OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of new virus cases and hospitalizations improved slightly in Nebraska again last week but they remain at an elevated level that is straining the state’s hospitals.

 Nebraska reported 4,534 cases in the week that ended on Friday, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that is down about 5% from the 4.775 cases Nebraska reported the week before. 

The number of people hospitalized with the virus in the state averaged around 400 a day last week, which was down from 415 a day in the previous week.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of new virus cases and hospitalizations improved slightly in Nebraska again last week but they remain at an elevated level that is straining the state’s hospitals. Nebraska reported 4,534 cases in the week that ended on Friday, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Omaha World-Herald reports that is down about 5% from the 4.775 cases Nebraska reported the week before. The number of people hospitalized with the virus in the state averaged around 400 a day last week, which was down from 415 a day in the previous week.

Nebraska virus numbers improve slightly but remain elevated

The last 18 months have been a roller coaster for the entire world.&nbsp; While many places have struggled, even in America, Nebraskans have come together to power through the pandemic. &nbsp;Our healthcare professionals have worked with compassion and skill to care for Nebraskans.&nbsp; Communities have supported their local businesses throughout the pandemic.&nbsp; Employers have overcome market disruptions to preserve and create jobs.&nbsp; Parents and schools worked to get kids back in the classroom.&nbsp; Our ag producers once again showed that they can be counted on to feed the nation and world.&nbsp; None of this has been easy, but Nebraskans have been up to the challenge.

While the coronavirus upended our lives, the State has struck a balance allowing people to live a more normal life while still keeping Nebraska healthy.&nbsp; Our approach helped to protect our hospitals, so everyone who needed a hospital bed could get one. &nbsp;We have the third lowest fatality rate from COVID-19 in the country, and we’ve now vaccinated over 88% of Nebraskans 65 and older.

As we prioritized health, we pushed forward with growing Nebraska.&nbsp; While the nation’s GDP declined 3.4% last year, Nebraska was one of the least affected states—with the fourth best GDP performance.&nbsp; Our state has bounced back strong.&nbsp; Nebraska had the fastest fourth quarter GDP growth of any state in 2020 (11.8%), more than doubling the national growth rate of 4.5%.

We’ve seen evidence of renewed growth and job creation in our labor market numbers.&nbsp; Currently, our state’s unemployment rate is 2.2%.&nbsp; That’s the lowest rate in the nation and the lowest in Nebraska history.&nbsp; Of the 389 metro areas in the United States, Nebraska’s three metros rank #1, #2, and #6 for lowest unemployment rate. &nbsp;(Lincoln is #1 at 1.7%, Grand Island is #2 at 1.9%, and Omaha is #6 at 2.3%.)&nbsp; There’s never been a better time than now to find a job in Nebraska.&nbsp; Each of our 93 counties has a seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate below 3.0%.&nbsp; On any given day, our State jobs site (<a href="https://neworks.nebraska.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx" target="_blank">NeWorks.nebraska.gov</a>) lists over 50,000 openings.&nbsp; Given all this, it’s no wonder that WalletHub says Nebraska is the #2 best state in the nation for finding a job.

As our growth creates jobs, we’re equipping Nebraskans to make the most of the great opportunities available.&nbsp; The Developing Youth Talent Initiative introduces middle school students to great-paying careers in fields like manufacturing and IT.&nbsp; High school career academies give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and begin earning college credit.&nbsp; Registered Apprenticeships provide young Nebraskans with the opportunity to earn income, obtain credentials, and accumulate course credits while learning a new job.&nbsp; Despite the pandemic, Nebraska grew registered apprentice enrollment by 14% in 2020 for a total of 1,511 new registered apprentices enrolled in Nebraska Registered Apprenticeship Programs. &nbsp;Our Career Scholarships program, which will offer at least 2,110 scholarships by 2023, is helping pay the way for college students to attain knowledge and skills to enter high-demand fields like engineering or nursing.&nbsp; We’re seeing these efforts bear fruit.&nbsp; In 2020, Nebraska overtook Iowa and Minnesota to become the best state in our region for workforce development according to&nbsp;Site Selection&nbsp;magazine.

While government can help create a growth-friendly environment, it’s the private sector that’s creating the opportunities.&nbsp; Our largest industry, agriculture, is leading our growth.&nbsp; For 2020, Nebraska again ranked #1 nationally for the most agricultural cash receipts per capita.&nbsp; While the population of Texas is almost 15 times that of Nebraska, the Cornhusker State sold more ag commodities than the Lone Star State last year.&nbsp; Nebraska also tops Texas in beef exports, ranking #2 nationally behind Kansas.&nbsp; Nebraska’s beef exports are on pace to set an all-time high in 2021.&nbsp; They are up 30% year-to-date.&nbsp; In August 2021, Nebraska’s beef exports surpassed $188 million—the best month ever for our state.

Nebraska’s farmers are also experiencing expanded exports.&nbsp; Over the first 8 months of 2021, American corn exports are at $14.5 billion.&nbsp; That’s higher than the&nbsp;annual&nbsp;export value for any year since at least 2004!&nbsp; U.S. soybean exports (up 30%) and wheat exports (up 19%) are also much higher than they were last year at this point.

Even with the pandemic, manufacturing employment has reached its highest point in over a decade.&nbsp; Mainstays of our state’s manufacturing community like Behlen, BD, Kawasaki, and Nucor have all significantly expanded their workforces this past year.&nbsp; In September, UNL’s Bureau of Business Research reported that Nebraska’s leading economic indicator (LEI) increased again during August 2021 on the strength of business expectations and an uptick in manufacturing hours worked.&nbsp; The LEI has now risen in 10 of the past 11 months, signaling continued growth for our state.

Our state’s successful pandemic response has been especially beneficial to kids.&nbsp; Nebraska was the sixth-best state for keeping kids in the classroom after the virus disrupted education in the spring of 2020. &nbsp;This was an important accomplishment; in-person learning enhances children’s academic performance, emotional well-being, nutrition, and physical fitness. &nbsp;Our strong economic recovery also enabled Nebraska to climb to #2 in the Casey Foundation’s annual ranking of children’s economic wellbeing.&nbsp;

Legislatively, we didn’t let the pandemic distract us from moving Nebraska forward.&nbsp; This year, I worked with Senators to enact a historic amount of tax relief, make a major investment to expand our broadband infrastructure, and cut red tape to expand our healthcare workforce.&nbsp; Over the next two years, Nebraskans will see over $1.9 billion of direct property tax relief and over $2 billion of estimated total tax relief.&nbsp; We did all of this by controlling spending growth to 2.4% annually and remaining the least indebted state government in America.

Thank you to everyone in Nebraska for the grace, grit, and resilience you’ve shown over the past year and a half. &nbsp;It hasn’t always been easy, but it has helped us power through the pandemic and grow Nebraska.&nbsp; As always, if you have any questions or comments, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

