REFLECTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 25-29, 2024 by the City of Alliance and City Administrator Seth Sorensen&nbsp;

• We hosted several birthday &amp; celebration events this past week.

• We hosted an all-day workshop for city employees on Thursday.

• Staff has completed a comprehensive collection of information on the Hyannis Cemetery that joins the information that we have available on 38 local cemeteries. This collection encompasses over 18,000 area residents. These are available for all to look at and use for research.

• It is never dull here at the Knight Museum… this week someone sent a new resident to us for help, he was looking for local para-normal (ghost) stories to explore. Then a patron

wanted more information on a murder they read about in the Times-Herald “Blast from the Past” column. This tied to his family through a cattle brand that is still in use. If you enjoy the unusual tidbit, stop and check out the vast variety of information that is available in our Heritage room.

• April 5th &amp; 6th is the next Scrapbooking event. Call Becci for more information if you are interested. All are welcome.

• Continued to serve dine-in and delivery meals to area seniors. Just over 1,200 meals were served this month.

• Staff attended several training sessions offered by the City of Alliance

• RSVP coordinated to provide 14 volunteers working in the community.

• Staff prepared for and worked one funeral this week.

• Overseeded bare spots at the cemetery.

• Cleaned the tennis courts in preparation for matches and painted over graffiti as necessary.

• Replaced broken latches on tennis court gates.

• Repaired picnic tables at the swimming pool.

• Continued raising up chain link fences and installing weed block rubber barrier at the

• Removed dead bushes in landscape beds at the library.

• Removed concrete waste from the old swimming pool parking lot and several empty lots.

• Filled and leveled several spots in the parks with dirt.

• The winner for the Luck of the Irish contest will be chosen soon! We will announce the winner on Monday, April 1st. Thanks to the APL Foundation for the gift of $300 to the Tin Lizzie Resort in Deadwood! Summer reading preparations are beginning to take

shape, and the staff is working on some great displays for spring.

• Adult Services Librarian Nalani Stewart cataloged new materials, hosted the APL Book

Club, and planned future programming. She also hosted the book club at Highland Park Care Center and aided with the Spring Storytime craft.

• Technical Services Librarian Emily Nelson updated the Facebook/Instagram pages and website with upcoming events. She also processed book club kits for the APL Book

Clubs and a private book club, made weekly Bookmobile deliveries, and helped with several craft items for an upcoming fundraiser.

• Children’s Librarian Cynthia Horn hosted two “Spring Sparkle” Story Times featuring stories and handprint flower baskets with Granny B and an Easter Egg Hunt! She also did final preparations for April programming, updated displays, made contacts for the Summer Reading Program, organized the Book Mobile, performed backpack maintenance and inventory.

• Library Clerks Pam Becker and Stephanie Hamilton have been busy helping with

programming needs and processing new materials.

• The weather continues to provide nice days for play much earlier than normal.

• Membership renewals are picking up as the season progresses.

• The course is in great shape considering the time of year and crews will probably need to start mowing soon.

• Inventory continues to arrive in the shop.

• Completed the annual FTA audit for Drug and Alcohol Testing compliance. Received great feedback on the City’s current policy and practices with minor changes being implemented. HR is working with our testing site to make needed corrections while updating the Drug and Alcohol Testing policy for both FTA and FMCSA to ensure legal compliance and best practices.

• Assisted departments with interviews for open positions and are completing background&nbsp; checks and pre-employment conditions for the same.

• Enrolling eligible employees in benefits and assisting with other requests.

• Held the annual Retirement Committee Meeting to review the General, Fire, and Police Retirement Plans.

• Now accepting applications for Part-Time Transit Driver, Part-Time Meter Reader, Public Safety Dispatcher, Temp Airport Maintenance Worker, Police Officer, Part-Time Flexible Police Officer, Police Sergeant, and all Seasonal Positions.

• Changed out battery backup in Well # 4

• Working on Auto reel for Vactor truck

• Completed 1” water tap at 1019 Box Butte

• 12 utility office locates. Completed 8 locate requests

• Fixed the tank filler door and hung security camera after break in

• Collected chlorine residuals and samples

• Shut down all of west well field for line crew Streets

• Picked up barricades and signs on Box Butte

• Placed patch box in truck and patched potholes

• Work continues on the solar field line build and Schiff Feedlot line extension 

• Removed roughly ½ mile of three-phase line at Schiff Feedlot to accommodate their 

• Performed maintenance on several of our trucks 

• Reviewed yearly truck di-electric and maintenance test results from testing performed&nbsp; last week by certified tester 

• On Wednesday we replaced a faulted pad-mount transformer at Sheriff’s Office/Police Department 

• 4 department personnel attended “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” training 

• Conducted interviews for the airport vacancy.

• Submitted the capital requests for budget.

• Met with two different engineering firms interested in submitting qualifications for new airport layout plan.

• Wildlife Training and plan review was conducted Wednesday morning.

• Preliminary work completed for a possible grant for electrical project on the airfield. The project could include all runway and taxiway lights along with guidance signs. The replacement and addition of some navigational aids for pilots would also be included.

• Department-wide weekly EMS training was on Airway Management.

• Work continues on upper restroom remodel.

• Chief participated in the monthly NSVFA Recruitment and Retention Committee meeting.

• Preparations for the upcoming Council meeting

• Taught and attended “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”

