&nbsp; At about 5:37 p.m. on October 23,  while working traffic North of Hyannis on Hwy 61 near mile marker 162, Grant County Deputy Brown stopped a Kansas registered vehicle traveling south bound doing 75 mph in a 60 mph zone. 

 A subsequent cursory investigation revealed a 38- year old Wichita, Kansas man found to be in possession of suspected large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, cash and paraphernalia. 

  With the assistance of Nebraska State Patrol and Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, the subject was arrested for multiple drug charges and transported to the Box Butte County Jail without incident. 

 Investigation continues by the Grant County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

By Grant County Shieff Mike Rath<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729785025424.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729785041197.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>&nbsp; At about 5:37 p.m. on October 23, while working traffic North of Hyannis on Hwy 61 near mile marker 162, Grant County Deputy Brown stopped a Kansas registered vehicle traveling south bound doing 75 mph in a 60 mph zone. A subsequent cursory investigation revealed a 38- year old Wichita, Kansas man found to be in possession of suspected large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, cash and paraphernalia. With the assistance of Nebraska State Patrol and Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, the subject was arrested for multiple drug charges and transported to the Box Butte County Jail without incident. Investigation continues by the Grant County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729785056243.jpeg" alt="" />
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Kansas man arrested for cocaine, meth, multiple charges near Hyannis 

Alliance High students participating in the One-Act Play competition discuss the play, the challenges of memorizing lines and meeting the rules and requirements of one-act competition.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alliance High One-Act Team" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=b52ks-1719deb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Alliance High students participating in the One-Act Play competition discuss the play, the challenges of memorizing lines and meeting the rules and requirements of one-act competition.

POST PODCAST: Alliance High One-Act Competition

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR

CHADRON — Chadron State College seniors Emily Beye and Sandra Arlt in the Social Work program will host the program’s annual conference on Nov. 6 in the CSC Student Center Ballroom. This year, the theme will be Winning the Battle with Mental Health. No registration is required, and the conference is free. The first 75 attendees will receive a free lunch.

Following the opening ceremony at 8 a.m., Dr. Tara Wilson, professor of Counselor Education, will speak. She is a licensed mental health practitioner with nearly 15 years of professional experience working in various rural settings including integrated behavioral health, school-based mental health, and group private practice. She has conducted research and presented extensively on rural mental health. Additionally, Wilson is a co-director of Behavior Health Education Center of Nebraska-Panhandle.

Keynote speaker Ross Szabo will speak at 9:15 a.m.&nbsp;Arlt said Szabo has an honest, relatable, and humorous approach. Szabo was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 16 and hospitalized for attempting to take his life during his senior year of high school. He said his story resonates with millions of college students putting on happy faces to hide their genuine emotions. He will cover warning signs students can look for in their friends and peers, as well as resources that can provide guidance. Szabo is the CEO of the Human Power Project, an award-winning mental health speaker, writer, trainer, and former Peace Corps volunteer. He is the co-author of Behind Happy Faces; Taking Charge of Your Mental Health, and a blogger for The Huffington Post.

A panel discussion with local professionals will follow Szabo’s speech from 10:25 to 11 a.m.

Lunch will be at 11 and Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht will conduct a chair yoga session from 11:55 to 12:15 p.m.

From 12:15 to 1:05 p.m., Dr. Carrie Howton and LaTashia Ramirez will co-present.&nbsp;Howton has more than 15 years of experience providing mental health services in the Scottsbluff area as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and an Independent Mental Health Practitioner. Howton’s background includes five years as a Clinical Therapist in the Behavioral Health Unit at Regional West Medical Center and as a dually licensed clinician at Panhandle Mental Health Center. Howton is the Human Services Program Director at Western Nebraska Community College. Ramirez has an associate degree in Human Services and a certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from WNCC. Drawing from her personal experience with addiction and her dedication to recovery, Ramirez has been an advocate for individuals on the path to sobriety and rehabilitation, according to Arlt. She is a Community Support Worker at Cirrus House in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where she provides support to individuals seeking to improve their mental health and well-being.

Dr. Sandy Cook-Fong will address attendees from 1:15 to 2:05 p.m. She received a master’s in Social Work and a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln She is a faculty member in the Grace Abbott School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Before teaching at UNO she was a faculty member in the University of Nebraska-Kearney Social Work department.

Jenilee Woltman will address the conference from 2:15 to 3 p.m. She&nbsp;has a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She said her life journey has been shaped by her undercover superpowers, which have guided her through the complexities of family, ranch life, and her private practice, Sand Canyon Therapy, where she serves patients of all ages and focuses on helping neurodivergent pediatric clients. She said she is dedicated to uncovering each patient’s hidden superpowers, working tirelessly to support their growth and success.

The conference will close at 3 p.m. with comments from the event’s organizers.

11 a.m., Lunch (free for the first 75 attendees)

11:55 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Chair yoga with Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht

12:15 - 1:05 p.m., Dr. Carrie Howton and LaTashia Ramirez

1:15 - 2:05 p.m., Dr. Sandy Cook-Fong

By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATORCHADRON — Chadron State College seniors Emily Beye and Sandra Arlt in the Social Work program will host the program’s annual conference on Nov. 6 in the CSC Student Center Ballroom. This year, the theme will be Winning the Battle with Mental Health. No registration is required, and the conference is free. The first 75 attendees will receive a free lunch.Following the opening ceremony at 8 a.m., Dr. Tara Wilson, professor of Counselor Education, will speak. She is a licensed mental health practitioner with nearly 15 years of professional experience working in various rural settings including integrated behavioral health, school-based mental health, and group private practice. She has conducted research and presented extensively on rural mental health. Additionally, Wilson is a co-director of Behavior Health Education Center of Nebraska-Panhandle.Keynote speaker Ross Szabo will speak at 9:15 a.m.&nbsp;Arlt said Szabo has an honest, relatable, and humorous approach. Szabo was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 16 and hospitalized for attempting to take his life during his senior year of high school. He said his story resonates with millions of college students putting on happy faces to hide their genuine emotions. He will cover warning signs students can look for in their friends and peers, as well as resources that can provide guidance. Szabo is the CEO of the Human Power Project, an award-winning mental health speaker, writer, trainer, and former Peace Corps volunteer. He is the co-author of Behind Happy Faces; Taking Charge of Your Mental Health, and a blogger for The Huffington Post.A panel discussion with local professionals will follow Szabo’s speech from 10:25 to 11 a.m.Lunch will be at 11 and Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht will conduct a chair yoga session from 11:55 to 12:15 p.m.From 12:15 to 1:05 p.m., Dr. Carrie Howton and LaTashia Ramirez will co-present.&nbsp;Howton has more than 15 years of experience providing mental health services in the Scottsbluff area as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and an Independent Mental Health Practitioner. Howton’s background includes five years as a Clinical Therapist in the Behavioral Health Unit at Regional West Medical Center and as a dually licensed clinician at Panhandle Mental Health Center. Howton is the Human Services Program Director at Western Nebraska Community College. Ramirez has an associate degree in Human Services and a certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from WNCC. Drawing from her personal experience with addiction and her dedication to recovery, Ramirez has been an advocate for individuals on the path to sobriety and rehabilitation, according to Arlt. She is a Community Support Worker at Cirrus House in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where she provides support to individuals seeking to improve their mental health and well-being.Dr. Sandy Cook-Fong will address attendees from 1:15 to 2:05 p.m. She received a master’s in Social Work and a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln She is a faculty member in the Grace Abbott School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Before teaching at UNO she was a faculty member in the University of Nebraska-Kearney Social Work department.Jenilee Woltman will address the conference from 2:15 to 3 p.m. She&nbsp;has a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She said her life journey has been shaped by her undercover superpowers, which have guided her through the complexities of family, ranch life, and her private practice, Sand Canyon Therapy, where she serves patients of all ages and focuses on helping neurodivergent pediatric clients. She said she is dedicated to uncovering each patient’s hidden superpowers, working tirelessly to support their growth and success.The conference will close at 3 p.m. with comments from the event’s organizers.Agenda8 a.m., Dr. Tara Wilson,9:15 a.m., Keynote speaker Ross Szabo10:25 a.m., Panel discussion11 a.m., Lunch (free for the first 75 attendees)11:55 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Chair yoga with Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht12:15 - 1:05 p.m., Dr. Carrie Howton and LaTashia Ramirez1:15 - 2:05 p.m., Dr. Sandy Cook-Fong2:15 - 3 p.m., Jenilee Woltman

