'Thunder on the Prairie' Route 385 Cruisers car show to be held in Alliance 

Wally A. Seiler has announced the recent awarding of grants and scholarships totaling $8,900 by the Darold A. Newblom Foundation to two organizations and seven individuals. 

Seiler serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Foundation which was created under the terms of the Last Will and Testament of the late Mr. Newblom.

Those organizations receiving grants are Post Playhouse, Inc., Crawford, Nebraska ($2,700 to assist with promoting the sustainability of the Post Playhouse, Inc.,); and Chadron High School, Chadron, Nebraska ($2,700 to help fund the repair of a fume hood in the chemistry classroom).

Individuals receiving scholarships, each in the amount of $500, are Alliance residents Chloe Blumanthal, Kelsey Horton, and Aubrie Lawrence; and Hemingford residents Kayandra Cruz, Jacob Horstman, Kelli Horstman, and Brian Turek.

This marks the thirty-first year that grants and scholarships have been given by the Newblom Foundation which was established to support activities for the moral, mental, intellectual and physical development of young men and women in Box Butte and Dawes Counties, Nebraska; to provide scholarships for assisting students in obtaining an education; and to assist in the founding, equipping and maintaining of associations or institutions engaged in the advancement of learning. During the past thirty years, the Newblom Foundation has provided funding of $390,601.19 in support of its goals.

Grants and scholarships from the Newblom Foundation are awarded once a year. 

Applications for the 2022 grants and scholarships will be available from Seiler after January 1, 2022, at his home at 1208 Laramie Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska 69301.

Wally A. Seiler has announced the recent awarding of grants and scholarships totaling $8,900 by the Darold A. Newblom Foundation to two organizations and seven individuals. Seiler serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Foundation which was created under the terms of the Last Will and Testament of the late Mr. Newblom.Those organizations receiving grants are Post Playhouse, Inc., Crawford, Nebraska ($2,700 to assist with promoting the sustainability of the Post Playhouse, Inc.,); and Chadron High School, Chadron, Nebraska ($2,700 to help fund the repair of a fume hood in the chemistry classroom).Individuals receiving scholarships, each in the amount of $500, are Alliance residents Chloe Blumanthal, Kelsey Horton, and Aubrie Lawrence; and Hemingford residents Kayandra Cruz, Jacob Horstman, Kelli Horstman, and Brian Turek.This marks the thirty-first year that grants and scholarships have been given by the Newblom Foundation which was established to support activities for the moral, mental, intellectual and physical development of young men and women in Box Butte and Dawes Counties, Nebraska; to provide scholarships for assisting students in obtaining an education; and to assist in the founding, equipping and maintaining of associations or institutions engaged in the advancement of learning. During the past thirty years, the Newblom Foundation has provided funding of $390,601.19 in support of its goals.Grants and scholarships from the Newblom Foundation are awarded once a year. Applications for the 2022 grants and scholarships will be available from Seiler after January 1, 2022, at his home at 1208 Laramie Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska 69301.

Newblom Foundation announces scholarship recipients in Dawes, Box Butte Counties

LINCOLN — Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in celebrating the parks system centennial year with a two-day birthday bash June 11-12 at Chadron State Park.

Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas, joined by Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, and Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation Chairman Jim Abel will welcome guests to the celebration during an 11 a.m. ceremony Saturday at the sports field.

“State lawmakers in 1921 recognized the value of creating our first state park at Chadron,” Douglas said. “We have a lot to celebrate about the benefits that we receive from Nebraska state parks. Our state parks are special places where people can get in touch with nature, enjoy healthy activities, and gather with their families and friends to make lasting memories. Our state parks add to our overall quality of life and strengthen our economy.”

“We look forward to celebrating Nebraska’s great state park system with this signature event,” said Jim Swenson, Parks Division administrator. “Over the past 100 years, our state park system has grown to 76 parks that are top destinations for Nebraskans and visitors because of their breathtaking landscapes and the great diversity of recreational opportunities.”

Highlights will include a historical plaque dedication at 9 a.m. Saturday outside the main office overlooking the pond; the grand opening of the new Chadron State Park Shooting Complex at 10 a.m. at the main picnic area; and laser light shows by Laser Spectacles at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the sports field. Light show attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets as seating is limited.

Recreation opportunities won’t be lacking at the signature event either.

The annual Run for the Hills foot race (a 1-mile, 5k or 10k run across the rugged Pine Ridge); Regatta Race; bounce house; and treasure dive promise to keep people of all ages busy.

Other activities will include stagecoach rides, free paddleboat rides, free archery and pellet gun shooting, nature and blacksmithing displays, and a lunch that includes bison sloppy joes, chips, beans and a drink for 100 cents — one penny for each year since the park was established.

Among the displays and vendors will be Game and Parks’ trailers showcasing wildlife, Nebraska park history, and taxidermy mounts confiscated because of game violations.

The anniversary celebration is free to the public, but a Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required for vehicles. Get one or learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MDMuNDE0NjY2OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3BhcmtzMTAwLm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.OaxTbPlI6I9MyGfhRGdd8qGcvLLlFLjyg0wcF9yf4L4/s/497221906/br/107440422364-l" target="_blank">YourNebraskaParks100.org</a>.

The Chadron State Park Centennial Birthday Bash is one of three signature events in honor of the park system centennial. While this celebrates the first state park in Nebraska, events slated for July 10 at Victoria Springs State Recreation Area and Oct. 2 at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park celebrate the state’s first recreation area and first state historical park.

LINCOLN — Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in celebrating the parks system centennial year with a two-day birthday bash June 11-12 at Chadron State Park.Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas, joined by Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, and Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation Chairman Jim Abel will welcome guests to the celebration during an 11 a.m. ceremony Saturday at the sports field.“State lawmakers in 1921 recognized the value of creating our first state park at Chadron,” Douglas said. “We have a lot to celebrate about the benefits that we receive from Nebraska state parks. Our state parks are special places where people can get in touch with nature, enjoy healthy activities, and gather with their families and friends to make lasting memories. Our state parks add to our overall quality of life and strengthen our economy.”“We look forward to celebrating Nebraska’s great state park system with this signature event,” said Jim Swenson, Parks Division administrator. “Over the past 100 years, our state park system has grown to 76 parks that are top destinations for Nebraskans and visitors because of their breathtaking landscapes and the great diversity of recreational opportunities.”Highlights will include a historical plaque dedication at 9 a.m. Saturday outside the main office overlooking the pond; the grand opening of the new Chadron State Park Shooting Complex at 10 a.m. at the main picnic area; and laser light shows by Laser Spectacles at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the sports field. Light show attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets as seating is limited.Recreation opportunities won’t be lacking at the signature event either.The annual Run for the Hills foot race (a 1-mile, 5k or 10k run across the rugged Pine Ridge); Regatta Race; bounce house; and treasure dive promise to keep people of all ages busy.Other activities will include stagecoach rides, free paddleboat rides, free archery and pellet gun shooting, nature and blacksmithing displays, and a lunch that includes bison sloppy joes, chips, beans and a drink for 100 cents — one penny for each year since the park was established.Among the displays and vendors will be Game and Parks’ trailers showcasing wildlife, Nebraska park history, and taxidermy mounts confiscated because of game violations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622762953856.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The anniversary celebration is free to the public, but a Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required for vehicles. Get one or learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MDMuNDE0NjY2OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3BhcmtzMTAwLm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.OaxTbPlI6I9MyGfhRGdd8qGcvLLlFLjyg0wcF9yf4L4/s/497221906/br/107440422364-l" target="_blank">YourNebraskaParks100.org</a>.The Chadron State Park Centennial Birthday Bash is one of three signature events in honor of the park system centennial. While this celebrates the first state park in Nebraska, events slated for July 10 at Victoria Springs State Recreation Area and Oct. 2 at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park celebrate the state’s first recreation area and first state historical park.

