By&nbsp;Jewel Cave National Monument

CUSTER, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument will be completing important elevator maintenance Tuesday, February 20, through Friday, February 23. To ensure visitor and construction worker safety, all ranger-guided cave tours will be suspended throughout the duration of the project. Regularly scheduled cave tours are expected to resume Saturday, February 24, 2024.

The visitor center, park store, and surface trails will remain open Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Sunday through Tuesday.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/jeca" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/jeca</a>, as well as on social media through Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/</a>&nbsp;and Instagram at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps</a>.

By&nbsp;Jewel Cave National MonumentCUSTER, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument will be completing important elevator maintenance Tuesday, February 20, through Friday, February 23. To ensure visitor and construction worker safety, all ranger-guided cave tours will be suspended throughout the duration of the project. Regularly scheduled cave tours are expected to resume Saturday, February 24, 2024.The visitor center, park store, and surface trails will remain open Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Sunday through Tuesday.Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/jeca" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/jeca</a>, as well as on social media through Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/</a>&nbsp;and Instagram at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps</a>.

Temporary suspension of Jewel Cave Tours in South Dakota

By Scottsbluff&nbsp;Patrol Sgt. Andrew Soucie

On February 16 at approximately 9:02 PM, Scottsbluff Officers responded to a report of a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks near the 100 block of East Overland. 

While Officers were responding, the vehicle was reported to have been struck by an oncoming train. Upon investigation, it was learned that 25-year-old Gering resident, Alyssia Monson, had become disoriented following her phone’s GPS, which she said had led her to the area of the railroad tracks behind 102 East Overland Drive and instructed her to turn around. 

Monson was driving a 2006 green Subaru Outback. 

The green Subaru Outback attempted to turn around in the area and became stuck and hung up on the east bound BNSF railway track with an approaching eastbound train. 

Monson was the only occupant of the vehicle and had exited to find help prior to the vehicle being struck by the oncoming train. 

 The Subaru Outback received disabling damage and is believed to be totaled.&nbsp; The vehicle was towed from the scene. 

Due to the collision, the eastbound train was stopped pending the investigation and inspection of the train and rails.

 The crossings at Broadway, Ave B, West 20th Street, and Ave I were closed due to the stopped train for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

Scottsbluff Police, Scottsbluff Fire, and BNSF employees all assisted in clearing the scene.

 At this time, no citations have been issued. An accident report has been completed.

By Scottsbluff&nbsp;Patrol Sgt. Andrew SoucieOn February 16 at approximately 9:02 PM, Scottsbluff Officers responded to a report of a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks near the 100 block of East Overland. While Officers were responding, the vehicle was reported to have been struck by an oncoming train. Upon investigation, it was learned that 25-year-old Gering resident, Alyssia Monson, had become disoriented following her phone’s GPS, which she said had led her to the area of the railroad tracks behind 102 East Overland Drive and instructed her to turn around. Monson was driving a 2006 green Subaru Outback. The green Subaru Outback attempted to turn around in the area and became stuck and hung up on the east bound BNSF railway track with an approaching eastbound train. Monson was the only occupant of the vehicle and had exited to find help prior to the vehicle being struck by the oncoming train. No injuries were reported. The Subaru Outback received disabling damage and is believed to be totaled.&nbsp; The vehicle was towed from the scene. Due to the collision, the eastbound train was stopped pending the investigation and inspection of the train and rails. The crossings at Broadway, Ave B, West 20th Street, and Ave I were closed due to the stopped train for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Scottsbluff Police, Scottsbluff Fire, and BNSF employees all assisted in clearing the scene. At this time, no citations have been issued. An accident report has been completed.

BNSF train strikes Panhandle vehicle

Alliance – The City of Alliance Facilities will be closed Monday, February 19, 2024, in observance of President’s Day. This closure includes the Utility Office, Public Works, Knight Museum &amp;amp; Sandhills Center, Sallows Military Museum, Alliance Public Library, The Senior Center, Public Transit, and the Municipal Building.

The Alliance Municipal Landfill and refuse collection will be closed Saturday, February 17 th, Sunday, February 18 th , and Monday, February 19 th .

Please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information.

By City of AllianceAlliance – The City of Alliance Facilities will be closed Monday, February 19, 2024, in observance of President’s Day. This closure includes the Utility Office, Public Works, Knight Museum &amp;amp; Sandhills Center, Sallows Military Museum, Alliance Public Library, The Senior Center, Public Transit, and the Municipal Building.The Alliance Municipal Landfill and refuse collection will be closed Saturday, February 17 th, Sunday, February 18 th , and Monday, February 19 th .Please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information.

City of Alliance President's Day closures

Alliance, NE – The article that has been circulating on Facebook concerning allegations against David Leavitt was brought to the City’s attention by David Leavitt himself when he&nbsp;proactively shared at the very beginning of the vetting process his side of the story of the events reported by wpln.org. The City found no news stories or legal actions against Mr. Leavitt corroborating the wpln.org article.

In addition to the standard background check which includes social media, internet searches, and reference checks on Chief Leavitt, Government Professional Solutions&nbsp;researched the issue reported by wpln.org and spoke with relevant witnesses, ultimately finding no reason for Chief Leavitt to be disqualified for consideration of the police chief position.&nbsp;It is important to note that David Leavitt retired from the Metro Nashville Police Department in good standing.

The extensive selection process was completed by four independent groups including executive search consultants Government Professional Solutions (GPS), a Police Review Board consisting of sheriffs and police chiefs in the Panhandle Region, the City’s Civil Service Commission, and the City Manager’s Office, receiving high marks from each group.

By City of Alliance&nbsp;Alliance, NE – The article that has been circulating on Facebook concerning allegations against David Leavitt was brought to the City’s attention by David Leavitt himself when he&nbsp;proactively shared at the very beginning of the vetting process his side of the story of the events reported by wpln.org. The City found no news stories or legal actions against Mr. Leavitt corroborating the wpln.org article.In addition to the standard background check which includes social media, internet searches, and reference checks on Chief Leavitt, Government Professional Solutions&nbsp;researched the issue reported by wpln.org and spoke with relevant witnesses, ultimately finding no reason for Chief Leavitt to be disqualified for consideration of the police chief position.&nbsp;It is important to note that David Leavitt retired from the Metro Nashville Police Department in good standing.The extensive selection process was completed by four independent groups including executive search consultants Government Professional Solutions (GPS), a Police Review Board consisting of sheriffs and police chiefs in the Panhandle Region, the City’s Civil Service Commission, and the City Manager’s Office, receiving high marks from each group.

City of Alliance responds to community outcry over new APD Chief hiring 

The Alliance City Council will meet on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Alliance Council Chambers in the Alliance Public Library/Learning Center.&nbsp;

For the public's reference a copy of the Open Meetings Law has been posted on the northeast comer of this room in the audience area. This posting complies with the requirements of the Nebraska Legislature.

Approval of Minutes, Council Proceedings, Payroll and Claims

Resolution No. 24-12- Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Agreement

Resolution No. 24-13 - General Election Ballot Request

C. Public Hearing-Ordinance No. 2974 Municipal Code Amendment

Now is the date, time and place to conduct a public hearing on the amendment to the City of Alliance Municipal Code Chapter 107, Article VII titled Minor Subdivisions.

