LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission amended its wildlife regulations to create the Free-earned Landowner Elk Permit Program at its Oct. 22 meeting in North Platte.

In the program, a person who owns or leases at least 80 acres of farm- or ranchland for agricultural purposes qualifies for an either-sex elk permit following the verification of 10 general antlerless elk harvests; immediate family members are eligible for the permit.

The free-earned landowner elk permit was created during the 2021 Legislative Session. The goal is to increase hunting access opportunities and antlerless elk harvest, and to benefit landowners who regularly have elk on their property but can’t always draw a landowner permit.

Immediate family includes spouse, child, stepchild, spouse of child or stepchild, sibling sharing ownership or spouse of sibling.

The free-earned permit does not affect eligibility for general or landowner permits.

The Commission also approved an elk management plan, which describes the agency’s goal of managing elk at acceptable population levels while providing Nebraskans with quality hunting and viewing opportunities.

Park regulations also were amended to increase the nonresident vehicle park entry permit fee to two times the fee for a resident vehicle park entry permit. That raises the annual fee from $45 to $60 and the one-day pass from $8 to $12. Commissioners also updated technical language regarding the resident disabled veteran park permit.

The following amendments to sport fishing orders regarding bag limits, possession limits, length limits and open areas also were approved:

• Black bass – The area where there is no minimum length limit on smallmouth bass is expanded to: the NPPD Canal starting at the Sutherland Reservoir outlet to the confluence with the South Platte River in Lincoln County, including Lake Maloney. Bufflehead Wildlife Management Area and David City Ponds are added to the list of waters where the minimum length limit on largemouth bass is 21 inches.

• Striped bass, white bass and striped bass hybrid – Wagon Train Reservoir is removed from the list of waters where the exception for bag limit is three fish in the daily bag.

• Channel catfish – Box Butte Reservoir is added to the list of waters where the exception for bag limit states it shall not include more than one fish 30 inches or greater in length.

• Archery fishing – Technical language is updated on Missouri River seasons and closed areas.

• Lake McConaughy – It is illegal to possess wipers on Lonergan Creek from its junction at the McConaughy lakeshore upstream to, and including, the culvert under Highway 92.

In other business, the Commission approved:

• hunting in some state parks and state historical parks;

• a permanent 100-foot-wide right-of-way easement to Cherry County for maintenance of a road at Cottonwood-Steverson Wildlife Management Area; and

• the meeting schedule for 2022: Jan. 27-28, Lincoln; March 22-23, Nebraska City; April 27-28, Niobrara State Park; June 16-17, Lexington; Aug. 30-31, Fort Robinson SP; Oct. 20-21, Broken Bow.

The Commission also voted formally to approve the appointment of Tim McCoy as director of Game and Parks effective Nov. 2.

Staff gave updates on elk hunting season, west-central Nebraska outreach efforts, results of the Education Workgroup Community Survey, and a report on efforts to raise, release and reestablish native mussel species in Nebraska's water bodies.

In addition, Rick Windham of North Platte was recognized as a prominent partner for decades of providing outdoor education and outreach and for volunteering for many Game and Parks programs.

Three staff members were recognized for their work. Bryan Sweet received an employee enterprise award for his innovative work with the agency's freshwater mussel program. Mike Remund and Brad Seitz were presented with special recognition for their efforts in managing upland birds and habitat.

Tim Horst from Ducks Unlimited expressed gratitude and thanks to outgoing Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas for the longstanding partnerships and his dedication to preserving wetlands during his career. Douglas, who is retiring after 47 years of service to the agency, also was recognized by the commissioners with a resolution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623956085737.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission amended its wildlife regulations to create the Free-earned Landowner Elk Permit Program at its Oct. 22 meeting in North Platte.In the program, a person who owns or leases at least 80 acres of farm- or ranchland for agricultural purposes qualifies for an either-sex elk permit following the verification of 10 general antlerless elk harvests; immediate family members are eligible for the permit.The free-earned landowner elk permit was created during the 2021 Legislative Session. The goal is to increase hunting access opportunities and antlerless elk harvest, and to benefit landowners who regularly have elk on their property but can’t always draw a landowner permit.Immediate family includes spouse, child, stepchild, spouse of child or stepchild, sibling sharing ownership or spouse of sibling.The free-earned permit does not affect eligibility for general or landowner permits.The Commission also approved an elk management plan, which describes the agency’s goal of managing elk at acceptable population levels while providing Nebraskans with quality hunting and viewing opportunities.Park regulations also were amended to increase the nonresident vehicle park entry permit fee to two times the fee for a resident vehicle park entry permit. That raises the annual fee from $45 to $60 and the one-day pass from $8 to $12. Commissioners also updated technical language regarding the resident disabled veteran park permit.The following amendments to sport fishing orders regarding bag limits, possession limits, length limits and open areas also were approved:• Black bass – The area where there is no minimum length limit on smallmouth bass is expanded to: the NPPD Canal starting at the Sutherland Reservoir outlet to the confluence with the South Platte River in Lincoln County, including Lake Maloney. Bufflehead Wildlife Management Area and David City Ponds are added to the list of waters where the minimum length limit on largemouth bass is 21 inches.• Striped bass, white bass and striped bass hybrid – Wagon Train Reservoir is removed from the list of waters where the exception for bag limit is three fish in the daily bag.• Channel catfish – Box Butte Reservoir is added to the list of waters where the exception for bag limit states it shall not include more than one fish 30 inches or greater in length.• Archery fishing – Technical language is updated on Missouri River seasons and closed areas.• Lake McConaughy – It is illegal to possess wipers on Lonergan Creek from its junction at the McConaughy lakeshore upstream to, and including, the culvert under Highway 92.In other business, the Commission approved:• hunting in some state parks and state historical parks;• a permanent 100-foot-wide right-of-way easement to Cherry County for maintenance of a road at Cottonwood-Steverson Wildlife Management Area; and• the meeting schedule for 2022: Jan. 27-28, Lincoln; March 22-23, Nebraska City; April 27-28, Niobrara State Park; June 16-17, Lexington; Aug. 30-31, Fort Robinson SP; Oct. 20-21, Broken Bow.The Commission also voted formally to approve the appointment of Tim McCoy as director of Game and Parks effective Nov. 2.Staff gave updates on elk hunting season, west-central Nebraska outreach efforts, results of the Education Workgroup Community Survey, and a report on efforts to raise, release and reestablish native mussel species in Nebraska's water bodies.In addition, Rick Windham of North Platte was recognized as a prominent partner for decades of providing outdoor education and outreach and for volunteering for many Game and Parks programs.Three staff members were recognized for their work. Bryan Sweet received an employee enterprise award for his innovative work with the agency's freshwater mussel program. Mike Remund and Brad Seitz were presented with special recognition for their efforts in managing upland birds and habitat.Tim Horst from Ducks Unlimited expressed gratitude and thanks to outgoing Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas for the longstanding partnerships and his dedication to preserving wetlands during his career. Douglas, who is retiring after 47 years of service to the agency, also was recognized by the commissioners with a resolution.

