ALLIANCE -Western Nebraska Community College is excited to host the 2021 Powerline Construction &amp; Maintenance Technology program open house in person, Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 2:30 to 6 p.m at the Powerline Lab at 1621 East Kansas Street in Alliance.

The event is free and open to any prospective student and their family who is interested in the powerline industry. Attendees can participate&nbsp;in hands-on&nbsp;activities with simulations, including the rescue pole top, digger and bucket tops, and pole climbing.

Prospective students can speak with Powerline Instructor Shane Homan, and current students in the program. WNCC Admissions representatives will be on hand, as well, to discuss scholarships and financial aid opportunities, or answer any additional questions. A complimentary meal will be served to those in attendance.

"The Powerline Construction &amp; Maintenance Open House is always such an exciting event," said WNCC Interim Admissions Director Jolene Martin. "This is a great opportunity to learn about an industry that offers competitive wages, as well as meet and speak with those who work in the industry."

WNCC's Powerline Construction &amp; Maintenance Technology program not only allows students to receive hands-on learning in an exciting field, but also puts them on the fast-track to a career following graduation. The program is designed for graduates to immediately enter the workforce as an apprentice, the first step toward becoming a Journeyman Lineman.

ALLIANCE -Western Nebraska Community College is excited to host the 2021 Powerline Construction &amp; Maintenance Technology program open house in person, Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 2:30 to 6 p.m at the Powerline Lab at 1621 East Kansas Street in Alliance.The event is free and open to any prospective student and their family who is interested in the powerline industry. Attendees can participate&nbsp;in hands-on&nbsp;activities with simulations, including the rescue pole top, digger and bucket tops, and pole climbing.Prospective students can speak with Powerline Instructor Shane Homan, and current students in the program. WNCC Admissions representatives will be on hand, as well, to discuss scholarships and financial aid opportunities, or answer any additional questions. A complimentary meal will be served to those in attendance."The Powerline Construction &amp; Maintenance Open House is always such an exciting event," said WNCC Interim Admissions Director Jolene Martin. "This is a great opportunity to learn about an industry that offers competitive wages, as well as meet and speak with those who work in the industry."WNCC's Powerline Construction &amp; Maintenance Technology program not only allows students to receive hands-on learning in an exciting field, but also puts them on the fast-track to a career following graduation. The program is designed for graduates to immediately enter the workforce as an apprentice, the first step toward becoming a Journeyman Lineman.

Registration now open for WNCC Powerline program open house

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday, one day before he was scheduled to announce his re-election bid.

 A spokeswoman says Evnen has been been fully vaccinated against the virus, and his symptoms are not severe.

 She says Evnen is working from his home office. 

Evnen, a Republican, was supposed to hold an in-person campaign event on Monday but abruptly canceled it, citing unforeseen circumstances. 

His campaign made the announcement in an email. Evnen was first elected in 2018.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday, one day before he was scheduled to announce his re-election bid. A spokeswoman says Evnen has been been fully vaccinated against the virus, and his symptoms are not severe. She says Evnen is working from his home office. Evnen, a Republican, was supposed to hold an in-person campaign event on Monday but abruptly canceled it, citing unforeseen circumstances. His campaign made the announcement in an email. Evnen was first elected in 2018.

Nebraska Secretary of State Evnen positive for COVID-19

Karen Benzel discusses the upcoming 2nd "Bridges Out Of Poverty" seminar, as well as the United Way's annual "Day Of Caring."

<div><iframe title="🎙 Post Podcast: Karen Benzel of United Way of Western Nebraska" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tfx78-10ef5a8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Karen Benzel discusses the upcoming 2nd "Bridges Out Of Poverty" seminar, as well as the United Way's annual "Day Of Caring."

🎙 Post Podcast: Karen Benzel of United Way of Western Nebraska

CHADRON – Chadron State College’s will host Devin C. Hughes, a training and development expert, Oct. 4-7 for a series of presentations. On Wednesday, Oct. 6, Hughes will speak to the public about Diversity and Inclusion at 7 p.m. in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center. The event is free and open to the public. Hughes’ appearance s is sponsored by Project Strive, Student Senate, RLA, and the Diversity Committee.

“Each time Devin has visited CSC he has shared about his life and how we, as individuals, can make change happen, just by communicating, being kind, positive and understanding others.&nbsp;I am excited Devin is coming back to share a wide range of topics – from challenging student-athletes to be above average to talking to the CSC community, faculty, staff, and Chadron community on diversity, equality and inclusion issues,” Schaer said.

Hughes, who&nbsp;visited CSC in 2013 and 2016, has&nbsp;two decades of experience in conflict resolution, generational differences, and culture change. He is the author of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Devin-C.-Hughes/e/B008MEKDXU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" target="_blank">21 books</a>&nbsp;and has spoken to an array of Fortune 500 business leaders, government agencies, and organizations and entrepreneurs in more than 15 countries.

Hughes said he has studied people and organizations that make lasting impacts and discovered patterns about how they think, act, and communicate. His website indicates his approach draws from the science of positive psychology, positive organizational research, appreciative inquiry, neuroscience, and mindfulness.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Chadron State College’s will host Devin C. Hughes, a training and development expert, Oct. 4-7 for a series of presentations. On Wednesday, Oct. 6, Hughes will speak to the public about Diversity and Inclusion at 7 p.m. in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center. The event is free and open to the public. Hughes’ appearance s is sponsored by Project Strive, Student Senate, RLA, and the Diversity Committee.“Each time Devin has visited CSC he has shared about his life and how we, as individuals, can make change happen, just by communicating, being kind, positive and understanding others.&nbsp;I am excited Devin is coming back to share a wide range of topics – from challenging student-athletes to be above average to talking to the CSC community, faculty, staff, and Chadron community on diversity, equality and inclusion issues,” Schaer said.Hughes, who&nbsp;visited CSC in 2013 and 2016, has&nbsp;two decades of experience in conflict resolution, generational differences, and culture change. He is the author of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Devin-C.-Hughes/e/B008MEKDXU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" target="_blank">21 books</a>&nbsp;and has spoken to an array of Fortune 500 business leaders, government agencies, and organizations and entrepreneurs in more than 15 countries.Hughes said he has studied people and organizations that make lasting impacts and discovered patterns about how they think, act, and communicate. His website indicates his approach draws from the science of positive psychology, positive organizational research, appreciative inquiry, neuroscience, and mindfulness.<figure>
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Hughes returns to Chadron to speak about diversity and inclusion

October is Manufacturing Month here in Nebraska.&nbsp; It is a great opportunity to celebrate the innovators and makers creating jobs across the Cornhusker State.&nbsp; Our state has a rich tradition of inventing and manufacturing premium products.&nbsp; Over the years, the imaginations of Nebraskans gave birth to ski lifts, center pivots, vise grip pliers, Kool-Aid, and Dorothy Lynch salad dressing.&nbsp; Today, companies in our state manufacture everything from subway cars, to combines, to the syringes used to deliver coronavirus vaccines.

Even in the face of significant challenges, manufacturing employment in Nebraska has bounced back since the early days of the pandemic, climbing to its highest point since August 2008.&nbsp; Over 100,000 Nebraskans, or about 10% of our state’s workforce, are employed in manufacturing.&nbsp; These are great-paying jobs, averaging above $67,000 in annual compensation.

