By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

I remember teaching my kids to drive. We purchased a small used car with a manual transmission when our daughter turned 15. Many hours were spent with both kids navigating the Maze in Alliance's Homestead Addition. They learned to handle the vehicle, shift gears, back up, park, use mirrors, gauge speed, types of turns, watch for obstructions, etc. before actually driving on streets with other vehicles. I enjoyed being chauffeured everywhere for seven years! And our children both took summer driver's education courses so we got the auto insurance deduction.

We all think our rural kids are better drivers. However, Box Butte and Scotts Bluff Counties rank in the top ten in Nebraska for crashes due to improper driving, speed, and distraction according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) is asking parents to complete a survey at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/ypxrakpd">https://tinyurl.com/ypxrakpd</a> regarding driver's education courses. Only 20% of Panhandle teens take Driver's Education courses, compared to the state average of 50%. Driver's education reduces crashes and traffic tickets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published Driver Education Program Facts and Figures. Their findings: Teen drivers who have not completed driver's education are 16% more likely to have a crash. They are 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal or injurious crash.

Not only are teens who have not taken driver’s education more likely to be involved in crashes, they are 75% more likely to get a traffic ticket.

In Nebraska, most teens get a learner's permit, and then have to log 50 hours of practice driving under the supervision of a parent or other adult. UNL researchers have found that, during their first year of driving, students who took driver’s ed had significantly fewer accidents and traffic tickets than the group that logged driving hours without formal driving instruction.

Since the 2013-2014 school year, Nebraska high school students have been asked to complete the Teen Driving Experiences Survey. The most recent results online are from the survey completed in January, 2023, by 1,777 students from twelve Nebraska high schools. Survey highlights - all risky behaviors:

Driven a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt: 29%

Ridden in a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt: 51%

Talked on a cell phone while driving: 71%

Ridden with a driver who had been drinking: 15%

Ridden with a driver who had used marijuana: 7%

Driven with two or more teen passengers and no adults: 59%

Driver's education courses typically have classroom instruction on topics such as vehicle safety, laws and regulations, vehicle operation, and factors affecting driving, like alcohol, road conditions, distraction, etc. Students also have behind the-wheel driving practice with a trained instructor.

Driving has changed. Our roads and technology have changed. If I were teaching my kids now, I would have to add roundabouts, zipper merging, backup cameras, and using GPS maps.

WNCC is offering a driver's ed course July 8-12 for ages 14-17. The cost is $195, and the instructor is Richard Kennedy. Students must have a learner's permit. They will complete 20 hours of classroom time and must score 70% or higher on the final exam. Then they drive five hours with the driving test instructor and must pass the driving test. Email drivers.ed@wncc.edu for a registration form or call 308-635-6700 for more information.

Informed, competent, and safe teen drivers ultimately reduce the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on our nation’s roadways. And driver's education helps make our teens safer drivers.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityI remember teaching my kids to drive. We purchased a small used car with a manual transmission when our daughter turned 15. Many hours were spent with both kids navigating the Maze in Alliance's Homestead Addition. They learned to handle the vehicle, shift gears, back up, park, use mirrors, gauge speed, types of turns, watch for obstructions, etc. before actually driving on streets with other vehicles. I enjoyed being chauffeured everywhere for seven years! And our children both took summer driver's education courses so we got the auto insurance deduction.We all think our rural kids are better drivers. However, Box Butte and Scotts Bluff Counties rank in the top ten in Nebraska for crashes due to improper driving, speed, and distraction according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) is asking parents to complete a survey at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/ypxrakpd">https://tinyurl.com/ypxrakpd</a> regarding driver's education courses. Only 20% of Panhandle teens take Driver's Education courses, compared to the state average of 50%. Driver's education reduces crashes and traffic tickets.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published Driver Education Program Facts and Figures. Their findings: Teen drivers who have not completed driver's education are 16% more likely to have a crash. They are 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal or injurious crash.Not only are teens who have not taken driver’s education more likely to be involved in crashes, they are 75% more likely to get a traffic ticket.In Nebraska, most teens get a learner's permit, and then have to log 50 hours of practice driving under the supervision of a parent or other adult. UNL researchers have found that, during their first year of driving, students who took driver’s ed had significantly fewer accidents and traffic tickets than the group that logged driving hours without formal driving instruction.Since the 2013-2014 school year, Nebraska high school students have been asked to complete the Teen Driving Experiences Survey. The most recent results online are from the survey completed in January, 2023, by 1,777 students from twelve Nebraska high schools. Survey highlights - all risky behaviors:Driven a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt: 29%Ridden in a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt: 51%Talked on a cell phone while driving: 71%Text messaged while driving: 66%Ridden with a driver who had been drinking: 15%Ridden with a driver who had used marijuana: 7%Driven with two or more teen passengers and no adults: 59%Driver's education courses typically have classroom instruction on topics such as vehicle safety, laws and regulations, vehicle operation, and factors affecting driving, like alcohol, road conditions, distraction, etc. Students also have behind the-wheel driving practice with a trained instructor.Driving has changed. Our roads and technology have changed. If I were teaching my kids now, I would have to add roundabouts, zipper merging, backup cameras, and using GPS maps.WNCC is offering a driver's ed course July 8-12 for ages 14-17. The cost is $195, and the instructor is Richard Kennedy. Students must have a learner's permit. They will complete 20 hours of classroom time and must score 70% or higher on the final exam. Then they drive five hours with the driving test instructor and must pass the driving test. Email drivers.ed@wncc.edu for a registration form or call 308-635-6700 for more information.Informed, competent, and safe teen drivers ultimately reduce the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on our nation’s roadways. And driver's education helps make our teens safer drivers.

Getting Ahead: Why take driver's education?

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Puke And Rally

Alliance, NE – Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Rob Bila, Platte Valley Bank Community President Chadron / Alliance and Wendy Seidler, Branch Manager, presented a $20,000 check to Box Butte Development Corporation’s Executive Director Hannah Robinson.

This contribution comes as part of the community match pledged when BBDC applied for the Rural Workforce Housing Fund Grant. This generous donation helped the matching fund from the community reach a total of $375,000. This match will unlock $750,000 from the State Program granting the Alliance community a total of $1,125,000 for the rehabilitation and new construction of housing for the local workforce. This state program aims to increase the supply and reduce the costs of workforce housing in Nebraska's rural communities.

“One of Platte Valley Bank’s core values is supporting the communities that we are a part of. We believe that a community is not just made up of buildings and businesses, but also homes and families. We look to lead by example as a bank that is involved in the betterment of peoples’ lives, which is why we fully support this program and the good it does in our community,” said Platte Valley Bank Community President Rob Bila.

The Box Butte Development Corporation is proud to have community stakeholders investing in this initiative that will propel its housing initiatives forward.

“To see how the community has matched this grant is incredibly inspiring and provides momentum for us to hit the ground running,” said BBDC’s newly appointed Executive Director Hannah Robinson. “I couldn’t be more thankful that this initiative and fund is part of my first tasks at BBDC.”

Additional organizations that have also made considerable matches include the City of Alliance, Nebraska Bank, and Box Butte General Hospital. BBDC is eager to see this program take off and thanks all those involved in the application and award of the grant. 

If you have questions regarding the Rural Workforce Housing Fund, please contact BBDC Director Hannah Robinson at 308-762-1800 or via email at BBDCDirector@bbc.net.

By BBDC<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714575687386.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alliance, NE – Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Rob Bila, Platte Valley Bank Community President Chadron / Alliance and Wendy Seidler, Branch Manager, presented a $20,000 check to Box Butte Development Corporation’s Executive Director Hannah Robinson.This contribution comes as part of the community match pledged when BBDC applied for the Rural Workforce Housing Fund Grant. This generous donation helped the matching fund from the community reach a total of $375,000. This match will unlock $750,000 from the State Program granting the Alliance community a total of $1,125,000 for the rehabilitation and new construction of housing for the local workforce. This state program aims to increase the supply and reduce the costs of workforce housing in Nebraska's rural communities.“One of Platte Valley Bank’s core values is supporting the communities that we are a part of. We believe that a community is not just made up of buildings and businesses, but also homes and families. We look to lead by example as a bank that is involved in the betterment of peoples’ lives, which is why we fully support this program and the good it does in our community,” said Platte Valley Bank Community President Rob Bila.The Box Butte Development Corporation is proud to have community stakeholders investing in this initiative that will propel its housing initiatives forward.“To see how the community has matched this grant is incredibly inspiring and provides momentum for us to hit the ground running,” said BBDC’s newly appointed Executive Director Hannah Robinson. “I couldn’t be more thankful that this initiative and fund is part of my first tasks at BBDC.”Additional organizations that have also made considerable matches include the City of Alliance, Nebraska Bank, and Box Butte General Hospital. BBDC is eager to see this program take off and thanks all those involved in the application and award of the grant. If you have questions regarding the Rural Workforce Housing Fund, please contact BBDC Director Hannah Robinson at 308-762-1800 or via email at BBDCDirector@bbc.net.

Platte Valley Bank contributes $20K to BBDC for Rural Workforce Housing Fund 

The University of Nebraska Medical Center will honor three individuals with special awards at its May 4 Omaha&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/student-success/academic-records/commencement/index.html" target="_blank">commencement</a>&nbsp;at 9 a.m. at Baxter Arena.

Barry Gold, PhD, emeritus professor and former chair of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science for achievement in the advancement of science and service in the health sciences fields.