Commission approves Free-earned Landowner Elk Permit Program

If you are making less than $40,000 a year, then you probably don’t care that single people making over $523,601 pay 37% of their income in federal taxes. Married people filing jointly making over $628,301 also pay 37%. These people make it and can afford to pay it we often say. What affects someone else doesn’t bother us that much when it comes to income and taxes.

Let’s say you are making $35,000 this year but, next year, you have an opportunity to make $45,000. Suddenly, your federal tax rate increases from 12% to 22%. This is a big jump. You have the opportunity to make more — but more of what you make goes to taxes. You start calculating the hours and time worked versus how much more you have to pay in taxes and you start wondering if it’s worth what it will take to earn the extra income. If a great job comes your way to earn $209,426 then you start calculating maybe it would be better to figure out how to make $208,000 and stay in the 32% tax bracket. Most likely, if you are making $209,426 dollars a year, you are probably working very hard for it and turning over $70,000 plus a year to the government doesn’t feel very good. 

Our government is hungry for money. The $2 trillion infrastructure project that is on the table will mean our government will desperately need lots more money for many years to come. Our grandchildren will be saddled with this debt for most of their lives.

We need infrastructure updates. Roads, bridges, new water lines, better energy sources, internet and more. The project will create a lot of jobs. However, don’t be fooled into thinking someone else will pay for the project. We hear reports that the debt will be passed onto America’s 600 billionaires. Do you really think Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are going to pay for this $2 trillion-dollar infrastructure deal? 

America’s billionaires should pay their fair share like all Americans but a nation that penalizes prosperity is unfair. I don’t feel sorry for billionaires but a billionaire shouldn’t have to pay 40% of his/her earnings to the government. Also, America’s billionaires have the resources to move to another country if they choose to. Their tax rate should be fair but we shouldn’t run them out of the country. 

If your income grows from $30,000 a year to $60,000, that is no reason for you to be penalized by your country. Congress needs to push for a flat tax and tax everyone including billionaires. A tax rate of 12% to 15% on all individuals and corporations would encourage people to make more and America would have more money to cover our infrastructure costs. Plus, more manufacturing would come back to America. Instead, our nation discourages prosperity by penalizing those who make more. 

Every American will pay for the infrastructure project. We will be paying for a long time. Every American’s tax burden will increase. Don’t let Washington fool you into thinking somebody else will pay for this project. It’s going to be all of us and for a very long time. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635170510063.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Glenn MolletteIf you are making less than $40,000 a year, then you probably don’t care that single people making over $523,601 pay 37% of their income in federal taxes. Married people filing jointly making over $628,301 also pay 37%. These people make it and can afford to pay it we often say. What affects someone else doesn’t bother us that much when it comes to income and taxes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Let’s say you are making $35,000 this year but, next year, you have an opportunity to make $45,000. Suddenly, your federal tax rate increases from 12% to 22%. This is a big jump. You have the opportunity to make more — but more of what you make goes to taxes. You start calculating the hours and time worked versus how much more you have to pay in taxes and you start wondering if it’s worth what it will take to earn the extra income. If a great job comes your way to earn $209,426 then you start calculating maybe it would be better to figure out how to make $208,000 and stay in the 32% tax bracket. Most likely, if you are making $209,426 dollars a year, you are probably working very hard for it and turning over $70,000 plus a year to the government doesn’t feel very good. Our government is hungry for money. The $2 trillion infrastructure project that is on the table will mean our government will desperately need lots more money for many years to come. Our grandchildren will be saddled with this debt for most of their lives.We need infrastructure updates. Roads, bridges, new water lines, better energy sources, internet and more. The project will create a lot of jobs. However, don’t be fooled into thinking someone else will pay for the project. We hear reports that the debt will be passed onto America’s 600 billionaires. Do you really think Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are going to pay for this $2 trillion-dollar infrastructure deal? America’s billionaires should pay their fair share like all Americans but a nation that penalizes prosperity is unfair. I don’t feel sorry for billionaires but a billionaire shouldn’t have to pay 40% of his/her earnings to the government. Also, America’s billionaires have the resources to move to another country if they choose to. Their tax rate should be fair but we shouldn’t run them out of the country. If your income grows from $30,000 a year to $60,000, that is no reason for you to be penalized by your country. Congress needs to push for a flat tax and tax everyone including billionaires. A tax rate of 12% to 15% on all individuals and corporations would encourage people to make more and America would have more money to cover our infrastructure costs. Plus, more manufacturing would come back to America. Instead, our nation discourages prosperity by penalizing those who make more. Every American will pay for the infrastructure project. We will be paying for a long time. Every American’s tax burden will increase. Don’t let Washington fool you into thinking somebody else will pay for this project. It’s going to be all of us and for a very long time.

Mollette: Who will pay for the $2T infrastructure project?

The Alliance Eagles Club will hold a benefit for Laura (Fankhauser) Ylander Saturday, Oct. 30 from 1pm - 8 pm.

All proceeds will help with medical costs for a liver transplant.&nbsp;

Watch the Huskers vs Purdue, have some good food and bid on the many silent auction items that are shown on Laura's Facebook page, Laura (Fankhauser) Ylander Benefit Dinner &amp; Silent Auction. There are quilts, photos, gift baskets, gift certificates, tickets to the Rockies, Huskers and Henry Doorly Zoo and too many other items to mention. Laura would like to thank all those that donated items. She is overwhelmed by the support from friends near and far.

There will be a silent auction, tailgate food including chili, hot dogs, baked potatoes, relish trays, desserts and soda.&nbsp; LIVE music from Shane Keane.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632164148451.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance Eagles Club will hold a benefit for Laura (Fankhauser) Ylander Saturday, Oct. 30 from 1pm - 8 pm.All proceeds will help with medical costs for a liver transplant.&nbsp;Watch the Huskers vs Purdue, have some good food and bid on the many silent auction items that are shown on Laura's Facebook page, Laura (Fankhauser) Ylander Benefit Dinner &amp; Silent Auction. There are quilts, photos, gift baskets, gift certificates, tickets to the Rockies, Huskers and Henry Doorly Zoo and too many other items to mention. Laura would like to thank all those that donated items. She is overwhelmed by the support from friends near and far.There will be a silent auction, tailgate food including chili, hot dogs, baked potatoes, relish trays, desserts and soda.&nbsp; LIVE music from Shane Keane.&nbsp;

New time (1 p.m.) scheduled for Laura Ylander (Fankhauser) benefit

In the last several weeks, the Attorney General’s Office has received a number of phone calls asking about the federal vaccine mandates announced by the Biden administration. Nebraskans want to know whether these federal mandates are enforceable. This is understandable since many Nebraskans are facing the loss of their livelihood and are exploring ways to maintain employment without being required to take one of the vaccines.

