By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Hunters of upland and small game, waterfowl, fall turkey and deer will receive emailed invitations to participate in surveys about their harvest and hunting experiences.

These surveys, which the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission uses to estimate harvest, hunter participation and satisfaction — and to inform management decisions — will be emailed over several weeks, beginning Feb. 14. Surveys generally are available to participants for two weeks starting from the initial invitation.

Hunters who receive the invitation but have not responded to the survey will receive a reminder message midway through the survey period.

For hunters without internet access or who have not included an email address when they purchased their permit, the surveys will be available on the Game and Parks website.

Those who hunted multiple types of game may receive invitations to surveys specific to those game species and should complete each one.

Postseason surveys are among the best ways Game and Parks has to estimate harvest and participation and gauge satisfaction with hunting experiences. Hunters are encouraged to complete their surveys, even if no game was harvested.

“Game and Parks places tremendous value on hunter and public input because it helps us provide the best management services possible,” said Alicia Hardin, wildlife division administrator. “If you hunted, please take the surveys so your feedback informs our decisions.”

Results from these annual surveys will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAyMTQuNTM0MTIxNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.Inf5Gj4xwLaiKgHmIwv4qVVJUTbeJ4k3FdBo84Lhhig/s/497221906/br/126608734476-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;when they become available.

By Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionHunters of upland and small game, waterfowl, fall turkey and deer will receive emailed invitations to participate in surveys about their harvest and hunting experiences.These surveys, which the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission uses to estimate harvest, hunter participation and satisfaction — and to inform management decisions — will be emailed over several weeks, beginning Feb. 14. Surveys generally are available to participants for two weeks starting from the initial invitation.Hunters who receive the invitation but have not responded to the survey will receive a reminder message midway through the survey period.For hunters without internet access or who have not included an email address when they purchased their permit, the surveys will be available on the Game and Parks website.Those who hunted multiple types of game may receive invitations to surveys specific to those game species and should complete each one.Postseason surveys are among the best ways Game and Parks has to estimate harvest and participation and gauge satisfaction with hunting experiences. Hunters are encouraged to complete their surveys, even if no game was harvested.“Game and Parks places tremendous value on hunter and public input because it helps us provide the best management services possible,” said Alicia Hardin, wildlife division administrator. “If you hunted, please take the surveys so your feedback informs our decisions.”Results from these annual surveys will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAyMTQuNTM0MTIxNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.Inf5Gj4xwLaiKgHmIwv4qVVJUTbeJ4k3FdBo84Lhhig/s/497221906/br/126608734476-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;when they become available.

Surveys hitting hunters’ inboxes soon

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – A team of Chadron State College students placed first in the Rangeland Cup competition at the International Society for Range Management (SRM) meeting in Albuquerque Feb. 6-10. They are Emma Pendleton of Hemingford, Nebraska, Brolin Morgan of McCook, Nebraska, and Hayden and Sage McGinnis of Buena Vista, Colorado. CSC competed against six other teams. CSC won the competition once before in 2009.&nbsp;Chadron State College Associate Professor Dr. Anthony Perlinski said the problem-solving competition is designed to promote critical thinking and collaborative work on current topics or topics of historical importance to rangeland ecology and management.

Perlinski said the students were given the topic before the semester break so they had about two months to conduct research and create their poster and presentation.&nbsp;Perlinski said he felt this year’s topic was particularly challenging.

“As we progress in our careers, much of our work is performed as part of a group.&nbsp;The Rangeland Cup competition is intended to build skills in interpersonal communication and group-problem solving, both of which are highly desired qualities in the workplace,” Perlinski said. “I was really proud of the way all of our students performed.&nbsp;We took a few experienced students, but for the majority, this was their first SRM meeting and student competition.&nbsp;It’s great they have the Rangeland Cup back home and we have a motivated group of students excited for next year.”

In addition to the four students on the winning team, seven other CSC students attended the meeting and participated in the Undergraduate Range Management Exam that consists of plant identification and extemporaneous speaking. The students are Camryn Klein of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Robert Hansen of Camp Crook, S.D., Makennen Havlat of Seward, Neb., Julie Geiman of Rapid City, S.D., Savannah Solon of Kadoka, S.D., Rebekah Pobanz of Grand Island, Neb., and Timothy May of Rapid City, S.D.

CSC’s winning presentation dealt with urban expansion and its impact according to Sage McGinnis.

“Winning the award was so satisfying because all of our hard work over the past few months really paid off and we are all very thankful for that. I am so thankful for the experience and to be able to represent ourselves, the Rangeland Management program, and Chadron State College well,” Sage McGinnis said.

Morgan said she was impressed with the intelligence of those at the conference.

“Learning and listening to the amount of knowledge the judges and other members have was eye-opening and made me realize how much there is to learn. Ultimately, I think that competing in the Rangeland Cup at SRM really broadened my horizons in rangeland and made me a better student overall. I want to thank and acknowledge my other team members for their excellent jobs and the immense amount of effort that was put into this presentation,” Morgan said.

Pendleton said it was wonderful to take an issue the team felt passionate about and advocate for it on an international level as representatives of CSC.

“I feel honored to be included in a group with the other competitors from various colleges who showed up to the Range Cup to present with equal passion for rangeland and motivation for solving problems to further the future of this field,” Pendleton said.

Perlinski said the C.F. Coffee Foundation funded research and the travel expenses for students.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – A team of Chadron State College students placed first in the Rangeland Cup competition at the International Society for Range Management (SRM) meeting in Albuquerque Feb. 6-10. They are Emma Pendleton of Hemingford, Nebraska, Brolin Morgan of McCook, Nebraska, and Hayden and Sage McGinnis of Buena Vista, Colorado. CSC competed against six other teams. CSC won the competition once before in 2009.&nbsp;Chadron State College Associate Professor Dr. Anthony Perlinski said the problem-solving competition is designed to promote critical thinking and collaborative work on current topics or topics of historical importance to rangeland ecology and management.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644948554837.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College team members pose with the Rangeland Cup, from left, Brolin Morgan of McCook, Neb., Emma Pendleton of Hemingford, Neb., Sage McGinnis of Buena Vista, Colo., Society for Range Management President Dr. Poncho Ortega, and Hayden McGinnis of Buena Vista, Colo., Feb. 9, 2022, in Albuquerque. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College team members pose with the Rangeland Cup, from left, Brolin Morgan of McCook, Neb., Emma Pendleton of Hemingford, Neb., Sage McGinnis of Buena Vista, Colo., Society for Range Management President Dr. Poncho Ortega, and Hayden McGinnis of Buena Vista, Colo., Feb. 9, 2022, in Albuquerque. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Perlinski said the students were given the topic before the semester break so they had about two months to conduct research and create their poster and presentation.&nbsp;Perlinski said he felt this year’s topic was particularly challenging.“As we progress in our careers, much of our work is performed as part of a group.&nbsp;The Rangeland Cup competition is intended to build skills in interpersonal communication and group-problem solving, both of which are highly desired qualities in the workplace,” Perlinski said. “I was really proud of the way all of our students performed.&nbsp;We took a few experienced students, but for the majority, this was their first SRM meeting and student competition.&nbsp;It’s great they have the Rangeland Cup back home and we have a motivated group of students excited for next year.”In addition to the four students on the winning team, seven other CSC students attended the meeting and participated in the Undergraduate Range Management Exam that consists of plant identification and extemporaneous speaking. The students are Camryn Klein of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Robert Hansen of Camp Crook, S.D., Makennen Havlat of Seward, Neb., Julie Geiman of Rapid City, S.D., Savannah Solon of Kadoka, S.D., Rebekah Pobanz of Grand Island, Neb., and Timothy May of Rapid City, S.D.CSC’s winning presentation dealt with urban expansion and its impact according to Sage McGinnis.“Winning the award was so satisfying because all of our hard work over the past few months really paid off and we are all very thankful for that. I am so thankful for the experience and to be able to represent ourselves, the Rangeland Management program, and Chadron State College well,” Sage McGinnis said.Morgan said she was impressed with the intelligence of those at the conference.“Learning and listening to the amount of knowledge the judges and other members have was eye-opening and made me realize how much there is to learn. Ultimately, I think that competing in the Rangeland Cup at SRM really broadened my horizons in rangeland and made me a better student overall. I want to thank and acknowledge my other team members for their excellent jobs and the immense amount of effort that was put into this presentation,” Morgan said.Pendleton said it was wonderful to take an issue the team felt passionate about and advocate for it on an international level as representatives of CSC.“I feel honored to be included in a group with the other competitors from various colleges who showed up to the Range Cup to present with equal passion for rangeland and motivation for solving problems to further the future of this field,” Pendleton said.Perlinski said the C.F. Coffee Foundation funded research and the travel expenses for students.

