Scottsbluff — Local law enforcement officers in the City of Scottsbluff issued a total of 27 citations, issued 79 warnings, had four felony arrests, and made seven warrant arrests during the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement campaign that ran April 8-12. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of Distracted Driving in Nebraska.

The fatality rate on Nebraska roadways for 2019 was 1.16 persons killed per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. In 2019, there were 248 motor-vehicle fatalities. Of those 248 fatalities, 178 took place in urban areas and 70 took place in rural areas of the state. It is important to stress to drivers the dangers of driving distracted as the number of fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in Nebraska has increased every year since 2016.

According to NHTSA, between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. While fatalities from motor-vehicle crashes decreased slightly from 2018, distraction-related fatalities increased by 10%. NHTSA also reported that the number of deaths linked to driver distraction was 3,142 nationwide, or almost 9% of all fatalities in 2019. This represents a 10% increase over the year 2018, or 284 more fatalities. The distraction figure was the largest increase in causes of traffic deaths reported for 2019.

While the high-visibility enforcement mobilization is over for now, the Scottsbluff Police Department wants motorists to remember the dangers of texting and distracted driving beyond the enforcement effort. Next time you think about checking your phone when you’re driving, remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving">www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving</a>.

Scottsbluff — Local law enforcement officers in the City of Scottsbluff issued a total of 27 citations, issued 79 warnings, had four felony arrests, and made seven warrant arrests during the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement campaign that ran April 8-12. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of Distracted Driving in Nebraska.The fatality rate on Nebraska roadways for 2019 was 1.16 persons killed per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. In 2019, there were 248 motor-vehicle fatalities. Of those 248 fatalities, 178 took place in urban areas and 70 took place in rural areas of the state. It is important to stress to drivers the dangers of driving distracted as the number of fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in Nebraska has increased every year since 2016.According to NHTSA, between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. While fatalities from motor-vehicle crashes decreased slightly from 2018, distraction-related fatalities increased by 10%. NHTSA also reported that the number of deaths linked to driver distraction was 3,142 nationwide, or almost 9% of all fatalities in 2019. This represents a 10% increase over the year 2018, or 284 more fatalities. The distraction figure was the largest increase in causes of traffic deaths reported for 2019.While the high-visibility enforcement mobilization is over for now, the Scottsbluff Police Department wants motorists to remember the dangers of texting and distracted driving beyond the enforcement effort. Next time you think about checking your phone when you’re driving, remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving">www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving</a>.

Scottsbluff police release 'U Drive. U Text. U Pay' campaign results

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts appointed Todd O. Engleman of Omaha as District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District (Douglas County).&nbsp;

Engleman, 46, has worked as managing attorney at Nebraska Legal Group in Omaha since August 2016, specializing in family law.&nbsp; He was the associate general counsel of Waite, McWha, &amp; Heng in North Platte from 2012 to 2015.&nbsp; From 2001 to 2012, Engleman served in the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office—as deputy county attorney from 2001 to 2007 and as chief county attorney from 2008 to 2012.

Engleman holds a Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude), with concentrations in Political Science and History, from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.&nbsp; He also holds a Juris Doctor (Cum Laude) from the Creighton University School of Law.&nbsp; He is a member of the Nebraska Bar Association.

Engleman is a lifelong Nebraskan.&nbsp; He’s a member of both the Nebraska Mediation Association and Nebraska Family Mediation Association.&nbsp; He served as Chairman of the Lincoln County Leadership Council from 2009 to 2015.&nbsp; He also served on the Lincoln County Substance Abuse Coalition from 2007 to 2015, on the Lincoln County Drug Forum from 2007 to 2015, and as a Lincoln County Civil Service commissioner from 2013 to 2015.

Engleman is being appointed to the Fourth Judicial District alongside Tressa M. Alioth of Bennington.&nbsp; The two judges fill the vacancies created by the retirements of&nbsp;Judge Gary B. Randall and Judge James T. Gleason.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619188202730.png" alt="Engleman" />
 <figcaption>Engleman</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Governor RickettsLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts appointed Todd O. Engleman of Omaha as District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District (Douglas County).&nbsp;Engleman, 46, has worked as managing attorney at Nebraska Legal Group in Omaha since August 2016, specializing in family law.&nbsp; He was the associate general counsel of Waite, McWha, &amp; Heng in North Platte from 2012 to 2015.&nbsp; From 2001 to 2012, Engleman served in the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office—as deputy county attorney from 2001 to 2007 and as chief county attorney from 2008 to 2012.Engleman holds a Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude), with concentrations in Political Science and History, from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.&nbsp; He also holds a Juris Doctor (Cum Laude) from the Creighton University School of Law.&nbsp; He is a member of the Nebraska Bar Association.Engleman is a lifelong Nebraskan.&nbsp; He’s a member of both the Nebraska Mediation Association and Nebraska Family Mediation Association.&nbsp; He served as Chairman of the Lincoln County Leadership Council from 2009 to 2015.&nbsp; He also served on the Lincoln County Substance Abuse Coalition from 2007 to 2015, on the Lincoln County Drug Forum from 2007 to 2015, and as a Lincoln County Civil Service commissioner from 2013 to 2015.Engleman is being appointed to the Fourth Judicial District alongside Tressa M. Alioth of Bennington.&nbsp; The two judges fill the vacancies created by the retirements of&nbsp;Judge Gary B. Randall and Judge James T. Gleason.

Gov. Ricketts appoints former Lincoln County attorney as 4th District Court judge

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A proposal to cap Nebraska property tax increases at 3% stalled in the Legislature amid fierce opposition from allies of local governments, who cast it as an attack on local control. 

Supporters of the bill fell four votes short of the 33 needed to overcome a filibuster.

The measure would have applied to school districts, counties, community colleges and other local governments that collect property taxes.

 Local governments could have continued to collect extra tax revenue stemming from the natural rise in home values, and the measure would have expired in 2027. 

Property taxes are a perennial issue in the Legislature even though they’re levied by local governments and not the state.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A proposal to cap Nebraska property tax increases at 3% stalled in the Legislature amid fierce opposition from allies of local governments, who cast it as an attack on local control. Supporters of the bill fell four votes short of the 33 needed to overcome a filibuster.The measure would have applied to school districts, counties, community colleges and other local governments that collect property taxes. Local governments could have continued to collect extra tax revenue stemming from the natural rise in home values, and the measure would have expired in 2027. Property taxes are a perennial issue in the Legislature even though they’re levied by local governments and not the state.

Proposed property tax cap stalls amid fierce resistance

In recognition of Earth Day, Keep Chadron Beautiful has set the official date for 2021’s community cleanup.

 On April 24 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. KCB will be handing out gloves, trash bags and litter grabbers at the Dawes County Courthouse. 

"We ask community members to stop by and visit with us, pick up some equipment and register the area where they intend to pick up litter," KCB Director Susan Hucke said. "A community cleanup is a small way that we can all do our part to help beautify our neighborhoods, parks and local spaces."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618239057416.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In recognition of Earth Day, Keep Chadron Beautiful has set the official date for 2021’s community cleanup. On April 24 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. KCB will be handing out gloves, trash bags and litter grabbers at the Dawes County Courthouse. "We ask community members to stop by and visit with us, pick up some equipment and register the area where they intend to pick up litter," KCB Director Susan Hucke said. "A community cleanup is a small way that we can all do our part to help beautify our neighborhoods, parks and local spaces."

Keep Chadron Beautiful to hold 'Community Cleanup'

LINCOLN – There is good news for foragers. The morel mushroom picking season is just beginning.

Some morels now are being found along eastern Nebraska’s river bottoms. In a few weeks, they will emerge in hilly wooded areas above rivers.

“Look for morels near dead and decaying trees like cottonwoods,” said longtime morel hunter Greg Wagner, public information officer with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Walk slowly and scan the ground carefully. Where you find one, you should find more.”

Wagner said it is important for morel mushroom hunters in Nebraska to know they must get permission from the landowner to go onto private property, whether the land is posted or not. “Trespassers risk a misdemeanor citation and their mushrooms confiscated,” he said. “Know and respect property boundary fences, as well. Find out what those fences look like ahead of time.”

