Every community has at least one saloon, even Dobby's Frontier Town! The saloon was the news center, the place where traders and newcomers found out about the area. Sometimes it was even the town hall and the courtroom. The Lonesome Duck Saloon sits at the northwest corner of Dobby’s Frontier Town.

King's Corner (where Dave’s Pharmacy now is located) was the original home of the bar at Dobby’s Lonesome Duck Saloon. The bar ran along one side of the saloon and is the last remaining section of what was once the longest bar in Nebraska, 92 ft. long. If you were male and tall enough that your head was over the bar, you could be served a drink. Proper ladies never entered a saloon.

Women, and jobs for women, were not readily available on the frontier. Single women often worked for a short period of time in saloons or brothels until they were married.

Decorating the saloon is a coat on a hook is made from a Hereford hide. There is a picture on the wall of a horse race down Box Butte Avenue in 1908, which still had dirt streets at the time, and some other photos of early Alliance. You can see a pair of skis hand-made at the TruTemper factory just southeast of Alliance, where Parker is now located. On the piano is a cow hide from a Scottish Highlander, a long-haired breed imported to our area in the 1920s. Notice the small still in the corner behind the bar.

On the higher wall you will see a Pick-A-Rib sign. This sign originally hung in front of a restaurant located in south Alliance. The restaurant and hotel were built in the early 1900's at the request of the railroad, who didn't think their "colored" workers would be welcome at the other establishments in town. The Pick-A-Rib was known for southern-style cooking, card games, and its waitresses. We will learn more about these waitresses next week when the article will be about the room upstairs.

Dobby’s Frontier Town is located at 320 East 25th Street/ Nance Road, Alliance. The town is open 10:00-6:00 daily for self-guided tours, and donations are appreciated.

By Patricia JonesEvery community has at least one saloon, even Dobby's Frontier Town! The saloon was the news center, the place where traders and newcomers found out about the area. Sometimes it was even the town hall and the courtroom. The Lonesome Duck Saloon sits at the northwest corner of Dobby’s Frontier Town.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623370149631.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>King's Corner (where Dave’s Pharmacy now is located) was the original home of the bar at Dobby’s Lonesome Duck Saloon. The bar ran along one side of the saloon and is the last remaining section of what was once the longest bar in Nebraska, 92 ft. long. If you were male and tall enough that your head was over the bar, you could be served a drink. Proper ladies never entered a saloon.Women, and jobs for women, were not readily available on the frontier. Single women often worked for a short period of time in saloons or brothels until they were married.Decorating the saloon is a coat on a hook is made from a Hereford hide. There is a picture on the wall of a horse race down Box Butte Avenue in 1908, which still had dirt streets at the time, and some other photos of early Alliance. You can see a pair of skis hand-made at the TruTemper factory just southeast of Alliance, where Parker is now located. On the piano is a cow hide from a Scottish Highlander, a long-haired breed imported to our area in the 1920s. Notice the small still in the corner behind the bar.On the higher wall you will see a Pick-A-Rib sign. This sign originally hung in front of a restaurant located in south Alliance. The restaurant and hotel were built in the early 1900's at the request of the railroad, who didn't think their "colored" workers would be welcome at the other establishments in town. The Pick-A-Rib was known for southern-style cooking, card games, and its waitresses. We will learn more about these waitresses next week when the article will be about the room upstairs.Dobby’s Frontier Town is located at 320 East 25th Street/ Nance Road, Alliance. The town is open 10:00-6:00 daily for self-guided tours, and donations are appreciated.

Dobby's History: Lonesome Duck Saloon

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Police are investigating the death of a man found on an island in Rapid City. 

KELO radio reports that police were dispatched to a small island within Rapid Creek Wednesday evening.

 Police said in a statement that officers found a man who was “obviously deceased.” 

Police identified the man as 56-year-old Keith Dubray Sr. 

A police spokesman said Dubray is associated with the city's homeless population. 

An autopsy is pending but there were no signs of trauma or foul play.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Police are investigating the death of a man found on an island in Rapid City. KELO radio reports that police were dispatched to a small island within Rapid Creek Wednesday evening. Police said in a statement that officers found a man who was “obviously deceased.” Police identified the man as 56-year-old Keith Dubray Sr. A police spokesman said Dubray is associated with the city's homeless population. An autopsy is pending but there were no signs of trauma or foul play.

Dead man found on Rapid City Creek island

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have identified a man who was killed earlier this week in a shootout with police in western Nebraska following an hourslong standoff at a Scottsbluff home. 

The Nebraska Attorney General's Office said Thursday in a news release that 47-year-old Daniel Ojeda was fatally wounded in the shootout. 

The Attorney General's Office will conduct the grand jury investigation into Ojeda's death. 

Scottsbluff police have said officers were called to the home around noon Monday for reports of a man with a gun threatening to harm himself or others and that the officers were held at bay outside the home for nearly six hours. 

Police say when a team of officers entered the home, Ojeda fired at them and they returned fire, killing him.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have identified a man who was killed earlier this week in a shootout with police in western Nebraska following an hourslong standoff at a Scottsbluff home. The Nebraska Attorney General's Office said Thursday in a news release that 47-year-old Daniel Ojeda was fatally wounded in the shootout. The Attorney General's Office will conduct the grand jury investigation into Ojeda's death. Scottsbluff police have said officers were called to the home around noon Monday for reports of a man with a gun threatening to harm himself or others and that the officers were held at bay outside the home for nearly six hours. Police say when a team of officers entered the home, Ojeda fired at them and they returned fire, killing him.

Officials ID man killed in shootout with Scottsbluff police

-Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services news release

Chadron Community Hospital (CCH)-Dialysis is happy to announce that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has approved our request for an expansion of services as a supplier of renal services in the Medicare program under the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) regulations.

&nbsp; Our facility is approved for the addition of three hemodialysis stations, including one isolation room.&nbsp; CCH-Dialysis is now approved for Seven (7) Incenter Hemodialysis Stations total &nbsp;for the services of staff assisted In-Center Hemodialysis. &nbsp;CCH-Dialysis Clinic operates state of the art dialysis machines.&nbsp;

 Patients receive high quality care from our experienced dialysis nursing staff, dietician, social worker and nephrologist.&nbsp; Patients can relax in comfort in our reclining treatment chairs as they watch their individual television, movies, or listen to music.&nbsp; Staff is available for support, conversation, education, and providing coping tools per individual needs and desires.&nbsp; 

CCH-Dialysis is one of the only Dialysis Units in the US to be given a perfect score for the care provided and the outcomes of the patients served.&nbsp;This will help us to support the surrounding communities. 

Our dialysis facility expansion will continue to help provide our rural area access to critical care that they need without having to travel hundreds of miles for it. We can keep our neighbors closer to home and give them peace of mind that the care that they need will be readily available within our area.&nbsp; 

At Chadron Community Hospital &amp; Health Services our mission is to provide &amp; support health care &amp; community service programs of excellence in the communities we serve.

-Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services news releaseChadron Community Hospital (CCH)-Dialysis is happy to announce that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has approved our request for an expansion of services as a supplier of renal services in the Medicare program under the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) regulations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623349721377.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Our facility is approved for the addition of three hemodialysis stations, including one isolation room.&nbsp; CCH-Dialysis is now approved for Seven (7) Incenter Hemodialysis Stations total &nbsp;for the services of staff assisted In-Center Hemodialysis. &nbsp;CCH-Dialysis Clinic operates state of the art dialysis machines.&nbsp; Patients receive high quality care from our experienced dialysis nursing staff, dietician, social worker and nephrologist.&nbsp; Patients can relax in comfort in our reclining treatment chairs as they watch their individual television, movies, or listen to music.&nbsp; Staff is available for support, conversation, education, and providing coping tools per individual needs and desires.&nbsp; CCH-Dialysis is one of the only Dialysis Units in the US to be given a perfect score for the care provided and the outcomes of the patients served.&nbsp;This will help us to support the surrounding communities. Our dialysis facility expansion will continue to help provide our rural area access to critical care that they need without having to travel hundreds of miles for it. We can keep our neighbors closer to home and give them peace of mind that the care that they need will be readily available within our area.&nbsp; At Chadron Community Hospital &amp; Health Services our mission is to provide &amp; support health care &amp; community service programs of excellence in the communities we serve.