So far in 2021, we’ve seen the growth of companies manufacturing fuel, automotive components, medical devices, ATVs, food ingredients, energy, and more.&nbsp; Here are just some of the examples:

And we aren’t taking future growth for granted.&nbsp; As we grow Nebraska manufacturing, we’re developing a talent pipeline to connect youth in our state with rewarding careers right here in the Good Life.&nbsp; In 2015, I worked with the Legislature to launch the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) to familiarize 7th&nbsp;and 8th&nbsp;grade students with high-demand careers in manufacturing.&nbsp; Middle school is the time when students begin to gravitate toward a course of study based on their experiences and relationships. &nbsp;Gaining exposure to careers in manufacturing at an early age greatly increases the likelihood that students will pursue them.&nbsp;

To date, DYTI has reached over 22,600 students across 59 school districts.&nbsp; In July, Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus received one of the State’s 2021 DYTI awards.&nbsp; Behlen is partnering with Columbus Middle School, Dream It Do It, and the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition to develop a manufacturing-based after-school program. &nbsp;Their DYTI grant will help to train educators as well as to fund the equipment students will use to gain first-hand experience in manufacturing.&nbsp; For a manufacturer like Behlen, which has added over 100 jobs in the past year, DYTI is an integral part of building the local workforce to meet the company’s future needs.

After middle school, students can take part in a high school career academy to continue gaining the real-world knowledge needed to excel in the workplace.&nbsp; For example, Case New Holland (CNH) partners with Grand Island High School on a Youth Registered Apprenticeship program for welders and industrial manufacturing technicians.&nbsp; In August 2021 CNH entered into a partnership with Central Community College (CCC) to offer registered apprenticeships for CCC students in welding technology and advanced manufacturing design technology.&nbsp; These apprenticeships give students the opportunity to gain course credits and earn income—all while building professional skillsets.

In 2020, I worked with the Unicameral to create Nebraska Career Scholarships for students working toward degrees in fields with a big need for more talent, such as manufacturing.&nbsp; Scholarships are available for incoming students at community colleges, state colleges, the University system, and—as of 2021—private colleges and universities. &nbsp;For example, students attending Northeast Community College can apply for Career Scholarships to study drafting, machining, manufacturing automation, or welding.

Starting with DYTI in middle school, continuing in a high school career academy, and culminating in a college Career Scholarship—with apprenticeships along the way—we’re paving the way for Nebraska’s students to take advantage of these great opportunities.&nbsp; If you have any questions about the State’s work to grow manufacturing, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call my office at 402-471-2244.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we’re doing our part so that “Made in America” becomes the norm once again.

By Gov. Pete Ricketts&nbsp;October is Manufacturing Month here in Nebraska.&nbsp; It is a great opportunity to celebrate the innovators and makers creating jobs across the Cornhusker State.&nbsp; Our state has a rich tradition of inventing and manufacturing premium products.&nbsp; Over the years, the imaginations of Nebraskans gave birth to ski lifts, center pivots, vise grip pliers, Kool-Aid, and Dorothy Lynch salad dressing.&nbsp; Today, companies in our state manufacture everything from subway cars, to combines, to the syringes used to deliver coronavirus vaccines.Even in the face of significant challenges, manufacturing employment in Nebraska has bounced back since the early days of the pandemic, climbing to its highest point since August 2008.&nbsp; Over 100,000 Nebraskans, or about 10% of our state’s workforce, are employed in manufacturing.&nbsp; These are great-paying jobs, averaging above $67,000 in annual compensation.So far in 2021, we’ve seen the growth of companies manufacturing fuel, automotive components, medical devices, ATVs, food ingredients, energy, and more.&nbsp; Here are just some of the examples:<ul>
 <li>In April, Love’s and Cargill announced an innovative partnership to produce renewable diesel at a plant in Hastings.&nbsp; Renewable diesel represents an additional opportunity to use Nebraska corn oils, soybean oils, and animal fats to produce clean fuels for our nation’s energy supply.&nbsp; The joint venture, called Heartwell Renewables, is bringing 50 jobs to Hastings.</li><li>In May, our nation’s largest steel manufacturer, Nucor, announced a $58 million investment to upgrade its capabilities at its location in Norfolk.&nbsp; The mill in Norfolk makes top-end engineered bars and rods for use in the automotive industry.&nbsp; Nucor Steel Nebraska has been in Norfolk since 1973 and has grown its workforce to around 500 teammates.</li><li>This summer, Becton Dickinson completed a $70 million project to ramp up production capacity at facilities in Broken Bow, Columbus, and Holdrege to meet demand for needles and syringes used to administer the coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp; The company has now received orders of more than 2 billion injection devices.&nbsp; &nbsp;Hundreds of millions of them are being made here in Nebraska to support the ongoing vaccination effort.</li><li>In July, Kawasaki delivered the first of 535 next-generation subway cars to the New York City Transit Authority.&nbsp; The railcars feature wider doors, LED lighting, and digital displays.&nbsp; They’re being manufactured at Kawasaki’s plant in Lincoln as part of a $1.4 billion contract.&nbsp; The railcars are being tested over the next year and are scheduled to enter service in September 2022.&nbsp; Also in July, Kawasaki announced a $200 million expansion to bring 550 more jobs to Lincoln to increase capacity to make ATVs, Jet Skis, and other vehicles.</li><li>Nebraska also continues to see manufacturing growth in the biosciences. &nbsp;In January Corbion, a Dutch producer of lactic acid food ingredients, announced plans to boost production by 40% at its plant in Blair.&nbsp; This August, Danish firm Novozymes announced a $300 million project to expand production in Nebraska.&nbsp;</li><li>On September 1st, Monolith Materials announced it is adding 200 jobs over the next 18 months as it scales up production at its existing facility in Hallam and constructs another plant to manufacture carbon-free ammonia.&nbsp; Monolith’s innovative production of clean energy has attracted major international investments from Mitsubishi in Japan and SK in South Korea.</li>
 </ul>And we aren’t taking future growth for granted.&nbsp; As we grow Nebraska manufacturing, we’re developing a talent pipeline to connect youth in our state with rewarding careers right here in the Good Life.&nbsp; In 2015, I worked with the Legislature to launch the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) to familiarize 7th&nbsp;and 8th&nbsp;grade students with high-demand careers in manufacturing.&nbsp; Middle school is the time when students begin to gravitate toward a course of study based on their experiences and relationships. &nbsp;Gaining exposure to careers in manufacturing at an early age greatly increases the likelihood that students will pursue them.&nbsp;To date, DYTI has reached over 22,600 students across 59 school districts.&nbsp; In July, Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus received one of the State’s 2021 DYTI awards.&nbsp; Behlen is partnering with Columbus Middle School, Dream It Do It, and the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition to develop a manufacturing-based after-school program. &nbsp;Their DYTI grant will help to train educators as well as to fund the equipment students will use to gain first-hand experience in manufacturing.&nbsp; For a manufacturer like Behlen, which has added over 100 jobs in the past year, DYTI is an integral part of building the local workforce to meet the company’s future needs.After middle school, students can take part in a high school career academy to continue gaining the real-world knowledge needed to excel in the workplace.&nbsp; For example, Case New Holland (CNH) partners with Grand Island High School on a Youth Registered Apprenticeship program for welders and industrial manufacturing technicians.&nbsp; In August 2021 CNH entered into a partnership with Central Community College (CCC) to offer registered apprenticeships for CCC students in welding technology and advanced manufacturing design technology.&nbsp; These apprenticeships give students the opportunity to gain course credits and earn income—all while building professional skillsets.In 2020, I worked with the Unicameral to create Nebraska Career Scholarships for students working toward degrees in fields with a big need for more talent, such as manufacturing.&nbsp; Scholarships are available for incoming students at community colleges, state colleges, the University system, and—as of 2021—private colleges and universities. &nbsp;For example, students attending Northeast Community College can apply for Career Scholarships to study drafting, machining, manufacturing automation, or welding.Starting with DYTI in middle school, continuing in a high school career academy, and culminating in a college Career Scholarship—with apprenticeships along the way—we’re paving the way for Nebraska’s students to take advantage of these great opportunities.&nbsp; If you have any questions about the State’s work to grow manufacturing, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call my office at 402-471-2244.&nbsp; In Nebraska, we’re doing our part so that “Made in America” becomes the norm once again.