State parks, state recreation areas and wildlife management areas owned and controlled by Game and Parks are open to the public for non-commercial mushroom hunting. Vehicle park permits are required on state parks and recreation areas.

Morel mushroom hunters are reminded that it is illegal to park at bridges along public roadways. Those kayaking or air boating are reminded that river sandbars and woodlands are nearly all privately-owned and permission must be obtained to go on to those areas to look for morels.

Wagner has the following tips for morel hunting:

• Carry a mesh bag to keep the morels fresh while picking.

• Avoid touching poison ivy or stinging nettles.

• Do not disturb bird nests or animal dens.

• Take along a pocket knife to cut morels or pinch them with your fingers.

• The morel mushroom gathering period happens amid Nebraska’s spring wild turkey hunting seasons, so wear blaze orange clothing and steer clear of hunters and their blinds.

• Watch out for false morels; you don’t want to eat them. False morels are red, have a brain-like lobe, and are solid on the inside.

After the morel hunt, Wagner likes to cut the morels in half length-wise and wash them thoroughly in cold water with a kitchen spray nozzle. Then a quick salt-water soak may be in order if the morels are dry. He prefers to sauté them in a skillet with butter and a little garlic.

For more information and recipes on morel mushrooms, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/morel/.

LINCOLN – There is good news for foragers. The morel mushroom picking season is just beginning.Some morels now are being found along eastern Nebraska’s river bottoms. In a few weeks, they will emerge in hilly wooded areas above rivers.“Look for morels near dead and decaying trees like cottonwoods,” said longtime morel hunter Greg Wagner, public information officer with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Walk slowly and scan the ground carefully. Where you find one, you should find more.”Wagner said it is important for morel mushroom hunters in Nebraska to know they must get permission from the landowner to go onto private property, whether the land is posted or not. “Trespassers risk a misdemeanor citation and their mushrooms confiscated,” he said. “Know and respect property boundary fences, as well. Find out what those fences look like ahead of time.”State parks, state recreation areas and wildlife management areas owned and controlled by Game and Parks are open to the public for non-commercial mushroom hunting. Vehicle park permits are required on state parks and recreation areas.Morel mushroom hunters are reminded that it is illegal to park at bridges along public roadways. Those kayaking or air boating are reminded that river sandbars and woodlands are nearly all privately-owned and permission must be obtained to go on to those areas to look for morels.Wagner has the following tips for morel hunting:• Use insect repellent.• Carry a mesh bag to keep the morels fresh while picking.• Avoid touching poison ivy or stinging nettles.• Do not disturb bird nests or animal dens.• Take along a pocket knife to cut morels or pinch them with your fingers.• The morel mushroom gathering period happens amid Nebraska’s spring wild turkey hunting seasons, so wear blaze orange clothing and steer clear of hunters and their blinds.• Watch out for false morels; you don’t want to eat them. False morels are red, have a brain-like lobe, and are solid on the inside.• Pack out your trash and recyclables.After the morel hunt, Wagner likes to cut the morels in half length-wise and wash them thoroughly in cold water with a kitchen spray nozzle. Then a quick salt-water soak may be in order if the morels are dry. He prefers to sauté them in a skillet with butter and a little garlic.For more information and recipes on morel mushrooms, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/morel/.

Morel mushroom season has begun in Nebraska

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-21-20.pdf">Revenue Procedure 2021-20&nbsp;PDF</a>
 for certain businesses that received first-round Paycheck Protection 
Program (PPP) loans but did not deduct any of the original eligible 
expenses because they relied on guidance issued before the enactment of 
tax relief legislation in December of 2020.

Under prior guidance, businesses that received PPP loans to cover 
payroll costs, interest on covered mortgage obligations, covered rent 
obligation payments, and covered utility payments could not deduct 
corresponding expenses.

With the Dec. 27, 2020, enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2021, businesses now may claim these deductions even though they 
received PPP loans to cover original eligible expenses. These businesses
 can use the safe harbor provided by this guidance to deduct those 
expenses on the return for the immediately subsequent year.

More information on COVID-19 related tax relief for business can be found on IRS.gov

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-21-20.pdf">Revenue Procedure 2021-20&nbsp;PDF</a>
 for certain businesses that received first-round Paycheck Protection 
Program (PPP) loans but did not deduct any of the original eligible 
expenses because they relied on guidance issued before the enactment of 
tax relief legislation in December of 2020.Under prior guidance, businesses that received PPP loans to cover 
payroll costs, interest on covered mortgage obligations, covered rent 
obligation payments, and covered utility payments could not deduct 
corresponding expenses.With the Dec. 27, 2020, enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2021, businesses now may claim these deductions even though they 
received PPP loans to cover original eligible expenses. These businesses
 can use the safe harbor provided by this guidance to deduct those 
expenses on the return for the immediately subsequent year.More information on COVID-19 related tax relief for business can be found on IRS.gov

IRS: Safe harbor for businesses to claim Payroll Protection Program tax deduction

Former University of Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach and former U.S. congressman&nbsp;Dr. Tom Osborne&nbsp;announced his support for&nbsp;Jim Pillen, Republican candidate for Governor of Nebraska.

"Jim Pillen is a man of character, a true conservative, and a businessman who knows how to get things done," said&nbsp;Osborne. "I’ve worked with Jim on the field and through TeamMates, and I know he’ll be a game-changer for Nebraska. He’ll make us proud as our next governor."

"Playing for Coach Osborne and working with him to support Nebraska’s youth has been one of the great experiences of my life," said&nbsp;Pillen. "I’m humbled and honored to have Coach's support."

Pillen played for Osborne as a Husker defensive back from 1975-1978. Through the TeamMates Mentoring Program and the TeamMates Foundation, he’s worked with Osborne to advance the organization’s mission of mentorship for Nebraska's youth.

The Pillen campaign released a video message from Osborne, which can be found&nbsp;<a href="http://ci.criticalimpact.com/go/1/a1abf0c69f866f89df60ac364a9f256a/36853/d6168312811bfb6b/2cf38bbcad04e208c3d6b838967d376c/36853" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619123645477.png" alt="Photo: Pillen for Governor" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Pillen for Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Pillen for GovernorFormer University of Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach and former U.S. congressman&nbsp;Dr. Tom Osborne&nbsp;announced his support for&nbsp;Jim Pillen, Republican candidate for Governor of Nebraska."Jim Pillen is a man of character, a true conservative, and a businessman who knows how to get things done," said&nbsp;Osborne. "I’ve worked with Jim on the field and through TeamMates, and I know he’ll be a game-changer for Nebraska. He’ll make us proud as our next governor.""Playing for Coach Osborne and working with him to support Nebraska’s youth has been one of the great experiences of my life," said&nbsp;Pillen. "I’m humbled and honored to have Coach's support."Pillen played for Osborne as a Husker defensive back from 1975-1978. Through the TeamMates Mentoring Program and the TeamMates Foundation, he’s worked with Osborne to advance the organization’s mission of mentorship for Nebraska's youth.The Pillen campaign released a video message from Osborne, which can be found&nbsp;<a href="http://ci.criticalimpact.com/go/1/a1abf0c69f866f89df60ac364a9f256a/36853/d6168312811bfb6b/2cf38bbcad04e208c3d6b838967d376c/36853" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

Tom Osborne announces support for Pillen for Governor

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A former wildland firefighter who owns the land where a burn pile ignited a large wildfire near Rapid City says he believe the blaze was intentionally set. 

The landowner told investigators he was “100% sure the burn pile fire was completely out.” 

The landowner says he’s experienced two suspicious fires since buying the property in 2018. 

The Schroeder Fire broke out the morning of March 29 and burned about 3.5 square miles, destroyed several structures and caused hundred to evacuate. 

Investigator Todd Hedglin says all evidence points to the fire caused by the debris pile that wasn’t completely put out with strong winds fueling the blaze, the Rapid City Journal reported.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A former wildland firefighter who owns the land where a burn pile ignited a large wildfire near Rapid City says he believe the blaze was intentionally set. The landowner told investigators he was “100% sure the burn pile fire was completely out.” The landowner says he’s experienced two suspicious fires since buying the property in 2018. The Schroeder Fire broke out the morning of March 29 and burned about 3.5 square miles, destroyed several structures and caused hundred to evacuate. Investigator Todd Hedglin says all evidence points to the fire caused by the debris pile that wasn’t completely put out with strong winds fueling the blaze, the Rapid City Journal reported.