Join the centennial birthday bash at Chadron on June 11-12

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that he had joined a letter with five other Governors to the U.S. Department of Justice seeking an update on a pending investigation regarding meat processors and allegations of anti-competitive behavior.

“Decades of consolidation in meatpacking has significantly limited the options that producers have to market their cattle and has created a situation where one segment of the beef industry has near total control over the entire market,” wrote the Governors in their letter. &nbsp;“As a result, the consistently high prices realized on the boxed beef side are not being reflected on the producer side, forcing consumers to pay a premium for beef while threatening many of our producers with the loss of their business.”

A copy of the full letter can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F2j9ixf8bfco14ai%2FGovernor%2520Meatpacking%2520Letter%2520to%2520DOJ.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C7bc4be94781e4c39fb6c08d926a9b1ea%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637583332541853644%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=UxQ6CV4tnEt2Vk8e%2BjDcWHLWqUskxhbCd8vnMiqudNM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that he had joined a letter with five other Governors to the U.S. Department of Justice seeking an update on a pending investigation regarding meat processors and allegations of anti-competitive behavior.“Decades of consolidation in meatpacking has significantly limited the options that producers have to market their cattle and has created a situation where one segment of the beef industry has near total control over the entire market,” wrote the Governors in their letter. &nbsp;“As a result, the consistently high prices realized on the boxed beef side are not being reflected on the producer side, forcing consumers to pay a premium for beef while threatening many of our producers with the loss of their business.”A copy of the full letter can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F2j9ixf8bfco14ai%2FGovernor%2520Meatpacking%2520Letter%2520to%2520DOJ.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C7bc4be94781e4c39fb6c08d926a9b1ea%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637583332541853644%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=UxQ6CV4tnEt2Vk8e%2BjDcWHLWqUskxhbCd8vnMiqudNM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts joins letter regarding DOJ investigation of meat processors

By&nbsp;Steve Stanec,&nbsp;American Legion Post 7

Memorial Day, May 31 began early as The American Legion Post 7, with the help of the Alliance Spartans Baseball Team and Legionnaire family members and friends placed the Avenue of Flags at the Alliance Cemetery and Calvary Cemetery.

At 10 a.m. at the Memorial on the grounds of the Box Butte County Court House, The American Legion Post 7 hosted a ceremony to honor our fallen heroes.

American Legion Post 7 Commander Steve Stanec welcomed everyone to the ceremony, with American Legion Post 7 Chaplain Dick Foland opening with a prayer. Members of the American Legion Post 7 Honor Guard, the Alliance Fire Department and the Fraternal Order of Eagles presented and posted the Colors, while Tara Stanec sang our National Anthem.

Alliance Vice-Mayor Brian Mischnick welcomed everyone to the ceremony on behalf of the City of Alliance.

Post 7 Commander Stanec read General John A. Logan's General Order 11, issued May 5, 1868 at the Headquarters of the Grand Army of the Republic in Washington, D. C., which designated the 30th Day of May, 1868 as a Decoration Day or as its now referred to as Memorial Day.

The American Legion Auxiliary President Luayne Wiesgerber read “In Flanders Field” to those in attendance.

Wreaths were presented and placed on the Memorial by Luayne Wiesgerber, The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 7, Audrey Hoerler, Daughters of the American Revolution, Ayzrie and Sydnie Waldron, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Ted Roznerek, Chaplain with the Alliance Fire Department, and Cindy Kusek, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary.

Following Post 7 Commander's address honoring our fallen heroes and our Gold Star families. The American Legion Post 7 Honor Guard honored our fallen heroes with Military Honors. Military Honors consist of a rifle volley in which three volleys of shots are fired by usually 7 members using rifles, not guns, so they are not a gun salute. The three volleys originate from a custom in which battle would temporarily stop for service members to clear their dead from the battlegrounds. When a side had successfully removed their dead, they fired three rifle volleys to signify the continuation of battle.

The 3-Volley Salute which is performed a veteran's funerals is not a military 21 gun salute in which it is often mistaken. The three bullets represent the three words duty, honor, country.

The Memorial Day ceremony ended with a closing prayer from Post 7 Chaplain Dick Foland. The American Legion Riders Chapter 43 presented their usual flag line to honor our heroes and the Patriot Guard provided U.S. flags to the attendees and participate in the flag line.

By&nbsp;Steve Stanec,&nbsp;American Legion Post 7Memorial Day, May 31 began early as The American Legion Post 7, with the help of the Alliance Spartans Baseball Team and Legionnaire family members and friends placed the Avenue of Flags at the Alliance Cemetery and Calvary Cemetery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622738046381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At 10 a.m. at the Memorial on the grounds of the Box Butte County Court House, The American Legion Post 7 hosted a ceremony to honor our fallen heroes.American Legion Post 7 Commander Steve Stanec welcomed everyone to the ceremony, with American Legion Post 7 Chaplain Dick Foland opening with a prayer. Members of the American Legion Post 7 Honor Guard, the Alliance Fire Department and the Fraternal Order of Eagles presented and posted the Colors, while Tara Stanec sang our National Anthem.Alliance Vice-Mayor Brian Mischnick welcomed everyone to the ceremony on behalf of the City of Alliance.Post 7 Commander Stanec read General John A. Logan's General Order 11, issued May 5, 1868 at the Headquarters of the Grand Army of the Republic in Washington, D. C., which designated the 30th Day of May, 1868 as a Decoration Day or as its now referred to as Memorial Day.The American Legion Auxiliary President Luayne Wiesgerber read “In Flanders Field” to those in attendance.Wreaths were presented and placed on the Memorial by Luayne Wiesgerber, The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 7, Audrey Hoerler, Daughters of the American Revolution, Ayzrie and Sydnie Waldron, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Ted Roznerek, Chaplain with the Alliance Fire Department, and Cindy Kusek, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary.Following Post 7 Commander's address honoring our fallen heroes and our Gold Star families. The American Legion Post 7 Honor Guard honored our fallen heroes with Military Honors. Military Honors consist of a rifle volley in which three volleys of shots are fired by usually 7 members using rifles, not guns, so they are not a gun salute. The three volleys originate from a custom in which battle would temporarily stop for service members to clear their dead from the battlegrounds. When a side had successfully removed their dead, they fired three rifle volleys to signify the continuation of battle.The 3-Volley Salute which is performed a veteran's funerals is not a military 21 gun salute in which it is often mistaken. The three bullets represent the three words duty, honor, country.The Memorial Day ceremony ended with a closing prayer from Post 7 Chaplain Dick Foland. The American Legion Riders Chapter 43 presented their usual flag line to honor our heroes and the Patriot Guard provided U.S. flags to the attendees and participate in the flag line.

Fallen heroes honored on Memorial Day in Alliance

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Bond has been set for a Rapid City mother who does not have custody of her two children and was accused abducting them from a Custer day care setting. 

A federal magistrate judge set bond at $50,000 cash or surety Wednesday for 37-year-old Katrina Joy Seay, who is charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping in last week’s disappearance of the children, ages 6 and 9. 

An Amber Alert was issued May 29 before law enforcement officials caught up with Seay several hundred miles away in Mitchell.

 The children, who had been in foster care, were turned over the the state Department of Social Services.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Bond has been set for a Rapid City mother who does not have custody of her two children and was accused abducting them from a Custer day care setting. A federal magistrate judge set bond at $50,000 cash or surety Wednesday for 37-year-old Katrina Joy Seay, who is charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping in last week’s disappearance of the children, ages 6 and 9. An Amber Alert was issued May 29 before law enforcement officials caught up with Seay several hundred miles away in Mitchell. The children, who had been in foster care, were turned over the the state Department of Social Services.