• Participated in the annual retirement plan review

• Preparations for Chief David Leavitt first day of work on April 1, 2024

• Assisted Chamber of Commerce with Easter Egg Hunt

• April 2 - City Council Meeting at the Library, 7:00pm

• April 6 – Daddy Daughter Dance at Eagles Club, 5:00pm

REFLECTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 25-29, 2024 by the City of Alliance and City Administrator Seth Sorensen&nbsp;Museum• We hosted several birthday &amp; celebration events this past week.• We hosted an all-day workshop for city employees on Thursday.• Staff has completed a comprehensive collection of information on the Hyannis Cemetery that joins the information that we have available on 38 local cemeteries. This collection encompasses over 18,000 area residents. These are available for all to look at and use for research.• It is never dull here at the Knight Museum… this week someone sent a new resident to us for help, he was looking for local para-normal (ghost) stories to explore. Then a patronwanted more information on a murder they read about in the Times-Herald “Blast from the Past” column. This tied to his family through a cattle brand that is still in use. If you enjoy the unusual tidbit, stop and check out the vast variety of information that is available in our Heritage room.• April 5th &amp; 6th is the next Scrapbooking event. Call Becci for more information if you are interested. All are welcome.RSVP &amp; Senior Center• Continued to serve dine-in and delivery meals to area seniors. Just over 1,200 meals were served this month.• Staff attended several training sessions offered by the City of Alliance• RSVP coordinated to provide 14 volunteers working in the community.Parks• Staff prepared for and worked one funeral this week.• Overseeded bare spots at the cemetery.• Cleaned the tennis courts in preparation for matches and painted over graffiti as necessary.• Replaced broken latches on tennis court gates.• Repaired picnic tables at the swimming pool.• Continued raising up chain link fences and installing weed block rubber barrier at thesoftball complex.• Removed dead bushes in landscape beds at the library.• Removed concrete waste from the old swimming pool parking lot and several empty lots.• Filled and leveled several spots in the parks with dirt.Library• The winner for the Luck of the Irish contest will be chosen soon! We will announce the winner on Monday, April 1st. Thanks to the APL Foundation for the gift of $300 to the Tin Lizzie Resort in Deadwood! Summer reading preparations are beginning to takeshape, and the staff is working on some great displays for spring.• Adult Services Librarian Nalani Stewart cataloged new materials, hosted the APL BookClub, and planned future programming. She also hosted the book club at Highland Park Care Center and aided with the Spring Storytime craft.• Technical Services Librarian Emily Nelson updated the Facebook/Instagram pages and website with upcoming events. She also processed book club kits for the APL BookClubs and a private book club, made weekly Bookmobile deliveries, and helped with several craft items for an upcoming fundraiser.• Children’s Librarian Cynthia Horn hosted two “Spring Sparkle” Story Times featuring stories and handprint flower baskets with Granny B and an Easter Egg Hunt! She also did final preparations for April programming, updated displays, made contacts for the Summer Reading Program, organized the Book Mobile, performed backpack maintenance and inventory.• Library Clerks Pam Becker and Stephanie Hamilton have been busy helping withprogramming needs and processing new materials.Golf• The weather continues to provide nice days for play much earlier than normal.• Membership renewals are picking up as the season progresses.• The course is in great shape considering the time of year and crews will probably need to start mowing soon.• Inventory continues to arrive in the shop.Human Resources• Completed the annual FTA audit for Drug and Alcohol Testing compliance. Received great feedback on the City’s current policy and practices with minor changes being implemented. HR is working with our testing site to make needed corrections while updating the Drug and Alcohol Testing policy for both FTA and FMCSA to ensure legal compliance and best practices.• Assisted departments with interviews for open positions and are completing background&nbsp; checks and pre-employment conditions for the same.• Enrolling eligible employees in benefits and assisting with other requests.• Held the annual Retirement Committee Meeting to review the General, Fire, and Police Retirement Plans.• Now accepting applications for Part-Time Transit Driver, Part-Time Meter Reader, Public Safety Dispatcher, Temp Airport Maintenance Worker, Police Officer, Part-Time Flexible Police Officer, Police Sergeant, and all Seasonal Positions.Water• Changed out battery backup in Well # 4• Working on Auto reel for Vactor truck• Replaced blown fuses at Well # 7• Completed 1” water tap at 1019 Box Butte• Fixed chlorine leaks at Burnham well• 12 utility office locates. Completed 8 locate requests• Fixed the tank filler door and hung security camera after break in• Collected chlorine residuals and samples• 240 total radios installed to date• Shut down all of west well field for line crew Streets• Picked up barricades and signs on Box Butte• Greased equipment• Cleaned all vehicles• Cleaned shop• Completed 8 locates• Placed patch box in truck and patched potholes• Completed tool inventory• Graded Sweetwater Ave.Public Transit• 746 riders this weekLandfill• 219 customers this week• 242 tons of refuse• Conducted baler repairs• Laid dirt cover• Ongoing dozer work• Ran burn box• Ran trommelElectric• Work continues on the solar field line build and Schiff Feedlot line extension • Removed roughly ½ mile of three-phase line at Schiff Feedlot to accommodate their expansion project • Performed maintenance on several of our trucks • Reviewed yearly truck di-electric and maintenance test results from testing performed&nbsp; last week by certified tester • On Wednesday we replaced a faulted pad-mount transformer at Sheriff’s Office/Police Department • 4 department personnel attended “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” training Airport: • Conducted interviews for the airport vacancy.• Submitted the capital requests for budget.• Met with two different engineering firms interested in submitting qualifications for new airport layout plan.• Wildlife Training and plan review was conducted Wednesday morning.• Preliminary work completed for a possible grant for electrical project on the airfield. The project could include all runway and taxiway lights along with guidance signs. The replacement and addition of some navigational aids for pilots would also be included.Fire:• Department-wide weekly EMS training was on Airway Management.• Work continues on upper restroom remodel.• Chief participated in the monthly NSVFA Recruitment and Retention Committee meeting.Administration: • Preparations for the upcoming Council meeting• Taught and attended “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”• Participated in the annual retirement plan review• Preparations for Chief David Leavitt first day of work on April 1, 2024• Assisted Chamber of Commerce with Easter Egg HuntCommunity Events: • April 2 - City Council Meeting at the Library, 7:00pm• April 6 – Daddy Daughter Dance at Eagles Club, 5:00pm• April 6 - Masquerade Murder Mystery at Hemingford’s Fitness Center, 8:00pm• April 9 – Perfect Blend at Open Plains Transit Depot in Alliance, 9:15am• April 16 - City Council Meeting at the Library, 7:00pm• May 7 - City Council Meeting at the Library, 7:00pm• May 14 – Perfect Bland at Valor General Store in Hemingford, 9:15am

City of Alliance weekly report for March 25-29

Northwest Community Action Partnership

Northwest Nebraska Region Local Board #5656-00 has been awarded $21,203.78 federal funds for the FEMA ARPAR phase under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the counties of Box Butte, Cherry, Dawes, Sheridan and Sioux.

 The funding is provided by a national board that is chaired by the US Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., The Jewish Federations of North America, Salvation Army, and, United Way Worldwide.

Qualified agencies are urged to apply. Under the terms of the award, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter program, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.

Applications can be obtained on Northwest Community Action Partnership’s (NCAP’s) website at www.ncap.info in the News &amp; Event Section or use the following link: https://www.ncap.info/assets/site/images/news/24femaapplication.pdf

The deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The applications can be emailed to sronken@ncap.info or mailed or delivered to Northwest Community Action Partnership, 270 Pine St., Chadron, NE 69337, or via fax (308) 432-5799. Late applications will not be considered.