Nebraskans Kent Lacey, MD, and Michael Sitorius, MD, will be honored with the J.G. Elliott Award for their significant contributions to medicine and health programs for the state of Nebraska. The honor is named for Jack Elliott, a longtime University of Nebraska regent who died in 1974.

The honorary doctorate is a homecoming for Dr. Gold, an esteemed scientist. Prior to his career at Pittsburgh, he spent more than 30 years at UNMC’s Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Eppley Cancer Center. At UNMC, Dr. Gold’s leadership was indispensable, both as a mentor to his fellow faculty members, and as acting, then interim director of the Eppley Institute at a crucial time.

Dr. Gold’s leadership of the Eppley Institute included establishing the foundation for building a strong program in DNA repair and the discussions which led to the founding of the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska. In the decades since, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised millions for cancer research, and deepened UNMC’s outreach efforts to the state’s rural communities.

Dr. Lacey practiced family medicine in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Jack Elliott’s hometown, for 37 years. Throughout his career, Dr. Lacey has been lauded for his mentorship of nursing and medical students and family medicine residents. And, for his caring manner.

In one especially memorable moment, Dr. Lacey made a reverse house call – while he had to stay home to watch his own kids, he invited a mother to bring her sick child to see him at his house. He recommended an ER visit for a spinal tap, which showed the young girl had meningitis.

Dr. Sitorius, a Cozad, Nebraska, native, meant to stay at UNMC for one year before going on to rural practice. Instead, over a 42-year career at UNMC, he’s arguably had as big an impact on rural health in the state of Nebraska as anyone in the past 40 years. The UNMC Department of Family Medicine under Dr. Sitorius’ leadership has had a role in training about 70% of Nebraska’s practicing family physicians. He has developed and overseen numerous initiatives to find potential medical students within Nebraska’s rural communities and see them return to the state’s rural areas as practicing physicians.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714569926231.jpeg" alt="Michael Sitorius, Cozad native (Courtesy of UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>Michael Sitorius, Cozad native (Courtesy of UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCThe University of Nebraska Medical Center will honor three individuals with special awards at its May 4 Omaha&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/student-success/academic-records/commencement/index.html" target="_blank">commencement</a>&nbsp;at 9 a.m. at Baxter Arena.Barry Gold, PhD, emeritus professor and former chair of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science for achievement in the advancement of science and service in the health sciences fields.Nebraskans Kent Lacey, MD, and Michael Sitorius, MD, will be honored with the J.G. Elliott Award for their significant contributions to medicine and health programs for the state of Nebraska. The honor is named for Jack Elliott, a longtime University of Nebraska regent who died in 1974.The honorary doctorate is a homecoming for Dr. Gold, an esteemed scientist. Prior to his career at Pittsburgh, he spent more than 30 years at UNMC’s Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Eppley Cancer Center. At UNMC, Dr. Gold’s leadership was indispensable, both as a mentor to his fellow faculty members, and as acting, then interim director of the Eppley Institute at a crucial time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714569979772.jpeg" alt="Barry Gold (Courtesy of UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>Barry Gold (Courtesy of UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Gold’s leadership of the Eppley Institute included establishing the foundation for building a strong program in DNA repair and the discussions which led to the founding of the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska. In the decades since, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised millions for cancer research, and deepened UNMC’s outreach efforts to the state’s rural communities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714569997829.jpeg" alt="Kent Lacey (Courtesy of UNMC)" />
 <figcaption>Kent Lacey (Courtesy of UNMC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Lacey practiced family medicine in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Jack Elliott’s hometown, for 37 years. Throughout his career, Dr. Lacey has been lauded for his mentorship of nursing and medical students and family medicine residents. And, for his caring manner.In one especially memorable moment, Dr. Lacey made a reverse house call – while he had to stay home to watch his own kids, he invited a mother to bring her sick child to see him at his house. He recommended an ER visit for a spinal tap, which showed the young girl had meningitis.Dr. Sitorius, a Cozad, Nebraska, native, meant to stay at UNMC for one year before going on to rural practice. Instead, over a 42-year career at UNMC, he’s arguably had as big an impact on rural health in the state of Nebraska as anyone in the past 40 years. The UNMC Department of Family Medicine under Dr. Sitorius’ leadership has had a role in training about 70% of Nebraska’s practicing family physicians. He has developed and overseen numerous initiatives to find potential medical students within Nebraska’s rural communities and see them return to the state’s rural areas as practicing physicians.

Three to be honored at UNMC Omaha commencement ceremony May 4

REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR UNITED WAY 5K COLOR DASH

Scottsbluff – Please join us at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 2, 2024 at Riverstone Bank (2002 Broadway, Scottsbluff) to take part in the annual “PAINT TOSS” and Press Conference to kick off the United Way Color Dash! This will be a great photo/video opportunity for all media. United Way volunteers will also be on hand to answer any questions about the United Way Color Dash.

United Way of Western Nebraska and Riverstone Bank are proud to announce their partnership in hosting the 7th Annual United Way Color Dash. The Color Dash presented by Riverstone Bank is a colorful 5K for runners of all levels and abilities set for June 1, 2024 in Gering. Racers will be completely transformed by vibrant color.

During the race route, participants run through color stations where volunteers at each “Splash Station” throw handfuls of colored cornstarch-based paint on runners as they pass by. The paint is non-toxic and biodegradable. Participants enjoy pit stops throughout the race where local businesses and sponsors pass out goodies and then enjoy a color dance party after they cross the finish line. A live DJ bumps the musical vibes at the end to celebrate.

As a non-competitive run or walk event, the United Way Color Dash presented by Riverstone bank attracts runners of all different ages, fitness levels, and experience. This 5K fun event begins and ends at Five Rock Amphitheater in Gering. The course winds through Gering where the public can purchase paint to throw on the participants.

Registration is now open. New this year- the first 100 finishers will receive a custom finisher medal! United Way is encouraging everyone to register early to ensure a spot in this fun, charitable event. Register online at www.uwwn.org/colordash. For more information call United Way at 635-2522.

Proceeds raised support United Way of Western in supporting 26 local partner nonprofit agencies and United Way community impact work.

United Way of Western Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community. They support 25 local nonprofit agencies in the areas of education, health and financial stability. They have been reinvesting in Western Nebraska since their inception in 1945. For more information, visit www.uwwn.org.

By United Way of Western NebraskaREGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR UNITED WAY 5K COLOR DASHScottsbluff – Please join us at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 2, 2024 at Riverstone Bank (2002 Broadway, Scottsbluff) to take part in the annual “PAINT TOSS” and Press Conference to kick off the United Way Color Dash! This will be a great photo/video opportunity for all media. United Way volunteers will also be on hand to answer any questions about the United Way Color Dash.United Way of Western Nebraska and Riverstone Bank are proud to announce their partnership in hosting the 7th Annual United Way Color Dash. The Color Dash presented by Riverstone Bank is a colorful 5K for runners of all levels and abilities set for June 1, 2024 in Gering. Racers will be completely transformed by vibrant color.During the race route, participants run through color stations where volunteers at each “Splash Station” throw handfuls of colored cornstarch-based paint on runners as they pass by. The paint is non-toxic and biodegradable. Participants enjoy pit stops throughout the race where local businesses and sponsors pass out goodies and then enjoy a color dance party after they cross the finish line. A live DJ bumps the musical vibes at the end to celebrate.As a non-competitive run or walk event, the United Way Color Dash presented by Riverstone bank attracts runners of all different ages, fitness levels, and experience. This 5K fun event begins and ends at Five Rock Amphitheater in Gering. The course winds through Gering where the public can purchase paint to throw on the participants.Registration is now open. New this year- the first 100 finishers will receive a custom finisher medal! United Way is encouraging everyone to register early to ensure a spot in this fun, charitable event. Register online at www.uwwn.org/colordash. For more information call United Way at 635-2522.Proceeds raised support United Way of Western in supporting 26 local partner nonprofit agencies and United Way community impact work.United Way of Western Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community. They support 25 local nonprofit agencies in the areas of education, health and financial stability. They have been reinvesting in Western Nebraska since their inception in 1945. For more information, visit www.uwwn.org.

Registrations now open for United Way 5K Color Dash

Alliance, NE – Due to high winds, the Alliance Public Landfill construction and demo area, and loose fill area, are closed to the public. Operations in these areas will resume once the wind gust lowers to 25 mph or less.

For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Due to high winds, the Alliance Public Landfill construction and demo area, and loose fill area, are closed to the public. Operations in these areas will resume once the wind gust lowers to 25 mph or less.For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Partial closure at Alliance Landfill 

CHADRON – Chadron State College will recognize 354 candidates for graduation at the Spring Commencement Ceremony in the Chicoine Center on Saturday at 10 a.m. The event honoring 274 undergraduates and 80 graduates will be&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/live" target="_blank">live-streamed</a>.

The opening moment of reflection will be given by Austin Alexander of Newell, South Dakota, who will also receive her commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The closing moment of reflection will be given by Kinsey Smith of Windsor, Colorado.

Below is the list of students expected to graduate by degree. The hometowns listed are those on file for the students. Honor graduates are designated by asterisks. ***Summa cum laude, 3.9-4.0 GPA; **Magna cum laude, 3.75-3.89 GPA; *Cum laude, 3.6-3.74

The commencement speaker is former Nebraska State Senator John Stinner Sr. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature, representing District 48, in 2014 and re-elected in 2018.

“Chadron State is such a great asset to the Panhandle and the state of Nebraska from an economic and post-secondary&nbsp;perspective. It's a great honor to be asked to be a part of the commencement ceremony,” Stinner said.