Gov. Ricketts: Made in Nebraska

LINCOLN – The visitor center and cave at Ash Hollow State Historical Park are closed through Oct. 1 due to a staffing shortage. They will reopen at 10 a.m. Oct. 2.

The grounds of the historical park will remain open for visitors to enjoy hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching and other activities.

Ash Hollow’s fall hours of operation for the visitor center and cave are Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. They will close for the season Nov. 1. Tours can be made by appointment only by calling 308-778-7708.

As schools have returned to session and park staffing levels have become more limited, park managers have made adjustments to hours of operation and services as needed. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages its patrons to call ahead before visiting a park to check on activity times and availability to ensure a great park experience.

For more information about Ash Hollow SHP, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjcuNDY1NDYxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9hc2hob2xsb3cvIn0.IBM4uhUdRXR3hUiBBdQvbGeTTBAO3aNpPsdxYXFbkHA/s/497221906/br/112984679680-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/ashhollow</a>.

LINCOLN – The visitor center and cave at Ash Hollow State Historical Park are closed through Oct. 1 due to a staffing shortage. They will reopen at 10 a.m. Oct. 2.The grounds of the historical park will remain open for visitors to enjoy hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching and other activities.Ash Hollow’s fall hours of operation for the visitor center and cave are Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. They will close for the season Nov. 1. Tours can be made by appointment only by calling 308-778-7708.As schools have returned to session and park staffing levels have become more limited, park managers have made adjustments to hours of operation and services as needed. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages its patrons to call ahead before visiting a park to check on activity times and availability to ensure a great park experience.For more information about Ash Hollow SHP, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjcuNDY1NDYxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9hc2hob2xsb3cvIn0.IBM4uhUdRXR3hUiBBdQvbGeTTBAO3aNpPsdxYXFbkHA/s/497221906/br/112984679680-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/ashhollow</a>.

Ash Hollow SHP visitor center, cave temporarily closed in Garden Co. 

LINCOLN, Neb.-Troopers and officers from 15 states and 20 agencies have new skills to serve their communities thanks to the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP). On Friday, the NSP Carrier Enforcement Division completed a series of training sessions which offered instruction in multiple disciplines of commercial motor vehicle inspections.&nbsp;

“We were proud to host dozens of troopers and officers from other states as they work to gain skills to better serve their communities,” said Captain Martin Denton, Commander of NSP Carrier Enforcement. “Traffic safety is a partnership that crosses state lines and our team is always willing to share knowledge and skills with other agencies.”

NSP hosted training sessions for the last two weeks at the NSP Training Academy in Grand Island. Troopers from 14 state law enforcement agencies, officers from several other agencies, and representatives from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance all participated in the training.

“This class was modeled on what our troopers were seeing in the field,” said Captain Denton. “Post-crash inspections are critical in criminal cases and other crash investigations. This program was a perfect opportunity to not only fine-tune our internal training, but also share techniques and training with many other agencies. We’re all working together to make roads safer.”

The training sessions provided both classroom and hands-on instruction in areas of forensic examination of commercial motor vehicles as well as completion of post-crash inspections of commercial motor vehicles. Participants conducted five different advanced Level-1 post-crash inspections throughout the week of training.

NSP was assisted in this program by many partners in the trucking industry, including the Nebraska Trucking Association, Crete Carrier, Werner Enterprises, Kramer’s Wrecker Service, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Great West Casualty Company, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632833519069.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Troopers and officers from 15 states and 20 agencies have new skills to serve their communities thanks to the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP). On Friday, the NSP Carrier Enforcement Division completed a series of training sessions which offered instruction in multiple disciplines of commercial motor vehicle inspections.&nbsp;“We were proud to host dozens of troopers and officers from other states as they work to gain skills to better serve their communities,” said Captain Martin Denton, Commander of NSP Carrier Enforcement. “Traffic safety is a partnership that crosses state lines and our team is always willing to share knowledge and skills with other agencies.”NSP hosted training sessions for the last two weeks at the NSP Training Academy in Grand Island. Troopers from 14 state law enforcement agencies, officers from several other agencies, and representatives from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance all participated in the training.“This class was modeled on what our troopers were seeing in the field,” said Captain Denton. “Post-crash inspections are critical in criminal cases and other crash investigations. This program was a perfect opportunity to not only fine-tune our internal training, but also share techniques and training with many other agencies. We’re all working together to make roads safer.”The training sessions provided both classroom and hands-on instruction in areas of forensic examination of commercial motor vehicles as well as completion of post-crash inspections of commercial motor vehicles. Participants conducted five different advanced Level-1 post-crash inspections throughout the week of training.NSP was assisted in this program by many partners in the trucking industry, including the Nebraska Trucking Association, Crete Carrier, Werner Enterprises, Kramer’s Wrecker Service, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Great West Casualty Company, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

Nebraska State Patrol trains troopers, officers from 15 states

David Brett-Major, MD, MPH joined the Monday, September 27 briefing to discuss COVID and preventable deaths. Dr. Brett-Major is a professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health in the Department of Epidemiology. The full presentation is accessible here:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/3xrekfr9" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/3xrekfr9</a>.

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.

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&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

Unified Command confirms 368 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, September 20.

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>.&nbsp;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 PPHDDavid Brett-Major, MD, MPH joined the Monday, September 27 briefing to discuss COVID and preventable deaths. Dr. Brett-Major is a professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health in the Department of Epidemiology. The full presentation is accessible here:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/3xrekfr9" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/3xrekfr9</a>.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.<ul>
 <li><a>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Dave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Pfizer 2 PM- 5:30 PM)</li><li>Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM</li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>During COVID clinic hours visit&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;for days and hours</li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Western Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM</li><li>Garden: To schedule an appointment visit&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;- provider will call you</li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Regional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Kimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Morrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PM</li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM</li><li>Scotts Bluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule" target="_blank">walgreens.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PM</li><li>Scottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PM</li>
 </ul>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&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>. Unified Command confirms 368 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, September 20.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632789871069.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-September 27, 2021<ul>
 <li>Positive: 11,133</li><li>Last week’s cases: (cases/100,000): 318.8</li><li>Last week’s cases: 275</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 11.7%</li><li>Deaths: 204</li><li>Deaths Pending Verification: 10</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 22</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 635</li>
 </ul>Avoid the Three Cs:<ul>
 <li>Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others</li><li>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</li><li>Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation</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>.&nbsp;For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.