Chadron Social Work program plans conference about mental health

Alliance, Neb. - As the fall season for high school sports is nearing the end including cross country, two Alliance boys' cross country runners are preparing for the upcoming state championship meet this Friday at the Kearney Country Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Zurn is a junior and will be entering and is heading to the state for the second time after making state with the team last year. Last year was Zurn first year running cross country. He is also involved with track which he has been doing since middle school.&nbsp;

Saka, a sophomore, will also be heading back to Kearney for a second time. He enjoys playing soccer but started doing track and cross country as he got older.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, Zurn and Saka ran in Overton at the B-3 District race. Zurn placed third (16:25.00) and Saka placed twelfth (17:37:04). Both runners qualified as individual racers. The Class B Boys race will begin at 11:00am (MT)/12:00pm (CT) at the Kearney County Club. For more information about state for tickets, parking, live results, etc, <a href="https://nsaahome.org/nsaa-cross-country-championships-hq/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGGba1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZiQXDHpVX6ijjLYzRX5yKIuQQjRA3-cyX5zH6c2DG2oiFYS4swThTej5g_aem_O5fthd6ZZSw1uUJw16kl6A" target="_blank">click here.</a>&nbsp;

The "Voice" of the Bulldogs Canon Rath sat down with Alliance boys cross country Head Coach Kelly Erickson and chatted with state qualifiers Trevor Zurn and Asher Saka. To check out the conversation, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722358301668.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle Post&nbsp;Alliance, Neb. - As the fall season for high school sports is nearing the end including cross country, two Alliance boys' cross country runners are preparing for the upcoming state championship meet this Friday at the Kearney Country Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;Zurn is a junior and will be entering and is heading to the state for the second time after making state with the team last year. Last year was Zurn first year running cross country. He is also involved with track which he has been doing since middle school.&nbsp;Saka, a sophomore, will also be heading back to Kearney for a second time. He enjoys playing soccer but started doing track and cross country as he got older.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week, Zurn and Saka ran in Overton at the B-3 District race. Zurn placed third (16:25.00) and Saka placed twelfth (17:37:04). Both runners qualified as individual racers. The Class B Boys race will begin at 11:00am (MT)/12:00pm (CT) at the Kearney County Club. For more information about state for tickets, parking, live results, etc, <a href="https://nsaahome.org/nsaa-cross-country-championships-hq/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGGba1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZiQXDHpVX6ijjLYzRX5yKIuQQjRA3-cyX5zH6c2DG2oiFYS4swThTej5g_aem_O5fthd6ZZSw1uUJw16kl6A" target="_blank">click here.</a>&nbsp;The "Voice" of the Bulldogs Canon Rath sat down with Alliance boys cross country Head Coach Kelly Erickson and chatted with state qualifiers Trevor Zurn and Asher Saka. To check out the conversation, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: (Audio) Alliance High Trevor Zurn and Asher Saka preparing for the 2024 NSAA Class B State Cross Country Championships" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=a9pnq-1719ccf-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Alliance High Trevor Zurn and Asher Saka preparing for the 2024 NSAA Class B State Cross Country Championships

By McAYE FEGLER, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS

CHADRON – The Campus Activities Board (CAB) approved a new club, Students Against Sexual Harassment (SASH), at Chadron State College on Oct. 10. Rylee McManis of Sidney, Nebraska, SASH president, has partnered with Title IX coordinator Morgan Cullan to offer a community for students who want to spread awareness on sexual harassment.

The SASH club has 18 members,&nbsp;including McManis, Vice President and CAB Representative Brianna Hansel of Douglas, Wyo., Secretary Lily Rafteseth of Wahoo, Neb., Treasurer Alexis McGowan of Hemingford, Neb., and Social Media Coordinator Charity Eberhardt of Norfolk, Neb.

SASH requires each club member to participate in a mental health training course. The club offers additional training for interested members to become a “safe person” who other students can talk to if they feel more comfortable communicating with a peer.

The new club will host events to educate and bring awareness to campus on various topics such as domestic violence, stalking, consent, healthy vs unhealthy relationships throughout the academic year. SASH will also coordinate events during April which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Students interested in joining the group should contact Cullan at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mcullan@csc.edu" target="_blank">mcullan@csc.edu</a>.

By McAYE FEGLER, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – The Campus Activities Board (CAB) approved a new club, Students Against Sexual Harassment (SASH), at Chadron State College on Oct. 10. Rylee McManis of Sidney, Nebraska, SASH president, has partnered with Title IX coordinator Morgan Cullan to offer a community for students who want to spread awareness on sexual harassment.The SASH club has 18 members,&nbsp;including McManis, Vice President and CAB Representative Brianna Hansel of Douglas, Wyo., Secretary Lily Rafteseth of Wahoo, Neb., Treasurer Alexis McGowan of Hemingford, Neb., and Social Media Coordinator Charity Eberhardt of Norfolk, Neb.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729715191427.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College Students Against Sexual Harassment (SASH) Club poses for group photo in front of Crites Hall, Oct. 17, 2024. From left, Title IX Coordinator Morgan Cullen, Brianna Hansel, Ashley Burrows, Katelyn Rosdahl, Andaira Landenberger, Lily Rafteseth, Charity Eberhardt, Rylee McManis, Colton Brienza, and Alexis McGowan. (Photo by Sydney Brown/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College Students Against Sexual Harassment (SASH) Club poses for group photo in front of Crites Hall, Oct. 17, 2024. From left, Title IX Coordinator Morgan Cullen, Brianna Hansel, Ashley Burrows, Katelyn Rosdahl, Andaira Landenberger, Lily Rafteseth, Charity Eberhardt, Rylee McManis, Colton Brienza, and Alexis McGowan. (Photo by Sydney Brown/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>SASH requires each club member to participate in a mental health training course. The club offers additional training for interested members to become a “safe person” who other students can talk to if they feel more comfortable communicating with a peer.The new club will host events to educate and bring awareness to campus on various topics such as domestic violence, stalking, consent, healthy vs unhealthy relationships throughout the academic year. SASH will also coordinate events during April which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.Students interested in joining the group should contact Cullan at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mcullan@csc.edu" target="_blank">mcullan@csc.edu</a>.

Students Against Sexual Harassment Club is approved in Chadron 

By Box Butte General Hospital<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729699890654.jpeg" alt="" />
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BBGH to hold 'Flu Shot & Lab Fair' in Alliance

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Slap A Coworker!

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

Last week the Nebraska Supreme Court cleared the way for people with felony convictions to vote in the upcoming election. Nebraska residents who are felons and have completed their sentences can register to vote in person at the County Clerk's office through October 25, and then vote in the November 5 election.

For most of Nebraska's history, people who had been convicted of a felony lost their right to vote forever. In 2005, the Nebraska Legislature voted to grant convicted felons the right to vote two years after completing their probation, incarceration, and parole. This year with LB 20 the Legislature decided to drop the two-year requirement, returning the right to vote after the felon had completed the sentence set in their trial. LB 20 was passed with bipartisan support.&nbsp;Gov. Jim Pillen allowed the bill to become law without his signature.

Just before the new measure was set to take effect this summer, Attorney General Mike Hilgers released a written opinion saying that both the new law and the 2005 law were improper. He argued that under the Nebraska Constitution, only the state’s Board of Pardons could restore voting rights to someone with a felony conviction. The Board of Pardons is made up of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen ordered local registrars to cease allowing anyone with a felony conviction to vote and said LB 20 and the 2005 law are unconstitutional. The order by Evnen could have kept 7,000 or more Nebraskans from voting in the upcoming election, the American Civil Liberties Union said. The ACLU sued and asked the state Supreme Court to hear the case.

Chief Justice Michael Heavican said, after a 5-2 decision, that they could not conclude that the provisions of LB 20 are unconstitutional based on the record before the Court. A supermajority of five justices must agree that a law is unconstitutional. The justices also questioned the timing of Attorney General Hilger's opinion and Evnen's directive to reject voter registrations, which came two days before LB20 would have gone into effect and nearly two decades after LB53 was passed&nbsp;in 2005.

Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman wrote a separate opinion which agreed with the majority decision but clarified how she arrived at her decision. The separation of powers issue in the case "includes not only the obvious tension between the executive and legislative branches, but also the tension between the executive and judicial branches. I believe the true separation of powers story of this case is ultimately the preservation of the judiciary’s power, including the power to declare what statutes are constitutional."

