By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force and Sherri Fry, Mission Store Volunteer

The Mission Store Inc. is offering its 14th annual mini-grants to Box Butte County. You thought they were just a place to drop off used items to be sold!

The Mission Store is more than just a used clothing and miscellaneous store. They are a non-profit organization, run solely by volunteers. Not one person is paid at the store. Outside of funds needed for building maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing, and utilities to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter for customers, all money earned is used to benefit our city, our county, and its people!

Did you know the Mission Store responds to emergencies? They are more than happy to help the Police, Fire Department and DOVES organization and anyone in need. The Mission Store’s goals are to accept donated clothing and household goods, help those in need, reuse and recycle, foster volunteerism and respond to emergencies.

Did you know the Mission Store helps to fund the Indian Mission Church of God, the Alliance Ministerial Association, and the Backpack Program?

Did you know that the Mission Store recycles clothing and shoes that do not sell in Alliance to another place in the country? Many of you have seen the big semi that comes here twice a year to buy bales of clothing that haven’t sold to be reused and resold somewhere else. That money is used to fund grants, too.

All organized, non-profit groups are eligible for funds through the Mini-Grant Program, which must be used for projects that will benefit the entire group. Funds, if awarded, must not be used for salaries, insurance, or operating expenses.

Many organizations have previously benefited from the Mini-Grant Program with a total of $53,796.00 being returned to the community in 2020. Even though the Mission Store was closed for several months due to COVID, they wanted to make sure the grants were still given.

Applicants should include in their proposals:

*The name and description of the program or event they are requesting funding for.

* An explanation regarding how the grant funds will be used.

* The program goals and expected outcome.

*A statement explaining how the funds will assist in making the program a reality.

Forms for Mission Store grants may be picked up at the Mission Store, 302 Box Butte Ave, Alliance, during store hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Completed applications are due October 14, 2021, and must be returned to the store, either in person or by mail. Applications submitted through the mail must be postmarked

on or before October 14, 2021, and none will be accepted after that date. They may be mailed to: The Mission Store, P.O. Box 179, Alliance, NE 69301.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force and Sherri Fry, Mission Store VolunteerThe Mission Store Inc. is offering its 14th annual mini-grants to Box Butte County. You thought they were just a place to drop off used items to be sold!The Mission Store is more than just a used clothing and miscellaneous store. They are a non-profit organization, run solely by volunteers. Not one person is paid at the store. Outside of funds needed for building maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing, and utilities to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter for customers, all money earned is used to benefit our city, our county, and its people!Did you know the Mission Store responds to emergencies? They are more than happy to help the Police, Fire Department and DOVES organization and anyone in need. The Mission Store’s goals are to accept donated clothing and household goods, help those in need, reuse and recycle, foster volunteerism and respond to emergencies.Did you know the Mission Store helps to fund the Indian Mission Church of God, the Alliance Ministerial Association, and the Backpack Program?Did you know that the Mission Store recycles clothing and shoes that do not sell in Alliance to another place in the country? Many of you have seen the big semi that comes here twice a year to buy bales of clothing that haven’t sold to be reused and resold somewhere else. That money is used to fund grants, too.All organized, non-profit groups are eligible for funds through the Mini-Grant Program, which must be used for projects that will benefit the entire group. Funds, if awarded, must not be used for salaries, insurance, or operating expenses.Many organizations have previously benefited from the Mini-Grant Program with a total of $53,796.00 being returned to the community in 2020. Even though the Mission Store was closed for several months due to COVID, they wanted to make sure the grants were still given.Applicants should include in their proposals:*The name and description of the program or event they are requesting funding for.* An explanation regarding how the grant funds will be used.*A description of the target audience.* The program goals and expected outcome.*A statement explaining how the funds will assist in making the program a reality.Forms for Mission Store grants may be picked up at the Mission Store, 302 Box Butte Ave, Alliance, during store hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Completed applications are due October 14, 2021, and must be returned to the store, either in person or by mail. Applications submitted through the mail must be postmarkedon or before October 14, 2021, and none will be accepted after that date. They may be mailed to: The Mission Store, P.O. Box 179, Alliance, NE 69301.

Poverty In Our Area: Mission Store grants 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The top leader of Nebraska’s Legislature is warning that he will end the special session convened to draw new congressional and legislative maps if lawmakers fail to advance both measures by Saturday, a move that would likely delay the state’s May 2022 primary election. 

Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers says he’d prefer to approve all of the redistricting maps in the current session, but he adds that he’s not going to continue if lawmakers keep failing to reach an agreement.

 Lawmakers remained at an impasse on Tuesday over how to redraw Nebraska’s congressional and legislative maps to adjust for population losses in rural areas and gains around Omaha and Lincoln.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The top leader of Nebraska’s Legislature is warning that he will end the special session convened to draw new congressional and legislative maps if lawmakers fail to advance both measures by Saturday, a move that would likely delay the state’s May 2022 primary election. Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers says he’d prefer to approve all of the redistricting maps in the current session, but he adds that he’s not going to continue if lawmakers keep failing to reach an agreement. Lawmakers remained at an impasse on Tuesday over how to redraw Nebraska’s congressional and legislative maps to adjust for population losses in rural areas and gains around Omaha and Lincoln.

Nebraska lawmakers may end session without approving maps

LINCOLN –&nbsp; Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 25 as “Hunting and Fishing Day” at a ceremony hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at the Nebraska Outdoor Education Center in north Lincoln.&nbsp;

This year, Nebraska Game and Parks is once again offering its Take ‘em Fishing and Take ‘em Hunting contests.&nbsp; Nebraskans can participate by taking a beginner hunting or fishing and then sharing a picture or story from the experience on the Game and Parks website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C71a5c11180fe47dad2f208d97d4deb27%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637678595910628903%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=xp6mv2QGj8%2FBo%2F4d%2BFqt%2BZ4EB7R33KaqHxBgC698irA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;

Submissions qualify for a drawing to win great prizes like a Bass Tracker Classic boat from Bass Pro Shops, a John Deere gator from AKRS Equipment, or outdoor gear.&nbsp; This year’s Take ‘em Fishing contest is underway and runs through the end of October 2021.&nbsp; The Take ‘em Hunting contest started on September 1st&nbsp;and will run through the end of May 2022.

Video from the proclamation ceremony is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovernorPeteRicketts%2Fvideos%2F272689121207720&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C71a5c11180fe47dad2f208d97d4deb27%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637678595910638859%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=QzrTAA%2BqvFGgSLsRz0nXyDCoIqE%2BZaws%2FDVNfc7Tti0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp; Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 25 as “Hunting and Fishing Day” at a ceremony hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at the Nebraska Outdoor Education Center in north Lincoln.&nbsp;This year, Nebraska Game and Parks is once again offering its Take ‘em Fishing and Take ‘em Hunting contests.&nbsp; Nebraskans can participate by taking a beginner hunting or fishing and then sharing a picture or story from the experience on the Game and Parks website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C71a5c11180fe47dad2f208d97d4deb27%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637678595910628903%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=xp6mv2QGj8%2FBo%2F4d%2BFqt%2BZ4EB7R33KaqHxBgC698irA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632266611319.png" alt="From Left to Right: Scott Smathers, Executive Director of the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation; Gov. Ricketts; Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Director Jim Douglas; and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Education Manager Jeff Rawlinson" />
 <figcaption>From Left to Right: Scott Smathers, Executive Director of the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation; Gov. Ricketts; Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Director Jim Douglas; and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Education Manager Jeff Rawlinson</figcaption>
 </figure>Submissions qualify for a drawing to win great prizes like a Bass Tracker Classic boat from Bass Pro Shops, a John Deere gator from AKRS Equipment, or outdoor gear.&nbsp; This year’s Take ‘em Fishing contest is underway and runs through the end of October 2021.&nbsp; The Take ‘em Hunting contest started on September 1st&nbsp;and will run through the end of May 2022.Video from the proclamation ceremony is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovernorPeteRicketts%2Fvideos%2F272689121207720&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C71a5c11180fe47dad2f208d97d4deb27%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637678595910638859%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=QzrTAA%2BqvFGgSLsRz0nXyDCoIqE%2BZaws%2FDVNfc7Tti0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts proclaims 'Hunting and Fishing Day' in Nebraska   

By Karisa Lemoncelli, Box Butte General Hospital External Communications Specialist

Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) will be having concrete work done throughout various areas of campus.

