Curbside and senior recycling fell on December 26 this past week for Keep Alliance Beautiful patrons. I rode with Kathy as we encountered at least two-thirds of the seniors’ addresses with nothing out on this Boxing Day (Canada et. al) and the first day of Hanukkah. Christmas leavings at several homes nearly made up for the “no’s”. All in all a typical week after working short-handed and being closed for two days on Dec. 24-25.

I always, perhaps naively, think the sheer amount of cardboard (Amazon and other gift boxes) and wrapping paper shoved into Dumpsters would be the one thing prompting people to recycle. Sure, after dumping the last pickup load from our route there were a couple round, see through bags stuffed with Christmas present paper and obvious boxes from gifts huddled near the balers. And no doubt the cardboard trailers will yield the same into the New Year. However, riding shotgun Thursday morning I noticed a higher ratio of the same waiting for the refuse department drivers. It was tempting to stop, or roll down the window, as we drove past a young couple topping off their garbage container with cardboard boxes.

Maybe KAB can adopt a tactic of my favorite Christian radio station. Somewhere in the transition between Thanksgiving and December listeners hear Christmas music – a variety, not just Contemporary Christian and tunes found in hymnals. The angle? “Listen to us for a month, and if you like what you hear we’d love you to listen all year” is the gist. So, here goes: Bring your Christmas boxes, wrapping paper and worn out lights to the KAB recycling center in January and we would love to see you the rest of 2025.

If that is agreeable, here are a few details. Wrapping paper goes with corrugated and fiber board (single-ply) cardboard. The material is easiest for us to handle when bagged or stuffed into boxes. Please remove plastic bags, etc. As usual, we encourage dropping off large amounts at our south door at 107 ½ Cheyenne. Christmas lights go with the electronics at no charge.

Personally, my children and I are enjoying our “green” presents. I was able to upgrade my sorting system with a set of collapsible vinyl bags that attach to each other with Velcro. Sporting the monikers: Paper - Box/Can - Bottle/Plastic - Vinyl, they will complement an existing pop top container made of rigid plastic. The kids have already spent time writing and erasing notes, lists and other communications in their reusable notebooks. The particular brand, which I mentioned in a column at least four years back, is endlessly (until the tough pages wear out) usable with an erasable pen. An app allows what the pages hold to be stored digitally. What I would have given to have one as a high school reporter in the ‘90s.

Environmentally friendly toys and gifts for Christmas are nothing new. I doubt the pioneers and homesteaders more than a century ago left carbon footprints with their homemade exchanges. Back then snow and cold would have been more of a challenge to FedEx, UPS, Amazon and Postal deliveries than the temperatures in the 50s and lack of snow that was December 2024 in Northwest Nebraska.

Remember to reduce/reuse/recycle as we step into and celebrate the New Year. Thank you to every person who stuffed KAB’s trailers, came into the recycling center to drop off materials or volunteer, and the businesses that filled totes and trailers with cardboard and so much else. Find your own way to Keep Alliance Beautiful throughout 2025.

By JOHN E. WEARE KABCurbside and senior recycling fell on December 26 this past week for Keep Alliance Beautiful patrons. I rode with Kathy as we encountered at least two-thirds of the seniors’ addresses with nothing out on this Boxing Day (Canada et. al) and the first day of Hanukkah. Christmas leavings at several homes nearly made up for the “no’s”. All in all a typical week after working short-handed and being closed for two days on Dec. 24-25.I always, perhaps naively, think the sheer amount of cardboard (Amazon and other gift boxes) and wrapping paper shoved into Dumpsters would be the one thing prompting people to recycle. Sure, after dumping the last pickup load from our route there were a couple round, see through bags stuffed with Christmas present paper and obvious boxes from gifts huddled near the balers. And no doubt the cardboard trailers will yield the same into the New Year. However, riding shotgun Thursday morning I noticed a higher ratio of the same waiting for the refuse department drivers. It was tempting to stop, or roll down the window, as we drove past a young couple topping off their garbage container with cardboard boxes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735840327619.jpeg" alt="Wrapping paper livens up a baler at the KAB Recycling Center the day after Christmas." />
 <figcaption>Wrapping paper livens up a baler at the KAB Recycling Center the day after Christmas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Maybe KAB can adopt a tactic of my favorite Christian radio station. Somewhere in the transition between Thanksgiving and December listeners hear Christmas music – a variety, not just Contemporary Christian and tunes found in hymnals. The angle? “Listen to us for a month, and if you like what you hear we’d love you to listen all year” is the gist. So, here goes: Bring your Christmas boxes, wrapping paper and worn out lights to the KAB recycling center in January and we would love to see you the rest of 2025.If that is agreeable, here are a few details. Wrapping paper goes with corrugated and fiber board (single-ply) cardboard. The material is easiest for us to handle when bagged or stuffed into boxes. Please remove plastic bags, etc. As usual, we encourage dropping off large amounts at our south door at 107 ½ Cheyenne. Christmas lights go with the electronics at no charge.Personally, my children and I are enjoying our “green” presents. I was able to upgrade my sorting system with a set of collapsible vinyl bags that attach to each other with Velcro. Sporting the monikers: Paper - Box/Can - Bottle/Plastic - Vinyl, they will complement an existing pop top container made of rigid plastic. The kids have already spent time writing and erasing notes, lists and other communications in their reusable notebooks. The particular brand, which I mentioned in a column at least four years back, is endlessly (until the tough pages wear out) usable with an erasable pen. An app allows what the pages hold to be stored digitally. What I would have given to have one as a high school reporter in the ‘90s.Environmentally friendly toys and gifts for Christmas are nothing new. I doubt the pioneers and homesteaders more than a century ago left carbon footprints with their homemade exchanges. Back then snow and cold would have been more of a challenge to FedEx, UPS, Amazon and Postal deliveries than the temperatures in the 50s and lack of snow that was December 2024 in Northwest Nebraska.Remember to reduce/reuse/recycle as we step into and celebrate the New Year. Thank you to every person who stuffed KAB’s trailers, came into the recycling center to drop off materials or volunteer, and the businesses that filled totes and trailers with cardboard and so much else. Find your own way to Keep Alliance Beautiful throughout 2025.

KAB: Yuletide Wrap

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: The Edison Test

Check out this week's KCOW Sports schedule for Bulldog athletics. Contest can be heard on KCOW FM 92.5/AM 1400 or listen to the online stream by <a href="https://kcowradio.com/">clicking here.</a>

Friday, Jan 3 - Alliance Girls &amp; Boys Basketball vs. Sidney, pregame at 2:15pm. Boys will follow 20 minutes after the conclusion of the girls game. Join Canon Rath for the action.

Saturday, Jan 4 - Alliance Girls &amp; Boys Basketball vs. Pine Bluff pregame at 2:15pm.&nbsp;Boys will follow 20 minutes after the conclusion of the girls game. Join Canon Rath for the action.

Check out this week's KCOW Sports schedule for Bulldog athletics. Contest can be heard on KCOW FM 92.5/AM 1400 or listen to the online stream by <a href="https://kcowradio.com/">clicking here.</a>Friday, Jan 3 - Alliance Girls &amp; Boys Basketball vs. Sidney, pregame at 2:15pm. Boys will follow 20 minutes after the conclusion of the girls game. Join Canon Rath for the action.Saturday, Jan 4 - Alliance Girls &amp; Boys Basketball vs. Pine Bluff pregame at 2:15pm.&nbsp;Boys will follow 20 minutes after the conclusion of the girls game. Join Canon Rath for the action.

KCOW Radio Sports Schedule (Week of December 30th)

By&nbsp;Cheryl Feist, Dawes County Clerk

Due to Presidential Proclamation, all county offices will&nbsp;be closed on January 09, 2025 to honor the passing of&nbsp;President James Earl Carter.

 There will be no State&nbsp;support available for county programs as well. Normal&nbsp;business hours will resume on January 10, 2025.

By&nbsp;Cheryl Feist, Dawes County ClerkDue to Presidential Proclamation, all county offices will&nbsp;be closed on January 09, 2025 to honor the passing of&nbsp;President James Earl Carter. There will be no State&nbsp;support available for county programs as well. Normal&nbsp;business hours will resume on January 10, 2025.

Dawes Co. Courthouse to close during 'Presidential Proclamation' 

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – The investiture of Chadron State College’s twelfth president, Dr. Ron K. Patterson on April 5 was a major college highlight in 2024. The celebration included original music composed by Music Professor Dr. Michael Stephens that was performed by CSC students, as well as an inaugural poem written and performed by Distinguished Young Alumni Jovan Mays.

Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System (NSCS), said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/patterson-pledges-to-lead-csc-honor-its-legacy-listen-to-stakeholders.html" target="_blank">Patterson</a>&nbsp;is deeply committed to academic excellence and community engagement and understands the challenges facing colleges by demonstrating an exceptional blend of vision, passion, and dedication.The day before Patterson’s investiture, dozens of CSC employees, alumni, students, and friends hiked to C-Hill for a photo commemorating the 100th&nbsp;year of the structure. A presentation in Beebe Stadium honored volunteer firefighters and highlighted the history of C-Hill including its survival of a 2006 wildfire.Academic program highlights&nbsp;included official confirmation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) that the CSC master’s degree in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/clinical-mental-health-counseling-masters-degree-program-earns-accreditation.html" target="_blank">Clinical Mental Health Counseling</a>&nbsp;meets the rigorous standards set by the counseling profession.In related news, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/social-work-reaffirmation-announced.html" target="_blank">Social Work</a>&nbsp;program received reaffirmed accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSC hosts one of six accredited Social Work programs in the state.Following two years of advocacy by elected officials and CSC administrators, the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/cscs-rotc-program-reinstated.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;(ROTC)</a>&nbsp;program will be reinstated at CSC. In the program, students train to become officers in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserves.CSC students and faculty will benefit from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/science-program-receives-scanning-electron-microscope.html" target="_blank">Scanning Electron Microscope (</a>SEM) funded by Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and awarded to Nebraska State College System from the State of Nebraska for specialized equipment.The Coordinating Commission for Post-Secondary Education approved the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree to be offered by all three Nebraska State College System campuses. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/master-of-arts-in-teaching-degree-approved.html" target="_blank">MAT</a>&nbsp;will allow an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education to complete the requirements for initial teacher certification without pursuing an additional bachelor’s degree to complete certification requirements.With CSC’s continued emphasis on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/rural-roundtable-brings-together-students-and-local-business-and-legal-professionals.html" target="_blank">rural leadership</a>, Rural Business Leadership Initiative (RBLI) and Rural Law Opportunities Program (RLOP) students met with regional business and legal leaders at the Rural Roundtable.Travel experiences for students included an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/art-guild-students-travel-to-utah.html" target="_blank">Art Guild</a>&nbsp;trip to Utah. The students visited the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the Spiral Jetty, and architectural and historical sites in Salt Lake City.Partnerships and collaborations&nbsp;included the announcement of aMemorandum of Understanding with Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM). Dean of CSC’s School of Business, Mathematics, and Science, Dr. Ryan Morgan, worked with ICOM’s Assistant Director of Admissions, Ellie Mathews, to establish several routes for CSC pre-medicine undergraduates.The NSCS launched a rural tutoring program with teacher education candidates from Chadron, Peru, and Wayne Colleges, tutoring K-12 students in Educational Service Units 1, 4, and 13. Nebraska Success Made Accessible through Rural Tutoring&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-students-hired-as-nebraska-smart-tutors.html" target="_blank">(SMART)</a>&nbsp;is a free, online tutoring program funded by a Nebraska Department of Education grant awarded to the NSCS. Later in the year, the NSCS announced that an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/nebraska-smart-expands-impact.html" target="_blank">expansion</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska SMART will triple the student population it serves.In an effort to address the teacher shortage crisis in the state, the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/nebraska-department-of-education-launches-innovative-teacher-apprenticeship-program.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeship Program</a>&nbsp;that seeks to bolster recruitment and training of educators across Nebraska through an apprenticeship model. Several months later, an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/chadron-state-college-and-scottsbluff-public-schools-included-in-expanded-teacher-apprenticeship-program.html" target="_blank">expansion</a>&nbsp;of the apprentice program was revealed with an additional $6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Labor. This investment will allow the NDE to distribute more than $2 million this year to eight different colleges, which will be funneled down to apprentices at more than 19 school districts. President Dr. Ron K. Patterson said CSC is honored to partner with the NDE and regional schools like Scottsbluff.CSC and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-signs-agreement-with-saigon-business-school.html" target="_blank">Saigon Business School</a>&nbsp;(SBS) signed an affiliation agreement that will benefit students seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree at CSC. Students pursuing a 1+3 degree pathway will complete one year of studies at SBS and then transfer to CSC for three years of study on campus. Students who choose the 2+2 pathway will complete two years of study at SBS and then complete two years at CSC.President Patterson and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly visited the University of Nebraska’s Medical Center (<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/patterson-and-paddock-oreilly-visit-unmc.html" target="_blank">UNMC</a>)-Omaha campus in November, meeting with UNMC leadership and touring two of the center’s newest facilities. Patterson talked with H. Dele Davies, MD, now UNMC interim chancellor, about the health sciences and health careers in rural Nebraska.Among student awards and achievements,&nbsp;CSC celebrated astudent team’s second-place finish at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/range-management-team-takes-second-at-international-competition-fisher-places-first-.html" target="_blank">Society for Range Management’s</a>&nbsp;(SRM) annual international conference in Sparks, Nevada. Mekenna Fisher of Hershey, Nebraska, won the Extemporaneous Speaking competition.Governor Jim Pillen appointed Christopher Jennings to serve as the CSC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/jennings-appointed-as-chadron-states-student-trustee.html" target="_blank">student trustee</a>&nbsp;on the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System. Jennings will serve the remainder of the 2024-25 academic year following a resignation.Creighton Harrington of Loup City, Neb., received a prestigious&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/-harrington-completes-internship-in-costa-rica-receives-prestigious-scholarship-.html" target="_blank">Scott Scholars</a>&nbsp;award at UNMC. The award provides in-state tuition, room, board, and a stipend to fund professional and research opportunities for four years.Senior Sutton Pohlman of Stanton, Neb., presented a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/pohlman-to-present-poster-on-capstone-research-at-national-conference.html" target="_blank">poster about his capstone course</a>&nbsp;research at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) conference in Omaha. Pohlman’s research is about insulin uptake in the system of a person with type II diabetes.Three student percussionists, Josh Fernau of Chadron, and Cayden Carrasco and Lucas Booe of Sidney, Neb., attended the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/three-student-percussionists-plan-to-attend-national-conference.html" target="_blank">Percussive Arts Society International Conference</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis.Students and volunteers with the Theatre Department performed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-to-present-the-ultimate-christmas-show-abridged-.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged)</a>&nbsp;at Chadron High School when technical problems with the fire alarm system in Memorial Hall caused a change in location. The cast included Reidun Hammer, a senior from Dubois, Wyo., Olivia Freeze, a senior from Bridgeport, Neb., and Isabella Ashley, a senior from Rapid City, S.D. Chloe Shatswell, a junior from Box Elder, S.D., was the stage manager. CSC alum Halle Smith of Wheatland, Wyo., and junior Riley Perry of Box Elder, S.D., were the driving force behind the production. They partnered as co-producers and directors of the performance, which featured audience participation.Local high school students, CSC students, faculty, staff, administrators, and regional mental health professionals gathered for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/social-work-conference-shares-techniques-to-help-with-mental-health.html" target="_blank">Social Work conference</a>&nbsp;about mental health with an emphasis on recovery. Seniors Emily Beye of Chadron and Sandra Arlt of Scottsbluff, Neb., organized the conference with Assistant Professor Becky Fernau.Students Riley Billings of Sheridan, Wyo., and Alyssa Springer of Indianola, Neb., were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-students-to-judge-fccla-state-leadership-conference-in-april.html" target="_blank">judges</a>&nbsp;at the Nebraska Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference in Lincoln. &nbsp;Alumni awards and accomplishments&nbsp;were highlighted byMinnesota&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-alum-walz-selected-as-harris-running-mate.html" target="_blank">Gov. Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;being selected by Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, as her vice-presidential running mate. Walz, in his second term as Minnesota’s Governor, became the first CSC graduate ever elected governor of one of the 50 states in 2018.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-alum-shares-research-of-prehistoric-deer-tortoises-carnivores.html" target="_blank">Edward Welsh</a>, a 2004 graduate, was a guest speaker at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Welsh, a park ranger at Badlands National Park in western South Dakota since 2012, presented his research about a recently discovered genus of a small, hornless deer.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/rosales-earns-para-professional-of-the-year-from-the-wyoming-education-association.html" target="_blank">Shasta Rosales</a>&nbsp;of Laramie, Wyo., was named the Wyoming Education Association’s (WEA) Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year.Other award winners included Andrea Westlake of Belle Fourche, S.D., who received the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-alumna-receives-early-career-national-award.html" target="_blank">Early Career National Award</a>&nbsp;during the Society for Range Management’s 77th Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nevada.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/ryker-honored-as-nebraskas-high-school-principal-of-the-year.html" target="_blank">Seth Ryker</a>, Principal of Gothenburg Public Schools, was named the Nebraska High School Principal of the Year. He is a 1994 graduate of Chadron High School and his mother, Kathy, and stepfather, Roger Suhr, live in Chadron.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/hill-receives-art-education-award.html" target="_blank">Carissa Hill</a>&nbsp;received the Frances Thurber Pre-Service Student of the Year award at the Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) Fall Conference in McCook, Nebraska. A May 2024 graduate, Hill teaches grades 6–12 at Southwest Public Schools in Bartley, Neb.Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System, appointed Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/waugh-named-interim-president-at-peru-state.html" target="_blank">Wendy Waugh</a>&nbsp;as Interim President of Peru State College. Waugh has 33 years of experience in higher education, including five years in administrative leadership. She has a doctorate in Organization and Management, Information Technology Management Specialization from Capella University, and an MBA from Chadron State College. Waugh has Emeritus Faculty status at Chadron State College.The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) selected Chadron High School Principal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/mack-earns-secondary-school-principal-of-the-year.html" target="_blank">Jerry Mack</a>&nbsp;as the 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year.Faculty accomplishments&nbsp;included a scarab beetle being named after Professor Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/newly-discovered-beetle-species-named-for-csc-professor.html" target="_blank">Mathew Brust,</a>&nbsp;who discovered and collected the unusual-looking insect in sand dunes in south-central Wyoming. An avid collector and naturalist, Brust first noticed the beetles, now known as Lichnanthe brusti, on a trip near Rawlins, Wyoming, in 2022.Assistant Professor Dr. Gabriella Pruitt Santos and three students participated in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/pruitt-santos-and-students-present-at-conference.html" target="_blank">International Studies Association</a>&nbsp;Midwest Annual Conference in St. Louis. The students were Ruhama Molla and Wongel Molla of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Kosiso Daniella Akwanamnye of Awka, Nigeria.Assistant Professor Dr. Khadimul Islam presented two papers at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-assistant-professor-presents-at-national-conference.html" target="_blank">National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Convention in</a>&nbsp;New Orleans.During Black History Month, the Chadron State College Art Department hosted a show in Memorial Hall’s Main Gallery featuring the work of the late&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/show-honors-artis-during-black-history-month.html" target="_blank">William Artis</a>&nbsp;who taught at CSC from 1954 to 1965. His 92-year-old niece, Dr. Shirley Jones, has written a short book titled Uncovering Uncle William. Pieces for the exhibit were selected from collections in the Sandoz Center, the Chadron State Foundation, and Memorial Hall.Newappointments included&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/paddock-oreilly-named-vice-president-for-academic-affairs.html" target="_blank">Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly</a>,&nbsp;who was named Vice President for Academic Affairs. She replaced Dr. Jim Powell, who retired in June.Associate Professor Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/helmbrecht-named-interim-dean.html" target="_blank">Brittany Helmbrecht</a>, a member of CSC’s faculty since 2015,&nbsp;was named the Interim Dean of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences in August.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/reinsch-named-chadron-state-colleges-athletic-director.html" target="_blank">Mannie Reinsch</a>, an experienced athletic administrator, was named CSC’s Athletic Director. Reinsch is&nbsp;a Kearney native and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/fisher-named-center-director.html" target="_blank">Nicholas Fisher</a>, JD/MBA, LL.M., was named the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director for the north panhandle region.&nbsp; &nbsp;