Justice Miller-Lerman even referenced&nbsp;The Simpsons&nbsp;television show, specifically Marge's sisters. “Patty and Selma at the Department of Motor Vehicles may not be constitutional scholars, but they know that they are expected to follow the law.” She chastised state officials who have taken an oath to follow the constitution, where it is clear only the Nebraska Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional.

Why should felons have their right to vote restored after they've completed their sentences?­ Voting is one of the most essential rights we have as citizens. Felons have obviously committed a crime. After they have been punished, they return to our communities, raise families, work, and pay taxes.

Research done by The Sentencing Project in 2021 and 2022 shows that being reintegrated into society makes a felon much less likely to continue to commit crimes. When they are denied the right to vote, they are sent the message that they are still outsiders. Because they cannot vote, they do not have a voice in everyday laws and policies that affect their lives. Excluding people from participating in democratic life is an additional punishment. When they are able to vote, they begin to feel like they matter.

“I think that just getting back in the community and being a contributing member is difficult enough…[I] would like to someday feel like a, quote, ‘normal citizen,’ a contributing member of society, and you know that’s hard when every election you’re constantly being reminded, ‘Oh yeah, that’s right, I’m ashamed… It’s just loss after loss after loss.’”&nbsp;Uggen et al. (2013)

There are so many obstacles facing people who have been convicted of felonies, even after they've completed their punishment. Now in Nebraska they've had voting rights restored.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityLast week the Nebraska Supreme Court cleared the way for people with felony convictions to vote in the upcoming election. Nebraska residents who are felons and have completed their sentences can register to vote in person at the County Clerk's office through October 25, and then vote in the November 5 election.For most of Nebraska's history, people who had been convicted of a felony lost their right to vote forever. In 2005, the Nebraska Legislature voted to grant convicted felons the right to vote two years after completing their probation, incarceration, and parole. This year with LB 20 the Legislature decided to drop the two-year requirement, returning the right to vote after the felon had completed the sentence set in their trial. LB 20 was passed with bipartisan support.&nbsp;Gov. Jim Pillen allowed the bill to become law without his signature.Just before the new measure was set to take effect this summer, Attorney General Mike Hilgers released a written opinion saying that both the new law and the 2005 law were improper. He argued that under the Nebraska Constitution, only the state’s Board of Pardons could restore voting rights to someone with a felony conviction. The Board of Pardons is made up of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general.Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen ordered local registrars to cease allowing anyone with a felony conviction to vote and said LB 20 and the 2005 law are unconstitutional. The order by Evnen could have kept 7,000 or more Nebraskans from voting in the upcoming election, the American Civil Liberties Union said. The ACLU sued and asked the state Supreme Court to hear the case.Chief Justice Michael Heavican said, after a 5-2 decision, that they could not conclude that the provisions of LB 20 are unconstitutional based on the record before the Court. A supermajority of five justices must agree that a law is unconstitutional. The justices also questioned the timing of Attorney General Hilger's opinion and Evnen's directive to reject voter registrations, which came two days before LB20 would have gone into effect and nearly two decades after LB53 was passed&nbsp;in 2005.Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman wrote a separate opinion which agreed with the majority decision but clarified how she arrived at her decision. The separation of powers issue in the case "includes not only the obvious tension between the executive and legislative branches, but also the tension between the executive and judicial branches. I believe the true separation of powers story of this case is ultimately the preservation of the judiciary’s power, including the power to declare what statutes are constitutional."Justice Miller-Lerman even referenced&nbsp;The Simpsons&nbsp;television show, specifically Marge's sisters. “Patty and Selma at the Department of Motor Vehicles may not be constitutional scholars, but they know that they are expected to follow the law.” She chastised state officials who have taken an oath to follow the constitution, where it is clear only the Nebraska Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional.Why should felons have their right to vote restored after they've completed their sentences?­ Voting is one of the most essential rights we have as citizens. Felons have obviously committed a crime. After they have been punished, they return to our communities, raise families, work, and pay taxes.Research done by The Sentencing Project in 2021 and 2022 shows that being reintegrated into society makes a felon much less likely to continue to commit crimes. When they are denied the right to vote, they are sent the message that they are still outsiders. Because they cannot vote, they do not have a voice in everyday laws and policies that affect their lives. Excluding people from participating in democratic life is an additional punishment. When they are able to vote, they begin to feel like they matter.“I think that just getting back in the community and being a contributing member is difficult enough…[I] would like to someday feel like a, quote, ‘normal citizen,’ a contributing member of society, and you know that’s hard when every election you’re constantly being reminded, ‘Oh yeah, that’s right, I’m ashamed… It’s just loss after loss after loss.’”&nbsp;Uggen et al. (2013)There are so many obstacles facing people who have been convicted of felonies, even after they've completed their punishment. Now in Nebraska they've had voting rights restored.

Getting Ahead: People with past felonies have right to vote restored 

On October 22 at approximately 1:11 p.m., Scottsbluff Police were dispatched to a two-vehicle motor vehicle injury accident at the intersection of Hwy 26 and E 27th ST.

  The investigation determined a black 2018 Ram pickup driven by Juan Munoz, 24, of Torrington, WY., and a red 2009 Toyota Prius driven by Adam Sanders, 35, of Scottsbluff, NE. were involved in the accident.

  The Ram was southeast bound on Hwy 26 and the Toyota was west bound on E 27th ST prior to entering the intersection.  Witnesses stated the Ram failed to stop at the red traffic signal for Hwy 26 traffic and entered the intersection where it impacted the passenger side of the Toyota. 

 Three occupants of the Toyota suffered minor injuries.  Munoz was issued a citation for the traffic signal violation.

  A portion of the intersection was closed for approximately one hour. 

 Both vehicles were towed from the scene due to damages and are total losses.

  Scottsbluff Fire Department and Regional West Ambulance Services assisted in the response.&nbsp;

By Scottsbluff Police DepartmentOn October 22 at approximately 1:11 p.m., Scottsbluff Police were dispatched to a two-vehicle motor vehicle injury accident at the intersection of Hwy 26 and E 27th ST. The investigation determined a black 2018 Ram pickup driven by Juan Munoz, 24, of Torrington, WY., and a red 2009 Toyota Prius driven by Adam Sanders, 35, of Scottsbluff, NE. were involved in the accident. The Ram was southeast bound on Hwy 26 and the Toyota was west bound on E 27th ST prior to entering the intersection. Witnesses stated the Ram failed to stop at the red traffic signal for Hwy 26 traffic and entered the intersection where it impacted the passenger side of the Toyota. Three occupants of the Toyota suffered minor injuries. Munoz was issued a citation for the traffic signal violation. A portion of the intersection was closed for approximately one hour. Both vehicles were towed from the scene due to damages and are total losses. Scottsbluff Fire Department and Regional West Ambulance Services assisted in the response.&nbsp;

Scottsbluff police assist with two-vehicle accident 

Open Plains Transit (OPT) is pleased to announce it has been approved for funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Highly Rural Transportation Grants Program.

The Highly Rural Transportation Grants (HRTG) is a grant-based program that assists Veterans in highly rural areas with travel to VA or VA-authorized healthcare facilities. This program provides grant funding to Veteran Service Organizations and State Veterans Service Agencies to provide transportation services in eligible counties. HRTG provides transportation programs in counties with fewer than seven people per square mile. There is no cost to participate in the program for Veterans who live in an area where HRTG is available.

OPT will be the Nebraska Coordinator for all thirty-nine eligible counties within Nebraska. “OPT’s goal for this program is simple,” states Jonnie Kusek, Director of Transportation, for the Alliance, NE based operation. “Access to healthcare is for all, that includes our Veterans. It is something we have been dedicated to for years. We see what happens to people in the most remote, rural and frontier areas of our state if they are unable to connect with healthcare needs.”

OPT Director Kusek and Prairie Hills Transit (Spearfish, SD) Executive Director Barb Cline have signed a memorandum of agreement that will run through September 30, 2025. Prairie Hills Transit has been providing veteran transportation for counties in South Dakota and Wyoming for several years. Cline emphasizes that Prairie Hills Transit is committed to providing exceptional service to our veterans. She expresses her pride in the partnership with OPT and looks forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the veteran community.