 The crew on site will be breaking up and replacing concrete in parking lots that has been deemed a potential safety risk for patients, visitors, and staff.

The project is beginning at the entrance of the Medical Arts Plaza and will progress to the Main entrance, Emergency Room entrance, and Rehab and Wellness Center entrance, respectively. 

The entirety of the project will take approximately four weeks to complete. Please pardon the dust and noise. 

Concrete work is being done by R &amp; J Industries.

By Karisa Lemoncelli, Box Butte General Hospital External Communications SpecialistBox Butte General Hospital (BBGH) will be having concrete work done throughout various areas of campus. The crew on site will be breaking up and replacing concrete in parking lots that has been deemed a potential safety risk for patients, visitors, and staff.The project is beginning at the entrance of the Medical Arts Plaza and will progress to the Main entrance, Emergency Room entrance, and Rehab and Wellness Center entrance, respectively. The entirety of the project will take approximately four weeks to complete. Please pardon the dust and noise. Concrete work is being done by R &amp; J Industries.

BBGH replacing concrete around campus

HEMINGFORD — Campers at Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area will have to go without electricity for a while, but they will have more juice when the wait is over.

Beginning Oct. 1, all of the electrical camping sites at Box Butte will be closed while construction workers upgrade six sites from 30 to 50 amps. The upgrades will result in all of the lake’s 14 electrical sites having 50-amp service.

The campground’s 40 non-electrical sites will remain open during the project, which is expected to be complete before camping activity picks up again in spring.

The $40,000 upgrade is being paid for with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Capital Maintenance Fund, which is generated from a tax on the sale of motorboats and personal watercraft. 

Mansfield Enterprises of Chadron was awarded the contract.

HEMINGFORD — Campers at Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area will have to go without electricity for a while, but they will have more juice when the wait is over.Beginning Oct. 1, all of the electrical camping sites at Box Butte will be closed while construction workers upgrade six sites from 30 to 50 amps. The upgrades will result in all of the lake’s 14 electrical sites having 50-amp service.The campground’s 40 non-electrical sites will remain open during the project, which is expected to be complete before camping activity picks up again in spring.The $40,000 upgrade is being paid for with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Capital Maintenance Fund, which is generated from a tax on the sale of motorboats and personal watercraft. Mansfield Enterprises of Chadron was awarded the contract.

Electrical upgrades coming to Box Butte Reservoir

The Post Fire remains at 5,444 acres and is 100% contained. The burn area received approximately 0.75 inches of rain last night, which significantly helped crews throughout the evening and into the morning. On scene, 3 crews and 10 engines remain. All aircraft have been released.

Over the course of the incident, more than 300 personnel deployed from across the state as well as South Dakota, Kansas, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon to contain the Post Fire that started on September 13th. The Post Fire was started by lightning and contained early last week but re-ignited late in the week and progressed to over 5,000 acres by Friday, September 17th due to high winds in the area.

“We are grateful to all the federal, state, and local firefighters and first responders who worked and continue to work around the clock to protect northwest Nebraska,” says U.S. Forest Service District Ranger, Tim Buskirk. “It is a privilege to work with the men and women who put their skills to work – and their lives at risk – to protect fellow Nebraskans and the community.”

The Type 4 Team will continue to monitor, strengthen containment lines, and mop-up over the next several days. Inside the fire, there are still pockets of unburned fuel that may continue to produce small, isolated smoke columns. This will likely continue for the next several days, and possibly weeks, until substantial moisture is received across the burned area.

In addition, we would like to express our sincerest thanks to the City of Crawford and the surrounding communities. “Thank you for hosting the incident command and all the first responders. We have clogged the roadways, woven throughout the fairgrounds and park, and appreciate all your patience as we dealt with the fire,” said Crawford VFD Fire Chief Brian Prosser.

We would also like to thank each and every person that supported this incident. Whether that was through a food, supply, or monetary donation or your time feeding personnel and keeping facilities clean, the outpouring of support was overwhelming and greatly appreciated.


By Nebraska Forest ServiceThe Post Fire remains at 5,444 acres and is 100% contained. The burn area received approximately 0.75 inches of rain last night, which significantly helped crews throughout the evening and into the morning. On scene, 3 crews and 10 engines remain. All aircraft have been released.Over the course of the incident, more than 300 personnel deployed from across the state as well as South Dakota, Kansas, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon to contain the Post Fire that started on September 13th. The Post Fire was started by lightning and contained early last week but re-ignited late in the week and progressed to over 5,000 acres by Friday, September 17th due to high winds in the area.“We are grateful to all the federal, state, and local firefighters and first responders who worked and continue to work around the clock to protect northwest Nebraska,” says U.S. Forest Service District Ranger, Tim Buskirk. “It is a privilege to work with the men and women who put their skills to work – and their lives at risk – to protect fellow Nebraskans and the community.”The Type 4 Team will continue to monitor, strengthen containment lines, and mop-up over the next several days. Inside the fire, there are still pockets of unburned fuel that may continue to produce small, isolated smoke columns. This will likely continue for the next several days, and possibly weeks, until substantial moisture is received across the burned area.In addition, we would like to express our sincerest thanks to the City of Crawford and the surrounding communities. “Thank you for hosting the incident command and all the first responders. We have clogged the roadways, woven throughout the fairgrounds and park, and appreciate all your patience as we dealt with the fire,” said Crawford VFD Fire Chief Brian Prosser.We would also like to thank each and every person that supported this incident. Whether that was through a food, supply, or monetary donation or your time feeding personnel and keeping facilities clean, the outpouring of support was overwhelming and greatly appreciated.

Post Fire Update: 100% contained

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Clarkson College and Western Nebraska Community College recently signed an articulation agreement which allows students to transfer their existing credit from WNCC to Clarkson College. The two organizations are committed to helping students pursue their careers in health care.

The partnership opens the door for students to prepare to be the best in their chosen health care field. “We are very excited to establish partnerships with other dedicated higher education institutions in pursuit of our goal to educate tomorrow’s health care leaders,” said Dr. Gary Pack, Interim President of Clarkson College. “We want to help students achieve their academic and professional goals, and this new and exciting relationship helps us accomplish this.”

“We are proud to partner with Clarkson College to help our students make the most of their college experiences,” said Dr. Grant Wilson, WNCC Vice President of Educational Services. “We recognize the critical need for health care workers in the Panhandle and throughout the region and want to make those career paths more accessible to all students.”

According to the agreement, students who have received an associate’s degree at WNCC are eligible to transfer courses if they have maintained a 2.5 grade point average and a “C” average in the courses that are to be transferred.

WNCC students taking advantage of the partnership experience multiple benefits including the waiving of all enrollment and application fees. Those meeting the admissions criteria are automatically accepted into online program options at Clarkson College, and those applying to on-campus program options receive preference through additional points on their application.

Once accepted at Clarkson College, students can take advantage of online and on-campus services including tutoring, mentoring, supplemental instruction, writing labs and career services. Students can apply their college credit to one of the numerous health care degree options at Clarkson College in Nursing (BSN, RN to BSN and MSN), Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography and Medical Imaging, Community Health, Healthcare Business and Health Information Management.