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONSCHADRON – The investiture of Chadron State College’s twelfth president, Dr. Ron K. Patterson on April 5 was a major college highlight in 2024. The celebration included original music composed by Music Professor Dr. Michael Stephens that was performed by CSC students, as well as an inaugural poem written and performed by Distinguished Young Alumni Jovan Mays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735589697675.jpeg" alt="Chadron State College Master's Candidate is hooded by the Dean of the School of Business Mathematics and Science Ryan Morgan, left, and Associate Professor Cassandra Ritzen, right, at the 2024 Winter Commencement Ceremony in the Chicoine Center, Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo by Sydney Brown/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Chadron State College Master's Candidate is hooded by the Dean of the School of Business Mathematics and Science Ryan Morgan, left, and Associate Professor Cassandra Ritzen, right, at the 2024 Winter Commencement Ceremony in the Chicoine Center, Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo by Sydney Brown/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System (NSCS), said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/patterson-pledges-to-lead-csc-honor-its-legacy-listen-to-stakeholders.html" target="_blank">Patterson</a>&nbsp;is deeply committed to academic excellence and community engagement and understands the challenges facing colleges by demonstrating an exceptional blend of vision, passion, and dedication.The day before Patterson’s investiture, dozens of CSC employees, alumni, students, and friends hiked to C-Hill for a photo commemorating the 100th&nbsp;year of the structure. A presentation in Beebe Stadium honored volunteer firefighters and highlighted the history of C-Hill including its survival of a 2006 wildfire.Academic program highlights&nbsp;included official confirmation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) that the CSC master’s degree in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/clinical-mental-health-counseling-masters-degree-program-earns-accreditation.html" target="_blank">Clinical Mental Health Counseling</a>&nbsp;meets the rigorous standards set by the counseling profession.In related news, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/social-work-reaffirmation-announced.html" target="_blank">Social Work</a>&nbsp;program received reaffirmed accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSC hosts one of six accredited Social Work programs in the state.Following two years of advocacy by elected officials and CSC administrators, the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/cscs-rotc-program-reinstated.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;(ROTC)</a>&nbsp;program will be reinstated at CSC. In the program, students train to become officers in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserves.CSC students and faculty will benefit from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/science-program-receives-scanning-electron-microscope.html" target="_blank">Scanning Electron Microscope (</a>SEM) funded by Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and awarded to Nebraska State College System from the State of Nebraska for specialized equipment.The Coordinating Commission for Post-Secondary Education approved the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree to be offered by all three Nebraska State College System campuses. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/master-of-arts-in-teaching-degree-approved.html" target="_blank">MAT</a>&nbsp;will allow an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education to complete the requirements for initial teacher certification without pursuing an additional bachelor’s degree to complete certification requirements.With CSC’s continued emphasis on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/rural-roundtable-brings-together-students-and-local-business-and-legal-professionals.html" target="_blank">rural leadership</a>, Rural Business Leadership Initiative (RBLI) and Rural Law Opportunities Program (RLOP) students met with regional business and legal leaders at the Rural Roundtable.Travel experiences for students included an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/art-guild-students-travel-to-utah.html" target="_blank">Art Guild</a>&nbsp;trip to Utah. The students visited the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the Spiral Jetty, and architectural and historical sites in Salt Lake City.Partnerships and collaborations&nbsp;included the announcement of aMemorandum of Understanding with Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM). Dean of CSC’s School of Business, Mathematics, and Science, Dr. Ryan Morgan, worked with ICOM’s Assistant Director of Admissions, Ellie Mathews, to establish several routes for CSC pre-medicine undergraduates.The NSCS launched a rural tutoring program with teacher education candidates from Chadron, Peru, and Wayne Colleges, tutoring K-12 students in Educational Service Units 1, 4, and 13. Nebraska Success Made Accessible through Rural Tutoring&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-students-hired-as-nebraska-smart-tutors.html" target="_blank">(SMART)</a>&nbsp;is a free, online tutoring program funded by a Nebraska Department of Education grant awarded to the NSCS. Later in the year, the NSCS announced that an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/nebraska-smart-expands-impact.html" target="_blank">expansion</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska SMART will triple the student population it serves.In an effort to address the teacher shortage crisis in the state, the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/nebraska-department-of-education-launches-innovative-teacher-apprenticeship-program.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeship Program</a>&nbsp;that seeks to bolster recruitment and training of educators across Nebraska through an apprenticeship model. Several months later, an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/chadron-state-college-and-scottsbluff-public-schools-included-in-expanded-teacher-apprenticeship-program.html" target="_blank">expansion</a>&nbsp;of the apprentice program was revealed with an additional $6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Labor. This investment will allow the NDE to distribute more than $2 million this year to eight different colleges, which will be funneled down to apprentices at more than 19 school districts. President Dr. Ron K. Patterson said CSC is honored to partner with the NDE and regional schools like Scottsbluff.CSC and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-signs-agreement-with-saigon-business-school.html" target="_blank">Saigon Business School</a>&nbsp;(SBS) signed an affiliation agreement that will benefit students seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree at CSC. Students pursuing a 1+3 degree pathway will complete one year of studies at SBS and then transfer to CSC for three years of study on campus. Students who choose the 2+2 pathway will complete two years of study at SBS and then complete two years at CSC.President Patterson and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly visited the University of Nebraska’s Medical Center (<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/patterson-and-paddock-oreilly-visit-unmc.html" target="_blank">UNMC</a>)-Omaha campus in November, meeting with UNMC leadership and touring two of the center’s newest facilities. Patterson talked with H. Dele Davies, MD, now UNMC interim chancellor, about the health sciences and health careers in rural Nebraska.Among student awards and achievements,&nbsp;CSC celebrated astudent team’s second-place finish at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/range-management-team-takes-second-at-international-competition-fisher-places-first-.html" target="_blank">Society for Range Management’s</a>&nbsp;(SRM) annual international conference in Sparks, Nevada. Mekenna Fisher of Hershey, Nebraska, won the Extemporaneous Speaking competition.Governor Jim Pillen appointed Christopher Jennings to serve as the CSC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/jennings-appointed-as-chadron-states-student-trustee.html" target="_blank">student trustee</a>&nbsp;on the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System. Jennings will serve the remainder of the 2024-25 academic year following a resignation.Creighton Harrington of Loup City, Neb., received a prestigious&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/-harrington-completes-internship-in-costa-rica-receives-prestigious-scholarship-.html" target="_blank">Scott Scholars</a>&nbsp;award at UNMC. The award provides in-state tuition, room, board, and a stipend to fund professional and research opportunities for four years.Senior Sutton Pohlman of Stanton, Neb., presented a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/pohlman-to-present-poster-on-capstone-research-at-national-conference.html" target="_blank">poster about his capstone course</a>&nbsp;research at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) conference in Omaha. Pohlman’s research is about insulin uptake in the system of a person with type II diabetes.Three student percussionists, Josh Fernau of Chadron, and Cayden Carrasco and Lucas Booe of Sidney, Neb., attended the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/three-student-percussionists-plan-to-attend-national-conference.html" target="_blank">Percussive Arts Society International Conference</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis.Students and volunteers with the Theatre Department performed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-to-present-the-ultimate-christmas-show-abridged-.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged)</a>&nbsp;at Chadron High School when technical problems with the fire alarm system in Memorial Hall caused a change in location. The cast included Reidun Hammer, a senior from Dubois, Wyo., Olivia Freeze, a senior from Bridgeport, Neb., and Isabella Ashley, a senior from Rapid City, S.D. Chloe Shatswell, a junior from Box Elder, S.D., was the stage manager. CSC alum Halle Smith of Wheatland, Wyo., and junior Riley Perry of Box Elder, S.D., were the driving force behind the production. They partnered as co-producers and directors of the performance, which featured audience participation.Local high school students, CSC students, faculty, staff, administrators, and regional mental health professionals gathered for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/social-work-conference-shares-techniques-to-help-with-mental-health.html" target="_blank">Social Work conference</a>&nbsp;about mental health with an emphasis on recovery. Seniors Emily Beye of Chadron and Sandra Arlt of Scottsbluff, Neb., organized the conference with Assistant Professor Becky Fernau.Students Riley Billings of Sheridan, Wyo., and Alyssa Springer of Indianola, Neb., were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-students-to-judge-fccla-state-leadership-conference-in-april.html" target="_blank">judges</a>&nbsp;at the Nebraska Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference in Lincoln. &nbsp;Alumni awards and accomplishments&nbsp;were highlighted byMinnesota&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-alum-walz-selected-as-harris-running-mate.html" target="_blank">Gov. Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;being selected by Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, as her vice-presidential running mate. Walz, in his second term as Minnesota’s Governor, became the first CSC graduate ever elected governor of one of the 50 states in 2018.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-alum-shares-research-of-prehistoric-deer-tortoises-carnivores.html" target="_blank">Edward Welsh</a>, a 2004 graduate, was a guest speaker at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Welsh, a park ranger at Badlands National Park in western South Dakota since 2012, presented his research about a recently discovered genus of a small, hornless deer.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/rosales-earns-para-professional-of-the-year-from-the-wyoming-education-association.html" target="_blank">Shasta Rosales</a>&nbsp;of Laramie, Wyo., was named the Wyoming Education Association’s (WEA) Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year.Other award winners included Andrea Westlake of Belle Fourche, S.D., who received the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-alumna-receives-early-career-national-award.html" target="_blank">Early Career National Award</a>&nbsp;during the Society for Range Management’s 77th Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nevada.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/ryker-honored-as-nebraskas-high-school-principal-of-the-year.html" target="_blank">Seth Ryker</a>, Principal of Gothenburg Public Schools, was named the Nebraska High School Principal of the Year. He is a 1994 graduate of Chadron High School and his mother, Kathy, and stepfather, Roger Suhr, live in Chadron.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/hill-receives-art-education-award.html" target="_blank">Carissa Hill</a>&nbsp;received the Frances Thurber Pre-Service Student of the Year award at the Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) Fall Conference in McCook, Nebraska. A May 2024 graduate, Hill teaches grades 6–12 at Southwest Public Schools in Bartley, Neb.Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System, appointed Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/waugh-named-interim-president-at-peru-state.html" target="_blank">Wendy Waugh</a>&nbsp;as Interim President of Peru State College. Waugh has 33 years of experience in higher education, including five years in administrative leadership. She has a doctorate in Organization and Management, Information Technology Management Specialization from Capella University, and an MBA from Chadron State College. Waugh has Emeritus Faculty status at Chadron State College.The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) selected Chadron High School Principal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/mack-earns-secondary-school-principal-of-the-year.html" target="_blank">Jerry Mack</a>&nbsp;as the 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year.Faculty accomplishments&nbsp;included a scarab beetle being named after Professor Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/newly-discovered-beetle-species-named-for-csc-professor.html" target="_blank">Mathew Brust,</a>&nbsp;who discovered and collected the unusual-looking insect in sand dunes in south-central Wyoming. An avid collector and naturalist, Brust first noticed the beetles, now known as Lichnanthe brusti, on a trip near Rawlins, Wyoming, in 2022.Assistant Professor Dr. Gabriella Pruitt Santos and three students participated in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/pruitt-santos-and-students-present-at-conference.html" target="_blank">International Studies Association</a>&nbsp;Midwest Annual Conference in St. Louis. The students were Ruhama Molla and Wongel Molla of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Kosiso Daniella Akwanamnye of Awka, Nigeria.Assistant Professor Dr. Khadimul Islam presented two papers at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/csc-assistant-professor-presents-at-national-conference.html" target="_blank">National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Convention in</a>&nbsp;New Orleans.During Black History Month, the Chadron State College Art Department hosted a show in Memorial Hall’s Main Gallery featuring the work of the late&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/show-honors-artis-during-black-history-month.html" target="_blank">William Artis</a>&nbsp;who taught at CSC from 1954 to 1965. His 92-year-old niece, Dr. Shirley Jones, has written a short book titled Uncovering Uncle William. Pieces for the exhibit were selected from collections in the Sandoz Center, the Chadron State Foundation, and Memorial Hall.Newappointments included&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/paddock-oreilly-named-vice-president-for-academic-affairs.html" target="_blank">Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly</a>,&nbsp;who was named Vice President for Academic Affairs. She replaced Dr. Jim Powell, who retired in June.Associate Professor Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/helmbrecht-named-interim-dean.html" target="_blank">Brittany Helmbrecht</a>, a member of CSC’s faculty since 2015,&nbsp;was named the Interim Dean of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences in August.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/reinsch-named-chadron-state-colleges-athletic-director.html" target="_blank">Mannie Reinsch</a>, an experienced athletic administrator, was named CSC’s Athletic Director. Reinsch is&nbsp;a Kearney native and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney.<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2024/fisher-named-center-director.html" target="_blank">Nicholas Fisher</a>, JD/MBA, LL.M., was named the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director for the north panhandle region.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Patterson inauguration and C-Hill’s centennial highlight 2024 in Chadron 

