The events on Sept. 11, 2001, shook America and world. This year marks its 20th anniversary.&nbsp;

As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, former KCOW News Director Kevin Horn shares his memories of that day as it unfolded on the air and behind the scenes.

Horn was KCOW News Director with Eagle Communications from 1999 through 2014.&nbsp; "It was an interesting day because I woke up at 5:15 a.m. and turned KCOW on," Horn said. "Jason [Wentworth] was the morning show host back then, even 20 years ago. He broke in [on-air] around 5:30 a.m. to offer an announcement from the sheriff that a couple of young people had ran away from this youth facility that used to be up at the 16-mile corner off Highway 87 and the 62A spur. That was going to be the top story of the day. I said to myself, well this is going to be an interesting news day. An hour and 15, 20 minutes that all changed." An ABC News hourly update was aired on KCOW at 7 a.m. Doug Limerick was the&nbsp;news correspondent for ABC at the time.&nbsp; "He was probably one of the best national radio announcers for news that I have ever heard," Horn said. "He even filled in for Paul Harvey when he could. Anyway, he said this airplane had hit the Twin Towers in New York city and he didn't have a lot of details. It had only happened about 15 minutes prior to him being on the air. I'm thinking it must have been someone flying a small airplane that lost their navigation or maybe the airplane died while he was flying it. I'm thinking something like that, never in my wildest dreams did I think it was a huge airliner that was&nbsp;deliberately flown into a building." Horn said after ABC News he went on air for 12 to 15 minutes to do his newscast. "Then I turned the TV on I had in my office and then you really saw just how horrible this was," Horn said. "Already the networks had received people who were able to video it. Well then we actually did see what the second plane had done. It became real obvious that this was a deliberate attack and this whole day was going to be focused on New York. We, of course, heard about the flying of the plane into the Pentagon at the state capital in Washington and then the crash in Pennsylvania. Now you're thinking, gosh, are they going to attack the nation's capitol? Are they going to fly something into the White House? I never worried about us in western Nebraska, but then you start thinking the worst. Are they going to hit Los Angeles? Are they going to hit something in Chicago like the Sears Tower? That's how I remember the early, first hour or hour and a half of the day."

Horn said KCOW and Double Q Country stayed with the ABC News coverage the entire day on-air.&nbsp; "Jason really was on the ball," Horn said. "He immediately hooked up to a full-coverage satellite from ABC. We just switched all of our programming over to ABC for the day. What I do remember on Double Q Country [105.9 FM/97.5 FM] was, since that was a satellite music service, they changed and it was full news. They had totally changed their programming; we couldn't play any commercials. None of the commercials could play because they weren't sending the tones to play the commercials on the automated system on Double Q Country. So I went into the studio after 11 a.m. and started playing the commercials by hand because if you don't play the commercials, you don't bill the client. I only had one person call the station really angry about that,&nbsp;criticizing us for doing so. But, it was a decision I made at the time, whether it was right, wrong or indifferent, I still haven't decided to this day." Horn said one of the things he remembers most that day was many people in the community went to the gas station for fuel.&nbsp; "All of the sudden these rumors got started, not only around Alliance, but around the state and probably across the country that gas was going to go up to over $5 a gallon," Horn said. "People bought into that. The gas stations in Alliance had these huge long lines. I took my car out to Martha's gas station at Third and Flack. I was like the fifteenth person in line. The thing too that I remember was not many people were sitting in their cars waiting to get the gas. They were outside their cars talking to each other. I just always viewed that as some sort of intense immediate therapy that people needed to talk to each other. They weren't concerned about getting gas as much as just visiting with each other." Horn said WESTCO CEO David Briggs came to KCOW the next morning to talk about the gas scare and calm people down.&nbsp; "All of his communication with his suppliers was that gas was not going to go up to over $5 a gallon," Horn said. "And it never did." Panhandle Post asked Horn how he felt covering the 9/11 story from a local angle.&nbsp; "I really didn't do much locally that I recall because the network coverage was so intense," Horn said. "Even 20 years ago, there were a lot of TV networks that took care of all that. We didn't alter our news programming. The next day we did our full 15 minutes of news and 10 minutes of sports at 7 a.m. on KCOW and Double Q Country." Horn said he interviewed one person about 9/11.&nbsp; "I interviewed Bob Watt who was always one of my favorite recollection people," Horn said. "He had a great memory. I asked him to compare it to Pearl Harbor. He was a young man when Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941 when that killed over 3,000 people — 9/11 killed well over 2,000 people. Of course, the big difference was the information was so much slower in 1941 than it was in 2001. He's the only person I really remember interviewing about 9/11 and getting some reaction."&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe events on Sept. 11, 2001, shook America and world. This year marks its 20th anniversary.&nbsp;As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, former KCOW News Director Kevin Horn shares his memories of that day as it unfolded on the air and behind the scenes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631044486164.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Horn was KCOW News Director with Eagle Communications from 1999 through 2014.&nbsp; "It was an interesting day because I woke up at 5:15 a.m. and turned KCOW on," Horn said. "Jason [Wentworth] was the morning show host back then, even 20 years ago. He broke in [on-air] around 5:30 a.m. to offer an announcement from the sheriff that a couple of young people had ran away from this youth facility that used to be up at the 16-mile corner off Highway 87 and the 62A spur. That was going to be the top story of the day. I said to myself, well this is going to be an interesting news day. An hour and 15, 20 minutes that all changed." An ABC News hourly update was aired on KCOW at 7 a.m. Doug Limerick was the&nbsp;news correspondent for ABC at the time.&nbsp; "He was probably one of the best national radio announcers for news that I have ever heard," Horn said. "He even filled in for Paul Harvey when he could. Anyway, he said this airplane had hit the Twin Towers in New York city and he didn't have a lot of details. It had only happened about 15 minutes prior to him being on the air. I'm thinking it must have been someone flying a small airplane that lost their navigation or maybe the airplane died while he was flying it. I'm thinking something like that, never in my wildest dreams did I think it was a huge airliner that was&nbsp;deliberately flown into a building." Horn said after ABC News he went on air for 12 to 15 minutes to do his newscast. "Then I turned the TV on I had in my office and then you really saw just how horrible this was," Horn said. "Already the networks had received people who were able to video it. Well then we actually did see what the second plane had done. It became real obvious that this was a deliberate attack and this whole day was going to be focused on New York. We, of course, heard about the flying of the plane into the Pentagon at the state capital in Washington and then the crash in Pennsylvania. Now you're thinking, gosh, are they going to attack the nation's capitol? Are they going to fly something into the White House? I never worried about us in western Nebraska, but then you start thinking the worst. Are they going to hit Los Angeles? Are they going to hit something in Chicago like the Sears Tower? That's how I remember the early, first hour or hour and a half of the day."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631038876655.png" alt="The World Trade Center burns in the background of New York City’s Empire State Building, Sept. 11, 2001. Both World Trade Center towers were attacked as a result of a highly coordinated al-Qaida plot. U.S. Department of Defense photo" />
 <figcaption>The World Trade Center burns in the background of New York City’s Empire State Building, Sept. 11, 2001. Both World Trade Center towers were attacked as a result of a highly coordinated al-Qaida plot. U.S. Department of Defense photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Horn said KCOW and Double Q Country stayed with the ABC News coverage the entire day on-air.&nbsp; "Jason really was on the ball," Horn said. "He immediately hooked up to a full-coverage satellite from ABC. We just switched all of our programming over to ABC for the day. What I do remember on Double Q Country [105.9 FM/97.5 FM] was, since that was a satellite music service, they changed and it was full news. They had totally changed their programming; we couldn't play any commercials. None of the commercials could play because they weren't sending the tones to play the commercials on the automated system on Double Q Country. So I went into the studio after 11 a.m. and started playing the commercials by hand because if you don't play the commercials, you don't bill the client. I only had one person call the station really angry about that,&nbsp;criticizing us for doing so. But, it was a decision I made at the time, whether it was right, wrong or indifferent, I still haven't decided to this day." Horn said one of the things he remembers most that day was many people in the community went to the gas station for fuel.&nbsp; "All of the sudden these rumors got started, not only around Alliance, but around the state and probably across the country that gas was going to go up to over $5 a gallon," Horn said. "People bought into that. The gas stations in Alliance had these huge long lines. I took my car out to Martha's gas station at Third and Flack. I was like the fifteenth person in line. The thing too that I remember was not many people were sitting in their cars waiting to get the gas. They were outside their cars talking to each other. I just always viewed that as some sort of intense immediate therapy that people needed to talk to each other. They weren't concerned about getting gas as much as just visiting with each other." Horn said WESTCO CEO David Briggs came to KCOW the next morning to talk about the gas scare and calm people down.&nbsp; "All of his communication with his suppliers was that gas was not going to go up to over $5 a gallon," Horn said. "And it never did." Panhandle Post asked Horn how he felt covering the 9/11 story from a local angle.&nbsp; "I really didn't do much locally that I recall because the network coverage was so intense," Horn said. "Even 20 years ago, there were a lot of TV networks that took care of all that. We didn't alter our news programming. The next day we did our full 15 minutes of news and 10 minutes of sports at 7 a.m. on KCOW and Double Q Country." Horn said he interviewed one person about 9/11.&nbsp; "I interviewed Bob Watt who was always one of my favorite recollection people," Horn said. "He had a great memory. I asked him to compare it to Pearl Harbor. He was a young man when Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941 when that killed over 3,000 people — 9/11 killed well over 2,000 people. Of course, the big difference was the information was so much slower in 1941 than it was in 2001. He's the only person I really remember interviewing about 9/11 and getting some reaction."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former KCOW news director Horn reflects on 9/11 anniversary 

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

Since the 1960s, America has made major strides in poverty reduction. Yet there are still 40 million people living in poverty in the United States. Poverty would be twice as high if not for government assistance programs.

