During the most recent Alliance City Council meeting, council approved to purchase mechanical CPR devices for the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department.

The chest compression systems are made by LUCAS 3 and cost $30,164.64. "It's a mechanical device that we put on the patient that's in cardiac arrest that does the chest compressions," Alliance Fire Department Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "That frees up another patient caregiver to come up with IB access to push cardiac drugs. Really what it does is it gives high quality CPR compressions because when you take the human factor out of chest compressions we have more high constistancy chest compressions." Shoemaker said the new device is programmed by the current guidelines for CPR. This helps move the fire department into using better technology. "The fire department is going to have to embrace technology a little bit more," Shoemarker said. "The reason why I say that is, is our membership of volunteerism is consistently either stagnant or it decreases. When the economy and the community decrease so does the volunteerism." Council also approved an Alliance Volunteer Fire Department roster update with a deletion. "You'll see another one at the next council meeting with a deletion because of furloughs." Shoemaker said. "If we can embrace technology to eliminate and put people where we need to put people we're better off in the long run. And this is one way to do it. It's one chest compression system for each city owned ambulance. "&nbsp;&nbsp;

-Approved the 2021 Rehabilitation Project agreement with M.C. Schaff and Associates for the Pavement and Asphalt Overlay Projects.

-Approved the Alliance Airport coronavirus response grant submittal. The grant application is for $13,000 and will assist the airport with utility bills or debt reduction. 

-Approved to use council contingency funds. This will authorize the use of $30,000 from the Electric System Contingency to cover the cost of the diesel fuel used to operate the generation plant. The city provided support to the Southwest Power Pool during the extreme low temperature days in Feb. 

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostDuring the most recent Alliance City Council meeting, council approved to purchase mechanical CPR devices for the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department.The chest compression systems are made by LUCAS 3 and cost $30,164.64. "It's a mechanical device that we put on the patient that's in cardiac arrest that does the chest compressions," Alliance Fire Department Chief Troy Shoemaker said. "That frees up another patient caregiver to come up with IB access to push cardiac drugs. Really what it does is it gives high quality CPR compressions because when you take the human factor out of chest compressions we have more high constistancy chest compressions." Shoemaker said the new device is programmed by the current guidelines for CPR. This helps move the fire department into using better technology. "The fire department is going to have to embrace technology a little bit more," Shoemarker said. "The reason why I say that is, is our membership of volunteerism is consistently either stagnant or it decreases. When the economy and the community decrease so does the volunteerism." Council also approved an Alliance Volunteer Fire Department roster update with a deletion. "You'll see another one at the next council meeting with a deletion because of furloughs." Shoemaker said. "If we can embrace technology to eliminate and put people where we need to put people we're better off in the long run. And this is one way to do it. It's one chest compression system for each city owned ambulance. "&nbsp;&nbsp; In other business, council:-Approved the 2021 Rehabilitation Project agreement with M.C. Schaff and Associates for the Pavement and Asphalt Overlay Projects.-Approved the Alliance Airport coronavirus response grant submittal. The grant application is for $13,000 and will assist the airport with utility bills or debt reduction. -Approved to use council contingency funds. This will authorize the use of $30,000 from the Electric System Contingency to cover the cost of the diesel fuel used to operate the generation plant. The city provided support to the Southwest Power Pool during the extreme low temperature days in Feb.

AVFD to receive new CPR devices

Fall River Health Services to hold blood drive 

LINCOLN – Rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and lakes across the state in March to enhance fishing opportunities this spring, especially in urban areas.

Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used.

“Rainbow trout are especially good for beginners because they will bite readily on anything, including corn, wadded up pieces of bread or worms, and are easy and safe to handle,” said Larry Pape, aquatic education specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Remember to take a long a towel to help hold onto them because they are wiggly and slick, and a cooler to keep some for dinner.”

For resources to help beginners or even experienced anglers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk5NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.kbMkLAheinpKCB-TatRH0QK6cMNGdJGVc8xZ0vgy2HM/s/497221906/br/99574914191-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/howtofish</a>.

The stocked trout are approximately 10 inches in length. The following is Game and Parks’ tentative trout stocking schedule, including quantities:

Week of March 8 –&nbsp;Bridgeport State Recreation Area northwest pit, 1,400; Terry’s Pit, Terrytown, 1,500; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; North Morrill pit, 2,250; Middle Morrill pit, 450; Two Rivers SRA trout lake (Lake No. 5), Venice, 13,000

Week of March 15 –&nbsp;Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 4,000; Ponca State Park pond, 900; CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 2,000; Heartwell Park, Hastings, 450; Suck’s Lake, Grand Island, 650

Halleck Park Lake, Papillion, 1,200; Louisville State Recreation Area Lake 1A, 600; Weeping Water Pond, 1,500; David City Park Pond, 600; Aubles Pond, Ord, 750; Gracie Creek, Burwell, 1,000

Fremont SRA No. 2, 4,000; Steinhart Park east pond, Nebraska City, 800; Humboldt City Park Lake, 350; Optimist Lake, Auburn, 800; Stanton Lake, Falls City, 200

Pawnee City Park Lake, 300; Holdrege City Park Lake, 1,000; Windmill SRA No. 2, Gibbon, 600; Curtis Golf Course pond, 150; Oxford City Lake, 150

TaHaZouka Park Lake, Norfolk, 1,500; Pawnee Park West, Columbus, 1,500; Neligh Park Pond, West Point, 900; Fort Kearny SRA No. 6, 1,200; Lake Helen, Gothenburg, 2,000; Plum Creek Park Pond, Lexington, 750

Week of March 22 –&nbsp;Ponca State Park pond, 600; Fremont State Recreation Area No. 2, 1,000; Niobrara SP pond, 1,000

Additional March stockings –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek, Royal, 800; Lake Ogallala, 10,000; Elm Creek, Red Cloud, 1,000

April stockings –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek, Royal, 1,000; Two Rivers State Recreation Area trout lake, 10,000; Keller Park SRA No. 4, Ainsworth, 250; Keller Park SRA No. 5, Ainsworth, 400; Steel Creek, Lynch/Verdigre, 200; Sand Springs, Johnstown, 400; Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area sandpit, Royal, 50

Lake Ogallala, 10,000; Gilbert-Baker WMA pond, Harrison, 600; Chadron City Reservoir north pond, 1,700; Chadron State Park pond, 500; Chadron City Reservoir south pond, 1,700

North Morrill sandpit, 2,000; Middle Morrill sandpit, 450; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; Bridgeport SRA northwest pit, 1,400; Terry’s Pit, Terrytown, 1,500

Grabel Pond No. 1, Fort Robinson SP, 400; Grabel Pond No. 2, Fort Robinson SP, 800; Grabel Pond No. 3, Fort Robinson SP, 400; Lake Carter P. Johnson, Fort Robinson SP, 2,500

