The Alliance Police Department will be having their first "National Night Out" on Aug. 3 starting at 5 p.m.&nbsp;

 Join APD in the park for a reverse dunk tank, food vendors, live music, face painting, balloon animals, East Point Horspice kissing booth, snow cones and cotton candy.&nbsp;

This event is open to the whole family.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628003436033.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance Police Department will be having their first "National Night Out" on Aug. 3 starting at 5 p.m.&nbsp; Join APD in the park for a reverse dunk tank, food vendors, live music, face painting, balloon animals, East Point Horspice kissing booth, snow cones and cotton candy.&nbsp;This event is open to the whole family.&nbsp;

Alliance Police Department to hold 'National Night Out' 

Box Butte Co. Dog Results: (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)

Corley Connor, Beginning Novice Division A, Blue	

Carly Harwood, Beginning Novice Division A, Blue	

Anna Milne, Beginning Novice Division B, Blue	

Zoe Bunnell, Beginning Novice Division B, Purple	

Keyra Klein, Beginning Novice Division B, Purple	

Sierra Banks, Beginning Novice Division C, Purple, Champion Beginning Dog Obedience, Overall Dog Obedience

Jacob Bryner, Intermediate Dog Showmanship (11-13)	Purple, Champion Intermediate Dog Showmanship, Reserve Overall Dog Showmanship

Corley Connor, Junior Dog Showmanship (8-10)	Blue, Champion Junior Dog Showmanship

Carly Harwood, Junior Dog Showmanship (8-10)	Blue, Reserve Junior Dog Showmanship

Jacob Bryner, Novice A, Purple, Champion Novice, Reserve Overall Dog Obedience

Keyra Klein, Senior Dog Showmanship (14-18), Blue	

Shawna Banks, Senior Dog Showmanship (14-18)	Purple, Reserve Senior Dog Showmanship

Catherine Bryner, Senior Dog Showmanship (14-18)	Purple, Overall Dog Showmanship

Zoe Bunnell, Senior Dog Showmanship (14-18), Purple

Cat Results:&nbsp; Katrina Karell, Int. Cat Showmanship, Blue, Reserve Intermediate Cat Showmanship

Abigail LeMunyan, Int. Cat Showmanship, Purple, Overall Cat Showmanship

Anna Milne, Jr. Cat Showmanship, Blue, Champion Junior Cat Showmanship

Anna Milne, Long Hair, Purple, Champion Cat, Most Spirited &amp; Best Groomed

Celia Buskirk, Short Hair, Purple, Reserve Champion Cat, Best Personality

Katrina Karell, Short Hair, Purple, Oldest Exhibit

Morgan LeMunyan, Short Hair, Purple, Most Expressive Eyes &amp; Most Unusually Marked

Celia Buskirk, Sr. Cat Showmanship, Blue	

Donna LeMunyan, Sr. Cat Showmanship, Blue, Reserve Senior Cat Showmanship

Morgan LeMunyan, Sr. Cat Showmanship, Purple, Reserve Overall Cat Showmanship

Jacob Bryner, Futurity Class, 4th Yr. Reining, Purple	

Jacob Bryner, Halter Geldings--Int.	Purple	

Ainslee Woltman, Halter Geldings--Int.	Purple	

Addelyn Bryner, Halter Geldings--Jr.	Purple	

Dallas Woltman, Halter Geldings--Jr.	Purple	

Raelee Woltman, Halter Geldings--Jr.	Purple	

Lahramie Laursen, Halter Geldings--Jr.	Red	

Catherine Bryner, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	

Delaney Childers, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	

Jayda Meyring, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	

Sutten Parkison, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	

Emily Thompson, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	

Ainslee Woltman, Halter Mares--Int.	Blue	

Raelee Woltman, Halter Mares--Jr.	Purple	

Catherine Bryner, Halter Mares--Sr.	Purple	

Sutten Parkison, Halter Mares--Sr.	Purple	

Jacob Bryner, Int. Barrel Racing, Purple, Intermediate Barrel Racing

Ainslee Woltman, Int. Barrel Racing, Purple	

Ainslee Woltman, Int. Dummy Roring, Blue	

Jacob Bryner, Int. Horse Showmanship, Purple, Reserve Overall Horse Showmanship

Ainslee Woltman, Int. Horse Showmanship, Purple, Reserve Intermediate Horse Showmanship