A native of Pennsylvania, Stinner came to Nebraska on a full athletic scholarship and was a member of the University of Nebraska national championship football team in 1970-71. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973 and a master’s in economics from UNL in 1976.

Stinner and his wife, Rita, have been married since 1972 and have two children and four grandchildren. The couple resides in Gering.

He is a retired CPA and the former CEO and board chair of Valley Bank of Trust. He also served on the board of directors of Western States Bank.

His civic service has included work with the following organizations: the Oregon Trail Community Foundation, the Scottsbluff/Gering Rotary Club, the Sons of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, the Gering Downtown Revitalization Committee, Elks Club, and the WNCC Cougar Booster Club, and Christ the King parish.

Stinner is a former board member and trustee with Hospital Authority No. 1 of Scotts Bluff County and former chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association. He also served on numerous boards including the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, the Terry Carpenter Center, the Nebraska Journalism Trust, and the WyoBraska Museum. He served as president of the YMCA of Scottsbluff board, the Gering School Board, and Twin Cities Development.

His honors include the 2024 State Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame, 2023 Behavioral Health Educational Center of Nebraska Distinguished Service Award, 2023 Nebraskaland Foundation NEBRASKAlander Award, the Nebraska Arts Council Thomas C. Woods Ill Partner in the Arts Award, State Friend of Psychology from the Nebraska Psychological Association, and Nebraska Society of CPA Legislator of the Year in 2023.

Alliance: Isabella Middleton***, Alicia Tyree**

Chadron: Curtiss Bruhn, Cheyann Coen, Allie Ferguson*, Allison Omernik*, Jessy Roberts, Savanna Sayaloune***, Nicole Scarrow*, Taylor Strotheide, Tyleigh Strotheide, Kassyl Swinney-Ruiz