These government programs help low-income people so their basic needs are met. The federal government provides the funding, while states administer them (and may provide additional funds). Most of these have been discussed in more detail in earlier articles for the Poverty Task Force, but it is time for a quick review.

Assistance programs are based on a family’s level of need, usually based on their income. Recipients must prove their income is below a set amount based on the federal poverty level, which is recalculated every year. Most programs also require you to be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Many of these safety net programs have been expanded during the COVID crisis.

A major problem in America is food insecurity, not having enough nutritious food to stay healthy. For food insecurity, the government provides SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Program, formerly called food stamps. Recipients can get an EBT card which they use to buy groceries. In addition to SNAP, women with young children qualify for WIC benefits. WIC provides food or vouchers, education, and referrals to help feed pregnant women and children up to age six. Free breakfast and lunch programs are offered to children in public schools.

Housing assistance helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities get into affordable rental housing, either private or government-owned. The Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8, pays landlords the rent amount that exceeds 30 percent of the family income. There is also the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides weatherization services and assistance paying utility bills.

Health care is available to low-income families through the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. Families in poverty qualify for free or low-cost health care through Medicaid, and retired people are insured through Medicare. Child’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers free or low-cost medical, dental, and vision care to uninsured kids up to age 19 whose family income is above Medicaid’s limit but below the state CHIP limit. CHIP covers hospital care, medical supplies, and tests.

These major government programs focus on the basic needs of food, housing, and health care. Other financial assistance is available to groups with special needs.

Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) provides cash to low-income seniors and adults and children with disabilities. SSI helps elderly, blind, and disabled buy food, clothing, and shelter.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs provide cash for a limited time to low-income families working toward self-sufficiency. TANF also offers non-cash benefits like child care assistance or job training. People who receive TANF are expected to get a job within two years, when benefits end.

Head Start is a free or reduced cost program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services. Head Start is offered to low-income children, prenatal to 5 years old, and their families.

The Department of Education runs the Federal Pell Grant Program to promote postsecondary education (college and trade school) for students from low-income households. Grants are similar to scholarships and do not need to be repaid.

The federal government has made increases to the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, allowing low-income families to pay less in income tax and have more money to support their needs.

Each state operates an unemployment benefits program which pays a cash amount if you lose your job through no fault of your own.

If you are struggling, remember that you are among millions who are the reason the government provides these safety net programs. If you need assistance applying, contact the Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) office, 1028 E 3rd St, Alliance, 762-4523; or the Health and Human Services (DHHS) office, 411 Black Hills Ave, Alliance, 763-2900

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceSince the 1960s, America has made major strides in poverty reduction. Yet there are still 40 million people living in poverty in the United States. Poverty would be twice as high if not for government assistance programs.These government programs help low-income people so their basic needs are met. The federal government provides the funding, while states administer them (and may provide additional funds). Most of these have been discussed in more detail in earlier articles for the Poverty Task Force, but it is time for a quick review.Assistance programs are based on a family’s level of need, usually based on their income. Recipients must prove their income is below a set amount based on the federal poverty level, which is recalculated every year. Most programs also require you to be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Many of these safety net programs have been expanded during the COVID crisis.A major problem in America is food insecurity, not having enough nutritious food to stay healthy. For food insecurity, the government provides SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Program, formerly called food stamps. Recipients can get an EBT card which they use to buy groceries. In addition to SNAP, women with young children qualify for WIC benefits. WIC provides food or vouchers, education, and referrals to help feed pregnant women and children up to age six. Free breakfast and lunch programs are offered to children in public schools.Housing assistance helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities get into affordable rental housing, either private or government-owned. The Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8, pays landlords the rent amount that exceeds 30 percent of the family income. There is also the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides weatherization services and assistance paying utility bills.Health care is available to low-income families through the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. Families in poverty qualify for free or low-cost health care through Medicaid, and retired people are insured through Medicare. Child’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers free or low-cost medical, dental, and vision care to uninsured kids up to age 19 whose family income is above Medicaid’s limit but below the state CHIP limit. CHIP covers hospital care, medical supplies, and tests.These major government programs focus on the basic needs of food, housing, and health care. Other financial assistance is available to groups with special needs.Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) provides cash to low-income seniors and adults and children with disabilities. SSI helps elderly, blind, and disabled buy food, clothing, and shelter.Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs provide cash for a limited time to low-income families working toward self-sufficiency. TANF also offers non-cash benefits like child care assistance or job training. People who receive TANF are expected to get a job within two years, when benefits end.Head Start is a free or reduced cost program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services. Head Start is offered to low-income children, prenatal to 5 years old, and their families.The Department of Education runs the Federal Pell Grant Program to promote postsecondary education (college and trade school) for students from low-income households. Grants are similar to scholarships and do not need to be repaid.The federal government has made increases to the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, allowing low-income families to pay less in income tax and have more money to support their needs.Each state operates an unemployment benefits program which pays a cash amount if you lose your job through no fault of your own.If you are struggling, remember that you are among millions who are the reason the government provides these safety net programs. If you need assistance applying, contact the Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) office, 1028 E 3rd St, Alliance, 762-4523; or the Health and Human Services (DHHS) office, 411 Black Hills Ave, Alliance, 763-2900

Poverty In Our Area: Government programs for low income families

OMAHA, Neb.-For the 21st straight year, student enrollment at the University of Nebraska Medical Center set a record high with 4,387 students enrolled for the 2021-2022 school year. This represents an increase of 148 students, or 3.5% over last year's record of 4,239.&nbsp;

International student enrollment is up by 21% over last fall, which is a full recovery from the drop in international enrollment last year due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.&nbsp;

“We are experiencing an historical interest and demand in the health professions like never before as these unprecedented times demonstrate our determination and strength,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, UNMC chancellor. “More than ever before, health care professionals are demonstrating the critical part they play in our lives. The increased demand in our programs demonstrates the confidence and trust these future health professionals put in us to enable them to provide Nebraskans access to quality health care.”&nbsp;

Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the enrollment increase demonstrates the ongoing strong interest, demand and responsiveness of the colleges and institutes to meeting the health care workforce needs of Nebraska and the U.S.&nbsp;

“This year, we added a new occupational therapy doctoral program and saw further expansion of our public health masters programs,” Dr. Davies said. “The increased enrollment also reflects the continued expansion of our biomedical research programs with more graduate students now enrolled than we have ever had, supporting our world-class faculty in enabling the scientific discoveries that improve the lives of Nebraskans and our nation.”&nbsp;

College of Dentistry The College of Dentistry admitted&nbsp;54&nbsp; dental students and&nbsp;24&nbsp; dental hygiene students. The total student enrollment is&nbsp;311, including&nbsp;44&nbsp;post-graduate students. Of the incoming dental students,&nbsp;32&nbsp;are from rural areas and&nbsp;22&nbsp;are from cities. For dental hygiene, it’s&nbsp;12&nbsp;rural and&nbsp;12&nbsp;urban students.&nbsp;There were&nbsp;623&nbsp;applications for the&nbsp;54&nbsp;slots in this year’s dental class.&nbsp;

College of Medicine There are&nbsp;132&nbsp;new students entering their first year of medical school, bringing the total enrollment to&nbsp;519, which includes&nbsp;40&nbsp;students in the MD/PhD Scholars Program. The new students in the college, about&nbsp;80%&nbsp;of whom are Nebraska residents, were selected from a total of&nbsp;1,908&nbsp;applicants. In addition, there are&nbsp;636&nbsp;resident physicians (house officers) training at UNMC.&nbsp;

College of Nursing The College of Nursing enrolled&nbsp;1,080&nbsp;students across UNMC’s five campuses in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Scottsbluff and Norfolk. This includes 729 students in the bachelor’s in nursing program, 143 students in the master’s in nursing program,&nbsp;171 students in the doctor of nursing practice program (DNP) and 30 post-graduate certificate students.&nbsp;Enrollment in the DNP program grew by 6% over 2020.&nbsp;

College of Pharmacy The college admitted&nbsp;46&nbsp; students, with an average GPA of&nbsp;3.59. Of these new students,&nbsp;87%&nbsp;are Nebraska residents with&nbsp;88%&nbsp;from rural areas. The new students bring the total enrollment in the four-year program to&nbsp;230&nbsp;students.&nbsp;