Ordinance No. 2974 Second Reading- Municipal Code Amendment Minor Subdivisions

Ordinance No. 2974 is before City Council on second reading, which will approve and accept the amendment to the City of Alliance Municipal Code Chapter 107, Article VII titled Minor Subdivisions.

D. Ordinance No. 2975 First Reading - Final Plat Hillcrest Addition

Ordinance No. 2975 is before City Council on first reading, which will approve the Final Plat for Lot 9A, Hillcrest Addition, A Replat of Lot 9, Block 3, Hillcrest Addition, to the City of Alliance, and Unplatted Lands in the Southeast Quarter of Section 25, Township 25 North, Range 48 West of the 6th P.M., Box Butte County Nebraska

E. Resolution No. 24-14-AIA Grant Application for Rehab of Taxiways and Apron

Resolution No. 24-14 will accept and approve the application to the Federal Aviation Administration for the seal coat project of Runway 12/30 and Runway 8/26 for the Alliance Municipal Airport.

F. Quarterly Financial Statement Presentation and Acceptance City Treasurer Baker will present the Quarterly Financial Statement to the Council for acceptance.

&nbsp; You can find the full agenda materials on our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cityofalliance.net/" target="_blank">www.cityofalliance.net</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By City of AllianceThe Alliance City Council will meet on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Alliance Council Chambers in the Alliance Public Library/Learning Center.&nbsp;• Call to Order• Roll Call• Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance• Open Meetings Act AnnouncementAGENDAFor the public's reference a copy of the Open Meetings Law has been posted on the northeast comer of this room in the audience area. This posting complies with the requirements of the Nebraska Legislature.A. Consent CalendarApproval of Minutes, Council Proceedings, Payroll and ClaimsResolution No. 24-12- Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid AgreementResolution No. 24-13 - General Election Ballot RequestB. Proclamation -Chelsie Herian DayC. Public Hearing-Ordinance No. 2974 Municipal Code AmendmentNow is the date, time and place to conduct a public hearing on the amendment to the City of Alliance Municipal Code Chapter 107, Article VII titled Minor Subdivisions.Ordinance No. 2974 Second Reading- Municipal Code Amendment Minor SubdivisionsOrdinance No. 2974 is before City Council on second reading, which will approve and accept the amendment to the City of Alliance Municipal Code Chapter 107, Article VII titled Minor Subdivisions.D. Ordinance No. 2975 First Reading - Final Plat Hillcrest AdditionOrdinance No. 2975 is before City Council on first reading, which will approve the Final Plat for Lot 9A, Hillcrest Addition, A Replat of Lot 9, Block 3, Hillcrest Addition, to the City of Alliance, and Unplatted Lands in the Southeast Quarter of Section 25, Township 25 North, Range 48 West of the 6th P.M., Box Butte County NebraskaE. Resolution No. 24-14-AIA Grant Application for Rehab of Taxiways and ApronResolution No. 24-14 will accept and approve the application to the Federal Aviation Administration for the seal coat project of Runway 12/30 and Runway 8/26 for the Alliance Municipal Airport.F. Quarterly Financial Statement Presentation and Acceptance City Treasurer Baker will present the Quarterly Financial Statement to the Council for acceptance.• Motion to Adjourn&nbsp; You can find the full agenda materials on our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cityofalliance.net/" target="_blank">www.cityofalliance.net</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alliance City Council Feb. 20 meeting agenda 

The Mission Team from First Presbyterian church of Alliance, Nebraska has scholarship funding available for Native American students who live off the reservation and in the Panhandle of Nebraska. High School graduates or those with a GED are eligible for these scholarships. These scholarships are awarded yearly and are renewable until a degree is earned.

NEWS RELEASEThe Mission Team from First Presbyterian church of Alliance, Nebraska has scholarship funding available for Native American students who live off the reservation and in the Panhandle of Nebraska. High School graduates or those with a GED are eligible for these scholarships. These scholarships are awarded yearly and are renewable until a degree is earned.

Alliance Presbyterian Church Native American scholarships available

In December, President Biden’s team shut down two border rail crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas.&nbsp;The&nbsp;administration also falsely implied the&nbsp;closures&nbsp;were necessary for&nbsp;enforcement.&nbsp;In reality,&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents were&nbsp;reassigned&nbsp;to “quickly process individuals”&nbsp;who had crossed&nbsp;the border&nbsp;illegally.&nbsp;Prioritizing&nbsp;the&nbsp;processing&nbsp;of&nbsp;illegal immigrants over facilitating critical trade routes&nbsp;is&nbsp;unacceptable. Shutting down train traffic cost&nbsp;<a>$250 million</a>&nbsp;in commerce per day. This week, I introduced legislation with Senator Ted Cruz&nbsp;(R-TX)&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;that from happening&nbsp;in the future.

CBP’s decisions directly and immediately impacted rail carriers’ ability to move goods. Mexico is Nebraska’s largest export partner. Eagle Pass and El Paso accounted for 35.8% of all cross-border rail traffic to and from Mexico. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nefb.org/12/19/2023/nebraska-farm-bureau-calls-for-ending-of-border-rail-crossing-closures/" target="_blank">Nebraska Farm Bureau</a>, this move blocked as many as 60 trains or 10,000 rail cars per day. Farmers and ranchers depend on these trains to get their products to market.&nbsp;Our economy&nbsp;should not have a&nbsp;$250 million per day&nbsp;penalty&nbsp;because Joe Biden&nbsp;refuses to secure our border. Nebraska producers deserved better.

While it’s good news that&nbsp;the&nbsp;CBP reopened rail operations, it should have never happened. We cannot allow American consumers, businesses, and producers to continue paying the price for President Biden’s refusal to secure our border.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Keeping International Land Ports of Entry Open Act&nbsp;I introduced last week would&nbsp;fix this. My bill would stop the Biden administration from diverting staff away from ports of entry, except in specific circumstances.

For example, CBP could&nbsp;divert staff to&nbsp;secure the border.&nbsp;The CBP&nbsp;could not divert staff for administrative work, like processing illegal immigrants. Any staff diversion should not negatively impact the processing of trade through ports of entry. These exceptions codify the common-sense idea that closing a port of entry should be a last resort.

The bill also includes a built-in accountability mechanism. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify Congress and the American people&nbsp;if the Secretary closes a port or relocates staff. The Secretary would also be required to disclose the exception used.&nbsp;This will force the Biden administration to justify its decisions in writing so&nbsp;Congress and the&nbsp;American&nbsp;people&nbsp;can evaluate those decisions.

Fighting for Nebraska agriculture is a top priority as your Senator. That means protecting our critical trade routes and supply chains. It also means providing critical oversight of any Biden administration decisions that may impact American commerce. We must secure our border. We must also keep freight moving. I’m committed to fighting for the policy solutions we need to accomplish all these goals.

My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact</a>.