Agencies submitting applications will be required to present their application request to the local FEMA board during a meeting on Thursday April 18, 2024 at 2:30 pm at NCAP, 270 Pine St., Chadron, NE 69337. The local FEMA board will determine how the funds awarded will be distributed. For more information, please contact Bonnie Beckstrom at (308) 432-3393

Northwest Community Action PartnershipNorthwest Nebraska Region Local Board #5656-00 has been awarded $21,203.78 federal funds for the FEMA ARPAR phase under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the counties of Box Butte, Cherry, Dawes, Sheridan and Sioux. The funding is provided by a national board that is chaired by the US Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., The Jewish Federations of North America, Salvation Army, and, United Way Worldwide.Qualified agencies are urged to apply. Under the terms of the award, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter program, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.Applications can be obtained on Northwest Community Action Partnership’s (NCAP’s) website at www.ncap.info in the News &amp; Event Section or use the following link: https://www.ncap.info/assets/site/images/news/24femaapplication.pdfThe deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The applications can be emailed to sronken@ncap.info or mailed or delivered to Northwest Community Action Partnership, 270 Pine St., Chadron, NE 69337, or via fax (308) 432-5799. Late applications will not be considered.Agencies submitting applications will be required to present their application request to the local FEMA board during a meeting on Thursday April 18, 2024 at 2:30 pm at NCAP, 270 Pine St., Chadron, NE 69337. The local FEMA board will determine how the funds awarded will be distributed. For more information, please contact Bonnie Beckstrom at (308) 432-3393

Federal money awarded to food and shelter programs in Panhandle

The Nebraska State Patrol is able to release additional details regarding a Chadron Police Department officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday.

At approximately 10:50 a.m. MT Friday, officers with the Chadron Police Department contacted the driver and passenger of a stolen Chevrolet Malibu. The encounter took place at the gas pump area of a business near the intersection of Highway 385 and Highway 20 in Chadron. The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Colorado last week.

During the interaction with the occupants of the vehicle, the passenger produced a weapon. Multiple officers fired their duty weapon, striking the subject. He was transported to Chadron Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The subject has been identified as Adrian Muniz, 40, of Greeley, Colorado.

The driver of the stolen vehicle, identified as Rosalinda Aguilera, 34, of Greeley, Colorado, was not injured during the incident. She was arrested for theft by receiving stolen property - $5000+ and a warrant from Colorado. Muniz also had an outstanding warrant from Colorado. Following the incident, investigators located methamphetamine in the vehicle.

The Chadron Police Department requested that the Nebraska State Patrol investigate the incident. The NSP Special Investigations Team is conducting the investigation in accordance with Nebraska Statute, which requires a grand jury investigation for in-custody deaths. The investigation remains ongoing.

By Nebraska State PatrolThe Nebraska State Patrol is able to release additional details regarding a Chadron Police Department officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday.At approximately 10:50 a.m. MT Friday, officers with the Chadron Police Department contacted the driver and passenger of a stolen Chevrolet Malibu. The encounter took place at the gas pump area of a business near the intersection of Highway 385 and Highway 20 in Chadron. The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Colorado last week.During the interaction with the occupants of the vehicle, the passenger produced a weapon. Multiple officers fired their duty weapon, striking the subject. He was transported to Chadron Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The subject has been identified as Adrian Muniz, 40, of Greeley, Colorado.The driver of the stolen vehicle, identified as Rosalinda Aguilera, 34, of Greeley, Colorado, was not injured during the incident. She was arrested for theft by receiving stolen property - $5000+ and a warrant from Colorado. Muniz also had an outstanding warrant from Colorado. Following the incident, investigators located methamphetamine in the vehicle.The Chadron Police Department requested that the Nebraska State Patrol investigate the incident. The NSP Special Investigations Team is conducting the investigation in accordance with Nebraska Statute, which requires a grand jury investigation for in-custody deaths. The investigation remains ongoing.

Colorado man identified in officer involved shooting in Chadron

This is the Post Podcast. Today we spoke with Lynn Webster from the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their Chemigation Program.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Upper Niobrara White NRD Chemigation Program" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vvbnj-15cbce7-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>This is the Post Podcast. Today we spoke with Lynn Webster from the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District about their Chemigation Program.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711997566623.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

POST PODCAST: Upper Niobrara White NRD Chemigation Program 

By JOHN E. WEARE Keep Alliance Beautiful

“Count the windmills girls,” I remember telling my twin nieces as we entered the heart of the Sandhills along Highway 2 west of Broken Bow. The diversion only worked so long on these preschoolers though there were dozens of the pinwheel-topped towers in every direction. Sometime during that era, 15-20 years ago, on a solo trip over the same highway to Lincoln, I spied a set of solar panels in a ranch pasture. There was a weathered stock tank nearby, catching water from a galvanized pipe – no wind required!

Green energy has been a buzz word for years. Solar and wind are just a couple viable alternatives to supplanting fossil fuels to produce electricity. A dependable breeze, however, predates oil and gas use by centuries when it powered everything from ships to flour mills. Windmills brought life-giving water from the ground as Homesteaders pushed west. What has been called Nebraska’s state tree still serves ranches and farms in the Sandhills and other rural areas of the state.

Water for livestock in the area described above, mostly cattle, is drawn primarily by windmill or solar-powered pumps since it is cost prohibitive to run electric lines and, of course, a higher monthly utility bill. So, if both of the best options tap green energy sources, which is better?

For an answer I asked a man who installs and services both systems. James Girard is among the second generation at Girard’s Well Service. We sat down for a bit at his home, where the business is also based, north of Alliance. A towering white windmill throws a shadow over the front yard. A plethora of spare windmill parts and towers stretch behind the shop. James, owner for the past decade, has a four-man crew, including his dad, working for him. Also, they began recycling cardboard at Keep Alliance Beautiful last spring.

“I helped out ever since I was a little kid . . . I checked rigs every summer since I could drive for sure,” James commented, adding that among his oldest memories was when the Eldreds (a prominent ranching family) “landed their helicopter in our yard next door” and we checked their rigs. As far as the first generation, James said his dad, Ande, started working for Chuck Dunbar in Alliance – you had to be 16. Then he went to college for a while. “Chuck had a drilling rig and a lot of work was done by hand,” James said. “Dad bought his first service rig in 1981 and kept buying more of Chuck’s stuff until he retired.”

Girard’s Well Service is mostly classified as domestic and livestock wells, not irrigation. James and his crew do not work with pivot irrigation, but may drill a well for a farmer who also needs to water cattle on their land, for example. Will that farmer opt for the traditional windmill or solar panel technology?