By Gov. Pete RickettsThe last 18 months have been a roller coaster for the entire world.&nbsp; While many places have struggled, even in America, Nebraskans have come together to power through the pandemic. &nbsp;Our healthcare professionals have worked with compassion and skill to care for Nebraskans.&nbsp; Communities have supported their local businesses throughout the pandemic.&nbsp; Employers have overcome market disruptions to preserve and create jobs.&nbsp; Parents and schools worked to get kids back in the classroom.&nbsp; Our ag producers once again showed that they can be counted on to feed the nation and world.&nbsp; None of this has been easy, but Nebraskans have been up to the challenge.While the coronavirus upended our lives, the State has struck a balance allowing people to live a more normal life while still keeping Nebraska healthy.&nbsp; Our approach helped to protect our hospitals, so everyone who needed a hospital bed could get one. &nbsp;We have the third lowest fatality rate from COVID-19 in the country, and we’ve now vaccinated over 88% of Nebraskans 65 and older.As we prioritized health, we pushed forward with growing Nebraska.&nbsp; While the nation’s GDP declined 3.4% last year, Nebraska was one of the least affected states—with the fourth best GDP performance.&nbsp; Our state has bounced back strong.&nbsp; Nebraska had the fastest fourth quarter GDP growth of any state in 2020 (11.8%), more than doubling the national growth rate of 4.5%.We’ve seen evidence of renewed growth and job creation in our labor market numbers.&nbsp; Currently, our state’s unemployment rate is 2.2%.&nbsp; That’s the lowest rate in the nation and the lowest in Nebraska history.&nbsp; Of the 389 metro areas in the United States, Nebraska’s three metros rank #1, #2, and #6 for lowest unemployment rate. &nbsp;(Lincoln is #1 at 1.7%, Grand Island is #2 at 1.9%, and Omaha is #6 at 2.3%.)&nbsp; There’s never been a better time than now to find a job in Nebraska.&nbsp; Each of our 93 counties has a seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate below 3.0%.&nbsp; On any given day, our State jobs site (<a href="https://neworks.nebraska.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx" target="_blank">NeWorks.nebraska.gov</a>) lists over 50,000 openings.&nbsp; Given all this, it’s no wonder that WalletHub says Nebraska is the #2 best state in the nation for finding a job.As our growth creates jobs, we’re equipping Nebraskans to make the most of the great opportunities available.&nbsp; The Developing Youth Talent Initiative introduces middle school students to great-paying careers in fields like manufacturing and IT.&nbsp; High school career academies give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and begin earning college credit.&nbsp; Registered Apprenticeships provide young Nebraskans with the opportunity to earn income, obtain credentials, and accumulate course credits while learning a new job.&nbsp; Despite the pandemic, Nebraska grew registered apprentice enrollment by 14% in 2020 for a total of 1,511 new registered apprentices enrolled in Nebraska Registered Apprenticeship Programs. &nbsp;Our Career Scholarships program, which will offer at least 2,110 scholarships by 2023, is helping pay the way for college students to attain knowledge and skills to enter high-demand fields like engineering or nursing.&nbsp; We’re seeing these efforts bear fruit.&nbsp; In 2020, Nebraska overtook Iowa and Minnesota to become the best state in our region for workforce development according to&nbsp;Site Selection&nbsp;magazine.While government can help create a growth-friendly environment, it’s the private sector that’s creating the opportunities.&nbsp; Our largest industry, agriculture, is leading our growth.&nbsp; For 2020, Nebraska again ranked #1 nationally for the most agricultural cash receipts per capita.&nbsp; While the population of Texas is almost 15 times that of Nebraska, the Cornhusker State sold more ag commodities than the Lone Star State last year.&nbsp; Nebraska also tops Texas in beef exports, ranking #2 nationally behind Kansas.&nbsp; Nebraska’s beef exports are on pace to set an all-time high in 2021.&nbsp; They are up 30% year-to-date.&nbsp; In August 2021, Nebraska’s beef exports surpassed $188 million—the best month ever for our state.Nebraska’s farmers are also experiencing expanded exports.&nbsp; Over the first 8 months of 2021, American corn exports are at $14.5 billion.&nbsp; That’s higher than the&nbsp;annual&nbsp;export value for any year since at least 2004!&nbsp; U.S. soybean exports (up 30%) and wheat exports (up 19%) are also much higher than they were last year at this point.Even with the pandemic, manufacturing employment has reached its highest point in over a decade.&nbsp; Mainstays of our state’s manufacturing community like Behlen, BD, Kawasaki, and Nucor have all significantly expanded their workforces this past year.&nbsp; In September, UNL’s Bureau of Business Research reported that Nebraska’s leading economic indicator (LEI) increased again during August 2021 on the strength of business expectations and an uptick in manufacturing hours worked.&nbsp; The LEI has now risen in 10 of the past 11 months, signaling continued growth for our state.Our state’s successful pandemic response has been especially beneficial to kids.&nbsp; Nebraska was the sixth-best state for keeping kids in the classroom after the virus disrupted education in the spring of 2020. &nbsp;This was an important accomplishment; in-person learning enhances children’s academic performance, emotional well-being, nutrition, and physical fitness. &nbsp;Our strong economic recovery also enabled Nebraska to climb to #2 in the Casey Foundation’s annual ranking of children’s economic wellbeing.&nbsp;Legislatively, we didn’t let the pandemic distract us from moving Nebraska forward.&nbsp; This year, I worked with Senators to enact a historic amount of tax relief, make a major investment to expand our broadband infrastructure, and cut red tape to expand our healthcare workforce.&nbsp; Over the next two years, Nebraskans will see over $1.9 billion of direct property tax relief and over $2 billion of estimated total tax relief.&nbsp; We did all of this by controlling spending growth to 2.4% annually and remaining the least indebted state government in America.Thank you to everyone in Nebraska for the grace, grit, and resilience you’ve shown over the past year and a half. &nbsp;It hasn’t always been easy, but it has helped us power through the pandemic and grow Nebraska.&nbsp; As always, if you have any questions or comments, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Growing through it together

Alliance- Box Butte General Hospital is offering mid-year scholarships in the amount of $1,500 (full-time), $750 (part-time) each to post-secondary students currently enrolled in a healthcare studies program.

Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 29. To download the scholarship application visit <a href="https://www.bbgh.org/education_opportunities/scholarships.html">https://www.bbgh.org/education_opportunities/scholarships.html</a>.

Alliance- Box Butte General Hospital is offering mid-year scholarships in the amount of $1,500 (full-time), $750 (part-time) each to post-secondary students currently enrolled in a healthcare studies program. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 29. To download the scholarship application visit <a href="https://www.bbgh.org/education_opportunities/scholarships.html">https://www.bbgh.org/education_opportunities/scholarships.html</a>.

BBGH to offer mid-year educational scholarship

CHADRON – A member of the Chadron State College faculty and a High Plains Herbarium volunteer are bringing their expertise to the seventh annual Trading Stories Film Festival at the Chadron Public Library, focused on Oglala Lakota spiritual leader Nicholas Black Elk.

The festival, set for Thursday through Saturday at the library, includes a presentation by CSC geology professor Dr. Michael Leite on Friday at 6 p.m., prior to screening of the 2020 documentary, Walking the Good Red Road, about Black Elk’s life.

On Saturday at 3 p.m. Dr. Susan Rolfsmeier, former adjunct professor in the Department of Applied Sciences and Herbarium volunteer, will discuss medicinal plants of the High Plains, as a lead in to the 5 p.m. screening of the 1970 movie, Little Big Man.

Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa) is perhaps best known through the book Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt. Born in about 1863, Black Elk was present at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 and survived the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. Through the influence of his first wife, he converted to Catholicism in his 40s, but continued to practice Lakota ceremonies.

Black Elk was proposed for sainthood by the Rapid City, South Dakota, diocese of the Catholic Church in 2017. The diocese co-produced Walking the Good Red Road, which first aired on ABC television stations in May 2020.

“(Black Elk) was the bridge that carried his people from Wounded Knee to present times,” said Chadron Library Director Rossella Tesch.

In 2016 the highest point in South Dakota, previously known as Harney Peak, was renamed Black Elk Peak to recognize the significance of the mountain and the Black Hills to the region’s Native Americans.

Leite said his knowledge of the cultural significance of Black Elk Peak is limited, but its geology is fascinating. The mountain is part of an outcrop known as Harney Peak Granite that stemmed from a major geologic event 1.9 billion years ago called the Trans-Hudson Orogeny (THO), a collision of tectonic plates that created a Himalaya-scale mountain range from western Nebraska to northern Saskatchewan and Greenland. Magma injected following the THO formed Harney Peak Granite and associated pegmatite materials that are rich in rare materials like titanium, beryllium, and lithium. Another major geologic event some 60 million years ago, the Laramide uplift, made those minerals, and the gold for which the Black Hills is famous, accessible to us today, Leite said.

Rolfsmeier and her husband, Steve, director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/sci/herbarium/index.csc" target="_blank">High Plains Herbarium</a>&nbsp;at CSC, are specialists in the study of relationships among plant groups. Though not trained in medicinal plants, they are interested in studying plant diversity of the region, and find that people often want to know about the practical value of plants for food, medicine and commercial use.

“Tapping into people’s interests is a way to reach out to the public and make learning about plants appealing,” Rolfsmeier said.

Much of the information the Rolfsmeiers have prepared for the festival presentation was compiled by Melvin Gilmore and Father Eugene Buechel, who conducted extensive interviews with Native American people about the names of plants and their traditional uses.

“The foundation of today’s knowledge comes from the indigenous peoples who lived in the area and relied on the plants,” Rolfsmeier said.

Building on work by CSC professor Dr. George Morgan, former Herbarium director Dr. Ron Weedon in 1990 completed a paper about Oglala use of medicinal plants, and noted that sage, cedar, sweet flag and sweet grass were the most common plants in use, said Rolfsmeier.

Interest in plant use remains high, according to Steve Rolfsmeier, who often fields questions on the topic when conducting plant walks. The High Plains Herbarium has a broad range of literature relating to native plants but the collection is currently in storage in anticipation of being moved into the new Herbarium library when renovation of the Math Science building is completed, he said.