CSC Range Management team takes first place

By Kerri Rempp, Discover Northwest Nebraska

Residents of and visitors to Northwest Nebraska in June have probably heard – and possibly took part in – the Crazy Horse Volksmarch, an annual event that brings together thousands for an organized hike up Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. And now, volkssporting has come to Northwest Nebraska.

German for “sport of the people,” volkssporting includes non-competitive activities like walking and biking with fun, fitness and friendship for all ages and abilities the focus. America’s Walking Club, the national volkssporting organization, oversees 200 clubs and 2,500 events nationwide annually, including the Crazy Horse Volksmarch.

Northwest Nebraska has launched three nationally-sanctioned volksmarch trails classified for either year-round or seasonal use and will host its own Volksmarch event in May.

Gary Danford, a local volksmarcher who discovered the sport overseas years ago, pitched the idea of bringing the sport to the region in 2021, and Discover Northwest Nebraska and the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association have worked closely with the Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers club in Omaha to navigate the process.

Danford was working in Germany when he was introduced to volksmarching, giving him the opportunity to see the countryside and meet people.

“It’s not strenuous exercise. You just enjoy yourself; there’s no rush,” Danford said, explaining what attracts him to volksmarching. Regular volksmarchers can also use special books to collect stamps from the areas they’ve walked and track their progress, so it becomes a personal challenge, too, Danford said.

“Volksmarching opened our eyes to so many new things in our own community. We quickly expanded to seeking out these great walking opportunities across the state of Nebraska, throughout the U.S. and other countries. There are so many things to see that can only be experienced on foot,” said Sandy Spaulding, a member of the Trailblazers Club, who has helped coordinate the effort in Northwest Nebraska.

The end result is two year-round trails and one seasonal trail that volksmarchers can complete on their own schedules and an organized event planned this spring. The year-round and seasonal trails in Northwest Nebraska are the only volksmarch trails in the state west of North Platte, and the organized event will be the only one in the state west of Grand Island, according to a search on ava.org, the website for America’s Walking Club.

“Having sanctioned Volksmarch trails and an event supports the NNTA's mission to promote non-motorized trails in Northwest Nebraska and will help showcase our beautiful trails to many who may not have known of them before,” said NNTA chairman Brittany Helmbrecht. “We have numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration in this area and the opportunity to share them through the Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers Club is a major success for our organization and Northwest Nebraska.”

Whether individuals were introduced to volkssporting overseas or in the U.S., one thing they all agree on is the value of the camaraderie they find on the trails.

James, a member of the Trailblazers Club in Omaha, discovered volksmarching in Germany and as of last September has completed 1,000 volksmarches since 1971.

“We took our two sons, enlisted about 15 of my fellow soldiers that Saturday on a Labor Day weekend,” he said of the annual Barbarosa Marsch. “We volksmarched with a thousand other Germans in the foothills of the Spessart Mountains. We enjoyed it and the comradeship. We went again the next day to another volksmarch and were hooked.”

Dudley and Kim, also members of the Trailblazers, met each other on the volksmarch trail in northern France. The pair spent the walk chatting and getting to know each other and eventually married.

“So, there is truth to my claim that I met my wife wandering aimlessly in a French vineyard,” Dudley said. “It is an anniversary ever time we attend a walk!”

With a global pandemic in recent years, the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the company of others has served as an important touchstone for Jill, also a Trailblazer member.

“During the pandemic I was limited in other ways but walking with my volkssport friends kept me connected with a social network. It was like a lifeline for me,” she said.

All of Northwest Nebraska’s volksmarch trails have an online start box established at <a href="https://my.ava.org/find-an-event.php">https://my.ava.org/find-an-event.php</a> that walkers can use, or maps and stamps for each are available during business hours at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce for a remote physical start.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Trail

The seasonal trail at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Sioux County south of Harrison takes walkers through the High Plains mixed grass prairie of the Niobrara River valley and out to fossil sites, where they can view ancient fossils in-situ.

Before or after your walk, explore everything Agate Fossil Beds has to offer. Established in 1965, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument exhibits and walking trails that detail the ancient mammals that called the region home, ranging from small rhinos and gazelle camels to burrowing land beavers and the large Moropus, an animal that resembled a cross between a horse and a ground sloth. The park is also home to the famed Cook Collection, which showcases the relationship between rancher James Cook and Native American Chief Red Cloud and other Plains Indians.

Open April 1 to Sept. 30, the trail is rated 1A, a relatively easy walk with an overall elevation gain of less than 200 feet.

The year-round trail at Chadron State College begins at the city’s Chadron War Memorial Park and winds its way along scenic paved and dirt trails on and south of the Chadron State College campus. The north end of the trail takes hikers past pollinator-attracting wildflower beds, water catchments for windbreaks of native trees, and new student housing landscapes filled with high plains low-water-use plants.

The buffalo grass trail carries pedestrians past an intentionally developed water-conserving landscape of the college’s Rangeland Complex.

As the trail continues west, buttes and other rock formations in Dawes County can be seen. The historic C-Hill, which was built in 1924, towers over the route and a quick jaunt to the top offers views of the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. Just past C-Hill and as the trail meanders to the south, hikers can stop by the CSC Labyrinth, a project designed and created by the Art department and community volunteers. The labyrinth was built in an abandoned water cistern that once served as Chadron’s water storage tank and provides respite in nature and an opportunity for reflection and contemplation to those who enter.

The Mari Sandoz Heritage Trail, the concrete trail locally known as the “Snake,” winds through the Thompson Natural History Preserve and is highlighted by crossing the upper dam at Briggs Pond and coursing to a scenic overlook of the city at the top. Benches allow users to rest and take in views. This trail connects back to the grass trail, traversing above the college’s new track and past the starting line of the cross country course, or brings users out to the recently-renovated football stadium and Chicoine Center, home of the college’s athletic department.

The trail is rated 2B, with some moderate climbing and an elevation change of 200-1,000 feet.

Each year, America’s Walking Club designates official special programs, encouraging walkers to find trails that match the criteria. Chadron State College Trail walkers can Walk With America’s Veterans, a special program that encourages volksmarchers to walk for fitness while discovering the ways veterans are honored for their military service. The Chadron trail begins in War Memorial Park at the Statue of Liberty replica placed there in 1950 by the Boy Scouts and rededicated by the World War II committee in 199.

The trail also takes users past the CSC Clock Tower for the Clock Tower program, which challenges walkers to find public clocks while enjoying volksporting.

The White River Trail connects the Crawford City Park with Fort Robinson State Park, running along a former railroad track and crossing the White River. It provides stunning views of the tree-covered buttes and access to a wide range of military, pioneer and Native American history at Fort Robinson State Park. The park is the site of Crazy Horse’s surrender and death, housed Buffalo Soldiers, cavalry, K-9 training units, a German prisoner-of-war camp and more.

Stagecoach tours, jeep and horseback rides, two museums and a variety of other activities offer additional stops before or after your volksmarch.

The trail is designated as a year-round one and is rated as 1B, an essentially level walk.

Plans call for the White River Trail, which is built on a single grade and rated 1B, to eventually be part of the Great American Rail Trail, which will one day run coast-to-coast.

In conjunction with the launch of the sanctioned trails, Discover Northwest Nebraska, Northwest Nebraska Trails Association, Panhandle Public Health District and Chadron Community Hospital are

organizing a volksmarch event, planned for May 21 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Registration information for the event can be found at <a href="http://www.netrailblazers.club/walks-and-events/2022-walk-calendar/">http://www.netrailblazers.club/walks-and-events/2022-walk-calendar/</a>.