It is also understandable that many Nebraska employers and employees are confused as to the status of these mandates. Although the Biden administration announced them well over a month ago, most of these rules have yet to be released, and the guidelines that are available have yet to take effect. The Attorney General is concerned that some or all of these federal mandates could be unlawful. He and his staff plan to carefully review them as they become available and will be prepared to take appropriate legal action.

The Biden administration has announced that it will mandate vaccines using three different methods. First, the Department of Labor will issue an emergency temporary standard under the Occupational Safety and Health Act requiring businesses with 100 or more employees to require their employees to either get vaccinated or face regular COVID-19 testing. This emergency standard has yet to be released. Many states, including Nebraska, have publicly announced that they will carefully review this new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule as soon as it is released and evaluate whether it exceeds its constitutional or statutory authority. If a lawsuit is filed, states will likely seek an immediate order to stop the OSHA rule from going into effect and prevent major workforce interruptions until the administration’s legal authority is clarified.

Second, the federal government has indicated it will require most healthcare facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare reimbursement to vaccinate all their employees. Unlike the OSHA rule, this mandate is not expected to include the option for regular testing instead of vaccination. This healthcare mandate is concerning because states like Nebraska are already experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers, and hospitals and nursing homes are already reporting that they will lose a substantial number of employees if this mandate goes into effect. As with the OSHA rule, this new Medicaid rule has yet to be released. But once it is, many interested parties, including states like Nebraska, will review it to determine whether legal action is appropriate.

Third, the Biden administration has declared it is mandating vaccines for employees of companies that contract with the federal government. Unlike the other two mandates, the guidelines for the federal contractor mandate have been released. Those guidelines indicate that after December 8, 2021, the employers covered by this mandate must ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated by the first day of performance under a newly awarded federal contract or an extended or renewed federal contract. Various groups, including states like Nebraska, are evaluating whether the federal government has the legal authority to invoke vaccine mandates as a condition to its federal contracts with private parties.

By Attorney General Doug PetersonIn the last several weeks, the Attorney General’s Office has received a number of phone calls asking about the federal vaccine mandates announced by the Biden administration. Nebraskans want to know whether these federal mandates are enforceable. This is understandable since many Nebraskans are facing the loss of their livelihood and are exploring ways to maintain employment without being required to take one of the vaccines.It is also understandable that many Nebraska employers and employees are confused as to the status of these mandates. Although the Biden administration announced them well over a month ago, most of these rules have yet to be released, and the guidelines that are available have yet to take effect. The Attorney General is concerned that some or all of these federal mandates could be unlawful. He and his staff plan to carefully review them as they become available and will be prepared to take appropriate legal action.The Biden administration has announced that it will mandate vaccines using three different methods. First, the Department of Labor will issue an emergency temporary standard under the Occupational Safety and Health Act requiring businesses with 100 or more employees to require their employees to either get vaccinated or face regular COVID-19 testing. This emergency standard has yet to be released. Many states, including Nebraska, have publicly announced that they will carefully review this new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule as soon as it is released and evaluate whether it exceeds its constitutional or statutory authority. If a lawsuit is filed, states will likely seek an immediate order to stop the OSHA rule from going into effect and prevent major workforce interruptions until the administration’s legal authority is clarified.Second, the federal government has indicated it will require most healthcare facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare reimbursement to vaccinate all their employees. Unlike the OSHA rule, this mandate is not expected to include the option for regular testing instead of vaccination. This healthcare mandate is concerning because states like Nebraska are already experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers, and hospitals and nursing homes are already reporting that they will lose a substantial number of employees if this mandate goes into effect. As with the OSHA rule, this new Medicaid rule has yet to be released. But once it is, many interested parties, including states like Nebraska, will review it to determine whether legal action is appropriate.Third, the Biden administration has declared it is mandating vaccines for employees of companies that contract with the federal government. Unlike the other two mandates, the guidelines for the federal contractor mandate have been released. Those guidelines indicate that after December 8, 2021, the employers covered by this mandate must ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated by the first day of performance under a newly awarded federal contract or an extended or renewed federal contract. Various groups, including states like Nebraska, are evaluating whether the federal government has the legal authority to invoke vaccine mandates as a condition to its federal contracts with private parties.

AG Peterson’s response to Nebraskans’ concerns about federal vaccine mandates

Today we talked to Lynn Webster from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about groundwater quantity programs including groundwater and integrated management plans, flow meters, static water levels and more.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD‘s Lynn Webster" 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=v267d-1110182-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 talked to Lynn Webster from Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about groundwater quantity programs including groundwater and integrated management plans, flow meters, static water levels and more.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634931949238.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🔊 Post Podcast: Upper Niobrara White NRD's Lynn Webster

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says two people who died in a traffic crash last weekend near Rapid City were local residents. 

Mark Cook Jr. and Kayla Hamer, of Rapid City, were killed when their compact SUV Kia Niro collided with a GMC Yukon at an intersection Sunday afternoon.

 Cook and Hamer were pronounced dead at the scene. 

Their 5-year-old boy in the backseat was airlifted to a Rapid City hospital with life-threatening injuries.

 The 16-year-old driver of the Yukon suffered minor injuries. 

A passenger in that vehicle was not injured.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says two people who died in a traffic crash last weekend near Rapid City were local residents. Mark Cook Jr. and Kayla Hamer, of Rapid City, were killed when their compact SUV Kia Niro collided with a GMC Yukon at an intersection Sunday afternoon. Cook and Hamer were pronounced dead at the scene. Their 5-year-old boy in the backseat was airlifted to a Rapid City hospital with life-threatening injuries. The 16-year-old driver of the Yukon suffered minor injuries. A passenger in that vehicle was not injured.

2 killed in South Dakota crash were from Rapid City

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s latest unemployment rate of 2% was the nation’s lowest and the lowest on record for the state.

 The Nebraska Department of Labor said Friday the September rate was down from August's rate of 2.2%. 

September's rate is the lowest since Nebraska began keeping records of unemployment data in 1976. 

It's also tied with the nationwide record low set by Hawaii in January 2020 and Connecticut in August 2020.

 The total for nonfarm employment in September stood at nearly 1.020 million. 

Nebraska’s unemployment rate came in ahead of No. 2 Utah's 2.4% rate.

 The national unemployment rate for September was 4.8%.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s latest unemployment rate of 2% was the nation’s lowest and the lowest on record for the state. The Nebraska Department of Labor said Friday the September rate was down from August's rate of 2.2%. September's rate is the lowest since Nebraska began keeping records of unemployment data in 1976. It's also tied with the nationwide record low set by Hawaii in January 2020 and Connecticut in August 2020. The total for nonfarm employment in September stood at nearly 1.020 million. Nebraska’s unemployment rate came in ahead of No. 2 Utah's 2.4% rate. The national unemployment rate for September was 4.8%.

Nebraska unemployment rate of 2% is lowest on record

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests strong economic growth continues in the region. 

