriff’s Office reported to the NSP Bomb Squad that they had been notified of an old military ordnance at a residence in Oakdale. Troopers and the National Guard EOD unit responded. After determining that the device was a practice bomb, it was transported to a safe location and destroyed due to the possibility of containing explosive materials.

Last Thursday, February 24, a resident of Fremont located a grenade in the belongings of a deceased relative. That person reported it to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, which contacted the NSP Bomb Squad. Upon inspection, troopers determined that the grenade was live. The grenade was transported to a safe location where it was destroyed with a counter charge by troopers and National Guard EOD unit members.

“Explosive devices can be extremely dangerous,” said Trooper Gabe Skalka, Commander of the NSP Bomb Squad. “If you ever find anything like any of these items, call the authorities immediately and do not attempt to move it. Our teams can be called-in to handle and dispose of the items in a safe manner.”

NSP has Hazardous Device Technicians stationed throughout the state to work with local authorities for this type of situation. NSP also partners with the Nebraska National Guard’s EOD unit for many operations throughout the year.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB. — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad, assisted by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing, have safely destroyed three old military ordnances located in personal property recently.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646261312875.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, February 28, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office notified the NSP Bomb Squad that they had located what was believed to be a cannon round at a residence in Rushville. Upon inspection, troopers identified the device as an artillery projectile fuze and believed that this was a live explosive device. NSP Bomb Squad troopers and National Guard EOD unit members traveled to Rushville to handle the device. The artillery fuze was transported to a safe location and destroyed with a counter charge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646261386955.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Sunday, February 27, the Antelope County Sheriff’s Office reported to the NSP Bomb Squad that they had been notified of an old military ordnance at a residence in Oakdale. Troopers and the National Guard EOD unit responded. After determining that the device was a practice bomb, it was transported to a safe location and destroyed due to the possibility of containing explosive materials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646261736468.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Last Thursday, February 24, a resident of Fremont located a grenade in the belongings of a deceased relative. That person reported it to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, which contacted the NSP Bomb Squad. Upon inspection, troopers determined that the grenade was live. The grenade was transported to a safe location where it was destroyed with a counter charge by troopers and National Guard EOD unit members.“Explosive devices can be extremely dangerous,” said Trooper Gabe Skalka, Commander of the NSP Bomb Squad. “If you ever find anything like any of these items, call the authorities immediately and do not attempt to move it. Our teams can be called-in to handle and dispose of the items in a safe manner.”NSP has Hazardous Device Technicians stationed throughout the state to work with local authorities for this type of situation. NSP also partners with the Nebraska National Guard’s EOD unit for many operations throughout the year.

NSP, Air National Guard dispose of explosive device in Rushville, Fremont, Oakdale

Committee plans to finance a study, not the full $500M earmark

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/02/ricketts-doubles-down-on-perkins-county-canal-project-says-delay-helps-colorado/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — Gov. Pete Ricketts and the state’s top water official doubled down 
Wednesday on the need to build a $500 million canal on the South Platte 
River, saying that delaying the work would hurt Nebraska.

“Delay only benefits Colorado,” the governor said at a morning news conference.

Ricketts
 spoke to reporters as the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee is 
planning to allocate only $22.5 million in planning funds for the 
proposed Perkins County Canal and as Nebraska water officials are 
engaging in at least some talks with their counterparts in Colorado.

State
 Sen. John Stinner, chair of Appropriations, has said he can’t support 
earmarking a half-billion dollars in state funds to a project before a 
study has been done to determine whether it’s feasible.

But
 the governor and Tom Riley, the director of the Nebraska Department of 
Natural Resources, told reporters Wednesday that any delay would just 
allow Colorado to move forward with more projects that consume 
Nebraska’s allocation.&nbsp;

Ricketts
 said Colorado has responded to Nebraska’s effort to revive the 
long-dormant Perkins County Canal project by introducing legislation to 
accelerate water projects that draw water from the South Platte for the 
growing Front Range.

“Their
 philosophy seems to be that possession is nine-tenths of the law,” the 
governor said. “So the longer this is delayed, the more projects (in 
Colorado) get built … and the more difficult it is for us to get that 
water.”