With the expansion of transportation services, OPT and Prairie Hills Transit are set to significantly impact the lives of Highly Rural Veterans. Approximately 35.3% of enrolled Veterans live in rural and highly rural areas, facing challenges in accessing the quality medical care they deserve. Distance and transportation are often cited as the most common obstacles.

Kusek says it will not be easy during the short, one-year grant cycle to start a new program, but she is no stranger to challenging work. Kusek has built an intercity bus system throughout western portions of Nebraska, which expands into South Dakota and Wyoming and connects with other transportation providers, offers direct local services in four of Nebraska’s largest counties, and is an NHHS non-emergency medical transportation provider to fifteen Nebraska counties, all of which results in some level of transportation service to over fifty Nebraska communities, including transportation services to the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota. She gives praise to having an effective team in various locations, aid, and support from other Nebraska Public Transportation agencies, and backing from the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

OPT is currently building the OPT Veterans Frontier Health Connection Team with support from the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA). Kusek would like to see the team be comprised of members from NDVA, County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), veteran service organizations, Nebraska Public Transit Providers, veterans, and volunteers, all of whom will bring transportation solutions and action items to the table.

There will be mileage reimbursement for loaded and unloaded miles (above the Federal rate for CVSO, volunteers vetted and working through their local CVSO and Public Transit Agencies) paid monthly, which can be retained by an organization or individual, or donated to your CVSO. Medical appointments do not have to be at a VA facility, but appointments will be assessed for prior approval. Drivers are not limited to transporting Veterans from just their own counties, and Director Kusek asks that we look at the larger need of assisting Veterans in surrounding counties as well. More information will be located on the OPT website, www.optne.com, as it becomes available, or interested agencies can contact Director Kusek for more information.

The Nebraska OPT Veterans Transportation Program has begun with a soft start and is scheduled to officially begin October 28, 2024.

· All passengers must be pre-registered. OPT encourages all Veterans in eligible counties to call now and pre-register long before they ever need transportation services. Please know your emergency contact information, when calling and the last four digits of your Veteran’s I.D. Number.

· Please allow as much advance notice as possible for transportation requests. Requests may be made up to 90 days in advance and at least 2 weeks advance notice is recommended.

Open Plains Transit is a division of Senior Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization, based in Alliance, NE.

Open Plains Transit (OPT) is pleased to announce it has been approved for funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Highly Rural Transportation Grants Program.The Highly Rural Transportation Grants (HRTG) is a grant-based program that assists Veterans in highly rural areas with travel to VA or VA-authorized healthcare facilities. This program provides grant funding to Veteran Service Organizations and State Veterans Service Agencies to provide transportation services in eligible counties. HRTG provides transportation programs in counties with fewer than seven people per square mile. There is no cost to participate in the program for Veterans who live in an area where HRTG is available.OPT will be the Nebraska Coordinator for all thirty-nine eligible counties within Nebraska. “OPT’s goal for this program is simple,” states Jonnie Kusek, Director of Transportation, for the Alliance, NE based operation. “Access to healthcare is for all, that includes our Veterans. It is something we have been dedicated to for years. We see what happens to people in the most remote, rural and frontier areas of our state if they are unable to connect with healthcare needs.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729623154298.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OPT Director Kusek and Prairie Hills Transit (Spearfish, SD) Executive Director Barb Cline have signed a memorandum of agreement that will run through September 30, 2025. Prairie Hills Transit has been providing veteran transportation for counties in South Dakota and Wyoming for several years. Cline emphasizes that Prairie Hills Transit is committed to providing exceptional service to our veterans. She expresses her pride in the partnership with OPT and looks forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the veteran community.With the expansion of transportation services, OPT and Prairie Hills Transit are set to significantly impact the lives of Highly Rural Veterans. Approximately 35.3% of enrolled Veterans live in rural and highly rural areas, facing challenges in accessing the quality medical care they deserve. Distance and transportation are often cited as the most common obstacles.Kusek says it will not be easy during the short, one-year grant cycle to start a new program, but she is no stranger to challenging work. Kusek has built an intercity bus system throughout western portions of Nebraska, which expands into South Dakota and Wyoming and connects with other transportation providers, offers direct local services in four of Nebraska’s largest counties, and is an NHHS non-emergency medical transportation provider to fifteen Nebraska counties, all of which results in some level of transportation service to over fifty Nebraska communities, including transportation services to the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota. She gives praise to having an effective team in various locations, aid, and support from other Nebraska Public Transportation agencies, and backing from the Nebraska Department of Transportation.OPT is currently building the OPT Veterans Frontier Health Connection Team with support from the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA). Kusek would like to see the team be comprised of members from NDVA, County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), veteran service organizations, Nebraska Public Transit Providers, veterans, and volunteers, all of whom will bring transportation solutions and action items to the table.There will be mileage reimbursement for loaded and unloaded miles (above the Federal rate for CVSO, volunteers vetted and working through their local CVSO and Public Transit Agencies) paid monthly, which can be retained by an organization or individual, or donated to your CVSO. Medical appointments do not have to be at a VA facility, but appointments will be assessed for prior approval. Drivers are not limited to transporting Veterans from just their own counties, and Director Kusek asks that we look at the larger need of assisting Veterans in surrounding counties as well. More information will be located on the OPT website, www.optne.com, as it becomes available, or interested agencies can contact Director Kusek for more information.The Nebraska OPT Veterans Transportation Program has begun with a soft start and is scheduled to officially begin October 28, 2024.Please call 833-678-8387 (833-OPT-VETS):· All passengers must be pre-registered. OPT encourages all Veterans in eligible counties to call now and pre-register long before they ever need transportation services. Please know your emergency contact information, when calling and the last four digits of your Veteran’s I.D. Number.· Please allow as much advance notice as possible for transportation requests. Requests may be made up to 90 days in advance and at least 2 weeks advance notice is recommended.Open Plains Transit is a division of Senior Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization, based in Alliance, NE.

Open Plains Transit receives Veterans Transportation Funding for 39 Counties

Alliance, NE – Effective immediately, the Alliance Landfill will have a rate change to Farm Waste Disposal. The new rate will be charged at the same rate as Non Baleable Municipal Solid Waste.

For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – Effective immediately, the Alliance Landfill will have a rate change to Farm Waste Disposal. The new rate will be charged at the same rate as Non Baleable Municipal Solid Waste.For more information, please contact the Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Farm waste rate change at the Alliance Landfill

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Florida Man Day!

City of Chadron Employees Association chili cook-off coming soon 

Eager hunters will take to the fields Oct. 26 for Nebraska’s pheasant season opener.

Field reports and surveys from earlier this year give an optimistic outlook for upland bird hunting this fall.

Statewide, pheasant counts were up 19% during this year’s July rural mail carrier surveys compared to last year and were near or exceeding five-year averages in all areas except the Sandhills.

Pheasant habitat is more isolated in eastern Nebraska, but where quality cover exists, hunters should find good bird numbers, according to Bryan O’Connor, upland game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Portions of the Panhandle and southwest continue to support some of the highest pheasant numbers, but populations remain variable because of drought in recent years.

“Excitement builds toward the start of pheasant season every year as hunters look forward to going afield, watching their dogs work and experiencing Nebraska’s great upland hunting opportunities,” O’Connor said. “Nebraska’s diversity of habitats is what makes it attractive to hunters and sets it apart from other states.”

The hunting season for pheasant, quail and partridge is Oct. 26 through Jan. 31, 2025.

Last year’s relatively mild winter benefited quail populations across much of the state, and numbers increased in five of six management regions. According to surveys, southeastern and south-central regions support some of the state’s highest quail densities and should provide quality hunting opportunities.

View the full upland hunting forecast at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fhunt%2Fgame%2Fupland%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192b0610016-c89d9ced-97fb-4c72-8aad-2af7306973c4-000000/_PTEvXDAavY0muuFT8CJI8E-9tbLU_KP_HT4GiNbBZA=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/game/upland</a>.

Preseason scouting is recommended as dry conditions have triggered emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program lands in 50 of Nebraska’s 93 counties this summer and fall. This likely will affect cover on some CRP fields in approved counties, including some Game and Parks Open Fields and Waters Program sites. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fconservation%2Fland-management%2Fconservation-reserve-program%2Femergency-haying-and-grazing%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192b0610016-c89d9ced-97fb-4c72-8aad-2af7306973c4-000000/EI8TKlVqHfzZlOlNv0n5j_QhpMO9INko1worTs1uyhA=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search “Haying and Grazing.”