College of Public Health Enrollment for the College of Public Health’s professional programs tops&nbsp;316, an increase of&nbsp;15.3%&nbsp;over last year’s&nbsp;274&nbsp;students. This year’s students include&nbsp;288&nbsp;master’s degree students and&nbsp;28&nbsp;certificate/non-degree students. Of the&nbsp;109&nbsp;incoming students,&nbsp;38%&nbsp;are residents of Nebraska. Non-resident students are represented by&nbsp;40&nbsp;different states.&nbsp;

College of Allied Health Professions A total of&nbsp;743&nbsp;students are enrolled in the college, including online students. Campus-based enrollment increased by&nbsp;8%&nbsp;over&nbsp;2020-21, and about&nbsp;15%&nbsp;over the past three years. The college has students in&nbsp;20&nbsp;different programs.&nbsp;

Graduate Studies Graduate Studies enrollment is&nbsp;562&nbsp;students which represents a&nbsp;14% increase&nbsp;over last fall.&nbsp;Graduate Studies offers advanced instruction leading to master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in fields ranging from basic biomedical sciences to public health to patient-oriented research. Among all UNMC graduate students,&nbsp;85%&nbsp;are enrolled in PhD programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Munroe-Meyer Institute Munroe-Meyer Institute is providing interdisciplinary training, course work and practicum experiences in research and patient care to&nbsp;365&nbsp;students enrolled in undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs from universities in Nebraska and across the country, including UNMC. There are&nbsp;245&nbsp;new trainees this year. This includes&nbsp;24&nbsp;master's level students,&nbsp;24&nbsp;doctoral level students,&nbsp;21&nbsp;interns and&nbsp;16&nbsp;post-doctoral fellows. (Since most students participating in these programs are enrolled at other University of Nebraska institutions and are not UNMC students, they are not counted in UNMC enrollment numbers.)&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631111141700.png" alt="nurse-good.png" />
 <figcaption>nurse-good.png</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb.-For the 21st straight year, student enrollment at the University of Nebraska Medical Center set a record high with 4,387 students enrolled for the 2021-2022 school year. This represents an increase of 148 students, or 3.5% over last year's record of 4,239.&nbsp;International student enrollment is up by 21% over last fall, which is a full recovery from the drop in international enrollment last year due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.&nbsp;“We are experiencing an historical interest and demand in the health professions like never before as these unprecedented times demonstrate our determination and strength,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, UNMC chancellor. “More than ever before, health care professionals are demonstrating the critical part they play in our lives. The increased demand in our programs demonstrates the confidence and trust these future health professionals put in us to enable them to provide Nebraskans access to quality health care.”&nbsp;Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the enrollment increase demonstrates the ongoing strong interest, demand and responsiveness of the colleges and institutes to meeting the health care workforce needs of Nebraska and the U.S.&nbsp;“This year, we added a new occupational therapy doctoral program and saw further expansion of our public health masters programs,” Dr. Davies said. “The increased enrollment also reflects the continued expansion of our biomedical research programs with more graduate students now enrolled than we have ever had, supporting our world-class faculty in enabling the scientific discoveries that improve the lives of Nebraskans and our nation.”&nbsp;College of Dentistry The College of Dentistry admitted&nbsp;54&nbsp; dental students and&nbsp;24&nbsp; dental hygiene students. The total student enrollment is&nbsp;311, including&nbsp;44&nbsp;post-graduate students. Of the incoming dental students,&nbsp;32&nbsp;are from rural areas and&nbsp;22&nbsp;are from cities. For dental hygiene, it’s&nbsp;12&nbsp;rural and&nbsp;12&nbsp;urban students.&nbsp;There were&nbsp;623&nbsp;applications for the&nbsp;54&nbsp;slots in this year’s dental class.&nbsp;College of Medicine There are&nbsp;132&nbsp;new students entering their first year of medical school, bringing the total enrollment to&nbsp;519, which includes&nbsp;40&nbsp;students in the MD/PhD Scholars Program. The new students in the college, about&nbsp;80%&nbsp;of whom are Nebraska residents, were selected from a total of&nbsp;1,908&nbsp;applicants. In addition, there are&nbsp;636&nbsp;resident physicians (house officers) training at UNMC.&nbsp;College of Nursing The College of Nursing enrolled&nbsp;1,080&nbsp;students across UNMC’s five campuses in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Scottsbluff and Norfolk. This includes 729 students in the bachelor’s in nursing program, 143 students in the master’s in nursing program,&nbsp;171 students in the doctor of nursing practice program (DNP) and 30 post-graduate certificate students.&nbsp;Enrollment in the DNP program grew by 6% over 2020.&nbsp;College of Pharmacy The college admitted&nbsp;46&nbsp; students, with an average GPA of&nbsp;3.59. Of these new students,&nbsp;87%&nbsp;are Nebraska residents with&nbsp;88%&nbsp;from rural areas. The new students bring the total enrollment in the four-year program to&nbsp;230&nbsp;students.&nbsp;College of Public Health Enrollment for the College of Public Health’s professional programs tops&nbsp;316, an increase of&nbsp;15.3%&nbsp;over last year’s&nbsp;274&nbsp;students. This year’s students include&nbsp;288&nbsp;master’s degree students and&nbsp;28&nbsp;certificate/non-degree students. Of the&nbsp;109&nbsp;incoming students,&nbsp;38%&nbsp;are residents of Nebraska. Non-resident students are represented by&nbsp;40&nbsp;different states.&nbsp;College of Allied Health Professions A total of&nbsp;743&nbsp;students are enrolled in the college, including online students. Campus-based enrollment increased by&nbsp;8%&nbsp;over&nbsp;2020-21, and about&nbsp;15%&nbsp;over the past three years. The college has students in&nbsp;20&nbsp;different programs.&nbsp;Graduate Studies Graduate Studies enrollment is&nbsp;562&nbsp;students which represents a&nbsp;14% increase&nbsp;over last fall.&nbsp;Graduate Studies offers advanced instruction leading to master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in fields ranging from basic biomedical sciences to public health to patient-oriented research. Among all UNMC graduate students,&nbsp;85%&nbsp;are enrolled in PhD programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Munroe-Meyer Institute Munroe-Meyer Institute is providing interdisciplinary training, course work and practicum experiences in research and patient care to&nbsp;365&nbsp;students enrolled in undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs from universities in Nebraska and across the country, including UNMC. There are&nbsp;245&nbsp;new trainees this year. This includes&nbsp;24&nbsp;master's level students,&nbsp;24&nbsp;doctoral level students,&nbsp;21&nbsp;interns and&nbsp;16&nbsp;post-doctoral fellows. (Since most students participating in these programs are enrolled at other University of Nebraska institutions and are not UNMC students, they are not counted in UNMC enrollment numbers.)&nbsp;

U. of Nebraska Med Center sees record enrollment for 21st year

LEWELLEN, Neb.-A man wanted for murder in New Jersey and Washington D.C. was arrested at Lake McConaughy over the weekend.

According to the Logan County, Colorado Sheriff's Office, on Sept. 1, members of the Logan County Sheriffs Office assigned to the US Marshals Violent Offender Task Force received information from the US Marshals in New Jersey that Luis Carranza-Andrade was in the Lewellen, area and wanted for murder charges stemming from a homicide in New Jersey.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Authorities were also informed he was a suspect in a homicide in Washington DC. 

 Members of the US Marshals VOTF responded to Marina Landing on the north side of Lake McConaughy and subsequently arrested the individual without incident at a residence he was working at. 

 The Garden County Sheriffs Office, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Keith County Sheriffs Office assisted in the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631107665585.png" alt="Luis-Carranza" />
 <figcaption>Luis-Carranza</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson North Platte PostLEWELLEN, Neb.-A man wanted for murder in New Jersey and Washington D.C. was arrested at Lake McConaughy over the weekend.According to the Logan County, Colorado Sheriff's Office, on Sept. 1, members of the Logan County Sheriffs Office assigned to the US Marshals Violent Offender Task Force received information from the US Marshals in New Jersey that Luis Carranza-Andrade was in the Lewellen, area and wanted for murder charges stemming from a homicide in New Jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities were also informed he was a suspect in a homicide in Washington DC. Members of the US Marshals VOTF responded to Marina Landing on the north side of Lake McConaughy and subsequently arrested the individual without incident at a residence he was working at. The Garden County Sheriffs Office, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Keith County Sheriffs Office assisted in the arrest.

Man wanted for East Coast murders arrested at Lake McConaughy

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are working under a fast-approaching deadline to come up with new political maps that they’ll consider in a special session that begins next week, but they haven't yet offered any specific plans for redrawing legislative and congressional districts. 

Members of the Legislature’s Redistricting Committee spent the day Tuesday answering questions from other lawmakers and toiling behind the scenes on individual maps for the panel to consider.

 The committee faces a Friday deadline to release its proposed maps to the public, an unusually tight time window caused by the delay of U.S. census population numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are working under a fast-approaching deadline to come up with new political maps that they’ll consider in a special session that begins next week, but they haven't yet offered any specific plans for redrawing legislative and congressional districts. Members of the Legislature’s Redistricting Committee spent the day Tuesday answering questions from other lawmakers and toiling behind the scenes on individual maps for the panel to consider. The committee faces a Friday deadline to release its proposed maps to the public, an unusually tight time window caused by the delay of U.S. census population numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Deadline approaching fast for Nebraska district proposals

The 37th annual Willow Tree Festival in Gordon will be held Sept. 11 and 12.&nbsp;

There will be many arts and craft vendors, and musical acts throughout the weekend. For more information on the festival visit&nbsp;<a href="https://willowtreefestival.wordpress.com/">https://willowtreefestival.wordpress.com/</a>

One button will admit you to both days of festival activities.