For more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.

Clarkson College is a private, non-profit college in Omaha, Neb. offering diploma, certificate, and degree opportunities in the fields of Nursing, Healthcare Business, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography, Medical Imaging, Imaging Informatics, Community Health, Healthcare Education and Leadership, and Professional Development. The College is nationally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The Mission of Clarkson College is to prepare students to professionally provide high quality, ethical and compassionate health care services. Clarkson College is an educational partner with Nebraska Medicine.

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Clarkson College and Western Nebraska Community College recently signed an articulation agreement which allows students to transfer their existing credit from WNCC to Clarkson College. The two organizations are committed to helping students pursue their careers in health care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632253127944.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The partnership opens the door for students to prepare to be the best in their chosen health care field. “We are very excited to establish partnerships with other dedicated higher education institutions in pursuit of our goal to educate tomorrow’s health care leaders,” said Dr. Gary Pack, Interim President of Clarkson College. “We want to help students achieve their academic and professional goals, and this new and exciting relationship helps us accomplish this.”“We are proud to partner with Clarkson College to help our students make the most of their college experiences,” said Dr. Grant Wilson, WNCC Vice President of Educational Services. “We recognize the critical need for health care workers in the Panhandle and throughout the region and want to make those career paths more accessible to all students.”According to the agreement, students who have received an associate’s degree at WNCC are eligible to transfer courses if they have maintained a 2.5 grade point average and a “C” average in the courses that are to be transferred.WNCC students taking advantage of the partnership experience multiple benefits including the waiving of all enrollment and application fees. Those meeting the admissions criteria are automatically accepted into online program options at Clarkson College, and those applying to on-campus program options receive preference through additional points on their application.Once accepted at Clarkson College, students can take advantage of online and on-campus services including tutoring, mentoring, supplemental instruction, writing labs and career services. Students can apply their college credit to one of the numerous health care degree options at Clarkson College in Nursing (BSN, RN to BSN and MSN), Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography and Medical Imaging, Community Health, Healthcare Business and Health Information Management.About Western Nebraska Community CollegeFor more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.About Clarkson CollegeClarkson College is a private, non-profit college in Omaha, Neb. offering diploma, certificate, and degree opportunities in the fields of Nursing, Healthcare Business, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography, Medical Imaging, Imaging Informatics, Community Health, Healthcare Education and Leadership, and Professional Development. The College is nationally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The Mission of Clarkson College is to prepare students to professionally provide high quality, ethical and compassionate health care services. Clarkson College is an educational partner with Nebraska Medicine.

WNCC signs transfer agreement with Clarkson College

CHADRON – The Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/board-materials/2021/2021-09-09-Sep-Mtg" target="_blank">hosted its regular business meeting Sept. 9</a>&nbsp;on the campus of Chadron State College.

In addition to approving policy revisions for student residency (3050), rights and responsibilities of student journalists (3350), and name, image, and likeness activities for student-athletes (3730), the Board granted Emeritus status to two recently retired CSC faculty members, Dr. Rick Koza and Dr. Patti Blundell. Both Koza and Blundell taught at CSC for more than 20 years.

A positive development was the Board approving CSC to move forward with the program statement for Memorial Hall. Chadron State will use up to $150,000 of Capital Improvement Fee funds to develop the program statement, which aligns with the Campus Facilities Master Plan.

During the meeting, the Board received information items from its standing committees, as well as a report from Chancellor Turman.

The next meeting for the Board of Trustees is Nov. 11 at Wayne State College.

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – The Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/board-materials/2021/2021-09-09-Sep-Mtg" target="_blank">hosted its regular business meeting Sept. 9</a>&nbsp;on the campus of Chadron State College.In addition to approving policy revisions for student residency (3050), rights and responsibilities of student journalists (3350), and name, image, and likeness activities for student-athletes (3730), the Board granted Emeritus status to two recently retired CSC faculty members, Dr. Rick Koza and Dr. Patti Blundell. Both Koza and Blundell taught at CSC for more than 20 years.A positive development was the Board approving CSC to move forward with the program statement for Memorial Hall. Chadron State will use up to $150,000 of Capital Improvement Fee funds to develop the program statement, which aligns with the Campus Facilities Master Plan.During the meeting, the Board received information items from its standing committees, as well as a report from Chancellor Turman.The next meeting for the Board of Trustees is Nov. 11 at Wayne State College.

Board of Trustees approves program statement for Memorial Hall

By&nbsp;Scott Schremmer, Chadron&nbsp;Parks Superintendent

Thanks to the Free Trees for Fall Planting program, an effort of the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, the City of Chadron received 10 trees for the Re-Tree Chadron Parks project.

The City of Chadron has been chosen again this year to receive this grant. This is a great way to replace some of the trees that were lost in the 2013 winter storm Atlas, where the city lost over 150 in the park system. The City of Chadron would like to thank the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum for choosing us again to support this ongoing project.

Despite providing a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits, most Nebraska community forests have been in steady and sometimes dramatic decline. Many challenges contribute, including extreme weather, insects, disease and lack of diversity. The Emerald Ash borer is the latest major challenge added to the list.

In an effort to stop this decline and increase community forest resilience, the Free Trees program grants up to 10 high quality trees for tree-related educational events and community celebrations promoting trees and fall planting.

In addition to simply planting more trees, the program goals include increasing appreciation and awareness of the value of community forests in Nebraska. Special emphasis is placed on species diversity and higher impact projects, especially street tree planting and projects in neighborhoods of highest need.

Free Trees for Fall Planting is supported by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum’s Trees for Nebraska Towns Initiative funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

By&nbsp;Scott Schremmer, Chadron&nbsp;Parks SuperintendentThanks to the Free Trees for Fall Planting program, an effort of the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, the City of Chadron received 10 trees for the Re-Tree Chadron Parks project.The City of Chadron has been chosen again this year to receive this grant. This is a great way to replace some of the trees that were lost in the 2013 winter storm Atlas, where the city lost over 150 in the park system. The City of Chadron would like to thank the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum for choosing us again to support this ongoing project.Despite providing a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits, most Nebraska community forests have been in steady and sometimes dramatic decline. Many challenges contribute, including extreme weather, insects, disease and lack of diversity. The Emerald Ash borer is the latest major challenge added to the list.In an effort to stop this decline and increase community forest resilience, the Free Trees program grants up to 10 high quality trees for tree-related educational events and community celebrations promoting trees and fall planting.In addition to simply planting more trees, the program goals include increasing appreciation and awareness of the value of community forests in Nebraska. Special emphasis is placed on species diversity and higher impact projects, especially street tree planting and projects in neighborhoods of highest need.Free Trees for Fall Planting is supported by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum’s Trees for Nebraska Towns Initiative funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

City of Chadron receives 'Free Trees for Fall Planting' grant 

A man has been found dead at the Chadron Dams.&nbsp;

On Sept. 20 at approximately 7:30 a.m. local authorities were notified of a missing person. The person's vehicle had been seen at the Chadron Dams, south of Chadron.&nbsp;

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene. The body of 58-year-old Carl Kutschara was found by Nebraska Game and Parks officers in a boat.&nbsp;

Search and rescue scuba divers from the Scottsbluff Police Department and the Dawes County Attorney/Coroner were called to the scene.

 Kutschara's body was recovered by divers at 2 p.m.

"A preliminary investigation of the scene, physical evidence and witness interviews lead authorities to believe that foul play is not a factor in Mr. Kutschara's death," Dawes County Attorney/Coroner Vance Haug said. "The investigation continues at this juncture. An autopsy and toxicological screening have been ordered."