Lincoln: Allison Schneider**, Charles Volcek

Scottsbluff: Harrison Bice, Erin Hayhurst***, Angelique Weber

Sidney: Trey Douglas, Henry Gutierrez, Cayden Jobman, Caitlyn Mueller*

Broomfield: Joseph DeCamillis*, Hunter O'Connor, Grant Swenson, Madison Watt***

Eaton: Makenna Cormack***, Noelle Meagher

Thornton: Samantha Conradie*, Olivia Trembly**

Casper: Rebecca Goeken**, Emory Yoosook**

Lingle: Callie Fritzler***, Bailey Powell, Ashley Riley**

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Chadron State College will recognize 354 candidates for graduation at the Spring Commencement Ceremony in the Chicoine Center on Saturday at 10 a.m. The event honoring 274 undergraduates and 80 graduates will be&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/live" target="_blank">live-streamed</a>.The opening moment of reflection will be given by Austin Alexander of Newell, South Dakota, who will also receive her commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The closing moment of reflection will be given by Kinsey Smith of Windsor, Colorado.Below is the list of students expected to graduate by degree. The hometowns listed are those on file for the students. Honor graduates are designated by asterisks. ***Summa cum laude, 3.9-4.0 GPA; **Magna cum laude, 3.75-3.89 GPA; *Cum laude, 3.6-3.74The commencement speaker is former Nebraska State Senator John Stinner Sr. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature, representing District 48, in 2014 and re-elected in 2018.“Chadron State is such a great asset to the Panhandle and the state of Nebraska from an economic and post-secondary&nbsp;perspective. It's a great honor to be asked to be a part of the commencement ceremony,” Stinner said.A native of Pennsylvania, Stinner came to Nebraska on a full athletic scholarship and was a member of the University of Nebraska national championship football team in 1970-71. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973 and a master’s in economics from UNL in 1976.Stinner and his wife, Rita, have been married since 1972 and have two children and four grandchildren. The couple resides in Gering.He is a retired CPA and the former CEO and board chair of Valley Bank of Trust. He also served on the board of directors of Western States Bank.His civic service has included work with the following organizations: the Oregon Trail Community Foundation, the Scottsbluff/Gering Rotary Club, the Sons of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, the Gering Downtown Revitalization Committee, Elks Club, and the WNCC Cougar Booster Club, and Christ the King parish.Stinner is a former board member and trustee with Hospital Authority No. 1 of Scotts Bluff County and former chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association. He also served on numerous boards including the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, the Terry Carpenter Center, the Nebraska Journalism Trust, and the WyoBraska Museum. He served as president of the YMCA of Scottsbluff board, the Gering School Board, and Twin Cities Development.His honors include the 2024 State Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame, 2023 Behavioral Health Educational Center of Nebraska Distinguished Service Award, 2023 Nebraskaland Foundation NEBRASKAlander Award, the Nebraska Arts Council Thomas C. Woods Ill Partner in the Arts Award, State Friend of Psychology from the Nebraska Psychological Association, and Nebraska Society of CPA Legislator of the Year in 2023.Bachelor of Applied ScienceStephanie Freeburg, Berthoud, ColoAllen Stubbert, Columbus, Neb.Bachelor of ArtsNebraskaAlliance: Isabella Middleton***, Alicia Tyree**Arthur: Colten Storer**Benkelman: Anntoinette LurzBlair: McKenna SchlueterChadron: Curtiss Bruhn, Cheyann Coen, Allie Ferguson*, Allison Omernik*, Jessy Roberts, Savanna Sayaloune***, Nicole Scarrow*, Taylor Strotheide, Tyleigh Strotheide, Kassyl Swinney-RuizCrawford: William AckermanCrete: Minh Duc Le**Culbertson: Jancy MarksDecatur: Breanna DeaconDoniphan: Brenna SchulerEustis: Amber LangeGering: Madison Kinney, Elizabeth MalsamGordon: Sierra Garrett**Gothenburg: Olivia JorgensonGrant: Adriana Gonzalez***Gurley: Ella DraperHalsey: Colt HesseltineHyannis: Shailey McAbeeImperial: Aaron HinojosaJohnson: Sophie ClarkLewellen: Reid Spady**Lincoln: Allison Schneider**, Charles VolcekLisco: Zachery EvansMarquette: Ashley Gonzalez RodriguezMinden: Markus RamseyMorrill: Kenzey Kanno**, Tanner WhethamNorfolk: Bailey Hurlburt**North Platte: Anders SwansonOgallala: Kai Brixton**, Emma Coffman***Ohiowa: Hector NunezOverton: Kien MartinPolk: Dylan Soule**Rushville: Riley SnyderScottsbluff: Harrison Bice, Erin Hayhurst***, Angelique WeberSidney: Trey Douglas, Henry Gutierrez, Cayden Jobman, Caitlyn Mueller*Springfield: Alyssa RihaSt. Paul: Grant Turek**Stromsburg: Hannah PfeiflySumner: Ashley RohdeColoradoBrighton: MacKenzi KrollBroomfield: Joseph DeCamillis*, Hunter O'Connor, Grant Swenson, Madison Watt***Burlington: Lillina FooseByers: Ashland Baca***Denver: Devin BuderusEaton: Makenna Cormack***, Noelle MeagherEvans: Mayson FagotFort Collins: Jessie HenchenskiFort Morgan: Destiny PeltonGrand Lake: Sarah HoughGreeley: Aliyah HernandezHotchkiss: Rebeka Scheiderer*Idalia: Brisa PerezLakewood: Paige ProppLimon: Litzy WilsonLoveland: Kellye WhitesideNorthglenn: Hector OrtegaParker: Tyler GishPueblo: Makayla Keck*Seibert: Emily MasonSimla: Molly Braun***Thornton: Samantha Conradie*, Olivia Trembly**Wellington: Brody LambWestminster: Juliana SellarsSouth DakotaAllen: Vernon Plenty BullBuffalo: Brooklyn Williams*Custer: Morgan HelferHolabird: Zane Zilverberg*Hot Springs: Chaela HolmesMobridge: Alexis Sjomeling***Newell: Austin Alexander*Owanka: Nicole Volmer*Spearfish: Shaylie Edgren*WyomingBurns: Kaden LakinCasper: Rebecca Goeken**, Emory Yoosook**Douglas: Abrielle Hoopman**Gillette: April Davis, Chloe RankinGlenrock: Richard Harris IIJackson: Jeydon CoxLingle: Callie Fritzler***, Bailey Powell, Ashley Riley**Lusk: Alec Penfield, Riley ShawMoorcroft: Rose Black, Tia Cranston***, Lynsey GrayNewcastle: Shelby DavisRiverton: Emma Crichton, Kaden DowerRock Springs: Trinity ChrisawnSheridan: Brooke WormanTorrington: Brittney Lopez, Meranda RichardsWheatland: Halle Smith***Other States and Other CountriesAllison Acosta, Oro Valley, Ariz.Kyle Shirley***, Queen Creek, Ariz.Sofia Rubio, Tempe, Ariz.Catherine Ford, Los Angeles, Calif.Chloe Brown, Riverside, Calif.Tayton Ricard, Blakesburg, IowaEstrella Cruz, Council Bluffs, IowaBrook Staten, Olsburg, Kan.Kolton Drogowski***, Williamsburg, Mich.Adeline Beason**, Byram, Miss.Logan Peila, Miles City, Mont.BreAnne Benson, West Fargo, N.D.Jared Hurt, Conroe, TexasJoshua Robinson***, Paris, TexasArmon Johnson, Prosper, TexasJoseph Dumsa, West Valley City, UtahKaren Norton***, Ephrata, Wash.Dean Neff***, Lake Mills, Wis.Thomas Bagin*, Menomonee Falls, Wis.Maria Garcia Martinez, Gualcinse, HondurasMolly Cockburn*, Christchurch, New ZealandBachelor of ScienceNebraskaBig Springs: Kristie EmersonChadron: Michael Anderson***, Emma Cogdill**Chappell: Cooper ReichmanColumbus: Emma StewartCrawford: Emalee AckermanDunning: Bryan ZutavernGothenburg: Jamie Graff**Hastings: Grace RedingerHershey: Carlee Brownawell***Kearney: Drayden BellamyLoup City: Ashley Dearmont**, Creighton Harrington***Madrid: Quinn Koop**McCook: Elise AguilarNebraska City: Aubrey Bando*Norfolk: Jalen Hoffman, Katherine Meuret*North Platte: Emily Evans*Omaha: Carolyn Drake**O'Neill: Alexa Shald**Scottsbluff: Kayden SingpielSidney: Jaylee Shaw*Springview: Katie Lewis***Valentine: Kortney KronhofmanYork: Harrison Gocke*ColoradoAurora: Gabriel PerkinsKit Carson: Cordell FarmerLamar: Isabel Gaines**Merino: Jessy SextonSouth DakotaBelle Fourche: Colby Tadra*Box Elder: Colton JacksonCamp Crook: Karissa RasmussenHarrold: Velvet Jessen*Kadoka: Dylan Vander MayRapid City: Julie Geiman, Nicholas Lembke***Vivian: Brianna Smith***WyomingGreen River: Ashlyn Jensen*Kemmerer: Colter JulianLander: Ursula AndersonLusk: Ashley ChristiansonNewcastle: Gunnar WainscottOther States and CountriesZen Petrosius, Seward, AlaskaKaitlyn Smith***, Hackberry, Ariz.Kelsey Huggans, Wichita, Kan.Kayla Brown***, Glendive, Mont.Irene Johnson, Roy, Mont.Emmanuella Tchona*, Lokossa, BeninMartin Poznanovic***, Uzice, SerbiaBachelor of Science in EducationNebraskaAlliance: Cade Stephenson***Bayard: Wyatt Fiscus***, Colin Hendrickson, Cole KramerBeatrice: Sarah Riekenberg*Bertrand: Jenna Kuck-Urbanovsky***Bloomfield: Kaci Millikan*Bridgeport: Regina Gonzalez, Jacie LussettoChadron: Madison Sandstrom***Columbus: Hannah Montgomery*Firth: Sophia LentferGering: Tori Hoagland, Taylor Koros***, Morgan Van Anne***Hastings: Kennedy HowardHershey: Chanda CooperHoldrege: Darci SamuelsonImperial: Carissa Hill***Lewellen: Kara Haskell*Lincoln: Monica Nagel***Lodgepole: Cooper MichelmanMitchell: Lyndsey WaltersMorrill: Katlyn Medel***Mullen: Cecilia CoonsNaper: Mattie Baird***North Platte: Jordynn Boyle, Emilee Henne***Odell: Alexis Parks***Ogallala: McKenna Headley**Ord: Danielle ThyfaultPalmer: Taylor LuedkeSargent: Bailey Schneider***Scottsbluff: Ashley Kessler, Amanda Peister, Sarah Peterson*, Alicia Stodola*Sidney: Seth Studnicka**Valentine: Brennann Jackson*Wauneta: Tiffany Harris, Julie SparrowYork: Paige OblenderColoradoCedaredge: Reganne McIntire**Erie: Sloane Quijas*Fort Morgan: Audrey KramerHolyoke: Makenzie Martin*Yuma: Naydeen KnappSouth DakotaHermosa: Kristin Seidler***Hot Springs: T'Aunah Benson***, Breanna Remington, Caden Shanklin***Martin: Tarryn CadyPierre: William Gore**Rapid City: Shana BenderSturgis: Joel Carpenter*Summerset: Michaela Hill**WyomingAlpine: Johannah Christie*Burns: Katelyn Bach**Casper: Leah Jensen***Cheyenne: Rhiannon Thomalla**Douglas: Cassidy Cole, Jaylon Martinez, Andrea Tena***Lander: Annabeth Koger**Laramie: Shasta Rosales***Sheridan: Reata Cook*, Allison PuuriTorrington: Onalise KingsleyMaster of Arts in EducationNebraskaAlliance: Jaiden BrownBassett: Katherine NollesCentral City: Jessica BrondelChadron: Mikel Landreth, Jazlyn ReitzColumbus: Valerie BrownElyria: Lauren CollinsGering: Jacklyn CawiezelGordon: Amanda GeyerHyannis: Brandy SchaackKearney: Bryan MuellerMinden: Starla DoxonMorrill: Traci PattersonOrd: Jordyn BartakPotter: Jessica BowerScottsbluff: Lauren ArmstrongSidney: Melissa RossOther States and CountriesJason Ott, Anchorage, AlaskaSascha Smith, Anchorage, AlaskaJacob Norris, Fort Morgan, Colo.Loren Schmoll, Adel, IowaDavid Krimmel, Glennallen, AlaskaAbigail Sasse, Darien, Ill.Emily Manriquez, Montevideo, MinnJesse Orcutt, Glendive, Mont.Daniel O'Brien, Dickinson, N.D.Jonathan Tsigler, Brooklyn, N.Y.Brittany Hallis, Bedford, OhioRieley Maier, Bowdle, S.D.Scott Hesla, Webster, S.D.Stephanie Gill, Gillette, Wyo.Calder Forcella, Greybull, Wyo.Master of Business AdministrationNebraskaChadron: Clark RiesenDavid City: Thomas GlockGothenburg: Scott SpeckGrand Island: Samantha KimminauHenry: Andrew AvilaHershey: Louise SchroderScottsbluff: Leslie Foral, Darci RolandOther States and CountriesMic'Kael Foust Jr., Little Rock, Ark.Blayke De La Rosa, Spring Valley, Calif.Kathryn Helsel, Arvada, Colo.Mason Watt, Broomfield, Colo.Kinsey Smith, Windsor, Colo.Anthony Narvaez, Hialeah, Fla.Kayla Phillips, Albuquerque, N.M.Colin Webster, Wayne, Neb.Ryan Kenny, Portland, Ore.Jessica Tubbs, Edgemont, S.D.Leslie Harlan, Martin, S.D.Elizabeth Bromberek, Alexandria, Va.Stephanie Johnson, Herndon, Va.Bailey Lupher, Mountain View, Wyo.Master of EducationNebraskaAnselmo: Marcelle KastensGothenburg: Charity WyattMcCook: Amanda EinspahrNorth Platte: Zachary OstergardScottsbluff: Shelby WinchellWyomingDouglas: Katherine SpletzerGillette: Madison HinshawGreybull: Jessica WhethamSheridan: Jacquelyn HoveyMaster of Science in Organizational ManagementNebraskaChadron: Ricki HicksteinGrand Island: Madyson SchliepOshkosh: Kimberly ChadwickPapillion: Dustin McKennaSumner: Traven ClaflinOther States and CountriesKayla Campuzano, Brighton, Colo.Rylee Greiman, Windsor, Colo.Rachel Davila, Hot Springs, S.D.Taygen Smith, Amarillo, TexasRebecca Monahan, Cheyenne, Wyo.

Chadron State College Commencement set for Saturday

This is the Post Podcast. Today we spoke with Kylen Armstrong from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their 2024 photo contest.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD Photo Contest" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=khb4p-15fd373-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>This is the Post Podcast. Today we spoke with Kylen Armstrong from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their 2024 photo contest.&nbsp;

Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD Photo Contest 

POST PODCAST: ARC Fundraising Update

Editor's note: Story has been updated with information that the suspect was taken to the hospital treatment.

North Platte, Neb. - After almost seven hours, the standoff situation at Burlington and McCabe ended with the suspect in custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The suspect exited from his house sometime before 8:00pm and reportedly had his weapon with him. After several commands, he put his weapon down and surrendered. The suspect was taken to Great Plains Health for treatment.&nbsp;

It's reported that the man was firing a weapon outside his home. Around 2:23 pm, the North Platte Police Department issued a RAVE alert telling citizens to avoid the area of the 1500 block of Burlington as law enforcement was on scene handling the situation. Police set up barricades around the area to keep the public out. No more information has been released at this time.

***This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714439924446.jpeg" alt="North Platte Police, Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte EMS on scene at the standoff situation in North Platte (Photo taken by Canon Rath/North Platte Post)" />
 <figcaption>North Platte Police, Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte EMS on scene at the standoff situation in North Platte (Photo taken by Canon Rath/North Platte Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: Story has been updated with information that the suspect was taken to the hospital treatment.North Platte Post&nbsp;North Platte, Neb. - After almost seven hours, the standoff situation at Burlington and McCabe ended with the suspect in custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;The suspect exited from his house sometime before 8:00pm and reportedly had his weapon with him. After several commands, he put his weapon down and surrendered. The suspect was taken to Great Plains Health for treatment.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714440595242.jpeg" alt="Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte EMS on scene at the standoff in North Platte. (Photo taken by Canon Rath/North Platte Post)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte EMS on scene at the standoff in North Platte. (Photo taken by Canon Rath/North Platte Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>It's reported that the man was firing a weapon outside his home. Around 2:23 pm, the North Platte Police Department issued a RAVE alert telling citizens to avoid the area of the 1500 block of Burlington as law enforcement was on scene handling the situation. Police set up barricades around the area to keep the public out. No more information has been released at this time.***This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.&nbsp;

North Platte standoff ends with suspect in police custody

CUSTER, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations to prepare for visitors this summer season. Beginning Wednesday, May 8 the visitor center will be open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. will begin on Sunday, May 19. These hours will then continue until Labor Day.