&nbsp;“We’ve got to push forward and build this canal,” Ricketts said.

The
 governor called the news conference to lobby for his 2022 budget 
proposals as the Appropriations Committee works to finalize its proposed
 budget. Ricketts’ spending ideas include the Perkins County Canal, 
building a $260-million state prison and enacting a trio of tax cut 
proposals.

He
 said a recent state revenue forecast, which upped expected tax revenue 
by nearly $800 million in the next two fiscal years, provides plenty of 
money to fund the canal and prison, as well as the tax cuts.

Both
 Ricketts and Riley said the canal, which would begin in northeast 
Colorado, is the only way Nebraska can claim water from the South Platte
 that was set aside for Nebraska in a 1923 compact with the Rocky 
Mountain state.

A
 spokesman for Colorado Gov. Jared Polis told Nebraska Public Media 
recently that the Perkins County Canal was a “canal to nowhere” and a 
“boondoggle” that would never be built.

Ricketts
 said Wednesday he had discussed the canal project with Polis when they 
ran into each other in Washington, D.C., recently. Riley said he talked 
to his water counterpart in a Zoom meeting only yesterday.

When
 asked, Riley said the discussions have focused on Nebraska’s plan to 
build the canal, not on other alternatives to the $500 million project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646255576985.png" alt="Gov. Pete Ricketts, behind podium, was joined by, from left, Tom Riley, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources; prisons director Scott Frakes; and State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Pete Ricketts, behind podium, was joined by, from left, Tom Riley, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources; prisons director Scott Frakes; and State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Committee plans to finance a study, not the full $500M earmark</h2>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/02/ricketts-doubles-down-on-perkins-county-canal-project-says-delay-helps-colorado/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — Gov. Pete Ricketts and the state’s top water official doubled down 
Wednesday on the need to build a $500 million canal on the South Platte 
River, saying that delaying the work would hurt Nebraska.“Delay only benefits Colorado,” the governor said at a morning news conference.Ricketts
 spoke to reporters as the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee is 
planning to allocate only $22.5 million in planning funds for the 
proposed Perkins County Canal and as Nebraska water officials are 
engaging in at least some talks with their counterparts in Colorado.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646255676328.jpeg" alt="Sen. John Stinner at the Nebraska Legislature (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. John Stinner at the Nebraska Legislature (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>State
 Sen. John Stinner, chair of Appropriations, has said he can’t support 
earmarking a half-billion dollars in state funds to a project before a 
study has been done to determine whether it’s feasible.But
 the governor and Tom Riley, the director of the Nebraska Department of 
Natural Resources, told reporters Wednesday that any delay would just 
allow Colorado to move forward with more projects that consume 
Nebraska’s allocation.&nbsp;<h2>Time to ‘push forward’</h2>Ricketts
 said Colorado has responded to Nebraska’s effort to revive the 
long-dormant Perkins County Canal project by introducing legislation to 
accelerate water projects that draw water from the South Platte for the 
growing Front Range.“Their
 philosophy seems to be that possession is nine-tenths of the law,” the 
governor said. “So the longer this is delayed, the more projects (in 
Colorado) get built … and the more difficult it is for us to get that 
water.”&nbsp;“We’ve got to push forward and build this canal,” Ricketts said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646255704702.jpeg" alt="Tom Riley, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Tom Riley, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>The
 governor called the news conference to lobby for his 2022 budget 
proposals as the Appropriations Committee works to finalize its proposed
 budget. Ricketts’ spending ideas include the Perkins County Canal, 
building a $260-million state prison and enacting a trio of tax cut 
proposals.He
 said a recent state revenue forecast, which upped expected tax revenue 
by nearly $800 million in the next two fiscal years, provides plenty of 
money to fund the canal and prison, as well as the tax cuts.Both
 Ricketts and Riley said the canal, which would begin in northeast 
Colorado, is the only way Nebraska can claim water from the South Platte
 that was set aside for Nebraska in a 1923 compact with the Rocky 
Mountain state.<h2>‘A boondoggle’</h2>A
 spokesman for Colorado Gov. Jared Polis told Nebraska Public Media 
recently that the Perkins County Canal was a “canal to nowhere” and a 
“boondoggle” that would never be built.Ricketts
 said Wednesday he had discussed the canal project with Polis when they 
ran into each other in Washington, D.C., recently. Riley said he talked 
to his water counterpart in a Zoom meeting only yesterday.When
 asked, Riley said the discussions have focused on Nebraska’s plan to 
build the canal, not on other alternatives to the $500 million project.