The film festival, sponsored by the Chadron Library Foundation and supported by the Dawes County Travel Board, began in 2014 to highlight the Native American history of the region and call attention to the library’s extensive Indigenous Peoples of North America collection of books, films and music.

“Native Americans are a vital part of the (Nebraska) Panhandle’s history, life and culture,” Tesch said. “Native American culture is often ignored and disparaged. When people see the movies, they are moved learning what Native American’s have gone through in the last 100 years. They are surprised by the beauty of the art and music.”

Tesch said she hopes this year’s festival will make people aware of the many components of Black Elk’s life and the spiritual messages he conveyed. Through the horror of battles and loss of many of his people to conflict, famine and disease, Black Elk persevered, said Tesch.

“He held onto his culture and moral beliefs, and looked for other ways to continue on,” she said

A complete schedule of the film festival can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chadron-nebraska.com/civicalerts.aspx?aid=291" target="_blank">trading-stories-film-festival</a>.

By GEORGE LEDBETTERCHADRON – A member of the Chadron State College faculty and a High Plains Herbarium volunteer are bringing their expertise to the seventh annual Trading Stories Film Festival at the Chadron Public Library, focused on Oglala Lakota spiritual leader Nicholas Black Elk.The festival, set for Thursday through Saturday at the library, includes a presentation by CSC geology professor Dr. Michael Leite on Friday at 6 p.m., prior to screening of the 2020 documentary, Walking the Good Red Road, about Black Elk’s life.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633995722102.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday at 3 p.m. Dr. Susan Rolfsmeier, former adjunct professor in the Department of Applied Sciences and Herbarium volunteer, will discuss medicinal plants of the High Plains, as a lead in to the 5 p.m. screening of the 1970 movie, Little Big Man.Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa) is perhaps best known through the book Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt. Born in about 1863, Black Elk was present at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 and survived the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. Through the influence of his first wife, he converted to Catholicism in his 40s, but continued to practice Lakota ceremonies.Black Elk was proposed for sainthood by the Rapid City, South Dakota, diocese of the Catholic Church in 2017. The diocese co-produced Walking the Good Red Road, which first aired on ABC television stations in May 2020.“(Black Elk) was the bridge that carried his people from Wounded Knee to present times,” said Chadron Library Director Rossella Tesch.In 2016 the highest point in South Dakota, previously known as Harney Peak, was renamed Black Elk Peak to recognize the significance of the mountain and the Black Hills to the region’s Native Americans.Leite said his knowledge of the cultural significance of Black Elk Peak is limited, but its geology is fascinating. The mountain is part of an outcrop known as Harney Peak Granite that stemmed from a major geologic event 1.9 billion years ago called the Trans-Hudson Orogeny (THO), a collision of tectonic plates that created a Himalaya-scale mountain range from western Nebraska to northern Saskatchewan and Greenland. Magma injected following the THO formed Harney Peak Granite and associated pegmatite materials that are rich in rare materials like titanium, beryllium, and lithium. Another major geologic event some 60 million years ago, the Laramide uplift, made those minerals, and the gold for which the Black Hills is famous, accessible to us today, Leite said.Rolfsmeier and her husband, Steve, director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/sci/herbarium/index.csc" target="_blank">High Plains Herbarium</a>&nbsp;at CSC, are specialists in the study of relationships among plant groups. Though not trained in medicinal plants, they are interested in studying plant diversity of the region, and find that people often want to know about the practical value of plants for food, medicine and commercial use.“Tapping into people’s interests is a way to reach out to the public and make learning about plants appealing,” Rolfsmeier said.Much of the information the Rolfsmeiers have prepared for the festival presentation was compiled by Melvin Gilmore and Father Eugene Buechel, who conducted extensive interviews with Native American people about the names of plants and their traditional uses.“The foundation of today’s knowledge comes from the indigenous peoples who lived in the area and relied on the plants,” Rolfsmeier said.Building on work by CSC professor Dr. George Morgan, former Herbarium director Dr. Ron Weedon in 1990 completed a paper about Oglala use of medicinal plants, and noted that sage, cedar, sweet flag and sweet grass were the most common plants in use, said Rolfsmeier.Interest in plant use remains high, according to Steve Rolfsmeier, who often fields questions on the topic when conducting plant walks. The High Plains Herbarium has a broad range of literature relating to native plants but the collection is currently in storage in anticipation of being moved into the new Herbarium library when renovation of the Math Science building is completed, he said.The film festival, sponsored by the Chadron Library Foundation and supported by the Dawes County Travel Board, began in 2014 to highlight the Native American history of the region and call attention to the library’s extensive Indigenous Peoples of North America collection of books, films and music.“Native Americans are a vital part of the (Nebraska) Panhandle’s history, life and culture,” Tesch said. “Native American culture is often ignored and disparaged. When people see the movies, they are moved learning what Native American’s have gone through in the last 100 years. They are surprised by the beauty of the art and music.”Tesch said she hopes this year’s festival will make people aware of the many components of Black Elk’s life and the spiritual messages he conveyed. Through the horror of battles and loss of many of his people to conflict, famine and disease, Black Elk persevered, said Tesch.“He held onto his culture and moral beliefs, and looked for other ways to continue on,” she saidA complete schedule of the film festival can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chadron-nebraska.com/civicalerts.aspx?aid=291" target="_blank">trading-stories-film-festival</a>.

CSC faculty member part of Chadron library film festival

Alliance High School will celebrate Homecoming 2021 with week long activities and special school events.&nbsp; 

The week began with Mardi Gras Monday and Mini-Olympics.&nbsp; The Homecoming Coronation was held Monday night.&nbsp; This years Freshman Attendants are.. Josie Sanders and Joseph Steele.&nbsp; Sophomore Attendants, Regan Braun and Trevonne Knaub.&nbsp; &nbsp;Junior Attendants,&nbsp; Kenna Montes and Carver Hauptman.&nbsp; Senior 2nd Attendants, Brooklyn Branstiter and Mats Albrecht.&nbsp; Senior 1st Attendants,&nbsp; Riley Lawrence and Jayden McCracken.&nbsp; This years Homecoming Queen Shelbee Burke and King Zane Stoike.

The AHS Cross Country Seniors were also recognized during the evening. This years Seniors are... Angie Davis, Macala Hood, Gabriel Sanders, Mikayla Seebohm and Lilly Wagner.&nbsp; &nbsp;Fans in attendance also got a good laugh at the "Mister Cheerleader" routine.&nbsp; &nbsp;Angel Acosta was named "Mr. Sunshine".&nbsp; Jayden McCracken was named "Mr. Drama Queen". Jonah Amill, "Mr Jump King", and Isiah Martinez was awarded the title of "Mr Cheerleader".

Homecoming week activities will continue with theme days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Homecoming Parade, along Box Butte Ave,&nbsp; will be at 2:30 pm on Friday and the football game vs Lexington will be at 7 pm Friday night.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634048311131.jpeg" alt="2021 AHS Homecoming" />
 <figcaption>2021 AHS Homecoming</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike GlesingerAlliance High School will celebrate Homecoming 2021 with week long activities and special school events.&nbsp; The week began with Mardi Gras Monday and Mini-Olympics.&nbsp; The Homecoming Coronation was held Monday night.&nbsp; This years Freshman Attendants are.. Josie Sanders and Joseph Steele.&nbsp; Sophomore Attendants, Regan Braun and Trevonne Knaub.&nbsp; &nbsp;Junior Attendants,&nbsp; Kenna Montes and Carver Hauptman.&nbsp; Senior 2nd Attendants, Brooklyn Branstiter and Mats Albrecht.&nbsp; Senior 1st Attendants,&nbsp; Riley Lawrence and Jayden McCracken.&nbsp; This years Homecoming Queen Shelbee Burke and King Zane Stoike.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634046919059.jpeg" alt="2021 AHS Homecoming Royalty" />
 <figcaption>2021 AHS Homecoming Royalty</figcaption>
 </figure>The AHS Cross Country Seniors were also recognized during the evening. This years Seniors are... Angie Davis, Macala Hood, Gabriel Sanders, Mikayla Seebohm and Lilly Wagner.&nbsp; &nbsp;Fans in attendance also got a good laugh at the "Mister Cheerleader" routine.&nbsp; &nbsp;Angel Acosta was named "Mr. Sunshine".&nbsp; Jayden McCracken was named "Mr. Drama Queen". Jonah Amill, "Mr Jump King", and Isiah Martinez was awarded the title of "Mr Cheerleader".<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634048244731.jpeg" alt="AHS Homecoming "Mister Cheerleader"" />
 <figcaption>AHS Homecoming "Mister Cheerleader"</figcaption>
 </figure>Homecoming week activities will continue with theme days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Homecoming Parade, along Box Butte Ave,&nbsp; will be at 2:30 pm on Friday and the football game vs Lexington will be at 7 pm Friday night.&nbsp;

AHS Homecoming this week-Royalty Crowned Monday night

As COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in the Panhandle, residents are encouraged to take important COVID precautions by avoiding the three Cs:

Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others

Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with

Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation

If you are confirmed positive for COVID, don’t wait to talk to your healthcare provider about getting the Monoclonal Antibody Treatment. This is most effective when done by day 5 from symptoms starting and before symptoms increase in severity. It is proven to have a 70% reduction in hospitalization and improved symptoms.