Bond set for Rapid City mother accused of abducting children

New Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson was introduced to the community at the June 1 City Council meeting

"Seth Sorenson is our new city manager," City of Alliance Clerk Tarrah Johnson said. "We are very excited that he is part of our organization and we can not wait to see what he has for us in store."

Sorenson has a long history in city government.&nbsp;

"I actually went to school in Laramie, Wyoming," Sorenson said. "So I am a cowboy. After that I went to work for the Wyoming Department of Transportation. I moved on into local government. I have been the public works director in a couple different cities. Most recently I was the city manager in Pecos, Texas. I decided to come back home and be closer to family and very excited to be here in Alliance."

Sorenson said his responsibility is to work with the Alliance City Council and help with their policy.&nbsp;

"And also have primary responsibility over the budget," Sorenson said. "We're right in the middle of that. Randy [Waggener] and Tarrah have been doing a wonderful job of getting that ready along with our department heads. We're ready to kick off a new year."

Sorenson said he thinks one of the greatest strengths the City of Alliance has are the people working with the city.&nbsp;

"I've been very impressed with everything I've seen so far," Sorenson said. "Our departments know their jobs. They're very&nbsp;thorough. They've done a lot of the ground work so that we're able to move forward, which just means we're able to focus on the needs of the citizens. I've noticed and I've heard that the quality of life is a very big issue here and I'm excited about that. Also a lot of need for infrastructure. I look forward to helping our roadway network improve and make our roads a little bit smoother."

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostNew Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson was introduced to the community at the June 1 City Council meeting"Seth Sorenson is our new city manager," City of Alliance Clerk Tarrah Johnson said. "We are very excited that he is part of our organization and we can not wait to see what he has for us in store."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622733881144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sorenson has a long history in city government.&nbsp;"I actually went to school in Laramie, Wyoming," Sorenson said. "So I am a cowboy. After that I went to work for the Wyoming Department of Transportation. I moved on into local government. I have been the public works director in a couple different cities. Most recently I was the city manager in Pecos, Texas. I decided to come back home and be closer to family and very excited to be here in Alliance."Sorenson said his responsibility is to work with the Alliance City Council and help with their policy.&nbsp;"And also have primary responsibility over the budget," Sorenson said. "We're right in the middle of that. Randy [Waggener] and Tarrah have been doing a wonderful job of getting that ready along with our department heads. We're ready to kick off a new year."Sorenson said he thinks one of the greatest strengths the City of Alliance has are the people working with the city.&nbsp;"I've been very impressed with everything I've seen so far," Sorenson said. "Our departments know their jobs. They're very&nbsp;thorough. They've done a lot of the ground work so that we're able to move forward, which just means we're able to focus on the needs of the citizens. I've noticed and I've heard that the quality of life is a very big issue here and I'm excited about that. Also a lot of need for infrastructure. I look forward to helping our roadway network improve and make our roads a little bit smoother."

Sorenson begins role as Alliance City Manager 

🎙 Post Podcast: Mara Andersen, Alliance Recreation Center

By&nbsp;Sandy Benson,&nbsp;Community Wildfire Protection Plan Coordinator&nbsp;

The draft Wildcat Hills Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Update for Banner, Cheyenne, Kimball, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties is ready for public review. Draft copies of the document have been mailed to county offices and are available to the public online at <a href="https://nfs.unl.edu/documents/CWPP/WHCWPP.pdf">https://nfs.unl.edu/documents/CWPP/WHCWPP.pdf</a>. Comments will be accepted until July 9, 2021.

County boards, emergency managers, fire department personnel, and other stakeholders worked with the Nebraska Forest Service to update the 2015 CWPP. This plan is a wildfire-specific resource that coordinates with area emergency and hazard mitigation plans. Part of a statewide network of CWPPs, the plan provides information useful to local emergency responders and those from outside the area who provide mutual aid.

Landowners in counties with a CWPP are eligible to apply for federal and state cost-share funds for woody fuels reduction. The plan may also provide increased opportunities for counties, municipalities, and rural fire districts to seek grant funding for other activities related to fire protection.

Comments will be accepted via email to sbenson4@unl.edu (preferred) or they may be sent via US Postal Service to the Nebraska Forest Service, Attn: Sandy Benson, PO Box 830815, Lincoln, NE 68583-0815.

By&nbsp;Sandy Benson,&nbsp;Community Wildfire Protection Plan Coordinator&nbsp;The draft Wildcat Hills Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Update for Banner, Cheyenne, Kimball, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties is ready for public review. Draft copies of the document have been mailed to county offices and are available to the public online at <a href="https://nfs.unl.edu/documents/CWPP/WHCWPP.pdf">https://nfs.unl.edu/documents/CWPP/WHCWPP.pdf</a>. Comments will be accepted until July 9, 2021.County boards, emergency managers, fire department personnel, and other stakeholders worked with the Nebraska Forest Service to update the 2015 CWPP. This plan is a wildfire-specific resource that coordinates with area emergency and hazard mitigation plans. Part of a statewide network of CWPPs, the plan provides information useful to local emergency responders and those from outside the area who provide mutual aid.Landowners in counties with a CWPP are eligible to apply for federal and state cost-share funds for woody fuels reduction. The plan may also provide increased opportunities for counties, municipalities, and rural fire districts to seek grant funding for other activities related to fire protection.Comments will be accepted via email to sbenson4@unl.edu (preferred) or they may be sent via US Postal Service to the Nebraska Forest Service, Attn: Sandy Benson, PO Box 830815, Lincoln, NE 68583-0815.

Public comments sought for Community Wildfire Plan

The equipment in the Ben Fischer Printing Shop at Dobby’s Frontier Town printed area newspapers, flyers, handbills, programs, even wanted posters, along with Iron Man Magazine.

Iron Man, America’s oldest fitness magazine, was founded in 1936 by Peary and Mabel Rader of Alliance, in the building at 808 West 5th Street.

Iron Man Magazine started out as an educational publication to inform people who were interested in weightlifting, bodybuilding, and powerlifting. The magazine has always stressed the health and character-building aspects of weight training, and was the leader in bringing exercise and nutrition concepts to those in the training world. In the early 1950’s, Iron Man Magazine was the first weight-training publication to show women working out with weights as part of their overall fitness regimen.

Inside this building you can see big, heavy machines that were originally all hand powered, later converted to electricity. A cabinet with several shallow drawers holds letters. The printer had to set each letter separately onto the print tray, each one backwards so when the page was inked it was readable. Photos were halftones and were made like this: the original printed photograph was re-photographed through a glass screen with a pattern of tiny apertures, onto a film or a plate. This was then developed at very high contrast, resulting in dots which varied in size according to the intensity in the original. This was used to make a contact print on a sheet of metal using a material which would harden when exposed to light. The rest of that material was then washed away, and acid etch used to dissolve the bare areas between the dots. This resulted in a plate which was used in the printing press. It would be fastened to a wood block and locked into place along with the type on the page.

In 1986, the Raders retired and sold the magazine and equipment. Iron Man Magazine is still published, with editions all over the globe including Japan, Australia, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.

Local jeweler and master watch and clockmaker Ben Fischer purchased the printing equipment from Raders. As a hobby, Fischer printed brochures, business cards, and membership books for various groups in town using the antique linotype printing press. Ben Fischer donated the printing machines under the condition that Dobby’s build a building first... so two weeks later the Frontier Town had a building!