CMS approves Chadron Community Hospital request for expansion

Orion and Stacey Potter will perform at the Alliance Eagles Club on Friday night.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622674908207.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Orion and Stacey Potter will perform at the Alliance Eagles Club on Friday night.&nbsp;

Orion and Stacey Potter to perform at Alliance Eagles 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska continues to report a small number of new COVID-19 cases, but that number crept up slightly over the past week. 

State health officials said Nebraska recorded 280 new coronavirus cases over the past week, which was up from 237 cases the week before. But as recently as April the state was reporting more cases than that in a single day. 

The state said 54 people were hospitalized with the virus across Nebraska Wednesday. That number has been below 100 since mid-May, and it is a fraction of the November peak of 987.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska continues to report a small number of new COVID-19 cases, but that number crept up slightly over the past week. State health officials said Nebraska recorded 280 new coronavirus cases over the past week, which was up from 237 cases the week before. But as recently as April the state was reporting more cases than that in a single day. The state said 54 people were hospitalized with the virus across Nebraska Wednesday. That number has been below 100 since mid-May, and it is a fraction of the November peak of 987.

Nebraska continues to report small number of new virus cases

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Two Chadron State College students have been selected by&nbsp;Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) to serve on its Student Advisory Board, according to Associate Professor of Counseling Dr. Tara Wilson.

Chadron State College’s Counseling program nominated two students and Carissa Munn of Lewellen, Nebraska, was selected. The Psychology program nominated the other student who was selected, Laura Otter of Akron, Colorado.

“The Counseling faculty nominated Carissa based on her observed leadership qualities and commitment to the behavioral health profession. We believe she will be an asset to the student advisory board and a strong advocate for rural behavioral health,” Wilson said.

Dr. Mary Jo Carnot, professor of Psychology, said the faculty recommended Otter because of her strong interest in behavioral health and commitment to her education.

Munn and Otter will each serve a one-year term starting in the fall with the board’s first meeting.

In an email notification of the appointments, Erin Schneider, BHECN community outreach coordinator, said the selection process was difficult because of the many qualified and talented applicants.

Schneider said goals for the 12-member Student Advisory Board include bringing together a group of students to advise on BHECN programs and initiatives that support and encourage a diverse group of Nebraska students to pursue careers in behavioral health, providing networking opportunities for students to find peers and mentors interested the behavioral health-related field, and providing students with professional board membership experience.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Two Chadron State College students have been selected by&nbsp;Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) to serve on its Student Advisory Board, according to Associate Professor of Counseling Dr. Tara Wilson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623333777683.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College student Carissa Munn of Lewellen, Neb., is one of two CSC students named to the first ever Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) Student Advisory Board. (Courtesy photo used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College student Carissa Munn of Lewellen, Neb., is one of two CSC students named to the first ever Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) Student Advisory Board. (Courtesy photo used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State College’s Counseling program nominated two students and Carissa Munn of Lewellen, Nebraska, was selected. The Psychology program nominated the other student who was selected, Laura Otter of Akron, Colorado.“The Counseling faculty nominated Carissa based on her observed leadership qualities and commitment to the behavioral health profession. We believe she will be an asset to the student advisory board and a strong advocate for rural behavioral health,” Wilson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623333809681.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College student Laura Otter of Akron, Colo., is one of two CSC students named to the first ever Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) Student Advisory Board. (Courtesy photo used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College student Laura Otter of Akron, Colo., is one of two CSC students named to the first ever Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) Student Advisory Board. (Courtesy photo used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Mary Jo Carnot, professor of Psychology, said the faculty recommended Otter because of her strong interest in behavioral health and commitment to her education.Munn and Otter will each serve a one-year term starting in the fall with the board’s first meeting.In an email notification of the appointments, Erin Schneider, BHECN community outreach coordinator, said the selection process was difficult because of the many qualified and talented applicants.Schneider said goals for the 12-member Student Advisory Board include bringing together a group of students to advise on BHECN programs and initiatives that support and encourage a diverse group of Nebraska students to pursue careers in behavioral health, providing networking opportunities for students to find peers and mentors interested the behavioral health-related field, and providing students with professional board membership experience.

Student from Lewellen, 1 of 2 selected to serve on statewide advisory board from CSC

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

Scattered thunderstorms developing late this afternoon could become severe over extreme east-central Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle headed into this evening.

 Frequent lightning, damaging winds (in excess of 60 MPH), and large hail (2 inch) are possible with the strongest storms. 

Most likely timing for the strongest storms is 5-11PM. Stay weather aware this evening&nbsp; and have multiple ways to receive warning notifications. 

In addition, High Wind Warnings are in effect for much of Wyoming and the northern Nebraska Panhandle this afternoon and evening.&nbsp;

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WYScattered thunderstorms developing late this afternoon could become severe over extreme east-central Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle headed into this evening. Frequent lightning, damaging winds (in excess of 60 MPH), and large hail (2 inch) are possible with the strongest storms. Most likely timing for the strongest storms is 5-11PM. Stay weather aware this evening&nbsp; and have multiple ways to receive warning notifications. In addition, High Wind Warnings are in effect for much of Wyoming and the northern Nebraska Panhandle this afternoon and evening.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623335374665.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Severe weather possible tonight for areas of the Panhandle 

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that TC Energy would terminate the Keystone XL pipeline project.&nbsp; This decision follows President Biden’s decision to cancel the presidential permit for the pipeline.

“President Biden’s executive action led to the termination of the Keystone XL pipeline,” said Governor Ricketts.&nbsp; “This is yet another example of the Biden-Harris Administration putting the priorities of radical environmental activists above our national interest.&nbsp; Without Keystone XL, the United States will not only be more dependent on overseas sources of oil, but our state will not enjoy the benefit of the jobs and property tax revenue the project would have brought.” &nbsp;

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that TC Energy would terminate the Keystone XL pipeline project.&nbsp; This decision follows President Biden’s decision to cancel the presidential permit for the pipeline.“President Biden’s executive action led to the termination of the Keystone XL pipeline,” said Governor Ricketts.&nbsp; “This is yet another example of the Biden-Harris Administration putting the priorities of radical environmental activists above our national interest.&nbsp; Without Keystone XL, the United States will not only be more dependent on overseas sources of oil, but our state will not enjoy the benefit of the jobs and property tax revenue the project would have brought.” &nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Biden’s decision to stop Keystone XL hurts Nebraska taxpayers

News Release Nebraska State Fire Marshal

LINCOLN, Neb.-The deadline to apply for a retail stand license from the State Fire Marshal Agency is 11:59 PM on&nbsp; June 10, 2021.&nbsp; After this time, the license application portal will close. There is no mechanism available to submit a request after this time.&nbsp; License information and Application Instructions can be found on the State Fire Marshal website at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fireworks/licenses" target="_blank">https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fireworks/licenses</a>.

The changes to fireworks sales because of&nbsp;LB 152, a bill introduced by Senator Slama, and signed by Governor Ricketts on May 5, 2021 are in effect for this year.&nbsp; This bill allows for the sale of fireworks labeled as 1.4G explosives and allows some items that were previously prohibited in Nebraska.&nbsp; Nighttime parachutes and items commonly called bottle rockets can now be sold in Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wire sparklers remain prohibited in Nebraska.

Flying lantern-type devices, commonly referred to as Sky Lanterns, are still prohibited for sale, possession, and use in Nebraska per Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1255.

The State Fire Marshal Agency encourages everyone to follow all local ordinances, to be respectful of their neighbors, and to read and follow all safety instructions when using fireworks to help ensure a happy and safe Independence Day for everyone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623332531651.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska State Fire MarshalLINCOLN, Neb.-The deadline to apply for a retail stand license from the State Fire Marshal Agency is 11:59 PM on&nbsp; June 10, 2021.&nbsp; After this time, the license application portal will close. There is no mechanism available to submit a request after this time.&nbsp; License information and Application Instructions can be found on the State Fire Marshal website at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fireworks/licenses" target="_blank">https://sfm.nebraska.gov/fireworks/licenses</a>.The changes to fireworks sales because of&nbsp;LB 152, a bill introduced by Senator Slama, and signed by Governor Ricketts on May 5, 2021 are in effect for this year.&nbsp; This bill allows for the sale of fireworks labeled as 1.4G explosives and allows some items that were previously prohibited in Nebraska.&nbsp; Nighttime parachutes and items commonly called bottle rockets can now be sold in Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wire sparklers remain prohibited in Nebraska.Flying lantern-type devices, commonly referred to as Sky Lanterns, are still prohibited for sale, possession, and use in Nebraska per Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1255.The State Fire Marshal Agency encourages everyone to follow all local ordinances, to be respectful of their neighbors, and to read and follow all safety instructions when using fireworks to help ensure a happy and safe Independence Day for everyone.