Vaccinations have protection against all known variants, including Delta. For anyone age 12 and older, please get vaccinated. COVID vaccine is widely available across the Panhandle and there is no charge for the vaccine.

Box Butte/Grant: https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu | safeway.com

Dave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Pfizer 2 PM- 5:30 PM)

Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM

Cheyenne/Deuel: https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p | walmart.com | safeway.com

During COVID clinic hours visit https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p for days and hours

Dawes/Sioux: https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn | walmart.com | safeway.com

Western Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Garden: To schedule an appointment visit vaccinate.ne.gov - provider will call you

Regional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM

Kimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM

Morrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PM

Gordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM

Scotts Bluff/Banner: https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p | walmart.com | safeway.com | walgreens.com

Gering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PM

Scottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PM

If you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard for you to access a COVID vaccine, please call Kim Engel at 308-633-2866 ext 101.

People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu.

Unified Command confirms 441 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, October 11.

Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html" target="_blank">http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html</a>.

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

By PPHDAs COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in the Panhandle, residents are encouraged to take important COVID precautions by avoiding the three Cs:Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from othersAvoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live withAvoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilationIf you are confirmed positive for COVID, don’t wait to talk to your healthcare provider about getting the Monoclonal Antibody Treatment. This is most effective when done by day 5 from symptoms starting and before symptoms increase in severity. It is proven to have a 70% reduction in hospitalization and improved symptoms.Vaccinations have protection against all known variants, including Delta. For anyone age 12 and older, please get vaccinated. COVID vaccine is widely available across the Panhandle and there is no charge for the vaccine.Box Butte/Grant: https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu | safeway.comWalk-ins welcomeDave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Pfizer 2 PM- 5:30 PM)Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PMCheyenne/Deuel: https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p | walmart.com | safeway.comWalk-ins welcomeDuring COVID clinic hours visit https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p for days and hoursDawes/Sioux: https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn | walmart.com | safeway.comWalk-ins welcomeWestern Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMGarden: To schedule an appointment visit vaccinate.ne.gov - provider will call youWalk-ins welcomeRegional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PMKimball: https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrsWalk-ins welcomeKimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PMMorrill: https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvummWalk-ins welcomeMorrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PMSheridan: https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38Walk-ins welcomeGordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AMScotts Bluff/Banner: https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p | walmart.com | safeway.com | walgreens.comWalk-ins welcomeGering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PMScottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PMIf you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard for you to access a COVID vaccine, please call Kim Engel at 308-633-2866 ext 101.People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu.Unified Command confirms 441 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, October 11.<figure>
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 </figure>March 2, 2020-October 11, 2021<ul>
 <li>Positive: 11,961</li><li>Last week’s cases: (cases/100,000): 382.5</li><li>Last week’s cases: 330</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 13.9%</li><li>Deaths: 204</li><li>Deaths Pending Verification: 12</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 34</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 644</li>
 </ul>Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html" target="_blank">http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html</a>.The Panhandle COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. The state COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf</a>. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.<figure>
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PPHD: Virus cases, hospitalizations continue to increase in Panhandle 

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — Authorities identified a woman who drowned while kayaking on the North Platte River near Scottsbluff.

 The woman was identified Monday as 65-year-old Linda D. Schledewitz, of rural Scottsbluff.

 She and her husband overturned a kayak on Friday afternoon near Scottsbluff’s wastewater treatment facility. 

The Scottsbluff Star-Herald reports the man initially struggled to reach his wife in the water, but once he did he administered CPR.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — Authorities identified a woman who drowned while kayaking on the North Platte River near Scottsbluff. The woman was identified Monday as 65-year-old Linda D. Schledewitz, of rural Scottsbluff. She and her husband overturned a kayak on Friday afternoon near Scottsbluff’s wastewater treatment facility. The Scottsbluff Star-Herald reports the man initially struggled to reach his wife in the water, but once he did he administered CPR.

Authorities identify woman who drowned while kayaking near Scottsbluff

Five former&nbsp;student-athletes were inducted into the University of Nebraska at Kearney Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Homecoming weekend, Oct. 8-9.&nbsp; The 2021 Hall of Fame members are volleyball player&nbsp;Erin (Brosz) Byrd&nbsp;('06), men's golfer&nbsp;CJ Farber&nbsp;('99), men's basketball player&nbsp;Anthony Harms&nbsp;('03), women's basketball player&nbsp;Kalee (Modlin) O'Connor&nbsp;('08) and football player&nbsp;Lannie Shelmadine&nbsp;('68). Due to the pandemic there wasn't a 2020 Athletic HOF Class.&nbsp; &nbsp;

On Saturday, Oct. 9, the class was recognized at half time of the homecoming football game vs. Missouri Western State.&nbsp; #24 ranked&nbsp; UNK won the game 35-14.

Lannie Shelmadine&nbsp;is among the most accomplished running backs in Kearney State College/UNK history. He was a two-time All-Nebraska Conference College (NCC) selection who led the Lopers in rushing in 1965 and 1966. He also was KSC's leading receiver in 1965 and was twice named NAIA All-District 11. Finishing with 1,606 career rushing yards with 20 touchdowns, the Alliance native was on teams that went a combined 31-5 and won three league titles. That included the 1967 team that went 9-0, just the second Loper team to post an undefeated record. KSC also finished that fall ranked sixth nationally. During these years, KSC was among the nation's best at running the football. Shelmadine was a longtime teacher, coach and administrator in his hometown of Alliance, and also was an administrator in the Hemingford Public Schools.&nbsp; &nbsp; Shelmadine currently resides in Alliance with his wife, Karen. They have three children (Stephanie, Tim and Brian) as well as 12 grandchildren.

&nbsp; Erin Byrd&nbsp;was a two-time All-American middle blocker for the Lopers, earning honorable mention honors in 2004 and named second-team in 2005. The Grand Island native is one of 10 UNK volleyball players to earn multiple All-American honors in a career. Redshirting in 2001, she also was a three-time All-RMAC pick, making the second-team in 2003 and advancing to the first-team in 2004 and 2005. On the UNK career lists Byrd is first in attack percentage (.372), sixth in blocks (475) and 15th in kills (1,192). A two-time Academic All-District selection, her play helped UNK go a combined 109-10 between 2003-05. The Lopers reached the Elite Eight each season, finishing as national runners-up in 2005, and winning RMAC titles in 2004 and 2005.&nbsp; Byrd stayed involved with volleyball after player days, serving a graduate assistant coach at Nebraska-Omaha before serving as head coach at Millard West High School for eight seasons. Holding degrees from UNK and UNO, she currently resides in Elkhorn with her husband, Ryan, and their five children; Emma, Emily, Ellie, Austin and Isaac.&nbsp;

&nbsp; A Kearney native,&nbsp;CJ Farber&nbsp;is one of just for UNK men's golfers to earn NCAA Division II All-American honors. He was a 1999 PING honorable mention selection and also an All-RMAC pick. His single season stroke average of 74.58 during 1997-98 set a new school-record and now ranks sixth on the all-time list. Farber averaged a 75.47 as a senior, making him one of just five Lopers to have two season stroke averages in the UNK all-time top 18. &nbsp; The 1997 RMAC Championships runner up, Farber helped the Lopers win three RMAC titles and finish as runners up once. Posting a 75.46 career stroke average, eighth best in UNK lore, he also set the program's 36-hole record with a 141 at the Baker (Kan.) Invite. Farber and his wife, Mandy, live in Kearney with their children, Macie Farber and Hannah Hardin. He currently is an Account Manager with Coca-Cola. Anthony Harms&nbsp;is among the top scorers in Loper history, finishing with 1,643 points in a career that spanned from 1999-02. The Filley native was a three-time All-RMAC selection who played on teams that went a combined 86-31 and reached the NCAA Tournament twice.&nbsp;