The overall economic index for the region improved in October to 66.1 from September’s already-strong 62.5 reading. Any score above 50 suggests growth. 

 Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said the area is benefitting from solid grain prices, continued low interest rates and growing agricultural exports. 

Goss said demand for workers is high but businesses are having trouble finding people to hire. 

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests strong economic growth continues in the region. The overall economic index for the region improved in October to 66.1 from September’s already-strong 62.5 reading. Any score above 50 suggests growth. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said the area is benefitting from solid grain prices, continued low interest rates and growing agricultural exports. Goss said demand for workers is high but businesses are having trouble finding people to hire. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Strong economic growth continues in rural parts of 10 states

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College's revamped Commercial Drivers License (CDL) program is successfully producing licensed drivers to help fill the abundant need in the state since the Fall 2020 semester.

Currently, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are the top ranked occupation by demand in the state of Nebraska according to the Department of Labor, Education, &amp; Economic Development. In October 2021, WNCC reached the mark of 19 graduates since last Fall.

The program has helped students like Nathan Ulander of Bayard find a stable job to provide for his family. Ulander and his family moved to the area in 2020 with the dream to rebuild a bed &amp; breakfast, but he realized he needed a job to provide health insurance for himself and his family. After hearing about the shortage of commercial drivers in the nation, he decided to enroll in the CDL program.

"The instructors were incredible," Ulander said. "They were able to answer any and all of my questions and when teaching they helped everything make sense. After finishing the class, getting a job with the state with insurance was made possible."

After obtaining his Class A CDL, Ulander accepted a job and is currently employed with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

The five-week training program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicle written and skills exams in order to receive a Class A CDL. The program consists of a mix of classroom time and behind-the wheel driving in one of WNCC's fleet vehicles.

The first week of class is spent in the classroom, and the remaining are dedicated to behind-the-wheel skills development. Students first develop skills on a course set up on the dirt track on the Scottsbluff Campus before moving to public-road driving in the following weeks.

WNCC is offering one more section in the Fall 2021 semester, starting on November 8. Classes will start back up in early January and will continue every six weeks through 2022

For more information about WNCC's Class A CDL program, including the cost of the program, class dates, and career opportunities, visit go.wncc.edu/CDL or contact Doug Mader, WNCC workforce development director at maderd@wncc.edu or 308.630.6556.

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College's revamped Commercial Drivers License (CDL) program is successfully producing licensed drivers to help fill the abundant need in the state since the Fall 2020 semester.Currently, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are the top ranked occupation by demand in the state of Nebraska according to the Department of Labor, Education, &amp; Economic Development. In October 2021, WNCC reached the mark of 19 graduates since last Fall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634916450577.jpeg" alt="Nathan Ulander, of Bayard, is one of 19 graduates of WNCC's CDL program since the Fall 2020 semester. He earned his CDL over the summer and is currently employed with the Nebraska Department of Transportation." />
 <figcaption>Nathan Ulander, of Bayard, is one of 19 graduates of WNCC's CDL program since the Fall 2020 semester. He earned his CDL over the summer and is currently employed with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.</figcaption>
 </figure>The program has helped students like Nathan Ulander of Bayard find a stable job to provide for his family. Ulander and his family moved to the area in 2020 with the dream to rebuild a bed &amp; breakfast, but he realized he needed a job to provide health insurance for himself and his family. After hearing about the shortage of commercial drivers in the nation, he decided to enroll in the CDL program."The instructors were incredible," Ulander said. "They were able to answer any and all of my questions and when teaching they helped everything make sense. After finishing the class, getting a job with the state with insurance was made possible."After obtaining his Class A CDL, Ulander accepted a job and is currently employed with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.The five-week training program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicle written and skills exams in order to receive a Class A CDL. The program consists of a mix of classroom time and behind-the wheel driving in one of WNCC's fleet vehicles.The first week of class is spent in the classroom, and the remaining are dedicated to behind-the-wheel skills development. Students first develop skills on a course set up on the dirt track on the Scottsbluff Campus before moving to public-road driving in the following weeks.WNCC is offering one more section in the Fall 2021 semester, starting on November 8. Classes will start back up in early January and will continue every six weeks through 2022For more information about WNCC's Class A CDL program, including the cost of the program, class dates, and career opportunities, visit go.wncc.edu/CDL or contact Doug Mader, WNCC workforce development director at maderd@wncc.edu or 308.630.6556.

WNCC CDL program putting students on fast track to job opportunities

A Nebraska Legislature 101 Workshop will be held on Oct. 25 at the West Side Events Center in Alliance.&nbsp;

Sen. Steve Erdman will be the guest lecturer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634914844243.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Nebraska Legislature 101 Workshop will be held on Oct. 25 at the West Side Events Center in Alliance.&nbsp;The workshop will ay 7 p.m.&nbsp;Sen. Steve Erdman will be the guest lecturer.&nbsp;

Legislature workshop to be held in Alliance 

SUPERIOR&nbsp; — A second victim has passed away as the result of a shooting in Superior Thursday afternoon. That victim had been life-flighted from Superior to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln with life-threatening injuries.

The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Nuckolls County Sheriff’s Office, Superior Police Department, and Nuckolls County Attorney’s Office, is investigating the incident, which occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. Thursday.

At approximately 2:00 p.m., NSP was dispatched to assist the Nuckolls County Sheriff’s Office and Superior Police Department with response to an active shooter incident at the Agrex Elevator in Superior. The Superior and Nelson Fire Departments also responded to the scene. The facility is located at 1401 E. 3rd&nbsp;Street in Superior.

Upon arrival, investigators located one deceased individual and multiple other victims. The reported shooter was also injured. There were no outstanding suspects at the time investigators arrived on scene.

Preliminary investigation has identified the shooter as Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior. Hoskinson’s employment with Agrex had been terminated earlier in the day.

Shortly before 2:00 p.m., Hoskinson returned to Agrex with a handgun and opened fire, striking three individuals. An employee then retrieved a shotgun from an office and returned fire, striking Hoskinson.

One of the victims shot by Hoskinson was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another victim was transported by life-flight to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln and was later pronounced deceased. The third victim has been treated and released from the hospital in Superior. Hoskinson was transported to the hospital in Superior and was pronounced deceased.

The investigation is ongoing. Further information will be released when possible.