By Sen. Pete RickettsIn December, President Biden’s team shut down two border rail crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas.&nbsp;The&nbsp;administration also falsely implied the&nbsp;closures&nbsp;were necessary for&nbsp;enforcement.&nbsp;In reality,&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents were&nbsp;reassigned&nbsp;to “quickly process individuals”&nbsp;who had crossed&nbsp;the border&nbsp;illegally.&nbsp;Prioritizing&nbsp;the&nbsp;processing&nbsp;of&nbsp;illegal immigrants over facilitating critical trade routes&nbsp;is&nbsp;unacceptable. Shutting down train traffic cost&nbsp;<a>$250 million</a>&nbsp;in commerce per day. This week, I introduced legislation with Senator Ted Cruz&nbsp;(R-TX)&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;that from happening&nbsp;in the future.CBP’s decisions directly and immediately impacted rail carriers’ ability to move goods. Mexico is Nebraska’s largest export partner. Eagle Pass and El Paso accounted for 35.8% of all cross-border rail traffic to and from Mexico. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nefb.org/12/19/2023/nebraska-farm-bureau-calls-for-ending-of-border-rail-crossing-closures/" target="_blank">Nebraska Farm Bureau</a>, this move blocked as many as 60 trains or 10,000 rail cars per day. Farmers and ranchers depend on these trains to get their products to market.&nbsp;Our economy&nbsp;should not have a&nbsp;$250 million per day&nbsp;penalty&nbsp;because Joe Biden&nbsp;refuses to secure our border. Nebraska producers deserved better.While it’s good news that&nbsp;the&nbsp;CBP reopened rail operations, it should have never happened. We cannot allow American consumers, businesses, and producers to continue paying the price for President Biden’s refusal to secure our border.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Keeping International Land Ports of Entry Open Act&nbsp;I introduced last week would&nbsp;fix this. My bill would stop the Biden administration from diverting staff away from ports of entry, except in specific circumstances.For example, CBP could&nbsp;divert staff to&nbsp;secure the border.&nbsp;The CBP&nbsp;could not divert staff for administrative work, like processing illegal immigrants. Any staff diversion should not negatively impact the processing of trade through ports of entry. These exceptions codify the common-sense idea that closing a port of entry should be a last resort.The bill also includes a built-in accountability mechanism. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify Congress and the American people&nbsp;if the Secretary closes a port or relocates staff. The Secretary would also be required to disclose the exception used.&nbsp;This will force the Biden administration to justify its decisions in writing so&nbsp;Congress and the&nbsp;American&nbsp;people&nbsp;can evaluate those decisions.Fighting for Nebraska agriculture is a top priority as your Senator. That means protecting our critical trade routes and supply chains. It also means providing critical oversight of any Biden administration decisions that may impact American commerce. We must secure our border. We must also keep freight moving. I’m committed to fighting for the policy solutions we need to accomplish all these goals.My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact" target="_blank">www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact</a>.

Senator Ricketts: Keeping International Land Ports of Entry Open

🚨 Public Notice: Clarification Regarding Rumor 🚨

We've become aware of a circulating rumor suggesting that a sexual assault or death investigation occurred at Bower-Shankland field last week or over the weekend. We want to address this rumor directly and provide clarity to our community.

After an initial inquiry into the rumor, we can confirm that there has been no such incident reported at Bower-Shankland Park or anywhere else within the immediate area. 

We understand that rumors like these can evoke fear and concern among residents. Rest assured, the safety and well-being of our community remain our utmost priority. We encourage everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely on official sources for accurate updates.

If anyone has been assaulted in the area or has any information relevant to this matter, we urge you to come forward so that the appropriate action can be taken, and the matter can be thoroughly investigated.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding public safety, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to address any inquiries and ensure the peace and security of our town.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

By Alliance Police Department🚨 Public Notice: Clarification Regarding Rumor 🚨Dear Residents,We've become aware of a circulating rumor suggesting that a sexual assault or death investigation occurred at Bower-Shankland field last week or over the weekend. We want to address this rumor directly and provide clarity to our community.After an initial inquiry into the rumor, we can confirm that there has been no such incident reported at Bower-Shankland Park or anywhere else within the immediate area. We understand that rumors like these can evoke fear and concern among residents. Rest assured, the safety and well-being of our community remain our utmost priority. We encourage everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely on official sources for accurate updates.If anyone has been assaulted in the area or has any information relevant to this matter, we urge you to come forward so that the appropriate action can be taken, and the matter can be thoroughly investigated.If you have any questions or concerns regarding public safety, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to address any inquiries and ensure the peace and security of our town.Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

APD: Clarification regarding rumor

A North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Grant of $14,850 was recently awarded to Vinicius Zuppa and Dr. Cody Creech at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Sidney, Neb. The award is for the project "Investigating Wheat Stem Sawfly's Impact on Winter Wheat Residue, Soil Health, Soil-Water Storage, and Corn Yield in a Dryland Cropping System."

"This project explores how Wheat Stem Sawfly affects Winter Wheat residue and its relation to soil-water storage, soil health, and subsequent crop yield in a dryland cropping system. Results will help maintain winter wheat production and assist farmers in improving soil health and crop productivity," said Zuppa, a UNL graduate student.

The Sustainable Agriculture Grant was awarded as part of NCR-SARE's 2023 Graduate Student Grant Program, a competitive grant program to fund graduate student projects that address sustainable agriculture issues. NCR-SARE administers each of its grant programs, each with specific priorities, audiences, and timelines. The focus for each of the NCR-SARE grant programs is on research and education.

Funding considerations are made based on how well the applicant articulates the nature of the research and education components of their sustainable agriculture grant proposals.

NCR-SARE's Administrative Council (AC) members decide which projects will receive SARE funds. A collection of farm and non-farm citizens, the AC includes a diverse mix of regional agricultural stakeholders. Council members hail from regional farms and ranches, the Cooperative Extension Service, universities, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707857864321.jpeg" alt="Vinicius Zuppa" />
 <figcaption>Vinicius Zuppa</figcaption>
 </figure>By Nebraska Extension A North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Grant of $14,850 was recently awarded to Vinicius Zuppa and Dr. Cody Creech at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Sidney, Neb. The award is for the project "Investigating Wheat Stem Sawfly's Impact on Winter Wheat Residue, Soil Health, Soil-Water Storage, and Corn Yield in a Dryland Cropping System.""This project explores how Wheat Stem Sawfly affects Winter Wheat residue and its relation to soil-water storage, soil health, and subsequent crop yield in a dryland cropping system. Results will help maintain winter wheat production and assist farmers in improving soil health and crop productivity," said Zuppa, a UNL graduate student.The Sustainable Agriculture Grant was awarded as part of NCR-SARE's 2023 Graduate Student Grant Program, a competitive grant program to fund graduate student projects that address sustainable agriculture issues. NCR-SARE administers each of its grant programs, each with specific priorities, audiences, and timelines. The focus for each of the NCR-SARE grant programs is on research and education.Funding considerations are made based on how well the applicant articulates the nature of the research and education components of their sustainable agriculture grant proposals.NCR-SARE's Administrative Council (AC) members decide which projects will receive SARE funds. A collection of farm and non-farm citizens, the AC includes a diverse mix of regional agricultural stakeholders. Council members hail from regional farms and ranches, the Cooperative Extension Service, universities, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.&nbsp;

Zuppa selected to receive Sustainable Agriculture Grant from NCR-SARE

Alliance, NE – David Leavitt, currently of Nashville, Tennessee has accepted the position of Police Chief for the City of Alliance, Nebraska.