PPHD: 368 more virus cases reported in the Panhandle 

If you play the lottery, your chances of winning the Mega Millions are about 1 in three-hundred million.&nbsp; It's a little better for Powerball,&nbsp; about 1&nbsp; in two hundred ninety million.&nbsp; Your chances of a hole in one in golf,  around 1 in 32,000 on a par 3 hole,&nbsp; but for a par 4 hole...try 1 in 6 million!   Maybe Connor Weingart should buy a lottery ticket.  

Connor is a 2011 graduate of Alliance High School and is currently employed with Butler Ag Equipment in Chadron.&nbsp; He played on the AHS golf team as a freshman and sophomore,  then went out for Track his junior and senior year.&nbsp; In fact.. He is the Bulldog school record holder in the Shot Put at 54'1".&nbsp; He was also an All Western Conference football player.  But Connor has always enjoyed playing golf ...mostly for fun with friends and family...and he plays in a lot of local tournaments around western Nebraska....but last week,&nbsp; while playing with his sister Kylan and her husband Trace Armstrong,&nbsp; Connor accomplished somthing very rare....a hole in one, on a par 4 hole. 

The trio was playing at Ridgeview Country Club in Chadron,  Connor says he was not having a good round coming up on Hole #5,  370 yards,  with  a dog-leg and a lot of trees to the right...."it's a kind of blind shot..."you don't really know what line to take".  "So I got to the tee and hit it...and I said.."oh man, that's a pretty good line...and my brother in law said..."Shoot...you might have killed someone!"&nbsp; &nbsp;Connor says,&nbsp; "There was a group in front of us and we couldn't really see where they were".&nbsp; So then the fun begins......"We get up there and we're looking all around"...the group ahead of them and already teed off on the next hole, and they said,   "Well,&nbsp; we heard somthing hit by the green...."so we're looking around and couldn't find anything"......"my Sister just walked up to the green as a joke"...."then all of a sudden she put her hands to her head and said..."Oh my God,&nbsp; Connor...it's in the hole! ... "I didn't believe her, so I walk up and sure enough,&nbsp; my yellow Callaway ball was sitting in the hole"!&nbsp; &nbsp;Connor says there was a large divot on the right hand side and there's a little hill..."the ball must have hit the top of the hill and just trickled right into the hole."  

Connor says he can drive the ball 300 plus yards consistantly and that he is known to "hit the long ball".&nbsp; This is his first hole in one.&nbsp; He has come close on some par 3's and has made the green on some par 4's, but never a hole in one until now.&nbsp; &nbsp;The tradition has always been,&nbsp; if you get a hole in one,  you buy a round of drinks in the clubhouse.&nbsp; Conner says he got off fairly cheap, because there were not a lot of people playing,&nbsp; but a couple friends came out to help him celebrate. 

Connor says he hopes to keep playing golf for as long as the weather allows this year and this will be a life long..."One in a Million"...memory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632789626556.jpeg" alt="courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike GlesingerIf you play the lottery, your chances of winning the Mega Millions are about 1 in three-hundred million.&nbsp; It's a little better for Powerball,&nbsp; about 1&nbsp; in two hundred ninety million.&nbsp; Your chances of a hole in one in golf, around 1 in 32,000 on a par 3 hole,&nbsp; but for a par 4 hole...try 1 in 6 million! Maybe Connor Weingart should buy a lottery ticket. Connor is a 2011 graduate of Alliance High School and is currently employed with Butler Ag Equipment in Chadron.&nbsp; He played on the AHS golf team as a freshman and sophomore, then went out for Track his junior and senior year.&nbsp; In fact.. He is the Bulldog school record holder in the Shot Put at 54'1".&nbsp; He was also an All Western Conference football player. But Connor has always enjoyed playing golf ...mostly for fun with friends and family...and he plays in a lot of local tournaments around western Nebraska....but last week,&nbsp; while playing with his sister Kylan and her husband Trace Armstrong,&nbsp; Connor accomplished somthing very rare....a hole in one, on a par 4 hole. The trio was playing at Ridgeview Country Club in Chadron, Connor says he was not having a good round coming up on Hole #5, 370 yards, with a dog-leg and a lot of trees to the right...."it's a kind of blind shot..."you don't really know what line to take". "So I got to the tee and hit it...and I said.."oh man, that's a pretty good line...and my brother in law said..."Shoot...you might have killed someone!"&nbsp; &nbsp;Connor says,&nbsp; "There was a group in front of us and we couldn't really see where they were".&nbsp; So then the fun begins......"We get up there and we're looking all around"...the group ahead of them and already teed off on the next hole, and they said, "Well,&nbsp; we heard somthing hit by the green...."so we're looking around and couldn't find anything"......"my Sister just walked up to the green as a joke"...."then all of a sudden she put her hands to her head and said..."Oh my God,&nbsp; Connor...it's in the hole! ... "I didn't believe her, so I walk up and sure enough,&nbsp; my yellow Callaway ball was sitting in the hole"!&nbsp; &nbsp;Connor says there was a large divot on the right hand side and there's a little hill..."the ball must have hit the top of the hill and just trickled right into the hole." Connor says he can drive the ball 300 plus yards consistantly and that he is known to "hit the long ball".&nbsp; This is his first hole in one.&nbsp; He has come close on some par 3's and has made the green on some par 4's, but never a hole in one until now.&nbsp; &nbsp;The tradition has always been,&nbsp; if you get a hole in one, you buy a round of drinks in the clubhouse.&nbsp; Conner says he got off fairly cheap, because there were not a lot of people playing,&nbsp; but a couple friends came out to help him celebrate. Connor says he hopes to keep playing golf for as long as the weather allows this year and this will be a life long..."One in a Million"...memory.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632789668572.jpeg" alt="courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

One in a Million shot--Connor Weingart-Par 4, Hole in One.

LINCOLN — Both boat docks at Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area will be removed Sept. 29 to make way for the Keystone Diversion Dam maintenance project.

Water levels at the lake are being lowered to accommodate Nebraska Public Power District’s installation of a coffer dam and to allow for maintenance work on the gates of the diversion dam.

Water levels are expected to remain too low to safety launch larger watercraft until late October when water levels will be brought back up slightly. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will evaluate lake levels at that time to determine whether it is safe for larger watercraft to launch; if so, the boat docks will be reinstalled.

Smaller, non-trailered watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboats, may still launch throughout the duration of the project at the boat ramps on the lake bottom or at primitive access points around the reservoir. Game and Parks urges boaters to be extremely cautious while doing so.

For more information on NPPD’s project, visit the newsroom at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjcuNDY1MzUxNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5ucHBkLmNvbS8ifQ.m22YC-u7RNcqADeXMSn-7KMyKm2TFwLWCm7Sx9YGvbA/s/497221906/br/112972615283-l" target="_blank">nppd.com</a>.