Ricketts doubles down on Perkins County canal project

By Office of&nbsp;Nebraska Attorney General

Lincoln, Neb. –&nbsp;Today, Attorney General Peterson co-led a nationwide investigation into TikTok for providing and promoting its social media platform to children and young adults while&nbsp;use is associated with physical and mental health harms. Attorneys General nationwide&nbsp;are examining whether the company violated state consumer protection laws that put the public at risk.&nbsp;

Attorney General Peterson has long expressed concern about the negative impacts of social media platforms on Nebraska’s youngest residents.&nbsp;

The investigation will look into the harms such usage causes to young users and what TikTok knew about those harms. The investigation focuses, among other things, on the techniques utilized by TikTok to boost young user engagement, including increasing the duration of time spent on the platform and frequency of engagement with the platform.&nbsp;

In May 2021, a bipartisan coalition of 44 Attorneys General urged Facebook to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under 13. In November 2021, Attorneys General from across the country announced their investigation into Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, for providing and promoting its social media platform, Instagram, to kids.&nbsp;

Leading the investigation is a bipartisan coalition of Attorneys General from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. They are joined by a broad group of Attorneys General from across the country.&nbsp;

By Office of&nbsp;Nebraska Attorney General Lincoln, Neb. –&nbsp;Today, Attorney General Peterson co-led a nationwide investigation into TikTok for providing and promoting its social media platform to children and young adults while&nbsp;use is associated with physical and mental health harms. Attorneys General nationwide&nbsp;are examining whether the company violated state consumer protection laws that put the public at risk.&nbsp;Attorney General Peterson has long expressed concern about the negative impacts of social media platforms on Nebraska’s youngest residents.&nbsp;The investigation will look into the harms such usage causes to young users and what TikTok knew about those harms. The investigation focuses, among other things, on the techniques utilized by TikTok to boost young user engagement, including increasing the duration of time spent on the platform and frequency of engagement with the platform.&nbsp;In May 2021, a bipartisan coalition of 44 Attorneys General urged Facebook to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under 13. In November 2021, Attorneys General from across the country announced their investigation into Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, for providing and promoting its social media platform, Instagram, to kids.&nbsp;Leading the investigation is a bipartisan coalition of Attorneys General from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. They are joined by a broad group of Attorneys General from across the country.&nbsp;

AG Peterson joins nationwide investigation into TikTok  

Alliance – ACE, the Public Alliance for Community Energy, is distributing $12,260 to the City of Alliance as its share of $200,000 being distributed through ACE’s revenue return program to the 76 Nebraska member communities of the not-for-profit, community-owned natural gas supplier.

At the direction of the ACE Board, The City of Alliance has received $250,455 since the inception of ACE, for community betterment use. Since then the City has used these funds to assist with a suicide awareness and prevention training; purchase umbrellas and octopus at Big Blue Bay; construct Hal Murray Softball Complex sidewalks and protective backstop fencing; replace Senior Center windows; install Bower Park sprinkler system; expand the Rolling Prairie Disc Golf Course; assist with purchase of the holiday decorations for 3rd Street; and contribute toward the outside play equipment for the Alliance Recreation Center.

This year’s Choice Gas Program Selection period will run through April 1 - 21. During this period, customers can choose a competitive rate and pricing option online at <a href="http://www.ACEenergy.org">www.ACEenergy.org</a> or by calling ACE at (800) 454-4759. Selection forms will be mailed out to all eligible customers prior to the start of the selection period, so make sure to keep an eye out for that.

Learn more about ACE, its support of Nebraska communities, and role in the Nebraska Choice Gas program at <a href="http://www.ACEenergy.org">www.ACEenergy.org</a>. For questions about ACE funding, please contact the Utility Office at (308) 762-5075.