By Patricia JonesThe equipment in the Ben Fischer Printing Shop at Dobby’s Frontier Town printed area newspapers, flyers, handbills, programs, even wanted posters, along with Iron Man Magazine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622731238051.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Iron Man, America’s oldest fitness magazine, was founded in 1936 by Peary and Mabel Rader of Alliance, in the building at 808 West 5th Street.Iron Man Magazine started out as an educational publication to inform people who were interested in weightlifting, bodybuilding, and powerlifting. The magazine has always stressed the health and character-building aspects of weight training, and was the leader in bringing exercise and nutrition concepts to those in the training world. In the early 1950’s, Iron Man Magazine was the first weight-training publication to show women working out with weights as part of their overall fitness regimen.Inside this building you can see big, heavy machines that were originally all hand powered, later converted to electricity. A cabinet with several shallow drawers holds letters. The printer had to set each letter separately onto the print tray, each one backwards so when the page was inked it was readable. Photos were halftones and were made like this: the original printed photograph was re-photographed through a glass screen with a pattern of tiny apertures, onto a film or a plate. This was then developed at very high contrast, resulting in dots which varied in size according to the intensity in the original. This was used to make a contact print on a sheet of metal using a material which would harden when exposed to light. The rest of that material was then washed away, and acid etch used to dissolve the bare areas between the dots. This resulted in a plate which was used in the printing press. It would be fastened to a wood block and locked into place along with the type on the page.In 1986, the Raders retired and sold the magazine and equipment. Iron Man Magazine is still published, with editions all over the globe including Japan, Australia, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.Local jeweler and master watch and clockmaker Ben Fischer purchased the printing equipment from Raders. As a hobby, Fischer printed brochures, business cards, and membership books for various groups in town using the antique linotype printing press. Ben Fischer donated the printing machines under the condition that Dobby’s build a building first... so two weeks later the Frontier Town had a building!

Dobby's History: Ben Fischer Printing Shop

City of Chadron to hold open house for City Manager Sutherland 

LINCOLN — The summer travel season is officially underway, and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is reminding motorists to buckle up and put the phone down to help keep the roads safe.

“Plenty of people are eager to hit the road for summer vacations,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As the road trips begin, every motorist has a part to play in keeping Nebraska roads safe.”

Memorial Day Weekend marked the start of NSP’s annual “100 Days of Summer” initiative. From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, troopers across Nebraska will be working special enforcement and education campaigns in an effort to reduce serious injury or fatality crashes. Those efforts may include enforcement campaigns related to exhibition speeding, impaired driving, recreation area safety, community outreach and more.

Over Memorial Day Weekend, troopers arrested 16 drivers for impairing driving, issued 297 citations for speeding, and responded to several crashes.

“No matter how far you’re traveling this summer, please do so safely,” said Colonel Bolduc. “Buckle up, put the phone down, watch your speed, and never drive impaired.”

Troopers continue with the annual, summer “Click It or Ticket” campaign this week. The campaign, which is a national partnership of law enforcement agencies, runs from May 24 through June 6.

LINCOLN — The summer travel season is officially underway, and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is reminding motorists to buckle up and put the phone down to help keep the roads safe.“Plenty of people are eager to hit the road for summer vacations,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As the road trips begin, every motorist has a part to play in keeping Nebraska roads safe.”Memorial Day Weekend marked the start of NSP’s annual “100 Days of Summer” initiative. From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, troopers across Nebraska will be working special enforcement and education campaigns in an effort to reduce serious injury or fatality crashes. Those efforts may include enforcement campaigns related to exhibition speeding, impaired driving, recreation area safety, community outreach and more.Over Memorial Day Weekend, troopers arrested 16 drivers for impairing driving, issued 297 citations for speeding, and responded to several crashes.“No matter how far you’re traveling this summer, please do so safely,” said Colonel Bolduc. “Buckle up, put the phone down, watch your speed, and never drive impaired.”Troopers continue with the annual, summer “Click It or Ticket” campaign this week. The campaign, which is a national partnership of law enforcement agencies, runs from May 24 through June 6.

Troopers arrest 16 impaired drivers to kick off '100 Days of Summer'

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State officials are dropping plans for a two-tier system to cover voter-approved Medicaid expansion in Nebraska. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports state officials announced Tuesday that all Nebraskans covered by the expansion will get a full range of benefits starting Oct. 1. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts' administration had sought to offer a two-tier system that would include a “basic” plan covering physical and behavioral health care services and a “prime” plan that would also cover dental, vision and over-the-counter drugs. 

The Trump administration approved Ricketts’ two-tier plan last year, prompting a lawsuit by advocacy group Nebraska Appleseed. 

But President Joe Biden’s administration made clear early this year that it would not approve the system.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State officials are dropping plans for a two-tier system to cover voter-approved Medicaid expansion in Nebraska. The Omaha World-Herald reports state officials announced Tuesday that all Nebraskans covered by the expansion will get a full range of benefits starting Oct. 1. Gov. Pete Ricketts' administration had sought to offer a two-tier system that would include a “basic” plan covering physical and behavioral health care services and a “prime” plan that would also cover dental, vision and over-the-counter drugs. The Trump administration approved Ricketts’ two-tier plan last year, prompting a lawsuit by advocacy group Nebraska Appleseed. But President Joe Biden’s administration made clear early this year that it would not approve the system.

Nebraska officials drop plans for 2-tier Medicaid system

-Jeffrey Lawrence Hamilton and Brandi Rae Burke

-Tyler James Christofferson and Jaclyn Rae Landgren

-Scott LeRoy Taylor and Leah Ann Larocca&nbsp;

-Frank Glen Thompson and Amanda Leilani Culla

-Preston Drew Goehring and Shae Alycia Brennan&nbsp;

- Vicky Kaiser and Billy R Kaiser, Finalized, 5/17/21

Marriages:&nbsp;-Jeffrey Lawrence Hamilton and Brandi Rae Burke-Tyler James Christofferson and Jaclyn Rae Landgren-Scott LeRoy Taylor and Leah Ann Larocca&nbsp;-Frank Glen Thompson and Amanda Leilani Culla-Preston Drew Goehring and Shae Alycia Brennan&nbsp;Divorces:&nbsp;- Vicky Kaiser and Billy R Kaiser, Finalized, 5/17/21

Marriages, divorces May 2021

By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post

NORTH PLATTE-The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is looking for a trailer and fuel that was stolen from a rural area of the County and they're asking for the public's help.

The sheriff's office says sometime after 12:30 a.m on May 31, an unknown number of persons entered a property south of Sutherland, and stole a trailer.

The trailer is a black 2019 Thunder Creek Equipment pull-behind trailer and is designed specifically to be a fuel hauler. It contained 990 gallon of ag diesel at the time it was stolen.

The trailer also has solar panels on the exterior.

In addition to the fuel, a green John Deere air compressor and 100 gallons of Blue Def fuel additive were also in the trailer.

If you have any information, contact the sheriff's office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=lincoln+county+sheriff+north+platte&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS870US870&amp;oq=lincoln+county+sheriff+north+platte&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j46i175i199j0i22i30l4.5676j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">(308) 535-9599</a>&nbsp;or Crimestoppers at 1 (800) 933-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622652606967.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE-The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is looking for a trailer and fuel that was stolen from a rural area of the County and they're asking for the public's help.The sheriff's office says sometime after 12:30 a.m on May 31, an unknown number of persons entered a property south of Sutherland, and stole a trailer.The trailer is a black 2019 Thunder Creek Equipment pull-behind trailer and is designed specifically to be a fuel hauler. It contained 990 gallon of ag diesel at the time it was stolen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622652629803.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The trailer also has solar panels on the exterior.In addition to the fuel, a green John Deere air compressor and 100 gallons of Blue Def fuel additive were also in the trailer.If you have any information, contact the sheriff's office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=lincoln+county+sheriff+north+platte&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS870US870&amp;oq=lincoln+county+sheriff+north+platte&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j46i175i199j0i22i30l4.5676j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">(308) 535-9599</a>&nbsp;or Crimestoppers at 1 (800) 933-TIPS.