The Chadron Police Department, Dawes County Sheriff's office, Scottsbluff Police Department, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska State Patrol and Dawes County Attorney's Office assisted with this investigation.&nbsp;

"Anyone who may have seen Mr. Kutschara or his red 2011 GMC pickup out at the city dams in the late night hours of Sept. 19 or early morning hours of Sept. 20 is requested to contact the Chadron Police Department at (308) 432-0510," Haug said.&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostA man has been found dead at the Chadron Dams.&nbsp;On Sept. 20 at approximately 7:30 a.m. local authorities were notified of a missing person. The person's vehicle had been seen at the Chadron Dams, south of Chadron.&nbsp;Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene. The body of 58-year-old Carl Kutschara was found by Nebraska Game and Parks officers in a boat.&nbsp;Search and rescue scuba divers from the Scottsbluff Police Department and the Dawes County Attorney/Coroner were called to the scene. Kutschara's body was recovered by divers at 2 p.m."A preliminary investigation of the scene, physical evidence and witness interviews lead authorities to believe that foul play is not a factor in Mr. Kutschara's death," Dawes County Attorney/Coroner Vance Haug said. "The investigation continues at this juncture. An autopsy and toxicological screening have been ordered."The Chadron Police Department, Dawes County Sheriff's office, Scottsbluff Police Department, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska State Patrol and Dawes County Attorney's Office assisted with this investigation.&nbsp;"Anyone who may have seen Mr. Kutschara or his red 2011 GMC pickup out at the city dams in the late night hours of Sept. 19 or early morning hours of Sept. 20 is requested to contact the Chadron Police Department at (308) 432-0510," Haug said.&nbsp;

Man found dead at Chadron Dams 

As of 7 p.m. on Sept. 20, the Post Fire transitioned from the NEMA Type 3 Incident Management Assistance Team to a local Type 4 Team led by Incident Commander Tyler Hunter and Crawford VFD Fire Chief, Brian Prosser.

“We would like to thank the NEMA Team for their quick deployment to northwest Nebraska and diligent efforts in managing the Post Fire,” said Prosser.

The Post Fire remains at 5,444 acres and is now 65% contained.

 Crews continued to work through the rainstorm last night and the burn area received approximately 0.3 inches of rain. 

Over 160 personnel remain on scene, but with the moisture today and increased containment, some resources will begin their travel home.

In addition, all evacuation notices have been lifted. Residents south of 4-Mile Road, west of Highway 71/2, east of Deadman Road, and north of W. Bellmont Road. may return home. 


By Nebraska Forest ServiceAs of 7 p.m. on Sept. 20, the Post Fire transitioned from the NEMA Type 3 Incident Management Assistance Team to a local Type 4 Team led by Incident Commander Tyler Hunter and Crawford VFD Fire Chief, Brian Prosser.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632235480873.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We would like to thank the NEMA Team for their quick deployment to northwest Nebraska and diligent efforts in managing the Post Fire,” said Prosser.The Post Fire remains at 5,444 acres and is now 65% contained. Crews continued to work through the rainstorm last night and the burn area received approximately 0.3 inches of rain. Over 160 personnel remain on scene, but with the moisture today and increased containment, some resources will begin their travel home.In addition, all evacuation notices have been lifted. Residents south of 4-Mile Road, west of Highway 71/2, east of Deadman Road, and north of W. Bellmont Road. may return home.

Post Fire Update: 65% contained

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will have to negotiate new legislative and congressional maps now that both of the original Republican-backed measures have stalled in the Legislature. 

Opponents blocked the proposed legislative map with a filibuster on Monday, and the congressional map stalled on Friday amid similar objections. 

Critics say the maps unfairly benefited the GOP by making it harder for Democrats to win in certain districts where they might otherwise be competitive. 

The votes came as no surprise, given that Republicans don’t have the super-majority they need to overcome a filibuster in the one-house Legislature, as they did during the 2011 redistricting. 

That means lawmakers will have to reach some sort of compromise.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will have to negotiate new legislative and congressional maps now that both of the original Republican-backed measures have stalled in the Legislature. Opponents blocked the proposed legislative map with a filibuster on Monday, and the congressional map stalled on Friday amid similar objections. Critics say the maps unfairly benefited the GOP by making it harder for Democrats to win in certain districts where they might otherwise be competitive. The votes came as no surprise, given that Republicans don’t have the super-majority they need to overcome a filibuster in the one-house Legislature, as they did during the 2011 redistricting. That means lawmakers will have to reach some sort of compromise.

Nebraska lawmakers to negotiate new redistricting maps

The Panhandle COVID dashboard continues to be updated to help residents understand and inform the current COVID risk in the area. The Governor has announced the state COVID dashboard will be accessible again starting today.

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 223 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, September 13.

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>.

By PPHDThe Panhandle COVID dashboard continues to be updated to help residents understand and inform the current COVID risk in the area. The Governor has announced the state COVID dashboard will be accessible again starting today.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 223 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, September 13.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632179278945.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-September 20, 2021<ul>
 <li>Positive: 10,766</li><li>Last week’s cases: (cases/100,000): 258.5</li><li>Last week’s cases: 223</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 12.3%</li><li>Deaths: 200</li><li>Deaths Pending Verification: 11</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 28</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 627</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>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632179347841.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632179363220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

PPHD: 223 more virus cases reported in Panhandle 

Governor Pete Ricketts recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month during a press conference at the State Capitol. &nbsp;He emphasized the need to be vigilant for signs of mental illness, especially given the rising rates of depression/anxiety occasioned by the pandemic.&nbsp; Gov. Ricketts also commended the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote mental health.

“Our state has been very proactive in ensuring that Nebraskans have access to behavioral health resources,” said Gov. Ricketts. “These efforts have shown success.&nbsp; According to&nbsp;U.S. News and World Report, Nebraska ranks 4th&nbsp;nationally in mental health.&nbsp; In September, we’re spotlighting the mental health resources available to Nebraskans, as well as introducing our new suicide prevention media campaign—Nebraska Needs You.”

DHHS Director of Behavioral Health, Sheri Dawson, overviewed the resources available to Nebraskans confronting mental health challenges.&nbsp; She also introduced a suicide prevention media campaign called Nebraska Needs You. &nbsp;The Kim Foundation is one of many organizations partnering with the State on the initiative.&nbsp; Kim Foundation Executive Director Julia Hebenstreit took part in this morning’s press conference to discuss ways to help and support people experiencing suicidal ideation. &nbsp;Anyone who would like to talk about their mental health—or seek help for a loved one—can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Nebraska Family Helpline at 888-866-8660.

Today, Gov. Ricketts also announced the State will launch a new data dashboard at&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;to help track hospital capacity across Nebraska.&nbsp; The Governor issued&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fu6arshfuetvyfr3%2FEO%2520No.%252021-14%2520-%2520Disclosure%2520of%2520Health%2520Info%2520to%2520Facitate%2520Hospital%2520Planning.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd59d9a3e013d4a86e36908d97c81ba3f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637677718873566951%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=lENwIlGr0nVyzd%2BkfoCdl4Qva2JWhtDIC%2Bekjj3doTI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Executive Order 21-14</a>, effective immediately, to waive state statutes so that the data can be temporarily reported. &nbsp;The dashboard will remain active as long as 10% or more of the State’s staffed hospital beds are being used to care for coronavirus patients on a seven-day rolling average.&nbsp; The Governor made clear that the State has no plans to re-institute Directed Health Measures impacting businesses, schools, or events. &nbsp;Additionally, he encouraged Nebraskans to get vaccinated, citing the effectiveness of the vaccine to reduce the likelihood of severe cases of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization.