&nbsp; A three-time Academic All-RMAC qualifier, Harms had one of the most memorable games in UNK history when he went for 37 points in a 1999 NCAA Tourney second round win at Wayne State. The effort helped the Lopers upset the top-seeded Wildcats and allowed UNK to reach the Sweet 16. Subsequently, he made the all-tournament team. Three years later Harms&nbsp;was named to the 2002 All-RMAC tourney squad.&nbsp; Harms currently ranks 12th on UNK's career scoring list, is second in made threes (238), fourth in three-point percentage (41.3), ninth in assists (352) and 10th in steals (156). Finally, he is one of eight Lopers to have two games of at least 35 points in a career. After graduation Harms remained in the game, serving as the head boys basketball coach at Waverly High School for six seasons. He currently serves as the WHS head strength &amp; conditioning coach. He lives in Waverly with his wife, Sarah, and their children; Preston, Anastyn and Emery. Kalee O'Connor&nbsp;starred on the UNK women's basketball team between 2003-06. The Iowa native was a rare four-time All-RMAC pick, a two-time all-region selection and a 2004 honorable mention All-American. The post player is one of seven Lopers to have been named a Division II All-American.

&nbsp; The 2003 RMAC Freshman of the Year and the 2004 RMAC Tournament MVP, O'Connor played on teams that won 85 games and reached two NCAA Tournaments. UNK also won two RMAC regular season titles and one RMAC tourney title during her career. &nbsp; She currently ranks in the Lopers all-time top 10 in six different categories including second in points (1,700), third in scoring average (14.9) and double doubles (20) and fourth in blocks (113). A three-time RMAC All-Academic qualifier, O'Connor resides in Ankeny, Ia., with her husband, Jason, and their daughters, Korie and Averie. She currently is a Nuclear Technologist with Nuclear Sonics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633980367461.jpeg" alt="courtesy photo Lannie Shelmadine" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo Lannie Shelmadine</figcaption>
 </figure>By: UNK Athletic Dept.Five former&nbsp;student-athletes were inducted into the University of Nebraska at Kearney Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Homecoming weekend, Oct. 8-9.&nbsp; The 2021 Hall of Fame members are volleyball player&nbsp;Erin (Brosz) Byrd&nbsp;('06), men's golfer&nbsp;CJ Farber&nbsp;('99), men's basketball player&nbsp;Anthony Harms&nbsp;('03), women's basketball player&nbsp;Kalee (Modlin) O'Connor&nbsp;('08) and football player&nbsp;Lannie Shelmadine&nbsp;('68). Due to the pandemic there wasn't a 2020 Athletic HOF Class.&nbsp; &nbsp;On Saturday, Oct. 9, the class was recognized at half time of the homecoming football game vs. Missouri Western State.&nbsp; #24 ranked&nbsp; UNK won the game 35-14.Lannie Shelmadine&nbsp;is among the most accomplished running backs in Kearney State College/UNK history. He was a two-time All-Nebraska Conference College (NCC) selection who led the Lopers in rushing in 1965 and 1966. He also was KSC's leading receiver in 1965 and was twice named NAIA All-District 11. Finishing with 1,606 career rushing yards with 20 touchdowns, the Alliance native was on teams that went a combined 31-5 and won three league titles. That included the 1967 team that went 9-0, just the second Loper team to post an undefeated record. KSC also finished that fall ranked sixth nationally. During these years, KSC was among the nation's best at running the football. Shelmadine was a longtime teacher, coach and administrator in his hometown of Alliance, and also was an administrator in the Hemingford Public Schools.&nbsp; &nbsp; Shelmadine currently resides in Alliance with his wife, Karen. They have three children (Stephanie, Tim and Brian) as well as 12 grandchildren.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633980426379.jpeg" alt="courtesy photo&nbsp; Lannie Shelmadine" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo&nbsp; Lannie Shelmadine</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Erin Byrd&nbsp;was a two-time All-American middle blocker for the Lopers, earning honorable mention honors in 2004 and named second-team in 2005. The Grand Island native is one of 10 UNK volleyball players to earn multiple All-American honors in a career. Redshirting in 2001, she also was a three-time All-RMAC pick, making the second-team in 2003 and advancing to the first-team in 2004 and 2005. On the UNK career lists Byrd is first in attack percentage (.372), sixth in blocks (475) and 15th in kills (1,192). A two-time Academic All-District selection, her play helped UNK go a combined 109-10 between 2003-05. The Lopers reached the Elite Eight each season, finishing as national runners-up in 2005, and winning RMAC titles in 2004 and 2005.&nbsp; Byrd stayed involved with volleyball after player days, serving a graduate assistant coach at Nebraska-Omaha before serving as head coach at Millard West High School for eight seasons. Holding degrees from UNK and UNO, she currently resides in Elkhorn with her husband, Ryan, and their five children; Emma, Emily, Ellie, Austin and Isaac.&nbsp;&nbsp; A Kearney native,&nbsp;CJ Farber&nbsp;is one of just for UNK men's golfers to earn NCAA Division II All-American honors. He was a 1999 PING honorable mention selection and also an All-RMAC pick. His single season stroke average of 74.58 during 1997-98 set a new school-record and now ranks sixth on the all-time list. Farber averaged a 75.47 as a senior, making him one of just five Lopers to have two season stroke averages in the UNK all-time top 18. &nbsp; The 1997 RMAC Championships runner up, Farber helped the Lopers win three RMAC titles and finish as runners up once. Posting a 75.46 career stroke average, eighth best in UNK lore, he also set the program's 36-hole record with a 141 at the Baker (Kan.) Invite. Farber and his wife, Mandy, live in Kearney with their children, Macie Farber and Hannah Hardin. He currently is an Account Manager with Coca-Cola. Anthony Harms&nbsp;is among the top scorers in Loper history, finishing with 1,643 points in a career that spanned from 1999-02. The Filley native was a three-time All-RMAC selection who played on teams that went a combined 86-31 and reached the NCAA Tournament twice.&nbsp;&nbsp; A three-time Academic All-RMAC qualifier, Harms had one of the most memorable games in UNK history when he went for 37 points in a 1999 NCAA Tourney second round win at Wayne State. The effort helped the Lopers upset the top-seeded Wildcats and allowed UNK to reach the Sweet 16. Subsequently, he made the all-tournament team. Three years later Harms&nbsp;was named to the 2002 All-RMAC tourney squad.&nbsp; Harms currently ranks 12th on UNK's career scoring list, is second in made threes (238), fourth in three-point percentage (41.3), ninth in assists (352) and 10th in steals (156). Finally, he is one of eight Lopers to have two games of at least 35 points in a career. After graduation Harms remained in the game, serving as the head boys basketball coach at Waverly High School for six seasons. He currently serves as the WHS head strength &amp; conditioning coach. He lives in Waverly with his wife, Sarah, and their children; Preston, Anastyn and Emery. Kalee O'Connor&nbsp;starred on the UNK women's basketball team between 2003-06. The Iowa native was a rare four-time All-RMAC pick, a two-time all-region selection and a 2004 honorable mention All-American. The post player is one of seven Lopers to have been named a Division II All-American.&nbsp; The 2003 RMAC Freshman of the Year and the 2004 RMAC Tournament MVP, O'Connor played on teams that won 85 games and reached two NCAA Tournaments. UNK also won two RMAC regular season titles and one RMAC tourney title during her career. &nbsp; She currently ranks in the Lopers all-time top 10 in six different categories including second in points (1,700), third in scoring average (14.9) and double doubles (20) and fourth in blocks (113). A three-time RMAC All-Academic qualifier, O'Connor resides in Ankeny, Ia., with her husband, Jason, and their daughters, Korie and Averie. She currently is a Nuclear Technologist with Nuclear Sonics.

Shelmadine Inducted into UNK Hall of Fame

By&nbsp;Rossella Tesch, Chadron Public Library Director

In its sixth edition, Trading Stories: a Native American Movie Festival© will honor Hehaka Sapa, Black Elk.

The festival, a project of Chadron Public Library and the Chadron Public Library Foundation, seeks to acknowledge the contribution of the Lakota people to the history of Northwest Nebraska and highlight contemporary Native issues through artistic venues and films.