By City of AllianceAlliance – ACE, the Public Alliance for Community Energy, is distributing $12,260 to the City of Alliance as its share of $200,000 being distributed through ACE’s revenue return program to the 76 Nebraska member communities of the not-for-profit, community-owned natural gas supplier.At the direction of the ACE Board, The City of Alliance has received $250,455 since the inception of ACE, for community betterment use. Since then the City has used these funds to assist with a suicide awareness and prevention training; purchase umbrellas and octopus at Big Blue Bay; construct Hal Murray Softball Complex sidewalks and protective backstop fencing; replace Senior Center windows; install Bower Park sprinkler system; expand the Rolling Prairie Disc Golf Course; assist with purchase of the holiday decorations for 3rd Street; and contribute toward the outside play equipment for the Alliance Recreation Center.This year’s Choice Gas Program Selection period will run through April 1 - 21. During this period, customers can choose a competitive rate and pricing option online at <a href="http://www.ACEenergy.org">www.ACEenergy.org</a> or by calling ACE at (800) 454-4759. Selection forms will be mailed out to all eligible customers prior to the start of the selection period, so make sure to keep an eye out for that.Learn more about ACE, its support of Nebraska communities, and role in the Nebraska Choice Gas program at <a href="http://www.ACEenergy.org">www.ACEenergy.org</a>. For questions about ACE funding, please contact the Utility Office at (308) 762-5075.

ACE distributing over $12,000 to City of Alliance 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey suggests that worries about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, soaring inflation and rising interest rates combined to undermine the confidence of business leaders in nine Midwest and Plains states. 

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said businesses also fear the war may worsen the ongoing supply chain problems and push commodity prices higher. 

The report’s confidence index fell to its lowest point ever in February when it hit 19.5, falling from January’s already low 36.2.

 Any score below 50 suggests a negative outlook. 

The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey suggests that worries about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, soaring inflation and rising interest rates combined to undermine the confidence of business leaders in nine Midwest and Plains states. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said businesses also fear the war may worsen the ongoing supply chain problems and push commodity prices higher. The report’s confidence index fell to its lowest point ever in February when it hit 19.5, falling from January’s already low 36.2. Any score below 50 suggests a negative outlook. The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Ukraine war, inflation hurt business outlook in 9 states

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk 3/2/22

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

On Thursday, June 9, the Alliance Poverty Task Force will be hosting another workshop in the Bridges Out of Poverty series. This one will be focused on the community and how we can create understanding and a common language. When businesses, schools, social services, healthcare providers, law enforcement, higher education, and churches work together with people from poverty, communities thrive. For the next two months we will be reviewing some of the things we have learned from the previous Bridges Out of Poverty workshops.

Bridges Out of Poverty defines poverty as the extent to which an individual does without resources. Bridges lists these as our resources:

Financial – being able to purchase goods and services. This is what we think of when we are talking about poverty; people who don’t earn enough to buy food, housing, and the other things they need.

Emotional – being able to choose and control emotional responses, particularly to negative situations, without engaging in self-destructive behavior. This shows itself through the choices we make.

Mental – having the mental abilities and acquired skills (reading, writing, computing) to deal with daily life.

Spiritual – believing in divine purpose and guidance.

Physical – having physical health and mobility.

Support Systems – having friends, family, and backup resources available to access in times of need.

Relationships/Role Models – having frequent access to adults who are appropriate, nurturing, and who do not engage in destructive behavior.

Knowledge of Hidden Rules – knowing the unspoken cues and habits of a group.

Coping Strategies – Being able to engage in mindsets, techniques, and self-talk that allow someone to move from a personal problem to the issue.

Some of the resources listed are self-explanatory, like physical resources. Some people may have physical handicaps severe enough that they may not ever be self-sufficient.

We typically think of poverty in terms of financial resources, and we have written several columns about personal finance issues. However, the ability to leave poverty depends more on a person’s other resources.