SUPERIOR&nbsp; — A second victim has passed away as the result of a shooting in Superior Thursday afternoon. That victim had been life-flighted from Superior to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln with life-threatening injuries.The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Nuckolls County Sheriff’s Office, Superior Police Department, and Nuckolls County Attorney’s Office, is investigating the incident, which occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. Thursday.At approximately 2:00 p.m., NSP was dispatched to assist the Nuckolls County Sheriff’s Office and Superior Police Department with response to an active shooter incident at the Agrex Elevator in Superior. The Superior and Nelson Fire Departments also responded to the scene. The facility is located at 1401 E. 3rd&nbsp;Street in Superior.Upon arrival, investigators located one deceased individual and multiple other victims. The reported shooter was also injured. There were no outstanding suspects at the time investigators arrived on scene.Preliminary investigation has identified the shooter as Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior. Hoskinson’s employment with Agrex had been terminated earlier in the day.Shortly before 2:00 p.m., Hoskinson returned to Agrex with a handgun and opened fire, striking three individuals. An employee then retrieved a shotgun from an office and returned fire, striking Hoskinson.One of the victims shot by Hoskinson was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another victim was transported by life-flight to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln and was later pronounced deceased. The third victim has been treated and released from the hospital in Superior. Hoskinson was transported to the hospital in Superior and was pronounced deceased.The investigation is ongoing. Further information will be released when possible.

Second victim deceased following shooting in Superior

Alliance - Beginning Friday, October 22, Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) will implement changes to the temporary visitor policy put in place.

Due to the continued community-related COVID-19 exposures, and in an effort to protect patients, visitors and staff, we have revised our visitor policy for the Emergency Room and Inpatient (PCU) departments. There will be no visitors permitted for COVID-19 patients and one designated adult visitor for non-COVID-19 patients.

Patients with an appointment at the Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services (GNMSS) clinic, rehab, radiology, laboratory, and specialty clinic may have one adult and up to two children and one infant six months of age or younger accompany them. Children may not be left unattended in waiting rooms.

There are no changes to the Wellness Center.

The health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors is a top priority at BBGH. We understand how important the support of loved ones and friends is to patients during their hospital stay. However, COVID-19 requires us to temporarily adjust our visitor policy in order to keep our patients, staff, and visitors safe from infection.

We continue to implement vigorous policies and procedures to address COVID-19 and are following all governmental recommendations as well. If you have any questions about the updated visitor policy, please ask a member of the patient’s healthcare team. Thank you for your understanding and for adhering to these policies to help us keep our patients, families, staff, and visitors protected and healthy during this time.

Alliance - Beginning Friday, October 22, Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) will implement changes to the temporary visitor policy put in place.Due to the continued community-related COVID-19 exposures, and in an effort to protect patients, visitors and staff, we have revised our visitor policy for the Emergency Room and Inpatient (PCU) departments. There will be no visitors permitted for COVID-19 patients and one designated adult visitor for non-COVID-19 patients.Patients with an appointment at the Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services (GNMSS) clinic, rehab, radiology, laboratory, and specialty clinic may have one adult and up to two children and one infant six months of age or younger accompany them. Children may not be left unattended in waiting rooms.There are no changes to the Wellness Center.The health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors is a top priority at BBGH. We understand how important the support of loved ones and friends is to patients during their hospital stay. However, COVID-19 requires us to temporarily adjust our visitor policy in order to keep our patients, staff, and visitors safe from infection.We continue to implement vigorous policies and procedures to address COVID-19 and are following all governmental recommendations as well. If you have any questions about the updated visitor policy, please ask a member of the patient’s healthcare team. Thank you for your understanding and for adhering to these policies to help us keep our patients, families, staff, and visitors protected and healthy during this time.

Box Butte General Hospital updates virus visitor policy 

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news of the attack on the people at the elevator in Superior.

“The news of the attack on Agrex Elevator in Superior is shocking and devastating.&nbsp; Susanne and I are praying for the victims of the attack.&nbsp; The Nebraska State Patrol is leading the investigation.”

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news of the attack on the people at the elevator in Superior.“The news of the attack on Agrex Elevator in Superior is shocking and devastating.&nbsp; Susanne and I are praying for the victims of the attack.&nbsp; The Nebraska State Patrol is leading the investigation.”

Gov. Ricketts’ Statement on attack in Superior

Today we'll return to the Alliance City Council meeting from Oct. 19.

 Council approved on first reading a municipal code amendment for publicly shared scooters from Bird Rides. This would be for the use of electric scooters, bicycles and other modes of transportation within the city's right-of-way and a municipal code amendment for parking limitations.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, Oct. 19" 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=caafn-110e32d-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'll return to the Alliance City Council meeting from Oct. 19. Council approved on first reading a municipal code amendment for publicly shared scooters from Bird Rides. This would be for the use of electric scooters, bicycles and other modes of transportation within the city's right-of-way and a municipal code amendment for parking limitations.&nbsp;

🔊 Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, Oct. 19

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts has announced an end to restrictions that have kept hospitals from being overwhelmed with patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

 Ricketts said Thursday that facilities can resume lower-priority surgeries starting Friday. 

The restrictions had been set to expire at the end of the month. 

The order applied to inpatient Class D and E elective surgeries for all acute care, critical care and children’s hospitals in Nebraska. 

Class D and E surgeries are elective procedures that can wait four weeks or longer without substantially changing a patient’s outcome.

 Ricketts says he rescinded the restrictions because coronavirus hospitalizations have fallen below 10% of statewide hospital bed capacity.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts has announced an end to restrictions that have kept hospitals from being overwhelmed with patients during the coronavirus pandemic. Ricketts said Thursday that facilities can resume lower-priority surgeries starting Friday. The restrictions had been set to expire at the end of the month. The order applied to inpatient Class D and E elective surgeries for all acute care, critical care and children’s hospitals in Nebraska. Class D and E surgeries are elective procedures that can wait four weeks or longer without substantially changing a patient’s outcome. Ricketts says he rescinded the restrictions because coronavirus hospitalizations have fallen below 10% of statewide hospital bed capacity.

Ricketts rescinds hospital restrictions as capacity improves

The Alliance Volunteer Fire Department was called to an incident at Newberry's at approximately 11:05 a.m. on Oct. 20.

Two people on a man lift were working on some windows when they came into contact with electrical voltage.&nbsp;

"Anytime that there's basically like an&nbsp;electrocution the state electrical inspector has to be involved," Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "We were able to get the people out of the bucket of the man lift and transported to Box Butte General Hospital. We contacted the Nebraska Electrical Division. The District 1 Electrical Inspector arrived and started his investigation. The outcome was pretty good considering the situation that we had."&nbsp;

The Alliance Police Department assisted with this situation.&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe Alliance Volunteer Fire Department was called to an incident at Newberry's at approximately 11:05 a.m. on Oct. 20.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634836412860.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two people on a man lift were working on some windows when they came into contact with electrical voltage.&nbsp;"Anytime that there's basically like an&nbsp;electrocution the state electrical inspector has to be involved," Alliance Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "We were able to get the people out of the bucket of the man lift and transported to Box Butte General Hospital. We contacted the Nebraska Electrical Division. The District 1 Electrical Inspector arrived and started his investigation. The outcome was pretty good considering the situation that we had."&nbsp;The Alliance Police Department assisted with this situation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634836433731.jpeg" alt="" />
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Authorities respond to electrocution accident in Alliance 

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Dr. Nathaniel Doherty, Assistant Professor of English, will include Scooby-Doo, a cartoon featuring young adults who travel in a van with their canine companion and solve mysteries, in the online Adolescent Literature (ENG 438) course he will teach in Spring 2022.