LINCOLN – Rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and lakes across the state in March to enhance fishing opportunities this spring, especially in urban areas.Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used.“Rainbow trout are especially good for beginners because they will bite readily on anything, including corn, wadded up pieces of bread or worms, and are easy and safe to handle,” said Larry Pape, aquatic education specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Remember to take a long a towel to help hold onto them because they are wiggly and slick, and a cooler to keep some for dinner.”For resources to help beginners or even experienced anglers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk5NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.kbMkLAheinpKCB-TatRH0QK6cMNGdJGVc8xZ0vgy2HM/s/497221906/br/99574914191-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.gov/howtofish</a>.The stocked trout are approximately 10 inches in length. The following is Game and Parks’ tentative trout stocking schedule, including quantities:Week of March 8 –&nbsp;Bridgeport State Recreation Area northwest pit, 1,400; Terry’s Pit, Terrytown, 1,500; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; North Morrill pit, 2,250; Middle Morrill pit, 450; Two Rivers SRA trout lake (Lake No. 5), Venice, 13,000Week of March 15 –&nbsp;Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 4,000; Ponca State Park pond, 900; CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 2,000; Heartwell Park, Hastings, 450; Suck’s Lake, Grand Island, 650Halleck Park Lake, Papillion, 1,200; Louisville State Recreation Area Lake 1A, 600; Weeping Water Pond, 1,500; David City Park Pond, 600; Aubles Pond, Ord, 750; Gracie Creek, Burwell, 1,000Fremont SRA No. 2, 4,000; Steinhart Park east pond, Nebraska City, 800; Humboldt City Park Lake, 350; Optimist Lake, Auburn, 800; Stanton Lake, Falls City, 200Pawnee City Park Lake, 300; Holdrege City Park Lake, 1,000; Windmill SRA No. 2, Gibbon, 600; Curtis Golf Course pond, 150; Oxford City Lake, 150TaHaZouka Park Lake, Norfolk, 1,500; Pawnee Park West, Columbus, 1,500; Neligh Park Pond, West Point, 900; Fort Kearny SRA No. 6, 1,200; Lake Helen, Gothenburg, 2,000; Plum Creek Park Pond, Lexington, 750Week of March 22 –&nbsp;Ponca State Park pond, 600; Fremont State Recreation Area No. 2, 1,000; Niobrara SP pond, 1,000Additional March stockings –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek, Royal, 800; Lake Ogallala, 10,000; Elm Creek, Red Cloud, 1,000April stockings –&nbsp;East Verdigre Creek, Royal, 1,000; Two Rivers State Recreation Area trout lake, 10,000; Keller Park SRA No. 4, Ainsworth, 250; Keller Park SRA No. 5, Ainsworth, 400; Steel Creek, Lynch/Verdigre, 200; Sand Springs, Johnstown, 400; Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area sandpit, Royal, 50Lake Ogallala, 10,000; Gilbert-Baker WMA pond, Harrison, 600; Chadron City Reservoir north pond, 1,700; Chadron State Park pond, 500; Chadron City Reservoir south pond, 1,700North Morrill sandpit, 2,000; Middle Morrill sandpit, 450; Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900; Bridgeport SRA northwest pit, 1,400; Terry’s Pit, Terrytown, 1,500Grabel Pond No. 1, Fort Robinson SP, 400; Grabel Pond No. 2, Fort Robinson SP, 800; Grabel Pond No. 3, Fort Robinson SP, 400; Lake Carter P. Johnson, Fort Robinson SP, 2,500

Rainbow trout stockings in March to enhance fishing opportunities

Scottsbluff resident Linda Redfern was excited to get her first COVID shot earlier this week through Regional West Community Health’s immunization clinic.

“The Community Health ladies were so sweet and helpful,” Redfern recalled.

“Maybe don’t get it in the arm you sleep on but otherwise, I’m happy to report I’ve had zero aftereffects, with the exception of a slightly sore arm, and a bit tired, but I’m re-“tired” so I guess that’s about normal!” she jokingly added.

Redfern recalled her experience standing in line in the local gym awaiting a polio vaccine in the form of a sugar cube when she was five. She firmly believes in the vaccine science and freedom it will eventually bring.

She quoted Dolly Parton’s recent viral video vaccine experience stating, “I’m old enough and smart enough to get the shot” and how pleased she was that vaccines were able to be developed and distributed.

Redfern worked for Office of Human Development for 36 years, retiring in 2018, and was on the Scottsbluff City Council for two terms. She stays active as an alternate on the city’s planning and zoning board, while also sitting on The DOVES Program and Scottsbluff Library foundations boards.

Redfern is looking forward to her second COVID vaccine dose at the end of March. Spring fever is starting to set in and she is anxiously awaiting camping and golfing. Her choice of getting the vaccine impacts these freedoms and her ability to return to the retirement activities she enjoys.

COVID vaccines are currently available for Panhandle residents 65 or older and phase 1b employees to include educators, childcare providers, grocery and convenience store workers, railroad employees, truckers, public transit, postal service, cooperatives, and meat and food processing facility employees.

Residents are encouraged to register now for their COVID vaccine at vaccinate.ne.gov or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 833-998-2275 or 531-249-1873. There’s no need to wait, if you are in any of the currently eligible populations, register now so local vaccine providers can determine when to move to the next critical phases who are anxiously awaiting getting theirs. Please help your family, friends, and neighbors sign up now.

Studies are showing the COVID vaccines provide 100% protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn.<a>&nbsp;People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact.</a>

If you have had COVID, you are still encouraged to get the vaccine once you no longer have symptoms and after you have been released from isolation. If you received the monoclonal antibody treatment, it is recommended to get the vaccine no sooner than 90 days after treatment.

If you have received your first dose and have not heard when you will receive your second dose, don’t fret, you will be contacted by the vaccine provider that administered your first dose.

By PPHDScottsbluff resident Linda Redfern was excited to get her first COVID shot earlier this week through Regional West Community Health’s immunization clinic.“The Community Health ladies were so sweet and helpful,” Redfern recalled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615169024788.jpeg" alt="Linda Redfern" />
 <figcaption>Linda Redfern</figcaption>
 </figure>“Maybe don’t get it in the arm you sleep on but otherwise, I’m happy to report I’ve had zero aftereffects, with the exception of a slightly sore arm, and a bit tired, but I’m re-“tired” so I guess that’s about normal!” she jokingly added.Redfern recalled her experience standing in line in the local gym awaiting a polio vaccine in the form of a sugar cube when she was five. She firmly believes in the vaccine science and freedom it will eventually bring.She quoted Dolly Parton’s recent viral video vaccine experience stating, “I’m old enough and smart enough to get the shot” and how pleased she was that vaccines were able to be developed and distributed.Redfern worked for Office of Human Development for 36 years, retiring in 2018, and was on the Scottsbluff City Council for two terms. She stays active as an alternate on the city’s planning and zoning board, while also sitting on The DOVES Program and Scottsbluff Library foundations boards.Redfern is looking forward to her second COVID vaccine dose at the end of March. Spring fever is starting to set in and she is anxiously awaiting camping and golfing. Her choice of getting the vaccine impacts these freedoms and her ability to return to the retirement activities she enjoys.COVID vaccines are currently available for Panhandle residents 65 or older and phase 1b employees to include educators, childcare providers, grocery and convenience store workers, railroad employees, truckers, public transit, postal service, cooperatives, and meat and food processing facility employees.Residents are encouraged to register now for their COVID vaccine at vaccinate.ne.gov or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 833-998-2275 or 531-249-1873. There’s no need to wait, if you are in any of the currently eligible populations, register now so local vaccine providers can determine when to move to the next critical phases who are anxiously awaiting getting theirs. Please help your family, friends, and neighbors sign up now.Studies are showing the COVID vaccines provide 100% protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn.<a>&nbsp;People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact.</a>If you have had COVID, you are still encouraged to get the vaccine once you no longer have symptoms and after you have been released from isolation. If you received the monoclonal antibody treatment, it is recommended to get the vaccine no sooner than 90 days after treatment.If you have received your first dose and have not heard when you will receive your second dose, don’t fret, you will be contacted by the vaccine provider that administered your first dose.

Scottsbluff retiree sees benefit of COVID vaccine

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College will officially begin its new Diesel, Truck, &amp; Heavy Equipment Technology program in the Fall 2021 semester.&nbsp;

The Diesel, Truck &amp; Heavy Equipment Technology program is designed to prepare students to enter the field of diesel, truck and heavy equipment service, maintenance, and repair. The curriculum includes diagnostic, maintenance, and repair courses in the areas diesel engine, powertrain, electrical, and heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC). "After literally years of planning, we finally have a new Diesel, Truck &amp; Heavy Equipment program to offer our communities," WNCC President Dr. Carmen Simone said. "We are absolutely thrilled and we owe a debt of gratitude to the local businesses that have guided and encouraged us along the way. Without strong partnerships, this would not have been possible. Together, we are growing the workforce we need throughout the Nebraska Panhandle." The program will be hosted at Aulick Industries' old location, on Avenue I in Scottsbluff. Aulick Industries offered the property and building space to WNCC for a yearly payment of $31,680, which Aulick will then generously donate to the WNCC Foundation.&nbsp; "This donation&nbsp;gives the WNCC Diesel, Truck, &amp; Heavy Equipment program an ideal location&nbsp;as the program gets underway," WNCC Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Reisig said. "Support from industry partners like Aulick is invaluable as we launch and grow this program. Our entire region benefits from this generous gift." WNCC began developing the program after several businesses in the Panhandle identified a strong need for diesel and heavy equipment technicians in the area. According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, the Panhandle sees an average of 21 job openings per year related to diesel engine specialists and truck mechanics. That number is expected to grow through the year 2026.&nbsp; The new program has been approved byNebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education and the&nbsp;Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The final stamp of approval will come from the Department of Education, to deem if the program will be eligible for federal financial aid. While WNCC awaits approval from the Department of Education, the next focus will be to hire a full-time instructor for the program and ensure future students will have the tools and equipment necessary to succeed in the program.&nbsp; For more information or to apply for the new Diesel, Truck, &amp; Heavy Equipment Technology program, visit <a href="http://go.wncc.edu/dieseltech">go.wncc.edu/dieseltech</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