Chief Leavitt retired from the Metro Nashville Police Department after more than twenty years of service, which included time as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, internal affairs, lieutenant, and captain. After promotion to lieutenant, Leavitt served as a watch commander and as an instructor with the Citizen Policy Academy. As captain, Leavitt commanded Nashville’s Custom Services Division, overseeing operations at all large special events and assuming Unified Command during major, unforeseen incidents. While serving as captain, he also supervised the Secondary Employment, School Resource Officer, FTO Coordinator, Special Investigations Surveillance Unit, and the LGBTQ Liaison divisions. Prior to becoming a police officer Chief Leavitt served as a paramedic. Leavitt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Public Administration degree, both from Columbia Southern University.

The City was aided in the extensive selection process by executive search consultants Government Professional Solutions (GPS), a Police Review Board consisting of sheriffs and police chiefs in the Panhandle Region, and the City’s Civil Service Commission. In addition to submitting resumes and cover letters, candidates were required to complete multiple written questionnaires, participate in a preliminary video interview conducted and scored by GPS, interview with the Police Review Board, interview with the Civil Service Commission and interview with the City Manager and city staff. We thank those who served on these boards or otherwise dedicated their time and talents to the success of this hiring process.

The police chief job posting drew nine applications from states across the nation including Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee, Colorado, Texas and Nebraska. Chief Leavitt will begin work within the next six weeks.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – David Leavitt, currently of Nashville, Tennessee has accepted the position of Police Chief for the City of Alliance, Nebraska. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708027753158.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chief Leavitt retired from the Metro Nashville Police Department after more than twenty years of service, which included time as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, internal affairs, lieutenant, and captain. After promotion to lieutenant, Leavitt served as a watch commander and as an instructor with the Citizen Policy Academy. As captain, Leavitt commanded Nashville’s Custom Services Division, overseeing operations at all large special events and assuming Unified Command during major, unforeseen incidents. While serving as captain, he also supervised the Secondary Employment, School Resource Officer, FTO Coordinator, Special Investigations Surveillance Unit, and the LGBTQ Liaison divisions. Prior to becoming a police officer Chief Leavitt served as a paramedic. Leavitt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Public Administration degree, both from Columbia Southern University.The City was aided in the extensive selection process by executive search consultants Government Professional Solutions (GPS), a Police Review Board consisting of sheriffs and police chiefs in the Panhandle Region, and the City’s Civil Service Commission. In addition to submitting resumes and cover letters, candidates were required to complete multiple written questionnaires, participate in a preliminary video interview conducted and scored by GPS, interview with the Police Review Board, interview with the Civil Service Commission and interview with the City Manager and city staff. We thank those who served on these boards or otherwise dedicated their time and talents to the success of this hiring process.The police chief job posting drew nine applications from states across the nation including Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee, Colorado, Texas and Nebraska. Chief Leavitt will begin work within the next six weeks.

David Leavitt announced as new Alliance Police Chief

*All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.

-Jacob Adamson, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree

-Ethen P. Gonzalez, Class 2A Felony, Motor vehicle homicide DUI, Manslaughter

-Del O Neidert, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI - 3rd offense

-Jerome C Robb, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Criminal trespass 2nd degree/device

-Tyzen Brown, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Identity fraud, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession under 19

-Troon N Angwenyi, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Drive without ignition interlock

-Lexus S Moore, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Nonresident violate susp/rev order

-Carly M Brewer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, No operator's license/waiverable, Class 4 Misdemeanor, License vehicle without liability insurance

-Billy J Grady, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Nonresident violate susp/rev order

-David M Woodruff Jr., Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susps/before reinstated by state

-Armando Moreno,&nbsp;Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susps/before reinstated by state

-Jessica F Blake, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI

-Andrew B Flye III, Class 4 Felony, Theft shoplifting $0-500/3rd/subs

-Lylian Star, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Theft shoplifting $0-500

-Toby Phillips, Class 3A Felony, DV assault 3rd/cause body injury/sub

-Franklin Jealous of Him, Class 1 Misdemeanor, DV assault 3rd/threat/bodily injury, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace

-Andrea Walks Out, Class 1 Misdemeanor, DV assault 3rd/threat/bodily injury, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace

-Brayden Seegers, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Identity fraud, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20

-Veronica Gonzales, Class 4 Felony, Theft-shoplifting $0-500/3rd/subs, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Unauth use propelled vehicle, Class 2A Felony, Theft-unlawful taking $5,000+

-Tony Kaplan,&nbsp;Disorderly Conduct&nbsp;

-Alexi Hernandez,&nbsp;DUI ,2nd, Stop sign Violation, No operators license

-Robert Brown,&nbsp;Assault by confined person

-Shyanne Garner,&nbsp;Resist Arrest, Refuse to comply w/ Police

-Dominic Flores,&nbsp;DUS, Impersonatio of LEO, Poss of marijuana, trespassing

-Jordan Mazzitelli,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Poss deadly weapon&nbsp;whille commit a (F), Poss Marijuana &lt;&nbsp;than 1oz. Poss drug para, Traffic X3

-Chad Tillman,&nbsp;DUI 3rd, Refusal, Poss cont sub, Poss&nbsp;drug para, Traffic, Open Container

-Shelby Lane,&nbsp;Pos. Cont Sub, Paraphernalia

-William Langley,&nbsp;Fugitve from Justice (Colorado)

-Harold Red Bear, Terroristic Threats, Domestic assault

-Eduardo Cano-Rodri,&nbsp;Domestic Assault

-Raymond Gonzales,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss marijuana &lt; 1oz,&nbsp;Poss drug para, DUS, Traffic

-Olsen Sutton,&nbsp;DUI 3rd, Refusal, DUS, Obstruction,&nbsp;Resisting arrest, Assault officer, Open&nbsp;container&nbsp;

-Mitzi Cosme-Dubray,&nbsp;Criminal Impersonation, Resisting&nbsp;arrest, poss drug para, Poss cont sub

-Jana Brown,&nbsp;Assault Domestic 2nd degree

-Samantha Hightower,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para

-Antonio Maldonado-C,&nbsp;DUI, Flight to avoid, Traffic X3

-Joseph Anaya,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para

-Elisas Poor Bear,&nbsp;DUI, Flight to avoid, Resisting arrest

-Richard Blackmon,&nbsp;Poss deadly weapon prohibited person,&nbsp;DUS, Driving while revoked, Poss drug&nbsp;para, Poss marijuana &lt;1 oz.