“It's a fun and interesting cultural touchstone,” said Doherty about Scooby-Doo. “Adolescent Lit is a lot about asking, ‘How do we use literature to teach young people how to be a good citizen?’ and topics like that.”

The idea occurred to Doherty over the summer while he and his wife, Dr. Kim Cox, were watching the new Nancy Drew show.

“We’re always thinking about teaching since we both do it for a living. It tends to creep into everyday conversation. We were talking about how there’s so much interest in reviving older stories from the 50s and 60s,” Doherty said. “The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew have a specific idea of an adolescent as a person who has agency, but also acknowledges their vulnerability. They want to highlight certain characteristics and encourage ideas of like civic virtue. ‘You do this because it’s right,’ and principles like that which is great.”

Veronica Mars, an older show, is another example of this narrative, according to Doherty. She was a high school student who started working with her father on his private detective cases, a theme replicated in Scooby-Doo.

Doherty plans to have his students watch Scooby-Doo in the first unit of the course.

“It’s a nice opening because it’s pretty low stakes and accessible for everybody and fun. I hope this will gather students’ enthusiasm so they’ll be excited about it. Then, in the second unit we’ll go into the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books and probably watch some of the newer media,” Doherty said. “We want our teachers to be able to teach literary history, as well, so to make connections between a contemporary, silly cartoon show and other stories that came to us all the way from the 18th century is important.”

He finds the idea satisfying for multiple reasons.

“As a teacher, you get excited about novel approaches when you find a way to do it that feels new and different. It lets you tune into the creative process of teaching, plus it’s a carrot for the students. It’s important to inspire students to be authentically excited about the topic,” Doherty said. “I’d like to have them motivated by their own interests, excitement, and sense of fun. I see better work when I take that approach. And if they’re writing better papers or making better blog posts, it’s more interesting for me, too.”

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Dr. Nathaniel Doherty, Assistant Professor of English, will include Scooby-Doo, a cartoon featuring young adults who travel in a van with their canine companion and solve mysteries, in the online Adolescent Literature (ENG 438) course he will teach in Spring 2022.“It's a fun and interesting cultural touchstone,” said Doherty about Scooby-Doo. “Adolescent Lit is a lot about asking, ‘How do we use literature to teach young people how to be a good citizen?’ and topics like that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634834147179.png" alt="Dr. Nate Doherty, Visiting Assistant Professor of English, will include Scooby Doo, a cartoon from the 1970s featuring young adults who travel in a van and solve mysteries, in the online Adolescent Literature (ENG 438/538) course he teaches in Spring 2022. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Nate Doherty, Visiting Assistant Professor of English, will include Scooby Doo, a cartoon from the 1970s featuring young adults who travel in a van and solve mysteries, in the online Adolescent Literature (ENG 438/538) course he teaches in Spring 2022. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>The idea occurred to Doherty over the summer while he and his wife, Dr. Kim Cox, were watching the new Nancy Drew show.“We’re always thinking about teaching since we both do it for a living. It tends to creep into everyday conversation. We were talking about how there’s so much interest in reviving older stories from the 50s and 60s,” Doherty said. “The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew have a specific idea of an adolescent as a person who has agency, but also acknowledges their vulnerability. They want to highlight certain characteristics and encourage ideas of like civic virtue. ‘You do this because it’s right,’ and principles like that which is great.”Veronica Mars, an older show, is another example of this narrative, according to Doherty. She was a high school student who started working with her father on his private detective cases, a theme replicated in Scooby-Doo.Doherty plans to have his students watch Scooby-Doo in the first unit of the course.“It’s a nice opening because it’s pretty low stakes and accessible for everybody and fun. I hope this will gather students’ enthusiasm so they’ll be excited about it. Then, in the second unit we’ll go into the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books and probably watch some of the newer media,” Doherty said. “We want our teachers to be able to teach literary history, as well, so to make connections between a contemporary, silly cartoon show and other stories that came to us all the way from the 18th century is important.”He finds the idea satisfying for multiple reasons.“As a teacher, you get excited about novel approaches when you find a way to do it that feels new and different. It lets you tune into the creative process of teaching, plus it’s a carrot for the students. It’s important to inspire students to be authentically excited about the topic,” Doherty said. “I’d like to have them motivated by their own interests, excitement, and sense of fun. I see better work when I take that approach. And if they’re writing better papers or making better blog posts, it’s more interesting for me, too.”

Scooby-Doo incorporated in adolescent literature course in Chadron

One person has died and two others injured after a semi accident west of Alliance.&nbsp;

On Oct. 20 at approximately 11:05 a.m. the Nebraska State Patrol received a report of a single vehicle crash involving a semi on Otoe Road and County Road 70. 

The accident was approximately ten miles west of Alliance. 

"Preliminary investigation shows that the driver of the semi lost control of the vehicle while reaching for something," Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said. "The semi rolled and the two passengers were ejected."

53-year-old Santos Garza of Bayard was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

39-year-old Bridgett Timmons Garza of Bayard, and the driver, 59-year-old Eujenio Perez of Scottsbluff were both transported to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff with serious injuries.

The Box Butte County Sheriff's Department and Alliance EMS assisted with this accident.&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostOne person has died and two others injured after a semi accident west of Alliance.&nbsp;On Oct. 20 at approximately 11:05 a.m. the Nebraska State Patrol received a report of a single vehicle crash involving a semi on Otoe Road and County Road 70. The accident was approximately ten miles west of Alliance. "Preliminary investigation shows that the driver of the semi lost control of the vehicle while reaching for something," Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said. "The semi rolled and the two passengers were ejected."53-year-old Santos Garza of Bayard was pronounced deceased at the scene. 39-year-old Bridgett Timmons Garza of Bayard, and the driver, 59-year-old Eujenio Perez of Scottsbluff were both transported to Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff with serious injuries.The Box Butte County Sheriff's Department and Alliance EMS assisted with this accident.&nbsp;

1 dead, 2 injured in semi accident west of Alliance 

LINCOLN – With the Nebraska firearm deer season just around the corner, now is the time to sight in that rifle or handgun.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission cooperates with shooting range partners across the state to coordinate and promote sight-in dates.

“As hunters, it is our responsibility to have our equipment and ourselves ready for the hunt,” said Jeff Rawlinson, assistant division administrator for Game and Parks. “Sighting in a rifle or pistol for accuracy, even if you feel confident from the past season, is a good idea. It, helps you continue to become familiar with your firearm and hone your skills for the upcoming season, and it’s a ton of fun.”

Game and Parks offers the following tips for sighting in:

• Bring at least two boxes of ammunition appropriate for their firearm.

• Bring other important equipment, including a solid shooting rest, eye and ear protection, and targets designed for 100-yard sight-in; some locations may provide targets.

• Make sure new scopes or firearms are properly bore sighted before heading to the range.