P202400701 13:46 WARRANT : ARREST Officers conducting field interview located male with active arrest warrant. Male was arrested without incident. Closed - Resolved

P202400702 20:21 HARASS : Harassment Officers responded to the 600 block of Potash Ave in reference to disturbing the peace. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400703 11:16 TRAFFIC STOP : Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400704 12:53 Officers dispatched to residence reference physical disturbance. Female located with injuries, male party arrested. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400705 03:08 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Open - Under Investigation

P202400706 03:06 ASSAULT : ASSAULT George C. King was arrested for threatening a male with a knife. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400707 03:06 ERROR : INCIDENT CALL Issued In Error

P202400708 13:36 WARRANT : ARREST Officers located male with warrant on investigatory stop. Male was arrested without incident. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400709 06:47 DUI : DUI Officer nearly struck by vehicle failing to yield to right of way. Traffic stop was conducted and driver was found to be almost 4 times over the legal limit. Driver was arrested for DUI Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400710 13:01 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Officers dispatched to hostage situation. Offender was located fleeing and arrested by officers. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400711 15:18 PUBLIC : PUBLIC Officers received unclaimed property that was left behind at reporting parties resident. The property reveled drugs, drug paraphernalia and weapon ammunition .

12/22/24P202400701 13:46 WARRANT : ARREST Officers conducting field interview located male with active arrest warrant. Male was arrested without incident. Closed - ResolvedP202400702 20:21 HARASS : Harassment Officers responded to the 600 block of Potash Ave in reference to disturbing the peace. Closed - Charges Recommended12/22/24 Total: 212/24/24P202400703 11:16 TRAFFIC STOP : Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400704 12:53 Officers dispatched to residence reference physical disturbance. Female located with injuries, male party arrested. Closed - Charges Recommended12/24/24 Total: 212/25/24P202400705 03:08 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Open - Under Investigation12/25/24 Total: 112/26/24P202400706 03:06 ASSAULT : ASSAULT George C. King was arrested for threatening a male with a knife. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400707 03:06 ERROR : INCIDENT CALL Issued In Error12/26/24 Total: 212/27/24P202400708 13:36 WARRANT : ARREST Officers located male with warrant on investigatory stop. Male was arrested without incident. Closed - Charges Recommended12/27/24 Total: 112/28/24P202400709 06:47 DUI : DUI Officer nearly struck by vehicle failing to yield to right of way. Traffic stop was conducted and driver was found to be almost 4 times over the legal limit. Driver was arrested for DUI Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400710 13:01 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Officers dispatched to hostage situation. Offender was located fleeing and arrested by officers. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400711 15:18 PUBLIC : PUBLIC Officers received unclaimed property that was left behind at reporting parties resident. The property reveled drugs, drug paraphernalia and weapon ammunition .Closed - Resolved12/28/24 Total: 3Total Records: 11

Alliance Police Department: The media report 

On December 25, 2024 at approximately 8:19P.M. Chadron Police Officers Seth Orsborn and Colin Deines responded to a reported physical altercation on the 300 block of East 3 rd Street, which resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old male, Poseidon Sanchez, for Second Degree Assault with a dangerous weapon (Class IIA Felony).

Officer Orsborn and Officer Deines received a report of a disturbance at a residence in Chadron. The reporting party indicated that he was assaulted by an unknown male and that the male left walking West on 3 rd Street. Officer Deines arrived at the residence and observed signs of an altercation and blood on the sidewalk. Meanwhile, the Chadron Police Department received a second phone call reporting there was a male who shown up at 301 Main Street and was bleeding from the neck. Officer Orsborn responded to this call and made contact with a male who had a laceration on his neck and was bleeding profusely. Officer Orsborn immediately provided medical aid until an ambulance arrived and transported the male to the Chadron Community Hospital.

Officer Deines and Officer Orsborn returned to the scene of where the initial altercation took place and spoke with the reporting party who stated he was assaulted by the other male. Officer Deines and Officer Orsborn learned that during the assault the reporting party pulled out and used a knife during the altercation. Officer Deines was able to retrieve the knife used in the assault as evidence.

As a result of the investigation and interviewing witnesses, Poseidon Sanchez was placed under arrest for 2 nd degree assault with a dangerous weapon and transported to the Dawes County Jail.

The Chadron Police Department received assistance from the Chadron Fire Department on this call.

By Chadron Police DepartmentOn December 25, 2024 at approximately 8:19P.M. Chadron Police Officers Seth Orsborn and Colin Deines responded to a reported physical altercation on the 300 block of East 3 rd Street, which resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old male, Poseidon Sanchez, for Second Degree Assault with a dangerous weapon (Class IIA Felony).Officer Orsborn and Officer Deines received a report of a disturbance at a residence in Chadron. The reporting party indicated that he was assaulted by an unknown male and that the male left walking West on 3 rd Street. Officer Deines arrived at the residence and observed signs of an altercation and blood on the sidewalk. Meanwhile, the Chadron Police Department received a second phone call reporting there was a male who shown up at 301 Main Street and was bleeding from the neck. Officer Orsborn responded to this call and made contact with a male who had a laceration on his neck and was bleeding profusely. Officer Orsborn immediately provided medical aid until an ambulance arrived and transported the male to the Chadron Community Hospital.Officer Deines and Officer Orsborn returned to the scene of where the initial altercation took place and spoke with the reporting party who stated he was assaulted by the other male. Officer Deines and Officer Orsborn learned that during the assault the reporting party pulled out and used a knife during the altercation. Officer Deines was able to retrieve the knife used in the assault as evidence.As a result of the investigation and interviewing witnesses, Poseidon Sanchez was placed under arrest for 2 nd degree assault with a dangerous weapon and transported to the Dawes County Jail.The Chadron Police Department received assistance from the Chadron Fire Department on this call.

Chadron man arrested for felony assault with a dangerous weapon

Active-duty military personnel stationed in Nebraska can now buy a vehicle park entry permit for $5 and gain access to more than 76 state parks year-round.

The annual active-duty military vehicle park permit is valid Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 in a given year.