All events in the festival are free and open to the public. Events will take place at the Chadron Public Library, 507 Bordeaux Street, in Chadron.

Thursday, October 14, 2021 10:00 am Special Story Time with Cartoons: Raven Tales.

5:30 pm Festival begins. Reception and Opening Notes by the

President of the Chadron Public Library Foundation

6:30 pm Legacy of Neihardt and Black Elk - Dr. Nancy Gillis

This program is possible thanks to a grant from Humanities

Friday, October 15, 2021 5:00 pm Musical Tribute to Black Elk and other Songs – Dan Holtz

This program is possible thanks to a grant from the Humanities

6:00 m Black Elk Peak and the Black Hills – Dr. Mike Leite

7:00 p.m. The Good Red Road Movie. Introduction by Mr. Bill White.

Following the movie, Mr. White will meet with the viewers

Saturday, October 16, 2021 10:00 am Cartoons for Kids: more Raven Tales.

This event is possible thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Arts Council.

3:00 pm Medicinal Plants of the High Plains. Dr. Susan Rolfsmeier and

Steve Rolfsmeier Curator of Chadron State College High Plains

4:00 pm Native American Healing in the 21st Century. Documentary.

Trading Stories is produced in part by a grant from the Dawes County Travel Board.

Trading Stories is made possible through grants funded by the Nebraska Arts Council and the Humanities Nebraska. Local sponsors include Chadron Public Library Foundation, and Friends of Chadron Public Library.

By&nbsp;Rossella Tesch, Chadron Public Library DirectorIn its sixth edition, Trading Stories: a Native American Movie Festival© will honor Hehaka Sapa, Black Elk.The festival, a project of Chadron Public Library and the Chadron Public Library Foundation, seeks to acknowledge the contribution of the Lakota people to the history of Northwest Nebraska and highlight contemporary Native issues through artistic venues and films.All events in the festival are free and open to the public. Events will take place at the Chadron Public Library, 507 Bordeaux Street, in Chadron.The time schedule follows:Thursday, October 14, 2021 10:00 am Special Story Time with Cartoons: Raven Tales.Snacks and Crafts.5:30 pm Festival begins. Reception and Opening Notes by thePresident of the Chadron Public Library FoundationRoger Mays.Artifacts Display.6:30 pm Legacy of Neihardt and Black Elk - Dr. Nancy GillisThis program is possible thanks to a grant from HumanitiesNebraska.Friday, October 15, 2021 5:00 pm Musical Tribute to Black Elk and other Songs – Dan HoltzThis program is possible thanks to a grant from the HumanitiesNebraska.6:00 m Black Elk Peak and the Black Hills – Dr. Mike Leite7:00 p.m. The Good Red Road Movie. Introduction by Mr. Bill White.Following the movie, Mr. White will meet with the viewersfor Q&amp;A.Saturday, October 16, 2021 10:00 am Cartoons for Kids: more Raven Tales.1:00 pm Songs by Michael Murphy.2:00 pm Learn to play flute with MichaelThis event is possible thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Arts Council.3:00 pm Medicinal Plants of the High Plains. Dr. Susan Rolfsmeier andSteve Rolfsmeier Curator of Chadron State College High PlainsHerbarium.4:00 pm Native American Healing in the 21st Century. Documentary.5:00 pm Little Big Man. Movie.Trading Stories is produced in part by a grant from the Dawes County Travel Board.Trading Stories is made possible through grants funded by the Nebraska Arts Council and the Humanities Nebraska. Local sponsors include Chadron Public Library Foundation, and Friends of Chadron Public Library.

Native American movies, music, culture featured at festival in Chadron

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS CHADRON – The Fall 2021 Graves Lecture Series will include a variety of topics from predictors of stress in first-generation students, to history recorded through a quilt, to the Holocaust. The presenters are Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht, Tena Cook, Dr. David Nesheim, Dr. Kim Madsen, and Mary Traphagan.

Each lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Mari Sandoz Atrium High Plains Heritage Center. These events are free and open to the public.

The series will begin Oct. 12 with “Predictors of Stress in First-Generations Students” by Helmbrecht, an assistant professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department. Helmbrecht will discuss her doctoral dissertation study of first-generation college students at Chadron State College and factors that predict stress levels. She will also demonstrate stress management techniques.

On Oct. 26, a panel consisting of Cook, College Relations Marketing Coordinator, Madsen, Family, and Consumer Sciences Professor, and Nesheim, Social Sciences Associate Professor, will present “A Stitch in Time: 1938 Air Mail Quilt.” In 1938, Cook’s grandmother designed, sewed, and embroidered a quilt to commemorate National Air Mail Week. In addition to answering questions about the quilt, Cook will share paper patterns made from cachet envelopes. Madsen will share expertise about hand crafted textiles, and Nesheim will provide information about the historical context of Air Mail.

The series will conclude Nov. 9 with Traphagan, a Chadron Middle School Social Sciences Teacher, who will present “The Holocaust Past and Present.” She will discuss the history of the Holocaust, the Nazi Germany practices of ethnic purification, and the devasting effects on survivors and their families.

For more information or to suggest a future Graves speaker, contact King Library Outreach Librarian Shawn Hartman at 308-432-6271 ext. 7059 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shartman@csc.edu" target="_blank">shartman@csc.edu</a>.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS CHADRON – The Fall 2021 Graves Lecture Series will include a variety of topics from predictors of stress in first-generation students, to history recorded through a quilt, to the Holocaust. The presenters are Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht, Tena Cook, Dr. David Nesheim, Dr. Kim Madsen, and Mary Traphagan.Each lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Mari Sandoz Atrium High Plains Heritage Center. These events are free and open to the public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633968117770.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College's Graves Lecture Series Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Sandoz Center will feature a panel consisting of Tena Cook, College Relations Marketing Coordinator, Dr. Kim Madsen, Family and Consumer Sciences Professor, and Dr. Dave Nesheim, Social Sciences Associate Professor. During a “A Stitch in Time: 1938 Air Mail Quilt” the three will discuss various aspects of Cook’s grandmother's 1938 quilt designed, sewed, and embroidered to commemorate National Air Mail Week. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College's Graves Lecture Series Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Sandoz Center will feature a panel consisting of Tena Cook, College Relations Marketing Coordinator, Dr. Kim Madsen, Family and Consumer Sciences Professor, and Dr. Dave Nesheim, Social Sciences Associate Professor. During a “A Stitch in Time: 1938 Air Mail Quilt” the three will discuss various aspects of Cook’s grandmother's 1938 quilt designed, sewed, and embroidered to commemorate National Air Mail Week. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>The series will begin Oct. 12 with “Predictors of Stress in First-Generations Students” by Helmbrecht, an assistant professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department. Helmbrecht will discuss her doctoral dissertation study of first-generation college students at Chadron State College and factors that predict stress levels. She will also demonstrate stress management techniques.On Oct. 26, a panel consisting of Cook, College Relations Marketing Coordinator, Madsen, Family, and Consumer Sciences Professor, and Nesheim, Social Sciences Associate Professor, will present “A Stitch in Time: 1938 Air Mail Quilt.” In 1938, Cook’s grandmother designed, sewed, and embroidered a quilt to commemorate National Air Mail Week. In addition to answering questions about the quilt, Cook will share paper patterns made from cachet envelopes. Madsen will share expertise about hand crafted textiles, and Nesheim will provide information about the historical context of Air Mail.The series will conclude Nov. 9 with Traphagan, a Chadron Middle School Social Sciences Teacher, who will present “The Holocaust Past and Present.” She will discuss the history of the Holocaust, the Nazi Germany practices of ethnic purification, and the devasting effects on survivors and their families.For more information or to suggest a future Graves speaker, contact King Library Outreach Librarian Shawn Hartman at 308-432-6271 ext. 7059 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shartman@csc.edu" target="_blank">shartman@csc.edu</a>.

Fall 2021 Graves Lecture Series begins Oct. 12 at Chadron State College

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College and the City of Scottsbluff Economic Development will host the annual Western Nebraska Manufacturing Day, Wednesday October 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the John N. Harms Center on the Scottsbluff Campus to coincide with national Manufacturing Month.

Manufacturers from the area will hear updates on legislative issues, regulatory actions and economic policies that affect their businesses. Those attending the event will have the opportunity to network with their peers in the region and connect with state and local representatives about issues facing their business.