Jewel Cave’s Wild Caving Tours will begin for the season on Saturday, May 25 and the Historic Lantern Tours on Saturday, June 1. The park plans to offer the Historic Lantern Tours daily until Labor Day, and the Wild Caving Tour on weekends and select weekdays through mid-August. The monument will continue to offer the popular Scenic and Discovery Tours. Advance reservations for the Scenic, Discovery and Historic Lantern Tours are strongly recommended and will be available to book on Recreation.gov, with limited walk-up tours available daily. Advance reservations are required for the Wild Caving Tour and will be by phone. Information on booking this tour is on our website and recreation.gov.

The monument also partners with the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, which operates a Park Store inside the visitor center. The store will be open on the same schedule as the visitor center and provides visitors with multiple products and services to complement their visit.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at www.nps.gov/jeca, as well as on social media through Facebook at www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/ and Instagram at www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps.

Press ReleaseCUSTER, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations to prepare for visitors this summer season. Beginning Wednesday, May 8 the visitor center will be open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. will begin on Sunday, May 19. These hours will then continue until Labor Day.Jewel Cave’s Wild Caving Tours will begin for the season on Saturday, May 25 and the Historic Lantern Tours on Saturday, June 1. The park plans to offer the Historic Lantern Tours daily until Labor Day, and the Wild Caving Tour on weekends and select weekdays through mid-August. The monument will continue to offer the popular Scenic and Discovery Tours. Advance reservations for the Scenic, Discovery and Historic Lantern Tours are strongly recommended and will be available to book on Recreation.gov, with limited walk-up tours available daily. Advance reservations are required for the Wild Caving Tour and will be by phone. Information on booking this tour is on our website and recreation.gov.The monument also partners with the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, which operates a Park Store inside the visitor center. The store will be open on the same schedule as the visitor center and provides visitors with multiple products and services to complement their visit.Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at www.nps.gov/jeca, as well as on social media through Facebook at www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/ and Instagram at www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps.

Jewel Cave announces hours for summer season

Alliance, NE – The Alliance Public Library invites you to place one vote per age division in the Spring Coloring Contest at Alliance Public Library now through April 30th. Vote in-person at the library or online on our Facebook page. Age divisions include Preschool-Second Grade and Grades 3-5. The Grand Prize winner in each age division will receive a Deluxe Art Set, courtesy of the Alliance Public Library Foundation.

Additionally, the Alliance Public Library is excited to announce the upcoming Story Time themes for ages 3-6 which include “Transportation” on April 30th and May 2nd, “Beautiful Bubbles” on May 7th and 9th, then “Summer Sparkle” plus “Birthday Party” on May 14th and 16th. In recognition of May as Law Enforcement Appreciation month, the Alliance Police Department will also share Summer Safety for several May Story Times. Story Time meets on Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 1 pm with several stories, music, and crafts in the Alliance Public Library Children’s Room.

Furthermore, LEGO Club for grades K-3 will meet on Tuesday, May 7th and 21st from 4-5 pm in the Community Room.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The Alliance Public Library invites you to place one vote per age division in the Spring Coloring Contest at Alliance Public Library now through April 30th. Vote in-person at the library or online on our Facebook page. Age divisions include Preschool-Second Grade and Grades 3-5. The Grand Prize winner in each age division will receive a Deluxe Art Set, courtesy of the Alliance Public Library Foundation.Additionally, the Alliance Public Library is excited to announce the upcoming Story Time themes for ages 3-6 which include “Transportation” on April 30th and May 2nd, “Beautiful Bubbles” on May 7th and 9th, then “Summer Sparkle” plus “Birthday Party” on May 14th and 16th. In recognition of May as Law Enforcement Appreciation month, the Alliance Police Department will also share Summer Safety for several May Story Times. Story Time meets on Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 1 pm with several stories, music, and crafts in the Alliance Public Library Children’s Room.Furthermore, LEGO Club for grades K-3 will meet on Tuesday, May 7th and 21st from 4-5 pm in the Community Room.

Springtime activities at Alliance Public Library

By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS

CHADRON – Chadron State College student Aubree Quast of Clarks, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for April.

Quast said she chose CSC after learning about the Rural Health Opportunity Program (RHOP) during her campus visit. She applied for the RHOP scholarship when she returned home and received a spot. Additionally, Quast said she didn’t feel like she could picture herself at any of the other colleges she visited.

Quast is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Chemistry and plans to attend medical school after graduation to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

According to Quast, her interest in healthcare sparked after being involved in a car accident during her sophomore year of high school and spending a large amount of time in hospitals and healthcare settings.

“I’ve always really liked healthcare, but I got into a car accident the last day of my sophomore year of high school, and it really opened my eyes to healthcare,” Quast said. “I had to have brain surgery and ultimately spent a lot of time in hospitals and somewhere along the line I learned to grow fond of healthcare and was just fascinated by it.”

Quast’s special interest in becoming a DO came from working with so many doctors following the car accident and discovering osteopathic medicine.

“I like the doctor role in healthcare because they’re like the puzzle master: they help everything come together to form a complete picture,” Quast said. “Osteopathic medicine is cool because it is more of a whole-body approach, which is why I have interest in it, but medical doctors are doing a lot of the same stuff now, so I have interest in that as well.”

Medical schools Quast is interested in include the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, the School of Medicine at Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, because they are partnered with Nebraska RHOP.

Quast’s favorite course at CSC was Microbiology with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Jeffrey Kiiskila.

“Microbiology was just super interesting,” Quast said. “We did a project where we had to go through the whole process of swabbing samples, putting them on plates, separating samples, staining them, taking pictures, identifying them, and it was just a really cool experience.”

Quast is a member of Health Professions Club (HPC), Sports Medicine Club, Tri Beta, Cardinal Key, Chemistry Club, The Pit, and is a former Student Senate President.

Student Activities Coordinator Elise Gamble recognizes Quast’s efforts to improve student life at CSC along with her involvement on campus.

“Aubree is a star student, pursuing her academics while working and organizing Pit events and being involved on campus,” Gamble said. “Aubree has already had a huge impact across student life at CSC, and she is wonderful to work with. She is kind and considerate, and I look forward to seeing the things she accomplishes even after her time at CSC is done.”

Quast praises the pre-healthcare organizations, HPC and Sports Medicine Club, for providing students with opportunities to learn more about working in the field of healthcare and pre-healthcare professionals.

“The pre-healthcare clubs are cool because they provide a different side of healthcare,” said Quast. “Job shadowing during the Covid pandemic before I came to college was impossible, so it’s really nice to kind of get a chance to shadow now through the individuals that come in which is really nice.”

Quast notes some of the speakers that she has had an opportunity to learn from.

“One of the speakers had joined the military right after medical school to have his loans paid for and he shared how his experience was different because he practiced outside of the U.S. pretty much right away; the policies and practices he learned and used while in a different country were completely different and then he had to readjust again when he returned to the U.S.,” Quast said.

Quast also mentioned a speaker from the FBI who came to CSC and talked about biological weapons and warfare. According to her, the individual spoke about how healthcare workers are vital to figuring out how to deal with biological toxins and infectious agents. Quast described the information he presented as a different view of science and healthcare that she would not have thought about otherwise.

When Quast isn’t busy studying or involved with something on campus, she enjoys spending time at Chadron State Park.

“I’m usually super busy studying, so when I’m not doing school stuff, I really just like to relax,” said Quast. “I love sunsets and nature, so naturally I fell in love with the state park; the scenery and landscape are just so different from back home.”

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located on the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to helping 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">https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/</a>.