-Roberto Avila,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para,&nbsp;Poss firearm prohibted person

-Michael Lulf,&nbsp;DUI, Open Container, Flight to avoid

-Shawn Hughs,&nbsp;DUI (Serious Bodily Injury)

-David Husted,&nbsp;Poss Cont Sub., Paraphernalia

-Anthony Hernandez,&nbsp;Sex Offender Registration Violation

-David Ring,&nbsp;Poss Cont Sub., Paraphernalia

-Nancy Williams,&nbsp;Attempted 2nd degree assault,&nbsp;Attempted assault on officer, Use of a&nbsp;deadly weapon to commit a (F),&nbsp;3rd degree assault. Resisting arrest

-Gary Van Winkle,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para

-Tony McBride,&nbsp;Terroristic Threats, Disturbing the peace,&nbsp;Resisting Arrest, Assault on an officer

-Sayde Brunner,&nbsp;Contributing to a minor, Open container,&nbsp;Poss cont sub

-Aaron Wilder,&nbsp;DUI, Poss cont sub, MIP, open conainer

-Nicole Shadegg,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para

-Amy Cross,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para,&nbsp;Poss stolen property, Poss firearm by&nbsp;prohibited person X2

-Tyler Montgomery,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para

-Alden Hill,&nbsp;Terroristic Threats, Use of weapon to&nbsp;commit a (F), SOR violation, Poss&nbsp;weapon by prohibited person, Concealed&nbsp;weapon, Poss marijuana, Poss drug&nbsp;para

-Isaiah Bernard,&nbsp;Poss cont sub x2, Poss marijuana &gt;1oz,&nbsp;Poss drug para, Poss deadly weapon to&nbsp;commit a (F). PWITD X3, No drug tax stamp

-Jose Rosado,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X3, Poss deadly weapon&nbsp;to commit a (F), Poss marijuana &gt; 1oz,&nbsp;Poss dru para, Smuggling contraband&nbsp;in jail, PWITD X3, No drug tax stamp

-Brandon Gonzales,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X3, Poss deadly weapon&nbsp;to commit a (F), Poss marijuana &gt; 1oz,&nbsp;Poss drug para, Smuggling contraband&nbsp;in jail, PWITD X3, No drug tax stamp

-Gavin Mowery,&nbsp;DUI, MIP, Open container, carrying a&nbsp;concealed X2, Failure to declare weapon

-Andon Pittman,&nbsp;DUI, MIP, Open container, Traffic

-Michael Wiseman,&nbsp;Domestic Assault , Assault 3rd degree

-Ever Matutes,&nbsp;Poss stolen property, Poss cont sub,&nbsp;Ficticious plates

-Josefina Gonzales,&nbsp;Assault Domestic 1st degree, Use of a&nbsp;weapon to commit a (F), Obstructing

-Stacey McKnight,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;Marijuana of marijuana &lt; 1oz.

-Rawlyn Lohr,&nbsp;Assault Domestic 2nd, Criminal Mischief,&nbsp;Disturbing the peace

-Bradley Sibal,&nbsp;Terroristic Threats, Domestic Threat,&nbsp;Threats, Stragulation, Resisting Arrest

-Russel Burns,&nbsp;Assault Domestic, Child Abuse

-Veronica Gonzales,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para

-Sylvanus Lame Jr., Class 2A Felony, Burglary

-Kyla J Roullard, Class 1 Misdemeanor, DV assault 3rd/cause bodily injury, Obstruct a peace officer

-David R Byington, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault cause bodily injury

-Robert Hernandez, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Drive during revocation/impound, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Operate or park unregistered vehicle

-Delores Jumping Eagle, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before being reinstated by state

-Logan T Grande, Class 2A Felony, DUI alcohol 5th/subsequent offense, Class 4 Felony, Possess controlled substance

-Arnoldo Lopez, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 3 Misdemeanor, No operator's license/non-waiverable

-Dylon Richardson, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI 2nd offense, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Drive during revocation/impound

-Tanya Wilson, Class 1 Misdemeanor, DV assault 3rd/threat/bodily injury

-Christopher Bohenkamp, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault threaten/menacing manner

-Joseph O Dirks, Class 2A Felony, Assault 2nd degree

-Derek Grinnell, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Resist arrest, Obstruct a peace officer

-Jack H Leach, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Improper/defective vehicle lighting, Class 2 Misdemeanor, No proof of insurance

-Robert Hernandez, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Fail to appear or comply with citation&nbsp;

-Slade Hunn, Class 4 Felony, Possess controlled substance, Tamper with physical evidence

-Richard Miles, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Theft-shoplifting $0-500