Firefighter land owner has theory about large SD wildfire cause

CHADRON — Chadron State Park is closing its campground from April 25-28 for its road improvement project.

Gregg Galbraith, park superintendent, said the closure will allow workers to pave the roads without interruption and ensure that the asphalt has properly cured before being subject to the weight of traffic. He said the campground will reopen the night of April 29 if the work occurs without delay.

Galbraith said most of those seeking camping this time of year have been turkey hunters, and has been referring them to Fort Robinson State Park and other campgrounds of the region during the closure.

The project includes paving throughout the park’s 5.6 miles of asphalt roads. This week, the workers completed all of the milling, the process of creating a level paving surface by removing the top portion of the old asphalt. After the campground roads are paved, the project will move to the cabin area, and finally the main roads starting at the higher elevations in the west and working their way east toward the main entrance, he said.

The project, which is scheduled to end in late May, is being funded through the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Recreation Road Fund.

CHADRON — Chadron State Park is closing its campground from April 25-28 for its road improvement project.Gregg Galbraith, park superintendent, said the closure will allow workers to pave the roads without interruption and ensure that the asphalt has properly cured before being subject to the weight of traffic. He said the campground will reopen the night of April 29 if the work occurs without delay.Galbraith said most of those seeking camping this time of year have been turkey hunters, and has been referring them to Fort Robinson State Park and other campgrounds of the region during the closure.The project includes paving throughout the park’s 5.6 miles of asphalt roads. This week, the workers completed all of the milling, the process of creating a level paving surface by removing the top portion of the old asphalt. After the campground roads are paved, the project will move to the cabin area, and finally the main roads starting at the higher elevations in the west and working their way east toward the main entrance, he said.The project, which is scheduled to end in late May, is being funded through the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Recreation Road Fund.

Chadron State Park campground temporarily closing for construction

SCOTTSBLUFF — The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are inviting the public to survey the natural resources of the region during the Virtual Panhandle BioBlitz May 1-2.

A bioblitz is an inventory of species, such as plants, mammals, birds, insects and fungi, in a specific area during a specific period.

The free event will begin with a welcome segment May 1 at 9 a.m. MDT. Participants will then be encouraged to explore the biodiversity of their backyard, neighborhood or public lands within the Panhandle. At 3 p.m. MDT, participants will return for a virtual check-in with natural resources experts.

The first 75 registrants will receive an exploration kit with field guides, investigation tools, activity sheets and more. The items will be available April 24-30 at sites throughout the Panhandle during certain dates and times. To register, visit <a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlf-yurT0pG9W64A-OyHxtOaSizEiyEFMZ">https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlf-yurT0pG9W64A-OyHxtOaSizEiyEFMZ</a>

For more information, contact Delanie Bruce, Nebraska’s wildlife education coordinator for the Conservancy, at delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org or 308-633-1013.

SCOTTSBLUFF — The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are inviting the public to survey the natural resources of the region during the Virtual Panhandle BioBlitz May 1-2.A bioblitz is an inventory of species, such as plants, mammals, birds, insects and fungi, in a specific area during a specific period.The free event will begin with a welcome segment May 1 at 9 a.m. MDT. Participants will then be encouraged to explore the biodiversity of their backyard, neighborhood or public lands within the Panhandle. At 3 p.m. MDT, participants will return for a virtual check-in with natural resources experts.The first 75 registrants will receive an exploration kit with field guides, investigation tools, activity sheets and more. The items will be available April 24-30 at sites throughout the Panhandle during certain dates and times. To register, visit <a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlf-yurT0pG9W64A-OyHxtOaSizEiyEFMZ">https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlf-yurT0pG9W64A-OyHxtOaSizEiyEFMZ</a>For more information, contact Delanie Bruce, Nebraska’s wildlife education coordinator for the Conservancy, at delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org or 308-633-1013.

Virtual Panhandle BioBlitz scheduled for May

Alliance – The Alliance Public Library will be offering a special art class for its adult patrons. Local artist Kathy Brock will be teaching an introductory class on the art of Paper Quilling. 

The class will be held Thursday, May 13 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Library’s community room. 

There will be a registration fee to cover the materials and instruction, and participants will be able to keep the paper quilling kit that is included. 

Please sign up at the library by May 7, and if you have any questions, please call Emily Nelson at 308-762-1387 or email enelson@cityofalliance.net.

Alliance – The Alliance Public Library will be offering a special art class for its adult patrons. Local artist Kathy Brock will be teaching an introductory class on the art of Paper Quilling. The class will be held Thursday, May 13 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Library’s community room. There will be a registration fee to cover the materials and instruction, and participants will be able to keep the paper quilling kit that is included. Please sign up at the library by May 7, and if you have any questions, please call Emily Nelson at 308-762-1387 or email enelson@cityofalliance.net.

Paper quilling class to be held at Alliance library

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Under a proposal backed by lawmakers, police, sheriffs and state patrol deputies in Nebraska would face greater accountability and have more yearly training, with a focus on de-escalating conflicts. 

Senators gave the measure initial approval on Wednesday despite concerns from some that the requirements would be difficult for smaller law enforcement agencies to follow. 

The vote came one day after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter for the death of George Floyd, an incident that sparked sometimes-violent protests nationally, including in Nebraska.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Under a proposal backed by lawmakers, police, sheriffs and state patrol deputies in Nebraska would face greater accountability and have more yearly training, with a focus on de-escalating conflicts. Senators gave the measure initial approval on Wednesday despite concerns from some that the requirements would be difficult for smaller law enforcement agencies to follow. The vote came one day after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter for the death of George Floyd, an incident that sparked sometimes-violent protests nationally, including in Nebraska.

Nebraska police training, accountability measure advances

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A political party focused on legalizing marijuana can now run candidates and claim registered voters in Nebraska after it gained official state recognition. 

Secretary of State Bob Evnen says the Legal Marijuana NOW Party has met the requirements to qualify as a political party. 

The designation allows voters to register with the party, and party officials can nominate candidates for partisan offices. 

Activists Mark Elworth Jr. and Krystal Gabel, who frequently run for public office, say they collected more than 10,000 signatures over four years to gain party status. 

Approximately 6,800 signatures were needed.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A political party focused on legalizing marijuana can now run candidates and claim registered voters in Nebraska after it gained official state recognition. Secretary of State Bob Evnen says the Legal Marijuana NOW Party has met the requirements to qualify as a political party. The designation allows voters to register with the party, and party officials can nominate candidates for partisan offices. Activists Mark Elworth Jr. and Krystal Gabel, who frequently run for public office, say they collected more than 10,000 signatures over four years to gain party status. Approximately 6,800 signatures were needed.

'Legal Marijuana NOW' now recognized as a party in Nebraska

LINCOLN –&nbsp;This week, Governor Pete Ricketts and 14 other Governors submitted a joint letter to President Biden regarding his executive order on the climate issued January 27, 2021.&nbsp; The President’s executive order set a goal&nbsp;of restricting “at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030” (30 x 30).&nbsp; Currently, about 97% of land in Nebraska is privately owned.

In their letter, the Governors reminded the Biden-Harris Administration that it lacks the authority to pursue the President’s 30 x 30 goal.&nbsp; “[We] are not aware of any constitutional or statutory authority for the President, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or any other federal agency to set aside and permanently conserve 30 percent of all land and water in the United States,” they wrote.&nbsp; “Nowhere in the laws of our nation is the authority delegated by Congress to the President or executive agencies to unilaterally change the policies governing land use in America.”

The Governors warned that pursuing the President’s 30 x 30 plan would violate property rights and hurt the economy.&nbsp; “Obtaining the 30 percent goal from state or private lands would require your Administration to condemn or otherwise severely limit the current productive uses of such lands, infringing on the private property rights of our citizens and significantly harming our economies.”