Deadline for Nebraska fireworks stands is today

CRAWFORD – One of the best ways to explore Northwest Nebraska is on horseback, and with the return of the annual Ride the Ridge event June 19, residents and visitors have the opportunity to see some of the most scenic areas of Fort Robinson State Park while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow horsemen and women.

While a state park permit is required, the trail ride itself is free. The event is back after being cancelled for just the second time in history in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local horseman Ken Garner has been selected as this year’s Trail Boss and will lead the ride, which usually attracts around 100 riders. The Dawes County Veterans Honor Guard members will serve as Honorary Trail Bosses.

Garner, who spent 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, served two tours in Vietnam after growing up on a ranch in the Sandhills. Upon retirement from the military as a master gunnery sergeant, he went to work for a government contractor, eventually retiring to Northwest Nebraska. Garner began working with Ride the Ridge almost immediately after settling in the area.

“It’s a chance to get out and ride the hills,” he said. “And it’s good for the area. It gives us a chance to get people here from out-of-state to see what Northwest Nebraska has.”

He and his wife, Deborah, own the LZ and board horses for college students and other local residents. During the academic year, he can have nearly 40 horses on his place.

The Dawes County Veterans Honor Guard members will be recognized as Honorary Trail Bosses in a nod to their military service. The Honor Guard was originally formed in the 1940s by the American Legion Post 12 but has evolved to include veterans honorably discharged from any of the armed forces who belong to the local American Legion, VFW or DAV. The Honor Guard currently has 19 members who provide military funeral rites for veterans, lead local parades, present the colors at various events, participate in Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day activities and conduct ceremonies for the proper disposal of the American flag.

“Ride the Ridge has always been a great way for horse lovers to enjoy Northwest Nebraska, and we’re thrilled to have it back on the calendar this year,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp. “We know riders from across the state, as well as from Colorado, Kansas and New York are already planning to attend, and I have little doubt they will fall in love with Northwest Nebraska.”

Registration for Ride the Ridge will be June 19, beginning at 8 a.m., with the morning trail ride scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Signs will be posted at the park to direct riders to the registration point. Riders will break for lunch on their own and can choose to take another trail ride in the afternoon at 1 p.m. or enjoy watching the Cowboy Mounted Shooters at the Fort Robinson arena. Pre-registration for riders overnighting at the park will be offered June 18 from 5-7 p.m. at the Mare Barns. For more information, follow Ride the Ridge on Facebook or contact Don at 308-432-3841 or Tom at 308-430-5333.

CRAWFORD – One of the best ways to explore Northwest Nebraska is on horseback, and with the return of the annual Ride the Ridge event June 19, residents and visitors have the opportunity to see some of the most scenic areas of Fort Robinson State Park while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow horsemen and women.While a state park permit is required, the trail ride itself is free. The event is back after being cancelled for just the second time in history in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Local horseman Ken Garner has been selected as this year’s Trail Boss and will lead the ride, which usually attracts around 100 riders. The Dawes County Veterans Honor Guard members will serve as Honorary Trail Bosses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623332206795.jpeg" alt="Ken and Deborah Garner" />
 <figcaption>Ken and Deborah Garner</figcaption>
 </figure>Garner, who spent 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, served two tours in Vietnam after growing up on a ranch in the Sandhills. Upon retirement from the military as a master gunnery sergeant, he went to work for a government contractor, eventually retiring to Northwest Nebraska. Garner began working with Ride the Ridge almost immediately after settling in the area.“It’s a chance to get out and ride the hills,” he said. “And it’s good for the area. It gives us a chance to get people here from out-of-state to see what Northwest Nebraska has.”He and his wife, Deborah, own the LZ and board horses for college students and other local residents. During the academic year, he can have nearly 40 horses on his place.The Dawes County Veterans Honor Guard members will be recognized as Honorary Trail Bosses in a nod to their military service. The Honor Guard was originally formed in the 1940s by the American Legion Post 12 but has evolved to include veterans honorably discharged from any of the armed forces who belong to the local American Legion, VFW or DAV. The Honor Guard currently has 19 members who provide military funeral rites for veterans, lead local parades, present the colors at various events, participate in Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day activities and conduct ceremonies for the proper disposal of the American flag.“Ride the Ridge has always been a great way for horse lovers to enjoy Northwest Nebraska, and we’re thrilled to have it back on the calendar this year,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp. “We know riders from across the state, as well as from Colorado, Kansas and New York are already planning to attend, and I have little doubt they will fall in love with Northwest Nebraska.”Registration for Ride the Ridge will be June 19, beginning at 8 a.m., with the morning trail ride scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Signs will be posted at the park to direct riders to the registration point. Riders will break for lunch on their own and can choose to take another trail ride in the afternoon at 1 p.m. or enjoy watching the Cowboy Mounted Shooters at the Fort Robinson arena. Pre-registration for riders overnighting at the park will be offered June 18 from 5-7 p.m. at the Mare Barns. For more information, follow Ride the Ridge on Facebook or contact Don at 308-432-3841 or Tom at 308-430-5333.

'Ride the Ridge' returns to Fort Robinson, Garner named Trail Boss

CHADRON – The current exhibit at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, Kapemni: As It Is Above, It Is Below, showcases Lakota constellations, culture, history, Native American zodiac signs, and related lore. The show will be open until Oct. 15. Hours of the Center are&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to noon, 1-4 p.m. and Friday 10 am to noon, closed weekends and holidays.

The Kapemni symbol of two tipis connected top to top reflects the Lakota belief that Earth appears as the mirror image of the sky, according to Holly Counts with the Sandoz Center.

Counts, Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences Dr. Tawny Tibbits, and CSC graduate student Kinsley Mason collaborated to create 14 paintings of constellations including Bear’s Lodge, Seven Sisters/Girls, Buffalo, Elk, Salamander, and Turtle. Sources for the paintings’ captions were taken from&nbsp;<a>Lakota Star Knowledge by Ronald Goodman&nbsp;</a>and D(Lakota) Star Map Constellation Guide by Annette S. Lee, Jim Rock, and Charlene O’Rourke.

“The exhibit walks visitors through some of the major constellations. We focus on Lakota and Dakota lore,” Tibbits said. “The Seven Sisters in Lakota, Dakota lore are&nbsp;seven individuals who were plucked up from the surface of the earth and thrown into the sky.”

Tibbits said the themes reflected in Lakota constellations have many similarities with traditional Greek stories including love, loss, war, and jealousy.

“Looking up is a common fascination among all the cultures of the world,” Tibbits said.

Pieces from the Sandoz Center collection, and moccasins, jewelry, and a piece of polished amethyst from the private collection of Roxy Puchner are part of the exhibit. Tibbits said many of the rocks and minerals on display are from the Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum’s Ohme Collection.

A Native American zodiac&nbsp;chart is included in the exhibit along with&nbsp;take-home cards for guests listing corresponding&nbsp;animal totems for each sign.

Another feature of the Kapemni show is a preview of the Lois Veath Planetarium that will be in the renovated and expanded Math Science Center of Innovative Learning.

“We are very excited to be in the planning stages of what's going into our new planetarium. We have the floor plan layout so people can see it,” Tibbits said.