Fuel trailer with 990 gallons of fuel stolen near Sutherland

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that he will be hosting a “Stop 30 x 30” town hall in Alliance on Tuesday, June 8. 

 30 x 30 is a goal set by President Joe Biden to permanently protect in its natural state 30 percent of the nation’s land and waters by 2030.

At the town hall, Gov. Ricketts and others will deliver remarks about the 30 x 30 plan, and how Nebraskans can push back on President Biden’s radical climate agenda. 

 Details for the Governor’s town hall in Alliance on June 8 are below.  

More information about Governor Ricketts’ opposition to 30 x 30 can be found at <a href="http://www.Governor.Nebraska.gov">www.Governor.Nebraska.gov</a>.

Stop 30 x 30 Town Hall in Alliance

When: 10:00-11:00AM MT on Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Where: Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, 908 Yellowstone Ave.

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that he will be hosting a “Stop 30 x 30” town hall in Alliance on Tuesday, June 8. 30 x 30 is a goal set by President Joe Biden to permanently protect in its natural state 30 percent of the nation’s land and waters by 2030.At the town hall, Gov. Ricketts and others will deliver remarks about the 30 x 30 plan, and how Nebraskans can push back on President Biden’s radical climate agenda. Details for the Governor’s town hall in Alliance on June 8 are below. More information about Governor Ricketts’ opposition to 30 x 30 can be found at <a href="http://www.Governor.Nebraska.gov">www.Governor.Nebraska.gov</a>.Stop 30 x 30 Town Hall in AllianceWhen: 10:00-11:00AM MT on Tuesday, June 8, 2021Where: Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, 908 Yellowstone Ave.

Gov. Ricketts announces 'Stop 30 x 30' town hall in Alliance

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation has identified the man who was shot and killed by Pennington County deputies last month. 

Twenty-four-year-old Ty Quinton Stilwell was shot outside his Rapid Valley home on May 14. 

Sheriff Kevin Thom said at the time that Stilwell raised a gun toward deputies and civilians and was shot. 

Thom said a family member had called 911 to report that Stilwell was intoxicated and physically and verbally fighting with relatives. 

Four deputies are on paid leave during the investigation. 

It was not yet clear whether all four fired their weapons.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation has identified the man who was shot and killed by Pennington County deputies last month. Twenty-four-year-old Ty Quinton Stilwell was shot outside his Rapid Valley home on May 14. Sheriff Kevin Thom said at the time that Stilwell raised a gun toward deputies and civilians and was shot. Thom said a family member had called 911 to report that Stilwell was intoxicated and physically and verbally fighting with relatives. Four deputies are on paid leave during the investigation. It was not yet clear whether all four fired their weapons.

Rapid City man shot and killed by Pennington Co. deputies identified

🎙 Post Podcast: Alliance City Manager Seth Sorenson

By&nbsp;Kylen Armstrong,&nbsp;Conservation Programs Coordinator -&nbsp;Upper Niobrara White NRD

Over the summer months, staff from the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) will be collecting samples from irrigation wells throughout the district in order to evaluate the groundwater quality. 

Nebraska’s NRDs are statutorily obligated to monitor the groundwater and take action where quality concerns are detected. 

The most common parameter of concern is nitrate, which is a common nutrient utilized in crop production. In order to be safe for human consumption, drinking water nitrate levels need to be below 10 milligrams per liter (mg/l). Based on past monitoring and analysis, the average nitrate levels through the UNWNRD remains well below the limit at 4.4 mg/l.

The District’s Groundwater Management Plan requires that all irrigation wells be sampled once every four years. In order to accomplish this, samples will be collected during chemigation inspections and for wells that do not chemigate, when wells are running. As a result, producers and other landowner may encounter UNWNRD staff entering or exiting fields. UNWNRD pick-ups can be recognized by the logo on the driver and passenger doors.

Information on the groundwater quality can be found at <a href="http://www.unwnrd.org">www.unwnrd.org</a>. Questions should be directed to Haley Anders, Water Resources Manager at 308-432-6190

By&nbsp;Kylen Armstrong,&nbsp;Conservation Programs Coordinator -&nbsp;Upper Niobrara White NRDOver the summer months, staff from the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) will be collecting samples from irrigation wells throughout the district in order to evaluate the groundwater quality. Nebraska’s NRDs are statutorily obligated to monitor the groundwater and take action where quality concerns are detected. The most common parameter of concern is nitrate, which is a common nutrient utilized in crop production. In order to be safe for human consumption, drinking water nitrate levels need to be below 10 milligrams per liter (mg/l). Based on past monitoring and analysis, the average nitrate levels through the UNWNRD remains well below the limit at 4.4 mg/l.The District’s Groundwater Management Plan requires that all irrigation wells be sampled once every four years. In order to accomplish this, samples will be collected during chemigation inspections and for wells that do not chemigate, when wells are running. As a result, producers and other landowner may encounter UNWNRD staff entering or exiting fields. UNWNRD pick-ups can be recognized by the logo on the driver and passenger doors.Information on the groundwater quality can be found at <a href="http://www.unwnrd.org">www.unwnrd.org</a>. Questions should be directed to Haley Anders, Water Resources Manager at 308-432-6190

Upper Niobrara White NRD to monitor irrigation wells

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force&nbsp;

We think of poverty as being a financial problem; people simply do not have enough money to pay their bills and purchase needed goods and services. This is true, and it is the way the government calculates poverty thresholds. But there are two types of poverty, situational and generational, and they require different approaches.

Situational poverty is when a circumstance causes a loss of income for a period of time. This might be a job loss, health issue, divorce, death. Most government poverty programs are designed to help those in situational poverty. These include programs like unemployment compensation, SNAP benefits, job training and placement. The people affected are helped until they can get back on their feet and resume life without assistance, without accruing so much debt that they can never repay it.

Generational poverty is much more difficult to deal with. These are households who have lived in poverty for two generations or longer. Families have learned different rules for survival, hidden rules that govern many aspects of their lives. Support systems taken for granted in middle class and wealth are nonexistent for people in poverty. They have developed habits that are difficult to break.

Not only do people in generational poverty have financial issues, they face other problems to a much greater degree than those in middle class or wealthy households. It is more difficult to control emotional responses, particularly to negative situations, without engaging in self-destructive behavior. Children may not have role models or relationships with adults who support them and model appropriate behaviors. There are greater issues with both physical and mental health. Education and learning are not valued, so young people may not see a way to a better future.

Poverty is a problem not only of American’s inner cities, but also of rural America. Nearly one-quarter of people in&nbsp;poverty&nbsp;live in&nbsp;rural&nbsp;areas. Box Butte County, with 11,000 residents, has about 1,200 people living in poverty, a rate of about 11%. 5.3% of our population live in deep poverty, which means they earn less than half the amount the government defines as the poverty threshold. Women are more than twice as likely to live in poverty in Box Butte County than men are.&nbsp; About four hundred of our county’s three thousand children live in poverty!

We all want to help people who live in poverty. But we also don’t want to feel like we have been taken advantage of by people who we think should just get a job. The Bridges programs are designed to help us learn to provide this assistance with the goal of breaking patterns, not enabling.

The Alliance Poverty Task Force is bringing the national program Bridges Out of Poverty to the APS Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, June 8, 9:00-3:00. The goal is that community leaders and agencies will understand more about what it is like to live in poverty so that we can develop concrete tools and strategies to deal with the problems faced by low income people and help to alleviate poverty in our area. To register, go online to&nbsp;<a href="http://panhandlepartnership.com/events" target="_blank">panhandlepartnership.com/events</a>. Check-in and networking begin at 8:00 am, with the program from 9:00 – 3:00. The cost is $35 and includes lunch.