Several resources will be topics for future columns as we review issues in poverty. This research has been done by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. and her colleagues at the aha!Process, the parent company of Bridges Out of Poverty.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceOn Thursday, June 9, the Alliance Poverty Task Force will be hosting another workshop in the Bridges Out of Poverty series. This one will be focused on the community and how we can create understanding and a common language. When businesses, schools, social services, healthcare providers, law enforcement, higher education, and churches work together with people from poverty, communities thrive. For the next two months we will be reviewing some of the things we have learned from the previous Bridges Out of Poverty workshops.Bridges Out of Poverty defines poverty as the extent to which an individual does without resources. Bridges lists these as our resources:Financial – being able to purchase goods and services. This is what we think of when we are talking about poverty; people who don’t earn enough to buy food, housing, and the other things they need.Emotional – being able to choose and control emotional responses, particularly to negative situations, without engaging in self-destructive behavior. This shows itself through the choices we make.Mental – having the mental abilities and acquired skills (reading, writing, computing) to deal with daily life.Spiritual – believing in divine purpose and guidance.Physical – having physical health and mobility.Support Systems – having friends, family, and backup resources available to access in times of need.Relationships/Role Models – having frequent access to adults who are appropriate, nurturing, and who do not engage in destructive behavior.Knowledge of Hidden Rules – knowing the unspoken cues and habits of a group.Coping Strategies – Being able to engage in mindsets, techniques, and self-talk that allow someone to move from a personal problem to the issue.Some of the resources listed are self-explanatory, like physical resources. Some people may have physical handicaps severe enough that they may not ever be self-sufficient.We typically think of poverty in terms of financial resources, and we have written several columns about personal finance issues. However, the ability to leave poverty depends more on a person’s other resources.Several resources will be topics for future columns as we review issues in poverty. This research has been done by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. and her colleagues at the aha!Process, the parent company of Bridges Out of Poverty.

Poverty In Our Area: Poverty and resources 

Seth Sorenson discusses items on the agenda of the 3/1/22 Alliance City Council meeting.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=m4niz-11bf532-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Seth Sorenson discusses items on the agenda of the 3/1/22 Alliance City Council meeting.

POST PODCAST: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A bipartisan group of South Dakota House lawmakers is mounting a last-ditch effort to resurrect a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana. 

The bill had passed the Senate, but was dismissed by a House committee Monday. 

The proposal was resurrected by 26 House lawmakers on the House floor.

 But pot legalization advocates were still scrambling to find at least 10 more legislators willing to get behind the proposal by Wednesday. 

It would legalize recreational possession of up to an ounce of marijuana by people ages 21 and older.

 The bill would also allow marijuana to be grown, processed and sold.

By Associated PressPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A bipartisan group of South Dakota House lawmakers is mounting a last-ditch effort to resurrect a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana. The bill had passed the Senate, but was dismissed by a House committee Monday. The proposal was resurrected by 26 House lawmakers on the House floor. But pot legalization advocates were still scrambling to find at least 10 more legislators willing to get behind the proposal by Wednesday. It would legalize recreational possession of up to an ounce of marijuana by people ages 21 and older. The bill would also allow marijuana to be grown, processed and sold.

South Dakota House 'smokes out' recreational marijuana bill

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission It’s time to go trout fishing again in Nebraska. Rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and lakes across the state in March to enhance fishing opportunities this spring, especially in urban areas.

Additionally, the Two Rivers State Recreation Area Trout Lake in Douglas County will open March 12. By then, more than 12,000 rainbow and tiger trout will have been stocked in the lake.

All trout caught in the Trout Lake must be harvested and not released. Anglers first must purchase from the park office a daily trout tag for $6. Each tag is good for a daily bag limit of four trout. A person may have up to three tags per day and 12 trout in possession. An adult angler may have two children under the age of 16 fishing under the authority of his/her tag, but the group bag limit still is limited to four trout per tag.

The Trout Lake (Lake No. 5) will be open from 7 a.m. to sunset each day. Anglers, except residents younger than age 16, must have a Nebraska fishing license. All vehicles entering the park must have a park entry permit. Anglers possessing trout on any other lake at Two Rivers must have a trout tag, as well. Anglers will be allowed to use one fishing rod and reel each.

Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used.