Asked why some ranchers have switched to solar, James said, “Mostly it’s because of changing grazing methods.” A typical operation had summer and winter pastures – summer divided herds into smaller bunches so there wasn’t that extra demand on water, he explained. Because of research, grazing is more intentional, James noted, citing the work of Allan Savory who developed a holistic management theory. “He believes in large groups taking grass to a certain

level then moving to a different pasture,” James said. The number of cow pies and how the hooves aerate the soil is also deemed beneficial. This method also means more cattle in a pasture at a time. Planning for water, James said a cow/calf pair drinks 50 gallons of water a day. “A windmill with a big pumping cylinder can’t keep up,” he said.

Contrasting capacity, solar can do 40+ gallons of water a minute for six hours. An average Sandhills solar-powered pump yields 6,000-12,000 gallons a day, he said. “Sun in Nebraska is double energy of the wind.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711997471667.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;A set of three solar panels pumps a steady stream into this 19-foot stock tank in a pasture at James Girard's property north of Alliance. One panel was damaged in a severe hail storm a few years ago yet is still functional." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;A set of three solar panels pumps a steady stream into this 19-foot stock tank in a pasture at James Girard's property north of Alliance. One panel was damaged in a severe hail storm a few years ago yet is still functional.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN E. WEARE Keep Alliance Beautiful“Count the windmills girls,” I remember telling my twin nieces as we entered the heart of the Sandhills along Highway 2 west of Broken Bow. The diversion only worked so long on these preschoolers though there were dozens of the pinwheel-topped towers in every direction. Sometime during that era, 15-20 years ago, on a solo trip over the same highway to Lincoln, I spied a set of solar panels in a ranch pasture. There was a weathered stock tank nearby, catching water from a galvanized pipe – no wind required!Green energy has been a buzz word for years. Solar and wind are just a couple viable alternatives to supplanting fossil fuels to produce electricity. A dependable breeze, however, predates oil and gas use by centuries when it powered everything from ships to flour mills. Windmills brought life-giving water from the ground as Homesteaders pushed west. What has been called Nebraska’s state tree still serves ranches and farms in the Sandhills and other rural areas of the state.Water for livestock in the area described above, mostly cattle, is drawn primarily by windmill or solar-powered pumps since it is cost prohibitive to run electric lines and, of course, a higher monthly utility bill. So, if both of the best options tap green energy sources, which is better?For an answer I asked a man who installs and services both systems. James Girard is among the second generation at Girard’s Well Service. We sat down for a bit at his home, where the business is also based, north of Alliance. A towering white windmill throws a shadow over the front yard. A plethora of spare windmill parts and towers stretch behind the shop. James, owner for the past decade, has a four-man crew, including his dad, working for him. Also, they began recycling cardboard at Keep Alliance Beautiful last spring.“I helped out ever since I was a little kid . . . I checked rigs every summer since I could drive for sure,” James commented, adding that among his oldest memories was when the Eldreds (a prominent ranching family) “landed their helicopter in our yard next door” and we checked their rigs. As far as the first generation, James said his dad, Ande, started working for Chuck Dunbar in Alliance – you had to be 16. Then he went to college for a while. “Chuck had a drilling rig and a lot of work was done by hand,” James said. “Dad bought his first service rig in 1981 and kept buying more of Chuck’s stuff until he retired.”Girard’s Well Service is mostly classified as domestic and livestock wells, not irrigation. James and his crew do not work with pivot irrigation, but may drill a well for a farmer who also needs to water cattle on their land, for example. Will that farmer opt for the traditional windmill or solar panel technology?Asked why some ranchers have switched to solar, James said, “Mostly it’s because of changing grazing methods.” A typical operation had summer and winter pastures – summer divided herds into smaller bunches so there wasn’t that extra demand on water, he explained. Because of research, grazing is more intentional, James noted, citing the work of Allan Savory who developed a holistic management theory. “He believes in large groups taking grass to a certainlevel then moving to a different pasture,” James said. The number of cow pies and how the hooves aerate the soil is also deemed beneficial. This method also means more cattle in a pasture at a time. Planning for water, James said a cow/calf pair drinks 50 gallons of water a day. “A windmill with a big pumping cylinder can’t keep up,” he said.Contrasting capacity, solar can do 40+ gallons of water a minute for six hours. An average Sandhills solar-powered pump yields 6,000-12,000 gallons a day, he said. “Sun in Nebraska is double energy of the wind.”

KAB: Harness The Wind Or Capture The Sun

&nbsp;(the Retired &amp; Senior Volunteer Program) injunction with the Community Services Program at Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) will sponsor a Drive Thru Mobile Food Pantry with the Food Bank of the Heartland on April 16, 2024. The mobile will be held at the Community Center, starting at 5 pm.

The Crawford Community Center is located at 1005 First Street, in Crawford NE. No need to bring boxes -volunteers will load the food in your vehicle. To help ensure equal access, one distribution per car, per trip, please.

Any household in need is welcome to come and get food from the food pantry. If you need delivery because you lack transportation or are medically vulnerable, call 432-3393.

NCAP serves low income residents by providing food distributions, emergency services such as utility bill assistance, rental assistance, and other needs in Dawes County. Our office is located at 127 W 2nd Street, Chadron. For more information on the mobile food pantry, call 308-747-2180.

Funds provided by Salvation Army, FEMA, CSBG, HUD, United Way, Healthy Blue, DHHS, &amp; Foodbank of the Heartland. NCAP is an equal opportunity provider.

Northwest Community Action Partnership&nbsp;(the Retired &amp; Senior Volunteer Program) injunction with the Community Services Program at Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) will sponsor a Drive Thru Mobile Food Pantry with the Food Bank of the Heartland on April 16, 2024. The mobile will be held at the Community Center, starting at 5 pm.The Crawford Community Center is located at 1005 First Street, in Crawford NE. No need to bring boxes -volunteers will load the food in your vehicle. To help ensure equal access, one distribution per car, per trip, please.Any household in need is welcome to come and get food from the food pantry. If you need delivery because you lack transportation or are medically vulnerable, call 432-3393.NCAP serves low income residents by providing food distributions, emergency services such as utility bill assistance, rental assistance, and other needs in Dawes County. Our office is located at 127 W 2nd Street, Chadron. For more information on the mobile food pantry, call 308-747-2180.Funds provided by Salvation Army, FEMA, CSBG, HUD, United Way, Healthy Blue, DHHS, &amp; Foodbank of the Heartland. NCAP is an equal opportunity provider.

Mobile Food Pantry coming to Crawford

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for one 2024 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 15.

A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents 12 years and older are eligible for the lottery. It is unlawful to submit more than one application in a calendar year. Residents may receive only one permit in a lifetime. The permit is not transferable.