For more details, contact the Sandoz Center at 308-432-6401.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – The current exhibit at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, Kapemni: As It Is Above, It Is Below, showcases Lakota constellations, culture, history, Native American zodiac signs, and related lore. The show will be open until Oct. 15. Hours of the Center are&nbsp;Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to noon, 1-4 p.m. and Friday 10 am to noon, closed weekends and holidays.The Kapemni symbol of two tipis connected top to top reflects the Lakota belief that Earth appears as the mirror image of the sky, according to Holly Counts with the Sandoz Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623280060869.jpeg" alt="Dallas Magnusson, accounting clerk II, views Lakota cultural items on display in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center as part of Kapemni: As It Is Above, So It Is Below through Oct. 2021. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Dallas Magnusson, accounting clerk II, views Lakota cultural items on display in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center as part of Kapemni: As It Is Above, So It Is Below through Oct. 2021. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>Counts, Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences Dr. Tawny Tibbits, and CSC graduate student Kinsley Mason collaborated to create 14 paintings of constellations including Bear’s Lodge, Seven Sisters/Girls, Buffalo, Elk, Salamander, and Turtle. Sources for the paintings’ captions were taken from&nbsp;<a>Lakota Star Knowledge by Ronald Goodman&nbsp;</a>and D(Lakota) Star Map Constellation Guide by Annette S. Lee, Jim Rock, and Charlene O’Rourke.“The exhibit walks visitors through some of the major constellations. We focus on Lakota and Dakota lore,” Tibbits said. “The Seven Sisters in Lakota, Dakota lore are&nbsp;seven individuals who were plucked up from the surface of the earth and thrown into the sky.”Tibbits said the themes reflected in Lakota constellations have many similarities with traditional Greek stories including love, loss, war, and jealousy.“Looking up is a common fascination among all the cultures of the world,” Tibbits said.Pieces from the Sandoz Center collection, and moccasins, jewelry, and a piece of polished amethyst from the private collection of Roxy Puchner are part of the exhibit. Tibbits said many of the rocks and minerals on display are from the Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum’s Ohme Collection.A Native American zodiac&nbsp;chart is included in the exhibit along with&nbsp;take-home cards for guests listing corresponding&nbsp;animal totems for each sign.Another feature of the Kapemni show is a preview of the Lois Veath Planetarium that will be in the renovated and expanded Math Science Center of Innovative Learning.“We are very excited to be in the planning stages of what's going into our new planetarium. We have the floor plan layout so people can see it,” Tibbits said.For more details, contact the Sandoz Center at 308-432-6401.

Chadron exhibit features Lakota constellation stories

Friends of Chadron Public Library to hold book sale 

Nebraska Extension will host a risk management workshop for cattle producers on Wednesday, July 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Newberry’s, 110 W 4th St., Alliance. 

Cattle producers will learn&nbsp;strategies designed to reduce risk exposure to achieve a profitable outcome in uncertain times. 

Topics covered during the workshop include current issues and opportunities in the cattle industry, trends in grazing land cash rental rates and managing price risk for cattle with futures, options and insurance.

Current issues facing the cattle industry will be discussed to allow producers to make more informed decisions facing the in. Trends in grazing land covers current regional and county-level cash rental rates along with strategies for designing flexible cash leases for pastures or rangeland. Specific marketing tools covered during the workshop to manage price risk include futures and options as well as Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance. Funding for this project is provided in partnership with the USDA-NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28586.

The workshop is free and a meal will be provided, but registration is required one day prior to start of workshop to ensure an accurate meal count. 

For more information and to pre-register by July 6, please call Nebraska Extension in Box Butte County at 308-762-5616 or register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://go.unl.edu/cattlerisk" target="_blank">http://go.unl.edu/cattlerisk</a>.

Nebraska Extension will host a risk management workshop for cattle producers on Wednesday, July 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Newberry’s, 110 W 4th St., Alliance. Cattle producers will learn&nbsp;strategies designed to reduce risk exposure to achieve a profitable outcome in uncertain times. Topics covered during the workshop include current issues and opportunities in the cattle industry, trends in grazing land cash rental rates and managing price risk for cattle with futures, options and insurance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623257635631.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Current issues facing the cattle industry will be discussed to allow producers to make more informed decisions facing the in. Trends in grazing land covers current regional and county-level cash rental rates along with strategies for designing flexible cash leases for pastures or rangeland. Specific marketing tools covered during the workshop to manage price risk include futures and options as well as Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance. Funding for this project is provided in partnership with the USDA-NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28586.The workshop is free and a meal will be provided, but registration is required one day prior to start of workshop to ensure an accurate meal count. For more information and to pre-register by July 6, please call Nebraska Extension in Box Butte County at 308-762-5616 or register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://go.unl.edu/cattlerisk" target="_blank">http://go.unl.edu/cattlerisk</a>.

Cattle Risk Management Workshop to be held in Alliance

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Rapid City man is free after prosecutors dropped a murder charge against him and a jury acquitted him of gun crimes in connection with a fatal shooting in Pine Ridge last year. 

Phillip Pond was accused of shooting Justin Little Hawk in November 2020. 

Little Hawk died that December in a hospital. 

Pond turned himself in in February and was indicted on second-degree murder. 

The Rapid City Journal reported Tuesday that prosecutors filed a new indictment in May charging Pond with illegally possessing a gun but dropped the homicide count. 

Pond represented himself at trial. Proceedings lasted two days before the jury acquitted him May 27.

 Pond had argued that a number of people who told police he killed Little Hawk were lying.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Rapid City man is free after prosecutors dropped a murder charge against him and a jury acquitted him of gun crimes in connection with a fatal shooting in Pine Ridge last year. Phillip Pond was accused of shooting Justin Little Hawk in November 2020. Little Hawk died that December in a hospital. Pond turned himself in in February and was indicted on second-degree murder. The Rapid City Journal reported Tuesday that prosecutors filed a new indictment in May charging Pond with illegally possessing a gun but dropped the homicide count. Pond represented himself at trial. Proceedings lasted two days before the jury acquitted him May 27. Pond had argued that a number of people who told police he killed Little Hawk were lying.

Jury acquits Rapid City man in fatal Pine Ridge shooting

The Big Red Blitz presented by FNBO heads to all corners of Nebraska on Wednesday, June 16, with 10 groups hitting 20 stops across the state. Tentative details for each stop are now set, and all Big Red Blitz events are free to the public.&nbsp; Capacity is limited for each event, and fans will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional details about each event are now posted on the Huskers’ Facebook page.

<a>Group 1</a> Alliance&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 a.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Newberry’s (110 West 4th Street) Scottsbluff&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 p.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gering Civic Center (1050 M Street) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Athletic Director Bill Moos, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Armon Gates, Head Wrestling Coach Mark Manning

Emcee:&nbsp;Mattie Fowler, Huskers Athletic Fund, Huskers Radio Network Softball Analyst

Group 2 Chadron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 a.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Country Kitchen Restaurant (1250 West 10th Street) Valentine&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bolo Brewing Company (420 East 1st Street) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Head Volleyball Coach John Cook, Assistant Football Coach Tony Tuioti, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Matt Abdelmassih

Emcee:&nbsp;Jessica Coody, Huskers Radio Network

Group 3 Ogallala&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 a.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Open Range Grill (1108 North Spruce Street)

Imperial&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 p.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Broken Arrow Cellars (73892 332 Avenue) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Football Offensive Coordinator Matt Lubick, Special Assistant to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Doc Sadler, Garrett Klassy, Senior Deputy Athletic Director

Group 4 North Platte&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11:30 a.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;North Platte Community College Gymnasium&nbsp;(601 W. State Farm Road) Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2:30 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Younes Conference Center South (416 West Talmadge Road) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Head Football Coach Scott Frost, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Nate Loenser, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development Ben Murray

Emcee:&nbsp;Greg Sharpe, Huskers Radio Network Football and Baseball Play-by-Play

Group 5 Columbus&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Frankfort Square (13th Street and 26th Avenue) David City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Butler County Fair Grounds (62 L Street) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Women’s Basketball Head Coach Amy Williams, Football Defensive Coordinator Erik Chinander, Assistant Football Coach Mario Verduzco

Emcee:&nbsp;Jeff Griesch, Athletic Communications/Huskers Radio Network Women’s Basketball Analyst

Group 6 Grand Island&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bosselman Conference Center (700 East Stolley Park Road) Hastings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lochland Country Club (601 West Lochland Road) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Men’s Basketball Head Coach Fred Hoiberg, Assistant Football Coach Travis Fisher, Senior Deputy Athletic Director John Johnson