People wanting to buy the permit must show:

Permits must be purchased in-person at one of the following locations:

Offutt Airforce Base:&nbsp;Outdoor Recreation

Nebraska Game and Parks’ offices and service centers:&nbsp;Alliance District Office, Bassett Service Center, Kearney Service Center, Lincoln Headquarters, Norfolk District Office, North Platte District Office, and Omaha Service Center

Select state parks:&nbsp;Calamus State Recreation Area, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Fort Robinson SP, Fremont Lakes SRA, Indian Cave State Park, Lake McConaughy SRA, Lewis and Clark SRA, Louisville SRA, Mormon Island SRA, Niobrara SP, Platte River State Park, Ponca SP, Two Rivers SRA, and Wildcat Hills Nature Center.

Active-duty military members may only buy two permits per year, but replacements are free if all or more than half of the permit is returned to the designated offices. Replacements correspond to the same year the original was issued.

Learn more about permits available to military members at&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/permits/veterans-and-military-permits/">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>; search for “military permits.”

Shawna Richter-RyersonNebraska Game and ParksActive-duty military personnel stationed in Nebraska can now buy a vehicle park entry permit for $5 and gain access to more than 76 state parks year-round.The annual active-duty military vehicle park permit is valid Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 in a given year.People wanting to buy the permit must show:<ul>
 <li>A military identification card denoting active-duty status.</li><li>Proof of being stationed at a military base in Nebraska.</li>
 </ul>Permits must be purchased in-person at one of the following locations:Offutt Airforce Base:&nbsp;Outdoor RecreationNebraska Game and Parks’ offices and service centers:&nbsp;Alliance District Office, Bassett Service Center, Kearney Service Center, Lincoln Headquarters, Norfolk District Office, North Platte District Office, and Omaha Service CenterSelect state parks:&nbsp;Calamus State Recreation Area, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Fort Robinson SP, Fremont Lakes SRA, Indian Cave State Park, Lake McConaughy SRA, Lewis and Clark SRA, Louisville SRA, Mormon Island SRA, Niobrara SP, Platte River State Park, Ponca SP, Two Rivers SRA, and Wildcat Hills Nature Center.Active-duty military members may only buy two permits per year, but replacements are free if all or more than half of the permit is returned to the designated offices. Replacements correspond to the same year the original was issued.Learn more about permits available to military members at&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/permits/veterans-and-military-permits/">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>; search for “military permits.”

$5 park entry permit for active-duty military now available

On December 26th, 2024, at approximately 0300 hours, the Alliance Police Department Dispatch received a 911 call reference a male attempting to force his way into a residence. It was advised the male was armed with a knife and was attempting to kick down the door. It was also advised that there were several other persons with the armed male. 

SGT Tim Peterson arrived on the scene and located the individuals. The armed male, identified as George Coulton King (DOB 09/07/1993), was seen at the door of the residence, holding a knife. SGT Peterson gave commands to King, to which he surrendered, and placed him into handcuffs. 

King was searched incident to arrest, which yielded a second knife, as well as a syringe which appeared to be unused.

An interview of the two victims revealed that King pushed his way inside the residence and attempted to stab a male party in the residence. It was also alleged that King threatened the life of the male party. 

Officers located boot prints on the door, consistent with the 911 call. 

King was transported to the Box Butte County Jail, where he is currently facing felony charges of: - Terroristic Threats- Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony- Attempted 2nd Degree Assault - Disturbing the Peace&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Alliance Police Department<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227177717.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On December 26th, 2024, at approximately 0300 hours, the Alliance Police Department Dispatch received a 911 call reference a male attempting to force his way into a residence. It was advised the male was armed with a knife and was attempting to kick down the door. It was also advised that there were several other persons with the armed male. SGT Tim Peterson arrived on the scene and located the individuals. The armed male, identified as George Coulton King (DOB 09/07/1993), was seen at the door of the residence, holding a knife. SGT Peterson gave commands to King, to which he surrendered, and placed him into handcuffs. King was searched incident to arrest, which yielded a second knife, as well as a syringe which appeared to be unused.An interview of the two victims revealed that King pushed his way inside the residence and attempted to stab a male party in the residence. It was also alleged that King threatened the life of the male party. Officers located boot prints on the door, consistent with the 911 call. King was transported to the Box Butte County Jail, where he is currently facing felony charges of: - Terroristic Threats- Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony- Attempted 2nd Degree Assault - Disturbing the Peace&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227271573.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227282911.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>

Man arrested following attempted Alliance stabbing 

Ogallala, Neb.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people following two pursuits in western Nebraska.

Sunday, at approximately 12:40 a.m. MT, troopers were notified that the Ogallala Police Department was in pursuit of a Toyota sedan westbound on Highway 30. A trooper joined the pursuit as the vehicle exited Ogallala westbound. The vehicle continued westbound with speeds over 130 miles per hour until it reached Big Springs. The vehicle then turned south on Highway 138 and then began fleeing eastbound on Interstate 80.

As the pursuit continued eastbound, a Keith County deputy was able to deploy stop sticks to slow the vehicle, but the driver continued fleeing. The vehicle eventually exited I-80 at mile marker 133 and drove off the road, coming to a stop in the ditch. The driver then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.

The driver, Christoper Mitchell, 26, of Sarasota, Florida, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and traffic violations. Mitchell was lodged in Keith County Jail. The Ogallala Police Department is the investigating agency.

Monday, at approximately 2:00 p.m. CT, a trooper observed a Ford Edge driving westbound at over 100 miles per hour on Highway 2 near Dunning. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

As the vehicle approached Thedford, another trooper successfully deployed stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The driver then pulled over and came to a stop. Troopers took the driver into custody without further incident.

The driver, Jeffrey Zitek, 58, of Grand Island, was arrested for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations. He was lodged in Custer County Jail.

By NSPOgallala, Neb.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people following two pursuits in western Nebraska.Sunday, at approximately 12:40 a.m. MT, troopers were notified that the Ogallala Police Department was in pursuit of a Toyota sedan westbound on Highway 30. A trooper joined the pursuit as the vehicle exited Ogallala westbound. The vehicle continued westbound with speeds over 130 miles per hour until it reached Big Springs. The vehicle then turned south on Highway 138 and then began fleeing eastbound on Interstate 80.As the pursuit continued eastbound, a Keith County deputy was able to deploy stop sticks to slow the vehicle, but the driver continued fleeing. The vehicle eventually exited I-80 at mile marker 133 and drove off the road, coming to a stop in the ditch. The driver then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.The driver, Christoper Mitchell, 26, of Sarasota, Florida, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and traffic violations. Mitchell was lodged in Keith County Jail. The Ogallala Police Department is the investigating agency.Monday, at approximately 2:00 p.m. CT, a trooper observed a Ford Edge driving westbound at over 100 miles per hour on Highway 2 near Dunning. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.As the vehicle approached Thedford, another trooper successfully deployed stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The driver then pulled over and came to a stop. Troopers took the driver into custody without further incident.The driver, Jeffrey Zitek, 58, of Grand Island, was arrested for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations. He was lodged in Custer County Jail.

2 arrested in separate pursuits in Western Nebraska

By Nebraska Department of Transportation&nbsp;

LINCOLN – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is being awarded a highway safety grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office (NDOT-HSO) to assist in obtaining one mobile radar unit, according to William Kovarik, Administrator for the NDOT Highway Safety Office. Kovarik states, “Technology holds immense promise when it comes to mitigating human error. This equipment is vital in helping agencies to more effectively target reckless drivers, making roadways safer for motorists and passengers.”

The mobile radar speed detection equipment provides the agency with reliable, advanced technology that will enhance speed control efforts. The total grant funding assistance for this project is up to $1,046.25.

“This grant award will allow law enforcement to purchase equipment that will assist the agency in their mission to enhance public safety on our roadways. It provides the tools they require to focus on problematic traffic areas throughout Grant to promote safer roadways, and reduce speed-related traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries,” said Kovarik.

By Nebraska Department of Transportation&nbsp;LINCOLN – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is being awarded a highway safety grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office (NDOT-HSO) to assist in obtaining one mobile radar unit, according to William Kovarik, Administrator for the NDOT Highway Safety Office. Kovarik states, “Technology holds immense promise when it comes to mitigating human error. This equipment is vital in helping agencies to more effectively target reckless drivers, making roadways safer for motorists and passengers.”The mobile radar speed detection equipment provides the agency with reliable, advanced technology that will enhance speed control efforts. The total grant funding assistance for this project is up to $1,046.25.“This grant award will allow law enforcement to purchase equipment that will assist the agency in their mission to enhance public safety on our roadways. It provides the tools they require to focus on problematic traffic areas throughout Grant to promote safer roadways, and reduce speed-related traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries,” said Kovarik.

Grant Co. Sheriff's Office receives grant for speed control equipment

There will be a Ghost Hunt at the Chadron Public Library, Tuesday December 31st from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

By Chadron Public Library&nbsp;There will be a Ghost Hunt at the Chadron Public Library, Tuesday December 31st from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

Ghost hunt to be held at Chadron library 

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

As we close out 2024 and move into a new year, many of us will set resolutions. One to consider might be to improve your credit score.

Your credit score can determine whether you can get a loan or a mortgage, how much you can borrow, and what interest rate you will pay. Credit scores are built from your credit history, and financial institutions use them to determine whether you are a good risk. They decide, based on your credit history, how much you can afford to borrow for a car or house. Employers might run a background check that includes your credit history to determine whether to hire you. Landlords do the same for potential renters.

Building good credit takes time. The first and most important step is to know and understand what is in your credit report. You can request your credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies, Experian, Transunion, and Equifax, once every 12 months free of charge at&nbsp;<a href="http://annualcreditreport.com/" target="_blank">annualcreditreport.com</a>.