The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central time April 15 and ends Aug. 2. Applications will be received at Game and Parks offices until 5 p.m. or, if applying at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLm9yZz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDAxLjkyNjY2NTkxIn0.YYDa0WQjdHdgfnjSVZMZ2XWdJfMApuvWyxmKsstu1gc/s/497221906/br/239905551050-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>, through 11:59 p.m. CT Aug. 2.

The permit will be drawn in August, and the successful applicant will be notified.

The 2024 bighorn sheep season is Dec. 3-22.

By Nebraska Game &amp; ParksThe Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for one 2024 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 15.A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents 12 years and older are eligible for the lottery. It is unlawful to submit more than one application in a calendar year. Residents may receive only one permit in a lifetime. The permit is not transferable.The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central time April 15 and ends Aug. 2. Applications will be received at Game and Parks offices until 5 p.m. or, if applying at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLm9yZz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDAxLjkyNjY2NTkxIn0.YYDa0WQjdHdgfnjSVZMZ2XWdJfMApuvWyxmKsstu1gc/s/497221906/br/239905551050-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>, through 11:59 p.m. CT Aug. 2.The permit will be drawn in August, and the successful applicant will be notified.The 2024 bighorn sheep season is Dec. 3-22.

Bighorn sheep lottery applications begin April 15

The UNL Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center will host Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold,&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;University presidential candidate, on Thursday, April 4.&nbsp;

The University of&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Board of Regents on March 20, named Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., the priority candidate for the NU system’s ninth president.

Gold is in a 30-day public review period, which includes forums across the state where&nbsp;Nebraskans can meet him, ask questions, and provide feedback. After the 30-day period concludes, the Board of Regents will vote on Dr. Gold’s appointment as the university’s president-elect.

Gold has held several roles at the NU system since 2014, including chancellor of the University of&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Medical Center, chancellor of the University of&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;at Omaha, and executive vice president and provost. He is a graduate of the Cornell University College of Engineering and the Weill Cornell College of Medicine.

The public is invited to meet Gold on Thursday, April 4, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in&nbsp;Scottsbluff.&nbsp;

Nebraska ExtensionThe UNL Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center will host Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold,&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;University presidential candidate, on Thursday, April 4.&nbsp;The University of&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Board of Regents on March 20, named Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., the priority candidate for the NU system’s ninth president.Gold is in a 30-day public review period, which includes forums across the state where&nbsp;Nebraskans can meet him, ask questions, and provide feedback. After the 30-day period concludes, the Board of Regents will vote on Dr. Gold’s appointment as the university’s president-elect.Gold has held several roles at the NU system since 2014, including chancellor of the University of&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Medical Center, chancellor of the University of&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;at Omaha, and executive vice president and provost. He is a graduate of the Cornell University College of Engineering and the Weill Cornell College of Medicine.The public is invited to meet Gold on Thursday, April 4, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in&nbsp;Scottsbluff.&nbsp;

NU Presidential Candidate to visit Scottsbluff

POST PODCAST: Carnegie Arts Center Anniversary Show

Nebraska Department of Transportation

(Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is reminding the public that it is unlawful to place political campaign signs, or any signs, on state highway and interstate right-of-way. This includes intersections, medians, entrance and exit ramps, sidewalks and the ditches and lands that make up the right-of-way bordering the length of each roadway.

NDOT maintenance crews will remove any signs that are improperly placed within the state highway right-of-way. These signs will be stored for a brief time in the maintenance yards throughout the state where the owners may reclaim them.

Additional regulations governing political campaign sign placement and size are sometimes set by each county and/or municipality. The public is advised to reference local regulations for questions regarding a specific location and to keep in mind that violation of local sign ordinances may result in a fine.

Those needing further information concerning the boundaries of state right-of-way corridors or seeking sign permit information should contact their local district permit officer listed below. Inquiries may also be made to

NDOT’s Right-of-Way Division office at (402) 479-4463.

District 3, Norfolk, (402) 370-3470&nbsp;

District 4, Grand Island, (308) 385-6265&nbsp;

Nebraska Department of Transportation(Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is reminding the public that it is unlawful to place political campaign signs, or any signs, on state highway and interstate right-of-way. This includes intersections, medians, entrance and exit ramps, sidewalks and the ditches and lands that make up the right-of-way bordering the length of each roadway.NDOT maintenance crews will remove any signs that are improperly placed within the state highway right-of-way. These signs will be stored for a brief time in the maintenance yards throughout the state where the owners may reclaim them.Additional regulations governing political campaign sign placement and size are sometimes set by each county and/or municipality. The public is advised to reference local regulations for questions regarding a specific location and to keep in mind that violation of local sign ordinances may result in a fine.Those needing further information concerning the boundaries of state right-of-way corridors or seeking sign permit information should contact their local district permit officer listed below. Inquiries may also be made toNDOT’s Right-of-Way Division office at (402) 479-4463.District 1, Lincoln, (402) 471-0850 District 2, Omaha, (402) 595-2534&nbsp;District 3, Norfolk, (402) 370-3470&nbsp;District 4, Grand Island, (308) 385-6265&nbsp;District 5, Gering, (308) 436-6587District 6, North Platte, (308) 535-8031District 7, McCook, (308) 345-8490District 8, Ainsworth, (402) 387-2471

Unlawful to Place Campaign Signs on State’s Right-of-Way

Municipalities and other organizations interested in learning about 2024 outdoor recreation grant opportunities administered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are invited to a virtual webinar on April 15.

Join the webinar at 11 a.m. Central time to learn about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreational Trails Program. Participants will be given an overview of the grant programs as well as tips on applying.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is for outdoor recreation projects such as swimming pools, picnicking facilities, sports fields, playgrounds, pool renovations, splash pads, park acquisitions and development, wildlife viewing facilities, fishing access, adventure spots (such as ziplines and rock-climbing) and park-related support facilities.

The Recreational Trails Program is for motorized or non-motorized trails, covering acquisition, development, maintenance, and trail-related support facilities.

Eligible applicants include villages, cities, public power districts and Natural Resource Districts. Both programs are reimbursable grants and vary in the percentage of match (50%-80%) and the maximum funding ($250,000-$600,000).

For more information on the grant programs and to register for the webinar, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuT3V0ZG9vck5lYnJhc2thLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzI5LjkyNTcyMjgxIn0.-V5YGYHqIcBJSeQZBdj5LniWnuxt422PuksJey_1IMU/s/497221906/br/239818426549-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for RTP or LWCF.