Video of today’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Frxgv8e5p45olldu%2FGov.%2520Press%2520Conf%25209.20.2021.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd59d9a3e013d4a86e36908d97c81ba3f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637677718873576921%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0R0ic2Pf5LenX2jCLQpS6PHRiulRqJ98YSxC43XkSyM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632227074067.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Governor RickettsGovernor Pete Ricketts recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month during a press conference at the State Capitol. &nbsp;He emphasized the need to be vigilant for signs of mental illness, especially given the rising rates of depression/anxiety occasioned by the pandemic.&nbsp; Gov. Ricketts also commended the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote mental health.“Our state has been very proactive in ensuring that Nebraskans have access to behavioral health resources,” said Gov. Ricketts. “These efforts have shown success.&nbsp; According to&nbsp;U.S. News and World Report, Nebraska ranks 4th&nbsp;nationally in mental health.&nbsp; In September, we’re spotlighting the mental health resources available to Nebraskans, as well as introducing our new suicide prevention media campaign—Nebraska Needs You.”DHHS Director of Behavioral Health, Sheri Dawson, overviewed the resources available to Nebraskans confronting mental health challenges.&nbsp; She also introduced a suicide prevention media campaign called Nebraska Needs You. &nbsp;The Kim Foundation is one of many organizations partnering with the State on the initiative.&nbsp; Kim Foundation Executive Director Julia Hebenstreit took part in this morning’s press conference to discuss ways to help and support people experiencing suicidal ideation. &nbsp;Anyone who would like to talk about their mental health—or seek help for a loved one—can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Nebraska Family Helpline at 888-866-8660.Today, Gov. Ricketts also announced the State will launch a new data dashboard at&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;to help track hospital capacity across Nebraska.&nbsp; The Governor issued&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fu6arshfuetvyfr3%2FEO%2520No.%252021-14%2520-%2520Disclosure%2520of%2520Health%2520Info%2520to%2520Facitate%2520Hospital%2520Planning.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd59d9a3e013d4a86e36908d97c81ba3f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637677718873566951%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=lENwIlGr0nVyzd%2BkfoCdl4Qva2JWhtDIC%2Bekjj3doTI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Executive Order 21-14</a>, effective immediately, to waive state statutes so that the data can be temporarily reported. &nbsp;The dashboard will remain active as long as 10% or more of the State’s staffed hospital beds are being used to care for coronavirus patients on a seven-day rolling average.&nbsp; The Governor made clear that the State has no plans to re-institute Directed Health Measures impacting businesses, schools, or events. &nbsp;Additionally, he encouraged Nebraskans to get vaccinated, citing the effectiveness of the vaccine to reduce the likelihood of severe cases of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization.Video of today’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Frxgv8e5p45olldu%2FGov.%2520Press%2520Conf%25209.20.2021.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd59d9a3e013d4a86e36908d97c81ba3f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637677718873576921%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0R0ic2Pf5LenX2jCLQpS6PHRiulRqJ98YSxC43XkSyM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts, DHHS promote mental health, suicide awareness

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts is resurrecting a version of Nebraska’s daily virus reporting dashboard website because the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has continued to rise. 

The state eliminated its daily virus dashboard in June at the same time the last of Ricketts’ emergency orders related to the pandemic were allowed to expire. 

Even though the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 remains well below last fall’s peak of 987, hospital capacity has been a concern in recent weeks because hospitals are so busy with non-COVID cases. 

Over the past week, the number of people hospitalized with the virus accounted for roughly 15% of the state’s available hospital beds.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts is resurrecting a version of Nebraska’s daily virus reporting dashboard website because the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has continued to rise. The state eliminated its daily virus dashboard in June at the same time the last of Ricketts’ emergency orders related to the pandemic were allowed to expire. Even though the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 remains well below last fall’s peak of 987, hospital capacity has been a concern in recent weeks because hospitals are so busy with non-COVID cases. Over the past week, the number of people hospitalized with the virus accounted for roughly 15% of the state’s available hospital beds.

Nebraska to report more virus stats as hospitalizations rise

Lincoln&nbsp; — Following the outbreak of two wildfires in the Panhandle, Governor Ricketts issued an emergency declaration Friday, September 17, in support of response efforts. &nbsp;

Reported only hours apart, two major wildfires broke out in Dawes and Scotts Bluff counties. 

The Post Fire located five miles south of Crawford and the Vista Trend Fire located southwest of the City of Scottsbluff. Together, both fires have burned a cumulative 8,234 acres. Currently containment is at 50 percent and 100 percent respectively.&nbsp;

Various local, state and federal resources are working together to combat a variety a challenges that come with having two significant incidents only miles from one another. A state Type III Incident Management Assistance Team deployed to each location to assist in response operations. &nbsp;

“The need for effective coordination between multiple state agencies and emergency support functions has been crucial to implementing a cohesive response to the fires occurring in the Panhandle,” said Bryan Tuma, Assistant Director of NEMA. “Sharing resources between two separate incidents in nearby areas, occurring simultaneously, can be challenging.”&nbsp;

The emergency declaration issued by Governor Ricketts allows incident commanders the flexibility to order resources necessary for the response, including resources from surrounding states. Nebraska National Guard air assets also responded. Over the course of several days, numerous sorties were flown to aid in suppression. &nbsp;

Lincoln&nbsp; — Following the outbreak of two wildfires in the Panhandle, Governor Ricketts issued an emergency declaration Friday, September 17, in support of response efforts. &nbsp;Reported only hours apart, two major wildfires broke out in Dawes and Scotts Bluff counties. The Post Fire located five miles south of Crawford and the Vista Trend Fire located southwest of the City of Scottsbluff. Together, both fires have burned a cumulative 8,234 acres. Currently containment is at 50 percent and 100 percent respectively.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632167167169.jpeg" alt="Photo by Chadron Volunteer Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Chadron Volunteer Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Various local, state and federal resources are working together to combat a variety a challenges that come with having two significant incidents only miles from one another. A state Type III Incident Management Assistance Team deployed to each location to assist in response operations. &nbsp;“The need for effective coordination between multiple state agencies and emergency support functions has been crucial to implementing a cohesive response to the fires occurring in the Panhandle,” said Bryan Tuma, Assistant Director of NEMA. “Sharing resources between two separate incidents in nearby areas, occurring simultaneously, can be challenging.”&nbsp;The emergency declaration issued by Governor Ricketts allows incident commanders the flexibility to order resources necessary for the response, including resources from surrounding states. Nebraska National Guard air assets also responded. Over the course of several days, numerous sorties were flown to aid in suppression. &nbsp;

Disaster Declaration issued for Panhandle wildfires 

Panhandle firefighters are continuing to battle the Post Fire 5 miles southwest of Crawford.&nbsp;

The fire started on Sept. 13 and has burned 5,444 acres.&nbsp;

As of 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19 the fire is 50% contained.&nbsp;

There is currently 162 fire personnel on scene assisting with the fire.&nbsp;

The pre-evacuation notice has been removed for the area between Highway 20 south and north of 4-Mile Road.&nbsp;

"We will be transitioning from the Type 3 back to a Type 4 team over the next 24 hours,"&nbsp;Wildlife Biologist -Pine Ridge Ranger District&nbsp;Erin Considine said.&nbsp;

Below is aerial footage of the fire from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency:&nbsp;

Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact the following businesses with credit card information:

3. Pine Ridge Service Center Inc (Equipment Maintenance)

Cash or checks can be mailed to Crawford Volunteer Fire Department at 3450 Hwy 20, Crawford, Nebraska, 69339.