Jacob Bryner, Int. Horsemanship, Purple, Intermediate Horsemanship

Ainslee Woltman, Int. Horsemanship, Purple	

Jacob Bryner, Int. Pole Bending, Purple, Intermediate Pole Bending

Ainslee Woltman, Int. Pole Bending, White	

Jacob Bryner, Int. Ranch Riding, Purple, Intermediate Ranch Riding

Ainslee Woltman, Int. Ranch Riding, Purple	

Jacob Bryner, Int. Reining, Purple, Intermediate Reining

Jacob Bryner, Int. Trail Class, Purple, Intermediate Trail Class

Delaney Childers, Int. Western Pleasure, Blue	

Jacob Bryner, Int. Western Pleasure, Purple, Intermediate Western Pleasure

Ainslee Woltman, Int. Western Pleasure, Purple	

Dallas Woltman, Jr. Barrel Racing, Purple, Junior Barrel Racing

Raelee Woltman, Jr. Barrel Racing, Purple	

Addelyn Bryner, Jr. Horse Showmanship, Blue	

Raelee Woltman, Jr. Horse Showmanship, Blue	

Lahramie Laursen, Jr. Horse Showmanship, Purple, Junior Horse Showmanship

Dallas Woltman, Jr. Horse Showmanship, Purple, Reserve Junior Horse Showmanship

Lahramie Laursen, Jr. Horsemanship, Purple, Junior Horsemanship

Dallas Woltman, Jr. Horsemanship, Purple	

Raelee Woltman, Jr. Horsemanship, Purple	

Dallas Woltman, Jr. Pole Bending, Purple, Junior Pole Bending

Raelee Woltman, Jr. Pole Bending, Purple	

Dallas Woltman, Jr. Ranch Riding, Purple, Junior Ranch Riding

Raelee Woltman, Jr. Ranch Riding, Purple	

Dallas Woltman, Jr. Reining, Purple, Junior Reining

Lahramie Laursen, Jr. Trail Class, Blue, Junior Trail Class

Lahramie Laursen, Jr. Western Pleasure, Purple,	Junior Western Pleasure

Dallas Woltman, Jr. Western Pleasure, Purple	

Raelee Woltman, Jr. Western Pleasure, Purple	

Catherine Bryner, Sr. Barrel Racing, Blue	

Delaney Childers, Sr. Barrel Racing, Purple, Senior Barrel Racing

Jayda Meyring, Sr. Barrel Racing, Purple	

Sutten Parkison, Sr. Barrel Racing, Purple	

Box Butte Co. Dog Results: (Exhibitor Name, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)Corley Connor, Beginning Novice Division A, Blue	Carly Harwood, Beginning Novice Division A, Blue	Anna Milne, Beginning Novice Division B, Blue	Zoe Bunnell, Beginning Novice Division B, Purple	Keyra Klein, Beginning Novice Division B, Purple	Sierra Banks, Beginning Novice Division C, Purple, Champion Beginning Dog Obedience, Overall Dog ObedienceJacob Bryner, Intermediate Dog Showmanship (11-13)	Purple, Champion Intermediate Dog Showmanship, Reserve Overall Dog ShowmanshipCorley Connor, Junior Dog Showmanship (8-10)	Blue, Champion Junior Dog ShowmanshipCarly Harwood, Junior Dog Showmanship (8-10)	Blue, Reserve Junior Dog ShowmanshipCatherine Bryner, Novice A, Purple	Jacob Bryner, Novice A, Purple, Champion Novice, Reserve Overall Dog ObedienceKeyra Klein, Senior Dog Showmanship (14-18), Blue	Shawna Banks, Senior Dog Showmanship (14-18)	Purple, Reserve Senior Dog ShowmanshipCatherine Bryner, Senior Dog Showmanship (14-18)	Purple, Overall Dog ShowmanshipZoe Bunnell, Senior Dog Showmanship (14-18), PurpleCat Results:&nbsp; Katrina Karell, Int. Cat Showmanship, Blue, Reserve Intermediate Cat ShowmanshipAbigail LeMunyan, Int. Cat Showmanship, Purple, Overall Cat ShowmanshipAnna Milne, Jr. Cat Showmanship, Blue, Champion Junior Cat ShowmanshipAnna Milne, Long Hair, Purple, Champion Cat, Most Spirited &amp; Best GroomedCelia Buskirk, Short Hair, Purple, Reserve Champion Cat, Best PersonalityCelia Buskirk, Short Hair, Purple	Katrina Karell, Short Hair, Purple, Oldest ExhibitAbigail LeMunyan, Short Hair, Purple	Donna LeMunyan, Short Hair, Purple	Morgan LeMunyan, Short Hair, Purple, Most Expressive Eyes &amp; Most Unusually MarkedCelia Buskirk, Sr. Cat Showmanship, Blue	Donna LeMunyan, Sr. Cat Showmanship, Blue, Reserve Senior Cat ShowmanshipMorgan LeMunyan, Sr. Cat Showmanship, Purple, Reserve Overall Cat ShowmanshipHorse Results:&nbsp;Jacob Bryner, Futurity Class, 4th Yr. Reining, Purple	Jacob Bryner, Halter Geldings--Int.	Purple	Ainslee Woltman, Halter Geldings--Int.	Purple	Addelyn Bryner, Halter Geldings--Jr.	Purple	Dallas Woltman, Halter Geldings--Jr.	Purple	Raelee Woltman, Halter Geldings--Jr.	Purple	Lahramie Laursen, Halter Geldings--Jr.	Red	Catherine Bryner, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	Delaney Childers, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	Jayda Meyring, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	Sutten Parkison, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	Emily Thompson, Halter Geldings--Sr.	Purple	Ainslee Woltman, Halter Mares--Int.	Blue	Jacob Bryner, Halter Mares--Int.	Purple	Addelyn Bryner, Halter Mares--Jr.	Blue	Dallas Woltman, Halter Mares--Jr.	Blue	Raelee Woltman, Halter Mares--Jr.	Purple	Lahramie Laursen, Halter Mares--Jr.	Red	Jayda Meyring, Halter Mares--Sr.	Blue	Catherine Bryner, Halter Mares--Sr.	Purple	Sutten Parkison, Halter Mares--Sr.	Purple	Delaney Childers, Halter Mares--Sr.	Red	Emily Thompson, Halter Mares--Sr.	Red	Jacob Bryner, Int. Barrel Racing, Purple, Intermediate Barrel RacingAinslee Woltman, Int. Barrel Racing, Purple	Jacob Bryner, Int. Dummy Roring, Blue	Ainslee Woltman, Int. Dummy Roring, Blue	Jacob Bryner, Int. Horse Showmanship, Purple, Reserve Overall Horse ShowmanshipAinslee Woltman, Int. Horse Showmanship, Purple, Reserve Intermediate Horse ShowmanshipJacob Bryner, Int. Horsemanship, Purple, Intermediate HorsemanshipAinslee Woltman, Int. Horsemanship, Purple	Jacob Bryner, Int. Pole Bending, Purple, Intermediate Pole BendingAinslee Woltman, Int. Pole Bending, White	Jacob Bryner, Int. Ranch Riding, Purple, Intermediate Ranch RidingAinslee Woltman, Int. Ranch Riding, Purple	Jacob Bryner, Int. Reining, Purple, Intermediate ReiningAinslee Woltman, Int. Reining, Purple	Jacob Bryner, Int. Trail Class, Purple, Intermediate Trail ClassAinslee Woltman, Int. Trail Class, Red	Delaney Childers, Int. Western Pleasure, Blue	Jacob Bryner, Int. Western Pleasure, Purple, Intermediate Western PleasureAinslee Woltman, Int. Western Pleasure, Purple	Dallas Woltman, Jr. Barrel Racing, Purple, Junior Barrel RacingRaelee Woltman, Jr. Barrel Racing, Purple	Dallas Woltman, Jr. Dummy Roping, Red	Raelee Woltman, Jr. Dummy Roping, Red	Addelyn Bryner, Jr. Horse Showmanship, Blue	Raelee Woltman, Jr. Horse Showmanship, Blue	Lahramie Laursen, Jr. Horse Showmanship, Purple, Junior Horse ShowmanshipDallas Woltman, Jr. Horse Showmanship, Purple, Reserve Junior Horse ShowmanshipLahramie Laursen, Jr. Horsemanship, Purple, Junior HorsemanshipDallas Woltman, Jr. Horsemanship, Purple	Raelee Woltman, Jr. Horsemanship, Purple	Dallas Woltman, Jr. Pole Bending, Purple, Junior Pole BendingRaelee Woltman, Jr. Pole Bending, Purple	Dallas Woltman, Jr. Ranch Riding, Purple, Junior Ranch RidingRaelee Woltman, Jr. Ranch Riding, Purple	Dallas Woltman, Jr. Reining, Purple, Junior ReiningRaelee Woltman, Jr. Reining, Purple	Lahramie Laursen, Jr. Trail Class, Blue, Junior Trail ClassDallas Woltman, Jr. Trail Class, Red	Raelee Woltman, Jr. Trail Class, White	Lahramie Laursen, Jr. Western Pleasure, Purple,	Junior Western PleasureDallas Woltman, Jr. Western Pleasure, Purple	Raelee Woltman, Jr. Western Pleasure, Purple	Catherine Bryner, Sr. Barrel Racing, Blue	Celia Buskirk, Sr. Barrel Racing, Blue	Delaney Childers, Sr. Barrel Racing, Purple, Senior Barrel RacingJayda Meyring, Sr. Barrel Racing, Purple	Sutten Parkison, Sr. Barrel Racing, Purple	Jayda Meyring, Sr. Dummy Roping, Purple	Sutten Parkison, Sr. Dummy Roping, Purple	Celia Buskirk, Sr. Horse Showmanship, Blue	Emily Thompson, Sr. Horse Showmanship, Blue	Brookelynn Warner. Sr. Horse Showmanship. Blue	Catherine Bryner. Sr. Horse Showmanship. Purple. Reserve Senior Horse ShowmanshipDelaney Childers. Sr. Horse Showmanship. Purple	Jayda Meyring. Sr. Horse Showmanship. Purple. Overall Horse ShowmanshipSutten Parkison. Sr. Horse Showmanship. Purple	Celia Buskirk. Sr. Horsemanship. Blue	Brookelynn Warner. Sr. Horsemanship. Blue	Catherine Bryner. Sr. Horsemanship. Purple	Delaney Childers. Sr. Horsemanship. Purple	Jayda Meyring. Sr. Horsemanship. Purple. Senior HorsemanshipEmily Thompson. Sr. Horsemanship. Purple	Catherine Bryner. Sr. Pole Bending. blue	Celia Buskirk. Sr. Pole Bending. Blue	Delaney Childers. Sr. Pole Bending. Purple. Senior Pole BendingJayda Meyring. Sr. Pole Bending. Purple	Sutten Parkison. Sr. Pole Bending. White	Catherine Bryner. Sr. Ranch Riding. Purple	Delaney Childers. Sr. Ranch Riding. Purple	Jayda Meyring. Sr. Ranch Riding. Purple. Senior Ranch RidingCatherine Bryner. Sr. Reining. Purple	Delaney Childers, Sr. Reining, Purple	Jayda Meyring, Sr. Reining, Purple, Senior ReiningCatherine Bryner, Sr. Trail Class, Blue	Emily Thompson, Sr. Trail Class, Blue	Delaney Childers, Sr. Trail Class, Purple	Jayda Meyring, Sr. Trail Class, Purple, Senior Trail ClassSutten Parkison, Sr. Trail Class, Purple	Brookelynn Warner, Sr. Trail Class, Red	Celia Buskirk, Sr. Western Pleasure, Blue	Emily Thompson, Sr. Western Pleasure, Blue	Brookelynn Warner, Sr. Western Pleasure, Blue	Catherine Bryner, Sr. Western Pleasure, Purple	Jayda Meyring, Sr. Western Pleasure, Purple, Senior Western PleasureSutten Parkison, Sr. Western Pleasure, Purple