The Governors also called on President Biden to be transparent about how he intends to achieve his goal.&nbsp; “Two months have passed since the announcement of the new program and neither the states nor the American people have been provided with any information regarding the meaning, objectives, or implementation of the 30 x 30 program including the fundamental question of what lands will be vulnerable for increased restrictions or condemnation.”&nbsp; In their letter, the Governors submitted specific questions for the President to answer to provide greater clarity about the 30 x 30 program.

Collectively, the Governors asserted the duty and prerogative of states to manage their own lands and waters for the well-being of their citizens—free from federal interference.&nbsp; “It is...our responsibility to ensure that certain federal lands, and all state lands, are being productively used by our citizens to provide the food, fiber, energy and minerals our nation needs for a robust economy and our national defense. &nbsp;It is precisely because we depend on our lands to be available for future generations to enjoy and use [that], without greater input into this initiative, we must resist implementation of the 30 x 30 program.”

You can read the full text of the Governors’ letter to President Biden by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F587p1dv72cqgh92%2FJoint%2520Letter%2520to%2520President%2520Biden%2520on%252030%2520x%252030%2520Program%252004.21.21.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cc9dd02d348354c1bc64708d9050fa00e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637546386938470201%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=G41Guvwc165KSQCySY7NcOXY%2BYXp%2Fk%2BLrHSy5M%2FQrWU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

By Gov. Pete RickettsLINCOLN –&nbsp;This week, Governor Pete Ricketts and 14 other Governors submitted a joint letter to President Biden regarding his executive order on the climate issued January 27, 2021.&nbsp; The President’s executive order set a goal&nbsp;of restricting “at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030” (30 x 30).&nbsp; Currently, about 97% of land in Nebraska is privately owned.In their letter, the Governors reminded the Biden-Harris Administration that it lacks the authority to pursue the President’s 30 x 30 goal.&nbsp; “[We] are not aware of any constitutional or statutory authority for the President, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or any other federal agency to set aside and permanently conserve 30 percent of all land and water in the United States,” they wrote.&nbsp; “Nowhere in the laws of our nation is the authority delegated by Congress to the President or executive agencies to unilaterally change the policies governing land use in America.”The Governors warned that pursuing the President’s 30 x 30 plan would violate property rights and hurt the economy.&nbsp; “Obtaining the 30 percent goal from state or private lands would require your Administration to condemn or otherwise severely limit the current productive uses of such lands, infringing on the private property rights of our citizens and significantly harming our economies.”The Governors also called on President Biden to be transparent about how he intends to achieve his goal.&nbsp; “Two months have passed since the announcement of the new program and neither the states nor the American people have been provided with any information regarding the meaning, objectives, or implementation of the 30 x 30 program including the fundamental question of what lands will be vulnerable for increased restrictions or condemnation.”&nbsp; In their letter, the Governors submitted specific questions for the President to answer to provide greater clarity about the 30 x 30 program.Collectively, the Governors asserted the duty and prerogative of states to manage their own lands and waters for the well-being of their citizens—free from federal interference.&nbsp; “It is...our responsibility to ensure that certain federal lands, and all state lands, are being productively used by our citizens to provide the food, fiber, energy and minerals our nation needs for a robust economy and our national defense. &nbsp;It is precisely because we depend on our lands to be available for future generations to enjoy and use [that], without greater input into this initiative, we must resist implementation of the 30 x 30 program.”You can read the full text of the Governors’ letter to President Biden by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F587p1dv72cqgh92%2FJoint%2520Letter%2520to%2520President%2520Biden%2520on%252030%2520x%252030%2520Program%252004.21.21.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cc9dd02d348354c1bc64708d9050fa00e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637546386938470201%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=G41Guvwc165KSQCySY7NcOXY%2BYXp%2Fk%2BLrHSy5M%2FQrWU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Ricketts: Biden's 'radical' 30x30 plan wrong for America

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – The Week of the Young Child (April 10-16) was especially meaningful for Chadron State College students Bailey Brooks of Douglas, Wyoming, and Brianna Williams of Buffalo, South Dakota. Brooks and Williams planned developmentally-appropriate lessons and activities for children at the CSC Child Development Center as part of their practicum, a capstone-like class in the Early Childhood curriculum.

According to its website, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) established the Week of the Young Child in 1971 to recognize that the years from birth through age 8 form the foundation for success in school and life.

Brooks planned a food experience for Tasty Tuesday. She led discussions about the different tastes of bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and white bread. Williams taught a building lesson with toothpicks, marshmallows, and apples. For Work Together Wednesday, Brooks guided groups of children to work together and take turns while dismantling block structures.  

CDC Lead Teacher Keri Ruff said she enjoyed Bailey and Williams providing activities during the Week of the Young Child.

“Anytime you come to work, volunteer, or observe at the CDC, what I really want you to take away from your experience is how important relationships are in a school setting,” Ruff said. “We were able to share what we had done all week with the members of our Facebook page to show the community how important this week is to us and early learning.”

Brooks said Ruff and Center Director Lona Downs have contributed significantly to confirming her career choice. 

“They are so helpful and encouraging. They provide insightful feedback and critique my lessons and my instruction. I have enjoyed creating professional relationships with the other CSC students. I am overjoyed when I see the children applying, engaging, and mastering the material that I taught them,” Brooks said.

Brooks recalls a moment when she was working with a child who struggled with fine motor skills.

“I continued to work with this child focusing on taking calming breaths and relaxing. This child overcame the frustrations and applied the breathing strategy and was able to put her shoes on all by herself. I was overjoyed because I was able to help this child focus and learn to combat frustration and then achieve the challenge that she had been struggling with. This made me feel so proud of this young child because I provided her with techniques and skills to overcome,” Brooks said.

Williams also said the moments of triumph when children learn new strategies and techniques are rewarding.

“When children finally understand what you have been teaching them for weeks, it makes you not only feel good but feel like you are helping the child succeed. Being a positive influence in every child’s life is so important,” Williams said. “I knew I was in the right career when I heard children bring up an idea from a lesson that I did about soil where I had Dr. Tony Perlinski come in. The children talked about soil and the things he taught us for weeks. That brought me a lot of joy.”

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – The Week of the Young Child (April 10-16) was especially meaningful for Chadron State College students Bailey Brooks of Douglas, Wyoming, and Brianna Williams of Buffalo, South Dakota. Brooks and Williams planned developmentally-appropriate lessons and activities for children at the CSC Child Development Center as part of their practicum, a capstone-like class in the Early Childhood curriculum.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619042151627.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College student Brianna Williams takes a photo of one of the children participating in Tasty Tuesday April 13, 2021, an activity lesson she planned and designed during the Week of the Young Child. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College student Brianna Williams takes a photo of one of the children participating in Tasty Tuesday April 13, 2021, an activity lesson she planned and designed during the Week of the Young Child. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>According to its website, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) established the Week of the Young Child in 1971 to recognize that the years from birth through age 8 form the foundation for success in school and life.Brooks planned a food experience for Tasty Tuesday. She led discussions about the different tastes of bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and white bread. Williams taught a building lesson with toothpicks, marshmallows, and apples. For Work Together Wednesday, Brooks guided groups of children to work together and take turns while dismantling block structures. CDC Lead Teacher Keri Ruff said she enjoyed Bailey and Williams providing activities during the Week of the Young Child.“Anytime you come to work, volunteer, or observe at the CDC, what I really want you to take away from your experience is how important relationships are in a school setting,” Ruff said. “We were able to share what we had done all week with the members of our Facebook page to show the community how important this week is to us and early learning.”Brooks said Ruff and Center Director Lona Downs have contributed significantly to confirming her career choice. “They are so helpful and encouraging. They provide insightful feedback and critique my lessons and my instruction. I have enjoyed creating professional relationships with the other CSC students. I am overjoyed when I see the children applying, engaging, and mastering the material that I taught them,” Brooks said.Brooks recalls a moment when she was working with a child who struggled with fine motor skills.“I continued to work with this child focusing on taking calming breaths and relaxing. This child overcame the frustrations and applied the breathing strategy and was able to put her shoes on all by herself. I was overjoyed because I was able to help this child focus and learn to combat frustration and then achieve the challenge that she had been struggling with. This made me feel so proud of this young child because I provided her with techniques and skills to overcome,” Brooks said.Williams also said the moments of triumph when children learn new strategies and techniques are rewarding.“When children finally understand what you have been teaching them for weeks, it makes you not only feel good but feel like you are helping the child succeed. Being a positive influence in every child’s life is so important,” Williams said. “I knew I was in the right career when I heard children bring up an idea from a lesson that I did about soil where I had Dr. Tony Perlinski come in. The children talked about soil and the things he taught us for weeks. That brought me a lot of joy.”