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostPanhandle firefighters are continuing to battle the Post Fire 5 miles southwest of Crawford.&nbsp;The fire started on Sept. 13 and has burned 5,444 acres.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632156154543.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As of 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19 the fire is 50% contained.&nbsp;There is currently 162 fire personnel on scene assisting with the fire.&nbsp;The pre-evacuation notice has been removed for the area between Highway 20 south and north of 4-Mile Road.&nbsp;"We will be transitioning from the Type 3 back to a Type 4 team over the next 24 hours,"&nbsp;Wildlife Biologist -Pine Ridge Ranger District&nbsp;Erin Considine said.&nbsp;Below is aerial footage of the fire from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency:&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnema.page%2Fvideos%2F441560903909912%2F&show_text=false&width=269&t=0" width="269" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact the following businesses with credit card information:1. Saddlerock One Stop (Gas Station)2. D&amp;S Market (Grocery)3. Pine Ridge Service Center Inc (Equipment Maintenance)Cash or checks can be mailed to Crawford Volunteer Fire Department at 3450 Hwy 20, Crawford, Nebraska, 69339.

Post Fire Update: 50% contained 

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Chadron State College senior Mia MacDonald of Cheyenne, Wyoming, recently completed a graphic design internship with DHM, a landscape architect company, in its Durango, Colorado, office. MacDonald made the connection with the firm through her father, who is a civil engineer. The company, which provides planning and site design services to the National Park Service and works for municipalities and private developers, also has offices in Missoula, Montana, Carbondale, Colorado, and Denver.

Ann Christensen, DHM principal, said MacDonald’s attention to graphic design helped the firm’s plans and perspective renderings convey the desired mood and feeling to clients and the public viewing DHM’s concepts and ideas

“Her understanding of graphic representation added greater clarity, legibility, and finesse to our materials.&nbsp;Her skills with fonts, composition, and color were applicable to marketing packages, maps and diagrams,” Christensen said.&nbsp;

The major project MacDonald contributed to was the Uptown Butte, Montana, Master Plan. The plan, which was in progress before her internship started in mid-May, includes lighting, parking improvements, and public art. She used software packages such as InDesign, PhotoShop, and Illustrator to create the plan’s cover and design for each chapter. She also organized the chapters and compiled comments from public input meetings.

Additionally, she created plan renderings of two options for the proposed Three Springs Pickle Ball Court and Dog Park in Durango. Her renderings and a flyer she created were presented at a public meeting.

A third project she worked on during the three-month internship was assisting with rendering plans and creating overlays of proposed construction for a Zion National Park project that included rerouting trails and revamping the entrance.

MacDonald also worked on a wayfinding project for Lake San Cristobal, Colorado, including boat ramps and restrooms.

During the fall 2020 semester, CSC Art Professor Mary Donahue and MacDonald discussed what types of projects she might encounter during her internship with DHM and determined she could benefit from more experience with InDesign. For MacDonald’s Spring 2021 schedule, Donahue crafted an Art 400/Independent Study for her to work in InDesign on a project related to landscape architecture design. The project included a booklet, brochure, signage, and other collateral materials for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12369" target="_blank">CSC Labyrinth</a>.

“Mia’s positive attitude, openness, and willingness to learn and try new things are a big plus, as is taking the initiative to see what is out there and going for it,” Donahue said.

MacDonald said the internship helped&nbsp;her&nbsp;learn&nbsp;additional skills&nbsp;that make a visual so much crisper&nbsp;such as correct uses of white space and hierarchy techniques for readability.

“I learned more about what colors communicate and a ton about design choices and how to make them, plus a lot of new shortcuts. They are a designer’s best friend,” MacDonald said. “I felt like having knowledge of the software they use helped DHM trust me.”

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Chadron State College senior Mia MacDonald of Cheyenne, Wyoming, recently completed a graphic design internship with DHM, a landscape architect company, in its Durango, Colorado, office. MacDonald made the connection with the firm through her father, who is a civil engineer. The company, which provides planning and site design services to the National Park Service and works for municipalities and private developers, also has offices in Missoula, Montana, Carbondale, Colorado, and Denver.Ann Christensen, DHM principal, said MacDonald’s attention to graphic design helped the firm’s plans and perspective renderings convey the desired mood and feeling to clients and the public viewing DHM’s concepts and ideas<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632152965797.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College graphic design major Mia MacDonald of Cheyenne, Wyo., poses with her honorable mention string art installation Collide April 23, 2021, in Memorial Hall's Main Gallery. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College graphic design major Mia MacDonald of Cheyenne, Wyo., poses with her honorable mention string art installation Collide April 23, 2021, in Memorial Hall's Main Gallery. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Her understanding of graphic representation added greater clarity, legibility, and finesse to our materials.&nbsp;Her skills with fonts, composition, and color were applicable to marketing packages, maps and diagrams,” Christensen said.&nbsp;The major project MacDonald contributed to was the Uptown Butte, Montana, Master Plan. The plan, which was in progress before her internship started in mid-May, includes lighting, parking improvements, and public art. She used software packages such as InDesign, PhotoShop, and Illustrator to create the plan’s cover and design for each chapter. She also organized the chapters and compiled comments from public input meetings.Additionally, she created plan renderings of two options for the proposed Three Springs Pickle Ball Court and Dog Park in Durango. Her renderings and a flyer she created were presented at a public meeting.A third project she worked on during the three-month internship was assisting with rendering plans and creating overlays of proposed construction for a Zion National Park project that included rerouting trails and revamping the entrance.MacDonald also worked on a wayfinding project for Lake San Cristobal, Colorado, including boat ramps and restrooms.During the fall 2020 semester, CSC Art Professor Mary Donahue and MacDonald discussed what types of projects she might encounter during her internship with DHM and determined she could benefit from more experience with InDesign. For MacDonald’s Spring 2021 schedule, Donahue crafted an Art 400/Independent Study for her to work in InDesign on a project related to landscape architecture design. The project included a booklet, brochure, signage, and other collateral materials for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12369" target="_blank">CSC Labyrinth</a>.“Mia’s positive attitude, openness, and willingness to learn and try new things are a big plus, as is taking the initiative to see what is out there and going for it,” Donahue said.MacDonald said the internship helped&nbsp;her&nbsp;learn&nbsp;additional skills&nbsp;that make a visual so much crisper&nbsp;such as correct uses of white space and hierarchy techniques for readability.“I learned more about what colors communicate and a ton about design choices and how to make them, plus a lot of new shortcuts. They are a designer’s best friend,” MacDonald said. “I felt like having knowledge of the software they use helped DHM trust me.”

Chadron design student interns with Colorado firm

CHADRON – After more than a year, the Dawes County Travel Board has lifted its moratorium on improvement grant applications.

“Uncertainty in the travel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with outstanding commitments, prompted the Dawes County Travel Board to stop accepting Improvement grant applications,” explained Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp. “As the 2021 regular tourism season ends, the board is comfortable lifting that moratorium and will consider Improvement grants at its next meeting on Oct. 5.”

Improvement grants are designed to improve tourist attraction infrastructure in Northwest Nebraska and are funded by lodging tax collections. The Dawes County Travel Board considers Improvement grant applications four times a year – in January, April, July and October. Applications and guidelines are available for download at <a href="http://www.discovernwnebraska.com">www.discovernwnebraska.com</a> under the About tab.

The proceeds of a lodging tax on motel/hotel/campground lodging in Dawes County provide the funding for both the Promotion and Improvement funds at the county, which are authorized under the Nebraska Visitors Development Act.

CHADRON – After more than a year, the Dawes County Travel Board has lifted its moratorium on improvement grant applications.“Uncertainty in the travel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with outstanding commitments, prompted the Dawes County Travel Board to stop accepting Improvement grant applications,” explained Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp. “As the 2021 regular tourism season ends, the board is comfortable lifting that moratorium and will consider Improvement grants at its next meeting on Oct. 5.”Improvement grants are designed to improve tourist attraction infrastructure in Northwest Nebraska and are funded by lodging tax collections. The Dawes County Travel Board considers Improvement grant applications four times a year – in January, April, July and October. Applications and guidelines are available for download at <a href="http://www.discovernwnebraska.com">www.discovernwnebraska.com</a> under the About tab.The proceeds of a lodging tax on motel/hotel/campground lodging in Dawes County provide the funding for both the Promotion and Improvement funds at the county, which are authorized under the Nebraska Visitors Development Act.