Emcee:&nbsp;Kent Pavelka, Huskers Radio Network Men’s Basketball Play-by-Play

Group 7 Norfolk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Midtown Events Center (1102 Riverside Boulevard) Fremont&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Christensen Field Auditorium (1914 Christensen Field Road) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Assistant Football Coach Greg Austin, Assistant Football Coach Mike Dawson, Associate Athletic Director for Football Matt Davison, Head Bowling Coach Paul Klempa

Emcee:&nbsp;Matt Davison, Huskers Radio Network Football Analyst

Group 8 Lexington&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nautical Rose at Johnson Lake (2 Lakeview Acres Drive, #13) Holdrege&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JB Sport’s Bar and Grill (302 East Avenue) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Assistant Football Coach Sean Beckton, Men’s Basketball Director of Player Development Buzzy Caruthers

Emcee:&nbsp;Brenden Stai, Huskers Athletic Fund/Huskers Radio Network

Group 9 Loup City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Loup City Community Center (803 O Street)

Broken Bow&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4:30 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kinkaider Brewing (43860 Paulsen Road) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Assistant Football Coach Ryan Held, Football Head Strength Coach Zach Duval, Senior Offensive Analyst Ron Brown

Emcee:&nbsp;Keith Zimmer, Senior Associate AD/Life Skills

Group 10 So. Sioux City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Covington Links Golf Course (497 Golf Road)

West Point&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; West Point High School (1200 E Washington Street)

Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Football Assistant Coach Barrett Ruud, Associate Women’s Basketball Head Coach Chuck Love, Baseball Head Coach Will Bolt

Emcee:&nbsp;Derek Engelbart, Assistant General Manager of Huskers Athletic Partners&nbsp;

Additional updates or changes to the Big Red Blitz schedule will be posted on Huskers.com. FNBO is the Official Bank of Husker Nation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623253420867.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>(NU Athletic Communications)The Big Red Blitz presented by FNBO heads to all corners of Nebraska on Wednesday, June 16, with 10 groups hitting 20 stops across the state. Tentative details for each stop are now set, and all Big Red Blitz events are free to the public.&nbsp; Capacity is limited for each event, and fans will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional details about each event are now posted on the Huskers’ Facebook page.<a>Group 1</a> Alliance&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 a.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Newberry’s (110 West 4th Street) Scottsbluff&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 p.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gering Civic Center (1050 M Street) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Athletic Director Bill Moos, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Armon Gates, Head Wrestling Coach Mark ManningEmcee:&nbsp;Mattie Fowler, Huskers Athletic Fund, Huskers Radio Network Softball AnalystGroup 2 Chadron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 a.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Country Kitchen Restaurant (1250 West 10th Street) Valentine&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bolo Brewing Company (420 East 1st Street) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Head Volleyball Coach John Cook, Assistant Football Coach Tony Tuioti, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Matt AbdelmassihEmcee:&nbsp;Jessica Coody, Huskers Radio NetworkGroup 3 Ogallala&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 a.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Open Range Grill (1108 North Spruce Street)Imperial&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 p.m. MT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Broken Arrow Cellars (73892 332 Avenue) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Football Offensive Coordinator Matt Lubick, Special Assistant to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Doc Sadler, Garrett Klassy, Senior Deputy Athletic DirectorEmcee:&nbsp;Garrett KlassyGroup 4 North Platte&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11:30 a.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;North Platte Community College Gymnasium&nbsp;(601 W. State Farm Road) Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2:30 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Younes Conference Center South (416 West Talmadge Road) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Head Football Coach Scott Frost, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Nate Loenser, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development Ben MurrayEmcee:&nbsp;Greg Sharpe, Huskers Radio Network Football and Baseball Play-by-PlayGroup 5 Columbus&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Frankfort Square (13th Street and 26th Avenue) David City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Butler County Fair Grounds (62 L Street) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Women’s Basketball Head Coach Amy Williams, Football Defensive Coordinator Erik Chinander, Assistant Football Coach Mario VerduzcoEmcee:&nbsp;Jeff Griesch, Athletic Communications/Huskers Radio Network Women’s Basketball AnalystGroup 6 Grand Island&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bosselman Conference Center (700 East Stolley Park Road) Hastings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lochland Country Club (601 West Lochland Road) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Men’s Basketball Head Coach Fred Hoiberg, Assistant Football Coach Travis Fisher, Senior Deputy Athletic Director John JohnsonEmcee:&nbsp;Kent Pavelka, Huskers Radio Network Men’s Basketball Play-by-PlayGroup 7 Norfolk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Midtown Events Center (1102 Riverside Boulevard) Fremont&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Christensen Field Auditorium (1914 Christensen Field Road) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Assistant Football Coach Greg Austin, Assistant Football Coach Mike Dawson, Associate Athletic Director for Football Matt Davison, Head Bowling Coach Paul KlempaEmcee:&nbsp;Matt Davison, Huskers Radio Network Football AnalystGroup 8 Lexington&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nautical Rose at Johnson Lake (2 Lakeview Acres Drive, #13) Holdrege&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JB Sport’s Bar and Grill (302 East Avenue) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Assistant Football Coach Sean Beckton, Men’s Basketball Director of Player Development Buzzy CaruthersEmcee:&nbsp;Brenden Stai, Huskers Athletic Fund/Huskers Radio NetworkGroup 9 Loup City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Loup City Community Center (803 O Street)Broken Bow&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4:30 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kinkaider Brewing (43860 Paulsen Road) Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Assistant Football Coach Ryan Held, Football Head Strength Coach Zach Duval, Senior Offensive Analyst Ron BrownEmcee:&nbsp;Keith Zimmer, Senior Associate AD/Life SkillsGroup 10 So. Sioux City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noon CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Covington Links Golf Course (497 Golf Road)West Point&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 p.m. CT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; West Point High School (1200 E Washington Street)Coaches/Staff:&nbsp;Football Assistant Coach Barrett Ruud, Associate Women’s Basketball Head Coach Chuck Love, Baseball Head Coach Will BoltEmcee:&nbsp;Derek Engelbart, Assistant General Manager of Huskers Athletic Partners&nbsp;Additional updates or changes to the Big Red Blitz schedule will be posted on Huskers.com. FNBO is the Official Bank of Husker Nation.

Big Red Blitz coming to Western Nebraska

CHADRON – The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center is hosting two star parties in conjunction with the exhibit in the center until Oct. 15. Kapemni: As It Is Above, It Is Below, showcases Lakota constellations, culture, history, Native American zodiac signs, and related lore. Hours of the Center are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to noon, 1-4 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to noon, closed weekends and holidays, according to Holly Counts with the Sandoz Center. Counts, Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences Dr. Tawny Tibbits, and CSC graduate student Kinsley Mason collaborated to create 14 paintings of constellations for the show.

The star party Thursday will be at the Black Hills Overlook, accessed through Chadron State Park. The July 28 star party will be at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

“In both star parties, we are going to be working with the Chadron Public Library. They're going to come out with us to the star parties and bring their astronomical binoculars and possibly telescope, as well. Park Rangers at Agate are partnering with CSC and the Chadron Public Library to lend their expertise. We're very excited to be working with both groups,” Tibbits said.

A limited number of printed summer sky maps will be available for those who attend. Both events are subject to cancellation due to weather. Shared telescopes will be provided and sanitized between viewers. Viewings start after sundown when the sky is dark and end at 11 p.m. Transportation is the responsibility of those attending. Masks are encouraged when social distancing is not possible.

For more details about the exhibit or star parties, contact the Sandoz Center at 308-432-6401.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center is hosting two star parties in conjunction with the exhibit in the center until Oct. 15. Kapemni: As It Is Above, It Is Below, showcases Lakota constellations, culture, history, Native American zodiac signs, and related lore. Hours of the Center are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to noon, 1-4 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to noon, closed weekends and holidays, according to Holly Counts with the Sandoz Center. Counts, Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences Dr. Tawny Tibbits, and CSC graduate student Kinsley Mason collaborated to create 14 paintings of constellations for the show.The star party Thursday will be at the Black Hills Overlook, accessed through Chadron State Park. The July 28 star party will be at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623252175130.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“In both star parties, we are going to be working with the Chadron Public Library. They're going to come out with us to the star parties and bring their astronomical binoculars and possibly telescope, as well. Park Rangers at Agate are partnering with CSC and the Chadron Public Library to lend their expertise. We're very excited to be working with both groups,” Tibbits said.A limited number of printed summer sky maps will be available for those who attend. Both events are subject to cancellation due to weather. Shared telescopes will be provided and sanitized between viewers. Viewings start after sundown when the sky is dark and end at 11 p.m. Transportation is the responsibility of those attending. Masks are encouraged when social distancing is not possible.For more details about the exhibit or star parties, contact the Sandoz Center at 308-432-6401.