-Mike Haver, Class 4 Felony, Issue bad check $1,500 - 5,000

*All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.Box Butte Co:&nbsp;-Jacob Adamson, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault 3rd degree-Ethen P. Gonzalez, Class 2A Felony, Motor vehicle homicide DUI, Manslaughter-Del O Neidert, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI - 3rd offense-Jerome C Robb, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Criminal trespass 2nd degree/device-Tyzen Brown, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Identity fraud, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession under 19-Troon N Angwenyi, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Drive without ignition interlock-Lexus S Moore, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Nonresident violate susp/rev order-Carly M Brewer, Class 3 Misdemeanor, No operator's license/waiverable, Class 4 Misdemeanor, License vehicle without liability insurance-Billy J Grady, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Nonresident violate susp/rev order-David M Woodruff Jr., Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susps/before reinstated by state-Armando Moreno,&nbsp;Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susps/before reinstated by state-Jessica F Blake, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI-Andrew B Flye III, Class 4 Felony, Theft shoplifting $0-500/3rd/subs-Lylian Star, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Theft shoplifting $0-500-Toby Phillips, Class 3A Felony, DV assault 3rd/cause body injury/sub-Franklin Jealous of Him, Class 1 Misdemeanor, DV assault 3rd/threat/bodily injury, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Andrea Walks Out, Class 1 Misdemeanor, DV assault 3rd/threat/bodily injury, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Disturbing the peace-Brayden Seegers, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Identity fraud, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Minor in possession ages 19/20-Veronica Gonzales, Class 4 Felony, Theft-shoplifting $0-500/3rd/subs, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Unauth use propelled vehicle, Class 2A Felony, Theft-unlawful taking $5,000+Scotts Bluff Co:&nbsp;-Tony Kaplan,&nbsp;Disorderly Conduct&nbsp;-Alexi Hernandez,&nbsp;DUI ,2nd, Stop sign Violation, No operators license-Robert Brown,&nbsp;Assault by confined person-Rueben Mendez,&nbsp;Distribute Meth X4-Shyanne Garner,&nbsp;Resist Arrest, Refuse to comply w/ Police-Rose Sanchez,&nbsp;Domestic Assault-Dominic Flores,&nbsp;DUS, Impersonatio of LEO, Poss of marijuana, trespassing-Wyatt Opalinski,&nbsp;Poss cont sub-Jordan Mazzitelli,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X2, Poss deadly weapon&nbsp;whille commit a (F), Poss Marijuana &lt;&nbsp;than 1oz. Poss drug para, Traffic X3-Adam Ramiez,&nbsp;Domestic Assault-Chad Tillman,&nbsp;DUI 3rd, Refusal, Poss cont sub, Poss&nbsp;drug para, Traffic, Open Container-Jeremy Franks,&nbsp;Trespassing.-Shelby Lane,&nbsp;Pos. Cont Sub, Paraphernalia-William Langley,&nbsp;Fugitve from Justice (Colorado)-Harold Red Bear, Terroristic Threats, Domestic assault-Eduardo Cano-Rodri,&nbsp;Domestic Assault-Raymond Gonzales,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss marijuana &lt; 1oz,&nbsp;Poss drug para, DUS, Traffic-Olsen Sutton,&nbsp;DUI 3rd, Refusal, DUS, Obstruction,&nbsp;Resisting arrest, Assault officer, Open&nbsp;container&nbsp;-Mitzi Cosme-Dubray,&nbsp;Criminal Impersonation, Resisting&nbsp;arrest, poss drug para, Poss cont sub-Jana Brown,&nbsp;Assault Domestic 2nd degree-Samantha Hightower,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para-Eddie Coffman,&nbsp;Poss cont sub.-Antonio Maldonado-C,&nbsp;DUI, Flight to avoid, Traffic X3-Joseph Anaya,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para-Elisas Poor Bear,&nbsp;DUI, Flight to avoid, Resisting arrest-Richard Blackmon,&nbsp;Poss deadly weapon prohibited person,&nbsp;DUS, Driving while revoked, Poss drug&nbsp;para, Poss marijuana &lt;1 oz.-Roberto Avila,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para,&nbsp;Poss firearm prohibted person-Michael Lulf,&nbsp;DUI, Open Container, Flight to avoid-Shawn Hughs,&nbsp;DUI (Serious Bodily Injury)-David Husted,&nbsp;Poss Cont Sub., Paraphernalia-Anthony Hernandez,&nbsp;Sex Offender Registration Violation-Nathaniel Hinze,&nbsp;Assault Domestic-David Ring,&nbsp;Poss Cont Sub., Paraphernalia-Nancy Williams,&nbsp;Attempted 2nd degree assault,&nbsp;Attempted assault on officer, Use of a&nbsp;deadly weapon to commit a (F),&nbsp;3rd degree assault. Resisting arrest-Gary Van Winkle,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para-Tony McBride,&nbsp;Terroristic Threats, Disturbing the peace,&nbsp;Resisting Arrest, Assault on an officer-Amanda Biberos,&nbsp;DUI-Sayde Brunner,&nbsp;Contributing to a minor, Open container,&nbsp;Poss cont sub-Aaron Wilder,&nbsp;DUI, Poss cont sub, MIP, open conainer-Nicole Shadegg,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para-Amy Cross,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para,&nbsp;Poss stolen property, Poss firearm by&nbsp;prohibited person X2-Ashton Foster,&nbsp;Poss cont sub x2-Daniel Rios,&nbsp;Poss cont sub-Tyler Montgomery,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para-Alden Hill,&nbsp;Terroristic Threats, Use of weapon to&nbsp;commit a (F), SOR violation, Poss&nbsp;weapon by prohibited person, Concealed&nbsp;weapon, Poss marijuana, Poss drug&nbsp;para-Isaiah Bernard,&nbsp;Poss cont sub x2, Poss marijuana &gt;1oz,&nbsp;Poss drug para, Poss deadly weapon to&nbsp;commit a (F). PWITD X3, No drug tax stamp-Jose Rosado,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X3, Poss deadly weapon&nbsp;to commit a (F), Poss marijuana &gt; 1oz,&nbsp;Poss dru para, Smuggling contraband&nbsp;in jail, PWITD X3, No drug tax stamp-Brandon Gonzales,&nbsp;Poss cont sub X3, Poss deadly weapon&nbsp;to commit a (F), Poss marijuana &gt; 1oz,&nbsp;Poss drug para, Smuggling contraband&nbsp;in jail, PWITD X3, No drug tax stamp-Mark Stewart,&nbsp;DUI 3rd, Speeding-Gavin Mowery,&nbsp;DUI, MIP, Open container, carrying a&nbsp;concealed X2, Failure to declare weapon-Andon Pittman,&nbsp;DUI, MIP, Open container, Traffic-Tyrone Harris,&nbsp;DUI, Traffic x2-Michael Wiseman,&nbsp;Domestic Assault , Assault 3rd degree-Ever Matutes,&nbsp;Poss stolen property, Poss cont sub,&nbsp;Ficticious plates-Josefina Gonzales,&nbsp;Assault Domestic 1st degree, Use of a&nbsp;weapon to commit a (F), Obstructing-Stacey McKnight,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug para, Poss&nbsp;Marijuana of marijuana &lt; 1oz.-Rawlyn Lohr,&nbsp;Assault Domestic 2nd, Criminal Mischief,&nbsp;Disturbing the peace-Bradley Sibal,&nbsp;Terroristic Threats, Domestic Threat,&nbsp;Threats, Stragulation, Resisting Arrest-Russel Burns,&nbsp;Assault Domestic, Child Abuse-Veronica Gonzales,&nbsp;Poss cont sub, Poss drug paraDawes Co:-Sylvanus Lame Jr., Class 2A Felony, Burglary-Kyla J Roullard, Class 1 Misdemeanor, DV assault 3rd/cause bodily injury, Obstruct a peace officer-David R Byington, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault cause bodily injury-Robert Hernandez, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Drive during revocation/impound, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Operate or park unregistered vehicle-Delores Jumping Eagle, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Drive under susp/before being reinstated by state-Logan T Grande, Class 2A Felony, DUI alcohol 5th/subsequent offense, Class 4 Felony, Possess controlled substance-Arnoldo Lopez, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 3 Misdemeanor, No operator's license/non-waiverable-Dylon Richardson, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI 2nd offense, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Drive during revocation/impound-Tanya Wilson, Class 1 Misdemeanor, DV assault 3rd/threat/bodily injury-Christopher Bohenkamp, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault threaten/menacing manner-Joseph O Dirks, Class 2A Felony, Assault 2nd degree-Derek Grinnell, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Resist arrest, Obstruct a peace officer-Jack H Leach, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Improper/defective vehicle lighting, Class 2 Misdemeanor, No proof of insurance-Robert Hernandez, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Fail to appear or comply with citation&nbsp;-Slade Hunn, Class 4 Felony, Possess controlled substance, Tamper with physical evidence-Richard Miles, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Theft-shoplifting $0-500-Mike Haver, Class 4 Felony, Issue bad check $1,500 - 5,000-Kimberly Martin, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Criminal trespass 2nd degree-Jesse Morrison, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Assault-cause bodily injury, False reporting&nbsp;-Stuart Campbell, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Operate or park unregistered vehicle, Class 2 Misdemeanor, No proof of insurance-Trevyn Waldron, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Assault-bodily injury/mutual consent-John Sommers, Class 2 Misdemeanor, Assault-bodily injury/mutual consent

Panhandle police activity, Jan. 1- Feb. 8

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

&nbsp; We have issued a Winter Weather Advisory beginning later this afternoon for the northern sections of the Nebraska Panhandle. Northern Sioux, Box Butte, and Dawes County are expected to see a small window for accumulating light snowfall. Highest accumulations will be confined to the Pine Ridge, and adjacent surrounding areas. Localized higher amounts greater than 4 inches possible where persistent snow showers occur. Dense fog is expected to persist through later this morning, before eroding away. Expect the gradual dissipation of the patchy, dense fog from west to east. Accumulating snowfall and gusty winds are still expected for the higher terrain west of Laramie. Go to <a href="https://weather.gov/cys?fbclid=IwAR1WLXsqbmDq2B16OYWD_QbVGfC-CjCsl_Xc8QbbZiTkuQkf-mVqCN9ZCLk" target="_blank">weather.gov/cys</a> for your weather local forecast!&nbsp;&nbsp;