By Nebraska Game &amp; ParksMunicipalities and other organizations interested in learning about 2024 outdoor recreation grant opportunities administered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are invited to a virtual webinar on April 15.Join the webinar at 11 a.m. Central time to learn about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreational Trails Program. Participants will be given an overview of the grant programs as well as tips on applying.The Land and Water Conservation Fund is for outdoor recreation projects such as swimming pools, picnicking facilities, sports fields, playgrounds, pool renovations, splash pads, park acquisitions and development, wildlife viewing facilities, fishing access, adventure spots (such as ziplines and rock-climbing) and park-related support facilities.The Recreational Trails Program is for motorized or non-motorized trails, covering acquisition, development, maintenance, and trail-related support facilities.Eligible applicants include villages, cities, public power districts and Natural Resource Districts. Both programs are reimbursable grants and vary in the percentage of match (50%-80%) and the maximum funding ($250,000-$600,000).For more information on the grant programs and to register for the webinar, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuT3V0ZG9vck5lYnJhc2thLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzI5LjkyNTcyMjgxIn0.-V5YGYHqIcBJSeQZBdj5LniWnuxt422PuksJey_1IMU/s/497221906/br/239818426549-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search for RTP or LWCF.

Outdoor recreation grant opportunities open in May

The weekly crop of Master Gardener tips from Nebraska Extension in the Panhandle are relevant to local lawn and garden issues in the High Plains and consistent with research-based recommendations.

Dates on Audio and Segments are suggested and can be moved around to suit media needs.

By Anita Gall, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

April 1&nbsp;- What is a hardiness zone? I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener. The hardiness zone is based on 30-year averages of the lowest winter temperatures at specific locations. It is then divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones and again into 5-degree half-zones. The map reads we are in zone 5a. It doesn't take into consideration our temperature fluctuations in winter, high temps in summer, or drought. I recommend you choose plants that are in Zone 3 or 4, we do raise some Zone 5 plants, but they may succumb to winter.

April 2&nbsp;- As the weather begins to warm up, we get excited to get into the garden or landscape. Now is an excellent time to cut ornamental grasses down, look at shrubs, and remove any dead or broken branches. Bear in mind that some shrubs bloom on old wood, and you need to wait until after they have bloomed to prune, an example, lilacs and some spirea. Prep beds for planting but don't get in a rush to plant perennials or annuals yet. Even though we have had some very nice days, it is not unusual for us to have a mid-May freeze or snowstorm. I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener.

April 3&nbsp;- When planting, the most important step is the bed preparation. I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener. Whether you are planting trees, shrubs, perennials, or annuals it is money well spent when creating a friendly living environment for your plant. Soil that has been compacted by sprinklers, pets, walking, or driving needs to be loosened up. Add organic matter to your area and then loosen the soil with a hand spade or a tiller, you do have to be careful that you don't repack the soil when tilling.

April 4&nbsp;- Did you know that plants are like most humans and enjoy interaction with each other? I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener. Plants tend to be healthier if they are planted together as they can help protect each other from sun, wind, snow, and heavy rains. When pairing plants consider their water needs and plant similar needed ones. Think about color combinations and when they bloom. You will want to plant a mix of spring, summer and fall blooming plants together as well as varying heights. Plant the shorter varieties to the front of the bed and taller plants to the back.

April 5&nbsp;- Do you get confused by the terms annual and perennial? I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener. An annual is a plant that lives for one season and is sensitive to frost in our area. It is usually safe to plant annuals around Mother's Day or after, as mid-May is the average "frost-free" time. A perennial is a plant that comes back year after year. They are usually outdoors or 'hardened off' when you buy them and can typically be planted or moved in April. If you purchased a perennial from the greenhouse, you will want to harden it off before planting it.

The weekly crop of Master Gardener tips from Nebraska Extension in the Panhandle are relevant to local lawn and garden issues in the High Plains and consistent with research-based recommendations.Dates on Audio and Segments are suggested and can be moved around to suit media needs.Master Gardener tips April 1-5By Anita Gall, Nebraska Extension Master GardenerApril 1&nbsp;- What is a hardiness zone? I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener. The hardiness zone is based on 30-year averages of the lowest winter temperatures at specific locations. It is then divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones and again into 5-degree half-zones. The map reads we are in zone 5a. It doesn't take into consideration our temperature fluctuations in winter, high temps in summer, or drought. I recommend you choose plants that are in Zone 3 or 4, we do raise some Zone 5 plants, but they may succumb to winter.April 2&nbsp;- As the weather begins to warm up, we get excited to get into the garden or landscape. Now is an excellent time to cut ornamental grasses down, look at shrubs, and remove any dead or broken branches. Bear in mind that some shrubs bloom on old wood, and you need to wait until after they have bloomed to prune, an example, lilacs and some spirea. Prep beds for planting but don't get in a rush to plant perennials or annuals yet. Even though we have had some very nice days, it is not unusual for us to have a mid-May freeze or snowstorm. I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener.April 3&nbsp;- When planting, the most important step is the bed preparation. I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener. Whether you are planting trees, shrubs, perennials, or annuals it is money well spent when creating a friendly living environment for your plant. Soil that has been compacted by sprinklers, pets, walking, or driving needs to be loosened up. Add organic matter to your area and then loosen the soil with a hand spade or a tiller, you do have to be careful that you don't repack the soil when tilling.April 4&nbsp;- Did you know that plants are like most humans and enjoy interaction with each other? I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener. Plants tend to be healthier if they are planted together as they can help protect each other from sun, wind, snow, and heavy rains. When pairing plants consider their water needs and plant similar needed ones. Think about color combinations and when they bloom. You will want to plant a mix of spring, summer and fall blooming plants together as well as varying heights. Plant the shorter varieties to the front of the bed and taller plants to the back.April 5&nbsp;- Do you get confused by the terms annual and perennial? I'm Anita Gall University of Nebraska Master Gardener. An annual is a plant that lives for one season and is sensitive to frost in our area. It is usually safe to plant annuals around Mother's Day or after, as mid-May is the average "frost-free" time. A perennial is a plant that comes back year after year. They are usually outdoors or 'hardened off' when you buy them and can typically be planted or moved in April. If you purchased a perennial from the greenhouse, you will want to harden it off before planting it.

Gardening tips in Nebraska Panhandle for week of April 1-5

The Nebraska State Patrol Special Investigations Team has been activated to investigate a Chadron Police Department officer-involved shooting. The incident occurred this morning in Chadron.

Preliminary investigation shows that the Chadron Police Department contacted the driver of a stolen vehicle at the gas pump area of a business near the intersection of Highway 385 and Highway 20. During that interaction, an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The subject was transported to Chadron Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The name of the deceased is being withheld at this time pending family notification.