“Rainbow trout are especially good for new anglers because they will bite readily on anything, including corn, wadded up pieces of bread or worms, and are easy and safe to handle,” said Larry Pape, aquatic education specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “You can use a simple spin-cast combo or a spinning rod and have a fun day catching trout.”

For resources to help beginners or even experienced anglers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDEuNTQyMzE5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9nb2luZ2Zpc2hpbmcvIn0.wejdYYOLupzP9zYCdh-xfpr4Mrb-2VCY3_RjUKhMQF8/s/497221906/br/127371377538-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/howtofish</a>.

The following is a schedule of tiger and rainbow trout stockings for this spring, including quantities. The dates can change because of weather or unforeseen circumstances:

Feb. 22 – Chadron State Park Pond, 500; Alliance Golf Course Pond, 400

Feb. 25 – East Branch of Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200

March 14 – Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, 900; Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, 4,100

March 15 – Bridgeport SRA Middle Lake, 2,000; Bridgeport SRA Northwest Lake, 1,400; Humboldt City Park Lake, 350; Pawnee City Pond, 300; Rotary Club Lake, Auburn, 800; Stanton Lake, Falls City, 200; Lake Halleck, Papillion, 1,200; Weeping Water Pond, 1,500; CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 2,500

March 16 – Fort Kearny SRA No. 6, Kearney, 1,200; Windmill SRA No. 2, Gibbon, 600; Holdrege City Lake, 1,000; Steinhart Park East Pond, Nebraska City, 800; Louisville SRA 1A, 600; Heartwell Park Lake, Hastings, 450; Such’s Lake, Grand Island, 650

March 17 – Ponca SP Pond, 750; Niobrara SP Pond, 600; Auble Pond, Ord, 750

March 18 – Ponca State Park, 750; Geneva Pond, 300

March 19 – Ta-Ha-Zouka Park Lake, Norfolk, 1,500 (9 a.m. Central time); Pawnee Park West Lake, Columbus, 1,500 (10 a.m.); Neligh Park Pond, West Point, 900 (11 a.m.); Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 4,000 (12:30 p.m.)

March 21 – Terry’s Pit, Terrytown, 1,500; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; Rock Creek Lake, Parks, 500; David City Park Pond West, 600

March 22 – Two Rivers SRA No. 5 (Trout Lake), 3,500; Bridgeport SRA Middle Lake, 2,000; Bridgeport SRA Northwest Lake, 1,400

March 28 – North Morrill Pond, 2,250; Middle Morrill Pond, 450

March 29 – Oxford City Lake, 150; Lake Helen, Gothenburg, 2,000; Plum Creek Park Lake, Lexington, 750

Other stockings of rainbow trout in March as time and weather allow – East Branch of Verdigre Creek, 600; Elm Creek, Elm Creek Wildlife Management Area, 1,000; Two Rivers SRA Lake No. 5 (Trout Lake), 10,500; Grove Lake WMA sandpit, Royal, 75; Gracie Creek Pond, 500

The following are a list of stockings of rainbow trout in April as time and weather allow –

East Branch of Verdigre Creek, 1,000; Two Rivers SRA Lake No. 5 (Trout Lake), 10,500; Keller Park SRA No. 4, 250; Keller Park SRA No. 5, 400; Sand Springs, Plum Creek Valley WMA, 400; Lake Ogallala, 12,000; Lake Carter P. Johnson, Fort Robinson SP, 2,500; Gilbert-Baker WMA Pond, 600; Birdwood WMA, North Platte, 1,000; Gracie Creek Pond, 1,000

Chadron City Reservoir North, 1,700; Chadron City Reservoir South, 1,700; Chadron SP Pond, 500; North Morrill Pond, 2,250; Middle Morrill Pond, 450; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; Bridgeport SRA Northwest Lake, 1,400; Terry’s Pit, Terrytown, 1,500; South Grabel Pond 2, Fort Robinson SP, 1,200; Middle Grabel Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 600; Cherry Creek Diversion Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 250; Rock Creek Lake, Parks, 1,500

For information on fish stocking online, including upcoming trout stocking dates, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDEuNTQyMzE5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoc3RvY2tpbmdyZXBvcnRzLyJ9.742A6wiyTJqJp7S8sVbrTF63MEW5IB9JnaeOjx9Tbc8/s/497221906/br/127371377538-l" target="_blank">outdoorNebraska.gov/fishstockingreports</a>.