Due to dry conditions, Game and Parks reminds hunters to act responsibly in the field and do their part in the prevention of wildfires. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln drought monitor (<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdroughtmonitor.unl.edu%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192b0610016-c89d9ced-97fb-4c72-8aad-2af7306973c4-000000/wlNeB4Py7M_P70C908qNpE7YR5z2eujiVvNzB60ll2Q=375" target="_blank">droughtmonitor.unl.edu</a>), 83% of the state is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. Game and Parks urges hunters to take the following precautions:

Driving vehicles or parking on dry, tall grass is a primary threat. Grass can ignite within seconds of contacting a hot surface, such as a vehicle’s exhaust/catalytic converter systems.

Game and Parks has implemented a temporary ban on campfires at all Nebraska wildlife management areas and state park areas until further notice.

By Nebraska Game and ParksEager hunters will take to the fields Oct. 26 for Nebraska’s pheasant season opener.Field reports and surveys from earlier this year give an optimistic outlook for upland bird hunting this fall.Statewide, pheasant counts were up 19% during this year’s July rural mail carrier surveys compared to last year and were near or exceeding five-year averages in all areas except the Sandhills.Pheasant habitat is more isolated in eastern Nebraska, but where quality cover exists, hunters should find good bird numbers, according to Bryan O’Connor, upland game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Portions of the Panhandle and southwest continue to support some of the highest pheasant numbers, but populations remain variable because of drought in recent years.“Excitement builds toward the start of pheasant season every year as hunters look forward to going afield, watching their dogs work and experiencing Nebraska’s great upland hunting opportunities,” O’Connor said. “Nebraska’s diversity of habitats is what makes it attractive to hunters and sets it apart from other states.”The hunting season for pheasant, quail and partridge is Oct. 26 through Jan. 31, 2025.Last year’s relatively mild winter benefited quail populations across much of the state, and numbers increased in five of six management regions. According to surveys, southeastern and south-central regions support some of the state’s highest quail densities and should provide quality hunting opportunities.View the full upland hunting forecast at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fhunt%2Fgame%2Fupland%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192b0610016-c89d9ced-97fb-4c72-8aad-2af7306973c4-000000/_PTEvXDAavY0muuFT8CJI8E-9tbLU_KP_HT4GiNbBZA=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/game/upland</a>.Preseason scouting is recommended as dry conditions have triggered emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program lands in 50 of Nebraska’s 93 counties this summer and fall. This likely will affect cover on some CRP fields in approved counties, including some Game and Parks Open Fields and Waters Program sites. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fconservation%2Fland-management%2Fconservation-reserve-program%2Femergency-haying-and-grazing%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192b0610016-c89d9ced-97fb-4c72-8aad-2af7306973c4-000000/EI8TKlVqHfzZlOlNv0n5j_QhpMO9INko1worTs1uyhA=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search “Haying and Grazing.”Due to dry conditions, Game and Parks reminds hunters to act responsibly in the field and do their part in the prevention of wildfires. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln drought monitor (<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdroughtmonitor.unl.edu%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192b0610016-c89d9ced-97fb-4c72-8aad-2af7306973c4-000000/wlNeB4Py7M_P70C908qNpE7YR5z2eujiVvNzB60ll2Q=375" target="_blank">droughtmonitor.unl.edu</a>), 83% of the state is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. Game and Parks urges hunters to take the following precautions:<ul>
 <li>Restrict driving to established roads and trails.</li><li>Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation.</li><li>Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately.</li><li>Ensure your vehicle, trailers, and other equipment are well-maintained.</li><li>Make sure no chains are dragging from your vehicle.</li><li>In the morning, before driving and while the exhaust/catalytic converter system is cool, inspect it to see no debris is clinging to it.</li><li>Carry a fire extinguisher in the vehicle.</li>
 </ul>Driving vehicles or parking on dry, tall grass is a primary threat. Grass can ignite within seconds of contacting a hot surface, such as a vehicle’s exhaust/catalytic converter systems.Game and Parks has implemented a temporary ban on campfires at all Nebraska wildlife management areas and state park areas until further notice.Other reminders:<ul>
 <li>Hunters seeking places to hunt should view the 2024-25 Public Access Atlas, which displays more than 1.2 million acres of publicly accessible lands throughout Nebraska. In addition to state, federal and conservation partner lands, more than 409,000 acres of private lands are enrolled in Open Fields and Waters and featured in the atlas. For hunters pursuing upland birds in western and south-central Nebraska, the Stubble Access Guide displays an additional 41,500 acres of tall wheat or milo stubble fields and adjacent habitats open to public hunting access. Both publications are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fguides-maps%2Fpublic-access-atlas%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192b0610016-c89d9ced-97fb-4c72-8aad-2af7306973c4-000000/XI_grqpkuuv7kPbmrhpbc7rDW5g0RmzU4yiulmK6kiQ=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps/public-access-atlas</a>.</li><li>Hunters must obtain permission prior to accessing privately-owned (non-OFW) lands in Nebraska regardless of whether the property is posted or not.</li><li>The upland bird season is an opportunity for hunters to pursue an Upland Slam, a partnership between Game and Parks and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever of Nebraska. The Slam challenges hunters to harvest a pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken and quail in Nebraska during the season. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192b0610016-c89d9ced-97fb-4c72-8aad-2af7306973c4-000000/_QMTtI0bwUQ53w5EEBFgQHYlD7kGzqxd2H2CIKrrr4Q=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search “Upland Slam” for more information.</li><li>Grouse hunters are reminded of a required special permit to hunt in the East Zone (east of U.S. Highway 81).&nbsp; See the 2024-2025 Small Game and Waterfowl Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fguides-maps%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192b0610016-c89d9ced-97fb-4c72-8aad-2af7306973c4-000000/O10RRDCEYla3wsJr497DfygNds-scPpI3CysMkm-atM=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for details.</li>
 </ul>

Excitement high for state’s pheasant opener

CHADRON – Kosiso Akwanamnye discussed her home country of Nigeria during Dine With Us on Oct. 3. Akwanamnye shared some traditional aspects of her country, including the symbolism of the flag, where the country is located, its traditional food, tribes and languages, plus music, both native and the emerging style of AfroBeats.

“As an international student, I believe that by sharing my culture with the place that I am currently living, it is an exchange of cultural information that I hope leads to mutual respect. I am very prideful of my culture, and I like to share that with people,” Akwanamnye said.

Dine With Us, sponsored by the CSC International Club, features a meal related to the country that is being discussed. The series allows international students to remain connected to their home countries, according to Jen Schaer, co-sponsor of the International Club.

“These events are wonderful due to the fact that you get a better understanding on who the students are, and you get to see a different country and different cultures,” Schaer said.

The next Dine With Us event will be January 2025 when students will present about Ethiopia. The final presentation for the academic year will be in late March or early April centered on South Africa.

By McAYE FEGLER, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – Kosiso Akwanamnye discussed her home country of Nigeria during Dine With Us on Oct. 3. Akwanamnye shared some traditional aspects of her country, including the symbolism of the flag, where the country is located, its traditional food, tribes and languages, plus music, both native and the emerging style of AfroBeats.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729608635797.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“As an international student, I believe that by sharing my culture with the place that I am currently living, it is an exchange of cultural information that I hope leads to mutual respect. I am very prideful of my culture, and I like to share that with people,” Akwanamnye said.Dine With Us, sponsored by the CSC International Club, features a meal related to the country that is being discussed. The series allows international students to remain connected to their home countries, according to Jen Schaer, co-sponsor of the International Club.“These events are wonderful due to the fact that you get a better understanding on who the students are, and you get to see a different country and different cultures,” Schaer said.The next Dine With Us event will be January 2025 when students will present about Ethiopia. The final presentation for the academic year will be in late March or early April centered on South Africa.

Dine With Us CSC presentation features Nigeria

'Trunk or Treat' returns to downtown Chadron 

Nebraska residents who are honorably discharged veterans may receive a one-day permit, Habitat Stamp, and Nebraska Migratory Waterfowl Stamp for free to hunt on Veterans Day.

They would be required to buy a Federal Duck Stamp if they intend to hunt waterfowl. They also need to register with the Harvest Information Program if they plan to hunt any migratory birds.

Veterans Day is observed annually on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The free permit and stamps are valid only on Nov. 11 of the year they are issued.