Advance Purchase:&nbsp;Adults $10.00, Youth 5-18 $2.00

At the Gate:&nbsp;Adults $12.00, Youth 5-18 $3.00

Buttons may be purchased in advance at:

Gordon:&nbsp;First National Bank, Grocery Mart, Chamber of Commerce, Stockmen’s Drug, Gordon Memorial Hospital, Kut &amp; Kurl, Gordon Vision Center

Other Sites:&nbsp;Security First Bank in Merriman, Rushville, Chadron, Martin, Cody, Hay Springs, and Crawford. Vision Center in Chadron. Chamber of Commerce in Alliance and Chadron. Sandhill Oil in Hyannis

The Wichita Lineman – A Tribute to Glen Campbell starring Carl Acuff Jr.

Sisters from the Outlaw Trail – Nebraska Outlaws

Sisters from the Outlaw Trail – Women’s Stories

Sisters from he Outlaw Trail – Women’s Stories

The 37th annual Willow Tree Festival in Gordon will be held Sept. 11 and 12.&nbsp;There will be many arts and craft vendors, and musical acts throughout the weekend. For more information on the festival visit&nbsp;<a href="https://willowtreefestival.wordpress.com/">https://willowtreefestival.wordpress.com/</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631045395142.jpeg" alt="Photo by Kalin Krohe" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kalin Krohe</figcaption>
 </figure>One button will admit you to both days of festival activities.Advance Purchase:&nbsp;Adults $10.00, Youth 5-18 $2.00At the Gate:&nbsp;Adults $12.00, Youth 5-18 $3.00Buttons may be purchased in advance at:Gordon:&nbsp;First National Bank, Grocery Mart, Chamber of Commerce, Stockmen’s Drug, Gordon Memorial Hospital, Kut &amp; Kurl, Gordon Vision CenterOther Sites:&nbsp;Security First Bank in Merriman, Rushville, Chadron, Martin, Cody, Hay Springs, and Crawford. Vision Center in Chadron. Chamber of Commerce in Alliance and Chadron. Sandhill Oil in HyannisGazebo Stage schedule:Saturday, Sept. 1110:00 – 10:45Daniel Martinez10:55 – 11:40Eric Engerbretson11:50 – 12:35The Wichita Lineman – A Tribute to Glen Campbell starring Carl Acuff Jr.12:45 – 1:30Dennis Warner1:40 – 2:25Eric Engerbretson2:35 – 3:15The Wichita Lineman – A Tribute to Glen Campbell starring Carl Acuff Jr.3:25 – 4:05Dennis Warner4:15 – 5:00Daniel MartinezCommunity Stage:&nbsp;10:00 – 10:45Scott and Josh Fernau10:55 – 11:40Sisters from the Outlaw Trail – Nebraska Outlaws11:50 – 12:35Carol Markstrom12:45 – 1:30Sheridan County Players1:40 – 2:25Sisters from the Outlaw Trail – Women’s Stories2:35 – 3:15Scott and Josh Fernau3:25 – 4:05Meng Dynasty4:15 – 5:00Carol MarkstromChildren's Stage:&nbsp;10:00 – 10:45Michael Fitzsimmons10:55 – 11:40Tulip and Friends11:50 – 12:35Bruce’s Colorful Magic12:45 – 1:30Jared Fernau1:40 – 2:20Michael Fitzsimmons2:30 – 3:10Tulip and Friends3:20 – 4:00Bruce’s Colorful Magic4:10 – 4:50Jared FernauSunday, Sept. 12Gazebo Stage:9:00 – 9:50Church Service10:00 – 10:40The Wichita Lineman – A Tribute to Glen Campbell starring Carl Acuff Jr.10:50 – 11:30Dennis Warner11:40 – 12:20Daniel Martinez12:30 – 1:10Eric Engerbretson1:15 – 1:55Dennis Warner2:00 – 2:35Daniel Martinez2:40 – 3:20Eric Engerbretson3:25 – 4:00The Wichita Lineman – A Tribute to Glen Campbell starring Carl Acuff Jr.Community Stage:&nbsp;9:00 – 9:50Church Service at Gazebo10:00 – 10:40Carol Markstrom10:50 – 11:30Scott and Josh Fernau11:40 – 12:20Sisters from the Outlaw Trail – Nebraska Outlaws12:30 – 1:10Carol Markstrom1:15 – 1:55Sheridan County Players2:00 – 2:35Scott and Josh Fernau2:40 – 3:20Sisters from he Outlaw Trail – Women’s Stories3:35 – 4:00Meng DynastyChildren's Stage:10:00 – 10:40Bruce’s Colorful Magic10:50 – 11:30Michael Fitzsimmons11:40 – 12:20Tulip and Friends12:30 – 1:10Jared Fernau1:20 – 2:00Bruce’s Colorful Magic2:10 – 2:50Michael Fitzsimmons3:00 – 3:40Tulip and Friends3:50 – 4:30Jared Fernau

Willow Tree Festival in Gordon schedule 

The Chadron Volunteer Fire Department continues to fight a fire south of the city on Highway 385, east of Chadron State Park.&nbsp;

Chadron fire crews were called to the 23 acre fire at 12:53 a.m. on Sept. 6.&nbsp;

"We did have a fire investigator come to confirm that it was a lightening strike,"&nbsp;Chadron Fire Chief Branden Martens said. "It would have been from the Friday night lightening that came through. It just got into some punky wood and hung out there for awhile. The winds kind of came up two nights ago and that's what helped stir it around."

Martens said nine trucks from Chadron and four forest service trucks assisted with the fire. He also said the SEAT plane out of Chadron made a drop on the fire.&nbsp;

"We pulled out last night at 8 p.m.," Martens said. "We have crews on it right now, still too. It's not 100% out, but we're working that way right now. We've got a pretty good grasp on it. We're fighting some hot spots and things like that today. We had 30 MPH winds yesterday for a couple hours so that was good, bad...it helped show face to a lot of things that are still hot."

Below is a video of the Chadron SEAT plane:

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe Chadron Volunteer Fire Department continues to fight a fire south of the city on Highway 385, east of Chadron State Park.&nbsp;Chadron fire crews were called to the 23 acre fire at 12:53 a.m. on Sept. 6.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631029922828.jpeg" alt="Photos by Chadron Volunteer Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Chadron Volunteer Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>"We did have a fire investigator come to confirm that it was a lightening strike,"&nbsp;Chadron Fire Chief Branden Martens said. "It would have been from the Friday night lightening that came through. It just got into some punky wood and hung out there for awhile. The winds kind of came up two nights ago and that's what helped stir it around."Martens said nine trucks from Chadron and four forest service trucks assisted with the fire. He also said the SEAT plane out of Chadron made a drop on the fire.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631029952912.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We pulled out last night at 8 p.m.," Martens said. "We have crews on it right now, still too. It's not 100% out, but we're working that way right now. We've got a pretty good grasp on it. We're fighting some hot spots and things like that today. We had 30 MPH winds yesterday for a couple hours so that was good, bad...it helped show face to a lot of things that are still hot."Below is a video of the Chadron SEAT plane:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F104921104621512%2Fvideos%2F195985145930644%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" 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><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631029968965.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Chadron Fire Department fights fire east of Chadron State Park

News Release Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

Authorities have identified the man who drowned at Maui Lake as Brandan Freeman, 21, of North Platte.

A GoFundMe account has been established to help with Brandan's final expenses. You can find the account <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-brandans-funeral-expenses?member=13804259&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

Brandan's obituary can be viewed <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/498175d2-4d29-43b6-bd3b-c5a83feef2e9">HERE</a>.

On Sept. 5, at 8:35 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center received a call of a subject drowning at Fremont Slough Wildlife Area. 

 This lake is commonly called Maui Lake and is located just east of North Platte along Interstate 80. 

  The caller advised a male subject was duck hunting and swam out to get a downed bird.  The subject went underwater and never surfaced.  

Deputies, Conservation Officers with Nebraska Game and Parks, North Platte Fire and Rescue and the Lincoln County Dive Team responded to the scene. 

 Divers worked with Game and Parks to attempt to locate the missing person, but their efforts were hampered because of darkness and the search was called off for the evening.   

On September 6, 2021, the above personnel met back at the lake to resume the search. 

At approximately 8:30 a.m., members of the Lincoln County Dive Team recovered the body of the missing subject. 

  The name of the subject is being withheld until Sept. 7, pending notification of relatives. 