First of 2 star parties set for Thursday at Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center

Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers share a special connection to the land and water they use to grow the food that feeds the world.&nbsp; They cultivate the rich soil of the Great Plains and graze cattle across the rolling Sandhills.&nbsp; Many families have worked the same land for generations.&nbsp; It’s their work ethic and stewardship that have helped make Nebraska&nbsp;number one in the nation for agricultural production per capita.

While private owners have successfully stewarded our land and water here in Nebraska, new leadership in the White House wants more federal control.&nbsp; On January 27th, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14008, which set a goal of conserving 30% of the nation’s land and waters by 2030.&nbsp; This requires restricting a land area the size of the State of Nebraska every year, each year, for the next nine years, or in other words a land mass twice the size of Texas by 2030.

This goal is especially radical given that the President has no constitutional authority to take action to conserve 30% of the land and water.&nbsp; This has raised a lot of questions about what the President intends to do. &nbsp;So far, he has not defined what he even means by “conservation.”&nbsp; Aside from vague platitudes, he has not revealed how he intends to implement his plan.&nbsp;

Here’s what we do know.&nbsp; 30 x 30 will not only have major consequences for private property rights, but also for the state’s tax base and economy.&nbsp; Unlike states in the western part of the country where there are already significant amounts of federally owned lands, 97% of land in Nebraska is privately owned. &nbsp;Federally owned land is not taxed, and restrictions will reduce our ability to develop it for agriculture, infrastructure, or businesses.&nbsp; If 30% of land in Nebraska is set aside for conservation, it will shift the property tax burden onto fewer farmers, ranchers, homeowners, and business owners.&nbsp; Right now, the federal government pays about $2.50 per acre on average in lieu of taxes on land it holds with conservation easements.&nbsp; Even if a land trust holds the conservation easement, the land’s potential taxable value is still greatly reduced. &nbsp;This leaves fewer taxpayers to pay for schools, roads, bridges, and other services. &nbsp;

As the Biden Administration continues to roll out their 30 x 30 plans, here's what you can do to protect yourself and make your voice heard.

First, understand the tools that the administration is likely to use to implement 30 x 30.&nbsp; Options include expanding national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas.&nbsp; At the county level, it may also involve conservation easements.&nbsp; Conservation easements are contracts used to surrender a portion of property rights to a land trust or to the federal government for conservation purposes.&nbsp; Under Nebraska statute, conservation easements are permanent unless the contract specifies otherwise.&nbsp; Once a private landowner has entered into such a contract, the property rights will not be reunited, unless there is an expiration date set for the contract.&nbsp; Conservation easements set for a term of years may be appropriate, but I am 100% opposed to perpetual easements.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once you’ve entered into a permanent easement, you have forever surrendered control of your land to the land trust or federal government.&nbsp; Future generations will not have the flexibility to develop or manage the land differently.&nbsp; Given the consequences of conservation easements, Nebraska law authorizes county governments to review them, and to either approve or deny them.&nbsp; County boards can block an easement if it conflicts with the county’s comprehensive land use plan.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Second, work to pass local resolutions to oppose 30 x 30.&nbsp; Over 20 counties in Nebraska have passed formal resolutions opposing the plan.&nbsp; I encourage you to check with your county officials to urge them to step up to oppose 30 x 30. &nbsp;These resolutions send a message that Nebraskans are going to stand up to protect our land and guard our freedoms.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Third, read federal contracts closely. &nbsp;Contracts with federal agencies, such as those offered by the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), are another way the federal government may try to expand its control.&nbsp; I recently spoke to a rancher in Banner County who had received a new CRP contract. &nbsp;It contained a new provision to protect the habitat of the swift fox.&nbsp; The rancher had never seen a swift fox on his property, and he called the USDA to ask what actions the added clause would require.&nbsp; The USDA couldn’t explain what the provision meant, so the rancher declined to sign.&nbsp; It’s important to read the fine print on any federal contract so that you don’t unknowingly agree to environmental regulations that curtail your property rights.&nbsp;

Fourth, be on the lookout in your area for new activity from federal agencies and their partners.&nbsp; Organizations, such as the Nebraska Land Trust, have endorsed President Biden’s 30 x 30 plan, and may decide to work with them to implement it locally.

Finally, sign up at the Governor’s Office for updates at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.Governor.Nebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;You’ll get all the latest information on upcoming events and news about 30 x 30.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the past week, I’ve been hosting “Stop 30 x 30” town halls across the state.&nbsp; In the coming weeks, I’ll be in Gordon and Pickrell with more to follow.&nbsp;

If you have questions about other steps you can take to protect your land, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Together, we can stop the 30 x 30 land grab from coming to the Good Life.&nbsp;

By Gov. Pete RickettsNebraska’s farmers and ranchers share a special connection to the land and water they use to grow the food that feeds the world.&nbsp; They cultivate the rich soil of the Great Plains and graze cattle across the rolling Sandhills.&nbsp; Many families have worked the same land for generations.&nbsp; It’s their work ethic and stewardship that have helped make Nebraska&nbsp;number one in the nation for agricultural production per capita.While private owners have successfully stewarded our land and water here in Nebraska, new leadership in the White House wants more federal control.&nbsp; On January 27th, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14008, which set a goal of conserving 30% of the nation’s land and waters by 2030.&nbsp; This requires restricting a land area the size of the State of Nebraska every year, each year, for the next nine years, or in other words a land mass twice the size of Texas by 2030.This goal is especially radical given that the President has no constitutional authority to take action to conserve 30% of the land and water.&nbsp; This has raised a lot of questions about what the President intends to do. &nbsp;So far, he has not defined what he even means by “conservation.”&nbsp; Aside from vague platitudes, he has not revealed how he intends to implement his plan.&nbsp;Here’s what we do know.&nbsp; 30 x 30 will not only have major consequences for private property rights, but also for the state’s tax base and economy.&nbsp; Unlike states in the western part of the country where there are already significant amounts of federally owned lands, 97% of land in Nebraska is privately owned. &nbsp;Federally owned land is not taxed, and restrictions will reduce our ability to develop it for agriculture, infrastructure, or businesses.&nbsp; If 30% of land in Nebraska is set aside for conservation, it will shift the property tax burden onto fewer farmers, ranchers, homeowners, and business owners.&nbsp; Right now, the federal government pays about $2.50 per acre on average in lieu of taxes on land it holds with conservation easements.&nbsp; Even if a land trust holds the conservation easement, the land’s potential taxable value is still greatly reduced. &nbsp;This leaves fewer taxpayers to pay for schools, roads, bridges, and other services. &nbsp;As the Biden Administration continues to roll out their 30 x 30 plans, here's what you can do to protect yourself and make your voice heard.First, understand the tools that the administration is likely to use to implement 30 x 30.&nbsp; Options include expanding national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas.&nbsp; At the county level, it may also involve conservation easements.&nbsp; Conservation easements are contracts used to surrender a portion of property rights to a land trust or to the federal government for conservation purposes.&nbsp; Under Nebraska statute, conservation easements are permanent unless the contract specifies otherwise.&nbsp; Once a private landowner has entered into such a contract, the property rights will not be reunited, unless there is an expiration date set for the contract.&nbsp; Conservation easements set for a term of years may be appropriate, but I am 100% opposed to perpetual easements.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once you’ve entered into a permanent easement, you have forever surrendered control of your land to the land trust or federal government.&nbsp; Future generations will not have the flexibility to develop or manage the land differently.&nbsp; Given the consequences of conservation easements, Nebraska law authorizes county governments to review them, and to either approve or deny them.&nbsp; County boards can block an easement if it conflicts with the county’s comprehensive land use plan.&nbsp; &nbsp;Second, work to pass local resolutions to oppose 30 x 30.&nbsp; Over 20 counties in Nebraska have passed formal resolutions opposing the plan.&nbsp; I encourage you to check with your county officials to urge them to step up to oppose 30 x 30. &nbsp;These resolutions send a message that Nebraskans are going to stand up to protect our land and guard our freedoms.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Third, read federal contracts closely. &nbsp;Contracts with federal agencies, such as those offered by the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), are another way the federal government may try to expand its control.&nbsp; I recently spoke to a rancher in Banner County who had received a new CRP contract. &nbsp;It contained a new provision to protect the habitat of the swift fox.&nbsp; The rancher had never seen a swift fox on his property, and he called the USDA to ask what actions the added clause would require.&nbsp; The USDA couldn’t explain what the provision meant, so the rancher declined to sign.&nbsp; It’s important to read the fine print on any federal contract so that you don’t unknowingly agree to environmental regulations that curtail your property rights.&nbsp;Fourth, be on the lookout in your area for new activity from federal agencies and their partners.&nbsp; Organizations, such as the Nebraska Land Trust, have endorsed President Biden’s 30 x 30 plan, and may decide to work with them to implement it locally.Finally, sign up at the Governor’s Office for updates at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.Governor.Nebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;You’ll get all the latest information on upcoming events and news about 30 x 30.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the past week, I’ve been hosting “Stop 30 x 30” town halls across the state.&nbsp; In the coming weeks, I’ll be in Gordon and Pickrell with more to follow.&nbsp;If you have questions about other steps you can take to protect your land, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Together, we can stop the 30 x 30 land grab from coming to the Good Life.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Stop the 30 x 30 land grab