LINCOLN — Both boat docks at Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area will be removed Sept. 29 to make way for the Keystone Diversion Dam maintenance project.Water levels at the lake are being lowered to accommodate Nebraska Public Power District’s installation of a coffer dam and to allow for maintenance work on the gates of the diversion dam.Water levels are expected to remain too low to safety launch larger watercraft until late October when water levels will be brought back up slightly. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will evaluate lake levels at that time to determine whether it is safe for larger watercraft to launch; if so, the boat docks will be reinstalled.Smaller, non-trailered watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboats, may still launch throughout the duration of the project at the boat ramps on the lake bottom or at primitive access points around the reservoir. Game and Parks urges boaters to be extremely cautious while doing so.For more information on NPPD’s project, visit the newsroom at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjcuNDY1MzUxNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5ucHBkLmNvbS8ifQ.m22YC-u7RNcqADeXMSn-7KMyKm2TFwLWCm7Sx9YGvbA/s/497221906/br/112972615283-l" target="_blank">nppd.com</a>.

Boat docks to be temporarily removed at Lake Ogallala

A Burlington Northern Santa-Fe (BNSF) train carrying coal derailed in Scotts Bluff County on Sept. 25.&nbsp;

A total of 16 railcars derailed near&nbsp;County Road 36 and County Road U at approximately 7 a.m.&nbsp;

"There were no injuries to our crew, BNSF Senior Director of External Communications Amy Casas said. "The site was cleaned up and our operations through that location have resumed."

Casas said the cause of the derailment remains under investigation.

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostA Burlington Northern Santa-Fe (BNSF) train carrying coal derailed in Scotts Bluff County on Sept. 25.&nbsp;A total of 16 railcars derailed near&nbsp;County Road 36 and County Road U at approximately 7 a.m.&nbsp;"There were no injuries to our crew, BNSF Senior Director of External Communications Amy Casas said. "The site was cleaned up and our operations through that location have resumed."Casas said the cause of the derailment remains under investigation.

BNSF train derails in the Panhandle 

Alliance – At the Alliance Public Library in October, Story Time for ages 3-6 features Fire Safety with the Alliance Fire Department on Oct. 5 and 7, Playful Pizza on Oct. 12 and 14, then Magical Creatures on Oct. 19 and 21. 

We wrap up the month with Spooky Stories and Halloween Safety with the Alliance Police Department, plus a costume parade on Oct. 26 and 28. Story Time meets in the new Children’s Room on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. with stories, music, puppets, crafts and more.

Youth Book Club for grades 3-6 will meet on Tuesday, Oct.26 at 4 :30 p.m. in the Community Room. 

Our book selection is “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan, first book in the Percy Jackson &amp; the Olympians series. Copies are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk as part of a book kit from the Nebraska Library Commission, so there is no charge.

Stay tuned for more great opportunities, visit our Alliance Public Library Facebook page and website or call Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387 for more information.

Alliance – At the Alliance Public Library in October, Story Time for ages 3-6 features Fire Safety with the Alliance Fire Department on Oct. 5 and 7, Playful Pizza on Oct. 12 and 14, then Magical Creatures on Oct. 19 and 21. We wrap up the month with Spooky Stories and Halloween Safety with the Alliance Police Department, plus a costume parade on Oct. 26 and 28. Story Time meets in the new Children’s Room on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. with stories, music, puppets, crafts and more.Youth Book Club for grades 3-6 will meet on Tuesday, Oct.26 at 4 :30 p.m. in the Community Room. Our book selection is “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan, first book in the Percy Jackson &amp; the Olympians series. Copies are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk as part of a book kit from the Nebraska Library Commission, so there is no charge.Stay tuned for more great opportunities, visit our Alliance Public Library Facebook page and website or call Cynthia Horn, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian at 762-1387 for more information.

Alliance Public Library releases October schedule

Alliance – The City of Alliance announced that there will be a power outage affecting Box Butte Avenue to Niobrara from 8th to 10th Streets, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

This outage is required to perform a pole change-out and to upgrade some of the house services. We appreciate everyone's patience during this time.

If you are still experiencing issues after 1:00 pm, please contact the City of Alliance Utility Office at (308) 762 5075.

Alliance – The City of Alliance announced that there will be a power outage affecting Box Butte Avenue to Niobrara from 8th to 10th Streets, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.This outage is required to perform a pole change-out and to upgrade some of the house services. We appreciate everyone's patience during this time.If you are still experiencing issues after 1:00 pm, please contact the City of Alliance Utility Office at (308) 762 5075.

City of Alliance to have scheduled power outage 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The coronavirus patients that fill the intensive care unit at a Rapid City hospital are forcing other patients in need of an ICU bed to wait. 

The director of the ICU nursing unit at Monument Health hospital, George Sazama, says one man in need of open heart surgery was told he would have to wait longer than expected.

 Sazama says that's one of the hardest things health care providers have to do right now because COVID-19 patients need care first. 

And officials say those infected with coronavirus are staying longer in the unit than regular patients.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The coronavirus patients that fill the intensive care unit at a Rapid City hospital are forcing other patients in need of an ICU bed to wait. The director of the ICU nursing unit at Monument Health hospital, George Sazama, says one man in need of open heart surgery was told he would have to wait longer than expected. Sazama says that's one of the hardest things health care providers have to do right now because COVID-19 patients need care first. And officials say those infected with coronavirus are staying longer in the unit than regular patients.

Non-coronavirus patients wait for intensive care unit bed in Rapid City 

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON&nbsp;–&nbsp;Chadron State College’s Theatre Department will present the first production of the fall semester, Little Shop of Horrors, Oct. 7-9 at 7 p.m. and Oct 10 at 2 p.m. in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium. Tickets are required, but are free and can be reserved in advance at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/theatre" target="_blank">csc.edu/theatre</a>.

In Little Shop of Horrors, meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names Audrey II after his co-worker crush. The foul-mouthed, R&amp;B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out-of-this-world origins and intent towards global domination.

Levi O’Dell said he is excited to play Seymour.

“I love getting to interact with each and every other actor in different ways and helping bring the show to life. There’s a lot happening, especially as Seymour, and it can be hard to remember notes, words, choreography, and blocking all at the same,” O’Dell said.

Aubrey Garrett said playing Audrey is an awesome role that has let her stretch her musical and theatrical abilities.

“Audrey is a very fun character and when mixed with the rest of this absolutely talented and amazing cast, Audrey is so fun. A challenge I’ve faced is having to do most of my show in heels and figuring out how to make that, which is not something I commonly do, look natural,” Garrett said.

Cheyenne Bacon will be the voice of Audrey II, represented by a series of four puppets as it grows.

“I’m excited about the dynamics between characters. Audrey II and Seymour have a special relationship and it’s fun to play on that.&nbsp;I think one of my big challenges is keeping everything under wraps. The director is taking the show in an interesting direction and I cannot wait to see how audiences will react,” Bacon said.

Three students, Ashley Jackson, Erin Hayhurst, and Rayne Charging Thunder, portray urchins similar to a 60's singing group.

“They dance and sing fantastic three-part harmonies throughout the show. They are going to blow the roof off,” said Interim Director of Theatrical Performances Michael Susko, who is directing the show.

Jackson said she is looking forward to performing with Hayhurst and Charging Thunder.

“I feel really lucky to be paired with two strong singers. Our voices blend so well together. The most challenging part is remembering our choreography, harmonies, and lyrics, and putting those elements all together,” Jackson said.

Hayhurst said she is eager to work with her fellow actors.