The Chadron Police Department requested that the Nebraska State Patrol conduct the investigation. The investigation is in the early stages and remains ongoing.

By NSP&nbsp;The Nebraska State Patrol Special Investigations Team has been activated to investigate a Chadron Police Department officer-involved shooting. The incident occurred this morning in Chadron.Preliminary investigation shows that the Chadron Police Department contacted the driver of a stolen vehicle at the gas pump area of a business near the intersection of Highway 385 and Highway 20. During that interaction, an officer-involved shooting occurred.The subject was transported to Chadron Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The name of the deceased is being withheld at this time pending family notification.The Chadron Police Department requested that the Nebraska State Patrol conduct the investigation. The investigation is in the early stages and remains ongoing.

NSP Investigating Chadron PD Officer-Involved Shooting

CHADRON – The spring Graves Lecture Series at Chadron State College will conclude April 2 with speaker senior Emmanuella Tchona of the Republic of Benin. The event will be in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.&nbsp;Tchona will present A Path to Graduate School: Research Opportunities offered at CSC. Tchona is a senior who plans to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. &nbsp;

She is an Nebraska Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) scholar. As such, she had the opportunity for field research ranging from medicinal and organic chemistry to biochemistry and cancer biology. After graduate school she plans to pursue a career in scientific research.&nbsp;

Tchona is also a tutor in math and science, speaks fluent French, and enjoys cooking. She has been the president of the CSC International Club for three years. She will graduate in May and enter a doctoral program at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711733123216.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College student Emmanuella Tchona will speak during the April 2, 2024, Graves Lecture in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at 7 p.m. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College student Emmanuella Tchona will speak during the April 2, 2024, Graves Lecture in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at 7 p.m. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – The spring Graves Lecture Series at Chadron State College will conclude April 2 with speaker senior Emmanuella Tchona of the Republic of Benin. The event will be in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.&nbsp;Tchona will present A Path to Graduate School: Research Opportunities offered at CSC. Tchona is a senior who plans to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. &nbsp;She is an Nebraska Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) scholar. As such, she had the opportunity for field research ranging from medicinal and organic chemistry to biochemistry and cancer biology. After graduate school she plans to pursue a career in scientific research.&nbsp;Tchona is also a tutor in math and science, speaks fluent French, and enjoys cooking. She has been the president of the CSC International Club for three years. She will graduate in May and enter a doctoral program at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the fall.

Graves Lecture Series at CSC to conclude Tuesday

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/28/ag-secretary-vilsack-announces-124m-in-funding-for-smaller-farms-and-rural-businesses-19-in-ne/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Omaha Thursday and announced $124 million in grants and loans to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/usda-rd-final-fpep-reap.pdf">projects in 44 states</a>&nbsp;that are aimed at saving energy and creating more income streams for smaller farmers and rural businesses.

The heftiest award — nearly $4 million — went to Nebraska’s Bluestem Systems to help boost a creative process that removes water and pathogens from manure. In doing so, the company produces dry fertilizer and recycles the water for on-site use.

Bluestem’s grant is part of the USDA’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), and the rest of the funding comes via the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).&nbsp;

In all, Vilsack said, the 542 projects — most of the awards range from about $7,000 to $1 million — are expected to advance President Joe Biden’s pledge to expand clean energy and allow small- to mid-sized farm and rural operations a better chance at competing with larger counterparts.

Among recipients were 19 Nebraska entities.

Record farm income, but bounty is concentrated

To a group of about 75 people at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Vilsack described key challenges faced by most farmers. Since 1981, he said, the nation has lost some 545,000 farms and 155 million acres of former farmland.

While the nation has enjoyed record farm income in the last few years, he said, the income has been concentrated among about 7% of farms that cumulatively collect up to 89% of the bounty.

Part of the answer to shrinking rural communities, Vilsack said, is to provide access to funding via programs such as REAP and FPEP. Such monies, he said, open the door to creating other “value-added” opportunities and sources of income for farmers.

Instead of “get big or get out,” Vilsack said: “The word is entrepreneurial.”

Among a panel of guests that shared stories with the agriculture secretary was the manager of the last grocery store standing in Superior, Nebraska.

Burlington Farms Inc. of Kenesaw, $10,256, electric irrigation motor.

Eugene Zuhlke of Brunswick, $13,609, electric irrigation motor.

H&amp;W Builders Inc. of Elmwood, $50,342, solar array.

Richard Jaggers of Alliance, $7,242, two solar stock wells.

Nelms Family Trust of Gothenberg, $10,369, two solar stock wells.

Shelley Bartruff of Elwood, $7,810, solar stock well.

Vetter Heritage Farms Inc. of Hamilton County, $12,457, electric irrigation motor.

Clark Miller of Chambers, $59,970, electric irrigation motor and pivot.

Schindler Dairy, Inc. of Ewing, $36,019, electric irrigation motor.

MJM Ranch LLC of St. Paul, $54,750, wind turbine.

McMill Inc. of Norfolk, $500,000, HVAC system.

Jay Reikofski of Foster, $46,000, grain dryer.

Todd Kumm of Osmond, $46,000, grain dryer .

Steve Johansen of Rulo, $32,096, wind turbine .

Fresh Foods Inc. of Gering, $212,147, solar array.

Farm to Family Cooperative Grocery Store in Hay Springs, $20,000, coolers and HVAC.

Jerry Koinzan of Bartlett, $54,184, electric irrigation motors.

Jenny McCord of Ideal Enterprises spoke of how a REAP grant helped update the family-owned business and, ultimately, helped keep the lights on.

The funding was used to modernize freezer systems in the 75-year-old market, saving substantially on energy and utility costs. Along with her husband, McCord said, her two sons are among those who work in the business, which is a lifeline to the town’s economy.

“If the grocery store closes in town, the town starts to die,” she said.&nbsp;

Russ Vering, owner of Bluestem Systems, based in Howells, Nebraska, also was on the panel. He said the nearly $4 million FPEP award headed to his business will help construction and equipment purchases for livestock operations at two Nebraska locations and another in Iowa.

Vering said the funding more specifically will accelerate development of Bluestem’s&nbsp;process that removes water from manure and separates remaining solid nutrients to create a fertilizer mix. The water is recycled for use in the plant, Vering said — nearly eliminating the need to haul away water and thereby also reducing traffic on the roads.

“We’re excited,” Vering said. “We’re going to make a great impact on farms in Nebraska by reducing costs and defining sustainability.”