"This year’s Manufacturing Day provides a rare opportunity for western Nebraska manufacturers to discuss their unique challenges with state representatives and to share best practices," City of Scottsbluff Economic Development Director Starr Lehl said. "Manufacturing Day was created to empower manufacturers to come together and address their collective issues so they can help their communities and future generations thrive."

Presenters and panelists include representatives from the UNL Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Nebraska Department of Labor as well as Owen Palm, Blueprint Nebraska Co-Chair. The format will include presentations, round table discussions and panel Q&amp;A.

Manufacturers interested in attending can contact Deb Davis at 308.635.6335.

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College and the City of Scottsbluff Economic Development will host the annual Western Nebraska Manufacturing Day, Wednesday October 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the John N. Harms Center on the Scottsbluff Campus to coincide with national Manufacturing Month.Manufacturers from the area will hear updates on legislative issues, regulatory actions and economic policies that affect their businesses. Those attending the event will have the opportunity to network with their peers in the region and connect with state and local representatives about issues facing their business."This year’s Manufacturing Day provides a rare opportunity for western Nebraska manufacturers to discuss their unique challenges with state representatives and to share best practices," City of Scottsbluff Economic Development Director Starr Lehl said. "Manufacturing Day was created to empower manufacturers to come together and address their collective issues so they can help their communities and future generations thrive."Presenters and panelists include representatives from the UNL Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Nebraska Department of Labor as well as Owen Palm, Blueprint Nebraska Co-Chair. The format will include presentations, round table discussions and panel Q&amp;A.Manufacturers interested in attending can contact Deb Davis at 308.635.6335.

WNCC, City of Scottsbluff to host Western Nebraska Manufacturing Day

CRAWFORD — Horse-drawn wagon rides, trick-or-treating and a chili feed will highlight the new Haunted Halloween festivities at Fort Robinson State Park on Saturday, Oct. 30. 

The activities will occur at the park’s Soldier Creek Campground near U.S. Highway 20 from 4:30-7 p.m.

For the trick-or-treaters, the park is planning “Camp &amp; Candy” — an activity in which the public is invited to decorate campsites, campers or other vehicles.

The wagon rides and chili feed will be based at the picnic shelter at the entrance of the campground. The wagon will pass through the decorated campground, splash through the creek and roll past the fort’s historic cemetery.

Those who show up in costume will have a chance to win a prize, and a photo booth will be available for those who would like to have a picture taken and emailed to them.

To reserve a site for “Camp &amp; Candy,” contact the park’s headquarters at 308-665-2900. Site hosts may enhance their creativity with the campground’s electrical connections.

The activities and chili are free of charge but a Nebraska park entry permit is required for vehicles. The permits may be purchased at outdoornebraska.org, the park’s headquarters or other vendors throughout the state.

CRAWFORD — Horse-drawn wagon rides, trick-or-treating and a chili feed will highlight the new Haunted Halloween festivities at Fort Robinson State Park on Saturday, Oct. 30. The activities will occur at the park’s Soldier Creek Campground near U.S. Highway 20 from 4:30-7 p.m.For the trick-or-treaters, the park is planning “Camp &amp; Candy” — an activity in which the public is invited to decorate campsites, campers or other vehicles.The wagon rides and chili feed will be based at the picnic shelter at the entrance of the campground. The wagon will pass through the decorated campground, splash through the creek and roll past the fort’s historic cemetery.Those who show up in costume will have a chance to win a prize, and a photo booth will be available for those who would like to have a picture taken and emailed to them.To reserve a site for “Camp &amp; Candy,” contact the park’s headquarters at 308-665-2900. Site hosts may enhance their creativity with the campground’s electrical connections.The activities and chili are free of charge but a Nebraska park entry permit is required for vehicles. The permits may be purchased at outdoornebraska.org, the park’s headquarters or other vendors throughout the state.

Halloween festivities planned at Fort Robinson

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Chadron State College’s Dean of Liberal Arts Dr. Jim Margetts will play the piano with the Trans Nebraska Players Sunday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m.&nbsp;in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center’s Chicoine Atrium. Other members of the group, formed in 2009, are University of Nebraska Kearney faculty members Dr. Franziska Brech, professor of flute, and Dr. Noah Rogoff, professor of cello, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty members Dr. Clark Potter, professor of viola, and Dr. David Neely, professor of violin.

The concert, “Shakespeare Reimagined,” features arrangements of orchestra music inspired by Shakespearean plays. Between 2017 to 2019 various members of the Trans Nebraska Players were invited to perform at the University of Cambridge and the idea for this program was realized, according to Margetts. During the pandemic, many musicians who had performed there within the last four or five years were invited to create a video to share online while live performances were suspended.

University of Nebraska Kearney’s Shakespeare scholar Marguerite Tassi selected the texts that will be spoken by retired University of Nebraska Lincoln Professor James Hejduk before, during, or after each piece.

According to Margetts, much of the music was arranged by Potter, who conducts the Lincoln Youth Symphony.

“Clark took a massive orchestral score for Midsummer Night's Dream and condensed it for our group,” Margetts said.

In recognition of the CSC Music program’s 2021-22 Celebrating Women in Music theme, the quintet will add one number to their Chadron performance from a set of three pieces composed for them by Maria Newman. They premiered the entire set at a national flute conference in New Orleans in 2013. Newman, a cousin of Randy Newman and daughter of Alfred Newman who was a major Hollywood composer in the 1930s and 40s, became friends with Potter after they met at a summer music camp. She based each piece in the set on different haunted houses in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

“This year, since our concert is on Halloween&nbsp;we thought we would perform one of the haunted house pieces she wrote. Maria’s an energetic, fun person and I think that comes through in her music. There are a lot of surprises in the song,” Margetts said.

Arthur Sullivan’s Bouree: and Danse Grotesque from Masquerade Suite from the Merchant of Venice

Edward Elgar’s Interludes I and II from Falstaff: Orchestral Study (with texts from The Merry Wives of Windsor and 2 Henry IV)

Henry Purcell’s Chaconne from The Fairy Queen (an adaptation of Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Felix Mendelssohn’s Overture and Nocturne from Midsummer Night’s Dream

Korngold’s Garden Scene from Much Ado About Nothing

Tchaikovsky’s Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Chadron State College’s Dean of Liberal Arts Dr. Jim Margetts will play the piano with the Trans Nebraska Players Sunday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m.&nbsp;in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center’s Chicoine Atrium. Other members of the group, formed in 2009, are University of Nebraska Kearney faculty members Dr. Franziska Brech, professor of flute, and Dr. Noah Rogoff, professor of cello, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty members Dr. Clark Potter, professor of viola, and Dr. David Neely, professor of violin.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633918431350.jpeg" alt="The Trans Nebraska Players quintet, formed in 2009, will perform in the Sandoz Center Chicoine Atrium Oct. 31, 2021, at 3 p.m. From left, Dr. Noah Rogoff, Dr. David Neely, Dr. James Margetts, Dr. Franziska Brech, and Dr. Clark Potter. (Courtesy photo used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>The Trans Nebraska Players quintet, formed in 2009, will perform in the Sandoz Center Chicoine Atrium Oct. 31, 2021, at 3 p.m. From left, Dr. Noah Rogoff, Dr. David Neely, Dr. James Margetts, Dr. Franziska Brech, and Dr. Clark Potter. (Courtesy photo used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>The concert, “Shakespeare Reimagined,” features arrangements of orchestra music inspired by Shakespearean plays. Between 2017 to 2019 various members of the Trans Nebraska Players were invited to perform at the University of Cambridge and the idea for this program was realized, according to Margetts. During the pandemic, many musicians who had performed there within the last four or five years were invited to create a video to share online while live performances were suspended.University of Nebraska Kearney’s Shakespeare scholar Marguerite Tassi selected the texts that will be spoken by retired University of Nebraska Lincoln Professor James Hejduk before, during, or after each piece.According to Margetts, much of the music was arranged by Potter, who conducts the Lincoln Youth Symphony.“Clark took a massive orchestral score for Midsummer Night's Dream and condensed it for our group,” Margetts said.In recognition of the CSC Music program’s 2021-22 Celebrating Women in Music theme, the quintet will add one number to their Chadron performance from a set of three pieces composed for them by Maria Newman. They premiered the entire set at a national flute conference in New Orleans in 2013. Newman, a cousin of Randy Newman and daughter of Alfred Newman who was a major Hollywood composer in the 1930s and 40s, became friends with Potter after they met at a summer music camp. She based each piece in the set on different haunted houses in New Orleans’ French Quarter.“This year, since our concert is on Halloween&nbsp;we thought we would perform one of the haunted house pieces she wrote. Maria’s an energetic, fun person and I think that comes through in her music. There are a lot of surprises in the song,” Margetts said.The ProgramArthur Sullivan’s Bouree: and Danse Grotesque from Masquerade Suite from the Merchant of VeniceEdward Elgar’s Interludes I and II from Falstaff: Orchestral Study (with texts from The Merry Wives of Windsor and 2 Henry IV)Henry Purcell’s Chaconne from The Fairy Queen (an adaptation of Midsummer Night’s Dream)Felix Mendelssohn’s Overture and Nocturne from Midsummer Night’s DreamKorngold’s Garden Scene from Much Ado About NothingTchaikovsky’s Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture

Halloween concert to feature Trans Nebraska Players in Chadron 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials are refusing to release presentations the state has received from a nonprofit group that is analyzing criminal justice data to help the state deal with severe overcrowding in its prison system. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts’ office refused the Omaha World-Herald’s request for those reports from the Crime and Justice Institute because the group that heard the presentations isn’t a public body, and the information is still in draft form. 