If you see anything wrong on your credit report, you should take steps to correct those issues.&nbsp; You might find that you are a victim of identity theft. Perhaps a business has you confused with someone with the same name. Contact the credit bureau in writing, explain the problem, and ask for an investigation. Then they should correct anything that is inaccurate. You might need to put a security freeze on your credit if you think someone is using your information illegally.

If you have been denied a loan or a credit card, you should ask why you were rejected. The business is required to tell you how they reached their decision. That is a good time to review your credit report!

How to you build good credit and raise your credit score? The most important step in building good credit is to pay your credit card bills and loan payments on time! Remember, the financial institution that loaned you money or gave you credit wants to know they'll get their money back.

Credit cards have credit limits, and you don’t want get too close to that credit limit. Credit scoring models look at how close you are to being “maxed out.” People who use too much of their available credit may have trouble with repayment. Experts advise that you should not use more than 30% of your total credit limit if you want to raise your credit score. And remember that the only way to get ahead with a credit card is to pay your bill in full every month.

Credit scores may also decline if you apply for and open too many credit accounts in a short time. Financial institutions may worry that you will be overextended, and that may lead to bankruptcy.

Not everyone who is denied credit has a bad credit history. Having no credit history also means it will be hard to get a loan. In fact, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says that one in ten adults experience credit invisibility, which means that they don't have a credit history report with the three major credit bureaus. Or they might have "thin" credit, not enough credit history to generate a credit score.

Where can a person start to build credit? Consider getting a prepaid or secured credit card, but be sure to ask whether your payment history will be reported to credit bureaus. For these cards, you have to deposit money with the bank, beginning with the full amount you want to be able to access. Realize that they will probably charge an application fee and a high interest rate for unpaid balances, even though it's your money. After you have established a pattern of paying on time, you can move to a regular credit card. It may be a while before you can get enough credit history to have a "no fee" card.

Retail chains and gas stations offer credit cards with lower credit limits that are usually easier to obtain. Credit unions and some banks offer small loans to young people who are trying to establish credit. Financial institutions will happily loan to people with cosigners, relying on that cosigner's credit score and reporting on both credit histories whether payments were made on time. But remember that the cosigner is liable if payments are not made.

I've noticed in the last few months that my credit cards are asking if I want to add authorized users to my accounts, which would mean that my payments on those cards would also be reported to help establish their credit histories. Again, I would be responsible for paying any charges they might make.

Building a good credit history takes time and planning. People who will be making major, expensive purchases in the future can save a lot of money in interest payments based on a good credit score, so it is worth the effort.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityAs we close out 2024 and move into a new year, many of us will set resolutions. One to consider might be to improve your credit score.Your credit score can determine whether you can get a loan or a mortgage, how much you can borrow, and what interest rate you will pay. Credit scores are built from your credit history, and financial institutions use them to determine whether you are a good risk. They decide, based on your credit history, how much you can afford to borrow for a car or house. Employers might run a background check that includes your credit history to determine whether to hire you. Landlords do the same for potential renters.Building good credit takes time. The first and most important step is to know and understand what is in your credit report. You can request your credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies, Experian, Transunion, and Equifax, once every 12 months free of charge at&nbsp;<a href="http://annualcreditreport.com/" target="_blank">annualcreditreport.com</a>.If you see anything wrong on your credit report, you should take steps to correct those issues.&nbsp; You might find that you are a victim of identity theft. Perhaps a business has you confused with someone with the same name. Contact the credit bureau in writing, explain the problem, and ask for an investigation. Then they should correct anything that is inaccurate. You might need to put a security freeze on your credit if you think someone is using your information illegally.If you have been denied a loan or a credit card, you should ask why you were rejected. The business is required to tell you how they reached their decision. That is a good time to review your credit report!How to you build good credit and raise your credit score? The most important step in building good credit is to pay your credit card bills and loan payments on time! Remember, the financial institution that loaned you money or gave you credit wants to know they'll get their money back.Credit cards have credit limits, and you don’t want get too close to that credit limit. Credit scoring models look at how close you are to being “maxed out.” People who use too much of their available credit may have trouble with repayment. Experts advise that you should not use more than 30% of your total credit limit if you want to raise your credit score. And remember that the only way to get ahead with a credit card is to pay your bill in full every month.Credit scores may also decline if you apply for and open too many credit accounts in a short time. Financial institutions may worry that you will be overextended, and that may lead to bankruptcy.Not everyone who is denied credit has a bad credit history. Having no credit history also means it will be hard to get a loan. In fact, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says that one in ten adults experience credit invisibility, which means that they don't have a credit history report with the three major credit bureaus. Or they might have "thin" credit, not enough credit history to generate a credit score.Where can a person start to build credit? Consider getting a prepaid or secured credit card, but be sure to ask whether your payment history will be reported to credit bureaus. For these cards, you have to deposit money with the bank, beginning with the full amount you want to be able to access. Realize that they will probably charge an application fee and a high interest rate for unpaid balances, even though it's your money. After you have established a pattern of paying on time, you can move to a regular credit card. It may be a while before you can get enough credit history to have a "no fee" card.Retail chains and gas stations offer credit cards with lower credit limits that are usually easier to obtain. Credit unions and some banks offer small loans to young people who are trying to establish credit. Financial institutions will happily loan to people with cosigners, relying on that cosigner's credit score and reporting on both credit histories whether payments were made on time. But remember that the cosigner is liable if payments are not made.I've noticed in the last few months that my credit cards are asking if I want to add authorized users to my accounts, which would mean that my payments on those cards would also be reported to help establish their credit histories. Again, I would be responsible for paying any charges they might make.Building a good credit history takes time and planning. People who will be making major, expensive purchases in the future can save a lot of money in interest payments based on a good credit score, so it is worth the effort.

Getting Ahead: How to improve your credit score 

P202400680 12:28 Officers dispatched to physical disturbance. Officer made contact, juvenile offender cited. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400681 14:39 THEFT : THEFT Closed - Resolved

P202400681 14:39 THEFT : THEFT Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400682 06:45 STOLEN VEHICLE : Closed - Unfounded

P202400682 06:45 STOLEN VEHICLE : Open - Under Investigation

P202400688 16:41 THEFT : THEFT Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400684 06:59 GRAFFITI : Criminal officers responded to the 1100 block of Laramie in reference to criminal mischief Informational

P202400684 06:59 GRAFFITI : Criminal officers responded to the 1100 block of Laramie in reference to criminal mischief Open - Under Investigation

P202400686 15:09 WARRANT : ARREST officers responded to the 400 block of Snyder PL in reference to an arrest warrant out of Scottsbluff County/ one male was arrested and transported to Box Butte County Jail Closed - Resolved

P202400689 11:29 BITE : ANIMAL BITE Inactive - Case Suspended

P202400690 19:54 DISTURBANCE : Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400692 19:44 DISTURBANCE : Officers responded to the 600 block of E 4th in reference to a reported assault. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400693 10:25 THEFT : THEFT OFFICERS RESPONDED TO A THEFT 613 E 3RD ST. Informational

P202400694 18:59 JUV : JUVENILE Officers responded to the 100 block of Cody in reference to a report of Child Abuse, open under investigation. Open - Under Investigation

P202400695 11:36 TRAFFIC STOP : Officer conducted traffic stop on vehicle for speed. A consent search of the vehicle yielded suspected heroin and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400696 14:09 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Officers were informed of an assault between two middle school classmates that took place on their way home from school. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400697 14:51 THEFT : THEFT Citizen reported stolen mail out of broken mail box. No current leads. Inactive - Case Suspended

P202400698 16:08 BITE : ANIMAL BITE Closed - Resolved

P202400699 23:54 DUI : DUI Kyle M. Roth was investigated for DUI and subsequently arrested. Closed - Charges Recommended

P202400700 09:58 STOLEN VEHICLE : Officers received report of stolen vehicle. Officers located the vehicle, and it was returned to the owner.

By Alliance Police Department12/08/24P202400680 12:28 Officers dispatched to physical disturbance. Officer made contact, juvenile offender cited. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400681 14:39 THEFT : THEFT Closed - ResolvedP202400681 14:39 THEFT : THEFT Closed - Charges Recommended12/08/24 Total: 312/10/24P202400682 06:45 STOLEN VEHICLE : Closed - UnfoundedP202400682 06:45 STOLEN VEHICLE : Open - Under InvestigationP202400688 16:41 THEFT : THEFT Closed - Charges Recommended12/10/24 Total: 312/11/24P202400684 06:59 GRAFFITI : Criminal officers responded to the 1100 block of Laramie in reference to criminal mischief InformationalP202400684 06:59 GRAFFITI : Criminal officers responded to the 1100 block of Laramie in reference to criminal mischief Open - Under InvestigationP202400686 15:09 WARRANT : ARREST officers responded to the 400 block of Snyder PL in reference to an arrest warrant out of Scottsbluff County/ one male was arrested and transported to Box Butte County Jail Closed - Resolved12/11/24 Total: 312/12/24P202400689 11:29 BITE : ANIMAL BITE Inactive - Case Suspended12/12/24 Total: 112/13/24P202400690 19:54 DISTURBANCE : Closed - Charges Recommended12/13/24 Total: 112/14/24P202400692 19:44 DISTURBANCE : Officers responded to the 600 block of E 4th in reference to a reported assault. Closed - Charges Recommended12/14/24 Total: 1Total Records: 1212/15/24P202400693 10:25 THEFT : THEFT OFFICERS RESPONDED TO A THEFT 613 E 3RD ST. Informational12/15/24 Total: 112/16/24P202400694 18:59 JUV : JUVENILE Officers responded to the 100 block of Cody in reference to a report of Child Abuse, open under investigation. Open - Under Investigation12/16/24 Total: 112/20/24P202400695 11:36 TRAFFIC STOP : Officer conducted traffic stop on vehicle for speed. A consent search of the vehicle yielded suspected heroin and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400696 14:09 ASSAULT : ASSAULT Officers were informed of an assault between two middle school classmates that took place on their way home from school. Closed - Charges RecommendedP202400697 14:51 THEFT : THEFT Citizen reported stolen mail out of broken mail box. No current leads. Inactive - Case SuspendedP202400698 16:08 BITE : ANIMAL BITE Closed - ResolvedP202400699 23:54 DUI : DUI Kyle M. Roth was investigated for DUI and subsequently arrested. Closed - Charges Recommended12/20/24 Total: 512/21/24P202400700 09:58 STOLEN VEHICLE : Officers received report of stolen vehicle. Officers located the vehicle, and it was returned to the owner.Closed - Resolved12/21/24 Total: 1Total Records: 8

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 29 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since September 13 without a jackpot winner.