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force

Social Security benefits play a vital role in reducing poverty, lifting more Americans above the poverty line than any other program. A hundred years ago most Americans worked until they died, and they died at younger ages. When a wage earner died or became disabled, the rest of the family was thrown into poverty and often became homeless. Most people couldn’t afford to retire unless other family members chose to support them.

Social Security was signed into law in 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt as part of the New Deal programs of the Great Depression. President Eisenhower expanded Social Security in 1956 to include the disabled. It is a vital source of inflation-adjusted income for retired and disabled workers, their dependents and their survivors. For many who live in poverty, it may be the only income they receive.

The current Social Security system works like this: when you work, you pay taxes into Social Security. The money is used to pay benefits to • People who have already retired, • People who are disabled, • Survivors of workers who have died, • Dependents of beneficiaries. Benefits are adjusted for inflation.

You pay Social Security taxes of 6.2% of your earnings, up to $142,800. It’s listed as FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) on your paycheck. Your employer matches what you pay. You and your employer pay Medicare taxes of 1.45% on all your wages or net earnings from self-employment; this is used for Medicare health insurance coverage.

The money you pay isn’t held in a personal account for you to use when you get benefits. The Social Security Administration uses your taxes to pay people who are getting benefits right now. Any unused money goes to the Social Security trust fund, not a personal account with your name on it.

Social Security bases your benefit payment on how much you earned during your working career. Your age when you start claiming benefits also affects how much you will receive. You can begin drawing retirement any time from age 62 to 70, and the longer you wait, the more you will receive each month. Full social security retirement age is currently 66 years, 2 months. If you start benefits in 2021 at your full retirement age, this percentage ranges from as much as 78 percent for very low earners, to about 42 percent for medium earners, to about 28 percent for high earners. If you start benefits after full retirement age, these percentages would be higher. If you start benefits earlier, these percentages would be lower.

Social Security is not the only source of income for most people when they retire. Most financial advisers say you will need about 70 percent of pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement. This income might include your Social Security benefits, pension, retirement accounts, investments, and personal savings.

A lot of people think Social Security is going bankrupt now that Baby Boomers are retiring. Realize that there is $2.9 trillion in the Social Security trust fund – far from bankrupt! Even

though 65 million people receive payments every month, the money is still coming in from payroll withholding.

It is true that a few years ago Social Security began paying out more than they receive each month. But in 1983, under President Reagan, Social Security was restructured with a higher tax rate and retirement age to establish the trust fund to be prepared for this. If more funds are needed in the future, Congress can change the withholding rate, raise or eliminate the maximum earnings limit, or have people pay Social Security on other forms of income, not just paychecks. Wealthy people who live off dividends or capital gains but never received paychecks from a job may have to begin to pay into the system.

Social Security is an important program in the United States. The taxes we pay keep millions of retirees, disabled, and surviving dependents out of poverty.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task ForceSocial Security benefits play a vital role in reducing poverty, lifting more Americans above the poverty line than any other program. A hundred years ago most Americans worked until they died, and they died at younger ages. When a wage earner died or became disabled, the rest of the family was thrown into poverty and often became homeless. Most people couldn’t afford to retire unless other family members chose to support them.Social Security was signed into law in 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt as part of the New Deal programs of the Great Depression. President Eisenhower expanded Social Security in 1956 to include the disabled. It is a vital source of inflation-adjusted income for retired and disabled workers, their dependents and their survivors. For many who live in poverty, it may be the only income they receive.The current Social Security system works like this: when you work, you pay taxes into Social Security. The money is used to pay benefits to • People who have already retired, • People who are disabled, • Survivors of workers who have died, • Dependents of beneficiaries. Benefits are adjusted for inflation.You pay Social Security taxes of 6.2% of your earnings, up to $142,800. It’s listed as FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) on your paycheck. Your employer matches what you pay. You and your employer pay Medicare taxes of 1.45% on all your wages or net earnings from self-employment; this is used for Medicare health insurance coverage.The money you pay isn’t held in a personal account for you to use when you get benefits. The Social Security Administration uses your taxes to pay people who are getting benefits right now. Any unused money goes to the Social Security trust fund, not a personal account with your name on it.Social Security bases your benefit payment on how much you earned during your working career. Your age when you start claiming benefits also affects how much you will receive. You can begin drawing retirement any time from age 62 to 70, and the longer you wait, the more you will receive each month. Full social security retirement age is currently 66 years, 2 months. If you start benefits in 2021 at your full retirement age, this percentage ranges from as much as 78 percent for very low earners, to about 42 percent for medium earners, to about 28 percent for high earners. If you start benefits after full retirement age, these percentages would be higher. If you start benefits earlier, these percentages would be lower.Social Security is not the only source of income for most people when they retire. Most financial advisers say you will need about 70 percent of pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement. This income might include your Social Security benefits, pension, retirement accounts, investments, and personal savings.A lot of people think Social Security is going bankrupt now that Baby Boomers are retiring. Realize that there is $2.9 trillion in the Social Security trust fund – far from bankrupt! Eventhough 65 million people receive payments every month, the money is still coming in from payroll withholding.It is true that a few years ago Social Security began paying out more than they receive each month. But in 1983, under President Reagan, Social Security was restructured with a higher tax rate and retirement age to establish the trust fund to be prepared for this. If more funds are needed in the future, Congress can change the withholding rate, raise or eliminate the maximum earnings limit, or have people pay Social Security on other forms of income, not just paychecks. Wealthy people who live off dividends or capital gains but never received paychecks from a job may have to begin to pay into the system.Social Security is an important program in the United States. The taxes we pay keep millions of retirees, disabled, and surviving dependents out of poverty.

Poverty In Our Area: Social security 

Alliance – The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center is kicking off summer with a fantastic outdoor music performance by the talented local group “Across the Border, a taste from both sides” Sunday afternoon June 13 at 5 p.m. on the west side patio. 

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy great toe-tapping music including oldies, current and south of the border. 

The Museum Partners will be providing free lemonade.&nbsp;

For more information, contact Becci at the Museum 762-2384

Alliance – The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center is kicking off summer with a fantastic outdoor music performance by the talented local group “Across the Border, a taste from both sides” Sunday afternoon June 13 at 5 p.m. on the west side patio. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy great toe-tapping music including oldies, current and south of the border. The Museum Partners will be providing free lemonade.&nbsp;For more information, contact Becci at the Museum 762-2384

Across the Border to perform outside of Knight Museum and Sandhills Center

Sight Risk for scattered severe thunderstorms across parts of southeastern Wyoming and Nebraska Panhandle this afternoon into late evening. 

Main threats associated with these storms will be strong winds, lightning, and hail up to golf ball possible.