Box Butte Co. Fair Dog, Cat, Horse Results

OSHKOSH – Keeping pace with ever-changing advancements in equipment and technology is a priority for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team at Regional West Garden County Hospital.

The hospital’s staff of four full-time paramedics and two EMTs offers round-the-clock coverage for the county’s residents.

Recently, a new ambulance was placed in service for the facility, and another one will be arriving soon. The new equipment allows the staff an upgraded work space in which to take care of their patients.

“It’s got more room in it, so they can keep their supplies in better order and carry more if they need to,” said Regional West Garden County CEO Brad Howell.

Paramedic Deanna Turner said extra interior room around the cot enables her accessibility to place an IV or to assess and address a patient’s injuries.

“I now have access all the way around the patient,” said Turner. “There’s room to move. There is room for extra crew if we need to include a firefighter with us.”

Extra interior room comes with a more functional cot, according to EMT Calvin Turner, Deanna Turner’s husband as well as partner on the ambulance. The side rails on the cot will fold, much like butterfly wings, allowing the capability to handle patients up to 700 pounds, if necessary.

Covering the 1,731 square miles within Garden County, it’s important to have reliable equipment.

“It’s a really large county, so having dependable EMS transportation is critical,” said Regional West Garden County CEO Brad Howell. “Having good equipment is essential to providing exceptional care.”

Calvin Turner said it’s nice to operate with the newer equipment.

“When we go on calls, we now have the newer technology,” he said. “We have good equipment. It shows the community that we are here for them, and that Regional West cares for the community.”

In addition to added room for patient care and more storage for supplies, the unit is equipped with a new radio system that allows the driver to be in communication with the 911 dispatch system. At the same time, medics in the back can communicate directly with hospital staff as they work with the patient. Previous units only allowed for a single line of communication at a time.

Deanna Turner said for the entire Garden County EMS staff, the patient is the priority. She said the team understands that they’re likely seeing their patients on that person’s worst day and at their most vulnerable.

“We’re a big team, and we all work together to support our patients,” she said. “Patient care comes first for every one of us.”

Howell said the EMS team’s dedication shows in their work.

“When there’s a crisis, when they have a difficult situation, they really pull together and really work well together,” he said. “Really good people. The commitment to the community shows it’s more than a job to them.”