For more information on volksmarching, visit one of the following sites: <a href="http://www.netrailblazers.club">www.netrailblazers.club</a>, <a href="http://www.ava.org">www.ava.org</a>, or <a href="http://www.discovernwnebraska.com/volksmarch/">www.discovernwnebraska.com/volksmarch/</a>.

By Kerri Rempp, Discover Northwest NebraskaResidents of and visitors to Northwest Nebraska in June have probably heard – and possibly took part in – the Crazy Horse Volksmarch, an annual event that brings together thousands for an organized hike up Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. And now, volkssporting has come to Northwest Nebraska.German for “sport of the people,” volkssporting includes non-competitive activities like walking and biking with fun, fitness and friendship for all ages and abilities the focus. America’s Walking Club, the national volkssporting organization, oversees 200 clubs and 2,500 events nationwide annually, including the Crazy Horse Volksmarch.Northwest Nebraska has launched three nationally-sanctioned volksmarch trails classified for either year-round or seasonal use and will host its own Volksmarch event in May.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644942694427.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska - Chadron State College's volksmarch trail takes users near the labyrinth, providing a stop for contemplation and reflection.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska - Chadron State College's volksmarch trail takes users near the labyrinth, providing a stop for contemplation and reflection.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Gary Danford, a local volksmarcher who discovered the sport overseas years ago, pitched the idea of bringing the sport to the region in 2021, and Discover Northwest Nebraska and the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association have worked closely with the Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers club in Omaha to navigate the process.Danford was working in Germany when he was introduced to volksmarching, giving him the opportunity to see the countryside and meet people.“It’s not strenuous exercise. You just enjoy yourself; there’s no rush,” Danford said, explaining what attracts him to volksmarching. Regular volksmarchers can also use special books to collect stamps from the areas they’ve walked and track their progress, so it becomes a personal challenge, too, Danford said.“Volksmarching opened our eyes to so many new things in our own community. We quickly expanded to seeking out these great walking opportunities across the state of Nebraska, throughout the U.S. and other countries. There are so many things to see that can only be experienced on foot,” said Sandy Spaulding, a member of the Trailblazers Club, who has helped coordinate the effort in Northwest Nebraska.The end result is two year-round trails and one seasonal trail that volksmarchers can complete on their own schedules and an organized event planned this spring. The year-round and seasonal trails in Northwest Nebraska are the only volksmarch trails in the state west of North Platte, and the organized event will be the only one in the state west of Grand Island, according to a search on ava.org, the website for America’s Walking Club.“Having sanctioned Volksmarch trails and an event supports the NNTA's mission to promote non-motorized trails in Northwest Nebraska and will help showcase our beautiful trails to many who may not have known of them before,” said NNTA chairman Brittany Helmbrecht. “We have numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration in this area and the opportunity to share them through the Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers Club is a major success for our organization and Northwest Nebraska.”Whether individuals were introduced to volkssporting overseas or in the U.S., one thing they all agree on is the value of the camaraderie they find on the trails.James, a member of the Trailblazers Club in Omaha, discovered volksmarching in Germany and as of last September has completed 1,000 volksmarches since 1971.“We took our two sons, enlisted about 15 of my fellow soldiers that Saturday on a Labor Day weekend,” he said of the annual Barbarosa Marsch. “We volksmarched with a thousand other Germans in the foothills of the Spessart Mountains. We enjoyed it and the comradeship. We went again the next day to another volksmarch and were hooked.”Dudley and Kim, also members of the Trailblazers, met each other on the volksmarch trail in northern France. The pair spent the walk chatting and getting to know each other and eventually married.“So, there is truth to my claim that I met my wife wandering aimlessly in a French vineyard,” Dudley said. “It is an anniversary ever time we attend a walk!”With a global pandemic in recent years, the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the company of others has served as an important touchstone for Jill, also a Trailblazer member.“During the pandemic I was limited in other ways but walking with my volkssport friends kept me connected with a social network. It was like a lifeline for me,” she said.All of Northwest Nebraska’s volksmarch trails have an online start box established at <a href="https://my.ava.org/find-an-event.php">https://my.ava.org/find-an-event.php</a> that walkers can use, or maps and stamps for each are available during business hours at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce for a remote physical start.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644942740615.jpeg" alt="Photo by Kerri Rempp/Discover Northwest Nebraska - Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the volksmarch trails established in Northwest Nebraska.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kerri Rempp/Discover Northwest Nebraska - Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the volksmarch trails established in Northwest Nebraska.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Agate Fossil Beds National Monument TrailThe seasonal trail at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Sioux County south of Harrison takes walkers through the High Plains mixed grass prairie of the Niobrara River valley and out to fossil sites, where they can view ancient fossils in-situ.Before or after your walk, explore everything Agate Fossil Beds has to offer. Established in 1965, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument exhibits and walking trails that detail the ancient mammals that called the region home, ranging from small rhinos and gazelle camels to burrowing land beavers and the large Moropus, an animal that resembled a cross between a horse and a ground sloth. The park is also home to the famed Cook Collection, which showcases the relationship between rancher James Cook and Native American Chief Red Cloud and other Plains Indians.Open April 1 to Sept. 30, the trail is rated 1A, a relatively easy walk with an overall elevation gain of less than 200 feet.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644942782817.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska - A side trip to the top of C-Hill as part of the Chadron State College volksmarch offers far-reaching views.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska - A side trip to the top of C-Hill as part of the Chadron State College volksmarch offers far-reaching views.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State College TrailThe year-round trail at Chadron State College begins at the city’s Chadron War Memorial Park and winds its way along scenic paved and dirt trails on and south of the Chadron State College campus. The north end of the trail takes hikers past pollinator-attracting wildflower beds, water catchments for windbreaks of native trees, and new student housing landscapes filled with high plains low-water-use plants.The buffalo grass trail carries pedestrians past an intentionally developed water-conserving landscape of the college’s Rangeland Complex.As the trail continues west, buttes and other rock formations in Dawes County can be seen. The historic C-Hill, which was built in 1924, towers over the route and a quick jaunt to the top offers views of the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. Just past C-Hill and as the trail meanders to the south, hikers can stop by the CSC Labyrinth, a project designed and created by the Art department and community volunteers. The labyrinth was built in an abandoned water cistern that once served as Chadron’s water storage tank and provides respite in nature and an opportunity for reflection and contemplation to those who enter.The Mari Sandoz Heritage Trail, the concrete trail locally known as the “Snake,” winds through the Thompson Natural History Preserve and is highlighted by crossing the upper dam at Briggs Pond and coursing to a scenic overlook of the city at the top. Benches allow users to rest and take in views. This trail connects back to the grass trail, traversing above the college’s new track and past the starting line of the cross country course, or brings users out to the recently-renovated football stadium and Chicoine Center, home of the college’s athletic department.The trail is rated 2B, with some moderate climbing and an elevation change of 200-1,000 feet.Each year, America’s Walking Club designates official special programs, encouraging walkers to find trails that match the criteria. Chadron State College Trail walkers can Walk With America’s Veterans, a special program that encourages volksmarchers to walk for fitness while discovering the ways veterans are honored for their military service. The Chadron trail begins in War Memorial Park at the Statue of Liberty replica placed there in 1950 by the Boy Scouts and rededicated by the World War II committee in 199.The trail also takes users past the CSC Clock Tower for the Clock Tower program, which challenges walkers to find public clocks while enjoying volksporting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644942842574.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska - The White River Trail provides users with an excellent view of the Red Cloud Buttes near Crawford.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brandon Davenport/Discover Northwest Nebraska - The White River Trail provides users with an excellent view of the Red Cloud Buttes near Crawford.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>White River TrailThe White River Trail connects the Crawford City Park with Fort Robinson State Park, running along a former railroad track and crossing the White River. It provides stunning views of the tree-covered buttes and access to a wide range of military, pioneer and Native American history at Fort Robinson State Park. The park is the site of Crazy Horse’s surrender and death, housed Buffalo Soldiers, cavalry, K-9 training units, a German prisoner-of-war camp and more.Stagecoach tours, jeep and horseback rides, two museums and a variety of other activities offer additional stops before or after your volksmarch.The trail is designated as a year-round one and is rated as 1B, an essentially level walk.Plans call for the White River Trail, which is built on a single grade and rated 1B, to eventually be part of the Great American Rail Trail, which will one day run coast-to-coast.Northwest Nebraska VolksmarchIn conjunction with the launch of the sanctioned trails, Discover Northwest Nebraska, Northwest Nebraska Trails Association, Panhandle Public Health District and Chadron Community Hospital areorganizing a volksmarch event, planned for May 21 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Registration information for the event can be found at <a href="http://www.netrailblazers.club/walks-and-events/2022-walk-calendar/">http://www.netrailblazers.club/walks-and-events/2022-walk-calendar/</a>.For more information on volksmarching, visit one of the following sites: <a href="http://www.netrailblazers.club">www.netrailblazers.club</a>, <a href="http://www.ava.org">www.ava.org</a>, or <a href="http://www.discovernwnebraska.com/volksmarch/">www.discovernwnebraska.com/volksmarch/</a>.