College, preschool students celebrate 'Week of the Young Child'

An Alliance man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for a pursuit and carjackings on April 10. During the incidents an Alliance officer fired shots from his pistol.

18 year-old Kolton Farr appeared in Box Butte County Court for the first time on April 20 for charges of use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, attempt of a Class 2A felony, DUI .15+, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, criminal mischief of $1,500 - $4,999, leaving the scene of an accident, criminal mischief of $501 - $1,499, willful reckless driving and minor in possession. 

Following multiple incidents involving the carjackings, Farr told police, "I am the one you are looking for". According to court records, Farr said he was the driver of the white GMC pickup. 

Farr also told police officers repeatedly he was intoxicated and drank too much. 

When one of the police officers asked Farr if he had anything dangerous on him, he handed an officer a Benchmade pocket knife. 

Previously reported information on this story: <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/514d580d-32c5-41a2-add5-802c8439ecf2">https://panhandlepost.com/posts/514d580d-32c5-41a2-add5-802c8439ecf2</a>

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostAn Alliance man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for a pursuit and carjackings on April 10. During the incidents an Alliance officer fired shots from his pistol.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619110320743.jpeg" alt="Kolton Farr" />
 <figcaption>Kolton Farr</figcaption>
 </figure>18 year-old Kolton Farr appeared in Box Butte County Court for the first time on April 20 for charges of use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, attempt of a Class 2A felony, DUI .15+, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, criminal mischief of $1,500 - $4,999, leaving the scene of an accident, criminal mischief of $501 - $1,499, willful reckless driving and minor in possession. Following multiple incidents involving the carjackings, Farr told police, "I am the one you are looking for". According to court records, Farr said he was the driver of the white GMC pickup. Farr also told police officers repeatedly he was intoxicated and drank too much. When one of the police officers asked Farr if he had anything dangerous on him, he handed an officer a Benchmade pocket knife. Farr's bond was set at 10% of $100,000. Previously reported information on this story: <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/514d580d-32c5-41a2-add5-802c8439ecf2">https://panhandlepost.com/posts/514d580d-32c5-41a2-add5-802c8439ecf2</a>

Alliance man faces charges in pursuit, carjackings

Earlier this year, the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) published draft health standards for public comment that included several sex education topics.  Like many Nebraska parents, I was deeply troubled by the standards.  They would teach young children age-inappropriate content starting in kindergarten.  They would also inject non-scientific, political ideas into curriculum standards.  That’s why I have called on the NDE to scrap the proposed sex education topics in the standards. 

I want to be clear about how the Nebraska Department of Education is governed.  Unlike many other state agencies, NDE does not report to me.  The agency is governed by a board that’s separately elected.  I will not have the final say as to whether or not the standards are adopted.  It’s very important for parents to weigh in with their input as the State Board of Education decides what to do with the standards.  We need to fight to keep our schools free from sexually mature content and partisan indoctrination.  Parents, not bureaucrats, should decide how to educate children about sex and controversial cultural issues. 

The proposed sex education standards represent a significant shift in approach to health education.  Many of the new themes are sensitive topics that should be addressed by parents at home and not by schools.  Children who are the same age often mature at different rates.  Families approach many of these topics from different perspectives, and may choose to address them at different points in a child’s development.  That’s why parents, not schools, should be the ones deciding when and how to educate kids about many sex-related topics.

It’s important to understand just how radical the draft NDE standards are.  The standards would introduce kids to politically motivated and sexually explicit content at very young ages.  The standards say that first graders should be taught to define gender identity.  Fifth graders would be educated to “explain that gender expression and gender identity exist along a spectrum.”  At 12 years old, students would be taught about anal and oral sex.  Many kids that age haven’t yet reached puberty.  This material not only sexualizes our kids, it goes far beyond basic biological facts about reproduction and clearly crosses the boundary of what’s appropriate to discuss in the classroom. 

There’s a reason why NDE ended up with such outlandish standards: The process to develop these standards was flawed.  While NDE did not consult with the State’s Chief Medical Officer when drafting the standards, OutNebraska, a LGBTQ political activist group, was invited to participate in the development of the standards.  Meanwhile, mainstream groups like the Nebraska Catholic Conference were denied a role in the process—even though Catholic schools educate about 10% of kids in our state.  Given the non-inclusive approach, it’s not surprising that the draft standards are out of touch.

Furthermore, it’s not a requirement for the Nebraska Department of Education to write health standards.  In the past, the Nebraska Legislature has specifically decided against this kind of approach to sex education.  After reviewing the proposed health standards, a bipartisan majority of State Senators wrote a letter calling on the NDE to remove “all sex education and other ideologically motivated content” from them.  

The review process isn’t over yet, and it’s important that you make your voice heard.  In the coming months, the NDE will re-evaluate the draft health standards in light of the public input it has received.  The draft was full of problems, and I continue to urge the NDE to scrap the sex education topics altogether rather than trying to modify them. 

The State Board of Education met on April 2, 2021 to hear public input on the standards.  An overwhelming majority of speakers voiced strong opposition to them.  It was evident from the meeting that the standards lacked the public support that should be expected for curriculum taught in schools. 

I encourage parents in Nebraska to review the draft health standards at education.ne.gov and to provide feedback by completing the Health Education Standards Survey on the NDE’s website.  Nebraskans should also contact their district representative on the State Board of Education.  A map of the districts, along with contact information for all board members, is online at www.education.ne.gov/stateboard/members.  

If you want more information about this topic or any other, please email me at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call 402-471-2244.  I hope the NDE’s draft health standards will motivate parents across the state to get more involved in their local school.  It’s important that the next generation of Nebraskans receive an education that’s consistent with our shared values and free from ideological indoctrination. 

By Governor Pete RickettsEarlier this year, the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) published draft health standards for public comment that included several sex education topics. Like many Nebraska parents, I was deeply troubled by the standards. They would teach young children age-inappropriate content starting in kindergarten. They would also inject non-scientific, political ideas into curriculum standards. That’s why I have called on the NDE to scrap the proposed sex education topics in the standards. I want to be clear about how the Nebraska Department of Education is governed. Unlike many other state agencies, NDE does not report to me. The agency is governed by a board that’s separately elected. I will not have the final say as to whether or not the standards are adopted. It’s very important for parents to weigh in with their input as the State Board of Education decides what to do with the standards. We need to fight to keep our schools free from sexually mature content and partisan indoctrination. Parents, not bureaucrats, should decide how to educate children about sex and controversial cultural issues. The proposed sex education standards represent a significant shift in approach to health education. Many of the new themes are sensitive topics that should be addressed by parents at home and not by schools. Children who are the same age often mature at different rates. Families approach many of these topics from different perspectives, and may choose to address them at different points in a child’s development. That’s why parents, not schools, should be the ones deciding when and how to educate kids about many sex-related topics.It’s important to understand just how radical the draft NDE standards are. The standards would introduce kids to politically motivated and sexually explicit content at very young ages. The standards say that first graders should be taught to define gender identity. Fifth graders would be educated to “explain that gender expression and gender identity exist along a spectrum.” At 12 years old, students would be taught about anal and oral sex. Many kids that age haven’t yet reached puberty. This material not only sexualizes our kids, it goes far beyond basic biological facts about reproduction and clearly crosses the boundary of what’s appropriate to discuss in the classroom. There’s a reason why NDE ended up with such outlandish standards: The process to develop these standards was flawed. While NDE did not consult with the State’s Chief Medical Officer when drafting the standards, OutNebraska, a LGBTQ political activist group, was invited to participate in the development of the standards. Meanwhile, mainstream groups like the Nebraska Catholic Conference were denied a role in the process—even though Catholic schools educate about 10% of kids in our state. Given the non-inclusive approach, it’s not surprising that the draft standards are out of touch.Furthermore, it’s not a requirement for the Nebraska Department of Education to write health standards. In the past, the Nebraska Legislature has specifically decided against this kind of approach to sex education. After reviewing the proposed health standards, a bipartisan majority of State Senators wrote a letter calling on the NDE to remove “all sex education and other ideologically motivated content” from them. The review process isn’t over yet, and it’s important that you make your voice heard. In the coming months, the NDE will re-evaluate the draft health standards in light of the public input it has received. The draft was full of problems, and I continue to urge the NDE to scrap the sex education topics altogether rather than trying to modify them. The State Board of Education met on April 2, 2021 to hear public input on the standards. An overwhelming majority of speakers voiced strong opposition to them. It was evident from the meeting that the standards lacked the public support that should be expected for curriculum taught in schools. I encourage parents in Nebraska to review the draft health standards at education.ne.gov and to provide feedback by completing the Health Education Standards Survey on the NDE’s website. Nebraskans should also contact their district representative on the State Board of Education. A map of the districts, along with contact information for all board members, is online at www.education.ne.gov/stateboard/members. If you want more information about this topic or any other, please email me at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call 402-471-2244. I hope the NDE’s draft health standards will motivate parents across the state to get more involved in their local school. It’s important that the next generation of Nebraskans receive an education that’s consistent with our shared values and free from ideological indoctrination.