SCOTTSBLUFF -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College will officially begin its new Diesel, Truck, &amp; Heavy Equipment Technology program in the Fall 2021 semester.&nbsp;The Diesel, Truck &amp; Heavy Equipment Technology program is designed to prepare students to enter the field of diesel, truck and heavy equipment service, maintenance, and repair. The curriculum includes diagnostic, maintenance, and repair courses in the areas diesel engine, powertrain, electrical, and heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC). "After literally years of planning, we finally have a new Diesel, Truck &amp; Heavy Equipment program to offer our communities," WNCC President Dr. Carmen Simone said. "We are absolutely thrilled and we owe a debt of gratitude to the local businesses that have guided and encouraged us along the way. Without strong partnerships, this would not have been possible. Together, we are growing the workforce we need throughout the Nebraska Panhandle." The program will be hosted at Aulick Industries' old location, on Avenue I in Scottsbluff. Aulick Industries offered the property and building space to WNCC for a yearly payment of $31,680, which Aulick will then generously donate to the WNCC Foundation.&nbsp; "This donation&nbsp;gives the WNCC Diesel, Truck, &amp; Heavy Equipment program an ideal location&nbsp;as the program gets underway," WNCC Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Reisig said. "Support from industry partners like Aulick is invaluable as we launch and grow this program. Our entire region benefits from this generous gift." WNCC began developing the program after several businesses in the Panhandle identified a strong need for diesel and heavy equipment technicians in the area. According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, the Panhandle sees an average of 21 job openings per year related to diesel engine specialists and truck mechanics. That number is expected to grow through the year 2026.&nbsp; The new program has been approved byNebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education and the&nbsp;Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The final stamp of approval will come from the Department of Education, to deem if the program will be eligible for federal financial aid. While WNCC awaits approval from the Department of Education, the next focus will be to hire a full-time instructor for the program and ensure future students will have the tools and equipment necessary to succeed in the program.&nbsp; For more information or to apply for the new Diesel, Truck, &amp; Heavy Equipment Technology program, visit <a href="http://go.wncc.edu/dieseltech">go.wncc.edu/dieseltech</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

WNCC's new Diesel Tech Program on track for fall 2021 start

(AP)-A Nebraska sheriff was found guilty of official misconduct for refusing to accept a man into his jail who was wanted out of South Dakota for kidnapping and sexual assault.

Dawes County Sheriff Karl Dailey was convicted of the misdemeanor charge following a two-day bench trial in January. Judge Randin Roland issued his written ruling Wednesday.

The events unfolded in July 2019 after a woman who had been dropped off at a hospital in Chadron, Nebraska, reported her boyfriend had beaten and raped her at a motel in Crawford, Nebraska. Authorities in Rapid City, South Dakota had sent out an alert earlier that month listing her as missing.

Chadron police notified the Nebraska State Patrol and Dawes County Sheriff's Office for assistance, but did not immediately notify the sheriff himself.

While a trooper was at the motel, the sheriff arrived and advised the trooper that the Dawes County Sheriff's Department would not be booking Nebraska State Patrol prisoners into its jail.

The judge was unconvinced by the sheriff's claim at trial that he did not accept the suspect at the jail due to his medical condition or high-risk status, saying the evidence regarding the sheriff's actions proves otherwise.

(AP)-A Nebraska sheriff was found guilty of official misconduct for refusing to accept a man into his jail who was wanted out of South Dakota for kidnapping and sexual assault.Dawes County Sheriff Karl Dailey was convicted of the misdemeanor charge following a two-day bench trial in January. Judge Randin Roland issued his written ruling Wednesday.The events unfolded in July 2019 after a woman who had been dropped off at a hospital in Chadron, Nebraska, reported her boyfriend had beaten and raped her at a motel in Crawford, Nebraska. Authorities in Rapid City, South Dakota had sent out an alert earlier that month listing her as missing.Chadron police notified the Nebraska State Patrol and Dawes County Sheriff's Office for assistance, but did not immediately notify the sheriff himself.While a trooper was at the motel, the sheriff arrived and advised the trooper that the Dawes County Sheriff's Department would not be booking Nebraska State Patrol prisoners into its jail.The judge was unconvinced by the sheriff's claim at trial that he did not accept the suspect at the jail due to his medical condition or high-risk status, saying the evidence regarding the sheriff's actions proves otherwise.A sentencing date has not been set.

More details released on Dawes Co. Sheriff case

&nbsp;The practice of medicine relating to sight has been around for more than 2,500 years. But for the first time, ophthalmologists are able to see what their glaucoma patients see -- through an iPad tablet application.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"This represents the first time we have been able to understand what glaucoma patients see. We've never really known. It's startling," said Deepta Ghate, MD, an associate professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Truhlsen Eye Institute. "This is critical to improve patient understanding of the disease and for future rehabilitative efforts."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Ghate collaborated with students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Information Science and Technology to develop the app, then studied it in 12 glaucoma patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She is senior author of the study&nbsp;<a href="https://bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2020/11/27/bjophthalmol-2020-317034" target="_blank">published recently in the British Journal of Ophthalmology</a>. The paper describes the new app that allows glaucoma patients to pictorialize their field of vision.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that causes loss of peripheral vision. No one was quite sure exactly what glaucoma patients saw in their "blind spots." Dr Ghate decided to design an app so that the patients could answer the question themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the study, participants used the app on the iPad to modify "blur" or "dimness" to match their perception of a two-by-two meter wall-mounted poster at one meter distance. They looked at various scenes and recorded what they saw.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Patients could modify the scenes so ophthalmologists could see what the patient sees and compare and validate the vision of the patient. The experiment finished when the patient looked at the iPad recreation and said, "This is exactly what I see."&nbsp;&nbsp;

One of the problems with glaucoma is patients don't know they are losing their vision. Their central vision is perfect, often 20/20, but the glaucoma is continuously causing a loss of peripheral vision so slowly that, normally, it isn't noticeable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"This is preventable, and prevention is everything," Dr. Ghate said. "Glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss and blindness if not diagnosed early. A lack of peripheral vision causes patients to bump into things, fall more, have more vehicle crashes and affects their quality of life in a dramatic way."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The app can show patients they have lost vision even when they think they're vision is fine. It also can reinforce the importance of taking their medications to slow the disease and prevent blindness, she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health funded Great Plains Institutional Development Award Program Infrastructure for Clinical and Translational Research (IDeA-CTR).&nbsp;&nbsp;

American Academy of Ophthalmology eye exam recommendations by age:&nbsp;&nbsp;