OSHKOSH – Keeping pace with ever-changing advancements in equipment and technology is a priority for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team at Regional West Garden County Hospital.The hospital’s staff of four full-time paramedics and two EMTs offers round-the-clock coverage for the county’s residents.Recently, a new ambulance was placed in service for the facility, and another one will be arriving soon. The new equipment allows the staff an upgraded work space in which to take care of their patients.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628000993162.jpeg" alt="Regional West Garden County paramedic Deanna Turner" />
 <figcaption>Regional West Garden County paramedic Deanna Turner</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s got more room in it, so they can keep their supplies in better order and carry more if they need to,” said Regional West Garden County CEO Brad Howell.Paramedic Deanna Turner said extra interior room around the cot enables her accessibility to place an IV or to assess and address a patient’s injuries.“I now have access all the way around the patient,” said Turner. “There’s room to move. There is room for extra crew if we need to include a firefighter with us.”Extra interior room comes with a more functional cot, according to EMT Calvin Turner, Deanna Turner’s husband as well as partner on the ambulance. The side rails on the cot will fold, much like butterfly wings, allowing the capability to handle patients up to 700 pounds, if necessary.Covering the 1,731 square miles within Garden County, it’s important to have reliable equipment.“It’s a really large county, so having dependable EMS transportation is critical,” said Regional West Garden County CEO Brad Howell. “Having good equipment is essential to providing exceptional care.”Calvin Turner said it’s nice to operate with the newer equipment.“When we go on calls, we now have the newer technology,” he said. “We have good equipment. It shows the community that we are here for them, and that Regional West cares for the community.”In addition to added room for patient care and more storage for supplies, the unit is equipped with a new radio system that allows the driver to be in communication with the 911 dispatch system. At the same time, medics in the back can communicate directly with hospital staff as they work with the patient. Previous units only allowed for a single line of communication at a time.Deanna Turner said for the entire Garden County EMS staff, the patient is the priority. She said the team understands that they’re likely seeing their patients on that person’s worst day and at their most vulnerable.“We’re a big team, and we all work together to support our patients,” she said. “Patient care comes first for every one of us.”Howell said the EMS team’s dedication shows in their work.“When there’s a crisis, when they have a difficult situation, they really pull together and really work well together,” he said. “Really good people. The commitment to the community shows it’s more than a job to them.”

Garden County staying abreast of technology

Effective July 30 county-specific data can only be reported for populations of 20,000 or greater. PPHD will no longer maintain a risk dial. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is looking at other ways to inform risk.&nbsp;

“We understand that this is frustrating and disappointing and we are working at alternative ways to inform the public. We also understand that many sectors of our communities rely heavily on the risk dial to determine which preventive steps should be taken. Our hope is that plans can still be developed with the new solution,” said Kim Engel Panhandle Public Health District Director.

Hospitalizations are up from four last week to seven this week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID Data Tracker is showing some Panhandle counties are at a high level of community transmission. This tracker is accessible here&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view" target="_blank">https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view</a>.

“We’ve all learned so much in the last year and a half, we can’t just put our arms up and shut our doors and keep this virus out. What we’ve been seeing around us is likely to happen here too. The trajectory we are on may feel a lot like last year, but the fact is, it is different. We have the answer this year that we didn’t last year,” Engel shared.

She added, “We have three vaccine options that are working and this is the best prevention step that can be taken. Prevention for you and prevention for those that are too young to be vaccinated. Most of the people who are hospitalized or who are dying have not been vaccinated. Please, I can’t stress enough to you, get vaccinated.”

Engel shared other datasets that compared the Panhandle to other health districts throughout the state. Statewide, the Panhandle has the highest case rate per 100,000 for the last 14 days and one of the lowest vaccination rates. This is similar to what other states are seeing in the nation, the lower the fully vaccinated rate is, the higher the case rate is going to be.

Another dataset shared was the COVID vaccination breakdown by age group. Both datasets will be shared with the public as they are made available.

Vaccinations have protection against all known variants, including Delta. For any youth age 12 and older preparing to return to school, make sure getting your COVID vaccine is on the list. COVID vaccine is available across the Panhandle. There is no charge for the vaccine.

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

People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

Unified Command confirms 55 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, July 26.

By PPHDEffective July 30 county-specific data can only be reported for populations of 20,000 or greater. PPHD will no longer maintain a risk dial. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is looking at other ways to inform risk.&nbsp;“We understand that this is frustrating and disappointing and we are working at alternative ways to inform the public. We also understand that many sectors of our communities rely heavily on the risk dial to determine which preventive steps should be taken. Our hope is that plans can still be developed with the new solution,” said Kim Engel Panhandle Public Health District Director.Hospitalizations are up from four last week to seven this week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID Data Tracker is showing some Panhandle counties are at a high level of community transmission. This tracker is accessible here&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view" target="_blank">https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view</a>.“We’ve all learned so much in the last year and a half, we can’t just put our arms up and shut our doors and keep this virus out. What we’ve been seeing around us is likely to happen here too. The trajectory we are on may feel a lot like last year, but the fact is, it is different. We have the answer this year that we didn’t last year,” Engel shared.She added, “We have three vaccine options that are working and this is the best prevention step that can be taken. Prevention for you and prevention for those that are too young to be vaccinated. Most of the people who are hospitalized or who are dying have not been vaccinated. Please, I can’t stress enough to you, get vaccinated.”Engel shared other datasets that compared the Panhandle to other health districts throughout the state. Statewide, the Panhandle has the highest case rate per 100,000 for the last 14 days and one of the lowest vaccination rates. This is similar to what other states are seeing in the nation, the lower the fully vaccinated rate is, the higher the case rate is going to be.Another dataset shared was the COVID vaccination breakdown by age group. Both datasets will be shared with the public as they are made available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627945189843.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627945216376.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vaccinations have protection against all known variants, including Delta. For any youth age 12 and older preparing to return to school, make sure getting your COVID vaccine is on the list. COVID vaccine is available across the Panhandle. There is no charge for the vaccine.<ul>
 <li><a>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Dave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Pfizer 2 PM- 5:30 PM)</li><li>Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM</li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>During COVID clinic hours visit&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;for days and hours</li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Western Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM</li><li>Garden: To schedule an appointment visit&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;- provider will call you</li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Regional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Kimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Morrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PM</li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM</li><li>Scotts Bluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule" target="_blank">walgreens.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PM</li><li>Scottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PM</li><li>Morrill Clinic, Morrill, June 30, July 21, August 11, September 1, 5:30 PM-6:30 PM</li>
 </ul>If you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard for you to access a COVID vaccine, please call Kim Engel at 308-633-2866 ext 101.People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.Unified Command confirms 55 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, July 26.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627945005688.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

PPHD: 55 more virus cases reported in Panhandle

A week after taking office, President Biden signed Executive Order 14008 that set a goal “of conserving at least&nbsp;30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030.” &nbsp;This goal is also known as 30 x 30.&nbsp; The order parrots the policy goals of radical environmental groups.&nbsp; For years, environmental groups have sought government support for policies that are harmful to agriculture and a productive economy. &nbsp;

In Nebraska, 97% of our land is privately owned.&nbsp; Getting to 30% would require a major federal intervention that would trample on both the State of Nebraska’s sovereignty and individual property rights.&nbsp; Setting aside that much land and water for conservation would also devastate food production, our rural communities, and our state’s overall economy.&nbsp;

This summer, I’ve hosted town halls in Albion, Alliance, Broken Bow, Clay Center, Gordon, Norfolk, Pickrell, Wahoo, and York to raise awareness about the threat 30 x 30 poses to our way of life here in Nebraska.&nbsp;