Not all resident veterans desiring to hunt on Veterans Day would need this one-day permit, as they already may have valid permits for that day. Those permits would be annual hunt, annual hunt/fish combo, annual veteran hunt/fish/fur harvest combo, senior hunt/fish/fur harvest combo, deployed military hunt/fish/fur harvest combo, 3-year hunt, 3-year hunt/fish combo, 5-year hunt, 5-year hunt/fish combo, lifetime hunt, and lifetime hunt/fish combo permits.

The permit is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.gooutdoorsne.com%2Flogin%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192afd7a4aa-357d1b0d-ac8f-448e-8731-39c3ee925bf3-000000/aAIAyuCgdIu92Wla5PF0zSmylYghxMqWFiNNm5a3fZ8=375" target="_blank">GoOutdoorsNE.com</a>&nbsp;or at any Game and Parks permitting office. Find them at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fabout%2Four-locations%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192afd7a4aa-357d1b0d-ac8f-448e-8731-39c3ee925bf3-000000/IZs2fPYPj7UO903FIvb1Zfgb_Ts8RT1d-w92NwuuH-c=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/about/our-locations</a>.

By Nebraska Game and ParksNebraska residents who are honorably discharged veterans may receive a one-day permit, Habitat Stamp, and Nebraska Migratory Waterfowl Stamp for free to hunt on Veterans Day.They would be required to buy a Federal Duck Stamp if they intend to hunt waterfowl. They also need to register with the Harvest Information Program if they plan to hunt any migratory birds.Veterans Day is observed annually on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The free permit and stamps are valid only on Nov. 11 of the year they are issued.Not all resident veterans desiring to hunt on Veterans Day would need this one-day permit, as they already may have valid permits for that day. Those permits would be annual hunt, annual hunt/fish combo, annual veteran hunt/fish/fur harvest combo, senior hunt/fish/fur harvest combo, deployed military hunt/fish/fur harvest combo, 3-year hunt, 3-year hunt/fish combo, 5-year hunt, 5-year hunt/fish combo, lifetime hunt, and lifetime hunt/fish combo permits.The permit is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.gooutdoorsne.com%2Flogin%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192afd7a4aa-357d1b0d-ac8f-448e-8731-39c3ee925bf3-000000/aAIAyuCgdIu92Wla5PF0zSmylYghxMqWFiNNm5a3fZ8=375" target="_blank">GoOutdoorsNE.com</a>&nbsp;or at any Game and Parks permitting office. Find them at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fabout%2Four-locations%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192afd7a4aa-357d1b0d-ac8f-448e-8731-39c3ee925bf3-000000/IZs2fPYPj7UO903FIvb1Zfgb_Ts8RT1d-w92NwuuH-c=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/about/our-locations</a>.

Nebraska resident veterans may get a free Veterans Day hunt permit

Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/state911/2024-10-16%20911-078%20DC-104%20C-5596%20Order%20Dismissing%20Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">911-078/DC-104/C-5596</a>) approving a stipulated agreement with Windstream and dismissing the department complaint against the telecommunication carrier concerning three separate 911outages/disruptions.

“Through this agreement Windstream has committed to improving public safety communications by investing more than one million dollars into its network reliability and diversity, ”said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “ The agreement provides for civil penalties if Windstream does not complete the agreed upon enhancements and improvements by the end of 2025.”

The agreement includes a 911 Remediation Plan, in which Windstream has agreed, among other improvements to:

The stipulated agreement follows an investigation involving three separate Windstream service disruptions which occurred on September 2 &amp; 3, November 28, 2023, and January 13, 2024.As part of its investigation the Commission conducted data requests, held a public hearing, and sought analysis from outside experts on network infrastructure specifically in the area of 911network requirements. As a result of the investigation a complaint was filed by the State 911department. The department complaint resulted in the stipulated agreement and the remediation plan approved by the Commission.

Commissioner Watermeier said, “The Commission and the public demand accountability from our telecommunications carriers. While we appreciate Windstream’s willingness to work with us, we will continue to monitor the company’s progress to confirm that it is complying with the agreement.”

With the Order dismissing the complaint and approving the stipulated agreement, a hearing will not be held. A copy of the Order as well as the Remediation Plan can be found on the PSCwebsite at &lt;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/state-911/windstream-911-outage-investigation" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/state-911/windstream-911-outage-investigation</a>&nbsp;&gt;

Deb CollinsLincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/state911/2024-10-16%20911-078%20DC-104%20C-5596%20Order%20Dismissing%20Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">911-078/DC-104/C-5596</a>) approving a stipulated agreement with Windstream and dismissing the department complaint against the telecommunication carrier concerning three separate 911outages/disruptions.“Through this agreement Windstream has committed to improving public safety communications by investing more than one million dollars into its network reliability and diversity, ”said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “ The agreement provides for civil penalties if Windstream does not complete the agreed upon enhancements and improvements by the end of 2025.”The agreement includes a 911 Remediation Plan, in which Windstream has agreed, among other improvements to:<ul>
 <li>Enhance its back up systems to address power outages.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Provide an additional layer of reliability and protection against outages by adding a new network path. This additional path creates three separate network paths for traffic into and out of Nebraska. This third path has the capacity to carry all of Windstream’s traffic in Nebraska should the other two paths go down and repairs need to be made.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Engage a third-party auditor to complete a system reliability and engineering review ofits Nebraska network.</li>
 </ul>The stipulated agreement follows an investigation involving three separate Windstream service disruptions which occurred on September 2 &amp; 3, November 28, 2023, and January 13, 2024.As part of its investigation the Commission conducted data requests, held a public hearing, and sought analysis from outside experts on network infrastructure specifically in the area of 911network requirements. As a result of the investigation a complaint was filed by the State 911department. The department complaint resulted in the stipulated agreement and the remediation plan approved by the Commission.Commissioner Watermeier said, “The Commission and the public demand accountability from our telecommunications carriers. While we appreciate Windstream’s willingness to work with us, we will continue to monitor the company’s progress to confirm that it is complying with the agreement.”With the Order dismissing the complaint and approving the stipulated agreement, a hearing will not be held. A copy of the Order as well as the Remediation Plan can be found on the PSCwebsite at &lt;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/state-911/windstream-911-outage-investigation" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/state-911/windstream-911-outage-investigation</a>&nbsp;&gt;

PSC Resolves Complaint, Approves Remediation Plan for Windstream

By Cindy Randall, Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;

The Alliance Arts Council season will begin on November 8th&nbsp;when ELVIS is in the building! Elvis tribute superstar and Top 10 finalist on America’s Got Talent, Joseph Hall, will perform&nbsp;ELVIS Rock ‘n’ Remember&nbsp;as the season opener.

The 2025 4th grade in-school residency artist will be&nbsp;Joey Gulizia.&nbsp; Joey will also perform for the public on January 24, 2025.&nbsp; Joey specializes in the field of percussion and has acquired a collection of instruments from around the world.

The AAC will sponsor a photography exhibit by&nbsp;Lori Davis.&nbsp; The exhibit entitled “Sandhills Rhythm” is a humble effort to capture qualities of nature, movement and prairie spirit and will be held at the Carnegie Arts Center.

The season will also include a theater event with a WWII theme “Not Too FarDistant”&nbsp;by Lincoln playwright Becky Boesen and a performance by the vocal/instrumental foursome&nbsp;The Hall Sisters.

Season tickets for admission to all of these events are $40 for Adults, $35 for Seniors and $20 for Students.&nbsp; Season tickets holders will also be invited to a private reception with special food and live entertainment.&nbsp;&nbsp; Season postcards have been mailed, if you are not on our mailing list and would like to be please contact us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:allianceartscouncil@hotmail.com" target="_blank">allianceartscouncil@hotmail.com</a>.&nbsp; Postcards are also available at Carnegie Arts Center.

All events are open to the public and tickets are available at the door.