“I've always loved musicals and I think this role incorporates all of my favorite parts of musical theatre. The biggest challenge is remembering all of the words, harmonies, and choreography of all of our different scenes throughout the show,” Hayhurst said.

Charging Thunder said she looks forward to bringing her character to life in a way that helps bring the show more depth.

“Being an urchin serves a big purpose, and I'm glad I get to share the experience with Erin and Ashley. They're such fun to work with and have amazing talent,” Charging Thunder said.

Jarret Buchholz said he is pleased to get to play numerous characters ranging from random customers to a sadistic dentist.

“My biggest challenge is going to be differentiating each character. Giving them all unique personalities and voices will be a lot of work but also a lot of fun,” Buchholz said.

Zach Wellnitz said he anticipates expanding his acting abilities to play the character&nbsp;Mushnik.

“Since Mushnik is a character I would not normally play, it has proven difficult at some points. Since he’s this larger than life character, and I’ve been learning how to make a character realistic, it’s been hard to go back and make him into this comedic non-realistic person,” Wellnitz said.

Little Shop of Horrors, originally a movie in the 1960s is still running off Broadway, according to Susko.

As part of CSC’s annual Theatre Day, about 250 high school students from Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Colorado will see the production Oct. 7. The day also includes sessions taught by CSC students, faculty and theatre professionals in stage combat, musical theatre, costume and lighting design, creating characters, improvisation, makeup, and staging techniques.

Susko resides in New York City and is an award-winning director, choreographer, playwright, and educator. His work has taken him around the globe mounting productions such as Les Miserables and Mary Poppins, Forever Plaid, and Godspell.

As a performer, he has been in Broadway national tours, European tours, and regional appearances. He has also been in films, TV shows and commercials.&nbsp;

As an educator, Susko served as head of the theatre program at Southern Arkansas University. He also teaches playwriting at ATC Studios in Clifton, New Jersey. His students have gone on to perform in Broadway and national companies including The Lion King, Mean Girls, Beetlejuice, Gigi, Motown, Bring It On, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street, and Rocky. Susko earned a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from Goddard College, and a bachelor’s Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory.&nbsp;

Mushnik: Zack Wellnitz of Rushville, Neb.

Audrey II: Cheyenne Bacon of Lewellen, Neb.

Chiffon: Ashley Jackson of Mitchell, Neb.

Ronnette: Rayne Charging Thunder of Gordon, Neb.

Crystal: Erin Hayhurst of Scottsbluff, Neb.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON&nbsp;–&nbsp;Chadron State College’s Theatre Department will present the first production of the fall semester, Little Shop of Horrors, Oct. 7-9 at 7 p.m. and Oct 10 at 2 p.m. in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium. Tickets are required, but are free and can be reserved in advance at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/theatre" target="_blank">csc.edu/theatre</a>.In Little Shop of Horrors, meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names Audrey II after his co-worker crush. The foul-mouthed, R&amp;B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out-of-this-world origins and intent towards global domination.Levi O’Dell said he is excited to play Seymour.“I love getting to interact with each and every other actor in different ways and helping bring the show to life. There’s a lot happening, especially as Seymour, and it can be hard to remember notes, words, choreography, and blocking all at the same,” O’Dell said.Aubrey Garrett said playing Audrey is an awesome role that has let her stretch her musical and theatrical abilities.“Audrey is a very fun character and when mixed with the rest of this absolutely talented and amazing cast, Audrey is so fun. A challenge I’ve faced is having to do most of my show in heels and figuring out how to make that, which is not something I commonly do, look natural,” Garrett said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632754990405.png" alt="Seymour, played by Levi O'Dell, left, recoils from the bloodthirsty Audrey II, puppeteered by Olivia Behrends, during rehearsal Sept. 21, 2021, for Chadron State College's production of Little Shop of Horrors. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College) " />
 <figcaption>Seymour, played by Levi O'Dell, left, recoils from the bloodthirsty Audrey II, puppeteered by Olivia Behrends, during rehearsal Sept. 21, 2021, for Chadron State College's production of Little Shop of Horrors. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College) </figcaption>
 </figure>Cheyenne Bacon will be the voice of Audrey II, represented by a series of four puppets as it grows.“I’m excited about the dynamics between characters. Audrey II and Seymour have a special relationship and it’s fun to play on that.&nbsp;I think one of my big challenges is keeping everything under wraps. The director is taking the show in an interesting direction and I cannot wait to see how audiences will react,” Bacon said.Three students, Ashley Jackson, Erin Hayhurst, and Rayne Charging Thunder, portray urchins similar to a 60's singing group.“They dance and sing fantastic three-part harmonies throughout the show. They are going to blow the roof off,” said Interim Director of Theatrical Performances Michael Susko, who is directing the show.Jackson said she is looking forward to performing with Hayhurst and Charging Thunder.“I feel really lucky to be paired with two strong singers. Our voices blend so well together. The most challenging part is remembering our choreography, harmonies, and lyrics, and putting those elements all together,” Jackson said.Hayhurst said she is eager to work with her fellow actors.“I've always loved musicals and I think this role incorporates all of my favorite parts of musical theatre. The biggest challenge is remembering all of the words, harmonies, and choreography of all of our different scenes throughout the show,” Hayhurst said.Charging Thunder said she looks forward to bringing her character to life in a way that helps bring the show more depth.“Being an urchin serves a big purpose, and I'm glad I get to share the experience with Erin and Ashley. They're such fun to work with and have amazing talent,” Charging Thunder said.Jarret Buchholz said he is pleased to get to play numerous characters ranging from random customers to a sadistic dentist.“My biggest challenge is going to be differentiating each character. Giving them all unique personalities and voices will be a lot of work but also a lot of fun,” Buchholz said.Zach Wellnitz said he anticipates expanding his acting abilities to play the character&nbsp;Mushnik.“Since Mushnik is a character I would not normally play, it has proven difficult at some points. Since he’s this larger than life character, and I’ve been learning how to make a character realistic, it’s been hard to go back and make him into this comedic non-realistic person,” Wellnitz said.Little Shop of Horrors, originally a movie in the 1960s is still running off Broadway, according to Susko.As part of CSC’s annual Theatre Day, about 250 high school students from Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Colorado will see the production Oct. 7. The day also includes sessions taught by CSC students, faculty and theatre professionals in stage combat, musical theatre, costume and lighting design, creating characters, improvisation, makeup, and staging techniques.Susko resides in New York City and is an award-winning director, choreographer, playwright, and educator. His work has taken him around the globe mounting productions such as Les Miserables and Mary Poppins, Forever Plaid, and Godspell.As a performer, he has been in Broadway national tours, European tours, and regional appearances. He has also been in films, TV shows and commercials.&nbsp;As an educator, Susko served as head of the theatre program at Southern Arkansas University. He also teaches playwriting at ATC Studios in Clifton, New Jersey. His students have gone on to perform in Broadway and national companies including The Lion King, Mean Girls, Beetlejuice, Gigi, Motown, Bring It On, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street, and Rocky. Susko earned a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from Goddard College, and a bachelor’s Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory.&nbsp;CastSeymour: Levi O’Dell of Piedmont, S.D.Audrey: Aubrey Garrett of Alliance, Neb.Mushnik: Zack Wellnitz of Rushville, Neb.Orin: Jarret Buchholz of Arnold, Neb.Audrey II: Cheyenne Bacon of Lewellen, Neb.Chiffon: Ashley Jackson of Mitchell, Neb.Ronnette: Rayne Charging Thunder of Gordon, Neb.Crystal: Erin Hayhurst of Scottsbluff, Neb.CrewBrennan Ackerman of Box Elder, S.D.Olivia Behrends of&nbsp;Wauneta, Neb.Olivia Freeze of Bridgeport, Neb.Kyeisha Garza of Scottsbluff, Neb.Reidun Hammer of Dubois, Wyo.Chris Lidgett of Norfolk, Neb.Isabelle Lucius of Gering, Neb.Trista Topil of Lincoln, Neb.Halle Smith of Wheatland WYIsabella Ashley of Box Elder, S.D.