 The case is accidental and no foul play is suspected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630956077154.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Lincoln County Sheriff's OfficeUpdate Sept. 7, 2:20 p.m.Authorities have identified the man who drowned at Maui Lake as Brandan Freeman, 21, of North Platte.A GoFundMe account has been established to help with Brandan's final expenses. You can find the account <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-brandans-funeral-expenses?member=13804259&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">HERE</a>.&nbsp;Brandan's obituary can be viewed <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/498175d2-4d29-43b6-bd3b-c5a83feef2e9">HERE</a>.On Sept. 5, at 8:35 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center received a call of a subject drowning at Fremont Slough Wildlife Area. This lake is commonly called Maui Lake and is located just east of North Platte along Interstate 80. The caller advised a male subject was duck hunting and swam out to get a downed bird. The subject went underwater and never surfaced. Deputies, Conservation Officers with Nebraska Game and Parks, North Platte Fire and Rescue and the Lincoln County Dive Team responded to the scene. Divers worked with Game and Parks to attempt to locate the missing person, but their efforts were hampered because of darkness and the search was called off for the evening. On September 6, 2021, the above personnel met back at the lake to resume the search. At approximately 8:30 a.m., members of the Lincoln County Dive Team recovered the body of the missing subject. The name of the subject is being withheld until Sept. 7, pending notification of relatives. The case is accidental and no foul play is suspected.

UPDATED Authorities ID man who drowned at interstate lake near North Platte 

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Area high school juniors and seniors and their parents/guardians are invited to learn more about their college options at the Scottsbluff Educational Planning Program (EPP), from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., September 8, in the John N. Harms Center on the Western Nebraska Community College Scottsbluff Campus. The EPP is sponsored by the Nebraska Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

Representatives from more than 40 colleges, universities, and military branches will be attending. The purpose of the program is to give high school students and their parents/guardians an opportunity to discuss admission requirements, housing, financial aid, scholarships, internships, and specific majors.

"This event is a wonderful opportunity for our local students and their parents to be exposed to dozens of colleges and universities as they begin to think about their future after high school," said Jolene Martin, WNCC interim admissions director. "WNCC is excited to host this college fair, and we look forward to meeting with everyone who attends."

A representative from EducationQuest Foundation will be there to provide information and resources to Nebraska students about scholarship searching and financial aid.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact WNCC Admissions at 308-635-6010 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admissions@wncc.edu" target="_blank">admissions@wncc.edu</a>.

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Area high school juniors and seniors and their parents/guardians are invited to learn more about their college options at the Scottsbluff Educational Planning Program (EPP), from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., September 8, in the John N. Harms Center on the Western Nebraska Community College Scottsbluff Campus. The EPP is sponsored by the Nebraska Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.Representatives from more than 40 colleges, universities, and military branches will be attending. The purpose of the program is to give high school students and their parents/guardians an opportunity to discuss admission requirements, housing, financial aid, scholarships, internships, and specific majors."This event is a wonderful opportunity for our local students and their parents to be exposed to dozens of colleges and universities as they begin to think about their future after high school," said Jolene Martin, WNCC interim admissions director. "WNCC is excited to host this college fair, and we look forward to meeting with everyone who attends."A representative from EducationQuest Foundation will be there to provide information and resources to Nebraska students about scholarship searching and financial aid.The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact WNCC Admissions at 308-635-6010 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admissions@wncc.edu" target="_blank">admissions@wncc.edu</a>.

WNCC hosting Educational Planning Program for local high school students

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise again in South Dakota, although hospital officials say they’re still holding their own on capacity. 

Although the western part of the state is seeing the biggest spike in numbers, cases in northeastern South Dakota are also on the rise. 

The South Dakota Department of Health on Friday reported 230 hospitalizations due to the coronavirus, the highest number since January. 

The Aberdeen American News reports that the vast majority of new patients are unvaccinated. 

Sanford Health Aberdeen Executive Director Ashley Erickson says the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 is increasing locally, but the hospital is ready.

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise again in South Dakota, although hospital officials say they’re still holding their own on capacity. Although the western part of the state is seeing the biggest spike in numbers, cases in northeastern South Dakota are also on the rise. The South Dakota Department of Health on Friday reported 230 hospitalizations due to the coronavirus, the highest number since January. The Aberdeen American News reports that the vast majority of new patients are unvaccinated. Sanford Health Aberdeen Executive Director Ashley Erickson says the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 is increasing locally, but the hospital is ready.

South Dakota says it's managing COVID-19 patients, for now

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Some parents and teachers in Rapid City have been questioning why school board leaders decided not to apply for a $30,000 grant that would help immigrant students learn to speak English.

 One school board representative said that if the district accepted the federal grant, it would give the green light for more immigrants to move to Rapid City. 

Fred Meyer, a ninth-grade world history and geography teacher at Stevens High School, said that sends a message that the school district doesn't support the immigrant community.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Some parents and teachers in Rapid City have been questioning why school board leaders decided not to apply for a $30,000 grant that would help immigrant students learn to speak English. One school board representative said that if the district accepted the federal grant, it would give the green light for more immigrants to move to Rapid City. Fred Meyer, a ninth-grade world history and geography teacher at Stevens High School, said that sends a message that the school district doesn't support the immigrant community.

Some question Rapid City vote on grant for English learners

The Friends of the Chadron Public Library are holding their monthly book sale at the Annex next to the library on Friday, Sept. 10 and Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$5 for a grocery bag or equivalent of books, with items like CD's, DVD's and&nbsp; video games only $1. VHS are tapes free. 

 If you only want a book or two they are asking simply for a voluntary contribution.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631027284663.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Friends of the Chadron Public Library are holding their monthly book sale at the Annex next to the library on Friday, Sept. 10 and Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is a bag sale. $5 for a grocery bag or equivalent of books, with items like CD's, DVD's and&nbsp; video games only $1. VHS are tapes free. If you only want a book or two they are asking simply for a voluntary contribution.&nbsp;

Friends of Chadron Public Library to hold book sale 

Twenty years ago, the United States suffered the terrorist attacks of 9/11.&nbsp; No one old enough to remember that day will ever forget it.&nbsp; It was surreal to watch the Twin Towers collapse and heartbreaking to see images of first responders covered head to toe in dust, searching through the debris in Manhattan.

The 9/11 attacks claimed 2,977 innocent lives.&nbsp; The casualties included a number of individuals with ties to Nebraska.&nbsp;

These are just a few of the men and women with Nebraska connections who perished on 9/11.&nbsp; While mourning their loss, Nebraskans have kept their memories alive.&nbsp; Jennifer Dorsey-Howley’s family and friends generously donated funds to renovate the Lincoln Southeast High School Performing Arts Center, which is named in Jennifer’s honor.&nbsp; UNL retired the jersey of Julie Geis and gives an annual softball scholarship in her name each year.&nbsp; St. Boniface Catholic School in Elgin awards a scholarship in memory of Captain Larry Getzfred.&nbsp; Friends of Monte Hord spearheaded an effort to place a memorial clock in Central City as a tribute to him and to all of the victims of 9/11.&nbsp;

In 2001, Columbus resident Dennis Hirschbrunner worked for a firm with connections to the City of New York’s Department of Sanitation.&nbsp; He leveraged these relationships to get access to steel beams from the Twin Towers.&nbsp; A flatbed truck from Behlen Manufacturing Company hauled the beams back to Nebraska, where Jim Hellbusch at Duo Lift led a team that welded them together to create the Freedom Memorial at Pawnee Park.&nbsp;

As terrible as 9/11 was, we also remember that day as an amazing display of American courage and bravery.&nbsp; Firefighters heroically ran&nbsp;into&nbsp;the burning towers and up stairways to perform rescues.&nbsp; First responders selflessly tended to the wounded, even as they struggled to breathe themselves due to the clouds of dust and ash.&nbsp; Passengers on Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to prevent hijackers from flying the plane into the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp; These stories of courage have become part of our collective memory, and they’ll inspire generations of Americans.

Joe Lemm was one of the Nebraskans who helped respond to the 9/11 tragedy.&nbsp; Joe had played high school football in Beemer, graduated, and joined the Air Force. &nbsp;After the service, he became an officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD). &nbsp;For weeks after 9/11, Lemm worked with his fellow NYPD officers, even when off duty, to dig through the rubble in search of survivors.

After 9/11, being one of New York’s finest wasn’t enough service for Joe. &nbsp;He joined the Air National Guard. &nbsp;In December 2015, on his third combat deployment, he was killed near Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber. &nbsp;His life displayed the highest ideals of what it means to be a Nebraskan—bravery, service, and sacrifice.&nbsp;

On this anniversary of 9/11, we also remember all of the brave women and men who gave their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014) and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (2015-2021).&nbsp; This includes Marine Corporal Daegan Page, the 23-year-old Millard South graduate who died defending freedom last month in Kabul.&nbsp; Daegan’s sacrifice, and the dedicated service of heroes like him, have prevented terrorists from perpetrating additional attacks on the United States.

We can’t let the tragic and disastrous withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan overshadow the valor of our troops.&nbsp; Their mission has not been in vain. &nbsp;They’ve protected the U.S. and our allies, while rooting out terrorist networks across the globe.

The United States is the greatest nation on earth because of the dedication of those who bravely step up to protect our country.&nbsp; Both at home and abroad, Americans make tremendous sacrifices in the interest of our national security and public safety.&nbsp; We’re blessed by the thousands of patriots—past and present—who have served in the Armed Forces, Homeland Security, national intelligence community, law enforcement, and as first responders.&nbsp; The families of these courageous men and women serve alongside them and offer invaluable support.&nbsp; On Patriot Day, let’s express gratitude to our friends and neighbors who’ve served in these capacities.