More information is on our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allianceartscouncil.com/" target="_blank">www.allianceartscouncil.com</a>&nbsp;and on our FaceBook page.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Cindy Randall, Alliance Arts Council&nbsp;The Alliance Arts Council season will begin on November 8th&nbsp;when ELVIS is in the building! Elvis tribute superstar and Top 10 finalist on America’s Got Talent, Joseph Hall, will perform&nbsp;ELVIS Rock ‘n’ Remember&nbsp;as the season opener.The 2025 4th grade in-school residency artist will be&nbsp;Joey Gulizia.&nbsp; Joey will also perform for the public on January 24, 2025.&nbsp; Joey specializes in the field of percussion and has acquired a collection of instruments from around the world.The AAC will sponsor a photography exhibit by&nbsp;Lori Davis.&nbsp; The exhibit entitled “Sandhills Rhythm” is a humble effort to capture qualities of nature, movement and prairie spirit and will be held at the Carnegie Arts Center.The season will also include a theater event with a WWII theme “Not Too FarDistant”&nbsp;by Lincoln playwright Becky Boesen and a performance by the vocal/instrumental foursome&nbsp;The Hall Sisters.Season tickets for admission to all of these events are $40 for Adults, $35 for Seniors and $20 for Students.&nbsp; Season tickets holders will also be invited to a private reception with special food and live entertainment.&nbsp;&nbsp; Season postcards have been mailed, if you are not on our mailing list and would like to be please contact us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:allianceartscouncil@hotmail.com" target="_blank">allianceartscouncil@hotmail.com</a>.&nbsp; Postcards are also available at Carnegie Arts Center.All events are open to the public and tickets are available at the door.More information is on our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allianceartscouncil.com/" target="_blank">www.allianceartscouncil.com</a>&nbsp;and on our FaceBook page.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alliance Arts Council season to begin 

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, there will be a forum for the Alliance City Council candidates. The forum will run from 3:00-5:00 pm in the theater at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center. Members of the public are welcome to attend and to submit questions for the candidates.

Since there are candidates running for both the two- and four-year terms, the forum will be held in two parts. At 3:00 will be the candidates running for the two-year term, with one person to be elected on November 5. Candidates are Chuck Frisch, Brenda Bishop, Jay Weisgerber, and Russell Saito. When that concludes, the candidates for the four-year terms will be questioned. Two of these people will be elected to City Council: Randall Hitchcock, Tamara Wood, John McGhehey, and Travis Turman.

Each candidate will have three minutes to introduce themselves, and will be encouraged to talk about their careers and their previous community activities. Then they will have two minutes to answer each question. All candidates will answer all questions in turn. Questions from the audience will be submitted to a panel for screening before being submitted to the moderator, former Mayor Earl Jones. There will be no questions regarding specific City personnel or issues that would not be controlled by City Council. However, candidates may be asked about facilities, departments, hours of operation, staffing, taxation, and spending.

The City Council Forum is not being organized by the City of Alliance. Individuals concerned about the City have stepped forward to plan this event. For those who cannot attend in person, the forum will be covered by Panhandle Post and The Alliance Times-Herald.

By Earl JonesOn Thursday, October 24, 2024, there will be a forum for the Alliance City Council candidates. The forum will run from 3:00-5:00 pm in the theater at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center. Members of the public are welcome to attend and to submit questions for the candidates.Since there are candidates running for both the two- and four-year terms, the forum will be held in two parts. At 3:00 will be the candidates running for the two-year term, with one person to be elected on November 5. Candidates are Chuck Frisch, Brenda Bishop, Jay Weisgerber, and Russell Saito. When that concludes, the candidates for the four-year terms will be questioned. Two of these people will be elected to City Council: Randall Hitchcock, Tamara Wood, John McGhehey, and Travis Turman.Each candidate will have three minutes to introduce themselves, and will be encouraged to talk about their careers and their previous community activities. Then they will have two minutes to answer each question. All candidates will answer all questions in turn. Questions from the audience will be submitted to a panel for screening before being submitted to the moderator, former Mayor Earl Jones. There will be no questions regarding specific City personnel or issues that would not be controlled by City Council. However, candidates may be asked about facilities, departments, hours of operation, staffing, taxation, and spending.The City Council Forum is not being organized by the City of Alliance. Individuals concerned about the City have stepped forward to plan this event. For those who cannot attend in person, the forum will be covered by Panhandle Post and The Alliance Times-Herald.

Alliance City Council candidate forum 

P202400591 08:12 MVA : NON INJURY Officer dispatched to two-vehicle MVA. No injuries reported, one vehicle towed due to disabling damage. Closed - Resolved

P202400593 17:46 DEATH : UNATTENDED Officers investigated an unattended death at the Camden Court Apartments. Closed - Resolved

P202400594 02:17 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Open - Under Investigation

P202400595 15:27 MVA : NON INJURY Closed - Resolved

P202400596 17:35 MVA : NON INJURY Open - Under Investigation

P202400597 01:56 DUI : DUI Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400598 13:38 THEFT : THEFT Juvenile female had her wallet stolen from work at Safeway. No leads at this time Inactive - Case Suspended

P202400599 18:16 DISTURBANCE : Closed - Charges

By Alliance Police Department10/14/24P202400591 08:12 MVA : NON INJURY Officer dispatched to two-vehicle MVA. No injuries reported, one vehicle towed due to disabling damage. Closed - Resolved10/14/24 Total: 110/15/24P202400593 17:46 DEATH : UNATTENDED Officers investigated an unattended death at the Camden Court Apartments. Closed - Resolved10/15/24 Total: 110/16/24P202400594 02:17 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF : Open - Under InvestigationP202400595 15:27 MVA : NON INJURY Closed - ResolvedP202400596 17:35 MVA : NON INJURY Open - Under Investigation10/16/24 Total: 310/18/24P202400597 01:56 DUI : DUI Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400598 13:38 THEFT : THEFT Juvenile female had her wallet stolen from work at Safeway. No leads at this time Inactive - Case SuspendedP202400599 18:16 DISTURBANCE : Closed - ChargesRecommended10/18/24 Total: 3Total Records: 8

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

The City of Chadron will be draining the east tank to repair warranty issues resulting from the work done while recoating the tank last fall. The draining will begin on Monday, October 21, 2024 and work will be ongoing until further notice.

The City will be making every effort to minimize any disruptions on the service to the citizens of Chadron.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City Hall at 308-432-0505.

By City of Chadron&nbsp;The City of Chadron will be draining the east tank to repair warranty issues resulting from the work done while recoating the tank last fall. The draining will begin on Monday, October 21, 2024 and work will be ongoing until further notice.The City will be making every effort to minimize any disruptions on the service to the citizens of Chadron.If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City Hall at 308-432-0505.

City of Chadron to drain east tank for repairs

The Chadron State College Homecoming parade will be at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The parade route is on Main Street from 10th Street to 1st Street. We ask for all vehicles to be removed from the parade route by 8:00 A.M. for this event if possible.

By Chadron Police DepartmentThe Chadron State College Homecoming parade will be at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The parade route is on Main Street from 10th Street to 1st Street. We ask for all vehicles to be removed from the parade route by 8:00 A.M. for this event if possible.

Chadron State College homecoming parade announcement

Like squares on a busy family’s kitchen calendar, bank windows at Third and Box Butte in Alliance have heralded hand-painted previews of community events for years.

Keep Alliance Beautiful Executive Director Kathy Worley started painting windows 20 years ago during her time with United Way. “We had $12 in the special events fund,” Worley recalled. She advertised on the panes and the organization hosted a fundraiser that netted more than $2,000. “Then people started asking me to paint their windows.”

After countless messages for business and local happenings, Worley is passing the paintbrush to Executive Director Kyren Gibson and Administrative Assistant Bailey Johnson at Carnegie Arts Center (CAC). The service became a source of income for KAB when Worley joined the Keep America Beautiful affiliate and will fill a similar role at CAC. “(Painting windows) is an ongoing fundraiser to support operations, which are the backbone for all of Carnegie’s services,” Gibson explained. “I will still help Kyren and Bailey paint windows, but I want to help out at the recycling center more,” Worley added.

From flyers on business doors to newspaper community calendars to radio announcements to social media everyone has a favorite source of event information. Worley’s template at BMO, however, proved unique. She emphasized the number of people who pass the corner every week. “I really wanted to promote community events on this window,” she said. “If a non-profit is going to the effort I want to promote the event. I like that it’s officially being taken over.” Mission Store mini grants paid for supplies.

Taking on window painting build’s on Gibson’s history of collaboration with KAB. “We’ve been working with KAB for seven years on community art projects (including bottle cap murals, crosswalks and co-teaching art classes),” she said. Gibson was even one of Worley’s first art students at the Carnegie. “Investment in youth has come full circle,” Gibson observed. “We’re giving job opportunities to a new generation to pursue art.”