• Focus on shooting three-shot groups and then adjusting sights.

• Carry a form of payment; most locations charge a small fee for sight-in.

For more information and a list of ranges visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMjAuNDc2MzY3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9zaWdodC1pbi8ifQ.iE607QjTpPOE6ODB4Wi5ayEZnHpVSNFjvZeM7g4PURQ/s/497221906/br/114311171682-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/sight-in</a>.

LINCOLN – With the Nebraska firearm deer season just around the corner, now is the time to sight in that rifle or handgun.The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission cooperates with shooting range partners across the state to coordinate and promote sight-in dates.“As hunters, it is our responsibility to have our equipment and ourselves ready for the hunt,” said Jeff Rawlinson, assistant division administrator for Game and Parks. “Sighting in a rifle or pistol for accuracy, even if you feel confident from the past season, is a good idea. It, helps you continue to become familiar with your firearm and hone your skills for the upcoming season, and it’s a ton of fun.”Game and Parks offers the following tips for sighting in:• Bring at least two boxes of ammunition appropriate for their firearm.• Bring other important equipment, including a solid shooting rest, eye and ear protection, and targets designed for 100-yard sight-in; some locations may provide targets.• Make sure new scopes or firearms are properly bore sighted before heading to the range.• Focus on shooting three-shot groups and then adjusting sights.• Carry a form of payment; most locations charge a small fee for sight-in.For more information and a list of ranges visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMjAuNDc2MzY3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9zaWdodC1pbi8ifQ.iE607QjTpPOE6ODB4Wi5ayEZnHpVSNFjvZeM7g4PURQ/s/497221906/br/114311171682-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/sight-in</a>.

Don’t forget to sight-in firearms before deer season

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry has pleaded not guilty to charges that he lied to federal agents who were investigating illegal contributions to his campaign, and prosecutors revealed that they plan to call a top aide to the congressman as a trial witness. 

Fortenberry made his initial appearance in federal court in Los Angeles via an online video-chatting service. 

A judge ordered him to post a $50,000 bond and told him not to have any contact with prosecution witnesses outside of his attorney’s presence, but allowed him to avoid spending time in jail while the case proceeds.

 Prosecutors also revealed that they plan to call Fortenberry’s longtime chief of staff, Dr. William “Reyn” Archer III, as a witness.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry has pleaded not guilty to charges that he lied to federal agents who were investigating illegal contributions to his campaign, and prosecutors revealed that they plan to call a top aide to the congressman as a trial witness. Fortenberry made his initial appearance in federal court in Los Angeles via an online video-chatting service. A judge ordered him to post a $50,000 bond and told him not to have any contact with prosecution witnesses outside of his attorney’s presence, but allowed him to avoid spending time in jail while the case proceeds. Prosecutors also revealed that they plan to call Fortenberry’s longtime chief of staff, Dr. William “Reyn” Archer III, as a witness.

Indicted Nebraska GOP Rep. Fortenberry pleads not guilty

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College has seen a 5 percent increase in total students for the&nbsp;Fall 2021 semester.&nbsp;

As of September 3, the 10th day of the semester, there were 699 full-time students and 1,007 part time students enrolled in classes, for a total of 1,706. The 10-day report for the Fall 2020 semester showed 1,625 students.

In addition to an increase in total students, WNCC also saw a 2.29 percent increase in Full Time Equivalency (FTE), which refers to the number of instructional hours students receive in both for-credit and non-credit programs.

"We are excited to see growth in both our total enrollment and total credit hours for the fall semester," WNCC Interim President John Marrin said. "This increase is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our staff and faculty."

The 10-day report also shows that Hispanic enrollment represents 25 percent of all students. High School students enrolled in WNCC's CollegeNOW! dual-credit program represented 39 percent of the student body, an institutional high.

"We are happy to provide opportunities to high school students from across the Panhandle in partnership with our high schools," Marrin said. "Our CollegeNOW! program has been incredibly successful and our staff continues to work on growing and improving the program."

The report also shows that the WNCC student body has students representing each of the counties within the WNCC service area, which covers 12 1/2 counties in the Nebraska Panhandle.

The full 10-day report will be released at October's Western Community College Area (WCCA) Board of Governors meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the Scottsbluff Campus.

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College has seen a 5 percent increase in total students for the&nbsp;Fall 2021 semester.&nbsp;As of September 3, the 10th day of the semester, there were 699 full-time students and 1,007 part time students enrolled in classes, for a total of 1,706. The 10-day report for the Fall 2020 semester showed 1,625 students.In addition to an increase in total students, WNCC also saw a 2.29 percent increase in Full Time Equivalency (FTE), which refers to the number of instructional hours students receive in both for-credit and non-credit programs."We are excited to see growth in both our total enrollment and total credit hours for the fall semester," WNCC Interim President John Marrin said. "This increase is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our staff and faculty."The 10-day report also shows that Hispanic enrollment represents 25 percent of all students. High School students enrolled in WNCC's CollegeNOW! dual-credit program represented 39 percent of the student body, an institutional high."We are happy to provide opportunities to high school students from across the Panhandle in partnership with our high schools," Marrin said. "Our CollegeNOW! program has been incredibly successful and our staff continues to work on growing and improving the program."The report also shows that the WNCC student body has students representing each of the counties within the WNCC service area, which covers 12 1/2 counties in the Nebraska Panhandle.The full 10-day report will be released at October's Western Community College Area (WCCA) Board of Governors meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the Scottsbluff Campus.

WNCC grows enrollment for Fall 2021 semester

Highway 2 Threads recently donated to various Alliance non-profit organizations.&nbsp;

The donations came from their early bird tickets citizens purchased from their grand opening held on Sept. 11.&nbsp;

"This community is so amazing," Highway 2 Threads Owner Elizabeth Fritzler said. "I’m so grateful to be able to give back to the community that supports us so well. My goal is to continue doing events similar to our grand opening so we can continue to support our community and local non-profits. I really appreciate all the work all of these non-profits put into helping all the people and pets of our community. They are some of the most hard working, loving people. And anything I can do to help make their job easier, I’m there."

Highway 2 Threads donated $500 each to Providing Animals With Shelter (P.A.W.S.) and Community Table.&nbsp;

"Highway 2 Threads very graciously donated part of their proceeds from their grand opening celebrations to Community Table," Whitney Baldwin said. "Thank you so much for thinking of us, your donation will go a long way helping us in feeding our community."