Enough funding has been received through agency contributions and grants to be able to offer the entire four-part Bridges Out of Poverty series. On October 14, 2021, the second program, Institutional Lens, will be offered in Scottsbluff. In 2022, Community Lens will be offered in June and Bridges to Sustainable Communities in October. The Bridges Out of Poverty this June is a prerequisite for the others in the series.

Through the Bridges programs, we will not only learn more about poverty, but also about how to provide support and create reasonable expectations for growth. Our goal is to make our area more sustainable, our Panhandle communities ones where everyone can do well.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Poverty Task Force&nbsp;We think of poverty as being a financial problem; people simply do not have enough money to pay their bills and purchase needed goods and services. This is true, and it is the way the government calculates poverty thresholds. But there are two types of poverty, situational and generational, and they require different approaches.Situational poverty is when a circumstance causes a loss of income for a period of time. This might be a job loss, health issue, divorce, death. Most government poverty programs are designed to help those in situational poverty. These include programs like unemployment compensation, SNAP benefits, job training and placement. The people affected are helped until they can get back on their feet and resume life without assistance, without accruing so much debt that they can never repay it.Generational poverty is much more difficult to deal with. These are households who have lived in poverty for two generations or longer. Families have learned different rules for survival, hidden rules that govern many aspects of their lives. Support systems taken for granted in middle class and wealth are nonexistent for people in poverty. They have developed habits that are difficult to break.Not only do people in generational poverty have financial issues, they face other problems to a much greater degree than those in middle class or wealthy households. It is more difficult to control emotional responses, particularly to negative situations, without engaging in self-destructive behavior. Children may not have role models or relationships with adults who support them and model appropriate behaviors. There are greater issues with both physical and mental health. Education and learning are not valued, so young people may not see a way to a better future.Poverty is a problem not only of American’s inner cities, but also of rural America. Nearly one-quarter of people in&nbsp;poverty&nbsp;live in&nbsp;rural&nbsp;areas. Box Butte County, with 11,000 residents, has about 1,200 people living in poverty, a rate of about 11%. 5.3% of our population live in deep poverty, which means they earn less than half the amount the government defines as the poverty threshold. Women are more than twice as likely to live in poverty in Box Butte County than men are.&nbsp; About four hundred of our county’s three thousand children live in poverty!We all want to help people who live in poverty. But we also don’t want to feel like we have been taken advantage of by people who we think should just get a job. The Bridges programs are designed to help us learn to provide this assistance with the goal of breaking patterns, not enabling.The Alliance Poverty Task Force is bringing the national program Bridges Out of Poverty to the APS Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, June 8, 9:00-3:00. The goal is that community leaders and agencies will understand more about what it is like to live in poverty so that we can develop concrete tools and strategies to deal with the problems faced by low income people and help to alleviate poverty in our area. To register, go online to&nbsp;<a href="http://panhandlepartnership.com/events" target="_blank">panhandlepartnership.com/events</a>. Check-in and networking begin at 8:00 am, with the program from 9:00 – 3:00. The cost is $35 and includes lunch.Enough funding has been received through agency contributions and grants to be able to offer the entire four-part Bridges Out of Poverty series. On October 14, 2021, the second program, Institutional Lens, will be offered in Scottsbluff. In 2022, Community Lens will be offered in June and Bridges to Sustainable Communities in October. The Bridges Out of Poverty this June is a prerequisite for the others in the series.Through the Bridges programs, we will not only learn more about poverty, but also about how to provide support and create reasonable expectations for growth. Our goal is to make our area more sustainable, our Panhandle communities ones where everyone can do well.

Poverty In Our Area: Poverty is not just a money problem 

Last week, the Legislature wrapped up one of its most productive sessions in history. With almost 700 bills under consideration, Senators and I successfully worked together to control spending growth, deliver tax relief, invest in broadband infrastructure, and expand educational opportunities among several other key priorities. Here are a few of the highlights from an historic legislative session that helped move our state forward the Nebraska way.

Controlling Spending:&nbsp;The next two-year budget that Senators and I agreed to limits spending growth to 2.4%. The four biennial budgets I have worked on with the Legislature have an average annual growth rate of less than 2.5%. Thanks to efforts to control state spending, we delivered over $1.8 billion in tax relief to Nebraskans over the next two years. That’s the greatest amount of tax relief any Legislature has delivered in at least a quarter-century—and likely the largest amount in the history of the State of Nebraska. This represents an average of 18.5% of the State’s budget going to tax relief over the next two years.

Property Tax Relief:&nbsp;Property tax relief made up the vast majority of the relief this session. Together, the Legislature and I delivered an estimated $1.7 billion in property tax relief over the next two years. This includes over $433 million each year through the new refundable income tax credit, which was passed into law in 2020. This is over triple the $125 million in tax credits provided this year, which was the program’s first year. We also increased the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund as well as funding for the Homestead Exemption.

And More Tax Relief:&nbsp;In addition to property tax relief, Senators and I agreed on five other important measures. We eliminated taxes on military retirement income as well as provided a tax exemption for 50% of Social Security income that will be phased in over time. Senators also passed legislation to reduce the business income tax rate to equalize tax rates on different types of job creators. A new “truth in taxation” law will now require local governments to notify taxpayers whenever their property tax askings are scheduled to increase more than 2%. And finally, ag land valuations will be reduced from 75% of market value to 50% of market value for the purposes of property taxes for bond issues. This will reduce the tax burden on farmers and ranchers.

Broadband Infrastructure:&nbsp;The Legislature approved the Broadband Bridge Act, which was introduced at my request. This will invest $20 million in matching grants annually to expand access to high-speed broadband to 30,000 Nebraska households in the next two years. This improved connectivity will help more Nebraskans to have the flexibility to work remotely, do their homework, and to access telehealth and ecommerce.

Expanded Education Opportunities:&nbsp;This session, Senators and I expanded education opportunities for the next generation of Nebraskans. We agreed to invest over $1 billion annually in state aid to K-12 schools. At my recommendation, the Legislature cut red tape to make it quicker and easier for military spouses licensed in another state to obtain a teaching permit after moving to Nebraska. This budget creates new scholarships for private institutions of higher education and continues funding scholarships for Community Colleges, State Colleges, and the University of Nebraska to connect students to career pathways with great-paying jobs. The budget also tripled the size of the textbook loan program, providing $3 million to support textbooks for private schools over the next two years.

Other Major Wins:&nbsp;Important legislative action also occurred on pro-life tax credits, Second Amendment protections, healthcare licensing, and carryout alcohol. A new tax credit for families who have a stillborn baby will help offset medical bills, burial expenses, and costs of preparing for the baby’s arrival. Senators and I protected your Second Amendment rights by clarifying firearm transportation law and by providing gun owners with better notification and information regarding permit renewals. At my request, the Legislature made it easier for hospitals and healthcare facilities to meet their workforce needs by providing expedited reciprocity for many licensed healthcare professions. Finally, the Legislature enshrined my popular carryout alcohol executive order in law, ensuring that takeout cocktails, beer, and wine continue past the pandemic.

Even as the Legislature made significant progress on major priorities, there is still more work to do on a couple of key issues. The Legislature still needs to pass limits on the growth of local property taxes. Local government property taxes have gone up 4.3% per year over the past decade in Nebraska. That may not sound like much, but when compounded over 10 years, it’s nearly a 52% increase. By comparison, income grew 48% and inflation just 18.7% during the past decade. Unless Senators take action, this pattern will continue.