Worley mentioned challenges they will face such as inclement weather and how time consuming painting a single message can be. Yet, she recalled highlights such as hearing about a group of cyclists coming to town and promoting them on as many windows as she could. The practice took on an added significance throughout the Covid pandemic. Worley said, “Everything I did during Covid was super heartfelt. It was a really weird time to be out when nobody was out . . . my favorites are when people say ‘do whatever you want to do.’”

Whether dictated by the business or left more to the artist’s discretion, windows offer another medium for art and expression. “Carnegie has always been about service to community, outreach and to bring art beyond our wall. We do that with education programs and partner organizations. We have been creating public artwork for seven years – this is an extension of that,” Gibson said. “We are grateful for businesses letting us utilize their windows to get information out to the community.”

Initial projects this fall are crosswalk murals at Grandview and Emerson elementary schools as well as a painting promoting the St. Agnes Academy chili feed. “Bailey and I are both painters (so it’s an opportunity) to create even if it’s labor intensive. Painting outdoors makes it more extreme,” Gibson said. “(Window painting is) one of the more engaging forms of art,” Johnson said.

By JOHN E. WEARE KABLike squares on a busy family’s kitchen calendar, bank windows at Third and Box Butte in Alliance have heralded hand-painted previews of community events for years.Keep Alliance Beautiful Executive Director Kathy Worley started painting windows 20 years ago during her time with United Way. “We had $12 in the special events fund,” Worley recalled. She advertised on the panes and the organization hosted a fundraiser that netted more than $2,000. “Then people started asking me to paint their windows.”After countless messages for business and local happenings, Worley is passing the paintbrush to Executive Director Kyren Gibson and Administrative Assistant Bailey Johnson at Carnegie Arts Center (CAC). The service became a source of income for KAB when Worley joined the Keep America Beautiful affiliate and will fill a similar role at CAC. “(Painting windows) is an ongoing fundraiser to support operations, which are the backbone for all of Carnegie’s services,” Gibson explained. “I will still help Kyren and Bailey paint windows, but I want to help out at the recycling center more,” Worley added.From flyers on business doors to newspaper community calendars to radio announcements to social media everyone has a favorite source of event information. Worley’s template at BMO, however, proved unique. She emphasized the number of people who pass the corner every week. “I really wanted to promote community events on this window,” she said. “If a non-profit is going to the effort I want to promote the event. I like that it’s officially being taken over.” Mission Store mini grants paid for supplies.Taking on window painting build’s on Gibson’s history of collaboration with KAB. “We’ve been working with KAB for seven years on community art projects (including bottle cap murals, crosswalks and co-teaching art classes),” she said. Gibson was even one of Worley’s first art students at the Carnegie. “Investment in youth has come full circle,” Gibson observed. “We’re giving job opportunities to a new generation to pursue art.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729286460102.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;KAB Executive Director Kathy Worley, center, ceremoniously hands paint and brushes to Carnegie Arts Center Executive Director Kyren Gibson, left, and Bailey Johnson, administrative assistant, who will continue to inform the public by painting business windows." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;KAB Executive Director Kathy Worley, center, ceremoniously hands paint and brushes to Carnegie Arts Center Executive Director Kyren Gibson, left, and Bailey Johnson, administrative assistant, who will continue to inform the public by painting business windows.</figcaption>
 </figure>Worley mentioned challenges they will face such as inclement weather and how time consuming painting a single message can be. Yet, she recalled highlights such as hearing about a group of cyclists coming to town and promoting them on as many windows as she could. The practice took on an added significance throughout the Covid pandemic. Worley said, “Everything I did during Covid was super heartfelt. It was a really weird time to be out when nobody was out . . . my favorites are when people say ‘do whatever you want to do.’”Whether dictated by the business or left more to the artist’s discretion, windows offer another medium for art and expression. “Carnegie has always been about service to community, outreach and to bring art beyond our wall. We do that with education programs and partner organizations. We have been creating public artwork for seven years – this is an extension of that,” Gibson said. “We are grateful for businesses letting us utilize their windows to get information out to the community.”Initial projects this fall are crosswalk murals at Grandview and Emerson elementary schools as well as a painting promoting the St. Agnes Academy chili feed. “Bailey and I are both painters (so it’s an opportunity) to create even if it’s labor intensive. Painting outdoors makes it more extreme,” Gibson said. “(Window painting is) one of the more engaging forms of art,” Johnson said.

Passing The Paintbrush –  Carnegie Arts Center Continues KAB Window Painting Tradition

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider amendments to sportfishing orders when it meets Oct. 25 in Broken Bow. These orders regard daily bag limits, possession limits and open areas.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. in the Broken Bow Municipal Auditorium, 314 S. 10th St.

Proposed sportfishing amendments would, among other things:

The commissioners also will consider amending orders to create a bighorn sheep management hunt for March 1-31, 2025. Two resident lottery permits would be authorized, with a bag limit of one male bighorn sheep that is half curl or less. The hunt would take place in portions of Scotts Bluff and Banner counties.

To view proposed orders, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fabout%2Fnotices%2Fpublic-notices%2Frules-orders-regulations%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192a069a7d9-6d43a865-7df1-4b8f-a398-313b5af429f4-000000/pbvXBxxBlCa0qIUqPE2E1Lo1cFZ3T-C0muNo2U4eFXo=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search “Orders.”

In other business, commissioners will consider amendments to:

Commissioners also will consider a staff recommendation to enter into a supplemental agreement for Transportation Alternatives Funding to surface the Cowboy Trail from Rushville to mile marker 400 near Chadron.

Also, parks staff will recommend commission approval of the Recreation Road Program’s 1- and 5-Year Plan; and will seek approval of fee increases for park activities, lodging and rental facilities.

There also will be a Hunter Education program presentation, a review of the state parks in the summer, and commissioners will set the 2025 meeting schedule.

By Nebraska Game and ParksThe Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider amendments to sportfishing orders when it meets Oct. 25 in Broken Bow. These orders regard daily bag limits, possession limits and open areas.The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. in the Broken Bow Municipal Auditorium, 314 S. 10th St.Proposed sportfishing amendments would, among other things:<ul>
 <li>change the bag limit and size restriction for black bass and northern pike in several lakes;</li><li>change the size restriction on striped bass, white bass and wiper statewide;</li><li>change the walleye, sauger and saugeye bag and size restriction on Branched Oak Lake;</li><li>remove the size restriction on channel catfish from the Missouri River; and</li><li>change the timeframe when anglers are allowed to fish the Two Rivers State Recreation Area Trout Lake without a trout tag.</li>
 </ul>The commissioners also will consider amending orders to create a bighorn sheep management hunt for March 1-31, 2025. Two resident lottery permits would be authorized, with a bag limit of one male bighorn sheep that is half curl or less. The hunt would take place in portions of Scotts Bluff and Banner counties.To view proposed orders, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fabout%2Fnotices%2Fpublic-notices%2Frules-orders-regulations%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000192a069a7d9-6d43a865-7df1-4b8f-a398-313b5af429f4-000000/pbvXBxxBlCa0qIUqPE2E1Lo1cFZ3T-C0muNo2U4eFXo=375" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search “Orders.”In other business, commissioners will consider amendments to:<ul>
 <li>fisheries regulations regarding rules relating to bait collection by anglers and bait dealers, including listing of legal bait species, harvest methods and limits;</li><li>wildlife regulations regarding threatened and endangered species, including a list of state and federally designated critical habitat, updating list of streams where baitfish is prohibited to protect state-listed threatened or endangered fish, adding ability for State Action Agencies to designate a “Non-State Representative” to conduct informal consultation on their behalf, outlining the process for allowing Incidental Take and including an Incidental Take Statement in formal consultation;</li><li>fisheries regulations relating to aquatic invasive species, including listing invasive species, inspections, decontamination, impoundments and restrictions; and</li><li>wildlife regulations to address changes in Nebraska statutes and update regulations to mirror the Federal Endangered Species Act consultation process, improve clarity, add efficiencies, address new technology and its use in the consultation process, and reduce restrictions.</li>
 </ul>Commissioners also will consider a staff recommendation to enter into a supplemental agreement for Transportation Alternatives Funding to surface the Cowboy Trail from Rushville to mile marker 400 near Chadron.Also, parks staff will recommend commission approval of the Recreation Road Program’s 1- and 5-Year Plan; and will seek approval of fee increases for park activities, lodging and rental facilities.There also will be a Hunter Education program presentation, a review of the state parks in the summer, and commissioners will set the 2025 meeting schedule.

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