65 and older: One to two years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those with family history of eye disease, previous high eye pressure or diabetes should have an exam every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For individuals at higher risk for certain diseases, such as African-Americans and Hispanics who are at higher risk for glaucoma, comprehensive eye examinations should be considered every two to four years for those under age 40, every one to three years for those aged 40 to 54, and every one to two years for those aged 55 to 64, even in the absence of visual or ocular symptoms.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The practice of medicine relating to sight has been around for more than 2,500 years. But for the first time, ophthalmologists are able to see what their glaucoma patients see -- through an iPad tablet application.&nbsp;&nbsp;"This represents the first time we have been able to understand what glaucoma patients see. We've never really known. It's startling," said Deepta Ghate, MD, an associate professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Truhlsen Eye Institute. "This is critical to improve patient understanding of the disease and for future rehabilitative efforts."&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Ghate collaborated with students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Information Science and Technology to develop the app, then studied it in 12 glaucoma patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;She is senior author of the study&nbsp;<a href="https://bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2020/11/27/bjophthalmol-2020-317034" target="_blank">published recently in the British Journal of Ophthalmology</a>. The paper describes the new app that allows glaucoma patients to pictorialize their field of vision.&nbsp;&nbsp;Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that causes loss of peripheral vision. No one was quite sure exactly what glaucoma patients saw in their "blind spots." Dr Ghate decided to design an app so that the patients could answer the question themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the study, participants used the app on the iPad to modify "blur" or "dimness" to match their perception of a two-by-two meter wall-mounted poster at one meter distance. They looked at various scenes and recorded what they saw.&nbsp;&nbsp;Patients could modify the scenes so ophthalmologists could see what the patient sees and compare and validate the vision of the patient. The experiment finished when the patient looked at the iPad recreation and said, "This is exactly what I see."&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the problems with glaucoma is patients don't know they are losing their vision. Their central vision is perfect, often 20/20, but the glaucoma is continuously causing a loss of peripheral vision so slowly that, normally, it isn't noticeable.&nbsp;&nbsp;"This is preventable, and prevention is everything," Dr. Ghate said. "Glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss and blindness if not diagnosed early. A lack of peripheral vision causes patients to bump into things, fall more, have more vehicle crashes and affects their quality of life in a dramatic way."&nbsp;&nbsp;The app can show patients they have lost vision even when they think they're vision is fine. It also can reinforce the importance of taking their medications to slow the disease and prevent blindness, she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health funded Great Plains Institutional Development Award Program Infrastructure for Clinical and Translational Research (IDeA-CTR).&nbsp;&nbsp;Eye exam recommendations&nbsp;American Academy of Ophthalmology eye exam recommendations by age:&nbsp;&nbsp;65 and older: One to two years.&nbsp;&nbsp;55-64: One to three years.&nbsp;&nbsp;40-54: Two to four years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under 40: Every 10 years.&nbsp;Those with family history of eye disease, previous high eye pressure or diabetes should have an exam every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;For individuals at higher risk for certain diseases, such as African-Americans and Hispanics who are at higher risk for glaucoma, comprehensive eye examinations should be considered every two to four years for those under age 40, every one to three years for those aged 40 to 54, and every one to two years for those aged 55 to 64, even in the absence of visual or ocular symptoms.&nbsp;

UNMC app is first to show what glaucoma patients see 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Sioux Falls mother is facing charges after her two young children ate some gummy candy laced with THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. 

Police say the 28-year-old woman brought the children, ages 4 and 7, to the hospital Tuesday night after they found the gummies in her purse while she was driving and ate some. 

Sioux Falls police spokesman Sam Clemens says the children were checked and are OK. 

He says police are recommending charges of abuse and neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Sioux Falls mother is facing charges after her two young children ate some gummy candy laced with THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Police say the 28-year-old woman brought the children, ages 4 and 7, to the hospital Tuesday night after they found the gummies in her purse while she was driving and ate some. Sioux Falls police spokesman Sam Clemens says the children were checked and are OK. He says police are recommending charges of abuse and neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

SD mother facing charges after children ate THC candy

NEW YORK (AP) — More than one-third of U.S. nonprofits are in jeopardy of closing within two years because of the financial harm inflicted by the viral pandemic, according to a study being released Wednesday by the philanthropy research group Candid and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

The study’s findings underscore the perils for nonprofits and charities whose financial needs have escalated over the past year, well in excess of the donations that most have received from individuals and foundations.

The researchers analyzed how roughly 300,000 nonprofits would fare under 20 scenarios of varying severity.

NEW YORK (AP) — More than one-third of U.S. nonprofits are in jeopardy of closing within two years because of the financial harm inflicted by the viral pandemic, according to a study being released Wednesday by the philanthropy research group Candid and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.The study’s findings underscore the perils for nonprofits and charities whose financial needs have escalated over the past year, well in excess of the donations that most have received from individuals and foundations.The researchers analyzed how roughly 300,000 nonprofits would fare under 20 scenarios of varying severity.

Pandemic puts 1 in 3 nonprofits in financial jeopardy

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Early in the pandemic, Gov. Pete Ricketts delivered a simple message to Nebraskans to try to keep the coronavirus from spreading: If you want to see Husker football in the fall, you had better comply with social distancing measures.

The warning fell a bit short, as Nebraska was forced to play its home games in a mostly empty Memorial Stadium. But now, on the anniversary of the state's first known coronavirus case, Ricketts said he's increasingly confident fans will be able to see those games in-person later this year.

"I think there's a light at the end of the tunnel," Ricketts said in an Associated Press interview. "We're just asking for people's patience, to hang with us for a few more months to get through this. But by the second half of the year, we'll be starting to get back to normal."

Ricketts pointed to the state's ramped-up testing and vaccination efforts. More than 11% of residents who are at least 16 years old have been vaccinated so far, placing Nebraska in the middle of the pack among states.

Nebraska has reported 202,310 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,112 related deaths since the pandemic began, with elderly residents accounting for the vast majority of fatalities, according to the state's online tracking portal. The number of new deaths has been gradually declining since early December, a few weeks after the number of virus-related hospitalizations surged to record highs.

Even so, Ricketts said he expects the state to incur additional costs from its vaccination efforts, including new locations to administer shots. State officials have said they expect to get more vaccine doses in the coming months and should be able to vaccinate the general public by late April or early May.

Nebraska has received 502,472 doses so far from drugmakers Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson. After vaccinating frontline medical and long-term care facility workers, states officials shifted their focus to vaccinating people who are least 65 years old.

Ricketts has faced some criticism from younger residents who have underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk. Some of them are likely to become eligible at the end of this month, when the state is expected to enter its next vaccination phase focusing on residents ages 50 to 59.

"I certainly am sympathetic to folks who want to get the vaccines as quickly as possible," Ricketts said, but noted that residents age 49 and younger are substantially less likely to die.

When that next phase begins, local public health districts will be allowed to use up to 10% of their available doses on younger people with underlying conditions. Angie Ling, incident commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said local doctors will work with their area's public health department to choose who qualifies and help schedule them.

"The state will not be determining what medical conditions are included," Ling said.

In Omaha, Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour said Wednesday that the health department will start vaccinating school officials starting next week. Under the state's directives, local health districts are also allowed to vaccinate other essential worker groups.

"We are now at a time when we can vaccinate them," Pour said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614989857634.png" alt="Memorial Stadium (Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>Memorial Stadium (Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Early in the pandemic, Gov. Pete Ricketts delivered a simple message to Nebraskans to try to keep the coronavirus from spreading: If you want to see Husker football in the fall, you had better comply with social distancing measures.The warning fell a bit short, as Nebraska was forced to play its home games in a mostly empty Memorial Stadium. But now, on the anniversary of the state's first known coronavirus case, Ricketts said he's increasingly confident fans will be able to see those games in-person later this year."I think there's a light at the end of the tunnel," Ricketts said in an Associated Press interview. "We're just asking for people's patience, to hang with us for a few more months to get through this. But by the second half of the year, we'll be starting to get back to normal."Ricketts pointed to the state's ramped-up testing and vaccination efforts. More than 11% of residents who are at least 16 years old have been vaccinated so far, placing Nebraska in the middle of the pack among states.Nebraska has reported 202,310 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,112 related deaths since the pandemic began, with elderly residents accounting for the vast majority of fatalities, according to the state's online tracking portal. The number of new deaths has been gradually declining since early December, a few weeks after the number of virus-related hospitalizations surged to record highs.Even so, Ricketts said he expects the state to incur additional costs from its vaccination efforts, including new locations to administer shots. State officials have said they expect to get more vaccine doses in the coming months and should be able to vaccinate the general public by late April or early May.Nebraska has received 502,472 doses so far from drugmakers Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson. After vaccinating frontline medical and long-term care facility workers, states officials shifted their focus to vaccinating people who are least 65 years old.Ricketts has faced some criticism from younger residents who have underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk. Some of them are likely to become eligible at the end of this month, when the state is expected to enter its next vaccination phase focusing on residents ages 50 to 59."I certainly am sympathetic to folks who want to get the vaccines as quickly as possible," Ricketts said, but noted that residents age 49 and younger are substantially less likely to die.When that next phase begins, local public health districts will be allowed to use up to 10% of their available doses on younger people with underlying conditions. Angie Ling, incident commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said local doctors will work with their area's public health department to choose who qualifies and help schedule them."The state will not be determining what medical conditions are included," Ling said.In Omaha, Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour said Wednesday that the health department will start vaccinating school officials starting next week. Under the state's directives, local health districts are also allowed to vaccinate other essential worker groups."We are now at a time when we can vaccinate them," Pour said.