Little Shop of Horrors opens theatre season in Chadron 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has announced that he’ll seek a second term in office. Evnen, a Republican, was first elected in 2018. 

He previously served on the Nebraska State Board of Education and was an attorney in Lincoln. 

He also was active in the 2016 ballot campaign to preserve Nebraska’s death penalty after the Legislature abolished it. 

The secretary of state serves as Nebraska’s chief elections officer, oversees business services operations, and represents Nebraska agriculture and business around the world promoting trade opportunities. 

The secretary of state also serves on the three-member pardons board, with Nebraska’s governor and attorney general.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has announced that he’ll seek a second term in office. Evnen, a Republican, was first elected in 2018. He previously served on the Nebraska State Board of Education and was an attorney in Lincoln. He also was active in the 2016 ballot campaign to preserve Nebraska’s death penalty after the Legislature abolished it. The secretary of state serves as Nebraska’s chief elections officer, oversees business services operations, and represents Nebraska agriculture and business around the world promoting trade opportunities. The secretary of state also serves on the three-member pardons board, with Nebraska’s governor and attorney general.

Nebraska Secretary of State Evnen announces re-election bid

The 9th annual Harvest Moon Fall Festival will be held Oct. 2 in Chadron at the Dawes County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.&nbsp;

For more information about events and contests visit <a href="http://www.harvestmoonfallfestival.com">www.harvestmoonfallfestival.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631201163552.jpeg" alt="Poster idea.png" />
 <figcaption>Poster idea.png</figcaption>
 </figure>The 9th annual Harvest Moon Fall Festival will be held Oct. 2 in Chadron at the Dawes County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.&nbsp;For more information about events and contests visit <a href="http://www.harvestmoonfallfestival.com">www.harvestmoonfallfestival.com</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631201273889.jpeg" alt="This is a map of the Harvest Moon Festival grounds.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>This is a map of the Harvest Moon Festival grounds.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Annual Harvest Moon Fall Festival to be held in Chadron 

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;The Fall 2021 Performing Arts season at Western Nebraska Community College will kick off with the fall musical&nbsp;The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee&nbsp;on October 22.

The Theatre and Music programs are featured in&nbsp;The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The musical will show October 22 - 23 at 7:30. p.m., and October 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets for the musical are available by calling the Kelley Bean Box Office at 308.635.6193.

Violette Kjeldgaard, WNCC theatre instructor, said she is excited to bring the performance to life in front of a live audience.

"I’m enjoying working with the students and see the effort and creativity they bring to the process," she said. "I can’t wait for them to be able to share these eccentric and sensitive characters with an audience.”

WNCC's Cougar Rock band, Fire in the Pan Swingers, Western Nebraska Winds, and more will all perform at the 2021 Fall Ball on October 29 at the Gering Civic Center. Tickets, which include dinner and the show, are $32 and will be available for purchase on October 1.

On November 5, the Vocal Music department will host the Vocal Music Showcase in the Judy Chaloupka Theater. To complete the fall semester's performances, all of WNCC's performing arts programs will be highlighted at the annual Very Valley Christmas, on December 11 - 12.

To see a complete schedule of performances scheduled for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters, visit wncc.edu/performing arts.

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;The Fall 2021 Performing Arts season at Western Nebraska Community College will kick off with the fall musical&nbsp;The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee&nbsp;on October 22.The Theatre and Music programs are featured in&nbsp;The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The musical will show October 22 - 23 at 7:30. p.m., and October 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets for the musical are available by calling the Kelley Bean Box Office at 308.635.6193.Violette Kjeldgaard, WNCC theatre instructor, said she is excited to bring the performance to life in front of a live audience."I’m enjoying working with the students and see the effort and creativity they bring to the process," she said. "I can’t wait for them to be able to share these eccentric and sensitive characters with an audience.”WNCC's Cougar Rock band, Fire in the Pan Swingers, Western Nebraska Winds, and more will all perform at the 2021 Fall Ball on October 29 at the Gering Civic Center. Tickets, which include dinner and the show, are $32 and will be available for purchase on October 1.On November 5, the Vocal Music department will host the Vocal Music Showcase in the Judy Chaloupka Theater. To complete the fall semester's performances, all of WNCC's performing arts programs will be highlighted at the annual Very Valley Christmas, on December 11 - 12.To see a complete schedule of performances scheduled for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters, visit wncc.edu/performing arts.

Musical to kick off WNCC Performing Arts 2021 Fall season

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The companies working to build pipelines to capture carbon dioxide produced by ethanol plants and transport it as a liquid under high pressure to permanent storage deep underground may face opposition from farmers and environmental groups in Nebraska and Iowa. 

One of the companies, Summit Carbon Solutions, has already started contacting landowners about the $4.5 billion project.

 Supporters of the projects, which include the Nebraska Ethanol Board, say the pipelines will be safe and would lower the carbon impact of producing the corn-based fuel. 

That would help it meet goals California and Oregon have adopted for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The companies working to build pipelines to capture carbon dioxide produced by ethanol plants and transport it as a liquid under high pressure to permanent storage deep underground may face opposition from farmers and environmental groups in Nebraska and Iowa. One of the companies, Summit Carbon Solutions, has already started contacting landowners about the $4.5 billion project. Supporters of the projects, which include the Nebraska Ethanol Board, say the pipelines will be safe and would lower the carbon impact of producing the corn-based fuel. That would help it meet goals California and Oregon have adopted for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming.