Gov. Ricketts: Protect our kids and schools

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested four people, after locating more than 230 pounds of marijuana and other controlled substances in two traffic stops this week.

Monday, at approximately 3:00 p.m., a trooper observed a Dodge Ram fail to signal a turn as it was exiting Interstate 80 at mile marker 231. During the traffic stop, an NSP K-9 detected the presence of a controlled substance inside the pickup. A search of the vehicle revealed 88 pounds of marijuana, concealed in luggage in the bed of the pickup. Troopers also located THC pills, THC vape cartridges, THC wax, and THC gummies in the cab of the pickup.

The driver, John Valencia Lopez, 21, and passengers Jesse Jarquin, 23, and Evelin Morales Ramos, 21, all of Georgia, were each arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All three were lodged in Dawson County Jail.

Tuesday, at approximately 11:30 a.m., another trooper performed a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado for a registration issue. During the traffic stop, which occurred near North Platte on Interstate 80, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. A search of the vehicle revealed 146 pounds of marijuana contained in the bed of the pickup, as well as a small amount of methamphetamine in the cab of the pickup.

The driver, Brian Nixon, 51, of Kokomo, Indiana, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp. Nixon was lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested four people, after locating more than 230 pounds of marijuana and other controlled substances in two traffic stops this week.Monday, at approximately 3:00 p.m., a trooper observed a Dodge Ram fail to signal a turn as it was exiting Interstate 80 at mile marker 231. During the traffic stop, an NSP K-9 detected the presence of a controlled substance inside the pickup. A search of the vehicle revealed 88 pounds of marijuana, concealed in luggage in the bed of the pickup. Troopers also located THC pills, THC vape cartridges, THC wax, and THC gummies in the cab of the pickup.The driver, John Valencia Lopez, 21, and passengers Jesse Jarquin, 23, and Evelin Morales Ramos, 21, all of Georgia, were each arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All three were lodged in Dawson County Jail.Tuesday, at approximately 11:30 a.m., another trooper performed a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado for a registration issue. During the traffic stop, which occurred near North Platte on Interstate 80, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. A search of the vehicle revealed 146 pounds of marijuana contained in the bed of the pickup, as well as a small amount of methamphetamine in the cab of the pickup.The driver, Brian Nixon, 51, of Kokomo, Indiana, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp. Nixon was lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

Troopers find 234 LBs of marijuana, arrest 4 in two traffic stops

Alliance – Snow-Redfern Foundation is honored to announce that three local high school seniors have been selected as recipients of the Hempel Family Scholarship fund, memorializing the late Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel.

The three inspiring young people selected by the Snow-Redfern Foundation to receive the Scholarship, designated for award in the fall of 2021, were Kenneth Wyland and Kayandra Cruz from Hemingford High School, and Jovannie Gomez from Alliance High School.

To qualify for this scholarship, Kenneth, Jovannie, and Kayandra had to demonstrate intent to be enrolled, full-time, as students working towards a degree at an accredited Nebraska post-secondary college and be able effectively demonstrate resilience.

In the fall, Kenneth will attend the University of Nebraska-Kearney to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Biology before continuing his studies to eventually graduate as a Certified Cytotech. Jovannie will attend the Western Nebraska Community College’s Powerline Program in Alliance; and Kayandra will attend Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture to pursue a degree in Animal Husbandry.

Preference for this scholarship is given to young people residing in the greater Alliance region, including Hemingford, who are planning to remain in Nebraska following completion of their higher education.

“We are honored to offer this supportive funding, which pays tribute to the memory of Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel and are pleased to award this scholarship to exceptional young people, such as Kenneth, Jovannie, and Kayandra, who possess impressive qualities, including leadership, resilience, service, and dedication to academic studies,” commented Sara Nicholson, Executive Director of Snow-Redfern Foundation.

“We were blessed with the opportunity to award this generous gift honoring Mr. and Mrs. Hempel, who were consistently generous contributors to Snow-Redfern Foundation, formerly the Nebraska Boys Ranch. Mr. Hempel was a long-time board member and he and his family supported the youth at Nebraska Boys Ranch through service and contributions intended to impact the lives of the youth placed at the Ranch”, shared Snow-Redfern Foundation’s Vice President and Grant/Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Jared Mracek.

Snow-Redfern Foundation believes in the power of opportunity and optimism and invites those interested in creating impact for youth to Join them in investing in the good life for kids. Please visit the website at: https://www.snowredfern.org to learn more about the work being done in Nebraska and how you can be involved with impacting the lives of young people! Join us by investing in the good life for kids - <a href="https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/">https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/</a>

Snow-Redfern Foundation provides financial support to nonprofit partners that offer programs and services that make a life-changing impact for kids in need. As the former Nebraska Boys Ranch, Snow-Redfern Foundation has a rich history in advocating for, protecting, and encouraging youth in need of hope and healing. Though we no longer provide direct care, our commitment to equipping young people with the skills they need to be successful and live a good life remains.

Alliance – Snow-Redfern Foundation is honored to announce that three local high school seniors have been selected as recipients of the Hempel Family Scholarship fund, memorializing the late Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel.The three inspiring young people selected by the Snow-Redfern Foundation to receive the Scholarship, designated for award in the fall of 2021, were Kenneth Wyland and Kayandra Cruz from Hemingford High School, and Jovannie Gomez from Alliance High School.To qualify for this scholarship, Kenneth, Jovannie, and Kayandra had to demonstrate intent to be enrolled, full-time, as students working towards a degree at an accredited Nebraska post-secondary college and be able effectively demonstrate resilience.In the fall, Kenneth will attend the University of Nebraska-Kearney to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Biology before continuing his studies to eventually graduate as a Certified Cytotech. Jovannie will attend the Western Nebraska Community College’s Powerline Program in Alliance; and Kayandra will attend Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture to pursue a degree in Animal Husbandry.Preference for this scholarship is given to young people residing in the greater Alliance region, including Hemingford, who are planning to remain in Nebraska following completion of their higher education.“We are honored to offer this supportive funding, which pays tribute to the memory of Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel and are pleased to award this scholarship to exceptional young people, such as Kenneth, Jovannie, and Kayandra, who possess impressive qualities, including leadership, resilience, service, and dedication to academic studies,” commented Sara Nicholson, Executive Director of Snow-Redfern Foundation.“We were blessed with the opportunity to award this generous gift honoring Mr. and Mrs. Hempel, who were consistently generous contributors to Snow-Redfern Foundation, formerly the Nebraska Boys Ranch. Mr. Hempel was a long-time board member and he and his family supported the youth at Nebraska Boys Ranch through service and contributions intended to impact the lives of the youth placed at the Ranch”, shared Snow-Redfern Foundation’s Vice President and Grant/Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Jared Mracek.Snow-Redfern Foundation believes in the power of opportunity and optimism and invites those interested in creating impact for youth to Join them in investing in the good life for kids. Please visit the website at: https://www.snowredfern.org to learn more about the work being done in Nebraska and how you can be involved with impacting the lives of young people! Join us by investing in the good life for kids - <a href="https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/">https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/</a>Snow-Redfern Foundation provides financial support to nonprofit partners that offer programs and services that make a life-changing impact for kids in need. As the former Nebraska Boys Ranch, Snow-Redfern Foundation has a rich history in advocating for, protecting, and encouraging youth in need of hope and healing. Though we no longer provide direct care, our commitment to equipping young people with the skills they need to be successful and live a good life remains.