Additionally, the Legislature will need to reconvene later this year to complete the process of redistricting maps for congressional, legislative, and other districts. The State of Nebraska has been waiting on the Biden-Harris Administration for census data to allow us to complete this work.

As we move into the summer, I will be traveling the state to visit directly with you at town halls and other community events. I’ll be in Clay Center, Norfolk, Wahoo, and Broken Bow for town halls over the next week with more dates and times to be announced. If you have questions about anything, you are welcome to contact my office at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244. We look forward to hearing from you!

By PPHDLast week, the Legislature wrapped up one of its most productive sessions in history. With almost 700 bills under consideration, Senators and I successfully worked together to control spending growth, deliver tax relief, invest in broadband infrastructure, and expand educational opportunities among several other key priorities. Here are a few of the highlights from an historic legislative session that helped move our state forward the Nebraska way.Controlling Spending:&nbsp;The next two-year budget that Senators and I agreed to limits spending growth to 2.4%. The four biennial budgets I have worked on with the Legislature have an average annual growth rate of less than 2.5%. Thanks to efforts to control state spending, we delivered over $1.8 billion in tax relief to Nebraskans over the next two years. That’s the greatest amount of tax relief any Legislature has delivered in at least a quarter-century—and likely the largest amount in the history of the State of Nebraska. This represents an average of 18.5% of the State’s budget going to tax relief over the next two years.Property Tax Relief:&nbsp;Property tax relief made up the vast majority of the relief this session. Together, the Legislature and I delivered an estimated $1.7 billion in property tax relief over the next two years. This includes over $433 million each year through the new refundable income tax credit, which was passed into law in 2020. This is over triple the $125 million in tax credits provided this year, which was the program’s first year. We also increased the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund as well as funding for the Homestead Exemption.And More Tax Relief:&nbsp;In addition to property tax relief, Senators and I agreed on five other important measures. We eliminated taxes on military retirement income as well as provided a tax exemption for 50% of Social Security income that will be phased in over time. Senators also passed legislation to reduce the business income tax rate to equalize tax rates on different types of job creators. A new “truth in taxation” law will now require local governments to notify taxpayers whenever their property tax askings are scheduled to increase more than 2%. And finally, ag land valuations will be reduced from 75% of market value to 50% of market value for the purposes of property taxes for bond issues. This will reduce the tax burden on farmers and ranchers.Broadband Infrastructure:&nbsp;The Legislature approved the Broadband Bridge Act, which was introduced at my request. This will invest $20 million in matching grants annually to expand access to high-speed broadband to 30,000 Nebraska households in the next two years. This improved connectivity will help more Nebraskans to have the flexibility to work remotely, do their homework, and to access telehealth and ecommerce.Expanded Education Opportunities:&nbsp;This session, Senators and I expanded education opportunities for the next generation of Nebraskans. We agreed to invest over $1 billion annually in state aid to K-12 schools. At my recommendation, the Legislature cut red tape to make it quicker and easier for military spouses licensed in another state to obtain a teaching permit after moving to Nebraska. This budget creates new scholarships for private institutions of higher education and continues funding scholarships for Community Colleges, State Colleges, and the University of Nebraska to connect students to career pathways with great-paying jobs. The budget also tripled the size of the textbook loan program, providing $3 million to support textbooks for private schools over the next two years.Other Major Wins:&nbsp;Important legislative action also occurred on pro-life tax credits, Second Amendment protections, healthcare licensing, and carryout alcohol. A new tax credit for families who have a stillborn baby will help offset medical bills, burial expenses, and costs of preparing for the baby’s arrival. Senators and I protected your Second Amendment rights by clarifying firearm transportation law and by providing gun owners with better notification and information regarding permit renewals. At my request, the Legislature made it easier for hospitals and healthcare facilities to meet their workforce needs by providing expedited reciprocity for many licensed healthcare professions. Finally, the Legislature enshrined my popular carryout alcohol executive order in law, ensuring that takeout cocktails, beer, and wine continue past the pandemic.Even as the Legislature made significant progress on major priorities, there is still more work to do on a couple of key issues. The Legislature still needs to pass limits on the growth of local property taxes. Local government property taxes have gone up 4.3% per year over the past decade in Nebraska. That may not sound like much, but when compounded over 10 years, it’s nearly a 52% increase. By comparison, income grew 48% and inflation just 18.7% during the past decade. Unless Senators take action, this pattern will continue.Additionally, the Legislature will need to reconvene later this year to complete the process of redistricting maps for congressional, legislative, and other districts. The State of Nebraska has been waiting on the Biden-Harris Administration for census data to allow us to complete this work.As we move into the summer, I will be traveling the state to visit directly with you at town halls and other community events. I’ll be in Clay Center, Norfolk, Wahoo, and Broken Bow for town halls over the next week with more dates and times to be announced. If you have questions about anything, you are welcome to contact my office at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-471-2244. We look forward to hearing from you!

Gov. Ricketts: An historic session

Dr. Matthew Bruner, Regional West Health Services Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Obstetrics, joined the Tuesday, June 1 briefing to discuss adolescents and COVID vaccines.

The primary question Dr. Bruner wanted to address is a commonly heard statement about why younger people would want to get their COVID vaccine if their symptoms are mild. He relayed to listeners that adolescents can get COVID and get very sick with it.

“We vaccinate teenagers with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), whooping cough, and before going to college their meningococcal vaccine, it’s not unheard of to vaccinate teenagers. I have two teenagers in the midst of their three weeks between getting their COVID shots because I very strongly believe,” Dr. Bruner shared.

He added, “Some teens are asking for their COVID vaccine. They have lived through school and wearing masks and they want to go back to normal. This is an interesting trend, and they are being proactive about it. My 11-year-old is looking forward to being vaccinated because she doesn’t want to have to wear a mask anymore.”

Some people have expressed concerns about the vaccines being under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) rather than full approval. Dr. Bruner assured listeners being under this authorization means it is safe.

“We’ve seen this with monoclonal antibody treatment, in-patient treatment with remdesivir, and each phase of the COVID vaccine trials. In the regular world before COVID, this vaccination would already have been approved. It’s already met its merit and there have been millions of doses given, with thousands given in this age group. It’s been deemed safe,” affirmed Dr. Bruner.

The FDA just hasn’t given its final stamp of approval. The function of that is it keeps the cost free for the user. Once it’s approved, the cost goes to the patient, but the government has said it’s such high priority, they will continue paying for it for now and leave it under the EUA rather than give it full approval.

If an adolescent is afraid of needles and vaccinations, reasoning with them about the risk and benefits is important. Letting them make the choice by weighing the pros and cons with what it means by protecting grandparents and themselves.

The fertility concerns have been fueled by significant misinformation, Dr. Bruner explained in detail this to be untrue. If the reasoning were true, then everybody that had COVID would now be sterile and that is not the case. There have been many babies born to women who’ve had COVID and women who have become pregnant after having their COVID vaccine or who’ve had COVID. He has seen no literature about concerns of male sterility from the COVID vaccine.

Pfizer is available in the Panhandle and anyone 12 and older can get vaccinated! There is no charge for the vaccine.