Volksmarching arrives in Northwest Nebraska

By Western Nebraska Community College

SCOTTSBLUFF- Western Nebraska Community College is proud to announce that the following students were honored on the Fall 2021 President's List (4.0 GPA) and Dean's List (3.40-3.99 GPA).

Thirty-four students finished the semester with a 4.0 grade point average to make the President's List, and 121 were honored on the Dean's List. 

Alliance - Angela M. Judge; Crawford - Karen Norton; Gering - Kathryn J. Blankenship, Macey C. Boggs, Allison Catherine Maschmeier, Mackenzie L. Schreiber; Hemingford - Dorthea L. Boerkircher; Lincoln - Alex Krause; McCook - Colin A. Giron; Scottsbluff - Angelica C. Anaya, Mireya J. Barraza, Albino F. Canales, Olivia Ann Hilyard, Shelbi D. Klingsporn, Kaia E. Larson, Ryan Lenhart; Sutherland - Phillip Todd Pearson.

Aurora - Isabella T. Coffman; Byers - Caden T. Eymann; Fort Collins - Brian Bruxvoort, Shawn D. Garrett; Parker - Victoria A. Wharton; Rifle - Paul Gerardo Cerros-Rosales.

Pine Bluffs - Hyleigh C. Fornstrom, Scott J. Michaud; Sheridan - Quinn Aaron McCafferty; Torrington - Emma J. Johnson.

Oro Valley, Arizona - Bradley William Austin; Hayward, California - David R. Argamosa; Price, Utah - Emma S. Mortensen; Draper, Utah - Alexis Parker; Seoul, South Korea - Damin Kang; Abbotsford, British Columbia - Kathryn Audrey McMillan; Kincardine, Ontario - William Potter.

Alliance - Lizbeth A. Carrillo, Triston Cochran, Joanne S. Gomez, Jared E. Gruber, Megan N. McLaughlin, Keaton Jon Morgan, Alexander M. Plog, Jacobi R. Stumpff, Garrett White; Bayard - Bridgette L. Leise, Trevor C. Reish; Bridgeport - Daniel G. Todd; Broken Bow - Jordan Lemburg; Chadron - Wendy Chasek, Eva Hare; Chappell - Charlene E. Amen; Dalton - Ethan Eckhardt, Peter J. Flamig, Alyson Holt; Dix - Kasandra Y. Stricklin; Gering - Chase L. Danielzuk, Michael O. Gifford, Levi William Gool, Tiffany N. Jones, David J. Karpf, Kaycee J. Schmidt, Hannah Vath, Lizeth Patricia Veliz Pelayo, Camilla A. Wegelin, Elli Winkler; Gibbon - Riley J. Gaudreault; Hastings - Denton Stark; Hemingford - James D. Jacobs; Holdrege - Eli L. Borden; Kimball - Chelsea D. Malson, Avery D. Wicker; Lincoln - Danielle R. Schick; Lyman - Storm M. Lossing; Minatare - Anna M. Loomis, Dario Rodriguez; Mitchell - Haleigh R. Crable, Deirdre A. McCalib, Mykinzee Jo Musfelt, John T. Plasencio; Morrill - Mickayla A. Burg, Paityn Dawn Homan; North Platte - Nicholas M. Miller; Palmyra - Valerie Gage; Ravenna - Kale R. Eilenstine; Sargent - Abaigeal E. O'Connor; Scottsbluff - Jerod J. Balthazor, Alexa M. Deam-Nein, Mariah G. Eichner, Allysa M. Eutsler, Lincoln J. Frank, Octavious J. Gonazalez, Tomi K. Hall, Salem P. Harsh, Sapphire Hill, Destany A. Hill, Skylar C. Howell, Maya Jolie Huirong Wilson, Madison Mae Johnston, Jackson W. Jones, Alyssa M. Liebich, Katelyn Loos, Keegan Brett Nation, Danielle C. Oliva, Shayane Poirot-Allard, Taliesin D. Reese, Jodeanna L. Richardson, Justin M. Rocha, Kirsten D. Saldivar, Gabriel C. Salinas, Guadalupe Sierra, Kinleigh M. Soule, Kayler R. Soule, Riley Hunter Strauch, Steffi Geline S. Tactacan, Jacob S. Thomas, Blake W. Wilson, Isabella G. Wright; Sidney - Nathan Dankers, Samuel Hasman, Ashlee K. Ringleman, Tara Schnell, Jessica M. Webb.

Aurora - Zachary J. Meininger, Aaron J. Meininger, Bradley C. Morganegg; Bennett - Spencer Ohu; Boulder - Sephanie Lopez; Centennial - Emma L. Schweitzer; Elizabeth - Bailey Gray Blanchard; Fort Morgan - Noah J. Gettman; Loveland - Kaitlan M. Vanderhoff; Parker - Isabella Mumford; Swink - Baylie Krueger; Thornton - Andrea Jimenez; Wellington - Sergio Tarango.

Cheyenne - Bradly H. Candiracci; Torrington - Brooklyn H. Tucker.

Friendswood, Texas - Alessandra Meoni; Glenwood, Iowa - Christopher M. Haldeman; Moyers, Oklahoma - Joshua M. Jimenez; Rapid City, South Dakota - Ashley Nicole Meier; Spearfish, South Dakota - Brock J. Bacon; Springville, Utah - Morgan K. Dustin; Columbo, Brazil - Raquel De Souza Ferreira; Gracias, Honduras - Maria Lidia Garcia Martinez; Hawera, New Zealand - Isabelle Cook; Joinville, Brazil - Valeria Saturno; Markham, Ontario - Genet Mebratu; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Ana Caroline Matta Lopes; Rottofreno, Italy - Erica Fava; Seoul, South Korea - Yoon Sung Jun, Dahee Kang, Hyemin Lee, Jonghwa Lee; Victoria, British Columbia - Dawson Hurford.