Carbon dioxide pipelines may be opposed in Nebraska, Iowa

LINCOLN, Neb. - A coalition of Nebraska community organizations and supporters are collecting signatures for&nbsp;<a href="https://p2a.co/ndtu9ft" target="_blank">a ballot initiative</a>&nbsp;that would raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. Nancy Williams, president and CEO of the group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/nomoreemptypots/" target="_blank">No More Empty Pots</a>, said the measure can directly address poverty, which she believes is at the root of a host of challenges facing Nebraska families - from food and housing insecurity to educational opportunities for youths. "When we have a higher wage for more workers," said Williams, "that will give them more income to be able to take care of basic needs." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska consistently ranks among states with the highest number of people working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Forty-two percent of Nebraska's lowest-earning families spend more than a third of their income on housing alone. Critics of raising the minimum wage have argued that it could hurt small businesses and claim most jobs paying basement wages are held by teenagers. In 2014, Nebraska voters raised the minimum wage through ballot initiative from $8 to $9 an hour, which took effect in 2016. Tipped workers earn just $2.13 an hour. Williams said raising the minimum wage will impact one in five Nebraska workers across the state, and most are not high school students making extra cash. "Eighty one percent, from the data that we have, are aged 20 and older," said Williams. "About a third of those have a high school diploma. So it is not just for teenagers, it's for everyone who does the work." Williams added that many teenagers contribute to their family's income, and all workers deserve to be paid a fair wage. She said gradually increasing the minimum wage will increase opportunity for Nebraska families to thrive, and will also be an important step toward achieving racial and gender pay equity across the state. The deadline to turn in at least 87,000 verified signatures to make the 2022 November 8 ballot is the first week of July next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632741416882.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By Eric Galatas-Nebraska News ConnectionLINCOLN, Neb. - A coalition of Nebraska community organizations and supporters are collecting signatures for&nbsp;<a href="https://p2a.co/ndtu9ft" target="_blank">a ballot initiative</a>&nbsp;that would raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. Nancy Williams, president and CEO of the group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/nomoreemptypots/" target="_blank">No More Empty Pots</a>, said the measure can directly address poverty, which she believes is at the root of a host of challenges facing Nebraska families - from food and housing insecurity to educational opportunities for youths. "When we have a higher wage for more workers," said Williams, "that will give them more income to be able to take care of basic needs." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska consistently ranks among states with the highest number of people working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Forty-two percent of Nebraska's lowest-earning families spend more than a third of their income on housing alone. Critics of raising the minimum wage have argued that it could hurt small businesses and claim most jobs paying basement wages are held by teenagers. In 2014, Nebraska voters raised the minimum wage through ballot initiative from $8 to $9 an hour, which took effect in 2016. Tipped workers earn just $2.13 an hour. Williams said raising the minimum wage will impact one in five Nebraska workers across the state, and most are not high school students making extra cash. "Eighty one percent, from the data that we have, are aged 20 and older," said Williams. "About a third of those have a high school diploma. So it is not just for teenagers, it's for everyone who does the work." Williams added that many teenagers contribute to their family's income, and all workers deserve to be paid a fair wage. She said gradually increasing the minimum wage will increase opportunity for Nebraska families to thrive, and will also be an important step toward achieving racial and gender pay equity across the state. The deadline to turn in at least 87,000 verified signatures to make the 2022 November 8 ballot is the first week of July next year.

Nebraska voters asked to raise minimum wage, again

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Missouri-based battery manufacturer has selected Rapid City for a factory complex that it says could eventually employ up to 1,500 people. 

AEsir Technologies plans to construct four buildings. 

The first building will be a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center capable of producing 1.2 million batteries annually.

 The company initially plans to hire 400 employees and expand to 1,200 to 1,500 employees. 

CEO Randy Moore says the first phase will cost around $90 million with a total price tag of $300 million when all four phases of the development are finished.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Missouri-based battery manufacturer has selected Rapid City for a factory complex that it says could eventually employ up to 1,500 people. AEsir Technologies plans to construct four buildings. The first building will be a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center capable of producing 1.2 million batteries annually. The company initially plans to hire 400 employees and expand to 1,200 to 1,500 employees. CEO Randy Moore says the first phase will cost around $90 million with a total price tag of $300 million when all four phases of the development are finished.

Battery manufacturer to build factory complex in Rapid City

WASHINGTON (AP) — Interior Secretary Deb Haaland says extensive news media coverage of the death of Gabby Petito should be a reminder of hundreds of Native American girls and women who are missing or murdered in the United States.

 The first Native American Cabinet secretary said her heart goes out to Petito’s family. But she also grieves for “so many Indigenous women″ whose families have endured similar heartache “for the last 500 years.″

 The disappearance and death of the 22-year-old Petito generated a whirlwind of news coverage as well as a frenzy of online sleuthing. 

The Florida woman was found dead at the edge of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Interior Secretary Deb Haaland says extensive news media coverage of the death of Gabby Petito should be a reminder of hundreds of Native American girls and women who are missing or murdered in the United States. The first Native American Cabinet secretary said her heart goes out to Petito’s family. But she also grieves for “so many Indigenous women″ whose families have endured similar heartache “for the last 500 years.″ The disappearance and death of the 22-year-old Petito generated a whirlwind of news coverage as well as a frenzy of online sleuthing. The Florida woman was found dead at the edge of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

Haaland: Petito case a reminder of missing Native Americans

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The Rapid City Council has approved an ordinance which establishes rules for medical marijuana dispensaries in the community. 

The rules go into effect Oct. 2 following the council’s 8-1 voted Monday night.

 The ordinance limits the number of dispensaries to 15 within city limits.

 Council member Bill Evans cast the only opposing vote, saying he believes the market should decide the number of dispensaries, or the city should have its own facility. 

Businesses who apply for a medical cannabis and receive a license will have one year to get the business up and running. 

Licenses cost $5,000 and require an annual renewal fee of the same amount.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The Rapid City Council has approved an ordinance which establishes rules for medical marijuana dispensaries in the community. The rules go into effect Oct. 2 following the council’s 8-1 voted Monday night. The ordinance limits the number of dispensaries to 15 within city limits. Council member Bill Evans cast the only opposing vote, saying he believes the market should decide the number of dispensaries, or the city should have its own facility. Businesses who apply for a medical cannabis and receive a license will have one year to get the business up and running. Licenses cost $5,000 and require an annual renewal fee of the same amount.

Rapid City establishes rules for medical marijuana sellers

DENVER&nbsp;–&nbsp;FEMA has approved more than $42.8 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Wyoming. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020.

This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021, Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense &amp; the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

DENVER&nbsp;–&nbsp;FEMA has approved more than $42.8 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Wyoming. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020.The FEMA funding includes:<ul>
 <li>$41 million to the Wyoming Department of Health&nbsp;for community-based testing services at 61 sites throughout the state and at congregate housing facilities, as needed.&nbsp; Laboratory processing, data collection and reporting were also activities covered by this funding.</li><li>$1.8 million to the Wyoming Department of Health&nbsp;for a COVID-19 information campaign that included a variety of media outlets including billboards, digital, online publications, digital video, print ads, radio, television, and cable.</li>
 </ul>This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021, Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense &amp; the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

FEMA provides $42.8 million to Wyoming for Covid-19 response

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have advanced new congressional boundaries that could make it harder for Democratic presidential hopefuls to pick up one of the state’s five Electoral College votes, as they’ve done twice since 2008. 

The measure was endorsed by nearly all Republicans in the one-house, officially nonpartisan Legislature. It's a sign that the newly drawn, Omaha-area district could be more favorable to the party in both U.S. House and presidential races. 

Nebraska Democrats quickly denounced the plan. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that allow their Electoral College votes to be split. 

Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden claimed one each in 2008 and 2020, respectively, despite handily losing the statewide, GOP-dominated vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559767024792.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have advanced new congressional boundaries that could make it harder for Democratic presidential hopefuls to pick up one of the state’s five Electoral College votes, as they’ve done twice since 2008. The measure was endorsed by nearly all Republicans in the one-house, officially nonpartisan Legislature. It's a sign that the newly drawn, Omaha-area district could be more favorable to the party in both U.S. House and presidential races. Nebraska Democrats quickly denounced the plan. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that allow their Electoral College votes to be split. Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden claimed one each in 2008 and 2020, respectively, despite handily losing the statewide, GOP-dominated vote.

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