These “Stop 30 x 30” town halls have drawn big crowds of Nebraskans who want to push back on 30 x 30 and protect private property rights.&nbsp; Here at the state level, we’re taking specific actions to guard against federal encroachment.&nbsp; In June, I hosted county commissioners and ag leaders at the Governor’s Residence to sign an executive order aimed at stopping the implementation of 30 x 30.&nbsp; The executive order does several things:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Counties Speaking Out:&nbsp;The order tasks the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) to publish a list of local governments that have taken a position on 30 x 30. &nbsp;To date, over 50 counties in Nebraska have passed formal resolutions opposing the 30 x 30 plan.&nbsp; A list of these counties is available through NDA’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/30x30/" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/30x30</a>. &nbsp;

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulation Freeze:&nbsp;The order pauses any regulatory expansion to the definition of “endangered species” for 18 months.&nbsp; To block land development, environmentalists have tried to provide unnecessary protection to species such as the American burying beetle.&nbsp;

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conservation Easement Oversight:&nbsp;With limited exceptions, the executive order bans the use of State agency discretionary resources to support projects involving perpetual conservation easements.&nbsp; It also requires approval for using State agency resources to fund conservation easements that are for a term of years.

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notice to Federal Government:&nbsp;As directed by the executive order, NDA Director Steve Wellman has submitted a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture informing the USDA of its need to seek required approvals from local governments for any conservation easements in Nebraska related to federal programs.

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Local Control Trainings:&nbsp;The executive order directs the Property Assessment Division of the Nebraska Department of Revenue (NDOR) to hold trainings to ensure counties are aware of their rights in reviewing conservation easements.

This last item is especially important.&nbsp; Government agencies and land trusts have long sought to convince landholders to enter into conservation easements.&nbsp; These are contracts that restrict development on land for conservation purposes.&nbsp; When a landowner enters into an easement, they are surrendering a portion of their private property rights to a third party, which is typically the federal government or a land trust. &nbsp;In Nebraska, conservation easements are perpetual unless the contract specifies otherwise.&nbsp; Once the contract is signed, future generations cannot go back and reconsider whether land should remain under restriction. &nbsp;

It’s critical for Nebraskans to understand the tax consequences of conservation easements because they are expected to play a significant role in the Biden Administration’s quest for 30 x 30.&nbsp; At my direction, NDOR’s Property Assessment Division analyzed properties in Nebraska with Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) conservation easements. &nbsp;The NDOR analysis showed that these lands, on average, lost 59% of their taxable property value.&nbsp;&nbsp;As some land loses value and pays less in property taxes, everyone else in the area has to pay more in taxes to repair roads, fix bridges, and fund schools. &nbsp;Furthermore, the federal government doesn’t pay taxes on property it holds.&nbsp; In 2020, the Department of Interior made payments averaging $2.50 per acre in lieu of taxes—a bargain compared to what private landowners pay.

Starting in September, NDOR will host workshops to help local leaders understand the authority they have to review conservation easements, and, if necessary, to prevent them.&nbsp; County officials interested in attending a workshop can contact Ruth Sorensen at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ruth.sorensen@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">ruth.sorensen@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information about the upcoming seminars.

Nebraskans should be prepared for an extended fight to stop 30 x 30 and protect our property rights.&nbsp; Environmental activists won’t be satisfied with 30%—they already have their sights set on more.&nbsp; In 2009, an environmental advocacy group—Nature Needs Half—was formed to lobby for conserving 50% of the earth.&nbsp; In 2016, E.O. Wilson’s book&nbsp;Half-Earth&nbsp;called for placing 50% of the earth’s land into a natural reserve off limits to humans.&nbsp; Judging from the Biden-Harris Administration’s own comments, they won’t be content with 30% either.&nbsp; According to President Biden’s Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, “Thirty percent isn’t the end.&nbsp; Thirty percent is the beginning.&nbsp; It’s setting a very strong foundation and we hope will build the momentum for longer-term conservation....”&nbsp;

The fight isn’t just in Washington, D.C. anymore.&nbsp; It’s right here in Nebraska in our own backyard.&nbsp; If you have questions about what your community can do to resist the 30 x 30 land grab, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; If you live near David City, I invite you to join me on August 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Butler County Fairgrounds for the next “Stop 30 x 30” town hall.&nbsp; It’s time to stand up to protect our land and waters, and push back against the radical and destructive goals of the Biden-Harris Administration.&nbsp; Working together, we can win this fight.