By Western Nebraska Community CollegeSCOTTSBLUFF- Western Nebraska Community College is proud to announce that the following students were honored on the Fall 2021 President's List (4.0 GPA) and Dean's List (3.40-3.99 GPA).Thirty-four students finished the semester with a 4.0 grade point average to make the President's List, and 121 were honored on the Dean's List. PRESIDENT'S LIST (4.00 GPA)NebraskaAlliance - Angela M. Judge; Crawford - Karen Norton; Gering - Kathryn J. Blankenship, Macey C. Boggs, Allison Catherine Maschmeier, Mackenzie L. Schreiber; Hemingford - Dorthea L. Boerkircher; Lincoln - Alex Krause; McCook - Colin A. Giron; Scottsbluff - Angelica C. Anaya, Mireya J. Barraza, Albino F. Canales, Olivia Ann Hilyard, Shelbi D. Klingsporn, Kaia E. Larson, Ryan Lenhart; Sutherland - Phillip Todd Pearson.ColoradoAurora - Isabella T. Coffman; Byers - Caden T. Eymann; Fort Collins - Brian Bruxvoort, Shawn D. Garrett; Parker - Victoria A. Wharton; Rifle - Paul Gerardo Cerros-Rosales.WyomingPine Bluffs - Hyleigh C. Fornstrom, Scott J. Michaud; Sheridan - Quinn Aaron McCafferty; Torrington - Emma J. Johnson.Other States and CountriesOro Valley, Arizona - Bradley William Austin; Hayward, California - David R. Argamosa; Price, Utah - Emma S. Mortensen; Draper, Utah - Alexis Parker; Seoul, South Korea - Damin Kang; Abbotsford, British Columbia - Kathryn Audrey McMillan; Kincardine, Ontario - William Potter.DEAN'S LIST (3.40 - 3.99 GPA)NebraskaAlliance - Lizbeth A. Carrillo, Triston Cochran, Joanne S. Gomez, Jared E. Gruber, Megan N. McLaughlin, Keaton Jon Morgan, Alexander M. Plog, Jacobi R. Stumpff, Garrett White; Bayard - Bridgette L. Leise, Trevor C. Reish; Bridgeport - Daniel G. Todd; Broken Bow - Jordan Lemburg; Chadron - Wendy Chasek, Eva Hare; Chappell - Charlene E. Amen; Dalton - Ethan Eckhardt, Peter J. Flamig, Alyson Holt; Dix - Kasandra Y. Stricklin; Gering - Chase L. Danielzuk, Michael O. Gifford, Levi William Gool, Tiffany N. Jones, David J. Karpf, Kaycee J. Schmidt, Hannah Vath, Lizeth Patricia Veliz Pelayo, Camilla A. Wegelin, Elli Winkler; Gibbon - Riley J. Gaudreault; Hastings - Denton Stark; Hemingford - James D. Jacobs; Holdrege - Eli L. Borden; Kimball - Chelsea D. Malson, Avery D. Wicker; Lincoln - Danielle R. Schick; Lyman - Storm M. Lossing; Minatare - Anna M. Loomis, Dario Rodriguez; Mitchell - Haleigh R. Crable, Deirdre A. McCalib, Mykinzee Jo Musfelt, John T. Plasencio; Morrill - Mickayla A. Burg, Paityn Dawn Homan; North Platte - Nicholas M. Miller; Palmyra - Valerie Gage; Ravenna - Kale R. Eilenstine; Sargent - Abaigeal E. O'Connor; Scottsbluff - Jerod J. Balthazor, Alexa M. Deam-Nein, Mariah G. Eichner, Allysa M. Eutsler, Lincoln J. Frank, Octavious J. Gonazalez, Tomi K. Hall, Salem P. Harsh, Sapphire Hill, Destany A. Hill, Skylar C. Howell, Maya Jolie Huirong Wilson, Madison Mae Johnston, Jackson W. Jones, Alyssa M. Liebich, Katelyn Loos, Keegan Brett Nation, Danielle C. Oliva, Shayane Poirot-Allard, Taliesin D. Reese, Jodeanna L. Richardson, Justin M. Rocha, Kirsten D. Saldivar, Gabriel C. Salinas, Guadalupe Sierra, Kinleigh M. Soule, Kayler R. Soule, Riley Hunter Strauch, Steffi Geline S. Tactacan, Jacob S. Thomas, Blake W. Wilson, Isabella G. Wright; Sidney - Nathan Dankers, Samuel Hasman, Ashlee K. Ringleman, Tara Schnell, Jessica M. Webb.ColoradoAurora - Zachary J. Meininger, Aaron J. Meininger, Bradley C. Morganegg; Bennett - Spencer Ohu; Boulder - Sephanie Lopez; Centennial - Emma L. Schweitzer; Elizabeth - Bailey Gray Blanchard; Fort Morgan - Noah J. Gettman; Loveland - Kaitlan M. Vanderhoff; Parker - Isabella Mumford; Swink - Baylie Krueger; Thornton - Andrea Jimenez; Wellington - Sergio Tarango.WyomingCheyenne - Bradly H. Candiracci; Torrington - Brooklyn H. Tucker.Other States and CountriesFriendswood, Texas - Alessandra Meoni; Glenwood, Iowa - Christopher M. Haldeman; Moyers, Oklahoma - Joshua M. Jimenez; Rapid City, South Dakota - Ashley Nicole Meier; Spearfish, South Dakota - Brock J. Bacon; Springville, Utah - Morgan K. Dustin; Columbo, Brazil - Raquel De Souza Ferreira; Gracias, Honduras - Maria Lidia Garcia Martinez; Hawera, New Zealand - Isabelle Cook; Joinville, Brazil - Valeria Saturno; Markham, Ontario - Genet Mebratu; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Ana Caroline Matta Lopes; Rottofreno, Italy - Erica Fava; Seoul, South Korea - Yoon Sung Jun, Dahee Kang, Hyemin Lee, Jonghwa Lee; Victoria, British Columbia - Dawson Hurford.

WNCC announces Fall 2021 President's, Dean's List

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is making clear again that he wants lawmakers to cut the state’s income tax this year, arguing that doing so will keep the state competitive. 

Ricketts argued his case at a press conference with Nebraska business leaders. 

The Republican governor has backed several proposals, including a faster phase-out of Social Security income taxes, a bill to lock in existing property tax credits and legislation to lower the state’s top income tax rate.

 Scott Gubbels, the executive director of Tax and Renewable Energy at Nelnet, says Nebraska’s existing tax rate has been a hindrance when his company tries to bring existing employees to Nebraska from its offices in other, lower-tax states.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is making clear again that he wants lawmakers to cut the state’s income tax this year, arguing that doing so will keep the state competitive. Ricketts argued his case at a press conference with Nebraska business leaders. The Republican governor has backed several proposals, including a faster phase-out of Social Security income taxes, a bill to lock in existing property tax credits and legislation to lower the state’s top income tax rate. Scott Gubbels, the executive director of Tax and Renewable Energy at Nelnet, says Nebraska’s existing tax rate has been a hindrance when his company tries to bring existing employees to Nebraska from its offices in other, lower-tax states.

Ricketts stresses support for tax cuts ahead of bill debate

By ERIC GALATAS Nebraska News Connection

A bill designed to eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits by 2025 is making headway in the Nebraska Legislature. Sen. Brett Lindstrom, R-Omaha, introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47038" target="_blank">LB 825</a>&nbsp;and pointed out that states such as Florida and Texas are a lot warmer in the winter, and do not tax Social Security benefits. He said he sees the measure as an important step to keep retirees in Nebraska. "Not only are they engaged in community service, philanthropy, they want to stick around with their kids and grandkids," said Lindstrom. "And I don't want it to be where the state is burdensome from a taxation standpoint to force them out to other states that don't have that." Nebraska is one of only 12 states that currently taxes Social Security benefits. Last year after some lawmakers voiced concerns about lost revenues,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=43651" target="_blank">they approved cutting taxes on benefits by just half by 2025</a>. The new law would eliminate the tax altogether in the same timeframe. LB 825 cleared its first reading with a 42 to nothing vote, and will need to clear the Appropriations Committee before it can get a final reading. Lindstrom said the state can afford to put money back into the pockets of Social Security beneficiaries, because government spending has been held near the average rate of inflation. He added that economic forecasts are strong based on revenues over the last 12 to 18 months. "And we have $400 million plus in revenues above that forecasting," said Lindstrom. "And because we have been prudent with how we spend, it allows us to take the steps to eliminate the tax on Social Security income." Nebraskans age 50 and older made up just 34% of Nebraska's population in 2018 but supported 566,000 jobs across the state and generated $33 billion in wages and salaries, according to analysis by AARP. Older Nebraskans also contributed more than $2 billion in unpaid caregiving for family members. Support for this reporting was provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559767024792.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC GALATAS Nebraska News ConnectionA bill designed to eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits by 2025 is making headway in the Nebraska Legislature. Sen. Brett Lindstrom, R-Omaha, introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47038" target="_blank">LB 825</a>&nbsp;and pointed out that states such as Florida and Texas are a lot warmer in the winter, and do not tax Social Security benefits. He said he sees the measure as an important step to keep retirees in Nebraska. "Not only are they engaged in community service, philanthropy, they want to stick around with their kids and grandkids," said Lindstrom. "And I don't want it to be where the state is burdensome from a taxation standpoint to force them out to other states that don't have that." Nebraska is one of only 12 states that currently taxes Social Security benefits. Last year after some lawmakers voiced concerns about lost revenues,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=43651" target="_blank">they approved cutting taxes on benefits by just half by 2025</a>. The new law would eliminate the tax altogether in the same timeframe. LB 825 cleared its first reading with a 42 to nothing vote, and will need to clear the Appropriations Committee before it can get a final reading. Lindstrom said the state can afford to put money back into the pockets of Social Security beneficiaries, because government spending has been held near the average rate of inflation. He added that economic forecasts are strong based on revenues over the last 12 to 18 months. "And we have $400 million plus in revenues above that forecasting," said Lindstrom. "And because we have been prudent with how we spend, it allows us to take the steps to eliminate the tax on Social Security income." Nebraskans age 50 and older made up just 34% of Nebraska's population in 2018 but supported 566,000 jobs across the state and generated $33 billion in wages and salaries, according to analysis by AARP. Older Nebraskans also contributed more than $2 billion in unpaid caregiving for family members. Support for this reporting was provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Nebraska lawmakers consider dropping social security tax

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A judge has rejected U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry’s attempt to move his trial from the California district where he faces federal charges to his home state of Nebraska. 