By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Chadron State College student Aubree Quast of Clarks, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for April.Quast said she chose CSC after learning about the Rural Health Opportunity Program (RHOP) during her campus visit. She applied for the RHOP scholarship when she returned home and received a spot. Additionally, Quast said she didn’t feel like she could picture herself at any of the other colleges she visited.Quast is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Chemistry and plans to attend medical school after graduation to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714488373699.jpeg" alt="Aubree Quast of Clarks, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for April 2024. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Aubree Quast of Clarks, Nebraska, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for April 2024. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Quast, her interest in healthcare sparked after being involved in a car accident during her sophomore year of high school and spending a large amount of time in hospitals and healthcare settings.“I’ve always really liked healthcare, but I got into a car accident the last day of my sophomore year of high school, and it really opened my eyes to healthcare,” Quast said. “I had to have brain surgery and ultimately spent a lot of time in hospitals and somewhere along the line I learned to grow fond of healthcare and was just fascinated by it.”Quast’s special interest in becoming a DO came from working with so many doctors following the car accident and discovering osteopathic medicine.“I like the doctor role in healthcare because they’re like the puzzle master: they help everything come together to form a complete picture,” Quast said. “Osteopathic medicine is cool because it is more of a whole-body approach, which is why I have interest in it, but medical doctors are doing a lot of the same stuff now, so I have interest in that as well.”Medical schools Quast is interested in include the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, the School of Medicine at Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, because they are partnered with Nebraska RHOP.Quast’s favorite course at CSC was Microbiology with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Jeffrey Kiiskila.“Microbiology was just super interesting,” Quast said. “We did a project where we had to go through the whole process of swabbing samples, putting them on plates, separating samples, staining them, taking pictures, identifying them, and it was just a really cool experience.”Quast is a member of Health Professions Club (HPC), Sports Medicine Club, Tri Beta, Cardinal Key, Chemistry Club, The Pit, and is a former Student Senate President.Student Activities Coordinator Elise Gamble recognizes Quast’s efforts to improve student life at CSC along with her involvement on campus.“Aubree is a star student, pursuing her academics while working and organizing Pit events and being involved on campus,” Gamble said. “Aubree has already had a huge impact across student life at CSC, and she is wonderful to work with. She is kind and considerate, and I look forward to seeing the things she accomplishes even after her time at CSC is done.”Quast praises the pre-healthcare organizations, HPC and Sports Medicine Club, for providing students with opportunities to learn more about working in the field of healthcare and pre-healthcare professionals.“The pre-healthcare clubs are cool because they provide a different side of healthcare,” said Quast. “Job shadowing during the Covid pandemic before I came to college was impossible, so it’s really nice to kind of get a chance to shadow now through the individuals that come in which is really nice.”Quast notes some of the speakers that she has had an opportunity to learn from.“One of the speakers had joined the military right after medical school to have his loans paid for and he shared how his experience was different because he practiced outside of the U.S. pretty much right away; the policies and practices he learned and used while in a different country were completely different and then he had to readjust again when he returned to the U.S.,” Quast said.Quast also mentioned a speaker from the FBI who came to CSC and talked about biological weapons and warfare. According to her, the individual spoke about how healthcare workers are vital to figuring out how to deal with biological toxins and infectious agents. Quast described the information he presented as a different view of science and healthcare that she would not have thought about otherwise.When Quast isn’t busy studying or involved with something on campus, she enjoys spending time at Chadron State Park.“I’m usually super busy studying, so when I’m not doing school stuff, I really just like to relax,” said Quast. “I love sunsets and nature, so naturally I fell in love with the state park; the scenery and landscape are just so different from back home.”Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located on the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to helping 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">https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/</a>.

Quast named April Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month in Chadron

ELKHORN, NEB.&nbsp; — Governor Jim Pillen and Colonel John Bolduc flew with the Nebraska State Patrol Aviation Support Unit today to survey damage caused by tornadoes Friday in eastern Nebraska.

During today’s helicopter flight, Governor Pillen was able to view some of the same areas of damage he saw from the ground on Saturday. Several hundred homes suffered significant damage or were destroyed during the storms, which dropped multiple tornadoes in several Nebraska counties.&nbsp;<a>Only minor injuries have been reported in Nebraska as a result of these storms.</a>

Video footage from today’s flight can be viewed here:&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/6u1vR5gTTcQ" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.

Photos from today’s flight are posted on Nebraska State Patrol social media pages:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.x.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">X</a>.

NSP pilots were also able to provide Douglas County officials with an aerial view of damage in western Douglas County during separate flights Monday afternoon.

Troopers continue to provide additional patrols in the Elkhorn area in partnership with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Omaha Police Department. Anyone seeking to volunteer in recovery efforts should reach out to&nbsp;<a href="https://rapidresponseamerica.org/" target="_blank">Omaha Rapid Response</a>&nbsp;to find out the most effective way to help.

By NSPELKHORN, NEB.&nbsp; — Governor Jim Pillen and Colonel John Bolduc flew with the Nebraska State Patrol Aviation Support Unit today to survey damage caused by tornadoes Friday in eastern Nebraska.During today’s helicopter flight, Governor Pillen was able to view some of the same areas of damage he saw from the ground on Saturday. Several hundred homes suffered significant damage or were destroyed during the storms, which dropped multiple tornadoes in several Nebraska counties.&nbsp;<a>Only minor injuries have been reported in Nebraska as a result of these storms.</a>Video footage from today’s flight can be viewed here:&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/6u1vR5gTTcQ" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.Photos from today’s flight are posted on Nebraska State Patrol social media pages:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.x.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">X</a>.NSP pilots were also able to provide Douglas County officials with an aerial view of damage in western Douglas County during separate flights Monday afternoon.Troopers continue to provide additional patrols in the Elkhorn area in partnership with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Omaha Police Department. Anyone seeking to volunteer in recovery efforts should reach out to&nbsp;<a href="https://rapidresponseamerica.org/" target="_blank">Omaha Rapid Response</a>&nbsp;to find out the most effective way to help.

Governor, NSP Colonel survey tornado damage via NSP helicopter

Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

(Nenzel, Neb.) April 21, 2024 — The Bessey Ranger District successfully conducted a 2,650- acre prescribed burn on Sunday, April 21st at the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest near&nbsp;

Nenzel, NE. During burning operations, two areas burned outside control lines that totaled&nbsp;&nbsp;

approximately 20 acres. Though the burn was outside of control lines, all fire was kept on Forest&nbsp; Service lands and within the area future prescribed burning was planned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While onsite resources were quick to begin suppression on the burn outside the control lines,&nbsp;&nbsp;

the decision was made to order contingency resources, which were local volunteer fire&nbsp;&nbsp;

departments including two engines from Kilgore, NE and one engine from Cody, NE.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The burns outside the control lines were contained prior to the arrival of contingency resources.&nbsp; Although the local volunteer fire departments could have traveled back to their home units, the&nbsp; engines graciously agreed to continue supporting fire operations. This help allowed successful&nbsp;&nbsp;

completion of ignition operations and ensured all control lines were secured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The objectives of this prescribed burn were to reduce Eastern Red Cedar and other woody&nbsp;&nbsp;

encroachment within the unit as well as reduce thatch and ground litter to help improve grazing&nbsp; conditions. The reduction of fuel loading will also help with fire suppression in the event of a&nbsp;&nbsp;

wildfire. The objectives were met successfully according to fire staff.&nbsp;

Prescribed burns of this scale cannot often be implemented by just one agency or entity. It is the&nbsp; cooperation between interagency groups that allow for the accomplishment of fire management&nbsp; safety and the management of resources. Our cooperators for this project included Kilgore VFD,&nbsp; Cody VFD, Cherry County Emergency Management, Fort Pierre VFD, US Fish and Wildlife&nbsp;&nbsp;

Service, National Park Service, as well as the Bessey, Fort Pierre, Wall, Fall River, and Pine&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ridge Ranger Districts of the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands.&nbsp;

The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands would like to thank everyone who supported not&nbsp; only the prescribed burn at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, but all completed prescribed&nbsp;&nbsp;

Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture(Nenzel, Neb.) April 21, 2024 — The Bessey Ranger District successfully conducted a 2,650- acre prescribed burn on Sunday, April 21st at the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest near&nbsp;Nenzel, NE. During burning operations, two areas burned outside control lines that totaled&nbsp;&nbsp;approximately 20 acres. Though the burn was outside of control lines, all fire was kept on Forest&nbsp; Service lands and within the area future prescribed burning was planned.&nbsp;&nbsp;While onsite resources were quick to begin suppression on the burn outside the control lines,&nbsp;&nbsp;the decision was made to order contingency resources, which were local volunteer fire&nbsp;&nbsp;departments including two engines from Kilgore, NE and one engine from Cody, NE.&nbsp;&nbsp;The burns outside the control lines were contained prior to the arrival of contingency resources.&nbsp; Although the local volunteer fire departments could have traveled back to their home units, the&nbsp; engines graciously agreed to continue supporting fire operations. This help allowed successful&nbsp;&nbsp;completion of ignition operations and ensured all control lines were secured.&nbsp;&nbsp;The objectives of this prescribed burn were to reduce Eastern Red Cedar and other woody&nbsp;&nbsp;encroachment within the unit as well as reduce thatch and ground litter to help improve grazing&nbsp; conditions. The reduction of fuel loading will also help with fire suppression in the event of a&nbsp;&nbsp;wildfire. The objectives were met successfully according to fire staff.&nbsp;Prescribed burns of this scale cannot often be implemented by just one agency or entity. It is the&nbsp; cooperation between interagency groups that allow for the accomplishment of fire management&nbsp; safety and the management of resources. Our cooperators for this project included Kilgore VFD,&nbsp; Cody VFD, Cherry County Emergency Management, Fort Pierre VFD, US Fish and Wildlife&nbsp;&nbsp;Service, National Park Service, as well as the Bessey, Fort Pierre, Wall, Fall River, and Pine&nbsp;&nbsp;Ridge Ranger Districts of the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands.&nbsp;The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands would like to thank everyone who supported not&nbsp; only the prescribed burn at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, but all completed prescribed&nbsp;&nbsp;burns this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samuel R. McKelvie Prescribed Burn 

The Alliance Volunteer Fire Department battled an early morning house fire today, April 29 in the 900 block of Mississippi Avenue.&nbsp;

"Our Alliance Firefighters have already had a long morning with an attic fire," said Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker. "Thankfully we were able to locate the seat of the fire somewhat quickly, which helped limit the damage."

"Thanks also to the City of Alliance Electric crew and Alliance Police for their help," Shoemaker added. "But, most importantly, thank you to all of our firefighters for the great job this morning. I’m proud of all of you."