By Gov. Pete RickettsA week after taking office, President Biden signed Executive Order 14008 that set a goal “of conserving at least&nbsp;30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030.” &nbsp;This goal is also known as 30 x 30.&nbsp; The order parrots the policy goals of radical environmental groups.&nbsp; For years, environmental groups have sought government support for policies that are harmful to agriculture and a productive economy. &nbsp;In Nebraska, 97% of our land is privately owned.&nbsp; Getting to 30% would require a major federal intervention that would trample on both the State of Nebraska’s sovereignty and individual property rights.&nbsp; Setting aside that much land and water for conservation would also devastate food production, our rural communities, and our state’s overall economy.&nbsp;This summer, I’ve hosted town halls in Albion, Alliance, Broken Bow, Clay Center, Gordon, Norfolk, Pickrell, Wahoo, and York to raise awareness about the threat 30 x 30 poses to our way of life here in Nebraska.&nbsp;These “Stop 30 x 30” town halls have drawn big crowds of Nebraskans who want to push back on 30 x 30 and protect private property rights.&nbsp; Here at the state level, we’re taking specific actions to guard against federal encroachment.&nbsp; In June, I hosted county commissioners and ag leaders at the Governor’s Residence to sign an executive order aimed at stopping the implementation of 30 x 30.&nbsp; The executive order does several things:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Counties Speaking Out:&nbsp;The order tasks the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) to publish a list of local governments that have taken a position on 30 x 30. &nbsp;To date, over 50 counties in Nebraska have passed formal resolutions opposing the 30 x 30 plan.&nbsp; A list of these counties is available through NDA’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/30x30/" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/30x30</a>. &nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulation Freeze:&nbsp;The order pauses any regulatory expansion to the definition of “endangered species” for 18 months.&nbsp; To block land development, environmentalists have tried to provide unnecessary protection to species such as the American burying beetle.&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conservation Easement Oversight:&nbsp;With limited exceptions, the executive order bans the use of State agency discretionary resources to support projects involving perpetual conservation easements.&nbsp; It also requires approval for using State agency resources to fund conservation easements that are for a term of years.4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notice to Federal Government:&nbsp;As directed by the executive order, NDA Director Steve Wellman has submitted a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture informing the USDA of its need to seek required approvals from local governments for any conservation easements in Nebraska related to federal programs.5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Local Control Trainings:&nbsp;The executive order directs the Property Assessment Division of the Nebraska Department of Revenue (NDOR) to hold trainings to ensure counties are aware of their rights in reviewing conservation easements.This last item is especially important.&nbsp; Government agencies and land trusts have long sought to convince landholders to enter into conservation easements.&nbsp; These are contracts that restrict development on land for conservation purposes.&nbsp; When a landowner enters into an easement, they are surrendering a portion of their private property rights to a third party, which is typically the federal government or a land trust. &nbsp;In Nebraska, conservation easements are perpetual unless the contract specifies otherwise.&nbsp; Once the contract is signed, future generations cannot go back and reconsider whether land should remain under restriction. &nbsp;It’s critical for Nebraskans to understand the tax consequences of conservation easements because they are expected to play a significant role in the Biden Administration’s quest for 30 x 30.&nbsp; At my direction, NDOR’s Property Assessment Division analyzed properties in Nebraska with Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) conservation easements. &nbsp;The NDOR analysis showed that these lands, on average, lost 59% of their taxable property value.&nbsp;&nbsp;As some land loses value and pays less in property taxes, everyone else in the area has to pay more in taxes to repair roads, fix bridges, and fund schools. &nbsp;Furthermore, the federal government doesn’t pay taxes on property it holds.&nbsp; In 2020, the Department of Interior made payments averaging $2.50 per acre in lieu of taxes—a bargain compared to what private landowners pay.Starting in September, NDOR will host workshops to help local leaders understand the authority they have to review conservation easements, and, if necessary, to prevent them.&nbsp; County officials interested in attending a workshop can contact Ruth Sorensen at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ruth.sorensen@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">ruth.sorensen@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information about the upcoming seminars.Nebraskans should be prepared for an extended fight to stop 30 x 30 and protect our property rights.&nbsp; Environmental activists won’t be satisfied with 30%—they already have their sights set on more.&nbsp; In 2009, an environmental advocacy group—Nature Needs Half—was formed to lobby for conserving 50% of the earth.&nbsp; In 2016, E.O. Wilson’s book&nbsp;Half-Earth&nbsp;called for placing 50% of the earth’s land into a natural reserve off limits to humans.&nbsp; Judging from the Biden-Harris Administration’s own comments, they won’t be content with 30% either.&nbsp; According to President Biden’s Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, “Thirty percent isn’t the end.&nbsp; Thirty percent is the beginning.&nbsp; It’s setting a very strong foundation and we hope will build the momentum for longer-term conservation....”&nbsp;The fight isn’t just in Washington, D.C. anymore.&nbsp; It’s right here in Nebraska in our own backyard.&nbsp; If you have questions about what your community can do to resist the 30 x 30 land grab, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; If you live near David City, I invite you to join me on August 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Butler County Fairgrounds for the next “Stop 30 x 30” town hall.&nbsp; It’s time to stand up to protect our land and waters, and push back against the radical and destructive goals of the Biden-Harris Administration.&nbsp; Working together, we can win this fight.

Gov. Ricketts: Taking action to stop 30 x 30

Box Butte Co. Fair 4-H Music Results: (Exhibitor Name, Division, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)

Hailey Karell, 4-H Music Contest, Sr Vocal Individual, Purple, Top Senior Musician

Ayla Foster, 4-H Music Contest, Jr Instrumental Individual, Purple, Top Junior Musician

Eden Foster, 4-H Music Contest, Jr Instrumental Individual	Blue	

Box Butte Co. Fair 4-H Music Results: (Exhibitor Name, Division, Class Description, Ribbon, Special Placing)Hailey Karell, 4-H Music Contest, Sr Vocal Individual, Purple, Top Senior MusicianAyla Foster, 4-H Music Contest, Jr Instrumental Individual, Purple, Top Junior MusicianEden Foster, 4-H Music Contest, Jr Instrumental Individual	Blue

Box Butte Co. Fair music results

The Chadron Volunteer Fire Department fought two fires in Dawes County on July 30.&nbsp;

The first fire was a baler that caught fire near the Chadron city dam at 10:30 a.m.

"It did start three or four small little fires and then one larger one next to the baler...probably three-quarters to an acre in size," Chadron Fire Chief Branden Martens said. "The baler did burn up as well."

Martens said they used six Chadron fire trucks and two from the Nebraska Forest Service.&nbsp;

"They [Nebraska Forest Service] were right in the&nbsp;vicinity so they bumped over," Martens said. "They were actually there first and knocked down the very small fires. Then we came in and assisted on the rest of the grass and then the baler fire."

The second fire started around 3:30 p.m. by the rail yard roundhouse.&nbsp;

"It was paged out as a rail road tie fire," Martens said. "There's a company from Texas here and they are scrapping out all the old rail equipment. And so all that stuff...it was more as less stacked along the old rail yard. They're going through and cutting it apart [motors and iron]. They had one that when they were torching it, it ended up sparking and caught some hydraulic hoses. Old grease and that kind of stuff was burning. It burned on a rail car maintenance vehicle."

Martens said he wasn't sure the damage the fire caused to the rail car vehicle.&nbsp;

Six Chadron fire trucks assisted with that fire.&nbsp;

Martens said no one was harmed during the fires.&nbsp;

"The land owner on the baler fire was able to get his tractor unhooked," Martens said. "There was no damage to his tractor. Then on the rail equipment...being that it's still going to go to scrap, there's really no value lost there. We had a busy day, but everything went well."

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe Chadron Volunteer Fire Department fought two fires in Dawes County on July 30.&nbsp;The first fire was a baler that caught fire near the Chadron city dam at 10:30 a.m."It did start three or four small little fires and then one larger one next to the baler...probably three-quarters to an acre in size," Chadron Fire Chief Branden Martens said. "The baler did burn up as well."Martens said they used six Chadron fire trucks and two from the Nebraska Forest Service.&nbsp;"They [Nebraska Forest Service] were right in the&nbsp;vicinity so they bumped over," Martens said. "They were actually there first and knocked down the very small fires. Then we came in and assisted on the rest of the grass and then the baler fire."The second fire started around 3:30 p.m. by the rail yard roundhouse.&nbsp;"It was paged out as a rail road tie fire," Martens said. "There's a company from Texas here and they are scrapping out all the old rail equipment. And so all that stuff...it was more as less stacked along the old rail yard. They're going through and cutting it apart [motors and iron]. They had one that when they were torching it, it ended up sparking and caught some hydraulic hoses. Old grease and that kind of stuff was burning. It burned on a rail car maintenance vehicle."Martens said he wasn't sure the damage the fire caused to the rail car vehicle.&nbsp;Six Chadron fire trucks assisted with that fire.&nbsp;Martens said no one was harmed during the fires.&nbsp;"The land owner on the baler fire was able to get his tractor unhooked," Martens said. "There was no damage to his tractor. Then on the rail equipment...being that it's still going to go to scrap, there's really no value lost there. We had a busy day, but everything went well."