By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission It’s time to go trout fishing again in Nebraska. Rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and lakes across the state in March to enhance fishing opportunities this spring, especially in urban areas.Additionally, the Two Rivers State Recreation Area Trout Lake in Douglas County will open March 12. By then, more than 12,000 rainbow and tiger trout will have been stocked in the lake.All trout caught in the Trout Lake must be harvested and not released. Anglers first must purchase from the park office a daily trout tag for $6. Each tag is good for a daily bag limit of four trout. A person may have up to three tags per day and 12 trout in possession. An adult angler may have two children under the age of 16 fishing under the authority of his/her tag, but the group bag limit still is limited to four trout per tag.The Trout Lake (Lake No. 5) will be open from 7 a.m. to sunset each day. Anglers, except residents younger than age 16, must have a Nebraska fishing license. All vehicles entering the park must have a park entry permit. Anglers possessing trout on any other lake at Two Rivers must have a trout tag, as well. Anglers will be allowed to use one fishing rod and reel each.Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used.“Rainbow trout are especially good for new anglers because they will bite readily on anything, including corn, wadded up pieces of bread or worms, and are easy and safe to handle,” said Larry Pape, aquatic education specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “You can use a simple spin-cast combo or a spinning rod and have a fun day catching trout.”For resources to help beginners or even experienced anglers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDEuNTQyMzE5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9nb2luZ2Zpc2hpbmcvIn0.wejdYYOLupzP9zYCdh-xfpr4Mrb-2VCY3_RjUKhMQF8/s/497221906/br/127371377538-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/howtofish</a>.The following is a schedule of tiger and rainbow trout stockings for this spring, including quantities. The dates can change because of weather or unforeseen circumstances:Tiger trout:Feb. 18 – Curtis Golf Course Pond, 300Feb. 22 – Chadron State Park Pond, 500; Alliance Golf Course Pond, 400Rainbow trout:Feb. 25 – East Branch of Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200March 14 – Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, 900; Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, 4,100March 15 – Bridgeport SRA Middle Lake, 2,000; Bridgeport SRA Northwest Lake, 1,400; Humboldt City Park Lake, 350; Pawnee City Pond, 300; Rotary Club Lake, Auburn, 800; Stanton Lake, Falls City, 200; Lake Halleck, Papillion, 1,200; Weeping Water Pond, 1,500; CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 2,500March 16 – Fort Kearny SRA No. 6, Kearney, 1,200; Windmill SRA No. 2, Gibbon, 600; Holdrege City Lake, 1,000; Steinhart Park East Pond, Nebraska City, 800; Louisville SRA 1A, 600; Heartwell Park Lake, Hastings, 450; Such’s Lake, Grand Island, 650March 17 – Ponca SP Pond, 750; Niobrara SP Pond, 600; Auble Pond, Ord, 750March 18 – Ponca State Park, 750; Geneva Pond, 300March 19 – Ta-Ha-Zouka Park Lake, Norfolk, 1,500 (9 a.m. Central time); Pawnee Park West Lake, Columbus, 1,500 (10 a.m.); Neligh Park Pond, West Point, 900 (11 a.m.); Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 4,000 (12:30 p.m.)March 21 – Terry’s Pit, Terrytown, 1,500; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; Rock Creek Lake, Parks, 500; David City Park Pond West, 600March 22 – Two Rivers SRA No. 5 (Trout Lake), 3,500; Bridgeport SRA Middle Lake, 2,000; Bridgeport SRA Northwest Lake, 1,400March 28 – North Morrill Pond, 2,250; Middle Morrill Pond, 450March 29 – Oxford City Lake, 150; Lake Helen, Gothenburg, 2,000; Plum Creek Park Lake, Lexington, 750Other stockings of rainbow trout in March as time and weather allow – East Branch of Verdigre Creek, 600; Elm Creek, Elm Creek Wildlife Management Area, 1,000; Two Rivers SRA Lake No. 5 (Trout Lake), 10,500; Grove Lake WMA sandpit, Royal, 75; Gracie Creek Pond, 500The following are a list of stockings of rainbow trout in April as time and weather allow –East Branch of Verdigre Creek, 1,000; Two Rivers SRA Lake No. 5 (Trout Lake), 10,500; Keller Park SRA No. 4, 250; Keller Park SRA No. 5, 400; Sand Springs, Plum Creek Valley WMA, 400; Lake Ogallala, 12,000; Lake Carter P. Johnson, Fort Robinson SP, 2,500; Gilbert-Baker WMA Pond, 600; Birdwood WMA, North Platte, 1,000; Gracie Creek Pond, 1,000Chadron City Reservoir North, 1,700; Chadron City Reservoir South, 1,700; Chadron SP Pond, 500; North Morrill Pond, 2,250; Middle Morrill Pond, 450; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; Bridgeport SRA Northwest Lake, 1,400; Terry’s Pit, Terrytown, 1,500; South Grabel Pond 2, Fort Robinson SP, 1,200; Middle Grabel Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 600; Cherry Creek Diversion Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 250; Rock Creek Lake, Parks, 1,500For information on fish stocking online, including upcoming trout stocking dates, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDEuNTQyMzE5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoc3RvY2tpbmdyZXBvcnRzLyJ9.742A6wiyTJqJp7S8sVbrTF63MEW5IB9JnaeOjx9Tbc8/s/497221906/br/127371377538-l" target="_blank">outdoorNebraska.gov/fishstockingreports</a>.