The ruling is a setback for Fortenberry, a nine-term Republican who is accused of lying to federal authorities who were investigating an illegal campaign contribution from a foreign national. 

Defense attorneys had asked a judge to transfer his trial out of California, where Fortenberry received the contribution during a 2016 fundraiser in Los Angeles.

 Prosecutors opposed the request, arguing that Fortenberry’s lawyers were “venue shopping” for a potentially friendlier and more Republican-leaning jury pool in Nebraska.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A judge has rejected U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry’s attempt to move his trial from the California district where he faces federal charges to his home state of Nebraska. The ruling is a setback for Fortenberry, a nine-term Republican who is accused of lying to federal authorities who were investigating an illegal campaign contribution from a foreign national. Defense attorneys had asked a judge to transfer his trial out of California, where Fortenberry received the contribution during a 2016 fundraiser in Los Angeles. Prosecutors opposed the request, arguing that Fortenberry’s lawyers were “venue shopping” for a potentially friendlier and more Republican-leaning jury pool in Nebraska.

Judge denies Nebraska Rep. Fortenberry's push to move trial

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state government collected $45 million more than expected last month. 

The Nebraska Department of Revenue reported net tax collections of $495 million in January, which is 10% than the state forecast of $450 million. 

Nebraska reported higher-than-expected net revenues from individual income taxes and miscellaneous taxes, but lower-than-expected net receipts from sales-and-use taxes and corporate income taxes. 

The state has received $3.354 billion in the current fiscal year, which began July 1. 

That’s 3.7% higher than the state projection of $3.235 billion at this point in the year.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state government collected $45 million more than expected last month. The Nebraska Department of Revenue reported net tax collections of $495 million in January, which is 10% than the state forecast of $450 million. Nebraska reported higher-than-expected net revenues from individual income taxes and miscellaneous taxes, but lower-than-expected net receipts from sales-and-use taxes and corporate income taxes. The state has received $3.354 billion in the current fiscal year, which began July 1. That’s 3.7% higher than the state projection of $3.235 billion at this point in the year.

Nebraska state tax collections beat expectations in January

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of virus hospitalizations and cases continues to decline sharply across Nebraska giving hospitals some relief. 

But hospital officials said Monday that their facilities remain busy with non-COVID-19 patients, and they are dealing with ongoing staff shortages and a backlog of procedures that were delayed during last month’s surge driven by the highly contagious omicron variant. 

The state said 496 people were hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska Sunday.

 That number has declined steadily since hitting a peak of 767 on Jan. 28 after climbing dramatically from the Dec. 25 low of 445.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of virus hospitalizations and cases continues to decline sharply across Nebraska giving hospitals some relief. But hospital officials said Monday that their facilities remain busy with non-COVID-19 patients, and they are dealing with ongoing staff shortages and a backlog of procedures that were delayed during last month’s surge driven by the highly contagious omicron variant. The state said 496 people were hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska Sunday. That number has declined steadily since hitting a peak of 767 on Jan. 28 after climbing dramatically from the Dec. 25 low of 445.

Virus hospitalizations, cases still falling across state

LINCOLN&nbsp; — It was a busy weekend for Nebraska State Troopers across the state, which included several arrests and responses to other incidents.

At approximately 8:10 p.m. Saturday evening, a trooper responded to a 911 call from a residence in Wahoo. The caller, a 16-year-old, reported that someone had broken into the residence and that he had locked himself in the basement. Upon arrival, the trooper located a suspect exiting the front door. The suspect was taken into custody with the assistance of Saunders County deputies.

Investigation revealed that the suspect had taken food from inside the home. The suspect, Gregory Hain, 46, of Wahoo, was lodged in Saunders County Jail for burglary. The 16-year-old occupant of the home was not harmed.

Sunday, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a trooper observed a Chevrolet pickup fail to signal a turn as it was traveling on Highway 6 near McCook. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled eastbound on Highway 6. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

During the pursuit, NSP dispatchers discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen. The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour and continued driving recklessly for several miles. The vehicle eventually came to a stop after striking a sign near Indianola. The driver was then taken into custody without further incident.

The driver, Colin McConnell-Vontz, 24, of McCook, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, careless driving, theft by receiving stolen property, and traffic violations. He was lodged in Red Willow County Jail.

During the weekend, troopers also made 16 arrests for driving under the influence, 12 of which occurred on Sunday or early Monday morning. Troopers also issued citations for seven drivers speeding at over 100 miles per hour and performed 75 motorist assists throughout the state.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN&nbsp; — It was a busy weekend for Nebraska State Troopers across the state, which included several arrests and responses to other incidents.At approximately 8:10 p.m. Saturday evening, a trooper responded to a 911 call from a residence in Wahoo. The caller, a 16-year-old, reported that someone had broken into the residence and that he had locked himself in the basement. Upon arrival, the trooper located a suspect exiting the front door. The suspect was taken into custody with the assistance of Saunders County deputies.Investigation revealed that the suspect had taken food from inside the home. The suspect, Gregory Hain, 46, of Wahoo, was lodged in Saunders County Jail for burglary. The 16-year-old occupant of the home was not harmed.Sunday, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a trooper observed a Chevrolet pickup fail to signal a turn as it was traveling on Highway 6 near McCook. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled eastbound on Highway 6. The trooper initiated a pursuit.During the pursuit, NSP dispatchers discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen. The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour and continued driving recklessly for several miles. The vehicle eventually came to a stop after striking a sign near Indianola. The driver was then taken into custody without further incident.The driver, Colin McConnell-Vontz, 24, of McCook, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, careless driving, theft by receiving stolen property, and traffic violations. He was lodged in Red Willow County Jail.During the weekend, troopers also made 16 arrests for driving under the influence, 12 of which occurred on Sunday or early Monday morning. Troopers also issued citations for seven drivers speeding at over 100 miles per hour and performed 75 motorist assists throughout the state.

Troopers have busy Super Bowl weekend across Nebraska

Alliance – The City of Alliance is proud to announce our continued partnership with Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) on our Utility Assistance Program, Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

This program offers an opportunity for utility customers to add a one-time or recurring donation to their monthly bill. Donations will go towards utility bills of residents who have applied for assistance. Any dollar amount makes a difference. Donations may be tax-deductible and a statement of your gift will be provided at year-end, as appropriate.

We are delighted to announce that our community donated $1,307 in 2021 to contribute to other Alliance residents who need assistance in paying their utility bills. These funds have helped 4 families, averaging at 5-people per household in 2021 alone. We are excited to see this program grow to ensure our community members don’t go without during times of need.

For more information about how to donate, please contact the Alliance Utility Office at (308) 762-5075.

If you wish to apply for assistance, please contact the Northwest Community Action office at (308) 762-4523 for application assistance.

To be eligible for assistance under this program, applicants must:

· Complete NCAP’s assistance application form, including providing proof of income

· Be a current resident and utility customer of City of Alliance, and

· Have a delinquent residential utility bill subject to disconnect.