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714418848857.jpeg" alt="Photos by Alliance Volunteer Fire Department.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Alliance Volunteer Fire Department.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance Volunteer Fire Department battled an early morning house fire today, April 29 in the 900 block of Mississippi Avenue.&nbsp;"Our Alliance Firefighters have already had a long morning with an attic fire," said Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker. "Thankfully we were able to locate the seat of the fire somewhat quickly, which helped limit the damage.""Thanks also to the City of Alliance Electric crew and Alliance Police for their help," Shoemaker added. "But, most importantly, thank you to all of our firefighters for the great job this morning. I’m proud of all of you."<figure>
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Alliance Fire Department battle early morning fire 

LINCOLN, Neb. (April 29, 2024)&nbsp;–&nbsp;As Mental Health Awareness month approaches, the<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YiiycpLccwNM7hnswpgiPN18wUxyEQLkj_ZiWDtIs_yF6tKPp9GWPB1r1HRV-RJV7h6mpK5gW-uZPemeAubCOCX39iDicxRwh82_Ppu21exYjrmeYs7J80Tz3ToGN2LMtKCW6ccfzr84osa6j9MrAiegIU1OLYpl&amp;c=GqJh7WDa3hCYBTpBpHsE7gXW7OSHSnvX3tfHtzInYv-MtTwJkE6l0Q==&amp;ch=JGfGMbn471s88EQF6hFkMRSwGwvG1Y04tTsgxt_rb5kJq18q6XN09A==" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YiiycpLccwNM7hnswpgiPN18wUxyEQLkj_ZiWDtIs_yF6tKPp9GWPB1r1HRV-RJV7h6mpK5gW-uZPemeAubCOCX39iDicxRwh82_Ppu21exYjrmeYs7J80Tz3ToGN2LMtKCW6ccfzr84osa6j9MrAiegIU1OLYpl&amp;c=GqJh7WDa3hCYBTpBpHsE7gXW7OSHSnvX3tfHtzInYv-MtTwJkE6l0Q==&amp;ch=JGfGMbn471s88EQF6hFkMRSwGwvG1Y04tTsgxt_rb5kJq18q6XN09A==" target="_blank">WellPower Movement</a>&nbsp;encourages Nebraskans to focus on their mental health with the May Mental Wellbeing Challenge, which runs May 1-31.

Participants in the May Mental Wellbeing Challenge are rewarded with virtual badges and gift cards for engaging in various activities promoting mental health, including meditation, volunteering, reading, gratitude journaling, ensuring quality sleep, and group exercises.

The WellPower Movement, which has over 9,200 participants, is a free web-based activity-tracking platform that encourages individuals to adopt healthy habits through year-round wellbeing challenges. These challenges focus on both physical and mental health, rewarding participants with virtual badges and prizes for achieving and tracking significant milestones.

<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YiiycpLccwNM7hnswpgiPN18wUxyEQLkj_ZiWDtIs_yF6tKPp9GWPOBXDr7iV3-2Kmf18g_TBsWcKeqYk01vJO28Tm3uoiAm42Dt9wXgbMADZPC2Pok7r2g2g8MhTBFm1oVfCScqnHul9ETPGTUiba19yNnoDZe6&amp;c=GqJh7WDa3hCYBTpBpHsE7gXW7OSHSnvX3tfHtzInYv-MtTwJkE6l0Q==&amp;ch=JGfGMbn471s88EQF6hFkMRSwGwvG1Y04tTsgxt_rb5kJq18q6XN09A==" target="_blank">BlueCross and BlueShield of Nebraska</a>&nbsp;is the presenting partner of the May Mental Wellbeing Challenge. Other sponsors include: the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association, CHI Health St. Elizabeth, the Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center, Black Hills Energy, Aquafina, Liberty First Credit Union, Scheels, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, Sandhills Global, TELCOR&nbsp;and&nbsp;Unanimous.

WellPower Movement&nbsp;LINCOLN, Neb. (April 29, 2024)&nbsp;–&nbsp;As Mental Health Awareness month approaches, the<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YiiycpLccwNM7hnswpgiPN18wUxyEQLkj_ZiWDtIs_yF6tKPp9GWPB1r1HRV-RJV7h6mpK5gW-uZPemeAubCOCX39iDicxRwh82_Ppu21exYjrmeYs7J80Tz3ToGN2LMtKCW6ccfzr84osa6j9MrAiegIU1OLYpl&amp;c=GqJh7WDa3hCYBTpBpHsE7gXW7OSHSnvX3tfHtzInYv-MtTwJkE6l0Q==&amp;ch=JGfGMbn471s88EQF6hFkMRSwGwvG1Y04tTsgxt_rb5kJq18q6XN09A==" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YiiycpLccwNM7hnswpgiPN18wUxyEQLkj_ZiWDtIs_yF6tKPp9GWPB1r1HRV-RJV7h6mpK5gW-uZPemeAubCOCX39iDicxRwh82_Ppu21exYjrmeYs7J80Tz3ToGN2LMtKCW6ccfzr84osa6j9MrAiegIU1OLYpl&amp;c=GqJh7WDa3hCYBTpBpHsE7gXW7OSHSnvX3tfHtzInYv-MtTwJkE6l0Q==&amp;ch=JGfGMbn471s88EQF6hFkMRSwGwvG1Y04tTsgxt_rb5kJq18q6XN09A==" target="_blank">WellPower Movement</a>&nbsp;encourages Nebraskans to focus on their mental health with the May Mental Wellbeing Challenge, which runs May 1-31.Participants in the May Mental Wellbeing Challenge are rewarded with virtual badges and gift cards for engaging in various activities promoting mental health, including meditation, volunteering, reading, gratitude journaling, ensuring quality sleep, and group exercises.The WellPower Movement, which has over 9,200 participants, is a free web-based activity-tracking platform that encourages individuals to adopt healthy habits through year-round wellbeing challenges. These challenges focus on both physical and mental health, rewarding participants with virtual badges and prizes for achieving and tracking significant milestones.<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YiiycpLccwNM7hnswpgiPN18wUxyEQLkj_ZiWDtIs_yF6tKPp9GWPOBXDr7iV3-2Kmf18g_TBsWcKeqYk01vJO28Tm3uoiAm42Dt9wXgbMADZPC2Pok7r2g2g8MhTBFm1oVfCScqnHul9ETPGTUiba19yNnoDZe6&amp;c=GqJh7WDa3hCYBTpBpHsE7gXW7OSHSnvX3tfHtzInYv-MtTwJkE6l0Q==&amp;ch=JGfGMbn471s88EQF6hFkMRSwGwvG1Y04tTsgxt_rb5kJq18q6XN09A==" target="_blank">BlueCross and BlueShield of Nebraska</a>&nbsp;is the presenting partner of the May Mental Wellbeing Challenge. Other sponsors include: the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association, CHI Health St. Elizabeth, the Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center, Black Hills Energy, Aquafina, Liberty First Credit Union, Scheels, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, Sandhills Global, TELCOR&nbsp;and&nbsp;Unanimous.

WellPower Movement Shifts Focus to Mental Wellbeing

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Wenty Has No Life

P202400209 14:57 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Officers responded to the 400 block of Emerson Ave in reference to a reported criminal mischief Inactive - Case Suspended

P202400210 05:27 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYOfficers responded to the 400 Block of Mississippi in reference to a reported motor vehicle accident with injuries. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400211 17:31 DISTURBANCE : Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400212 06:31 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Officers dispatched to Camden Court Apartments. Observed a vehicle with spray paint on all four sides. No suspects identified case pending. Inactive - Case Suspended

P202400214 07:30 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Closed - Resolved

P202400214 07:30 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Open - Under Investigation

P202400213 07:56 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Case taken of a damaged window screen and door near the 400 block of Emerson Ave. Investigation continues Inactive - Case Suspended

P202400213 07:56 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Case taken of a damaged window screen and door near the 400 block of Emerson Ave. Investigation continues Open - Under Investigation

P202400215 15:18 THEFT : THEFT Male reported a theft of funds from his Cashapp. Report was taken, currently under investigation. Open - Under Investigation

P202400216 01:08 DUI : DUI Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of Black Hills Ave. The driver was arrested for DUI over .150 and Minor in Possession. A male passenger was cited for Minor in Possession. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400217 15:14 JUV : JUVENILE Report of a runaway juvenile. Investigation continues Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400218 10:23 JUV : JUVENILE Officer was dispatched to the 2500 block of Big Horn Avenue for a juvenile run away who was reporting a domestic assault. This case is under investigation.

By Alliance Police Department04/21/24P202400209 14:57 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Officers responded to the 400 block of Emerson Ave in reference to a reported criminal mischief Inactive - Case Suspended04/21/24 Total: 104/22/24P202400210 05:27 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYOfficers responded to the 400 Block of Mississippi in reference to a reported motor vehicle accident with injuries. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400211 17:31 DISTURBANCE : Closed - Charges Recommended04/22/24 Total: 204/24/24P202400212 06:31 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Officers dispatched to Camden Court Apartments. Observed a vehicle with spray paint on all four sides. No suspects identified case pending. Inactive - Case SuspendedP202400214 07:30 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Closed - ResolvedP202400214 07:30 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Open - Under InvestigationP202400213 07:56 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Case taken of a damaged window screen and door near the 400 block of Emerson Ave. Investigation continues Inactive - Case SuspendedP202400213 07:56 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Case taken of a damaged window screen and door near the 400 block of Emerson Ave. Investigation continues Open - Under Investigation04/24/24 Total: 504/25/24P202400215 15:18 THEFT : THEFT Male reported a theft of funds from his Cashapp. Report was taken, currently under investigation. Open - Under Investigation04/25/24 Total: 104/26/24P202400216 01:08 DUI : DUI Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of Black Hills Ave. The driver was arrested for DUI over .150 and Minor in Possession. A male passenger was cited for Minor in Possession. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400217 15:14 JUV : JUVENILE Report of a runaway juvenile. Investigation continues Closed - Charges Recommended04/26/24 Total: 204/27/24P202400218 10:23 JUV : JUVENILE Officer was dispatched to the 2500 block of Big Horn Avenue for a juvenile run away who was reporting a domestic assault. This case is under investigation.