Ricketts sees return to normal by 2nd half of this year

By Suzanne Gage , Nebraska Attorney General&nbsp;Director of Communications

This week, Dawes County Court Judge Randin Roland found Dawes County Sheriff Karl Dailey guilty of Official Misconduct (a Class II misdemeanor) for refusing to receive a man into the Dawes County Jail. 

The man was arrested and wanted out of South Dakota for kidnapping and sexually assault. 

The two-day bench trial on the matter was held in January. 

Sentencing will be set at a date yet to be determined. 

The Nebraska State Patrol assisted with the investigation.

By Suzanne Gage , Nebraska Attorney General&nbsp;Director of CommunicationsThis week, Dawes County Court Judge Randin Roland found Dawes County Sheriff Karl Dailey guilty of Official Misconduct (a Class II misdemeanor) for refusing to receive a man into the Dawes County Jail. The man was arrested and wanted out of South Dakota for kidnapping and sexually assault. The two-day bench trial on the matter was held in January. Sentencing will be set at a date yet to be determined. The Nebraska State Patrol assisted with the investigation.

Dawes County Sheriff convicted of official misconduct

🔊Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, March 2

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. – White-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease that kills hibernating bats, has been confirmed in Wind Cave. Samples recently sent in for testing revealed 2 confirmed cases of the disease and 5 probable. &nbsp;

Wind Cave is home to 9 species of bats, including the northern long-eared bat which is one of the species most impacted by WNS. Due to drastic population declines caused by this disease, the northern-long eared bat was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Caves such as Wind Cave provide important shelter for these unique flying mammals that can eat up to their body weight in insects each day and provide valuable pest control services.&nbsp;

These cases are the first confirmation of WNS in bats in Wind Cave, although it was previously confirmed in bats in Custer County, South Dakota, in 2018. White-nose syndrome is a fatal disease of hibernating bats and has killed millions of North American bats since its emergence in 2006. There is no evidence that WNS poses a health risk to other wildlife, domestic animals or humans.&nbsp;

Wind Cave staff are protecting hibernating bats in the cave by avoiding use of the cave’s Walk-In Entrance during the winter hibernation season. Wind Cave National Park is planning to resume limited cave tours this spring. All cave tour participants will be required to walk across a mat containing hydrogen peroxide to kill any fungus on their shoes that could inadvertently spread WNS to other areas. &nbsp;

Park visitors should avoid contact with bats and notify park rangers of any dead or sick bats they see. The best ways visitors can help protect bats is by staying out of closed caves and following ranger instructions before and after a cave tour. Additionally, individuals can help stop WNS transmission by not re-using gear that has been in WNS-affected areas in places that do not have the disease.&nbsp;

The bats were tested at the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center located in Madison, Wisconsin. Genetic analyses to identify species of the submitted bats are pending.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information about WNS, visit go.nps.gov/wns or whitenosesyndrome.org.&nbsp;

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. – White-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease that kills hibernating bats, has been confirmed in Wind Cave. Samples recently sent in for testing revealed 2 confirmed cases of the disease and 5 probable. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614968796774.jpeg" alt="Bat, exhibiting signs of white-nose syndrome, in Wind Cave. (NPS Photo)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bat, exhibiting signs of white-nose syndrome, in Wind Cave. (NPS Photo)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Wind Cave is home to 9 species of bats, including the northern long-eared bat which is one of the species most impacted by WNS. Due to drastic population declines caused by this disease, the northern-long eared bat was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Caves such as Wind Cave provide important shelter for these unique flying mammals that can eat up to their body weight in insects each day and provide valuable pest control services.&nbsp;These cases are the first confirmation of WNS in bats in Wind Cave, although it was previously confirmed in bats in Custer County, South Dakota, in 2018. White-nose syndrome is a fatal disease of hibernating bats and has killed millions of North American bats since its emergence in 2006. There is no evidence that WNS poses a health risk to other wildlife, domestic animals or humans.&nbsp;Wind Cave staff are protecting hibernating bats in the cave by avoiding use of the cave’s Walk-In Entrance during the winter hibernation season. Wind Cave National Park is planning to resume limited cave tours this spring. All cave tour participants will be required to walk across a mat containing hydrogen peroxide to kill any fungus on their shoes that could inadvertently spread WNS to other areas. &nbsp;Park visitors should avoid contact with bats and notify park rangers of any dead or sick bats they see. The best ways visitors can help protect bats is by staying out of closed caves and following ranger instructions before and after a cave tour. Additionally, individuals can help stop WNS transmission by not re-using gear that has been in WNS-affected areas in places that do not have the disease.&nbsp;The bats were tested at the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center located in Madison, Wisconsin. Genetic analyses to identify species of the submitted bats are pending.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about WNS, visit go.nps.gov/wns or whitenosesyndrome.org.&nbsp;

White-nose syndrome found in Wind Cave 

By&nbsp;Neil Watson, Nebraska Lottery

One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Thursday, March 4 drawing is holding a ticket worth $262,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers of 12, 21, 22, 24, and 27 for the jackpot.

The ticket was sold at J&amp;J’s Pit Stop, 1308 W 3rd St, in Alliance.

Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $4,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $803 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

By&nbsp;Neil Watson, Nebraska Lottery One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Thursday, March 4 drawing is holding a ticket worth $262,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers of 12, 21, 22, 24, and 27 for the jackpot.The ticket was sold at J&amp;J’s Pit Stop, 1308 W 3rd St, in Alliance.Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $4,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $803 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$262,000 Nebraska lottery ticket sold in Alliance 

The Alliance Police Department and Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office have partnered with Dairy Queen for a new citizen community program.&nbsp;

Both law enforcement agencies have a desire to serve the community and enjoy interacting with law abiding citizens. 

The Dairy Queen has provided reward cards to both agencies awarding a free small blizzard to individuals when an officer or deputy contact them for a good deed.

Whether it’s children or adults, if an individual is observed contributing to the community&nbsp; they may receive a card.

“It’s a delight to work in tandem with Sheriff Mowry who shares the vision of rewarding the contributors to a great community," Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens said. "We are grateful for the generosity from Dairy Queen allowing for such a program.”


By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe Alliance Police Department and Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office have partnered with Dairy Queen for a new citizen community program.&nbsp;Both law enforcement agencies have a desire to serve the community and enjoy interacting with law abiding citizens. The Dairy Queen has provided reward cards to both agencies awarding a free small blizzard to individuals when an officer or deputy contact them for a good deed.Whether it’s children or adults, if an individual is observed contributing to the community&nbsp; they may receive a card.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614962920065.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s a delight to work in tandem with Sheriff Mowry who shares the vision of rewarding the contributors to a great community," Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens said. "We are grateful for the generosity from Dairy Queen allowing for such a program.”

APD, Sheriff's Office partner with Dairy Queen for citizen 'Good Deed' program

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials across the nation are closing prisons as crime rates drop and views about drug use change, but not in Nebraska, where the governor is pushing for a new $230 million prison to relieve overcrowding and house a steadily rising inmate population. 

It’s not certain that lawmakers will support Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts’ plan to build a 1,512-bed maximum security prison, but the fact that the state is considering what would amount to a 37% increase in bed space runs counter to most states.

 California, Missouri, Connecticut and others have announced plans to shutter prisons because of declining inmate numbers in their states.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials across the nation are closing prisons as crime rates drop and views about drug use change, but not in Nebraska, where the governor is pushing for a new $230 million prison to relieve overcrowding and house a steadily rising inmate population. It’s not certain that lawmakers will support Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts’ plan to build a 1,512-bed maximum security prison, but the fact that the state is considering what would amount to a 37% increase in bed space runs counter to most states. California, Missouri, Connecticut and others have announced plans to shutter prisons because of declining inmate numbers in their states.

As other states close prisons, Nebraska may build a big one

A large grassfire that forced the closure of Interstate 80 eastbound lanes at Brady on Thursday made itself known quickly to a Nebraska State Patrol trooper.

A Twitter post by NSP shows just how fast the fire was moving. The trooper was able to safely get out of the path of the inferno.