The business will be donating to Jane's Closet as well.&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostHighway 2 Threads recently donated to various Alliance non-profit organizations.&nbsp;The donations came from their early bird tickets citizens purchased from their grand opening held on Sept. 11.&nbsp;"This community is so amazing," Highway 2 Threads Owner Elizabeth Fritzler said. "I’m so grateful to be able to give back to the community that supports us so well. My goal is to continue doing events similar to our grand opening so we can continue to support our community and local non-profits. I really appreciate all the work all of these non-profits put into helping all the people and pets of our community. They are some of the most hard working, loving people. And anything I can do to help make their job easier, I’m there."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634756380561.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Highway 2 Threads donated $500 each to Providing Animals With Shelter (P.A.W.S.) and Community Table.&nbsp;"Highway 2 Threads very graciously donated part of their proceeds from their grand opening celebrations to Community Table," Whitney Baldwin said. "Thank you so much for thinking of us, your donation will go a long way helping us in feeding our community."The business will be donating to Jane's Closet as well.&nbsp;<figure>
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Highway 2 Threads donates to multiple Alliance non-profits 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Police say that a suspect in a fatal stabbing in Rapid City had an “association” with the victim. 

Officers were called to the crime scene about 4 a.m. Tuesday and found the 24-year-old victim on the ground with several stab wounds.

 Paramedics arrived and transported the man to the hospital where he later died.

 The victim is identified as Leon Richards of Rapid City. 

Officers investigating the homicide say it does not appear to be a random crime. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Police say that a suspect in a fatal stabbing in Rapid City had an “association” with the victim. Officers were called to the crime scene about 4 a.m. Tuesday and found the 24-year-old victim on the ground with several stab wounds. Paramedics arrived and transported the man to the hospital where he later died. The victim is identified as Leon Richards of Rapid City. Officers investigating the homicide say it does not appear to be a random crime. A suspect remains at large.

Police: Rapid City stabbing victim, suspect were associated

Today we spoke with Chadron City Manager John Sutherland about the city council meeting from Oct. 18. Council approved a public hearing on the One and Six Year Street Improvement Plan for the fiscal year 2021-2022, approved pay estimates for the repair of the rowlock brick on the fascade of the Chadron Public Library, approved a USDA grant to help fund new vehicles for the City of Chadron and more.&nbsp;

<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=bz6ar-110c9af-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 city council meeting from Oct. 18. Council approved a public hearing on the One and Six Year Street Improvement Plan for the fiscal year 2021-2022, approved pay estimates for the repair of the rowlock brick on the fascade of the Chadron Public Library, approved a USDA grant to help fund new vehicles for the City of Chadron and more.&nbsp;

🔊 Post Podcast: Chadron City Manager John Sutherland

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

Vaccines seem to have become a hot topic, even though we’ve been using them in the United States for well over 100 years. So why do we use vaccines? How do they work?

Our immune system fights disease by distinguishing between things that belong in our bodies and things that don’t, viruses and bacteria known as pathogens. The immune system then destroys the things that don’t belong. Unwanted foreign substances are identified by markers on their surface called antigens. A vaccine works by exposing the immune system to the antigens from a pathogen that causes a certain disease. When your immune cells encounter these antigens, they mount a response. One cell type, B cells, start making antibodies, which bind to the foreign substance, disable it, and mark it for destruction. Other immune cells, T cells, attack and destroy cells of the body that have been infected by the pathogen.

The body also produces long-lived types of white blood cells, called memory T cells and memory B cells, that remember the antigens that have just been encountered. If your immune system comes across the same antigens again, these memory cells allow you to mount a strong response against that specific pathogen very quickly, so you are much less likely to get ill.

Vaccines are very effective at providing protection against certain diseases, though they don’t provide immunity in 100 per cent of cases. Rates of effectiveness also vary from vaccine to vaccine: a three-dose course of the polio vaccine is 99 per cent effective, whereas the effectiveness of typhoid vaccines is only around 70 per cent. The flu virus mutates every year, so a new vaccine is required annually.

A further complication is that the effects of some vaccinations wear off over time. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine will usually provide 20 years’ protection against measles, but the effects of a typhoid vaccine will typically wear off after three years. This is why we have boosters; they ‘remind’ our immune system how to identify certain pathogens and top up our immunity.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceVaccines seem to have become a hot topic, even though we’ve been using them in the United States for well over 100 years. So why do we use vaccines? How do they work?Our immune system fights disease by distinguishing between things that belong in our bodies and things that don’t, viruses and bacteria known as pathogens. The immune system then destroys the things that don’t belong. Unwanted foreign substances are identified by markers on their surface called antigens. A vaccine works by exposing the immune system to the antigens from a pathogen that causes a certain disease. When your immune cells encounter these antigens, they mount a response. One cell type, B cells, start making antibodies, which bind to the foreign substance, disable it, and mark it for destruction. Other immune cells, T cells, attack and destroy cells of the body that have been infected by the pathogen.The body also produces long-lived types of white blood cells, called memory T cells and memory B cells, that remember the antigens that have just been encountered. If your immune system comes across the same antigens again, these memory cells allow you to mount a strong response against that specific pathogen very quickly, so you are much less likely to get ill.Vaccines are very effective at providing protection against certain diseases, though they don’t provide immunity in 100 per cent of cases. Rates of effectiveness also vary from vaccine to vaccine: a three-dose course of the polio vaccine is 99 per cent effective, whereas the effectiveness of typhoid vaccines is only around 70 per cent. The flu virus mutates every year, so a new vaccine is required annually.A further complication is that the effects of some vaccinations wear off over time. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine will usually provide 20 years’ protection against measles, but the effects of a typhoid vaccine will typically wear off after three years. This is why we have boosters; they ‘remind’ our immune system how to identify certain pathogens and top up our immunity.Sometimes we talk about herd immunity. No vaccine is 100 per cent effective, and not everyone in a population will be vaccinated; some people cannot be vaccinated. However, if most people in a population are vaccinated and become immune to a disease, its ability to spread will be vastly reduced. This protects people without immunity from infection too.The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases gives us ten reasons why we should be vaccinated.1. Vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away, especially in other parts of the world. People who travel are often exposed to diseases that are no longer common in the US, which they might bring home with them.2. Vaccines will help keep you healthy. Different vaccines are needed throughout your life to protect yourself from different infections and diseases.3. Vaccines, just like diet and exercise, are important to your overall health.4. Vaccination can mean the difference between life and death. Every year in the US, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 50,000 adults died from vaccine-preventable diseases. COVID has killed over 700,000 Americans in the last two years.5. Vaccines are safe. The US uses a rigorous testing process before the FDA approves a vaccine. Potential side effects associated with vaccines are uncommon and much less severe than the diseases they prevent.6. Vaccines will not cause the diseases they were designed to prevent.7. Young, healthy people can get sick, too. Infants and older adults are at increased risk for serious infections and complications, but vaccine-preventable diseases can strike anyone.8. Diseases are expensive. An average flu illness can last up to 15 days, typically with five or six missed work or school days. Estimates are that diseases cost America $10 billion a year.9. When you get sick, it places your children, grandchildren, parents, and friends at risk. You are suddenly unable to care for those who depend on you. And you spread your disease to those around you. Adults are the most common source of pertussis (whooping cough) infection in infants, which can be deadly for babies. When you get vaccinated, you are protecting yourself and your family as well as those in your community who may not be able to be vaccinated.10. Your family and co-workers need you!

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