Snow-Redfern Foundation announces scholarship recipients 

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Two Western Nebraska Community College students were recently honored at Phi Theta Kappa's (PTK) national "Catalyst" convention. Sophomores Olivia Schaub, of Gering, and Adam Ouderkirk of Bayard, were named as Nebraska's 2021 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, and New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar, respectively.

The scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.&nbsp;Only one scholar is selected from each state for each award.

Schaub is enrolled in WNCC's pre-physical therapy program and will graduate in May. She also played on the Cougar volleyball team for two years. She plans to transfer to Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa next semester and pursue a bachelor's degree in exercise science and continue her volleyball career.

"It means the world to me that I was chosen as one of the 2021 New Century Pathway Scholars," Schaub said. "If it weren't for scholarships and grants, I wouldn't be able to afford to go to college so I am very grateful for everything I have received."

Ouderkirk will graduate from WNCC's Information Technology program next month. He hopes to find a job in the Panhandle in the IT field after graduation.

"I want to stay local to the community because I enjoy this area," Ouderkirk said. "WNCC and PTK have helped me obtain my goals and given me opportunities to network with people and be able to get my name out in the community."

PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders.There are nearly 1,300 chapters spread across 11 countries.

"I have grown as a leader because of PTK and I am excited to take the things I have learned and use them at my next school," Schaub said. "Overall, WNCC has been an amazing place to start my college career, figure out what I want to study, save money, and create long-lasting friendships with people."

The New Century Scholar program is sponsored by the The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619021359359.jpeg" alt="Adam Ouderkirk" />
 <figcaption>Adam Ouderkirk</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Two Western Nebraska Community College students were recently honored at Phi Theta Kappa's (PTK) national "Catalyst" convention. Sophomores Olivia Schaub, of Gering, and Adam Ouderkirk of Bayard, were named as Nebraska's 2021 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, and New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar, respectively.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619021321982.jpeg" alt="Olivia Schaub" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Schaub</figcaption>
 </figure>The scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.&nbsp;Only one scholar is selected from each state for each award.Schaub is enrolled in WNCC's pre-physical therapy program and will graduate in May. She also played on the Cougar volleyball team for two years. She plans to transfer to Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa next semester and pursue a bachelor's degree in exercise science and continue her volleyball career."It means the world to me that I was chosen as one of the 2021 New Century Pathway Scholars," Schaub said. "If it weren't for scholarships and grants, I wouldn't be able to afford to go to college so I am very grateful for everything I have received."Ouderkirk will graduate from WNCC's Information Technology program next month. He hopes to find a job in the Panhandle in the IT field after graduation."I want to stay local to the community because I enjoy this area," Ouderkirk said. "WNCC and PTK have helped me obtain my goals and given me opportunities to network with people and be able to get my name out in the community."PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders.There are nearly 1,300 chapters spread across 11 countries."I have grown as a leader because of PTK and I am excited to take the things I have learned and use them at my next school," Schaub said. "Overall, WNCC has been an amazing place to start my college career, figure out what I want to study, save money, and create long-lasting friendships with people."The New Century Scholar program is sponsored by the The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).About Western Nebraska Community CollegeFor more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.

2 WNCC students earn national awards from Phi Theta Kappa

The Chadron City Council recently voted to approve an employment agreement with Scott Meszaros as the new city manager.&nbsp;

The council has been searching for a new city manager since January.&nbsp;

"Scott's a navy veteran," Chadron Mayor Mark Werner said. "He served about six years at Bethesda Naval Hospital [Walter Reed National Military Medical Center]. He then got out and got into public service. Eventually he was a clerk in one Front Range [Colorado] community and city manager in another Front Range community. And from there he went up to Seward, Alaska and spent two years as the city manager there."

Werner told Panhandle Post this has been his second time helping choose a city manager for Chadron.&nbsp;

"By doing it ourselves and&nbsp;leveraging the new technologies, it went really well," Werner said. "We had five former city managers apply and then some really interesting folks that were segueing into another part of their career. The technology is fantastic to get good candidates. We also hired a firm to do a background search for public record stuff and we also hired another firm to look at their online footprint. That was new to us. The other thing we did different this time is that we took the three finalists around to meet the staff in their work places. The department heads gave us some informal feedback on how they thought the candidates interacted with the staff."

Chadron council voted 4-0 to hire Meszaros. One of the council members could not vote because he applied for the position.&nbsp;

"Scott is the type of guy that loves to go out and meet people...and kind of sense what people are thinking," Werner said. "He communicates well and he enjoys doing it."

Werner could not give an official date when Meszaros will begin the new position.&nbsp;

"We're not quit sure how quickly he can get here, given when the overland routes through Canada are going to be open," Werner said. "He's going to have to make at least two trips. He's got a moving van he's going to drive, then he's going to fly back up and pull his RV. It might not be as quick as we'd hope to get him actually in the chair."

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe Chadron City Council recently voted to approve an employment agreement with Scott Meszaros as the new city manager.&nbsp;The council has been searching for a new city manager since January.&nbsp;"Scott's a navy veteran," Chadron Mayor Mark Werner said. "He served about six years at Bethesda Naval Hospital [Walter Reed National Military Medical Center]. He then got out and got into public service. Eventually he was a clerk in one Front Range [Colorado] community and city manager in another Front Range community. And from there he went up to Seward, Alaska and spent two years as the city manager there."Werner told Panhandle Post this has been his second time helping choose a city manager for Chadron.&nbsp;"By doing it ourselves and&nbsp;leveraging the new technologies, it went really well," Werner said. "We had five former city managers apply and then some really interesting folks that were segueing into another part of their career. The technology is fantastic to get good candidates. We also hired a firm to do a background search for public record stuff and we also hired another firm to look at their online footprint. That was new to us. The other thing we did different this time is that we took the three finalists around to meet the staff in their work places. The department heads gave us some informal feedback on how they thought the candidates interacted with the staff."Chadron council voted 4-0 to hire Meszaros. One of the council members could not vote because he applied for the position.&nbsp;"Scott is the type of guy that loves to go out and meet people...and kind of sense what people are thinking," Werner said. "He communicates well and he enjoys doing it."Werner could not give an official date when Meszaros will begin the new position.&nbsp;"We're not quit sure how quickly he can get here, given when the overland routes through Canada are going to be open," Werner said. "He's going to have to make at least two trips. He's got a moving van he's going to drive, then he's going to fly back up and pull his RV. It might not be as quick as we'd hope to get him actually in the chair."

Chadron Council offer Scott Meszaros City Manager position

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says no criminal charges are expected as a result of a large wildfire west of Rapid City. 

A debris pile is believed to be the source of a fire that burned about 3.5 square miles in late March. 

Department spokesman Tony Mangan says the owner of the property where the debris pile was located has a valid burn permit. 

At least one home and two outbuildings were destroyed in the Schroeder Road fire, the Argus Leader reported.

 More than 150 personnel responded to the fire that caused more than 400 people to evacuate their homes near Rapid City and closed Mount Rushmore.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says no criminal charges are expected as a result of a large wildfire west of Rapid City. A debris pile is believed to be the source of a fire that burned about 3.5 square miles in late March. Department spokesman Tony Mangan says the owner of the property where the debris pile was located has a valid burn permit. At least one home and two outbuildings were destroyed in the Schroeder Road fire, the Argus Leader reported. More than 150 personnel responded to the fire that caused more than 400 people to evacuate their homes near Rapid City and closed Mount Rushmore.

Debris pile apparent source of wildfire near Rapid City

LINCOLN&nbsp;-&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts, in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff to honor Walter Mondale, who passed away yesterday.&nbsp; Walter Mondale represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate from 1964-1976, and he was Vice President of the United States from 1977-1981.

Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of his interment. &nbsp;The proclamation can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fbriefing-room%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2021%2F04%2F20%2Fa-proclamation-on-the-death-of-walter-mondale%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C61f0ddfd5a30417987a908d9044fd3ce%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637545563174127293%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=sFMQvF0L7BHgPmBSsX4rFATBjuJX10LzV0RGNYQgoqw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

LINCOLN&nbsp;-&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts, in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff to honor Walter Mondale, who passed away yesterday.&nbsp; Walter Mondale represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate from 1964-1976, and he was Vice President of the United States from 1977-1981.Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of his interment. &nbsp;The proclamation can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fbriefing-room%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2021%2F04%2F20%2Fa-proclamation-on-the-death-of-walter-mondale%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C61f0ddfd5a30417987a908d9044fd3ce%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637545563174127293%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=sFMQvF0L7BHgPmBSsX4rFATBjuJX10LzV0RGNYQgoqw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Flags to fly at half-staff to honor former Vice President Walter Mondale

By Patricia Jones, Task Force on Poverty&nbsp;

Sometimes we get billed for items we didn’t order, items we ordered but didn’t receive, or items we returned. These are bills we do not have to pay, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives us rights as long as we follow certain steps.

Why would we get billed for items we didn’t order or receive? Did you really order $3,800 worth of Self-sealing Stem Bolts to be shipped to a vacant house in New Jersey? You may have been a victim of phishing, the fraudulent attempt to obtain data such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other protected, private information. You cooperated with an email or phone call from someone representing themselves as being from a government agency or a business you have used to order items. Or maybe some hacker got ahold of your credit card number from a business you have ordered from in the past. 

You may not know you’ve “ordered” stem bolts until the charge is on your credit card, or until you’ve been contacted by a collection agency. Obviously you don’t plan to pay for them, so what do you do next? You dispute the debt!

If you have been contacted by a collection agency, send a written request to the debt collector and “dispute” the debt. The first step is to write a request for Notice of the Debt. Within five days the debt collector must send you a letter stating the name of the creditor and the amount of the debt, along with information about what you can do if you think there has been a mistake.

Within&nbsp;30 days&nbsp;of receiving Notice of the Debt from the debt collector, you can send a letter to the debt collector disputing the debt and requesting the name and contact information of the original creditor.&nbsp;&nbsp;The debt collector must stop all debt collection activities until it can “verify” the debt. You MUST send a LETTER, and you MUST send it within 30 DAYS to protect your legal rights.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (<a href="http://consumerfinance.gov/" target="_blank">consumerfinance.gov</a>) has prepared sample letters you can use to respond to a debt collector who is trying to collect a debt. The letters also include tips on how to use them.&nbsp; The sample letters may help you to get information, set limits or stop any further communication, or protect some of your rights. Make sure your letter is dated. &nbsp;Always keep a copy of your letter for your records.

A debt collector verifies the debt by giving you enough information about the debt so that you can tell whether you actually owe it.&nbsp;In most cases, verification should include the amount of the debt, the date of the debt, and the name and contact information of the original creditor. If you contest the debt on grounds of identity theft or mistaken identity, verification should include a copy of the original signed contract or note.&nbsp; &nbsp;

To dispute a charge on your credit card bill, you should call the card company and let them know about the problem right away.&nbsp;Many cards let you highlight an entry when you access your account online and click on “Dispute this charge.”

In order to protect your rights you should also send a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-send-my-credit-card-company-a-billing-error-notice-en-2072/" target="_blank">written billing error notice</a>&nbsp;to the card company within 60 calendar days after the charge appeared on your statement.&nbsp;If you already paid the charge that you’re disputing, you can still dispute it. But you probably won’t get the money back until the credit card company has decided that you were right.

If the card company finds you are correct, the charge must be removed from your bill.&nbsp; If the card company says that you are incorrect and the bill is correct, the card company must tell you why in writing.&nbsp;

While the dispute is pending you don’t have to pay the disputed amount and you are not required to pay&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-card-interest-rate-what-does-apr-mean-en-44/" target="_blank">interest</a>&nbsp;or other charges on the disputed amount. You are still required to repay the undisputed amount by its due date. As long as you pay the undisputed amount of your bill in full, you cannot lose any grace period when you make purchases.

If you dispute the debt, the debt collector cannot report it to a credit reporting agency unless and until it verifies the debt.&nbsp; If the debt collector has already reported the debt before it received your dispute letter, it must notify the credit reporting agencies that the debt is disputed, and your credit score cannot be affected until the dispute has been resolved.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

By Patricia Jones, Task Force on Poverty&nbsp;Sometimes we get billed for items we didn’t order, items we ordered but didn’t receive, or items we returned. These are bills we do not have to pay, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives us rights as long as we follow certain steps.Why would we get billed for items we didn’t order or receive? Did you really order $3,800 worth of Self-sealing Stem Bolts to be shipped to a vacant house in New Jersey? You may have been a victim of phishing, the fraudulent attempt to obtain data such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other protected, private information. You cooperated with an email or phone call from someone representing themselves as being from a government agency or a business you have used to order items. Or maybe some hacker got ahold of your credit card number from a business you have ordered from in the past. You may not know you’ve “ordered” stem bolts until the charge is on your credit card, or until you’ve been contacted by a collection agency. Obviously you don’t plan to pay for them, so what do you do next? You dispute the debt!If you have been contacted by a collection agency, send a written request to the debt collector and “dispute” the debt. The first step is to write a request for Notice of the Debt. Within five days the debt collector must send you a letter stating the name of the creditor and the amount of the debt, along with information about what you can do if you think there has been a mistake.Within&nbsp;30 days&nbsp;of receiving Notice of the Debt from the debt collector, you can send a letter to the debt collector disputing the debt and requesting the name and contact information of the original creditor.&nbsp;&nbsp;The debt collector must stop all debt collection activities until it can “verify” the debt. You MUST send a LETTER, and you MUST send it within 30 DAYS to protect your legal rights.The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (<a href="http://consumerfinance.gov/" target="_blank">consumerfinance.gov</a>) has prepared sample letters you can use to respond to a debt collector who is trying to collect a debt. The letters also include tips on how to use them.&nbsp; The sample letters may help you to get information, set limits or stop any further communication, or protect some of your rights. Make sure your letter is dated. &nbsp;Always keep a copy of your letter for your records.A debt collector verifies the debt by giving you enough information about the debt so that you can tell whether you actually owe it.&nbsp;In most cases, verification should include the amount of the debt, the date of the debt, and the name and contact information of the original creditor. If you contest the debt on grounds of identity theft or mistaken identity, verification should include a copy of the original signed contract or note.&nbsp; &nbsp;To dispute a charge on your credit card bill, you should call the card company and let them know about the problem right away.&nbsp;Many cards let you highlight an entry when you access your account online and click on “Dispute this charge.”In order to protect your rights you should also send a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-send-my-credit-card-company-a-billing-error-notice-en-2072/" target="_blank">written billing error notice</a>&nbsp;to the card company within 60 calendar days after the charge appeared on your statement.&nbsp;If you already paid the charge that you’re disputing, you can still dispute it. But you probably won’t get the money back until the credit card company has decided that you were right.If the card company finds you are correct, the charge must be removed from your bill.&nbsp; If the card company says that you are incorrect and the bill is correct, the card company must tell you why in writing.&nbsp;While the dispute is pending you don’t have to pay the disputed amount and you are not required to pay&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-card-interest-rate-what-does-apr-mean-en-44/" target="_blank">interest</a>&nbsp;or other charges on the disputed amount. You are still required to repay the undisputed amount by its due date. As long as you pay the undisputed amount of your bill in full, you cannot lose any grace period when you make purchases.If you dispute the debt, the debt collector cannot report it to a credit reporting agency unless and until it verifies the debt.&nbsp; If the debt collector has already reported the debt before it received your dispute letter, it must notify the credit reporting agencies that the debt is disputed, and your credit score cannot be affected until the dispute has been resolved.&nbsp; &nbsp; There will be times when you will need to dispute a debt. Remember that you have rights, and that you can find assistance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.