By Post StaffA large grassfire that forced the closure of Interstate 80 eastbound lanes at Brady on Thursday made itself known quickly to a Nebraska State Patrol trooper.A Twitter post by NSP shows just how fast the fire was moving. The trooper was able to safely get out of the path of the inferno.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you to the area local fire departments from Lexington, Cozad, and Gothenburg, and others for getting this fire under control. I-80 eastbound was closed for about an hour. Please be aware of fire danger this time of year. It doesn&#39;t take much to start a grassfire. <a href="https://t.co/hr7bFaQRjJ">https://t.co/hr7bFaQRjJ</a>&mdash; Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) <a href="https://twitter.com/NEStatePatrol/status/1367591091944394762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Twitter post shows fire closing in quickly on Nebraska trooper

LINCOLN – After a recent discovery of invasive zebra mussels within Marimo or “moss” balls used in aquarium tanks, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of this highly destructive species.

A container of Marimo balls sold as “Betta Buddy” was first found to be contaminated with an adult zebra mussel at a Petco store in Washington state on March 3. Game and Parks subsequently inspected two Petco locations in Lincoln and found zebra mussels present in several Marimo ball containers.

Since then, contaminated Marimo balls have been found in pet/aquarium stores in several states. All Petco and Petsmart locations in Nebraska were cooperative when asked by Game and Parks to remove the product from their shelves.

A zebra mussel is a highly invasive aquatic species that looks like a D-shaped clam, with alternating light and dark bands. Most zebra mussels are less than an inch long. They form dense colonies and filter large quantities of plankton from water, decreasing the food supply for native species. Adult zebra mussels can live up to two weeks outside of water. Additionally, young zebra mussels – or veligers – are invisible to the naked eye and can be spread through even the smallest drops of water.

To prevent the spread of zebra mussels from aquariums, Marimo balls should be removed, placed in a plastic bag, frozen solid, then disposed of in the trash. All aquarium owners should dispose of tank water away from water sources, like a stream, and instead dump water in grass or gravel. It is important to not dump aquarium water down the drain as this can spread zebra mussels to water bodies.

“We need the public’s help to prevent the spread of zebra mussels from aquariums and fish tanks into our water bodies,” said Kristopher Stahr, Game and Parks aquatic invasive species program manager. “Please make sure you dispose of any Marimo balls and aquarium water properly so the waters we all enjoy remain invasive-free.”

Game and Parks regulations require anglers, hunters, and boaters conduct clean, drain and dry procedures before leaving a water body. Those persons also are not allowed to arrive at a water body with water from another body.

The Missouri River has a zebra mussel population along its entire length downstream of Gavins Point Dam. Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Offutt Base Lake are the only other confirmed Nebraska waters with zebra mussel populations.

For questions and to report aquatic invasive sightings, contact Game and Parks at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:npgc.ais@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">npgc.ais@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or at 402-471-7602. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDQuMzYzODU1MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbmVpbnZhc2l2ZXMuY29tLyJ9.Q7s45njkMbFtozs2spIvo2CjVQsOiMNWHzKCkOhweqw/s/497221906/br/99457691264-l" target="_blank">neinvasives.com</a>&nbsp;for more information on invasive species in Nebraska.

LINCOLN – After a recent discovery of invasive zebra mussels within Marimo or “moss” balls used in aquarium tanks, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of this highly destructive species.A container of Marimo balls sold as “Betta Buddy” was first found to be contaminated with an adult zebra mussel at a Petco store in Washington state on March 3. Game and Parks subsequently inspected two Petco locations in Lincoln and found zebra mussels present in several Marimo ball containers.Since then, contaminated Marimo balls have been found in pet/aquarium stores in several states. All Petco and Petsmart locations in Nebraska were cooperative when asked by Game and Parks to remove the product from their shelves.A zebra mussel is a highly invasive aquatic species that looks like a D-shaped clam, with alternating light and dark bands. Most zebra mussels are less than an inch long. They form dense colonies and filter large quantities of plankton from water, decreasing the food supply for native species. Adult zebra mussels can live up to two weeks outside of water. Additionally, young zebra mussels – or veligers – are invisible to the naked eye and can be spread through even the smallest drops of water.To prevent the spread of zebra mussels from aquariums, Marimo balls should be removed, placed in a plastic bag, frozen solid, then disposed of in the trash. All aquarium owners should dispose of tank water away from water sources, like a stream, and instead dump water in grass or gravel. It is important to not dump aquarium water down the drain as this can spread zebra mussels to water bodies.“We need the public’s help to prevent the spread of zebra mussels from aquariums and fish tanks into our water bodies,” said Kristopher Stahr, Game and Parks aquatic invasive species program manager. “Please make sure you dispose of any Marimo balls and aquarium water properly so the waters we all enjoy remain invasive-free.”Game and Parks regulations require anglers, hunters, and boaters conduct clean, drain and dry procedures before leaving a water body. Those persons also are not allowed to arrive at a water body with water from another body.The Missouri River has a zebra mussel population along its entire length downstream of Gavins Point Dam. Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Offutt Base Lake are the only other confirmed Nebraska waters with zebra mussel populations.For questions and to report aquatic invasive sightings, contact Game and Parks at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:npgc.ais@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">npgc.ais@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or at 402-471-7602. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDQuMzYzODU1MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbmVpbnZhc2l2ZXMuY29tLyJ9.Q7s45njkMbFtozs2spIvo2CjVQsOiMNWHzKCkOhweqw/s/497221906/br/99457691264-l" target="_blank">neinvasives.com</a>&nbsp;for more information on invasive species in Nebraska.

Game and Parks urges public to check aquariums for invasive zebra mussels

Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Nolan Hueftle, age 60, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha by United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson for violating the Lacey Act.&nbsp; The Lacey Act prohibits the trafficking in interstate commerce "tainted" (i.e., taken in violation of a law or regulation) wildlife, fish, or indigenous plants.&nbsp; Hueftle was convicted of one count of the illegal taking of wildlife in interstate commerce and sentenced to five years’ probation.&nbsp; Magistrate Judge Nelson ordered Hueftle to pay a $30,000 fine. As part of his probation terms, Hueftle shall not hunt, trap, guide, outfit, or otherwise assist or be present in the field with anyone engaging in those activities.&nbsp; Hueftle is also prohibited from being involved in the manufacturing, selling, distributing, or marketing of “PrimeTine” or any other deer or wildlife supplement while on probation.

An investigation determined that in October, 2015, Hueftle, a Hidden Hills Outfitters (HHO) co-owner, provided guiding and outfitting services to a Louisiana resident upon property located in Blaine County, Nebraska.&nbsp; During the course of the hunt, Hueftle, HHO owner Jacob Hueftle, and the hunting client located a white-tailed deer wounded by the client the previous day.&nbsp; Hueftle was present and observed HHO owner Jacob Hueftle unlawfully shoot and kill the client’s deer with an AR-style rifle, a weapon prohibited from use during the Nebraska archery deer season.&nbsp; In addition, Hueftle knew Jacob Hueftle was prohibited from hunting or possessing a firearm at the time.&nbsp; Hueftle later assisted recovering the deer from the kill site and transported the unlawfully taken deer back to the HHO Lodge.&nbsp; Parts of the deer were later transported in interstate commerce back to the hunting client’s out-of-state residence.

Pursuant to the terms of a plea agreement, Hueftle also admitted to his co-ownership and involvement with HHO, including his knowledge and involvement with various ongoing wildlife violations conducted or authorized by HHO and its guides and employees between 2013 and 2018.&nbsp; Hueftle admitted that HHO acquired at least 115,378 pounds of deer feed products used for the establishment and maintenance of at least 68 baited hunting locations, that Hueftle personally assisted maintaining the bait sites at or near HHO client hunting locations, and that Hueftle knew HHO clients routinely killed white-tailed deer within baited areas.&nbsp; Nebraska state law prohibits the establishment of baited areas for the purpose of hunting big game or turkeys and prohibits hunting or taking big game or turkeys within a baited area.

Hueftle admitted knowing firearms were routinely and unlawfully used for the taking of white-tailed deer and mule deer during archery and muzzleloader seasons.&nbsp; Nebraska state law prohibits the possession and use of firearms while hunting deer under the authority of an archery permit.&nbsp; Hueftle also admitted routinely assisting with the butchering, processing, and disposal of client deer at the HHO Lodge, and needlessly and wantonly wasting edible meat of HHO client deer including negligently allowing carcasses to spoil, and dumping and disposing the carcasses (including edible meat) near the HHO Lodge and on family property near Cozad, Nebraska.