Our greatness depends on our character and willingness to pull together to overcome challenges.&nbsp; After 9/11, Americans came together as one to grieve, heal, and respond to our enemies.&nbsp; On the 20th&nbsp;anniversary of 9/11, let’s remember that “united we stand” and renew our commitment to seek patriotic unity and to reach out to our neighbors to reestablish friendships that may have been lost.

By Gov. Pete Ricketts&nbsp;Twenty years ago, the United States suffered the terrorist attacks of 9/11.&nbsp; No one old enough to remember that day will ever forget it.&nbsp; It was surreal to watch the Twin Towers collapse and heartbreaking to see images of first responders covered head to toe in dust, searching through the debris in Manhattan.The 9/11 attacks claimed 2,977 innocent lives.&nbsp; The casualties included a number of individuals with ties to Nebraska.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Jennifer Dorsey-Howley, a graduate of Lincoln Southeast, worked at Aon Corporation on the 92nd&nbsp;floor of the South Tower.&nbsp; She was married and five months pregnant with her first child at the time of the attacks.</li><li>Julie Geis, a native of Beaver Crossing, played shortstop for the Husker softball team from 1976-1979 and earned her doctorate from UNL.&nbsp; She worked for Aon Corporation and was on the 102nd&nbsp;floor of the South Tower.</li><li>Navy Captain Larry Getzfred of Elgin, a married father of two daughters, was on duty at Pentagon’s Navy Command Center.</li><li>Monte Hord of Central City was a UNL grad and married father of three. &nbsp;A vice president for Cantor Fitzgerald, he was on the 104th&nbsp;floor of the North Tower.</li><li>Jerrold Paskins, a graduate of Omaha Central High School and UNO, was married with a son.&nbsp; He had traveled to New York City from his home in California to conduct an insurance audit and was temporarily working out of the Twin Towers.</li>
 </ul>These are just a few of the men and women with Nebraska connections who perished on 9/11.&nbsp; While mourning their loss, Nebraskans have kept their memories alive.&nbsp; Jennifer Dorsey-Howley’s family and friends generously donated funds to renovate the Lincoln Southeast High School Performing Arts Center, which is named in Jennifer’s honor.&nbsp; UNL retired the jersey of Julie Geis and gives an annual softball scholarship in her name each year.&nbsp; St. Boniface Catholic School in Elgin awards a scholarship in memory of Captain Larry Getzfred.&nbsp; Friends of Monte Hord spearheaded an effort to place a memorial clock in Central City as a tribute to him and to all of the victims of 9/11.&nbsp;In 2001, Columbus resident Dennis Hirschbrunner worked for a firm with connections to the City of New York’s Department of Sanitation.&nbsp; He leveraged these relationships to get access to steel beams from the Twin Towers.&nbsp; A flatbed truck from Behlen Manufacturing Company hauled the beams back to Nebraska, where Jim Hellbusch at Duo Lift led a team that welded them together to create the Freedom Memorial at Pawnee Park.&nbsp;As terrible as 9/11 was, we also remember that day as an amazing display of American courage and bravery.&nbsp; Firefighters heroically ran&nbsp;into&nbsp;the burning towers and up stairways to perform rescues.&nbsp; First responders selflessly tended to the wounded, even as they struggled to breathe themselves due to the clouds of dust and ash.&nbsp; Passengers on Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to prevent hijackers from flying the plane into the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp; These stories of courage have become part of our collective memory, and they’ll inspire generations of Americans.Joe Lemm was one of the Nebraskans who helped respond to the 9/11 tragedy.&nbsp; Joe had played high school football in Beemer, graduated, and joined the Air Force. &nbsp;After the service, he became an officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD). &nbsp;For weeks after 9/11, Lemm worked with his fellow NYPD officers, even when off duty, to dig through the rubble in search of survivors.After 9/11, being one of New York’s finest wasn’t enough service for Joe. &nbsp;He joined the Air National Guard. &nbsp;In December 2015, on his third combat deployment, he was killed near Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber. &nbsp;His life displayed the highest ideals of what it means to be a Nebraskan—bravery, service, and sacrifice.&nbsp;On this anniversary of 9/11, we also remember all of the brave women and men who gave their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014) and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (2015-2021).&nbsp; This includes Marine Corporal Daegan Page, the 23-year-old Millard South graduate who died defending freedom last month in Kabul.&nbsp; Daegan’s sacrifice, and the dedicated service of heroes like him, have prevented terrorists from perpetrating additional attacks on the United States.We can’t let the tragic and disastrous withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan overshadow the valor of our troops.&nbsp; Their mission has not been in vain. &nbsp;They’ve protected the U.S. and our allies, while rooting out terrorist networks across the globe.The United States is the greatest nation on earth because of the dedication of those who bravely step up to protect our country.&nbsp; Both at home and abroad, Americans make tremendous sacrifices in the interest of our national security and public safety.&nbsp; We’re blessed by the thousands of patriots—past and present—who have served in the Armed Forces, Homeland Security, national intelligence community, law enforcement, and as first responders.&nbsp; The families of these courageous men and women serve alongside them and offer invaluable support.&nbsp; On Patriot Day, let’s express gratitude to our friends and neighbors who’ve served in these capacities.Our greatness depends on our character and willingness to pull together to overcome challenges.&nbsp; After 9/11, Americans came together as one to grieve, heal, and respond to our enemies.&nbsp; On the 20th&nbsp;anniversary of 9/11, let’s remember that “united we stand” and renew our commitment to seek patriotic unity and to reach out to our neighbors to reestablish friendships that may have been lost.

Gov. Ricketts: Remembering 9/11, renewing our patriotism

The kidneys may be called the Rodney Dangerfield of the body, as they often “don’t get no respect.” The National Kidney Foundation estimates that one in three adult Americans are at risk for kidney disease, yet these organs are mostly ignored unless they develop stones or stop working.

When healthy, kidneys work continuously at their main job of filtering blood to remove unwanted products and help produce urine. Kidneys clean approximately 200 liters of blood each day removing up to two liters of toxins, waste, and water in the process. Perhaps less well known is the fact that the kidneys are essential for many other functions in the body as well, including managing blood pressure and preventing anemia.

Kidneys release the hormone renin which is part of the complex renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, or RAAS, instrumental in helping regulate blood pressure. RAAS regulates sodium and potassium absorption in the kidneys and balances fluid and electrolyte levels in the body, all of which have a direct impact on blood pressure.

When treating patients whose blood pressure does not respond to medications, heart doctors will examine RAAS function. They may also order an ultrasound of the kidneys. Sometimes this reveals a narrowing of the artery going into the kidneys which may be responsible for treatment-resistant high blood pressure.

Kidneys also secrete a hormone called erythropoietin which acts on bone marrow to help the body produce red blood cells. Without this hormone, people can develop anemia.

Vitamin D is converted to its active form by the kidneys allowing the body to use the vitamin to its advantage. Thanks to the kidneys, vitamin D helps balance calcium and phosphorus absorbed from the foods we eat. Without enough calcium, people can develop weakening of the bones and muscles.

Kidneys complete these and many other functions so efficiently that a healthy person can donate one and the remaining kidney will do the work of two. They work hard to help us, so let’s do our fair share to help them. If you have diabetes, work to control it as best you can because high blood sugars can damage your kidneys. And one thing all of us can do for our kidneys is to stay hydrated.

There is no doubt that kidneys deserve more respect. Talk to your doctor about blood tests or urine tests to check your kidney’s health and functionality. Kidneys…let’s show them some respect!

Jill Kruse, D.O. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show celebrating its twentieth season of truthful, tested, and timely medical information streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

By Jill Kruse, D.O.The kidneys may be called the Rodney Dangerfield of the body, as they often “don’t get no respect.” The National Kidney Foundation estimates that one in three adult Americans are at risk for kidney disease, yet these organs are mostly ignored unless they develop stones or stop working.When healthy, kidneys work continuously at their main job of filtering blood to remove unwanted products and help produce urine. Kidneys clean approximately 200 liters of blood each day removing up to two liters of toxins, waste, and water in the process. Perhaps less well known is the fact that the kidneys are essential for many other functions in the body as well, including managing blood pressure and preventing anemia.Kidneys release the hormone renin which is part of the complex renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, or RAAS, instrumental in helping regulate blood pressure. RAAS regulates sodium and potassium absorption in the kidneys and balances fluid and electrolyte levels in the body, all of which have a direct impact on blood pressure.When treating patients whose blood pressure does not respond to medications, heart doctors will examine RAAS function. They may also order an ultrasound of the kidneys. Sometimes this reveals a narrowing of the artery going into the kidneys which may be responsible for treatment-resistant high blood pressure.Kidneys also secrete a hormone called erythropoietin which acts on bone marrow to help the body produce red blood cells. Without this hormone, people can develop anemia.Vitamin D is converted to its active form by the kidneys allowing the body to use the vitamin to its advantage. Thanks to the kidneys, vitamin D helps balance calcium and phosphorus absorbed from the foods we eat. Without enough calcium, people can develop weakening of the bones and muscles.Kidneys complete these and many other functions so efficiently that a healthy person can donate one and the remaining kidney will do the work of two. They work hard to help us, so let’s do our fair share to help them. If you have diabetes, work to control it as best you can because high blood sugars can damage your kidneys. And one thing all of us can do for our kidneys is to stay hydrated.There is no doubt that kidneys deserve more respect. Talk to your doctor about blood tests or urine tests to check your kidney’s health and functionality. Kidneys…let’s show them some respect!Jill Kruse, D.O. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show celebrating its twentieth season of truthful, tested, and timely medical information streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Prairie Doc Perspectives: Kidney’s don’t get no respect

LINCOLN&nbsp;– Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement in observance of Labor Day:

“This Labor Day marks exactly 18 months since the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Nebraska on March 6, 2020.&nbsp; Over the past year and a half, our state has powered through the pandemic by working hard and looking after one another.&nbsp; Nurses, doctors, and so many other medical professionals have stepped up to provide care to Nebraskans. &nbsp;Our farm and ranch families have once again showed their grit and endurance during the pandemic by raising the crops and livestock we need to feed the world.&nbsp; Small businesses across the state have found creative ways to keep moving forward and serving their customers.”