The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.

Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.iAuI3qUyZqtRffZQ3zfUpzpNzmNSojhgdRv9EpaRm6-2BsU-2BqvsgP5YyAt9wOpVtfjwgS-_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn9PKo-2FtgX4cXBz41YWrDXHLWze7Ek2dAnj1YAsF7ECrrwEoIZHfXm6O0pRJ6UTitR8rvux-2Fw8JZLgFDrD1krJploA4VABn4hIim92-2FFYO1vIrNAzSBeJ6KUe9kxilbZ9StBb1eWqqfivhqK2FaMbQfqaoIUOETXGVOqfAiYWfMJYWzaucQMuIO4reGHB17JmRzsEYgVytI5bBNMwmtA-2BojSv5b5BIzJupILpC9ulPt4iEk3P0GRGJhTOOTfv-2F3rOrDkXeZpxLOMv7pEZ0d4uqjg-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.

Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVCGW7ZFoOjGhEOuDYk17Wg-2FqipgdhZLyD2cmoNUHZNZ9eEem_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn9PKo-2FtgX4cXBz41YWrDXHLWze7Ek2dAnj1YAsF7ECrrwEoIZHfXm6O0pRJ6UTitR8rvux-2Fw8JZLgFDrD1krJploA4VABn4hIim92-2FFYO1vJCnfy0DCmN4MDBHnhAbv5F-2Bdxaupon84gWKlTllF69IaAu-2Bwfn1A8duOmAwR7zPdUBhXrFElCwuG94xBAwVr3hFrcAbI6fvyCqJ5CYbvYBD1-2BkbqqWqRgU-2BrnyPUg0O5VpiHTS8u-2By-2FOegR3-2Fq8M6M5BgszC5IeAzk8uBwYRkQgg-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com/knowyourlimit</a>&nbsp;for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.

If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVNHPTLOEvuBuA89teB3GDv6K658eW-2BMDAHNY7Ma-2BC9I89YPe_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn9PKo-2FtgX4cXBz41YWrDXHLWze7Ek2dAnj1YAsF7ECrrwEoIZHfXm6O0pRJ6UTitR8rvux-2Fw8JZLgFDrD1krJploA4VABn4hIim92-2FFYO1vL441-2Bw3-2B6TC1wnHrGdVosFxJ0aNkAPUriui4bwYqvudn05Sd7g9tJkTWHKVYR9yGxCdEipDwIlmLTrwwMxWAQYRfpMJZSJjCqb9afbm8lwOoSgLxXv2Z-2Bdg8avJhnpfyldMdsoCBZtsFF6ofSQ-2Fs-2FW5UBRUzR-2BwHsuriS6cFsXCw-3D-3D" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.003 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryThe Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 29 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since September 13 without a jackpot winner.The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.iAuI3qUyZqtRffZQ3zfUpzpNzmNSojhgdRv9EpaRm6-2BsU-2BqvsgP5YyAt9wOpVtfjwgS-_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn9PKo-2FtgX4cXBz41YWrDXHLWze7Ek2dAnj1YAsF7ECrrwEoIZHfXm6O0pRJ6UTitR8rvux-2Fw8JZLgFDrD1krJploA4VABn4hIim92-2FFYO1vIrNAzSBeJ6KUe9kxilbZ9StBb1eWqqfivhqK2FaMbQfqaoIUOETXGVOqfAiYWfMJYWzaucQMuIO4reGHB17JmRzsEYgVytI5bBNMwmtA-2BojSv5b5BIzJupILpC9ulPt4iEk3P0GRGJhTOOTfv-2F3rOrDkXeZpxLOMv7pEZ0d4uqjg-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.Know Your LimitBecause of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVCGW7ZFoOjGhEOuDYk17Wg-2FqipgdhZLyD2cmoNUHZNZ9eEem_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn9PKo-2FtgX4cXBz41YWrDXHLWze7Ek2dAnj1YAsF7ECrrwEoIZHfXm6O0pRJ6UTitR8rvux-2Fw8JZLgFDrD1krJploA4VABn4hIim92-2FFYO1vJCnfy0DCmN4MDBHnhAbv5F-2Bdxaupon84gWKlTllF69IaAu-2Bwfn1A8duOmAwR7zPdUBhXrFElCwuG94xBAwVr3hFrcAbI6fvyCqJ5CYbvYBD1-2BkbqqWqRgU-2BrnyPUg0O5VpiHTS8u-2By-2FOegR3-2Fq8M6M5BgszC5IeAzk8uBwYRkQgg-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com/knowyourlimit</a>&nbsp;for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVNHPTLOEvuBuA89teB3GDv6K658eW-2BMDAHNY7Ma-2BC9I89YPe_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn9PKo-2FtgX4cXBz41YWrDXHLWze7Ek2dAnj1YAsF7ECrrwEoIZHfXm6O0pRJ6UTitR8rvux-2Fw8JZLgFDrD1krJploA4VABn4hIim92-2FFYO1vL441-2Bw3-2B6TC1wnHrGdVosFxJ0aNkAPUriui4bwYqvudn05Sd7g9tJkTWHKVYR9yGxCdEipDwIlmLTrwwMxWAQYRfpMJZSJjCqb9afbm8lwOoSgLxXv2Z-2Bdg8avJhnpfyldMdsoCBZtsFF6ofSQ-2Fs-2FW5UBRUzR-2BwHsuriS6cFsXCw-3D-3D" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.003 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Mega Millions® Jackpot Increased for Tuesday Drawing

Nebraska Extension’s annual summer Stocker/Yearling Tour has been a successful educational program for stocker/yearling operators and beginning producers across Nebraska. Previous attendees and advisory board members have expressed interest in a winter stocker tour to gain insight on cost-effective options to background calves through the winter. In response, Nebraska Extension is making plans to deliver a Winter Stocker Tour on January 29 near Lexington.&nbsp;

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. CST at the District 22 Event Center (75905 County Rd 431, Lexington, NE). The program will kick off at 10 a.m. CST with UNL Beef Specialist, Dr. Mary Drewnoski, discussing program feeding distillers grains on cornstalks. There will be two producer panels throughout the morning focused on receiving cattle management protocols for healthy calves and business fundamentals for beginning producers. Dr. Jim MacDonald, UNL Professor in Animal Science, will discuss implant strategies for calves, and following lunch, the group will tour Darr Feedlot to learn more about their feeding operations, pen management, and working facilities.&nbsp;

The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch. Please register by January 24 at <a href="https://go.unl.edu/winterstockertour">https://go.unl.edu/winterstockertour</a> or contact the Buffalo County Extension Office at (308) 236-1235. For more information, contact Brent Plugge (308-236-1235, <a href="mailto:brent.plugge@unl.edu">brent.plugge@unl.edu</a>) or Erin Laborie (308-268-3105,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:erin.laborie@unl.edu">erin.laborie@unl.edu</a>).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734974302427.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>UNL BeefNebraska Extension’s annual summer Stocker/Yearling Tour has been a successful educational program for stocker/yearling operators and beginning producers across Nebraska. Previous attendees and advisory board members have expressed interest in a winter stocker tour to gain insight on cost-effective options to background calves through the winter. In response, Nebraska Extension is making plans to deliver a Winter Stocker Tour on January 29 near Lexington.&nbsp;Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. CST at the District 22 Event Center (75905 County Rd 431, Lexington, NE). The program will kick off at 10 a.m. CST with UNL Beef Specialist, Dr. Mary Drewnoski, discussing program feeding distillers grains on cornstalks. There will be two producer panels throughout the morning focused on receiving cattle management protocols for healthy calves and business fundamentals for beginning producers. Dr. Jim MacDonald, UNL Professor in Animal Science, will discuss implant strategies for calves, and following lunch, the group will tour Darr Feedlot to learn more about their feeding operations, pen management, and working facilities.&nbsp;The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch. Please register by January 24 at <a href="https://go.unl.edu/winterstockertour">https://go.unl.edu/winterstockertour</a> or contact the Buffalo County Extension Office at (308) 236-1235. For more information, contact Brent Plugge (308-236-1235, <a href="mailto:brent.plugge@unl.edu">brent.plugge@unl.edu</a>) or Erin Laborie (308-268-3105,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:erin.laborie@unl.edu">erin.laborie@unl.edu</a>).

UNL Winter Stocker Tour to feature Darr Feedlot

Back by popular demand, Nebraska Extension will be hosting another round of the Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series in January. This four session webinar series is focused on understanding how the cow’s nutrient requirements change throughout the year and how to cost-effectively meet a cow's needs with grazed or harvested feed. 

Over 100 participants took the course in 2024 and rated it as above average or one of the best educational opportunities available to them.&nbsp;

One participant commented, “I really liked that it is zoom based. It’s hard to get away to attend conferences. I appreciated the “real life” examples discussed. It made the material easier to apply to our own scenarios. I will absolutely do another program if you offer one! The sessions were a good length, long enough to get though material but not so long as to lose interest. Thank you so much for providing resources we can continue to use in the future after the sessions are over!”

The series will be held Monday and Thursday evenings, January 27, 30, February 3, and 6, from 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. CT.

The cost of the course is $65 and includes a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources. The course is limited to 40 participants. To register, visit <a href="https://go.unl.edu/feedingthecow">https://go.unl.edu/feedingthecow</a>. Participants are asked to register by January 17 to ensure webinar resources are received before the series begins. A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.