Chadron Fire Department fight 2 fires over the weekend

SCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested several people after finding controlled substances and firearms in multiple incidents.

The first incident occurred at approximately 12:45 a.m. Saturday, a trooper observed two vehicles parked near the intersection of&nbsp;Highway 2 and Highway 71, in&nbsp;Box Butte County. The trooper stopped to check on the vehicles and offer assistance.

During the encounter, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside one of the vehicles, a Toyota Camry. Troopers then performed a search of the vehicle and located five pounds of methamphetamine and seven ounces of marijuana. Troopers also located a handgun.

The three occupants of the vehicle, Jana Hildebrand, 29, of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Taliah Hildebrand, 19, of Hot Springs, South Dakota, and Roy Elliott-Casaus, 29, of Denver, Colorado, were all arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana – between one ounce and one pound, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. All three were lodged in Box Butte County Jail.

The second incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Monday, when a trooper observed a Buick Encore speeding on Interstate 80 near mile marker 238, near Lexington. During the traffic stop, the trooper observed a marijuana container in plain view.

The trooper performed a search of the vehicle and located six pounds of marijuana in a suitcase and a handgun concealed behind the driver’s seat. All three occupants of the vehicle, Ronneka Blakemore, 29, Marvin McAtee, 29, and Laronte Ivory, 27, all of Louisville, Kentucky, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. All three were lodged in Dawson County Jail.

SCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested several people after finding controlled substances and firearms in multiple incidents.The first incident occurred at approximately 12:45 a.m. Saturday, a trooper observed two vehicles parked near the intersection of&nbsp;Highway 2 and Highway 71, in&nbsp;Box Butte County. The trooper stopped to check on the vehicles and offer assistance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627930023549.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>During the encounter, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside one of the vehicles, a Toyota Camry. Troopers then performed a search of the vehicle and located five pounds of methamphetamine and seven ounces of marijuana. Troopers also located a handgun.The three occupants of the vehicle, Jana Hildebrand, 29, of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Taliah Hildebrand, 19, of Hot Springs, South Dakota, and Roy Elliott-Casaus, 29, of Denver, Colorado, were all arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana – between one ounce and one pound, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. All three were lodged in Box Butte County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627930054892.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The second incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Monday, when a trooper observed a Buick Encore speeding on Interstate 80 near mile marker 238, near Lexington. During the traffic stop, the trooper observed a marijuana container in plain view.The trooper performed a search of the vehicle and located six pounds of marijuana in a suitcase and a handgun concealed behind the driver’s seat. All three occupants of the vehicle, Ronneka Blakemore, 29, Marvin McAtee, 29, and Laronte Ivory, 27, all of Louisville, Kentucky, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. All three were lodged in Dawson County Jail.

Troopers find drugs, weapons in Box Butte County 

🎙 Post Podcast: Box Butte County Fair

A Hemingford man was hit and killed by a vehicle on Highway 385.&nbsp;

On July 30 at around 8 a.m. the Nebraska State Patrol and Dawes County Attorney/Coroner investigated the death of 72-year-old Chester Ansley of Hemingford.&nbsp;

Ansley stopped his pickup on the shoulder of Highway 385, approximately 25 miles south of Chadron.&nbsp;

Ansley got out of his vehicle to retrieve an article that had fallen out of the back of the pickup.&nbsp;

"Ansley was then struck by a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser that was traveling north on Highway 385 in smoky conditions due to the recent western wildfires," Dawes County Attorney/Coroner Vance Haug said. "The incident was witnessed by motorists approaching the scene in the southbound lane."

Haug said the PT Cruiser was driven by Burley Shumpert of Chadron.&nbsp;

"There are currently no charges pending in this matter," Haug said. "However, further review of evidence...including reports generated by an on scene accident re-constructionist in ongoing as law enforcement continues the investigation."

The Nebraska State Patrol was assisted by Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Hemingford Fire Department and Chadron Fire Department.

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostA Hemingford man was hit and killed by a vehicle on Highway 385.&nbsp;On July 30 at around 8 a.m. the Nebraska State Patrol and Dawes County Attorney/Coroner investigated the death of 72-year-old Chester Ansley of Hemingford.&nbsp;Ansley stopped his pickup on the shoulder of Highway 385, approximately 25 miles south of Chadron.&nbsp;Ansley got out of his vehicle to retrieve an article that had fallen out of the back of the pickup.&nbsp;"Ansley was then struck by a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser that was traveling north on Highway 385 in smoky conditions due to the recent western wildfires," Dawes County Attorney/Coroner Vance Haug said. "The incident was witnessed by motorists approaching the scene in the southbound lane."Haug said the PT Cruiser was driven by Burley Shumpert of Chadron.&nbsp;"There are currently no charges pending in this matter," Haug said. "However, further review of evidence...including reports generated by an on scene accident re-constructionist in ongoing as law enforcement continues the investigation."The Nebraska State Patrol was assisted by Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Hemingford Fire Department and Chadron Fire Department.

Hemingford man struck and killed by vehicle on Highway 385 

Kyren Gibson of the Carnegie Arts Center discusses August exhibits and an upcoming fundraiser.

<div><iframe title="🎙 Post Podcast: Kyren Gibson, Carnegie Arts Center" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=a34ev-10a4ccb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>Kyren Gibson of the Carnegie Arts Center discusses August exhibits and an upcoming fundraiser.

🎙 Post Podcast: Kyren Gibson, Carnegie Arts Center

POWERBALL® players will soon get the chance to start the week in a winning way with a new Monday night drawing! The new Monday drawing will join the lineup of Powerball drawings, currently held on Wednesday and Saturday, on Aug. 23 at 9:59 p.m. CT.

“America’s jackpot game is picking up the pace to deliver bigger jackpots to our players,” said May Scheve Reardon, Powerball Product Group Chair and Missouri Lottery Executive Director. “Players have let us know they want to play for bigger jackpots, and we want Powerball to deliver on their expectations.”

Players can watch the new Monday night drawing live online at Powerball.com with a new live stream feature that launched earlier this summer; the Monday drawing will also be broadcast live by participating television stations.

“Powerball is Nebraska’s favorite Lotto game. Nebraska Lottery players have been playing Powerball and winning prizes since July of 1994,” said Brian Rockey, Nebraska Lottery director. “Ten Powerball jackpots have been won in Nebraska, and we look forward to more winners in the future along with increased proceeds for good causes.”