Hueftle admitted that between 2013 and 2018, he and other HHO owners, guides, and associates provided hunting and guiding services to at least 118 clients from 21 states resulting in the unlawful taking of at least 97 white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, and wild turkey, and that parts of that wildlife were subsequently transported into other states.&nbsp; Hueftle provided hunting and guiding services to HHO clients, had knowledge and assisted in various unlawful hunts, and received a 25% share of all HHO profits annually.&nbsp;

The sentencing hearing today is part of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters.&nbsp; To date, 36 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $627,732 in fines and restitution, serve 30 months of incarceration, 38 years of probation, and 63 years of hunting and guiding restrictions for underlying violations related to at least 97 unlawfully-taken big game animals or wild turkey including deer taken within baited areas; deer, pronghorn, and wild turkeys taken with weapons or firearms prohibited during their respective hunting seasons; deer taken during closed season hours, from the road, or without a valid permit; and mule deer taken within the Mule Deer Conservation Area.

The operation was a joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.

News Release US Attorney's Office-OmahaActing United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Nolan Hueftle, age 60, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha by United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson for violating the Lacey Act.&nbsp; The Lacey Act prohibits the trafficking in interstate commerce "tainted" (i.e., taken in violation of a law or regulation) wildlife, fish, or indigenous plants.&nbsp; Hueftle was convicted of one count of the illegal taking of wildlife in interstate commerce and sentenced to five years’ probation.&nbsp; Magistrate Judge Nelson ordered Hueftle to pay a $30,000 fine. As part of his probation terms, Hueftle shall not hunt, trap, guide, outfit, or otherwise assist or be present in the field with anyone engaging in those activities.&nbsp; Hueftle is also prohibited from being involved in the manufacturing, selling, distributing, or marketing of “PrimeTine” or any other deer or wildlife supplement while on probation.An investigation determined that in October, 2015, Hueftle, a Hidden Hills Outfitters (HHO) co-owner, provided guiding and outfitting services to a Louisiana resident upon property located in Blaine County, Nebraska.&nbsp; During the course of the hunt, Hueftle, HHO owner Jacob Hueftle, and the hunting client located a white-tailed deer wounded by the client the previous day.&nbsp; Hueftle was present and observed HHO owner Jacob Hueftle unlawfully shoot and kill the client’s deer with an AR-style rifle, a weapon prohibited from use during the Nebraska archery deer season.&nbsp; In addition, Hueftle knew Jacob Hueftle was prohibited from hunting or possessing a firearm at the time.&nbsp; Hueftle later assisted recovering the deer from the kill site and transported the unlawfully taken deer back to the HHO Lodge.&nbsp; Parts of the deer were later transported in interstate commerce back to the hunting client’s out-of-state residence.Pursuant to the terms of a plea agreement, Hueftle also admitted to his co-ownership and involvement with HHO, including his knowledge and involvement with various ongoing wildlife violations conducted or authorized by HHO and its guides and employees between 2013 and 2018.&nbsp; Hueftle admitted that HHO acquired at least 115,378 pounds of deer feed products used for the establishment and maintenance of at least 68 baited hunting locations, that Hueftle personally assisted maintaining the bait sites at or near HHO client hunting locations, and that Hueftle knew HHO clients routinely killed white-tailed deer within baited areas.&nbsp; Nebraska state law prohibits the establishment of baited areas for the purpose of hunting big game or turkeys and prohibits hunting or taking big game or turkeys within a baited area.Hueftle admitted knowing firearms were routinely and unlawfully used for the taking of white-tailed deer and mule deer during archery and muzzleloader seasons.&nbsp; Nebraska state law prohibits the possession and use of firearms while hunting deer under the authority of an archery permit.&nbsp; Hueftle also admitted routinely assisting with the butchering, processing, and disposal of client deer at the HHO Lodge, and needlessly and wantonly wasting edible meat of HHO client deer including negligently allowing carcasses to spoil, and dumping and disposing the carcasses (including edible meat) near the HHO Lodge and on family property near Cozad, Nebraska.Hueftle admitted that between 2013 and 2018, he and other HHO owners, guides, and associates provided hunting and guiding services to at least 118 clients from 21 states resulting in the unlawful taking of at least 97 white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, and wild turkey, and that parts of that wildlife were subsequently transported into other states.&nbsp; Hueftle provided hunting and guiding services to HHO clients, had knowledge and assisted in various unlawful hunts, and received a 25% share of all HHO profits annually.&nbsp;The sentencing hearing today is part of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters.&nbsp; To date, 36 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $627,732 in fines and restitution, serve 30 months of incarceration, 38 years of probation, and 63 years of hunting and guiding restrictions for underlying violations related to at least 97 unlawfully-taken big game animals or wild turkey including deer taken within baited areas; deer, pronghorn, and wild turkeys taken with weapons or firearms prohibited during their respective hunting seasons; deer taken during closed season hours, from the road, or without a valid permit; and mule deer taken within the Mule Deer Conservation Area.The operation was a joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.

Co-owner of Broken Bow guide service sentenced for wildlife violations

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A man accused in a fatal shooting near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation boundaries has pleaded guilty to murder charges. 

Thirty-eight-year-old Phillip Pond entered the plea Wednesday in federal court in Rapid City to second-degree murder and using a gun during a violent crime.

 Pond is accused of shooting 40-year-old Justin Little Hawk in Pine Ridge on Nov. 22, 2020 after the two argued. 

Little Hawk died the following month at a hospital in Colorado. 

Pond recently turned himself in at a police station in Chadron, Nebraska.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A man accused in a fatal shooting near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation boundaries has pleaded guilty to murder charges. Thirty-eight-year-old Phillip Pond entered the plea Wednesday in federal court in Rapid City to second-degree murder and using a gun during a violent crime. Pond is accused of shooting 40-year-old Justin Little Hawk in Pine Ridge on Nov. 22, 2020 after the two argued. Little Hawk died the following month at a hospital in Colorado. Pond recently turned himself in at a police station in Chadron, Nebraska.

Guilty plea entered in fatal Pine Ridge shooting

On March 3 at approximately 11:18 a.m. Alliance Police Officers were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Sweetwater Avenue and East 3rd&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; 

An Alliance man was driving a 1969 white Chevrolet pickup eastbound on East 3rd&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; A 2009 White GMC Yukon driven by Gering woman approached the intersection from the north.&nbsp; 

"The driver of the GMC Yukon failed to comply with the stop sign and entered the intersection before it was safe to do so," Alliance Police Sgt. Cody&nbsp;Buskirk&nbsp;said. "The front of the Chevrolet pickup collided with the passenger side of the GMC Yukon."

Emergency Medical Services was dispatched to the accident and both drivers were evaluated for injury.&nbsp; 

No one was transported to the hospital.&nbsp; 

"Seat belts appeared to be in use in both vehicles," Buskirk said. "Airbags in the GMC Yukon were deployed."

 The Gering woman was issued a traffic citation.

No names of those involved in this accident were released.&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614873591499.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On March 3 at approximately 11:18 a.m. Alliance Police Officers were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Sweetwater Avenue and East 3rd&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; An Alliance man was driving a 1969 white Chevrolet pickup eastbound on East 3rd&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; A 2009 White GMC Yukon driven by Gering woman approached the intersection from the north.&nbsp; "The driver of the GMC Yukon failed to comply with the stop sign and entered the intersection before it was safe to do so," Alliance Police Sgt. Cody&nbsp;Buskirk&nbsp;said. "The front of the Chevrolet pickup collided with the passenger side of the GMC Yukon."Emergency Medical Services was dispatched to the accident and both drivers were evaluated for injury.&nbsp; No one was transported to the hospital.&nbsp; "Seat belts appeared to be in use in both vehicles," Buskirk said. "Airbags in the GMC Yukon were deployed." The Gering woman was issued a traffic citation.No names of those involved in this accident were released.&nbsp;

APD responds to 3rd Street accident 

Podcast: Country Singer William Michael Morgan talks music with Mike G

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Well-known former state senator Ernie Chambers got his second shot of the coronavirus vaccine publicly on Wednesday to encourage other people to get the shots. 

The 83-year-old, who was forced out of office in January by term limits, received his second dose of the Moderna vaccine Wednesday at a health center in northeast Omaha. 

Chambers, who is Black, said he believes the vaccines are safe and necessary, and he hopes his example will help Black and Latino people have confidence in the shots. 