For questions about the webinar series, please contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aberger2@unl.edu">aberger2@unl.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734974224393.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>UNL BeefBack by popular demand, Nebraska Extension will be hosting another round of the Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series in January. This four session webinar series is focused on understanding how the cow’s nutrient requirements change throughout the year and how to cost-effectively meet a cow's needs with grazed or harvested feed. Over 100 participants took the course in 2024 and rated it as above average or one of the best educational opportunities available to them.&nbsp;One participant commented, “I really liked that it is zoom based. It’s hard to get away to attend conferences. I appreciated the “real life” examples discussed. It made the material easier to apply to our own scenarios. I will absolutely do another program if you offer one! The sessions were a good length, long enough to get though material but not so long as to lose interest. Thank you so much for providing resources we can continue to use in the future after the sessions are over!”The series will be held Monday and Thursday evenings, January 27, 30, February 3, and 6, from 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. CT.Topics to be covered include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>What impacts a cow's nutrient requirements and how do they change throughout the year?</li><li>How do you read and understand a feed test analysis as well as a feed tag? What do the numbers mean?</li><li>When comparing feed options, which is the best buy when all things are considered?  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>What are things to consider when developing a year-round feeding plan?  </li>
 </ul>The cost of the course is $65 and includes a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources. The course is limited to 40 participants. To register, visit <a href="https://go.unl.edu/feedingthecow">https://go.unl.edu/feedingthecow</a>. Participants are asked to register by January 17 to ensure webinar resources are received before the series begins. A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.For questions about the webinar series, please contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aberger2@unl.edu">aberger2@unl.edu</a>.

Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow Webinar Series

Alliance, Neb. -&nbsp;

On December 20, 2024, at approximately 11:36am, Officer Parker Dahlberg conducted a traffic stop on a white Dodge Durango with Florida License plate RMKN91 for speeding (66 mph in a posted 50 mph zone). The vehicle was occupied by two male subjects from Texas claiming to be on their way to Denver from South Dakota. 

During the traffic stop, Officer Dahlberg noted the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Consent was then obtained to search the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, officers located used syringes consistent with narcotic use. Additionally, a vile, containing approximately 10 grams of suspected heroin was located in a small bag which the rear seat passenger claimed ownership of.

The passenger, Shawn Baxter DOB 1/7/85 was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance. The driver of the vehicle, Dante Lozoya DOB 5/7/98 was cited and released for speeding, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734975169966.jpeg" alt="Shawn Baxter (Alliance Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>Shawn Baxter (Alliance Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Alliance Police DepartmentAlliance, Neb. -&nbsp;

On December 20, 2024, at approximately 11:36am, Officer Parker Dahlberg conducted a traffic stop on a white Dodge Durango with Florida License plate RMKN91 for speeding (66 mph in a posted 50 mph zone). The vehicle was occupied by two male subjects from Texas claiming to be on their way to Denver from South Dakota. During the traffic stop, Officer Dahlberg noted the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Consent was then obtained to search the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, officers located used syringes consistent with narcotic use. Additionally, a vile, containing approximately 10 grams of suspected heroin was located in a small bag which the rear seat passenger claimed ownership of.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734975212004.jpeg" alt="Items located in the vehicle (Alliance Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>Items located in the vehicle (Alliance Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger, Shawn Baxter DOB 1/7/85 was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance. The driver of the vehicle, Dante Lozoya DOB 5/7/98 was cited and released for speeding, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.

Traffic stop conducted for speeding leads to the arrest of a man caught with heroin in Alliance

Nebraska State Patrol Graduates 70th Recruit Class

HOT SPRINGS, SD – Backcountry areas of Wind Cave National Park will be closed to hikers from January 13 to February 14, except on weekends and holidays. This closure will allow park staff to undertake a management operation to reduce the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the park’s Rocky Mountain Elk population.

Elk will be removed to maintain the population at the park’s desired target level. This action is consistent with the range of options presented in the Wind Cave Elk Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement signed in 2009.

Park resource management staff will be taking approximately 40 to 60 animals in affected areas of the park during this time. Every animal taken will be tested for CWD.

Meat from animals testing negative for CWD will then be donated to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

For the safety of park visitors, the park’s backcountry will be closed to allow for the safe removal of animals through this selective reduction of herd density. Backcountry areas will be open on weekends and holidays, and the park’s Red Valley and Highland Creek Roads will remain open the entire time.

This operation is part of a long-range study being conducted with the USGS to determine if lower elk density levels correlate to lower CWD prevalence rates. This information will help inform federal and state wildlife managers regarding the long-term health of the species.

HOT SPRINGS, SD – Backcountry areas of Wind Cave National Park will be closed to hikers from January 13 to February 14, except on weekends and holidays. This closure will allow park staff to undertake a management operation to reduce the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the park’s Rocky Mountain Elk population.Elk will be removed to maintain the population at the park’s desired target level. This action is consistent with the range of options presented in the Wind Cave Elk Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement signed in 2009.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734642563788.jpeg" alt="To control its elk population, Wind Cave will be reducing its elk herd by 40 to 60 animals this winter." />
 <figcaption>To control its elk population, Wind Cave will be reducing its elk herd by 40 to 60 animals this winter.</figcaption>
 </figure>Park resource management staff will be taking approximately 40 to 60 animals in affected areas of the park during this time. Every animal taken will be tested for CWD.Meat from animals testing negative for CWD will then be donated to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.For the safety of park visitors, the park’s backcountry will be closed to allow for the safe removal of animals through this selective reduction of herd density. Backcountry areas will be open on weekends and holidays, and the park’s Red Valley and Highland Creek Roads will remain open the entire time.This operation is part of a long-range study being conducted with the USGS to determine if lower elk density levels correlate to lower CWD prevalence rates. This information will help inform federal and state wildlife managers regarding the long-term health of the species.

Wind Cave National Park closes backcountry for elk management operation

Alliance, NE – Due to high winds, the Alliance Public Landfill construction and demo area, and loose fill area, are closed to the public. Operations in these areas will resume once the wind gust lowers to 25 mph or less.

Alliance, NE – Due to high winds, the Alliance Public Landfill construction and demo area, and loose fill area, are closed to the public. Operations in these areas will resume once the wind gust lowers to 25 mph or less.

Partial Closure at the Alliance Landfill Due to High Winds

Alliance, NE- The Alliance Police Department is pleased to announce that Rebecca Ashing F/W DOB 3/18/1994 of Alliance, Nebraska, was found guilty on four felony charges related to a premeditated attempt to murder her husband with a knife. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries but, thanks to the exceptional efforts of the Alliance Fire Department, medical staff at Box Butte General Hospital and other facilities survived the attack.

On December 18, 2024, Ashing was sentenced as follows:

20-25 years in prison for the first charge of attempted murder.

5-10 years in prison for the second charge involving use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.

These two sentences will be served consecutively, meaning the total duration of imprisonment for the first two charges is 25-35 years.

2-4 years in prison for the third charge of first-degree domestic assault.

1 year in prison for the fourth charge of second-degree domestic assault. The third and fourth sentences will run concurrently with the first two charges.

Chief David Leavitt of the Alliance Police Department would like to recognize the officers involved for their hard work and dedication in this case, which resulted in a successful conviction, as well as the hard work and dedication brought forth from the Box Butte County Attorney's office.

The Alliance Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the community, ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held accountable.

Alliance, NE- The Alliance Police Department is pleased to announce that Rebecca Ashing F/W DOB 3/18/1994 of Alliance, Nebraska, was found guilty on four felony charges related to a premeditated attempt to murder her husband with a knife. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries but, thanks to the exceptional efforts of the Alliance Fire Department, medical staff at Box Butte General Hospital and other facilities survived the attack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734631648473.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On December 18, 2024, Ashing was sentenced as follows:20-25 years in prison for the first charge of attempted murder.5-10 years in prison for the second charge involving use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.These two sentences will be served consecutively, meaning the total duration of imprisonment for the first two charges is 25-35 years.2-4 years in prison for the third charge of first-degree domestic assault.1 year in prison for the fourth charge of second-degree domestic assault. The third and fourth sentences will run concurrently with the first two charges.Chief David Leavitt of the Alliance Police Department would like to recognize the officers involved for their hard work and dedication in this case, which resulted in a successful conviction, as well as the hard work and dedication brought forth from the Box Butte County Attorney's office.The Alliance Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the community, ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held accountable.

Alliance Woman Sentenced for Attempted Murder

<a>December</a>&nbsp;19, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp; —&nbsp; The recruits of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 70th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class will graduate during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol this Friday, December 20, 2024. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Capitol, 1445 K. Street, in Lincoln.

Remarks will be provided by&nbsp;<a>Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Colonel John Bolduc</a>, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The recruits will receive their badges and take the oath of office, which will be administered by Secretary of State Robert Evnen.

Following graduation, the recruits will begin their careers at Nebraska State Troopers, serving in a variety of communities across the state.

The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">NSP Facebook Page.</a>

Nebraska State Patrol<a>December</a>&nbsp;19, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp; —&nbsp; The recruits of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 70th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class will graduate during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol this Friday, December 20, 2024. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Capitol, 1445 K. Street, in Lincoln.Remarks will be provided by&nbsp;<a>Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Colonel John Bolduc</a>, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The recruits will receive their badges and take the oath of office, which will be administered by Secretary of State Robert Evnen.Following graduation, the recruits will begin their careers at Nebraska State Troopers, serving in a variety of communities across the state.The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">NSP Facebook Page.</a>

Nebraska State Patrol 70th Basic Recruit Camp to Graduate Friday

Megan Yardley and Monica Buskirk discuss their project raising funds to pay off school lunch balances.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: School Lunch &quot;Pay It Forward&quot;" 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=sfkur-1778445-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Megan Yardley and Monica Buskirk discuss their project raising funds to pay off school lunch balances.