Trout stocking begin in Chadron, Alliance, Scottsbluff, Bridgeport 

Alliance – The City of Alliance announced that there will be a scheduled power outage on Thursday, March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

Following is a list of areas that will be affected:

Sweetwater-odd side- from 10th to 15th Streets

Yellowstone-both sides of street-from 10th to 15th Streets

Duncan-even side-from 10th to 14th Streets

Missouri-odd side-from 10th to 14th Streets

Mississippi-both sides of street-from 10th to 14th Streets

Grand-even side-from 10th to 14th Streets

Potash-odd side-from 10th to 12th Streets

Hudson-even side-from 10th to 12th Streets

North side of E 14th-from Sweetwater to Duncan-The Countryside Apartments

This outage is required to repair the conductors and pole at 10th and Mississippi. 

We appreciate everyone's patience during this time.

If you are still experiencing issues after 12:00 pm, please contact the City of Alliance Utility Office at (308)-762-5075.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The City of Alliance announced that there will be a scheduled power outage on Thursday, March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Following is a list of areas that will be affected:Sweetwater-odd side- from 10th to 15th StreetsYellowstone-both sides of street-from 10th to 15th StreetsDuncan-even side-from 10th to 14th StreetsMissouri-odd side-from 10th to 14th StreetsMississippi-both sides of street-from 10th to 14th StreetsGrand-even side-from 10th to 14th StreetsPotash-odd side-from 10th to 12th StreetsHudson-even side-from 10th to 12th StreetsNorth side of E 14th-from Sweetwater to Duncan-The Countryside ApartmentsThis outage is required to repair the conductors and pole at 10th and Mississippi. We appreciate everyone's patience during this time.If you are still experiencing issues after 12:00 pm, please contact the City of Alliance Utility Office at (308)-762-5075.

City of Alliance plans scheduled power outage

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska public schools would have to teach lessons about the Holocaust and other episodes of genocide under a bill advanced by lawmakers.

 Lawmakers gave the measure initial approval on a 44-0 vote, despite some questions about which specific moments in history could be defined as genocide.

 Sen. Jen Day, of Omaha, says she introduced the bill to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska public schools would have to teach lessons about the Holocaust and other episodes of genocide under a bill advanced by lawmakers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646163865214.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure> Lawmakers gave the measure initial approval on a 44-0 vote, despite some questions about which specific moments in history could be defined as genocide. Sen. Jen Day, of Omaha, says she introduced the bill to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. Day says it’s particularly important now as more people who experienced the atrocities firsthand age and die.

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