Dawes County Travel Board lifts improvement grant moratorium

CHADRON – Chadron State College Assistant Professor Dr. Tawny Tibbits is a co-author of an article accepted for publication by Advances in Archaeological Science. The paper's lead author is Dr. Marieka Brouwer Burg from the University of Vermont, followed by Tibbits, and Dr. Eleanor Harrison-Buck from the University of New Hampshire. The article is titled, Advances in Geochemical Sourcing of Granite Ground Stone: Ancient Maya Artifacts from the Middle Belize Valley.

Tibbits spent three field seasons collecting outcrop data to compare the archaeological data to match artifacts to where they likely formed.

The paper analyzes how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12363" target="_blank">ground stone tools</a>, manos, and metates, can be analyzed to infer economic exchange routes and social connections. According to Tibbits, the Belize River East Archaeology permit area is an excellent region for studying how communities in Middle Belize River Valley used granite from more than one location for their ground stone tools. The area is just north of three different sources of granite: Mountain Pine Ridge, Hummingbird Ridge, and Cockscomb Basin.

During her doctoral research, Tibbits developed a method using a portable X-Ray fluorescence (pXRF) unit, which had previously been used mostly with obsidian, to assess the geochemistry of granite accurately.

"Granite from each site has a similar appearance, but the chemistry of each is distinct," said Tibbits, who is applying for grants to purchase a pXRF unit for CSC. "There is a slight visual difference. The granite from Mountain Pine Ridge tends to be a little more pink, but they are functionally the same. They're both hard granite granites. Mountain Pine Ridge seems to have been a really big a huge producer of manos and metates. It's the easiest to access. It’s not a formal quarry, but has many waterfalls and streambeds with exposed granite. Hummingbird and Cockscomb are more vegetated with dense jungle, so it's harder to access granite there.”

In the article's abstract, Tibbits and her colleagues write that ground stone tools were ubiquitous in the ancient Maya world. Their applications ranged from household tools to ceremonial equipment and beyond.

The article presents a small-scale application of pXRF for determining granite provenance. The method, developed by Tibbits, demonstrates successful and accurate geological characterizations can be made on granite ground stone tools.

Harrison-Buck is the primary investigator of the site, and as the archaeologist with the permits, she manages the Belize River East Archaeology (BREA) project where Tibbits made her unique discovery.

"They were kind enough to let me come by during my Ph.D. work and let me analyze their granite ground stone tools. I was with them for about a week in their lab outside and going out to their excavations, analyzing whatever they dug up," Tibbits said. "I zapped the granite and compared it to the outcrops, and saw where the exchange seemed to have happened. It seems like this community was a bit more complex than some other places that only have Mountain Pine Ridge granite. It seems like they have different socio-economic ties than some other communities."

Brouwer Burg, Harrison-Buck, and Tibbits plan to continue to analyze granite sources to determine why the granite moved.

"You could move because you married someone and needed to move to their village and take your tools with you or it could be through traveling merchants," Tibbits said.

The three scientists plan to submit a poster to the Society for American Archaeology for consideration to be exhibited at its annual meeting March 30-April 3, 2022, in Chicago.

"We're hoping to get some valuable feedback there about what others are thinking these days. To see how others have been answering this question as well as get a nice share of ideas. It is really complicated to figure out the 'why' behind people moving things. We're just looking at one piece of the puzzle - where the rocks ended up compared to where they started. But there are stories from mountain to deposition. We're missing a lot."

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Chadron State College Assistant Professor Dr. Tawny Tibbits is a co-author of an article accepted for publication by Advances in Archaeological Science. The paper's lead author is Dr. Marieka Brouwer Burg from the University of Vermont, followed by Tibbits, and Dr. Eleanor Harrison-Buck from the University of New Hampshire. The article is titled, Advances in Geochemical Sourcing of Granite Ground Stone: Ancient Maya Artifacts from the Middle Belize Valley.Tibbits spent three field seasons collecting outcrop data to compare the archaeological data to match artifacts to where they likely formed.The paper analyzes how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12363" target="_blank">ground stone tools</a>, manos, and metates, can be analyzed to infer economic exchange routes and social connections. According to Tibbits, the Belize River East Archaeology permit area is an excellent region for studying how communities in Middle Belize River Valley used granite from more than one location for their ground stone tools. The area is just north of three different sources of granite: Mountain Pine Ridge, Hummingbird Ridge, and Cockscomb Basin.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632148994701.jpeg" alt="A replica metate (grinding stone) and mano (tool on top) belonging to Dr. Tawny Tibbits. Research by Tibbits analyzing the chemical properties of granite from a 1,000 B.C. Maya quarry in Belize has been published in a peer-reviewed book. (Courtesy image used with permission) " />
 <figcaption>A replica metate (grinding stone) and mano (tool on top) belonging to Dr. Tawny Tibbits. Research by Tibbits analyzing the chemical properties of granite from a 1,000 B.C. Maya quarry in Belize has been published in a peer-reviewed book. (Courtesy image used with permission) </figcaption>
 </figure>During her doctoral research, Tibbits developed a method using a portable X-Ray fluorescence (pXRF) unit, which had previously been used mostly with obsidian, to assess the geochemistry of granite accurately."Granite from each site has a similar appearance, but the chemistry of each is distinct," said Tibbits, who is applying for grants to purchase a pXRF unit for CSC. "There is a slight visual difference. The granite from Mountain Pine Ridge tends to be a little more pink, but they are functionally the same. They're both hard granite granites. Mountain Pine Ridge seems to have been a really big a huge producer of manos and metates. It's the easiest to access. It’s not a formal quarry, but has many waterfalls and streambeds with exposed granite. Hummingbird and Cockscomb are more vegetated with dense jungle, so it's harder to access granite there.”In the article's abstract, Tibbits and her colleagues write that ground stone tools were ubiquitous in the ancient Maya world. Their applications ranged from household tools to ceremonial equipment and beyond.The article presents a small-scale application of pXRF for determining granite provenance. The method, developed by Tibbits, demonstrates successful and accurate geological characterizations can be made on granite ground stone tools.Harrison-Buck is the primary investigator of the site, and as the archaeologist with the permits, she manages the Belize River East Archaeology (BREA) project where Tibbits made her unique discovery."They were kind enough to let me come by during my Ph.D. work and let me analyze their granite ground stone tools. I was with them for about a week in their lab outside and going out to their excavations, analyzing whatever they dug up," Tibbits said. "I zapped the granite and compared it to the outcrops, and saw where the exchange seemed to have happened. It seems like this community was a bit more complex than some other places that only have Mountain Pine Ridge granite. It seems like they have different socio-economic ties than some other communities."Brouwer Burg, Harrison-Buck, and Tibbits plan to continue to analyze granite sources to determine why the granite moved."You could move because you married someone and needed to move to their village and take your tools with you or it could be through traveling merchants," Tibbits said.The three scientists plan to submit a poster to the Society for American Archaeology for consideration to be exhibited at its annual meeting March 30-April 3, 2022, in Chicago."We're hoping to get some valuable feedback there about what others are thinking these days. To see how others have been answering this question as well as get a nice share of ideas. It is really complicated to figure out the 'why' behind people moving things. We're just looking at one piece of the puzzle - where the rocks ended up compared to where they started. But there are stories from mountain to deposition. We're missing a lot."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632149134357.jpeg" alt="Research by Dr. Tawny Tibbits, Chadron State College Geoscience faculty member, has been published in a peer-reviewed book. Her research analyzes the chemical properties of granite from a 1,000 B.C. Maya quarry in Belize. (Cornec 2015, Tibbits 2016, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Research by Dr. Tawny Tibbits, Chadron State College Geoscience faculty member, has been published in a peer-reviewed book. Her research analyzes the chemical properties of granite from a 1,000 B.C. Maya quarry in Belize. (Cornec 2015, Tibbits 2016, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>

CSC Tibbits' research to be published

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;With funds administered from the reVISION Action Grant, the Western Nebraska Community College Nursing program will purchase two high-fidelity nursing simulators for use on the Alliance and Sidney campuses.