The director of the Nebraska ACLU, Danielle Conrad, said it doesn’t make sense to her that presentations given to a committee composed of public officials would be considered drafts, so she thinks the information should be released.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials are refusing to release presentations the state has received from a nonprofit group that is analyzing criminal justice data to help the state deal with severe overcrowding in its prison system. Gov. Pete Ricketts’ office refused the Omaha World-Herald’s request for those reports from the Crime and Justice Institute because the group that heard the presentations isn’t a public body, and the information is still in draft form. The director of the Nebraska ACLU, Danielle Conrad, said it doesn’t make sense to her that presentations given to a committee composed of public officials would be considered drafts, so she thinks the information should be released.

Nebraska officials refusing to release prison reform reports

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say a Nebraska inmate who had tested positive for COVID-19 has died. 

The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said the inmate died Friday at an Omaha hospital.

 He's the second Nebraska inmate with COVID-19 to die this week. 

The department said that the name of the inmate, who was in his 30s, will not be released. 

He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault in Douglas County.

 Another inmate in his 40s died Tuesday after testing positive for the virus, officials said. 

The exact cause of death for either inmate hadn’t been determined, but as is the case whenever an inmate dies in custody, a grand jury will conduct an investigation.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say a Nebraska inmate who had tested positive for COVID-19 has died. The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said the inmate died Friday at an Omaha hospital. He's the second Nebraska inmate with COVID-19 to die this week. The department said that the name of the inmate, who was in his 30s, will not be released. He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault in Douglas County. Another inmate in his 40s died Tuesday after testing positive for the virus, officials said. The exact cause of death for either inmate hadn’t been determined, but as is the case whenever an inmate dies in custody, a grand jury will conduct an investigation.

Inmate with COVID-19 dies at hospital; 2nd in a week

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — A woman drowned while canoeing on the North Platte River near Scottsbluff in western Nebraska.

 Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman said the canoe the woman and her husband were using overturned Friday afternoon near Scottsbluff’s wastewater treatment facility.

 The woman’s husband reported the drowning. 

The Scottsbluff Star-Herald reports that the man initially struggled to reach his wife in the water, but once he did he administered CPR.

 Overman did not immediately release the name or age of the woman who died. 

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — A woman drowned while canoeing on the North Platte River near Scottsbluff in western Nebraska. Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman said the canoe the woman and her husband were using overturned Friday afternoon near Scottsbluff’s wastewater treatment facility. The woman’s husband reported the drowning. The Scottsbluff Star-Herald reports that the man initially struggled to reach his wife in the water, but once he did he administered CPR. Overman did not immediately release the name or age of the woman who died. An autopsy is planned.

Woman drowns while canoeing near Scottsbluff

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A teenager accused in a fatal shooting in Rapid City more than three years ago has been found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury in Pennington County. 

Seventeen-year-old Ronald Black Cloud, who was 14 when the shooting occurred, was tried in adult court for the death of 43-year-old Nathan Graham. 

During closing arguments Wednesday, Deputy State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel told jurors that Black Cloud acted without regard for human life, noting that he and his friend, Ross Johnson, were trespassing on Graham’s property the night of the shooting and were told to leave but didn’t.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A teenager accused in a fatal shooting in Rapid City more than three years ago has been found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury in Pennington County. Seventeen-year-old Ronald Black Cloud, who was 14 when the shooting occurred, was tried in adult court for the death of 43-year-old Nathan Graham. During closing arguments Wednesday, Deputy State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel told jurors that Black Cloud acted without regard for human life, noting that he and his friend, Ross Johnson, were trespassing on Graham’s property the night of the shooting and were told to leave but didn’t.

Teen found guilty of murder in fatal Rapid City shooting

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two Denver men accused in the fatal shooting of a man on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation nearly five years ago have been convicted in the case.

 Federal authorities say a jury found 43-year-p;d Francisco Villanueva and 35-year-old Adan Corona guilty of numerous charges in the Oct. 16, 2016, death of Vincent Von Brewer III. 

Prosecutors said earlier that Brewer was killed while the defendants were trying to kidnap him to collect on a drug debt. 

Villanueva and Corona shot Brewer 15 times as Brewer attempted to flee. The two men each face life in prison without parole. 

A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two Denver men accused in the fatal shooting of a man on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation nearly five years ago have been convicted in the case. Federal authorities say a jury found 43-year-p;d Francisco Villanueva and 35-year-old Adan Corona guilty of numerous charges in the Oct. 16, 2016, death of Vincent Von Brewer III. Prosecutors said earlier that Brewer was killed while the defendants were trying to kidnap him to collect on a drug debt. Villanueva and Corona shot Brewer 15 times as Brewer attempted to flee. The two men each face life in prison without parole. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Denver men guilty in 2016 shooting on Pine Ridge Reservation

GIBBON, Neb.-Authorities are investigating after a man was found deceased following a fire in Gibbon.

On Friday at approximately 11:50 p.m., Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department and deputies were called to 413 1st&nbsp;St Colony Acres apartment 104 in Gibbon, NE.&nbsp; 

Upon arrival, preliminary investigation revealed an active fire in the unit with heavy smoke.&nbsp; 

The resident of that apartment, Bradley L. Osborne, age 70, was found deceased.&nbsp; 

Foul play is not suspected.&nbsp; The unit did sustain significant damage.&nbsp;

 The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal.&nbsp; 

Assisting deputies were members of the Gibbon Volunteer Fire and Rescue squad, Nebraska State Fire Marshal Office, &nbsp;Buffalo County Attorney’s Office and Kearney / Buffalo Co. Chaplains Corp.&nbsp; An autopsy has been ordered. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Next of kin has been notified.&nbsp; The Investigation continues. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

News ReleaseGIBBON, Neb.-Authorities are investigating after a man was found deceased following a fire in Gibbon.On Friday at approximately 11:50 p.m., Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department and deputies were called to 413 1st&nbsp;St Colony Acres apartment 104 in Gibbon, NE.&nbsp; Upon arrival, preliminary investigation revealed an active fire in the unit with heavy smoke.&nbsp; The resident of that apartment, Bradley L. Osborne, age 70, was found deceased.&nbsp; Foul play is not suspected.&nbsp; The unit did sustain significant damage.&nbsp; The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal.&nbsp; Assisting deputies were members of the Gibbon Volunteer Fire and Rescue squad, Nebraska State Fire Marshal Office, &nbsp;Buffalo County Attorney’s Office and Kearney / Buffalo Co. Chaplains Corp.&nbsp; An autopsy has been ordered. &nbsp;&nbsp;Next of kin has been notified.&nbsp; The Investigation continues. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Man found dead after fire in Gibbon

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Water Board has rejected a request by a Canadian company that wants to restart the permitting process for a proposed uranium mine in the southern Black Hills.

 The board on Wednesday unanimously rejected Powertech Inc.’s request following opposition from dozens of citizens, intervenors and state officials. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Water Board has rejected a request by a Canadian company that wants to restart the permitting process for a proposed uranium mine in the southern Black Hills. The board on Wednesday unanimously rejected Powertech Inc.’s request following opposition from dozens of citizens, intervenors and state officials. Board members say it would be a waste of time and money because the company is still seeking some federal permits while others are tied up in the courts. The board put its consideration of another Powertech project on hold in 2013, just a year after the company began the permitting process. South Dakota Public Broadcasting reports that Powertech has been pursuing federal permits and licenses since then.