The state said 463,272 doses of the vaccines have now been administered, and nearly 11% of the state’s population has now been vaccinated.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Well-known former state senator Ernie Chambers got his second shot of the coronavirus vaccine publicly on Wednesday to encourage other people to get the shots. The 83-year-old, who was forced out of office in January by term limits, received his second dose of the Moderna vaccine Wednesday at a health center in northeast Omaha. Chambers, who is Black, said he believes the vaccines are safe and necessary, and he hopes his example will help Black and Latino people have confidence in the shots. The state said 463,272 doses of the vaccines have now been administered, and nearly 11% of the state’s population has now been vaccinated.

Ernie Chambers gets vaccine and encourages others to get one

By Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Educator&nbsp;Water and Integrated Cropping Systems

This the first in a six-part series of articles covering basic water law in the United States, predominately in the western part of the country, and how it affects this finite resource.

Water law has a long history. It can be traced back to Roman times and also has roots in English common law. Across the United States, it varies from state to state, and from East to West.

When conflicts arise the courts usually determine the outcome, unless there are state or federal laws or previous case studies to resolve the issue. Exceptions to the law can arise from differences in each state’s water laws.

Most of the information for this series comes from Water Law, a class taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln by Prof. David Aiken. Water law is full to the brim of terminology and definitions – but they all intertwine with each other to make up water law in as we know it today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Water&nbsp;can be defined as the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain or other precipitation. It forms streams, lakes, seas and is a major constituent of all living matter. Water is measured in various ways, including gallons per minute (gpm), and cubic feet per second (cfs, or second feet, which is approximately 449 gallons water per minute). Water is also measured as acre-feet, the volume required to cover one acre one foot deep, or approximately 325,829 gallons.

Another measure of water is&nbsp;consumptive use,&nbsp;a use that renders it no longer available because it has been evaporated, transpired by plants, incorporated into products or crops, consumed by people or livestock, or otherwise removed from water supplies. Related to consumptive use is&nbsp;return flow,&nbsp;the part of a diverted flow that is not consumptively used and returns to its original source or another body of water.

Two sources of water - surface and ground water

Surface water&nbsp;can be an open body of water such as stream, lake or reservoir. Surface water in Nebraska is managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR), with an exception. NDNR grants and manages surface-water rights, EXCEPT those managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on Bureau projects.

Groundwater&nbsp;is water that&nbsp;flows or seeps downward and saturates soil or rock, supplying springs and wells. The upper limit of the saturated zone is called the water table. Nebraska’s 23 natural resources districts (NRDs) manage groundwater and may limit the amount of water that can be pumped.

Two basic doctrines that determine water rights or use

Riparian&nbsp;Doctrine&nbsp;is the system for allocating water used in England and the eastern United States, in which owners of lands along the banks of a stream or water body have the right to&nbsp;reasonable use&nbsp;of the waters and a&nbsp;correlative right&nbsp;protecting against unreasonable use by others that diminishes the quantity or quality of water.

Riparian rights are lost by&nbsp;severance. If land is part of a larger tract bordering a stream but a part not bordering the stream, say the back 40 acres, is sold, those 40 acres no longer are considered riparian and can never regain their legal riparian status by being reassembled into a “riparian” tract of land.

Prior Appropriation Doctrine&nbsp;(“first in time, first in right”) is a concept under which a right to use a quantity of water is based on the earliest&nbsp;priority date. This system is used in most of the western United States. Under prior-appropriation systems,&nbsp;priority of use&nbsp;refers to the date&nbsp;a water right is acquired, with&nbsp;senior rights&nbsp;prevailing over&nbsp;junior rights. All water rights are defined in relation to other users, and a water rights holder only acquires the right to use a specific quantity of water under specified conditions.&nbsp; Thus, when limited water is available, senior rights are satisfied first in the order of their&nbsp;priority date.

By Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Educator&nbsp;Water and Integrated Cropping SystemsThis the first in a six-part series of articles covering basic water law in the United States, predominately in the western part of the country, and how it affects this finite resource.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614872821105.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Water law has a long history. It can be traced back to Roman times and also has roots in English common law. Across the United States, it varies from state to state, and from East to West.When conflicts arise the courts usually determine the outcome, unless there are state or federal laws or previous case studies to resolve the issue. Exceptions to the law can arise from differences in each state’s water laws.Most of the information for this series comes from Water Law, a class taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln by Prof. David Aiken. Water law is full to the brim of terminology and definitions – but they all intertwine with each other to make up water law in as we know it today.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is water?Water&nbsp;can be defined as the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain or other precipitation. It forms streams, lakes, seas and is a major constituent of all living matter. Water is measured in various ways, including gallons per minute (gpm), and cubic feet per second (cfs, or second feet, which is approximately 449 gallons water per minute). Water is also measured as acre-feet, the volume required to cover one acre one foot deep, or approximately 325,829 gallons.Another measure of water is&nbsp;consumptive use,&nbsp;a use that renders it no longer available because it has been evaporated, transpired by plants, incorporated into products or crops, consumed by people or livestock, or otherwise removed from water supplies. Related to consumptive use is&nbsp;return flow,&nbsp;the part of a diverted flow that is not consumptively used and returns to its original source or another body of water.Two sources of water - surface and ground waterSurface water&nbsp;can be an open body of water such as stream, lake or reservoir. Surface water in Nebraska is managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR), with an exception. NDNR grants and manages surface-water rights, EXCEPT those managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on Bureau projects.Groundwater&nbsp;is water that&nbsp;flows or seeps downward and saturates soil or rock, supplying springs and wells. The upper limit of the saturated zone is called the water table. Nebraska’s 23 natural resources districts (NRDs) manage groundwater and may limit the amount of water that can be pumped.Two basic doctrines that determine water rights or useRiparian&nbsp;Doctrine&nbsp;is the system for allocating water used in England and the eastern United States, in which owners of lands along the banks of a stream or water body have the right to&nbsp;reasonable use&nbsp;of the waters and a&nbsp;correlative right&nbsp;protecting against unreasonable use by others that diminishes the quantity or quality of water.Riparian rights are lost by&nbsp;severance. If land is part of a larger tract bordering a stream but a part not bordering the stream, say the back 40 acres, is sold, those 40 acres no longer are considered riparian and can never regain their legal riparian status by being reassembled into a “riparian” tract of land.Prior Appropriation Doctrine&nbsp;(“first in time, first in right”) is a concept under which a right to use a quantity of water is based on the earliest&nbsp;priority date. This system is used in most of the western United States. Under prior-appropriation systems,&nbsp;priority of use&nbsp;refers to the date&nbsp;a water right is acquired, with&nbsp;senior rights&nbsp;prevailing over&nbsp;junior rights. All water rights are defined in relation to other users, and a water rights holder only acquires the right to use a specific quantity of water under specified conditions.&nbsp; Thus, when limited water is available, senior rights are satisfied first in the order of their&nbsp;priority date.Priority of use is distinguished from&nbsp;statutory preferences&nbsp;(designations), which refer to statutory statements of preference among different types of beneficial use and would come into play, for example, in deciding which of two concurrent water rights should be satisfied first during a shortage of water or which of two competing applications for a water right should be granted.Appropriative rights can be lost through nonuse; they can also be sold or transferred apart from the land.Preferred use&nbsp;is a use given some sort of preference not given other uses. Preference can take many forms, depending on state law. One type of use, such as domestic use, may be preferred over others when there are competing applications to appropriate the same water. Persons having water rights for preferred use may be entitled to take water before those having rights for other uses, regardless of their relative priorities. A person needing water for a preferred use may be authorized to condemn (to buy in a forced judicial sale) water being used for non-preferred purposes.Beneficial use,&nbsp;the cardinal principle of the&nbsp;prior appropriation doctrine, is a use of water that generally produces public benefit and promotes the peace, health, safety and welfare of the people of the state. Putting water to a beneficial use is a condition of receiving a certificated water right. The right may be lost if beneficial use is discontinued.Most states recognize certain uses as beneficial: domestic and municipal uses, industrial uses, irrigation, mining, hydroelectric power, navigation, recreation, stock raising, public parks, wildlife and game preserves, and other uses.These terms make up some of the basics concerning water law, but not all. This series will cover other water rights, some case studies and their affects, which will demonstrate the complexity of water rights and water law.In my position with Nebraska Extension, I often speak about water to audiences. I always ask an audience one question: Considering economics, the environment, aesthetics, considering the short term and the long term – what is water worth?

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