The manikins, called Nursing Anne Simulators, provides a life-like patient experience for students in the WNCC Nursing program.

"We can create a patient experience for our students in a simulated environment," Becky Kautz, WNCC nursing program director said. "It's a very safe place for students to learn bridging their theory to practice. The manikins have potential for a lot of different engagements related to clinical practices."

The manikins can be programmed to display symptoms of common illnesses as well as allow students to practice general diagnostics. It features realistic skin, a heartbeat, breathing, in addition to fully-articulated arms and legs. Amber Jacoby, a WNCC nursing instructor, runs the simulations for students and can customize the program to allow students to practice a wide variety of skills and procedures.

The reVISION Action Grant is intended to improve, modernize, and expand career and technical education (CTE) programs to align with Nebraska's economic priorities and workforce demands. WNCC was awarded $77,628. More than $1.3 million was awarded to 17 public schools and community colleges across the state. For more information about the grant, visit education.ne.gov/nce/action-grant/.

WNCC currently has one Nursing Anne simulator on the Scottsbluff campus. The addition of the simulators on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will allow more hands-on training for nursing students on all WNCC campuses.

Kautz also said that bringing the manikins to the Alliance and Sidney campuses will allow local hospital staff to receive more training and give high school students an inside look at the nursing program.

To learn more about the WNCC Nursing program, visit wncc.edu.

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;With funds administered from the reVISION Action Grant, the Western Nebraska Community College Nursing program will purchase two high-fidelity nursing simulators for use on the Alliance and Sidney campuses.The manikins, called Nursing Anne Simulators, provides a life-like patient experience for students in the WNCC Nursing program.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632094682473.jpeg" alt="WNCC was awarded funds from the reVISION Action grant and will purchase two Nursing Anne Simulators, like the one pictured above, for the Alliance and Sidney campuses. The simulators allow nursing students to practice real-life skills in a safe environment." />
 <figcaption>WNCC was awarded funds from the reVISION Action grant and will purchase two Nursing Anne Simulators, like the one pictured above, for the Alliance and Sidney campuses. The simulators allow nursing students to practice real-life skills in a safe environment.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We can create a patient experience for our students in a simulated environment," Becky Kautz, WNCC nursing program director said. "It's a very safe place for students to learn bridging their theory to practice. The manikins have potential for a lot of different engagements related to clinical practices."The manikins can be programmed to display symptoms of common illnesses as well as allow students to practice general diagnostics. It features realistic skin, a heartbeat, breathing, in addition to fully-articulated arms and legs. Amber Jacoby, a WNCC nursing instructor, runs the simulations for students and can customize the program to allow students to practice a wide variety of skills and procedures.The reVISION Action Grant is intended to improve, modernize, and expand career and technical education (CTE) programs to align with Nebraska's economic priorities and workforce demands. WNCC was awarded $77,628. More than $1.3 million was awarded to 17 public schools and community colleges across the state. For more information about the grant, visit education.ne.gov/nce/action-grant/.WNCC currently has one Nursing Anne simulator on the Scottsbluff campus. The addition of the simulators on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will allow more hands-on training for nursing students on all WNCC campuses.Kautz also said that bringing the manikins to the Alliance and Sidney campuses will allow local hospital staff to receive more training and give high school students an inside look at the nursing program.To learn more about the WNCC Nursing program, visit wncc.edu.

WNCC awarded grant funds to purchase nursing simulators

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A lobbying group has formed to help influence the rules Nebraska may eventually write to regulate the sale of cannabis even though Nebraska has yet to legalize cannabis use in any form.

 John Cartier, president of the Nebraska Cannabis Association said it expects some form of marijuana legalization to be approved in the state in coming years, so it makes sense to be prepared.

 Voters may have a chance in 2022 to decide several ballot initiatives that would legalize some form of marijuana use, so the state may have to start regulating the business as soon as January 2023.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A lobbying group has formed to help influence the rules Nebraska may eventually write to regulate the sale of cannabis even though Nebraska has yet to legalize cannabis use in any form. John Cartier, president of the Nebraska Cannabis Association said it expects some form of marijuana legalization to be approved in the state in coming years, so it makes sense to be prepared. Voters may have a chance in 2022 to decide several ballot initiatives that would legalize some form of marijuana use, so the state may have to start regulating the business as soon as January 2023.

State cannabis lobbying group forms even as drug's illegal

News Release Nebraska Department of Transportation


During the month of August 2021, nine
people were killed in traffic crashes on Nebraska roadways, according
to data collected by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559737258290.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska Department of Transportation
During the month of August 2021, nine
people were killed in traffic crashes on Nebraska roadways, according
to data collected by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.<ul>
 <li>These
	9 fatalities occurred in 9 fatal crashes.
</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>
	Five of the six vehicle occupants
	killed were not using seatbelts, one was using a seatbelt, and zero
	had seatbelt usage marked as unknown.
</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Five
	of the fatalities were in rural locations*.
	</li><li>There
	were zero fatalities on the interstate, one on other highways, and
	eight on local roads.
	</li><li>One
	of the fatalities was a pedestrian.
	</li><li>Two
	of the fatalities were motorcyclists.
</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632140858581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><ul>
 <li>There
	were 25 fatalities in August of 2020.
</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Only
	34 of the 116 vehicle occupants killed during 2021 were using
	seatbelts.
</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The
	Federal Highway Administration definition for urban is an area with
	a population of 5,000 or more.
</li>
 </ul>

9 people killed on Nebraska roads in August

After 72 hours fighting the Post Fire, fire managers are reporting 15% containment as of 7 a.m. today. The Incident Management Assistance Team remains on location, assisting local resources with the response.

At this time, the pre-evacuation order for the City of Crawford is no longer in effect. Residents located south of Hwy 20 should remain alert and vigilant to changing conditions. The recommended evacuation order for anyone south of 4-Mile Road remains in effect.

Fire managers are prepared for combating warmer weather with relative humidity in the middle teens. High winds are expected to come through the area with gusts up to 30 mph.

Please take extra caution when traveling in the Crawford area. Increased fire engine traffic should be expected.

By Nebraska Forest ServiceAfter 72 hours fighting the Post Fire, fire managers are reporting 15% containment as of 7 a.m. today. The Incident Management Assistance Team remains on location, assisting local resources with the response.At this time, the pre-evacuation order for the City of Crawford is no longer in effect. Residents located south of Hwy 20 should remain alert and vigilant to changing conditions. The recommended evacuation order for anyone south of 4-Mile Road remains in effect.Fire managers are prepared for combating warmer weather with relative humidity in the middle teens. High winds are expected to come through the area with gusts up to 30 mph.Please take extra caution when traveling in the Crawford area. Increased fire engine traffic should be expected.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632096007632.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact the following businesses with credit card information:1. Saddlerock One Stop (Gas Station)2. D&amp;S Market (Grocery)3. Pine Ridge Service Center Inc (Equipment Maintenance)Cash or checks can be mailed to Crawford Volunteer Fire Department at 3450 Hwy 20, Crawford, Nebraska, 69339.

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