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

The Hemingford Community Foundation is excited to issue grants to support the Box Butte Archery Club, Community Vacation Bible School, Hemingford Post Prom, and Valor General Store. Each will receive $500 to support their identified projects.

“The mini-grant applications certainly show how committed we all are to the youth of Hemingford,” said April Delsing, Foundation Board Member. “We are thrilled to support these projects for the betterment of a variety of Hemingford organizations, projects, and associations. We’ve got some big plans in the works to support a larger scale project and can’t wait to share that with the community.”

The board is comprised of Jessica Davies, April Delsing, Joni Jespersen, Tonya Mayer, and Tabi Prochazka. They have been meeting regularly to serve the residents of Hemingford and the surrounding area by identifying and supporting the people, organizations, and projects that make Hemingford a great place to live, learn, work, and play.&nbsp;

The foundation board has strategically prioritized the following for the next three years:

The Foundation is an affiliate fund of the Oregon Trail Community Foundation. Visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/" target="_blank">https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/</a>. &nbsp;

Press ReleaseThe Hemingford Community Foundation is excited to issue grants to support the Box Butte Archery Club, Community Vacation Bible School, Hemingford Post Prom, and Valor General Store. Each will receive $500 to support their identified projects.<ul>
 <li>Box Butte Archery Club – Purchase 3D targets and continue to support the youth archery program that began this year in Hemingford. Nearly 30 youth participate in this program.</li><li>Community Vacation Bible School – Purchase supplies for crafts, snacks, and story time as well as supplementing the curriculum that is purchased every year. There have been close to 100 children that attend this week-long program.</li><li>Hemingford Post Prom – Offset costs for entertainment at the 2025 Hemingford Post Prom, a safe night of fun for students in grades 9-12.</li><li>Valor General Store – Support renovation costs for the youth archery club.</li>
 </ul>“The mini-grant applications certainly show how committed we all are to the youth of Hemingford,” said April Delsing, Foundation Board Member. “We are thrilled to support these projects for the betterment of a variety of Hemingford organizations, projects, and associations. We’ve got some big plans in the works to support a larger scale project and can’t wait to share that with the community.”The board is comprised of Jessica Davies, April Delsing, Joni Jespersen, Tonya Mayer, and Tabi Prochazka. They have been meeting regularly to serve the residents of Hemingford and the surrounding area by identifying and supporting the people, organizations, and projects that make Hemingford a great place to live, learn, work, and play.&nbsp;The foundation board has strategically prioritized the following for the next three years:<ul>
 <li>Strategic Giving</li><li>Maximizing 501(c)3 Access</li><li>Community Presence</li><li>Strategic Partnerships</li>
 </ul>The Foundation is an affiliate fund of the Oregon Trail Community Foundation. Visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/" target="_blank">https://otcf.org/hemingford-community-foundation/</a>. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714401976348.jpeg" alt="Tonya Mayer, Joni Jespersen, Tabi Prochazka, Jessica Davies, Kim Haas, various VBS characters" />
 <figcaption>Tonya Mayer, Joni Jespersen, Tabi Prochazka, Jessica Davies, Kim Haas, various VBS characters</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714402016377.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Joni Jespersen, Tonya Mayer, Tabi Prochazka, Jessica Davies, Lacey Covey" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Joni Jespersen, Tonya Mayer, Tabi Prochazka, Jessica Davies, Lacey Covey</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714402064129.jpeg" alt="Dan Anderson, Joni Jespersen, Tabi Prochazka, Jessica Davies, Tonya Mayer" />
 <figcaption>Dan Anderson, Joni Jespersen, Tabi Prochazka, Jessica Davies, Tonya Mayer</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714402120163.jpeg" alt="Riki Hunter, Joni Jespersen, Tabi Prochazka, Jessica Davies, Tonya Mayer" />
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Hemingford C. F. issues grants supporting 4 community projects

The Scottsbluff Police Department worked overtime on the weekend of April 19 to April 21 to participate in the Drug Impaired Driving High Visibility Enforcement. The overtime was funded by the Nebraska Department of Transportation-Highway Safety Office. The following enforcement contacts occurred as a result of the enforcement:

Possession of Less than One Ounce of Marijuana 1

There were 47 total traffic stops. There were 36 warnings issued. There were 3 felony arrest and 4 misdemeanor arrests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scottsbluff Police DepartmentThe Scottsbluff Police Department worked overtime on the weekend of April 19 to April 21 to participate in the Drug Impaired Driving High Visibility Enforcement. The overtime was funded by the Nebraska Department of Transportation-Highway Safety Office. The following enforcement contacts occurred as a result of the enforcement:Driving Under the Influence 1Resual of Chemical test 1Driving Under Suspension 1No Valid Registration 4No Insurance 1No Operator’s License 1Careless Driving 1Speeding 4Possession of Less than One Ounce of Marijuana 1No Seatbelt 1Violate Provisional Operators Permit 1Violate Learners Permit 1Failure to Yield Right of Way 1Texting While Driving 1Reckless Driving 1Possess Drug Paraphernalia 1Open Container of Alcohol 2Willful Reckless Driving 1Improper Stopping 1There were 47 total traffic stops. There were 36 warnings issued. There were 3 felony arrest and 4 misdemeanor arrests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scottsbluff Police participated in the Drug Impaired Drive High Visibility Campaign and releases statistics

LINCOLN, NEB. — Husker Saturday will be in full swing tomorrow with Nebraska football, Nebraska baseball, and Nebraska softball all in action in Lincoln, and Nebraska State Troopers will be working to keep all fans safe on the roadways around Lincoln.

“This is going to be a busy Saturday for Husker fans and we want everyone to stay safe on their way to and from the games,” said Colonel John Bolduc. “Our troopers will be working on the road and in the air to keep traffic flowing before and after the Spring Game, as well as in the stadium assisting with safety operations.”

NSP works with several public safety partners, including UNL Police, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Police Department, and Nebraska Department of Transportation to maintain public safety in and around Memorial Stadium. The NSP Aviation Support Unit will be in the air to provide an eye in the sky to support traffic operations on the ground. Fans can also hear NSP pregame traffic reports on the Huskers Radio Network.

The motoring public is an important part of the team as well. With increased gameday traffic, all drivers should keep their focus on the road, watch their speed, drive sober, and buckle up. Any motorists who want to report a dangerous driver or need assistance on the road can call *55 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB. — Husker Saturday will be in full swing tomorrow with Nebraska football, Nebraska baseball, and Nebraska softball all in action in Lincoln, and Nebraska State Troopers will be working to keep all fans safe on the roadways around Lincoln.“This is going to be a busy Saturday for Husker fans and we want everyone to stay safe on their way to and from the games,” said Colonel John Bolduc. “Our troopers will be working on the road and in the air to keep traffic flowing before and after the Spring Game, as well as in the stadium assisting with safety operations.”NSP works with several public safety partners, including UNL Police, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Police Department, and Nebraska Department of Transportation to maintain public safety in and around Memorial Stadium. The NSP Aviation Support Unit will be in the air to provide an eye in the sky to support traffic operations on the ground. Fans can also hear NSP pregame traffic reports on the Huskers Radio Network.The motoring public is an important part of the team as well. With increased gameday traffic, all drivers should keep their focus on the road, watch their speed, drive sober, and buckle up. Any motorists who want to report a dangerous driver or need assistance on the road can call *55 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.

Troopers ready for busy spring Husker Saturday

Alliance, NE – The City Council of Alliance, Nebraska, has officially declared Friday, April 26, 2024, as Arbor Day, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and tree planting initiatives in the community.

Arbor Day holds significant importance as a day dedicated to the planting and preservation of trees. It is a tradition that originated in Nebraska and has since spread across the nation and the globe.

In a proclamation signed by Mayor Earl Jones, the City Council recognized the numerous benefits trees provide to both the environment and society. From combating climate change to enhancing property values and providing habitat for wildlife, trees play a vital role in sustaining healthy communities.

&amp;quot;The City of Alliance has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Arbor Day and prioritizing tree planting efforts," stated Mayor Earl Jones. "We are proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation, and we remain dedicated to preserving our urban forest for future generations"

As part of the proclamation, Mayor Jones urged all citizens to take part in tree planting activities and to support efforts aimed at protecting and preserving trees and woodlands in Alliance.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The City Council of Alliance, Nebraska, has officially declared Friday, April 26, 2024, as Arbor Day, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and tree planting initiatives in the community.Arbor Day holds significant importance as a day dedicated to the planting and preservation of trees. It is a tradition that originated in Nebraska and has since spread across the nation and the globe.In a proclamation signed by Mayor Earl Jones, the City Council recognized the numerous benefits trees provide to both the environment and society. From combating climate change to enhancing property values and providing habitat for wildlife, trees play a vital role in sustaining healthy communities.&amp;quot;The City of Alliance has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Arbor Day and prioritizing tree planting efforts," stated Mayor Earl Jones. "We are proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation, and we remain dedicated to preserving our urban forest for future generations"As part of the proclamation, Mayor Jones urged all citizens to take part in tree planting activities and to support efforts aimed at protecting and preserving trees and woodlands in Alliance."We invite all citizens to join us in celebrating Arbor Day and contributing to the greening of our community," Mayor Jones continued. "By planting trees together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable environment for current and future generations to enjoy."For more information on Arbor Day and how to get involved, please visit www.cityofalliance.net

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