Vilsack spent more than an hour participating in the roundtable discussion and talking to the audience about the Biden administration’s investment in rural communities nationwide.

Of the newly announced funding, Vilsack said, “Investments announced today will expand access to renewable energy systems and domestic fertilizer, all while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money that they can then invest back into their businesses and communities.”&nbsp;

Most of the funds stem from the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis, through the REAP program. More than $1.8 billion has been invested via REAP since Biden took office. And more than $174 million has been invested through the FPEP program.

Vilsack told the Omaha audience that investment into such programs will help revive the rural economy and contribute to the nation in other ways.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727787953.jpeg" alt="U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was in Omaha Thursday and announced about $124 million in grant and loans to smaller farms and rural businesses across the country, including nearly 20 in Nebraska. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was in Omaha Thursday and announced about $124 million in grant and loans to smaller farms and rural businesses across the country, including nearly 20 in Nebraska. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/28/ag-secretary-vilsack-announces-124m-in-funding-for-smaller-farms-and-rural-businesses-19-in-ne/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Omaha Thursday and announced $124 million in grants and loans to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/usda-rd-final-fpep-reap.pdf">projects in 44 states</a>&nbsp;that are aimed at saving energy and creating more income streams for smaller farmers and rural businesses.The heftiest award — nearly $4 million — went to Nebraska’s Bluestem Systems to help boost a creative process that removes water and pathogens from manure. In doing so, the company produces dry fertilizer and recycles the water for on-site use.Bluestem’s grant is part of the USDA’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), and the rest of the funding comes via the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).&nbsp;In all, Vilsack said, the 542 projects — most of the awards range from about $7,000 to $1 million — are expected to advance President Joe Biden’s pledge to expand clean energy and allow small- to mid-sized farm and rural operations a better chance at competing with larger counterparts.Among recipients were 19 Nebraska entities.<h2>Record farm income, but bounty is concentrated</h2>To a group of about 75 people at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Vilsack described key challenges faced by most farmers. Since 1981, he said, the nation has lost some 545,000 farms and 155 million acres of former farmland.While the nation has enjoyed record farm income in the last few years, he said, the income has been concentrated among about 7% of farms that cumulatively collect up to 89% of the bounty.Part of the answer to shrinking rural communities, Vilsack said, is to provide access to funding via programs such as REAP and FPEP. Such monies, he said, open the door to creating other “value-added” opportunities and sources of income for farmers.Instead of “get big or get out,” Vilsack said: “The word is entrepreneurial.”Among a panel of guests that shared stories with the agriculture secretary was the manager of the last grocery store standing in Superior, Nebraska.<h2>Other Nebraska recipients:</h2>Burlington Farms Inc. of Kenesaw, $10,256, electric irrigation motor.Eugene Zuhlke of Brunswick, $13,609, electric irrigation motor.H&amp;W Builders Inc. of Elmwood, $50,342, solar array.Richard Jaggers of Alliance, $7,242, two solar stock wells.Nelms Family Trust of Gothenberg, $10,369, two solar stock wells.Shelley Bartruff of Elwood, $7,810, solar stock well.Vetter Heritage Farms Inc. of Hamilton County, $12,457, electric irrigation motor.Clark Miller of Chambers, $59,970, electric irrigation motor and pivot.Schindler Dairy, Inc. of Ewing, $36,019, electric irrigation motor.MJM Ranch LLC of St. Paul, $54,750, wind turbine.McMill Inc. of Norfolk, $500,000, HVAC system.Jay Reikofski of Foster, $46,000, grain dryer.Todd Kumm of Osmond, $46,000, grain dryer .Steve Johansen of Rulo, $32,096, wind turbine .Fresh Foods Inc. of Gering, $212,147, solar array.Farm to Family Cooperative Grocery Store in Hay Springs, $20,000, coolers and HVAC.Jerry Koinzan of Bartlett, $54,184, electric irrigation motors.Jenny McCord of Ideal Enterprises spoke of how a REAP grant helped update the family-owned business and, ultimately, helped keep the lights on.The funding was used to modernize freezer systems in the 75-year-old market, saving substantially on energy and utility costs. Along with her husband, McCord said, her two sons are among those who work in the business, which is a lifeline to the town’s economy.“If the grocery store closes in town, the town starts to die,” she said.&nbsp;<h2>Fertilizer mix, recycled water</h2>Russ Vering, owner of Bluestem Systems, based in Howells, Nebraska, also was on the panel. He said the nearly $4 million FPEP award headed to his business will help construction and equipment purchases for livestock operations at two Nebraska locations and another in Iowa.Vering said the funding more specifically will accelerate development of Bluestem’s&nbsp;process that removes water from manure and separates remaining solid nutrients to create a fertilizer mix. The water is recycled for use in the plant, Vering said — nearly eliminating the need to haul away water and thereby also reducing traffic on the roads.“We’re excited,” Vering said. “We’re going to make a great impact on farms in Nebraska by reducing costs and defining sustainability.”Vilsack spent more than an hour participating in the roundtable discussion and talking to the audience about the Biden administration’s investment in rural communities nationwide.Of the newly announced funding, Vilsack said, “Investments announced today will expand access to renewable energy systems and domestic fertilizer, all while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money that they can then invest back into their businesses and communities.”&nbsp;Most of the funds stem from the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis, through the REAP program. More than $1.8 billion has been invested via REAP since Biden took office. And more than $174 million has been invested through the FPEP program.<h2>Wind turbines, solar systems</h2>A sampling of REAP awards:<ul>
 <li>Nebraska’s Darr Grain company in Cozad is to receive $164,250 to install wind turbines at a grain storage facility, which are expected to save $9,700 in electrical costs per year and generate more than 138,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. That represents 77% of the company’s energy use, enough to power nine homes.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>In Maine, Moorit Hill Farm, with its $64,950, is to install a roof mount solar system that is expected to save the equivalent of 100% of the farm’s annual energy use. According to a news release, that is enough clean energy to power nearly five homes, replace 50,000 pounds of burning coal or replace about eight gasoline powered cars.</li><li>In Idaho, Boulder Creek Oz is to use its $20,000 award to buy and install a biomass furnace to provide additional heat to cabins and mountain lodging in Boundary County. The venture anticipates saving more than $3,800 a year. It is to replace about 94% of its energy use per year.</li>
 </ul>Vilsack told the Omaha audience that investment into such programs will help revive the rural economy and contribute to the nation in other ways.&nbsp;“Food security is national security,” he said.He said rural communities produce youths who grow up practicing the value of “giving back” to community and country.“It’s a great new day,” he said after outlining USDA programs. “I’m very optimistic.”