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY&nbsp; We have issued a Winter Weather Advisory beginning later this afternoon for the northern sections of the Nebraska Panhandle. Northern Sioux, Box Butte, and Dawes County are expected to see a small window for accumulating light snowfall. Highest accumulations will be confined to the Pine Ridge, and adjacent surrounding areas. Localized higher amounts greater than 4 inches possible where persistent snow showers occur. Dense fog is expected to persist through later this morning, before eroding away. Expect the gradual dissipation of the patchy, dense fog from west to east. Accumulating snowfall and gusty winds are still expected for the higher terrain west of Laramie. Go to <a href="https://weather.gov/cys?fbclid=IwAR1WLXsqbmDq2B16OYWD_QbVGfC-CjCsl_Xc8QbbZiTkuQkf-mVqCN9ZCLk" target="_blank">weather.gov/cys</a> for your weather local forecast!&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708019836944.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Winter Weather Advisory issued for areas of Panhandle 

By Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Over 40 online visitors helped Agate Fossil Beds National Monument celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day last Sunday, Feb 11.&nbsp; Four paleontologists, Daniella Balassa, Kristin Watmore, Mattison Shreero, and Sunshyne Santos, presented their ongoing research about the animal fossils of Agate and surrounding Sioux County.&nbsp; A live chat on YouTube followed, with the four scientists answering questions and sharing their stories of being female scientists.&nbsp;

Ms. Balassa is a graduate student at California State University, Long Beach. She also instructs classes at the school and works as a Paleontological Research Scientist where she inspects constructions sites for fossils. Her current research is about the ancient camel Oxydactylus. In the early 1900s, new species were being named at a fast rate. Ms. Balassa’s job is to find out if all six of the Oxydactylus species are actually different types of animals.

Ms. Watmore also studies ancient camels, although her focus is on the Stenomylene camels. Agate Fossil Beds has several of these camels on display in their visitor center. She is a graduate student at Cal Poly University, Pomona. She presented at Agate’s similar event last year where she explained these camels developed high crown teeth while grazing among our rough vegetation. Further research showed these camels developed high crowned teeth (hypsodonty) before horses did! This year, she continued her work on the specific camel species, Stenomylus. If the data continues to flow the way it’s going, Ms. Watmore states, “Then, Stenomylus hitchocki is no longer a valid species, and that name will have to be synonymized with Stenomylus gracilis.” &nbsp;For Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, this means changing a lot of interpretive signs. Donald Prothero, an attendee at Sunday’s program wrote in the chat, “Science is always moving forward with new and better data!”

Ms. Shreero, a park ranger/geologist at Badlands National Park, explained why her recent research expanded a species names, rather that get rid of one. She and colleagues researched a brand new species of an ancient deer, Leptomerycidae, that was found in Badlands National Park in 2016. This tiny deer’s skull only weighs between 6-8 pounds! Mattison Shreero will be live at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in July to tell us more about this little guy!

Ms. Santos is also a graduate student at Cal Poly University, Pomona. She gave an inspirational talk about growing up in a gang-affiliated home, being the first in her family to go to college, and losing vision in one eye when she was fifteen. She studies the ancient rhinoceros that were found abundantly at Agate Fossil Beds, the Menoceras. She’s comparing the growth rates of the ancient and modern rhinos.&nbsp;

Visitors said after the event was very interesting and they learned a lot. “It’s amazing that rhinos didn’t have horns and camels didn’t have humps.” Donald Prothero said in the chat. Jellystone Ranger said in the chat that it was, “very eye-opening content.”

International Women and Girls in Science Day was established in 2015 to support full participation and equal access for females in all Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.Missed the live event? You can still watch the recording on Agate’s YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@agatefossilbedsnps" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@agatefossilbedsnps</a>) or on their website (<a href="https://go.nps.gov/digupagate2024" target="_blank">https://go.nps.gov/digupagate2024</a>). The video is closed-captioned, audio-described, and interpreted into ASL. The chat is available to view on the YouTube channel.

Admission to Agate Fossil Beds is always free. Check out other events and activities on the park’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/agfo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/agfo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm</a>.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is located 34 miles north of Mitchell, NE or 22 miles south of Harrison, NE on Highway 29 and 3 miles east on River Rd. The Visitor Center winter hours are 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and the trails are open from dawn until dusk. Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/agfo" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/agfo</a>&nbsp;and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

By Agate Fossil Beds National Monument<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707946941150.jpeg" alt="Sunshyne Santos (pictured top right) presented her research online about Menoceras for International Women and Girls in Science Day. (Screenshot from YouTube/@AgateFossilBedsNPS)" />
 <figcaption>Sunshyne Santos (pictured top right) presented her research online about Menoceras for International Women and Girls in Science Day. (Screenshot from YouTube/@AgateFossilBedsNPS)</figcaption>
 </figure>Over 40 online visitors helped Agate Fossil Beds National Monument celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day last Sunday, Feb 11.&nbsp; Four paleontologists, Daniella Balassa, Kristin Watmore, Mattison Shreero, and Sunshyne Santos, presented their ongoing research about the animal fossils of Agate and surrounding Sioux County.&nbsp; A live chat on YouTube followed, with the four scientists answering questions and sharing their stories of being female scientists.&nbsp;Ms. Balassa is a graduate student at California State University, Long Beach. She also instructs classes at the school and works as a Paleontological Research Scientist where she inspects constructions sites for fossils. Her current research is about the ancient camel Oxydactylus. In the early 1900s, new species were being named at a fast rate. Ms. Balassa’s job is to find out if all six of the Oxydactylus species are actually different types of animals.Ms. Watmore also studies ancient camels, although her focus is on the Stenomylene camels. Agate Fossil Beds has several of these camels on display in their visitor center. She is a graduate student at Cal Poly University, Pomona. She presented at Agate’s similar event last year where she explained these camels developed high crown teeth while grazing among our rough vegetation. Further research showed these camels developed high crowned teeth (hypsodonty) before horses did! This year, she continued her work on the specific camel species, Stenomylus. If the data continues to flow the way it’s going, Ms. Watmore states, “Then, Stenomylus hitchocki is no longer a valid species, and that name will have to be synonymized with Stenomylus gracilis.” &nbsp;For Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, this means changing a lot of interpretive signs. Donald Prothero, an attendee at Sunday’s program wrote in the chat, “Science is always moving forward with new and better data!”Ms. Shreero, a park ranger/geologist at Badlands National Park, explained why her recent research expanded a species names, rather that get rid of one. She and colleagues researched a brand new species of an ancient deer, Leptomerycidae, that was found in Badlands National Park in 2016. This tiny deer’s skull only weighs between 6-8 pounds! Mattison Shreero will be live at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in July to tell us more about this little guy!Ms. Santos is also a graduate student at Cal Poly University, Pomona. She gave an inspirational talk about growing up in a gang-affiliated home, being the first in her family to go to college, and losing vision in one eye when she was fifteen. She studies the ancient rhinoceros that were found abundantly at Agate Fossil Beds, the Menoceras. She’s comparing the growth rates of the ancient and modern rhinos.&nbsp;Visitors said after the event was very interesting and they learned a lot. “It’s amazing that rhinos didn’t have horns and camels didn’t have humps.” Donald Prothero said in the chat. Jellystone Ranger said in the chat that it was, “very eye-opening content.”International Women and Girls in Science Day was established in 2015 to support full participation and equal access for females in all Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.Missed the live event? You can still watch the recording on Agate’s YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@agatefossilbedsnps" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@agatefossilbedsnps</a>) or on their website (<a href="https://go.nps.gov/digupagate2024" target="_blank">https://go.nps.gov/digupagate2024</a>). The video is closed-captioned, audio-described, and interpreted into ASL. The chat is available to view on the YouTube channel.Admission to Agate Fossil Beds is always free. Check out other events and activities on the park’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/agfo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/agfo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm</a>.Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is located 34 miles north of Mitchell, NE or 22 miles south of Harrison, NE on Highway 29 and 3 miles east on River Rd. The Visitor Center winter hours are 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and the trails are open from dawn until dusk. Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/agfo" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/agfo</a>&nbsp;and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Agate Fossil Beds N.M. celebrates women, girls with successful event