 Initially discrete storms will be possible across southeastern Wyoming mainly between 3 PM and 8 PM MDT with the Nebraska Panhandle expected to start seeing thunderstorm activity after 6 PM through around midnight. 

The main areas of concern for isolated tornado risk are highlighted above which include cities such as Scottsbluff, Bridgeport, Chugwater, Alliance, Sidney and Kimball.

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623181108610.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sight Risk for scattered severe thunderstorms across parts of southeastern Wyoming and Nebraska Panhandle this afternoon into late evening. Main threats associated with these storms will be strong winds, lightning, and hail up to golf ball possible. Initially discrete storms will be possible across southeastern Wyoming mainly between 3 PM and 8 PM MDT with the Nebraska Panhandle expected to start seeing thunderstorm activity after 6 PM through around midnight. The main areas of concern for isolated tornado risk are highlighted above which include cities such as Scottsbluff, Bridgeport, Chugwater, Alliance, Sidney and Kimball.

Severe weather possible in the Panhandle

A Chadron man has been arrested for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.&nbsp;

On June 3 Chadron Police Sgt. Young stopped a vehicle near 4th and Maple Street for having no license plates.

Young contacted 20 year-old Dylon Two Dogs. Two Dogs was the driver of the vehicle.&nbsp;

Young smelled the odor of burning marijuana coming from the inside of the vehicle.

"Sgt. Young searched the vehicle, locating less than one ounce of suspected marijuana and a suspected pipe containing methamphetamine residue," Chadron Police Chief Richard Hickstein said. "Sgt. Young field tested the suspected drugs and received a positive reaction for marijuana and methamphetamine."

Two Dogs was arrested for possession of methamphetamine (Class IV Felony), driving under suspension (Class III Misdemeanor) and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana (Infraction). 

Two Dogs was transported to the Dawes County Jail. Bond was set at 10% of $10,000.

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostA Chadron man has been arrested for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.&nbsp;On June 3 Chadron Police Sgt. Young stopped a vehicle near 4th and Maple Street for having no license plates.Young contacted 20 year-old Dylon Two Dogs. Two Dogs was the driver of the vehicle.&nbsp;Young smelled the odor of burning marijuana coming from the inside of the vehicle."Sgt. Young searched the vehicle, locating less than one ounce of suspected marijuana and a suspected pipe containing methamphetamine residue," Chadron Police Chief Richard Hickstein said. "Sgt. Young field tested the suspected drugs and received a positive reaction for marijuana and methamphetamine."Two Dogs was arrested for possession of methamphetamine (Class IV Felony), driving under suspension (Class III Misdemeanor) and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana (Infraction). Two Dogs was transported to the Dawes County Jail. Bond was set at 10% of $10,000.

Chadron man arrested for methamphetamine, marijuana 

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College hosted awards ceremonies at the Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney Campuses to celebrate the accomplishments of the top students, faculty, and staff during the 2020-2021 academic year.

The award winners for all three campuses are as follows:

Presidential Leadership Award -&nbsp;Tabitha Lux

Non-Traditional Student of the Year - Hannah Bailey

Fostering Community Award - Beverly Ackerman, Allie Tyree, and Tammy DuBray

Alliance Campus Encourager Award - Natasha Scherz

Student Government Student Achievement Award - Amanda Russell

Student Success &amp; Achievement Award - Orfelinda Montemayer

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College hosted awards ceremonies at the Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney Campuses to celebrate the accomplishments of the top students, faculty, and staff during the 2020-2021 academic year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623173204827.jpeg" alt="Members of Western Nebraska Community College's Phi Theta Kappa - Alpha Rho Omicron chapter pose after being named the Sidney Campus student organization of the year at the Sidney Campus Student Awards Ceremony in April." />
 <figcaption>Members of Western Nebraska Community College's Phi Theta Kappa - Alpha Rho Omicron chapter pose after being named the Sidney Campus student organization of the year at the Sidney Campus Student Awards Ceremony in April.</figcaption>
 </figure>The award winners for all three campuses are as follows:Alliance Campus:Presidential Leadership Award -&nbsp;Tabitha LuxNon-Traditional Student of the Year - Hannah BaileyFostering Community Award - Beverly Ackerman, Allie Tyree, and Tammy DuBrayAlliance Campus Encourager Award - Natasha ScherzTrue Grit Award - Megan McLaughlinStaying On Course Award - Madison MorganStudent Government Student Achievement Award - Amanda RussellStudent Success &amp; Achievement Award - Orfelinda MontemayerHealth Occupations Award - Tabitha LuxAdvance Placement Nursing Student of the Year - Natasha ScherzBoard of Governors Award - Megan McLaughlinSidney Campus:Outstanding Aviation Student - Aviation Maintenance ProgramOutstanding Math Student of the Year - Caleb LuptakOutstanding Associate Degree in Nursing Student - Heidi NienhueserOutstanding Licensed Practical Nursing Student - Marcela ChristoffersonOutstanding Science Student of the Year - Trevor TeagueStudent Achievement Award - Devany TurnerSidney Campus Encourage Award - Heidi NienhueserStudent Organization Award - Phi Theta Kappa - Alpha Rho OmicronNon-Traditional Student of the Year - Marcela ChristoffersonCougar Award - Dahee KangStudent Excellence in Career Development Award - Arik DotyExcellence in Engagement with Career Pathways Award -<ul>
 <li>Eric McCool</li><li>Stacie McConnell</li><li>Teresa Skinner</li><li>Devany Turner</li><li>Jaeden Catt</li>
 </ul>Cougar Pride in Academic &amp; Growth Mindset Award - Jaeden CattAdvisor of the Year - Erin HuddlestonPresidential Award - Truman WilsonBoard of Governors Award - Terry SicklerScottsbluff Campus:Presidential Award - Margueritte MasialaResidents of the Year Award - Emma Johnson, Adam Ouderkirk, Alan OuderkirkResident Assistant of the Year - Maria Lidia GarciaCougar Award - Olivia SchaubAthletic Academic Achievement Award -<ul>
 <li>Raquel De Souza Ferreira (3.75)</li><li>Connor McCracken (3.65)</li>
 </ul>Highest Team Grade Point Average - Cougar Volleyball TeamUnsung Hero Award - Emma JohnsonWNCC Most Valuable Player - Karen Cordero BarrTRIO Touchstone Student Award - Roberta ValdezTRIO Touchstone Faculty Award - Pauline NewmanTRIO Supplemental Instruction Leader Award - Jariatou JallowStaying on Course Award - Jovanna Cardiel RamirezCriminal Justice Students of the Year -<ul>
 <li>Gideon Fink</li><li>Donovan Reese</li><li>Paul Panduro</li><li>Anabelle Gillen</li><li>Diamon Palomo</li>
 </ul>Social Sciences Student of the Year - Gwendolyn BussBusiness &amp; Information Technology Student of the Year - Bethia HamiltonPractical Nursing Students of the Year - Alyssa Strat-Chan, Shaw-vin BarnhartADN Advance Placement Option Student of the Year - Rita SalazarADN Traditional Option Student of the Year - Norma Rojas TrujilloMath &amp; Science Students of the Year - Kulwinder Kaur, Omar Ceesay, Joey OlsonOutstanding Achievement in Instrumental Music - Devon ShelorOutstanding Achievement in Theatre - Jade CashOutstanding Achievement in Vocal Music - Avi Gills-BivensAll-Nebraska Academic Team -<ul>
 <li>Olivia Schaub</li><li>Wyatt Fiscus</li><li>Adam Ouderkirk</li><li>Alan Ouderkirk</li>
 </ul>Outstanding Kappan of the Year - Alexie Cushing, Olivia SchaubPhi Theta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award - Nicole Danielzuk (Full-time)Phi Theta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award - Tami Lippstreu (Adjunct)Student Achievement Award - Jovana Cardiel Ramirez, Nabil NijeFostering Community Award - WNCC FoundationScottsbluff Campus Student Encourager Award - Adam Ouderkirk, Alan OuderkirkScottsbluff Campus Employee Encourager Award - Megan WescoatNon-Traditional Student of the Year - Shelby CordesDean of Students Organization of the Year Award - Cougar CouncilAdvisors of the Year - Amy Winters, Patsy Yager, Francesca Mintowt-CzyzBoard of Governors Award - William Tidyman