By City of Alliance&nbsp;Alliance – The City of Alliance is proud to announce our continued partnership with Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) on our Utility Assistance Program, Neighbors Helping Neighbors.This program offers an opportunity for utility customers to add a one-time or recurring donation to their monthly bill. Donations will go towards utility bills of residents who have applied for assistance. Any dollar amount makes a difference. Donations may be tax-deductible and a statement of your gift will be provided at year-end, as appropriate.We are delighted to announce that our community donated $1,307 in 2021 to contribute to other Alliance residents who need assistance in paying their utility bills. These funds have helped 4 families, averaging at 5-people per household in 2021 alone. We are excited to see this program grow to ensure our community members don’t go without during times of need.For more information about how to donate, please contact the Alliance Utility Office at (308) 762-5075.If you wish to apply for assistance, please contact the Northwest Community Action office at (308) 762-4523 for application assistance.To be eligible for assistance under this program, applicants must:· Complete NCAP’s assistance application form, including providing proof of income· Be a current resident and utility customer of City of Alliance, and· Have a delinquent residential utility bill subject to disconnect.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644870223618.png" alt="" />
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'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' program continues in Alliance 

By ABIGAIL SWANSON,&nbsp;CSC College Relations

CHADRON – More than 140 students from 26 high schools in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, attended the 50th annual High Plains Honor Band and Choir Festival Feb. 7-8 at Chadron State College.

Students performed in the High Plains Honor Band, directed by Guest Conductor Dr. William K. Wakefield, and the High Plains Honor Choir directed by Professor of Music Dr. Joel Schreuder.

Participants also had the opportunity to attend guest artist Carol Perry’s vocal recital, No Boys Aloud, Feb

“The festival went extremely well, and the feedback from directors, parents and students was all positive,” said Bobby Pace, event organizer and accompanist.

The High Plains Festival started in 1973.

“The fact that the High Plains Band and Choir Festival has been going for 50 years is a testament to the importance of such a festival for students in the High Plains region, the impact of arts education, and CSC’s commitment to excellence in all areas,” Pace said.

The following students were honored for being selected to the Honor Band or Honor Choir for multiple years.

Gordon-Rushville, Neb.: Brenna Bostock, Kylie Coomes

Hill City, S.D.: Emma Euneau, Samantha Timm, Casie Andersen

Chadron: Dylan Gieseler, Maralee Rischling, Luke Kahl, Brendilou Armstrong

By ABIGAIL SWANSON,&nbsp;CSC College RelationsCHADRON – More than 140 students from 26 high schools in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, attended the 50th annual High Plains Honor Band and Choir Festival Feb. 7-8 at Chadron State College.Students performed in the High Plains Honor Band, directed by Guest Conductor Dr. William K. Wakefield, and the High Plains Honor Choir directed by Professor of Music Dr. Joel Schreuder.Participants also had the opportunity to attend guest artist Carol Perry’s vocal recital, No Boys Aloud, Feb<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644869096610.jpeg" alt="Guest Conductor Dr. William K. Wakefield directs the 50th anniversary High Plains Honor Band at Chadron State College Feb. 8, 2022. (Photo by Abigail Swanson/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Guest Conductor Dr. William K. Wakefield directs the 50th anniversary High Plains Honor Band at Chadron State College Feb. 8, 2022. (Photo by Abigail Swanson/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>“The festival went extremely well, and the feedback from directors, parents and students was all positive,” said Bobby Pace, event organizer and accompanist.The High Plains Festival started in 1973.“The fact that the High Plains Band and Choir Festival has been going for 50 years is a testament to the importance of such a festival for students in the High Plains region, the impact of arts education, and CSC’s commitment to excellence in all areas,” Pace said.The following students were honored for being selected to the Honor Band or Honor Choir for multiple years.HONOR CHOIRThree Consecutive YearsBridgeport, Neb.: Lucas SmithCreek Valley, Neb.: Ella NingenGordon-Rushville, Neb.: Brenna Bostock, Kylie CoomesKimball, Neb.: Gideon CasimiroPaxton, Neb.: Damin LuedkeFour Consecutive YearsHill City, S.D.: Mikennah OlesonChadron: Drew MilburnHONOR BANDThree Consecutive YearsChadron: Naomie Elliott, Jacee BatesHill City, S.D.: Emma Euneau, Samantha Timm, Casie AndersenLeyton, Neb.: Holden SyversonFour Consecutive YearsChadron: Dylan Gieseler, Maralee Rischling, Luke Kahl, Brendilou ArmstrongValentine, Neb.: Sean SpringerHemingford, Neb.: Destiny Hanson

Fiftieth High Plains Festival honors regional students in Chadron

(AP)-As the remaining vaccine mandates for medical workers get to set be implemented this week in 25 mostly conservative states, it is once again becoming clear how widespread the use of religious exemptions is in the U.S. as a workaround to complying with such requirements. 

At one rural hospital near Yellowstone National Park, about 200 of the 620 staffers have put in requests for religious exemptions, most of which have been granted. 

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte pledged his support to the unvaccinated last week and urged them to consider seeking exemptions. And West Virginia lawmakers have advanced a proposal that would allow workers who are denied an exemption and then quit collect unemployment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637639473262.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Associated Press(AP)-As the remaining vaccine mandates for medical workers get to set be implemented this week in 25 mostly conservative states, it is once again becoming clear how widespread the use of religious exemptions is in the U.S. as a workaround to complying with such requirements. At one rural hospital near Yellowstone National Park, about 200 of the 620 staffers have put in requests for religious exemptions, most of which have been granted. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte pledged his support to the unvaccinated last week and urged them to consider seeking exemptions. And West Virginia lawmakers have advanced a proposal that would allow workers who are denied an exemption and then quit collect unemployment.

Unvaccinated medical workers turn to religious exemptions

By Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs

SCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp; — The Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home will host a CNA training class at the facility, located at 1102 West 42nd&nbsp;Street, Scottsbluff. The course runs from March 14 to 25, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants in the class will be paid $15.60/hour plus additional $3.00/hour shift differential and have their supplies and certification test paid for. Upon successful completion of the class and certification, participants can transition to part- or full-time employment at the facility starting at $18.807/hour plus additional $3.00/hour shift differential.

Interested participants should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://veterans.nebraska.gov/employment-ndva" target="_blank">veterans.nebraska.gov/employment</a>&nbsp;and click “View available CNA Training Classes.”

For more details or help applying to a class, please contact Patrick Olson at 402-471-2417 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Patrick.Olson@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">Patrick.Olson@nebraska.gov</a>, or Melissa Michaud&nbsp; 402-471-2468 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Melissa.Michaud@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">Melissa.Michaud@nebraska.gov</a>.

By Nebraska Department of Veterans AffairsSCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp; — The Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home will host a CNA training class at the facility, located at 1102 West 42nd&nbsp;Street, Scottsbluff. The course runs from March 14 to 25, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants in the class will be paid $15.60/hour plus additional $3.00/hour shift differential and have their supplies and certification test paid for. Upon successful completion of the class and certification, participants can transition to part- or full-time employment at the facility starting at $18.807/hour plus additional $3.00/hour shift differential.Interested participants should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://veterans.nebraska.gov/employment-ndva" target="_blank">veterans.nebraska.gov/employment</a>&nbsp;and click “View available CNA Training Classes.” For more details or help applying to a class, please contact Patrick Olson at 402-471-2417 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Patrick.Olson@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">Patrick.Olson@nebraska.gov</a>, or Melissa Michaud&nbsp; 402-471-2468 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Melissa.Michaud@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">Melissa.Michaud@nebraska.gov</a>.

Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home to host paid CNA training class

On Feb. 12 at approximately 12:15 p.m. Dawes County Sheriff Deputies and Crawford EMS were called to a residence. 32-year-old Evan Fox of Crawford was found unresponsive.&nbsp;

"An initial review of the scene, evidence at the scene, witness interviews and medical reports has led authorities to believe foul play is not involved in Mr. Fox's death," Dawes County Attorney/Coroner Vance Haug said. 

An autopsy and toxicological screening have been ordered as the investigation continues to determine the specific cause of death.&nbsp;

"Anyone having information or having had recent contact with Mr. Fox prior to his death is asked to contact the Dawes County Sheriff's Office at (308) 432-3025," Haug said.&nbsp;

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostOn Feb. 12 at approximately 12:15 p.m. Dawes County Sheriff Deputies and Crawford EMS were called to a residence. 32-year-old Evan Fox of Crawford was found unresponsive.&nbsp;Fox was found by family members.&nbsp;"An initial review of the scene, evidence at the scene, witness interviews and medical reports has led authorities to believe foul play is not involved in Mr. Fox's death," Dawes County Attorney/Coroner Vance Haug said. An autopsy and toxicological screening have been ordered as the investigation continues to determine the specific cause of death.&nbsp;"Anyone having information or having had recent contact with Mr. Fox prior to his death is asked to contact the Dawes County Sheriff's Office at (308) 432-3025," Haug said.&nbsp;

Crawford man found dead 

HILL CITY, S.D. (AP) — Authorities are investigating a shooting and fight involving several people in Hill City. 