“On Labor Day, we celebrate everyone working to grow Nebraska and keep our state healthy and strong. &nbsp;This year, we can celebrate that the Good Life is thriving thanks to the determination of hardworking Nebraskans.”

“Susanne, the kids, and I wish everyone a restful Labor Day weekend.&nbsp; If you’re traveling, buckle up and stay alert behind the wheel.&nbsp; We want everyone who travels over Labor Day to make it home safely.”

On Labor Day, Governor Ricketts will participate in the SeptemberFest parade in Omaha and the Labor Day parade in Schuyler.&nbsp; Additional details about the Governor’s schedule will be made available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.governor.nebraska.gov</a>.

LINCOLN&nbsp;– Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement in observance of Labor Day:“This Labor Day marks exactly 18 months since the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Nebraska on March 6, 2020.&nbsp; Over the past year and a half, our state has powered through the pandemic by working hard and looking after one another.&nbsp; Nurses, doctors, and so many other medical professionals have stepped up to provide care to Nebraskans. &nbsp;Our farm and ranch families have once again showed their grit and endurance during the pandemic by raising the crops and livestock we need to feed the world.&nbsp; Small businesses across the state have found creative ways to keep moving forward and serving their customers.”“On Labor Day, we celebrate everyone working to grow Nebraska and keep our state healthy and strong. &nbsp;This year, we can celebrate that the Good Life is thriving thanks to the determination of hardworking Nebraskans.”“Susanne, the kids, and I wish everyone a restful Labor Day weekend.&nbsp; If you’re traveling, buckle up and stay alert behind the wheel.&nbsp; We want everyone who travels over Labor Day to make it home safely.”On Labor Day, Governor Ricketts will participate in the SeptemberFest parade in Omaha and the Labor Day parade in Schuyler.&nbsp; Additional details about the Governor’s schedule will be made available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.governor.nebraska.gov</a>.

Gov. Ricketts’ Labor Day statement

LINCOLN, Neb. – A fish die-off occurred this week at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area in southwest Nebraska.

White bass made up the majority of the approximately 1,500 dead fish documented Sept. 2 along the west shoreline. Other species observed in lower numbers were wiper, gizzard shard, yellow perch and common carp.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission collected a live white bass for testing to help determine stressors potentially related to the die-off. Game and Parks staff will continue to monitor the situation with additional mortality potential in the coming days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630930672162.png" alt="Photo: Nebraska Game and Parks" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Nebraska Game and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – A fish die-off occurred this week at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area in southwest Nebraska.White bass made up the majority of the approximately 1,500 dead fish documented Sept. 2 along the west shoreline. Other species observed in lower numbers were wiper, gizzard shard, yellow perch and common carp.The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission collected a live white bass for testing to help determine stressors potentially related to the die-off. Game and Parks staff will continue to monitor the situation with additional mortality potential in the coming days.

Fish die-off reported at Sutherland Reservoir

LINCOLN, Neb. – Starting this fall, a new Special Landowner Deer Season gives a qualifying landowner a three-day season on their own property preceding the regular firearm deer season.

The $8 Special Landowner Deer Permit is valid only for the three-day season: Nov. 6-8, 2021. It is not valid for the November firearm season and it may not be used as a Limited Landowner Permit.

A landowner may not apply for or purchase more than one Special Landowner Deer Permit per calendar year.

The qualifying landowner may buy up to four of these permits to designate themselves or immediate family to hunt on his or her property on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the opening of the November firearm deer season, and no more than two permits can be issued to persons older than age 19 and two permits to persons younger than 19.

More details about the permit and season:

• The bag limit is one whitetail or mule deer of either sex. The permit counts against the two-buck permit maximum.

• Only weapons legal for archery and firearm seasons may be used.

• Permits are valid only on the land owned or leased by the qualifying landowner that is listed on the permit.

• Resident qualifying landowners must own or lease at least 80 acres of farm or ranch land used for agricultural purpose. No more than one permit can be issued per 80 acres of land owned or leased.

• Nonresident qualifying landowners must own at least 320 acres of farm or ranch land used for agricultural purpose. Leased land does not qualify. No more than one permit can be issued per 320 acres.

• Land leased for hunting or recreational purposes does not qualify for landowner permits.

• Applications are online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MjUuNDUwNDkxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvbGFuZG93bmVycGVybWl0cy8ifQ.cQaIixJmkRyHG64eTeAHeLKmFGTQHMwEvw6Ge5hHWWs/s/1372948182/br/111421885017-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/landownerpermits</a>&nbsp;and must be mailed or brought into Nebraska Game and Parks Commission district offices to complete permit purchases.

• Those holding Limited Landowner or Antlerless Only permits may hunt Nov. 6-8 using archery equipment only; firearms are not permitted.

The Special Landowner Deer Season was created by the passage of LB 126 in the Nebraska Legislature’s 2020 session.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MjUuNDUwNDkxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.0KeuyH2fse04WvtEHwVQm7BO9eCGtH1DcWUWX1JAtHM/s/1372948182/br/111421885017-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;or read the Nebraska Big Game Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MjUuNDUwNDkxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMvIn0.6DDojhxujmMwEG0id2NnNbGY1mf8_tBx5AwBdbk56U8/s/1372948182/br/111421885017-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/Guides</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559644784556.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – Starting this fall, a new Special Landowner Deer Season gives a qualifying landowner a three-day season on their own property preceding the regular firearm deer season.The $8 Special Landowner Deer Permit is valid only for the three-day season: Nov. 6-8, 2021. It is not valid for the November firearm season and it may not be used as a Limited Landowner Permit.A landowner may not apply for or purchase more than one Special Landowner Deer Permit per calendar year.The qualifying landowner may buy up to four of these permits to designate themselves or immediate family to hunt on his or her property on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the opening of the November firearm deer season, and no more than two permits can be issued to persons older than age 19 and two permits to persons younger than 19.More details about the permit and season:• The bag limit is one whitetail or mule deer of either sex. The permit counts against the two-buck permit maximum.• Only weapons legal for archery and firearm seasons may be used.• Permits are valid only on the land owned or leased by the qualifying landowner that is listed on the permit.• Resident qualifying landowners must own or lease at least 80 acres of farm or ranch land used for agricultural purpose. No more than one permit can be issued per 80 acres of land owned or leased.• Nonresident qualifying landowners must own at least 320 acres of farm or ranch land used for agricultural purpose. Leased land does not qualify. No more than one permit can be issued per 320 acres.• Land leased for hunting or recreational purposes does not qualify for landowner permits.• Applications are online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MjUuNDUwNDkxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvbGFuZG93bmVycGVybWl0cy8ifQ.cQaIixJmkRyHG64eTeAHeLKmFGTQHMwEvw6Ge5hHWWs/s/1372948182/br/111421885017-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/landownerpermits</a>&nbsp;and must be mailed or brought into Nebraska Game and Parks Commission district offices to complete permit purchases.• Those holding Limited Landowner or Antlerless Only permits may hunt Nov. 6-8 using archery equipment only; firearms are not permitted.The Special Landowner Deer Season was created by the passage of LB 126 in the Nebraska Legislature’s 2020 session.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MjUuNDUwNDkxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.0KeuyH2fse04WvtEHwVQm7BO9eCGtH1DcWUWX1JAtHM/s/1372948182/br/111421885017-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;or read the Nebraska Big Game Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MjUuNDUwNDkxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMvIn0.6DDojhxujmMwEG0id2NnNbGY1mf8_tBx5AwBdbk56U8/s/1372948182/br/111421885017-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/Guides</a>.

Nebraska to have special Landowner Deer Season

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem wants to pass tougher abortion restrictions in South Dakota, after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed a Texas law banning most abortions in that state to go forward.

 The Texas law prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, usually around six weeks and before many women know they’re pregnant. 

Noem says in light of that, she's directing her office to immediately review the laws and make sure that South Dakota has the toughest abortion restrictions in the books.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem wants to pass tougher abortion restrictions in South Dakota, after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed a Texas law banning most abortions in that state to go forward. The Texas law prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, usually around six weeks and before many women know they’re pregnant. Noem says in light of that, she's directing her office to immediately review the laws and make sure that South Dakota has the toughest abortion restrictions in the books.