The Powerball Product Group anticipates adding the Monday drawing will result in larger, faster-growing jackpots. The group also expects to see an increase in the number of cash prizes and jackpots awarded on an annual basis. Adding a third drawing will not change the Powerball game odds or set cash prizes. Players will continue to choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. The Power Play® add-on feature will also be available for an additional $1 per play to multiply non-jackpot prizes.

All 48 U.S. lotteries will sell tickets for the Powerball drawing on Monday nights. Ticket sales from a third weekly drawing will contribute to funding vital public programs and services in each jurisdiction where the Powerball game is sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, Powerball has raised $25 billion for good causes supported by state lotteries.

Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Drawings are broadcast live every Wednesday and Saturday at 9:59 p.m. CT from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Powerball drawings are also live-streamed online at Powerball.com. Beginning August 23, 2021, Powerball will offer an additional drawing on Mondays at 9:59 p.m. CT.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $831 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627917732881.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska LotteryPOWERBALL® players will soon get the chance to start the week in a winning way with a new Monday night drawing! The new Monday drawing will join the lineup of Powerball drawings, currently held on Wednesday and Saturday, on Aug. 23 at 9:59 p.m. CT.“America’s jackpot game is picking up the pace to deliver bigger jackpots to our players,” said May Scheve Reardon, Powerball Product Group Chair and Missouri Lottery Executive Director. “Players have let us know they want to play for bigger jackpots, and we want Powerball to deliver on their expectations.”Players can watch the new Monday night drawing live online at Powerball.com with a new live stream feature that launched earlier this summer; the Monday drawing will also be broadcast live by participating television stations.“Powerball is Nebraska’s favorite Lotto game. Nebraska Lottery players have been playing Powerball and winning prizes since July of 1994,” said Brian Rockey, Nebraska Lottery director. “Ten Powerball jackpots have been won in Nebraska, and we look forward to more winners in the future along with increased proceeds for good causes.”The Powerball Product Group anticipates adding the Monday drawing will result in larger, faster-growing jackpots. The group also expects to see an increase in the number of cash prizes and jackpots awarded on an annual basis. Adding a third drawing will not change the Powerball game odds or set cash prizes. Players will continue to choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. The Power Play® add-on feature will also be available for an additional $1 per play to multiply non-jackpot prizes.All 48 U.S. lotteries will sell tickets for the Powerball drawing on Monday nights. Ticket sales from a third weekly drawing will contribute to funding vital public programs and services in each jurisdiction where the Powerball game is sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, Powerball has raised $25 billion for good causes supported by state lotteries.Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Drawings are broadcast live every Wednesday and Saturday at 9:59 p.m. CT from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Powerball drawings are also live-streamed online at Powerball.com. Beginning August 23, 2021, Powerball will offer an additional drawing on Mondays at 9:59 p.m. CT.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $831 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Powerball to launch 3rd drawing on Monday nights

The 58th annual Peabody Hale Fiddle Contest was held on July 31 at the Crawford City Park.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The park was filled with lots of events including horseshoes, music and food.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

"This year we did an open gate with a freewill donation and the spectators were great in supporting us,"&nbsp;Chadron Community Hospital&nbsp;Health Information Management&nbsp;Marietta Moffatt Richardson said. "The fiddle trophy donators this year were the family of Dora and Ellis 'Peabody' Hale. The vocal and miscellaneous trophies were donated by Betty Moffatt. The horseshoe trophies were donated by Frank Richardson. Our master of ceremonies and entertainment for the day was provided by Renae and Jack Jones of the Boots and Saddles Band."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Richardson said they had contestants from Nebraska, Wyoming and South Dakota. The youngest contestant was 15 and the oldest was 86.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1st&nbsp;Place - Mike Goodrich - Greeley, NE

2nd&nbsp;Place- Renae Tollman Jones – Crawford, NE

3rd&nbsp;Place – Marvin Jones – Crawford, NE

1st&nbsp;Place – Lillian Hudnall – Columbus, NE

1st&nbsp;Place – Glenda Lee Burgess – Ashby, NE

2nd&nbsp;Place – Renae Tollman -Jones – Crawford, NE

1st&nbsp;Place – Vern Billingsly – Mitchell, NE

2nd&nbsp;Place - Dave Curtis – Mitchell, NE

1st&nbsp;Place – John Branch – Guitar - Hot Springs, SD

2nd&nbsp;Place – Deborah Horst – Mandolin – Crawford, NE

3rd&nbsp;Place – Marvin Jones – Guitar - Crawford, NE

86-year-old Vern Billingsly from Mitchell, NE

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe 58th annual Peabody Hale Fiddle Contest was held on July 31 at the Crawford City Park.&nbsp;&nbsp; The park was filled with lots of events including horseshoes, music and food.&nbsp;&nbsp; "This year we did an open gate with a freewill donation and the spectators were great in supporting us,"&nbsp;Chadron Community Hospital&nbsp;Health Information Management&nbsp;Marietta Moffatt Richardson said. "The fiddle trophy donators this year were the family of Dora and Ellis 'Peabody' Hale. The vocal and miscellaneous trophies were donated by Betty Moffatt. The horseshoe trophies were donated by Frank Richardson. Our master of ceremonies and entertainment for the day was provided by Renae and Jack Jones of the Boots and Saddles Band."&nbsp; &nbsp;Richardson said they had contestants from Nebraska, Wyoming and South Dakota. The youngest contestant was 15 and the oldest was 86.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vocal &nbsp;Contest Results:1st&nbsp;Place - Mike Goodrich - Greeley, NE2nd&nbsp;Place- Renae Tollman Jones – Crawford, NE3rd&nbsp;Place – Marvin Jones – Crawford, NEJunior Fiddle Division Results:1st&nbsp;Place – Lillian Hudnall – Columbus, NEAdult Fiddle Division Results:1st&nbsp;Place – Glenda Lee Burgess – Ashby, NE2nd&nbsp;Place – Renae Tollman -Jones – Crawford, NESenior Fiddle Division Results:1st&nbsp;Place – Vern Billingsly – Mitchell, NE2nd&nbsp;Place - Dave Curtis – Mitchell, NEMiscellaneous Division Results:1st&nbsp;Place – John Branch – Guitar - Hot Springs, SD2nd&nbsp;Place – Deborah Horst – Mandolin – Crawford, NE3rd&nbsp;Place – Marvin Jones – Guitar - Crawford, NEOverall Winner&nbsp;86-year-old Vern Billingsly from Mitchell, NE