The Alliance Arts Council will bring the fantastic 50’s back to the stage on Saturday, February 24 th with a performance by The Holy Rocka Rollaz!

If it’s the classic early rock’n’roll and rockabilly of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash (and many more) that you enjoy, played just the way those legends played it … you have found your dream band! Minnesota’s own Holy Rocka Rollaz bring back the sound, the look, the memories and nostalgia of one of America’s most treasured eras. There’s nothing but PURE EARLY AMERICAN ROCK’N’ROLL about them.

Front man Mark Flora with fellow musicians, drummer Matt Alexander &amp;amp; stand up bassist/vocalist Lisa Linn, have played stages from State Fairs, festivals, barn dances, car shows and prisons. The bands first show together was in the Sough Dakota State Penitentiary several years ago, serving in a ministry capacity, where Flora has been sharing good news to inmates since 2003. “We were having so much fun playing in the State Pen that we decided to take our music to car shows and other events. We really do enjoy playing 50’s rock’n’roll just the way it was played back in the day.” Nothing pleases these entertainment veterans more than seeing different generations enjoy this classic music together. The Holy Rocka Rollaz play with such energy and joy that people of all ages can’t help but enjoy them.

The performance will be on Saturday, February 24 th , 7:00 p.m. at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for Adults, $9 for Seniors and $5 for Students. Tickets are available at Carnegie Arts Center and the Chamber and will also be sold at the door.

Co-presenters for the concert are FNBO, FNIC, Western Nebraska Real Estate, KCOW/Double Q Country Radio and Harris Sales.

By Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707945958732.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance Arts Council will bring the fantastic 50’s back to the stage on Saturday, February 24 th with a performance by The Holy Rocka Rollaz!If it’s the classic early rock’n’roll and rockabilly of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash (and many more) that you enjoy, played just the way those legends played it … you have found your dream band! Minnesota’s own Holy Rocka Rollaz bring back the sound, the look, the memories and nostalgia of one of America’s most treasured eras. There’s nothing but PURE EARLY AMERICAN ROCK’N’ROLL about them.Front man Mark Flora with fellow musicians, drummer Matt Alexander &amp;amp; stand up bassist/vocalist Lisa Linn, have played stages from State Fairs, festivals, barn dances, car shows and prisons. The bands first show together was in the Sough Dakota State Penitentiary several years ago, serving in a ministry capacity, where Flora has been sharing good news to inmates since 2003. “We were having so much fun playing in the State Pen that we decided to take our music to car shows and other events. We really do enjoy playing 50’s rock’n’roll just the way it was played back in the day.” Nothing pleases these entertainment veterans more than seeing different generations enjoy this classic music together. The Holy Rocka Rollaz play with such energy and joy that people of all ages can’t help but enjoy them.The performance will be on Saturday, February 24 th , 7:00 p.m. at the Alliance High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for Adults, $9 for Seniors and $5 for Students. Tickets are available at Carnegie Arts Center and the Chamber and will also be sold at the door.Co-presenters for the concert are FNBO, FNIC, Western Nebraska Real Estate, KCOW/Double Q Country Radio and Harris Sales.

1950's tribute band Holy Rocka Rollaz to perform in Alliance 

By Alliance Police Department&nbsp;

P202400059 14:01 TRESPASS : TRESPASS dispatched to Haven Trailer Court for a male seen exiting from trailer A-6 that has been trespassed from there. Officer contacted Tim Stefka and issued him a citation. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400060 15:12 HARASS : Harassment Received a phone call regarding individuals 14 year old daughter being stalked on social media by an adult male. Forward to Other Agency

P202400061 06:55 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYHit and run accident reported in the 600 block of Laramie Avenue. Investigation continues Open - Under Investigation

P202400062 13:42 AOA : ASSIST OTHER contact with Moses Dawn Ash who had an active arrest warrant out of Scottsbluff County Closed - Resolved

P202400063 14:01 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY Inactive - Case Suspended

P202400064 18:22 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY Closed - Resolved

P202400065 03:23 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Inactive - Case Suspended

P202400066 10:43 LEAK : GAS LEAK Closed - Resolved

P202400069 14:26 THEFT : THEFT Theft of medication / Taken from unlocked vehicle / Extra patrol requested Closed - Resolved

P202400071 14:24 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Closed - Charges Recommended

By Alliance Police Department&nbsp;02/04/24P202400059 14:01 TRESPASS : TRESPASS dispatched to Haven Trailer Court for a male seen exiting from trailer A-6 that has been trespassed from there. Officer contacted Tim Stefka and issued him a citation. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400060 15:12 HARASS : Harassment Received a phone call regarding individuals 14 year old daughter being stalked on social media by an adult male. Forward to Other Agency02/04/24 Total: 202/05/24P202400061 06:55 10-44 : MVA NON INJURYHit and run accident reported in the 600 block of Laramie Avenue. Investigation continues Open - Under InvestigationP202400062 13:42 AOA : ASSIST OTHER contact with Moses Dawn Ash who had an active arrest warrant out of Scottsbluff County Closed - Resolved02/05/24 Total: 202/06/24P202400063 14:01 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY Inactive - Case SuspendedP202400064 18:22 10-44 : MVA NON INJURY Closed - Resolved02/06/24 Total: 202/07/24P202400065 03:23 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Inactive - Case Suspended02/07/24 Total: 102/08/24P202400066 10:43 LEAK : GAS LEAK Closed - ResolvedP202400069 14:26 THEFT : THEFT Theft of medication / Taken from unlocked vehicle / Extra patrol requested Closed - Resolved02/08/24 Total: 202/09/24P202400071 14:24 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400072 15:08 JUV : JUVENILE Missing Juvenile / Juvenile located and returned to family Closed - Resolved02/09/24 Total: 202/10/24P202400073 20:26 ASSAULT : ASSAULT officers responded to the 200 block of E 3rd Street in reference to a disturbance/ Investigation was conducted/ one male was arrested and transported to Box Butte County jail. Closed - Charges Recommended02/10/24 Total: 1Total Records: 12