With Texas as model, Noem seeks more abortion restrictions in South Dakota

SCOTTSBLUFF- Hod Kosman, Chairman, President and CEO of Platte Valley Financial Service Companies, Inc. announced today that Mountain Valley Bank has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cache Bank &amp; Trust. The acquisition agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of each of Mountain Valley Bank and Cache Bank &amp; Trust but is subject to approval of bank regulators as well as the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Mountain Valley Bank will acquire substantially all deposits, loans, and the full service locations in Greeley and Fort Collins, Colorado.

Mountain Valley Bank President Wade Gebhardt commented, “We are pleased to add these communities to our Mountain Valley Bank operations and we are excited to continue delivering the exceptional customer service the customers of Cache Bank &amp; Trust have always received. Our companies share the same belief that people are at the center of how we do business. The synergy of like beliefs paired with additional forms and delivery of services will be an added benefit to their customers. Additionally, Mountain Valley Bank customers located in the Front Range will realized the added conveniences of two additional locations.”

Mr. Kosman commented, “We are excited to add two additional full service locations in the Front Range. This expansion will allow us to better serve our growing Colorado customer base with traditional banking services and also expanded services like trust, insurance and investments.”

Byron Bateman, President and CEO of Cache Bank &amp; Trust, added, “Cache Bank &amp; Trust is grateful to the Greeley and Fort Collins communities for their past support. We believe this new agreement with Mountain Valley Bank will be a positive opportunity for our employee team and customers.”

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

GLC Advisors &amp; Co., LLC acted as financial advisor to Mountain Valley Bank and Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP acted as its legal advisor in the transaction. Spierer Woodward Corbalis Goldberg acted as its legal advisor to Cache Bank &amp; Trust.

SCOTTSBLUFF- Hod Kosman, Chairman, President and CEO of Platte Valley Financial Service Companies, Inc. announced today that Mountain Valley Bank has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cache Bank &amp; Trust. The acquisition agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of each of Mountain Valley Bank and Cache Bank &amp; Trust but is subject to approval of bank regulators as well as the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Mountain Valley Bank will acquire substantially all deposits, loans, and the full service locations in Greeley and Fort Collins, Colorado.Mountain Valley Bank President Wade Gebhardt commented, “We are pleased to add these communities to our Mountain Valley Bank operations and we are excited to continue delivering the exceptional customer service the customers of Cache Bank &amp; Trust have always received. Our companies share the same belief that people are at the center of how we do business. The synergy of like beliefs paired with additional forms and delivery of services will be an added benefit to their customers. Additionally, Mountain Valley Bank customers located in the Front Range will realized the added conveniences of two additional locations.”Mr. Kosman commented, “We are excited to add two additional full service locations in the Front Range. This expansion will allow us to better serve our growing Colorado customer base with traditional banking services and also expanded services like trust, insurance and investments.”Byron Bateman, President and CEO of Cache Bank &amp; Trust, added, “Cache Bank &amp; Trust is grateful to the Greeley and Fort Collins communities for their past support. We believe this new agreement with Mountain Valley Bank will be a positive opportunity for our employee team and customers.”The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.GLC Advisors &amp; Co., LLC acted as financial advisor to Mountain Valley Bank and Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP acted as its legal advisor in the transaction. Spierer Woodward Corbalis Goldberg acted as its legal advisor to Cache Bank &amp; Trust.

Mountain Valley Bank announces purchase agreement for Cache Bank & Trust

Alliance – The Alliance Public Library will be hosting an Art Workshop for our adult patrons age 18 and older. Local artist Rachelle Eversole will be instructing a step-by-step painting class on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

The registration fee is $35, and this includes all materials and instruction. Space is limited, so pre-registration and pre-payment is required for this class by Wednesday, Sept. 15. 

Please sign up at the circulation desk or call (308) 762-1387.

For more information, please contact Emily Nelson at (308) 762-1387, or email at enelson@cityofalliance.net

Alliance – The Alliance Public Library will be hosting an Art Workshop for our adult patrons age 18 and older. Local artist Rachelle Eversole will be instructing a step-by-step painting class on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The registration fee is $35, and this includes all materials and instruction. Space is limited, so pre-registration and pre-payment is required for this class by Wednesday, Sept. 15. Please sign up at the circulation desk or call (308) 762-1387.For more information, please contact Emily Nelson at (308) 762-1387, or email at enelson@cityofalliance.net

Art workshop to be held at Alliance Public Library

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state education officials have halted their plans for new health education standards after criticism from some parents and conservative family-values groups that the content was sexually inappropriate. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the State Board of Education voted 5-1 Friday to indefinitely postpone the standards, with one member abstaining. 

The standards were non-binding recommendations, so local schools could simply have ignored them, but opponents still railed against the proposal. 

The new resolution the board passed says members will determine an appropriate time to address health education standards after considering the status of the pandemic, the needs of local children, schools and communities.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state education officials have halted their plans for new health education standards after criticism from some parents and conservative family-values groups that the content was sexually inappropriate. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the State Board of Education voted 5-1 Friday to indefinitely postpone the standards, with one member abstaining. The standards were non-binding recommendations, so local schools could simply have ignored them, but opponents still railed against the proposal. The new resolution the board passed says members will determine an appropriate time to address health education standards after considering the status of the pandemic, the needs of local children, schools and communities.

State ed board halts plans for Nebraska health standards

PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) — Police say a man is in custody after he exchanged gunfire with officers from the Oglala Sioux Tribe after a standoff that lasted several hours. 

Oglala Sioux Police Chief Algin Young says officers got a call about gunshots in Pine Ridge on Thursday afternoon and arrived to find a man with a gun who refused to cooperate. 

Young says the man went into his home and wouldn't listen to law enforcement. 

After several hours, he came out and shot at officers, who returned fire.

 Young says the man was shot and arrested. 

PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) — Police say a man is in custody after he exchanged gunfire with officers from the Oglala Sioux Tribe after a standoff that lasted several hours. Oglala Sioux Police Chief Algin Young says officers got a call about gunshots in Pine Ridge on Thursday afternoon and arrived to find a man with a gun who refused to cooperate. Young says the man went into his home and wouldn't listen to law enforcement. After several hours, he came out and shot at officers, who returned fire. Young says the man was shot and arrested. No officers were injured. The FBI is investigating.

Officers exchange gunfire with man in Pine Ridge standoff

LINCOLN — As the Nebraska football team returns to action at Memorial Stadium, Nebraska State Troopers will be on patrol to help keep fans safe as they make their way to Husker home games this season.

“After a season without fans at Memorial Stadium last year, we know there are tens of thousands of fans ready to pack the stadium this season,” said Captain Sean Caradori, Commander of Troop H. “With an early kickoff time this Saturday, traffic will likely be heavy on Interstate 180 headed into downtown Lincoln. We encourage fans to use alternate routes such as Highway 6 or Rosa Parks Way to make their way into downtown Lincoln.”

Fans can hear real-time traffic updates from Trooper Dave Nelson during pregame and postgame coverage on the Huskers Radio Network. The NSP Helicopter will also be in the air to monitor traffic around the stadium and on routes into Lincoln. The NSP trooper pilots relay information to troopers on the ground to ease the flow of traffic.

The Nebraska State Patrol works closely with partner agencies, such as the Lincoln Police Department, UNL Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation, in many ways on Husker football gamedays. Those efforts involve operations both inside and outside the stadium. All fans are encouraged to follow the direction of Lincoln Police Officers performing traffic control on downtown Lincoln streets.

Anyone who observes a reckless driver or anyone in need of non-emergency roadside assistance can call the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline at *55 from a cell phone or 800-525-5555 from any phone. Motorists should report emergencies to 911.

LINCOLN — As the Nebraska football team returns to action at Memorial Stadium, Nebraska State Troopers will be on patrol to help keep fans safe as they make their way to Husker home games this season.“After a season without fans at Memorial Stadium last year, we know there are tens of thousands of fans ready to pack the stadium this season,” said Captain Sean Caradori, Commander of Troop H. “With an early kickoff time this Saturday, traffic will likely be heavy on Interstate 180 headed into downtown Lincoln. We encourage fans to use alternate routes such as Highway 6 or Rosa Parks Way to make their way into downtown Lincoln.”Fans can hear real-time traffic updates from Trooper Dave Nelson during pregame and postgame coverage on the Huskers Radio Network. The NSP Helicopter will also be in the air to monitor traffic around the stadium and on routes into Lincoln. The NSP trooper pilots relay information to troopers on the ground to ease the flow of traffic.The Nebraska State Patrol works closely with partner agencies, such as the Lincoln Police Department, UNL Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation, in many ways on Husker football gamedays. Those efforts involve operations both inside and outside the stadium. All fans are encouraged to follow the direction of Lincoln Police Officers performing traffic control on downtown Lincoln streets.Anyone who observes a reckless driver or anyone in need of non-emergency roadside assistance can call the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline at *55 from a cell phone or 800-525-5555 from any phone. Motorists should report emergencies to 911.