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired early Saturday morning at a residence on Allen Gulch Road in Hill City. 

Authorities say several people had minor injuries that were sustained in a physical fight but it did not appear that anyone had been shot.

 Multiple people were detained in connection to the shooting, and one man was arrested. 

 Authorities say charges are pending for others.

By Associated PressHILL CITY, S.D. (AP) — Authorities are investigating a shooting and fight involving several people in Hill City. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired early Saturday morning at a residence on Allen Gulch Road in Hill City. Authorities say several people had minor injuries that were sustained in a physical fight but it did not appear that anyone had been shot. Multiple people were detained in connection to the shooting, and one man was arrested. Authorities say charges are pending for others.

Authorities investigating shooting, fight in Hill City, South Dakota

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge is expected to rule soon on whether U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry will stand trial in the California district where he faces felony charges or his home state of Nebraska.

 Fortenberry, a nine-term Republican, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he lied to federal authorities who were investigating an illegal 2016 campaign contribution from a foreign national at a Los Angeles fundraiser. 

His attorneys have filed motions asking Blumenfeld to exclude evidence from the trial and transfer the case from California to Nebraska.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge is expected to rule soon on whether U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry will stand trial in the California district where he faces felony charges or his home state of Nebraska. Fortenberry, a nine-term Republican, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he lied to federal authorities who were investigating an illegal 2016 campaign contribution from a foreign national at a Los Angeles fundraiser. His attorneys have filed motions asking Blumenfeld to exclude evidence from the trial and transfer the case from California to Nebraska.

Judge to rule on Nebraska Rep. Fortenberry's trial location

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota House lawmakers have reigned in proposals from Gov. Kristi Noem aimed at barring so-called “divisive” concepts about race, religion and national origin from elementary, high school and university classrooms. 

They are still recommending that the state government restrict what is taught in schools. Noem has touted the proposal as a way to “protect” students from critical race theory. 

But Republican lawmakers on the House Education committee made significant revisions to the bills Wednesday.

 The changes stipulate how far the laws reach. 

But teachers and university students say it could still have a “chilling effect” on free discussion and academic freedom.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota House lawmakers have reigned in proposals from Gov. Kristi Noem aimed at barring so-called “divisive” concepts about race, religion and national origin from elementary, high school and university classrooms. They are still recommending that the state government restrict what is taught in schools. Noem has touted the proposal as a way to “protect” students from critical race theory. But Republican lawmakers on the House Education committee made significant revisions to the bills Wednesday. The changes stipulate how far the laws reach. But teachers and university students say it could still have a “chilling effect” on free discussion and academic freedom.

SD House lawmakers limit 'critical race theory' bills' reach

TYNDALL, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota man has pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge after his mother unknowingly served his marijuana-laced brownies to a group of seniors at the Tabor Community Center. 

Forty-six-year-old Michael Koranda appeared at the Bon Homme County Courthouse Tuesday where he waived his preliminary hearing and entered the plea. 

As part of a plea deal, both the prosecution and defense jointly recommended Koranda receive a suspended imposition of sentence, which would allow the judge to place him on probation for a period of time. 

Koranda would pay any medical bills not covered by insurance.

By Associated PressTYNDALL, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota man has pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge after his mother unknowingly served his marijuana-laced brownies to a group of seniors at the Tabor Community Center. Forty-six-year-old Michael Koranda appeared at the Bon Homme County Courthouse Tuesday where he waived his preliminary hearing and entered the plea. As part of a plea deal, both the prosecution and defense jointly recommended Koranda receive a suspended imposition of sentence, which would allow the judge to place him on probation for a period of time. Koranda would pay any medical bills not covered by insurance.

Man pleads guilty after after seniors ate his THC brownies

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem has signed a bill that makes Juneteenth an official state holiday in South Dakota. 

South Dakota was the last state to make June 19 a legal holiday with North Dakota approving legislation last April and Hawaii declaring the holiday with legislation in June. 

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., when three months after the Civil War ended and 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, word of freedom was spread to enslaved Black people in Texas.

By Associated PressPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem has signed a bill that makes Juneteenth an official state holiday in South Dakota. South Dakota was the last state to make June 19 a legal holiday with North Dakota approving legislation last April and Hawaii declaring the holiday with legislation in June. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., when three months after the Civil War ended and 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, word of freedom was spread to enslaved Black people in Texas.

Juneteenth finally official state holiday in South Dakota

Today we spoke with Chadron City Manager John Sutherland about the Feb. 7 city council meeting. 

The council approved a recommendation of a bid award for the Chadron Avenue Project from 6th to 7th street, the airport marking project and more

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Chadron City Manager John Sutherland" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xtm6y-11a4cdc-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&btn-skin=5&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Today we spoke with Chadron City Manager John Sutherland about the Feb. 7 city council meeting. The council approved a recommendation of a bid award for the Chadron Avenue Project from 6th to 7th street, the airport marking project and more

🔊Post Podcast: Chadron City Manager John Sutherland 

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

A High Wind Watch is in effect through 8 PM this evening for the Nebraska Panhandle. 

Winds will be northwest at 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph possible. Strong cross winds will be hazardous to light weight and high profile vehicles, including campers and tractor trailers.

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WYA High Wind Watch is in effect through 8 PM this evening for the Nebraska Panhandle. Winds will be northwest at 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph possible. Strong cross winds will be hazardous to light weight and high profile vehicles, including campers and tractor trailers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644608310549.jpeg" alt="" />
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High Wind Watch in effect for Panhandle 

By&nbsp;Lea Griese,&nbsp;Chadron Community Hospital &amp; Health Services

Chadron Community Hospital &amp; Health Services&nbsp;in&nbsp;Chadron, Nebraska&nbsp;today announced it has been recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.

“We have a great team that works hard demonstrating our organizations Mission, Vision and Values in the tasks they do every day. I feel being recognized in this way reflects every employee, in each job performed within the organization and our efforts to continually strive to provide better care,” -Nathan Hough, CEO.

<a>“Despite unprecedented adversity rural providers continue to display resiliency and a steadfast commitment to their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Honoring the Top 100 is one of the highpoints of our year. We are delighted to recognize the exceptional performance and innovation of this year’s recipients, particularly in light of the extraordinary challenges facing America’s rural health safety net.”</a>

Over the course of the last 12 years, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services in Chadron, Nebraska provides quality health care to the Panhandle of Nebraska and surrounding communities. This Critical Access Hospital provides medical and surgical care, obstetrics and newborn care, emergency care, and rehabilitation services. Also available are a wide range of visiting specialists, who come to Chadron to see their patients, bringing specialist care closer to home.

By&nbsp;Lea Griese,&nbsp;Chadron Community Hospital &amp; Health ServicesChadron Community Hospital &amp; Health Services&nbsp;in&nbsp;Chadron, Nebraska&nbsp;today announced it has been recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644598492439.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“We have a great team that works hard demonstrating our organizations Mission, Vision and Values in the tasks they do every day. I feel being recognized in this way reflects every employee, in each job performed within the organization and our efforts to continually strive to provide better care,” -Nathan Hough, CEO.<a>“Despite unprecedented adversity rural providers continue to display resiliency and a steadfast commitment to their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Honoring the Top 100 is one of the highpoints of our year. We are delighted to recognize the exceptional performance and innovation of this year’s recipients, particularly in light of the extraordinary challenges facing America’s rural health safety net.”</a>Over the course of the last 12 years, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services in Chadron, Nebraska provides quality health care to the Panhandle of Nebraska and surrounding communities. This Critical Access Hospital provides medical and surgical care, obstetrics and newborn care, emergency care, and rehabilitation services. Also available are a wide range of visiting specialists, who come to Chadron to see their patients, bringing specialist care closer to home.

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