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 16 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, May 24. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

By PPHDDr. Matthew Bruner, Regional West Health Services Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Obstetrics, joined the Tuesday, June 1 briefing to discuss adolescents and COVID vaccines.The primary question Dr. Bruner wanted to address is a commonly heard statement about why younger people would want to get their COVID vaccine if their symptoms are mild. He relayed to listeners that adolescents can get COVID and get very sick with it.“We vaccinate teenagers with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), whooping cough, and before going to college their meningococcal vaccine, it’s not unheard of to vaccinate teenagers. I have two teenagers in the midst of their three weeks between getting their COVID shots because I very strongly believe,” Dr. Bruner shared.He added, “Some teens are asking for their COVID vaccine. They have lived through school and wearing masks and they want to go back to normal. This is an interesting trend, and they are being proactive about it. My 11-year-old is looking forward to being vaccinated because she doesn’t want to have to wear a mask anymore.”Some people have expressed concerns about the vaccines being under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) rather than full approval. Dr. Bruner assured listeners being under this authorization means it is safe.“We’ve seen this with monoclonal antibody treatment, in-patient treatment with remdesivir, and each phase of the COVID vaccine trials. In the regular world before COVID, this vaccination would already have been approved. It’s already met its merit and there have been millions of doses given, with thousands given in this age group. It’s been deemed safe,” affirmed Dr. Bruner.The FDA just hasn’t given its final stamp of approval. The function of that is it keeps the cost free for the user. Once it’s approved, the cost goes to the patient, but the government has said it’s such high priority, they will continue paying for it for now and leave it under the EUA rather than give it full approval.If an adolescent is afraid of needles and vaccinations, reasoning with them about the risk and benefits is important. Letting them make the choice by weighing the pros and cons with what it means by protecting grandparents and themselves.The fertility concerns have been fueled by significant misinformation, Dr. Bruner explained in detail this to be untrue. If the reasoning were true, then everybody that had COVID would now be sterile and that is not the case. There have been many babies born to women who’ve had COVID and women who have become pregnant after having their COVID vaccine or who’ve had COVID. He has seen no literature about concerns of male sterility from the COVID vaccine.Pfizer is available in the Panhandle and anyone 12 and older can get vaccinated! 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>Sidney Regional Medical Center, June 9, Pfizer 8 AM - 12 PM</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,&nbsp;Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM</li><li>Garden:&nbsp;sign up at&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/w6b84fkf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf</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 (Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson)</li><li>Scottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PM</li><li>Gering Civic Center, June 2, 4 PM-6 PM</li>
 </ul>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 16 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, May 24. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622597448911.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-June 1, 2021<ul>
 <li>Total Tests Conducted: 39,158</li><li>Positive: 9,117</li><li>Last 14 days (active) cases: 48</li><li>Last week’s cases: 16</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 13.7%</li><li>Deaths: 196</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 1</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 551</li>
 </ul>

PPHD: Dr. Bruner talks about vaccines, more virus cases reported

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – Seven Chadron State College students and a faculty member presented during the Nebraska Academy of Sciences conference April 23-24.

Four students enrolled in Chemistry Capstone III: Senior Research Thesis (CHEM 410) taught by Dr. Mary Keithly participated. The students and their presentation titles are Rebecca Hiatt of Spencer, Neb., Water Purification Using Cost Effective Mediums; Alisha Huynh of Scottsbluff, Neb., Testing Fosfomycin Resistance Using a N-acetylglucosamine-malate (GlcNAc-mal) Inhibitor in Bacillus Subtilis; Robert Spurlin of Mullen, Neb., The Use of Oobleck as a Classroom Demonstration; and Paige Vitosh of Odell, Neb., Nutrient Infiltration.

Two students presented research they conducted with Dr. Ann Buchmann throughout the 2020-21 academic year. The students are Institutional Development Award Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence scholars Lelisse Umeta of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who presented Effects of Curcumin on triple negative breast cancer, and Isioma Akwanamnye who presented Effect of Curcumin on gene expression induced by NF-kB pathway in triple negative breast cancer. Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric.

According to Buchmann, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) does not respond well to most drugs designed to treat breast cancer. Breast cancers normally need the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor, or a growth factor receptor called HER2 to support their growth.

“So, the medical world has developed drugs that target those receptors and stop the cancers from growing. TNBC keep growing without the three receptors mentioned above. Since they do not use the normal pathways for growth, the drugs developed for other breast cancers do not stop their growth,” Buchmann said. “We hypothesized that curcumin would work to stop growth of these cells by targeting a growth pathway called the NF-kB. So far, we have seen that curcumin kills the cancer cells and it seems to have some effect on this pathway. However, we still have a way to go to determine exactly how it works.”

Dr. Mike Leite and graduate student&nbsp;Steve Welch presented Geology of Holocene Canyon Fills on the Campus of Chadron State College. Leite and Welch described fossils they found in sediments clinging to the sides of canyons on the south side of campus. Leite said a wolf, turtle, and bison were among their most important finds. Radiometric ages determined the wolf to be about 700 years old and the bison to be about 1,500 years old.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – Seven Chadron State College students and a faculty member presented during the Nebraska Academy of Sciences conference April 23-24.Four students enrolled in Chemistry Capstone III: Senior Research Thesis (CHEM 410) taught by Dr. Mary Keithly participated. The students and their presentation titles are Rebecca Hiatt of Spencer, Neb., Water Purification Using Cost Effective Mediums; Alisha Huynh of Scottsbluff, Neb., Testing Fosfomycin Resistance Using a N-acetylglucosamine-malate (GlcNAc-mal) Inhibitor in Bacillus Subtilis; Robert Spurlin of Mullen, Neb., The Use of Oobleck as a Classroom Demonstration; and Paige Vitosh of Odell, Neb., Nutrient Infiltration.Two students presented research they conducted with Dr. Ann Buchmann throughout the 2020-21 academic year. The students are Institutional Development Award Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence scholars Lelisse Umeta of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who presented Effects of Curcumin on triple negative breast cancer, and Isioma Akwanamnye who presented Effect of Curcumin on gene expression induced by NF-kB pathway in triple negative breast cancer. Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric.According to Buchmann, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) does not respond well to most drugs designed to treat breast cancer. Breast cancers normally need the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor, or a growth factor receptor called HER2 to support their growth.“So, the medical world has developed drugs that target those receptors and stop the cancers from growing. TNBC keep growing without the three receptors mentioned above. Since they do not use the normal pathways for growth, the drugs developed for other breast cancers do not stop their growth,” Buchmann said. “We hypothesized that curcumin would work to stop growth of these cells by targeting a growth pathway called the NF-kB. So far, we have seen that curcumin kills the cancer cells and it seems to have some effect on this pathway. However, we still have a way to go to determine exactly how it works.”Dr. Mike Leite and graduate student&nbsp;Steve Welch presented Geology of Holocene Canyon Fills on the Campus of Chadron State College. Leite and Welch described fossils they found in sediments clinging to the sides of canyons on the south side of campus. Leite said a wolf, turtle, and bison were among their most important finds. Radiometric ages determined the wolf to be about 700 years old and the bison to be about 1,500 years old.

CSC students, faculty present at Nebraska Academy of Sciences

Chadron K-4 students can receive 1 free Fur Trade Days carnival wristband

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey shows the economy in nine Midwest and Plains states remaining strong in the wake of a devastating global pandemic, but the survey's index gauging inflation soared to a record high. 

The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions for May released Tuesday came in at 72.3, down slightly from April's record high of 73.9. Any score above 50 on the survey’s indexes suggests growth. 

But the survey's wholesale inflation gauge for the month surged to a record 96.3 from April’s previous record of 96.2, and nearly 1 in 3 supply managers surveyed said rapidly rising input prices were their greatest 2021 economic challenge.

 The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey shows the economy in nine Midwest and Plains states remaining strong in the wake of a devastating global pandemic, but the survey's index gauging inflation soared to a record high. The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions for May released Tuesday came in at 72.3, down slightly from April's record high of 73.9. Any score above 50 on the survey’s indexes suggests growth. But the survey's wholesale inflation gauge for the month surged to a record 96.3 from April’s previous record of 96.2, and nearly 1 in 3 supply managers surveyed said rapidly rising input prices were their greatest 2021 economic challenge. The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.